Rescue underway in Inner Mongolia after flash flood Xinhua) 16:16, August 18, 2025 Firefighters search for missing individuals in Urad Rear Banner of Bayannur City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Aug. 18, 2025. The death toll from a flash flood that swept through a wild camping site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has risen to ten, with two people still missing, local emergency authorities said on Sunday. More than 700 rescuers have been promptly dispatched to the site, urgently searching for the missing. (Xinhua/Ma Jinrui) Firefighters search for missing individuals in Urad Rear Banner of Bayannur City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Aug. 18, 2025. The death toll from a flash flood that swept through a wild camping site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has risen to ten, with two people still missing, local emergency authorities said on Sunday. More than 700 rescuers have been promptly dispatched to the site, urgently searching for the missing. (Xinhua/Ma Jinrui) This photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows the rescue site for missing individuals from a flash flood in Urad Rear Banner of Bayannur City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The death toll from a flash flood that swept through a wild camping site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has risen to ten, with two people still missing, local emergency authorities said on Sunday. More than 700 rescuers have been promptly dispatched to the site, urgently searching for the missing. (Xinhua/Ma Jinrui) A firefighter searches for missing individuals in Urad Rear Banner of Bayannur City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Aug. 18, 2025. The death toll from a flash flood that swept through a wild camping site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has risen to ten, with two people still missing, local emergency authorities said on Sunday. More than 700 rescuers have been promptly dispatched to the site, urgently searching for the missing. (Xinhua/Ma Jinrui) A drone photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows the rescue site for missing individuals from a flash flood in Urad Rear Banner of Bayannur City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The death toll from a flash flood that swept through a wild camping site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has risen to ten, with two people still missing, local emergency authorities said on Sunday. More than 700 rescuers have been promptly dispatched to the site, urgently searching for the missing. (Xinhua/Ma Jinrui) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Forum on China-ASEAN cultural cooperation held in south China Xinhua) 09:10, August 19, 2025 NANNING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 ASEAN-Oriented Cultural Exchange and Cooperation Forum was held on Monday in Liuzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, with participants from China, ASEAN countries and international organizations in attendance. Themed "Museums and Future of Cities," the forum was co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's international exchange and cooperation bureau and the regional department of culture and tourism of Guangxi. Experts and scholars held discussions on two topics: industrial heritage protection and the sustainable development, and integration of digital technologies with museums. They discussed practices that use AI, AR/VR and big data for the digital preservation of cultural relics, innovative exhibition storytelling and enhanced visitor experiences. According to Hab Touch, permanent secretary of state of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia, the forum is of great significance as it enables participants to learn from one another, address common challenges, and tap new opportunities for regional cooperation in the digital era. Formerly known as the China-ASEAN Cultural Forum, the event has been held 19 times and is a high-level exchange platform in the field of humanities between China and ASEAN. The forum's host region, Guangxi, is at the forefront of China's opening-up and cooperation with ASEAN. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- (OTCID:PTBS) Potomac Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of BCT-Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community's Bank, today announced the appointment of C.W. Chris "Chip" Hensell, III, to its Board of Directors, effective August 19, 2025. He will also serve on the Board of Directors of its subsidiary Bank of Charles Town. Chris "Chip" Hensell, III, joins the Board of Directors of Potomac Bancshares, effective August 19, 2025. Hensell is the Owner/Broker of Hensell Realty Company, Inc., a multi-generational residential and commercial real estate brokerage company started in 1955 by his grandfather, who transitioned it to the partnership of Hensell and his father. Hensell became full owner in 2001. Additionally, Hensell is owner of Hensell Prime, LLC, a real estate referral brokerage and C&H Enterprises, a real estate rental company. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Farmers and Mechanics Mutual Insurance. "It's great to welcome Chip to the Board of Directors," stated Dr. Keith Berkeley, Chairman of the Board for PTBS and BCT. "Like BCT, Chip's family business has been successful in our area for generations. With his real estate knowledge and accomplishments, he will provide strategic insights and opportunities toward our success for years to come." Community and civic involvement are important to Hensell and well-suited for Company's core value of Community Focus. He currently serves as an active member of the Board of Directors of WVU East Hospital and the Berkeley County Parks and Recreation Board of Directors. Hensell attended Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, where he studied Business Management. He was born and raised in Berkeley County, West Virginia, where he continues to make his home with his wife, Karen. They have two adult daughters with whom they enjoy spending time. About Potomac Bancshares, Inc. Founded in 1871, BCT - Bank of Charles Town, also known as The Community's Bank, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares, Inc. (OTCID:PTBS). With approximately $920 million in assets as of June 30, 2025, the Company conducts operations through its main office, an additional eight branch offices, and two loan production offices. BCT's offices are located in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties (WV), Washington County (MD), and Loudoun and Stafford Counties (VA). The Bank offers commercial lines and term loans, residential and commercial construction loans, commercial real estate loans, agricultural loans, and government contractor loans. The Bank is also a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender. The Residential Lending division offers secondary market and portfolio mortgage loans, one-time close construction to perm loans, as well as home equity loans and lines of credit. For over 70 years, BCT Wealth Advisors has provided caring and personalized trust services, growing into a premier financial management, investment strategies, and estate services provider. The Bank also provides convenient online and mobile banking for individuals, businesses, and local governments plus free access to over 55,000 ATMs through the Allpoint network plus another approximately 675 free access ATMs through another partnership. BCT was voted a "Loudoun's Favorite" winner in the 2025 LoudounNow readers' poll in multiple categories: Bank, Financial Planner, Mortgage Company, and Mortgage Broker (Steve Cowen), plus runner-up for Banker (Paul Bice). BCT was also voted a "Best of the Best" winner in the 2024 Martinsburg Journal-News Readers' Choice Awards in three categories: Bank, Loan Services, and Financial Planning. In 2023, American Banker selected BCT as a "Top 200 Community Bank," an annual listing of the best performing banks in the United States with assets under $2 billion. Since 2019, the Bank has been named a "Best Bank To Work For" by American Banker five times. The Company's shares are quoted on the OTCID marketplace under the symbol "PTBS." Individuals may purchase shares through their personal brokers. For more information about Potomac Bancshares, Inc., and the Bank, please visit our website at www.mybct.bank. SOURCE Potomac Bancshares, Inc. Call for Entries: Spectrum / Bus Stop Films: neuro inclusive VFX initiative 12 months comprehensive VFX training to be available for 6 applicants who identify as having Autism or are Autistic. Post Production and VFX company Spectrum Film has partnered with Bus Stop Films, the industrys leader in inclusive filmmaking, to create Lumina, the first Australian neuro inclusive VFX initiative. Conceived by Adam Archer, Spectrums Head of VFX, the program has generous financial support from Netflix, with additional support from Dell Technologies, Boris FX, and Xenon. Currently in its development phase, the co-designed pilot program will run for 12 months from October 2025 and involve comprehensive VFX training for 6 successful applicants, who identify as having Autism or are Autistic, with the call out for participants going Australia wide. Adam Archer says, Spectrum Films has proudly supported the Australian and International film and TV industry of over 60 years now, and Lumina is another example of us continuing to do that. We are incredibly passionate about establishing pathways for individuals that are underrepresented in our industry. The unemployment rate for autistic adults in Australia is 34%, three times the unemployment rate of people with a disability and almost nine times the overall Australian unemployment rate. A lot of career opportunities are unnecessarily inaccessible for this community. We believe, given the opportunity, that autistic individuals have the potential to excel within the visual effects industry, and we are developing a program that will give them the tools that will empower them to do just that. Dianna La Grassa, COO and Head of Screen for Bus Stop Films, says, We are extremely excited about this program and what it will mean for the Autistic community in Australia. Bus Stop Films was established in 2009 for this purpose, to create inclusive career opportunities within the film and TV industry, recognising the valuable contributions of neurodivergent individuals and people from underrepresented communities. We couldnt be more thrilled to be working with Spectrum Films in the development and delivery of Lumina. Virginia Moir, VFX Initiatives Producer for Spectrum Films, adds Having Netflixs generous support, along with that of our technology partners, is a game changer. Everyones enthusiasm for the initiative has been highly encouraging. Input from the greater visual effects community will help us to ensure Lumina is as successful as possible. Having the pathways support from VFX vendors such as DNEG and Fin Design + Effects, will only add to that success. Michaal Monk, Netflix Post Production ANZ, concludes, By including as many different perspectives and lived experiences as possible, we make our stories more universal and representative of the world around us. Lumina addresses a real gap in our industry, and were proud to join forces with Spectrum Films and Bus Stop Films to bring this groundbreaking filmmaking and VFX program to life, raising the bar for authentic, inclusive storytelling. Lumina will be a 100% online program, providing the 6 participants tutor-lead training in rotoscoping and matchmove using the Boris FX Suite, delivering a broad knowledge base of visual effects and developing the foundation skills needed for employment within the visual effects industry. The initiative has been designed in consultation with the Autistic community to ensure the program is both accessible and effective. Foreign Correspondent: Aug 19 While tourism is critical to the Spanish economy, many locals are asking is the cost of such success too high? Foreign Correspondents Europe Bureau Chief Mazoe Ford travels to Spain where locals are pushing back against an abundance of tourists, impacting living conditions. If youre dreaming of a summer in Spain, youre not alone. The nation is on track to overtake France as the worlds most visited country with around one hundred million international visitors expected this year. But you may be met with a hostile reception. Protests and blockades against mass tourism have sprung up across the country with furious locals demanding action to quell the massive hordes of tourists taking over their cities and homes. On Foreign Correspondent Europe Bureau Chief Mazoe Ford travels to two of the major hotspots Barcelona and Ibiza. She finds a housing crisis, that many blame on Airbnb and other holiday rentals. She meets essential workers and people servicing the tourism industry who have been priced out of their homes. Others lament their very way of life is being destroyed by the tourists wanting a slice of Spanish life. For them, tourists are loving Spain to death. While tourism is critical to the Spanish economy, employing more than three million people, many are asking is the cost of such success too high? 8pm Tuesday on ABC. Renewed: Dept Q "Edinburgh, were back. Matthew Goode to return as cantankerous Det. Chief Inspector Carl Morck in UK crime drama. UK crime mystery Dept. Q is returning to Netflix for a second season. Matthew Goode returns as cantankerous Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck, employed by the police department of Edinburgh. Also returning are Alexej Manvelov as Akram, Leah Byrne as Rose, and Jamie Sives as Hardy. Based on the novels by Jussi Adler-Olsen, Dept. Q follows the maverick Department Q team, headquartered in the basement of an Edinburgh police station and assigned to re-investigate with cases previously deemed unsolvable. Id like to thank Netflix for giving us the opportunity to further investigate Dept. Qs storylines, Goode says in a statement. We have a wonderful cast and crew, headed by our resident genius Scott Frank. I cannot wait to read what comes from his magic quill! We are raring to return to Carl Morck and his band of glorious misfits at Dept. Q, Netflix executives Mona Qureshi and Manda Levin say in a statement. Scott Frank brought us best-in-class storytelling and thrilled Netflix audiences worldwide. We cant wait to see what Morck and the gang uncover in Season 2 Edinburgh, were back. Voice-Over Artists call for AI transparency "Many people wont know if the announcer on the radio.... or even the news theyre listening to, is actually human." The Australian Association of Voice Actors is continuing its campaign against the use of AI generated content, now calling on the government to mandate the labelling of all AI-generated content. AAVA is asking the Australian Government to establish regulatory change to introduce mandatory explicit labelling and watermarking of AI-generated audio, visual and written content into all broadcast and advertising codes of practice. AAVA President Simon Kennedy said, This technology has come so far, so quickly, that many people wont know if the announcer on the radio, the voiceover convincing them to buy something, or even the news theyre listening to, is actually human. Transparency is crucial We all deserve to choose if we want to engage with content that isnt human-created, says Teresa Lim, Vice President of AAVA. Use of an AI-generated radio announcer by the ARN network recently led listeners to believe that a woman of Asian decent was on-air. Neither was true, it wasnt even a human. This was only disclosed when the truth was uncovered by a journalist. Alistair Lee, AAVAs disability advocate and a blind voice actor, said, Stating up-front that something is AI is essential for those us who are more vulnerable. For people who cant read a disclaimer on the bottom of a screen, it also needs to be audible. I have a keener sense of hearing than most, but even for me its getting harder to tell whats real and what isnt. AAVA has previously called for Identity Protections for all Australians, in a call to outlaw the creation of AI voice clones and deepfakes without informed and explicit consent. In a recent meeting with a cross-party group of British MPs in Washington, I was struck by the outright defeatism on display over the Chagos Islands surrender. I was told that Sir Keir Starmers shameful agreement in May to hand over the British Indian Ocean Territory to Chinese ally Mauritius was a done deal, and it was pointless to even discuss it. Several of the MPs agreed that the Labour Governments decision was absolutely awful, but the overriding feeling was that nothing could be done to stop it. Thankfully, there is hope that the deal can still be torpedoed at the twelfth hour. As the Chagos agreement is a treaty that cedes sovereign British territory, legal experts note that it must be ratified first by Westminster. And it would surely be extremely difficult for the Prime Minister to defend the agreement in Parliament if Britains closest friend and partner stepped in to oppose it. The US Presidents upcoming state visit to London on September 17-19 has added a new sense of urgency, with growing concerns in the United States over the implications of the deal for the future of the vital Anglo-American military base at Diego Garcia, which is capable of hosting Americas long-range B-2 bombers. Diego Garcia sits at the heart of the Indian Ocean, and will play an increasingly important role for the United States in combatting Communist China in the Indo-Pacific region, a huge strategic priority for the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A growing number of US policymakers fear that the Chagos deal will hand Beijing an unprecedented win at the expense of the United States and the United Kingdom, undermining the long-term future of Diego Garcia and significantly weakening the strategic position of the West in the region. Indeed, the Chagos issue is far from over in Washington, and major red flags are being raised in the US, despite a large-scale PR offensive waged by the Foreign Office earlier this year. The stakes are incredibly high. There is a very real possibility that Mauritius could, a few years from now, break the agreement with the UK over Diego Garcia under pressure from Beijing, find a reason to end the lease with London, and cut an even more lucrative deal with Communist China. What if the Chinese offered Mauritius double or triple what the British Government is offering to pay? This would be a nightmare scenario for the US, resulting in the loss of an incredibly vital American base. There are growing concerns over the implications of the deal for the future of the military base at Diego Garcia - US Navy Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana has been a prominent opponent of the UK giving the Chagos Islands away, and other Members of Congress are now weighing in. In a highly significant development this month on Capitol Hill, the powerful Republican-led House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations directly raised the issue of the Chagos Islands deal between the UK and Mauritius, urging the US Secretary of State to engage further with the British Government on assurances that vital US strategic interests are protected. In the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, 2026, the Committee recognised that with the growing challenge from the PRC the military facilities on the island of Diego Garcia are central to Anglo-American power projection and relative control of the Indian Ocean. Recognising the invaluable strategic importance and geographic relevance of Diego Garcia to the United States, the Committee encourages the Secretary of State to engage with His Majestys Government of the United Kingdom to ensure our long-term access to the facilities and that they remain integral to allied security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile in the UK, the full cost of the Chagos deal to the British taxpayer is only now seeing the light of day. As The Telegraph recently revealed, the total cost to the British taxpayer to lease the Diego Garcia military base from Mauritius will be almost 35bn if fulfilled, 10 times more than the Labour government originally claimed. This is one of the biggest deceptions by a British government in modern times, and also one of the most dangerous, with massive implications for US and British national security interests on the world stage. In the weeks ahead, we can expect significantly increased scrutiny of the Starmer Governments Chagos Islands deal on Capitol Hill as well as from the administration, especially in advance of the upcoming presidential state visit to the UK next month. Significantly, the US State Department backed the Chagos deal in a statement in May, but there has never been an official declaration issued by the White House. A last-minute intervention against the deal is not out of the question. President Trump still has an opportunity to weigh in directly on the issue, and can and should send the Chagos deal to the depths of the Indian Ocean where it clearly belongs. By doing so, he would be defending vital American strategic interests, denying China a major long-term victory, and protecting a crucial military base at the heart of the US/UK Special Relationship Nile Gardiner is Director of The Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, DC Kolkata metro expands: 3 new routes commissioned on underground railway 26 Aug 2025 | 1:26 PM Kolkata, Aug 26 (UNI) Connecting Kolkata from east to west and existing north to south, the Kolkata Metro, the countrys oldest underground, achieved a runaway success with an ever-increasing record number of commuters immediately after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off three new routes of a nearly 14 km stretch late last week. see more.. Meghalaya govt notifies CM scholarship scheme 26 Aug 2025 | 12:22 PM Shillong, Aug 26 (UNI) The Meghalaya government has notified the Chief Ministers Scholarship Scheme (CMSS) 2025, a flagship initiative aimed at promoting higher education, academic excellence, and financial support for students of the State. see more.. Meghalaya CM meets AGP leaders in Shillong 26 Aug 2025 | 12:16 PM Shillong, Aug 26 (UNI) In a significant development ahead of the 2026 Assam assembly election, Meghalaya Chief Minister and National Peoples Party (NPP) national president Conrad Sangma met leaders of Assam-based Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) in Shillong. see more.. 3 arrested in Tripura for torturing woman in public 26 Aug 2025 | 10:17 AM Agartala, Aug 26 (UNI) Police arrested three women in connection with the moral policing of a housewife and the brutal assault on her in public, 10 days after the incident. see more.. Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nha, abbot of the pagoda, briefed the guests on the history and unique architecture of Tran Quoc Pagoda, regarded as the oldest in Thang LongHanoi and recognised by international media as one of the worlds most beautiful Buddhist sites. The abbot also introduced the sacred Bodhi tree in the courtyard, propagated from the original Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, India, under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree was presented to President Ho Chi Minh by Indian President Rajendra Prasad during his 1959 state visit to Vietnam. To mark the occasion, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nha presented the Queen and the First Lady with prayer beads and artistically crafted Bodhi leaves. Spouse of State President Luong Cuong and Bhutanese Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, August 19, 2025. (Photo: VNA) Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck underlined that while Bhutan and Vietnam are geographically distant and culturally different, both countries share a strong commitment to Buddhist values of peace, wisdom, compassion, and tolerance. She expressed her honour at visiting the ancient pagoda and her hope for future exchanges, including visits by Vietnamese monks to Bhutan. As a token of friendship, the Queen offered the pagoda a hand-painted portrait of the Buddha and traditional Bhutanese incense. The First Lady and the Queen then attended a Buddhist prayer ceremony at the main hall of Tran Quoc Pagoda./.VNA President Cuong warmly welcomed the Kings visit, highlighting that this is the first by a Bhutanese head of state since the two countries set up diplomatic relations in January 2012. He noted that the trip holds special significance, marking a new chapter in the bilateral relations. President Luong Cuong and King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation framework between the two governments. (Photo: VNA) The host congratulated Bhutan on its sustainable development achievements under the wise leadership of the King, praising the countrys unique development model that uses the Gross National Happiness index as a measure, where people, nature, culture and citizens' happiness are promoted in a balanced and harmonious way, people are placed at the centre of development, cultural identity and the living environment are preserved. For his part, the King stated that his country values Vietnams role and position in the Asia-Pacific region and hopes to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in areas of mutual strength and potential, for the benefit of both peoples, as well as for peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the region and the world. He expressed his delight at visiting Vietnam, noting that the Bhutanese people deeply respect President Ho Chi Minh and admire Vietnams remarkable achievements over the past eight decades. The King said Bhutan looks to learn from Vietnams governance model and economic development experience, believing that Vietnam will achieve its sustainable development goals. The two sides held that the friendship between Vietnam and Bhutan is nurtured by warm ties, shared spiritual values, and a common vision for sustainable development. They pledged to continuously strengthen friendship and mutual understanding, promote regular all-level exchanges, and accelerate the signing of cooperation agreements to provide a favourable framework for conducting specific projects and activities. Stressing the vast potential for economic, trade, and investment cooperation, the two sides agreed to urge agencies, ministries, and businesses from both countries to step up collaboration, facilitate market access for each others key goods, diversify supply chains, and work toward multiplying bilateral trade in the coming years. They agreed on the need to further expand cooperation in key areas such as agriculture, science-technology, innovation, education, training, culture, and arts. Airlines will be encouraged to consider opening direct flights to boost cultural, religious, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, while sharing experience in preserving traditional cultural heritage. Vietnam and Bhutan will also step up collaboration in emerging spheres, toward sustainable development, with the goal of improving the material and spiritual well-being of their people. Amid global and regional volatility, the leaders welcomed the two countries shared views at international forums, particularly on sustainable development, climate change response, nature conservation, and peacekeeping. They stressed continued coordination and mutual support at international and regional organisations, especially the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and on issues of common concern. President Cuong welcomed Bhutans efforts to broaden ties and pursue substantive cooperation, saying Vietnam is ready to facilitate its stronger engagement with Southeast Asian nations and ASEAN. Following their talks, President Cuong and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck witnessed the signing of two cooperation documents, comprising a governmental cooperation framework and an agreement on aviation./.VNA Cuba has always held a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. As of 6 p.m. on August 18, more than 1.69 million people had donated over 332 billion VND (approximately USD 13.1 million) to support the Cuban people. This figure is a powerful testament to the profound spirit of international solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba. It also represents an enormous source of encouragement and support for the Cuban people during this difficult time. Having lived and worked in Cuba from 1970 to 1999 as a resident correspondent for the Vietnam News Agency in Havana over three terms, journalist Pham Dinh Loi witnessed countless expressions of love, respect, and genuine, selfless solidarity between the peoples of Vietnam and Cuba. We lived in Cuba during the most fervent period of solidarity with Vietnam. Solidarity organizations, womens and youth associations, and even children and students organized learning sessions, discussions, and fundraising campaigns for Vietnam. There was a movement across Cuba to fully support Vietnam. We saw Cuban people joyfully celebrating Vietnams victory on April 30, 1975, as if it were their own national triumph, Pham Dinh Loi recalled emotionally. As a resident reporter, Pham Dinh Loi was deeply moved when translating statements by Fidel Castro, such as the iconic line: For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its own blood. Or when expressing unwavering support for Vietnam during his visit to Poland in June 1972, Castro declared, For the Cuban people, the most important issue now is Vietnam. Vietnam today is the highest test of proletarian internationalism and the principles of Marxism-Leninism. According to Pham Dinh Loi, in recent years, Cuba has faced growing challenges, many stemming from prolonged embargoes, with recovery relying heavily on external factors. Amid this situation, Vietnamese friendship organizations, mass unions, local authorities, and former Vietnamese students and workers in Cuba have organized numerous support campaigns. Yet, never before has there been such a broad, impactful, and moving fundraising effort like this one. The campaign titled 65 years of Vietnam-Cuba friendship is part of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year 2025, marking 65 years of diplomatic ties (1960-2025). It has evolved into a sweeping national movement, symbolizing profound solidarity and lasting bonds between the two nations. Launched by the Vietnam Fatherland Front and led by the Vietnam Red Cross Society, the campaign has garnered overwhelming support from organizations and individuals both domestically and abroad. Initially aimed at raising USD 2.6 million, the campaign surpassed expectations just days into its 65-day timeline, with donations already reaching over USD 13.1 million. This overwhelming support reflects the enduring spirit of mutual assistance and deep international friendship between the peoples of Vietnam and Cuba. It is also a resounding source of encouragement for the Cuban people amid current hardships. Pham Dinh Loi added that alongside this massive charitable movement, the Vietnamese Party and government have long assisted Cuba in food production, including rice, beans, coffee, aquaculture, and other fields. Our hope is that this campaign will not just result in millions of dollars raised, but become a historic milestone a heartfelt testament to the enduring, faithful love the Vietnamese people have for Cuba. Every contribution, big or small, affirms an eternal truth: Cuba holds a very special place in every Vietnamese heart. The foundation of Vietnam-Cubas enduring solidarity In 2025, Vietnam and Cuba commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations (December 2, 1960 - December 2, 2025). Leaders from both nations have agreed to name it the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year. According to Le Thanh Tung, former Ambassador of Vietnam to Cuba, this designation is typically reserved for truly exceptional bilateral relationships. The Vietnam-Cuba relationship indeed stands out on the global stage, built on a foundation of brotherhood, comprehensive cooperation, and mutual trust between their parties, states, and peoples. He recounted that after diplomatic ties were established in December 1960, President Ho Chi Minh, with his keen insight, affirmed to Cuban delegations visiting the Democratic Republic of Vietnam that though our countries are far apart, the Vietnamese and Cuban peoples are as close as family. Sixty-five years of Vietnam-Cuba relations have indeed proven this prophetic observation. Most Vietnamese still remember the unwavering, enthusiastic support Cuba gave to Vietnam, summed up in the resounding words of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz at Revolution Square in Havana on January 2, 1966: For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its own blood. Cuba honored that pledge by providing spiritual and material support throughout Vietnams fight for national liberation and its postwar reconstruction, said Le Thanh Tung. Despite facing its own difficulties, including intense blockades and crises since entering its Special Period in the 1990s, Cuba continued its unwavering support. Vietnam, in return, upheld a steadfast principle: Solidarity with Cuba is a command from the heart of every Vietnamese. With its long-standing traditions of solidarity and gratitude, the Vietnamese people have engaged in various public initiatives to support Cuba. This commitment, rooted in shared values, has remained strong through generations. Over the decades, the Vietnam-Cuba relationship has only deepened, becoming a model of international relations. It has transcended formal diplomatic ties and become deeply ingrained in the consciousness of the two peoples, just as Ho Chi Minh foresaw more than 60 years ago. Le Thanh Tung is among a select group of Vietnamese officials who studied in Cuba and later served as Vietnams ambassador there. His 2020-2023 term coincided with many major bilateral events, including cooperation during the Covid-19 pandemic. He recounted that when Covid-19 struck Vietnam, just two days after a request via the Ministry of Defense, on March 29, 2020, Cubas Communist Party Politburo decided to gift Vietnam a batch of Interferon II medication, enough for 1,000 patients, and pledged to supply more if needed. On July 22, 2020, four top Cuban doctors flew to Vietnam aboard a citizen repatriation flight, immediately volunteering to serve in pandemic hotspots. That same flight returned with tons of medical equipment donated by Vietnam. During the pandemic, Cuba provided 5 million doses of the Abdala vaccine, which were safely and effectively used in Vietnam. In April 2020, Vietnam reciprocated with a donation of 10,000 tons of rice to Cuba. These gestures between two nations are a shining example of international camaraderie in times of crisis. A nationwide campaign rooted in shared history and mutual love On August 13, 2025, the launch of the Vietnam-Cuba solidarity campaign deeply moved former Ambassador Le Thanh Tung. He was especially touched by the enthusiastic support shown by Vietnamese citizens across the country and abroad. He noted the symbolic timing of the launch: it coincided with the 99th birthday of the late Fidel Castro and occurred within the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year. He also praised the stirring speech by Nguyen Hai Anh, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, who declared, When Cuba is in difficulty, Vietnam cannot stand still. Public response across media platforms reflected profound, genuine admiration for the relationship between the two nations. These sentiments echo the unwavering support Cuba gave Vietnam during the 1960s and 1970s. This campaign, organized by the Vietnam Red Cross Society, calls on citizens, officials, soldiers, organizations, businesses, overseas Vietnamese, and international friends to support Cuba. Running from August 13 to October 16, the 65-day effort aims to provide Cuba with medical supplies, essentials, and sustainable development support amid ongoing hardships caused by the pandemic, natural disasters, and embargoes. This is a profoundly meaningful humanitarian initiative that demonstrates the deep affection and enduring solidarity of the Vietnamese people for the Cuban people. Its also an opportunity to express our gratitude for the noble support Cuba once gave us, emphasized Nguyen Viet Thao, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association and former Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics. A powerful display of unity and gratitude At a press conference on August 15, Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes expressed deep appreciation to the Vietnamese people and institutions for organizing this campaign. We deeply value this initiative by the Vietnam Red Cross, with support from the Fatherland Front and other socio-political organizations. The friendship between the Cuban and Vietnamese people has been forged in shared struggles. The current wave of support from thousands of Vietnamese has exceeded our expectations, said Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes. He added that the impact goes beyond monetary donations; it is a profound spiritual support that sets an example for bilateral relations and international solidarity. The Cuban Embassy pledges to ensure all donations are used effectively to benefit the Cuban people. This achievement could not have happened without the special bond between our countries a bond nurtured by President Fidel Castro and President Ho Chi Minh, and strengthened through generations. Cubas solidarity has long resided in the hearts of the Vietnamese people, now expressed through real actions to help a distant but cherished friend, the Ambassador said. On the evening of August 16, Vietnam time, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel shared a message on the social media platform X, recognizing the fundraising campaign. The outpouring of generosity from the Vietnamese people is not only an act of love but one for which we are deeply grateful. It is a gift of honor, coming from a heroic, hard-working nation that has risen from many wars and is now admired globally for its sustainable development, he wrote. Nhan Dan State President Luong Cuong and his spouse Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet hosted a red-carpet welcome ceremony in Hanoi on August 19 for King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck of Bhutan, who are on a state visit to Vietnam from August 18 to 22. The ceremonial welcome included a military honour guard inspection, the playing of both countries' national anthems, and the presentation of flower bouquets by local children. Following the ceremony, President Luong Cuong and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck held talks, discussing orientations for future cooperation. This is the first state visit to Vietnam by the King and Queen of Bhutan since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 2012, marking an important milestone in bilateral relations. It demonstrates the importance Bhutan attaches to the friendship and cooperation with Vietnam, as well as to the latter's role and stature in the region. The visit also exemplifies Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and multilateralisation and diversification of external relations for peace, cooperation, and development. Both sides have enjoyed a strong friendship since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Vietnam has consistently valued its relations with Bhutan, regarding the latter as a pioneer in pursuing green growth and maintaining high happiness indicators. Meanwhile, Bhutan considers Vietnam a priority partner for strengthening relations with and is keen to learn from Vietnams development experience. State President Luong Cuong and his spouse Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet welcome the the Bhutanese royal couple. (Photo: VNA) High-ranking leaders from both countries have regularly exchanged congratulatory messages on important national anniversaries and maintain mutual visits at all levels. The countries' appointment of ambassadors shortly after establishing diplomatic ties gave strong momentum to bilateral cooperation. Tourism is seen as a highlight of bilateral relations, with an increasing number of Vietnamese travellers drawn to Bhutan, known for its pristine landscapes, Buddhist heritage, and Gross National Happiness, and Bhutanese visitors showing growing interest in Vietnams people, heritage, and scenic attractions. While investment and trade cooperation remains modest, more and more Vietnamese businesses are coming to operate in Bhutan. Vietnam currently maintains one registered investment project in the field of interior design and construction in Bhutan. Both countries recognise significant untapped potential for enhanced cooperation in agriculture, tourism, culture, education, science and technology, digital transformation, and green development. At multilateral forums, they have maintained close coordination and mutual support, particularly within the UN, ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), as well as in regional and international issues of mutual concerns./.VNA Strategic mixed-income development expands firm's Texas footprint while addressing critical housing needs WAYNE, Pa., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PPR Capital Management (PPR), a private equity real estate investment firm, is pleased to announce the completion and lease-up of The Residences at Rubi, a newly constructed 101-unit mid-rise apartment community in Austin, Texas. This $21.7 million development, which began with initial closing and groundbreaking in October 2023, represents PPR's first ground-up construction project and strengthens the firm's presence in the high-growth Austin market. The Residences at Rubi features a strategic 50/50 split between market-rate and affordable units, leveraging Texas's 100% property tax abatement program for multifamily properties that partners with the Strategic Housing Finance Corporation and provides affordable housing options. "The Residences at Rubi exemplifies our commitment to delivering innovative housing solutions that create value for both residents and investors, said Steve Meyer, CEO of PPR Capital Management." "This development showcases our ability to execute sophisticated projects that meet community needs while generating compelling returns through strategic financing structures." The property's prime location offers exceptional connectivity to downtown Austin and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, along with proximity to major employers, making it attractive to a diverse range of residents. "The Austin market continues to demonstrate strong fundamentals with its expanding employment base and population growth. The Residences at Rubi's mixed-income model not only accelerated our lease-up timeline but also positions the property for long-term stability," said Craig Johnsen, Chief Asset Officer at PPR Capital Management. "This project exemplifies PPR's commitment to creating resilient investments that deliver exceptional value to our investors while meeting the diverse housing needs of the Austin community." PPR contributed $11.7 million of the total $12.4 million equity investment and worked alongside several partners to bring the project to completion. Notional Development Partners served as general partner, with IE2 Construction as the general contractor. The Strategic Housing Finance Corporation provided a critical non-profit partnership that enabled the property tax abatement structure. Spire Project Management oversaw project management, while Avita Property Management is handling property management and lease-up activities. "Our partnership with PPR on The Residences at Rubi has been exceptional from groundbreaking to completion," said Chris Affinito, Managing Partner at Notional Development Partners. "Together, we've created a community that meaningfully contributes to Austin's housing ecosystem while establishing a blueprint for future affordable housing developments in high-growth markets." About PPR Capital Management PPR Capital Management is a private equity real estate firm that manages investment offerings which primarily invest in distressed assets and mortgages, as well as residential and commercial real estate throughout the United States. Founded in 2007, PPR's mission has been to provide financial wellness to our investors while making a positive social impact on the communities in which we invest, live, and work. For more information, please visit our website at prcapitalmgmt.com. SOURCE PPR Capital Management SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is investigating a data breach that led to unauthorized access to information of patients and employees held by Pacific HealthWorks, Emergent Medical Associates, Benchmark Hospitalists and Intensivists, and AnesthesiaWorks. Pacific HealthWorks is a California-based company that provides hospital-based physician group practice management services. It is affiliated with Emergent Medical Associates, which provides emergency care and episodic care management to patients, communities, provider groups, and hospitals in the Western United States; Benchmark Hospitalists and Intensivists, which provides hospitalist and intensivist management services; and AnesthesiaWorks, which provides anesthesia services in hospital and surgery center settings. On or around August 10, 2025, the ransomware group Everest reportedly published samples of stolen data from Pacific HealthWorks, Emergent Medical Associates, Benchmark Hospitalists and Intensivists, and AnesthesiaWorks on its dark web site. These organizations have not confirmed the data breach, notified affected individuals, or posted a notice on their websites. Emergent Medical Associates partners with the following facilities and their associated medical providers: Centinela Hospital Medical Center, College Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Encino Hospital Medical Center, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Huntington Beach Hospital, Kula Hospital, La Palma Intercommunity Hospital, Lanai Community Hospital, Los Alamos Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center, Palomar Medical Center Escondido, Palomar Medical Center Poway, Providence Tarzana Medical Center, San Dimas Community Hospital, Sherman Oaks Hospital, Temecula Valley Hospital, Valley Presbyterian Hospital, and West Henderson Hospital. Benchmark Hospitalists and Intensivists partners with the following hospitals: California Hospital Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center Merced, Palmdale Regional Medical Center, Palomar Medical Center Escondido, Palomar Medical Center Poway, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, Sonoma Valley Hospital, Temecula Valley Hospital, Torrance Memorial Medical Center, UC San Diego Health East Campus, UCI Health Lakewood, and USC Arcadia Hospital. AnesthesiaWorks partners with the following facilities and their associated medical providers: Chino Valley Medical Center, Corona Regional Medical Center, Montclair Hospital Medical Center, Riverside Medical Clinic Brockton, San Dimas Community Hospital, Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital, Southwest Healthcare Palmdale Regional Medical Center, Southwest Healthcare Rancho Springs Hospital, Southwest Healthcare Temecula Valley Hospital, Temecula Valley Day Surgery, Valley Presbyterian Hospital (Van Nuys, CA), and West Henderson Hospital. The following information may have been compromised in the breach: name, Social Security number, date of birth, address, email, home phone, cell phone number, gender, race, marital status, financial class, medical and billing records, insurance and medical ID number, and insurance claims with diagnosis codes. If your personal information was impacted by this incident, you may be at risk of identity theft and other serious violations of your privacy. As a result, you may be entitled to money damages and an injunction requiring changes to the cybersecurity practices of Pacific HealthWorks, Emergent Medical Associates, Benchmark Hospitalists and Intensivists, and AnesthesiaWorks. If you received notification of this data breach or are a patient or employee of Pacific HealthWorks, Emergent Medical Associates, Benchmark Hospitalists and Intensivists, and AnesthesiaWorks, or one of their hospital partners, and wish to obtain additional information about your legal rights, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.classactionlawyers.com/pacifichealthworks. About Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe represents shareholders, employees, and consumers in class actions against corporate defendants, as well as shareholders in derivative actions against their officers and directors. The firm is based in San Francisco, and with the help of co-counsel, litigates cases nationwide. Contact Sonum Dixit Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP [email protected] Tel: 415-299-8207 SOURCE Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP MIAMI, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RBI Private Lending today announced it has been ranked the 3rd Top Construction Lender in the U.S. by Scotsman Guide Magazine, a monthly business-to-business trade publication for mortgage originators published by Scotsman Guide Media. The magazine also ranked RBI 8th Top Fix-and-Flip Lender and 13th Top Overall Private Lender for 2025. Since 2010, Scotsman Guide's annual rankings have honored the top mortgage professionals and companies in the nation, setting the benchmark for excellence. Scotsman Guide's Top Private Lenders rankings are the most trusted and comprehensive in the industry, showcasing the best in private lending. In addition, Forecasa, the leading provider of analytics and intelligence in the residential Private Real Estate Lending space, has ranked RBI 10th nationwide in lender loyalty. This recognition stems from the private lender's strong emphasis on building lasting relationships with clients and its dedicated team that is committed to providing effective financial solutions. Forecasa produces analytics for alternative lending, allowing for the evaluation of private lending activity, customer loyalty tracking, and verification of borrower experience. It also publishes a monthly Private Lending Report identifying the Top 25 Private Lenders and provides updates on market share and proprietary lender loyalty metrics. "We're incredibly proud to be recognized by both Scotsman Guide and Forecasa for our commitment to our borrowers and the efforts of our talented team," said Andres Saias, Chief Commercial Officer at RBI. "Being ranked third in construction lending, eighth in fix-and-flip, and thirteenth overall by Scotsman Guide is a tremendous honor. And having Forecasa rank RBI tenth in lender loyalty is icing on the cake. These results highlight the strength of our organization, the dedication of our staff, and the trust our borrowers place in us every day, especially in the areas where we've made significant investments to help our clients grow." About RBI Private Lending Headquartered in Florida, RBI Private Lending has been providing private money loans to real estate investors since 2015. The private lender understands the unique challenges of real estate transactions and works tirelessly to provide its clients with short-term, hard money loans so they have the capital they need to seize opportunities quickly. Offering bilingual servicing capabilities and a wide range of loan programs, including bridge, fix and flip, new construction, and rental property loans, RBI Private Lending serves a diverse market in 41 states across the United States. Learn more at https://www.rbiprivatelending.com/. SOURCE RBI Private Lending Since early July, foreign investors have resumed net purchases across several emerging markets in Asia. In Vietnams stock market, bank stocks have emerged as major magnets for foreign capital. Opportunities, however, are not distributed evenly. In addition to financial health and the unique stories of each bank, the level of foreign investor participation varies depending on the available foreign ownership limits, known domestically as the foreign room cap. The return of foreign investors in July, accompanied by a streak of net buying days, has led to many banks reaching their foreign ownership ceilings. As of August 14, several major banks had already maxed out their foreign ownership limits, including Techcombank, MB, VIB, HDBank, and ACB. VPB tickers are among the most attractive banking stocks for overseas capital Others are nearing their limits, with less than 5 per cent room remaining, such as BVBank, SeABank, LPBank, VPBank, VietinBank, OCB, and MSB. In terms of available shares that foreign investors can still purchase, SHB currently offers the most headroom. The bank still has more than 24 per cent of its foreign ownership room opentranslating to over 990 million shares available for foreign acquisition. This marks a notable decrease from 27 per cent in early July, indicating strong foreign buying interest in recent weeks. Among top foreign investor favourites, VPBanks VPB shares have attracted a net foreign inflow of $97 million since early July, making them one of the most attractive banking stocks for overseas capital. VPBanks foreign ownership room has tightened significantly, from 5.4 per cent at the start of July to just 3.9 per cent currently. Yet, in terms of volume, the bank still has over 316 million shares available for foreign investors, suggesting further upside potential. With many banks nearing their foreign ownership limits, Decree No. 69/2025/N-CP issued by the government on March 18 is reshaping the playing field, widening the scope for foreign capital inflows. The decree amends and supplements key provisions of Decree No. 01/2014/N-CP on foreign ownership in Vietnamese credit institutions. Specifically, Decree 69 allows total foreign ownership in commercial banks undergoing mandatory restructuring (excluding those where the state holds over 50 per cent of charter capital) to exceed the standard 30 per cent cap, up to a maximum of 49 per cent. This expanded ownership threshold applies within the approved restructuring timeframe and under an approved restructuring plan. Experts view the decree as a test case for expanding foreign ownership within a narrow group of banks, helping regulators gauge its impact on financial strength, governance quality, and overall system stability. On August 12, southern-based HDBank announced plans to seek shareholder approval for several key items, including raising the maximum foreign ownership limit from 17.5 per cent to 27 per cent. This move comes as HDBank has filled its current foreign room. At the same time, the deadline for converting convertible bonds issued to foreign investors in 2020 has arrived. The bank must now carry out the share conversion process. Three investors are on the list for this bond-to-share conversion: Sky Capital Advisor Pte. Ltd., Clarendelle Investment Pte. Ltd., and Core Capital Pte. Ltd., who are expected to hold over 2.04 per cent, 3.68 per cent, and 3.68 per cent of shares respectively after conversion. Aside from long-standing foreign ownership room allocations to foreign shareholders, banks also stand to gain significantly from large capital inflows as Vietnam's stock market moves closer to an upgrade in the upcoming international classification slated in September. According to Bao Viet Securities Company (BVSC), seven Vietnamese stocks are expected to be included in FTSE indices such as FTSE Emerging Markets, FTSE All-World, and FTSE Global All-Cap, potentially drawing over $1.1 billion in passive investment. Bank stock VCB of major lender Vietcombank alone could attract an estimated $99 million. Meanwhile, some banks appear to be adopting a wait-and-see approach, with little to no foreign ownership used up. These include Bac A Bank which still doesnt have foreign shareholders, PGBank with 0.01 per cent of its foreign ownership limit used up, VietBank with 0.02 per cent, Kien Long Bank with 1.36 per cent, and Nam A Bank with 1.89 per cent. Low foreign room usage does not necessarily indicate a lack of appeal, it may reflect each bank's internal policy on shareholder structure or a strategic wait for the right foreign partner. Among smaller banks, VietABank, Kien Long Bank, BVBank, and SaigonBank have announced plans to list shares on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange between 2025 and 2026. VietABank debuted its shares on HSX on July 22. According to Hanoi-based credit rating firm VIS Rating, this listing move is aimed at helping banks access to new capital sources, particularly from foreign investors, while bolstering risk buffers and supporting high credit growth targets. Shares trade higher on the back of bank stocks Shares reversed course to trade higher on Wednesday, strengthened by the strong increase of banking stocks that attracted a huge injection of cash flow. Shares make gains on the back of bank, real estate stocks Shares gained on Friday, bolstered by the gains of large-cap stocks in the group of banking and real estate. Amid rising trade tensions and the resurgence of economic nationalism, Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a key hub for firms aiming to reduce tariff exposure and enhance operational efficiency. This transformation goes beyond relocating production, it reflects a broader reconfiguration of the countrys industrial and logistics landscape. Dennis Yeo, head of Investor Services, Logistics, and Industrial at Cushman & Wakefield Asia-Pacific The revised US tariff framework has prompted a wave of global business recalibration. Initially, Vietnam faced challenges when early drafts proposed a 46 per cent rate on its exports. However, after negotiations, the rate was reduced to 20 per cent, restoring investor confidence and reigniting momentum. Tariffs are becoming a structural element of global trade. Rather than resisting them, companies are adapting by optimising supply chains to absorb these new costs. Despite the added burden, businesses are beginning to treat tariffs as part of the new normal in an increasingly protectionist world. Companies will have no alternative but to accept tariffs as part of the cost and make their supply chain more efficient. Following an initial pause, investment activity in Vietnam has resumed, particularly from smaller firms in the ASEAN region seeking new growth opportunities. With over two decades of foreign direct investment in manufacturing, the nation offers a well-established industrial ecosystem. Its infrastructure, skilled labour force, and export-friendly policies provide a competitive edge over regional peers. Participation in multiple free trade agreements enhances market access, while ongoing administrative reforms improve the ease of doing business. Standing out For many multinational corporations, relocating operations to Southeast Asia has become essential. While expansion beyond their domestic market was already underway due to technological advancement and industrial maturity, tariff pressures have accelerated the shift. Other economies in the region are also upgrading infrastructure and streamlining regulations to attract investment. However, Vietnam maintains a distinct advantage due to its low labour costs, favour access to major sea lanes, and stable economic environment. According to our recent report 2025 Waypoint: Global Industrial Dynamics, which evaluated over 120 markets worldwide, Vietnam stands out as one of the few countries to rank among the most affordable markets globally for these key site selection factors. Although industrial rents in 2025 have increased by 70 per cent compared to 2019, actual costs remain highly attractive relative to regional peers. As of end 2024, average logistics real estate rents are approximately $5.30 per sq.m per month in Hanoi and $4.90 per sq.m per month in Ho Chi Minh City. Logistics and manufacturing operations remain heavily reliant on human capital. A large, cost-effective labour force is a critical factor influencing site selection and operational strategy, from determining which processes to localise to the level of automation investment. In Vietnam, labour costs are currently less than 25 per cent of the global median wage, placing the country among the most affordable labour markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, electricity demand in modern logistics facilities is rising, driven by automation systems, smart management platforms, advanced material handling equipment, and the growing adoption of electric vehicles. As a result, operating costs are becoming an increasingly important consideration in decisions. Vietnam maintains its competitive edge, with industrial electricity prices among the lowest globally, only higher than Indonesia and Nigeria. These advantages make the country particularly attractive to multinational corporations seeking to expand operations. The shift is no longer limited to final assembly, many firms are now considering full supply chain migration to capitalise on lower costs and policy stability, particularly in relation to transshipment tariffs. One emerging opportunity lies in transshipment tax optimisation. Bonded warehouses and foreign trade zones allow goods to be stored without incurring tariffs until they enter the domestic market. These models offer flexibility and cost savings, especially for companies managing complex cross-border flows. The most visible impact of this transformation is unfolding in the industrial real estate sector. Demand for industrial parks, logistics hubs, and warehouses is surging, particularly in key regions such as Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong, Bac Ninh, and Binh Duong. This growth is being driven by the steady diversification of global supply chains. Several milestones underscore Vietnams growing appeal during the 2018 trade war. One notable example is the launch of BW Industrial Development, a joint venture between global private equity firm Warburg Pincus and local developer Becamex IDC, which marked a turning point in the countrys industrial real estate landscape. This initiative significantly expanded the supply of ready-built factories and logistics infrastructure, signalling strong international confidence in Vietnams long-term potential. That same year, the country continued to attract major global manufacturers. Samsung, for example, had already invested over $17 billion by 2018, establishing large-scale production facilities that became magnets for supporting industries. The presence of such industry leaders has helped elevate Vietnams position in global supply chains and encouraged a wave of follow-on investment. These developments align with the nations ambition to become a leading logistics and distribution hub in the region. A decisive role Further reinforcing this momentum, reports from Cushman & Wakefield and other consultancies confirm the countrys rising prominence in Southeast Asias industrial property market. The continued presence of global logistics firms and sustained foreign direct investment into industrial areas highlights the strength of this trajectory. Todays supply chains are no longer defined solely by physical assets. They are increasingly digital, data-driven, and automated. As more companies shift operations to Vietnam, they are also deploying advanced logistics technologies such as smart warehousing, reverse logistics systems, and AI-powered inventory management. Tools like Internet of Things-enabled monitoring and cloud-based logistics platforms are helping businesses navigate trade volatility and improve operational performance. While adoption is still scaling, the presence of international firms is accelerating the countrys technological maturity. One critical area is talent development. As supply chains become more automated and data-driven, demand for a digitally-skilled workforce will intensify. Investment in vocational training, STEM education, and industry-academia collaboration will be essential to meet the needs of advanced manufacturing and smart logistics operations. At the same time, regulatory transparency and institutional efficiency will play a decisive role in shaping investor sentiment. Streamlined permitting processes, consistent enforcement of trade policies, and improved land-use planning can help reduce friction and accelerate project timelines. Environmental sustainability will also become a competitive differentiator. As global corporations align with environmental, social, and governance commitments, Vietnams ability to offer green-certified industrial areas, renewable energy integration, and low-carbon logistics solutions will influence site selection decisions. Public-private partnerships in clean energy and circular economy initiatives could further enhance the countrys appeal. To fully capitalise on the relocation wave, Vietnam must continue strengthening both its hardware and software foundations. This includes ongoing investment in multi-modal logistics infrastructure, integrating road, sea, air transport, and energy systems, as well as improvements in digital governance, vocational training, and administrative efficiency. Digital transformation will underpin much of this progress. From blockchain-enabled customs clearance to AI-powered demand forecasting, the integration of smart technologies will be key to optimising performance and managing complexity. Government support for digital infrastructure and cybersecurity will be vital to ensure scalability and trust. Long-term competitiveness will depend on reducing bureaucratic friction and enhancing the regulatory environment. Streamlined business processes and a skilled workforce will be essential to sustaining investor confidence and supporting a more sophisticated industrial ecosystem. In the years ahead, Vietnams industrial real estate and logistics sectors are poised to evolve from cost-driven platforms into strategic enablers of global competitiveness. Success will hinge not only on physical assets, but on the countrys ability to deliver speed, reliability, sustainability, and innovation at scale. Businesses shift to local supply chains and market diversification amid new US tariffs Vietnamese businesses are adapting to new US tariffs by investing in local supply chains, exploring new export markets, and innovating to maintain competitiveness in a challenging global landscape. Mixed fortunes likely from US tariff fallout Although the decision of the United States to impose new tariff levels on Vietnam is not as harsh as the rates suggested in April, they may still pose various challenges for Vietnamese exporters as well as economic growth. Founded with a focus on AI-native digital advertising, RealtyAds quickly became a trusted partner for CRE professionals seeking faster, more efficient ways to reach the right tenants and decision-makers. By applying advanced artificial intelligence and automation to the leasing process, the company has empowered clients across 10 countries and 125 markets to execute strategies with speed, precision, and measurable results. As more tenants and investors begin their property search online, CRE firms are under pressure to ensure websites do more than display informationthey must actively support leasing velocity. Recognizing this shift, RealtyAds is expanding its expertise beyond advertising to include Website Services. 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Key Differentiators of RealtyAds Website Services AI-native design and optimization to maximize tenant engagement to maximize tenant engagement Fully managed updates so brokers and marketers can focus on leasing, not site maintenance so brokers and marketers can focus on leasing, not site maintenance Seamless integration with RealtyAds' advertising and content strategies for consistent messaging with RealtyAds' advertising and content strategies for consistent messaging CRE-specific functionality, from property showcases to real-time updates This expansion reflects RealtyAds' ongoing mission: to help CRE professionals find, advance, and close more deals with speed and precision. AI-Native Solutions for CRE With the addition of Website Services, RealtyAds now offers a comprehensive suite of AI-native solutions for commercial real estate: Digital Advertising AI-driven targeting ensuring the right audience sees the right property messaging at the right time. AI-driven targeting ensuring the right audience sees the right property messaging at the right time. Content Services Professional content creation designed to support brokers and ownership groups with polished, strategic materials that drive leasing outcomes. Professional content creation designed to support brokers and ownership groups with polished, strategic materials that drive leasing outcomes. Website Services AI-native, fully managed websites built to capture demand and showcase assets. Together, these offerings position RealtyAds as a category-defining technology partner, equipping the CRE industry with the tools needed to compete in a fast-moving, digital-first world. Interested in learning more about RealtyAds' Website Services or other AI-native products? Request a demo here . Media Contact Caitlin Adam, Director of Marketing Strategy [email protected] SOURCE RealtyAds Experts say there is scope for improvement in clinical trial numbers, photo Le Toan Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital is seeking opportunities to join clinical trials to help patients gain access to innovative medicines, following the example of regional and global partners. Dr. Phan Tan Thuan of the hospital said that participating in clinical trials is not only a matter of science but also a treatment opportunity, increasing access to new treatment options without cost to patients. Some serious cancer cases that were previously incurable have been treated successfully thanks to new-generation drugs. At the hospital, the number of clinical studies has risen from just a few to more than 30, giving patients access to cutting-edge treatments. We expect this to grow further, he said. However, he admitted there are many challenges in terms of facilities and human resources. There are many promising studies and effective drugs, and surrounding countries are able to recruit patients quickly, but we cannot keep pace. Therefore, standardising processes, improving capacity, and building a research network are priority tasks to meet increasing demand, Thuan said. According to experts, Vietnam risks falling behind other regional countries in clinical trials due to persistent barriers, hindering the ambition to become the regions leading clinical trial hub. Luke Treloar, partner and head of Infrastructure, Government, and Healthcare at KPMG in Vietnam, said approval times for clinical trials remain significantly slow, among the longest in the region. The average in other countries is about 75 days, while Vietnam requires around 160 days for approval at the Ministry of Health level. This is far behind Singapore at 18 days, Indonesia at 20 days, and Japan at 31 days. Such delays reduce Vietnams attractiveness to research sponsors, Treloar said. He added that limitations in personnel for clinical research, the lack of good clinical practice (GCP) facilities, and the absence of preferential policies and funding sources also weaken Vietnams competitiveness compared to neighbouring countries. With a large population and strong policy commitment, Vietnam has an opportunity to make a breakthrough in clinical trials. Experts noted that over the past two decades, the country has expanded healthcare access and strengthened its public health system, achieving universal health insurance coverage for 95 per cent of the population. As it transitions towards higher-quality care, innovation has emerged as a priority, with clinical trials identified as a strategic pathway. Health expert Hoa Nguyen, however, said the effort does not seem sufficient for Vietnam to develop the clinical trial sector effectively. While foreign-invested firms are interested in conducting trials here, few have actually done so. Meanwhile, regional countries are advancing much faster, Nguyen said. Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia have developed clinical research far more extensively. As of 2023, Singapore had 535 active clinical trials, Thailand had 496, Malaysia had 380, and Vietnam had 141. The number of new trials started in 2023 in these countries ranged from 86 to 108, while Vietnam had 32. For example, Novartis has conducted 78 clinical trials across 50 sites in Vietnam since 2011, making it one of the first multinational pharmaceutical companies to establish a clinical research presence in the country. The company also works with hospitals nationwide, as well as doctors and pharmacists, to implement these trials. A representative of Novartis Vietnam said, To encourage multinational corporations and foreign-invested enterprises to invest, quality, speed, and predictability are all required. When we look at Vietnam in this context, I believe there is room for improvement. If Vietnam wants to attract more investment in clinical research, it must focus more on reducing trial activation timelines and accelerating the process. According to Darrell Oh, chairman of Pharma Group, which represents 20 member companies from Europe, the US, and Japan, clinical trials represent Vietnams next frontier for research and development. Realising its ambitions will require prioritised policies and initiatives that attract and facilitate clinical trial investments, particularly in early-stage trials, Oh said. Such dedicated efforts and multi-stakeholder collaboration would unlock significant economic, scientific, and health benefits, including stimulating high-value research through infrastructure development and skilled job creation, strengthening Vietnams healthcare innovation ecosystem, generating cross-sector economic spillovers, and delivering broader healthcare system benefits. KPMG estimates that if reforms are effectively implemented, Vietnam could reach almost 90 trials with a 24.3 per cent compound annual growth rate and a market value of $749.5 million, with an 88.6 per cent rate by 2029. This would create thousands of high-quality jobs, enhance Vietnams global standing in medical research, and give patients early access to advanced treatments. Thomas Jakobsen, managing director Indochina Energy Partners The feed-in tariffs (FiTs) mechanism undoubtedly sparked rapid deployment of renewable projects, many of which were built to meet policy deadlines, not long-term demand. That era has now run its course. Even in 2018, experts warned that project approvals were outpacing Vietnams Power Development Plan. The risk of overbuilding was not only real but eventually a reality. We are now seeing the consequences as 173 renewable projects are under review for how they qualified for FiT benefits, raising concerns about transparency, planning discipline, and market fairness. Indochina Energy Partners, a Singaporean independent power producer with offices in Vietnam, having been in the market since 2017, deliberately chose not to invest under the FiTs. We have been a consistent advocate for the direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) which was first made into law in July 2024 and are the only developer from the original working group still active in Vietnam. Today, Vietnam has the opportunity to take the next step in its energy evolution: one that is more sustainable, transparent, balance risks, and aligned with real market demand. FiTs are designed to attract early investment by guaranteeing fixed prices, which encourage quick project execution. But it comes with limitations. They bypass the basic dynamics of supply and demand. Projects were approved and built faster than the grid could absorb them, leading to curtailments and inefficiencies. Many of the same investors who had previously dismissed Vietnam Electricitys (EVN) PPAs as unbankable eagerly embraced the FIT regime when the returns were high, a clear indication of risk appetite shaped more by quick profits than sustainability. This pattern is not unique to Vietnam. Globally, countries that relied heavily on FITs without built-in degression or adaptive capacity have faced similar outcomes: market distortions, stranded assets, and fiscal pressure on utilities such as Spain and Czechia. Calls to provide retroactive relief to projects that missed FiT deadlines raise concerns. The risks were well-known, and investment managers pursued high-return timelines by choice. Demanding compensation after the fact undermines investor accountability and could damage Vietnams credibility as a rules-based, law-abiding market. Retroactive relief efforts threaten to undermine the integrity of Vietnams investment environment. They erode the principle of accountability, suggest a bias towards investor bailouts, and may call into question Vietnams commitment to the rule of law, precisely the kind of uncertainty that deters future capital. From our perspective, the governments decision to end FiTs represents a sensible and necessary trade-off. Rather than continue overpaying for utility-scale renewables, Vietnam can redirect public resources towards higher-impact priorities: womens education, rural food security, climate-resilient infrastructure, and broader energy system upgrades. These are areas where every dollar counts, and where government spending can truly serve the national interest. The DPPA framework represents a turning point for Vietnams power sector. It offers a market-driven solution that balances risks more equitably among stakeholders, developers, buyers, and the grid operator, EVN. Prices are set through direct negotiation in a wholesale market rather than a guaranteed price from the state, allowing for greater flexibility and alignment with real demand. Moreover, DPPAs open the door for corporate buyers from export manufacturers to tech firms to access clean, reliable power while meeting their own commitments to net-zero and environmental, social, and governance. This model attracts long-term private capital that is less sensitive to subsidies and more focused on regulatory clarity and market stability. It is, however, crucial to ensure that the DPPA framework does not get bogged down by legacy thinking. Any effort to reintroduce FiT-like ceilings or push excessive pricing risk back onto EVN could replicate the same problems we saw under the FiT scheme. EVN should not be forced to absorb risk that rightly belongs to the market. A fair, transparent, and rules-based framework gives investors confidence. It seems that only the legacy FiT 1+2 investors (the ones demanding the Vietnamese people bail them out) see the DPPA as unclear. International investors who were smart enough to stay away from FiT1+2 understand the DPPA, find it clear, and have made great progress in the last six months. Vietnams energy transition is at a crossroads. The choice is about how the country chooses to build its power sector. A sustainable future requires tough policy choices, not short-term fixes. We support the governments decision to sunset the FiT regime and fully implement the DPPA mechanism. This is the right move for Vietnams long-term energy security, investor confidence, and national development goals. Vietnam has already shown it can lead in clean energy. Now it has the chance to lead in clean energy policy setting a regional example for how to move from subsidies to sustainability. Covering 109,579.3 square metres, the project has a total investment of VND350 billion ($13.3 million), including an animal feed production plant with a capacity of 200,000 tonnes per year and an agricultural products processing factory with a capacity of 300,000 tonnes per year. The factories will be equipped with modern processing technologies in line with the international standards. The Mavin Mai Son complex is scheduled to roll out its first products in 2026. Speaking at the ceremony, David John Whitehead, chairman of Mavin Group, said, Mavin Mai Son is the starting point of our strategy to expand operations in the Northwest. We are determined to build a closed-loop value chain from feed production and farming to processing. We hope to work with Son La to transform the province into the livestock hub of the Northwest. Following Mavin Mai Son, the group plans to invest in large-scale, high-tech farming complexes, cooperative farming models with local households, and eventually a meat processing plant, contributing to the creation of a modern and sustainable agricultural ecosystem in Son La and neighbouring provinces. Mavin Group is the successor of Austfeed Joint Venture, a project between Vietnam and Australia that started with an animal feed factory in Hung Yen. From the initial success of animal feed, Mavin has expanded into other fields such as pig breeding, chicken farms, veterinary medicine, and food processing, as well as supplying an overall solution for farming with the From Farm to Table supply chain. Currently, Mavin boasts dozens of factories specialising in animal feed, food processing, and veterinary medicine. Mavin shakes hands with HSBC on sustainable agriculture deal Mavin Group and HSBC Vietnam have just signed a "Sustainability Linked Loan Agreement" in Hanoi. The financing agreement represents a significant milestone in Mavin Group's sustainable development journey. Dr. Doan Van Binh, vice chairman Vietnam Real Estate Association In the European Union, a key advantage lies in cross-border coordination, leveraging the collective strength of a large bloc for both technical and financial support. Germany promotes public-private partnerships, controls energy prices, and protects tenants. France mandates that 20 per cent of the total area in urban development projects be allocated to affordable housing, this applies both to individual buildings and entire neighbourhoods. The UK focuses on rental price control policies to ensure rent increases remain moderate while Finland prioritises first-time buyers and vulnerable groups by offering rent subsidies, requiring developers to provide low-cost units, and offering long-term financial support, all targeted at low-income households. The United States meanwhile emphasises building and maintaining rental housing for low-income families. Private sector participation is encouraged through tax incentives and bonus systems for developers building social housing. Developers may also increase building density if projects include affordable units. Support measures include direct and indirect rental subsidies, mandates to increase the supply of affordable housing in new developments, flexible local policies, housing combined with homeless support services, and expanding affordable housing options with integrated services. Canada has launched several notable initiatives, such as increasing federal tax funding, removing financial barriers, and creating institutional mechanisms that reward provinces with strong housing initiatives by allocating them greater state funding. This encourages localities to accelerate permitting processes, diversify direct support for vulnerable groups, and reduce energy costs. China, since 1998, has supported households earning between $4,200 and $9,700 per year in purchasing homes of 60-110 sq.m at just 50-70 per cent of market prices. A popular initiative is shared ownership, where the state initially retains 40 per cent of ownership to reduce financial burden, while buyers own 60 per cent. Once financially able, buyers can purchase the states share to fully own the home. South Korea offers long-term rentals at 30-80 per cent of market prices, with community members eligible for 30-year low-interest loans (around 5.2 per cent) from the state budget, including a 30-year grace period. Social housing projects are located near employment centres with full utilities, emphasising infrastructure, environmental improvements, safety, and comfort standards, supported by long-term financing mechanisms. Japan runs rental housing schemes for workers with simplified procedures. Notably, the government supports local governments in utilising vacant properties, millions of which are scattered across the country. These homes are often refurbished by the state and reintroduced to the market in partnership with non-governmental organisations, through subsidised loans or direct rental subsidies for low-income earners. From a financial policy perspective, Vietnam could consider tax and fee incentives, land-use support, and shared ownership schemes in which the state initially holds 40 per cent of a units value, while the buyer owns 60 per cent. Once the buyer becomes financially capable, they may purchase the remaining 40 per cent, thereby easing financial pressure. International cooperation on low-interest financing could also be pursued. Additional mechanisms include accelerated depreciation and exemptions on housing sales after a certain holding period. From a zoning perspective, Vietnam could allow higher density development near transport hubs and adopt zoning bonuses, such as increased floor area ratios, for developers who commit to building affordable units with restricted transferability. Legislation could require that 1030 per cent of units in new developments be designated as affordable housing. In terms of standards and design, Vietnam can adopt standard building templates to lower construction costs and permit small units of around 17 sq.m, similar to Japan. Its also essential to control material and labour costs and address material shortages. For construction and technology, lightweight structures, modular housing, and prefabrication methods should be considered to reduce costs. From an administrative perspective, streamlining procedures, such as waiving construction permits and expediting approvals, will help. Rental prices could be regulated to remain at least 10 per cent below market rates. Developers of affordable housing projects could receive preferential treatment, such as scoring advantages when bidding for commercial projects. Inefficient commercial spaces, such as vacant office buildings or warehouses, could be repurposed as affordable housing. The state could also take a more active role in establishing an affordable housing fund to support rental and rent-to-own models. Social housing still out of reach for low-income earners Despite growing demand for social housing, particularly in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the supply remains bottlenecked due to various regulatory, procedural, and policy barriers. At a policy dialogue held nearly two weeks ago in Hanoi on how foreign direct investment (FDI) contributes to Vietnams industrialisation, experts noted that such investment has played a transformative role in building a robust industrial sector, facilitating urban infrastructure growth, and advancing workforce quality. According to a report released at the event, FDI has helped shift Vietnams economic structure towards industry and services. Between 2011 and 2024, the share of these sectors in GDP rose from 73.5 to 79.9 per cent. The country also saw a major leap in its industrial competitiveness index, from rank 95 in 1990 to 31 in the 2019-2022 period, driven by strong manufacturing capacity and exports. Despite accounting for only 8 per cent of enterprises in the manufacturing and processing sector, businesses involved in FDI contribute 56 per cent of total capital investment, generate 62 per cent of revenue, and employ nearly 60 per cent of the labour force. FDI is the backbone of Vietnams current key industries. It has powered Vietnams rise as a global manufacturing and export hub, especially in electronics, said Dr. Bui Quy Thuan of the Vietnam Industrial Park Finance Association. He added that since 2010, FDI has increasingly shifted from labour-intensive sectors like textiles and footwear to high-tech industries, with electronics growing from 4.1 per cent to 17.8 per cent of the FDI share. However, lack of labour, infrastructure bottlenecks, and uneven policy enforcement continue to limit the potential of FDI to contribute more broadly and deeply. A key concern is the over-reliance on low-skilled labour - 72.1 per cent of related workers have no formal training - and the slow, unstable rise in productivity. Truong Van Cam, vice chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, emphasised the need for detailed statistics on FDI inflows by sector and their socioeconomic impact. He pointed out that the textile and garment industry has attracted over $30 billion in FDI, far surpassing other sectors in export value, investment, and employment. Yet foreign investors largely bypass fabric production and dyeing, preferring assembly due to local environmental regulations and unclear policies, Cam said. Localities often reject textile dyeing projects out of pollution concerns. We must attract FDI in stages where domestic firms are weak, such as fabric production - Chinas strength. Cam also advocated for clear and consistent policies to bridge the gap between local and foreign businesses. For instance, allowing foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) to participate more fully in industry associations could foster mutual understanding and technology sharing. In his view, FIEs have also been a valuable training ground for Vietnamese professionals, many of whom later launched successful, competitive local firms. While sectors like garment manufacturing no longer need FDI, Cam noted that Vietnamese companies still struggle to compete for labour. In provinces like Thai Binh, FIEs offer monthly salaries up to approximately $600, compared to around $470 at domestic firms. This underscores the need for alternative strategies, including improved workforce training. Moreover, there are mounting concerns over FIEs reporting losses despite continuous expansion. Their contribution to the state budget remains disproportionately low compared to their scale of operations. To maximise FDIs contribution to industrialisation, the experts proposed a strategic policy overhaul: shifting from broad-based incentives to a selective, performance-based approach. New incentive frameworks should be tied to research and development, tech transfer, local content ratios, and investments in high-quality workforce development. Equally important is strengthening domestic enterprises and developing genuine supporting industries. Vietnam should implement a national supplier development programme, build robust platforms for FDI-local firm connections, and tailor support packages by industry and business size. Human capital development must be prioritised through real collaboration among the state, academia, and FIEs, the event heard. In addition, a coordinated national mechanism should be created to delineate central and local roles in FDI attraction. Local authorities need better project appraisal capabilities, while administrative reforms and transparency are essential to ensure a fair and competitive business environment. As of now, Vietnam has attracted over 43,300 valid foreign-invested projects with a total registered capital of $517.14 billion. Actualised capital stands at nearly $331.46 billion, representing around 64.6 per cent of total commitments. One concern for Vietnams FDI attraction is an over-reliance on workers with no formal training, photo: Klingai Pham Hai Phong, chief administrative officer Vietnam Association for Supporting Industries We have initially established an ecosystem for supporting industries, comprising experienced manufacturers capable of supplying components and parts to FIEs in Vietnam. These companies primarily engage in component manufacturing and product assembly stages that add relatively low value in the global value chain. We are now making efforts to move to upstream activities such as design, branding, and research and development. In Vietnams manufacturing supply chain, approximately 70 per cent of raw materials are imported. Around 200-300 firms operate as Tier 1 component manufacturers, supplying higher-value sub-assemblies and specialised parts. Nearly 2,200 firms fall into Tier 2, focusing on intermediate machined parts and sub-assemblies of low to medium complexity. An estimated 5,000-10,000 firms are Tier 3 suppliers, producing stamped, pressed, and rolled metal products, as well as basic machined components. Our network covers five core sectors: mechanical engineering, electronics and electricals, plastics and rubber, materials, and automation systems. Automation is expected to become an additional focus soon, helping to complete the domestic supporting industry supply chain and meet the growing demands of foreign-invested manufacturers. Current investment and development trends are increasingly focused on assembly, product design, and advanced materials. We are confident that Vietnamese supporting industry enterprises are capable of meeting most of the requirements set by upstream manufacturers in the supply chain. In addition to attracting investors, we are also working to develop several commercial products based on existing manufacturing and assembly activities for foreign brands already operating in Vietnam. Given the US imposition of reciprocal tariffs on Vietnamese goods, although the tariff rates are relatively modest compared to other countries in the region, they still create pressure on Vietnamese supporting industry enterprises. This situation necessitates enhanced origin traceability, strengthened internal capacity, proactive negotiation and dialogue to increase imports from the US, and further diversification of export markets, including the EU, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, and other emerging economies. Nguyen Anh Tuan, chairman Vietnam Association of Foreign-Invested Enterprises A more in-depth assessment is needed regarding the development and contribution of FDI since 2019. This would reflect the strong growth of inflows in recent years, despite difficult circumstances and a global decline in such flows. In fact, FDI inflows into Vietnam have either remained robust or continued to increase. Vietnam currently ranks third among ASEAN countries in attracting FDI. Vietnam still depends on such investment, but this dependence is gradually decreasing. Vietnams planned development of the private economic sector has recognised the achievements and role of the domestic private sector. However, the success, growth, and technological autonomy of local businesses today in some industries are contributed by the support and cooperation with FIEs that began decades ago or in some cases, continues today. For example, in telecommunications, the cooperation a few decades ago with Australias largest telecoms company Telstra was the foundation for the development of the telecommunications industry today. In the automotive industry, the long-standing presence of Toyota, Honda, and Ford has been transferred technology and developed supporting industries, paving the way for the success of VinFast. In the oil and gas sector, joint ventures with foreign partners in exploration have allowed Vietnam to master some stages of production like refining and petrochemicals. Masaru Onaga, CEO, Onaga Vietnam Co., Ltd. Onaga is contributing to the advancement of Vietnams aviation industry through the production of aircraft components, the development of supply chains in Vietnam, supporting local enterprises in improving their quality management systems, assisting Japanese companies in expanding operations in Vietnam, and cooperating with Japanese firms in the joint manufacturing of aircraft parts. However, we have encountered several challenges during the process of building the supply chain. For supporting companies, we visit each one individually to help them obtain AS9100 certification, but frequent schedule changes have posed difficulties. One major issue lies in the need to spend significant time explaining why the requirements of AS9100 are necessary. We require an English-to-Vietnamese translation of the AS9100 standard, specifically highlighting the additional requirements compared to ISO9001. Therefore, we hope that Vietnamese companies can share in the cost of obtaining AS9100 certification and provide a Vietnamese translation of the standard. The Vietnamese government should standardise the format of each required submission document and provide examples of how to complete them. There should be a common understanding between the person in charge and their supervisors, checklists should be created for verifying submitted documents. The overall process should be simplified so that Japanese companies can enter the Vietnamese market without needing to rely on consulting firms. FDI in Vietnam surges on strong reinvestment and share purchases Foreign investment in Vietnam continues to rise sharply, driven by capital adjustments and share purchases, despite a dip in newly registered funds. Vietnam emerges as a regional manufacturing and FDI hub The processing and manufacturing industry is emerging as a key pillar in Vietnam's strategy to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), thanks to its superior capital scale and number of projects compared to other sectors. Unlike other Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam has an export model that is highly focused on the US market. The new levy for Vietnam is only 1 per cent point higher than some other ASEAN countries, and lower than the average levies on Chinese goods. This indicates that Washington views Vietnam as an increasingly important trading partner, competing with top exporters such as China. Peter Ryder, Executive chairman Indochina Capital Nonetheless, the transshipment restrictions caused a rethink over relocation from China to Southeast Asia, as costs to move production away may surpass potential margins. Concerns were raised over whether the new tariffs would affect investment inflows to Vietnam. But Vietnam is still in a relatively favourable position, noted Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Steven Tseng. And at Indochina Kajimas industrial platform Core5 Vietnam, tenants are still producing for shipment. Some are also accelerating, given Vietnams cost and geographical advantage. For foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, staying cautiously optimistic, the resolution can be seen as a driving force for Vietnam to deepen reforms and bolters competitiveness in the longer term. The nation has displayed determination and agility in weathering trade tensions, and is the third country, just behind the UK and China, to announce a tariff agreement with the current US administration, clearing out uncertainties for investors when making decisions to commit to Vietnam. In the first seven months of the year, FDI inflows continued to grow. According to data from the National Statistics Office, total newly registered, adjusted, and contributed capital increased 27.3 per cent compared to the previous year, to reach over $24 billion. To maintain competitive advantages in attracting FDI, in the short term, the government will have to press forward negotiations on transshipments to clarify definitions and categories, particularly on whether specific percentages of value-add could disqualify products as being transshipped. Additional polices and directives to establish clear mechanisms to control the origin of goods need to be urgently rolled out, particularly at departmental levels. These policies should leverage digital technologies for transparent information, staying in line with Vietnams digital transformation agenda. To remain resilient and agile in attracting foreign investments, guidance for companies to diversify their export markets should also be issued, as Vietnam is part of 17 free trade agreements, with more in the pipeline. Trade barriers with several major economies have been lowered, and the private sector must comprehend how to proactively take advantage of these agreements. Another issue that must be addressed with incentives and policies at localities level is the development and retention of high-quality personnel. Their role in enhancing investments and growth is clear, as a skilled workforce is essential for sustainable production and uninterrupted implementation of new technologies to meet stringent international standards. An agenda to foster innovation, enhance language skills, ensure digital literacy in public education, and vocational training should be strategically planned and implemented per region. Mechanisms for updates and alignment with the labour markets demand should also be framed with clear policies. Addressing these existing shortcomings is crucial for Vietnamese workers to engage in the global human resource supply chain and compete to attract investments to Vietnam. Developing industrial property is also key for the nation to remain a standout destination for medium and long-term FDI. Previously, the industrial real estate market mainly focused on industrial land and factories. But in the last seven years, developers have rolled out impressive, internationally premium products, transforming Vietnams offerings to foreign and local companies looking to manufacture locally with a variety of products such as ready-built, built-to-suit, and mixed-use warehousing; ready-built factories; cold storage facilities; and industrial land. Premium industrial properties in Vietnam like the Core5 portfolio are now LEED certified for sustainability and energy efficiency and their product offering usually includes facility management, support for licensing services and business development. Vietnams commitment to advancing infrastructure investment, including airports, roads, and energy, is supporting the development of industrial assets. To navigate against intense regional competition, additional policies to frame land planning per newly established regions and incentives for manufacturers and industrial developers at localities level can be considered. Vietnam is proving adaptable through volatility, and investors have reasons to stay bullish. As the new US resolution force quick adjustments, if the Vietnamese government as well as the private sector address the situation not only to mitigate near-term risks but also to position the country as a sustainable, attractive destination for investors, Vietnam is bound to navigate swiftly through challenges and demonstrate agility to thrive. Businesses shift to local supply chains and market diversification amid new US tariffs Vietnamese businesses are adapting to new US tariffs by investing in local supply chains, exploring new export markets, and innovating to maintain competitiveness in a challenging global landscape. Mixed fortunes likely from US tariff fallout Although the decision of the United States to impose new tariff levels on Vietnam is not as harsh as the rates suggested in April, they may still pose various challenges for Vietnamese exporters as well as economic growth. Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc delivered a speech at the inauguration ceremony The project is one of 80 key works inaugurated or commenced in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day. Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc stated that Saigon Marina IFC is the starting point to building Ho Chi Minh Citys International Financial Centre, a new driving force for the entire Vietnamese economy, contributing to the nations deeper integration with international partners. In its strategic vision, Ho Chi Minh City's International Financial Centre will be a hub for capital, technology, and talent from major financial institutions, banks, and investment funds under the cluster-linked model, providing financial and banking services, implementing fintech sandboxes, and fostering innovation. At the same time, it will host international commodity and derivatives exchanges, and develop supply chain, logistics, and seaport services. Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, vice chairwoman of HDBank, shared, At this moment, the past and the present are joining hands to step into the future, from the Ba Son shipyard workers of old to todays engineers and experts, all are connected by a common source: the will and faith in a prosperous Vietnam reaching out to the world. The Saigon Marina IFC Tower has 55 above-ground storeys and five basement levels, with a total floor area of more than 106,000 square metres. Around 87,000 sq.m have been allocated for Grade A office space, while the remainder has been reserved for a shopping mall, restaurants, meeting spaces, and premium amenities. As one of the three tallest towers in Vietnam, it is designed to LEED Gold standards, with energy-saving and eco-friendly solutions, including more than 30 per cent of its area dedicated to green spaces. An architectural highlight of the tower is its full-facade LED system capable of displaying dynamic artistic light shows, combined with a modern musical fountain square, making Saigon Marina IFC a true beacon of the modern urban economy. Saigon Marina IFC is the first project in Vietnam to adopt the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model, directly connected to Ba Son Station on Metro Line 1. The towers B2 basement is designed to link seamlessly with Ba Son underground station, while its premises also feature exits 4 and 5 from Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien). With its prime location and strategic connectivity, Saigon Marina IFC is set to become a hub for multinational corporations, financial institutions, Grade A+ offices, international convention centres, consulates, and premium facilities. The tower is developed and operated with consultancy from Keppel Group (Singapore), creating a vibrant financialcommercial ecosystem in the heart of the city. According to Resolution 222/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly, the formation of the International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City is a long-term strategic direction, aiming to make the city a destination for capital flows and regional financial activities. Singapore-based Makara Capital Partners is looking to fund various ventures in Vietnam, ranging from industrial parks to renewable energy, infrastructure, banking, and international financial centres. As a global investor, Makara has been investing in Asia for over two decades. On behalf of its global clients, the fund focuses its investments across four main sectors and along their respective supply chains, including technology, infrastructure, energy and banking. Vietnamese innovation and Singaporean capital can create solutions for major regional issues, photo Le Toan In Vietnam, Makara in collaboration with its joint venture partner Newtecho Group has been operational for two years and has deeply studied the Vietnam market. Ali Ijaz Ahmad, chairman and CEO of Makara Capital Partners, told VIR, We have had very deep and positive discussion with government policymakers and looking at the pipeline of investment. We look to catalyse for our investors $5-7 billion worth of projects over the next few years. As Vietnams government continue to institute investor-friendly policies, such as setting up international financial centres with world-class standards and transparency, we expect investments to accelerate, aligned to the priority sectors outlined by the Vietnamese government, Ahmad added. These investments, supported by favourable investor policies, will accelerate the equitisation and transformation of Vietnams economy, leading to sustainable growth both at the country and individual levels. Likewise, Singapore private equity firm Clime Capital through the Southeast Asia Clean Energy Fund lI has so far closed two strategic deals to accelerate the low-carbon energy transition in Vietnam as a priority during the first half of 2025. Jessica Tran, Clime Capitals country manager in Vietnam, said Singaporean funds are intensifying their Vietnam investments. Vietnam offers a compelling investment thesis where economic opportunity aligns with environmental purpose, Tran said. The countrys exceptional solar and wind resources create a natural platform for renewable development, but what truly drives our confidence is Vietnams accelerating momentum. Were witnessing significant evolution in regulatory frameworks, increasing digitalisation of government processes, and a deepening national commitment to green transition at the highest levels. Singaporean funds are uniquely positioned to catalyse Vietnams transformation through strategic investments in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and sustainable urbanisation, Tran explained. By providing not just capital but expertise in governance best practices and more, we can help Vietnam achieve both its growth objectives and sustainability commitments, she added. This investment relationship will increasingly evolve beyond traditional models towards true partnership where Vietnamese innovation and Singaporean capital together create solutions addressing ASEANs most pressing challenges while generating sustainable returns. Singapores wealth fund GIC has injected $135 million into the Vietnamese paediatric and maternity clinic chain Nhi Dong 315 under 315 Medical, bringing the total investment to nearly $200 million. Leveraging GICs extensive experience in healthcare investment, the collaboration will help 315 Medical improve service quality, expand scale, and apply modern technology to examinations and treatment at its clinic system. Singapore VC fund Antler has made pre-seed investment in Serbiz, a fast-growing, AI-powered gig marketplace. This matching helps people monetise their time, talents, or possessions, while giving small- and medium-sized enterprises access to flexible, on-demand talent. With Antlers backing and traction in both markets, Serbiz is now preparing for the next phase of growth. The team plans to expand in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia, bringing its AI-powered platform to more users and communities hungry for flexible income opportunities. In the first seven months of 2025, Singapore remains the largest foreign investor among 74 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Singapore has invested just over $2.8 billion in Vietnam, accounting for 28.3 per cent of newly registered foreign direct investment, according to data by the Ministry of Finances National Statistics Office. The Singaporean role in Vietnams success Over the decades, Vietnam has shifted from a centrally planned economy to a socialist-oriented market economy, opening the country to international trade and investment. Tan Quee Peng, president of Singapore Chamber of Commerce Vietnam, spoke with VIRs Bich Thuy about strengthening the bilateral partnership between the two nations. Vu Quoc Huy, director general of Vietnams National Innovation Centre The event underscored a shared commitment to innovation, economic resilience, and long-term partnerships. Vu Quoc Huy, director general of Vietnams National Innovation Centre, highlighted the importance of semiconductors in Vietnams broader transformation agenda. He highlighted Vietnams commitment to creating favourable conditions for foreign investment, especially in high-tech industries. We prioritise high-quality investment in sectors like semiconductors, AI, and research and development (R&D). The Vietnamese government is committed to improving the investment environment and offering strong support to UK enterprises looking to expand in our fast-evolving innovation landscape. Vietnam is entering a pivotal moment as it prepares to embark on a new era with double-digit growth targets. To seize this opportunity, the country is promoting digital transformation, green transition, and the advancement of science, technology, and innovation. The semiconductor industry plays a key role in this journey, especially in the age of AI and digitalisation. Vietnam has set ambitious national targets, aiming to raise R&D investment to 2 per cent of GDP and move into the top 40 on the Global Innovation Index. To achieve this, the government has introduced a comprehensive policy framework, such as Resolution No.57-NQ/TW on science and technology breakthroughs, along with national strategies to develop a skilled semiconductor workforce. British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew emphasised the UKs strengths in chip design, advanced packaging, and compound semiconductors. The UK brings deep expertise across the semiconductor value chain. Our ecosystem includes over 140 design and IP companies, and the worlds first compound semiconductor cluster, he said. We see Vietnams innovation landscape evolving rapidly and recognise the immense potential for collaboration. Both nations are aligning technology with their national growth strategies, creating natural opportunities for cooperation. Ambassador Frew noted, Semiconductors are central to the UKs Industrial Strategy, and we are eager to explore long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that support innovation, skills development, and resilient supply chains. John Warland, first secretary for digital economy and technology at the British Embassy, reinforced the UKs strategic approach to semiconductors as part of its broader industrial roadmap. The UKs Industrial Strategy 2025 is a ten-year plan focused on increasing business investment and supporting future industries, he explained. We are doubling down on our strengths, such as R&D, chip design, and compound semiconductors, to drive innovation and global partnerships. The UK is home to five major semiconductor clusters, including South Wales, Cambridge, Bristol, Scotland, and the Northeast, each with unique strengths in photonics, materials, packaging, and design. This expertise will underpin various joint efforts already underway. Warland outlined several initiatives that are building momentum, like UK-led training courses to support Vietnams workforce development goals; strategic partnerships to deploy UK semiconductor technologies across Vietnamese sectors like clean energy and AI; joint research and exchange programmes in chip design and advanced packaging; and collaborative R&D projects that align UK research capabilities with Vietnams dynamic tech ecosystem. A representative from the University of Liverpool shared insights into the universitys research, training, and collaboration capabilities in chip design, semiconductor materials, and photonic devices. Meanwhile, a representative from Oxford Instruments introduced solutions for the analysis and fabrication of semiconductor materials and critical minerals. On the Vietnamese side, representatives from Vietnam National University, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, FPT Semiconductor, and CT Semiconductor emphasised their commitment to supporting training, research, and semiconductor product development, with the goal of deeper integration into the global supply chain. Both sides had the opportunity to meet, connect, exchange information, seek potential partners, and build collaborative relationships. UK companies and institutions expressed their strong willingness to cooperate and support Vietnam in developing strategic industries such as semiconductors and fostering an innovation ecosystem. These efforts aim to strengthen and advance the Vietnam-UK partnership in a substantive, effective way that delivers tangible benefits for both sides. This workshop builds on growing bilateral engagement. Earlier this year, the British Embassy led the first UK semiconductor mission to Vietnam, fostering promising collaborations in Danang and Quy Nhon. In parallel, broader tech cooperation has gained pace through events like UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnams active participation in London Tech Week. A key milestone is the UK-Vietnam iTechPath 2025 initiative, launched by the British Council under the Going Global Partnership. Focused on semiconductors, it will support joint university projects and long-term academic-industry collaboration. As the global semiconductor race accelerates, the UK and Vietnam are forging a forward-looking alliance, built not just on economic interest but on mutual respect, innovation, and a vision for sustainable, high-tech development. Vietnams semiconductor strength lies in its workforce At a conference on digital twins for Vietnam's semiconductor workforce in Hanoi on June 12, industry experts declared Vietnamese workers to be its greatest advantage, which will be supported further by digital twin technology. Semiconductor industry in Vietnam can now go global Vietnams semiconductor and electronics sector is gaining momentum, fuelled by rising global demand and government support. Do Thi Thuy Huong, an executive board member of the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association, spoke with VIRs Hoang Oanh about key strategies to develop a globally competitive ecosystem. Wholesale approach to aid chip goals Efforts must be stepped up to strengthen links among universities, businesses, and government agencies to build a comprehensive ecosystem for semiconductor workforce development, experts have warned. The government intends the centre to become an important pillar serving national digital transformation, a place to gather information and aggregated data, and a centre for integrating, synchronising, storing, sharing, and coordinating information. The inauguration of the National Data Centre. Photo: The Government Office Located in the Hoa Lac High-tech Park, construction has taken nearly two years. The facility is equipped with a system of synchronous and modern equipment, and is considered the "heart" of digital transformation. The centre covers over 20 hectares, being one of the largest data facilities of its kind in Southeast Asia, and the first f its kind in the country to be granted the highest level of international certification, meeting disaster resilience and high levels of security and safety. At the opening ceremony, the prime minister and delegates were introduced to 21 platforms, digital products, and core utilities developed to build a national digital ecosystem from centralised data. Photo: The Government Office The National Data Centre is under the Ministry of Public Security, which is planning to build two more centres. Speaking at the event, PM Chinh said, Developing science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation is a strategic choice and a top priority of the Party, the army, and the people. The centre will contribute to realising the aspiration of building a strong, civilised, and prosperous country, where people can live an increasingly prosperous and happy life, as General Secretary To Lam has directed. The government leader pointed out that when the project is put into operation, individuals and businesses will benefit, save time and costs in carrying out administrative procedures and related work, promote production and business development, and bring happiness and prosperity. Bridge Data Centres debuts ESG vision for green future The inaugural ESG report outlines ambitious sustainability goals across APAC operations. Consortium proposes $2 billion hyperscale data centre in Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee has received an investment proposal for a hyperscale data centre dedicated to AI development and data services, with a total investment of approximately $2 billion. Vietnam powers up as prime data centre investment destination Vietnam is fast becoming a prime hotspot for data centre investment in Asia-Pacific, offering the regions second-highest yield-on-cost after Singapore, according to a new report from Cushman & Wakefield. Sustainability wave powering green data centre growth Vietnams green data centre market is poised for rapid growth, fuelled by government mandates, rising cloud adoption, and surging investment in sustainable infrastructure. NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR) resulting from allegations that KBR may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased KBR securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=42136 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. What is this about: On June 20, 2025, before the market opened, KBR issued a press release entitled "KBR Announcement on HomeSafe Alliance Global Household Goods Contract." The press release stated that "HomeSafe Alliance, a KBR (NYSE: KBR) Joint Venture, informed us on June 18, 2025, that U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) has terminated HomeSafe's role in the Global Household Goods Contract, a contract designed to improve the moving system for military service members and their families." On this news, KBR's stock fell 7.2% on June 20, 2025. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. The L3Harris complex in Waco is getting more action from a $3 billion Air Force contract than first announced. The local operation will become the hub for the Skyraider II program in which up to 75 manned, fixed-wing turboprop aircraft will become available to support special operations, L3Harris said. The company has scheduled a press conference next week to unveil and offer tours of a modified hangar to anchor the program. Spokesperson Re-Essa Buckels said the contracts initial construction budget is $170 million, but the figures climb steadily from there. The Skyraider II, a militarized version of the Air Tractor AT-802 crop duster, will provide close air support, precision strike capability and armed surveillance, for the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Commands Armed Overwatch program. Olney is another Texas community involved in the program, with Tulsa, Oklahoma, also a driving force. L3Harris in Waco conducted development protocol and conducted flight testing that led to Federal Aviation Administration certification for the aircraft, Buckels said. Tasks once scheduled for completion in Tulsa have been shifted to Waco, to better align teams involved in key functions, she said. L3Harris is actively recruiting people from Baylor University and Texas State Technical College to fill positions for work on the Skyraider II initiative, Buckles said. L3Harris, located at the TSTC Waco Airport, employs about 900 people. Fuel prices President Donald Trumps meetings with Russias Vladimir Putin and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopefully will produce a ceasefire, lasting peace, something good that both sides and the world can celebrate. Of less import but significant is the impact a treaty would have on global energy markets. GasBuddys chief economist Patrick De Haan says if the two sides reach an accord, Russia could see sanctions lifted or loosened, and its oil could begin flowing again worldwide to willing trade partners. With supply rising, prices could begin tumbling, DeHaan said. Such an occurrence by Labor Day would appear unlikely, but De Hann on Monday tossed out the possibility. Back in the real world, GasBuddy reported the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded has reached $2.62 in Waco, up 4.6 cents the past week. That norm is derived from GasBuddys survey of 124 area gas stations. Five years ago this month, in August 2020, motorists locally were paying an average of $1.86 per gallon for regular unleaded, according to GasBuddy. School supply spending Students are going back to school, some having already started, which means someone in the family is spending on school supplies. The National Retail Federation says its survey reveals people will spend an average of $874 per person in K-12, while those returning to college will shell out $1,364 per person on average. It polled 7,581 customers between July 1 and July 7. Most people will buy online, 55%, followed by department stores at 48%, discount stores at 47%, clothing stores at 41%, electronics stores at 24%, office supply stores at 23%, local or small businesses at 16%, thrift stores at 9%, catalogs at 6%, and drug stores at 5%, according to the survey results. Building permit roundup The Amazon fulfillment center at 2000 Exchange Parkway secured a building permit valued at $890,000 to cover exterior improvements. Amazon recently announced it would begin delivering packages locally via drones, so this work may or may not have something to do with that news. IVX Health, which operates infusion and injection centers targeting people with chronic illnesses, will spend $435,000 to finish out office space at 2324 Marketplace Drive, in Central Texas Marketplace. Pioneer Steel, 2003 S. Loop 340, will spend $162,000 on a fabrication shop, another permit says. The city of Waco secured a permit valued at $93,505 to install two triangular sails in Bledsoe-Miller Park at 300 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Manufacturing roadshow Last week, a bus visiting equipment manufacturers around Texas stopped at Wacos Versalift and Diversified Product Development. Jamie Glecklen, who directs public affairs for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and its AEM Manufacturing Express tour, took photos of the celebrations at each place and summarized the impact each company has locally, nationally and internationally. She said Russell Howard, a line worker from Clifton, founded what would become Versalift when he grew tired of climbing telephone poles. The company has gained a worldwide reputation, its Waco-made bucket trucks and aerial lifts used in the United States, Europe and South America. The Waco plant employs about 500, and produces about 2,000 pieces annually. A Versalift product is used to install Christmas lights on the Empire State Building. Equipment is mostly fiberglass to protect users from electric currents. Diversified Product Development employs more than 40 people involved in making customized prototypes and tools for niche industries. Staffers include welders, assemblers, inspectors and engineers who produce items offered under four lines: LineWise, LiftWise, RailWise and DesignWise. $146B in roadwork Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts office announced Monday the states Unified Transportation Program envisions $146 billion being spent on local roads and congestion relief over the next 10 years. This is the third straight year planned projects exceed $100 billion in estimated cost. A press release says Texas growing population and booming economy make the spending necessary. The road-improvement plan focuses heavily on the states most congested roadways. Nearly $2 billion will be added to the $84 billion budgeted for completed, under-construction and planned non-toll-road projects that have appeared on the states to-do list since 2015. LAtelier Fromager LAtelier Fromager, or the Cheese Workshop, is doing business at 1230 N. Valley Mills Drive. It seemingly operates limited hours and limited days, but the products appearing on Facebook suggest they are worth the inconvenience. The workshop also operates a booth at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at Bridge Street Plaza. AI Venture Challenge Baylor University has announced what it believes is a first for colleges around the country: an Artificial Intelligence Venture Challenge. It will involve first-year students who will form teams to pitch bold, tech-driven solutions to real consumer problems. At stake is $5,000 cash prizes. A press release says Baylor hopes the competition will stimulate next generation entrepreneurs to integrate AI tools such as chatbots, facial recognition and digital assistants into viable business ideas that meet market demand. Overseeing the project is David Szymanski, the William E. Crenshaw Endowed Dean of the Hankamer School of Business. 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West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Buy-Now Pay-Later Platforms, Heightened Retail Anxiety, and the "Couch to Cart" Phenomenon to Drive Consumer Shopping Patterns This Holiday Season FORT WORTH, Texas, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Simpli.fi , the Advertising Success Platform providing programmatic advertising workflow software to agencies, brands, and media companies, released its 2025 Holiday Shopping Trends and Insights Report . This essential guide for digital advertisers outlines evolving consumer shopping behaviors and the strategic adjustments needed for effective holiday advertising campaigns. In its comprehensive analysis based on over 140,000 monthly campaigns, the Simpli.fi report highlights a dramatic increase in early holiday shopping activities. The 2025 report notes a 24-fold increase in holiday advertising spending over previous peaks, emphasizing an earlier start to consumer shopping, with roughly 50% of shoppers beginning before November, according to Adobe for Business. Simpli.fi attributes the consumer shift in earlier holiday shopping to three factors: the rise in buy-now pay-later platforms, heightened retail anxiety, and the "couch to cart" phenomenon. "Every year, the holiday shopping landscape is different than the year before, and success hinges on the ability of brands to adapt swiftly," said James Moore, Chief Revenue Officer at Simpli.fi. "Successful marketers need to adjust their strategies accordingly." Buy-now pay-later platforms are not only changing the way shoppers plan their purchases but are also increasing shopper purchase completion rates. At the same time, heightened retail anxiety causes growing numbers of shoppers to utilize summer sales, indicative of ongoing economic concerns. The dramatic rise of streaming TV advertising has increased the "couch to cart" phenomenon by allowing consumers to take immediate action through QR codes and shoppable ads. Notably, streaming TV driven actions, such as page visits, button interactions, in-person visits and site purchases, grew by 51% from 2023 to 2024, according to Simpli.fi's Reporting Dashboard. "Effective advertising campaigns are about being prepared. To run a successful campaign, advertisers must launch their campaigns ahead of the curve, identify target audiences that drive meaningful results, and critically analyze results from previous campaigns," said Moore. Click here to view the complete 2025 Holiday Shopping Trends and Insights for Digital Advertisers report. The report is based on data that reflects campaign activity across more than 40,000 advertisers running more than 140,000 campaigns monthly on the Simpli.fi platform. About Simpli.fi Simpli.fi is the leading Advertising Success Platform, providing programmatic advertising solutions and workflow software to over 2,000 media teams, agencies, and brands. Simpli.fi empowers advertisers to maximize relevance in what they do, in the connections made, and in the results delivered across CTV, mobile, display, and other media types. Our platform delivers performance on budgets of all sizes, executing over 140,000 campaigns for 30,000 advertisers in a typical month. Simpli.fi's investors include leading private equity firms Blackstone and GTCR. To learn more about Simpli.fi, please visit Simpli.fi . Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Simpli.fi Wrexham Tesco proposes new customer collection area A Wrexham supermarket has unveiled plans to create a new click-and-collect area for customers. Tesco Extra, based on Crescent Road, is seeking permission to install a new double canopy and 21 protective bollards in a section of its car park, adjacent to the existing hand car wash. Representatives for the supermarket giant say that the plans represent a beneficial development that enhances the retail experience by providing a dedicated area for customers to collect their orders safely and efficiently. Details provided in the application, which has been submitted to Wrexham Council, state that a canopy structure supported by galvanised steel posts will be erected over several car parking spaces. The applicants say: The design incorporates durable materials, a distinctive aesthetic, and safety features such as galvanised steel posts and bollards. The development is designed to have minimal impact on the environment, as it is developed on an existing hard-surface with no adverse effects on biodiversity, flood risk, or local infrastructure. yesThe applicants add: This proposal complies with all relevant planning policies and represents a sustainable and practical solution for the enhancement of the site, contributing positively to the operational needs of the business while being mindful of environmental and safety considerations. We respectfully request that the planning application for this proposal be granted approval. The application will be considered for approval by Wrexham Council at a later date. Picture: Planning documentss A lightning-sparked wildfire north of Tuscarora in Elko County remains 132,445 acres at 40% containment. The Cottonwood Peak Fire started three miles north of Tuscarora on August 15th. Structure protection will remain in place for the ranches located along Highway 226 north of Chicken Creek Summit. Fire crews say while several ranches and a few buildings are threatened, there are no reports that any buildings have been lost. The Wilson Reservoir Campground, located 83 miles northwest of Elko, is closed until further notice. The Forest Service has temporarily closed the Wild Horse Crossing and Jack Creek campgrounds. The Nevada Department of Transportation has closed Highway 226 between the intersection with Highway 225 to Maggie Summit Road. The fire is still anticipated to be fully contained on August 31st. (The Forest Service contributed to this report.) Fernley City Councilman Stan Lau has been taken into custody and booked into the Lyon County Jail on charges including battery and injury to property. Lyon County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched to the area of Shadow Lane and U.S. 50 Alternate in Fernley on Monday, just before 3 p.m., for reports of an altercation, according to a release from the LCSO. When deputies arrived, they met with a construction crew working in the area. One of the workers reported he was approached by Lau, who was upset about traffic controls in the area. An argument happened, and Lau allegedly grabbed the sunglasses off the worker's face, causing a minor injury. The worker said Lau broke his sunglasses and threw them on the ground, according to the release. When the worker went to pick the glasses up, he said Lau punched him in the face. The LCSO says no physical evidence of the punch was located, and that Lau left the scene before deputies arrived. The worker requested criminal charges against Lau and to place him under citizens arrest. Deputies investigated and determined probable cause to conduct an arrest. Lau was taken into custody on a citizen's arrest, owing to the fact that the incident happened outside the presence of any deputies on the scene. He was booked into the Lyon County Jail for battery and injury to property. His bail on each charge was set at $1,140. Anyone with information in this incident is asked to contact the Lyon County Communication Center at (775) 463-6620 and request to speak with Deputy Steven Vawter. Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford has filed a lawsuit against MediaLab.AI and its social messaging app Kik. The suit cites harm the company has caused to Nevada's youth, according to a release from the Attorney General's Office. The legal action follows lawsuits from the AG's office against TikTok, Snapchat, and three Meta-owned platforms, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger, filed in 2024, as well as a lawsuit against YouTube filed earlier this year. The suit was filed late Friday in the Eighth Judicial District business court. Kiks anonymity feature and low barrier to entry, among other things, harm Nevadas youth, said Ford. "The companys actions and false claims of safety also put Nevadas children in danger. I will not allow companies to neglect their responsibilities to Nevadas youth, and I will bring any offender that does so to court. Fords lawsuit accuses Kik of violating the Nevada Deceptive Trade Practices Act and brings claims of negligence, products liability, and unjust enrichment. It claims the app's "easily created anonymous accounts" have created a haven for child predators and facilitated the dissemination of child sexual assault material. CARMEL, Ind., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Baker Hill, a trusted leader in loan origination, risk management, and analytics solutions, is seeing rapid momentum across the Midwest, partnering with a growing list of hometown financial institutions committed to serving their communities betterand faster. From Indiana to Illinois to Kentucky, Baker Hill's platform is helping community banks and credit unions step into the future of lending without losing the local touch. These institutions include: Hoosier Hills Credit Union ( Bedford, IN ) ) MidWest America Federal Credit Union ( Fort Wayne, IN ) ) Peoples Trust and Savings Bank ( Boonville, IN ) ) Generations Community Bank & Trust ( Indianapolis, IN ) ) Commonwealth Credit Union ( Frankfort, KY ) ) Bradford National Bank ( Greenville, IL ) ( ) First Secure Community Bank ( Joliet, IL ) "Growth in our own backyard means more to us than just new businessit means we're helping local institutions support small businesses, families, and farmers with the kind of speed and service they deserve," said Andy Ivankovich, CEO of Baker Hill. "These are hometown banks and credit unions that know their borrowers by name. Our job is to give them the tools to compete with the biggest playerswithout losing that personal connection. Technology should amplify relationships, not replace them." One standout example is Hoosier Hills Credit Union in Bedford, Indiana. Just miles from Baker Hill's headquarters, the credit union was impressed by how quickly the platform was implemented and how it began to make an impact within six weeks of signing the contract. "It's not often a tech project gets off the ground this fast. The Baker Hill solution and approach allowed us to focus on these initial steps. This project was supported by an amazing team from training to data analysts at Baker Hill that were rockstars," said Ashley Wilkerson, Senior Vice President, Lending Operations at Hoosier Hills Credit Union. She continued, "Baker Hill helped us move from kickoff to live lending in record timeand our members are seeing the benefit already. Best of all, the solution is such that we will be able to learn and grow our process to be the best option for our member businesses." This wave of new clients highlights a broader movement in the Midwest and beyond: local lenders are embracing modern technology to remain relevant, responsive, and rooted in service. "These are institutions that have supported their communities for generations," Ivankovich added, "and we're proud to walk alongside them as they write the next chapternot just as a vendor, but as a neighbor and partner." About Baker Hill Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, Baker Hill is a leading provider of cloud-based loan origination, risk management, and analytics solutions for financial institutions. With its award-winning Baker Hill NextGen platform, the company empowers banks and credit unions to drive growth, reduce risk, and improve productivity. Backed by Flexpoint Ford, Baker Hill continues to innovate and deliver technology that transforms the lending experience. For more information, visit www.bakerhill.com . SOURCE Baker Hill President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered his assurances that U.S. troops would not be sent to Ukraine to defend against Russia, after seeming to leave open the possibility the day before. Trump also said in a morning TV interview that Ukraines hopes of joining NATO and regaining the Crimean Peninsula are impossible. Details of the security guarantees and Trumps efforts to arrange peace talks continue to evolve after the U.S. president, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders held hours of talks at the White House aimed at ending Russias war against Ukraine. European leaders said they want U.S. support for robust security guarantees, including the deployment of a reassurance force as Trump pursues his campaign promise to end the grinding war. Here's the latest: Trump calls Israels Netanyahu and himself war heroes During an interview with conservative radio host Mark Levin, Trump talked about working with Benjamin Netanyahu to free Hamas-held hostages, saying Israels prime minister is a good man, hes in there fighting. He added that, though some detractors want Netanyahu jailed as a war criminal, Hes a war hero. Hes a war hero, cause we worked together. Hes a war hero. I guess I am too, Trump said during the interview, which aired Tuesday night. Nobody cares. I am too. I sent those planes. That was a reference to Trump having ordered June airstrikes against three critical enrichment facilities in Iran. The president also complained throughout the interview that hed not gotten enough credit for ordering those strikes, nor taking other, more recent actions to ease conflict around the world. Sen. Graham says after call with Trump that the president is prepared to crush Russias economy Sen. Lindsey Graham told The Associated Press in a phone interview Tuesday that if peace talks between Ukraine and Russia arent moving in the right direction by the time Congress returns next month, then Plan B needs to kick in. For months, the Republican senator has been pressing President Trump to support a bipartisan sanctions bill that would impose steep tariffs on countries helping fund Russias war. On Tuesday morning, following a phone call with Trump, Graham signaled the president may now be willing to back the effort. Trump believes that if Putin doesnt do his part, that hes going to have to crush his economy. Because you got to mean what you say, Graham told reporters in South Carolina earlier on Tuesday. DHS Secretary says entire southern border wall to be painted black Kristi Noem says that the idea behind painting the southern border wall black is to make the metal hotter to deter people from entering the U.S. illegally. Noem spoke during a visit Tuesday to a portion of the wall in New Mexico. She also picked up a roller brush to help out with the painting. She said the black paint idea was specifically at the request of President Trump who understands that in the hot temperatures down here, when something is painted black, it gets even warmer and it will make it even harder for people to climb, she said. So we are going to be painting the entire southern border wall black. National Guard from other states start arriving in Washington, DC National Guard members from West Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana began arriving in Washington on Tuesday to help with President Donald Trumps federal crackdown on crime and homelessness, according to the Joint Task Force District of Columbia, the military unit overseeing the Guard. Those troops will perform similar duties to local Guard members already on the streets, including protecting landmarks and crowd control, and will be staying at military base housing and hotels, JTF-DC said. Nebraska governor announces plan for immigration detention center amid Trump crackdown Gov. Jim Pillen says he and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had agreed to use an existing minimum security prison work camp in a rural area of the states southwest corner to house people awaiting deportation and being held for other immigration proceedings. This is about keeping Nebraskans and Americans across our country safe, Pillen said in a statement. The Trump administration is adding new detention facilities across the country to hold the growing number of immigrants it has arrested and accused of being in the country illegally. Older and newer U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement centers were holding more than 56,000 immigrants in June, the most since 2019. Pillen also announced he would order the Nebraska National Guard to provide administrative and logistical support to Nebraska-based immigration agents. About 20 Guard soldiers will be involved. Read more about the planned Nebraska detention facility Trump wont be going on August vacation Trump wont be heading out on his traditional summer vacation in northern New Jersey, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, confirmed Tuesday. This is normally the time when the president goes on vacation, but not this president, Leavitt said, adding that there were discussions about him working from Bedminster for a couple of weeks but he decided against it. Bedminster is the location of his club in northern New Jersey, where Trump often goes for weekends. He also spent some stretches of time in August there for vacation during his first term. The comments from Leavitt came when the White House took a portion of the days press pool out to the renovated Rose Garden as the president tested out the areas new speakers. The decision not to go on vacation comes as Trump works to negotiate a peace deal to end Russias war in Ukraine, but Leavitt did not specify if the presidents vacation decision was linked to the Ukraine talks. White House video shows off Trumps Rose Garden renovations Deputy White House Chief of Staff Dan Scavino posted footage showing off new speakers installed as part of Trumps makeover of the White Houses Rose Garden. One of Trumps favorite songs, Lee Greenwoods God Bless the USA, blares in the video, over a shot showing patio-style tables shielded by yellow umbrellas. The shot later focuses in on an American flag overhead. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt subsequently brought reporters to the Rose Garden and said Trump was controlling the playlist as crews tested the speakers for what will be the best event in the history of the White House. She said the next party there will be hopefully soon. Other songs being played included Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum. The music was loud enough to be heard in other parts of the White House. Trump administration revokes security clearances of 37 current and former government officials The Trump administration has ordered the revocation of the security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials, including some who worked on the intelligence communitys assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election, according to people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to discuss it by name. A memo from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which was seen by The Associated Press, accuses the targeted individuals of having engaged in the politicization or weaponization of intelligence to advance personal or partisan gain. Its the latest action of retribution by the Trump administration against national security officials he perceives as having been against him. It comes as his government has launched a sweeping effort to cast doubt on the legitimacy of intelligence community findings that Russia interfered on his behalf in the 2016 election. President Trump amplified his attacks on the Smithsonian museums On Tuesday, he posted on Truth Social that they were OUT OF CONTROL for emphasizing the negative parts of American history, including how bad slavery was. Trump, who has been at odd with various cultural institutions since returning to office in January, added that he had instructed his attorneys to begin the exact same process he has used against colleges and universities. The White House has withheld funding from Harvard, Columbia University and other schools and made various demands, from more control over student admissions to banning trans athletes from womens sports. The Trump administration in March issued an executive order calling for the Smithsonian to overhaul its collection and present a more celebratory view of the country. The order has been denounced by historians and others as an attempt to censor the past. Justice Department probing whether DC police falsified crime data The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether police officials in Washington, D.C., have falsified crime data, according to a person familiar with the probe who wasnt authorized to publicly discuss an open investigation. The investigation comes amid an escalating and political showdown between the Trump administration and the city over control of the police department. It wasnt immediately clear what federal laws could have been violated by the possible manipulation of crime data. The mayors office declined to comment on the matter. The New York Times was first to report on the investigation. Earlier this year, a Metropolitan Police Department commander suspected of manipulating crime data was placed on paid administrative leave, NBC Washington reported. The IRS fired probationary workers without following protocol, says IRS Inspector General The IRS fired more than 7,000 probationary employees earlier this year without following internal procedures and failed to consider the workers individual performance, despite firing them for bad performance reviews, a new report states. The report was released by the IRS Inspector General, Tuesday. It does not contain recommendations and is informational only. Treasurys Inspector General for Tax Administration states that several senior IRS officials raised concerns to the IRS inspector general that probationary employees did not have documented performance issues and were falsely terminated for bad performance. The report states that many workers never had a performance review since they had only been recently hired. And of the 3,599 probationary employees who received a performance rating,3,251 (or 90 percent) had a fully successful rating on their evaluation and 305 (8 percent) had an outstanding rating. Trumps afterlife aspirations may be helping to drive his calculations on Ukraine Leavitt says she doesnt think Trump was joking when he suggested during a Fox News Channel interview that he was helping to seek peace between Russia and Ukraine, at least in part, because he wanted to go to heaven. I think the president was serious, the press secretary said. She then added, to a smattering of laughter from reporters in the White House briefing room, I think the president wants to get to heaven, as I hope we all do in this room as well. White House: Commerce working on Intel deal The White House said Tuesday that the administration is working on a deal that would have the U.S. take a 10% stake in the computer chip maker Intel. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the Commerce Department, led by Secretary Howard Lutnick, is working on it and ironing out the details. The president wants to put Americas needs first, both from a national security and economic perspective, Leavitt said Tuesday. Its a creative idea that has never been done before to ensure that were both reshoring these critical supply chains, while also gaining something of it for the American taxpayer. White House says Putin promised Trump hed have a direct meeting with Zelenskyy The Kremlin has not yet said whether Putin has signed off on Trumps push to arrange direct talks between the Russian leader and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. But asked Tuesdays whether Putin has promised Trump that hell meet directly with the Ukrainian leader, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded affirmatively. He has, Leavitt said of Putin. Trump early on Monday during talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders said that he was pressing for three-way talks among Zelenskyy, Putin and himself. But after speaking to Putin later in the day, Trump said that he was arranging first for a face-to-face between Zelenskyy and Putin and that three-way talks would follow if necessary. It was an idea that evolved in the course of the presidents conversations with both President Putin, President Zelensky and the European leaders yesterday, Leavitt explained. Top UN official welcomes US peace efforts on Russia-Ukraine, says talks should remain inclusive Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, said Tuesday that his boss very much welcomes President Donald Trumps focus on achieving a peaceful settlement in Ukraine through the summits held in the last week. But he indicated that its crucial Ukraine remains at the table for any future negotiation. For him, its very important that all involved continue to stay actively engaged and we want to an inclusive dialogue to sustain the important momentum that was created to bring an immediate ceasefire and sustainable peace, Dujarric said. He added that the U.N. stands ready to provide any peacekeeping efforts as part of the security guarantees that are being discussed. Pediatricians: We need to make the right choices for children The AAP is strongly recommending COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years. This age group is at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and its important that recommendations continue to emphasize the need for them to get vaccinated, said Dr. James Campbell, vice chair of the AAP infectious diseases committee. Shots also are advised for older children if parents want their kids vaccinated, and are recommended for older children whose chronic lung diseases or other conditions put them at higher risk for severe disease, the AAP said. It is going to be somewhat confusing. But our opinion is we need to make the right choices for children to protect them, Campbell said. In a statement, Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the AAP is undermining national immunization policymaking with baseless political attacks. Read more about the differing recommendations on vaccines US pediatricians new COVID-19 shot recommendations differ from CDC advice For the first time in 30 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics is substantially diverging from U.S. government vaccine recommendations. The groups new COVID-19 recommendations released Tuesday come amid a tumultuous year for public health, as vaccine skeptics have come into power in the new Trump administration and government guidance has become increasingly confusing. The AAP is strongly recommending COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years. Shots also are advised for older children if parents want their kids vaccinated, the AAP said. That differs from guidance established under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which doesnt recommend the shots for healthy children of any age but says kids may get the shots in consultation with physicians. Trump is trying to avoid a congressional check on his power Both Trump and the Democrats are looking ahead to 2026 knowing that the next midterm elections often go against the presidents party, as they did during Trumps first term in 2018. Republicans currently have a seven-seat majority in the 435-member House. State legislatures draw the lines after each U.S. census in most states including Texas and only a few dozen House districts are competitive. In Texas, Republicans hold 25 of 38 seats, and theyre trying to increase that to 30. In California, Democrats have 43 of the 52 seats, and theyre trying to boost that to 48, to wipe out the advantage the GOP would gain from redrawing lines in Texas. Texas Democrat spends night in Legislature protesting police shadowing in redistricting battle Republicans are hoping to prevent more quorum delays as they redraw the U.S. House maps to give Trump five more seats, so theyve required Democratic legislators to agree to around-the-clock surveillance before they leave the floor. Rep. Nicole Collier, of Fort Worth, said she spent the night in the chamber rather than sign away her dignity and allow Republicans to control my movements and monitor me. I know these maps will harm my constituents, her statement said. I wont just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination. The Department of Public Safety didnt immediately respond Tuesday to a message seeking comment. The Democrats return to Texas puts the Republican-run Legislature in position to satisfy Trumps demands. If they do, California Democrats are preparing to retaliate by asking voters to approve their own new congressional boundaries. Read more about redistricting battles Its gratitude diplomacy: Showering Trump with thanks World leaders understand that flattery is the way to winning over the unpredictable Trump, having taken their cue from Zelenskyy s disastrous White House scolding six months ago. With peace talks on the table, Zelenskyy thanked Trump and others nine times in the first minute of their initial public meeting at the White House on Monday. Appearing later with top leaders from Europe, Zelenskyy expressed his thanks at least seven more times, twice for a map Trump had presented him. He was not alone. Trump himself used the T-word about a dozen times in the later meeting. Starmer thanked the president four times. And NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called Trump amazing. Read more about how world leaders approach Trump SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned South Korean-U.S. military drills and vowed a rapid expansion of his nuclear forces to counter rivals, state media said Tuesday, as he inspected his most advanced warship being fitted with nuclear-capable systems. Kims visit to the western port of Nampo on Monday came as the South Korean and U.S. militaries kicked off their annual large-scale summertime exercise to bolster readiness against growing North Korean threats. The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield, which the allies describe as defensive, will mobilize 21,000 troops, including 18,000 South Koreans, for computer-simulated command post operations and field training. North Korea has long denounced the allies joint drills as invasion rehearsals and Kim has often used them to justify his own military displays and testing activities aimed at expanding his nuclear weapons program. The Korean Peninsula remains in a technical state of war, divided by the Demilitarized Zone into North Korea and South Korea. While inspecting the warship Choe Hyon, a 5,000-ton-class destroyer first unveiled in April, Kim said the allies joint military drills show hostility and their supposed will to ignite a war, the Norths Korean Central News Agency said. He claimed that the exercises have grown more provocative than before by incorporating a nuclear element, requiring the North to respond with proactive and overwhelming countermeasures. The security environment around the DPRK is getting more serious day by day and the prevailing situation requires us to make a radical and swift change in the existing military theory and practice and rapid expansion of nuclearization, KCNA paraphrased Kim as saying, using the initials of North Koreas formal name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Kang Yu-jung, spokesperson for South Koreas new liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, who wants to improve ties with the North, said Seoul has always regarded the Ulchi exercises as defensive but offered no further comment on Kims remarks. South Koreas Defense Ministry said it had no immediate new assessments to share regarding the North Korean warships capabilities. South Korean and U.S. military officials say Ulchi Freedom Shield will focus on countering North Koreas advancing nuclear and missile threat and will include training to deter North Korean nuclear use and respond to its missile attacks. The exercise will also incorporate lessons from recent conflicts, including Russias war in Ukraine and the clash between Israel and Iran, and address threats from drones, GPS jamming and cyberattacks. Kim sees destroyer as key to nuclear-capable navy Kim has hailed the development of his naval destroyer, Choe Hyon, as a significant advancement toward his goal of expanding the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military. State media said the destroyer, which is being prepared to enter active duty next year, is designed to handle various weapons systems, including antiair and anti-naval weapons, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. The North unveiled a second destroyer of the same class in May, but the vessel was damaged during a botched launching ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin, prompting an angry reaction from Kim, who called the failure criminal. The North has said the new destroyer, named Kang Kon, was relaunched in June after repair, but some outside experts have questioned whether the ship is fully operational. During Mondays visit to Nampo, Kim also reviewed North Korean efforts to complete a third destroyer by October, KCNA said. While inspecting Choe Hyon, Kim expressed satisfaction with the progress of the warships weapons tests and its integrated operations system, saying the navys modernization and move toward nuclear-capable capabilities are proceeding as planned. He instructed officials to carry out performance tests in October, KCNA said. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have worsened in recent years as Kim accelerated his military nuclear program and deepened alignment with Moscow following Russias invasion of Ukraine. His government has repeatedly dismissed calls by Washington and Seoul to revive negotiations aimed at winding down his nuclear and missile programs, which derailed in 2019 following a collapsed summit with U.S. President Donald Trump during his first term. In his latest message to Pyongyang on Friday, Lee, who took office in June, said he would seek to restore a 2018-inter-Korean military agreement designed to reduce border tensions and called for North Korea to respond to the Souths efforts to rebuild trust and revive talks. The 2018 military agreement, reached during a brief period of diplomacy between the Koreas, created buffer zones on land and sea and no-fly zones above the border to prevent clashes. But South Korea suspended the deal in 2024, citing tensions over North Koreas launches of trash-laden balloons toward the South, and moved to resume front-line military activities and propaganda campaigns. The step came after North Korea had already declared it would no longer abide by the agreement. STOCKHOLM, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Skanska has signed a contract with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge main cable dehumidification project in New York, NY, USA. The contract is worth USD 249M, about SEK 2.5 billion, which will be included in the US order bookings for the third quarter of 2025. The project scope includes the design and installation of a main cable dehumidification system on all four cables of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, along with the installation of an acoustic monitoring system on each cable. The work also encompasses associated electrical and communication systems, as well as the maintenance and monitoring of the new dehumidification and acoustic monitoring systems for five years following commissioning and acceptance. Additional tasks include facilitating internal inspection of the main cable panels, replacement of all cable band bolts, main cable aerial obstruction lights and supports, messenger cables, hand ropes, and stanchions. The contract was awarded in July 2025 with expected completion in September 2029. For further information, please contact: Maritza Ferreira, Vice President of Communications, Skanska USA, tel +1 (678) 492 2003 Andreas Joons, Press Officer, Skanska Group, tel +46 (0)10 449 04 94 Direct line for media, tel +46 (0)10 448 88 99 This and previous releases can also be found at www.skanska.com. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/skanska/r/skanska-selected-for-bridge-cable-dehumidification-project-in-new-york--usa--for-usd-249m--about-sek,c4219613 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/95/4219613/3615228.pdf 20250819 US bridge cable dehumidification SOURCE Skanska LOCKSLEY RESOURCES DEPLOYS STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY TEAM TO MOJAVE and U.S. POLICY UPDATES Deploys Structural Geology Team and US Policy Updates Perth, Aug 19, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Locksley Resources Limited ( ASX:LKY ) ( LKYRF:OTCMKTS ) is pleased to announce the deployment of its structural geology team to the Company's Mojave Critical Minerals Project in California, with work commencing this Sunday 24th August. The team will conduct a second round of detailed mapping and structural interpretation across new and extensional target areas focused on expanding the geological understanding of the Mojave Projects Rare Earth Element (REE) and Antimony potential. Highlights - Structural geology team deployed this week for second stage mapping and target generation across the Mojave Project - Application for membership with the Critical Materials Institute (CMI) is in progress, reinforcing alignment with U.S. national critical minerals strategy - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on August 13, announced US$1 billion in new funding actions to secure domestic critical minerals supply chains, including programs directly applicable to Locksley's Mojave Project - Locksley has scheduled engagements with EXIM Bank and the U.S. Department of the Interior to advance financing and permitting pathways - Company engagement in the DOE Domestic Critical Minerals & Materials Supply Chains Workshop on 20 August 2025 - U.S. policy alignment reinforced by President Trump's Executive Order on "Unleashing American Energy", which accelerates permitting and development of critical mineral projects in tier-1 jurisdictions such as Mojave Locksley's field geologists will focus on four priority areas of interest with a view to improving geological understanding of the target areas and identifying additional drill targets. The work program will focus on: - Detailed mapping of lithology and structural geology across priority targets - Rock chip sampling and analysis for multi-element suite including REE's and antimony - Enlarged 3D geology model for the Desert Antimony Mine Prospect area. The Company has recently advanced several U.S based strategic initiatives: - Critical Materials Institute (CMI) Membership: Application lodged, supporting collaboration with leading U.S. research organisations and agencies - EXIM Bank & Department of Interior Meetings: Discussions will focus on financing solutions, permitting frameworks and opportunities under the Defense Production Act (DPA) and FAST-41 - DOE Funding Alignment: Locksley's processing strategy fits within several DOE programs announced on 13 August 2025, offering access to non-dilutive capital to pilot innovative recovery pathways U.S. Policy and Market Context: On 13 August 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy released a new US$1 billion funding package to strengthen domestic critical minerals and materials supply chains. This action complements President Trump's recent Executive Order on "Unleashing American Energy", which prioritises permitting efficiency and domestic supply security for critical minerals. Locksley's Mojave Project is uniquely positioned as a tier 1 jurisdictional asset adjacent to Mountain Pass, representing a potential cornerstone for U.S. antimony and REE supply chain independence. For Locksley, the U.S. critical minerals strategy strengthened by DOE Initiatives, EXIM Bank and Department of Interior engagements and pending CMI Membership. The steps that the Company is currently taking, perfectly positions it to access a wide range of Government funding opportunities as the Mojave Project provides an opportunity for U.S. sourced antimony and rare earth elements targeted to meet existing domestic demand in US Defense, Energy and other industries. Next Steps - Completion of second stage structural mapping program - Progression of CMI membership and U.S. agency engagements - Participation in DOE's 20 August 2025 workshop, providing visibility within U.S. policymaking and funding circles - Ongoing technical evaluation of processing options capable of aligning with DoE pilot and accelerator funding pathways Nathan Lude, Chairman, commented: "The deployment of our structural geology team for the second time in 2025, marks an important milestone in advancing Mojave. At the same time, U.S. policy settings are shifting strongly in favour of projects like ours, with substantial DOE funding initiatives, supportive permitting frameworks and direct engagement opportunities with EXIM Bank and the Department of Interior. Locksley is positioning itself at the heart of America's critical minerals strategy." About Locksley Resources Limited Locksley Resources Limited (ASX:LKY) (OTCMKTS:LKYRF) is an ASX-listed explorer focused on critical minerals in the United States of America. The Company is actively advancing exploration across the Mojave Project in California, targeting rare earth elements (REEs) and antimony. Locksley Resources aims to generate shareholder value through strategic exploration, discovery and development of critical minerals for U.S. Mojave Project Located in the Mojave Desert, California, the Mojave Project comprises over 240 claims across two contiguous prospect areas, namely, the North Block-Northeast Block and the El Campo Prospect. The North Block directly abuts claims held by MP Materials, while El Campo lies along strike of the Mountain Pass Mine and is enveloped by MP Materials' claims, highlighting the strong geological continuity and exploration potential of the project area. In addition to rare earths, the Mojave Project hosts the historic "Desert Antimony Mine", which last operated in 1937. Despite the United States currently having no domestic antimony production, demand for the metal remains high due to its essential role in defense systems, semiconductors, and metal alloys. With surface samples grading up to 46% Sb as well as silver up to 1,022 g/t Ag, the Desert Mine prospect represents one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the U.S. Locksley's North American position is further strengthened by rising geopolitical urgency to diversify supply chains away from China, the global leader in both REE & antimony production. With its maiden drilling program planned, the Mojave Project is uniquely positioned to align with U.S. strategic objectives around critical mineral independence and economic security. Related Companies The Pensions Regulator (TPR), the Fraud Compensation Fund (FCF), The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) and Dalriada Trustees have today (19 August) announced that a total 81.5 million in compensation has been paid to 58 pension schemes whose members were defrauded by scammers. More payments are to follow for other victims as a result of the joint-agency initiative, which follows a High Court ruling in 2020 clarifying that occupational pension schemes set up as part of a scam could potentially be eligible for FCF compensation. Those compensated include victims of the Friendly Pensions Ltd fraud, which saw Susan Dalton and Alan Barratt convicted and jailed in 2022 following a prosecution by TPR for their part in the criminal enterprise that stole 13.7 million. Stephen Grimes was one of the 245 victims defrauded after they were persuaded to transfer their pension savings into fraudulent pension schemes. Stephen lost two pension pots worth 27,000 to the fraudsters, but following the compensation award, is now able to access his pension savings. The scam put my family through turmoil, affecting our livelihoods and all our future plans. We had to raid our other pension pots to pay our mortgage. I have recently needed to step back and work less, so receiving the compensation has helped immensely." Stephen warns others to protect their pensions: I urge others to be on their guard against scammers. Dont accept cold calls and watch out for bogus cash incentives. Prevention is paramount Gaucho Rasmussen, Executive Director of Regulatory Compliance at The Pensions Regulator, said: We know how devastating the impact of pension fraud can be and hope this compensation will help members of the affected schemes to rebuild their lives. We and our partners have identified further opportunities to bring compensation to victims of historic scams and more payments are to follow later this year and in 2026. But prevention remains paramount. Compensation is far from guaranteed for all those impacted by suspected fraud, as not all types of pension schemes used by fraudsters meet the eligibility criteria. TPR and its Pension Scams Action Group partners are working more closely than ever to detect emerging threats and take determined action to prevent harm to savers. Mr Rasmussen added: We urge the pensions industry to be vigilant and report any suspicions to Action Fraud. Every report counts, providing the intelligence we need to stop fraudsters in their tracks. More victims may be eligible Sara Protheroe, Chief Customer Officer at the Fraud Compensation Fund, said: "For these members, losing their pension savings due to the dishonest actions of those they put their trust in will have been a deeply distressing experience and the journey to securing redress can be a very long and complex one. So were really pleased that members of these schemes will now be able to access their pension savings, following the payment of FCF compensation and securing of benefits. We trust this news will bring comfort to members of these schemes and provide assurance that we are making progress on current claims. However, we suspect there may still be members of schemes eligible for FCF compensation that havent yet come forward. We encourage these members to get in touch so we can help determine if they are entitled to compensation. Anyone who wants to check if their pension scheme is being considered for compensation can do so on the FCF website and find the appropriate trustees contact details. If it is not listed on the FCF website but they believe it may be eligible, they should contact the FCF directly for advice and support. Dominic Harris, Pensions Ombudsman, said: I am pleased we have been able to supply information from our investigations, and work closely with our partners, to help smooth the path to redress through the FCF for the members. A lifetime of savings can be stolen in an instant, and I have seen the devastating impact of pensions dishonesty on the members who have brought us their complaints. Intelligence sharing across the pension industry should remain a priority to reduce the harm committed by pension fraudsters. High Court ruling paves the way The High Court ruling in November 2020 paving the way for compensation was secured by Dalriada Trustees, a firm of professional trustees who were appointed by TPR to manage these particular defrauded schemes. Over the past year, following compensation payments from the FCF, Dalriada has secured pension benefits totalling 81.5 million for members of the affected pension schemes. This means the 2,016 members affected will now have access to their pensions via a secure pension scheme. Adrian Kennett, Managing Director of Dalriada Trustees, said: This is potentially life-changing for people defrauded out of their pension savings who have faced uncertainty for a number of years. We are pleased to have been involved in securing this outcome for the members of these schemes, who now have access to their pensions. Additionally, death benefits totalling 1.5 million have been paid. Other professional trustee firms appointed by TPR to pension schemes with scam characteristics are also similarly pursuing claims through the FCF. Case study: Stephen Grimes Stephen Grimes lost 27,000 after he was persuaded into transferring two pension pots into a scam pension scheme in 2013. He was targeted by a caller who promised him a 4000 cash incentive and a higher return on his savings. Everything seemed above board, said Stephen, from Exeter, who was a business development manager at the time. "I dealt with their administration team, and all the letters, booklets and information looked professional. I even chose a mid-risk investment option and was kept in the loop right up until my money was transferred. I thought I was foolproof. Stephen found out things were not right when he received a letter saying The Pensions Regulator (TPR) had appointed professional trustees to take over his pension scheme, as there were concerns it may have been used as a vehicle for a pensions liberation scam. TPR was investigating and took regulatory, civil and criminal proceedings to prevent further harm to members, bring the fraudsters to justice and secure restitution of their savings. TPR prosecuted fraudsters Susan Dalton and Alan Barrett, who had to be extradited from Spain. In April 2022, they were convicted and jailed for a total of 10 years between them. Stephen is now able to access his pension savings, following the compensation award. It has been a very enduring time and I can only say how much I appreciate all of the hard-work it has taken to arrive with this very positive outcome. It had taken 12 years to build up those pensions so losing that 27,000 had a devastating impact. The scam put my family through turmoil, affecting our livelihoods and all our future plans. My wife and I had to raid other pension pots to pay our mortgage. As I have recently had to take a step back and work less, receiving the compensation has helped immensely. I urge others to be on their guard against scammers. Dont accept cold calls and watch out for bogus cash incentives. Read the full case report on the Friendly Pensions Ltd fraud prosecution. The Fraud Compensation Fund is run by the Board of the Pension Protection Fund and pays compensation to eligible occupational pension schemes which have lost out financially due to dishonesty, and where the scheme employers are insolvent. The compensation from the FCF covers the financial loss from the pension schemes due to dishonesty, as well as the costs needed to investigate and progress the cases. Pension schemes being considered for compensation, along with their current status, are listed on the FCF website. Following the High Court ruling in November 2020 Dalriada Trustees appointed a new pension scheme for members receiving restorative compensation from the FCF. The overall 83 million total includes the compensation the FCF paid in August 2024 to three pension schemes whose members pension savings were lost after being unlawfully invested in Norton Motorcycles Holdings Ltd, which was the business of the former sole trustee of the three schemes. The Pension Scams Action Group, led by TPR, brings together partners from law enforcement, the pensions industry, the government and other agencies to tackle pension fraud and prevent savers falling victim. The multi-agency group shares intelligence and collaborates closely to monitor the scams threat landscape and take decisive and, where appropriate, robust action to disrupt emerging threats and protect savers. The Pensions Regulator is the regulator of work-based pension schemes in the UK. It protects savers money, helps to enhance the pensions market and supports innovation in the interests of savers. Their statutory objectives are to: protect members' benefits reduce the risk of calls on the Pension Protection Fund promote, and improve understanding of, the good administration of work-based pension schemes maximise employer compliance with automatic enrolment duties minimise any adverse impact on the sustainable growth of an employer (in relation to the exercise of the regulator's functions under Part 3 of the Pensions Act 2004 only) The Pensions Ombudsman is an independent organisation set up by law to deal with complaints about occupational and personal pensions. It combines in one organisation the Pensions Ombudsman and the Pension Protection Fund Ombudsman. TPO acts impartially and its service is free at the point of delivery. Dalriada Trustees Limited is a professional trustee which has operated since 2003. Millennials and Gen Z see both pensions and property playing a significant role in funding their retirement, according to Standard Lifes Retirement Voice research. This stands in stark contrast to the attitudes of older generations, who tend to rely on just one of these assets. The majority of Millennials (56%) and Gen Z believe theyll use both property and pensions to fund their retirement roughly double the amount of Gen X and Baby Boomers who say the same (29% and 25% respectively). Baby Boomers favoured single source of income in retirement is pensions (40%), while Gen X are the only generation favouring property (38%). Why pensions still matter Standard Lifes research, conducted among 6,000 people, highlights how pensions remain a crucial part of retirement funding, with a quarter (26%) of Millennials and a third (34%) of Gen Z expecting pensions to be their main retirement asset. In contrast, far fewer are expecting to rely just on property as their main retirement income (15% among Millennials and just 4% among Gen Z). This is compared to 33% of Boomers and 38% of Gen X who expect property to mainly fund their retirement. Its perhaps unsurprising that fewer younger people feel property alone can support them in retirement. Given todays housing and mortgage market, younger generations face significant challenges in getting onto the property ladder with a third (33%) of Millennials, and more than half (56%) of Gen Z currently either renting or living with loved ones. As people move through different life stages their attitudes might shift. Baby Boomers, for example, may have initially seen property as a key asset but later realised the practical difficulties of accessing their homes value via downsizing or relocating. Commenting on the property vs pension question, Mike Ambery, Retirement Savings Director at Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group said: Younger generations seem to be taking a more flexible approach to retirement, seeing both pensions and property as key parts of their financial future. Its smart to build a well-rounded plan, with as many bases covered as possible. While pensions offer tax perks and employer contributions, property provides long-term security and, crucially, a roof over your head. Those who are unable to or who choose not to get on the property ladder through their working lives and rent in retirement will need additional savings to cover housing costs alongside day-to-day expenses. Gen X is in a unique position, falling between the era of widespread Defined Benefit pensions and the introduction of auto-enrolment in 2012 while often benefitting from a more accessible housing market than Millennials making property a more viable option for them. The key for everyone is to plan ahead and keep all options open. After something of a summer lull, speculation around the Budget erupted recently. First came the bruising forecast from the NIESR that the Chancellor could face a deficit in the public finances as great as 51billion. Then came a leak suggesting Treasury officials are looking at clamping down on the gifting regime to make it more difficult to reduce inheritance tax bills. The debate over what tax rises we could see in the autumn, if spending is not to be drastically cut, is now truly underway. Gary Smith, senior financial planning partner and retirement specialist at wealth management firm Evelyn Partners, comments: If the NIESRs estimate is in the right ballpark then the Chancellor will need to look at some big levers like extending the freeze on personal tax thresholds and maybe defrosting fuel duty. Tinkering with IHT reliefs is unlikely to make much of a dent in a 51billion black hole, certainly not in the short term. However, flying slightly under the radar at the moment is a potentially lucrative area for Treasury reform: the tax treatment of pensions. Suspicions last summer that the Chancellor was set at the 2024 Budget to cut the maximum tax-free pension cash down from the current 268,275 sparked a rush of enquiries from concerned clients, and our financial planners are experiencing something similar this summer. Before the last Budget a significant number of savers above 55 years of age decided to take their tax-free lump sum. Some of those who had done so without a clear need or purpose for it scrambled in the days after the Budget to reverse their decision, with mixed results. In an echo of many recent Budgets, pension tax relief could come under the spotlight yet again, with recent HM Revenue and Customs figures showing very substantial amounts of income tax and National Insurance sacrificed by the Treasury as it allows savers effectively to keep their gross income if they put it into a pension. We can expect a rerun of last summers uncertainty, unless the Treasury rules out such moves. That it hasnt, again - despite calls from stakeholders in the financial services sector to do so - can only leave people to suspect that pensions are on the table for the Budget. Finally, its worth pointing out that any serious moves to curtail the preferential tax treatment of pensions threaten an outcry from public sector employees and schemes. The withdrawal of the Lifetime Allowance and the increase to the Annual Allowance under the last Government were in large part driven by demands from senior consultants and other highly paid public sector staff. A move to curtail the higher rates of pension tax relief would run into even more widespread public sector opposition. As always we would encourage anyone thinking of shifting significant sums around to take regulated financial advice. Here Gary looks at some of the potential Budget moves around pensions and what savers and retirees, and the Chancellor, need to consider. The tax-free lump sum (take it or leave it?) Smith says: The 25% tax-free cash has been the most treasured benefit of pensions for a long time, and even more so since pension freedoms allowed it to be taken as a lump sum while leaving the rest of the pension pot invested. Its a bonus that keeps many people saving into their pensions. The tax-free lump sum can be a slightly misleading term, as the tax-free element of ones pension need not be taken as a lump sum but can alternatively be taken in a number of segments alongside none-tax-free cash - over the years. For some savers this might actually be preferable taxwise and this could be a reason to pause before taking the 25% lump sum. However, taking the tax-free cash as a lump sum when a pension is first accessed is hugely popular and many savers have a purpose in mind for it, such as paying off the mortgage. This explains the rush by some savers to grab it before the last Budget. Evelyn Partners DIY investor platform Bestinvest reported that the number of pension withdrawal requests from SIPPs more than doubled in September 2024, before the last Budget, compared to the same month in 2023. Most of these were from individuals accessing their tax-free cash. Smith adds: A reduction in tax-free cash would put a big dent in pension freedoms and to many savers in the accumulation phase or nearing retirement it will feel like the goalposts have been moved as theyre halfway down the pitch. It seems more likely that the cap would be reduced than the percentage, and 100,000 was rumoured before the last Budget, after it was floated by the IFS. The current maximum of 268,275 means that those who amass a pot of 1,073,100 (the old Lifetime Allowance) will be getting less tax benefit from making further pension saving. But a reduction to 100,000 would bring that threshold down to just 400,000 and might discourage some individuals from saving more than that. The suspicion that the pension commencement lump sum (PCLS) could be grabbed back in some way by the Treasury is a reason often cited for people giving up on pension saving after a certain point. The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) estimates a pot of between 540,000 and 800,000 is necessary for a single person living outside London to have a comfortable retirement - and we would err towards the upper end of that range - while estimates for the average DC pension pot at retirement vary between 70,000 and 150,000. So tinkering with tax-free cash could weaken private saving at a time when state pension provision is coming under the spotlight as being unsustainable in the long term. However, there are three important aspects of this issue to keep in mind. One is that tax-free cash has been capped in the past when the Lifetime Allowance was introduced and then reduced in subsequent years. Each time there were transitional arrangements put into place in the form of protected tax-free lump sums that savers could apply for at existing levels. While the Lifetime Allowance no longer exists, there is a good chance that any move to further limit the PCLS could be accompanied by transitional arrangements in order to lessen the impact for those close to retirement. After all, for many savers, the 25% tax free lump sum is a key benefit that they were banking on, perhaps to pay off the mortgage so that monthly loan payments will not eat into their pension, so slashing it without warning could throw retirement plans into disarray. Second is the complicating factor of the inheritance tax rule change arriving in April 2027. The announcement at the last Budget that unspent pension assets will be subject to IHT from this date has sent many families back to the drawing board on how and when to use their pensions. Broadly speaking the change is driving retirees to think about drawing down on their pensions more rapidly, to gift or spend, or in some cases reinvest in offshore bonds. This is especially the case where savers will be older than 75 by April 2027, in which case the unspent pension assets could also be subject to income tax as the beneficiary draws on them leading to a punitive 67% tax rate in some cases. However, savers still need to be careful with taking their tax-free cash and with how they then use it after all they are taking funds from a tax-protected wrapper, and potentially making them subject to capital gains, dividend or savings interest taxation. While it is not pleasant to think about, if someone withdraws their tax free cash now when it is still exempt from IHT - and then dies before April 2027, they will have taken their funds from an IHT-free environment to a taxable one, as the money will enter their estate for IHT purposes, even if they gift it. Those who want to take their tax-free cash and gift it will still be subject to the seven-year rule. It is difficult to use the normal expenditure from excess income relief with a lump sum: you cant take all your tax-free cash, stick it in a bank account and gift it gradually from there, as then it will be seen as a gift from capital and not from income. Third, restricting the PCLS would not bring in extra revenue for the Government swiftly, it would be a long-term gain, so that could make this a less attractive move for Rachel Reeves, given how unpopular it would be. In conclusion, the same rule of thumb applies as did last summer: if you have a clear purpose for your tax-free cash and were thinking of taking it shortly anyway, then if you believe there is a chance of it being restricted - there might not be much harm in accelerating that step by a year or two, but we would always recommend taking advice before extracting large sums. However, as the land lies at the moment, there arent enough firm signals that tax-free cash will be limited suddenly to justify the vast majority of people changing their financial plans. Higher and additional rate pension tax relief grab it while you can? HMRC this month revealed that gross pension Income Tax and National Insurance pension reliefs in the 2023/24 tax year is estimated to be 78.2billion, up from 72.1 billion in 2022/23. Of that, 54.2billion was Income Tax relief, a jump compared to 47.8billion in the previous year. Of the 54.2billion, 68% consisted of higher or additional rate tax relief. Smith says: With the autumn Budget on the horizon and the public finances in a parlous state, you cant help thinking that this data was noticed in the Treasury - particularly as, with the lions share of tax relief going to higher and additional rate taxpayers, there might be an equity argument for reform. Tax relief at the two higher rates could just be cancelled, leaving a flat rate of 20% relief for everyone. The IFS has said that limiting up-front relief to the basic rate of income tax would be a 15 billion a year tax rise, the vast majority of which would come from those who are in the top fifth of earners when making pension contributions. Smith says: While this step would provide the greatest saving for the Treasury, and would be the cheapest to administrate, it would cause uproar among higher paid public sector employees unless there was a controversial carve-out for the public sector and do nothing to encourage pension saving among basic rate taxpayers. Indeed, the likelihood is that it would damage pension saving overall. So, it is thought that if the Chancellor were to target pension tax relief, then a flat rate at a probable 30%, which could be sold as handing a bonus to basic-rate taxpayers in order to encourage saving, is favourite. However, it is still fraught with difficulties. It would be relatively easy to implement in private sector relief-at-source pension systems where higher and additional rate taxpayers currently have to claim back their extra tax relief, as the basic rate of relief could be set at 30%. But increasingly popular salary sacrifice schemes would probably have to be stopped altogether as through these higher or additional rate taxpayers receive their 40% or 45% tax relief automatically by reducing their salary. However, the big issue is the net pay arrangements which exist in the public sector, as the upshot here is that without a massive restructuring of the system - higher and additional rate taxpayers would essentially have to suffer a tax charge to claw back their higher and additional rate relief. The value of employer contribution that should be assigned to each individual employee is not straightforward to measure. This would create huge opposition among the schemes and higher paid public sector staff, which could only be avoided by a public sector carve-out. That would in turn be very controversial by cementing what is already widely regarded as two tiers of pension provision in the UK. And its not a small issue as HMRC estimates that almost half (46%) of all up-front income tax relief is attributable to defined benefit schemes. Separately, withdrawing higher rates of pension tax relief could dent faith in the private pension system and potentially hit savings rates at the very time that a Pensions Commission has been instructed to figure out how to get people saving more. The IFS rightly says that: restricting relief on contributions while leaving the taxation of pension income unchanged clearly would be unfair on those (few) who are higher-rate taxpayers both while in work and in retirement: they would in effect be taxed twice on the same income, creating a large penalty for saving in a pension. It could also be seen among younger cohorts as yet another example of generational unfairness, with a key plank of private pensions that has benefitted those currently middle-aged and older being withdrawn from them. Finally, it would extinguish a crucial incentive remaining in an income tax system where millions are being drawn into ever-higher tax brackets. Fiscal drag means more earners are paying more in tax and facing unappealing steps in the marginal tax rate - at the higher rate threshold, the 100,000 mark where the personal allowance starts to be taken away, and the additional rate threshold which has enveloped hundreds of thousands of people since it was cut. 'For millions, this taxation by stealth is alleviated by the knowledge that by contributing more to pensions they can at least keep more of their hard-earned pay. For others, the option of salary sacrifice means they can strive for that promotion or bonus without feeling that the majority of the reward is going to the Treasury as they get dragged into a higher marginal tax rate. Take that away and the danger is that motivation and aspiration are even further eroded, dragging on productivity and growth at exactly the time when these are key objectives of the Government. Many earners will feel they are already at their limit in terms of how much they are contributing to their pension, and there is no point in being overambitious with saving and leaving yourself short of funds every month. But now is perhaps a good time for higher and and additional rate taxpayers to consider whether they are taking full advantage of this generous pensions perk. Will salary sacrifice be sacrificed? Under this system, the employees salary is reduced by a certain amount, which is paid as an employer contribution into their pension. It can be advantageous in that relief is gained automatically against all income tax at all rates, as well as against National Insurance. Further, because the employer doesnt pay NI on the salary sacrificed, they will usually pass on some or all of this saving by contributing an extra amount into the employees pension. Smith says: As noted, banishing the higher rates of pension tax relief or creating a flat rate at 30% would probably spell the end for salary sacrifice pension arrangements. However, some HMRC-commissioned research published in May this year suggested that salary sacrifice across the board could well be in the Treasurys spotlight, whether pension tax relief is reformed or not. Although higher and additional rate taxpayers get more income tax relief in salary sacrifice, basic rate taxpayers get a higher proportion of NI relief. At 8% on earnings in the basic-rate band, NI tends to make up a higher proportion of basic-rate taxpayers overall tax liability, with the extra NI paid by higher rate taxpayers just 2%. Making pension contributions via salary or bonus sacrifice is a popular option for those whose earnings might fall into the 60% tax trap, a zone between 100k and 125,140 where the combination of high-rate tax and a tapered reduction in their tax-free personal allowance leads to a highly punitive effective income tax rate of 60%, which for many families is aggravated by the withdrawal of child-care benefits. The fault here lies with an unfairly structured income tax and benefits system that penalises people in this cohort disproportionately for increasing their earnings. Removing a legitimate mitigation strategy - increasing pension contributions via salary sacrifice - would seem harsh without reforming the real problem. Many other popular benefits are accessed via salary sacrifice such as childcare, technology, bicycles and even electric vehicles and cancelling this would inevitably be very unpopular at a time when the cost of living is putting huge pressure on families at a number of income levels. After the Chancellors 2024 Budget statement, when she announced an increase to employers National Insurance from April 2025, salary sacrifice arrangements for workplace pension schemes became more attractive for many employers, because of potential NI savings. If these schemes were to be clamped down on, employers who have introduced or started to roll out the system will have to put their plans into reverse. Annual Allowance a reversal? Smith says: With the difficulties around reforming the rates of pension tax relief in mind, its not unthinkable that the Chancellors gaze rests once more on the Annual Allowance, as this is a relatively straightforward way to control the amount the Treasury sacrifices in tax revenue via pension reliefs. At the 2023 spring Budget, amid complaints from NHS executives that doctors, consultants and other senior staff were retiring early or cutting hours due to the tax penalties associated with extra pension payments, the Tory Chancellor Jeremy Hunt rather unexpectedly removed the Lifetime Allowance and increased the Annual Allowance from 40,000 to 60,000. Smith says: It seems unlikely that the Lifetime Allowance will be resurrected, but if the Chancellor can figure out a way of keep well-paid NHS practitioners happy, then a cut to the Annual Allowance is a possibility. It could be taken back below the 40,000 level where it stood before April 2023, and still not hit the vast majority of people who pay nowhere these amounts into their pension each year. Even someone who is paying a gross 1,000 into their salary every month is still using only 12,000 of their 60,000 allowance. The AA is not "use-it-or-lose-it" in quite the same way as the ISA allowance, as the option to use up to three previous years of unused allowances does exist under "carry forward" rules. While this process can be a bit complicated, it could be something of a get-out clause for those taken unawares by a reduction of the AA at the Budget. But again, perhaps now is a good time for many savers to review their pension forecast, and their contribution rates, ideally with the help of some expert advice. Trader Joe's Mini Insulated Totes in Peach and Blue. Courtesy of eBay and seller @search2own Trader Joes has released more mini canvas tote bags after the accessory sold out last year. The bags are available in black, orange, purple and a multicolored option. The bags cost $2.99 each, according to USA TODAY. Trader Joes released its last series of mini totes in April. The bags, which were available in pastel blue, pink, purple and green, resold for up to $1,700 on Poshmark and Ebay. The New York Times reports some customers camped out in front of Trader Joes stores hours before they opened or sent others to grab popular limited-edition items. Trader Joes has plans to open more stores Trader Joes recently opened its first location in New Orleans. NOLA.com reports the popular grocer opened its doors at 2501 Tulane Ave. Development for the location has been in the works for more than two years. According to NOLA.com, the new store will be just under 10,000 square feet and includes a parking lot with 123 spaces. The new store is the chains third in Louisiana. Trader Joes is planning to open 30 new stores. According to Fast Company, the new locations will span 17 states and the District of Columbia with the most openings set for California, New York, Oklahoma and Texas, each with three. Heres a look at where some additional stores will be opening: Arizona N. Bullard Ave. & McDowell Road, Goodyear California 9224 Reseda Blvd., Northridge 2330 Foothill Blvd., La Verne 31545 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa Colorado 9350 Sheridan Blvd., Westminster Connecticut 801 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton District of Columbia 5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC Florida 1511 Cornerstone Blvd., Daytona Beach Georgia 258 City Circle, Peachtree City Louisiana Tristen Stewart is charged with capital murder in the fatal shooting of his wife and the wounding of his 18-month-old daughter. (Marion County Jail) An Alabama man and his father went before a judge Monday after authorities say he fatally shot his wife and seriously injured their 18-month-old daughter over the weekend. Tristen Stewart, 25, is charged with capital murder in the Friday night slaying of his wife, Taylor Dudley Stewart at the couples Marion County home. Stewarts father, 69-year-old Kenneth Stewart, is charged with aiding and abetting on capital murder and obstruction of governmental operations. A judge on Monday ordered Tristen Stewart to remain held without bond. Kenneth Stewarts bond is set at $1.5 million, and authorities said his charges could be upgraded. The shooting happened shortly before 8:30 p.m. Friday in the 700 block of Stewart Road in Hamilton. Both father and son listed that location as their addresses. Tristen Stewart, 25, was booked into the Marion County jail and charged with capital murder on Saturday afternoon, records show. Marion County sheriff's office Charging documents against Tristen Stewart state he shot his wife multiple times. Kenneth Stewart, authorities said, drove his son away from the scene of the homicide to help him evade capture and then returned to home about an hour later and called 911 to report the shooting. Kenneth Stewart intentionally gave false statements to law enforcement to mislead them and slow them down, so that Tristen Stewart had more time to get away, records state. Tristen Stewart was booked into the Marion County Jail at 2:37 p.m. Saturday, and his father booked in just minutes later. Stewarts arrest followed a 15-hour manhunt. Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams said Monday that the toddler girl has undergone surgery at a hospital out of state and is doing well. A 23-year-old Birmingham man is facing a dozen charges, most of them for calls to 911 to report crimes or tragedies that had not happened. The hoax calls included the suspect saying he was watching an escaped armed capital murder suspect that was actively sought by police. He also called to say someone had shot at a Midfield police officer, and that a car had crashed into a home which was engulfed in flames with people trapped inside. DeSean Jyrell Brooks is charged with nine counts of swatting, two counts of impersonating a police officer, and one count of false reporting to law enforcement, according to court records made public Monday. Brooks was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on Aug. 13. He remains held on bonds totaling $145,000. Swatting is a dangerous prank involving a false report of a serious crime to emergency services with the intention of triggering a large-scale, forceful response from law enforcement, typically involving SWAT teams. People have been injured and killed in swatting calls. On Feb. 23, charging documents state, Brooks called 911 about 5 p.m. and claimed to be following the suspects in a homicide that had just happened as they fled and tried to hide evidence. On March 3, records said, the man reported that a car was fully involved in flames on Huntsville Avenue in Brighton. The following day, Brooks called the Lipscomb Fire Department and said he was a lieutenant with Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. He ordered the Lipscomb fire chief to have his personnel avoid a Lipscomb firefighter as he was going to be arrested. On March 6, according to charging documents, Brooks claimed his friend had just shot at a Midfield police officer and he was attempting to turn him in. On April 28, Brooks claimed to be a police officer and reported that a dorm was on fire at Miles College. On April 30, according to records, the suspect claimed to be actively watching an armed capital murder suspect who was actively sought by police. Brooks on May 8 claimed to have witnessed a male pour gasoline onto a home and on May 18, he called 911 to report he heard three shots from inside a Fairfield home and saw another male running from the scene while a woman screamed that people had been shot. The suspect is also accused of reporting that a car crashed into a home in Lipscomb and that it was engulfed in flames with people trapped inside. The Jefferson County Sheriffs Office investigated the cases against Brooks. Theres been a lot of calls and Im glad it finally caught up with him, said sheriffs spokesman Henry Irby. Those resources that have been used to go to swatting calls are resources that have been taken away from where they could have used somewhere else Irby said. Its not a laughing matter and theres no reason for it, he said. Someone could have been hurt or killed. A 37-year-old Pinson man is charged in an Aug. 8, 2025, deadly shooting in downtown Birmingham. (Special to AL.com) The suspect in a deadly downtown Birmingham shooting who was mistakenly released from the Jefferson County Jail will be held without bond, a judge has ruled. Terance Akeem Alexander, 37, went before Jefferson County District Judge Kandice Pickett Monday for an Aniahs Law bond hearing. When it ended, Pickett ordered Alexander to remain jailed. Alexander is charged with murder in the Aug. 8 slaying of 31-year-old Taevon Jamir Arnold. He is also charged with attempted murder in the wounding of a woman in the same incident. The judge said in her order, which was made public Tuesday, that there is probable cause to believe Alexander committed the crimes. She also noted that at the time of his arrest, Alexander was out on bond in four drug cases and that he has a prior felony conviction for drug trafficking, which prohibits him from being able to legally have a gun. The shooting happened shortly before 6 p.m. that Friday and was captured on surveillance cameras. The video showed roughly eight men hanging out on the sidewalk on 14th Street North between First and Second avenues. There appeared to be some kind of interaction taking place and the suspect walked to the middle of the street and shots rang out. The victim also brandished a gun, but it wasnt clear from the video if he actually fired shots before he was shot. Police marked at least 18 shell casings in the area of the shooting. Both victims were taken to the hospital, where Arnold was pronounced dead at 11:13 p.m. Friday. A barrage of gunfire in downtown Birmingham on Aug. 8, 2025, left two people wounded, one of them critically. (Carol Robinson) Alexander, who was taken into custody in less than 24 hours of the Friday killing, was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 11:25 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11. He was released just after 8 a.m. the following day on bonds totaling $120,000. Jefferson County Circuit Judge Shanta Owens in a court order stated that Alexander was mistakenly given a bond of $60,000 by the magistrates office when he should have been held without bond pending an Aniahs Law hearing. She deemed the $60,000 bond insufficient and issued a writ of arrest for Alexander. The suspect was booked back into the jail at 1:49 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13. Alexander pleaded guilty in 2023 to possession of a controlled substance, a charge that reduced from trafficking morphine. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison, with 18 months to actually serve. He also pleaded guilty to a similar charge in 2016 and has previous arrests for burglary and robbery. Alexanders next court date is set for September. By Samuel Hauser, Associate Attorney, D.Law LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As an employment lawyer in California who has spent years representing workers wronged by their employers, I can say this with certainty: the time to protect yourself isn't when you're already facing discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination. It's before. Most employees think protecting themselves becomes important only after something bad happens with their employment. Smart & Simple Steps to Protect Yourself at Work, Before You Ever Need a Lawyer Samuel Hauser, Associate Attorney at D.Law But the truth is, smart, simple actions, taken while things are still "fine" can dramatically strengthen your position if things later go south. And with laws like California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) giving employees powerful rights, the missing link is often not the law itself, but the evidence. So whether you're thriving in your role or sensing early warning signs, here are proactive, practical strategies to quietly protect yourself and your career. 1. Create a "Paper Trail" Even If It's Just for You California law prohibits employers from discriminating against workers based on race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, age (40+), and more. But in practice, discrimination is rarely overt, it's subtle, coded, or hidden in "business decisions." That's why documentation is your best friend. Start a private secure log where you record: The date, time, and details of troubling incidents Names of people involved What was said or done Any witnesses or outcomes Even brief, factual summaries can make or break a case. A memory fades. A journal doesn't. 2. Save Emails, Especially the Subtle Ones Most unlawful employment actions aren't announced in a company memo. They show up in the form of vague criticisms, shifting expectations, or tone-deaf comments. If something strikes you as off, even if it's subtle, don't delete that email. Flag it and save it. And when communication happens verbally? Send a polite follow-up email confirming the discussion. ("Just wanted to recap our conversation about my performance review earlier today") These paper trails are gold in litigation. Do not wait to start saving emails either as you never know when or if you may be locked out of your account. Save these crucial documents early and often. 3. Know Your Rights Before You Need to Use Them FEHA and related California laws protect workers in profound ways: You have the right to reasonable accommodations for a disability. You have the right to report harassment or discrimination without retaliation. You have the right to take leave for medical or family reasons. Yet many employees unintentionally waive these rights, or delay action, because they're unaware. If something feels wrong, don't second-guess your instincts. Research it. Consult with an employment attorney before taking steps like quitting or signing anything. Waiting can shrink your legal options. 4. Keep Your Own Copy of Employment Records California law gives you the right to inspect and copy your personnel file and payroll records. You can request: Job applications Offer letters Performance evaluations Disciplinary write-ups Timecards and wage statements Be proactive. If you're terminated, these documents can become harder to access, or suspiciously incomplete. Request copies while you're still employed and store them safely. 5. Be Mindful of "Retaliation Red Flags" If you've spoken up about illegal conduct, whether it's wage theft, unsafe conditions, or discrimination, you are legally protected from retaliation. That includes: Sudden demotion Reduced hours Unwarranted write-ups Hostile work environments If changes in your job happen shortly after you report or complain about something, document the timeline. Retaliation cases are among the most common employment claims in California, and also among the most winnable when patterns are clearly recorded. 6. Use HR Strategically, Not Emotionally Many employees assume that going to HR is the safest route. But often, HR exists to protect the company, not necessarily you. This doesn't mean you should avoid HR entirely, as they certainly may be able to help you, but approach the situation strategically: Put your complaint in writing Keep a copy Be specific and fact-driven Avoid speculation or emotional language If you're unsure how to phrase something, speak with a lawyer first. A poorly written complaint can weaken your future case, but a clear one can do the opposite. *Additionally, sometimes if an employee sends a written complaint (whether by text or email) HR won't respond via the same written method as the employee, but instead will call the employee (so as to not create a paper trail). Fear not! All you need to do to keep this situation well documented is to take notes during the call and once the call is finished, email the HR rep or manager that you spoke to and recap what happened during the conversation and send it to them outlining what was said during the call. Reminder California is a two-party consent state, meaning, you cannot record others without their consent. This is why taking detailed notes is often your best option. The faintest ink is better than the best memory. 7. Don't Sign Away Your Rights Without Understanding Them California workers are often asked to sign arbitration agreements, NDAs, severance packages, or "final warnings." Don't rush. Ask for time to review anything before signing Consult with an employment attorney, especially if the document waives claims or contains confidentiality clauses Don't assume it's "standard" because even standard documents can forfeit real rights 8. Beware of Ghost Termination Ghost termination is a quiet, often underhanded way employers sever ties with workers without ever saying so directly. Instead of issuing a formal termination notice, the employer simply stops scheduling the employee, cuts off communication, or halts pay without explanation. The worker is left in limbo, unsure if they've been fired or forgotten. This practice can violate California labor laws, especially if it results in unpaid wages or denies the employee access to final pay, benefits, or unemployment insurance. It's a tactic some employers use to avoid confrontation, legal responsibility, or the paperwork of a proper termination. Ghost termination leaves employees vulnerable and without closure. If you suspect this has happened to you, document every interaction (or lack thereof), try to get clarity in writing from your employer, and consider speaking with a labor attorney. You may be entitled to back pay, benefits, and damages for the employer's failure to follow legal procedures. 9. Stay Professional, Even When They Don't It's hard to stay calm when you're being mistreated. But your conduct will be scrutinized in any legal proceeding. Employers often try to shift blame by painting the employee as insubordinate or volatile. Keep your composure. Respond professionally in writing. Let your evidence, not your temper, speak for you. Final Thoughts: Empowerment Over Fear This post isn't about paranoia, it's about empowerment. I've seen too many employees blindsided by job loss or mistreatment, unsure of what to do, and left without the documentation they need to fight back. You don't need to live in fear of litigation. But you should live in awareness of your rights and the simple steps that can secure them. Preparation isn't pessimism. It's power. Contact D.Law by calling (818) 875-2008 or send a message with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your employment rights. Our attorneys are experts in California employment law and worker's rights and can help you with the problems you are faced with. CONTACT: Armen Petrosyan, [email protected] SOURCE D.Law, Inc. The University of Alabama System has named three senior staff across different system organizations, with compensation totaling $1 million. The University of Alabama System board of trustees compensation committee welcomed a new general counsel and two new administrative positions at a compensation meeting on Aug. 15. John Daniel is general counsel and senior vice chancellor of the University of Alabama System, effective Aug. 1. His current salary is $550,000, a 14% increase. Ray Stevens said Monday he is looking to slow down after a June heart attack, which required two stents. At 86 and with my recent health problems, its probably time to slow down, and selling CabaRay is he first step, Stevens said in the statement posted to social media. But in the interim, I still plan on doing shows once Im fully recovered. I still have a lot I want to do in the recording studio, so Ill focus all of my energy in that direction along with making videos to go along with music from time to time. The social media post also provided some insight into Stevens surgery. Ray underwent minimally invasive heart surgery in a Nashville hospital, the statement read. In late July, he underwent a second procedure where doctors placed two stents to clear other blockages. He spent a few days in a Nashville rehabilitation facility and is now at home resting to regain his strength. Stevens was admitted to a hospital in Nashville in early July after complaining of chest pain. A heart catheterization found that he had a heart attack. The Country Music Hall of Famer hasnt returned to the stage. Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily. Miss Myra's Pit Bar-B-Q in Birmingham has earned special kudos for the tangy white sauce it serves with barbecue chicken. (AL.com file photo/Beverly Taylor) Theres a lot you can learn from calling Alabama home. For instance, most folks traveling through our state know where the Dolly Parton bridge is or how just the phrase Go the church or the devil will get you can be used as a helpful marker for navigation. Not to mention, you have to be here a while before you can understand the magic of Conecuh sausageresponses, the importance of respecting the polygon or the correct pronunciation for several, and we mean several, of our small towns. So with that in mind, This is Alabama recently asked its Facebook followers to share some of the things they think only Alabamians understand. With more than 2,000 responses, its safe to say theres a lot to living in Alabama that people who arent from around here might not get. You can read some of the responses below, and you can read all of them on the This is Alabama Facebook page. The iconic "Go To Church or The Devil Will Get You" sign on Interstate 65, just south of Prattville. Josh Bean On Interstate 65, you can tell someone Im at Go to church or the devil will get you as a mile marker or location. -- Stacy Flowers Oneonta is pronounced onnyonna. -- Krittur Morrison Sylacauga is home to the purest white marble thats used in the monuments in D.C., Gomer Pyle and the only place ever that a meteorite hit someone. And she lived! -- Jeremy Green Dont get married the Saturday after Thanksgiving. -- Celia Chapman Anthony Why the trampoline is considered the state bird. -- Valerie Talcott Fausone Somewhere along the line, the Gen. W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge on Interstate 65 became known as the Dolly Parton Bridge. (Sharon Steinmann) AL.com Why we call it the Dolly Parton Bridge. -- Kellie Williams The phrase, Thank goodness for Mississippi. -- Tim Madden Respect the polygon. -- Cathy Rhoden You dont say hi to people in Walmart. Its either Roll Tide or War Eagle. -- Cheryl Kennedy Hines That Mobile and mobile are spelled the same but sound totally different. -- Michael McAfee White barbecue sauce. -- April Whisenant Odom Boll Weevil Monument in Enterprise. (Photo by Wil Elrick) Why theres a monument to the boll weevil. -- Douglas Walden Decoration Day. I moved from Alabama to Atlanta. The second Friday in May, one of my buddies at work asked what I had planned for the weekend. My reply was Im going home for Decoration. No one knew what I was talking about. -- Donna Long The legend of the White Thing. -- Kevin Cothren "That Mardi Gras started in Mobile." -- Patti Langan L.A. stands for the lower part of Alabama, not Los Angeles. -- Gavin Murrell The magic of Conecuh sausage. -- Hannah Grace Patterson Greg Vaughan attends the 2018 Daytime Emmy Awards Press Room at Pasadena Civic Auditorium. (Photo by David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) Patrick McMullan via Getty Image Soap opera star Greg Vaughan shared on social media that his son will be attending the University of Alabama this year as a freshman. Vaughan posted a message on Instgram Monday congratulating his son, Jathan, on the milestone of entering college. From California skies to Carolina tides, with Texas grit and a touch of European rootsevery memory and mile weve shared has led you here, Vaughan said. Now a freshman at the University of Alabama, stepping into dorm life, roommates, and fraternity brotherhood maybe even an extra freshman 15lbs. Hes embracing the southern manor ways, becoming a man now and forever. With a senior big sis keeping an eye on you, proud doesnt even begin to cover it. I love ya, son! Vaughans longtime partner, model and actress Shanna Moakler, posted a Roll Tide in response. Moakler has her own Yellowhammer State connection. Her daughter with her ex-husband, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, is named Alabama in honor of a character from Quentin Tarantinos True Romance. Jathan is the oldest of Vaughans three sons. Vaughan is known for playing on several soap operas since the early 2000s including Days of Our Lives, The Young and the Restless and General Hospital. Greg has been a regular cast member on Days of Our Lives since 2012 in his role as Eric Brady. His performance as Eric Brady has been praised by critics and in 2018 Greg won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Jathan will be the second son of a television personality attending the University of Alabama this year. Grayson Chrisley, son of Todd and Julie Chrisley, is entering his second year at the college. Looking for a place to get some good pizza in Alabama? The Food Network has a suggestion, and its one a lot of folks around the state would agree with. In an article titled 50 States of Pizza Slices, Food Network recently highlighted the best pizza restaurants in all 50 states and declared Tortugas Homemade Pizza, a beloved restaurant with locations in Hoover and Birmingham, the best place to grab a slice of pizza in Alabama. Tortugas, known for its deep dish, Chicago-style pizza, has been in business for more than 25 years and has won a plethora of awards in that time, including having its two-inch-thick stuffed pizza named among the 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die, as well accrued a loyal following of customers throughout Alabama and the South in the process. Carlos and Carol [Vizcaino] met while working at a pizza joint in Chicago back in the 1980s, the article shared on the Food Networks website states. They married, started a family and then relocated to Birmingham with a plan to introduce the Windy Citys stuffed pizza to the Magic City. The Vizcainos realized their dream with Tortugas, which has become the go-to pizzeria for decadent slices in Birmingham since opening in 1999. Their hand-tossed pizza is so in demand that the couples son, Matt, opened a second locale in 2017. Both spots offer thin-crust slices, but if its an authentic taste of Chicago youre after, opt for stuffed (local Chi-Town transplants say these pies are as close to home as it gets). A popular pick at both places is the carne special, a stuffed slice packed with Italian sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon and bacon. Tortugas Pizza has two locations in the Birmingham metro area, serving Chicago style deep dish pizza. (AL.com file photo/Hal Yeager) Other restaurants to make the list include Steves Pizza in Florida; Fellinis Pizza in Georgia; Pizza Delicious in Louisiana; Five Points Pizza in Tennessee and more. You can read the full article on the Food Networks website or try Tortugas for yourself by visiting one of their restaurants, located at 2801 Highway 150 in Hoover or 1304 2nd Avenue South in Birmingham. Harold Dailey, a Birmingham capital murder suspect, was taken into custody Aug. 18, 2025, in New Orleans. (Birmingham Police) The suspect in the Birmingham killing of a man who was fatally shot while he was waiting to go to work in Woodlawn has been captured in Louisiana. Harold Dailey, 35, is charged with capital murder in the Aug. 11 slaying of 51-year-old John Byron Roulaine, police announced Tuesday. Just after 5 a.m., that Tuesday, East Precinct officers received a call of a person inside a van the parking lot of a building in the 5500 block of First Avenue North. Roulaine was pronounced dead on the scene at 5:19 a.m. Initially, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald, officers could not determine how the man had died. Once the body was taken to the Jefferson County Coroners Office, they determined Roulaine had been shot. The victim was an employee of ADW Temporary Staffing and was in the parking lot about to go to work. Investigators believe the victim got into a physical altercation with the unknown suspect who approached him while he was seated inside his van. The suspect shot the victim and fled, Fitzgerald said. Birmingham police investigate an Aug. 11, 2025, fatal shooting in the 5500 block of First Avenue North. (Carol Robinson) On Monday, Aug. 18, BPDs Special Operations Bureaus Crime Reduction Team initiated a fugitive investigation to locate and arrest Dailey. Detectives learned Information that he fled Alabama to New Orleans, said Officer DeRell Freeman. The Crime Reduction Team requested assistance from the FBI North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force and the FBI New Orleans Violent Crime Squad. Members of the Violent Crime Squad conducted surveillance in the 1100 block of Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, Freeman said. Dailey was taken into custody without incident and taken to the Orleans Parish Justice Center where he remains held pending extradition. The ongoing debate over book placement at Fairhopes public library was a key focus during Mondays City Council candidates forum, hosted by Rebecca Watson, leader of a group central to the controversy. The two-hour event, organized by the newly formed Fairhope Faith Collaborative and led by Watson -- a conservative activist and former Moms for Liberty chapter president -- drew a packed crowd inside a Baptist church. Watson brought the issue of adult book placement in childrens library sections to the Alabama Public Library Service board in March. That move led to a temporary pause in state funding for the Fairhope Public Library. Prince William, and Kate Princess of Wales on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with their children Prince George, left, Prince Louis, front center, and Princess Charlotte wave in London in 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) AP As Prince William and Kate Middleton prepare to move into a new home, two families living nearby were asked to vacate their Windsor cottages ahead of the royal couples arrival. The Prince and Princess of Wales relocation forced the families out earlier this summer, and they have since moved to similar or better housing in Windsor Great Parks Forest Lodge, according to US Weekly. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News the families were asked to move for security reasons. Close neighbors have been surprised to be ordered to leave their properties, another royal expert told the outlet. So that no prying eyes can see the Prince and Princess with their children. Forest Lodge is also undergoing renovations in preparation for the Prince and Princess of Wales big move, and the royals are funding the upgrades themselves. The Wales family will move house later this year, a spokesperson at Kensington Palace told People. The Wales family currently lives in Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom home that is also located on the Windsor Castle estate. This new beginning comes as Princess Catherine slowly returns back to public duties after her cancer diagnosis, treatment and remission. Last year, the Duchess of Cambridge stepped away from the public eye as she battled the undisclosed form of cancer. In January, Princess Kate shared an Instagram update on her health, expressing her relief to now be in remission but admitting it still takes time to adjust to a new normal. _______ 2025 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Brandon Youngs life changed forever in 2019. His brother, Randy Young, was just 40 years old when he was shot and killed just outside a restaurant in Trussville following an altercation over a parking space. At that moment, Brandon Young knew things had to change for him. He had been a dedicated employee of the company where he worked, but now, he wanted more. I used the pain to fuel the fire, Young said. I could either give up or I could keep going and try to make an impact. The man who shot Randy Young was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to life without parole. The death of his brother stoked his desire to seize the moment and make a bold decision to start his own company. Young, 39, is founder and CEO of Young Management & Consulting, a professional services firm. Within six years, the business has grown to include more than 120 employees around the country. Young Management & Consulting has generated more than $100 million in revenue since opening, Young said. Ive always been a proponent of workforce innovation and also showing others that no matter your size or background you can play on a large scale, Young said. It has been an organic growth period. Young grew up in Center Point and graduated from Erwin High School, then Auburn University, before earning a masters degree in construction management from UAB. His company has developed project management, construction management and strategic consulting services with companies throughout the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates. Young is proud to describe his team as a well-rounded, diverse group that collectively contributes skills to strengthen the company. And Young said hes not done growing. Our goal is to be a global industry supplier, he said. Were going to be a billion-dollar organization and were going to impact lives all over. Youngs company was a sponsor of the Southern Company Technical Conference Tradeshow last week. The gathering in Birmingham brought technical and industry experts together to learn about and train in the latest developments in the industry sector. This is a focus on learning, Young said. Lets allow this industry to become a better place. Young said he wants to be an example to others in Birmingham and throughout the state when it comes to entrepreneurship and embracing the energy industry. People in Birmingham are impacting the world, and the world needs to know that people from Birmingham are truly delivering, Young said. There are opportunities, and people from Alabama raise and grow great people who make an impact around the world. This story was updated to include comments from candidate Juandalynn Givan. A bill that would give the governor and attorney general power to hire police chiefs in Alabama cities will be considered again when lawmakers return to the capital in 2026. State Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Montgomery, has prefiled a bill empowering the governor and attorney general to collectively appoint an interim police chief for six months when a citys crime rates increase and police numbers dwindle. The bill was not intended for anything political, he told AL.com. Its not about Republicans, its not about Democrats. It doesnt have to be taken over. Its about public safety and working together. While a different version of Ingrams bill died in the last legislative session, talk of its return is a hotly debated topic in the Birmingham mayoral contest. Citizens of Birmingham should be very alarmed regarding house bill 36, said Lashunda Scales, a member of the Jefferson County Commission and one of eight candidates challenging Mayor Randall Woodfin in the city election. Although the citys administration would like to tout that crime is down, based upon the citys lack of response to providing state officials accurate crime data is why this bill will become a very unfortunate reality for Birmingham residents, Scales said. Woodfins campaign dismissed Scales statements as alarmist. The mayors position is simple: Montgomery may write the laws, but Birmingham will do whatever it takes to fight back when those laws strip power from the people who live here, said Daniel Deriso, spokesperson for the Woodfin campaign. Mayor Woodfin will work closely with partners in the legislature, with city lobbyists, and local stakeholders to continue defending Birminghams right to govern itself. Ingram denied that his proposal is part of a political takeover, saying that the state has a responsibility to protect residents when local mayors are unable to do so. Deriso noted that the citys homicide rate is down nearly by half since last year. There have been 51 homicides in Birmingham so far this year. The data tells the real story,he said. Police recruitment is up, with over 100 new officers hired since Jan. 1. We are reducing crime while building trust within our department and community. The homicide rate has fallen dramatically from 2024 when the city saw a record number of killings. The 152 homicides last year were the most in a single year since 1933. Still, Scales said if the crime was going down enough, there would be no need for an intervention. Scales pointed to the recent state takeover of the Birmingham water board and warned that the Birmingham Police Department could be next as state lawmakers dilute local control. This bill represents another quiet attack on Birmingham residents while city officials remain quiet, Scales said. While Ingram has specifically referenced Montgomery, another city plagued with violence in his view, the bill would apply throughout the state. I have never mentioned Birmingham in any of this, Ingram told AL.com Monday. This bill has had a bad rap. But Scales has highlighted the bill in the final days of her campaign push before the election. She discussed the urgency of the bill in a mass text message to voters. How will this bill affect you? The Birmingham Police Chief will then become an agent of the State that will report to the Governor and the Attorney General. We CANT Go Back! State. Rep. Juandalynn Givan, who is also challenging Woodin for mayor, expressed support for Ingrams first bill in the last session. She told AL.com Tuesday that her comments then were the result of shared frustration over violent crime in Birmingham and what she said was poor morale at the police department and the citys lack of transparency. As a result of all those issues cloistered together and the level of frustration from those in key positions who have mayors who act in the same likeness as the mayor of Birmingham, they felt they had no choice, she said. Still, Givan said she does not favor a policy of state intervention. But officials must be responsive and responsible, she said. I am not in support of any piece of legislation to take power from the city of Birmingham or any municipality, Givan said. But I am a supporter of coming up with a comprehensive plan of action that would curtail any type of takeover of municipal government. Birmingham municipal elections are Tuesday, Aug. 26. 3rd Russia-China "Sprouts" Forum opens to foster cooperation Xinhua) 09:17, August 19, 2025 KAZAN, Russia, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The third edition of the Russia-China "Sprouts" International Forum for Mutually Beneficial Cooperation opened Monday in Kazan, capital of Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, attracting more than 10,000 participants and over 200 Chinese enterprises. The two-day forum features discussions on cooperation in economy, finance, international law, industry, education, culture, transportation, and tourism. With over 60 themed sessions, along with cultural exchanges and exhibitions, the event offers a platform for direct dialogue and deeper collaboration between enterprises from both countries. Xiang Bo, Chinese consul general in Kazan, said the forum has become a key platform for advancing subnational cooperation over the past three years, boosting economic and social progress in local regions, and playing an increasingly important role in bilateral ties. Rustam Minnikhanov, head of the Republic of Tatarstan, told the opening ceremony that Russia and China have built a strategic partnership based on mutual respect over many years, and that Tatarstan attaches great importance to its cooperation with China. "Since last year, Kazan has launched direct flights to multiple Chinese cities," he added. Known as Russia's "third capital," Kazan lies about 800 kilometers east of Moscow and is one of 16 Russian cities with a population of over one million. The inaugural "Sprouts" forum was held in Kazan in September 2023. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Because no business should face cyber threats alone, SonicWall provides its partners with a complete platform of co-managed cybersecurity solutions MILPITAS, Calif., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SonicWall today announced another step in its transformation to become the cybersecurity platform purpose-built for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) and the customers they serve. SonicWall has appointed Michael Crean, founder of award-winning MSSP Solutions Granted and United States Army Combat Veteran, as General Manager of the SonicWall Managed Security Services Division. This move is part of SonicWall's evolution into a full-service cybersecurity partner, delivering both advanced technology and co-managed services designed to meet partners wherever they are in their security services journey. Cyber threats continue to evolve and accelerate. To stay ahead, businesses need more than just effective standalone products; they need trusted partners who can stand behind them with the strength of a dedicated 24x7x365 Security Operations Center (SOC). That's why SonicWall is making managed security services a cornerstone of its strategy and a part of every solution, working closely with MSPs and MSSPs to provide scalable, layered defense that includes next-generation endpoint, cloud and network security solutions with unified management, continuous monitoring and regular vulnerability management from industry experts and an exclusive cyber warranty for financial peace of mind. "Businesses can no longer rely on a string of point solutions or reactive strategies," said Bob VanKirk, President and CEO at SonicWall. "They need best-practice guidance and always-on protection delivered by trusted partners who understand their evolving needs. In today's threat environment, having a Security Operations Center (SOC) isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a necessity. That's why managed security services are so central to SonicWall's future. It empowers MSPs and MSSPs to deliver scalable, real-time security as a service. As a long-time MSSP serving hundreds of smaller MSPs, Michael Crean brings leadership, experience and a deep understanding of what MSPs and MSSPs need to effectively and profitably protect their customers." Inside SonicWall's Managed Security Services Division The SonicWall Managed Security Services Division delivers co-managed and fully managed cybersecurity solutions for organizations of all sizes. At the core of its offering is SonicSentry, a suite of managed security services that include Managed Detection and Response for Endpoint (MDR), for Cloud (CDR) and for Network (NDR). These services are powered by SonicWall's global SOC infrastructure and staffed by experienced cybersecurity professionals who monitor, investigate and respond to threats from multiple sources in real time. "If you think you know SonicWall, you might want to look again," said Michael Crean, the newly appointed General Manager of Managed Security Services at SonicWall. "This is the new SonicWall: responsive, partner-led and ready to deliver what MSPs need to succeed. Managed security services aren't just part of our future they're a core layer of every security solution we sell." SonicSentry's Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) offerings go beyond traditional endpoint-focused MDR by providing integrated visibility and response across endpoints, networks, firewalls, identity systems and cloud environments, regardless of vendor. This enables SonicWall to not only secure its products but also provide expert SOC coverage for third-party tools, such as SentinelOne, CrowdStrike, Fortinet and Windows Defender. The result is a truly vendor-agnostic managed security ecosystem that partners can leverage to protect their customers without needing to build or scale their own SOC. From log ingestion and correlation to threat hunting and incident response, SonicSentry delivers measurable outcomes and operational peace of mind. The Power of Co-Managed Services: MPSS for Managed Firewalls A simple and cost-effective way for organizations to begin their managed security journey is through SonicWall's Managed Protection Security Suite (MPSS) a license bundle for software services and support available with every SonicWall firewall. This co-managed bundle starts with best-practices configuration guidance and provides expert, around-the-clock firewall management, from firmware updates and policy tuning to monitoring and compliance reporting and co-branded reports that partners can leverage to show the value they are delivering to the customer. It's cost-effective, removes the burden of firewall administration and includes SonicWall's $200,000 cyber warranty for each managed device. Most importantly, it ensures that critical infrastructure is no longer left unmanaged and subject to significant security risks. Proof of Impact: Napa Valley Networks and SonicSentry SonicWall's momentum in managed services is already being realized by leading MSSPs. Napa Valley Networks, a California-based MSSP, adopted SonicWall's SonicSentry to transform its security operations, and it has already seen a 60% reduction in phishing incidents, improved cloud visibility and faster threat triage across its client base. By leveraging advanced capabilities across cloud, email and endpoint security, all unified through SonicWall's integrated threat analytics, the MSSP has significantly strengthened its defenses while improving operational efficiency and response times. With SonicWall, Napa Valley Networks has found more than just a technology provider; they've gained a trusted ally in the fight against modern cyber threats. "SonicWall's SonicSentry gives us the visibility, control and scale we needed to shift from reactive to proactive defense. It changed the way we operate," said Julie Neely, President of Napa Valley Networks. "For MSSPs looking to scale without sacrificing quality, SonicWall's SonicSentry delivers the enterprise-grade protection, operational efficiency and expert support needed to stay ahead of today's evolving and complex threat landscape." For more information, visit: www.sonicwall.com. About Napa Valley Networks Napa Valley Networks specializes in bridging the gap between business and information technology, providing essential IT support backed by experienced professionals. They offer a comprehensive range of managed services, including security solutions, disaster recovery, and endpoint management, tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses. By working closely with clients, they create customized and sustainable technology plans that foster successful business operations. Their goal is to enable clients to focus on their core business while efficiently managing their IT challenges. About SonicWall SonicWall is a cybersecurity forerunner with more than 30 years of expertise and is recognized as a leading partner-first company. With the ability to build, scale and manage security across the cloud, hybrid and traditional environments in real-time, SonicWall provides seamless protection against the most evasive cyberattacks across endless exposure points for increasingly remote, mobile and cloud-enabled users. With its own threat research center, SonicWall can quickly and economically provide purpose-built security solutions to enable any organizationenterprise, government agencies and SMBsaround the world. For more information, visit www.sonicwall.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. SOURCE SonicWall Data center development is a growing industry, including in Alabama. But opponents are loud in this rural community. (Hannah Denham / AL.com) Hannah Denham / AL.com Action on a $14 billion data center proposed in Bessemer is delayed at least until next month after the city council unanimously agreed to send it back for further review. The delay today to rezone nearly 700 acres is seen as a victory at least for now for opponents of the project who question the environmental impact and long-term consequences of the massive development. The proposal to build a campus of 18 data centers within the city limits of Bessemer in a rural area of Jefferson County was met with strong opposition from nearby residents. The city council last month also postponed the vote to rezone nearly 700 acres of mostly timberland to make way for the project by Logistics Land Investment LLC. Mayor Kenneth Gulley, who supports the project, nevertheless, called the delay a way to ensure all questions are adequately answered before moving forward out of an abundance of caution. With that much opposition, we just wanted to make sure that all Is are dotted and Ts are crossed, Gulley told AL.com. We think its a great project and a very impactful project. The citys planning and zoning committee will review the plans again. The committee previously endorsed the project and sent it to the city council. Data centers are increasing as the need for storage and computing demands grow with the emergence of artificial intelligence and other advancements. However, they are also controversial for their massive demand on water and electricity. Councilman Cleo King, who was an early no vote on the project, welcomed the delay. King said information has been lacking since the project was proposed. He also said the concerns of the residents closest to the site should be considered, regardless of whether they live within the city limits or not. King said he recently attended a conference in Houston, Texas where he heard how other cities are dealing with the impact of the massive data centers in their communities, including their effects on water and other resources. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered, he said. There are so many factors that go into it. Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens, a resident of Bessemer, had joined with others in opposing the project. Stephens said all projects should be evaluated on their ability to generate jobs and weighed against their overall impact on communities. There are some legitimate concerns, and I hope everyone looks at it and sees what it means in terms of long-term consequences of such an investment, he told AL.com. On the other side, Gulley noted the projected economic impact that the data center could deliver to Bessemer and still strongly supports its creation. Contrary to the rhetoric and what people are trying to insinuate, its a good project and weve done due diligence in the project, he said. At the end of the day we want to do what is necessary, but the project needs to move forward because it is good for the city, the state and the county. Shipt will begin offering a portable benefits program to its professional shoppers in Alabama later this year for the first time. Starting Oct. 1, shoppers in the state can begin qualifying to open an account with the portable benefits platform, Stride. The first quarterly qualification period runs from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31. Contributions will begin from Shipt in January 2026. Thats when the Alabama Portable Benefits Act takes effect, which allows companies - including app-based ones - to voluntarily contribute to an independent contractors portable benefits. It allows employers to deduct the cost while workers dont pay taxes on the value received. Shipt rolled out the program earlier in Utah. Stride is a California-based company that offers health, dental and vision benefits to workers who lack access to traditional employer-based benefits. State Sen. Arthur Orr, who sponsored the portable benefits act, said it marks a historic milestone for Alabamas workforce. This is about empowering people to build their own financial safety nets in a flexible, modern economy, he said. Under the plan, Shipt will contribute the equivalent of 4% of eligible shoppers pre-tip earnings to their account per quarterly qualification window. According to the company, these contributions are tax-deductible in Alabama and can be put toward health, dental and vision insurance, or other benefits such as tuition reimbursement or retirement savings. Alabama shoppers can now further build toward their financial goals without compromising on the flexibility they get from earning on the Shipt platform, Mindy Reher, vice president of experiential operations at Shipt said. Since some app-based workers earn across multiple platforms, the program allows benefit contributions to follow their work onto those other apps. This story has been updated to include the statement of the FBI. Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato responded today to reports of threats leveled against a Muslim city council candidate in the upcoming Aug. 26 election. We will not let hate win, Brocato said. The mayor issued the statement Tuesday afternoon after the revelation of death threats, slurs and other invective from social media aimed at candidate Tanveer Patel. The Hoover Police Department is investigating and the FBI has been informed, according to Patels attorney William White. The FBI office in Birmingham issued only the following statement: The FBI neither confirms nor denies the existence of an investigation. According to the Hoover Sun, White said that authorities had identified a suspect in Georgia responsible for some of the comments. Patel discussed the threats at a press conference earlier Tuesday. We came to this country from India and I have been blessed to live here and live the American dream. Ive built a life, a business and family here in Alabama, Patel said during the conference. These past few days have been painful, very painful. My family and I have received hateful messages, insults, even death threats. It has shaken us up, our peace of mind and our family. To be told that I should be sent back to India, called a raghead or to be threatened with violence is not only frightening; it is heartbreaking, Patel continued. These threats are designed to silence me, to intimidate our community and to suppress our right to vote. But I want to be clear: I still believe in America. I still believe in the red, white and blue, and I still believe in the American dream that no matter your faith or background, every citizen has the right to live free and to participate fully in this democracy. Hate will not win. The threats, which began on Facebook - posted to Patels account, include profane attacks against Patel because of her ethnicity. We take this very seriously, Brocato said in his statement. The Hoover Police Department is investigating and has a plan in place to make sure all of our residents enjoy free and safe opportunities to vote. We encourage everyone to get out and vote on Tuesday and to have full confidence that they will be completely safe in their environment, Brocato wrote. As Mayor, I condemn all forms of hatred towards anyone in our city. Our diversity is what sets Hoover apart. It is beautiful and should be celebrated and respected in all aspects. I have complete confidence in our Hoover Police Department. We will not let hate win. Comments on Patels Facebook page include Does this mean we are going to get a Sharia Law court in Hoover? Its how it starts, slowly circumvent the constitutional courts. Just asking for a friend, by a poster calling himself Timothy Pop Darby. The negative comments also include a depiction of President Donald Trump pointing with the caption, Get Out! from Ida John, A depiction of a bomb dropping on praying Muslims, from David Burns, and a number of profanity-laden tirades. Patel, who is running against Robin Schultz for place 1 on the Hoover City Council, is the co-founder and former CEO of ConcertIDC, described on her campaign site as a Birmingham-based technology company. Patel, built a thriving enterprise focused on delivering innovative solutions in healthcare and custom software, the site says. Patel also co-founded the Red Crescent Clinic of Alabama in Hoover, which provides free healthcare to over 700 uninsured patients annually, the website notes. She was named among Women Who Shape the State in 2017 and is involved in Leadership Birmingham, Leadership Hoover, Momentum Leadership for Women, Alabama Launchpad, and the FBI Citizens Academy, among other organizations. She is campaigning on a platform that includes, ensuring Hoover remains a city where families thrive, businesses grow, and everyone feels welcome. AL.com reached out to Patel for further comment but did not receive a response prior to posting. Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, listens to House Speaker Dustin Burrows announce the need for permission slips for Democratic state representatives to leave the House Chamber during the House floor session at the Capitol in Austin, Texas, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via AP) AP A Democratic Texas lawmaker opted to spend the night in the state House chamber and remain there Tuesday rather than allow a law enforcement officer to shadow her while Republicans try to prevent further delays to redrawing U.S. House maps. Rep. Nicole Colliers overnight stay stemmed from Republicans in the Texas House requiring returning Democrats to sign what the Democrats called permission slips, agreeing to around-the-clock surveillance by state Department of Public Safety officers to leave the floor. Collier, of Fort Worth, refused and remained on the House floor Monday night. A message seeking comment was sent Tuesday to the Department of Public Safety. The Democrats return to Texas puts the Republican-run Legislature in position to satisfy Trumps demands, possibly later this week, as California Democrats advance new congressional boundaries in retaliation. Lawmakers had officers posted outside their Capitol offices, and suburban Dallas Rep. Mihaela Plesa said one tailed her on her Monday evening drive back to her apartment in Austin after spending much of the day on a couch in her office. She said he went with her for a staff lunch and even down the hallway with her for restroom breaks. We were kind of laughing about it, to be honest, but this is really serious stuff, Plesa said in a telephone interview. This is a waste of taxpayer dollars and really performative theater. Collier, who represents a minority-majority district, said she would not sign away my dignity and allow Republicans to control my movements and monitor me. I know these maps will harm my constituents, she said in a statement. I wont just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination. 2 states at the center of an expanding fight The tit-for-tat puts the nations two most populous states at the center of an expanding fight over control of Congress ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The battle has rallied Democrats nationally following infighting and frustrations among the partys voters since Republicans took total control of the federal government in January. Dozens of Texas Democratic lawmakers left for Illinois and elsewhere on Aug. 3, denying their Republican colleagues the attendance necessary to vote on redrawn maps intended to send five more Texas Republicans to Washington. Republicans now hold 25 of Texas 38 U.S. House seats. They declared victory Friday, pointing to Californias proposal intended to increase Democrats U.S. House advantage by five seats. Many absent Democrats left Chicago early Monday and landed hours later at a private airfield in Austin, where several boarded a charter bus to the Capitol. Cheering supporters greeted them inside. Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows did not mention redistricting on the floor but promised swift action on the Legislatures agenda. We arent playing around, Republican state Rep. Matt Shaheen, whose district includes part of the Dallas area, said in a post on the X social media platform. Democrats promise to keep fighting Even as they declared victory, Democrats acknowledged Republicans can now approve redrawn districts. Texas House Minority Leader Gene Wu said Democrats would challenge the new designs in court. Lawmakers did not take up any bills Monday and were not scheduled to return until Wednesday. Trump has pressured other Republican-run states to consider redistricting, as well, while Democratic governors in multiple statehouses have indicated they would follow Californias lead in response. Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom has said his state will hold a Nov. 4 special referendum on the redrawn districts. The president wants to shore up Republicans narrow House majority and avoid a repeat of the midterms during his first presidency. After gaining House control in 2018, Democrats used their majority to stymie his agenda and twice impeach him. Nationally, the partisan makeup of existing district lines puts Democrats within three seats of a majority. Of the 435 total House seats, only several dozen districts are competitive. So even slight changes in a few states could affect which party wins control. Redistricting typically occurs once at the beginning of each decade after the census. Many states, including Texas, give legislators the power to draw maps. California is among those that empower independent commissions, giving Newsom an additional hurdle. California Democrats start redrawing process Democratic legislators introduced new California maps Monday. It was the first official move toward the fall referendum asking voters to override the independent commissions work after the 2020 census. The proposed boundaries would replace current ones through 2030. Democrats said they will return the mapmaking power to the commission after that. State Republicans promised lawsuits. Democrats hold 43 out of Californias 52 U.S. House seats. The proposal would try to expand that advantage by targeting battleground districts in Northern California, San Diego and Orange counties, and the Central Valley. Some Democratic incumbents also get more left-leaning voters in their districts. We dont want this fight, but with our democracy on the line, we cannot run away from this fight, said Democrat Marc Berman, a California Assembly member who previously chaired the elections committee. Republicans expressed opposition in terms that echoed Democrats in Austin, accusing the majority of abusing power. Sacramento Republicans said they will introduce legislation advocating independent redistricting commissions in all states. Texas governor jumped to the presidents aid Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott launched the expanding battle when he heeded Trumps wishes and added redistricting to an initial special session agenda that included multiple issues, including a package responding to devastating floods that killed more than 130 people last month. Abbott has blamed Democrats absence for delaying action on those measures. Democrats have answered that Abbott is responsible because he effectively linked the hyper-partisan matter to nonpartisan flood relief. Abbott, Burrows and other Republicans tried various threats and legal maneuvers to pressure Democrats return, including the governor arguing that Texas judges should remove absent lawmakers from office. As long as they were out of state, lawmakers were beyond the reach of the civil arrest warrants that Burrows issued. The Democrats who returned Monday did so without being detained by law enforcement. The lawmakers who left face fines of up to $500 for each legislative day they missed. Burrows has insisted Democratic lawmakers also will pay pick up the tab for law enforcement who attempted to corral them during the walkout. A board outlining the case against Ghislaine Maxwell is seen during a news conference to announce charges against Maxwell for her alleged role in the sexual exploitation and abuse of multiple minor girls by Jeffrey Epstein, July 2, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) AP The Justice Department will start sharing records related to disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein with Congress by the end of this week, House Oversight and Government Reform Chair James R. Comer said Monday. The committee, led by the Kentucky Republican, voted to subpoena the Justice Department for records earlier this summer, initially setting an Aug. 19 deadline. Officials with the Department of Justice have informed us that the Department will begin to provide Epstein-related records to the Oversight Committee this week on Friday, Comer said in a press release. There are many records in DOJs custody, and it will take the Department time to produce all the records and ensure the identification of victims and any child sexual abuse material are redacted. But its unclear which records will be handed over or if they will include records that have not already been released. Calls for the release of records related to Epstein, which were once echoed by high-ranking officials in the White House, reached a fever pitch earlier this summer as President Donald Trump sought to distance himself from the New York financier with whom he was once friends. As Democrats and some Republicans members of the House clamored for the release of the so-called Epstein files in late July, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., sent the chamber home early for its month-long recess, claiming he wanted to give the White House space to release information on its own. In the weeks since, interest in Epstein has seemingly waned. CNN analyst Harry Enton said last week that searches for Epstein were cratering. But as members prepare to return to Washington in the coming weeks, attention will likely be focused again on Epstein. Reps. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., announced a Sept. 3 press conference at the Capitol with Epstein survivors, some of whom will be speaking out for the first time, according to Massie. The survivors deserve justice and Americans deserve transparency, posted Massie, who has also vowed to introduce a discharge petition to force a vote on legislation that would compel the release of Epstein-related documents. Comers announcement comes hours after William Barr, a former Trump attorney general, appeared on the Hill for a deposition before the committee. Ranking member Robert Garcia, D-Calif., in a statement posted to X on Monday, said it was important that Barr was deposed, but noted the DOJ was likely to miss the date originally set for record sharing. The bipartisan Oversight Committee subpoena requires these documents by tomorrow, and if the Committee does not receive the files, it will be clear the Trump Epstein Coverup continues, Garcia wrote. We will not stop until we have true justice for the victims, and transparency for the American people. The Oversight and Government Reform Committee has also subpoenaed a group of other former government officials and Epstein acquaintances, including Bill and Hillary Clinton, former FBI directors James Comey and Robert S. Mueller III and former Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. The White House has resisted the release of information in recent months. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who suggested earlier this year that Epsteins client list could be released, in July said no such list existed. Bondis handling of the files sparked backlash, including from the conservative commentator and deputy director of the FBI Dan Bongino. _____ 2025 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Many Trump agnostics, on both the Left and Right, have convinced themselves that a Ukraine peace deal is doomed. Never underestimate Trump. Envoy Steve Witkoff revealed the reality during his Sunday appearance with Jake Tapper. Witkoff spent extensive time negotiating with Putin during the previous week. Trump wouldnt have invited Putin if a deal wasnt in sight. Early in this administration, Witkoff was dismissed by media pundits as a naive and gullible dunce, taken to the cleaners in Iranian negotiations. How well did things work out for the surviving Iranian leadership? A billionaire New York attorney, Witkoff was initially dismissed by Qatari fanboy and San Francisco native Tucker Carlson as a Long Island native. Now Mr. Passive/Aggressive refers to Witkoff as a wonderful man. The interview didnt go well for Tapper. He began by asking Witkoff to give us two specific points that were agreed to. We agreed to robust security guarantees that I would describe as game-changing. We didn't [originally] think that we were anywhere close to agreeing to [NATO] Article Five protection from the United States [To ensure Russia does] not to go after any other territory when the peace deal is codified, legislative enshrinement in the Russian Federation, not to go after any other European countries and violate their sovereignty [A]nd there was plenty more. Tapper had a one-word response: Oh. His CBS colleague, Margaret Brennan, was simultaneously busy attempting to trip up Secretary of State Marco Rubio. That never works. NBCs Kristen Welker fared no better. Rubio makes his interlocutors look foolish. Deep State forces clearly fear a peace deal. Tapper proceeded, playing a tape of Trump saying, I want to see a ceasefire rapidly. Tapper then asked, Obviously, the ceasefire didn't happen Trump had said if he didn't like what he was hearing in the meeting, he would walk out. Why didn't he once it became clear Putin was not going to agree to a ceasefire? We were there as a mediator, so we were obviously advancing the Ukrainian view. The one thing that the president cannot agree to on behalf of the Ukrainians is any sort of land swap. That is for the Ukrainians. They've stated that to us, and the president is respectful of it, but that's why we're moving so quickly to a meeting on Monday at the Oval Office with President Zelensky. We covered almost all the other issues necessary for a peace deal. So I describe the ceasefire as the interim move where you would then negotiate towards a peace deal. 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. Now, we're not waiting a week for a meeting with President Zelensky and the European leaders, or two weeks, or three weeks. We're going into a meeting with them within 48 hours of ending this meeting in Alaska. So we are intent on trying to hammer out a peace deal that ends the fighting permanently -- very, very quickly. Quicker than a ceasefire. Tapper began realizing he was in trouble. The session continued downhill for him from there. I still don't understand how not getting the ceasefire deal is a win. Witkoffs response didnt help: The thesis of a ceasefire is that you'd be discussing all of these issues that we [already] resolved in Alaska. You'd be discussing security guarantees. There's not a person on the European team who didn't acknowledge that we made substantial progress at this meeting We cut through all kinds of issues that would have to be discussed and agreed to during a ceasefire period 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. We intend to discuss it on Monday. Tapper finally switched the subject from a ceasefire: So Trump told Fox that he and Putin largely have agreed on land swaps. Sources tell CNN that President Trump told European leaders that Putin will agree to end the war and not attack Ukraine or other European countries, as you mentioned earlier, in exchange for Ukraine ceding the entire Donbas region to Russia, including territory that isn't even currently occupied by Russian forces. Is that accurate? I don't know that we have the time now to go through all the different issues on these five regions. There are five regions here. It's always, in our view, been the crux of the deal. Those five regions the Russians have previously said that they wanted it at the administrative lines The Russians made some concessions at the table with regard to all five of those regions. 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 and some of the other European leaders. And hopefully we can cut through and make some decisions right then and there on that. Tapper: What other concessions from Russia might there be? Witkoff: They made some other concessions on several of the regions. I'm not going to discuss it now. The Ukrainians are aware of it as are the Europeans. And it was significant, and that doesn't mean it's enough, but the point was that we began to see some moderation in the way they're thinking about getting to a final peace deal. Tapper: In terms of Ukrainian security guarantees, you mentioned the Article 5 guarantee of NATO, an attack on one and it's an attack on all. Russia would allow that to happen, that any further incursions into Ukraine, Russia would understand [that] would be seen as an attack on all NATO members? Witkoff: No, Jake, that's not what I said. 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. The segment finished with Tapper attempting to pry too many details from Witkoff, which didnt work. Tapper, Did President Trump tell you what he and Putin talked about in their brief time just one-on-one in the beast, the presidential limo? Witkoff replied, I did not discuss that with him Jake, no. How many peace deals must Trump broker in six months for naysayers to concede he knows what hes doing? The art of the peace deal consists of identifying and fulfilling your opponents needs. Putin needs to stanch the bleeding, in men and money. He needs the economic incentives Trump offers, and portions of the territory Russia has captured. And the guarantee not to allow Ukraine into NATO. An American-guaranteed peacekeeping regime (which will probably be mostly or entirely NATOs responsibility) protects Russia from Ukraine and Ukraine from Russia. Naysayers ignore powerful motivations bringing Putin to the table. Trump is moving fast, before Europeans can back out. In consideration of Europeans delicate sensibilities, everyone must pretend that peace isnt being forced upon the continent by America. Europeans perfected killing each other long before Napoleon initiated wholesale warfare. Douglas Schwartz blogs at The Great Class War, applying pattern recognition of historical cycles to place current events into context. Image: LBJ Presidential Library The back-in-the-news Horowitz Report critiqued Robert Muellers investigation of the 2016 election, which alleged substantial Russian interference, further alleged to be aided and abetted by Donald Trump. With that report finally fully declassified we now have proof that this whole idea was "storybooked" by anti-Trump operatives in the Democrat top ranks and the Intelligence Community to impede, if not sink, a Trump presidency. That was true collusion and it even involved Russians. Back in 2019 the ensuing mantra from the mainstream media and among Democrats quickly became No bias was found by Horowitz in the FBIs pursuit of FISA authorizations to spy upon four private citizens within the Trump Campaign. Actually, the exact phrase in the Horowitz Report is this (italics mine): We did not find documentary or testimonial evidence that political bias or improper motivation influenced the decisions to open the four individual investigations. Why such a narrow scope of evidence? Bias and motivation are abstractions reflecting a state of mind. Such a mindset may be consciously chosen or simply take hold subliminally. Id offer that human bias is essentially a comfort zone far more than it is a cauldron of hatred. That makes bias so easily deniable, even to ones own self. It is unlikely someone would give testimony (fess up) to his own bias especially if it could rise to possible criminal charges. It is also unlikely there would be a material trail constituting documentary evidence of such bias, albeit the texts between Lisa Page and Peter Strzok clearly showed a roiling hatred of Trump and his supporters and a plan Strzok likened to an insurance policy to prevent a Trump victory. This plan involved the top levels of the FBI. So, now lets consider the U.S. Department of Justices methodology of investigating for bias that can rise to the level of prosecutable criminality: On DoJs website it states that the Fair Housing Act authorizes the Department to bring suits where investigations yield evidence of a pattern or practice of illegal housing discrimination. (Italics mine). In other words, the DoJ realizes there will not likely be testimonial or documentary evidence of housing discrimination. They will not find an embroidered sampler on the wall with flowers and vines surrounding the saying, Dont Rent to Black People, or a memo found to that effect. And yet such sentiment has certainly existed in the past so the DoJ must resort to looking for patterns or practices of behavior, and when observed at a low bar of critical mass, unfair and illegal actions can be divined and prosecuted. Now recall the Lois Lerner scandal wherein the IRS was clearly targeting conservative groups to impede or quash their applications for tax-free status. After an internal investigation, no one in a biased IRS Division did jail time despite destroyed evidence. That should have been the early tip-off that criminal prosecution based upon patterns and practices of bias is only for us average folk, us middle-class schmucks and not for those politicians or bureaucrats in favor much less for Intel big-wigs. That is why Horowitzs scope of evidence was so limited: the patterns and practices of bias were so obvious, its best not to go there. Weve come to realize that internal investigations are designed to throw a few jabs but never a knockout punch. So, its no reasonable prosecutor and a forgetful old man, et cetera. How would it turn out if the suspect real estate agency was allowed to investigate itself for potential crimes? We can only hope that the current DoJ takes note of its own historic use of patterns or practices of behavior to divine and prosecute criminality. Looking back over the past dozen years would show countless examples: There was clear bias in a myriad of election interference schemes by the Intel Community; there was bias by social media giants and the mainstream media, bias in the Judiciary, bias in banking, in hiring at universities. There were voluminous lawfare schemes coordinated between the White House, DoJ and State AGs. Then there was DoJs targeting of concerned parents, Catholics, and of pro-life protestors. The list goes on and on. And sooner or later it will come to light to what degree the mayhem at the Capitol on J6 was orchestrated by anti-Trump operatives. When it does, we wont have to look far for patterns and practices of bias by the Special Select Committee on January 6th from its formation through its destruction of evidence (pardons-be-damned). We can also look at how the J6 protestors (the unpaid, unplanted ones) have been arrested, prosecuted, and treated during incarceration. Many walked through opened doors of the Capitol for a matter of minutes and yet received years-long prison sentences. Contrast that with how Antifa and BLM rioters were treated for doing far more damage to people and property over several years. They were not arrested by SWAT-teams and relatively few faced any jail time. Man, there are ugly patterns and practices of bias truly all over the place, or as Mr. Schiff might say, in plain sight. Image: DoJ It has always been hard to believe that the truck-bombing of the A.P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995, which killed 168 people, including 19 children at a daycare center, was planned by just one or two perpetrators acting alone. However, the official story states that the mastermind was Gulf War veteran Timothy McVeigh, and that the two others sentenced with him only helped him in various ways. Right from the start, warning signs indicated that the investigation was being misled. The FBI developed a story claiming that a group called the Patriots Movement, which included anti-government extremists and white supremacists, was responsible for the attack. However, the agency also appeared to be trying hard to hide something. Consider these facts: Twenty-four eyewitnesses saw a man with McVeigh just before the bombing. The FBI referred to him as John Doe 2 but later dismissed the idea that such a person existed. None of the witnesses who saw John Doe 2 were called to testify. At least eight people connected to the investigation including a brave police officer who was a first responder died under mysterious circumstances, five of them reportedly by suicide. Local reporters who looked beyond the storyline presentrd by mainstream newspapers reported that the FBI had received a warning call about a bomb attack. The sheriffs bomb squad had even been patrolling the city before the explosion. An official from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) said agents had been asked not to come in to work on the day of the attack. In a new book called Blowback: The Untold Story of the FBI and the Oklahoma City Bombing, Margaret Roberts, former news director of Americas Most Wanted, presents shocking evidence suggesting that FBI agents might have been involved, acting as agent provocateurs in an operation gone wrong. The book suggests that the bombing was the result of a sting or deep-cover operation meant to trap white supremacists likely to carry out attacks such as the one that, tragically, could not be or was deliberately not prevented. Much of the material comes from investigations conducted by Jesse Trentadue, a persistent attorney who believes his brother Kenneth was killed during an interrogation in jail because he was mistaken for Robert Guthrie, a bank robber and a probable John Doe 2. In his efforts to seek justice for his brother, Trentadue occasionally teamed up with experienced investigative reporters like Mary A. Fischer and Roberts. His legal battle resulted in the family being awarded a million dollars for Kenneths wrongful death. However, so much evidence had been tampered with or was impossible to obtain that the court refused to rule that Kenneths death, declared a suicide by prison authorities, was actually a murder. One of the major questions is how McVeigh obtained the funds to buy the ammonium nitrate and fuel oil used in the bomb. The FBI theory suggests that a group of white supremacists calling themselves the Aryan Republican Army (ARA) funded the bombing through bank robberies across the country. Another question is whether the truck bomb alone could have caused the building to collapse. An investigation by a citizens group found that it could not; additional explosives might have been skillfully planted in the building to cause the cave-in. Equally intriguing is how the prosecution handled Michael Fortier, one of the two others sentenced alongside McVeigh. Through a plea deal, Fortier testified against McVeigh. In return, lesser charges were brought against him and none against his wife. After serving 10 years of a 12-year sentence for failing to inform authorities about the bomb plot, he was released for good behavior and given a new identity under the witness protection program. Terry Nichols, the third person sentenced in the case, is serving multiple life sentences, while McVeigh was executed. The book argues that the Oklahoma bombing originated from a federal effort to stop anti-government, white supremacist, and Christian extremist groups from gaining power. In 1985, authorities besieged and arrested leaders of one such heavily armed group, the Covenant, the Sword, and the Arm of the Lord (CSA), from a compound in northern Arkansas. In 1991, the FBI began long-term surveillance of a similar group called the Patriots Movement, which they codenamed Patcon (Patriot Conspiracy). For context, the Ruby Ridge standoff occurred in 1992, and the Waco siege in 1993. During Patcon, the FBI used undercover agents and informants posing as members of fake groups, aiming to attract individuals or groups planning anti-government attacks to disrupt their plans. The ARA, which operated a 400-acre private community called Elohim City in Adair County, Oklahoma, was either a front established by the FBI or had been infiltrated by FBI agents. So, if the ARA funded the attack, the FBI would have to cover its tracks or admit it could not prevent the Oklahoma bombing despite knowing about the plan. To avoid this, the bureau allowed suspects to escape and undermined a thorough investigation. The web of connections, coincidences, and suicides is far too broad to ignore. Trentadue interviewed John Matthews, an undercover operative for Patcon, who said he knew McVeigh, and during the trial, an FBI agent told him it would be best if he did not testify. Matthews described illegal weapons and ammo sales to extremist groups with the approval of the FBI and ATF. J.D. Cash, a reporter for the McCurtain Daily Gazette, relentlessly pursued leads and uncovered a link between McVeigh and Andreas Strassmeir, a white supremacist, grandson of a Nazi party founder, and security chief at Elohim City. McVeigh had attempted to contact Strassmeir the day before he rented the truck used in the bombing, as well as several times in the weeks prior. Strangely, Strassmeir was never questioned by the FBI. Cash also met Carol Howe, a neo-Nazi trainee turned ATF informant, who said she knew McVeigh and Strassmeir from Elohim City and that McVeigh received instructions from Strassmeir. Both, she told him, were angry about the Ruby Ridge and Waco raids. She claimed that the government ignored her warnings even though it was paying her to spy on the ARA and the neo-Nazis of Elohim City. Her testimony was not presented in court; it was apparently not sufficiently relevant. Cash found out that McVeigh was at Lady Godiva, a nightclub in Tulsa, 11 days before the blast, along with some others. The house security video had captured a stripper telling colleagues in the dressing room that a weirdo had told her Im a very smart man, and on April 19, 1995, youre going to remember me for the rest of your life. Another stripper, Shawn-Tea Farrens, spent some time with McVeigh and his companions. But the day Cash reached Tulsa to meet her, she had apparently committed suicide or died by overdosing. The book quotes Craig Roberts, former Tulsa police chief and author of The Medusa File II: The Politics of Terror and the Oklahoma City Bombing. He says there was a bloody handprint on the wall of the Farrenss home, and it was clear the crime scene was staged. She knew too muchwho she saw and talked to, and what she told the other girls in the dressing room got her killed, he is quoted as saying. Other deaths or suicides linked to the case raise more suspicions. Terry Yeakey, the Oklahoma cop and first responder, had told his ex-wife that something was wrong with the bombing investigation and that he was working on an independent report. He was found dead in an open area with an execution style gunshot to his head, a few miles from his abandoned car. His death was ruled a suicide, but his family and his ex-wifewho was on good terms with him and considering remarriagesaid he was in good spirits and wouldnt be the type to take his own life. The most notable suspicious death described in the book is that of Trentadues brother Kenneth, a Vietnam veteran. As a young man traumatized by the war, he had robbed banks with a fake gun to feed a heroin habit, served time for his crimes, and made the mistake of skipping parole. But by 1995, at age 44, he had completely turned his life around, was working in construction in California, happily married, and expecting his first child. Two months after the bombing, on his return from visiting his wifes family in Mexico, he was detained at the border for the old parole violationplus a strong resemblance to Guthrie. In reality, he was held under the name Vance Paul Brockway, an alias he had used long ago. He didnt think much of it, expecting at most a few months in prison. Strangely, he was transferred to Oklahoma, and on August 21, 1995, prison officials contacted his family to report that he had committed suicide at the Federal Transfer Center. Trentadues investigations reveal that Kenneth was probably beaten to death in his cell by men in riot gear, and his death was staged as a suicide. The state medical examiner was furious because his team had not been allowed to inspect the cell, and he had never officially declared the death a suicide. Months later, when he finally visited the cell, he found it lit up like a Christmas tree under luminol, indicating heavy bloodstains. There are two more suicides, both connected to Kenneths death. The first was Guthrie, the bank robber Kenneth was suspected of resembling. Captured early in 1996, he planned to write a tell-all book but died by hanging himself in his cell. The second was Alden Baker, a prisoner who gave a sworn deposition stating he witnessed Kenneths murder. Months before he could testify in court regarding Kenneths wrongful death, Baker was found dead, again by hanging in a prison cell. There was no autopsy. The well-researched book offers many additional details, constructs a plausible scenario, and delivers a gripping yet unsettling read, highlighting what Vice President J.D. Vance stated in January: The bureaucrats at our intelligence services have gotten completely out of control. Theyve been part of the weaponization of the political system, the weaponization of our justice system. Did the FBI orchestrate the countrys worst domestic terror attack? The truth, it appears, may never be fully uncovered. Image from Grok. Every chance I get, I talk about the negative effects that came from the defund the police campaign that took place five years ago. And for good reason. The campaign was based upon absolute rage toward our men and women in blue following the death of George Floyd. It wasnt enough that they asked for an investigation. They wanted police departments ravaged of their funds to teach them a lesson. And, surprise, many departments listened, with cities draining these budgets and leaving officers without precious resources. Among them? Mental health. So whats the big deal? Theyre cops, they can shrug it off, some of you may be saying. But its not that simple. Theres a great deal of effort that goes into being a police officer. And it takes a toll on us. It really does. That mental health support is everything sometimes, especially after devastating situations that mean life or death. In fact, one in every seven police officers suffers from some form of post-traumatic stress disorder. If thats not startling enough, one in every ten deals with some form of mental illness. But Bloomington gets it. The Minnesota-based city actually introduced a new program thats looking to take care of its police officers and it should be a shining example of how to take care of our officers. Amos Olivarez serves as the wellness director of the Bloomington Police Department. What I see is this beautiful picture of what wellness could eventually be for us, he noted. Now, he doesnt have a badge himself, but he works closely with the Bloomington police, ensuring that they are in good hands. I didnt realize how often they are dealing with really hard things. They are dealing with people on their absolute worst day for the most part, Olivarez said, speaking with CBS News. Police work in general is high-pressure, but police work in the Twin Cities is really high-pressure, because you cant make a mistake. Theyve got to try to do it by the book every single time, theyve got to show up with compassion every single time, and every situation is very different. He nails it. These are high-pressure situations. People with guns, knives, and whatever else walking about, carrying who knows what kind of attitude. These require a significant amount of patience and care not only for their sake, but for the innocent civilians surrounding them. The last thing you want to do is create chaos. Many, unfortunately, dont see this. That includes a number of Democrats who insist that everything is fine when it comes to cutting precious police resources for the sake of other departments. As a result, these cities have actually seen a huge increase in crime. As a result, theyre starting to backpedal and find a solution. Bloomingtons certainly makes a lot of sense. I wanted someone to come in from the community to help hold us accountable to our core values, police chief Booker T. Hodges said. We need to make sure that our officers are healthy. We also need to make sure that our departments are in alignment with our community. Because when theyre not in alignment, you are gonna have problems. Exactly. Not having things in alignment can mean miscommunication. And I assure you, that is the last thing you want in your city. Miscommunication can be crucial in life-or-death situations, not to mention the finger-pointing that follows. Its just unnecessary. Olivarez made it absolutely clear which direction he wants this program to go and I cheer him on for it. A healthy cop, a cop that is holistically well, that means that they are out doing really good police work from a place of wholeness and wellness. Before it was just dust yourself up and youll be fine, and now its, theres more debriefs, theres more making sure that mentally and physically you are making it through this job. That about sums it up. Police officers are human beings, too, just like you and me, trying to get through this turbulent world. They deserve just as much care as everyone else. All I can hope is that other leaders learn from this example. Its time to stop defunding the police and start reassuring the police. Michael Letts is the founder, president, and CEO of InVest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience under his belt, hence his pro-police stance for his brothers and sisters in blue. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website. Image via Pixabay. Much has been written about Africas energy future, primarily focusing on its need for affordable and reliable electricity to fuel economic growth. Green New Dealers think that renewables and Africa are a match made in heaven. I beg to differ. While renewables have brought a degree of deindustrialization and impoverishment to Europe in their wake, they will bring far greater devastation to sub-Saharan Africa. The subcontinent is already poorly managed, and its electric generation capacity is not well maintained. Renewables would just add to the plight. Poor governance is a huge problem for Africa, and its one that mainstream media is unwilling to address in any honest fashion. Take the Congo as an example. When Belgium granted independence to its colony in the Congo in 1960, it left behind a region rich in mineral wealth with the potential to provide a prosperous future for its inhabitants. It was well governed with functioning rails and ports, a thriving mining industry, and orderly cities. During the colonial period, Belgium started to develop hydropower throughout the Congo Basin. To power copper mining operations in Katanga, Belgian contractors dammed the Lufira River at Cornet Falls and built power stations to supply mining towns. In the late-colonial period, they drew up plans for hydroelectric power plants at Livingstone Falls on the Congo River. Plans for electrification of the Congo Basin were well underway by the time of independence. Building the Grand Inga Dam at the site of the Inga Falls on the Congo river was the dream of colonial planners. The proposed 70 GW hydroelectric dam would have been the largest power station in the world. Currently, the largest hydroelectric project in the world is the Three Gorges Dam in China with a capacity of 22 GW. The total construction bill for Grand Inga has been estimated to be $80 billion, but it could provide abundant power to all sub-Saharan Africa. It has been in the planning stage for well over 50 years, but it may never get built. The World Bank has cancelled its support for the project. The problem is the low trust society which exists within Africa. It manifests itself in the form of poor societal cohesion, corruption, and disorder. It impedes development at every turn. I find it difficult to believe that the Belgian colonial authorities would not have built the Grand Inga Dam decades ago if they had remained in the Congo. It would be providing hydroelectric power to industrial customers and households as far removed as Nigeria and South Africa. The lesson that should have been learned from the colonial experiment in Africa is that it ended too soon and left its inhabitants woefully unprepared for modernity. However, it is taboo to state the obvious truth about colonialism and imperialism in print and if one does, he risks being branded as a racist. Africa definitely needs additional thermal power plant capacity to fuel future growth, and it would be nice if the Grand Inga Dam got built, but dont fool oneself into thinking it will provide the magic bullet for Africa. Image generated by ChatGPT. PITTSBURGH, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rochester-based Cardinal of Minnesota, which provides residential and in-home services for people with disabilities and employs about 450 people, is under new ownership as longtime CEO Jack Priggen retires. The Cottages Group of Burnsville, a family-owned, 24-year-old company providing the same services, is now behind the wheel at Cardinal. This acquisition more than doubles the company's footprint in Minnesota and grows its workforce from 250 to 700. The Braff Group served as the exclusive financial advisor for Cardinal of Minnesota. "Our intention is to make as little changes as possible. We're just merging the two companies together. Jack and Michelle (Priggen) did such a great job with Cardinal," said Cottages CEO Brittany Eriksmoen. "We're not changing the name. We're keeping all of the employees. We want to make this seamless for both employees and clients." Cardinal's headquarters will remain in the complex at 3008 Wellner Dr. NE, which it built in 2008. All of the 45 care residences that provide care and housing for people with developmental disabilities and related conditions will continue to operate as they have in Rochester, Winona, Austin, Red Wing, Harmony, Chatfield, Spring Valley, Mantorville and Bemidji. The Cottages' facilities are located in St. Cloud, Burnsville, Dakota County and now in southern Minnesota. Priggen explained that the fit between the companies, both geographically and philosophically, made sense. "I'm delighted that a buyer was found who is so well aligned with our mission, vision and values, and I couldn't be more excited about the future of the company that I spent 30 years building, being in good hands," he said. "It was a key filter for us to find an organization that not only shares our values but also isn't headquartered in Arizona or Michigan and just wants to expand their national footprint." Cardinal worked with The Braff Group, a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm specializing in health care services, to line up The Cottages as a buyer and to guide the sale process. "It was an honor to work with Jack and the Priggen family," said Steve Garbon, The Braff Group Managing Director that headed up the deal team. "Jack's entrepreneurial start is a fantastic story and one of the many reasons why working with business owners is so rewarding." About The Braff Group: Founded in 1998, The Braff Group is the leading health care advisory firm specializing exclusively in behavioral health, home health, home care and hospice, health care staffing, home medical equipment and pharmacy services. The firm has completed over 385 transactions and has been repeatedly ranked among the top five health care mergers and acquisitions advisory firms. Visit thebraffgroup.com and follow The Braff Group on LinkedIn. Contact: Karen Cullen [email protected] SOURCE The Braff Group What right does anyone have to insist on the removal of an object because one disagrees or is offended by it? In the news: A teacher in Connecticut was removed from the classroom for refusing to take down a crucifix hanging by her desk that had been there for ten years with no previous complaints. According to the Fox News report, one or two students complained to the vice principal about the crucifix. The teacher was asked to take it down, put it in her desk drawer or somewhere out of sight. The superintendent issued a statement that the district is committed to upholding the values of inclusion, neutrality, and respect for all. Meanwhile, the teachers attorney is putting pressure on the district, stating that they are not interested in being inclusive of this teacher. Numerous arguments and counterarguments are being made regarding this case. Does the teacher have a First Amendment right concerning her religion? Does the school have a responsibility to remain neutral and avoid promoting any religion? The teacher, being in a position of authority, raises the question: does the presence of the crucifix exert pressure on students to conform? Did she proselytize? The lawyers will present their arguments, and a judge will decide. However, a deeper issue is the student mindset shaped by years of teacher induction and in-service student-centered training focused on LGBTQ+ and race. Religious differences are often acknowledged only superficially. The goal of these trainings is to create an inclusive environment that respects everyone, leading classrooms to become student-centered regarding emotional and mental well-being. However, it has also fostered a mindset among many educators and students that students should be catered to, from choosing pronouns to addressing perceived offenses. As a result, whenever a student encounters something that bothers them, whether seen or heard, they complain because they know they will get results. Additionally, the rise of cancel culture on social media contributes to this attitude. The consequence is an entitled mindset that disrespects the rights of other students, teachers, administrators, and parents. So, what can we do about this? Teaching respect for others and our differences starts at home, but we cannot control what happens in other peoples homes. However, we do have some influence over what happens in our public schools. DEI is not a one-way street from adults to specific groups of students. Training must continue, and religious groups should be treated with the same respect and consideration as those related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and race. Students should be included in this training to provide them with a broader perspective. One of the school districts I worked with included high school student groups in our sessions. Students reported that it was eye-opening and led them to reconsider some of their own views and how they treat others. Parents need a seat at the table, too. Administrators can welcome parents into selected training opportunities or provide resources that help them engage with the same material their children are learning. Parents can visit the school boards or their childrens schools and request to be involved. The courts will decide the outcome of this case based on arguments and precedent, but it is up to us to decide the future. We can begin setting a new precedent by reshaping our collective mindset toward genuine inclusivity. We can start with the lessons cultivated in our schools. Image: Pexels James Comey, the 64-year-old former FBI director who was one of the most prominent players in the Russia Hoax, outed himself the other day: Hes a Taylor Swift fan. And hes not just someone who says, Her tunes are catchy. Oh, no. Comey finds deep meaning in Taylor Swifts music. It speaks to himand the fact that it does explains a great deal about the man and his Democrat party politics. My daughter was a big Taylor Swift fan...when she was 12. However, she was soon turned off by Swifts musical narcissism. Even a young teen girl, if shes emotionally healthy, can take only so much whining and backstabbing, no matter how catchily its packaged. In other words, my daughter matured. X screen grab (cropped). In a world that encourages narcissism and victimhood, especially among girls and young women, the fact that my daughter outgrew Swift doesnt mean other girls and women did. Instead, as Swift endlessly cycled through boyfriends as fodder for her nasty break-up songs, Swift became ever more popular. She was the symbol of these womens misery, except that she looked good and dressed well. Swift was, and is, what young girls and leftist women want to be: so gorgeous that their emotional mess doesnt matter. Add in the fact that Swift has made clear that shes a Democrat, endearing her even more to the damaged women of the left, and well, you get the picture. In many ways, Swift is the avatar of a generational ideology thats stuck in middle and junior high school: emotional, immature, and, when it comes to the girls, incredibly vicious. Moreover, girls that age are devious, given to backstabbing, whether through truth or lies (but usually through the latter, not the former). Those traits, incidentally, are the same traits that the Democrat party embraced when Trump was elected: emotional, immature, and incredibly vicious, including embracing partial truths and flat-out lies in their rush to destroy him. One of the queens of the mean girls was, of course, Comey himself. It was he who reported the Steele Dossier to Trump, although it appears that he knew that its contents were false at the timeand then, having reported the contents to Trump, he leaked the dossiers contents to the press. It was also Comey who, half a year before, had stood by his bestie, Hillary Clinton, and made it clear that he was not going to refer her for prosecution, despite the fact that hed just spelled out chapter and verse of her manifest national security violations. It was also Comey who set up General Michael Flynn for an FBI ambush, and then boasted about it later, a classic mean girl tactic. I dont know if anything that Comey did was technically illegal, but I do know it was an abuse of what should be a non-partisan office, a betrayal of the American people, and the kind of nasty, backstabbing, sneaky tactics that are typical of the 13-year-old mind. That being the case, it made me laugh, but didnt really surprise me, to learn that Comey is an ardent Taylor Swift fan. This was not a leak. This was an orange-faced Comey proudly speaking in a video about his love for Swift and his emotional reliance on her lyrics to get him through hard times: GET SOME HELP! Former FBI director James Comey posts bizarre video revealing how he idolizes Taylor Swift & uses her music to cope with the Trump Presidency pic.twitter.com/MYHw9JuRfh Breaking911 (@Breaking911) August 17, 2025 His self-reveal all started because of the pain he felt when Donald Trump dared to speak slightingly of the getting-to-be-long-in-the-tooth pop diva: While our elderly makeup-covered president is posting about whether Taylor Swift is still hot and declaring that he cant stand her, whats she doing? Comey reflected in a video on his Substack. Living her best life, producing great music and as she urged all of us to do during the podcast, not giving the jerks power over her mind, he said, referring to Swifts appearance on the New Heights podcast with the Kelce brothers. But Comey wasnt done. Instead, he went on to say that hes a huge Swift fan who finds deep meaning in her lyrics: I went to my first concert of hers 15 years ago, he said. And I have helped financially support the attendance of a lot of family members and others. Im in a family Swiftie group chat. I know all her music. The former FBI director revealed that his favorite song by Swift is a tie between All Too Well and Exile. While Swift has famously used her songs to trash ex-boyfriendsa very high school thing to do, where breakups are always broadcastComey bizarrely claimed that his love for Swift and her lyrics has taught him about grace: At my second Taylor Swift concert in Hartford, Connecticut, 14 years ago this summer, she sang a song about this topic, asking why you got to be so mean, Comey recounted. She spoke directly to the nasty people, I bet you got pushed around. Somebody made you cold, but the cycle ends right now. Nobody should have power over us. Thank you, Taylor Swift. This is the same Comey, who found shells on the beach spelling out 86 47, which is leftist internet shorthand for kill Donald Trump. Thats 13-year-old girl grace, I guess. Its probably just a coincidence that Comey, both during his tenure at the FBI and after he left the post, has been incredibly supportive of the whole gay pride movement. Im not saying that the married father of five is gay. I am saying, though, that he resonates emotionally at the same level as the more flamboyant members of the LGBTQ+ cohort. They, too, stopped maturing in their early teens. On the other hand, maybe Im reading way too much into this. Maybe Rita Panahi is right, and this is just a clever legal tactic as Comey worries that the law may finally be catching up with him: In a culture obsessed with reimagining classic characters to satisfy modern ideological trends, Dame Helen Mirren has delivered a rare dose of common sense. The 80-year-old Oscar-winning actress, who proudly describes herself as a feminist, recently told Saga Magazine that James Bond should remain a man. You cant have a woman, she said. It just doesnt work. James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else. Something else is what Hollywood has been chasing for years: identity politics at the expense of storytelling. When every role must be remade to fit fashionable narratives, beloved characters lose their identities. Bond is not just a spy with a license to kill he is a cultural archetype, defined by a unique mix of toughness, wit, and masculine charm. Mirren is not alone in her stance. Pierce Brosnan, who played 007 in four films, echoed her view, saying Bond should remain male while gaining a whole new exuberance and life in the next chapter. Even Halle Berry, who co-starred in Die Another Day, cautioned against gender-swapping the role, admitting she wasnt convinced it was the right move. There are plenty of strong roles for women on screen. The Bond franchise itself has long featured important female characters including Judi Denchs portrayal of M. The solution to Hollywoods diversity obsession is not to erase iconic men, but to create similar original roles for women. Audiences want authenticity, not recycled gimmicks. The irony is that Mirren herself once criticized the Bond concept as rooted in profound sexism. But she recognizes that fidelity to character matters more than virtue signaling. James Bond was created by Ian Fleming as a specific figure in a specific tradition. Amazon, which recently took creative control of the franchise, has hinted at offering a fresh take while honoring Bonds legacy. That balance will determine whether the series thrives or becomes irrelevant. (ChatGPT for American Thinker) Joy Reid is not an intelligent personthat much has been clear since the moment she appeared on the media scenebut as time went on, she grew increasingly unhinged, becoming such a liability for the Democrats that eventually MSNBC cancelled her show in a restructuring process (after halving her salary), and she was relegated to self-production. About two months ago, she launched a YouTube channel, but it doesnt appear to be very popular. Four days ago, she appeared on another creators podcast for an episode titled, How Mediocre White Men and Their Fragility Are Destroying America. The full episode, hosted by some guy named Wajahat Ali, can be watched below: Anyway, if you cant listen to the whole thingby 01:19 into the episode I wanted to shove ice picks in my earsAlexander Hall at Fox News got the meat of the interview, which was essentially this: [A]cross Americas institutions, there is a phenomenon of mediocre White men with no actual culture of their own who co-opt the achievements of Black people to aggrandize themselves. According to these two idiots, white people are parasites, riding the coattails of incredible black intellectuals and inventors. Naturally, Ali and Reid didnt name any specifics about who these achieving blacks were, because of course, this is a fictitious narrative. (If they had name-dropped Thomas Sowell or Booker T. Washington, I would have actually heard them out.) Heres this, per Hall: These people cannot create culture on their own, Ali said. Without Black people, Brown people, the DEIs, theres no culture in America. We make the food better. We make the economy better. We make the music better. Right? MAGA cant create culture. They got Cracker Barrel and Kid Rock. An America without black people would mean rates of theft, rape, and murder would drastically dropstatistically speaking. If there were no blacks, every state would essentially look like Vermont, known as the safest state, which has a black population near zero (1.6%). And without DEIs it means wed restore systems based on merit, meaning everything from services to products would be better, for everybody. If these people (meaning whites) cannot create culture on their own, then how do they explain the gloriousness of Europe? (And, America is simply an extension of European peoples and the Christian values conceived there, built for European progeny.) Were Beethoven and Mozart black? No. Was Richard the Lionheart a DEI hire? Again, no. Who designed and built the magnificent architectures seen throughout the West? Certainly not the Africans, Reids heritage, or Pakistani Muslims, like Ali is. Reid then argues that all the musical genres in America are really creations of black folk. Im not going to pretend to be any sort of musical historian, so I cant really offer any insight into origins of particular songs and styles, but what I can say is that regardless of who came up with it, the latitude to create something like music only comes in a society that isnt living in a state of nature. If youre focused on your very survival, you dont have the luxury or privilege to make music. And, who exactly created a civilized and functioning America? Those dreaded white people with their Christian values of individual responsibility, God-given rights, and liberty, who died so that others would be free to pursue things likemusic. As John Adams said in a letter to his wife: I must study Politicks and War that my sons may have liberty to study Painting and Poetry [sic] Mathematicks [sic] and Philosophy. My sons ought to study Mathematicks [sic] and Philosophy, Geography, natural History, Naval Architecture, navigation, Commerce and Agriculture, in order to give their Children a right to study Painting, Poetry, Musick [sic], Architecture, Statuary, Tapestry and Porcelaine. To drive the point home further, look at Africa. Are the Africans living in mud huts and trying to keep their heads on their shoulders creating music or producing great works of art? And, what happened to the civilizations built in Africa, like the Belgian colony in the Congo, Rhodesia, and South Africa, when white Europeans stopped running things? Im wondering if we can lobby Reid back into the spotlight as a mouthpiece for the Democrats? Shes incredible advertising for the Republicans. Image from Grok. In May 1981, young Jewish American leaders visiting Israel had the opportunity to speak with then-Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. One asked, What do you think are the lessons of the Holocaust? Begins reply is eerily prescient and provides important lessons that Christians as well as Jews must learn in the face of ascendant Islam. The first point Begin made essentially predicted October 7 and mandated Israels fierce response to the war Hamas started: First, if an enemy of our people says he seeks to destroy us, believe him. Dont doubt him for a moment. Dont make light of it. Do all in your power to deny him the means of carrying out his satanic intent. (Incidentally, one month after saying this, Begin authorized the destruction of Iraqs Osirak nuclear facility, sparing the world the horrors of Saddam Hussein armed with a nuclear weapon.) Since Hamas was founded, it has been open about its desire to destroy Israel. Indeed, that was why it was founded. Moreover, since Islam was founded, its adherents have taken seriously Mohameds mandate that they slaughter Jews. Nevertheless, Israel and Israelis (especially leftists) have long been in denial about this. Not long after the October 7 attack, I spoke to my elderly cousin, an extremely smart and educated Israeli woman who is a solid member of the Israeli left. Why did they do this to us? she asked. She was shocked when I replied that its a doctrinal mandate. How could someone who lived her entire life in Israel not know this, I wondered. Thankfully, although there is a peace/surrender movement in Israel, most Israelis have figured out that the Muslims in Gaza and the West Bank, along with millions around the world, hate them and want them dead. The brutal slaughter of 1,200 Israelis by 6,000 or so Gazans finally brought them to the Holocaust reality that Begin (who fled the Holocaust that murdered the rest of his family, only to end up tortured in a Soviet prison) had so forcefully articulated. It wasnt just Israels Jews that denied the threat. Jews around the world complacently sought peace with Islam, never understanding that it would be the kind of peace that Tacitus ascribed to the Romans: They make a desert and they call it peace. Now, though, worldwide Jewry is waking up to the fact that Muslims, and their fellow travelers on the left, are happy to make a Roman peace for the Jews. Abroad, world leaders such as Frances Emmanuel Macron, Canadas Mark Carney, the UKs Keir Starmer, and Australias Anthony Albanese have declared that, as a reward to Hamas for slaughtering Jews and faking a famine, they will recognize a Palestinian state. Here at home, Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Mike Quiqley (D-IL), Greg Casar (D-TX), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Al Green (D-TX), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) officially called for a Palestinian state. We know where the Squad members stand, of course. And seeing which way the wind is blowing, little Pete Buttigieg (who would be tossed from a building if he were in Gaza) suddenly demanded an arms embargo against Israel and recognition of a Palestinian state. That brings us to the second and third Begin lessons: Second, when a Jew anywhere in the world is threatened or under attack, do all in your power to come to his aid. Never pause to wonder what the world will think or say. The world will never pity slaughtered Jews. The world may not necessarily like the fighting Jew, but the world will have to take account of him. Third, a Jew must learn to defend himself. He must forever be prepared for whenever threat looms. Wise words, and Jews need to learn them very quickly. But what about Christians? Well, if theyre smart, theyll also heed Begins warnings. Speaking before a small audience in Israel, Mosab Hassan Yousef, whose father, Sheikh Hassan Yousef, was one of Hamass founders, issued a stark warning: Hamas is not just at war with Israel. It is at war with Jews, Christians and the very foundations of civilization itself. [snip] This is not politics, he told us. This is a religious war. Its purpose is to replace Judaism and Christianity with radical Islam. If the world does not understand this, everyone will pay the price. Nor can one pretend that Yousef is just acting out his daddy issues by speaking slightingly of his fathers belief systems. Every day, Muslims are shouting out and acting upon these goals. In the West Bank, the Palestinian leadership is again trying to de-Christianize Jesus. In Bethlehem, where Jesus was born and which is located in the West Bank, Christians have been driven out. Once, they were the majority, representing 85% of the population. Now, they are a 10% remnant. Gaza is as free of Christians as it is of Jews. Those Christians are the lucky ones, since they were able to emigrate. Other Christians havent been so lucky. In Africa, just since Obama took office, over 125,000 Christians have been murdered in Nigeria alone. It seems that Barack didnt actually support Michelle Obamas #BringBackOurGirls sign after Muslims kidnapped 276 Nigerian girls. In Pakistan, Christians are routinely slaughtered. This is what Islam has always done. But of course, leftists arent Christians. Theyre anti-Christian. Therefore, they think theyre immune to Islams loudly shouted and acted-upon jihads. What they forget is that Islam doesnt simply want to erase Christians and Jews. Its an imperialist religion. Like the Borg, it assimilates, and resistance is futile. The Islamists repeatedly stated goal is to impose a worldwide caliphate. If the Hamas-cheering leftists alliance with Islam is successful in wiping out Israel, Jews, and Christians, the leftists are going to find themselves either finding religion or losing their heads. Thank goodness that the Trump administration is taking the threat seriously, beginning with a plan to declare the Muslim Brotherhood, which is the intellectual fountainhead of modern Islamic radicalism, to be a foreign terrorist organization. The Netherlands, 2024. X screen grab. Theres a growing trend to hold parents accountable for their childrens behavior. This is epitomized in New Jersey, where the states lower legislative chamber considers bill A4651 (it is expected to be taken up by the Senate this fall). The bill establishes parental penalties for brawling and disorderly conduct committed by their delinquent offspring if the parent or legal guardian demonstrated willful or wanton disregard in the exercise of the supervision and control of the conduct of the juvenile (among other things). Potentially, the penalties could include a fine if the miscreant behavior results in property damage, or jail time for inciting violence. Though well-intentioned, one wonders if a fine or jail time will have unintended consequences. Many of the delinquent thugs are trapped in single-parent households that are already destitute. Its entirely proper to hold parents accountable, but the redemptive process should focus on community service for the brawling brats, rather than impoverish their families further with fines or removing the breadwinner from society. Single-parent poverty is already a scourge on society why exacerbate it other than for pandering political expediency? Besides, how, and upon whom, would the fines be imposed? In New Jersey the percentage of households with single parents is at least 18% as of 2022 (and much higher in other states that also consider parental responsibility legislation). Indeed, the U.S. has a very high rate of children in single-parent households there are about 18 million fatherless children in the U.S. Another telling statistic is that mothers maintain about 80% of single-parent family groups. Sure, some of them may be welfare queens, but many are struggling earnestly to raise their children. If IF thats the case, it would be extremely austere to fine them for a kid who is subjected to peer pressure while they work two jobs. Peer pressure that may be more directly responsible for juvenile misbehavior that nebulous willful and wanton disregard by overburdened mothers working their fingers to the bone (again, presuming thats the case). The parent(s) of a juvenile charged with offenses covered by New Jerseys A4651 (e.g. public brawling) should solely be remanded to the local community/social services agency, not the jailer. Perhaps that will include helping to build detention centers for illegal aliens, scrubbing graffiti, cleaning animal shelters or homeless camps, or ensuring tree equity by planting more of them in their asphalt jungle. Special dispensation could be afforded to parents who legitimately work multiple jobs to make a living. It is said that idle hands do the devils work. Another option to prevent devilish delinquency is to coerce the teetering child into an after-school activity, a period when parents are less likely to be available but when juvenile crime peaks. Actually, it should be compulsory for school grade-advancement (and, eventually, graduation) for previously charged delinquents it is proven to reduce crime. If the delinquent is truant, then by all means impose a fine upon the absentee parent (if applicable). The parental accountability impetus is justified. Additionally, thinking beyond the immediate impulse to punish negligent parents, it may be constructive to consider dis-incentives for single parenthood (raising a well-adjusted child is challenging enough for two committed parents). Certainly, no absentee parent (usually the father) should benefit from a Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, or any state-specific subsidies, for example. Image: Free image, Pixabay license. As we watch all those foreign leaders arrive at the White House, we realized that something else is going on in the District of Columbia. Not far from the scene, President Trump is winning another battle with the Democrats. Trump is talking about putting down thugs, and the Democrats are arguing about statistics. It's another mismatch for the hapless Democrats. Let's check this out from Amie Parnes: Democrats are struggling to mount a response as Trump has federalized Washington, D.C., and seized control of the Metropolitan Police Department while threatening to take similar actions in other Democratic cities. In interviews with NewsNation partner The Hill, some Democrats have expressed frustration with their partys emphasis on decreasing crime rates instead of focusing on the way voters feel walking the streets of their city. These crime statistics, as impressive as they are, are no substitute for how people feel and what they see, and Washington residents still feel like crime is too high and too pervasive, and that reality has created this opening for Donald Trump, said Democratic strategist Anthony Coley, who resides in the nations capital. Now that is no excuse for this political stunt he is trying to do, but from a raw political perspective, you never want to give your political opponent an opening to address a real concern that your constituents have. Is Trump addressing a real concern that your constituents have? Give that man a medal for stating the obvious. The constituents are hurting, and Trump Derangement Syndrome puts the Democrats on the wrong side of another 80-20 issue. We saw that in Texas over the border madness last year. Many Hispanics on the border were screaming that their schools, hospitals, and general infrastructure were stretched to the limit. What did the Democrats do? They told them everything was fine and to stop talking like "racistas." The locals responded by giving candidate Trump 57% of their county vote. How do you say "flip a county in Spanglish? Come to Starr County and see for yourself. So the residents of D.C. are screaming "help," and the Democrats are telling them that the stats are better than ever. Go figure! P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: Tony Webster I have been in sales a long time and have participated in countless sales trainings and seminars. One of the sales strategies is called the assumptive close. The assumptive close, also known as the presumptive close, is a sales tactic that involves phrasing the closing questions in a way that implies the customer has already decided to make a purchase. Instead of asking if they want to buy, the salesperson might ask how they would like to proceed with the purchase, such as, Would you like me to arrange delivery for Monday? This approach helps maintain momentum in the sales process and can make the customer feel more comfortable with their decision. In President Trumps case, hes used it to bring two warring parties to the table, and possibly peace. He often says, Russia wants a deal. Ukraine wants a deal. The E.U. wants a deal. And before you know it, Vladimir Putin is meeting with the president. Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting with the president. E.U. leaders are meeting with the president. The deal appears to be a fait accompli. Sure, countless details need to be worked out, but President Trump has been consistent he wants the war to end and the killing to stop. There are many times in a sales engagement when a buyer has some trepidation to sign. A good salesperson remains focused on the objective: closing the deal. The president hasnt once wavered from the objective. This is good for you. Would you like that peace deal with some security guarantees, or did you want to continue on your own? Im authorized today only to offer you some security guarantees. When would you next like to meet? Hows this Friday? Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Apple is gearing up to unveil the iPhone 17 series in early September. There will be four models in the lineup, like the past few years,. However, this time, we will get a new ultra-slim variant instead of the Plus one: the iPhone 17 Air. A latest report now says that Apple has commenced mass production of all four iPhone 17 models as it gears up for the announcement. Apples main manufacturer, Foxconn, will handle the assembly orders. Apple starts iPhone 17 mass production China Securities Journal has learned from industry sources (via Patently Apple) that the iPhone 17 has entered mass production in China at Foxconns Zhengzhou plant. The contract manufacturer is reportedly luring workers with higher bonuses, possibly to fast-track things and meet the demand. Its not confirmed how many iPhone 17 units will be initially shipped this year. Foxconns regular workers will receive a personal bonus of 5,400 yuan ($752), and dispatch workers will receive a rebate of 8,000 yuan ($1,114) plus a subsidy of 1,600 yuan ($233). Some workers have reportedly received bonuses of up to 9,300 yuan ($1,294). iPhone 17 assembly expands to India for the first time Besides China, this will be the first time that all four iPhone 17 models will reportedly be assembled in India, which are meant for the US market. This also includes the iPhone 17 Pro variants. Apple has gradually expanded its iPhone production capacity in India in recent years and it has moved most of its US-bound iPhone production lines to India to reduce the impact of tariffs. This expansion involves Tata Groups plant in Tamil Nadu and Foxconns plant in Bangalore. Both of these facilities have reportedly started the assembly. Tata Groups factories will account for up to half of Indias iPhone production in the next two years, said sources. Indias iPhone exports have increased by a good number in the four months starting in April 2025. The total value of iPhone exports from India reached US$7.5 billion. Reportedly, Apple is planning to assemble the iPhone 17e in India. Discussions have begun for the iPhone 18 assembly in India as well Current and former AT&T subscribers are entitled to part of a $177 million payout over a settlement related to the data breaches. Back in June, a US district judge in Texas gave preliminary approval to the settlement. The court documents suggest the settlement fund consists of $149 million to address a major data leak in 2019. The rest of the $28 million is for a breach in AT&Ts account with cloud storage provider Snowflake in April 2024. AT&T data breach lawsuits reach $177 million settlement The $149 million settlement was to address a major leak in 2019. This allowed cybercriminals to exploit the data for years from both new and existing subscribers. In March of 2024, AT&T confirmed the breach, resulting in a series of lawsuits over the failure to safeguard the data of its subscribers. This includes their names, date of birth, and Social Security numbers. The April 2024 breach enabled the cybercriminals to access call and text records for nearly all customers. This attracted another round of class-action lawsuits. However, AT&T has clarified that no customer names were included in the stolen information. Users part of both breaches can file two claims As a part of the $177 million settlement, AT&T subscribers are eligible for a payout if their data was hacked in one or both of the two breaches. Users impacted by the 2019 breach (AT&T 1 Settlement Class) can submit a claim of up to $5,000 if they can present documentation to prove that they have lost money in 2019 or later due to this hack. Or, you can request to be a part of the class-action payout. However, how much you get depends on how many people submit claims and the type of data that was compromised. If its your Social Security number, youll get a Tier 1 Cash Payment. If thats not the case, youll get a Tier 2 cash payment. The Tier 1 payment is five times the amount of the Tier 2 payment. If you were a victim of the 2024 breach (AT&T 2 Settlement Class), you can submit a reimbursement of up to $2,500, given that you have lost money and have proper documents to prove it. Or, you can request to be part of the class-action payout. How much you get depends on how many people claim payouts. You can file two claims if youre part of both breaches. Youll need a class member ID to file a claim Subscribers are now receiving emails in this regard. You will find an email from Kroll Settlement Administration LLC. It includes the class member ID, which you will need to file a claim. Theres a contact form on the settlement website if you havent received the email from the company. You can submit for a payout by heading to the telecom data settlement website and clicking to Submit Claim button. Here, you need to enter the member ID and then either the AT&T account number or email address, or your full name. The deadline to submit your claim online is November 18th, 2025. If you want to sue AT&T individually over these hacks, you need to opt out of the settlement class by October 17, 2025. If the settlement isnt satisfactory, you can write to the court by October 17th, objecting to the deal. NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At The Common Good (TCG), we don't do tribal talking points. We are proudly nonpartisan. But we do believe that we face new challenges unlike any before, including escalating division amid enormous changes in policy at home and abroad. That's why principled, informed debate on ideas, trends, and policies is so essential to better governance and maintaining a healthy democracy. Left to right: Perri Peltz, Dr. Dave Anderson, Jonathan Haidt Our fall is shaping up to be dynamic. Coming up in September, Neil deGrasse Tyson joins us for an exclusive conversation on the hostile war on sciencefrom attacks and funding cuts to critical research in medicine, environmental protection, and much more, to raising distrust in expertise Tyson will unveil his playbook for fighting back. Ambassador Dennis Ross will also be joining us to talk about the staggering U.S. policy changes reshaping American power and offer a blueprint for foreign policy moving forward, followed by Congressman Jake Auchincloss joining us to talk about future party strategies to rebuild a stronger middle class. This summer, we also brought together an extraordinary range of leadersscholars, strategists, lawmakers, diplomats, and journalistswho cut through the noise and spoke directly to what's at stake. Not just to inform, but to provoke the kind of dialogue democracy demands. As part of The Common Good Emerging Leader Series, we heard from political leaders and strategists on the frontlines of governance. Senator Chris Murphy, Senator Elissa Slotkin, Republican strategist Susan Del Percio, Congressman Seth Moulton, Minority Whip Katherine Clark, Congressman Jason Crow, and State Senator Mallory McMorrow offered unfiltered insight into the pressures of leadership in an era of populism and polarizationand the strategies they believe will resonate with voters. "We have become more of a litmus test party recently. And I think that has meant our coalitions have become smaller. But that means you've got to do two things. One, you have to get sort of comfortable with that kind of confrontational economic populism where you name the people who have power, the companies that are screwing people, the billionaires who are screwing people." - Senator Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator from Connecticut. TCG x Hamptons Institute at Guild Hall: East Hampton, NY July 2025 This summer, The Common Good joined forces with The Hamptons Institute at Guild Hall in East Hampton, NY. The 2025 installment was guest-curated by Ellen Chesler, author and Hamptons Institute co-founder. "Guardrails on Democracy": As the boundaries of executive authority continue to stretch, this high-stakes conversation on the future of American democracy, the rule of law, and how individual freedoms have been affected, featured Norm Eisen, founder of Democracy Defenders Action, co-founder of The Contrarian, and former White House ethics czar, alongside Susan Corke, Executive Director of Democracy Defenders Action; and Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU; moderated by Jim Zirin, legal analyst, television host, and author. "Birthright citizenship is how we fixed America's original sin, chattel slavery. That is how we took the children of slaves and made them citizens. It is as hollowed a part of our country's history as anything we have. It is also the way in which this great nation of immigrants made sure that we are all equal under the law. If you're born here, you're one of us, period. And if you start putting rules about what was your parents' citizenship, you're going to create second-class citizens among your people. It will be another way of intergenerational stigma and discrimination being promulgated into the generations." - Anthony Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU "Order or Chaos? The Economy Under Trump": The conversation featured: Glenn Hutchins, cofounder Silver Lake, co-chair Brookings Institution, Founder, Hutchins Center at Harvard; Fred Hochberg, former Chairman and President of the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) and Small Business Admin. and business executive; with Gillian Tett, Financial Times columnist and editorial board member and Provost of Kings College, Cambridge, moderating the panel. Regarding the US-EU trade deal: "Anything less than 25% or 50% and people gave a sigh of relief. So I think by sending such a crazy number out there, the alternative now is, 'Alright, it's not as bad as that'and then secondly, you know, if you're going to buy an apartment or buy a house and say to someone, okay, I agree. and they say, 'great, we have a deal.' That's not really a deal. I mean, you have to sign a contractIt's the same thing with the trade deal. What are the rules of origin? What is covered, what's not covered? So just the sort of overall, yes, it's 15% without a lot of detail. I meanGod is in the details, it's in the details of those deals. And they tend to be hundreds of pages, not a single type page." - Fred Hochberg, former Chairman and President of the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) "Post-Childhood Playhood": Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation and renowned social psychologist, joined Dave Anderson, VP of Public Engagement and Public Education at the Child Mind Institute, with Perri Peltz, Emmy award-winning journalist, documentary filmmaker of "Can't Look Away", and public health advocate, leading the conversation on the alarming neurological, psychological, and cultural consequences of growing up online. "That's the great rewiring of childhood - the damage shows up first in the preteen girls, that's where we see the biggest increases in mental illness. The boy's story is more complicated." - Jonathan Haidt, social psychologist & bestselling author. "SNL 50 Years of Satire": For fifty years, Saturday Night Live has held up a mirror to all aspects of culture and politics through satire. In this rare behind-the-scenes conversation about "the SNL effect", current SNL cast member Mikey Day joined New Yorker articles editor Susan Morrison, author of the bestselling Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live, Robert Smigel, former cast member and legendary comedy writer, with Adam Green, former SNL Writer, journalist, and theater critic, steering the conversation on the show's enduring cultural influence and political punch. Reckoning with Power, Policy, and Global Shifts Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat joined Foreign Affairs editor emeritus Gideon Rose to break down the biggest foreign policy flashpointsfrom Ukraine to the Middle East to the unraveling of the postwar trade order. Richard Haass, President Emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, offered an unfiltered assessment of what's at stake for America's standing in the world and the future of international orderfrom NATO alliances to economic fault lines. In another riveting exchange, former defense Secretary Leon Panetta, former Republican Congressman David Jolly, and Rick Salomon tackled questions of executive overreach, national security, and the thin line between strategy and absurdity in today's geopolitics. "This country is strongest right now, not in Washington, but at the state and community level, because there are people there, Republicans and Democrats, working to protect their communityAnd in many ways, that is the best thing that can happen in a democracycommunity-level work, where people are coordinating, they are coalescing, and they are focused on trying to solve problems that will never be solved by Washington. That's where I think we need to devote our time." Secretary Leon Panetta, former Secretary of Defense Democracy isn't self-sustainingit needs friction, facts, and fearless dialogue. For updates or to revisit past programming, visit www.thecommongoodus.org. About The Common Good The Common Good strives to inspire broad participation in our democracy through the free exchange of ideas and civil dialogue and seeks to find ways to bridge the growing divisions that threaten our nation. Contact: Patricia Duff +1 (917) 331-0123 [email protected] Oona Timmeney-Tracy +1 (484) 868-6108 [email protected] SOURCE The Common Good Sometimes, even the most sophisticated cybercriminals make simple mistakes. In a dramatic turn of events, the entire operation of a major Android banking trojan has been exposed to the world. Furthermore, it was all thanks to a crucial security error by its operators. We are talking about ERMAC, a malware that mainly targets Android devices. Hunt.io cybersecurity researchers found the source code for a dangerous piece of Android malware: ERMAC 3.0. They found the complete code base in an open, unprotected online directory. This is a shocking oversight on the part of the criminals. Security flaws expose ERMAC Android baking malware The discovery was not just a small piece of the puzzle. Researchers located an archive that contained the malwares complete package. This includes the backend, a front-end control panel, the exfiltration server, and even the tool criminals used to build their custom attacks. Think of it as the blueprints for a criminal enterprise being left on a public sidewalk. This leak reveals that ERMAC 3.0 is a notable evolution of previous threats. The malware takes advantage of the foundations of older trojans like Cerberus and Hook. It now has the ability to target more than 700 banking, shopping, and cryptocurrency apps, a massive jump from earlier versions. This trojan can steal sensitive information through sophisticated methods like fake login screens, which appear as overlays on legitimate apps. Its capabilities are extensive: it can capture your contacts, read your Gmail messages, send SMS messages, forward calls, and even use your phones front camera to take photos. ERMAC panel But the leak exposed more than just the malwares capabilities. It also revealed some embarrassing security failures by the people running the operation. The servers admin panel had no password protection. Plus, crucial informationlike hardcoded credentials and static tokenswas present in the code. This means defenders now have a clear roadmap of how to detect and disrupt the criminals operations. The leak has likely eroded trust among the cybercriminals who used to pay thousands of dollars a month for ERMAC. A double-edged sword While the leak is a major win for cybersecurity, it comes with a significant risk. If the source code falls into the wrong hands, other criminal groups could use it to create new, modified versions of ERMAC that are even more difficult to detect. So, this finding makes the leak a double-edged sword. On the bright side, it is a huge setback for one criminal operation. However, it can also lead to a potential new threat from other bad actors. In the world of cybersecurity, a simple mistake can lead to massive consequences for everyone involved. Google Messages now allows you to delete sent messages for everyone. This joins the ability to delete a message from your screen. The feature, first spotted by Android Authority, is now rolling out to more users. The signs of this first surfaced earlier this year, in February. The delete for everyone option is a great addition, especially if you want to unsend that one message you instantly regret sending. Google Messages delete for everyone works over RCS When you are having a conversation with someone in Messages, theres now a choice between Delete for me and Delete for everyone. This appears when you highlight one of your messages and tap the trash can icon. This adds to the edit option, which has been available since May. Notably, you will have the option to delete a text for everyone, only if both parties are using RCS messaging. Most instant chat apps like WhatsApp already offer a similar delete for everyone option. When you are deleting a message for everyone, Google warns that the recipient may still see the message if they are on older versions of the app that dont have the delete option yet. It appears theres no time limit for deleting messages The ability to delete a message doesnt seem to have a time limit. ZDNET reports that the option was still there even after an hour. For comparison, theres a 15-minute time limit to edit a message once you have sent it. Theres a message deleted notification present after you have deleted a message similar to the competition. While you may be judged for deleting a sent message, it wont be for the text that you felt like deleting, at least. Its nice that Google is finally catching up with the modern-day features that have been there for a while. If you take a look at Intels stock prices in the past few years, the company has been seeing nothing but red. The price of its shares has dropped steadily. It went from an all-time high of around $74 to as low as $18. However, it looks like the company could have found itself a lifeline. According to a recent announcement, Softbank has revealed it will invest $2 billion in Intel as part of its investments in the US. Intel gets $2 billion US investment from Softbank Softbank, for those unfamiliar, is a Japanese technology investment firm. Softbank had previously invested in US carrier, Sprint, and now it looks like it is dumping a $2 billion investment in Intel as well. Thanks to this injection of funds, Intel saw its share prices jump by more than 5%. Intel used to be the darling of the US tech industry. The companys chips are used across the world in devices like desktop PCs, laptops, and servers. While Intel still remains a dominant player, the shift in focus to mobile has resulted in the company taking a backseat to other players like Qualcomm. Plus, Apple ditching Intels x86 platform for the Arm platform for its Mac computers probably did not help. This shift to Arm has proven that PC makers might not need to rely on Intel or other x86 chips.. Softbank not alone in its investment That being said, Softbank might not be alone in its investment in Intel. Recently, US President Donald Trump called for the firing of Intels new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan. However, both parties were quick to make up. It was later reported that the Trump administration could be looking to invest in Intel as well, by acquiring a 10% stake in the company. This is part of Trumps push to produce more goods in the US. The President recently announced a 100% tariff on imported semiconductors. However, he allowed exceptions if companies were to build it in the US, or commit to building in the US. Were already seeing how companies like TSMC and Samsung are rushing to build more facilities stateside to avoid paying these tariffs. If you keep up with the latest Google news, you must be aware that the company previously said that it would phase out some Nest thermostats. Back then, Google also confirmed that itll roll out controls for the 3rd-gen Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E in the Google Home app by late 2025. Well, Google has reportedly rolled out an update to its Home app, bringing native scheduling support for older Nest thermostats. Today, folks over at Android Central spotted a post on the Google Nest Community forum that suggests the latest update. If you own the 3rd-gen Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Thermostat E and live in the U.S. and UK, the update should be available for you. Just dont forget to check it out. Now, you must be wondering what the new update brings, right? Well, it addresses the biggest drawback in Googles smart home setup. Now, you can directly set schedules for the 3rd-gen Nest Learning and Nest E right from the Google Home app. Previously, the company capped this feature for the new Nest thermostat. Thats not all; owners of older thermostats were forced to use a different app for scheduling. Following the update, all schedules set on the old Nest app will show up in the Google Home app too. Those who have the Learning Thermostat can view and use sensors from inside the app. Google has officially confirmed that it started rollout last week, but it isnt available to everyone yet. If you own older models like the first-gen Nest (2011), the second-gen (2012), and the 2014 European version, sadly, this update wont be available for you. The tech giant has already confirmed that software support for these models will end on October 25, 2025. Moving on, Google is also updating the Home app across all Nest thermostats. The company has reportedly added brighter colors and clearer labels for heating and cooling. Last but not least, the app now includes a revamped energy dashboard that includes detailed stats. Qualcomm has launched its latest Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 SoC, which will power more affordable smartphones and devices. The latest chipset succeeds last years Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, offering a slight power boost and support for higher resolution displays while maintaining a 4nm process. Qualcomms new Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 mid-range chip To catch you up, Nothings 3a and 3a Pro from last year packed the predecessor. Qualcomm suggests that the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 offers a 7% improvement with both Adreno GPU and Kryo CPU. Speaking of overall performance improvement, the specs sheet of the new Snapdragon SoC hints at higher peak CPU speeds of up to 2.7 GHz. To compare this, the predecessor offered 2.5GHz. Qualcomm also mentions that it has added support for WFHD+ display with 2,900 x 1,300 resolution and 144Hz screen refresh rate. The chip giant has also integrated the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 with the Low Light Vision feature. To catch you up, Qualcomm previously kept this feature exclusive to its flagship offerings. Besides these upgrades, the latest 7s chipset retains the AI-powered capability to capture 200MP photos. Plus, it comes with the companys Quick Charge 4+ technology that allows charging devices from 0 to 50% in a mere five minutes. Image: Qualcomm Its unclear which smartphone brand will use the new SoC Next up, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 also comes with support for real-time translation and transcription with multiple languages. Overall, Qualcomm has improved a few things, but it cant be considered a big upgrade. As of now, Qualcomm hasnt detailed the manufacturers that will use this chipset. Nor have we heard any rumors related to it. As a speculation, we might see this chipset first used by China-based smartphone brands like Vivo, HONOR, and more. In related news, Qualcomm is also said to be working on two underclocked versions of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. A tentative agreement has been reached to end the strike by Air Canada's 10,000 flight attendants, their union announced early Tuesday. Talks between the airline and the union resumed late Monday, marking the first negotiations since industrial action began over the weekend. Air Canada is the countrys largest airline and the strike, coming during the peak summer travel season, is affecting about 130,000 travelers per day. A key issue, guaranteeing pay for work performed while aircraft are on the ground, has been resolved. This breakthrough follows the union's previous declaration that its members would not return to work, despite the strike being deemed illegal. The ruling from the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) Monday came after the flight attendants defied an earlier return-to-work order that also told them to submit to arbitration. Travelers look out over grounded Air Canada planes as flight attendants picket at Pearson International Airport in Toronto (The Canadian Press via AP) The members of the unions bargaining unit are directed to resume the performance of their duties immediately and to refrain from engaging in unlawful strike activities, the CIRB said in a written decision. The board, an independent administrative tribunal that interprets and applies Canadas labor laws, said the union needed to provide written notice to all of its members by noon Monday that they must resume their duties. The panel previously ordered airline staff back to work by 2 p.m. Sunday after the government intervened and Air Canada said it planned to resume flights Sunday evening. But when the workers refused, the airline said it would resume flights Monday evening instead. Air Canada said in a statement that the union illegally directed its flight attendant members to defy a direction from the Canadian Industrial Relations Board. Air Canada operates around 700 flights per day. Flight attendants walked off the job around 1 a.m. EDT on Saturday. Around the same time, Air Canada said it would begin locking flight attendants out of airports. The life and times of model-artist-photographer Lee Miller has captivated millions since her death in 1977 (US Army) Lee Millers life reads like some hallucinatory fairytale: the suburban girl from Poughkeepsie, New York, who parachuted into some of the 20th centurys most explosive moments. From Vogue model to Parisian surrealist, to acclaimed war photographer present at the liberation of Dachau and Buchenwald, Miller ended her life as the chatelaine of an English country house; albeit one of the quirkiest kind Picasso was a house guest. She seemed to know everyone, everywhere, says Hilary Floe, curator of a major Miller retrospective, her largest to date, opening at Tate Britain on 2 October. Indeed, the apparent glamour of the photographers life, combined with her personal beauty, might make Millers story feel more suited to this papers style pages than its arts yet theres a distinctly dark undertow to Millers life, hinted at in a 1960s newspaper interview. It was a matter of getting out on a damn limb and sawing it off behind you, she had said. That one brief sentence establishes several key Miller characteristics: a feisty readiness to take on lifes challenges, an acknowledgement that some difficulties may have been of her own making, and a hint at her capacity for myth-making, which becomes increasingly evident as you read further into her story. As we celebrate World Photography Day today, the rediscovery of neglected women Surrealists has become a growth industry in recent years: the formerly little-regarded English painter Leonora Carrington is now as highly rated as her sometime partner, the once titanic Max Ernst. Miller might seem hardly in need of rediscovering, having been the subject of innumerable major exhibitions since her death in 1977, not to mention a musical, and most recently a lavish biopic starring Kate Winslet. Yet even to viewers relatively well-versed in Surrealism, her name is likely to evoke one of many luminous portraits of Miller by her lover, mentor and collaborator Man Ray, rather than one of her own works. Under the dream-like cast of Rays signature solarisation technique in which over-exposure creates a simultaneous appearance of positive and negative Miller appears perhaps the ultimate Surrealist siren. The Tates exhibition, as Floe makes clear, aims to rescue Miller from the role of muse, while exploring the collaborative nature of these iconic images. Shes been seen from so many perspectives, such as the pretty girl who inspired great men and much as its discredited you still hear it, says Floe. Theres a sensationalised, biographical approach focused on the couples mutual passion. Certainly their romantic and erotic connection is very evident in these images I think they both took lovers during this period, which doesnt mean anything, because they were Surrealists but a focus on the story tends to sideline her art. A more recent approach, then, projects Millers work as a proto-feminist riposte to Rays quintessential male gaze. But that, Floe says, undersells the depth of their creative connection and fails to account for Millers own recollections that she and Man Ray were like one person when we were working that it was impossible, even unnecessary for them to know exactly who had done what in each work. That challenges our ideas of creative inspiration, says Floe, our need to always attribute a work to a single person. There is evidence, explored in the shows catalogue, that it was Miller rather than Ray who was responsible for the discovery of solarisation in one telling, she was distracted by a mouse running over her foot at the moment the paper should have been withdrawn from the developer. Floe, though, wants to shift the focus beyond the undoubtedly extraordinary images Miller produced alongside Ray, towards her long and rich body of independent work. While there have been numerous previous shows on Millers roles as fashion and war photographer, historical figure and Surrealist icon, the Tates will be the first major exhibition to frame all these activities as aspects of Millers own art. Born Elizabeth Miller in 1907, the daughter of an engineer and a nurse, her trajectory was marked from the outset by trouble and extraordinary happenstance. She contracted gonorrhoea at the age of seven, following a rape by a family friend, and was discovered aged 19, by Vogue founder Conde Nast when he saved her from stepping in front of a car in a busy Manhattan street. In typical Miller fashion, this encounter exists in many versions, but in all of them it leads to a glittering modelling career, which she interrupted in 1929 to head to Paris with the idea of enlisting as Man Rays pupil. Ray, Floating Head of Lee Miller, 1929 (Wilson Collection Man Ray 2015 Trust/DACS, London 2025) After curtly informing her that he didnt take students, Ray (born Emmanuel Radnitsky in Philadelphia 1890), proceeded to fall head over heels in love with Miller, and she with him. Far from being some starry-eyed dilettante, Miller had already taken courses in avant-garde theatre design, interpretive dance, theatrical design and painting, all of which fed into her extraordinary ability to perform for the camera, as Floe puts it, her skill in co-creating Rays images of her, and projecting her force into them. For all the change and transformation it brought on, this period lasted only three years. Miller seems to have packed nine simultaneous lives into that brief time, Floe says. She continued to model at a very high level, starred in Cocteaus film The Blood of a Poet, participated in avant-garde photography exhibitions all over Europe, while also working as a medical photographer. That last role may account for Millers most disturbing work, Untitled/Severed Breast from Radical Mastectomy (1930), in which a real-life female breast is served up on a plate, looking unnervingly like some earthy French culinary delicacy. This American arriviste in Surrealist Paris had managed to produce one of the movements most challenging images without appearing to try. Yet according to Floe, the image was never exhibited in her lifetime, and she never talked about how it came into being: I think even for the Surrealists it was probably too much. Another startling work, which the exhibition reattributes to both Miller and Ray, was the source of the only known creative rancour between the pair. When Miller cropped a portrait of Rays that focused on the long S-bend of her neck, so that only the neck was showing, he drew a red line across Millers image signing it as his own work. I think even for the Surrealists it was probably too much Hilary Floe on Millers most disturbing work featuring real-life female breast served up on a plate Portraits of one another, each with their head in the same bell jar, are the nearest the pair came to jointly signed works. The queasily disembodied quality of these images is underlined by their title Hommage a D.A.F de Sade (1929) yes, the inventor of sadism invoking two typically unwholesome Surrealist preoccupations, the fragmented body and the severed head. For all the apparent openness of their relationship, Ray fell into a fury of jealousy when Miller left him in 1932. His enraged letters are perhaps the only documentary evidence of their feelings for each other; her responses have long since been lost. On leaving Ray, Miller returned to New York to set up her own photographic studio, before decamping to Cairo with her first husband, the wealthy Egyptian businessman Aziz Eloui Bey in 1934. Then she was off to London in 1939 to be with her lover the English Surrealist Roland Penrose, who she eventually married in 1947. Along the way her finger seemed to barely leave the camera shutter, from modernist experimentation in the Egyptian desert, to more-or-less straight reportage during the Second World War. As official war correspondent for Conde Nast Publications, she followed US forces during the liberation of Europe with a personal mission to document war as historical evidence. Lee Miller, David E. Scherman dressed for war, London 1942 (Lee Miller Archives. Lee Miller Archives, England 2025. All rights reserved. leemiller.co.uk) Following a traumatic visit to the newly liberated Dachau concentration camp, Miller took a bath in Hitlers private apartment in nearby Munich, on the very day the Fuhrer died by suicide in his Berlin bunker. The story might seem too good to be true if Life magazines David E Scherman hadnt captured the moment in a much-reproduced photograph: Miller scrubbing her back with a flannel; her boots at the foot of the bath; a framed photograph of Hitler on the tubs brim. Millers most harrowing picture is far less well known, showing a young girl with the features of a baroque angel lying on a sofa apparently fast asleep. The Deputy Burgermeister's Daughter, Leipzig (1945) looks like an allusion to the Surrealist world of dreams, until we see the accompanying image, in which the girls family lie slumped around a room in Leipzigs town hall having taken cyanide in the face of the American advance. We all know vast numbers of such instances occurred, but to be shown one in such brutal clarity, from the other side of the fence, so to speak, is a reminder of the photographers burden: to stare horror in the face and record it. Miller herself was responsible for fostering the idea that shed given up photography in response to her experiences in the Second World War. While she continued to take pictures, her output was very much reduced, and she threw her energies instead into cooking. In later years, she became renowned for the legendary house parties she and Penrose held at their home at Farley Farm in East Sussex. Lee Miller, Model Elizabeth Cowell wearing Digby Morton suit, London 1941 (Lee Miller Archives. Lee Miller Archives, England 2025. All rights reserved. leemiller.co.uk) The one thing Miller didnt seem to be able to do brilliantly was motherhood. Her son Antony, born in 1947, found her a distant and unloving mother. Growing up, he was aware of her descent into alcoholism, and the bouts of clinical depression she hid from the rest of the world, but it was only when he married, that Miller felt able to make a friend of her son, and that he really got to know her. On Millers death from pancreatic cancer in 1977, her son discovered 60,000 of his mothers negatives in the Farley Farm attic. Much of Millers current standing is the result of her sons tireless efforts in promoting her legacy. While Miller and Ray had parted on bitter terms, they made up some years later and remained friends until Rays death in 1976. Miller was always generous in acknowledging her debt to Ray, and treasured the brief moment in time when they were working together as one. As seen in this exhibition, her life and career epitomise the urge to seize a moment of reality experienced by everyone who has ever held a camera but at levels of transcendent beauty, danger and horror that most of us will never have the opportunity or the need to contemplate. Lee Miller is on at Tate Britain from 2 October 2025 to 15 February 2026 Fastest-Growing Mouthwash Brand in the U.S.* Launches New Line of Dentist-Formulated, Clinically-Tested Toothpastes, Now Available for Purchase Online EWING, N.J., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The news is out of the tube! 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TheraBreath products are revolutionary because they attack the germs that cause bad breath. TheraBreath has grown to have an extensive line of oral care products that include addressing issues such as gum health, teeth whitening, cavity prevention, and dry mouth symptoms. SOURCE TheraBreath The BBC has addressed why a highly anticpated documentary billed as a moving and inspirational account of the last chapter of Ozzy Osbournes life was abruptly pulled from schedules, just hours before it was due to air. Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home had been set for broadcast on BBC One at 9pm on Monday (and on iPlayer), offering unique and intimate access to the legendary Black Sabbath frontman, his wife Sharon and their children Kelly and Jack. But in a last-minute shake-up, the one-off, hour-long programme disappeared from TV listings, replaced instead by an episode of Fake or Fortune?. Now, the broadcaster has said that it did so in order to respect his familys wishes and that they intend to reschedule it for a later date. The documentary was pulled from the BBCs schedule (PA Archive) A BBC spokesperson said in a statement: Our sympathies are with the Osbourne family at this difficult time. We are respecting the familys wishes to wait a bit longer before airing this very special film. The new TX (transmission) date will be confirmed shortly. It comes less than a month after Osbournes death on July 22 aged 76, reportedly from a heart attack. The rock stars passing came just weeks after a triumphant return to the stage in Birmingham for The Back To The Beginning farewell concert, where he reunited with fellow Black Sabbath members. The documentary, filmed over three years, promised to capture the Osbournes extraordinary rollercoaster as the family pursued their dream of moving back to Britain after more than two decades in the US. It follows Ozzys determination to get fit enough to perform one last time, despite battling Parkinsons disease since 2019 and the dramatic consequences of his ill health. Kelly Osbourne is heard in the film reflecting on her fathers decline with the poignant line: Iron Man wasnt really made of iron. The hour-long documentary was set to premiere on Monday evening at 9pm (PA Wire) BBC documentary chief Clare Sillery described the project earlier this month as an intimate glimpse into the familys journey, blending humour, reflection and family moments with the enduring spirit that made Ozzy a global icon. She said: We hope it brings comfort and joy to Ozzys fans as they remember and celebrate his extraordinary life. Producers Ben Wicks and Colin Barr, of Expectation, added: It was an incredible privilege to spend the last few years with Ozzy, as well as Sharon, Jack and Kelly. Ozzy wanted to make it back to the UK and appear on stage one last time our film is an inspiring and poignant account of him fulfilling that dream. Ozzy died in July from a suspected heart attack (PA) The documentary began life as a planned BBC series, Home To Roost, announced in 2022 and intended to chart the couples relocation from Los Angeles to rural Buckinghamshire. But as Osbournes health deteriorated, the concept was scaled back to a single, hour-long film. The rockers funeral in Birmingham last month drew fans from across the world. Thousands lined the streets as a cortege travelled through his hometown, with mourners leaving flowers, balloons and tributes at the Black Sabbath bench. Sharon and the couples children were seen in tears as they joined the crowds to say a final farewell. The BBC is expected to reveal new broadcast details for Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home in the coming weeks. The Wests fight?: Telegraph columnist Charles Moore shooting an AR15 at a firing range in Kyiv, Ukraine on May 16, 2023 - Heathcliff O'Malley Shortly after the local elections, in which the Conservative Party suffered one of its worst electoral defeats in living memory, I addressed a small group of shell-shocked Tories and warned them that the results indicated their party faced an existential challenge unlike any it had faced in its long history. To my astonishment, the post-speech discussion veered instantly towards the war in Ukraine and the US vice-presidents perceived incivility towards President Zelensky. Momentarily losing my composure, I accused them of suffering from Ukraine Brain and argued that polling in the run-up to the elections had made it unambiguously clear that the British people would rather its leaders prioritise the defence of Kent over the defence of Kiev [sic]. There followed a stunned silence that was broken eventually by an aggressively whispered Kyiv. The furious intensity with which so many Tories of a particular age follow every twist and turn of the Russia-Ukraine conflict even when staring in the face of electoral oblivion can be hard to understand. Perhaps the most plausible explanation is that it is psychological displacement, a way to sidestep the spectre of national decline by chasing the phantom of a geopolitical influence that has long since faded. The incident returned to my mind when reading Charles Moores bracing column last weekend, in which he warned that National Conservatives like the US vice-president and myself were, as the headline theatrically put it, flirting with a perverted patriotism that may yet lead to neo-fascism. In a Gallic modulation of Godwins Law, Moore claimed he had detected an echo of the Vichy slogan Famille, Travail, Patrie (Family, Work, Country) in the title of a speech I had given Faith, Family, Flag, Freedom in which I argued that the New Right should adopt a version of Augustines ordo amoris as the organising principle for a conservative politics of home and belonging. I did not mention Ukraine or Russia once, but my discussion of the importance of family and nationhood at a major conservative conference was to his mind evidence that I was a Petainiste and so, by extension, a Putiniste. He then cited my accurate observation that more people face penalties for free speech in Britain than in Russia as proof of my sympathy for the latter, when my point was to underscore the severity of Britains free-speech crisis by comparing it to the most notoriously oppressive regime I could think of. (And, in any event, to note that X is worse than Y in respect of Z is not to endorse Y in any respect.) Baffled though I was by his reasoning, I found it hard to disagree with Moores claim that a tension is indeed emerging across the Western world on the Right, on the neuralgic question of how to weigh national interest against risky and costly involvement in faraway conflicts. He was right too to note that the issue has become a key point of contention among National Conservatives, a global movement of the New Right numbering thousands of Right-wing politicians, academics, and commentators from dozens of countries. Where he went wrong was thinking that there is a single leading figure in the movement who does not unequivocally condemn Russias unprovoked violation of Ukraines sovereignty, or salute the extraordinary courage that nation has shown in defending itself against Putins shameless aggression. Some view support for Ukraine as a moral and strategic stand against authoritarianism and are convinced that appeasement through negotiations with Russia will only embolden further aggression. Others argue that Western support is prolonging an unwinnable war and inflicting far greater suffering and destruction on Ukraine than might have been avoided had peace negotiations been pursued more vigorously early on. The debate highlights the principled realism of the New Right, a realism that tries to balance the claims of justice with the competing priorities of nations affected in different ways and to different degrees by geopolitical conflict. Regrettably, that is an approach that seems to enrage the Old Right, which insists on refracting almost every geopolitical crisis through the prism of the 1930s and 1940s. Steeped in the post-war myths of British exceptionalism Chamberlains folly, Churchills heroism, the grit of the Blitz they insist on treating Putin as Hitler, Zelensky as Churchill, Ukraine as Poland, and any pursuit of peaceful resolution as the appeasement of a Chamberlain or the collaboration of a Petain. This mindset World War Two Brain, in the idiolect of the Right-wing Zoomers who are most mystified by it motivates hopelessly muddled thinking and ignores the realpolitik of Russias longstanding paranoia over Nato, the conflicts devastating effects on European energy prices, and the disastrous realignment of Russia with China. It is fuelling a confrontation that is inflicting damage on Ukraine from which it will take decades to recover, it is straining Britains resources amidst a flurry of domestic challenges unprecedented in living memory, and it is demonising voices calling for peace and restraint. Thankfully, this is a mindset that the US vice-president unequivocally rejects. He understands that dewy-eyed idealism and anachronistic analogies are a recipe for conflict and instability, and that America must pursue peace through strength as it navigates a multipolar world that could not be more different from the geopolitical landscape that vanished nearly a century ago. As for the emerging figures on Britains New Right, it is they alone who seem to understand that the time has come to rally behind politicians who will put Kent before Kyiv, Glasgow before Gaza, and Bournemouth before Beijing. Catherine Zeta-Jones says owning four homes with her husband, Michael Douglas, isnt excessive, describing their lifestyle as very comfortable. In a new interview with The Sunday Times Style, the Wednesday actor, 55, told the publication that she and Douglas own two properties in New York, one in Spain, and one in Canada. I know it sounds very jet set, and I love to surround myself with beauty but its not excessive, its very comfortable, she said. The actor also explained she and Douglas, 80, tend to spend most of their time in their Spain home these days, away from the spotlight. The couple first moved away from New York to Bermuda to raise their family. Zeta-Jones told Style: 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. I know it sounds very jet set, and I love to surround myself with beauty but its not excessive, its very comfortable, Zeta-Jones said (Getty Images) 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. She also 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. 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-Joness interview comes after her husbands announcement last month that he has no serious intentions of acting again, instead preferring to watch my wife work. Douglas the son of Kirk Douglas, famous for playing Spartacus in 1960 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. In response to his decision to retire, 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. A child infected with cholera receives treatment in the cholera isolation centre in Tawila - AFP Sudan is battling its worst cholera outbreak in years as hundreds of thousands of people fleeing violence crowd into unsanitary displacement camps. The outbreak, which is centred on Darfur in western Sudan, began last year but is now spreading at an unprecedented rate, said Adam Rojal, spokesperson of the General Coordination of Darfur Displaced People and Refugees organisation. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said its teams in Darfur had resorted to treating people on the floors of its medical centres and had seen over 2,300 cholera patients in the last week alone. At least 40 people died, it added. Water shortages across Darfur have made it impossible to follow essential hygiene measures, such as washing dishes and food, said MSF. At least 40 people have died in Sudans Darfur region in the past week Most of the cases have been reported in Tawila, north Darfur, where hundreds of thousands of people are living in cramped displacement camps with little access to sanitation or clean water. In Tawila, people have to make do with an average of three litres of water a day for all their drinking, cooking and hygiene less than half the emergency minimum of 7.5 litres recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), MSF said. Najla Adam Ahmed, a displaced person who is currently living in the Daba Nair camp in Tawila, told The Telegraph that people often have no choice but to drink from contaminated water sources. The water supply is very limited in some places and non-existent in otherswith so many people, there is bound to be dirt everywhere, she said. Cholera infected patients receive treatment in the cholera isolation centre in one of the displacement camps in Tawila, western Darfur - AFP Sylvain Penicaud, an MSF project coordinator in Tawila, said: Just two weeks ago, a body was found in a well inside one of the camps. It was removed, but within two days, people were forced to drink from that same water again Hawa Muhammad Mousa, 60, caught cholera and suffered diarrhoea, vomiting and a fever for six days. He said he feared he would die when he lost consciousness from the severity of the pain, before he received treatment at a local health centre. The conditions are critical and very difficult, said Mr Mousa, adding that the camp hes living in in Tawila has no toilets or sewage system. Cholera is caused by ingesting food or water contaminated by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which infects the intestines and makes them produce large quantities of fluid, leading to severe diarrhoea and vomiting. Two children share a makeshift hospital bed in a school repurposed to treat cholera patients in Jebel Marra - Adam Rojal Death can come rapidly without treatment but it can be treated by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes with a mixture of sugars and salts dissolved in water, or intravenous fluids. There is also an effective vaccine. Photographs shared with The Telegraph from a camp in Jebel Marra, about 18 miles southwest of Tawila, show multiple cholera patients per bed, with others sprawled on metal benches. Sudans civil war has been raging since April 2023, when violence erupted between Sudanese army chief General Abdel Farrah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan, the warlord better known as Hemedti, who leads the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. In addition to the four million people who have now fled Sudan, a record 11.6 million people have been displaced within the country, about half of whom are in the Darfur region. The recent surge in cholera cases in Darfur has been driven by a fresh wave of internal displacement that came after the RSF launched a major attack on the Zamzam displacement camp, where famine was officially declared a year ago, and laid siege to the nearby city of El Fasher. A woman with cholera lies on a bench in Jebel Marra, Darfur, due to the lack of available hospital beds amid a growing health crisis in the region Earlier this month Unicef estimated that the fighting in North Darfur had put over 640,000 children under the age of five at risk of hunger, violence and disease. More than 380,000 people who fled the violence have arrived in Tawila in recent months, straining already stretched healthcare in the camps there to breaking point. Sultanah Ismail Habib, 25, said she fled Zamzam camp at night in complete secrecy with her five children when she heard the sound of intense gunfire in all directions. She said she witnessed at least 20 people being killed by the RSF and many more dying of hunger and thirst on the 46-mile trek to Tawila. It was very difficult, and I had no means of transportation, she told The Telegraph. MSF said cholera cases are now spreading well beyond displacement camps and across Darfur and the rest of the country - Adam Rojal Adam Omar Hussein Abdullah, 38, said he couldnt sleep for three days after the RSF attacked and only reached Tawila with great effort and humiliation. RSF fighters beat him and stole all his belongings on the journey. Ive lost everything in this war, he said. Haja Youssef Saeed, 35, was trapped in El Fasher for six months before the abundance of disease and famine pushed her to travel to Tawila with her children by donkey and on foot. Ms Saeed said she saw many people dying from starvation in El Fasher, which is the Sudanese Armys last stronghold in the region, adding that people had resorted to eating animal feed to stay alive. Amira Al-Hajj Ali Abdullah nurses her young child at the Barqu displacement camp in Tawila - Asim Musa We wash it with water and eat it when we feel hungry, she said. There is no such thing as feeling full in El Fasher. The situation is not much better in Tawila, and she said she and her three children hadnt eaten since she arrived in the town three days earlier. In Tawila, heavy rains are deepening the crisis by destroying what little sewage infrastructure there is, leading to further contamination of the water supply. Tuna Turkmen, MSFs head of mission in Sudan, said the situation was beyond urgent, with cases now spreading well beyond displacement camps and across Darfur and the rest of the country. Sudan has reported nearly 100,000 suspected cases of cholera and more than 2,400 deaths since the outbreak was first declared more than a year ago. Experts have warned that the epidemic has already spread into neighbouring countries. In bordering Chad, 16 deaths and 288 cases were reported in the second week of August and South Sudan is also grappling with the worst and longest cholera outbreak in its history. Mr Turkman called on the Ministry of Health, Unicef and the WHO to launch an emergency international response at a pace that matches the urgency this catastrophic situation requires. Every day of delays costs livesSurvivors of war must not be left to die from a preventable disease, he said. *Additional reporting by Asim Mousa Muhammed Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with the UKs allies in the so-called coalition of the willing, amid a multinational push to guarantee Ukraines security once fighting stops in eastern Europe. Here, the PA news agency looks at who is in the coalition and what they can achieve: What is the coalition of the willing? At least 31 countries have signed up to help defend a peace deal in Ukraine, once one is struck, in an effort to ward off a future attack by Russia. The UK is among those willing, with the Government prepared to put boots on the ground and planes in the air, Sir Keir said when he unveiled plans for the coalition at Londons Lancaster House in March. But it is not the first of its kind. Former US president Bill Clinton suggested in 1994 that sanctions could be imposed by a so-called coalition of the willing, to quell North Koreas nuclear ambitions, and his successor George W Bush announced a similar alliance in the early-2000s to disarm the then-Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. Who has signed up? Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Finland and Italy have all indicated their willingness to defend a peace deal in Ukraine. They joined Donald Trump, who has not signed up to the coalition, and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House this month. A total 31 countries are in the coalition, according to the Governments National Security Strategy 2025. Beyond Europe, it has attracted support from the Canadian and Australian prime ministers Mark Carney and Anthony Albanese. Will British troops go to Ukraine? After Sir Keirs commitment to put boots on the ground and planes in the air together with others to militarily defend a peace deal, No 10 unveiled its support for a Multinational Force Ukraine, in an effort to help regenerate Ukraines own armed forces. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Military chiefs have previously met in Paris to agree a strategy for the force, and to coordinate plans with the EU, Nato, the US and more than 200 planners from 30 international partners. And in Washington, European leaders discussed early-stage proposals for a security guarantee, similar to Natos article five principle that an attack one member is an attack on the entire bloc. What has the coalition achieved? The coalition of the willing has been successful in advocating for Ukraine and communicating with Trump and the US administration during its outreach to Russia, says Edward Arnold from the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) think tank. Moreover, it has undertaken lengthy military planning and has established a leadership and command structure. However, much remains uncertain, especially the nature of any agreed ceasefire or whether a broader peace process is on the cards. But the USs commitment is far from certain, he told the PA news agency, and warned that European planners cannot progress the planning until the US position is agreed. What is Natos role? Natos Mark Rutte has attended meetings of the coalition of the willing, and Mr Trump appeared pleased with his efforts at their meeting when he described the secretary general as a great, great political leader. But Mr Arnold warned that an article five-style mutual defence deal could amount to de facto membership of the bloc for Ukraine, something which Russian president Vladimir Putin is unlikely to agree to. He said: Nato article five-style guarantees are being talked about but Nato is a unique alliance which is not able to be replicated for Ukraine. Moreover, if any coalition of the willing member signed a mutual defence clause with Ukraine, and then Ukraine was attacked further, that could conceivably draw that Nato member into direct conflict with Russia, thereby potentially triggering article five. Sir Keir has welcomed some sort of article five-style guarantees, which he said fits with some of the coalitions work, and Mr Trump who met Mr Putin in an Alaska summit claimed Moscow will accept multinational efforts to guarantee Ukraines security. A Checkpoint Charlie situation has been created by London councils making contrasting decisions on licensing electric bikes, a comedian said (Lucy North/PA) Conflicting council decisions on electric bike licensing have created a "Checkpoint Charlie" situation near London bridges, according to comedian Dara O Briain. The Irish stand-up highlighted the issue of e-bikes "stacking up" at river crossings between the boroughs of Hounslow and Richmond in west London. Hounslow has granted permission for Forest and Vois e-bikes to operate within its boundaries, while Richmond has licensed rival company Lime. This disparity means riders face a "patchwork of boundaries", preventing seamless travel across boroughs. Lime, one of the rental companies, has urged councils to collaborate to resolve the issue. The electric motor of Lime e-bikes cuts out if they approach Hounslow (Lucy North/PA) The latter said it has agreed to a request by Hounslow for its bikes electric motors to cut out if riders enter the borough. This causes the bikes to become heavy to ride, resulting in many users ending their trips. The PA news agency saw about 30 bikes near the southern entrance to Chiswick Bridge on Monday night. Hounslow council have banned Lime bikes, and licensed Forest and Voi; neighbouring Richmond has licensed Lime and banned the others. So every bridge is Checkpoint Charlie, with loads of Lime bikes parked on one side and loads of Forest and Voi on the other. Top work everyone! Dara O Briain (@daraobriain) August 17, 2025 Some were parked appropriately to the side of pavements, but others had been thrown in bushes or tipped over. O Briain, 53, likened the issue to the Checkpoint Charlie border crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. In a post on social media platform X, he wrote: Hounslow Council have banned Lime bikes, and licensed Forest and Voi; neighbouring Richmond has licensed Lime and banned the others. So every bridge is Checkpoint Charlie, with loads of Lime bikes parked on one side and loads of Forest and Voi on the other. Top work everyone! Dara O Briain (Matt Crossick/PA) Richard Dilks, chief executive of shared transport charity CoMoUK, said: This rather bizarre set of circumstances is an unfortunate outcome of the current situation in London, where regulation of bike sharing schemes is decided at borough level. He said the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill going through Parliament could make Transport for London the capitals licensing authority for rental e-bikes, enabling a more coherent pan-London approach to be designed. A spokesperson for Lime said the existing scenario is frustrating for riders. She said: Weve already been contacted by many of them who are disappointed at the new rules. They should not have to experience London as a patchwork of boundaries. We want to see councils work together so that residents can travel seamlessly across boroughs, without having to stop at borders. Alex Berwin, head of policy at Forest, said the issue is exactly why we have been calling for a pan-London approach to regulation. He went on: We need a single regulatory framework, one enforcement model and one operational rulebook across the capital, whilst ensuring services support the local needs of each borough. A Voi spokesperson said its users are free to cycle across borough boundaries, but parking must be in designated bays within participating areas. He added: Were working with local leaders and TfL towards a London-wide scheme to make cross-borough journeys simpler. Rental e-bike companies say they encourage people to switch from cars to a more sustainable form of travel, but there have been long-standing concerns about users blocking pavements with the bikes after they finish their rides. A spokesperson for Hounslow Council said: The issue of neighbouring boroughs having different e-bike operators is not unique to Hounslow. This is an issue at many boundaries wherever there is a change in operator. E-bike service areas are dynamic, with boroughs deciding to review operators at different points. We recognise that a borough-by-borough approach can be confusing for users and we continue to work closely with Transport for London and neighbouring boroughs to make the case to the Department for Transport for a pan-London approach. In the meantime, we are bringing in new measures to ensure e-bikes are better managed when left at the end of a journey. Daniel Farke revealed he almost took the ball off Lukas Nmecha before the substitutes late penalty secured Leeds a winning return to the Premier League against Everton. Summer signing Nmecha, a free transfer from Wolfsburg, held his nerve to bury his 84th-minute spot kick just six minutes after stepping off the bench to replace Joel Piroe to clinch Leeds a deserved 1-0 victory at Elland Road. Farke said: I was a bit worried. Hes on the sheet for taking penalties, but as a substitute, he needed more touches and I was thinking of stepping in there and taking the ball off him. Leeds United manager Daniel Farke celebrates victory as his side clinches a win over Everton (Danny Lawson/PA) Thank God I calmed myself down and he prove me right with an ice-cold finish. He deserves today to be in the spotlight after not the easiest of periods in these last few years. Nmecha struggled with injuries in his last two seasons in the Bundesliga and has gone under the radar since becoming the first of Leeds eight summer signings so far. Hes been excellent, Farke said. Hes won caps for Germany, but his last couple of seasons were pretty much interrupted with injury. Its always a bit risky to bring such a player in, but this was the reason he was a free transfer, more or less a bargain. Just with this important goal, that is worth three points, hes paid everything back but we didnt pay for him! Hes a great guy, a hard worker, pretty physical attributes for the Premier League. Leeds dominated for long periods against Everton and Farke added: Overall, in a tight game, a hard-fought win, but also a well-deserved win. I think for a newly promoted side, it was an outstanding performance. We were very dominant in the first half. Nearly 70 per cent possession, 12 shots, I think 21 in total. Everton boss David Moyes admitted his sides display did not warrant a point, but did not believe Leeds should have been awarded a penalty. Toffees skipper James Trakowski appeared to lean into Leeds debutant Anton Stachs deflected shot and although his arms were by his side, the ball struck his upper arm and referee Chris Kavanaghs decision was upheld by VAR. Moyes said: Im obviously going to say its not a penalty and I believe its not a penalty. Ive been to see the referee. The referee sort of (had) nothing to do with it, he thought it was to do with VAR, the decision theyve made. Moyes added: I actually think the referees have had a poor weekend in the opening weekend. I think there have been a lot of (poor) decisions and tonights is another one. When asked about his sides display, Moyes added: We improved a bit in the second half, but I wasnt impressed by how we played at all. Ive got to give great credit to Leeds. I thought they were incredibly intense, certainly for the first 30 minutes. Sanchez (right) speaking at a press conference in Caceres, Extremadura, on Tuesday. He said difficult hours still lay ahead in tackling the fires. Photograph: Eduardo Palomo/EPA The wildfires that have devoured 382,000 hectares of land in Spain and killed four people underscore the need to readjust and recalibrate the countrys preparation and response capacities as part of a non-partisan effort to tackle the impacts of the climate emergency, the prime minister has warned. Speaking during a visit to the south-western region of Extremadura on Tuesday, Pedro Sanchez said that while the record-breaking 16-day heatwave that had fanned the flames was over, difficult hours lay ahead as firefighters continued to battle huge blazes across parts of the country. The prime minister said the wildfires and last years disastrous floods in the eastern region of Valencia were clear proof that the climate emergency was hitting Spain harder and harder each year. According to Spains Carlos III public health institute, 1,149 excess deaths across the country between 3 August and 18 August are likely to have been linked to the heatwave. We need to prepare and be better equipped with mechanisms and tools so that we can mitigate the effects of these climate emergencies when they happen, said Sanchez. The climate emergency is getting worse and more recurrent each year, and the effects of that emergency are accelerating each year. Related: Unlike any other kind of fear: wildfires leave their mark across Spain He said that when he had spoken to people affected by the fires, they had told him that they expected a non-ideological approach to the climate emergency that went beyond four-year governmental terms. For all the scientific predictions about how the climate emergency would apparently evolve, were seeing that its getting worse and hitting much harder each year, particularly across the Iberian peninsula, he said. We need to readjust and recalibrate both our response and prevention capacities. The prime minister, who has already called for a state pact to address the climate emergency, said he would outline his plan early next month. If the climate emergency is getting worse each year, we need to move beyond legislatures and turn climate emergency policies into state policies that bind all our institutions and all those that govern, he added. The response to the wildfires across many of Spains self-governing regions has been beset with familiar political arguments. The opposition conservative Peoples party (PP) has accused Sanchez of touting the pact as a means to deflect criticism of what it claims has been his poor handling of the crisis. State pacts dont put out the flames, nor do they restore whats been lost, a PP spokesperson said on Monday. People were expecting a lot more than a smokescreen designed to save his reputation after hed gone missing for a week. The PPs leader, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, said the prime minister had ignored repeated calls for more troops to be sent to the hardest-hit areas and had failed to invest sufficiently in prevention. Sanchezs duty is to send help, not to skimp and always improvise, he said on Tuesday. Police in Spain have arrested 32 people for suspected arson since 1 June, while 93 others are under investigation, according to the interior ministry. Thousands of firefighters are still tackling blazes in neighbouring Portugal, where wildfires have claimed two lives and burned about 235,000 hectares of land. This article was amended on 19 August 2025. An earlier graphic said incorrectly that wildfires in Spain had burned more land this year than in any year on record. This has been replaced. Dogs Hilarious Mission To Save Her Ball From Pool Is Absolutely Riveting originally appeared on PetHelpful. Some dogs chase tennis balls as though their lives depend on it. They run full throttle, they leap, they jump into pools, rivers and lakes without a second thought. And then there's this dog. She decided that the bright yellow ball floating in the pool needed a special touch. It's not just a toy--it's a puzzle of immense complication, requiring the precision of a surgeon, and the patience of a saint. And she's here to provide it all! She doesn't rush, she doesn't dive. She takes the slowest (and I do mean SLOWEST), most cautious approach ever witnessed in canine history. But by the end, you will be so emotionally invested in her successful retrieving of this ball, you'll be on the edge of your seat, rooting her on. I love how you can practically hear her thought process as her little paw reaches out: 'Not yet. Nope. Maybe now? Uhh, no. Maybe if I do this?' And the dog next to her, are they watching, providing moral support, or just so frustrated they're about to grab the ball themselves? It's hard to say! That moment, when she finally grabs it, and turns away, ball in mouth, tail wagging with absolute joy, is just too perfect. Viewers were all wrapped up in this drama. One said, 'Yes! I kept thinking please don't fall in.' Another commented, 'Love all the cheering at the end, and very well deserved. It was a great effort.' Heroic Dogs Throughout Time History proves that dogs have been more than companions--they've been heroes. In 1925, Balto led a sled team through brutal Alaskan blizzards to deliver life-saving medicine. During World War I, a Pit Bull named Stubby became a decorated war dog, warning soldiers of gas attacks and even capturing a German spy. Related: Heroic Dog Guides Missing 2-Year-Old 7 Miles to Safety After Boy Got Lost in the Night Search-and-rescue dogs have pulled survivors from earthquakes and other disasters. Police dogs help to apprehend criminals, detect drugs and other crime scene evidence, and search for lost victims. Therapy dogs quietly perform acts of bravery daily--offering comfort, hope, and safety. This pup's achievement may not be as celebrated, but her skill in pulling it off, and her utter determination make it just as impressive! Dogs Hilarious Mission To Save Her Ball From Pool Is Absolutely Riveting first appeared on PetHelpful on Aug 19, 2025 This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared. A Checkpoint Charlie situation has been created near London bridges by councils making contrasting decisions on licensing electric bikes, a comedian said. Irish stand-up Dara O Briain complained that e-bikes are stacking up at river crossings between the boroughs of Hounslow and Richmond in the west of the capital. Lime, one of the rental companies involved, urged councils to collaborate so riders can travel seamlessly across boroughs rather than face a patchwork of boundaries. The electric motor of Lime e-bikes cuts out if they approach Hounslow (Lucy North/PA) Hounslow has given permission for Forest and Vois e-bikes to be used in its area, while Richmond has licensed rival company Lime. The latter said it has agreed to a request by Hounslow for its bikes electric motors to cut out if riders enter the borough. This causes the bikes to become heavy to ride, resulting in many users ending their trips. The PA news agency saw about 30 bikes near the southern entrance to Chiswick Bridge on Monday night. Hounslow council have banned Lime bikes, and licensed Forest and Voi; neighbouring Richmond has licensed Lime and banned the others. So every bridge is Checkpoint Charlie, with loads of Lime bikes parked on one side and loads of Forest and Voi on the other. Top work everyone! Dara O Briain (@daraobriain) August 17, 2025 Some were parked appropriately to the side of pavements, but others had been thrown in bushes or tipped over. O Briain, 53, likened the issue to the Checkpoint Charlie border crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. In a post on social media platform X, he wrote: Hounslow Council have banned Lime bikes, and licensed Forest and Voi; neighbouring Richmond has licensed Lime and banned the others. So every bridge is Checkpoint Charlie, with loads of Lime bikes parked on one side and loads of Forest and Voi on the other. Top work everyone! Dara O Briain (Matt Crossick/PA) Richard Dilks, chief executive of shared transport charity CoMoUK, said: This rather bizarre set of circumstances is an unfortunate outcome of the current situation in London, where regulation of bike sharing schemes is decided at borough level. He said the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill going through Parliament could make Transport for London the capitals licensing authority for rental e-bikes, enabling a more coherent pan-London approach to be designed. A spokesperson for Lime said the existing scenario is frustrating for riders. She said: Weve already been contacted by many of them who are disappointed at the new rules. They should not have to experience London as a patchwork of boundaries. We want to see councils work together so that residents can travel seamlessly across boroughs, without having to stop at borders. Alex Berwin, head of policy at Forest, said the issue is exactly why we have been calling for a pan-London approach to regulation. He went on: We need a single regulatory framework, one enforcement model and one operational rulebook across the capital, whilst ensuring services support the local needs of each borough. A Voi spokesperson said its users are free to cycle across borough boundaries, but parking must be in designated bays within participating areas. He added: Were working with local leaders and TfL towards a London-wide scheme to make cross-borough journeys simpler. Rental e-bike companies say they encourage people to switch from cars to a more sustainable form of travel, but there have been long-standing concerns about users blocking pavements with the bikes after they finish their rides. A spokesperson for Hounslow Council said: The issue of neighbouring boroughs having different e-bike operators is not unique to Hounslow. This is an issue at many boundaries wherever there is a change in operator. E-bike service areas are dynamic, with boroughs deciding to review operators at different points. We recognise that a borough-by-borough approach can be confusing for users and we continue to work closely with Transport for London and neighbouring boroughs to make the case to the Department for Transport for a pan-London approach. In the meantime, we are bringing in new measures to ensure e-bikes are better managed when left at the end of a journey. Councillor Alexander Ehmann, chairman of Richmond Councils Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: Hounslows recent decision seems to have underestimated the impact on riders to and from neighbouring boroughs, including Richmond. Local authorities should be working to make active travel options easier, not more complicated. Former leader at Gates Foundation and Johns Hopkins will head WRF following current CEO Tom Daniel's retirement in October 2025 SEATTLE, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington Research Foundation (WRF) has appointed Dr. Orin S. Levine as its new President and CEO. Dr. Levine is an internationally recognized leader in public health and innovation who has been tapped to join WRF on October 6 following the retirement of current President and CEO Dr. Tom Daniel. Dr. Orin S. Levine Dr. Levine brings more than two decades of experience in bridging science, policy and philanthropy to his leadership of WRF, which has a mission to improve the lives of people in Washington state and beyond through its grants and investments in local life sciences research and commercialization efforts. WRF awarded nearly $16 million in grants to nonprofit research institutions in Washington state during its most recent fiscal year, and has provided more than $182 million in total grants since its founding in 1981. Dr. Levine's career includes roles in philanthropy, academia and government. In his most recent full-time role, Dr. Levine served as a senior leader at the Gates Foundationfirst as Director of Vaccine Delivery, then as Senior Director of the Global Delivery Programoverseeing global immunization and primary healthcare initiatives. He represented the Gates Foundation for nine years on the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) initiative. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and the Board of Trustees for the Sabin Vaccine Institute. Dr. Levine's career began in 1994 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an officer in the Epidemic Intelligence Service and then as a staff epidemiologist in the Respiratory Diseases Branch, after graduating with a Ph.D. in epidemiology from Johns Hopkins University. Following five years of CDC service, Dr. Levine joined the National Institutes of Health as an epidemiologist, working on pneumococcal vaccines in the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases. In 2002, he joined the Department of International Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health where he cofounded the International Vaccine Access Center with Professor Katherine O'Brien, M.D., dedicated to accelerating vaccine access for children in low-income countries. The program secured more than $100 million in grants from the Gates Foundation and Gavi under their leadership. He left the university as a full tenured Professor in 2012. Dr. Levine has held a number of other leadership roles including presiding over the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene's Committee on Global Health and leading one of the key committees of the Decade of Vaccines Collaboration. Dr. Daniel has led WRF since 2022, during which time he shaped and implemented the Foundation's ambitious five-year strategic plan and oversaw approximately $44 million in grant disbursements. "Under Tom's leadership, WRF has become a widely recognized philanthropic organization in the region's life sciences space," Brooks Simpson, WRF's Board Chair, said. "Now we look forward to Orin's time at the helm, and a continuation of this trajectory with our collaborators and partners at a time when state and federal budgets are being challenged. Orin's experience and exceptional leadership on the global healthcare stage will serve WRF and the region well as we navigate these uncharted waters. Thank you, Tom, for your stewardship over the past three years, and welcome, Orin." "I love innovation and WRF has a remarkable legacy of helping researchers turn bold ideas into innovations that improve lives," Dr. Levine said. "I'm excited by the organization's ambition and for the opportunity to work with the team and our partners to help Washington's life sciences ecosystem reach even greater heights." About Washington Research Foundation: Washington Research Foundation (WRF) supports research and scholarship in Washington state, with a focus on life sciences and enabling technologies. WRF was founded in 1981 to assist universities and other nonprofit research institutions in Washington with the commercialization and licensing of their technologies. WRF became one of the foremost technology transfer organizations in the nation, earning more than $445 million in licensing revenue for the University of Washington. To date, WRF has provided over $182 million in grants to the state's research institutions. WRF Capital, the investment vehicle for Washington Research Foundation, has backed 132 local startups since 1996. Returns support the Foundation's grantmaking and investment programs. For additional information, please visit wrfseattle.org. Media contact: Dale Wadman Email: [email protected] Phone: (206) 336-5600 SOURCE WASHINGTON RESEARCH FOUNDATION East London tower block residents have hit out at the state of their flats after being left with a string of maintenance issues including no access to running water during last weeks heatwave. Four blocks in the Tower Hamlets based Sutton Wharf development were left with no running water for 15 hours during Londons fourth heatwave of the year which saw the city reach sweltering temperatures of up to 27C, residents said. Water in the Graphite Point building stopped working at around 1am on Wednesday morning and was restored by 4pm that day, it has been claimed. Residents claimed no clear communication or alternative sources of water were provided by the housing association Guinness Partnership, who manage the development, in the 15 hours they were left without running water. The Guinness Partnership deny these claims, saying they contacted all residents to say on site contractors would hand out water to any residents. Phil Stone on his balcony waiting for water to be restored to his flat (Charlotte Ambrose) Phil Stone, 68, who has owned and lived in his Sutton Wharf flat since 2016 said: Weve really had nothing but problems over the last ten years. The latest of which is we dont have any water at all toilets dont flush, showers dont work, we have no running water in the flat and that problem applies to the whole development of around 300 homes. His three-bedroom flat which cost over 820,000 in the Graphite Point building is one of four blocks in the development. These complaints come after the Guinness Partnership recently came under fire from residents in Leaside Lock, a mixed-use private and social housing development also located in Tower Hamlets, who complained of the unbearably sweltering temperatures in their flats and warned others not to buy in the development. Mr Stone claimed Guinness properties are creating east Londons slums of tomorrow. He said: Guinness has put no effort into wanting people to remain as residents here, and that he feels trapped in his home, saying he is unable to sell it due to the building having previously failed fire safety regulations. The Guinness Partnership deny this claim and told the Standard any resident who wants to sell is provided with a Landlord Relief Letter enabling sale pending issue of EWS1 forms. The fire safety failure in Graphite Point occurred after regulations on cladding changed in 2023, following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017 in which 72 people lost their lives. When new regulations were enforced, the cladding on Graphite Point was removed. Several residents said this made living in the block feel like a building site. Ongoing cladding removal work on Regalia Point and Titanium Point due to finish in 2026 (Charlotte Ambrose) The cladding removal across all four blocks is a gradual multi-year project which started in February 2023 and is set to finish in March 2026. Mr Stone said during the project every brick in Graphite Point had to be replaced after it was discovered that they had been laid upside down by the original developer to save cement, which if left would cause structural issues including bricks coming loose within 15 years. A spokesperson for The Guinness Partnership said the housing association purchased the four blocks from external developers and that they did not build them. Guinness is currently working to remediate the cladding and any other building defects. In the last 10 years of owning his flat, Mr Stone said he has experienced a string of maintenance issues including his front fire door being breached by incorrect drilling in 2018 which was contracted by the Guinness Partnership, multiple failures of the ventilation systems which facilitates airflow throughout the building and security issues including the front doors and gates failing to work on several occasions. A Guinness spokesperson said: We carry out inspection of fire doors, including flat front doors, in line with the requirements of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. Mr Stone said he has lodged over 15 formal complaints to the Guinness Partnership but does not feel they are ever taken seriously or resolved. Ninth floor residents Jack Jacob (left) and Will Tyyrell (right) (Charlotte Ambrose) Ninth floor Graphite Point residents Jack Jacob, 30, and Will Tyrrell, 30, similarly said they received no communication or alternative sources of water from Guinness during the water shortage last week. Mr Jacob, who works as a product manager, said: This has disrupted my whole day. Mr Tyrrell, a medical researcher, said: Im a healthy, able-bodied thirty-year-old male, this hasnt really affected me and I dont really think about if Im safe. But if I were a more vulnerable person, like someone with disabilities or a young child, this would affect me more. He said he also had the water to his bathrooms cut off for a number of weeks in June. A spokesperson for the Guinness Partnership confirmed two cisterns were out of service for three weeks and apologised to residents for the inconvenience. The renters said when they first moved into their flat their fire alarm was disconnected for a week and one of their windows was incorrectly fitted which was not resolved for over three months. Guinness told the Standard the renters are not their tenants and that they are expected to have raised issues with their landlord at the time who would have taken responsibility for the problems. Other Graphite Point residents, including 25-year-old Abby who works in charity events and 37-year-old Lisa who works as a business development director, said they had no communication from Guinness about the water shortage or alternative water supplies. In a statement to the Standard, the Guinness Partnership said they strongly rejected claims that the towers are future slums. A spokesperson said: "We are sorry that not all residents have always had a good experience. Over the last six years, we have received 101 complaints from residents across the 267 homes at Suttons Wharf, an average of 16/17 a year (not all of which are about services which we are responsible for providing). It is correct that there is one resident who has lodged over 15 formal complaints. We take all complaints seriously and have done our very best to respond to his concerns. We are investing over 40 million to significantly improve the buildings including remediating issues in the developers original construction. We are also upgrading the communal areas in each building, as we complete remediation works to each block. This reflects our commitment to both the safety and the attractiveness of the scheme. Guinness did not build these properties, we purchased them from the developer. Any deficiencies in the brickwork are being addressed as we are replacing all bricks as part of our remediation works. Frequently used communal elements of a building will malfunction or break from time to time. The Guinness Partnership said when the water in Graphite Point stopped working: We contacted all residents on the morning of 13 August and again in the early afternoon of 13 August. There have been ten incidents of electrical, heating or hot water issues over the last two years affecting some residents, but not all residents (or all buildings). Four of these were resolved the same day, the remainder were resolved within 48 hours. We have made improvements to the pumps on the site to improve the system, and have additional works planned which should further enhance this. A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said the council does not have any involvement with the development. Thames Water have been contacted for comment about the water supply. Police investigate a double shooting of two men on 18 August 2025. Photograph: Andrew Leyden/Getty Images Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that Washington DC police systematically manipulated crime statistics to make the city appear safer than it actually is. The probe, anonymous sources tell the Washington Post, NBC News and Fox News, being conducted by the US attorneys office for the District of Columbia under Jeanine Pirro, is the latest escalation between the Trump administration and DC officials over federal control of local policing. The justice department did not respond to a request for comment on the investigation. Related: January 6 police dismiss Trumps newfound zeal to tackle violence in DC Trump somewhat confirmed the investigation on Monday, writing on social media that DC provided fake crime numbers to create a false illusion of safety and officials were under serious investigation. The federal investigation reportedly started after Cmdr Michael Pulliam was suspended in May by the Metropolitan police department for allegedly altering crime data. The local NBC station reported last month that Pulliam, the former commander of Washington DCs 3rd district that patrols the Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights neighborhoods, faced accusations from the police union of falsifying data, including misreporting stabbings and carjackings as lesser offenses. Pulliam denies the charges. But federal prosecutors are now examining potential wrongdoing by multiple police and city officials, according to law enforcement sources. DCs mayor, Muriel Bowser, has repeatedly cited police data showing violent crime down by 27% over the last year to argue against Trumps federal takeover of local police. The department has separately reported that violent crime fell by 35% in 2024. The chief of DCs police union, Gregg Pemberton who supports federal control calls both sets of statistics preposterous, and said officers know the reality on the streets. We go call to call to call robbery to carjacking to stabbing to shooting, Pemberton told NBC News Washington last week. Crime is ubiquitous in every quadrant of the city. Pemberton claimed that Washington DC police have a directive to underreport violent crimes. What weve heard through our members and through members of management that were willing to talk with the union is that this is a directive from the command staff that they wanna make sure that these classifications of these reports are adjusted over time to make sure that the overall crime stats stay down, he told NBC. And this is deliberately done. A crew of Connecticut firefighters was forced to cut open a childrens playground slide to release a middle-aged man stuck inside (Town of Vernon Fire Department) A crew of Connecticut firefighters was forced to cut open a childrens playground slide to release a middle-aged man stuck inside. It was an interesting Saturday afternoon for the Town of Vernon Fire Department. Shortly after 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, firefighters and other emergency responders were called to a local elementary school where a 40-year-old man got stuck in a twisty tube slide. The man was found feet and head first in the middle of the slide, the fire department said in a Facebook post. To get the man out of a slippery, or rather not slippery enough, situation, the fire department had to call for additional manpower and equipment. A crew of Connecticut firefighters was forced to cut open a childrens playground slide to release a middle-aged man stuck inside (Town of Vernon Fire Department) EMS personnel provided oxygen to the patient who was in extreme discomfort and the hot temperatures were of concern as well, the fire department said. To help cool down the inside the slide emergency personnel set up ventilation. Firefighters were able to take apart the slide and free the man within 30 minutes. The fire department made sure to document the incident, snapping a photo of the man in a fetal position inside the slide, before pulling him out. Firefighters were able to take apart the slide and free the man, who was in a fetal position, within 30 minutes (Town of Vernon Fire Department) He was evaluated by medical professionals at the playground but refused to go to the hospital for treatment. While this is a unique call for service for the fire department, the professionalism shown on scene was exemplary, the fire department said. Its unclear why the man went down the slide in the first place or how he got himself into the situation. The Independent has reached out to the fire department for more details. The man was evaluated by medical professionals at the playground but refused to go to the hospital for treatment (Town of Vernon Fire Department) Facebook users couldnt help but make light of the situation. One person commented on the fire departments post: The firefighters were not gunna let that one slide. He's going to wish they left him there. How do you live that down? another said. A third wrote: So curious how he ended up feet and head first Florence And The Machine are to release their first studio album in three years on Halloween named Everybody Scream. The Florence Welch-fronted indie pop group, whose last album Dance Fever was released in May 2022, will release their sixth album on record, CD and cassette as well as on streaming on October 31. It comes after Welch, 38, teased new music by posting a video on her personal Instagram account of herself digging a hole before looking down and screaming into it, and a video of herself walking across a field. The new album was announced with a picture of its cover posted to Instagram, which shows Welch reclining in a black-and-white outfit, and is currently available for pre-order. The bands last record reached number one on the UK albums chart, and they also released the live album Symphony Of Lungs, recorded at the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall with Jules Buckley and his Orchestra, in 2024. Dance Fever featured the singles King, My Love and Free. Last year, Camberwell-born Welch joined Taylor Swift on stage at Wembley Stadium during the US pop stars Eras Tour to perform their collaboration Florida!!!, with Swift describing the moment as unforgettable. The pair are long-term friends. Beginning their career in 2007, Florence And The Machine have had four UK number one albums in Lungs (2009), Ceremonials (2011), How Big How Blue How Beautiful (2015), and Dance Fever, as well as two UK number one singles. The band are best known for songs such as Dog Days Are Over, You Got The Love and Shake It Out. Florence And The Machine, who were formed in London, are currently completed by Isabella Summers, Robert Ackroyd, Tom Monger, Cyrus Bayandor, Aku Orraca-Tetteh, Dionne Douglas, and Loren Humphrey. The band have not toured since 2023. A Florida man was arrested after police say he intentionally set off sprinklers aimed at his disabled neighbors drenching them twice a day for a year because he was upset about their bus stop location. Antonio Roman, 61, was arrested Sunday, August 17, at his home in Ocala, a central Florida city about 38 miles south of Gainesville, the Marion County Sheriffs Office said. Deputies were first called to the home on April 30, after a neighbor reported that Roman had been using a surveillance system and sprinklers to intentionally spray the family next door since August 8, 2024. Roman activated his sprinkler system twice a day when two of the victims, who are children with special needs, were being loaded and unloaded from their school bus. The father of the two victims eventually started wearing swimming attire to shield his children from the sprinklers as he helped them to and from their bus, the sheriffs office said. Antonio Roman was arrested after police say he intentionally set off sprinklers aimed at his disabled neighbors as they got on and off their bus in Ocala, Florida. (The Marion County Sheriff's Office) Investigators conducted surveillance of Romans home and confirmed the sprinkler system was directly pointed at the school bus stop. Deputies also observed that the system would activate when the bus arrived and turn off promptly after it drove away. When authorities contacted Roman, he told them he was upset that the school bus stop utilized part of his driveway for the wheelchair ramp one of the victims needed. When confronted about using the surveillance cameras to track the arrival time and manually activating the sprinklers, Roman admitted that he did this because he was upset that the bus was on [his] side, the sheriffs office said in a release. Deputies then issued an arrest warrant for Roman, who was at a second home outside of Florida at the time. When he returned, he contacted the sheriffs office to turn himself in and was taken to the Marion County Jail. Roman was charged with four counts of stalking, two counts of battery on a disabled person and two counts of battery. Roman bonded out of jail on Tuesday. He is due back in court on September 16. Donald Trump hosts Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House amid intense diplomatic efforts to end Russias war in Ukraine. Photograph: Shutterstock Donald Trump has hosted leaders from across Europe as part of a flurry of diplomacy to find a path to peace in Ukraine. Coming just days after a disappointing summit with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska, the pressure was on to make headway in a years-long conflict that the US president once said he could solve in 24 hours. Below are some key points arising from the US presidents range of bilateral and multilateral talks with the leaders of Ukraine, Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Finland, the European Union and Nato. A meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin ... could it finally happen? A bilateral meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin is something the Russian president has always resisted, urging for a list of conditions to be met first, but the possibility may now be nearer than ever. Donald Trump said after the White House talks: I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two presidents, plus myself. According to the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, Putin told Trump in a call during Mondays White House meeting that he was ready to meet Zelenskyy within the next two weeks. For his part, Zelenskyy reiterated on Monday that he was ready for talks with Putin. Merz and the Finnish president, Alexander Stubb, both offered some pointed language on the topic, saying in separate press conferences that it remained to be seen if the Russian president had the courage to go ahead with the meeting. Stubb said: Putin is rarely to be trusted. So far, the Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov has said only that Putin and Trump discussed the idea of raising the level of representatives at Ukraine talks. Ushakov, in his comments late on Monday, did not specify what he meant by raising the level at meetings, and did not address the possibility of a trilateral meeting between the leaders. Need for security guarantees agreed but details unclear Although Trump poured cold water on the importance of a ceasefire, he did offer hope on US involvement in helping guarantee Ukraines future security. After welcoming Zelenskyy to the White House, he said: When it comes to security, theres going to be a lot of help, even if European countries need to be a first line of defence. Later, Trump said in a post that these guarantees would be coordinated with the US. On Monday morning, Zelenskyy described security guarantees as a key issue, a starting point towards ending the war and appreciated Trumps indication that the US was ready to be part of that guarantee. Zelenskyy said those guarantees would be formalised in some way in the next week or 10 days, which can prove to be a long time when it comes to diplomacy involving Trumps White House. In a social media post late on Monday, Trump said the White House talks included plans for European countries to provide security assurances to Ukraine, with the US acting as coordinator. As western leaders discussed security guarantees at the White House, Russias foreign ministry issued a statement rejecting any prospect of Nato personnel being deployed in Ukraine. We reaffirm our categorical opposition to any scenarios involving the stationing of a Nato contingent in Ukraine, the ministry said. Trump believes he is very good at solving conflicts The US presidents desire for a Nobel peace prize is well known who can forget the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity established as part of a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan this month and it seemed clearly in his mind during his Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy. The peacemaker-in-chief said he had ended six wars since he became president, with his administration claiming to have helped settle the conflicts between Israel and Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Cambodia and Thailand, India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Egypt and Ethiopia. But, as Andrew Roth explains, it is a claim that stretches the realities on the ground. A potential boost for the US arms industry Trumps approach to foreign crises is peppered with efforts to find a way to establish economic opportunity for US industry, and Ukraine may be no different if a deal is finalised. Zelenskyy has, after all, previously had to negotiate the US presidents desire for Ukraines critical minerals as part of his rivalry with China. On Monday, Zelenskyy indicated that the price of obtaining security guarantees from the US included a pledge to buy $90bn of US weapons, primarily aircraft and air defence systems. He added that the US would also buy into Ukraines drone program, an area in which it has made significant strides since Russias full-scale invasion began. Earlier, the Financial Times reported that the drone deal was worth $50bn. Asylum seekers are set to be moved out of a protest-hit hotel in Epping after a judge temporarily blocked them from being housed there. Epping Forest District Council won an interim High Court injunction to stop asylum seekers being housed at The Bell Hotel, arguing it had become a feeding ground for unrest in recent weeks after a series of violent protests resulted in multiple arrests and saw police officers injured. Home secretary Yvette Cooper made a last-minute attempt on Tuesday to halt their removal, arguing that other councils would make similar applications for migrant accommodation in their areas. However, Mr Justice Eyre dismissed her application and has given the council until 12 September to move asylum seekers out of the hotel. Somani Hotels Limited, which runs the hotel, can apply to the Court of Appeal to try to reverse the decision. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the ruling as a moment of relief for the people of Epping, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said it was a victory for the mums and dads in the local area, who just want their children to be safe. In his ruling, Mr Justice Eyre agreed with the councils argument that The Bell is no longer a hotel, and as such it no longer provides a resource for dining, receptions, functions and the like. As a result, the council had a case to argue that there had been a breach of planning control, Mr Justice Eyre found. Protesters gather outside The Bell Hotel after the High Court injuction (Jacqueline Lawrie/LNP) Philip Coppel KC had argued that there had been a material change of use at the site, with the hotel owner failing to apply to the council for permission to alter its use. Somani Hotels Ltd argued there had been no material change. Edward Brown KC, for the Home Office, said that shortage of asylum accommodation is acute and warned that if Eppings bid was successful, There could be similar applications made elsewhere, aggravating the pressures on the asylum estate. Mr Brown KC said the court had not fully considered the wider impacts of the councils application on the duty of the Home Office to provide accommodation for asylum seekers. Protesters outside the hotel in July (PA) In submissions to court, the Home Office argued that the injunction would substantially interfere with Ms Coopers ability to house asylum seekers, warning: This is not an abstract risk. There are very considerable constraints on available asylum accommodation. Mr Coppel KC, for the council, said the last-minute intervention was a thoroughly unprincipled application. Its effect is to derail the court process, to upend the courts delivery of your judgment, he told the judge. Its not enough to say weve got a problem, or a demand, without saying whats on the other side to accommodate that demand, Mr Coppel added. He argued that asylum seekers could be moved out of the hotel comfortably within a fortnight, adding: If they can go in, they can go out. Mr Justice Eyre refused the Home Offices application, saying it would waste further court time. Speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice, Chris Whitbread, leader of the council, said: This is a decision thats important to Epping Forest, but also important to other councils up and down the country, and it shows that the government cannot ignore planning rules, just like no one else can ignore planning rules. He asked the community to remain peaceful and calm outside the hotel, urging: What I call upon the residents tonight is if they decide to go outside The Bell Hotel, dont protest, dont over-celebrate. This is the beginning. It is not the end. The High Court heard last week that the hotel had become a feeding ground for unrest, with the council arguing that allowing asylum seekers to stay in the accommodation was a danger to school-age students about to start the new school year. Protesters have been demonstrating at the site for weeks after an asylum seeker was charged with sexual assault for allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. A second man has also been charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a man aged over 16, as well as a number of assault charges. Mr Coppel KC said that the hotel use was a very serious problem which was getting out of hand. Somani Hotels Ltd told the court that an injunction would cause asylum seekers hardship and that the move would set a dangerous precedent that protests justify planning injunctions. More than 100 womens rights groups also warned on Tuesday that vital conversations about violence towards women and girls were being hijacked by an anti-migrant agenda. In a joint statement, groups including Rape Crisis England and Wales and Refuge said that they were alarmed by comments made by politicians in recent weeks that had reinforced the damaging myth that the greatest risk of gender-based violence comes from strangers. Asylum seekers are set to be evicted from an Epping hotel at the centre of angry and violent protests after a High Court judge granted an injunction to the local council. The Bell Hotel struck a deal with the Home Office to take in asylum seekers after ceasing to operate as a regular hotel, sparking weeks of demonstrations this summer. Epping Forest District Council made a High Court application for an injunction against the hotel, arguing it is breaching planning laws with its current operation. On Tuesday, Mr Justice Eyre ruled in the councils favour, in a judgment which could open the floodgates for similar applications around the country to clear asylum seekers out of hotels. The judge agreed to an interim injunction, ordering that the hotel is cleared of asylum seekers within 28 days. The hotel owners could still mount an appeal, but the evictions and rehousing of the current occupants are expected to go ahead. Piers Riley-Smith, representing the hotel owners, made a bid to start the appeal on Tuesday, but his application for permission was rejected by the judge. While making the application, the barrister told the court that the government will now have to find new housing for the occupants of the Bell Hotel, but currently they dont know where they will go. He added that there is a fear that other councils will now seek to obtain injunctions against asylum seeker hotels, using the potential for protests as justification. Reacting to the news, opposition party leaders Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage both declared the judges decision a victory for parents. The council leader in Epping, Chris Whitbread, called for calm around the hotel tonight. What I call upon the residents tonight is if they decide to go outside the Bell Hotel, dont protest, dont over-celebrate. This is the beginning. It is not the end. We have a lot of work to do, and we will do everything we can, as I promised the full council, we will leave no stone unturned to work in the interest of Epping Forest. The Government have to address the bigger issue of the illegal asylum problem, but in Epping Forest, we will stand up for our residents and we will do our best on their behalf. The judge made his ruling after rejecting a last-ditch bid by the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to intervene in the legal battle. Her barrister, Edward Brown KC, argued an injunction at the Bell Hotel would have a substantial impact on the Home Secretarys statutory duty to house asylum seekers, and said there is a powerful public interest in her being able to intervene to make arguments in the case. The judge took a dim view of the Home Secretarys application to join the case being made at 5.23pm on Monday evening, days after the original hearing had taken place. Mr Brown argued that the granting of an injunction could open the floodgates for similar legal challenges across the country against asylum seeker hotels. Theres a risk there could be similar applications made, which would aggravate the pressure on the asylum estate, he said. The councils barrister, Philip Coppel KC, branded the Home Office thoroughly unprincipled for making the bid, suggesting it would derail the judges ruling whether intentional or not. The judge ultimately concluded that Ms Cooper joining the case was not necessary and would result in a significant delay. In Epping, the schools resume on September 2 and 3, he said. The council is attempting to restore a safe and stable environment for schools, restaurants, and businesses. The Bell Hotel has ceased to operate as a conventional hotel, and has instead signed a deal with the Home Office to take in asylum seekers who have to be accommodated. Last week, the council argued that the current situation is putting local school children in danger and acting as a feeding ground for unrest and protest. Protesters outside the Bell Hotel in Epping (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Wire) The hotel has been the target of regular protests for more than a month after it emerged that an asylum seeker had been charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. The perimeter of the hotel is now covered with security fencing, while violent clashes have broken out involving some of the demonstrators. Bringing the application for an injunction, the council argued that accommodating asylum seekers is a clear breach of planning control. Mr Coppel said court intervention would restore the safety of nearby residents, in particular students at the five schools within walking distance of the Bell Hotel, and remove of the catalyst for violent protests in public places adjacent to the Bell Hotel. He said a court order would allay the serious anxiety being caused to residents within the vicinity of the Bell Hotel, and also have the effect of alleviating asylum seeker exposure to violent protests and a placement that provides inadequate resources for their needs. The Bell Hotel was built in 1900, on a site which has been used for a hotel for hundreds of years. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (Jacob King/PA) (PA Wire) During the pandemic, it was used to house asylum seekers and the council said it was told it would eventually return to normal use. That happened in 2024, but in February this year a new deal was struck between the owners and the Home Office. Asylum seekers began to arrive on site in April, and the situation exploded on to the public consciousness when one of the occupants, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was charged with sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl at a nearby branch of Dominoes pizza. He denies the charge and will stand trial this month. The court has heard about incidents of unrest at protests, including violent disorder in mid-July, graffiti, eggs and fireworks being thrown, and assaults on police and security guards. A second man who resides at the hotel, Syrian national Mohammed Sharwarq, 32, has separately been charged with seven offences. He denies sexual assault after being alleged to have kissed a man on the neck. He indicated guilty pleas to a further two counts of common assault and four of assault by beating at the hotel between July 25 and August 12. Noah Okafor could swap AC Milan for Leeds (Getty Images) Leeds are advancing in talks with AC Milan for Noah Okafor as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his forward line. The promoted club have made eight summer signings but want to add to their attack and are progressing in their attempts to sign the Switzerland winger. Okafor, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Napoli, could join the exodus from AC Milan after Tijjani Reijnders, Theo Hernandez and Malick Thiaw were sold. Leeds have spent more than 70m this summer but the only attackers they have recruited, Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, came on free transfers. Nmecha scored the winner in their Premier League opener against Everton on Monday and afterwards Farke underlined his priorities in the transfer market. Especially in the offence it would be good to have a few more options available, he said. With Dominic we got the first one. "But to be ready for a long Premier League season, we definitely need a bit more quality up front. At this level, to bring players in who will improve our squad is pretty costly, but we've got ambitious owners and great people who work their socks off to give our club the best possible squad. Blair Hamilton Hayes was charged with involuntary manslaughter in Carteret County, North Carolina (Carteret County Sheriff's Office) A North Carolina man has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly leaving a disabled woman to die in a freezing trailer while he stayed in a hotel. Blair Hamilton Hayes, 61, was arrested on August 12 after a "lengthy investigation" into the death of 47-year-old Emma Jean Teague in Newport this March. Police said Hayes had "negligently" left Teague alone in a camper van last winter in outdoor temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, despite knowing she could not care for herself, had no electricity, and had no means of heating the vehicle. "Teague was medically fragile and also had significant trouble ambulating on her own, in addition to some degree of blindness," said the Carteret County Sheriff's Office in a statement on Facebook. "Detectives found that Hayes did not stay with Teague in the camper during this time. Instead he stayed in a local hotel." Blair Hamilton Hayes was charged with involuntary manslaughter in Carteret County, North Carolina (Carteret County Sheriff's Office) According to the statement, Hayes called an ambulance on February 20 after visiting the trailer to check on Teague and finding her visibly unwell. Teague was taken to hospital in critical condition, but could not be saved and died on March 4. Her cause of death was listed as end-stage cirrhosis of the liver, exacerbated by hypothermia. Police did not specify the relationship between Hayes and Teague, saying only that Hague had also been charged with assault on a female and assault on a disabled person in neighboring Craven County. Kantor & Kantor, LLP Partners with NAMI Pierce County for Free Educational Webinar on Disability Benefits and Joel's Law NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kantor & Kantor, LLP, a nationally recognized law firm dedicated to representing individuals denied life, health, disability, and long-term care insurance benefits, is partnering with NAMI Pierce County to present a free, live webinar on Thursday, September 25 at 6:00 p.m. PDT. The program, When Mental Health Care Isn't Enough: Understanding Legal Options for Families, will be hosted via Zoom and is open to the public. The session will explore critical legal and advocacy topics for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions, including short-term and long-term disability benefits and Joel's Law, a Washington State statute that allows families to petition the court for involuntary mental health treatment. Attendees will gain practical, actionable knowledge to help them navigate both insurance claims and urgent treatment decisions. Expert Guidance from a Leading Disability Attorney The featured speaker, Andrew M. Kantor, Partner at Kantor & Kantor, LLP, is widely recognized for his work securing benefits wrongfully deniedparticularly in cases involving complex mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, and ERISA and non-ERISA bad-faith claims. His landmark victories have improved protections for policyholders nationwide, and his leadership extends to serving on the Community Advisory Council of the Solve ME/CFS Initiative and the Board of the Elder Law and Disability Rights Center. "I learned very early in my career that every client has one thing in commonthey face an overwhelming process, often against overwhelming odds, during one of the most overwhelming times in their lives. I also discovered how powerful it can be to empower people with a little bit of knowledge and a touch of support. The childhood adage 'knowledge is power' becomes an absolute truth in the context of disability claims, especially those involving mental health. I am honored and excited that we at Kantor & Kantor have the opportunity to partner with NAMI Pierce County to share that knowledge with anyone who needs it." Andrew Kantor, Partner, Kantor & Kantor, LLP A Local Voice on Joel's Law "Navigating the system can be overwhelming, but understanding your options, eligibility, and the process can make a significant difference. I hope the discussion of Joel's Law provides clarity and insight into how families can advocate for their loved ones in crisis, and how this legal tool fits into the larger landscape of mental health and support in Washington state." Becca Boston, Program Coordinator, NAMI Pierce County Key Learning Outcomes Participants will: Understand the differences between short-term and long-term disability benefits Learn eligibility criteria and application process steps and Gain insight into what to expect after filing a claim Explore how Joel's Law can help families get a loved one into necessary care can help families get a loved one into necessary care Walk away with actionable tools to navigate both insurance and treatment systems Event Details Title: When Mental Health Care Isn't Enough: Understanding Legal Options for Families Date & Time: Thursday, September 25, 6:00 p.m. PDT Format: Zoom Webinar Cost: Free to attend Registration: Click here to register About Kantor & Kantor, LLP Kantor & Kantor, LLP is a highly respected law firm that focuses exclusively on representing plaintiffs in denials of life, health, disability, long-term care insurance, and retirement benefit claims. With over 25 years of litigation experience, the firm's ERISA and Insurance Bad Faith attorneys provide compassionate, results-driven representation nationwide, leveraging insider knowledge of insurance company tactics to secure client victories. Learn more: kantorlaw.net Follow us on Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube About NAMI Pierce County NAMI Pierce County is a community-based nonprofit affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by mental illness through support, education, advocacy, and public awareness. The organization offers free, peer-led support groups, educational classes, and community presentations across Pierce County, WA. Learn more: namipierce.org Follow on Facebook | Instagram | X (formally Twitter) | YouTube Media Contact: Allison D. Bronson Director of Marketing & Strategic Initiatives Kantor & Kantor, LLP [email protected] | 747-210-0919 SOURCE Kantor & Kantor, LLP File: Muslims pray during the Friday congregational prayers in Malaysia (AFP via Getty Images) Muslim men in a Malaysian state could face up to two years in prison or a hefty fine for skipping Friday prayers without a valid reason under Shariah law. Authorities in Terengganu state, which is governed by the conservative Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), announced on Monday that offenders will face a prison sentence or up to RM 3,000 (525) in fines, or both, under the Shariah Criminal Offences (Takzir) Enactment law. Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, a member of the Terengganu State Executive Council, warned that missing Friday prayers even once would be a punishable offence. Previously, only those who failed to attend three consecutive Friday prayers were penalised. This reminder is important because Friday prayers are not only a religious symbol but also an expression of obedience among Muslims, he said, according to Malaysian newspaper Berita Harian. Therefore, punishment will only be imposed as a last resort if reminders are ignored by those who neglect this obligation. The state government will display banners at mosques to remind people of their obligation to perform the Friday prayers, he said, adding that the campaign was intended to raise public awareness of the law. File: Muslims offer prayers at National Mosque for the Eid al-Fitr in Malaysia (AP) He also warned that action against men missing prayers could be taken through public reports or via patrols. The enforcement in Terengganu reflects a broader push by PAS to implement stricter interpretations of Islamic law in Malaysia. The party, Malaysias largest in parliament and the governing party in four of the countrys 13 states, has long advocated harsher religious penalties and once sought to introduce a criminal code known as hudud, which includes punishments such as amputations for theft and stoning for adultery. The announcement triggered backlash on social media. "So much for no compulsion in Islam, or a reflection of how little Terengganu men pray their Friday prayers," Azira Aziz, a lawyer, wrote on X. "No one disagrees that Friday prayers are wajib [obligatory], I just think it's unnecessary to be codified as law as a crime/offence. Advocacy and awareness programs would've been sufficient," she added. Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, with Shariah covering personal and family matters for Muslims, alongside civil laws. Ethnic Malays all of whom are considered Muslim in Malaysian law make up two-thirds of Malaysias 33 million people, with large Chinese and Indian minorities. Shariah is Islamic law, based on the Quran and a set of scriptures known as the hadith. Last November, Johor state's top Islamic official said that state would also carry out enforcement measures to make sure all Muslim men attend the Friday prayer. Malaysia's top court in February 2024 struck down over a dozen Shariah-based state laws, triggering backlash from Islamists who fear it could undermine religious courts across the country. The 16 laws made by the opposition-run Kelantan state government imposed punishments for offences like sodomy, sexual harassment, incest, cross-dressing and giving false evidence. The court said that the state could not make Islamic laws on those topics because they are covered by Malaysian federal law. The PAS had then staged massive protests outside the court, calling for the protection of Shariah laws. Asad Rehman addresses a pro-Palestine rally in 2017 - Mark Kerrison/Alamy Those polar bears still clinging to sea ice might want to cover their ears. Friends of the Earth, the environmental campaign group, has a newly appointed chief executive with a bold vision for climate action one that, surprisingly, doesnt put saving our Arctic pals at the top of the list. For Asad Rehman, a lifelong social justice activist who has built a career hopscotching between causes ranging from poverty to police brutality, and who this month has taken the helm of the 56-year-old eco organisation, tackling the climate crisis isnt about saving bears. Nor, as he has explained in the past, is it about the right light bulbs or avoiding plastic straws. In fact, the groups first leader of colour has described himself as a reluctant environmentalist. In an interview with The Guardian in 2021, the working-class activist from Burnley, Lancashire who began campaigning as a boy in the 1980s when he organised school strikes of Asian children in response to abhorrent racist abuse said tokenistic approaches to the climate crisis never resonated with him or with many from his background. It was framed as about saving polar bears or whatever, and of really only being a concern to white, middle-class environmentalists, he said. So, those worried about the future of our planet might ask: what does chime? Well, the fate of Palestine certainly ranks high among his concerns. A glance at Rehmans X feed shows a Stop Genocide, Save Palestine emblem in place of a profile photograph, alongside a string of posts about this months arrests of protesters under what he calls draconian anti-terror legislation. He has taken the cause to climate conferences, too. At Cop28 in Dubai in December 2023, he faced restrictions on a speech calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, stating that the Palestinian struggle is woven into every struggle for justice, including climate justice. Rehman at a global climate strike in London in 2021 - Mark Kerrison/Alamy Rehman also posts regular messages about racial and social injustice on social media. And in an interview with Times Radio earlier this month, he stressed the importance of diversity, arguing that the climate movement has become too white and middle class. If we want to be a force for change, you have to look like and be part of the fabric of this country and that is diverse and its diverse in class, its diverse in ethnicity, diverse geographically, he said. Although he spent 10 years as Friends of the Earths head of international climate before moving in 2017 to his role as director of the anti-poverty charity War on Want, Rehman is clear he is no traditional green campaigner. Instead, he says climate justice cannot be achieved without first levelling the social playing field and taxing the rich proportionately. We must show that the fight for climate and nature is inseparable from achieving true social and economic justice, he wrote on the Friends of the Earth website when his appointment was announced. That the same forces driving environmental breakdown are keeping many locked into poverty and hardship. Rehman believes that the powerful multinationals in rich, white countries profit from the climate crisis, while those with black and brown skin, who contribute least, suffer the greatest impact. In the 2021 Guardian interview, he described this as racialised capitalism, adding: You cannot understand the climate crisis without understanding that there is an arch from slavery to colonialism and imperialism to the climate crisis. He speaks passionately and articulately convincingly, to his supporters. But he may baffle others. Sam Hall, director of the Conservative Environment Network, believes Rehmans stance could be damaging. The former policy adviser to Michael Gove, when the latter was secretary of state for the environment, food and rural affairs, says Rehmans loud championing of social causes will polarise the climate campaign. The diversity the environmental movement actually needs, Hall says, is political diversity more supporters from the Right. And Rehmans politicised words, he warns, will lose people. One thing climate change is not, Hall insists, is woke. Sam Hall, director of the Conservative Environment Network, believes Rehmans charged rhetoric on climate change will lose people - Russell Hart/Alamy But, linking it to woke issues risks portraying it as such, alienating people on the Right of the spectrum, and drawing people into a culture war which risks polarisation. To have climate policy that is to endure and succeed you need buy-in from across the political spectrum; thats going to include people with socially conservative views who might find some of these Left-wing ideas around race and social justice off-putting. This is all the more important when Reform threatens to kibosh climate action altogether a threat Rehman says keeps him awake at night. Focus, Hall argues, should be on finding the pragmatic solutions we need in an economically sensible way. He insists: You have got to see business as part of the solution; they are the ones who are going to be innovating and investing in the solutions we need. I would argue we want to take a more market-led approach to tackling climate change, which creates the incentives and frameworks for the private sector to deliver the solutions, rather than one that is statist, which overrides consumer preference and risks crowding out the private sector. The messaging, he says, should be: Wanting to hand on a good inheritance to our children and grandchildren; wanting to protect our landscapes and nature; wanting to enhance our security by being more self-reliant on our own sources of safe, reliable energy. Those messages are much more compelling. Rehmans drive for social revolution is no surprise given his and his familys harrowing experiences in the 1970s and 1980s in Burnley. In an interview with the podcast series Crash Course With Michael Walker last year, he described the National Front selling its newspaper unchallenged inside his school: I grew up at a time when literally every week our house would be attacked in one way or another [] firebombed, windows smashed; you would be attacked on the way to school, in school [] the fight was literally to be able to walk down the street free from attack. His father, a factory worker, would leave for work and his mother would then be terrorised in her home. Ethnic minorities, Rehman said, were blamed for the ills of industrialisation, driven by Thatcher and neoliberalism, which was devastating working-class communities up and down the country communities of which they, too, were a part. After the school strikes, Rehman founded an Asian youth movement in his area. He could not have been more disconnected from environmentalism, which he viewed as a luxury a disconnect he says still exists in communities that are struggling with the cost of living today. After working for the anti-racism group Newham Monitoring Project in the late 1980s, Rehman moved on to Amnesty International, campaigning heavily for reforms following the murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993 and criticising the investigation into Jean Charles de Menezes, the Brazilian shot by the Met Police in 2005 after the July 7 terror attacks. Author and human rights campaigner Yasmin Khan, a friend he worked alongside during that period, has described him as a force of nature with political fierceness. Rehman, co-founder of the Cop26 Coalition, joined 100,000 climate protesters in Glasgow in 2021 - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Rehman joined Friends of the Earth in 2006, but admitted that his true adoption of environmentalism came when representing the organisation in 2009 at Cop15 in Copenhagen, where he saw the Sudanese diplomat Lumumba Di-Aping break down as he explained that the deal richer countries were proposing to limit global heating to 2C would mean 3.5C for much of Africa. We have been asked to sign a suicide pact, Di-Aping said. Rehman saw his causes collide. In 2012, he co-founded the Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice, a network of more than 200 climate and human rights organisations. He also co-founded the Cop26 Coalition in Glasgow in 2021, marching through the streets with 100,000 protesters and addressing the crowds about the overwhelmingly white conference. At Cop27 the following year, he called for reparations from the West for countries badly impacted by climate change. Britain, he said, should give 1tn. However, speaking to The Telegraph this week, he explains the climate crisis using softer, more familiar rhetoric. At this most critical juncture for people and planet, the need to rapidly accelerate climate action couldnt be more urgent. We are witnessing a surge in extreme weather events battering communities here in the UK and overseas [] climate breakdown is touching all our lives, whether we recognise it or not, through soaring food prices, sky-high energy bills, and poor-quality housing that leaves us exposed to blistering heat in the summer and bitter cold in the winter. He insists that bringing communities closer together, not polarisation, is his aim. The climate emergency transcends party politics theres space for everyone in the fight for a fairer, greener, more prosperous future, he says. Perhaps, however, not for the polar bears. Credit: Facebook/Turning Point UK Police have launched an investigation after the St Georges Cross was painted on a mini-roundabout. A video on social media appeared to show a man daubing stripes of red paint on to the roundabout in Bromsgrove, Worcs. The video has been shared amid a growing movement that has seen members of the public display patriotic flags in towns and cities across England. West Mercia Police confirmed that it was investigating the graffiti as criminal damage. Insp Richard Field, of Bromsgrove Police, said: Painting roundabouts is not only dangerous to drivers and pedestrians, but it also amounts to criminal damage. We are working closely with partners, including Worcestershire county council, to tackle this issue and investigate where appropriate. At least five other roundabouts in the West Midlands have reportedly been painted in a similar way. A West Midlands Police spokesman said: Were aware of criminal damage having occurred, and were carrying out further inquiries. On Tuesday, it emerged that Reform-led Worcestershire county council had removed the paint from the roundabout in Bromsgrove. Video posted online appeared to show a maintenance truck on the roundabout, with a council worker dressed in hi-vis cleaning off the paint. A still from a video posted on X shows a council lorry at the roundabout and a workman removing the paint - X The council said such markings could be distracting to road users. A spokesman added: All road markings on the countys highway network are strictly regulated for safety, including those on roundabouts of any size. Changes to agreed road markings must not be made unless approved by the Highway Authority, in line with these regulations. Unofficial actions on the highway network could be distracting or cause confusion to some road users so will therefore be removed. The council was embroiled in a row earlier this week over the hanging of patriotic flags from lamp-posts. A video on social media appeared to show a man painting stripes of red paint on to the roundabout in Bromsgrove On Monday, a spokesman said St George and Union flags hung from lamp-posts in Wythall, a village south of Birmingham, risked endangering pedestrians and motorists. But the remarks drew an angry reaction from Cllr Jo Monk, the councils leader, who said: I, of course, support flying both flags proudly on lamp-posts throughout the county. Our national flags are a symbol of our national pride, and I will champion any effort that celebrates our nation. Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, insisted a press officer at the council had issued the statement about the flags without authority, and Reform UK later confirmed its 12 councils would not remove patriotic flags from lamp-posts. The flying of patriotic flags in public has become a contentious issue in recent weeks. Tower Hamlets, run by the pro-Gaza party Aspire, said it would remove any St Georges flags from council property, including lamp-posts, as soon as possible. Worcestershire county council said such markings could be distracting to road users - X In Birmingham, the Labour-run council which declared effective bankruptcy in 2023 and has been grappling with bin strikes for more than five months claimed the flags put the lives of pedestrians and motorists at risk. The authority removed hundreds of the flags from lamp-posts and other street furniture last week. Critics have accused the two councils of two-tier bias because Palestinian flags were not taken down for months after popping up in the aftermath of the start of the Israel-Hamas war. An online patriotism campaign called Operation Raise the Colours, encouraging people to hang patriotic flags across England, has gathered momentum online. The Government has previously issued guidance saying it wants more flags flown, particularly the Union flag, as long as they are erected with the permission of the owner of the site. James Norton, who stars as King Harold, has promised the French president that the series will not be unduly critical of the Normans - BBC Emmanuel Macron has been told that the forthcoming BBC series about William the Conqueror will be fair in depicting both sides of the story. The series, King and Conqueror, will tell the story of the Norman conquest of 1066, during which William overthrew Harold Godwinson, the Anglo-Saxon ruler. James Norton, who stars as the ill-fated King Harold, has personally promised the French president that the series will not be unduly critical of the Normans. Some histories of the conquest have argued that William and his descendants imposed an oppressive Norman yoke on the native and more freedom-loving Saxons. Norton spoke to Mr Macron during a ceremony at the British Museum to celebrate the loan agreement for the Bayeux Tapestry, which will come to the UK next year. Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, and Emmanuel Macron, French president, announced the Bayeux loan last month - Carlos Jasso/Bloomberg Speaking about the meeting, he said: I was very quick to reassure him that we had told the French story, the Norman story, with as little bias as possible. There are a lot of stories about William post the Battle of Hastings itself, and how he acted pretty monstrously, but theres no doubt that he had his own domestic space, his relationship with Matilda and his son. We didnt want one hero or one villain, we wanted the audience to be split and we wanted people to sit on the sofa and have someone on Team Harold and someone on Team William. I said to Macron: I promise you that we have been fair in depicting both sides of the story. Norton has credited the sympathetic portrayal of William to his co-star, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who portrays the victorious Duke of Normandy. Colour-blind casting The Telegraph previously revealed that BBC production has followed a policy of colour-blind casting, and Anglo-Saxons will be played by a diverse set of actors. The corporation selected non-white stars to portray Tudor courtiers in another historical drama, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. The release of King and Conqueror coincides with renewed interest in the Norman conquest, following the news first revealed by The Telegraph that the Bayeux Tapestry would be returning to England for the first time in 900 years. The medieval artwork, believed to have been created by English embroiderers, will move to the British Museum while the Bayeux Museum undergoes refurbishment. In return, France will receive Anglo-Saxon treasure from the Sutton Hoo ship burial, along with the 12th century Lewis chessmen. The Office for National Statistics has delayed the publication of its latest monthly retail statistics to allow for further quality assurance. It is the latest in a string of setbacks regarding data published by the statistics body. On Tuesday, the ONS revealed that its planned release of retail sales data for July is being postponed to allow for further quality assurance. A total and utter shambles in the management of official statistics in the UK. A 2-week delay to check sone details of the Retail Sales Index? A totally excessive delay. What is the so-called regulator The Statistics Authority doing about this? Nothing, as usual. Shocking! https://t.co/ZrUslCQXg0 Andrew Sentance (@asentance) August 19, 2025 We apologise for any inconvenience caused, it added. The ONS said the data, which is closely watched as a barometer of consumer spending behaviour, will now be released two weeks later on Friday September 5. The organisation has faced criticism in recent months due to other issues facing its economic statistics, which are routinely used by the countrys policymakers. It has been under particular fire for issues related to its labour market data, with recent criticism from Bank of England and Treasury officials. Late last year, the organisation said it might not be able to replace its current labour force survey with a more accurate version until 2027. There have also been delays and major adjustments to the ONSs trade data and producer price figures this year. In June, a review led by Sir Robert Devereux found there were deep-seated issues with the statistics body and called for a major overhaul. In a post on X, former CBI director of economic affairs Andrew Sentance said the latest delay was a total and utter shambles. The Kremlin is steadily trying to unpick Western red lines to isolate Ukraine from its allies and the US from Europe - Drew Angerer Lets be clear, there is no guarantee from Russian dictator Vladimir Putin that will ensure he does not invade Ukraine again. Ukrainian officials well remember in 1994 former Russian leader Boris Yeltsin pledging that Russia would respect Ukraines national boundaries in exchange for Kyiv giving up its nuclear arsenal. Since then, Ukraine has been invaded by Russian forces twice, in 2014 and in 2022, while it was subject to Russian political warfare from 2005 to 2013, corrupting the countrys business, political and security elites. Already, Russia is trying to throw a spanner into the progress that was made at Mondays talks in the White House. Russias Foreign Ministry said that it would reject any scenarios involving Nato troops in Ukraine, threatening, in a now predictable way, uncontrolled escalation with unpredictable consequences. So much for Western boots on the ground even if the Americans are involved, as Trump suggested would be possible yesterday. The Foreign Ministry also seemed determined to drive a wedge between the US and UK, claiming that Britain was undermining talks. The level of mind games and psychological warfare emanating from Moscow has been extraordinary. Its generally known as reflexive control, a theory of psychological manipulation whereby your target does your bidding while all the while believing himself to be in control of his actions. The Russians clearly believe that it has an effect. The Russian Foreign Ministry seemed determined to drive a wedge between the US and UK, claiming that Britain was undermining talks - Aaron Schwartz Having hooked Trump on the idea of a deal, the Kremlin is now trying to dictate terms, and will steadily try to unpick Western red lines to isolate Ukraine from its allies and the US from Europe. Russias negotiation tactics are to divide and conquer. That process started at the Alaska summit, when Putin ran circles around Donald Trump. Despite rolling out the red carpet for the Russian dictator, Trump again ended up repeating Putins talking points, as if it was Ukraines fault for being invaded and Russia the victim. Its apt that George Orwells Animal Farm, that cautionary allegorical novel about the corruption of power and truth in Soviet Russia, was published 80 years ago this week. Its clear what Putin wants; more strategically valuable Ukrainian land and with it at least three cities that it would take years for Russian troops to conquer, if at all, and which could be used as a potentially strategic springboard should there be another round of the war. If Ukraine accepts, millions would have to be evacuated. They will not want to live under Russian brutal occupation, with its lawless brutality and rapacious secret police. Putin will refuse Nato troops. He will build up his forces again. Putin has studied Western leadership and considers it to be short-termist, weak and unwilling to stand up to protect what it believes in. Western deterrence no longer deters. Putin believes he has strategic patience, and can wear down Ukraine and the West over time. How many of the Western leaders who were negotiating in Washington will be in place in five years? Should any peace deal hold, Russia would undoubtedly do what it is now trying to do in Georgia and Moldova, using Kremlin-friendly oligarchs and leaders to undermine the independence of those states and bring them gradually into Moscows orbit. While we dont see political, economic and information conflict as a form of war, Russian military doctrine does. Conflict is about the use of military and non-military tactics to bend an adversary to your will. In such a case, the Ukraine conflict would not have ended but merely moved to a new phase. Despite the bonhomie and faux positivity at the White House, it remains difficult to see a road to lasting peace - Madel Ngan I have many Ukrainian friends. Almost all have lost someone close. Others daily pray for the relatives on the frontlines. Ukraines army, like Russias, is tired. It is easy to be brave with someone elses life. For their sake, I hope there is at the very least a ceasefire, preferably a lasting peace. It will take years to rebuild the mental and physical damage of this war. But despite the bonhomie and faux positivity at the White House, it remains difficult to see a road to lasting peace. Any final deal, Trump has said, will rest with talks between Putin and Zelensky, which he now says he is going to arrange. Putin has thus far only shown himself willing to accept a deal that leaves Ukraine vulnerable to Russias predatory gaze and its murderous army. He refuses to see Zelensky as an equal and Ukraine as a nation. Up till now at least, Ukrainians have reluctantly said, better no peace than a bad peace. On their behalf, Zelensky now faces a dilemma that may save his nation or condemn it to future destruction. Dr Bob Seely MBE is the author of The New Total War Rachel Reevess changes to inheritance tax were met with widespread protests from the farming community - Chris J Ratcliffe/Bloomberg A Labour minister has been accused of treating the public like fools after claiming Rachel Reevess tax on farmers will fund the fight against shoplifting. Torsten Bell said the Chancellors changes to inheritance tax will enable more police on the streets, meaning fewer shops needing to pay for their security. The Government has come under fire over its response to the record scale of shop thefts and continues to face criticism over its tax raid on farmers. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: We wouldnt expect Labour to understand the hurt offensive comments like this have. Labour are taxing family farms out of existence, but pretending its about tackling their spiralling shoplifting, when the real reason is their own economic mismanagement, is completely insulting. If people feel less safe today, its because Keir Starmer drained the police budget, flung open our borders, and waved in criminals. Under Labour, we have seen a 20 per cent surge in shoplifting, with more than half a million offences in the last year alone, a staggering 1,300 fewer police on our streets, and family farms go bust. This Labour government is destroying Britain from farms to the high street. The real theft occurring is Rachel Reeves snatching the futures from young farmers. Lisa Smart, the Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman, said: Retailers have seen a shoplifting epidemic and the police simply dont have the resources to deal with the scale of the problem. But raiding family farms through inheritance tax isnt the answer. Farmers already face soaring costs, increased fly tipping, and financial uncertainty caused by heatwaves and poor harvests. Speaking to the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Mr Bell, a Treasury and pensions minister, said: If you go back to the autumn Budget last year, which is when the big decisions this Government made were taken, yes, there were some tough decisions on tax. I understand why people affected by those would rather they hadnt taken place. But if you look at the decisions weve had to make on inheritance tax, or capital gains tax, or on non-doms or on VAT on private schools, were doing the right thing to make sure that we can have sustainable public finances. But also that we can bring austerity to an end, so we can start to rebuild public services. And in the end, that is the pro-business choice just like its the pro-public services choice. Because we cant have retail businesses having to deal with paying to put security guards on their door because there arent enough police on the beat. We cant have people having to pay a health charge in effect because their workers arent able to turn up to work because waiting lists are too long in the NHS. Mr Bells remarks have further fuelled the backlash to how the Government has approached both its changes to agricultural property relief and the shoplifting crisis. The shoplifting epidemic is at record levels with nearly three offences a minute or 530,643 in total reported to police in the year to March, at an estimated cost of 1.8bn to retailers. Last week, Dame Diana Johnson, the policing minister, warned business owners against displaying products such as bottles of alcohol at the front of stores because people will steal them. The Prime Ministers official spokesman then said Sir Keir Starmer would not call shoplifters scumbags in response to a free speech row. North Wales Police was forced to clarify its position after its officers told a shopkeeper that a sign calling shoplifters scumbags could be offensive. Farms close after tax A record number of farms have already closed for good this year after the Governments so-called family farm tax made the future of thousands of rural businesses unviable. Currently, family farms do not incur inheritance tax and receive full relief on the usual 40 per cent rate. But at her first Budget last October, Ms Reeves confirmed inheritance tax will be charged at a rate of 20 per cent, above a threshold of 1m. Sir David Davis, a former cabinet minister, said: Im afraid they are treating the public like fools, and the public will not like being treated like fools. This government is facing an unbelievably difficult medium-term future in financial terms and most of that is its own fault. If you force rich people to leave the country, if you basically say to farmers stop investing because youre going to be taxed on the investment, if you destroy schools and force people in those schools into the state school system, all these things are massive miscalculations. They happen because people like Mr Torsten Bell look like everything through a heavily tinted ideological filter and they expect everybody else to be as gullible and as daft as they are. And the countrys going to pay the price, and eventually Labour will pay the price. Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, added: The mans either desperately naive or knowingly lying. The truth is all the retail stores had security guards before the Budget because the police under the Tories had basically been badly-led. Everybody knows that those dreadful Budget decisions were in order to pay for vast increases in wasteful, unproductive public sector spending, as weve seen. A total of 6,365 agriculture, forestry and fishing businesses closed in the past year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the highest number on record. Victoria Atkins, the shadow environment secretary, said the farm closures were a result of Labours disastrous tax policies. Reform UK, meanwhile, warned that Ms Reevess policy and wider 40bn tax raid was pushing British farming to the brink. Farmers have objected to the tax raid because their businesses are typically cash-poor and low-margin, meaning they will be forced to sell chunks of their land to settle the bill. Other farmers have warned that the impending increase in their costs has opened a suicide window for elderly business owners. Shortly after Ms Reevess announcement in November, Jeremy Clarkson led a protest that saw him address a crowd of around 10,000 people in Westminster. TV presenter turned farmer Jeremy Clarkson is an outspoken critic of the Labour Government - Toby Melville/Reuters The former Top Gear host runs the Oxfordshire Diddly Squat farm and is the star of the Clarksons Farm reality television show, which chronicles the challenges faced by the agricultural industry. Farmers are also struggling with the soaring cost of fertiliser and a poor harvest after the recent drought and floods last year. Heatwaves across parts of the country have left growers fearing a record-low yield for their crop and vegetable harvest. The hot weather came on top of the pressures of increased employers National Insurance contributions and the raising of the minimum wage. The British Growers Association said this week that the current summer was proving to be yet another climatic challenge for growers, with some regions especially badly-hit. The California governor, Gavin Newsom, speaks about the Election Rigging Response Act at a press conference last week in Los Angeles. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images Republican state legislators in California filed suit on Tuesday to block a mid-year redistricting plan meant to counter Texass effort to redraw congressional district lines. The emergency petition argues that the process being used in the California assembly violates laws requiring a 30-day period between the introduction of legislation and voting on it. Instead of a months-long transparent and participatory process overseen by an independent citizens redistricting commission for such a sensitive matter, the public would be presented instead with an up or down vote on maps unilaterally prepared in secret by the legislature, states the filing on behalf of senators Tony Strickland and Suzette Martinez Valladares, assemblymember Tri Ta and assemblymember Kathryn Sanchez. Californias governor, Gavin Newsom, announced his states redistricting plan last week in terms on social media mocking Donald Trumps flamboyance, intent on using the voting power of the USs most populous state to counteract Texass redrawn map, which would be expected to deliver a net gain of five congressional seats to Republicans in 2026. Newsom praised the California effort on Monday, calling it a necessary response to Trumps influence over redistricting in Texas and other Republican-led states. We are not going to sit idle while they command Texas and other states to rig the next election to keep power, Newsom said, adding that the proposal gives Californians a choice to fight back. To do so in time for a special election in November, the state assembly must pass the plan this year. As has been a common practice near the end of legislative terms, California lawmakers took an existing bill introduced earlier in the session and gutted it of its language, replacing it with legislation that overrides the states neutral redistricting commission to present maps to voters. California Democrats are expected to advance their proposal out of committees on Tuesday and Wednesday. They have already received more than 13,000 public comments through an online portal, and the committee hearings offer the public a chance to provide feedback to lawmakers in person. Dozens of residents from up and down the state, leaders of local Republican groups and the conservative California Family Council showed up to a hearing on Tuesday to voice opposition to Democrats plan. Some said the process has been shrouded in secrecy because the map was drawn without meaningful public input. Others said they would rather lawmakers focus on addressing issues instead of trying to bypass a bipartisan redistricting process. Public remarks may have little sway, though, as Democratic leaders are determined to rapidly advance the proposal. A Senate hearing on Tuesday began with key Democratic political allies testifying in support. Jodi Hicks, CEO of Planned Parenthood California, said Democrats need to take back the US House to protect womens freedoms. If we dont fight back, federal attacks on reproductive health care will only get worse, Hicks said. Republican lawmakers said the plan would create mistrust among residents who already voted in 2010 to remove partisan influence from the mapmaking process. California voters gave that power to an independent commission, while Texas is among states where legislators draw maps. There are so many illegal and unethical elements in this attempt, Republican state senator Steven Choi said. On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Newsom said the governor was unconcerned with the legal challenge seeking to blunt his redistricting effort. Republicans are filing a deeply unserious (and truly laughable) lawsuit to stop Americans from voting? Brandon Richards, the spokesperson, said. Were neither surprised, nor worried. The Mandeep Dhillon law firm filing the suit was previously owned by Harmeet Dhillon, who is now assistant attorney general overseeing the US Department of Justice civil rights division. Dhillon was known for her efforts to sue Californias university system to overturn policies which barred controversial conservative speakers from appearing. She sold her firm to her brother Mandeep Singh Dhillon after Trump nominated her to take over civil rights enforcement in his administration. The suit does not challenge gut and amend in principle, but rather asks the court to enforce an external constitutional constraint against the Legislature to protect the peoples rights. Internal polling presented to lawmakers showed voters favored the measure 52% to 41%, with 7% undecided, according to the local television station KCRA. Republicans in California condemned the proposal as an assault on the states voter-approved independent redistricting commission and said they plan to introduce legislation that advocates for creating similar map-drawing bodies in all 50 states. Governor Newsom, this is nothing more than a power grab, Strickland said during a Monday news conference in Sacramento. He warned the redistricting tit-for-tat sets a dangerous precedent that will not be easily undone. The Golden Gate Bridge toll was supposed to be temporary, he added. Youre still paying the toll. The legislature could hold floor votes to send the measure to voters for approval as soon as Thursday, KCRA reported. House Republicans currently hold a razor-thin three-seat majority in the US House and Trump has pushed to redraw district boundaries ahead of next years midterm elections, in which the presidents party typically loses seats. Republicans are also poised to redraw congressional districts in Ohio, Missouri and Florida, and potentially Indiana. Dozens of council homes that were illegally rented out have been seized back by the capital's town halls after investigations found some tenants were living abroad while making a profit from their social property. Fraud investigations by London boroughs discovered some had illegally sub-let their houses while living in countries such as Ethiopia and France. Hammersmith and Fulham council said it had taken back 26 local authority properties in the last year after uncovering housing scams worth almost 500,000. In one case, gas engineers completing routine safety checks on a council flat in West Kensington raised an alert when they found three men living in the property issued to one person. The fraud team discovered utility bills and bank statements proving that the listed tenant had moved to Ethiopia in 2019. The case was taken to court and the council repossessed the property in Lickey House. In another case, a three-bedroom social home in Strode Road - where houses sell for up to 1.7million - was being rented out by the social tenant who was actually living in East London. The council's anti-fraud team found bank statements that showed the original occupier was receiving rent payments from family members living in the SW6 property. The house was given up before the tenant was taken to court because of the significant evidence against them, Hammersmith and Fulham council said. A flat in Roseford Court, Shepherd's Bush was also seized after a tip off that a tenant was sub-letting the home while living in a property they owned in Waltham Abbey, Essex. In Westminster, a council tenant who had moved to France was found to have been renting out their Soho flat on AirBnB. Officials in Westminster issued a possession order due to non-occupation and unauthorised subletting of the flat in Kemp House. Hammersmith and Fulham councils cabinet member for housing and homelessness Frances Umeh said: "We're determined to put fairness at the heart of housing. We'll continue rooting out fraud wherever it hides, so that families waiting patiently and rightfully have a safe place to call home." Cabinet member for finance Rowan Ree added: "We will not tolerate people exploiting council homes in this way. "Our council homes are there to support residents in genuine need. We will not stop in our fight against housing fraudsters." Meanwhile, council houses worth more than half a million pounds have been seized in Hackney after it was found tenants already owned another property. The seven homes have been redistributed to those most in need in the borough, which has more than 12,000 households on its social housing waiting list. A further 13 investigations into potential housing fraud are ongoing. The deception was discovered as part of pilot scheme collaboration between the Cabinet Office's Public Sector Fraud Authority and Hackney Council. Investigators checked social tenancy data with information from HMRC to identify people who may have purchased a home while still being registered as occupying a social property. Cabinet Office Minister, Georgia Gould, said: Every council property that is fraudulently occupied denies a home to a family who genuinely needs it. The work being done by the Public Sector Fraud Authority and local councils like Hackney demonstrates how effective data matching can be in tackling this kind of fraud. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth competed in a fitness challenge in the Pentagon, where photos of Hegeseth lined the walls. Amid the Trump administrations push to Make America Healthy Again, the Cabinet secretaries participated in the so-called Pete and Bobby challenge: completing 100 push ups and 50 pull ups in 10 minutes. The pair posted the challenge in a social media video Monday. Hegseth may have been trying to encourage a remake of Americas health scene, but the footage also revealed he seems to have remade parts of the Pentagon, transforming his place of work to feel like home. As the pair walked toward the Pentagon Athletic Center to complete the challenge, the two men passed by photos of Hegseth decorating the buildings hallway walls. One picture showed the defense secretary planting a kiss on the cheek of his third wife Jennifer Rauchet as she closes her eyes and smiles at his swearing-in ceremony in January. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth walk past photos of Hegseth hanging on the Pentagon's walls before promoting a fitness challenge (Department of Defense) Another photo seemed to capture Hegseth, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Major General Trevor Bredenkamp saluting before laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in May. Its all about making America healthy again. Were gonna be fit, not fat, Hegseth said, speaking directly to the camera inside what he called the bowels of the Pentagon. We want recruits that are ready to go and challenged, the defense secretary continued. Kennedy then chimed in: Pete and I are going to do our part to encourage American youth to do this challenge. A photo of Hegseth kissing his wife Jennifer Rauchet on the cheek before his swearing-in ceremony as the Secretary of Defense in January appears to hang on the walls of the Pentagon (Department of Defense) Hegseth, sporting gym garb, and Kennedy, clad in a t-shirt and jeans, both completed the challenge in under six minutes, according to the video. The video then spliced footage of service members working out in the fitness center, set to high intensity music. Kennedy then challenged Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy while Hegseth challenged Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine and his former Fox News colleague Will Cain to participate in the fitness test. We hope Americans will take this challenge and youll pass it along so that were ready to be fit the way we need to be healthy and to have a healthy fighting force, Hegseth said. The fitness challenge comes amid the Trump administrations push to Make America Healthy Again. Last month, the president signed an executive order to revive the Presidential Fitness Test schoolchildren. The president wants to ensure Americas future generations are strong, healthy, and successful, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement last month. 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In an appearance at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Clark, 36, who has presented on This Morning and Big Brothers Bit On The Side, spoke about the adversity LGBT+ people can face, as well as his own experience growing up gay. He said: I feel that there is a mass wave of hate just sweeping the community, especially trans people at the moment. Rylan Clark was speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival (Ian West/PA) Theres a lot of people that are talking about bathrooms and spaces and things like this and people are just being tarnished with the same brush. The presenter explained there is a mindset that because one transgender person does something bad that means all trans people are awful people. He said: Trans people theyre going through a wave of hate at the minute, and I think there is space to show real stories, real trans people. A lot of people out there think trans people are the enemy, f*** me. Id like you to walk a mile in their shoes and see who the real enemy is out there to people, because the stories that I know of friends of mine and people that Ive grown up with, transitions are awful, absolutely awful. Over the Easter period, the Supreme Court declared that the words woman and sex in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex. The Equality And Human Rights Commissions interim update on the implications of the judgment said transgender people should not use toilets and other services of the gender they identify as. Trans rights protests took place across the country following the ruling and celebrities showed their support by signing an open letter in solidarity with transgender people. At the end of July, the London Trans Pride saw a record-breaking turnout of about 100,000 people, making it the largest Trans Pride event in history, according to organisers. Clark said he does not want or need Pride but added that the annual celebratory event is needed because of the way LGBT+ people are treated. Rylan Clark spoke to actor Russell Tovey (Ian West/PA) At the Scottish TV event, the BBC Radio 2 presenter spoke to actor Russell Tovey and the two reflected on their respective experiences growing up gay in Essex. Speaking about a nightclub he would go to as a young man, Tovey said: It was a really important safe space, which I didnt realise at the time how important that was. And now you hear about so many safe spaces disappearing for so many queer people, and the importance of that, of somewhere where you can relax and be amongst the people who understand you. The disappearances of those is dangerous. Volodymyr Zelenskyy talks with the Nato secretary general, Mark Rutte, before a multilateral meeting with European leaders in Washington. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images European leaders have been holding a virtual conference call to discuss what security guarantees they could give to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Russia. The discussion follows Mondays unprecedented get-together in the White House hosted by Donald Trump. The US president met Volodymyr Zelenskyy and held talks with Britains Keir Starmer, as well as the leaders of Germany, France, Italy, Finland, the European Union and Nato. The main topic was how to end the war in Ukraine, the continents biggest since 1945, and how Europe might stop Russia from attacking again. What security guarantees might Ukraine get? Zelenskyy has said that the details will be worked out and formalised on paper within a week to 10 days. As many as 30 countries called the coalition of the willing are likely to be involved, with some help from the US, although what that might mean is unclear. Speaking after his meeting on Monday with Donald Trump and European leaders in the White House, Zelenskyy said their support could take many forms. One of those could be prysutnist (the Ukrainian word for presence), meaning they would provide troops. And it might include intelligence, as well as providing security in the air and on the Black Sea, or simply funds, he said. The key question is, which European governments are willing to take part in a peacekeeping mission inside Ukraine? The UK and France have indicated they are ready to send soldiers as part of a reassurance force. Frances president, Emmanuel Macron, confirmed: We have to help Ukraine on the ground. Germany is more sceptical. Many details have yet to be worked out. Would western troops be stationed along a ceasefire line or provide a more limited training role in big cities such as Kyiv and Lviv? And what rules of engagement would they have if they came under Russian fire? How might the US contribute? Trump has promised to coordinate a Europe-led peacekeeping operation in Ukraine. When it comes to security, theres going to be a lot of help, he said on Monday, sitting next to Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. The US president made clear European countries would be expected to carry most of the burden. They are a first line of defence because theyre there. But well help them out, he said. Ukraine wants to buy $90bn worth of US weapons and says they could form part of the security guarantee. Overall, however, Trump has been vague about how much the US would contribute. He has ruled out Ukraines membership of Nato, which Kyiv believes would be the best deterrent against a future Russian onslaught. There seems no prospect the US would send its own troops to take part in a peace-keeping mission. One more realistic option would be for the Pentagon to provide logistical support to a proposed sky shield. The plan envisages an air protection zone in the west and the centre of Ukraine, including over the capital Kyiv, enforced by European fighter jets. What does Russia say? According to Trump, Vladimir Putin agreed during their summit in Alaska that Ukraine required security guarantees. Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff has said that these would be outside the auspices of Nato, but would be the equivalent of article 5, Natos self-defence pact in which an attack on one is considered an attack on all. Russias interpretation of guarantees, however, seems different from Witkoffs version. The Kremlin says it is categorically opposed to western troops in Ukraine. It is unlikely to accept a peacekeeping force as part of any deal. Putins war goals, meanwhile, are unchanged and framed in terms of Russias own existential security needs. He is demanding the entirety of Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, including territory Russia has been unable since 2014 to capture. Putin also wants Ukraines demilitarisation and denazification meaning severe limits on the size of Kyivs army, as well as Zelenskyys removal. The intense diplomacy of the past few days may seem like progress. But Russias basic position hasnt changed. Putin has shown no sign he respects Ukraines sovereignty or that he wants to stop the war. While Russias bombing continues discussion of security guarantees seems moot. What does history tell us? We have been here before. In 1994 Kyiv agreed to give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for international security assurances. Under the terms of the Budapest memorandum the US, Russia, the UK, China and France said they would ensure Ukraines territorial integrity and political independence. And to refrain from the use and threat of force. At the time Ukrainian politicians thought giving up the countrys nuclear arsenal left it open to Russian attack. The Clinton administration was insistent. In May 1997 Russias president Boris Yeltsin signed a friendship treaty with his Ukrainian counterpart, Leonid Kuchma. Russia recognised Ukraines post-Soviet borders. As part of the deal, Kyiv gave Moscow most of its navy, and leased the Crimean port of Sevastopol to the Russians for 20 years. Neither agreement stopped Russian aggression. In 2014 the Kremlin used its troops stationed in Crimea to seize and annex the peninsula. Putin now says the whole of Ukraine is historical Russia. Ukraines experience of betrayal with late 20th-century pledges proving to be worthless means it will want better guarantees this time. Office and hybrid workspace group IWG has said workers shaking off long daily commutes were driving a dramatic jump in demand within small towns as it opened hundreds of new sites. The London-listed company, which operates in about 120 countries, reported system-wide revenues of 2.2 billion US dollars (1.6 billion) for the first six months of 2025. This refers to revenues generated from its managed, franchised and partner locations, excluding fee income. It was about 2% more than the same period a year ago and its highest ever amount for the half year, the firm told investors. IWG operates under a swathe of workspace brands including Regus, Spaces, and Signature. It opened nearly 500 centres globally over the period, with the majority in local communities, suburbs and rural areas. It highlighted a dramatic increase in new locations within small towns, with recent signings in the US including Franklin and Berwyn where the populations are below 5,000. Chief executive Mark Dixon said it reflected people turning away from long daily commutes but also highlighted a trend of some businesses replacing city-centre offices with smaller, flexible workspaces. The shift towards hybrid and more localised working is propelling our business forward with the fastest growth that we have ever seen in history, he said. Flexible working has become the default model for a significant proportion of white-collar workers, he said, adding: The days of needing to be tethered to a central HQ are behind us. In the last six months, more locations were opened than in the entire first decade of our existence. We now have around one million rooms in 121 countries with a significant pipeline. IWG reported an operating profit of 68 million US dollars (50.3 million) for the half-year, unchanged from 2024. However, it said earnings for the year were likely to be at the lower end of its forecast range due to it investing in the growth of its franchised business. Shares in IWG dropped by more than a 10th in early trading following the update. John Swinney has led the SNP since May last year - Liam McBurney/PA Wire Rebel SNP members have lashed out at John Swinney after their alternative plan to achieve Scottish independence was blocked from being discussed at the party conference. They had unveiled a blueprint to open independence negotiations with the UK Government if nationalist parties got a majority of the popular vote in next years Holyrood election. The plan differed markedly from Mr Swinneys proposal that the SNP winning an outright majority of seats in the election should force Sir Keir Starmer to allow another independence referendum. But a resolution outlining the rebel plan was not selected by a powerful party committee for discussion at Octobers conference, despite it being backed by 43 local branches. The Herald reported that it was excluded from a draft agenda for the conference, which has been distributed to members. Unless it is amended, this means that the rebel plan will not directly rival Mr Swinneys motion on his blueprint, which will be discussed and voted on by members at the Aberdeen gathering. It has previously emerged that some of the rebel group want to oust Mr Swinney as party leader amid concerns he is not doing enough to achieve independence. One SNP activist said: John Swinney last year made a point several times that he was going to listen to the membership. But he hasnt done so. There are just under 200 branches, nearly a quarter of all branches supported the resolution, but the party leadership is refusing to listen. If there is a difference of opinion between the leadership and the members then it should be debated at conference and conference should decide. To not let this resolution be debated at the conference is ignoring the internal democracy of the party. A second activist, who supported the proposal, added: I am absolutely seething. I have never known a resolution with so much backing which has been so unceremoniously put to the side. Mr Swinney has argued that the SNP winning an outright majority of seats next year should be the benchmark as this was the precedent set by the 2011 Holyrood election. Alex Salmond led the SNP to a majority win that year and David Cameron, the then prime minister, authorised the referendum that was lost by the nationalists in 2014. First Minister living in cuckoo land But this is an extremely high bar and Alex Neil, a former SNP health secretary, previously told the Telegraph that Mr Swinney was living in cloud cuckoo land given the current level of public support for the SNP. Under the rebel plan, independence negotiations would open between the Scottish and UK governments if the three nationalist parties the SNP, the Greens and Alba together achieve more than 50 per cent of the regional list vote. Successive UK governments have repeatedly turned down SNP calls for a second referendum, with the UK Supreme Court ruling in 2022 that only Westminster can allow another poll. Sir Keir said last month that he could not imagine another referendum being staged while he was prime minister and an SNP victory in the May 2026 election would not change his mind. Kenny MacAskill, the Alba Party leader and a former SNP justice secretary, said: You cannot expect the SNP members to unite behind a strategy when the views of 43 of its branches have been so casually dismissed. This is treating the grassroots of the party with utter contempt and is totally unacceptable in a democratic party. The SNP declined to comment. However, it is understood that members have the opportunity to submit proposals for amendments to the draft agenda. Molly Rainford and Tyler West have just got engaged. (Getty) (Dave Benett via Getty Images) Molly Rainford and Tyler West got engaged three years after meeting on the BBC show, but who are Strictly's other success stories? There is always talk of the Strictly curse, where some celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners fall in love while their relationships in the outside world fall apart. But what about Strictly's greatest love stories? While professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec and former pro Janette Manrara didn't meet on the show, much of their love story has played out while they have shared the Strictly dancefloor together. Manrara now hosts the spin-off show and juggles looking after their daughter, while Skorjanec returned to his job as a professional dancer on the BBC show. Among the Strictly couples still together, Ex-EastEnders actor Jimi Mistry and professional dancer Flavia Cacace have the longest love story. Molly Rainford and Tyler West Everyone is talking about Molly Rainford and Tyler West after they got engaged. They first met for the first time in 2022 when they were competing against each other on Strictly. It seems to be a big year for the couple as they are reported to have signed up for Celebrity Race Across the World together. Before getting engaged, they had settled into life together as they moved in with each other last year. Jimi Mistry and Flavia Cacace Flavia Cacace and Jimi Mistry have been together the longest. (Getty) (David M. Benett via Getty Images) More than 15 years have flown by since Cacace and Mistry first fell in love after being partnered on Strictly in 2010. A lot has happened in the years that have followed Strictly, including Cacace leaving Strictly in 2012, the couple getting married in 2013, and then quitting the showbiz world for good in 2020. After the pandemic, they moved to the country where they now have a seven-acre smallholding in Devon. They host holiday cottages and have a micro-bakery. "We haven't looked back once," Mistry told HELLO! in 2021 of their new adventure. "The ambience, the feeling, the energy that has been created here has made us feel so much calmer and better about life." "We feel calm and stress-free and our old life feels alien," Cacace added. "We did it for years, but it's amazing when you come out of it and realise you can finally breathe." Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev Rachel Riley and Pasha Kovalev have been together for a long time. (Getty) (Dave Benett via Getty Images) Rachel Riley and dancer Pasha Kovalev have gone the distance after they first met on the set of Strictly in 2013. Their romance blossomed out of the Strictly curse. Weeks after the former Countdown host was eliminated from the BBC show, she ended her 16-month marriage to her university sweetheart, James Gilbert. Riley and Kovalev got together later and went public with their love story in 2014. They got married in secret in Las Vegas in 2019, the same year that Kovalev left Strictly. The couple raise their two daughters, Maven and Noa, together. Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez have been building their family together. (Getty) (Ian West - PA Images via Getty Images) Strictly's Gorka Marquez and Gemma Atkinson weren't partnered together on Strictly in 2017, but that didn't stop sparks from flying. Atkinson was partnered on the show with Aljaz Skorjanec, while Marquez was teaching Alexandra Burke how to dance. Away from the dancefloor, their love story flourished. The couple who raise their children Mia and Thiago got engaged on Valentine's Day in 2021, but they have since delayed their wedding. It has been reported that their family reality series Gemma and Gorka: Life Behind The Lens has been axed. This year, Marquez won't have a dance partner on Strictly because of a scheduling clash with his job as a judge on the Spanish version of the show. Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell Joe Sugg and Dianne Buswell have been in love since Strictly. (Getty) (Tim Whitby/BAFTA via Getty Images) Strictly's 2024 winner Dianne Buswell and YouTuber Joe Sugg waltzed their way into love in the 2018 series. The pair had made the final of the BBC show but found they won something more important than the Glitter Ball each other's affections. Sugg is Buswell's biggest supporter when she is dancing on Strictly. Away from the TV cameras, the couple live together in Brighton, and they have plans to start a family one day. She told Prima magazine in 2025: "When Joe and I met, it wasnt until the show ended that we realised we missed each others company a lot our relationship went from there. "Weve always wanted kids, its just finding the right time. I dont feel worried about taking time out from dancing, I just dont see the point in worrying. When everything aligns, it will happen. I have a vision." Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley have started a family together. (Getty) (Scott Garfitt via Getty Images) Kevin Clifton and Stacey Dooley also danced in the same series. Not only did Clifton and Dooley lift the Glitter Ball trophy, but they also found long-lasting love with each other. Their romance didn't blossom until after the show had wrapped. Documentary maker Dooley was dating personal trainer Sam Tucknott until three months after Strictly. In 2019, Clifton and Dooley went public with their romance. They became parents for the first time in 2023 when Dooley welcomed their daughter, Minnie, into the world. Max George and Maisie Smith Max George and Maisie Smith are a support to each other. (Getty) (Dave Benett via Getty Images) Ex-EastEnders actor Maisie Smith and The Wanted star Max George were competing on Strictly in 2020, but they immediately hit it off. They didn't start dating until two years later in 2022. The lovebirds have a 13-year age gap, but they have marked huge milestones as a couple, including working and living together in Manchester. While they have no plans for marriage yet, Smith has been a huge support to George after he had a heart operation before Christmas in 2024. Swedens Kiruna Kyrka church is being moved to a new location in one piece to protect it from subsidence caused by mining in the region. On Tuesday, the entire building, in the Arctic town of Kiruna, was placed onto a huge flatbed trailer as it began a move to a new home three miles away. The complex operation to transfer the 672-ton church away from unsafe ground above Europes biggest ore mine has become a media sensation in Sweden, with the event being televised to millions. A world-unique event is underway! Our member @LKABgroup is relocating Kiruna Church, one of Sweden's most treasured landmarks, as part of Kiruna's urban transformation driven by sustainable mining. Aug 1920 : https://t.co/nrs3ntMp5Y#LKAB #Euromines pic.twitter.com/qjJQjOc1W9 Euromines (@euromines) August 19, 2025 Kiruna Kyrka, a Swedish Lutheran church which dates back to 1912, is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the country, with a neo-Gothic exterior, slanting roofs and angled windows. An Art Nouveau altarpiece painted by Swedish prince Eugen, which depicts a pastel landscape inspired by his trips to Tuscany and western Sweden, has been carefully wrapped for the short but potentially risky journey, as has the churchs organ, which has 2,000 pipes. The churchs relocation is part of a two-decade effort to transfer the town of Kiruna to a new site, with its history of mining having made the ground weaker with each passing year. But it is the transfer of Kiruna Kyrka itself that has most fascinated Swedes, with a TV network live-streaming the buildings slow, delicate journey. The operation is expected to take about two days, with the trailer bearing the church travelling at a speed of less than 1mph. King Carl XVI Gustaf was among those who travelled to the town to witness the move, along with 10,000 visitors lining the streets in a town with a population of only 18,000 people. The trailer bearing the church travels at a speed of less than 1mph - Leonhard Foeger/Reuters It is with great reverence that we have undertaken this project. This is not just any building its a church, said Stefan Holmblad, a project manager at LKAB, which mines ore below the town and has funded the operation to move the building. Mr Holmblad said LKAB had offered to compensate all residents for the relocation of the town, or to build new houses for them. But when it came to the church, we decided it was best to move it in one piece. We saw the value in that, he said, adding that the relocation was a unique event in world history. Diana Castillo-Perez from San Antonio holds up a sign during the Fight the Trump Takeover rally at the Texas capitol in Austin on Saturday. Photograph: Aaron E Martinez/AP Texas Democrats returned to their state on Monday as California lawmakers kicked off a rapid push for voters to approve a new congressional map that could add as many as five Democratic seats in the US House. The Texas Democrats return ends a two-week walkout that stalled the Republican effort to redraw the states congressional districts to satisfy Donald Trumps demands to reshape the US House map in his favor ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The California plan was drafted in response to Texass push to redraw the congressional map there. On Friday, Texass Republican governor, Greg Abbott, called a second special session after Democrats remained out of the state for two weeks, denying Republicans a quorum to conduct legislative business. The Democrats said last week they would return once California moved ahead with its counter-proposal, all but ensuring that Texass new maps will pass. Related: How did we get all this gerrymandering? A short history of the Republican redistricting scheme The protest began on 3 August, when dozens of Texas Democrats left the state for Illinois and other blue states in a high-stakes bid to deny their Republican colleagues the quorum needed to approve the redrawn maps. Although the Democrats return allows Republicans to advance their redistricting plan, the quorum-breakers have declared their two-week walkout a strategic success that set off a redistricting arms race. We killed the corrupt special session, withstood unprecedented surveillance and intimidation and rallied Democrats nationwide to join this existential fight for fair representation reshaping the entire 2026 landscape, Gene Wu, the chair of the Texas house democratic caucus, said. Were returning to Texas more dangerous to Republicans plans than when we left. Dustin Burrows, the Republican house speaker, did not mention the Republican redistricting proposal, but said the chamber would move swiftly to enact its legislative agenda during the second special session. Later on Monday evening, a house committee approved the new map, which will soon be sent to the floor for a full vote. Representatives come and go. Issues rise and fall. But this body has endured wars, economic depressions and quorum breaks dating back to the very first session, Burrows said during Mondays session. Now is the time for action. He also outlined new surveillance protocols that would apply to the Democrats who had civil arrest warrants issued in their absence, stating they would be granted written permission to leave only after agreeing to be released into the custody of a designated [Texas department of public safety] officer who would ensure their return to the chamber. One Democrat is refusing to accept the conditions. Nicole Collier, a state representative for Fort Worth, vowed to remain confined inside the Texas house chamber until lawmakers reconvene on Wednesday, declining to comply with what she condemned as a Republican permission slip a document authorizing a round-the-clock law enforcement escort. I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts, Collier, a seven-term lawmaker and a former chair of the Texas Legislative Black caucus, said on Monday. Colliers demonstration is the latest act of Democratic resistance to the Republican redistricting plan. When I press that button to vote, I know these maps will harm my constituents I wont just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination, she said. The new California map, released on Friday, would create three new safely Democratic districts and two new districts that are Democratic leaning but still competitive. The plan, led by the California governor Gavin Newsom, must be approved by the state legislature before it is put to vote in a special election this fall. If voters agree to override the house map created by the independent redistricting commission after the 2020 census, the proposed boundaries would replace current ones through 2030. Democrats said they will return the mapmaking power to the commission after that. Newsom praised the effort on Monday, calling it a necessary response to Trumps influence over redistricting in Texas and other Republican-led states. We are not going to sit idle while they command Texas and other states to rig the next election to keep power, Newsom said, adding that the proposal gives Californians a choice to fight back. Internal polling presented to lawmakers showed voters favored the measure 52% to 41%, with 7% undecided, according to the local television station KCRA. Republicans in California condemned the proposal as an assault on the states voter-approved independent redistricting commission and said they plan to introduce legislation that advocates for creating similar map-drawing bodies in all 50 states. Governor Newsom, this is nothing more than a power grab, Tony Strickland, a Republican state senator, said during a Monday news conference in Sacramento. He warned the redistricting tit-for-tat sets a dangerous precedent that will not be easily undone. The Golden Gate Bridge toll was supposed to be temporary, he added. Youre still paying the toll. The legislature could hold floor votes to send the measure to voters for approval as soon as Thursday, KCRA reported. House Republicans currently hold a razor-thin three-seat majority in the US House and Trump has pushed to redraw district boundaries ahead of next years midterm elections, in which the presidents party typically loses seats. Republicans are also poised to redraw congressional districts in Ohio, Missouri and Florida, as well as potentially Indiana. Democrats have signaled they will try to redraw districts in other states where they hold power at the state level, such as New York and Maryland, though they do not have as many opportunities to draw districts as Republicans do. Thousands of pounds of cheese recalled over possible Listeria contamination The FDA has recalled thousands of pounds of cheese over bacterial contamination concerns. The Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op facility in Ohio is recalling over 5,000 lbs of cheese because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an FDA statement read Monday. Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. An infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Healthy individuals are still at risk of suffering short-term symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Thousands of pounds of cheese have been summoned for recall by the FDA (Getty/iStock) Five different types of cheese were summoned in the FDA recall, including: Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese, 8 oz. packages, 5 Lb. loaves, and 40 Lb. loaves with Lot Code 251661 Copia Collective 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese, 8 oz. packages with Lot Code 251661 Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op Horseradish Flavored Cheese, 8 oz. packages with Lot Code 2524061 Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op Monterey Jack Cheese, 8 oz. packages and 5 lb blocks with Lot Code 251672 and 40 lb. blocks with dates Coded as 7-16-25B Farmers Cheese 8 oz. packages and 5 lb blocks with Lot Code 251672 and 40 lb. blocks with dates Coded as 7-16-25B Customers can find the lot codes on the sides of 8 oz. packets and 5 lb. loaves, and the same applies to date codes on 40 lb. loaves. Middlefield summoned the recall after product testing revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the cheese. Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op Monterey Jack Cheese, was one of the cheeses to be recalled (US Food and Drug Administration) Production was quickly suspended while the company investigated the source, which they determined to be from environmental contamination that migrated to food-contact areas of the production process. This meant that bacteria were transferred onto materials that were intended to be in contact with food, such as packaging or the food itself. No illnesses have so far been reported concerning the cheese products. Farmers' Cheese was also included in the recall (US Food and Drug Administration) The Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op facility in Middlefield, OH is recalling 246.5 Lbs. of 100% Grass-fed Pepper Jack Cheese, sold in 8 oz. packages, 5 lb. loaves and 40 lb. loaves, 2.5 Lbs. of Horseradish Flavored Cheese, sold in 8 oz. packages, 640 Lbs. of Monterey Jack Cheese sold in 8 oz. packages, 5 lb. loaves and 40 lb. loaves, and 4,544.5 Lbs. of White Cheddar Cheese sold in 40 Lb. loaves. Customers who purchased the cheese are advised to throw it away or return it to the store where they bought it, where they can also request a refund. Anyone with further questions is asked to contact the Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op General Manager, Nevin Byler, at 440-632-5567, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM EST. Tottenham are yet to reach an agreement with Crystal Palace over the signing of Eberechi Eze but talks are ongoing as a conclusion nears, the PA news agency understands. Spurs entered negotiations with their Premier League rivals last Monday over the potential addition of Eze, who has been a long-term target. New Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is in desperate need of creative reinforcements and even though Eze featured in Palaces 0-0 draw at Chelsea on Sunday, PA understands positive dialogue continues between both clubs with an expectation that a deal can be reached. Eze was recommended to Spurs during his time at QPR by old scout David Pleat, but subsequently signed for Palace in 2020 and has since developed into one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League. After Tottenham failed in their efforts to sign Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White last month, Frank turned his focus to Eze, especially after James Maddison suffered a serious knee injury to join Dejan Kulusevski on the sidelines. A release clause in the region of 68million in Ezes current deal at Palace expired on Friday and, despite further talks on Saturday, a day later the England international played 84 minutes in the clubs league opener with Chelsea. Crystal Palaces Eberechi Eze applauds the fans (John Walton/PA) Palace boss Oliver Glasner afterwards expressed his desire to play Eze in Thursdays Conference League qualifier with Frederikstad, but may not get his wish. While reports on Tuesday that an agreement between Spurs and Palace had been reached were slightly premature, negotiations appear to be heading towards a conclusion that would result in Eze moving across London. It would end Ezes five-year stay at Selhurst Park where the 27-year-old has scored 40 times across 169 appearances for Palace, including the winner in their 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final in May. Members of the M23 armed group patrol in Goma in January 2025, when the Rwanda-backed fighters controlled almost all of the DR Congo city. Donald Trump claims to have ended six wars. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images As he touted his bona fides as the so-called peacemaker-in-chief during talks over Ukraine at the White House on Tuesday, Donald Trump made two big claims: that he wants peace deals instead of ceasefires, and that he has ended six wars since he became president. But in his haste to hammer out a peace deal in Ukraine, Trump is playing fast and loose with the truth. Trump and his administration have claimed to have helped settle the conflicts between Israel and Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Cambodia and Thailand, India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Egypt and Ethiopia. Related: All smoke but no fire as Zelenskky emerges unbruised after Trump meet Yet the claim to have settled those conflicts is embellished and in some cases contradicted by continued violence in countries like DR Congo, where Rwanda-backed rebels missed a deadline to reach a peace deal in Doha on Tuesday. In Iran, the US carried out its own strikes using bunker-buster bombs against military and nuclear facilities before strong-arming Iran to accept a ceasefire. India has denied that Trump played any role in reaching a ceasefire deal with Pakistan to end days of strikes over the disputed Kashmir territory in May. Egypt and Ethiopia have no deal to settle the root of their conflict a Nile River dam constructed by Ethiopia that would divert water from Egypt. And Serbia has denied it had any plans to pursue a war with Kosovo, although Trump took credit for preventing one. On the subject of ceasefires, by Trumps own admission, he has often been seeking them in these conflicts. Now, he has sought to rewrite the record, piling pressure on Ukraine. Trumps declaration that he was not seeking a ceasefire in Ukraine came after meeting Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week where the Russian president initially demanded that Ukraine cede control over territory in the countrys southeast before negotiating a ceasefire. The question is crucial to the sequencing of an eventual peace in Ukraine: Putin wants to decide which territory Russia will retain while the fighting still rages, while Kyiv has demanded the guns fall silent in a ceasefire before any decisions are made over territorial claims. By Mondays meetings with European leaders, Trump had said he was no longer pursuing a ceasefire. If you look at the six deals that I settled this year, they were all at war. I didnt do any ceasefires, Trump stated, telling Zelenskyy, I dont think you need a ceasefire. But his record speaks otherwise. On 10 May, after the outbreak of violence between India and Pakistan, Trump announced: After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. On 26 July, Trump said he was calling the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia in order to call for a ceasefire after three days of border fighting. The call with Cambodia has ended, but expect to call back regarding War stoppage and Ceasefire based on what Thailand has to say, he wrote. I am trying to simplify a complex situation! And on Israel and Iran, Trump had also written: It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE. MSNBC, the US television news station, posted a compilation of Trump calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine in the weeks and days before his meetings with Putin and then Zelenskyy. But Trump looking for a quick win has rewritten his record as he edges closer to a Putin-endorsed roadmap to ending a conflict that has proved much harder to solve than he had once thought. Trump expands good moral character test to become a U.S. citizen. Heres what it means The Trump administration is taking steps to expand the good moral character test for U.S. citizenship. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced that officers will be told to give more than a cursory mechanical review focused on the absence of wrongdoing. They will instead be ordered to organize a holistic assessment of an alien's behavior, adherence to societal norms, and positive contributions that affirmatively demonstrate good moral character. The agency stated in a Friday memo that current rules will remain in place, meaning that citizenship will not be awarded to people who have taken part in serious offenses such as murder and other violent crimes. The memo also summarized new criteria for becoming a U.S. citizen. U.S. citizenship is the gold standard of citizenship it should only be offered to the worlds best of the best, a spokesperson for the agency, Matthew Tragesser, told The Hill. President Donald Trump has made cracking down on immigration a top priority in his second term, starting what could be the most significant domestic deportation effort in the history of the country. He has also threatened to remove the citizenship of some who have already been naturalized. The Trump administration is expanding the good moral character requirement as it works to restrict legal immigration (Getty Images) USCIS revealed in April that it would review immigrants social media feeds for antisemitism and use posts as possible reasons for rejecting applications for visas and green cards. What is good moral character? According to the new policy, immigration officers must take into account any evidence of moral character, such as an applicants community involvement and educational level, in addition to possible negative information, including repeated DUI convictions or actions that while technically lawful, may be inconsistent with civic responsibility within the community, such as reckless or habitual traffic infractions, or harassment or aggressive solicitation. Officers will also take into account any evidence of reformed characters, including paying back taxes or adhering to probation conditions. USCIS said in a Tuesday press release that it would be screening for anti-American activity when vetting immigrant benefits requests. Americas benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is committed to implementing policies and procedures that root out anti-Americanism and supporting the enforcement of rigorous screening and vetting measures to the fullest extent possible, Tragesser said in a statement. What has changed? Experts note that the new policy should be viewed through the broader prism of the Trump administrations efforts to restrict legal immigration. Former Biden administration official Doug Rand told CBS News that the Trump administration is trying to increase the grounds for denial of U.S. citizenship by kind of torturing the definition of good moral character to encompass extremely harmless behavior. An associate professor of sociology at Brigham Young University, Jane Lopez, told The Washington Post that the new order is not necessarily a break from past practice. However, she added that it noted the ability of USCIS officers to impose their subjective interpretations of this fuzzy concept in their evaluations of naturalization applicants. USCIS officers have been issued new guidance to look more closely at the moral character of applicants for citizenship and visas (Getty Images) She added that all applications for naturalization, permanent residency, and various kinds of visas will be evaluated by one or more USCIS officers, and they already have the ability to deny that application for a multitude of reasons. While having good moral character has been a requirement to become a U.S. citizen since the 1790 Naturalization Act, Lopez noted that citizenship applicants now have to prove that they have positive attributes instead of just proving that they havent been convicted of any crimes or been a part of other types of wrongdoing. The new USCIS memo states that family caregiving, responsibility, and ties in the United States are examples that can be considered as positive attributes. Tragesser told The Post that officers will take into account applicants contributions to American society, such as community involvement, achievements, and financial responsibility, rather than the absence of their misconduct. An immigration law professor at the University of California at Davis, Gabriel Chin, told the paper that the most recent guidance is so loose and discretionary that it is obviously susceptible to arbitrary enforcement. Many birthright U.S. citizens do not have sufficient educational or economic achievements that would entitle them to a visa to immigrate to the United States, said Chin. If they had not been born here, they would not make the cut. Who will it impact? Lopez argued that the new policy could make it harder for noncitizens to obtain legal belonging in the United States because officers have to evaluate something they cannot consistently describe or define. The guidance also argues for increased scrutiny of actions that may disqualify an applicant for aggravated felonies, in addition to other behaviors, such as illegal gambling or drug violations. The memo also states that other disqualifying actions include lawful behaviors, but which are "inconsistent with civic responsibility within the community, such as frequent traffic violations or solicitation. While sitting beside Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, Donald Trump once again boasted of ending six wars in as many months without negotiating a single ceasefire. If you look at the six deals that I settled this year, they were all at war. I didn't do any ceasefires, Trump said before turning to Zelensky, adding: I dont think you need a ceasefire. Since his trip to Scotland last month, Trump has repeated multiple times a version of his claim that hes ended wars at about one a month, according to PolitiFact. Earlier Monday, the president posted on Truth Social that in one case, he had averted a possible unclear disaster. By Tuesday morning, Trump told Fox & Friends that his administration had solved seven wars, though the president did not elaborate on which conflict he was now including in his list. The White House told The Independent that Trump was citing conflicts from both his first and second terms. The White House previously lauded Trump as the peacemaker-in-chief, and the president has styled himself as the president of peace. Trump in the Situation Room of the White House before addressing reporters about the bombing of the three Iranian nuclear sites (The White House) Meanwhile, the commander-in-chief has openly signalled his ambitions of winning a Nobel Peace Prize despite campaigning on a largely non-interventionist platform. Are Trumps claims of halting hostilities credible or an embellishment of the truth? The Independent takes a closer look at the presidents peacemaking record. Israel and Iran Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump and Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (AP) Approximately three days after launching Operation Midnight Hammer, Trump told NATO leaders that his administration just ended a war in 12 days that was simmering for 30 years. On June 23, the major Iranian uranium enrichment sites, Fordow and Natanz, and the research base of Isfahan faced a wave of U.S. bunker buster bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles, which Trump claimed left the facilities obliterated. The U.S. intervened in the conflict on June 21 after Israel launched a surprise attack eight days earlier on Iranian nuclear facilities, missile strikes, and military infrastructure. Iran responded with a wave of missile and drone strikes at Israeli army bases and cities. On June 23, Trump declared on Truth Social that Israel and Iran had reached a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE, which was mediated by the U.S. While Trumps actions against Irans nuclear program may have curtailed immediate strikes, it is not possible to claim to have secured lasting peace, with tensions in the region remaining high. India and Pakistan Trump, right, speaks with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the East Room of the White House in February (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The brief but deadly military exchange between India and Pakistan that began on May 7 reignited long-standing tensions over the disputed region of Kashmir. It drew a surprise offer of mediation from Trump, who said he could help find a solution to the Himalayan region that is claimed by both nations. We also appreciate President Trumps expressed willingness to support efforts aimed at the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, said the Pakistani government. By contrast, India remained publicly silent while reinforcing its view that Kashmir is an internal matter. Major General Rameshwar Roy, a retired Indian Army officer, dismissed Trumps offer outright, calling it irrelevant and intrusive and telling The Independent in May that it was a bilateral agreement reached without U.S. involvement. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri doubled down in June that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Trump there was no U.S. mediation between India and Pakistan. Thailand and Cambodia Trump addresses to reporters at the Lehigh Valley International Airport on August 3, 2025 about tensions between Cambodia and Thailand (Getty) On July 26, Trump said he was calling the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to urge a ceasefire after three days of intense border fighting. A truce between the nations, brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, was reached on 28 July after Trump said he had spoken to the leaders. Trump leveraged his most powerful economic weapon: tariffs. He said he threatened to derail existing trade deals that had been brokered with the two countries if the fighting persisted. Just days later, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet had nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, lauding his extraordinary statesmanship in halting the border conflict with its neighbor. However, foreign policy experts caution that there is no evidence that the president personally negotiated or directly brokered a ceasefire between the two countries. Reports indicate that the fragile truce has been violated multiple times, with both sides accusing each other of breaches. Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo Trump listens as Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe speaks during an event with Congo's Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner in June at the White House (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) On June 27, foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo flew to Washington, D.C., to sign a controversial peace deal brokered by the U.S. to end fighting in eastern DRC. The agreement also allows for U.S. investment in eastern DRCs critical mineral reserves, including gold, copper, and lithium. Flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and delegates from both nations in the Oval Office, Trump called the peace treaty a glorious triumph. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, however, claimed the diplomatic success as his own. Foreign policy experts said the agreement is significant but part of a broader picture of broken contracts between the countries. A week earlier, Trump teed up the treaty he said he and Rubio arranged in a bid to put an end to the decades-long war between the two nations. This is a Great Day for Africa and, quite frankly, a Great Day for the World! I wont get a Nobel Peace Prize for this, he wrote on Truth Social on June 20. In his meandering post, Trump also noted that he wouldnt be awarded the prize for stopping wars between India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, Egypt and Ethiopia, and for doing the Abraham Accords in the Middle East. No, I wont get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do, including Russia/Ukraine, and Israel/Iran, whatever those outcomes may be, but the people know, and thats all that matters to me!, he said. Armenia and Azerbaijan Donald Trump shakes hands with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, right, and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev during a trilateral signing ceremony this month (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) On August 8, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement during a meeting with Trump in the White House, bringing an end to decades of conflict. If it holds, the deal between the South Caucasus rivals would reopen key transportation routes while allowing the U.S. to seize on Russias declining influence in the region. A major transit corridor linking Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan is set to open, with the U.S. owning the development rights to the corridor. It was to be named the Trump Route, the White House said, which the president called a great honor. It's a long time 35 years they fought and now they're friends, and they're going to be friends for a long time, Trump said, besides the leaders of the two nations at the signing ceremony. Egypt and Ethiopia President Donald Trump meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in the Oval Office in 2019 (AP) After 12 years, Egypts Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on June 29 that talks with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the River Nile had ground to a halt. Days later, Ethiopia said its GERD was complete. While a full-scale conflict did not erupt, Egyptians remained wary that the mega dam could restrict the flow of the Nile, which provides 90 percent of the countrys total water supply. In a White House meeting on July 14, Trump appeared to side with Egypt, claiming that it would be pretty incredible if its water source were to be taken away. He said that the U.S is going to have that solved very quickly. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, a Trump ally, said in a social media statement that the country appreciates Trumps keenness on reaching a just agreement and supports the presidents global vision of establishing just peace, security, and stability. Ethiopian officials and experts warned that Trumps remarks risked aggravating the situation and undermining Ethiopias right to utilize its natural resources. And any progress, they argued, is mainly attributable to ongoing multilateral negotiations, not Trumps intervention. Trump reportedly expressed hope for a quick resolution as Egypt and Ethiopia reached an agreement in 2018 during his first administration over how to share the waters of the Nile. Serbia and Kosovo A woman walks near a poster showing Trump with a Serbian flag, in Mitrovica, Kosovo in January (Reuters) At an Oval Office press conference on June 27, Trump declared that Serbia and Kosovo were on the brink of war until, he said, his administration was able to stop it by again threatening trade sanctions. Trump said he had a friend in Serbia who alerted him that were going to go to war again with Kosovo, without providing further details. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said on July 10 that Trump prevented a potential escalation from Serbia. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denied the claims of warmongering and said on July 12 that a conflict with Kosovo does not even occur to us. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, tensions between the two nations peaked between 1998 and 1999 when the countries were at war, which ended with NATO intervention. Friction has persisted since Kosovo declared independence in 2008. In 2020, during Trumps first term, the U.S. brokered a pact between the two Balkan nations to normalize economic relations. Vladimir Putin has agreed to face-to-face talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss a peace deal in Ukraine, according to Donald Trump and European leaders, although Moscow has not confirmed the meeting. The potential breakthrough came after a day of tense diplomacy at the White House in which Trump ruled out a ceasefire while Zelenskyy and his allies pushed for US-backed security guarantees as part of any long-term agreement. The Ukrainian president said that following the talks security guarantees for Kyiv would be formalised within 10 days. At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, adding that a trilateral meeting including the US president would follow. Related: Trump claims to have ended six wars is that true? British prime minister Keir Starmer and German chancellor Friedrich Merz appeared to confirm the meeting. Merz told reporters: The American president spoke with the Russian president on the phone and agreed that there would be a meeting between the Russian president and the Ukrainian president within the next two weeks. But the chancellor cautioned: We dont know whether the Russian president will have the courage to attend such a summit. Therefore, persuasion is needed. Putin, for his part, said he was open to the idea of direct talks with Ukraine as he spoke by phone with Trump, according to Russias Tass news agency, but there was no confirmation that the meeting would take place. Earlier, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to meet with Russia in any format and that territorial issues would be discussed on a bilateral level with the Russian president. Mondays meeting came after Trump met Putin in Anchorage and said the onus would now be on Zelenskyy to agree to concessions that he said could end the war. Some commentators saw it as a damage limitation exercise after Trump was apparently swayed by Putin and began to echo his talking points. Trump, who only last week warned Russia of very severe consequences if Putin failed to agree to a halt the fighting, made clear that he had reversed his position. Welcoming Zelenskyy to the hastily assembled meeting at the Oval Office, Trump referred to other conflicts which he claimed to have ended, telling reporters: I dont think youd need a ceasefire. If you look at the six deals that I settled this year, they were all at war I didnt do any ceasefires. He did, however, say the US would help guarantee Ukraines safety something Kyiv has long said would be essential for a lasting peace. Trump said: When it comes to security, theres going to be a lot of help. But the US president made it clear that European countries would be expected to carry the burden, adding: They are a first line of defence because theyre there. But well help them out. The Ukrainian president said his country has offered to buy $90bn worth of US weapons as part of the security guarantee, which primarily includes aircraft, air defence systems. There indeed is a package with our proposals worth $90bn, Zelenskyy said. And we have agreements with the US president that when our export opens, they will buy Ukrainian drones. This is important for us. After meeting the leaders of Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Finland, the European Union and Nato, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that there had been discussion of security guarantees and which guarantees would be provided by the European countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. French president Emmanuel Macron said the talks did not include Kyiv surrendering territory to Russia. Trumps initial conversation with Zelenskyy went more smoothly than their first encounter in the Oval Office six months ago, when the Ukrainian leader was ambushed and berated by Trump and Vice-President JD Vance. This time, doubtless to the relief of European leaders, Zelenskyy gave Trump effusive thanks for the invitation and the pair even shared good-humoured banter while Vance remained silent. Sitting with Starmer and other European leaders in the east room, Trump acknowledged: All of us would obviously prefer an immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace. Maybe something like that could happen. As of this moment, its not happening. But some of the European allies refused to accept defeat on the issue, mindful that the lack of ceasefire buys Putin more time to wage his war of aggression. On Monday, Ukraine said Russian attacks on major cities had killed at least 10 people, including a toddler and her 16-year-old brother in Kharkiv. Merz insisted that we would all like to see a ceasefire and he could not imagine the next meeting taking place without one. Lets work on that and lets try to put pressure on Russia because the credibility of these efforts we are undertaking today depend on at least a ceasefire from the beginning of the serious negotiations, Merz said. Macron also backed the idea of a truce as a necessity. Unmoved, Trump suggested that would be left to Zelenskyy and Putin: Well, were going to let the president go over and talk to the president, and well see how that works out. He added: And again I say it, in the six wars that Ive settled, I havent had a ceasefire. The US president told his fellow leaders: We also need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory, taking into consideration the current line of contact that means the war zone. But he also said Putin had accepted there would be security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any peace deal. Trump said: In a very significant step, President Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine and this is one of the key points that we need to consider and were going to be considering that at the table, also who will do what essentially. Several of the leaders emphasised the importance of the security guarantees to deter Russia from attacking again. Macron said: The first one is clearly a credible Ukrainian army for the years and decades to come. Europe was also clear about carrying its fair share of the burden, he said, so you can count on this as we can continue. Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of Italy, said: We will talk about many important topics. The first one is security guarantees, how to be sure that it wont happen again, which is the precondition of every kind of peace. Asked by a journalist if it would be the end of the road for US support for Ukraine if no deal is struck, Trump said it was never the end of the road. People are being killed and we want to stop that. Trump added: Were going to make sure that if theres peace, that peace is going to stay long-term Were not talking about a two-year peace and then we end up in this mess again. Zelenskyy outlined what he said his country needed to feel secure, which included a strong Ukrainian army through weapons sales and training. The second part, he said, would depend on the outcome of Mondays talks and any guarantees European Union countries, Nato and the US would be able to offer to the war-torn country. Trump declined to rule out sending US troops to Ukraine, noting it would be a discussion point with European leaders. Zelenskyys charm offensive included presenting a letter from his wife, Olena Zelenska, for Trumps wife Melania, who over the weekend wrote to Putin urging him to consider children impacted by the war. In stark contrast to the acrimony in February, there were also lighter moments. Brian Glenn, a pro-Trump TV reporter, told Zelenskyy that you look fabulous in that suit. Glenn had asked the Ukrainian leader about his clothing during his last visit to the Oval Office, implying that his casual dress was disrespectful. Trump jumped in, saying: I said the same thing. Turning to Zelenskyy, Trump said: Thats the one that attacked you last time. I remember that, Zelenskyy said, before addressing Glenn: But you are in the same suit ... I changed, you have not. UK preparing to send troops to Ukraine as part of reassurance force if peace deal is struck The UK is preparing to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a reassurance force if a peace deal is reached with Russia but Donald Trump has ruled out the US doing the same. The pledge came after Sir Keir Starmer co-chaired a meeting of the coalition of the willing attended by more than 30 international leaders to lay out plans to meet their American counterparts to agree security guarantees for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression. The virtual meeting on Tuesday, which followed the leaders talks with Mr Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on Monday, also discussed possible further sanctions on Russia to pile pressure on Vladimir Putin to end the war. Keir Starmer has described talks on Ukraine as good and constructive (PA) But questions remain about how genuine the Russian leader is about wanting to find a peace after three and a half years of devastating conflict. Just hours after the meeting, Moscow launched its largest aerial attack in a month, firing 270 drones and 10 missiles at central Ukraine. And while the US president is pushing for the first face-to-face meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents in six years, Putins reported initial suggestion of Moscow for the venue was quickly rejected by Kyiv. European leaders are now trying to nail down the specifics of what any US security guarantees will look like. While President Trump has said the US would be willing to help with some aspects, such as providing air support, he has ruled out putting US boots on the ground or allowing Ukraine to join Nato. Mr Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, suggested over the weekend that measures similar to Natos article five mutual defence provision which considers an attack on one member to be an attack on all could be offered by the US without Kyiv joining the alliance. Emmanuel Macron speaks to Keir Starmer during a meeting of the coalition of the willing (AFP/Getty) President Zelensky has hailed the promise to provide guarantees as "a major step forward", adding that the plans would be "formalised on paper within the next week to 10 days". In a statement after Tuesdays meeting came to an end, a Downing Street spokesperson said coalition of the willing planning teams would meet with their US counterparts in the coming days to further strengthen plans to deliver robust security guarantees and prepare for the deployment of a reassurance force if the hostilities ended. The UK and France have pledged to commit forces to Ukraine to deter Putin from launching a fresh assault on his neighbour if a deal is done to end the war. The prime minister told European leaders at Tuesdays meeting that the talks in Washington displayed a real sense of unity and demonstrated the shared goal of securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, a Downing Street spokesperson said. The leaders also discussed how further pressure, including through sanctions, could be placed on Putin until he showed he was ready to take serious action to end his illegal invasion. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and US president Donald Trump have a much more cordial meeting at the White House than their first encounter (AFP/Getty) Speaking to the BBC, Sir Keir said this week had seen a real significant breakthrough on ending the war in Ukraine, saying Mondays talks showed that we have moved forward. He said he was "very pleased" with the outcomes, including progress on security guarantees, saying this would reassure people in Europe, in Ukraine, but particularly in the United Kingdom. It is understood that the UKs chief of defence staff, Sir Tony Radakin, is travelling to Washington on Tuesday afternoon for talks with US officials on security arrangements. And Switzerland has offered to host further peace talks, with its foreign minister, Ignazio Cassis, offering to grant the Russian president immunity from arrest if he were to visit the country for negotiations. Putin has been the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant since 2023 for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, but Mr Cassis said he would not be arrested if he came for a peace conference, adding that Switzerland was ready for such a meeting. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron said he and other European leaders had succeeded in changing Mr Trumps approach to the war in Ukraine. I think we have changed President Trump since he arrived in power in January, the French president told Paris Match. You remember the time when he thought he would settle the conflict in 24 hours? We rose up, united as Europeans, and he took it into account. He also brought a fundamental asset dealing with Russia: his unpredictability. European leaders and President Trump at the White House on Monday (Simon Dawson/No 10) The comments came as the US president admitted it would be a rough situation if Putin failed to agree peace terms but stressed that Mr Zelensky had to show flexibility, including giving up hopes of taking back control of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, or joining Nato. He also insisted that Moscow would accept multinational efforts to guarantee Ukraines security. Speaking to Fox News about Ukraine giving up hopes of joining Nato, Mr Trump said everything had worked out well when Ukraine was considered a buffer between Russia and the rest of Europe, because Putin did not want an enemy on his border. It was always thought that Ukraine was a sort of a buffer between Russia and the rest of Europe. And it was it was a big, wide buffer. Everything worked out well until [President] Biden got involved, he said. Getty Stock image of Waikiki Beach in Oahu, Hawaii. NEED TO KNOW A 12th person in Hawaii has been sickened by dengue fever, the states health department announced There is a risk of local transmission if a mosquito in Hawaii bites someone who caught dengue while traveling Residents are asked to remove standing water to limit breeding grounds for mosquitos, and travelers are cautioned to take measures to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks upon returning home A 12th person in Hawaii has been sickened by dengue fever, a potentially life-threatening virus carried by mosquitos. There have been 11 cases of dengue in Oahu, and one in Maui, the Hawaii Department of Health said in a statement. The agency noted that this person was infected while traveling in an area where dengue is endemic and all cases in Hawaii are limited to travelers. However, there is a risk of local transmission if a mosquito bites an infected person and as the Department of Health noted, while dengue is not endemic in the state, Hawaii is home to mosquitoes that can carry dengue. Getty Waikiki Beach in Oahu, Hawaii. The state has dispatched teams to implement mosquito control measures around the residents home, but encouraged all Hawaiians to follow best practices to avoid encouraging mosquito growth, like removing standing water. Residents whove traveled to areas where dengue is endemic are being told to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks. Symptoms of the mosquito-borne illness include aches and pains (behind the eyes, or in the muscles, joints or bones), nausea and vomiting, and rash, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Fever is another common sign of infection. One in four people who are infected will show symptoms, per the CDC. However, dengue symptoms can become life-threatening within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency that impacts 1 in 20 who are sickened by the virus, and requires immediate care. It can lead to shock, internal bleeding or death. 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. This past spring, the CDC warned about dengue outbreaks elsewhere in the U.S., warning that "transmission remains high" in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Read the original article on People A sign at Gate Two to the entrance to F.E. Warren Air Force Base outside Cheyenne, Wyoming, on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Mead Gruver) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) A second airman in a month at a U.S. Air Force base in Wyoming stands accused of involuntary manslaughter for a shooting death. F.E. Warren Air Force Base Airman First Class Jadan Orr, 20, remained jailed on Monday after he allegedly shot a man in a Cheyenne apartment early Saturday, according to police and sheriff's officials. Orr and several friends had been drinking at the apartment for most of the night when Orr and two others went into another room and Orr began handling an AK-47 rifle, according to a Cheyenne Police Department statement. Orr allegedly fired the weapon through a wall, hitting the 23-year-old in the torso. Police arrived to find several people outside trying to help the man, who died at the scene, the statement added. Orr was charged with involuntary manslaughter, according to Laramie County Circuit Court. He did not have an attorney on file to comment on his behalf. Neither Cheyenne police nor the Laramie County coroner had publicly identified the victim as of Monday. Police referred questions about the victim's identity to Coroner Rebecca Reid, who did not immediately return a phone message. Officials at the base just outside Cheyenne announced on Aug. 12 that an airman had been arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, obstructing justice and making a false statement in connection with the July 20 shooting death of another airman. The victim was identified as Brayden Lovan, 21, of the 90th Security Forces Squadron, 90th Missile Wing. The shooting led the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command to suspend use of Sig Sauers M18 handgun. The weapon has been the subject of lawsuits in which plaintiffs allege the gun is susceptible to firing without the trigger being pulled. Other military branches have continued to use the gun. Unlike in the latest case, the airman stood accused in military, as opposed to civilian, court. The Air Force had not yet released the identity of the accused airman and other details of the earlier shooting, saying Monday it was still under investigation. USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. The Air Canada strike is over, but it'll take days for flight operations to catch up. Air Canada's flight attendants went on strike on Aug. 16 after their union's negotiators reached an impasse with airline management over wages and compensation in their next contract. A tentative deal was reached Aug. 19. "Our flights will restart this evening with a gradual ramp up over the coming days," the airline said on its website. "Please do not head to the airport unless you have a confirmed itinerary." Travelers whose flights remain canceled may choose a refund, travel credit or rebooking on another airline. Other customers with upcoming flights are being offered additional flexibility. A woman sits with her luggage while people wait at Toronto Pearson International Airport during an Air Canada flight attendants strike on Aug. 17, 2025. Air Canada waiver Customers with flights scheduled from Aug. 15 to Aug. 22 may rebook without penalty for travel on Air Canada between Aug. 23 and Sept. 30. Impacted travelers may also choose to cancel their trips for free. "Due to the volume of flight cancellations, we are also providing a full refund upon request for the unused portion of tickets purchased on or before August 15, 2025 for travel with Air Canada or Air Canada Rouge between August 18 and August 21, 2025," the airline said. More details are available on Air Canada's website. Anton Radchenko, founder of consumer airline refund website AirAdvisor, advises travelers to consider their options strategically. "Dont just look for the fastest alternative route; look for the most stable one. This may mean flying via smaller, less congested hubs like Detroit or Minneapolis, where rerouting is easier, or securing refundable one-stop connections through partner airlines before seats vanish," Radchenko said in a statement. "Keep all receipts, track your communications with the airline, and, if possible, pay with a credit card that includes trip interruption coverage. Above all, treat this strike as a high-impact event that demands proactive planning, not reactive scrambling." Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to do if your Air Canada flight was impacted by the strike Before her first speaking engagement in early 2017 at a private conference in her hometown of Seattle, Amanda Knox wore a blanket of nerves. Itd been nearly 10 years since Knox, then a 20-year-old student at the University of Washington, traveled 5,600 miles to study abroad in Perugia, Italy, about two hours north of Rome. Knox moved into an apartment, which shed share with Meredith Kercher, a 21-year-old British student. The two had become friends, but police arrested Knox and charged her with murdering Kercher. Knox spent nearly four years in an Italian prison before being acquitted in 2011. Shed be found guilty (again) in 2014 and finally exonerated in 2015. The nightmare saga and its aftermath inspired Hulus eight-part scripted series The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, starring Grace Van Patten as Knox. The limited series premieres Aug. 20 with two episodes, followed by weekly installments on Wednesdays. Knox, now 38, remembers being terrified before that 2017 speech. This was at a moment in my life where I still felt limited and diminished, like nothing I could say would ever bring people to believe me," she says. "I felt trapped in the identity and the story, the narrative that had been built around me, of the girl accused of murder. Even though I had been exonerated, that didn't go away. Grace Van Patten sits in awe of Amanda Knoxs ability to hold onto hope Amanda Knox: Exoneration is just the beginning Amanda Knox with her husband, Christopher Robinson Among fellow speakers, Knox spotted another woman whose narrative had gotten away from her like a bouncing spool of thread, weaving an uncontrollable trail: Monica Lewinsky. The media painted the former White House intern, who had an affair with President Bill Clinton in the 1990s while he was in office, as a little tart (The Wall Street Journal) and a ditsy, predatory White House intern (The New York Times). Lewinskys articles and her 2015 TED talk on shame made Knox believe there was perhaps a path forward for me in this world. So Knox asked to meet, and Lewinsky invited Knox to her hotel room. I didn't necessarily feel like someone who had so much wisdom to share about the process, says Lewinsky, 52. Shed only attempted to regain authorship of her story a few years earlier. Lewinsky asked how Knox was doing and if she was in therapy, which Lewinsky found helpful, along with advice from a former professor. Over coffee, Lewinsky lamented how I couldn't find a job and how hard it was to move forward. The professor told her that narratives that had been created and imbued with power and by powerful people need to have a competing narrative, Lewinsky says. I had no competing narrative out there, not intentionally, but it had run away from me. 85715760007 When Lewinsky learned four years later that Knox wanted to adapt her 2013 memoir, Waiting to Be Heard, Lewinsky reached out. (She also was a producer on FXs Impeachment: American Crime Story and signed a first-look deal with its studio, 20th Television.) Shes an executive producer on Twisted Tale. She held my hand through this experience, Knox says, because she's been a trailblazer in this regard of a woman who had her worst experience used to bury her and turn her into a punchline. And she had come back and reclaimed her sense of self and her purpose in life and didn't allow all of these external forces to diminish her. Lewinsky wishes she could provide an easy three-step simple solution to reclaiming her story, she says. From my own experience, the first step was surviving. Holding on to the hope that things can change. It wont be as bad as it is in the eye of the storm forever. Grace Van Patten, star of Hulu's limited series The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox (center), with executive producers Monica Lewinsky (left), and Amanda Knox at a premiere in New York City on Aug. 19, 2025. Twisted Tale opens with Amandas 2022 return to Perugia to meet with prosecutor Giuliano Mignini (Francesco Acquaroli), portrayed as one of the Italian authorities who believed firmly in Knox's guilt. After Merediths murder, Amanda and her boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito (Giuseppe De Domenico), are early suspects and eventually convicted. With a 26-year sentence looming, Amanda goes on a mission to prove her innocence with the help of her family, including her mother, Edda Mellas (Sharon Horgan). Even after being exonerated, Amanda still faces public scrutiny, despite the conviction of a man named Rudy Guede. (Guede was released in 2021 after serving 13 years.) It's not just a courtroom drama, Knox says. It's not just a tragedy that I and many others were a victim of. It's a story of, in the wake of trauma, how do you rebuild your life and reclaim a sense of agency when it was stolen from you? Van Patten, 28, feels honored that Knox trusted her with her story. "Of course, I felt pressure to tell her story in the right way," she says, "but I tried to do that by just asking her how she felt in the moment, moment to moment and trying to show her emotions as much as possible, as opposed to trying to do some impression of her. It was way more important to show people how she felt through it all because those are things that were not publicized." "The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox," premieres Aug. 20. Grace Van Patten stars with Giuseppe De Domenico in Hulu's limited series inspired by the American exchange student wrongfully convicted of killing her housemate in Italy. Knox isnt the only one affected by her circumstances. She and her husband, Christopher Robinson, welcomed their daughter, Eureka, in 2021 and son, Echo, in 2023. In Knoxs first words to Eureka, she apologized for being her mom. Knox says that at 3, Eureka began asking questions. But, of course, she comes to the table with a 3-year-olds mindset, which is used to hearing stories in the form of a fairytale, Knox says. And when my daughter approaches me with that kind of mindset, it's a gift for me because it allows me to take this traumatic thing that I am experiencing with such weight and to now reframe it in terms that make sense to her. So if anything, her youth and naivete and innocence has allowed me to reclaim that part of myself that I thought was gone and lost. The series also provides a surprise for Knox. The unexpected thing that I discovered ... is how much making this show gave me the space to grieve, she says. This story is also like an elegy to these lives that were irreparably impacted by these series of events. And I have watched the show and wept because of the feeling of how much it succeeds at honoring real people and not treating them like objects in a morality tale, little caricatures, but like real people. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox' allowed Knox to 'grieve' and weep Ariana DeBose/Instagram Ariana DeBose and mom Gina DeBose NEED TO KNOW Ariana DeBoses mother Gina died on Aug. 17 from "complications with stage 3 ovarian cancer," the actress announced on Aug. 19 A middle school teacher, Gina raised her daughter in North Carolina In a heartfelt Instagram post full of photos of her mother, DeBose paid tribute to her favorite person Ariana DeBose is mourning the loss of her mother Gina, who died at age 57. At 10:28 am on August 17th my gorgeous, hilarious, outspoken, warrior queen Mother - Gina Michelle DeBose - passed away due to complications with stage 3 ovarian cancer, the Oscar winner revealed in a post on Instagram Tuesday, Aug. 19. I couldnt be more proud of her and how she fought this insidious disease over the past 3 years. She was 57 years young, added DeBose, 34. Calling Gina my favorite person, my biggest fan and toughest critic, the Hamilton alum continued: She was my date to every important moment in my professional and personal life - and I wouldnt have it any other way. It had always been the two of us for as long as I can remember. Through lean times, and there were many of those & green times. Gina was a public school teacher who raised her daughter in North Carolina. DeBose affectionately referred to her mother as "Miss Gina" in a 2022 conversation with PEOPLE about her first of three Tony Awards hosting gigs, which she celebrated alongside her partner, costume designer Sue Makkoo, and Gina. The Summer: The Donna Summer Musical Tony nominee brought Gina as her date to the 2018 ceremony when she was nominated. She fought like hell to give me a good life, a good education and every opportunity in the world. I wouldnt be where I am without her, continued DeBose's Instagram tribute, which included a slide of organizations to donate to, including The National Ovarian Cancer Society and Teal Diva. Ariana DeBose/Instagram Gina DeBose and Ariana DeBose Referring to her Academy Award win for 2021s West Side Story remake, DeBose said, I meant it when I said my Oscar is just as much hers as it is mine. Gina was beloved and incredibly respected by her colleagues and students alike as well as many people in her community, the Love Hurts star continued. For the record: my greatest and most proud achievement will always be to have made her proud. She concluded with, I love you mommy. Now travel amongst the seas, the winds and the angels as I know you always loved to do. Ariana DeBose/Instagram Gina DeBose and Ariana DeBose After appearing at the 2025 Tony Awards, including in a 10th anniversary tribute to Hamilton, DeBose recently booked a return to the stage in the lead role in a new Classic Stage Company production of Joseph Stein and Stephen Schwartz's 1976 musical The Bakers Wife. Among her upcoming screen projects are the Shakespeare-inspired Lear Rex and the page-to-screen adaptation of Scarpetta costarring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis. Read the original article on People Theo Wargo/Getty Audra McDonald performing at the 2025 Tony Awards NEED TO KNOW Audra McDonald says a fan followed her home after Gypsy performance, getting "uncomfortably close" The six-time Tony winner shared a PSA about stage door boundaries and why some actors skip it Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King were in the audience for McDonalds historic final show Audra McDonald took her final bow in Broadway's acclaimed revival of Gypsy on Sunday, Aug. 17 but not before an unsettling fan encounter that left her fearing for her safety. The six-time Tony Award winner detailed her experience in a video shared to her Instagram page on Saturday, Aug. 16, explaining that the night before, a theatergoer "snuck around and found" where she exited the building and followed her "all the way" to the place she was staying, demanding an autograph. According to McDonald, the fan "came into the building, and was uncomfortably close. And then when I finally got some security to help me, their response was, 'Hey, I've come all the way,' and named some town, some city that they came all the way from." "That is crossing a big ol' boundary," McDonald, 55, said. "And just want to call that out. That's a big no-no. That's now messing with my safety. And it's not right." McDonald recounted the experience to illustrate a theater etiquette lesson, explaining in her "quick little PSA" that there are reasons why some actors greet fans outside a stage door following a performance, and others don't. "There's a lot of reasons that performers don't do the stage door," The Gilded Age actress explained. "There have been shows that I've done it and shows where I haven't done it." "Actors, as much as we would love to greet every single one of you after a show sometimes, we're just exhausted and it's hard," she said. "Some people get anxiety about doing the stage door. Some people are in a rush to catch the train so they can get home. Some people avoid the stage door because of health reasons. And that's perfectly fair." Julieta Cervantes Audra McDonald in 'Gypsy' on Broadway Though McDonald over her three decades on the boards has spent her fair share of time at the stage door in the past, she said that she chose not to during her months in Gypsy for "a myriad of reasons." "The main ones have been because of health and exhaustion and vocal health and trying to conserve what little vocal energy I have so I can get through the next show and the next show and the next show," she said. "When I can, I'll walk out and wave. And also I've got a kid that I'm trying to get home to." "When you see an actor leave the stage door, if they don't stop, leave them alone," she added. "There is a reason that they're not stopping, and it has nothing to do with you." At least two fans had a very different experience with McDonald on Sunday, Aug. 17: Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King. The longtime pals were in the audience for McDonald's final performance, greeting the actress onstage afterwards with hugs and words of affirmation. "It felt so different tonight," King, 70, told McDonald, in a video shared to the CBS Mornings host's Instagram. "From the moment you walked out, you felt it too, right? Oprah said, 'She's on fire!' " " 'Cause I knew that I didn't have to do it again so I let it all go," McDonald admitted. Asked what she's going to do next, the actress gave a swift answer. "Lie down!" she said, laughing. "I'm going to lie down. I'm going to lie down. I don't know what I'm going to do." McDonald made history in Gypsy, as the first Black actress ever to play the role of Mama Rose on Broadway. The production, directed by George C. Wolfe, also made history with the casting of Joy Woods and Jordan Tyson, the first Black actresses to play Louise and June, Mama Rose's daughters. Widely considered the greatest American musical of all time, Gypsy tells the story of Rose's relentless pursuit of showbiz fame for her daughters. The musical, with a score by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents, is based on the life of legendary burlesque entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee. The 2024 revival of Gypsy ran for 28 previews and 261 regular performances at the Majestic Theatre. It's the sixth time the musical has been brought to Broadway since the original 1959 Ethel Merman-led production. Others have starred Tyne Daly, Angela Lansbury, Bernadette Peters and Patti LuPone. 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. McDonald's performance earned her a 2025 Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Musical, putting her into the record books as the most recognized performer in the theater awards' history, with 11 nods (she has the most acting wins, too). "Saying goodbye to Rose and to my incredible @gypsybway family," McDonald wrote on Instagram on Monday, Aug. 18, captioning a gallery of photos from her last performance and throughout her run. "I couldnt have wished for a more brilliant, fierce, joyous, kind and loving group of souls with which to travel this road. I dont even have the words to express how much I love them all." "My head is full of gorgeous memories, my body is tired, and my heart is full of nothing but gratitude and love. " she added. Read the original article on People By Vallari Srivastava (Reuters) -Black Hills and NorthWestern Energy said on Tuesday they would merge, creating a $15.4 billion regulated electric and natural gas utility better equipped to invest in grid infrastructure and meet rising U.S. power demand. U.S. utilities are racing to bulk up as electricity consumption surges, driven by energy-hungry artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency data centers and higher residential and commercial use. Together, Black Hills and NorthWestern plan to invest more than $7 billion between 2025 and 2029 in new electric and natural gas infrastructure. As part of the all-stock deal, NorthWestern shareholders will receive 0.98 Black Hills shares for each held. This represents a per-share value of $59.14, giving the deal an equity value of $3.6 billion, according to Reuters calculation. NorthWestern shares rose more than 4% to $57.23. "This is an interesting merger ... the accretion of 100 basis points to growth should help valuation of both very cheap stocks," said Chris Ellinghaus, analyst at Siebert Williams Shank. The larger balance sheet helps to fund the extra growth opportunities both companies have, Ellinghaus said. Black Hills shareholders will own about 56% of the combined company, which will be headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. NorthWestern CEO Brian Bird will take the helm, while Black Hills CEO Linn Evans will retire once the deal closes, expected in 12 to 15 months. The merger will add to earnings per share in the combined entity's first year and support 5% to 7% long-term EPS growth. Its service territories will span South Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Wyoming, broadening exposure to growth opportunities in regulated electric and natural gas markets. (Reporting by Vallari Srivastava in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy came dressed for diplomacy. The last time Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office in February - an acrimonious meeting that ended abruptly - he said hed wear a suit after the Russian war on his country had ended. The declaration came after a reporter asked Zelenskyy, who was wearing a black sweatshirt, black slacks and boots, why he was not wearing a suit while visiting the highest level office in the country. Ill wear the costume after the war is finished," he replied. Kostium is the Ukrainian word for suit. This time, his sartorial choice as well as his choice of words seemed carefully designed to insulate him from another unceremonious exit from the Oval Office. But perhaps his willingness to don a suit to the meeting, three days after Trumps meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, also revealed that peace could possibly be within reach. No suit, no lunch, no respect: Zelenskyy-Trump feud started with a fashion dig As Zelenskyy emerged from his limousine at the White House outfitted in a monochromatic look with a black shirt, slacks and jacket, Trump gave him a once-over while flashing a big smile, clearly pleased at his guests style. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is greeted by U.S. President Donald Trump (L) upon arrival at the White House West Wing in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 18, 2025. European leaders join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in talks with US President Donald Trump on August 18, as they try to find a way to end Russia's offensive. The leaders heading to Washington to appear alongside Zelenskyy call themselves the "coalition of the willing." Minutes later, he seconded a reporter the same reporter who had been critical of Zelenskyys casual clothing choice in February - who was now paying him a compliment. You look fabulous in that suit, Brian Glenn, White House correspondent for the pro-Trump network Real Americas Voice told Zelenskyy. I said the same thing, said Trump. Zelenskyy also came prepared to heap praise on Trump for his efforts to bring an end to the war. During the February visit, Vice President JD Vance, berated him for not expressing his gratitude for the support of the U.S. and to Trump. Have you said thank you once? Vance said at the time. Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who is trying to save your country. During the Aug. 18 meeting, Zelenskyy peppered his opening with four thank yous in the first two sentences expressing his gratitude for the invitation, Trump's personal efforts to end the war and to First lady Melania Trump for the letter she wrote to Putin generally advocating for children. It did not mention Ukraine. Zelenskyy had another weapon in his arsenal, a mirroring technique, known to elicit positive reactions: He came bearing a letter from his wife, Olena Zelenska, for the First lady Melania Trump, just like the one she had sent for Putin with her husband. Zelenskyys efforts, and the fact that he was joined by a European delegation, seemed help keep discussions on the right track. Trump did not rule out U.S. support for Ukraine if diplomatic efforts didnt pan out, even though he has repeatedly called for concessions by Ukraine. We will give them very good protection very good security. Thats part of it, he said. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY. You can follow her on X @SwapnaVenugopal This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Zelenskyys black suit set the tone for Russia talks with Trump AP Photo/Kyle Green, Pool Bryan Kohberger NEED TO KNOW Bryan Kohberger was the only first-year doctoral candidate in Washington State University criminology program who supported the death penalty, according to students In an argument with one classmate he told her to imagine that her 12-year-old daughter had been raped and murdered He also said the victim's family should decide on the death penalty then took a plea deal to avoid being executed Bryan Kohberger often found himself at odds with his fellow doctoral candidates in the criminology program at Washington State University including when it came to issues of crime and punishment. One of those points of disagreement was the death penalty, which Kohberger strongly supported and every other member of his class did not, according to newly unsealed interviews released by the Idaho State Police and obtained by PEOPLE. At one point, Kohberger defended this viewpoint in class by telling a classmate to imagine her daughter being the victim of a horrific crime. Kyle Green-Pool/Getty Steve and Kristi Goncalves "Kohberger asked her if her 12-year-old daughter was raped and murdered if she would support the death penalty," wrote Det. Michael Van Leuven in his summary of the interview. That woman later began to cry during her interview as she recalled her interactions with Kohberger, saying that she felt targeted by the convicted murderer who, she said, would often trap her at her desk and then "talk her into the ground." This is the same woman who said she witnessed Kohberger "being rude to a deaf student" and later heard him ask that student whether "she would be comfortable procreating given the fact that she had a disability," according to the interview. When the woman confronted Kohberger about his treatment of the deaf student, along with how he spoke to other women in the class, Kohberger responded: "I care how you feel but you are wrong." 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. Another doctoral candidate also spoke with the ISP about Kohberger's support of the death penalty, recalling that Kohberger once said that the "victim's family should have a say as to whether or not the death penalty is imposed." Three years after making these comments, Kohberger adopted a different viewpoint. He, the convicted criminal, effectively decided he would not receive the death penalty by accepting a plea deal in the case. Kyle Green-Pool/Getty Defense Attorney Anne Taylor and Kohberger at his sentencing A few weeks before jury selection was set to get underway, the former criminology student signed a written factual basis document stating his intention to "hereby admit responsibility" for the deaths of his four victims, and admitted that the "killing and murder" of these victims was "willful, unlawful, deliberate, with premeditation and with malice aforethought." Then, on July 2, Kohberger appeared in Ada County District Court and confessed to the murders of Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20. In exchange for his plea and confession, prosecutors agreed that they would not seek the death penalty, resulting in Kohberger receiving four life sentences in prison. That decision greatly upset the families of some of his victims, most notably the parents and siblings of Goncalves. Kristi Goncalves shared her thoughts on that plea deal just a few days after learning her daughter's killer would be allowed to live out his life in prison, writing: "I am sorry if you don't agree with our recent decisions on the plea deal. BK literally is too afraid to die, but he wasn't afraid to kill. BK wanted a plea deal and he was given one." She continued: "Kaylee wasn't offered a plea deal. The state is showing BK mercy by removing the death penalty. BK did not show Kaylee ANY mercy." Her husband Steve Goncalves also weighed in, writing: We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us." Read the original article on People Ethan Miller/Getty Chris Martin in June 2025 NEED TO KNOW Chris Martin reflected on the viral Coldplay kiss cam scandal at a show in Kingston upon Hull, England on Monday, Aug. 18 The frontman explained why he will still feature fans on the Jumbotron at concerts "Life throws you lemons and you've got to make lemonade," he said, per multiple outlets Fans of Coldplay will still be featured on the Jumbotron. The band brought its Music of the Spheres World Tour to Craven Park in Kingston upon Hull, England on Monday, Aug. 18, and frontman Chris Martin joked on stage about former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR executive Kristin Cabot's viral kiss cam scandal at Coldplay's Boston show in July. "We are so happy to be here. Many of you have written signs. So, I'll take some time to try and read some signs. Then we'll see what happens," Martin told the crowd, per HullLive and NME. Ethan Miller/Getty Chris Martin in June 2025 According to the outlets, he read a fan's sign stating they'd seen Coldplay "three times in three months" and replied, "You were at that Boston gig. Well, okay, thank you for coming again after that debacle." "We've been doing [the Jumbotron] a long time and it is only recently that it became a...yeah," Martin reportedly continued. "Life throws you lemons and you've got to make lemonade. So, we are going to keep doing it because we are going to meet some of you." Last month, Coldplay's kiss cam caught former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR executive Kristin Cabot embracing at the band's Gillette Stadium concert in Foxboro, Mass. In a now-viral TikTok, the pair ducked and hid their faces, prompting Martin to joke that the two were having an affair. "Oh, look at these two! All right, c'mon, you're okay," he said, before adding, Oh, what? Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy. Both Byron and Cabot later resigned from Astronomer. Coldplay's tour continues with another show at Craven Park on Aug. 19 followed by a string of concerts at London's Wembley Stadium. In the wake of the viral moment, Oasis' Liam Gallagher joked about not filming fans at a show in Manchester, England on Sunday, July 20. "Do we have any lovebirds in the house? Dont worry, we aint got any of that Coldplay, snidey f------camera s---. It doesnt matter to us who youre f------ mingling with, or tingling with or fingering with. None of our f------ business," he said. Read the original article on People Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin announced he's retiring in November, just two years into a four-year term as the Air Force's top general. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 23rd Air Force Chief of Staff and I'm thankful for Secretary Meink, Secretary Hegseth and President Trump's faith in me to lead our service," Allvin said in a statement released by the Air Force Monday. He gave no reason for his early departure. File: U.S. Gen. David Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, speaks alongside President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on March 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. / Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images "More than anything, I'm proud to have been part of the team of Airmen who live out our core values of integrity, service and excellence every day as we prepare to defend this great nation," Allvin said. Allvin was nominated in 2023 by President Joe Biden to be Air Force chief of staff. He's the most recent top officer to exit the military this year. In February, President Trump fired Gen. C.Q. Brown Jr., who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth then ousted the chief of Naval Operations, the Air Force vice chief of staff, and weeks later, the head of U.S. Cyber Command. The commandant of the Coast Guard, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, was also fired this year. When asked about the circumstances of Allvin's retirement, Hegseth's office referred questions to the Air Force. An Air Force spokesperson said the Office of the Secretary of Defense was not involved in the decision for Allvin to retire. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said in a statement, "The Air Force is fortunate to have leaders like General Dave Allvin. During his tenure, the Air Force has undertaken transformational initiatives that will enable Airmen to answer their nation's call for decades to come." A source familiar with why Allvin is retiring characterized it as a decision between Allvin and Meink. Allvin, according to his Air Force biography, is a command pilot with more than 4,600 hours in over 30 aircraft, including 800 flight test hours and 100 combat hours. He graduated in 1986 from the U.S. Air Force Academy. Before serving as Air Force chief of staff, he was the vice chief of staff, the No. 2 in the Air Force. He previously served as commanding general of NATO Air Training Command - Afghanistan, commander of 438th Air Expeditionary Wing in Afghanistan and deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and requirements for the Air Force. Trump sounds off on potential security guarantees for Ukraine Texas Rep. Nicole Collier speaks out after being told she can't leave Capitol without police escort What's behind the latest FBI shakeup with Missouri AG set to join Bongino as co-deputy director Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser questioned claims Monday that the influx of federal officers has made the city safer, after the attorney general touted arrest numbers from over the weekend. [D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department] takes guns off the street every day and every week, and any time you have a surge of officers, I would expect that you have some results," Bowser said. "I say repeatedly, we need 500 more officers. In D.C. with 500 more officers, get 500 more officers worth of results. What is not necessary, however, is this kind of commandeering or the attempted commandeering of the force itself, and the expanded, I think, work that is not related to violence. When asked, Bowser emphasized that National Guard troops can't do law enforcement, as far as I know, adding, Unless their orders have somehow changed, I don't know that they can engage in arrest. MORE: Hundreds more National Guard troops expected to arrive in DC Attorney General Pam Bondi, who spent some time over the weekend at U.S. Park Police headquarters serving meals to federal agents deployed in D.C., said the operation has so far netted 400 arrests. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images - PHOTO: FBI agents walk down Florida Ave between 14th street NW and 13th street NW, August 13, 2025 in Washington. "Washington, DC is getting safer every night thanks to our law enforcement partners," she posted on X. "Just this weekend, 137 arrests were made and 21 illegal firearms were seized. In total, there have been nearly 400 arrests -- and we are not slowing down!" The DC Police Union has touted a decrease in crime since the federal government surged law enforcement into the District, saying robbery is down 46%, violent crime is down 22%, and all crimes are down 8%. Crime in the nation's capital was already decreasing from last year, according to statistics released from the MPD, but it did not respond when asked whether the federal agencies' presence has had any impact. D.C.s budget faced a $1 billion shortfall when, in an effort to avert a government shutdown earlier this year, lawmakers pushed through language in a massive government funding package that would hold the District to 2024 spending levels. Shortly after the bill passed, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would lead the House in passing standalone legislation to fix the D.C. budget. The Senate unanimously passed legislation to fix the glitch in mid-March, but the House never took up the Senate bill and has so far not taken floor action on the matter. Over the weekend, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), U.S. Park Police and members of the National Guard were all seen around Washington, D.C. FBI agents who are patrolling city streets -- not only in Washington, but in other cities around the country -- will soon be equipped with tasers, according to a source familiar with the operations, in an effort to give a nonlethal option to agents on the street. More states are sending National Guard members to D.C. Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser walks outside of federal court in Washington, Aug. 15, 2025. Troops from the West Virginia Guard have begun to arrive and 877 Guard members have mobilized so far. That number is expected to grow to more than 1,500 in coming days as more troops arrive from West Virginia, Ohio, and South Carolina. The MPD is also now offering limited assistance with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Over the weekend, a video of what appeared to be ICE agents arresting a delivery driver went viral on social media. The agents, who are wearing masks in the video, do not identify themselves. The video also shows a federal agent hitting his head on the ground during the takedown. The Department of Homeland Security said the man in the video was in the country illegally and had a final order of removal, meaning he could be deported from the U.S. "Cristian Enrique Carias Torres is an illegal alien from Venezuela who illegally entered the U.S. under the Biden administration in 2023," a post from DHS on social media says. "He has a final order of removal from an immigration judge, issued that same year. Carias Torres has racked up a long list of traffic crimes, for which he currently has active warrants." Bowser said she would talk to D.C. Police Chief Pam Smith about agents wearing masks. Yuri Gripas/Pool/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: Attorney General Pam Bondi delivers remarks during President Donald Trump's press conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House, in Washington, August 11, 2025. "I did ask the Chief to have further conversations about these masks," she said. "There is no reason for a law enforcement official to be masked." The Department has said agents wear masks due to the threats against federal agents. Advocates, including the ACLU of D.C., decried the presence of the National Guard and federal agents in the city. The deployment of out-of-state National Guard troops and more federal agents onto D.C. streets is a brazen abuse of power meant to intimidate and create fear in the nations capital. This is an unnecessary overstep to micromanage D.C. under a phony emergency, causing real harm to residents and visitors -- all to advance the Trump administrations political agenda, said Monica Hopkins, executive director of ACLU of D.C. The ACLU-D.C. will continue to monitor the use of D.C. police and federal law enforcement to ensure that the constitutional rights of our community are protected," she said. ABC News' Allison Pecorin contributed to this report. Deepak Chopra. Come this November, Deepak Chopra will have traveled to every continent. He'll complete his global journey when he embarks on his Conscious Mindfulness Expedition to Antarctica, a 10-day wellness retreat sailing with travel company Insider Expeditions to the world's southernmost pole along with around 150 other travelers. "I hope that everyone will experience a sense of wonder and awe that is absolutely central to our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing," he said. For integrative medicine doctor and prolific author, immersing himself in nature is a core part of his spirituality and travel is one of the most powerful ways he makes that connection. Chopra has visited over 100 countries, from the sweeping canyons of Utah to islands off the coast of Africa and India, grounding himself in some of the world's most beautiful destinations. "We're not separate from nature, and it leads to deeply spiritual experiences," he said. Chopra spoke with USA TODAY about his upcoming wellness retreat, how people can improve their wellbeing through travel and why there's no reason to get stressed over flight delays and cancellations. This interview was edited for length clarity. Question: Besides exploring Antarctica's wilderness, what else is planned for your wellness retreat with Insider Expeditions? Deepak Chopra: While we are on the ship, when we are not on land, I will be doing workshops on the 11 pillars of wellbeing and healthspan, universal of aging, meditation, spiritual intelligence and emotional intelligence. I'll be doing workshops also on good sleep, stress management, mind-body coordination, emotional resilience and nutrition. Q: Antarctica is your final continent, how does it feel to have seen so much of the world? DC: Having seen the entire world, I think that's the best education you can get. That's the best way to understand other cultures. That's the best way to cultivate empathy and compassion, and understand that every culture has its own beauty. There would be less conflict in the world if more people traveled. Q: What is one of your most memorable trips? DC: I have many. So, the Arctic was one, and then going to some of the islands around Japan was another. Going to the outback in Australia was another; I went when Halley's Comet was flying over Australia. We were there in the middle of the night doing rituals, and dancing, and all kinds of things. Q: How should people approach their travels so that they can improve their wellness and also tap into their own spirituality? DC: I think people plan too much; they spend months planning, and then during their vacations especially when they're with their families and other friends they get stressed out. Then once they come back from a wonderful vacation, they have to recover from the stress. So I would say don't plan, be spontaneous. Of course, plan the trip, but don't get into too many details. Make room for the unknown and the unknowable so that every day is a surprise and an experience of wonder and adventure. If you plan too much, like many American tourists do, they get stressed planning, they get stressed during the vacation, and they are stressed when they come back, which is a very ridiculous thing to do. Enjoy the unpredictable and the unknown, which is where wonder and curiosity and adventure unfold. Q: What is your preferred way to travel? DC: If I have a choice, this train is the best. I grew up in India, and I traveled all over India by train. I have also used the train in Europe to Eurostar from London to Paris. Actually, I'm planning a trip with the Orient Express. Q: When you're on a plane, window or aisle seat? DC: If it's a very long flight, then aisle, so I don't have to disturb people to go to the toilet. But to watch the scenery, I'm always in the window seat. So it depends. Q: What are your travel must-haves? DC: Always a good book. I don't spend too much time on the internet on my travels. And the must-haves are all my little gizmos, gadgets, my wearables, which measure everything: my heart rate, my heart rate variability, my sleep patterns, all of that. I see how different they are when I'm traveling than when I'm, say, in a big city. My heart rate is already very slow, it's like in the 60s, but it slows down to even the low 50s when I'm in nature. Q: Do you have any travel pet peeves, is there something that gets you frustrated? DC: I don't get frustrated. I don't get stressed. Q: Do you have any advice for people also not to get stressed when traveling? DC: Start every morning with a commitment to uncertainty. When you commit to the wisdom of uncertainty, nothing goes wrong because you have already accepted uncertainty. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Deepak Chopra doesn't get stressed while traveling Rep. Suhas Subramanyam[Screenshot/CSPAN] [Screenshot/CSPAN] Democrat Virginia Rep. Suhas Subramanyam stated during a Monday town hall that illegal immigrants who are being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have not committed any crimes. Subramanyam distinguished between the Laken Riley Act, which mandates that federal immigration authorities detain illegal immigrants who committed theft-related crimes, and the arrests of illegal immigrants who allegedly did not commit any crimes. The congressman accused ICE of approaching innocent illegal immigrants and arresting them despite no crime being committed, despite them having entered the U.S. illegally in the first place. I think thats different than going up to people without telling them what theyve done, in masks, and putting them in detention facilities. And I think the people that are being approached did not commit any crimes, werent even suspected of any crimes, Subramanyam said. Theyre going to workplaces, restaurants, theyre going to churches, courthouses I think thats very different, which is why I have been very much pushing back forcefully on what ICE is doing now. (RELATED: Michelle Wu Vows To Protect Criminal Illegal Immigrants At All Costs) WATCH: Since the beginning of Trumps second term, ICE has arrested over 300,000 illegal immigrants who have committed heinous criminal acts, including homicide and the sexual assault of minors. Illegal border crossings have reached their lowest levels in history as a result of Trumps hawkish border policies. A slew of recent high-profile murders have been committed at the hands of illegal immigrants. A jury convicted Jose Ibarra, an illegal migrant from Venezuela, in November 2024 for the murder of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley outside of the University of Georgias campus in February. Rileys death prompted the passage of the Laken Riley Act, which President Trump signed into law on January 29, to ensure that illegal immigrants with any criminal background are detained. Two Venezuelan nationals murdered 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray and dumped her corpse in June 2024. In a separate case, an illegal Salvadoran national named Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 37-year-old Rachel Morin in Maryland. In Washington, D.C., Trumps federal takeover led to the arrest of dozens of illegal immigrants who had committed crimes in the nations capital. Illegal immigrants have made up about 40% of the arrests made as of Monday, according to The Washington Post. ICE arrested some of the worst of the worst illegal immigrant criminals on Saturday and Sunday, including one from Cuba with 23 prior convictions, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced. Among those arrested are those with a history of criminal convictions for possession of a controlled substance, exploitation of children and the elderly, sexual misconduct with a minor, procurement of prostitution and robbery. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. mantis shrimp in sandy burrow on ocean bottom, toyan bay, catalina island, california, united states worldswildlifewonders/Shutterstock.com Humans are some of the greatest builders on the planet, but were not the only ones. Beneath the ocean, some unlikely creatures build breathtakingly intricate structures with a variety of clever techniques and materials. Underwater homes serve many purposes: they shelter offspring, offer refuge from predators, and in some cases, support entire ecosystems. Some of these creatures even open their homes to other species. And some can even be kept in a home aquarium, where you can watch them build their homes. 1. Octopuses Honestly, the architecture of this wall suggests the octopus was inspired by Gaudi. Gennaro DiBs/Shutterstock.com Octopuses amaze people with their high intelligence. They can open jars, solve puzzles, and react with a variety of emotions. Few people realize theyre also brilliant engineers, says Jennifer Brandon, a San Diego-based oceanographer. They use their siphons to eject water into the sand to create a slurry, then make their burrows out of that quicksand,' Brandon says. Some then reinforce the walls of their burrows with mucus. Many species also arrange rocks, shells, and debris into strategic barricades. Females are particularly meticulous about building dens for laying and tending thousands of eggs. A female will tend her eggs without eating for months until she finally dies. So, morbidly, her den is also her coffin. If that story depresses you, then heres another: Theres actually a species called the Gloomy Octopus (Octopus tetricus). Australian researchers have documented that instead of being solitary lurkers as we tend to think of octopuses, dozens of them will gather and build their dens close together. Researchers have playfully dubbed these sites as Octopolis and Octlantis. And just like people living in overcrowded apartments, these octopuses have plenty of drama between them. 2. Giant Larvaceans This is a rather ambitiously named giant larvacean. Sinhyu Photographer/Shutterstock.com Though virtually invisible to the average beachgoer, giant larvaceans are some of the most remarkable architects in the sea. They look like little tadpoles, only 10 millimeters or so long, but they construct immense, transparent balls of mucus as much as a meter wide to filter food from the sea. A single larvacean can filter tens of gallons of seawater every hour. When the mucus structure becomes cloggedtypically within a daythe animal abandons it and makes a new one. These discarded houses sink to the ocean floor, taking with them organic material like a care package from above for bottom-dwelling species to eat. Giant larvaceans play a complicated role in pollution management in the ocean. By sending carbon-rich particles of organic matter down to the deep sea, they help remove it from layers of the ocean near the surface, where it would stay in more active circulation and contribute to climate change. Instead, it gets buried under silt at depths where the water doesnt circulate as much. The same is true of microplastics, but the picture in that case is more complicated. These fast-sinking houses are one way microplastics are getting to the deep sea, Brandon says. More plastic in the ocean could clog their filters faster and make them work harder to get to their real food. And while it can seem beneficial to reduce the amount of microplastics in the upper ocean where there are more species in the human food chain, we dont know yet how introducing these pollutants to the deep ocean will affect the fragile and largely unexplored ecosystems there. 3. Mantis Shrimp A mantis shrimp in its precisely-engineered burrow. worldswildlifewonders/Shutterstock.com Mantis shrimp are industrious burrow builders. Found in tropical and subtropical seas, they use their specialized appendages to scrape, flick, and compact material. Some line their burrows with mucus or reinforce walls with pebbles, allowing them to control interior temperature and oxygen flow. These burrows arent just temporary sheltersthey serve as nurseries, storage areas for prey, and protective retreats from larger predators. The architecture of their burrows is tailored to their hunting style. Spearer species dig narrow, vertical tunnels that allow for quick ambushes from below. Smasher species often build U-shaped or winding burrows with multiple entrances. They can punch hard enough with their claws to break the shells of other species. In fact, the acceleration of their punch is nearly as fast as a bullet! As if all this undersea engineering skill werent enough, Carrie Tyler, Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of Nevada, says that they also have an astonishing ability to keep them from wandering off and forgetting where their home is. Mantis shrimp have a homing behavior called path integration that allows them to find their way back to their burrows, Tyler says. They continuously monitor their heading relative to the position of their burrow so they dont get lost. 4. Coral The skeletons of coral accumulate until they are visible from space. sergey kolesnikov/Shutterstock.com Coral is created by innumerable tiny polyps that together are some of natures most ambitious architects. Each tiny animal builds a hard limestone skeleton made of aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate extracted from seawater. Over centuries, colonies of polyps grow, die, and build upon themselves, forming coral reefs that stretch for hundreds of miles. Sometimes they reach close enough to the surface to accumulate sand and debris and become islands. The Great Barrier Reef, the worlds largest living structure, is even visible from space! These reefs support around 25% of all marine species while covering less than 0.2% of the ocean floor. They serve as breeding grounds, hunting territories, and protective havens for countless fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and other sea creatures. Reefs also help shape ocean currents, absorb wave energy, and protect coastal communities from storms and erosion. One strategy humans use to help ocean life is to create artificial reefs by deliberately sinking cleaned and prepared structures such as boats and even old subway cars in carefully selected areas, providing surfaces for coral and other marine life to colonize. In recent years, large areas of coral have died in a process called bleaching that is the result of temperature changes in the ocean, not the chemical balance of the water. Recent discoveries show that seawater is not in direct contact with the growing skeleton, as was previously thought, Tyler says. This means that corals are able to regulate their internal ion concentrations, even as oceans acidify, and that to save coral reefs we should lower the temperature, not increase water pH. In other words, newly growing coral has a thin layer of living tissue around it that insulates it from ocean chemistry, but not from rising temperatures. As with so many areas of environmental catastrophe, climate change is a primary culprit. 5. Tube Worms Tube worms might be the sort of thing we find thriving in the hostile environments of other planets. Gallwis/Shutterstock.com Many marine worms build elaborate tube-shaped dwellings from sand, shell fragments, minerals, or mucus. These serve not just as protective homes but also as the base of unique ecosystems, supporting bacteria that convert chemical energy into food in a process known as chemosynthesis. In the deep sea, especially around hydrothermal vents, giant tube worms form towering colonies that shelter a wide range of life. Hydrothermal vents are able to support life in conditions of low light, high pressure, and extreme heat from scalding water jetting into the frigid cold of the deepest seas. Studying them has broadened scientists ideas of where extraterrestrial life might thrive and where to look for it, even in the most extreme and contradictory environments. 6. Pistol Shrimp and Goby Fish The pistol shrimp has one oversized claw that it uses as an acoustic weapon. scubaluna/Shutterstock.com Pistol shrimp are among the oceans loudest animals. They each have an oversized claw that they snap so hard it makes a bubble that, at very close range, pops at 210218 decibelslouder than a gunshot! Theyre small, though, so to the human ear, when many shrimp snap at once, it still just sounds like faintly sizzling bacon. But the combined noise is still sometimes enough to interfere with sonar and underwater communication. Tyler says that either claw can become the primary weapon. Like a crab, if a pistol shrimp loses or damages its larger claw, it will regrow it, Tyler says. The new claw will be smaller, and the undamaged remaining claw will grow and become the larger, snapping claw. Pistol shrimp have poor vision, but they have a unique partnership with goby fish. The gobies stand watch at the entrance. When danger approaches, they dart inside the burrow, signaling the shrimp to do the same. In return, the shrimp allows the goby to sleep in the burrow at night and, in some species combinations, lay their eggs in the burrow. The shrimp will even seal up the burrow entrance at night to keep both species safe and cozy inside until morning. Check out what this relationship looks like in this award-nominated video. 7. White-Spotted Pufferfish The white-spotted pufferfish is a native species of Japan. Albert kok / CC BY-SA 3.0 Original / License The white-spotted pufferfish (Torquigener albomaculosus), found off Japan and parts of the western Pacific, is famous for its elaborate courtship displays. To attract a mate, the male uses only his fins to carve large, intricate circlesup to six feet wideinto the sandy sea floor. These geometric underwater mandalas feature precise ridges and valleys, later decorated with shells and coral fragments. Each nest takes about a week to complete and serves two purposes: impressing females and creating a fine, soft environment for egg development. If a female approves of the symmetry and scaleindicators of the males fitnessshe lays her eggs in the nests center. After the eggs hatch, the male abandons the nest and builds a new one the next season. Be sure to watch this videoits so fascinating that youll want to share it with others. Which Ones Can Be Pets? An octopus is a challenging pet: they can be as smart as a dog and are inventive about finding ways to escape. Henner Damke/Shutterstock.com Brandon says only a couple of these home-building sea creatures can thrive in a saltwater tank. The only ones I would recommend having at home would be an octopus and a goby fish, Brandon says. Mantis shrimp can be kept in tanks, but you have to house them in bulletproof glass because their claw punches are so strong. Pistol shrimp may also be able to crack aquarium glass. Coral is also popular with saltwater aquarium enthusiasts, though they need carefully monitored conditions, and some species are easier for beginners than others. Cynthia Traxler, founder of ForgedBySalt, says that in over 20 years of keeping a saltwater reef aquarium, one of her favorite experiences was hosting a pistol shrimp and watchman goby duo. Of the two, pistol shrimp are harder to find and dont live as long. It took Traxler about 2 years of searching before she was able to find a pair. After the shrimp died, the goby actually carried on with the tunnel-building as best it could. Her verdict? I would highly recommend this experience to any saltwater aquarium enthusiast! The relationship between these creatures is constantly entertaining, Traxler says. They are easy to keep and very peaceful. Keeping this pair was one of the most enjoyable experiences in my time with the hobby. Weird and Wonderful Theres always something new to discover beneath the waves. FamVeld/Shutterstock.com Isnt it amazing to realize how many weird and wonderful things are in the ocean? Many of these are creatures and behaviors we never learned about in school, because in many cases, theyve only been studied in detail since we were in school. Theres no telling how much more there is to discover. And as we learn about them at A-Z, well delight in delighting you with their stories. The post Discover the Oceans Most Ingenious Home Builders appeared first on A-Z Animals. Social media influencers on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last year. (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images file) Social media influencers on the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last year. (Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images file) The Democratic National Committee is looking to refresh the technology it uses to help organize voters and volunteers with the aim of winning future elections. It's the first time the DNC has overhauled its technology infrastructure in nearly 20 years, a DNC spokesperson said. The new tools, which include a platform that helps Democrats host and attend their own political events, were placed in an open request-for-proposal (RFP) process in April to secure vendors who can provide the amalgam of services. "The RFP invited a broad range of tools, from innovative voter contact technologies to streamlined volunteer management platforms," the committee said in an announcement Tuesday. "The DNC knows that Democrats needed to redefine the tools we use to organize and communicate with voters and volunteers." Among the new tools is Matchbook, which is billed as a way "to turn raw data into real strategy," including by tracking support and finding voters and volunteers. The company behind Matchbook, Indigo, is a relatively new entrant into the politics-and-tech scene, having launched less than a year ago and getting acquired by another company, Switchboard, in February. "Were really excited for an opportunity to help the DNC, Democratic state parties, and Democratic candidates up and down the ballot find new ways to organize their communities," Indigo CEO Max Wood said in an email. "Were particularly excited to offer a new approach when it comes to the basics of collecting and leveraging data from organizing programs. If everything goes well, Matchbook will help campaigns develop more personal, long-term relationships with voters and supporters." The announcement comes as the party wrestles with an uncertain road ahead. The DNC is coming off a disappointing 2024 election cycle, and it continues to face fundraising challenges. It had $15 million on hand at the end of June, well behind the Republican National Committees $80 million. Democratic Party polling remains at or near all-time lows. Many Democrats turned their backs on the party last year for a number of reasons, including former President Joe Bidens dropping out of the race too late, Vice President Kamala Harris failing to distinguish herself from his administration and disillusionment with the Democrats due to their stance on the war in Gaza. What was once seen as an advantage for the Democrats data-driven field organizing in the late 2000s was seen as a boost for Barack Obama's presidential campaigns has more recently lost its luster. A May report from Higher Ground Labs, a left-leaning venture fund, found that Democratic outreach efforts had floundered. "Despite record-scale outreach via text, phone, and door-to-door efforts, declining voter engagement reveals stagnation in effective voter contact strategies, underscoring the need for new methods that prioritize genuine connection and measurable impact, alongside technologies and data that can support them," the group found. The new technology includes a management system to help track interactions among the DNC, voters and volunteers; software that encourages "high-quality interactions with voters"; and a platform to empower Democrats to participate in online and offline events. The tools were selected for a pilot program, and the DNC will begin using them immediately, including in the New Jersey and Virginia Democratic parties ahead of the elections in November, it said. DNC Chair Ken Martin said the committee's goal is "organizing everywhere to win anywhere." "We take our responsibility seriously to ensure that Democratic campaigns everywhere have the best, most modern, and most effective tools available to engage with voters and win elections," Martin said in a statement. "Were excited to be piloting and investing in innovative and emerging technologies that will benefit the Democratic ecosystem and campaigns for years to come," he added. FILE - An American flag flies at half-staff outside the Thad Cochran United States Courthouse in downtown Jackson, Miss., on May 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) JACKSON, Miss. (AP) A federal judge has blocked portions of Mississippis ban on diversity, equity and inclusion practices in public schools from being enforced while a lawsuit against it is underway. The provisions blocked by U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate on Monday seek to prohibit public schools from discussing a list of divisive concepts related to race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation and national origin. They would also prevent public schools from maintaining programs, courses or offices that promote DEI or endorse divisive concepts, and ban diversity training requirements. The preliminary injunction does not block other portions of the law, including those that prevent schools from giving preferential treatment based on race, sex, color or national origin and that penalize students or staff for their refusal to embrace DEI concepts. The law, which took effect in April, aims to prevent public schools from engaging in discriminatory practices by banning DEI offices, trainings and programs. Any school in violation of the act could lose state funding. A group of teachers, parents and students is suing the state, arguing that the law violates their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Wingate wrote in his ruling that he finds the law to be at odds with the First Amendment and the public interest of the state. It is unconstitutionally vague, fails to treat speech in a viewpoint-neutral manner, and carries with it serious risks of terrible consequences with respect to the chilling of expression and academic freedom, he wrote. Wingate also granted the plaintiff's request to add class action claims to the lawsuit, meaning the injunction will apply to teachers, professors and students across the state. The plaintiffs lawyers sought the addition after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June limited the ability of federal judges to grant sweeping injunctions. Jarvis Dortch, the executive director of the ACLU of Mississippi, which is helping litigate the case, said he was thankful for Wingate's stance. The Court sees the law for what it plainly is an attempt to stop the proper exchange of ideas within the classroom," Dortch said in a statement. Wingates ruling follows a temporary restraining order he granted to the plaintiffs in July. At an Aug. 5 hearing, lawyers representing the plaintiffs argued the law is too confusing, leaving parents, teachers and students wondering what they can and cannot say and whether they could face consequences as a result of their speech. Cliff Johnson, a professor at the University of Mississippi Law School and Mississippi director of the MacArthur Justice Center, testified that he and his students often discuss what could be considered divisive topics. Johnson said he did not believe the law would allow him to teach about the First, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments; the court case that paved the way for the internment of Japanese citizens during WWII; portions of the Civil Rights Act; or the murders of Emmett Till and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. I think Im in a very difficult position. I can teach my class as usual and run the serious risk of being disciplined, or I could abandon something thats very important to me, Johnson testified. I feel a bit paralyzed. The Mississippi Attorney Generals Office argued that public employees do not have First Amendment rights. They are speaking for the government and the government has every right to tell them what they need to say on its behalf, said Lisa Reppeto, an attorney at the state attorney general's office. She added that the First Amendment does not give students the right to dictate what their school does or does not say. Reppeto also said the consequences of the law are aimed at the schools not students or teachers and that the plaintiffs' argument is not consistent with what is in the statute. Thirty alleged members and leaders of Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Venezuelan gang designated as a foreign terrorist group, were indicted in Colorado on charges including murder-for-hire, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses. The gang has been tied to murder, extortion, kidnapping, and drug and human trafficking. Several TdA members are accused of unlawfully entering the U.S. and introducing its gang violence to communities across America, including those in Colorado. "These defendants include Tren de Aragua leaders, members, and associates," U.S. Attorney for Colorado Peter McNeilly said during a press conference on Monday. "The charges include firearms trafficking, drug trafficking, and a barbaric murder for hire plot in which several of the defendants agreed to kill two people for $15,000 and return their severed heads as proof of the murders for just an extra $5,000." Fbi Takes Down Anti-tren Gang Members In Largest Bust Yet In Violent Migrant Turf War A nine-month investigation tied to crime at a Denver-area apartment complex led a grand jury to charge 28 people in a 39-count indictment. Read On The Fox News App Charges include firearms trafficking, using guns in drug crimes, illegal possession of firearms and drug trafficking. Five defendants also face conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. Trump's Crackdown Nets Over 2,700 Alleged Members Of Notorious Venezuelan Gang "The charges tell a story of people selling guns and drugs lots of them," McNeilly said. "The affidavits which have been filed in this case also tell a story of a murder-for-hire plot and other crimes that the defendants were willing to commit, such as sex trafficking. "One of the people who offered to commit murders in this case bragged to the undercover officers that the people he would use to commit those murders were the very same people that we had seen committing crimes on the news in these apartment complexes in Aurora," he continued. During the investigation, officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recovered 69 firearms, including machine guns. Authorities claim that several of the firearms have been linked to shootings, carjackings, robberies and drive-by shootings in Denver and Aurora. Venezuelan Gang Suspect In Us Illegally Allegedly Attempts To Murder Federal Agent During Arrest Tren de Aragua gang members have allegedly been involved in crime across the country, including El Paso, Texas. ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers said during the press conference that some of the firearms recovered were privately made, adding that at least one was equipped with a machine gun conversion device. "By removing these firearms from the street, we disrupted a dangerous cycle of violence, preventing further harm to our communities and sending a clear message to criminal networks," he said. "We are here and together at a local and federal level, and we will bring you to justice." In a separate indictment, Luis Fernando Uribe-Torrealba and Luis Henriquez-Charaima, both 29, face six counts including murder-for-hire, carjacking, and trafficking drugs and firearms. Suspected Tren De Aragua Gang Members Terrorize Apartment Complex In Shocking Doorbell Video Both men were arrested by Colombian authorities in Colombia on July 30 after the U.S. issued a provisional arrest warrant based on charges in the case. Uribe-Torrealba and Henriquez-Charaima remain in custody in Colombia pending extradition proceedings. Of the 28 others indicted, 24 are in federal custody. "Each one of those 69 guns represents the saving of a life. Each ounce of narcotics taken off the street represents a life saved," Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown said. "This community has seen a 75% reduction in calls for service That is life-changing for the people in this community." Surveillance video from 2023 went viral after it showed heavily armed men kicking down an apartment door in Aurora, Colorado. It purportedly showed alleged members of Tren de Aragua who had reportedly taken over apartment buildings in the city and were extorting residents for protection payments. The video catapulted TdA into the spotlight of the 2024 presidential campaign, with Republican nominee former President Trump vowing to "liberate Aurora" from illegal alien criminals he claimed were "taking over the whole town." Aurora police have called allegations that gangs had "taken over" buildings in the city an exaggeration, although they have acknowledged the presence of TdA in the community. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, previously dismissed outrage over a video that appeared to show armed Venezuelan gang members taking over an apartment building. In a statement shared with the New York Post in August 2024, Polis' spokeswoman Shelby Wieman claimed, "The Governor has already let the Mayor know that the State is ready to support the local police department with assistance from state troopers and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation if needed." "But, according to police intelligence, this purported invasion is largely a feature of Danielle Jurinskys imagination," added Wieman, referring to an Aurora City Council member who had spoken out about the TdA issue. Fox News Digital has reached out to Polis for comment on the indictment. Original article source: Feds charge dozens of alleged Tren de Aragua members with drug trafficking and murder-for-hire Eemeli Peltonen, a member of the Social Democratic Party, was in his first term as an MP A young Finnish MP has died inside the national parliament in a case that has devastated the Nordic states political class. Eemeli Peltonen, 30, a promising centre-Left MP, was found dead in the Eduskunta premises at around 11am on Tuesday. Iltalehti, a Finnish newspaper, reported that an MP had taken their own life but did not identify them by name until their next of kin had been notified. Petteri Orpo, the prime minister of Finland, confirmed the death in a statement, adding that his National Coalition party would suspend political discussions for the day as a mark of respect. Some time ago, we received truly shocking news from parliament, our common workplace. One of our colleagues has passed away on parliament premises. This is truly sad news, Mr Orpo said. At the same time, we wish strength to his family, loved ones and colleagues. This deeply touches all of us, we send greetings and strength to everyone, he added. The Finnish parliament was on summer recess, with MPs due to return to work on Sept 2, when the death occurred. Mr Peltonen, a member of the centre-Left Social Democratic Party, was in his first term as an MP after winning his seat in 2023. Before winning his seat, he had served as the chairman of the Jarvenpaa city council from 2017 to 2021. During that time, he was the youngest chairman of a council in Finland. The Finnish prime minister confirmed reports that an MP had died on parliamentary premises in Helsinki - Alessandro Rampazzo/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images According to the Finnish newspaper Iltalehti, Mr Peltonen was a 2020 graduate from the University of Helsinki with a masters degree in political science. Sofia Nevalainen, the MPs wife, paid tribute to him in a statement on Instagram. You were my everything. I love you forever. On behalf of Eemels family, I now ask for time and peace to grieve. We will not comment further on this matter to the media, she said. Mr Peltonen is understood to have gone on sick leave in June owing to what he described at the time as a kidney illness. In a post earlier this year on social media outlining his reasons for sick leave, the MP said he was receiving medical treatment for kidney issues and that his recovery had been complicated by an infection. To control the bacteria, I was started on an intravenous antibiotic course... which will take time. At the same time, treatment for my kidney problems will continue, he said in June. Shocking, heartbreaking news Paivi Rasanen, a Finnish MP, said it was shocking, heartbreaking news about the loss of a colleague, adding: I assume that the sad news will be conveyed to the family before the person is publicly announced. I deeply share the great sorrow of the family and remember them with prayers. She told the Ilta Sanomat newspaper: I believe that this will mark the beginning of autumn in parliament. Despite the political tensions, it is a close-knit working community. Ms Rasanen said a memorial service would be held at the beginning of the session, adding: There will be tears. The head of security for the Finnish parliament gave a brief statement after Mr Peltonens body was found but did not give any detail about the cause of death. A death took place in the morning. Emergency medical services, rescue units, and police authorities were alerted to the scene via the emergency centre, said Aaro Toivonen. The national flag of Finland has been lowered to half mast in response to the news of his death. Jamie Stevenson (left) and James White were both involved in drug smuggling [Police Scotland] The jailing of hundreds of Scottish gangsters has left prison staff playing what has been described as "a daily game of chess" as they try to keep violent rivals apart. The Scottish Prison Service says more inmates are being held in segregation than ever before, amid a rise in attacks linked to serious organised crime groups (SOCGs). The service's chief executive says the recent gangland feud in central Scotland has raised the temperature behind bars, and that staff are carrying out "a heroic task" in overcrowded jails. The Prison Officers' Association says many of its members have been left fearing for their safety because of threats and intimidation from gang-affiliated criminals. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the Scottish government was aware of the impact of the rise in inmates and organised crime on the prison system, and was working with partners to reduce the harm caused. Scotland's prison population stood at 8,251 on Monday. About 660 of those inmates are thought to have "strong SOCG associations" and many others are linked to lower level, local gangs. In recent years, Police Scotland and prosecutors at the Crown Office have secured dozens of gangland convictions. These have included those of top level figures like Jamie "Iceman" Stevenson and James "The Don" White, who were both involved in international drug smuggling. But tension has ramped up this year, thanks to a wave of gangland violence and the murder of two senior Scottish figures in Spain. Add overcrowding to the mix, and the end result is a jail system under significant pressure. Gunned down in Spain The feud began in March with attacks against properties and people associated with Edinburgh gangster Mark Richardson. He has links with the Daniels crime family in Glasgow, long-time rivals of another west coast crime group, the Lyons. The violence spread from Edinburgh to Lanarkshire and Glasgow, targeting people linked to the Daniels family. When two senior members of the Lyons crime group were shot dead in Spain on 31 May, it was widely assumed the murders were connected to the feud back in Scotland. Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr were gunned down at a bar in Fuengirola in the Costa Del Sol. Within days, fearing reprisals, Police Scotland issued a carefully-worded statement insisting there was "no current evidence" to suggest the double shooting was "orchestrated from Scotland". Gillian Walker is the governor at HMP Shotts [BBC] The murders of Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons Jnr would have caused great shock within HMP Shotts, where prisoners linked to the Lyons gang form the largest group of SOCG inmates. It is the only jail in Scotland which solely deals with people on sentences of four years or more. Of its 538 prisoners, 221 are serving life for murder. With 30 years' experience in the service, HMP Shotts governor Gillian Walker says managing prisoners linked to serious organised crime is a bigger challenge than ever before. "It's a daily battle to keep on top of it," she said. "For want of a better phrase, it's moving chess pieces constantly. "We're trying to keep up with things and understand a moving picture. As it moves in the community, it moves in prisons as well." Closer co-operation with the police helps the SPS decide where prisoners should be held, although gang affiliations aren't always clear and can change. Across Scotland's jails, the number of violent incidents has risen from 95 a month in 2022 to 135 a month this year. Some of those incidents are related to organised crime rivalry. Scottish Prison Service chief executive Teresa Medhurst said: "It's very worrying, and it's not just assaults on individuals and different factions, it's assaults on our staff." Teresa Medhurst said the recent feud was changing the temperature in some jails [PA Media] The number of prisoners held "out of association" - kept apart from other inmates - is at an all-time high. They have to be accommodated, exercised and fed separately. Mrs Medhurst said the recent feud was "changing the temperature" in some jails as inmates waited to see how it would play out. "It is a heroic ask that staff are undertaking just now, to keep on top of keeping people safe," she said. "There are so many factions, so many people who need to be kept separate, that it is making life very difficult for them." The chief executive says overcrowding is making things worse because staff don't have enough time to gather intelligence and build relationships with prisoners. Hundreds of short-term inmates have been released early but the population is edging back up towards its previous all-time high of 8,420. Mrs Medhurst says it's a "realistic expectation" that that record, set in 2012, will be broken. Angela Constance said the Scottish government had taken a range of actions to address challenges in prisons, including the early release scheme for short-term inmates. She said: "We are continuing to work with the Scottish Prison Service and partners on further measures to manage the complex prison population in a sustainable way. "In the longer term, this will be informed by the recommendations of the independent Sentencing and Penal Policy Commission, which we established earlier this year and is due to report by the end of 2025." About 660 inmates are thought to have strong associations with gangs [PA Media] Phil Fairlie, the Prison Officers' Association's assistant general secretary for Scotland, says officers have had their cars firebombed and gangsters have tried to manipulate and recruit vulnerable staff. "They've spent a lifetime exploiting people and they try to do exactly the same to prison officers," said Mr Fairlie. "We're talking about people who are high up enough the ladder of organised crime gangs, that the level of threat and intimidation is beyond what staff have been used to before. "It is constant, it is hectic and it's very stressful. "We're constantly talking to staff who've got fears and concerns for their safety, just because they're doing their job. "That level of fear and anxiety should be a worry to everybody." Drone incidents Teresa Medhurst says in the last three or four years, SOCGs have come to regard prisons as places where they can expand their business. Drones are being used on a weekly basis to get dangerous psychoactive drugs, weapons and mobile phones into jails. Mrs Medhurst said that had been "a game changer". She said the packages carried by a single drone were often worth more than 10,000. "We had a recent incident at one establishment where we think there were a number of drone incidents. "As a consequence of that we had a number of people who had to be treated at prison and in hospital." To tackle the problem, anti-drone grills are being fitted over cell block windows throughout the prison estate. Intel headquarters in Santa Clara, California, in September 2024. Reports suggest the US government may take a stake in the chipmaker. - David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed on Tuesday that the US government is considering an extraordinary investment in struggling chipmaker Intel. But they gave different answers about what the Trump administration sought to do with that stake. Such a deal, if it were to happen, would mark an unusual arrangement that would see the Trump administration use taxpayer money to take a stake in a private American business. In an interview with CNBC Tuesday morning, Bessent suggested a deal like this would be about boosting an American tech company, rather than making money from Intel. When asked whether taking a stake in Intel would mean convincing US companies to purchase chips from the tech giant, Bessent said any investment in Intel would be intended to help stabilize the company for chip production here in the US. The last thing were going to do is put pressure, is take the stake and then try to drum up business, he said, adding that it would be a conversion of the grant, likely referencing reports from Bloomberg, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal indicating that the administration could convert grants from the CHIPS and Science Act into an equity stake. The reports indicate that the administration is weighing a 10% stake in Intel. Bloomberg first reported the discussions last week. Theres no talk of trying to force companies to buy from Intel, he said, adding that reliance on Taiwan for chips, where the majority of the worlds chips are made, is a national security concern. For national security, we have to stop that single point of failure, he said. Lutnick reiterated that stance, telling CNBC later on Tuesday morning that shifting chipmaking to the United States instead of relying on Taiwan is a priority, both for the economy and for security. But he also said Trump believes the government should get a return on its investment, rather than doling out grants to major tech companies. He said that the Biden administration, through the bipartisan CHIPS act, was was literally giving Intel [money] for free. Donald Trump turns that into saying, Hey, we want equity for the money, Lutnick said. America should get the benefit of the bargain. I mean, that is exactly Donald Trumps perspective, which is: Why are we giving a company worth $100 billion this kind of money? Intel declined to comment on reports of such a deal when approached by CNN last week, but said it is deeply committed to supporting President Trumps efforts to strengthen U.S. technology and manufacturing leadership. We look forward to continuing our work with the Trump Administration to advance these shared priorities, but we are not going to comment on rumors or speculation, the spokesperson said in a statement. Discussion about hypothetical deals should be regarded as speculation unless officially announced by the Administration, White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement to CNN last week. The reports and Bessents comments also come after chipmakers Nvidia and AMD said they would pay 15% from their chip sales in China to the government in exchange for export licenses. If the government does take a stake in Intel, it could also serve as a model for other Trump administration investments, two people familiar with the White House discussions on the matter told CNN last week. President Donald Trump met with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan last week after calling for the tech executives resignation over allegations about his links to China. Intel has fallen behind in the chip race after losing to rivals like Qualcomm and Nvidia on the shift to mobile and AI. The chipmaker said last month that it had mostly completed plans to lay off 15% of its staff. Trump has pushed to revive manufacturing in the United States and cement America as a leader in the tech sector, two goals that have been a cornerstone of his presidency thus far. Hes touted major investments from companies like Apple, TSMC and Nvidia to expand their US operations as political wins, although these companies have invested in broadening their US presence before his second term. CNNs Phil Mattingly and Clare Duffy contributed to this report. This story has been updated with additional information and developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The U.S. Capitol Building in Washington D.C. Ashley Olds | The Center Square (The Center Square) Gov. Mike DeWines decision to commit Ohio National Guard troops to President Donald Trumps takeover of Washington, D.C., sparked protests over the weekend and has Democrats calling it political theater. DeWine said 150 National Guard military police are expected to arrive in Washington, D.C., in the next few days. Troops from West Virginia and South Carolina are also being deployed. 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. 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." House Minority Leader Dani Isaacohn, D-Cincinnati, said DeWine should be focused on Ohio, rather than responding to the presidents most recent tweet storm. Ohios National Guard exists to protect and serve Ohioans and other Americans in moments of true crisis, Isaacohn said in a statement Monday. When disasters like floods, storms, or community emergencies happen here at home, theyre there to rebuild. Their mission is helping Ohioans, not serving as props in a presidents political theatre. At a time when our state faces real challenges from keeping our families safe, to rebuilding infrastructure, to responding when disaster strikes every resource matters. Sending Ohios Guard to Washington for partisan stunts takes away from the work that truly matters to the people of this state. More than 50 people protested DeWines decision Sunday outside the Ohio Statehouse, some bringing up memories of the Ohio National Guard's history at Kent State University. In 1970, four Kent State students were killed by guard troops during a protest against the Vietnam War. Trump last week declared Liberation Day in Washington, D.C., and appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi to take operational control of the citys police department. Bondi issued an order to replace Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith with Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Terry Cole to serve as the agencys emergency police commissioner. The Trump administration reversed course, however, and allowed Smith to remain in her position while directing District police to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Home Depot said Tuesday it will have to raise the price of some items due to the cost of tariffs. - David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images Home Depot said Tuesday that some of its prices could be going up because of the cost of tariffs. Americas largest home improvement retailer has limited what it has said about the impact of tariffs on its prices before now. But after reporting quarterly results Tuesday, CFO Richard McPhail said Home Depot would have to implement some price increases as a result of the Trump administrations taxes on imports. For some imported goods, tariff rates are significantly higher today than they were at this time last quarter, he said in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that was confirmed by the company to CNN. So as you would expect, there will be modest price movement in some categories, but it wont be broad based. Three months ago, when asked about the the impact of tariffs on pricing, the company said it would not speculate on its price plans, and that tariffs might lead it to no longer offer some items. The company said a little less than half of its inventory comes from suppliers outside the United States. It has said it was looking to diversify its supply base so that no foreign country supplied more than 10% of its goods. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Editor's note: This page summarizes news on Erin for Monday, Aug. 18. For the latest news on Hurricane Erin, visit USA TODAY's coverage for Tuesday, Aug. 19. Hurricane Erin fluctuated in intensity on Monday and expanded in size as people fled North Carolina's Outer Banks and forecasters warned of "life-threatening" rip currents and surf conditions along most of the East Coast. After losing some intensity over the weekend, Erin briefly strengthened back into a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. But by an 11 p.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center, its winds had fallen to an estimated 125 mph after its north side encountered shearing winds. The forecast indicated Erin is slowing down in forward speed and may continue to see fluctuating wind speeds over the next couple of days as it gradually turns northward along a track between the United States and Bermuda. "The core of Erin is expected to pass to the east of the southeastern and central Bahamas today and tonight, and move between Bermuda and the East Coast of the United States by the middle of the week," the hurricane center said. The first hurricane to form this Atlantic season and the first to become a major storm, Erin was 690 miles southwest of Bermuda and 780 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras on Monday. Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island were placed under a mandatory evacuation as officials warned of possible storm surge, flooding, and tropical storm conditions. Hurricane Erin path tracker: See where the Category 4 storm is headed The system is expected to steer clear of the United States, though forecasters warn it could bring dangerous surf and rip current conditions to the Eastern Seaboard, all the way to Canada's Atlantic coast. According to the latest forecast, the Outer Banks face the biggest threat as coastal flooding could inundate the low-lying islands by midweek. Parts of the North Carolina coast could get wind gusts of 40 to 60 mph from late Wednesday through Thursday and waves of 10 to 15 feet on the Outer Banks, AccuWeather said. Outside the country, a tropical storm warning was in place on Monday for the Turks and Caicos Islands as well as parts of the Bahamas, with forecasters warning of possible "flash and urban flooding." Up to 8 inches of rain was possible across parts of the Southeastern Bahamas. Erin is growing in size, and is expected to create high seas and large waves across hundreds of miles of ocean. By Tuesday, dangerous surf conditions are expected along the U.S. East Coast, hurricane center director Michael Brennan said in a video update on the storm. "It's not going to be a safe environment to be in the ocean," he said, adding that though the weather can be pleasant on shore, dangerous and possibly life-threatening rip currents could be lurking in the water. Developments: Tropical storm and storm surge watches were issued for parts of the Outer Banks in the latest National Hurricane Center update. A watch means conditions are possible within 48 hours. Coastal flooding may start Tuesday afternoon, more than 24 hours before tropical storm-force winds reach the area, the National Weather Service said. Emergency officials rescued at least 60 people caught in rip currents and heavy surf on Aug. 18 in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, prompting a "no swimming" advisory through Friday. Erin's waves could start causing damage by Tuesday In a video update at 5 p.m. ET, Brennan warned the Outer Banks may have to contend with 2 to 4 feet of storm surge, the increase in water level above the normal tide that often accompanies hurricanes. Even though it's on track to pass well offshore of North Carolina, Erin's considerable size presents a danger to the state and other parts of the U.S. East Coast. Brennan said destructive wave action will start late Tuesday and peak overnight Wednesday and into Thursday. "This is going to be a very significant event," he said. "We could see widespread inundation of coastal roads like North Carolina Highway 12, some submersion of vehicles, some structural damage, and ocean water is going to extend well inland in some places and cause some significant threats to life and property." A storm surge watch is in effect along portions of the East Coast, meaning storm surge is possible within 48 hours. Resident: Outer Banks island empties ahead of Hurricane Erin When news of the evacuation orders hit Hatteras Island, Fattys Treats & Tours was flooded with tourists complaining about having their vacations cut short, said the restaurants owner, Jeff Dawson. But the island started emptying overnight during what is typically the height of tourist season, and Dawson expects to close down after lunch on Monday. We've had one table so far, Dawson said midday. "So, a generally very busy day has been turned into an absolutely nothing day." Though county officials issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents beginning at 8 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Dawson plans to hunker down in his home, which is nestled in a small community in the woods of Buxton, North Carolina. He fears a tree might hit his house, but said hes otherwise not particularly concerned about Hurricane Erin, having lived through countless storms since 1982. Still, Dawson said he expects to spend the next few days helping neighbors board up their windows and then clearing debris. "I don't ever leave during storms because there's too much I can do to help," he said. N'dea Yancey-Bragg Hurricane Erin is shown in a geocolor satellite image on the morning of Aug. 18, 2025. Florida beaches could see waves higher than 7 feet In Jacksonville, ocean breakers exceeding seven feet are expected to begin Tuesday, according to the weather service, with the peak wave height around high tide on Wednesday. Minor coastal and tidal flooding is possible with "at least moderate beach erosion," said Angela Enyedi, a meteorologist with the weather service's office in Jacksonville. The high water could inundate boat ramps, parking lots, and some campgrounds, she said. Wave heights offshore are climbing ahead of Erin's path, as illustrated by a buoy due east of Fort Pierce, Florida, about 400 miles east-northeast of Nassau in the Bahamas, that rose to more than 18 feet Monday. Further to the north, a buoy about 258 miles south of Cape Hatteras was recording waves over six feet in height, an increase of more than a foot over wave heights on the previous day. There will be rip current threats at beaches along the coast before the higher surf arrives, according to the weather service. In East Central Florida, the weather service expects rough pounding surf with breakers of 5 feet to 8 feet this week. The danger extends far beyond Florida. Weather service offices along the coast up to Maine are warning of hazardous conditions at the beach and potential coastal flooding. Tourists Monday morning prepare to evacuate Ocracoke Island on the southern end of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Much of the exposed island chain that juts out into the Atlantic is under a mandatory evacuation as Hurricane Erin approaches. Some Outer Banks residents calm amid evacuation orders Not everyone on the Outer Banks' Hatteras Island appeared panicked about Hurricane Erin, despite mandatory evacuation orders. Angela Tawes, co-owner of Conners Supermarket, said there were few signs of the impending storm, other than longer-than-usual lines at the gas station. "It's beautiful outside. The sky is blue. It's like 80-something degrees. There's no wind. It's gorgeous," Tawes told USA TODAY on Monday. "It's really hard for people to be thinking there's a storm coming in a couple days." Tawes said she expects to see many more people evacuating on Tuesday once signs of the storms appear. "Thats when the chaos hits," she said. Brennan, the National Hurricane Center director, urged people not to minimize the potential for impacts along the coast, despite Erin's distance from shore. In the mid-Atlantic on Wednesday and Thursday, especially as Erin makes its closest approach to the U.S. along the Outer Banks, "breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet plus coastal flooding and storm surge could over wash dunes and flood homes and flood roads and make some communities impassable," he said. Karissa Waddick The forecast for wave heights in the surf zone along the Outer Banks is growing as Hurricane Erin's predicted track gets a little closer to the mainland U.S. The National Weather Service in Newport/Morehead City, North Carolina, released this graphic on the morning of Aug. 18, 2025. 'The wind was really sandblasting everything' Nicholas Himebaugh and his girlfriend drove several hours over the weekend from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to a national campground on the Outer Banks to relax and take in the beauty of the islands' beaches. But even days before Hurricane Erin prompted evacuation orders, Himebaugh said he could notice the storm's impact. The couple only went briefly into the ocean and hugged the shore because of rip currents. Heavy waves slammed on the beach, and strong winds could be felt across the islands. "The rip currents were very, very strong and the wind was really sandblasting everything," he told USA TODAY. The couple left on the afternoon of Sunday, hours before mandatory evacuations were issued for the islands of Ocracoke and Hatteras. Ferries off Ocracoke were already packed, and traffic on roads leading off the islands delayed the journey back home by at least two hours for Himebaugh and his girlfriend. "There was a steady stream of people trying to get off the islands," he said. Erin is huge and getting larger Erin is a huge storm and is expected to grow larger. As of Monday morning, its wind field was some 397 miles in diameter. In addition, Erin is creating seas of 10 feet or more across an area roughly 500 miles in diameter. Erin ranks around the 80th percentile in terms of storm sizes of major hurricanes in the past couple of decades, John Cangialosi wrote in the National Hurricane Center's 5 a.m. ET discussion. Erin's wind field is forecast to grow over the next few days, as a cycle of eyewall replacements continues. Some of the largest hurricanes on record include 2012's enormous Hurricane Sandy, which was among the largest known Atlantic hurricanes with a wind field spanning approximately 1,100 miles. Hurricane Floyd in 1999 was also quite large, with a diameter of 580 miles. Doyle Rice Hurricane Erin triggers evacuations for Outer Banks islands Two counties in North Carolina declared states of emergency and issued mandatory evacuation orders for parts of the Outer Banks, a string of low-lying islands in the Atlantic Ocean dotted with quaint villages and fishing towns. Officials for Dare and Hyde counties said Hurricane Erin is likely to cause major flooding, making it impossible to drive on Highway 12, which runs along the islands. Officials issued a mandatory evacuation for visitors in the islands of Ocracoke and Hatteras; mandatory orders for residents were set to take effect Tuesday. "Dangerous waves, 20+ feet, will likely inundate and destroy protective dune structures along the highway," said a Hyde County news release. "Life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions are expected." The statement said "it is extremely likely" Hyde County emergency services won't be available if Highway 12 is washed over by heavy waves. "Please take this warning seriously, especially if you have medical issues or are likely to need special care," the county said. Furthermore, the weather service advised residents on the Outer Banks to consider moving their cars to higher ground. Two new potential storms being watched The hurricane center is watching two tropical waves in the Eastern Atlantic. The first disturbance is given a 60% chance of producing a tropical storm over the next seven days as it moves generally westward to northwestward toward the Windward Islands, which fringe the eastern edge of the Caribbean. The second is a wave that just emerged off the west coast of Africa. It faces a chance of development for a day or two, but then is expected to encounter unfavorable conditions for development, the hurricane center said at 11 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18. Category 5 hurricanes not so 'rare' anymore? Erin's brief flirtation with Category 5 winds over the weekend made it the 11th Category 5 hurricane recorded in the Atlantic since 2016. That is 11 in just nine years, according to University of Oklahoma student and hurricane mapmaker Michael Ferragamo. That's the largest amount of Category 5 hurricanes recorded in a nine-year timeframe in the hurricane database (since 1851), he said. Doyle Rice Erin briefly exploded into Category 5 hurricane Erin formed into a hurricane from a tropical storm on Friday. The following day, the storm quickly intensified into a Category 5 hurricane with sustained minimum winds of 160 mph before it lost momentum and was downgraded to a Category 3. Over the weekend, the storm lashed Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, causing tens of thousands of power outages, flight cancellations, and closures across both islands. No deaths were reported, and crews have restored power to most of the homes and businesses that experienced outages. Erin has since begun a new period of intensification, which could end Tuesday as it encounters wind shear, though forecasters say it will remain a major hurricane. Even hundreds of miles offshore, hurricanes can be damaging and deadly Hurricane Erin is expected to take a path familiar to many as the massive storm moves northward parallel to the United States coast. Dozens of hurricanes have made a similar trek in recent years, testing the nerves of millions who wait to see if the storms are destined to make any sharp left turns or wobbles toward the coast. Even when they don't brush the coast or make landfall, such storms can be deadly and cause millions of dollars of damage. Many lives have been lost during hurricanes that remained well offshore but created rough surf or deceptive conditions that can disguise hazardous rip currents. Over 10 years, about 10 to 15% of all deaths in tropical storms and hurricanes were attributed to rip currents, according to the hurricane center. Read more: Powerful Hurricane Erin could mimic damage from earlier hurricanes that stayed offshore Hurricane Erin caused outages across Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands Hurricane Erin's rainbands lashed Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands with heavy rainfall over the weekend, resulting in power outages and temporary closures. None of the islands saw major impacts from the storm, but in Puerto Rico, over 150,000 homes and businesses lost power, most of which have been restored, according to LUMA Energy. "Today we should be overcoming the effects of the winds and rain brought by Hurricane Erin, which thank God, did not have major impacts in Puerto Rico," Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez said at a briefing Sunday, adding that schools and government offices were expected to open the following day. Over the weekend, nearly the entire island of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands was without electricity, though workers managed to restore power to most locations within hours, local officials said. When did the 2025 hurricane season begin? The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and lasts through the end of November. The Atlantic basin includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of America, formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico. Based on a 30-year climate period from 1991 to 2020, the average Atlantic hurricane season has 14 named storms, seven hurricanes, and three major hurricanes, the National Hurricane Center said. Active hurricane weather typically peaks between mid-August and mid-October. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Erin updates: Category 3 storm; Outer Banks evacuations Eli Moulton/Instagram (2) Influencer Eli Moulton warns against wearing neck scarves near cars NEED TO KNOW Australian influencer Eli Moulton was nearly "decapitated" when her neck scarf got tangled underneath a moving car Moulton shared an image of the nasty looking burn she received in the accident Her caption also warned others to "remove neck scarves before operating any heavy machinery" A fashion influencer is warning others about the dangers of long scarves. On Sunday, Aug. 17, Eli Moulton revealed she nearly "decapitated" herself after her scarf got stuck under a moving car. Sharing a video on her Instagram page, Moulton revealed that she began her night at the opening of Glenelg BMW in Australia on Aug. 11, wearing a long black gown with a matching neck scarf. The dress that held me in a choke hold, she wrote across the screen. The clip then switched to her lifting her head up to reveal the burn around her neck. Literally, her caption on the clip read as the audio switched to the Oh no voiceover. Eli Moulton/Instagram Eli Moulton Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Moulton showcased the burn from different angles, showing the thick pink line around her neck. A reminder for the ladies: REMOVE your neck scarves before entering or operating any heavy machinery! Nearly decapitated myself getting the scarf tangled underneath the car on the way home , she added in her caption. She then concluded with the hashtags, #fashionfail #nearmiss #neckscarf #safetyfirst. Following the post, many of Moultons Instagram followers expressed their shock at the near miss. Eli! That is frightening. Looks sore too. Hope you are ok x, one person wrote. Eli Moulton/Instagram Eli Moulton You poor thing! Jeepers, Eli! , a second added. A third commented, Shes a fighter. No scarf will break her. But also .. I cried when you told me. Glad we still have each other xx. Moulton also shared another video of her injury on her Instagram Stories following her post, per 7News. "Not even the Paris filter can help me,' Eli joked, adding, "We are off to get this medically dresseddon't worry folks. My spirits are still high. Thriving and surviving." In a previous post, Moulton shared a carousel of photos from her night at the Glenelg BMW. Made it out of the house for what was an incredible night at the opening of @glenelgbmw , her caption read. Thank you to our chauffeur for getting us to the event on time because god knows that if I had to drive I would have arrived 2 hours late, on emptywith a flat tyre. She added, Wearing @plusone_dresshire Tinsley Tube Dress size 14 because thats where we are at & I felt a million bucks in this beautiful gown. Big thank you to @sassafraspr for always sending it in style! Read the original article on People Courtesy of La Veste Not many can point to a luxuriously chic summer spent across the mountains in Spain, the Mediterranean, Brittany, and a pop-up in the Hamptonsthough not many are natural tastemakers like Maria de la Orden and Blanca Miro, co-founders of independent Spanish label La Veste. By the time they officially joined forces to found their shared brand in 2018, a collaborative project felt like the natural next step in their half-decade-long friendship. The pair initially met six years priorwhen de la Orden was working on her line Mau Loa, which she founded in 2014. As time went on, the two also became increasingly prominent fixtures at Paris Fashion Week, and the synergy between them was clear. Claudio Lavenia - Getty Images Both Spanish-born entrepreneursMiro is a stylist and influencer, and de la Orden, an influencer and designerwere inspired by local textiles, colorful mid-century patterns, and a deep appreciation for the vintage and designer clothing that they grew up with. We love getting lost in vintage shops and exploring the treasures hidden in our grandmothers wardrobes, both tell ELLE. But above all, were inspired by the everydayby proactive women and the rhythm of our daily lives. When it came to establishing the foundations of La Veste, self-expression, craftsmanship, sustainability and nostalgia reimagined were the core tenets. Adds the pair, What fills us with the greatest pride, however, is our strong commitment to local production. We spend time getting to know each maker. Its not just about production, its a creative collaboration. Often they suggest better ways of doing things, or even inspire tweaks in the designs. Courtesy of La Veste Across each of their projectsand there are manytheir keen sense of style is undoubtedly the guiding hand behind the fresh and appealing designs. In addition to La Veste, de la Orden is a co-founder of her own namesake brand with Laura de La Reveliere. She also works on an independent headwear and accessories label, Maison Ola, which de la Orden describes as a side project, with co-founder Gregory Mizele. I feel both of my brandsMaria de la Orden and La Vestetruly reflect my personal style, she says. I love classic pieces, but I always like to add a twist. Thats why I enjoy mixing the timeless elegance of Maria de la Orden with the playful, more daring spirit of La Veste. In tandem with La Veste in 2018, Miro and Rafa Blanc co-founded Vasquiat, an e-commerce platform dedicated to independent designers reflective of her own style. (The platform has since shuttered, but Miros ethos as a businesswoman and designer remains the same.) Now, she also operates a Greece-based sunglasses brand with Olivia Alvarez, which she describes as inspired by architecture, and runs an Instagram page A table! by Blanca that shows off her casual curatorial abilities. The page provides apt inspiration for La Vestes home line, which includes placemats, napkins, and tablecloths. Since La Vestes inception, the indie label has steadily amassed a following, transforming the duos shared seedling of creativity from a digitally exclusive cult favorite to a breakout star of the burgeoning market for Spanish contemporary brands. Over seven years, the two have sold in Galeries Lafayette, collaborated with Gucci for Gucci Vault, and opened a brightly decorated boutique in Paris. One glance at their personal Instagrams, and its clear how the pairs naturally eclectic tastes shape both their companies and their day-to-day lives, drawing fans to their infectious authenticity. Travel, scouring vintage markets, and gathering family and friends all form the stepping stones of inspiration that lead to their designs. Courtesy of La Veste The key to hosting the perfect party? Its much like building a brand, and Miro and de la Orden take a similar approach. For the former, theme and ambience are everything: It helps me set the tone. I love mixing vintage tableware with fresh flowers and homemade dishes. If its a nighttime gathering, lighting becomes everything: candles everywhere, always. Ill have good music playing in the background and make sure theres something sweet to end the evening. De la Orden echoes this: Its all about setting the tone thoughtful details make the biggest difference. I like to create a warm, relaxed atmosphere with beautiful lighting, seasonal food, and good music. It should feel effortless, even if its been planned with intention. Unsurprisingly, its the quirky little personal touches that bring it all together. You Might Also Like 2 police officers killed, 1 injured in shooting in U.S. Utah Xinhua) 09:24, August 19, 2025 LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Two police officers were killed and another was injured in a shooting in the U.S. state of Utah Sunday night, local media reported. Officers from the Tremonton Garland Police Department responded to an apparent case of domestic violence in the city of Tremonton, after someone called 911 multiple times and hung up, the neighboring Brigham City Police Department said Monday in a news release, according to local media. A man came out with a firearm and shot the first officer, killing him. A second officer, responding to help the first one, was also struck and killed by the man's gunfire, according to reports. The man fired several rounds into the vehicle of a deputy from the Box Elder County Sheriff's Office who had been dispatched to assist the Tremonton police, injuring him and his service dog. Bystanders then convinced the man to put down his weapon, and the man was taken into custody by other officers on the scene, said the reports. Utah Governor Spencer Cox called it "a terrible and tragic night" in a post on X, mourning "the loss of these courageous law enforcement officers." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) August 19, 2025: Two months ago the FBI arrested two Chinese men, Yuance Chen and Liren Lai, charging them with espionage. The two were accused to seeking to establish espionage operations near naval bases. There they would observe and record on video naval activity. More importantly, the two would seek to recruit naval personnel to join their espionage operation. China has been spying or collecting information about the United States since the early 1800s, when the first Chinese diplomatic mission was established. Since then, despite revolutions, civil war and the establishment of two Chinas in 1949, there has been some Chinese espionage activity in America Since World War II the FBI, CIA and State Department have been involved with monitoring and seeking to thwart Chinese espionage activities. These involve a long list of activities. For example, in 2019 the FBI arrested Zhongsan Liu, an employee of the Chinese government. His job was management at the New Jersey branch of China Association for International Exchange of Personnel or CAIEP. Since 2017 Liu was observed arranging illegal visas for Chinese recruiters who used CAIEP and Confucius Institutes at six American universities where these recruiters sought suitable students or faculty espionage operations. Liu had spent the last 26 years working for CAIEP and was believed to have been active in the Thousand Talents Plan since its inception in 2008. That was about the same time the Confucius Institute program began in 2004 as a means to cultural exchange and, it was later discovered, a means of observing and controlling Chinese students attending foreign universities. As time went by it was discovered that the Confucius Institutes were more about intelligence work than cultural education. Many of the staff at the Confucius Institutes are Chinese with a PhD and a J-1 research visa. In As successful as this espionage effort was, most of the Chinese Americans approached by recruiters were not interested and politely declined. A growing number quietly reported their encounters to the FBI or to friends they knew could do it for them. The Chinese knew this was a risk and felt it was acceptable given the amount of intellectual property that was being stolen and put to work back in China. Another calculated risk was the Confucius Institutes being exposed as extensions of Chinese espionage efforts and organizing Chinese students to protest against whatever the Chinese government wanted to protest. Many of the students agreed with their government and were not just following orders when they protested some American affront. But these Chinese were students and usually in America for the first time and began to doubt some of the issues they were sent out to protest about. This was especially true with the Hong Kong protests, which had been massive. The Hong Kong Chinese want democracy and the official Chinese Communist Party/CCP line is that democracy is inefficient and not suitable for China or the Chinese. A lot of overseas Chinese, as in Taiwan, Singapore and many Western countries, would disagree. The CCP considers these Chinese misled and in need of reeducation or perhaps the benefits of CCP rule. The Confucius Institute managers were ordered to increase the frequency and intensity of anti-H Over the las decade, the United States has been prosecuting, prosecuting and convicting a growing number of Chinese born men, and a few women, conspiring to commit or actually carrying out economic and other espionage in the United States. Some of these suspects were naturalized American citizens but a growing number were Chinese citizens here on legitimate visas. As more suspects were identified patterns began to appear and that revealed inner workings of known Chinese intellectual property espionage efforts. It was known that China had a state-sponsored program to make it easy for foreign-educated Chinese to return home and apply what they had learned in the West to start their own companies. China has made available over $20 billion in venture capital for this program. State-controlled media reported that the government had established nearly a hundred equity investment management operations to run 152 funds and seven debt financing service organizations. All this to help the nearly 50,000 returning Chinese from the West to establish their own companies using what they learned in the West. This program helped create thousands of new firms. Many of these companies were using stolen trade secrets and patents that were being laundered. That is, changed sufficiently to make it difficult for the owners of the stolen intellectual property to easily prove theft. The FBI and CIA again noted patterns. While many of the returning Chinese students were operating legally, a large number of those new Chinese firms were operating illegally with stolen intellectual property. There were other patterns as well. A lot of the stolen tech seemed to involve those associated with CAIEP, the Thousand Talents Plan and the Thousand Talents' Venture Capital Center. That eventually led to the hundreds of Confucius Institutes associated with Western universities, including a hundred in the United States. This, in turn, led to the arrest of Zhongsan Liu and his prosecution for massive visa fraud via Confucius Institute exchange programs. Many of the convictions are for conspiring to steal or actually stealing trade secrets. Many of the technologies involved are dual-use for commercial and military applications. Many of these investigations begin when American companies provide the FBI with documentation showing how the Chinese obtained and applied the trade secrets. What the American firms usually lacked was information about who was getting the information, often including detailed manufacturing techniques, to the Chinese. The U.S. is not the only victim here. Many other Western nations are experiencing the same losses. Even Chinese neighbor and ally Russia has suffered heavy losses due to this Chinese economic espionage. There have been a lot more court cases about this because Chinese firms have become bolder in how they exploit stolen software, trade secrets and other technology. In the past, Chinese were careful in the use of stolen tech when exporting their own military equipment copied from Russian designs. The Chinese had started doing this during the Cold War, which sometimes caused tense relations with the Russian. There were some deadly border skirmishes in the 1970s. This came about because China and Russia developed some territorial and ideological disputes that did not settle down until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. The Russians are still angry about continued Chinese theft of their tech, and growing Russian threats over this caused the Chinese to eventually sign agreements declaring Chinese firms would stop stealing and reselling Russian tech. In practice, this only slowed the Chinese down, but it placated the Russians for a while. Currently, the Americans are starting to sound like the Russians in the 1990s, but the Americans have more legal and economic clout to deploy. By 2012 most American officials had come to openly admit that a whole lot of American military and commercial technical data has been stolen via Chinese internet-based and more conventional espionage efforts. Details of exactly all the evidence of this is unclear, but apparently, it was pretty convincing for many American politicians and senior officials who had previously been skeptical. These Chinese efforts have resulted in most major American weapons systems having tech details obtained by the Chinese, in addition to a lot of non-defense or dual-use technology. Its not just the United States that are being hit but most nations with anything worth stealing. Many of these nations are noticing that China is the source of most of this espionage and few are content to remain silent any longer. Its no secret that Chinese intelligence collecting efforts since the late 1990s have been spectacularly successful. As the rest of the world comes to realize the extent of this success, there is a building desire for retaliation. What form that payback will take remains to be seen. Collecting information, both military and commercial, often means breaking laws and striking or hacking back at the suspected attackers will involve even more felonies. China has broken a lot of laws. Technically, China has committed acts of war because of the degree to which it penetrated military networks and carried away copies of highly secret material. The U.S. and many other victims have been warning China there will be consequences. As the extent of Chinese espionage becomes known and understood, the call for consequences becomes louder. China has tried hard to conceal its espionage efforts. Not just denying anything and everything connected to its hacking and conventional spying, but also taking precautions. But as their success continued year after year, some of the Chinese hackers became cocky and sloppy. At the same time, the victims became more adept at detecting Chinese efforts and tracing them back to specific Chinese government organizations or non-government hackers inside China. Undeterred, China has sought to keep its espionage effort going and has even expanded operations. For example, starting in 2008 China opened National Intelligence Colleges in many major universities. In effect, each of these is an Espionage Department where, each year, several hundred carefully selected applicants are accepted in each school, to be trained as spies and intelligence operatives. China has found that espionage is an enormously profitable way to obtain military and commercial secrets and now China trains and rewards those who have a talent for such things and make a career of it. The Internet-based operations, however, are only one part of Chinas espionage efforts. While Chinese Cyber War operations in this area get a lot of publicity, the more conventional spying brings in a lot of material that is not reachable on the Internet. One indicator of this effort is the fact that American counter-intelligence efforts are snagging more Chinese spies. This is partly due to increased spying efforts by China, which puts more of their people out there to get caught, as well as more success by the FBI and CIA. All this espionage, in all its forms, has played a large part in turning China into one of the mightiest industrial and military powers on the planet. China is having a hard time hiding the source of the new technologies they are incorporating into their weapons and commercial products. Many of the victims initially had a hard time accepting the fact that the oh-so-eager to export Chinese were robbing their best customers of intellectual property on a grand scale. Now Western firms are a lot more wary about dealing with the Chinese. China has been getting away with something the Soviet Union never accomplished, stealing Western technology and then using it to move ahead of the West. The Soviets lacked the many essential supporting industries found in the West. These firms were usually founded and run by entrepreneurs. This sort of thing was illegal in the Soviet Union. Because of that, the Russians were never able to acquire all the many pieces needed to match Western technical accomplishments. Soviet copies of American computers, for example, were crude, less reliable, and less powerful. It was the same situation with their jet fighters, tanks, and warships. China gets around this by making it seemingly profitable for Western firms to set up factories in China, where Chinese managers and workers can be taught how to make things correctly. At the same time, China allows thousands of their best students to go to the United States to study. While many of these students will stay in America, where there are better jobs and more opportunities, a growing number are coming back to China and bringing American business and technical skills with them. Finally, China energetically uses the Thousand Grains of Sand approach to espionage. This involves China trying to get all Chinese going overseas, and those of Chinese ancestry living outside the motherland, to spy for China, if only a tiny bit. This approach to espionage is nothing new. Other nations have used similar systems for centuries. What is unusual is the scale of the Chinese effort, and that makes a difference. Supporting it all is a Chinese intelligence bureaucracy back home that is huge, with nearly 100,000 people working just to keep track of the many Chinese overseas and what they could, or should, be trying to grab for the motherland. This is where many of the graduates of the National Intelligence College program will work. It begins when Chinese intelligence officials examine who is going overseas and for what purpose. Chinese citizens cannot legally leave the country without the state security organizations being notified. The intel people are not being asked to give permission. They were alerted in case they wanted to have a talk with students, tourists, or businesspeople before leaving the country. Interviews are often held when these people come back as well. Those who might be coming in contact with useful information are asked to remember what they saw or bring back souvenirs. Over 100,000 Chinese students go off to foreign universities each year. Even more, go abroad as tourists or on business. Most of these people were not asked to actually act as spies but simply to share, with Chinese government officials, who are not always identified as intelligence personnel, whatever information they obtained. The more ambitious of these people are getting caught and prosecuted. But the majority are quite casual, individually bring back relatively little and are almost impossible to catch, much less prosecute. Like the Russians, the Chinese are also employing traditional methods, using people with diplomatic immunity to recruit spies and offering cash, or whatever, to get people to sell them information. This is still effective and when combined with the Thousand Grains of Sand methods brings in a lot of secrets. The final ingredient is a shadowy venture capital operation, sometimes called Project 863, that offers money for Chinese entrepreneurs who will turn the stolen technology into something real. No questions asked. If you can get back to China with the secrets, you are home free and potentially very rich. This is the approach Chinese firms are often set up to do, and little else. While these firms are technically supposed to develop new technologies in China, the unofficial mandate was to steal as much as possible from other nations and not get caught. Not getting caught is becoming more important because that can lead to increasingly dangerous diplomatic and legal problems. When the Chinese steal some technology and produce something that the Western victims can prove was stolen, via patents and prior use of the technology, legal action can make it impossible, or very difficult, to sell anything using the stolen tech outside of China. For that reason, the Chinese long preferred stealing military technology and tried to avoid using stolen commercial tech in a way that made it easy to determine the source of stolen data. This meant keeping stolen commercial technology inside China. And in some cases, like manufacturing technology, there's an advantage to not selling it outside of China. Because China is still a communist dictatorship, the courts do as they are told, and they are rarely told to honor foreign patent claims when stolen tech is discovered in China by its foreign owners. But increasingly, Chinese firms are boldly using their stolen technology, daring foreign firms to try and use Chinese courts to get justice. Instead, the foreign firms are trying to muster support from their governments for lawsuits outside China. Naturally, the Chinese government will howl and insist that its all a plot to oppress China. This has worked for a long time, but many of the victims are now telling China that this conflict is being taken to a new and more dangerous level. Mike Marsland/WireImage Jenna Ortega on July 30, 2025 in London, England. NEED TO KNOW Jenna Ortega appeared on the cover of Vogue Mexico and Latin Americas September issue In her interview with the outlet, she revealed that in the early years of her career, she felt that she did "not have a voice" I don't want to be in that situation again, the Wednesday actress said, noting she's decided to find her "professional, efficient and kind" voice Jenna Ortega is clear about what she's avoiding as she navigates Hollywood. The Wednesday star recently appeared on the cover of Vogue Mexico and Latin Americas September issue, where she chatted about growing up as a child star and her fears while being on set. Before starring in the hit Netflix series, Ortega, 22, appeared in Jane the Virgin, You (season 2), Iron Man 3, Night of the Demon: Chapter 2, Richie Rich and Disney Channel's Stuck in the Middle. She told the outlet that earlier in her career, she didnt feel heard. Being young and assertive is intense for a lot of people, as a woman. I've always known what it's like to not have a voice, and that terrifies me, she explained. I don't want to be in that situation again, she continued. "But for me, it's just about making sure I use my voice in the most professional, efficient, and kind way possible. Kristy Sparow/Getty Jenna Ortega on July 31, 2025 in Paris, France. For most of my career, I didn't know how to express myself, she said, before confessing that she didn't know [she] could. I was very young, I didn't know anything about the industry, perhaps because of certain professional experiences I'd had in the past that were a little more difficult, she revealed. I shut myself away and became very insecure about my place. Ortega did not reveal which production invoked these fears. She explained that working environments should always be a collaborative experience, adding, the best work often comes from the ideas of a group of people and a collective vision. Ortega also shared that fame has changed how she presents herself to the world, pushing her to become a more cautious person. "I used to be a very extroverted child, but I've become more reserved," she told the outlet, per Latin Times. "It doesn't mean something negative. It just means I choose my words carefully." 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. As for choosing her words carefully, she is mindful about how she talks about her Latin heritage. Ortegas father, Edward, is of Mexican descent, and her mother, Natalie, is of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage. Ortega and her family grew up in Indio, Calif. She told Vogue Mexico and Latin America her upbringing in Indios Spanish community is a fundamental part of [her] identity. I think these kinds of things don't go away or change, she said. It's just what I know." Read the original article on People President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sounded positive as they met at the White House on Monday as Trump pushes for an end to Russia's war on Kyiv. Zelenskyy was joined in Washington by a remarkable delegation of European leaders who rushed to the U.S. in support of the Ukrainian leader in the wake of Friday's talks between Trump and Russia's Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The last time Zelenskyy was in the Oval Office was February, when he received a verbal lashing from President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who accused him of not being grateful enough for U.S. military assistance. Monday's meeting was a much more cordial affair, with Trump and Zelenskyy sharing smiles and Zelenskyy thanking the president for his personal efforts to bring this conflict to a close. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters - PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump participate in a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, August 18, 2025. Afterward, they sat down with European leaders, who before news cameras pressed Trump publicly on the need for security guarantees for Ukraine as part of any deal -- after Trump made a new commitment on that point. Some also said a ceasefire would be necessary before further negotiations or any trilateral meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy and Putin. Here are some key takeaways from the high-stakes meetings. Trump says US will give Ukraine 'very good protection' President Trump on Monday said the United States will be involved in security assistance for Ukraine but did not elaborate on what exactly that would look like or give any specifics. "We're going to be discussing it today, but we will give them very good protection, very good security," Trump said. The president later confirmed that Putin said Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump didn't go quite as far as special envoy Steve Witkoff, who told CNN that Russia agreed to "Article 5-like" protections. Article 5 is the agreement of collective defense among NATO nations stating an attack against one member is considered an attack against them all. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images - PHOTO: Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance, join President Donald Trump as he meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Aug. 18, 2025 in Washington. Trump said Europe would need to shoulder much of the burden when it comes to security guarantees, but that the U.S. will play a role. "They are first line of defense because they're there," Trump said before adding, "But we're going to help them. And also we'll be involved." Trump walks back ceasefire demand After previously pushing for a ceasefire and threatening severe consequences for Russia if Putin did not stop the war, President Trump appeared to back off that demand. "I don't think you need a ceasefire," he said in the Oval Office. "I know that it might be good to have, but I can also understand strategically, like, well, you know, one country or the other wouldn't want it." He continued that he likes "the concept of a ceasefire for one reason, because you'd stop killing people immediately." Kevin Lamarque/Reuters - PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump participate in a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, August 18, 2025. Trump pushes for a trilateral meeting, Zelenskyy says Ukraine 'ready' Trump continued to push for a trilateral meeting between himself, Zelenskyy and Putin -- something he had hoped to set up immediately following his summit with Putin on Friday but was unsuccessful. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is "ready" for a trilateral discussion. "I think it's going to be when," Trump said, "not if." Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, August 18, 2025. Later Monday, Trump posted on social media that he began planning for a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, after which he said a trilateral meeting could take place. "I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy," Trump wrote in the post. "After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years." European leaders back up Zelenskyy on security guarantees, ceasefire Trump and Zelenskyy sat down with a host of European leaders in the East Room following their bilateral talks in the Oval Office. At the table were NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Finland President Alexander Stubb. Nearly all the leaders stressed the need for security guarantees for Ukraine, with several saying it should look similar to Article 5 obligations. Ukraine is not a part of NATO but the nation has pushed for membership, something Russia is strongly opposed to. Aaron Schwartz/EPA/Shutterstock - PHOTO: President Donald Trump during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House in Washington, Aug. 18, 2025. "The fact that you have said that I'm willing to participate in the security guarantees is a it's a big step. It's really a breakthrough," NATO's Rutte told Trump. "And, it makes all the difference. So also, thank you for that." France's Macron and Germany's Merz challenged Trump on a ceasefire, insisting it's a necessity for moving forward. "The next steps ahead are the more complicated ones now ... To be honest, we all would like to see a ceasefire," Germany's Merz said. Merz said he cannot imagine a trilateral meeting would be able to occur without a ceasefire in place. Alexander Drago/Reuters - PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speak during a meeting with President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in Washington, August 18, 2025. Trump spoke with with Putin after meetings Trump said he would call Putin after his meetings Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House. "He's expecting my call when we're finished with this meeting," Trump said while he sat with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. During a "Fox & Friends" interview on Tuesday morning, Trump said he stepped away from his meeting with Zelenskyy and European leaders to speak with Putin. Trump said it was 1 a.m. in Russia when he and Putin spoke. "I told them that we're going to set up a meeting with President Zelenskyy, and you and he will meet, and then after that meeting, if everything works out okay, I'll meet and we'll wrap it up," he said. "If I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons," Trump said on the potential ending of the war. ABC News' Meredith Deliso contributed to this report. three cups of geisha coffee, whole beans, ground beans, and coffee - vamospuesandres/Shutterstock For those bound to their morning coffee ritual, some coffees ignite intrigue because of their strong flavor, and others because they are of a rare origin. Geisha coffee manages to be both. Despite the delicate Japanese association and its name causing contention, with some people calling for the name to be changed, this variety actually comes from Africa. It first grew in Ethiopia's Gori Gesha forest in the 1930s. Between there and the farms of Central America, "Gesha" morphed into "Geisha," and the spelling stuck for the most part, despite problematic connotations. In 2004, Panama brought notoriety to Geisha beans. At the Best of Panama competition, Hacienda Esmeralda unveiled their Geisha beans and won the national coffee competition. Panama's high altitude slopes and mineral rich volcanic soils created the perfect environment for the beans. With flavor notes of jasmine, mango, papaya, and silky tea-like depth, Geisha coffee is an elevated experience. Hacienda Esmeralda was the only farm producing this coffee at the time, setting the standard price for the beans. Today, it remains one of the most expensive coffee varieties in the world. Read more: The 9 Best Coffee Bean Brands For All Of Your Brewing Needs Why Is It So Expensive? geisha coffee cherries - Fabio Martinez Delgado/Shutterstock Some Geisha bean lots go for a whopping $1,000 per pound at auction. In 2022, Panamanian farm Elida Estates sold a lot of geisha beans for $6,034 per pound, per Global Coffee Report. A small cup of coffee, made from beans priced similarly to a small used car. It sounds absurd, until you understand the multiple factors behind it. Geisha beans are high-maintenance and are considered an heirloom variety. They require the right altitude, careful shade, and volcanic soil that can be easily drained. The harvest is slow, yields are small, and the coffee cherries must be picked at the right moment. Every step is carefully followed to create its famously delicate flavors. The Best of Panama auction also contributes to the prestige of Geisha coffee beans. The auction is hosted by The Specialty Coffee Association of Panama, an organization that enforces high standards and oversees the recognition of exceptional coffees with a panel of judges from around the globe. More than an auction, the event is a celebration of prestige. Buyers from all over the world compete for microlots, similar to rare wine auctions. Geisha coffee beans might not be in your monthly grocery budget, but if given the opportunity, indulging in a cup of this esteemed coffee is an experience that combines nature, skill, and history in every sip. In the end, Geisha coffee might be worth adding to your ever-growing foodie bucket list. Read the original article on Chowhound. Dem Mayor Michelle Wu[Screenshot/Fox Live NOW] [Screenshot/Fox Live NOW] Democratic Boston Mayor Michelle Wu vowed on Tuesday to defy the Department of Justice (DOJ) by protecting criminal illegal immigrants in her city. The DOJ sent a letter to Wu and other Democratic mayors and governors across the U.S. stating that they must submit a plan that outlines their compliance with federal immigration laws by Tuesday. During a press conference, Wu stated that she will not comply with Attorney General Pam Bondis request and called on the administration to stop attacking American cities that protect illegal immigrants. Were here again, today, because last week, Boston received a letter from the attorney general of the United States [Pam Bondi] on an official letter head from the federal government threatening to prosecute city officials and withhold federal funds unless we cooperate with carrying out mass deportations, Wu said, followed by booing from the audience. At a time when this federal administration is already causing so much fear and harm in our communities, these threats are serious and consequential. But our same communities have told me, loud and clear, that silence in the face of oppression is not an option. The U.S. Attorney General asked for a response by today. So here it is, here is our response. Stop attacking our cities to hide your administrations failures. Unlike the Trump administration, Boston follows the law. And Boston will not back down from who we are and what we stand for, Wu continued. (RELATED: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Made To Answer For comparing ICE Agents To Nazis) WATCH: In the letter, the DOJ threatened to withhold all federal funding and file civil suits if Boston does not comply. By Tuesday, August 19, 2025, please submit a response to this letter that confirms your commitment to complying with federal law and identifies the immediate initiatives you are taking to eliminate laws, policies, and practices that impede federal immigration enforcement, Bondi wrote. This letter does not constitute final agency action and nothing in this letter creates any right or benefit enforceable at law against the United States. Wu hinted on Monday that she would not back down and comply, stating that Boston is a home for everyone, according to NBC Boston. Wus 2021 mayoral campaign received over $300,000 from Gary Yu, the founder of Boston International Media Consulting, with the help of a Chinese civic association that he leads, the Daily Caller News Foundation exclusively reported. Yu is listed as an official by an agency of a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence and intelligence service called the United Front Work Department (UFWD), and operates as a recruiter for the Chinese government. Yu has organized Chinese Americans in Massachusetts to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Democratic lawmakers, including Wu. He has personally donated $45,515 to various Massachusetts Democratic politicians since 2018, including $3,200 to Wu, according to the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance. The Boston mayor also has a good relationship with The Boston Urban Forum (BUF), a non-profit founded by Yu where some members of the CCP have served as moderators and guest speakers for at least half of its events. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. Hundreds of National Guard members from Republican-led states will join federal troops on the ground in Washington, D.C., as part of President Donald Trumps crackdown on crime in the nations capital. Trump seized control of the Districts police force and mobilized 800 soldiers from the Washington, D.C. National Guard on Aug. 11, declaring crime was "out of control." Advocates, lawmakers and many residents have pushed back on that characterization, which defies crime data. Republican governors have opted to bolster Trumps forces by sending their own guardsmen to Washington beginning with Ohio, South Carolina and West Virginia. Mississippi announced it would send troops on Aug. 18. "South Carolina is proud to stand with President Trump as he works to restore law and order to our nation's capital and ensure safety for all who live, work, and visit there," said South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Aug. 16 in a statement about sending 200 guardsmen to D.C. The mobilization of troops from Republican-led states will bring the total number of guardsmen in the capital to over 1,000. The federal government is expected to cover the cost of the out-of-state troop deployments. Heres what else to know about the growing force on the ground in Washington. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (C) speaks during a press conference outside the U.S. Supreme Court in April. McMaster is among a few Republican governors who are deploying National Guard members to the nation's capital amid President Donald Trump's crackdown on crime in the city. How many soldiers are Republican governors sending? The four Republican states sending members of the National Guard to Washington, D.C. have mobilized nearly 1,000: 150 from Ohio, 200 from South Carolina, between 300 and 400 from West Virginia and 200 from Mississippi. Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio called sending troops from the Buckeye State the "right thing to do." He said the deployment comes in response to an Aug. 15 request from Secretary of the Army Daniel P. Driscoll. "The initial decision to deploy D.C. National Guard was not my decision. That was the president of the United States' decision," DeWine told the statehouse bureau. "But when the secretary of the Army asks for backup support to our troops that are already deployed, yes, we will back up our troops." West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrissey said on Aug. 16 the states deployment of troops also came at Trumps request. Morrissey said their deployment reflects our "commitment to a strong and secure America." Mississipi Gov. Tate Reeves echoed the president's claims about lawlessness in the District: "Crime is out of control there, and its clear something must be done to combat it," he said in a statement. Troops are expected to arrive on 30-day deployments that the secretary of the Army could ask to extend. South Carolina Gov. McMaster said he would recall guardsmen in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster. Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks during a press conference in the nation's capital. Bowser has pushed back against President Trump's characterizations of crime in the District. How big of a force will be in D.C.? The troops from Republican-led states deploying to the District will nearly double the size of the force Trump has already deployed, from 800 to 1,550 in total. Federal troops will work alongside the citys already 3,100-officer-strong police force. Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said last week that the citys police department was understaffed and was supposed to have 3,800 officers. But she says understaffing hasnt stopped the city from achieving its lowest levels of violent crime in 30 years. "Crime levels are not only down from 2023, but from before the pandemic," Bowser said at a televised community meeting on August 12. "Our tactics are working, and we arent taking our foot off the gas." Trump 'has the authority to do what he did,' Ohio gov says DeWine shot back at Bowser and others questioning Trumps deployment of the guardsmen. "The people who don't like it in D.C. don't have the authority. The president of the United States has that authority," DeWine said. "Anybody can argue whether or not he should or shouldn't have the authority, but it's very clear. There is no debate he has the authority to do what he did." Trump was able to deploy about a third of the 2,400 National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. because of the citys unique status as a federal district. In the rest of the country, the president cannot deploy troops in a policing capacity without the consent of the state's governor though he deployed thousands of troops to Los Angeles over objections from California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom sued the Trump administration over the White House's deployment of thousands of National Guard members to Los Angeles without the governor's approval. Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a Newsom office spokesperson, said a ruling in the case has not been issued yet. Demoractic lawmaker aims to limit president's use of National Guard A Democratic congressman representing California's 16th district has introduced a bill to limit the president's use of the National Guard in response to the deployments in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Sam Liccardo, the U.S. representative for a Bay Area district, introduced the Safeguarding the Use of the National Guard Act on Aug. 19, according to his staff. The SUN Act would mandate greater congressional oversight of National Guard deployments outside natural disasters. The president would have to submit a report outlining a deployment's legal basis, goal and cost, Liccardo's office said in a release. "If Donald Trump wants to spend billions in federal dollars to override the judgment of police and 'Bigfoot' the work of local communities, then the American people should know more about the impact, cost, and rationale of those decisions," Liccardo said. "With the SUN Act, Trumpand future presidentswill be required to explain why such unprecedented, nonsensical reasons for deployment were worth the cost. If theres nothing to hide, then let the light in." Vermont 'politely' declines Trump request: Reports Not all who have heard the call have responded by sending in troops. Gov. Phil Scott, the Republican leader of Vermont, "politely declined" to send a request to send guardsmen to Washington, D.C., according to reporting by Vermont Public, a National Public Radio affiliate. Jason Gibbs, the governors chief of staff, told Vermont Public on Aug. 15 that sending Green Mountain State troops to Washington was too far outside the scope of what the soldiers typically do. "In the absence of an immediate emergency or disaster that local and regional first responders are unable to handle, the governor just does not support utilizing the guard for this purpose, and does not view the enforcement of domestic law as a proper use of the National Guard," Gibbs said, according to Vermont Public. Scotts office did not immediately respond to USA TODAY requests for comment. Contributing by Cybele Mayes-Osterman, a National Security & World Affairs Reporter with USA TODAY; and USA TODAY Network reporters Jessie Balmert of The Columbus Dispatch, Bella Carpentier of The Greenville News and Pam Dankins of the Clarion Ledger. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: National Guard from GOP states heading to DC: What you need to know By Liam Mo and Fanny Potkin BEIJING/SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Nvidia is developing a new artificial intelligence chip for China based on its latest Blackwell architecture that will be more powerful than the H20 model it is currently allowed to sell there, two people briefed on the matter said. U.S. President Donald Trump last week opened the door to the possibility of more advanced Nvidia chips being sold in China. But the sources noted U.S. regulatory approval is far from guaranteed amid deep-seated fears in Washington about giving China too much access to U.S. AI technology. The new chip, tentatively known as the B30A, will use a single-die design likely to deliver half the raw computing power of the more sophisticated dual-die configuration in Nvidia's flagship B300 accelerator card, the sources said. A single-die design has all the main parts of an integrated circuit on one continuous piece of silicon rather than split across multiple dies. The new chip would have high-bandwidth memory and Nvidia's NVLink technology for fast data transmission between processors, features that are also in the H20, a chip based on the company's older Hopper architecture. The new chip's specifications are not completely finalised but Nvidia hopes to deliver samples to Chinese clients for testing as early as next month, said the sources who were not authorised to speak to media and declined to be identified. "We evaluate a variety of products for our roadmap, so that we can be prepared to compete to the extent that governments allow," Nvidia said in a statement. "Everything we offer is with the full approval of the applicable authorities and designed solely for beneficial commercial use." "Of course (CEO Jensen Huang) would like to sell a new chip to China," U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said when asked about the Reuters story in a CNBC interview, repeatedly praising Huang. "I'm sure he's pitching the president all the time." "I've listened to him pitch the president, and the president listens to our great technology companies, and he'll decide how he wants to play it. But the fact Jensen is pitching a new chip shouldn't surprise anybody." The U.S. Department of Commerce did not respond to a request for comment. FLASHPOINT The extent to which China, which generated 13% of Nvidia's revenue in the past financial year, can have access to cutting-edge AI chips is one of the biggest flashpoints in U.S.-Sino trade tensions. Nvidia only received permission in July to recommence sales of the H20. It was developed specifically for China after export restrictions were put in place in 2023, but the company was abruptly ordered to stop sales in April. Trump said last week he might allow Nvidia to sell a scaled-down version of its next-generation chip in China after announcing an unprecedented deal that will see Nvidia and rival AMD give the U.S. government 15% of revenue from sales of some advanced chips in China. A new Nvidia chip for China might have "30% to 50% off", he suggested in an apparent reference to the chip's computing power, adding that the H20 was "obsolete". U.S. legislators, both Democratic and Republican, have worried that access to even scaled-down versions of flagship AI chips will impede U.S. efforts to maintain its lead in artificial intelligence. But Nvidia and others argue that it is important to retain Chinese interest in its chips - which work with Nvidia's software tools - so that developers do not completely switch over to offerings from rivals like Huawei. Huawei has made great strides in chip development, with its latest models said to be on par with Nvidia in some aspects like computing power, though analysts say it lags in key areas such as software ecosystem support and memory bandwidth capabilities. Complicating Nvidia's efforts to retain market share in China, Chinese state media have also in recent weeks alleged that the U.S. company's chips could pose security risks, and authorities have cautioned Chinese tech firms about purchasing the H20. Nvidia says its chips carry no backdoor risks. Nvidia is also preparing to start delivering a separate new China-specific chip based on its Blackwell architecture and designed primarily for AI inference tasks, according to two other people familiar with those plans. Reuters reported in May that this chip, dubbed the RTX6000D, will sell for less than the H20, reflecting weaker specifications and simpler manufacturing requirements. The chip is designed to fall under U.S. government thresholds. It uses conventional GDDR memory and features memory bandwidth of 1,398 gigabytes per second, just below the 1.4 terabyte threshold established under restrictions introduced in April that led to the initial H20 ban. Nvidia is set to deliver small batches of RTX6000D to Chinese clients in September, said one of the people. (Reporting by Liam Mo in Beijing and Fanny Potkin in Singapore; Additional reporting by Alexandra Alper in Washington and Wen-Yee Lee in Taipei; Editing by Brenda Goh, Edwina Gibbs and Richard Chang) (Reuters) -French President Emmanuel Macron, at peace talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other EU leaders on Monday, proposed a future four-way meeting about Ukraine that would include Europe. He said the idea of a trilateral meeting - involving the United States, Russia and Ukraine - is "very important, because this is the only way to fix it", but suggested Europe should also be involved, without specifying who should speak for Europe. "As a follow up, we would need the quadrilateral meeting, because when we speak about security guarantees, we speak about the whole security of the European continent," Macron said, according to a press pool transcript of the meeting. "This is why we are all united here with Ukraine." Monday's meeting at the White House was also attended by the leaders of Britain, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Union and NATO, who traveled to Washington to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine and push for strong security guarantees for the country in any post-war settlement. (Reporting by Elisabeth Pineau, writing by GV De Clercq; Editing by Alistair Bell) Thailand is preparing to take legal action against Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, for allegedly violating Thai sovereignty. Thailands acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, announced on Monday that the National Security Council has resolved to sue the present and former Cambodian leaders in Thai courts for directing the military to infringe the borders. Cambodia and Thailand agreed a ceasefire late last month after an armed conflict between the two neighbours left more than 40 people dead and displaced over 260,000 others. Mr Phumtham said the Thai government will take legal action to address Cambodias military aggression even as negotiations to find a long-term agreement to the two countries border dispute continue. However he clarified that the case would be heard domestically under Thai law as Thailand does not recognise the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. Malaysia's prime minister Anwar Ibrahim (C), Cambodia's prime minister Hun Manet (L) and Thailand's acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai (R) pose for photos as they shake hands following a press conference after talks on a possible ceasefire (AFP/Getty) We are preparing to sue Cambodia, including its leaders, for violating Thailands sovereignty through the use of military force and weapons, which has affected Thai lives and property, Mr Phumtham said, according to Khmer Times. He said the Cambodian leaders would be arrested if they entered Thailand. The acting prime minister justified the measures, calling them necessary and appropriate to address attacks on Thai citizens and public property. He argued that failure to act could open officials up to charges of negligence. The Thai Lawyers Council last week said it planned to assist victims of the military conflict through civil litigation to seek compensation. Veerasak Chotiwanich, the deputy secretary-general of the council, said the body was encouraging citizens affected by the clashes to provide evidence for class-action lawsuits against the Cambodian government. Migrant workers re-enter Cambodia through the Daung International Border Check Point between Cambodia and Thailand, in Kamrieng, on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. (AP) Border negotiations between the two Southeast Asian neighbours are scheduled to continue at the Thai-Cambodian Regional Border Committee meeting on 27 August and later at the General Border Committee meeting in Cambodia in September. The clashes in July saw both sides trade artillery fire and air strikes along contested stretches of their 817km border. It was their deadliest border conflict in more than a decade. The violence began at a flashpoint near the ancient Ta Moan Thom temple in Thailands Surin province, and quickly spread to other disputed areas. Cambodian officials accused Thailand of launching air strikes and dropping bombs on roads inside its territory. Thailand blamed Cambodia for laying new landmines one of which injured a Thai soldier and prompted a swift military response, including the deployment of F-16 fighter jets. The latest conflict was preceded by escalating tensions over a Cambodian soldiers killing during a confrontation in May. A truce, brokered by Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, was reached on 28 July after US president Donald Trump said he had spoken to the leaders on both sides. An EZPawn in Austin, Texas. Pawn shop owners told CNN they are seeing more Americans coming in for back-to-school essentials. - Courtesy Scott Sundheim Americans are back-to-school shopping earlier than previous years due to fears of tariffs raising prices. Families with tighter budgets are finding deals in a less traditional place: pawn shops. Families plan to spend about 2% less this back-to-school season compared to last year, according to a survey from the National Retail Federation. Pawn shop owners told CNN they are seeing more Americans coming in for back-to-school essentials. With the way the economy is right now, people realize that they can go to a pawn shop anywhere in the United States, and they can save tremendous amounts of money, said Les Gold, owner of the pawn shop American Jewelry and Loan in Detroit. Pawn shops can be one-stop shops for many back-to-school items: Sneakers, laptops, musical instruments, and mini-refrigerators for college dorms. Theyre all sold in one place, and at a fraction of the cost of the major retailers. People are struggling more, and thats why more people are looking for better deals, said Gold. They dont have the money, and they still want their children to have a laptop, Tariffs have boosted the prices on some key back-to-school items. The US imports the majority of its clothes and shoes from China, Vietnam and Cambodia all countries facing tariffs of upwards of 30%. The price of shoes jumped 1.4% in July from the month before, while apparel rose 0.1%, according to Julys Consumer Price Index. But prices at pawn shops can be up to 50% less expensive compared to major retailers, according to EZPawn, a chain of 500 pawn shops nationwide. The company said merchandise sales increased by 4% last quarter, noting specific growth in back-to-school categories like shoes, boots, electronics and laptops. Were getting more customers coming because they know we have reasonable prices and because they dont really have to worry about the stress of paying retail when its unaffordable to them, said Renita Parker, a regional director in Houston who oversees 88 stores for EZPawn. Not to mention, 98% of the merchandise sold in pawn shops is pre-owned, according to USA Pawn. That means its tariff-free. Tariffs are not a factor here at our company simply because our customers are the ones that supplies us with the merchandise, said Parker. Musical instruments for sale at an EZPawn in Austin, Texas. - Courtesy Scott Sundheim Trading gold for sneakers Americans arent just shopping at pawn shops. Theyre pawning gold, and lots of it. Weve seen a big jump probably in the last three weeks. I feel that theyre selling their jewelry and gold to buy school supplies, said Nick Fulton, managing partner at USA Pawn, which has six locations in central Mississippi. Families desperate for extra cash are bringing in broken gold jewelry or single gold hoop earrings to sell. Its just sitting in their drawer. Theyre just coming in and just capitalizing on the high gold prices, said Fulton. Since President Donald Trump took office, the price of gold has shattered records as Americans looked for safe havens to invest amid the uncertainty of tariffs. Prices are up about 27% since January, trading at $3,400 an ounce. Its shocking when we tell people the price that were offering, they dont realize how high the price of gold is, said Fulton. Pawn shops are economic indicators Booming business at pawn shops could be an economic warning sign. Often, the busier they are, the worse things are for Americans. You cant imagine whats going on in the economy right now unless you live in the pawn shop. Pawn shops help these people survive by either loaning them money on their merchandise, or selling them merchandise less than if they went anywhere else, Gold said. The average pawn shop customer doesnt have access to traditional lines of credit or loans, according to the National Pawnbrokers Association, and those who do, may be holding debt. Credit card debt for all American households held steady at $1.2 trillion in the second quarter of this year, similar to last years figures, according to the New York Fed. In reality, the economy isnt as good for my clientele, theyre struggling, said Gold. Were not talking about the people that are getting a paycheck once a week and theyre surviving. A lot of the people that we deal with dont get a paycheck every week. Theyre surviving day-to-day. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Princess Charlene of Monaco attends the celebration commemorating the 20th anniversary of Prince Albert's accession to the throne on July 19, 2025 NEED TO KNOW Princess Charlene of Monaco is opening up about the "devastating" tragedy that affected her family when she was a child Prince Albert's wife has since adopted water safety as one of her royal causes Before she married the Sovereign Prince of Monaco, Charlene was a professional swimmer who competed in the Olympics Princess Charlene of Monaco is opening up about the family tragedy that fuels her passion for promoting one of her closest causes. In a new interview with Ouest-France, the former Olympic swimmer revealed that the drowning death of her cousin Richard at age 5, when she was also a child, has inspired her advocacy around water safety. "Richard drowned in a river, very close to my uncles house. He was only five years old. It was devastating for our whole family. I dont think that kind of pain ever really goes away," Princess Charlene told the outlet, the Monaco Tribune reported on Aug. 14. Prince Albert's wife, 47, added that learning to swim "should be a fundamental right, just like learning to read." "Cost should never be a barrier to acquiring a life-saving skill," Charlene said. The new interview comes as Princess Charlene was "deeply concerned by the sharp rise in the number of drownings" during the summer season. According to the Monaco Tribune, there have been 193 drowning deaths in France in June and July. The royal has made water safety the focus of her foundation, Fondation Princesse Charlene de Monaco, and champions this effort through three programs: Learn to Swim, Water Safety and Sport and Education. The foundation was established in 2014 and has helped over one million people in over 43 countries to date, working to prevent drowning and inspire children through sport. Princess Charlene acknowledged that Monaco is fortunate to have "high-quality facilities and supervision," but emphasized that "vigilance is still necessary" and that "nowhere is totally safe." According to a statement from the Princely Palace of Monaco, swim lessons are prioritized in Monaco from nursery school onwards, "so that every child can develop safely in the water." Earlier this summer, Princess Charlene hit the ground for this mission and attended the annual Water Safety Day organized by her foundation. On June 17, she stepped out at Larvotto Beach to explore and support the programs designed to introduce young people to lifesaving skills, water safety and rescue, appearing at the event attended by almost 100 5th and 6th-grade students from Monegasque middle schools. Before she married the Sovereign Prince of Monaco in 2011, Princess Charlene (nee Wittstock) was a professional swimmer who competed for her home country of South Africa at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. It proved to be the same year that she met her future husband, Albert, at a swimming competition in Monaco, and the couple would announce their engagement a decade later. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Prince Albert, Princes Jacques, Princess Gabriella and Princess Charlene at the celebration commemorating the 20th anniversary of Prince Albert's accession to the throne on July 19, 2025. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Princess Charlene and Prince Albert went on to welcome twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, now 10, and the family most recently appeared together at the community celebration commemorating the 20th anniversary of his accession to the throne. Read the original article on People August 19, 2025: After war with Israel and the United States, the Iranian government and people are reconsidering what they want and how they will get it. The swift and effective Israeli and American attacks inflicted on Iran, especially the attack on individuals comprising the Iranian military, government and nuclear program staff, left many Iranians wondering if the time for some fundamental change in Iran was right now. Thats more likely now because the Israeli/US operation devastated and diminished Iranian military power. Over the last few years Iranians have been angrier and more outspoken about the wretched economy and brutal suppression of dissent created by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/IRGC. Worse, the IRGC officers have acquired a substantial portion of the economy and have made themselves and their families rich. The rest of Iran is mired in poverty. Public expressions of criticism or calls for economic relief are met by violent IRGC suppression of such heretical talk. It gets worse. Iran has long been the Persian Gulf superpower. The name of the Gulf is an example of that dominance. One of the things all Iranians can agree on is that for thousands of years Iran was often its own worst enemy. It was internal squabbles that weakened the mighty Persian empire 2,500 years ago so that the Greeks, led by Alexander the Great, could do the impossible and conquer the Persian/Iranian Empire. Same situation 1,500 years ago when the Arabs, inspired by their new Islamic religion, did the impossible and conquered the Sassanid Persian Empire. At that point the Iranians were engaged in a multi-century conflict with the Byzantine Empire. It took several decades for the Persians to abandon their ancient Zoroastrian faith and many pretended to accept Islam while continuing to quietly practice Zoroastrianism. Currently only about 40 percent of Iranians consider themselves Moslems and most adhere to other faiths, including the ancient Iranian Zoroastrianism. Iranians dont care what their le Many Iranians believe Iran has not recovered from the Arab conquest and that Islam is more at fault than the Arabs. Many Iranians now believe that, without the internal squabbling, Iran could have avoided damage done by the Greek, Arab, Mongol and Western invasions. The moderates pay attention to history and the radicals dont. But when radicals do look closely at the past, they often become moderates and that is how the moderates are winning. Another reason is demographics. The generation that lived through the 1979 revolution and subsequent ruinous war with Iraq is no longer the majority. The current generation sees religious dictatorship for what it is, a coup by the Islamic radicals that were part of the movement that overthrew the Persian monarchy and used the subsequent Iraqi invasion as an excuse to replace the promised democracy with a religious dictatorship. The senior clerics and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/IRGC leaders know this is a threat because opinion polls have shown, for several years now, more Iranians are abandoning Islam and many are secretly adopting other religions or no religion at all. The clerics can label this as blasphemy, a crime punishable by death if done openly. Iranian use of denial is not restricted to the current government, but is a national survival trait that makes sense in many situations. Fewer Iranians are showing up at mosques or religious schools. If pressed by a local cleric they plead poverty and the need to work more just to feed their families. The local clerics understand there is a lot of truth to this and that Islam is losing a lot of believers for very practical reasons. This is reported to senior clerics and eventually reaches the Council of Guardians. This group of elderly Shia clerics appear, on the surface, as wise and caring holy men. The reality is that the Guardians preside over a corrupt and incompetent bureaucracy and senior clergy, and Iranians are out in the streets calling them out on this. Meanwhile Iran is consorting with Turkey and Russia, two ancient enemies, in order to maintain a position of power in the Middle East. This region has long been fought over and occupied by Turks and Iranians. It was a major achievement for Russia, which lost its own empire in 1991, to take on the Ottoman Empire that was destroyed in the early 1920s and the former Persian Empire. A century ago the growing economic importance of oil began changing the Middle Eastern political landscape. The Ottomans lost access to oil and the Iranians got a minority share of it. Most of the oil is now owned by Arabs, former subjects of the Ottomans and Persians. To defend their new wealth the Arabs made alliances with their biggest customers, the new superpowers in Europe, the United States and now China. Despite all that Russia, Turkey and Iran still want to play empire builders. This led to the three former foes becoming allies. It has been an unstable and unpredictable partnership but Russia still sees itself as the key pla Meanwhile Iranians continue to honor their Persian ancestors. In 2016 thousands of Iranians gathered in Pasargadae, 800 kilometers south of Tehran to celebrate the birthday of Cyrus the Great, considered the founder of the Persian Empire 2,500 years ago. The religious dictatorship that has run Iran since the 1980s quietly tries to discourage this sort of thing, without giving it a lot of publicity. That has proved increasingly difficult. This is a problem because this form of Iranian nationalism appeals to all Iranians to one degree or another but particularly to royalists and democrats who want to keep religion out of government. The Greeks still honor Alexander the Great and want to celebrate the battle of Gaugamela with a monument outside the Iraqi city of Mosul. The battle took place 2,340 years ago when Alexander defeated a Persian army and destroyed the Persian empire that stretched from modern Turkey to modern Pakistan. The Iraqis were enthusiastic about the idea, even though the defeated Persian army contained a lot of Arabs. For the Iraqis, the big thing is that the battle represented a major defeat for Iran. Even though most Iraqis share the Shia form of Islam with Iran, the Iranians are not Arabs, but an Indo-European people related to Indians and Europeans. Iran has long menaced, invaded and generally beat up on the Arabs, and is now threatening the Arab world again. So anything that celebrates anyone smashing Iranian power is something to be encouraged. Eight years after Gaugamela, Alexander was dead, and what is now Iraq became part of a kingdom ruled by one of Alexander's generals. The Greeks soon left, and the Iranians Ukraine's air force reported a major Russian attack on Monday night and into Tuesday morning -- the largest overnight barrage for weeks, coming while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump and a delegation of European leaders in Washington. The air force said Russia launched 270 drones and 10 missiles into Ukraine, of which 30 drones and six missiles were intercepted or suppressed. The air force reported the impacts of 40 drones and four missiles across 16 locations, with debris reportedly falling in three locations. Ukraine's Energy Ministry said energy infrastructure in the central Poltava region was a focus of the strikes. "As a result of the attack, large-scale fires broke out," the ministry said in a statement. Oil refining and gas facilities were attacked, the statement said, describing the strikes as the latest in a campaign of "systematic terrorist attacks against Ukraines energy infrastructure, which is a direct violation of international humanitarian law." Monday night's attack was the largest attack since Russia launched 309 drones and eight missiles into Ukraine on July 31, according to the daily figures published by the Ukrainian air force and analyzed by ABC News. Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: In this file photo, Ukrainian servicemen fire an anti-aircraft gun towards a Russian drone during an air attack near Pavlograd, Dnipropetrovsk region, on July 19, 2025. Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said its forces shot down 23 Ukrainian drones overnight into Tuesday morning. Thirteen of the craft were downed over the Volgograd region, the ministry said. Regional Gov. Andrey Bocharov said on Telegram that falling debris set fires at an oil refinery and on the roof of a hospital building, though added there were no casualties. The overnight exchanges bookended a day of high-level talks in Washington. Trump, Zelenskyy and a host of European leaders met in the capital on Monday to discuss a possible roadmap to end Russia's full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022. Zelenskyy on Tuesday described the meeting as "truly a significant step toward ending the war." Monday's summit followed a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, during which Putin refused an immediate ceasefire and demanded that Ukraine cede the entirety of its eastern Donetsk region in exchange for an end to the fighting, two sources told ABC News. Ahead of Monday's meetings, Trump appeared to be pressuring Zelenskyy into making a deal. "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 on Sunday. The president also said Ukraine would not be allowed to join NATO and would not be able to regain Crimea -- occupied by Russia in 2014. Such remarks raised concerns of another fractious Oval Office meeting, akin to Zelenskyy's February visit when the Ukrainian leader was publicly lambasted by Trump and Vice President JD Vance for his alleged ingratitude for American wartime support. MORE: Key takeaways from Trump and Zelenskyy's meeting, pivotal talks with European leaders But Monday's meetings were cordial, though the parties still appeared to be some way apart on key issues. Trump, Zelenskyy and European leaders all confirmed their support for a direct bilateral meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin -- a proposal the Russian president has repeatedly dodged. Such a meeting would be followed by a trilateral meeting involving Trump, the president said. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is "ready" for a trilateral discussion. Trump remarked, "I think it's going to be when, not if." Later, Trump posted to social meda saying he had spoken by phone with Putin "and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy." The Kremlin is yet to explicitly confirm Putin's readiness to attend such a meeting. Yuri Ushakov, a top Kremlin aide, said in a statement that Trump and Putin "expressed their support for the continuation of direct negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations." Kevin Lamarque/Reuters - PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump participate in a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, August 18, 2025. "In this regard, in particular, the idea was discussed that the level of representatives from the Ukrainian and Russian sides should be increased," Ushakov said. "This refers to the representatives who participate in the aforementioned direct negotiations." On the question of security guarantees for Ukraine, Trump said during his meeting with Zelenskyy, "We're going to be discussing it today, but we will give them very good protection, very good security." The president later confirmed that Putin would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, though Russian officials on Monday said that the presence of NATO troops in the country would be unacceptable. Zelenskyy and his European partners again stressed their desire for a full ceasefire, only after which peace negotiations could take place. Trump has repeatedly demanded a ceasefire since returning to office in January, but appeared to drop the idea after last week's meeting with Putin. "I don't think you need a ceasefire," Trump told Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Monday. "I know that it might be good to have, but I can also understand strategically, like, well, you know, one country or the other wouldn't want it." MORE: Trump says Zelenskyy can end Russia war 'almost immediately' before White House meet Trump added that he likes "the concept of a ceasefire for one reason, because you'd stop killing people immediately." Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Trump for hosting the meeting, and wrote on Telegram afterwards thanking the White House for "the important signal from the USA regarding readiness to support and be part of" post-war security guarantees. "The leaders personally came to support Ukraine and discuss everything that will bring us closer to real peace, a reliable security architecture that will protect Ukraine and all of Europe," Zelenskyy wrote. Post-meeting comments from European leaders, though, hinted at unresolved obstacles to peace. "You have an American president, European presidents and a Ukrainian president all wanting peace," French President Emmanuel Macron said. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, August 18, 2025 and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, August 15, 2025. "For my part, I have the greatest doubts about the reality of a desire for peace on the part of the Russian president, because as long as he thinks he can win through war, he will do so," Macron added. "His ultimate objective is to take as much territory as possible, to weaken Ukraine and to have a Ukraine that is not viable alone or is within the Russian fold." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the thorny issue of Ukrainian territorial concessions was not discussed. "The Russian demand that Kyiv give up the free parts of Donbas is, to put it in perspective, equivalent to the U.S. having to give up Florida," he said. "A sovereign state cannot simply decide something like that. It is a decision that Ukraine must make itself in the course of negotiations," Merz added. MORE: Ukrainian soldiers focus on daily battles as Trump and Putin prepare to meet ABC News' Alexandra Hutzler, Will Gretsky and Tanya Stukalova contributed to this report. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks in Lafayette Park, across from the White House, after meeting with President Donald Trump and European leaders Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) In an effort to facilitate an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine, President Donald Trump is working to arrange a high-stakes meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This follows a recent meeting in the Oval Office with Zelenskyy and various European leaders aimed at solidifying support for Ukraine. Despite the diplomatic efforts, the situation remains dire on the ground. Russian forces carried out their largest drone attack on Ukraine since July, launching a total of 270 drones and 10 missiles overnight, signifying a stark continuation of hostilities that current discussions do not seem to have mitigated. Zelenskyy has characterized the recent meeting in Washington as significant and indicated a willingness to engage in a bilateral meeting with Putin. Following his discussions with European leaders, Zelenskyy expressed optimism about the direction of peace talks. I believe it is a good result, he stated, suggesting a trilateral meeting could follow, contingent on the outcomes of discussions with Putin. RELATED STORY | Trump, Zelenskyy plan a meeting with Putin to pursue peace in Ukraine European leaders, in light of the ongoing conflict, have gathered to address potential security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement. The discussions touch on critical issues, including territorial disputes and commitments to prevent future aggression from Russia. While specific agreements have yet to be reached, the prospect of military bases or increased troop presence in the region is under consideration. As efforts progress toward a potential meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, questions remain regarding the location and the feasibility of such a summit. Analysts indicate that Putin may be hesitant to travel to Europe, possibly necessitating a neutral venue such as Turkey or the United Arab Emirates. A warrant has been issued for Putin's arrest by the International Criminal Court, which most European Union members have signed onto. While some officials express optimism about the possibility of a meeting, the Kremlin has not confirmed any arrangements, leaving the timeline for direct talks uncertain. German officials suggested that a meeting could take place within the next two weeks, but this hinges on Putin's willingness to engage. Adding to the complexity, the recent drone attacks highlight the ongoing violence that overshadows diplomatic discussions. The urgency for a ceasefire was echoed by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who emphasized the need for an immediate pause in hostilities, a sentiment not widely echoed by other leaders during their discussions. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, particularly as the outcome of these negotiations may have broader implications. Observers question whether the dynamics of the Ukraine conflict could inform similar geopolitical tensions, notably concerning China's claims on Taiwan. As the world awaits a significant development in the talks, the climate of uncertainty around the peace process raises critical questions about the future of Ukraine and regional stability. This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. NEW ADMINISTRATIVE CAPITAL, Egypt There was a muted response from Israel after Hamas said it had agreed to the latest proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in Gaza and to free the remaining hostages. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told NBC News on Tuesday that the deal was based on a proposal by President Donald Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, for a 60-day ceasefire, during which some of the remaining 50 hostages would be released and the sides would negotiate a lasting ceasefire and the return of the rest. He added that the proposals would allow for the flow of humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza as soon as possible to address the ongoing starvation there. The ball is now in Israels court. We would like a positive response from them as soon as possible in order to deal with the disastrous situation in Gaza, especially the starvation and the killing of civilians, he said. Even if it is only a 60-day truce, it provides a window of opportunity. We must apply maximum pressure on both sides to move forward, he added. Smoke rises following an Israeli army airstrike in Khan Younis, in the Gaza Strip, on Monday. (Mariam Dagga / AP) Hamas said in a statement Monday that the militant group and other Palestinian factions had approved proposals that were put forward by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Asked about that announcement, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office referred to a statement he made Monday suggesting a determinedness to push ahead with a military campaign to assume full control of Gaza City in the north of the enclave. They also noted that Hamas appeared to be under immense pressure. Netanyahu's office did not respond when asked for a further response about the proposals. Netanyahus ultranationalist finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, condemned the development in a statement Monday. We fight only to win! In no way to stop in the middle, with a partial deal that will abandon half of the hostages and could lead to the war being stopped in defeat, he said. And Trump also appeared to dampen hopes for a truce in a post on Truth Social on Monday. We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be, he wrote. His envoy, Witkoff, pulled out of negotiations less than a month ago, accusing Hamas of not acting in good faith. Palestinians gather as a charity distributes food in Gaza City on Saturday. ( Hamza Z. H. Qraiqea / Anadolu via Getty Images) The proposals came as Palestinians in Gaza continue to grapple with a devastating hunger crisis, with humanitarian groups warning that the aid entering the enclave in recent days will not be enough to curb a rise in deaths from starvation. Israel banned the entry of food, medicine and other vital supplies into Gaza on March 2, in the midst of its ceasefire with Hamas. After lifting the blockade in May, it allowed a trickle of aid in for weeks. But amid an international backlash and accusations of using starvation as a weapon of war, it eventually increased the amount allowed in. Israel has defended the blockade by saying enough aid is entering the Strip, while accusing Hamas of diverting aid, a charge Hamas and aid groups have denied. An internal U.S. government analysis found no evidence of systematic theft of aid supplies by Hamas. The Israeli military dismissed that report as biased. The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza said Monday it had recorded three more adult deaths due to famine and malnutrition within a 24-hour period, bringing the total death toll from starvation to 266 people, including 112 children. IDF soldiers prepare tanks Monday near the Gaza Strip's northern borders. (Elke Scholiers / Getty Images) With entrance by road restricted, some countries have carried out airdrops, although they are widely considered largely ineffective and dangerous. A ship carrying 1,200 tons of food for Gaza was approaching the Israeli port of Ashdod on Tuesday in a bid to help address the crisis, according to The Associated Press. Israel launched its offensive in Gaza following the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in which some 1,200 people were killed and around 250 taken hostage, marking a major escalation in a decadeslong conflict. Since then, more than 62,000 people have been killed in Gaza, including thousands of children, according to the Palestinian health ministry in the enclave, while much of the territory has been destroyed. Intel (INTC) rose roughly 7% on Tuesday, a day after SoftBank Group announced it would take a $2 billion stake in the struggling chipmaker. News of SoftBank's investment follows a Bloomberg report last week that said the Trump administration is considering taking up to a 10% position in the company. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed in a CNBC interview Tuesday that the investment would involve the US government converting Intel's grants from the Biden-era CHIPS and Science Act worth $10.9 billion into an equity stake aimed at stabilizing the company's US manufacturing business. Bessent did not confirm the size of the stake the government would take. Intel has fallen behind in an industry it once dominated. Its manufacturing division is bleeding cash, just as its legacy computer chip segment forfeits market share to rivals Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Qualcomm (QCOM) in the PC space. Intel is also woefully behind AMD and Nvidia (NVDA) in the AI race. The company's market capitalization of $111 billion is less than half of its value in 2021. And CEO Lip-Bu Tan has been forced to lay off 15% of the company's workforce and shelve plans to build plants in Europe. But the troubled chipmaker is the only large-scale US-based leading-edge chip manufacturer, giving it geopolitical significance as the nation looks to reshore semiconductor production. Intel's problems, however, may be too big for either SoftBank or the Trump administration to solve on their own. Intel in need of direction Deutsche Bank analyst Ross Seymore said news of the US potentially taking a stake in Intel, combined with the SoftBank investment, shows that "[Tan] is taking bold actions to solidify Intel's financial and strategic positioning during its ongoing difficult transformation process." Tan became CEO in March after Intel's board ousted former CEO Pat Gelsinger late last year. But others on Wall Street expressed skepticism that those investments would be enough to save Intel from its decline, which resulted from years of missteps. Loop Capital analyst Gary Mobley wrote in a recent note to clients that the support from SoftBank and, potentially, the US government may be "akin to a lifeline with no secure anchor at the other end," because while Intel may be "finding new buyers of its primary equity capital," that may not guarantee it can find customers for its manufacturing business. Gelsinger established Intel's third-party chip manufacturing business, otherwise known as its Foundry, in 2021 as a means of competing with rival TSMC, which produces chips for companies including Nvidia, Apple (AAPL), AMD, and others. But so far, its Foundry business has been a disappointment, struggling to secure customers. While Intel has said it reached agreements to build chips for Amazon (AMZN) and Microsoft (MSFT), the company is still its own largest manufacturing client. Intel's plan includes building chips based on newer technologies, including its 18A and upcoming 14A node design processes, part of Gelsinger's plan for five process nodes in four years. But 18A, which was initially supposed to roll out in the first half of 2025, is now slated to debut in 2026. Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon was similarly critical of Intel's cash infusion in his own investor note, writing, "We do not believe that Intel's capability gap has anything to do with money." Rasgon also questioned whether the US taking a stake in Intel would be enough to complete the company's domestic manufacturing expansions. "Intel was originally supposed to get these CHIPS Act funds for free; giving up 10% of the company for them seems worse," he wrote in a note to clients. "And if the goal is to help Intel build substantial US capacity, $10.9B really isnt enough." US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US is looking at investing in Intel. (Reuters/Kent Nishimura/File Photo) (Reuters / Reuters) Moor Insights and Strategy founder and chief analyst Patrick Moorhead told Yahoo Finance that while SoftBank's $2 billion investment and the prospect of a potential US stake are good things, the company would require as much as $40 billion to build out its next-generation 14A technology. Still, getting the US government involved, at least in the short term, could prove to be a boon for the company. "My short-term answer is that the US government is a kingmaker, and they just made Intel the king, and they are going to wrap policy around that to make Intel foundry successful," Moorhead said. If the government sticks with Intel for the long haul, though, Moorhead said it could further complicate the company's development problems, leading to a lack of innovation, inefficiencies, and growing costs. "My hope is that Intel gets back on its feet, it turns itself into a reputable, leading-edge foundry, and the government sells the stake," he said. Sign up for Yahoo Finance's Week in Tech newsletter. (yahoofinance) Laura Bratton is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Bluesky @laurabratton.bsky.social. Email her at laura.bratton@yahooinc.com. Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on X/Twitter at @DanielHowley. For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance USA TODAY and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Pricing and availability subject to change. Southwest Airlines is wagering it can beat a Jet2 holiday. The company announced Tuesday, Aug. 19 Getaways by Southwest, a package vacation booking platform that lets customers shop for all-inclusive itineraries along with their flights. "Getaways by Southwest expands what customers love about Southwestflexibility, an award-winning Rapid Rewards loyalty program, and great perksto the vacation experience," Phil Gouel, Vice President Product Development at Southwest Airlines, said in a statement. "This end-to-end vacation package, coupled with our legendary customer service, is perfect for customers seeking a convenient, valuable, and curated vacation experience." 83768993007 According to Southwest, packages that include flights, hotel accommodations, car rentals and ground transportation are available to popular destinations like Las Vegas, Orlando, Hawaii and various Caribbean locations. Customers who book their whole trip on the Getaways platform will also be able to check up to two bags for free a throwback to Southwest's former bag policy. Getaways also offer travelers some flexibility if their plans change. Customers who book through the Getaways platform can cancel their trip and receive credit toward a future vacation, valid for up to 18 months. They can also make changes to existing itineraries without incurring a change fee up to 72 hours before their first flight. Customers can see the deals and terms and conditions for each package on Southwest's website. Getaways is the latest update from Southwest that makes it similar to other airlines. The company has been overhauling its business strategy in recent months, doing away with open seating and free checked bags for all in a bid to compete more evenly with other carriers. Southwest is also adding extra legroom seats across its fleet and overhauling its fares and boarding process. Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Southwest bets on new vacation booking platform to woo travelers First, Texas House Democrats refused to meet in their legislative chamber in an act of resistance. Now, one of them won't leave. State Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth said in an interview Tuesday she would sleep on the House floor until Labor Day if she had to. Since Monday, Collier has entered a new existence, eating, sleeping and working from the locked chamber after refusing to acquiesce to Republican demands that Democrats agree to around-the-clock security escorts in order to be released from the building. Now she's the subject of an around-the-clock live video feed, at her own party's choosing. "At what point, what is it going to take for us to say 'enough is enough?' Yesterday was my moment. Enough is enough," Collier said in an interview Tuesday. "I see it. The writing is on the wall. They want power at all costs. And you're not taking it from me without a fight." Its another dramatic turn in the two-week saga involving Texas state House Democrats who fled to other states this month, with most of them taking refuge in Illinois, out of the jurisdiction of law enforcement efforts to compel their attendance in Texas. The plan denied a quorum for Republicans to move forward during a special legislative session with a redrawing of Texas congressional map, an act aimed at padding the GOPs U.S. House majority. The redistricting issue has blown up nationally, as California Democrats now are taking steps to counter Texas' move, while other Republican-controlled states consider mid-decade redistricting of their own. The Texas state House reconvenes Wednesday morning, but unless the rules change, freeing Democratic lawmakers of a security escort, Collier said she will not budge. Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington on July 29, 2021. (Rod Lamkey / CNP / Sipa USA via Reuters file) As Collier talked to NBC News, someone brought out a mattress to the House floor, where she said she intended to sleep. She spent the prior night sleeping in a chair. Fellow lawmakers brought her food and snacks and she has access to facilities, with the exception of a shower. She washed up in a sink, she said, and planned to steam some clothes after someone dropped off a steamer. She said her daughters, who are all adults, were tracking her over a livestream and grew concerned when it stopped. "When they took down the livestream, they were like, 'Mama, we can't see you. We can't see you.' And so luckily, [Democratic House Chair Gene Wu] brought in another livestream so that my family can can be able to see," she said. Collier described her decision not to agree to have a law enforcement escort in order to be released from the chamber after Monday's session. "I guess I'm being stubborn, like they are. But I'm not signing the piece of paper to make them feel good so they can have something in their hand as evidence of their control," Collier said. Collier acknowledged she voted in favor of the chamber rules, which laid out conditions of a potential detainment if one failed to agree to the escort. Collier said Republicans don't have to use that power, calling it an overreach after Democrats returned to the state and gave the House a quorum on Monday. "It's like, you turn off somebodys lights, and then, because you can, you turn off the water," she said. "I mean, you dont have to keep going in." Collier on Monday announced her actions, calling herself a "political prisoner" for refusing Republican "surveillance protocol." Texas state House Speaker Dustin Burrows on Monday outlined that Democrats who had arrest warrants issued against them which included Collier could not leave the chamber unless they agreed to move into the custody of a Department of Public Safety officer. Rep. Colliers choice to stay and not sign the permission slip is well within her rights under the House Rules, he said in a statement Tuesday. "I am choosing to spend my time focused on moving the important legislation on the call to overhaul camp safety, provide property tax reform and eliminate the STAAR test the results Texans care about. Collier is a seven-term Democratic lawmaker and former chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus who also represents a majority-minority district. Democrats have charged that the redrawn congressional maps would tear up those districts, stripping those voters of their voices. A man wanted for war crimes sitting across the table from the leader of the country he invaded? That is the spectacle that President Donald Trump is pushing to arrange in the next few weeks, convinced he can break the deadlock between Russia's Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a summit that could help forge an end to the Kremlin's war. The plan, however, is tangled from the start. Some European leaders maintain that no such meeting should take place before Russia agrees to a ceasefire. Many analysts doubt that Putin will actually agree to meet with Zelenskyy. And even if he does, there's the fraught subject of where to hold the negotiations, given that Putin faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Kremlin plays it cool Trump revealed Monday that he called the Russian leader to begin the arrangements during his White House meeting with Zelenskyy and a posse of European leaders. The president doubled down Tuesday, telling "Fox & Friends" that he hoped Putin is going to be good, adding: I sort of set it up with Putin and Zelenskyy, and you know, theyre the ones that have to call the shots. Were 7,000 miles away. Trump seemed eager to accelerate the timeline of the mooted talks. "I think it will be fairly soon," Finnish President Alexander Stubb told NBC News, adding that he hoped it could happen "within the next two weeks." Moscow, however, poured its customary cold water on the excitement. "We do not reject any formats: neither bilateral nor trilateral," said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. But he warned that any summit would have to be prepared "step by step, gradually, starting with the expert level and then going through all the necessary steps." Lavrov, speaking to State TV channel Rossiya-24, added that "contacts involving top officials must be prepared with the utmost care." Location TBD Zelenskyy said he is "ready" to meet Putin, but it's unclear where such a meeting would take place. Putin faces an arrest warrant, issued by the ICC in 2023, over the alleged war crime of illegally deporting Ukrainian children. That obligates the 125 countries that are party to the court under the Rome Statute to arrest the Russian leader and transfer him to The Hague for trial if he sets foot on their territory. Moscow has repeatedly denied accusations that its forces have committed atrocities in Ukraine, and the Kremlin branded the court decision "null and void." Trump said Monday the location was to be determined, and the search for a neutral venue has already turned into its own diplomatic guessing game. The White House is actively looking to secure a meeting location and date, a senior administration official told NBC News. Hungarian capital Budapest and Geneva in Switzerland have been among the sites discussed, the official said. In addition, various nations have offered to host. Switzerland, already floated by Stubb and French President Emmanuel Macron as a potential venue, raised its hand. The United Nations offices in Geneva have been touted as a potential venue for the summit. (Fabrice Coffrini / AFP via Getty Images) Despite being an ICC signatory, the country could welcome Putin for a summit given that he would be coming for peace purposes, said Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. The goal of receiving Mr. Putin in Switzerland without him being arrested is one hundred percent achievable, Cassis told Swiss national broadcaster SRF. Austria's leader also offered his country, which stood at the divide of communist Eastern Europe and the capitalist West during the Cold War. "We stand ready to offer our good services," Chancellor Christian Stocker posted on X. Hungary may also be in play. Its parliament voted to quit the ICC in April, which could allow Putin to attend without risk of arrest. Prime Minister Viktor Orban has also remained one of the Kremlin's few friends in Europe amid the war, though that may make it less appealing to Kyiv. The senior administration official said both Trump and Putin have a good relationship with Orban, which could be a factor in finding a site. Trump spoke on the phone with Orban on Tuesday, a White House official told NBC News. The Hungarian government has maintained close ties with Russia throughout the war. (Tomasz Bobrzynski / Getty Images) But obstacles remain: Any Putin flight to Switzerland or Hungary risks passing over countries that might not be so forgiving if his plane had to make an emergency landing. Safer bets could be Turkey, which has hosted past summits between Ukraine and Russia, or Qatar, which is already used to hosting fraught negotiations between warring parties as the venue for talks between Israel and Hamas. Turkey and Qatar are not members of the ICC. Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser, suggested that a summit could take place at the end of August and that Saudi Arabia could play host. The U.S. is also not an ICC signatory, and Putin and Zelenskyy have traveled there in recent days. Zelenskyy, Macron and Putin at the Elysee Palace in Paris in December 2019. (Alexey Nikolsky / AFP via Getty Images) Whether a venue will even need to be chosen is another matter. While not impossible, a meeting between the two leaders would be a big surprise, Keir Giles, a senior fellow at the London-based think tank Chatham House, told NBC News. Putin has carefully avoided meeting Zelensky until now, he said in a phone interview, because doing so conflicts with his narrative of Ukraine not being a proper country and Zelenskyy not being a legitimate leader." Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, a Berlin-based think tank, echoed those doubts. A meeting would be pointless for Putin and will not happen under the current circumstances, she wrote on X. Putin has repeatedly stated that such a meeting would only be possible if there were well-prepared grounds, which in practice means Zelenskyys acceptance of Russias terms for ending the war, she said. Internal government documents obtained by CBS News show the Trump administration has expanded its campaign to persuade countries around the world to aid its crackdown on illegal immigration by accepting deportations of migrants who are not their own citizens. The documents indicate Uganda in East Africa recently agreed to accept deportees from the U.S. who hail from other countries on the continent, as long as they don't have criminal histories. It's unclear how many deportees Uganda would ultimately accept under the arrangement with the U.S. government. Honduras' government has also agreed to receive deportees from other Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, including families traveling with children, the documents show. The government of Honduras agreed to a relatively small number of deportations just several hundred over two years but the documents indicate it could decide to accept more. Both agreements are based on a "safe third country" provision of U.S. immigration law that allows officials to reroute asylum-seekers to countries that are not their own if the U.S. government makes a determination that those nations can fairly hear their claims for humanitarian protection. The two bilateral deals outlined in the internal documents are part of a large-scale diplomatic effort that President Trump's administration has staged to strike deportation arrangements with nations across several continents, including those with problematic human rights records. The administration has argued those agreements are key to its mass deportation campaign, since there are some migrants who can't easily be deported to their home countries because of strained diplomatic relations or other reasons. At least a dozen countries have already accepted or agreed to accept deportees from other nations since the second Trump administration took office, and U.S. officials have been aggressively courting other governments. Internal government documents show the Trump administration has also asked countries like Ecuador and Spain to receive these so-called third country deportees from the U.S. Third country deportation deals (Choropleth map) Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests to comment on CBS News' reporting. A senior State Department official said, "We don't comment on the content of private diplomatic negotiations, but the State Department is doing everything possible to support the President's policy of keeping Americans safe by removing illegal aliens who have no right to be in the United States." On Wednesday, Uganda's government confirmed the deportation agreement with the U.S., saying the two countries are working on implementation details. The country's foreign ministry said Uganda "prefers" to receive migrants from other parts of Africa. "The Agreement is in respect of Third Country Nationals who may not be granted asylum in the United States but are reluctant to or may have concerns about returning to their countries of origin," Uganda's foreign ministry said in a statement. "This is a temporary arrangement with conditions including that individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors will not be accepted." Earlier this summer, the Supreme Court gave the Trump administration the green light to deport migrants to third countries with a minimal degree of notice and due process. The decision paved the way for the administration to continue expanding a practice it has relied on since the beginning of Mr. Trump's second term. In February, the Trump administration convinced Costa Rica and Panama to take in several hundred African and Asian migrants who had claimed asylum along the U.S.-Mexico border. Then, in March, the U.S. flew more than 200 Venezuelans accused of gang membership to El Salvador, where they were held incommunicado for months at a notorious prison until they were returned to Venezuela last month under a prisoner swap. The administration has also sent immigrants convicted of violent crimes and who hail from Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, Laos, Myanmar, Yemen and other countries to violence-torn South Sudan and the tiny southern African kingdom of Eswatini. Guatemala, Kosovo and Rwanda have announced they will receive deportees from the U.S. who come from other nations. Last week, the State Department said the U.S. had signed a "safe third country" asylum agreement with Paraguay. Mexico, under an arrangement that predates Mr. Trump's second term, accepts the return of some Latin American migrants who crossed the U.S. southern border illegally. Human rights advocates have strongly denounced the Trump administration effort, saying migrants could be deported to countries where they could be harmed or returned to the place they fled. Some of the countries persuaded to sign deportation agreements have been plagued by reports of human rights abuses. In a report released last week, the State Department described "negative developments in the human rights situation in Uganda," citing unlawful killings, "arbitrary" arrests, disappearances and a lack of action from the government to curb human rights abuses. The report also noted, however, that Uganda has worked with United Nations officials to provide humanitarian protection to refugees. Doris Meissner, who oversaw the now-defunct Immigration and Naturalization Service under the Clinton administration, said the U.S. government has long faced difficulties deporting some migrants due to diplomatic constraints. But she noted efforts to deport them to third countries were generally undertaken in "exceptional" cases only. Meissner, who is now a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute think tank, suggested the Trump administration may be employing different sources of leverage like threats of visa sanctions and funding commitments to persuade as many countries as possible to take in deportees from other nations. Noting deportations to third countries remain relatively limited in scale, Meissner said a main driver behind the Trump administration's diplomatic efforts is a desire to send a message of deterrence to those in the U.S. illegally, one that highlights the possibility that they could be sent to distant countries where they have no ties. "The broader reason beyond that is fear and intimidation and ultimately, incentivizing self deportation," she said. Trump sounds off on potential security guarantees for Ukraine Creative school lunch ideas for kids who are picky eaters Tennis star Daria Kasatkina embraces new life in Australia ahead of U.S. Open In response to an increased U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro announced that his government will activate a special plan to mobilize over 4.5 million militia members across the country to defend national sovereignty. The announcement follows reports that three U.S. Navy destroyers the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham, and USS Sampson are heading to the southern Caribbean with thousands of Marines aboard as part of a major counternarcotics operation. The move coincides with Washingtons recent decision to raise the bounty for Maduros capture to an unprecedented $50 million. Maduro and several of his top allies have been indicted by U.S. prosecutors for allegedly turning Venezuela into a narco-state through the so-called Cartel of the Suns. Maduro has dismissed the charges as a rotting rerun aimed at justifying foreign intervention. This week Im launching a special plan to ensure coverage by more than 4.5 million prepared, activated, and armed militia members across the national territory, Maduro declared Monday during a televised event, flanked by senior military commanders. He said the move is needed to counter what he described as the extravagant, bizarre and outlandish threats from the United States. He also urged his political base to accelerate the creation of rural and industrial militias. Rifles and missiles for the rural forces! To defend Venezuelas territory, sovereignty, and peace, Maduro exclaimed, adding that similar weapons would be distributed to workers in factories. The Bolivarian National Militia created by Hugo Chavez in 2007 and later recognized as the fifth branch of Venezuelas armed forces is composed of volunteers and reservists, often referred to by the government as the people in arms. While Maduro did not directly reference the U.S. bounty during his speech, he expressed gratitude for the public support of Venezuelas military. The first to step forward in support of this working-class president were the military of this homeland, with their rifles, missiles, tanks, and planes, he stated. Asked by a McClatchy reporter on Tuesday if the increased U.S. Navy presence in the Caribbean could eventually translate to a military intervention inside Venezuela, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not rule out the possibility. President Trump has been very clear and consistent, hes prepared to use every element of American power to stop drugs from flooding into our country and to bring those responsible to justice, she said. The Maduro regime is not the legitimate government of Venezuela. It is a narco terror cartel. It is the view of this administration [that Maduro] is not a legitimate president. He is a fugitive head of this cartel who has been indicted in the United States for trafficking drugs into the country. U.S. naval deployments to the Caribbean are not entirely new. In 2020, the first Trump administration also launched what it called an enhanced counternarcotics operation near Venezuelan shores that also targeted the Maduro regime. At the time, the presence of heavy military hardware in the Caribbean, including Navy destroyers and Air Force E-3 AWACS, surprised many observers and led to speculation about a possible military operation against Maduro. But as many experts predicted, that didnt happen. The New York Times reported earlier this month that President Trump secretly signed a directive allowing the Pentagon to use military force against certain Latin American drug cartels that his administration has deemed terrorist organizations. Last month, the Trump administration designated the Cartel of the Suns, which U.S. prosecutors have said is run by high-ranking members of the Venezuelan government, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, opening the possibility of becoming a target for U.S. military forces if Trump goes ahead with his longtime desire to hit cartel operations directly. Commenting last week about the ships, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized Washingtons concerns about the threats pose to the U.S. by the drug cartels. Well, drugs are a threat to the national security of the United States, Rubio said at a virtual press conference. First, there are groups that are freely operating in international waters, exporting poison to the United States, that is killing and destroying communities. This is a very serious topic and we have a lot of countries that cooperate with us in these efforts and some that unfortunately dont. Maduros announcement to activate the militias came as U.S. officials confirmed the deployment of the three Navy destroyers off the Venezuelan coast. According to the Reuters news agency, the warships are expected to arrive within 36 hours. The operation is part of a Trump strategy to intensify drug interdiction efforts in the region, targeting criminal groups Washington has labeled as international terrorist organizations. The mission includes nearly 4,000 U.S. Marines and has direct backing from the White House. In addition to the destroyers, the deployment features P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft, a nuclear-powered attack submarine, and other warships to bolster U.S. presence in the region. A senior official, speaking under condition of anonymity, said the operations primary goals are intelligence gathering and surveillance, but noted that the units could also serve as a platform for targeted strikes if authorized by President Trump. In Caracas, the Ministry of Communication declined to comment on the U.S. deployment. Maduro, however, issued a warning: Venezuela will defend its seas, its skies, and its land in the face of the strange and unprecedented threat posed by a declining empire. The announcement of the new bounty for Maduro adds to the wide array of U.S. economic sanctions imposed in recent years, including an oil embargo and financial restrictions on senior regime officials. Though not the first American operation in the Caribbean, this is one of the largest since the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama that resulted in the capture of leader Manuel Noriega. This time, the Doral-based U.S. Southern Command also confirmed the involvement of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which includes the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, the transport dock USS San Antonio, and the landing ship USS Fort Lauderdale. Onboard is the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, with approximately 4,000 troops capable of conducting air, sea, and ground operations. The force includes helicopters, short-takeoff aircraft, armored vehicles, and specialized rapid-deployment teams. The deployment is an integral part of advancing our nations interests abroad and is a dynamic representation of our Navys 250 years of lethality and warfighting excellence, said Captain Chris Farricker, commander of Amphibious Squadron 8, before departing from Norfolk, Virginia. President Donald Trump had made counternarcotics a pillar of his foreign and national security policy. According to the White House, the Caribbean deployment aims to stem the flow of illegal drugs into the U.S. while also strengthening border control. In February, the U.S. government designated the Sinaloa Cartel, Venezuelas Tren de Aragua, and other criminal organizations as international terrorist entities. At the same time, Washington toughened immigration measures against suspected cartel members and increased aerial surveillance at the southern border. Miami Herald staff writer Nora Gamez Torres contributed to this story. A skilled barista pouring a rosetta in a cappuccino - Nazar Abbas Photography/Getty Images Today, cappuccinos are the gold standard by which a coffee shop is measured, but hearsay and folklore swirl around their alleged origin. The cappucino is often considered a wartime drink, thanks in part to the spread of cheap and easy-to-use espresso machines after World War II. But the combat that this beverage is linked to at least, according to some took place during the 1600s, when the Ottoman Empire laid siege to Vienna. According to legend, a monk named Marco d'Aviano was sent by the Pope to unite the Christian armies of the Holy Roman Empire and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. When the siege was lifted and the Ottomans fled, the army left behind all their coffee. Finding the jittery, dark drink too bitter, they added milk and honey. The drink was called a cappuccino because the monk was part of the Capuchin order a nice story, although one that doesn't mesh with actual historical accounts that cite Charles of Lorraine as the one sent to unite the armies.The more likely, though less dramatic origin for cappuccino is that it grew out of coffee cultures in Austria and Italy. An Austrian drink, the kapuziner, is probably the origin point for cappuccino; it was coffee served with whipped cream and sugar, and first documented in the 18th century. More than 200 years later, espresso drinks with milk became an economical and quick way to get a good amount of fat, sugar, and protein for breakfast in Northern Italy. Read more: Once Popular Ice Cream Flavors You Hardly Ever See Anymore Cappuccinos Wouldn't Exist Without The Espresso Machine A barista finishing a drink with a professional, single grouphead espresso machine - udeyismail/Shutterstock I would be remiss if I didn't talk a little about the history of the espresso machine, which makes cappuccinos possible in the first place. The need for espresso came from European cafe owners who wanted to make coffee as quickly as possible (after all, more coffee means more money). Before espresso machines, coffee purveyors relied on numerous methods like the Turkish ibrik (or cezve), a copper pot with a long handle that pours finely ground coffee into cups without the use of a filter. By the mid-1800s, there were large machines that could make batches of coffee, but the technology never really caught on. It wasn't until the early 1900s that a coffee machine with portafilters, steam valves, boilers, and gauges was invented by Luigi Berezza. Basically, his machine would heat water in a large chamber, which, when hot enough, would force the water through a puck of espresso. Though more advanced, you still needed an open flame for his machine to work, which made brewing wildly inconsistent: It barely produced enough pressure to make what we would call espresso today, which made a large but bitter espresso drink. It wouldn't be until after WWII that espresso machines took on their characteristic speed, size, and ability. In order to create perfect espresso and steamed milk, you need tons of super-heated water on demand and plenty of pressure. The hot water is forced through the ground espresso in the portafilter, which is how it can extract all the flavor compounds in coffee, while only taking about 25 to 30 seconds to brew. The espresso drinks we love today have a long, varied history that took centuries of technological innovation to achieve. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. by Martin Butler For some time theres been a common complaint that western societies have suffered a loss of community. Weve become far too individualistic, the argument goes, too concerned with the I rather than the we. Many have made the case for this change. Published in 2000, Robert Putnams classic Bowling Alone: the collapse and revival of American community, meticulously lays out the empirical data for the decline in community and what is known as social capital. He also makes suggestions for its revival. Although this book is a quarter of a century old, it would be difficult to argue that it is no longer relevant. More recently the best-selling book by the former Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times, presents the problem as one of moral failure. Google loss of community and myriad reports and articles pop up. Its both misleading and unhelpful, however, to frame the problem in terms of such a loss, or as a conflict between I and we. Its important to recognise from the outset the uncontroversial point that, like dolphins or chimpanzees, human beings are by nature social animals. The claim that we have become too individualistic cant mean that we have somehow changed our basic nature. Since our evolution on the plains of Africa, very few Homo Sapiens have lived truly non-social lives. As individuals we are relatively puny beings, our evolutionary success largely depends on our ability to act together as a group. In one sense then, it is an inescapable fact that we all live in communities on which we depend, and its important to remember the simple fact that we cannot survive without cooperating with others. The anxiety about the loss of community expressed by Putnam and others must then be concerned with something other than this deeply social nature. What exactly is this? A general characteristic of modern industrial societies which throws light on this is the fact that our interdependence on others (as adults) has become largely divorced from our most important social bonds: families, close friends, neighbours. We all live within societies and wouldnt last long if we didnt, this is the locus of our interdependence on others. Modern societies, ideally at least, have laws that protect us and governments that collect taxes and provide services. A regulated economy operates around us and provides employment, goods and services. These societal benefits allow us to survive. However, all of this takes place at a social distance, although for societies to operate successfully a considerable level of cooperation is required. Other road users are mainly unknown to me, nevertheless for the most part we manage to conform to a complex set of rules which make road travel possible. I dont have a social bond with the shop assistant from who I buy food; nevertheless we must cooperate for the transaction to work (automatic checkouts and online shopping are further increasing this particular social distance). Employment involves higher levels of social interaction even when working via a computer screen at home but for most of us this still only involve s formal or transactional relationships which do not activate our deeper social instincts of friendship, trust, loyalty or emotional attachment. It has become possible to take advantage of living in society with minimal social interaction, and the age of the internet has pushed us even further in this direction. Theoretically we can survive with next to no social connect. Society has largely become impersonal or bureaucratic as Max Weber would describe it, but this does not change the fact that modern humans are just as dependant on community as ever. Modern western society just doesnt fit the full-blooded sense of community exemplified by many pre-industrial and tribal societies in which the deeper bonds of kinship, friendship and loyalty did not merely provide emotional support but were crucial for physical survival. Community in this sense was a source of protection and sustenance, education and care, without which life would have been very difficult indeed. In more recent times working class communities provided similar support networks which made difficult conditions bearable. In their classic 1957 study Family and Kinship in East London, Michael Young and Peter Willmott provide a detailed record of these now mainly lost support networks. There are clearly both advantages and disadvantages to our impersonal, bureaucratic society, but we cant deny that it is still a community, and one that is in many ways highly sophisticated. But when Putnam, Sacks and others talk about community they are clearly not referring to the impersonal structures provided by modern industrial society, nor presumably do they have in mind a return to the kinds of community typical of pre-industrial societies. So what is the focus of their concern? We tend to forget that because most of us dont need the kind of full-blooded communities of yesteryear to live our normal lives, a more socially connected community becomes an optional extra. What Putnam calls civic engagement is a recreational choice. (The title of his book Bowling Alone makes this clear.) Some choose to get involved in their local communities and others do not. This kind of optional community is certainly not typical of communities throughout history; community as a way of life bound up with survival and embedded within a culture. But this is not moral decline, more like a historical shift connected with industrialism, rationalism and technology. One important feature of an impersonal, bureaucratic society, at least when it works tolerably well, is its invisibility. Because it quietly ticks away in the background we can easily forget that it is keeping us alive. Its too easy to take for granted the systems that ensure the shelves in our supermarket remain well stocked, that water comes out of our taps, that an emergency service will respond when we need it, and so on. We can forget that this is a complex, highly developed community, and come to believe that such a society has too much I and not enough we. We then end up with a false dichotomy between individualism and community. When we talk of individualism giving a primary value to individual rights, personal autonomy, self-expression we forget that this only makes sense against a background of community, which is in fact the condition for the possibility of what we call individualism. Individual rights mean nothing to a Robinson Crusoe. We might want to construct our impersonal bureaucratic communities so that they emphasise these individualistic values (although these values are far less well defined than we might think) but it is nevertheless community cooperation through cultural norms that makes them possible. We might describe such a community as embodying an individualistic culture, but it is a particular kind of community with a particular kind of culture not the lack of community or the lack of a culture. So those who see individualism as some kind of threat to community are, I think, just as misguided as those who regard the community as necessarily placing limits on the fundamental freedoms of individuals. The right way to think about it is in terms of kinds of community; different kinds of we rather than as a conflict between the I and the we. There is no such thing as a community-less individual any more than there is individual-less community. This reframing has important practical implications. Consider the modern impersonal bureaucratic communities weve discussed. Despite their efficiency at delivering many material benefits, they clearly have drawbacks. Their impersonal nature, for example, can mean that governments, regulations and taxes feel like an imposition on us from outside. We can feel alienated from the very thing that is key to our survival. But is this a matter of too much or too little individualism? Im not sure, but its just not helpful to insist, as some do, that modern society is too concerned with the I. There is nothing wrong with judging that some communities are better than others, but we do this not by measuring the extent to which they embody certain favoured values or some sacrosanct ideology, but by a whole range of factors, some inevitably subjective. (John Rawlss veil of ignorance thought experiment can be useful here.[1]) Would you be happy to live in such a society? Are there low levels of conflict, violence, corruption, and crime? Is it a fearful or anxious community? Is it a community that is educated? Are citizens treated equally, and does it operate according to the rule of law? Can it be described as thriving and cohesive? Do people have reasonable access to the basics required for a good life accommodation, employment, health care etc.? Do people tend to feel connected to the community or is it too impersonal and bureaucratic? Does it produce impressive art and/or science? Are there high levels of trust? Is it a caring society? Does it operate in a way that is sustainable? And so on, and so on. Of course the ideal community probably doesnt exist and never will, but on the basis of what does exist we can surely gain a picture of the direction we would like to go Some so-called individualist values can certainly have a beneficial effect on a community, while others can be positively harmful. Surely we would want to live in a community where individual autonomy was by and large encouraged, though this is not of course absolute. However, an individualism that leads to extreme levels of wealth inequality is surely not desirable. But its just an artificial abstraction to analyse communities in terms of individualism (or collectivism); much simpler just to come to some very general agreement on what a good community looks like and work towards it. [1] https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/original-position/ Some business ideas sounded absurd at first until they started generating millions. Each found a gap, a mood, or a curious market willing to try something offbeat. Some did stick around, but all of them made the case in their own way: being weird doesnt mean being wrong. Heres a look at a few strange ideas that were highly profitable ventures. Lucky Break Wishbone Credit: Facebook Thanksgiving dinners always had one wishbone and too many family members who wanted it. Ken Ahroni noticed the tension and saw a business in solving it. He created plastic breakable wishbones and launched Lucky Break Wishbone Corp in 2004. His invention gave people a small reason to smile around the dinner table. Yellow Smiley Face Credit: pixabay Pairing the smiley face emoji with Have a Nice Day made it feel personal without using too many words. The genius wasnt in the design, but in turning something so ordinary into a universal mood. It became a shortcut for friendliness and a way to connect with strangers with minimal effort. Slinky Credit: Wikimedia Commons Children followed its smooth rhythm as it bounced, flipped, and somehow kept going without help. It sat on desks and shelves and waited to be picked up again. Various generations used this metal coil to entertain themselves during downtime. Banana Phone Credit: Youtube The Banana Phone is exactly what it sounds like: a Bluetooth handset shaped like fruit. People bought it because it made them laugh, not because it worked better than anything else. Its creators leaned into the absurdity and pushed it through viral marketing and tongue-in-cheek branding. Crocs Credit: Wikimedia Commons Three friends in Colorado created Crocs using a soft, durable foam called Croslite. Their primary focus was comfort, affordability, and practicality. They were initially made for boating, but expanded into everyday wear. Sales took off after they highlighted the odd visual appeal in their advertising because customers liked the honesty. Snuggie Credit: Wikimedia Commons Families in matching blue fleece, sitting around a campfire or cheering at a game, made an impression people didnt forget. The Snuggie turned personal comfort into something strangely communal. Individuals laughed at how it looked, then bought one anyway. The image of a group choosing to look ridiculous on purpose made it even more popular. Flowbee Credit: Wikimedia Commons Getting a haircut at home usually meant clippers, a towel, and a lot of cleanup. The Flowbee made that easier by combining a vacuum with hair-cutting attachments. It sucked up hair while trimming, and the best part was that it left no mess behind. Rural households, parents, and even NASA astronauts picked one up. Slap Bracelets Credit: Wikimedia Commons If you walked into a school in the early 90s, you probably heard ita sharp snap followed by laughter. Slap bracelets were nothing more than a strip of metal wrapped in bright fabric, but a quick tap was all it took for them to curl around your wrist. They turned up in lunchboxes, on field trips, and in every birthday party favor bag. Even school bans did little to slow them down. Santa Mail Credit: Wikimedia Commons Receiving a letter from Santa can mean everything to a kid. It turns a small wish into something real, sealed with magic and stamped from the North Pole. Santa Mail gave families that moment of joy with enough detail and customization to make it seem real. Tamagotchi Credit: Wikimedia Commons When Bandai released the Tamagotchi in the late 1990s, it quickly became a favorite in various households. Kids fed it, cleaned it, and worried when it beeped too often. It taught basic responsibility through simple interaction. Today, its influence is still incorporated in app-based pets. Doggles Credit: Wikimedia Commons A squinting dog on a sunny day sparked an idea that resonated with pet owners everywhere. Roni Di Lullo created goggles that protected dogs' eyes from UV rays, wind, and dust. She called them Doggles. Many dog lovers saw this as a small but thoughtful way to show care to their companion. Pet Rock Credit: Wikimedia Commons For a few months in 1975, gift shops stocked small boxes with air holes and straw inside. Open one up, and all youd find was a smooth gray stone and a manual on how to train your new companion. There was no maintenance, no noise, no mess. People set them on desks, swapped them as gag gifts, and got a laugh out of reading the care guide. I Want to Draw a Cat for You Credit: Wikipedia A website offering stick-figure cat drawings might sound like a joke, and thats exactly what Steve Gadlin intended. Customers submitted odd promptslike a cat dancing or stealing tacosand received a custom doodle in return. The drawings were purposefully awkward, and people loved them for it. iFart App Credit: Youtube What started as a bathroom joke turned into an App Store goldmine. iFart lets users trigger dozens of sounds of flatulence, each with its own absurd name and icon. It didnt serve a real function nor had a clever twist, but only endless variations on a single gag. The concept was immature, the execution effortless, but the payoff was hilariously profitable. Antenna Balls Credit: Instagram Antenna balls started out as a novelty handed out by a fast-food chain and quickly became a roadside staple. Jason Wall saw a business in custom designs and began stocking them in California auto shops. Drivers added them to cars for fun or recognition. Sales crossed the million-dollar mark within the first year. Mark Humphrey/AP Photo In this Sept. 20, 2019, photo, Cynthia Brown-Long holds a copy of her book, Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System Cyntoia Brown was convicted of first-degree murder when she was just 16 years old. In 2004, the then-teenager was being trafficked by a man named Garion L. McGlothen when she was allegedly offered money for sex by a potential client named Johnny Allen. On the night of Aug. 6, she went to his home and later shot him in the head. After she was sentenced to spend the rest of her life in prison for the shooting, Brown's case transcended the justice system to become major news. With the help of grassroots efforts from celebrities and advocates, her case was widely covered by the media until Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam commuted her sentence, releasing Brown from prison at 31 years old. During an August 2021 interview with the Knoxville News Sentinel, Brown spoke about how much she treasures her freedom. I am just so thankful not only to be free now but to be able to do everything I had been dreaming of for all of those years, she said. I wanted to get out and travel the country and speak about my life, and I have been blessed to be able to do that. I have a home now, and I am just grateful for that every single day. When I wake up, my day is mine. So, where is Cyntoia Brown after being released from prison? Heres everything to know about her life today, 21 years after shooting Johnny Allen. Who is Cyntoia Brown? Paras Griffin/Getty Author Cyntoia Brown Long speaks onstage during An Evening with Cyntoia Brown at Clark Atlanta University on November 11, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2004, Brown was a 16-year-old sex-trafficking victim who shot and killed 43-year-old realtor Allen after he allegedly solicited her for sex. She was arrested and charged with homicide, aggravated robbery, handgun possession and criminal impersonation for the Aug. 6, 2004, crime, and the Tennessee court system ultimately tried her as an adult and sentenced her to life in prison. According to court testimony, Allen offered $150 for sex with Brown at his home in Nashville. The realtor drove her there, showed her his guns and then they got into bed together, per The Tennessean. While they were in bed, Brown claimed that Allen reached under the bed for what she thought was a gun. She subsequently shot him in the back of the head with a .40-caliber handgun, which she had in her purse. Brown consistently claimed the encounter was self-defense. How long was Cyntoia Brown in prison? Cyntoia Brown Long/Instagram Where Is Cyntoia Brown Now? Throwback pic Brown spent 15 years in prison after she was convicted. Rejecting her claim of self-defense, the jury found her guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree felony murder and especially aggravated robbery. She was serving life in prison at Tennessee Prison for Women, but Gov. Haslam granted Brown full commutation to parole in January 2019. She was released on Aug. 7, 2019, on the condition that she complete 10 years of parole. Did Cyntoia Brown have a history of crime before her murder conviction? Paras Griffin/Getty Author Cyntoia Brown Long speaks onstage during An Evening with Cyntoia Brown at Clark Atlanta University on November 11, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. Brown spent her teenage years in and out of the juvenile court system before serving 15 years at Tennessee Prison for Women, per The Tennessean. Born to a mother who experienced substance abuse, Brown was put up for adoption. She was placed with an adoptive family, but once she started getting into legal trouble as a teen, Brown was moved into state custody. She was transferred between different facilities until 2004, when she began living on the streets of Nashville. She then met McGlothen, who was often called Kut Throat, and Brown claimed he forced her into prostitution, taking the money she earned. While being trafficked, Brown said she survived multiple rapes and assaults. McGlothen was shot and killed in 2005, shortly after the death of Allen. Is Cyntoia Brown involved in prison reform today? Paras Griffin/Getty Author Cyntoia Brown Long speaks onstage during An Evening with Cyntoia Brown at Clark Atlanta University on November 11, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. Since being released from prison, Brown has spent her life advocating for sex trafficking victims, kids handed juvenile life sentences and imprisoned women serving sentences like her own. While incarcerated, Brown earned her GED, an associate's degree in liberal arts and a bachelor's degree in professional studies in organizational leadership, per The New York Times. After her commutation, Brown and her husband founded the JFam Foundation and The Glitter Project to help educate kids and teens about sex trafficking. Brown also partners with Epic Girl, a Nashville nonprofit organization that partners at-risk girls with mentors in the community. In an October 2019 interview with NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt, Brown recalled her naivete about her then-boyfriend allegedly manipulating her into sex slavery, and how her experience is not a unique one. You meet these young girls who are in these situations, and they dont view themselves as being pimped, she said. They dont view their trafficker as their trafficker. They think, This is my boyfriend. And thats exactly what I thought. While speaking to Nashvilles WSMV news channel in March 2023, Brown said one of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring young girls is that she can share wisdom she wishes her younger self had known. I like spending time with them because I feel like Im with a young me, she said. So all of the things that I feel like I could tell my younger self, I could tell them. In addition to mentoring young girls, Brown has advocated for legislative change for juvenile life sentences. During her interview with the Knoxville News Sentinel, she spoke about teenagers receiving the same sentences as adults in Tennessee and of her hope to propose legislation to limit youth sentences. If you look at my story and even some of the women I was incarcerated with, you can see that it doesn't take 51 years for someone to be rehabilitated in their life and be a productive member of society, the former inmate said. These children should have an opportunity to go before the parole board and ask for a second chance. The legislation that I want to propose would give them that opportunity. Is Cyntoia Brown married? Cyntoia Brown Long/Instagram Where Is Cyntoia Brown Now? with husband J Long Brown married Jamie Long, also known as J. Long, while she was in prison. He is a Christian rapper and entrepreneur, who notably performed with Pretty Ricky from 2008 to 2010, around the same time he started a home healthcare business in Texas. After Long watched the documentary Me Facing Life: Cyntoias Story in 2017, he decided to write Brown a letter and send it to her in prison. During an October 2019 interview on The Breakfast Club radio show, Long recounted feeling urged by his faith to connect with her. I felt God tell me, stop and write her," Long said. "I told her basically, God told me to tell you you're getting out of prison. Four months after the couple began corresponding via letter, Long traveled to Tennessee to meet Brown in person. "When I went in to see her, I knew right then she would be my wife," Long said on the radio show. Two years later, the pair got engaged, and they married before Brown was released. Today, they share a home in Nashville. Where is Cyntoia Brown now? Cyntoia Brown Long/Instagram Where Is Cyntoia Brown Now? Over half a decade after being released from prison, Brown is grateful to be free to live her dreams and help others. During her conversation with the Knoxville News Sentinel, Brown spoke about the firsts shes experienced, and is still experiencing, after living in prison for her entire young adult life. Just last week I was in a pool for the first time since I was a kid, she shared. I went to Niagara Falls for the first time last month. Every day is just like a fairytale for me." In addition to relishing every moment of life outside of prison, Brown has committed her future to advocacy as a sort of penance for shooting Allen. She told WSMV, I have to live with that knowing theres a family out there, regardless of what happened between me and the individual that I harmed. Theres an entire family out there where I cant make that right with them. So, the only thing that I can do is try to prevent it from happening to other families. The same year she was released, Brown published a memoir titled Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System. A year later, Netflix released a documentary on her story called Murder to Mercy: The Cyntoia Brown Story. Read the original article on People Russian President Vladimir Putin and Commander-In-Chief of the Russian Navy Alexander Moiseev while visiting the Sevmash Shipbuilding Plant on July 24, 2025, in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk oblast, Russia. Credit - ContributorGetty Images As European leaders and the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky gather in Washington to persuade President Donald Trump not to abandon Ukraine and to secure Western security guarantees for Kyiv, one thing is certain: Vladimir Putin will not abandon his quest to dominate the Black Sea. In a sprawling naval exercise, July Storm, the Russian navy practiced the very tactics Ukraine used against its Black Sea fleet. Kyivs asymmetrical campaign deploying naval drone and missile strikes destroyed or disabled one third of Russias Black Sea fleet, broke the blockade of Ukrainian ports, forced most of the Russia fleet to decamp to southern Russia, and allowed Ukraines commercial shipping, mostly grain exports, to recover to near pre-war levels. Kremlin took notes. In the July naval drills, Russia used explosive-laden naval drones to sink targets and practiced anti-submarine warfare, mine-laying, and missile strikes. Putin described the naval exercises as designed to train naval forces in repelling maritime attacks and unconventional operational and tactical missions, while referring to experience gained from battles with Ukraine in the Black Sea. Given that Ukraine lacks a significant conventional navy, the Russian exercises seem to be aimed at the coming battles beyond Ukraine. Why the Black Sea matters Russia has long seen the domination of the Black Sea as necessary for its global ambitions, its great power status, and its identity as a civilizational state. From Peter the Great to Nicholas I, the czars fought wars to gain access to and control the Black Sea. Lenin pushed to secure the Black Sea region during the Russian Civil War. Stalin made the Black Sea Fleet a core element of Soviet military strategy. Putin sees Russian identity as defined by a linguistic and cultural sphere that extends beyond the formal borders of the Russian Federation, and his denial of Ukrainian nationhood stems from this worldview. His war against Ukraine is tied to his quest to dominate the Black Sea, which offers strategic access and a pathway to project influence beyond the traditional Russian sphere into the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Africa. The importance of the Black Sea for Russia increased further after Finland and Sweden joined the NATO in 2023 and 2024, reinforcing the alliances eastern flank and constraining Russia in the Baltic. Putin had already expanded Russian control of the Black Sea coast by occupying parts of Georgia in 2008, the Crimean peninsula in 2014, and Sevastopol and large parts of Kherson Oblast and Zaporizhzhia Oblast after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Occupying these Black Sea territories has helped Moscow position itself better to challenge European security through both conventional and unconventional ways. Europes Black Sea challenge European security today is being forged in opposition to Russia. The Black Sea region stands out as a canvas of chokepoints and competing sovereignties, of energy routes and grain corridors, of overlapping jurisdictions and unresolved conflicts. It is the axis along which European security is being tested and it is poised to become a central theater in the unfolding confrontation between Europe and Russia. The perception of U.S. withdrawal from Europe will likely further embolden Putin to exploit vulnerabilities and test the continents resolve. Since the election of President Trump, Europe has built some momentum to bolster its collective defenses and increased commitments to defense spending from two to five percent of GDP. European leaders have discussed various scenarios for Black Sea security but, in essence, they circle back to a single strategy: keeping the U.S. engaged in Ukraine and the Black Sea region. If Trump does indeed end his confrontation with Russia over Ukraine and the Black Sea and decides against joining a Western security guarantee for Kyiv, Europe faces the grim prospect of facing Russia alone. In May, the European Union adopted a new Black Sea Strategy, which comes down to establishing a Black Sea Maritime Security Hub tasked with monitoring and providing early warning of emerging threats and malign activities. While it is unclear how such early warnings could translate into action , if it is effectively implemented, the initiative could help constrain Russias subversive actions and promote a more coordinated response among E.U. member states. Turkey controls the Black Seas gatesthe Bosporus and the Dardanellesunder the Montreux Convention, which governs passages through the Turkish straits in and out of the Black Sea. The West doesnt have the buy in from Ankara for any expanded Western or NATO presence in the region. Turkey sees it as contravening the Montreux Convention and its own strategic interests. Without Ankaras support, the European strategy for the Black Sea has little bite. And the littoral Black Sea statesGeorgia, Bulgaria, and Romaniaare vulnerable to Russian exploitation. Europe also needs to work with NATO to reduce their military, political, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. Ukraine is the hinge. And Europe needs persistent, long term efforts to help Ukraine strengthen its capacity to preserve its control of its coastline and counterbalance Russia, in partnership with other littoral states. A strong Ukrainewith a robust army and navyis not only crucial for Ukrainian nationhood and statehood but also for restraining Russia in the Black Sea and preventing future conflicts. Rebuilding Russias Black Sea fleet In the past decade or so, Russia tried to challenge European security from the Black Sea in its east and the Mediterranean Sea in the south. Kremlin positioned four submarines in the Black Sea and two submarines at a Mediterranean Sea base at Tartus in Syria, where it intervened aggressively to support the Bashar al Assad regime. But the Ukrainian naval successes and the fall of the Assad regime battered Russian maritime power in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. In Syria, Moscow is seeking ways to retain part of its Assad-era presence and Damascus is being more receptive. One of Moscows most pressing ambitions is to rebuild its Black Sea Fleet and to adapt to the changing nature of naval warfare. In June, Putin approved a new naval doctrine aimed at restoring Russias status as a preeminent naval power. According to Putins chief aide, Nikolai Patrushev, In the coming years, the Black Sea sailors will be further strengthened with the arrival of new frigates, corvettes, aviation, marine robotic complexes. In his words, the Black Sea Fleet is crucial for containing NATO and countering Western interests in the region. Russia has already started building a naval base in Georgias Abkhazia region, which Moscow has occupied since the 2008 war. Russian influence in the Mediterranean and the future of its naval base in Syria have become uncertain after the fall of Assad. Moscow is keen to return its two submarines from Syria to the Black Sea to reinforce its fleet but they need to cross the Turkish straits. Ankara has closed that possibility as it exercised the rights granted to it by the Montreux Convention and immediately closed its straits to passages of warships and naval vessels after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Turkey is unlikely to open the straits until a comprehensive peace agreement is reached between Ukraine and Russia. Yet with support from China, in a few years, Moscow could return with a fleet optimized for the Black Sea contest, where harassment and latest threats would keep global commerce anxious, allies divided, and Europe reactive. Thus, cooperation between Europe, Britain, and Turkey is essential. Turkey opposes an expanded NATO presence in the Black Sea, due to the Montreux Convention constraints, its preference for the regional control of the sea, and its opposition to Russian hegemony. Turkeys strategic interests align with maintaining a balance of power, supporting Ukrainian capabilities, and counterbalancing Russian hegemony without escalating NATO involvement. Ukraine, Europe, and the Black Sea Over the past two decades, as Russias zones of occupation and domination in the Black Sea region expanded, its aggression also pushed regional states closer to the West. Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania are NATO members; Ukraine and Georgia are keen to join the alliance. And while Romania and Bulgaria are part of the EU, Ukraine, Georgia, and Turkey aspire to join it. Russia will try to hinder the integration of these states (apart from Turkey) into Western security and economic structures and compel them to yield to or at least accommodate its demands. To achieve those goals, Moscow is looking at revitalizing its naval power in the Black Sea and consolidating its gains in Ukraine. In any peace talks, Russia will try to seek demilitarization of Ukraine and severe limitations on its militarization and security partnerships with NATO and Europe, which would render Ukraine perennially vulnerable and endanger European security. A NATO membership for Ukraine is unlikely but the U.S. and Europe should strengthen its military capability to counter Russia in the Black Sea. If Putin fails at the table, Moscow is likely to blame Kyiv for its failures and intensify the war to grab more territory. The Black Sea port of Odessa would be an obvious target. The outcome of the war in the Black Sea will also redefine Russias ambitions toward its near abroad. An emboldened Russia could create a pervasive sense of insecurity from Armenia to Georgia to Kazakhstan to Moldova to the Baltic states. The way hostilities end in the Black Sea will reshape the regional order and redefine Russias future as a global power. To prevent Russian geopolitical revisionism, European powers, Britain, and Turkeyand ideally the U.S--must ensure that Ukraine remains a Black Sea countrymaintains control of Odesa and its adjacent coastline, has credible Western security guarantees and strong defense capability. They should also strengthen other Black Sea littoral states and promote greater cooperation amongst them. The Black Sea will define the future of the European security order for generations to come. Structured security cooperation between the EU, Britain, and Turkey should be the backbone of the order. Contact us at letters@time.com. A woman has sued a Florida dairy farm state officials linked to an outbreak of infections from consuming raw milk, claiming she lost her unborn child while she was caring for her toddler who got sick from the milk. Rachel Maddox claimed that she didnt know about the risks involved with raw milk and that her child became seriously sick after having consumed the product, according to the lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Seminole County. Now shes suing Keely Farms Dairy, a farm in New Smyrna Beach, which the state Health Department said this month was linked to at least 21 cases of campylobacter and shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections since January. Those cases included six children under age 10 and seven hospitalizations. State health officials warned at the time about the potential risks of drinking raw milk milk that is not pasteurized, meaning it has not gone through a heat-treating process that destroys bacteria. At the time, the state Health Department said it was working with the farm to ensure effective sanitation practices are implemented consistently across every batch. In the suit, Maddox claimed she purchased Keely Farms Dairy raw milk at Wild Hare Natural Market in June when she was nearly 20 weeks pregnant. Keely Farms Dairy, Wild Hare Natural Market and attorneys for Maddox did not respond to requests for comment Monday. She purchased the milk for her husband, who grew up in Eastern Europe and had expressed an appreciation for farm fresh milk, the complaint said. Unaware of any potential dangers, she purchased it, the complaint said. The milk did have a label in accordance with Florida law that said it was for animal, not human, consumption. She inquired about the label but was told it was a technical requirement to sell farm milk and she did not question it further, the complaint said. The complaint does not specify whom Maddox asked about the label. Maddox and her husband began to provide the milk to their toddler, identified by the initials L.U., but after having consumed the raw milk on June 8, the lawsuit alleges, L.U. began to experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, chills and dehydration. They took the toddler to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children on June 9 for the first of what would be three emergency room visits and hospitalizations in the next several weeks, the suit said. The child was hospitalized for severe gastroenteritis from June 9 to 12. During that visit, L.U. was found to have both E. coli and campylobacter. Drinking raw milk or its products can expose people to germs, including campylobacter, Escherichia coli (E. coli), listeria, salmonella and other types of bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Campylobacter can make people ill with diarrhea. STEC is a type of E. coli that can cause bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps and vomiting, according to the CDC. STEC bacteria in the most severe form can also result in hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and is particularly concerning for children, the Health Department said. L.U. was discharged on June 12 but returned to the hospital on the 14th because of bloody stool. He underwent surgery for intussusception a type of bowel blockage and was treated for possible hemolytic uremic syndrome. He was discharged on the 16th, according to the suit. He returned the following day because of bloody stool and severe abdominal pain, and he remained there for two days. L.U.s medical treatment continues to this day, the complaint said. Maddox said that she did not drink the raw milk herself but that by June 13 she also sought medical treatment for diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain and chills. Testing found she tested positive for E. coli and campylobacter, and she was told she contracted it while she was caring for her toddler, the complaint said. Maddox was hospitalized for two days because she was pregnant and dehydrated, the complaint said. On June 18, Maddoxs fetus died and she was readmitted to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with sepsis. The complaint said an autopsy placed the age of her fetus at between 19 and 20 weeks. She was discharged but later readmitted to another hospital when her condition deteriorated, the complaint said. On June 30, the complaint says, she had a lumbar puncture and was screened for the onset of Guillain-Barre syndrome a rare condition that causes nerve damage and is most commonly caused by campylobacter infection, according to the CDC. Her medical treatment also continues to this day, the filing said. The suit accuses Keely Farms Dairy LLC and Wild Hare Natural Market of strict liability, negligence and breach of implied warranties. It alleges that the milk was defective at time of purchase because it contained E. coli and campylobacter and was therefore unreasonably dangerous. It accuses the farm of failing to properly test its products, failing to adequately monitor sanitary conditions and failing to warn the public about contamination. As a result, it says, Maddox suffered pain, suffering, mental anguish, disability, medical and pharmaceutical expenses, and she lost wages as a result of the incident. The suit seeks compensatory damages and relief. Getty Images / InStyle Tourist sandals, dad shoes, ortho-chic: whatever you want to call them, theres no escaping the fact that bulbous footwear continues to resonate. Earlier this summer, when Anne Hathaway was photographed on the set of The Devil Wears Prada 2, fans were quick to notice that her character Andy Sachs had traded in her Chanel boots for the luxury labels infamously viral velcro sandals. The style, first introduced in 2019, was instrumental in popularizing the flatbed shoe look. Even though trend setters, including Blake Lively, Alexa Chung, Kendall Jenner, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, were quick to co-sign the look in their double strap, interlocking CC sandals, the silhouette was somewhat dismissed as just the latest ugly shoe infatuation. But six years later, big and bold sandals of all types have more than proved their staying power. Similarly, The Row designers Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen were often photographed off-duty in their beloved Teva sandals. It inspired the duo to put their own spin on time-honored, practical, and comfortable styles, resulting in hits like the Hook and Loop sandal, and lately, the bulbous Ama and Hugh slides. Even The Rows buzzy Dune flip flopaka, those $800 rubber thongs you keep hearing aboutnow comes in a flat form version for those who cant resist the charms of a supersized sole. While the move towards footwear that looks like it was assigned to you by a medical professional has been steadily building for years, it seems to have reached a fever pitch lately. Just look at Jennifer Garner, who teamed a pretty pink dress with squishy black Oomega Thong Sandals by OOFOS, and Hailey Bieber who has been spotted going to Pilates in cloud-like mint-hued slides from her husband Justins streetwear brand SKYLRK. At the recent Copenhagen Fashion Week, flat shoes abounded in the cityknown for its practical stylewhich meant there were plenty of cool moments involving XL slides and sandals too. Tempted? Here are some fashion editor-approved ways to try your hand at the chunky sandals trend. 01 of 07 Elevated Casual Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Passerbys seen in Copenhagen in August 2025. As seen on one showgoer at CPHFW, a slide that covers most of the foot grounds, an effortless but formal outfit of a chore coat, button down, and loose cargo shorts. To keep the look polished and put together, opt for refinement in the form of texture (suede, structured canvas, and crisp cotton) and a harmonious color palette. 02 of 07 Go Sporty Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Passerby seen in Copenhagen in August 2025. Lean into the practicality of a bouncy rubber sole by playing up sporty elements. Case in point: the pared-back polo, plain white tee, and nylon bubble skirt let these pink flat form flip flops sing. 03 of 07 Show Some Leg Christian Vierig/Getty Images Alexa Chung seen in London in February 2023. A known fan of an unconventional shoe, Alexa Chung made these extra-large footbed sandals with neon green straps seem ultra covetable by teaming them with a mini skirt and slouchy boyfriend coat. 04 of 07 Keep It Simple Christian Vierig/Getty Images Christine Wuerfel-Stauss seen in New York City in September 2024. When in doubt, stick to the classics. A luxe black leather bomber jacket and tried-and-true cuffed blue jeans are the perfect canvas for these glossy padded sandals. 05 of 07 Play With Proportion Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images Maria Wos seen in Copenhagen in August 2024. This stylish front row fixture didnt shy away from volume, pairing a maxi poplin skirt and longline blazer with chunky velcro sandals. The key here? Opting for a bandeau instead of a fussy shirt and keeping hair pulled back to reveal a graceful neckline. The cinching of the jacket also adds shape and dimension. 06 of 07 Mix Up Your Classic Tailoring Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Passerby seen in Copenhagen in August 2025. Teva Arizona-style sandals lend a nonchalant edge to outfitsjust ask the Olsens. Make like this fashion show guest by juxtaposing yours with traditional wardrobe staples like a camel jacket and denim. 07 of 07 Choose Monochrome Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Gabriella Berdugo seen in Paris in June 2025. Not afraid to stand out? Take a leaf from the book of this maximalist-leaning dresser, and hone in on one color story from top to toe. Read the original article on InStyle Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the White House on Monday for a meeting with President Donald Trump and several European leaders dressed in a black military-style suit, a departure from his typical army-green colored outfits or polos. The outfit retained nods to Ukraines ongoing war efforts while also accommodating the White Houses preference for a more formal suit, following the pairs tense Oval Office meeting in February. According to Axios, the White House asked Zelensky to wear a suit to Mondays meeting following a tense Feb. 28 Oval Office encounter, during which Trump criticized the Ukrainian leaders military attire. Hes all dressed up today! Trump told reporters at the time, in what was widely seen as a veiled jab. Mondays meeting, in contrast, was markedly more friendly as the two discussed potential peace initiatives with President Vladimir Putin, before being joined by a delegation of European leaders. Read More: Trump Tells Zelensky to Forgo Regaining Crimea and Joining NATO Ahead of White House Meeting The black suit also prompted a lighter moment Monday, when a conservative pundit who had previously criticized Zelensky offered a compliment. U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on August 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker2025 Getty Images President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit, Brian Glenn, White House correspondent for right-wing media group Real Americas Voice, said. Trump quickly jumped in I said the same thing. He continued, pointing at Glenn, And hes the one that attacked you last time. Zelensky said he remembered Glenn, and jokingly noted he was wearing the same suit as he did during his first meeting with Trump. Back in February, Glenn scolded Zelensky in a question in the Oval Office, asking him if he owned a suit. A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dignity of this office, he said. In response, Zelensky said: I will wear a costume after this war will finish. Contact us at letters@time.com. Google has agreed to pay $55 million (US$35.8 million) fine in Australia after admitting it made illegal deals that blocked rival search engines from Android phones. The company admitted wrongdoing and agreed to the penalty. It is now up to the court to determine whether the penalty and other orders are appropriate, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said in a statement. The commission has also filed the court proceedings against Google on Monday. According to the statement, Google had made deals with Telstra and Optus between December 2019 and March 2021. The deals required the telcos to only install Google Search on Android phones they sold. In return, Google shared advertising revenue with the carriers when customers used Google Search. The arrangements also banned Telstra and Optus from installing any other search engines on the phones. They could not even suggest other search options to customers. These contracts contained what the commission called Platform-wide Provisions that created barriers for competing search engines. The commissions statement detailed how these provisions required all search access points on such devices were configured to utilise Google Search out-of-the-box and prevented telcos from implementing any general search engine service that was substantially similar to Google Search. by Melani Manel Perera Villages in northern Sri Lanka have been protesting for weeks against the second phase of a 50 MW wind power project. The latter has serious environmental consequences, Fr Marcus Adigalar, parish priest of Thalaimannar, told AsiaNews. The project impacts marine and coastal ecosystems. Dissanayake is open to dialogue. Young people are calling for permits to be cancelled and a protected area to be created. Colombo (AsiaNews) In Mannar Island, northern Sri Lanka, villagers have been staging a protest for nearly two weeks demanding a halt to the second phase of a 50 MW wind power project, arguing that it is an environmental disaster and poses an existential threat to their livelihoods. The protest is widely supported. Young people and religious leaders have joined in, raising their voices, and the government put the project on hold and started talks with residents. Dozens of villagers, young and old, came together, holding signs with slogans such as Don't kill our lives and build up Wind power, Don't play with our future, and The wind power plant is a deathblow to us. The villagers participated in the protest taking turns, the last one with people from the villages of Vankalai and Thalai Mannar. Following a meeting on 13 August in Colombo with representatives of civil society groups and religious leaders from the Northern Province, the government decided to suspend the project for a month to study the issues affecting the population of the Mannar area. It stated that, during this period, measures will be taken to identify problems and provide timely solutions. Father Marcus Adigalar, parish priest of Thalaimannar and president of the Mannar Citizens' Committee, spoke to AsiaNews about the situation We cannot allow this project to go ahead as it will have serious environmental consequences, just like what happened after the implementation of the first phase of the project, he said. In recent years, the region has been continually flooded due to the redevelopment of natural waterways and the construction of new roads. For this reason, we cannot allow this project to be built here," said the parish priest, who has strongly opposed it from the beginning. His and other priests' closeness to the population has been the great strength that has allowed the protest to continue unabated, some young people told AsiaNews. Mannar Island is a wetland of international importance and home to the Vankalai Bird Sanctuary, one of the most important wetland habitats in South Asia. Thousands of migratory birds stop here every year, and thousands of fishing families depend on the surrounding sea for their livelihoods. The wind energy project under construction on Mannar poses a serious threat to this fragile ecosystem. Global studies on wind energy projects that fail to take environmental systems into account show that wind turbine blades alter bird flight paths and increase the risk of fatal collisions. Furthermore, coastal mangroves and littoral vegetation are destroyed, damaging fish breeding grounds. Construction noise, vibrations, and increased traffic threaten marine species, particularly those already endangered. Coastal erosion is also increased, reducing access points for fishing activities. Environmental impact assessments prior to construction were inadequately conducted, and the voices of local communities have been ignored. Under the name of renewable energy, we cannot destroy nature, wildlife, and the livelihoods of people. Protecting Mannar's land, sea, and skies is our shared responsibility, people who sat for the long protest said. The fishing industry is the primary source of livelihood for thousands of families, and many fishermen have reported a reduction in their catch in recent years. It could be due to turbines or many other factors but we cannot prove it. The government is also not looking into this, lamented N. M. Aalam, secretary of the Federation of Northern Fisheries Cooperatives, in Mannar, speaking to AsiaNews. During the discussion on the topic, President Dissanayake emphasised that energy is a national resource, not limited to a single region, and that electricity costs impact not only household bills, but also production costs, foreign investment, and the entire economy. He stressed that the government is always ready to discuss the project's impact on people's livelihoods and daily lives, as well as address public concerns. Young people argue that the proposed sand mining activities also jeopardise coastal protection, freshwater aquifers, and marine biodiversity, insisting that these environmental consequences are irreversible. Following the protest march held on 6 August, a signature campaign was launched calling on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to revoke all existing permits and approvals related to ilmenite sand mining and to declare Mannar Island a protected coastal ecological zone. Finally, Father Marcus told AsiaNews that the population does not intend to give up their protest, and that all stakeholders, including the Diocese of Mannar, are engaged in discussions with government authorities to reach an amicable solution. We do not want to create a fight or an unpleasant situation, but we, our people, must live on this island peacefully like in the very far past. We should be able to breathe freely. That is enough, he added. by Santosh Digal Run by the Jesuit Conference of Asia-Pacific as a fruit of the Second Vatican Council, the EAPI promotes continuing education by welcoming priests, religious sisters, and lay people from various countries each semester. Its courses are a valuable tool for inculturating the faith in local contexts. FABC Chairman Cardinal Ferrao thanked the institute for its contribution to the missionary work of the Church. Manila (AsiaNews) The East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI) celebrated its 60th anniversary on 15 August with a solemn Eucharistic celebration followed by a seminar held the following days. Run by the Jesuit Conference of Asia-Pacific, the international organisation is headquartered on the campus of the Ateneo de Manila University. The meeting was conceived as an opportunity to reflect on EAPI's journey in light of the call to become a more synodal Church and to follow the direction indicated by the Spirit. Some 170 EAPI alumni, Church leaders, faculty members, benefactors, and collaborators attended the event. The opening Mass was led by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, archbishop of Goa and Daman (India), president of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), and a member of the Vatican Synodal Council. The Eucharist was a colourful and an inculturated celebration, featuring local dances, songs, processions, and the offering of incense, testimony to EAPIs multicultural diversity. In his homily, Cardinal Ferrao stressed the contribution the institute makes to the training and continuing education of Catholic priests, nuns, and lay people for missionary and pastoral work in Asia and beyond. He thanked the Jesuits who run the EAPI for their attentive leadership and commitment to evangelisation. A fruit of the Second Vatican Council, the EAPI began offering training programmes 60 years ago to promote the renewal of the Church in light of Vatican II. Currently, at each semester, it hosts more than 60 priests, religious, and lay people from more than 20 countries in Asia, Oceania, and Africa for a sabbatical of renewal, pastoral development, and ongoing education. Its programmes encompass a rich array of spiritual, pastoral, theological, and human development topics, and its pedagogy emphasises not only theoretical learning but also the integration of context, experience, and practical application. The seminar held on 16 and 17 August featured speakers like Sister Nathalie Becquart, undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican, and Charles Bertille, former executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei (CBCMSB). Their presentations focused on emerging opportunities and challenges in the Church's mission and pastoral leadership and on the call to synodality. Participants had a chance to engage with them on strategic issues facing the Church and the implications for institutions like EAPI, which play a crucial role in the education and training. Concern is growing around the world about the health of the 77-year-old businessman, a symbol of Hong Kongs pro-democracy movement, who has been imprisoned for nearly 1,700 days under Chinas national security law. The prosecution began its closing arguments in a trial that has dragged on since December 2023 and could end with a life sentence. The verdict, handed down by three judges specifically selected by the pro-Beijing camp, is expected in October. Hong Kong (AsiaNews/Agencies) Jimmy Lai was in court today with a holter, a portable heart monitoring device, after experiencing palpitations in recent days, but was "physically and mentally fit" to stand trial, according to a prison medical officer. The 77-year-old Catholic entrepreneur founded the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, which was forced to close, and is now on trial on charges of "conspiring with foreign forces" under Beijing's draconian 2020 national security law. Lai went before the West Kowloon Magistrates' Court today for the start of the final phase of his most important trial, for which he faces a life sentence. Visibly weakened by his detention, he clasped hands in greetings and thanks to his friends present in the public section of the courtroom. The hearing was postponed twice last week, first due to a violent storm that hit Hong Kong and then, at the defence's request, due to concerns about Jimmy Lai's health. Despite his advanced age and diabetes, he has been held in prison continuously for nearly 1,700 days, ever since he was denied bail in December 2020. Speaking from exile, his son Sebastian Lai has repeatedly expressed fears that his father might die in prison. In recent days, several appeals have been made around the world for his release, with US President Donald Trump himself saying: Im going to do everything I can to save him. Meanwhile, the trial in Hong Kong, which began in December 2023, is proceeding as planned, another example of what happens in cases of threats to national security. On the first day, the prosecutor laid out the charges of "conspiracy" against Jimmy Lai by citing his connections with figures linked in the US administration to get the United States to impose sanctions on Hong Kong in response to the repression of pro-democracy movements. The whole thing was peppered with lengthy disquisitions on the definitions of "collusion" and "hostile actions," with no intention of taking seriously the objection that almost all contacts and appeals to the international community dated back to the period before the national security law came into force. Late in the afternoon, the hearing was adjourned until tomorrow. The trial is scheduled to continue for several days. The verdict is not expected before October. The decision will be handed down by a panel of three judges specially selected by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, who are unlikely to deviate from the "exemplary" sentence the pro-Beijing machine wants. Today's news: The Washington summit with Trump and European leaders leads to openings for a meeting between Putin and Zelensky to end the war in Ukraine. Hamas is willing to accept a ceasefire proposal, while Israel is moving forward with its offensive in Gaza City. Philippine Senate starts investigation into corruption in flood control procurement. Singapore and Thailand reach agreement on carbon credits. CHINA INDIA Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi in a face-to-face meeting that epitomises the rapprochement between the two Asian giants, which has accelerated in recent weeks in response to US tariffs on India. Wang Yi and Jaishankar discussed border peace, trade issues, and bilateral trade, including the strategic issue of rare earths. Chinese sources also mentioned India's commitment to recognising Taiwan as part of China, but New Delhi maintains that its position on the issue has not changed. Indian Prime Minister Modi, who is meeting Wang Yi today, will travel to Tianjin on 31 August for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, his first trip to China in seven years. RUSSIA UKRAINE UNITED STATES EUROPEAN UNION During the White House summit with Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on the war in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump held further discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrange a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents by the end of August. Zelensky stated that he was ready for a tete-a-tete with Putin or a meeting that included Trump. The summit focused primarily on security guarantees for Ukraine within the framework of a peace agreement, which should be provided by European countries in coordination with the United States. RUSSIA Prices of Ai-92 gasoline on the St Petersburg Stock Exchange reached a record high of 71,309 rubles per tonne (almost US$ 890), up 1.28 per cent in a month, after previously topping 80,000 rubles. Diesel prices also rose to 60,000 rubles per tonne, following a proposal by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak to extend the export ban. GAZA - ISRAEL Hamas informed Qatari and Egyptian mediators yesterday that it has accepted a proposed ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages in Gaza. The agreement, which mirrors the one presented last month by US envoy Steve Witkoff at negotiations in Doha that stalled, would entail a 60-day truce and the release of half of the 50 hostages, including 10 of the 20 believed to be alive, in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners. Prime Minister Netanyahu attributed Hamas's move to "immense pressure" from Israel, but his government appears intent on moving forward with its military plans to occupy Gaza City. According to Palestinian sources, 25 more people were killed in bombings this morning. PHILIPPINES The Philippine Senate has set up a commission to investigate corruption in flood control projects. The Senate investigation comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his latest State of the Nation address, denounced public officials and companies involved in such activities. Marcos also launched a website allowing the public to report problems related to flood control projects. An investigation by Rappler, a Philippine online news website, revealed that six of the 15 companies that received major contracts for these projects had received negative evaluations on previous government projects. SINGAPORE THAILAND Singapore and Thailand have signed an agreement allowing Singapore to purchase carbon credits from Thailand. This agreement, Singapore's eighth, helps both countries achieve the climate goals of the Paris Agreement by directing funds to projects in Thailand. The deal boosts regional carbon markets, with Singapore aiming to offset 2.5 million tonnes of emissions annually through carbon credits. Champion local news. Join our community of readers who value daily beat reporting and in-depth stories alike. Your membership allows us to continue the legacy of local, independent journalism in the Roaring Fork Valley. With your support, we can remain a free and accessible source of news for everyone, always without paywalls or corporate influence. Together, we can ensure that vital local stories are told. His August 8 talks with Trump and Azerbaijani President Ilham held at the White House resulted in the initialing of an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty. Pashinian also pledged to give the United States exclusive rights to a transit corridor through Armenia demanded by Azerbaijan. The draft treaty publicized in the following days does not resolve thorny issues such as the delineation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border or the release of at least 23 Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan. Nor does it say anything about Karabakh. Peace has been established between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, Pashinian declared in a 30-minute video address to the nation. As for our compatriots displaced from Karabakh, I have publicly stated more than once that I do not consider their ideas about return to be realistic, he said. And in general, I consider bilateral discussions of the return of people who became refugees after the start of the conflict in Armenia and Azerbaijan to be a dangerous factor that undermines the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Our vision for the future of our compatriots displaced from Karabakh is as follows: with our support and that of the international community, they should settle down in Armenia and live, create, and establish themselves here as full citizens of Armenia, added Pashinian. Even before the White House agreements, Karabakhs exiled leadership in Yerevan tried in vain to get the Armenian government to champion the Karabakh Armenians right to safe repatriation in peace talks with Baku. Pashinian made clear that the Karabakh issue is closed for his administration. In an apparent reference to Russia, the Armenian premier again claimed on Monday that the issue was long used by some forces as a tool to prevent Armenia's independence and sovereignty. He himself had famously said in 2019 that Artsakh is Armenia. He stopped using the Armenian name of Karabakh after recognizing Azerbaijani sovereignty over the region in 2022. More than 100,000 Karabakh Armenians, the regions virtually entire remaining population, fled to Armenia in the space of a week following the Azerbaijani assault condemned by the U.S. and the European Union. Azerbaijan denies forcing the Karabakh Armenians to flee their homes and says they can live there under Azerbaijani rule. Karabakhs leaders and ordinary residents rejected such an option even before the exodus. Some of those leaders have said that only international guarantees could convince the refugees to return home. Yerevan has refused to seek such guarantees. 19 August 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The economic figures published by the Turkish Statistical Institute for the first half of 2025 tell a story far beyond mere numbers. Turkiyes exports to Azerbaijan, reaching $1.417 billion, reflect a dynamic partnership that is anchored not only in trade but also in deep cultural, historical, and fraternal bonds. This achievement is more than a statistical developmentit is a symbol of the economic destiny shared by two brotherly nations whose ties have always gone beyond ordinary state-to-state relations. The significance of Azerbaijan ranking second among Turkic states in importing Turkish goods, only slightly behind Kazakhstan, cannot be overstated. It illustrates how Ankara and Baku have translated the spirit of one nation, two states into tangible economic cooperation. For years, the political leadership of both countries has prioritized not only diplomatic solidarity but also economic integration. The robust trade data show how those commitments are bearing fruit in ways that will only deepen in the years ahead. The broader context makes this development even more meaningful. Turkiyes total exports to five Turkic republicsAzerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstanreached nearly $5.1 billion in the first six months of the year. Imports from these countries amounted to $4.003 billion in the same period. These figures underscore the rising economic interdependence of the Turkic world, one that aligns with the vision laid out by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). In an age when global economic partnerships are being reshaped, this intra-Turkic momentum demonstrates the power of regional solidarity. Azerbaijans prominent position within this framework is no coincidence. Over the past decades, Baku and Ankara have built a model of strategic cooperation encompassing energy, defense, infrastructure, and culture. Projects like the BakuTbilisiKars railway, the Southern Gas Corridor, and major defense industry collaborations are concrete examples of how bilateral ties go hand in hand with regional stability and prosperity. Trade growth is thus not a standalone achievement; it is the natural continuation of a multifaceted partnership that strengthens the entire Turkic geography. The economic data also reveal new opportunities. While Kazakhstan led with $1.51 billion in imports from Turkiye, and Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan followed with $931 million, $639 million, and $595 million respectively, the overall distribution highlights the need for further diversification and expansion. With strategic initiatives such as the Middle Corridor and digital connectivity projects, the Turkic states can create an even more dynamic trading bloc capable of competing globally. For Azerbaijan and Turkiye, the challenge and the opportunity lie in moving beyond energy and traditional sectors toward high-value industriestechnology, renewable energy, and logistics. Both countries possess the talent, resources, and political will to transform trade relations into a cutting-edge economic model that benefits the entire region. The impressive trade volumes of 2025s first half are therefore a starting point, not an endpoint. Equally important is the spirit behind the numbers. Trade between Turkiye and Azerbaijan is not merely transactional; it is underpinned by brotherhood. Each container of Turkish goods crossing into Azerbaijan carries not just products but also the weight of a shared history and a shared future. Likewise, Azerbaijani exports to Turkiye represent a reaffirmation of solidarity, trust, and commitment to joint development. This emotional and cultural foundation distinguishes Turkic trade from other global economic relationships. Looking forward, it is clear that the strengthening of economic cooperation among Turkic states will play a decisive role in regional and global affairs. A trade volume surpassing $9 billion within six months is an indication of the potential scale we are discussing. By 2030, the Turkic world could easily establish itself as a major economic bloc, reinforcing the vision of leaders who have long called for deeper unity among brotherly nations. In sum, the growth of Turkiyes exports to Azerbaijan is more than an economic success; it is a milestone in a historic journey of solidarity, cooperation, and shared prosperity. Every step in this direction brings the Turkic world closer to realizing its true potential. The road ahead is bright, and together, Turkiye and Azerbaijan will continue to lead the way. 19 August 2025 13:57 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. In 2024, a total of 1.4 billion manats were allocated to the environment and agriculture sectors, underscoring the government's prioritization of climate resilience and sustainable development. Specifically, the Environmental Protection sector was forecasted to receive 376.9 million manats for the implementation of 26 measures under five programs... Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 19 August 2025 21:15 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Following the Trump-mediated summit in the US capital on August 8, for the first time, official Yerevan is beginning to voice words of peace. The meeting also serves as a push for Azerbaijan and Armenia to adapt to a new reality in their relations. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, returning from vacation, delivered a public address on the Washington Declaration signed on August 8, seeking to counter the flood of opposition-driven narratives dominating the media. According to Pashinyan, the Washington Declaration has ushered Armenia into "a new South Caucasus and a new republic." He emphasized that the United States views peace as established between Yerevan and Baku, setting the stage for his ruling party to enter the next elections on a peace platform. The prime minister highlighted that peace is what most Armenians want, after decades of war and conflict, and that opposition calls for renewed hostilities no longer resonate with a population weary of instability. Street polls, he argued, confirm this sentimentsuggesting that by aligning with popular demand, his government strengthens its electoral chances. "Armenia is emerging from the blockade after 30 years. For the first time since the 1990s, we are experiencing peace. Everything changed after August 8. We dont know what it feels like to live in peace or to work peacefully. This is a new feeling for us because, since the day we gained independence, we have lived amidst conflict and war. We have to relearn what it means to live in peace, understand what peace actually is, how it is achieved, and what it looks like", - he said. For Armenia, which has remained isolated for more than three decades, connectivity is "as important as air and water." With Azerbaijan already spearheading regional and international logistics projects, Pashinyan underscored the urgency of joining these initiatives to revive Armenias struggling economy. This requires advancing border demarcation and delimitation, a process Yerevan has already initiated in Tavush and intends to expand further. Pashinyan acknowledged that some Azerbaijani territories would inevitably be returned to Baku through this processa step he described as both legitimate and necessary. The opening of the Zangezur corridor (recently labelled as Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity - TRIPP), he stressed, would not only grant Azerbaijan unhindered access to Nakhchivan but would also provide Armenia with significant economic benefits, from budget revenues to regional job creation, particularly in Syunik. "Joining international logistics projects is Armenias path out of isolation," he stated, countering opposition criticism that has weaponized the corridor debate. Undoubtedly, in line with this, his statement during his meeting with Massoud Pezeshkian that the agreement with Azerbaijan would open up new opportunities for railway cooperation between Armenia and Iran should be welcomed. This also served as a strong rebuttal to Iranian politicians who have recently expressed anti-Azerbaijan sentiments regarding this project. Perhaps the most striking part of the address was Pashinyans declaration that the Garabagh issue "is closed." He admitted that without resolving this matter, peace would have been impossible. This comes at a very ideal moment, especially since, during the meeting in Washington, an Armenian journalist posed a question about the fate of Armenians who left Garabagh but did not receive a response. Consequently, this topic was not addressed in the bilateral talks. Moreover, the Armenian government occasionally argue that Azerbaijan's demands for constitutional amendments are harmful to the peace process. Additionally, the issues mentioned above are also obstructing progress toward peace. The current peace process aims to eliminate efforts to address the Garabagh issue in any international context. This is why Baku has made this a prerequisite, and it appears to be a condition that is being adhered to. On the question of Garabagh Armenians, Pashinyan dismissed any prospects for their return, warning that keeping the issue alive risks becoming a tool of foreign influence. Pashinyan also addressed the politically sensitive issue of Armenian separatists currently on trial in Azerbaijan, including figures like Ruben Vardanyan, once seen as a rival to the prime minister. He emphasized that this matter was not included in the peace agreement and should not obstruct the peace process. By framing it as an internal Azerbaijani affair, Pashinyan appeared to be preparing Armenian society for acceptance of Bakus position. Armenias acceptance of new regional realities and of Azerbaijans legitimate demands. Importantly, he highlighted that the agreement was the product of direct, bilateral negotiationswithout mediatorsunderscoring its credibility. This is part of adapting to new realities; these conditions determine the next steps. Pashinyan positioned his government as pragmatic and forward-looking, while challenging the oppositions revanchist narrative. Last remarks Armenian PM's remarks come at a crucial point, and it is indeed plausible. However, a rational approach to resolving the post-Washington settlement issues is to establish legal foundations and institutional mechanisms. Not everyone agrees with the current situation. Leaders from the Armenian diaspora, church, and nationalist figures argue that recent developments undermine the Armenian cause. These actors create a constellation of influence that opposes Pashinyans realist ideologies. What they defend is not merely a set of territorial claims, but a worldview rooted in grievance, martyrdom, and a narrative of heroic victimhood. As governments have come and gone in Yerevan, the Church has acted as a stable institution and, at times, a power center in its own right, arguably functioning as a sort of "deep state." Significant reforms and steps not taken today could be undermined at any moment in the near future. Pashinyan's another real challenge - the 2026 Parliamentary Election - also accentuates this. Real outcomes can only be achieved when the uncertainty of the political landscape, conflicting interests, and empty rhetoric are replaced by law. Peace is not just the absence of war; it is a robust system founded on legal guarantees, international recognition, and mutual agreement. Achieving this requires more than just vision; it requires public consent. Any enduring agreement must be built from the ground up, rather than imposed from above. Without this vital, any discussions about peace are nothing more than an illusion. We must remember that signing a peace agreement and maintaining peace relies not only on statements and declarations but also on real actions. In this ideal environment, implementing this agreement is now the responsibility of everyone. 19 August 2025 11:45 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more With financial backing from the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the "Master Alaskhar's Cry from Goycha Towards the Homeland" project hosted its latest event in Barda district, organized by the Dada Alaskhar Hearth Public Association, Azernews reports. The event took place at Barda District Cultural Center. At the event, the National Anthem of Azerbaijan was played, the memory of the martyrs of the Patriotic War was honored with a minute of silence, and a video titled "Truths of Western Azerbaijan" was screened. Speakers at the event included the chairman of "Dd lsgr Ocag" and project leader Khetai Alaskharli, Barda District Executive Authority representative Sabuhi Gasimov, and others. They emphasized the importance of preserving Dada Alaskhar's legacy, conveying the truths of Western Azerbaijan to future generations, strengthening national identity, and the vital role this legacy plays in forming the spiritual foundations of the idea of return to Western Azerbaijan. During the artistic part of the event, performers presented the rich musical traditions of Dada Alaskhar's heritage to the audience. Their performances offered attendees a memorable evening of art. The next event within the project is planned to be held in Baku. Based on the results of the accreditation of music and art schools in the Baku, Absheron-Khizi, Guba-Khachmaz, Shirvan-Salyan, and Mil-Mugan regions, the second phase of training for teachers has been launched, Azernews reports citing the Culture Ministry. Trainingg, organized by the Scientific-Methodical and Professional Development Center for Culture and supported by the Azerbaijan Cultural Workers Trade Union, will last for two months. More than 70 teachers specializing in piano, music theory, tar, kamancha, accordion, mugham singing, and percussion are participating in the program. The training is being held at the Muslum Magomayev 26th Specialized Music School and the Fikrat Amirov 6th Specialized Art School in Baku. Classes are conducted by experts with pedagogical experience, using individual and group methods, interactive models, and modern educational technologies. On the first day of the training, the acting director of Scientific-Methodical and Professional Development Center for Culture, PhD in Art Studies, Associate Professor Vagif Humbatov, the chairman of the Culture Workers' Trade Union, Elkiyar Ziyadov, and the vice-chairman Taleh Huseynli met with the teachers and stated that the main goal of the initiative is to enhance knowledge and skills, adopt modern teaching methods, and support professional development. Over 100 teachers participated in the first phase of training, held between May and July. 19 August 2025 15:44 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The Jafar Jabbarli Republican Youth Library has created an electronic database to its users, highlighting the life journey and dedicated scientific and social activities of the prominent figure in Azerbaijani literature and public life, writer Shikhali Gurbanov, Azernews reports. The electronic database, created to mark the 100th anniversary of the writer, is available on the librarys official website. It features key dates in Shikhali Gurbanovs life and career, valuable quotes from prominent individuals about him, as well as the awards he received. The electronic database also includes articles such as "The Phenomenon of Shikhali Gurbanov" by Aziz Mirahmadov, Corresponding Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Honored Scientist, and Professor, and "An Unforgettable Personality: Shikhali Gurbanov" by Ramin Ahmadov, Doctor of Philology, Professor. The electronic database also lists the books, articles, and periodicals authored or edited by the renowned writer, published in Azerbaijani and Russian, along with books written about him. Sections such as "Filmography," "Notes," "Dissertations and Abstracts," "Izomaterials," "Electronic Resources," "Virtual Exhibition,"* and "Photo and Video Gallery" are also included in the database, which was prepared in connection with his 100th anniversary. A video material dedicated to the writers anniversary has also been created by the library staff. The video highlights that Shikhali Gurbanov's work was not limited to literature, linguistics, and theater alone, but that he was one of the main organizers of the national revival of national ideas, national holidays, and Azerbaijani identity at the state level. The video discusses his vast social activities based on national and moral values and the ideas of enlightenment, mentioning that it was thanks to him that Novruz holiday was officially celebrated at the state level for the first time in 1967. Alongside his rich literary work, the material sheds light on his contributions to the development of Azerbaijani literature, dramaturgy, and public thought, featuring photos and videos documenting his activities over the years. The video titled *Writer, Playwright Shikhali Gurbanov at 100* has been uploaded to the library's official website. 19 August 2025 12:03 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Kenya Sultan Hajiyev met with Kenyas Minister of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Alice Wahome, to discuss opportunities for cooperation in housing, urban planning, and sustainable development, Azernews reports. According to the Azerbaijani Embassy in Kenya, the meeting emphasized Kenyas leading role in affordable housing across the African continent and the importance of addressing urban development and climate change challenges. These themes will also be central to the Thirteenth Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13), which Azerbaijan will host in Baku in 2026 together with UN-Habitat. Minister Wahome recalled her earlier meetings with Anar Guliyev, Chairman of Azerbaijans State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture and National Coordinator of WUF13, where preparations for the forum and potential collaboration were discussed. Both sides highlighted the potential of joint efforts in this area and agreed on the importance of encouraging broader African participation in WUF13. They underlined the need for continued practical steps to deepen cooperation. Ambassador Hajiyev also briefed the minister on the upcoming 3rd Azerbaijan Urban Planning Forum, to be held in Khankendi and Baku on October 1517, 2025, and extended an official invitation to attend the event. 19 August 2025 15:24 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more On August 19, 2025, Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, held a telephone conversation with Arzu Rana Deuba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, Azernews reports. According to a statement from the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Minister Deuba extended congratulations on the agreements reached between Azerbaijan and the United States during the Summit held during the Azerbaijani Presidents visit to Washington, as well as on the progress made in the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process. Both ministers noted the commendable high-level political contacts between the two countries in recent years. The Nepalese Presidents visit to Azerbaijan in the framework of COP29 was also recalled with appreciation. The discussion highlighted the significance of intensified diplomatic relations over the 30 years since the establishment of formal ties, the government mission to Nepal, and political consultations organized between the two foreign ministries. During the call, the ministers reviewed the current state and future prospects of bilateral cooperation in economic-trade, tourism, humanitarian, and other areas. They emphasized the importance of collaboration within international organizations, including the Non-Aligned Movement, and underlined the need to strengthen mutual support in multilateral formats. The phone conversation also covered other issues of mutual interest, further reinforcing the commitment of both nations to deepen bilateral and multilateral relations. If you want, I can also **condense this into a shorter, breaking-news version** suitable for a front-page headline story. 19 August 2025 18:45 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more On the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, the Embassy of Ukraine in Azerbaijan expressed deep appreciation for the assistance provided by Baku since the beginning of the war, Azernews reports. In a statement shared on the social network X, the embassy said: We honor the memory of those who defended and supported humanity in the most difficult times. This day is of particular importance for Ukraine. The embassy highlighted that the solidarity of international organizations, donor countries, businesses, and ordinary citizens has been crucial in helping Ukraine overcome ongoing challenges. We express our special gratitude to friendly Azerbaijan, its leadership and all your people, who have supported Ukraine since the first days of the war. We express our sincere gratitude to you, especially for the humanitarian assistance provided in the energy sector, as well as for the rehabilitation programs for children affected by the war, the post emphasized. Azerbaijan has delivered multiple humanitarian aid packages to Ukraine since 2022, including medical supplies, energy equipment, and social support programs. The country has also supported the rehabilitation and treatment of Ukrainian children affected by the conflict, reflecting its long-standing humanitarian engagement in times of crisis. 19 August 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. The price of Azerbaijans flagship crude, Azeri Light, fell modestly across key Mediterranean and Turkish ports, Azernews reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 19 August 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Ties with India are demonstrating a positive trend in returning to the path of cooperation, Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said, Azernews reports, citing Yeni Safak. Wang, who is expected to call on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi later Tuesday, made the comments during his bilateral meeting with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, according to a readout of the meeting released by Beijing. In New Delhi, Wang is meeting Indian national security adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday for 24th round of boundary talks. He is on his first trip to India since 2022 after ties between the Himalayan neighbors spiraled down in 2019, leading to border clashes in the Ladakh region of disputed Jammu and Kashmir in May 2020, which left 24 rival soldiers dead. The trip also comes as the US-India strategic ties have witnessed strain under Trump's second term, as Washington has punished New Delhi with staggering 50% tariffs, accusing the worlds most populous country of unfair trade and funding Russias war machine as conflict in Ukraine continues. New Delhi has pushed back on tariffs, calling them unjust and unfair. Meeting Wang on Monday, Jaishankar said: Confident that our discussions would contribute to building a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China. Modi is expected to pay an official trip to China at the end of August, where he will also attend a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization leaders. Acknowledging difficult period in bilateral ties, Jaishankar, however, said the two nations now seek to move ahead. While Jaishankar insisted differences should not become disputes between the two, Wang sought mutual respect and trust as well as peaceful coexistence. Wang said the two sides should view each other as partners rather than adversaries or threats, and invest their respective valuable resources in development and revitalization towards win-win cooperation. There is a revelation within the Democratic Socialists, which is creating a newfound discovery that masks are bad or wrong for society, and should not be worn by certain groups; currently the rancor is to unmask ICE agents: What is your opinion on the wearing of masks? 83.33% Yes, ICE agents should wear masks if it keeps them safe from the threat of doxing.8.33% No, ICE agents must be forced to reveal their true selves; however, wearing masks while rioting and looting is within the bounds of the Leftist dictum.8.33% I wear masks often at Halloween. The "woke" far left ideologues who push DEI, CRT, radical gender ideology, ESG, and similar "woke" garbage have long targeted K-12 education. Liberal textbook companies have been eaten up with it, as have the radical teachers unions. Some states like Florida and Texas have been fighting back to keep this political propaganda out of the curriculum, but not North Carolina. Woke dogma even finds its way into math textbooks. Florida rejected the math textbooks of the liberal Savvas textbook company finding their math curriculum loaded with DEI and CRT. Here in Beaufort County, the school board on a 7 to 2 vote adopted the Bridges math curriculum which contains DEI and even worse is based on the Common Core concept that has failed students around the country. Now Real Clear Investigations has published an excellent article on the far left's distortion of math education in grades K-12: https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2025/08/19/billionaires_backing_woke_math_doesnt_add_up_amid_dei_rollback_1129311.html When conservatives on the Beaufort County School Board objected to the Bridges math curriculum due to its DEI content, they were given the same canned excuse used by the liberal foundation in the article from Real Clear Investigations. Neurotech firm Neurovalens has raised 6m in an investment round to help fund its expansion in global healthcare markets, it announced today. The Belfast firm has used neuroscience to develop medical devices in the form of headsets to address health problems such as insomnia, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Devices Modius Sleep for treating insomnia and Modius Calm for managing anxiety are now available to buy in the US, where they are being prescribed by healthcare professionals. When worn, the devices transmit electrical waves to the brain to treat brain-activated disorders. The company previously obtained medical device clearance from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the devices. The 6m funding round was led by a 1.5m investment by the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland (IFNI), managed by Clarendon Fund Managers. There was also 780,000 investment from Whiterocks Growth Capital Fund and further support from existing investors IQ Capital, Innovation Ulster Ltd, and the Angel Co-Fund, as well as private investors. It also includes a 1m loan from the IFNI debt fund, managed by Whiterock. A Modius headset designed by Neurovalens The 6m is set to support the companys commercial expansion in the US and other overseas markets, and accelerate sales of its FDA-cleared devices. Dr Jason McKeown, CEO of Neurovalens, said: Were delighted to have the support of the Investment Fund for Northern Ireland and our other new and existing investors at this key stage in our journey. "This funding will enable us to significantly scale sales of our current medical devices, and also to extend our product portfolio through additional FDA approvals. "Our technology offers an entirely new approach to treating serious global health challenges through safe, non-invasive neurostimulation. Brian Cummings, investment director at Clarendon Fund Managers, said: Clarendon is proud to continue our support for Neurovalens through the IFNI fund. "The company has achieved some very significant milestones over the past few years including medical device clearance from the FDA for the treatment of some serious health conditions. "We look forward to working with Jason and his team as the business expands its commercial operations in the US and beyond. The IFNI was launched by The British Business Bank to support innovation and create opportunities for new and scaling businesses. The 70m fund offers financial options including debt finance and equity investments. Clarendon Fund Managers manages the 33m equity fund and can provide equity stakes of up to 5m. So far, Neurovalens has raised approximately 20m in equity and debt funding from UK investors including Wharton Asset Management, IQ Capital, Techstart Ventures, Angel Co Fund, Beltrae Partners, Co-Fund NI managed by Clarendon Fund Managers, Innovation Ulster Limited and British Business Bank. Why overly-physical Irish League clubs must change their ways if they want to be successful in Europe Meet the Belfast woman whos now a pizza master in Qatar: It started as a hobby... Andrea Corcorans culinary career inspired by global travels and has launched her own range of food Andrea Corcoran is the co-founder of Mio Pizzeria in Qatar capital Doha Niamh Campbell Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 07:07 Belfast woman Andrea Corcoran left the city over 20 years ago and has travelled the world discovering exotic foods and developing her own recipes. A delegation from Queen's University and St Mary's College have been in Cairo this week to meet with educators from Palestine. Academics from Queens University have travelled to Cairo after visa complications halted plans for a course with Palestinian educators in Belfast. The delegation met with the educators from Gaza to discuss rebuilding education in Palestine. The university had initially planned to bring 40 educators from Gaza to Queens for a seven-day course this week, but due to visa issues, Queens staff travelled to Cairo instead. The programme organised with Forward Thinking and St Marys University College who will contribute virtually brings together Northern Ireland and Palestinian experts to share insights on education in societies affected by conflict. Participants will explore trauma-informed pedagogy, apply educational debates to conflict-affected societies, and draw lessons from Northern Irelands transitioning education system. Dr Ryan Feeney, vice-president of governance and external affairs, and registrar at Queens University, said: Queens holds University of Sanctuary status and has a long-standing commitment to supporting education in conflict-torn regions, demonstrated through our partnership with the Council for At Risk Academics, our Copty Scholarships for Palestinian students, and by sharing expertise gained from Northern Irelands own journey towards reconciliation. "This visit reflects our belief in the transformative power of education to heal, rebuild, and offer hope for future generations. It is essential that there is ongoing international engagement now on how to rebuild the education system in Gaza post-conflict. "It was our hope to facilitate this programme on our campus in Belfast; however, the complications with visas meant this was not possible, and we will attempt to do this again later in the academic year. The Copty Scholarship was first introduced in 2020 by Gina Copty and Chris McDowell. It was extended with investment by the university in 2024 to cover four post-graduate places for students with Palestinian nationality who live in Gaza or the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. This year, one scholar faced challenges being evacuated from Gaza due to the escalation of violence and greater restrictions placed on the movement of people. Queens said it continues to work with relevant governments to secure safe passage for the individual and has committed to their scholarship place remaining available until this can happen. Professor Peter Finn, principal at St Marys University College, added: We feel privileged to make a small contribution to the process of rebuilding and shaping of education in Palestine. "Our focus is on the role of teachers and teacher education, as well as community-based educational initiatives and international outreach in offering some hope to a place which has been devastated. We are very conscious of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the fact that thousands of innocent children have been killed. We do not underestimate the scale of the education challenge in Palestine and we know there are no ready-made solutions, however this collaborative initiative of Queens University and St Marys University College is based on the most precious human value of hope. A new report estimating that one in seven men in Northern Ireland have experienced domestic abuse during their lifetime calls for greater funding for dedicated support. It warns that existing services for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse are struggling to meet their complex needs, with male victims often overlooked. The report examined existing services available to male victims and through surveys and interviews with providers aimed to identify gaps. In the foreword, Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna described the document as a call to action. According to the report, while women are disproportionately affected by domestic and sexual abuse, men are also impacted and face significant barriers to accessing support. Barriers faced by men included stigma, not recognizing their experiences as abuse, and fear of not being believed. The report also highlighted concerns about the impact on children when leaving the family home and a lack of available support services. While it is estimated around a third of men have experienced domestic abuse, researchers said there is a lack of statistical data on the prevalence of male sexual abuse. The research also found abuse experienced by men takes many forms, including coercive control, physical violence, sexual degradation and abuse which includes the threat of publication of intimate or sexually explicit material. Insufficient and unsustainable funding was frequently cited as a barrier to support services. Researchers warned that this lack of support can lead to the closure of services, like in the case of charity the Mens Action Network (MAN). The Co Londonderry charity was forced to suspend services last year due to a lack of funding. Among its recommendations, the report called for increased funding for services supporting male victims and survivors, including investment in prevention and early intervention. It also called for improvements in data collection and greater engagement with men and boys to better understand their needs and the barriers they face. The report also said there was a need for greater public awareness of male experiences of domestic and sexual abuse and the support available to victims. Ms Hanna said that all victims whether they are male or female, should have access to dedicated specialist support services. Commissioner designate for Victims of Crime, Geraldine Hanna This mapping exercise provides important information for policy makers who are keen to tackle the issue of domestic and sexual abuse, she said. This goes beyond the justice system. This is a pressing public health issue with significant implications for victim-survivors and our wider society. Male victim-survivors face specific barriers in coming forward to report their abuse and tackling the scourge of domestic and sexual abuse must mean that we are committed to breaking those barriers down. I am grateful to the researchers for their work, and I will continue to work closely with the Executive and others to push for greater support for all those who need it. File photo Why is the M3 closed this weekend ? The research was carried out by Dr Colm Walsh from Queen's University Belfast and Dearbhaile Slane, Andy Bray and Jessica Scott from the Centre for Effective Services. Ms Slane from Centre for Effective Services added: "The organisations which participated in our research demonstrate a real commitment to supporting male victim-survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, but with very limited resources. The evidence we were able to gather points to the need for increased service provision to meet this significant need, adequate funding to enable services to deliver in the long term, and more awareness-raising to ensure men can access support. "There is also a need for more in depth understanding of the barriers to accessing support for male victim-survivors and for them to have their voices heard." The majority of people in Northern Ireland believe Health Minister Mike Nesbitt was wrong to allocate more than 800,000 to gender identity services in Northern Ireland, a new poll has revealed. Concerns over securing treasure trove of evidence on phone linked to John George murder probe Family lawyer says treasure trove device could implicate others in Belfast with criminality John Georges body was found in Spain in January Allison Morris Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 07:00 Concerns have been raised about the length of time it is taking the PSNI to secure evidence from a phone believed to contain a treasure trove of information linked to the murder of west Belfast man John George in Spain last year. Watch: Children run for safety as bar is petrol bombed in Armagh 'attempted murder' This is the terrifying moment that a pub in Armagh was targeted in an arson attack last night. Police are treating the incident at the Toby Jug bar as attempted murder. Two people needed hospital treatment after the incident at the premises on Irish Street in the city. A local MP has referred to it as a frightening incident for those in the vicinity. CCTV footage shows a man walking across Irish Street. He stops momentarily outside the Toby Jug bar before appearing to produce a device from his pocket and setting it alight. Moments later, he is seen leaving the bar and crossing the street. When people, including a woman and a young girl, run out of the pub the man pulls what appears to be a knife from his pocket, before turning and walking away. In the footage, the woman and can be seen fleeing the scene. A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life. A PSNI spokesperson said: Officers received a report of a fire shortly around 8.55pm. They were in attendance alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire Rescue Service who extinguished the blaze. "Two people have been taken to hospital for treatment to their injuries. A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody at this time. Theres a degree of shock and fright within the community at such a horrific attack Sinn Fein MP for Newry and Armagh, Daire Hughes, said the community has been left shocked and saddened following the incident. Theres a degree of shock and fright within the community at such a horrific attack, he said. Mr Hughes praised the emergency services quick response to the incident. An attack of this nature could have been devastating, he added. The fire service responded promptly and I would like to commend them for their actions last night. The PSNI have confirmed that a man has been arrested in connection to this brutal attack at this point we would like to reiterate at this point our call for anyone in the community with any information whatsoever to pass that on to the PSNI, he said. Mr Hughes offered his support to those impacted by the attack, including those who were injured. Regrettably two people were injured in this horrific attack and they are now in Craigavon Hospital and we obviously wish them a full and speedy recovery. A number of people, including families were in the pub on Monday night, for an acoustic open mic night. The incident has left many frightened to attend similar events in the city. One concerned resident said: Its a good thing it wasnt worse, it would put you off going about the town, especially if you had children with you. Mr Hughes said that Armagh is safe and that the community should find comfort in the polices speedy response to the incident. I would hope this brutal attack doesnt act as a deterrent for the community to engage in social and recreational activities, he added. We always work with the community to develop stronger safer communities right across Newry and Armagh. The best way to respond to an act as horrific as this like this is to make sure the PSNI is informed with all the information the community has in order to complete their inquiries. An ambulance service spokesperson confirmed they attended the scene following an 999 call. Two people were taken to Craigavon Area Hospital following initial treatment. A vigilante protest in the Ravenhill area of east Belfast on Sunday A man has been charged to court as part of a PSNI investigation into vigilante activity taking place across east Belfast over recent weeks. Police said people have been targeted over recent weeks by vigilantes due to the colour of their skin. They confirmed a 37-year-old arrested yesterday has since been charged with common assault and theft. The suspect was initially taken into custody for a number of suspected offences including assault, criminal damage and theft. The man is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on September 16. It comes after a group of around a dozen men branding themselves the East Belfast First Division (EBFD) posted a number of videos approaching members of the ethnic minority community. Last week, DUP Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly condemned the groups, saying they have no place in Northern Ireland, while the police called the activity racism pure and simple. Some videos show EBFD members demanding to see their passports and papers with other footage depicting a man telling the person stopped that anyone that is on these streets at night time, they will be asked what the f*** theyre doing. Following the arrest, a senior PSNI officer said that the individuals involved are confronting and intimidating innocent members of the public, largely on the basis of the colour of their skin. District Commander Superintendent Gavin Kirkpatrick said: The activity of these individuals has been generating fear in the community and it has to stop. A vigilante protest in the Ravenhill area of east Belfast on Sunday Blue-green algae arrives back on Lough Neagh Those involved have neither the legal nor the moral authority to do this. It is the responsibility of the Police Service to enforce the law in Northern Ireland. Over the past week we have been deploying additional targeted police patrols in east Belfast to engage, challenge and monitor these groups and provide reassurance to the community. "We have made one arrest and our investigations are continuing. I want to urge anyone who has been a victim of these groups to report it to police. We will robustly deal with any offences brought to us. Superintendent Kirkpatrick added: Let me be very clear, these groups are not protecting the community from anything. "In reality these groups are frustrating our efforts to provide a policing service to the people of east Belfast by forcing us to redirect our limited resources to monitoring them. I urge everyone involved in this type of activity to stop. Last week it emerged TikTok accounts linked to EBFD were shut down as the platform acted to ban the videos. 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 on the platform before it was banned. Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey also confirmed she has written to the Justice Minister about the groups. Racism, racist violence and intimidation is unacceptable, wrong and it must stop immediately, she said. These so called vigilante groups do not represent our society, they simply want to control communities through violence. Political leaders have a responsibility to show leadership, call out racism and stand with the victims of this intimidation and violence. I have written to the Justice Minister offering to work alongside her and the police to ensure that those responsible are held to account. I would also call on anyone with information to provide this to the police to assist in their investigations." The PSNI confirmed it received a report about criminal damage in the Harrogate Street area. Police are investigating a report of criminal damage after a republican activist sprayed graffiti demanding lower rent prices on a property in west Belfast. A video shared on social media by the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) appears to show a party campaigner spraying Drop the Rents on the front of a house. The PSNI confirmed it received a report at around 1.50pm this afternoon about criminal damage in the Harrogate Street area. The footage appears to show a man referred to as a republican socialist activist spray painting the demand on the window and wall of the currently unoccupied property. Republican Socialist activists in Belfast have taken direct action at a vacant property in Beechmount, currently being advertised by UPS at 900 a month for a three bedroom house, almost 500 above LHA rates, the IRSP claimed. This profiteering drives gentrification, forcing working class families with deep generational ties out of their own communities. We have made it clear that if landlords continue to exploit the housing crisis and bleed working class areas for profit, we will escalate our response. The PSNI confirmed it received a report about criminal damage in the Harrogate Street area. Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken? "Some may call this extreme, but when politicians, many of them landlords themselves, refuse to act, direct action becomes the only defence against those who thrive on systematic poverty. Republican Socialists will not stand idle while our communities are sold off for greed. Drop the rents. Defend our communities. The IRSP has been highlighting housing issues in its newsletter to bring to light what people within our communities are facing. The group has complained about living conditions and a lack of political pressure from elected politicians to deal with what slum landlords in the city. It has been highlighting families struggling during the cost of living crisis and demanded answers from Sinn Fein and the DUP on how the parties intend to provide relief. New laws were announced in the Republic back in 2017 to reform the rental sector by introducing stricter penalties for owners of unsafe rental accommodation. The UK Government announced similar measures two years ago. Detectives have appealed for anyone with information about the targeting of the property in west Belfast to call police on the 101 number, quoting reference 893 of 19/08/25. Alternatively witnesses can make a report online or via Crimestoppers. A 51-year-old man who suffered critical head injuries after being allegedly pushed by a garda has died in hospital. The Dublin man passed away in the Mater Hospital yesterday evening. He suffered the fatal injuries after hitting his head on the street following the interaction with the on-duty garda on OConnell Street in the early hours of Friday morning. The case is the subject of a major investigation by Fiosru, the Police Ombudsman, who have appealed for information in the case. The early morning incident which happened near the Holiday Inn on OConnell Street at 4.15am on Friday was captured on good quality CCTV. The 51-year-old Dublin man was rushed to hospital in a gravely ill condition. The Dublin man has been described as a very decent individual from a loving family. Sources have described what has happened as a devastating tragedy for all involved. It is understood the garda who is based at a north inner city station has not yet faced disciplinary sanctions in relation to the incident which followed an interaction between gardai and the 51-year-old man. In a statement, Fiosru, said the man suffered "serious harm, prompting a referral under new policing legislation. Fiosru is now appealing for witnesses who may have been in the area at the time. In particular, investigators are keen to hear from anyone close to the hotel at around 4.15am, or from drivers including taxis who may have dashcam or mobile phone footage. Anyone with information which may be of assistance to this independent investigation is asked to contact Fiosru at 0818 600 800 or info@fiosru.ie, the Ombudsmans office said. Garda jacket. Stock image. Blue-green algae arrives back on Lough Neagh One of Fiosrus on-call investigators attended the scene on Friday and the office confirmed it is continuing to engage with the mans family. The referral to Fiosru was made under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which requires the Garda Commissioner to pass on any matter indicating that the act or omission of a garda member may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person. Section 203(1) of the Act provides for such referrals, while Section 208(1)(b) prevents the Ombudsmans office from making further public comment while an investigation is underway. Fiosru said the investigation is ongoing and that no additional details could be provided at this stage. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: An Garda Siochana referred an incident to Fiosru following an interaction between a member of the public and an on-duty Garda Member on Friday 15th August 2025. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky (front) at the negotiating table ahead of closed-door talks, watched on by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French president Emmanuel Macron and US president Donald Trump (Alex Brandon/AP) Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky will meet, Donald Trump has said following a White House summit with European leaders aimed at bringing an end to the war in Ukraine. The US president spoke directly with the Russian president to begin planning a meeting between the two warring leaders, which will then be followed by a three-way meeting involving himself. It comes after Mr Trump said Moscow will accept multinational efforts to guarantee Ukraines security while hosting several European leaders including the Ukrainian President, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte. Posting on his Truth Social platform after the meeting, Mr Trump said he and the eight leaders discussed security guarantees before he called the Russian president. He described the meeting as very good and added: During the meeting we discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, which guarantees would be provided by the various European countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. Everyone is happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine. At the conclusion of the meetings, I called president Putin and began arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between president Putin and president Zelensky. After the meeting takes place, we will have a trilat which would be the two presidents plus myself. Before the White House talks, the US president said he would probably be able to find common ground with the leaders on a plan to ward off future attacks on Ukraine. He previously met with Mr Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, where he declared there was no deal until theres a deal to end more than three years of fighting in eastern Europe. The Alaska summit reinforced my belief that while difficult, peace is within reach and I believe, in a very significant step, President Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, Mr Trump said on Monday. And this is one of the key points that we need to consider. He later said: We also need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory taken into consideration the current line of contact. Mr Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff, had suggested measures similar to Natos article five mutual defence provision that an attack on one member is an attack on the entire bloc could be offered by the US without Kyiv joining the alliance. 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, Mr Witkoff told CNN over the weekend, as he spoke about the Alaska summit. Future three-way talks have a good chance of stopping the conflict, the US president claimed. But the president appeared to share conflicting views on whether a ceasefire was necessary to stop the war. I dont think you need a ceasefire, he had originally said, before later explaining that, all of us would obviously prefer an immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace. Sir Keir welcomed plans for a security guarantee, after Mr Trump introduced him at the negotiating table as a friend. The Prime Minister said: Your indication of security guarantees, of some sort of article five-style guarantees, fits with what weve been doing with the coalition of the willing which we started some months ago, bringing countries together and showing that we were prepared to step up to the plate when it came to security. United States President Donald J Trump leads European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, in the Cross Hall of the White House (Aaron Schwartz/PA) With you coming alongside, the US alongside, what weve already developed, I think we could take a really important step forward today a historic step, actually, could come out of this meeting in terms of security for Ukraine and security in Europe. Sir Keir also described potential future trilateral talks as appearing to be a sensible next step and continued: So, thank you for being prepared to take that forward, because I think if we can ensure that that is the progress out of this meeting both security guarantees and some sort of progress on (a) trilateral meeting of some sort to bring some of the difficult issues to a head then I think today will be seen as a very important day in recent years. The PA news agency understands the Prime Minister disrupted his holiday plans over the weekend to join calls, including with Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky, before he headed to Washington, as reported in The Times. Mr Zelensky, whom Mr Trump greeted at the door of the West Wing with a handshake earlier in the evening, wore a black shirt with buttons and a black blazer to the meeting at the White House. His attire had appeared to become a point of irritation for Mr Trump during a previous meeting in February. Early in the meeting, the Ukrainian described the talks as really good, saying they had been the best so far. Mr Zelensky said: We are very happy with the president that all the leaders are here and security in Ukraine depends on the United States and on you and on those leaders who are with us in our hearts. US President Donald Trump leads President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other European leaders through the White House during multilateral talks on the Russia/Ukraine war (Aaron Schwartz/PA) Sir Keir Starmer has hailed a breakthrough in efforts to end the war in Ukraine as Donald Trump said he would broker a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents and that the US would back European security guarantees. The Prime Minister was one of several European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte, who travelled to Washington on Monday as Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with the US President. Sir Keir said work with the US on what the security guarantees would entail could start as soon as Tuesday. The two outcomes were a real significant breakthrough when it comes to security guarantees, because were now going to be working with the US on those security guarantees, he told the BBC. Weve tasked our teams, some of them are even arriving tomorrow, to start the detailed work on that. The Prime Minister will co-chair a call on Tuesday morning of the so-called coalition of the willing, a group of nations looking to help Ukraine that he has been leading with Mr Macron. Mr Trump said he had spoken directly with Vladimir Putin to begin planning a meeting between the Russian leader and Mr Zelensky, which will then be followed by a three-way meeting involving himself. The US president said Moscow will accept multinational efforts to guarantee Ukraines security. Mr Zelensky, meanwhile, said he was ready for bilateral and trilateral meetings. But he told reporters following the White House meeting that if Russia does not demonstrate a will to meet, then we will ask the United States to act accordingly. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said the US and Europe would do more on tariffs and sanctions against Russia if the country is not playing ball on direct talks with Ukraine, in comments to Fox News. Sir Keir described the talks as good and constructive and said there was a real sense of unity between the European leaders, Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky. He said Mr Trumps plans to arrange the bilateral and trilateral meetings showed a recognition that Ukraine must be involved in talks. That is a recognition of the principle that on some of these issues, whether its territory or the exchange of prisoners, or the very serious issue of the return of children, that is something where Ukraine must be at the table. Mr Trump called the talks very good. During the meeting we discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, which guarantees would be provided by the various European countries, with a co-ordination with the United States of America, he posted on his Truth Social platform. Everyone is happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine. At the conclusion of the meetings, I called president Putin and began arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between president Putin and president Zelensky. After the meeting takes place, we will have a trilat which would be the two presidents plus myself. Mr Zelensky participates in a multilateral meeting with European leaders in the East Room of the White House (Aaron Schwartz/PA) The US president met with Mr Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, where he declared there was no deal until theres a deal to end more than three years of fighting in eastern Europe. The Alaska summit reinforced my belief that while difficult, peace is within reach and I believe, in a very significant step, President Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, he said on Monday. And this is one of the key points that we need to consider. He later said: We also need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory taken into consideration the current line of contact. Future three-way talks have a good chance of stopping the conflict, the US president said. But he appeared to share conflicting views on whether a ceasefire was necessary to stop the war. I dont think you need a ceasefire, he originally said, before later explaining that, all of us would obviously prefer an immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace. Mr Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff, had suggested over the weekend that measures similar to Natos article five mutual defence provision that an attack on one member is an attack on the entire bloc could be offered by the US without Kyiv joining the alliance. Sir Keir welcomed plans for article five-style guarantees during Mondays talks and said that they would fit with the work of his coalition of the willing group of countries. He said to Mr Trump: Your indication of security guarantees, of some sort of article five-style guarantees, fits with what weve been doing with the coalition of the willing, which we started some months ago, bringing countries together and showing that we were prepared to step up to the plate when it came to security. With you coming alongside, the US alongside, what weve already developed, I think we could take a really important step forward today a historic step, actually, could come out of this meeting in terms of security for Ukraine and security in Europe. Mr Trump meets with Mr Zelensky in the Oval Office (Aaron Schwartz/PA) Sir Keir also described potential future trilateral talks as a sensible next step. The PA news agency understands the Prime Minister disrupted his holiday plans over the weekend to join calls, including with Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky, before he headed to Washington, as reported in The Times. Mr Zelensky, whom Mr Trump greeted at the door of the West Wing with a handshake earlier in the evening, wore a black shirt with buttons and a black blazer to the meeting at the White House. His attire had appeared to become a point of irritation for Mr Trump during a previous meeting in February. Early in the meeting, the Ukrainian described the talks as really good, saying they had been the best so far. Mr Zelensky said: We are very happy with the president that all the leaders are here and security in Ukraine depends on the United States and on you and on those leaders who are with us in our hearts. United States President Donald Trump leads Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington DC (Aaron Schwartz/PA) Sir Keir Starmer has hailed real progress made during a White House summit with European leaders aimed at bringing an end to the war in Ukraine. The Prime Minister was one of several European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte, in attendance for the discussions in Washington on Monday. US President Donald Trump said he spoke directly with Vladimir Putin to begin planning a meeting between the Russian leader and Mr Zelensky, which will then be followed by a three-way meeting involving himself. He also said Moscow will accept multinational efforts to guarantee Ukraines security. Speaking after the event, Sir Keir described the talks as good and constructive, adding: There was a real sense of unity between the European leaders that were there, and president Trump and president Zelensky. The Prime Minister highlighted two material outcomes from the talks, firstly that the coalition of the willing will now work with the US on security guarantees. Thats really important for security in Ukraine, for security in Europe, and for security in the UK, Sir Keir said. The other material outcome was the agreement that there will now be a bilateral agreement between president Putin and president Zelensky, that was after a phone call between president Trump and president Putin during the course of this afternoon, followed by a trilateral which will then add in president Trump. That is a recognition of the principle that on some of these issues, whether its territory or the exchange of prisoners, or the very serious issue of the return of children, that is something where Ukraine must be at the table. These were the two outcomes that were the most important coming out of today. Theyre positive outcomes, there was a real sense of unity. Weve made real progress today. Posting on his Truth Social platform after the meeting, Mr Trump also described the talks as very good, adding: During the meeting we discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, which guarantees would be provided by the various European countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. Everyone is happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine. At the conclusion of the meetings, I called president Putin and began arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between president Putin and president Zelensky. After the meeting takes place, we will have a trilat which would be the two presidents plus myself. Mr Zelensky participates in a multilateral meeting with European leaders in the East Room of the White House (Aaron Schwartz/PA) Before the White House talks, the US president said he would probably be able to find common ground with the leaders on a plan to ward off future attacks on Ukraine. He previously met with Mr Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, where he declared there was no deal until theres a deal to end more than three years of fighting in eastern Europe. The Alaska summit reinforced my belief that while difficult, peace is within reach and I believe, in a very significant step, President Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, Mr Trump said on Monday. And this is one of the key points that we need to consider. He later said: We also need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory taken into consideration the current line of contact. Mr Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff, had suggested measures similar to Natos article five mutual defence provision that an attack on one member is an attack on the entire bloc could be offered by the US without Kyiv joining the alliance. 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, Mr Witkoff told CNN over the weekend, as he spoke about the Alaska summit. Future three-way talks have a good chance of stopping the conflict, the US president claimed. But the president appeared to share conflicting views on whether a ceasefire was necessary to stop the war. I dont think you need a ceasefire, he had originally said, before later explaining that, all of us would obviously prefer an immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace. During the discussions, Sir Keir welcomed plans for a security guarantee, after Mr Trump introduced him at the negotiating table as a friend on Monday. He said: Your indication of security guarantees, of some sort of article five-style guarantees, fits with what weve been doing with the coalition of the willing which we started some months ago, bringing countries together and showing that we were prepared to step up to the plate when it came to security. With you coming alongside, the US alongside, what weve already developed, I think we could take a really important step forward today a historic step, actually, could come out of this meeting in terms of security for Ukraine and security in Europe. Mr Trump meets with Mr Zelensky in the Oval Office (Aaron Schwartz/PA) Sir Keir also described potential future trilateral talks as appearing to be a sensible next step and continued: So, thank you for being prepared to take that forward, because I think if we can ensure that that is the progress out of this meeting both security guarantees and some sort of progress on (a) trilateral meeting of some sort to bring some of the difficult issues to a head then I think today will be seen as a very important day in recent years. The PA news agency understands the Prime Minister disrupted his holiday plans over the weekend to join calls, including with Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky, before he headed to Washington, as reported in The Times. Following the talks, Mr Trump said he also discussed the massive worldwide problem of missing children with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Responding on X, Mr Zelensky said: This issue lies at the heart of the wars humanitarian tragedy our children, broken families, the pain of separation. At least 20,000 children were taken. We are working tirelessly to bring every child home. The same applies for our prisoners of war and civilians held in Russia for years, some since 2014, in very bad conditions. Thousands of people still need to be freed and this is a part of making peace. We will work to negotiate all-for-all prisoners of war exchange, and we are grateful to have strong friends who help. Mr Zelensky, whom Mr Trump greeted at the door of the West Wing with a handshake earlier in the evening, wore a black shirt with buttons and a black blazer to the meeting at the White House. His attire had appeared to become a point of irritation for Mr Trump during a previous meeting in February. Early in the meeting, the Ukrainian described the talks as really good, saying they had been the best so far. Mr Zelensky said: We are very happy with the president that all the leaders are here and security in Ukraine depends on the United States and on you and on those leaders who are with us in our hearts. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi met Chinas top diplomat on Tuesday and hailed the steady progress made in improving the bilateral relationship after a years-long stand-off between the nuclear-armed Asian powers. Mr Modi also noted respect for each others interests and sensitiveness in a statement on social media after meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Chinas foreign ministry said the countries have entered a steady development track and the countries should trust and support each other. Mr Wang arrived in India on Monday and has met with foreign affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as well as national security adviser Ajit Doval about the countries disputed border in the Himalayan mountains. Indias foreign ministry said Mr Wangs meeting with Mr Doval discussed de-escalation, delimitation and boundary affairs. Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping (Manish Swarup/AP) Relations plummeted in 2020 after security forces clashed along the border. The violence, the worst in decades, left 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers dead, freezing high-level political engagements. The setbacks we experienced in the past few years were not in the interest of the people of our two countries. We are heartened to see the stability that is now restored in the borders, Mr Wang said. Mr Modi emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border and reiterated Indias commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, his office said in a statement. The rebuilding of India-China ties coincides with friction between New Delhi and Washington after US president Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on India, a long-time ally seen as a counterbalance against Chinas influence in Asia. India is part of the Quad security alliance with the US, along with Australia and Japan. The chill in relations after the deadly clash in 2020 between troops in the Ladakh region affected trade, diplomacy and air travel, as both sides deployed tens of thousands of security forces in border areas. Some progress has been made since then. Last year, India and China agreed to a pact on border patrols and withdrew additional forces along some border areas. Both countries continue to fortify their border by building roads and rail networks. In recent months, the countries have increased official visits and discussed easing some trade restrictions, movement of citizens and visas for businesspeople. In June, Beijing allowed pilgrims from India to visit holy sites in Tibet. Both sides are working to restore direct flights. Last week, the spokesman for Indias foreign ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, said India and China were in discussions to restart trade through three points along their 2,167-mile border. Settling the boundary issue between the two countries requires political compromise at the highest political level, said Manoj Joshi, a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank. He also served as a member of the advisory board for Indias National Security Council. The thaw between Beijing and New Delhi began last October when Mr Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping met at a summit of emerging economies in Russia. It was the first time the leaders had spoken in person since 2019. Mr Modi is set to meet Mr Xi when he travels to China late this month his first visit in seven years to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a regional grouping formed by China, Russia and others to counter US influence in Asia. Earlier this year, Mr Xi called for India and Chinas relations to take the form of a dragon-elephant tango a dance between the emblematic animals of the countries. Last month, Indias external affairs minister visited Beijing in his first trip to China since 2020. Syrias foreign minister has held a rare meeting with an Israeli delegation in Paris, the Syrian state-run news agency said. The talks were brokered by the United States, which has been pushing for Syria and Israel to normalise relations, the report said. Foreign minister Asaad al-Shibani met Israeli officials on Tuesday to discuss de-escalating tensions and restoring a 1974 ceasefire agreement, the SANA news agency said. Syrian officials have acknowledged holding indirect talks with Israel to defuse tensions. There was no immediate confirmation of such a meeting from Israel. Tensions have soared between the two neighbouring countries following the overthrow of Syrian president Bashar Assad in December. Israeli forces seized control of a UN-patrolled buffer zone in Syria shortly after Mr Assads overthrow and carried out airstrikes on military sites in what officials said was aimed at creating a demilitarised zone south of Damascus. Israel has said it will not allow hostile forces to establish themselves along the frontier, as Iranian-backed groups did during Mr Assads rule. It distrusts Syrias new government, which is led by former Islamist insurgents. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaida commander who severed ties with the militant group years ago, has pledged to build a new country that respects the rights of minorities, but sectarian violence has erupted on a number of occasions, raising concerns about the countrys fragile transition. Israel stepped up its intervention when violence erupted in Syrias Sweida province last month between Bedouin clans and government forces on one side and armed groups from the Druze religious minority on the other. Israel said it was acting to protect the Druze, who are seen as a loyal minority in Israel and often serve in the military. Israel launched dozens of airstrikes on convoys of Syrian forces around Sweida and struck the headquarters of the Syrian ministry of defence in the heart of Damascus, Syrias capital. Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Middle East war and later annexed the strategic plateau in a move that has only been recognised by the US. The rest of the international community views the Golan as occupied Syrian territory. Thieving gambling arcade boss caught on CCTV waving wad of cash in the air Dundonald dad-of-two stole thousands of pounds from machines he pretended to fix Darren Ferris John Toner Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 20:00 A gambling arcade supervisor has been convicted of stealing just over 2,000 from payout machines he was pretending to fix. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. And here we are, in the final weeks of summer. I got home from a two-week vacation on Chincoteague Island a week ago the weather there was unbearable. The first week had temperatures in the mid-90s and humidity also in the 90s. And it wasnt raining. It was like breathing underwater every time I ventured out of the air-conditioned rental. I was there for the 100th annual Pony Swim, in which the wild ponies on the Virginia side of Assateague Island are rounded up and then swim across the channel in preparation for the foal auction. There were 101 foals born this year. Assateague Island can only sustain around 150 ponies, so the herd is culled and the foals auctioned off for the benefit of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department, which owns and protects the herd, providing veterinarian checkups two or three times a year, airlifting food in the event of a blizzard, and rescuing and treating injured ponies. But, I digress The first thing I noticed when I got home was the absence of the song birds, among them the robins and Carolina wrens that had serenaded me all summer as I drank my morning coffee on the deck. Then there was a tree starting to turn color. Another indication fall is coming is the annual Button family reunion is in two weeks Labor Day weekend. This year, instead of traveling to either Columbus, Ohio, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a very long road trip with two toddlers, my son and daughter-in-law will be hosting it in New Hampshire. My daughter-in-law, Casey, and I are busy planning meals and activities. In searching my recipe box, I came across a recipe that hits the spot for a quick dinner I can make at home and assemble at the family reunion weekend when needed pizza burgers. The recipe was given to me by my friend, Nancy, who got it from a former cafeteria worker in the North Adams Public School System. Thats right, people of a certain age, its the pizza burgers from our days at Drury High School. Since pizza burgers are not the healthiest food, I plan to offset the nutritional deficiency and serve them with a large salad. The recipe makes a lot, and I usually halve it, but this time I may have to make two batches. Ive also substituted English muffins for the hamburger rolls in the past, lightly toasting them before putting the meat and cheese mixture on and broiling them. NORTH ADAMS PUBLIC SCHOOLS PIZZA BURGERS INGREDIENTS 1 pound ground beef 1 pound bologna 1 can Spam 1 pound Velveeta 1 cup shredded cheese 1 cup tomato sauce 2 teaspoons fennel seed 1 teaspoon oregano Salt and pepper 8 to 12 hamburger buns DIRECTIONS Grind bologna, Spam and Velveeta. Mix all ingredients and spread in a 9-by-13-inch pan. Bake for an hour at 350 F. Remove from oven and mix so there are no large lumps. Spread cup of the mixture on each hamburger roll half. Place on a baking sheet and broil until warm and bubbly. WEST STOCKBRIDGE The original special permit for Jon Piaseckis Wiseacre marijuana cultivation facility is up for its annual three-year renewal at Tuesday nights hybrid remote Planning Board meeting. But a group of seven Richmond and four West Stockbridge neighbors is aiming to snuff out the renewal through a formal 72-page opposition document filed by their attorney, William E. Martin of Martin Law Offices in Lenox. Martin told The Eagle that when the original permit was granted, it was kind of crazy, it really flew under the radar screen. What's next The Planning Boards hybrid public hearing via Zoom is at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday. Instructions for joining the meeting are on the boards page at weststockbridge-ma.gov The facility called Wiseacre is at 42 Baker St., near the Richmond town line. Some area residents, including those in the Neighbors Advocating for Fresh Air coalition, have complained of marijuana odor during the plant harvesting season from mid-August to late October. Other issues the group has raised include noise from fans installed by Piasecki to disperse odor, as well as community impact and legal compliance. Piasecki and his attorney termed the opposition harassment and insisted Wiseacre abides by very stringent regulations. Martins legal complaint cites alleged issues with Wiseacres current special permit application. Issues he raised in a phone interview and in his document include allegations of missing documentation, failure to comply with zoning bylaws and a lack of transparency. Wiseacre is not a farm under Massachusetts law," he said. "It is a cannabis manufacturing operation that has failed to meet its obligations to the town and its neighbors. The opposition group also contends that a 2024 independent environmental report found that Wiseacres efforts to control odor were not effective. Its getting pretty pungent over there now, Martin said. As for the giant industrial fan, the neighbors dislike it almost as much as the odor. Its irritating background noise. The Tuesday hearing will be held, he added, and the battle will be joined. He urged town planners to take the environmental report and the odor concerns more seriously. If the Planning Board chooses not to deny the permit on Tuesday, Martin urged that it require a more detailed renewal application. It has a bunch of holes in it, he claimed. I think it has to be filed as if it were a new permit. If the board chooses to renew, the neighbors group requests a three-year limit and strict conditions, including independent oversight, transparent reporting, and enforceable odor and noise controls, Martin stated. This is about protecting the health, peace and character of our community, Martin said. Wiseacre has had two seasons to prove it can be a responsible neighbor. It has failed. Martin also has issues with the towns Select Board, which has held several executive sessions with an agenda mentioning Wiseacre litigation, without any explanation as to whether Piasecki is out of compliance with the original permit or that the town may be facing potential legal action from Piasecki, the facilitys president and co-owner. So I have no clue what theyre talking about, Martin stated. Piasecki told The Eagle on Monday that theyre trying to frighten people, thats the goal, referring to Martin and the neighborhood group. He has also questioned the Select Boards closed-door meetings listing Wiseacre litigation as an agenda topic. From our perspective, weve been getting harassment from these folks, he said, citing the neighborhood groups complaint. Ive taken extreme efforts for odor mitigation, in excess of $300,000. Weve done everything we could to be a good neighbor; in fact, many of our neighbors really quite like us. Stating that he doesnt know what the opponents want, Piasecki suggested that if they run us out of business, we could open a hemp farm here, and that has agricultural protections. We are a farm, we dont draw any of the right to farm benefits at this time, but hemp does. Aaron Dubois, of Stockbridge, the attorney for Piasecki and Wiseacre, said on Monday afternoon that he had just learned of the neighborhood groups complaint. Its just another example of the harassment put forth against Mr. Piasecki by a certain very well-funded but small portion of second-home owners, a handful of Richmond residents and several non-abutting residents, Dubois said. He suggested that the Planning Board should either renew or put an end to the need for a special permit given that there has been no negative action taken by the board during the existing permit, and given that Wiseacre complies with some of the most stringent regulations in the entire country. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. David French is a New York Times columnist writing about law, culture, religion, and armed conflict. Previously, he served in the U.S. Army JAG Corps as a lawyer and co-founded conservative media company The Dispatch. Happiness depends on what happens. But situations are temporary and change, often quickly. Theres no eternal meaning within seeking happiness. In contrast, joy rests on something eternal. Joy is a deep and constant gladness rooted in Gods character, being, presence, and promises. Things that will never change. The Fathers joy pre-existed us and will last eternally. Its not dependent upon something we can achieve or our circumstances. Joy rests in who God is, what hes done, what hes doing, and what he will do, a future in which we can trust. Joy flows from our engagement and intimacy with the Father through the Son by the Spirit. As such, we can have joy even within difficult times. In fact, the joy of the Lord becomes a strength during hard seasons (Nehemiah 8:10). Grief and sorrows produce godly character, so our joy sees the reward ahead for faithfulness in the present. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2). The early church rejoiced they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41). James even tells us to consider it pure joy whenever you face trials because these things grow our faith and draw us closer to God. God isnt asking us to be happy about pain or grief. He weeps with us in sorrow and sadness. At the same time, he offers us his joy to endure and hope in this world, something no one can take away. The Bible expresses joy as a defining trait for believers. Paul wrote from prison, Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4). Pauls joy didnt depend on his comfort. He was under house arrest. He rejoiced in the Lord, in his God and Savior. He knew nothing could separate him from Gods love or oppose the gospels spread around the world. We have joy because God has promised good things to us, and he keeps his promises. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him (Romans 15:13). Trusting God produces joy when we understand him as good, all powerful, and faithful, no matter the temporary situation. Joy is a fruit an outgrowth of the Spirit in us (Galatians 5:22). And as the verse in Romans above teaches us, joy rises in partnership with peace, trust, hope, and strength. Photo credit: Getty Images/Bartek Szewczyk In Jesus ministry, he never shied away from words that would pierce the hearts of those who were listening. The Parable of the Evil Tenants, found in Matthew 21:33-46, is one of those examples. In this parable, Jesus was not trying to win friends and influence people; he was once again addressing the condition of the hearts of the religious leaders, his greatest opposition. In this parable, you will find imagery of a vineyard, tenants, servants, and finally a son. It reveals the truth about God and his dealing with Israel, ultimately leading to the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God. So what does all this mean? Lets walk through this parable and see what truths we can discover and apply to our lives today. The Context of the Parable of the Evil Tenants This encounter between Jesus and the religious leaders takes place right in Jerusalem. Just days earlier, Jesus had entered the city in triumph, and one of his first acts was to flip over the tables in the temple, driving out those who were turning Gods house into a marketplace. That alone made the leaders furious. A little later, hes back in the temple, teaching again, and the chief priests and elders step in to challenge him. They asked him a loaded question that showed the true nature of what was in their hearts. By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave it to you? In todays terms, they were basically saying, Who do you think you are? Instead of answering them directly, Jesus responds with three parables. Each one was like a scalpel, cutting through the layers of their pride and exposing the hypocrisy hiding underneath. The Parable of the Evil Tenants was one of those. It forced them to face the truth about their rejection of Gods messengers and, ultimately, His Son. Jesus wasnt just telling them a story, he was pulling back the curtain to expose the true condition of their hearts. 5 Key Elements Found in the Parable of the Evil Tenants To completely understand this parable, you must consider the various elements and what they represent. 1. The Vineyard This represents the nation of Israel taken directly from Isaiah. The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel, and the people of Judah are the vines he delighted in (Isaiah 5:7a). God created and cared for the nation of Israel. He set them apart from the other nations, gave them his law and commands, and was going to use the nation of Israel to bless the nations of the world, specifically through the coming of Christ. 2. The Tenants The tenants represented the spiritual leaders of Israel. This included the priests, the scribes, and the Pharisees, all of whom were enemies of Jesus and wanted him dead. They were supposed to watch over the people and shepherd them faithfully, but they took advantage of the people and used them for their own gain. 3. The Servants These represented the prophets God sent to Israel over the years to proclaim the word of the Lord. Often, they would warn them and call them to repentance. However, because many of these prophets spoke a message these leaders did not want to hear, they seized them, beat them, and even killed them. 4. The Son This represents Jesus. He was not like the other servants, because he was the Son of God. However, they treated him just like all the other prophets who had come before him. They rejected Jesus just as they rejected the prophets, and ultimately they killed him. 5. The Owners Judgment This speaks to the time when God will eventually judge those who have rejected his Son. It also points to God establishing his kingdom through the church made up of Jews and Gentiles who have embraced Jesus as Savior and Lord. The Core Message of the Parable of the Evil Tenants Throughout Israels history, they continually rejected the ones that God sent. Instead of heeding God's laws and commands, they often sought to follow their own way. The leaders of Israel were often complicit in this rebellion against God. Many times, they encouraged it and led the charge in rejecting what God desired. God, because he is merciful, would send his prophets to the nation, often pleading with them to repent and return to following Gods commands. While there were moments when they listened, most of the time they didnt. The results of their action brought Gods judgment upon them because they ignored his warnings. By the time Jesus stepped onto the scene, the spiritual leaders of Israel were deeply entrenched in their rebellion. They had built a religious system that gave them power, privilege, and influence. However, this came at the expense of truly shepherding Gods people. Instead of leading them closer to God, they piled on heavy burdens, adding rules and requirements that went far beyond what the law demanded. When Jesus exposed their hypocrisy and stripped away the facade, they saw him as a threat to their way of life. Rather than repent and change their behavior, their solution was to kill him and get rid of him for good. However, what they did not understand in rejecting Jesus is that they were rejecting the very one who was their only hope of salvation. Thats why Jesus told them these words: Jesus said to them, Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes? (Matthew 21:42). Their rejection closed the door to the kingdom for them. But for all who believe, acceptance of Jesus opens the door wide. He is the cornerstone of our faith and the firm foundation on which we must build. Practical Application from This Parable Who You Follow Matters Not every voice is worth following. God has given leaders the responsibility to guide his people with integrity, humility, and faithfulness to his Word. But as followers, we are not without responsibility. We must choose carefully whom we allow to shape our hearts and influence our walk with Christ. Spiritual leaders may be gifted, but they must always align their words and actions with Scripture. If they lead in a way that contradicts Gods truth, then it is wise and necessary to step away. You are never called to follow someone who drags you down a path of deception, destruction, or disobedience. Who you follow will shape the direction of your life. Thats why your greatest allegiance must always belong to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who will never mislead you and will always lead you with love and grace into truth and life. Obey Gods Word, Dont Resist It When you encounter the truth, you must decide how you will respond. You can choose obedience to God, or you can choose rebellion. One path leads to life, while the other leads to loss. There is no middle ground. It is important to remember that everything God requires of us is for our good, and the things he brings to light in our lives are often the very things that harm us. When God shows you something that needs to change, respond quickly and trust that he is guiding you because he loves you and wants the best for you. Build Your Life on the Cornerstone Jesus is the cornerstone. When he walked the earth, some embraced him, while others rejected him. The same is true today. Embracing Jesus means making him the foundation of every part of your life. When Christ is your cornerstone, he shapes your priorities, values, and decisions. Everything you do flows from that relationship. A life built on Jesus will not crumble when storms and trials come, because it rests on an unshakable foundation. The storms may still arise, but with Jesus as your cornerstone, you are anchored in the safest and most secure place you could ever be. Jesus Is Our Sure Foundation The Parable of the Evil Tenants is both a solemn warning and a gracious invitation. The warning is clear. To reject Jesus is to reject the very foundation of life itself, and the cost is not just temporary but eternal. Yet in the same breath, this parable extends an invitation filled with hope. The kingdom of God is wide open to all who will place their trust in Christ. Jesus is not just another stone among many. He is the cornerstone. He is the rock upon which our salvation, hope, and eternal life are built. For those who receive him, he becomes the sure foundation that can withstand every storm. Jesus is the anchor that steadies every heart, and the gateway into the joy of Gods kingdom. Today, the invitation still remains. If you embrace the Son and build your life upon him, you will find that what the world rejected has become your greatest treasure. Photo credit: Pexels/Tim Mossholder We see the parables of Jesus in the three Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. So why not in the Book of John? He was considered one of Jesus closest friends, the disciple Jesus loved (John 13:23, 19:26). It seems unlikely that John did not understand the parables or did not recollect them when he came to write his account of Jesus ministry. Was it simply that his method and focus was different from that of Matthew, Mark, and Luke? Theologians often point to a different emphasis in each of the gospels, so why did Johns emphasis cause him to omit the parables? What Is a Parable, and Why Did Jesus Use Them? First, we must explore what parables are, and why the Lord used them. Parables are stories and illustrations drawn from real-life experiences, observes one expert. For example, Jesus uses illustrations drawn from business life: a land owner rents out his vineyard to others, then sends servants to collect payment. When they refuse to pay and kill his son, the renters pay the consequences (Matthew 21). The Parable of the Prodigal Son involves the issue of inheritance, although it turns the matter on its head (Luke 15). When a farmer sows seeds, Jesus wanted listeners (and later readers) to think of sharing the gospel (Mark 4). Several men are travelling along the road to Jerusalem, and one is robbed. A kind man looks after him, demonstrating what it means to be someones neighbor (Luke 10). Arthur W. Pink explains: The popular definition of Christ's parables is that they were earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. How man gets things upside down! The truth is, that His parables were heavenly stories with an earthly meaning, having to do with His earthly people, in earthly connections. The settings and characters of his parables were relatable to Jesus audience, even though the stories themselves were enigmatic. In fact, they were designed to be puzzling to some of his audience, yet rich with meaning to those who understood what he was trying to teach, which was the gospel itself. Within those parables was direction (how to follow Jesus), comfort (the Lord will ensure justice is served), and affirmation (Jesus is the Son of God). But to others it was a rebuke (the Pharisees knew they were the bad renters, Matthew 21:45). In the story of the Vineyard Owner, we realize that the owner is the Son whom the Father sent, and whom the wicked men killed. We also discover how the Father will respond: He will completely destroy those terrible men [...] and lease his vineyard to other farmers who will give him his fruit at the harvest (Matt. 21:41). The Pharisees rejected the Son and had him killed; therefore, the Gentiles will be invited to become sons and daughters, to glorify the Father, and to share the gospel with others. In the story of the Good Samaritan, for example, we see what it looks like to live out the command to love ones neighbor at great cost to oneself. Christians today, diving into those stories, uncover layer upon layer of wisdom, reassurance, and revelation. And yet, as Pink pointed out, there are few who understand. It is to be deplored that the rationale of our Lord's parabolic form of teaching should be known to so few. The language of parables was not a secret between Jesus and the disciples. Those who did not understand did not necessarily lack intellect, but were unwilling to submit to Jesus as Lord. They were unwilling to become humble before him, confess sin, and receive forgiveness. Hardness of heart shrouds these stories in mystery. Meanwhile, even his enemies often knew what Jesus was saying. They understood the rebuke, the warning, but took it as blasphemy. The Pharisees problem was moral and thus volitional, not intellectual. They choose not to believe our Saviors words. Those who take up their cross gain more access to kingdom truth; those who reject Him lose whatever insight they had. We know what the parables are for and see them in the three synoptic gospels, so why did John omit them, given how meaningful they are? Extended Metaphor in the Gospel of John John Lanier asserts that there is, in fact, a parable in the Gospel of John; it is an extended word picture. Jesus compares himself to the prosaic figure of a shepherd, guarding his sheep from predators. As He lovingly cares for His sheep, it is His voice that matters most (John 10:4). In ancient Israel, shepherds would go in front of their sheep and lead them (rather than driving them from behind) purely by voice recognition. Jesus was establishing his identity as Messiah, their Savior and King. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out (John 10:3). The disciples and future followers needed to follow his teachings, listen to his voice, and tune out the corrupt voices which sought to delude them. Another deeply comforting metaphor found in the Book of John is that of Jesus as the Vine. He supports the branches, which are all believers. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5). Again, the purpose of this metaphor is to explain who Jesus is, his relationship with his disciples and, later, for followers of Jesus Christ in every generation to grasp their need to ensure Jesus is the very center and foundation of their lives. Yet, so many scholars argue that there are no parables in the Gospel of John, perhaps because these images were for those who already professed their love for Jesus. He is revealing more of himself to them, teaching about a personal relationship with him and what it looks like for anyone who is really just paying lip service or plotting (as Judas Iscariot did) to deceive and betray. There is comfort and warning: If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers (John 15:6). By contrast, the parables were part of his wider teaching and, as Pink said, often involved a volitional aspect. Would the listeners, like the Prodigal Son, repent and come to the Father? Would those who rented the vineyard humble themselves and serve the master? Would followers love and serve their neighbors? He was speaking to Pharisees, the average Jew, to the Gentiles: everyone who had yet to make up his or her mind about him. The parables are really talking about Jesus death and resurrection, discussing repentance and forgiveness, and so on. They explore fruitfulness in the gospel which this Messiah brings to the world. Parables partly concealed truth, prompting genuine seekers to ask questions explained one writer. The Consistency of Johns Style The synoptic Gospels are so-named because synoptic refers to a synopsis or overview, a summary. John had something else in mind: Jesus did many signs or miracles, but John included a select few of them with the purpose of revealing that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah wrote one theologian. If one compares the language of Johns gospel with that of Revelation, one of the consistent features is Johns use of imagery to try and explain what is virtually impossible for the human mind to grasp the sinless nature of a man who was both human and divine. Though he was God, he was also a man, and he bled as only a human being can bleed. While the parables featured in Matthew, Mark, and Luke are notably absent, so are several other facets, says Pink. There is no genealogy, account of Jesus baptism, his forty days in the wilderness, or the transfiguration. As for the parables, this is a very notable omission. Their purpose was to conceal from those who had rejected Him, what was comprehensible only to those who had spiritual discernment. But here in John, Christ is [...] revealing God. Ultimately, all of Scripture is God breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), so whatever John wrote is what the Lord inspired him to write. He points to hope: no more pain or sorrow for believers (Revelation 21:4). But he also points to the alternative; Jesus warned the church of Laodicea: because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:16). Final Comparison Marks gospel is brief, his emphasis on Jesus (and disciples) as servants; Matthew explains how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy; Luke is pragmatic, systematically explaining the life of Christ to his Gentile audience (Luke 1:3). Jesus spoke in parables, so they wrote those down from their own recollections and those of eyewitnesses in order to convey as accurate a picture as possible of Jesus life, ministry, death, and resurrection. The Lord inspired John to show what it was like to be a follower, offering a compelling and personal invitation to readers for generations to come. This is not to say that the use of parables signaled a lack of emotion in the other Gospels, only that Johns emphasis was different. Johns gospel provides the key to understanding the parables. Once one accepts Christ as the Vine, the Shepherd as ones only Savior and King, the treasure of Christs parables is unlocked. Photo credit: Getty Images/Rawf8 Candice Lucey is a freelance writer from British Columbia, Canada, where she lives with her family. Find out more about her here. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. HiMedia Labs secures CDSCO manufacturing licenses for advanced Hepatitis B & C detection kits August 19, 2025 | Tuesday | News Developed indigenously as part of the Make in India initiative to tackle two of the most significant viral infections Mumbai-based HiMedia Laboratories, a global leader in diagnostics and life sciences, has received manufacturing licenses from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for two advanced molecular diagnostic kits: Hi-PCR Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Detection and Quantitation Probe PCR Kit Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Detection and Quantitation Probe PCR Kit Hi-PCR Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Detection and Quantitation Probe PCR Kit These regulatory approvals empower HiGenoMB - HiMedia to manufacture these highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tools on a large scale, developed indigenously as part of the Make in India initiative to tackle two of the most significant viral infections impacting both the global and Indian populations. This achievement aligns strongly with HiGenoMB's vision to help make India hepatitis free by enabling early, accurate diagnosis and effective management of hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis B and C are leading causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Early diagnosis is vital for timely treatment and preventing transmission. Hi-PCR HBV Kit (MBPCR181) Detects HBV DNA across all genotypes (AJ) with 100% specificity. Analytical Sensitivity 15 IU/mL Includes quantitative standards for precise viral load measurement Includes endogenous internal control Compatible with various RT-PCR instruments Based on TaqMan chemistry Quantitative standards calibrated against 5th WHO International Standard (NIBSC Code: 22/120) Hi-PCR HCV Kit (MBPCR182) Detects HCV RNA across all genotypes (17) with 100% specificity. Analytical Sensitivity 43 IU/mL Includes quantitative standards for precise viral load measurement Includes endogenous internal control Compatible with various RT-PCR instruments Based on TaqMan chemistry Quantitative standards calibrated against 6th WHO International Standard (NIBSC Code: 18/184) Both kits are validated for EDTA plasma samples and intended for In vitro diagnostic use by trained clinical laboratory personnel. This achievement underscores our commitment to delivering world-class affordable diagnostics from India to the world. These kits offer accuracy, speed, and accessibility, helping healthcare providers diagnose and manage hepatitis more effectively, even in resource-limited settings, said Dr Rajas V. Warke, Director, Molecular Biology & Virology, HiMedia Laboratories. With CDSCO approval, HiMedia will supply these kits to hospitals, diagnostic labs, and public health programs across India, ensuring improved testing availability in both urban and rural regions. FedEx and IIT Madras open SMART centre to research sustainable & AI-driven logistics solutions August 19, 2025 | Tuesday | News Backed by a five-year $5 million grant from FedEx Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), the worlds largest express transportation company, and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have inaugurated the FedEx SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) in the campus. A first-of-its-kind innovation hub, it will be dedicated to building sustainable, technology-driven logistics solutions. Backed by a five-year $5 million grant from FedEx, the Centre will combine cutting-edge research, advanced digital tools, and industry expertise to reimagine supply chains for agility, resilience, and environmental responsibility. This Centre is more than just a hub for research. Its a space where technology and talent come together with a shared purpose to shape whats next, said Kami Viswanathan. By combining deep academic insight and global industry expertise, we can build smarter, more sustainable supply chains that create meaningful impact far all stakeholders, Kami Viswanathan, President, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa (MEISA), FedEx said. The Centre will drive interdisciplinary projects spanning carbon-neutral operations, autonomous delivery systems, EV infrastructure, predictive analytics, and AI-driven worker safety, while also building platforms for capacity development and knowledge sharing. On Life Support: Biomedical Engineering in India Faces Quiet Collapse August 19, 2025 | Tuesday | Views | By Shantanu Thatte, Head - Biomedical Engineering, HOSMAC What began as a promising field, aligned with Indias healthcare innovation goals, is now grappling with shrinking interest Since the COVID-19 pandemic, India has seen a rapid expansion in hospitals and medical colleges, with the government actively increasing MBBS seats. But one essential part of this growing system has been left behind i.e. Biomedical Engineering (BME). Who will plan and maintain the complex medical equipment in these new hospitals? As clinical infrastructure expands, BME is quietly slipping into neglect. Introduced in India in the 1990s, BME programmes received early support through initiatives like the ICMRDHR Centres of Excellence and IIT Bombays BETiC (Biomedical Engineering and Technology Innovation Centre). Yet, despite Indias growing healthcare and med-tech ecosystem, the field now faces declining enrolments, limited job opportunities, and minimal industry engagement, thereby putting it at risk of collapse. The Rise and Fall of BME in India Top institutes like IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay pioneered BME to train talent in medical device R&D. Government programmes like Make in India encouraged innovation, while BETiC at IIT Bombay produced over 85 medical device prototypes by 2024. Startups like Ayu Devices (electronic stethoscopes) and Biodesign Innovation Labs (low-cost ventilators) emerged from these efforts, winning national recognition and funding under Startup India and BIRAC. Private institutions like VIT, Manipal, and BIT Mesra also invested in BME programmes. But despite these early signs of promise, the field is struggling. In Maharashtra, only two of the seven colleges that once offered a BME degree continue to do so. Across India, programmes often operate at less than 60% enrolment capacity, and graduates face uncertain job prospects. Key Challenges Facing Biomedical Engineering Curriculum Misalignment: There is no national standard for BME education. Many programmes are heavily theoretical, with inadequate lab infrastructure and minimal clinical exposure. The removal of the mandatory in-plant training component has worsened the skills gap. There is no national standard for BME education. Many programmes are heavily theoretical, with inadequate lab infrastructure and minimal clinical exposure. The removal of the mandatory in-plant training component has worsened the skills gap. Weak Industry and Hospital Integration: Hospitals rarely involve biomedical engineers in procurement or planning, relying instead on vendors. Likewise, medical device firmsespecially MNCsprefer engineers from mechanical or electronics backgrounds, bypassing BME graduates altogether. Hospitals rarely involve biomedical engineers in procurement or planning, relying instead on vendors. Likewise, medical device firmsespecially MNCsprefer engineers from mechanical or electronics backgrounds, bypassing BME graduates altogether. Low Compensation and Recognition: Despite their critical role in managing life-saving equipment, biomedical engineers in hospitals are underpaid and often lack clear growth paths. Compared to IT and management roles, BME is perceived as low-return. Despite their critical role in managing life-saving equipment, biomedical engineers in hospitals are underpaid and often lack clear growth paths. Compared to IT and management roles, BME is perceived as low-return. Lack of a Regulatory Body: Unlike doctors or architects, BME professionals have no formal registration or licensing. A statutory body could help regulate academic standards, professional conduct, and career recognition. Unlike doctors or architects, BME professionals have no formal registration or licensing. A statutory body could help regulate academic standards, professional conduct, and career recognition. Degree vs Diploma Divide: Many employers prefer diploma holders for biomedical roles due to lower salary expectations, leaving degree holders undervalued and underutilised. Many employers prefer diploma holders for biomedical roles due to lower salary expectations, leaving degree holders undervalued and underutilised. Limited Job Market: Many small hospitals function without a full-time biomedical engineer, limiting both job availability and safe equipment maintenance. This scarcity affects both career mobility and patient safety. The Consequences Talent Drain: With limited local opportunities, students increasingly seek better prospects abroaddraining domestic talent. With limited local opportunities, students increasingly seek better prospects abroaddraining domestic talent. Innovation Slowdown: Without skilled professionals, innovation hubs like BETiC and ICMR Centres risk stagnation. Without industry input, the gap between R&D and commercialization widens. Without skilled professionals, innovation hubs like BETiC and ICMR Centres risk stagnation. Without industry input, the gap between R&D and commercialization widens. Impact on Patient Care: A shortage of qualified biomedical engineers compromises the upkeep of critical medical equipmentventilators, MRI scanners, dialysis machinesultimately affecting patient outcomes. The Way Forward Despite the bleak outlook, systemic reforms can still revive the BME ecosystem: Standardised Curriculum: AICTE and UGC must develop a national BME curriculum focusing on biomaterials, clinical engineering, regulatory affairs, and biomedical instrumentation. AICTE and UGC must develop a national BME curriculum focusing on biomaterials, clinical engineering, regulatory affairs, and biomedical instrumentation. Outcome-Based Accreditation: Programs should be evaluated on real-world metrics such as internships, research output, and startup spin-offs, to ensure relevance and quality. Programs should be evaluated on real-world metrics such as internships, research output, and startup spin-offs, to ensure relevance and quality. Mandatory Clinical Fellowships: Hospitals should host BME students in biomedical departments to provide hands-on experience with equipment evaluation, maintenance, and regulatory workflows. Hospitals should host BME students in biomedical departments to provide hands-on experience with equipment evaluation, maintenance, and regulatory workflows. Industry-Academia Partnerships: Medical device companies should fund labs and sponsor R&D projects within universities, creating talent pipelines and fostering innovation. Medical device companies should fund labs and sponsor R&D projects within universities, creating talent pipelines and fostering innovation. Public Awareness and Career Outreach: Successful biomedical entrepreneurs and professionals should be showcased to inspire students and change perceptions about BME careers. Successful biomedical entrepreneurs and professionals should be showcased to inspire students and change perceptions about BME careers. Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Incorporating AI, data science, and robotics into BME programs can help future-proof the discipline and attract high-potential students. Biomedical Engineering in India is at a tipping point. What began as a promising field, aligned with Indias healthcare innovation goals, is now grappling with shrinking interest, limited job opportunities, and systemic neglect. Without immediate reformsfrom curriculum upgrades and hospital collaboration to proper regulation and public awarenessthe field risks fading into irrelevance, even as Indias healthcare infrastructure grows. Reviving BME isnt just about sustaining an academic discipline. Its about equipping the country with the technical expertise it needs to deliver modern, reliable, and safe healthcare. India cannot afford to build more hospitals without the engineers needed to power them. Shantanu Thatte, Head - Biomedical Engineering, HOSMAC Asias leading hospital planning, management and design consultancy Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Lasting bond honors Flying Tigers legacy 10:06, August 19, 2025 By ZHANG YUNBI, HU MEIDONG ( China Daily Visitors view items related to the Flying Tigers collected overseas at the Kunming Museum in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Aug 3, at an exhibition paying tribute to the heroes who contributed to the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). YANG ZHENG/FOR CHINA DAILY Editor's Note: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. This series of special reports by China Daily presents how and why China cherishes and keeps revisiting the wartime friendship with its foreign friends. Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, has an inside view of, and is a keen advocate of, the history of China and the United States joining hands in their fight in World War II and the story of the Flying Tigers pilots. He said that China's role in the victory 80 years ago should not be downplayed or underestimated, and the two countries can achieve more success and win together today through cooperation. In 1941, a group of volunteer US pilots, later known as the Flying Tigers, came to China, fighting shoulder to shoulder with the Chinese people against the invading Japanese troops. "Look at the Chinese soldiers, the guerrillas, the Chinese people, men, women and children. It speaks to us from 80 years ago, and it says that against a terrible, terrible opponent, an incredibly terrible situation, the Americans and the Chinese working together won," Greene said in an interview with China Daily. "That says to me that today, no matter what the circumstances (are), the two people together can win again," he added. In a reply letter to Greene and Flying Tigers veterans Harry Moyer and Mel McMullen in 2023, President Xi Jinping said it was his hope that the spirit of the Flying Tigers would be passed down to the next generation between the two countries' people. Xi said he was glad to see that Greene's foundation and Flying Tigers veterans have been tirelessly promoting the story of the Flying Tigers in both China and the US, and an increasing number of American youths have participated in the "Flying Tigers Friendship School and Youth Leadership Program". Recalling the past, the peoples of China and the US jointly fought Japanese fascists, withstood the test of blood and fire, and forged a profound friendship, Xi said. In September, China will host commemorative events to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War. Greene took part in the major celebrations of the anniversaries 20 years ago and 10 years ago, and this year will be his third time attending the celebrations. He said he is impressed to see that China, as the host, has included people from as many countries as possible this year. Greene noted that what frustrates him is that China's role in that war "was kind of downplayed", as China helped the rest of the world defeat the fascists "in a way that it never gets (enough) credit for". "China in the war played a huge role in the world's victory", and China was a prominent player in the allied victory, he said. Noting that China has been telling the wartime stories more and more to the rest of the world, Greene said, "That makes me happy because that's the role your grandparents played and they need to tell the world about that." Greene is a frequent visitor to China, and he has also brought many Flying Tigers veterans to the country. Greene has often brought up the fact that almost every veteran told him that even after decades passed, the one thing they remember about China is the eggs given by the Chinese mothers, since food such as eggs was in short supply at that time. "That was one of the nice things about their time here," he said. Legacy underlined The Zhijiang Dong autonomous county in Central China's Hunan province was home to a base of the Flying Tigers during World War II, and it witnessed some major battles, aided by US forces, that dealt heavy blows to Japanese troops. Wu Jianhong, curator of the Flying Tigers Memorial in Zhijiang, presented a Chinese saber with ethnic features that had been collected by Flying Tigers pilot John Richard Rossi. "At a Flying Tigers event during my visit to the US in 2016, the wife of Rossi made the decision to donate this saber collected by her husband during World War II to our museum," Wu recalled. "This is a piece of major evidence of China-US friendship as well as a reminder of the Flying Tigers taking part in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression," he added. Noting that China and the US have been two major forces in winning the World Anti-Fascist War, Wu voiced his hope that the two nations can "build on their wartime spirit of making joint efforts and moving forward shoulder to shoulder". Anna Antonia Li, daughter of Kuo Ching Li, a Chinese American and a Flying Tigers pilot, said that what struck her most throughout all these years was that her father always said that "the Chinese people were the best people" he knew. "And his years flying with the Flying Tigers were the most important years of his life," Li told Chinese reporters during a visit to Hubei province last month. She noted that during a mission in China, her father's plane was badly hit, he lost one of the engines, the tank was hit and there was fuel around his feet when the plane was going down. To make things worse, the cockpit glass above his head was damaged, so he could not get out with his parachute. "He landed with fuel covering his shoes. And his squadron said it was a miracle that he could land," she said. Li highlighted the importance of taking more American youths to visit China, spreading the story of the Flying Tigers to more young people and passing on China-US friendship. "I'm so honored to be here to actually see the history he spoke of come to life in front of my eyes," she said. "It's a great honor to be with the people of China, who lived in his heart his entire life until he was 72." As some people in the US have labeled today's China as a major competitor or even a rival of the US, rejecting the need to mark the history of the two countries fighting together more than 80 years ago, Greene said, "To say that just because it's a different period of time is silly. "Politicians in my country can ignore it, but it (the history of China and the US fighting together) is true, it happened. It's part of our DNA, it's part of our experience and we must not forget it," he said. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Aubrey Plaza has said it is a daily struggle following the death of her estranged husband Jeff Baena. The filmmaker died in January at the age of 47, with the Los Angeles County medical examiner concluding he took his own life. Advertisement The director and screenwriter was found at a home close to the Fern Dell Nature Trail near the Hollywood Hills, with the cause of his death determined as hanging. Plaza discussed dealing with grief during an appearance on her Parks and Recreation co-star Amy Poehlers podcast. Aubrey Plaza has spoken about her grief on a podcast with co-star Amy Poehler (Doug Peters/PA) She said: Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you. Overall, Im here and Im functioning. I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I think Im ok, but its like a daily struggle, obviously. Advertisement She told Poehlers Good Hang podcast that she compared her grief to the 2025 movie The Gorge, which stars Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy. She said: This is a really dumb analogy and it was kind of a joke at a certain point, but I actually mean it. Did you see that movie The Gorge? In the movie, theres a cliff on one side and theres a cliff on the other side, then theres a gorge in between and its filled with all these monster people that are trying to get them. I swear, when I watched it, I was like that feels like what my grief is like or what grief could be like. At all times, theres like a giant ocean of awfulness, thats right there and I can see it. Advertisement Sometimes I just want to dive into it, and just like be in it. Then sometimes I just look at it, and sometimes I try to get away from it. But, its always there. Plaza separated from Baena in September 2024, according to a report by the Los Angeles County Coroner Investigator. The couple had been in a relationship since around 2011 and they married a decade later. Plaza told The Ellen DeGeneres Show in December 2021 that they made the decision to tie the knot after getting a little bored one night during the Covid pandemic. Advertisement The pair worked together on the 2014 horror film Life After Beth and 2017 historical comedy The Little Hours. Plaza is best known for her role as April in the workplace comedy Parks and Recreation, in which Poehler played politician Leslie Knope. She is also famous for her role in the second series of The White Lotus and the Marvel series Agatha All Along. Entertainment Tommy Fury admits to downing 20 shots a night be... Read More She has also starred in Hollywood films including Megalopolis, My Old Ass, Ingrid Goes West, Dirty Grandpa and Emily The Criminal. Advertisement Baena wrote 2020 thriller Horse Girl, starring Alison Brie, and 2022 dark comedy Spin Me Round, both of which he also directed, as well as 2004 comedy I Heart Huckabees, starring Jude Law, Jason Schwartzman, Dustin Hoffman and Mark Wahlberg. He also created the anthology comedy series Cinema Toast, which had an episode directed by Plaza and another starring Community actress Alison Brie. Anglers in North Cork have expressed concern after the devastating loss of up to 46,000 wild fish in a kill on a 30km section of the River Blackwater between Lombardstown and Killavullen. Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) confirm that they are continuing to investigate the large fish kill. Advertisement They say that present indications suggest that between 8,000 and 10,000 wild fish mortalities have occurred over the stretch of river. They are basing these numbers on IFI observations and data submitted by local stakeholders. However, angling clubs say that the numbers are much higher and impact on every species present in the river including trout and salmon parr, stickleback, dace, adult trout, salmon and fresh water eels. Long time Co Cork angler, Dan Dennehy, described the fish kill as devastating. Advertisement Salmon, eels, trout thousands and thousands of them. We dont know the extent of it or what is causing it. The fish have gone to the labs for testing. They are saying between eight and ten working days to establish what exactly caused it. It impacted on a stretch of the Blackwater. Now its 20 or 30 kilometres. Why it stopped at a certain point we dont know. There is a load of unanswered questions in relation to it. Mr Dennehy, who is the club secretary of Kanturk and District Trout Anglers, says that it is one of the biggest fish kills ever seen in the country. This is just massive. Minister Timmy Dooley and Minister Michael Moynihan were there yesterday and they met the local anglers from Mallow, Lombardstown and Killavullen. They had a very constructive meeting. I presume they will bring in experts to regenerate the river. Advertisement It is desperate to see. If you see the glory of the trout in the river and then you see them dead there is no comparison. The numbers are just savage. The IFI are playing down the numbers killed. I dont understand that. This is an off the scale kill. "I think there are anglers on that river who will never see the river again because it will take so long to recover. Mallow Trout Anglers, anglers in Lombardstown and Killavullen and Salmon Watch Ireland are among those who have been left horrified at the sheer scale of the kill. Advertisement An Alliance of Game Angling Federations has described the fish kill as a wipeout of the river. Meanwhile, Sean Long, Director of IFIs South-Western River Basin District, said said that the Marine Institute conducted diagnostic sampling of affected fish on site on August 14th at Mallow in Co Cork. IFI expects to receive a related report within 20 days of that date. Disease outbreaks can occur in wild fish populations and are influenced by numerous factors including environmental change. No evidence of a polluting or harmful discharge has been detected to date in the river. IFI continues to consult with Uisce Eireann, the EPA, Cork County Council and the Marine Institute on the matter. The Marine Institutes Fish Health Unit has advised the removal of dead fish from the water is not necessary. IFI officers will continue to monitor the watercourse in the coming days to further assess the incident. Separately, the EPA said that preliminary sample results indicate no causal link between the fish kill and discharges from EPA licensed sites. Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher has said that a meeting of his partys parliamentary party should be "convened urgently" to discuss the forthcoming presidential election. Mr Kelleher, an MEP for Ireland South, added that without a meeting convened soon, Fianna Fail TDs, Senators and MEPs will not meet in person until mid-September at the earliest. Advertisement To my mind, this is too late in the day for the people who will ultimately be tasked with selecting a party candidate to meet to discuss the issue. I contacted the Cathaoirleach of the Parliamentary Party, Brendan Smith TD, asking him to convene a meeting to discuss this most critical of issues. In my opinion, Fianna Fail, the largest party in the Dail, the Seanad and in local government, should be actively involved in either running its own candidate or facilitating a candidate that represents our values and beliefs as a political movement." Mr Kelleher's call comes amid ongoing speculation over whether Fianna Fail will run a candidate in the presidential election, which must be held by November 11th. Catherine Connolly has declared as an independent candidate for the election. Meanwhile, Fine Gael look set for a contest for their nomination after the withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness. Heather Humphreys has confirmed she is considering a run and has considerable support within the party. MEP Sean Kelly has confirmed he intents to seek the party's nomination. Friends of the Earth Ireland, An Taisce and Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) have called on Kildare County Council to refuse planning permission to a 3 billion data centre due to the increased greenhouse gas emissions it will produce. In August last year, Robert Moffetts Herbata Ltd lodged plans for a data centre campus on a site next to the M7 motorway and business park at Naas, Co Kildare. Advertisement Mr Moffett is a multimillionaire engineering entrepreneur and co-owner of Monaghan-based forklift manufacturer Combilift. Last October, the council stalled the plan after saying the projected CO2 emissions from the data centre campus would make up 49.35 per cent of the "sectoral emissions ceiling" for the entire commercial built environment sector to 2030. The council said the level of emissions was excessive for one development. In June, Herbata lodged extensive further information on the scheme in response to the council's concerns, pointing out that the data centre will not be reliant upon the existing electricity generation and will get 50 per cent of its power from renewables. Advertisement Consultants for the applicants, RPS, said the use of Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT) would result in a reduction of 552,000 tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions. However, in new submissions ahead of a council planning decision this week, Friends of the Earth Ireland, An Taisce and FIE called on the council to reject the plan, while County Kildare Chamber urged the planning authority to grant permission. FIE director Tony Lowes said his organisation strongly opposed the proposed development of six gas-powered data centres due to their projected high greenhouse gas emissions and incompatibility with Ireland's climate obligations. He said the development "could emit nearly one million tonnes of CO equivalent per year. Over five years, this would account for almost a quarter of Ireland's electricity sector carbon budgetposing a major adverse impact on national emissions targets. Advertisement Mr Lowes added that the mitigation measures proposed, such as Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs), the potential use of biomethane or hydrogen, and future district heating, are either mismatched, unreliable, unproven, or dependent on fossil fuels. Friends of the Earth Ireland campaigns director Jerry Mac Evilly said the the central message of this submission is that the applicant has not clearly or sufficiently addressed significant emissions impacts of the six gas-powered data centres. We therefore call for the application to be rejected. He said the the proposed data centres extremely high associated emissions directly conflict with legal obligations to reduce emissions under the 2021 Climate Act and would undermine national decarbonisation efforts. An Taisce senior planning and environmental policy officer Phoebe Duvall told the council that to grant permission would be in contravention of Irelands legally binding emissions reduction obligations and contrary to the national climate objective. Advertisement County Kildare Chamber chief executive Sinead Ronan told the council that this project represents a significant and timely investment in Naas and the wider Kildare region, delivering multiple economic, environmental and infrastructural benefits. Ms Ronan said the revised proposals submitted in response to the request for further information highlight several key enhancements. She said: Notably, the data centre will not draw power from the national grid. Instead, only a minimum of 50pc of its energy demand will be met through on-site solar PV generation or renewable energy sourced via Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs)". Ms Ronan said that this proposal presents a forward-looking opportunity to enhance the local economy, support employment and position Kildare as a leader in sustainable digital infrastructure. The project also has a clear alignment to planning policy, climate goals and heritage protection. Firefighters are battling a major blaze at George's Dock in Dublin city centre. Four fire engines and gardai are present at the scene near the IFSC, with strong flames appearing to come from the underside of a bridge. Advertisement Dublin Fire Brigade said it was taking water from the River Liffey in order to tackle the blaze. Dublin Fire Brigade at the scene of the fire at George's Dock. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins A Gas Networks Ireland crew is on site assisting fire services. It is not known at this stage if the cause of the fire is gas-related, though footage appeared to show blue-green flames in parts. About 2,000 power outages have also been reported in the area. #GeorgesDock Firefighting operations are continuing and we now have four fire engines, a foam tender and water tanker at the scene. We've augmented water supplies to the fireground by taking water from the River #Liffey. Luas services are still affected pic.twitter.com/mWbT8WnpJz Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) August 19, 2025 Luas red line services are currently stopping at Connolly Station as emergency services deal with the blaze. Tickets are valid on Dublin Bus for the duration of the disturbance. The public is being asked to avoid Harbourmaster Place until further notice. Gardai have launched an investigation after a teenager died following an incident in Co Donegal on Monday night. The boy was a third-year pupil at the Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town. Advertisement Gardai have confirmed they were called to an incident at a rural location at Inver where a male youth sustained serious injuries. The boy was airlifted to Sligo University Hospital. However, he passed away on Monday. A Garda spokesperson confirmed The scene is currently being held for technical examination. "Inquiries are ongoing and no further comment is available at this time." Meanwhile, the boy's school said it will open today and tomorrow following the tragic death. The Abbey Vocational School posted on their social media channels that the school will open for pupils to come together. A spokesperson said Our entire school community is saddened to learn of the passing of one of our highly valued 3rd year students. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time. "Our school will be open today from 3-6pm and tomorrow from 10am-2pm for any students and staff who wish to visit. May he rest in peace. A man is to stand trial for theft valued at more than 17,000 from two bank accounts and possessing a memory storage device with personal information on money laundering victims in Dublin. Joelle Mopiti (26), of Brookview Avenue, Tallaght, appeared at Dublin District Court on Tuesday following an investigation by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB). Advertisement He faces more than 30 charges, mainly for thefts from a man's and a woman's separate AIB accounts, stealing their bank cards, money laundering, and using a false instrument in 2020 and 2021. It is also alleged that he used the man's cards to withdraw cash in varying sums, make purchases of goods in shops and a fast food restaurant, and spend 5,000 on iPhones in stores in Dublin. It is alleged he took out a 3,500 loan in that injured party's name. He is also accused of having 7,000 in proceeds of crime in a Bank of Ireland and an An Post account. Advertisement According to the charges, he stole 4,200 from the woman's account. One charge alleges he aided, abetted, counselled or procured the commission of an offence by possessing a USB storage device which had the personal banking information of individuals who were victims of money laundering. It is also alleged that at an address in Clonsilla, Dublin, he used a false instrument, a fake AIB document. The charges are under the Theft and Fraud Act and the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing) Act 2010. Advertisement Ireland Man (41) accused of threatening to burn down woman... Read More He appeared before Judge Cephas Power at Dublin District Court on Tuesday when Detective Garda Michael Harney said Mr Mopiti made no reply to the charges. The GNECB officer said the Director of Public Prosecutions has directed trial on indictment in the Circuit Court. No plea was entered by Mr Mopiti, who did not address the court. There was no objection to bail with conditions; Judge Power ordered unemployed Mr Mopiti to sign on at his local Garda station three days a week, surrender his passport and not apply for other travel documents and to remain contactable on a phone number he has already supplied to gardai. Judge Power adjourned the case for prosecutors to prepare a book of evidence and ordered the accused to appear again on September 22nd. Legal aid was granted after the judge noted the man was on social welfare. Minority ethnic communities have been left feeling afraid following anti-social behaviour in south Belfast, police have said. Police said young people have been gathering on Donegall Pass throwing items at members of the public. Advertisement Neighbourhood Inspector Roisin Brown said a number of the minority ethnic community have been targeted. Over the last 48 hours police have received multiple reports of young people gathering on Donegall Pass and throwing items including bottles, cans and water balloons at members of the public, she said. A number of our minority ethnic community have been targeted and have been left feeling afraid and unwelcome in the area. Among a number of reports, one man was knocked off his scooter, whilst a vulnerable young woman was targeted by anti-social behaviour causing her to extreme distress. Advertisement Along with this we are also receiving reports of elderly people being in fear. Ms Brown urged parents and guardians to know where their children are. I am appealing directly to parents and guardians to know where your children are and what they are doing. This guidance could well be the thing that prevents them from ending up with a criminal record, she said. Advertisement I am also appealing to these young people themselves, this may seem like harmless fun, however we are actively investigating reports of assaults and public order offences. We do not wish to criminalise young people, but this must always be balanced against our duty to keep the public safe and to investigate offences reported to us. I would ask that you all support us to put an end this behaviour. Picture This announced they will be performing in Dublin and Belfast this December. The band will perform in the SSE Arena in Belfast on December 27th, followed by the 3 Arena on December 29th. Advertisement This Christmas show marks the bands long-awaited return to Dublin, following their sold-out headline performance at St Annes Park, Dublin in June 2024. Tickets go on sale this Friday, August 22nd at 10am on Ticketmaster, with prices at 52.55 (3Arena) and 41.90 (SSE Arena). The announcement follows the release of their new single Heart over Head, a collaboration with German artist Joris. After playing a sold-out run of four coastal regions they never played before, the band naturally felt they had to bring their new show also to the capital. Protesters have urged the Central Bank of Ireland not to proceed with the approval for the sale of Israel bonds ahead of an upcoming renewal date. Around 100 demonstrators gathered outside the Central Bank in Dublin on Tuesday to demand an end to the authoritys role in approving Israel bonds for sale in the EU, for the Government to include services in the Occupied Territories Bill and to pass that legislation. Advertisement The bank is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel bonds in the EU, and has determined the securities meet the standards of the blocs prospectus regulations. Israel bonds have been advertised as supporting the countrys economy and, more recently, websites promoting the securities emphasise their role in supporting Israels military operations in Gaza. Protesters say the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza. Photo: Niall Carson/PA. Protesters and opposition parties have called for legislation that would give Ireland the power to refuse the sale of Israeli war bonds over human rights concerns. They say the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza, while Ireland has an obligation under the Genocide Convention to use all means likely to have a deterrent effect on those suspected of preparing genocide. Advertisement The Central Bank has said regulations require it to approve prospectuses that meet standards of completeness, consistency and comprehensibility. The Israel bond prospectus is up for renewal on September 2. The Joint Committee on Finance has recommended that the bank carry out an immediate review before renewing approval of the bonds. Meanwhile, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has launched legal proceedings against the Central Bank over claims that investors in Israeli bonds could be legally complicit in genocide in Gaza. Advertisement It is alleged that the Central Banks failure to ban the marketing, distribution and sale of Israel bonds exposes investors to risks that have not been disclosed to them. Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign chairwoman Zoe Lawlor said: The government has to end the direct involvement of the Central Bank in apartheid Israels sale of genocide-funding bonds. People take part in a protest outside the Central Bank in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) The Central Bank is an organ of this state, and its complicity in genocide makes Ireland complicit. David Landy of Jews for Palestine, and Academics for Palestine said: We are asking the Central Bank to do the absolute minimum required of it under law to end the sale of Israeli war Bonds, to finally end this direct Irish participation in Israeli genocide. Advertisement Sinn Feins foreign affairs spokesman said the Irish government must use every lever at its disposal to show leadership on Gaza. Donnchadh O Laoghaire said: Clearly ending the facilitation of Israeli war bonds is one of those. He added: The people of Gaza and of Palestine need us to act. A record 383 aid workers were killed in global hotspots in 2024 nearly half of them in Gaza during the war between Israel and Hamas, the UN humanitarian office said. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said the record number of killings must be a wake-up call to protect civilians caught in conflict and all those trying to help them. Advertisement Attacks on this scale, with zero accountability, are a shameful indictment of international inaction and apathy, Mr Fletcher said in a statement on World Humanitarian Day. As the humanitarian community, we demand again that those with power and influence act for humanity, protect civilians and aid workers and hold perpetrators to account. The Aid Worker Security Database, which has compiled reports since 1997, said the number of killings rose from 293 in 2023 to 383 in 2024 including more than 180 in Gaza. On #WorldHumanitarianDay the humanitarian movement is united in grief, anger, and in demanding change. https://t.co/0Pf8A2oLRW Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) August 19, 2025 Most of the aid workers killed were national staffers serving their communities who were attacked while on the job or in their homes, according to the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, known as Ocha. Advertisement This year, the figures show no sign of a reversal of the upward trend, Ocha said. There were 599 major attacks affecting aid workers last year, a sharp increase from the 420 in 2023, the databases figures show. The attacks in 2024 also wounded 308 aid workers and saw 125 kidnapped and 45 detained. There have been 245 major attacks in the past seven-plus months, and 265 aid workers have been killed, according to the database. Advertisement One of the deadliest and most horrifying attacks this year took place in the southern Gaza city of Rafah when Israeli troops opened fire before dawn on March 23, killing 15 medics and emergency responders in clearly marked vehicles. Troops bulldozed over the bodies along with their mangled vehicles, burying them in a mass grave. UN and rescue workers were only able to reach the site a week later. Even one attack against a humanitarian colleague is an attack on all of us and on the people we serve, Mr Fletcher said. Violence against aid workers is not inevitable. It must end. Advertisement According to the database, violence against aid workers increased in 21 countries in 2024 compared with the previous year, with government forces and affiliates the most common perpetrators. The highest numbers of major attacks last year were in the Palestinian territories with 194, followed by Sudan with 64, South Sudan with 47, Nigeria with 31 and Congo with 27, the database reported. As for killings, Sudan, where civil war is still raging, was second to Gaza and the West Bank with 60 aid workers losing their lives in 2024. That was more than double the 25 aid worker deaths in 2023. Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah militants fought a war last year, saw 20 aid workers killed compared with none in 2023. Advertisement Ethiopia and Syria each had 14 killings, about double the number in 2023, and Ukraine had 13 aid workers killed in 2024, up from six in 2023, according to the database. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi met Chinas top diplomat on Tuesday and hailed the steady progress made in improving the bilateral relationship after a years-long stand-off between the nuclear-armed Asian powers. Mr Modi also noted respect for each others interests and sensitiveness in a statement on social media after meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Advertisement Chinas foreign ministry said the countries have entered a steady development track and the countries should trust and support each other. Mr Wang arrived in India on Monday and has met with foreign affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as well as national security adviser Ajit Doval about the countries disputed border in the Himalayan mountains. Indias foreign ministry said Mr Wangs meeting with Mr Doval discussed de-escalation, delimitation and boundary affairs. Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping (Manish Swarup/AP) Relations plummeted in 2020 after security forces clashed along the border. The violence, the worst in decades, left 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers dead, freezing high-level political engagements. Advertisement The setbacks we experienced in the past few years were not in the interest of the people of our two countries. We are heartened to see the stability that is now restored in the borders, Mr Wang said. Mr Modi emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border and reiterated Indias commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, his office said in a statement. The rebuilding of India-China ties coincides with friction between New Delhi and Washington after US president Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on India, a long-time ally seen as a counterbalance against Chinas influence in Asia. India is part of the Quad security alliance with the US, along with Australia and Japan. Advertisement The chill in relations after the deadly clash in 2020 between troops in the Ladakh region affected trade, diplomacy and air travel, as both sides deployed tens of thousands of security forces in border areas. Some progress has been made since then. Last year, India and China agreed to a pact on border patrols and withdrew additional forces along some border areas. Both countries continue to fortify their border by building roads and rail networks. In recent months, the countries have increased official visits and discussed easing some trade restrictions, movement of citizens and visas for businesspeople. Advertisement In June, Beijing allowed pilgrims from India to visit holy sites in Tibet. Both sides are working to restore direct flights. Last week, the spokesman for Indias foreign ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, said India and China were in discussions to restart trade through three points along their 2,167-mile border. Settling the boundary issue between the two countries requires political compromise at the highest political level, said Manoj Joshi, a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank. He also served as a member of the advisory board for Indias National Security Council. Advertisement The thaw between Beijing and New Delhi began last October when Mr Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping met at a summit of emerging economies in Russia. It was the first time the leaders had spoken in person since 2019. Mr Modi is set to meet Mr Xi when he travels to China late this month his first visit in seven years to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a regional grouping formed by China, Russia and others to counter US influence in Asia. Earlier this year, Mr Xi called for India and Chinas relations to take the form of a dragon-elephant tango a dance between the emblematic animals of the countries. Last month, Indias external affairs minister visited Beijing in his first trip to China since 2020. Asylum seekers will be removed from a hotel in England after a council was granted a temporary court injunction blocking them from being housed there. Epping Forest District Council in Essex had asked a judge to issue an interim injunction stopping migrants from being accommodated at the Bell Hotel in Epping. Advertisement Reform UK leader Nigel Farage hailed the London High Court decision in Epping as a victory and said he hopes it provides inspiration to others across the country, while the shadow home secretary argued that residents have every right to object to people being housed in their area. The 12 councils where Reform UK is the largest party are understood to be exploring the prospect of legal challenges following Tuesdays ruling. The UK Home Office had warned the judge that an injunction could interfere with the departments legal obligations, and lawyers representing the hotels owner argued it would set a precedent. Epping Forest District Council had asked a judge to issue an interim injunction stopping migrants from being accommodated at the Bell Hotel. Advertisement The hotel has been at the centre of a series of protests in recent weeks after an asylum seeker who was staying there was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Reacting to the news, Mr Farage said that young, undocumented males who break into the UK illegally should NOT be free to walk the streets anywhere. They must be detained and deported. Chris Whitbread, leader of Epping Forest District Council, spoke to the media outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Tuesday (Yui Mok/PA) I hope that Epping provides inspiration to others across the country, he said. British Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch suggested that the migrants housed at the hotel need to be moved out of the area immediately, while her shadow home secretary Chris Philp said that residents should never have had to fight their own government just to feel safe in their own town. Advertisement He said: Local residents have every right to feel safe in their own streets and every right to object when their community is treated as a dumping ground. A Labour source said the move by the Tory-led council, who did not challenge the Conservative government when they were housing asylum seekers, was politically motivated and authority leaders were scared of Reform. Asked on Tuesday why the council did not previously take legal action, Epping Forest District Council leader Chris Whitbread told the PA news agency: It goes back to 2020 when we were in the pandemic originally, and at that time, it was used for young families, women and children, which is completely different to having it used for single males. Obviously, we have always raised our concerns with the Home Office, whether it be the previous government or this government, we raised our concerns. Advertisement Border security minister Dame Angela Eagle said the British government will continue working with local authorities and communities to address legitimate concerns. She added: Our work continues to close all asylum hotels by the end of this parliament. Meanwhile, the council leader for Borough of Broxbourne Council, Corina Gander, told PA the High Courts injunction set a massive precedent and the council would gather more detail about what Epping has done before considering a bid to shut down another hotel housing asylum seekers. Lawyers for the Home Office had warned the court that an injunction runs the risk of acting as an impetus for further violent protests. Advertisement Edward Brown KC also said the injunction would substantially interfere with the Home Offices statutory duty in potentially avoiding a breach of the asylum seekers human rights. Several protests and counter-protests have been held in the town since a then-resident at the hotel was accused of trying to kiss a teenage girl. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu has denied the charges against him and is due to stand trial later this month. Several protests and counter-protests have been held in the town (Yui Mok/PA) A second man who resides at the hotel, Syrian national Mohammed Sharwarq, has separately been charged with seven offences, while several other men have been charged over disorder outside the hotel. In a ruling on Tuesday, Mr Justice Eyre granted the temporary injunction, but extended the time limit by which the hotel must stop housing asylum seekers to September 12th. He also refused to give Somani Hotels Limited, the hotels owner, the green light to challenge his ruling, but the company could still ask the Court of Appeal for the go-ahead to appeal against the judgment. Piers Riley-Smith, for the company, asked the judge to be allowed to appeal against the ruling, citing its wide-reaching ramifications. He said that there was a compelling reason for the appeal to be heard, including the precedent that would be set by the ruling and the impact that it could have on the wider strategy of the (Home Secretary) in relation to the housing of asylum seekers in hotels as part of meeting their statutory duties. President Donald Trump has offered his assurances that US troops would not be sent to help defend Ukraine against Russia after seeming to leave open the possibility the day before. Mr Trump also said in a morning TV interview that Ukraines hopes of joining Nato and regaining the Crimean Peninsula from Russia are impossible. Advertisement The Republican president, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders held hours of talks at the White House on Monday aimed at bringing an end to Russias war against Ukraine. The White House meeting (Alex Brandon/AP) While answering questions from journalists, Mr Trump did not rule out sending US troops to participate in a European-led effort to defend Ukraine as part of security guarantees sought by Mr Zelensky. Mr Trump said after his meeting in Alaska last week with Vladimir Putin that the Russian leader was open to the idea of security guarantees for Ukraine. But asked on Fox News Channels Fox & Friends what assurances he could provide going forward and beyond his term that American troops would not be part of defending Ukraines border, Mr Trump said: Well, you have my assurance, and Im president. Advertisement Mr Trump would have no control over the US military after his terms ends in January 2029. European leaders met Mr Trump in the East Room (Alex Brandon/AP) Speaking later, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US boots will not be on the ground as part of any potential peacekeeping mission. The president also said in the interview that he is optimistic that a deal can be reached to end the Russian invasion, but he underscored that Ukraine will have to set aside its hope of getting back Crimea, which was seized by Russian forces in 2014, and its long-held aspirations of joining the Nato military alliance. Both of those things are impossible, Mr Trump said. Advertisement Mr Putin, as part of any potential deal to pull his forces out of Ukraine, is looking for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as recognition of Crimea as Russian territory. Mr Trump said on Monday that he was arranging for direct talks between Mr Putin and Mr Zelensky. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met in Alaska last week (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) But the Kremlin has not yet said whether Mr Putin, who has resisted previous calls by Mr Trump and others for direct negotiations on ending the war, is committed to a face-to-face meeting with the Ukrainian leader. Asked whether Mr Putin had promised Trump that he would meet directly with the Ukrainian leader, Ms Leavitt responded affirmatively. He has, she said of Mr Putin. Advertisement Mr Trump, early on Monday during talks with Mr Zelensky and European leaders, said that he was pressing for three-way talks among Mr Zelensky, Mr Putin and himself. But after speaking to Mr Putin later in the day, Mr Trump said that he was arranging first for a face-to-face between Mr Zelensky and Mr Putin and that three-way talks would follow if necessary. It was an idea that evolved in the course of the presidents conversations with both President Putin, President Zelensky and the European leaders yesterday, Ms Leavitt said. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said US boots will not be on the ground (Evan Vucci/AP) But when discussing a phone call held after the meeting between Mr Trump and the Russian leader, Mr Putins foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov gave no indication that either a bilateral or a trilateral meeting with Ukraine had been agreed. Advertisement Mr Trump said he believed Mr Putins course of action would become clear in the coming weeks. I think Putin is tired of it, Mr Trump said. I think theyre all tired of it. But you never know. Were going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks. That I can tell you. Later on Tuesday, Senator Lindsey Graham told The Associated Press in a phone interview that if peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are not moving in the right direction by the time Congress returns next month, then Plan B needs to kick in. For months, the Republican senator has been pressing Mr Trump to support a bipartisan sanctions bill that would impose steep tariffs on countries helping fund Russias war. On Tuesday morning, following a phone call with Mr Trump, Mr Graham signalled the president may now be willing to back the effort. Trump believes that if Putin doesnt do his part, that hes going to have to crush his economy. Because you got to mean what you say, Mr Graham told reporters in South Carolina earlier on Tuesday. US president Donald Trump has said American jets could help defend Ukraine if there is a deal to end the war but acknowledged it was possible Russian president Vladimir Putin would reject a peace plan. He said it would be a rough situation if Mr Putin failed to agree peace terms but stressed that Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskiy had to show flexibility, including giving up hopes of getting Crimea back or joining Nato. Advertisement The US presidents comments came as Sir Keir Starmer held talks with members of the coalition of the willing, the nations prepared to contribute to guaranteeing Ukraines security if a deal to end the Russian invasion can be reached. In a call on Tuesday, members of the group discussed the possibility of further sanctions on Russia, while planners from the nations will meet their US counterparts in the coming days, amid efforts to set up robust security guarantees, Number 10 said. The UK prime minister and Mr Zelenskiy were among European leaders who travelled to Washington on Monday for talks at the White House. Those discussions have paved the way for a potential meeting between Mr Zelenskiy and Mr Putin for the first time since the Russian leader invaded his neighbour in 2022. Advertisement Mr Trump told Fox News: I hope President Putin is going to be good and if hes not, thats going to be a rough situation. And I hope that Zelenskiy, President Zelenskiy, will do what he has to do. He has to show some flexibility. The UK and France have pledged to commit forces to Ukraine to deter Mr Putin from launching a fresh assault on his neighbour if a deal is done to end the war. Mr Trump said they were willing to put people on the ground, and added: Were willing to help them with things, especially probably if you could talk about by air, because theres nobody has the kind of stuff we have. Advertisement But he suggested that Mr Putin was unlikely to launch another invasion as he was tired of it after three years of war. We are going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks, that I can tell you, Mr Trump said, acknowledging that it was possible he doesnt want to make a deal. Mr Starmer said work with the US on what the security guarantees would entail could start as soon as Tuesday. He said there was a real significant breakthrough when it comes to security guarantees, because were now going to be working with the US on those security guarantees. Advertisement Mr Starmer told the BBC that teams from both sides of the Atlantic were starting the detailed work on that. The UK prime minister co-chaired a call on Tuesday morning of the so-called coalition of the willing, the group of nations he has been leading with Frances president Emmanuel Macron. Mr Trump spoke directly to Mr Putin to begin planning a meeting between the Russian leader and Mr Zelenskoy while hosting the gathering on Monday, which will then be followed by a three-way meeting involving himself. The US president said Moscow will accept multinational efforts to guarantee Ukraines security. Advertisement Mr Zelenskiy, meanwhile, said he was ready for bilateral and trilateral meetings. Mr Zelenskiy participates in a multilateral meeting with European leaders in the East Room of the White House (Aaron Schwartz/PA) But he told reporters following the White House meeting that if Russia does not demonstrate a will to meet, then we will ask the United States to act accordingly. Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said the US and Europe would do more on tariffs and sanctions against Russia if the country is not playing ball on direct talks with Ukraine, in comments to Fox News. Mr Starmer described the talks as good and constructive and said there was a real sense of unity between the European leaders, Mr Trump and Mr Zelenskiy. He said Mr Trumps plans to arrange the bilateral and trilateral meetings showed a recognition that Ukraine must be involved in talks. That is a recognition of the principle that on some of these issues, whether its territory or the exchange of prisoners, or the very serious issue of the return of children, that is something where Ukraine must be at the table, the UK prime minister 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 To say that Eddington has had mixed reviews would be an understatement. The fourth feature from wunder(no-longer-a-)kind Ari Aster has been taken by some critics as further evidence of his unique vision, and by others as proof that the promise he showed with his horror debut, Hereditary, and the Swedish folk-nightmare, Midsommar, has now been completely squandered, via the baffling Oedipal fantasy of Beau is Afraid (2023) and now this baffling, inflammatory and potentially traumatising take on the early days of COVID. For some filmmakers, that would be worrying. But for the famously contrarian 39-year-old, Aster, its as it should be. This is a movie about polarisation, and its only right that the response should be polarised, he says. It feels to me like its doing what its designed to do. Eddington is a sprawling modern-day Western, set in the New Mexico town of the title during the early days of the pandemic. But what exactly were you aiming for with this twisted, funny, and ultimately hyper-violent movie about a conservative sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and a progressive mayor (Pedro Pascal) whose opposing views escalate into outright hostility during the dog days of lockdown? Joaquin Phoenix plays Joe Cross, the sheriff of Eddington, New Mexico, whose conviction to upholding the law is tested by COVID directives. Credit: Richard Foreman/A24 Well, I wanted to make a film about what the world feels like right now, and specifically what America feels like to me, Aster says. Thats where Im living and where the film is set, but it does feel like its something that is happening all over the world. Advertisement The small town of Eddington, New Mexico the state in which New York-based Aster grew up functions as a microcosm of everything thats gone wrong with the world in terms of our seeming inability to seek or to find common ground. And that unwillingness to admit the validity of views other than our own is fed, heightened and reinforced by the media social and antisocial that we consume. We all know were in our own echo chambers because were trapped in a system based on feedback, says Aster. The problem is that people cant remember that they know that. Eddington is about what happens when feedback ramps up beyond control and the bubbles collide. Austin Butler plays a charismatic New Age guru in the film. Credit: Richard Foreman Its not just Phoenixs Joe Cross and Pascals Ted Garcia who are swept up in the drama. All around them, people seem locked into their own takes on what is going on, what is true, what is a conspiracy, what can be believed and what demands you do your research. There are cults, there are protests, there is a wild profusion of guns. Above all, there is anger and chaos. Loading It is, says Aster, a movie about a bunch of people who are living in different realities, and theyre all very upset about whats happening in the world. They can tell that something is very, very wrong, but none of them agrees on what that thing is. And its about what happens when those people start to bump up against each other. As sheriff, Joe is tasked with enforcing the law. But what happens when he thinks the law is an ass, or that it doesnt apply to him? And while Ted is tasked with managing the town, he seems to have benefited more from its move into renewables and high-tech data storage facilities than the average burgher. Does that make him smart or lucky, or simply prove he is corrupt? Advertisement Doubt and suspicion and a murkiness of motive are the forces that animate Eddington. Its a film about a bunch of paranoid people, says Aster. And the film itself becomes paranoid. There are street protests, spurred by the killing of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, and confrontations over whether to wear masks or not. But the tension reaches its zenith when a heavily armed militia, dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, drops into Eddington and starts shooting with both weapons and phone cameras. The film positions these interlopers as Antifa (anti-fascists), or at least as pretending to be Antifa. But it also shows them flying into Eddington aboard a luxury private jet. And for some viewers (me included), this is the most problematic moment in the movie, the moment when it tips from presenting conspiracies as the product of subjective world views to offering it up as an objective reality. Emma Stone is Louise, Joes estranged wife. Credit: Richard Foreman It is also, says Aster, the moment where the film announces itself as satire, very clearly. And the scene on the plane, he adds, should function as something of a Rorschach test. But what do you think people might see in that Rorschach test? Somebody might see Antifas super soldiers being sent in by George Soros, he says, referring to the billionaire investor and backer of liberal causes who some conspiracists on the right imagine to be a shadowy puppet-master. Or somebody might see crisis actors being sent in to pretend to be Antifa. What we know is that those people, once they land, are filming everything theyre doing, so theyre putting on a production. Ill leave it at that. Advertisement But I will say that I recognised, while I was making it we all did that this is the moment at which were inviting misinterpretations, he adds. But thats sort of the point. Given that deliberate sowing of confusion, albeit as a reflection of the confusion that currently besets the US and perhaps many of the other liberal democracies in the world, one might be curious about where Asters own sympathies lie. If thats not too mundane a question to ask. Youre asking if Im left or right, he says. Im left, but part of the project is about turning a mirror on myself and trying to see the humanity in people who hold beliefs that I see as being against mine, or trying to see the humanity in people we might abhor. He sees a lot of himself in the young activists who call for the defunding of the police and bemoan the ethical ravages of white privilege. But the film holds them up to the same satirical scrutiny as anyone else. His aim throughout was to tell a story about a community of people who arent really a community at all. And its writing was informed by travelling around New Mexico, meeting and talking to a lot of people, some of whom were the polar opposite of Aster, ideologically speaking. Meeting a lot of these people really helped the movie get away from me in a very useful way, he says. Im trying to pull back as far as I can, and Im trying to honour at least to a point as many voices in the cacophony as possible. The most uninteresting thing I could do would be to condescend to or totally dismiss the point of view of any of these people. Advertisement To South Australia, where the Albanese government has responded to the vast algal bloom that is killing sea life along the coastline. A federal body that supports drought-stricken farmers will expand its operations to support those impacted by significant ecological events like South Australias devastating algal bloom. The effects of the algal bloom: a dead flathead on an Adelaide beach. Credit: Ben Searcy But Nationals leader David Littleproud says the prime ministers decision to use the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) scheme to pay for the new program would reduce funds for farmers. The Nationals are not against funding to fix the algal bloom problem in South Australia in fact, we support it but Labor should not be taking funding from the RIC, he said. Visiting Adelaide on Wednesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the funding but did not provide details. Its very clear that slow-onset events like marine heatwaves and algal blooms will continue to impact our natural environment, communities and businesses, he said. What we will do is work with the minister for agriculture, whos been working closely with relevant stakeholders, to extend the operations of the RIC and improve those operations. The algal bloom has killed tens of thousands of marine animals since it was identified off the Fleurieu Peninsula in March, and has since spread along other parts of SAs coastline. Corrupt former Labor minister Eddie Obeid has been released from jail after serving his sentence of three years and 10 months for misconduct in public office in relation to the grant of a coal exploration licence, which delivered a $30 million windfall to his family. The 81-year-old left the aged care facility at Long Bay Correctional Complex just after 7am on Wednesday. Corrupt former NSW MP Eddie Obeid leaves Long Bay jail on Wednesday. Credit: Sam Mooy Carrying plastic bags of his belongings, Obeid made a short walk to a waiting white Toyota LandCruiser with heavily tinted windows and drove away from the eastern suburbs prison. He arrived at the Lindfield home, in Sydneys upper north shore, where his wife Judy Obeid has been living during his imprisonment, about 7.50am. He was joined by a large gathering of the extended Obeid clan, who arrived carrying pastries and treats. A major police manhunt is under way after a Sydney man, Osama Momani, became the second person killed in a public place shooting this week, the 22-year-old targeted outside a western Sydney home by at least one gunman. Sitting in the passenger seat of a silver sedan on Tuesday, Momani was cut down when the car was sprayed with bullets just before 7pm in Regiment Grove, Winston Hills, a cul-de-sac in a housing estate. Shot once in the chest, he staggered to a nearby home for assistance but succumbed to his injuries on the street outside. Crime scene footage shows smeared blood on the front door of the house. Emergency services transferred Momani in a critical condition to Westmead Hospital, where he was declared dead. Thank you for joining us on this rather cold, drizzly Wednesday. We will be back tomorrow with more live new coverage from Brisbane and beyond, so please join us. If you are just catching up, here are some of the stories making headlines today: It will be grey, cold and wet over the next two days, with rain forecast to linger over Brisbane. Up to 40 millimetres of rain could soak some parts of south-east Queensland, so be sure to pack your brolly. A review into an embryo mix-up at a Monash IVF clinic in Brisbane has found human error was at the heart of the incident that led to a woman giving birth to a strangers baby. Former Queensland deputy premier Jackie Trad has been unveiled as boss of Australias largest renewables lobby in the former Labor ministers most public-facing role since being defeated in the 2020 state election. Documents opposing the planned pro-Palestinian protest across the Story Bridge this weekend have been lodged in court by Brisbane City Council, citing a range of concerns, including potential safety risks and road delays of 15 minutes or more. Federal and Queensland police have given their strongest acknowledgement yet that the man who allegedly poured hot coffee on a baby boy in a random attack at a Brisbane park may never face justice in Australia. Redcliffe will host the 2027 Softball World Cup, setting up a fierce competition with Logan City Council in the latest gambit for diamond sports inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. A push to withdraw council advertising from the Kyle and Jackie O show became heated overnight, with heads butting and claims of hypocrisy at City Hall. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that he treats foreign leaders with respect and didnt take Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu description of him as weak personally, as diplomatic relations between the leaders deteriorate. And, the family of the late Sir Leo Hielscher the man considered the grandfather of modern Queensland has accepted the premiers offer of a state funeral for the long-serving public servant, who died this month, aged 98. Six children were waiting to be picked up by their families when a man broke into a childcare centre, self-harmed, and was involved in a confrontation with police before he died. The 28-year-old forced his way into the Habitat Early Learning centre in Peregian Springs on the Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane, after 6pm on Monday, while six children and five staff members were in the building. The centre said security measures, including fingerprint scanners, prevented the man from entering immediately. The intruder inside the Habitat Early Learning centre on Monday. Credit: A Current Affair This gave staff enough time to follow safety protocols and hide the children in a secure location. Rather they have been turbocharged by the scale of Xis anti-corruption campaign, under which millions of civilians and military officials have been investigated and removed since he came to power in 2012. This includes two former defence ministers, Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, who were expelled from the party last year after being accused by the leadership of taking bribes. Many analysts agree that corruption has been a genuine problem inside the Chinese Communist Party, particularly in parts of the Peoples Liberation Army responsible for procurement. Former Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang was removed form the role in 2023. Credit: Reuters But since Xis consolidation of power in October 2022, when he secured an unprecedented third term as president, top officials he handpicked who were previously thought to enjoy his protection have become targets. Its as much about power, control, preventing alternate power bases from forming, and ensuring that interpersonal networks dont develop to a degree that Xi Jinping personally, and the party as an organisation, is challenged, said Drew Thompson, a former Pentagon official overseeing China policy and now a senior fellow at Nanyang. Some China watchers spend their careers trying to peer into the black box of the countrys elite powerbrokers, searching for splinters of light that might offer clues as to the policy shifts and power plays. Increasingly this has become a process of deduction, involving poring over government mouthpieces such as the Peoples Daily for mentions of keywords and officials, and scrutinising reports of high-profile events to see who attended and who did not. Former defence minister Li Shangfu was expelled from the Chinese Communist Party on corruption grounds last year. Credit: AP This can be a highly speculative exercise, and it can take many months before a top-ranked officials removal is officially confirmed by formal party channels. The Chinese Foreign Ministry was contacted for comment. If he has indeed been detained, Liu is the latest senior official to be felled in Xis sweeping crackdown, which recently included the ousting of two top officers both Xi allies from the Central Military Commission (CMC), the partys supreme military decision-making body. Admiral Miao Hua, who was in charge of ensuring political loyalty in the armed forces, was formally removed from the CMC in June for suspected serious violations of discipline and law, a party euphemism for corruption. Another former defence minister, Wei Fenghe, was also purged from his position. Credit: AP CMC vice-chair He Weidong, the No.2 military official behind Xi and also a member of the Communist Partys powerful Politburo, hasnt been seen in public since March and is suspected to be under investigation. Their career demises are notable not just for their seniority, but because they were part of the Fujian clique of Xi loyalists who had known him since his days as a local official and then governor of Fujian between 1985 and 2002. The CMC has been halved since 2023; just three generals now directly report to Xi. This has triggered conjecture among China scholars about what Xis narrowing circle of trust says about his confidence in the military leaders to oversea the PLAs combat readiness, particularly in line with the partys ultimate goal of unifying Taiwan with the mainland. Loading For now, the PLAs modernisation efforts are still proceeding apace, Thompson said, as China pursues the largest military expansion by any country since World War II. Whats harder to measure is the effect on morale, particularly in those higher command units, he said. The purges have also fuelled speculation that a factional power struggle is being waged against Xi by his enemies in the PLA. The speculation reached fever pitch this year as rumours spread of Xis imminent downfall mostly among CCP critics in diaspora communities and in the Falun Gong-backed publication The Epoch Times before being picked up by some Western media outlets. This theory was built around Xis two-week public absence in late May to early June and his decision to skip the BRICS summit in Brazil in July for the first time in 12 years. General He Weidong, the vice chairman of Chinas Central Military Commission, pictured at the 14th National Peoples Congress in Beijing in March 2023. He hasnt been seen in public since March this year. Credit: Getty Images These rumours, rejected by many analysts, took a credibility blow when Xi resumed normal programming with a string of high-profile events in July holding the Central Urban Work Conference, meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and hosting Australias Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Beijing. He has been very much in the limelight [since the urban conference]. He was given pride of place on the front pages of the Peoples Daily and even the PLA Daily, said Dr Willy Lam, a 40-year veteran of researching Chinese politics and senior fellow at Washington-based think tank the Jamestown Foundation. Lam believes a factional struggle is afoot, but that Xi will maintain an unassailable grip on power in the lead-up to the partys 21st National Congress in 2027, when many analysts expect he will seek a fourth term. Loading The Lowy Institutes Richard McGregor takes the view that wild, uncorroborated rumours about Xis leadership should be taken with a dump truck full of salt. Others argue that the PLA purges of Xis allies and enemies should be seen as a consolidation of his power, rather than a weakening of it. Loh said the rumour mill typically cranked up around this time two years out from the party congress, which formally determines the partys top leaders when there is increasing motive for those who might want to undermine Chinas leaders. I do not think theres any serious attempt under way to unseat or challenge Xi, and my own view is that hes still very much comfortable in this position of power and is still very much in charge, Loh said. London: US President Donald Trump has ruled out sending troops to Ukraine in a potential peace deal with Russia, placing a strict limit on Americas role and putting the onus on European nations to enforce any truce. Trump offered US Air Force support to the peace plan but assured American voters he would not put boots on the ground in Ukraine a key issue for those in his MAGA movement who oppose a bigger commitment to the European war. The comment came a day after Trump left the option open when asked twice if he would send ground troops, signalling the caution in the White House about how to ensure Russian President Vladimir Putin honours any peace deal. European leaders are preparing to impose more sanctions on Russia to encourage Putin to end the war, while they step up plans for a coalition of the willing to offer security to Ukraine, which was backed with a message of support from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday night. These reforms aren't just about improving efficiency for lenders theyre about creating a system that works better for all Australians, she said. A modernised credit reporting system would support financial inclusion, help consumers access credit on more competitive terms, and contribute to overall economic resilience. SS: This wasnt just a move. It was a decision to partner with people who shared our values. At Brokerage & Co., wed built something strong. We had solid systems, a great team culture and a track record of results. But as we looked to scale, we recognized wed need deeper infrastructure, smarter tech and more support behind the scenes to take things further. The conversations with Flint were never rushed or transactional. From the beginning, it felt like alignment. The way they thought about clients, culture and growth matched our own. Theyd already built the operational foundation, but had done it in a way that still felt personal and founder-led. That mattered to me. 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Download UEFI BIOS Updater 1.69.17.2 Simple tool to upgrade the OROM on motherboards and the code of AMI UEFI BIOS where downloaded images may be flashed: UEFI BIOS Updater is a free utility which can be used to edit UEFI BIOS on systems with certain types of mainboards. 13.4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free PeStudio 9.61 Malware analysis tool which investigages the resources of EXE files: PeStudio is a portable and free program which is able to examine executable files in depth. 662 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free PeStudio Review - Download Lenovo Energy Management 6.0 Lenovo Energy Management is a power manager designed by Lenovo. 1.3 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Lenovo Energy Management Review - Download UEFITool 0.28.0 Basic free application that can view and edit UEFI firmware images without the fluff: Unified Extensible Firmware Interface or UEFI is a post-BIOS firmware specification originally written by Intel for Itanium architecture and than adapted for X86 systems. 4.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free OMEN Gaming Hub 1101.2406.15.0 Gaming software for owners of HP Omen gaming PCs with a focus on overclocking and optimization of CPU and GPU adapters in order to improve gaming performance: OMEN Gaming Hub is a software suite that brings together all of the features gamers need to take their gaming to the next level. 200 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Monitorian 4.13.0 Simple system tray utility to control the brightness on one or more connected monitors, televisions or screens: Monitorian is a Windows desktop tool to adjust the brightness of multiple monitors with ease. 446 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free ASUS Live Update Utility 3.6.10 Critical update management tool from ASUS for keeping drivers, utilities, tools and other system applications updated: The ASUS Live Update Utility is a computer software application designed to provide users with the ability to update their ASUS hardware and software components with the latest available versions. 14.1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free ASUS Live Update Utility Review - Download Lenovo Legion Toolkit 2.26.1 Control and manage your Lenovo PC gaming system without having to worry about using Lenovo Vantage or other proprietary software: Lenovo Legion Toolkit (LLT) is a utility created for Lenovo Legion laptops, that allows changing a couple of features that are only available in Lenovo Vantage or Legion Zone. 5.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free QEMU for Windows 8.2.0 An emulator for various CPUs that supports virtualization: As virtualization software, QEMU is certainly a contender for one of the fastest. 54.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free QEMU Review - Download Intel Extreme Tuning Utility 10.0.1.31 Intel Extreme Tuning Utility is the official overclocking application for owners of Intel CPUs and motherboards. 41.4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Intel Extreme Tuning Utility Review - Download Cameyo 3.1.1530 Provides application-level virtualization on Windows making most applications essentially portable without affecting the registry: Cameyo is a totally free application which creates virtualized packages from any application, essentially allowing you to create portable applications from a normal application installation. 15.0 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Cameyo Review - Download Xpadder 2023.05.01 Please note: Users of new versions of Windows will need to run Xpadder in compatibility mode. 26 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Shareware Xpadder Review - Download MSI Gaming App 6.2.0.83 The MSI Gaming App is a free utility designed for MSI laptop and desktop PCs which can tweak and overclock GPU and CPU, along with provide additional details about them. 45.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free MSI Gaming App Review - Download Locale Emulator 2.5.0.1 Locale Emulator is a Windows application that makes it possible to run programs outside of their default location/language region. 151 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Locale Emulator Review - Download VideoCacheView 3.11 After spending time online surfing video web sites like YouTube or DailyMotion, you may not even be aware that these files are cached somewhere on your PC. 0.08 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free VideoCacheView Review - Download Sysinternals Suite 2021.05.25 Sysinternals Suite is a package containing all of the utilities that are produced by Microsoft subsidiary, Sysinternals. 12.9 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Sysinternals Suite Review - Download MSI Dragon Center 2.1.1804.1102 Dedicated tool from MSI for managing PC settings including system tuning, overclocking, LED lighting and system information and diagnostics: MSI Dragon Center is the official control panel that comes with modern MSI gaming notebook and desktop PCs. 155 MB | For Windows 8, Windows 10 Free Dragon Center Review - Download Natural Color Pro 2.0.0.0 Natural Color Pro is a color system management application for use with Samsung monitors. 7.9 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free ASUS WinFlash 3.2.10 **** ASUS WinFlash **** provides owners of ASUS mainboards with a quick and simple way of updating the system BIOS software. 372 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free ASUS WinFlash Review - Download Microsoft AppLocale 1.0.0 Microsoft's 'temporary solution' tool called AppLocale is a program which helps you run non-Unicode programs without having to worry about the display of characters. 1.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Microsoft AppLocale Review - Download MSI Center 2.0.57.0 Bespoke software from MSI which provides an all-round control panel for system performance, specific settings, system performance and tweaking utilities for owners of MSI gaming systems: MSI Center is a brand new platform which will combine all MSIs exclusive features. 598.5 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free IsMyLcdOK 5.99 IsMyLcdOK is a simple piece of software that runs a few different display tests to make it apparent if an LCD screen is defective or contains dead pixels. 80 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free IsMyLcdOK Review - Download ASUS Ai Charger 1.05.02 ASUS Ai Charger allows ASUS-powered systems to be used as a fast charger for your iPod, iPhone and new iPad. 4.3 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free ShowKeyPlus 1.1.18.0 Free and portable application which can retrieve and display the product key of Windows while also exporting it as text: ShowKeyPlus is a portable freeware app to retrieve and save your Windows product key if you lost it. 1.5 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Gigabyte OC Guru II 2.0.8 Official overclocking and tweaking tool by Gigabyte for a number of CPU and GPU chips: GIGABYTE OC Guru II is an official application developed by the manufacturer than can overclock your video card in a simple and streamlined manner. 20.0 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Gigabyte OC Guru II Review - Download Corsair Utility Engine 5.31.112 Software for customizing a Corsair keyboard or mouse by controlling the lighting, macros and settings: If you've got a gaming setup or a dedicated laptop or desktop PC designed especially for gamers, there's a chance you can take advantage of the free Corsair Engine Utility software. 110 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Corsair Utility Engine Review - Download ScpToolkit 1.7.277.16103 Attention all gamers! 22.3 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free ScpToolkit Review - Download DriverPack Solution 17.11.47 Driver management software that can download the latest drivers for a potential boost in system performance or troubleshooting errors, with a backup option: DriverPack Solution is a tool to simplify the process of finding and installing device drivers for Windows-based computers. 9 GB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Driver Identifier 6.0 Update and identify the drivers of components on your PC: After purchasing a new computer, it is likely that the drivers are already out-of-date once you have the system setup on your desk. 0.9 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Driver Identifier Review - Download Zadig 2.9.788 Allows you to install generic or customized device drivers for a connected USB device with WinUSB or libusb easily: Zadig is a free and open-source device driver installation utility developed by the French software developer libwdi. 4.9 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Ubiquiti UniFi Controller 9.2.87 Introducing the Ubiquiti UniFi Controller - a powerful tool to streamline and simplify the management of your Ubiquity hardware and devices. 161 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free UniFi Network Controller Review - Download Audio Router 0.10.2 If you're an audiophile looking to take control of your audio routing, then look no further than Audio Router. 266 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Audio Router Review - Download Better DS3 1.5.3.01 Adds the possibility of using a DS3 controller for gaming and other configuration and functionality on Windows: Better DS3 is an offline MotioninJoy driver configuration tool. 742 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung USB Driver for Mobile Phones 19.0.0 Universal Android driver for usage on Windows which allows interfacing with Galaxy and other phone models, enabling file transfer, management and more: Samsung USB Driver for Mobile Phones is a very useful driver package that makes connecting your mobile device to your computer much easier. 15.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Realtek High Definition Audio Driver 2.82 The Realtek HD Audio Drivers are official installation files for computers containing audio chipsets by Realtek. 160 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Realtek High Definition Audio Driver Review - Download Logitech Webcam Software 2.2.0 Logitech offers this software free to anybody running one of the various models of webcam available from Logitech. 48.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Logitech Webcam Software Review - Download Synaptics Pointing Device Driver 19.0.19.63 This package by Synaptics will provide support for Synaptics Pointing Devices on your netbook or laptop. 52.8 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free AMD Ryzen Master 3.0.0.4199 Control and adjust overclocking settings on systems with an AMD Ryzen CPU installed with voltage, memory and clock speed optimizations: AMD's powerful overclocking tool that provides granular control over every part of your chip. 34.1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Logitech G HUB 2025.6.759533 Logitech G Hub only works with Logitech products, but supports a wide range of gaming keyboards, gaming mice and headsets. 39.6 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Logitech G HUB Review - Download DS4Windows 3.3.3 DS4Windows is a portable application that is the original application called DS4Windows which allows you to connect your PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 controller to Windows over Bluetooth and can be used to play games using it. 1.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free DS4Windows Portable Review - Download Canon MF Toolbox 4.9.1.1.mf18 Allows you to scan documents in Windows with Canon hardware with PDF and OCR support: Canon MF Toolbox is a software application designed to enhance the functionality of Canon multi-function printers (MFPs). 10.1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free ASTRO Command Center 1.1.55 Suite with a range of tools and utilities for managing ASTRO gaming devices including firmware, input and output settings: ASTRO Command Center is a software application that allows you to customize and configure the settings of ASTRO gaming headsets, speakers, and other audio devices. 18.1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free ASTRO Command Center Review - Download Razer Synapse 7.10.0.515 If you own a Razer peripheral like a mouse or a keyboard for gamers, **** Razer Synapse **** is a must-have utility for taking advantage of all of the features made available for them. 21.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Razer Synapse Review - Download ASIO4ALL 2.16 Control WDM audio drivers on older versions of Windows with a universal ASIO-based driver independent of manufacturers: **** ASIO4ALL **** is a free and alternative audio driver which allows its users to get very low latency from their sound adapter. 406 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free ASIO4ALL Review - Download WIDCOMM Bluetooth Software 12.0.1.940 For owners of prebuild or custom built PCs such as desktop and laptop computers, they may come with Broadcom Bluetooth hardware. 16.1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free WIDCOMM Bluetooth Software Review - Download DS4Windows 1.4.52 Utility which controls profiles, maps buttons and more for Sony's DualShock 4 PS4 controller: DS4Windows is a free and portable game controller application which allows you to use a PlayStation DualShock 4 controller on a Windows system. 1.1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free DS4Windows Review - Download SlimDrivers 2.4.0.34 Software which keeps Windows drivers up-to-date: As time passes, some of your Windows and hardware drivers become obsolete or are updated but not many people know how or where to get the latest drivers from. 590 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free SlimDrivers Review - Download Toshiba Bluetooth Stack 9.10.32T Proprietary device driver package which enables the Bluetooth components and provides support on Toshiba laptop PCs: This software is Toshiba's very own Bluetooth stack for Windows. 36.9 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) 18.1.3.1 Looking to give your graphics card drivers the boot? 1.6 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Display Driver Uninstaller Review - Download LG Mobile Driver 4.8.0 A WHQL-signed device driver installation package that adds support on Windows for Android mobile phones and tablets made by LG: The LG Mobile Driver is a prerequisite for connecting and interacting with your LG cell phone or tablet on Windows. 15.9 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Epson Software Updater 4.6.9 Epson Software Updater is a comprehensive, easy-to-use tool designed to keep your Epson products up-to-date. 5.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Epson Software Updater Review - Download Intel HD Graphics Driver 30.0.101.1340 A must-have graphics driver for generic Intel chipsets including Core i3, Core i5, Core i7 and Core i9: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator Driver is a graphics driver for Intel GMA based motherboards. 21.8 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Lenovo System Update 5.08.03.59 System utility software from Lenovo that installs new device driver updates and system components on ThinkPad and Yoga laptops: Lenovo System Update is a wizard-based utility for downloading and installing all the latest Lenovo system drivers, software, and BIOS updates efficiently. 7.35 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free NetOdin3 for Tizen 1.0 Designed for usage by owners of Samsung wireless devices like Gear, NetOdin3 is a flashing utility for restoring the firmware on Samsung devices. 2.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free NetOdin3 for Tizen Review - Download MyHarmony Desktop 1.0.308 Add and manage Logitech Harmony devices in a simple and easy way: MyHarmony Desktop is an application that allows you to set up or make changes to your Harmony remote. 34.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Microsoft LifeCam 3.6 This file is the latest version of Microsoft LifeCam; Program features excellent sound and video quality and works on 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows. 21.6 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center 14.41.137.0 Official Microsoft software for use with mice and keyboards to customize key associations and settings: Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center is an essential utility for owners of Microsoft keyboards and mouse devices mainly for the reason that it allows you to customize the function and settings of the various buttons. 43.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center Review - Download Intel Chipset Device Software 10.1.20266.8668 Intel Chipset Device Software is essential for Intel motherboards owners, as it provides INF files that allow the motherboard to connect to different components such as controllers and add-on cards, as well as the CPU and RAM. 5.6 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Intel Chipset Device Software Review - Download Microsoft Xbox 360 Accessories 1.20.146 Monitors and provides notifications for the battery level of Xbox 360 controllers connected to a Windows PC: Microsoft Xbox 360 Accessories allows you to use Xbox peripherals on your Window system with an easy setup routine. 7.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Fitbit Connect 2.0.2.7066 Interact with your Fitbit bracelet to access statistics, device management and how many calories you may have lost: Physical fitness is on the rise and so are the gadgets that accompany it. 1.8 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Fitbit Connect Review - Download SetFSB 2.2.134.98 SetFSB is a useful system information tool which may allow you to increase the clock rate of your processor. 178 B | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free SetFSB Review - Download HP Universal Print Driver 7.1.0.25570 The HP Universal Print Driver is a single driver that can be used to support multiple printers from multiple manufacturers. 20.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free AMD Driver Autodetect 25.5.1 AMD Driver Autodetect is a driver update tool which scans a PC for connected AMD hardware and searches for driver updates. 870 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free AMD Driver Autodetect Review - Download DriversCloud 12.0.27 Makes the task of finding outdated drivers an easy task while scanning for newer drivers that can be obtained from online sources in a simple interface: DriversCloud is a free driver updater tool that runs mostly from your web browser window. 234 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Bloody6 19.06.6 Bloody6 is software specifically made for owners of "Bloody" peripherals including the different series of mouse offered by the company. 32 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Bloody6 Review - Download VirtualMIDISynth 2.13.9 VirtualMIDISynth is a MIDI synthesizer which takes advantage of the capabilities of the Windows MIDI sequencer. 816.4KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free VirtualMIDISynth Review - Download Logitech Harmony Remote Software 7.7.1 Proprietary software from Logitech that adds support and customization for thousands of different Harmony peripherals: Use the Logitech Harmony Remote Software to add devices and setup your remote. 44.5 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility 10.1.19444.8378 Enables processor support and proper function by installing the proper INF driver files for Intel processors: The Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility is a powerful and convenient tool for making sure your Intel processor is correctly configured and up-to-date with the latest drivers. 2.9 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Double Driver 4.1.0 A tool to backup and restore Windows drivers: Double Driver 4 is an application with a user friendly simple interface which permits users to easily scan their system and then backup to restore drivers that are installed on the system. 2.06 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Double Driver Review - Download Bose Updater 7.1.13.5323 A utility for Windows that can help you upgrade the firmware on your Bose portable headphones: Bose Updater implements a firmware update feature for Bose products enabled with Bluetooth technology. 7.1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Xbox 360 Controller for Windows 1.20.146 With this software and a compatible wireless receiver, you can use various Xbox 360 accessories such as wired and wireless game controllers, wired and wireless headsets, and wireless wheels for gaming on your computer. 7.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung Drivers Pack 1.9 Collection of drivers for Samsung Android devices which should allow for the rooting and general Windows-Phone connectivity of devices: Samsung Drivers Pack is a collection of drivers for rooting and modifying your Samsung cell phone. 67.6 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung Drivers Pack Review - Download SteelSeries Engine 3.17.8 Provides critical support for functionality of SteelSeries peripherals including keyboards, mouses, macro automation and gaming controls: SteelSeries Engine is dedicated to all the SteelSeries products. 110 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free AMD OverDrive 4.3.1 AMD OverDrive is an application designed to offer its users a strong set of tools that will give them more control over their system and overclocking capabilities. 10 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free AMD OverDrive Review - Download Broadcom Bluetooth 12.0.0.9850 If your PC has Bluetooth, then there's a chance you've got a chipset by Broadcom. 4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Broadcom Bluetooth Review - Download Driver Genius Professional 25.0.0.122 A windows driver update utility: Driver Genius is a handy and useful application which puts managing your Windows sytem drivers in the hands of a competant program. 13.69 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Shareware Driver Genius Professional Review - Download FAT32format GUI 1.0.1.0 User interface version of free and easy tool that formats hard disk drives, large or small, into FAT32 as opposed to the now-default NTFS format: FAT32format GUI is a disk formatting utility designed to format discs larger than 32 GB with the venerable FAT32 file system. 76 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Kingston Format Utility 1.0.3.0 In order to better take advantage of your Kingston memory device on different systems, it may be necessary to format the drive. 239 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Kingston Format Utility Review - Download SD Card Formatter 5.0.3 SD Card Formatter is a simple and basic formatted which is designed to be used with SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards. 6 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free SD Card Formatter Review - Download HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool 2.2.3 HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool utility will format any USB flash drive, with your choice of FAT, FAT32, or NTFS partition types. 96 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free FAT32format 1.07 fat32format is a freeware application which allows Windows systems to format any drives to FAT32; despite the format's limitations, the author posits that even huge drives up to 2 TB (yes, 2 terabytes). 22 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free FAT32format Review - Download HDD Low Level Format Tool 4.40 Free utility which performs low-level hard drive formatting with support for IDE, SCSI, SATA or external media, without any size limitations: HDD Low Level Format Tool is a freeware utility for low-level hard disk drive formatting. 0.78 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Fat32 Formatter 1.1 Formats hard drives larger than 4GB to a FAT32 filesystem: Looking for a way to format a FAT32 filesystem hard drive to something larger than the maximum support size of 32GB? 188 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP / NT Free Fat32 Formatter Review - Download USB Disk Storage Format Tool 6.1.0.592 USB flash drives hold everything from personal and medical information to music and pictures and even secure data, with the added advantage of being small and rugged enough for keychain duty. 548 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free RMPrepUSB 2.1.746 Comprehensive and advanced utility for formatting disks and other storage media to create bootable drives with a number of included utilities: RMPrepUSB is a Windows utility to partition and format a drive, useful for USB drives or other mass storage devices such as memory cards, SD cards or microSD cards for usage as bootable medium. 9.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Martik USB Disk Formatter 1.1 Martik USB Disk Formatter is a small tool to format USB Drives. 52.19 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Any DRIVE Formatter 2.0.6 Any DRIVE Formatter is a free utility which can format connected mass storage devices, even when Windows is unable to. 452 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Any DRIVE Formatter Review - Download Samsung Format Utility 2.5 Samsung Format Utility is a small tool which can quickly format the contents of Samsung external hard drives. 195 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung Format Utility Review - Download Memory Stick Formatter 2.5.05090 Old-school memory card tool for owners of older camera systems that still use Sony's proprietary Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro and Memory Stick Pro Duo flash cards: Memory Stick Formatter is a simple and fast freeware application designed for formatting a "Memory Stick". 3.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Hard Disk Wipe Tool 2.35.1178 HDD Wipe Tool is a basic and rather outdated hard drive eraser which will completely remove all data from a hard drive. 496 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP / NT Free Hard Disk Wipe Tool Review - Download Victoria SSD/HDD 5.37 Victoria is a free, yet experimental hard drive tool which can be used to monitor the performance of your hard drive. 598 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Victoria Review - Download Flash Drive Information Extractor 9.4.0.645 Grab and copy pertinent information about USB flash drives with detailed device information: Flash Drive Information Extractor has the ability to determine the model USB controller, model and memory type for many modern USB flash drives. 4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Patriot SATA Toolbox 1.18x1 Collection of tools and utilities to optimize solid state drives made by Patriot: Patriot SATA Toolbox is a free utility designed for owners of Patriot Burst series of SSD storage devices. 17.4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Patriot SATA Toolbox Review - Download SK hynix Drive Manager Easy Kit 3.1.0 Utility from SK hynix that can administer and maintain your SSD drives with the ability to update firmware, check SMART status and enable/disable certain drive features: SK hynix Drive Manager Easy Kit is a utility designed for monitoring, administrating, and managing local SSD drives. 60.4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Samsung Magician 8.3.2.850 Samsung Magician is a tool designed especially for use with Samsung solid state drives (SSDs). 16.5 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung Magician Review - Download CrystalDiskMark 9.0.1 CrystalDiskInfo is a small benchmarking application for hard drives. 1.6 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free CrystalDiskMark Review - Download Intel SSD Toolbox 3.5.15 Collection of tools and utilities for monitoring SSD performance and executing maintenance and optimization tasks for Intel solid state drives as well as diagnosing problems: The Intel Solid State Drive Toolbox (Intel SSD Toolbox) is drive management software that allows you to view current drive information for Intel SSDs, including: Model number, capacity and firmware version. 73 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free ImageUSB 1.5.1007 If you're working with multiple USB devices and wish to streamline the process of formatting, burning or extracting image files, then ImageUSB is the tool for you. 1.4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free ImageUSB Review - Download Parkdale 3.08 Intuitive and well-designed utility to test and benchmark the read and write speeds of connected hard drive, solid state and other mass storage devices in a neat layout: Parkdale is a reliable disk benchmarking tool which tests the performance of both hard drive read and write speeds as well as the testing of CD-ROM and DVD devices. 739 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Parkdale Review - Download WD Drive Utilities 2.1.4.358 The WD Drive Utilities application is an overall management application for owners of newer Western Digital external drives. 15.6 MB | For Windows 10, Windows 11 Free WD Drive Utilities Review - Download WD Discovery 5.1.618 Free tool from Western Digital that can scan a network for recognized devices, allow you to access and share NAS drives over a network among connected PCs: The WD Discovery Tool is used to discover WD drives on the network, and to create mapped network drives from their share folders. 4.5 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Linux Reader 4.24.0 Simple and small filesystem utility that can browse, explore, mount and extract the contents of Ext2 and Ext3 Linux partitions: DiskInternals Linux Reader lets you use a familiar ambience of Windows Explorer for extracting information from Ext2/Ext3 file systems. 0.83 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP / NT Free Samsung Drive Manager 2.0.110 Exclusive to Samsung SSDs by Seagate, this application includes file encryption, backup and drive lock tools for use with solid state drives: Samsung Drive Manager is a handy drive utility which provides management tools for your external hard drives. 357.3 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung Drive Manager Review - Download Adata SSD ToolBox 6.2.3 Proprietary software for owners of ADATA SSD drives, this utility can be used to update firmware, destroy data securely and check the overall health of a solid state drive: ADATA SSD ToolBox provides multiple ways for users to obtain disk information, and change settings easily. 6.1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Western Digital Data Lifeguard Diagnostics 1.37.0 If you're running into issues with your Western Digital mass storage device, it might be time to use a specialized utility to analyze it. 605 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Western Digital Data Lifeguard Diagnostics Review - Download CrystalDiskMark Portable 9.0.1 CrystalDiskInfo Portable is a small benchmarking application for hard drives. 2.8 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free CrystalDiskMark Portable Review - Download HD Tune Pro 6.10 Hard disks can be somewhat frustrating because in the end, they are rather complex devices and may be prone to technical failure. 1.5 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Shareware HD Tune Review - Download WD SSD Dashboard 5.0.2.3 Dashboard is a SSD drive management utility created by Western Digital for their solid state drives. 4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free WD SSD Dashboard Review - Download SanDisk SSD Dashboard 3.8.2.10 All-in-one collection of utilities to optimize, diagnose and maintain the health of SSD drives by SanDisk: The SanDisk SSD Dashboard helps users maintain peak performance of the SanDisk SSD in Windows operating systems with a user-friendly graphical interface for the user. 214 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free WinDFT (HGST Drive Fitness Test) 0.95 Option between a quick or more thorough scan of internal or external HGST disk drives, including checking SMART status: WinDFT is a utility that will quickly test your HGST internal and external hard disk drives. 2.3 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Seagate Dashboard 4.9.2.0 Hard drive tools like backup, mobile backup with filters to backup documents, music, videos and pictures that integrates with Android and iOS: Seagate Dashboard software protects and backs up the digital files on your computer and mobile devices. 150 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free SSD Utility 5.3.0004 Tool for tuning and monitoring TOSHIBA OCZ solid state drives with alerts, booting tool and system status updates: SSD Utility is complementary management software designed to help you maintain, monitor and tune your OCZ SSD. 25.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung Auto Backup 8.3.0 Proprietary software utility from Samsung for performing backups and security on hard drives they produce with Seagate: Samsung Auto Backup software is bundled with Samsung external drives and allows for real-time mode or scheduled mode backups. 48 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free HDD Scan 4.1.0.29 HDDScan is a freeware hard drive diagnostics utility which will perform a series of tests your your hard drive or other storage devices connected to a PC such as RAID arrays, USB flash devices and SSD solid state drives. 3.6 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free HDD Scan Review - Download Diskspd 2.2 DiskSpd is a storage performance tool from the Windows, Windows Server and Cloud Server Infrastructure engineering teams at Microsoft. 3.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free WD Link 1.0.3 Provides for easy access to Western Digital NAS devices including My Book World Edition, WD ShareSpace and My Book Live: WD Link connects to the web interfaces provided by the WD devices to manage or upgrade them. 2.1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free DiskFresh 1.1 DiskFresh is a simple yet powerful tool that can refresh your hard disk signal without changing its data by reading and writing each sector and hence making your disk more reliable for storage. 1.08 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Samsung Data Migration 4.0.0.17 Samsung Data Migration is a great tool for everybody switching to much faster solid state drives. 11.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung Data Migration Review - Download DiskCheckup 3.5.1004 Hard drive checking tool with S.M.A.R.T compatibility: PassMark DiskCheckup is a hard drive monitoring tool with can monitor the attributes of a SMART hard drive. 41 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free DiskCheckup Review - Download DiskInternals Partition Recovery 8.16.0 Have you lost or damaged some crucial files on a partition, and in desperate need of a recovery solution? 4.06 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Shareware DiskInternals Partition Recovery Review - Download HDClone X 15.0.4 Create full clones of hard drives; SATA, ATA, IDE, USB and more: HDClone (Free Edition) is a simple utility which provides users the ability to make exact copies or clones of hard drives. 25.82 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free HDClone Free Review - Download iMazing 3.3.1 iPhone and iPad management application that can transfer files from iPhone to PC or vice versa: iMazing (formerly DiskAid) is a tool for Apple iProducts such as the iPad, iPhone or iPod. 2.15 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Shareware DiskAid Review - Download HDD Temperature 4.0.25 Keep and eye on overheating hard drives: There are many reasons why hard-drives get damaged, and overheating is probably the most common one. 3.86 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Shareware Tweak-SSD 2.0.70 With this freeware program, you are able to activate some interesting solid state drive tweaks. 17.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Tweak SSD Review - Download Storage Executive 5.0.5 Storage Executive is a free management suite for owners of Crucial SSD drives which provides a number of useful and sometime critical tools. 129 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Storage Executive Review - Download Clear Disk Info 4.4.1.0 Clear Disk Info is a straightward and freeware utility that displays information about your connected disk drives including internal SSD and HDD along with connection USB storage media devices. 632 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Clear Disk Info Review - Download Prevent Disk Sleep 5.2 Prevent Disk Sleep is a small application that will prevent your external or internal drives from entering sleep mode. 2.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Prevent Disk Sleep Review - Download HP 3D DriveGuard 6.0.15.1 Useful utility for HP PCs which adds protection against potential data loss by physical shocks to the installed hard drive: HP 3D DriveGuard protects your hard drive against rough handling, excessive vibration, and other everyday wear and tear; so when an accident happens, you can go on working. 18.3 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free SSD Tweaker 4.0.1 Performs some (very) common tasks purportedly to boost your SSD drive and improve its performance: SSD Tweaker is a solid state performance improvement tool which provides options to include the speed and effectiveness of install SSDs. 637 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free SSD Tweaker Review - Download USB WriteProtector 1.2.0.0 USB WriteProtector is a completely free tool which offers some additional protection for your data and can provide write protection to devices connected to your PC. 192 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free USB WriteProtector Review - Download HDD Guardian 0.7.1 HDD Guardian is an application which provides a front-end for smartctl, a utility which monitors your hard drive(s) for health status, taking advantage of S. 1.4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free HDD Guardian Review - Download Acronis Disk Director Suite 11.0.2343 Full suite of disk partition management utilities to resize, copy, merge, move, split and join partitions and run optimization tools like defrag: Disk Protector Suite by Acronis is a partition management software for running and installing multiple operating systems, recovering accidentally deleted disk partitions combined with a suite of disk management tools. 58.34 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP / NT Free Trial Acronis Disk Director Suite Review - Download Intel SSD Data Center Tool 2026 (15.03) Command line utility for performance maintenance on Intel SSD drives including firmware updates and partition management: Intel SSD Data Center Tool provides a command line interface for interacting with and issuing commands to Intel SSD Data Center devices. 104 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free HDDExpert Portable 1.20.1.55 HDDExpert Portable is a free and small portable tool which can be used to diagnose issues and display information about installed hard disk drives. 1.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free HDDExpert Portable Review - Download RAIDXpert 3.3.1540.38 RAIDXpert is a tool by AMD/ATI that provides the user with control of RAID arrays within a simple web browser based application. 55.4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free CheckDrive 2023.5 If you've ever experienced a hard drive crash, then you know that the first step at figuring out what went wrong is a solid diagnostic tool and which this freeware CheckDrive, you can do exactly that. 8.74 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free HDDExpert 1.20.1.55 HDDExpert is a free and small portable tool which can be used to diagnose issues and display information about installed hard disk drives. 2.1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free HDDExpert Review - Download HD Tune Free 2.55 HD Tune is a set of tests specially designed to extract all the information about your hard drive. 628 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free CloneSpy 3.43 CloneSpy can help you free up hard drive space by detecting and removing duplicate files. 2.50 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free DiskPulse Ultimate 15.7.18 Disk Pulse Ultimate is an application designed to help users keep track of the files that are accessed and whether they or their attributes have been modified, or even if files were created or deleted. 3.67 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Shareware DiskPulse Ultimate Review - Download DroidCam 7.1.0 Turns Android mobile device into a wireless webcam that can be used as a video input device for video calls and streaming sessions: **** DroidCam **** is a tool for the PC which allows users to use their cell phone as a webcam input source. 1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free DroidCam Review - Download Odin3 3.14.4 Odin3 is a free PC application which can flash and root Android-based phones. 199 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Odin3 Review - Download APK Installer 0.1.28 APK Installer is a tool designed to help users install various Android apps on Windows 10 and Windows 11. 51.6 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free PhoenixSuit 1.19 PhoenixSuit is portable Android management software which can update firmware on certain devices. 16.4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free PhoenixSuit Review - Download frija 2.0.23364.3 Simple and efficient utility that can download firmware images directly from Samsung servers for flashing Galaxy and other Samsung mobile phones: Frija is a tool and successor of SamFirm which allows users to download latest firmware for their device which can be flashed with Odin. 6.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung Tool 20.5 Proprietary Samsung phone unlocking tool which can flash the device with new or old firmware, repair the IMEI and fiddle with or reset the USER lock: Samsung Tool activation allows flash, unlocking, repair damaged IMEI, SN, Bluetooth etc. 92.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Droid4X 0.11.7 Beta A virtual Android emulator for the PC which can play games, control other Android devices and access the Google Play Store: Droid4X is an experimental freeware Android emulator that attempts to play mobile applications on the Windows desktop running APK files and items from the Google Play store without too much fuss on an x86 or x64 system. 8.3 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Droid4X Review - Download LDPlayer 9.1.57.1 Android OS emulator for playing games and running apps on your desktop, usually running the latest and greatest version of Android for full stability: There's been a little bit of an expansion of the availability of **** Android emulation software **** with the likes of ---- BlueStacks ---- and ---- MEmu ---- leading the way but other applications like **** LDPlayer **** is also an option offering a different set of features other programs offer. 245 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free LDPlayer Review - Download BlueStacks App Player X 10.42.101.1001 Android emulator that runs a virtual Android OS and APK apps on a PC: BlueStacks App Player is a powerful **** Android emulator **** that brings the flexibility of Android and the ability to play APK apps and games to a Windows desktop PC with support for the ---- Google Play store ----. 117 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free App Player Review - Download SoundWire Server 2.5 If you want to play your music or other audio on an Android device from your PC, then SoundWire Server is probably one of your only choices. 1.6 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free SoundWire Server Review - Download Samsung DeX 2.4.1.23 Run Windows applications on a Samsung Galaxy Android device with virtualization and remote desktop connection: Samsung DeX is a free desktop extension tool which allows you to use your Samsung Galaxy device as a primary operating system and personal computer, allowing you to extend your phone or tablet's display to a monitor or television screen. 110 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Samsung DeX Review - Download NoxPlayer 7.0.6.2 A full Android emulator that allows users to run Android APK apps on a PC desktop with full game and application emulation and access to the Play Store: NoxPlayer is a free Android emulator that can run Google Play Store apps on your Windows desktop. 278 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free NoxPlayer Review - Download vivo Mobile Assistant 3.0.2.9 Mobile management application for vivo devices to manage messages, contacts, images and applications from a friendly Windows user interface: vivo Mobile Assistant is a desktop tool for Vivo devices that allows you to manage contacts, messages and upgrade the latest firmware. 33.8 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung Kies 3.2.16084_2 Manages features on Samsung phones and tablets including downloading, browsing and searching for apps, firmware updates and organizing media like music and photos: If you've shelled out the bucks for an expensive and feature-rich Samsung phone, you're certainly missing out on some important updates and features if you don't have Samsung Kies installed. 86.5 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung Kies Review - Download Nokia Software Recovery Tool 8.1.25 Nokia Software Recovery Tool is a free and official tool by Nokia which provides advanced features for repairing or resetting your Windows-based Nokia phone. 57.1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Nokia Software Recovery Tool Review - Download Smart Phone Flash Tool 5.1824 The process of "flashing" your cell phone is required for people who wish to either upgrade their device firmware or to install custom ROMs which can change or update the functionality of your smart phone. 3.9 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Smart Phone Flash Tool Review - Download Apk Downloader 1.0.7.8 Download Android APK apps to your PC without having to use your phone, directly from the Google Play store: Apk Downloader is a free program which provides functionality which is normally reserved for phones only, that is the ability to download APK files directly from the Google Play store to your phone. 22.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Apk Downloader Review - Download Motorola Device Manager 2.5.4 Software that installs the necessary devices and drivers in order to interface with a Motorola device on a Windows computer: Motorola Device Manager contains USB drivers and software to connect your Motorola phone or tablet to your computer using a USB cable. 32.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Minimal ADB and Fastboot 1.4.3 A quick and easy way of accessing Android's ADB function enabling users to access fastboot, backend features and using basic Android SDK functions from a command line: ADB and Fastboot are arguably two of the most indispensable tools used when working with Android devices. 2.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free LG Flash Tool 2.0.2.5 Phone flashing software designed for LG Android devices for installing KDZ and TOT ROMs files over USB: You may use LG Flash Tool to install the official firmware with . 9.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Huawei Mobile Partner 31.110.0.0 Huawei Mobile Partner is an official and free mobile phone manager which can control and update various functions of mobile devices manufacturer by Chinese conglomerate Huawei. 30.8 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Huawei Mobile Partner Review - Download Remix OS 3.0.207 An optimized version of the Android OS for Windows PC systems that can emulate cell phone or tablet apps: Remix OS is an operating system that brings the power of Android to your desktop. 850 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Remix OS Review - Download Universal Advance Unlocker 1.0 Legacy mobile phone program that can unlock certain devices as well as generate unlocking codes, wipe the device and even bypass Android pattern locks: Universal Advance Unlocker is a free program that allows you to unlock various phone models. 7.3 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Nokia Software Updater 4.3.2 **** Nokia Software Updater **** is a utility distributed to retailers and repair services for Nokia mobile phones that can update the system software of old school Nokia phones running Windows. 102 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Nokia Software Updater Review - Download Nokia Care Suite 5.6.134.1513 Nokia Care Suite is Nokia's official flashing and customer support tool which provides access to firmware updates, flashing utilities and a whole lot of modules for troubleshooting Nokia phones. 148 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Nokia Care Suite Review - Download Android ADB Fastboot 1.7 Android ADB Fastboot is a quick and fast way of installing the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) on a Windows system. 1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Android ADB Fastboot Review - Download LG Support Tool 1.8.9.0 Firmware update prerequisite: The LG Mobile Support Tool for the PC is one of the things you're going to have installed if you want to perform a firmware update on your cell phone. 255 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free LG Support Tool Review - Download Huawei HiSuite 14.0.0.340 Mobile phone management software for Huawei phones either powered by Android or their version of it for control of messaging, apps, contacts, phone and videos and general manager options for phones and tablets: HiSuite is a handy application that combines a variety of tools designed to make it easier for Huawei smartphone owners to control and organize the content on their devices. 32.9 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Genymotion Free 3.9 Emulate Android APK apps on your PC with presets for Sony, Samsung and HTC handsets with ARM processors (similar to BlueStacks): Genymotion is a very fast and free (with limited features) Android emulator. 24.9 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Genymotion Review - Download Xperia Companion 2.20.8.0 Sony's Xperia Companion is a useful and official tool for Sony cell phones which provides access to many useful tools. 45.4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Xperia Companion Review - Download Nox App Player 7.0.6.2 App Player for a fully-featured Android emulator application to play games, apps and APK files from the Google Play store on a Windows system without additional drivers: Nox App Player enables PC users to use Android apps and play Android games on a desktop with the benefit of a bigger screen, better hardware performance and easier control. 250 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free HiSuite 14.0.0.340 HiSuite is a software application that allows you to manage and synchronize the data on your Huawei smartphone or tablet. 40 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free HiSuite Review - Download Sony Mobile Flasher 0.9.34.0 Offers you root, recovery, busybox, rebranding and more for a Sony Mobile phone like Xperia: Sony Mobile Flasher is an application that comes in handy if you want more control over your handset and you want to flash it. 174 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Sony Mobile Flasher Review - Download AirDroid 3.8.0.4 AirDroid for Windows desktop is a free full management system available for owners of Android tablets and cell phones, operating over a WiFi network. 8.72 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free AirDroid Review - Download Android MultiTool 4.0 Android Multitool is a small and flexible tool for compiling and decompiling APR and JAR files that have been compiled for the Android mobile operating system. 11.6 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Android MultiTools Review - Download BlackBerry Link 1.2.0.52.59 There is a new generation of BlackBerry devices now on the market and its corresponding PC software is also evolving with the release of BlackBerry Link. 143.87 M | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free BlackBerry Link Review - Download Lumia Software Recovery Tool 8.1.25 The official Lumia Software Recovery Tool is a program by Microsoft which helps you recover either newer Microsoft phones or some legacy Nokia phones. 18.1 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Lumia Software Recovery Tool Review - Download Samsung Smart Switch 4.3.24062.1 Migration utility for Samsung devices that can transfer data and settings from other Android phones, iOS devices and legacy cellular phones: Samsung Smart Switch is a powerful utility that helps you migrate from your old Android or Apple phone to a different device manufactured by Samsung. 7.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung Smart Switch Review - Download Ai2 Starter 4.6 Ai2 Starter is a program that provides communication between App Inventor running in the browser, and other parts of App Inventor. 86.3 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free ApowerMirror 1.6.2.7 Screen mirroring and control software for Windows to allow for interaction with Android, iOS phones and tablets: Let's discuss ApowerMirror: A premier screen mirroring application for iOS and Android gadgets. 1.9 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Trial ApowerMirror Review - Download iSyncr 5.1.7.0 Multimedia synchronization software that shares an iTunes library with Android devices over wireless or USB: iSyncr provides you with an easy to use application that can be used for synchronizing the iTunes library with your Android phone. 1013 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung Tool PRO 34.11 Advanced Samsung tool for unlocking and repairing Galaxy devices including the ability to completely wipe a phone and flash official firmware: Samsung Tool PRO is a cell phone tool which can be used to unlock Samsung devices such as the Galaxy. 54.3 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Samsung Tool PRO Review - Download Samsung SideSync 4.7.5.244 A basic and straightforward way to transfer and share data between a PC and a Samsung phone or tablet with streaming options and access to mobile apps: Using SideSync, you can conveniently share the screen and data between your PC and mobile device. 37.4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free adbLink 6.8 Free utility to create backups for Kodi and install (sideload) programs with support for multiple external devices like FireTV: adbLink is a companion program for FireTV and Android Kodi & forks. 16 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free SideSync 4.7.5.235 SideSync is an official Samsung application designed for use with personal Samsung handsets and tablets powered by Android. 46.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free SideSync Review - Download Windroy 4.0.3 Android emulator that allows you to run Android applications and games directly from your desktop PC: Windroy (formerly known as WindowsAndroid) is a free program similar to BlueStacks App Player which can run the Android operating system from a window on your desktop. 64.9 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Windroy Review - Download z3x shell 4.8.3 z3x shell is a specialized tool for Windows that can provide developer-level access to several brands of smartphone including Samsung and LG. 33.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free z3x shell Review - Download Sony PC Companion 25.1.1.202412131206 Mobile device manager for connecting and managing Sony Xperia devices including file transfer, migrate from iPhone and updating phone firmware: The Sony PC Companion is the continuation of the software provided by Sony Ericsson before Sony took over the entire mobile division. 26.3 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Sony PC Companion Review - Download LG Bridge 1.2.54 LG Bridge is a free and official utility for LG-branded phones and tablets for accessing and updating select devices. 72.5 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free LG Bridge Review - Download BlackBerry Desktop Manager 7.1.0.42 BlackBerry Desktop Manager is a suite of tools for managing and backing up data to and from your BlackBerry mobile phone. 114 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free BlackBerry Desktop Manager Review - Download Microsoft Office 2007 12.0.4518.1014 Whether you require a program to get some spreadsheets organized or a standard word processor, Microsoft Office 2007 is an office suite that comes in handy. 388 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Shareware Microsoft Office 2007 Review - Download Microsoft Office 2016 2507 (.19029.20208) The world-class suite of productivity tools for the Office known to the world which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher and more: Microsoft Office is an office suite of desktop applications, servers and services for the Microsoft Windows and OS X operating systems. 643 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Trial Microsoft Word 2016 16.0.6741.2048 Standalone word processing application from the Microsoft Office 2016 with powerful WYSIWYG engine that integrates with other MS products: Microsoft Word 2016 is the word processing suite that can comes Microsoft Office 2016 and can read and edit documents attached to emails, collaborate with your team and bring your office wherever you go with Microsoft Word. 2.7 GB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Trial Microsoft Office 2016 2012.13530.20376 Ultimate productivity software with word processing, spreadsheets, professional presentations and full email client with databases and other applications: **** Microsoft Office 2016 **** is one of the final releases of the traditional office suite of products created by Microsoft before it switched to cloud-based productivity software with ---- Microsoft Office 365 ----. 2.7 GB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Trial Microsoft Office 2016 Review - Download Microsoft Office 2021 2507 (.19029.20208) The ultimate office productivity software with word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, email client and more with this comprehensive Microsoft app: With Microsoft Office 2021, you can efficiently manage your messages, appointments, contacts, and tasks in one place. 4.2 GB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Trial Microsoft Word Viewer 12.0.6038.3000 Legacy MS Word viewer with limited capabilities but with the ability to open DOC files and print them and toggle certain viewing options including highlight and bookmarks: If you've ever gone to school in the computer age, worked in an office in front of a computer or simply used a computer for any type of word processing, you may be aware that the industry standard today is Microsoft Word, a part of the Microsoft Office family. 24.5 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Microsoft Word Viewer Review - Download WPS Office Premium 12.9.0.19241 Cheap alternative to MS Office: WPS Office Premium is the entry-level office application for the home or small business. 83.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Shareware Kingsoft Office Suite Standard Review - Download TeXstudio 4.8.8 A completely free LaTeX document editor and authoring tool: When compared to applications like TeXShop or TeXmaker, TeXstudio certainly has more fans. 22.64 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free TeXstudio Review - Download WPS Office 12.9.0 Free alternative to Microsoft Office products that contains a word processor, presentation software and spreadsheet software similar to Excel: WPS Office (formerly Kingsoft Office) is the completely free version of the award-winning office suite that was developed to compete against the giant Microsoft Office. 82.4 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Kingsoft Office Free Review - Download Apache OpenOffice 4.1.15 A free, open-source word processor Microsoft Office alternative with Calc as Excel, Writer as Word and Impress as Powerpoint: Looking to manage your office projects with ease? 45 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free OpenOffice Review - Download Texmaker 6.0.0 A LaTeX text editor with all of the tools and pointers necessary including complex LaTeX commands, labels, footnotes and indexes as well as PDF creation in a clean interface: Texmaker is developed as an open source, easy-to-use, highly-featured and powerful LaTeX editor. 56.8 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free WordPerfect Office 21.0.0.194 The classic office suite with a word processor with MS Office compatibility and PDF creation tools: **** WordPerfect Office **** is an alternative to the industry standard Microsoft Office Suite, though it is a serious contender and the name WordPerfect has been known perhaps a lot longer than Office has. 344 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Shareware WordPerfect Office Review - Download AbiWord 2.9.4 AbiWord is a full and extensive word processor with features and a feel similar to older, more classic versions of Microsoft's Word product. 7.95 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free AbiWord Review - Download MiKTeX 24.1.8792 Constantly-updated implementation of TeX and LaTeX, great for mathematics and formulae: MiKTeX (pronounced mick-tech) is an up-to-date implementation of TeX/LaTeX and related programs for Windows (all current variants). 163 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free LibreOffice 25.2.5.2 Latest A full free replacement and alternative of Microsoft Office with word processor, spreadsheets and presentation software: The high costs of productivity applications like ---- Microsoft Office ---- are a little hard to swallow and in response, a number of different projects and organizations have formed to provide **** free alternatives **** and here we come to **** LibreOffice **** which developed itself as a fork from ---- OpenOffice ----. 202 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free LibreOffice Review - Download Onlyoffice 9.0.4 **** OnlyOffice **** is a modern office suite for creating text, spreadsheets and presentations. 195 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Onlyoffice Desktop Home Review - Download PowerPoint Viewer 2.0.1 Stand-alone program that allows you to open and play PowerPoint presentations without Microsoft Office having been installed: PowerPoint Viewer is a freeware that you can use to Open, view and print any Microsoft Office PowerPoint( PPT ,PPTX) document. 11.13 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Office Tab 18.00 Utility adds multiple tab functionality to the MS Office suite which can be utilized in Excel, Word and PowerPoint: Microsoft Office is obviously the industry standard for word processing (Word), spreadsheets (Excel) and presentations (Powerpoint). 2.91 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Shareware Office Tabs Review - Download FocusWriter 1.8.13 FocusWriter is a free and open source word processing application that focuses on keeping distractions away and offers an array of customization options for writers. 9.71 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free FocusWriter Review - Download CSVed 2.5.7 Powerful utility for editing CSV files that exports to many formats, search and replace and modify, delete or add records: CSVed is the most complete and fully fledged editor for CSV files (comma-separated values). 2.2 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free SoftMaker Office 2024 Rev S1224.0308 Alternative Office suite which can author different types of files including a word processor, spreadsheets, email and presentations like Microsoft's product: SoftMaker Office is a powerful full-featured friendly office suite that can replace the Microsoft Office suite. 126.66 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Trial SoftMaker Office Review - Download PowerPoint Viewer 14.0.4730.1010 Provides the ability to view PowerPoint presentations without the need to own a licensed copy of Microsoft Office: PowerPoint Viewer lets you view full-featured presentations created in PowerPoint 97 and later versions. 25.77 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Kingsoft Writer 10.2.0.5820 An alternative word processor application that can edit rich-text documents and open/edit Microsoft Word files without any fuss: If you've ever heard of the ---- Kingsoft Office Suite ----, you might be familiar with their word processor. 32 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free Kingsoft Writer Review - Download CSVFileView 2.64 CSV files are pretty common but Microsoft Excel sometimes does a lousy job at displaying them properly. 106 KB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Free CSVFileView Review - Download PaperScan Free 3.0.130 Free and simple scanning program which can apply a number of adjustments to scanned images, PDF files and photos which can export to a variety of formats: PaperScan Free Edition is universal scanning software designed to offer power as well as simplicity of use. 8.93 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Polaris Office 10.115.183.53563 A collection of tools within an Office suite which provide a free or low-cost alternative to Microsoft's products that integrates with cloud services: Polaris Office is a free suite of office tools, and functions as a free alternative to expensive suites like like Microsoft Office (Microsoft 365). 74.7 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 / Vista / XP Free Atlantis Word Processor 4.4.6.5 Fast and feature-packed word processing alternative: Atlantis Word Processor is a cheap, affordable, yet feature-packed word processing application which serves as a great alternative to paid-for programs such as Microsoft Word, Works or Corel Office. 3.02 MB | For Windows 7, Windows 8 (64-bit, 32-bit) / Vista / XP Shareware Atlantis Word Processor Review - 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Bagenalstown's Yvonne Geoghegan (31) was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) six years ago and is being treated at Waterford University Hospital, but in recent months her health has deteriorated so badly that she fears shell be paralysed if she doesnt take some drastic action soon. MS causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the nerves protective layer, leading to many unpredictable and sometimes permanent symptoms. Yvonnes disease is particularly aggressive and she is now blind in her right eye, has weakness in her right leg, is extremely fatigued and has severe mobility issues. She also suffers from terrible pain, has had an attack of neuralgia to her face and said that even walking to the toilet is a trip hazard. Shes now starting to use a wheelchair as she cant walk unaided, while her home has also been deemed as unsuitable to her needs. She and her family are raising 80,000 for her to get Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) treatment in Mexico. The treatment involves harvesting stem cells from her body, undergoing bouts of chemotherapy and then reintroducing the cells. Its like restarting a computer. My immune system needs to be wiped clean. Am I nervous about it? Im more nervous waking up tomorrow morning paralysed, Yvonne told The Nationalist via a video call. Shes in isolation right now ahead of getting treatment later this week in Waterford. Ive been trying to keep my infection levels down because Ive been so sick lately, she continued. The treatment for MS in Ireland is designed to slow it down, not stop it, whereas HSCT would. She also said that the treatment shes receiving in Waterford isnt working and has horrific side effects sickness, constant nausea, hair loss, headaches, increased risks of cancer and infection. She was a successful and talented beautician and nail technician before she was diagnosed at the age of 25 and has been battling the condition ever since. Yvonne has built up a circle of friends in the MS community and, after much research and discussion, she now believes that MSCT treatment in Mexico is her best bet. She set up a GoFundMe page with 80,000 being the target, and although almost 24,000 has been raised, her worsening condition means that its now urgent that she receives as much money as soon as possible. She is the daughter of Jimmy and Sandra, while two of her cousins are Kate and Emma Holden, who are also helping her to raise the money. Yvonne's MS is very aggressive. Shes not getting a break from it. Theres no chance for her body to recover after each attack, explained Emma. I need to get there as soon as possible with the way Ive been deteriorating," said Yvonne. The money raised will be used for the treatment itself, travel costs, medical and travel insurance, wigs, further testing and accommodation. Its expected that the treatment will take up to a month to complete. If, for any reason the treatment doesnt go ahead, the money will be donated to a similar cause. Kate and Emma have organised a bingo party in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow on 20 September, when the doors will open at 8pm. The duo has worked hard at getting as many good raffle prizes as they can while also securing top DJ Tommy to play for the night. Theyve also organised transport to and from the event. If youd like tickets, contact Yvonne on 085 1555610 or Katie 085 1408534 or to donate to the cause go to the GoFundMe page at yvonnes hsct journey. MORE than 125,000 in funding has been allocated for three outdoor recreation projects in the county. Local and national public representatives welcomed the allocation of 125,253 in funding under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). The investment will support the continued development of walking trails, woodland amenities and mountain access routes, directly advancing the ambition of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy Embracing Irelands Outdoors. The funded projects include: Borris village looped walk final phase completion: 40,000; Clogrennane forest extension of existing car park, installation of woodland signage and picnic area 35,753; and Nine Stones feasibility study design, assessments and part 8 planning for refurbishment 49,500. Junior minister Jennifer Murnane OConnor welcomed the news. When I visit these recreational spaces around the constituency, you can see the positive effect the investment has had on these spaces. Giving them a vibrancy and new life. These spaces are essential for Carlow/Kilkenny as they promote local tourism and show off the best of our counties, she said. Deputy Catherine Callaghan said: I want to thank the community groups across Carlow who work so hard to develop and enhance recreational amenities in our local community. These amenities are here for us all to enjoy. I really encourage everyone to get out there and enjoy the incredible outdoor spaces Carlow has to offer. Cllr Pender, cathaoirleach of Muinebheag Municipal District, said: These projects not only enhance the beauty and accessibility of our local natural amenities but also promote tourism, community health and wellbeing. The Borris village looped walk, Clogrennane woods and the Nine Stones are jewels in our local landscape. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Protesters have urged the Central Bank of Ireland not to proceed with the approval for the sale of Israel bonds ahead of an upcoming renewal date. Around 100 demonstrators gathered outside the Central Bank in Dublin on Tuesday to demand an end to the authoritys role in approving Israel bonds for sale in the EU, for the Government to include services in the Occupied Territories Bill and to pass that legislation. The bank is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel bonds in the EU, and has determined the securities meet the standards of the blocs prospectus regulations. Israel bonds have been advertised as supporting the countrys economy and, more recently, websites promoting the securities emphasise their role in supporting Israels military operations in Gaza. Protesters say the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza. Photo: Niall Carson/PA. Protesters and opposition parties have called for legislation that would give Ireland the power to refuse the sale of Israeli war bonds over human rights concerns. They say the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza, while Ireland has an obligation under the Genocide Convention to use all means likely to have a deterrent effect on those suspected of preparing genocide. The Central Bank has said regulations require it to approve prospectuses that meet standards of completeness, consistency and comprehensibility. The Israel bond prospectus is up for renewal on September 2. The Joint Committee on Finance has recommended that the bank carry out an immediate review before renewing approval of the bonds. Meanwhile, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has launched legal proceedings against the Central Bank over claims that investors in Israeli bonds could be legally complicit in genocide in Gaza. It is alleged that the Central Banks failure to ban the marketing, distribution and sale of Israel bonds exposes investors to risks that have not been disclosed to them. Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign chairwoman Zoe Lawlor said: The government has to end the direct involvement of the Central Bank in apartheid Israels sale of genocide-funding bonds. People take part in a protest outside the Central Bank in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) The Central Bank is an organ of this state, and its complicity in genocide makes Ireland complicit. David Landy of Jews for Palestine, and Academics for Palestine said: We are asking the Central Bank to do the absolute minimum required of it under law to end the sale of Israeli war Bonds, to finally end this direct Irish participation in Israeli genocide. Sinn Feins foreign affairs spokesman said the Irish government must use every lever at its disposal to show leadership on Gaza. Donnchadh O Laoghaire said: Clearly ending the facilitation of Israeli war bonds is one of those. He added: The people of Gaza and of Palestine need us to act. SERVICE stations are the most in-demand businesses in Carlow, new data shows. And the survey shows demand is outstripping supply, suggesting there is space for new operators to launch or expand in this area. The research carried out by business utility consultants procure.ie analysed interest for 25 common local services alongside the number of suppliers currently listed in each county, showing where demand outstrips supply. The findings show that service/petrol stations are the most sought-after local business type in Carlow, with strong search interest but relatively few providers. While practical, everyday services such as locksmiths, pet shops and bakeries rank highly nationwide, each county has its own unique local needs. The business utility group analysed average monthly search data for 25 common business and service categories in each Irish county, combined with local listing data from goldenpages.ie. Supply versus demand was calculated by comparing local search volume with the number of active providers. They analysed the following businesses bakeries, beauty salons, builders, butchers, carpenters, carpet cleaners, dentists, dog groomers, electricians, florists, GP, grocery store, hairdressers, hotels, locksmiths, pet shops, petrol stations, pharmacy, pizza, plumbers, pubs, restaurants, solicitors, taxis and vets. Services like pizzerias, restaurants, service stations and supermarkets also feature, suggesting that while these are everyday essentials, there are still parts of Ireland where choice is limited and new players can compete. The top ten industries to start a business in Ireland are bakeries, hotels, locksmiths, pet shops, service/petrol stations, pharmacies, pizzerias, pubs, restaurants and supermarkets. Meanwhile, restaurants and pubs remain some of the most popular businesses in the country, but with so many providers already operating, new entrants will need to compete harder on cost, quality and service to stand out. Keith Donohoe of procure.ie explained: Every euro counts for local businesses right now and understanding where theres real demand makes a huge difference for anyone planning to open or expand. This research highlights clear gaps for new or growing businesses to step in and meet local needs, but it also shows why its so important to keep costs under control, from securing the best business energy rates to running operations more efficiently. Looking closer at the county level data reveals some surprising gaps in other counties, too. Clare shows a similar pattern to Carlow, hinting at regional gaps for critical businesses outside the big cities. In larger counties like Cork, demand stays steady for hospitality and retail, but competition can vary street by street. The utility consultancy highlighted that, for new businesses, these gaps are more than just interesting numbers; theyre real opportunities to fill unmet needs in local communities. For existing businesses looking to expand, this kind of insight helps reduce risk: you know where to open next, what services to add and how to plan your energy and supply needs from day one, it added. The Womens Fund of Greater Chattanooga announces that Dr. Shae Connor and Stacy Martin will be the speakers at Voices, the organizations annual luncheon fundraiser. The event is co-chaired by Leslie Smith and Lea Anne Wiles, board members and supporters of the organization. The event will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at The Chattanoogan Hotel.This years program focuses on Advocacy through Adversity and highlights the powerful and personal stories of two inspirational local women, said Melody Shekari, WFGCs executive director.They will discuss womens health and access to quality care and community. These are important policy priorities of the Womens Fund. Their stories are important and showcase why we need quality, timely, affordable, and accessible care within the complex healthcare system and the impact that policy and advocacy has on womens wellbeing and health.By sharing their journeys and the power of advocacy, even in times of adversity, our speakers will inspire us to continue to come together to create a space for all women and girls to thrive here at home in Chattanooga and across the state of Tennessee.Individual tickets are $75. Guests may host a table and purchase eight tickets for $600. Tickets can be purchased at tinyurl.com/voices2025 . The event typically draws about 400 attendees with doors opening at 10:45 a.m and programming from 11:30 a.m.-1p.m.Voices is a fun and informative event that encourages connection and building community. We will share about impactful local advocacy and the power of collective philanthropy added Ms. Shekari."The late Councilwoman Dr. Carol Berz, who has uplifted many women in our community through her public service and work with the Tennessee Commission on the Status of Women and Mayors Council for Women, will also be honored at Voices," organizers said.Corporate sponsorships are also still available. For more information about how to become an event sponsor, visit tinyurl.com/voices-sponsor or email melody@chattanoogawomensfund.org.About the speakers:Dr. Shae Connor -Dr. Shae Connor is a board-certified and fellowship-trained gynecologic oncologist at UT Erlanger Womens Oncology. In her clinical research, she focuses on disparities in healthcare and systems-based quality improvement initiatives. She is an East Tennessee native and lives in North Chattanooga with her husband and four daughters.Stacy Martin -Stacy Martin is a passionate advocate for stomach cancer awareness, genetic testing, and hereditary cancer prevention. After learning she carried the rare CDH1 genetic mutation, she made the life-saving decision to undergo a preventative total gastrectomy in 2019. Stacy works nationally to advance research, shape policy, and strengthen resources for the hereditary cancer community. One person was killed and others were injured in a multi-vehicle accident Sunday evening. At approximately 8:15 p.m., HCSO deputies and traffic investigators responded to multi-vehicle accident in the 9400 block of Highway 58. Upon arrival, the occupants of a Ford Fiesta had to be extricated from the vehicle by Highway 58 Fire Department personnel and were transported by HCEMS to a local medical facility. The driver of the Fiesta succumbed to their injuries. Preliminary evidence indicates a white 4 Runner struck a guardrail near Wolftever Bridge prior to striking a red vehicle before continuing northbound. As it entered into a two-lane section of Highway 58, it then struck a green Ford Fiesta head-on. The green Ford Fiesta then crashed into a red Toyota 4 Runner. The investigation is being conducted by the HCSO Traffic Unit and remains ongoing. More information will be released as it becomes available. On Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 9:30 a.m. on the 4th floor of the County Courthouse in the Commission Chambers, the Hamilton County Commission will determine if the future development of Hamilton County follows the informed will of the people, reinforced by direct public engagement with planning officials and commissioners over the past two years, or the last-minute demands of well-financed special interests. To review, over the past two years, the Regional Planning Commission has conducted several public presentations, seeking and receiving public engagement on county development plans. This effort, called Plan Hamilton, released a preliminary draft ostensibly based on public feedback last fall. The draft received a tremendous amount of further public feedback, demanding changes, particularly from residents in unincorporated areas of Hamilton County. That delayed further consideration of Plan Hamilton to this past spring. During this time, several commissioners representing unincorporated areas heard the concerns of residents and worked to make changes to the draft plan. The result was hardly perfect, but was a well-negotiated compromise that tried to balance residential concerns of over-development in areas experiencing already grossly overburdened infrastructure and fears of the permanent loss of valuable farm acreage with private property rights to sell land and market realities recognizing growing housing and economic development needs and opportunities. Shortly before this much-debated deliberative process was to reach a vote in the county commission, the local Chamber of Commerce, in association with local and out-of-state developers, put forward proposed amendments to make last-minute changes to the plan. These changes, summarized in Wednesdays meeting as Resolution No. 825-18, essentially cut-off two years of work by citizens and public servants alike right at the knees, spat on their civic commitment and thoroughly disrespects the legitimate concerns of residents in unincorporated Hamilton County. It will speed further ill-considered development of areas with insufficient infrastructure that are already straining the patience of their own constituents. In particular, the bullet point in Wednesdays resolution allowing for monthly changes to the plan makes a total farce of the entire planning process. I mean, who needs public engagement in developing our local communities when youve got the Home Builders filling re-election coffers and the prospect of growing government revenues through high density development?! To put it simply, if county commissioners ever expect putting civic engagement to positive use in Hamilton County again, it will vote down Resolution No. 825-18 Wednesday morning. Otherwise, the civic engagement they are likely to get wont be pleasant. Brendan Jennings Hamilton County Schools, in partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga and Hamilton County Mayors Office, announced today an innovative community-based vision for the new Elementary School slated to serve the current DuPont, Alpine Crest, and Rivermont school zones. This facility is scheduled to open in fall 2027. The new school will be constructed on the same property as the newly renovated North River Family YMCA, with both facilities sharing a gymnasium. This unique partnership will offer expanded opportunities for students, staff, and families, including swim lessons, after-school activities, and summer camps. I am really excited about the possibilities this partnership opens for students and families, said Dr. Hamilton County Commissioner Ken Smith states, "Hixson has always been a community that values its schools, and this project builds on that tradition in an incredible way," said Hamilton County Commissioner Ken Smith, District 3. "This new elementary school will be more than a place where children learn; it will be a hub that strengthens families and brings neighbors together. I am proud that we are investing in education while also honoring Hixsons history as a community rooted in its schools. I look forward to the day we welcome students into a facility designed to inspire learning, spark curiosity, and serve this community for generations to come." Justin Robertson, Hamilton County Schools Superintendent. Our goal throughout our work with facilities is to create new and innovative spaces that increase student learning and connection. Asweve talked with families and staff about combining the Alpine Crest, DuPont, and Rivermont school communities, one thing has been clear they all value community engagement. Im excited we get the opportunity to offer these communities something so unique and rooted in communitypartnership.The partnership for this new school is inspired by existing YMCA partnership schools, such as Norton Commons Elementary in Jefferson County, Kentucky.Partnerships are at the heart of our Vision 2028 campaign, and this collaboration with Hamilton County Schools will allow us to expand our reach and open our doors to more than 10,000 students and their families each year, said Baron Herdelin-Doherty, president and CEO of the YMCA ofMetropolitan Chattanooga. Together, we are creating even greater impact for children, families and our community.The construction for the school is slated to start in the fall of 2026 and utilize $48 million from the previously issued facilities bond funding."In a groundbreaking partnership with the YMCA, we have an opportunity to set a new standard in public education that all parents can agree on: the pursuit of both academic excellence and physical health," said Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. "This school represents more than a newfacility, its a vision for how a school campus can be a community hub seven days a week, serving students and families year round."Hamilton County Schools announced the proposal for a new North River Elementary School at the site of the current DuPont Elementary School in August 2023. After community engagement and listening sessions, the Hamilton County Board of Education voted to move forward with the schoolon November 21, 2024.This project makes me excited both personally and professionally, said Joe Smith, Hamilton County Department of Education Board Chair. As a board member, this school has been discussed for a long time, and Im glad to see this school move forward in a way that will honor the wants and needs of this community. On a personal note and supporter of the YMCA, I look forward toseeing how this partnership adds value to our students experiences and brings our families into the school, and continues to build on the sense of community that already exists. VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System will host a Veterans Resource Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 4 7 p.m., at American Legion Post 81 located at 227 James Asbury Dr. During the free event, Veterans can interact with VA services and programs like the PACT Act, Caregiver Support Program, Whole Health, and more. Eligible Veterans can enroll in VA health care and receive information about additional VA health care programs. Representatives from Tennessee Department of Veterans Services and the local county Veterans Service Organization will also be available to answer questions regarding benefits claims. Starting at 5:30 p.m., the resource fair will feature leadership remarks from VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System and Tennessee Department of Veterans Services. Free parking is available onsite. VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is an integrated tertiary health care system comprised of two hospitals, the Alvin C. York Campus in Murfreesboro and the Nashville Campus, as well as more than a dozen community-based outpatient clinics located in Tennessee and Kentucky. TVHS provides ambulatory care, primary care, and secondary care in acute medicine and surgery, specialized tertiary care, transplant services, spinal cord injury outpatient care, and a full range of extended care and mental health services. The Red Bank High School Class of 1980 will be celebrating its 45th Reunion on September 20. For details, please visit the reunion page on Facebook or contact: China's five autonomous regions see robust economic growth 10:15, August 19, 2025 By Li Yawei ( Global Times From 2020 to 2024, the combined GDP of China's five autonomous regions increased from 6.0129 trillion yuan ($869.35 billion) to 8.3766 trillion yuan, helping ethnic areas achieve high-quality development, Duan Yijun, an official from the National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, revealed at a press conference on Monday. The press conference, held by the State Council Information Office, is part of the series themed on the high-quality fulfillment of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25). At the press conference, Duan stated that the Commission has continuously deepened the promotion of national unity and progress. Duan said multiple measures have been taken to help ethnic regions better integrate into the new development pattern. From 2020 to 2024, the combined GDP of China's five autonomous regions increased with an average annual growth rate of 5.6 percent. Specifically, Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region and Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region recorded average annual growth rates of 6.1 percent and 6 percent, respectively, Duan noted. The economic development of autonomous regions has kept pace with that of the whole country, playing a positive role in shaping a unified national market and promoting coordinated national economic growth, Li Chang'an, a professor at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, told the Global Times on Monday. Li added that the increase is attributable to the country's policy support for ethnic regions, as well as the comprehensive results of local efforts to advance the development of distinctive industries in line with their unique conditions. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, efforts have been made to accelerate the high-quality development of ethnic regions through various means such as financial support, industrial guidance, and pilot programs, advancing common prosperity for all ethnic groups, and effectively promoting all ethnic groups to move toward socialist modernization together, according to Duan. A total of 37.1 billion yuan of central fiscal funds for promoting rural revitalization has been allocated to support ethnic regions in consolidating and expanding the achievements of poverty alleviation and ensuring effective alignment with the advancement of rural revitalization, Duan said. Up to now, according to Duan, China has carried out pilot projects for common modernization in 38 ethnic counties and cities including Jingning She Autonomous County in East China's Zhejiang Province to explore practical paths for ethnic groups to move toward socialist modernization. An initiative to upgrade trade and products in ethnic regions has been implemented. A number of ethnic handicraft brands have been created and enhanced to cultivate ethnic handicraft industries. Leveraging its unique resource advantages, Xinjiang's Dabangcheng District is forging an agro-pastoral circular industrial chain encompassing camel breeding, breed cultivation, and dairy processing. To tackle the challenges in fresh milk transportation, the local authorities have invested over 6.8 million yuan to build seven standardized camel milk collection stations. Yeljan Obul, a local camel breeder, told the Global Times that he used to travel over 30 kilometers every day to transport camel milk himself. "Now, workers from the milk stations come to collect, which is much more convenient," he said, adding that the government has also provided new equipment, making camel milk more hygienic and of superior quality. He said that he raises 50 camels and now earns over 200,000 yuan annually. The Commission has organized efforts to build beautiful and harmonious villages, cultivate distinctive industries like rural tourism, advance initiatives for border revitalization and prosperity, implement plans to enhance border tourism, and provide support to accelerate development in border regions. Li Chang'an noted that for autonomous regions, high-quality development is mainly reflected in the continuous optimization of the economic and industrial structure and the growing prominence of local competitive industries. It is also evident in the increase in people's incomes and the improvement of living standards, he added. Economic growth and the enhancement of living standards significantly contribute to fostering a sense of pride and unity among ethnic minority regions within the broader family of the Chinese nation, the expert said. Furthermore, Duan said that legislative efforts have advanced for ethnic regions. The principle of forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation has been written into 11 laws, providing legal support for the law-based governance of ethnic affairs. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) (On the left) Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal, who lead the Iglesia del Nazareno Jesus Te Ama in Easton, Maryland. | Photo Credit: Facebook/ Christian Post A Honduran pastor living on Marylands Eastern Shore, who overstayed his visa for more than twenty years, has released and went home after being detained at the end of July by federal immigration authorities. During his detention, he shared that he ministered to several souls who came to Christ. On Sunday, a family friend posted a video on social media in which Pastor Daniel Fuentes Espinal of Iglesia del Nazareno Jesus Te Ama in Easton expressed gratitude to supporters for their prayers and financial assistance over the past three weeks of his detention. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Fuentes Espinal on July 21 while he was returning to a construction site, alleging that he had entered the U.S. on a 6-month visa but had never left in 24 years. He was initially detained in Salisbury, then transferred to Baltimore, and later moved to detention in Louisiana. Supporters emphasize that the pastor has no criminal record and is well known throughout Easton for his charitable work, including providing food, shelter, clothing, and emergency funds to vulnerable residents across town. In another social media video shared on Sunday, Fuentes Espinal said in Spanish that he shared the hope of Jesus with many others in detention in Louisiana. The glory of the Lord was manifested in the place where I was detained, he added in the social media post. For three weeks, God opened doors for the preaching of His word. And there were many souls converted to Christ. That, my beloved brothers, is the victory we have in our Lord Jesus Christ. He encouraged his supporters to find joy in the fact that many souls received Christ as their Savior. During his detention, Fuentes Espinal's family stated that he fled poverty and violence in 2001 to pursue a safer life in the U.S., as other relatives had been killed back home. He joined a local Nazarene church in 2010 and became its pastor in 2015. His daughter mentioned that he was in the process of applying for a green card. In April, a coalition of Christian organizationsincluding the National Association of Evangelicals and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Department of Refugee and Migration Servicesestimated that about 80% of the 10 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. might be at risk of deportation, many of whom are Christians. Advocate Botrus Mansour, an Arab-Israeli, has been appointed as the first Arab Christian Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance. | Photo Credit: (https://milhilard.org) The World Evangelical Alliance has announced the appointment of Advocate Botrus Mansour as its new secretary general and chief executive officer, making him the first Arab Christian leader to head the global organization. Mansour, who is an Arab-Israeli of Palestinian heritage from Nazareth, is scheduled to officially assume his new role at the WEAs upcoming General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, set for October 2731, 2025. The selection process lasted six months and involved an international search that began with 25 applicants. It was narrowed down to three finalists before Mansour was chosen by a majority vote of the WEAs International Council. Since March 31, 2023, the organization has been without a permanent Secretary General, following the resignation of former leader Thomas Schirrmacher due to health reasons. Since then, Council Chair Dr. Goodwill Shana has been serving in an interim capacity. Mansour expressed his humility regarding the appointment, stating, I am deeply humbled by the ICs choice and trust in me, and I am acutely aware of the immense responsibility it carries. I am keenly aware that this will need hearts, minds and hands to join together across the global WEA family, he said. Born in Nazareth in 1965, Mansour spent his childhood years living in Jerusalem, Oxford in the United Kingdom, and again in Nazareth later on. He came to Christian faith during his high school years. After graduating from Nazareth Baptist School, he pursued law studies at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and graduated in 1991. He was admitted to the Israeli Bar Association in 1993 and practiced law in Haifa and Nazareth. In 2009, Mansour completed an MBA in nonprofit management at Haifa University, further expanding his qualifications. In 1996, he co-founded the Local Baptist Church in Nazareth and was ordained as an elder in 2001. Since 2004, he has been serving as the operational director of Nazareth Baptist School, a role he continues to hold today. His leadership experience includes chairing the Convention of Evangelical Churches in Israel. He has also served as secretary and chair of the Alliance of Evangelical Conventions in Jordan and the Holy Land and acted as deputy chair of the Nazareth Village board. Additionally, Mansour has been a member of the Global Council of Advocates International and a co-chair of the Lausanne Initiative for Reconciliation in Israel-Palestine. The Convention of Evangelical Churches in Israel, once chaired by Mansour, is one of the three national member bodies of the WEA in the Holy Land. The others are the Evangelical Alliance of Israel and the Council of Local Evangelical Churches in the Holy Land, which represents the Palestinian territories. He and his wife, Abir, are parents to three adult children and reside in Nazareth. Home News Gen Zers have lowest level of church engagement: Survey Members of Generation Z are significantly less engaged with their churches than their older counterparts, according to research showing that those with higher levels of church engagement tend to have higher levels of flourishing and well-being. The American Bible Society released the fifth chapter of its State of the Bible: USA 2025 report Thursday. The survey examined levels of church engagement, which it defined as the level of an individuals involvement in the life, mission, and community of a local church that includes learning and growing in ones faith, meaningful relationships with people in the church, and active use of ones gifts in the work of the church. In a statement reacting to the research, American Bible Society Chief Innovation Officer and State of the Bible Editor-in-Chief John Farquhar Plake asserted that Peoples lives improve when they engage with their church not just attending, but using their gifts, developing relationships, and taking advantage of opportunities to grow spiritually. The report measured church engagement based on respondents answers to five questions. Church engagement responses were broken down into four generational subgroups: Gen Z, which consists of the youngest group of American adults born in 1997 or later, millennials born between 1982 and 1996, Generation X born between 1965 and 1981, and baby boomers and elders born in 1964 or earlier. Gen Z had lower levels of church engagement compared to their older counterparts. Only 35% of Gen Z adults agreed or strongly agreed that In the past year, I have had opportunities to learn and grow in my faith. By contrast, 46% of both millennials, baby boomers and elders agreed or strongly agreed that they had opportunities to grow in their faith, along with 48% of Gen X respondents. Only 19% of Gen Z adults reported having a best friend at church, compared to 25% of Gen Xers, 26% of millennials, and 31% of baby boomers and elders. Just 27% of Gen Z adults agreed or strongly agreed that there is someone in my church who encourages my spiritual development. Forty-three percent of respondents from all three older generations held the same view. When asked if they agreed or strongly agreed that my pastor, or other church leaders, seem to care about me as a person, 42% of Gen Z adults answered in the affirmative compared to 44% of Gen Xers, 48% of millennials and 49% of the oldest subset of adults. On the question of whether churchgoers felt they had the opportunity to use their giftings, 19% of Gen Z adults agreed or strongly agreed, as did 36% of millennials, 32% of Gen Xers and 35% of boomers and elders. Differences in church engagement were also measured based on denominational groups. A plurality of Evangelicals (43%) reported average church engagement, followed by 39% who characterized their church engagement as high and 18% who considered it low. Similarly, 43% of Mainline Protestants told pollsters they had an average level of church engagement. Compared to their Evangelical counterparts, a smaller share (30%) described their church engagement as high, and a larger percentage (27%) believed they had low church engagement. The overwhelming majority of adherents to historically black denominations (62%) considered their church engagement high, while the remaining 38% were split evenly between high and low church engagement. A smaller majority of Catholics (51%) reported average church engagement, while just 12% said they had high church engagement. The remaining 37% had low church engagement. The research also found that those with higher church engagement also had higher scores on the Human Flourishing Index, which measures an individuals level of human flourishing on a scale of 0 to 10 based on their responses to questions about their happiness and life satisfaction, mental and physical health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, as well as close social relationships. In the meaning and purpose domain, individuals with high church engagement had a higher average score (8.5) compared to those with average (7.6) and low (7.1) church engagement. Similarly, those with high church engagement also had a higher average score (8.1) on the close social relationships domain than respondents with average (7.5) and low (6.7) church engagement. On measures of well-being, respondents with high church engagement have significantly lower levels of stress on a 40-point scale (5.8) than their counterparts with average (8.1) and low church engagement (9.4). This phenomenon extends to anxiety, with those with high church engagement reporting lower levels on a 20-point scale (3.3) than those with average (4.2) and low church engagement (4.7). On a loneliness scale with a range of 0-20, respondents with high church engagement had a score of 9.9, while higher scores were recorded among those with average (11.0) and low church engagement (12.4). On a hope scale ranging from 0-24, those with high church engagement scored higher (20.0) than their counterparts with average (18.0) and low church engagement (16.9). Our survey shows that church-engaged Christians have significantly less stress, less anxiety, less loneliness, and more hope. For years now, weve seen these same effects with Scripture engagement, but the church provides a living environment where these factors can play out. The pairing of church and the Bible is a powerful force. Home News 'God's not done with America': Kirk Cameron leads children's story hour at Library of Congress WASHINGTON The significance of holding a children's story hour event at the Library of Congress is not lost on outspoken Christian actor Kirk Cameron, who has become a conservative face of the rising culture war in the United States. He says Saturday's event, attended by hundreds and organized in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, is "indicative of a very exciting change in the direction of the wind." "There is a fresh sea breeze of liberty and opportunity that is blowing across the land for families to get back to the values that made America great," Cameron, who starred in the 1980s sitcom "Growing Pains," told The Christian Post. "This year, we were invited by the Trump administration and the Department of Education to come to the world's largest library, the ultimate library, the Library of Congress, to teach kids the truth about love, faith, and hope." The event comes more than three years after the 54-year-old actor accused over 50 libraries throughout the country of rejecting his requests to host readings of his faith-based children's book, As You Grow. The book teaches about the Fruit of the Spirit. After Cameron and his Christian publisher, Brave Books, pushed back, several libraries ultimately conceded and allowed the children's story hour event to take place. See You At The Library, a national grassroots movement founded by Cameron and Brave Books, partnered with the Education Department's Center for Faith to host the children's story hour event at the Library of Congress. The actor invited the children to come on stage as he told jokes and retold classic fairy tales alongside Iggy, the iguana character from a children's show that Cameron stars in, "Adventures with Iggy and Mr. Kirk." The event kicked off with a prayer from Pastor Lorenzo Sewell of the Detroit-based 180 Church, who asked Jesus to "manifest His Kingdom" in the lives of the children participating in the story hour. After Lorenzo's opening prayer, Cameron came back onstage to read Pride Comes Before the Fall to children, another book that the actor published through Brave Books. The Christian book centers around a Tiger named Valor and an elephant named Kevin who are competing in a river race. Through the use of animal characters, the story warns children against being prideful, teaching them to have a humble spirit instead. In addition to Cameron, other notable speakers at the celebration were conservative commentator Michael Knowles and Christian author Missy Robertson, the wife of Jase Robertson of the reality TV series "Duck Dynasty." Rev. Paul Hartmann, the associate general secretary at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, read Little Lives Matter near the end of the event. The book is about a bear named Mobi who was born with only one paw. Robertson read from her children's book, Because You're My Family, which she published in partnership with Brave Books. The author explained that the book's lessons about family and unconditional love mirror the relationship that God has with His followers. "There's a part in here that is just like what we should say to God: 'Why, after our rebellion and bad attitudes and being disobedient, why do you still love us?' And it's because [we're] [His] children," she told CP. "And as a parent, I could say the same thing to my own children." Robertson, a mother of three grown children and an adopted daughter, said that she wants to impress the book's message into young children's hearts and minds. She hopes the kids understand that God has adopted them into His family through Jesus Christ, and that He treats His children with "complete, unconditional love and forgiveness." The mother and author also called on parents to ensure that their children understand who God is and the relationship that He longs to have with them. "They're going to have to take that on themselves," Robertson told CP regarding how parents can raise their children to understand the Christian faith and their country's founding principles. "I do believe our culture has farmed a lot of things out, whether it's daycare, the school system, or even churches," she added. "We just go to Bible class and hope for the best. We don't know what they're being taught." Parents who want to raise Christ-like children should hold what Robertson described as a "Jesus Meeting" with their children each night to discuss with their children what they learned during the day. It's the parents' responsibility to teach good values to their children, she stressed, a duty that should not fall to anyone else. Unlike in the past, Cameron told CP that his team encountered no pushback when it came to scheduling and hosting the story hour at the Library of Congress, which he believes was likely due to the Trump administration supporting the See You At The Library movement. While Cameron praised President Donald Trump and his administration for empowering people of faith to share their beliefs in the public square, the father of six said that restoring the country's appreciation for traditional values is not the administration's sole responsibility. "That's our job as families, as Christians, as the family of faith," Cameron said. "We have to return to the values that made [America] so great. And those values are faith, moral integrity, and courage. And I think that, according to our moral courage and ability to stand for our values in the public square, we will experience together as families and Americans either a great awakening or a rude awakening." "And I believe with all of my heart that God's not done with America and that we can be great again," the Christian actor continued. "Because at the end of the day, we know that our hope is not in who governs us, it's not in the laws that Congress passes, it's in the power of God working in the hearts of people." Home News Episcopal Church-affiliated historically black college keeps accreditation with temp. court injunction A historically African American university that is affiliated with The Episcopal Church will remain an accredited institution as it begins classes next month thanks to a court order. Saint Augustines University of North Carolina filed legal action against the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges in the hopes of overturning a decision stripping the school of its accreditation. SAU announced last week that, because of a preliminary injunction granted by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, it will remain an accredited institution as classes begin on Sept. 2. As part of the preliminary injunction, SAU will remain accredited as its litigation against SACSCOC over the accreditation removal decision continues. SAU credited its legal success to the support of its community, as many alumni and other supporters contributed to the legal costs of the lawsuit. Notably, the National Alumni Association of Saint Augustines University contributed $100,000 in funds to cover the filing of the preliminary injunction. This injunction is not just a legal reprieve; it is a testament to the power of the Falcon community, said Sophie L. Gibson, newly appointed chair of the SAU Board of Trustees, as quoted in the announcement. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide education grounded in integrity, faith, and excellence now with renewed optimism that SAUs accreditation and legacy will endure. In December 2023, SACSCOC trustees voted to remove SAU from membership due to concerns about its financial stability, with an appeals committee upholding the decision in February 2024. To cut costs, SAU, which claims to have over 900 students, moved most classes online and cut roughly half of its staff, which included 67 administrative positions, along with 37 full-time faculty and 32 adjunct faculty. The school also reported reducing its expenses by $17 million in 2024 compared to 2023. The U.S. Department of Labor acknowledged in May 2024 that it was investigating SAU amid reports that university employees went without paychecks for multiple pay periods. In July of last year, an arbitration committee appointed by SACSCOC unanimously voted to support reversing the accreditation removal, though it maintained that SAU would remain on probation. However, concerns about the university's finances persisted, with SACSCOC voting last December at its annual meeting in Austin, Texas, to remove SAU from membership. SAU appealed the decision, but the appeal was rejected in March. After the rejection, a 90-day arbitration process began in which the university remained operational, and students graduated in May with degrees from an accredited institution. Last month, SAU announced that it was taking legal action to regain its accreditation after an arbitration panel affirmed the SACSCOC decision to remove the college from membership. "We will stop at nothing to ensure that SAU maintains its accreditation and continues serving our students," said Brian Boulware, then chairman of the SAU Board of Trustees. "SAU's mission is bigger than any one setback. For over a century, SAU has been a beacon of opportunity. That legacy will continue. We are pressing onward with faith, focus, and fortitude to secure the accreditation our students deserve." Home News Number of young people who believe in God surges in UK: 'Spiritual awakening' Poll makes no distinction between religions in asking about belief in 'God/gods' The number of young people in the United Kingdom who believe in God has surged dramatically in recent years while the rate of atheism has declined, according to a recent poll. The rate of Britons aged 16 to 24 who respond affirmatively when asked if they "believe there is a God/there are gods" has risen from 16% to 37% since August 2021, according to a YouGov poll released earlier this month. The poll also found that adherence to atheism within the same age demographic dropped from 49% in August 2021 to 32% four years later. The trends manifested to a smaller degree among those aged 25 to 49, among whom belief in God increased from 21% to 25% since 2021, as atheism declined from 45% to 42%. The poll did not ask respondents to specify which god or religion they believe in, nor is the data broken down by race or ethnicity. The Rt. Rev. Jill Duff, who serves as the bishop of Lancaster, attributed the statistics in part to the growing number of young people who are spiritually searching, according to The Telegraph. "Im not surprised by this," she told the outlet. "It is very much what we are seeing on the ground in our churches. There has been a trend in this direction that the younger you are, the more spiritually open you are for quite a number of years, and we are seeing a real openness to God and Christianity and especially to the supernatural in the younger age-group." Duff said she believes there is "a spiritual awakening" taking place among the younger generation, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences. "The data is that as people pray, the nation spiritually awakens. That has been the case for generations," she added. Public trust in Duff's own Church of England has declined amid recent scandals, with the established church's favorability rating dropping from 32% to 25% over the course of a year, according to a YouGov survey in February. The poll's findings echo a Bible Society study from earlier this year dubbed "Quiet Revival," which found that the number of 18- to 24-year-olds who attend church at least once per month rose from 4% in 2018 to 16%. As noted by The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, the U.K. has also seen a surge of immigration in recent years, which is a trend that could be influencing the data, according to author and independent researcher Rakib Ehsan. Noting the "consistently upward trajectory" of self-identified young Muslims in the U.K., Ehsan said "there is little doubt that the growth of religiosity among younger Britons is being driven by demographic change," he wrote in his essay published by UnHerd. The number of Christians in the U.K. has been dwindling over recent generations, with the 2021 census finding that less than half of the country's population identifies with Christianity for the first time since the first British census in 1801. Data published in 2022 by the U.K.s Office for National Statistics showed that only 46.2% (or 27.5 million) of the countrys more than 67 million people say they are Christian. In 2011, when the last census was done, 59.3% of the population, or 33.3 million people, described themselves as Christian. More than 70% of Britons identified as Christian as recently as 2001. The most recent census also found that the Muslim population of the U.K. rose from 2.7 million in 2011 to 3.9 million in 2021, with nearly half under 24. A Pew Research Center report released earlier this year found that while Christianity continues to be the worlds largest religion, its share of the rising global population has fallen over the last decade, mainly because of Christians walking away from the faith. Home News Pastor at Doug Wilson's church plant says married women give up their right to vote Toby Sumpter argues women may still vote as head of household like Lydia in book of Acts An Idaho pastor linked to self-identified Christian nationalist Douglas Wilson has argued that women forfeit their right to vote when they get married. Pastor Toby Sumpter of Kings Cross Church in Moscow made the argument during an episode of his "CrossPolitic" podcast in which he argued in support of repealing the 19th Amendment, which gave American women the right to vote in 1920. Sumpter said despite the outrage over such positions, womens right to vote in the U.S. is still limited when it comes to governmental affairs. The irony, of course, is that there's all kinds of things that women can't vote for, he said. Women are not allowed to vote for any bill in Congress. Female citizens can't vote for any of those bills; only elected representatives and senators can vote, as far as I know, unless you are talking about a pure democracy where every last thing is voted on by all the people. Offering an example of his point about a woman voting through the selection of her husband, Sumpter added that, under a constitutional republic, voters elect a representative and that representative then votes for you. So when you get married, what you are saying is, 'Im choosing this man to be my representative,' he added. In an Aug. 11 post, Sumpter elaborated a bit on his views, in which he pointed to the nation's historic high view of women prior to the suffrage movement in the early 20th century. First, let us recall that our country functioned for almost 150 years before the 19th Amendment, he wrote. And while there were no doubt sins and evils needing correction during that time, the reputation of America, particularly with regard to how it viewed and treated women, was incredibly high. He also highlighted Gods design for the family and the foundational role it plays in shaping culture and society at large. The old Christian notion is that God made the world in such a way that it flourishes when we run along those grooves, he wrote. One of those grooves is the goodness and blessing of family, and when that family is flourishing, it is a great blessing when a man can say, As for me and my house In an Aug. 15 X post, Sumpter argued that precedent for his position can be found in the New Testament, where widowers and other women were the head of their household. He pointed to Lydia, a prominent figure in early Christianity whose conversion to the faith was memorialized in the book of Acts. We vote by household in our churches, and there are often single women, widows, or divorced women who are the heads of their households, Sumpter wrote. Lydia was apparently the head of her household in Acts 16. The issue isn't male vs. female; it's household vs. societal fragmentation. The Christian Post reached out to Sumpter for comment Monday. This story will be updated if a response is received. Sumpter is listed as the senior pastor at Kings Cross Church, which was planted by Wilsons Christ Church in 2022 and is also a member church of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC). His podcast appearance comes just days after an Aug. 7 interview with CNN, in which Wilson said he supports a repeal of the 19th Amendment. "Women are the kind of people that people come out of," Wilson said. "No, it doesn't take any talent to simply reproduce. Biologically, the wife and mother, who is the chief executive of the home, is entrusted with three or four or five eternal souls." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who recently attended Wilsons church plant in Washington, D.C., later highlighted Wilsons CNN segment with an X post that read, All of Christ for All of Life. Home News Pastor Mike Jr. sweeps 2025 Stellar Awards, makes gospel history by setting new record Pastor Mike Jr. cemented his place in gospel music history Saturday night, sweeping all nine categories in which he was nominated at the 40th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. Held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville on Saturday, the star-studded event, dubbed "The Greatest Night in Gospel Music," saw the Birmingham, Alabama-based artist and pastor, born Michael McClure Jr., win Artist of the Year for the fourth time more than any other artist in the award's four-decade history. "None of this makes sense without Him. None of this happens without you. I'm deeply grateful, and I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart," the artist wrote on Instagram following the win. He now surpasses gospel luminaries Kirk Franklin and Marvin Sapp, who have each earned the honor three times. Pastor Mike Jr.'s wins also included Song of the Year and Album of the Year for his EP I Got Away, bringing his career total to 28 Stellar Awards. The 41-year-old is also the founder of Rock City Church, which has locations in Alabama, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. With just 30 total award categories, Pastor Mike Jr. claimed nearly a third of the night's honors. "Amen," his hit single that peaked at No. 4 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart in January, won four awards, including Song of the Year and Urban Single or Performance of the Year. His EP I Got Away, which reached No. 5 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums in May, earned five awards, including Album of the Year and Male Artist of the Year. CeCe Winans was the night's runner-up with three wins, including Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year and Contemporary Female Artist of the Year for More Than This. She also performed and served as co-host alongside her brother BeBe Winans. The Group Fire, Ricky Dillard and Dorinda Clark-Cole each took home two awards. Clark-Cole also won Traditional Artist of the Year and Traditional Album of the Year for Determined. Jason Nelson, who tied Pastor Mike Jr. with nine nominations, won one award Contemporary Album of the Year for You Belong: Live in Durham. ADIA was named New Artist of the Year for "On the Way," while longtime gospel radio trailblazers were honored across six categories in the Gospel Radio of the Year Awards. Don Jackson, founder of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards and chairman of Central City Productions, received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his enduring impact on the industry. Jackson also served as executive producer of the 2025 show. In an earlier interview with The Christian Post, BeBe and CeCe Winans, who were among the first gospel artists to experience crossover success, reflected on the "rich history" of the Stellar Awards and stressed that the genre's future must remain tethered to its spiritual roots. "Our prayer, and I'm sure I can speak for BeBe, is the same as it's always been," CeCe Winans said. "That gospel music will continue to spread and to reach those who are outside of the church, to bring them in. That's the whole goal: to reach people for Christ, to reach them with the love of God, the peace of God." Within the Church, she added, worship should be a force for unity: "If we continue to unify and give God praise, then the world will see who He is through us. Even if you're not a believer, you can enjoy gospel music. We just want that to continue." The siblings also said they're both excited and inspired by what they see in the next generation of artists. "Man, they're just so talented," CeCe said. "I thought about Jonathan McReynolds. He's just incredible. Their writing is awesome, and they're starting to do new things that those who went before them haven't done." BeBe added, "We knew when God was opening doors for us, it wasn't just for us. It was for those who were coming behind us, just like others opened the door for us. It's always important that we encourage those who are coming to believe God for even more than what we believed Him for." The 40th Stellar Gospel Music Awards will air Sunday, Aug. 31, at 8 p.m. ET on BET. Home News Generation Indoctrination highlights Alabamas pivotal fight over transing kids In the heated national debate over the gender medicalization of minors who are confused about their sex, one state has emerged as a decisive player: Alabama. A new episode of the popular "Generation Indoctrination" podcast weighs in on how the states tough law and aggressive litigation strategy reshaped the legal and political landscape surrounding so-called gender-affirming care. When the history of the gender wars is written, particularly the medical scandal of so-called gender affirming care, it will be revealed that one state played an outsized role in forcing the issue into the public consciousness and helped bring about the political reckoning that halted the madness, says host Brandon Showalter. Alabama became the second state, after Arkansas, to prohibit puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and body-mutilating surgeries for minors with the 2022 passage of the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act. Unlike many other states, Alabamas law imposed criminal penalties on providers who performed such illicit procedures. That move drew a lawsuit from the Biden administration and LGBT activist groups, Boe v. Marshall, which accused the state of unconstitutional overreach. But earlier this year, the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump dismissed the case. By then, Alabamas discovery process had uncovered internal government communications and documents from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) that Attorney General Steve Marshall later described as jaw-dropping. Secretary of State Wes Allen, then a freshman legislator, recalled being approached in late 2019 about sponsoring the bill. About 2020, early 2020 or late 2019, the Eagle Forum and some other groups approached me about sponsoring this legislation in the Alabama House of Representatives about the mutilation of these children and all the puberty blockers, cross sex hormones, and then, of course, potential surgeries, Allen said. I thought it was horrendous. I said, Yeah, let's dig into this. Let's look into it. Allen described years of delays, including during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, before the measure finally passed in 2022. It was a lot of heavy lifting, a lot of adversity, a lot of opposition, but there were so many good people that came together to lock arms to get this across the finish line, to become the second state to get it done, to be the tip of the spear in this fight, he said. Attorney General Marshall noted that, early on, even Republicans resisted. The political reality was that when the effort first started, there was significant pushback, not just from the Democratic side of the aisle, but also many Republicans, he said. They, number one, felt like this is really not an issue. Why are we talking about it? They were hearing from a small subset of parents who, frankly, were given false information about suicide risk. And then finally, there was the sense that somehow, if Alabama engaged in the protection of kids, that we were a backward state. Marshall credited lawmakers for ultimately passing one of the strongest laws in the country and said criminal penalties were crucial to deterrence. The state also focused on undermining WPATH, whose standards of care were being cited in courts and medical associations nationwide. Marshall said the discovery process revealed internal communications showing federal officials, including then-Assistant Secretary for Health Rachel (Richard) Levine, who himself identifies as trans, pressed the group not to include age restrictions for said body-disfiguring "interventions." It was like Exhibit A to why this is so insane, Marshall said, describing the material uncovered. Were using fantasy chatrooms to define standards of care for kids. One revelation included WPATH citing content from the Eunuch Archive, an internet forum laced with fetishistic material, including child sexual abuse themes. Marshall later incorporated those findings into a U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief defending Tennessees ban. Dr. Patrick Lappert, a cosmetic surgeon from Decatur, testified in support of Alabamas law and has criticized the harms of trans surgeries. He said the profit motive fueled the booming industry. All of Sunday morning was devoted to that topic, Lappert recalled of a California conference. It was essentially four solid hours of plastic surgeons teaching one another about how to bring this into your practice. The technology you'll be looking for, how to work the insurance companies, how to bully the insurance companies [by] using the threat of litigation. Meanwhile, plastic surgeons are making bookoo bucks doing gender affirmation surgery. Lappert said he was sorely embarrassed by his professional societys refusal to take a stand. On Jan. 28, President Trump signed an executive order directing agencies to reject WPATH guidelines and called youth gender transitions a stain on our nations history. In May, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a 400-page report declaring insufficient evidence for the irreversible procedures. Allen said he hopes history remembers Alabamas stand. I just hope that in the end, we recognized an issue. We were not afraid to get in the fight, not afraid to expose what was going on with this child mutilation, gender ideology that was sweeping the country, and to plant our flag to protect children, he said. Home News Church's sanctuary roof collapses hours after leaders notice cracks The Haywood campus of the growing First Baptist Simpsonville Upstate Church in South Carolina escaped tragedy over the weekend when leaders managed to relocate services hours before the sanctuary's roof collapsed on Sunday morning. Wayne Bray, lead pastor of First Baptist Simpsonville Upstate Church, which has 7,700 members who worship at nine locations across South Carolina, explained in a video statement on Facebook that the collapse didn't surprise them. He said one of his staff members discovered cracks in the sanctuary the night before the roof collapsed. Once they realized what the problem was, they immediately began making plans overnight to hold Sunday services in the gymnasium on the property. We did not allow anybody into the dangerous building so no one was hurt. No one was even in danger of being hurt, he said. We took care of that and took the necessary precautions to ensure no one was injured. And so Im grateful for our teaching pastor there, Dallas Wilson, such a responsible and solid leader. [He] made sure he took care of folks, and he had his volunteers and staff who made sure that we kept people in the right places and kept them out of the wrong places. To God be the glory. Everybodys fine, he added. Bray said the roof collapsed at around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, but a city fire official told NBC News affiliate WYFF4 that a fire crew spotted the collapse at 9:31 a.m. and dispatched rescue crews. William Dallas Wilson, who is the churchs teaching pastor, described Sunday as a wild one but maintained that the roof collapse would not stop Gods work. The church never plays defense, always offense. On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Jesus. Gates are used for defense because the church is on the move! he declared in a statement on Facebook. Today was a wild one. The building is broken, but the church of God is still moving forward. The gospel was preached. People were saved. Believers were baptized. Were not playing defense; Upstate Church is moving forward. Charge On! he added. Traci Weldie, connections coordinator at Upstate Church Haywood, told WYFF4 that she and others were at the church preparing for baptisms when the roof collapsed in the empty sanctuary. We were sorting through the baptism supplies when the roof crashed in, she said. Just a huge wind came through the hallway. [It] almost knocked us over. Bray said the Upstate Church Haywood campus was launched just two-and-a-half years ago with just over 100 people, and now the campus has more than 700 weekly worshipers. Its really an amazing story, he said. Even today, with all these circumstances, we still had over 700 people in worship. People baptized in every service; its really an amazing thing. He further noted that the church had already taken steps to secure the damaged building and that worship will continue at the campus. We have never felt like a building is our church, he said. A building may come and go. Buildings are built and buildings fall, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ will stand forever, and that is what our faith is built on. Home News Supreme Court won't block Mississippi law restricting kids access to social media The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to block a Mississippi law restricting social media access for young people amid some constitutional concerns with the measure. In a brief, unsigned order last week, the high court declined an application to vacate a stay in the case of Netchoice, LLC v. Lynn Fitch, attorney general of Mississippi. Justice Brett Kavanaugh authored a concurring opinion to the denial, writing that NetChoice, a tech industry trade association representing social media giants, "has not sufficiently demonstrated that the balance of harms and equities favors it at this time." "To be clear, NetChoice has, in my view, demonstrated that it is likely to succeed on the merits namely, that enforcement of the Mississippi law would likely violate its members' First Amendment rights under this Court's precedents," wrote Kavanaugh. "In short, under this Court's case law as it currently stands, the Mississippi law is likely unconstitutional. Nonetheless, because NetChoice has not sufficiently demonstrated that the balance of harms and equities favors it at this time, I concur in the Court's denial of the application for interim relief." Last year, Mississippi lawmakers overwhelmingly passed House Bill 1126, which is also known as the Walker Montgomery Protecting Children Online Act. Named after a teenager who died by suicide as a result of an online sextortion scam, the legislation requires digital service providers to verify the age of users and prohibits minors from having certain social media accounts unless parents have given permission. The law limits the amount of personal information that a social media platform can collect, and prohibits such platforms from collecting information on the exact location of a minor. Platforms must also "make commercially reasonable efforts to develop and implement a strategy to prevent or mitigate the known minor's exposure to harmful material and other content that promotes or facilitates the following harms to minors." While supporters see the law as increasing protections for minors, critics argue it violates freedom of expression protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. U.S. District Judge Halil Suleyman Ozerden, a George W. Bush appointee, issued a temporary block on the law. However, a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals moved to stop Ozerden's order in July while the state appealed. Home News Trump says ending Ukraine-Russia war could help him get to Heaven U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday he believes that helping negotiate an end to the Ukraine-Russia war might help him get to Heaven. Trump called into the Fox News program "Fox & Friends" for a phone interview on Tuesday morning, one day after he hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders at the White House as part of the ongoing efforts to end the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia's invasion in 2022. The president provided updates on efforts to end the war. He lamented the toll it was taking on the lives of Russian and Ukrainian soldiers as well as civilians residing in both countries. Trump maintained that ending the war could "save 7,000 people a week from being killed." "I want to try and get to Heaven if possible," the 79-year-old said. "I'm hearing I'm not doing well." "I hear I'm really at the bottom of the totem pole. But if I can get to Heaven, this will be one of the reasons," he said, referring to securing a hypothetical end to the Ukraine-Russia conflict that he would play a part in negotiating. While Trump suggested that his good deed of ending the war could help him secure salvation, the Bible repeatedly states that good works alone are not sufficient for eternal salvation. For example, Titus 3:5 proclaims that "[Jesus] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy." The Bible also contains multiple instances that faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for anyone to receive the eternal reward of Heaven. Tuesday's "Fox & Friends" interview is not the first time Trump has raised eyebrows with faith-related comments. In 2015, as a first-time presidential candidate, the then-presidential hopeful made headlines after telling a crowd of conservative Christian activists in Iowa, "I'm not sure I have ever asked God's forgiveness." He later clarified that "I go to communion and that's asking forgiveness, you know, it's a form of asking forgiveness." "I try not [to] make mistakes where I have to ask forgiveness," he responded when asked if seeking forgiveness was a central tenet of his life. "Why do I have to repent or ask forgiveness, if I am not making mistakes?" Trump has also repeatedly attributed his survival of last year's assassination attempt against him to divine intervention. Speaking at the Republican National Convention just days after the assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania last summer, Trump maintained that "I had God on my side." "If I had not moved my head at that very last instant, the assassin's bullet would have perfectly hit its mark and I would not be here tonight," Trump said. "I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of God." Trump's meeting with Zelensky and other European leaders in an attempt to secure an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflict comes three days after the president held a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Russia invaded Ukrainian territory in February 2022, hoping to secure the rights of pro-Russian communities in Eastern Ukraine regions like Donetsk and Luhansk. Trump indicated during his appearance on "Fox & Friends" that he anticipated Putin and Zelensky meeting one-on-one in the near future and remained optimistic about a trilateral meeting between the U.S., Russia and Ukraine that would resolve the conflict. Israel Protests Surge, Gateway Church Welcomes Daniel Floyd, Denzel Washington On Cancel Culture link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:34 07:34 Top headlines for Tuesday, August 19, 2025 In this episode, we explore the recent protests in Israel sparked by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum's call for a one-day general strike, urging the release of detained individuals. Then, we shift gears to reflect on a new chapter for Gateway Church as they welcome Daniel Floyd as their new senior pastor, marking the end of an era following founder Robert Morris's tenure. Finally, renowned actor Denzel Washington shares his thoughts on navigating cancel culture by staying true to his faith and following God's guidance over public opinion. 00:12 Protests held across Israel as hostage families call for strike 01:11 Gateway Church officially turns page on Robert Morris 02:10 Denzel Washington rejects cancel culture, puts faith above awards 03:00 Pastor David Daniels resigns over porn addiction 03:57 Costco won't sell abortion pill at pharmacies 04:51 First female archbishop in UK defends lesbian lifestyle 05:44 Mercyhealth pays over $1M to settle vaccine mandate complaints Home Opinion Churches are under attack: What is the Christian response? The statistics are as sobering as they are predictable. According to Family Research Council, between 2018 and 2024, there have been 1,384 documented hostile acts against churches in America, including vandalism, arson, fire-bombings, bomb threats, and shootings. This represents an eight-fold increase from just five years prior. But for those with eyes to see, this surge was never a matter of if but when. When a culture systematically abandons the God who gave it birth, when it tears down every sacred institution and mocks every holy thing, the inevitable result is not peaceful coexistence with Gods family, but war. And that war has now come, quite literally, to our church doors. The most recent and egregious example comes from Seattle, where 28-year-old Lebron Givaun a newlywed who had recently surrendered his life to Christ was gunned down in broad daylight as he arrived for a young adult service at Pursuit Church. Two masked assailants fired over 30 rounds from illegally modified automatic weapons into a crowd of families gathering for a church barbecue. Let that sink in: Criminals with a code of honor that Pastor Russell Johnson rightly noted wouldnt shoot a man in broad daylight while he is at a house of worship, while he is with his wife and kid, have been replaced by something far more sinister. This was not random gang violence spilling over into a sacred space this was a targeted assault on the very concept of sanctuary itself. The symbolism could not be clearer. After the shooting, the attackers abandoned and torched their vehicle at another churchs parking lot to destroy the evidence. The scene sent its own grim message: No church is beyond our reach. The pattern emerges This Seattle shooting did not occur in a vacuum. Pursuit Church had already been marked for hostility after hosting a prayer rally defending biblical sexuality and the family. When Christians gathered lawfully to proclaim Gods design for marriage and gender, Seattles political establishment and radical activists united in opposition, with Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell characterizing the prayer gathering as far-right extremism. Here we see the progression with crystal clarity. First, biblical Christianity is redefined as political extremism. Then, those who hold to historic Christian faith are demonized as threats to public safety. And finally, violence against such threats becomes not only acceptable but morally justified. The pattern repeats itself across blue America. In Washington state, Natasha ODell traveled from Texas to burn down the Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church, causing over $3.2 million in damage. She had openly expressed her rage against churches and specifically planned to burn a nearby church. The same spirit that drove her to destruction drives the masked gunmen who spray bullets into church gatherings. This is not new but is part of a growing pattern. In the fall of 2022, a pro-abortion terrorist group, Janes Revenge, threatened to carry out a mass shooting at two churches in Nebraska, explicitly naming the use of AR-14 rifles if a local abortion ban passed. These threats were a part of a wave of over 100 violent attacks on churches and pregnancy centers that have occurred since May 2022, when the Supreme Courts ruling in the Dobbs case overturning Roe v. Wade was leaked. And since May 2020, there have been at least 518 violent attacks on Catholic churches across 43 states, including arson, smashed statues, satanic graffiti, vandalism, and assault often with explicitly anti-Catholic and pro-abortion messages. The spiritual reality behind the statistics Make no mistake: This is spiritual warfare manifesting in physical violence. When the Apostle Paul warned that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12), he was describing precisely what we witness today. The enemys strategy is both ancient and obvious: if you cannot corrupt the Church from within through compromise and false teaching, destroy it from without through intimidation and violence. Johns vision in Revelation 12:17 captures this perfectly: And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. This scenario is precisely what we see unfolding in Washington State and across America. The dragon is making war against those who refuse to bow to the spirit of the age, who insist on keeping Gods commandments regarding marriage, sexuality, and the sanctity of life and who maintain their testimony of Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation. These attacks are not random acts of violence they are manifestations of an ancient hatred directed specifically at those who bear the image of the One who crushed the serpents head. A call to courage This moment is not a time for the Church to retreat into a defensive crouch, hoping that if we just keep our heads down and our convictions quiet, perhaps the storm will pass us by. That storm is not passing it is intensifying. And our Lord Jesus never called His people to cower in the face of persecution; He called us to count it all joy (James 1:2). To the pastors reading this: Your congregations need to hear the truth about what is happening, and they need to be prepared spiritually, mentally, and yes, practically for what may come. This is not fear-mongering; this is biblical wisdom. A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished (Proverbs 22:3). To the men in our churches: You have been called to be protectors and defenders, not just of your families but of your congregations. The times demand masculine courage rooted in biblical conviction. Study your Scripture, strengthen your bodies, and prepare your minds. The sheep are under attack, and shepherds must be ready to confront the wolves. To every believer: Understand that in a post-Christian culture, simply being Christian is increasingly viewed as an act of aggression. Your commitment to biblical truth on marriage, sexuality, the sanctity of life, and the exclusivity of Christ marks you as an enemy of the prevailing order. This is not a cause for compromise; it is a call to clarity. The governments abdication What makes this crisis particularly acute is the systematic abdication of civil government from its God-ordained role. When Seattles mayor effectively takes sides with violent protesters against Christians exercising their First Amendment rights, when 75% of homicides in Seattle go unsolved, and when churches must hire private security because public officials will not protect houses of worship, the social contract has been shattered. Scripture is clear that civil government exists for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good (1 Peter 2:14). When government instead punishes good and praises evil, it has forfeited its divine mandate and revealed itself as an instrument of the very chaos it was ordained to prevent. This is why the principled Christian must simultaneously pray for governing authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-2) while refusing to grant them the ultimate allegiance that belongs to God alone. We submit to legitimate authority while recognizing that no earthly power can command us to deny our Lord or abandon His truth (Daniel 3:16-28). Victory through faithfulness The rise in anti-Christian violence is both a sign of our cultures spiritual darkness and, paradoxically, evidence of the Gospels continued power. The enemy does not waste ammunition on territory he already controls. These attacks confirm that the light of Christ still shines brightly enough to provoke the rage of those who love darkness rather than light. Our response must be thoroughly biblical: We fear God and fear nothing else. We love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, even as we prepare to defend the innocent and vulnerable. We proclaim the truth in love, knowing that the same Gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation, is also our only hope for cultural transformation. As Jesus told us in John 16:33, These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. The Church has survived Roman persecution, Islamic conquest, and communist oppression. It will most certainly survive the tantrums of a dying secular culture that has mistaken temporary political power for ultimate authority. Our King reigns, our victory is certain, and our duty is clear: to stand firm, speak truth, and trust the sovereignty of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. The dragon may rage, but the Lamb has conquered. And in His strength, so shall we. Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center. Home Opinion Israel's only solution: Gaza must become Israeli territory again As a born-again Christian who dedicated much of my professional life to combating Islamic terrorism, I find myself increasingly alarmed by the persistent myths surrounding the Israeli- Palestinian conflict myths that not only distort history but also endanger lives. Recent discussions, including an insightful CBN News report from Jerusalem and a critical analysis of Tucker Carlson's interview with Mother Agapia, underscore a truth that demands our attention: the root of Gaza's suffering isn't Israel's actions, but Hamas's iron-fisted rule. For over 15 years, Hamas has held autonomous control of Gaza, yet instead of fostering a prosperous society, they have transformed it into a terrorist stronghold. The solution is not another failed two-state approach, but rather the full integration of Gaza into Israel. This would provide its residents with citizenship, rights, and an escape from the persistent cycle of violence. Let's start by debunking the myth that Israel is the aggressor oppressing Palestinians out of malice. As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu articulated in his recent speech, the push for a Palestinian state today echoes the disastrous appeasement of Hitler before World War II. Western powers once handed over pieces of Czechoslovakia, hoping for peace, only to ignite global war. Similarly, Netanyahu warns that carving out a state for Palestinians won't bring harmony it's "national suicide" for Israel, given that Palestinian leaders have rejected statehood offers for almost a century. They do not want to build their own nation, but to dismantle the Jewish one. This isn't hyperbole; it's just history repeating itself. Consider Gaza's trajectory. In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew from the territory, evacuating 21 Jewish communities and 9,000 residents in a bold bid for peace. The hope was that without "friction" between Israelis and Palestinians, prosperity would follow. Instead, the Palestinian Authority briefly took control, only for Hamas to seize power in a bloody 2007 coup. What did Hamas do with this gift of self-rule? They didn't invest in schools, hospitals, or infrastructure to uplift their people. They built the world's largest terror base, complete with tunnels, rockets, and indoctrination camps. Billions in international aid vanished into weapons and corruption, while Gazans endured poverty, unemployment, and isolation. October 7, 2023, was the horrific culmination: a barbaric attack that murdered over 1,200 Israelis and took hundreds hostage. If Gaza was a "state" for 18 years, as Israel's foreign minister notes, it was a failed one by design Hamas's design. Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz, in his exclusive CBN interview, cuts to the heart of this with biblical wisdom from Deuteronomy 30:19: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life." Hamas has chosen death, rewarding terrorism with international sympathy. Dershowitz rightly argues that recognizing a Palestinian state now, without conditions like returning hostages, sends a deadly message: "Use terrorism. It works." France, England, and others dangle statehood "for nothing," ignoring the blood on Hamas's hands. As Christians, we must heed this scriptural call choose life by rejecting the reward of evil. This brings us to the plight of Christians in the region, a topic Tucker Carlson's interview with Mother Agapia, a nun from "Palestine," attempted to spotlight but inadvertently exposed the real culprit: Palestinian governance. Agapia paints a grim picture of Christian persecution walls, checkpoints, license plate apartheid blaming Israel for declining Christian populations since 1948. A detailed critique of the interview reveals that her narrative crumbles under scrutiny. Christians in Israel proper thrive; their numbers are growing, with full citizenship, freedoms, and rights. They vote, serve in the military, and worship openly alongside Muslims, Jews, and Druze. In contrast, Christian populations are shrinking in areas under Palestinian self-rule, like Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and Gaza. The situation isn't a result of Israeli "occupation," but rather the Palestinians' agreement to the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, which granted them autonomy. Those borders, walls, and permits exist because Palestinians demanded separation. Agapia laments that Bethlehem Christians need permits to visit Jerusalem's holy sites, but that's the reality of crossing an international border something that would worsen with a full Palestinian state. She decries the security wall, built during the Second Intifada to stop suicide bombings (which dropped from over 20 in one year to just four after its construction), yet ignores its life-saving purpose. And her defense of Hamas as "people in an open-air prison" whose homes were "taken" is a dangerous inversion: Israel left Gaza open for peace, but Hamas blockaded their own future with terror. Even more troubling, Agapia's examples of "persecution" reveal sympathies that clash with Christian values. She equates Ukrainian resistance with Palestinian teens throwing Molotov cocktails at Israelis, decrying that the latter get shot while the former are celebrated. But lighting explosives and hurling them at soldiers or civilians isn't heroism it's terrorism, and no nation should tolerate it. True Christians in Palestinian areas face real threats: intimidation, arrest, torture, and death from jihadist Muslims under Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Secret believers hide their faith, even from family, fearing for their lives. Yet Agapia, who lives unmolested, condemns Israel while excusing bomb-throwers and portraying Hamas as victims. As followers of Christ, we know the Iron Dome of Christian support has shielded Israel more than any weapon, as Dershowitz gratefully notes. Christian Zionism, rooted in centuries of biblical prophecy, helped birth modern Israel. Today, amid rising antisemitism seen in attacks from Canada to Martha's Vineyard we must stand firm. Netanyahu credits Christians for bolstering Israel's resolve, and history warns us: in the 1930s, much of the church failed the Jews. We cannot repeat that mistake. The solution? Israel must apply sovereignty over Gaza, as it is planning for parts of the West Bank with new settlements east of Jerusalem. This isn't expansionism; it's burying the illusion of a Palestinian state that buries peace. Under Israeli citizenship, Gazans Muslims and Christians alike could access jobs, education, healthcare, and freedoms they lack now. Terrorism would lose its breeding ground, replaced by prosperity. No more Hamas rockets; no more aid funneled to tunnels. Facts on the ground homes, roads, neighborhoods will triumph over UN declarations. Fellow Christians, let's choose life. Support Israel's sovereignty as the compassionate, biblical path to end suffering and terror. The myth of Israeli oppression dies when we see Hamas's failure for what it is. Peace comes not through division, but unity under a just, democratic Israel just as God intended. In an environment where policy can move faster than platforms, Indian enterprises must revisit an uncomfortable yet critical question: Do we truly control our cloud infrastructure, or are we renting it under someone elses legal terms? This isnt alarmism. Its a new reality. The rules are shifting, so should your questions On 7 August 2025, the United States imposed a blanket 25% tariff on Indian exports: a policy recalibration with ripple effects across procurement, pricing, and ecosystem stability [1]. Around the same time, U.S. export-control rules restricted the use of advanced AI chips and GPU cloud access in over 120 countries [2]. Indian companiesespecially those in AI, manufacturing, and researchwere forced to rethink not just compute sourcing but also where and how they hosted their AI workloads. Meanwhile, 144 countries now enforce national data protection laws, many requiring strict data localisation [3]. IDC estimates that 65% of enterprises will mandate data sovereignty clauses in new cloud contracts by the end of 2025 [4]. And yet, the majority of Indian enterprises still rely on cloud service providers (CSPs) governed by foreign jurisdictions, assuming availability and neutrality in a world thats proving neither. These developments should prompt every Indian CIO to pause and ask: Are we building our digital future on foundations we truly own, or just access temporarily? Five questions every CIO should be asking today 1. Who can legally switch off our cloud? Many CSP contracts defer to the laws of their home country. If those laws changevia sanctions, export restrictions, or diplomatic recalibrationsthe provider is obligated to act in compliance, not in partnership. This means Indian businesses could lose access to services, data, or infrastructure not because of a breach, but because of foreign political decisions. It is essential to examine contract clauses on governing law, jurisdiction, and service termination triggers. 2. Where does the control plane resideand under whose law? Its not enough to know that your data is stored in India. What matters equally is where the control planethe orchestration logic, metadata, and management APIsresides. If this sits outside Indian jurisdiction, your organisations ability to act during a crisis is constrained. Data localisation alone is no longer sufficient; control locality is just as critical. 3. What is our CSPs plan for sanctions-related disruption? We routinely test for disasters such as cyberattacks or outages. But few organisations ask their providers how they would respond to geopolitical disruptions. What happens if foreign policy decisions force the CSP to suspend service? Does your provider offer local continuity protocols, dual key management, or sovereign operational zones? If these conversations arent happening now, theyll arrive too late when it matters most. 4. If access is denied, where will we go for legal redress? In the event of a dispute or service suspension, your path to legal recourse must be local. CSPs that operate solely under foreign lawand expect arbitration in overseas jurisdictionsleave Indian enterprises with little leverage during a crisis. Legal recourse that begins twelve time zones away may not arrive in time to restore mission-critical workloads. Contracts must be structured to ensure Indian jurisdiction applies to service interruptions and dispute resolution. 5. Do our cloud workloads match the sensitivity of our data? Not every workload needs sovereign cloud hosting, but some absolutely do. Board minutes, payment data, personal health records, and government projects cannot be treated the same as development sandboxes. Proper workload classificationpublic, restricted, confidentialis essential. Without it, sensitive data may be exposed to jurisdictions that do not offer the same legal protections or assurances as Indian law. Rethinking cloud decisions through the lens of sovereignty Sovereignty is no longer an optional design principleits a strategic imperative. For Indian enterprises, the sovereignty conversation must move beyond compliance into the realm of control, continuity, and risk containment. The global landscape is no longer neutral. Cloud environments are increasingly shaped by the politics, policies, and priorities of the countries that govern them. And when those priorities shift, its not infrastructure that takes the hitits your business. This is why cloud decisions today cannot be based solely on performance metrics or feature parity. They must be based on ownership of control, jurisdictional alignment, and business resilience. Indian CIOs and boards have a responsibility to ensure that the cloud supporting their mission-critical operations is governed by Indian law, hosted within Indian borders, and operated by entities legally accountable in India. It is time we placed sovereignty on par with scale, cost, and innovation. Because when the next shockwave arrivesnot ifits this dimension that will separate those who stay online from those left negotiating terms. Learn more here. Sources Abonati-va sa primiti pe email saptamanal lista articolelor adaugate pe parcursul saptamanii. Adresele .ru nu sunt acceptate. Email NEWSLETTER By eyewave/ Adobe A London-based community funder has warned that the governments proposed changes to how it allocates funding for local councils risk weakening the impact of an over-stretched voluntary sector working with disadvantaged communities. It was reported last week by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) that inner London boroughs such as Camden could lose up to 12% of their central government funding under its plans to rebalance allocations nationally with a larger share redirected to outer London and other parts of England. The IFS report described the reforms as creating big winners and losers over the next three years, with some councils facing significant cuts while others will see substantial gains. It added that inner London councils were by far the biggest losers from the reforms. In response, Camden Giving, which funds participatory grantmaking programmes for residents and organisations from across the London borough, described the increased pressure that the changes would place on funders as deeply worrying. The news comes after research published earlier this year by the Directory for Social Change found that financially at-risk councils had already started reducing the grants they made to charities . Funding cuts would invariably deepen resources crisis among charities Natasha Friend, director of Camden Giving, said: "Charities are already being relied upon to support community and social wellbeing projects across the borough. However, the ever-increasing demand for grant-giving organisations to support essential services and infrastructure, is hindered by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis which is driving down public donations as the household purse tightens. The third sector is under immense and existential pressure, and more cuts to London boroughs' funding will invariably deepen the crisis; and cut our resources even thinner. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government told Civil Society: We are reforming an outdated system which has left communities behind, ensuring we can fund councils fairly and improve public services. Our modern Industrial Strategy has introduced ambitious plans to drive growth and investment in London, and our Plan for Change will ensure our country continues to be the best place to invest and do business. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Graham Horn https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en A group of parents of a recently closed prep school have lodged a formal complaint with the Charity Commission, which is assessing the concerns. As reported by BBC News , the complaint was filed against education charity Uppingham School Group, which ran Maidwell Hall in Northamptonshire from 2022 until it closed in July. It alleges that a decision to close the school in the middle of last year was not communicated to parents until January this year. But Uppingham School Group said the decision to close the school was taken on 30 November 2024 and denies the suggestion it was taken at an earlier date. It said when parents were informed in January, Uppingham trustees met with the parent group on several occasions to provide significant support and advice to them regarding what a successful proposal would need to cover. The parent group questioned why a parents rescue bid backed by the David Ross Educational Trust was rejected. Uppingham continued to defend its decision and said the parents proposed rescue bid had significant gaps which underestimated the schools expenditure by several millions and other issues. Significantly loss-making A spokesperson for the parents group told BBC News: During the last seven months, it has become evident that there is a case to answer by Uppingham. We believe it is only right and proper that this is thoroughly investigated by the commission. Uppingham said while pupil numbers had increased and it had invested in the school, it remained significantly loss-making, with no viable path to break even. It said the school faced further financial pressure from the introduction of VAT on private school fees and an increase to employers national insurance contributions. Uppingham added that the school faced almost certain insolvency in 2022 if it had not rescued it and repaid a six-figure bank loan. A Charity Commission spokesperson said: We are assessing concerns raised with us about Uppingham School to determine any next steps. In line with our guidance, Uppingham School promptly reported the closure of Maidwell School to us. A separate police investigation by Northamptonshire Police into Earl Spencers allegations of physical and sexual abuse at the school in the 1970s is ongoing. Maidwell Hall was one of the leading prep schools in the UK and was founded in 1911. It was an independent school for four to 13-year-old boys and girls and offered boarding. Previous pupils include Spencer, former poet laureate Andrew Motion and writer and restaurant critic William Sitwell. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. Journalists now have access to an abundance of AI tools on the market that promise to assist with tasks such as transcription, note-taking, summarization, research, and data analysis. Are these tools trustworthy enough for use in the newsroom? There is not yet a clear answer to that question. While most news organizations have AI policies, the guidelines are typically abstract and broad, and do not address a journalists daily workflow. In the absence of precise standardswhich should be developed as a community journalists have largely been left to figure things out for themselves. Many reporters have defaulted to what Cynthia Tu, a data reporter and AI specialist at the nonprofit newsroom Sahan Journal, calls vibe checks, or playing around with tools to get a feel for whether they are useful or not. Jeremy Merrill, a journalist at the Washington Post, used to spot-check AI tools to see which ones might work best for his data projects. But he realized his spot-check method was inadequate. Vibes are not enough, he said. Youre not taking a good enough look at your real data. Is it 60 percent accurate? Seventy? Ninety-five? You just dont know. Florent Daudens, a press lead at Hugging Face, a platform for open-source AI tools, agrees that vibe checks of competing tools are not editorially rigorous. Youre really only evaluating a stylistic preference, Daudens said. Do you prefer the style in which chatbot A answers rather than chatbot B? But you will not be able to evaluate if the summarization of this news article is better with model A than model B in terms of accuracy. Journalists need more rigorous model assessments. So I developed exactly this kind of test with a team of academics, journalists, and research assistants at NYU Journalism, from Sloane Lab at the University of Virginia and MuckRock. As a starting point, we decided to look at two categories of AI tools that feel immediately useful for core journalistic work: chatbots for making summaries of meetings, and AI models for scientific research. Our research was conducted with support from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. Testing AI Tools for Summarization To report on the inner workings of governance and business, journalists spend a lot of their time reading reports and sifting through transcripts of long meetings. An AI tool that could summarize what happened and note what the most relevant speakers said would be a massive time-saver. To test how well large language models (LLMs) perform at this, my team and I asked four tools to summarize meeting transcripts and minutes from local government meetings in Clayton County, Georgia; Cleveland; and Long Beach, New York. The four chatbots we compared included ChatGPT-4o ($200/month), Claude Opus 4 ($100/month), Perplexity Pro ($20/month), and Gemini 2.5 Pro (free trial). (This month, OpenAI released the newer model ChatGPT-5, but past models including ChatGPT-4o are still available.) Sign up for CJRs daily email We based our evaluation in journalistic values of accuracy and truth. We checked that all facts were correctly recounted and noted any hallucinations, for which LLMs are notorious. Another vexing problem of AI tools is that they often generate slightly different responses to the same prompt, so we ran our queries through every tool five times and compared the outcomes. We also checked what personal or confidential data the company collects on the user through the software and how that information might be used. This is a critical question for reporters dealing with sensitive information and anonymous sources. To test the tools performance, we asked each to generate three short summaries (about two hundred words) and three long summaries (about five hundred words) for each city council meeting. The first short summary was prompted with simple and straightforward language: Give me a short summary of this document. The second summary was prompted with more details: Write a summary of this document in 200 words in plain language that provides the key details of the meeting. The third summary was prompted with six questions including: What was the purpose of the meeting? Who spoke? What did they speak about/cover? What items were approved or denied? We did this to assess how prompt engineering would affect the results. We then repeated the process and asked for long, detailed summaries instead of short ones. For long summaries the results were surprisingly poor. We ran all six prompts through all AI tools five times and compared the results with our own human-generated summaries. We judged each result on how clear and concise it was, how much information from the original document was retained, how factually accurate it was, if there were any hallucinations, how consistent the output was, and how easy it was to use the tools. Overall, we found that for the short summaries, every model except Gemini 2.5 Pro outperformed the human-written ones. The machine-generated short summaries included more facts and almost no hallucinations. Prompt A, Give me a short summary of this document, elicited the highest accuracy ratings overall compared with the more detailed prompts, which could be due to the specificity of the demand as well as the word limitations we set. For the long summaries, though, the results were surprisingly poor. Only about half the facts included in the human-generated long summaries were found in the AI-generated ones. The AI-generated long summaries also had more hallucinations than in the short summaries. Notably, the human-generated summaries took three to four hours each to complete, while the AI tools produced each summary in about a minute. Ultimately, ChatGPT-4o delivered the most reliable and accurate summaries for local government transcripts, making it the top-performing tool for journalists among the four tested. The facts it hallucinated or got wrong were consistently below 1 percent. Both ChatGPT-4o and Claude Opus 4 performed well at keeping facts accurate and consistent across different tests. ChatGPT-4o and Perplexity Pro were rated highest in user experience and most intuitive. However, all AI tools underperformed against the human benchmark in generating accurate long summaries. (I reached out to OpenAI, Anthropic, Perplexity, and Google for comment on the performance of their AI products. Only Perplexity responded, stating: Perplexitys core technology is accurate, trustworthy AI. We dont claim to be 100% accurate, but we do claim to be the only company thats relentlessly focused on it every day.) For now, we recommend that journalists stick to using these tools to generate short summaries. Longer summaries of around five hundred words might be helpful to a reporter to understand the gist of what went on in a three-hour meeting, but journalists should be aware that the summaries may lack important facts. We recommend generating long summaries for background research only, perhaps in cases when a reporter does not have time to read the meeting transcript in full. AI-generated long summaries should not be used for publication. In general, we recommend using humans to generate any summary longer than a couple hundred words, and to always verify the facts. Testing AI Tools for Research Our second test looked at software of potential use to science journalists. Science reporters, including myself, often get press releases and pitches concerning groundbreaking new studies. Are the findings truly newsworthy? What does the rest of the field think about this work? Who might disagree? To get the necessary context requires extensive reading, deep sourcing in a narrow field of research, and dives into Google Scholar. When AI tools popped up on the market purporting to automate the finding of related paperswhat scientists often call literature reviewsand to highlight the most important papers in scientific disciplines, my team and I were intrigued. One AI company, Consensus, suggests on its website that its tool can be used for a journalistic task: Write a blog on evidence-based tips to avoid injuries while exercising. Another company, ResearchRabbit, advertises its software as an AI Tool for Smarter, Faster Literature Reviews. Semantic Scholar says that its tool can find relevant research in more than 214 million papers. On Elicits website, author Torben Riise states: I use Elicit almost every day for researching medical issues. It gets better and better. Its simply the best tool to stay well informed. We evaluated five AI research toolsElicit, Semantic Scholar, ResearchRabbit, Inciteful, and Consensusby asking the tools to generate literature reviews. Literature reviews are helpful to journalists because they aim to comprehensively explain scholarly work on a specific topic by putting that research in the larger context of a scientific field. We compared the AI-generated reviews against human-authored literature reviews found in four award-winning academic papers from the diverse scientific domains of social sciences, computer science, chemistry, and medicine. The AI research tools we tested ranged from free to $120 per year. The literature reviews taken from the four academic studies had between thirty-one and seventy-nine citations each. Those served as our benchmark. We gave each tool the four academic papers and asked it to generate a list of related papers. We then compared the output with the papers actual citations. The results were underwhelming and in some cases alarming. None of the tools produced literature reviews with significant overlap to the benchmark papers, except for one test with Semantic Scholar, where it matched about 50 percent of citations. Across all four tests, most tools identified less than 6 percent of the same papers cited in the human-authored reviews, and often 0 percent. For now, AI tools for research are more hype than help. The tools also disagreed wildly with one another. They didnt just miss the citations in the human-authored literature reviews, they also missed each others. Some of the AI tools generated hundreds of seemingly related papers, only a few of which overlapped with the papers the other AI tools had pulled. In some cases there was no overlap at all. We didnt pick up on any discernible patterns. It seemed like the tools could not even agree on a scientific consensus amongst one another. We also noticed that most of the tools generated inconsistent results when we ran the test again a few days later. We had expected the same results, since scientific consensus does not usually change overnight, but many of the tools generated a combination of the same results in a different order and the addition of dozens of new papers. This inconsistency raises concerns about how these tools define relevance or importance in a scientific field. A poorly sourced list of related papers isnt just incomplete, its misleading. If a journalist relies on these tools to understand the context surrounding new research, they risk misunderstanding and misrepresenting scientific breakthroughs, omitting published critiques, and overlooking prior work that challenges the findings. Our research tool experiment had limits. We didnt test every tool on the market, and we ran only four evaluations with academic studies across five tools. But across those, the performance was too inconsistent and the stakes too high to recommend using these tools as journalistic shortcuts. I reached out to all five research tool providers for comment. Four didnt get back to me. Eric Olson, CEO of Consensus, stated, Our goal with Consensus is to help researchers and students do literature reviews faster and we would not claim nor expect to be outperforming any work done by scientists in award-winning papers. Should Journalists Use AI Tools at All? Its important to note that we wouldnt have arrived at our conclusions by simply playing around with these tools. We were surprised to see, for example, that while the LLM chatbots were able to produce fast and reliable short summaries of meeting transcripts, longer summaries of those same transcripts included only about 50 percent of the relevant facts. The companies that make these tools market them as versatile and all-purpose. But our research showed that they excel at some tasks and perform unreliably at others. We think using LLMs to produce short summaries may be immensely helpful for background research, though we still recommend a final fact-check by humans. As for the AI research tools for scientific literature that are currently on the market: They may save time, but right now, they lack the depth and consistency journalists need. For now, they are more hype than help. We will be watching to see whether the next wave of tools can do better. Additional research by Sophia Juco, Sandy Berrocal, Nneka Chile, Julia Kieserman, Jiayue Fan, Emilia Ruzicka, Mona Sloane, and Michael Morisy. Tesla must face a certified class action by California drivers who said Elon Musk misled them for eight years about the self-driving capabilities of his companys electric vehicles. U.S. District Judge Rita Lin said the common question of whether Tesla lacked sensors to achieve high-level autonomy plus its inability to demonstrate a long-distance autonomous drive with any of its vehicles justified group lawsuits by two sets of drivers who bought its Full Self-Driving technology package. In her decision on Monday, the San Francisco-based judge also said thousands of people likely saw Teslas claim in the Autopilot section of its website from October 2016 to August 2024 that its vehicles contained hardware for full self-driving. Tesla made a similar claim in a blog post, newsletter and quarterly earnings call, as did Musk at a 2016 press conference. While these channels alone may not ordinarily be enough to establish class-wide exposure for a traditional car manufacturer, Teslas distinctive advertising strategy warrants a departure from the typical approach, Lin wrote. Tesla does not use mass advertising or independent dealers, and Lin said it was reasonable to infer that class members interested in Full Self-Driving technology went to Teslas website to get information. Lawyers for Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. Related: Tesla Hints at NYC Ride-Hailing With New Autopilot Job Posting The Austin, Texas-based company had said it was unreasonable to assume all class members saw the challenged statements, and there was no common proof the statements were material. Class actions can allow larger recoveries at lower cost than if plaintiffs were forced to sue individually. The California classes include drivers who bought the Full Self-Driving package from May 19, 2017, to July 31, 2024, and opted out of Teslas arbitration agreement, and drivers who bought the package from October 20, 2016, to May 19, 2017. Lin refused to certify a class of drivers who bought Teslas Enhanced Autopilot package because its core product qualities did not require full self-driving functionality, making Teslas alleged false statements immaterial to purchasing decisions. Federal officials have examined whether Teslas full self- driving software is safe. The software is also a key component of Teslas robotaxis. The case is In re Tesla Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Litigation, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 22-05240. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Mark Porter) INDEPENDENCE, Ohio Weapons: Lafayette Boulevard A driver was pulled over at 9:04 a.m. July 30 when he was seen texting and driving. Police also learned that the temporary tag on the car had been altered, and a loaded handgun was found under the drivers seat. The driver said the car was his mothers and that he did not know anything about the tag or the handgun. The mother arrived at the scene and claimed ownership of the gun. She also told officers that she had received the tag from a man who said he worked at Kia of Bedford and that she thought the tag was legitimate. The driver was cited for texting while driving, fictitious plates, expired plates, driving without a seatbelt and driving without an operators license. He was then turned over to Macedonia police on a warrant. Receiving stolen property: Rockside Road Police stopped a car that had been flagged as stolen by a Flock camera at 10:08 p.m. July 29. The car was reported stolen by a rental company. The driver said he thought he had made arrangements with the rental company to keep the car an additional month. He showed officers a text message with an employee of the company allegedly indicating this. The man was arrested for receiving stolen property. Police also found a brown liquid inside the car that was sent for drug testing. Impaired driver: Interstate 480 A driver was pulled over at 12:16 a.m. July 29 for having a temporary tag obscured by window tinting on his car. He was found to have a suspended license and failed field sobriety tests. He was cited for operating a motor vehicle impaired, expired plates, improper display of plates and driving under suspension. Get police blotters by email every weekday for free with our new Police Blotter newsletter. Sign up at cleveland.com/newsletters Read more news from the Parma Sun Post. Changes are coming to Medicaid and SNAP benefits starting this fall and Cuyahoga County is hosting an information session to help recipients prepare. CLEVELAND, Ohio Sweeping federal changes to Medicaid and food assistance programs could strip thousands of families of their healthcare and benefits starting this fall, and officials say residents need to be prepared. To help recipients understand the local impact, the county is hosting an information session from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the Jerry Sue Thornton Center, 2500 E. 22nd St., Cleveland. To register, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/wxut3kt or reach out to organizer Aida Idiaquez by calling 216-987-7010 or emailing community_outreach@jfs.ohio.gov . The changes include new Medicaid work requirements that may lead to loss of healthcare coverage, as well as funding cuts and eligibility restrictions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Officials warn these shifts could have dramatic consequences for the county, where about a third of residents 376,000 people rely on Medicaid and another 191,000 receive SNAP benefits totaling $36 million monthly. Read the full story about the impact here . For Medicaid recipients who specifically received coverage under the 2014 expansion , the law introduces semiannual renewals, $35 co-pays and an 80-hour-per-month work or community service requirement. That is expected to impact about 35,000 county residents. SNAP recipients will also face new restrictions. Able-bodied adults up to age 64, including parents with children over age 14, will also be required to work to keep their benefits. The county has estimated that it will impact about 25,000 residents. Kevin Gowan, director of Cuyahoga Job and Family Services, worries that the added requirements could result in longer wait times for residents seeking to enroll in benefits or renew them, more work for his staff, millions in added administrative costs for the county, and potentially thousands of residents losing their benefits even if they qualify for them. Every time a client has to fill out forms for renewals, its an opportunity to miss deadlines, misplace documents or encounter errors that can result in lost benefits, Gowan previously explained. Under the current annual renewal process, about 1 in 3 clients lose their benefits for those reasons, he said, even though they otherwise qualify and eventually get back on. He anticipates higher churn under the new rules. The changes come as a United Way of Greater Cleveland report found that even full-time workers in low-wage jobs often dont earn enough to cover basic expenses , and loss of benefits would deepen the hardship. The county has been advising residents not to call in to ask about the policy changes until they receive notices about how their benefits will be impacted, fearing it would gum up the queue for people who are trying to get their benefits now. The planned community presentation, however, signals the start of the conversation. More than 70 communities around the country including Green, Ohio are pushing for legislation that would require the U.S. Postal Service to give them their own Zip Codes. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) AP GREEN, Ohio - While Green, Ohio, and 73 other communities across the nation push Congress to pass bipartisan legislation that will give them unique ZIP Codes, the U.S. Postal Service is mounting opposition, warning the changes could create chaotic service disruptions and significant financial strain. The agency is resisting legislation that the U.S. House of Representatives passed in July that would mandate ZIP code assignments for communities that have spent decades struggling with addressing problems. The bill affects 74 communities across 21 states, with Colorado leading the count at 17 communities, followed by Florida with 10 communities, and Wisconsin with eight. Fast-growing Green in Summit County is the only Ohio community in the effort. Its street addresses are scattered across ZIP codes belonging to Uniontown, Akron, North Canton and Clinton, causing confusion that includes residents and businesses sending taxes to the wrong municipalities. Postal Services core arguments The U.S. Postal Service opposes the legislation with stark warnings about operational chaos. The agency released a statement saying new ZIP codes would significantly degrade mail service in the affected communities and cause pervasive, chaotic service disruptions in the communities affected, and some around them. The postal service argues that Legislated ZIP Codes are almost never related to improved mail delivery, and are instead inspired by third-party reliance on ZIP Codes, such as for tax collection, insurance rates, community identity, or other non-mail considerations. At the heart of the postal services opposition is its assertion that ZIP codes should be based purely on mail delivery logistics. Local ZIP codes are generally based on the physical postal facilityoften the local post officethat houses the delivery unit where letter carriers deliver from, the agency explained. Changing a ZIP code by legislation without Postal Service analysis may change which facility customers mail goes to before being delivered, potentially requiring different transportation routes and truck routing at significant additional cost. The changes may also require altering entire routes and facilities for letter carriers. The postal service predicted the congressional mandates would add significant operational costs and complications to the self-financed agency at a time when strong pressure exists for it to break even financially. Greens quarter-century struggle For Green, Ohio, the postal services operational concerns ring hollow after 25 years of ZIP code confusion that has cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars. It hits us in the pocketbook, says Greens mayor, Rocco P. Yeargin. When new businesses come to town, they dont realize they are in the city. They are sending their tax withholding to the wrong city. Every year, we hire an entity to go after those dollars. In 2023 alone, Green identified $614,000 in unpaid taxes attributed to address confusion. The problems extend beyond revenue. Yeargin says the ZIP code problems also delay emergency response when ambulance and fire services are confused about where they need to go. He says its also hard to administer utilities, such as electric, gas, and trash removal over the multiple ZIP codes. When Green negotiates discounted rates for gas and electric service for its residents, a percentage usually get left out because the utility companies dont know theyre in Green, he says. Commercial realtor Tim Bishman says the ZIP code issue has caused trouble for businesses seeking to open franchises in Green, who get turned down because other franchisees operate in that ZIP code, even though theyre not in the same town. Residential realtor Nancy Bartlebaugh recalls that a new neighbor who moved to Green from out of state thought she was buying a house in Uniontown, and learned otherwise when she received a tax bill from Green and went to its city hall to protest. Because of the ZIP code confusion, she says theres just a little bit more work involved when people are trying to find a sale in Green on their own. It would take away a lot of confusion if there was one zip code, says Bartlebaugh. Yeargin recalls seeing a physical therapist while recovering from arm surgery who mistakenly believed they were in Uniontown because of the ZIP code issue. The therapist had been working in the area for two years without realizing the office was actually located in the city of Green. U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, an Akron Democrat who co-sponsored the bipartisan legislation, argued on the House floor that Greens operation under multiple ZIP codes has led to confusion, lost tax dollars and a diminished sense of unity among residents and businesses. Sykes emphasized that community leaders had attempted to work with the USPS with no avail before turning to congressional action. National coalition emerges Green joins a diverse coalition of communities nationwide facing similar problems. Colorado dominates the list with 17 affected communities, including Castle Pines, Lone Tree, Severance, Centennial, and Highlands Ranch. Wisconsin follows with eight communities such as Franklin, Greenfield, and Mount Pleasant. Texas contributes seven communities including Fairview, Murphy, and Parker. Other significantly affected states include Texas with seven communities including Fairview, Murphy, and Parker; California with six including Canyon Lake and Hidden Hills; and New York with five communities including Glendale and Riverside. The coalition spans from Mills, Wyoming, to Scotland, Connecticut, with individual communities from states ranging from Louisiana to New Hampshire. For too long, small cities and towns across Colorado and America have been stuck with higher insurance rates, longer response times, inconsistent mail delivery, and less revenue for public services because they lack their own unique zip code, said a statement from the bills chief sponsor, Colorado Republican Lauren Boebert. Congressional vs. Postal Service approaches The postal service maintains it can work with local communities to resolve ZIP code confusion through existing processes. However, communities report these efforts have been largely unsuccessful. Small towns and cities can petition the Postal Service for a new ZIP code, but approval is rare, and if denied, communities cannot appeal for up to 10 years. Congress last intervened on ZIP code matters through the Post Accountability and Enhancement Act of 2006, which created four new ZIP codes, including one for Geauga Countys Auburn Township. Looking ahead The legislation now awaits Senate action, with the coalition of affected cities considering hiring a lobbyist to advance their cause. Yeargin has reached out to Ohio Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted for support. It is something our community has been wrestling with for a long time, says Yeargin. Wed love to get it resolved. As the debate continues, the core question remains whether Congress will override postal service operational concerns to address what communities see as fundamental issues affecting their economic development, public safety, and civic identity. We are hoping all the stars will align and well get a good resolution, said Yeargin. President Donald Trump said early Monday that he would sign an executive order targeting mail-in voting and voting machines. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) WASHINGTON, D. C. - President Donald Trump said Monday that he plans to issue an executive order that would end mail-in balloting, claiming that mail-in ballots are prone to fraud despite statistics that show voter fraud is rare. Trump told a White House media gathering that hes having an executive order written right now by the best lawyers in the country to end mail in ballots because theyre corrupt. Its a fraud if you have mail in vote, said Trump, who has repeatedly blamed fraud for his defeat in the 2020 presidential election. Trump also told reporters he wants to abandon voting machines and use only paper ballots. A spokesman for Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said the office looks forward to reviewing the details of Trumps proposal. Were always willing to discuss opportunities for improvement, said LaRose spokesman Ben Kindel. Over the years, Trump has made numerous public statements and social media posts attacking expanded mail-in voting, often describing it as part of a rigged electoral system. It has been a consistent theme in his political messaging, despite election officials from both parties and multiple court rulings affirming the security of properly administered mail-in voting systems, and the failure of his legal challenges to the results of the 2020 presidential election. Documents filed Monday show the conservative network Newsmax agreed to pay $67 million to settle a lawsuit that accused it of defaming a voting equipment company, Dominion Voting Systems, by spreading lies about its alleged role in Trumps 2020 loss. Trumps remarks at the White House followed an online post where he pledged to lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS, and also, while were at it, Highly Inaccurate, Very Expensive, and Seriously Controversial VOTING MACHINES, which cost Ten Times more than accurate and sophisticated Watermark Paper, which is faster, and leaves NO DOUBT, at the end of the evening, as to who WON, and who LOST, the Election." Trumps online post also falsely claimed that the United States is the only country in the world that uses mail-in voting, and that all others gave it up because of fraud. Countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Germany use mail-in balloting. Trumps remarks and online posts followed his appearance on Sean Hannitys Fox News program on August 15, where he said Russian leader Vladimir Putin told him that mail-in voting is incompatible with fair elections. Advocates of mail-in voting say it boosts voter participation and makes it easier for those who might have trouble getting to the polls to cast ballots, such as elderly voters, people with disabilities, overseas military personnel, and those with work or family obligations that make it difficult to vote in person on Election Day. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, eight states and Washington, D.C., allow all elections to be conducted entirely by mail: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington state. Critics express concerns about ballot security, arguing that mail-in systems create more opportunities for fraud, coercion, or ballot harvesting. They worry about verification challenges, the potential for ballots to be lost or delayed in the mail, and argue that in-person voting with proper identification provides better security and confidence in election results. The League of Women Voters was critical of Trumps proposed executive order. Its CEO, Celina Stewart, described it as a direct attack on Americans freedom to vote. She said vote-by-mail is secure, accurate and trusted by millions of voters. She said it expands voter participation and Trump has no constitutional authority to curtail it. Under our U.S. Constitution, the states have the power to run elections, and only Congress can step in to regulate those elections when needed, said a statement from Stewart. This move is yet another overreach by an unpopular president who seeks to silence the public to hold onto power. She called Trumps attacks on voting machines similarly misleading and dangerous. Voting systems in the US already meet strict standards for security, accuracy, transparency, and accessibility, with paper ballots or audit trails to verify results, said Stewart. Scrapping machines in favor of hand counting would undermine election integrity and efficiency, not strengthen it. Michael Waldman, president and CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice at New York Universitys law school, called Trumps comments an alarming escalation of the campaign to undermine the 2026 election. Hes taking Vladimir Putins advice, said a social media statement from Waldman. Waldmans statement noted that an executive order is not reality. Courts blocked his last effort to seize control of elections, said Waldman. Sherrod Brown served in the U.S. Senate for 18 years before losing to Bernie Moreno last year. Above, Brown in a 2022 file photo. (Mariam Zuhaib, AP) Mariam Zuhaib, AP Rotunda Rumblings Brown is down: Democrat Sherrod Brown formally announced Monday that hes seeking a return to the U.S. Senate in 2026 against Republican incumbent Jon Husted. Jeremy Pelzer has more about why Brown said he decided to run for Senate after losing to Republican Bernie Moreno last year, as well as what pundits say he needs to do this time to win. Next years Senate election will decide who gets to finish the final two years of (now-Vice President) JD Vances Senate term; Brown declined to say whether he would run for a full six-year term in 2028 if he wins in 2026. On Guard: Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday he agreed to the Trump administrations request to send 150 Ohio National Guard military police to Washington, D.C., for policing duties because he always defers to other leaders making such requests. As Pelzer reports, the governor said he wont second-guess President Donald Trumps attempt to militarize the D.C. police force and that sending the troops is in line with other deployments in recent years. DeWine said the Ohio guardsmen will serve in a backup role, conducting basic patrol work and protecting federal buildings but leaving it to D.C. police to make arrests. Homecoming: U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno returned to the country where he was born on a congressional trip last week with a blunt message for Colombian leaders: clean up the drug trade, distance yourself from China, and choose America as your primary strategic partner, Sabrina Eaton writes. The Westlake Republican, who was born in Bogota and moved to the United States as a child and became a citizen, visited Colombia with Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego, who is of Colombian descent, marking a rare bipartisan visit at what both senators described as a pivotal moment in U.S.-Colombia relations. Supreme fight: Ohio Supreme Court Justice Pat Fischer is making an unprecedented bid to switch seats midterm a move aimed at ousting the courts last Democrat while extending his own tenure. But the GOP may not be with him. A party screening committee recommended Judge Ron Lewis for endorsement instead, and fellow Republicans like Rep. Brian Stewart are openly pushing back. Anna Staver reports that the central committee is set to decide in September whether Fischers gambit survives. Mailing it in: President Donald Trump said Monday that he plans to issue an executive order that would end mail-in balloting, claiming that mail-in ballots are prone to fraud despite statistics that show voter fraud is rare, Eaton reports. A spokesman for Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said the office looks forward to reviewing the details of Trumps proposal. Were always willing to discuss opportunities for improvement, said LaRose spokesman Ben Kindel. Cruising ahead: Cleveland State University, which reinstated public transportation passes for full-time students after it had previously exited the student transit program, joins Ohio State University, Ohio University, the University of Cincinnati and other colleges on giving students access to buses and trains, Laura Hancock reports. CSU will now require students to choose to opt in and be charged $57.50 per semester for the U-Pass. Getting the band back together: The left-leaning Equal Districts Coalition, with members that range from religious leaders to abortion rights and environmental activists, announced theyre recharging for the congressional districts that are expected to be soon drawn by the GOP-majority legislature, Ohio Public Radios Sarah Donaldson reports. The state needs to draw new maps because the current maps didnt get Democratic support as required by the state Constitution. Glass half full: One year after Ohio launched adult-use cannabis sales, experts say that while the industry is experiencing growing pains, slow and steady may ultimately win the race, Mary Frances McGowan reports. Ohios strict approach compared to neighboring competitors like Michigan has been blamed for higher costs and more limited product options. Some experts, though, said there are benefits to the states approach. Moving on: Dozens of Haitians in Springfield are contemplating their options as President Donald Trump has terminated some programs that allowed them to work and live in Ohio. Their temporary status is expected to expire in February. Some have left for Canada, others are contemplating South America, Haiti or remaining in the U.S. without authorization, The New York Times Miriam Jordan reports. On defense: Kent-based Heal Palestine, which coordinates medical care in the U.S. for severely injured Palestinian children, is defending itself after the U.S. Department of State stopped issuing visas for children. Laura Loomer, who has described herself as a proud Islamophobe said she spoke to Secretary of State Marco Rubio about supposed Islamic invaders. Heal Palestine said that the patients and their families return home after treatment. Loomer also tried to link Heal Palestines founder to Hamas, by saying he tried to reopen a hospital in Gaza that had been destroyed by the Israeli military, the Manchester Guardian reports. Great outdoors: Local dignitaries and elected officials toured a completed riverbank stabilization project in Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Monday evening. The project was funded by the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund of 2020, which paid for overdue maintenance and repairs in national parks. Visitors to Ohios only national park can now enjoy the entire length of the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, due to the project, which began in 2023. Full Disclosure Five things we learned from state Sen. Steve Huffmans May 13 financial disclosure. 1. Hes licensed by the state to practice medicine. 2. In addition to his legislative salary last year of $80,548, he earned $100,000 or more as a physician. 3. He or a member of his immediately family does business under Genesis Drilling Program VI and Indian Lake Cottage Rental LLC. 4. In 2024, he owned a house in Dayton, a condo in Grandview near Columbus, and a condo in Columbus. 5. He reported receiving gifts from the National Federation of Independent Business, the University of Toledo and the states Republican Senate Campaign Committee. On the Move State Rep. Josh Williams, a Toledo-area Republican running for Ohios 9th Congressional District next year, has been endorsed by former Toledo Mayor Mike Bell. Democrat Sherrod Browns nascent U.S. Senate campaign has been endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. State Rep. Juanita O. Brent, a Cleveland Democrat, received the Champion of the People Award from the Asian American Coalition of Ohio. This award highlights her ongoing commitment to advocating for justice and equality for all Ohioans. Birthdays Ex-state Sen. Sean OBrien Millie Vaughan, Democratic campaign and fundraising consultant Straight from the Source This pisses me off!! DeWine is sending Ohio Guard to D.C. for a manufactured crisis political theater, not public safety. -State Rep. Tristian Rader, a Lakewood Democrat, on X, criticizing the governors decision to send troops to Washington. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. Subscribe to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. The artificial intelligence boom that Sam Altman helped ignite with ChatGPT in late 2022 is starting to make even him uneasy. Startups with little more than a pitch deck are raising hundreds of millions. Valuations have become "insane." Capital is chasing a "kernel of truth" with feverish speed. The OpenAI CEO still believes the long-term societal upside of AI will outweigh the froth, and he's ready to keep spending in pursuit of that goal. "Are we in a phase where investors as a whole are overexcited about AI? My opinion is yes," he said at a recent dinner with reporters. "Is AI the most important thing to happen in a very long time? My opinion is also yes." He repeated the word 'bubble' three times in 15 seconds, then half-joked, "I'm sure someone's gonna write some sensational headline about that. I wish you wouldn't, but that's fine." While Altman warned that valuations are now out of control, he's ready to shell out on more infrastructure. "You should expect OpenAI to spend trillions of dollars on datacenter construction in the not very distant future," Altman said. "And you should expect a bunch of economists wringing their hands, saying, 'This is so crazy, it's so reckless,' and we'll just be like, 'You know what? Let us do our thing.'" OpenAI is already looking beyond Microsoft Azure's cloud capacity, and is shopping around for more. The company signed a deal with Google Cloud this spring and, according to Altman, OpenAI is "beyond the compute demand" of what any one hyperscaler can offer. "You should expect us to take as much compute as we can," he added. "Our bet is, our demand is going to keep growing, our training needs are going to keep going, and we will spend maybe more aggressively than any company who's ever spent on anything ahead of progress, because we just have this very deep belief in what we're seeing." It's not just OpenAI. All the megacaps are trying to keep up. In their most recent earnings, tech's biggest names all raised capital expenditure guidance to keep pace with AI demand: Microsoft is now targeting $120 billion in full-year capital expenditures, Amazon is topping $100 billion, Alphabet raised its forecast to $85 billion, and Meta lifted the high end of its capex range to $72 billion. An aerial view of properties cleared of wildfire debris which burned in the Eaton Fire on July 03, 2025 in Altadena, California. The California state legislature passed a bill Monday that ensures homeowners, not lenders, receive at least some of the interest on insurance payouts for homes destroyed or damaged by natural disasters. The legislation comes after thousands of homeowners lost their residences in January's historic wildfires in Southern California. Following such a loss, insurers send checks typically made out jointly to both the homeowner and the mortgage lender or servicer. The lender will then deposit the funds into an escrow account, where it earns interest that the lender could keep. California Assemblymember John Harabedian, D-Pasadena, the author of the bill, said he is fighting to change that after hearing from his constituents about their struggles getting insurance payouts released from their lenders. "If the homeowners are not given their money right away, the interest on that money, which the banks and the mortgage lenders are holding onto and earning [interest on], should be paid to the homeowner, not the banks," Harabedian told CNBC. "The more we looked into this, the more we realized that this was a huge problem across the board." The bill will now head to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk to be signed into law. After a disaster, insurance settlement checks can often be held in an escrow account by the mortgage servicing company until rebuilding is complete, which can take months or even years. During this time, the funds can accrue significant interest that the servicing company could keep. Now, the homeowner will be guaranteed at least 2% interest on those funds. The bill will apply to both existing insurance payouts that are still being held in escrow accounts and to any new escrow accounts that are opened following a catastrophic event. For any funds already in an escrow account, interest at 2% simple per annum will begin accruing on the bill's effective date. Newsom, who sponsored the state legislation, said homeowners rebuilding after a disaster need all the support they can get. "This is a commonsense solution that ensures that [homeowners] receive every resource available to help them recover and rebuild," Newsom said in a statement in February when the bill was first introduced. California law had already required lenders to pay homeowners interest on escrowed funds for property taxes and insurance, but it didn't explicitly include insurance payments. The bill aims to close that loophole. "It's sad that we have to introduce a bill to make the banks and the mortgage lenders do the right thing, but this is about homeowners getting all the financial help that they can throughout this difficult period," Harabedian said. As a college student, Doug Barnard took a trip with his mom to India in 2017. It was so impactful it eventually inspired him to become a full-time traveler a path he didn't think was possible for him. Fast forward to 2020, Barnard was working in e-commerce at Walmart while trying to launch a YouTube channel dedicated to his travels. "Going to India was an eye-opening experience for me. It was the first time I'd been to some place so foreign, so stimulating, and for me it was this epiphany that I needed to experience more," Barnard tells CNBC Make It. "The most exciting part was talking to the people and seeing how things work. The immersion was what really got me." At the time, he was earning about $60,000 a year working in the e-commerce sector, and although he didn't dislike his job, it certainly wasn't his passion. "I think a part of me was looking for more meaning in my work," he says. Barnard moved to Istanbul in 2023. Berkay Tunal for CNBC Make It The first trip Barnard featured on his YouTube channel was a visit to Saudi Arabia in 2020. Later that same year, Barnard was laid off from Walmart because of the Covid-19 pandemic. While others might have been nervous about being unemployed, Barnard saw it as an opportunity to bet on himself. "My dream was to go travel full-time, live abroad, immerse myself in these foreign places and make a living from YouTube," he says. About three months after being laid off, Barnard booked a one-way ticket out of the U.S. In January 2021, he arrived in Serbia and then traveled for two years before settling in Istanbul, Turkey, as his home base in 2023. "Growing up in Connecticut, I never would have imagined that I'd ever end up living in a place like Istanbul or traveling to all the places that I've been lucky enough to travel to," Barnard says. "I found myself coming back to Istanbul again and again. It really is the perfect place for what I'm doing. It is pretty much the center of the world. I love the language, I love the culture, I love the history." Barnard and his girlfriend have been living in Turkey together for over a year. Berkay Tunal for CNBC Make It When Barnard first moved to Istanbul, he lived alone in a one-bedroom apartment and payed approximately 16,000 Turkish Lira in rent, which at the time was equivalent to about $850 USD. Because of the fluctuating currency exchange rate, by the time he moved out, Barnard's rent had decreased to about $500 USD. After meeting his girlfriend, Ilkay, the couple moved into a furnished two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom duplex apartment in the Kadkoy neighborhood of Istanbul. They pay 55,000 Turkish Lira or $1,368.91 USD a month in rent. "I always describe it to people as kind of like the Brooklyn of Istanbul. It has a lot of thrift shops, coffee shops, bars and that kind of hipster vibe," Barnard says. "It's one of the best neighborhoods in the city, especially for younger people." Barnard and his girlfriend, Ilkay, live together in a duplex apartment in Istanbul. Berkay Tunal for CNBC Make It Barnard and Ilkay live on the Asian side of Istanbul. The Turkish city is situated on the border between two continents: Europe and Asia. For Barnard, it was important to live on the Asian side because it's less touristy. "All of the historical stuff is on the European side, so tourists almost all stay over there and people tend to speak a bit more English, too," Barnard says. "I really wanted to focus on learning the language. This neighborhood is very well-connected, and it's also one of the most secular neighborhoods in Istanbul, whereas other neighborhoods can be much more conservative." The couple's additional monthly expenses average about 3,761 Turkish Lira, or $94 USD. That includes bills like water, gas, electricity, internet and a building maintenance fee. While Barnard and his girlfriend don't yet know if they will stay in Turkey, the couple has decided that if they do, they'll likely sign another one-year lease for the duplex. Barnard's travels abroad inspired him to start a tourism business where he guides clients on immersive tours. Berkay Tunal for CNBC Make It Apple clinched a major win Monday after the U.S. government announced that the U.K. had agreed to drop its demand for the company to provide a "back door" granting officials access to users' encrypted data. The iPhone maker won't be alone to rejoice in the outcome. The development came after extensive talks between Britain and the U.S., which had raised national security concerns over the request. At the root of the row was end-to-end encryption, a technology which secures communications between two devices in a way that means not even the company providing a chat service can view any messages. How did we get here? The story of Apple's U.K. privacy battle started earlier this year, when it was reported that the British government had demanded access to the company's encrypted cloud service via a technical "back door." Such a back door has long been contested by Apple. In 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation tried to get Apple to create software that would enable it to unlock an iPhone it recovered from one of the shooters involved in the 2015 terror attack in San Bernardino, California. Other companies have also had to fend off government attempts to undermine end-to-end encryption. For example, when Meta announced plans to encrypt all messages on its Facebook Messenger app, the move drew condemnation from the U.K. Home Office. Meta had already offered encryption on WhatsApp. Global encryption debate The Monday news could have broader implications for the debate around end-to-end encryption globally. Governments and law enforcement agencies have long pushed for methods to break such encryption systems to assist with criminal investigations into terrorism and child sexual abuse. However, tech companies have said that building an encryption back door would not only undermine user privacy, but also expose them to possible cyberattacks. Cybersecurity experts say that any back door built for a government would eventually be found and exploited by hackers. U.S. national intelligence officials were also worried by the ramifications of Apple offering such a back door. For Apple, the U.K.'s concession over encryption could mean that the company can bring back its most secure service for users' cloud data, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), which the company stopped offering to Brits in February. It is not yet clear if Apple will reintroduce its ADP service to the U.K. market. CNBC has reached out to Apple for comment. A U.K. government spokesperson told CNBC it does "not comment on operational matters, including confirming or denying the existence of such notices." "We have long had joint security and intelligence arrangements with the U.S. to tackle the most serious threats such as terrorism and child sexual abuse, including the role played by fast-moving technology in enabling those threats," the government spokesperson said. "Those arrangements have long contained safeguards to protect privacy and sovereignty: for example the Data Access Agreement includes critical safeguards to prevent the U.K. and U.S. from targeting the data of each other's citizens." "We will continue to build on those arrangements and we will also continue to maintain a strong security framework to ensure that we can continue to pursue terrorists and serious criminals operating in the UK. We will always take all actions necessary at the domestic level to keep UK citizens safe," the spokesperson added. It comes after a U.K. tribunal earlier this year found that a government effort to keep details of its appeal against the back door order a secret "would be the most fundamental interference with the principle of open justice." Ulsan city skyline from the Hamwolru Pavilion. People can enjoy beautiful cityscape for free. Ulsan, South Korea. Investment firm SoftBank Group snapped its nine-day winning streak Tuesday after its shares plunged over 5% following its announcement of a $2 billion investment in Intel . As part of the deal, SoftBank will pay $23 per share for Intel's common stock, which closed at $23.66 on Monday. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific markets closed lower Tuesday, tracking Wall Street declines overnight ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve meeting later this week. Investors also assessed the talks between U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House, aimed at stopping the Moscow-Kyiv conflict. Japan's Nikkei 225 benchmark ended the day 0.38% lower at 43,546.29, after closing at a record high in its previous session, while the broader Topix index fell 0.14% to close at 3,116.63. In South Korea, the Kospi index retreated 0.81% to close at 3,151.56, while the small-cap Kosdaq declined by 1.26% to 787.96. Mainland China's CSI 300 moved down 0.38% to close at 4,223.37, after closing at its highest level since October 2024 in its previous session, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was flat in its final hour. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.7% to close at 8,896.2. Indian markets bucked the wider trend with the benchmark Nifty 50 trading 0.44% higher, while the BSE Sensex index was up 0.48%. Li Auto could have a hard time finding growth from here, according to Bernstein. The firm downgraded the Chinese electric vehicle stock to market perform from outperform on Tuesday, and trimmed its price target to $26 per share from $33. Bernstein's forecast calls for 8% upside from Monday's $24.05 close. Analyst Eunice Lee said she expects a "bumpier road ahead" for the company due to increasing competition and a difficult outlook. LI YTD mountain LI Auto stock in 2025. "Despite Li Auto's pioneering role in [extended range electric vehicle] technology and significant advancements in ADAS, heightened competition in the premium [plug-in hybrid electric vehicle] & EREV SUV segment, along with challenges in the crowded BEV market, have tempered the outlook," Lee said. "Additionally, Li Auto's BEV efforts are diluting margins." The downgrade comes as Li Auto gets set to begin deliveries on its six-seater i8 model, while its six-seater i6 is set for launch next month. "We do not expect a reversal in Li Auto's market share in the near term, due to continuously rising competition in the high-end PHEV segment," the analyst said. "Also, the new product cycle is focused on BEV which face challenging prospects in the crowded BEV segment." The sentiment echoes that of JPMorgan's, which downgraded Li Auto last week to neutral from overweight. Despite the downgrade, most analysts covering the stock remain bullish. Of the 28 who cover Li Auto, 21 rate it a buy or strong buy, LSEG data shows. As the stock market continues to churn near all-time highs, BMO Capital Markets has some ideas for individual stocks that can work in the future. The backdrop for BMO's recommendations: U.S. stocks recently hitting all-time highs, a stunning recovery from the early April sell-off on the back of President Donald Trump's imposition of higher tariffs. Now investors ask if there's cause for optimism that more gains are in store or if the market is too overbought. But BMO is confident, with chief investment strategist Brian Belski telling clients in a recent note that U.S. stocks remain in a bull market. While he acknowledged some valuation measures are above their historical average, he said they're probably not as severe as they look. "We understand the sentiment, but we disagree with any suggestion that U.S. stocks may be headed for a severe or prolonged downturn based on valuation alone," Belski wrote. "Instead, we continue to recommend that investors 'stay the course' and use any potential periods of market weakness as a buying opportunity." Belski said those investors who are worried about valuations can protect themselves by looking at companies whose shares sell at lower price-to-earnings ratios, rather than higher-multiple growth stocks. To find such stocks, BMO screened for S & P 500 stocks that the bank has an outperform rating on and with a forward price-to-earnings multiple for the next 12 months below 15. Here are several that turned up: Pharmaceutical company Pfizer made it on to the BMO screen. The maker of the Eliquis blood thinner and Paxlovid treatment for Covid last week said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering removing its authorization of the company's Covid-19 vaccine for healthy children under the age of 5. Pfizer has fallen more than 5% in 2025, on track for its fourth straight annual decline, although it yields almost 7%. While the majority of analysts polled by LSEG have a hold rating, the average price target implies shares can rally more than 16% over the next year. Constellation Brands , the brewer of Corona and Modelo beer, also met the BMO criteria. Shares have fallen 24% so far in 2025, on pace for their worst year since 2018. The stock yields almost 2.5%. Despite this year's rough patch, Wall Street expects a recovery. The consensus rating among analysts surveyed by LSEG is buy, with an average price target projecting about 26% upside over the next year. Photos of a gun and parts of military electronics that were found on Shenghua Wen's phone, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. A Chinese national living in the U.S. was sentenced to eight years in prison for conspiring to illegally smuggle guns, ammunition and sensitive U.S. technology to North Korea, the Department of Justice said Tuesday. Shenghua Wen, 42, pleaded guilty in June to one count each of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government. Wen had admitted to concealing the contraband inside shipping containers that he falsely claimed were filled with consumer goods bound for China. Wen said North Korean officials wired him about $2 million to buy guns and other products, according to a criminal complaint in Los Angeles federal court. U.S. District Judge Stephen Wilson sentenced Wen in that court on Monday. Attorneys from the Federal Public Defenders Office, who represented Wen, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Wen, a Chinese citizen who entered the U.S. in 2012, has been living in the country illegally since his student visa expired in December 2013, the DOJ said. He met with North Korean officials before entering the U.S., and they directed him to procure goods for them, the DOJ said. Wen successfully exported at least two shipments of guns and ammunition from Long Beach, California, to North Korea, according to the complaint. He identified the contents of one of those shipping containers as a "refrigerator." Tourists are booking cooler, quieter and less crowded vacations this year, pivoting away from Europe's traditional summer hotspots amid growing concerns over blistering heat and raging wildfires. The trend reaffirms the phenomenon of so-called "coolcations" a portmanteau of "cool" and "vacation," which refers to tourists seeking cooler climes instead of a hot, peak-summer destination. Record-breaking heat has swept across Europe in recent days, pushing temperatures in some areas well above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) and fueling regional wildfires. Jenny Southan, CEO of travel trend forecasting agency Globetrender, described the summer of 2025 as "a turning point for European tourism, underscoring that no destination is truly immune to climate volatility." Extreme heat is made much more likely by the climate crisis, the chief driver of which is the burning of fossil fuels. A firefighting helicopter drops water over a wildfire near the village of Larouco, in the province of Ourense, in northwestern Spain on August 13, 2025. Miguel Riopa | Afp | Getty Images Heatwaves and wildfires across popular vacation destinations in Spain, Portugal and Greece have taken their toll on local infrastructure in recent weeks, triggering mass evacuations and shuttering beaches. Alarmingly high temperatures have also been recorded in Nordic countries such as Norway, Sweden and Finland, posing a direct challenge to the notion that northern Europe "offers guaranteed relief" in peak summer, Southan told CNBC by email. "This double blow has accelerated a behavioural shift already in motion: travellers are avoiding the most intense heat periods, favouring cooler coastal or alpine locations, moving trips to spring and autumn, and experimenting with higher-latitude destinations from the Baltics to the Scottish Highlands," Southan said. Off-the-beaten track Data published last month by the European Travel Commission (ETC) showed that travel remains a top priority for Europeans despite economic uncertainty. The ETC found that heightened concern about overcrowding had prompted tourists to spend their 2025 summer vacations in less popular or off-the-beaten track destinations, while interest in traditional hotspots has declined. "Our latest data shows that, even amid shifting economic and social realities, Europeans are not willing to compromise on travel, and they increasingly prefer quieter destinations and trips outside peak seasons," ETC President Miguel Sanz said in a statement. A pilot flies hot air balloon during the Lesser Poland Baloon Festival, a part of Polish Cup, at Nowy Targ Airport, against Tatra mountains in Nowy Targ, Poland, on March 29, 2025. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images Global travel network Virtuoso said in its latest advisor survey that 79% of respondents agreed extreme weather events impacted travel planning, while 55% reported that their clients were choosing to travel at off peak times due to the climate crisis. Nicholas Smith, holidays digital director at Thomas Cook and the eSky Group online travel agency, said there had been a surge in alternative seasonal choices this year. "One of the fastest-rising trends among British travellers is the 'coolcation' - swapping peak heat for more temperate destinations," Smith told CNBC by email. European destinations such as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and increasingly Poland were among those attracting tourists who want active vacations, comfortable weather "and experiences with real depth," Smith said. A boat with tourists on Lake Bled. Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images Another one of the winners to emerge from the coolcations trend has been the small central European country of Slovenia, which has received growing interest in higher altitude, cooler destinations. "Due to increasingly high summer temperatures and the rising demand for quality leisure time in nature, visitors are increasingly choosing destinations at higher elevations, which offer diverse experiences and active opportunities throughout the year. And also lakes and rivers are favorable destinations," a spokesperson for the Slovenian Tourist Board told CNBC by email. Tourism challenges While a shift in travel preferences may help to alleviate overtourism in Europe's traditional hotspots, the coolcations trend could have significant economic consequences. Southern European countries such as Greece, Spain and Portugal are all heavily reliant on tourism, with the latest available data showing the sector accounted for 18%, 12.3% and 11.9% of gross domestic product, respectively. Linda Jonczyk, a spokesperson for TUI, Europe's largest tour operator, said the company was seeing growing interest in Nordic destinations such as Iceland, Norway and Sweden due to the coolcations trend. Yet, bookings were still relatively low compared to other traditional summer hotspots. "Classic sun and beach destinations around the Mediterranean continue to be high in demand Spain, Greece and Turkey are and remain the undisputed favourites," Jonczyk told CNBC by email. Firefighters survey the smoldering area of a forest fire that threatened a nearby apartment complex on July 30, 2025 in Mem Martins, Portugal. Horacio Villalobos | Corbis News | Getty Images For its part, Portugal's national tourism authority said summer demand in key regions remains robust. A spokesperson for Turismo de Portugal said that while some regions in the north and center were managing localized wildfires, the vast majority of the country was unaffected. "Portugal's tourism infrastructure is highly prepared to respond to such challenges, with contingency measures in place to ensure minimal disruption," Turismo de Portugal told CNBC by email. "Airports and ports across the country are operating at full capacity, and the tourism sector remains strong with summer arrivals in key regions matching or surpassing last year's numbers," they added. A 'climate risk zone' LONDON European defense stocks tumbled on Tuesday, defying broader positive market sentiment as traders assessed the outcome of talks between U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House. The Stoxx Europe Aerospace and Defense index closed 2.58% lower, with Italy's Leonardo down 10.1%, Germany's Hensoldt down 9.5%, and tank parts manufacturer Renk down 8.2%. At the closely watched talks on Monday, Trump said peace negotiations can take place while both countries are still fighting, dropping his earlier calls for a ceasefire. He also said that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy is being planned, to be followed by a trilateral meeting which will include Trump. Zelenskyy said a package of coveted security guarantees for Ukraine expected to include a massive purchase of American weapons would be "formalized on paper within the next week to 10 days." European markets climb Young professionals are going to networking events to strike up friendships. Getty Images Fatigued by everything virtual, the youngest generation at work are now leaning into in-person networking events to find their tribe. A large number of Generation Z born between 1997 and 2012 entered the workforce during the Covid-19 pandemic and were forced to tune in remotely. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy even declared a loneliness epidemic in the U.S. in 2023, saying it was especially affecting young people. Some Gen Z workers are even returning to the office in a bid to expand their network. One recent Freeman survey of nearly 2,000 U.S. adults in professional jobs found that 91% of Gen Z said it would be nice to have a balance of virtual and in-person events to connect with others at their company and in their industry. "In general, young people seek the social atmosphere because many of them just graduated college or are a few years out and are looking for similar social conveniences," Dan Schawbel, managing partner at Workplace Intelligence, explained. Some employers are catching on and trying to fill this gap. Canary Wharf, London's privately owned financial district, which houses companies like JPMorgan, Barclays, and Morgan Stanley, launched the Wharf Connect networking program in 2024 for professionals in the first 10 years of their career. Wharf Connect organized a LinkedIn workshop for early career professionals in London's Canary Wharf area. Wharf Connect Part of the area's return-to-office drive, Wharf Connect is accessible via an app and offers free events from LinkedIn workshops to pub quizzes. The initiative gets an average of 36 attendees per event and has seen 1,500 RSVPs since its inception last year. "Part of the return-to-office push is that young people, especially, yearn for those connections, and relative to older generations, they are much more isolated and lonely, so return to office at least partially allows them to meet their coworkers," Schawbel said. Last week, I took a trip to Canary Wharf to attend a Xiao Long Bao (dumpling) masterclass at Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung an event organized by Wharf Connect. Walking into a dining room nestled at the back of the restaurant where the workshop was taking place, I was stunned to see how busy it was with over 50 young professionals in attendance and chattering away. The event featured a hands-on dumpling-making session with the chef, accompanied by complimentary food and drinks. CNBC Make It spoke with three Gen Z attendees who shared how structured networking events are helping them find community. Filling a social gap Young professionals at a dumpling-making workshop at the Din Tai Fung restaurant in Canary Wharf. Twenty-five-year-old Vivek Haria, a senior tax advisor at a financial services firm, has attended 10 Wharf Connect events. Before starting his job in the Canary Wharf area, he was already seeking out social events or communities that would allow him to socialize and mingle outside of the workplace, but they left much to be desired. "In fact, there were hardly any, and the ones I went to were pretty much a bit crap. Then I moved here, and this was the last place that I expected these kinds of events. It's definitely filled that gap. I've made some really good friends that I meet up with on weekends as well," Haria said. For Sinny Wei, a 27-year-old human resources professional, moving from New Zealand to London meant she didn't have an established network or community in the U.K. "For me, personally, it is difficult to make friends, because I've moved over here as well, so you've really got to put yourself out there a lot. I really do like it [Wharf Connect] for that as well," she said. Wei said it's a good way to socialize informally, with free tickets, food and drinks being a great draw to the events. "I've only been to two events, so maybe if you ask me after three events, I'll have made some friends by then," she said. Haria noted that, although he returned to the office, many of his colleagues weren't physically at the workplace. The Wharf Connect events makes going to the office worthwhile, because he has something to look forward to in the evenings, he noted. "So I go into the office as many times a week as I canworking from home after Covid has been a bit s--- like I'll go into the office three or four times a week and most of my team won't be in," Haria said. In fact, a 2023 survey by employee background screening company Checkr, which polled 3,000 U.S. workers, found that 68% of managers were keen to continue remote and hybrid work in 2024, while only 48% of employees felt the same way. Senior professionals have less motivation to be in the office, according to Schawbel. With more established social lives, less of a need for mentorship, and better home office setups, older professionals are less drawn to the in-person workplace. This is creating a social void for younger workers. In-person events are trendy now In this article MCD Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT watch now If it feels like there are a lot of new drinks on restaurant menus, it's because there are. Driven by younger consumers who crave customized, cold beverages, chains from Dunkin' to Dutch Bros , Starbucks and McDonald's are answering the call. The number of beverages offered by the top 500 chains has increased by more than 9% in the last year, according to Technomic's 2025 Away-From-Home Beverage Navigator Report. Companies have leaned even more into cold drinks. Offerings like specialty coffees and energy drinks have seen the most growth on menus over the past two years, as hot coffee and tea beverages on menus decline, the market researcher reported in July. What's more, consumers are increasingly heading to a chain simply to get an iced coffee or soda. Last year, the primary driver for beverage sales was "getting a pick-me-up," as 22% said that was their most common reason for going, up from 20% in 2023, the data found. Meanwhile, 20% said they bought a beverage to "wash down food." The two occasions for a purchase switched places from the previous year. "This shift suggests that consumers may be moving toward more beverage-specific occasions, where beverages are the main driver of the foodservice purchase rather than an add-on to go alongside food. This aligns with the influx of beverage-forward concepts in recent years," the report said. An employee delivers a drink to a customer outside a Dutch Bros. Coffee location in Beaverton, Oregon, U.S. Maranie Staab | Bloomberg | Getty Images Higher drink sales are key for major players as they seek to reverse slumps in a tough consumer environment. McDonald's U.S. restaurants saw same-store sales growth of 2.5% in its second fiscal quarter, reversing two straight quarters of domestic declines as it leaned into buzzy partnerships and value offerings. But executives cautioned low-income consumers remain challenged. While Starbucks also saw better than expected U.S. sales, they still fell 2% from the prior-year period. Trying to capitalize on the desire for buzzy new drinks will bring its own challenges. Technomic forecasts beverage volume will grow 1% through 2029, but the group said it will likely revise that outlook lower. Customers are also more price sensitive, with 61% of consumers who said they noticed price hikes saying they order beverages less often. What Gen Z wants The success of many new beverage lines will hinge on Gen Z consumers, who have flocked to customized and sugary drinks. Dunkin' saw its colorful and sweet Refreshers platform hit new record highs in the most recent quarter, with unit sales up more than 30% year-on-year. It will release its fall menu later this week and lean further into what Gen Z consumers are seeking. The rollout will feature an expansion of pop star Sabrina Carpenter's Daydream Refresher lineup into Mango and Mixed Berry, along with a Cereal N' Milk Latte, featuring a blend of espresso and real cereal milk that delivers a "nostalgic marshmallow cereal flavor." The curation of drinks is key for customers and Gen Z consumers in particular, Dunkin' Chief Marketing Officer Jill Nelson told CNBC. It has to feel unique and special in this environment. "On the product side, it's overwhelmingly about cold beverages, customization and bold flavor," Nelson said. "And then on the promotion side ... when we think about Gen Z, this is a generation that grew up on sneaker drops and stories that disappear in 24 hours. So it's all about how do you create new news and interesting flavor combinations that you can't really recreate easily at home and feel like you're in the know when you go to the drive through and order them," she said, adding that the company prioritizes speed and accuracy as customers ask for more customization. The competition will heat up next month as McDonald's enters the beverage category in a more meaningful way. On Sept. 2, McDonald's will launch an expanded market test in 500 restaurants across Wisconsin and Colorado of new drinks that include a "Creamy Vanilla Cold Brew" and "Toasted Vanilla Frappe." A worker hands a drink to a customer at a McDonald's restaurant in Martinez, California, US, on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images In addition, the fast food giant will roll out "dirty sodas" and Strawberry Watermelon Refreshers, aimed at Gen Z consumers. McDonald's created the lineup with learnings from its now-shuttered CosMc's concept, which leaned heavily into customized drinks. "We're seeing real momentum in beverages, with more people especially our Gen Z fans turning to cold, flavorful drinks as a go-to treat," said McDonald's USA Chief Customer Experience and Marketing Officer Alyssa Buetikofer in a release. On McDonald's most recent earnings call, CEO Chris Kempczinski said beverages present a "big opportunity" for the brand. "It's growing and it's more profitable than food. So, there's a lot of things to like, which is why us as well as, I think, a few of our competitors are also excited about this," Kempczinski told analysts. He added that while there are value offerings in the beverage space, you can get a lot of "full margin products" that franchisees would not have to discount. The protein play The new beverage options go beyond the sweet and bold. Chains also aim to win consumers by tapping into health trends. An iced vanilla protein latte from Starbucks. Courtesy: Starbucks As Starbucks continues its "Back to Starbucks" turnaround plans under CEO Brian Niccol, it is making more changes to the menu, including a late fourth-quarter launch of protein cold foam. On the company's recent earnings call with analysts, Niccol said the item "taps into what has become one of our most popular modifiers, cold foam, which grew 23% year over year." "Protein Cold Foam with no added sugar is an easy way to add 15 grams of protein to virtually any cold beverage. And customers can also add the flavor of their choice," he said. The coffee giant said it's seeing increases in satisfaction among younger consumers. Niccol told analysts customer value perceptions were near two-year highs in its most recent quarter, driven by gains among Gen Z and millennials, who make up over half of its customer base. It's betting that innovation, coupled with better customer service under its new "Green Apron Service" strategy, will help to boost business. Coffee chain Dutch Bros has leaned into some of those beverage trends to drive strong growth. The chain has been a standout stock performer up over 22% year-to-date and saw its same-store sales increase more than 6% in the most recent quarter. CEO Christine Barone said protein milk that launched in 2024 has boosted business. But more broadly, unique and surprising toppings and offerings are a way to engage in a tough competitive landscape, she added. "I think the key with innovation is to really understand when something might be ready to pop, or something might be of high interest, and then be able to move really fast to execute on it well," Barone told CNBC. watch now Nvidia said Tuesday that it is evaluating several products following a report that the company is working on a new artificial intelligence chip for China that is more powerful than the currently available H20. The new product, tentatively called the B30A, is expected to be based on Nvidia's Blackwell chip architecture, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the company's plans. Nvidia hopes to deliver sample units to Chinese clients for testing as soon as next month, according to Reuters. "We evaluate a variety of products for our roadmap, so that we can be prepared to compete to the extent that governments allow," the company told CNBC in a statement. "Everything we offer is with the full approval of the applicable authorities and designed solely for beneficial commercial use." Shares of Nvidia slipped more than 3% Tuesday along with the broader market. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday praised Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and said he wouldn't be surprised if Huang wants to sell a new chip to China. "I'm sure he's pitching the president all the time," Lutnick said in an interview with CNBC's "Squawk on the Street." "I've listened to him pitch the president, and the president listens to our great technology companies, and he'll decide how he wants to play it." OpenAI on Tuesday launched a subscription plan in India priced at 399 rupees ($4.57) a month, the ChatGPT maker's most affordable offering yet, as it looks to grow in its second-largest market by user base. The new plan, called ChatGPT Go, provides expanded access to the latest model GPT5, and other features at a lower cost, the Microsoft-backed firm said in a statement on its website. Nick Turley, who leads ChatGPT, said in a social media post that the plan provides 10 times more message limits, image generations and file uploads, plus double the memory compared to the free tier. "Making ChatGPT more affordable has been a key ask from users! We're rolling out Go in India first and will learn from feedback before expanding to other countries," Turley added. OpenAI currently has two other paid plans: ChatGPT Plus, which costs 1,999 rupees a month in India or $20 internationally, and its top-tier ChatGPT Pro, priced at 19,900 rupees a month in India or $200 internationally. In February, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Indian IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and discussed the country's plan of creating a low-cost AI ecosystem. Altman lauded India's rapid AI adoption, calling it an important market for the company. The company's latest AI model, GPT-5, was released earlier this month to mixed reviews, with negative feedback resulting in the company eventually restoring access to legacy GPT-4 models for paying customers. Other competitors of OpenAI have also been eying India and its growing base of over 800 million internet users, hoping to gain a strong foothold in the market. Last month, AI-powered search platform Perplexity partnered with Indian multinational telecommunications company Bharti Airtel to offer all Airtel customers a free 12-month subscription to Perplexity Pro. That same month, Google announced free one-year subscriptions to its Google AI Pro plan for Indian students aged 18 and over. U.S. President Donald Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 18, 2025. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters On the face of it, talks on Monday between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders went well. The U.S. and Ukrainian leaders were pictured looking jovial and smiling together a far cry from the extraordinary shouting match and public humiliation inflicted on Zelenskyy during his last trip to the White House in February. Monday's talks, which involved a raft of European leaders, appeared to make progress toward ending the protracted war between Russia and Ukraine, with Trump saying a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy would be arranged, followed by a trilateral meeting that he would join. The most significant development result for Kyiv and Europe, however, was Trump's statement that security guarantees for Ukraine would be "provided" by European countries in "coordination with the U.S." Describing that as a "major step forward," Zelenskyy said later that the package of security guarantees for Ukraine highly coveted by Kyiv's leadership and seen as a deterrent to future Russian aggression will include a massive purchase of American weapons, with financing reportedly supported by Europe. The agreement would be "formalized on paper within the next week to 10 days," he said. What security guarantees? As for what the security guarantees could include, the detail is still scant. Trump commented at a post-talks press conference that Europe would "take a lot of the burden" for these, but said the U.S. would help and would make it "very secure." In any case, security guarantees likely mean that Europe, and the so-called "Coalition of the Willing" of countries offering to oversee a peace deal, is on the hook to fulfill what they've previously promised. French President Emmanuel Macron hinted Tuesday that the "first security guarantee we are working on and it is the most important is a strong Ukrainian army, composed of several hundred thousand men, well equipped, with defense systems and higher standards." "The second is to have reassurance forces, the British, the French, the Germans, the Turks, and others ready to carry out these operations not on the front line, not in a provocative way, but reassurance operations in the air, at sea, and on land. The goal is to send a strategic signal: peace in Ukraine is also our concern," he told French broadcaster TF1-LCI, in comments translated by NBC News. watch now Jaroslava Barbieri, research fellow at Chatham House, told CNBC Tuesday that the overall mood from the talks on Monday was one of "cautious optimism," but there are many unknowns. "However, we have to say that the Kremlin's maximalist demands on Ukraine have not changed and so there's still a number of uncertainties about the security guarantees, the details, who is going to be doing what, if there are any troop deployments then where will they be stationed and for how long, which countries will be contributing?" she asked. Obstacles to peace European leaders have voiced misgivings over the lack of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine before a peace deal is negotiated, but they seem willing to acquiesce, for now, with the end goal of peace and Ukraine and Europe's security in mind. Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania's former foreign minister, told CNBC Tuesday that Europe still appeared to be struggling to be heard, saying the bloc had not yet found its strength and "ability to create leverage." "What came out of the meeting yesterday was that Europe was asking the U.S. yesterday to continue its assistance, to ask for a ceasefire, to assist any stationing of troops, and then some of the leaders were even saying, 'Well, some of the Ukrainian territories might be lost, but that's a reality.' Well, that doesn't sound like Europe finding it's strength," he said. "It's more like Europe agreeing that, 'we are in a very weak position and we have to please President Trump as much as we can and we have nothing to put on the table'," he noted. watch now Here are the biggest calls on Wall Street on Tuesday: William Blair initiates Thermo Fisher as outperform The investment bank said it is "time to buy the premier partner in life sciences." "The synergies created by Thermo's best-in-class service offerings have solidified its position as the partner of choice for the biopharma industry." Loop reiterates Amazon as buy Loop raised its price target on Amazon , citing strength in e-commerce and Amazon Web Services. "We are updating our estimates with higher revenue and profit generation from the ecommerce businesses and lower profits from AWS. We have increased our PT to $300 from $290 previous on the same sum-of-parts methodology." Bank of America reiterates Meta Platforms as buy Bank of America says Meta is well positioned for artificial intelligence. "We continue to see Meta as well positioned for AI given massive user based and tech. infrastructure, maintain Buy." JPMorgan names MakeMyTrip a top pick The investment bank says investors should buy the dip in shares of the India travel company. "We expect recovering travel volumes to drive a rerating for MMYT from 45x FY27 PE, which is at a discount to internet and consumer plays. MMYT is now our top Internet OW." TD Cowen reiterates Nvidia as a top pick The Wall Street firm says Nvidia is well positioned ahead of earnings next week. "We See NVDA Best Positioned to Clear A High Bar." Wells Fargo reiterates Snowflake as overweight Wells Fargo says the near term setup looks attractive. "We believe SNOW is among a few leaders in the cloud data space and poised to continue its momentum as a new mgmt team doubles down on its AI ambitions. We rate SNOW Overweight." Barclays upgrades Aveanna to overweight from equal weight Barclays says shares of the health-care services company are compelling. "Despite AVAH's concentration in Medicaid, we believe the company is largely insulated from the Medicaid provisions including direct funding cuts, Medicaid work requirements, and redeterminations." Bernstein reiterates Robinhood, Circle and Coinbase as outperform Bernstein says it is bullish on several companies with exposure to cryptocurrencies. "We expect a long Crypto bull market, continuing the surge into 2026 and potentially peak in 2027. We share the upside case and key growth vectors across COIN, HOOD, CRCL. We move our HOOD price target higher to $160 ($105 prior)." Mizuho upgrades Prologis to outperform from neutral Mizuho says the industrial real estate investment trust is well positioned. "We believe the set-up for some Industrial REIT stocks should tactically improve the next 6 months, and we upgrade PLD to Outperform." Bank of America upgrades Palo Alto Networks to buy from neutral Bank of America upgraded the stock following earnings, saying it has an "attractive long-term growth profile." "Our Buy is based on strong financials across the majority of Palo Alto's business." Wedbush reiterates General Motors as outperform The investment bank said the auto maker is "impressively navigating the tariff headwinds." "We are raising our price target on GM from $55 to $65 reflecting incremental momentum with the company's growth story into 2026 while impressively navigating the tariff headwinds." Evercore ISI upgrades Caterpillar to outperform from in line Evercore ISI says it sees improving margins for the construction equipment company. " CAT's recent resilience in construction equip margins amid price-cost negativity a reminder of the power of volume leverage and geographic mix; North America is where the end of machine destocking will be most beneficial." Read more . Barclays reiterates Rivian as equal weight Barclays says it is concerned about Rivian launching its R2 vehicle in 2026 amid weak EV demand. "The most focus has been on R2's path to positive gross margin, especially as R1 has struggled with profitability and investors have questioned whether RIVN can achieve significantly higher margin % on a cheaper car. That said, we also believe there is increasing uncertainty on R2's volume outlook following the recent negative policy developments with R2 likely launching in a period of weak U.S. EV demand." BMO upgrades Crown Castle to outperform from market perform BMO says shares of the cellular tower company are too attractive to ignore. "We are upgrading shares of CCI to Outperform from Market Perform and increasing our target price to $120 (+$5)." BTIG initiates Rocket Companies as buy BTIG says it is bullish on shares of the retail mortgage lender. "We're initiating coverage of Rocket Companies (RKT) with a Buy rating and a $25 price target" Bernstein downgrades Li Auto to market perform from outperform Bernstein says it sees too much rising competition for the China EV company. "We downgrade Li Auto to Market-Perform and lower our price target for LI.US to US $26.00 (Old: US$33.00)." Read more. UBS initiates Hesai Group at buy UBS says the China autonomous vehicle company has a "solidifying leadership position." "We initiate coverage of Hesai Group with a Buy rating." Needham initiates AeroVironment at buy Needham says the company is a defense leader in the drone sector. "We are initiating coverage on AeroViroment (AVAV) with a Buy rating and $300 price target." William Blair reiterates Tesla as market perform William Blair said that even though it is bullish on the robotaxi, it sees too many margin headwinds for Tesla. "Despite our enthusiasm for robotaxi, we acknowledge there is a period of margin headwinds to endure from pending regulatory cuts as part of the [One Big Beautiful Bill]; thus, we maintain our Market Perform rating." Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: Intel Shares of the chipmaker jumped around 6% after it was announced that SoftBank will make a roughly $2 billion investment in the company, paying $23 per share for Intel's common stock. This comes as the U.S. government reportedly has been considering taking a stake in Intel. Palo Alto Networks The cybersecurity stock gained more than 6% after the company's fiscal fourth-quarter results topped Wall Street's expectations. Palo Alto also posted better-than-expected first-quarter and full-year guidance and announced that its founder and chief technology officer, Nir Zuk, is retiring. The results lifted shares of other names in the space, with CrowdStrike , Zscaler and Fortinet all up around 1%. Fabrinet The stock dropped nearly 10%, even as its fiscal fourth-quarter results topped expectations. Its adjusted earnings of $2.65 per share just barely beat the $2.64 per share that analysts polled by FactSet were expecting. Its revenue of $909.7 million topped the consensus estimate of $883.1 million. Additionally, the company announced upbeat earnings and revenue guidance for the first quarter. Fabrinet's stock has climbed nearly 49% year to date. Viking Holdings Shares fell more than 2% following its latest quarterly results. Viking's second-quarter adjusted earnings of 99 cents per share came in line with analysts' expectations, according to FactSet, while its revenue for the quarter of $1.88 billion beat the $1.85 billion that was anticipated. The company also said it plans to take delivery of six river vessels during the rest of this year. Best Buy The consumer electronics retailer rose 2% following the launch of its third-party marketplace , which will expand its product offerings to shoppers. Xpeng U.S. shares of the Chinese electric car startup popped more than 3% on the heels of the company posting a smaller-than-expected loss for the second quarter, per FactSet. Its revenue for the period also topped analysts' estimates. Tegna Shares climbed nearly 6%. Television broadcaster Nexstar Media and Tegna announced Tuesday that Nexstar has agreed to acquire Tegna for $3.54 billion . The deal is expected to close by the second half of next year. Nexstar Media shares also rose, climbing nearly 9%. Home Depot Shares of the home improvement retailer added 1%. Despite the company missing on both lines for the first time since 2014, it maintained its full-year outlook. CNBC's Alex Harring and Michelle Fox Theobald contributed reporting. Lip-Bu Tan, chief executive officer of Intel Corp., departs following a meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. Alex Wroblewski | Bloomberg | Getty Images The Trump administration is discussing taking a 10% stake in Intel , according to a Bloomberg report on Tuesday, in a deal that could see the U.S. government become the chipmaker's largest stakeholder. As part of a potential deal, the government is also considering converting some or all of Intel's grants from the 2022 U.S. CHIPS and Science Act into equity in the company, the report said, citing a White House official and other people familiar with the matter. At the embattled chipmaker's current market value, a 10% stake would be worth roughly $10.4 billion. Meanwhile, Intel has been awarded about $10.9 billion in CHIPS Act grants, including $7.9 billion to support its domestic investment plans and $3 billion to further its semiconductor manufacturing for national security. Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Intel investors had initially welcomed news of the government investment, which resulted in a share rally of nearly 9% on Aug. 14. The report noted, however, that it remains unclear if the idea has gained traction broadly within the administration or whether officials have broached the possibility with affected companies. It added that the exact size of the stake remains in flux, and it remains unclear whether the White House will actually proceed with the plan. Intel and the White House did not immediately respond to CNBC's queries regarding the report. Intel, once a dominant force in the U.S. chip industry, has fallen behind global competitors in advanced chip manufacturing. Reviving the former U.S. chip champion has become a national priority in Washington, with reports about a potential government stake in the company first circulating last week. The company has been the largest recipient of the 2022 CHIPS Act, passed with bipartisan support under the Biden administration, as part of efforts by Washington to revitalize U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. The bill allocated $39 billion in grants for American semiconductor projects, with funding committed to many of the world's chipmakers such as TSMC and Samsung, as well as American chip companies such as Nvidia, Micron and GlobalFoundries. U.S. President Donald Trump, though supporting the general goals of the CHIPS Act, has been a vocal critic of the bill and even called for its repeal earlier this year. While republican lawmakers in Washington have been reluctant to act on that call, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in June that the administration was renegotiating some of the bill's grants. If Intel's CHIPS Act funds were to be converted into a potential government stake in the company, it could decrease the total amount of capital infused into the company as part of any deal by Washington. However, it would serve as the latest example of the Trump administration's interest in building government-backed national champions in strategic industries. watch now Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday accused India of profiteering from cheap Russian oil imports during the war in Ukraine, describing the practice as "arbitrage" and condemning it as unacceptable. "They are just profiteering. They are reselling," Bessent told CNBC's "Squawk Box" in an interview. "This is what I would call the Indian arbitrage buying cheap Russian oil, reselling it as product." "They've made $16 billion in excess profits some of the richest families in India," Bessent said. India buys Russian oil at a discount due to sanctions, refines it into gasoline and diesel, and then sells the product back to regions that have sanctioned Moscow such as Europe, said Matt Smith, an oil market analyst at Kpler. India's imports of Russian oil have surged since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Before the attack, India imported a minuscule amount of Russian crude. U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said on Monday the UK had agreed to drop its mandate for iPhone maker Apple to provide a "back door". U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said on Monday the U.K. had agreed to drop its mandate for iPhone maker Apple to provide a "back door" that would have enabled access to the protected encrypted data of American citizens. Gabbard issued the statement on X, saying she had worked for months with Britain, along with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to arrive at a deal. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was in Washington on Monday along with other European leaders to meet Trump and discuss Russia's war in Ukraine. The U.K. government and Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Gabbard's statement. U.S. lawmakers said in May that the U.K.'s order to Apple to create a backdoor to its encrypted user data could be exploited by cybercriminals and authoritarian governments. Apple, which has said it would never build a so-called back door into its encrypted services or devices, had challenged the order at the U.K.'s Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT). The iPhone maker withdrew its Advanced Data Protection feature for U.K. users in February following the U.K. order. Users of Apple's iPhones, Macs and other devices can enable the feature to ensure that only they and not even Apple can unlock data stored on its cloud. U.S. officials said earlier this year they were examining whether the U.K. broke a bilateral agreement by demanding that Apple build a backdoor allowing the British government to access backups of data in the company's encrypted cloud storage systems. In a letter dated February 25 to U.S. lawmakers, Gabbard said the U.S. was examining whether the U.K. government had violated the CLOUD Act, which bars it from issuing demands for the data of U.S. citizens and vice versa. Cybersecurity experts told Reuters that if Apple chose to build a backdoor for a government, that backdoor would eventually be found and exploited by hackers. Apple has sparred with regulators over encryption as far back as 2016 when the U.S. government tried to compel it to build a tool to unlock the iPhone of a suspected extremist. Shenzhou-20 spacesuit B supports 20 EVAs, meets lifespan goal Global Times) 10:20, August 19, 2025 This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Aug. 15, 2025 shows Shenzhou-20 astronaut Chen Dong performing extravehicular activities outside China's orbiting space station. The Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China's orbiting space station completed their mission's third series of extravehicular activities on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).(Xinhua/Li Yanchen) The extravehicular spacesuit B, worn by astronaut Chen Dong on Friday during the third series of extravehicular activities (EVAs) of the Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China's orbiting space station, has supported 20 EVAs, Xinhua News Agency reported, citing the China Astronaut Research and Training Center. The suit thus became the first of its kind on China's space station to achieve the lifespan extension goal of supporting 20 EVAs within 4 years. According to Zhang Wanxin from the center, the extravehicular spacesuit B of the Chinese space station has been used in relay by 11 astronauts during eight crewed missions. Dynamic and precise evaluations show that the suit remains in stable condition, providing strong support for improving the quality and efficiency of spacesuit engineering applications and ensuring the routine implementation of spacewalks, Xinhua reported. The Chinese space station's extravehicular spacesuit is the second-generation "Feitian" suit. By design, its service life is defined as "three years of on-orbit storage with no fewer than 15 spacewalks," according to Xinhua. The suit is also China's first in-orbit flight product to undergo life-cycle assessment and extended use, the report noted. At the beginning of 2024, the on-orbit suits were approaching the designed limit of 15 spacewalks in three years. To accurately assess their remaining service life, the research team formulated a scientific and reasonable life evaluation and health monitoring program, along with in-orbit testing methods. By thoroughly analyzing both on-orbit and ground-based test data, and carrying out extensive verification tests at the material and product levels, they achieved dynamic and precise assessments of the suits' health and service life, according to Xinhua. On July 15, Tianzhou-9 cargo craft delivered a new batch of supplies to China's space station, including two sets of second-generation Feitian extravehicular spacesuits, identified as D and E, per the report. Extravehicular spacesuits D and E have been unpacked and inspected, and are in good condition. They will be gradually put into use in future EVAs, Zhang said. Compared with the country's first-generation Feitian extravehicular spacesuits, the second-generation extravehicular spacesuits feature key technological breakthroughs. They have a longer lifespan, are safer and more reliable, and more efficient in supporting astronauts' operations, providing strong support to the EVAs during the construction and operation of China's space station, said the report. "Spacesuits are essentially small, one-person spacecraft," Wang Yanan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times on Monday. "Their main functions are to provide a pressure and air environment suitable for human survival, maintain airtightness, and protect astronauts from space radiation and micrometeoroid impacts." Wang said the new-generation spacesuits advance technology in three key ways. More durable materials are used to extend lifespan and improve their ability to withstand damage, and manufacturing processes are refined to maintain airtightness and consistent performance after repeated use. He added that the suits also feature a soft-armor design that insulates against heat, blocks radiation, and shields astronauts from small orbital debris. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) The voice of the Black, female version of Eric Cartman loves how hard South Park has gone after President Donald Saddam Hussein Trump almost as much as she loves President Donald Saddam Hussein Trump. Janeshia Adams-Ginyard is an actress, voice talent, stuntwoman and, as we learned recently, a red, white and blue all day right-winger who played a starring role in the popular South Park streaming special Joining the Panderverse. South Parks 2023 takedown of what conservatives have branded as the woke Disney movement to recast white male roles in beloved film franchises with women of color was a massive hit with the anti-woke movement, who turned Kathleen Kennedy Cartmans catchphrase of put a chick in it, make her gay into a rallying cry in their online culture war. Now, those same conservative comedy fans who, until very recently, believed that Trey Parker and Matt Stone were supporters of their anti-DEI crusade are now either performing pitiful mental gymnastics to pretend that the show is on the side of the conservative establishment or turning on South Park entirely as the series takes aim at the Trump administration in an especially scathing start to Season 27. Don't Miss Adams-Ginyard, on the other hand, has no problem with South Park attacking her favorite President, because she believes that Trump has a sense of humor. She should probably tell that to the White House press team. In a recent interview with TMZ, Adams-Ginyard, a vocal proponent of President Trump, defended South Park from some conservatives' criticisms that the show has gone too far in its parody of South Park. They go after everybody, though; everybodys up for grabs with South Park, Adams-Ginyard said of the series that, last episode, had President Trump use ICE to sex traffic Dora the Explorer. Advertisement South Park does an amazing way (sic) of mirroring what is actually happening in the world right now, like, we are having issues with our immigration, lets not lie, Adams-Ginyard said of South Parks recent attacks on ICE and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Like, lets be honest about the simple fact that America needs to make some changes with how things are being ran. However, when it comes to the discussion of what, exactly, America needs to change about its leadership, Adams-Ginyard has some notes for her old bosses Parker and Stone. Im in California, I need Gavin Newsom to go, Im waiting for them to go after Gavin, Adams-Ginyard switched gears. Come on, yall! Trey and Matt, get on Gavins ass right now, because hes horrible! Still, Adams-Ginyard doesnt have a problem with how South Park has handled Trump, even if their punchlines are especially pointed in Season 27. Specifically talking about how Trump is now in a rocky sexual relationship with Satan himself, Adams-Ginyard said, It was pretty offensive, but I also understand that Satan was a character in South Park. And so, I dont think it was crossing the line. Advertisement What people fail to realize is that Trump actually has a sense of humor, and, yeah, he might say like, Oh, you guys arent relevant and stuff, but thats no different than me going back and forth with a friend if theyre right in front of me, Adams-Ginyard claimed of the relationship between South Park and President Trump. Hes going to say what he wants, and he can say what he wants, we all know the show is relevant, we all know the show is hilarious. Advertisement Adams-Ginyard seemingly believes that the barbs traded between South Park and President Trump is just some palling around between friends, but given how officials within the White House have responded following each new South Park parody, it strains credulity to claim that the Trump administration sees Parker and Stone as their allies. Advertisement Plus, if your friend calls you a small-dicked pedophile on national television, having your secretary call them fourth-rate is so weak a clap-back that youre basically begging to be roasted again Trump should strap in for more friendly banter this Wednesday night. Adam Schiff continues to try to leverage the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert into potent political currency. After appearing as a guest on the show last month, Schiff yesterday fired off a letter to FCC chairman Brendan Carr demanding answers. I am writing to clarify the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) terms and conditions for approving the recent the $8 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, including any role played by President Trump or his associates in influencing the FCCs actions, Schiff wrote. Specifically as it relates to late-night comedy, Schiff asked, Did you, the Commission, or FCC staff have any communications with Skydance or Paramount representatives concerning specific programming content decisions, including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert or other shows, during the merger review process? While Schiff might be trying to score points with outraged voters, a serious issue is at play. After all, the FCCs powers are limited by the First Amendment. Specifically, Schiff wrote to Carr, the FCC does not have the authority to dictate editorial content, punish perceived political bias, compel or silence specific viewpoints, or reward parties on the basis of efforts to garner favor with elected officials. Don't Miss Facts are, Paramount fired Colbert and paid big money to quell questions about a 60 Minutes story prior to the FCC approving its sale to Skydance Media. The timing of those actions raises significant questions and alarm that the FCC an independent regulatory agency has become a vehicle for President Trump to exact personal retribution and undermine the freedom of the press, Schiff wrote. President Trump has butted heads with the California lawmaker over these and other issues in the recent past. When he appeared with Colbert on The Late Show last month, the charisma-challenged Senator accused the president of creating a climate of fear. This is what hes after. In the case of CBS and Paramount, both of which capitulated to administration demands, that plan seems to have worked. He is succeeding. Advertisement Will Schiffs inquiries do anything to slow down future attempts by the FCC to influence programming? Its unclear what effect Congressional oversight can have, since a quid pro quo would be difficult to prove even when such political trades are glaringly obvious. Is there anything anybody can do? The only way to push back, Schiff told Colbert, is to say, Piss off. But Donald, before you piss off, he concluded, would you release the Epstein files? Its an easy punchline designed for late-night applause. But getting the FCC to admit political bias will be a tougher job for Schiff than leading the Colbert crowd to partisan cheers. When the TV content rating system was first introduced back in 1997, The Simpsons marked the occasion by having the new rating box brutally stab a cartoon Fox censor to death at the beginning of Treehouse of Horror VIII, which didnt go over too well with the real Fox censors. As a result of the bloody carnage, the show ends up getting a rare TV-666 rating (but not really). In reality, the show is typically rated TV-PG, although some episodes have been given a TV-14 due to violence and/or gratuitous nudity. And in the case of one episode, frank depictions of the erotic cake-baking industry. But one episode of The Simpsons actually received a TV-MA rating, which stands for Mature Audience Only and is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17. Thats the same rating given to shows like South Park, Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia and even the gore and nipple-fest that was Game of Thrones. Advertisement What could a decades-old cartoon possibly do to earn the same content warning as the show that gave us the notoriously ultra-violent Red Wedding? As a fan recently pointed out on social media, Season 26s The Wreck of the Relationship was branded with a TV-MA because theres a brief scene in which someone (gasp) raises their middle finger. At the beginning of the episode, Bart lies about his age in order to stream a red-band trailer for a new teen sex comedy called Project: After Party, claiming that he was born in the year 1900. The R-rated movie features a whole lot of mature content, including a machine gun-toting chimpanzee, a swimming pool-sized bong, a trio of young women being doused with lycra-eating bikini acid and a dominatrix/senior citizen who flips the bird at the camera. Advertisement As Comic Book Resources pointed out, the offending finger is blurred out on the version currently available on Disney+, and only the uncut edit, featuring the scandalously unblurred digit, was rated TV-MA. As some fans have noted, this is extra-strange considering that The Simpsons Movie contains a scene in which Homer repeatedly flips off his fellow Springfieldians. But it was rated PG-13, meaning that its A-okay for 13-year-olds to watch. Not to mention the fact that Bart exposes himself in the movie, which seems a little more extreme than a two-second shot of an elderly woman giving a one-fingered salute. Advertisement Advertisement Also, giving the show a more extreme rating might just make it more appealing to younger audiences, like that R-rated smut-fest Barton Fink. The cyberattack on enterprise software giant Workdays CRM platform is likely part of a broader Salesforce-targeted social engineering campaign, according to experts. While the company did not name the affected platform in its public statement on Friday, researchers linked it to a Salesforce-targeted social engineering campaign associated with the ShinyHunters threat group. This is another reminder that in cybersecurity, breaches rarely happen in isolation; they ripple, said Chad Cragle, CISO at Deepwatch. Attackers dont stop at one vendor; they pivot across the ecosystem, looking for the next weak link. Think of it like a row of dominoesonce one falls, the rest are in play. It would be fair to say that the mood among my Ukrainian friends yesterday morning was positively bubbling the most optimistic I have heard them for ages. The series of Trump-Zelensky-Europe meetings in Washington were not just good, they said. They were the best, the best so far. After the horror of watching Putin get the red-carpet treatment in Alaska, they think they are on the verge of gaining something priceless, a prize that Donald Trump has now offered where none of his predecessors had the balls. We are talking about security guarantees that is, an all-for-one-and-one-for-all agreement that if Ukraine is attacked then all the signatories of that Treaty would come to Ukraines immediate defence (a commitment that Ukraine would of course reciprocate). It is hard to overstate the importance, or potential importance, of what Trump is now saying. The whole problem with post-cold-war Ukraine is that it has been lost in geo-strategic ambiguity. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky shake hands in the Oval Office Russia's President Vladimir Putin meets with the acting governor of the Rostov Region Yury Slyusar in Moscow yesterday Are the Ukrainians really living in a free, sovereign and independent country, as the 1991 constitution says? The Ukrainians may overwhelmingly believe they are free but do we? Do we mean it when we say that Ukraine is independent? Or do we in the West secretly think that the Ukrainians are still somehow in Moscows orbit, part of an unspoken Russian sphere of influence'; in other words, a satellite, a satrapy of the Kremlin, unable really to choose their own destiny? For more than 30 years we have sent mixed signals. We have professed outrage at Russian treatment of Ukraine but we have never done anything like enough to deter that aggression. We have failed for decades to offer the Ukrainians the protections we offer the Baltic States and all the other Eastern European countries. We have failed, despite repeated paper promises, to give them Nato membership. This wasnt because of some secret undertaking made to Gorbachev during the negotiations on German unification (thats all Kremlin lies), and it wasnt because America was in principle opposed. A glance at history shows that George W Bush accurately foresaw the threat of Russian attack, and actually campaigned for Ukraine to join the alliance. No, the problem was that the Europeans, led by Germany, were too addicted to Putins oil and gas, and bowed to Russian pressure. It was the Europeans who always vetoed Ukrainian membership of Nato, and it was European weakness that helped to trigger the disaster. Putin looked at that failure to offer Nato membership and drew the logical conclusion: that the West was not serious in its commitment to Ukraines borders or independence. Thats why he invaded the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, and when the West did little or nothing in response he decided to invade again in 2022. Thats why the solution now the only way to avoid a third invasion, and to achieve a lasting peace, is to provide security guarantees on the lines of Natos Article 5, a guarantee provided by countries comprising the vast bulk of Natos military power, and others beyond, such as Australia. As Trump rightly says, the Europeans would lead but America would have a coordinating role. That is crucial, because any such effort would continue to depend on US logistics and intelligence. I have no doubt that the US would do much more besides. Trump himself has repeatedly declined to rule out US boots on the ground. From the text of the Minerals Agreement to Trumps latest commitments, we are seeing a growing Western commitment to Ukrainian security, guaranteed not just by the Europeans but also by the greatest military power on earth. That is also a huge achievement by Volodomyr Zelensky. He is moving his country out of the grey zone, and into the column of Western-facing democracies like South Korea, Japan, Israel whose freedom is backed up by America. European leaders in the White House yesterday to meet with US President Donald Trump (centre). Pictured (left to right): European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, French president Emmanuel Macron, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, German chancellor Friedrich Merz and Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte It will mean if we get such a peace agreement that Ukraine can immediately press on with EU membership, and as Ukrainian society adopts Western norms the place will become less corrupt and more attractive to investment. It is a fantastic prospect if we get such a deal. It is, of course, a very big if. Despite their sudden surge of optimism, the Ukrainians know that there is no point in having security guarantees, when there is still no peace to guarantee. Putin may indeed want peace, as Trump says, but he wants peace only on his terms and his current terms are outlandish. He now says that he wants the whole of the Donbas; that is, to use the negotiations to gobble up heavily defended territory his forces have failed to capture for the last 12 years. There is a good reason why the Russians have failed, and why the Ukrainians have fought like lions to hold them off. These are the very positions the Ukrainian forces need to hold, if they are to stop a Russian breakthrough across the flat and less defensible territory that leads to Kyiv and Kharkiv. In other words, Putin wants the Ukrainians to sign their own strategic death warrant. Its all very well having the prospect of Western security guarantees, but as every European leader was at pains to point out in the meeting on Monday, the best guarantors of Ukraines security are, and will always be, the heroes of the Ukrainian armed forces. They need those fortifications in the Donbas. They need that territory. Even if Zelensky wanted to capitulate to this crazy demand of Putins, and to hand over a huge chunk of sovereign Ukrainian land, he would first have to change the Ukrainian Constitution. More importantly, he would have to deal with the outrage done to Ukrainian national feeling. The Ukrainians have spent more than ten years fighting in defence of this land. They have lost tens if not hundreds of thousands of lives. They will not allow it just to be handed to Putin, by Zelensky or any other leader. Putin knows it is not a runner, and that of course is why he is asking for it. We will see what happens in the next few meetings, but I am afraid that the Russian leader will now try to turn it round and blame Zelensky for being unreasonable. Putin cannot be allowed to get away with it. Putin will torture Ukraine until he is forced to desist. Pictured: an attack on Kherson in Ukraine earlier this month Putin will torture Ukraine until he is forced to desist; as US Senator Lindsey Graham correctly says, he will keep going until he faces real economic ruin. To get a result and end this war we will all have to put more pressure on Putin. That means continued and intensified military support for Ukraine. It means cracking down on Putins shadow fleet being used to smuggle out his oil, secondary sanctions on his customers, and seizing the $300bn of his frozen assets. Unless we act fast, and hit Putin where it hurts, I am afraid Russia will continue cynically to spin it out. Trump has at least brought Putin to the table and broken the logjam. By offering Ukraine real security guarantees he is finally answering the crucial question about the destiny of Ukraine. It is only when Putin finally understands that Ukraine is now a long-term ally of America, and will be strongly defended by America, that he will understand that he has no choice but to let Ukraine go. That is the way to long-term peace. Martin Lewis's team has issued an urgent warning to UK workers to cash in hundreds of pounds of unclaimed pay. Writing on his website, Money Saving Expert (MSE), a journalist warned workers that many may be missing out on due pay - and urged employees to redeem any unclaimed cash. They shared a story of how one 17-year-old part-time worker found themselves 240 out of pocket after discovering that they were owed hours of unclaimed holiday pay. Many part-time workers may not realise that they accrue holiday based on the number of hours they've worked. If this holiday - formally known as 'statutory annual leave' - is not claimed, employers are obliged to remunerate the balance for any unused entitlement. The post described how one Essex-born 17-year-old, Lola, had been working as a kitchen porter at her local pub for over two years before she was dismissed, the owners telling her they were having to cut costs. Her mother suggested she email the pub to request her holiday pay, and it was then that she realised she was owed 218 holiday pay, two years of backdated hours. Delighted by the result, she then contacted a cafe where she had worked a handful of shifts where she discovered she was owed an additional 23.87 - which added up to 240. Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to UK workers to cash in hundreds of pounds of unclaimed pay. Pictured Particularly for those who may have recently left a post, employees should ensure they check whether they are owed hours, and to redeem any unpaid pounds. First and foremost, employees should check whether their employment status entitles them to holiday pay, since it's not automatic for all. For instance, those who are self-employed are likely to miss out on holiday benefits. According to MSE, anyone who has received a pay slip is likely owed holiday. This is because it officially classifies them as an 'employee', which entitles them to those hours of paid leave. Workers should check their employment status and thoroughly read through their contract to double-check the terms of the job. In the UK, the legal minimum holiday is 5.6 working weeks of paid holiday per year, though it is up to employer's discretion whether they offer a higher holiday balance. For full-time working employees working five days a week, this will equate to around 28 days of leave. By the same measure, even those working just one day a week will equate to 11.2 days of holiday a year - which could amount to hundreds if not cashed in. The finance guru, who hails from Manchester, warned workers that many may be missing out on due pay - and urged employees to redeem any unclaimed cash. Stock image Employers must make sure all holiday that is owed is issued to the relevant worker, meaning even parts of days must be offered, either in cash or by starting late or leaving early. According to Citizens Advice, holiday builds up at a rate of 12.07 per cent of hours worked for seasonal workers and those with irregular hours. It comes after the finance guru revealed how to find out if you're missing out on childcare savings. Speaking on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, which aired in May, the finance expert revealed 800,000 parents in the UK are eligible for 'Tax-Free Childcare', but many are unaware. Under the government's 'working parents scheme', the state will pay parents back 20 per cent of childcare costs up to 500 a quarter - meaning some parents could get back 2,000 a year. Parents must be individually earning at least 850-a-month each to be eligible, and cannot earn more than 100,000 each. It only applies to children under 12, or under 16 if the child is disabled. 'If you're sending your kids to a holiday club with the school that's Ofsted-registered, you can utilise this,' he explained. Lewis also stated that he is currently 'lobbying' to change the 'hideously misnamed' scheme to 'Working Families Childcare Top-Up' arguing that 'it's framed much better' this way. The money saving expert added that those claiming Universal Credit, who are also working, can claim funds to help them with childcare costs. A tenant has sparked a heated feud with her landlord for trying to charge her $312 after a plumber discovered her hair had blocked the shower drain. Landlord Neil sent an email to renter Lauren after completing the end-of-lease inspection, informing her that he would be deducting money from her bond. 'Unfortunately, we've had to deduct 150 ($A312) due to a blocked shower drain, which our plumber confirmed was caused by hair buildup. This isn't considered fair wear and tear, so it's a tenant liability,' Neil's email read. Clearly furious with the email, Lauren replied: 'Sorry, 150 ($A312) for HAIR? You're seriously trying to charge me for having hair that falls out when I shower? 'Is that not something that happens to literally every human being?' Neil responded, insisting his charge was reasonable because the plumber had to remove, clean and reassemble the shower drain due to her clogged hair. 'We've never had this issue with other tenants. The plumber said the drain was completely blocked with hair and soap scum,' the landlord explained. 'It required removal, cleaning, and reassembly. This is excessive use and goes beyond standard cleaning. Again, not wear and tear.' A tenant has sparked a heated feud with her landlord for trying to charge her $312 after a plumber discovered her hair had blocked the shower drain Refusing to back down, Lauren fired back: 'Neil, I lived there for 18 months. I washed my hair. That's not "excessive use". That's being a clean adult. 'You think it's fine to pocket 150 ($A312) of my money because YOU didn't maintain the pipes? Let me be very clear. This isn't resolved. I'll be raising a dispute with TDS (Tenancy Deposit Scheme). And I'll be sharing this ridiculous charge far and wide.' However, the landlord was adamant that he was standing by his charge. 'You're welcome to raise a dispute. But if you'd flagged the blockage before moving out, we could've addressed it sooner. Instead, it was left for us to resolve. The charge stands,' he responded. Lauren said she never 'flagged' the blockage because she thought the water was 'draining fine' during her tenancy. 'Maybe because I cleaned the trap regularly? Maybe because I'm not a troll? Your plumber found hair... shocking! On a planet of mammals. You're charging me for being a woman who showers. See you in dispute,' she hit back in her response. It's unclear what happened between the landlord and tenant - but British property strategist Jack Rooke re-shared the email exchange on his social media channel. 'Some of the things you hear about landlords trying to get away with in disputes is crazy - but no, he's in the wrong here. He can't charge for that,' Jack said. Neil responded, insisting his charge was reasonable because the plumber had to remove, clean and reassemble the shower drain due to her clogged hair The landlord was adamant that he was standing by his charge '150 ($A312) deducted for "having hair". This is exactly why landlords get a bad reputation. 'Normal wear and tear is never a tenant charge. These cases only create disputes, stress, and wasted time. 'We make sure deposits are handled fairly so landlords stay protected and tenants dont feel taken advantage of. That way both sides get a fair outcome.' His video has been viewed more than 30,000 times with many siding with the renter. 'Tell the landlord where to stick it. I'll see you in court - that simple,' one suggested, laughing. 'The moment I stepped into my new rental I took photos and did a video walk through. It's clear the landlord and previous tenants didn't look after the property,' another explained. Clearly furious with the email, Lauren replied: 'Sorry, 150 ($A312) for HAIR? You're seriously trying to charge me for having hair that falls out when I shower?' (file image) One person pointed out: 'Well I mean if the plumber charged that much then...' However, another quickly chimed in, saying: 'It's still irrelevant. The landlord eats the cost. Because whether you like it or not, it IS wear and tear.' Meanwhile, many shared their own experiences after they had money deducted from the house bond following an end-of-lease clean. 'I think I got 70 ($A145) deducted for the oven "not being clean" and that wasn't me staying up until 3am scrubbing it clean. I just paid it because I wanted out,' one said. 'We got 150 ($A312) taken from our deposit because of paint dust on one of the skirting boards. Landlords are unreal,' another shared. 'My previous landlord tried to charge me for all the existing damage to the property that was there when I moved in. Inventory and pictures for evidence in dispute and I won! Never accept a landlord taking the mick,' one revealed. The Norweigan royal family have seemingly carried on as normal after Marius Borg Hiby was charged with four counts of rape. Marius's mother Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway marked her 52nd birthday today with a new portrait - while his sister Princess Ingrid Alexandra appeared to enjoy a stroll in the sun in Sydney, where she's at university. The photograph of future queen Mette-Marit was published on the official Instagram account of the Norwegian royal household this morning, just one day after 28-year-old Hiby's criminal charges were made public. The wife of Crown Prince Haakon, Hiby's stepfather and the son of Norway's King Harald, is smiling in the new image and wearing the colours of her country's flag: red, white and blue. Dressed in a long-sleeved, navy turtleneck, she has a striped silk scarf in crimson, navy and cream draped around her shoulders. Mette-Marit's long, blonde hair has been blow-dried and is styled in loose waves, which are in-keeping with the relaxed look chosen for the picture. She has completed her ensemble with a pair of dainty gold and diamond hoops earrings and kept her make-up natural. Captioned 'Happy birthday to Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who celebrates her birthday today!', the Instagram post has already attracted hundreds of comments from well-wishers. Yet, while she appears content in the new image, it's unlikely she'll be celebrating her birthday as she has in previous years given the seriousness of the situation Hiby now finds himself in. In the new portrait, posted on the official Instagram account of the Norwegian royal household, Crown Princess Mette-Marit is dressed in the colours of her country's flag Mette-Marit's son Marius Borg Hiby (pictured in 2022 with his mother) was yesterday charged with 32 crimes including four counts of rape Although the crown princess, who suffers from chronic pulmonary fibrosis, was forced to cancel a royal engagement planned to mark her 50th in April 2023 due to illness, she was able to celebrate the milestone birthday later that year. Two years ago Mette-Marit and husband Haakon, who was born just under a month before his wife, hosted a joint party at the Royal Palace in Oslo to mark their 50th birthdays. Held on August 25 2023, the lavish event was attended by guests from all over Norway, as well as government officials and members of the organisations to which the royal couple have given their patronage. Mette-Marit looked glamorous in a sheer white gown featuring puff sleeves and adorned with applique flowers while Haakon, now 52, looked polished in a navy suit and white shirt. The crown prince and crown princess arrived at the party with the two children they share, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, who is second in line to the throne, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 19, but it's unclear if Hiby was in attendance. The Norwegian popstar Dagny performed at the party while both Mette-Marit and Haakon gave speeches. Mette-Marit concluded: 'Thank you for all for coming and celebrating with us. For celebrating Norway. For celebrating what we have created together. For celebrating what we can be for each other, and for our country.' Today, however, as Mette-Marit marks her 52nd birthday, the mother-of-three will feel the absence of her daughter, Ingrid Alexandra, who is currently enrolled at the University of Sydney in Australia. Princess Ingrid Alexandra (pictured left with a friend), the only daughter of Mette-Marit, is currently enrolled at the University of Sydney in Australia, meaning she will miss her mother's 52nd birthday Ingrid Alexandra began her studies in international relations and political economy at the beginning of the month, having moved to Sydney, where she lives in a student residence on the university campus, earlier this summer. Recent pictures show the princess looking happy and relaxed - and, like Aussie students across the country, enjoying a beloved local snack. The royal was snapped walking around campus on Sunday with two packets of Tim Tams, which she was gifted by a university friend. The pair were spotted taking a selfie on Ingrid's digital camera before continuing to walk through the university. Ingrid Alexandra looked casual on the day in a blue cardigan, loose white trousers and a striped headband by Swedish brand Djerf Avenue. She opted to go make-up free for the outing, letting her natural beauty shine through, and added to her ensemble with classic silver earrings and chunky rings. But it's not just Mette-Marit's daughter's absence that will prevent her from celebrating her 52nd birthday in style today - it's the news of her eldest son Hiby's 32 criminal charges. Today's birthday will not be celebrated in the same way as Mette-Marit's 50th, which she marked with a joint party with her husband Crown Prince Haakon at the Royal Palace in Oslo Mette-Marit and Haakon arrived at their 50th birthday celebration with the two children they share, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 19 Hiby has been under investigation since his arrest on August 4 last year on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend. Now, the son of Norway's crown princess has been charged with 32 offences including four rapes and assault, a Norwegian prosecutor said on Monday. According to Norwegian outlet NRK, this includes four rapes of four different woman between 2018 and 2024, abuse against his former partner Nora Haukland and several acts of violence against another former partner. On all occasions, Hoiby allegedly assaulted the women while they were sleeping and filmed the assaults. The assaults also allegedly occurred after Hoiby and the women had consensual intercourse. He has also been charged with making death threats, assaulting a public official and violating the road traffic act. Presenting the indictment on Monday, public prosecutor Sturla Henriksb told NRK that he will face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison following a six-week trial in January. Henriksb said: 'This case is very serious. Rape and violence in close relationships are very serious acts that can leave lasting traces and destroy lives.' Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Marius Hoiby are pictured together in Oslo in 2014 Hoiby was born as a result of a relationship before Crown Princess Mette-Marit's marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. He is said to have 'strongly denied' the 'essentials' of the allegations against him, which include rape allegations. It comes shortly after Hiby had his diplomatic passport revoked, according to reports, shortly after he enjoyed a five-day holiday in Portugal with his stepfather and half brother Prince Sverre Magnus, 19. The specific reasons why had to surrender the passport are unknown, according to national paper Se og Hr. At the end of June, Oslo police announced charges against Hiby on multiple counts, including rape, sexual assault and bodily harm after a months-long investigation of a case that involved a 'double-digit' number of alleged victims. State Attorney Sturla Henriksb has stated that that there would be further clarity regarding his charges in August - and this has now come to light. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to Se og Hr last week that Hiby no longer has a diplomatic passport, but didn't answer specific questions about why. Hiby is reported to have had both a diplomatic and standard passport since he was young. While members of the Royal House have diplomatic passports, other members of the Royal Family use standard ones after turning 18, under new rules that came into effect around six months ago. Hiby, 28, who is the stepson of the future King of Norway, Crown Prince Haakon, has been under investigation since his arrest on August 4 last year on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend According to Se og Hr, it is not known exactly when Hiby had to surrender the document, and it could have been as recently as six months ago. At the end of November last year, the 28-year-old was detained by police for a week, while they conducted an investigation into allegations against him - to ensure there was no tampering of evidence. Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski said Hiby, who is the son of Princess Mette-Marit, was cooperative during police questioning, which is now complete. Evidence in the case was drawn from sources including text messages, witness testimonies and police searches, the police attorney said. In November, Prince Haakon addressed his stepson's arrest, telling Norwegian news outlet NRK: 'Marius is facing serious accusations, which the police and the judiciary will deal with. I am convinced they will do a good job. 'As a family and as parents, we have wanted Marius to receive help and we have been working for a long time to get him to a place where he can receive more help. 'It is something we give a lot of priority to. It must be done within the framework established by the legal system.' Hiby previously lived with the royal couple and their two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, but now lives in a separate house nearby, according to Sekulic. Prince Sverre Magnus, Crown Prince Haakon, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Marius Borg Hiby (pictured far right) in 2019 in Oslo Pictured from L to R: Queen Sonja, King Harald, Prince Sverre Magnus, Marius Borg Hoiby, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and Crown Prince Haakon in Oslo, 2022 Once known affectionately as 'Little Marius', Hiby grew up in the public eye, enjoying the same wealth and privilege as his royal siblings, although his biological father, Morten Borg, served time in prison for drugs and violent offences. Hiby has acknowledged cocaine use and addiction. Despite allegations, it was reported that Marius partied it up at Cannes Film Festival earlier this summer, according to Se og Hr. Hiby joined Norwegian businessman Per Morten Hansen, who is a good friend of his father, Morten Borg. He was also seen on board the 165-foot motor yacht 'Da Vinci', a speed marvel worth 20 million dollars and owned by entrepreneur and multi-billionaire Vincent Tchenguiz. After his trip at sea, the Crown Princess's son and his pals went to Ile Sainte-Marguerite, a small island off the coast of Cannes. The spot is popular with celebrities such as Elton John, Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyonce, and the Kardashians. They visited the very exclusive and private La Guerite beach club on the island, which can only be reached via boat. There, Hiby partied with businessman Rehan Syed, who lives a lavish lifestyle featuring fast boats and cars, as seen on his Instagram account. He has largely continued his life as normal since the charges came to light in August last year, and has since jetted off with friends to Hemsedal, Copenhagen and Italy. The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also spent time at rehab centres in London since his arrest. Hiby's defence attorney, Ellen Holager Andens, said: 'I have no knowledge of this and therefore have no comments to give.' It began as a networking destination for 'creatives', but Soho House quickly became a favorite hangout for celebrities such as Liam Gallagher and model Kate Moss to let down their hair and enjoy a lavish night out on the town. Opened in 1995 in London by Nick Jones, who is married to TV and radio presenter Kirsty Young, the private members' club worked on attracting creative clientele instead of the bankers and financiers that dominated other social clubs. It appeared to be a huge success, and Joness brand of louche luxury combined with great service has seen famous faces such as Tom Cruise, Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa, rush to be a part of the ever-expanding club. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle even had their first date at a Soho House in London in July 2016, while before her wedding in 2018, the Duchess of Sussex was said to have enjoyed a stay at Soho's Cotswolds Farmhouse, dubbed the Butlins for toffs. A membership at the club, priced at around 1,500 for global access, is thought to be a must-have for many of the world's elite - yet the chain is known to 'highly selective' about who it accepts as members. For instance, Kim Kardashian was famously thought to have been denied membership at the brand's West Hollywood venue (after they enforced a creativity over net worth policy). It's unknown whether the reality TV star has since been made a member. Now with locations in New York, Miami, Austin, Chicago as well as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Barcelona and Paris, the brand shows no signs of slowing down. Further proof that the club's glory days are far from behind them is the announcement that the company is going private again in a $2.7billion (2billion) deal led by New York-based MCR Hotels. It began as a networking destination for 'creatives', but Soho House quickly became a favorite hangout for celebrities such as Liam Gallagher and model Kate Moss (pictured in 2015 at Soho House with Rita Ora) to let down their hair and enjoy a lavish night out on the town A raft of existing shareholders, including Ron Burkle, Ivy Collection boss Richard Caring and founder Nick Jones, will retain their stakes in the company. A-list actor-turned-tech investor Ashton Kutcher will also invest in Soho House as part of the deal and will join the firm's board of directors. Founded by Nick Jones, the entrepreneur husband of Desert Island Discs presenter Kirsty Young, Soho House has for two decades been held up as the epitome of louche British cool. Formed in 1995 on London's Greek Street, the club started as a single space for local artists and actors to gather above Jones's restaurant Cafe Boheme. It has since turned into a sprawling global empire whose fans include socialites and celebrities from George and Amal Clooney to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. 'We wanted it to be creative and like-minded, and, for people who were at ease with themselves,' Jones said in a 2017 interview. It quickly expanded to clubs elsewhere in London, and opened its first US club in New York in 2003. In 2008, Jones sold an 80 per cent stake in the club to British businessman Richard Caring for $144 million. Four years later in 2012, US billionaire Ron Burkle bought 50 per cent of the company from Caring and Jones. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle even had their first date at a Soho House in London in July 2016 (pictured) Ellie Goulding, Taylor Swift, Nick Grimshaw and Matt Healy attend the Universal Music Brits party at Soho House in London in 2015 Downton Abbey stars Joanne Froggatt and Sophie McShera looked a tad worse for wear as they left the wrap party for the drama's film adaptation in November 2018, and made their way to Soho House in London Since then, the company has ramped up its expansion plans, and began offering workspaces and health products under its lifestyle brand Cowshed. In 2010, it opened its first Los Angeles club, and immediately became a celebrity spotters paradise. The Hollywood Reporter called it 'the most important club in Hollywood - a high-wattage magnet for A-listers and dealmakers', in 2015. The club forbids the taking of photos of VIP celebrity guests with phone cameras. One couple who surreptitiously tried to get guests David and Victoria Beckham into the background of their selfie had their memberships revoked. Now boasting 46 Soho Houses, the clubs often include communal areas, restaurants and cafes with some boasting cinemas and swimming pools. Movie stars including Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie have been spotted at the venues, while Kate Moss is reportedly a member. One of the New York locations was once featured in an episode of Sex and the City, when Samantha Jones, unable to get off the waiting list, posed as a member to gain pool access for her and her friends. Members are forbidden from identifying fellow members on social media. (They're not even allowed to describe Soho House events on social media.) Lady Gaga leaving the Soho House in London in August 2009 Cat Deeley pictured left arriving at the Soho House in Mayfair in September 2024. Pictured right, Angelina Jolie spotted leaving Soho House in October 2024 in London Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice seen on a night out leaving Soho House on December 20, 2017 in London Soho House previously paused new memberships during the coronavirus pandemic to allow people to socially distance at its clubs. There was also an effort to cull some members to capture its founding spirit and attract more creatives. The company announced it was purging 1,000 members in 2010 from its New York house with Jones saying he was 'trying to get the club back to its creative roots.' 'When I went there, it didnt have the right feel anymore. It has always been a creative, friendly place with a relaxed feel,' he said. 'If there are too many corporate types around then that atmosphere doesnt occur.' The application process to become a member is comprehensive, requiring prospective members to provide a biography, explain what they can contribute and whether they already know existing members. The club has a membership committee of those who already have access which make the call on who may join. Membership at the venues is famously exclusive and is now seen as a coveted status symbol for jet-setting international 'creatives'. The Soho House website explains: 'Unlike other members' clubs, which often focus on wealth and status, we aim to assemble communities of members that have something in common: namely, a creative soul.' Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger seen on a night out leaving Soho House on January 30, 2019 in London Harry Styles leaves Soho House following the 'One Direction This Is Us' World Premiere on August 20, 2013 in London, pictured left. Pictured right, James Corden leaving Soho House in 2018 Suki Waterhouse, Georgia May Jagger and Immy Waterhouse attend the UGG Classic Escape to celebrate the iconic Classic Boot at Soho Farmhouse on October 1, 2015 in Chipping Norton Founder Jones stepped down from the day-to-day running of the company in 2022 as he recovered from prostate cancer. Staying on in a founder role, he said at the time he had been 'spending a lot more time in our houses' as he has the 'space to focus more attention on the clubs themselves.' Jones said: 'Over the last 27 years I have run Soho House and more recently MCG by always putting members at the heart of everything we do. I am so proud of what we have achieved and grateful to all the teams who have helped us get to where we are today. 'I am going back to doing what I did for many, years, which is the reason I went into business, giving people a good time, getting people to meet new people and creating lovely spaces.' Jones grew up in Cobham, Surrey, and went to Shiplake College, a boarding school in Oxfordshire. When he left school at 17 he decided on a career in catering as he was 'obsessed with food'. He is married to Kirsty Young, the former presenter of Desert Island Discs who was forced to step down for health reasons. Young has spoken about the 'severe, relentless' pain that forced her off the air waves having been struck by a combination of rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain disorder fibromyalgia. She delighted fans with a return to screens during the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Yesterday, it was announced that Soho House has been sold for 2 billion in a deal backed by a Hollywood A-lister. Soho House founder Nick Jones, who is set to retain his stake in the company following its recent sale The celebrity hotspot is being taken over by a group of investors, including Ashton Kutcher (pictured), in a deal worth around $2.7 billion The celebrity hotspot is being taken over by a group of investors, including Ashton Kutcher, in a deal worth around $2.7 billion (2 billion). The hospitality group, which is based in London but listed on the New York Stock Exchange, confirmed shareholders in Soho House & Co will receive $9 (6.64) per share in the business. New York-based hotel giant MCR Hotels is leading the consortium, also including private equity firm Apollo, which struck the deal to take the company private. It will pay 2 billion to snap up the business, including its $700m (5.1m) debts. A raft of existing shareholders, including Ron Burkle, Ivy Collection boss Richard Caring and founder Nick Jones, will retain their stakes in the company. A-list actor-turned-tech investor Mr Kutcher will also invest in Soho House as part of the deal and will join the firm's board of directors. MCR boss Tyler Morse will also join the board as vice chairman following the takeover. The business currently runs 46 Soho House sites, eight Soho Works and Scorpios Beach Clubs in Mykonos and Bodrum. It also owns the Ned and numerous other hospitality businesses. Andrew Carnie, chief executive of Soho House & Co, said: 'This transaction reflects the strong confidence our existing and incoming shareholders have in the future of Soho House & Co, and the transformation we've led since becoming a public company. 'Since our IPO (initial public offering) in 2021, we've focused on building a stronger, more resilient business. 'I'm incredibly proud of what our teams have accomplished and am excited about our future, as we continue to be guided by our members and grounded in the spirit that makes Soho House so special.' Mr Morse said: 'All of us at MCR are excited to be part of the Soho House journey, helping to create more experiences, interactions and memories alongside friends and members. 'We have long admired Soho House for bringing together cultures from around the world into a global network of 46 houses, and we look forward to the continued growth of that fabric, starting with four new houses opening soon.' Britain's biggest family the Radfords faced a terrifying medical scare as Harley Radford was rushed to hospital with the symptoms of a suspected stroke in the latest episode of 22 Kids And Counting. Harley Passmore, 24, is married to Sue and Radford's eldest daughter, Millie, 23 - and the couple share two children, Chester, three, and Elodie, one, while Millie also has Ophelia, four, from a previous relationship. During the latest episode of the Channel 5 show, which aired on Sunday, Millie, from Morecombe in Lancashire, and Harley, were seen having a big disagreement about whether he should adopt Ophelia. But the row was soon pushed to the background as mother-of-three Millie was left in a state of panic when her husband was rushed to hospital with stroke symptoms. Harley was taken to hospital and given an MRI as he was slurring his words, had a lopsided face, felt dizzy and had weakness down one side of his body. Millie stayed the night with her husband as Sue and Noel looked after their three children. Harley - who had high blood pressure - told the camera: 'I'm panicking that I've had a stroke, I shouldn't be having a stroke at 24.' Recounting how he felt, the father admitted he'd first noticed something was wrong after drinking a bottle of Coke. He said: 'This morning I was fine and I've gone to work and I was there for two hours and I had a drink out of a Coke bottle and it felt really wonky. My face went really droopy. Harley, 24, was rushed to hospital during the episode with symptoms of a stroke but it turned out to be Bell's Palsy. Pictured with Ophelia Millie and Harley, 24, first got together when Ophelia was six months old and he has been eager to adopt her ever since, as he 'treats her like my own' (pictured together) 'Next thing I felt really weak in the left side of my body and I felt a bit dizzy and a bit drowsy so I went home.' He then called the emergency services, who sent an ambulance because they thought it may have been a stroke. However, the MRI results revealed that Harley suffered from Bell's palsy, a temporary weakness or lack of movement that usually affects 1 side of the face, and not a stroke, as initially thought. 'When I thought Harley was having a stroke, it was scary,' Millie said. 'He was worried and I was worried because of the paralysis side of it. What if he had never been able to cope with three kids again after that? Or handle his life before that?' This health scare led her to reconsider her husband becoming Ophelia's adopted father. Millie and Harley, 24, first got together when Ophelia was six months old and he has been eager to adopt her ever since, as he 'treats her like my own'. He told the show: 'We can't leave Ophelia out. When she gets a bit older, she will start to understand [and question] "Why is my name different to Chester and Elodie's and mummy's and daddy's?"' But Millie was not keen on the idea, as she has not told her daughter that Harley is not her biological father. 'I would worry for Ophelia. [She's] only four and it's a lot to deal with at such a young age,' she said. Millie Radford starred in the latest episode of 22 Kids and Counting on Channel 5, where she and Harley explored the 'difficult' process of her husband adopting Ophelia The disagreement led to a big argument, with Harley questioning whether his wife thought he was an 'an incomplete father' or 'not a good enough dad'. The row came to a head after a panicked Millie called her mother Sue and told her Harley was being blue-lighted to hospital with stroke symptoms, as she admitted feeling guilty about their squabble. She said: 'I felt guilty straight away, wondering whether our arguing had caused all of it. If something happened to him, how would I feel then?' She added: 'It's made me change my mind because if anything was to happen to her, I know that Ophelia would have loved for Harley to be her dad so that is what I am going to make happen.' Millie said that she was initially worried about how her eldest daughter would react if she found out that Harley was not her biological father. 'Ophelia's biological dad is not on the birth certificate because he never wanted him to be and I never wanted him to be on it,' she said. 'I think just because he wasn't interested at all when I was pregnant and he wasn't interested when she was born. He said, when I told him I was pregnant, "I'm not ready to be a dad". Because Ophelia's birth father isn't on the certificate, it should be easy enough for Harley to adopt Ophelia. He can see she's happy, she's got a dad that loves and cares for her.' However, the process was much more tedious than the couple expected and they were told that a social worker would have to speak to Ophelia and break the news that Harley is not her 'real dad'. Harley Passmore is pictured with Chester, his son who he shares with Millie, in Blackpool They were told that they would have to involve her biological father in the process and that they would all have to go to court in order to pass the decision. Millie said: 'Maybe if we got in touch with him, he might be like "Oh well I want something to do with her now" and it's a lot for Ophelia. That would be a big concern for me, yeah.' The parents decided to see a solicitor to see if there were other options for Harley to become more legally involved in Ophelia's life. They were told that a step-parental responsibility agreement could be put in place to transfer some of Millie's rights over to Harley, meaning he would get 'exactly the same rights in terms of decision making'. The lawyer described the process as 'much quicker and more simple', adding: 'You can have input into any decision regarding her life [for example] what surname she has, what school she goes to, if she needed an operation, you would be able to consent to that.' At the time the episode was filmed, Ophelia had a different surname to Millie, Harley and her siblings, Chester and Elodie. The solicitor reiterated that once the documents were signed, the agreement would be a permanent decision which could only be overturned by a court. However, Harley and Millie agreed to sign the document, which was legally witnessed by the family court. Millie said that Ophelia's biological father has not been in contact with her since she was 21 weeks pregnant She said: 'It was a big thing for me to give over some rights to Harley. We both share the same rights now. But I know that Harley sees Ophelia exactly how he sees Elodie and Chester, which is nice and I think he deserves it.' But Harley hinted that he still yearns for more, adding that it is a 'big thing' that he is still not on Ophelia's birth certificate. The Radfords had a party by the beach where they were popping open bottles of bubbly to celebrate Harley becoming more involved in Ophelia's life. Sue said: 'From the beginning, Harley has been Ophelia's dad, I think it's lovely.' Millie added: 'It's nice that we're all going to have the same last nice. It's not full adoption but it is the next best thing.' But when their backs were turned, Harley took a stroll down the beach and decided to message Ophelia's biological father without telling his wife, despite her not wanting to contact him. Millie said she had not spoken to the father since she was 21 weeks pregnant with her eldest child, which was more than four years ago. Harley attempted to justify his decision, telling the camera crew: 'Even though I've got the rights, I do want it on Ophelia's birth certificate to say I'm her father. I've just messaged Ophelia's biological father. 'I've put "I don't want to upset you but me and Millie are married and we have two kids of our own. I'd really like to adopt Ophelia." 'I can't help the way I feel, I've put almost four years into Ophelia's life. I know she'd want me to her dad.' The episode ended with the family questioning where Harley had walked off to, unaware of who he had texted. 22 Kids and Counting airs on Sunday evenings at 8pm on Channel 5. This is the shocking moment a food influencer couple were hit 'directly' by a car while testing their burgers on camera. Nina Santiago - known online as NinaUnrated - and Patrick Blackwood were reviewing a plate of food at CuVees Culinary Creations in Houston, Texas, when an SUV crashed through the window and directly into them. As the pair dug in to their extensive spread of salmon sliders, presidential oysters and lobster, an SUV pummels through the window of and smashes into the couple's table. The influencers were then thrown from their seats and they quickly scramble away as glass rains down around them. Footage then shows the pair covered in bloody gashes as they are rushed to a local hospital. 'I'm just blessed, thank you Lord. Thank you universe. I'm just blessed and grateful for everything,' Mr Blackwood said in a video from the hospital. He added it was the 'most scariest s**t ever'. Ms Santiago seemed to remain on a hospital bed for longer and admitted 'I don't feel good' at one point. 'My body feels tight, my head hurts a little but, my jaw hurts a little bit,' she said, before adding 'I'm just glad I'm alive'. 'This is the second accident this month. The fact that we walked away from both accidents, I don't know whether we are lucky or f****d',' she went on to say. Nina Santiago - also known online as NinaUnrated - and Patrick Blackwood were filming themselves eat food at CuVees Culinary Creations in Texas As the TikTokkers are about to dig in to their meal, an SUV pummels through the window The couple are then thrown from their seats and they quickly scramble away as glass rains down around them 'Its like I want to break down and cry and I just can't, I'm trying to not freak out.' The cause of the crash is unknown but local media reported that Tyler police and UT Health EMS were at the scene after the car hit the restaurant. The pair typically film themselves eating huge spreads of food and sharing the videos on social media to her hundreds of thousands of followers. In the YouTube caption that accompanied the video, the pair wrote: 'We can't even begin to express how incredibly fortunate we feel to be alive after what happened to us. 'We were just sitting in a cosy booth at our favourite restaurant, enjoying happy hour with an amazing spread of salmon sliders, presidential oysters, a macaroni and cheese flight (classic, lobster, and truffle), shrimp and grits, and some refreshing drinks. 'We were laughing, having a great time, and right as we tapped our sliders together in a "boom!" cheers moment, out of nowhere, this SUV came barrelling through the glass wall at 35-40 mph. 'No warning at all glass shattered everywhere, chaos erupted, and it hit right next to Patrick on the outside of the booth. 'We were inches from disaster, but by some miracle, we're both okay, just shaken and forever changed. Ms Santiago revealed a bloody gash on her face as the couple were rushed to hospital Mr Blackwood also suffered from injuries but said afterwards 'I'm just blessed and grateful for everything' The cause of the crash is unknown but local media reported that Tyler police and UT Health EMS were at the scene after the car hit the restaurant 'This terrifying experience has made us realize just how precious life is. 'Tomorrow is not promised do what you want to do today, live happy today, let go of everything holding you back, and forgive everybody. 'You dont have time for that nonsense. We truly feel like we've been given a second chance, and we're committed to making the most of it. 'We're aiming to be beyond great amazing and we're working on ourselves every day to become better people and crush our goals. 'We wish you all the best in life. Stay safe out there because life is so unexpected. That SUV came out of nowhere, and all we were doing was enjoying a simple meal.' Ms Santiago went on to share some further snaps of their bloody wounds and their trip to hospital. The duo often film themselves eating extensive meals and share the videos to their social media She wrote in the accompanying caption: 'Im beyond grateful to be alive after an SUV crashed through the glass wall at @cuveesculinarycreations in Houston, TX, shattering everything while @iampatrickblackwood and I recorded an eating show. 'It hit us directly me on his left, him on my right as I bit into a delicious salmon slider. Out of nowhere, but we survived. 'This experience showed me who truly matters; lifes too short for grudges or anger. Let go, forgive, live in the now, and cherish those around you this couldve been our last meal. 'Thankful to the universe and our angel pup Loyal, who passed in Nov 2024 and protected us from above.' A pediatric emergency doctor has issued a terrifying warning about children's gummy vitamins - and revealed why parents need to take serious precautions. Florida-based doctor Meghan Martin, who goes by the username @beachgem10 on social media, alerted moms and dads to the dangers of the popular kids' vitamins in a video posted this week to TikTok. Dr. Martin often takes to TikTok to share her children's safety tips, provide guidance for the flu and cold season, and break down medical news. However, this time, she had a serious message to share about gummy vitamins to parents and caretakers. 'I am not a fan of gummy multivitamins, gummy supplements, and gummy THC edibles,' Dr. Martin began. 'Unfortunately, kids don't know the difference between these gummies and regular candy gummies, and a lot of times, parents don't necessarily store these like they do other prescription medications,' she continued. 'They end up being fairly easy for kids to get into and overdose on,' she said. She cited recent reports that showed a significant rise in pediatric edible poisonings over the past few years. A pediatric emergency doctor has issued a terrifying warning about children's gummy vitamins - and shared why parents need to take serious precautions (stock image) Florida-based doctor Meghan Martin alerted moms and dads to the dangers of the popular vitamins in a video posted this week to TikTok (stock image) Not only is there an increase in THC overdoses in children, but also in melatonin overdoses, the doctor shared. 'A lot of it is because they're not stored appropriately, and they look like candy and taste like candy,' Dr. Martin said. She also claimed that many gummy vitamins are made by taking a fruit snack and 'spraying' the vitamin on top. 'Unfortunately, when you throw that into a container with all these other sticky gummies, they kind of trade off these nutrients, so the dosing is very inconsistent,' the pediatric doctor explained. 'The entire supplement industry is unregulated, and when we've actually taken and tested these in a lab, the nutrients that they say they have on the bottle is often not what you're getting when you take these,' she continued. In addition, the doctor warned that taking gummy vitamins can pose a risk for cavities and dental decay. 'Kids, and honestly sometimes even adults, can't tell the difference between medicinal or supplemental gummies and candy gummies,' she said. 'And I know that's the whole idea, we're using it to our advantage to get kids to take them, but it is important to not refer to them as candy, they are medicine and we don't want kids to be getting into them thinking that they're candy.' 'Kids, and honestly sometimes even adults, can't tell the difference between medicinal or supplemental gummies and candy gummies,' she warned (stock image) She suggested parents store their THC gummies securely like they would any other medication - not just like 'candy in a cabinet.' In the comments section of her video, many moms and dads thanked her for the warning. 'Never thought about this! Thank you for talking about it,' one person wrote. Another applauded, 'I agree! There is nothing wrong with making medicine taste like medicine.' 'Thank you! I have been saying this for years! DON'T MAKE MEDICINE LOOK LIKE CANDY!' someone else typed. Disneyland Paris has unveiled new plans for a massive expansion to the beloved park that will be themed to a beloved franchise. Permits for a new area and ride dedicated to The Lion King have reportedly been approved this week. And the news has left thrilled Disney enthusiasts eagerly awaiting for the construction to start. Digital renderings and plans for the upcoming Lion King expansion at Disneyland Paris, which has been given the name Project Sun, have been shared on several Disney blogs. Rendered images show the new land, which includes an attraction, shop, and food vendors. As per DLP Works - which touts itself the 'premier source of Disneyland Paris' - construction permits for were submitted on April 14, and were approved by the authorities on August 14, 2025. According to blueprints shared by the site, the Parisian park's upcoming Lion King-themed land will occupy most of the left side of Adventure Bay, measuring roughly 100,000-square-feet in total. Disneyland Paris has unveiled new plans for a massive expansion to the beloved theme park that will be themed to a beloved franchise - the Lion King. A rendering for the new ride is seen Digital renderings and plans for the upcoming Lion King (seen) expansion at Disneyland Paris, which has been given the name Project Sun, have been shared on several Disney blogs Its the first time any Disney park in the world has opened an area dedicated to the much-loved Disney film. As per Disneyland Paris News, the new ride will center around the 'majestic Pride Rock,' a pivotal part of the 1994 animated classic. The ride will serve as the 'gateway' to an 'adventure-filled water attraction.' '[The ride will] plunge guests beneath the rock to follow Simba on his journey from cub to king, in a retelling of the story from the classic animated feature film,' the blog wrote. The Disney experts continued: 'When visiting this first-ever themed area, guests will be immersed in the world of The Lion King thanks to Disney character greetings, themed dining, and shopping opportunities, which promises an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.' The Daily Mail previously reported that the all-new attraction will blend a spectacular water experience with state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics technology, making guests feel like theyre in the heart of the Pride Lands, where Simba will await them for an unforgettable adventure complete with iconic songs from the 1994 masterpiece. Guests can then move to the caves beneath the 121-foot-high Pride Rock, taking them through iconic scenes from the beloved animated movie, navigating a path with three exciting slopes, including an impressive 52-foot-high descent. 'We are looking forward to launching the construction of this new immersive world inspired by The Lion King and its major attraction, which will mark another milestone for Disney Adventure World,' Michel Den Dulk, Vice President and Portfolio Executive Creative Director at Walt Disney Imagineering, previously said. As per DLP Works construction permits for were submitted on April 14, and were approved by the authorities on August 14, 2025. Disneyland Paris is seen In addition to Lion King, Disneyland Paris is also opening another immersive world next year - The World of Frozen. The construction on World of Frozen is seen 'The main attraction will showcase the key features of Disney experiences: loveable characters, an unforgettable soundtrack, immersive decor and effects, and exciting thrills thoughtfully delivered throughout the adventure.' Natacha Rafalski, President of Disneyland Paris, added: 'All of the Imagineers who work on this project have their hearts set on paying a vibrant homage to this timeless masterpiece by creating unforgettable memories for all our guests. 'As part of the 2 billion Euro investment plan announced in 2018, we continue to reinvent this park with a fresh creative vision. 'At the end of its expansion journey which includes the opening of Adventure Way, Adventure Bay, and World of Frozen in 2026, and later an immersive world themed to The Lion King well have reimagined more than 90 percent of the parks offerings since its debut in 2002, and roughly doubled its footprint to truly become a cant-miss experience!' In addition to Lion King, Disneyland Paris is also opening another immersive world next year - The World of Frozen, which will transform guests to the Kingdom of Arendelle and get the chance to meet Anna, Elsa, and Olaf. Disney recently unveiled images showing the finishing touches being made to the areas North Mountain, rising 118-feet above the ground. When Christian Lopez took his two daughters to see their favorite artist Olivia Rodrigo in concert, he never expected to be bawling in the audience. Most dads forced to sit through a Olivia show would zone out - being forced to spend two hours listening to pop music in a crowded and hot arena isn't really any man's idea of fun. But Christian, 51, found himself unexpectedly getting emotional during one segment of the show - when Olivia started singing about her insecurities. As hoards of young girls around him belted out the lyrics to a song about not feeling 'pretty enough,' Christian - the founder of a pickleball training company - couldn't help but tear up. His wife Leslie Lupton caught the tender moment on camera and shared it to TikTok where it recently viral, gaining more than 3.3 million views and turning Christian into a social media sensation practically over night. While chatting exclusively with the Daily Mail about it, the couple, from Carmel, Indiana, explained that while Christian had heard 'plenty' of Olivia's songs from their two daughters Zadie, 15, and Darien, 12, playing them in the car and around the house, he had never really paid attention to the lyrics before. But when he started to register to the powerful message in her hit Pretty Isnt Pretty during the concert, it struck a chord with the CEO. Christian Lopez became viral hero after he was caught on camera crying at Olivia Rodrigo concert over lyrics about girls' insecurities. He's seen here at the show with his daughters As hoards of young girls around him belted out the lyrics to Olivia's song about not feeling 'pretty enough,' Christian couldn't help but tear up. She's seen on stage at Lollapalooza Footage showed the businessman looking around at girls around him who were crying before he himself broke down in tears. 'Looking over and seeing our daughters, along with so many other girls, crying and singing every word [to that song], it really got to him,' Leslie shared of her husband's emotional reaction. 'In that moment, it hit him on such a deep level - both the meaning of the lyrics and the beauty of watching them connect to it so fully. 'Experiencing it live, the vibe in the crowd was electric, and the words just felt so powerful.' 'Bought a bunch of makeup, tryna cover up my face / I started to skip lunch, stopped eating cake on birthdays,' the lyrics read. 'I bought a new prescription to try and stay calm / 'Cause there's always something missing, there's always something in the mirror that I think looks wrong.' Leslie explained that they had gifted their daughter Zadie tickets to the Chicago music festival Lollapalooza for her birthday. The four-day-long event, which took place at the end of July, featured multiple artists, but Christian joined Leslie and Zadie with their younger daughter Darien for Olivia's set. His wife Leslie Lupton detailed the tender moment exclusively with the Daily Mail, explaining she and Christian were at Lollapalooza with their daughters Zadie, 15, and Darien, 12 'Looking over and seeing our daughters, along with so many other girls, crying and singing every word [to that song], it really got to him,' Leslie shared of her husband's reaction She said she 'never imaged' the video would get the reaction that it did, and vowed that Christian 'doesn't see himself as a hero' She said she 'never imaged' the video would get the reaction that it did, and vowed that Christian 'doesn't see himself as a hero.' 'I shared the video simply to capture a moment that felt so alive and full of emotion - watching their faces light up when Olivia took the stage was indescribable,' she gushed. 'They kept saying, "Every time I hear this song, Ill remember this exact moment!" As a parent, moments like that fill you with so much pride and love. 'You realize how deeply your daughters feel, how connected they are to the world around them, and its humbling and beautiful to see someone else recognize the intensity of that feeling too. 'And then seeing Christians face in that moment of realization - it was just incredible. 'He doesnt see himself as a hero - hes just a dad, and a man who loves supporting his girls and the women who surround them.' While Christian had heard 'plenty' of Olivia's songs from their two daughters playing them in the car and around the house, he had never really paid attention to the lyrics before They had gifted their daughter Zadie tickets to the Chicago music festival Lollapalooza for her birthday, and Christian brought their younger child for Olivia's set Leslie said it's been 'so moving' seeing how many people 'connected' with that moment. 'Its really about celebrating all those strong young women who were there, showing so much love, emotion, and strength,' she added. 'He was simply honored to be part of it alongside them.' In the end, the couple said they hope that people use the video as a lesson that 'we often don't know what others are experiencing or what will truly touch them.' 'Its a reminder to stay aware and compassionate,' they concluded. 'Empathy alone isnt enough - when we witness moments that move others, we have a responsibility to recognize the impact, and to create a world where those experiences and voices are valued, not dismissed.' It might be the most ordinary lunchtime snack in Australia - but for visitors and overseas foodies, it's nothing short of a revelation. Food content creator Nessa sparked a frenzy after sharing a TikTok where she describes sushi hand rolls 'Australian sushi' - and she's not the first to do so. 'This is what I like to call Australian sushi,' she said in her video. 'It's a sushi roll that is not cut up into pieces and you don't use chopsticks, you just use your hands. It comes with a little soy sauce fish packet which you just squeeze on. 'I love this because it's so convenient, portable, and also very cheap. I'm actually surprised that other countries don't have this.' In Australia, sushi hand rolls are a staple - sold at shopping centre kiosks, train stations and food courts for just a few dollars each. Unlike traditional sushi, they're designed to be eaten on the go, wrapped in seaweed and sealed at one end so they can be held just like a sandwich. While the concept isn't uniquely Australian - Japan has its own version known as ehomaki and similar rolls can be found in Hawaii and South Africa - Aussies have claimed it as a national favourite. Food content creator Nessa sparked a frenzy after sharing a TikTok where she describes sushi hand rolls 'Australian sushi' - and she's not the first to do so TikTok has been flooded with videos of foodies trying 'Australian-style sushi' for the first time 'I wouldn't say it's "Australian sushi" because there's a thing exactly the same in Japan called ehomaki, but yes - it's a popular type of sushi IN Australia,' one explained. Many Australian locals swear by the snack and have rituals for enjoying it each week. 'I hate going out of Australia because they don't have this,' one confessed. 'I push the soy sauce fish mouth into the sushi and inject it, not put it on top,' another said. However, the 'Australian sushi' has made its way overseas, with thousands flocking to try the 'incredible treat' from new stores in the UK and the US. TikTok has been flooded with videos of foodies trying it for the first time, with stores like Rolled in Manchester popping up and claiming to be the 'first Australian Sushi joint' in their local areas. Sushi Counter in New York's West Village has been another hit, with locals flocking to the little store and live streaming their very first bite of 'Australian-style sushi'. In Australia, sushi hand rolls are a staple - sold at shopping centre kiosks, train stations and food courts for just a few dollars each 'A prerequisite of being an Australian in NYC is requesting that we do a teriyaki chicken + avo roll,' they wrote earlier this week. It's believed the surge of stores emerged after Australians travelled internationally and couldn't find the sushi style anywhere. 'I went to Japan for the first time and couldn't believe it - I felt lied to, no one had our sushi there,' one joked. 'I've just been in Japan and the whole time I just wanted Aussie sushi. We're blessed,' another said. Whether you call them sushi rolls, hand rolls or 'Australian sushi', the simple snack has firmly cemented its place in the country's food culture - and Aussies abroad are leading the campaign to see them sold everywhere else. As one American fan summed it up: 'Give it to me now, I need to try this.' Weight-loss wonder jabs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy are helping to transform the lives and health of millions. But one in five users stop taking these drugs within a year, due to intolerable side-effects ranging from nausea and vomiting to gallstones and pancreatitis a serious infection of the pancreas. The majority then pile weight back on, as studies show at least 90 per cent of those who quit the jabs regain what they lost. But could a stick-on pad, that looks like a giant Band-Aid and is placed on the stomach for just a few hours, reduce the drop-out rate by enabling people on the drugs to ensure theyre taking the correct dose? The Gastric Alimetry pad is stuck on to a patients stomach to determine the precise rate at which it empties when theyre taking the drugs. Fat-busting jabs work in two ways they mimic the effects of a hormone called GLP-1, which tells the brain that the stomach is full. And they also slow down the rate at which the stomach empties, making us feel fuller for longer. Too high a dose of the drugs can slow the emptying process too far, leading to nausea, vomiting and constipation. One in five users of weight-loss wonder jabs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy stop taking them within a year, due to intolerable side-effects ranging from nausea and vomiting to gallstones and pancreatitis a serious infection of the pancreas In more severe cases, it can cause gastroparesis or stomach paralysis where the stomach muscles are weakened and food is not digested properly. The worst-case scenario here is that surgery is needed to insert a feeding tube to temporarily bypass the stomach, or to remove a mass of undigested food. However, too low a dose can mean the stomach empties too quickly for the drug to be effective. Weight-loss jabs are usually started at a dose of 0.25mg once a week, rising gradually to 2.4mg after around four months. But effects vary and working out the correct dose can be informed guesswork. In addition, there have been reports of websites selling pens (for self-injecting) containing either the wrong dose or no active ingredient at all. And its hoped the device, developed in New Zealand, could help doctors work out precisely what dose each patient needs. Packed with dozens of tiny electrodes, the high-tech pad carries out something called an electrogastrogram which measures the stomachs electrical activity (from stomach contractions) in much the same way as an electrocardiogram (ECG) tracks the hearts electrical signals. This enables medics to map a clearer picture of how the stomach is functioning. The normal rate for a healthy stomach to empty is two to four hours but studies suggest that this can be much slower in patients taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. Could a stick-on pad, that looks like a giant Band-Aid and is placed on the stomach for just a few hours, reduce the weight-loss jab drop-out rate by enabling people on the drugs to ensure theyre taking the correct dose? After four hours, most patients stomachs are still 30 per cent full. The Gastric Alimetry pad is connected to a small electronic box or reader, which is paired with an app on an iPad. Patients fast for at least six hours beforehand to ensure an empty stomach, then consume a cereal bar. The device monitors electrical activity over four hours as the food passes through the stomach. The device, designed as a non-invasive alternative to endoscopes (where a camera is passed down the throat attached to a tiny tube), is already being used in some private clinics to assess patients with conditions such as acid reflux. A trial is also under way at University College London involving NHS patients with chronic stomach symptoms who have not been helped by previous treatments. Meanwhile, a study by scientists from the University of Auckland in New Zealand backs the idea it could be used to help people on GLP-1s. The researchers, whose work was published in the journal Gastroenterology in May, used the pad to measure stomach function in 20 healthy volunteers whod been given different doses of the drugs. In 15 per cent of cases it detected that the drugs had trigged gastric dysrhythmia - when the stomachs pulses become chaotic - causing a range of symptoms including nausea, early fullness and sometimes vomiting. Dr Rehan Haidry, a gastroenterologist at the Cleveland Clinic in London, says that the Gastric Alimetry pad gives doctors the ability to measure actual stomach function reliably something an endoscopy, which offers a visual examination of the food pipe for instance, cannot. He told Good Health: This device will find the ideal point at which the stomach is slowly emptying but not so slow that it causes the side-effects. Professor Anthony Hobson, a gastrointestinal clinical scientist at the private Functional Gut Clinic in London, agrees: Rather than people giving up on these jabs, this technology could find the sweet spot so they would still have the weight loss but not endure some unpleasant side-effects. It is, however, not cheap. For patients who want to undergo the test privately, it costs 1,875 and Professor Hobson admits that only the patients with the highest medical needs and worst side-effects might choose this approach. And new ways to avoid side-effects when taking weight-loss jabs are being investigated. A study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2022 found eating foods such as crackers, apples or mint might help those suffering with nausea. Meanwhile, research published in the journal Obesity Pillars in May this year also found that acupressure wristbands, normally worn to ease travel and morning sickness, could alleviate nausea symptoms in people taking GLP-1s. In a group of 31 people who were taking the weight-loss jabs and suffering from nausea, it led to an 80 per cent reduction in the severity of their nausea. Its thought pressure on certain nerve pathways in the wrist calms the nervous system and regulates stomach muscle function. An Australian home birth 'guru' has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a baby she helped deliver at a home birth. Oyebola Coxon, a privately practising midwife who also advocates 'natural', at home births to her 40,000 social media followers, had attended a home in Wallsend, New South Wales, to assist a woman last October. But the 36-year-old allegedly ignored signs of complications during the birth and the mother's pleas to attend hospital, instead leaving her in labour for two days. After the woman was then taken John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, the baby boy was delivered by emergency cesarean. However, police said the mother and newborn both suffered significant medical complications and the baby died eight days after the attempted home birth. The Italian-born influencer midwife, has long posted on Instagram under the profile Mamma Informata to promote 'positive births' and has warned women to resist doctors' advice. In other videos she has encouraged women to give birth at homeeven in high-risk casesand alleged that gestational diabetes does not exist and blood tests and ultrasounds are unnecessary. Ms Coxon has also sold paid online courses targeted at expectant mothers 'on preparing for childbirth and breastfeeding'. Oyebola Coxon, a privately practising midwife who also advocates 'natural', at home births to her 40,000 social media followers, had attended a home in Wallsend, New South Wales , to assist a woman last October But the 36-year-old allegedly ignored signs of complications during the birth and the mother's pleas to attend hospital, instead leaving her in labour for two days But following a police investigation into the death of the newborn, Ms Coxon was arrrested and taken into custody in Wallsend, New South Wales, on August 14. She was charged with manslaughter and grievous bodily harm, New South Wales Police Force said. The midwife was granted bail after appearing in court. Her bail conditions include that she must not act, practise or educate any person relating to any birth or pregnancy. The trial is due to begin at Newcastle Crown Court on October 15. Her arrest has also triggered outrage online over the lack of safeguards in publishing potentially dangerous health advice and misinformation on social media. Around one in 50 women in England and Wales give birth at home, according to the NHS. In the US, almost 50,000 births took place outside of hospital in 2023, according to an analysis published in the Journal of Perinatal Medicine. following a police investigation into the death of the newborn, Ms Coxon was arrrested and taken into custody in Wallsend, New South Wales, on August 14. She was charged with manslaughter and grievous bodily harm, New South Wales Police Force said Home births are controversial due to the lack of specialised care at hand if something goes seriously wrong. Research suggests women who set out to give birth at home but end up going to hospital are less at risk of 'obstetric interventions', such as forceps. However, this 'may come at the expense of neonatal wellbeing'. Last year, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) also said: 'Home births, supported by a midwife, may be suitable for healthy, low-risk women who are having a second or subsequent child and have had a straightforward pregnancy. 'However, for women having their first baby, evidence shows a home birth slightly increases the risk of a poor outcome for the baby. 'Some degree of anxiety about giving birth is common in many expectant mothers. 'Women should be given the opportunity to address their fears and past traumas via open discussions with their midwife or obstetrician.' But in 2019, one Canadian study concluded home births may be as safe as delivering a baby in hospital for low-risk pregnancies. Scientists from McMaster University analysed data from around a million births from 14 studies to compare the dangers of different birth locations. They found that among women in countries with 'well integrated health services', the risk of their baby dying as a newborn or within four weeks was eight per cent higher than if they had been born in hospital. Although the odds are greater, the researchers claimed they are neither statistically nor clinically significant. Countries that were considered to have 'well integrated healthcare' were England, the US, the Netherlands, Iceland, Canada and New Zealand. However, the risk of infant mortality skyrocketed to more than three times in nations with 'less integrated settings'. The researchers defined these as Norway, Sweden, Japan and Australia. Twenty five people have been infected and two have died following an outbreak of listeria linked to soft cheese supplied by a French manufacturer. Whilst France has seen the highest number of cases, after 21 people became seriously unwell, European health officials have warned the disease could have spread to the UK. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) suspect pasteurised soft cow's and goat's milk cheeses supplied by a company called Chavegrand to be the source of the outbreak of the diarrhoea-causing bug. Chavegrand have now recalled all batches of cheese produced before 23 June 2025, but warns that the product was sold under different commercial brands. The affected dairy products can be identified by the health mark FR 23.117.001. Health officials have warned that the potentially contaminated products could have been distributed to around 30 countries including Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK. The ECDC have confirmed 21 cases in France alone, including two deaths, between December 2024 and June 2025. The majority of these cases have occurred since June this year. The ECDC suspect the outbreak was spread via contaminated dairy products supplied by one French manufacturer Patients who were infected said they had eaten pasteurised goat's or cow's milk cheese before becoming sick The patients, 11 of which were women, were between 34 and 95, according to the health watchdog. Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway have also recorded four confirmed cases between April and July this year. Patients from Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands all reported eating pasteurized soft cheese before becoming unwell. Health officials, led by Sante Publique France and the National Listeria Reference Centre of Instiuit Pasteur, are still probing the outbreak to determine whether any other sources could be to blame. The ECDC have assured members of the public that the contamination of pasteurized soft cheese is a rare event, and is unlikely to harm people who are fit and healthy. 'For the population in good general health status, the overall risk is estimated to be very low,' it stated. 'Given the long incubation time of listeriosis more vulnerable people such as pregnant women, elderly people and people with immune deficiency or underlying health conditions should pay attention to signs like fever or severe headache and seek medical advice without delay'. Listeriosis is a serious infection usually caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium listeria monocytogenes. Those who eat food containing listeria develop an infection called listeriosis, which can cause a fever, aches and pains, chills, nausea, sickness and diarrhoea Produce contaminated with the bacterium may not look or smell spoiled, but can still cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. As such, the ECDC advises anyone who has eaten cheese and developed symptoms to contact their GP and tell them about the possible listeria exposure. In most cases, listeria poisoning is similar to the flu, with common symptoms including high temperature, muscles aches and pains, chills, nausea and vomiting. Usually symptoms improve after a few days. However, listeriosis poses a particular threat to the elderly, pregnant women and babies. In rarer cases the infection can be more severe, causing life-threatening complications such as meningitis. Many foods can harbour the harmful bacteria, but it is usually found in unpasteurised milk, soft cheeses and ready-to-eat foods, such as pre-packed salads and sandwiches. Listeria is also widespread in the environment and can be found in raw food and soil, and in the droppings of many mammals, birds and fish. According to the latest UKHSA data, a total of 179 cases of listeriosis were reported in England and Wales in 2024. Some 28 deaths were recorded, among non-pregnancy associated cases, of which 9 had listeriosis recorded as a cause of death on the death certificate. In England, London has the highest levels of infection. Seven outbreaks in total were investigated including a national wave linked to various food products including smoked fish, chocolate and strawberry mousse and pre-packed sandwiches. Meanwhile in the US, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that around 1,600 people get listeriosis each year. When US President Donald Trump suggested during the pandemic that injecting people with disinfectant might treat the Covid-19 virus, he was widely ridiculed but could there actually be some merit in the idea? His remarks during a live press conference in 2020 followed reports that, in lab tests, disinfectant had destroyed Covid-19 virus particles on a hard surface in less than a minute. No scientists, however, had suggested injecting it into humans. Fast forward five years and NHS researchers are running trials to see whether hydrogen peroxide, the main ingredient in disinfectant, could hold the secret to transforming breast cancer treatment for thousands of women. Elsewhere, it is being tested to improve the treatment of other cancers and it is also thought to offer hope as a way to help chronic wounds heal. A colourless liquid with a slightly sharp odour, hydrogen peroxide occurs naturally in tiny amounts in human tissue (as a by-product of cells burning energy) and is also found in plants, bacteria, the air and water. Its been mass-produced for more than 100 years for use in everything from rocket fuel to hair dye, medicines and disinfectant Domestos multi-purpose disinfectant wipes are made with it, for example. The UK Health Security Agency warns that, in high doses, it can cause abdominal pain, foaming at the mouth, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, loss of consciousness and in severe cases death. Yet a clinical trial at The Institute of Cancer Research in London is investigating whether injecting small amounts into breast tumours could boost the effectiveness of radiotherapy treatment. NHS researchers are running trials to see whether hydrogen peroxide could hold the secret to transforming breast cancer treatment for thousands of women More than 37,000 British women undergo radiotherapy for breast cancer each year. The treatment is intended to kill off any lingering cells after a tumour has been surgically removed. Although its effective, scientists are constantly looking for ways to get the same benefits from fewer sessions or lower doses reducing patients risk of common side-effects such as red or peeling skin (around the treatment area), fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Breast cancer radiotherapy can also lead to heart damage and, in rare cases, raise the risk of developing other cancers later on. The trial, involving more than 180 patients at five different NHS hospitals, is examining whether injecting a slow-release hydrogen peroxide gel will lead to the radiotherapy killing more cancer cells. The idea is that hydrogen peroxide increases the levels of oxygen in cancer cells, making them more likely to respond to radiotherapy. We know that cancer cells generally have low levels of oxygen in them, says Dr Navita Somaiah, a consultant oncologist at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London, who is leading the study. This is thought to be because tumours often grow at a faster rate than the blood vessels they need to supply them with oxygen. And this makes them resistant to radiotherapy, as it requires good oxygen levels in cancer cells to enhance its effectiveness. Dr Navita Somaiah, a consultant oncologist at The Royal Marsden Hospital in London, who is leading the study This happens through a process called oxygen fixation where the damage to a cancer cells DNA from radiotherapy gets fixed into place by the oxygen, making it much harder for the rogue cell to repair itself. Dr Somaiah told Good Health: When we inject the hydrogen peroxide gel into the tumour, it breaks down into water and oxygen and this increase in oxygen makes cancer cells less resistant to the radiotherapy. Half of the trials recruits are getting radiotherapy alone the rest will have a disinfectant gel jab (directly into the tumour site under local anaesthetic) an hour before each treatment session. Early trial results, involving a dozen volunteers with inoperable breast cancer, found that the treatment is safe (the gel contains a diluted form of hydrogen peroxide thats six times weaker than levels used in disinfectant) and effective, improving the tumour-shrinking effects of radiotherapy. And its cheap to make hydrogen peroxide costs as little as 3 a litre. Dr Somaiah says that, in principle, the disinfectant therapy could also work on other solid tumours treated with radiotherapy trials in cervical cancer and head and neck cancer are also in the pipeline. Theres nothing specific about breast tumours except that they are easy to access for the injections, she told Good Health. But this treatment has the potential to be applied to other solid tumours as well. Meanwhile, researchers at London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute in Ontario, Canada, are testing whether a hydrogen peroxide cream rubbed on the skin will cure common skin tumours such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Around 180,000 people a year in the UK are diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma, and 25,000 or so with squamous cell carcinoma. They often appear on the face and head (because of too much sun exposure) and, although they are not as aggressive as malignant melanoma (a type skin cancer that can spread elsewhere and may prove fatal), they can cause scarring and disfigurement if not surgically removed. The study in Canada, involving 51 patients, is based on earlier lab studies suggesting hydrogen peroxide cream can reduce tumour size and even banish them completely in about half of cases. Results are expected in the next year. And scientists at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in the US are working on an electric bandage that can pump small amounts of hydrogen peroxide into hard-to-treat wounds, helping them heal. The study, involving 51 patients, is based on earlier lab studies suggesting hydrogen peroxide cream can reduce tumour size and even banish them completely in about half of cases Its thought that this constant flow of the chemical stops the formation of bacterial biofilms layers of bacteria that slow the healing process in the wound. Results are not expected until 2029 but, if successful, this could be a significant medical breakthrough more than 180 diabetes patients a week in the UK undergo lower limb amputations because of wounds that dont heal. Its not just as a treatment that the disinfectant is helping medicine. A Cambridge-based tech firm, Exhalation Technology, has developed a hair dryer-shaped device that detects tiny traces of hydrogen peroxide in the breath of patients to see if they have a serious lung condition called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Affecting more than three million people in the UK, COPD is a condition where the airways become so inflamed that its hard to breathe. Smoking is a major risk factor and many sufferers end up having to wheel an oxygen cylinder around with them everywhere they go. COPD is diagnosed through a combination of a patients clinical history, physical examination and lung function tests but it can take five years or more to get a diagnosis, as its often misdiagnosed as asthma because symptoms are very similar. The new gadget, called Inflammacheck, could detect COPD much sooner allowing patients to benefit more from drugs such as inhaled steroids to open up the airways. It has sensors that can detect the presence of hydrogen peroxide in breath samples COPD sufferers have higher levels because its a by-product of inflammation in the lungs. The results are displayed on the device in a matter of minutes, whereas lab tests can take 24 hours or more. The phrase zen hens conjures up images of brides-to-be pampering themselves, pre-wedding, in a spa surrounded by friends. In fact it refers to a yoga class where hens of the feathered, egg-laying variety run around clucking as participants go into a downward dog, warrior pose or cat stretch. Sometimes the hens perch on the yogis bodies, but mostly they are simply a soothing presence and the source of their own distinctive soundtrack. The health benefits of yoga are well known and yoga with dogs, goats, puppies, cats and even mini pigs is nothing new. But now it is the turn of chickens. You may be wondering, why? Chicken yoga began in the US where it is known as Clucksana just after the pandemic using silkie hens, which are known for their calm nature. The idea was that the presence of chickens would add to the soothing benefits of yoga especially at a time when human contact had been in short supply for many. Merry Counsell performs Hen Yoga at Zen Hens in Malton, North Yorkshire Interaction with chickens, it turns out, is strongly associated with improved mental wellbeing. Highly vocal, chickens can make up to 20 different sounds, encouraging us, in turn, to communicate back with them. Their happy, sociable nature is also recognised as having a calming influence on strung-out humans. Soon chicken yoga was being dubbed the newest trend in stress relief by the Yoga Journal and now it has come to the UK. Former farmer Thalia Rochelle Counsell, founder of Zen Hens, is among those running chicken yoga classes and she has been staggered by their popularity since she launched hers in Malton, North Yorkshire, three months ago. My hens are small and fuzzy looking people who come to classes spend the first 15 minutes playing with them, which calms them and the hens, she says. For the next 40 minutes they do yoga led by a trained teacher, with the hens scratching around in the same room. I put nappies on all the birds before the class to avoid mess. Interaction with chickens, it turns out, is strongly associated with improved mental wellbeing Everyone gets a shot glass of chicken feed if they want to draw a hen to their mat. Sometimes they sit on the persons shoulder or arm, but theyre not allowed on heads as most people dont like their scalp being scratched. Thalia, whose daughter Merry, 28, is also involved in Zen Hens, says people are soothed by her bantam hens gentle clucking and those with mental health issues reap the most benefit. They feel special when the hens choose them to sit with, she says. People with special needs also respond well, as they have to remain calm for the birds, and this helps them to manage their emotions. Studies have shown the benefits of yoga extend beyond improved flexibility to better bone strength and improved joint pain and research, including one study in the Journal of Alzheimers Disease in 2023, suggests it may help with memory, too. There may also be benefits for the heart, with research establishing that it can help cut raised blood pressure. For example, in a 2023 study published in Harvard Health Publishing, 60 people with high blood pressure were assigned a three-month aerobic exercise regimen. Those who did 15 minutes of yoga at the end of each session lowered their blood pressure by significantly more than those who did standard cool-down stretches. Another study found that yoga can lower excessive blood sugar levels in some people with diabetes, reducing their reliance on medication. Clare Thomas-Pino, a lecturer in human-animal interaction at Hartpury University in Gloucestershire says she has reservations about the use of chickens in yoga classes not least because they can carry diseases which humans can pick up. However, she says it is true that being around animals, including chickens, has the potential to bring benefits. As a former chicken owner, I know that they are amazing, vastly under-rated creatures. I think chickens are a novel way to get people involved in yoga, and that people might be less likely to quit classes after say an initial burst of enthusiasm in January if chickens are part of it. Just being around chickens or other animals, she says, can have significant calming benefits. Animals have long been known to have therapeutic benefits for humans. The first known reference to animals being used in this way was in 1792, when rabbits and poultry were employed to relax visitors to a Quaker Retreat in York. Florence Nightingale reportedly noted that having animals on the ward calmed patients with psychiatric problems. And theres a reason for that. Interacting with animals releases feel-good hormones such as serotonin. Research suggests it can also reduce loneliness, lower blood pressure and may help with anxiety. A 2011 study by the University of Skovde in Sweden found that dog owners levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) decreased after petting their animals and their heart rates also reduced significantly. Animal visits from therapy dogs to horses and donkeys in hospitals and care homes are becoming more common, and chickens are being added to the mix here, too. A project based in Newcastle called Equal Arts operates HenPower, which involves taking hens into care homes while encouraging those living independently to keep hens. Equal Arts says that hens can promote health and wellbeing, reduce loneliness and increase zest for life. Animal visits from therapy dogs to horses and donkeys in hospitals and care homes are becoming more common, and chickens are being added to the mix here, too Dr Roger Mugford, an animal behaviour expert who lives and farms in Surrey, says: Chickens are a very calming influence. I talk to mine, and they make such wonderful sounds. Chickens are always happy, or at least they appear to be. When they have laid, they make a special call to spread the news, and when they find a delicious new insect they want to share their joy, so anyone in their orbit will hear another happy sound. Chickens treat humans as family. We are their food source so lets not get too romantic about it, but they do like us. They want to be around us and engage with us. There is a particular kind of Bantam hen called a Barnevelder, which are bred to be cute and fluffy, but also to be human-oriented and calm, so ideal for chicken yoga. My only warning would be never to let them near your face because they could peck your eyes. Chicken yoga is, however, not for everyone: anyone with a bird phobia or allergy, for instance, wont experience the benefit. According to The Countryside Alliance, a campaigning body that promotes rural life, chicken yoga could also become more widely available as farmers seek to diversify their livelihoods. The Alliances external affairs officer Johnnie Furse says: Pairing yoga with the soft feathers and gentle clucking of hens is doubtless a soothing experience. We hope schemes like these will help family farms weather the current storm. But animal behaviour experts have some concerns. A study published last month by the National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment in France, which assessed the impact of human contact on chickens, found that although chickens were calmer around humans, their empathetic natures meant they could also be distressed by spending time with upset people. And Anne McBride, a companion animal expert and lecturer at Southampton University, is cautious about the therapy use. She told Good Health: People think its good for us, and perhaps it is, but how good are we to them [animals]? Putting nappies on chickens for yoga sessions is protecting our concerns, not the animals welfare. New York has recorded a fifth death in a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires' disease - a lung infection spread by toxic water vapor - sparking fears of more victims across the city. The city announced Monday that, since an outbreak in late July, 108 people have been infected with Legionnaire's disease, a type of pneumonia that spreads through bacteria lurking in warm later. Legionnaire's disease mimics the flu before progressing to pneumonia, with patients suffering symptoms such as high fever, breathing trouble, and even mental confusion. This is up from 99 cases last week, a nine percent increase. Hospitalizations are down from 17 to 14. Legionnaires' disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which thrive in warm water and can become airborne when water turns to steam. While the disease can also be spread by air conditioners, New York officials said they are not the source of the current outbreak. Legionnaires' is most severe in older people, smokers and those with chronic lung diseases. All cases and deaths have been reported in five ZIP codes covering the Harlem, East Harlem and Morningside Heights neighborhoods. The New York City Health Department said Monday that the newly-reported death had been 'under investigation for some time and our team was able to confirm this death as part of the cluster today.' The announcement came after the last of 12 cooling towers that had tested positive for Legionella was treated and disinfected on Friday. Mayor Eric Adams revealed last week that the buildings with affected cooling towers included a Harlem hospital and a building housing a Whole Foods grocery store. Air conditioning units are seen in the Harlem neighborhood amid a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City Officials also said that while the number of infections is still rising, the rate of new reported cases each week since the outbreak has started to slow, suggesting the bacteria has been contained. No information has been released about those who have died or been hospitalized. Infected patients initially suffer a headache, muscle aches, and fever that may be 104 Fahrenheit (40 Celsius) or higher. Dr Omer Awan, a medical professor at the University of Maryland with a specialization in epidemiology, told the Daily Mail: 'Legionnaires' disease can appear and present similar to the common flu but can be serious and result in pneumonia, or infection of the lung. 'Patients with the disease can have high fever, cough, body aches, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting and sometimes altered mental state.' In serious cases, patients can develop severe pneumonia, and the bacteria can spread to the heart and blood, causing the potentially fatal complication sepsis. Patients die from the disease due to lung failure, septic shock, a sudden severe drop in blood flow to vital organs, or acute kidney failure. Legionnaires' affects 8,000 to 10,000 Americans every year and kills about 1,000. Cooling towers and air conditioning units are seen in the Harlem neighborhood amid a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in New York City The five ZIP codes affected in the outbreak are: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039. Dr Micheal Genovese, chief medical advisor at AscendantNY in New York City, told the Daily Mail: 'The high risk groups for Legionnaires' disease include older adults (over 50) due to the natural immune decline that comes with age, people with a chronic lung condition due to the inability to effectively clear the bacteria from the lungs, smokers due to the damages to cilia in the lungs that normally sweep out bacteria and mucus, and individuals who are immunocompromised due to their weakened immune response.' Doctors can treat the disease using antibiotics, but they warn that treatment is most effective in the early stages before the infection has spread in the body. Patients are often hospitalized. In milder cases, patients may also suffer from Pontiac fever, a condition causing fever, chills, headache and muscle aches that occurs when the bacteria do not infect the lungs. This condition goes away on its own without treatment and causes no further problems, doctors say. Dr Genovese added: 'Someone should seek medical attention if they experience any trouble breathing, chest pain, or mental confusion. Any high-risk individual who experiences any symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.' And Dr Awan said, similarly: 'If you live in NYC and have flu-like symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately and go to an urgent care clinic or a hospital. 'Early treatment with antibiotics is key, and evaluation at a healthcare facility will typically involve getting a chest x-ray and an urine or sputum test to confirm Legionnaires' disease.' The graph produced by the city health department does not include the most recent days due to standard reporting delays. All cases and deaths have been reported in five ZIP codes covering the Harlem, East Harlem and Morningside Heights neighborhoods The New York City outbreak was first revealed on July 22, when the health department reported eight cases. It follows a previous outbreak in July 2015 in the Bronx, which became the second-largest Legionnaires' disease outbreak in the US. Overall, a total of 155 patients were infected and 17 people died due to the disease from July to September that year. The outbreak was eventually linked back to a cooling tower at the Opera House Hotel in the South Bronx, which had been contaminated with the bacteria and was releasing it in water vapor. Dr Genovese told New Yorkers living near affected areas: 'Be alert for symptoms and tell the medical provider about the outbreak so they can test for Legionella. Avoid standing directly in mists or sprays from cooling towers, A/C vents, decorative fountains, or outdoor water systems in the affected areas. 'Avoid public hot tubs and spas. Don't smoke and keep your immune system strong with adequate sleep, hydration, and nutrition.' However, doctors also urged more action from city authorities. Dr David Dyjack, executive director for the National Environmental Health Association, told the Daily Mail: 'Individuals cannot completely eliminate the risk themselves. Prevention depends largely on building owners maintaining cooling towers and water systems. 'What residents can do is be vigilant for symptoms and act quickly if they develop signs of illness.' New Jersey health officials reported what could be the first locally acquired case of a deadly mosquito-borne illness in the state in 34 years. Authorities are working to confirm if a malaria case in a Morris County resident, who has not traveled internationally, was contracted in the US. The concern surrounding the New Jersey case stems from the fear that the conditions for local transmission, an infected person, a local mosquito capable of carrying the parasite, and a susceptible public, may be converging to pose a potentially serious public health problem. Malaria is caused by a parasite endemic to tropical and subtropical regions globally, including parts of Africa, South Asia, and South America, and is transmitted through bites from Anopheles mosquitoes. Transmission from mosquitoes to people is a greater public health threat in those regions with warm, humid climates. However, rising temperatures across the US are creating more suitable environments for mosquitoes to thrive, increasing the potential for disease transmission. The New Jersey case indicates that infected mosquitoes are circulating locally. While the overall risk remains low, it is no longer zero. Public health officials are containing the threat, but personal precautions such as bug spray are increasingly necessary. A local malaria outbreak requires a specific sequence of events where a mosquito serves as the bridge between an infected traveler and a new, local person. The traveler likely recently arrived in New Jersey from a country where the parasite is endemic, carrying it into the US, where they were bitten by a local anopheles mosquito that then bit a Morris County resident. Malaria is caused by a parasite carried by the anopheles mosquito found in tropical and subtropical regions like Africa, South Asia, and South America (stock) Your browser does not support iframes. Each year, the US records roughly 2,000 travel-related malaria cases, resulting in five to 10 deaths. In New Jersey, about 100 such cases are diagnosed annually from returning travelers who were bitten by a mosquito that carried the parasite. If caught early, malaria can be cured with medication, but it can turn deadly very quickly if left untreated with antimalarial drugs. A 24-hour delay can increase the risk of death by one to five times. The unnamed Morris County, New Jersey resident had not traveled recently, but could have been bitten by a local Anopheles mosquito that picked up the malaria-causing parasite. Malaria spreads exclusively through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. It is impossible to catch it from another person through everyday contact, such as touching or sharing food. Acting New Jersey Health Commissioner Jeff Brown said: While risk to the general public is low, its important to take the necessary precautions to prevent locally acquired malaria in New Jersey. The most effective ways are to prevent mosquito bites in the first place and to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of malaria in returning travelers. Locally acquired malaria is exceedingly rare. In 2024, Florida officials confirmed seven cases of malaria in Sarasota, the first in 20 years, most likely due to the presence of Anopheles mosquitoes and the reintroduction of the disease by travelers. And in 2023, a Texas resident who worked outdoors in Cameron County was diagnosed with malaria, the first locally acquired case there since 1994. That same year, a case of malaria was confirmed in Arkansas, and it was the first locally acquired case in the state in at least 40 years. Severe malaria, particularly cerebral malaria, is almost universally fatal without treatment. Even with proper medical intervention, the disease carries a significant mortality risk of 15 to 20 percent (stock) Malaria causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue, appearing seven to 30 days after exposure. While curable with prescription drugs, it is fatal without prompt diagnosis and treatment. Even with treatment, mortality rates remain high, between 15 percent and 20 percent. It is a potentially fatal illness, especially for high-risk individuals, including young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with a weakened immune system or no spleen. Caused primarily by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, most common in Africa, malaria can lead to severe complications within hours of the first symptoms. Malaria causes severe illness by destroying red blood cells, a process that can rapidly deplete their numbers and lead to life-threatening anemia. A critical lack of oxygen-carrying cells prevents the body's muscles and organs from functioning properly, resulting in feelings of intense drowsiness, weakness, and faintness. A major killer of children under five in places where malaria is endemic is severe malarial anemia, which frequently demands blood transfusions. The complication drove an estimated 627,000 worldwide malaria deaths in 2020, primarily affecting young children in West Africa. Malaria is caused by a parasite endemic to tropical and subtropical regions globally, including parts of Africa, South Asia , and South America Malaria can also cause severe neurological problems, most commonly cerebral malaria, as a result of infected red blood cells becoming sticky and clogging tiny blood vessels in the brain, blocking oxygen delivery. At the same time, the body's intense immune response damages the protective blood-brain barrier, causing it to leak fluid and leading to brain swelling. Beyond cerebral malaria, the illness can also trigger a range of other neurological complications, even after the initial infection has cleared, including Guillain-Barre syndrome, cerebellar ataxia, and a post-malaria neurological syndrome that can involve confusion, seizures, or psychosis. The CDC has dubbed the mosquito the world's deadliest animal. They spread an array of deadly diseases in addition to malaria, including dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya and lymphatic filariasis, a parasitic infection in which adult worms live and reproduce in the lymphatic system. Their capacity to transmit a wide array of devastating illnesses, such as malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya, results in millions of global deaths every year. Conservative journalist Brian Glenn had an hilarious exchange with Volodymyr Zelensky after the Ukrainian president chose to wear a suit to his latest meeting with Donald Trump. Glenn, who is currently dating Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, made headlines of his own during the already shocking Trump-Zelensky confrontation in the Oval Office back in February. A correspondent for Real America's Voice, Glenn scolded Zelensky for failing to wear a suit during their meeting in February. This time, however, the two engaged in playful banter after Zelensky attended in an all-black ensemble, with the president even getting a zinger in at Glenn. 'President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit,' Glenn noted. Trump added: 'I said the same thing. This is the one that attacked you last time, you remember that?' 'I remember,' Zelensky replied. Glenn said: 'I apologize to you, you look wonderful.' Conservative journalist Brian Glenn (pictured) had an hilarious exchange with Volodymyr Zelensky after the Ukrainian president chose to wear a suit to his latest meeting with Donald Trump A correspondent for the conservative Real America's Voice, Glenn scolded Zelensky (pictured left) for failing to wear a suit during their meeting in February. This time, however, the two engaged in playful banter after Zelensky attended in an all-black ensemble, with the president even getting a zinger in at Glenn In a far more light-hearted encounter than their previous meeting, Zelensky noticed how Glenn was wearing a similar outfit to the last time the two met. 'But you are in the same suit,' Zelensky shot back. 'You see, I changed you [did] not.' The reply was followed by laughter from fellow members of the press, before Glenn replied: 'Maybe yours is much better than mine.' Glenn and Zelensky were just coming off the reporter discussing how safe the president had made Washington DC via federal intervention, noting: 'If I can walk around with MTG and not be attacked, this city is safe.' In February, Trump memorably pointed out that Zelensky was 'all dressed up today' when he arrived for a meeting with the president in the Oval Office wearing a black military-style sweat shirt with an Ukrainian trident logo. That was the first of many tensions at the meeting that famously blew up as Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky for his behavior toward Trump his failure to properly thank the American people for their support. Zelensky was asked point-blank about his attire by Glenn in February. 'Why don't you wear a suit?' Glenn asked. 'You're at the highest level in this country's office, and you refuse to wear a suit.' Zelensky replied to Glenn that after the war in his country. was over, 'maybe something like yours, maybe something better, maybe something cheaper.' Trump immediately tried to soften tensions in the room at the time. In February, when Zelensky traveled to the White House, he did not wear a suit, something Glenn asked the leader about at the time 'I do like your clothing by the way,' Trump said. 'I don't know if you two like each other, but I think he is dressed beautifully.' But after the Oval Office meeting descended into chaos, Zelensky was asked to leave the White House and the followup lunch and press conference was canceled. On Monday, Greene praised her boyfriend for questioning Zelensky's outfit after the Oval Office event. 'I'd like to recognize [Brian Glenn] for his success in upholding the proper White House wardrobe attire,' MTG posted on X. 'If Brian had never asked Zelenskyy the question, 'why don't you wear a suit, do you own a suit?' I'm not sure he would have ever worn one to visit our great and respected President!' Whether it was the attire or anything else, the meeting appears to have been a success, as Trump revealed plans for a historic showdown between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin after a 40-minute phone call with the Russian leader. The comments came after European leaders joined a last minute meeting at the White House that followed Trump's Alaska summit with Putin and a February Oval Office showdown between Trump and Zelenksy that descended into chaos. The president said on social media Monday that he and Putin discussed plans for a summit between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, at a location to be determined. On Monday, Greene (pictured right) praised her boyfriend (pictured left) for questioning Zelensky's outfit after the Oval Office event Following that diplomatic showdown, Trump said he will then sit down with both leaders in an attempt to make peace in the war torn country. 'This was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years,' he said. Zelensky responded by saying 'we are ready' for any leader-level meetings while speaking to reporters after the White House. He said it's the only way to solve these 'complicated and painful issues.' The Ukrainian leader was reluctant to set conditions for the meeting, regarding a potential ceasefire or other matters, to prevent Russia from making their own demands, potentially jeopardizing those talks. 'That's why I believe that we must meet without any conditions,' he told reporters. Zelensky said Trump showed him a map of the Ukraine front lines in the Oval Office and they got into a little debate about territories it showed. But they didn't argue, he said. 'We had a truly warm, good and substantial conversation,' Zelensky said. No date has been set for him and Putin to meet, he said, though German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said afterward that Trump and Putin agreed there will be a meeting 'within the next two weeks.' Trump revealed that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine. One of Donald Trumps most outspoken critics over his handling of the Russia-Ukraine war completely changed his tune after Mondays meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump met with a delegation of European leaders and Zelensky in the Oval Office throughout Monday following his Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following Trumps Alaska summit last week, Barack Obamas US ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, criticized the commander-in-chief for providing no details regarding talks with the Russian leader. However, McFaul changed his tune following the White House summit by calling the meeting very positive in an interview with NBC News. Whoever had the idea to bring all these European leaders together in addition to President Zelensky, that was a brilliant, brilliant idea, McFaul said. And having it come so quickly after Alaska was also very important, because now theyve changed the talking points here. McFaul noted, Just in this meeting alone, theyve walked back some of the positions that the president was echoing when he met with President Putin. Trump is expected to have a trilateral meeting with Putin and Zelensky after the two leaders meet by themselves in the coming weeks. Trump's meeting with Zelensky and European leaders is being widely celebrated by pundits McFaul is pleased that security guarantees for Ukraine was discussed by Trump and European leaders Trump has previously dismissed the idea of needing an immediate ceasefire for the peace talks to continue The former US ambassador celebrated the fact that theyre talking about a ceasefire again adding that it was very positive progress. Theres no logic I want to underscore this this idea that a ceasefire gets in the way of negotiations. Thats not historically true, McFaul continued. And why should people continue to die while theyre negotiating? So, Im glad thats back on the table. During the multilateral White House meeting with European leaders, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz insisted that an immediate ceasefire is necessary, while Trump has previously dismissed the notion. Moreover, McFaul praised this White House for setting the details for security guarantees for Ukraine. That is major progress with American assistance I, myself, would like NATO guarantees rather than NATO-like guarantees, McFaul said. Zelensky and Putin are expected to have a meeting in the coming weeks to discuss ending the war But if you have to compromise, I think this is an important compromise and a step forward. Trump did not dismiss the idea of guaranteeing Ukraines security in a potential peace agreement with US and European troops. During the Alaska meeting, Putin reportedly appeared open to allowing US soldiers to protect Ukraine in exchange for territory. The hosts of Fox & Friends repeatedly tried to change the subject on Tuesday morning after Donald Trump gushed over host Ainsley Earhardt's romance with Fox co-star Sean Hannity during a live interview. Earhardt, Lawrence B. Jones and Charles Hurt had been hosting the commander-in-chief Tuesday when he made the remarks - before asking which member of the showbiz couple earned more money. Calling in from Washington, DC, Trump used his federal takeover of the municipality to segue into Earhardt and her colleague's relationship. Earhardt and Hannity have been dating for five years, as was first revealed exclusively by Daily Mail. 'I've made Washington, DC, a- just an incredible place in four days,' Trump began 'I have friends that say- they're going out to dinner, they say, 'Do you see what's happening with the restaurants? They're all bursting - they were closing and going bankrupt.' 'There's a guy named Sean Hannity - he might take a very lovely young lady he knows very, very well to dinner in Washington, and they don't have to - and she's sitting right next you by the way,' he went on, as Earhardt smiled, laughed and rolled her eyes. 'I don't want to get him in trouble, so we better explain exactly,' Trump then added, joking, 'We don't want any secrets here. Ainsley Earhardt, Lawrence B. Jones and Charles Hurt had been hosting the commander-in-chief on Tuesday's Fox & Friends when he suddenly brought up the former's relationship with her longtime colleague The pair have been dating since 2019 and recently got engaged. Trump repeatedly called their relationship 'great' - as the hosts tried to get the segment back on track Trump outs Ainsley Earhardt for being in a relationship with Sean Hannity live on Fox & Friends. Lawrence Jones immediately changes the topic. pic.twitter.com/Qtm80ZGGQH Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 19, 2025 'That is the greatest relationship,' he ultimately gushed. 'I hope I'm not breaking any news.' He did not stop there, however - and as he continued, Jones attempted to steer the conversation back toward something more serious. 'But Mr. President,' Jones said at a point, as the president spoke over him. 'This could be the biggest - most important thing I've said,' Trump argued, clearly caught up in the spiel. 'Those are two great - Ainsley and Sean - great people,' he continued. 'And when they go out to dinner, I don't want to see them get mugged. 'Now they can go out, they can hold hands, they can walk down the street, they're both superstars,' he insisted. The Republican then appeared to spawn some more discomfort by speculating about the stars' suspected salaries. 'I want to know who is making more money,' he said, while being met with more laughter. 'She has to be making a lot.' Hannity is the network's best paid star and earns $25 million-a-year, according to Forbes. It is unclear how much Earhardt earns, but her salary likely runs into the millions. 'There's a guy named Sean Hannity - he might take a very lovely young lady he knows very, very well to dinner in Washington, and they don't have to - and she's sitting right next you by the way,' Trump said at a point, before speculating about both Hannity and Earhardt's salaries Fox & Friends hustles Trump off the air as he continues to bring up the Ainsley Earhardt-Sean Hannity relationship pic.twitter.com/TV09yDY2eO Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 19, 2025 Earhardt, off-camera, could be heard smirking in response. Jones then attempted to get back to the topic at-hand - Trump's conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several other European heads of state at the White House on Monday 'We're so- Mr. President. We're so happy. But on a serious note, when you have those world leaders, this is a topic of conversation for the whole world.' The interview trudged on from there, with Trump admitting that Ukraine will need to cede more land to Russia if they want to reach a deal to end the war. 'This is a war, and Russia is a powerful military nation, whether people like it or not,' Trump said. 'It's a powerful nation. It's a much bigger nation.' The conservative could not help but bring up Earhardt's relationship with Hannity one again, though, just minutes later - as Hurt tried to bring the interview to a close. 'President trump, thank you for joining us - we know you have lots of other wars you need to end and that is more important than anything,' he said with a smile as Earhardt and Jones stayed serious. 'We appreciate you joining us this morning.' 'Thank you, Charlie. And thank you and Ainsley. I hope I didn't get you in trouble.' Hannity, 63, and Earhardt, 48, denied their relationship initially, but recently announced their engagement in December. Both have worked at the network for decades, with Hannity stating there in 1996. The two have dated for five years Earhardt joined Hurt in laughing, before telling the president, 'Thank you, herself. 'Great couple, I will say it,' Trump continued, shrugging off any secondhand embarrassment. 'It's a great couple. Have a good time everybody.' The interview finally ended there. Hannity, 63, and Earhardt, 48, denied their relationship early on, but recently announced their engagement in December. Both have worked at the network for decades, with Hannity stating there in 1996 and Earhardt in 2007. Earhardt joined Fox & Friends sofa in 2009. Hannity has hosted The Sean Hannity Show since the same year. There is one part of your car that's become so desirable to organised crime gangs that reported thefts have soared by 68 per cent in the last three years. It is one of the easiest components on your vehicle to remove, either by brute force or with a Phillips screwdriver, which makes it prime target for thieves. And because it's among the cheapest parts to replace, thefts often go unreported as victims of this type of crime often just spend around 15 to replace them. But while they might appear inexpensive to drivers, to OCGs, fuel thieves and other serial motoring offenders they have become invaluable for effectively evading authorities and to allow them to continue engaging in criminal activity at arm's length of the police. The item in question is your car's number plate. According to a new report, over 5,600 drivers last year reported to the DVLA that theirs had been pinched from their vehicle. This is up from 3,370 in 2021. And almost twice as many motorists informed the agency that they believed their registrations plate had been cloned - a rise of 41 per cent over the same three-year period. This is because criminals are increasingly seeking out false number plates to evade ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) and CCTV cameras used to enforce our streets. The numbers provided by the DVLA are said to be just the tip of an iceberg, given the low reported rate. The Daily Mail has spoken to one victim of vehicle identity theft who was forced to gather her own evidence to prove her innocence a year and a half after her car's plates were first cloned. Over 5,600 drivers last year reported to the DVLA that their number plates had been pinched from their vehicle, while another 10,500 believed theirs had been cloned. But this is just the tip of an iceberg... Motor insurer Churchill issued a freedom of information request to the DVLA regarding the volume of stolen and cloned plates reported to the agency in the last four years. Some 5,683 drivers in 2024 told the agency their plates had been removed from their vehicles. A further 10,461 also contacted the government department to say they believed their car's plates had been cloned, having received penalty charges in the post or been contacted by police about offences they haven't committed. But these numbers are just the tip of an iceberg. Volume of number plate thefts and clones reported to DVLA (2021-24) Year Notifications of stolen number plates Notifications of cloned number plates 2021 3,376 7,430 2022 4,022 7,837 2023 4,295 9,948 2024 5,683 10,461 Source: DVLA figures supplied to Churchill This is because not all drivers notify the DVLA when they've had their plates taken or believe they've been duplicated by criminals. The AA says that around 25,000 to 30,000 motorists per year tell the police their plates have been pinched off their cars. And these numbers are rising, according to other reports. A Direct Line study in 2022 suggested that 53,000 people told UK police forces that their number plates had been removed from their motors the year previous. Another reason vehicle identity theft has become so prevalent is the ease in which criminals can obtain fake plates, with online retailers often not requiring proof of vehicle ownership before shipping a new pair to a customer. This means gangs can roam the streets to find similar vehicles to the one they're using - ideally of the same make, model and colour - to replicate the number plate. Another common tactic is to scour used car ads, filtering by the generation of vehicle and paint colour, to find one that's almost exactly the same, then duplicate the registration plate. However, because number plate theft is often not reported, the volumes nicked could be far higher - and, as such, statistics are difficult to obtain and often inaccurate. Number plate thefts and cloning often goes unreported. The AA says that around 25k-20k motorists per year have their plates pinched, and a report in 2023 said the annual theft toll could be as high as 53,000 Victims of this type of crime should always inform both the police and the DVLA not only to report the offence but also safeguard themselves in the future. When reporting to the police, drivers are issued a crime reference number. This number will be needed to challenge any future penalty charges or offences linked to the vehicle carrying your plates or duplicated versions. But while it is correct protocol to also notify the DVLA, not every driver does so. Those who do contact the agency are likely seeking a replacement registration number to avoid a string of fines and speeding tickets arriving through the letterbox or knocks on the door from officers until the offenders with your plates are caught - if they are snared at all. For this reason, the numbers quoted to Churchill are not likely giving the full picture. Motorists who believe their plates have been pinched or cloned should also contact their insurer immediately. Nicholas Mantel, head of Churchill Motor Insurance, said the sharp rise in number plate cloning and theft is a 'worrying trend' that 'causes significant stress for innocent drivers'. He says victims will often 'face lengthy processes to prove their innocence and challenge fines issued in their name'. Motorists can take the security of their number plates into their own hands by fixing them with special tamper-proof screws. These can cost as little as 2.50 from Halfords, with Mantel saying they can be an 'effective theft deterrent'. Number plate cloning is on the rise due to the increased use of ANPR cameras to surveil and enforce our roads. Repeat traffic offenders and OCGs are using stolen or cloned plates to go undetected Halfords sells 'theft resist' screws for number plate fixing for 2.49. Nicholas Mantel, head of Churchill Motor Insurance, says they can be an effective theft deterrent Why is number plate theft and cloning on the rise? The rise in number plate thefts and clones is the result of the shift to camera-based enforcement of our streets. As officer numbers continue to be slashed, our roads are increasingly being policed by ANPR cameras to catch offenders in the act. They're now used to police bus lanes infringement, drivers overstaying in car parks, speeding offences, yellow-box junction transgressions, and enforcement of low-emission zones and low-traffic neighbourhoods. Those wanting to evade detection by these cameras to dodge fines are resorting to vehicle identity theft, either by physically stealing the plates off other motors, cloning another vehicle's registration number and letter combination, or modifying their own plates to avoid being caught. But number plate theft and cloning also has extremely strong links to OCGs who want to move around the country without being identified - and engage in other criminal activity in vehicles that are extremely difficult to track. One example of this is 'bilking' - the illegal act of stealing fuel from filling stations. According to the latest report from Forecourt Trader, an estimated 6.5million of petrol and diesel has been pilfered by thieves who have driven off without paying in the last five years. Data supplied by Vars Technology - one of the leading suppliers of filling station security systems in Britain - indicates that around 13 per cent of all forecourt 'drive-offs' involve motors using cloned number plates or fake registration number combinations. Of all the 131,000 fuel theft cases reported in the five-year period, 94 per cent were unsolved, with offenders escaping justice. A recent report estimated that some 6.5million in fuel has been stolen by 'bilkers' in Britain in the last five years. And around 13% of instances of petrol and diesel theft is a driver using a car with fake, stolen or duplicated plates A recent BBC investigation also suggested that the increase in ANPR enforcement has triggered a rise in number plate cloning in the capital. Based on a freedom of information request sent to all London councils last year, there has been a 64 per cent rise in fines being cancelled over three years linked to offenders using duplicated number plates. It found the number of cases rose from 22,450 in 2021 to 36,794 in 2023. Overall fines issued went up by 20 per cent over the same period, with some councils reporting that more than 1.5 per cent of all their traffic fines were linked to cloned vehicles. It also hinted that the expansion of London's ULEZ had sparked a rise in cloning instances. A freedom of information request to Transport for London revealed a 69 per cent rise in ULEZ fines being cancelled due to cloning in the five months following the zone's extension in August 2023. Prof Jonathan Grigg, an expert in paediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary University of London, told the BBC he believes there is a 'clear link' between the ULEZ expansion and the figures obtained by the BBC. 'It likely that the introduction of ULEZ has increased the number of cloning activities across London. One would imagine that people are trying to avoid paying the ULEZ charges by cloning their plates,' he said. According to the RAC Foundation, approximately one in 12 number plates is either obscured or damaged. However, others have reported that around one in 15 could be deliberately modified or altered for evasion purposes. A recent BBC investigation also suggested that the increase in ANPR camera to enforce London's ULEZ has triggered a rise in number plate cloning instances in the capital I had my plates cloned - I was being sent speeding fines 18 months later Lou Calvert, 51, a product manager from Kent, has been a victim of vehicle identity theft. She was initially alerted to the fact when in 2019 she received a London Congestion Charge penalty letter in the post despite not driving in London on the day of the offence. She soon began receiving a stream of other London-based penalty notices for parking and other traffic offences. Lou Calvert, 51, from Kent told us the headache she endured when trying to prove her innocence and avoid fines after someone cloned her car's number plates in 2019 'In total there were 10 penalty notices of some description across a number of different boroughs of London - some were for parking fines not paid, others for driving offences, for example driving in a bus lane or parking in residents parking.' Lou said she contacted the police, DVLA and issuing authorities to submit her evidence to have all the charges withdrawn. She told the Daily Mail this was a laborious task, having to provide evidence to each London borough separately. 'Initially the notices didnt have any photos included of the other car and so I had to prove that I couldnt have been in the place that these were taking place. 'I was told I was not able to use data from my work pass to show that I was in a different location at the time. So, I asked my manager to write a letter to confirm that Id been in the office and therefore wasnt in the area where the offences were taking place. 'I also provided train ticket purchases to show that I wouldnt have been driving at the time. 'And then some of the charges started to include photos of the other car, which although it was the same make, model and colour as mine, I started to spot some small differences to my car. 'I created an evidence pack based on these photos to show the differences between the two cars.' After dealing with the initial fines, Lou said letters stopped. As such, she opted not to endure another logistical nightmare getting her number plates changed, assuming the offender had been caught or changed their plates again to avoid detection. 'However, 18 months later, I received a notice of prosecution from West Yorkshire police for speeding. 'Again, I had to provide evidence that it wasnt my car and so that was cancelled. 'I was advised that the details of my vehicle registration number may be circulated on police computer databases, and I didnt receive any other charges after that. 'I still dont know whether the offender was caught.' Wealthy wannabe boy racers could soon be fined for wreaking havoc on some of London's most exclusive streets under a new supercar crackdown. Super-rich residents living in the capital's most sought-after enclaves have been enraged by speeding drivers loudly revving their engines through their affluent postcodes. But Westminster City Council is now planning to widen their net to to clear out anti-social motorists who belt out loud music, race each other through London's landmarks and perform doughnuts. Last September, reckless drivers were caught performing stunts and revving their engines on Pall Mall, near Buckingham Palace, producing noise the equivalent to a jackhammer. The council first implemented a public space protection order (PSPO) in 2021 across most of St James's, Knightsbridge and Belgravia - home to millionaire tycoons, celebrities, sports stars and business moguls. But the order, which allows the council and police to fine motorists 100 if they are flouting rules, could now be expanded into Soho and Mayfair where locals are growing increasingly frustrated by flashy boy racers. It comes as police have gone on the offensive to seize illegal vehicles during London's 'supercar season', when wealthy Arabs flee the scorching hot temperatures of the Middle East and cruise around the capital in their extravagant vehicles. Just last week, police seized 7million worth of uninsured supercars - including two identical purple Lamborghinis. One of the two drivers had been in Britain for just two hours, and behind the wheel for only 15 minutes, before being caught. Supercars have been taking to the streets of central London late at night (seen here in 2020) Drivers were seen last year gathering for car meets less than a mile from Buckingham Palace A fleet of expensive luxury sports cars were seen in central London ahead of a meet last year Tourist hotspots such as Bond Street, Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Street have also been blighted by anti-social drivers causing chaos. Just three weeks ago, a 'large group of masked individuals' turned up on New Bond Street with 30 cars and 20 bikes and attacked a bus with smoke canisters. Westminster City Council say they have issued 368 fixed penalty notices over the last three years for alleged violations of the order, many for illegal meets on Exhibition Road, South Kensington. Evidence collected by the New West End Company (NWEC) revealed that police had to be called 25 times out of 33 recorded car meets in New Bond Street between April 2023 to June 2025. The NWEC said the average number of vehicles attending the car meets is 63, with the Metropolitan Police deploying a vehicle to the area on 14 occasions during that timeframe. An extract from the council report reads: 'The impact of this behaviour is a growing concern for the public, local businesses, and the Council. 'Tyre burnouts leave lasting skid marks on road surfaces, contributing to the visual deterioration of a high-profile retail area and necessitating more frequent resurfacing at a cost to the Council and its partners. 'Additionally, evidence gathered by NWEC indicates that anti-social vehicle use is disrupting retail security systems, triggering false alarms and leading to the unnecessary deployment of costly resources such as security fog systems, which are activated by the loud disturbances.' Just last week, police seized 7million worth of uninsured supercars - including two identical purple Lamborghinis - in a major clampdown against wealthy lawbreakers Pictured: a Ferrari seized during the clampdown last week. The flash sports cars were confiscated across Hyde Park, Kensington and Chelsea Some drivers were found to have been on the roads without a valid licence, using a mobile phone wile driving, not wearing a seatbelt and having illegally tinted windows. Pictured: a yellow Porsche confiscated during the operation Fed-up councils have previously been seen issuing penalty charge notices to owners of luxury vehicles for flouting parking rules Two gold supercars have previously been seen with parking tickets slapped on their windscreen after illegally being left outside the Jumeirah Hotel in fashionable Knightsbridge Police are seen targeting London's millionaire boy racers during an operation in Kensington For other supercar tourists, jetting into London offers them a way to flaunt their expensive fleet of motors - like the reported Saudi billionaire owner of these two gold cars Pictured is his Rolls-Royce spotted turning onto Cadogan Place, where the average house price is just over 9.2million The cars were photographed outside the five-star Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel, which, on its website, boasts 'world-famous restaurants' and a 'stunning spa' The Saudi's fleet of high-end gold sports cars are thought to be worth more than 1million Special Chief Officer James Deller from the Met Police, who was in attendance at the operation, said that it represented the force's commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour. Pictured: a Met Police officer seizes a vehicle Pictured is a supercar which was stopped by police during a previous operation Parking enforcement officers from Westminster Council are seen issuing fines after two luxury cars were parked illegally Martin Saunders, Head of Uninsured Driving Prevention at MIB, urged motorists to 'check their insurance policy is in place, is appropriate for their needs and to reach out to their insurer if they are unsure on any part of their policy' The acoustic cameras, which would be used to catch breaches of the order if the proposals are approved, are activated when they detect events over 80-90 decibels - which is as loud as standing next to a passing London Underground train. The camera then uses AI to differentiate an engine's sound from a typical car horn by monitoring the sound patterns. Cllr Max Sullivan, the council's cabinet minister for streets, pledged that the council would take a 'zero-tolerance approach' to such behaviour and labelled dangerous driving 'a blight on our streets'. He added that they would work with the Met 'to tackle illegal car meets head-on'. Soho Society chairman Tim Lord told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'We have had a spate of motorbike racing late at night which appears to be dangerous and is incomprehensibly loud and frightening for visitors, residents and businesses.' The arrival of the luxury motors has become a regular event in recent years, with rich Kuwaitis, Saudis and Emiratis seeking to out-do each with their souped-up vehicles. They are often spotted waiting in gridlocked traffic in some of central London's most popular areas or parked up outside designer shops and luxury boutiques, including Harrods. It is thought owners pay in excess of 20,000 to fly their vehicles around 3,000 miles to London. Qatar Airways is one of the operators that facilitates the transportation, with airport staff securing vehicles to the floor of the relevant aircraft before flight. However, the fleets of high-end motors racing through the capital's historic roads at all hours of the day and night have previously caused a headache for locals. In places like Kensington, mega-rich owners shamelessly flout parking rules by leaving their fancy cars in the road without paying for the privilege. Fed-up councils have previously deployed armies of traffic wardens and tow-trucks to tackle luxury supercars left in disabled bays on yellow lines. The car owners, many believed to be from the Middle East, are likely unbothered by the 110-160 parking fines in the likes of Kensington - having already splashed out a small fortune to import their swanky machines into the UK. Other instances have seen police being scrambled to tackle nuisance drivers as they loudly rev the engines of their high-powered cars through the city into the early hours. Currency firms are shortchanging travellers by as much as 150 on every 500 exchanged at airports by failing to be clear about just how poor the rates are. A Money Mail investigation found it is incredibly difficult to obtain the exchange rate at bureau de changes at airports across Britain. The information is displayed fast-paced scrolling boards and staff refuse to print out the rates before you order. Details of airport rates are also kept off the internet - and firms are recluctant to share them with the media. Yet the same currency firms will offer far better rates if you order in advance to collect at the airport - from the same kiosk desk. In some cases, you can order just four hours before you collect - for example, while you're on the train or in a car on the way to your depature. At Stansted Airport, on 18 August 2025, Change Group would hand over just 0.84 for 1 and $US 0.98 for 1. That compares to 1.13 and $1.32 respectively if you buy online 24 hours in advance to pick up at Stansted. Sneaky currency firms are making a mint at the airport by offering exchange rates far poorer than what's on offer on the High Street. Pictured: Gatwick Airport What's more, despite the 0 per cent commission advertised at the airport kiosk, the small print states this only applies 'on transactions over 300.' You have to pay 1.50 for exchanging money up to 20 in value. This flat fee rises to 4.99 between 20 and 300. It means that if you turn up at the airport for your holiday wanting 500 of euros you could get 420. Had you exchanged online you could have received 565. This 145 difference is worth 125. The same poor deal goes for other currencies. At the airport you could get $490 in exchange for 500, while ordering in advance online might get you $660. Again, that $170 difference is worth 125. Our investigation found it difficult to pin down the rates most major airports, with currency firms and airports themselves in most cases refusing to share them with a reporter. Andrew Hagger, founder of independent information website MoneyComms And even at the Stansted counter, there was no fixed screen dispalying exchange rates. Instead, the screen displayed a variety of flags of different countries without the rate. Rates were on a live ticker at the bottom of the screen, in small font. It took a reporter roughly five minutes to spot euros and dollars on the ticker. Someone buying 300 of currency at the Travelex desk at Birmingham Airport last Friday would have received 281.70 or $329.10. But if you ordered this sum for collection to one of Birmingham Airport's two kiosks using Travelex's airport click and collect service, you would have got a much better 339.90 or $398.58 - a difference of 58.20 or $69.48. Dollars and euros can be ordered ahead of time for collection at a Travelex kiosk at the airport on the day of your flight and be ready for collection four hours later. An order made at 2am, when the kiosk is shut, would be available for collection on the same day from 6am. An online order made at 4.05am, once the store is open, would be available for collection on the same day from 8.05am. An online order made at 7.55pm would be available for collection on the same day from 11.55pm, until the store closed five minutes later. An order made at 11pm, while the store is open, would be available for collection when the store re-opens the next morning at 4am. Other currencies can take longer. Those headed to the United Arab Emirates for example will need to wait three days to collect the local currency, dirhams (AED). At the airport 100 would buy AED 380 (as of 15 August) but AED 481.49 if ordered from Travelex in advance. Travelex kiosks are found in London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, East Midlands and Belfast. Kiosk opening hours vary by airport, for example Edinburgh's kiosk opens at 4am while Heathrow's kiosks open at 5am. Collecting foreign currency from Change Group using its click and collect service takes 24 hours, but some other currency exchange firms offer a four-hour service. You can get a far better rate if you buy foreign currency ahead of time to be collected at an airport bureau de change, than if you simply turn up at the counter on the day For example, as well the major airports mentioned above, you can do this at Bristol Airport with Global Exchange. It offers 0.88 or $0.97 if you buy at the kiosk. But order ahead to pick up, the rate is boosted to a far superior 1.12 and 1.32. Bureaux de change in departures halls are dominated by currency exchange merchants Travelex and Change Group, which serve major airports in the UK from London Heathrow to Edinburgh. They charge more than other outlets for currency bought and sold at the airport because of the high overheads associated with secure delivery of cash to the airport, and the cost of renting this prime retail space. Andrew Hagger, founder of independent information website MoneyComms says: 'They may charge a huge premium for the convenience factor of buying or selling at the airport. 'Usually there's only one travel money retailer at each airport, so no rival sellers to keep rates competitive.' Change Group said there are 'significant costs' associated with operating at airports. A spokesman said: 'We often benchmark our prices with competitors in similar trading environments to ensure our prices remain competitive. We recommend using our online pre-order service to get the best exchange rates.' It adds that rates are shown on electronic screens as well as on receipts and 'comply with all relevant regulations.' A Travelex spokesman says: 'Travelex operates globally across multiple channels, with our rates tailored to reflect the commercial dynamics and location-specific factors of each respective market.' How to get the best rate If you're not pushed for time, it is best to visit a high street foreign exchange desk as the rates tend to be better than airport currency firms - and often ordering in advance here will secure an even better deal. At Sainsbury's, 100 will give you 113.48. As with Travelex you can collect euros and dollars within four hours of making your order, if it is within the store's opening times. Asda will sell 113.48 for 100 and 113.74 if you have a rewards card. If you are collecting your order from an Asda Travel Money Bureau, collection is free. You need to order two days in advance, and can collect your order from 3pm on your chosen collection date. Mr Hagger says: 'Every time I see someone at airport exchange outlets, I feel like going up to them to tell them not to do it. 'You'll lose at least an extra 10-20 for every 100 you spend just don't do it unless it's an absolute emergency.' PS: In our Stansted example, we also managed to haggle a slightly better rate of 0.95 without commission after a friendly conversation at the desk not a good rate, but an improvement on 0.84 nonetheless. Watches of Switzerland is the latest business to blast Labour for its refusal to axe the tourist tax. Retailers have been fuming after The Mail on Sunday revealed the Treasury had dismissed calls for VAT-free shopping for foreign visitors to be restored at the upcoming Budget. Britains biggest Breitling seller has said the move would be a quick win to boost the economy. And the current system means rivals in Paris and Milan are being handed a competitive advantage. More than 500 business leaders have backed The Mails campaign to bring back the refund scheme, arguing it would encourage tourists to visit the UK. They have been highlighting the hit to the visitor economy since Rishi Sunaks much-loathed 2021 move as Chancellor to axe the scheme. A spokesman for Watches of Switzerland said: If the Government wants to drive economic growth then the restoration of VAT-free shopping is a no-brainer. It would be a quick win. The chair of healthcare property investor and developer Assura has resigned, the company announced on Tuesday. Ed Smith CBE, non-executive chair of Assura, informed the listed company that he was resigning with immediate effect. The announcement came days after the firm's takeover by Primary Health Properties was agreed last week. The offer for Assura by PHP was declared wholly unconditional on 12 August, and 'currently remains open for acceptance until further notice', Assura said on Tuesday. If PHP acquires Assura shares carrying 75 per cent or more of the voting rights of Assura, PHP intends to procure the delisting and cancellation of trading of Assuras shares from the London Stock Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Smith joined the company's board in 2017 and was appointed chair in 2018. Quit: The chair of healthcare property investor and developer Assura has resigned Assura said Smith had provided 'critical' oversight of its strategy and governance, building on his experience in business and the health and public sectors. The company's board of directors has appointed its senior non-executive director, Jonathan Davies, as chair. Jonathan Murphy, Assura's chief executive, said: 'We sincerely thank Ed for his huge contribution to the success of Assura over the past seven years. His guidance and support to me and the wider team has been invaluable. I know that I can speak for everyone in Assura in wishing him all the best for the future.' Davies, said: 'It has been a great privilege to work alongside Ed during all of his term as Chair and I now look forward to leading the Board during the CMA process.' Earlier this month, PHP defeated a US private equity giant in the battle for control of GP surgery owner Assura. Shareholders backed PHP's 1.8billion takeover of Assura, despite KKR's plea last week for the board to reconsider. Investors owning nearly 63 per cent of Assura's shares had voted in favour of the merger by the afternoon of 12 August, making the offer 'unconditional'. The vote ended a long-running tussle to buy the NHS landlord, which also owns surgeries and hospices. PHP, which invests in buildings housing GP practices, has been prevented from fully integrating Assura by the Competition and Markets Authority while it scrutinises the takeover. The watchdog said it had served an initial enforcement order on the two businesses after launching an investigation into the takeover earlier thus year to determine whether the deal would 'result in a substantial lessening of competition'. FTSE 250-listed Assura was founded in Altrincham in Greater Manchester in 2003. Assura shares were up 1.48 per cent or 0.71p to 48.41p on Tuesday, having risen over 15 per cent in the past year. Shein is considering moving its headquarters back to China as it pursues a listing in Hong Kong. The fast fashion giant, which is now based in Singapore, is battling to win the approval of Beijing regulators to float on the stock market. The plan to return to China comes as its hopes of listing in New York or London flounder amid concerns over its treatment of workers. The firm has previously sought to highlight its Singaporean base, in a bid to distance itself from allegations of human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region of China, which Beijing denies. Shein has said it has zero tolerance for unethical treatment of workers in its supply chain. It has consulted lawyers about the possibility of setting up a parent firm in China, according to Bloomberg. Shot in the head while eating dinner with her family - she was the nine-year-old victim of one of London's most brutal gang wars. The girl had been sitting inside a Turkish restaurant in Dalston, east London, when a gunman on a motorbike opened fire on three rivals sitting nearby. One of the six bullets lodged in her brain, leaving her with potentially lifelong health complications. Javon Riley, 33, who helped arrange the drive-by shooting, has now been convicted at the Old Bailey of four counts of attempted murder in what prosecutors described as 'a planned assassination of members of a rival gang Mr Riley and others'. Those 'others' are the Tottenham Turks, sworn rivals of their Turkish rivals, the Hackney Bombers. The three men, Mustafa Kiziltan, Kenan Aydogdu and Nasser Ali - who all survived - were allegedly affiliated to the Bombers, or 'Bombacilars'. The gunman is still at large with a 15,000 bounty on their head. While undoubtedly the most shocking outbreaks of London gangland violence in recent memory, the horrific events of May 2024 were just one episode in a long feud between the two gangs that has claimed at least eight lives in the capital. And with the conclusion of Riley's trial yesterday, the Daily Mail can now reveal a potential ninth victim, Erdal Ozmen, a father of two shot dead in Stoke Newington on August 5 - who a close friend quickly identified as a Bombers member. The 45-year-old was described as one of the mob's 'top boys', and was previously convicted of attempted murder for his role in the 2003 shooting of a Turkish man outside a petrol station in Tottenham. Asked by the Mail who was to blame for Mr Ozmen's death, many in the local Turkish community were quick to point the finger of blame at the Tottenham Turks. So what sparked this bloody feud, and how many more victims could it go on to claim? Your browser does not support iframes. Erdal Ozmen was shot dead in affluent Stoke Newington, north London, on August 5 Forensic police officers at the scene of Mr Ozmen's shooting on Dynevor Road in Stoke Newington Police and forensics officers outside Evin restaurant on Kingsland High Street in Hackney, where the nine-year-old girl was shot Javon Riley, 33, was yesterday found guilty of attempted murder at the Old Bailey The long feud between the Hackney Bombers and Tottenham Turks has its roots in a battle for control over the UK's lucrative heroin trade - which is dominated by Turkish criminals. While there have been more than 35 major flare-ups between the two mobs - including 20 shootings and three murders, those involved have largely escaped the glare of publicity due to the perception that their crimes are 'bad on bad' (criminals attacking other criminals). But after their feud shattered the life of an innocent girl, this is now changing. The Hackney Bombers have their origins in a drug empire founded by Huseyin Baybasin, 67, who was dubbed the 'Pablo Escobar of Europe' after taking control of much of the heroin being exported from the poppy fields of Afghanistan in the 1970s. He is currently serving a life sentence in the Netherlands after convictions for drug trafficking and conspiracy to murder in 2001. Following his conviction, the family business was taken over by his younger brother, Abdullah Baybasin, 64, who is confined to a wheelchair after being shot in the spine by a rival. According to reports, he worked as an informant for UK Customs and M15, providing information about senior Turkish politicians involved in the drug trade. In return for this, he was allowed to move to Britain in the mid 1990s along with other high-ranking associates and was eventually granted political asylum. The head of the vicious mob Bombacilar was previously his brother, Huseyin Baybasin (pictured), 67, who has been called the 'Pablo Escobar of Europe'. Another brother, Mehmet, 59, is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence after being convicted at Liverpool Crown Court in 2011 One of the Tottenham Turks former leaders was Hayri Goztas (pictured) who was the 'godfather' of one of Britain's biggest drug smuggling operations Another Tottenham Turks leader, Kemal Eren who is nicknamed Parmaksiz, which means 'No Fingers' in Turkish, fled the UK in 2012 after the killing of another Bombacilar mobster. And another leader, Izzet Eren (pictured), was arrested in Moldova two years ago after absconding from prison in Turkey But embarrassingly for the British officials, their prized informant based himself within the north London Turkish community and waged a reign of terror, recruiting young thugs known as 'The Bombacilar' [bombers] to extort businesses and gain control of the drugs trade. At one point, Abdullah and his brothers, who originate from south-east Turkey, were said to be controlling 90 per cent of the UK's heroin market. He ran his operation from a shop in Hackney but lived in a lavish detached home he jointly bought with them in the affluent Canons Drive Estate of Edgware, north London, which they still own. Over the years, they have repeatedly clashed with the Tottenham Turks as part of a gang war that has spread across Europe - reportedly leading to more than 20 murders. One of the Tottenham Turks former leaders was Hayri Goztas, who behind the facade of a hardworking cafe owner in Green Lanes, north London, served as the 'godfather' of one of Britain's biggest drug smuggling operations. He was known as 'Aga' or Turkish for leader. In 2012 he was convicted to 16 years imprisonment for importing up to 1 million worth of heroin per week following a National Crime Squad undercover operation. Despite a judge ordering that he be deported after his sentence, Turkish community sources claim that he has now been released and remains in the UK. CCTV image issued by Metropolitan Police of the motorcyclist wanted in connection with the shooting at the restaurant on Kingsland High Street, Hackney, who has never been traced Police forensic officers in Dalston, north-east London, near to the scene of the shooting on Kingsland High Street, Hackney, on May 30 Another leader, Kemal Eren who is nicknamed Parmaksiz, which means 'No Fingers' in Turkish fled the UK in 2012 after the killing of another Bombacilar mobster. Meanwhile, another Tottenham Turks senior leader, Izzet Eren, was arrested in Moldova two years ago after absconding from prison in Turkey. Eren was jailed for 21 years in 2015 for firearms offences in London - but had been transferred to a prison in Turkey in 2019. The cycle of violence saw senior figures from both mobs being targeted. Tottenham Turks members shot and killed Ali Armagan in 2012, a high ranking Bombacilar's member as he sat in his custom-built Audi A8 limousine outside Turnpike Lane underground station. Just weeks prior, Zafer Eren, 34, who had links with the Tottenham Turks gang, was shot dead in Southgate, north London. Oktay Erbasli, 23, a prominent member of the Tottenham Turks was shot dead as he waited at traffic lights in his Range Rover when a hitman on a motorbike linked to the Bombacilar gang pulled up alongside him and opened fire. Tottenham Turks members shot and killed Ali Armagan (pictured) in 2012, a high ranking Bombacilar's member as he sat in his custom-built Audi A8 limousine outside Turnpike Lane underground station Turkish drug baron Huseyin Baybasin (right) is currently serving a life sentence in the Netherlands after convictions for drug trafficking and conspiracy to murder in 2001 On one occasion, armed thugs clashed with each other in broad daylight along Green Lanes in Haringey, resulting in the death of one gang member and dozens injured. The brutal killing of a Turkish radio DJ in 2023 is also believed to be linked to the feud. Mehmet Koray Alpergin and his girlfriend Gozde Dalbudak were kidnapped in central London last October. Mr Alpergin, 43, was beaten, throttled, burned and stabbed before his body was dumped in an Essex woodland. Two men were found guilty of his killing last December, with the court told that 'international organised crime' was at the heart of the case. Despite the 'Mr Bigs' of both gangs being pursued by police, their extensive criminal operations remain intact with little sign that British justice has made any inroads into their activities. Abdullah was jailed for 22 years in 2006 after admitting blackmail and perverting the course of justice and a further 10 years, to run consecutively, after being found guilty of drug smuggling. His trial at the time heard that he was head of a 10 billion operation criminal organisation involved in extortion rackets, human trafficking, prostitution, loan sharking, money laundering and drug trafficking. But he was cleared following a retrial at Woolwich Crown Court after a judge ruled the lack of prosecution evidence meant that a conviction would be unsafe. The brutal killing of a Turkish radio DJ called Koray Alpergin (pictured) in 2023 is also believed to be linked to the gang feud He has recently been photographed in Spain. Another brother, Mehmet, 59, is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence after being convicted at Liverpool Crown Court in 2011 for trying to import a 40-tonne shipment of cocaine into the UK with a Merseyside gang. Following Riley's conviction yesterday, Metropolitan Police Detective Inspector Ben Dalloway said: 'Javon Riley's actions traumatically altered the trajectory of a little girl's life. While this outcome serves as a slither of justice, the dangerous individual responsible for pulling the trigger remains on our streets. 'Those who ordered this shooting are a highly sophisticated criminal organisation. We understand that people may be worried about talking to us because of this, but it is imperative we hear from anyone who can assist this investigation. 'Justice must be secured for this little girl and her family.' The girl's mother said in a statement: 'In a single moment, the future we had imagined for our daughter was torn away. She was once an energetic, adventurous child everything that celebrated movement, energy, and life. 'Now, weakness on her left side means she can only watch from the sidelines, living with a titanium plate in her skull and a bullet still in her brain. As parents, we are shattered emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially. 'Each day brings new challenges, from her slower growth on one side to the emotional and mental scars that cannot be seen. The world we once believed was safe for our child now feels frightening and uncertain. 'This was not just an accident - even if our daughter was not the intended target, those responsible were still attempting to take lives, it is brutal and inhumane. We live with this pain every day, knowing nothing will ever be the same for our family.' The furries, fetishists, leatherfolk, submissives and dominatrixes of the world have a thing or two to teach everyone else, and not just about sex. So says a group of experts conducting the first worldwide study into how kink and alternative sexual and erotic play can affect mental health. Their early findings, shared last week at the American Psychological Association's (APA) annual convention in Denver, show that nearly half of people who have engaged in consensual kinky behavior report that it has helped them with emotional healing. 'People in general are looking to overcome sexual shame, kink is a way to reconnect with their bodies,' said Anna Randall, a sex therapist from Silicon Valley and executive director of The Alternative Sexualities Health Research Alliance (TASHRA), which is generating the study. 'There's a lot for everyone to learn here' said Julie Lehman, a Bay Area psychotherapist, sex therapist and the study's principal investigator. 'I would hope that all adults, whether kinky or not, would start engaging in some of the kink communities' brilliant ways of doing things.' Christian conservative group Focus on the Family is slamming the researchers and TASHRA for condoning 'sexual brokenness' and training mental health professionals to promote 'sexual sin'. The group is also taking aim at the APA for what it calls its 'collusion with darkness'. A new study into sexual kink and fetishes has found that nearly half of people who've engaged in such consensual behaviors say it helped them with emotional healing Alternative sexual and erotic play - which can apply to any sexual activities that are outside conventional sex, such as BDSM, voyeurism and group sex - has largely been considered taboo or deviant behavior Kink is an umbrella term for sexual activities that are not conventional or 'vanilla'. But what's kinky to some may be standard to others. 'For lots of people, anything beyond penis-vagina missionary sex is kinky,' Lehman said. One category is BDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism) which often entails switching or intensifying power dynamics between partners. BDSM can range from being tied up and hoisted into the air via complex contraptions to simply raising one's arms above their head during sex for a feeling of vulnerability. Other behaviors include dirty talk, use of sex tools, consensual/ethical non-monogamy, group sex, voyeurism, exhibitionism, erotic hypnosis, erotic breath play, asphyxiation or choking, and other costumed and role-playing activities. Kink can also involve fetishes for objects ranging from adult diapers to stilettos and for body parts spanning from ears to feet. The prevalence of kink has been hard to quantify because the sexual minority who admit to it have largely been ignored and marginalized by social scientists. Sex therapists Julie Lehman and Anna Randall from The Alternative Sexualities Health Research Alliance (TASHRA) generated the study and presented their findings at the American Psychological Association's annual convention in Denver last week According to early findings from the study, 48 percent of respondents report that kink has led to at least some level of emotional healing, especially with past sexual trauma Clinicians have long viewed forms of consensual kink as pathological, deviant and abusive rather than a chosen preference or lifestyle. The World Health Organization listed fetishism and sadomasochism as psychiatric diagnoses as recently as 2018. Many mental health professionals still have little or no sexuality training and continue framing kink as negative, perpetuating stigma and shame among their clients. What they miss, Lehman told us, is that 'Everybody's sexuality is wild and chaotic'. Sexual desire, experts say, often involves risk-taking and pushing boundaries, exploring the lines between pleasure and pain. Safe and healthy kink requires a steadfastness around what the kink community calls 'the four Cs': communication, consent, caution and care. That means openly and honestly seeking to know your partner's fantasies and desires rather than merely touching them the way you like to be touched. It entails setting clear expectations about what is wanted and what is not. It involves establishing safe words and gestures to stop and opt out when a scene gets too intense. And it requires knowing the physical, emotional and legal risks of certain behaviors and understanding the lines between consent, abuse and assault. Autoerotic asphyxia has been estimated to cause 250 to 1,000 deaths per year in the US. If a partner is too drunk or high to drive, sex therapists say they are too impaired to engage in healthy kink. And if they are uncomfortable talking about sex and feelings, experts add, kink probably is not for them. Researchers found the kink community lead in practicing healthy forms of consent, Sophia Selino, a research assistant at Yale University's psychiatry department told the Daily Mail Perhaps most importantly, healthy kink requires partners to take time before and after intimacy to touch, soothe, hold each other, check in and debrief emotionally. 'That's what people really long for, that sense of fulfilling their desires in a context of safety, caring and connection,' Randall said. 'Too often, people don't know how to create that context, so they stop having sex altogether.' Although the four Cs started among kinksters, mental health experts say they're useful to enhance any sexual situation. The kink community has established the 'four Cs' to encourage safe and healthy kink between partners: communication, consent, caution and care Kink and sexual fetishism has long been viewed as pathological, deviant and abusive by clinicians rather than a chosen preference or lifestyle 'What lands for me is that people in the kink community are leading the general population in healthy forms of consent,' said Sophia Selino, a research assistant at Yale University's psychiatry department. The Kink and Flourishing Study has Lehman and her team of 16 mental health experts closely surveying 672 people from 40 countries to understand how acting on kinky desires has affected their mental health, personal growth and well-being. The research is ongoing, but early findings show that 48 percent of respondents report that kink has led to at least some level of emotional healing. Participants say it's especially helpful for healing past trauma, particularly involving rape and other types of negative sexual encounters. Going 'trauma-near' - putting oneself in a controlled condition that in some ways approximates a past traumatic event - can allow a person to take control of sexual situations in which they were once powerless, experts say. Some people experience 'restructured memories' that allow them to reframe a limiting and negative narrative with feelings of autonomy and safety - and what was triggering can become pleasurable. The study showed situations that once set off fight-or-flight responses can help build the trust, intimacy and emotional connection respondents said was missing in their lives. 'Kink puts me in a raw vulnerable situation where my emotions get expressed, getting them out there and receiving pleasure from it in a way that helps push the hurt away and rewrite some of the hurt,' one of the study's participants wrote. It can also help people who are depressed feel more alive. 'It makes us juicy. It fires us up,' Randall said, adding that kink can help anyone repressed or bored sexually 'explore what's possible, free and unfettered, in a safe container'. This practice is not new. 'Images of [kink] are carved into caves,' Randall said. In addition to the mental health benefits, researchers found the kink community lead in practicing healthy forms of consent, Sophia Selino (pictured), a research assistant at Yale University's psychiatry department told the Daily Mail But, by most experts' accounts, interest has grown exponentially in the past 15 years with the popularity of books and movies on the topic, especially Fifty Shades of Grey, published in 2011. Although the novel and movie starring Dakota Johnson were panned by critics and clinicians alike, both helped normalize conversations about BDSM desires and dynamics. A national survey conducted in 2015 found that at least 30 percent of adults in the US engage in erotic spanking, role playing or bondage. Other research has since shown that somewhere between 20 and 47 percent of adults in Western countries report acting on kinky behavior, and somewhere between 40 and 70 percent say they fantasize about doing so. 'The likelihood is you are working with kinky people and don't know it,' Stephen Ratcliff, a National Coalition for Sexual Freedom board member, told the crowd of a few hundred mental health professionals attending last week's kink panel. Although TASHRA and its research group aim to teach those professionals about kink, they stop short of urging them to recommend it to clients - at least for now. 'It's not an impossibility in the future, just like it wasn't that long ago that people wouldn't have imagined recommending psychedelics [for treatment],' Lehman said. Other behaviors include talking dirty, using certain sex tools, anal play, consensual/ethical non-monogamy, group sex, voyeurism, exhibitionism, erotic hypnosis, erotic breath play, asphyxiation or choking, among others Focus on the Family, meanwhile, disputes the findings about kink's ability to heal trauma. 'More abuse simply compounds previous abuse,' Jeff Johnston, a culture and policy analyst for the group wrote in an article about the study. Lehman responded to Johnston, saying, 'Those parents in Focus on the Family could probably all use some kink.' The Christian conservative organization based in Colorado Springs also derides APA for what it describes as 'perverse' subgroups such as its Taskforce on BDSM, Task Force on Sexism and Cissexism, and Committee on Consensual Non-Monogamy. 'The APA debases its profession by highlighting debauched ideology,' Johnston wrote. 'Even as we condemn the immorality of the APA as an organization, let us pray that God will have mercy and redeem many of its members from sin.' APA responded Thursday. 'The purpose of the APA's annual convention is to present psychological research in all its diversity,' spokesperson Kim Mills said. 'If Focus on the Family wishes to pray for us, we welcome their prayers.' Antoni Porowski has Queer Eye fans drooling as he strips off to display his chiselled abs while exploring Michigan - after news that beloved reality show's tenth season will be its last Few murder mysteries have captured the public's imagination like the Leongatha mushroom poisonings. But whenever a macabre true-crime tale dominates headlines, you inevitably have wannabe sleuths who are convinced they have it all worked out. Online forums dedicated to all things Erin Patterson include outlandish theories about what drove her to kill three members of her estranged husband Simon's family. A recurring narrative centres on the convicted killer's portrayal of what she described as an unhappy, withdrawn childhood. As discussions turned from questions of guilt to motive, some armchair detectives stated their belief that the seeds of Erin's life as a self-centred oddball and, later, murderer were sown in a loveless upbringing under an allegedly distant mother. As previously reported by the Daily Mail, Erin shared her tale of woe with online friends whom she met, ironically, in online communities dedicated to true crime. But one crucial fact challenges her miserable recollections. Erin has an older sister - a brilliant woman who, presumably, had a similar upbringing yet emerged with none of the rage, vindictiveness or selfishness of the woman now awaiting sentencing at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, in Melbourne's west. Sisters Erin and Ceinwen Scutter took wildly different paths. Erin (left) dropped out of a science degree and became an air traffic controller before having children. Ceinwen (right) married and had kids earlier, then became a volcanologist and a talented baker Erin Patterson shed crocodile tears as she fronted the media in the days after her fatal lunch Erin's calculated plan to poison five members of her ex's family - including Simon himself - was exposed at her murder trial, where she was convicted of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, and labelled by experts as exhibiting traits consistent with psychopathy. The victims - Don and Gail Patterson and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson - died after eating a lunch prepared by Erin. Simon, who separated from his wife in 2015, pulled out of the lunch at the last minute. Ian Wilkinson, Heather's husband, survived after a liver transplant. CCTV footage from a local dump showed Erin disposing of food scraps after the fatal lunch, including remnants of the beef Wellington believed to contain death cap mushrooms. Witnesses described her as emotionally detached while her in-laws were hospitalised with acute liver failure, consistent with death cap mushroom poisoning. The evil plot had all the hallmarks of a dark fairy tale. And fairy tales - with their mixture of savage reality and fantasy - were a favourite topic of Erin's mother Dr Heather Scutter, a respected literary academic. Erin and her sister Ceinwen were raised in Melbourne's suburbs by their mother and father, Hugh Eitan Scutter, a career public servant. Heather and Eitan would later retire to Eden on the NSW South Coast. CCTV footage from a local dump showed Erin disposing of food scraps after the fatal lunch, including remnants of the beef Wellington believed to contain death cap mushrooms Erins fatal beef Wellington (pictured), laced with death cap mushrooms, echoes the dark fairy tales her mother, Dr Heather Scutter, knew so well as an academic in children's literature While Ceinwen pursued a successful career in science and was known for her generosity - including using her considerable cooking talents for multiple good causes - Erin's path diverged early, marked by instability and troubling behaviour. The sisters grew up in a modest four-bedroom home with a backyard in Hampton, where their mother, a Monash University lecturer, also raised puppies for the blind. Erin's recollections of her upbringing suggest deep resentment towards her parents - especially her mother - but her version of her childhood is not corroborated by those who remember the Scutters. Neighbours recalled the Scutter family as quiet and reserved. The sisters were occasionally seen walking dogs, and the parents relied on public transport, as they did not own a car. In 1994, when Erin was in her late teens, the Scutter family moved northwest to Glen Waverley, which was closer to Monash University, where Ceinwen was studying for a science degree, majoring in geology with a focus on volcanology. Erin initially enrolled in a science degree at Melbourne University but later switched to accounting. According to her future husband Simon, she frequently changed career paths. Ceinwen's edible periodic table - made for the opening of a new science precinct at her daughters' school - wowed teachers and students with its deft flair The house in Hampton, Melbourne, where the Scutter sisters grew up Erin's lack of direction stood in contrast to her family's achievements, with her mother being a well-regarded academic in the field of children's literature who was occasionally quoted in the media. In 2001, when Erin was in her mid-20s, she completed the demanding Air Services Australia training program and secured a job as an air traffic controller. According to the ABC, by then it was Erin who was weird - with colleagues painting a picture of 'a solitary young woman, an odd loner... who was abrupt, abrasive... and a little bit strange.' Former colleagues said Erin was 'quite aggressive' in her interactions and prone to 'snapping or saying something unpleasant at the drop of a hat'. She allegedly posed as co-workers phoning in sick to secure more lucrative shifts. She was also caught leaving work early, initially denying it until confronted with CCTV footage. 'Well, you've got me now, haven't you,' she told a supervisor. Her workmates nicknamed her 'crazy Erin' and 'Scutter the Nutter'. Erin Patterson's recollections of her late mother Dr Heather Scutter (pictured) have been scrutinised since Erin was convicted of three murders and ruled a probable psychopath Erin Patterson did not regularly visit her mother at Dr Scutter's oceanfront home in Eden, NSW. However, she did come by more often as Dr Scutter was dying from cancer Erin Patterson (left, days after the murders) met future husband Simon Patterson (right) after she landed a job with the RSPCA in 2004. Simon, who worked as an engineer for Monash council, had two children with Erin before they separated Patterson later took a role in animal management with the RSPCA at the City of Monash council, where she met engineer Simon Patterson in 2004. Meanwhile, Dr Ceinwen Scutter had established herself as a volcanologist - a scientist specialising in the study of volcanoes. Like her prolific and studious mother, she produced academic papers on subjects like lava flow and the fragmentation of volcanic glass during eruptions. In 1994, Ceinwen married Melbourne anaesthetist Dr Hugh Platt. They have two daughters. Alongside her scientific work, Ceinwen developed a reputation for her intricate and imaginative baking, specialising in custom cakes, biscuits and sweets. Simon's parents Don and Gail Patterson were victims of the fatal mushroom lunch in July 2023 Erin killed husband Simon's aunt Heather Wilkinson (left) and almost killed Ian Wilkinson (right) who managed to survive after a liver transplant Erin's death house (above) in Leongatha where she carried out the calculated killings by poisoning her estranged husband's family with death cap mushroom-laced beef Wellington Erin Patterson (pictured) drifted from job to job, while her mother and sister worked steadily in their academic fields of children's literature and geology, respectively She founded a business, Dolce Designs, known for its highly detailed edible creations - from animals and plants to Disney characters, vehicles, books and Lego. For the opening of a new science precinct at Presbyterian Ladies' College Melbourne a decade ago, Ceinwen created the entire periodic table in colour-coded edible biscuits. She also made chocolate mousse 'ponds' with edible soil and handcrafted grass, flowers and insects, as well as cupcakes topped with edible test tubes, Bunsen burners and beakers. The school praised her 'ingenious food creations' in a post on its Facebook page. 'Dr Ceinwen Scutter absolutely wowed the guests and girls with the most incredible science-themed foods,' the post read, noting one cake was a striking visual of the school's crest. Ceinwen has showcased her large-scale baking efforts on her Dolce Designs Instagram page, including contributions to the Special Children's Christmas Party at Melbourne Showgrounds - a thank-you day for organ donors. In 2022, she baked and distributed 4,230 cookies to hospitals across Victoria. For International Women's Day, she created fondant-inscribed biscuits for Presbyterian Ladies' College bearing the message: 'You Are Amazing'. Last year, for her daughter's 18th birthday, Ceinwen crafted a chocolate bark cake adorned with hand-sculpted toadstools. The contrasting lives of the Scutter sisters - one a directionless, self-serving killer, the other a dedicated, selfless academic - cast doubt on the theory, favoured by some amateur sleuths, that Erin's crimes arose from a loveless upbringing. Erin Patterson's (left) cool indifference at hospital as her in-laws lay dying with agonising liver meltdowns from her poisoned lunch had all the hallmarks of a dark fairy tale Erin's mother Dr Heather Scutter lived at this Eden house (left) before her death, which she left to her daughters, the older of whom is renowned geologist Dr Ceinwen Scutter (right) In 2019, following Dr Heather Scutter's death from cancer, Erin and Ceinwen jointly inherited her oceanfront property in Eden, on the NSW South Coast. After Erin's arrest in November 2023 for the mushroom poisonings, both Ceinwen and Simon Patterson placed signs outside their homes requesting privacy and warning media not to trespass. Now convicted, Erin was remanded to the Dame Phyllis Frost Correctional Centre, where she remains in maximum security awaiting sentencing for three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. Following Erin's conviction, stories surfaced suggesting she rarely visited her mother during her final illness, while Simon Patterson was a more frequent guest at Dr Scutter's home, often accompanied by his children. 'Simon visited with the kids but Erin never came up,' the Herald Sun reported. 'He took the kids to Magic Mountain in Merimbula, they love it.' A neighbour told the Daily Mail that Dr Scutter travelled frequently to Melbourne for cancer treatment during the final year of her life. Though Erin's visits were infrequent, neighbours noted she spent extended periods at the Eden home - days or even weeks - in the lead-up to Dr Scutter's death in January 2019. A secret gay sex scandal has rocked the Republican Party as married men and a sitting member of Congress have been accused of sleeping with male escorts even as their party thunders about traditional family values. In candid interviews, young, muscular sex workers in Washington DC described a booming business fueled by Republican officials, from state lawmakers and high-powered lobbyists to federal government staffers and at least one congressman. The revelations come as the GOP faces renewed scrutiny over its hypocrisy on homosexuality publicly championing the traditional nuclear family while privately indulging in the very behavior many Republicans denounce. One DC-based male escort described having a two-year relationship with a sitting Midwestern congressman who, during that period, had multiple serious girlfriends. The 29-year-old sex worker with 'boy next door looks' described dinners at downtown DC eatery Butterworth's a popular MAGA haunt followed by 'late nights,' he told the Daily Mail, on the condition that neither man was identified. The unnamed lawmaker is 'closeted, cautious, and carried the weight of a public image that left no room for who he really was,' the escort said. 'It's gotten difficult to ignore the dissonance between the man I know in private and the votes he casts publicly.' He said the Republican is now engaged to a woman. Another escort, a 35-year-old with chiseled features and a bodybuilder's physique, was also candid. He described officials in the federal government, a state senator, and lobbyists among his clients. The 29-year-old sex worker with 'boy next door looks' described dinners at downtown DC eatery Butterworth's followed by 'late nights,' he told the Daily Mail, on the condition that neither man was identified 'I see a lot of Republican clients on the low,' he said. 'I am not going to out my clients. But there are many in the Republican Party.' The revelations echo comments from Grindr CEO George Arison, who revealed his app sees dramatic surges in activity during major Republican gatherings, including a 'significant spike' at the party's July 2024 convention in Milwaukee. Local users reported seeing 'many more' blank profiles than usual the tell-tale sign of men seeking discreet encounters without revealing their names or faces when thousands of buttoned-up conservatives descended on the Midwestern city. It's not the first time. Similar surges have been recorded at other GOP gatherings over the years, suggesting that for some Republican attendees, the party's national meetings double as covert dating events. The GOP's 2024 platform quietly dropped explicit condemnations of same-sex marriage a striking shift from past years. But the party remains heavily influenced by religious conservatives who view homosexuality as sinful, immoral, or socially destructive. Butterworth's in downtown Washington DC is frequently visited by top Republican politicians such as Steve Bannon Donald Trump's version of the Republican Party may be less hostile to gay people than previous incarnations House Speaker Mike Johnson has controversially called same-sex marriage 'the dark harbinger of chaos and sexual anarchy' and once described homosexuality as 'inherently unnatural' and a 'dangerous lifestyle.' LGBTQ advocates say such rhetoric makes the GOP inherently anti-gay, despite signs of modernization. They point to the Trump administration's record: rolling back protections for transgender people, pushing book bans for titles with LGBTQ themes, and supporting laws restricting gender-affirming care for minors. Yet President Donald Trump himself is widely considered personally tolerant even welcoming toward gay people. He has attended same-sex weddings, waved a rainbow flag at rallies , and appointed openly gay officials, including current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who has been married to attorney John Freeman since 2011. Trump is also a mega-fan of the Village People, the gay disco group. Still, no amount of rainbow-flag waving at the top can erase decades of Republican scandals. The gay hookup app Grindr saw a spike in users during the 2024 GOP convention in Milwaukee Grindr serves a range of users, but is often associated with gay men seeking casual sex 'Family values' Idaho Republican Larry Craig was arrested for lewd conduct in a men's restroom The party has repeatedly been rocked by politicians who denounce homosexuality by day, only to be caught in compromising situations by night. The cases are infamous: Larry Craig , the Republican senator from Idaho who campaigned on 'family values,' was arrested in 2007 for allegedly soliciting sex from an undercover police officer in a Minneapolis airport bathroom. Craig denied wrongdoing but did not seek re-election. , the Republican senator from Idaho who campaigned on 'family values,' was arrested in 2007 for allegedly soliciting sex from an undercover police officer in a Minneapolis airport bathroom. Craig denied wrongdoing but did not seek re-election. Ed Schrock , a Virginia Republican congressman and Baptist church president, withdrew from his 2004 re-election bid after recordings surfaced of him allegedly seeking sex with a man via a hookup phone service despite opposing changes to allow gay people to serve openly in the military. , a Virginia Republican congressman and Baptist church president, withdrew from his 2004 re-election bid after recordings surfaced of him allegedly seeking sex with a man via a hookup phone service despite opposing changes to allow gay people to serve openly in the military. Wes Goodman , an Ohio Republican state lawmaker who championed 'natural marriage,' resigned in 2017 after details emerged of sexual encounters with men, including in his state office. , an Ohio Republican state lawmaker who championed 'natural marriage,' resigned in 2017 after details emerged of sexual encounters with men, including in his state office. Numerous other state-level lawmakers and party operatives have quietly resigned or faded from public life following similar revelations. For critics, each scandal reinforces the charge of hypocrisy Republicans invoking scripture and 'protecting the children' while engaging in the very behaviors they seek to legislate against. There have also been similar scandals involving Democrats congressional aide Aidan Maese-Czeropski, 24, was fired in 2023 over an amateur sex tape but they are less controversial, given the party's embrace of LGBTQ issues. The Milwaukee surge offered a rare, data-driven glimpse into what happens once the speeches conclude and the after-parties begin. Arison did not release exact numbers, but one analysis revealed a 166 percent jump in Grindr activity during the convention. 'You can be gay and conservative': George Santos is not the most trusted voice in the Republican Party 'There was a definite spike in usage,' Arison told UnHerd, adding Grindr's user base is 'very diverse,' including card-carrying Republicans. High-profile GOP figures such as Bessent, he noted, show that 'gays are achieving a level of acceptance in society that is positive.' But he added: 'There's no way to get around the fact that there are people on the right who are not yet okay with gay people. 'They might be tolerant, but they're not in any way supportive and frankly, they would want to take away rights in a way that would be very, very problematic.' The contradictions in GOP ranks go back decades. In the late 1970s, California conservatives pushed the Briggs Initiative to bar gay and lesbian teachers from public schools a move so extreme that even Ronald Reagan opposed it. It was during this period that the Log Cabin Republicans, the party's first major gay advocacy group, was formed. But acceptance remained elusive. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Republican officials could still derail a rival's career with mere insinuations of homosexuality. That culture of fear, secrecy, and public condemnation created fertile ground for double lives a pattern still visible today. Though some insiders believe the GOP is slowly evolving. Others argue that the party's mixed messaging softening its stance on marriage while still vilifying queer culture leaves the party with the worst of both worlds: alienating progressives while breeding distrust among younger conservatives who value authenticity over moral posturing. Meanwhile, location-based apps like Grindr make secrecy harder than ever. With GPS matchmaking, it's difficult to slip into a city without leaving a digital trace. Democrat congressional aide Aidan Maese-Czeropski, 24, was fired over the emergence of a sex tape inside a hearing room This latest scandal comes less than two years after the Senate was rocked by another one involved the Democratic Party. Congressional aide Aidan Maese-Czeropski, 24, was fired over the emergence of a sex tape inside a Senate hearing room. The video depicts a graphic sex act and was reportedly leaked after being 'shared in a private group for gay men in politics.' While not confirmed to be one of the men, Maese-Czeropski was publicly connected to the congressional hearing clip, and is no longer employed by the Senate. In a post to social media, he admitted he'd shown 'poor judgement.' A teenage festivalgoer thought he 'was going to die' after an alleged spiking at Boardmasters festival, his father has revealed. Brothers Cooper, 17, and Charlie May, 19, attended the five-day event in Newquay, Cornwall, which took place from August 8-10. But while enjoying watching headline act RAYE in the midst of a bustling crowd, what was supposed to be a fun a weekend away took a dark turn for the youngest sibling. His father Roly May, better known as Daddy May on social media, said while in the crowd Cooper suddenly began to 'freak out', feeling 'really hot' and 'weird'. Roly told The Daily Mail: 'His mates were kind of conscious that potentially he might have been spiked because there's a lot of chat going around about it.' The May family have well over two million social media followers across their social media channels, with droves of fans flocking to take snaps with Cooper at the event. And as such, when the youngster decided to head back to his tent after the suspected spiking, he opted to not attend a medical tent to avoid being spotted by fans. 'He'd already been getting a bit of quite a bit of attention and he just didn't want to put himself in with everyone else when he was feeling that way,' his father added. But, shortly after arriving back to his tent the 17-year-old feared falling asleep. 'He didn't want to go to sleep because I think he thought he was gonna die basically,' Roly added. 'So he was really conscious about going to bed. Brothers, Cooper, 17, (left) and Charlie May, 19, (right) attended Boardmasters in Newquay, Cornwall, which took place from August 8 until August 10 of this year However, the event soon took a dark turn for the youngster while he was watching the headline act on August 8, as he and his parents believed he was spiked Festival goers watch The Kaiser Chiefs perform on the main stage during Boardmasters on August 8 'He said he finally got to sleep around four in the morning and then they found the spike mark on his arm. 'That's when they assumed it, [a spiking] had happened,' the father added. 'He can't explain it any other way.' It comes as claims surfaced online that Boardmasters concertgoers were being spiked with needles in the crowd. However, organisers have said anti-social behaviour was 'significantly' down this year. There were 14 suspected spiking incidents this year, down from 55 in 2024, according to a spokesperson, with none testing positive for drugs in their system. In a statement they said online claims were 'misinformation' and spiking had not been a 'prevalent issue' at the event over the last two years. Boardmasters also said drug-related incidents had fallen from 2.65 to 1.79 percent in 2025, with zero hospitalisations over the weekend. They described the 'clear reduction in anti-social behaviour, including sexual assault,' this year as 'encouraging', before adding that 'even one incident is too many.' His father Roly May, better known as Daddy May on social media, said while in the crowd Cooper suddenly began to 'freak out', feeling 'really hot' and 'really weird' Due to attention from social media fans, the teenager decided to head back to his tent rather than attending a medical tent, his father said (Pictured: Attendees at Boardmasters) In 2024, research conducted by Drinkaware and Anglia Ruskin University suggested 90 percent of spiking incidents went unreported to police. Despite the event's denial of any spikings, parents Roly and Katy have called on the festival to take actions instead of 'burying their heads in the sand.' They raised concerns over security, alleging there were a lack of patrols on campsite, and threats had been made to set Cooper's tent on fire. 'They've got to do something. Year on year it's becoming worse and worse because everyone's kind of getting smarter about bringing things in,' Roly said. 'I think they're setting themselves up for a massive problem,' he added. 'I don't want Boardmasters to be stopped, I just want it to be safe. 'I feel like its an inevitable problem they they're going to give themselves because they're not listening and they're just kind of burying their head in the sand. Regarding the effects of the alleged spiking on Cooper, his mother Katy said: 'I don't know what he'll feel like if he did get into another crowd. 'I'm not so sure he'll feel that comfortable. 'It's really difficult because obviously, he is also a teenager, so when we ask the question, he doesn't necessarily want to talk to us. Now Cooper's parents, Katy and Roly, have called on the festival to take action regarding safeguarding at the event instead of 'burying their heads in the sand' Boardmasters have said anti-social behaviour was 'significantly' down at the festival and that there were no confirmed spiking cases 'It definitely has affected him, but as you know, we don't know really the extent of the effect on him yet because it's only just happened.' Boardmasters have said they are unable to comment on Cooper's experience as there is no record of him using medical or welfare facilities at the festival. The festival said 'spiking of any kind is not acceptable or tolerated', and anyone found doing so at the event would be reported to police and evicted from the festival immediately. It also echoed a similar message for anti-social behaviour, including tent burning, citing their swift action to shut down planned anti-social behaviour on the last night of the festival. Boardmasters also stated they could 'categorically confirm that staff patrol the campsites 24 hours a day throughout the duration of the festival', including security staff as well as campsite managers. It also added CCTV is in place across 'key areas' of the event, and that 'all welfare, security, and support services are directly linked [to their] central Event Control Room to ensure a continuous presence, rapid response and the highest level of safety for the audience.' The festival encouraged festivalgoers to visit medical and welfare facilities or ask a steward or member of staff for help if they have issues 'no matter how big or small'. 'Boardmasters cannot control the behaviour of others but take every step possible to educate everyone on respect and creating a safe and inclusive environment for all. They added: 'If the festival is notified of any on site issues, the team will make efforts to swiftly deal with them.' They also stated that 'unfortunately' spiking and antisocial behaviour were societal issues which can occur in everyday life. Last week, Boardmasters CEO Andrew Topham said the event was committed to improving safety at their festival after the event announced there were zero spiking reports at the event. 'While one incident is always one too many, this reduction shows that the work we do, alongside our partners, is making a real difference. 'We remain committed to creating a space where everyone, of all ages, can enjoy the festival safely and respectfully, and doing everything we can to prevent harm whilst supporting those affected. Thousands crowd at Boardmasters Festival in Newquay, Cornwall, on August 9 He added: 'We will continue to invest in on-site support services, ensuring every attendee has access to the care, guidance, and protection they need while at the festival.' Devon & Cornwall Police Inspector for Newquay, Steve Johnson, said: 'This year we saw a reduction in the number of incidents reported to police in relation to Boardmasters, with a total of six arrests made. 'In both the planning phase and during the festival we worked closely with partner agencies to create and implement robust plans which promoted a safe and smooth-running event for those attending and for the local community. 'I'd like to thank the officers, festival staff and all the partners who played a part in bringing those plans together and delivering a safe event.' Devon and Cornwall Police received a report of a needle spiking, however this is understood to have been unconfirmed. The Daily Mail have approached Boardmasters and Devon and Cornwall Police for comment. Elmer Wayne Henley Jr was just 14 when a friend brought him to the home of Dean Corll - the seemingly friendly man known to children in Houston Heights for working in his parents' candy store. Corll struck up a conversation about his side hustle of burglarizing homes in the neighborhood. Then, he asked Henley if he would be able to defend himself against an angry homeowner - or even kill them - if he was attacked. Moments later, Corll pulled out a knife and began moving toward him. Henley's friend, David Brooks, burst into the room and asked: 'Wait a minute. Does anyone know you're here?' Realizing the danger, Henley lied: 'Yes, my momma knows,' he said calmly. Minutes later, he was on his way home, convinced the bluff had saved his life. He didn't yet know, but Corll was abducting boys like him, raping, torturing and killing them before burying their bodies in remote sites across Texas. His close call with Corll would not be the end of his interactions with the so-called 'Candy Man' killer. It was only the beginning of Henley's slide into a role few play in serial murder cases: accomplice. 'So here's what hurts me, what sticks with me, what hurts me,' said Henley, now 69, speaking from prison for the first time in the new ID documentary special, The Serial Killer's Apprentice. 'I believe that I was originally taken over to Dean's as a victim. What scares me is that did Dean recognize a fellow psychopath?' Elmer Wayne Henley Jr (pictured) was just 14 when a friend brought him to the home of Dean Corll Corll (pictured) was a seemingly friendly man known to children in Houston Heights for working in his parents' candy store With Brooks, Henley helped Corll lure, rape and kill dozens of boys and young men between the ages of 13 and 20 in a horrifying spree of crimes that would later become known as the Houston Mass Murders. At first, Henley was tasked with bringing other boys into Corll's orbit - friends, classmates, runaways - with the promise of cash and a good time. Corll told him he was working for an underground group called the 'syndicate', who would pay up to $200 per child - more if they were 'attractive' - to ship them off to the West Coast, where they'd live lives of luxury as 'house boys' for rich families. But his involvement didn't stop at delivery. Henley says Corll began urging him to help him restrain the victims, before later ordering him to watch as he killed them. The lines eventually blurred until there was no distinction between witness and participant. By the time the killing stopped in 1973, Henley and Brooks had helped Corll abduct, torture, and murder at least 28 boys and young men. Henley killed at least six himself. A 29th victim is currently being investigated by authorities - and experts believe there are more still undiscovered. Pictured: Elmer Wayne Henley Jr after he told police about the Houston Mass Murders in August 1973 Dr Katherine Ramsland spoke to the Daily Mail ahead of the release of her new documentary 'The Serial Killer's Apprentice' The scale of the crimes would shock Texas and make the Houston Mass Murders one of the most infamous serial killings in American history. But it was Henley who would bring Corll's reign of terror to an end. After years of being under his spell and catering to his every beck and call, Henley was desperate to escape. He tried to warn family members of what Corll was doing, but was cast off as crazy. He tried to run away by enlisting in the Navy, but was convinced to stay. By August of 1973, Henley's relationship with Corll had begun to fray. He later told investigators he was tired of the killings, but Corll's abusive hold over him was hard to break. On August 7, Henley brought two friends - Tim Kerley and Rhonda Williams - for what was meant to be another party. They drank, they smoked, they huffed glue, and then they passed out - all except for Corll. Henley said he awoke to Corll handcuffing him. His mouth was covered in tape, and his ankles were bound. He could see that Williams and Kerley had been bound to Corll's homemade 'torture board', gagged and restrained. Corll then dragged Henley into the kitchen, pressed a .22caliber pistol against his stomach, and threatened to kill him, but not before he'd had his 'fun.' The scale of the crimes would shock Texas and make the Houston Mass Murders one of the most infamous serial killings in American history Corll's infamous torture board is seen in a crime scene photo from 1973 Corll, otherwise known as the Candy Man killer, is one of the most prolific serial killer in US history Henley managed to negotiate his release by telling Corll he would help him, offering to rape and kill Williams. Corll seemingly agreed, untying Henley and giving him a knife. Corll then ordered Henley to remove Williams' clothes and assault her, while Corll began torturing Kerley. That's when Williams, looking Henley in the eyes, whispered, 'Is this for real?' Henley confirmed it was, and Williams pressed: 'Are you going to do anything about it?' Henley would later admit that Williams' plea 'flipped a switch' inside his mind. He grabbed the .22 pistol and pointed it at Corll, demanding that he let his friends leave. Corll taunted Henley and dared him to fire. He obliged, shooting Corll in the forehead, then twice in the chest. He continued firing until the chamber was empty. They called the police. 'Y'all better come here right now! I just killed a man!' Henley told the operator. When officers arrived, Henley said he'd killed Corll in self-defense - a statement echoed by Williams and Kerley. Elmer Wayne Henley points to gravesite on High Island on Agust 10, 1973 Timothy Cordell Kerley, 20, is seen at the Harris County courthouse after testifying before a grand jury But the evidence found at the scene didn't correspond. Inside the home, investigators found some disturbing evidence: sex toys, eight pairs of handcuffs, ropes, vaseline, and some thin glass tubes. In a shed, they found a home-made wooden box, the size of a casket, with holes drilled in the side. That's when Henley told officers about Corll's torture board, buried bodies, and a man who had been killing boys for years. Over the next three days, Henley accompanied investigators to remote sites across Houston and the Gulf Coast. From a rented boat shed, a woodland near Lake Sam Rayburn, and a deserted beach on the Bolivar Peninsula, police exhumed the decomposed remains of boys and young men - many still bound, gagged, and showing signs of torture. Henley was arrested and later convicted of multiple counts of murder. He is currently serving six life sentences and has been denied parole 20 times. For ID's new documentary, Henley shared his story in full for the first time with Dr Katherine Ramsland, one of America's leading criminologists. Henley (pictured) was arrested and later convicted of multiple counts of murder. He is currently serving six life sentences and has been denied parole 20 times In an interview with the Daily Mail, Dr. Ramsland said she believes Henley is remorseful for his crimes Henley says Corll began urging him to help him restrain the victims, before later ordering him to watch as he killed them In an interview with the Daily Mail, Dr. Ramsland said she believes Henley is remorseful for his crimes. 'Henley is highly remorseful. He knows that there's nothing he can say that will help any of the victims' families, but I think we have to give him some credit that he pointed the police to where the bodies were buried,' she said. If he had not led police to the bodies, likely, Henley would never have been connected to the murders, she said. 'And yet he did it right away. As soon as the police came after he killed Corll, he told them right away that there were bodies.' She said Henley 'wanted the families to have the boys back'. ID's The Serial Killer's Apprentice premieres Sunday, August 17 from 9-11PM ET/PT on ID and will be available to stream on HBO Max. The Virginia billionaire love cheat and the wife he dumped on Christmas Day for their ex-nanny will face each other at a two-day divorce trial, Daily Mail can exclusively reveal. Bowling heir Peter Goodwin and estranged spouse Cara, a leading psychologist and mom of their four young children, are set to do battle in a Charlottesville court, according to legal papers. The trial set for August 27 could be the culmination of the fight between racecar-loving Peter and Cara, who was sent reeling from the split announcement delivered as she cradled their new baby daughter at their $9million estate over Christmas 2023. Daily Mail can also reveal 40-year-old Peter's bombshell came just months before more lucrative terms in the couple's prenup would have kicked in for Cara, also 40. They were married in April 2014 and initially settled in Chapel Hill, North Carolina before moving to Charlottesville. In the event of a split before 10 years, the agreement stipulates she would get $10million. But if they remained together after that point 'before becoming separated', she should get an extra $1million for each full year beyond ten years. The limit was $50million. Within days of his announcement, Peter son of former AMF bowling chain co-owner William Goodwin was romping at a five-star Florida hotel with the couple's much younger former nanny Annette Lombard, according to the divorce papers. The love-struck newbies then swiftly 'engaged in adulterous acts' at the exclusive Keswick Hall hotel in Virginia, swanky Wyoming ski resort Jackson Hole and the Goodwins' home in Palm Beach, Florida, the paperwork adds. Peter Goodwin, 40, is now set to face off with his clinical psychologist wife, Cara Goodwin, also 40, in a two-day divorce trial after dumping her on Christmas Day amid his extramarital affair The billionaire heir is accused to have had an affair with their children's nanny, Annette Lombard (pictured in 2018), 27, who started working for the ultra-wealthy family in 2019 while she studied at the University of Virginia Peter has admitted the trysts in other legal paperwork seen by Daily Mail. Cara, who ticked the box to say she contested her estranged husband's January 2025 divorce complaint, is fighting for more assets from the marriage in Albemarle County Circuit Court. Papers show the renowned child clinical psychologist and author had $18,375 in her bank account just before she wed and drove a 2004 Audi A4 worth $7,000. She owned $16,000 in Verizon stock and $6,000 in AT&T, with $8,000 remaining on a student loan. Peter had a 20 percent stake in his family's Riverside Group which deals in investment management, hospitality, financing and real estate worth just over $922million. In addition, court papers shows he had other assets pushing his worth to just over $1billion. Cara is still living in the former couple's Charlottesville estate, which has a dominating hilltop position overlooking manicured country clubs and is accessed by a long and steeply sloping driveway. When Daily Mail went there to speak with her about the divorce battle, an assistant went back inside the main house to check. She returned to say Cara wasn't available. According to Cara's court filings, after she gave birth to her fourth child with Peter in August 2023 he 'began expressing strong desire for more independence and time away from his family to focus on his own self-care' We can also reveal one bitter exchange between the former couple in the mega-money tussle amid an apparent payout offer way higher than the prenup. Cara wrote in one message contained in court documents: 'Did your family find out what really happened and that you were lying to them too?' Love-cheat Peter replied mockingly: 'I offered you $45million and a lot of custody for 9 years of marriage. 'You trounce around your palace with 2 housekeepers and nanny and still think I owe you more. 'You can't even engage in conversation unless it's 100% what you want. 'I am far from perfect and have surely made some mistakes. I felt I didn't like the way you treated me or made me feel. People get divorced because of anger and resentment, not for some one-time thrill. 'You have no idea how to coparent instead you threaten me about the schedule. Disparage me. Restrict my time with the kids stomp on my boundaries.' The sensational accusations about Peter's affair were revealed in Cara's counterclaim for divorce, in which she also alleged he struggled with mental health issues and abused prescription drugs during the marriage. The court documents allege that Goodwin's trysts with Lombard took place in hotels, swanky ski resorts and the Goodwins' home in Palm Beach, Florida; pictured The couple's prenup stipulated that Cara would be entitled to receive $10M if they separate after less than 10 years of marriage. If divorce occurs after 10 years, she'd received $10M plus an additional $1M for each year they were married after a decade She said Lombard, now 27, came into their lives after being hired as an occasional babysitter in 2019 while an undergraduate at the University of Virginia. The following year she moved in with the family to provide full-time care for the couple's then two sons and one daughter during the Covid pandemic. Lombard became such a fixture that the children referred to her as a 'sister', said the counterclaim. Later that year, Goodwin hired her to work for him at the family office and subsequently promoted her to be vice president of one of his finance companies. But towards the end of 2020, Cara 'expressed her growing discomfort regarding his interactions' with Lombard, which he dismissed. In August 2023, Cara had the couple's fourth child. A month later Peter, who enjoys a playboy image, 'began expressing a strong desire for more independence and time away from his family to focus on his own self-care'. From then until the fateful Christmas Day, the husband 'was frequently withdrawn and physically absent' from Cara and their children. At the same time he was 'abusing prescription medication and expressing with increasing frequency concerns about his own mental health'. Lombard is said to have moved in with the family in 2020, the year after she began working for them. Peter then hired her to work at the family office and later promoted her to be vice president of one of his finance companies Cara (pictured), who holds a PhD, is the founder of Parenting Translator, a brand that has more than 135,000 Instagram followers Peter is the heir to a massive bowling chain called AMF Bowling (pictured), which is father once co-owned Peter flew to New York City on December 19. Three days later his assistant 'communicated' to Cara that he wasn't 'comfortable seeing or speaking' with her. He then emailed Cara saying they should 'take a break', with her responding 'by reaffirming her love for him'. On December 25, Peter arrived back and told his wife 'he was done with their relationship while she sat in front of him holding their four-month-old daughter'. When Cara tried to approach him, 'he screamed obscenities at her, charged out of the front door towards his vehicle, and recklessly drove at high speed out of the driveway while the parties' three older children were outside'. Peter denies screaming crude words and hurtling off at speed in his car in a legal response to the claims. Cara adds in her document that she repeatedly expressed her love for him in the following days and asked for him to 'come home to her and the children'. Instead, she alleges he and Lombard checked into the Four Seasons hotel in Surfside, just north of Miami, on New Year's Eve before listing his other 'adulterous act' locations. A profile of Peter on website 10 Past Ten describes him as 'passionate and serious collector of cars and watches' Peter's social media is flooded with photos of watches (pictured) with hefty price tags on them Peter had garnished his billionaire image with glossy Instagram images of himself at the wheel of classic old racecars and sporting luxury watches. He has nearly 17,000 followers. A profile on a website called 10 Past Ten, which specializes in selling rare Rolex timepieces, declares: 'Peter's a real guy's guy. A passionate and serious collector of cars and watches.' Goodwin talks about his own Rolexes in the piece and ironically makes a marital prophesy that is now clearly doomed. 'I love Rolex watches for two reasons. First, they were built for a purpose and second they were intended to endure,' he says. 'Whether it's a Daytona for racing, Submariner for diving, of GMT for piloting, they have you covered. 'I am an avid outdoorsman and have my fair share of hobbies, so there is always a watch to come along for the journey and I have never to worry much about damage.' He concludes: 'This durability is also what makes a 60-year-old Rolex age so well. I hope in 60 years my wife can say the same about me.' AI is being used by office fraudsters to fiddle their expenses, a cybersecurity expert has warned. Many places of work will ask their employees to upload a photo of a receipt they need reimbursing for before their expense is approved. Scammers don't need sophisticated skills in technology or Photoshop anymore, because now it is as easy as asking a chatbot to create a receipt for a business transaction that never happened. Even with minor errors that AI models can sometimes make, these are likely to be missed by the managers approving claims as they often have so many to sift through. Jake Moore, the Global Cybersecurity Advisor for ESET, said the scam is scarily realistic and can fly past under the nose of financial teams. He told the Daily Mail: 'AI has enabled crime to be sped up and become accessible to many more people. 'Tools like Photoshop can be difficult and take a long time to learn. Now with AI, just by speaking in a natural language to it and giving it a prompt you can get what you want. 'If you ask it to make you one from scratch it can look fake, but if you start the prompt with a real receipt, it is impressively quick. It's shocking how it looks extremely realistic.' AI is being used by office fraudsters to fiddle their expenses, a cybersecurity expert has warned. The cyber expert put a chatbot to the test and made a 38.20 Starbucks receipt that could trick almost anyone The cyber expert put a chatbot to the test and made a 38.20 Starbucks receipt that could trick almost anyone. And it can be done all in a matter of seconds. Mr Moore added: 'AI images can sometimes look generated, but in a situation where you're someone in a financial team going through these quickly and at masse, it could get through. 'It's a potential area that financial teams aren't thinking about and can go under the radar quite easily. 'People have said "why would you risk getting caught for an extra 35", but we are in a cost-of-living crisis, and this could be of interest to someone who wants to try and claim a bit of extra money. 'We have a shop theft issue in this country where we see people brazenly walking out with bags of shopping because there is something like a threshold of 200 where police won't get involved,' and little thefts are a small win for some people, he said. Mr Moore said the ease and sophistication of this kind of fraud can be difficult to mitigate against, 'especially when they look so authentic'. He advised businesses to start handing out company credit cards instead as he urged to increase awareness around manipulating AI for financial gain. 'If they're using their own card to claim reimbursements, it's likely to be a small amount as you will usually need a company card to make a big purchase, which can also be a good way to be able to monitor payments and mitigate against it. People often spot scam emails and texts because they are badly written but some chatbots can easily create messages that convincingly impersonate businesses and official bodies 'Financial teams should look out for blurry text, misaligned formatting and the VAT number. 'If it's a fake, when cross-checked [using a VAT number service] the shop at the top at the receipt won't be correct. 'We all need to raise our awareness.' It comes as experts have warned that online fraudsters could use AI to launch a wave of convincing scams. Cybersecurity company Norton warned that criminals are turning to AI tools such as ChatGPT to generate extremely convincing phishing emails and create lures to rob victims. Chatbots also completely remove the language barrier for cybercriminal gangs around the world, warns Julia OToole, CEO of MyCena Security Solutions. She said: Phishing has come on significantly since email scams first hit inboxes, but a lack of proficiency in language and culture has still been a major barrier for scammers, who have struggled to make their emails realistic.' People often spot scam emails and texts because they are badly written but some chatbots can easily create messages that convincingly impersonate businesses and official bodies. Consumer group Which? previously asked ChatGPT to create an email telling the recipient someone had logged into their PayPal account. In seconds, it produced a professionally written email with the heading Important Security Notice Unusual Activity Detected on Your PayPal Account. It included steps on how to secure the account and links to reset a password and contact customer support. But fraudsters would be able to use these links to redirect recipients to their malicious sites. He no longer works for Australia Post Driver caught in the act by customer A tradie has confronted an Australia Post driver who was busted red-handed hurling packages onto his front porch. CCTV captured from several angles showed the third-party contract driver walking up to the Perth home last week and tossing the package onto the porch before ringing the doorbell. What he didn't realise was that the customer had just pulled up in the driveway and saw the entire incident. 'Hey,' he called out to the stunned driver. 'They're my shoes, man. 'You've just thrown them across the floor.' The driver was then overheard trying to apologise as the customer threatened to report him. 'I've got four recordings, and I'll send them if I have to,' he added. Australia Post says it regularly reminds team members about the correct handling procedures regarding parcels (stock image) 'You're lucky that I just got home.' The incident prompted the tradesman to share the CCTV on TikTok, where it has racked up almost one million views within three days. 'Dear AusPost: This isn't the Olympics. Stop throwing my orders like discus. Caught. Twice. On. Camera,' the footage was captioned. Australia Post confirmed on Monday that the third-party contractor no longer works for them following an investigation. 'Australia Post has strict protocols for the delivery of parcels and regularly reminds team members about correct handling procedures,' a spokesman told Daily Mail. 'These actions do not align with the standards we expect, and this third-party contractor is no longer delivering for Australia Post. 'We encourage any customer who has concerns about their delivery to get in touch with us directly via our website or by calling 13 7678.' The Australia Post driver was caught red-handed tossing a package on the front porch The clip sparked a fiery debate between viewers. 'Well done for confronting him. So sick of Aus Post no care at all,' one commented. A woman added: 'It's literally like no one has pride in their work anymore.' Others leapt to the driver's defence. 'Dont blame him when he gets paid peanuts doing deliveries,' one commented. Another added: 'Your shoes aren't damaged, relax.' A third wrote: 'At least yours drops it off. Ours just drives past and says no one's home, so we have to collect it.' Support for the driver prompted other viewers to hit back. 'Regardless of whether hes being paid $25 or $45 an hour, theres a job to be done and youve got to do it properly,' one argued. The tradesman revealed within the comments that he didn't want the driver to lose his job over the incident. 'Jobs are hard enough to come by these days,' he said. 'But I also don't want my things thrown at my door when he can just place them down.' Australia Post delivers more than nine million parcels each week. Billionaire inventor Sir James Dyson has been accused of putting his own travelling convenience ahead of protecting birds living near his 25million country estate over plans to build a helipad. The 78-year-old entrepreneur - best-known for inventing the cyclone bagless vacuum cleaner - last year set an Irish property record with the 850 acre Ballynatray estate on the banks of the River Blackwater. But an application by Britains fourth richest man for a new helicopter landing area to accommodate weekly flights has angered some nearby residents who fear the resulting noise will ruin their little oasis of unspoilt nature. One even asked why their peace and tranquility should be ruined for the sake of one persons travelling convenience. Sir Jamess purchase of the Ballynatray Estate represents the latest addition to his astonishing global property portfolio which already saw him own more land in England than the King. Under its previous owner, Henry Gwyn-Jones, the fully-staffed Georgian river-front mansion was available as an upmarket holiday rental and 120-guest wedding venue. Over the past year it has undergone a major restoration project, with the classical-style house temporarily covered in plastic sheeting while work took place. But it is plans for a helipad - along with wastewater treatment works - which have sparked opposition from residents of the sparsely-populated countryside on the Cork-Waterford border, home to species including ospreys, hen harriers and egrets, as well as otters. Protester David Orr said the local woodland home to numerous birds and wildlife Mr Orr said the riverside estate is home to 'birds, red squirrels, otters, deer, badgers' and foxes Opponents include David Orr, 70, who told the Daily Mail that his objections were purely an environmental issue, with local woodland home to numerous birds and wildlife. I was down there the other evening and there were three or four big fallow stags and a doe, he said. Theres a nesting area that was one of the sites of the biggest heronries in Ireland or even Europe. Its home to lots of birds, red squirrels, otters, deer, badgers, foxes. Its only about 30 acres but its an oasis. Of late we have sea eagles, along with buzzards, ospreys and red kites here. These are birds that are just slowly, slowly coming in here. When you have a little sanctuary, you try and minimise disturbance. According to Mr Orr, helicopters have already begun regularly flying in and out of Ballynatray since Sir Jamess purchase. Sir James Dyson (pictured) bought Ballynatray House and its 850-acre estate last year Mr Orr said helicopters had already been flying in and out of Ballynatray It scares the hell out of our own ducks and geese. Its a noise that comes out of nowhere. Gary and Karina Ricken, who live directly opposite the estate, are deeply concerned that noise from regular helicopter flights would impact nearby wildlife and his quality of life. In a letter to planners they wrote: The introduction of a helicopter landing area will fundamentally alter this natural soundscape, replacing birdsong and the sounds of nature with the intrusive noise of rotor blades. Also against the plan was David Naylor, who said the Blackwater River was continually under attack from more, bigger, better, be it housing, buildings, boats and jetskis and now helicopters. He added: The harm to local wildlife is also a concern, the snipe, curlews and herons wont be able to object but they will be affected. In a letter to planners, Sir James writes that he is the ultimate beneficial owner of Ballynatray House and demesne which is held by Glashedy Fitzwilliam Trustees Limited on my behalf. Waterford City and County Council initially concluded that the proposed 50 annual helicopter flights may have a significant disturbance effect on wildlife living in a protected area. But a report by wildlife consultants submitted in response by the estate said there was no likelihood of significant disturbance due to the modern design of helicopter involved and the height and routing of the flight path. The estate on the Cork-Waterford county border is situated on the banks of the River Blackwater It objectively concluded that the plans would not adversely affect protected habitats, adding there is no reasonable scientific doubt in relation to this conclusion. The application, submitted in the name of Ballynatrays estate manager, was subsequently approved, subject to a list of conditions - only for Mr Orr to lodge an appeal. He wrote: This small area of land contains a very wide variety of species of both flora and fauna and is in serious need of protection. It seems to be that for the sake of one persons travelling convenience a large number of both human and non-human inhabitants of this area are going to be disturbed. The appeal is expected to be considered before the end of the year. Sir Jamess elder son Jake - now chief engineer at his fathers firm - himself faced widespread local opposition to his plan to install a landing pad in the grounds of his 18th Century Somerset home in 2018. But he was eventually granted permission after agreeing not to fly helicopters in or out of the estate during church services. A keen farmer, Sir James is estimated to own around 25,000 acres including huge tracts of Lincolnshire farmland bought from the Crown Estate, dwarfing the holdings of members of the traditional landed aristocracy. He sparked accusations of hypocrisy after moving the headquarters of his company to Singapore in 2019 despite his support for Brexit. In response, the father-of-three valued along with his family at 20.8bn - has stressed that the company which bears his name is expanding operations in the UK where it continues to employ around 3,500 people. A spokesman for Sir James declined to comment about the helipad plans. A 17-year-old girl charged with murdering her mother and stepfather looked as though she didn't have a care in the world, smiled broadly when she arrived at court for her bond hearing, Daily Mail's exclusive photos show. But Sarah Grace Patrick collapsed into uncontrollable sobs the moment the judge announced she would be held without bail, as gasps and quiet exclamations of 'thank God' echoed from the victims' loved ones. Her arrival at court was the first time the angel-faced teen was seen since her arrest on July 9. She was snapped arriving at the Carroll County Superior Court after getting out of a police cruiser at 8am, wearing a neon green prison-issued jumpsuit with her wrists in chains. The teenager, her hair pulled back in a tidy braid, smiled and laughed with another young inmate in an orange jumpsuit, clutching a yellow folder as they waited to be called into the courtroom. But as the teen sat beside her public defender, Latoya Williams, her facial expression crumpled several times as she anxiously waited to learn if supportive witness testimonies from her family and friends would convince Judge Dustin Hightower to release her on bond to the care of her loved ones sat just feet behind her. Patrick was arrested last month and charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault back in July after her mother, Kristin Brock, 41, and stepfather, James Brock, 45, were found with multiple gunshot wounds inside their home in Carrollton, 45 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia, on February 20. In the months before her arrest which cops said was sparked by 'a mountain' of digital and physical evidence - the high school graduate curated a chilling portrait of grief on social media and even contacted TikTok true crime creators for help in 'solving' her parents' brutal murder. Although Patrick has yet to enter a formal plea in court, she is understood to deny the charges and has protested her innocence through her family members and her lawyer. Angel-faced teen Sarah Grace Patrick, who stands accused of killing her mom and stepdad, walked into the Carroll County Superior Courthouse, appearing carefree with a big smile planted across her face After settling in the courtroom beside her public defender, Latoya Williams (left), Patrick's smiles quickly gave way to tears as she was denied bail Her biological father, Doniel 'DJ' Patrick, has staunchly defended his daughter on social media, insisting she did not commit the brutal killings, with his girlfriend, Katie, exclusively telling Daily Mail: 'Sarah Grace maintains her innocence, we believe her'. And he had told friends ahead of the hearing that he believed it would be a 'great day.' But just half an hour into the hearing of witness statements, it all became too much for DJ, who left his front-seat seat behind his daughter in tears and was comforted outside by supporters wearing grey 'I Stand with Sarah Grace' t-shirts and formed a prayer circle around him. During the dramatic, nearly two-hour hearing, the teen's smiling face became the picture of devastation as the judge denied her attorney's motion for bail and said the State had 'met their burden by preponderance of the evidence' from witnesses who said they would feel unsafe if she were to be released. James Brock's sister, Kim Bowling, gave a tearful witness statement about the impact of losing her brother, saying: 'I not only lost my brother but also my sister, in law, in the most horrific way imaginable. 'Every night I lie awake unable to sleep, haunted by the thought of what my bro Jamie and Kristin experienced in those final moments 'When the possibility they were awake when the defendant entered the room with a gun, and I imagine their terror with their final breaths. 'My five-year-old niece was then woken up to find her parents lifeless, the trauma this innocent child will carry for the rest of her life is unfathomable.' Her biological father, Doniel 'DJ' Patrick, left the courtroom just 30 minutes into the witness statements, abandoning his front-row seat behind his daughter in tears Outside, he was comforted by supporters wearing gray 'I Stand with Sarah Grace' T-shirts, who formed a prayer circle around him The 17-year-old alleged killer arrived for her bond hearing in a neon green prison jumpsuit and her hair braided as she chatted with a fellow inmate James Brock's sister Kim Bowling (right) gave an emotional testimony saying she couldn't understand how Patrick could cause 'such unimaginable pain' and later told Daily Mail how thankful she was that her step-niece would stay behind bars Bowling said she would never understand why Patrick had caused 'such unimaginable pain' and had 'shown she is capable of extreme violence and manipulation'. After the hearing, she told Daily Mail, 'Thank God' Patrick wasn't released, adding that she couldn't even bring herself to look at the tearful teen while reading her witness statement. But despite some family members turning their backs on Patrick, an emotional DJ, his girlfriend Katie and Patrick's other supporters were seen arriving at court this morning with their matching T-shirts. Patrick's maternal grandfather, Dennis Nolan, was also there to support Patrick, having repeatedly protested his granddaughter's innocence. The provisional trial date of January 5, 2026, means Patrick faces an extended stretch in jail, where the court heard she is being held in solitary confinement for her own safety and due to her age. Patrick's public defender, Williams, had petitioned the court to 'protect the presumption of innocence' the teen relies on ahead of her trial and insisted the teen was not a flight risk and urged the judge to impose conditions to allow her out on bail. Williams produced six witnesses and eight character letters in a bid to convince the judge to allow her out on pre-trial release. Among the witnesses was Patrick's father's girlfriend, Kaitlin 'Katie' O'Keefe, who told how she first met the teenager three days after the February 20 shootings and took her shopping for clothes and essentials, after cops shut up her belongings in the family home. DJ was seen walking out of the courtroom alongside his girlfriend, Kaitlin 'Katie' O'Keefe (left), who had given a witness testimony during the hearing. She recounted that in the days following the murders, Patrick would often lie in bed with her, sobbing uncontrollably Family friend Carrie Jenson, who had previously shared alleged text messages from Patrick in which the 17-year-old expressed her gratitude, was seen walking out of the courtroom after the hearing Numerous family members of the teen sat in the courtroom to show their support during her bond hearing, as many have publicly stated they believe in her innocence Daily Mail obtained text messages allegedly sent by Patrick from jail to family friend Jenson, later shared in a supporters' Facebook group, in which she expressed gratitude for the support, shared positive news and conveyed how much she missed her loved ones Patrick was arrested last month and charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault stemming from the February 20 shooting deaths of her mother, Kristin Brock, 41, and stepfather, James Brock, 45, who were found with multiple gunshot wounds inside their home in Carrollton, about 45 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia. According to police, Kristin and James Brock were fatally shot while sleeping in their Carrollton home, and Patrick, then 16, was present during the incident and called 911 after her five-year-old half-sister, Jaley, found their bodies In response to questions from Williams, O'Keefe said Patrick stayed with her and would just 'cry and sob' in bed and had never posed any disciplinary issues. Prior to the hearing, Daily Mail obtained text messages purportedly sent by Patrick from jail to family friend Carrie Jenson, who shared them with a supporters' Facebook group. In an apparent screenshot of one message, Patrick thanked her loved ones, saying: 'If I could say anything, I'd say I'm beyond grateful [sic] for the support and prayers and for y'all giving me a voice, it means more than anyone could imagine (sic).' In another message to Jenson, she wrote, 'Yes maam and it was good news yesterday. I love yall and im so beyond proud of you and miss you guys so dang much.' Daily Mail also exclusively revealed the often chaotic childhood of Patrick, during which her biological father accused her mother and stepfather of abusing drugs and being 'unsafe' to care for her as part of a bitter custody battle. Authorities have not yet revealed a motive, but the late couple's loved ones have hit out at 'victim-blaming' and denied their pasts had anything to do with their murders. But court documents unearthed by Daily Mail provided an insight into the accused teen's often chaotic childhood, which appears to have been blighted by her mom and stepfather's alleged drug use. In 2018, Doniel Patrick filed for divorce from his wife, Kristin Nolan Patrick, after a 10-year marriage during which they had Sarah Grace and her younger brother, Donnie, 12, while living in Acworth, Georgia. In the months after the killings, Patrick had posted numerous TikToks about the murders and shared selfies of herself mourning her parents, including one on her way to their funeral and another of her crying into her mother's clothing During her childhood, Patrick was caught in a bitter custody battle between her father, DJ, and her mother, who was allegedly struggling with drug use at the time, and even wrote a letter to the court pleading to live with her dad In court papers, Doniel, 43, demanded joint legal custody of the kids with 'primary physical custody of the parties' minor child' and that any visits between his estranged wife and the children be supervised until she could prove she was clean and sober. Under their July 2018 divorce order, the pair agreed on joint legal custody of the children, with primary physical custody given to the mother, and the father seeing them on alternate weekends and holidays. Police say Kristin and James Brock were both shot dead as they slept in their home in Carrollton. Patrick, who was 16 at the time, was inside the house during the killings and called 911 after her then-five-year-old half-sister Jaley discovered the lifeless bodies. There were no immediate suspects or leads, and the couple's death at first seemed like a mysterious tragedy that had left two young girls without a family. For months, Patrick played the grieving daughter who was coping with an unimaginable loss, delivering a tearful eulogy at the funeral and sharing heartbreaking TikTok videos about her slain parents. Cops and loved ones of the victims said Patrick's tearful eulogy made them suspicious, but her supporters say it was a natural reaction to her grief. Yet another week has passed in which Lucy Letby, 35, has had to while away endless hours in the prison cell where she is condemned to spend the rest of her life. It is a week in which her case has once again been dissected and re-examined following two major documentaries. Discussions over the new claims and counter-claims that were aired have filled newspaper columns and news websites. Words such as monster, serial killer and, of course, angel of death, still circulate freely, helping to cement the former neonatal nurses guilt in the public mind. But that cannot stem the tide of doubt about the safety of her conviction, or the growing number of questions raised by experts from a range of disciplines about the evidence against her. Regular readers will know I share some of those doubts and have grave concerns about how her defence was conducted. I also worry that we have lost sight of the young woman at the centre of this fierce debate. I have yet to meet Lucy although I hope to one day soon but Ive spoken to enough people in recent months, to members of her family, those whove known her since childhood and to former work colleagues, to help build, I believe, an accurate picture of her. Who she really is. We all knew a Lucy at school. She was in that slightly geeky clique, the girls who always handed in their homework on time, never messed about in class and who looked horrified when others did. Their hair was always neat and tidy, their uniform clean and shoes polished. The Lucys were annoyingly kind and forgiving, keen to help whenever they could, and easy for bullies to pick on. And they all knew exactly what they wanted to do when they left school. A smiling Lucy Letby at a friend's wedding, which she went to while on bail Lucys schoolfriends tell me she was a happy girl and there was lots of laughter. Those close bonds were maintained in later life she is godmother to the children of two of them. Her friends from those days know to their very core that Lucy is innocent. Being a childrens nurse was all she ever wanted, one told me. I think it was because there were young children in her [extended] family who she clearly adored. She spent a lot of time with them. When others [among us] had their babies, quite young, it was Lucy who was called upon for advice. Professionally, she had her admirers, too. Those Ive spoken to who knew her when she was training to be a nurse used similar words to describe her: conscientious, assiduous, hard-working, diligent. She was popular, fun to be with. Its hard to find anyone with a negative comment from that time. In the recent ITV documentary, Lucy Letby, Beyond Reasonable Doubt?, Karen Rees, former divisional director of urgent care at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Letbys senior manager, described her shock when Lucy was arrested. The idea that she would be found guilty of seven counts of murder and attempting to murder seven other babies was to her and other colleagues unfathomable. Lucy often worked in Nursery 1, the hot room, where the sickest and most vulnerable babies were cared for. And as The Mail on Sunday revealed at the weekend, she was a prolific filer of complaints about apparent failures of care in the neonatal unit. One former nursing colleague told me: [Lucy] even reported herself when she got something wrong, and Ive never seen that before. In the ITV documentary Lucy Letby, Beyond Reasonable Doubt?, Karen Rees, Letbys senior manager at the Countess of Chester Hospital, described her shock at the nurse's arrest On one occasion, Letby filed forms to flag up the lack of basic equipment such as saline drips needed when a baby required resuscitation. On another, she identified failures by doctors over the administration of IV medication. Karen Rees describes how she was asked by Dr Stephen Brearey, the senior clinician on the unit, to remove Letby following the death of two triplets. Rees says she discussed this with one of her deputies who refused and told her: Ive got no concerns about her clinical practice. It is second to none. Lucy does everything by the book. Lucys new legal team has claimed that senior doctors targeted her in revenge for her whistle-blowing. Ive yet to speak to any nursing colleagues who believed she would be charged, let alone found guilty. I dont think Lucy did so either. My impression is that she believed wholeheartedly in the fairness of the British justice system that you couldnt be found guilty if you hadnt committed a crime. And perhaps that explains her relaxed demeanour at a friends wedding while she was on bail. She believed in the process. A year had passed since her initial arrest, and shed not been charged. She attended the wedding in good spirits, convinced that her nightmare would soon be over. The shock felt by many when Lucy was found guilty was made clear to the Thirlwall Inquiry by Eirian Powell, former neonatal manager of the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital. She described Lucy as the creme de la creme of nurses whose contribution she valued. She said when Lucy completed her training on the unit, she was immediately offered a full-time job. It was widely known that she had ambitions to qualify as an advanced neonatal nurse practitioner. As a former nurse talking one-on-one to Lucys ex-colleagues, Im in no doubt as to what she would have been like to work with. One told me: In the old days, you would have said that nursing was a vocation to Lucy. She recalled how Lucy had once left a salsa class to discover three missed calls on her phone. A nurse on duty in the unit needed advice on how to administer immunoglobulin and Lucy talked them through it. There were many times when Lucy would be called in on a night when she was off-duty, she said. Most of the staff had children and worked part-time hours. She was one of a very few full-timers and was flexible. She would do the overtime because she was saving for a house deposit . . . When I saw the statistics they had misconstrued to say she was on the unit for the deaths, I thought, hang on, she was there more than anyone else because she worked the longest hours. They were forever asking her to do overtime in the hot room looking after the sickest babies who were the most likely to crash. Ive been told that Lucy never let an opportunity to further her training pass her by. She did every course she was offered. Thats how she came to be working at the Liverpool Womens Hospital where she undertook a specialist course. It has been reported that more charges against her may arise from that period, but nothing has been forthcoming. Indeed, I understand that the entire time she was on the course, she was supervised one-on-one by another nurse or staff member because that is how training courses in specialised units are conducted. Another former colleague told me: [Lucy] never gossiped about anyone, ever. Loved her salsa dancing nights, her social life with other nurses, the camaraderie of working with like-minded people at the Countess of Chester Hospital. She was just popular and well-liked, but she was stubborn as well. No one could stop her filling in a complaint form; you wouldnt even try. She was devoted, she just loved her job and everything that came with it, the friends she made, the teamwork. Back in the 1980s, those of us who worked at the Royal Liverpool Hospital knew someone just like Lucy. Lets call her Miss X. She was an old-fashioned matron, totally dedicated to her job, her patients, the efficient running of the hospital and to her nurses. Im very sure no one would ever have stopped her from filing a complaint form either. She once confided to a nurse who was leaving to get married that there had been a love in her life but, when it came to it, her love of nursing won out. Karen Rees, Lucys one-time boss, has described Lucy sobbing in distress and disbelief in her office: Why are they doing this to me? Were they really the words of a serial killer? Lets hope that a successful appeal and retrial will provide the answer once and for all. A Tory peer has left the door open to defecting to Reform UK over the previous government's 'woeful' record on immigration. Lord Jackson of Peterborough also accused his party of failing to set out a 'compelling' vision for the country based on Conservative principles. His comments came as leaked messages revealed that Tory MPs are bemoaning 'silly' adverts from the party about perks for asylum seekers. Reform is currently beating Labour and the Conservatives in the polls and half a dozen former Tory MPs have defected to Nigel Farage's party since the election. Lord Jackson, a former Tory MP and Brexit department adviser who was given a peerage by Boris Johnson, told the Telegraph: 'At the moment, I retain the Conservative whip and support the party in the Lords in actively holding this terrible Labour Government to account in scrutinising its many sub-standard and damaging bills. 'However, like many, I don't believe the Conservative Party has adequately addressed its own abysmal final period in office, especially its woeful record on immigration, nor set out yet a compelling and attractive alternative prospectus based on enduring Conservative principles. 'I don't have any plans to leave my party after 42 years but I would also neither rule out joining Reform nor voting for [them].' He added that 'an electoral arrangement is most likely as the imperative is to remove this damaging Labour Government'. A Tory peer has left the door open to defecting to Reform UK over the previous government's 'woeful' record on immigration. Lord Jackson of Peterborough (pictured) also accused his party of failing to set out a 'compelling' vision for the country based on Conservative principles Lord Jackson, a former Tory MP and Brexit department adviser who was given a peerage by Boris Johnson, said: 'I don't believe the Conservative Party has adequately addressed its own abysmal final period in office, especially its woeful record on immigration'. Pictured: File photo Discussing an online advert listing perks available to asylum seekers, Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking (pictured last month) wrote in a group chat: 'This makes us look silly as we gave them all this too, which is why we are in the mess we are in today' It came as the website Conservative Home published private WhatsApp messages from Tory MPs criticising party adverts on migrant hotels given their party's record on the issue when in power. Discussing an online advert listing perks available to asylum seekers, Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking wrote in a group chat: 'This makes us look silly as we gave them all this too, which is why we are in the mess we are in today.' Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake replied: 'Agreed.' Ben Obese-Jecty, MP for Huntingdon, shared a critical response by Mr Farage to the advert, adding: 'As predicted.' Mr Cocking continued: 'Well I did say and no one seems to listen. I have an asylum hotel and the community is ripping itself apart. 'We did this and we must come up with a policy that solves it.' The Tories declined to comment on Lord Jackson's remarks. A young Australian rapper has fronted court after allegedly ramming his car into two people on a scooter and then fleeing the scene. Logan Cudarans, 19, who goes by his stage name Skux, was seen smiling at cameras as he appeared at an Adelaide courthouse with his father and lawyer on Monday. Cudarans briefly bared his grills at media waiting outside before swaggering into the building, wearing a thick gold necklace and a creased, buttoned-up shirt. He is accused of driving a blue Ford sedan that struck two people on a scooter in the carpark of Gilles Plains Shopping Centre, in the city's north-east, on May 18. A 35-year-old woman and 45-year-old man, both from Modbury Heights, were taken to hospital with minor injuries. Police allege Cudarans left the scene and was arrested 11 days later. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident after causing harm, speeding dangerously and driving without due care. Cudarans appeared to smirk at cameras waiting outside the court but declined to answer any questions about the alleged incident. Logan Cudarans (pictured), a 19-year-old rapper also known as Skux, faced three charges over an alleged hit-and-run on May 18 Cudarans (pictured) is accused of hitting two people on a scooter, who sustained minor injuries Cudarans (pictured) fronted an Adelaide court on Monday to request changes to his bail conditions The teenager's song 'Throw Away Bars' made the ARIA Hip Hop top ten chart in 2023. He has gained notoriety for rapping about youth gang Killa Block Squad (KBS), stabbings, and gun violence. While Cudarans is from Kilburn, 10km north of Adelaide CBD, he frequently travels to Sydney for his music. On Monday, the teenager briefly appeared to request a change to his bail conditions to allow him to travel interstate for work. The case was adjourned while negotiations continue between Cudarans' legal team and the prosecution. He is expected to return to court next month. Even a few short years ago, the prospect of the national flag being ripped down on official orders would have been unthinkable. Yet, thats exactly what is happening in our two biggest cities, London and Birmingham. Yesterday, as our pictures show, came the extraordinary spectacle of council workers using extendable shears to remove St Georges Cross flags from lamp posts in the east London borough of Tower Hamlets. Now, the same battle lines are being drawn in Newcastle, Bradford, Norwich, Swindon and elsewhere as Britons show their patriotic pride. And town halls threaten to provoke fury in response. Tensions bubbled over in Tower Hamlets yesterday when, around midday at Marsh Wall on the Isle of Dogs, a two-man team from the council spent several hours cutting down Union and St George flags. One of the employees, who gave his name only as Tyrone, told the Daily Mail: I was sent here by my managers to take these flags down. I dont know the significance of these flags but Ive been taking them down and getting abuse by people who are telling me to leave it!. They ask me what has Britain become?, and say dont take them down and tell me the mayors a w*****. Yesterday came the extraordinary spectacle of council workers using extendable shears to remove St Georges Cross flags from lamp posts in the east London borough of Tower Hamlets Even a few short years ago, the prospect of the national flag being ripped down on official orders would have been unthinkable. Yet, thats exactly what is happening in our two biggest cities, London (pictured) and Birmingham Tensions bubbled over in Tower Hamlets yesterday when, around midday at Marsh Wall on the Isle of Dogs, a two-man team from the council spent several hours cutting down Union and St George flags And they get annoyed because they say the Palestinian flags were left up for weeks and months, but the English flags have been removed straight away. But Im just doing my job and Im not going to let them hinder me from what I am doing. With his workmate tiring of the abuse and keen to call it a day, Tyrone admitted it might be wiser to come back tomorrow around 6.30am to remove the rest when there arent so many people around who will get upset. One local, who claimed he was among a group of around 20 responsible for erecting the flags, was seen arguing with a council manager and threatening to report him for theft. He said: Youre on the frontline being made to look like a complete and utter idiot after the whole of the Isle of Dogs has paid for these flags to be hung. Thats theft! None of it makes for a pretty sight. The council workers are little more than cannon fodder abused for doing the dirty work of the political classes and the faceless mandarins. And nor is it easy to dismiss the locals dismay and anger at the sight of their national flags being dumped into a refuse lorry. Adding insult to injury is the contrasting reverence they say has been shown to the Palestinian flag. Of course, there is no way of avoiding the fact that Tower Hamlets has the highest Muslim population at just under 40 per cent of all council boroughs in England and Wales. One of the employees, who gave his name only as Tyrone, told the Daily Mail: I was sent here by my managers to take these flags down. I dont know the significance of these flags but Ive been taking them down and getting abuse by people who are telling me to leave it!' One local, who claimed he was among a group of around 20 responsible for erecting the flags, was seen arguing with a council manager and threatening to report him for theft None of it makes for a pretty sight. The council workers are little more than cannon fodder abused for doing the dirty work of the political classes and the faceless mandarins The concentration of Muslim residents is high in Birmingham, also, at nearly 30 per cent. And that is where the campaign to fly British and English flags much of it now organised online emerged. For weeks St Georges flags have been flown in areas including Weoley Castle, Northfield and Selly Oak, erected by groups of patriotic locals. Last week Birmingham City Council announced plans to upgrade street lights with energy efficient LEDs. It would have been an uncontroversial press release were it not for the line that the works would require the removal of advertising banners and flags from lamp posts. These unauthorised attachments could put the lives of passers-by and motorists at risk, the Labour-run authority claimed, adding that flags could weaken the structural integrity of lamp posts potentially leading to collapse. But was the timing a coincidence? Many believe the council is using the upgrade as a fig leaf to remove such visible expressions of national identity, expressions that could prove awkward in a multicultural city. Yet their apparent squeamishness over English and British flags is not applied to the Palestinian standard, which has flown from lamp posts in areas including Sparkhill, since, the Daily Mail understands, the October 7 attack on Israel in 2023. The black, white, green and red of Palestine is a familiar sight in Sparkhill, an inner-city suburb with a Muslim population of 79 per cent. The parade of grim-looking shopfronts is an almost endless series of halal food specialists, Islamic dress retailers and immigration lawyers. For weeks St Georges flags have been flown in areas including Weoley Castle (pictured), Northfield and Selly Oak, erected by groups of patriotic locals It is not easy to dismiss the locals dismay and anger at the sight of their national flags being dumped into a refuse lorry. Adding insult to injury is the contrasting reverence locals say has been shown to the Palestinian flag. Pictured: Palestinian flags seen in Tower Hamlets in 2024 The black, white, green and red of Palestine is a familiar sight in Sparkhill (pictured), an inner-city suburb with a Muslim population of 79 per cent. The parade of grim-looking shopfronts is an almost endless series of halal food specialists, Islamic dress retailers and immigration lawyers Yet the streetscape is the least of its problems. With more than a dozen convicted Islamic terrorists hailing from here, Sparkhill has been seldom off the radar of the police and MI5 in the past 20 years. In the most notorious case, Irfan Naseer led a plot to detonate up to ten suicide bombs and timed explosives in crowded places. He received a life sentence in 2013 with a minimum term of 18 years, while two conspirators were also handed lengthy jail terms. It was also reported in 2020 that extremist group Hizb ut-Tahrir banned as a terrorist group in January 2024 set up a base to recruit Muslim youths in Sparkhill. Against that backdrop, it may come as a surprise that several locals who spoke to the Daily Mail believed their fellow Birmingham residents should be allowed to fly their Union and St George flags without any council interference. One resident, Ibrar Khan, 29, originally from Pakistan, said: If the flags are lawful then they should keep them up. Ahmed Haji Khan, 34, also a Pakistani national who has lived in Sparkhill for 15 years, said: Its their country... They should hang the flag. They have every right. The council should allow it. Nazakat Khan, who is of Pakistani origin, moved to the UK just before Brexit. He said: Everyone here supports Palestine, thats why the flags are here. The support for flag-flying is understandable in areas in which the Palestinian flag has flown for several months Birmingham City Council's apparent squeamishness over English and British flags is not applied to the Palestinian equivalent, which has flown from lampposts in areas including Sparkhill (pictured), since, the Daily Mail understands, the October 7 attack on Israel in 2023 Three miles away on the main street of the Alum Rock area, where the Muslim population is 83 per cent, a Palestinian flag could be seen about every 100 yards. Pictured: a Palestinian flag in the Sparkhill area When told about the English and British flags, Mr Khan was more cautious. He said: These two issues are not the same. One is to support a cause where people are dying. But he added: If putting up the British flags are within the law, then they should put them up. We should all have the same law. The support for flag-flying is understandable in areas in which the Palestinian flag has flown for several months. Three miles away on the main street of the Alum Rock area, where the Muslim population is 83 per cent, a Palestinian flag could be seen about every 100 yards. At the Chaiwalla cafe, a waitress said: These flags have been here since October 7 [2023], to be honest. Everyone supports Palestine here. People would get very angry if you took them off. So spooked has the council been by the prospect, that an internal email from staff - seen by the Daily Mail - reveals a police presence would be needed. Birmingham City Council cabinet member Majid Mahmood said of the Palestinian flags hanging from lampposts in February: We are taking these down, but we need the support of the police due to issues that have cropped [up] when we first tried to take them down. What those issues are remains unclear. Mr Mahmood did not respond to our calls but a council spokesman said all flags, including Palestinian ones, are routinely taken down. This is despite locals in Alum Rock and Sparkhill telling the Daily Mail they have been up on lamp posts for months or even years. The spokesman said: We have removed Palestinian flags along with other attachments. Birmingham City Council cabinet member Majid Mahmood said of the Palestinian flags hanging from lampposts in February: We are taking these down, but we need the support of the police due to issues that have cropped [up] when we first tried to take them down' With homegrown anti-British sentiment on the rise, the city council announcement was delivered at a particularly sensitive juncture. It also came against growing cultural tensions over mass migration Local mothers led protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex (pictured), which was housing an Ethiopian asylum seeker charged with sexually assaulting a schoolgirl Back in Birmingham, the flags started springing up last month in Weoley Castle in the south-west of the city before spreading to Northfield, Selly Oak, Bartley Green and other districts. It is estimated that around 1,500 have been put up so far Unfortunately, some items are replaced after we have removed them... On some occasions, the council has had to request police assistance when removing a variety of items. This is not limited to Palestinian flags. Elsewhere in Birmingham, locals are angry at the prospect of their UK flags being removed. With homegrown anti-British sentiment on the rise, the city council announcement was delivered at a particularly sensitive juncture. It also came against growing cultural tensions over mass migration. Local mothers led protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, which was housing an Ethiopian asylum seeker charged with sexually assaulting a schoolgirl. Other demonstrations have been held outside migrant accommodation in Newcastle, the Norfolk town of Diss and the right-on north London enclave of Islington. Back in Birmingham, the flags started springing up last month in Weoley Castle in the south-west of the city before spreading to Northfield, Selly Oak, Bartley Green and other districts. It is estimated that around 1,500 have been put up so far. When the Daily Mail visited the city, feelings were running high over the council warning. I think its an absolute disgrace, said James Edwards, who lives in the suburb where the renewed show of national pride first emerged. The 39-year-old added: Its been lovely to see the flags out and theyve made a lot of people happy. When the Daily Mail visited Birmingham, feelings were running high over the council warning. I think its an absolute disgrace, said James Edwards, who lives in the suburb where the renewed show of national pride first emerged The largely anonymous group behind the campaign, who call themselves the Weoley Warriors, have posted on social media about their common goal to show Birmingham and the rest of the country how proud we are of our history, freedoms and achievements Several locals who spoke to the Daily Mail believed their fellow Birmingham residents should be allowed to fly their Union and St George flags without any council interference. Ibrar Khan, 29, originally from Pakistan, said: If the flags are lawful then they should keep them up' Another Weoley Castle local, Yolanda Nevers, 59, said: I really dont see what the problem is. The flags arent doing any harm at all. The largely anonymous group behind the campaign, who call themselves the Weoley Warriors, have posted on social media about their common goal to show Birmingham and the rest of the country how proud we are of our history, freedoms and achievements. Their Facebook page states: No matter your background, race or religion we live side-by-side in this country, so when you look up [and] see the flags fly, they fly for you. By yesterday evening, its online fundraising tally had reached more than 10,600 to pay for flags, poles and cable ties. One donor posted a note that read: Symbols of hope everywhere, thanks guys. Not everyone has been so complimentary, though. One dissenting voice said: Its dressed up as pride in the flag but it plays right into the hands of racists who think they can decide who counts as British and who doesnt. But representing the Weoley group, Matt Glover also a campaigner for justice for the 1974 Birmingham pub bombing victims and their families told Birmingham Live: We are working class people, not just white people what we have in common is we are all proud of our flag and country, but people assume that makes us racist. This is the flag flown on government buildings, on Buckingham Palace, everywhere, and its the flag our troops fight under, yet somehow we [are made to feel we] should be ashamed of it. The father of four continued: We are fed up of illegal immigration, of two-tier policing; of our own people not being able to get homes before foreign nationals. Suddenly, the lowering of these flags has become a lightning rod for the febrile debate over immigration. And as long as councils pull them down its hard not to see the protests growing ever more vocal. A male childcare worker accused of sexually assaulting two children during nappy changes and allegedly grooming a foster child in his care continued working despite concerns being raised to centre management. The allegations involve a male childcare worker who worked at multiple Goodstart Early Learning Centres in Ballarat and date back to September 2023, and follow an in-depth investigation by the ABC. The national broadcaster reported that Goodstart is aware of 12 allegations against the male worker. According to the ABC, the centre's director was first told in September 2023 about concerns involving sexual behaviour, possible grooming, and boundary violations toward a foster child in the man's care. Despite this, he allegedly continued working at the childcare centres until August 2024. Goodstart chief executive Ros Baxter said the company hired an independent investigator and found a centre director 'repeatedly failed' to report allegations. 'Goodstart now knows that a centre director repeatedly failed in their obligations to report allegations made to them about this person. We terminated their employment for that failure,' Dr Baxter said. 'I am always devastated to learn of instances where individual staff members breach our strict reporting policies. A male childcare worker has been accused of sexually assaulting two kids in his care The man worked as five Goodstart Early Learning Centre in regional Victoria 'But our response in this case demonstrates how seriously Goodstart treats reporting, and our responsibility to keep children safe.' Goodstart also criticised Victoria Police, claiming it had to 'repeatedly request police investigate these allegations, after they initially declined to do so. 'The company said the man retained his Working With Children Check despite repeated requests for it to be suspended. Victoria's early childhood regulator is investigating Goodstart and the conduct of staff at its former Mount Helen service. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, worked at five Goodstart centres in Wendouree, Mount Helen, Mount Clear, Delacombe and Alfredton between December 2020 and August 2024. Goodstart suspended the worker with pay in August 2024 and later sacked him in April after the state's Quality Assessment and Regulation Division banned him from working in early learning. One mother told the ABC her two-year-old daughter said the man 'always wanted to change her nappy' and that during the last change 'he held her down by her shoulders and assaulted her, and she screamed'. 'A two-year-old isn't going to come up with those words on their own,' the mother said. The allegations were not fully reported for a full year Goodstart Early Learning Centre has attacked the police response to the allegations In her police statement, she claimed her daughter told her the worker penetrated her with his finger, saying: 'It really hurt, I screamed out,' the ABC reported. The mother claimed a senior manager at Goodstart denied the matter was sexual in nature.' 'I said that I was going to call the police, and she said not to do that and to just send her an email. I knew straight away that that was not right,' she said. 'Knowing that there were multiple allegations before my child had even started makes me sick.Because if the public had known, if I had known, I never would have put my child in a place like that.' A second child from the centre made similar allegations to their parents about the man's behaviour during nappy changes. Another parent made a complaint in August 2023 after seeing 'uncomfortable' behaviour by the man as he picked up his child. He emailed Goodstart after seeing the male worker lying on a mat while children lay all over him. 'They were holding his mouth and his face, and were laying and jumping and or sitting on his stomach and groin,' he wrote to the centre. Goodstart centre management wrote back to him saying 'all appropriate investigations have taken place.' Victoria Police investigated allegations the worker sexually assaulted two children while changing their nappies in 2024, but recently concluded there was insufficient evidence for a successful criminal prosecution. A deluded mother is standing by her son even as he was sentenced to life in prison over the 2022 murders of his in-laws. Luis Manuel Rodriguez Toledo, 32, was handed three life sentences in a Florida court on Monday, according to NBC Miami. He had earlier been found guilty of killing his father-in-law Lazaro Marrero and Marrero's wife, Michelle Irias. Despite the charges, Toledo's mom addressed the courtroom on to deny her son was a murderer. 'My son is not a murderer,' Ivette Toledo Rivero said. 'My respects to the family as what happened should not have happened.' Toledo also addressed the victims' family through a translator. Luis Manuel Rodriguez Toledo, 32, was handed three life sentences in a Florida court on Monday He said: 'I apologize. I know that this has been irreparable for me too. I don't have any ways to repair your loss,' he said. Toledo arrived at the family home in Davie on November 6, 2022, and shot both victims. Marrero died at the scene, while Irias died a week later in the hospital. At the time of the shooting, Toledo had a restraining order against him. In addition to gunning down the couple, it is understood Toledo opened fire on their daughter. He had earlier been found guilty of killing his father-in-law Lazaro Marrero and Marrero's wife, Michelle Irias The court heard there were four children home at the time of the shooting. 'The defendant walked four minor children past the bodies of their grandparent and young parent,' Judge Frank Ledee said. Ledee told Toledo in the courtroom he had failed to show any remorse. 'Everything the defendant said today was to blame someone else for his actions that particular day,' Ledee said. A teal MP representing one of Australia's wealthiest electorates has been slammed for complaining about the sky-high prices of houses while knocking back a proposal to build affordable units in her area. Nicolette Boele, who scraped into the seat of Bradfield by just 26 votes over Liberal candidate Gisele Kapterian, took to social media to raise the alarm over the suburb's plummeting birth rates. Sharing new figures showing Bradfield has some of the lowest birth rates in Sydney, Boele wrote how 'it underlines how unaffordable Bradfield has become for the next generation'. 'Bradfield is officially the most unaffordable place in the country to buy a home, with the typical dwelling costing more than 16 times the average income,' Boele said. CoreLogic data from March puts the median house price in Bradfield at over $2.7million, meaning buyers need more than $540,000 just for a 20 per cent deposit. 'When the cost of a roof over your head takes everything you earn, it's no wonder people delay starting families or decide they simply can't afford to raise kids here,' Boele said. 'If housing is only accessible to the very wealthy, we lose the mix of young families, kids in local schools, and new generations that keep Bradfield vibrant.' To address the issue, Boele has called for a rent-to-own scheme that would let buyers lease a property with a fixed purchase price for a set period, giving them 'time to save without the market pushing the prices up'. Boele's (pictured) seat of Bradfield has a median home price of over $2.7million But just two days earlier, the MP came out against an 11-storey apartment development in Castlecrag that would add 150 new homes and offer an affordable option for homebuyers wanting to move into the area. It would also include a mixed-use development called Queensbridge, which would offer retail and dining, being built on the site of the Quadrangle Shopping Centre. A previous plan for the area proposed a five-storey development, but was scrapped after the land was sold to a new developer, and Boele is understood to have been supportive of that plan. In Castlecrag, the median house price is an eye-watering $4.5 million. 'This isn't about saying "no" to homes. It's about saying "yes" to responsible planning,' Boele said. 'Castlecrag has always embraced that approach. An 11-storey tower dropped in without adequate consultation is exactly the kind of planning that creates obstacles instead of solutions.' Her stance drew swift backlash, with many pointing out that only 33 new homes have been built in Castlecrag since 1991. 'And here I was thinking electing a teal in the north shore would change things for young people around here. Just another entitled homeowner who wants young people priced out of where they live,' one person wrote. Concept art of the original plan, which was scrapped after being sold to a new developer The Castlecrag Progress Association held a protest against the development last Tuesday 'This shows how out of touch you are with how bad the housing crisis really is,' another said. 'You ran on building affordable housing. If you don't support high-density housing when it's unpopular with NIMBYs, then you don't support affordable housing,' a third said. Some did agree with her, however, arguing the suburb lacks infrastructure. 'I'm no NIMBY, but this is the right call for now. Castlecrag isn't well connected by public transport and the roads aren't wide enough to accommodate more people.' A protest at the proposed building site was held by the Castlecrag Progress Association last Tuesday, who oppose the development. Justin Simon, from housing advocacy group Sydney YIMBY, said Boele's position was part of a broader problem. 'It's unfortunately a common pattern that politicians support new housing in the abstract, but will find fault with any concrete proposal,' he said. 'Being pro-housing means backing actual buildings, and actively bringing your constituents on that journey to support them.' He argued that decades of resistance to development is exactly why Bradfield has become so unaffordable. Castlecrag, on Sydney's north shore, has only had 33 new homes built since 1991 (pictured) 'Bradfield is one of the most expensive electorates in the country because they have fought tooth and nail against densification for decades,' Simon said. 'Housing affects how people have families, how many kids they have, how much time they're able to spend with them. We should make it easier for young families to get set up on the North Shore.' Daily Mail contacted Boele for comment. A Kentucky woman accused of trashing her ex-boyfriend's car in a fit of rage after an argument flashed an unapologetic smile in her mugshot. Stephanie Carlquist, 31, allegedly wreaked havoc on the vehicle in July - slashing its tires, shattering its windshield and mirrors, bashing its radio, and dumping salt into its engine. She poured glitter into the air conditioning vents as a finishing touch, according to a criminal complaint obtained by WECT. The car's distraught owner claimed Carlquist slashed its tires on July 6, but finished the job on July 15. A few days later, a towing company moved the destroyed automobile to a Goodyear in Richmond, where it was declared totaled and to have sustained more than $12,460 in damage. Carlquist allegedly confided in the tow truck driver when they arrived to retrieve the car and admitted to relentlessly wrecking it. The trucker then called the victim's mother to let her know what Carlquist said. The criminal complaint states Carlquist later Instagram messaged her ex-boyfriend, telling him she was sorry about her actions. Stephanie Carlquist, who has been accused of trashing her ex-boyfriend's car after an argument, flashed an unapologetic smile in her mugshot (pictured) Carlquist (pictured) allegedly wreaked havoc on the vehicle in July on two separate occasions She allegedly blamed her outburst on being stressed out because she is pregnant. Cops interviewed the car-wrecking suspect and said she confessed to smashing the windshield and pouring glitter in the AC vents. But she allegedly denied the other damage, claiming her ex was 'overdue for oil and motor and everything else - oh, and the tire.' Carlquist was arrested on August 14 and charged with first-degree criminal mischief, which is a felony. When she was booked into the Madison County Detention Center, the alleged-vandalizer treated her mugshot like a photoshoot. Instead of a somber expression, she appeared joyful as she posed in front of the detention center's logo. Her seemingly excited demeanor caught the internet's attention, with any finding humor in the mugshot despite the severity of the accusations. 'Her smile says it was worth getting a felony lol,' one woman reacted to the picture on Facebook. She allegedly slashed her ex-boyfriend's tires, smashed his windows and poured salt in his engine (stock image) She poured glitter into the air conditioning vents as a finishing touch, according to a criminal complaint (stock image) 'Smiling for a mug shot says "I'm not one bit sorry!"' another viewer agreed, with someone adding, 'Based on that big a** smile, Id say she got some relief mustve been stressed.' According to arrest records, she was released from jail on Monday on $12,000 bond. The Daily Mail has reached out to Carlquist for comment. Carlquist's alleged meltdown comes months after a spiteful ex-girlfriend was accused of launching a sentimental 'first date' brick through the window of a man's Florida home while he was sleeping. Sabrina Deanna Coyne, 34, was arrested on January 24 after she allegedly broke her ex-boyfriend's window with a brick commemorating the first time they went out. The brick read 'first date' along with the couple's names, dated June 14, 2020. Coyne was charged with criminal mischief and throwing a deadly missile into an occupied dwelling, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office. A former Maine police officer who has been detained for more than three weeks by Immigration and Customs Enforcement has agreed to self-deport. Jon-Luke Evans, a Jamaican national who worked as a reserve police officer in Old Orchard Beach, was taken into custody by ICE agents on July 25 and has been detained ever since. But court records show an immigration judge has now granted him a voluntary departure, allowing him to leave the country on his own volition as soon as that day. Under the voluntary departure, Evans is required to use his own money to leave the United States within a specific amount of time. By doing so, he avoids deportation and could potentially return to the United States sooner and more easily, WMTW reports. In order to secure a voluntary departure, Evans had to agree that he is not living in the United States legally, waive or withdraw any applications to remain in the country and show that he has the intention and the funds to leave the US. He had entered the country legally onboard a plane at Miami International Airport in Florida in September 2023 on a weeklong visa, but he never returned home and wound up becoming a cop in the popular resort town, federal officials say. Evans' illegal status was ultimately uncovered after the reserve officer attempted to purchase a firearm that he told officials he needed for his job. Jon-Luke Evans, a Jamaican national who worked as a reserve police officer in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, has agreed to self-deport He was taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials on July 25 after attempting to purchase a firearm Reserve officers do carry firearms but are not allowed to bring them home and must return them to the department after their shifts, according to Old Orchard Police Chief Elise Chard. Chard clarified that reserve officers aren't asked to purchase firearms themselves and aren't allowed to carry other firearms for their duties. Evans' arrest touched off a dispute between Old Orchard Beach officials and ICE, with town and police officials arguing they did everything they could to verify that he was legally authorized to work in the United States. They noted that under the police department's hiring process, Evans was required to submit an I-9 Form to the Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify Program. An I-9 Form is a required document to work in the US. Both citizens and undocumented migrants are required to submit the form before employment. Chief Chard confirmed that Evans submitted his I-9 Form to Homeland Security and submitted photo identification for his employment with the department. 'The form was submitted and approved by DHS on May 12, 2025,' the police chief said. 'Evans would not have been permitted to begin work as a reserve officer until and unless Homeland Security verified his status.' The department added that Evans had an approved Employment Authorization Document that wasn't set to expire until March 2030. Police and town officials have argued they followed protocol and determined Evans was legally allowed to work in the United States before he was hired But Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin claimed the police department had a 'reckless reliance' on the department's E-Verify program and should have done more to verify Evans' status. 'Usage of E-Verify does not absolve employers of their legal duty to verify documentation authenticity, and all employers should take necessary steps to effectively verify legal employment status,' she said in a statement. . 'No illegal alien should ever be provided a firearm or serve in law enforcement, not only is it the law, its also basic common sense,' McLaughlin argued. Still, she claimed the department's E-Verify Program is a proven tool that 'delivers high accuracy in verifying work authorization by cross-checking employee documents against government databases to combat rampant document fraud and protecting American workers.' Old Orchard Beach officials countered by claiming that the federal government has pushed all employers to rely on E-Verify. 'Simply stated, had the federal government flagged his information, my town would not have hired Mr. Evans,' Chard said. 'Any insinuation that the town and department were derelict in our efforts to verify Mr. Evans' eligibility to work for the town is false and appears to be an attempt to shift the blame onto a hard-working local law enforcement agency that has done its job.' Town Manager Diana Asanza also argued that the Old Orchard Beach 'follows all of the pre-employment guidelines expected of an employer in the state of Maine and in the US.' She then accused 'certain federal agencies' of working 'to undermine public trust and confidence in municipal law enforcement.' 'The Department of Homeland Security doubled down on its attack, but in doing so has thrown its own electronic verification system into question,' Asanza noted. 'If we should not trust the word of the federal computer system that verifies documents and employment eligibility, what good is that system?' The White House pushed to get a co-deputy director installed at the FBI, insiders tell the Daily Mail. Missouri's Attorney General Andrew Bailey revealed that he was brought on as Director Kash Patel's co-deputy alongside Dan Bongino. It comes as reports that Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI leadership were at odds over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files review. Current Deputy Director Bongino threatened to leave the bureau in the fallout of the Epstein files memo that left MAGA supporters furious over a lack of transparency. Others claimed that a cover-up was afoot. Bongino decided to stay on. And White House and FBI insiders tell the Daily Mail that he thinks there is 'still work to be done' as co-deputy. Patel and Bongino have been under immense pressure following a decision by Attorney General Pam Bondi to not release the Epstein files and mass departures at the agency. The new installment of Bailey has raised questions over whether Bongino is halfway out the door and if Trump still has confidence in his abilities as FBI deputy. But White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the volume or work needed to crack down on crime is why Bongino is getting help. 'When you're actually working and enforcing law and order, you need all hands on deck,' Leavitt said. Missouri 's Attorney General Andrew Bailey has been hired as co-deputy director alongside Dan Bongino within the department Bailey's appointment comes after fears just last month that Bongino was on his way out of the department after the botched Epstein saga The DOJ pointed to Leavitt's comments when reached by the Daily Mail's request for comment on the new staffing at FBI. Bailey has been recognized as a 'decorated war veteran' who made sweeping changes during his time in Missouri. In the role, he launched an anti-human trafficking task force and addressed more than 1,100 cases in the state. He also worked through the backlog of Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) kits, improving the prosecution rates for sexual assault cases in the state. During his time as Missouri Attorney General, Bailey's office saw a spike of 133 percent in trial court criminal prosecutions. 'I am proud to announce I have accepted the role of Co-Deputy Director of the FBI,' Bailey wrote on X Friday evening. 'I extend my thanks to [Trump] and [Attorney General Pam Bondi] for the opportunity to serve in the mission to Make America Safe Again,' he continued in the post. 'I will protect America and uphold the Constitution.' His formidable resume made him an ideal candidate for the role, Attorney General Pam Bondi said as she celebrated the appointment. 'I am thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI,' Bondi said. 'He has served as a distinguished state attorney general and is a decorated war veteran, bringing expertise and dedication to service. 'His leadership and commitment to country will be a tremendous asset as we work together to advance President Trump's mission.' And Patel, who has been under immense pressure since the bungled Epstein files release, said Bailey would be an 'integral part of this important mission' of restoring America. Bailey's appointment comes after fears just last month that Bongino was on his way out of the department after the botched Epstein saga. His formidable resume made him an ideal candidate for the role, Attorney General Pam Bondi said as she celebrated the appointment Bongino, a longtime leading proponent of theories about Epstein's client list, failed to show up to work after Bondi and Trump assured the public no such list exists. At the time it was reported he had threatened to resign over the handling of the investigation, which sparked mutiny within the MAGA ranks and turned some of Trump's most loyal soldiers against him. But Bongino, a podcaster who was picked out of political obscurity to help lead the new-and-improved FBI, reportedly returned to work the following week under a cloud of uncertainty about his future at the agency. By Monday morning, officials were starting to squirm and feared that Bongino would be a no-show yet again, but he arrived in the office a few hours later than expected. Administration insiders claim Trump was quietly furious that one of his hand-picked appointees would so publicly go against him. Bailey has been recognized as a 'decorated war veteran' who made sweeping changes during his time in Missouri Since Patel took over at the FBI, the department has made 19,000 arrests nationwide, which is already double those made in the entirety of 2024 In spite of the controversy, since Patel took over at the FBI, the department has made 19,000 arrests nationwide, which is already double those made in the entirety of 2024. At least 270 of those were human traffickers, and 1,600 were arrested for violent crimes against children. At least 1,000 have affiliations with foreign terrorist organizations, and three were on the Top 10 Most Wanted list. An administration official told Fox Trump 'wants to see bad guys prosecuted, illegals deported, and corrupt politicians held accountable.' 'We need all hands on deck to accomplish all of these important goals,' the official said. 'Andrew Bailey will serve as another set of credible, experienced hands to help Attorney General Bondi and FBI Director Patel carry out the President's mission.' A handyman has vented his frustration at a customer who asked for a quote, turned down the offer, and still gave him a one-star online review. The Sydney-based worker was asked to provide a quote to replace a toilet seat and a screen door lock at an investment property. He explained that after providing a quote, the customer then left him a one-star review. 'It wasn't even for a job I've done, it was actually for a quote,' he said in a TikTok video. 'The person was not happy with my price at all, wasn't abusive, but just was [asking]: "how can you justify this price?"' The tradie explained he had offered to do the job for $535 including GST. He said the price accounted for materials, travel, time, and a call-out fee. 'So there was a trip to the job, a trip to Bunnings, and a trip back, minimum one hour there,' he said. A Sydney-based handyman (above) has been left with negative reviews after simply providing a quote 'It was a D-shaped toilet, around $100. The handle was around $80 plus 10 per cent markup on materials, so that's where it worked out to be. 'It worked out the price was $535 and this landlord could not understand it.' The tradie explained the price may have sounded excessive, but promised it was not. 'It really isn't ridiculous when you break the numbers down and you understand pricing and your liability,' he said. The tradie said he had thought about his prices, and deemed them reasonable. 'At the start, my price was okay, I believe,' he said. 'Then I went quiet, so I dropped it, and then I realised that's way too low and I put it back up to where I am, and I haven't increased my price in maybe a year. 'If you're starting a business, and you have a price, ask around, see what the price is in your area, and stick to it regardless of ups and downs, because you're going to have great months and you're going to have slow months.' The handyman said tradesmen should avoid the temptation to drop their prices in down-periods (above, carpenters train at a Melbourne TAFE) Other tradies said many customers did not appreciate the 'cost of running a business'. 'I agree with you 100 per cent. I feel like one thing you can do to mitigate this is to do your quote itemised,' one suggested. 'As I always say, people who dont run a business dont know the cost of business,' another viewer said. Other handymen were annoyed by the one-star review. 'Google reviews shouldnt be based off over-the-phone quotes anyway. If youre not happy with a quote, move on to the next tradesperson,' one wrote. 'If he didnt like the price, maybe he should have done it himself, invested in the tools, the supplies and the time and then evaluate how much it costs.' 'You charge what you think the job is worth. Just reply to the one-star review. Bet that landlord is ripping some poor tenant off,' another added. Others suggested the handyman could be more flexible on the pricing. 'If your business is flat out every day then your pricing is fair. If you have down time, and dont have much word-of-mouth business then Id say youre on the high end,' one said. 'Twenty minutes' work for $530?' another viewer said. 'I know the tradies are going to back you, but, mate, thats red hot.' Confessions Of A Brain Surgeon (BBC2) Rating: What's the difference between a bus driver and a brain surgeon? None at all, it turns out, if Henry Marsh is typical. Henry is a retired neurosurgeon who spends much of his free time in Ukraine, a country he loves, helping out in the operating theatre at Lviv hospital. Sometimes, when the senior medic needs a tea break, he steps in for a spot of impromptu brain surgery. That's very like the driver of a horse-drawn Victorian omnibus who, legend has it, spent his days off riding buses driven by his mates... having a 'busman's holiday'. Henry was the subject of an idiosyncratic hour-long biography, Confessions Of A Brain Surgeon. There was no particular reason for the film no news angle or 'peg', as journalists call it. He hasn't reached a landmark birthday, and he isn't receiving a knighthood, though he probably deserves one. It's simply that the film-makers, Harriet Bird and Charlie Russell, seemed fascinated by his personality and his achievements. He is certainly flamboyant, the sort of man who, when asked to say something for a sound check, recites a Shakespearean sonnet. Neurosurgery, he says, is 'bomb disposal work for cowards', because though snipping out a tumour is a high-risk procedure, brains don't explode. But he's also a depressive, shattered by a brush with his own mortality after a bout of prostate cancer though thankfully he's currently in remission. And, aged 75, he is haunted by memories of the patients he could not save and brain ops that went wrong. Retired neurosurgeon Henry Marsh (pictured) was the subject of an idiosyncratic hour-long biography, Confessions Of A Brain Surgeon Henry (pictured) spends much of his free time in Ukraine, a country he loves, helping out in the operating theatre at Lviv hospital He referred five times to his 'inner cemetery, a place full of bitterness and regrets... I look back and there's this overwhelming sense of failure'. As if to torment himself, he invited the cameras to join him as he sat down with Tina, the mother of a boy called Max who died after a brain operation went wrong, 29 years ago. Tina admitted she couldn't help blaming Henry, even hating him, because he'd been unable to save her son. 'We put all our faith in him,' she said. 'We were told he was the best in the world.' The grief in her voice was edged with anger. Little wonder that Henry is traumatised by the surgeries that did not succeed. Under the weight of such criticism, most people would have no self-confidence left at all. He's plainly fortunate to have a strong support network of family and friends around him, including his former anaesthetist Judith Dinsmore, who helped him to develop the revolutionary technique of 'awake craniotomy' brain surgery on a conscious patient. How it is possible for a person to lie still and talk after the top of their skull has been sawn off, this documentary did not explain. Little was said either about why, though he and his second wife Kate are apparently happily married, he lives in London while she lives in Oxford. Perhaps that is the secret of their success. The Aussie pensioner whose Thai bride spent his life savings on drugs is receiving help from the Australian government to return home. Last week, Daily Mail reported on the situation Marcus, 75, found himself in after his 45-year-old wife 'Pikun' allegedly squandered his life savings on methamphetamine. Community leader Boonthom Sorumpha, from Ban Dung district in Thailands northeastern Udon Thani province, urged the Australian government to step in to assist the disabled retiree. Marcus, who lost his left leg in a car accident, had relied on Pikun as his primary carer and entrusted her with managing his finances after moving to live with her in Udon Thani. But she became addicted to methamphetamine and burned through his $189,000. He now has only 1,500 baht ($72) to his name. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told Daily Mail it was trying to help Marcus. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to an Australian in Thailand, a spokesperson said. Marcus is getting help from the Australian government after his wife took all his money and spent it on drugs in Thailand Local media pictured Pikun passed out before she went to rehab Marcus receives help from local community leaders while his wife is in rehab Due to privacy reasons, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade would not comment any further on Marcuss case. The pensioner said last week he was desperate to return to Australia and wanted nothing more to do with Pikun, who is currently in a drug rehabilitation centre. After losing his leg in a car accident, he sold his Bangkok property for $189,000, and she took the money to manage on behalf of the couple. Her alleged addiction to methamphetamine - known locally as a yaa baa, literally meaning 'crazy drug' - then took over, and Thai media claimed she spent it all on substance abuse. It has been reported that the couple's son was also addicted to meth. Pikun's mother, Ting, said her daughter used drugs but maintained that she loved her foreign husband. A One Nation senator has resigned from parliament, just months after first being elected. Warwick Stacey, One Nation Senator for NSW, resigned from the Senate on Tuesday morning, citing personal health reasons. Stacey, 72, a former army officer who served in Northern Ireland, was elected to the Senate at the federal election in May. The upper house has only sat for seven days so far this parliamentary calendar. Senator Stacey said he could not in good conscience continue in his role if he could not dedicate himself 100 per cent. 'Unfortunately, I will be unable to fully dedicate myself to the role as I deal with my personal health issues,' he said. 'I don't think a person elected to Parliament should be anything less than completely dedicated to a role entrusted to them by voters, so I'm resigning to make way for someone who can do that on behalf of the people of NSW. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson gave her full support and admiration to Senator Stacey. Warwick Stacey (pictured), One Nation Senator for NSW , resigned from the Senate on Tuesday morning, citing personal health reasons One Nation leader Pauline Hanson gave her full support and admiration to the outgoing senator 'Warwick Stacey is a man of principle and a great Australian,' Senator Hanson said. 'It is with profound regret that we farewell him from the Senate so soon after he was elected.' His departure creates a casual vacancy. One Nation will announce the individual who will succeed him in coming weeks, ahead of the joint sitting of the NSW parliament required by the Constitution to ratify his successor. In his extremely brief time in parliament, Stacey railed against Welcome to Country ceremonies, turning his back on one held in the upper house. 'These are exercises in virtue signalling and they keep disunity alive,' he said. 'The practice of welcome to country was invented in the 1970s. It and associated statements have become weapons in a culture war that seeks to divide Australia. 'They imply the Australian nation is illegitimate. Australians are sick of these divisive culture wars from the radical left.' A Chinese hero remembered in reverence 10:56, August 19, 2025 By Chris Nash ( People's Daily Chris Nash meets Lu Caiwen, a Chinese war hero, during a visit to southwest China's Yunnan province in 2019. (Photo provided by Chris Nash) As the famous British poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote, "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways." Her words poignantly articulate my affection for China. Reflecting on more than a decade of life and work there, a stream of vivid memories returns with remarkable clarity. In Beijing, I strolled through the tranquil winding maze of traditional alleyways called hutong, where elderly residents basked in the soft Beijing autumn sunshine, exchanging stories in the distinctive tone of the Beijing dialect. In Guanghan, southwest China's Sichuan province, I stared deep into the profound and mysterious masked eyes of one of the world's most ancient civilizations at Sanxingdui Museum, rapt in wonder at their sophisticated bronze artistry, works as intriguing and expressive as modern surrealism. Further south in Yunnan province, I had my breath taken away by the myriad of rice terraces dug by the Hani ethnic minority, shimmering like dragon scales in the rising sun. Steaming in front of me on a wobbly table in a street-side restaurant, is a bowl of fragrant broth where the terrace rise swims in the form of long, white, strands of rice noodles. At the incredible Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu province, I shook the sand from my shoes and the darkness from my eyes and blinked in the presence of the beauty of Buddhist art. But beyond the landscapes and artistry, it was the people themselves who profoundly moved me - faces radiating warmth, shyness, honesty, and resilience. Their consistent kindness revealed China's true spirit. Among the many memorable encounters, one stands out with particular poignancy: my meeting Lu Caiwen, a Chinese war hero, in the far southwest Yunnan city of Tengchong, which is very close to the border with Myanmar. I had the greatest honor to visit Comrade Lu in November 2019 during an event in Tengchong, Yunnan province. Lu is in his nineties, but as you sit in his living room, enchanted by his merry shining eyes, it's impossible to believe this is his real age. His extraordinary life story left an indelible mark on my heart. He came of age in one of the most terrible periods of recent Chinese history, when the invading Japanese imperial army threatened to overrun the whole of China. After the Japanese military invaded western Yunnan and implemented a scorched-earth policy, Lu witnessed unimaginable atrocities. He abandoned studies to attend a military training school and later joined the Chinese Expeditionary Force. "When the country is in need, I never hesitated to give up my life," he stated. "Patriotism compelled us all to the battlefield." Lu fought in many heroic battles to resist Japanese aggression. When he spoke about the 1944 Battle of Tengchong, he always grew especially emotional. In that brutal campaign, the Chinese Expeditionary Force paid a steep price - 9,168 soldiers gave their lives to retake Tengchong, the first city to be reclaimed in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. As he recalled comrades falling beside him one after another, tears welled up in his eyes and his voice trembled with sorrow: "At Laifeng Mountain, when the Japanese broke through our defenses, our troops crawled up the hillside under enemy fire, inch by inch, with their bare flesh, and reclaimed the strategic high ground." Today, at the foot of Laifeng Mountain lies a national martyrs cemetery, the resting place of those fallen heroes. Lu visited the cemetery every few days to lay flowers and pay tribute to his comrades who never returned. Listening to his stories, I remember that almost at exactly the same time he crawled his way up Laifeng Mountain under murderous fire from the enemy, 11,000 kilometres away in central Italy, my grandfather, Alfred Nash, was crawling up another mountain, called Monte Cassino, under equally withering gunfire from the German army. Monte Cassino was as pivotal in the war in western Europe as Laifeng was in the war in Asia. Both were grueling campaigns, and both speak to the iron will of the troops and people of the Allies in the fight against fascism. Lu was just one among millions of ordinary Chinese who demonstrated extraordinary courage and selfless dedication to their homeland. Their sacrifices were not only instrumental in China's resistance but also pivotal in the global effort for peace. In my view, the role China played in the global fight against fascism has been vastly underrepresented in much of Western historical discourse. China's prolonged resistance tied down large numbers of Japanese troops, greatly weakening their ability to fight on other fronts and giving the Allies precious strategic room to focus on Nazi Germany. History must remember Lu Caiwen and his fellow soldiers, and the indispensable role they played in preserving global peace. My grandfather died after a well-deserved full and happy life. I was heartbroken to hear that Mr. Lu also passed away at the end of last year. I can picture them together in my mind, comrades in arms. I believe that if they had ever met, they would have become close friends. My grandfather would have listened to Lu's stories just as intently as I did. They shared the same slightly mischievous twinkle in their eyes, maybe the light in the eyes of those who have looked on the brutality of war and know better than us, the precious everyday beauty of peace. (Chris Nash is the former chair of the Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Vladimir Putin last night told Donald Trump that he would attend peace talks with Volodymyr Zelensky within two weeks - but failed to name a specific date fuelling fears he will pull out of efforts to end the war at the last minute. The Kremlin branded a 40-minute phone call between Trump and Putin on Monday as 'frank' and only 'fairly constructive' - moments after the US President said on social media that he discussed plans for a summit in the next two weeks with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky has also said that he's 'ready' to sit down for face-to-face talks with Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war. It follows yesterday's extraordinary Oval Office love-in with Donald Trump that saw the two presidents swap praise and promises, a stark contrast to their explosive meeting in the same setting earlier this year. The meeting was also attended by European leaders, including Keir Starmer, Italy's Georgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron. But the tensions behind the scenes were seemingly revealed when Trump appeared to be reassuring French President Emmanuel Macron that Russian President Vladimir Putin was serious about making peace in Ukraine. In a hot mic moment on Monday, President Donald Trump appeared to be reassuring French President Emmanuel Macron that Russian President Vladimir Putin was serious about making peace in Ukraine. 'I think he wants to make a deal. I think he wants to make a deal for me,' Trump whispered to Macron in the White House East Room before their meeting started. 'Do you understand that? As crazy as it sounds.' After the meeting, Trump also said that Putin 'had accepted security guarantees for Ukraine'. President Zelensky shakes hands with President Trump during talks on Monday Trump and Macron, in the centre of the photograph, caught in a hot mic moment where the US president says Putin is ready to do a deal Vladimir Putin has failed to commit to peace talks with fears growing he will drop out at the last minute Trump, Zelensky and European leaders meet at the Oval Office on Monday President Donald J. Trump on the phone with President Putin in the Oval Office. pic.twitter.com/RkWReNAT2b The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 19, 2025 Macron appeared skeptical that Putin was serious about ending the three and a half year conflict that Russia had started. But he later suggested that Geneva could host a peace meeting between Putin and Zelensky. Meanwhile, the Finnish president also urged caution about the prospects for peace in Ukraine - as he labelled his Russian counterpart as 'untrustworthy'. Despite the meeting, Putin launched 270 drones and 10 missiles in an overnight attack. Speaking after he left Trump's historic talks in the White House with Zelensky and other European leaders, Alexander Stubb said: 'Putin is rarely to be trusted. 'So now it remains to be seen whether he has the courage to come to this type of meeting. 'Does he have the courage to come to a trilateral meeting, or is he once again playing for time?' Stubb's rhetoric was in stark contrast to that of President Trump who hailed the success of Monday's talks in the White House. Mr Trump told reporters: 'If everything works out well, we will have a tri-lat [between himself, Zelensky and Putin] and have a good chance of ending the war.' President Zelensky also said he is ready to sit down for face-to-face talks with Vladimir Putin at the extraordinary Oval Office love-in. It comes as William Browder, an expert on Russian foreign policy, warned that Putin's life depends on the continuation of the Ukraine war. Writing in Monday's Daily Mail, he said: 'For Vladimir Putin, an outbreak of peace means certain deathby assassination, overthrow and execution, or in an international prison cell as a war criminal. 'The Russian president's only credible hope of survival in the gangster state he has himself created is to prolong the "special military operation" in Ukraine or to win in such outrageously successful terms that he can turn his attention to other former client states, other victims. 'Survival, after all, was Putin's objective in launching the invasion in 2022.' French president Emmanuel Macron, however, called for stepping up sanctions against Russia if Putin backtracks on peace in Ukraine. He told reporters: 'President Trump believes we can get an agreement and believes that President Putin also wants a peace accord. 'But if at the end this process is met by refusal, we are also ready to say that we need to increase sanctions.' Monday's meeting, which was praised by Zelensky as the best he had with Trump, saw the two presidents swap praises as they sought to make progress towards peace. However, lots of questions remained unanswered early on Tuesday morning as to what that would look like or how it would come about. European leaders meet with Trump in the White House on Monday afternoon Fresh from his Alaskan summit with Vladimir Putin, Mr Trump said he was prepared to provide military support to Kyiv in the event of a peace deal. 'We will give them very good protection, very good security,' the President said. 'There'll be a lot of help when it comes to security. It's going to be good.' Mr Trump refused three times to rule out putting American boots on the ground though any assistance is more likely to come in the form of air support. The hastily arranged scenes at the White House saw a contingent of European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, put summer holiday plans on hold to stand with Mr Zelensky. They were locked in talks on Monday night as Mr Trump pledged they would 'come to a resolution today on almost everything, including probably security'. He had earlier spent an hour with just his Ukrainian counterpart, presenting him with a giant battlefield map showing the 20 per cent of the country under Russian control. The 'possible exchanges of territory, taking into consideration the current line of contact' was up for discussion, the President said. Responding calmly to a provocative first question from an American journalist over whether he is prepared 'to keep sending Ukrainian troops to their deaths', Mr Zelensky said he was ready to sit down with Putin. 'We support the idea of the United States, of personally President Trump, to stop this war, to make a diplomatic way of finishing this war', he said. 'And we are ready for a trilateral, as the president said. This is a good signal about trilateral. I think this is very good.' Mr Zelensky handed Mr Trump a letter from his wife, Olena, at the start of the meeting Mr Trump opened by saying it was 'an honour' to receive the Ukrainian President and that the two men have had 'a lot of good talks' making 'substantial progress' The meeting was a complete contrast to the pair's bust-up in February, which saw Mr Zelensky effectively kicked out of the White House, with the US President this time complimenting his opposite number for his 'fabulous' military-style suit. Mr Trump opened graciously, saying it was 'an honour' to receive the Ukrainian President and that the two men have had 'a lot of good talks', making 'substantial progress'. Mr Zelensky responded in turn, saying thank you seven times in his opening speech after he was dressed down by Vice President JD Vance for his supposed ingratitude over American support. In another dramatic day of diplomacy over the future of Europe: Sir Keir joined the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the EU and NATO in supporting Mr Zelensky in an unprecedented day at the White House The US President was due to phone Putin directly on Monday to update him on the talks Any trilateral summit could be held between Putin, Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky as early as this week in Europe Furious Russian officials on Monday accused Britain of undermining American efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine Mr Zelensky arrived dressed in a black jacket, shirt, and trousers as he tried to show Mr Trump respect whilst not breaking his pledge to forego a suit until the end of the war. The European leaders were each met by a guard of honour outside the White House as protesters outside waved placards reading: 'Do not abandon Ukraine.' Mr Trump smiled as he personally greeted Mr Zelensky, shaking his hand before putting his arm around the Ukrainian President and ushering him inside. Sir Keir Starmer is greeted by US chief of protocol Monica Crowley at the White House on Monday Trump greets Ukraine's President Zelensky at the White House on Monday evening Inside the Oval Office, Mr Zelensky deftly handed Mr Trump a letter from his wife, Olena Zelenska, for the First Lady Melania Trump to thank her for raising the plight of 20,000 Ukrainian children his forces have kidnapped with Putin. But on hammering out a peace deal, Mr Trump admitted it's 'a tough one' saying while he has ended six wars he 'thought this maybe would be the easiest one... and it's not the easiest one.' Of the wars he has ended, he said, none had come after a ceasefire, with a complete and lasting end to hostilities being his goal. That was challenged by both Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, who pushed for a pause in the fighting before any future meetings. Mr Trump responded by saying he liked the idea of an immediate ceasefire to 'stop the killing immediately,' but that would be left to Mr Zelensky and Putin. At the end of the press conference, Mr Trump revealed he was going to call the Russian dictator straight after the meeting of leaders. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy walk during a meeting on Monday Your browser does not support iframes. 'I just spoke to President Putin indirectly, and we're going to have a phone call right after these meetings today, and we may or may not have a trilat,' he said. 'If we don't have a trilat, then the fighting continues, and if we do, we have a good chance. 'I think if we have a trilat, there's a good chance of maybe ending it. But he's expecting my call when we're finished with this meeting.' There were hopes on Monday night that a summit between the three leaders could take place as early as this week in Europe. While Mr Trump favours Rome, Moscow reportedly prefers Geneva. It marks a remarkable turnaround, as there were growing fears of a cataclysmic breakdown of the trans-Atlantic alliance after Putin apparently succeeded in winning over Washington to his worldview in Alaska last Friday. He appeared to get everything he wanted at the summit in Anchorage, with the Trump administration dropping its desire for an immediate ceasefire to halt the Russian advance and reportedly agreeing that Ukraine should cede all of the Donbas - a huge territory Moscow has failed to take for 12 years. In a separate hot mic moment, a brief conversation between Italy's leader Giorgia Meloni, Finnish president Alexander Stubb and Trump. Meloni starts off by thanking Trump 'for being fair'. Stubb then asks if he does 'this everyday'. They then break into a side conversation where Trump says someone is a 'good golf player'. French President Emmanuel Macron is greeted by US Chief of Protocol Monica Crowley JD Vance looks on during a meeting with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet at the Oval Office of the White House on Monday Trump, centre, speaks with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, right, and France's President Emmanuel Macron, left Meanwhile, Mr Trump blasted back at his 'stupid critics' before on Monday night's gathering, writing on his Truth Social platform: 'I know exactly what I'm doing.' Speaking on board his flight to Washington earlier in the day, Sir Keir insisted that 'we've got to get this right'. He said: 'This war in Ukraine has been going on for a really long time now, three-plus years. 'It's hugely impacted the Ukrainians who've suffered hugely but it's also affected Europe - it's impacted every single family and community in the United Kingdom. 'And so everybody wants it to end, not least the Ukrainians, but we've got to get it right. We've got to make sure there is peace, that it is lasting peace, that it is fair and that it is just.' A man has died after being tasered by police and turning a knife on himself in a horrifying incident at a childcare centre. Staff and children locked themselves inside a room as the man, 28, smashed a glass door at Habitat Peregian Springs, on the Sunshine Coast, at 6pm on Monday. Queensland Police were called to the scene and tasered the man multiple times. He then pulled a knife and took his own life. Queensland Police are treating it as a mental health-related incident. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said on Tuesday he had just learned about the 'horrendous issue'. 'I'm sure that for many of those students and teachers, it's a particularly traumatic experience they've gone through,' he said. 'I think those early childhood teachers and educators are heroes, and any counselling service that is needed will be provided, but the safety of our children is paramount.' Staff and children were forced to lock themselves in a room as the man smashed a glass door at Habitat Peregian Springs, on the Sunshine Coast, at 6pm on Monday A Queensland Police spokesman said officers attempted to negotiate with the man before taking him into custody. 'The man became unresponsive soon after,' he said. 'Attending police rendered first aid before other emergency services arrived, however he was declared deceased a short time later. 'No other person present at the time of the incident was physically harmed.' Police said the Ethical Standards Command will investigate the 28-year-old's death. Peregian Springs Golf Club managing director Hideya Fujimaki was working at the club, next door to the childcare centre, when he heard screams around 7.30pm. He ran to the scene and saw the facility was swarmed by police. 'There were hysterical parents crying and screaming behind the many many police and ambulances,' Mr Fujimaki told the Courier Mail. Peregian Springs Golf Club managing director Hideya Fujimaki heard screams from the childcare centre 'I also heard what sounded like screams from a woman inside the building.' It's understood five teachers and six children were inside the building at the time. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek applauded the carers who were by the children's sides during the 'traumatic experience'. 'I think those early childhood teachers and educators are heroes, and any counselling service that is needed will be provided, but the safety of our children is paramount,' he said. If you need support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 An Australian tourist was knocked unconscious by motorcycle taxi riders who stepped in to end his alleged attack on a transgender sex worker in Thailand. The holidaymaker, in his mid-50s, reportedly became violent after refusing to pay the sex worker, named Panya, 38, for spending the night with him in 'Sin City' Pattaya. He was seen chasing the terrified sex worker around parked motorcycles on July 23 before a couple motorbike taxi riders took action. They were also allegedly attacked by the Aussie before one fought back and knocked the tourist unconscious. Police arrived to find the tourist lying on the ground with blood streaming from his head before he was taken to hospital. The taxi riders - who often double as de facto security enforcers on their patch - gave police their statements at the scene. One said: 'They were arguing about him not paying for the service. I was watching my senior who was trying to stop the argument. Then, the man approached and threw a punch which also landed on me. After that, we fought back against him.' Photos from the scene show the man bleeding from a head injury as he lay on the ground on Soi Buakhao, a nightlife district popular with western tourists. The Aussie tourist was punched to the ground and blood started rushing from his head He was taken to hospital for treatment after clashing with two men on bikes He was earlier seen chasing a sex worker before members of the public intervened Panya said she had been drinking with the Aussie man, but he refused to pay when asked for money. 'I went out with the foreigner but he was drunk and acting foolish, so I didn't want to stay with him. He kept trying to follow me,' she said. 'As for the motorbike riders, they didn't know what was going on. They just tried to step in and stop him but he grabbed a chair and began chasing them. Things spiralled out of control after that.' Police said they had gathered CCTV footage from the area as they investigate the incident. Daily Mail contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which said it was looking into the incident. Immigration Minister Tony Burke has been accused of 'double standards' after an elected Israeli politician had his visa revoked, while a controversial Muslim speaker who 'celebrated' the Hamas attacks of October 7 was allowed in to Australia. On Monday, it emerged that Australia had revoked the visa of far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman over some of his provocative comments including describing children in Gaza as enemies. Australia has also denied entry to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked, based on anti-Palestinian comments, and Israeli advocate Hillel Fuld. Canberra has further imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, including travel bans. In response, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said the visas of Australia's representatives to the Palestinian Authority had been revoked. He also instructed the Israel Embassy in Canberra to carefully examine any official Australian visa application for entry into Israel. The diplomatic tit-for-tat prompted Foreign Minister Penny Wong to accuse Benjamin Netanyahu of 'isolating Israel'. Mr Rothman's visa was cancelled despite the Australian governemnt last year allowing controversial British commentator Sami Hamdi to conducted a speaking tour across the country. Immigration Minister Tony Burke (pictured with the Prime Minister) has been accused of 'double standards' after an elected Israeli politician had his visa revoked, while a controversial Muslim speaker who 'celebrated' the Hamas attacks of October 7 was allowed in to Australia Ten days after the October 7 Hamas attacks, which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis, Hamdi was filmed encouraging people to 'celebrate the victory' of the terrorist organisation. 'Celebrate the victory! Allah has shown the world that no normalisation can erase the Palestinian cause,' Hamdi said ten days after the worst loss of life for Jews in a single day since the holocaust. 'When everybody thought it was finished, it's roaring! How many of you feel it in your hearts? When you go the news that it happened, how many of you felt the euphoria? Allahu Akbar! How many of you felt it?' Before he came to Australia, Hamdi had been banned from speaking at two universities in Canada after his comments came to light. Shadow Minister for Home Affairs Andrew Hastie said it was 'just the latest example of Tony Burke's double standards when it comes to Australia's immigration system'. 'How can the Albanese Labor Government approve the visa of a Hamas supporter but deny entry to an elected politician of a friendly country?', he told the Daily Mail. 'Tony Burke must come clean on the secret and arbitrary process that he applies to create these inconsistencies leading to a current Israeli politician having his visa cancelled a day before he is set to arrive in Australia.' Meanwhile, British commentator Sami Hamdi (pictured) conducted a speaking tour across Australia last year, despite being filmed encouraging people to 'celebrate the victory' of the Hamas terror attacks on October 7 which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis Mohammed Ghuloom (pictured) toured Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in June this year where he gave talks , including one to primary school-age children. He has praised former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah It comes as a controversial Muslim speaker who praised former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was allowed to go on a speaking tour of Australia in June this year. Mohammed Ghuloom recently toured Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne where he gave talks , including one to primary school-age children. This is despite the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) writing to Burke and the Department of Home Affairs to warn them that Mr Ghuloom had expressed support online for listed terrorist organisation Hezbollah. 'Ghuloom has a record of support for Hezbollah a listed terrorist organisation under the Australian Criminal Code,' ZFA president Jeremy Liebler told The Australian. 'Ghuloom's social media features video and images of him glorifying Hezbollah terrorist organisation leader Hassan Nasrallah, on stage in front of a large crowd, as well as uploading a post to his social media accounts eulogising the terrorist leader following his death.' Mr Liebler told the Daily Mail on Tuesday that Mr Rothman, the Israeli politician who has had his visa revoked, held many views that are 'highly offensive and do not reflect the values of the Australian Jewish community or the mainstream Israeli public'. 'It is one thing to disagree strongly with an elected representative of a democracy and ally, it is quite another to deny them entry on that basis,' Mr Liebler added. 'Australia ought not set such a precedent.' Israeli politician Simcha Rothman was denied entry to visit Australia for a speaking tour Former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked was also denied entry to Australia Senator Wong said the decision to revoke Australian visas in Israel was 'unjustified'. 'At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution,' Senator Wong said on Tuesday morning. 'This is an unjustified reaction, following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine.' On Tuesday, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley demanded the Albanese government explain why the 'very unusual' decision was made to revoke Mr Rothamn's visa. 'Israel is a Liberal democracy in the Middle East and we should be supporting them as that liberal democracy and the steps that the Albanese government has taken over recent days and weeks certainly have not demonstrated that,' Ley said. 'This is an elected member of the Israeli parliament and it's a very unusual thing to refuse a visa and I haven't seen explanations from Tony Burke that actually explain what is going on here.' Mr Rothman had his visa revoked out of fear that his past comments might spark counter-protests among Australia's Muslim community, according to a leaked Home Affairs document reported by The Australian. 'I (the ministers delegate) consider that the visa holder has the potential to use these events and other platforms while in Australia to continue to making inflammatory statements to promote his controversial views and ideologies, which may lead to fostering division in the community,' the document stated. 'The use of platforms for inflammatory rhetoric can lead to increased hate crimes, radicalisation of individuals and heightened tensions in communities. 'Specifically, I consider his presence in Australia would or might be a risk to the good order of the Australian community or a segment of the Australian community, namely the Islamic population.' The document further warned that Mr Rothman's entry into Australia might 'encourage others to feel emboldened to voice any anti-Islamic sentiments'. A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson said it 'does not comment on individual cases'. 'All non-citizens who wish to travel to, enter, or remain in Australia must satisfy the requirements of the Migration Act 1958 (the Act) and the Migration Regulations 1994, including identity, health, character, and security requirements,' the spokesperson added. 'The Australian Government is committed to protecting the community from the risk of harm posed by non-citizens who engage in behaviour of concern.' Burke, the Immigration Minister, has previously defended the cancelling of Mr Rothman's visa, claiming Australia would not accept people who sow hatred. 'Our government takes a hard line on people who seek to come to our country and spread division,' Burke said. 'If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we don't want you here. 'Under our government, Australia will be a country where everyone can be safe, and feel safe.' Earlier this month, Burker told Nine Newspapers that he 'could not care less about the freedom of speech argument if Im in the business of stopping hatred from being imported to Australia'. ABC journalist and presenter Dan Bourchier has announced he is leaving the national broadcaster after almost a decade on air and behind the scenes. Bourchier, who joined the ABC in 2016, revealed the news in a social media post on Monday, saying it had been his 'absolute privilege' to spend nearly nine years helping Australians 'understand each other, our country and our world a little better'. 'I'm particularly proud of the work I've helped to drive to increase Indigenous representation internally, and create the space for other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to tell their stories in their way,' he wrote. 'While leaving is hard, I'm optimistic about the future of the ABC I say goodbye to, and the tremendous leadership across the organisation. 'Thank you to the loyal audience who has supported, challenged, and backed me. 'We've navigated some of the some tumultuous news and change of the last decade, together. It's made me a better journalist and a better leader.' Bourchier also thanked his 'extraordinary colleagues' at the ABC for the 'support, mentoring and opportunities' he's had over the last nine years. Bourchier began his ABC career in Canberra as the ACT Indigenous Affairs Reporter before moving into roles as ABC Radio Canberra breakfast host and presenter of the 7pm TV news bulletin. Dan Bourchier (pictured) has announced he is leaving the ABC after nine years Bourchier (pictured) worked for NITV and Sky News before joining the ABC in 2016 He later co-hosted programs including The Drum and Insiders and in 2023 took on a national reporting role covering the Voice to Parliament referendum. Since early 2024, Bourchier has worked across the ABC News Channel, chaired the broadcasters Bonner Committee, which advises on Indigenous content, and regularly filled in on News Breakfast weekends. Bourchier grew up in the remote Northern Territory mining town of Tennant Creek and started his journalism career by reporting for the local newspaper when he was 14. Before joining the ABC, Bourchier worked for NITV and Sky News. He is also a prominent advocate for justice, Indigenous and LGBTQI+ rights, and was a 2024 Australian of the Year nominee in Canberra. The head of a major supermarket chain said he has been forced to 'import' foreign workers to staff his stores because Aussies on Centrelink 'don't want to work'. The outspoken director of the family-run supermarket chain Drakes Supermarkets, John-Paul 'JP' Drake, opened up about the challenges plaguing the retail sector during a sweeping appearance on the 2 Worlds Collide podcast on Thursday. His father, Roger Drake, founded the independent supermarket chain in 1974, which has since grown to more than 60 stores across South Australia and Queensland. Mr Drake said the chain, which employs more than 6,000 people, has been forced to import workers from overseas despite efforts to attract local employees. He gave the example of Drake's distribution centre in Edinburgh North, Adelaide, where he claimed the unemployment rate was as high as 23 per cent. 'At my distribution centre... I've got a gym there, they get a full canteen with a free lunch, all this stuff and it's not enough to attract the locals to get a job, to work, to make a difference in the community,' he told podcast host Sam Bamford. 'You know why?' he said, adding: 'We pay enough out on Centrelink and benefits for the people that maybe don't deserve it and that is the problem.' Mr Drake told the Daily Mail welfare plays a 'vital role in supporting people who need it' but added it is 'mean to be a safety net - not a hammock'. JP Drake blamed welfare entitlements for Aussies not wanting to work in retail Mr Drake claimed businesses were struggling to attract workers even in areas where unemployment was high (stock) 'Flexibility and part-time or casual work is common in retail. I get it, why work if youre going to get penalised financially for it?' he said. 'Its not about blaming people if the rules make you worse off for working, the rules are broken, not the worker.' While it is a commonly held belief that generous welfare entitlements disincentivise people from finding work, establishing a clear link has proven challenging for researchers. Research by non-partisan think tank e61 Institute, however, found that the $550-a-fortnight JobSeeker Coronavirus Supplement reduced job hunting by about 19 per cent. A ten per cent increase in unemployment benefits would lead to a 2.1 per cent decline in job-finding rates, the research published earlier this year suggested. In the podcast, Mr Drake said the issue, which affects the retail sector as a whole, had encouraged him to 'import' foreign workers who are more willing to work. 'I'm importing people from Vanuatu because I can't get workers to work at my site,' he said. 'They're unbelievable, their work ethic is amazing... Every single one of them, they act as a family, as a tribe together and they work as a team. Mr Drake said he had begun to 'import' workers from overseas to shore up his workforce 'English is not the best but, mate, they are smiling, they're happy.' He said only 1.4 per cent of his team members were on work visas or participants in the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility Scheme Regarding welfare, Mr Drake laid particular blame at the feet of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which he said allowed people to 'make up anything to get anything'. 'I got in so much trouble when I mentioned this because there are people that need benefits, need handouts, I totally understand that,' he said. 'But when anyone can get $550 a fortnight... and you have a house load of people and you combine your money together... you don't need to f***ing work. 'And sell a few drugs and happy days.' Mr Drake clarified he believed entitlements NDIS served a legitimate purpose and was taking issue with those who 'are on unemployment benefits and moan about not being able to get a job'. Treasury forecasts spending on the NDIS, with annual costs projected to surpass $64billion in five years, will overtake spending on the aged pension within a decade. The scheme's ballooning price tag is expected to take centre stage at the federal government's economic roundtable's budget sustainability and tax reform session on Thursday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday raised concerns with its growth, claiming its pool of recipients had outstretched its initial design. 'We need to make sure the system's sustainable,' he told Sky News. 'The NDIS was never envisaged that 40 per cent of the population would be on it. It's about giving people support who need it.' Australians have lost their homes, their retirement, and their peace of mind as a wave of funds favoured by self-managed superannuation investors collapsed without warning. Canberra couple Simon and Annette Luck face selling their house after losing almost every cent of their $340,000 nest egg. Perth nurse Kathryn Shannon saw her entire $460,000 life savings disappear overnight. They are among more than 12,000 ordinary investors left devastated after three major superannuation schemes - First Guardian Master Fund, Shield Master Trust, and Australian Fiduciaries Limited - went under. While everyday Australians thought they were making smart investments, fund directors spent members' money on Lamborghinis, luxury homes, and escapes overseas. And now their victims have been left with nothing. Experts warn these failed schemes are just the tip of the iceberg in Australias $4.2trillion superannuation system - where loopholes still put your retirement at risk. The victims of the superannuation funds collapse include everyday Aussies like Canberra couple Simon and Annette Luck, who lost $340,000 - almost all their retirement savings - after a now-banned financial adviser convinced them to invest with First Guardian Master Fund Australia's superannuation savings Australia's superannuation savings are one of the nation's most valuable assets. The national pool of retirement savings is worth more than $4.2trillion, which is second only to the $11trillion value of residential property. Super has been compulsory since 1992 and is now even more valuable than the $2.9trillion value of Australia's 500 biggest companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Compulsory super contributions rose to 12 per cent as of July 1, making retirement savings the biggest asset for most Australians outside of their home. For many people who don't own property, superannuation is by far their biggest financial asset and is essential for a dignified retirement, with Australians unable to get the age pension until they turn 67. But the collapse of the First Guardian Master Fund, Shield Master Trust and now Australian Fiduciaries Limited has exposed the huge flaws of a system forcing people to put money aside for their retirement. Close to $1.2billion worth of super has conservatively been lost through these failed schemes, now all in liquidation after legal action from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The national pool of retirement savings is worth more than $4.2trillion, which is second only to the $11trillion value of residential property Then there is Perth nurse Kathryn Shannon, who invested $460,000 with a fund linked to Australian Fiduciary Limited More than 12,000 Australians, mainly with self-managed super funds, have been caught up in devastating collapses of managed investment schemes, which in two cases involved member funds being used to buy Lamborghinis for a fund director. Then there were instances of directors either buying mansions, fleeing overseas or sending money offshore. The victims include everyday Aussies like Simon and Annette, who lost $340,000 - almost all their retirement savings - after a now-banned financial adviser convinced them to invest with First Guardian Master Fund. They are contemplating selling their house, living out of a caravan and cancelling plans to visit relatives in The Netherlands and the UK. 'Disheartened, dismayed and downright disappointed and let down,' Annette tells me. Then there is Kathryn Shannon, who invested $460,000 with a fund linked to Australian Fiduciary Limited. 'I transferred all of my funds, totalling over $460,000 and representing nearly all my life savings as I don't own my own home,' she says. 'I feel ripped off and the superannuation system is not safe.' CoreData founder Andrew Inwood, a 30-year veteran of the financial services industry, tells me bad actors in the superannuation sector will always find ways to get around new laws. 'It's not people who are good actors who have made a mistake,' he says. 'It's bad actors who are setting out to deliberately exploit the system to take advantage of the fact that people will feel that they're missing out on some sort of return. 'Regulation doesn't change that: putting up more speeding signs doesn't stop people from speeding; what changes that is more cops on the street, more speeding cameras.' Royal Commission The 2019 Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry recommended that hawking of superannuation products be banned. Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg set about implementing Justice Kenneth Hayne's 76 recommendations. But as Super Consumers Australia chief executive Xavier O'Halloran tells me, it didn't stop financial advisers from selling their wares on Facebook, and preying on a fear of low super returns. 'We're seeing huge amounts of money flowing out in marketing costs - this seemed to be the business model of some of these managed investment schemes,' he says. 'They pump a huge amount of money into different promoter services, who put ads all over social media platforms encouraging people to switch their superannuation to a better fund - driving a lot of fear that people are perhaps in a really bad-performing fund and paying high fees and then switching people into what has been a failed investment.' Thousands of Australians, mainly with super-managed super funds, have been caught up in collapses of managed investment schemes, which in two cases involved member funds being used to buy Lamborghinis (pictured is a Urus registered to a First Guardian director) While super funds and managed investment schemes can't directly advertise, financial advisers can continue to hawk their services and ultimately give bad advice. 'It's a pretty easy loophole to get around,' Mr O'Halloran says. This has made those with self-managed super funds particularly vulnerable to switching their retirement savings to a dodgy managed investment scheme. 'You've got someone who's trained as a financial adviser telling them that they're in a bad investment - naturally they're going to think about switching,' he says. 'We're really encouraging people who see these ads on social media really just to keep scrolling and not to be talking to these kind of promoters because it's a very risky business model and it's seen people lose their retirement savings. 'It's not as blatant as selling a bridge - "This is a good investment, take my word for it, it's a growth investment" - they use all the kind of words and jargon that you might hear from a pretty normal investment option at a superannuation fund.' Investors promised balanced investments also had their funds put into risky ventures. Spending on marketing Trailing commissions have been illegal since 2013, following the passage of Future of Financial Advice laws. David Anderson in 2020 had bought a $9million Melbourne mansion (pictured) The collapse of First Guardian is leaving 6,000 Australians in limbo with First Guardian Master Fund's directors accused of moving $242million in funds offshore (pictured is director David Anderson) But in the worst case, the $505million First Guardian Master Fund paid $40million in marketing fees to Cornerstone Strategic Management, Atlas Marketing and Indigo Group. A creditors' report by liquidator FTI Consulting revealed $446million may never be recovered. The collapse of First Guardian is leaving 6,000 Australians in limbo with First Guardian Master Fund's directors accused of moving $242million in funds offshore. David Anderson in 2020 had bought a $9million Melbourne mansion while fellow director Simon Selimaj bought a $548,000 Lamborghini. ASIC, the corporate regulator, says that, since February 2022, at least 5,800 Australians have invested $480million with Shield Master Fund. Then there is the case of Australian Fiduciaries Limited, which collectively owes 600 investors $173million which liquidator Matthew Hudson, from SV Partners, tells me could grow closer to $200million. His creditors' report noted director Lee Rushton had fled to Malaysia, and had a Lamborghini registered in his name. 'This is very similar to the First Guardian collapse,' Mr Hudson says. Then there is the case of Australian Fiduciaries Limited, which collectively owes 600 investors $173million. The creditors' report noted director Lee Rushton had fled to Malaysia CoreData founder Andrew Inwood, a three-decade veteran of the financial services industry, tells me bad actors in the superannuation sector will always find ways to get around new laws Super Consumers Australia chief executive Xavier O'Halloran says financial advisers are selling their wares on social media, and preying on a fear of low super returns The government-run Compensation Scheme of Last Resort, established last year, can pay individuals up to $150,000 if they lose money when a financial company collapses. But the scheme has limited funding because it's paid for by finance companies via annual levies. Each year, the scheme can only pay out a total of $250million across all claims. Additionally, there's a cap of just $20million for each part of the finance industry, such as financial advice. This has led to serious shortfalls. For example, the scheme recently estimated it would need $70.1million just to compensate victims of bad financial advice. Mr Inwood says higher levies on financial advisers are likely to be needed to pay out the victims of collapsed managed investment schemes. 'They don't have the money so they are going to have to raise another $47,000 per adviser in Australia,' he says. In each case, the collapsed managed investment schemes were available on reputable superannuation platforms, giving investors a choice of potential funds, and were even given investment-grade ratings. 'There's a string of failures that has gone on here,' Mr O'Halloran says. 'Looking at how people ended up in these schemes in the first place is the really critical piece too. 'In some cases, superannuation funds had these managed investment schemes on their platforms, so basically sitting on their shelves of the supermarket were these toxic investments that people had been encouraged by these financial advisers to sign up to and put their retirement savings in. 'There's culpability all down the chain from the super funds to the adviser to the guys that were setting up these schemes and spending the money from them on Lamborghinis.' Elon Musk's baby mama Ashley St. Clair announced that she is broke and is even getting evicted as she debuted her new podcast on Monday. The 26-year-old, who is in the process of fighting the Tesla CEO for custody of their nearly one-year-old son Romulus, opened her show, entitled Bad Advice with Ashley St. Clair by claiming she is in desperate need of the money. 'Well after a year of unplanned career suicide, many questionable life choices and a gap in my LinkedIn profile that cannot be legally explained, I've decided to start a podcast,' St. Clair said. 'Not because anybody asked, but because statistically speaking, it was either join this or join a [multi-level marketing scheme]. So here we are. 'And unlike your Ben Shapiros or Megyn Kellys, I'm not starting this because I think my big-brain thoughts and my podcast mic are the greatest gift to humanity. I actually think I have the worst ideas, so consider everything out of my mouth a cautionary tale.' 'Also, I'm getting evicted and Polymarket offered me $10,000 to do an ad read,' she announced. 'So with that, the roof over my head has been brought to you by Polymarket.' Musk had reportedly offered St. Clair $15million and $100,000 a month to keep quiet about her pregnancy, but she took him to court instead. After doing so, Musk 'substantially' reduced the amount of money was paying to St. Clair, her lawyers have claimed. Elon Musk's baby mama Ashley St. Clair announced that she is broke and is even getting evicted as she debuted her new podcast on Monday Musk had reportedly offered St. Clair $15million and $100,000 a month to keep quiet about her pregnancy, but she took him to court instead During that period, a resolution seemed a long way off as St. Clair claimed that Musk 'no longer wishes to resolve issues of custody and support amicably.' Romulus, Musk's 13th child, was born in September 2024 and St. Clair went public with her story on Valentine's Day. 'Five months ago, I welcomed a new baby into the world. Elon Musk is the father,' she wrote on social media. 'I have not previously disclosed this to protect our child's privacy and safety, but in recent days it has become clear that tabloid media intends to do so, regardless of the harm it will cause,' St. Clair continued. 'I intend to allow our child to grow in a normal and safe environment. For that reason, I ask that the media honor our child's privacy, and refrain from invasive reporting.' St. Clair went on to claim that she and Musk got together in St. Barts in the Caribbean in January last year and had sex twice, leading to the conception of the child. In her original petition for sole custody, St. Clair claimed the SpaceX founder had only met their child three times and that she is the only parent to make decisions on the child's behalf. She claimed that Musk was not present for the birth of the boy and hasn't expressed any interest in having custody. St. Clair claimed that she and Musk got together in St. Barts in the Caribbean in January last year and had sex twice, leading to the conception of the child The son with conservative influencer St. Clair extends Musk's brood to 13 Musk has amplified remarks from fellow MAGA influencer Isabella Moody, who shared a series of messages between her and St. Clair in which St. Clair appears to discuss seducing the billionaire. 'Elon followed me. I need his rocket babies,' messages purportedly from St. Clair read. Moody said the messages were 'evidence Ashley planned to baby trap Elon,' saying St. Clair sent her the texts in May 2023, when she first met Musk and 'started sleeping with him.' A paternity test has since revealed there is a 99.99 percent chance Musk is the boy's father, and in March he claimed he had provided St. Clair $2.5 million and was also sending her $500,000 a month. 'I don't know if the child is mine or not,' he wrote. 'Despite not knowing for sure, I have given Ashley $2.5M and was currently sending her $500k/year.' St. Clair then fought back, calling Musk a 'petulant man-child' and claiming he 'withdrew most of' his child support payments in response to her public statements. St. Clair also took aim at Musk's one-time protege Edward 'Big Balls' Coristine, 19, who was violently attacked while trying to stop a carjacking on August 3 On her podcast Monday, St. Clair seemed to take another swipe at Musk as she ruthlessly mocked his one-time protege Edward 'Big Balls' Coristine, 19, who was violently attacked while trying to stop a carjacking on August 3. 'I have to start off with what everybody's been waiting for me to talk about. The story that's dominated the headlines, the one that made the entire world go "This can't be real life, we must be living in a simulation:" Elon Musk. Elon Musk's Big Balls,' St. Clair began. 'Big Balls is the name of Elon Musk's DOGE crony Edward Coristine and recently he got beat up. He got attacked in Washington DC, and depending on who you ask, Big Balls was assaulted by a violent gang. 'In reality, it was two teenagers, but you know, Fox News has a strict policy that any time there's more than one black person or migrant in the same location, it's automatically a gang,' she claimed. 'One is a criminal, two is a march, three is a cartel.' She went on to note that the suspects 'roughed him up' and gave Coristine a bloody nose. 'The damage was on par with what I sustained after I told my toddler he couldn't watch Paw Patrol,' St. Clair joked. 'It was brutal, violent stuff.' The MAGA influencer then noted that the brutal beating came after Coristine tried to stop a carjacking. Coristine, who worked under Musk at the Department of Government Efficiency, was the only one attacked in the attempted carjacking Police are still searching for a third suspect, pictured here 'He was with his girlfriend, or lady partner, whatever the Musk orbit calls their non-committal fluid breeding vessel contenders these days,' she mused. '... He got his ass beat so bad, some are calling it "reparations." I, of course, would never do that,' St. Clair quipped. 'But what I don't understand is why didn't you just let them take the car?' Coristine was the only one injured in the attempted carjacking, and by the time cops arrived on the scene, the suspects fled the scene. Two 15-year-olds, a boy and a girl from Hyattsville, Maryland, were later arrested, and police released an image of the third suspect who remains on the run. He appeared to be a black man with short black hair wearing a surgical mask pulled down to his chin and a grey shirt. President Donald Trump has since used the incident as a pretense to send the National Guard to the nation's capital, claiming the teenager was 'very badly hurt' and 'beat up by a bunch of thugs in DC.' 'We just almost lost a young man, beautiful, handsome guy that got the hell knocked out of him the night before last. I'm going to call him now,' the president added. 'He was left dripping in blood. He thought he was dead with a broken nose and concussion. Can't believe that he's alive.' A Florida mother is suing a dairy farm after allegedly becoming severely ill from one of its products and losing her unborn baby as a result. Rachel Maddox, of Seminole County, has claimed that raw milk from Keely Farms Dairy gave her a dire bacterial infection that led to her having a miscarriage. 'I became very ill and I mean the sickest Ive ever been in my life,' Maddox told News 6. 'I came really close to dying and our [unborn] son did die. The doctors told me that I was lucky to be alive.' Maddox, who was 20 weeks pregnant, and her two-year-old son were both hospitalized after ingesting the dairy product. The toddler drank the raw and unpasteurized milk from the New Smyrna Beach farm - which allegedly contained E. coli and Campylobacter - and Maddox became ill from taking care of him while he was sick, the lawsuit states. Last week, the Florida Department of Health linked 21 cases of E. coli and Campylobacter illnesses since January to the Keely Farms product, which is labeled 'not for human consumption.' Six of those victims were children under 10 and seven people had to be hospitalized. Two of those cases involved extreme complications. Rachel Maddox (pictured), of Seminole County, has claimed that raw milk from Keely Farms Dairy gave her a dire bacterial infection that led to her having a miscarriage Keely Farms Dairy raw milk (pictured) was linked to 21 illnesses by the Florida Department of Health last week Keely Farms Dairy (pictured) said the Department of Health did not properly investigate the situation Maddox's lawsuit, which was filed in Seminole County on Wednesday, claims the milk her toddler drank contained both E. coli and Campylobacter. While Maddox never drank the milk herself, she claimed she became ill after caring for her son, who was infected with the bacteria. Her child became sick first and developed 'nausea, fever, diarrhea, abdomen pain, chills, and dehydration,' according to a press release from Ron Simon & Associates, one of the firms representing Maddox. He ended up in the hospital for 10 days. The horrified then-pregnant mother soon started experiencing those symptoms as well. She was hospitalized for 19 days. During that time, she allegedly developed sepsis and had a miscarriage. Maddox and her son allegedly both tested positive for the strain of Campylobacter linked to contaminated Keely Farms Dairy raw milk. The devastated mom claimed she had no idea raw milk was dangerous for humans to drink. She purchased the allegedly bacteria-ridden product in June from a natural food store, Wild Hare Natural Market in Longwood, according to the filing. Keely Farms Dairy raw milk is not meant for human consumption, as indicated on its label (pictured) Maddox said she lost her 20-week-old fetus after suffering extreme complications from the bacterial infection (pictured: her and her husband place flowers where they buried the unborn baby) Maddox allegedly asked someone at the store about the product label that read 'something to the effect [of] "for consumption by animals,"' she was told that was just a 'technical requirement' to sell farm milk in Florida. Wild Hare Natural Market is also named in the lawsuit, News 6 reported. She told the outlet she bought the milk for many months and several people in her family had been drinking it, although she had not consumed it. No one had any problems until she and her son were hospitalized, she claimed. Now, Maddox is demanding damages for the physical and emotional distress she has suffered. 'Those who produce and sell raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy products know the extreme risk of bacterial infection to those who consume it, and have a duty to follow strict sanitary guidelines to prevent contamination,' Simon said in a statement. 'They also have a duty to fully warn their customers of the inherent risks of consuming raw milk. 'Keely Farms Dairy met neither of these requirements, and this outbreak is the result.' In Florida, it is illegal to sell unpasteurized and raw milk for human consumption. But it is not illegal for people to drink it if they choose. Maddox (pictured) was allegedly hospitalized for a total of 19 days after getting sick while caring for her toddler In an X post about the 21 illnesses, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo wrote: 'Floridians have the freedom to make informed health choices. 'I support the decision to consume raw milk when sought for potential health benefits and protective factors. Be aware of your source and know the risks.' Maddox's lawsuit and the Florida Department of Health's warning have caused Keely Farms to suffer, with the small business claiming they are being painted in a false light. The farm has claimed the department made public accusations about its products 'without taking action to fully investigate their operations or test milk samples from the farm,' according to a press release. 'Keely Farms Dairy has never been political. We just milk our cows, provide livestock feed, and serve as upstanding members of our community,' a GoFundMe created by the farm reads. 'But we are being attacked by the news media after being "linked" by the Florida Department of Health to an "outbreak" of two different bacteria spanning 8 months' time without any notification of an investigation or proof of an issue.' The farm said the department has not shut down their farm and the Department of Agriculture recently visited the site and reapproved its labels. 'We continue to sell raw milk as livestock feed. It is legally licensed and labeled "not for human consumption" under state law, and is not sold for human consumption,' the fundraiser page reads. Maddox (pictured) claimed she was told the warning label on the milk was only a 'technical requirement' Wild Hare Natural Market (pictured), where the milk was allegedly bought, is also named in the lawsuit These allegedly false claims made against Keely Farms has caused the business to lose customers and for sales to plummet. 'The Florida Department of Healths actions are unusual, confusing, and frankly troubling,' Alexia Kulwiec, executive director of Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) said. 'If the Department had evidence that Keely Farms Dairy sold contaminated raw milk for livestock feed, it would be taking serious action against the farm.' Keely Farms is cooperating with the Department of Health, and the 'FTCLDF will continue to monitor and assist with this situation.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Simon, Wild Hare Natural Market, Keely Farms Dairy and the Florida Department of Health for comment. A Sydney man who was brutally murdered in a quiet inner west street on Sunday night had no connection to the city's criminal underbelly, according to friends. Gilbert Shino, 39, was shot dead by a hail of bullets at 6.35pm as he walked from the Harold pub in Forest Lodge to his car on Sunday night, in what police are investigating as a gangland hit. His friend, Maradona Yalda, 31, was also shot but survived his injuries. Mr Yalda - who is recovering in hospital - only returned to Australia four days before the murder, and according to police sources was 'aware' 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. But a long-time friend of Mr Shino, who previously worked with him for eight years at Capital Smart car repairs, insisted on Tuesday that his mate did not have links to any criminal gangs. Milan Toma, who now owns building company Blueprint Master Projects, said Mr Shino had recently worked a weekend for him. Gilbert Shino pictured with his wife Natasha on a family trip to Melbourne in January Mr Shino's former workmate Milan Toma donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe to help the dead man's heartbroken family 'He was a hard-working man, why would he need to work so hard just to pay the bills if he had links to those things [gangs]?' Mr Toma told Daily Mail. Mr Toma, who was distraught over the loss of his friend and colleague, said he was close with Mr Shino but that they had not spent time together socially in some time. He could not explain why Mr Shino and Mr Yalda chose to travel to the Harold to watch UFC, given it was a 45-minute drive from the Middleton Grange home Mr Shino shared with his wife and two daughters. Meanwhile, massive donations have flooded in to a GoFundMe appeal raising money for Mr Shino's wife Natasha Avakian and their two young daughters Montana and Isla. Mr Shino and Ms Avakian last year suffered a miscarriage of a baby they named Marley. Mr Toma personally donated $5,000 to the fundraiser, which has so far collected more than $67,000 of its $100,000 goal in less than 24 hours. 'I feel very sorry for his family,' he said. 'Gibs was a very positive person who adored his girls. It's a big loss.' Many people with the surname Yalda - thought to be Maradona's family members - have made several large donations to the fund. Natasha shared this image of her husband with their two daughters to Instagram A man named James Yalda contributed $2500, while a woman named Natalie Yalda donated $300. In setting up the appeal, fundraiser organiser Ashie Mikael said: 'This GoFundMe has been created to help support his wife and daughters during this unimaginable time. 'While nothing can take away the pain, we hope to ease some of the heavy burden they now face. 'Our beloved Gilby... was a devoted husband and a loving father to two beautiful girls who adored him more than anything in this world. 'His family was his everything, and he would have moved mountains to make sure they were cared for and loved. 'To his friends and family, he was more than just someone we loved - he was the life of the party, always smiling, always lifting others up, and always there when you needed him.' Widow Ms Avakian shared an emotional tribute to her slain partner last night. 'How am I going to live without you? You were my life,' she posted to Instagram. Police cordoned off a crime scene outside the Harold pub in Forest Lodge earlier this week Mr Shino and Mr Yalda had been watching a UFC match at the pub on Sunday In a comment on Facebook, she wrote, 'Why did you leave us?' with a heartbreak emoji. Daily Mail has reached out to Ms Avakian for comment. A separate post revealed his family would be accepting condolences at St Mary's Assyrian Church of the East in Smithfield on Tuesday evening, with funeral arrangements to follow. Mr Shino died at the scene on Sunday night, despite the efforts of paramedics and an off-duty doctor. It is understood he worked at Capital Smash Repairs, and grew up in Western Sydney. According to his Facebook profile, he attended St John's Park High School in Greenfield Park. A Middleton Grange neighbour on Monday told Daily Mail that Mr Shino was extremely friendly and would always say hello, while his wife was more reserved. The neighbour said he had seen police visiting the couple's home, but that no one answered the door. Distraught friends visited Mr Shino's home on Monday, the day after he was murdered He added that their blue Mazda hatchback was missing from the driveway. Police are investigating whether a torched Ford Mustang, found in Rydalmere at 9.50pm on Monday night, is linked to the shooting, although no connections have been made at this stage. The gunman behind the 'outrageous, brazen, callous attack' remains on the run on Tuesday. 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. On Sunday night, residents heard several gunshots on the usually quiet Wigram Road Police warned locals to stay inside as they rapidly established a crime scene '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.' 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. 'A bullet did hit a window and narrowly missed a female staff member it's 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. Mr Shino was a family man who loved travelling to Melbourne for the Australian Open 'We believe it's a targeted attack based on one of the victim's 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 we're working on the principle that it's one gunman, but there's possibly more,' Superintendent Sergi said. 'We're looking for a vehicle, a dark-coloured vehicle we're really looking forward to the public giving us information, especially dashcam, to help put the pieces of the puzzle together.' Local residents were told to stay inside their homes as police scoured the area and sealed off the crime scene. 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. It takes a special kind of hypocrisy for Penny Wong - of all people! - to lecture Israel while banning an elected member of its parliament from setting foot in Australia. Israeli elected official Simcha Rothmans views are odious. He has branded children in Gaza as enemies. It's beyond the pale. But heres the point: hes still a legislator, elected by Israeli voters, in a region certainly not known for its democratic values. Hes also the Chair of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee in the Knesset, Israel's equivalent of Parliament. Unsurprisingly Israel has retaliated against Australia. Its Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar is revoking the visas of Australia's representatives to the Palestinian Authority. He has also now instructed the Israel Embassy to review any official Australian visa application for entry into Israel. Wong is outraged - but she should have seen that response coming. Unless an MP is advocating terrorism or violence against Australians directly, denying them a visa is a blunt instrument that undermines, rather than enhances, democratic values. Wong doesnt see it that way, of course. She claims Australia must safeguard communities and protect all Australians from hate and harm. Penny Wong is outraged that Israel has retaliated against Australia for banning an Israel politician from visiting... But she should have seen it coming, writes Peter van Onselen Simcha Rothman - a member of the Knesset, or Israeli parliament - has odious views. But the test of a liberal democracy is whether it can engage with offensive views without resorting to bans But weve seen plenty of controversial visas granted in the past that the Albanese government justifies on the grounds of free speech. And many circumstances where it has refused to act quickly to revoke visas. Meanwhile, Wong is Labor's leader in the Senate. Her team happily accepts votes from Pauline Hanson and One Nation senators in the Australian Parliament when it suits Labors legislative agenda to do so. If Hanson - infamous for her own diatribes and controversial opinions from time to time - flew overseas and was refused entry, would Wong defend an overseas-enforced ban? More to the point: would she extend her same high principle to Labors own tactics at home and refuse to trade votes with Hanson? Of course not. Blatant hypocrisy is easier. This is the political Lefts selective morality in action. Labor rails against hate speech when it comes from foreign figures like Rothman, but turns a blind eye when the arithmetic of the Senate requires collaboration with Hanson or anyone else. (And yes, there is plenty of hypocrisy on the Right of Australian politics too.) Would Penny Wong - in her role as Leader of the Government in the Senate - say no to Pauline Hanson's vote, if and when she needed it? I think not... The other problem is consistency. Australia talks about dialogue and diplomacy, but then shuts the door on engagement. Denying visas doesnt change minds, it just fuels resentment and leaves sections of the Australian Jewish community feeling even more isolated. None of this is a defence of Rothman, to be clear. His rhetoric is toxic, his policy prescriptions dangerous. But the test of a liberal democracy is whether it can engage with offensive views without resorting to bans. You dont defeat ideas by muzzling them, you do it by exposing their flaws in open debate. Labors approach under Wong (presumably endorsed by her close friend the PM) smacks of posturing. It plays well at activist rallies, looks good on the evening news and scratches the itch of progressive moral superiority. But its hollow foreign policy. Undermining the very principles Australia claims to champion - freedom of speech, democracy and dialogue - even as Wong wraps herself in their language. If Australia wants to take the high moral ground, it needs to stop playing pick and choose politics with democratic legitimacy. Or we should just admit that our foreign policy is another exercise in political convenience. Penny Wong cant have it both ways. The married couple who plunged from a Sydney overpass had longed for a baby and were battling heartbreaking fertility struggles in the lead up to their deaths. Angela Nesbitt and Steven Dash left The Star casino, in Pyrmont, about 8.55am on Saturday before falling from an overpass near Sydney Harbour Bridge, onto Harbour Street, about 9.45am. Security guards asked Ms Nesbitt and Mr Dash, who lived in Sydney's south, to leave the casino following concerns over their 'erratic' behaviour. The couple, who lived in Sydney's south and wed in October 2022, had a well-documented history of mental health issues and had previously threatened self-harm. But Daily Mail can reveal the pair were also facing fertility struggles that weighed heavily on them in the months leading up to their deaths. Ms Nesbitt, 48, was a member of several online support groups for surrogacy and egg donation, desperate for the chance to have a baby of her own. On Christmas Day 2023, just over a year after her wedding, she signed up to one such community, taking her first tentative steps towards her dream. Around the same time the couple also posted an online ad in the 'looking for an egg donor angel' section of a website alongside a smiling photo of themselves. Angela Nesbitt and Steven Dash left The Star, in Pyrmont, about 8.55am on Saturday before falling from an overpass Ms Nesbitt posted this photograph alongside a plea on a website dedicated to couples seeking egg donors Ms Nesbitt, 48, was a member of several online support groups for surrogacy and egg donation While egg donation in Australia is altruistic, with donors only paid their expenses and not paid for their eggs, a single round of IVF can cost up to $15,000. The average patient usually requires a minimum of three rounds of IVF treatment, with a total cost approaching $50,000. Police have confirmed the couple's visit to the casino, and whether they had been gambling, is under investigation. Security guards at The Star asked the pair to leave about 8.55am on Saturday, citing concerns about their behaviour. Police were alerted after a comment was reportedly made to security about self-harming, sparking fears for the couple's welfare. Officers began searching the Pyrmont and Darling Harbour area, but less than an hour later received reports two people had fallen from the overpass onto Harbour Street. Emergency services rushed to the scene but both Ms Nesbitt and Mr Dash were pronounced dead. Ms Nesbitt and Mr Dash's history of mental health issues will be examined. Angela Nesbitt and Steven Dash fell to their deaths from a walk bridge near the Western Distributor, onto Harbour Street (pictured) Security guards at The Star (pictured) asked the couple to leave over concerns about their 'erratic' behaviour Last year, police responded to an incident involving the couple, in which they reportedly threatened self-harm at the Queen Victoria Building. 'They are known to have a history of mental health issues,' a police source told the Daily Telegraph. 'They were at The Star for some time [but] the male was acting erratically so they asked him to leave. 'We believe a comment was then made to security at The Star about committing self-harm, and security did the right thing and called police. 'Officers were looking for the couple when they got the call (about their deaths).' In a statement released on Saturday, NSW Police confirmed officers had 'established there were no suspicious circumstances' surrounding the couple's deaths. Investigators conducted extensive inquiries, including sourcing mobile phone and CCTV footage. Ms Nesbitt and Mr Dash had recently travelled overseas together, sharing holiday snaps to their social media accounts. Ms Nesbitt and Mr Dash had recently travelled overseas together NSW Police confirmed officers had 'established there were no suspicious circumstances' surrounding the couple's deaths The couple's double suicide led to significant traffic disruptions after police taped off a crime scene and shut down major roads. Two southbound lanes from the Sydney Harbour Bridge were closed for several hours while offiers carried out their investigation. Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 One of President Donald Trump's fiercest supporters has slammed his decision to host peace talks with Ukraine rather than focus on crises closer to home. Steve Bannon, who served in Trump's first administration, said Trump's focus on the Russia and Ukraine war was to the detriment of Americans in crime ravaged communities. Bannon singled out Washington D.C., which has become the center of controversy this month amid fears it is gripped by rampant crime. 'The war we got to win is right here in this country, and it's in Washington D.C.,' Bannon said. 'It's going to be in New York City. It's in Chicago, and most importantly, right now, with Gavin Newsom and all his big talk, it's in Los Angeles, California. That's the war that we got to be focused on.' Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House on Monday - his first visit to Washington since their infamous fallout in February - to discuss the terms of a potential peace deal with Russia. Zelensky was joined by a handful of European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni - who had feared he was walking into a trap days after Trump met with Putin in Alaska. One of President Donald Trump 's fiercest supporters has slammed his decision to host peace talks with Ukraine rather than focus on crises closer to home Steve Bannon , who served in Trump's first administration, said Trump's focus on the Russia and Ukraine war was to the detriment of Americans in crime ravaged communities Trump has previously singled out New York City, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Chicago and Oakland, California as potential future locations where federal troops could take the streets of American cities. 'We're not going to lose our cities over this. This will go further. We're starting very strongly with D.C., and we're going to clean it up real quick,' Trump said during an Aug. 11 news conference. 'We're going to take back our capital,' Trump said. 'And then we'll look at other cities also. But other cities are studying what we're doing.' Bannon criticized Trump for later opting to accept meetings with the European leaders, despite their decision to show up in the United States without official invitation. The meeting focused on 'security guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America,' Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday. 'Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine.' But Bannon told listeners on his The War Room podcast that Trump's words on peace in Russia and Ukraine were irrelevant to him. Bannon criticized Trump for later opting to accept meetings with the European leaders, despite their decision to show up in the United States without official invitation Trump opened by saying it was 'an honor' to receive the Ukrainian President and that the two men have had 'a lot of good talks' making 'substantial progress' President Donald Trump (center) hosted (from left) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte 'I want to give a security guarantee to the citizens of the United States on these invaders right now,' he said. 'That's the security guarantee I want. This entire war is so that Ukraine could be a Western country.' Bannon has called on Trump to refocus his attention on expanding his power over local police forces across the United States. Trump federalized the police force in Washington to prevent further 'bloodshed' and has sent hundreds of troops from the National Guard in to clean up crime. 'D.C. has been under siege from thugs and killers, but now, D.C. is back under Federal Control where it belongs. The White House is in charge,' Trump said last week. 'The Military and our Great Police will liberate this City, scrape away the filth, and make it safe, clean, habitable and beautiful once more!' Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska has shared her gratitude to American First Lady Melania Trump for her letter challenging Russian President Vladimir Putin. Melania has become an outspoken critic of the Russian president, and argued in a letter last week that Putin has a responsibility to protect the children of the world amid reports that at least 20,000 children have been abducted by Russian forces since their full-scale invasion in 2022. The actual number is believed to be much higher, with some estimating it could be as many as 300,000 children who have been kidnapped from Ukraine and taken to Russia or Russian-occupied territory without the consent of family or guardians. The issue has become a deeply sensitive issue in the war-torn country, and as her husband, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky sat down with President Donald Trump on Monday, Zelenska sought to thank Melania for bringing attention to the cause. She had her husband hand deliver a 'letter of gratitude' to Trump to pass off to his wife, Zelensky revealed on social media. 'I want to thank @FLOTUS Melania Trump for her attention to one of the most painful and difficult issues of this war - the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia,' he wrote. 'We deeply appreciate her compassion and her letter to Putin. 'This issue lies at the heart of the war's humanitarian tragedy - our children, broken families, the pain of separation.' He then announced that he asked President Trump 'to pass along' his wife's letter to the American First Lady, noting that 'her voice matters and her care gives strength to this cause. Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska has shared her gratitude to American First Lady Melania Trump for her letter challenging Russian President Vladimir Putin Zelenska had her husband, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky, pass on her 'letter of gratitude' to President Donald Trump to hand over to Melania 'We are working tirelessly to bring every child home,' Zelensky vowed. 'The same applies for our prisoners of war and civilians held in Russia for years, some since 2014, in very bad conditions.' 'Thousands of people still need to be freed - and this is a part of making peace,' he continued, adding that he will now 'work to negotiate [an] all-for-all prisoners of war exchange and we are grateful to have strong friends who help.' Zelensky's message came in response to a post from President Trump, in which he said he had also discussed the matter of the abducted children with European Union President Ursula van der Leyen. 'It is a subject at the top of all lists and the World will work together to solve it, hopefully bringing them home to their families,' the American president wrote. In her letter, Melania told Putin it is his responsibility as a world leader to protect the children of the world. '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,' the First Lady wrote in her letter, which her husband later shared to social media. '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 allso that every soul may wake to peace, and so that the future itself is perfectly guarded.' Melania's letter came as her husband met with the Russian president in Alaska Trump declared on Friday he made 'some headway' in the negotiations with Putin She then went on to tell the Russian president that it is his duty to protect children and the future generations. 'A simple yet profound concept, Mr. Putin, as I am sure you agree, is that each generation's descendants begin their lives with a purityan innocence which stands above geography, government, and ideology,' Melania said. 'Yet in today's 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,' the first lady wrote. '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,' she concluded. War has been raging in Ukraine since Russian forces invaded in 2022 President Donald Trump is now trying to negotiate a peace deal between the two countries Yet it remains unclear what may come of President Trump's back-to-back meetings with Zelensky and Putin. Following his sit-down with the Russian leader on Friday, Trump declared they had an 'extremely productive meeting,' reaching some agreements even though Trump was unable to get Putin to agree to an immediate ceasefire. The Russian president instead declared his country still needs to 'eliminate the primary roots, the primary causes, of that conflict.' When Trump then met with Zelensky on Monday, the US president said he was prepared to provide military support to Kyiv in the event of a peace deal. 'We will give them very good protection, very good security', the President said. 'There'll be a lot of help when it comes to security. It's going to be good.' He also refused three times to rule out putting American boots on the ground though any assistance is more likely to come in the form of air support. Still, there was some debate over whether Russia should regain and retain some of its territory after Trump showed Zelensky a giant battlefield map showing 20 percent of the country under Russian control. Even then, though, Zelensky said he and Trump did not argue. 'We had a truly warm, good and substantial conversation,' Zelensky said. Your browser does not support iframes. Following the meeting on Monday, Trump said he spoke with Putin and discussed plans for a summit between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine, at a location to be determined. After that Trump said he will sit down with both leaders in an attempt to make peace in the war torn country. 'This was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years,' he said. Zelensky responded by saying 'we are ready' for any leader-level meetings while speaking to reporters after the White House. He said it's the only way to solve these 'complicated and painful issues.' A Seattle beach that had been under threat of closure by a judge due to rampant public sex acts has been allowed to stay open with a fence blocking off the clothing-optional area. But just a day after city officials installed the massive green eyesore at Denny Blaine Park, it was vandalized. Denny Blaine Park has been a nudist hot spot for over 50 years and is particularly popular among the LGBTQ community. But the waterfront area is not specifically designated by Seattle Parks and Recreation as a clothing-optional park, it only became so unofficially. Over the last few years, residents in the Denny Blaine area have made an alarming observation - there has been an increasing amount of lewd behavior out in the open. Concerned neighbors organized a group, Denny Blaine Park for All, to combat the issue and even filed a lawsuit against the city to get the situation under control. Last month, King County Superior Court Judge Samuel Chung gave the city two weeks to put a stop to the sickening activity or he would completely shut it down. Denny Blaine Park wrote in a statement at the time that Chung's decision 'confirms the city has failed to stop ongoing illegal activity at Denny Blaine Park - including public sex and masturbation, indecent exposure, and lewd conduct.' Denny Blaine Park (pictured) has been a nudist hot spot for over 50 years and is particularly popular among the LGBTQ community A sign was also added with rules for the park, with one bullet point reading: 'Clothing required west of fence' (pictured) On Wednesday, the City of Seattle attempted to fulfill Chung's orders by building a four-foot-tall chain-linked fence covered in a dark green tarp. The barrier was 'put up in accordance with a court-ordered plan submitted related to nuisance behavior at Denny Blaine Park,' Seattle Parks and Recreation spokesperson Rachel Schulkin told The Chronicle. Schulkin explained the opaque fence was designed to segment the area into three distinctive sections. The beach and lawn sections are the designated 'clothing-optional areas,' while the rest of the park is not. A sign was also added with rules for the park, with one bullet point reading: 'Clothing required west of fence.' It also states that drugs, alcohol and smoking are outlawed on the premise. While the city thought this would be an ideal solution to the indecent dilemma, the quick fix was proven unsuccessful by the next morning. Seattle police reported that around 11am on Thursday, a man had ripped off portions of the privacy tarp meant to block the view into the beach. Over the last few years, residents in the Denny Blaine area (pictured) have made an alarming observation - there has been an alarming amount of lewd behavior out in the open On Wednesday, the City of Seattle attempted to fulfil Chung's orders by building a four-foot-tall chain linked fence covered in a dark green tarp (pictured) Pieces of the tarp missing from the bare wire fencing were found on top of a nearby portable toilet. A witness who filmed the man in action claimed she recognized him as someone who often visits the nude beach, police said. The suspect, a man in his 30s or 40s, was recognized by several locals and allegedly lives in a tent by the beach, KIRO 7 reported. Schulkin told The Chronicle the damage to the fence was repaired on Friday morning. In extended efforts to crack down on crime in the park, city officials have proposed placing security cameras in the area. But critics say the fence is just concealing an underlying issue at the park. Conservative commentator at Seattle Red Jason Rantz wrote: 'The intent is to shield the clothing-optional zone near the lake from view and curb the visibility of perverts having sex or masturbating in public. 'It does not, however, stop the underlying lewd behavior at the center of a lawsuit alleging the city has done virtually nothing to stop the public sex.' Friends of Denny Blaine says the group has been working with park users, the parks department, Seattle police and neighbors to handle issues arising at the park (pictured) A Seattle judge has ordered that popular beach, Denny Blaine Park (pictured), be closed because it has become a hot spot for public sex and nudity While Denny Blaine Park for All has provided the city with video evidence of several instances of people having sex at the beach, the plan to tame the space has received pushback from members of Seattle's LGBTQ community and advocates. Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison, who fought against the motion to close down the park, argued that the 'queer nude space has a social utility.' A group called Friends of Denny Blaine has also been formed to support the park staying open. At an event hosted last week, organizer Hope Frejie asserted: 'We dont need permission from the city to be naked. 'Queer people, trans people, need a place to be, because its not safe for us everywhere.' According to Capitol Hill Seattle, co-organizer Jackie Donovan said 'the courts can say what they want, because f**k it, were getting naked.' Friends of Denny Blaine previously said that Chung's ruling 'erroneously links harassment and other misconduct to general nude usage of the park.' King County Superior Court Judge Samuel Chung (pictured) gave the city two weeks to handle the ongoing inappropriate behavior occurring at Denny Blaine Park Advocates for the LGBTQ community have argued the beach (pictured) is a much-needed safe space for the community 'An enormously overwhelming majority of nude usage of the beach by thousands of Seattleites each year is friendly, legal, and positive,' the group wrote. 'Our aim is to ensure the case, and the city's response, focuses solely on actual criminal activity - public masturbation and sexual harassment - which cannot be conflated with mere nudity,' the statement continued, adding that non-sexual nudity is protected free expression under the First Amendment. Friends of Denny Blaine says the group has been working with park users, the parks department, Seattle police and neighbors to handle issues arising at the park. An obscure rare earth miner's share price has skyrocketed from just four cents to $2.82 in a matter of hours. The 70-fold increase in the Kaili Resources share price occurred on Monday turning a modest $14,000 investment into a $1million windfall. The surge happened within just five-and-a-half hours from the start of trade, with the share price peaking at 3.30pm Sydney time, or just 30 minutes before the close of trade. But the Australian Securities and Investments Commission imposed a trading halt on Monday, that will continue until Wednesday, following a request from the company. 'Trading in securities in the entity will be temporarily paused pending a further announcement,' the ASX said. By then, profit takers had already sold, causing the price to more than halve back to $1.08 by the late afternoon. This was still the highest closing price since June 2002. Those who held on without profit selling still made a significant profit, with an initial $1,000 investment still worth $27,000. An obscure rare earth miner's share price has skyrocketed from just four cents to $2.82 in a matter of hours The surge from Friday's close at 3.6c started after Kaili Resources announced that afternoon that South Australia's Department of Energy and Mining had given it approval to drill at three tenements in Lameroo, Karte and Coodalya in the Murray Basin. Moomoo market strategist Michael McCarthy said this surge was unhealthy and based on nothing more than crowd speculation, with the company not actually announcing any new production of rare earth minerals - used to make mobile phones. 'It's a disturbing development, I've got to say,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'Some people made a lot of money, some people had the living daylights beaten out of them and there's no economic rationale for what's going on - they're nowhere near production yet. 'Nonetheless, it appears to have captured the imagination of the market. 'This is a product of crowd behaviour. This doesn't make any sense. 'The big problem with rare earths is not the drilling for them or the finding of them, or the mining of them, it's the processing. 'The fact they've been give a licence to drill is frankly neither here nor there.' Kaili Resources, established in 1997, has languished under 80c for the last two decades, with Moomoo market strategist Michael McCarthy likening the surge in its share price to what happened in 1999 during the internet boom Kaili Resources, established in 1997, has languished under 80c for the last two decades, with Mr McCarthy likening the surge in its share price to what happened in 1999 during the internet boom. 'Those sorts of moves, to be frank, are ridiculous,' he said. 'It does suggest the crowd has got a hold of the share price and given it's a very low market cap, not a great deal of money to move this stock around, the fact that it captured imaginations and had become a meme is probably the key driver here. 'As a long-term market participant, I hate to see this sort of stuff. 'Frankly, I'll be investigating in the morning what it takes to short this stock.' Kaili chairman Donghai Zhang and director Chunlin Liu are connected with the Chinese Yitai Group, which controls Inner Mongolia Yitai Coal Co. Vladimir Putin suggested hosting peace talks with President Zelensky in Moscow but this was swiftly rejected by the Ukrainian leader, it has emerged. US President Donald Trump last night spoke directly with Putin to begin planning a meeting between the two warring leaders. According to two sources familiar with the 40-minute conversation, 'Putin mentioned Moscow' but Zelensky said 'no' in response. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron suggested that Geneva could host a meeting between the two leaders. Swiss authorities have since promised Putin immunity if he travels to the city for peace talks. Follow the Daily Mail's liveblog throughout today for all the latest updates A father and son's final moments before they were killed by an alleged drink driver in Brisbane's south have been revealed in chilling CCTV footage. Braiden Ashely Timmins, 33, and his four-year-old son Hendrix-Hemi Te Rongomau King were walking on Green Road in Regents Park when a ute crashed into them about 11.15am on Sunday. The 33-year-old father and his son, both from Crestmead, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. Trevor William Galbraith, 41, has been charged with two counts of manslaughter. Police will allege he was drink driving when he struck them with a white LDC dual cab utility. The pair were walking from their home a few streets away to get an ice cream when the fatal incident took place. CCTV footage obtained by The Courier Mail shows the father and son minutes before they tragically died. A property overlooking the pair's path a few streets over from where the crash took place shows the four-year-old boy riding his bike along the verge at 10.57am. CCTV footage captured the final moments of Braiden Ashely Timmins, 33, and his four-year-old son Hendrix-Hemi Te Rongomau King before they were killed by an alleged drink driver Hendrix-Hemi Te Rongomau King (pictured) was killed while riding his bike on Green Road in Regents Park on Sunday Braiden Ashely Timmins (pictured) was struck by a ute while he and his son were walking from their home to get an ice cream He can seen wearing a pink and blue bike helmet, dressed in a black t-shirt and shorts. The young boy points ahead before riding in front of his dad on a small, pink bike. Mr Timmins follows his son, walking behind while dressing in black trousers and a white t-shirt. The video shows the boy waiting for his dad to catch up before the pair continue towards Green Road and exit the frame. Police will allege Galbraith returned a positive reading on a roadside breath test after he struck the father and son. 'He was then conveyed to hospital where a requirement was made for a specimen of blood to be taken,' a police spokesman said. Galbraith was remanded in custody at Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Monday and his case was adjourned until October 20. The Forensic Crash Unit returned to the crash site on Tuesday, with investigations continuing. Mourners had laid flowers, stuffed toys, and ice-creams as tributes to the father and son. Hamas said Monday it has accepted a new proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a hostage return deal as the Israeli Prime Minister vows to go ahead with the offensive on Gaza City. The deal - presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators - involves a 60-day pause in fighting and the release of around half of the 50 remaining Israeli hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, in exchange for 150 Palestinian security prisoners. It is based on a proposal introduced by Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff in June. 'The Hamas movement and the Palestinian factions have conveyed their approval on the proposal presented yesterday by the Egyptian and Qatari mediators,' the terror group said in a statement. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seemingly dismissed Hamas' response, with his office saying last week that it would only accept a deal if 'all the hostages are released in one go'. Netanyahu signalled that Israel would instead push ahead with its planned operation to conquer Gaza City - the enclave's most populous region of 740,000 civilians - and transfer its inhabitants to the southern Strip. But in a video released after Hamas' acceptance of the deal, the Israeli Prime Minister did not directly comment on the proposal - indicating that Jerusalem is still considering its options. 'We can see clearly that Hamas is under immense pressure,' Netanyahu said. The Hamas-run health ministry said 1,965 people have been killed while seeking humanitarian aid since May, either in the chaos around U.N. convoys or while heading to sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli army airstrike in Khan Younis, in the Gaza Strip, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025 Experts have warned that Israel's ongoing offensive is pushing Gaza toward famine, even after it eased a complete 2 1/2-month blockade on the territory in May The U.S. President appeared to cast doubt on the long-running negotiations that Washington has mediated as well. 'We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be,' he posted on social media. Israel announced plans to reoccupy Gaza City and other heavily populated areas after ceasefire talks appeared to break down last month, raising the possibility of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which experts say is sliding into famine. Plans to expand the offensive, in part aimed at pressuring Hamas, have sparked international outrage and infuriated many Israelis who fear for the remaining hostages taken in the October 7, 2023, attack that started the war. Hundreds of thousands took part in mass protests and a national general strike on Sunday calling for their return. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said mediators are 'exerting extensive efforts' to revive the U.S. proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, during which some of the remaining 50 hostages would be released and the sides would negotiate a lasting ceasefire and the return of the rest. Abdelatty spoke to journalists during a visit to Egypt's Rafah crossing with Gaza, which has not functioned since Israel seized the Palestinian side in May 2024. He was accompanied by Mohammad Mustafa, the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, which has been largely sidelined since the war began. He said Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani had joined the talks, which include senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, who arrived in Cairo last week. Abdelatty added that they are open to other ideas, including for a comprehensive deal that would release all the hostages at once. Protesters hold cutout pictures of hostages and a banner, as they block a road during a demonstration demanding the immediate end of the war and the release of all hostages who were kidnapped during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, in Tel Aviv, Israel August 19, 2025 Hundreds of thousands gather to stage a protest as part of a one-day general strike, demanding that the government abandon its decision to fully occupy Gaza City and sign a prisoner exchange agreement in Tel Aviv, Israel on August 17, 2025 Protesters set tires on fire, leading to widespread traffic disruption during a nationwide strike in Tel Aviv, with reports stating that 220,000 people participated, in Israel, on August 17, 2025 A drone view shows people protesting 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 the area of the so-called Hostages Square, in Tel Aviv, Israel August 17, 2025 Amnesty International on Monday accused Israel of 'carrying out a deliberate campaign of starvation', an accusation Israel denies Palestinians gather to receive cooked meals from a food distribution center in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on August 18, 2025 A Palestinian girl searches for things to rescue at a garbage waste dump in Gaza City on August 18, 2025 A picture taken on August 18, 2025, shows tents housing displaced Palestinians in Gaza City A general view shows the destroyed Rashad al-Shawa cultural center in Gaza City on August 18, 2025 Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, told the AP that the militant group had accepted the proposal introduced by the mediators, without elaborating. An Egyptian official, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks, said the proposal includes changes to Israel's pullback of its forces and guarantees for negotiations on a lasting ceasefire during the initial truce. The official said it is almost identical to an earlier proposal accepted by Israel, which has not yet joined the latest talks. Diaa Rashwan, head of the Egypt State Information Service, told the AP that Egypt and Qatar have sent the Hamas-accepted proposal to Israel. An Israeli official said Israel's positions, including on the release of all hostages, had not changed from previous rounds of talks. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak with the media. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all the hostages are returned and Hamas has been disarmed, and to maintain lasting security control over Gaza. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. Hamas-led militants abducted 251 people and killed around 1,200, mostly civilians, in the attack that ignited the war. Around 20 of the hostages still in Gaza are believed by Israel to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefires or other deals. Gaza's Health Ministry said the Palestinian death toll from the war had climbed to 62,004, with another 156,230 people wounded. It does not say how many were civilians or combatants, but says women and children make up around half the dead. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seemingly dismissed Hamas' response to the ceasefire proposal - with his office saying last week that it would only accept a deal if 'all the hostages are released in one go' Palestinians tried to fill their jerry cans from a water tanker belonging to an aid organization that had arrived in the city, on August 18, 2025 in Khan Yunis, Gaza A Palestinian girl carries a bag filled with humanitarian aid, she gathered after an aid drop, as she walk in the Mawasi area of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on August 18, 2025 Aid pallets are parachuted after being dropped from a military plane over Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip during an airdrop mission above the Israel-besieged Palestinian territory on August 18, 2025 Israeli soldiers stand on the top of a tank parked on an area near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, Monday, August 18 Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli army airstrike in Khan Younis, in the Gaza Strip, Monday, August 18, 2025 Smoke rises after an explosion in Gaza as seen from the Israeli side of the border, Israel August 18, 2025 Israeli soldiers sit on the top of tank parked on an area near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, Monday, August 18, 2025 Humanitarian aid packages are prepared on the tarmac before being loaded onto a Royal Moroccan Air Force C-130 Hercules transport plane at Sale Air Base, Sale, Morocco, 18 August 2025 The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The U.N. and many independent experts consider its figures to be the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties. Israel disputes its toll but has not provided its own. The ministry said 1,965 people have been killed while seeking humanitarian aid since May, either in the chaos around U.N. convoys or while heading to sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed American contractor. Witnesses, health officials and the U.N. human rights office say Israeli forces have repeatedly fired toward crowds seeking aid. Israel says it has only fired warning shots at people who approached its forces. GHF says its armed contractors have only used pepper spray or fired into the air on rare occasions to prevent deadly crowding. Experts have warned that Israel's ongoing offensive is pushing Gaza toward famine, even after it eased a complete 2 1/2-month blockade on the territory in May. Gaza's Health Ministry said Monday that five more people, including two children, died of malnutrition-related causes. It says at least 112 children have died of malnutrition-related causes since the war began, and 151 adults have died since the ministry started tracking adult malnutrition deaths in June. Amnesty International on Monday accused Israel of 'carrying out a deliberate campaign of starvation'. Israel has rejected such allegations, saying it allows in enough food and accusing the U.N. of failing to promptly deliver it. U.N. agencies say they are hindered by Israeli restrictions and the breakdown of law and order in the territory, around three-quarters of which is now controlled by Israel. The U.N. World Food Program said Monday that U.N. partner organisations reported that community kitchens in north and south Gaza produced 380,000 daily meals daily last week - far fewer than the more than 1 million daily meals they produced in April. An Alaska man was left 'speechless' when Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted him a new Russian motorcycle he complained that sanctions made refitting his own model impossible. An employee of the Russian embassy in the United States handed the man, Mark Warren, the keys to his new Ural motorcycle in the parking lot of the Anchorage hotel where the Russian delegation was staying. 'I have to say that this is a personal gift from the President of the Russian Federation,' Andrei Ledenev, the embassy employee, told Warren. The white-haired, bespectacled Warren was seen hopping aboard his new bike, Ledenev behind him and another man in the sidecar, to take it for a spin. 'It's night and day,' Warren said. 'I like my old one, but this one is obviously much better. 'Its newer, its more precise in control. 'I'm speechless, it's amazing. Thank you very much.' The unexpected gift by the Russian leader came after reporters with Russian state television Channel 1 met Warren by chance on the streets of Anchorage ahead of the summit. Mark Warren (pictured) as been left 'speechless' after Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted him a new Russian motorcycle The reporters stopped to admire Warren's bike, which is manufactured by Ural, whose original factory was founded in 1941 in what was then Soviet Russia. Warren told a reporter, Valentin Bogdanov, that he struggled to obtain spare parts for the bike, including a new starter, because the manufacturing plant is 'located in Ukraine.' 'So for you, if they resolve this conflict here in Alaska, I mean Putin and Trump, it will be good?' Bogdanov asks Warren. 'Yes, it will be good,' the Alaskan replies. Ural, which is headquartered in Washington State, says that all of its motorcycles are assembled in Kazakhstan. The vehicles are known for their iconic sidecars, and were initially developed for use by the Soviet military during WW2 on the Eastern front. The company pulled all its production out of Russia after the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, as sanctions prevented them from exporting bikes. Ural did not immediately reply to a request for comment outside working hours in the US. NATO was forced to scramble warplanes overnight as Vladimir Putin launched brutal missile and drone strikes. The horrific Russian attacks came even as Donald Trump claimed the Russian tyrant had agreed to peace talks with Volodymyr Zelensky, with hopes that a meeting would take place by the end of August. This followed the Trump-Zelensky talks and the involvement of Sir Keir Starmer and European leaders in a White House session aimed at ending the war. But there were immediate doubts on Putin's sincerity, both from his overnight use of strategic bombers to hit Ukraine, and his aide Yury Ushakov failing to specify that the Kremlin leader would personally take part in talks with Zelensky while accepting the level of seniority of the delegation could be raised. Polish and other NATO fighters were scrambled due to the intensity of the Russian attacks on Ukraine, which involved Tu-95MS strategic bombers unleashing cruise missiles as they flew over the Caspian Sea. 'On the night of August 18-19, 2025, long-range aviation of the Russian Federation once again launched missile attacks on Ukrainian territory,' said a statement from Warsaw's military headquarters. 'To ensure the security of Polish airspace, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces (RFAF) has activated all necessary procedures. 'Polish and allied aircraft have commenced operations, and ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems have reached the highest level of alert.' Vladimir Putin launched brutal missile and drone strikes, which left the smoke-choked Ukrainian city Kremenchuk looking like a scene from Armageddon Long-range aviation of the Russian Federation once again launched missile attacks on Ukrainian territory,' said a statement from Warsaw's military headquarters The blitz came after US president Donald Trump's White House meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky The scrambling due to Russian aggression was 'preventative in nature and aimed at securing airspace and protecting citizens, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened area'. Putin told Trump in a 40-minute phone conversation that he sought peace, yet he hit Kremenchuk with both ballistic and cruise missiles, as Russia reportedly deployed five of its hulking Tu-95MS strategic bombers for overnight strikes, and fired 270 Shahed drones at Ukraine. At least ten giant explosions rocked the city, with 30 across the Poltava region, plunging thousands into darkness with electricity cuts. 'The entire Kremenchuk is in smoke - close your windows,' warned an account. 'Terrible consequences after one of the most massive attacks on the city.' The city was hit by 'dozens of drones, ballistic and cruise missiles', Administrative buildings of local energy sector enterprises were damaged, while gas storage facilities in the Poltava region were hit as Putin targets civilian infrastructure. 'The enemy launched a massive strike on the Poltava region,' said regional governor Volodymyr Kohut. Hits and debris falls were recorded in the Kremenchuk and Lubny districts. Administrative buildings of local energy sector enterprises were damaged. 'In the Lubny district, as a result of the attack, 1,471 residential and 119 legal subscribers were left without electricity. The attack has been described as one of the biggest launched this month At least ten giant explosions rocked the city, with 30 across the Poltava region, plunging thousands into darkness with electricity cuts 'Emergency Service and energy units are working to eliminate the consequences of the attack.' Ukraine's Chernihiv region was also attacked by Russian drones. In Dnipropetrovsk, an apartment building and school were hit. Trump posted on Truth Social that he had spoken to Putin and begun preparations for a meeting between Zelensky and the Kremlin dictator. 'I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky,' he said. This would be followed by a trilateral also involving Trump. The aim appears to be for such a session to take place by the end of this month. But Putin's foreign affairs guru, Yury Ushako, soon gave a less optimistic version of the hopes of peace talks involving the leaders, while admitting the call with Trump had been 'frank' as well as 'constructive'. 'Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump expressed support for continuing direct negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine,' said Putin's trusted aide. 'In this regard, in particular, the idea was discussed that it would be necessary to study the possibility of raising the level of representatives of the Ukrainian and Russian sides.' It comes after it was revealed that a meeting between Putin and Zelensky could happen within the next two weeks He did not say that Putin had agreed to meet - only that the Kremlin could 'study' the 'possibility' of future talks involving more senior representatives than previous sessions in Istanbul. He added: 'Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump agreed to continue to closely contact each other on the Ukrainian and other pressing issues of the international and bilateral agenda. 'The Russian President once again noted the importance of Donald Trump's personal efforts to find solutions that lead to a long-term settlement in Ukraine. 'The conversation was frank and very constructive.' Meanwhile, Ukraine struck the Lukoil refinery in Russian city Volgograd, leaving it in flames. The roof of City Hospital No. 16 was hit by a downed drone. More than 15 explosions were heard in the city and suburbs during the night. The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that 13 drones had been destroyed over the Volgograd region. The refinery - one of Russia's biggest - is essential to Putin's war effort, supplying his military machine. Several Ukrainian infastructure was damaged in the latest round of attacks In all, some 270 Shahed drones, up to five Kh-101 and five Iskander-M missiles hit were unleashed on Ukraine in the wake of the White House peace talks. Ukraine said 230 enemy Shaheds were downed along with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles and four Kh-101 cruise missiles. During the talks, Zelensky thanked Trump 11 times in just four-and-a-half minutes as the US president pledged US security guarantees for a post-war Ukraine. The mother of a baby who has endured eight operations in the last year since a stranger poured hot coffee on him has begged authorities not to let another year go by without catching the person responsible. Nine-month-old Luka suffered horrific burns when boiling hot coffee from a thermos was poured over him by a stranger as he had a picnic with his mum in Brisbane's Hanlon Park on August 27, 2024. The 33-year-old man allegedly responsible fled the country shortly after and returned to China, where he is protected from extradition back to Australia under Chinese law. Almost a year after the ordeal, Luka's mother, who cannot be named, confirmed on Tuesday that her son had undergone eight operations. 'Every procedure is a painful reminder of what was done to him and of the justice that still hasn't come,' she said in a social media post. 'He's received synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments for his burns.' The mother described it as 'beyond unacceptable' that the perpetrator had not faced the consequences, calling it 'one of the hardest things to endure'. 'To those in positions of power: please don't make it another year. Do not let this man escape accountability for hurting a child!' A mother has called for justice a year after her baby was burned by coffee thrown by a stranger as they had a picnic in the park A 33-year-old man allegedly poured hot coffee on nine-month-old Luka causing serious burns The man allegedly responsible boarded a flight to China days after the incident 'Our legal systems and international relationships should protect victims and children, yet they have failed to do so,' the woman said. A spokesperson for Queensland Police said investigators and Australian Federal Police remain committed to securing justice for the victim and his family. The Daily Mail has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment. Since Luka's ordeal, Australian authorities have been urging China to return the unnamed 33-year-old for prosecution, but they have been consistently denied. Chinese law rules that no Chinese nationals can be extradited for prosecution abroad for crimes allegedly committed overseas. Former NSW detective and University of Western Sydney adjunct professor Michael Kennedy has previously 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,' he said. 'China isn't going to send him back here under any circumstances because they just don't do that. Luka has received synthetic skin grafts, skin needling, and laser treatments for his burns Luka's mother said he has undergone eight medical procedures over 12 months Luka, who will turn two in October, is continuing his recovery. His mother said he has a 'strength that continues to outshine the cruelty he experienced'. 'Despite everything he has endured and continues to endure, he is healing with a spirit that amazes us every single day,' she said. Australian authorities have maintained silence about the alleged attacker, with detectives declining to reveal their available options. It is understood that Queensland Police have forwarded their detailed evidence against the man to Chinese authorities for their consideration. The man was said to have approached Luka slowly before emptying his beverage and breaking into a sprint as he fled the scene. Both his attack and escape, as he fled the Brisbane park following the incident, were captured on CCTV. Following his departure, the man is believed to have driven to Sydney and immediately boarded a flight out of the country on August 31. Pictured, Luka following a treatment for some of his injuries CCTV footage has shown the man accused of the attack as he fled the scene Initially, Australian police provided the public with an incorrect name for the man and were unable to verify his identity until he was already out of the country. It was revealed that the attack took place after the man learnt his request to extend his visa in Australia had been denied. The 33-year-old had been in Australia since 2019, working in a warehouse and an abattoir at various times. The man is known to Chinese authorities and has been extensively covered by local media. Investigators from the Queensland Police Service and the Australian Federal Police have been in contact with China over the man's whereabouts. Tourists on board a Boeing passenger jet that suffered an engine explosion just moments after take-off have told how they were sending 'last messages to loved ones' amid the chaos. Condor Airlines flight DE3655 to Dusseldorf from Corfu was carrying 273 passengers and eight crew when it took to the skies on Saturday, before making an emergency landing in Brindisi, Italy. But just four minutes after take-off, when the aircraft reached a height of 3,850ft, orange sparks began flickering and sparking from the jet's right engine. Footage from inside the plane showed terrifying bursts of flames exploding from the engine while the aircraft shook as it travelled over the sea. Inside the cabin, a power outage and loud bangs made passengers fear the worst. Many of those recording from the ground reported hearing a 'deafening sound, seemingly like an explosion' coming from the aircraft during the incident. 'I sent goodbye messages thinking it was over. It was a horrible experience,' a woman travelling with her daughter told Bild. 'Suddenly, we heard a loud noise, then flames shot out of the engine. It was very scary,' another passenger said. A young woman named Leah described 'a loud clicking noise.' But despite the panic as they flew over Corfu, the pilots veered the plane to the right and turned back on itself to become parallel to the take off and landing runway at Corfu Airport - which had been placed on red alert at the time. Just four minutes after take-off, when the aircraft reached a height of 3,850ft, orange sparks began flickering and sparking from the jet's right engine Footage from inside the plane showed terrifying bursts of flames exploding from the engine while the aircraft shook as it travelled over the sea Terrifying footage of the incident on the DE3665 flight to Dussledorf, carrying 273 passengers and eight crew, saw the plane's engine burst into flames as it took to the skies on Saturday However, the pilots decided that this would no longer be necessary as they assumed they could continue the flight with a single engine. The aircraft then moved at an altitude of eight thousand feet and landed at Brindisi airport, Italy, across from Corfu. According to German network RTL, the pilots were forced to change course to Brindisi as the engine malfunction did not allow them to carry through the flight to Dusseldorf. We apologise for any inconvenience, but passenger safety is our top priority at any given time, Condor airways said in a statement. The passengers and crew on board were forced to spend a night in Puglia, but their new emergency location was unable to accommodate them all in local establishments. Condor Airlines told Bild that passengers stranded at the airport had been given food vouchers and blankets following the incident. By the time they left on Monday morning, some passengers were still so stunned by the ordeal they they decided to take a 19-hour bus journey to return to Corfu instead of boarding another plane. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire. Many of those recording from the ground reported hearing a 'deafening sound, seemingly like an explosion' coming from the aircraft during the incident Corfu Airport had been placed on red alert at the time, when the plane turned back on itself The aircraft then moved at an altitude of eight thousand feet and landed at Brindisi airport, Italy, across from Corfu It comes after a plane skidded down the runway to make an emergency landing at Birmingham Airport on August 6 forcing all flights to remain grounded for hours. The small aircraft, a Beech B200 Super King Air plane, had been headed for Belfast before it was forced to make an impromptu landing on the city runway at 1.40pm. An observer, who wished to remain anonymous, filmed the plane - forced to descend without fully extending its landing gear - as it made the emergency stop. Three people received medical attention after the emergency landing, but just one person was treated for minor injuries. Police raided two cosmetic surgery clinics allegedly offering penis enlargement and circumcisions by unlicensed doctors. The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) stormed the clinics in Pathum Thani province, just north of Bangkok, on Friday, following complaints that the unsafe procedures were being performed by unqualified staff. Managers were also advertising the service on social media with deceptive photos of men holding AI-generated bananas next to their crotch while promising 'large gains in size'. Officers barged into the first clinic along Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road, where they found 28-year-old Kenzo in the middle of a cosmetic procedure on a patient. Police discovered that the facility, which offers brow lifts, eye bag removal, penis enlargement, and circumcision, had no license to operate. The premises were also filthy, with used syringes, medical waste, and used lab gowns were discarded haphazardly. Kenzo allegedly admitted he was only a nursing assistant who had been employed at the clinic for around four months, with a monthly 27,000 baht (614) salary. Police raided two cosmetic surgery clinics allegedly offering penis enlargement and circumcisions by unlicensed doctors. Officers barged into the first clinic along Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road, where they found 28-year-old Kenzo in the middle of a cosmetic procedure on a patient The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) stormed the clinics in Pathum Thani province, just north of Bangkok, on Friday, following complaints that the unsafe procedures were being performed by unqualified staff The premises were also filthy, with used syringes, medical waste, and used lab gowns were discarded haphazardly Kenzo allegedly admitted he was only a nursing assistant who had been employed at the clinic for around four months, with a monthly 27,000 baht (614) salary He reportedly said: 'The clinic sometimes has doctors performing procedures, and I would act as a medical assistant. 'If no doctors were available, I would perform the procedures myself.' Police detained him at the Consumer Protection Police Division 4 for prosecution, while more than 625 items including medical equipment and medicines were seized. Authorities were expanding the investigation as the clinic had multiple branches across Thailand. A second clinic in the area was also raided, where staff offered Botox, filler injections, thread lifts and laser treatments, also performed by quack doctors. Police arrested Ariya, 37, who was caught administering vitamin IV drips to patients despite only having a vocational certificate. She allegedly confessed to working at the clinic for a year on a 15,500 baht salary (352). Police seized 175 bottles of prescription and unregistered drugs from the premises. A second clinic in the area was also raided, where staff offered Botox, filler injections, thread lifts and laser treatments, also performed by quack doctors Police discovered that the facility, which offers brow lifts, eye bag removal, penis enlargement, and circumcision, had no license to operate Under Thai law, allowing non-medical personnel to provide treatment is a violation of the 1998 Healthcare Facility Act for 'negligence in allowing a non-professional to practice within a healthcare facility' Police Major General Pattanasak Bupphasuwan, commander of the CPPD, said: 'The Consumer Protection Police Division has repeatedly received reports of non-medical personnel carrying out cosmetic injections and medical procedures on the public. Penile filler injections are a personal preference and offer no medical benefit. 'Surgery to insert foreign objects into the penis carries serious risks, including inflammation, infection, and even long-term dysfunction. 'I want to warn those involved, including people posing as fake doctors running illegal clinics, to stop this dangerous behaviour immediately.' Under Thai law, allowing non-medical personnel to provide treatment is a violation of the 1998 Healthcare Facility Act for 'negligence in allowing a non-professional to practice within a healthcare facility'. The offense carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 40,000 baht (910), or both. Rachel Reeves is facing a furious backlash after she was claimed to be plotting a radical shake-up of property taxes. The Chancellor has been accused by property experts, such as TV's Kirstie Allsopp, of seeking to 'punish people' for making sacrifices to buy their own homes. She was also charged with planning a 'wealth tax in all but name' on middle-class homeowners through an overhaul of property levies. Ms Reeves is said to have ordered Treasury officials to examine reforms to the current stamp duty system. The Guardian reported that owners of houses worth more than 500,000 could have to pay a 'proportional property tax' based on the value of their properties when they sell up. It said the plan would replace the current system of stamp duty, which is paid by buyers rather than sellers and is widely seen as hampering the property market. However it is understood that Treasury officials studying potential changes to property taxes are not looking at this specific proposal. Sources also denied claims that civil servants are drawing on the findings of a report published last year by think-tank Onward, which proposed dual national and local property taxes that would both be paid annually. The newspaper claimed that over the longer term, a local property tax could also be introduced to replace council tax - with owners rather than residents paying levies based on the value of their homes. Ms Reeves herself said of council tax in 2018: 'We should also consider the case for its overhaul and replacement with a property tax, levied on property owners.' But any shake-up of council tax would have to be agreed with Communities Secretary Angela Rayner. It comes as the Chancellor seeks to boost economic growth and plug a black hole in the public finances - estimated by economists to be 50billion - in her upcoming Budget. Rachel Reeves is facing a furious backlash after she was revealed to be plotting a radical shake-up of property taxes The Chancellor is said to have ordered Treasury officials to examine reforms to the current stamp duty system, which is paid by property buyers Kirstie Allsopp, the TV presenter who fronts Location, Location, Location, led a furious backlash over the reported plans Your browser does not support iframes. The Guardian reported that ministers have told officials to model the impact of the new system and report back to them, with a national tax capable of being implemented by the end of the decade. Elliot Keck, of the TaxPayers' Alliance, warned: 'If these reports are true then taxpayers are facing a wealth tax in all but name. 'It is becoming abundantly clear that this avaricious Chancellor has an animosity for affluence which will cripple the country. Labour needs to dismiss these reports.' Property experts also poured scorn on a possible replacement for stamp duty, claiming it could be a 'disaster' that would 'erode buyer confidence' and actually raise less money than the levy it replaces. Kirstie Allsopp, the TV presenter who fronts Channel 4's Location, Location, Location, warned the Chancellor not to 'fly kites' about potential new property taxes. She told Times Radio: 'Don't fly kites like this. It is really destabilising for the property market. 'And when I say the property market, I mean people's homes. And their mortgages and homes affect their relationships, their jobs, their education, their wellbeing in almost every way you can think of. It's not the place to fly kites.' She also accused the Government of 'punishing people' for making sacrifices to buy their own homes. 'It's not Rachel's to go after because it's their homes,' she added. 'It's the roof over their head. And this Government seems to want to punish people for making the sacrifices they've made to buy their own homes.' Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'Labour's budget killed economic growth and has left Rachel Reeves facing a 50billion blackhole. 'Her MPs won't let her cut spending so now she's inventing new taxes on your family home. 'Only the Conservatives are committed to cutting the deficit, reducing spending and lower taxes.' Sir Mel Stride, the Tory shadow chancellor, said: 'The Conservatives have warned that more taxes are coming and now reports are emerging that the family home is next in the firing line. 'This tax grab would punish families for aspiring to own their own home. 'Under Labour nothing is safe. Your home, your job, your pension - the Chancellor has all of it in her sights. 'Rachel Reeves will tax your future to pay for her failure.' The Onward think-tank found replacing stamp duty with a national proportional property tax, levied on houses above 500,000, would 'liberate houses in the 250,000-500,000 market' The think tank also recommended replacing council tax with a local proportional property tax, levied on house values up to 500,000 with a minimum annual payment of 800 The Onward report, published in August last year, backed an overhaul of property taxes after finding that stamp duty 'deters people from moving and leads to an inefficient allocation of housing'. It added that replacing stamp duty with a national proportional property tax, levied on houses valued above 500,000, would 'liberate houses in the 250,000-500,000 market'. What are the plans for a 'national property tax'? What is being proposed? The Treasury is said to be considering plans for a national property tax on the sale of homes worth more than 500,000. What would this replace? This tax would replace stamp duty on owner-occupied homes. Buyers pay stamp duty under the existing framework, if they purchase property worth more than 125,000. How would the new tax work? The new levy would be paid by owner-occupiers on houses worth more than 500,000 when they sell their home, with the amount due determined by the value of the property and a rate set by the Government. What figures could be involved? This has not been confirmed. But a report by think tank Onward last year suggested replacing stamp duty with an annual 'national proportional property tax' levied on homeowners of houses with a value above 500,000, at a rate of 0.54% - plus a 0.278% supplement on values over 1million. A separate local property tax set at 0.44% of the house value up to 500,000 and with a minimum of 800 per household per year could replace council tax. What are current stamp duty rates? Stamp duty rates for buying a single property are currently 2% from 125,000; 5% from 250,001; 10% from 925,001; and 12% from 1.5million. What else could change? The tax could help build a model for local levies to replace council tax in the medium term. This local property tax could see owners rather than residents paying levies based on the value of their homes. Advertisement The think tank also recommended replacing council tax with a local proportional property tax, levied on house values up to 500,000 with a minimum annual payment of 800. It said the rate would be set by local authorities, with a rate of 0.44 per cent raising the same amount of revenue as existing council tax. Tim Leunig, a former government adviser and the author of the Onward report, wrote: 'These proposals would make it easier and cheaper to move house, for a better job, or to be near family, as well as being fairer. 'It shouldn't be the case that a terrace house in Burnley pays more than a mansion in Kensington.' Responding to the claims that Ms Reeves is eyeing a radical shake-up of property levies, Stephen Perkins - of Norwich-based Yellow Brick Mortgages - said: 'The property market was one area of the UK economy the Government hadn't yet broken, so Labour is now working on plans to crash it. 'Financially, unless the property tax is ridiculously high, this will raise less money than stamp duty, as fewer homes will be affected. 'Initially, sellers will just build this into asking prices, sending prices up.' Craig Fish, of London-based Lodestone Mortgages, said: 'As usual Rachel is only thinking about how to earn a quick buck. 'The long term consequences could be far worse. It's likely that the major downside is it would stop people selling or moving, especially in high value areas, namely the south. The result is less income overall.' Scott Gallacher, of Leicester-based Rowley Turton, said: 'With the Government's finances in a dire state, a new tax on property risks being little more than a reshuffle of the deckchairs and could end up shooting ourselves in the foot if it dampens confidence further.' And Michelle Lawson, of Fareham-based Lawson Financial, said: 'Short-sighted tax grabs will be a disaster and will end up generating less rather than more.' Government minister Torsten Bell this morning insisted Labour was 'in the business of making fair tax choices'. He told Times Radio: 'We are in the business of making fair tax choices to make sure that we have sustainable public finances because we're not going to repeat the mistakes of the Conservatives. 'But also to make sure that public services aren't collapsing because actually it's bad for business.' Asked about potential changes to stamp duty, Mr Bell told Sky News: 'I'm a newish MP but I'm not an idiot. 'Tax decisions are made by the Chancellor, I'm not going to start speculating on individual taxes. Taxes are matters for the Budget, they're matters for the Chancellor.' The Chancellor has come under increasing pressure from within Labour circles to introduce a form of 'wealth tax'. Lord Kinnock - who led Labour between 1983 and 1992 - last month claimed a two per cent levy on assets worth more than 10million would raise up to 11billion a year and be popular with a 'great majority of the general public'. Meanwhile, in a memo that was leaked to The Telegraph in May, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner had also suggested to the Chancellor that she increase taxes. This included reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance and a higher corporation tax level for banks. It was recently reported that Ms Reeves is looking at a fresh inheritance tax raid as she grapples with a black hole in the public finances. Treasury officials are said to be examining whether to tighten rules around the gifting of assets and money. The Tories warned the plans revealed Labour's 'politics of envy', and said people should not be punished for passing on their hard-earned money. A Treasury spokesman said: 'As set out in the plan for change, the best way to strengthen public finances is by growing the economy - which is our focus. 'Changes to tax and spend policy are not the only ways of doing this, as seen with our planning reforms, which are expected to grow the economy by 6.8billion and cut borrowing by 3.4billion. 'We are committed to keeping taxes for working people as low as possible, which is why at last autumn's Budget, we protected working people's payslips and kept our promise not to raise the basic, higher or additional rates of income tax, employee national insurance, or VAT.' The mother of a pilot badly injured in a helicopter crash has vehemently denied she and her family concocted claims against reality TV star Matt Wright to protect her son. Wright, the star of Outback Wrangler, is on trial in Darwin Supreme Court having pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice. The charges follow the helicopter crash in February 2022 that killed Wright's friend and co-star Chris 'Willow' Wilson on a crocodile-egg collecting mission in the Northern Territory's Arnhem Land. Pilot Sebastian Robinson, 32, was left a paraplegic after the crash. The charges do not relate to the cause of the accident and the prosecution does not allege Wright is responsible for the crash, Mr Wilson's death or Mr Robinson's injuries. Wright has been accused of trying to get Mr Robinson to fake flying-hour records because he was concerned crash investigators would find out he and his pilots had disconnected flight-time meters and faked paperwork. On Tuesday Mr Robinson's mother, Noelene Chellingworth, told the jury Wright visited her son in Royal Brisbane Hospital 11 days after the crash. She said Wright asked her son to move flying hours from the crashed helicopter to Mr Robinson's machine. Star of Outback Wrangler Matt Wright (pictured, right) is on trial in Darwin Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to three counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice Wright's charges follow a helicopter crash in February 2022 that killed his friend Chris 'Willow' Wilson in the Northern Territory's Arnhem Land and left pilot Sebastian Robinson a paraplegic 'Sebastian said that he would think about it,' she said. But when Wright visited two days later her son told him he was 'not comfortable' moving hours and declined. Ms Chellingworth said she saw Wright standing over her son at his bedside telling him to 'delete, delete, delete' messages on his phone. When she asked Wright why he was making demands of her son, she said he 'fobbed me off', saying 'he's just cleaning up stuff'. She said she got the feeling Wright wasn't really concerned about her son. In cross examination, senior defence counsel David Edwardson KC put it to Ms Chellingworth that Wright had not asked Mr Robinson to transfer flying hours at all. 'You're making this up as you go along,' he said. Ms Chellingworth replied: 'No I'm not'. Mr Edwardson said Wright was simply helping her son get his paperwork up to date as he had that responsibility because he was flying under Wright's air operators certificate. The jury has heard that Mr Robinson's flight records were not up to date. Robinson's mother Noelene Chellingworth attended court on Tuesday, denying before the jury that she and her family concocted claims against Wright to protect her son Mr Edwardson put it to Ms Chellingworth that her family colluded to try to 'deflect the blame across to Mr Wright' to avoid Mr Robinson being blamed for the crash. 'I do not agree at all,' she replied. Ms Chellingworth admitted her son had asked her to source marijuana and she had forged his signature from time to time when helping him run his helicopter company. Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Robinson's brother Zaccarie Chellingworth was also grilled over the bedside conversation between Wright and the injured pilot at the hospital. Wright had said he needed to take 15 to 20 hours off the crashed helicopter and put them on Mr Robinson's own chopper 'because there were hours unaccounted for,' Mr Chellingworth said. Under questioning from Mr Edwardson, Mr Chellingworth, a licensed aircraft engineer, said he was aware aviation crash investigators suspected the crashed chopper had run out of fuel. Mr Edwardson put it to Mr Chellingworth he knew his brother would be in trouble if fuel exhaustion was found to be the cause of the crash. Mr Chellingworth rejected that and Mr Edwardson's accusation that his family had 'manufactured allegations' against Wright to protect Mr Robinson from blame for the crash. When asked about Mr Robinson's cocaine use, Mr Chellingworth said his brother was not an addict or a dealer and he had only seen him take the drug once, at a buck's party on Wright's boat. The trial continues on Wednesday. A British tourist is facing up to a decade behind bars after a woman he allegedly struck while pulling a wheelie died in hospital in Thailand. The 22-year-old had been riding a rented scooter while doing a stunt using just one wheel when he slammed into Jurairat Petchraksa, 49, outside a bar in Pattaya. CCTV footage shows the local female rider being thrown across the ground from the impact, where she was left lying in a pool of blood near her pink Honda Scoopy-i scooter at around 11pm on August 14 in the Soi Bong Koch 8 area of the city. Police arrived at the scene minutes later and gave the woman CPR before rushing her to hospital where she was left unconscious and in critical condition. The mother-of-two passed away on Sunday afternoon. Local news outlet Thaiger said that the man had reportedly initially refused to accept responsibility for the crash, prompting anger from locals who claim to have witnessed him performing the scooter trick. Dramatic footage following the incident showed the young man's friends seemingly explaining what had happened before the unrest exploded into a massive street fight between the tourists and enraged locals. The Brits were chased up the street and attacked by a handful of people who had crowded the chaotic scene. Mother-of-two, Jurairat Petchraksa, 49, died on Sunday after she was allegedly struck by a 22-year-old who had been doing a wheelie on a rented scooter in Pattaya, Thailand The British man who allegedly crashed into the woman could be seen on the ground near her scooter following the incident CCTV footage captured the 22-year-old performing the stunt moments before the incident The man's friends were seemingly explaining what had happened before the unrest exploded into a massive street fight between the tourists and enraged locals The British tourist who reportedly crashed into the woman was also seen lying on the ground near to the scene of the incident, and appeared to have an object thrown at him as the brawl broke out. He was marched down to the police station following the chaos but has since been released from custody. His passport, however, has been seized by authorities to prevent him from leaving the country. A rescue officer from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation today confirmed the Thai woman's death. He said: 'Yes, she has passed away at the hospital. We only transported her there.' Jurairat's friends paid tribute to her online. He funeral was held on Tuesday. Janeji said: 'Jurairat was like a mother to me. She was everyone's friend. I can only pray that she is in heaven now and not suffering. 'I hope that there will be justice for what happened to her. She did not harm anyone, there was no reason for her to die like that. She was everyone's angel.' Police Lieutenant Colonel Itthiporn Tangchuthaveesap from the Pattaya City Police Station earlier said the Brit allegedly admitted to reckless driving and had compensated Jurairat's family with 682 for medical expenses. With the case in Thailand, the tourist was initially facing charges of reckless driving causing serious injury, which is punishable with up to three years in jail, a fine of up to 1,370, or both. But following Jurairat's death, the charge is expected to be upgraded to reckless driving causing death, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in jail, a fine of up to 4,550, or both. Punches and kicks were launched at the Brits, who were then chased up the street by a handful of people who had crowded the chaotic scene The British tourist who allegedly crashed into the woman was also seen lying on the ground near to the scene of the incident, and appeared to have an object thrown at him Crowds of locals and tourists were seen looking at the female's pink Honda Scoopy-i scooter CCTV footage shows the local female rider being thrown across the ground from the impact, where she was left lying in a pool of blood near her pink Honda Scoopy-i scooter at around 11pm on August 14 in the Soi Bong Koch 8 area of the city The driver is also liable to pay compensation for damages to the victim or their family under civil law. Police Lieutenant Colonel Itthiporn added: 'More evidence and witness statements are now needed for this case. The suspect was not under the influence of alcohol or any kind of drugs but he admitted causing the accident. 'We are waiting for a full forensic report from the hospital into the injuries and the cause of death. The suspect will not be allowed to leave Thailand.' Tourists are regularly attacked or caught up in crime and alcohol-related chaos, leading Pattaya to be dubbed 'Sin City'. Embarrassed officials in the central government have launched tourism initiatives to attract families and rebrand Pattaya as a safe destination. Authorities have also introduced safety measures, such as improved lighting and CCTV. Despite some success in cleaning up the town's image, alcohol and sex remain its biggest draws, often leading to a high rate of crime and accidents. A woman who was sexually assaulted as she slept on an airplane has been denied compensation from a government scheme - because the plane she flew on was registered abroad. The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons but is being referred to by her lawyers as Kelly, was attacked on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Gatwick last September. Her attacker, Momade Jussab, was detained on landing and charged with one count of sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault, for which he was found guilty after a trial and jailed for six and a half years in May. However, Kelly's bid for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) - a taxpayer-funded redress initiative for victims of crime - that would have helped pay for therapy after the attack was turned down. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, which administers the scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, said the attack did not take place in a 'relevant place' - namely, on British territory. Current rules dictate that aircraft are only deemed 'relevant places' if they are registered in Britain - but the jet bore a Qatari registration. Kelly's lawyers are calling for justice secretary Shabana Mahmood to update the rules so they are in line with current legislation on aircraft offences. The Civil Aviation Act was only changed 30 years ago to allow offences committed on foreign planes to be tried in British courts. But the rules on the compensation scheme have not caught up. Have you been denied CICS compensation? Email: jon.brady@mailonline.co.uk Momade Jussab, 66, is serving six and a half years behind bars after sexually assaulting a woman on board a plane bound for Gatwick The Qatar Airways plane was flying from Doha to London - and was registered under the Qatari flag (file photo) Kelly, who is in her 20s, from London, said: 'I do not understand why I, and other victims like me, have been excluded from the CIC Scheme. 'I was attacked on a flight en route to the UK, I am a UK citizen, and this crime was investigated and prosecuted by British authorities. 'I should be entitled to compensation, and being excluded from the scheme is unfair and illogical. 'I am still suffering with the effects of the attack and want to move forward with my life.' She told BBC News that she had awoken on the flight in the darkened cabin coming back from a trip to Africa to find Jussab, 66, putting his hand down her trousers. He had covered them both with a blanket to hide what he was doing from other passengers. 'I said to him, "What are you doing?" I said, "Stop",' she said. 'He said, "No, please". And I had to force his hand out of my trousers and that just made me get up straight away. 'I left my phone, I left my bag, I left my passport, I left everything. I left my shoes and ran into the toilet, left the door open (and) told the flight attendant.' She was moved elsewhere in the cabin - but remained terrified she would encounter Jussab again. But he was arrested on landing, and jailed for six and a half years at Lewes Crown Court in May as part of an extended sentence - meaning he must serve at least two thirds before he will be eligible for parole. However, Kelly remains traumatised by the incident, and had hoped to use the award from the CICS to seek professional counselling from a therapist. She added: 'I understand that he's been sentenced and he's done what he's done and he's paying the price for that. But what about me? I can't afford certain therapy. 'I just want to be compensated for what I've been through. I want professional help and I want to be heard.' Kelly had been asleep, wrapped in a blanket, when she woke up to find Jussab attacking her (file photo) Lawyers acting for Kelly have called on Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood (pictured) to update the rules on compensation to match the law Law firm Leigh Day, which is representing Kelly, has written to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, urging her to close what it believes is a gap in the law. The letter points out that, had Kelly been on a UK-registered plane, she would be eligible for compensation. Its solicitor Claire Powell said: 'Our client suffered an horrific sexual attack on a UK-bound flight. 'She was refused compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation scheme simply because it was a foreign flight and the rules have not been amended in line with the updates to the Civil Aviation Act. 'It is a gap that needs closing urgently and we trust the Justice Secretary will agree, particularly in light of this Government's commitment to addressing violence against women and girls.' The CICS makes payments of between 1,000 and 250,000 for both physical and mental injuries resulting from crimes affecting either an individual or their loved one, with a maximum payout across multiple claims of 500,000. Its rules are approved by Parliament, meaning any potential changes to the scheme must be given the nod by MPs. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'Our thoughts remain with this victim, and we remain resolute in our mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade. 'The rules that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority follows, and the values of payments for injuries, are set by Parliament. Other routes are available for victims to receive support.' Renters were shocked when almost 100 people attended a viewing for a small, modern unit in Perth, in a dire sign the nation's housing market hasn't improved. Lexi Sargeant, 35, was visiting a $650-per-week unit on Hamilton Street in the north-western suburb of Osborne Park when she discovered the huge queue. The Perth resident posted a video to TikTok on Friday of people joining the line that snaked backed from the front door of the three-bedroom property. 'The real estate agent confirmed 92 people were registered at this viewing today,' Ms Sargeant said in the caption. 'The property market is insane. I have about two weeks left to find a place. Trying not to freak out. 'A lady behind me in the line said, ''If you don't laugh, you'll cry'' and I couldn't have said it better!' Another attendee commented on the video, saying that they had visited the property because they only had one week to find a home. 'I was there, couldn't move inside... Luckily I was right near the front of the queue. Got really busy when I was inside then I came out and the queue was going for ages.' Lexi Sargeant was shocked when she spotted almost 100 people waiting to visit a three-bedroom unit for rent in a Perth suburb last week The home, which was listed as $650-per-week, was filled with dozens of hopeful renters Another commenter claimed that the huge line was not unusual. 'So hard to get a rental anywhere in Perth now as this is what it's like at every viewing,' they said. 'I honestly think it is totally ridiculous to allow that many people to view a property. It's a total waste of time for about 90 per cent,' one person said. Real estate agency Edison Property had listed the for rent unit as a low-maintenance home ideal for professionals, couples, or small families. Located at the rear of a six-unit complex, the home includes a covered alfresco area, a central bathroom, three bedrooms and a modern kitchen with island and stainless steel appliances. Daily Mail has contacted Edison Property for comment. Ms Sargeant told News.com.au she felt overwhelmed when she saw the 'really confronting' queue of people at the property inspection. 'I've seen long lines before and even experienced similar a few years ago, but the Osborne Park inspection was the most memorable,' she said. 'At one point I laughed because it felt so absurd, but it's not funny when you're trying to find housing security with so much competition.' Ms Sargeant used the video to flag how 'insane' she feels the Australian property market is @lexisargeant The real estate agent confirmed 92 people were registered at this viewing today The property market is insane I have about two weeks left to find a place Trying not to freak out. A lady behind me in the line said, if you dont laugh, youll cry and I couldnt have said it better!! #Perth #property #housingcrisis #rent #Australia original sound - lexisargeant The unit was listed as a low-maintenance home for professionals, couples, or small families The Perth resident, who is on the Disability Pension and Income Protection because of an incurable brain tumour, said she is considering going back to living in a shared house. 'Even basic apartments are listed at rates that would take up most of my weekly income,' she said. 'Affordable housing just doesn't feel accessible anymore. 'I just want what most people want a stable, secure place to live without the constant stress of wondering where I'll be forced to move next. Moving so often is exhausting and expensive.' The Albanese government has committed to shoring up Australia's housing supply, with a target of 1.2 million new homes in the next five years. Meanwhile, the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council (NHSAC) forecast in May that the government will fall short of its goal by at least 250,000. Despite the government's promises to address the supply issue, the council said Australia's housing shortage will worsen over the next five years. According to Loan Market, home loan pre-approvals spiked across the country last month as homebuyers scrambled to secure financing ahead of an expected rate cut. Loan pre-approvals were 53 per cent higher in July compared to the same time last year, with an 80 per cent spike in the Northern Territory and South Australia. Pre-approvals were up 79 per cent in Western Australia while the eastern states all recorded upticks of nearly 50 per cent. Sir Keir Starmer was forced to interrupt his family holiday for a second summer in a row when he made his dash to Washington DC for crunch talks on Ukraine. The Prime Minister had arrived in Scotland on Saturday for a break, but was almost immediately plunged into frantic diplomatic efforts. After a flurry of calls over the weekend, Sir Keir jetted to Washington DC on Monday for talks with Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky and slew of other European leaders. It comes after he cancelled his planned break last summer in order to remain in charge of the Government's response to the outbreak of rioting across Britain. Sir Keir was due to return to Scotland and resume his family holiday on his arrival back to the UK following his trip to the White House, it was reported. Prior to his departure from Washington DC, the PM hailed the 'real unity' on show as European leaders sat down with the US President and Ukrainian President. Sir Keir said there was a 'common understanding' that there needed to be a NATO-style security guarantee as part of a peace plan for Ukraine. He also looked forward to a possible trilateral meeting between the Mr Trump, Mr Zelensky and Russia's Vladimir Putin. Sir Keir Starmer was forced to interrupt his family holiday for a second summer in a row when he made his dash to Washington DC for crunch talks on Ukraine Sir Keir jetted to Washington DC on Monday for talks with Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky (and slew of other European leaders Sir Keir looked forward to a possible trilateral meeting between the Mr Trump, Mr Zelensky and Russia's Vladimir Putin Speaking to Sky News following the White House talks on Monday, the PM said: 'We had two topics on the table for this afternoon's meeting and there was real unity about them. 'Everyone in the room - President Trump, President Zelensky, the European leaders - were really clear these were the outcomes we wanted. 'On security guarantees, we set up a coalition of the willing some months ago to plan for and set out the European or coalition of the willing elements of the guarantee. 'I always said that we would need a US backstop. I'm really pleased, therefore, that now we're coordinating and working with the US on what that is. 'And we're working on a common understanding that this is an Article 5-like guarantee, which gives you a real sense of what we're working on.' He added: 'The second outcome, which is the movement forward on bilaterals and trilaterals, is a central recognition that on questions like territorial issues is that there can be no decisions on Ukraine without Ukraine.' Sir Keir was due to co-chair a call of the so-called 'coalition of the willing' this morning. The PM and French President Emmanuel Macron have been leading the talks between nations looking to assist Ukraine. Article 5 is the 'collective defence' clause of the NATO treaty and means that an attack against one NATO ally is considered as an attack against all NATO allies. Ben Wallace, the former Tory defence secretary, said a similar agreement between NATO allies and Ukraine, which is not a NATO member, meant it was 'totally possible that we could all go to war if Ukraine is attacked again'. The ex-Cabinet minister told Times Radio: 'An Article 5 is a very strong, important measure. 'But it would have to be written in a treaty and have to be ratified by our parliaments so that we all know what we're in for. I would support something like that.' According to The Times, Sir Keir was expected to try and resume his family holiday on his return to Scotland from Washington DC. A Government minister this morning acknowledged having to interrupt holidays was an 'occupational hazard' of being PM. Torsten Bell, the pensions minister, told Sky News: 'The PM is making a real difference in terms of these negotiations. It was absolutely the right thing to be in Washington. 'It's really important progress that's been made, particularly in the US involvement in those security guarantees. 'That's an absolute precursor to a long-lasting settlement to this conflict that we all want to see. 'I want to see a PM that's playing his part in making that happen. And that's what you've seen him do actually, month after month. It's not just about the summer. 'It is an occupational hazard for prime ministers that holidays are interrupted. I've been around British politics enough to have seen that happen year after year. 'I want the PM to have a rest, but I'm afraid what we want to do is make sure that we're addressing these big issues and that in this summer means making sure we get those security guarantees in Ukraine.' Mr Trump last night said he had spoken directly with Vladimir Putin to begin planning a meeting between the Russian leader and Mr Zelensky, which will then be followed by a three-way meeting involving himself. The US President said Moscow will 'accept' multinational efforts to guarantee Ukraine's security. Mr Zelensky, meanwhile, said he was 'ready' for bilateral and trilateral meetings. But he told reporters following the White House meeting that if Russia does 'not demonstrate a will to meet, then we will ask the United States to act accordingly'. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the US and Europe would 'do more' on tariffs and sanctions against Russia if the country 'is not playing ball' on direct talks with Ukraine, in comments to Fox News. This is the moment passengers on a Jet2 flight erupted into applause as police detained a man after a row with others onboard saw the flight to Alicante diverted back to the UK. The incident happened on a Jet2 flight which had taken off as normal at 6.41pm last night to fly 1,100 miles to the Spanish resort of Alicante. But the Boeing 737 had only made it 100 miles from Leeds Bradford to Leicester when the captain announced he was turning around due to 'a disruptive incident on board'. The man, who was wearing an orange T shirt and jeans, was led away by uniformed police after the furore on the flight to the Costa Blanca - which ended up delaying as many as 188 other passengers by four hours. The plane safely touched back down at Leeds airport where it had taken off from just 40 minutes earlier. Video clips taken by other passengers showed a man standing up in the aisle and seemingly remonstrating with holidaymakers including a woman who had jumped out of her seat a few rows away from him after the plane came to a standstill. The man can be seen smirking as he stood in the aisle and told another passenger: 'Put your phone down and fight one on one.' This is the moment passengers on a Jet2 flight erupted into applause as police detained a man after a row with others onboard saw the flight to Alicante diverted back to the UK The man taunted them by sticking his tongue out and beating his chest, as someone else on the plane shouted: 'Don't rise to it. Let him get chucked off' Another clip taken through a window of the plane showed the man talking to three officers on the tarmac as one appeared to search him As the man he was shouting at stood up to confront him, another chimed in and said: 'You'll get kicked off as well'. The man taunted them by sticking his tongue out and beating his chest, as someone else on the plane shouted: 'Don't rise to it. Let him get chucked off.' Police officers are then seen boarding the aircraft with passengers laughing as they said: 'Look behind ya, lad! Look behind ya, big boy! You w****r!' The rowdy man's smug grin was quickly wiped off his face when he saw the cops coming towards him. He is seen pointing and shouting at the officers, before quickly making a beeline for one of the men he was arguing with and appearing to square up to him, prompting people to shout: 'Arrest him now!'. The entire flight burst into cheers and applause as the man was finally detained and escorted off of the plane, with one yelling: 'In a bit, lad!'. Another clip taken through a window of the plane showed the man talking to three officers on the tarmac as one appeared to search him. The entire flight burst into cheers and applause as the man was finally detained and escorted off of the plane, with one yelling: 'In a bit, lad!' The plane was forced to stay on the ground until it eventually took off again at 11.10pm, more than four hours after its scheduled departure time A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson has confirmed a 30-year-old man from Doncaster has been charged with entering an aircraft while drunk. He has been bailed to appear before Leeds magistrates on Monday, September 8. Jet2 is said to have sent passengers a message, saying: 'We are sorry that flight LS491 Leeds Bradford to Alicante has diverted to Leeds Bradford due to a disruptive incident on board. 'We are working on the situation and will update you shortly. This is an unscheduled change, so we're doing everything we can to minimise any disruption to your onward journey. Thanks for your understanding and patience.' The plane was forced to stay on the ground until it eventually took off again at 11.10pm, more than four hours after its scheduled departure time. A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: 'At 7.12pm yesterday, police were made aware of a flight which had been diverted from Birmingham to Leeds Bradford Airport due to a disturbance involving a passenger. 'Officers attended and boarded the plane on its arrival at the airport. A man was arrested on suspicion of an offence under the Aviation Security Act 1982.' A Jet2 spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that a disruptive passenger has received a six-month flying ban with us, following their appalling behaviour which led to flight LS491 from Leeds Bradford to Alicante having to return to Leeds Bradford so that police could offload them. 'As a family friendly airline, we take a zero-tolerance approach to disruptive passenger behaviour.' Disruptive plane passengers risk large fines and the threat of possible criminal charges or even a prison sentence. The aviation watchdog, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), says disruptive passengers could be made to pay the cost of diverting a plane, which could easily exceed 10,000. A young Finnish MP has taken his own life in the country's parliament building just weeks after revealing his health battles. SDP MP Eemeli Peltonen, 30, was confirmed to have died in the parliament building today at around 11am. The first-term representative was elected to parliament in 2023, and was a member of its Administrative Committee and Legal Committee, as well as a city councillor of Jarvenpaa and the chairman of the city board. In June, Peltonen revealed on social media that he was receiving treatment for kidney problems and had taken a few weeks off his parliamentary duties to recover at home. But he later revealed that he had contracted a bacterial infection while being treated. He said prior to his death: 'To control the bacteria, I was started on an intravenous antibiotic course in [hospital], which will take time. At the same time, treatment for my kidney problems will continue.' Police investigating the incident reportedly do not suspect foul play, while paramedics are also at the scene. Emergency services are said to have received a call at 11.06am today. Finnish broadcaster Yle reported that at least one ambulance, a firetruck and two police vehicles were present at the Parliament Building. SDP MP Eemeli Peltonen, 30, was confirmed to have died in the parliament building today at around 11am A Finnish MP has reportedly taken their own life in the country's parliament building (File image of the Parliament Building) Emergency services are currently at the Parliament Building Police investigating the incident reportedly do not suspect foul play One person who works nearby told the outlet: 'Ambulances drove behind the Parliament Building with their whistles blaring. Then a full-size fire truck, a police car and, with a slight delay, an armored police Mercedes also drove there.' Security Director Aaro Toivonen neither confirmed nor denied the initial reports, instead telling local media: 'There is a mission underway, with rescue authorities, police and emergency services on site. I cannot say more than that at this stage. 'I can't say what the emergency response from the emergency center has been. Parliament is a bit of an exceptional site, so one could imagine that such things have been considered when the situation has been unclear.' Peltonen was elected to parliament in 2023 with nearly 6,000 votes. He began his political career at just 18 after being elected to his local city council with 153 votes. At just 22 he became the chairman of his city's council, the youngest person to hold the position. He graduated from the University of Helsinki in 2020 with a Master's degree in Political Science. Sofia Nevalainen, a fellow city council member, wrote in a post to her Instagram: 'You were my everything. I will always love you.' She and Peltonen were pictured several times on each others social media accounts. Finland's PM Petteri Orpo said the ministerial group of the Coalition Party, the ruling party, would 'stop talking about politics' for a time in response to the tragedy. He added: 'We received some really shocking news some time ago from Parliament, our shared workplace, that one of our colleagues has passed away on Parliament premises. Really sad news.' Sofia Nevalainen, a fellow city council member, wrote in a post to her Instagram: 'You were my everything. I will always love you.' She and Peltonen were pictured several times on each others social media accounts Peltonen was elected to parliament in 2023 with nearly 6,000 votes. He began his political career at just 18 after being elected to his local city council with 153 votes At just 22 he became the chairman of his city's council, the youngest person to hold the position Jussi Halla-aho, the speaker of Finland's parliament, said of Peltonen's passing: 'On behalf of the Parliament, I express my condolences to the family and loved ones of Representative Peltonen. 'Peltonen was a well-liked and respected colleague across party lines.' Finland's parliament is currently in recess, with the autumn session set to begin on September 2. Another shooting death has rocked Sydney after a man was gunned down in the city's north-west on Tuesday night. The man, who has yet to be identified but is understood to be aged in his 20s, was shot while he sat in a car outside a residence on Regiment Grove in Winston Hills. He suffered chest wounds and was rushed to hospital by ambulance, where he later died. Police said they were called to the scene following reports of a public place shooting. A crime scene has been established and detectives have commenced an investigation into the incident. A teenage neighbour, who saw the man's body being lifted into an ambulance, said they were in their bedroom when emergency services arrived. 'I was in my room, and I saw red and blue flashing lights reflected on my neighbour's house,' they told The Sydney Morning Herald. 'So I ran downstairs, and I told my dad, and we went outside to see what was happening.' A man, believed to be aged in his 20s, was shot while in a car in Sydney's north west He died in hospital after suffering several chest wounds during the incident 'We saw a whole lot of police cars and ambulances, and I saw a man on a stretcher being carried up into an ambulance, and he had been shot in the chest,' they said. Anyone with information about the incident has been urged by NSW Police to contact Crime Stoppers. It is the second shooting to rock Sydney in two days, after gunmen opened fire outside a busy pub during the dinner rush on Sunday and shot an underworld figure with links to a street gang. 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. Detectives have launched an investigation into the incident on Tuesday night After Sunday night's shooting, witnesses said they saw a man lying on the ground bleeding on the corner of Ross Street while officers cordoned off Wigram Road. Staff had locked the entrance while patrons sheltered under tables as dozens of shots rang out outside. Police evacuated the pub when it was safe to do so following the shooting. Local residents were reportedly instructed to remain indoors while police collected statements. Police revealed on Monday 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. '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.' A Labour review could pave the way for Britain to copy other European nations and raise the state pension age to 70. Dr Suzy Morrissey has been appointed to prepare an independent report as part of the Government's review of the official retirement age that is due to conclude in 2029. The expert said she had been asked to 'make recommendations on a framework' that ministers can use 'when considering future state pension age arrangements'. In her call for evidence, published yesterday, Dr Morrissey said her work was taking place amid the 'long-term demographic pressures the country faces'. She set out how pensioners are forecast to make up a quarter of the adult population within the next 50 years because of improvements in life expectancy. Dr Morrissey revealed she would consider factors such as the 'merits of linking state pension age to life expectancy' and the 'role of state pension age in managing the long-term sustainability of the state pension'. She said she would examine the experience of other countries in using 'automatic adjustment mechanisms' for making decisions about the state pension age. These have been used to link state pension age to life expectancy in various ways across the world, including in Denmark. Since 2006, Denmark has tied its official retirement age to life expectancy and has revised it every five years. It is currently 67 but will rise to 68 in 2030 and to 69 in 2035. Earlier this year, it was announced that Denmark would have the highest retirement age in Europe after the country adopted a law raising it to 70 by 2040. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said a review into raising the state pension age is needed to ensure the system is 'sustainable and affordable' Pensioners are forecast to make up a quarter of the adult population within the next 50 years because of improvements in life expectancy The number of people aged 85 years and over is expected to increase by 189% over the next 50 years, rising from 1.8 million people in 2025 to 5.1 million by 2075 Dr Morrissey's call for evidence set out how the number of people of state pension age or over in the UK is expected to grow by 55 per cent over the next 50 years, from 12.6 million people in 2025 to 19.5 million people in 2075. Around one-fifth (22 per cent) of the adult population in the UK are currently over state pension age. But this is expected to increase to 28 per cent in 2075. The number of people aged 85 years and over is expected to increase by 189 per cent over the next 50 years, rising from 1.8 million people in 2025 to 5.1 million by 2075. Last month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said a review into raising the state pension age was needed to ensure the system is 'sustainable and affordable'. The Government review is due to report in March 2029 and Ms Reeves said it was 'right' to look at the age at which people can receive the state pension as life expectancy increases. The state pension age is currently 66, rising to 67 by 2028, and the Government is legally required to periodically review the age. Sir Steve Webb, a former pensions minister and a partner at the consultancy LCP, warned against a 'completely automatic formula' for determining the state pension age. He told the Telegraph: 'Having a completely automatic formula to move from changes in life expectancy to changes in state pension age could cause chaos for people's financial planning. 'Every time the population projections are updated, this could move the dates for pension age changes by up to a decade, which would make it impossible for people to plan for their retirement finances. 'Having a rigid rule for setting pension ages creates more volatility and uncertainty than an approach, which is more based on judgement and taking into account a wider range of factors.' David Pye, client consulting director at Broadstone said: 'The state pension age review's consideration of AAMs (automatic adjustment mechanisms) highlights how seriously the Government is now looking at the balance between fiscal sustainability and intergenerational fairness. 'It sets out a data-led mechanism to depoliticise state pension decisions and introduce a framework that adapts automatically to underlying trends. 'AAMs don't automatically mean poorer outcomes for retirees whether that is manifested through faster increases to the State Pension age or lower amounts. 'It would depend on how the mechanism is designed and the factors that are included. 'However, in practice, if demographic pressures continue to intensify and public finances remain constrained, then an AAM could indeed result in more frequent or earlier rises in state pension age compared with the status quo. 'The key concern would be whether such a system would give individuals enough notice and certainty to plan effectively for the long-term.' A veteran pilot is missing after losing control of his plane and crashing into the sea in front of horrified spectators during a final display at an air show. Footage filmed by a witness from a nearby beach in Durban, South Africa, captured the moment the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft plummeted out of the sky on August 14. The clip shows the aircraft climbing and then banking before plunging into the waves just metres from the shore during an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025. South African Airlines pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, 61, from Johannesburg, who had been participating in the airshow, was performing his final display when the crash occurred. Rescue teams were immediately alerted by beachgoers who saw the plane fall from the sky and into the water below. National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) duty coxswain Lorenzo Taverna-Tunisan confirmed that teams are searching for the wreckage. Municipal lifeguards have also deployed resources to extend the search beyond the breakers. 'The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 6 is assisting in ongoing operations and providing a platform for Police and Metro Police divers to conduct scuba searches,' Taverna-Tunisan said. Parts of the wreckage have since been recovered, but the body of the veteran aerobatic pilot has not yet been found. South African Airlines pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, 61, from Johannesburg, who had been participating in the airshow, was performing his final display when the crash occurred Footage filmed by a witness from a nearby beach in Durban, South Africa, captured the moment the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft plummeted out of the sky on August 14 The clip shows the aircraft climbing and then banking before plunging into the waves just metres from the shore during an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025 Authorities have confirmed that the search is now a recovery mission rather than a rescue, and it is widely believed that Blackwood-Murray did not survive the crash. Officials have temporarily closed Battery Beach to the public, urging residents and visitors to avoid the area while recovery operations remain underway. Authorities are, however, appealing to the public and the maritime community to report any findings of debris that may be related to the light aircraft accident along the Durban shoreline or at sea. Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Sisa Majola confirmed that the crash happened during the aircraft's final display at the beachfront airshow shortly before 2pm. Tributes have poured in for Blackwood-Murray, described as a world-class pilot and a true gentleman within the aviation community. His wife Kyla paid an emotional tribute on Facebook, writing: 'It was the call I have been dreading my whole life. 'But I always said I would rather he go doing the things he loves the most. I just didn't realise he would have left so soon. 'He was my world. We did everything together and we had so many plans. We were going to grow old and be the most awesome geriatrics together. 'He has taken away the biggest piece of my soul and I don't know how I am going to live without my wingman. 'He brought me more joy than I ever imagined possible. He was always there for me helping me become the best version of myself. I am beyond heartbroken.' South African aviation platform, Smoke on Go, said: 'It is with deep sorrow that we bid farewell to a remarkable aviator, Andrew Blackwood-Murray, whose passion for flight and dedication to the aviation community inspired all who knew him. Parts of the wreckage have since been recovered, but the body of the veteran aerobatic pilot has not yet been found Andrews love for the skies was more than a profession, it was a calling. His skill at the controls, his unwavering professionalism and his ability to share the joy of aviation with others made him not just a pilot but an ambassador for the wonder of flight. 'Those who saw him perform will never forget the precision, grace and energy he brought to every display. 'Beyond the cockpit, Andrew was a friend, mentor and gentleman. 'His humility matched his talent and his warmth extended to everyone he met whether on the flight line, in a hangar or among the crowd after a show. 'He embodied the spirit of camaraderie that binds aviators together. 'Andrew left us while doing what he loved most flying. 'Though his passing leaves a void that can never be filled, his legacy will endure in every takeoff, every display and every young dreamer inspired to look skyward. 'Our deepest condolences go to his wife Kyla and to the rest of his family and friends during this difficult time. 'May you find comfort in the love, respect and admiration Andrew inspired in so many. 'Blue skies and tailwinds Andrew. May you rest in peace and may your spirit forever soar'. The search for the pilot is ongoing. A young mom was beaten unconscious by a violent man in a vicious attack at a concert after a drink was accidentally spilled on him. Shelby Elston, 33, was excited to see Rufus Du Sol at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California on Saturday, but her night took a horrifying turn after a stranger attacked her. The horrific assault was caught on camera and showed the moment the unidentified man threw several punches at Shelby while another woman attempted to hold him back. The victim was seen sitting limp on the floor in the footage while her fiance, Cain Webb, attempted to protect her. '[I'm] still trying to find the words to describe exactly what happened to us last night,' Elston said in a post on Facebook. The Phoenix native said she, Webb and a friend drove to Los Angeles to see their 'favorite artist' but 'ended up missing the entire show.' 'As soon as we got into the venue, Cain, Ralph and I grabbed a drink and sat down in our seats in the stands. The boys...went to the bathroom. When they came back Cain accidentally knocked his drink over that was sitting next to my leg and splashed a little bit onto that man in front of us,' Elston wrote. 'We immediately apologized, but this man started screaming in our face that we did it on purpose. He ran off into the crowd leaving his girlfriend behind. We again apologized to her for the drink incident and left it at that.' Elston said the man became enraged after a drink was splashed on him, causing him to allegedly storm off before Elston was beat unconscious to the floor Elston said the stranger punched her in the face, leaving her 'completely knocked out' with 'blood pouring' from her face Shelby Elston (pictured left), a mother of three, was horrifically beaten at a concert on Saturday by a violent stranger over a spilt drink as her fiance Cain Webb attempted to protect her But their encounter with the enraged stranger was far from over, as Elston wrote that only 30 minutes later he returned and 'immediately gets in Cain's face screaming at him.' The man allegedly told Elston's fiance that he would 'kill him if it happens again,' according to Elston who said she then stepped in and attempted to calm the situation. 'That is the last thing I remember before waking up in the medical tent an hour later,' she wrote. 'This man PUNCHED ME IN THE FACE! I was completely knocked out and there was blood pouring from my face. He continued to attack Cain while Ralph attempted to block him from the hits.' The violent stranger then ran into the crowd 'never to be seen again,' Elston said. 'We are traumatized from what happened last night, and the worst part is this man got away with it...This should not have happened and this man deserves whatever the law can throw at him,' she wrote. A police report was filed, according to Elston. Pasadena police told ABC 7 that they had multiple leads on the accused man's identity and hope to make an arrest soon. Rufus Du Sol, following the horrific incident, wrote in a statement on Instagram: 'Delivering moments for our fans to gather and celebrate safely is what we live for. We have been heart broken to hear of the act of violence that took place during the opening act on Saturday.' Disturbing footage showed the moment the unidentified man threw several punches at Elston before she was on the floor, while another girl, who appeared to be attending the electronic music concert with him, attempted to hold him back Elston was seen sitting limp on the floor in the footage while her fiance, Webb, attempted to protect her Rufus Du Sol said in a statement on social media that the violent fan's behavior was 'completely unacceptable' 'This type of behavior is completely unacceptable anywhere and the fact that this happened at one of our shows was devastating to learn about,' the band said. A concert goer who attended that night told KTLA: ' No one is coming to a concert for that interaction. Everyone is coming for a good time.' Elston, police and the musicians are asking anyone with information on the strangers identity to come forward. The Daily Mail contacted Elston and the Pasadena Police Department for comment. A former border crossing facility is set to be put up for sale to the public - and the bidding starts at just $25,000. The US General Services Administration, which manages real estate for federal agencies, announced that the former port of entry at 63 Bridge Avenue in Madawaska, Maine, will hit the market on Wednesday morning. Customs and Border Protection relocated its operations from the facility to a new location last year, leaving the property to collect dust. A multi-agency project to close the old bridge and construct a new one wrapped up last year, and the facility hasn't operated as a border crossing since. GSA announced that the sale would reduce unnecessary spending on an empty facility, ultimately helping American taxpayers. 'In the spirit of fiscal responsibility and smart asset management, GSA is transforming an underutilized border facility into an opportunity for community and economic development,' Public Buildings Service Regional Commissioner Glenn C. Rotondo said of the auction. 'This auction represents our ongoing commitment to maximize value for hardworking American taxpayers while responsibly divesting government real estate that no longer serves its original purpose.' Interested bidders must register online and submit a $5,000 deposit to participate in the auction. The former border crossing facility will be put up for sale in an online auction on Wednesday morning Interested buyers must register online with a $5,000 deposit. Bidding for the property starts at $25,000 The bridge by the former port of entry was closed due to deterioration. A new crossing was built further upstream and opened last year The online auction opens at 10am EST on Wednesday with bids starting at $25,000, and auctioneers can increase their bids in $1,000 increments. Registered bidders can inspect the property by appointment only. The building is 2,900 square feet on the first floor with a 2,900 square foot finished basement. The property spans almost one acre and sits along the Saint John River, which separates Maine from Canada. The building is also equipped with a guard shack and a shed for a generator. Part of the property is located in a floodplain and cannot be built on. The auction comes after multiple agencies launched a project to close the border crossing due to the old bridge's deterioration. Officials with the General Services Administration said the auction marked a smart economic move to divest from unneeded government real estate (Pictured: The Madawaska-Edmudston border crossing in 2014) A new bridge was built upstream on the St. John River, while the former port of entry closed last year The new bridge has wider travel lanes, added shoulders, and a raised sidewalk. The total construction for the project cost an estimated $97.5 million The Maine Department of Transportation, the New Brunswick Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (NBDTI), the GSA, and the Canadian Border Services Agency opened a new port of entry about 1,400 feet upstream from the old bridge last June. The new Madawaska-Edmundston bridge has wider travel lanes, added shoulders, and a raised sidewalk. Construction began in 2021 and concluded this year. The new bridge is designed to last 100 years. The total construction and relocation project cost $97.5 million, with $36 million from an Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant. Donald Trump admitted that Ukraine will need to hand over more land to Russia if they want to reach a deal to end the war. The president said that European leaders can 'play cute,' but claimed they know that land will need to be involved in any peace negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He also divulged that after his meeting with European counterparts at the White House on Monday he called President Putin to discuss setting up a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, which he would not attend. Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt asked Trump if any land swaps were discussed during his summit. 'Everybody can play cute and this and that, but, you know, Ukraine is going to get their life back, they're going to stop having people killed all over the place and they're going to get a lot of land,' he said. 'This is a war, and Russia is a powerful military nation, whether people like it or not,' Trump added. 'It's a powerful nation. It's a much bigger nation.' Trump told the Fox morning show that it 'takes two to tango' and that Putin and Zelensky need to have a working relationship outside of U.S. intervention. 'I just want to end it,' Trump said of the ongoing war. President Donald Trump admitted on Tuesday morning that Ukraine will need to give Russia more land if they want to bring an end to the deadly war Trump said that he called Putin after his meeting with European leaders on Monday and said he would need to have a bilateral meeting with Zelensky on ending the war He also admitted that 'it's possible' that Putin 'doesn't want to make a deal.' On his call with Putin following their summit in Alaska on Friday Trump said he told Putin that if he has a successful meeting with Zelensky then he would reenter talks to help bring an end to the deadly war. 'We had a very good call and I told him that we're going to set up a meeting with President Zelensky,' Trump said. 'And then after that meeting if everything works out OK I'll meet and we'll wrap it up.' The president said that Putin and Zelensky are 'getting along a little better than I thought.' 'I think they're doing OK. I wouldn't say they are ever going to be best friends,' he added. Trump invited European leaders, including Zelensky, to the White House on Monday following his bilateral meeting with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska last week. Friday was the first time the Russian leader was invited back onto U.S. soil after he was in New York City in September 2015 where he met with then-President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The president discussed on Monday the path forward in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, which he now says will need to include Kyiv conceding more land to Moscow. He agreed to help facilitate a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky, and said he would rejoin talks once they successfully opened a dialogue. Migrants are set to be moved out of a controversial asylum hotel after a council was granted a injunction to shut it down. Council leaders won the first stage of their battle to close the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, on planning permission grounds after it became an epicentre of anti-immigration protests, including some which turned violent. The demonstrations were sparked when a migrant living at the hotel was charged with a series of sexual offences, including some against a 14-year-old girl. Epping Forest District Council was today granted a temporary injunction by the High Court in London - with the decision welcomed by jubilant locals. It came after the Home Office unsuccessfully attempted to block the legal challenge, claiming its closure would cause 'acute difficulties' and breach asylum seekers' 'fundamental human rights'. The injunction means the hotel's owner, Somani Hotels Limited, must stop housing asylum seekers at the site by September 12. Ministers will now fear other areas of the country will attempt similar tactics to get unpopular migrant hotels shuttered. Mother Sarah White, 40, one of the protest organisers, said the news was 'amazing'. Protesters open bottles of Prosecco outside The Bell Hotel after it was announced it would be closing The decision for a temporary injunction to be granted was welcomed by jubilant locals Protesters outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, last month She said: 'This is great news - it is fantastic. This is not just for Epping but the rest of the country. Hopefully this is the sign of things to come. 'I really do hope they do not put these people in houses of multiple occupancy within our community now. 'That would be a kick in the face and we would fight it. 'But today's news is really positive. Families and women will be able to sleep easier at night knowing they will not be there. 'It's been a disgrace we have had to fight like this.' Sarah said they would be talking to other towns where migrant hotels are. She added: 'We will start protesting with towns up and down the country. We are standing shoulder to shoulder with them as well. 'We want to show this is bigger than Epping, it is impacting the whole country.' Reform leader Nigel Farage added that he hoped Epping council's victory 'provides inspiration to others across the country'. Maureen Chapman, 73, has lived in Epping for 50 years and said she felt 'under threat' by the hotel being there. Pictured: Mother Sarah White, 40, one of the protest organisers, said the news was 'amazing' Epping Forest District Council was today granted a temporary injunction by the High Court in London - with the decision welcomed by jubilant locals People gather outside The Bell Hotel to celebrate the court's decision on Tuesday Today she said: 'This has restored my faith in humanity. It has restored my faith in common sense. Thank God, somebody has actually listened to the people. 'Locals have finally been heard and it feels like it has taken a very long time for that to happen. 'I hope councils up and down the country hear this message loud and clear. These hotels are not wanted and if local people rally around as a community, their voices can be heard.' Admin assistant Sarah Corner, 44, added: 'I am so pleased. Today is a huge day for the people of Epping. It is absolutely amazing. 'I only hope people now don't go through the same hell as we did. 'I was so worried every night. I only live half a mile away from the hotel. 'When there was the news of the alleged sexual assaults, it was horrific. I felt sick. 'We can all now hopefully get on with our lives.' Edward Brown KC, for the Home Office, warned the High Court the move 'runs the risk of acting as an impetus for further violent protests'. It would also 'substantially interfere' with the Home Office's legal duty to avoiding a breach of the asylum seekers' human rights, he said. The barrister added: 'The balance of convenience can never favour a course of conduct that creates a real risk of interfering with fundamental human rights. A woman drinks Prosecco outside the The Bell Hotel in Epping Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said it was 'good news and a victory for the mums and dads 'If the injunction is granted by the court, it will substantially impact on the Home Secretary's statutory duties. 'The local authority should in fact have given some consideration to the wider public interest in this application.' He added that the injunction bid 'causes particular acute difficulties at the present date'. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said it was 'good news and a victory for the mums and dads I spoke to in Epping who just want their children to be safe'. She added: 'Putting a hotel full of young male illegal immigrants in the middle of a community like Epping was always going to lead to issues. 'They need to be moved out of the area immediately. 'But Epping is just one of many towns struggling with these asylum hotels. 'Labour have no solution, they're not smashing any gangs and small boat arrivals are at record highs. 'I do have a plan - bring back a proper deterrent and remove all illegal arrivals immediately, so towns like Epping never have to deal with this again.' Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'Residents should never have had to fight their own Government just to feel safe in their own town.' He accused Labour of deciding to 'tear up the deterrents the Conservatives put in place', such as the Rwanda asylum scheme. Reform's Mr Farage said: 'This is a victory for the parents and concerned residents of Epping. 'They do not want their young women being assaulted on the streets. 'This community stood up bravely, despite being slandered as far right, and have won. Your browser does not support iframes. Epping Forest District Council leader Chris Whitbread leaves the Royal Courts of Justice today after securing a temporary injunction against the use of The Bell Hotel to house asylum seekers 'They represent the vast majority of decent people in this country. Young, undocumented males who break into the UK illegally should not be free to walk the streets anywhere. 'They must be detained and deported. 'I hope that Epping provides inspiration to others across the country.' Outside the Royal Courts of Justice, Epping council leader Chris Whitbread said: 'This is a decision that's important to Epping Forest, but also important to have councils up and down the country, and it shows that the Government cannot ignore planning rules, just like no-one else can ignore planning rules.' He added: 'This is only the start of a process and subject to appeal, we recognise that, but all things being equal, the Bell Hotel will be empty by September 12, and that's really important for the students, residents, businesses of Epping Forest.' Addressing local residents, he went on: 'If they decide to go outside the Bell Hotel, don't protest, don't over-celebrate. This is the beginning. It is not the end.' The Home Office had not been represented at a previous hearing in the case on Friday. But today the department asked to be allowed to intervene Mr Justice Eyre was due to hand down his ruling on whether the injunction should be granted. Philip Coppel KC, for Epping Forest District Council, said the Home Office's request was 'a thoroughly unprincipled application made in a thoroughly unprincipled way'. He added that the department knew of the injunction bid last week but 'sat on their hands'. Protesters gather outside the Bell hotel in Epping, Essex, on July 31, to express concern about migrants being housed there Epping Forest District Council was seeking an injunction at the High Court in London, in order to stop migrants from being accommodated at the former Bell Hotel in Epping A series of protests have taken place since the arrest of an asylum seeker for three alleged offences, leading to 28 arrests Epping Forest District Council sought an interim injunction stopping migrants from being accommodated at the Bell Hotel in Epping It comes after a series of protests in recent weeks outside the hotel. A resident at the hotel, Hadush Kebatu, 41, from Ethiopia, was charged with sexual assault, harassment and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity. The incidents allegedly happened within two days, just over a week after the 41-year-old arrived in the UK by boat. Raphael Pigott, defending, told a hearing at Colchester magistrates' court on July 17: 'I believe he is here as a refugee or asylum seeker, and that he arrived informally on a boat.' It is alleged Mr Kebatu tried to kiss a schoolgirl as she ate pizza near a busy high street, and the next day attempted to kiss an adult near a fish and chip shop in the town centre, telling her she was 'pretty' while putting his hand on her leg. He then encountered the girl again and tried to kiss her, a court was told. Mr Kebatu has denied the offences and is in custody. A second man who resides at the hotel, Syrian national Mohammed Sharwarq, has separately been charged with seven offences. A series of protests have taken place outside the hotel since the alleged incidents. There was violence outside the premises last month after 'anti-immigration' campaigners clashed with 'anti-racism' demonstrators. Activists brawled in the streets while police battled to contain the chaos. Twenty-eight people have since been arrested in relation to disorder, and 16 of them have been charged. Police chiefs have already described the unrest at The Bell as a 'signal flare' for another summer of disorder. Protests have led to a strong policing presence at the hotel, with 28 arrests of demonstrators At a hearing on Friday the council told the High Court the housing of asylum seekers at the property was becoming a 'very serious problem' which 'could not be much worse'. Barristers for the council claimed Somani Hotels breached planning rules as the site is not being used for its intended purpose as a hotel, stating there was an 'overwhelming case for an injunction'. Somani Hotels defended the claim with its barristers telling the court in London that a 'draconian' injunction would cause asylum seekers 'hardship'. They added that 'political views' were not grounds for an injunction to be made. They also said that contracts to house asylum seekers were a 'financial lifeline' for the hotel, which was only one per cent full in August 2022, when it was open to paying customers. Opening Friday's hearing Philip Coppel KC, for the council, said: 'Epping Forest District Council comes to this court seeking an injunction because it has a very serious problem. 'It is a problem that is getting out of hand; it is a problem that is causing a great anxiety to those living in the district. 'There has been what can be described as an increase in community tension, the catalyst of which has been the use of the Bell Hotel to place asylum seekers. 'The problem has arisen because of a breach of planning control by the defendant.' He continued that the site 'is no more a hotel than a borstal to a young offender' for asylum seekers and that Somani Hotels had not had 'the courage of conviction to seek a certificate of lawful use', which would have 'resolved the matter in its favour'. Mr Coppel also referenced the alleged sexual assault of the teenage girl, and said several schools were in the nearby area. He said: 'Having this sort of thing go on in such a concentration of schools with no measures in place to stop a repetition is not acceptable. 'It really could not be much worse than this.' Your browser does not support iframes. Another factor in favour of granting an injunction would be removing a 'catalyst for violent protests in public places'. The barrister added: 'Allowing the status quo to continue is wholly unacceptable, providing a feeding ground for unrest.' Piers Riley-Smith, representing Somani Hotels, said the alleged planning breach was 'not flagrant', and that it was 'entirely wrong' for the council to 'suggest the use has been hidden from them'. The barrister told the court that the hotel previously housed asylum seekers from 2020 to 2021, and from 2022 to 2024, and that the council 'never instigated any formal enforcement proceedings against this use'. He said company applied for planning permission for a 'temporary change of use' in February 2023, but this was later withdrawn as it had not been determined by April 2024. Asylum seekers then began being placed in the Bell Hotel again in April 2025, with Mr Riley-Smith stating that a planning application was not made 'having taken advice from the Home Office'. Addressing the public protests at Epping, the barrister said: 'The court should bear in mind - as recognised by the claimant - that these have spread far beyond locals who might have a genuine concern about their area to a wider group with more strategic national and ideological aims, but that does not necessarily mean the concerns are well-founded. 'Fears as to an increase of crime associated with asylum seekers or a danger to schools are common, but that does not make them well-founded. 'It also sets a dangerous precedent that protests justify planning injunctions.' Mr Justice Eyre refused to give Somani Hotels the green light to challenge his ruling, but the company could still ask the Court of Appeal for the go-ahead to appeal. In his judgment, he said that while the council had not 'definitively established' Somani Hotels had breached planning rules, 'the strength of the claimant's case is such that it weighs in favour' of granting the injunction. He continued that the 'risk of injustice is greater' if a temporary injunction were not granted. A further hearing on whether the injunction should be made permanent is expected to be held at a later date, and is expected to last two days. Less than a mile from the enormous $800million-plus Obama Presidential Center rising up over Jackson Park in Chicago's gritty South Side, one local pastor is developing his own $47million hub for change - without a dime from the city's Democrat machine, BLM, or the Obama Foundation. Reverend Corey Brooks has been building the Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center through his organization, Project HOOD, on the city's notorious 'O Block', long considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country. A conservative Republican in a very blue city, Brooks earned the nickname 'Rooftop Pastor' after spending 343 days over 2021-2022 living on the roof of his construction site to raise funds for the new center. Brooks's mission is to mentor and lift young people out of poverty - but unlike Obama's embattled legacy project - he aims to do so without 'woke' ideology or the belief that success depends on government handouts. For his latest fundraising effort, the 56-year-old grandfather, who jokes he could lose a few pounds, will set off on a year-long, 3,000 miles 'Walk Across America' starting in New York City's Times Square on September 1, with the hope of raising money and attention for both his project and his philosophy that people of color do not need to be treated like oppressed victims. But Brooks's vision for the 84,000-square-foot center across the street from his New Beginnings Church, where he has helped steer troubled youth and gang members away from crime for more than 25 years, has not been embraced by Chicago's political elite. 'It's partly because of my conservative philosophy,' he told Daily Mail. 'I believe in the American dream. I'm a patriot. I tell people we are not victims, and we don't have to wait on government. 'That way of thinking is totally different from the victim-oriented mindset of the Obama Center or BLM that America has damaged us so badly we can't succeed without white guilt. I reject that outright.' Reverend Corey Brooks, 56, has been raising money to build his $47million Leadership and Economic Opportunity Center in Chicago's notorious 'O-Block' Brooks's own community hub will be located less than a mile from the $830million Obama Presidential Center (pictured on August 14) which has been mired in controversy as well as ballooning costs and construction delays Brooks says he's reached out repeatedly to both the Obama Foundation and Black Lives Matter 'we've made requests, we've written letters' but has never heard back from anyone in either organization. Not that it has ever deterred Brooks, who says he understands why he's shunned by the city's black elite - especially the powerhouse Obama Foundation. The nonprofit organization is funding the former president's $830million project in Chicago, along with donations from billionaire friends including Oprah Winfrey and George Soros, but has been mired in controversy since its inception. As Daily Mail revealed this week, the 19-acre facility, due to open in next year, has come under fire from residents, community leaders, and even onetime supporters who now say the massive development is gentrifying the neighborhood, increasing rent, and displacing the very people it was meant to serve. The center was initially slated to open in 2021, was pushed back to 2024 and is now set to open in April 2026. Workers at the center have blamed policies and lengthy DEI sessions for the delay. 'It's a philosophy difference,' Brooks told the Daily Mail while showing off the three-story construction site. 'They're focusing on outcomes. We're focusing on opportunity.' Pressed to explain, Brooks was blunt. Brooks's 84,000-square-foot center will be located across the street from his New Beginnings Church, where he had mentored and guided troubled youth for more than 25 years The development, however, has not been embraced by Chicago's political elite, which Brooks attributes partly to his 'conservative philosophy' 'They think everything has to be equal,' he said. 'We know things are never equal. But we can create opportunities for people to live the American dream. 'We focus on character content they focus more on color and being woke. That's not what we do. 'I guarantee you this center will transform more lives than the Obama Center ever could.' In the meantime, Brooks is taking to the road next month on a trip he knows will be arduous - but necessary, since money from big sponsors or donors don't go to black conservatives like him. 'Millions of dollars went to organizations like Black Lives Matter and the Obama center but organizations like ours, we have to be creative, because we don't depend on government,' Brooks said. 'We're not depending on woke philosophies and white guilt. We have to work hard and roll up our sleeves.' 'I'm walking across America to raise awareness about what's going on here and to raise the funds we need to finish this center debt-free,' he said. 'Also to build a private school for boys from single-parent homes below the poverty line, and to create an endowment so we never have to depend on government.' He hopes to plant similar Project HOOD centers across the country. The original launched in 2000 when Brooks and his team found a torn-up skating rink called Route 66 that had been used for skating and raves. They bought the building and renovated it for $5million. The former president's project, which is being funded by the Obama Foundation and donations from his billionaire friends, is intended to serve the low-income community of Chicago's South Side. Obama and former first lady Michelle are pictured at the groundbreaking ceremony in 2021 Locals have grown increasingly opposed to the development as they fear it will inevitably displace the very people it's meant to support 'Just because you're Black, you don't have to be a victim,' Brooks said. 'You can create opportunities for yourself, your family, your neighborhood. 'You don't have to wait on government or some politician to save the day because they're not going to.' Project HOOD already employs more than 150 people, including locals learning trades. It has a charter school for 15 to 21-year-olds who have been kicked out of Chicago public schools and offers mentoring and counseling, a wellness component and a violence prevention team. Unlike at the Obama Presidential Center construction site, there is no focus on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) anywhere at Project HOOD. 'We judge people by their character and work ethic,' he said. 'We're not interested in your gender or your color. Will you work? Will you do it with excellence? That's what matters.' Brooks says his crusade is personal. 'I don't want another generation to be lost and left behind,' he said. 'I want my grandkids to love America, not hate it. 'I want them judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. And I want them to know they can accomplish absolutely anything in this country.' 'We're creating a movement,' he said. 'This is what urban America needs not another monument.' A democratic socialist vying to be the next mayor of Minneapolis attended a large Somali support rally in his honor. Somali-American Omar Fateh, 35, won the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party's endorsement for mayor last month. Fateh, a Minnesota state senator, held a rally alongside members of the Somali community in Minneapolis on Sunday night. Footage of the gathering showed dozens packed outside of the Brian Coyle Center in the city supporting Fateh as he spoke alongside a group of backers. Those who gathered wore t-shirts showing their endorsement of his mayoral race, some even wore stickers voicing their support for Palestine. Speaking with KARE 11 last week, Fateh said his top priority if elected would be to protect illegal migrants from the Trump administration. He said that Trump held a 'trifecta' in both chambers of Congress as well as the Supreme Court, which was causing concern for undocumented residents. Fateh also said he would increase the separation between city police and federal immigration law enforcement, lessening their coordination with one another. Omar Fateh appeared at a political rally on Sunday night in Minneapolis in his honor, flanked by his supports Dozens gathered to voice their support of his mayoral run in the Minnesota city He did stop short of endorsing the abolition of the police, an idea supported by the Democratic Socialists of America. Fateh added: 'That's not going to happen, absolutely,' Fateh said. 'What we envision is a public safety system that works for everyone. 'That means we have an accountable police force and a police force that is an important part of our public safety system, but making sure that when we call 911 we get an appropriate response.' Fateh's stance on many issues, including policing, aligns rather closely with Zohran Mamdani, the left-wing state assemblyman who is the frontrunner to become the mayor of New York City. Like Mamdani, Fateh believes social workers can respond to certain 911 calls instead of armed police officers. He added: 'I would think that in this situation, we would actually have to increase public safety funding to make sure that we have all the alternatives fully supported and funded, to make sure everyone has their needs met.' Fateh also expanded on some of the other policies he'd pursue as mayor, including a $20 minimum wage by 2028, rent stabilization for tenants and a land value tax to incentivize development on empty lots. His platform calls for ending the practice of breaking down encampments if there is no other safe place for the homeless people to go. Fateh has been likened to Zohran Mamdani, seen here, who is now the frontrunner to become New York City's next mayor He also seeks to prevent rental evictions, which he says is the largest contributor to homelessness. On the issue of women's and transgender rights, Fateh wants to make sure the city remains 'a safe haven for people seeking abortions and gender-affirming healthcare'. He denied that he is a radical, pointing to the fact that he's been a bipartisan lawmaker in the state senate. 'Some of the things I'm known for, like tuition-free college for working-class families, minimum protections and increased wages for rideshare drivers, the legalization of fentanyl testing strips, on and on and on, I was able to partner with not just a progressive wing but also the Blue Dog Democrats as well as Republicans,' Fateh said. Fateh is the first Somali American and Muslim to serve in the Minnesota State Senate. He moved to the state 10 years ago from Washington, DC. His main opponent in the mayoral race is two-term incumbent mayor Jacob Frey, who has been endorsed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar. In late July, the Minneapolis DemocraticFarmerLabor Party (DFL) shockingly passed over Frey to officially endorse Fateh. More than 1,000 party activists gathered in the Target Center to choose Fateh as their candidate. Although the endorsement carries no legal weight, its important because the DFL is connected to the national Democratic party. This means Fateh could get access to additional party resources to help in the general election. An Australian man has been arrested after trying to board a flight to Perth while allegedly carrying meth concealed in soap bars. The 68-year-old was apprehended before he reached the departure gate at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, on Sunday. He was arrested after 4.26kg of meth was allegedly found hidden inside his baggage. Customs Department spokesman Panthong Loykulnan said the Australian national was arrested by narcotics and Airport Interdiction Task Force. Officers were acting on a tip-off, reported the Bangkok Post. Mr Loykulnan said he had been flagged through intelligence as a high-risk traveller. Authorities allege the Australian was attempting the smuggle the drug back to his home country. The illicit drug was allegedly found concealed in several bars of soap packed in boxes in a bag, while more was also hidden in a concealed suitcase compartment. Mr Loykulnan said authorities had made it a priority to crack down on the drug smuggling trade. Customs workers at Suvarnabhumi Airport have made almost 200 drug seizures involving heroin, cocaine and meth, since October. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is providing consular assistance to an Australian man detained in Thailand. An Australian man has been arrested in Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand after trying to board a flight to Perth while allegedly carrying meth concealed in his baggage The 68-year-old was arrested after 4.26kg of meth was allegedly found hidden inside his luggage Facial recognition cameras are flagging up more than 10,000 crime suspects a week in the UK. Several high street retailers are now using Facewatch biometric technology, which sends an alert to staff if a so-called subject of interest on a watchlist enters the store. In total, Facewatch sent 43,602 alerts to subscriber retail stores during July. This is more than double the number for July the previous year (18,564). It is the first time the 10,000 alerts-a-week milestone has been reached, and underlines the battle to clampdown on the crimewave facing retailers and their employees across the country. Nick Fisher, Facewatch chief executive, said: 'July's record numbers are a further stark warning that retailers and their employees are facing unprecedented levels of criminal activity, including violent and aggressive behaviour. 'While this trend is extremely concerning, each suspect alert we send to our retail subscribers warns store staff immediately a suspect enters their premises, enabling them to take preventative action. 'A trend we have observed is criminals beginning to look for what they see as easy targets and now our nation's charity shops and their volunteer staff are experiencing rising abuse and theft.' Earlier this year a charity shop owner revealed he decided to install the facial recognition system at his shop in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, in a bid to protect staff against thieves and customers who turn violent over minor issues, such as refund disputes. Live facial recognition is used by the police as well as some retailers The Metropolitan Police will deploy facial recognition technology at this year's Notting Hill Carnival, despite concerns from civil liberties groups Tone Jarvis-Mack, founder of The Fertility Foundation, said: 'It gives us peace of mind. We've taken back control. 'We're not trying to catch people, we want to prevent crime from happening in the first place. 'Critics of facial recognition often talk about people's rights, but shopworkers have rights too - the right to go to work without facing threats, intimidation, or violence. Every alert represents a theft deterred or an employee spared from abuse.' It comes as Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley defended the force's use of facial recognition technology at this year's Notting Hill Carnival. The force had come pressure to scrap the system amid concerns from civil liberty groups it represented 'a mass surveillance tool that treats all Carnival-goers as potential suspects and has no place at one of London's biggest cultural celebrations'. But Sir Mark hit back in a letter to the organisations, citing considerable advances in technology making it better suited to catching potential criminals. He wrote: 'We acknowledge that when LFR was previously deployed at Notting Hill Carnival in 2016 and 2017, it did not build public confidence. 'At that time, the technology was in its early stages and the algorithm's performance was limited since then, we've made considerable progress.' Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the technology had improved since it was first used, and said it would help identify potentially violent offenders Tone Jarvis-Mack, founder of The Fertility Foundation, has started using facial recognition technology in his charity shop Last year, police made 349 arrests for offences including homicide, rape, and other violence at Carnival. Sir Mark added: 'The public rightly expects (the Met) to use all necessary and proportionate tools to help ensure events like Carnival can take place safely. 'Where we know that LFR can help locate individuals the police need to speak to, and those people pose a public safety risk to the many seeking to enjoy Carnival, it is entirely reasonable to ask - why wouldn't we use it in this context?' Around one million people are expected to attend the event in West London this weekend. Australia is working to confirm whether Nauru has breached a security treaty following a $1billion announcement with a Chinese company. Nauru must receive Australia's sign-off on any partnership, arrangement or engagement with a third nation when it comes to security, including critical infrastructure such as banking and telecommunications. Under the treaty, signed in December 2024, Australia would prop up Nauru's banking sector, provide $100 million in budget support and $40 million for policing in exchange for an effective veto right over other security agreements. Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said the Australian government was working with Nauru to determine whether a development deal with the China Rural Revitalisation and Development Corporation, signed on August 5, activated treaty obligations. 'That is a really important treaty for us, that helps position us as a security partner of choice with Nauru,' Mr Conroy said in Brisbane on Tuesday. The first part of the three-phase deal with the Chinese corporation covers renewable energy, the phosphate industry, marine fisheries and sea infrastructure. Mr Conroy said Australia wasn't opposed to development and economic assistance from other nations in the Pacific. 'We think other countries should be doing their fair share and investing in the Pacific. That's a good thing for the region,' he said. On August 11, Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea (pictured, right) and the chairman of the China Rural Revitalisation and Development Corporation Zhang Yong (left) signed a deal valued at approximately AU$1 billion 'What we've been very clear is that every country in the world should respect the views of the Pacific Islands Forum, the leaders' consensus, which is that security should be provided by countries within the PIF.' Mr Conroy has stated China should play no security role in the Pacific. The jostling for influence between China and traditional partners like Australia in the Pacific has also been on display ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in the Solomon Islands in September. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has banned all development partners from attending after pressure from China to exclude Taiwan from the forum. The push to exclude Taiwan, which Beijing claims is part of its territory, split Pacific leaders, some of which still recognise Taiwan over China. Some forum nations and development partners have expressed that any attendance of Chinese officials at forum events is a red line. It followed an incident at the 2024 leaders meeting in Tonga where the leaders' communique was altered after China's Pacific envoy expressed anger at a provision referencing Taiwan. Mr Conroy said the decision to exclude dialogue partners by the Solomon Islands was 'unfortunate'. Nauru must receive Australia's sign-off on any partnership, arrangement or engagement with a third nation when it comes to security The island nation is Nauru (pictured) is tiny but strategically important for its location 'We think that every dialogue partner should have been invited to the PIF... whether that's China, Taiwan, the United States, United Kingdom, whoever, you name it,' he said. 'We think the 1992 status quo, the consensus around dialogue partner engagement should be maintained.' The invitation of development partners began in 1992 and includes Taiwan. Australia has been working to shore up its foothold in the Pacific by signing numerous security and defence co-operation treaties, some of which include exclusivity clauses. The pact with Papua New Guinea precludes any security presence from China. A defence pact allowing its citizens to serve in the Australian Defence Force is set to be inked at the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of its independence in Port Moresby in September. But a treaty with Kiribati has been more elusive, with negotiations effectively put on ice by the Maamau government. Mr Conroy declined to detail the status of the negotiations. 'We're engaging with all Pacific island nations on their interests and we've made it very clear that we're open to doing deals, negotiating beneficial arrangements for any Pacific nation that is interested in talking to us,' he said. This is the disturbing moment an on-duty police officer steals a woman's underwear while searching her home. Hertfordshire Constabulary police officer Marcin Zielinski, 27, has been jailed for four months after he admitted to stealing the woman's underwear from the property on September 12 2024. Ring camera footage shows the officer rifling through the woman's belongings before turning his attention to a chest of drawers. He then takes the woman's underwear from the second drawer and slips it into his back pocket before leaving the bedroom. Zielinski, from Shefford, Bedfordshire, was condemned by his force who said his behaviour represented a 'fundamental betrayal of the public'. He admitted one charge of theft and a charge of corrupt/improper exercise of police powers and privileges by a constable when he appeared at court on Monday 4 August. The court heard that Zielinski stole the underwear while he was carrying out a Section 32 search at a home on September 12 last year. A woman living at the address had been arrested in connection with an unrelated matter and was later released with no further action taken. Hertfordshire Constabulary police officer Marcin Zielinski, 27, has been jailed for four months after he admitted to stealing the woman's underwear from the property on September 12 2024. The homeowners have revealed the officer's face above He hides the underwear in his back pocket and then slowly walks out of the room. He has now been jailed for four months Ring footage shows him rifling through the woman's underwear drawer in her bedroom Ring footage shows the police officer searching the woman's house before he then stole her underwear Zielinski resigned from the force while under investigation in November 2024. Hertfordshire Constabulary Assistant Chief Constable Genna Telfer said: 'Zielinski has let down the public of Hertfordshire, the police service as a whole and his former colleagues, who act with professionalism and integrity. 'His criminal behaviour damages the reputation of policing and represents a fundamental betrayal of the public and the values for which the police service stands.' Fox News anchor Bret Baier ran into some trouble with the fuzz in DC as President Donald Trump doubled-down on his crime crackdown. A video went viral on Monday showing Baier being pulled over to the side of the road by a Metropolitan police officer. The host can be seen handing over a variety of paperwork to the officer while sitting in his bright white jeep. After social media went abuzz over the video, Baier released a statement on Tuesday unveiling the reason why police pulled him over in Georgetown. I picked up my ringing phone as I drove past an officer while driving my wifes car in Georgetown, Baier wrote in a post on X. Baier goes on to describe the officer as very professional while adding he was not aware cameras were watching him during the encounter. He pointed to have me pull over - I did. He was very professional,' Baier revealed. I had to dig for the registration card. Got a ticket and left. I didnt know there was paparazzi, added the television star. Baier says he was pulled over by a D.C police officer in Georgetown for talking on his phone while driving The Fox News star told his followers on X that he's switching over to Bluetooth One eagle-eyed X user told the Fox host that he appeared to have a scowl on his face during the traffic stop. Baier responded, Thats because I didnt have my glasses to read the registration card. In recent weeks, Trump has issued an executive order that launched an unprecedented law enforcement crackdown in DC by marshalling the FBI, ICE, and National Guard troops. Since signing the order, law enforcement has made hundreds of arrests in DC that include illegal migrants and individuals with outstanding warrants. Governors in GOP-dominated states, including Mississippi, Louisiana, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio have sent over hundreds of National Guard troops to help the administrations efforts in DC. Approximately 1,100 National Guard troops from six different states, as well as troves of law enforcement, are roaming D.C. at the expense of the federal government. The video of Baiers police traffic pullover was posted on Instagram by the user Mollaan Babbington. Baier received a ticket from the police officer at the end of the traffic stop Its fair to say the Special Report host will be switching over to Bluetooth for now on while driving through the swamp. Already done. That day. Thanks, Baier wrote to an X user advising him to try hands free Bluetooth. An outspoken Democratic lawmaker had choice words for President Donald Trump's decision to take over Washington, D.C.'s police force. Representative LaMonica McIver, who serves New Jersey's 10th Congressional District, believes that Trump's rhetoric of 'Liberation Day' is rooted in racism. 'When he says, 'Oh,' you know, 'it's Liberation Day,' and all of these things, those are, you know, ways of him saying, 'Oh, it's white power,' McIver said during an appearance last week on the Defending Democracy Podcast hosted by Democratic Party election lawyer Marc Elias. 'Those are racist remarks,' the Congresswoman told Elias. 'His number one targets are cities that are led by black mayors.' The New Jersey Democrat also complained that Trump's 'number one targets are sanctuary cities that ... support immigration.' McIver is currently facing federal charges for storming an ICE facility in her home state of New Jersey earlier this summer. She has asked for the charges to be dismissed. The congresswoman has pleaded not guilty to three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding, and interfering with federal officials related to actions in the ICE facility skirmish. 'Sic the military on the very people that they're supposed to be protecting in these cities and then expect a certain response so that it can escalate I truly believe that that's what the president hopes for,' McIver told Elias. Representative LaMonica McIver, who serves New Jersey 's 10th Congressional District, believes that Trump's rhetoric of 'Liberation Day' is rooted in racism LaMonica McIver visited the Delaney Hall detention facility where she was involed in a skirmich with ICE officers back in June Democrat Rep LaMonica McIver says Trump making D.C. safer is racist and symbolizes white power. pic.twitter.com/gwGMIsoWYa Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 18, 2025 White House spokesman Harrison Fields told The New York Post that McIver, was 'an unserious person' who had a 'catfight in front of an ICE facility.' Trump announced last Monday that Washington's Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was now under the control of Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice (DOJ). ICE and other federal agents take a delivery driver into custody at Union Station on August 16, 2025 in Washington, DC Bondi shared Tuesday via a post made on X that 'there have been a total of 465 arrests, 68 guns seized, and charges for homicide, narcotics, and firearm offenses' since the DOJ started policing the nation's capital. At the direction of @POTUS, our nations capital is a SAFER placeand we are just getting started. 52 arrests were made last night, including an MS-13 gang member, and 9 firearms were taken off the streets. Since our mission began, there have been a total of 465 arrests, 68 Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) August 19, 2025 Trump's actions were spurred in part by high-profile attacks that have taken place this summer. A former DOGE employee Edward Coristine, nicknamed 'Big Balls,' was mugged in DC while out on the town. The assailants severely beat the ex-DOGE aide leaving him bloodied, according to reports. Trump said he was lucky to be alive. A congressional intern was also fatally shot not far from downtown earlier this summer. A political candidate in Kansas has claimed that shooting a contractor and facing financial scandals are exactly what qualify her to hold public office. Lisa Walker-Yeager, who is running for two local government seats in Wyandotte County, posted on Facebook last week to defend herself as she faced criminal charges. The community leader insisted she opened fire last October to protect her daughter during a heated payment dispute with builder Noble Bey. Walker-Yeager has been charged with aggravated battery and unlawfully discharging a weapon inside city limits. She admitted she shot Bey but maintained she did so to save her daughter, Verne McClelland, during an aggressive confrontation at her home. Bey, she claimed in court, was furious after being handed a $350 check when he had expected $410 for his work. During a hearing on Thursday, Walker-Yeager and her daughter testified that Bey beat McClelland in anger. A video played in court showed Bey loudly voicing his frustration over the shortfall, reported the Kansas City Star. Lisa Walker-Yeager is running for two local government seats in Wyandotte County despite facing felony charges Walker-Yeager admitted she shot contractor Noble Bey during a dispute over a $350 check last October On Friday evening, Walker-Yeager posted a statement on social media saying it was important for her to be transparent with voters. 'The incident that occurred was an act of protection for my child. Ill leave it at that,' she wrote. 'If you are a parent, I know this will resonate with you because I believe you would protect your children at all costs.' The candidate also addressed her financial record, which includes lawsuits and judgments against her over unpaid debts. 'You and I both know we in Wyandotte have an uphill battle to fight when it comes (to) financial prosperity,' Walker-Yeager wrote. 'I truly believe my past financial challenges are what qualify me for these positions. Because I understand, Ive been in your shoes when it comes to financial challenges.' During a campaign event last month, Walker-Yeager was asked whether she had ever been arrested and how gun violence has affected neighborhoods. 'I think gun violence has affected our neighborhoods,' she said at the meeting, according to local news outlet KMBC. The candidate has been sued six times over money disputes, with five judgments entered against her (Pictured: Walker-Yeager (right) at her daughter's graduation) Court records show Walker-Yeagers largest financial judgment was more than $17,000 'But I also think guns in the wrong hands have affected our neighborhoods. Thats the key thing, its not the guns, its the person. 'And until we realize that and understand that, that is a key thing. I have never been convicted, but I will say that I have stood up to protect my family.' Court records show Walker-Yeager has been sued six times over money disputes, resulting in five judgments against her. The largest judgment was more than $17,000. Despite her legal troubles, she remains on the ballot for the November election unless she is convicted of a felony. 'I love you Wyandotte, and I refuse to let these challenges that are being used against me stop me from fighting for you and your families!' she declared. Judge Michael A. Russell has ordered attorneys to submit findings and conclusions by September 12. He will then decide whether to grant Walker-Yeager immunity on the basis of self defense. Military chiefs are furiously thrashing out how they could guarantee Ukraines security if a deal to end the Russian invasion can be reached. Allies have sent top brass to Washington DC for high-level talks while Sir Keir Starmer today held a call with European allies to work on the plan which could finally stabilise the region. This morning, US President Donald Trump said that there will be no American boots on the ground but suggested that Britain, France and Germany could send troops there in some capacity. He said that there would be some form of security, in a Fox news interview, but said it can't be NATO because that's just not something that would ever, ever happen. So, what could this support look like in the coming months and years ahead? Your browser does not support iframes. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed security plans with Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Monday UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held discussions with President Trump at the White House Boots on the ground This is by far the most contentious aspect of military support. There are divisions between NATO allies over whether such a deployment is advisable and fears over the response by the Kremlin to what Russian officials, Vladimir Putin particularly, will consider provocative moves. The Coalition of the Willing initially envisioned by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer earlier this year included UK ground troops, led by elite airborne and commando units, deploying to eastern Ukraine to support the countrys troops on the frontline. But the sheer numbers of UK soldiers required to maintain such a commitment around 15,000 to 20,000 to cover troop rotations meant the plan was quickly scaled back. Todays announcement by US President Donald Trump effectively ruling out US ground forces is also significant. He told Fox News: You have my assurance, I am president. France, Germany, the UK, they want to have boots on the ground. I dont think it is going to be a problem to be honest with you. Putin is tired of it. They are all tired of it. President Trumps MAGA base are isolationists. They expect the White House to prioritise domestic security and leave the Europeans to defend themselves. They baulk even at the suggestion of security guarantees for Ukraine. A possible exception would be the discrete deployment of small numbers of Special Forces personnel to train the Ukrainians to use the $100 billion of US military hardware the country is committed to buying and to serve as a Quick Reaction Force in the event of a US military aircraft crashing anywhere near Russian-held territory. So the options are: A multi-national peacekeeping force in Eastern Ukraine Only the UK and France have committed publicly to sending ground forces to Ukraine to serve in anything like this capacity. Italy ruled the option out immediately. While Baltic, Scandinavian and eastern European allies, declined the invitation as they need to defend their borders against possible Russian attacks. Russia would vehemently oppose any move by NATO to position its forces in any combat or offensive posture on the ground in Ukraine. There are also practical limitations and complications to forces from multiple NATO members operating effectively in Ukraine. The danger would also be that Russia would orchestrate an attack against the NATO force, perhaps by deniable means, in a bid to justify a fresh offensive by its troops on Ukrainian positions. Likelihood of a multi-national peacekeeping force? Unlikely Small-scale training force in central and Western Ukraine More realistically, the UK will move its training programme for Ukrainian troops from Britain to Ukraine, which will see hundreds of UK forces being based in-country, as they were before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The countrys forces would be prepared for action by UK and French forces hundreds of miles from the frontlines. No British troops are expected to find themselves in the line of fire. Likelihood of a training force? Highly likely Intelligence Sharing When the US briefly broke off intelligence sharing with Ukraine earlier this year, the effect on the battlefield was immediate. Ukraine lost its ability to identify Russian threats at reach and the country was more vulnerable to rocket attacks. So looking forward, it will be imperative for Ukraines security that the flow of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities (ISTAR) is uninterrupted. This will include the Starlink satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk. Previously, Musks company SpaceX has declined to extend Starlink availability to Russian-occupied territories of Crimea. The UK belongs to the Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance alongside Commonwealth allies such as Canada, New Zealand and Australia, and the United States. Britain could push for greater intelligence sharing with Ukraine though it is unlikely Ukrainian membership of Five Eyes would be countenanced. Ukraine could be granted trusted ally status, with limited access to top secret materials. Likelihood of largescale intelligence sharing, battlefield analysis, communications and targeting advice? Very likely Ukraine security relies heavily on air defence systems to knock out Russian drones and missiles, particular the US-manufactured Patriot system RAF Typhoons are expected to lead 'sky shield' patrols over mainland Ukraine and the country's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea RAF F-35B Lightning fighter jets could face down Russian air force planes over Ukraine too Defensive Military Systems The $100 billion dollar deal Ukraine is expected to strike with US arms manufacturers will revolutionise the countrys conventional military forces. US Patriot missile batteries, the worlds leading air defence system, is crucial for intercepting Russian ballistic missiles and other aerial threats. Ukraine is purchasing as many as 17 Patriot systems from the US. While Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania and Spain are among NATO members with spare Patriots to send to Ukraine. Patriots cost 740m per system, so are very expensive. So the priority would be to defend Ukraines cities and essential infrastructure. European nations will donate their systems and buy replacements from the US. Likelihood of enhanced defensive systems being deployed to Ukraine? Very likely Protection of Ukrainian access to the Black Sea This is essential for Ukraine, not only for security reasons but for financial reasons. Its economy relies on grain exports being transported from Ukrainian ports, across the Black Sea and beyond to African countries. Accordingly, secured access to the Black Sea, with the support of the Royal Navy and other maritime allies, is considered more important to the countrys future even than the Donbas industrial heartlands in eastern Ukraine which Russia is determined to secure, either by pushing back Ukraines frontlines or by negotiations. The UK is likely to commit warships, Royal Marines and subsurface capabilities to defend Ukraines exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, and possibly to support NATO allies Romania and Bulgaria to defend their Black Sea zones. Ukraine cannot do this itself as its naval assets are limited. The Royal Air Force is also likely to be involved in defending the airspace above international shipping lanes. Likelihood of Royal Navy task force sailing to the Black Sea? Quite likely No Fly Zones RAF Typhoons and F-35s based in NATO bases in Eastern Europe could extend the range of their current security patrols over Bulgaria and Romania to include Ukraine. Plans have already been drawn up with France to lead the airborne element of a multinational stabilisation force. An extended multinational squadron of between 18 to 35 fighter jets would be required. These aircraft would also provide air cover for any UK or French ground forces deployed to Ukraine in training roles. The UK already conducts Enhanced Air Policing patrols along NATOs flanks. Recently, further RAF Typhoon aircraft deployed to Poland to assist its defences. Additional aircraft involved in the stabilisation force would include intelligence gathering AWACs aircraft, C-17 transporters and the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport for air-to-air refuelling. Likelihood of RAF task force protecting Ukraines skies? Quite Likely Officials found a 'ghost boat' that sailed from Washington to California on its own after its fisherman owner disappeared. Joel Kawahara, 70, was last heard from around 7.30am PT on August 8 after he departed alone on his fishing boat, the Karolee, off the coast between Washington and Oregon. The vessel was tracked on its automatic identification system traveling south at a steady speed for several days, according to the US Coast Guard. Coast Guard watchstanders and other local boaters made several attempts to contact the Karolee, but no communication was ever received. On the morning of August 12, a Coast Guard C-27 fixed-wing aircrew from Air Station Sacramento spotted the vessel and attempted to make contact, but nothing was heard. The aircrew described the boat as 'rigged for fishing, lights were energized, and a life raft was observed in its cradle.' They flew over the Karolee's previous course but did not find any signs of distress, so they went back to Sacramento. Later that day, members of the Coast Guard continued their search by water and air, but did not locate Kawahara. Joel Kawahara's fishing boat, the Karolee (pictured), sailed from Washington to California without him onboard after he vanished without a trace Kawahara (pictured), 70, was last heard from around 7.30am PT on August 8 after he departed alone on the Karolee off the coast between Washington and Oregon 'After it had traveled nearly 400 miles... we had no idea where this person might be,' US Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Steve Strohmaier told SFGATE. On Wednesday, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Lion intercepted the vessel and found no one onboard, noting that all of the ship's safety equipment was still there. Storhmaier said he was 'not aware of' any that appeared strange or missing, and the Coast Guard decided to call off their search. 'The case is unique because of how many miles the vessel transited,' Strohmaier said. 'It's just really tragic and really tough that we weren't able to find anybody in the water.' Kawahara's boat was towed to Eureka, California, where it was transferred to a Station Humboldt Bay boat crew. 'Suspending a search for someone is the toughest decision we make in the Coast Guard,' said Cmdr. Chelsey Stroud, search and rescue mission coordinator for the Coast Guard's Northwest District. 'Our crews diligently search hundreds of miles. We are grateful for the numerous Coast Guard crews along the West Coast who assisted in this search. We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the missing man.' Members of the Coast Guard tried to make contact with Kawahara for several days without a response and found the boat with all of its gear intact Kawahara's boat was towed to Eureka, California, where it was transferred to a Station Humboldt Bay boat crew The Coast Guard called off their search for Kawahara and friends said losing him has been devastating for the fishing community Kawahara's friend Heather Burns told the California newspaper that she reported him missing to the Coast Guard. 'He was so important to me, so huge in my life. He was more like family than friend to me,' Burns said. 'One thing I can say is that it is an uncomplicated grief it's very comforting that I have no regrets save one, that I never went out on the water with him.' Kawahara's long-time friend, Kellie Henwood, told KRCR the news has been devastating to their fishing community. 'When we first heard that they didn't find anyone aboard his vessel, the Karolee, it was absolutely shattering and really devastating because we were hoping that he was onboard in some way, shape, or form,' she said. Tributes for Kawahara have been pouring in online from the Pacific Northwest fishing community. 'Joel was a valued member of the broader West Coast fishing community and a tireless advocate for fishermen,' the Oregon Albacore Commission said. ''Joel was known for his kindness, generosity, and the way he touched everyone he met. He was deeply respected among salmon fishermen and also shared time on the albacore grounds. His passing is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 'Joel left this world doing what he loved fishing and his spirit will continue to inspire those of us who work on the water.' A French online star known for carrying out extreme challenges died after a reported 'ten days of torture, sleep deprivation and ingestion of toxic products'. Raphael Graven, better known online as Jean Pormanove, died aged 46 at his home in Contes, Alpes-Maritimes, on Sunday night. Officers arrived at his home on Monday morning at around 10am where they found the popular streamer deceased in his bed. On social media, several internet users reported an abrupt end to his livestream on the Kick platform, after he had just spent 'ten days and nights of torture,' including 'extreme' physical violence, 'sleep deprivation,' and 'the ingestion of toxic products', according to BFMTV. In a clip shared on social media following the incident, another streamer who had been present during what is billed as 'the last live,' is seen quickly cutting the stream after attempting to wake up Pormanove. Known for taking part in extreme challenges online alongside his streamers Naruto and Safine, Pormanove's content ranged from gaming sessions to humiliation streams that sparked controversy. In clips, he has been seen having objects thrown at him, food pushed into his mouth while being restrained, and being tackled to the ground in what appears to be a basement. Naruto and Safine were taken into custody in January 2025 on suspicion of violence against vulnerable people, according to Mediapart. French streamer Raphael Graven, better known online as Jean Pormanove, died aged 46 at his home in Contes, Alpes-Maritimes, on Sunday night Known for taking part in extreme challenges online alongside his streamers Naruto and Safine, Pormanove's content ranged from gaming sessions to humiliation streams that sparked controversy Officers arrived at his home on Monday morning at around 10am where they found the popular streamer alone and deceased in his bed A report from Le Parisien states Pornanove and another disabled influencer had been humiliated live, which both streamers denied. Taking to X on Tuesday, Clara Chappaz, French Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs wrote: 'Jean Pormanove was humiliated and mistreated for months live on the Kick platform. 'A judicial investigation is underway. I have contacted Arcom and filed a report on Pharos. I have also contacted the platform's managers to obtain explanations.' Following the content creator's death, Naruto announced the death of his 'brother, sidekick, partner', on Instagram, and asked for 'respect for his memory'. Paying tribute to the late streamer, he wrote: 'I've always dreaded the day I'd have to write these words. 'Sadly, last night, JP (Raphael Graven) left us. My brother, my sidekick, my partner, six years side by side, never letting go. I love you, my brother, and we will miss you terribly. 'I ask you all to respect his memory and not share the video of his last breath in his sleep. For his family and for us, his second family. 'Rest in peace, my brother, Owen'. It comes after a TikToker was shot dead while livestreaming to her followers last month. Keyla Andreina Gonzalez Mercado was allegedly blasted in the head by her friend's partner while they drank alcohol together. The victim appeared to tease the suspect, named Manuel Andres Alava Lazaro, before he allegedly pulled the trigger. In the livestreamed footage, Keyla told him: 'Shoot me twice, I beg you, but later, let me get drunk.' The 28-year-old added: 'You'll hit me in the head twice, you'll kill me in one go, I don't want to suffer, two in the head.' Her friend was heard saying 'no, no' in the background. Keyla appeared to shout the suspect's name before he allegedly fired twice. Keyla's friend reportedly stopped the livestream and went to her family's house to inform them of the shooting. Hardworking residents of a Colorado apartment complex have been dealing with swarms of squatters moving in and stealing electricity, while authorities say they're powerless to stop them. Almost 200 calls to police have been made to the Aspen Ridge Apartments in Arvada outside Denver this year, most of them regarding trespassing by former squatters, KDVR reported. But a change in Colorado law has complicated the process of ridding apartments of the freeloading tenants. Under the new rules, landlords must provide longer notice periods and mandatory mediation before evicting tenants. Many of the calls to police have been due to squatters sneaking back into apartments where they previously camped out before being removed. 'Our top calls are probably going to be unwanted persons maybe somebody trying to get back into an apartment that they were squatting in,' Arvada Police Detective David Snelling told KDVR. One frustrated renter wondered how officials let the problem persist. 'I pay my rent every month. I've been here for six years,' Aspen Ridge resident Darin Barton told KDVR. 'They're not paying nothing.' Almost 200 calls to police have been made to the Aspen Ridge Apartments in Arvada outside Denver this year, most of them regarding trespassing by former squatters 'I pay my rent every month. I've been here for six years,' frustrated Aspen Ridge resident Darin Barton said. 'They're not paying nothing' Some squatters have even been caught stealing power from utility boxes outside the building. Footage captured by Barton showed a tangle of electrical wire in one utility box, with cords stretching to apartments on the upper floors. 'Staff report this is not another tenant's electrical box. It is a cable box they are stealing electricity from,' a spokesperson for Foothills Regional Housing explained in a statement to KDVR. Management says it has attempted to prevent this from happening, but the property pests have continued to wreak havoc. 'This is what squatters do unfortunately, this happens quite often. We cannot lock up a cable box we do not own,' a spokesperson for Foothills Management said in the statement. 'We are very aware and are addressing it as fast as possible, legally. 'As fast as we fix it, they go back and do it again.' Both management and police have said that they are doing their best to stop the squatters, but they are limited by the law. Many of the calls to police have been due to squatters sneaking back into apartments where they previously camped out before being removed Footage captured by Barton showed a tangle of electrical wire in one utility box, with cords stretching to apartments on the upper floors Residents say a few bad apples are spoiling the apartment complex for the rest of them Police confirmed to KDVR that one arrest was made on the property on Monday. 'If we have the availability to arrest them, and take them to jail hopefully there are consequences that ease that burden on the community,' Snelling told the outlet. Residents say a few bad apples are spoiling the apartment complex for the rest of them. 'What I really don't understand is, government runs this place, how do they let this go on?' Barton told KDVR. A wildlife biologist at Yosemite National Park was fired after draping a transgender pride flag from El Capitan. Dr Shannon Joslin, who holds a PhD in genomics and studies bats, was fired from the park earlier this month following the stunt on May 20 of this year. The 35-year-old, who is nonbinary, and six other climbers, unfurled the 55-by-35 foot pink and blue flag one third of the way up the iconic granite monolith. In doing so Joslin had 'failed to demonstrate acceptable conduct', the park's acting deputy superintendent Danika Globokar said in their termination letter. The day after the stunt new legislation was brought in outlawing the display of large flags and banners on El Capitan and the rest of the national park. That decision was part of a larger push by the government to limit the amount of political demonstrations on public lands. In a social media post explaining the dismissal, Joslin described the role at Yosemite as being their 'dream job'. 'I hung the flag in my free time, off-duty, as a private citizen. El Capitan has had flags hung on it for decades and no one has EVER been punished for it. Only me. Dr. Shannon Joslin was fired from her role with the Park Service earlier this month after unfurling the flag on the iconic monolith Joslin and six other climbers, seen perched on a ledge below the flag, made the ascent in May of this year prior to the new rules being brought in 'No part of hanging the flag was done on work time. NOTHING about it had anything to do with my work,' Joslin added. The park's acting deputy superintendent Danika Globokar, who fired Dr. Joslin, is seen here 'Preservation has been my life's work - of Yosemite, the wildlife, the land, recreation, of peoples rights and safety, of community and acceptance, and now the Constitutional First Amendment. I want my rights and I want my career back.' Joslin has since revealed they are actively looking for a way to reclaim their job via legal action. 'My firing isn't just about one ranger. It's about whether everyone has the right to speak freely in the United States. 'This kind of targeting threatens the rights of civil servants, and by extension, all Americans, to speak freely', Joslin added. Those alongside Joslin included environmental activist and drag queen Pattie Gonia. Gonia said: 'We flew the Trans pride flag in Yosemite to make a statement: Trans people are natural and Trans people are loved. Let this flag fly higher than hate.' In a follow up after Joslin's dismissal, they added: 'Firing SJ Joslin is a direct violation of their constitutional First Amendment right. Dr. Joslin has since revealed they are actively looking for a way to reclaim their job via legal action Standing more than 3,000 feet above the valley floor, El Capitan is one of the world's hardest climbs to complete Dr Joslin is seen here alongside the team of climbers who helped unfurl the flag on the iconic mountain 'To strip SJ of their position is not only an affront to their personal freedom but an attack on the very values of service, dedication, and community that SJ embodies. This is about silencing those who oppose injustice and we must not let that happen.' According to the the new rules in place, violators of the ban could face six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for groups. In February, a group of protestors hung an inverted American flag off the side of El Capitan in protest over Trump's cuts to the Park Service. The administration cut at least 1,000 Park Service employees as part of a federal downsizing pushed by then DOGE chief Elon Musk. Standing more than 3,000 feet above the valley floor, El Capitan is one of the world's hardest climbs to complete. It was once thought to be impossible to climb but has since been conquered by many and the subject of several movies. The National Park Service said in a statement: 'The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Justice are pursuing administrative action against several Yosemite National Park employees and possible criminal charges against several park visitors who are alleged to have violated federal laws and regulations related to demonstrations. 'We do not comment on the specifics of personnel actions or criminal investigations. 'However, we want to emphasize that we take the protection of the park's resources and the experience of our visitors very seriously, and will not tolerate violations of laws and regulations that impact those resources and experiences.' An Ohio couple have been killed in a horror crash that also left their two young children severely injured. At around 1.20pm on Friday, Maria Nunney, 50, and 55-year-old Donald Nunney, who had been driving, both died after their car veered off the road and smashed into a tree in North Carolina. The couple, who had been longtime teachers in Cleveland, were driving with two of their children, 15-year-old Lucia and 9-year-old Leo, to drop off their eldest son, Noah, 19, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Noah was following in a car behind them and watched the horror unfold in front of him. Both of their youngest children survived the devastating crash but are in hospital recovering from severe injuries and 'major trauma,' a GoFundMe for the Nunney family said. Noah had been driving behind the car and pulled over after it crashed into a wooded area as emergency crews rushed to his family. Maria Nunney tragically died at the scene of the accident, 19 News reported. Donald, however, was airlifted to a hospital in Chapel Hill where he later succumbed to his injuries, State Troopers said. The cause of the crash remains unclear and the investigation remains ongoing. 'Its hard to say what caused it. No other vehicles were involved, so there will be no charges,' North Carolina State Highway Patrol Sgt. Tyler Tucker told CBS 17. Maria Nunney (pictured left), 50, and her husband, 55-year-old Donald Nunney (pictured right), who had been driving, both died after their car veered off the road and smashed into a tree in North Carolina The couple, who had been longtime teachers in Cleveland, were driving with two of their children, 15-year-old Lucia (center right) and 9-year-old Leo (center left), to drop off their eldest son, Noah, 19, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Noah had been driving behind the car and pulled over after it crashed into a wooded area as emergency crews rushed to his family 'They were just incredible teachers, loving and attentive and committed parents,' Cleveland Teachers Union President Shari Obrenski told the outlet. 'They active in the community. Their loss has hit everyone so hard that it is unimaginable for their family and their children. So shocking and heartbreaking and just devastating.' Noah is sat beside his siblings in hospital while the young family's 'entire world has changed,' Tucker told 19 News. Both children are expected to make a full recovery. Principal Lennox Thompson of Joseph M. Gallagher School, where Donald Nunney was a language arts teacher, said in a statement obtained by WCNC: 'With a heavy heart I regret to inform you that Mr. Don Nunney and his wife passed away yesterday afternoon around 1:30 PM. He and his family got into a single-car accident in North Carolina after dropping off their son Noah to college.' 'We have been informed that 2 of his children were with them - that they were rushed to IC but are stable and will be fine. Don had been a teacher at Gallagher since 1994, servicing generations and generations of families in the community for almost 30 years, and our heart goes out to his family; his wife was a teacher in the District as well at Wilbur Wright,' the statement continued. 'They both were well know in Cleveland, in their own community and moreover, well respected and will be missed...This tragedy has hit home at school but the impact on their family - on their children - that is life altering.' 'Maria and Donald were more than amazing and loving parents,' the GoFundMe, created by Georgina and Sandro Galindo, said. 'Maria and Donald leave behind a legacy of community, family, and love, all rooted in the devotion they had for their children and their family,' the Galindo's wrote The cause of the crash remains unclear and the investigation remains ongoing 'They were also a devoted son and daughter, siblings, caring teachers and friends. They gave so much of themselves to their students and their community.' The fundraised money, which reached more than $130,500 as of Tuesday morning, is set to help the Nunney's four children and help lay the couple to rest. 'Maria and Donald leave behind a legacy of community, family, and love, all rooted in the devotion they had for their children and their family. That legacy will live on through Noah, Diego, Lucia, and Leo, who carry forward the very best parts of who their parents were,' the Galindo's wrote. A friend wrote on Facebook that the pair 'blessed everyone they met.' 'The loss of these two is a loss to the world, but their kids are their greatest legacy,' they said. Another close friend described them as 'the most caring, selfless, and kindhearted souls.' 'Their love for everyone, especially their children, is truly unmatched,' they added. A group of kayakers have claimed they were forced to rescue swimmers after Reggie the dancing dolphin started to 'nearly drown' two women - days after marine experts warned he could go on the attack. The solitary bottlenose dolphin, believed to be a young male, captured hearts after video emerged of him excitedly playing with a family and asking for belly rubs in Lyme Bay, Dorset, earlier this month. But experts have warned that Reggie could become increasingly aggressive and launch a fatal attack due to the amount of human interaction he is engaging with. The Daily Mail understands that the mammal arrived on its own in Lyme Bay in February, sparking concern from marine experts as dolphins usually travel together in pods. The dolphin has become a frequent sight in Lyme Bay, but in July it suffered a nasty gash which is believed to have been caused by a boat propellor. Footage then emerged of the creature leaping vertically out of the water before swimming in and around Lynda MacDonald, 50, her partner, her son and his girlfriend on August 3. Now kayaker, Rhys Paterson, 32, has revealed how he was forced to intervene, along with another boater, after Reggie began jumping on top of a woman swimming off the beach in Lyme Regis - pushing her head repeatedly under the water. Footage shows the swimmer saying 'It scared me to death! Oh my goodness!' before being pushed under the waves on August 14. New footage from a kayak has emerged of Reggie apparently targeting swimmers in Dorset bay The solitary bottlenose dolphin, believed to be a young male, has gone viral after adorable footage emerged of it excitedly playing with a family and asking for belly rubs in Lyme Bay, Dorset, on August 3 The dolphin seen frolicking with swimmers in Lyme Bay has nasty injuries, likely caused by a boat propellor Rhys, a development director from Lyme Regis, said the filmed incident was not the only confrontation and the dolphin appeared to be 'targeting women in wetsuits'. 'We saved two swimmers who were fairly deep, where the dolphin kept jumping on them,' he said. 'The dolphin was basically drowning this woman - it kind of jumped on her back four times.' Describing how he and his brother, Gareth, came across the scene, Mr Paterson said: 'We had been following the dolphin for a little bit, because obviously, it's quite a local legend at the minute. 'But when we realised it wasn't playing it was quite a big shock. 'People need to understand that it's not an amusement arcade. It's a wild animal. It can snap all of a sudden if it wants to.' It comes after the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) warned the public to keep away from the lone dolphin. The organisation said human interaction can make dolphins lose their natural wariness, leading to 'injury or death'. Jess Churchill-Bissett, head of marine conservation (wildlife) at MMO, said: 'Repeated human interaction inevitably disrupt their natural behaviours, increasing stress and potentially altering their temperament. 'Once habituated to humans, dolphins can lose their natural wariness, a change that can be fatal. This is something we could already be seeing in Lyme Bay. 'They are also known to have become aggressive in cases and have attacked and injured people.' Liz Sandeman, co-founder of the Marine Connection Charity, warned: 'This is the worst case of a dolphin becoming rapidly habituated to close human interaction in 20 years in the UK, with risks to the safety of the dolphin and people in the water with him likely increasing over time.' New footage emerged over the weekend showing ignorant tourists paddling next to viral dolphin Reggie, with young children in the water The tourists have ignored warnings to stay away from the bottlenose dolphin, who could harm or even kill someone The dolphin, who is visibly injured and has gashes on its side, was seen circling around tourists on Friday evening It comes after footage has emerged over the weekend showing ignorant tourists paddling next to Reggie - with young children seen in the water while adults sit on their boards. Crowds of holidaymakers have flocked to the waters in recent weeks for a chance to get close to the dancing dolphin. The new video, posted on Facebook, was captured on Friday evening and shows the animal circling around and swimming dangerously close to humans. One commenter on the video warned the dolphin is probably showing an increased interest in people due to hunger. 'When animals become interested in us it normally means they are hungry and malnourished and in search of food,' they wrote. Another person, who witnessed the tourists crowding around Reggie, wrote: 'We went down last night and watched from the shore. We were shocked to see so many paddleboarders out there (around 20) and they were all following the dolphin and not leaving him alone. 'Yes it's magical for everyone to be up close but seriously have a word with yourselves.' Marine Management Organisation shared concerns for the safety of the sea creatures and urged tourists to stay away from the animals in a recent Facebook post The playful dolphin appeared to dance in the water as it performed for its awestruck audience The dolphin is believed to have arrived in February but from May, the MMO directly observed people intentionally approaching the mammal too closely. Experts and cetacean charities agreed collectively to name the dolphin Reggie, the Mail previously revealed. Bottlenose dolphins are native to Britain and there are estimated to be 700 around the coast, usually swimming in pods. They reach up to 13ft in length and can weigh up to 650kg. Dolphins, along with whales and other porpoises, are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and approaching or recklessly disturbing a dolphin can result in up to six months in prison as well as an unlimited fine. Lucy Babey, director of programmes for UK marine conservation charity ORCA, told the Mail that although dolphins may elicit fun and excitement on the surface, they pose a big risk to humans. She said: 'They are powerful marine mammals and have been known to seriously injure people, even if unintentionally through a thrash of the tail or butting people with their beak. 'In some case the dolphins behaviour has escalated, become erratic and more serious injuries have occurred. There have been incidents around the world where the dolphin's behaviour has escalated to harassment and people have unfortunately been killed. 'Unfortunately these dolphins can become habituated through prolonged human interactions which increases the risk of injury and brings about welfare concerns for the animal. There are several cases where the dolphins sought out boats, associating them with humans, but sadly resulting in propellor injuries and death.' A widow beamed from ear-to-ear as her son was spared jail for killing his father when he was 15 years-old. Abigail Peterson grinned widely as son Lincoln Peterson, now 16, was paroled over the 2024 shooting of Jeremy Peterson, 45, at the family home in Las Vegas. Jeremy was gunned down after seizing his son's electronics to punish him for getting bad grades. Now 16, Peterson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter with a deadly weapon in April. During his sentencing on August 14, prosecutors had asked for Peterson to be locked away for six to 15 years. Instead, a Nevada judge decided to let him off without any prison time. 'Nothing, nothing compares to losing the love of my life, my husband, and knowing that my own sons action was the cause, Abigail Peterson told the court, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal.. 'Unless youve stood in my place, you cannot understand the depth of the pain that coexists with forgiveness and love.' Lincoln Peterson, pictured, has been spared jail for shooting his father dead in December. The-then 15 year-old flew into a rage after his dad Jeremy confiscated his electronic devices Lincoln's mother Abigail, pictured right in navy blue, grinned from ear-to-ear as the son who killed her husband was paroled last week Parents Abigail and Jeremy Peterson had taken away their son's electronic devices when his grades fall, leading to the December 28 shooting The death of Jeremy Peterson, 45, stemmed from the parents decision to take away their son's electronics as punishment, When his son's grades dropped, they decided to take his devices. However, the parents 'believed he was sneaking electronics,' resulting in the family argument Dec. 28. His mother had hit him with a belt during the despite, according to court documents. As Peterson was trying to get away from his parents, the teen found a handgun that had been left on top of a dryer and fired it. He 'denied any knowledge of hitting anyone.' The teen expressed remorse during his sentencing Thursday in Nevada. 'None of this was ever my intention,' he said. 'I regret all of it.' Lincoln Peterson, 16, cried as his family reads impact statements during his sentencing for killing his father in Las Vegas, Nevada on Aug. 14 Jeremy Peterson, 45, was remembered in a memorial service on Jan. 10 in Las Vegas, Nevada Peterson will be on probation for the next five years. If he violates any of the terms of his probation, he'll be placed in prison But prosecutors pointed out that the 15-year-old had threatened violence before. The teen's sister told investigators he had waved an unloaded gun at his family, then pointed it to his head and pulled the trigger weeks before the dad's fatal shooting. 'A 15-year-old with some impulse control issues made a really terrible mistake,' prosecutor Laura Rose argued that probation was not enough. She added she could not 'ignore the violence of the case as well as doing something this severe without any type of adequate provocation.' However, Clark County District Judge Tierra Jones told the courtroom she allowed probation because she had never seen a defendant with so much support. Peterson's probation will last for five years, until he 21, according to local station KLAS. As part of his probation, the teen will have to take counseling and get a high school diploma or GED. The judge also ordered his provide all passwords for any computers, computer storage, cell phones, and all social media accounts to parole officers. He'll also have a curfew and must not consume drugs or alcohol. If he violates any of the terms of his probation, he will have to serve prison sentence of 3 to 7.5 years. Support for Donald Trump has tumbled as his term has progressed, with the latest poll showing his approval rating at its lowest point all year. The latest Reuters/Ipsos poll of nearly 4,500 Americans found that the president is carrying a 40 percent approval rating. That level of support, the lowest of the president's second term, ties Trump's approval rating from the same pollsters just weeks ago in late July. Trump's disapproval rating ticked slightly down in the latest survey to 54 percent. The 79-year-old president's disapproval stood at 56 percent as of July 27. It is a seven-point drop in support for the president from the beginning of his term, when Trump had a 47 percent approval rating. At this point in his term, former President Joe Biden maintained a 50 percent approval rating, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll taken in August 2021. The slumping approval rating comes amid signs that the U.S. economy is weakening and high-stakes diplomatic negotiations with Russia and Ukraine to end their ongoing war continue. Over half of the respondents, 54 percent, including a quarter of Republicans, said they believe Trump is too closely aligned with Russia. President Donald Trump has a 40 percent approval rating, according to the latest Reuters/Ipsos poll. It is the lowest approval rating of his second term A man shouts at Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) during a congressional town hall meeting on March 13, 2025 in Asheville, North Carolina. The event came as Republicans have faced protestors at town halls critical of the Trump administration slashing federal jobs Your browser does not support iframes. Notably, Trump bled support among Hispanics as he oversees a sweeping nationwide immigration crackdown that has led to at least 300,00 repatriations. Just 32 percent of Hispanics in the latest Reuters/Ipsos survey approved of the president's performance. Support for Trump came predominantly from registered Republicans. Only 42 percent of respondents voiced support for the president's performance on crime, and 43 percent said he is doing a good job on immigration. When it comes to the economy, just 37 percent approved of Trump's job. The survey was administered the same week Trump announced he was federalizing the Washington, D.C., police force and deploying additional National Guard troops to the district. Other recent polls, meanwhile, have shown more support for the president's job performance. According to the RealClearPolitics polling average, Trump's approval sits at 46 percent while his disapproval rating is 51 percent. Your browser does not support iframes. An Insider Advantage poll also taken last week showed Trump with a 54 percent approval and a 44 percent disapproval. The latest poll from the Daily Mail/J.L. Partners similarly found higher support for the president in late July. Forty-nine percent of voters signaled approval of Trump's job performance as president, up one point from the tracking survey conducted earlier in July. But he was underwater as 51 percent disapprove of Trump's job performance, down one point from earlier in the month. President Donald Trump talked about his desire for eternal salvation as he discussed ongoing efforts to negotiate a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. He invoked the Bible during an interview on Fox & Friends one day after hosting historic meetings at the White House to broker peace between the countires. 'I want to get to heaven if possible. I'm hearing I'm not doing well. I hear I'm at the bottom of the totem pole,' Trump said. 'If I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons.' The president spoke about his private conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin following a high-stakes summit at the White House with European leaders - including the UK's Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron and more. Trump indicated that a successful peace deal between Ukraine and Russia might impress the keeper of the pearly gates. 'I just want to end it. If I can save seven thousand people a week from getting killed, that's pretty good,' he said. Trump said the relationship between former President Joe Biden and Putin had broken after the war in Ukraine, but that he was willing to work with the Russian president to bring about peace. United States President Donald Trump expressed his desire for peace between Ukraine and Russia U.S. President Donald Trump takes the oath of office as his wife Melania Trump holds the bible and his son Barron Trump looks on President Donald Trump holds up a Bible outside of St John's Episcopal church across Lafayette Park 'It was a fractured relationship ... despite that, I maintained a very good relationship,' he said about his relationship with Putin. The president recalled the moment he and Putin disembarked from their planes and shook hands on the tarmac. 'There's a warmth there ... there's a decent feeling,' he said, referring to his relationship with Putin. 'Thats a good thing, not a bad thing.' Trump met with Zelensky and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and others on Monday in a demonstration of public diplomacy after he met with Putin in Alaska. The president said he wanted Putin and Zelensky to have a bilateral meeting to solve the war and make assurances to bring about peace, and even rebuild a relationship with each other to negotiate a peace. 'It takes, in this case, two to tango, they have to have a relationship otherwise we're just wasting our time,' he said. During the interview, Trump also spoke about the security commitments he made to Ukraine and European leaders to open up additional space for a peace deal with Russia. The president repeated that he would not deploy American service members on the ground in Russia. 'You have my assurance,' he said. He appeared open to deploying war planes to support Ukraine. 'Were willing to help them with things, especially probably by air because theres nobody that has the kind of stuff we have,' he said. Trump routinely speaks about God in his public remarks, especially among events with evangelical Christians. 'We have to bring religion back into the country and we're starting to do that, I think at a very high level,' he said at a White House faith office luncheon. Ari Reitsma and Angela Halili, host of the Girls Gone Bible podcast, even accompanied the president on the campaign trail to pray for him behind the scenes. The duo host the Girl Gone Bible podcast, which is currently one of the most popular Christian podcasts in the world Ari Reitsma and Angela Halili, host of the Girls Gone Bible podcast The president has repeatedly expressed his belief that he was spared by God after the failed assassination attempt on his life. 'God was with me because that's something that in theory I should not be with you today,' Trump said during the event as the crowd applauded. 'I believe it that my life was saved by God to really make America great.' A Chicago alderwoman has come under fire for being out of town for leisure while her ward back home battled catastrophic flooding and severe weather. Democratic Alderwoman Stephanie Coleman posted videos of herself twirling in a satin yellow ball gown inside her Nashville hotel, her hair and makeup styled alongside her $6,500 black quilted goatskin Chanel vanity bag. But the 16th Ward lawmaker was slammed for 'prancing around' at the 40th Annual Stellar Awards on Saturday night - while residents in her district struggled to cope with devastating storms. 'If you are a 16th Ward resident, are experiencing severe flooding, and you can't get ahold of your alderman to get help, we found Stephanie Coleman for you,' the Chicago Contrarian wrote in a post on X. 'Coleman is in Nashville, filming herself prancing around, indulging in a pathetic fantasy she is a runway model.' Coleman, first elected in 2019, represents the 16th Ward, which covers Englewood, West Englewood, Chicago Lawn and Gage Park. Aldermen are considered the first line of contact for residents during city emergencies, from snowstorms to floods. Despite the extreme weather facing her constituents, Coleman herself posted a carousel of photos from the event, gushing: 'What a night! Truly blessed to have been at the 40th Annual Stellar Awards. Gospel music at its very best!' She said the highlight of her night was watching the Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year award - named after her godmother - presented to Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole, a moment she described as 'unforgettable.' Stephanie Coleman twirls in a satin yellow gown inside her Nashville hotel room before attending the Stellar Awards Cars stranded on submerged roads as heavy rain dumped up to 8 inches across parts of the Chicago area While the lawmaker was enjoying herself in Tennessee, Illinois's plight begun at 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon, with severe thunderstorm warnings across the state. By 5pm, the red weather alert for 60mph winds and hailstorms had covered the area of Chicago, including O'Hare Airport - just miles north of the area governed by Coleman. And by 7.30pm on Saturday, a flash flood warning was issued for Naperville and Woodridge, Illinois, warning locals to move to higher ground immediately. Coleman's official office is around 25 miles from there. According to the National Weather Service, Coleman's district was listed as being affected by heavy downpours and gusty winds through to 10pm on Saturday. At 2:45am on Sunday morning, a special weather alert warning of 50mph winds was issued for Cicero, which is just six miles from Coleman's district of Gage Park. The fast-moving weather front culminated on Coleman's doorstep in the early hours of Sunday morning - at a time when her festivities would have been wrapping up. At 3.15am on Sunday, Coleman's entire ward was issued a severe thunderstorm and red flash flood warning - bringing 60mph gusts, hail, and warning all residents to relocate to higher ground as they were pummeled with torrential rain. Locals across her constituency, just south of central Chicago, were warned by the National Weather Service to avoid moving through flood waters, all while Coleman was enjoying herself 470 miles away. Coleman, first elected in 2019, represents the 16th Ward, which covers Englewood, West Englewood, Chicago Lawn and Gage Park At 3.15am on Sunday, Coleman's entire ward was issued a severe thunderstorm and red flash flood warning Coleman simply reposted the numbers constituents could call - all while posting about her ritzy weekend in Tennessee all over her social media pages Aldermen, like Stephanie Coleman, are considered the first line of contact for residents during city emergencies, from snowstorms to floods At 1pm on Monday, the whole Chicago area was put on a severe thunderstorm watch again - this time with the possibility of tornadoes, hail, and 70mph winds to hit. National Weather Service Chicago wrote in a statement: 'Strong to severe storms possible today and tonight. Highest chance of severe weather is from 1 PM to 10 PM with storms capable of producing damaging straight-line winds and brief tornadoes. 'Lightning and torrential rainfall are also possible.' Sports games were also affected due to the summer storms - with the Cubs game being rescheduled on Monday night. Coleman decided to share her video, showing off her dress and the fun she had, at the same time her constituents were bracing for the next batch of extreme weather. Photos from across the Chicago area, as well as northwest Indiana, showed cars stranded on water-logged streets, underpasses closed, and residents attempting to wade through rising floodwaters. The storms were so devastating that Chicago Mayor Johnson intervened on Tuesday, pledging full government support for South Side flood victims and vowing aid will continue until families are fully restored. An immediate flash flood warning was issued for the early hours of Sunday morning, covering Coleman's entire ward - all while she was in Nashville Coleman said the highlight of her night was seeing the Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year award - named after her godmother - presented to Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole (center) The alderwoman poses with her $6,500 black quilted goatskin Chanel vanity bag On Monday, hours before posting her glam photos to Instagram, Coleman's area was hit with a tornado, hail, and severe wind warning Floodwaters swamp Chicago streets as flash flood warnings remain in effect Monday night The alderwoman faced harsh criticism from locals for not being present while they faced the dire weather warnings. One person wrote: 'Crazy. This is what represents Chicago citizens,' while another added: 'Shes not a serious person.' And a third said: 'All on your dime. Wow. Just wow.' Another user said: 'Why are these people elected?????' Before posting her glitzy photos from the event, Coleman made an attempt to help out her constituents on Monday afternoon - simply reposting an infographic made by the Chicago Office of Emergency Management informing people on the numbers to call. Daily Mail contacted Alderwoman Coleman for comment but did not hear back. Lawmakers in Congress expect to begin receiving Department of Justice files on Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking case this week. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky, the leader of the House probe into Epstein, announced that the DOJ will send over Epstein files on Friday. The files are expected to include never-before-seen documents related to the late, well-connected New York financier's 2019 federal sex trafficking investigation. But the files are expected to contain heavy redactions to protect the identities of victims and other sensitive information. That's anticipated to anger Trump's supporters, who have been clamoring for the files to be released in their entirety to avoid the appearance of a cover-up. 'There are many records in DOJs custody, and it will take the Department time to produce all the records and ensure the identification of victims and any child sexual abuse material are redacted,' the Kentucky Republican said in a statement. Comer initially subpoenaed the DOJ for the Epstein files on August 5. At the time, the chairman gave the department until August 19 to hand over the documents. His announcement that the files would come by Friday appears to give the federal agency additional time to prepare the Epstein investigation documents. Deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein hugs his longtime girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell Comer announced on Monday that the DOJ would begin sending documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 federal sex trafficking investigation to the committee on Friday When the Daily Mail asked the DOJ if they would turn over the Epstein files by the deadline on Tuesday, a spokesperson responded, 'No comment.' It's unclear whether the files the DOJ plans to hand over are the same ones that would be released under a bipartisan bill that could force the department to release all its files on Epstein, except in a few exceptions. It also remains to be seen whether the files expected to be released on Friday will satisfy voters' demands to see the Epstein documents. Epstein, a wealthy money manager who authorities say committed suicide while in federal custody in 2019 while awaiting his federal sex trafficking trial, has been the subject of extreme interest since the DOJ announced in July that it did not have a 'client list' many believed the government had. The unsigned memo put out by the DOJ and FBI poured cold water on many voters' hopes to learn more about the infamous financier. This outrage became particularly acute due to Attorney General Pam Bondi saying earlier this year that the files were on her desk. Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, met personally with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche multiple times in early August. The Oversight Committee is also investigating Maxwell and had planned and then rescheduled a time to interview the Epstein accomplice. The committee said it would speak with Maxwell after her petition before the Supreme Court regarding her sex trafficking case has been heard. Shortly after she met with Blanche, Maxwell was reassigned to a lower security prison. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP), which is under the DOJ, acknowledged that Maxwell was transferred but did not share a reason why. The House Oversight Committee has also sent subpoenas to many high-profile politicians to determine what they know of Epstein's crimes. Former President Bill Clinton, who has admitted to flying on Epstein's private jet - named the Lolita Express - as well as former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have also been subpoenaed by the committee. Both are being asked to sit for interviews in the Epstein probe in October. Former Attorney General Bill Barr, who served under Trump during his first term, was also subpoenaed and sat for an interview on Monday. 'Mr. Barr made clear that President Trump never provided any views or instructions related to the criminal case against Jeffrey Epstein or his death, and that he never saw any evidence suggesting President Trump committed a crime,' a committee spokesperson told the Daily Mail of the session. 'He further stated that he believed the Biden Department of Justice would have released any incriminating evidence against President Trump if such evidence existed,' the spokesperson continued. 'Mr. Barr stands by his original conclusion that Epstein died by suicide.' A police officer who Tasered a runaway suspect during the Covid lockdown has been unable to return to front line duties for five years. PC Imran Mahmood caused Jordan Walker-Brown, 27, to break his back and left him paralysed after a police chase through Harringay, north London, on May 4, 2020. The officer had feared Mr Walker-Brown - who was running away and unarmed at the time - had a knife and believed he needed to be 'contained'. Following the incident, PC Mahmood was placed on restricted duties, barring him from working on the front line. The officer was cleared of GBH following a trial in May last year, although he is set to appear at a misconduct hearing next month. There are currently hundreds of police officers who have been suspended on full pay over alleged wrongdoing at a cost of 2.6million a month. Allegations against the 750 officers ordered to stay away from work while they are being investigated range from sexual misconduct to brutality and corruption. PC Mahmood pictured attending Southwark Crown Court last year before he was found not guilty of unlawfully inflicting grievous bodily harm on Jordan Walker-Brown Jordan Walker-Brown who was left paralysed when Metropolitan Police constable Imran Mahmood, 36, tasered him during Covid lockdown Giving evidence at the crown court trial in 2023, PC Mahmood described how he was one of a group of nine officers from the Met's territorial support group who were in a police vehicle when they saw Mr Walker-Brown walking down the road. He told jurors he thought Mr Walker-Brown was wearing a small bag around his waist, and his suspicion was 'heightened' because such bags were often used to conceal weapons or drugs and Mr Walker-Brown did not seem to be out for shopping or exercise. The court heard that PC Mahmood and a colleague began following him on foot when Mr Walker-Brown started running away from them, climbing on top of a wheelie bin and scrambling on to an adjacent wall. It was at this point Mr Walker-Brown was Tasered, fell and hit his head on a footpath. The moment PC Mahmood fired his Taser at Mr Walker-Brown was captured on body-worn camera. Prosecutor Ben Fitzgerald KC told jurors: 'Mr Walker-Brown did not present a physical threat to Mr Mahmood or anyone else. He did not produce a weapon or try to attack anyone; he was trying to get away. 'Mr Mahmood fired the Taser at the moment when it looked as if Mr Walker-Brown might get away over the wall. 'He discharged the Taser when Mr Walker-Brown was up on the wheelie bin, with the obvious risk of injury from an uncontrolled fall, which is exactly what happened, with catastrophic results. Mr Walker-Brown (pictured) was unarmed at the time he was shot with the Taser. He has now been forced to use a wheelchair following the incident in May 2020 'Mr Mahmood should not have used the Taser. It was not, the prosecution say, a reasonable use of force in the circumstances he faced. It was not lawful.' The officer had received training highlighting the fact that Tasers cause 'intense pain' and trigger an inability to control the muscles, and that Tasering someone at a height is especially risky. However the cop was cleared after he told the jury Mr Walker-Brown had reached for his waistband while running and did not respond when asked to stop. PC Mahmood denied he acted illegally, saying he believed Mr Walker-Brown was cornered with a knife and 'about to attack'. In a press release from his lawyers, Mr Walker-Brown said he ran from the police because he had 'a small amount of cannabis in my possession for personal use' but said he believed he was more at risk of being stopped by police because he is black. Council staff have been advised not to describe married couples as 'husband and wife' - over fears it could offend people who do not identify with a gender. Instead, civil servants at the Royal Borough of Greenwich council in southeast London, have been told to use 'spouse' or 'partner'. They have also been asked to avoid saying 'ladies and gentleman' at public meetings and events, or requesting someone provide their 'Christian name', in an effort to be more inclusive. The woke guidelines are provided in a 45-page booklet obtained by The Sun following a freedom of information request. A foreword in the guide states: 'For some of us, communicating in a more inclusive way is about changing deeply embedded habits.' It adds: 'It's OK to make mistakes. Remember that if you are really sorry and apologise, you cannot keep making the same "mistake".' A spokesman for the council told The Times: 'Our inclusive language guide is advisory only, and was designed to encourage staff to reflect on the use of language in the workplace and how it might impact their colleagues. 'We are proud to have a very diverse workforce at Royal Borough of Greenwich, and are committed to making sure that everyone working here feels considered and included. Council staff at the Royal Borough of Greenwich have been advised not to describe married couples as 'husband and wife' - over fears it could offend The woke guidelines are provided in a 45-page booklet for employees at the London council The latest guidelines come just weeks after Merton Council sent a 27-page inclusive language document round to employees encouraging them to change the words they use in the workplace - including 'caregivers' instead of 'mum and dad' 'Feedback we have received suggests the advice in the guide has been very well-received across the organisation.' Earlier this month, Merton Council in south London sent a 27-page inclusive language document round to employees, encouraging them to change the words they use in the workplace. The guide, also obtained by The Sun, tells workers to stop using the words 'young', 'old' or 'mature' to describe people, in a clampdown on ageism. Terms such as 'mum and dad' and 'mother and father' are also a no-no and should be swapped out for 'caregivers', according to the document. The Labour-run council says it aims to reduce the chances of staff making assumptions about a child's biological parents. The change in terminology is supposed to 'recognise diverse family formation'. In further semantic reforms, employees will be told to use 'person-centred language' instead of gendered terms, including 'man the desk'. The council's equality and diversity team also said: 'Avoid making assumptions about preferred names or nicknames without asking the individual first.' Hannah Doody, chief executive of Merton Council, said however that the guide was more about 'tips and suggestions' rather than 'banning' the use of certain words. She said: 'I want to be really clear: the council has not banned the use of the term "mum and dad". 'The council produced a guide for staff which contains tips and suggestions on how to communicate with understanding and without making assumptions. These are not policies or instructions. 'We regularly review all our guides and policies, and intend to review this guide to ensure it cannot be further misunderstood or misrepresented.' Wokingham Council in Berkshire also came under the spotlight earlier this year after it advised staff not to use the term 'hard-working families' out of fear it could offend the jobless and make them feel 'undeserving'. Wokingham Council in Berkshire issued the advice in its new inclusive language guide. Terms like 'blacklist' and 'whitewash' were among others outlawed as they could be considered 'racist' while staff were warned 'sustained eye contact could be considered aggressive' in some cultures. A TV star lawyer who appeared to live a life of success and glamor says her high-profile attorney husband is a booze and drug addict who threatened to kill her. Jennifer Lancaster, 41, whose husband Clint, 45, famously represented the mother of Hunter Biden's youngest lovechild, laid bare the wreckage of her marriage in a new lawsuit. The two had put on a united front for years leading their own law firm but under the surface she says her husband relied on pills and liquor for over a decade while harboring an unhealthy relationship with firearms. Jennifer, who also worked alongside her husband in the Biden case, claims he also suffers from 'unresolved anger issues, and unstable mental health' as well as his substance issues. According to an affidavit seeking maintenance and emergency custody of their two kids, his behavior had endangered their kids, saying that while under the influence he 'often displays an unhealthy fixation on firearms'. She added that for the last decade she has sought treatment for her husband through 'friends, colleagues and pastors', which she said she has done as recently as June 2025. It is claimed that his behavior escalated earlier this summer when he went on a 'days-long binge' in which she claims he attacked her in front of their children. Jennifer claims that he also threatened her multiple times during this alleged binge, claiming he said he would 'kick my ass' and 'kill me'. Clint Lancaster has been accused by his wife Jennifer, both seen here, of having an addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs Jennifer claimed his behavior had endangered their kids, saying that while under the influence he 'often displays an unhealthy fixation on firearms', the family are seen here Clint had represented Hunter Biden's baby mama Lunden Roberts (left) after Biden (right) refused to acknowledge his youngest daughter's existence She adds that at one point she found her husband passed out and surrounded by several assault rifles. Jennifer also claimed that the two had separated in 2022 after he allegedly left a marijuana gummy on their daughter's desk. The affidavit adds that Clint was kicked off a plane in Chicago while traveling to Wisconsin for rehab after he was 'combative with airline staff'. In June he was then involuntarily admitted into an unknown psychiatric hospital in Wisconsin before being transferred to a rehab facility. It is alleged that Clint then left the facility after discovering his insurance would not cover his stay. Since leaving the facility he has opened new bank accounts, bought a new car, got multiple tattoos and spoke of taking their children to Florida, Jennifer added. She said that his plans to move the children to Florida involved 'individuals who pose safety risks to the children'. A judge has already temporarily granted Jennifer emergency custody of their children. The two had put on a united front for years leading their own law firm but under the surface she says her husband relied on pills and liquor for over a decade Lancaster is seen here leaving a courthouse in Arkansas after a hearing in Hunter Biden's child support case in 2023 According to records the Lancaster's live in a 6-bedroom home in Bauxite, Arkansas, worth over $600,000, seen here The couple are seen here alongside President Donald Trump in a picture shared to Jennifer's Facebook last April In a seemingly unrelated filing, Clint petitioned for a name change on behalf of a 19-year-old woman. He said that the woman had 'recently determined that she is the biological daughter of [Lancaster]' and that she 'desires to take on the last name of her father'. His adult daughter was born in 2006, while Clint and Jennifer married in 2011 according to court records. A former Marine and cop, Clint had represented Hunter Biden's baby mama Lunden Roberts after Biden refused to acknowledge his youngest daughter's existence. As part of their child support agreement, Roberts agreed to receiving less money each month as long as Biden started working on having a relationship with their child. According to records, the Lancasters live in a 6-bedroom home in Bauxite, Arkansas, worth over $600,000. The couple have appeared on Fox News, CNN and CNBC, according to their work profiles. They had also shared images of themselves alongside President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in April of last year. Daily Mail has contacted the couple for comment. A Harvard researcher was brutally attacked by a gang of teenagers at a Boston movie theater after he told them to be quiet during a screening. Thiago Rentz, 35, was seeing a late-night showing of the new horror film Weapons at the AMC Boston Common 19 last week when things got frightening off-screen. A group of five teens in the theater loudly clapped and screamed throughout the screening, ruining the experience for everyone, Rentz said. So he took matters into his own hands and told them to quiet down. 'I ask them for respect, I ask them to leave the theater, because we just wanted to watch the movie,' he told NBC Boston. When the movie ended, Rentz and his friend tried to leave the theater but the teens blocked him and began to attack. 'It was one, me, against five,' Rentz told NBC Boston. 'They just punched me. I didn't fight back. I was like scared and then I just faced the wall, and I just protected my face in my head, but the target was obviously my head because they were punching my head and my face,' he continued. Thiago Rentz, 35, was seeing a late-night showing of the new horror film Weapons at the AMC Boston Common 19 last week when he was attacked by a crew of teenagers When the movie ended, Rentz and his friend tried to leave the theater but the teens blocked him and began to attack Emergency responders arrived, and it wasn't until around 30 minutes later that the police came to take his statement His friend ran away for help and eventually found a cleaning lady in the theater who led them to security. Emergency responders arrived, and it wasn't until around 30 minutes later that the police came to take his statement. According to the statement, Rentz said he was assaulted at 12:15 am by five juvenile males. He described the suspects as skinny black men in hoodies wearing all-black clothes, according to the police statement. 'I want the attackers to be identified because they need to be punished,' he told NBC Boston. Rentz added that he has heard nothing from AMC since the incident. He is calling for better security precautions - especially at late-night showings. 'Harassment is not good in a public space,' Rentz told NBC Boston. 'This is absurd, so I think they need to hire more people to work as security.' The Daily Mail has reached out to AMC for comment. A Mercedes driver has admitted to killing a 22-year-old woman in a 140mph hit-and-run. Evan Forde, 32, was behind the wheel when he crashed into the back of a BMW early on December 25, 2022. Maria Carolina Do Nascimento Migel, who was a passenger in the BMW was declared dead at the scene in Brent Cross, north London. Forde reached speeds of more than 140mph on a 40mph stretch of Hendon Way and hit the other car at around 3.45am. After the crash the occupants of the Mercedes did not stop for police and fled the scene on foot. Shortly beforehand, police officers on patrol in a marked vehicle had indicated for Forde's car to stop. However, the vehicle drove off from police and there was no pursuit, Scotland Yard had said. Police were later informed that the same car had been involved in a collision. Maria Carolina Do Nascimento Migel, who was a passenger in the BMW was declared dead at the scene in Brent Cross, north London Forde reached speeds of more than 140mph on a 40mph stretch of Hendon Way and hit the other car at around 3.45am On Tuesday, Forde appeared at the Old Bailey and pleaded guilty to causing the Brazilian's death by dangerous driving. Members of the victim's family wept in court after he admitted the offence. Defence barrister Tasmin Malcolm said Forde had 'always accepted' he was driving the Mercedes. She said: 'Undoubtedly the speed Mr Forde was driving will be an aggravating feature to the court. 'It is important we are satisfied of the accuracy of the material relied on by the Crown.' Prosecutor Frederick Hookway observed that small variations of the speeds involved in the case were unlikely to have an impact given the defendant had reached 'top speeds of over 140mph'. Judge Anthony Leonard KC adjourned sentencing until October 22 and granted Forde continued conditional bail. He told him: 'You have pleaded guilty to a very serious charge. There was perhaps no option other than to do so given the state of the evidence. 'However, the fact you pleaded at this stage will be taken into account at sentencing. 'You must understand the most likely result - if not the inevitable result - will be you sent to prison.' Previously the Metropolitan Police said it had made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as is routine in such circumstances. A prestigious womens science awards backed by the Royal Society has been criticised for allowing transgender women to enter despite the landmark Supreme Court gender ruling. The LOreal-UNESCO For Women in Science UK awards gives 25,000 grants to five outstanding early-career women scientists to further their research and boost female representation in the sector. But the awards - which is supported by the UKs national academy of sciences - has been criticised as it allows entries from anybody who identifies as [a] female postdoctoral level researcher. Womens rights groups have criticised the move as unlawful in light of Aprils Supreme Court ruling and said it harms women who have historically experienced discrimination because of their sex. They have written to the Royal Society and LOreal urging them to amend the eligibility criteria to bring it in line with equality law ahead of the application deadline closing on 20 August. Previous recipients of the LOreal-UNESCO For Women in Science UK and Ireland Young Talent Awards The Royal Society, the world's oldest continually existing scientific academy, was first established in 1660 and boasts the likes of Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein as previous members In April the Supreme Court ruled that sex in the Equality Act refers to biological women and men and not to self-identification or the possession of a gender recognition certificate (GRC). This means that women only shortlists or scholarships - known as positive action discrimination and designed to address under-representation - must be for biological women only. The LOreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Programme has been running since 1998 and the UK awards were launched in 2007. It has supported dozens of the countrys brightest researchers in the fields of science, engineering, maths and computer science. Under the title who is eligible?, a leaflet for the 2025 awards says: Candidates must identify as female postdoctoral level researchers. Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at human rights charity Sex Matters, said that anti-discrimination law permits positive action such as all-women shortlists because women have historically experienced discrimination because of their sex. She said of the awards: Since the For Women Scotland judgment in the Supreme Court in April, its been clear that this entry criterion isnt just nonsense, its unlawful. Making it even worse, the Royal Society - the UKs most prestigious scientific body - supports this programme. Its well past time world-famous institutions and companies gave up trashing their reputations with virtue-signalling gender nonsense, and brought themselves back in line with the law, and material reality. Billionaire Elon Musk has been a Fellow at the Royal Society since 2018 but narrowly escaped being expelled earlier this year following a backlash by member over his comments and behaviour, as well as his role in the Donald Trump administration Current fellows of the Royal Society include naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough and inventor Sir James Dyson The awards is supported by the Royal Society, which was founded in 1660 and is made up of many of the world's most eminent scientists. Past fellows and members include Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Dorothy Hodgkin and Stephen Hawking. Current fellows include naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, inventor Sir James Dyson and Tesla founder Elon Musk, who has previously spoken out in favour of biological reality. The X owner narrowly escaped being expelled from the Royal Society earlier this year following a backlash by member over his comments and behaviour, as well as his role in the Donald Trump administration. A LOreal Young Talent Awards spokeswoman declined to comment on whether the eligibility criteria would be amended but said the applications would close tomorrow as planned. She added: For almost 20 years, the LOreal - UNESCO Young Talent Awards have celebrated excellence in scientific research. Recognising and encouraging a rich pipeline of top talent is core to the programmes mission to foster a variety of perspectives that enrich problem solving and creativity in STEM. UNESCO UK and the Royal Society were approached for comment. A North Carolina veterinarian's office went up in flames after a car crashed into the building, sparking a gas explosion that injured three firefighters. Wilmington Police said an 'impaired' driver struck the Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral, located at 5051 New Centre Drive, around 11.30am ET on Tuesday. The car hit the gas line to the building on impact, causing an explosion that went off 20 minutes later and injured three firefighters. Authorities were already on scene due to the crash and were able to evacuate the building before it burst into flames. The vet's office was under construction and set to open in September, according to its website. 'Shortly before the explosion, probably about 20 minutes or so before the explosion, WPD responded to the scene here for a vehicle that had turned onto New Center Drive from Bob King Drive and went off the road behind us here and struck the gas lines feeding the building that ultimately exploded,' a police spokesperson said. 'When officers arrived, the vehicle was gone, so it was a hit and run. We were able to locate that vehicle a short time later. 'There were signs of impairment on the driver. There was evidence that would lead one to believe that the driver was impaired. We do have that person in custody.' The Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral went up in flames Tuesday after a car crash caused a gas explosion The car hit the gas line to the building on impact, causing an explosion that sent massive clouds of black smoke into the air The hospital administrator was in attendance at the press conference and confirmed there was only a construction crew working on the site. 'There were some construction people. There were no actual hospital employees there,' he said. Footage from the scene showed plumes of black smoke rising from the building as debris scattered across the road. The Wilmington Fire Department spokesperson explained that the injured firefighters were inside the building at the time to confirm it had been evacuated. 'There had been an accident where a vehicle struck a gas meter. We were out here investigating, doing a primary search of the building to make sure that everyone was out of the building when there was an explosion. There were no civilians inside, only fire personnel,' she said. 'Three firefighters were injured during that explosion and evacuation. They have since been taken to the hospital, two with non-life-threatening injuries and one with severe injuries to the hands, burn injuries to the hands and arms.' Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral put out a statement confirming their staff and construction crew are safe, but they are still gathering information about the incident. 'As many in our community have already heard, a fire broke out earlier this morning at our new building that is under construction on New Centre Drive,' the clinic said. Debris from the building was scattered across the street. The building had been evacuated, but three firefighters were injured while battling the blaze The vet's office is not open yet and only members of the construction crew were at the building during the incident 'Emergency crews are actively working to control the fire, and we are incredibly grateful for their ongoing efforts and bravery. 'At this time, we are still gathering details and assessing the situation. We will share more information as soon as possible. We are grateful to report that the ECVMC staff and construction team are accounted for and safe. 'Thank you to everyone who has reached out with concern and support. Your kindness and care remind us why this community is so special.' A romance scammer who cruised dating apps pretending to be a CIA agent to swindle lonely women out their cash. Shawn Steven Harris, 50, pulled the scam as far back as 2019, convincing his marks to give him tens of thousands of dollars for 'undercover missions'. Instead, he was shopping for high fashion at Bloomingdale's, gourmet food delivery, and even OnlyFans subscriptions on their dime. The callous charmer promised the US Government would reimburse them as they grew more and more desperate as debt collectors circled. But even a fake spy can't hide forever and the FBI was eventually on his trail, getting him indicted by a grand jury on July 24 before they came for him last Friday. Rather than be taken alive in the dawn raid, Harris jumped to his death from his 15th-floor balcony in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside DC, about 6am. The grand jury indictment explained how he met four of his victims on Bumble in 2019 to 2021 and ruthlessly bled them dry. His profiles used seven known aliases: Shawn Martinez, Shaun Martinez, Eric Shun, Gordon Shumway, Shaun Harness, Shaun Moor, and Shaun Womack. Shawn Steven Harris, 50, jumped to his death from his 15th-floor balcony in Alexandria, Virginia, just outside DC, about 6am as the FBI arrived to arrest him Harris cruised dating apps pretending to be a CIA agent to swindle lonely women out their cash Once he'd won them over, he asked for cash and access to their credit cards to finance fictitious missions - giving various explanations as to why. 'It's a Russian Reason,' he told one woman as an explanation for his lavish spending on odd items. 'They're using clothing and other things as a front and OnlyFans for human trafficking and weapons sales. Thru escorts and others.' When he really needed to, he invented a fake boss and a fake assistant whose personas he used to back up his lies. Whenever he needed to disappear, temporarily or permanently, he claimed he was going 'deep undercover' and couldn't contact them. Harris made whatever promises he needed to pry open their wallets - pet dogs, paid off student loans, houses, cars, and paid moving expenses. None of that materialized, and neither did the money they lent to him out of misplaced patriotic duty. There was always some excuse - the mission was taking longer than expected, he didn't have approval yet, they were waiting for updated legislation to pass. The apartment town in Alexandria, Virginia, where Harris jumped to his death 'Stop racking up monies on my credit card mister!' one of his victims pleaded on December 11, 2019, as the debts - and interest - ballooned. Harris replied: 'It's not racking up. It's a trial, lady. And I'm paying for all of this.' 'You best be. I'm broke as broke back mountain,' the woman shot back, but Harris assured her that he 'wouldn't be doing it if I wasn't paying for it'. But she still wasn't reimbursed by April 19, 2020, and was so desperate she was considering dipping into her 401(k) to cover her debts. 'If you take out your 40IK. I will have the gov pay the f**king Penalty,' Harris insisted. Somehow, the situation persisted until January 2021, when the victim was stressed about being in forbearance with SoFi. Another of his victims was a single mother-of-two he met on Bumble in February 2020 and swindled out of tens of thousands of dollars with a promise to 'take care of her kids'. By a year later, she was fed up with not being paid back and vented to Harris' 'assistant' in a long message. 'Really... After 8 months... This is not compensation... This is reimbursement... Does he get this? I know he doesnt give a s**t about me... But f**k where his sense of morality?' she asked. Even a fake spy can't hide forever and the FBI was eventually on his trail, getting him indicted by a grand jury on July 24 before they came for him last Friday 'The fact I have to beg to get reimbursed is sad.. . F**k all that stm was was f**king takeout every night... Shopping sprees at Bloomingdales... F**king bought 7 pairs of sneakers. 'The funny part is he bragged about being rich... 40Iks and real estate rental properties... And hes struggling to pay back 15k???!?! 'Somethings not adding up... Seriously who takes advantage of a single mom... Honestly if u dont respect me enough to either reimburse me.' The 'assistant' reassured her that she would be paid in full, and soon. But of course, she wasn't. To woo another woman, Harris used the first victim's credit card, of which he was an authorized user, to buy things for her. He told her to treat herself to a manicure, spa day appointment, and buy everything needed to make a Christmas dinner. Then, of course, he convinced her to use her own money to buy him expensive clothes, and never paid her back. Rapper Big Sean says he's stunned by the squalor of Seattle - and says it is as bad as his hometown of Detroit was when he was growing up. The artist - whose real name is Sean Michael Leonard Anderson - offered the anecdote mid-concert at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Washington, a few miles away on August 10. He told those convened how he had seen the woman during a walk back to his hotel with friends in Seattle the day before. 'We saw a young lady doing crack,' he recalled. 'I know it sounds crazy! With kids around! 'And she whipped the pipe out and was doing crack, and there were cops around,' Anderson continued, as the audience expressed their disapproval. 'And I was like, "Damn, Seattle. I didnt know Seattle was like that."' Sean's indictment is a particularly damning one, given that he grew up in a neglected city notorious for severe social problems. Detroit is undergoing a slow renaissance after losing many of its manufacturing industries during the 70s and 80s. Seattle is home to tech giants Amazon and Microsoft and is blessed with stunning natural beauty. But its progressive pursuit of 'harm reduction' policies which try to encourage 'safe' drug use have been blamed for helping to crater its image. Big Sean called out the city of Seattle after he saw a woman smoking 'crack' in front of local children and police the day before a performance in Auburn on Monday, August 10. Pictured, the rapper performing at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn on August 10 'We saw a young lady doing crack,' he recalled. 'I know it sounds crazy! With kids around! 'And she whipped the pipe out and was doing crack, and there were cops around.' Pictured, a homeless encampment in the city in March. Post-pandemic crime there has persisted Seattle, like many other major cities, has been plagued by a surge of crime since the pandemic, after which violent crime hit a 30-year peak in 2022. The chaos continued in 2023 when the Democrat-led city recorded 69 homicides - tying a record for violent death last seen in 1994. Drugs, gang violence, and homelessness has persisted ever since. It caught the attention of Anderson, who is no stranger to tough streets. 'I went to high school in Detroit, in, like, a kind of a crazy neighborhood,' he admitted on-stage. 'I havent seen this since high school.' Seattles 'defund the police' politics - touted by several city leaders at the time - also played a part, causing the Seattle Police Department to downsize from about 1,300 officers to just 907 just last year. A study of 15 major cities released in May of this year by the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund pegged Seattle as one of the worst offenders when it came to its failure to quell post-pandemic crime. 'Every one of the 15 cities has seen its homicide numbers drop since 2021 except Seattle,' a portion of the analysis read. It also noted how Seattle was the 'only city that did not see any increase in police enforcement' and that cops there currently make 60 percent fewer stops than they did prior to the pandemic. 'While the murder rate is 50 percent higher,' the study noted. 'The citys experience provides a useful, if tragic, counterfactual that proves the impact of re-policing on murders.' Elections in November offered some hope to citizens, however, after it ousted several members of its progressive City Council. 'I went to high school in Detroit, in, like, a kind of a crazy neighborhood,' the artist - whose real name is Sean Michael Leonard Anderson - admitted on-stage. 'I havent seen this since high school' Street disorder in the city - fueled by drug use, incidents of homelessness, and mentally ill citizens -still persists, as city leaders take steps to 're'-police its 'defunded' police force. Pictured, a woman living in an RV in a Seattle encampment in 2022 'I was like, "Damn, Seattle. I didnt know Seattle was like that,"' Anderson told an also outraged audience. He's seen here at the T-Mobile arena in 2024 Street disorder in the city - fueled by drug use, incidents of homelessness, and mentally ill citizens - still persists. But city leaders have begun to take steps to 're'-police its police force. So far, the department still has work to do - only securing about 10 percent of the staffers it lost since 2019. The city's Downtown, Capitol Hill, and its International District are still problem areas, where drugs like fentanyl are still smoked out in the open. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine. Startlingly, it is undetectable by sight, taste, or even smell, and it is often mixed with other drugs, causing overdoses. Meanwhile, New Seattle police Chief Shon Barnes announced that his force had seized 900 illegal guns off the streets last month. Such steps have made strides in combatting violent crime, with homicide down 41 percent from this time last year through June. Shootings are similarly down 29 percent, and car theft down 25 percent. Overall, violent crime is down by 12 percent, statistics from Seattle's dispatch center show. An Arizona influencer was shot and killed after driving into the crossfire of a road rage incident. Yarely Ashley Hermosillo, 27, was struck by a stray bullet on Friday after two other drivers started fighting at a red light. Glendale police said Jesus Preciado Dousten, 33, was waiting in the center lane while the driver he argued with was stopped in the right lane. Hermosillo's vehicle came to a stop in the left lane and was not involved in the fight. Her boyfriend was driving the car, while she sat in the passenger seat, and her mother and four-year-old son were in the back. As the other vehicles continued to fight, Dousten allegedly pulled out a handgun, pointed it at his own driver's side window and fired a single shot at random. The bullet went through the passenger window of the car on his left and struck Hermosillo in the head. Hermosillo's boyfriend rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. 'My question still is, why would you just randomly shoot the other way? He obviously didn't know the other car was there,' Glendale Police Sgt Brian Hoskins told AZ Family. Yarely Ashley Hermosillo (right), 27, was struck by a stray bullet on Friday while her young son sat in the backseat of her car Police said she was shot in the head after two other drivers got into an argument and one of them pulled out a gun 'That's the thing, as gun owners, you have to know where you're shooting, what you're pointing at. You know, those are the responsibilities of being a responsible gun owner. You can't just fire rounds randomly throughout. Specifically, a high, highly populated city.' Police used surveillance footage to identify Dousten as the driver and tracked him down. 'Tracking from you know one location to another, switching cameras and continuing to follow the individual,' Hoskins said. Dousten was arrested, and police executed a search warrant at a home he had visited after the shooting and recovered two handguns. He has been charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, misconduct involving weapons and endangerment, and is being held on $1 million bond. Hermosillo's family has started a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses for the influencer. She amassed over 300,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for her stay-at-home mom and cooking content. 'Yarely was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a beautiful soul whose light touched everyone who knew her,' her family said. Jesus Preciado Dousten (pictured), 33, was identified as the shooter and charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, misconduct involving weapons and endangerment 'She leaves behind her husband and their 4-year-old son, who now face an unimaginable loss. 'Yarelys greatest joy in life was being a mother, and she poured her heart into caring for her little boy. 'She was an innocent victim caught in the middle of a road rage incident between others, leaving her family and friends devastated.' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt ripped into press coverage of Donald Trump's Russia-Ukraine peace talks. She also confirmed that Russia's Vladimir Putin agreed to a one-on-one meeting with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky, saying it's a major step toward a Trump-brokered peace deal. Leavitt criticized the media's coverage of the president's summit with Putin in Alaska on Friday and White House talks with Zelensky and European leaders on Monday. The president excused himself after a meeting with Zelensky and the other world leaders on Monday to call Putin to fill him in on progress. The president revealed Tuesday morning in an interview on Fox & Friends that he felt it would be 'disrespectful' to make the call in the middle of the meeting with Zelensky and the European leaders. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and others visited the White House to try and broker a deal between Russia and Ukraine. But Leavitt turned on a reporter from the New York Times who questioned why the president didn't take the call with Putin in the same room with the other leaders. 'If the point is to get everybody on the same page, why wouldn't Trump just take the call from Putin while the other leaders were in the room?' asked New York Times reporter Shawn McCreesh. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room after President Donald Trump's flurry of meetings with world leaders White House reporters question press secretary Karoline Leavitt about details of the president's meetings with world leaders and Vladimir Putin 'So it would be disrespectful to do that. Why is it disrespectful?' he asked. 'With all due respect, only a reporter from the New York Times would ask a question like that, Sean,' Leavitt shot back. Leavitt also revealed that Putin had officially agreed to a one-on-one meeting with Zelensky after his conversations with Trump. The announcement was a welcome clarification from the White House as the Kremlin has remained elusive about exactly what Putin promised the president of the United States. When a reporter asked to confirm Putin's 'promise' to do a meeting with Zelensky in the coming weeks, Leavitt replied, 'He has, and I just answered that question for you.' Trump indicated on social media Monday night that he spoke with Putin and the pair of them agreed to begin the process to set up a bilateral meeting. 'At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky,' the president wrote. The Russians were less transparent. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov appeared to slow-walk the timing of the meeting in an interview, describing the process as 'step by step, gradually, starting from the expert level and then going through all the necessary stages.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump shake hands during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands after meeting to discuss peace in Ukraine Leavitt scolded the press for their negative coverage of the president's meeting with Putin, arguing it was so 'highly productive' that it prompted Zelensky and other world leaders to fly to Washington, D.C., immediately to discuss the details. She said that Trump 'learned a lot' during his meeting with Putin and the importance of open dialog between both the Ukrainians and the Russians. Leavitt excoriated former President Joe Biden for pushing an 'America last foreign policy' that did not leave the option for peace open in the conflict. 'President Trump rejected that failed approach, and instead, over the last seven months, has relentlessly pursued peace throughout his second term,' she said. The president said earlier Monday, he wanted Putin and Zelensky to have a bilateral meeting to solve the war and make assurances to bring about peace, and even rebuild a relationship with each other to negotiate a peace. 'It takes, in this case, two to tango, they have to have a relationship otherwise we're just wasting our time,' he said. John Swinney has been accused of being cavalier with public money after claiming he is not bothered in the slightest about two high-profile law suits against SNP ministers. The First Minister said being sued for apparently ignoring the UK Supreme Court and by Alex Salmonds widow were part of the fabric of government life in Scotland. Speaking to STVs Scotland Tonight, Mr Swinney refused to comment on the substance of the actions as live proceedings were involved. But asked if he was bothered about them, he said: Not in the slightest. Theyre part of the fabric of government life in Scotland, and Ive got to deal with them all. His comments coincided with claims Scotlands public sector has squandered 406million on legal services in just the last three years. Scottish Conservative finance spokesman Craig Hoy said: John Swinney might arrogantly be dismissing the prospect of this latest legal action, but he will not be the one footing the bill. The SNP and their army of quangos have blown over 400million in legal fees in recent years and the First Minister doesnt seem bothered about wasting yet more taxpayers money. If they finally just implemented the Supreme Court verdict, then at least one of these cases would be avoided. First Minister John Swinney has been accused of being cavalier with public money For Women Scotland, who beat the Scottish Government in court earlier this year, have launched fresh legal action against John Swinney's government Alex Salmond's widow Moira is reviving a 3 million claim her late husband began in 2023 For Women Scotland (FWS) last week took legal action against SNP ministers for failing to enforce Aprils Supreme Court ruling on gender. The group, whose previous challenges led to the judgment, wants a judge to strike down policies on the housing of trans people in jail and transgender pupils using single-sex school toilets. The Supreme Court ruled biological sex, not gender choice, determines a persons rights under UK equality law. But Mr Swinney has failed to act, claiming he has to wait for updated advice from the UK Equalities and Human Rights Commission. Critics accuse him of playing for time to avoid a row within the SNP before Mays Holyrood election. A motion to the SNP conference in October claims the reductionist ruling rolls back progress for all women. It also emerged on Sunday that Alex Salmonds widow Moira is reviving a 3million compensation claim her late husband began in 2023. The ex-First Minister took the action over the Scottish Governments botched 2018 in-house probe into sexual misconduct claims. The investigation was later ruled unlawful, unfair and tainted by apparent bias. Meanwhile, figures from 168 public bodies revealed 406million was spent on legal services over three years. The Scottish Government had the largest bill, at 89million, followed by NHS Scotland at 62million. Tory MSP Stephen Kerr, who obtained the costs under freedom of information, said the total sum was staggering given the state of public services. A government spokesman said: The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland are required to take legal advice on a range of issues. Two women accused of being involved in a brutal Cincinnati brawl that went viral have been allowed to walk free from jail after having their bond slashed. DeKyra Vernon, 24, and Aisha Devaughn, 25, both accused of felonious assault and aggravated rioting last month, have now released from the Hamilton County Jail on bond. The pair had their bond significantly reduced while being arraigned on Thursday, with Vernon's being slashed from $250,000 to $25,000 at ten percent, and Devaughn's reduced from $300,000 to $25,000 at ten percent, Fox News reported. Footage of the wild brawl which broke out in the early hours of July 26 shocked the nation. Six people were left severely injured after a large group descended on several people outside of a nightclub in downtown Cincinnati's business district. A man in a white t-shirt was shoved to the ground and beaten by two men as other members of the crowd jeered and joined in. The group beat the man for nearly a minute as he lay in the middle of the street, appearing to step on his head multiple times. When the barrage of attacks temporarily stopped, the victim was seen attempting to stand - but immediately fell over in apparent disorientation. A woman, identified as Holly, had attempted to break up the fight before she was knocked unconscious and fell to the floor. DeKyra Vernon, 24, and Aisha Devaughn, 25, both accused of felonious assault and aggravated rioting in the brawl last month, were released from the Hamilton County Jail on Friday Vernon's bond was slashed from $250,000 to $25,000 at ten percent on Thursday's arraignment Devaughn's bond was reduced from $300,000 to $25,000 at ten percent Brutal images show Holly sustained a black eye and a swollen bruised face. But she claimed police 'acted nonchalant' when they arrived at the scene and did not call for backup or an ambulance. Holly defended her actions that night, noting that she was the only person who decided to jump in to help the man because it was 'the right thing to do.' So far, seven people have been charged in relation to the brutal beating. Patrick Rosemond, 38, Jermaine Matthews, 39, Montianez Merriweather, 34, and Dominique Kittle, 37, have been charged with three counts of felonious assault, three counts of assault and two counts of aggravated rioting. Rosemond, a convicted felon who is believed to have been the 'main instigator' in the incident, was said to have 'assaulted each and every single victim' in the beatdown, Fox News reported. Hamilton County Common Pleas Court heard that he allegedly punched Holly and 'almost caused her death,' and was allegedly seen dancing and 'taunting' the victims. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was permitted release on a $500,000 bond. Merriweather is also facing a federal gun charge for illegally owning a weapon as a felon, Fox News reported. A woman involved in the brawl, known only as Holly, is seen here on the ground following the horrific attack Both sides of Holly's face were extremely bruised following the assault, with her right eye a dark shade of purple and almost closed over due to the swelling In shocking footage of the fight, a man in a white t-shirt was shoved to the ground and beaten by two men as other members of the crowd jeered and joined in Matthews posted his $250,000 bond immediately following his arrest. Gregory Wright, 32, was indicted on charges of aggravated riot and felony aggravated robbery for allegedly stealing the victim's necklace while others beat him. '[He] did by force rip the necklace off the victim while he was being assaulted by four or more co-defendants attempting to cause serious physical harm,' the criminal complaint obtained by the outlet said. The Cincinnati Police Department is on the hunt for an eight suspect in the brawl, and released a photo of the man asking for assistance in identifying him. Police Chief Teresa Theetge said the incident was not connected to the jazz festival that was going on in Cincinnati that weekend. 'This was a sudden dispute between individuals following a verbal altercation,' she added. 'What I saw on video is not the Cincinnati I know and love,' Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich said, Fox News reported. 'These charges hold those involved in the attack accountable.' Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy wrote on social media: 'I spoke to Holly earlier today (the woman tragically assaulted in Cincinnati this weekend). She's a single working mom who went to a friend's birthday party. It's unconscionable that there were no police present in that area of Cincinnati on a Friday night, or even an ambulance to take her to the hospital.' Gregory Wright (left), 32, was arrested and charged with alleged aggravated riot and aggravated robbery. He allegedly stole the victim's necklace while others beat him Patrick Rosemond (left) and Dominique Kittle (right) have been charged with three counts of felonious assault, three charges of assault and two charges of aggravated rioting Vice President JD Vance said the brawl was particularly offensive because a woman was 'sucker punched' by a 'grown man.' 'What I saw, and I haven't seen the full context, but what I saw is a mob of lawless thugs beating up on an innocent person. 'It's disgusting and I hope every single one of those people who engage in violence is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. 'I don't know the full context, but the one part that I saw that was really gruesome is you had a grown man who sucker punched a middle-age woman,' he added, referencing the woman, Holly, who Ramaswamy spoke to. 'That person ought to go to jail for a very long time - and frankly, he's lucky there weren't some better people around because they would've handled it themselves. 'We have got to make great American cities safe again for families and children, the only way to destroy that street violence is to take the thugs who engage in that violence and throw their a**es in prison.' Bosses at the Edinburgh Fringe venue that tried to ban Kate Forbes have been branded idiotic as they face demands to explain themselves. Creative Scotland, which awarded Summerhall Arts 608,000 of public funding in January, said it was in dialogue with the venue after the high-profile censorship row. It came as the founder of the arts centre denounced the episode and said Summerhall had been stupid. The Deputy First Minister, a devout Christian who opposed the SNPs gender self-ID plans, was effectively banned after she took part in a political discussion at the venue. Robert McDowell, who is no longer involved with the venue, blamed a 'cancel culture way of thinking' for the row Kate Forbes attended an event at Edinburgh's Summerhall Arts venue After performers reported being terrified of the 5ft 2in MSP, the arts charity apologised and said the booking was an oversight which would not happen again. Bosses even set up a safe room for artists and staff when Ms Forbes was in the building. We have work to do to repair the damage from this oversight, Summerhall Arts said. At this stage, we can guarantee that we will be writing robust, proactive inclusion and wellbeing policies that prevent this from happening again. But the organisation climbed down after the Scottish Tories accused it of breaking the law by stifling free speech and called for its funding to be clawed back. Chief executive Sam Gough went on to say: No one is banned from appearing on the stages. The venues founder Robert McDowell, who is no longer involved with the former Edinburgh University vet school building, has blamed a cancel culture way of thinking for the row. He told the Herald: Ive not been able to find out who issued that apology. It was nonsense. What are the arts if they dont allow freedom of speech? If somebody has an objection to something, you dont ban it. You turn up and ask a question. Its an opportunity to say what you think. Whoever compiled that statement was just addressing their friends. Its part of a cancel culture way of thinking. He added: The idea you could ever construct a way of doing this is idiotic. It would be impossible. Theres no way you could second guess artists or shows. I could see how the apology happened, but it was silly and stupid. Its what happens when people rush to judgment. Mr McDowell said he had sat in on Kate Forbes session, adding: I think she is a lovely person. Its important for freedom of speech to question people in public, and to have discussion and debates in public. Creative Scotland said: We are in dialogue with Summerhall Arts to understand recent events and the steps they are taking to address concerns that have been raised. Theres been a verbal meeting and that may lead to a more formalised meeting. John Swinney last night joined the criticism of Summerhall Arts. The First Minister said: Theres no reason Kate Forbes shouldnt be able to speak at any venue in Scotland. Asked about a taxpayer funded facility banning her, he said: I dont think thats appropriate. Summerhall Arts was asked for comment. A Republican congressman was shocked when he saw a minivan careen into a semi-truck at full speed on the highway, and luckily for those involved, his Navy SEAL training kicked in. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., saved the life of an 11-year-old boy after witnessing the wreck's fallout and quickly rushing into action. Van Orden, 55, was driving with his wife, Sara, down Interstate 35 near Osceloa, Iowa, on Saturday when he saw the crash in his rearview mirror. 'Im watching a Dodge Grand minivan disintegrate. It seemed to drift off the road at about 70 miles per hour, more so on the passenger side of the car. My wife, Sarah, was like, what happened? I looked at it, I said, someone just died,' the lawmaker recounted to the Washington Examiner. The Wisconsin Republican and former SEAL Team Four member for over 20 years knew that he had to act. 'I ran to the passenger side, where all the damage was, and there was this 11-year-old kid, and I looked at him, and his calf, which is about as big as my thigh, was completely ripped apart, so I could see his tibia and his fibula, just a big chunk of him bleeding,' Van Orden shared. 'And he had an arterial bleed in his right wrist,' he added. What the former special operator did next harkened back to his days in combat: He returned to his car, retrieved a pair of socks and fastened them to create a makeshift tourniquet. Rep. Derrick Van Orden poses for a picture with the boy whose life he saved this weekend after a car wreck left the young man losing an immense amount of blood Van Orden poses with Donald Trump and Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., after the president signed a veterans home loan program 'By then, probably 10 people had also pulled over to help, Im like, does somebody have a knife? And theyre like, yep. So I cut the seat belts off and then made tourniquets,' the congressman told the outlet. Soon after Van Orden arrived at the scene, other good Samaritans also stopped by to aid the boy. The congressman praised the others alongside him who helped to administer care to the shocked family before first responders arrived. 'Some big old Iowa farm dude, probably 60-something, rips off a windshield wiper for his arm, then another lady there said she was a medic,' Van Orden recalled. 'She wound up grabbing a piece of metal and made a tourniquet on his leg, and then all of us packed him up and got him up into the ambulance.' Time was of the essence, too, as the injured boy was losing an immense amount of blood, the lawmaker said. For miles all around the interstate stretched rural farmland, and without rapid medical attention, 'he would've been gone,' Van Orden told the outlet. 'It took about 10 to 15 minutes. He wouldve bled to death,' the Republican disclosed. Van Orden said that had he and other good Samaritans rushed into action that the boy likely would have died After the scary accident, Van Orden checked in on the boy on Monday at a hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. A photo released by the congressman's office shows him kneeling next to the boy in the hospital. The young man is seen flashing a thumbs-up while lying in his hospital bed as Van Orden, in a trucker hat, holds up what appears to be a puppy. The lawmaker said he was heartened by his fellow Americans' inclination to assist the impacted boy and his family. 'What happened out there is everything that I love about America. So were in the middle of somewhere, and this happens, and people just start showing up. They start asking, Hey, can we do this? Can we do that?' he said. Van Orden's office did not respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment. The family of murdered banker Alistair Wilson voiced their outrage last night after it emerged a senior officer who misled them is in line for a major promotion. Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Livingstone, who was found guilty of misconduct, has been selected for a prestigious training course and is being groomed to fill a vacant slot as Assistant Chief Constable. His selection was delayed after the row over the Wilson case but Chief Constable Jo Farrell has now given Mr Livingstone her backing to take part in the elite course leading the victims family to claim they have been betrayed. Detectives investigating the 20-year-old unsolved murder of Mr Wilson, who was shot dead on his doorstep in Nairn, had been set to arrest a potential suspect, which it was hoped could lead to a breakthrough. The arrest, planned for May 15, 2023, was halted at the last moment, with Mr Wilsons family only finding out after they contacted a liaison officer for an update. Mr Livingstone then denied being aware that a date had been identified for the arrest, prompting an official complaint from the family which was later upheld that he had misled them. Last night a source close to the family said: They are deeply concerned but it is more a sense of outrage. The police claim their relationship with the family is a priority but this proves it obviously isnt. After years of delays and a failure to make any breakthroughs, this feels like another betrayal for them Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Livingstone, who was found guilty of misconduct, has been selected for a prestigious training course Alistair Wilson with his wife Veronica and two young sons at their home in Nairn Alistair Wilson with his son Andrew Scottish Tory Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross said: Eyebrows will be raised at the prospect of this officer potentially getting promoted for a senior leadership role, despite his previous conduct. Mr Ross said that instead of being held to account, it seems like those at the top of Police Scotland want to reward him, and the move only risks adding insult to injury for a family desperate for answers. Police Scotlands Professional Standards Department assessed Mr Livingstones actions as misconduct. Ms Farrell approved Mr Livingstone being put forward for the executive leaders programme, run by the College of Policing a 19-week course which offers support and learning to build your personal resilience, boost your confidence and enhance your capabilities through three comprehensive modules. A source told the Mail: The force executive knew this would be controversial so it was held back. But there is a feeling that he is a good cop and this incident doesnt tell the whole story about how hard-working he is. They added: Its almost guaranteed that he will become an Assistant Chief Constable once this course is completed. The salary for an Assistant Chief Constable is 151,816, while the highest salary for Mr Livingstones current rank is 111,568. Mr Livingstone could have faced dismissal if his actions had been found to be gross misconduct but it is not known what, if any, sanctions he has faced over the lesser breach of misconduct. In September last year, it emerged a complete reinvestigation of Mr Wilsons murder had been ordered after more than 150 concerns were highlighted in a review of the evidence gathered in the police inquiry. With the 20th anniversary of Mr Wilsons death approaching last year, Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain issued a statement on September 16, 2024, announcing that a cold-case investigation would take place. This, in turn, led to a statement from Mr Wilsons family in which they stated they had no confidence in the police. They also hit out after Ms Farrell refused to meet them to discuss the case. Father-of-two Mr Wilson, 30, was shot dead on his doorstep in the Moray coast town of Nairn, on the evening of November 28, 2004, in a crime which shocked Scotland. Detectives outside the home of murdered banker Alistair Wilson A man called at the familys home and spoke to Mr Wilsons wife Veronica, who had answered the door. The man asked for her husband and when Mr Wilson went to speak to the man he was handed a blue envelope with Paul written on it. Mr Wilson went inside briefly, then returned to the door, where he was shot. The gun used, a Haenel Suhl pistol from the 1930s, was missed in the initial police search and was recovered from a nearby drain by a council worker ten days later. Initial investigations, first by Northern Constabulary in 2004, then by Police Scotland in 2013, failed to make any significant progress or establish a motive, and no breakthrough has been forthcoming. A spokesman for Police Scotland declined to comment on Mr Livingstones participation in the leadership course. Commenting on the investigation, Chief Superintendent Suzanne Chow said: Our relationship with Alistairs family is a priority and we are determined to bring those involved in Alistairs murder to justice. The family of a missing Irish man in Portugal have tragically confirmed he has been found dead. Mark Kiely, from County Donegal, was last seen in the early hours of Saturday close to The Old Town of Albufeira. The holidaymaker, who was wearing cream shorts and a light green polo shirt, was said to have been in the vicinity of the beach tunnel at around 2am. But after hours went by with no contact, his concerned family and friends launched a social media appeal asking for anyone with information to help track Mark down. Tragically, authorities confirmed his body was found on Monday near the Albufeira fishing port. Earlier social media reports suggested his phone and wallet had been discovered on a bench in the marina. Pousadas Godinho, the captain of the port of Portimao, told the Portugal Resident that the state police force, Policia Judiciaria (PJ), were now looking into the death. He said: 'We can confirm the body belonged to an Irish male citizen. PJ police have taken over the investigation.' Mark Kiely, from County Donegal, has tragically been confirmed dead just hours after he was last seen on Saturday close to The Old Town of Albufeira, Portugal Authorities confirmed the Irish man's body was found near the Albufeira fishing port Shortly after the news, Mark's family wrote on social media: 'We have found Mark, but unfortunately not the outcome we had been hoping for. 'Huge thanks to all our friends and family for support and help in trying to find him. May Mark rest in peace.' A tribute posted on Facebook from Donegal Town FC stated: 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mark Kiely who has sadly passed away. 'Mark previously played underage at the club and we are all deeply saddened by his loss.' Those who knew Mark have also reacted, describing the news as 'heartbreaking' and Mark as 'such a gentleman' and 'a lovely fella'. Another wrote: 'So sad, RIP Mark you were very special to your friends.' Police have been banned from dancing at Notting Hill Carnival as 7,000 officers and staff are bracing for potential carnage this weekend. The Metropolitan Police have said they believe grooving to the music could distract or slow down their officers from responding to outbreaks of crime. The growing popularity of Europe's biggest street party which celebrates Caribbean heritage, arts and culture has become a big problem for Scotland Yard. Last year, carnival arrests hit their highest level since 2019 as 349 people were detained including for violence, theft, sexual offences and assaults on police. The Met confirmed the dancing ban to The Guardian and in a statement said: 'Carnival is an iconic and spectacular event which attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year to party and celebrate Caribbean culture. 'But it is also an event where there have been numerous concerns about crowd safety and crime. As a consequence, almost 7,000 officers will be deployed to this year's event. They are there to keep revellers safe, not to join in the revelling. 'We want officers to positively engage with the carnivalgoers while staying vigilant at all times and remaining able to respond and intervene swiftly as necessary. They can't do this if they are dancing. 'The standards of behaviour expected as part of the policing operation will be communicated clearly before the event, just as they have been in recent years.' The Metropolitan police have said they believe grooving to the music could distract or slow down their officers from responding to outbreaks of crime The growing popularity of Europe's biggest street party which celebrates Caribbean heritage, arts and culture has become a big problem for Scotland Yard Police have been banned from dancing at Notting Hill Carnival as 7,000 officers and staff are bracing for potential carnage this weekend Amid escalating levels of violence Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, police commander for this year's event, said the carnival's size creates 'unique challenges'. The Met has faced increasing pressure to ensure the safety of revellers after Cher Maximen, 32, was stabbed to death by Shakeil Thibou, 20, in front of her three-year-old daughter last year; while chef Mussie Imnetu, 41, was murdered in the street. The annual celebration has been running since 1966, and arrest totals have been on a rising curve since the start of the millennium when they stood at 158 in 2002. The total over the past 20 years between 2005 and 2024 is now well over the 5,000 mark. This year, police want to identify 'violent gangs' planning to attend and urged anyone with information of individuals intending to engage in violence to come forward. Cher Maximen (left), 32, and Mussie Imnetu (right), 41, were both murdered at last year's event A series of 31 anti-terror concrete barriers were installed on Portobello Road last month by Kensington and Chelsea Council to help deter vehicle attacks in the popular market area of Notting Hill following counter-terrorism guidance issued by the Met. But the council said these 'hostile vehicle mitigation measures' will be removed for two weeks from today to ensure 'people can move freely and safely during the event'. Susan Hall, a Conservative member of the London Assembly, said in a bombshell report published earlier this month that the carnival in recent years had only narrowly 'avoided a mass crush on the scale of the Hillsborough disaster'. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has warned of the risk of a 'crowd crush' at the carnival, saying at a meeting last month that he had 'seen images of some of the crowds at some parts' of the event and 'watching them made me frightened'. A teenage boy has died after a fight between students erupted into a fatal stabbing at a Arizona high school on Tuesday morning. Police and paramedics raced to Maryvale High School in Phoenix just before 11 a.m. after reports of a violent altercation inside a classroom. According to investigators, the fight broke out between two male students. Both were rushed to hospital - one with life-threatening stab wounds who later died, and the other with less serious injuries. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne called the death 'a terrible tragedy,' adding: 'Schools must be safe places.' The Phoenix Union High School District confirmed there was an 'incident' and placed the campus on lockdown as officers secured the area. Officials stressed that there is no ongoing threat and all other students and staff are safe. Parents have been notified and instructed to follow the school's guidance on releasing students from campus. Students have been let out of the buildings. A teenage boy has died after a fight between students erupted into a fatal stabbing at Maryvale High School According to investigators, the fight broke out between two male students. Both were rushed to hospital - one with life-threatening stab wounds who later died, and the other with less serious injuries The Phoenix Union High School District confirmed there was an 'incident' and placed the campus on lockdown as officers secured the area In a statement, the Arizona Department of Education confirmed the student's death, while Phoenix police said detectives are investigating what led up to the stabbing. Horne praised the school safety officer for rushing in to help: 'The on-campus school safety officer responded immediately, rendered aid to the student and did his job well. This terrible incident reinforces my commitment to doing everything possible to make schools safe.' Phoenix City Councilwoman Betty Guardado also issued a statement Tuesday afternoon, calling the stabbing heartbreaking and urging the community to come together in support of students and families. There are no further details available for this story. Labour's asylum policy was left in chaos after a judge ordered a controversial migrant hotel to shut. The High Court ruling gives The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, just 24 days to close after it became the focus of violent protests. Epping Forest District Council's victory could open the floodgates to a series of similar legal actions against other migrant hotels across the country. Ministers scrambled to respond after an 11th-hour Home Office bid to block the action was thrown out. Government lawyers warned the court that granting the injunction on a planning technicality 'runs the risk of acting as an impetus for further violent protests'. Intensifying the pressure on Labour, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he hoped it gave 'inspiration to others across the country'. Some 32,000 migrants are in about 210 hotels, according to the Home Office, and discontent is building. The injunction left Sir Keir Starmer in an even more woeful position after he scrapped the Tory government's Rwanda asylum deal, in which illegal migrants would have been sent on a one-way ticket to East Africa. The Prime Minister's pledge to 'smash the gangs' was already in tatters, with more than 51,000 small-boat migrants having reached Britain since the election. The High Court ruling gives The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, just 24 days to close after it became the focus of violent protests Some 32,000 migrants are in about 210 hotels, according to the Home Office, and discontent is building Epping Forest District Council leader Chris Whitbread (pictured) leaving the Royal Courts of Justice after securing a temporary injunction against the use of The Bell Hotel to house asylum seekers The legal challenge to The Bell was brought by the local council after a small-boat migrant there was accused of sexual offences. Hadush Kebatu, from Ethiopia, was charged last month with sexual assault, harassment and inciting a girl of 14 to engage in sexual activity. Eight days after he arrived in the UK, Kebatu, 41, allegedly tried to kiss a schoolgirl as she ate pizza, and the next day tried to kiss a woman in the town and put his hand on her leg. He then encountered the girl again and tried to kiss her, Colchester Magistrates' Court was told. Kebatu denies the offences and is in custody. Protesters descended on the hotel following news of his arrest and court appearance, leading to violent scuffles between those opposed to the migrant hotel and 'anti-racism' demonstrators. Recent protests against the hotel have mainly been peaceful, with a group of women nicknamed the 'Pink Ladies' leading marches. Mohammed Sharwarq, 32, a Syrian at the 80-bed hotel, has been charged with seven offences, including kissing a man on the neck on July 25. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the injunction was 'a victory for the mums and dads in Epping who just want their children to be safe'. She added: 'Putting a hotel full of young, male illegal immigrants in the middle of a community like Epping was always going to lead to issues. They need to be moved immediately. Your browser does not support iframes. Pictured: Mother Sarah White, 40, one of the protest organisers 'But Epping is just one of many towns struggling with asylum hotels. 'Labour have no solution, they're not smashing any gangs and small-boat arrivals are at record highs.' Mr Farage said: 'This community stood up bravely, despite being slandered as far-Right, and have won. 'Young, undocumented males who break into the UK illegally should not be free to walk the streets. They must be detained and deported.' Corina Gander, Tory leader of Broxbourne Borough Council in Hertfordshire, said she was considering similar action. She added: 'It's just given us this massive boost and precedent that we can do something now.' The 12 councils in which Reform UK is the largest party are also said to be exploring the prospect. The legal action was the first to succeed in getting a migrant hotel shut down. Epping Forest council was granted a temporary injunction by Mr Justice Eyre at the High Court in London Government lawyers warned the court that granting the injunction on a planning technicality 'runs the risk of acting as an impetus for further violent protests' Epping Forest council was granted a temporary injunction by Mr Justice Eyre at the High Court in London after arguing that The Bell's owners, Somani Hotels, broke planning rules by changing its use to house migrants. The judge said the firm had 'sidestepped public scrutiny and explanation', writing in his judgement: 'Although the defendant's actions were not flagrant or surreptitious they were deliberate. 'The defendant acted in good faith but chose to take its stand on the position that there was no material change of use.' Home Office lawyers who claimed The Bell's closure would breach asylum seekers' 'fundamental human rights' failed to block the legal challenge. A hearing on a permanent injunction will take place later. Speaking at the Royal Courts of Justice after the ruling, Epping Forest council leader Chris Whitbread said: 'This is a decision that's important to Epping Forest, but also important to councils up and down the country, and it shows that the Government cannot ignore planning rules.' Welcoming the 'fantastic news', Sarah White, 40, one of the protest leaders, said: 'We will start protesting with towns up and down the country. This is bigger than Epping, it is impacting the whole country.' Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle said the Government would consider the ruling, and would close all asylum hotels by the end of this parliament. During her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II presided over every State Opening of Parliament, bar three. She faced the tricky task of flawlessly reading the Government's legislative programme while wearing the Imperial State Crown, which weighs 2.3lb (1kg). The Mail's Robert Hardman revealed in his book Charles III: New King. New Court that Her Majesty would ask for the crown to be delivered to her the day before the State Opening. That would allow the late monarch to practise wearing the historic headpiece - which is encrusted with 2,868 diamonds and has 269 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and four rubies - and minimise the risk of mishaps on the day itself. The Queen had a similar train of thought when preparing for her coronation in 1953. After her father King George VI died aged 56 in February 1952, the Queen had 16 months before her big moment in Westminster Abbey. Though it rained, the day saw few mistakes, thanks to copious preparation, including several rehearsals involving the Queen herself. King Charles recently recalled in a new film, Coronation Girls, how his mother would wear St Edward's Crown, which is worn during coronations, around Buckingham Palace, including during the children's bath times. The late Queen Elizabeth II delivering her speech in the House of Lords at the State Opening of Parliament in 1966 The Queen attends the State Opening of Parliament in 1987 in the Imperial State Crown The monarch delivering her speech to Parliament in 2008 The documentary follows the story of 50 young women from Canada who travelled to the UK for the Queen's Coronation after being sponsored by Canadian businessman and philanthropist Garfield Weston Charles recalled to the women: 'I remember it all so well then, because I remember my sister and I had bath time in the evening. 'My mama used to come up at bath time wearing the crown to practice. You have to get used to how heavy it is. I've never forgotten, I can still remember it vividly.' It is a heart-warming story the monarch has shared before, including in a BBC tribute for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Charles said: 'I remember my Mama coming, you know, up, when we were being bathed as children, wearing the crown. It was quite funny practising.' The Queen's final State Opening of Parliament was in 2021, when she presided over the socially distanced event just one month after her husband Prince Philip passed away. Charles and Camilla were both present to watch as the Queen gave what turned out to be her final speech in the House of Lords. Just a month after Prince Philip's death, the Queen presided over the State Opening of Parliament for the last time in May 2021 The then Prince of Wales with the Queen after the State Opening of Parliament in 2019 Elizabeth did not wear the Imperial State Crown or ceremonial robes, however, and wore what royal officials described as 'day dress' instead - a coat and a hat - because of Covid restrictions making it less of a ceremonial event. For her final years, the monarch's Imperial State Crown was carried separately and placed on a table in the House of Lords. In May 2022, just a few months before the Queen's death, she had to pull out of the State Opening of Parliament on the advice of her doctor. It was the first time in 59 years that the monarch would not preside over the event. She had previously only missed the event twice in her entire reign - in 1959 and 1963, while pregnant. Charles sat in the consort's throne, used by his father Prince Philip for decades, and delivered the Queen's Speech in his mother's place. Charles appeared emotional as he looked at his mother's crown before he read the Queen's Speech in his mother's absence in 2022, supported by his wife Camilla The King, wearing the Imperial State Crown like his mother once did, at the State Opening of Parliament earlier this year The Imperial State Crown - the greatest symbol of British sovereign power and authority - was carried to Westminster in a limousine with Britain's Crown Jeweller. Once at Parliament, it was placed on a velvet cushion on a table in front of Charles. Poignantly, there was an empty space next to him, where the Queen's slightly larger throne would usually be located. He would soon deliver this speech as King himself, in November 2023, following his mother's death. Jewellery brand Laurence Coste has risen to prominence since becoming a favourite of Zara Tindall. The daughter of Princess Anne debuted a pair of the brand's exquisite earrings at the Cheltenham Festival in 2020 and has remained a loyal devotee ever since - now owning no fewer than 22 designs. Introduced to Laurence Coste by her stylist Annie Miall, Zara's polished and confident sense of style aligns seamlessly with the brand's bold, statement-making jewels. Her recent outing at Royal Ascot was a case in point. Dressed in a monochrome ensemble by Laura Green, accessorised with a Juliette Botterill hat, Emmy London shoes, and Laurence Coste's eye-catching Cosima earrings, Zara commanded attention and admiration alike. 'I thought she looked absolument magnifique,' founder Laurence tells the Daily Mail. 'The moment I saw Zara's outfit, it instantly brought to mind Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady - timeless, elegant and chic. 'The Cosima earrings felt like the perfect finishing touch, and it made me so happy to see her pair such a graceful look with one of my signature designs.' The ensemble was the result of a collaboration between Zara's stylist Annie and Laurence Coste herself, who worked closely to curate the flawless look. 'I had no doubt she would look incredible, especially knowing Annie Miall was behind her Ascot wardrobe. Annie and I worked closely together on this, and I find her incredibly inspiring and professional. It was a fabulous success, and we feel so proud when we look back at the pictures.' Jewellery brand Laurence Coste has risen to prominence since becoming a favourite of Zara Tindall Introduced to Laurence Coste by her stylist Annie Miall, Zara's polished and confident sense of style aligns seamlessly with the brand's bold, statement-making designs The duo first connected ahead of Royal Ascot in 2024, when Zara selected Laurence Coste's delicate Milly Rose earrings to complement her Anna Mason floral print dress. 'We feel incredibly lucky to have had Annie, a good friend of our brand, introduce Zara to us for Royal Ascot 2024. We were thrilled that she loved our pieces and even more excited that she chose to return to us for more events,' Laurence says. 'Being represented by someone as elegant as Zara is truly flattering, and I'm sure it's also inspiring for many of my customers.' The Cosima earrings, worn by Zara on day three of Royal Ascot, are among Laurence Coste's most sought-after designs thanks to their delicate Lalique effect and baroque pearl drop - which was given a striking update for the royal. She explains: 'The Cosima has been a timeless classic over the years. To complement Zara's outfit, we gave the original design a subtle twist by adding gold-plated detailing to the baroque pearl, and Zara truly made them her own.' For day four of Ascot, Laurence once again crafted something unique for Zara, revamping the Luna aquamarine earrings to complement her powder blue Veronica Beard suit. This bespoke iteration showcased a mother-of-pearl top with a faceted aquamarine drop, radiating understated sophistication. 'We felt this soft, refined combination would not only complement her complexion and eye colour, but also make the outfit a winner,' the designer reveals. Laurence was so enamoured with these special editions that she chose to dedicate them to Zara herself, renaming them the Zara Cosima and Zara Luna earrings - now available both online and in-store. For day four of Ascot, Laurence crafted something unique for Zara, revamping the Luna aquamarine earrings to complement her powder blue Veronica Beard suit For Royal Ascot in 2024, Zara selected Laurence Coste's delicate Milly Rose earrings to complement her Anna Mason floral print dress Left: The 285 Zara Luna aquamarine earrings were designed especially for Zara Tindall. Right: The Milly Rose earrings, featuring rose quartz, cost 195 Zara's polished and confident sense of style aligns seamlessly with the Laurence Coste's bold, statement-making designs While Zara has recently favoured pearl drops, her collection also includes four versions of the Colette earrings - floral designs embellished with crystals - in shades of bright red, burgundy, gold and rose gold. Another standout choice in her jewellery repertoire is the Pipin earrings, a clustered design crafted from faceted beads, each hand-wired onto a silver-tone base for a sculptural, light-catching effect. Born in Paris, Laurence moved to London in the 1980s, bringing with her a passion for jewellery inspired by style icon Loulou de la Falaise. She went on to study History of Art at Christie's, an experience that proved instrumental in shaping the vision for her brand. 'I design earrings and necklaces to be worn, not just admired,' Laurence explains. 'These are pieces that instantly boost your confidence the moment you put them on, adding personality and character to any outfit.' Practicality is as important to her as beauty. With a lifestyle that moves between three boutiques, client meetings, evening engagements and family life, Laurence understands the need for designs that transition from day to evening. 'I always need a pair of earrings I can wear effortlessly from morning to night - and I believe that's what my clients look for, too. Versatility and comfort are what I keep in mind when I'm experimenting in the workshop.' Working exclusively with semi-precious stones, Laurence draws inspiration from the colours, textures and natural harmony of the world around us, particularly the sea and marine life. She compares her design process to cooking, noting that 'to create something truly special, you need the finest ingredients.' Her selection reflects this philosophy, incorporating gemstones such as amethyst and carnelian, alongside coloured Venetian glass, Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls. With a focus on quality, colour and character, Laurence has developed an extensive collection of gemstones, which she regularly 'dives into' for bespoke commissions. Each piece is designed and handmade in Chelsea, with boutiques located on Brook Street, Walton Street and Sloane Street. These locations have quickly established themselves as destinations for clients seeking distinctive, original designs. Left: Zara's Pipin earrings, costing 145, come in 18 colours. Right: Zara has four versions of the Colette earrings, priced at 325 Zara is a fan of Laurence Coste's Colette earrings, having showcased four variations of the floral design Zara stunned in the brand's Rachel drop earrings at Royal Ascot in 2023. She previously wore the Double Oak Leaf Earrings in gold at the Coronation Concert earlier that year Attending the 2024 Thanksgiving Service for King Constantine, Zara elevated her navy ensemble with Laurence Coste's Antalya earrings Left: The Rachel earrings, worn by Zara, are available to buy for 225. Right: The royal's Antalya earrings cost 185 Born in Paris, Laurence Coste (pictured) moved to London in the 1980s, bringing with her a passion for jewellery inspired by style icon Loulou de la Falaise. She went on to study History of Art at Christie's, an experience that proved instrumental in shaping the vision for her brand Working exclusively with semi-precious stones, Laurence draws inspiration from the colours, textures and natural harmony of the world around us, particularly the sea and marine life 'I always say we're all many women in one, and I design with that in mind. I want women to feel confident, to play, to experiment, and to make each piece their own. I celebrate the accessory, and jewellery, and give it the spotlight it deserves, because it reflects a woman's true personality,' Laurence says. 'Colour invites that kind of creativity, and I love how it encourages women to express every side of themselves.' In addition to their bold aesthetic, the jewellery stands out for its adaptability. Most designs are available as both clip-ons and for pierced ears, an increasingly uncommon option. Laurence describes this choice as 'essential,' ensuring her creations remain versatile and accessible without limiting individual preference. 'Almost all of my earrings are designed to be convertible, and we usually adapt them for our clients within just a day, if not in real time,' she explains. 'It's all about making sure every woman can enjoy beautiful, comfortable pieces that suit their lifestyle.' Sustainability also lies at the core of the brand. Every stone and pearl is responsibly and ethically sourced from sustainable suppliers around the world. Beyond design, Laurence ensures her work has a wider impact: a portion of proceeds supports charities dedicated to empowering women in disadvantaged circumstances globally. News that the privacy-obsessed Prince William has found his forever home in the isolated eight-bedroom Forest Lodge, where he says he will live even after becoming King, should raise red flags about what the heir might sacrifice to shield his family. What damage will Williams control-freak tendencies and stubborn insistence on privacy wreak when he takes the Crown? What could the Princes obsession with protecting his own family eventually do for the Monarchy? To paraphrase the mantra of his cherished and wise grandmother, the late Queen, for the Royal Family to survive in an ever-changing world: We have to be seen to be believed. During her reign she carried out more than 21,000 engagements, even up to the days before her death. In comparison, last year William did 71, a puny figure against his 70-year-old aunt Princess Annes 474 (even after she was kicked in the head by a horse) and his fathers 372 despite ongoing treatment for cancer. It does not bode well. Yes, we all understood why he scaled back his duties while caring for Kate after her cancer diagnosis. How devastating it must have been for the entire family. As a nation we came together in sympathy including the many thousands of families going through similar turmoil respecting the Waleses need for time and space to heal. We gave them that time. Of course, we realised his obsession with privacy and having a normal family life for his children was defined by his own deeply unhappy and dysfunctional childhood with warring parents, scarred by the death of his mother Princess Diana and wanting to protect his family from Royal duties for as long as possible. We all recognise that - while he is the King-in-waiting. Forest Lodge, which Wills and the family have called their 'forever home', is on the Windsor estate Will Prince William put being a husband and father before King and country? (Pictured with his family at this year's Trooping The Colour) Yet with all due respect William, privacy doesnt come as part of the job description for the King of England. Which leaves us questioning: will Prince William put being a husband and father before King and country? As a Prince he already enjoys eye-watering privileges including inheriting the Duchy of Cornwall estate worth almost 1 billion from which he receives a whopping 23million-a-year salary. There will come a time who knows how soon when William has to man up for the role he was born into. Or not. I fear a future part-time King hiding away in Forest Lodge on the Windsor estate could result in an even greater collapse of support among his subjects. Which by the time he takes the Crown, the population could be largely made up of Gen Z - of whom, according to a YouGov poll from last year, only 29 per cent believe the monarchy is good for Britain and are more likely to want an elected head of state. There is something deeply unsettling about the fact the Waleses have chosen a comparatively modest home tucked away a home which will require its own security staff as it falls outside Windsor Castles ring of steel accessible via a private road with one local saying: Its about as isolated as you can get. And William declaring, perhaps unwisely, that Forest Lodge is the home he and his family will live in forever, also raises worrying questions about what kind of Monarch he will be in the age of a voracious social media world which cries out for more than the occasional snaps of the Royal brood or a tender video of Kate hugging a tree. It also sends a strong message of what kind of King he intends to be. Windsor Castle was earmarked for William and Kate by the late Queen, a lavish venue where she hosted many official events with presidents, prime ministers and other monarchs while in residence there, but that now seems unlikely to even be an official part-time home for the Waleses. It is clear there will be no official audiences invited to Forest Lodge, unlike King Charles and Camillas London home Clarence House which is regularly used to host events for the great and the good, pictures of which are beamed worldwide. Of course William and Kate can use their apartment in Buckingham Palace, refurbished as part of the 369million works on the building paid for by we taxpayers and they still have Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, where staff for their charities are based. William has raised concerns about what kind of monarch he'll be in a world which requires more than the odd snap of Kate hugging a tree The land around Forest Lodge, where the Waleses will have their 'much-needed' privacy But will he and Kates so far underwhelming charitable work his Earthshot Prize offshoot which encourages youngsters to devise ways to save the world or Kates Centre for Early Childhood both woke, worthy and frankly forgettable cut the mustard? Kates passion for childrens early learning hardly compares with Diana walking through landmines to save childrens lives in war-torn African countries. Williams Earthshot Prize is also but a shadow of his fathers The Kings Trust that has helped more than a million young people into employment and businesses. As for how our future King fathoms he could reconcile his own demands for privacy while being the head of one of the last thriving royal dynasties in the world, its not clear. Its not the kind of monarchy his beloved grandmother believed in. Nor his mother Diana who, despite her personal sadness, knew that visibility and glamour were key to keeping the Royal family vibrant and relevant. One things for sure, Prince William has a huge decision to make in the forthcoming years he spends hidden away in Forest Lodge before he ascends to the Crown. Can he step up to the job he was born into and secure the future of the Monarchy? Given his current form I, like so many devout monarchists, have serious doubts. After decades of King William, I fear the Royal family will be just like all other minor European royals: insignificant, unremarkable, occasionally appearing on the inside pages of Hello! magazine and pure vanilla. As the frozen housing market teeters on the edge, Milwaukee remains the strongest metro in the country. Home sales in the Wisconsin city are up 12 percent year-over-year and its prices are up 8.2 percent, according to a new report from Redfin. Buyers are also bidding over the selling price for a typical home in the city. That is a starkly different picture than in the rest of the country, where 33 out of the 50 largest metro areas are seeing price cuts. Sellers are also lowering prices or pulling their homes off the market, spooked by high mortgage rates and mounting insurance premiums. Of the 10 metros where housing markets are holding up best, six are in the Rust Belt. The once-affluent steel manufacturing region suffered decades of decline as factories moved out. However, it is now seeing less out-migration with more individuals and families choosing to stay and make their homes in the city. Part of the reason Milwaukee is faring better than other major cities is that its housing prices are below the national average. Home sales in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, are up 12 percent year-over-year Buyers are increasingly drawn to more affordable areas, especially considering the price of US homes has surged 50 percent since the pandemic. 'Is our market white hot? No. But is it red hot? Yes,' Redfin agent W.J. Eulberg said of Milwaukee. 'Unlike much of the country, Milwaukee is not a buyer's market,' he explained. 'While homes no longer get 15 offers and sell for $80,000 over the asking price like they did during the pandemic, they still get snapped up quickly because we continue to face an inventory shortage.' Eulberg said he recently listed a home for sale in South Milwaukee that had an offer made within three hours of hitting the market. The property sold for around $50,000 more than its $256,000 list price because it was fairly priced, in good shape and in a decent location, he said. The city's proximity to Chicago is a selling point for many buyers, he added. Milwaukee is seeing a shortage of homes for sale due to a variety of factors. Milwaukee is faring better than other major cities as its housing prices are below the national average Real estate agent W.J. Eulberg said the Milwaukee market is red hot Your browser does not support iframes. Many homeowners are hesitant to put their houses on the market because they do not want to lose the ultra-low mortgage rate they scored during the pandemic, which is a trend that rings true across the US. The Midwest and Northeast have also been building fewer homes than the South and West, which are now seeing home prices fall in some areas amid a huge pileup of inventory and dwindling demand. There is also not much room left to build in Milwaukee proper, Eulberg said, and many of the homes that have been built in the area recently are not priced for the typical first-time buyer. Chicago, just a two hour drive from Milwaukee, is the second best housing market in the country, according to Redfin. The Windy City is seeing a drop in inventory and an uptick in speed of sales, which are signs of a resilient market. Rounding out the top 10 list are Philadelphia, Minneapolis, New York, Cincinnati, Detroit, Newark, NJ, Pittsburgh, and Virginia Beach, VA. By contrast all of the fastest-cooling metros are in the Sun Belt. Las Vegas' market is cooling the fastest with home sales down 10.2 percent compared to the same time last year. Inventory is also up a staggering 44.8 percent year-over-year. 'Buyers have more inventory to choose from than they've had in years, so they feel like they can take their time,' Las Vegas realtor Cherra Bergman said. Even when they find a home they really like, they often wait to find something better. 'House hunters are cost-conscious because mortgage rates are high, so many are opting for new-construction homes since builders here are offering great incentives like mortgage-rate buydowns and money toward closing costs in order to offload inventory.' Kanye West's former Malibu mansion, which he previously gutted to a concrete shell, has endured a slew of bad luck as the property was recently put back on the market following the collapse of a $37 million deal. West, who now goes by Ye, purchased the mansion in 2021 after his sensational split from his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian. The mansion's original design, created by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, was stripped when Ye removed the windows, doors, electricity, and plumbing. The property is over 4,000 square feet and has four bedrooms and five baths. It is now listed for $39 million. Bellwood Investments then purchased the property last year with the intention of restoring the home's original architecture. The firm was in contract with Andrew Mazzella, a Montana-based developer from Alaska, but the deal has since collapsed, according to the Wall Street Journal. Bo Belmont, the founder and CEO of Belwood, told the Journal that Mazzella was unable to secure the funding for the transaction. Mazzella denied the accusation, telling the publication that the project required significantly more cash than he initially anticipated. Kanye West's former Malibu mansion (pictured) is back on the market once again after a deal fell through to purchase the gutted mansion Ye, who was formerly known as Kanye West, purchased the Malibu mansion in 2021 and completely gutted it (Pictured: Ye and his wife Bianca Censori at a fashion show in 2024) After Ye's split from Kim Kardashian, he purchased the property and removed the windows, doors, electricity, and plumbing He clarified that although he didn't feel misled by the firm, 'it's been a slow trickle of information over the last four months'. Belmont purchased the property for $21 million, a massive cut from the $57.3 million that Ye bought it for before gutting the mansion. Mazzella then signed a contract in March to purchase the property and expand his development business to Los Angeles. 'Nearly 500 people invested in this iconic Malibu property through Belwood Investments, and its sale marks a major milestone in our efforts to make luxury real estate investments accessible to everyone,' Belmont said in a press release at the time. 'In accepting this strong offer, we're bringing our investors a payday 14 months earlier than expected.' Belwood Investments had previously raised millions from investors to purchase the property and restore it to honor the original architecture before Ye gutted the mansion to a concrete shell. Belmont previously said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times that the goal was to make the mansion 'as though Kanye was never there.' The restoration of the mansion was paused in April after Mazzella signed the contract, but the Montana developer told the Journal that he believed Belwood would continue construction. Bo Belmont, the founder and CEO of Belwood Investments (left) purchased the property last year and was working through a deal with developer Andrew Mazzella (right) Before Kanye stripped the mansion, it featured architecture from renowned Japanese architect, Tadao Ando Belmont said he planned to restore the original design before Ye gutted the mansion The mansion has been completely gutted and is back on the market for a whopping $39 million Belmont said he canceled the contract this summer after Mazzella proposed a revised deal, calling the developer 'nothing more than a cowboy from Montana,' who was 'trying to do something in Malibu,' according to the Journal. He added that the delays have cost the firm over $1 million, and the monthly costs for the property are around $330,000. Mazzella argued that the cancellation was mutual and told Mansion Global that he was still attempting to negotiate a deal for the property. He added that he plans to continue renovation on another Los Angeles mansion and compared his business style, 'to be that of Trump, Musk and Carl Icahn combined.' 'So it's not an easy process,' he added. The Oppenheim Group has listed the property online. Jason Oppenheim and Mauricio Umansky are representing the listing. Belmont said the deal with Mazzella was canceled after he proposed a revised deal, but Mazzella told Mansion Global he hadn't entirely abandoned negotiations The listing was put back on the market by the Oppenheim Group for $39 million Known for selling homes for the rich and famous on Netflix reality show Selling Sunset, Oppenheim also represented Ye when the rapper put the mansion on the market. The realtor confirmed to the Journal that if Mazzella can secure the financing, they will move forward in closing the deal, but are exploring other buyers. According to the listing, the architecture firm Marmol Radziner has been commissioned to restore the original architecture of the home. The Oppenheim Group called the property an 'exceedingly rare architectural achievement that should be seen as a masterful work of art.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the Oppenheim Group, Ye's representation, Mazzella, and Belwood Investments for additional comment. An Air Force veteran who now commands 'space missions' in the Utah desert has said that humans are ready for life on Mars, and it may become a reality by 2030. David Laude, a founding member of the Mars Society, told the Daily Mail everyday Americans are already conducting innovative experiments that may become regular chores for the first colonists in space. The Mars Society was established in 1998 to both educate the public and advocate for future space missions that would explore the solar system. While humans have yet to walk on Mars, Laude and others regularly simulate what astronauts may soon encounter on the Red Planet, carrying out two-week expeditions near Hanksville, Utah. Hidden among the desert canyons, which are extremely similar to the Red Planet, the society's Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) acts like a scientific training facility for those hoping to one day travel through space. Unlike the strict requirements for getting into NASA, Laude said anyone with an interesting experiment they want to test under Mars-like conditions can apply to join an MDRS mission. 'You don't have to have training, but it just makes you more likely to have the requirements,' Laude explained. 'It could be a student, some psychology student wanting to do projects on human factors. That's not uncommon at all. There's been high school students there before.' David Laude (right) seen with another participant at the Mars Society's desert research station in Utah The Mars Desert Research Station (pictured) hosts several 2-week missions each year which carry out Mars-like science experiments Laude said most of the missions take place between October and May. MDRS has three main structures, including a two-story habitat for the crew, a greenhouse for biological research, and a dome-shaped lab for science experiments. There is also an array of solar panels, a collection of small vehicles similar to NASA rovers and tiny telescope observatories for viewing stars over the clear Utah desert sky. The region's extreme aridity, with little rainfall and low humidity, mimics Mars' lifeless environment, where liquid water is practically non-existent. The base's remote location, far from urban areas, helps the Mars Society simulate the isolation of a Martian habitat, recreating the psychological and logistical challenges of planet colonization. The soil in Utah is also rich in iron oxides (giving it a reddish hue), which is chemically and visually similar to Mars. The local environment has helped participants carry out crop research in the improvised greenhouse, recreating the harsh conditions that await astronauts needing to grow food once they reach the Red Planet. The landscape has also come in handy when Laude and others test rovers and go on walks in improvised space gear known as extravehicular activity suits (EVAs). Pictured: Laude and another MDRS participant use a motorized cart to simulate NASA rovers moving across the Martian desert The MDRS has several structures, including a facility where the participants suit up for simulated space walks Mars Society applicants have conducted all sorts of projects here, including using Elon Musk's Starlink system to wirelessly transmit data from the desert back to the MDRS, just like astronauts would need to do while communicating with Earth. Similar to an actual Mars mission, Laude noted that the preparations begin up to 10 months before the applicants head to Utah. 'My role as a commander is organizing, managing, training and developing crew roles, and developing and researching projects,' he said. Part of that job means handing out additional roles for each person at MDRS to fill during their two-week stay, such as a crew engineer and a health and safety officer. The research projects go through an approval process, which gets cleared by the director of the MDRS, Sergii Iakymov, about a month before the mission starts. Laude said humans are currently in a much better position to successfully travel space than they were during the early Moon missions. 'I think [there is] much more reason now to think it could happen in 10 years,' Laude said. 'I think 2030 to 2035. I think that's probably about the earliest I would see humans there. Maybe very late 2020s.' Laude (pictured) simulates a Martian space walk through the Utah desert near the town of Hanksville Participants at MDRS don't need professional credentials to apply to the Mars Society. Having an interesting science project can get you accepted to join the mission The Mars Society mission commander noted that the first missions to the fourth planet will likely involve robots, adding that this would be a 'good next step' because of SpaceX's recent string of explosions while testing its Starship space vehicle. 'Frankly, I don't think they're doing enough engineering and research before they launch,' Laude said. 'They're kind of known for launching and seeing what happens... way more than NASA would.' Unfortunately, Musk and SpaceX may be the only chance humans have of reaching Mars within the next five years due to federal budget cuts to NASA. The Mars Society has already publicly denounced the funding cuts, saying that the group 'stands 100 percent in opposition to this brutal attempt to wreck American space science'. Nearly 4,000 NASA employees have opted to leave the space agency through the Trump administration's deferred resignation program, NASA officials have confirmed. While The Mars Society, a non-profit organization, doesn't work directly with NASA or private companies such as SpaceX, the group has received some financial support from Musk's company. A diver has set a truly breathtaking world record for the longest time spent holding his breath underwater. Croatian freediver Vitomir Maricic spent 29 minutes and three seconds submerged in water on a single breath. That set the Guinness World Record for the 'longest time breath held voluntarily underwater', smashing the previous record by almost five minutes. During his half-hour feat, Mr Maricic held his breath for twice the length of a bottlenose dolphin's longest recorded dive. In fact, that incredible achievement puts Mr Maricic on par with a harbour seal. Harbour seals can exchange 90 per cent of the air in their lungs with one breath, compared to only 20 per cent in humans. So, to compete with nature's freedivers, Mr Maricic used pure oxygen to purge his blood of excess nitrogen. He breathed pure oxygen for 10 minutes before holding his breath, bringing his blood oxygen levels to five times the normal limit. A freediver has set a new world record for holding their breath underwater, lasting a shocking 29 minutes and three seconds on a single breath Croatian freediver Vitomir Maricic broke the world record for the longest time spent underwater on a single breath, smashing the previous record by more than four minutes On June 14, Mr Maricic lay down in a three-metre pool inside the Bristol Hotel in Opatija, Croatia, in front of five official judges and some 100 spectators. Before trying to hold his breath, he used a tank of pure oxygen to undergo a process called denitrogenation. Typically, the lungs of a healthy adult hold about 450ml of usable oxygen because oxygen only makes up about 21 per cent of the air we breathe. Breathing pure oxygen means that the lungs can take in around three litres of oxygen with every breath, washing nitrogen out of the blood and supercharging it with oxygen. That not only filled his red blood cells with as much oxygen as possible, but also dissolved oxygen into his blood plasma - something that cannot happen under normal circumstances. In a medical setting, doctors might use this technique to expand an unconscious patient's 'safe apnea time' - the amount of time someone can safely go without breathing. Here, Mr Maricic used the same principle to massively enhance his ability to hold his breath. However, even with the assistance of pure oxygen, holding your breath for half an hour is still a superhuman achievement. Vitomir Maricic (pictured) held his breath for more than twice as long as a bottlenose dolphin by breathing pure oxygen ten minutes prior to the challenge The longest someone has held their breath With oxygen assistance Vitomir Maricic: 29 mins 3 secs Budimir Sobat: 24 mins and 37 secs David Blaine: 17 mins 4 secs Without oxygen assistance (male) Stephane Mifsud: 11 mins 35 secs Tom Sietas: 10 mins 12 secs Herbert Nitsh: 9 mins 4 secs Without oxygen assistance (female) Heike Schwerdtner: 9 mins 22 secs Natalia Molchanova: 9 mins 2 secs Lotta Ericson: 6 mins 31 secs Advertisement In most people, the safe apnea time with pure oxygen is still only eight minutes - less than a third of the time Mr Maricic went without a breath. The previous record for an oxygen-assisted breath hold was set by fellow-Croatian Budimir Sobat, who held his breath for 24 minutes and 37 seconds. Before that, the record had been set by the magician David Blaine, who held his breath for 17 minutes and four seconds during a live broadcast on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Going further requires intense levels of mental control and the use of techniques that slow down the body's oxygen consumption. Harbour seals, for example, are able to slow their heartbeats from 100 beats per minute to just 10 while underwater. In a post on Instagram, Mr Maricic says: 'It's not about how much you inhale, it's about how little you need. No panic, no thoughts, just silence. That's how you make it to 29.' Mr Maricic also warns that this record is not something most people should attempt to repeat. 'This is a very advanced stunt done after years of professional training and should not be attempted without proper guidance and safety. O2 and CO2 toxicity can be lethal,' he wrote on Instagram. Without the use of oxygen, Mr Maricic record for holding his breath stands at 10 minutes and eight seconds. He also has the world record for longest walk under water on a single breath at 107 metres The first record for an oxygen-assisted breath hold was set by the magician David Blaine, who held his breath for 17 minutes during a live recording of The Oprah Winfrey Show Breathing pure oxygen can lead to a condition called oxygen toxicity, which can lead to dizziness, confusion, and convulsions. Taking supplemental oxygen before diving also increases the risk of blacking out while underwater, since it allows more time for CO2 to build up in the bloodstream. This can lead to carbon dioxide toxicity, which causes difficulty breathing, vomiting, and blackouts. Mr Maricic said: 'Do have in mind, diving with pure O2 can be dangerous and even fatal.' Archaeologists believe they have found a bathhouse that once belonged to the Roman lawyer and statesman Cicero. The remains of the ancient baths were found beneath the water in the sunken city of Baiae, on the coast of the Bay of Naples. Divers discovered an ornate mosaic 10 feet (three metres) below the waves, in an area which was once home to the harbour of Portus Julius. This is the location where ancient sources claim Cicero had his villa, which slipped into the sea sometime around the fourth century AD. Located 150 miles south of the capital, Baiae was once a thriving spa town where Rome's richest and most powerful citizens would come to escape the summer heat and enjoy the area's mineral-rich waters. In a post on Facebook, the Phlegraean Fields Archaeological Park wrote: 'The hypothesis, currently being explored, is that we may be looking at the Baths of Cicero's villa, known from sources.' The mosaic floor would have once sat on an advanced Roman heating system, turning the room into a sauna, or laconicum. Archaeologists found that the network of tubes and pillars which pumped the hot air evenly through the bath was still intact after almost two millennia underwater. Archaeologists believe they may have found the lost villa of Roman statesman and lawyer Cicero, around 2,000 years after it was lost Cicero (pictured) is remembered as Rome's greatest orator and lawyer, rising to prominence for his defence of the Roman Republic during the civil wars, which would give culminate in the assassination of Julius Caesar Your browser does not support iframes. Dating back to the second century BC, Baiae was already a popular holiday destination for the Roman elite, with the poet Livy praising the waters' healing properties. By the first century BC, Baiae had become the ancient equivalent of Monte Carlo and was a renowned hub of pleasure and vice. Characters such as Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Nero flocked to the town to flaunt their wealth, have affairs, and host decadent, non-stop parties. Baiae was soon so synonymous with indulgence and sin that the poet Sextus Propertius described it as a 'vortex of luxury' and a 'harbour of vice'. In one notorious episode, the mad emperor Caligula ordered a three-mile (5 km) floating bridge to be built so he could ride his horse across the bay. However, the town began to sink beneath the water as a process called volcanic bradyseism, where volcanic activity causes the land to rise or fall, pushed the bay below sea level. By the fourth century AD, much of the city was 13 to 20 feet (4-6 metres) underwater, leaving behind one of the country's best preserved archaeological parks. Following its discovery in the 1940s, archaeologists have been slowly excavating more of the lost ruins of the Roman Empire's Sin City. Divers uncovered the remains of an ornate mosaic 10 feet beneath the water in the sunken Roman city of Baiae Dating back to the second century BC, Baiae was already a popular holiday destination for the Roman elite, with the poet Livy praising the waters' healing properties. It soon became the premier party destination for the Roman elite. Pictured: Artist's impression of Baiae These mosaics would have once been the floor of a heating system used to pump air into a type of Roman sauna called a laconicum Baiae: Rome's Sin City Located 150 miles south of the capital, Baiae was the Roman Empire's premier party town. Due to its sulfur-rich waters, the town had long been renowned as a spa location. By the first century BC, Rome's political elite were making summer trips to the town to escape the heat and flaunt their wealth. The town became synonymous with decadence, indulgence, and non-stop partying. However, the same waters which made the town famous were its eventual downfall as volcanic activity plunged the city into the water. Advertisement In 2023, divers discovered an intact mosaic floor, supported by small brick pillars and surrounded by ceramic fragments. The baths form part of a wider network of rooms, pools, and service corridors that served the Roman elite. Having now completed their documentation of the site, archaeologists believe these are the remains of Cicero's long-lost villa. Marcus Tullius Cicero, born in 106 BC, was a famous scholar and lawyer from the last days of the Roman Republic. During his life, he vainly fought to uphold Rome's republican values as the city plunged into civil war from which the Empire would be born. Following the assassination of Julius Caesar, Cicero attempted to use Caesar's adopted son, Octavian, to hold onto power. However, Octavian turned on Cicero and had him executed in December of 43 BC. Contemporary sources note that Cicero had a villa in Baiae where he would holiday while not in Rome, but the exact location has since been lost to time. The researchers also found fragments of paintings and ceramics, which could reveal whether this really is Cicero's lost villa Contemporary sources say that Cicero had a villa in Baiae, but the villa, along with the rest of the city, was lost when volcanic activity caused it to sink in the Bay of Naples during the fourth century Researchers called the work 'tantalising' but say that more investigation will be needed to say for certain whether this truly is Cicero's villa. The researchers wrote: 'Of particular note are the ceramic materials recovered during the excavationand currently being studiedwhich appear to offer important insights into both the construction and destruction of the site. Work on restoring the bath complex, particularly the mosaic floors and fragments of paintings, will commence in the autumn. A member of the research team added: 'The discovery not only highlights the daily life of the Roman elite but also enhances our understanding of the social and cultural structure of that era.' Millions of Americans are being urged to prepare as Hurricane Erin moves up the East Coast over the Atlantic Ocean. Although the storm is not expected to make landfall, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts are facing significant coastal threats. Hatteras Island in North Carolina has been evacuated ahead of the hurricane, and the Outer Banks have declared a state of emergency. Flood warnings are in effect through Thursday for parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, with two to seven inches of rain expected. Erin is set to generate towering 20-foot waves and dangerous rip currents along the East Coast, even while tracking roughly 200 miles offshore. The National Hurricane Center warned Tuesday morning that tropical storm conditions and coastal flooding are possible in the North Carolina Outer Banks starting late Wednesday, and strong winds could impact the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England through Friday. Beachgoers and coastal residents are urged to follow guidance from lifeguards, local authorities and posted warning flags. Forecasters said Erin is growing in size, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 80 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds stretching 205 miles, putting more areas at risk. Your browser does not support iframes. Hurricane Erin was about 665 miles southwest of Bermuda and 720 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras on Tuesday morning, moving northwest at a slow 7mph In Georgia, flood warnings affect Burke, Emanuel, Jenkins and Screven counties. Central and eastern North Carolina, including Edgecombe County and the Outer Banks, face flash flooding with two to six inches of rain. South Carolina's coastal and low-country regions, including Charleston and Horry counties, are under warnings, worsened by saturated soils and potential storm surge. New Jersey currently has no active coastal flood advisories, but heavy rainfall and potential storm surge continue to pose a risk. A high danger of rip currents is in effect for all beaches through Wednesday evening. Waves are expected to rise from four to six feet today, eight feet by Wednesday and 10 to 12 feet by Thursday. Several towns, including Wildwood, have closed beaches, while Avalon temporarily closed a road due to wind-driven waves. South-facing Long Island beaches, along with Cape Cod and Nantucket in Massachusetts, could see six- to nine-foot waves near shore and 12 to 15 feet offshore, with dangerous rip currents and minor tidal flooding. Puerto Rico experienced major flooding due to teh storm, which forecasters warn could be the same for several US states over the next few days Hatteras Island in North Carolina has been evacuated ahead of the hurricane, and the Outer Banks have declared a state of emergency Southeast Virginia, including Norfolk and Virginia Beach, is at risk of moderate coastal flooding. Early Tuesday, an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter plane measured winds of around 111 mph in Erin's center. Combined with satellite data, forecasters estimate winds of about 115 mph, though the NHC cautions this may be slightly generous. 'There are mixed signals on Erin's future intensity,' the NHC said. 'More favorable environmental shear and upper-level divergence in 2436 hours could allow some re-intensification, but Erin's slow motion and large size may bring cooler water to the surface, limiting significant strengthening.' One key update is that Erin continues to grow in size, with tropical-storm-force winds now extending closer to the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts later this week. Beachgoers and coastal residents are urged to follow guidance from lifeguards, local authorities and posted warning flags The hurricane was about 665 miles southwest of Bermuda and 720 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras on Tuesday morning, moving northwest at a slow 7mph. A tropical storm warning remains in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands, where government services have been suspended, some ports closed, and residents ordered to stay home. Residents along the East Coast are urged to stay alert over the coming days as heavy surf, rip currents, and coastal flooding continue to threaten life and property. A 1,400-year-old plaque depicting a cross reshapes the understanding of how far east Christianity spread. Archaeologists working at Abu Dhabis Sir Bani Yas Island uncovered the artifact that features a stepped pyramid representing Golgotha, where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, and leaves sprouting from its base. It was found among the ruins of a church and monastery, suggesting a Christian community flourished on the island during the seventh and eighth centuries. Christianity during this period was typically associated with the Levant, Mesopotamia and parts of Europe, making the discovery of a thriving community on a southeastern Arabian Gulf island both unexpected and historically significant. At the same time, the region was undergoing profound religious change as Islam was rising and spreading rapidly across Arabia, while older pagan traditions lingered and Christianity was thought to be fading. However, the presence of a flourishing Christian settlement here challenges that assumption. Maria Gajewska, lead archaeologist at the site, said: 'Every element of the cross incorporates regional motifs. 'It tells us that Christianity in this region was not only present but flourished, adapting visually to its local context. We had settlements of Christians that were not just existing but were clearly thriving.' The 1,400-year-old cross was unearthed in Abu Dhabi, suggesting Christianity spread much farther than previously believed Archaeologists uncovered remains of buildings that stood in the area more than 1,000 years ago Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, called the discovery 'a powerful testament to the UAE's profound and enduring values of coexistence and cultural openness,' adding that the find highlights a history of peaceful religious diversity in the region. The excavations this season also uncovered pottery, glass artifacts and a small sea-green bottle that may have held oil or rosewater. The cross is about 10.6 inches long, 6.7 inches wide, and roughly 0.8 inches thick. Archaeologists believe it could have been an object of veneration and placed on a wall with worshippers kneeling before it. Hager Al Menhali, an Emirati archaeologist at the department, told The National: The plaster was resting face down and something about it caught my attention.' She added that a 'distinct fingerprint on the back,' speculating it was left by the person who crafted the stucco plaque. Future studies will include radiocarbon dating and further exploration of the courtyard houses, which could eventually be incorporated into a broader visitor trail. 'These discoveries deepen our connection to the past and inspire future generations to embrace the spirit of unity and mutual respect that has long defined our community,' Al Mubarak said. It was found among the ruins of a church and monastery, suggesting a Christian community flourished on the island during the seventh and eighth centuries Evidence from the excavation suggested that senior monks may have lived in the courtyard buildings, walking to the church for services or using the spaces for spiritual retreats. The well-built structures, made of limestone and coral with cisterns for water, indicate a comfortable existence rather than a purely hermitic life. The Christian community belonged to the Church of the East, a branch that stretched from the Middle East to China. The Sir Bani Yas discovery offers a rare glimpse into how Christianity not only survived but expanded eastward, linking Arabian Gulf communities into the wider story of the faiths spread toward India and Asia. Evidence of a church and monastery on Sir Bani Yas, dating to the seventh and eighth centuries, was first uncovered in the early 1990s, Another monastery, likely linked to the same church, was discovered on an island in Umm Al Quwain in 2022. Similar sites have also been identified in Kuwait, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Archaeologists are still investigating why the Sir Bani Yas settlement declined. The church is believed to have been fragmenting before the rise of Islam, troubled by internal schisms as rival branches sought independence. However, evidence suggests that early Christian and Islamic communities in the region communicated and traded peacefully. So far, no external event has been identified as the cause of the sites abandonment. What is striking, archaeologists said, is that the buildings appear unusually clean, with little sign of collapse or rubble. This suggested the residents may have left intentionally, planning to return, rather than being forced out by disaster or conflict. Hurricane Erin has intensified as it barrels north over the Atlantic Ocean, bringing dangerous conditions to the US East Coast over the next several days. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a Storm Surge Warning for the North Carolina coastline from Cape Lookout to Duck, warning of life-threatening flooding from rising waters moving inland. Tropical Storm Warnings are in effect from Beaufort Inlet to Duck, with conditions expected within the next 36 hours, and a Tropical Storm Watch is in place north of Duck to Cape Charles Light, Virginia. Officials caution that the storm surge, combined with high waves, could lead to significant beach erosion, overwash and impassable roads. Life-threatening surf and rip currents are also expected along beaches from the Bahamas to the Mid-Atlantic, including Bermuda and parts of Atlantic Canada. Beachgoers are urged to follow local warnings, lifeguard instructions and evacuation orders if issued. The hurricanes size continues to grow, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 80 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds reaching as far as 230 miles. Erin is expected to accelerate as it moves northeast into the mid-latitude westerlies by Thursday. The National Hurricane Center has issued storm warnings in several states as Erin moves north over the Atlantic Ocean While forecasters remain confident the center of the monster storm will remain far offshore, the outer edges are likely to bring damaging tropical-force winds, large swells and life-threatening rip currents. The NHC said at 2pm on Tuesday: 'Large Hurricane Erin now moving north-northwestwardlife-threatening rip currents expected along US East Coast beaches.' Maximum sustained winds are near 105mph and the agency noted that fluctuations in strength are possible over the next few days. Warnings about rip currents have been posted from Florida to the New England coast, but the biggest threat is along the barrier islands of North Carolinas Outer Banks, where evacuations have been ordered. The Outer Banks of North Carolina could also see heavy rain Wednesday night into Thursday, with 1 to 2 inches likely and a local maximum of 4 inches. Tropical storm conditions are expected in parts of the Outer Banks starting late Wednesday, and could affect areas north of Duck, North Carolina, up to Cape Charles Light by Thursday. The NHC's alert noted that water levels could rise 2 to 4 feet above ground along the North Carolina coast from Cape Lookout to Duck. 'The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline,' the agency said. Beachgoers are urged to follow local warnings, lifeguard instructions and evacuation orders if issued. PICTURED: Red flags, indicating swimming is prohibited, have been raised at the beach in Duck, North Carolina where tropical storm conditions are expected 'The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide,' the NHC shared. 'Erin is a large hurricane. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 230 miles,' the NHC said. The agency added that Swells generated by Erin will affect the Bahamas, Bermuda, the east coast of the US and Atlantic Canada during the next several days. 'These rough ocean conditions are expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents,' the NHC said. Warnings about rip currents have been posted from Florida to the New England coast, but the biggest threat is along the barrier islands of North Carolinas Outer Banks, where evacuations have been ordered (PICTURED) South Carolina's coastal and low-country regions, including Charleston and Horry counties, are under warnings, worsened by saturated soils and potential storm surge. New Jersey currently has no active coastal flood advisories, but heavy rainfall and potential storm surge continue to pose a risk. A high danger of rip currents is in effect for all beaches through Wednesday evening. Waves are expected to rise from four to six feet today, eight feet by Wednesday and 10 to 12 feet by Thursday. Several towns, including Wildwood, have closed beaches, while Avalon temporarily closed a road due to wind-driven waves. South-facing Long Island beaches, along with Cape Cod and Nantucket in Massachusetts, could see six- to nine-foot waves near shore and 12 to 15 feet offshore, with dangerous rip currents and minor tidal flooding. Southeast Virginia, including Norfolk and Virginia Beach, is at risk of moderate coastal flooding. One key update is that Erin continues to grow in size, with tropical-storm-force winds now extending closer to the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England coasts later this week. Norways Princess Ingrid Alexandra showed her common touch as she was spotted hunting for bargains in a clothes store in Sydney, Australia, at the weekend. The future queen may be able to trace her descent from one of the world's most affluent monarchies, with an estimated net worth of millions of dollars, but that didn't stop her enjoying a low-budget outing in the Antipodean city. The 21-year-old, who is studying at the University of Sydney, was spotted perusing the vintage racks and with some girlfriends, looking very casual in sweatpants and a tank top. Outing: Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, 21, embraced her thriftier side over the weekend as she went shopping in Newtown, Sydney Looking like any other shopper, Ingrid added a satchel purse, blue sweater, white sneakers and a pair of shades to her off-duty look, adding gold stud earrings and several chunky rings. Embracing student life, the thrifty princess was seen sifting through several stores and picking out some pre-loved pieces, including a cozy-looking red sweatshirt. The royal was also spotted visiting Mitre 10, where she picked up a packet of Blu-Tack, as she was seen joking around and hugging her gal pals on the street. Ingrid, who is second in line to the throne after her father, arrived in Australia in July. She posed on campus for a series of photos that she uploaded to Instagram. Ingrid said in a statement: 'I'm looking forward to starting my studies at the University of Sydney. 'It will be exciting to become a student, and I'm looking forward to gaining new perspectives on both European and international politics. I'm sure that I will learn a lot.' She marked the occasion with images taken around what appeared to be the University of Sydney campus. Thrifty: The royal was spotted perusing the vintage racks with some girlfriends, looking very casual in sweatpants and a tank top She completed her casual ensemble with a satchel purse, a blue sweater, white sneakers and a pair of shades on her head Bargains: She was seen sifting through several stores and picking out some pre-loved pieces, including a cozy-looking red sweatshirt Family: Ingrid descends from one of the world's most affluent monarchies, boasting a net worth estimated in the millions Her parents, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, also joined her in Sydney earlier this month. Ingrid's decision to move to Australia to continue her studies came after she embarked on military training at the Engineer Battalion in Brigade Nord last year. Ingrid is the granddaughter of Norways reigning monarch, 88-year-old King Harald V, and stands second in line to the throne, following her father, Crown Prince Haakon, 52. She marks a milestone in Norways history as the first female heir. The monarchy's wealth is believed to be around $30million. Items: The Royal was also spotted visiting Mitre 10, where she picked up a packet of Blu-Tack, perhaps to use while decorating her new university dorm room Relaxed and normal: Ingrid looked like any other shopper Friends: At one stage, Ingrid was seen joking around and hugging her gal pals on the street New life: Ingrid, who is second in line to the throne after her father, arrived in Australia in July She said: 'I'm looking forward to starting my studies at the University of Sydney A major American airline is facing a class action lawsuit for selling seats without windows to plane passengers in California. The lawsuit accuses United Airlines of misleading customers by advertising a window seat without a window being present - and charging passengers extra for it. The plaintiff claims the practice counts as false advertising and a violation of passenger rights. They also demanded the airline compensate all California passengers who were forced to pay an extra fee for a windowless window seat in the past four years. The issue with windowless seats being sold as window seats often arises from misaligned windows and cabin panels, as reported by Top Class Actions. Many planes do not have windows installed in every row, most notably in seats that are located next to a cabin sidewall. On United Airlines aircraft, these seats are normally found in rows that fall between two windows, which in turn leaves a blank wall. Internal structures, such as air conditioning ducts, wiring and joints, can also interfere with spaces that require a window. A new lawsuit filed in California accuses United Airlines of misleading customers by advertising a window seat without a window being present - and charging them extra for it The main problem United currently faces is that its online seating chart does not inform passengers of seats that are missing windows. Only once passengers board and locate their seats do they find themselves staring at a wall for the remainder of the flight, despite unknowingly shelling out extra to secure a 'window' seat. It's widely known that United charges passengers for seat assignments - even those flying standard economy are often required to dole out at least $24 (17) extra for Economy Plus or 'preferred' seating. While aisle and middle seats have clear definitions - with aisle being located next to the aisle and middle being between the two - window seats are generally defined as any seat that is not a middle or aisle. The lawsuit might be targeting United practices in California, but it's a known industrywide issue. Should the suit gain momentum, it could force United to re-design its entire seating plan, with flags or disclaimers added to clearly highlight to passengers where windowless seats are located. It could also lead to a domino effect of suits being filed against other airlines, as many major carriers continue to advertise window seats as those with windows. Meanwhile, United Airlines has quietly resumed charging single passengers more than those travelling in pairs or groups. On United Airlines aircraft, windowless seats are normally found in rows that fall between two windows, which in turn leaves a blank wall The controversial policy, dubbed the 'single tax' by its critics, was exposed by a consumer rights website earlier this year. An investigation by Thrifty Traveler found that United, Delta and American were all charging solo fliers higher fares for the same route than those who booked two tickets or more together. After the report sparked backlash, United and Delta promised to scrap the pricing model and charge the same rates for singles and couples. American Airlines, however, kept the policy. Now United the US's largest airline has gone back on its promise, according to an analysis by The Economist. It is once again charging weekday solo travelers a premium on at least 8 percent of its flights. United Airlines has been contacted for comment by the Daily Mail. As a sex columnist, I've seen it all. Swinging, cheating, cuckolding, orgasm communes, 'chemsex'. You name it, I've written about it. Nothing shocks me anymore. And I'm not judgmental, either (can you imagine if I was?!) As a rule, my view on sex is this: if you're two consenting adults - go for it. But there's one thing that really, really gives me the ick. Sex tourism. And, in particular, that particular type of sex tourism involving older white men from countries like the UK, US and Australia disappearing to Asia to find younger wives. Sure, it's not a crime, but it just feels so damn seedy. You know the type - there are viral TikTok accounts dedicated to them. They're at the Bangkok bars with receding hairlines, beer bellies and loud tropical shirts. And, somehow, they are never short of local female company. Women employed at Nie's bar in Thailand's Hua Hin District can expect to make about 300 Thai Bhat (about AU$14.50) each night If you were glued to The White Lotus like I was, you'll know them as LBHs, or 'Losers Back Home'. They're nothing special in their home town, but fancy themselves as gods in Thailand, where local women cling to them, typically out of financial despair. But these aren't just sleazy holiday flings with men old enough to know better. I spent the last week speaking to the shattered ex-wives and adult children of these men who vanished from suburbia and popped up in Bangkok or Phuket - reborn as playboys, their arms draped over women young enough to be their daughters. Free from the burdens of bills, jobs and 'nagging' wives, these paunchy bores are treated like royalty abroad. Addressed as 'sir,' their money buys them youth, adulation and compliance. Meanwhile, the women left behind are selling furniture to keep the lights on, while their children grieve for a father who is still very much alive. It's sex tourism dressed up as 'true love'. And if you think that sounds dramatic, I suggest you brace yourselves before you read what some families have told me. 'He gave my engagement ring to a bar girl' This harrowing story comes from a woman whose husband had been flying back and forth to Thailand after falling in love with a much younger woman. DailyMail+ columnist Jana Hocking spoke to several women who revealed the shocking fallout of having their husbands and fathers 'retire' to Asia to shack up with much younger women 'I noticed my engagement ring was missing from the dish on my bedside table. I asked my husband, and he said he had taken it to be resized because it looked loose. I wanted to believe him, because he knows how much that ring means to me and I have always tried to be a trusting person. 'But two weeks later, my sister sent me a photo that had been doing the rounds on Facebook. 'My husband was in a bar in Thailand, his arm around a young woman who looked about 20. She had one hand lifted to the camera and my diamond was on her finger. 'When I confronted my husband, he didn't deny it. He told me she appreciated him in a way I never did, and that she deserved something beautiful. He packed up his things and booked a one-way ticket back to Thailand. 'I spent the next week in bed, bawling my eyes out. Not because of the ring, although that hurt, but because I finally understood what he'd chosen. He'd chosen the version of himself that exists far away from school assemblies and electricity bills. 'I've since heard from his former best friend that when he went back he couldn't track her down. Yes, she had duped him out of my diamond. He wasn't heartbroken for long, as he has since moved on to another young woman. 'I hope the same thing happens all over again.' The parcel on the doorstep An adult daughter shared the heartbreaking moment she discovered her father had a baby with his much younger Thai partner. 'When my dad moved to Bangkok after divorcing my mum, he still made small gestures to suggest we were in his thoughts. He sent postcards and cheap T-shirts from the markets. 'When the phone calls dwindled and eventually stopped, the parcels still arrived, and I clung to them as proof he hadn't forgotten us. 'One afternoon, a delivery driver dropped off a box at Mum's house. Dad had never updated his postal details, so packages for him still arrived there. Mum texted him, and he told us to open it and keep the contents until his next trip home. 'We opened it, and inside were tiny baby clothes. Nestled on top was a note that said: "For little Mali, all my love, Dad." 'That was the moment we found out he had fathered another child with his much younger Thai girlfriend. 'There had been no phone call and no attempt to explain himself. We then trawled through Facebook and found the proof: a photo of him cradling her bump. 'Turns out our Dad had become a cliche of every older man who moves to Thailand. I've never met his partner - or my half-sister, for that matter - and I don't plan on ever speaking to him again. 'I would rather say my father passed away then admit to anyone that he moved to Thailand to start a family with a younger woman, without even having the decency to tell us.' How the house disappeared A divorced woman reveals how she lost her marital home to her husband's dodgy investment in his Asian partner's karaoke lounge. 'When our divorce was finalised, the consent orders stated that the family home was to remain in my name. It was the last stable thing for the kids. Their school was around the corner, and it had a backyard big enough for our three dogs. 'Six months later the bank called to say the loan on the house had fallen into arrears. I thought there had been a clerical error. Then I opened an envelope that explained what had happened. 'Before the settlement, my then-husband had quietly redrawn almost all the available equity on the mortgage. The repayments jumped. I took on extra shifts, but it wasn't enough and the lender forced us to sell. 'When I asked my ex where the money went, he admitted his partner overseas was opening a karaoke lounge and needed start-up costs. 'He said it as casually as if he were discussing a stock purchase. I packed our lives into boxes and moved the kids into a rental. 'It was the most honest moment of the whole marriage, in a way. It showed me exactly where our family sat in his list of priorities.' 'He's my husband now' A cruel Facebook message was how this woman's mother first learned of her husband's secret life overseas. 'Dad had been going to Thailand more and more, always saying it was "business", though none of us really knew what he did, just that he worked in exports. 'My mother was old school, in the sense that she never really asked questions, just let him do his thing. 'One night, we were watching TV when Mum's phone pinged. It was a Facebook message from a woman she did not know. She opened it to find a wedding photo: a young woman in a cheap white dress, and beside her, Dad in a suit, grinning like a tourist. The caption said: "He is my husband now." 'Mum didn't really say much at first. She looked confused more than anything. She handed me the phone and just said, "Is this some kind of joke?" But it wasn't. 'That was how she found out he'd gone off and married someone else overseas, without even telling her he was leaving. 'She looked like she couldn't quite process it. Later, she kept saying things like, "Why didn't he just tell me?" and, "How long has this been going on?" It was heartbreaking for her, but for the rest of the family it was humiliating. 'That photo did more damage than any argument ever could. It wasn't just that he'd moved on, it was that he'd publicly declared a whole new life, and let a stranger be the one to break the news to us. None of us has spoken to him since.' My brother's shocking act This story took my breath away. It was about a brother - not a husband or father - and how his reckless sex tourism in Thailand put a strain on their entire family. 'I'll never forget the day I got a Facebook message from a young Thai woman I'd never met. Her English wasn't perfect, but the photos she attached made everything clear: she was pregnant and the father was my brother. 'At first, I thought it had to be a scam. Then I saw the photo of him with his arm around her, smiling like he was 20 again (he was 48). 'She explained they'd been together for months and that he'd told her he wanted a baby, specifically a son, to carry on the family name. He'd convinced her it was her ticket to security, that she'd be looked after for life if she gave him what he wanted. 'The end of the message was awful: "He say if baby is boy, he come back. If girl, no." Then she sent an ultrasound that was clearly a daughter. 'My brother disappeared on her. No more contact or money. He'd chased this fantasy of fathering a son overseas, and the second it didn't play out the way he wanted, he abandoned her and the baby completely. 'She begged me to speak to him, to make him take responsibility. She told me she couldn't face her own family without support, that they were ashamed of her. 'I couldn't comprehend how this man was my brother - the uncle who once read bedtime stories to my children. How could he be so cruel? 'Once we gathered all the proof we needed, my family ended up sending the woman money and have kept in contact. My brother still refuses to accept responsibility. He's now estranged from the family.' A view of the neon lights of Soi Cowboy, a famous red-light street of Bangkok The lottery win An unexpected windfall should have set this Australian family up for life. Instead, it planted the seeds of selfishness in a once-devoted family man. 'My husband and I were struggling with bills, juggling jobs, and raising our three-year-old when everything suddenly clicked into place. He won $500,000 in the lottery! For a week, I dreamt of paying off the mortgage, setting up our daughter's future, maybe even finally taking a family holiday. 'But instead of celebrating with us, he disappeared. 'A few weeks later, I found out through my mother-in-law that he had flown to Thailand, where he'd "married" a woman half his age in a traditional ceremony. He cut me and our daughter off completely. 'While he lives it up overseas, we're stuck scraping together rent. Our little girl still asks why Daddy doesn't come home. He chose to live like a king overseas instead.' The embassy call We end with an extremely satisfying story of a smug man who wanted to live like a king - only to end up the joker of the pack. 'My ex-husband announced to our family over lunch one day that he was moving to Asia because, in his words, women there "understand men". He bought himself new linen shirts and a gold chain, and told anyone who would listen that he'd never felt freer. 'About a year later, someone from the Australian embassy rang me. My ex had overstayed his visa, been detained, and needed someone to pay a fine so he could leave the country. His partner had taken all his money and gone. 'The consular officer asked whether I could assist because I was still listed as his next of kin. I smiled and told her that chapter was closed.' In conclusion So let's call it what it is: cowardice. These men don't move to Asia because they want romance; they go because no woman their own age will tolerate their nonsense. They trade in responsibility for cheap beer and the illusion of reclaimed youth, leaving their wives and ex-wives with the burden of paying bills and raising the family left behind. As for their own children, many never recover from the trauma of it all. And while they might fancy themselves kings in those red-lit Bangkok bars, the reality is this: these men are little more than ageing wallets for vulnerable women. They're neither admired nor respected - they are just a ticket out of poverty. And if these blokes end up getting fleeced, frankly, they deserve it. A plane passenger was left shaken up after spotting 'worrying' damage on his window on a Ryanair flight to Ibiza. Aarron Greaves, 32, from St Helens, Merseyside, had been travelling to the popular party hotspot from Manchester when he noticed a crack on the inner part of the window next to his seat. Despite raising the issue with cabin crew, he was reassured that there was nothing to worry about. Aarron captured the moment by taking a photo of himself lightheartedly poking his finger through the exposed plastic panel. Airplane windows are made of multiple parts, and often they'll consist of three panes of acrylic glass. The outer and middle panes are designed to withstand cabin pressure, while the inner pane is not deemed structural and instead acts as a scratch protector, according to Air Horizont. Aarron said: 'Everyone was scared and no one wanted to sit near it. I saw the crack after opening the window, so it was already there when I got on the plane. 'The crew came over and told us that an engineer had checked and it is structurally sound, but they didn't say how it happened.' Aarron Greaves, 32, from St Helens, Merseyside, had been travelling to Ibiza from Manchester when he noticed a crack on the inner part of the window next to his seat Despite raising the issue with cabin crew, he was reassured that there was nothing to worry about Aarron captured the moment by taking a photo of himself lightheartedly poking his finger through the exposed plastic panel Though the holidaymaker admitted he had been 'pretty worried,' he was relieved that the flight landed with no problems and he was able to continue to go on about his trip, as reported by Daily Record. Ryanair told the Daily Mail: 'We note that the window reveal (which is used only to protect the window from scratches) was found to be damaged and has since been replaced.' Meanwhile, one horrified easyJet passenger caught a couple breaking both rules after she saw a man 'picking dirt from under his partner's toenails' during a flight. Erin Butcher was flying home from a seven-day family holiday in Tenerife but was shocked to notice a woman's bare feet propped up on a tray table. The 27-year-old was then left 'disgusted' after she noticed a man appearing to pick at her French pedicure toenails before 'flicking bits of dirt' to the floor and over the seats. Whether it's complimentary snacks, a hot meal or even just a simple sandwich, airline passengers are being urged to avoid eating on planes. Influencer Kashif Khan, @kashkhanofficial, shared his thoughts on tucking into a meal mid-flight to his 873,000 followers. He claims airplane food contains artificial flavours and additives, to compensate for the lack of sensitivity passengers experience in their taste buds when thousands of feet high. The reduction in sensitivity is thought to be caused by the lack of moisture on planes as well as the lower air pressure. Kashif explains in a video: 'Don't eat on an airplane, even if it's free. I'm going to tell you why. 'Here's something most people don't know, at 30,000 feet, your taste buds lose about 30% of their sensitivity. And this 2010 study proves it.' Whether it's complimentary snacks, a hot meal or even just a simple sandwich, airline passengers are being urged to avoid eating on planes Influencer Kashif Khan, @kashkhanofficial, shared his thoughts on tucking into a meal mid-flight to his 873,000 followers The influencer went on to share his thoughts on what airlines add to in-flight food. He adds, 'So airlines compensate by loading your food with artificial flavours, salt, and additives. Just so it doesn't taste like cardboard. 'We're talking MSG, sodium nitrite, carrageenan in nearly every meal.' Kashif explains how the added ingredients make travellers think the food tastes better, but can actually end up causing them to feel worse health-wise. 'It's tricking your brain into thinking it tastes good,' he continues. 'And because of the dry cabin air and low oxygen, your digestion slows way down.' He went on to reveal the impact such food can have on the gut and overall body. Kashif says: 'That food just sits in your gut, ferments and gets you bloated. 'That's one of the reasons people feel so awful during and even after a flight.' He claims airplane food contains artificial flavours and additives, to compensate for the lack of sensitivity passengers experience in their taste buds when thousands of feet high The reduction in sensitivity is thought to be caused by the lack of moisture on planes as well as the lower air pressure However, some disagreed with Kashif in the comments, and one penned: 'Never once felt like this after eating in business class.' Another added: 'Unless you are flying [a] few times a week and eating every time, I think it's okay to eat there. 'We just flew from LA to Tokyo and then back from Singapore and we were fed twice on those flights. How do you even survive long flights without eating on a plane.' Though others agreed with the message, one said: 'I'll eat before and after then, that sucks, I never thought of this! Wish they had smoothies, or natural organic juice.' Sometimes when travelling overseas a little home comfort is needed, whether that's in the form of clothing or a favourite blanket. But some tourists can't seem to jet off without certain food items and many of the choice are unexpected. Millions of Brits have been heading off on holiday this summer, and their cases might be full of a range of snacks and even beverages from home. An analysis of 10,000 UK Google searches from travellers asking if they could bring certain foods and drinks on planes, or through airport security, revealed what tourists leaving the UK want to bring with them. Several nostalgic British staples cropped up, though they are surprising items to take abroad. Chocolate topped the list, with 840 monthly searches about taking it overseas. Though other, far more unusual, items cropped up too, including mince pies, which placed seventh. It appears that Brits can't leave the classic Christmas staple behind, as 40 monthly searches were made about the festive treat. Millions of Brits are heading off on holiday this summer and their cases might be full of a range of snacks and even beverages from home An analysis of 10,000 UK Google searches from travellers asking if they could bring certain foods and drinks on planes, or through airport security, revealed what tourists leaving the UK want to bring with them Jelly came eighth and is apparently an essential sweet treat for many travellers, racking up 30 monthly searches, according to the analysis by UK grocery exporters, Britsuperstore. Forget trying the local cuisine, gravy granules was the ninth most searched for food item, with 10 enquiries Googled. While another strange snack - pork pies - came tenth and had ten searches. Other, more understandable enquiries that appeared on the list include tea, with 740 Googles, and crisps with 330. Biscuits was also researched 220 times, as well as cheese which cropped up in 400 searches. Meanwhile, KPMG found the cost-of-living crisis was also impacting the food habits of British tourists abroad. The research revealed 75% of travellers try to cut costs and 19% choose self-catering accommodation to do so. Elsewhere, Barclays found 71% of consumers purchase more products that were 'Made in Britain'. Chocolate topped the list, with 840 monthly searches about taking it overseas. Though other, far more unusual, items cropped up too, including mince pies, which placed seventh While 40% look for UK-made alternatives to items they usually buy from abroad, suggesting people are staying loyal to British products even when travelling, and are cost-conscious at the same time. Brits are bringing other wild items on holiday with them, too, including air fryers. One in five have said theyve taken their favourite appliance for a trip abroad, according to AO. To address the market, AO have even released a new air fryer suitcase to transport the beloved cooker to a hot and sunny destination. A grandmother claimed a dream trip to Disneyland Paris turned into a nightmare after an 'admin error' left her family stranded outside the park gates on the final day of their break. Sue Batters, 68, from Allhallows on the Hoo Peninsula, forked out over 3,000 on a three-day holiday for herself, her two daughters, and five young grandsons in May. After spotting the value package deal on Facebook, offered by London-based agency Times and Travels UK, she decided to do some extra research before booking. Though she was initially sceptical, as she regularly books holidays with renowned agencies such as Jet2 and TUI, she explained she investigated the company's website, its reviews and ensured the trip was financially secure. The grandmother recalled having a 'bad feeling' at the time, but went on to book the entire trip on her credit card and made sure she was 'protected.' The package deal included travel by Eurostar, hotel accommodation, and tickets to both Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park. But on the final day of their trip, the group was left devastated when their park passes suddenly stopped working. Speaking to Kent Online, she said: 'I was in tears. My grandchildren kept asking me why I was crying. What are you supposed to do when you have five children who want to go to Disney? They did not understand why we could not get in.' Sue Batters, 68, from Allhallows on the Hoo Peninsula, forked out over 3,000 on a three-day holiday for herself, her two daughters, and five young grandsons in May After spotting the value package deal on Facebook, offered by London-based agency Times and Travels UK, she decided to do some extra research on the company before booking Staff at the park informed the family that their tickets had been cancelled and encouraged them to contact the travel agency. After hours of unanswered calls, they were finally told that the tickets had been revoked two days before they had even set off - due to a 497 discrepancy caused by an administrative error. Sue, a semi-retired driver, insists she had paid the full amount for the holiday and said the situation left the family heartbroken. She described how the once-in-a-lifetime trip was 'ruined' as the family were left standing outside Disney with 'five crying children.' Forced to purchase new tickets on the day for 650, Sue was advised by the agency the cost would be reimbursed. But, nearly three months on, she has yet to receive the full refund. According to the grandmother, Times and Travels UK has since apologised and acknowledged the mistake, blaming their ticket supplier for the sudden cancellation. The company has now offered to reimburse her in installments - starting with 459 followed by two 100 payments. Sue has since declined the offer, instead requesting a one-time full repayment. Sue said: 'What if someone did not have the money to buy the tickets at the door? Not everyone has that option, and it is not a small amount that you might have extra.' The package deal included Eurostar travel, hotel accommodation, and tickets to both Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park But on the final day of their trip, the group was left devastated when their park passes suddenly stopped working As seen on Trustpilot, the majority of reviews left for Times and Travels UK are five stars. But Sue, who has since contacted Citizens Advice, highlighted a similar experience by one reviewer who had booked a trip to Disneyland Paris. They also claimed their tickets to the parks were cancelled and found this had been done by the agency's supplier. Times and Travels UK told Kent Online: 'Our small team is still working through a backlog due to a recent internal change in management, but no one has been ignored or left behind intentionally, and every pending case is being resolved. The Daily Mail has reached out to Times and Travels UK for further comment. After hours of unanswered calls, the family were finally told that the tickets had been revoked two days before they had even set off - due to a 497 discrepancy caused by an administrative error According to Citizens Advice, customers who book package holidays are entitled to compensation if, like Sue, they have had to spend extra money because of a problem, which is called out-of-pocket expenses. They urged travellers to report any issues with their trip as soon as possible and contact the customer service department of the tour operator to claim compensation. The advice charity also stated that if a company makes an offer holidaymakers think are too low, they can ask for a higher amount. The next route is to complain to a trade association, such as the Association of British Travel Agents, or taking the firm to a small claims court as a last resort. A fresh bakers dozen have been unveiled as Channel 4 reveals that the Great British Bake Off is returning to screens on September 2. Series 16 will see 12 contestants go head to head in the famous tent under the watchful eye of returning judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding. Among them are a bridal designer, a grandmother, a med student who at 23 is the series' youngest contestant as well as two hairdressers and a rollerskating drag king. Multitalented Jessika is among those hoping to win the coveted Star Baker accolades and a Hollywood handshake or two. The London based service designer performs a rollerskating Drag King act and is also a keen gymnast. The 32-year-old said: 'Seeing the big white tent for the first time was so weird. I've watched the show for years, and entertained the idea that, potentially, maybe, one day, this girl could quite possibly bake up a storm for the judges. A fresh bakers dozen have been unveiled as Channel 4 reveals that the Great British Bake Off is returning to screens on September 2 (pictured back: Toby, Nadia, Aaron, Leighton, Jessika, Jasmine, Hassan, Lesley, front: Tom, Pui Man, Iain, Nataliia) Meanwhile former amateur powerlifter Iain looks to give Jessika a run for her money, quipping that he has given himself the nickname Yeastie Boy thanks to his penchant for putting album covers onto the crusts of his loaves. The 29-year-old software engineer said: 'When I got the call to confirm my place I was in sheer disbelief, I had no idea it would actually happen. 'I thought it was a prank at first, I got a call a few minutes after being told and I thought they were going to tell me they made a mistake and I wasn't actually on the show!' At 23 medical student Edinburgh-born Jasmine is this year's youngest hopeful. The London based contestant learnt the art of baking through her mother and aunts and has revealed she likes 'using classic flavours and techniques to produce delicious bakes.' Hairdresser Lesley, 53, is also inspired by her family, passing on her kitchen skills to her granddaughter Mabel after falling in love with baking as a child herself, thanks her Nanny Mable and Auntie Joan. There's another hairdresser in the mix. 41-year-old Nadia is inspired by her Italian chef dad and loves to blend Indian and Italian flavours. Toby, 29, a business development executive from Warwickshire, said he loves to refuel after a gruelling workout with his strawberry cheesecake. Bridal designer Pui Man, 51, hails from Essex, and rediscovered her passion for baking during the Covid lockdown. The contestants unveiling comes shortly after a brand-new trailer for the series sent fans into panic. Multitalented Jessika, who performs a rollerskating drag act, is among those hoping to win the coveted Star Baker accolades and a Hollywood handshake or two At 23 medical student Edinburgh-born Jasmine is this year's youngest hopeful Meanwhile former amateur powerlifter Iain looks to give Jessika a run for her money, quipping that he has given himself the nickname Yeastie Boy The much-loved baking competition has become an autumn TV tradition, drawing in millions each year for a mix of spectacular showstoppers and kitchen disasters. With the next series just weeks from hitting screens, Channel 4 dropped a first look at the action inside the famous white tent last week, unveiling the official host and judge line-up. However Prue, a long-standing member of the judging panel, is nowhere to be seen in the teaser. In the latest Great British Bake Off's trailer, Joe Wilkinson takes on the role of the narrator, which features a space-themed twist. The clip shows baking ingredients floating through space before hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond appear as animated characters. Joe can be heard joking: 'From it grew life, intelligent life, adorned in knitwear and leopard print.' Series 16 will see 12 contestants go head to head in the famous tent under the watchful eye of returning judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding Hairdresser Lesley, 53, is inspired by her family, passing on her kitchen skills to her granddaughter Mabel after falling in love with baking as a child herself There's another hairdresser in the mix. 41-year-old Nadia is inspired by her Italian chef dad and loves to blend Indian and Italian flavours Office assistant Nataliia was born in Ukraine and moved to England shortly before the war broke out Toby, 29, a business development executive from Warwickshire, said he loves to refuel after a gruelling workout with his strawberry cheesecake Inspired by the Big Bang, the trailer replaces dust and gas with an explosion of flour, sugar and cakes, ending with the image of judge Paul Hollywood's blue eye. At first glance it looks as though Prue does not feature in the trailer, but in fact she is the sun in the animated clip. But clearly many missed the nod, with one fan writing on X: 'Where's Prue?! She better be back or I'm not watching fr [for real].' 'Eeeerm Prue?' another echoed. 'Need Prue to balance out Paul,' a third chimed in alongside a crying emoji. 'Noooo Prue can't leave,' a fourth complained. Channel 4 has confirmed she will be part of the new series. Aaron, 38, is a senior systems architect from London, while Leighton, 59, hails from Surrey and works as a Software Delivery Manager Bridal designer Pui Man, 51, hails from Essex, and rediscovered her passion for baking during the Covid lockdown Creative Entrepreneur Tom from London learned to bake scones and flapjacks with his mum and Danish Granny Chemistry graduate Hassan is inspired by his Pakistani heritage as well as his passion for science, carefully researching before experimenting with his bakes They said: 'As the ovens fire up and a new batch of bakers steps into the iconic tent to face Paul and Prue, audiences can expect all the classic ingredients - warmth, humour, creativity, and just the right amount of competition. 'This autumn, let the universe of Bake Off pull you in once again. Because, as the trail says, once there was nothing, and then there was Bake Off.' This year's series doesn't yet have a confirmed release date, but it has been teased as 'soon'. Concerned fans previously speculated about Prue's future on the show. She's been at the helm of Great British Bake Off since 2017, but earlier this year, she said this year's series could be her last. The 85-year-old told The Mail on Sunday she was 'very keen' to step away from the popular Channel 4 show before she was pushed, and 'might stop next year'. The filming schedule, which involves long hours under the summer sun at Welford Park in Berkshire, is taking its toll on the television chef. She said: 'I'm doing this year's Bake Off, and I don't know if this will be my last. I've got to stop some time, so I might stop next year. 'I thought I'd just see how I go this year, because I definitely feel a bit older this year than I did last year. 'Things like getting out of a chair takes me longer than it used to. I don't like big steps without a handrail. None of these things worried me two years ago I could run upstairs and so I'm very keen to leave Bake Off before I'm asked to leave. 'But on the other hand, I really enjoy it.' Prue is also a co-host of US spin-off The Great American Baking Show, and is weighing up leaving that programme too. She took over the role of judge on the competition in 2017, when Dame Mary Berry, 89, stood down. The star has also outlasted the programme's hosts Sandi Toksvig, 66, who co-presented the show from 2017 to 2019, and Matt Lucas, 50, who served from 2020 to 2022. A painting on the popular BBC history show Fake Or Fortune? has made history after its staggering worth was revealed. Purchased for a comparatively minimal 2,000 at auction, its buyer, David Taylor, wondered if there was more to the impressionist piece than initially met the eye after he took the painting out of its frame. That's when he spotted the signature of renowned Canadian painter Helen McNicoll - one of the art world's biggest names in the early 20th century. With the help of presenters Fiona Bruce and Philip Mould and the wider Fake Or Fortune? team, the painting was confirmed to be authentic - and worth a staggering 300,000. Entitled The Bean Harvest and created in the early 20th century, the painting had actually been on display in 1912 and 1913, but its whereabouts since then have been a mystery. The painting was described as 'fantastic' by Canadian philanthropist and collector Pierre Lassonde, who travelled to the UK to specifically examine the lost artwork. A painting on the popular BBC history show Fake Or Fortune? has made history after its staggering worth was revealed Purchased for a comparatively minimal 2,000 at auction, its buyer, David Taylor, wondered if there was more to the impressionist piece than initially met the eye after he took the painting out of its frame The art enthusiast said: '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.' Fiona said: 'I'd not heard of Helen McNicoll before we started investigating this painting, but what a pioneer she was a woman at that time, the early 20th century, travelling abroad with her easel while profoundly deaf. 'I'm so glad we've been able to bring her name to wider attention.' Bruce added: 'This is a once-in-a-lifetime discovery the type many art buyers dream of and a reflection of both David's shrewd eye and the massive increase and desire for the work of high-quality women artists that is motivating collectors and museums on both sides of the Atlantic.' The painting's buyer, David, described the process of authenticating the artwork as an 'adventure', but admits that he believed it was the real deal 'from day one'. He said: 'It's been an absolute adventure, the Fake Or Fortune team and the have made the journey memorable and exciting. 'I believed in the painting from day one, and I'm hopeful that it could achieve a record price.' Ahead of the painting's impending auction, it is being kept safely stored in an art gallery. The painting's buyer, David, described the process of authenticating the artwork as an 'adventure', but admits that he believed it was a real Helen McNicoll 'from day one' While David has already been offered a whopping 300,000 for the painting from a private collector, he thinks that it will sell for even more at auction. He has therefore decided to try his luck with London's Sotheby's in the hope of raising enough money to buy a bungalow that better suits his medical needs. David said: '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.' Fake Or Fortune airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer. We Are China Giant panda Ling Yan's 8th birthday celebrated in central China Ecns.cn) 11:31, August 19, 2025 Photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows that giant panda Ling Yan welcomes its 8th birthday at Luanchuan county, Luoyang city, Henan Province, central China. (Photo/China News Service) Panda keepers prepared a special birthday cake made of bamboo shoots, apples, and roughage for Ling Yan. Visitors share giant panda Ling Yan's birthday cake at Luanchuan county, Luoyang city, Henan Province, central China. (Photo/China News Service) Photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows that giant panda Ling Yan welcomes its 8th birthday celebration at Luanchuan county, Luoyang city, Henan Province, central China. (Photo/China News Service) (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) The first trailer for The Vivienne's new documentary, which honours the late star, has dropped. The Vivienne, known out of drag as James Lee Williams, sadly died on January 5, aged 32. The Welsh drag artist catapulted to international fame after winning the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019. Their life is now set to be celebrated in Dear Viv, a documentary by Drag Race production company WOW Presents and the BBC. The first trailer shows never-before-seen clips from The Vivienne's childhood and early days on the drag circuit. It also includes interviews with their Drag Race loved ones, including Raja, Danny Beard, Michael Marouli, Cheryl Hole, Tia Kofi, and Baga Chipz. The first trailer for The Vivienne's BBC documentary, which honours the late star has dropped, with their family and friends chocking up as they pay heart-wrenching tributes The Vivienne, known out of drag as James Lee Williams , died on January 5, aged 32 (seen here in a file picture in 2022 from their appearance on Dancing on Ice) One clip shows Raja attempting to hold back tears while preparing to speak to the cameras for an interview. Danny, winner of Drag Race UK season 4, is also shown breaking down when prompted to speak about the late queen. 'The Vivienne was British drag with this modern polish,' Tia says later in the footage. Later, Baga, who competed with The Vivienne on Drag Race UK season 1, praises her friend's approach to the art form. 'If you're gorge and you're talented, you've got nothing to prove,' Baga says to the camera. The Vivienne is also heard saying in a clip from a Drag Race UK professional: 'So many performers go down the same route. 'Standing onstage, entertaining people, making them laugh, singing them songs. You need something that's going the match that high.' The preview closes with a message from Viv, who says: 'It's really nice to show people that you are a real person under all that glamour.' Their life is now set to be celebrated in Dear Viv, a documentary by Drag Race production company WOW Presents and the BBC One clip shows Raja attempting to hold back tears while preparing to speak to the cameras for an interview 'If you're gorge and you're talented, you've got nothing to prove,' Baga says to the camera. The Vivienne was found dead in the bath by a neighbour after worried friends had struggled to get in contact, an inquest heard in June Fans took to the comments of the trailer to share their thoughts. They penned: 'Oh man that clip of Raja crying killed me.. I remember she went live to talk about Viv after she passed and she was so devastated, she said that they got really close during All-Stars. I miss her'. 'So unbelievably sad. I miss her so much', 'She will be missed forever! She was and still is a star', 'What really broke me in this trailer was the title card at the end with the title being read like someone is crying', 'This will be one of the best documents in Drag Race herstory. There will never be another person in the world like Viv', 'We love you viv always & forever.' The Vivienne was found dead in the bath by a neighbour after worried friends had struggled to get in contact, an inquest heard in June. The reality TV star was discovered with five empty 'snap bags' of ketamine in the house, the coroner was told. A friend said the drag queen had been sober for years but had recently relapsed. When no-one could get hold of the star a neighbour had been forced to use her spare key to get in. She sobbed as she told coroner Jacqueline Devonish she found The Vivienne dead in the bath, 'looking asleep'. Recording a verdict of death by misadventure, the inquest heard the performer had likely died two days before being found. Fans took to the comments of the trailer to share their thoughts Toxicology evidence found The Vivienne had an 'acute overdose' of ketamine, causing cardiac respiratory arrest. Born in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, the star grew up watching Lily Savage on TV, citing that as their first exposure to drag. Describing Wales as a 'big-fish-in-a-small-pond situation', they moved to Liverpool aged 16 to pursue a career as a makeup artist, first working on the beauty counter in Debenhams. The star shot to wider fame after winning the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. They competed in the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and finished third on Dancing On Ice in 2023. During their career, The Vivienne also competed on an all-winners season of the RuPaul franchise in the US in 2022, the only UK contestant for that series. They also starred in BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020, and appeared on Channel 4's Celebrity Hunted For Stand Up To Cancer in 2022. However, the star also struggled with drug addiction, previously saying: 'It was party drugs - but I couldn't leave the drugs at the party.' After acknowledging they needed to seek help, the drag queen underwent treatment at The Armistead Centre in Liverpool. They were due to be back on tour around the UK earlier this year, performing in The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical, in the role of the Childcatcher. News of their death was announced by their publicist Simon Jones, who described the star as an 'incredibly loved' and 'amazing person'. Dear Viv will be be available to watch on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on WOW Presents Plus from 28 August. An unlikely pair were caught deep in conversation as they enjoyed an intimate dinner in Canada, much to the shock of fans who were still processing Katy Perry's split from Orlando Bloom. But any hope of a new romance between Perry and Justin Trudeau seems to have fizzled out fast after pictures of their rumored first date were leaked. News of their brief encounter reportedly irked Trudeau, but that didn't stop the former Canadian Prime Minister from attending Perry's concert two days later, standing where he would easily be spotted. 'She's used to things like that,' an insider told the Daily Mail. 'People have always been interested in her love life.' Perry, 40, grabbed dinner with Trudeau, 53, at Le Violon in Montreal on July 28. The duo enjoyed cocktails and several different dishes, including one featuring lobster. After dinner, they went into the kitchen to thank the staff for their meal. But pictures of what looked like a private date soon surfaced online, mere weeks after Perry and Bloom, 48, announced they had called it quits. Pictures of what looked like a private date soon surfaced online, mere weeks after Perry and Bloom, 48, announced they had called it quits Katy Perry (pictured) was in Montreal for her Lifetimes tour when she met up with Trudeau News of their brief encounter reportedly irked Trudeau, but that didn't stop the former Canadian Prime Minister from attending Perry's concert two days later, standing where he would easily be spotted 'I know for a fact that Justin wasn't thrilled about the pictures getting out,' the source said. 'It was a first date. A first date! And these pictures came out and it became this huge thing, which is not what he seems to have wanted. 'Katy didn't seem to care nearly as much, but he was the one who was bothered. It didn't chase him away or anything, but it wasn't ideal.' Just two days after the pictures emerged, Trudeau's shyness seemed to have faded when he accompanied his daughter, Ella-Grace, to Perry's concert in Montreal. Standing in full view of fans, he was spotted singing and dancing along to her greatest hits, including Firework and Dark Horse. While Trudeau could have opted for a more discreet location, he watched the concert - a stop on Perry's Lifetimes Tour - from visible risers near the stage. 'Here's the thing, if you're going to be with Katy, you have to deal with the paparazzi and the fallout,' the source said. 'I don't know how prepared he was for that. It can be a lot and it can be overwhelming.' Perry and Trudeau were texting almost nonstop in July, but, according to our insider, their communication has naturally waned in the past two weeks. 'She's busy, he's busy,' they said. 'They have a lot going on, and the newness has worn off. But there's nothing negative about it. They just aren't in constant communication anymore. That could change, but for now, it is what it is. It has cooled off. 'They still have nothing bad to say about each other, and in fact I feel like she's been saying really nice things about him.' Standing in full view of fans, Trudeau was spotted singing and dancing along to her greatest hits, including Firework and Dark Horse Trudeau (pictured with wife Sophie in 2022) announced his split in 2023 Perry and Bloom called it quits in July The Canadian politician shocked the world in 2023 when he announced his separation from his wife of nearly 20 years, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau. He has gone on several dates since the split - but not with anyone as high-profile as Perry. Perry and Bloom announced their split earlier this summer, insisting that they would continue to focus on co-parenting their four-year-old daughter, Daisy. But despite the sexy singles' seemingly intimate dinner and subsequent concert, a second source told the Daily Mail at the time that their rendezvous was never anything serious. 'Katy and Justin are treating their get together as just that: a get together,' they said. 'She hasn't told anyone it was anything more, and she usually wears her heart on her sleeve, so if something were happening, she'd let her close friends know. But right now it is nothing more than friendship. 'She isn't ready to start dating anyone right now, she has to continue to focus on her healing from separating from Orlando. 'Could that change? Obviously. But the ball is in Katy's court right now - no relationship so far.' Representatives for Trudeau did not return the Daily Mail's request for comment. Ronnie Woods son Tyrone is following in his famous father's footsteps by heading out on safari for his wild honeymoon with new wife - and fellow rock royalty - Faye Harris. The 41-year-old art dealer, who married the stunning daughter of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris in a star-studded ceremony at Marylebone Old Town Hall last summer, has been enjoying a wildlife adventure in Botswana. Faye, 34, shared a series of Instagram stories over the weekend, giving a glimpse into their once-in-a-lifetime trip. The couple have spotted elephants, hippos and lions during their stay, while also taking part in sunset drinks in the bush. But far from having a relaxing time, Faye revealed they came terrifyingly close to a lion at one point as it crossed directly in front of their vehicle. 'He ran like 10ft in front of our car before chilling here,' she explained, sharing a photo of the lion hiding near them in the grass. Ronnie Woods son Tyrone, 41, is following in his famous father's footsteps by heading out on safari for his wild honeymoon with new wife - and fellow rock royalty - Faye Harris, 34 Faye, 34, shared a series of Instagram stories over the weekend, giving a glimpse into their once-in-a-lifetime trip Another post showed a herd of elephants grazing with their young, while a 6am drive brought them face to face with a towering elephant on the edge of their camp. The loved-up couple have been enjoying tucking into the local biltong - air-dried, cured meat - while toasting to newly married life with gin and tonics on the bonnet of their safari truck. The pair also posed together at sunset by a lagoon, with Faye dressed in khaki trousers and a green bandana and Tyrone in cargo shorts and boots. The trip echoes the long-standing love of safari shared by Tyrones father, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie, 78, who has visited Africa many times and is a vocal supporter of conservation causes. Last month, the veteran rocker and artist designed a striking sea turtle sculpture for the Tusk Turtle Trail in London, a public art initiative raising awareness and funds for marine conservation. The trail, organised by Prince Williams Tusk Trust, saw turtle sculptures by Ronnie and other celebrities displayed around the city before being auctioned to benefit the charity. Ronnie praised Prince William for being 'hugely knowledgeable on the subject and committed to the cause' and added that they share 'a common belief that our children and future generations deserve to experience the wonders of the worlds wildlife like we have.' In 2023, Ronnie went on safari in Kenya for his wife Sallys 45th birthday. They were joined by their twin girls, Alice and Gracie, now nine. The trip echoes the long-standing love of safari shared by Tyrones father, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie, 78, who has visited Africa many times and is a vocal supporter of conservation causes The pair also posed together at sunset by a lagoon, with Faye dressed in khaki trousers and a green bandana and Tyrone in cargo shorts and boots Another post showed a herd of elephants grazing with their young, while a 6am drive brought them face to face with a towering elephant on the edge of their camp The loved-up couple have been enjoying tucking into the local biltong - air-dried, cured meat - while toasting to newly married life with gin and tonics on the bonnet of their safari truck Tyrone, whose execs include models Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Poppy Delevingne and Daisy Lowe, is Ronnies son from his marriage to former model Jo Wood. He is director of Project Zero, an ocean preservation charity for which Princess Eugenie is an ambassador. He was first linked to Faye in 2022, and the pair tied the knot in July 2024 in front of both their famous families. Guests included Ronnie, Jo, and Steve Harris, 68, while Tyrones half-brother Jessie attended with wife Fearne Cotton before their split months later. The bride stunned in a short white Bardot dress with a netted veil, while Tyrone opted for a classic suit. After the ceremony the celebrations continued at The George pub in Fitzrovia, a Grade II-listed Victorian venue. Fashion influencer Elle Ferguson has responded to the heavy backlash she copped after modelling a very revealing dress by Spanish fashion house Loewe. After the former Block star shared an Instagram video of herself wearing the frock earlier this month, many of her followers said the designer ensemble looked 'unflattering', 'uncomfortable' and 'hideous'. The 40-year-old has defended her viral sartorial moment, calling the piece the 'most beautiful dress'. 'The only thing I was thinking when I put this dress on is that I was exceptionally lucky to be looking at Jonathan Anderson's last collection with Loewe,' Elle told The Daily Telegraph. She added that she had been looking forward to trying on the dress and when she found out it was in Sydney, the opportunity to try it on made her feel very special. 'I loved that dress. I still love that dress. I put it on and I stood there proudly,' she said, adding that her fiance Joel Patful loved it too. Fashion influencer Elle Ferguson has responded to the heavy backlash she copped after modelling a very revealing dress by Spanish fashion house Loewe After the former Block star shared an Instagram video of herself wearing the frock earlier this month, many of her followers said the designer ensemble looked 'unflattering', 'uncomfortable' and 'hideous' Elle went on to remind her fans that art is subjective and shouldn't be used as a way to criticise people. 'Art starts conversations. But I dont think theres any place for negative comments or tearing a woman down for wearing a dress,' she said. Elle was slammed online after posting a video of the lilac-coloured designer dress on Instagram. The frock, which is part of luxury fashion house Loewe's Fall 2025 collection, features a plunging neckline and peplum-layered design around the waist. 'All I can say is THE LILAC @loewe dress is even better in real life. Such a dream to experience @jonathan.anderson last collection in real life and get to play dress-ups with the collection. Big thanks to the incredible #loewe team and @mcm_pr,' she wrote. Elle's fans flocked to the comments to slam her 'hideous' look, with many insisting the dress doesn't complement her figure. 'Different isn't always flattering. And I'm talking about the dress not you. This dress wouldn't be flattering on anyone as it is,' one person wrote. 'That dress is hideous!' another agreed while a third added: 'God, that's an ugly dress.' The 40-year-old has defended her viral sartorial moment, calling the piece the 'most beautiful dress' 'Looks so uncomfortable to wear,' one commented, while another wrote: 'I don't like that dress at all, sorry.' However some praised the daring look, with one writing: 'You are the full model vibe. Give this girl a catwalk.' 'Actual Supermodel,' another added. Despite the divide in opinion over the dress, Elle found a silver lining behind the viral post. The influencer told Sunday Confidential that her Instagram engagement had soared 'through the roof' recently, garnering 8.2 million views in 30 days. Guy Pearce has paid a moving tribute to Terence Stamp, who died on Sunday aged 87, calling the legendary English actor 'an inspiration'. Pearce, 57, co-starred with the London-born Stamp alongside Hugo Weaving in the Australian-made hit from 1994, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Speaking on X on Monday, Pearce remembered his old colleague fondly, referring to him by his nickname. 'Fairwell dear Tel,' began Pearce. 'You were a true inspiration, both in & out of heels. Well always have Kings Canyon, Kings Road & Fing ABBA. Wishing you well on your way.' He signed the message, 'Ralph!', and added four kisses and three love heart emojis. Weaving, Pearce and Stamp all won great acclaim for Priscilla, a musical comedy, which saw the straight actors play 'drag queens' who stage a travelling show centred on them lip synching to famed pop hits. Guy Pearce (pictured) has paid a moving tribute to Terence Stamp, who died on Sunday aged 87, calling the legendary English actor 'an inspiration' Pearce, 57, (left) co-starred with London-born Stamp (centre) alongside Hugo Weaving (right) in the Australian-made hit from 1994, The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert Stamp's role in the film, as a transgender woman, was singled out as one of his best in a career that spanned five decades. To contemporary audiences, he was likely best known for his role as General Zod in the 'Superman' and 'Superman II' movies. But in the 1960s, Stamp was considered one of the biggest names of the era, winning the coveted Best Actor prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1965 for his role as a crazed stalker in The Collector. The son of a tugboat stoker, Stamp was born in 1938 in London's East End. Considered bright and highly intelligent, Stamp went into advertising after leaving school and later won a scholarship to study drama. He shared a flat with another young London actor, Michael Caine, and landed the lead role in the 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. Celebrated for his dashing good looks, he became a favourite of London's tabloids after dating the famed actress Julie Christie. Weaving, Pearce and Stamp won great acclaim for Priscilla. Pictured: A scene from the film The pair came to epitomise the 'Swinging London' of the '60s and were immortalised in a hit song by Brit band The Kinks in the song 'Waterloo Sunset', released in 1967. That same year, Stamp and Christie teamed up for the film Far From The Madding Crowd. At one point, he was favoured to play James Bond, but after Sean Connery won the part, Stamp started working in Europe. 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 a highly acclaimed performance in The Hit in 1984. A few years later, he made an impact as a ruthless financier in Oliver Stone's hit film Wall Street (1987). He also starred in Poor Cow (1967). Some scenes from this gritty drama were later used in the highly acclaimed crime drama The Limey (1999), directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Soderbergh. 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. Henry Samuel strutted his stuff in the Kith FW/25 fashion show, their first in six years, which was held outside the newly-renovated flagship store in Manhattan's NoHo neighborhood on Sunday. It was only the second runway presentation the 19-year-old nepo baby of Heidi Klum and second ex-husband Seal had walked in after making his big debut at Lena Erziak's haute couture SS/25 show in Paris on January 28. The German 52-year-old model gushed with pride on Instagram: 'So many beautiful models on the @kith catwalk in New York tonight, but I only have eyes for you @henrygunthersamuel!' Henry (born Henry Gunther Ademola Dashtu Samuel) signed with NEXT Management on July 16, and he previously revealed that his famous mother 'often reminds me to pay attention to my posture, so I try to heed her advice.' 'My mother told me to do my best and not forget to have fun,' Samuel told Vogue Germany of Heidi's runway advice. '[My half-sister] Leni told me to keep my gaze straight ahead and walk as if I were balancing a book on my head.' Henry Samuel strutted his stuff in the Kith FW/25 fashion show, their first in six years, which was held outside the newly-renovated flagship store in Manhattan's NoHo neighborhood on Sunday The 21-year-old IMG Model - whose birth father is Flavio Briatore - shared an Instagram snap of herself with the 62-year-old R&B belter on Sunday captioned: 'Papa's biggest fan.' Klum's second-born child has 'not necessarily' settled on following in her footsteps. 'I have many interests sports, music, film, and fashion,' Henry - who's reportedly enrolled in college - noted. 'I want to use the various creative experiences available to me to find the right path for my future.' Samuel said the Emmy-winning host and Seal 'are simply my mother and father.' 'I admire the hard work they put into their success every day,' the 6ft3in catwalker explained. 'Their creativity inspires me, and they have always encouraged my siblings and me to pursue our own artistic interests.' Heidi and the four-time Grammy winner will celebrate Henry's 20th birthday on September 12. 'Watching you grow into the amazing young man you are today fills my heart with so much joy,' Klum gushed last March. It was only the second runway presentation the 19-year-old nepo baby of Heidi Klum and second ex-husband Seal had walked in after making his big debut at Lena Erziak's haute couture SS/25 show in Paris on January 28 The German 52-year-old model gushed with pride on Instagram: 'So many beautiful models on the @kith catwalk in New York tonight, but I only have eyes for you @henrygunthersamuel!' Henry (born Henry Gunther Ademola Dashtu Samuel) signed with NEXT Management on July 16, and he previously revealed that his famous mother 'often reminds me to pay attention to my posture, so I try to heed her advice' Samuel told Vogue Germany of Heidi's runway advice: 'My mother told me to do my best and not forget to have fun...[My half-sister] Leni told me to keep my gaze straight ahead and walk as if I were balancing a book on my head' The 21-year-old IMG Model - whose birth father is Flavio Briatore - shared an Instagram snap of herself with the 62-year-old R&B belter on Sunday captioned: 'Papa's biggest fan' Klum's second-born child has 'not necessarily' settled on following in her footsteps: 'I have many interests sports, music, film, and fashion. I want to use the various creative experiences available to me to find the right path for my future' 'The world is just beginning to see what I've always known you are destined for greatness! I love you!' On June 11, the Erewhon brand ambassador celebrated the Campbell Hall high school graduation of her 18-year-old son Johan Samuel. Heidi and Seal also welcomed shy 15-year-old daughter Lou Samuel during their seven-year marriage, which ended in 2012. Klum - who boasts 24.9M social media followers - shared a selfie with GMA co-host Michael Strahan while holding court front row. The self-proclaimed 'Queen of Halloween' will soon collaborate with Oscar-nominated, special effects make-up artist Mike Marino and his Prosthetic Renaissance team of 15 on her next epic costume for her annual bash. Heidi and third husband, Tokio Hotel guitarist Tom Kaulitz, celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary on August 3. At 35, the German rocker is 17 years younger than Klum, but they've been going strong since meeting on the set of Germany's Next Topmodel in 2018. On June 11, Klum celebrated the Campbell Hall high school graduation of her 18-year-old son Johan Samuel (M) The Emmy-winning host and Seal also welcomed shy 15-year-old daughter Lou Samuel (R, pictured December 24) during their seven-year marriage, which ended in 2012 Heidi shared a selfie with GMA co-host Michael Strahan (R) while holding court front row The self-proclaimed 'Queen of Halloween' will soon collaborate with Oscar-nominated, special effects make-up artist Mike Marino and his Prosthetic Renaissance team of 15 on her next epic costume for her annual bash (pictured October 31) Klum currently judges the 10-episode 21st season of reality TV design competition Project Runway - which airs Thursdays on Freeform, Disney+, and Hulu The Calzedonia brand ambassador currently judges the 10-episode 21st season of reality TV design competition Project Runway - which airs Thursdays on Freeform, Disney+, and Hulu. OG Project Runway judge Nina Garcia and celebrity stylist Law Roach joined Heidi as judges while Project Runway season 4 champ Christian Siriano returned as mentor to the designers. Klum previously hosted Project Runway for 16 seasons spanning 2004-2018 before exiting to co-host rival competition Making the Cut on Amazon Prime Video alongside Tim Gunn for three seasons spanning 2020-2022. In February, Spice Girls alum Mel B officially replaced the retired Victoria's Secret Angel as judge on the 20th season of America's Got Talent, which currently airs Tuesdays on NBC/Peacock. Members of the Australian television and advertising industry are in mourning following the sudden death of long-time Network 10 sales leader Kat Droulers. Droulers was in her 40s, and no cause of death has been revealed. Staff at Paramount ANZ were informed of her passing on Tuesday morning during a video call led by Chief Sales Officer Rod Prosser. Droulers was a fixture of the Queensland media scene for almost three decades. From September 2018 until January this year, Droulers was Group Sales Manager at Ten's Brisbane headquarters. She had only recently been promoted to State Sales Director of Ad Sales at Paramount Australia, following the network's acquisition of regional television licences from SCA and WIN. Members of the Australian television and advertising industry are in mourning following the sudden death of long-time Network 10 sales leader Kat Droulers MasterChef Australia was just one of the many shows she helped market to a wider audience. 'I've worked with Kat for over 20 years in various capacities. I was thrilled to see her step into this leadership role in Queensland,' Prosser said at the time of her promotion earlier this year. General Manager of Ad Sales, Nick Bower, also praised her appointment, noting: 'Kat brings an authenticity to her leadership that resonates strongly with both our team and our clients.' Paramount described Droulers as one of the industry's most generous and inspiring leaders. 'For nearly three decades, Kat was beloved in the media landscape. She understood that great sales isn't about the pitch it's about people,' they said. 'She was a relationship builder, possessing that rare ability to transform business partnerships into genuine friendships built on trust, authenticity and mutual respect. 'As a mentor, Kat was generous with her time, wisdom and encouragement. She had an instinctive understanding of how to elevate those around her, approaching challenges with creativity, optimism and an unwavering belief in her team's potential. 'Her legacy lives on in the countless careers she influenced, the partnerships she nurtured, and the standard of excellence and humanity she brought to every interaction. Droulers was a fixture of the Queensland media scene for almost three decades. Pictured with Paramount General Manager of Ad Sales Nick Bower 'She will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.' Droulers' received recognition for her industry achievements, including a nomination in this year's B&T's Women in Media Awards. Colleagues remember her as a mentor who nurtured young talent, and as a leader who balanced confidence with compassion. Tributes have since poured in from across the television community. Many have described Droulers' passing as a huge loss for TVQ, Paramount and the wider advertising industry. Stacey Solomon has hit back at fans accusing her of being 'smug' and blagging a 'freebie' holiday amid her luxury holiday in Turkey. The Loose Women star, 35, husband Joe Swash, 43, and their brood have just returned from a sun-soaked break to the five-star Regnum The Crown in Antalya where rooms start from around 1,000 per person per night. During their luxurious break, Stacey kept her fans updated with a plethora of fun snaps, with the presenter's most recent post featuring a carousel of stunning family images featuring her five children Zachary, 17, Leighton, 12, Rex, five, Rose, three, and Belle, two. However, Stacey's idyllic lookback on her trip has somewhat been tainted as some of her followers have hit out at her for taking such an expensive holiday, with some even suggesting that she didn't even pay for the trip and was gifted it instead. Taking to her Instagram stories, Stacey later defended her costly getaway, writing: 'This is the third time Ive come back here. This wasnt a free holiday. I just love this place so much and think it deserves the BEST reviews and tags ever because its just incredible.' In a further post, she further attempted to justify the price, remarking: 'Our happy place @regnumthecrown. This is our third year coming back here which says a lot. I have NEVER been someone who goes back to the same place every year but it's perfect for all our children and their different ages. Stacey Solomon has hit back at fans accusing her of being 'smug' and blagging a 'freebie' holiday amid her luxury holiday in Turkey [pictured with husband Joe Swash] The Loose Women star, 35, husband Joe Swash , 43, and their brood have just returned from a sun-soaked break to the five-star Regnum The Crown in Antalya where rooms start from around 1,000 per person per night 'Nothing compares. It is very expensive. I do think it is worth every penny and more for what it has to offer. If I knew about this place earlier I would have had our honeymoon here and special holidays here because it's just insane.' While much of the feedback from her trip had been positive, she was met with a handful of naysayers who seemingly took offence at her luxury trip. Comments on a selection of snaps during the course of her trip included: 'Did you pay for your holiday this time?' 'So another well subsidized holiday for the entire family. It makes me throw up.' 'hotel is 4 k each ,no airs n graces really tho ...' 'You planned that well meeting up with @mollymae .Was it a freebie holiday as its massively expensive.' 'The seriously smug family.' However, plenty of Stacey's loyal fans were quick to leap to her defence as they told how she works hard and deserves her holiday. Stacey's idyllic lookback on her trip has somewhat been tainted as some of her followers have hit out at her for taking such an expensive holiday, with some even suggesting that she didn't even pay for the trip and was gifted it instead Taking to her Instagram stories, Stacey later defended her costly getaway, writing: 'This is the third time Ive come back here. This wasnt a free holiday In a further post, she further attempted to justify the price, remarking: 'Our happy place @regnumthecrown. This is our third year coming back here which says a lot While much of the feedback from her trip had been positive, she was met with a handful of naysayers who seemingly took offence at her luxury trip They penned: 'Imagine getting so triggered because her holiday was super expensive. Shell never win, if she went on a budget holiday something would be said. If you could afford a luxury holiday youd do the exact same because I know I would.' 'Stacey never stops and has worked hard to get to where she is, so I think a holiday is well deserved. I for one happy for her and lovely to see such a happy family.' 'Just costed this up as Im a Travel Agent and whilst it is spenny. We book families who arent famous to more expensive places than this. Its what I would expect from a celebrity but there are certainly more expensive places out there for families in Europe. A lovely five star in Turkey, Stacey has done a great job and deserves a lovely place but I wouldnt say shes bragging as she could have defo gone crazier for sure.' It comes after Stacey revealed she's struck up a sweet friendship with Molly-Mae Hague after their pair met at dinner during their respective holidays to Turkey. Both the Sort Your Life Out host and the Love Island star, 26, were holidaying separately with their families at the five star Regnum The Crown in Belek this month. And Stacey took to Instagram on Sunday to gush over her newfound friendship with the star, before issuing an invitation to Molly-Mae, partner Tommy Fury, 26, and daughter Bambi, two, to visit her Pickle Cottage home. Sharing a beaming snap of herself and Molly-Mae with their arms wrapped around each other, Stacey penned: 'Got to spend the first part of our holiday with @MollyMae, @TommyFury and Bambi. Bumped into them at dinner one night and fell in love. However, plenty of Stacey's loyal fans were quick to leap to her defence as they told how she works hard and deserves her holiday. The presenter's most recent post featured a carousel of stunning family images featuring her five children Zachary, 17, Leighton, 12, Rex, five, Rose, three, and Belle, two The star also cosied up to husband Joe in a gorgeous sunset snap 'Genuinely the nicest, most down to earth family. And Bambi omg I can't. Just the most kind hearted little one. Rose was gutted when she left! 'Can't wait for them to come to pickle cottage.' Stacey also uploaded a snap of her son Leighton, 12, posing with Tommy and a pal as she told how her boys were 'buzzing' to meet the boxer. While Molly-Mae is yet to share her own tribute to her new pal, she did re-share Stacey's post, adding love heart and teary eye emojis. She's considered one Hollywood's biggest stars, and Joan Collins proved she could still stun in her swimwear. The legendary actress, 92, showed off her ageless physique in a stylish white one-piece as she enjoyed a spot of sunbathing in St Tropez. Having previously said she's kept her face protected from the sun since her 20s, Joan sported a wide-brimmed red hat as she posed for a snap on her Instagram. While she appeared to be enjoying some well-deserved downtime in the south of France, Joan told her followers she was already contemplating her next big role. She captioned her post: 'The producer is thinking of making a sequel to Murder Between Friends. 'I played Francesca Carlyle who is a tv star and also a private detective. ( like shades of Agatha Christie & Murder She Wrote ). Joan Collins showed off her incredible figure in a chic white swimsuit as she posed for a stunning snap while sunbathing in St Tropez 'Meanwhile, Im relaxing in the South of France in 90 heat. Thinking of my next move or next movie!' It comes as Joan recently enjoyed a swanky outing with her husband Percy Gibson at a lavish dinner party in St Tropez. Percy is the Dynasty star's fifth husband, with the pair tying the knot at London's Claridge's in February 2002. The American Horror Story star was previously married to Maxwell Reed, Anthony Newley, Ron Kass and Peter Holm. Originally from Peru, Percy is a noted Hollywood producer, known primarily for producing Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Their outing comes after it was revealed that Joan regards Donald Trump as one of her 'closest lifelong friends,' according to sources who say the Hollywood icon has 'never been shy about her love' for the politician. The Dynasty star raised eyebrows earlier this year after she was named as a pro-MAGA patriot while attending a 'pre-inauguration celebration' with right-wing friends. The iconic actress was seen having a 'lovely dinner with friends' in a picture shared by conservative actor James Woods to his X account. It comes after the actress recently enjoyed a swanky outing with her husband Percy Gibson at a lavish dinner party in St Tropez Joan pictured back in 1981 Seeing the star alongside Woods and other outspoken MAGA fanatics led many fans to share their surprise that Joan is associated with the group. However, a source exclusively explained to DailyMail.com that it should come as 'no surprise at all' as the president-elect is one of her 'closest friends.' 'To Joan, Donald is not just a former president and soon-to-be MAGA president, but he is also one of her closest lifelong friends,' the insider began. 'She has run in his circle for 40 years, and they have so much love for one another.' The source noted that Joan has openly praised Trump for helping to inspire her beloved Dynasty character, Alexis Carrington Colby. 'It is no secret that Joan modelled her famous Alexis character on Dynasty after Donald,' the insider continued. 'She has discussed her inspiration countless times over the years and said it was half Donald Trump and half another friend of hers. 'She took Donald's 'ruthlessness' for Alexis. Joan has never been shy about her love for Donald.' The source also highlighted Joans' close relationship to both Trump and his late ex-wife, Ivanna. The insider added: 'But it was not only Donald that is a huge part of her life, but Donald's ex-wife Ivanna, Ivanka's mom. Joan and Ivanna were so beyond close and remained friends until Ivanna's death. 'Joan was heartbroken when Ivanna passed because she was one of the only people who truly got her. She never let Donald and Ivanna's divorce change her love and respect for each of them.' Opening up about the British icon's decision to support her friend amid his political campaigns at the time, the insider continued: 'Joan has always been quiet about her political affiliations because she does not believe this needs to be broadcast.' DailyMail.com contacted reps for Joan for comment at the time. A leaked text message exchange has exposed Married At First Sight groom Brent Vitiello's shock response to a customer complaining about his controversial sea moss brand, Mos X Daily. The former reality TV star, 36, has been slammed by dozens of customers for allegedly taking their money and delivering nothing in return. Daily Mail has received a text exchange Brent had with an unhappy customer and can reveal his shock response to their non-delivery complaint. 'Hi, it's been 10 months since I placed my order during your sale. I will be reporting this to Consumer Protection because I know I'm not the only one you're scamming,' the customer wrote to Brent on Snapchat . Brent did not mince words in his brutal response to their dissatisfaction. 'Since you called me a scammer, I won't be helping. You can wait with the rest. Have a good day and speak directly to the page,' Brent began. A leaked text message exchange has exposed Married At First Sight groom Brent Vitiello 's shock response to a customer complaining about his controversial sea moss brand , Mos X Daily 'You'll learn respect. Once it's all taken care of, a lot of you will have a lot to think about. Good day.' Another unhappy person took to social media to accuse Brent of 'scamming' people so he could move to another country. 'This dude is the biggest flop. The responses are gross. Must be nice scamming people out of money to fund a life in Bali,' they wrote. Brent issued a statement to Daily Mail responding to the claims and said he was working hard to dispatch customer orders - and would not deal with rude people. 'I will not talk, address, listen or converse with anyone who insults me on my personal page PERIOD,' Brent wrote. 'Because once I do get the orders out, and mind you, people have no idea the s**t I've been through to fix all that's happening behind the scenes, but once it's taken care of... Then what? 'Just a whole bunch of disrespectful humans who were proved wrong and they honestly believe I'm just going to accept that? You don't get to talk shit to someone and expect them to grovel in your arms, doesnt work that way. Not now, not ever.' Once a fan favourite, Brent has been at the centre of his brand's controversy for several months - although he continues to maintain he has done nothing wrong. The former reality TV star, 36, has been slammed by dozens of customers for allegedly taking their money and delivering nothing in return Daily Mail has received a text exchange Brent had with an unhappy customer and can reveal his shock response to their non-delivery complaint Rather than apologising or offering compensation, he has dismissed the backlash as 'the same story, same complaints' - insisting he will 'fix it' in his own time. Despite a public warning issued by NSW Fair Trading in March advising Australians not to deal with his company, and 45 official complaints lodged over undelivered goods and poor communication, he remains defiant. Brent has not acknowledged, however, the growing number of Aussies who say they've waited up to six months for their orders - with many claiming they never received a single update, let alone a refund. While Brent told Pedestrian TV in March that his company had fulfilled '30,000 orders for free and was dealing with a backlog due to production challenges in Timor-Leste, furious buyers dispute this. Gold Coast-based mother of two Christy Miranda said she has been waiting seven months since she paid the brand $130. 'He was short, rude, unapologetic, which shocked me at how uncaring and unprofessional he was,' she claimed. 'Brent just didn't care, had a go at me and blocked me.' When approached for comment about Christy's claims, Brent told Daily Mail: 'I don't read any of these things or watch any videos. It doesn't change the outcome.' A Facebook group called Mos X Daily Scam is dedicated to complaints about the business and has 326 members sharing nearly identical stories: money paid, orders unfulfilled and communication dead. Many have shared stories about trying to do chargebacks on their credit cards or about their plans to go to a TV news station with their story - but still no one has managed to find an adequate solution. Despite promises to use TikTok daily to update customers, Brent has gone quiet again and it's unclear when, or if, he will make good on his vow to 'fix' the mess. Until then, consumer advocates are encouraging those affected to come forward and lodge complaints with authorities, with the possibility of collective legal action on the horizon. NSW Fair Trading has made their position clear: 'Do not place an order or deal with this business.' Brent previously said there were issues distributing the sea moss internationally, because it spoils after 30 days and they had to switch shipping companies to ensure faster delivery. The tattooed reality star rose to fame on the ninth series of MAFS in 2022, where he was famously 'married' to Tamara Djordjevic, but they went their separate ways during their explosive final vows. Jimmy Kimmel genuinely feared he was going to be charged with 'murder' after his famous frenemy Matt Damon once choked on a pork rib while dining at his $7.8M Windsor Square LA home. The 57-year-old comedian and the 54-year-old Oscar-winning screenwriter have been embroiled in a satirical public feud for the past 20 years. 'He came late, was very hungry, and started eating fast. He started choking on a pork rib,' Jimmy recalled to Variety on Monday. 'It was stuck in his throat for about an hour and a half. His brother [Kyle] was there. I said, "We have got to get him to the hospital," because if he dies in my house, I'm going to prison for the rest of my life. I will never be able to explain this as anything other than a murder.' After searching for a DIY resolution online, the concerned group decided to feed Matt 'little bits of bread' in order 'to get that rib to work its way down into his stomach.' 'Bread saved him,' Kimmel declared. 'We tried the Heimlich [maneuver] many times. It was too far down.' Jimmy Kimmel feared he was going to be charged with 'murder' after his famous frenemy Matt Damon once choked on a pork rib while eating at his house (they are pictured in 2023) The faux animosity originated in 2005 when the three-time Emmy winner ended his ABC late-night show by joking 'Apologies to Matt Damon, but we ran out of time' despite never booking nor meeting Damon. By 2007, Jimmy enlisted his then girlfriend Sarah Silverman to perform a parody song all about the Cambridge-born action star titled 'I'm F***king Matt Damon,' which further fueled their so-called feud. Matt has trash-talked Kimmel on red carpets, stowed away in his BFF Ben Affleck's comically-oversized coat to sneak on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and even pretended to hold him hostage in 2013. As recent as July 30, Damon pretended to crash Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, which is produced and hosted by the Brooklyn-born presenter. Jimmy jokingly called The Accountant 2 producer a 'hemorrhoid,' 'diabolical,' and 'not a fun hang' as he joined Jeopardy host Ken Jennings on ABC's rebooted game show. Matt and Ken wound up winning $1M for the charity Water.org that he co-founded with Gary White in 2009 - which provides clean drinking water to 11 countries in Africa, Asia,and Latin America. '200K people we'll help with that,' Damon celebrated. Kimmel begrudgingly agreed to shake hands with the Artists Equity co-founder, who was still sporting his burly beard for Christopher Nolan's upcoming Greek epic, The Odyssey. The Smurfs actor will compete for four trophies - outstanding game show, game show host, talk series, and short form comedy - at the 77th Emmy Awards, which airs September 14 on CBS/Paramount+. The 57-year-old comedian (L) and the 54-year-old Oscar-winning screenwriter (R) have been embroiled in a satirical public feud for the past 20 years Jimmy recalled to Variety on Monday (pictured): 'He came late, was very hungry, and started eating fast. He started choking on a pork rib. It was stuck in his throat for about an hour and a half' He continued: 'I said, "We have got to get him to the hospital," because if he dies in my house, I'm going to prison for the rest of my life. I will never be able to explain this as anything other than a murder' After searching for a DIY resolution online, the concerned group decided to feed Matt 'little bits of bread' in order 'to get that rib to work its way down into his stomach' (pictured in 2016) 'Bread saved him,' Kimmel declared. 'We tried the Heimlich [maneuver] many times. It was too far down' (pictured in 2015) The faux animosity originated in 2005 when the three-time Emmy winner ended his ABC late-night show by joking 'Apologies to Matt Damon, but we ran out of time' despite never booking nor meeting Damon (pictured in 2016) By 2007, Jimmy enlisted his then girlfriend Sarah Silverman (L) to perform a parody song all about the Cambridge-born action star titled 'I'm F***king Matt Damon,' which further fueled their so-called feud Matt has trash-talked Kimmel on red carpets, stowed away in his BFF Ben Affleck's comically-oversized coat to sneak on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and even pretended to hold him hostage in 2013 (pictured) But Jimmy announced via billboard at Santa Monica and La Cienega that he will be submitting his Emmy vote for his beleaguered Strike Force Five colleague, Stephen Colbert, whose Late Show was recently canceled. 'I think it will be a nice statement if he does win. Obviously, awards don't mean much, but every once in a while they do, and in this case, I think it will. So I fully expect Stephen to win the Emmy as I think people are very, very upset about what happened to him and his show,' Kimmel told Variety. 'I just want to say that the idea that Stephen Colbert's show was losing $40M a year is beyond nonsensical. These alleged insiders who supposedly analyze the budgets of the shows I don't know who they are, but I do know they don't know what they're talking about. 'They seem to only be focused on advertising revenue and have completely forgotten about affiliate fees, which number in the hundreds of millions probably in total billions and you must allocate a certain percentage of those fees to late-night shows.' The Rabbit Hole producer-host continued: 'I will tell you, the first 10 years I did the show, they claimed we weren't making any money and we had five times as many viewers on ABC as we do now. Who knows what's true? All I know is they keep paying us and that's kind of all you need to know.' Jimmy has been on his fifth annual summer break since June 20, but he's expected to resume hosting duties on Jimmy Kimmel Live on September 2. As recent as July 30, Damon pretended to crash Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, which is produced and hosted by the Brooklyn-born presenter (R) Jimmy jokingly called The Accountant 2 producer a 'hemorrhoid,' 'diabolical,' and 'not a fun hang' as he joined Jeopardy host Ken Jennings on ABC's rebooted game show Matt and Ken wound up winning $1M for the charity Water.org that he co-founded with Gary White in 2009 - which provides clean drinking water to 11 countries in Africa, Asia,and Latin America: '200K people we'll help with that!' Kimmel begrudgingly agreed to shake hands with the Artists Equity co-founder, who was still sporting his burly beard for Christopher Nolan's upcoming Greek epic, The Odyssey The Smurfs actor has been on his fifth annual summer break since June 20, but he's expected to resume hosting duties on Jimmy Kimmel Live on September 2 Kimmel enlisted guest hosts Anthony Anderson, Nicole Byer, Alan Cumming, Chris Distefano, Fortune Feimster, Jelly Roll, Diego Luna and Kumail Nanjiani during his absence. Meanwhile, Matt co-produced Bill Condon's $30M-budget remake of West End musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, starring his BFF Ben Affleck's second ex-wife Jennifer Lopez, which hits US theaters October 10. Audience can next catch Damon and Affleck playing Miami cops in Joe Carnahan's crime drama The Rip, which premieres January 16 on Netflix. Samantha Armytage has taken to social media to share some exciting wedding news. The TV personality, who is set to host the much-anticipated Channel Nine series The Golden Bachelor this year, posted a picture to Instagram on Sunday to congratulate her brother Charlie and his now-wife Alexandra Dewar on their nuptials. 'Congratulations to my brother Charlie, & Alex.. Married!' the 48-year-old captioned the post. 'Such a happy day/couple. Isnt love fabulous?!' she added. In the picture, the newlyweds looked lovingly at each other as they walked hand in hand in their elegant wedding attire. Earlier this year, Samantha revealed she had become a proud aunt when Charlie and Alex welcomed a daughter. Samantha Armytage has taken to social media to announce some exciting wedding news The television host posed alongside her newborn baby niece, whom she was all too proud to introduce to her fans on Instagram. 'Meet my newest niece, Sophie Armytage,' she wrote in her caption. Samantha separated from equestrian businessman Richard Lavender, 61, on the eve of their fourth wedding anniversary in December last year. She started dating Richard in April 2019 and they announced their engagement in June 2020. The couple then tied the knot at his 40-hectare property in the picturesque Southern Highlands in NSW on New Year's Eve of that same year. But late last year, sources revealed their split exclusively to Daily Mail Australia, with Samantha then confirming that they had 'amicably' gone their separate ways. 'Yes, Richard and I have separated. All breakups are hard, but it's somewhat lessened by the fact it's amicable and we wish the best for each other,' Samantha said. 'I appreciate you respecting our privacy. I won't be making any further comment.' Samantha has recently undergone a glamorous makeover ahead of her hosting role on The Golden Bachelor, featuring Barry 'Bear' Myrden The television personality has been single and ready to mingle ever since, and has recently undergone a glamorous makeover ahead of her hosting role on The Golden Bachelor, featuring Barry 'Bear' Myrden. Barry is an infrastructure engineer and passionate sailor from Sydney, who has been handpicked as the leading man for the upcoming Australian adaptation. He is a father of three and a respected professional in the tech industry, currently working in Data Centre Management for Woolworths Group. With decades of experience in his field, he has held senior roles at major companies like Macquarie Bank and the NSW Port Authority. Banksy collectors Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly are reportedly suing Contemporary Art Trader Andrew Lilley at High Court. The Geordie duo, both 49, have allegedly lodged a lawsuit against the Northern Ireland-based company. Andrew Lilley boasts online about selling 'Banksy prints that you just cant get anywhere else'. The nature of Ant and Dec's lawsuit is yet to be revealed. According to The Sun, the pair have called in top law firm Wedlake Bell and have listed their full names as claimants in the Chancery Division (Business List) case. At present, no date has been fixed for a hearing before a judge. Banksy collectors Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, both 49, are reportedly suing Contemporary Art Trader Andrew Lilley at High Court (pictured in April) Andrew Lilley boasts online about selling 'Banksy prints that you just cant get anywhere else' (Banksy painting pictured at a Milan exhibition in 2018) Andrew Lilley Contemporary Art Trader and Andrew Lilley Fine Art Limited are named as defendants. Companies House records last year showed the firm had nearly 2million of assets. The company's website claims it has 'helped clients from all over the world find the artwork that appeals to them'. It adds: 'Whether you are looking for the latest Banksy or a sought-after Andy Warhol original, we have the expertise and experience to track down the prints, photography or original artworks that are making such an impact on the art scene right now.' Daily Mail has contacted Andrew Lilley and Ant and Dec for comment. When Ant divorced ex-wife Lisa Armstrong in 2018, Lisa remained in their former 4million home in Chiswick, West London, which had Banksy on its walls. The couple were together for more than two decades and married for 11 years. He went on to marry Anne-Marie Corbett in August 2021, in a lavish wedding that reportedly cost a whopping 500,00, with Dec as best man. The Geordie duo have allegedly lodged a lawsuit against the Northern Ireland-based company. The nature of the lawsuit is yet to be revealed The pair have reportedly called in law firm Wedlake Bell and have listed their full names as claimants in the Chancery Division (Business List) case Ant recently celebrated his fourth wedding anniversary with wife Anne-Marie earlier this month. The TV presenter and his wife, 46, were all smiles in the throwback snap as they celebrated their special day at Heckfield Place in Hampshire. Taking to his X account, which he shares with co-star Dec, Ant wrote: 'Happy 4th Anniversary darling. I wish we could go back and do it all again! Love ya. A X' Ant worked with Anne-Marie for several years before they started dating. Safiyya Vorajee has shared an empowering message about how spreading awareness for the condition her baby daughter died of has helped others. Azaylia died at eight months old from a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer - acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) - at her home in Warwickshire in April 2021. Since her tragic passing, Safiyya, 37, has dedicated her time to raising awareness for the disease as well as striving to fund research into curing AML. Safiyya recently spoke on a podcast about the signs and symptoms of the disease and her advice may well have saved one of her follower's lives. After listening to Safiyya explain how she first noticed Azaylia, who she welcomed with ex Ashley Cain, was unwell, she picked up on her own symptoms. The message from the affected fan, read: 'I keep getting bruises on my legs, I assumed it was having a busy five year old and working in childcare, but I remember in a recent podcast you said you noticed a lump under Azaylia's bruise. Safiyya Vorajee has shared an empowering message about how spreading awareness for the condition her baby daughter died of has helped others Azaylia died at eight months old from a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer - acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) - at her home in Warwickshire in April 2021 (pictured Safiyya, Azaylia and Ashley Cain) Safiyya recently spoke on a podcast about the signs and symptoms of the disease and her advice may well have saved one of her follower's lives 'When I noticed the same thing on myself I straight away thought of that comment you made, I went for bloods on Monday and diagnosed with AML on Wednesday! 'I can't believe it, I'm terrified for the journey ahead but wanted to say thank you as I wouldn't have been concerned if I hadn't heard from you.' Reflecting on the message, Safiyya said: 'I always go through my messages as much as I can and try and respond but I have just gone on to my comments section on my YouTube and I have just seen this message from one of my followers... 'And let me tell you my heart just dropped as I read this, to know that me sharing Azaylia's journey and speaking on these podcasts and be a voice for the voiceless can really help so many people just really reminds me that I need to continue to share my journey... 'To share all of these signs and symptoms so it can help people because this lady without me sharing my voice wouldn't have known, but I will keep her in my prayers and thoughts. Let's go champ. She also said in the caption: 'This message was sent to me and it truly stopped me in my tracks. Sharing my precious baby Azaylia's journey has always been about spreading awareness, and here is a reminder of why it's so important. 'What may seem like "just a bruise" can sometimes be something more. Please always seek medical advice is something doesn't feel right. 'To anyone who is battling with their health, or to those who have lost someone they love please know you are always in my prayers. Reflecting on the message, Safiyya said: 'I always go through my messages as much as I can and try and respond but I have just gone on to my comments section on my YouTube and I have just seen this message from one of my followers... The woman who Safiyya was speaking about later commented on the post as she thanked her again for sharing Azaylia's story Others credited Safiyya for spreading awareness about AML 'You are brave, you are strong, and I walk this path beside you. Raising awareness saves lives.' The woman who Safiyya was speaking about later commented on the post as she thanked her again for sharing Azaylia's story. The message said: 'It was myself who sent that message. If you hadn't shared Azaylia's story or continued to talk about her, I wouldn't have gone to the Dr as my symptoms were so subtle. 'Unfortunately, I had breast cancer five years ago when I was pregnant, I had five incredible cancer free years with my beautiful family and we even emigrated from the UK to Australia. 'Being diagnosed with AML was so out of the blue and it's believed to be caused from the chemo I had that treated the breast cancer, which feels like a cruel joke. 'Now that I'm aware of how fast moving AML is, you have definitely saved my life. I am absolutely terrified and don't want to do this journey, but how can I not try when Azaylia fought so hard.' Azaylia was diagnosed with with acute myeloid leukemia and had tumours on her lungs, stomach and kidneys. She was given several rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant at Birmingham Children's Hospital but sadly died on April 24. Safiyya said both she and former Ex On The Beach star Ashley struggled with their grief, however he started to 'drink quite a lot' causing them to separate. Speaking to Paul C Brunson on his We Need To Talk podcast, she said that she 'waited for him' to navigate his grief but it became to much for her. She has also claimed last month that she split from Ashley because he turned to alcohol following the death of their baby daughter Azaylia Safiyya said: 'I was like lets ride through this together and he had his own protective armour around him and the feelings and pain he was in, he couldn't navigate it. 'I kind of waited for him but he ended up drinking quite a lot and going down that road. 'I'm not someone who really drinks and I needed him but he needed to be by himself. 'There is no right and wrong with grief.' Elsewhere in the chat, Safiyya revealed she gave Ashley a 90 day trial to step away from boozing when they first got together romantically. At the time, Ashley was doing club appearances and DJing but Safiyya said the only way their relationship would work was if he came home afterwards instead of partying into the early hours. She explained: 'I said show me the man I want, I gave him the 90 day test. It was just slowing down the pace of going out and partying, so like go to work, get paid and come home because he used to party after. 'I was like show me but if you don't want to, that is fine, but he passed the test with flying colours'. Daily Mail contacted Ashley's representatives for comment at the time. Television personality Ashley, 33, and his ex partner Safiyya, 36, tragically lost their little girl when she was eight months old after she battled a rare form of cancer Elsewhere, Safiyya broke down as she opened up about an abusive ex boyfriend who 'hit and beat her, smashed her car up and removed her closest friends and family from her life'. Speaking about the unnamed ex, who she said she dated prior to Ashley but did not name, she said: 'Relationships I've had an absolute mess with I ended up in a domestic relationship in my early 20s and I didn't see that coming from how strong I didn't see that coming. 'It was the love bombing, I was feeling lonely and I felt like I needed a partner and even though my career and work were going well I felt empty and like I needed someone. 'It was like he wants to take me to a fancy hotel and dinners and shopping and holidays and I was like yes I found this guy but these things were coming in gradually where I was like, "oh I thought you'd think like me wearing this" and slowly he was chipping away from me mentally and I thought everything I was doing was wrong and I was shrinking to suit him.' Recalling one of her horrific incidents, Safiyya said: 'I was driving in the car and I can't remember what the disagreement was about but he whacked me straight in the face. 'I stopped the car and pushed me out of the car and jumped into the drivers seat and I was just left and he drove off with my car and I had to borrow a phone to ring my mum to come collect me to take me home. 'My mum told me not to go back again but I went back and I felt like it was my fault and it was insane. My mum tried everything to stop me. He was so sorry and he hadn't done that before and he loved me so much and he'd prove it to me. I stayed for four years.' Paul asked if the abuse happened again and without hesitation she replied 'repeatedly'. If you have been affected by this story please contact Samaritans on 116 123; Alcohol Anonymous on 0800 917 7650 / help@aamail.org; The Lullaby Trust on: 0808 802 6868 / support@lullabytrust.org.uk If you have been affected by this story please contact The Lullaby Trust on: 0808 802 6868 / support@lullabytrust.org.uk The hugely popular Great British Bake Off is poised to return with a sixteenth series on September 2, with a whole new crop of cake creators. The much-loved baking competition has become an autumn TV tradition, drawing in millions each year for a mix of spectacular showstoppers and kitchen disasters. 12 contestants will go head to head in the famous tent under the watchful eye of returning judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding. Among them is a rollerskating drag king, a med student who at 23 is the series' youngest contestant, and a bridal designer. Also in the mix is a food influencer who calls himself Yeastie Boy, and has already accumulated over 600k followers across his social media platforms. Take a look at the 2025 line-up, as the countdown to Bake Off begins. The hugely popular Great British Bake Off is poised to return with a sixteenth series on September 2, with a whole new crop of cake creators 12 contestants will go head to head in the famous tent under the watchful eye of returning judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith , and hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding Jessika Multitalented Jessika is among those hoping to win the coveted Star Baker accolades and a Hollywood handshake or two. The London-based service designer performs a rollerskating Drag King act and is also a keen gymnast. The 32-year-old said: 'Seeing the big white tent for the first time was so weird. I've watched the show for years, and entertained the idea that, potentially, maybe, one day, this girl could quite possibly bake up a storm for the judges.' Taking to Instagram to share the news, Jessika wrote: 'Golly!! The cake is FINALLYYY out of the oven 'I cant believe Im saying this, but, this girl actually made it into the tent!!!!! As an amateur baker, this is something Ive wanted for the longest time, and still cant quite believe its happened. 'Im beyond grateful for all the love and support I received along the way, and so sorry to everyone I had to keep it from (hands down the hardest secret Ive ever had to keep!!!). 'As someone who can be a bit of a worrier, Im absolutely terrified to watch it back but also SO excited. So come join the fun, watch me make a mess and whisk it all on The Great British Bake Off!!!' Multitalented Jessika, who performs a rollerskating drag act, is among those hoping to win the coveted Star Baker accolades and a Hollywood handshake or two The London-based service designer performs a rollerskating Drag King act and is also a keen gymnast The 32-year-old said: 'Seeing the big white tent for the first time was so weird. I've watched the show for years, and entertained the idea that, potentially, maybe, one day, this girl could quite possibly bake up a storm for the judges Jasmine At 23, Edinburgh-born medical student Jasmine is this year's youngest hopeful. The London-based contestant learnt the art of baking through her mother and aunts and has revealed she likes 'using classic flavours and techniques to produce delicious bakes.' From her social media, it is clear to see that Jasmine loves cooking and hosting dinner parties for her friends. At 23, Edinburgh-born medical student Jasmine is this year's youngest hopeful From her social media, it is clear to see that Jasmine loves cooking and hosting dinner parties for her friends The London-based contestant learnt the art of baking through her mother and aunts and has revealed she likes 'using classic flavours and techniques to produce delicious bakes. Iain Former amateur powerlifter Iain gave himself the nickname Yeastie Boy thanks to his penchant for putting album covers onto the crusts of his loaves. Iain boasts over 400k followers on TikTok and 240k on Instagram, and often shares snaps of his impressive and unique creations. The 29-year-old software engineer said: 'When I got the call to confirm my place I was in sheer disbelief, I had no idea it would actually happen. 'I thought it was a prank at first, I got a call a few minutes after being told and I thought they were going to tell me they made a mistake and I wasn't actually on the show!' Announcing the news on Instagram, Iain wrote: 'Now who let this wee Irish fella on the bake off?! So excited to announce that I'll be on this year's Great British Bake Off! Wish me luck guys, I'm gonna need it' Former amateur powerlifter Iain gave himself the nickname Yeastie Boy thanks to his penchant for putting album covers onto the crusts of his loaves Iain boasts over 400k followers on TikTok and 240k on Instagram, and often shares snaps of his impressive and unique creations The 29-year-old software engineer said: 'When I got the call to confirm my place I was in sheer disbelief, I had no idea it would actually happen Aaron Aaron lives in London with his boyfriend Anthony, having moved from Manchester two years ago. The Senior Systems Architect, 38, is a passionate baker who fuses French patisserie with Caribbean flair. Always experimenting, hes currently embracing Asian flavours like miso and yuzu in his mono-portion bakes. Aaron lives in London with his boyfriend Anthony, having moved from Manchester two years ago The Senior Systems Architect, 38, is a passionate baker who fuses French patisserie with Caribbean flair Always experimenting, hes currently embracing Asian flavours like miso and yuzu in his mono-portion bakes Pui Man Bridal designer Pui Man, 51, who was born in Hong Kong but now lives in Essex, rediscovered her passion for baking during the Covid lockdown. She has shared several of her beautiful cake creations on Instagram, which she has baked for friends and family. Pui Man volunteers three evenings a week, collecting surplus food from supermarkets and distributing it within her community. After the announcement, she wrote on Instagram: 'The secret's out! After keeping quiet for ages, I can proudly say I baked in the legendary Bake Off tent. 'It was an absolutely amazing experience, and it was the hardest thing I had ever done.' Bridal designer Pui Man, 51, who was born in Hong Kong but now lives in Essex, rediscovered her passion for baking during the Covid lockdown After the announcement, she wrote on Instagram: 'The secret's out! After keeping quiet for ages, I can proudly say I baked in the legendary Bake Off tent Toby Toby, 29, a business development executive from Warwickshire, said he loves to refuel after a gruelling workout with his strawberry cheesecake. He shares many of his baking creations on Instagram, and his bio reads: 'Unapologetically obsessed with baking bread' Speaking about being on the show, he said: 'Absolutely INSANE but Im so proud to announce that Im a baker this year on The Great British Bake Off! 'Never could I have imagined Id be saying it but what an absolute honour it is to be part of the line up. Cant wait until 2nd September to start watching!' Toby, 29, a business development executive from Warwickshire, said he loves to refuel after a gruelling workout with his strawberry cheesecake He shares many of his baking creations on Instagram, and his bio reads: 'Unapologetically obsessed with baking bread' Speaking about being on the show, he said: 'Absolutely INSANE but Im so proud to announce that Im a baker this year on The Great British Bake Off Nadia There's another hairdresser in the mix. 41-year-old Nadia is inspired by her Italian chef dad and loves to blend Indian and Italian flavours. She often shares her gorgeous bakes on social media, as well as sweet family snaps with her two children and her partner. There's another hairdresser in the mix. 41-year-old Nadia is inspired by her Italian chef dad and loves to blend Indian and Italian flavours She often shares her gorgeous bakes on social media, as well as sweet family snaps with her two children and her partner Hassan Hassan is a 30-year-old Analytical Research & Development Scientist from South Yorkshire. With a love for sweet treats inspired by his Pakistani heritage, hes especially fond of praline and nut-based flavours that echo traditional Asian sweets. His Instagram bio shares that he is a 'Self-taught amateur baker,' and he has started sharing videos on how to recreate his sweet treats. Chemistry graduate Hassan is inspired by his Pakistani heritage as well as his passion for science, carefully researching before experimenting with his bakes His Instagram bio shares that he is a 'Self-taught amateur baker,' and he has started sharing videos on how to recreate his sweet treats Leighton Leighton, 59, originally from Swansea now lives in Surrey and works as a Software Delivery Manager. Leighton has always done things his own way, ignoring anyone that told him boys dont bake. He grew up playing the organ at his local church and now lives in Surrey with his Californian husband Eric, and their Irish Terrier, Cilla. He likes to play with traditional Welsh/British and American flavours, with favourites like Welsh cakes with peanut butter and Victoria Sponge with key lime pie filling. Leighton hosted a small party with friends and family to announce that he would be taking part in this year's series. Leighton, 59, hails from Surrey and works as a Software Delivery Manager Leighton hosted a small party with friends and family to announce that he would be taking part in this year's series Leighton has always done things his own way, ignoring anyone that told him boys dont bake Natallia Office assistant Nataliia was born in Ukraine and moved to England with her husband Harry four years ago, just before the war broke out. They now all live in East Yorkshire with their 3-year-old daughter, Francesca. She was taught to bake by her grandmother, following traditional recipes that have been handed down through the generations. She shared on social media: 'Big news, Im beyond excited (and a little nervous!) to finally share that Ill be a contestant on The Great British Bake Off Series 16 'Its an honour to be the first Ukrainian baker in the tent, and I cant wait to share this adventure with you all lets bake, laugh, and enjoy it together each week.' Office assistant Nataliia was born in Ukraine and moved to England shortly before the war broke out She was taught to bake by her grandmother, following traditional recipes that have been handed down through the generations Lesley Hairdresser Lesley, 53, is also inspired by her family, passing on her kitchen skills to her granddaughter Mabel after falling in love with baking as a child herself, thanks to her Nanny Mable and Auntie Joan. Hairdresser Lesley, 53, is also inspired by her family, passing on her kitchen skills to her granddaughter Mabel after falling in love with baking as a child herself She has recently started sharing pictures of her creations to Instagram Tom Tom grew up in London and learnt to bake scones and flapjacks alongside his Mum and Danish Granny. As a teen, Tom feared his secret love of baking would out him, but he is now happily settled down with his boyfriend of three years. Having stepped back from the advertising agency he set up, hes recently reconnected with his love for food. Tom enjoys fishing for Sea Bass with his brother, foraging for mushrooms, and cooking roasts with his dad. Tom grew up in London and learnt to bake scones and flapjacks alongside his Mum and Danish Granny As a teen, Tom feared his secret love of baking would out him, but he is now happily settled down with his boyfriend of three years Having stepped back from the advertising agency he set up, hes recently reconnected with his love for food A Hollywood star stunned fans on Monday, as he made an appearance at the Primitive War premiere in Los Angeles, over a quarter of a century after making his name in hit comedy, American Pie. The actor, 45, looked worlds away from his sexually frustrated signature character as he posed on the red carpet alongside a Tyrannosaurus Rex, sporting much shaggier and longer hair and a full beard. The former child star rose to global fame after starring in the 1999 runaway hit, inspired by the raunchy sex comedies of the 1970s such as Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Porkies, and Animal House. He reprised his role in the billion dollar franchise numerous times, with his final appearance being in 2012's American Reunion. Since then, he has continued acting in various projects and pursued a music career, putting out seven studio albums. But can you guess who he is? An American Pie star stunned fans on Monday, as he made an appearance at the Primitive War premiere in Los Angeles, over a quarter of a century after making his name in the X-rated comedy The actor, 45, looked worlds away from his sexually frustrated signature character as he posed on the red carpet alongside a Tyrannosaurus Rex, sporting much shaggier and longer hair and a full beard The former child star rose to global fame after starring in the 1999 runaway hit, going on to reprise his role in the franchise numerous times, with his final appearance being in 2012's American Reunion. But can you guess who he is? It's Thomas Ian Nicholas! He famously played Kevin Myers in American Pie, alongside a star-studded cast including Jason Biggs, Jennifer Coolidge, Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, Eugene Levy, Alyson Hannigan, and Seann William Scott. The comedy told the age-old story of a group of teenagers trying to lose their virginity before college, and Thomas said he knew the film was destined for huge success. 'It was in my contract,' he joked. 'Must do at least four films, maybe five, and it has to be a billion dollar franchise otherwise I won't consider doing the first one.' However, years later Thomas admitted that he initially threw the script in the trash, after not realising the plot and believing that the film would be purely 'smut'. The first scene, which didn't make the final cut, initially saw Vicky - played by Tara - instructing Kevin on 'how to move his fingers'. Thomas said of the moment: 'I'll let you put the rest together with your mind. I threw the script in the trash thinking it was just smut. I didn't understand it was a modern-day Porkies, and I love Porkies.' And he still almost didn't get the iconic role as it was originally offered to his high-school friend Andrew Keegan, who turned it down to star in beloved romantic comedy, 10 Things I Hate About You. It's Thomas Ian Nicholas! He famously played Kevin Myers in American Pie, alongside a star-studded cast including Jason Biggs, Jennifer Coolidge, Tara Reid, Mena Suvari, Eugene Levy, Alyson Hannigan, and Seann William Scott (seen in film with Tara) The comedy told the age-old story of a group of teenagers trying to lose their virginity before college, and Thomas said he knew the film was destined for huge success (Thomas, Jason, Seann and Chris Klein pictured) Thomas said: 'They came back to me and once I read the script properly I saw all of the heart that existed in the characters. It wasn't just a teen sex comedy. 'It was a real coming-of-age story that everyone could find someone to relate to, or know someone who was exactly like Stiffler.' The film spawned three well-received sequels, and Thomas recently hinted there could still be a fifth more than 20 years on as he said a follow-up has recently been discussed. Speaking at a Rhode Island Comic Con panel in November, he revealed his son Nolan River, who made his acting debut in M Night Shyamalan's 2021 thriller Old, inadvertently got the ball rolling. He explained: 'So the only truth I can share with you is because my son is following in my footsteps as an actor. He starred in the M Night Shyamalan movie Old. And that was also a Universal film. 'We were at the premiere, and the President and Chairwoman of Universal, didn't realise that he was my kid. 'They were like, "No way, oh my gosh! Hey, by the way, we're negotiating for American Pie 5". This was the summer of 2021. So, I was like, "Sweet, this is happening".' However, he went on to reveal how his excitement was dashed after getting bad news from screenwriter Adam Herz. However, years later Thomas admitted that he initially threw the script in the trash, after not realising the plot and believing that the film would be purely 'smut' The film spawned three well-received sequels, and Thomas recently hinted there could still be a fifth more than 20 years on as he said a follow-up has recently been discussed (seen in 2023) He said: 'I texted Adam Herz six months later. I was like, "Hey buddy, hows the script coming?" Hes like, "Oh, we didn't come to terms on negotiation." So that's the last that I heard.' However, Thomas said he was still remaining positive, adding: 'I guess the silver lining her is that Universal is circling around the idea. It's a billion dollar franchise, why wouldn't they revisit it, right?' He went on to say he hoped the recently-released sequel to Adam Sandler's 1996 hit Happy Gilmore would help negotiations for a fifth American Pie. He said: 'If the tonality of Happy Gilmore 2 is accepted and successful, then we'll be coming back into an era of broad comedy, which we haven't had for a while. I think people are ready for some levity.' While he acknowledged that several controversial scenes from the original film wouldn't be accepted in today's landscape, following the landmark Me Too movement. But Thomas said: 'I think it would be really interesting to see this world, [the world of American Pie] in this world. 'How do you make it work now? You cannot make that movie now for so many reasons.' He previously reflected one of the movie's most famous scenes, when Shannon Elizabeth's foreign exchange student character changes clothes, and some of the boys secretly watch via webcam. His mother, a casting director, gave him his first role as an altar boy but his first credited role was playing 'Little Tony' Danza in a Who's The Boss? flashback in 1988 (seen) Stardom: His big break came at age 12 with 1993's Rookie of the Year, in which he played Henry Rowengartner, a boy who can suddenly pitch on a pro-level and joins the Chicago Cubs (seen) Thomas said that the scene paid homage to a similar one in the 1981 film Porky's involving a girls' locker room, though he admits it wouldn't make it into a movie today. He said: 'They would just probably do it in a different way today. But at the same time, there is a bit of, what are we calling it now? I don't want to pigeonhole a term, but there are a lot of things that are being cancelled now. So, it's definitely not the right time to push the envelope on a teen sex comedy.' Though he may be best known for his role in American Pie Thomas' career started much earlier with TV spots in the early '80s and starring movie roles in the early to mid-90s. He got his start in Hollywood thanks to a familial connection, as his mother was a casting director who found background actors for low-budget films and gave him his first role as an altar boy. But it wasn't until 1988, when he was eight years old, that he scored his first credited role playing 'Little Tony' Danza in a Who's The Boss? flashback. Thomas went on a lot of auditions during his childhood, though unlike some other child stars, he insists that his mother wasn't pressuring him to stay in the business, and would check in regularly to make sure he still wanted to do it. In 1989, he scored another TV role, this time as Ricky Blount on an episode of Baywatch, followed by a two-episode arch on Married... With Children. He had several more small roles before his big break with 1993's Rookie of the Year, in which he played Henry Rowengartner, a boy who can suddenly pitch on a pro-level and joins the Chicago Cubs. Thomas has continued acting and also fronts the Thomas Nicholas band, which is currently on tour, playing dates across the US and UK Thomas was previously married to Colette Marino, also known as DJ Colette, for 14 years, before they divorced in 2022 (pictured together in 2017) They share two children together, nine-year-old daughter Zoe Dylan and son Nolan River, 13, who has followed in his father's footsteps in pursuing an acting career (seen together in 2020) Speaking to Vice in March 2021, he shared some of his memories on set with his very famous co-stars, revealing he had his first beer ever at age 14 with Kate Winslet. Thomas has continued acting, most recently starring in 2020's Adverse alongside Mickey Rourke, Lou Diamond Phillips and Sean Astin and mockumentary, Underdeveloped in 2023. He is next set to star in upcoming dramedy crime series, A Motel, following a group of outcasts working at a seedy motel who find themselves in danger when they accidentally uncover a drug smuggling plot for the mafia. He also fronts the Thomas Nicholas band, which is currently on tour, playing dates across the US and UK. Thomas was previously married to Colette Marino, also known as DJ Colette, for 14 years, before they divorced in 2022. They share two children together, nine-year-old daughter Zoe Dylan and son Nolan River, 13, who has followed in his father's footsteps in pursuing an acting career, with roles on New Girl and M. Night Shyamalan's Old. David Schwimmer looked downcast as he attended the opening night for Broadway show Take A Banana For The Ride in NYC on Tuesday. The Friends actor, 58, stepped out as his former co-star Matthew Perry's 'Ketamine Queen' drug dealer took a plea deal for supplying the star's fatal dose. Jasveen Sangha made a guilty plea deal in connection with the October 2023 drug overdose death of Matthew at 54. Sangha was initially facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, a source close to the case told the Daily Mail exclusively. Under the plea agreement, that mandatory minimum has been lifted, allowing Sangha to potentially receive a sentence less than 10 years for her role in the death of Perry, whose life was recently chronicled in the documentary Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy. For the theatre David cut a casual figure in a black denim jacket and cap and looked in a sombre mood. David Schwimmer looked downcast as he attended the opening night for Broadway show Take A Banana For The Ride in NYC on Tuesday The Friends actor, 58, stepped out as his former co-star Matthew Perry's 'Ketamine Queen' drug dealer took a plea deal for supplying the star's fatal dose David and Matthew worked together for 10 years on Friends and David paid tribute to his 'generous' friend after his tragic death. Matthew was found dead face down in his jacuzzi back on October 29, 2023, leaving Hollywood shaken to its core after he bravely shared details of his addiction struggles with the public to dissuade others from following a similar path. Months later, a medical examiner determined that the actor - who had battled substance abuse issues throughout his life - had died of 'acute effects of ketamine.' Legal analyst and federal criminal defense attorney Lou Shapiro told the Daily Mail he wasn't surprised Sangha decided to take the plea deal, especially since her co-defendants had done so earlier. 'When you look at the overwhelming evidence against her and what they found at her place alone the drugs, the manufacturing equipment and the money and tons of it, she was basically toast,' Shapiro said. 'There was nowhere for her to go. It wasn't if she was going to take the deal, it was a matter of just when.' Shapiro added: 'Even if you don't intentionally try to harm somebody or cause them great bodily injury or death, the mere fact that you are engaging in a conduct that is very likely going to result in death, you're going to be held accountable for it.' Shapiro said any arguments presented would have quickly crumbled under legal scrutiny: 'You can't look the other way and say, 'I was just selling it. I was doing him a favor.' That is not going to fly. Shapiro added, 'This also sends a big message to the medical industry that doctors will be held fully accountable for death to bodily injury that results in their patients when they are merely prescribing drugs. David and Matthew worked together for 10 years on Friends and David paid tribute to his 'generous' friend after his tragic death (seen with co-star Jennifer Aniston) Jasveen Sangha made a plea deal in connection with the October 2023 drug overdose death of Matthew at 54 'These doctors knew what was going on and they fully participated in supplying Matthew Perry with as much ketamine as he wanted.' Shapiro cited court records in which the doctors themselves marveled at the extent of Perry's addiction and lengths he was willing to go to in his quest to get his next fix. 'They even called him an 'idiot' at one point in their text messages,' Shapiro said. 'I think the medical community also will look at this as a tragedy for the loss of life but also, they are people who worked hard to become medical professionals. 'Instead, these doctors threw all of that away for greed.' A sentencing hearing for Sangha 'is expected to occur in the coming months,' United States Attorney Bilal A. Essayli of California's Central District said in a statement obtained by Daily Mail on Monday. 'Upon entering her guilty plea, Sangha will face at her sentencing hearing,' Essayli said, 'a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on the drug-involved premises count.' Sangha faces 'up to 10 years in federal prison for each ketamine distribution count ... and up to 15 years in federal prison for the count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury,' the prosecutor said. The prosecutor noted that in October 2023, 'Sangha and Fleming sold Perry 51 vials of ketamine, which were provided' to Perry's live-in personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa. Sangha sought to engage in a cover-up with another person involved in the scheme, Perry pal Erik Fleming, 55, 'after learning from news reports of Perry's death,' the prosecutor said. Essayli said Monday that 'Sangha called Fleming on Signal to discuss how to distance themselves from it' following Perry's passing in the fall of 2023. The prosecutor continued: 'That day, Sangha updated the settings on the Signal apps to automatically delete her messages with Fleming. She further instructed Fleming to 'Delete all our messages.'' Essayli said that 'two days after Perry's death, Fleming left Sangha a voicemail on Signal and texted, 'Please call . . . Got more info and want to bounce ideas off you. I'm 90% sure everyone is protected. I never dealt with [Perry]. Only his assistant. 'So the assistant was the enabler. Also they are doing a three-month tox screening ... Does [ketamine] stay in your system or is it immediately flushed out[?].'' According to the prosecutor, Sangha also admitted to selling four vials of ketamine to another victim of a fatal overdose in August 2019, Cody McLaury. The prosecutor said that Sangha admit in her plea deal to possessing drugs she intended to sell at her home in North Hollywood residence. 'In March 2023, law enforcement searched the residence,' according to Essayli. 'and found 1.7 kilograms of pressed pills containing methamphetamine, 79 vials of liquid ketamine, MDMA (Ecstasy) tablets [and] counterfeit Xanax pills.' Matthew was found dead face down in his jacuzzi back on October 29, 2023, leaving Hollywood shaken to its core (seen six months before he died) Also recovered were 'the baggies containing powdered ketamine and cocaine, and other drug trafficking items such as a gold money counting machine, a scale, a wireless signal and hidden camera detector, drug packaging materials, and $5,723 in cash,' the prosecutor said. In June, another medical professional charged in the case, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, agreed to plead guilty to four counts of ketamine distribution in the case. Plasencia had also been charged with prosecutors with altering and falsifying documents or records in connection with the federal probe. With the expected guilty plea, Plasencia joined three others who had pleaded guilty in connection with the tragic death of the TV star. They include: Dr. Mark Chavez; Perry's assistant Kenneth Iwamasa and Erik Fleming, who was an acquaintance of the Friends star. Tammy Hembrow is reportedly gearing up for a jaw-dropping appearance at this year's Brownlow Medal, that could rival Bec Judd's unforgettable red dress moment from 2004. The fitness mogul and social media sensation, 30, is said to be in talks with high-profile designers to secure a show-stopping gown for footy's night of nights on September 22 at Crown in Melbourne. It comes amid her blossoming romance with Geelong Cats' star midfielder Bailey Smith, 24, who has enjoyed a standout season since his shift to the engine room. 'Tammy is smart, she knows what she's doing,' a source told The Herald Sun, suggesting her potential appearance is nothing short of a calculated power move. The couple were first linked earlier this month when they were spotted enjoying a romantic date at Burleigh's celebrity hotspot Rick Shores on August 9. Days later, the pair were seen walking arm-in-arm on the Gold Coast, fuelling further speculation. Tammy Hembrow (left) is reportedly gearing up for a jaw-dropping appearance at this year's Brownlow Medal that could rival Bec Judd's unforgettable red dress moment from 2004, amid her romance with Bailey Smith (right) The fitness mogul and social media sensation, 30, is said to be in talks with high-profile designers to secure a show-stopping gown for footy's night of nights on September 22 at Crown in Melbourne. Bec and Chris Judd are pictured at the Brownlow Awards in 2004 The social media queen added fuel to the fire by sharing a TikTok wearing what appeared to be Bailey's grey Adidas jacket - a subtle nod to their budding romance. In another emotional post, Tammy uploaded a montage of herself crying through past hardships, hinting at her desire for a new chapter. Insiders say Tammy may enlist celebrity stylist and close friend Paul Versace to craft her red carpet look - a go-to fashion figure for Brownlow WAGs. If she does, fashion watchers predict she could deliver one of the biggest red carpet moments in Brownlow history. 'She's bristling after her ex Matt Zukowski claimed he was the one who ended their relationship,' the source added. 'Making a splash at the Brownlow with Bailey would be the ultimate comeback.' Zukowski, who starred on Love Island Australia, made headlines recently after declaring it was his decision to end their whirlwind romance earlier this year. The potential red carpet debut with Bailey would mark the biggest WAG arrival since Brynne Edelsten stunned the nation by stepping out with her late husband Geoffrey Edelsten at the 2014 ceremony. The AFL star has found himself at the centre of a media frenzy following reports of a blossoming romance with the fitness influencer and mother-of-three. Judd returned to Brownlow Medal for the 2024 red carpet. The AFL WAG ensured all eyes were on her as she arrived with husband Chris in a blush pink corseted gown by J'Aton Couture Bailey has found himself at the centre of a media frenzy following reports of a blossoming romance with the fitness influencer and mother-of-three (pictured together) The pair were spotted enjoying their second beach date on Friday, this time taking a romantic stroll down Nobby's Beach on the Gold Coast. In footage shared by Instagram gossip page Influencer Updates AU, Smith was seen with his arm draped around Tammy's waist as they sipped coffee and wandered along the sand. The duo reportedly arrived together in Tammy's car and later left with Bailey behind the wheel. Tammy later posted a snap from the beach to her Instagram Stories, wearing the same grey tank and denim shorts seen in the paparazzi video. Meanwhile, Bailey had been seen earlier that day in Melbourne sporting the same black tracksuit he wore during the date. It's understood the visit was brief, with the footy player returning to Melbourne before flying to Sydney for Sunday's match. Daily Mail exclusively revealed Bailey and Tammy were seen together on a date on the Gold Coast, kissing and sharing lunch at a waterfront restaurant. Their budding relationship comes just two months after Tammy's split from ex-husband Matt Zukowski, and it's already stirred up major controversy online. Aussie influencer Lauren Bullen has sparked rumours of a split from her French partner Liam, just weeks after celebrating their daughter's first birthday. The travel blogger, known to her millions of followers as gypsea_lust, has noticeably unfollowed Liam on Instagram - and he appears to have returned the favour. The pair, who are based in Bali, haven't been seen together on social media in recent months, prompting fans to speculate their relationship may be over. It wouldn't be the first time the couple have parted ways. They previously broke up around 18 months before announcing they were expecting their daughter, Lumae, in March last year. At the time, Bullen addressed the break-up in an emotional Instagram post. Aussie influencer Lauren Bullen (pictured) has sparked rumours of a split from her French partner Liam, just weeks after celebrating their daughter's first birthday The travel blogger, known to her millions of followers as gypsea_lust, has noticeably unfollowed Liam (right) on Instagram - and he appears to have returned the favour 'I'm far from ready [to talk about this] but Liam and I are no longer together,' she told followers. 'I know the majority of you come from a place of loving and caring, but I'm reminded every time I open Instagram to see your messages,' she continued. 'I shared so much of my relationships so I know I somewhat owe an explanation.' The couple reunited before the birth of their daughter, and celebrated little Lumaes first birthday just last month. But their recent social media activity - or lack thereof - has led fans to question whether theyve gone their separate ways once again. Lauren has not publicly addressed the rumours. She last made headlines in 2023 after being labelled 'tone deaf' for complaining about cancelled flights during a volcanic eruption in Bali. Bullen had been living in Bali with Liam and their daughter Lumae Rose. The pair, who are based in Bali, haven't been seen together on social media in recent months, prompting fans to speculate their relationship may be over They had organised a trip to Australia this week but were unable to travel as Jetstar and Virgin Australia cancelled all flights due to ash clouds from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia. 'Anyone have info on flight cancellations in Bali? I have a very important weekend in Australia,' she wrote. 'I need to get to Australia by Friday for my bestie's bachelorette. So I have to just wait and reassess tonight or tomorrow and then somehow wrangle a ticket because right now prices have rocketed to $2-3K a person economy.' Fans slammed the influencer for her 'extremely tone deaf' post after it was re-shared to the Influencer Updates AU Instagram page. Lauren has built a successful career off her curated travel content and dreamy lifestyle photos, but fans have noticed her personal life has taken a backseat online in recent months. Bullen has been approached for comment. She is currently living it up on her Euro summer. And Lily James shared another look at her lavish trip on Tuesday as she posted a stylish snap posing on a yacht. The Mamma Mia actress, 36, looked stunning in a striped pink and red strappy bikini which she wore with a sheer white linen skirt. Another snap from her trip saw her putting on a busty display in a plunging white summer dress as she soaked up the sun. Taking to her Instagram Story this week she also shared snaps enjoying some delicious local pasta and exploring the sights. Though Lily didn't tag her location in her holiday posts the wine she was drinking was from Tuscany which suggests she may be enjoying her August in Italy. Lily James looked gorgeous in a pink striped bikini as she posed on a boat during a sun-soaked summer trip on Tuesday Another snap from her trip saw her putting on a busty display in a plunging white summer dress The posts comes after last week Lily lifted the lid on her love life in a very sexy shoot for Who What Wear magazine. While the leggy star kept tight lipped if she is dating anyone currently, she did disclose she isn't a fan of dating apps. In the candid interview, the Hollywood actress - who tries to keep her relationships under wraps - admitted she feels 'self-conscious' to go on dating apps. She said: 'I was always in relationships when the [dating] apps started. Now, I just don't know. I feel a bit self-conscious. 'I try to stay really private, as private as I can. To be on a dating app feels a bit counterintuitive to that desire.' Lily also shared her fears for getting older, admitting her biggest change in her thirties has been realising 'life is finite'. She added: 'I only want to do stuff that I really care about. 'I want to spend time with the people I love. I want to make the most of this wild and crazy life, so I only want to work on stuff that I really love. That's changed.' Taking to her Instagram Story this week she also shared snaps enjoying some delicious local pasta and exploring the sights Though Lily didn't tag her location in her holiday posts the wine she was drinking was from Tuscany which suggests she may be enjoying her August in Italy The Tom & Pammy star was last romantically linked to musician Michael Shuman in late 2023. It came after Lily hit back at Instagram moderators at the start of last week after one of her posts was removed by the social media platform for breaching community guidelines. The British actress has been on location in the Canadian wilderness while filming Harmonia, a forthcoming thriller from director Guy Nattiv. But she caught the eye of Instagram moderators after sharing an array of photos from the shoot, including one in which she and her co-stars appear to be completely naked. The blurred shot - posted to celebrate the film's completion - captures Lily and five unidentified fellow actresses holding hands as they form a tight circle and gaze up at the sky, as if in worship. Scheduled for release in 2026, Harmonia is inspired by the real life experiences of Nattiv's own grandmother and her connection to a bizarre cult in the 1980s. The new film also features Carrie Coon, formerly of The White Lotus, The Last Of Us star Bella Ramsey, and Odessa Young, who also features alongside Jeremy Allen White in forthcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere. But Lily' apparent celebration of the shoot was cut short by Instagram, who removed the post in accordance with community guidelines regarding online nudity. Her trip comes after Lily hit back at Instagram last week after one of her posts was removed by the social media platform for breaching community guidelines Evidently unhappy with the decision, she later posted: 'Instagram you deleted my last post why' Instagram is yet to respond publicly, and the post remains notably absent from her social media platform. The company's community guidelines serve to implement restrictions on hate speech, bullying and content related to violence, self-harm and various illegal activities. Intellectual property, spam, inappropriate imagery and branded content are also monitored by the site. Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth have raised eyebrows in recent weeks by spending long periods apart. The pair have been on separate continents in recent days, with Elsa back home in Australia's Byron Bay with their kids while Chris has been celebrating his 42nd birthday by partying with his celebrity pals in Ibiza. On Tuesday, Chris revealed the reason he has been far from his wife in recent weeks - work. In an Instagram Stories post, the Australian actor shared a behind-the-scenes look at the Romanian crew on his Disney Plus series Limitless: Live Better Now, as they film the series at locations dotted around the world. While Chris has been away, on Monday, Elsa was on parenting duty as she picked up smoothies with the couple's young son. While the Spanish actress, 49, handles parenting duty solo, Chris rang in his 42nd birthday in spectacular style over the weekend - partying with an entourage of A-list friends in Ibiza. Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth have raised eyebrows in recent weeks after spending time apart. They were last seen together in July for the Thor star's new National Geographic series, Limitless: Live Better Now (pictured) The Thor star celebrated with a lunch at celebrity hotspot Casa Jondal and a cruise on a luxury boat with a star-studded guest list, including his brothers Liam and Luke Hemsworth, Matt Damon, pop sensation Rita Ora and her husband, director Taika Waititi, and Patrick and Pia Whitesell. Elsa stayed on the other side of the world in Australia, after returning home from her native Spain. The mother-of-three looked somewhat downcast last Friday while running her errands as she ferried a box of goods from the shops to her car and took what appeared to be a tense phone call. Meanwhile, 15,853km away, the atmosphere was electric as Chris and his famous friends enjoyed the birthday bash on Sunday amid the sparkling Ibiza waters. Although Elsa did not accompany her husband at the celebration, she did share a sweet birthday tribute to him on social media on Monday - his actual birthday. Alongside a throwback photo of her embracing Chris, Elsa wrote some heartfelt words: 'Happy Birthday to my Rocky Balboa. You're the best of the best.' It comes after Chris and Elsa spent most of the European summer apart. Elsa was in her native Spain for weeks, filming her new TV series, Matices. In an Instagram Stories post, the Australian actor shared a behind-the-scenes look at the Romanian crew on his Disney Plus series Limitless: Live Better Now, indicating that he's been busy filming the series around the world While the Spanish actress, 49, handles parenting duty solo, Chris rang in his 42nd birthday in spectacular style over the weekend - partying with an entourage of A-list friends in Ibiza Meanwhile, Chris was travelling, even attending the final day of Wimbledon without his wife. Chris also enjoyed a beachside escape in Hossegor, France, with his longtime personal trainer and best mate Luke Zocchi, while Elsa enjoyed her own holiday in her native Spain. They later reunited in July for the Thor star's new National Geographic series, Limitless: Live Better Now, with twin sons, Tristan and Sasha, 11, in London. The couple tied the knot during the Christmas holidays in 2010. The Hemsworths have made Byron Bay their home in recent years, after relocating from Los Angeles to Australia nine years ago. Martin Shaw has revealed the secret feud he had with his 'arrogant' late co-star Lewis Collins. The pair are famously known as British TV's most popular crime-fighters of the 1980s, Bodie and Doyle. Martin, 80, and Lewis, who looked as though were best pals onscreen in The Professionals, couldn't stand each other in real life. So much so that Martin admitted he was 'relieved' when he stopped working with his co-star after the series ended. In an interview with the Telegraph, Martin spoke of the hidden feud he had with the late actor, who died in 2013 after a five-year battle with cancer. He said: 'It was truly, truly horrible and there was a sense of blessed relief when it was over. Ten years after the show finished I met Lewis and everything was healed between us.' Martin Shaw, 80, has revealed the secret feud he had with his 'arrogant' late co-star Lewis Collins (pictured this year in A Man For All Seasons) Martin and Lewis, who looked as though were best pals onscreen in The Professionals, couldn't stand each other in real life (pictured together in The Professionals in 1979) Martin said their feud first began when he and Lewis played villains in The New Avengers in 1977. 'Lewis behaved so badly on that set. He had a small part but he was so arrogant. It was beyond that. It was bizarre', Martin said. Martin recalled how Lewis would 'boast about his physical prowess at the expense of the other actors'. He added: 'Id already said to the casting director, "I cant work with Lewis because we dont get on", but they cast him anyway. 'I went up to him on the first day of shooting and said: "You know I didnt want you to do this but lets get on with it and have fun". And he told me to f*** off and he never forgave me for the next four years.' Doyle was the sensitive one with a bubble-perm and a conscience. The real hardman of the show was saturnine Bodie, the ex-mercenary. Bodie and Doyle were the paramilitary wing of MI5, a maverick unit called CI5 run by George Cowley, played by war movie veteran Gordon Jackson. So much so that Martin admitted he was 'relieved' when he stopped working with his co-star after the series ended The pair are famously known as British TV's most popular crime-fighters of the 1980s, Bodie and Doyle (pictured with Gordon Jackson centre) It was his Glaswegian growl that warned of anarchy and acts of terror, and set the uncompromising tone for the show. Earlier this year, Martin starred in Robert Bolts perennial war-horse A Man For All Seasons (his first was in 2006). It tells the story of Catholic saint Thomas Mores stand against Henry VIII, or more precisely, Henrys determination to defy the Pope, appoint himself head of the Church in England, ditch Catherine of Aragon and have a go at siring a son by another woman (Anne Boleyn). Martin admitted that his job contributed to his hair turning grey, in an interview with The Guardian in 2012. He said: 'I've grown a few grey hairs well, a lot of grey hairs by now. And there's been a great deal of fatigue,' 'Acting does put a strain on relationships. You're away from home a lot. In that sense, it's almost military.' Part stand-up, part therapy, Every Brilliant Thing is all about depression. But with Lenny Henry taking control, it's also a life-affirming treat.As l Every Brilliant Thing (Soho Place, London) Verdict: Counting your blessings Rating: If ever a show was made for a theatre in-the-round, its Duncan Macmillans response to his mothers depression. Less a play than stand-up, or a communal feel-good therapy session, we really are all in this together. Audience participation is inescapable. On strides Lenny Henry, national treasure, theatrical knight, a performer super-quick on his feet in every sense and with that rare gift of holding the audience in the palm of his hand and keeping it there. Which is what happens over the next 70 minutes as he shouts out a number, and the random person in the crowd issued with that number shouts out the 'brilliant thing' associated with it. Ice-cream, water-fights and so on (though mercifully no raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens). All are items on a list begun by an unnamed seven-year-old, as a way of counting his blessings following his mothers first suicide attempt. A list he then gave to her. Occasionally he asks someone sitting in the front row to play his dad, his girlfriend or, best of all, Graham, the chatty sock-puppet the creation of intuitive Mrs Patterson, the school librarian. Charm offensive: National treasure Lenny Henry works the crowd in Every Brilliant Thing, ensuring that the audience participation segments of the show are a treat, not a trial Not surprisingly, some of these eager stooges are more expressive and audible than others. But its their readiness, listening out for their cue and swift response that counts. As the lad grows older, falls in love, the list keeps growing, beyond the childishly predictable to the more adult and original: Christopher Walken, Christopher Walkens hair, Prince doing the splits, sex and lots of music which never fails to get Henry dancing. On song: Music is one of the many reasons to be cheerful listed in Every Brilliant Thing, now starring Lenny Henry, alternating with co-writer Jonny Donohoe, at Soho Place While merely paddling in the shallows of clinical depression, the piece comes filled with wholesome messages: accentuate the positive, talk (even to a sock-puppet), but dont expect miracles. And laugh at yourself, if you possibly can: this lads girlfriend named his pet black Labrador Metaphor. Whether future guest-hosts Jonny Donohoe, Ambika Mod, Sue Perkins and Minnie Driver have Henrys ready, easy engagement, who knows? Every Brilliant Thing runs at Soho Place theatre in London until November 8. Visit the website for details of guest hosts. Jackie 'O' Henderson has revealed that she's made a major dating mistake while trying to find her Mr Right. The radio star said on Tuesday's episode of The Kyle & Jackie O Show that she writes men lengthy texts when she doesn't want to see them again. Worse still, she explains there is no romantic spark - a fact that stunned her co-stars. The 50-year-old's co-host, Kyle Sandilands, and the show's newsreader, Brooklyn, chimed in, telling Jackie that her act was 'worse than ghosting' someone. 'Don't ghost people. You just be truthful and give them closure. Like, tell them, you know? I don't think it's hard, you know,' Jackie said. 'And I always think people deserve that. Especially if you've been out on a date or two and you've been talking in the lead up. I can't imagine ghosting somebody. I'd feel terrible.' Jackie 'O' Henderson (pictured) has revealed that she's made a major dating mistake while trying to find her Mr Right Jackie added: 'Usually I would say the majority of the time, for me, the romantic spark is missing. So, I tell them that.' 'That's really harsh!' Brooklyn said, while Kyle added, 'What a moll!' 'That's like saying, you're an okay person, but I'd rather die than have sex with you again. No one wants to hear that,' Brooklyn added. 'I didn't know I was doing that. Honestly, I thought, sometimes you feel it and sometimes you don't. And so, I thought I was being good by sending this message,' Jackie explained. She added friends had told her that her act was 'so brutal' and that they'd 'rather be ghosted.' Kyle piped up: 'If I received a message like that from anyone I was pursuing, it would be devastating. I don't think I'd ever get over it. Ever.' Jackie was last linked to former toyboy Jack Tyerman - who has since announced his engagement to another woman. The 30-year-old tradie shared the good news in a joint Instagram post in December, alongside his love Asha Dillon. The radio star said on Tuesday's episode of The Kyle & Jackie O Show that she writes men lengthy texts when she doesn't want to see them again because they had no spark She added friends had told her that her act was 'so brutal' and that they'd 'rather be ghosted' The age-gap romance between Jackie and Jack allegedly fizzled out over the radio star's memoir, The Whole Truth. Jackie was first romantically linked to the model in August 2023 when he was spotted at her luxury Sydney pad. An insider suggested the 'hot tradie' was furious about the KIIS FM host mentioning him in her book, according to The Daily Telegraph. Jackie's marriage to her ex-husband Lee Henderson fell apart in 2018. They share one daughter Kitty. Speaking on The Kyle and Jackie Show, the mother-of-one hinted that a lack of spontaneous romance in their relationship was a catalyst for the split. Tekashi 6ix9ine is grieving the shocking death of his longtime friend Ariela 'La Langosta' Mejia-Polanco, who was gunned down in New York over the weekend. She was just 33 years old. Authorities confirmed the social media star and Dominican fashion influencer was discovered in the driver's seat of her car on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester around 8 a.m. Sunday. Police said she had been shot multiple times and believe she was 'targeted for violence,' stressing the killing was not random. The case is still under active investigation. The rapper took to Instagram on Monday to post a series of emotional tributes, sharing personal clips with Ariela and calling her a 'tremendous woman' he considered 'like a sister.' Ariela La Langosta, a 33-year-old social media influencer and bartender, was found dead in her car on the Cross County Parkway in New York on August 17 Authorities confirmed the social media star and Dominican fashion influencer was discovered in the driver's seat of her car on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester around 8 a.m. Sunday 'NY wont ever be the same,' added the rapper. 'I loved you.' She had built a following of more than 550,000 on Instagram and previously appeared as a dancer in his 2023 music video for Wapae. In the wake of her death, Arielas workplace, Ikon restaurant and lounge in New York, also honored her memory, describing her as a 'shining star'. 'Thank you for giving so much love and support to our home, which also became yours,' they wrote. 'To Arielas family, we are here for anything you need. We still cant believe it you were our smile, our happiness. We love you and we will miss you forever.' In the wake of Arielas death, the restaurant announced it would close temporarily as a sign of respect for her. Arielas loss has sent shockwaves through New Yorks nightlife community. 'She was a brilliant, humble soul with incredible energythe kind of person who could light up any room she entered,' read a statement shared on Instagram. Tekashi 6ix9ine is grieving the shocking death of his longtime friend Ariela 'La Langosta' Mejia-Polanco Police said she had been shot multiple times and believe she was 'targeted for violence,' stressing the killing was not random 'She will be deeply missed by all of us. Please take a moment to cherish and love your own loved ones. Life is precious.' The Queens-based lounge Starlet of NY also expressed its sorrow over her passing. In a statement, the venue said its staffers were 'deeply saddened by the loss.' 'She was a one-of-a-kind soula beautiful friend, loving mother, and daughter whose smile and energy lit up every room she entered,' the statement added. 'Her energy will forever be missed, but her spirit will always live on with us.' Lily Collins looked chic as she was spotted filming in Italy on Tuesday for series five of Emily In Paris. The American actress, 36, wore an elegant black and white polka dot dress that showed off her toned legs. She plays fictional character Emily Cooper in the light-hearted Netflix series, which is soon to be releasing another series partly set in Venice where production is now taking place. The mother-of-one added to her filming look with a pair of chunky black leather boots and wore dangly silver earrings. She wore her brunette tresses slicked back and opted for a dark red lip to complete her look. The star carried a large water bottle with her between takes and was seen chatting to crew and on her phone as she took breaks from the scenes. Lily Collins looked chic as she was spotted filming in Italy on Tuesday for series five of Emily In Paris The American actress, 36, wore an elegant black and white polka dot dress that showed off her toned legs Paris remains a central location for the show, but for this season filming has also taken place in Italy, specifically in Rome and Venice. Emily was left with a decision at the end of series four, as she was offered the position of the lead of the Italian Agence Grateau office. Despite falling in love with Paris and the agency, Emily admitted she was tempted by a new life - with a new man - in Rome. Fans will remember Emily and Gabriel's (Lucas Bravo) romance fell apart after they finally tried to make a go of their relationship after he broke off his relationship with Camille. Following a fake pregnancy scandal, Camille revealed she wasn't actually expecting and Emily and Gabriel tried to work out a romantic future. However, it wasn't meant to be for the star-crossed lovers who were unable to work out their differences and she was pushed into the arms of Marcello, after they met on the slopes of Megeve, when she was abandoned at the top of a slope by Gabriel. They crossed paths again at a polo match in Paris and they enjoyed a night out together in the city, which lasted until the following morning when he asked her to come and visit him in Rome. She plays fictional character Emily Cooper in the light-hearted Netflix series, which is soon to be releasing another series partly set in Venice where production is now taking place The mother-of-one added to her filming look with a pair of chunky black leather boots and wore dangly silver earrings She wore her brunette tresses slicked back and opted for a dark red lip to complete her look while on set The star carried a large water bottle with her between takes and was seen chatting to crew and on her phone as she took breaks from the scenes Paris remains a central location for the show, but for this season filming has also taken place in Italy, specifically in Rome and Venice Emily was left with a decision at the end of series four, as she was offered the position of the lead of the Italian Agence Grateau office Despite falling in love with Paris and the agency, Emily admitted she was tempted by a new life - with a new man - in Rome Emily followed her heart and travelled to meet Marcello, where she was also tasked with acquiring his family's business by her boss Sylvie. However, Emily was reluctant to mix business with pleasure. The pair hit a stumbling block when he learned of her plans to try and secure a professional relationship with his family, who owned a luxury cashmere company, but they eventually managed to iron their issues out. At this point, Gabriel had a candid conversation with Alfie (Lucien Laviscount), who urged him to try and win Emily back, despite previously being romantically involved with her himself. But despite dashing to Rome with the hope of reuniting, Emily was nowhere to be seen as she enjoyed her romantic day out with Marcello. The series is expected to air towards the end of this year, but one of the main characters has revealed they won't be returning. Camille Razat, 31, who plays Camille in the romantic comedy-drama - took to Instagram to reveal the shocking news with an emotional goodbye post after fans fumed at bosses for 'destroying the character'. Camille has played Emily's pal and love rival in the show since the programme hit the streaming service back in 2020. Now, after five years on our screens as Camille, the actress is ready to move on. Chris Pratt has once again found himself in the middle of a political firestorm and, this time, the internet did not hold back. The Guardians of the Galaxy star sparked outrage after publicly defending his extended family member, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during a recent appearance on Bill Maher's Club Random podcast. While Pratt framed his remarks as an appeal for bipartisanship and reason, critics online quickly accused him of excusing policies that harm vulnerable communities. On X (formerly Twitter), the reaction was swift and scathing. One user fumed: 'What a tone deaf a**hole. There's nothing funny and wonderful about cutting cancer research and funding, while firing teams of experts so rich people can get richer and sick people can die.' The criticism trended throughout the day, with more and more piling on to drag the father-of-four of legitimizing Kennedy's controversial stances. Some users connected the comments directly to real-world consequences, citing grant cuts that disrupted medical research, while others argued Pratt's statements reflect a long-running pattern of political missteps. Chris Pratt has once again found himself in the middle of a political firestorm after defending y Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; seen in August 2025 Despite Pratt's insistence that his comments were meant to highlight shared goals, such as reducing toxins in food, many online saw his defense of RFK Jr. as reckless at best, harmful at worst. 'Policy changes rarely ever consider the actual people they hit,' one critic wrote, pointing to the way NIH funding cuts had already derailed graduate students' research. Another user summed up the mood more bluntly: 'Stop being mean to Chris Pratt you don't know his politics.' The A-list actor, who has often sought unity in divided political times, is married to actress Katherine Schwarzenegger, a cousin by marriage to Kennedy. In an appearance on Club Random, Pratt told Bill Maher - who counts Kennedy as a friend and has had him on both his talk show and his podcast - that there are parts of the 'MAHA' agenda he loves and that he wishes him well in his efforts. 'I hope there are certain things that he oversees that seem to be supported in a bipartisan way, like getting terrible, toxic stuff out of our kids' food. I think that's a great thing. And so, like, just - if you just do that, that's amazing.' He adds that when spending time with Kennedy he's willing to listen and hear him out but while he doesn't always assume everything RFK Jr. is saying is true, he refuses to hate the HHS Secretary. 'I'd hate to be so mired in hatred for the president that any success from his administration is something I'd have an allergic reaction to. To be like, 'Oh, well, if they do it, I don't want it to happen. I'll put Clorox in my children's cereal myself.' While Pratt framed his remarks as an appeal for bipartisanship and reason, critics online quickly accused him of excusing policies that harm vulnerable communities 'You know, it's like, come on, be reasonable here. There's certain things that would be a good thing to have. I want them all to be successful,' Pratt said. Maher agreed that Kennedy was a great guy, saying he loves him but has some advice for his work in Washington. 'I love him. I don't agree with everything, but I agree with, like, the overall view that what makes us sick is the toxicity,' Maher said. \'When he was here, I said my advice to you is like you need to marry your former life more with what you're doing now. Your former life, you were very admired as an environmental lawyer.' Despite the outsized caricature of Kennedy as a conspiracy theorist, Maher flatly denies he's out of the ordinary. 'And he's not crazy. I mean the people trying to he's also got, like I said to him when he was here, 'I don't agree with everything you said, and I don't think your father would either, but your father would be so proud that you stuck to your guns like more than anybody,' he told the actor. Despite Pratt's insistence that his comments were meant to highlight shared goals, such as reducing toxins in food, many online saw his defense of RFK Jr. as reckless at best, harmful at worst The A-list actor, who has often sought unity in divided political times, is married to actress Katherine Schwarzenegger, a cousin by marriage to Kennedy 'I mean this guy, when this guy believes something you cannot move him off of it with your bribes. That's for better and worse,' Maher added. This isn't the first time Pratt has been accused of straddling the political divide in ways that frustrate both fans and critics. Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, which saw Donald Trump defeat Democrat Kamala Harris and reclaim the White House, Pratt penned an essay in his mother-in-law Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper. In it, he urged Americans to remain proud of their country regardless of the election's outcome. 'It's ok to take a moment to lick your wounds when you lose. Heck, go ahead and cry in the mirror,' he wrote. 'But if we become too paralyzed by defeat or too pompous in victory, allegiance to our 'team' can blind us to the fact that we are fellow countrymen.' In an appearance on Club Random, Pratt told Bill Maher that there are parts of the 'MAHA' agenda he loves and that he wishes him well in his efforts (RFK pictured in 2025) The comments were widely slammed as vapid and noncommittal, especially as they came just days after his father-in-law Arnold Schwarzenegger had forcefully endorsed Harris, warning that another Trump term would mean 'four more years of bulls**t with no results.' Pratt's attempts to present himself as above the political fray have often backfired. In 2019, he was called out by Elliot Page for attending a church with alleged anti-LGBTQ ties. Ahead of the 2020 election, he was branded 'Hollywood's Worst Chris' online for his suspected right-leaning views, sparking a wave of backlash that forced Marvel costars like Robert Downey Jr. and Mark Ruffalo to come to his defense. He also came under fire in 2021 for a social media post celebrating the birth of his 'healthy' daughter with Schwarzenegger, which many took as a slight toward his son Jack, who was born prematurely with health complications. Pratt later admitted the backlash left him 'wrecked' and fearful his son would one day stumble across the controversy. Kylie Jenner and her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet were reunited after 45 days apart. The 28-year-old billionaire and the 29-year-old actor were spotted in Budapest where he is currently filming Dune: Part Three. This comes just days after the Daily Mail reported that the beauty 'secretly jets off to see him when she can.' The image was shared by employees at a coffee shop that were star struck by the Hollywood power couple. 'Today Kylie Jenner and Timothee Chalamet just walked in to our coffeeshop at Buda we were so in confusion, we could barley concentrate, but i think you can see on our face,' wrote the woman behind the Instagram page Budapest Baristas. Kylie Jenner and her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet were reunited after 45 days apart. The 28-year-old billionaire and the 29-year-old actor were spotted in Budapest where he is currently filming Dune: Part Three Timothee pulled his white T-shirt over his head to hide his current haircut for Dune 2 while adding a brown Brentwood Country Mart cap. Jenner looked sporty in a white tank top over a white one as she wore her thick raven hair down 'Thank god everyone look at them not us. They were super nice and kind thank you for coming @kyliejenner @tchalamet .' Timothee pulled his white T-shirt over his head to hide his current haircut for Dune 3 while adding a brown Brentwood Country Mart cap and black Oakley sunglasses (the Masseter model) as he held up a peace sign. A gold bangle bracelet hung from his wrist. Jenner looked sporty in a white tank top over a white one as she wore her thick raven hair down. She had on light makeup with a mauve-toned lip. The employees of the coffee shop looked young as they smiled for the camera. On July 19, Chalamet's Dune: Part Three costar Zendaya was seen at the same coffee shop. The last time Jenner and Chalamet were spotted together was on July 5, in St Tropez, France for a yacht vacation. Their time apart had fans wondering if they had split up, but the Daily Mail pointed out on August 15 that his work had taken him overseas while Jenner stayed home in Hidden Hills, California but went to visit when she could. The Daily Mail explained that Chalamet has been filming his next project, Dune: Part Three, in Hungary. The thespian plays the character Paul Atreides in the third installment of the Dune franchise. On July 19, Chalamet's Dune: Part Three costar Zendaya was seen at the same coffee shop 'Timothee is busy making a movie and the schedule is grueling because he is in so many scenes, he is the star,' said a source. 'So he has to be very focused and together to do his best work.' And the Daily Mail shared that Jenner was supporting her love. 'She helps him out as much as she can, like give him space to work and have her private jet on standby in case he needs to go somewhere fast,' said the source. 'Kylie is a good girlfriend to him. She is always there and wants him to be happy, and if that means he has to be overseas for a few months, she is OK with it, she will wait. She also secretly jets off to see him when she can. 'Of course she misses her man and her heart hurts when he is not near, but she makes it work.' There has been shooting in Budapest for the third Dune film. Chalamet's costars are Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Robert Pattinson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Florence Pugh and Jason Momoa. In Dune: Part Three, he plays the character Paul Atreides. Seen in March with Jenner The last time the dynamic duo were spied side-by-side was on July 5 when they were in St Tropez, France during a yacht vacation. Seen in May in Rome Dune: Part Three will be in theatres on December 16, 2026. The IMDb logline for the film is brief: 'The film follows Muad'dib, heir to unimaginable power, as he brings to fruition the ancient scheme to create a superbeing ruler among men, not in the heavens.' Dune Messiah is a 1969 science fiction novel by American writer Frank Herbert, the second in his Dune series of six novels. A sequel to Dune, it was originally serialized in Galaxy magazine in 1969, and then published by Putnam the same year. Jenner and Chalamet started dating in January 2023, were rumored to be an item in April 2023 and then they went public with their romance in September 2023. The Hollywood actor did not appear to be at his girlfriend's 28th birthday party in Los Angeles Their first red carpet together was at the 70th David Di Donatello event at Cinecitta Studios in Rome, Italy on May 7, 2025. In early July Jenner started following Chalamet on Instagram. The businesswoman boasts almost 400million followers on the photo-sharing site, but she is quite choosy about who she follows, with only 119 profiles making the cut. However, one of those is now her boyfriend of two years. Fans of TyMothee - the pair's most popular ship name - have been driven into a frenzy after spotting Kylie has allowed the A Complete Unknown actor into her close social circle. However, at the time of writing, the follow is yet to be reciprocated. The actor has 19.7 million Instagram followers, and has only shared 147 posts, compared with Kylie's whopping 7,244 posts. Ariana DeBose's mother has died aged 57 following a three year battle with cancer. The West Side Story star, 34, announced the devastating loss of Gina Michelle DeBose in a social media statement on Tuesday - revealing she passed away 'due to complications with stage 3 ovarian cancer'. Sharing an array of photos with her mother, DeBose wrote: 'At 10:28 am on August 17th my gorgeous, hilarious, outspoken, warrior queen Mother - Gina Michelle DeBose - passed away due to complications with stage 3 ovarian cancer. 'I couldnt be more proud of her and how she fought this insidious disease over the past 3 years. She was 57 years young. She was my favorite person, my biggest fan and toughest critic. My best friend. She was my date to every important moment in my professional and personal life - and I wouldnt have it any other way. It had always been the two of us for as long as I can remember. 'Through lean times, and there were many of those & green times. She fought like hell to give me a good life, a good education and every opportunity in the world. Ariana DeBose's mother Gina has died aged 57 following a three year battle with cancer The West Side Story star, 34, announced the devastating loss of Gina Michelle DeBose in a social media statement - revealing she passed away 'due to complications with stage 3 ovarian cancer' 'I wouldnt be where I am without her. I meant it when I said my Oscar is just as much hers as it is mine. 'My mom loved to paint, play cards, listen to good music & snuggle with her cats; but her lifes purpose, aside from being my mom, was educating young people. 'She passed just shy of delivering 30 years of service as a public school teacher (most currently 8th grade social studies). 'And, my god, did she thrive in a classroom. Her creativity knew no bounds. She was beloved and incredibly respected by her colleagues and students alike. 'The greatest advocate for the underdog, a believer in arts education and the smartest person I know - with a willingness to speak her mind regardless of the consequences. 'But she was also a heart forward individual who believed in hard work, compassion and empathy in the same breath. 'I know that many people in her community will feel the loss of her deeply for she was her own brand of local celebrity. She was a force of epic proportion. 'For the record: my greatest and most proud achievement will always be to have made her proud. DeBose memorably lauded her mother as she picked up the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2022 , saying: 'My mother, who is here tonight. Mama, I love you with my whole heart, and this is as much yours as it is mine' - pictured DeBose wrote: 'Her creativity knew no bounds. She was beloved and incredibly respected by her colleagues and students alike' 'I love you mommy. Now travel amongst the seas, the winds and the angels as I know you always loved to do' Debose previously revealed her mom visited her on the set of West Side Story - in which she played Anita - and was 'starstruck' by director Steven Spielberg 'I love you mommy. Now travel amongst the seas, the winds and the angels as I know you always loved to do. DeBose memorably lauded her mother as she picked up the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2022 , saying: 'My mother, who is here tonight. Mama, I love you with my whole heart, and this is as much yours as it is mine.' The actress - who played Anita in West Side Story - also recounted how her mom visited her on the set of the Steven Spielberg blockbuster and was left starstruck by the director. She said: 'Watching Gina become speechless was amazing. Love you, Mom.' Robbie Williams gave fans a cheeky throwback to his Take That days as he attended a Q&A for his new album Britpop on Tuesday. The hitmaker, 51, arrived a pair of denim dungarees akin to the ones he wore while performing in the beloved boyband back in the 1990s. Robbie, who is set to release his new album on October 10th, also reflected on how his appearance has changed over the years, during an interview with Joe Lycett at London's Groucho Club. The Angels legend confessed his hair is now 'thinning everyday' and he's struggling to keep his locks looking full for his fans. Asked how he's maintained his ageless appearance, Robbie said: 'Because I've got like ADHD and I don't look, and my self care is appalling and then I have to remember to apply moisturiser, which I do have. 'Then it's just a fools error because then I don't do it again for another two months. Robbie Williams gave fans a cheeky throwback to his Take That days as he attended a Q&A for his new album Britpop on Tuesday The hitmaker arrived in a pair of denim dungarees (left) akin to the ones he wore while performing in the beloved boyband back in the 1990s (pictured right in 1992) 'The hair is powder and scaffolding because it's thinning and it's going and I think about it everyday. 'The skin at the moment is due to my makeup artist, who I think has done a really good job.' Robbie famously wore his denim overalls, and little else, while taking to the stage with Take That to perform at the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party back in 1992. Reflecting on the look in an interview with British Vogue, he previously said: 'Dungarees were part of my look back in the day, cost effective, slightly unusual because not many people were wearing them. 'I'd be naked underneath with my top, but it could cover up my belly, so it gave the illusion that I was a buff ting!' Robbie's new album also sees him reunite with his Take That bandmate Gary Barlow, with the pair working on a song together for the first time since he briefly reunited with the band for an album and tour in 2010 and 2011. He said: 'I've collaborated with Gary on a lot of tracks actually. It's great because that particular track is a song made by Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow about Morrisey. Describing the song as 'considerate', he added: 'The reason I'm considerate about it is because I'm writing it from the point of view of a stalker, so it's somebody who's stalking, and is completely obsessed and in love with him.' Robbie, who is set to release his new album on October 10th, also reflected on how his appearance has changed over the years, during an interview with Joe Lycett The Angels legend confessed his hair is now 'thinning everyday' and he's struggling to keep his locks looking full for his fans Elsewhere during the evening, Robbie announced a special live show to coincide with the release of his forthcoming album, BRITPOP. He will perform at the legendary music venue Dingwalls in Camden, London on October 9, the eve of the album release, which will be the most intimate show of Robbies career. He will play his debut album, Life Thru A Lens and his most recent, BRITPOP, in full at the special show - making it an unmissable event for fans. Robbie has also collaborated with Coldplays Chris Martin, Gaz Coombes (Supergrass), and Black Sabbaths Tony Iommi is also featured on the album. Robbie and his wife Ayda, 46, share four children, Teddy, 12, son Charlie, ten, daughter Coco, six and four-year-old son Beau. Robbie previously said that his kids are a massive factor in deciding where to live because they need to be placed in suitable schools. It was reported earlier this month that he and his wife Ayda have splashed out 30 million on a lavish new waterfront mansion in Miami. He explained: 'The four kids are constantly a Rubix Cube puzzle that we're trying to sort out because if they are schooled then they don't see me because I'm all over the place and if they are home-schooled then they have another set of things that are a problem.' Elsewhere during the evening, Robbie announced a special live show at Dingwalls in Camden, London on October 9, which will be the most intimate show of his career Speaking in 2014, Robbie - then a father of two - admitted he was keen to make the United Kingdom his permanent base after spending an extended period of time in the United States. He told The Sun: 'I love LA. The people and the weather are great but it's not England. It can't offer the same. Things change when you're a dad - there are people to look after who are more important than yourself. 'I want [daughter] Teddy and the new baby, whatever it may be, to be educated in England. Teddy is already surrounded by English people so she's bound to have an accent anyway. 'But that's not the point - we want to educate her in London. We've just bought a ruddy big house so we had better be coming back!' A MAFS UK star has been left devastated after being 'dumped via text' following a whirlwind romance. Personal trainer and mother-of-two Marilyse Corrigan was unlucky in love on the series in 2021 after marrying fellow fitness fanatic Franky Spencer. However she revealed in September last year that she was in a relationship with a new man. Unfortunately, things didn't work out for Marilyse with a source telling The Sun: 'Marilyse is really upset and can't believe she's ended up single again. 'She was dumped over text after falling head over heels. It was a whirlwind romance and in hindsight she feels she was love bombed.' Marilyse wed military man Franky on the series but they split just before the final episode aired. MAFS UK star Marilyse Corrigan has been left devastated after being 'dumped via text' following a whirlwind romance The personal trainer wed military man and fellow fitness fanatic Franky on the 2021 series but they split just before the final episode aired (pictured together while on the show) She later moved on with Matt Murray who also appeared on the Channel 4 show in 2022, but they split in March 2023. Marilyse later fuelled rumours that she had secretly rekindled her romance with Frankie in December 2023 when she shared a cosy photo with her former 'husband.' Fans flooded the comments section with their well wishes, with one adding: 'Awww hope its not out of place but I always think you two should give it another go you seem so good together, its all in the vibes xx' The former couple split after their relationship 'went a bit dry' after 'spending too much time together'. During the show Marilyse had decided to stay with her Dubai-based husband, who had been dubbed 'controlling' by fans, after the programme ended in the couple's vow renewal. But speaking to The Sun after the show, the contestant revealed her relationship with Franky ended when it turned into more of a friendship. 'Its really sad as we got on really well and Franky has a heart of gold,' said Marilyse, explaining that it was a mutual decision to end their relationship. Adding that the experience was 'full-on', she admitted: 'I saw a lot of Franky and that probably spoiled it because we spent too much time together. She revealed in September last year that she was in a relationship with a new man (pictured) but unfortunately, things didn't work out for Marilyse Marilyse fuelled rumours that she had secretly rekindled her romance with Frankie in December 2023 when she shared a cosy photo with her former 'husband' She also sparked romance rumours with former contestant Matt Murray in October 2022 when they jetted off to Turkey together but they split after six months together She continued: 'Eventually things just went a bit dry and we ended up being more like friends than people in a relationship.' Following the show, Franky moved to Beverly, while he looked for a job in Leeds, amid planning his return to the UK from Dubai. Marilyse later sparked romance rumours with Matt in October 2022 when they jetted off to Turkey together. However, they both announced on social media in March they have decided to break up due to being 'too different' to one another. Marilyse told her Instagram followers: 'I've received multiple messages asking if Matt and I are still together. 'Out of respect to you guys and the support you've given us, of course it's only fair to be clear. So the answer to this is no we are no longer together anymore but I do wish Matt all the best for his future.' Chris Martin has revealed why his band Coldplay are keeping the kiss cam at their stadium shows, after it caused a scandal last month when it captured a billion-dollar tech firm CEO cozying up to a female colleague. Andrew Byron, the head of the AI startup Astronomer, was broadcast on the big screen at Boston's Gillette Stadium with his arm around the company's HR chief Kristin Cabot during the band's gig in mid-July. They rapidly covered their faces, with Byron diving out of view and Cabot turning her back to the camera, prompting Martin to mischievously joke from the stage: 'Either they're having an affair, or they're just very shy.' Public records suggested both Byron, 50, and Cabot, 56, were married but were living at different addresses from those of their spouses. The awkward moment went instantly viral and Byron and Cabot resigned from Astronomer, which then released an ad starring Martin's ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow. Coldplay have retained their kiss cam in the wake of the furor, and now Martin has defended the decision to do so at a concert in his native England, via Hull Live. Chris Martin has revealed why his band Coldplay are keeping the kiss cam at their stadium shows, after it caused a scandal last month; Martin pictured at Glastonbury last year While playing the Sewell Group Craven Park in Hull this Monday, Martin explained that he had a longstanding habit of bantering with audiences. Bringing up the Astronomer incident, he slyly observed that 'it is only recently that it became a...yeah. So yeah, life throws you lemons and you've got to make lemonade.' As a result, he has no plans to stop his interactions with the audience, proudly declaring that 'we are going to keep doing it because we are going to meet some of you.' He caught sight of a fan in the crowd with a sign that read: 'three times in three months,' and quipped: 'You were at that Boston gig. Well, okay, thank you for coming again after that debacle.' When the scandal first exploded across the internet, country star Morgan Wallen also made a cheeky onstage reference to it at a concert in Arizona. 'Anybody in here with their side chick or whatever, I think youre safe here,' he said in fan footage posted to TikTok, before vamping: 'I dont condone cheatinganymore.' Paltrow then sent fans into a frenzy by joining Astronomer as a 'temporary spokesperson' and starring in a video for their LinkedIn. 'Astronomer has got a lot of questions in the last few days, and they wanted me to answer the most common ones,' she said, prompting some text to appear on the screen showing one such query that began: 'OMG! What the actual f**k.' Andrew Byron, the head of the AI startup Astronomer, was broadcast on the big screen at Boston's Gillette Stadium with his arm around the company's HR chief Kristin Cabot The kiss cam moment went instantly viral and Byron and Cabot resigned from Astronomer, which then released an ad starring Martin's ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow The text was then quickly cut off and Paltrow reappeared onscreen, deadpanning: 'Yes! Astronomer is the best place to run Apache Airflow. We've been thrilled to see so many people suddenly interested in data workflow automation.' In late July, Cabot was glimpsed for the first time since the controversy broke, watering the flowers and shrubs at her home in Rye, New Hampshire. She was without her wedding ring at that stage, but the state of her marriage to her husband - Privateer Rum CEO Andrew Cabot, 60, who is an heir to the $15.4billion Cabot family fortune - remains unknown. The same is true of Andy Byron's marriage to his wife Megan Kerrigan, who shut down her social media accounts when the kiss cam footage went viral. Nicole Kidman showed off her naturally curly hair in an Instagram post about her 'summer memories' that was shared on Tuesday. And the thespian's followers were quick to compliment her non-styled mane. Her Big Little Lies costar Reese Witherspoon wrote in the comments section: 'Look at all that gorgeous hair!' Kidman's A Family Affair costar Joey King also remarked on the Australian siren's wild locks: 'Look at those waves so beautiful.' Other fans were quick to notice her free locks that were not straightened: 'THE WAVY HAIR OMG YESSSS,' said a fan while another chimed in, 'Love your hair natural.' Nicole Kidman showed off her naturally curly hair in an Instagram post about her 'summer memories.' Her Big Little Lies costar Reese Witherspoon wrote in the comments section: 'Look at all that gorgeous hair!' There were also some very rare photos with her mini-me daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 15, whom she shares with husband Keith Urban There were also some very rare photos with her mini-me daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 15, whom she shares with husband Keith Urban. The Hours veteran also has two adopted children with her ex-husband Tom Cruise, Connor and Isabella, but she has not been seen with them in a while. 'Summer memories Now back to school ,' wrote the Nashville resident. Also in the photo mix was Nicole's younger sister Antonia, 55, who is a journalist and television presenter. The leggy red carpet fixture was also busy filming the sequel to her movie Practical Magic with co-star Sandra Bullock over the hot months but she did not share images from the set. This comes after Kidman's daughter said she thinks it is 'wonderful' when people don't know who her famous parents are. Sunday Rose shared that is grateful she can usually connect with others her own age without them knowing her background so they can get to know her for who she is, rather than have any preconceptions. Also in the photo mix was Nicole's younger sister Antonia, who is a journalist and television presenter The 58-year-old Oscar-winning actress was posting images on Instagram as she looked back at her summer vacation She told Nylon magazine: 'When people my age meet me, they normally don't know anything about my life, which is sort of wonderful because I am able to make a first impression based on who I am and not who my family is.' Sunday Rose - who made her runway debut for Miu Miu's last October - is 'really glad' her parents put rules in place about her modelling career as she was growing up. She explained: 'There are two big rules. The first was that I couldn't explore any kind of fashion work until I was 16, and the second is that school always has to come first, which at first I hated, but I am actually really glad that I have these rules in place because it keeps me in a good mindset.' And the aspiring filmmaker is also grateful for her upbringing in Nashville because she knows there will always be time for her to experience life in a big city as she gets older. There was a shot of Kidman laying down on a wood bench while in a blue shirt and beige slacks with a hat on her tummy Kidman was filmed in a black wetsuit while swimming underwater There was a shot of the kids in the water as well She reflected: 'The city has changed so much over the years, but it's been nice to grow up in more of a small town than a big city. 'I will have time to experience that in life, whether it's during college or later, so I like that I've gotten to grow up in a city that has a bit of a slower pace. 'It also makes it really exciting to travel for work to places like Paris or New York.' Sunday Rose's interest in fashion came from going to work with Big Little Lies star Nicole when she was younger. Kidman wore black as she took her kids to a performance Some of the boys in her family were admiring a cat Over the summer, Sunday celebrated her 17th birthday at a restaurant She said: 'Growing up, I went to my mom's photo shoots a lot and got to observe, which definitely led to my interest in exploring the modeling world.' As well as being able to seek advice about life in the spotlight from her parents, the teenager has also been guided by Cara Delevingne. She said: 'I actually got the opportunity to sit and talk with Cara Delevingne the night before the [Miu Miu] show we have a mutual friend. 'I got to ask her questions and talk to her about her experience as a model. 'It was nice to get to know her as I've looked up to her for a long time, but even better was that then the next day at the show, I had a familiar face who could show me the ropes.' A weight-cutting medication is trimming its own fat. Novo Nordisk, the Danish drugmaker behind the blockbuster weight-loss shots Wegovy and Ozempic, is lowering out-of-pocket costs. Americans can access both drugs for $499 a month through Novo's cash-pay pharmacy, NovoCare. That is down from the drug's list price of $1,350. Novo tells the Daily Mail that it projects roughly one in 10 prescriptions could be from people paying cash. The discounted price is also being made available nationwide through a partnership with GoodRx. Novo is being forced into the move. Once the clear market leader, it has faced intensifying competition from US-based rivals like Eli Lilly and Hims and Hers. Clinical studies have shown Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound - which use different active ingredients - deliver greater weight loss than Novo's offerings. At a list price of about $1,080 per month, Lilly's drugs also undercut Novo's official pricing. Politicians across the aisle have been lobbing insults at pharmaceutical companies over US-based prices Ozempic accidentally became a cultural phenomenon. The drug, first delivered to diabetes patients in 2017, had a huge impact on appetite suppression and weight loss. The weight management benefit made doctors start prescribing the drug off-label for patients hoping to thin waistlines. It blew up in popularity in 2021, when Wegovy, a higher-dose version of the same compound, won FDA approval. Celebrity use, skyrocketing demand, and employer debates over health-care costs cemented its reputation as a game-changing but controversial drug. Even airline CEOs said they expected to spend less money on fuel as passengers lost weight. As it became a phenomenon, the drug also spiraled into a political flashpoint. Lawmakers have blasted Novo's pricing practices, noting that the same injections cost far less abroad. In May 2023, former Novo CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen was called to testify before Congress. Doctors started prescribing Novo's products to patients for weight loss after the drug was initially used for diabetes patients Novo named Maziar Mike Doustdar the company's new CEO in July 2025 after the company lost its shine These charts show the different probability of patients reaching weight loss goals in either Mounjaro (green line) or Ozempic (yellow line) over the course of the study This year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at forcing pharmaceutical companies to lower costs for American consumers, singling out Ozempic as an example. 'The weight loss drug Ozempic costs ten times more in the United States than the rest of the developed world,' he lamented at the signing. 'Ten times more. Why? What did we do?' Scientific data have also fueled the pressure. A 2024 study concluded that patients using Lilly's ingredients were more than twice as likely to lose at least one-sixth of their body weight compared to Wegovy's ingredients. But, by trimming costs for uninsured Americans, Novo is betting it can retain some of the shine it has lost to competitors. So far, Wall Street and its new partners are excited about the prospect. Share prices of Novo are up 4.5 percent today on the announcement. GoodRX's stock is up nearly 30 percent following the news. 'Novo Nordisk is taking a progressive approach to drive access and meet patients where they are,' a spokesperson for the company told the Daily Mail. The company pointed out that Ozempic has the most FDA approved uses in type 2 diabetes, and can help patients improve blood sugar and reduce the risk of cardiovascular and liver disease. Masayoshi Son, the billionaire investor often called Japans Warren Buffett, is making a huge bet on Intel. His company, SoftBank, is pumping $2 billion into the struggling US chipmaker in a move that immediately sent Intel shares higher. When the news broke Monday night, shares jumped five percent in after hours trading and this morning were up by as much as eight percent. The investment makes SoftBank one of Intels biggest shareholders and highlights Sons latest push into artificial intelligence and semiconductors. He has already backed major projects including a $500 billion data center plan in the United States. Intel, once the undisputed leader in chips, has been losing ground for years to rivals like Taiwans TSMC. The move follows reports that Washington may take a stake in Intel as part of a broader push to stabilize US chipmaking. It emerged yesterday that the Trump administration weighing an unprecedented move: taking a 10 percent stake in Intel. The deal makes SoftBank one of Intels largest investors and underscores CEO Masayoshi Sons growing push into semiconductors and AI. Here he is pictured speaking at the White House after a meeting with Trump in January In this this photo illustration, the Intel logo and its stock price are displayed on mobile phone screens as a chip is pictured next to it on August 19. Intel shares have jumped after Japanese technology investment giant Softbank said it is buying a $2bn stake in the US computer chip make The roughly $10.5 billion investment would mean the US becoming the troubled chipmaker's biggest shareholder. Shares had fallen on that news. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said any government investment would likely come through a conversion of CHIPS Act grants, rather than a direct push to buy Intel products. The move, part of Trumps unusual approach to national security, comes two weeks after the President demanded the resignation of CEO Lip-Bu Tan in a fiery post on Truth Social. Tan, who took the helm just over six months ago, has been tasked with reviving the struggling company. While the government has sometimes taken temporary stakes during crises such as the 2008 financial bailout a similar move in peacetime for a tech giant would be virtually unprecedented. SoftBanks purchase price of $23 a share represents a small discount to Mondays close of $23.66. Tuesday they were trading at between $25.50 and $26.50. The investment will give the Japanese firm an equity stake of just under 2 percent, making it Intels sixth-largest shareholder. Meanwhile, Intel is slashing 25,000 jobs this year as it battles to turn around its flagging fortunes. The chip making giant which makes processors that power millions of Dell, HP, and Lenovo computers will shrink its workforce from about 99,500 to 75,000 by the end of 2025. Lip-Bu Tan, Intel's CEO, has led the company's share price to rebound in 2025 after a terrible 2024 stock performance Intel employs thousands at its HQ in Oregon The confirmation in July of the the scale of the layoffs, first announced in April, came as Intel updated Wall Street on its earnings over the past three months. It posted a loss of $2.9 billion. Bosses said Intel has slashed 15,000 jobs so far this year suggesting another 10,000 are set to go. These are the second major round of job cuts at Intel in the past two years. In December, the company ousted its CEO while cutting 15 percent of its workforce in 2024. Intel, once one of Silicon Valley's most profitable companies, rose to prominence in the 1990s on the strength of its microprocessor chips the 'brains' of personal computers. But it missed the smartphone boom and has struggled to cash in on the surging demand for AI chips. While memorials like the IPKF site in Colombo preserve the sacrifices of Indian soldiers abroad, the absence of similar recognition at home reflects a paradox in how India honours or overlooks sacrifices of bravehearts at the altar of regional stewardship On Indias 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alluded to Indias strategic sovereignty (autonomy) while dealing with US tariffs, while honouring Op Sindoor, a non-contact undeclared war. Britain had ruled over all of South Asia and South-East Asia except Nepal and Thailand, which were not colonised. Both were hereditary kingdoms. India inherited the trappings of British colonial power without the intellectual and military instruments to exercise influence over South Asia after Independence, though it assumed derived authority was intact and would be respected. Tibet was the first casualty, even after British generals had recommended its occupation, which was said to be not feasible, for which India has had to pay a heavy price. Similarly, the 1962 war with China was due to illusions of power and failure to recognise the enemy. India, on the other hand, was able to successfully integrate 565 princely states, including Hyderabad and J&K, which required employment of expeditionary forces. Portuguese and Dutch colonies likewise required the use of force. Overall, the record was impressive, though military assets had been depleted; divided between India and Pakistan. The first test of Indias diplomacy was in the Himalayan kingdoms of Nepal, Sikkim, and Bhutan, where Treaties of Peace and Friendship were re-negotiated between 1949 and 1950 based on earlier arrangements with Britain. Each had different levels of autonomy, freedom, and independence. An early test of Indias influence was in Nepal, where Delhi was able to restore the monarchy in 1951, and a decade later, Kathmandus tryst with India-induced democracy failed. Indian troops were involved in both these game-changing events. In the early 1990s, Nepal requested IAF helicopters to assist in locating victims of air crashes in Kathmandu. India was the first responder during the decade of the Maoist civil war, ensuring maintenance of democracy and mainstreaming the Maoists. Today, India does joint exercises at battalion level in the Surya Kiran series, the highest level of training with any country. In 1970-71, India was forced to project power in East Pakistan to help it create a new country, Bangladesh, which inherited the traits of Islamic fundamentalism and periodic military rule from its parent, Pakistan. Following its third revolution, Dhaka is undergoing yet another transformation, the contours of which are still unpredictable. 3,483 Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives for the restoration of democracy, which ultimately failed to bring political stability and economic prosperity. The legacy of the 1971 War of Liberation was politically miscarried by India, making it a Delhi victory. Still, the Sheikh Hasina Government was able to build a memorial at Ashugunj, Brahmanbari, for which a foundation stone was laid in March 2021. Prime Ministers Hasina and Modi were to inaugurate it in early 2025, but events willed otherwise. Indias Op Cactus Lily in the Maldives prevented a regime change by Tamil rebels in 1988. There is no symbolic structure in Male to commemorate the event. On the other hand, IndiaMaldives relations have been strained. But in next-door Colombo, Sri Lanka, India has managed to preserve its gains during Op Pawan, in which the IPKF succeeded in considerably weakening the LTTE in the north-east of the island. By helping in holding presidential, provincial (for the first time), and parliamentary elections, IPKF reset democracy in the north-east. The story of the construction of the IPKF memorial in Colombo is unknown, and what little is known is based on conjecture. The IPKF memorial is largely the result of efforts by President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who had expected MiG-29 aircraft from India in return to fight the LTTE. Political opposition to the memorial came from the Buddhist clergy and members of both mainstream political parties, SLFP and UNP. The spadework for the memorial was done by Adm Ravi Wijegunaratne, former CDS and Navy Commander, when he was Defence Advisor in Delhi. In 2001, Lt Gen Lionel Ballagalle visited Delhi, where in the Battle Honours Mess, he announced that the Sri Lankan Government had decided to build the IPKF memorial to enshrine the sacrifices made by Indian military in preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka, when no similar idea was ever mooted in Dhaka after the Liberation War. But discussions about the memorial had begun in the 1990s, though overcoming political opposition and locating suitable land were the main hurdles. An earlier location considered was in the heart of Colombo, near a World War II memorial, which never got approval. The Admiral and I saw this piece of turf swallowed by tall grass. Finally, land was located in Battaramulla on Ape Gama grounds next to the Sri Lankan Parliament and its own national war memorial. Work was entrusted to Sri Lankan naval architects and Navy engineers in cooperation and coordination with the Indian Defence Advisor in Colombo. Several additions and deletions were made, and the memorial was ready in 2008, but was formally inaugurated by Indian High Commissioner Ashok Kantha on August 15, 2010. Since then, many have paid homage to 1,169 martyrs whose names are inscribed on the memorial. PM Modi laid a wreath at the IPKF memorial in Colombo twice: 13 March 2015 and April 5, 2025. In 2015, he said: The IPKF is a source of inspiration and courage. But in Delhi, it is a different story. IPKF veterans are allowed merely a silent and time-specific commemoration on March 24, whereas Op Vijay (Kargil), which is described as a skirmish at the National War Memorial, is celebrated with full ceremonial honours. The last, fifth, silent and private commemoration went unrecognised. The IPKFs Op Pawan memorial is located only in Colombo (another smaller one exists at Pallaly in Jaffna), though PM Modi has called it a source of inspiration and courage. It is surprising that it is not commemorated officially at the National War Memorial. The new VCOAS, Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, earned his spurs with 4 Para (Special Forces) in Op Pawan, fighting gallant actions in which he was wounded. He would be the right person to support the campaign of IPKF veterans to obtain official recognition. The writer, a retired Major General, was the Commander of IPKF South, Sri Lanka, and a founder member of the Defence Planning Staff, which is currently the Integrated Defence Staff India and Peru have always had friendly relations. PERUMIN 37 Mining Convention, one of the world's most important platforms for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration in the mining sector, is an opportunity Indian investors cannot afford to miss This September, the Peruvian city of Arequipa will welcome thousands of industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to PERUMIN 37 Mining Convention, one of the world's most important platforms for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration in the mining sector. Scheduled from 22 to 26 September 2025, this global event presents an extraordinary opportunity for India to deepen its engagement with Peru in a sector that is critical for energy security, technological progress, and long-term industrial growth. For decades, mining has been the backbone of Peru's economy, shaping its identity as a reliable and globally competitive supplier of natural resources. Today, as the world shifts towards clean energy, green technologies, and digital transformation, Peru's role has only become more significant. At the same time, India's rapid economic growth and ambitious energy transition require secure access to key minerals and rare earths. It is here at the intersection of Peru's abundant resources and India's rising demand that PERUMIN 37 emerges as a natural platform for partnership. Peru: A Mining Powerhouse Peru is consistently ranked among the top global producers of several strategic minerals. The country is the second-largest producer of copper worldwide, accounting for around 12 per cent of global output. It is also a leading producer of silver, zinc, tin, and gold. These resources are not only vital for traditional industries but also for emerging sectors such as renewable energy, electric mobility, and digital infrastructure. For India, copper represents a crucial input for electrification, from power grids to electric vehicles. With demand projected to rise sharply in the coming decades, securing reliable and long-term supply chains is a pressing priority. Peru, with its stable production base and commitment to sustainable mining, offers precisely that. Moreover, Peru is home to emerging reserves of rare earth elements (REEs) the minerals essential for semiconductors, defence technologies, wind turbines, and advanced electronics. As global powers seek to diversify REE supply chains away from a handful of dominant sources, Peru's deposits present India with a strategic alternative. For Indian companies, engaging with Peru today could mean gaining an early-mover advantage in a sector that will define the industries of tomorrow. PERUMIN 37: Innovation Meets Opportunity What makes PERUMIN unique is that it is not only a commercial showcase but also an intellectual forum that brings together every stakeholder in the mining ecosystem. This year's edition will feature the Mining Summit and TIS Forum, where global experts and policymakers will discuss the latest industry trends, from decarbonisation and digital mining to sustainable practices. The Exhibition will host more than 1,170 stands displaying cutting-edge mining equipment, services, and environmental innovations, while the International Pavilions will create space for direct dialogue between foreign delegations, investors, and Peruvian leaders. In addition, specialised forums on water management, logistics, energy transition, and inclusion will highlight how mining can align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. With more than 65,000 participants expected and delegations from at least nine countries, PERUMIN 37 will serve as a global hub for governments, mining companies, financiers, suppliers, and academic institutions alike. Why Indian Investors Should Engage? India is projected to become one of the largest mineral importers globally over the next two decades. Its industrial future will depend on reliable access to copper, zinc, lithium, and rare earths. PERUMIN 37 offers Indian investors the chance to position themselves strategically in this evolving landscape. By participating in the convention, Indian companies will have the opportunity to explore joint ventures with Peruvian and international mining firms, secure supply contracts for critical minerals vital to India's clean energy and defence sectors, and introduce homegrown technologies in areas such as digital mining, environmental solutions, and renewable integration-fields where Peru is actively seeking innovation. Beyond commercial gains, such engagement will also help strengthen bilateral trade ties, building on the growing cooperation between India and Peru in minerals, fertilisers, and other emerging industries. Importantly, Peru welcomes Indian companies not merely as investors but as long-term partners in sustainable growth. With a government committed to modernising mining governance, promoting transparency, and ensuring that local communities benefit from resource wealth, Peru positions itself not just as a supplier of minerals but as a reliable and responsible partner for investment. A Shared Future of Growth The relationship between India and Peru has always been one of friendship and mutual respect. In recent years, it has expanded into new domains from trade in fertilisers and textiles to cooperation in science and technology. Mining and critical minerals now offer the most dynamic frontier for this partnership. As Peru invests in greener and more technologically advanced mining practices, we see India as a natural ally in this transformation. Indian expertise in digital innovation, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure can complement Peru's resource base, creating a partnership that benefits not only our two countries but also contributes to global goals of sustainable development. PERUMIN 37 is more than an industry convention; it is a bridge connecting Peru's abundant resources with India's industrial ambitions. I warmly invite Indian investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to join us in Arequipa this September. By engaging in PERUMIN 37, India and Peru can transform shared opportunities into lasting partnerships, ensuring that both nations advance together towards a future of clean energy, innovation, and inclusive growth. I should count it a deep personal satisfaction, and my government's confidence amply vindicated, were my labours to bear enduring fruit; for more than eight years I have dedicated myself in India to the strengthening of bilateral relations, the enlargement of trade and commerce, and, in more recent years, the cultivation of tourism. It is the vision of the Peruvian government that the two most ancient civilisations, India and Perube drawn ever closer in amity and purpose, so that together they may contribute to the noble endeavour of shaping a just and enlightened new world order. The time is right for India to deepen its presence in Peru's mining sector. The gateway is open: PERUMIN 37 awaits. The writer is the Ambassador of Peru to India Bowen Hanes & Co. Inc. lessened its holdings in Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN Free Report) by 51.8% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,376 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 5,785 shares during the quarter. Bowen Hanes & Co. Inc.s holdings in Accenture were worth $1,678,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of ACN. Credit Agricole S A boosted its stake in shares of Accenture by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Credit Agricole S A now owns 484,830 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $151,286,000 after purchasing an additional 2,269 shares in the last quarter. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc boosted its stake in shares of Accenture by 36.9% during the 1st quarter. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc now owns 5,848 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $1,825,000 after purchasing an additional 1,577 shares in the last quarter. Colonial Trust Advisors boosted its stake in Accenture by 1.6% during the first quarter. Colonial Trust Advisors now owns 40,796 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $12,730,000 after acquiring an additional 629 shares in the last quarter. Cornerstone Select Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Accenture by 53.0% during the first quarter. Cornerstone Select Advisors LLC now owns 976 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $305,000 after acquiring an additional 338 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sand Hill Global Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Accenture by 0.6% during the first quarter. Sand Hill Global Advisors LLC now owns 19,862 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $6,198,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.14% of the companys stock. Get Accenture alerts: Insider Activity at Accenture In related news, insider Angela Beatty sold 203 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $282.34, for a total value of $57,315.02. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 5,249 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,482,002.66. The trade was a 3.72% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Mauro Macchi sold 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.34, for a total transaction of $141,170.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 2,283 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $644,582.22. The trade was a 17.97% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 2,954 shares of company stock worth $834,280 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.02% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Guggenheim dropped their price objective on shares of Accenture from $360.00 to $335.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, June 23rd. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Accenture from $340.00 to $325.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, June 24th. Mizuho set a $348.00 price objective on shares of Accenture and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 24th. HSBC assumed coverage on shares of Accenture in a report on Monday, July 28th. They issued a reduce rating and a $240.00 target price for the company. Finally, Argus set a $370.00 target price on shares of Accenture in a report on Tuesday, June 24th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, fifteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $360.21. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Accenture Accenture Stock Up 0.9% ACN stock opened at $249.11 on Tuesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $282.57 and a 200 day moving average of $309.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $156.03 billion, a PE ratio of 19.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. Accenture PLC has a 52 week low of $236.67 and a 52 week high of $398.35. Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, June 20th. The information technology services provider reported $3.49 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.32 by $0.17. Accenture had a net margin of 11.61% and a return on equity of 26.55%. The business had revenue of $17.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $17.26 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $3.13 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Accenture PLC will post 12.73 earnings per share for the current year. Accenture Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, July 10th were paid a $1.48 dividend. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 10th. Accentures payout ratio is currently 47.13%. Accenture Profile (Free Report) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ACN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Accenture PLC (NYSE:ACN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Accenture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Accenture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Third Avenue Management LLC lessened its holdings in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB Free Report) by 33.8% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,447,570 shares of the banks stock after selling 738,934 shares during the period. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft makes up approximately 6.8% of Third Avenue Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 2nd biggest holding. Third Avenue Management LLCs holdings in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft were worth $34,119,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC boosted its stake in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 68.8% in the 1st quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 23,763 shares of the banks stock worth $567,000 after buying an additional 9,684 shares during the last quarter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in the 1st quarter worth approximately $2,308,000. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 6.3% in the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 15,089 shares of the banks stock worth $360,000 after purchasing an additional 900 shares during the period. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 45.3% in the 1st quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 94,531 shares of the banks stock worth $2,253,000 after purchasing an additional 29,451 shares during the period. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC raised its holdings in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 26.0% in the 1st quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 65,901 shares of the banks stock worth $1,570,000 after purchasing an additional 13,615 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 27.90% of the companys stock. Get Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts recently commented on DB shares. Bank of America started coverage on shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in a report on Tuesday, June 10th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Citigroup reaffirmed a sell rating on shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in a report on Friday, July 25th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in a report on Monday, July 28th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, July 26th. Finally, Cfra Research raised shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a moderate sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, April 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Trading Up 0.1% Shares of DB stock opened at $36.59 on Tuesday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $31.14 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $26.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.79. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft has a 1 year low of $15.20 and a 1 year high of $36.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $72.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.91, a PEG ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.02. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 24th. The bank reported $0.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.78 by ($0.24). Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft had a net margin of 7.67% and a return on equity of 6.01%. The business had revenue of $9.21 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.80 billion. As a group, analysts anticipate that Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft will post 2.93 earnings per share for the current year. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Company Profile (Free Report) Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, a stock corporation, provides corporate and investment banking, and asset management products and services to private individuals, corporate entities, and institutional clients in Germany, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ethic Inc. lessened its holdings in SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (NYSE:SKM Free Report) by 14.7% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 65,052 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock after selling 11,207 shares during the quarter. Ethic Inc.s holdings in SK Telecom were worth $1,378,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ acquired a new stake in shares of SK Telecom in the first quarter worth $37,000. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of SK Telecom by 55.0% in the first quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 2,490 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $53,000 after buying an additional 884 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Inc acquired a new stake in shares of SK Telecom in the first quarter worth $212,000. Callan Family Office LLC acquired a new stake in shares of SK Telecom in the first quarter worth $212,000. Finally, PDS Planning Inc acquired a new stake in shares of SK Telecom in the first quarter worth $240,000. Get SK Telecom alerts: SK Telecom Price Performance SKM opened at $22.38 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $8.81 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.47, a PEG ratio of 9.18 and a beta of 0.63. SK Telecom Co., Ltd. has a 1 year low of $19.84 and a 1 year high of $24.58. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $22.46 and a 200 day moving average price of $21.81. Analyst Ratings Changes SK Telecom ( NYSE:SKM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 6th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.36 by ($0.20). SK Telecom had a net margin of 5.92% and a return on equity of 8.89%. The firm had revenue of $3.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.14 billion. Analysts forecast that SK Telecom Co., Ltd. will post 2.27 EPS for the current fiscal year. SKM has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Citigroup cut SK Telecom from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 6th. Wall Street Zen cut SK Telecom from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut SK Telecom from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, May 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut SK Telecom from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research report on Monday, July 7th. Finally, New Street Research raised SK Telecom to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, May 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold. Read Our Latest Stock Report on SK Telecom SK Telecom Profile (Free Report) SK Telecom Co, Ltd. provides wireless telecommunication services in South Korea. The company operates through three segments: Cellular Services, Fixed-Line Telecommunications Services, and Other Businesses. The Cellular Services segment offers wireless voice and data transmission, Internet of Things solutions, platform, cloud, smart factory solutions, subscription, advertising and curated shopping under T Deal brand name, and metaverse platform-based services, as well as sells wireless devices. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SKM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SK Telecom Co., Ltd. (NYSE:SKM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SK Telecom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SK Telecom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Maven Securities LTD purchased a new position in shares of Carriage Services, Inc. (NYSE:CSV Free Report) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 38,284 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,484,000. Maven Securities LTD owned about 0.24% of Carriage Services as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. New York State Teachers Retirement System acquired a new stake in shares of Carriage Services in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $48,000. MQS Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Carriage Services in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $621,000. LSV Asset Management boosted its holdings in shares of Carriage Services by 9.7% in the 1st quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 648,417 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,126,000 after buying an additional 57,500 shares during the last quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP boosted its holdings in shares of Carriage Services by 15.0% in the 4th quarter. Two Sigma Advisers LP now owns 115,100 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,587,000 after buying an additional 15,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LPL Financial LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Carriage Services by 120.2% in the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 135,893 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,266,000 after buying an additional 74,193 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.46% of the companys stock. Get Carriage Services alerts: Carriage Services Trading Down 0.9% Shares of Carriage Services stock opened at $45.49 on Tuesday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $45.81 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $42.21. Carriage Services, Inc. has a 1 year low of $30.15 and a 1 year high of $49.41. The company has a market capitalization of $714.04 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.66, a P/E/G ratio of 0.94 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.72, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 0.90. Carriage Services Dividend Announcement Carriage Services ( NYSE:CSV Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.74 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $102.15 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $101.36 million. Carriage Services had a return on equity of 21.63% and a net margin of 12.85%. Research analysts forecast that Carriage Services, Inc. will post 2.5 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 4th will be given a dividend of $0.1125 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 4th. This represents a $0.45 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. Carriage Servicess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 13.51%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Zacks Research raised Carriage Services to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, August 11th. B. Riley reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $65.00 price target (up previously from $52.00) on shares of Carriage Services in a report on Friday, August 8th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Carriage Services from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, June 27th. Barrington Research raised their price target on Carriage Services from $50.00 to $60.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 7th. Finally, Roth Mkm reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $51.00 price target (up previously from $48.00) on shares of Carriage Services in a report on Friday, May 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, three have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $58.67. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Carriage Services About Carriage Services (Free Report) Carriage Services, Inc provides funeral and cemetery services, and merchandise in the United States. It operates in two segments, Funeral Home Operations and Cemetery Operations. The Funeral Home Operations segment provides consultation services; funeral home facilities for visitation and memorial services; transportation services; removal and preparation of remains; sale of caskets and urns; cremation services; and related funeral merchandise. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CSV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Carriage Services, Inc. (NYSE:CSV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Carriage Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Carriage Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in shares of Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP Free Report) by 92.3% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,401,048 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 672,306 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP owned about 1.30% of Roper Technologies worth $826,030,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Korea Investment CORP increased its position in shares of Roper Technologies by 12.4% during the first quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 73,580 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $43,381,000 after purchasing an additional 8,135 shares in the last quarter. Alpha Family Trust acquired a new position in Roper Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $548,000. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC increased its position in Roper Technologies by 8.6% in the 1st quarter. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC now owns 25,558 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $15,068,000 after acquiring an additional 2,025 shares during the period. Watts Gwilliam & Co. LLC acquired a new position in Roper Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $251,000. Finally, Brooklyn Investment Group increased its position in Roper Technologies by 10.5% in the 1st quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 989 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $583,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.31% of the companys stock. Get Roper Technologies alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Director Richard F. Wallman sold 352 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $556.25, for a total value of $195,800.00. Following the sale, the director owned 20,510 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,408,687.50. This represents a 1.69% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, VP John K. Stipancich sold 1,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $564.17, for a total value of $846,255.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 38,932 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,964,266.44. The trade was a 3.71% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.78% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Roper Technologies Price Performance Shares of NYSE:ROP opened at $532.28 on Tuesday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $553.87 and its 200-day simple moving average is $564.37. The firm has a market capitalization of $57.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.77 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 0.40 and a quick ratio of 0.37. Roper Technologies, Inc. has a 12 month low of $499.47 and a 12 month high of $595.17. Roper Technologies (NYSE:ROP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 21st. The industrial products company reported $4.87 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.83 by $0.04. Roper Technologies had a return on equity of 10.79% and a net margin of 22.01%. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $4.48 EPS. Roper Technologiess quarterly revenue was up 13.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Roper Technologies, Inc. will post 19.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Roper Technologies Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 17th. Investors of record on Friday, October 3rd will be paid a $0.825 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 3rd. This represents a $3.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. Roper Technologiess dividend payout ratio is presently 23.19%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts recently issued reports on ROP shares. Robert W. Baird boosted their price target on Roper Technologies from $668.00 to $687.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 22nd. William Blair started coverage on Roper Technologies in a research report on Monday, May 5th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price target on Roper Technologies from $685.00 to $650.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, April 29th. Oppenheimer reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $640.00 price objective on shares of Roper Technologies in a report on Monday, April 28th. Finally, Barclays reaffirmed an underweight rating on shares of Roper Technologies in a report on Monday, April 28th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, seven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Roper Technologies currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $637.40. View Our Latest Stock Report on ROP Roper Technologies Profile (Free Report) Roper Technologies, Inc designs and develops software, and technology enabled products and solutions. It operates through three segments: Application Software, Network Software, and Technology Enabled Products. The Application Software segment offers management, campus solutions, diagnostic and laboratory information management, enterprise software and information solutions, transportation management, financial and compliance management, and cloud-based financial analytics and performance management software; cloud-based software to the property and casualty insurance industry; and software, services, and technologies for foodservice operations. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ROP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Roper Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ROP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Roper Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Roper Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Texas Capital Bancshares Inc TX lessened its stake in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 4.4% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 5,014 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 231 shares during the quarter. Texas Capital Bancshares Inc TXs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $665,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc increased its position in Abbott Laboratories by 389.2% in the 1st quarter. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc now owns 10,126 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,343,000 after acquiring an additional 8,056 shares in the last quarter. Blue Investment Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter valued at about $212,000. Fairscale Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 17.4% during the 1st quarter. Fairscale Capital LLC now owns 1,538 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $204,000 after buying an additional 228 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 12.8% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 29,763,415 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $3,948,117,000 after buying an additional 3,371,113 shares during the period. Finally, Korea Investment CORP grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 8.0% during the 1st quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 1,433,496 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $190,153,000 after buying an additional 105,870 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance Shares of ABT opened at $130.32 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a current ratio of 1.82. Abbott Laboratories has a twelve month low of $110.33 and a twelve month high of $141.23. The firms 50 day moving average price is $131.34 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $131.24. The firm has a market cap of $226.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.33, a PEG ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 0.70. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 17th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.26 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.26. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 32.43% and a return on equity of 18.32%. The firm had revenue of $11.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.01 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.14 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 15th were given a $0.59 dividend. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is currently 29.57%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently commented on ABT. Leerink Partnrs upgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, June 16th. BTIG Research lowered their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $148.00 to $145.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 18th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $127.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 15th. Leerink Partners initiated coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Monday, June 16th. They set a market perform rating and a $143.00 price target for the company. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Abbott Laboratories from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $143.00 to $145.00 in a research note on Friday, July 18th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seventeen have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $144.47. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Abbott Laboratories Insider Activity at Abbott Laboratories In other news, CFO Philip P. Boudreau sold 5,550 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $134.55, for a total value of $746,752.50. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 51,003 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,862,453.65. The trade was a 9.81% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.46% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. 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 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korea Investment CORP lowered its stake in The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (NYSE:PNC Free Report) by 15.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 336,277 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 61,785 shares during the period. Korea Investment CORPs holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group were worth $59,107,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in The PNC Financial Services Group by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 37,965,619 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $6,673,217,000 after purchasing an additional 248,252 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its position in The PNC Financial Services Group by 26.1% in the 1st quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 9,502,467 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,670,249,000 after purchasing an additional 1,964,157 shares in the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp raised its position in The PNC Financial Services Group by 14.9% in the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 4,695,514 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $905,530,000 after purchasing an additional 608,375 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position in The PNC Financial Services Group by 4.8% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 4,056,797 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $713,063,000 after purchasing an additional 186,249 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in The PNC Financial Services Group by 5.3% in the 4th quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 3,573,162 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $689,084,000 after purchasing an additional 179,760 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.53% of the companys stock. Get The PNC Financial Services Group alerts: The PNC Financial Services Group Trading Up 0.4% Shares of PNC stock opened at $192.06 on Tuesday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $189.24 and its two-hundred day moving average is $179.33. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc has a twelve month low of $145.12 and a twelve month high of $216.26. The company has a market capitalization of $75.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99. The PNC Financial Services Group Increases Dividend The PNC Financial Services Group ( NYSE:PNC Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 16th. The financial services provider reported $3.85 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.56 by $0.29. The company had revenue of $3.01 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.61 billion. The PNC Financial Services Group had a return on equity of 11.07% and a net margin of 18.33%. The companys revenue was up 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.39 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc will post 15.37 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 5th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 15th were issued a $1.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, July 15th. This represents a $6.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.5%. This is an increase from The PNC Financial Services Groups previous quarterly dividend of $1.60. The PNC Financial Services Groups payout ratio is 46.51%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PNC has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on The PNC Financial Services Group from $178.00 to $196.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 2nd. Wolfe Research reissued a peer perform rating on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group in a research report on Thursday, July 3rd. Raymond James Financial raised The PNC Financial Services Group from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $220.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 8th. Oppenheimer raised The PNC Financial Services Group from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $238.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. Finally, Truist Financial raised their target price on The PNC Financial Services Group from $189.00 to $198.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $214.17. Get Our Latest Research Report on PNC Insider Activity at The PNC Financial Services Group In other news, CEO William S. Demchak sold 1,242 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $169.75, for a total value of $210,829.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 554,879 shares of the companys stock, valued at $94,190,710.25. This trade represents a 0.22% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.41% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. The PNC Financial Services Group Profile (Free Report) The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc operates as a diversified financial services company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Retail Banking, Corporate & Institutional Banking, and Asset Management Group segments. The company's Retail Banking segment offers checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as time deposit; residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, auto loans, credit cards, education loans, and personal and small business loans and lines of credit; and brokerage, insurance, and investment and cash management services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PNC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (NYSE:PNC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE:BNS Get Free Report) (TSE:BNS) will likely be announcing its Q3 2025 earnings results before the market opens on Tuesday, August 26th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $1.28 per share and revenue of $9.29 billion for the quarter. Get Bank of Nova Scotia alerts: Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE:BNS Get Free Report) (TSE:BNS) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 27th. The bank reported $1.06 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.14 by ($0.08). Bank of Nova Scotia had a return on equity of 11.27% and a net margin of 8.83%. The firm had revenue of $6.59 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.98 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.58 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect Bank of Nova Scotia to post $5 EPS for the current fiscal year and $6 EPS for the next fiscal year. Bank of Nova Scotia Stock Performance NYSE BNS opened at $56.87 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The company has a market capitalization of $70.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.68, a P/E/G ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 1.14. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $55.31 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $51.57. Bank of Nova Scotia has a 12-month low of $44.09 and a 12-month high of $57.07. Bank of Nova Scotia Increases Dividend Institutional Trading of Bank of Nova Scotia The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 29th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 2nd were issued a dividend of $0.7996 per share. This is an increase from Bank of Nova Scotias previous quarterly dividend of $0.74. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 2nd. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.6%. Bank of Nova Scotias payout ratio is currently 94.72%. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of BNS. Corient Private Wealth LLC raised its stake in Bank of Nova Scotia by 1.7% during the second quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 180,929 shares of the banks stock worth $10,000,000 after acquiring an additional 3,088 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its holdings in shares of Bank of Nova Scotia by 4.3% during the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 34,987 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,934,000 after purchasing an additional 1,444 shares during the last quarter. Tidal Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Bank of Nova Scotia during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $650,000. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC increased its position in Bank of Nova Scotia by 130.6% during the 2nd quarter. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC now owns 14,480 shares of the banks stock worth $800,000 after purchasing an additional 8,200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Man Group plc lifted its stake in Bank of Nova Scotia by 38.1% in the 2nd quarter. Man Group plc now owns 577,800 shares of the banks stock valued at $31,913,000 after purchasing an additional 159,503 shares during the last quarter. 49.13% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, June 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $81.00. Read Our Latest Report on BNS About Bank of Nova Scotia (Get Free Report) The Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Wealth Management, and Global Banking and Markets segments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Nova Scotia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Nova Scotia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TopBuild (NYSE:BLD Get Free Report) and Armstrong World Industries (NYSE:AWI Get Free Report) are both construction companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, risk, earnings, profitability, valuation and dividends. Get TopBuild alerts: Risk and Volatility TopBuild has a beta of 1.63, meaning that its share price is 63% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Armstrong World Industries has a beta of 1.43, meaning that its share price is 43% more volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares TopBuild and Armstrong World Industries net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets TopBuild 11.40% 28.32% 12.73% Armstrong World Industries 18.95% 39.80% 16.79% Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio TopBuild $5.22 billion 2.31 $622.60 million $20.31 21.06 Armstrong World Industries $1.56 billion 5.37 $264.90 million $6.76 28.66 This table compares TopBuild and Armstrong World Industriess revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. TopBuild has higher revenue and earnings than Armstrong World Industries. TopBuild is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Armstrong World Industries, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for TopBuild and Armstrong World Industries, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score TopBuild 0 4 8 1 2.77 Armstrong World Industries 0 4 4 0 2.50 TopBuild presently has a consensus price target of $394.6667, suggesting a potential downside of 7.73%. Armstrong World Industries has a consensus price target of $177.1250, suggesting a potential downside of 8.57%. Given TopBuilds stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe TopBuild is more favorable than Armstrong World Industries. Institutional & Insider Ownership 95.7% of TopBuild shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 98.9% of Armstrong World Industries shares are held by institutional investors. 0.4% of TopBuild shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 1.0% of Armstrong World Industries shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Summary TopBuild beats Armstrong World Industries on 8 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About TopBuild (Get Free Report) TopBuild Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the installation and distribution of insulation and other building material products to the construction industry. The company operates in two segments, Installation and Specialty Distribution. It provides insulation products and accessories, glass and windows, rain gutters, garage doors, fireplaces, roofing materials, closet shelving, and other products. The company also offers insulation installation services for fiberglass batts and rolls, blown-in loose fill fiberglass, polyurethane spray foam, and blown-in loose fill cellulose applications. In addition, it distributes building and mechanical insulation, insulation accessories, and other building product materials for the residential, commercial, and industrial end markets. The company serves single-family homebuilders, single-family custom builders, multi-family builders, commercial general contractors, remodelers, and individual homeowners, as well as insulation contractors, gutter contractors, weatherization contractors, other contractors, dealers, metal building erectors, and modular home builders. It operates installation branches and distribution centers in the United States and Canada. The company was formerly known as Masco SpinCo Corp. and changed its name to TopBuild Corp. in March 2015. TopBuild Corp. was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. About Armstrong World Industries (Get Free Report) Armstrong World Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of ceiling and wall solutions in the Americas. It operates through Mineral Fiber and Architectural Specialties segments. The company offers mineral fiber, fiberglass wool, metal, wood, felt, wood fiber, and glass-reinforced-gypsum; ceiling component products, such as ceiling perimeters and trims, as well as grid products that support drywall ceiling systems; ceilings, walls, and facades for use in commercial settings; and manufactures ceiling suspension system (grid) products. It serves commercial and residential construction markets, as well as renovation of existing buildings sectors. The company sells its products to resale distributors, ceiling system contractors, wholesalers, and retailers comprising large home centers. Armstrong World Industries, Inc. was founded in 1860 and is headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Receive News & Ratings for TopBuild Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TopBuild and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Get Advance Auto Parts alerts: Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE:AAP Free Report) Research analysts at Roth Capital decreased their Q3 2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Advance Auto Parts in a report issued on Friday, August 15th. Roth Capital analyst S. Stember now expects that the company will post earnings of $0.91 per share for the quarter, down from their previous estimate of $1.01. Roth Capital currently has a Neutral rating and a $50.00 price target on the stock. The consensus estimate for Advance Auto Parts current full-year earnings is ($0.46) per share. Roth Capital also issued estimates for Advance Auto Parts Q4 2026 earnings at $0.88 EPS. Several other analysts have also recently commented on AAP. Cowen restated a hold rating on shares of Advance Auto Parts in a report on Friday, May 23rd. BMO Capital Markets restated a market perform rating and set a $50.00 target price (up previously from $40.00) on shares of Advance Auto Parts in a report on Friday, May 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Advance Auto Parts from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday. Evercore ISI increased their target price on Advance Auto Parts from $56.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, August 12th. Finally, Raymond James Financial increased their target price on Advance Auto Parts to $49.17 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, May 26th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nineteen have assigned a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Advance Auto Parts presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $51.01. Advance Auto Parts Stock Performance Advance Auto Parts stock opened at $56.68 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 1.27 and a quick ratio of 0.49. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $55.24 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $44.68. Advance Auto Parts has a 52-week low of $28.89 and a 52-week high of $70.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.40 billion, a P/E ratio of -8.90 and a beta of 1.05. Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 14th. The company reported $0.69 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.59 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $2.01 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.97 billion. Advance Auto Parts had a negative return on equity of 1.97% and a negative net margin of 4.37%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.75 earnings per share. Advance Auto Parts Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 24th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 10th will be paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 10th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.8%. Advance Auto Partss dividend payout ratio is presently -15.70%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Advance Auto Parts news, SVP Jason Hand sold 948 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $48.52, for a total value of $45,996.96. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 9,876 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $479,183.52. This represents a 8.76% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Advance Auto Parts Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Rexford Capital Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Advance Auto Parts during the second quarter worth about $172,000. Public Sector Pension Investment Board raised its position in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 8.4% during the second quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board now owns 203,949 shares of the companys stock worth $9,482,000 after purchasing an additional 15,790 shares during the period. FORA Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Advance Auto Parts during the second quarter worth about $2,090,000. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Advance Auto Parts during the second quarter worth about $101,000. Finally, State of Tennessee Department of Treasury raised its position in shares of Advance Auto Parts by 61.6% during the second quarter. State of Tennessee Department of Treasury now owns 23,407 shares of the companys stock worth $1,088,000 after purchasing an additional 8,926 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.75% of the companys stock. About Advance Auto Parts (Get Free Report) Advance Auto Parts, Inc provides automotive replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, and light and heavy duty trucks. The company offers battery accessories; belts and hoses; brakes and brake pads; chassis and climate control parts; clutches and drive shafts; engines and engine parts; exhaust systems and parts; hub assemblies; ignition components and wires; radiators and cooling parts; starters and alternators; and steering and alignment parts. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Advance Auto Parts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Advance Auto Parts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft (OTCMKTS:MURGY Get Free Report) is one of 58 publicly-traded companies in the INS MULTI LINE industry, but how does it compare to its rivals? We will compare Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft to similar companies based on the strength of its dividends, profitability, earnings, valuation, analyst recommendations, risk and institutional ownership. Get Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft alerts: Volatility and Risk Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft has a beta of 0.71, suggesting that its share price is 29% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschafts rivals have a beta of -6.50, suggesting that their average share price is 750% less volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft and its rivals top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft $65.83 billion $6.15 billion 6.00 Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft Competitors $20.31 billion $1.58 billion 72.87 Dividends Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft has higher revenue and earnings than its rivals. Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft pays an annual dividend of $0.26 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.0%. Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft pays out 12.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, INS MULTI LINE companies pay a dividend yield of 2.5% and pay out 37.0% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Profitability This table compares Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft 8.37% 15.76% 1.80% Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft Competitors 10.76% 10.14% 2.85% Insider and Institutional Ownership 0.2% of Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 63.6% of shares of all INS MULTI LINE companies are owned by institutional investors. 8.7% of shares of all INS MULTI LINE companies are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and price targets for Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft 0 5 0 1 2.33 Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft Competitors 327 2115 2910 114 2.51 As a group, INS MULTI LINE companies have a potential upside of 16.04%. Given Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschafts rivals stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft has less favorable growth aspects than its rivals. Summary Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft rivals beat Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft on 9 of the 15 factors compared. Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft Company Profile (Get Free Report) Munchener Ruckversicherungs-Gesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft in Munchen engages in the insurance and reinsurance businesses worldwide. It also offers life and health reinsurance solutions, such as digital underwriting and advanced analytics solutions, health insurance management system, financial market risks, financing, portfolio risk management, digitalized investment-linked solution, MIRA digital suite, MIRA POS, MIRApply insured and physician, claims risk adjustment, CLARA plus, data analytics, underwriting and claims, medical research, capital management, and health market. The company also provides property and casualty reinsurance solutions, including agricultural risk, data analytics, infrastructure risk profiler, property insurance, retroactive reinsurance, insurance linked securities, location risk, risk transfer, and cyber, NatCatSERVICE for natural catastrophe loss database, REALYTIX ZERO, IMPROVEX, and cert2go, as well as consulting services for reinsurance, business advisory, portfolio performance and management, claims management, commercial motor, telematics, and electric vehicles. In addition, the company provides solutions for industry clients, such as IoT cover, earnings quality insurance protection, captive insurance and risk transfer, liability, weather risks, space and satellite insurance, solar and biomass insurance, wind insurance, digital asset, mining risks cover, construction projects covers and services, aviation insurance, power and utilities, industrial cyber insurance, risk suite, location risk intelligence, digital risks, PV warranty insurance, parametric, Insure AI, e-mobility, circular economy, liquidation damage cover, and natural catastrophes solutions. Further, it offers life, property-casualty, health, legal protection, and travel insurance products under the ERGO brand name; and insurance solutions for agriculture, captive, epidemic, cyber, and renewable energy. The company was founded in 1880 and is based in Munich, Germany. Receive News & Ratings for Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mnchener Rckversicherungs-Gesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chiba Bank (OTCMKTS:CHBAY Get Free Report) and Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE:BNS Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, profitability and risk. Get Chiba Bank alerts: Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Chiba Bank and Bank of Nova Scotia, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Chiba Bank 0 1 0 0 2.00 Bank of Nova Scotia 0 5 4 0 2.44 Bank of Nova Scotia has a consensus price target of $81.00, indicating a potential upside of 42.44%. Given Bank of Nova Scotias stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Bank of Nova Scotia is more favorable than Chiba Bank. Valuation and Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Chiba Bank $2.38 billion 3.34 $490.11 million $3.58 13.79 Bank of Nova Scotia $55.90 billion 1.26 $5.70 billion $3.41 16.68 This table compares Chiba Bank and Bank of Nova Scotias top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Bank of Nova Scotia has higher revenue and earnings than Chiba Bank. Chiba Bank is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Bank of Nova Scotia, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Volatility & Risk Chiba Bank has a beta of 0.29, suggesting that its stock price is 71% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Bank of Nova Scotia has a beta of 1.14, suggesting that its stock price is 14% more volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 49.1% of Bank of Nova Scotia shares are held by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Chiba Bank and Bank of Nova Scotias net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Chiba Bank 20.18% 6.68% 0.36% Bank of Nova Scotia 8.83% 11.27% 0.60% Dividends Chiba Bank pays an annual dividend of $1.07 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.2%. Bank of Nova Scotia pays an annual dividend of $3.23 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.7%. Chiba Bank pays out 29.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Bank of Nova Scotia pays out 94.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Bank of Nova Scotia has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years. Bank of Nova Scotia is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Summary Bank of Nova Scotia beats Chiba Bank on 12 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About Chiba Bank (Get Free Report) The Chiba Bank, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides banking products and services in Japan and internationally. The company offers various deposit products, including savings, time deposits, currency deposits, investment trusts, bonds, and pensions; loans, which include mortgages, renovation loans, photovoltaic, vehicle, education, and other loan products; and insurance products, such as annuity, life, medical, student, death, and travel insurance. It also offers debit and credit cards, as well as internet banking services. In addition, the company engages in securities, investment management and advisory, software development, commissioned computation tasks, research and investigation of IT and financial technologies, leasing, operation, and management of investment funds, mergers and acquisition advisory, credit guarantee businesses, management and collection of claims businesses. Further, it provides loan guarantees and fee collection services; accounting, general administration entrustment, and temporary staff services; and is involved in outsourcing of operational business. Additionally, it rents and maintains office buildings and welfare facilities; provides research, survey, and consulting services; purchases and sells supplies and consumer goods; and engages in renewable energy generation. The company serves individuals and corporations. The Chiba Bank, Ltd. was incorporated in 1943 and is headquartered in Chiba City, Japan. About Bank of Nova Scotia (Get Free Report) The Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Wealth Management, and Global Banking and Markets segments. The company offers financial advice and solutions, and banking products, including debit and credit cards, chequing and saving accounts, investments, mortgages, loans, and insurance to individuals; and retail automotive financing solutions. It also provides business banking solutions comprising lending, deposit, cash management, and trade finance solutions to small, medium, and large businesses. In addition, it provides wealth management advice and solutions, including online brokerage, mobile investment, full-service brokerage, trust, private banking, and private investment counsel services; and retail mutual funds, exchange traded funds, liquid alternatives, and institutional funds. The Bank of Nova Scotia was founded in 1832 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for Chiba Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chiba Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:HIMS Get Free Report)s share price fell 2.3% on Monday after Truist Financial lowered their price target on the stock from $48.00 to $37.00. Truist Financial currently has a hold rating on the stock. Hims & Hers Health traded as low as $44.55 and last traded at $44.96. 7,048,217 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 79% from the average session volume of 33,829,633 shares. The stock had previously closed at $46.02. Get Hims & Hers Health alerts: Several other research firms have also commented on HIMS. Piper Sandler reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $39.00 price target (up previously from $35.00) on shares of Hims & Hers Health in a research report on Tuesday, May 6th. Wall Street Zen lowered Hims & Hers Health from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, July 28th. Needham & Company LLC reiterated a hold rating on shares of Hims & Hers Health in a research report on Tuesday, August 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Hims & Hers Health in a research report on Wednesday, May 7th. Finally, UBS Group set a $30.00 target price on Hims & Hers Health in a research report on Monday, June 23rd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Hims & Hers Health presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $38.92. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Hims & Hers Health Insider Buying and Selling at Hims & Hers Health Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hims & Hers Health In related news, insider Michael Chi sold 2,100 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $57.52, for a total value of $120,792.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 278,654 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,028,178.08. This trade represents a 0.75% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Also, insider Soleil Boughton sold 2,572 shares of Hims & Hers Health stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $51.64, for a total value of $132,818.08. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 153,021 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,902,004.44. The trade was a 1.65% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 1,273,034 shares of company stock valued at $66,425,573 in the last three months. Company insiders own 17.71% of the companys stock. Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of HIMS. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Hims & Hers Health by 139.2% in the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 78,686 shares of the companys stock worth $1,903,000 after buying an additional 45,791 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new position in Hims & Hers Health in the 4th quarter worth approximately $18,048,000. Barclays PLC lifted its stake in Hims & Hers Health by 48.3% in the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 457,246 shares of the companys stock worth $11,056,000 after purchasing an additional 148,883 shares in the last quarter. Mariner LLC lifted its stake in Hims & Hers Health by 77.4% in the 4th quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 19,943 shares of the companys stock worth $482,000 after purchasing an additional 8,699 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Guggenheim Capital LLC purchased a new position in Hims & Hers Health in the 4th quarter worth approximately $274,000. 63.52% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Hims & Hers Health Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.72, a quick ratio of 4.46 and a current ratio of 4.98. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $52.72 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $45.77. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.20 billion, a PE ratio of 56.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.91 and a beta of 2.08. Hims & Hers Health (NYSE:HIMS Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, August 4th. The company reported $0.17 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.18 by ($0.01). Hims & Hers Health had a return on equity of 26.26% and a net margin of 9.63%. The business had revenue of $544.83 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $550.06 million. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.06 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 72.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Hims & Hers Health, Inc. will post 0.29 EPS for the current year. Hims & Hers Health Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hims & Hers Health, Inc operates a telehealth consultation platform. It connects consumers to healthcare professionals, enabling them to access medical care for mental health, sexual health, dermatology and primary care. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hims & Hers Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hims & Hers Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Parishes across Ireland are invited to unite once more in a Day of Prayer and Reflection for Gaza. For 24 hours this Sunday, August 24, all are invited to pray and reflect in a particular way for the suffering people of Gaza. Archbishop Eamon Martin said: The Catholic Bishops of Ireland dedicated the month of June to prayer for, and solidarity with, the suffering people of Gaza. Heartbreakingly, since then, the situation has deteriorated further. Innocent lives continue to be lost, many of them children and families while hunger, violence and devastation tighten their grip on a people caught in the crossfire. Across the parishes of Armagh and Dromore I have published a pastoral letter that echoes the urgent appeals of Pope Leo XIV, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the Heads of Churches in the Holy Land, for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and respect for international humanitarian law. As Pope Leo reminds us, Every human being has an intrinsic dignity bestowed by God Himself. Ireland's Bishops have condemned, in the strongest terms, the genocidal acts being carried out with the sanction of the Israeli government, actions that have led to the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians. Such disproportionate violence is described as unconscionable and immoral for world leaders to stand by inactively. "The ongoing suffering of hostages held by Hamas and the cruel withholding of their remains from their families is also acknowledged and unequivocally condemned. In the face of such darkness, this call to prayer is a call to hope, Archbishop Martin said. On Sunday, all are invited to take part in 24 hours of prayer and reflection. Whether as a parish or in the quiet of your own home, please consider: Attending Mass and offering it for peace in Gaza Spending time in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament Praying the Rosary for peace and justice Lighting a candle at home or in your parish church Making a small personal sacrifice or act of penance Reaching out to your political representatives to advocate for justice and humanitarian aid Supporting trusted aid organisations bringing relief to Gaza Archbishop Martin concluded: This is a moment for our nation to radiate the light of Christ into the darkness, a light of peace, of justice and of hope for our world. Let us stand together, as one body in Christ, for the people of Gaza and for all who long for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3znk5vbBmE Causeway Hospital is celebrating the delivery of its MRI scanner - marking an exciting new era for the site. As staff prepare to welcome their first patients to the unit from next month, the arrival of the state-of-the-art equipment represents a significant step forward for the hospital. Lynne McCartney, Interim Director for Surgery and Clinical Services with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, said: This is a momentous day for our patients and staff at Causeway Hospital, as well as the wider area. With access to advanced diagnostics on site for the very first time, our inpatients will no longer have to be transported to Antrim for scans, which will make a huge difference to their care experience. We have always been very clear about our commitment to Causeway, setting out a vision for the its strategic future as a key part of our acute hospital network with an ambition to become an elective and diagnostic hub for the north west area. Having an MRI scanner at the hospital is a game-changer for us as we work towards this goal. This investment signals our confidence in Causeway Hospital and we hope this is shared by the local community as we look forward to realising its benefits for everyone in the Causeway locality and beyond. The Northern Trusts Project Manager Kevin McDevitt added: Reaching this stage of the development has been a real team effort, with Estates working closely with our clinical colleagues from initial planning stages through to construction and delivery before we become fully operational. Its a hugely exciting time for Causeway Hospital following on from other recent investment projects and were very proud to have played our part in this. In recent years, two new ambulatory (same day care) units have opened at the hospital, which have been instrumental in transforming the delivery of patient care, providing treatment without the need for hospital admission and reducing attendances at Emergency Departments. A major solar roof installation has also been completed the largest of its kind in any health and social care setting in Northern Ireland, and one of the largest on the island of Ireland. In Indias AV market, few categories have swung as sharply in fortunes as projectors and panels. What was once a classroom tool or boardroom accessory is now finding new life in homes and hybrid workplaces. For ViewSonic, a company better known for its monitors globally, this transition has been a chance to reframe its role in India. As Muneer Ahmed, Vice President of Sales and Marketing AV Business, explained, the growth has come less from headline-grabbing products than from timing, adaptation, and a steady focus on education and corporate demand. Eight to ten years ago, we were in the 14th place in projectors, he recalled. Today, were number three. He paused, then added almost matter-of-factly, And in interactive flat panels, weve been number one in India since 2020. Five years running. A Display Company That Never Sat Still ViewSonics history itself is a story of reinvention. Founded in California in 1987, it began life in the monitor business, first with CRTs, then LCDs, and later LEDs. Its always been an innovative company, Ahmed said, listing off firsts like dock-station projectors in the early 2000s and even tablets launched before Apples iPad redefined the category. Weve never been just a hardware seller, he insisted. Weve tried to build ecosystems, pairing hardware with software. That transition proved critical. By 201617, when competitors were still obsessed with moving boxes, ViewSonic began bundling its panels with software. The gamble paid off. When COVID-19 struck, and classrooms and offices migrated online, the demand wasnt just for flat panels but for tools that made them useful: AI-assisted lesson planners, interactive whiteboards, secure content platforms. If you had asked people in 2019 whether theyd be comfortable with online classes, most wouldve said no, Ahmed pointed out. But the pandemic accelerated digitisation. Every home became a classroom, every phone a lecture hall. By the time Indias education system scrambled to modernise, ViewSonic already had the right tools. Education as a Growth Engine The numbers bear out the strategy. Globally, the interactive flat panel market is crowded, with competitors ranging from Korean chaebols to Chinese upstarts. But in India, ViewSonic carved out a niche by catering to the realities of the classroom. Its R&D team in Bengaluru developed features that looked mundane on paper but solved real problems on the ground. Take myViewBoard, the companys software suite. A teacher can type or speak a topic into the system, and in seconds, it generates lesson materials, PPTs, PDFs, or curated YouTube videos scrubbed free of embarrassing ads or unrelated thumbnails. If youre presenting to a class, you dont want random videos popping up, Ahmed said with a smile. We built a filter that only pulls relevant content. That came from Indian feedback. There were other, subtler innovations: text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools supporting Hindi and English interchangeably; grammar-highlighting features that could automatically identify verbs and nouns in a paragraph; integration with Google Drive so teachers could share lessons across schools and even countries. To a Silicon Valley engineer, these might seem trivial. To a teacher in a Delhi public school juggling 60 students in a hybrid class, they are transformative. AI in education is not about overwhelming students with the most advanced models, Ahmed explained. Its about relevance. Simplicity. The Projector Paradox Yet, if panels have driven growth, projectors remain the emotional heart of the AV business. For decades, they were the overlooked cousin of the TV, used in classrooms, boardrooms, or the occasional luxury home theatre. The Indian market, once 300,000 units annually, shrank to under 100,000 in recent years, a victim of affordable flat-screens and changing habits. But here too, Ahmed sees opportunity in niches. Urban buyers, squeezed into smaller apartments but craving cinematic experiences, are rediscovering projectors. If you want a 120-inch TV, its bulky, expensive, and often looks out of place in a flat, he explained. A projector gives you the same size at a fraction of the cost, and you can pack it away when youre done. Technology has helped. Where once lamps lasted barely 600 hours and cost Rs 20,000 to replace, todays LED and laser sources boast lifespans of 30,00050,000 hours. Chips have shrunk, designs have become sleeker, and software integrations with Android TV and Google TV make projectors feel less like clunky peripherals and more like living-room natives. Viewsonic recently debuted the compact and portable M1 Max with a textured finish that blurs the line between tech and decor. Its not just about function anymore, Ahmed said. A projector can look good in your drawing room. Still, hes pragmatic: the home-theatre market is growing, but mainstream adoption remains limited. Panels are replacing projectors in schools. But for urban homes, projectors are starting to compete with TVs. Thats the inflection point. Made in India, Made for India No conversation with a technology executive in India today is complete without invoking Make in India. For ViewSonic, its not just a slogan but a strategic hedge. Importing projectors still attracts duties of around 10% plus cess and 28% GST, making local production a long-term imperative. Panels, meanwhile, face a tiered tariff system that rewards companies for moving from semi-knockdown kits to fully component-level assembly. ViewSonic has already begun manufacturing panels and non-touch displays in India, with projectors next on the horizon. India is one of our biggest markets after the US and Europe, Ahmed said. Were serious about investing here. Youll see more products made in India in the coming years. Also read: UK reportedly drops Apple iCloud backdoor demand after US pressure Localisation isnt just about cost savings but about resilience. With supply chains increasingly politicised, from US-China tensions to shifting trade rules, having a domestic base allows ViewSonic to serve India on Indias terms. Design and the Human Eye Ahmed is candid about another shift: the rise of design as a differentiator. Where once projectors were judged solely by brightness and throw distance, todays buyers care about aesthetics. The move from bulky LCD engines to compact Texas Instruments DLP chips opened the door to industrial design that appeals to younger, design-conscious consumers. You cant underestimate the role of form, he said. A decade ago, nobody cared how a projector looked. Today, its part of the living room. It has to blend in. This blending is not just cosmetic. In a way, it mirrors ViewSonics broader evolution: from a hardware box-pusher to a company that sees displays as part of peoples lives, whether in classrooms, conference rooms, or living rooms. The Road Ahead If theres a thread running through ViewSonics Indian story, its timing. The company didnt just ride trends; it anticipated them. It entered panels before the pandemic made them essential. It invested in software before education realised it needed more than glass screens. And its betting on projectors just as Indian consumers begin craving cinema-scale screens at home. But the biggest challenge may be perception. Many people still think were a Taiwanese company because India reports into our APAC headquarters in Taipei, Ahmed admitted. But ViewSonic is American, founded in California. Our APAC structure sometimes confuses the market. Its a small detail, but it underscores the brands peculiar positioning: American by origin, Asian in supply chains, Indian in ambition. When I asked Ahmed about his vision for the next few years, he didnt offer a grand manifesto. Instead, he returned to the fundamentals: education, corporate collaboration, and the home. Were an ecosystem company now, he said. Hardware plus software. Thats what will scale. Its a modest phrase for a company that has climbed from 14th to 3rd in less than a decade, but in an industry obsessed with spectacle, its the long game that makes all the difference. SoftBank Group of Japan has made a $2 billion equity investment in Intel. This comes at a time when the US chipmaker was struggling to keep operations running while attempting to turn things around under increasing pressure. The deal, announced on Monday, will make SoftBank one of Intels top ten shareholders and reflects the Japanese investors growing interest in artificial intelligence. The investment comes at a critical time for Intel, which reported its first annual loss since 1986, totalling $18.8 billion. Intel, once the dominant player in the semiconductor industry, has been losing ground to rivals such as AMD in the PC and server chip markets, while its contract manufacturing business has failed to attract the scale of clients that Taiwans TSMC does. According to Reuters, SoftBank will pay $23 per Intel share, which is slightly less than Mondays closing price of $23.66, for an equity stake of just under 2%. Despite its modest size, this move places SoftBank as Intels sixth largest investor, according to LSEG. According to a person familiar with the matter, the Japanese conglomerate will not seek a seat on the board or commit to purchasing Intel chips. SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son stated that the investment demonstrates Intels commitment to expanding US semiconductor manufacturing capacity. SoftBanks broader AI strategy includes the $500 billion Stargate data centre project and a $30 billion investment in OpenAI made earlier this year. Furthermore, the government is closely monitoring Intels comeback efforts. According to Bloomberg, the US government is considering buying up to a 10% stake in Intel following talks between President Donald Trump and CEO Lip-Bu Tan. However, there were mixed reactions, with Intel shares rising 5.6% in after-market trading and SoftBanks stock falling more than 5% in Tokyo. Analysts believe Intels unique position as a chip designer and manufacturer could still help it mount a credible challenge to TSMC in the United States, assuming it can carry out its long-delayed strategy. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Arm reportedly hires Amazon AI exec to advance chip ambition Chip designer Arm has hired Amazon's artificial intelligence chip director Rami Sinno as it pushes into developing its processors, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Sinno played a key role in Amazon's in-house AI chips, Trainium and Inferentia, built to run large-scale AI applications at a lower cost than Nvidia's graphics processors. Until now, Arm has not manufactured its own chips. The UK-based firm designs processor architectures and instruction sets that it licenses to major customers such as Apple and Nvidia. In July 2024, Chief Executive Rene Haas said Arm would reinvest part of its profits into building chiplets, smaller function-specific components, and potentially complete systems. Expanding beyond licensing According to Reuters, Arm has been building an internal team for chip and system development. The company has brought in Nicolas Dube, a former Hewlett Packard Enterprise executive with experience in large-scale systems, and Steve Halter, a veteran chip engineer from Intel and Qualcomm. Arm's model has centered on licensing technology that dominates smartphones and is increasingly used in data centers. But moving into full chipmaking risks conflicts with major customers even as it opens new revenue streams. AI ambitions gain momentum Wccftech reported that Sinno's hiring signals Arm's push deeper into CPUs and AI accelerators. CEO Rene Haas has talked about "full-end solutions" as a way to move beyond licensing as the company's main business. Arm's architecture is already gaining ground in data centers, with Nvidia's Grace CPU playing a big role. Wccftech noted that Arm's move into in-house chip development also has the backing of its majority owner, SoftBank Group. According to Reuters and Wccftech, entering processor manufacturing would put Arm in direct competition with Nvidia, Intel, and AMD. Nvidia dominates the AI training market, while Intel and AMD control most of the data center CPU business. Even so, Arm's chip designs already power billions of devices worldwide. With Sinno now on board, analysts expect the company to accelerate plans for its first AI-focused processor. Nvidia Grace CPU and Arm Architecture. Credit: Nvidia Article edited by Jerry Chen Subscriber content preview The explosion could test Nippon Steel's resolve in propping up the nearly 110-year-old Clairton plant. By MARC LEVY Associated Press HARRISBURG, Pa. The fatal explosion last week at U.S. Steel's Pittsburgh-area coal-processing plant has revived debate about its future just as the iconic American company was emerging from a long period of uncertainty. The fortunes of steelmaking in the U.S. along with profits, share prices and steel prices have been buoyed by years of friendly administrations in Washington that slapped tariffs on foreign imports and bolstered the industry's anti-competitive trade cases against China. . . . Subscriber content preview SEATTLE The University of Washington gave advance notice Thursday of plans to release a request for qualifications in early September for an expansion and renovation at the UW Medical Center NW Outpatient Medical Center (OPMC). UW will seek a design-builder to renovate approximately 13,831 square feet of the existing OPMC at 10330 Meridian Ave. N. The 9,645-square-foot expansion includes new operating rooms, expanding central processing and decontamination spaces, and making existing spaces code compliant. The scope also includes updating storage, medical gases, generator and mechanical systems. . . . It was meant to be a wholesome morning cook-along, but things went hilariously wrong on Ireland AM when Elaine Crowley's smashed avocado segment descended into chaos. The Virgin Media presenter was attempting to whip up sourdough with smashed avocado, chilli flakes, smoked salmon and poached eggs live on air when disaster struck. "What I am making today is smashed avocado with chilli flakes on sourdough with a poached egg and smoked salmon on the side," she began confidently. But the calm soon gave way to panic as she admitted, "It's the only thing up till now I was able to cook. Obviously, I'm having a bit of a blind panic now." READ MORE | Met Eireann make grim prediction in forecast as 26C heat disappears overnight The crucial poached egg step pushed things over the edge. Co-host Siomha Ni Ruairc said: "I actually don't poach eggs, so I have a lot to learn from you here, Elaine. And so what's the trick to, like, do you ever overcook your poached eggs? Is that a thing?" Oh, f***, Ive overcooked Crowley blurts, before realising her slip of the tongue. "Oh, no. I deeply apologise! Please don't complain to the BAI," Crowley pleaded, leaving co-hosts Siomha Ni Ruairc and Kevin Twomey in stitches. Trying to save the situation, when asked by Crowley if the eggs were hard or runny, Ni Ruairc reassured her: "In the middle. Perfect. Perfect," while Twomey broke into a coughing fit before declaring: "Gorgeous. It actually is lovely, guys. I'm sorry. Elaine, well done. You smashed it." READ MORE | RIP: Shock and heartbreak as missing man is found dead in Portugal Just as the segment seemed back on track, another disaster struck. "Oh, the toast!" Elaine shrieked, opening the oven to a plume of smoke. With the studio roaring with laughter, Ni Ruairc closed out the segment like a pro: "We'll see you back here in a few. We need a fire extinguisher in the studio, please!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ireland AM (@irelandamvmtv) The clip has since gone viral online, racking up over 200,000 views on TikTok and thousands more on Instagram and Facebook. READ MORE | Pictures & Profiles: Get to know all 32 Roses vying for the coveted Rose of Tralee crown A 51-year-old man has died after he suffered serious injuries following an interaction with gardai in Dublin city centre. The man was involved in an incident with gardai close to the Holiday Inn on OConnell Street last Friday. Fiosru, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, is independently investigating the incident and said it has commenced a criminal investigation into it. It said the incident, which happened on OConnell Street at around 4.15am, involved the serious harm of the man, who later died. Fiosru said that one of its on-call team of investigators attended the scene. It has been liaising with the Dublin City Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist in relation to a post-mortem examination. Fiosru has appealed for any witnesses to the incident to come forward. This includes any passing vehicles, including taxis that may have dashcam footage from that location or on a mobile device. Anyone with information which may be of assistance to the independent investigation is asked to contact Fiosru at 0818 600 800 or info@fiosru.ie The investigation team and its family liaison officer are working directly with the mans family. The gardai are legally required to report any incident involving death or serious harm to the ombudsman if it happened following an interaction with a garda member. India Day in Ireland has been postponed following a spate of violent attacks on Indians in recent months, including on two men in Dublin and a young girl in Waterford. Indians in Cork are concerned and they say that their family and friends in India, who have been reading about the hate attacks in Ireland, are worried for them. Dr Lekha Menon Margassery, president of the University College Cork (UCC) Indian Alumni Community, works as technical officer at the school of microbiology. A small section of the population has shaken the soul and integrity of the beautiful Emerald Isle, she said. As a Corkonian since 2008, I have always felt the warmth of multiculturalism here. Over the years, Cork has grown in to a truly welcoming city, with many initiatives celebrating the contributions of diverse communities. Ms Menon Margassery, who is also director of the Aatma Indian Dance Troupe in Cork and vice-president and EDI rep of the Labour Party in Corks South Central Ward, said: I am Indian by heart and Irish at soul. I became an Irish citizen through naturalisation, proud to be a legal migrant and the first Indian technical officer in the history of the school of microbiology at UCC. As president of the UCC Indian Alumni Community, I regularly engage with students from all backgrounds. When I wear my Indian clothing, my UCC colleagues often ask about the occasion, and I take joy in explaining our traditions. As the director of the Aatma Indian Dance Troupe, I have invited Irish dance schools to perform at our events, because I deeply admire their art forms. Yet, since last year, I have been more cautious." Shook During the local elections, when I contested for the South Central Ward as a Labour Party candidate, someone told me I was not Irish by blood and therefore should not run. That moment shook me. I still remember how my Labour Party friends rallied around me, giving me the moral support to keep going. Even so, for weeks afterwards, I hesitated to walk alone through Cork. Dr Lekha Menon Margassery was told not to run for election because she wasnt Irish by blood. She said that she was shaken again by an incident in Tallaght this summer when an Indian man was beaten, robbed, and partially stripped in an unprovoked attack, saying: The incidents escalated, with Indians increasingly becoming targets. The attack in Waterford was not just racist; it was inhumane. Why was a child singled out? Was it because she was brown? Is skin pigment now a reason to decide who becomes a target? Until people truly understand that we are all human, regardless of colour or race, the world will remain more divided than it should be. A small group of individuals has disturbed the peace of this country, but we cannot allow Cork such a multicultural city to become a target, Ms Menon Margassery said. Concerns In speaking with friends from the Indian and wider communities, the same concerns kept arising: Weak juvenile laws, lack of accountability for parents, inadequate public awareness, and insufficient self-defence measures. Many of these incidents involve teenagers or even younger children. Cork Indian Nurses, one of the largest Indian organisations in the city, known for their tireless service, were among the first to contact me. They asked, What can we do? How do we send a positive message to the community? From these conversations, the Call for Action group was born. Ms Menon Margassery said: Our aim is not to protest, because we work alongside colleagues from every background who respect and accept each other. Instead, we want to show unity and to stand in solidarity. We are planning an awareness and inspiration campaign in Cork, both in person and online, under the message: Many Voices, One Heart. Through Labour senator Laura Harmon, they initiated the first multicultural meeting, bringing together councillors Ciara OConnor, Honore Kamegni, and representatives from multiple communities. We discussed the need for a multicultural forum, a safe space for communities to gather and address issues together, Ms Harmon said. Policy Measures We also explored policy measures, like stronger juvenile laws, increased police patrols, more CCTV coverage, and integrating multicultural education at the grass roots level in schools. Many parallel initiatives are now under way in Cork. Our shared goal is simple, yet profound: To live in peace, without fear, and with dignity and respect for all. People take part in a silent assembly for migrant workers and their families outside the Department of the Taoiseach in Dublin, following the recent attacks on members of the Indian community. A spokesperson for Cork Indian Nurses said that some nurses are planning to move away from Ireland. Cork has long been known as a pleasant and welcoming city and county. The people of Cork generally value and respect healthcare workers and other professionals, with many recognising the significant contribution of Indian nurses and doctors in CUH, CUMH, and other hospitals and nursing homes, the spokesperson said. Racism and discrimination have traditionally not been tolerated by the people of Cork. However, recent incidents in Waterford and the anti-immigrant protests and attacks in Dublin have caused concern among the Indian community in Cork regarding their safety. Many community members have expressed that their entire families are working, and that they are among the highest taxpayers. They point out that during the covid-19 pandemic, these same workers left their families behind and stood by Ireland, at a time when racist ideologies were nowhere to be seen. Some nurses have already begun making plans to move to countries such as those in the Middle East or Australia. There are also deep concerns about how children of Indian origin will cope with racist attitudes or behaviours from peers when schools reopen. Many workers have said they now feel unsafe returning home from late shifts. In response, local groups have initiated cultural integration programmes to strengthen bonds between the Indian and Irish communities. Despite their worries, many still believe that the majority of Irish people will not support such divisive views. They hold on to the conviction that you cannot be truly Irish and racist. Kindness Neetu Chopra, a woman who works in IT with her husband, Sanyam Chawla, told The Echo that they have been living in Ireland for the last five years and during this time we have never experienced any violent attacks whether racially motivated or otherwise. Sam, who has been in Ireland since 2015, has always been warmly greeted and treated with kindness. We are fortunate to have Irish friends, who support us in our estate and local community, and we are truly grateful to them for making us feel at home here. However, the recent attacks on members of the Indian community have raised serious concerns for us all. With our children growing up, there is now a constant undercurrent of fear whenever we go out together as a family. The latest attack, on a young girl in Waterford, has stirred deep emotions among Indian parents, leaving us anxious for our childrens safety. This situation highlights the urgent need for immediate and effective action from the Government to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. Disturbing Dr Kishore Doddakula, a cardiothoracic surgeon in Cork, said: The recent unprovoked attacks on Indians in Ireland is very disturbing. These incidents have hit the headlines in major Indian newspapers and social media. Irish people are known worldwide to be friendly and generous. During the second wave of the pandemic, as a UNICEF brand ambassador I was able to generate 800,000 from Ireland in three weeks. In my walk of life, I see nothing but respect and support to Indians, irrespective of the position or status. Dr Doddakula said that this concern has caused people living in India to reach out to him: I received many calls from the parents of students pursuing their education in Irish universities and I did reassure them that these sporadic incidents do not reflect the true behaviour and attitude of Irish people towards Indians, who are predominantly engaged in healthcare, IT, or education. The president of Ireland and various political leaders, irrespective of their political ideology, condemned these acts and praised the positive contribution of the Indian community at large in Ireland. This is greatly appreciated by the community. Changed Another Indian man living in Cork, Bishwa, said the situation has got worse. Im in Ireland 13 years now, and when I came here it was the friendliest place Ive ever been. In this last year it has changed. Wed heard some things in Dublin before then, but never in Cork until recently. The first one we heard was someone walking down the street being bullied for talking in their own language. Last year, we heard about a student who had a rope put around their neck. We thought it was people being drunk, but in the last few months theres been an almost regular occurrence of these attacks in Dublin, in particular. Bishwa described the recent attack on a child as very scary, saying that a friends 13-year-old son was attacked while playing. They physically beat him, telling him to go back to India. Before, we would hear about this sort of thing in the UK or France or Australia and we would say we were proud of the place we lived, but, all of a sudden, we are the people that our parents or friends back in India are hearing about and discussing and asking us what is happening. Bishwa said: We are hard workers, we are all contributing in our sectors and adding to the economy. In covid times, Indian nurses and doctors worked around the clock to keep people safe. A lot of these attacks are happening because of misinformation; lots of people are falling for false information provided by certain individuals for their own political gain. There needs to be some system to address this kind of thing a lot of the acts are by teenagers, and we need to be able to address violence by teenagers, and some responsibility should go to the parents. He added that the Cork Indian community hopes to address some of the issues with free events in the city that everyone is encouraged to join. Lots of Irish people are saying that they dont identify themselves with the people doing these kind of things, which is definitely a good thing, but, still, people are feeling scared. People dont want to be interviewed and named, because they dont want to be exposed; they dont know if there will be a knock on their door. Scared One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said: Students who pay three times the fees compared to Irish students are scared to come here for higher education. No one should be attacked for pursuing higher education. People who have been living here for years are scared to step out. There have been instances of people being verbally abused by Irish people, for simply walking down the street. Ms Harmon said: The pattern we are seeing forming with racially-motivated attacks in this country is deplorable. There can be no place for racism or discrimination in Cork. We need to make sure this is a place where everyone feels welcome. No one should have to live in fear of attacks like this. She mentioned the recent roundtable discussion in Cork. It opened our eyes to the severity of the issue here in Cork. We agreed on a few key actions, including increased engagement with gardai. Listening to the problems raised at our meeting has opened my eyes to how much needs to be done. We cannot keep looking away from this issue. The attacks we have seen recently are not coming as isolated incidents, but are symptomatic of a wider problem of racism in Ireland. "It is shameful that, as a result of attacks in Ireland, a country that claims to offer a hundred thousand welcomes, the Indian embassy has had to issue public safety warnings to their community. The Government and minister Jim OCallaghan need to put in place an immediate response to this. We need to see a definite commitment to the passing of hate-speech legislation and stronger enforcement against these acts of hatred. Inland Fisheries Ireland said it is continuing to investigate a large fish kill in Cork, as the junior marine minister visited the site yesterday. Inland Fisheries Ireland said that present indications suggest there are now between 8,000 and 10,000 wild fish mortalities mainly brown trout recorded over an 18km stretch of the River Blackwater. Affected trout were observed in the River Blackwater around 6km downstream of Mallow, up to 12km upstream of Mallow and at the Awbeg and the Clyda rivers. Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the State agency responsible for the protection, management, and conservation of the inland fisheries resource across the country. Sean Long, director of IFIs south-western river basin district, said: The Marine Institute, the authority for fish health in Ireland, conducted diagnostic sampling of affected fish on site on August 14. IFI expects to receive a related report within 20 days of that date. Disease outbreaks can occur in wild fish populations, and are influenced by numerous factors, including environmental change. No evidence of a polluting or harmful discharge has been detected to date in the river, Mr Long said. He added that Inland Fisheries Ireland is continuing to consult with Uisce Eireann as well as with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Cork County Council, and the Marine Institute on the issue. He said that the Marine Institutes Fish Health Unit has advised that the removal of dead fish from the water is not necessary, adding that IFI officers will continue to monitor the watercourse in the coming days. The chairman of the Mallow Trout Anglers Club, John Ruby, told The Echo at the weekend that the incident is potentially the biggest fish kill in the history of the country. He said that up to 20,000 fish have since been killed as a result of the incident. At the moment well be lucky to hold on to any species [in the River Blackwater], because theyve been decimated completely, Mr Ruby said, adding that it may require years of work before a full restoration of the marine area can be expected. Labour TD for Cork North Central Eoghan Kenny yesterday urged the minister for agriculture, food, and the marine, Martin Heydon, to attend the site. While I appreciate that there has been communication and investigative work done on the river over the course of the week, we are still none the wiser as to what is the cause, man-made or not, he said. Today minister of state at the department, Timmy Dooley, said he had visited the site yesterday. Two Cork book-podcaster have partnered with the online news platform IrishCentral for a celebration of Irish and international storytelling. IrishCentral has announced a partnership with Natter with Kate and Michelle as part of their new campaign to highlight some of todays most captivating authors. This new partnership aims to bring the voices of Blarney writers Kate Durant and Michelle McDonagh to IrishCentrals 39 million Irish-American readers and book lovers. The podcast, which last year charted at number two in the Apple Irish book podcast chart, will be launching its fourth season in September, kicking off with an appearance from the global bestselling author Heather Morris, who will be chatting about her new book The Wish. This will be followed by a fortnightly release of interviews with thought-provoking authors of new fiction and non-fiction books including Sophie White, Dr Harry Barry, and former State pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy. The podcast, produced in association with Bookstation, Irelands fastest growing bookseller, has already featured a range of noteworthy guests including Jeanine Cummins, Lynda La Plante, Christine Dwyer Hickey, Edel Coffey, Andrea Mara, Roisin Meaney, and Anne Tiernan. Ireland is a nation of storytellers, and Natter is all about telling some of these stories, said Ms Durant. We all have our own stories, told and untold, and we all love to hear other peoples too. Roisin Meaneys unresolved grief over the death of her brother, Jeanine Cummins on the traumatic impact of the American Dirt controversy and Siobhan MacGowan on the loss of her brother Shane, are just three of the deeply poignant stories that our guests have been generous enough to share with us. Ms McDonagh said that more people than ever are listening to podcasts, more people than ever are buying books, and more people than ever are looking for escapism. We are thrilled to be partnering with IrishCentral, a platform with such a large and deeply engaged Irish diaspora, and we are looking forward to sharing the fabulous stories that our guests share with us to this audience, she said. All 16 episodes of Natter with Kate and Michelle to date are available on Spotify, Apple or wherever people get their podcasts. A Cork TD has described as a step forward news that a residential facility, which caters for people who have dementia, has reopened for new admissions. Unit 1 on the St Stephens Hospital Campus in Sarsfield Court is a dementia-specific unit for people who also have a co-existing presentation of mental health issues. It is registered to accommodate 16 residents, and provides 24-hour residential care. As of last December, there were five patients in the unit, all of whom had been there for five years or more. No new admissions had occurred since 2021. Responding to a parliamentary question from Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, HSE Mental Health Services acting head of services Declan Cronin said there are currently six patients in the unit, with another admission pending. The unit is open for admissions subject to meeting the criteria under the provisions of the current registration, Mr Cronin said. Mr Gould told The Echo he has been informed by the HSE that there had been three admissions to the unit in recent months. No patients were admitted to this unit from 2021 until we started putting pressure on them over this, Mr Gould said. I want to thank the staff and family members of patients who stood up for this facility. They would not allow the HSE to close it and because of that, new patients have been admitted. The northside TD added that there are still nine empty beds in the unit and those need to be filled urgently. I am speaking to people whose loved ones are stuck in hospital because they cannot access appropriate nursing home care. No public nursing home beds should be closed while this is happening, Mr Gould said. That is not how the HSE should do business. I will be raising this with the minister when the Dail returns. The HSE was asked for comment. When I brought forward the proposal for free suncream dispensers in Cork City Council - in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society and funded by the local authority and the HSE - it was grounded in one simple aim: to help people protect themselves. With skin cancer now the most common cancer in Ireland, the case for action and bringing public health to people was obvious. Im proud that Cork led the way in installing these dispensers in public parks its a positive, visible step toward greater sun safety. But lets be honest: its only the beginning. If were serious about prevention, if we truly want to make sun protection part of everyday life, then we need to go further and that means removing VAT on SPF products. Right now in Ireland, suncream is taxed at 23%. Thats a tax on cancer prevention. Its wrong, and it needs to change, but the Government is hamstrung by European Union rules. Every year, more than 11,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland, according to the National Cancer Registry. These are not just numbers. They are neighbours, colleagues, loved ones many of whom could have been protected with consistent access to SPF. We know that nine out of ten skin cancer cases are caused by UV exposure. The Irish Cancer Society is repeatedly advocating for action by the public and government. Their research shows that one in seven adults never use suncream, even during summer, and half of adults report getting sunburned. This isnt just about cost its about access and awareness. Families, outdoor workers, and vulnerable people are being asked to treat suncream like a luxury item. Thats unacceptable. To add insult to injury, theres a frustrating caveat: under current EU VAT rules, there are limitations on how individual countries can reclassify products like SPF. But lets be clear Europe must allow Ireland to make its own determination when it comes to public health. We must have the freedom to treat sun protection for what it is: essential healthcare. If we can remove VAT on period products, we must be allowed to do the same for SPF. To that end, I have submitted a motion to Cork City Council to seek that engagement with the College of Commissioners in the European Union, and especially the VAT committee. I do this not in a party political finger-pointing way, but in cross-party effort to achieve meaningful change on the subject. Because public health wins benefit us all, and party politics should be left outside the door. The suncream dispensers in Corks parks are proof of what we can do when we act decisively, and I again applaud the directors of Cork City Council for engaging so positively in this field. It is a reminder of how far we still need to go. Free SPF in the dispensers is a wonderful first step but people need access every day, not just on a walk through Fitzgeralds Park. That means proper affordability, and that starts with removing the VAT. The Government has the power to push this change at European level but if barriers are in the way, then we must fight to change those rules, rather than shrug and move on. Public health must come before bureaucracy. This is a public health issue. Its a cost-of-living issue. And ultimately, its a matter of political will. Lets not wait until the next budget or the next Programme for Government. The time to remove VAT on suncream is now because prevention should never be a privilege. Peter Horgan is a Labour Party Councillor on Cork City Council representing the South East Ward and is also a member of the HSE Regional Forum. Chinese envoy calls for advancing political transition in South Sudan Xinhua) 16:35, August 19, 2025 UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy said here Monday that it is imperative to advance the political transition in South Sudan. South Sudan is the youngest country in the world, and the political process in the country is not going to be completed overnight, said Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. China calls on all political factions in the country to bridge their differences through dialogue, accelerate the implementation of the arrangements under the current peace agreement, and stay committed to a political settlement as the only path to peace, he said at a meeting of the UN Security Council. "The international community should maintain the necessary tolerance and patience, support regional mediation efforts, and support solving African issues in the African way," said Sun. "In particular, all parties should respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of South Sudan, and refrain from illegal and undue interference or pressure." Maintaining peace and stability in the country is a top priority, he said. The unstable security situation in the Upper Nile state, among others, is concerning. China calls on all parties in South Sudan to exercise calm and restraint, cease hostilities, and avoid impact on civilians and civilian facilities, he said. As the conflict in neighboring Sudan drags on and continues to spill over, the cross-border movement of armed personnel and illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons are becoming ever more prominent. The international community should support South Sudan in enhancing border control and security capacity building, he said. The Security Council should adjust or lift the unreasonable sanctions against South Sudan at an early date, he added. China is ready to continue to work with the international community to play a constructive role in realizing peace, stability, development and prosperity in South Sudan at an early date, said Sun. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Vivienne Clarke Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly has announced that he intends to seek the partys nomination to contest the presidential election. Speaking on RTE radios Morning Ireland, Mr Kelly said that his previous announcement that he would not contest the election had been the most difficult decision of his career. Mr Kelly said he believed the "time is right" to put himself forward, after discussing it with family and supporters, in light of the changed circumstances following Mairead McGuinness decision to withdraw from the race. I'll certainly seek the Fine Gael nomination now, unfortunately, that Mairead McGuinness had to withdraw. And there is a process now by which we can seek nominations over the next five days. So I would be looking for the nomination and after that, and if I'm nominated, I would greatly honoured to represent the party and stand for election for president. When asked what made him change his mind, Mr Kelly said that obviously circumstances had changed with the withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness. That changed the position. We needed a new candidate. I was the last man standing the last time. So as I said, it was a very hard decision, the hardest decision I ever made. Not to contest, but now that it is open again. I'm delighted and enthusiastic about the prospect of running for President of Ireland. Mr Kelly, who is a former President of the GAA, said he believed he had grassroots support and he had been convinced by the response from the public that he had the support and the momentum to get the nomination. Being president of Ireland would be the highest honour, he said. I think actually there's a huge potential in the job, it's the highest honour in Ireland. And if you look at what the last number of presidents have done, they've done tremendous work. There's huge flexibility there. There's massive potential there and I will be reflecting on that and looking at ways to make the Aras relevant to people even more than ever before. And also to work hard and to reflect, particularly abroad, the experience I've gained in Europe and to be able to promote it abroad, to benefit tourism and trade, etc. So there's massive potential there. Mr Kelly said that he will now start looking for support within the parliamentary party. It was important that there be a contest, it would be good for the party and good for democracy (Photo supplied: ucanews.com news)Leaders from faith groups are seen during a meeting in the Indonesian capital Jakarta on Aug. 5. (Photo supplied) Leaders of different faiths in Indonesia have called on the government in the Asian nation to ensure religious freedom for all and to take decisive action against its violators, following recent incidents targeting minority Christians. The appeal was made after a meeting of representatives of Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism at the office of the Indonesian Catholic Bishops' Conference in Jakarta, on Aug. 5, the Malaysian Herald reported on Aug. 15 in a report by the Catholic ucanews.com news portal. The leaders reminded the government of the world's biggest Muslim majority nation that freedom of religion and worship is a constitutional right that has to be protected and sought action against violators engaged in violence and destruction of places of worship. They also urged the authorities in Jakarta, the country's capital, to cooperate with the interfaith group, Forum for Religious Harmony, and respective communities to maintain tolerance and peace. Recent anti-Christian incidents included opposition to building churches, a ban on Christian worship, destruction of worship places and religious facilities in various regions, said Father Aloysius Budi Purnomo, executive secretary of the Bishops' Commission for Interreligious Relations. "For us, such cases tarnish and damage the foundation of tolerance, harmony, brotherhood, and living together, as well as religious and cultural diversity in the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," he said. "No one should be allowed to act in anarchic ways, especially against prayer and worship activities," he explained. - ANTI-CHRISTIAN INCIDENTS Indonesia, which was once a Dutch colony, has seen several anti-Christian incidents in recent months. On July 27, religious hardliners attacked a Sunday School at Padang Sarai village in West Sumatra province, leaving two children injured and a damaged house used for teaching 30 children. In mid-July, a Muslim group in East Kotawaringin regency, Central Kalimantan province, led opposition to the construction of a church. The friction ended due to efforts by a senior local government official who brokered a deal when stakeholders met. Earlier in July, Muslim hardliners opposed the construction of a Catholic church at Kapur village, Kubu Raya regency, West Kalimantan province, the newspaper reported. This prompted the Muslim chief government official, Sujiwo, to hold meetings with Muslim and Christian leaders, who promised to end the dispute and uphold religious tolerance. On June 30, Muslims broke up a retreat of 36 Protestant Christian students in Kampung Tangki, Sukabumi regency, West Java province. Ahmad Rumadi of Nahdlatul Ulama, the most prominent liberal Muslim organization, said that every form of intolerance needs to be confronted and condemned "so that it is not seen as something normal." He emphasized the need for the government to guarantee freedom of religion and belief as provided in the constitution, various laws and regulations. The Rev. Etika Saragih, executive secretary of the Protestant group, Communion of Churches in Indonesia's Justice and Peace Commission, said that a Sunday School attack at Padang Sarai village left the children seriously traumatized. "This should not be underestimated because it affects the children's future," he said Indonesia recorded 3,217 incidents of violations of freedom of religion and belief between 2014 and 2024, according to the Jakarta-based advocacy group Setara Institute. According to the CIA World Factbook, of Indonesia's 281,56 million people, 87.4 percent are Muslims and 10.6 percent are Christians, while Hindus make up 1.7 percent. NVIDIA is working on a new AI chip meant for the Chinese market that's more powerful than the H20, according to Reuters. It will reportedly be based on the company's latest Blackwell architecture, which can produce chips between seven and 30 times faster than its previous AI platform. Reuters says the product is tentatively named B30A and will have a single-die design, putting all its main components on a single piece of silicon. It will apparently be capable of half the computing power of NVIDIA's Blackwell Ultra GPUs, which have dual-die configuration. The product will also come with high-bandwidth memory and the company's NVLink technology for speedier data transmission between processors. It's possible that NVIDIA is developing the chip after the Chinese government discouraged local companies from using the H20, especially for government and national security purposes. Chinese regulators even reportedly ordered big tech corporations, including Alibaba, Bytedance and Tencent, to suspend their purchases from NVIDIA until the government is done with a national security review. China's warning to local companies came after the US government lifted its export restriction on the company's H20 chips. If you'll recall, the US blocked the company from selling its H20 chips to China back in April over concerns that the Chinese military could use the chips to develop AI technology. In July, NVIDIA announced that the government has assured the company that it will approve licenses to ship and export H20 chips to China. The Financial Times then reported in August that the government had agreed to grant NVIDIA (and AMP) export licenses in exchange for 15 percent of their profits. Reuters says NVIDIA is still finalizing the specs of B30A, but it's hoping to deliver samples to Chinese clients for testing as soon as September this year. Trump seems to already be aware that NVIDIA is working on a chip based on Blackwell for the Chinese market, but whether it gets regulatory and export approval remains to be seen: The president told reporters that NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huan is "coming to see [him] again about that." UK officials will no longer compel Apple to create backdoor access to its users' data, according to US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. She wrote on X that she, President Trump and Vice President Vance worked closely with their "partners in the UK" over the past months. "As a result," she continued, "the UK has agreed to drop its mandate for Apple to provide a 'back door' that would have enabled access to the protected encrypted data of American citizens and encroached on our civil liberties." Over the past few months, Ive been working closely with our partners in the UK, alongside @POTUS and @VP, to ensure Americans' private data remains private and our Constitutional rights and civil liberties are protected. As a result, the UK has agreed to drop its mandate for DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) August 19, 2025 As The New York Times notes, the UK government issued the secret order earlier this year after amending the Investigatory Powers Act of 2016. The law gives the UK government the right to compel companies to turn over data to law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Reports about the mandate started to come out in February, however, and Apple pretty much confirmed it when it disabled iCloud's Advanced Data Protection feature in the UK. ADP gives users the power to to add optional end-to-end encryption to a variety of iCloud data, which means the information can't be accessed by authorities unless they have the user's device in their hands. "As we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will," Apple said at the time. A bipartisan group of US lawmakers asked Gabbard to take measures to prevent what they called "a foreign cyberattack waged through political means" after the information about the mandate went public. Meanwhile, Apple filed a complained with the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), which "investigates complaints about the alleged conduct of public bodies in relation to members of the public," to get the order reversed. The company has yet to issue an official statement about the reversal of the UK mandate. An Oregon man has been charged in a federal complaint today on allegations of operating a botnet for hire that conducted cyberattacks beginning at least in 2021. Ethan Foltz has been accused of running Rapper Bot, also known as Eleven Eleven Botnet and CowBot, and using it to execute coordinated distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. The complaint claims that Rapper Bot was used to target victims in more than 80 countries, and since April 2025, it has reportedly conducted more than 370,000 attacks against 18,000 unique victims. "Rapper Bot was one of the most powerful DDoS botnets to ever exist," US Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska said. "Our office remains committed to disrupting and dismantling cyber criminals that threaten internet security and infrastructure in the District of Alaska and across the United States." We're still waiting for Apple to make the official announcement for the iPhone event that usually takes place in September. At that event, they'll showcase the new iPhone 17 lineup which will come equipped with the latest iOS 26 features preinstalled, as well as any additional features Apple reveals at the launch event. But since we (presumably) still have to wait a few weeks until the iPhone event, we can only speculate what the new devices will look like. As with most unreleased iPhones, rumors and leaks have trickled in about the hardware side ahead of the official introduction. Here's what we're expecting and what we can reasonably assume we'll get from Apple in September. What are the latest iPhone 17 rumors? Not necessarily a "new" rumor but Bloomberg's Mark Gurman believes there actually will be a new orange color offered for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, as well as a light blue color for the iPhone 17 Air, he confirmed in his weekly Power On newsletter. Additionally, we have a new case rumor. According to leaker Majin Bu, there will be new Liquid Silicone cases in eight colors, including Deep Orange, Pale Orange, Grass Green, Celadon, Fog Purple, Grey Blue, Dark Blue and Midnight Black. iPhone 17: New Liquid Silicone Cases Colors Full Article:https://t.co/RBnAO3LCAC pic.twitter.com/GuQuvrswg6 Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) August 24, 2025 These rumors haven't been confirmed by Apple and we won't know what the actual iPhone 17 models will look like until the iPhone event next month. How much will the iPhone 17 cost? Apple's announced plan to expand US-based manufacturing partners seems to give it at least some shielding from the steepest Trump administration tariffs that have already triggered price increases on everything from PlayStations to Switch consoles to high-end cameras to Sonos speakers. But given that President Trump's trade policies can change from week to week, and Apple's continuing reliance on Asia-based supply chains, price shocks remain an ongoing possibility. The bigger question is: Will Apple absorb any higher costs, or pass them on to consumers? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If prices do creep up, Apple may choose to pair it with an "upgrade." Consider this recent rumor posted by MacRumors from a leaker known as "Instant Digital," suggesting that the default storage of the iPhone 17 line may start at 256GB, doubling the current 128GB baseline. While that could be accompanied by a price increase of $50, Apple could at least pitch it as a "better value." That said, the company doubled the default RAM of its Mac computers from 8GB to 16GB at no extra cost in 2024 but that was before the current Trump tariff cycle started. When will the iPhone 17 series be announced? Most years, the flagship smartphones are introduced in September. MacRumors highlighted a story originally reported by iphone-ticker.de that the Apple iPhone 17 event could be Tuesday, September 9, according to information gleaned from German mobile phone providers. It's still too early to have the specific dates; some years, Apple only gives a week or two of lead time between sending invites and hosting the event. But years of past precedent show that sometime in September should be when the 17 models make their debut. This family of smartphones may be the last to follow that trend, however. There have been hints that the introduction of the iPhone 18 collection in 2026 will be split into a pro-tier announcement in the fall and a standard model announcement the following spring. What will the new iPhone 17 lineup include? Design leaks suggest that Apple is building an ultra-thin smartphone, likely to be named the iPhone 17 Air to match Apple's ultralight laptop designation. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, often a solid source of advanced intel about Apple, reported in January that the iPhone 17 Air will be equipped with a basic A19 chip and will only have a single camera lens. It may also use Apple's new in-house modem, which was introduced in February on the iPhone 16e. More details about this development may leak ahead of September, but that's what we know for now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investor note from Apple analyst Jeff Pu indicated that the Air will have a titanium frame. If his reports are accurate, the lightweight smartphone will be the only entry in the iPhone 17 lineup to use that metal; the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max are expected to be made of aluminum, which is oddly a lighter material than titanium. Other speculation had suggested that the Air would use a blend of aluminum and titanium, so the exact materials may not be known until the official announcement. Additionally, an August 4 MacRumors report says the internal battery pack of the iPhone Air is just 2.49mm thick half the thickness of the iPhone 17 Pro battery. The leak was posted on the Korean-language Naver blog, where they show the alleged batteries of the iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro side by side. The same account claimed the 17 Air's battery capacity was a mere 2,800 mAh, MacRumors notes. (That's below the battery capacity of current iPhone 16 models.) On a similar topic, an iPhone 17 Pro production leak appears to have revealed an all-aluminum chassis, according to MacRumors. Originally posted by leaker Majin Bu, the image shows a shell that has a large round hole on the back (where the Apple logo typically is) to allow for MagSafe charging. MacRumors says this could just be a molding but notes that the aluminum frame (versus the current titanium in Pro iPhone models) would yield a significantly lower weight. That same leaker (Majin Bu), whom MacRumors classifies as a "hit-or-miss leaker," suggests the iPhone 17 Pro will have better wireless signal strength thanks to an updated antenna design. The individual posted a render on X that shows a new antenna system that wraps around the iPhone 17 Pro's supposedly wider rear camera bump. Again, this is a render, not a real-world photo. That said, we can't knock the goal of better wireless reception, so we're hoping this one has a degree of truth to it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leaker Majin Bu also claims "TechWoven" cases could be introduced, per a MacRumors report. The cases match the rumored design on the iPhone 17 models, with the wide camera bump. The leaker noted there are two lanyard holes for "convenient and secure carrying," so it could be worn around your neck. The colors would come in grey/black, blue, green, purple and orange. Each new roster includes a base model, but over the years, Apple has shaken up the variety of phones it offers. Most likely there will be an iPhone 17 and an iPhone 17 Pro. Apple has also committed to the size matters philosophy, and has been building an iPhone Pro Max option with an even bigger screen and better battery life; the 17 roster will almost certainly have one as well. The new Pro iPhones are said to have a full-width "camera island" on the rear, which would mark the first time an Apple model opted for that design. This feature can be seen in the purported iPhone 17 "spotted in the wild." The pics, highlighted on MacRumors, show a black cased iPhone (17 Pro?) with the distinct back panel. Is it the real deal? The dual angles lend a degree of credibility in a social media landscape increasingly polluted with AI-enhanced fakes, but your guess is as good as ours. I just spotted a test development iPhone in the wild pic.twitter.com/iS3PtKWqxJ Fox Pupy (@Skyfops) July 28, 2025 The iPhone 17 Air seems primed to take the place of a potential iPhone 17 Plus. Since the iPhone 16e was only just introduced in February at a surprisingly high price point, it seems unlikely that there will be a new addition to that lower end of the spectrum, the models that were previously called SE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the very least, it sounds like the iPhone 17 Air won't take away the charging port and rely only on wireless connectivity. Bloomberg said that while Apple had investigated making the iPhone 17 Air without a single port, the company (fortunately) changed plans. He also says that the rumored phone will have a 6.6-inch screen and include the Dynamic Island and Camera Control button. Finally, the price is rumored at $900 likely more than the standard iPhone 17 but less than the Pro. We've also gotten what seems to be a reliable look at what the color lineup will be for the new smartphones. Macworld reported that the iPhone 17 will be available in black, white, steel gray, green, purple and light blue. The iPhone 17 Air will reportedly have four color options: black, white, light blue and light gold. While the Air colors will be less saturated, the visuals for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will go bold. The options for the Pro models are expected to be black, white, gray, dark blue and orange. On July 30, Tom's Guide highlighted an X post from Sonny Dickson a longtime and generally reliable leaker of unreleased iPhone information showing "dummy" iPhone 17 models in the new colors that were the source of the aforementioned Macworld story. While these are literally just mock-ups not real, leaked iPhones it's interesting to see how the design and color rumors translate into a real-world look and feel. To add the the rumors, a Weibo leaker known as Digital Chat Station suggests the iPhone 17e will come equipped with a new design that includes the Dynamic Island, MacRumors reports. According to the post, the new phone will have the A19 chip and could have a 6.1-inch OLED display with a front-facing 12-megapixel camera and a rear-facing 48-megapixel camera. However, it's important to note this report refers to the 17e model that would be expected to launch no earlier than February 2026, if it followed the same release pattern as the iPhone 16e. What will iOS 26 be like? Apple upended its numbering conventions with WWDC 2025, and will match the name of each new operating system to the year it's released. So when the next wave of iPhones hits, they'll be running on iOS 26. Advertisement Advertisement On the design side, the smartphone OS introduced during the big developer showcase took a contentious approach dubbed Liquid Glass. Apple has been scaling down the amount of transparency effects in the subsequent beta tests of iOS 26, but it will still have a glass-like visual. The feature list includes big and small updates. On the more impactful side, the Phone and Photos apps have been redesigned. There will be several features leveraging artificial intelligence, such as live translation capabilities coming to Phone, FaceTime and Messages. Apple is also currently testing a sensitive content warning for child accounts that will freeze FaceTime video if nudity is detected by on-device machine learning tools. And the company is also launching Visual Intelligence, which will use AI to search for elements in an image. iOS 26 also has a litany of minor, quality of life improvements. Group texts are getting support for polls. And for the slow risers out there, iOS 26 will finally let you escape the tyranny of the nine minute snooze alarm. The next iOS is now available as a public beta. Here are our initial impressions of the Liquid Glass design and other new features. iOS 26 is compatible with all models back through iPhone 11. What other products are expected to be released alongside the iPhone 17? If Apple follows its usual pattern, the iPhone 17 will be announced alongside new Apple Watch products. That would be the Apple Watch Series 11 (if Apple sticks to the same naming scheme), and maybe an Apple Watch Ultra 3 and/or an updated Apple Watch SE. (They'll all run watchOS 26, of course.) Other possibilities and this is, again, speculation could include refreshed Apple AirPods Pro (which received its last big update in 2022) and maybe new AirTags trackers (first released in 2021). Advertisement Advertisement The Apple rumor mill got a big shot in the arm this week thanks to the reported inclusion of product ID numbers in recent beta software builds. Per MacRumors, it's a laundry list of new hardware, including long-rumored product updates like the Apple TV, HomePod mini, new Apple Studio Display monitor and two fresh iPads. Of course, even if that list is totally accurate, we may not see those products until 2026 if ever. So don't expect all of products to share the stage with the iPhone 17, especially since Apple likes to keep its star performer at the center of attention. That said, keep in mind that Apple has recently been having Mac-centric announcements in late October (as it did last year to debut new M4 Macs), so there's always the chance of another shoe dropping a few weeks down the road. Update, August 25, 2025, 5:15PM ET: Added new reports about the iPhone 17 Pro's orange color as well as new rumored Liquid Silicone cases. Advertisement Advertisement Update, August 22, 2025, 11:52AM ET: Added new details about the colors of the rumored TechWoven case. Update, August 20, 2025, 7:12PM ET: Added new rumor about potential TechWoven case for iPhone 17 series. Update, August 18, 2025, 6:23PM ET: Added new rumor about the iPhone 17e potentially having the Dynamic Island. Update, August 15, 2025, 2:05PM ET: Added new rumor about the all-aluminum chassis on the iPhone 17. Update, August 13, 2025, 10:02PM ET: Added a list of the products that are expected to be released alongside the iPhone 17s. Update, August 11, 2025, 7:27PM ET: Added a render of a rumored new antenna design for the iPhone 17 Pro. Advertisement Advertisement Update, August 8, 2025, 4:43PM ET: Added new speculation and reports about iPhone 17 pricing. Update, August 6, 2025, 4:05PM ET: Added latest details about the potential iPhone 17 event date. Update, August 4, 2025, 5:23PM ET: Added latest battery leaks about the iPhone 17 models. Update, August 1, 2025, 8:15AM ET: Added new photos showing potential iPhone 17 colors. Update, July 30, 2025, 11:08AM ET: Added latest leaks and rumors about the iPhone 17, and updated information on the iOS 26 public beta. Update, July 17, 2025, 4:40PM ET: Added latest information about iOS 26, possible materials for the Air, and the color options for the different models. Advertisement Advertisement Update, March 17, 2025, 2PM ET: Added details about the rumored price and features of the iPhone 17 Air. Update, April 11, 2025, 3:45PM ET: Added details from Front Page Tech's new video that claims to reveal details from a leaked iOS 19 build. Lionsgate has released the official trailer for "Fairyland," offering audiences their first detailed look at the emotional father-daughter drama set against the backdrop of 1970s and 1980s San Francisco. The film, which stars Emilia Jones and Scoot McNairy, tells the story of an unconventional family relationship during a transformative period in American history. The newly released trailer showcases the story of Steve Abbott, played by McNairy, a poet and activist who raises his daughter Alysia as a single father after coming out as gay following his wife's death. Jones portrays the adult version of Alysia, while Nessa Dougherty plays her younger counterpart. The preview reveals intimate moments between father and daughter as they navigate their unique family dynamic in bohemian San Francisco. McNairy's character can be heard telling his daughter in the trailer: "When I was your age, I couldn't be the person that I wanted to be. And that kind of thing can really eat you up as a kid. I just didn't want you to be raised the way that I was raised." The emotional weight of their relationship becomes apparent as Jones's character later confides to a friend: "When you keep a secret about something for so long, it becomes a part of you." "Fairyland" is adapted from Alysia Abbott's acclaimed 2013 memoir of the same name and directed by Andrew Durham. The film explores what Durham describes as "a parallel coming-of-age story," examining how both father and daughter experience personal growth simultaneously. The story unfolds during a significant period in gay liberation history while also addressing the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis on the community. The supporting cast includes notable actors, such as Geena Davis as Alysia's grandmother Munca, along with Cody Fern, Maria Bakalova, Bella Murphy, and Adam Lambert. Sofia Coppola serves as one of the film's producers, lending additional artistic credibility to the project. The film originally premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival to positive reviews, with critics praising the performances of both Jones and McNairy. Durham managed to capture the story in just 21 days of filming, creating what reviewers have described as a "heartwarming chronicle of unconventional parenting." Lambert, who appears in the supporting cast, expressed a personal connection to the source material, noting his family's ties to San Francisco's Castro district during the gay liberation movement of the 1970s. "Fairyland" will arrive in theaters nationwide on October 10, distributed by Lionsgate and Willa. Wendy Williams is pushing back against claims about her health, saying she feels sharp, social, and ready to get back to the life she once knew. The former talk show host, 60, dismissed recent reports that she is battling frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, conditions listed in court filings earlier this year. "Do I sound like I have dementia to you?" Williams asked during a dinner outing at Tucci, her favorite Italian restaurant in Manhattan, where she greeted friends with her classic "How you doin'?" catchphrase. Sources close to Williams told Page Six she is "like the old Wendy" again, sounding witty and appearing more upbeat than in recent years. "She's getting healthier," one insider said. "It's like old Wendy." Williams, who has lived under a court-ordered guardianship since 2022, has made it clear that her goal is independence. Outside the restaurant, she mentioned her attorneys by name and added, "I will get out of my guardianship." Her lawyers, including Joe Tacopina, have previously stated her "cognitive abilities are completely intact" and that they are working toward her release. #WendyWilliams stepped out following her alleged dementia and aphasia results -- and if you were hoping for a comment, forget it -- her lips were sealed! : Backgrid pic.twitter.com/qQgcNLuGnf TMZ (@TMZ) August 18, 2025 Read more: Wendy Williams Marks 61st Birthday With Appeal to End Guardianship Williams Spotted Celebrating 61st Birthday, Dining Out Across New York City Those close to the star say she must be cautious when speaking on camera to avoid legal backlash tied to her conservator. "That's why it's always, 'talk to my lawyers,'" one source explained. Still, her circle says Williams is motivated by everyday goals. "She wants an apartment in New York, to go get bagels and lox, the simple pleasures," a friend shared. "And she wants to go to Fashion Week." The former daytime queen has been spotted around New York City more often, dining at Delmonico's, Fresco by Scotto, and Tucci. She celebrated her 61st birthday in July and is said to be relying less on her scooter. Insiders also say she has leaned into spirituality, attending Sunday church services in Brooklyn and spending time with Rev. Al Sharpton, who prayed with her earlier this year. Though guardianship documents suggest doctors confirmed a dementia diagnosis following extensive testing, Williams and her supporters reject the label. She has even told interviewers she "passed with flying colors" on recent mental competency exams, People said. For now, the court has extended her guardianship until at least November, with further review expected. But Williams remains confident. "She's very optimistic," one insider said. "She's looking forward to her freedom." Meghan Markle's shift from Hollywood to the royal family was not accidental, according to biographers and palace insiders who say she often planned her next steps carefully. Planning Her Image and Career Shift Tom Bower, in his book "Revenge," argued that "in Meghan Markle's life, little happened by chance." He described her, per the Daily Mail, as someone who "disrupted spontaneity and liked to control every aspect of her life." Bower linked this tendency to the fall of 2016, when her relationship with Prince Harry was taking shape. During that period, Markle began altering her public profile. References to her work on "Deal or No Deal" and her modeling career were scrubbed from her Wikipedia page. In their place appeared a section on "humanitarian work," highlighting her speech at a United Nations women's event. Weeks later, Markle informed her agent, Gina Nelthorpe-Cowne, that she would end her acting career. Nelthorpe-Cownelater told Bower, "I realized it meant losing her as a friend as well as a client." Bower also described the Halloween party in Toronto in 2016, where Markle posted a photo on Instagram with Harry. He wrote that many at the event believed she was "outing" the prince, adding that "for her own good reasons she wanted the relationship to be publicized." By early November, journalist Camilla Tominey broke the story of their romance. Media outlets quickly followed, pointing to details such as matching bracelets and Harry's private Instagram activity. The palace later confirmed the news, fueling a media frenzy outside Markle's home. Clashes With the Institution Once she joined the royal household, Meghan's instinct to shape her own narrative collided with palace tradition. Author Tom Quinn wrote in "Yes Ma'am" that Meghan "wanted to do her own thing," even if it meant working outside strategies agreed with palace staff. A former courtier told Quinn that Queen Elizabeth II "always had to be the centre and focus of everything the Royal Family did, and I don't think Meghan understood why that had to make her do things she didn't want to do." The courtier added, "When you join the Royal Family, you don't do as you please, you do as you're told." On the 2019 tour of southern Africa, Meghan told ITV's Tom Bradby that "not many people have asked if I'm OK." She agreed when asked if it had been a struggle, a rare moment of candor for a royal on duty. The Decision to Step Back Royal author Valentine Low later argued in "Courtiers" that Meghan's wish to earn money independently contributed to the couple's decision to leave royal life. He reported that several compromise models were considered, but they required Harry and Meghan to follow rules about not profiting from their royal positions. "Some suspected that in the end she wanted to make money," Low wrote. "And the only way she was going to do that was by leaving her royal life behind and going back to America." British inflation hit its highest in 18 months in July when it increased to 3.8% from 3.6%, once again leaving the country with the fastest ... You Might Also Like In February, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, when he accused the Ukrainian leader of not thanking the U.S. for its support in their fight against the Russian invasion. Six months later, Zelenskyy appeared to make efforts to avoid a similar clash happening again. Jim Simons mathematical skills helped transform him from a prize-winning academic at Harvard and MIT into a legendary financier whose algorithmic models made Renaissance Technologies one of the most successful hedge funds in history. After his death last year, one of his consequential bequests went to his daughter, Liz, who oversees the Heising-Simons Foundation and its nearly billion-dollar endowment. What Liz Simons has chosen to do with that inheritance might have surprised her father. Jim Simons devoted much of his charitable giving to basic research in mathematics and science, but his daughters foundation is moving in a very different direction. The Heising-Simons Foundation and similar organizations are supercharging a movement to remake K-12 mathematics education according to social justice principles. The revamp the advocates seek is profound. They reject well-established practices of math instruction while infusing lessons with racial and gender themes. The goal is to motivate disadvantaged students while dispensing with the traditional features of math, like numerical computation, that they struggle with on standardized tests considered an oppressive feature of white supremacist culture. In many quarters, including corporations and universities, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are in retreat due to pressure from the Trump administration and the courts. Not so in public education, with curricula that are locally controlled and largely insulated from the dictates of Washington. That allows progressive foundations and like-minded charitable trusts to continue to pour millions of dollars into reshaping math education for black and Latino kids, including a $800,000 grant this year from the Heising-Simons Foundation, even though there exists no credible research showing that the social justice approach improves their performance. Politicians, and legislatures, even school boards, are often too hamstrung to get things done, Bob Hughes, the director of K-12 education at the Gates Foundation, said at an online symposium on the need for racial equity policies in America's classrooms. Philanthropy, he added, faces fewer barriers in making rapid changes. The Gates Foundation has been a leader in the promotion of anti-racist math instruction. It supported a project called A Pathway to Equitable Math Instruction. The project discards basic tenets of learning, like asking students to show their work and find the right answer as vestiges of white supremacy culture. The pathway is promoted by EdTrust West, which also receives support from the Spencer Foundation, the Heising-Simons Foundation, and other major donors. The Gates and Heising-Simons foundations have both supported TODOS Mathematics for All, an Arizona-based organization that calls for elevating DEI practices and anti-racist activism into all math instruction, with over $553,750 in grants in recent years. We can no longer believe that a focus on curriculum, instruction, and assessment alone will be enough to prepare our children for survival in the world. We need antiracist conversations for ourselves and for our children, TODOS president Linda Fulmore announced in 2020. Last year, the group hosted an hour-long webinar on 2SLGBTQIA+ identity in mathematics education. During the event, a speaker expounded at length on various queer and indigenous identity groups while spending virtually no time on math-related curriculum or instruction. At one point, the presenter erroneously claimed that there are 15.3 billion students in U.S. high schools a figure that would require the entire global population to be enrolled in American secondary education twice over. The speaker likely meant to say million. The foundations similarly fund practical lessons that put race at the center of math instruction. In Alexandria, Virginia, for example, the Heising-Simons Foundation supported a public-school program that encouraged kindergartners through second-graders to count the characters in picture books by race. At the end of each session, teachers guided students in creating racial scorecards for each book, then voting to select those with the fewest white characters. The exercise was presented as mathematics education. Jo Boaler, a controversial professor of education at Stanford University who championed the push to remove eighth-grade algebra from San Franciscos public schools in the name of equity, traces her support to this network of foundations. The Gates Foundation and Valhalla Foundation, which was founded by Scott Cook, the co-founder of tech firm Intuit, have long funded her math education project called YouCubed. These deep-pocket donors also fund Danny Bernard Martin, a professor of math education at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a leading voice of what critics call woke math. Over the past six years, the Racial Justice in Early Mathematics Project, which Martin co-leads at the Erikson Institute in Chicago, has received nearly $2.5 million from the Heising-Simons Foundation. This year, the foundation announced an additional $800,000 grant to help the project develop toolkits for wider implementation among teachers, administrators, and researchers. Martins views extend far beyond typical calls for educational equity. He regards mathematics instruction as fundamentally a white supremacist construct that inflicts epistemological violence on black students. In his estimation, even DEI programs are too conservative mere accommodations rooted in the fictions of white imaginaries and designed to appease white logics and sensibilities. The solution Martin proposes is radical: Black students should seek instruction exclusively from black teachers at independent black institutions. They should resist the temptation of advanced coursework and mathematics-related employment and instead engage in walkouts and boycotts to protest against mathematics education as it currently exists. The very structure of math instruction, Martin contends, has dehumanized black students through low test scores and failing grades. The ideas of the Racial Justice in Early Mathematics Project and its leaders have reverberated through Americas classrooms. Californias new mathematics curriculum framework, which guides K-12 education statewide, repeatedly cites Martin. The framework has been sharply criticized by educators for leaning heavily on politicized concepts of math. The document suggests, for instance, that teachers take a justice-oriented perspective when providing instruction, and discourages the use of tracking or the practice of separating students into different classrooms based on their abilities. The ideas espoused by Martin and others have been met with sharp criticism from parents and educators. Williamson Evers, a former assistant secretary of education and a fellow at the conservative-leaning Independent Institute, has been monitoring what he calls the woke math movement for years. Its very important to have math skills, he told RealClearInvestigations. Evers rejects the identity-based claims made by Martin and others who have called for minority students to abandon math education over alleged racism. There are mathematicians and scientists on every continent from every background, and this idea of boycotting education would harm black schoolchildren. Elizabeth Statmore, a math teacher at the elite Lowell High School in San Francisco and a critic of social justice math, says the way to improve the performance of black and Latino students lies in the nitty-gritty, such as better teaching, holding students accountable, and providing them with more academic and emotional support. But its not sexy, theyre not on the keynote circuit like Danny Bernard Martin and Jo Boaler, Statmore said. Theyre building a brand, not doing the kind of math education research that is helping to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children. Representatives of the Heising-Simons Foundation, the Erikson Institute, and Martin did not respond to requests for comment. The Heising-Simons Foundations focus on racializing math education reflects its broader ideological commitments. Like many progressive foundations, it uses its significant funds to advance a range of left-wing policies that might have a hard time establishing themselves without billionaire support. The foundation has also donated to PolicyLink, the organization behind DefundPolice.org, and to the Anti-Police Terror Project, which advocates for abolishing police departments in high-crime cities like Oakland, California. Liz Simons was also among a small clique of California megadonors behind the push to elect progressive prosecutors such as George Gascon in Los Angeles and Chesa Boudin in San Francisco. They declined to pursue felony charges against a range of violent offenders over concerns about racial equity. The attempt to reimagine mathematics through the lens of critical race theory isnt new - scholars have been working along these lines since the 1980s. They argue that historical racial oppression continues to influence everything from geometry curricula to standardized testing. Traditional emphases on objectivity, rigorous standards, and subject-matter mastery should be replaced, the scholars argue, with ideological exercises designed to promote racial and social consciousness. What is new is the scale and speed of adoption. As America has grappled with questions of racial justice in recent years, billionaire foundations have provided the resources to implement these ideas widely in both public and private schools. The donors appear motivated by a deep sense of ideological commitment to righting past wrongs related to racial injustice. At the 2020 education donor symposium, Liz Simons recalled her experience working briefly as a Spanish bilingual teacher in an impoverished community in Oakland. The much larger systemic problems, she witnessed, Simons said, guided her to the goal of shaping early childhood education. Nailah Suad Nasir, president of the Spencer Foundation, noted that she previously worked as the vice chancellor of equity and inclusion at the University of California, Berkeley. Expanding racial equity in education, she said, has been her lifes work. When it comes to math instruction, social justice means stripping it of basic features like numbers. In workshops hosted by the Racial Justice in Early Mathematics Project in 2023, the group promoted numberless word problems mathematical exercises stripped of numerical computation. The method, instructors explain, is designed to counter European ways of knowing and doing. Sisa Pon Renie, one presenter, spoke of wanting to challenge the persistent myth that math is just abstract and without any cultural relevance. The project champions this numberless approach as essential for helping children understand how mathematics might be an important tool to understand social issues and promote justice. But critics say the emphasis on prose over calculation will exacerbate the very disparities that social justice advocates claim to address. Imagine youre a Cambodian refugee, and you get some math problem thats loaded with prose, Evers, of the Independent Institute, said. Maybe youre very good at the figures part, the calculating part, the mathematical part. Such students, he argued, are placed at a disadvantage when mathematical instruction is embedded in critical-theory frameworks and dense with English text. They unnecessarily load these things down, make it harder, and its not even math. Its an inadequate mode of teaching. The real-world consequences of these approaches have played out most dramatically in San Francisco. A decade ago, officials removed Algebra 1 from middle schools, arguing that the change would give black and Latino students, who were underrepresented in the math class, more time to prepare while avoiding placing them in lower-level tracks. David Margulies, a parent involved with the San Francisco community, observed that families wanting their children to take Algebra 1 in eighth grade shifted away from public to private schools, online learning, and homeschooling. Students who dont take the math class in middle school find it more difficult to take calculus in high school. Families figured out how important this is, and they are looking elsewhere, he noted. A 2023 Stanford study found that San Franciscos Algebra 1 experiment did little to close racial achievement gaps. Black enrollment in Advanced Placement math classes remained unchanged, while Latino participation increased by 1%. Meanwhile, education systems that have increased rather than decreased academic rigor have seen notable improvements in black student performance. In 2019, Dallas public schools began automatically enrolling students who performed well on state exams in middle-school algebra. The program increased black participation in advanced mathematics from 17% in 2018 to 43% in 2023. Last year, during a Racial Justice in Early Mathematics Project webinar titled Who Is Labeled Smart? Martin addressed the backlash against San Franciscos push for educational equity. He toned down his scathing critique of merit-based advanced education programs that he believes harm black and Latino students and made a surprising statement about his own sons schooling. Im guilty, Im guilty, Martin said, almost sheepishly. My son is, quote unquote, in one of those tracks. A tractor driver remains in a serious but stable condition after plunging from an overbridge onto the M20s central reservation. The accident happened on the A227 overbridge near Wrotham, Kent, at around 11:15 BST on Monday (18 August). The tractor driver, who was seriously injured, was airlifted to Kings College Hospital in London. The crash forced the closure of the M20 in both directions, with the stretch between junction three, near Addington, and junction one, near Swanley, closed until just after 23:30. Kent Police reported on Tuesday morning that the driver is in a critical but stable condition. A spokesperson said: "Kent Police was called at 11.17am on Monday 18 August 2025 to a report of a collision on an overbridge near Wrotham. "Officers attended the scene alongside Kent Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service, where one man was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries. "Initial enquiries have established the incident as a single vehicle collision. "A tractor travelling on the A227 Gravesend Road became separated from its trailer and subsequently fell onto the central reservation between junction two and three of the M20." Bangladeshs National Board of Revenue (NBR) recently issued instructions that containers destined for inland container depots (ICDs) must be moved from Chattogram port on the same day they are unloaded from vessels. If a full consignment cannot be transferred on the first day, the remaining containers must be shifted the next day. A recent National Board of Revenue circular instructed that containers destined for inland container depots in Bangladesh must be moved from Chattogram port on the same day they are unloaded from vessels. If a full consignment cannot be transferred on the first day, the remaining containers must be shifted the next day. Handling charges will apply only once an entire consignment is transferred off-dock. A recent NBR circular said handling charges will apply only once an entire consignment is transferred off-dock. In exceptional cases, including capacity constraints at ICDs, the commissioner of Chittagong Custom House may approve dual delivery, according to domestic media reports. The directive follows repeated complaints from businesses and industrial enterprises about delays, bottlenecks and limited capacity at private depots. At present, 65 categories of imported goods are sent to ICDs to reduce congestion at Chattogram sea port. Nineteen private ICDs manage import, export and empty container operations in Chattogram. During a meeting last month, the C&F (customs clearing and forwarding) Agents Association told NBR officials that ICDs often seek approval to handle additional cargo, but lack the infrastructure to deliver goods on time. They demanded greater flexibility, including direct dual delivery from the port. Bangladesh Inland Container Depot Association said that after unloading at Chattogram port, usually four days of free time is available to transfer containers. Completing the process in one or two days will be difficult unless there is no congestion at the port, it added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) The euro areas trade surplus in goods with the rest of the world fell to 7 billion (~$8.14 billion) in June 2025, down from 20.7 billion (~$24.07 billion) a year earlier, as import growth outpaced exports. Exports rose 0.4 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to 237.2 billion, while imports climbed 6.8 per cent to 230.2 billion. Compared with May 2025, the surplus also shrank from 16.5 billion, driven mainly by a weaker chemicals surplus, which dropped to 15.1 billion from 24.4 billion. The euro area's trade surplus fell to 7 billion (~$8.14 billion) in June 2025 from 20.7 billion (~$24.07 billion) as imports outpaced exports. H1 surplus was 93.3 billion (~$108.49 billion) vs 102 billion (~$118.60 billion). The EU surplus also shrank to 8 billion (~$9.30 billion) from 20.3 billion (~$23.60 billion), with H1 surplus down to 80.1 billion (~$93.14 billion). YoY, the decline of 13.7 billion in the euro area surplus reflected lower balances in chemicals (20.6 billion to 15.1 billion), machinery & vehicles (17.4 billion to 13.6 billion) and other manufactured goods, which swung from a 2.4 billion surplus to a 0.4 billion deficit. For JanuaryJune 2025, the euro area recorded a 93.3 billion (~$108.49 billion) surplus, down from 102 billion (~$118.60 billion) a year earlier, as exports rose 3.9 per cent to 1,485.8 billion and imports rose 4.9 per cent to 1,392.5 billion. Intra-euro area trade also increased 1.3 per cent to 1,319.5 billion, the European Union said in a release. The wider European Union posted an 8 billion (~$9.30 billion) surplus in June 2025, sharply lower than the 20.3 billion (~$23.60 billion) recorded in June 2024. Extra-EU exports were stable at 213.7 billion, while imports surged 6.4 per cent to 205.7 billion. Month-on-month, the surplus narrowed from 13 billion in May, as the chemicals surplus fell from 23.2 billion to 14.3 billion, partly offset by a reduced energy deficit (23.4 billion versus 25.2 billion) and a slightly stronger machinery & vehicles balance (16.4 billion versus 15.0 billion). Compared with June 2024, the EUs trade balance contracted by 12.3 billion due to declines in chemicals (19.1 billion to 14.3 billion), machinery & vehicles (21.3 billion to 16.4 billion) and other manufactured goods (from a 1.9 billion surplus to a 1.4 billion deficit), despite the smaller energy gap. For JanuaryJune 2025, the EU recorded an 80.1 billion (~$93.14 billion) surplus, down from 92.9 billion a year earlier. Exports rose 4.4 per cent to 1,341.1 billion, while imports increased 5.8 per cent to 1,261 billion. Intra-EU trade grew 1.4 per cent to 2,071 billion. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU) British and South Korean officials yesterday agreed to speed up negotiations to upgrade a bilateral free trade agreement as part of their efforts to expand trade and investment. Five rounds of negotiation are over and both sides pledged to complete the talks by the year end, a joint communique issued by both sides following a bilateral senior economic dialogue in Seoul said. British and South Korean officials yesterday agreed to speed up talks to upgrade a bilateral FTA as part of their efforts to expand trade and investment. Five rounds of negotiation are over and both sides pledged to complete the talks by the year end at a bilateral senior economic dialogue in Seoul. The two sides explored ways to expand cooperation in economic security, trading, investment and AI. South Koreas second vice minister for foreign affairs Kim Jina and UK parliamentary under-secretary for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West co-chaired the dialogue. Both sides met last month for the fifth round of negotiations on easing regulations on product origins and introduced new rules in the areas of supply chains and digital trade. The two sides explored ways to expand cooperation in economic security, trading and investment, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, defense industry, engineering, biology, space and energy, the communique said. South Korean officials requested the British government to favorably review its safeguard measures against home-grown steel products and an electric vehicle subsidy scheme to ensure fair competition for Korean companies. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) Priyanka Chopra has landed in Nairobi, Kenya, to join the shoot of SS Rajamoulis highly awaited film, tentatively titled Globetrotter. The actress shared glimpses from her time in the city, offering fans a peek at the charm of East Africa. Interestingly, the films first poster was revealed on Mahesh Babus birthday, setting the excitement in motion. Reports earlier suggested that Rajamouli and his team would shift their base to East Africa for the next phase of filming. While the Kenya schedule was initially planned for July, it had to be pushed due to political unrest in the region. Producer KL Narayana has now confirmed that filming will kick off in mid-September, with locations spanning Nairobi and Tanzania. With an estimated budget of Rs 1,000 crore, this is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious projects ever attempted in Indian cinema. On Mahesh Babus birthday, Rajamouli teased fans with the big news that the films first look will drop in November 2025. In his first official statement about the project, the filmmaker hinted at the scale and grandeur of the story, saying that simple updates wouldnt do justice to the immersive world they are creating. He also promised a unique reveal that fans have never seen before. Adding to the buzz, a report from Tanzanias The Citizen has shed light on what the film might be about. The story is said to revolve around a rugged explorer who sets off on a daring quest to save the world from a dangerous enemy. Inspired by classic African adventure tales and the Indiana Jones franchise, the film reportedly takes viewers through wild terrains, mysteries, and a hidden ancient secret that could change humanitys future. With music by MM Keeravani, the global release is planned for 2027. Also Read: Parineeti and Madhu Chopra head to the States for Priyanka Chopras birthday Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming film, Ramayana, has been in the news recently, with Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in the leading roles. It has also been reported that Amitabh Bachchan will be doing the voiceover for the character of Jatayu and will also be the film's narrator. An insider told Midday, Were exploring the idea of having Bachchan as the sutradhar. His voice adds gravitas that no one else can match. The makers are keen that the film opens with his voice. Its still at the discussion stage. While the clash is a concern, there will be ways to work it out on a creative level. Having him open the film and be the spiritual narrator will have a strong impact. On July 3, the makers had a global launch of Ramayana: The Introduction, which set the scene for the timeless conflict between two of mythology's most iconic figures: Rama and Ravana. The launch was global, including fan screenings across nine Indian cities and a remarkable billboard takeover in Times Square, New York. Directed by filmmaker-producer Namit Malhotra and co-produced by Yash, Ramayana brings together a remarkable team of Oscar-winning technicians, Hollywood's most talented creators, and India's most prominent figures in acting and storytelling. It will reimagine one of Indian cultures most influential epics as a state-of-the-art cinematic universe based designed for a global audience. Earlier, Sunny Deol who will play the role of Hanuman in the film, revealed that he hasnt started filming yet but will begin work on the film very shortly. As he prepares for this important role, he shared his thoughts and feelings, saying, It will be exciting, it will be fun. Its going to be great, its going to be beautiful. However, he admitted that there is also a sense of nervousness associated with playing such a highly worshipped character. He said, See, nervousness or fear, that factor is there. But thats the beauty of it, because you have to find within yourself how youre going to take up the challenge and how youre going to live up to it. And youre getting the opportunity to do it, and Im very sure Amit, the producer, theyre doing a great job of it. Earlier this year, Ranbir Kapoor also shared his enthusiasm, mentioning that he was approaching the role with the utmost sincerity and discipline, even modifying his lifestyle to align with the spiritual responsibility of playing Lord Ram. Sunny's entry as Hanuman has also increased the excitement, considering his commanding screen presence and iconic "dhai kilo ka haath" persona that his fans have long admired. With cutting-edge technology, a legendary mythological tale, and a dream ensemble cast, Ramayana is being hailed as India's response to Hollywood's epic franchises. To this even Sunny Deol mentioned, When it comes to the big screen, Im sure there will be justice to everything, and people will feel satisfied and enjoy the whole film. Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Ranbir Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan attend Randhir Kapoors birthday party Sanjay Leela Bhansalis much-awaited movie Love & War is scheduled to hit the theatres in March 2026. The movie will star Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal in leading roles. The movies filming is progressing at a fast pace and a new report from Bollywood Hungama suggests that the filmmaker is planning to shoot an intense sequence at a great location. Bhansali is reportedly shooting a scene in Rome. The director also went for a recce to finalise the place earlier this month. He is also looking at a few more places in Europe but they havent been finalised yet. Interestingly, the shooting in the overseas locations will begin in the second half of 2025. While he is known for his opulent and larger-than-life sets, Bhansali will shoot overseas after 26 years. The last film of his that was shot overseas remains Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. It was released in 1999, 26 years ago. The movie starred Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn in leading roles. The filming of an intense scene in the second half of the movie happened in Budapest, Hungary. The location was being depicted as Italy in the movie. In July, our sources had exclusively quoted that Ranbir was gearing up to film an interesting part. A source informed, Ranbir Kapoor has wrapped up the shoot of Ramayana and wanted to take a short holiday with his family. He will return from his London vacation and join Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the sets of Love & War. This particular schedule is reportedly going to be the most intriguing part of the film." A report from India Today had suggested that Sanjay Leela Bhansali was also planning to film in Mhow, a town in Madhya Pradesh, which is known for its historical army base dating back to the British era. The location was selected to capture the artillery and settings of the pre-independence period, as the film requires authentic visuals from that era. Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt & Vicky Kaushals Love & War To Have A Pan-India Release? Veteran actor Achyut Potdar has sadly passed away at the age of 91. He was admitted to Jupiter Hospital in Thane, where he took his last breath. Potdar was a part of many Bollywood movies and television shows. He was seen in 3 Idiots, Ardh Satya and Yeh Dillagi. Interestingly, he also starred in hit television shows, including Wagle Ki Duniya, Majha Hoshil Na, Mrs. Tendulkar, Bharat Ki Khoj and more. Media reports do not state the cause of his death as yet. However, many reports suggest that he was hospitalised after facing severe health-related issues. The actor breathed his last on Monday and his final rites will take place today, on August 19, 2025, in Thane itself. As the actor has been a part of many Marathi and Hindi projects, Marathi GEC television channels have paid their heartfelt tributes to him after his demise. For those unaware, Potdar was never trained in acting. He started his journey as an actor at the age of 44. Reports suggest that he started acting without any formal training or workshops. He worked as a professor before in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. Achyut has also been a part of the Indian Army. He joined the Army through the Emergency Commision. He retired from the same in 1967 with the rank of a captain. He also worked at Indian Oil as an executive. After 25 years of service, he retired in 1992. However, being at the job also gave him the time to nurture his passion of acting and dramatics. He has worked in plays, theatres and other cultural activities while being a salaried employee. He made his film debut with Aakrosh in 1980. After his demise, social media has also witnessed heartfelt condolence messages from his fans. We extend our condolences to his friends, family and fans at this difficult time. Also Read: Aamir Khan, Junaid Khan arrive at Salman Khans home ahead of Ira Khan, Nupur Shikhares wedding Venky Atluri, Mamitha Baiju, Suriya, Naga Vamsi and GV Prakash Anil Kapoor to stage a comeback? A glimpse of Suriya from his upcoming film Suriyas film with director Venky Atluri was launched recently amid fanfare. While there were some exciting names that popped up as supporting cast in the film, heres another interesting buzz about the family entertainer. According to tinsel town reports, Anil Kapoor has been approached for a significant role in the film.According to sources close to the unit, Anil Kapoor will be playing a key role in Suriyas upcoming Telugu film directed by Venky Atluri. The director, who recently delivered the super hit Lucky Baskhar with Dulquer Salmaan, is currently working on a new-age social and family entertainer that is already on floors. Sources reveal that Venky met Anil Kapoor in Mumbai and narrated the script; the actor liked the story and concept of the film. Impressed by his character design, Kapoor has reportedly agreed to come on board. The makers are presently sorting out logistics and other documentation to seal the deal. An official announcement is expected soon.For the unversed, Anil Kapoor began his career in Telugu cinema. His debut film was Vamsa Vruksham (1980), directed by the legendary Bapu. Later, he went on to act in Hindi films but never returned to Tollywood. Hence, the film with director Venky (if all goes well) marks the actors comeback to Telugu cinema after 45 years. Venky Atluri, known for hits like Tholi Prema, Sir, and Lucky Baskhar, has built a reputation of delivering crowd-pleasing yet content-driven films. It will be interesting to see what kind of role he has designed for Anil Kapoor. The veteran actor, meanwhile, continues to impress in various roles. Kapoor earned widespread praise for his powerful performance in the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal. With reports of Kapoor returning to Telugu cinema after decades, the buzz around the Suriya-starrer seems to have gotten more exciting. Will he, wont he? Mahesh Babu spotted at Hyderabad airport on Monday Mahesh Babu to shoot in Serengeti Park Mahesh Babu at Hyderabad airport leaving for Tanzania Tapping Tanzanias grasslands Filmfare was the first to tell readers that director SS Rajamouli would leave to East Africa to film his next schedule of shooting for upcoming film Globe Trotter, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Although the details regarding when the crew would leave to the African nation has been guarded, on Monday, Mahesh Babu was spotted at the Hyderabad airport leaving for a foreign destination. Fans predict that the superstar left for Africa to commence shooting for the films new schedule.Mahesh Babus latest video from the airport suggests that the superstar left for the African nation. His wife Namrata was also spotted accompanying him. The unit of Globe Trotter was supposed to commence shooting in Kenya in mid-July but it was postponed due to the countrys internal crises. Later, Rajamouli picked Tanzania and South Africa as an alternative location. Mahesh will shoot action sequences at the world-famous Serengeti National Park, a popular destination for travelers, particularly for safaris and wildlife viewing. Priyanka Chopra Jonas is also expected to take part in the schedule. Serengeti is also known for its diverse wildlife including the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffalo). And the filmmaker wanted to tap the ecosystem where scores of animals migrate across the plains.Globe Trotter belongs to the African action-adventure genre. As such, Rajamouli wants to shoot in Tanzanias open grasslands thats untapped on Indian silver screens. Also, the region is often referred to as savanna, a prominent feature of the country's diverse landscape. After Tanzania, the shooting will move to South Africa, a country that is also committed to wildlife conservation through national parks. Since South Africa is home to iconic wildlife including the largest land mammals, Rajamouli thrives in various ecosystems from savannas to coastlines. Ende Mai leitete US-Prasident Donald Trump mit der Unterzeichnung mehrerer Dekrete eine weitreichende Wende in der amerikanischen Energiepolitik ein. Im Fokus: der beschleunigte Ausbau der Kernenergie. Mit einem umfassenden Manahmenpaket sollen Genehmigungsprozesse reformiert, kleinere Reaktoren gefordert und der Anteil von Atomstrom in den USA massiv gesteigert werden. Ausloser ist der explodierende Energiebedarf durch KI-Rechenzentren, der eine stabile, CO-arme Grundlastversorgung zwingend notwendig macht. In unserem kostenlosen Spezialreport erfahren Sie, welche 3 Unternehmen jetzt im Zentrum dieser energiepolitischen Neuausrichtung stehen, und wer vom kommenden Boom der Nuklearindustrie besonders profitieren konnte. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders von der Energiewende in den USA profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter. Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! KAWASAKI, Japan, Aug 19, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu today announced the signing of a new licensing agreement with Palantir Technologies Japan for the Palantir Artificial Intelligence Platform (Palantir AIP), a software that supports the integration of generative AI into business operations. The agreement, signed on August 5, 2025, will allow Fujitsu to provide Palantir AIP to its customers in Japan, with global expansion expected during fiscal 2025. Fujitsu will also combine Palantir AIP with Fujitsu Uvance, its business model to solve societal issues, to facilitate business transformation for its customers in Japan and around the world. This agreement will further strengthen the strategic global partnership between Fujitsu and Palantir.Fujitsu and Palantir began their collaboration in 2020, focusing on data integration and digital transformation support in the Japanese market. In 2023, the two parties signed a global agreement, under which Palantir grants Fujitsu the right to market and distribute Palantir Foundry, a platform currently offered for integrated management of large-scale data dispersed across various systems.When combined with Palantir Foundry, Palantir AIP enables the rapid implementation of generative AI functionalities for data analysis and decision-making within enterprises. It can be used with a preferred large language model (LLM) within corporate networks and is adopted extensively in highly confidential sectors such as finance and defense. By leveraging Palantir AIP, customers can design and develop systems utilizing generative AI and AI agents in a fraction of the time of conventional methods, enabling faster optimization of supply chains, automation of business workflows, and to empower executive decision-making.Fujitsu currently offers solutions that combine its operational expertise with Palantir Foundry for data integration and analysis, optimizing operations in areas such as supply chain and engineering. The integration of Palantir AIP into Fujitsu Uvance will introduce unified support for generative and agentic AI tasks including scenario simulation, root cause analysis, and proposal generation and further optimize business processes. Furthermore, by linking with Fujitsu's AI services such as Takane and Fujitsu Kozuchi, Fujitsu will enhance Japanese language capabilities and business-specific functionalities, and facilitate the rapid implementation of agentic AI for customers with Japanese language requirements. This will contribute to the realization of data-driven autonomous decision-making workflows that transcend traditional visualization-centric analyses while retaining the indispensable oversight and expertise of human practitioners.In its internal trials using Palantir AIP, Fujitsu found that the platform can optimize human resource utilization, such as appropriate engineer placement and improved matching accuracy through skill analysis and produced results including reduced workload and faster decision-making. With the full-scale utilization of Palantir AIP within Fujitsu now possible, the company will integrate data from internal core systems and further advance management visualization and decision-making enhancement, including mechanisms for early detection and prediction of various risks related to its supply chain (i.e., natural disasters, financial, and compliance risks, etc.) and enabling rapid response.Through this partnership, Fujitsu aims to achieve sales of USD 100 million by the end of fiscal 2029 by providing high-value-added offerings and supporting advanced decision-making for customers across various industries, including manufacturing, retail, government, and finance. Palantir will provide the Palantir AIP platform and continuous functional enhancements, along with technical support for expanding use cases through collaboration with Fujitsu.Going forward, under Fujitsu Uvance, Fujitsu will leverage generative AI to provide foundational infrastructure for information sharing and data utilization that connects the workplaces and management in real-time, contributing to the realization of a more sustainable future.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiriesSource: Fujitsu LtdCopyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Denver, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - August 18, 2025) - PureCozy, a fast-growing brand in home decor, is making waves with its new line of stain-resistant, machine-washable rugs tailored for pet owners and families. Designed to withstand muddy paws, spilled drinks, and everyday messes, the collection offers a rare combination of durability, easy maintenance, and designer style. Traditional rugs can be a headache for pet owners-prone to staining, slipping, or snagging under paws and claws. PureCozy rugs are built to tackle these frustrations head-on, using practical materials and design features that simplify daily upkeep without sacrificing aesthetics. PureCozy Collection: Key Features for Pet-Friendly Spaces PureCozy's product line includes attributes that cater to the demands of pet-friendly spaces: Stain and spill resistance: The rugs are constructed to repel liquids, allowing for easy cleanup of spills like soda or wine with a paper towel, reducing the risk of permanent stains. The rugs are constructed to repel liquids, allowing for easy cleanup of spills like soda or wine with a paper towel, reducing the risk of permanent stains. Easy clean: Everyday messes such as pet hair or crumbs can be addressed quickly with a vacuum or damp cloth, minimizing time spent on upkeep. Everyday messes such as pet hair or crumbs can be addressed quickly with a vacuum or damp cloth, minimizing time spent on upkeep. Machine-washable design: For deeper cleaning needs, many styles are safe to launder in a washing machine, offering a convenient way to refresh the rug after larger messes. For deeper cleaning needs, many styles are safe to launder in a washing machine, offering a convenient way to refresh the rug after larger messes. Anti-slip backing: Equipped with a TPE backing, the rugs are designed to stay in place, which helps prevent slips and protects flooring from scratches caused by movement. Equipped with a TPE backing, the rugs are designed to stay in place, which helps prevent slips and protects flooring from scratches caused by movement. Gentle materials: The surface, including options with organic cotton, is soft to the touch, reducing irritation for both pets and humans. Beyond Practicality: PureCozy's Versatile Designs for Diverse Decor Styles Beyond functionality, PureCozy offers a range of designs to suit diverse decor preferences: Pattern variety: Choices include traditional Persian-inspired styles (e.g., Kingston, Sylva collections), modern abstract designs (Misty series), floral patterns (April, Bloomie lines), and checkered shag options, spanning both classic and contemporary aesthetics. Choices include traditional Persian-inspired styles (e.g., Kingston, Sylva collections), modern abstract designs (Misty series), floral patterns (April, Bloomie lines), and checkered shag options, spanning both classic and contemporary aesthetics. Color options: Available hues range from neutrals like beige and gray to bolder tones such as green, purple, and multicolor checkered designs, providing flexibility to match different room palettes. Available hues range from neutrals like beige and gray to bolder tones such as green, purple, and multicolor checkered designs, providing flexibility to match different room palettes. Size adaptability: The rugs offer a full range of sizes, from small 2x3, to mid-sized 4x6, 5x7, 6x9, up to large 8x10 and 9x12. Whether for entryways, bedrooms, or sprawling living rooms, there's a perfect fit. Plus, with prices starting at just $20 (varies by style), ensuring there's a practical and affordable choice for every area of the home. From Real-World Testing to Global Sales PureCozy rugs are tested in real pet-owner households by the brand's team, which includes pet owners, to assess durability in everyday use. The company produces its rugs in-house and introduces over 20 new styles monthly. The products are sold across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and South America through channels including the official website and Amazon. Purchases via the official site include free shipping and a 30-day return policy, adding convenience for buyers. For households seeking a balance of practicality and style to manage the demands of pet and family life, PureCozy rugs present a viable option, combining features designed for easy maintenance with a range of aesthetic choices. For more information or to request media samples, please visit the Official website. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262869 SOURCE: 41Caijing TOKYO, Aug 19, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701), in collaboration with ClimateAi, a San Francisco-based startup that built the first climate resilience platform, has developed a conceptual model to estimate the effectiveness of climate change adaptation measures for cocoa and rice cultivation in Africa. In this project, ClimateAi's long-term climate change forecasting technology, which models both the impact of climatic factors on agricultural production and the effectiveness of adaptation measures, was combined with NEC's expertise in agricultural technology (agritech) to successfully quantify the impact of climate change on agriculture and clarify the return on investment for adaptation measures.This achievement will be showcased at the TICAD Business Expo & Conference (Japan Fair), one of the thematic events of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) to be held in Yokohama, Japan, in August 2025, conveying the significance of utilizing digital technology to address the challenges facing African agriculture (*1).Background and purposeGlobally, while greenhouse gas emission reductions and credit trading are actively being conducted to mitigate the effects of climate change, the implementation of adaptation measures to prevent or reduce damage caused by climate change has not yet progressed. This is due in part to the difficulties involved in assessing the investment cost-effectiveness of implementing adaptation measures.Notably, although the agricultural sector is an industry highly susceptible to climate change, estimating the return on investment for adaptation measures, such as the introduction of irrigation facilities or changes in crop varieties, has thus far proven difficult due to the wide range of factors affecting crop growth, including temperature, water, and soil.NEC and ClimateAi have developed a conceptual model that analyzes various factors affecting agricultural growth using AI and calculates the economic return on investment for adaptation measures. Utilizing this model enables the implementation of adaptation measures that focus on areas where positive effects are expected, promoting local agriculture efficiently and sustainably.OverviewThis newly developed conceptual model was used to analyze adaptation measures targeting the cultivation of cocoa and rice in various locations in Africa. Africa is the world's largest cocoa producer, with agriculture being one of its major industries. However, due to the impacts of climate change, the cultivation environment for cocoa and rice is expected to change significantly in the coming decades. This initiative focused on the following three adaptation measures to examine their ability to maintain and enhance yields and create economic value in a changing climate.- Introduction of irrigation facilities- Changing to climate-adapted varieties- Changing of planting time for traditionally cultivated varietiesSome of the analysis results can be verified through interactive demonstrations. As an example of potential applications for this conceptual model, it is envisioned that international organizations and development banks providing local agricultural support will utilize it to explore farmland in recipient areas and estimate the effects of implementing adaptation measures.Beyond this example, the system is designed to cater to the needs of various stakeholders involved in agriculture, enabling them to make data-driven decisions.Results and future prospectsThe utilization of AI made it possible to analyze the cost-effectiveness of adaptation measures, such as the introduction of irrigation facilities and changes in cultivation varieties in rice farming across various regions, as well as effective adaptation strategies for cacao cultivation.Significant funding is required to advance climate change adaptation in agriculture. It has been pointed out that in addition to the need for financial support from international organizations, development banks, and governments, the mobilization of private investment is necessary. To provide continuous funding, it is essential to quantify the investment returns from adaptation measures and to conduct proper monitoring and intervention following their implementation.While exploring opportunities for collaborations with businesses that provide irrigation equipment and seedlings, NEC and ClimateAi aim to leverage digital technology use cases to promote financing for climate change adaptation and expand data-driven agritech businesses.- Adaptation finance businessSupport for understanding risks to agricultural yields to reduce entry barriers for the private sector / Support for evaluating business feasibility for financing- Agritech businessSupport for agricultural producers and managers of climate change adaptation / Support for climate change adaptation in the upstream (seed and agricultural material businesses) and downstream (processing businesses, etc.) of the agricultural supply chain- Other businessSupport for climate change adaptation in the infrastructure industry and manufacturing supply chainsThe results of this initiative will be announced at the TICAD Business Expo & Conference (Japan Fair) and other events to gather feedback from the market and proceed with discussions toward commercialization. Going forward, NEC and ClimateAi will work together to scientifically assess the impact of climate change on agriculture and present concrete solutions to achieve sustainable agriculture and food security. Both companies will continue striving to solve global agricultural challenges through technological innovation and data utilization.NEC's new business development, under the key message "The future is ours to shape," is advancing NEC Open Innovation (*2) through diverse co-creation with a wide range of startups and partner companies. NEC's collaboration with ClimateAi is one such initiative. By uniting innovative technologies with cross-domain collaboration, NEC continues to create new social value and shape the future.(*1)NEC to participate in "TICAD Business Expo and Conference" and thematic events for TICAD 9 https://www.nec.com/en/press/202508/global_20250805_03.html(*2)NEC Open Innovationhttps://www.nec.com/en/global/innovation/index.htmlAbout ClimateAi, Inc.ClimateAi is a climate adaptation and resilience platform purpose-built for the agriculture, food, and consumer goods sectors. It combines AI-powered weather modeling with phenological and water-scarcity data to deliver highly localized, crop-specific agricultural impact insights across the short, medium, and long term. With deep expertise in climate-agriculture interactions and a client base that spans agricultural and consumer-goods multinationals as well as agricultural investors, ClimateAi turns complex climate data into actionable insights. For more information, visit ClimateAi at https://www.climate.aiAbout NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.Source: NEC CorporationCopyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Strengthened partnership to drive generative AI adoption and innovation for enterprises KAWASAKI, Japan, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fujitsu today announced the signing of a new licensing agreement with Palantir Technologies Japan for the Palantir Artificial Intelligence Platform (Palantir AIP), a software that supports the integration of generative AI into business operations. The agreement, signed on August 5, 2025, will allow Fujitsu to provide Palantir AIP to its customers in Japan, with global expansion expected during fiscal 2025. Fujitsu will also combine Palantir AIP with Fujitsu Uvance, its business model to solve societal issues, to facilitate business transformation for its customers in Japan and around the world. This agreement will further strengthen the strategic global partnership between Fujitsu and Palantir. Fujitsu and Palantir began their collaboration in 2020, focusing on data integration and digital transformation support in the Japanese market. In 2023, the two parties signed a global agreement, under which Palantir grants Fujitsu the right to market and distribute Palantir Foundry, a platform currently offered for integrated management of large-scale data dispersed across various systems. When combined with Palantir Foundry, Palantir AIP enables the rapid implementation of generative AI functionalities for data analysis and decision-making within enterprises. It can be used with a preferred large language model (LLM) within corporate networks and is adopted extensively in highly confidential sectors such as finance and defense. By leveraging Palantir AIP, customers can design and develop systems utilizing generative AI and AI agents in a fraction of the time of conventional methods, enabling faster optimization of supply chains, automation of business workflows, and to empower executive decision-making. Fujitsu currently offers solutions that combine its operational expertise with Palantir Foundry for data integration and analysis, optimizing operations in areas such as supply chain and engineering. The integration of Palantir AIP into Fujitsu Uvance will introduce unified support for generative and agentic AI tasks including scenario simulation, root cause analysis, and proposal generation and further optimize business processes. Furthermore, by linking with Fujitsu's AI services such as Takane and Fujitsu Kozuchi, Fujitsu will enhance Japanese language capabilities and business-specific functionalities, and facilitate the rapid implementation of agentic AI for customers with Japanese language requirements. This will contribute to the realization of data-driven autonomous decision-making workflows that transcend traditional visualization-centric analyses while retaining the indispensable oversight and expertise of human practitioners. For full release click here View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fujitsu-signs-new-licensing-agreement-with-palantir-302533098.html On World Humanitarian Day, Education Cannot Wait calls for strengthened global solidarity to empower local communities to deliver life-building, life-sustaining quality education for all. NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The world is watching. As we mark this year's World Humanitarian Day, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) is calling on world leaders to strengthen our investments in the teachers, frontline aid workers, communities and other local delivery partners that are working tirelessly to provide girls and boys caught in the world's most devastating humanitarian crises with life-building quality education. Attacks on education - and education workers - continue with impunity. From 2020 to 2023, there were over 11,000 recorded attacks on education, according to GCPEA. In all, over 19,000 students and educators were harmed. According to the Aid Workers Security Report, the ten most dangerous contexts in the world for humanitarian aid workers (in order of severity) include Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Lebanon, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia, Syria and Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is precisely where ECW investments are delivering the lifeline of a quality education for girls and boys who have seen their villages burned to the ground, their loved ones killed, and their hopes for the future ripped away by the compounding challenges of armed conflict, forced displacement, climate change and other emergencies. Such life-sustaining education ensures that the survival of crisis-impacted girls and boys is meaningful, dignified and transformative. ECW and our strategic partners are helping to keep hope alive for these children by building a new vision to ensure holistic education supports reach the world's most vulnerable children with speed, impact and sustainability in the toughest contexts. It starts with empowering local action to deliver on the promise of education for all as outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Grand Bargain Agreements. We must provide teachers, aid workers and the communities they serve with the resources, tools, technology, policies and platforms they need to build safe and protective learning environments, improve the quality of foundational learning, and create sustainably funded education systems designed for the 21st century. Examples abound. In Gaza, ECW is funding the Norwegian Refugee Council's Better Learning Programme, which is providing girls like Masa with temporary learning spaces and the mental health and psychosocial support they need to recover and thrive in the face of a brutal conflict. In South Sudan, Light of the World, Save the Children, the Norwegian Refugee Council and Finn Church Aid are training frontline teachers on inclusive education to provide children with disabilities continued access to quality education. In Bangladesh, girls like Sofaida are finally able to build life skills and learn to read and write through an ECW-funded programme delivered by the International Rescue Committee, Plan International, Save the Children, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNICEF and local partners. Our investment in education today is an investment in an end to war, an end to uncertainty, and an end to impunity. It's an investment in local action and local empowerment. It's an investment in the students, teachers and communities that will lead us to a more peaceful, more prosperous future. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753073/ECWteach.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1656121/Education_Cannot_Wait_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/act-for-humanity-act-for-education-302532954.html Pratteln, Switzerland, 19 August, 2025 - Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN) announces the signing of an exclusive agreement with Uniphar to manage the distribution of AGAMREE (vamorolone) in the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients four years of age and older. Sales are expected to begin on a named patient basis in Q1 2026, with broader commercial sales anticipated in late 2026 following market authorization and pricing agreement. Santhera will receive a percentage of net sales as payment, consistent with the Company's previous distribution agreements. This agreement will help ensure that patients across these countries have timely access to this innovative therapy. Dario Eklund, Chief Executive Officer of Santhera, said: "We are excited to partner with Uniphar for the distribution of AGAMREE in GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. Uniphar's strong regional presence, combined with its proven expertise in early and expanded access programs, will help address the significant unmet need for boys and men living with DMD in these countries. This agreement represents another important step in our global expansion strategy and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to making effective rare disease treatments accessible to patients worldwide." Santhera remains committed to the global rollout of AGAMREE, which already includes multiple regions across North America, Europe and Asia, bringing this important therapy to patients with DMD who are in urgent need of treatment. Brian O'Shaughnessy, Chief Commercial Officer of Unipharsaid: "We are proud to collaborate with Santhera to bring AGAMREE to patients in GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. Our regional knowledge, commercial experience, and dedication to improving access to innovative therapies align perfectly with Santhera's mission. Together, we aim to ensure that patients living with DMD receive the treatment they need without delay." About AGAMREE (vamorolone) AGAMREE is a novel drug with a mode of action based on binding to the same receptor as glucocorticoids but modifying its downstream activity. Moreover, it is not a substrate for the 11--hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11-HSD) enzymes that may be responsible for local drug amplification and corticosteroid-associated toxicity in local tissues [1-4]. This mechanism has shown the potential to 'dissociate' efficacy from steroid safety concerns and therefore AGAMREE is positioned as a dissociative anti-inflammatory drug and an alternative to existing corticosteroids, the current standard of care in children and adolescent patients with DMD [1-4]. In the pivotal VISION-DMD study, AGAMREE met the primary endpoint Time to Stand (TTSTAND) velocity versus placebo (p=0.002) at 24 weeks of treatment and showed a good safety and tolerability profile [1, 4]. The most commonly reported side effects were cushingoid features, vomiting, weight increase and irritability. Side effects were generally of mild to moderate severity. Currently available data show that AGAMREE, unlike corticosteroids, has no restriction of growth [5] and no negative effects on bone metabolism as demonstrated by normal bone formation and bone resorption serum markers [6]. ? This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions. References: [1] Dang UJ et al.. [2] Guglieri M et al. [3] Liu X et al. [6] Hasham et al., MDA 2022 Poster presentation. Link. About Santhera Santhera Pharmaceuticals. AGAMREE is a trademark of Santhera Pharmaceuticals. About Uniphar Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Uniphar is a trusted global partner to pharma, medtech and biotech companies, working to improve patient access to medicines around the world. Uniphar's team of experts harness the capabilities, infrastructure and expertise of a diversified pharmaceutical service provider with more than 57 years' experience building success stories with 200+ multinational client across 180 countries worldwide. Uniphar works across the entire pharmaceutical product lifecycle, providing integrated solutions that remove barriers to market entry, increase patient access, and optimize brand value. With a strong presence in Europe, North America, APAC, and MENA, Uniphar offers specialist services spanning early access programs, medical affairs, commercialisation, logistics, global sourcing and distribution. Its end-to-end model enables pharmaceutical companies to scale rapidly in complex markets while maintaining compliance and operational excellence. The Company's vision is to improve patient access to pharmaco-medical products and treatments by enhancing connectivity between manufacturers and healthcare professionals and their patients, representing a strong combination of scale, growth, and profitability. For further information please contact: Santhera Catherine Isted, Chief Financial Officer: IR@santhera.com ICR Healthcare Santhera@icrhealthcare.com Uniphar Heather Hopkin, TALA heather.hopkin@teamtala.com? (mailto:heather.hopkin@teamtala.com) /+44 (0)7545536147 Beth O'Shea, TALA beth.oshea@teamtala.com? (mailto:beth.oshea@teamtala.com) / +44 (0)7891481003 Disclaimer / Forward-looking statements This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Santhera Pharmaceuticals Holding AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements concerning the Company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place undue reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. # # # Attachment Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Allschwil, Switzerland - August 19, 2025 Idorsia Ltd (SIX: IDIA) announces the end results of the repurchase offer for its outstanding CHF 204* million convertible bonds maturing in 2025 (CB 2025; ISIN CH0426820350), and CHF 600 million convertible bonds maturing in 2028 (CB 2028; ISIN CH1128004079) (the Repurchase Offer) launched (https://www.idorsia.com/investors/news-and-events/media-releases/media-release-details?id=3477937) on June 25, 2025. As of the end of the additional acceptance period, Bondholders have accepted the Repurchase Offer for the CB 2025 with an aggregate nominal value of CHF 187,476,000, corresponding to 91.90% of the total issued nominal value of the CB 2025, and for the CB 2028 with an aggregate nominal value of CHF 567,200,000, corresponding to 94.53% of the total issued nominal value of the CB 2028. The settlement of the Repurchase Offer is expected to take place on August 26, 2025, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain offer conditions. The notice of the end results and all other documentation in relation to the Repurchase Offer (the Repurchase Offer Documentation) can be found at the following link: www.idorsia.com/exchange-offer (https://www.idorsia.com/exchange-offer). More details on the larger holistic restructuring can be found in a press release (https://www.idorsia.com/investors/news-and-events/media-releases/media-release-details?id=3397650) published on February 26, 2025, and an update (https://www.idorsia.com/media/news/news-archive/media-release-details?id=3456188) published on May 21, 2025. * The total nominal value of the CB 2025 was increased from CHF 200,000,000 to CHF 204,000,000 as of July 17, 2025. Notes to the editor and legal notes About Idorsia The purpose of Idorsia is to challenge accepted medical paradigms, answering the questions that matter most. To achieve this, we will discover, develop, and commercialize transformative medicines - either with in-house capabilities or together with partners - and evolve Idorsia into a leading biopharmaceutical company, with a strong scientific core. Headquartered near Basel, Switzerland - a European biotech hub - Idorsia has a highly experienced team of dedicated professionals, covering all disciplines from bench to bedside; QUVIVIQ (daridorexant), a different kind of insomnia treatment with the potential to revolutionize this mounting public health concern; strong partners to maximize the value of our portfolio; a promising in-house development pipeline; and a specialized drug discovery engine focused on small-molecule drugs that can change the treatment paradigm for many patients. Idorsia is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: IDIA). For further information, please contact: Investor & Media Relations Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hegenheimermattweg 91, CH-4123 Allschwil +41 58 844 10 10 investor.relations@idorsia.com - media.relations@idorsia.com - www.idorsia.com Legal Notice and Information The above information contains or may contain certain "forward-looking statements", relating to the company's business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "estimates", "believes", "expects", "may", "are expected to", "will", "will continue", "should", "would be", "seeks", "pending" or "anticipates" or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such statements include descriptions of the company's investment and research and development programs and anticipated expenditures in connection therewith, descriptions of new products expected to be introduced by the company and anticipated customer demand for such products and products in the company's existing portfolio. Such statements reflect the current views of the company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. The information contained in this media release is for information purposes only and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer or invitation to purchase, sell, exchange or issue, or a solicitation of an offer to sell, purchase, exchange or subscribe to, any securities of Idorsia Ltd or Idorsia Investments SARL, including without limitation the CB 2025 and the CB 2028, or any other person, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any contract therefor. This media release is not part of the Repurchase Offer Documentation in relation to the Repurchase Offer. Terms and conditions of the Repurchase Offer have been and/or will be published in the Repurchase Offer Documentation. Holders of CB 2025 and/or CB 2028 are urged to read the Repurchase Offer Documentation, which is and/or will be available at www.idorsia.com/exchange-offer (https://www.idorsia.com/exchange-offer). This media release is not a financial product or investment advice, nor is it a recommendation to acquire, exchange or dispose of securities or accounting, legal or tax advice. It has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, legal, financial or tax situation and needs of individuals. Before making any investment decision, individuals should read the Repurchase Offer Documentation and consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to their own objectives, legal, financial and tax situation and needs and seek legal, tax and other advice as appropriate for their individual needs and jurisdiction. Offer Restrictions This media release is only intended for distribution to non-U.S. persons (within the meaning of Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended). This media release is not an offer to tender securities or an offer of securities. The Repurchase Offer is being made on the basis of the Repurchase Offer Documentation only and is subject to the restrictions described therein. The Repurchase Offer is not being made, and will not be made, directly or indirectly in or into, or by use of the mails of, or by any means or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce of, or of any facilities of a national securities exchange of, the United States. This includes, but is not limited to, facsimile transmission, electronic mail, telex, telephone, the internet and other forms of electronic communication. Attachment Cresemba and Zevtera -related revenues rise by 24% to CHF 90.5 million Total revenue grows significantly by 36% to CHF 104.0 million Operating profit surges by 160% to CHF 24.0 million Operating cash flow increases by 29% to CHF 23.1 million Full-year 2025 guidance: on track and updated to reflect recent in-licensing of a novel oral phase 3-ready antibiotic Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Allschwil, Switzerland, August 19, 2025 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil (SIX: BSLN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to meeting the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections, announced today its results for the first half-year ended June 30, 2025. David Veitch, Chief Executive Officer, stated: "The first half of 2025 has marked a period of strong execution and meaningful progress across both the antibacterial and antifungal parts of our portfolio. The launch of Zevtera in the US, its most important commercial market, is a major milestone and represents a pivotal moment in the brand's history. On the antifungal side, we have seen encouraging momentum from our global commercial partnerships, including the first milestone payments for Cresemba sales in Japan. A further highlight was the release of another USD 39 million from BARDA to support the ongoing development of fosmanogepix and BAL2062. The recent start of a phase 3 clinical study for fosmanogepix in invasive mold infections, conducted in parallel with the ongoing phase 3 study in invasive yeast infections provides strong evidence of the clinical progress we are making. Our stated goal to deliver new treatment options for patients with life-threatening fungal infections is becoming reality. Furthermore, the agreement we just announced to acquire the global rights to a novel oral phase 3-ready antibiotic for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections, marks yet another strategic milestone to strengthen our late-stage clinical pipeline with innovative assets." Adesh Kaul, Chief Financial Officer, said: "We are reporting another period of strong financial performance, with increasing revenues, operating profits and operating cash flows. We expect continued strong in-market sales growth, which will result in increasing royalty revenue and milestone payments in the second half of this year. We strengthened our balance sheet by reducing the outstanding value of our convertible bonds by 14% to CHF 83 million in nominal value, while at the same time increasing our cash position. Our strong financial position demonstrates the robustness of our unique business model and enables us to continue investing in the expansion of our pipeline." Financial summary For the first half year (H1) 2025, Basilea recognized total revenue of CHF 104.0 million (H1 2024: CHF 76.3 million), an increase of 36.3% year-on-year. This included royalty income of CHF 52.1 million (H1 2024: CHF 42.8 million), which increased by 21.7% year-on-year, and product revenue of CHF 31.5 million (H1 2024: CHF 27.6 million). Milestone and upfront payments have also increased to CHF 6.9 million (H1 2024: CHF 2.9 million). Other revenue amounted to CHF 13.5 million (H1 2024: CHF 3.0 million). This included CHF 11.1 million BARDA[1] reimbursements (H1 2024: CHF 2.0 million) and CHF 1.9 million CARB-X[2] funding (H1 2024: CHF 0.6 million). BARDA reimbursements were for activities related to the fosmanogepix phase 3 program, the antifungal BAL2062, and ceftobiprole, while CARB-X funding supports preclinical activities related to the antibiotic BAL2420. In H1 2025, Basilea invested CHF 38.3 million (H1 2024: CHF 33.6 million) in research and development (R&D), mainly related to the ongoing phase 3 clinical study of fosmanogepix in invasive yeast infections, the preparations for starting a second phase 3 clinical study with fosmanogepix in invasive mold infections, the preclinical profiling of BAL2062 and BAL2420 (the LptA inhibitor program), and for research work on compounds in the Company's early-stage portfolio. Selling, general and administrative expenses, including costs for the commercialization of Cresemba and Zevtera, amounted to CHF 17.4 million (H1 2024: CHF 15.3 million) and cost of products sold increased to CHF 24.2 million (H1 2024: CHF 18.1 million), reflecting the increase in product revenue. Basilea recorded an operating result of CHF 24.0 million (H1 2024: CHF 9.3 million). In H1 2025, Basilea reported income tax expense of CHF 3.5 million (H1 2024: CHF 13.4 million income tax benefit due to the one-time effect from releasing the deferred tax asset valuation allowance) and a net profit of CHF 15.8 million (H1 2024: CHF 20.7 million), resulting in a basic and diluted earnings per share of CHF 1.29 and CHF 1.26, respectively (H1 2024: basic and diluted earnings per share CHF 1.72 and CHF 1.61, respectively). In H1 2025, a positive net cash flow of CHF 23.1 million was provided by operating activities (H1 2024: CHF 17.9 million). The Company also repurchased senior unsecured convertible bonds due July 2027 in the amount of CHF 14.3 million nominal value out of a total CHF 97.1 million nominal value. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash amounted to CHF 132.7 million as of June 30, 2025 (June 30, 2024: CHF 69.5 million). Basilea has reduced its total financial debt by approximately CHF 138 million since the beginning of 2022 and increased its net cash position to CHF 50.7 million as of June 30, 2025 (June 30, 2024: net debt of CHF 26.2 million). Key financial figures (In CHF million, except per share data) H1 2025 H1 2024 Product revenue 31.5 27.6 Contract revenue 59.0 45.7 Other revenue 13.5 3.0 Total revenue 104.0 76.3 Cost of products sold (24.2) (18.1) Research & development expenses, net (38.3) (33.6) Selling, general & administrative expenses (17.4) (15.3) Total cost and operating expenses (79.9) (67.0) Operating result 24.0 9.3 Profit before taxes 19.3 7.3 Income taxes (3.5) 13.4 Net profit 15.8 20.7 Net cash provided by operating activities 23.1 17.9 Basic earnings per share, in CHF 1.29 1.72 Diluted earnings per share, in CHF 1.26 1.61 (in CHF million) June 30, 2025 June 30, 2024 Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 132.7 69.5 Note: Consolidated figures in conformity with US GAAP; rounding was applied consistently. The unaudited, condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil for the first half year 2025 can be found on the company's website at https://www.basilea.com/financial-reports. Updating 2025 financial guidance - expecting higher total revenue and reflecting recent in-licensing of a novel oral phase 3-ready antibiotic Basilea provides the following guidance for the full year (FY) 2025: Total revenue is expected to increase by 8% to CHF 225 million Basilea can offset the impact of the strengthening of the Swiss Franc and the previously announced decrease in product supply to Pfizer on Cresemba & Zevtera-related revenue. The expected 14% increase in royalty income to CHF 110 million reflects primarily the continued strong double-digit sales growth of Cresemba in its key markets. Following a year of exceptionally high milestone payments in 2024, milestone and upfront payments in 2025 are expected to remain at the level of prior years of around CHF 32 million, despite being impacted by the strengthening of the Swiss Franc, primarily versus the US Dollar. The increase in BARDA and CARB-X reimbursements is reflecting the significant operational progress with fosmanogepix, BAL2062 and BAL2420. The increase in cost and operating expenses reflects the expected impact of the recent strategic addition of ceftibuten-ledaborbactam to our late-stage clinical pipeline and our continued investment in progressing our exciting R&D portfolio of first-in-class antifungals and antibacterials. Nevertheless, we expect to maintain a high operating profit level of CHF 50 million in 2025. We expect no material cash outflow related to income taxes as a result of the use of tax loss carry forwards, but a 10.7% income tax expense will be reflected in the 2025 net profit, in contrast to a CHF 17.3 million one-time income tax benefit from releasing the deferred tax valuation allowance in 2024. (in CHF million) FY 2025e new FY 2025e previous FY 2024 Cresemba and Zevtera-related revenue ~190 ~190 194.9 of which royalty income ~110 ~110 96.7 Total revenue ~225 ~220 208.5 Research & development expenses, net ~105 ~88 77.1 Operating result ~50 ~62 61.2 Conference call and webcast Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil will host a conference call and webcast today, Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 4 p.m. (CEST), to discuss the company's financial and operating results and to provide an outlook. Via audio webcast with presentation The live audio webcast of the results presentation can be followed here: https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=AAxPAsgp. Please note that there is no function to ask questions via webcast. For questions, please additionally dial-in via phone (see below). Via phone To listen by phone and ask questions, please use the dial-in details below. To ensure prompt access, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call. +41 (0) 58 310 5000 (Switzerland, Europe and RoW) +1 (1) 866 291 4166 (USA) +44 (0) 207 107 0613 (UK) Replay The webcast, along with the presentation will be available online(same link as live audio webcast above) shortly after the event and accessible for three months. About Basilea Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of bacterial infections. In addition, we have preclinical and clinical anti-infective assets in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com. Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd, Allschwil Hegenheimermattweg 167b 4123 Allschwil Switzerland Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail media_relations@basilea.com (mailto:media_relations@basilea.com) investor_relations@basilea.com (mailto:investor_relations@basilea.com) This ad hoc announcement can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. References The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), provided partial funding for Basilea's ceftobiprole Phase 3 program under contract number HHSO100201600002C. This funding covered approximately USD 111?million, or about 75% of the costs for the Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) Phase 3 studies, regulatory activities, and non-clinical work. BARDA is also supporting Basilea's fosmanogepix and BAL2062 programs under OTA number 75A50124C00033. CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator) funding for this project is provided in part by federal funds from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority; Antibacterials branch; under agreement number 75A50122C00028; and by awards from Wellcome (WT224842) and Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Attachment OSLO, Norway, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Multiconsult ASA (OSE: MULTI) delivered a moderate second quarter, with increased M&A activity in an overall stable market. Multiconsult's second quarter EBITA was NOK 67.4 million, which gives an EBITA for the first half of 2025 of NOK 257.8 million. The EBITA margin for the quarter was 4.8 per cent, and 8.8 per cent for the first half of the year. EBITA in the second quarter was 10.2 per cent, a decrease of 17.6 per cent or NOK 32.7 million year-on-year, after adjustment for calendar effects. EBIT developed in line with EBITA. There was high activity in most segments, and the result was positively impacted by higher billing rates, but negatively affected by reduced capacity due to a lower number of working days. Net operating revenues amounted to NOK 1 415.9 million, with organic revenue growth at 4.2 per cent, adjusted for the calendar effect and acquisitions. The billing ratio was 72.9 per cent, 0.9 percentage points lower than the comparable quarter last year. Order intake was NOK 1 539 million resulting in an order backlog of NOK 4 575 million. The intent to acquire the ViaNova group represents an important milestone for continued growth, paving the way for further value creation at Multiconsult. Second quarter 2025 Multiconsult delivered a moderate second quarter, with increased M&A activity Net operating revenues decreased by 0.6 per cent to NOK 1 415.9 million (1 424.9) The organic revenue growth adjusted for the calendar effect was 4.2 per cent EBITA of NOK 67.4 million (185.7), equal to an EBITA margin of 4.8 per cent (13.0) Net operating revenues and EBITA impacted negatively by NOK 85.5 million from the calendar effect compared with second quarter of 2024 EBITA margin adjusted for calendar effect 10.2 per cent (13.0) Billing ratio of 72.9 per cent (73.8), down 0.9pp Order intake of NOK 1 539 million (1 531) Order backlog of NOK 4 575 million (4 943) Full-time equivalents (FTE) increased by 6.6 per cent, to 3 762 (3 531) Net profit of NOK 40.3 million (147.9) Earnings per share NOK 1.45 (5.36) Successful refinancing of credit facilities Total available credit facilities, including the accordion option amount to NOK 2.5 billion The overall market outlook remains stable First half 2025 Net operating revenues of NOK 2 939.4 million (2 791.8), a y-o-y growth of 5.3 per cent The organic revenue growth adjusted for the calendar effect was 4.2 per cent EBITA of NOK 257.8 million (322.4), equal to an EBITA margin of 8.8 per cent (11.5) Order intake of NOK 3 235 million (3 378) Net profit of NOK 175.1 million (243.4) Earnings per share of NOK 6.32 (8.88) Full-time equivalents (FTE) increased by 4.1 per cent, to 3 687 (3 540) Extract of comments from CEO, Grethe Bergly: Building Norway's strongest mobility and transportation team In the second quarter, we announced plans to acquire ViaNova group, a consulting engineering firm well known for its strong competence in transport and mobility. This marks our largest strategic acquisition since Erichsen & Horgen in 2021 and represents a significant milestone on our growth journey. We look forward to welcoming the ViaNova employees to Multiconsult. ViaNova and Multiconsult are a great strategic fit with complementary strengths, and I am confident that together we will achieve our ambition to build Norway's strongest mobility and transportation team. Working together with ViaNova on projects over several years, we know they foster a culture of innovation and development. They are also pioneers in utilising digital tools - particularly within road infrastructure planning and engineering. Our two companies are a strong cultural match, sharing similar values and complementary competencies, together we strengthen the value proposition to our clients and enable us to take a greater share of the mobility and transportation market. I am truly looking forward to welcoming ViaNova's highly competent employees once the transaction is completed. Order intake in the second quarter was on par with the same period last year. Our order backlog is strong, supporting a high level of activity going forward. The moderate EBITA performance in the quarter, compared to the same quarter last year, is primarily due to four fewer working days in the second quarter vs. a year ago. In addition, billing ratio was lower than in the same period last year, and the increase in billing rates have not kept pace with the rise in salaries and other operating costs. We continue to implement measures to mitigate this issue. We have much to be proud of. Just before the summer holidays, we learned that Norwegian students regard Multiconsult as the most attractive employer in the industry - a great honour and an inspiring signal that we are heading in the right direction. More recently, I had the pleasure of meeting a large group of enthusiastic students who spent the summer working with us, and as we prepare to welcome new graduates as permanent employees that bring energy and new perspectives it bodes well for a bright and promising future. For a full review of comments from CEO and report, please refer to the interim second quarter and first half 2025 report. Presentations today 19 August 2025: Participants are invited to attend the Norwegian presentation that will be held at Hotel Continental, Stortingsgata 24/26, Oslo, Norway at 08:15 (CEST). The results will also be presented through a live webcast: In Norwegian at 08:15 and in an English presentation at 09:30. Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions online throughout the webcast sessions. The Norwegian presentation at 08:15 can be accessed at: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20250819_3/ The English presentation at 09:30 can be accessed at: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20250819_4/ Live webcasts, complete report, presentation and a recording of the webcast will be available on: https://www.multiconsultgroup.com/investor-relations/ and https://newsweb.oslobors.no/ For further information, please contact: Investor relations: Ove B. Haupberg, CFO Phone: +47 401 00 900 E-mail: oveb.haupberg@multiconsult.no Media: Lars Nermoen, Communications Director Phone: +47 902 40 153 E-mail: larn@multiconsult.no This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/12394/4219596/3615231.pdf Multi-Q225-stock-market-announcement https://mb.cision.com/Public/12394/4219596/b685ea48b750f6d8.pdf Multi-Q225-presentation https://mb.cision.com/Public/12394/4219596/8caff311b1120204.pdf Multi-Q225-report print https://mb.cision.com/Public/12394/4219596/a4246169a9e576e6.pdf Multi-Q225-report web View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/multiconsult-second-quarter-and-first-half-2025--a-moderate-second-quarter-with-increased-ma-activity-302533153.html -- World leaders from industry, academia and government gather to discuss global warming countermeasures and innovation -- TOKYO, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) will hold the two-day 12th Annual Meeting of the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF2025) on Wednesday, October 8 and Thursday October 9 at The Westin Tokyo, Japan and online. The ICEF Annual Meeting has been held every year since 2014 by METI and NEDO as an international conference where the world's leaders from industry, academia, and government gather under the one roof to promote "innovation," the key to solving climate change. This year's 12th conference will feature approximately 10 sessions under the main theme "Innovation for Green Transformation (GX) and Security." Overview of the Forum Conference name Innovation for Cool Earth Forum 12th Annual Meeting (ICEF2025) Hosts Ministry of Trade, Economy and Industry (METI); New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Dates October 8 (Wednesday) and 9 (Thursday), 2025 Venue The Westin Tokyo, Japan (address: 1-4-1 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo) (To be held as a hybrid event with online sessions.) Language English (with Japanese-English simultaneous translation) Participation fee No charge (pre-registration required) Official website https://www.icef.go.jp/ Co-Hosts Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Ministry of the Environment Institutional Partners IEA, BloombergNEF, UNIDO, IRENA Highlights of ICEF2025 and other details (PDF) Please check the official website for the latest program and other details. https://www.icef.go.jp/program/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2749614/12th_Annual_Meeting_image.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2749615/ICEF_logo_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-12th-annual-meeting-of-the-innovation-for-cool-earth-forum-icef2025-is-set-to-be-held-october-8-9-2025-in-tokyo-302530221.html FAB Group set to elevate hospitality offerings across the Middle East Flagship destinations to open in major cities across the GCC, including a minimum of 25 in the UAE over the next five years Over 800 jobs to be created in the UAE hospitality sector alone DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FAB Group, a lifestyle and culinary venture created by UAE-based investment and development company, DEAL Holdings, launches today with the aim of leading innovation in hospitality, dining and brand development across the MENA region. Through the combination of a forward-thinking approach and exceptional local insight, FAB Group will launch popular boutique brands featuring Michelin-star talent from the UK and Europe across the region, while also creating immersive culinary and lifestyle experiences, elevating MENA's position on the global hospitality map. Fully supported by DEAL Holdings, a local investment and development company, FAB Group is committed to delivering long-lasting impact across the region, with a minimum of 25 new locations set to open in the UAE over the next five years, with additional flagship destinations arriving in Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha and the Red Sea. Along with enhancing the region's ever-growing reputation as a global culinary hub, the launch of FAB Group will support local talent, providing access to employment opportunities with roughly 800 jobs set to be created in the UAE alone over the next five years, and more across the wider GCC. Andrew Cullen, FAB Group Regional F&B Director, said: "Over the course of the next few months, we will be making some hugely exciting announcements which will significantly enhance the region's F&B offerings and redefine how the industry is perceived both on a regional and global level. "The Middle East is already widely regarded as a leader in this space, with many of the world's biggest brands now operating in the region. Our ambition is to build on the fantastic work which has already been carried out and strengthen MENA's global status." Abdalla Al'Mheiri, DEAL Holdings CEO, added: "We are thrilled to introduce FAB Group to the Middle East market, marking a significant moment for the region's hospitality sector, which continues to thrive. "Created by DEAL Holdings, FAB Group has big ambitions, and we are fully committed to making strategic investment, enabling the brand to evolve with a clear direction while achieving its long-term objectives." FAB Group's portfolio will span fine dining, contemporary cuisine, cafe culture, nightlife, wellness concepts, and luxury brand collaborations. Several flagship projects are already in development and will be announced in the coming months. A major investment and development company, DEAL Holdings boasts a substantial number of branded residences, hospitality projects and commercial real estate across the MENA region. For more information about DEAL Holdings and FAB Group, visit: www.deal.holdings | thefoodandbeverage.group Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2752377/Abdalla_Al_Mheiri_CEO_DEAL_Holding.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/deal-holdings-launches-fab-group-the-regions-new-culinary-and-lifestyle-force-302532265.html Progress on share buyback programme ING announced today that, as part of our 2.0 billion share buyback programme announced on 2 May 2025, in total 2,493,940 shares were repurchased during the week of 11 August 2025 up to and including 15 August 2025. The shares were repurchased at an average price of 21.04 for a total amount of 52,480,262.49. For detailed information on the daily repurchased shares, individual share purchase transactions and weekly reports, see the ING website at www.ing.com/investorrelations. In line with the purpose of the programme to reduce the share capital of ING, the total number of shares repurchased under this programme to date is 62,843,154 at an average price of 18.88 for a total consideration of 1,186,321,881. To date approximately 59.32% of the maximum total value of the share buyback programme has been completed. Note for editors For further information on ING, please visit www.ing.com. Frequent news updates can be found in the Newsroom. Photos of ING operations, buildings and its executives are available for download at Flickr. Press enquiries Investor enquiries Daan Wentholt ING Group Investor Relations +31 20 576 6386 +31 20 576 6396 Daan.Wentholt@ing.com (mailto:Daan.Wentholt@ing.com) Investor.Relations@ing.com (mailto:Investor.Relations@ing.com) ING PROFILE ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is: empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business. ING Bank's more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 100 countries. ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam (INGA NA, INGA.AS), Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange (ADRs: ING US, ING.N). ING aims to put sustainability at the heart of what we do. Our policies and actions are assessed by independent research and ratings providers, which give updates on them annually. ING's ESG rating by MSCI was reconfirmed by MSCI as 'AA' in August 2024 for the fifth year. As of June 2025, in Sustainalytics' view, ING's management of ESG material risk is 'Strong' with an ESG risk rating of 18.0 (low risk). ING Group shares are also included in major sustainability and ESG index products of leading providers. Here are some examples: Euronext, STOXX, Morningstar and FTSE Russell. Society is transitioning to a low-carbon economy. So are our clients, and so is ING. We finance a lot of sustainable activities, but we still finance more that's not. Follow our progress on ing.com/climate. IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION Elements of this press release contain or may contain information about ING Groep N.V. and/ or ING Bank N.V. within the meaning of Article 7(1) to (4) of EU Regulation No 596/2014 ('Market Abuse Regulation'). ING Group's annual accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ('IFRS- EU'). In preparing the financial information in this document, except as described otherwise, the same accounting principles are applied as in the 2024 ING Group consolidated annual accounts. All figures in this document are unaudited. Small differences are possible in the tables due to rounding. Certain of the statements contained herein are not historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to di?er materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may di?er materially from those in such statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation: This document may contain ESG-related material that has been prepared by ING on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. ING has not sought to independently verify information obtained from public and third-party sources and makes no representations or warranties as to accuracy, completeness, reasonableness or reliability of such information. Materiality, as used in the context of ESG, is distinct from, and should not be confused with, such term as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or as defined for Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC') reporting purposes. Any issues identified as material for purposes of ESG in this document are therefore not necessarily material as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or for SEC reporting purposes. In addition, there is currently no single, globally recognized set of accepted definitions in assessing whether activities are "green" or "sustainable." Without limiting any of the statements contained herein, we make no representation or warranty as to whether any of our securities constitutes a green or sustainable security or conforms to present or future investor expectations or objectives for green or sustainable investing. For information on characteristics of a security, use of proceeds, a description of applicable project(s) and/or any other relevant information, please reference the offering documents for such security. This document may contain inactive textual addresses to internet websites operated by us and third parties. Reference to such websites is made for information purposes only, and information found at such websites is not incorporated by reference into this document. ING does not make any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of, or take any responsibility for, any information found at any websites operated by third parties. 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Doch hinter den Rekordkursen lauert eine gefahrliche Wahrheit. Die Bewertungen vieler Tech-Schwergewichte haben historische Extremniveaus erreicht. Shiller-KGV bei 39, Buffett-Indikator auf Allzeithoch schon in der Dotcom-Ara war der Markt kaum teurer. Hinzu kommen euphorische Anlegerstimmung, IPO-Hypes ohne Substanz, kreditfinanzierte Wertpapierkaufe in Rekordhohe und charttechnische Warnsignale, die Erinnerungen an 2000 und 2021 wecken. Gleichzeitig drucken geopolitische Risiken, Trumps aggressive Zollpolitik und saisonale Borsenschwache auf die Perspektiven. Die Gefahr: Aus der schleichenden Korrektur konnte ein rasanter Crash werden und der konnte vor allem uberbewertete KI- und Chipwerte hart treffen. In unserem kostenlosen Spezial-Report zeigen wir Ihnen, welche Tech-Aktien am starksten gefahrdet sind und wie Sie Ihr Depot vor dem Platzen der Blase schutzen konnten. Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Dieses exklusive Angebot gilt aber nur fur kurze Zeit! Daher jetzt downloaden! Building on U.S. and global campaign experience, Sinch now provides brands complete RCS reach in its largest market, in time for the holiday shopping season ATLANTA and STOCKHOLM, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sinch AB (publ) (XSTO: SINCH), which is pioneering the way the world communicates through its Customer Communications Cloud, announced that it is live with Rich Communication Services (RCS) for Business with all major Tier-1 U.S. mobile operators. This gives businesses across the U.S., the ability to transform the way they engage with their customers through verified, conversational experiences. Sinch is leading the transformation to RCS, with products and solutions that seamlessly orchestrate messaging across RCS, SMS, MMS, and WhatsApp with built-in fallback and integration across channels email and voice for a unified, intelligent customer experience. As businesses compete for attention during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, RCS for Business gives them a powerful edge, boosting engagement, click-throughs, and purchase decisions through richer, more interactive conversations. "We are proud to have been delivering successful RCS campaigns for major American brands for years," said Julia Fraser, EVP of Americas for Sinch. "Our proven track record of delivering at scale in the US, combined with our extensive global experience with rich messaging, uniquely positions Sinch as the trusted partner for businesses looking to engage with their customers to create next generation customer engagement experiences." With unmatched expertise in navigating complex carrier interactions and ensuring full compliance with industry regulations, Sinch is at the forefront of the RCS revolution - enabling businesses to deliver personalized, branded, and secure messaging at scale. Leading U.S. brands are already seeing results with Sinch's RCS capabilities: a large global delivery services company is building trust with verified, branded notifications; a gig economy leader is boosting driver engagement, a financial services provider is building trust, and Enfamil is connecting with parents on a deeper level.?"Every year we deeply engage with millions of expecting parents to help make them confident, informed, and valued throughout their journey of parenthood," said Brian Truss, Director of Consumer Engagement at Mead Johnson Nutrition, makers of Enfamil. "Our ability to use RCS to create personalized, rich, interactive messaging has dramatically improved our engagement with parents." Sinch is uniquely positioned in the U.S. market, where it's witnessing firsthand the rapid rise of RCS, now reaching up to 75% of handsets among Sinch customers, fueled in part by Apple's adoption. As a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for CPaaS for the third consecutive year, Sinch powers over 900 billion customer engagements annually, and is trusted by 8 of the 10 largest U.S. tech companies. With Americas driving more than 60% of revenue, Sinch's momentum is reinforced by its latest State of Customer Communications report, which found that 87% of enterprise leaders are familiar with RCS, and 76% of consumers expect multi-channel engagement during peak moments like BF/CM. For more information, please visit www.sinch.com For more information, please contact: Janet Lennon, Director of Global PR & Communications janet.lennon@sinch.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com. https://news.cision.com/sinch-ab/r/sinch-solidifies-u-s--market-leadership-with-full-rcs-coverage-across-all-tier-1-carriers,c4218849 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sinch-solidifies-us-market-leadership-with-full-rcs-coverage-across-all-tier-1-carriers-302533186.html JINGDEZHEN, China, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Taoxichuan Art Center officially launches the 2026 "Migratory Birds Project" international artists residency program, open to domestic and foreign artists (including, but not limited to, pottery, glass, wood art, etc.) who wish to explore the profound ceramic culture of the birthplace of porcelain. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. As one of China's most influential international artist residency platforms, Taoxichuan Art Center has hosted thousands of artists from 56 countries and regions since its establishment. During their residency, artists not only receive professional creative support but also have the opportunity to participate in Taoxichuan's regularly held art exhibitions, academic lectures, salons, and industry forums. Taoxichuan Art Center features four dedicated residency spaces: Jingdezhen International Studio, Taoxichuan Glass Studio, S3 Art Tribe and S4 Art Soho. Jingdezhen International Studio specializes in ceramic art creation and cultural exchange, offering global artists a unique platform for creative exploration and collaboration. Taoxichuan Glass Studio is fully equipped with professional equipment to support various glass techniques, including the glassblowing, kiln casting, lampworking, mosaic glass, and other series of processes. S3 Art Tribe includes 10 separate studio space, lecture independent, shared pottery room (Throwing), glazing and electric kiln room, shared laundry room, and an open space. S4 Art Soho blends creation, exhibition and leisure into a multifunctional space. In addition, Spring and Autumn Art Fair is Taoxichuan's key brand event, held twice a year in spring and autumn respectively. First launched in October 2017, Spring and Autumn Art Fair has been held 10 times successfully, attracting hundreds of artists, designers and craftsmen from around the world. Beyond providing professional exhibition space for creators, the event helps artists realize the commercial value of their works. 2025 Spring and Autumn Art Fair (Autumn Fair) will be grandly held in Taoxichuan, Jingdezhen on October 17, 2025. During the event, China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo, thematic exhibitions, art markets, and a series of academic activities will be held concurrently, establishing a comprehensive platform for global artists. The application deadline for 2026 "Migratory Birds Project" international artists residency program is November 15, 2025. Review result will be announced on December 10, 2025 via Jingdezhen International Studio official website: http://www.jingdezhenstudio.com/. Registration channel for the Chinese mainland: https://art-cn.easyzf.com/login.html Registration channel for regions other than the Chinese mainland: https://art.easyzf.com/ Source: Taoxichuan Art Center Contact person: Mr. Wang, Tel: 86-10-63074558. MANAMA, Bahrain, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kalaam Telecom Group proudly celebrates the successful one-year anniversary of the Kalaam Iraq Transit route. This pioneering initiative, launched in strategic partnership with the Iraqi Informatics & Telecommunication Public Company (ITPC) has emerged as a critical terrestrial alternative for data traffic between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Europe. Over the past year, Kalaam Iraq Transit has demonstrated exceptional performance, delivering large capacities to its mission critical customers to benefit from low -latency, enhanced resiliency, and superior security. The route supports multi-terabits capacity and effectively mitigates geopolitical risks and capacity constraints, providing businesses to benefit from dependable and diverse connectivity. Today, with the lowest round-trip delay (RTD) between GCC and Europe, the route is trusted by mission-critical customers, including banks, ministries of foreign affairs, government agencies, and live sporting event platforms, where performance, uptime, and security are non-negotiable. Additionally, Kalaam Telecom Group subsidiary Zajil Telecom's landing license in Kuwait, in collaboration with CITRA, allows the route to bypass common chokepoints in red sea, a major corridor for east to west traffic, ensuring a completely diverse & redundant route with consistent performance and preventing data loss. Nezar Mohammad Al Saie, Chairman of Kalaam Telecom Group, stated, "The launch of Kalaam Iraq Transit has reinforced our position as a digital infrastructure leader. We are proud to have supported global carriers, hyperscalers, and mission-critical organizations with dependable and strategic connectivity during a challenging geopolitical year. This milestone reflects our commitment to building resilient routes that empower customers to operate without disruption." Kalaam remains committed to robust and diverse connectivity options further enhanced by its 100% terrestrial KNOT cable system and participation in the EIG consortium submarine cable system. About Kalaam Telecom: Kalaam Telecom Group (Kalaam) is a trusted digital solutions provider with over 30 years of expertise, serving SMEs, Enterprises, and Telecom Carriers regionally and globally. Headquartered in Bahrain with offices in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Jordan, Egypt and the UK, Kalaam offers advanced digital solutions like Connectivity, Cloud, Cybersecurity, Managed Networks, Voice & Collaboration, ICT & Data Center for various verticals. Kalaam owns the KNOT terrestrial cable system and is a consortium member of the Europe-India Gateway (EIG) undersea cable. Its unique "Kalaam Iraq Transit" terrestrial route ensures low latency, high security, and resilience, making it a reliable partner for regional and international connectivity. To know more about Kalaam Telecom Solutions, visit www.kalaam-telecom.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2752358/KIT_Map.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kalaam-iraq-transit-transforming-gcc-europe-connectivity-with-unmatched-performance--resilience-302532344.html SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a strategic collaboration, HEISHA Technology and Unibird have launched the Drone Defence Tower (DDT), an advanced autonomous hangar system integrating one search drone and 32 defensive strike FPV drones. This innovative solution combines HEISHA's expertise in multi-layered autonomous drone docks with Unibird's high-performance FPV drone technology, setting new standards in security and defence applications. DDT video link: The HEISHA drone defense tower is a new milestone for autonomous swarm control with Unibird FPV - YouTube The DDT system features remote dispatch software enabling autonomous patrols and precision strikes, with a modular design accommodating 7-inch FPV drones and customizable configurations for various unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) dimensions. Its core technological advantages include: Advanced Anti-Jamming Capabilities: The device is equipped with cutting-edge 95dB GPS technology, which supports both Beidou B1 and GPS frequencies, ensuring reliable navigation even in the presence of complex electromagnetic interference. Leveraging advanced AI visual analysis, the integrated strike module offers a 300-meter recognition range for human and vehicle targets, coupled with autonomous tracking capabilities, ensuring precise engagement even when communication links are compromised. Long-Range Data Transmission: This fiber optic communication module is capable of supporting a transmission distance of up to 20 kilometers and a data throughput of 30Mbps. It employs OFDM and MIMO technologies to enhance its anti-jamming capabilities, ensuring robust performance in data transmission. "DDT represents a paradigm shift in integrated air defence systems," said a HEISHA spokesperson. "Our modular dock design, combined with Unibird's agile FPV technology, delivers an unprecedented level of autonomous threat response capability." Weighing under 400g with dimensions of 65mm65mm21mm, the compact system offers flexible deployment options for both vehicle-mounted and fixed installations. Its applications span military base protection, critical infrastructure security, and border patrol missions, providing 24/7 autonomous surveillance and rapid response capabilities. The collaboration leverages HEISHA has demonstrated a strong track record in the autonomous drone charging station industry, with products like the D80 and V200 that are compatible with leading UAV platforms. DDT integrates the drone dock with the swarm control of FPV, and is set to profoundly transform approaches to defense. Media Contact: James Penn james.penn@heishatech.com +86 18664516999 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/heisha-and-unibird-unveil-groundbreaking-drone-defence-tower-ddt-system-302530905.html SECOND-QUARTER RESULTS (Comparative figures for the second quarter of 2024 are shown in brackets) The second quarter was characterised by high production and a significant intake of new orders. Revenue and operating profit developed in line with the full-year expectations, and profit after tax improved following the winding-up of loss-making international activities. Revenue amounted to DKK 2,675 million (DKK 2,665 million), Enemrke & Petersen recorded growth, while MT Hjgaard Danmark experienced a slight decline in activity due to quarter-on-quarter fluctuations. The gross margin improved, driven by MT Hjgaard Danmark, while a number of projects continued to weigh on Enemrke & Petersen's margin. The operating profit (EBIT) of DKK 100 million (DKK 124 million) was affected by investments in capacity building and losses in joint ventures. The continuing operations produced a profit after tax of DKK 75 million (DKK 81 million). Profit after tax was DKK 68 million (2023: DKK 52 million). The improvement was attributable to a lower loss from discontinued operations after divestment and winding-up of most of the international activities. Return on invested capital (ROIC) was 50% after stable earnings and invested capital. Cash flows from operating activities improved from an outflow DKK 52 million to an inflow of DKK 76 million. ORDER INTAKE AND ORDER BOOK In the second quarter, the two business units won new orders with a total value of up to DKK 8.1 billion, which is a high level for a single quarter. Final, unconditional orders of DKK 2.5 billion are included in the second quarter order intake, and the remaining orders will be recognised in the order intake going forward as they are awarded definitively. The portfolio of final and awarded orders was valued at DKK 11.6 billion at 30 June. In addition, the Group had orders awarded but not yet contracted of up to DKK 5.8 billion, future projects under construction partnerships with an estimated value of DKK 4.9 billion, and orders in joint ventures with a value of DKK 0.7 billion. The order portfolio totalling DKK 23 billion provides strong resilience against potential market fluctuations. GUIDANCE FOR 2025 MAINTAINED The outlook for the full year is supported by a high order coverage, a solid pipeline and strong exposure to the growth segments of the market. Revenue is forecast to be around DKK 10.0-10.5 billion. At the end of June, contracts had been signed for 94% of the expected contract revenue. Operating profit (EBIT) is expected to be DKK 400-450 million. Earnings from ongoing projects within civil engineering, newbuild, refurbishment and other areas (service in particular) are expected to be largely at the same level as last year, while non-recurring income from land sales in particular is expected to be significantly lower. With expectations of a significantly lower loss in discontinued operations, an unchanged tax percentage and largely unchanged financial items, there is a basis for a better net profit. "In the second quarter, we continued our efforts to consolidate the progress of recent years and stabilise earnings on ongoing projects, while also taking new steps to simplify and streamline the Group. Our business units won significant orders, and the overall order portfolio provides a solid foundation for future growth, with numerous high-quality projects where we can leverage our core competencies in civil engineering, newbuild and refurbishment projects", says CEO Rasmus Untidt. Contact CEO Rasmus Untidt and CFO Dennis Nrgaard may be contacted on telephone +45 31 21 68 72. Rasmus Untidt and Dennis Nrgaard will be presenting the interim report at a conference call on 19 August 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (CEST). Click here to follow the conference call. SHENZHEN, CHINA, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On 18 August, China Medical System Holdings Limited ("CMS" or the "Company") announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (the "Reporting Period"), with both revenue and profit recording year-on-year growth, demonstrating the initial results of its strategic transformation. During the Reporting Period, the Company recorded revenue of approximately RMB4.00 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 10.8%. In the case that all medicines were directly sold by the Company, revenue would be approximately RMB4.67 billion, up 8.9% year-on-year. Net profit was approximately RMB0.93 billion, representing an increase of 3.1% year-on-year. The results reflect that CMS has emerged from the shadow of National Volume-based Procurement ("National VBP"), and its performance is expected to return to a sustainable growth trajectory. Revenue from the Company's key non-National VBP exclusive/branded products and innovative products (in the case that all medicines were directly sold by the Company) reached approximately RMB2.90 billion, up 20.6% year-on-year, accounting for 62.1% of total revenue. The company's exclusive/branded products and innovative products have a favorable competitive landscape and high visibility of future growth, and have now become the main drivers of performance growth. According to the interim results announcement, the company has been planning its "New CMS" blueprint since 2018, anchored on the three strategic pillars of "product innovation, commercial model reform, and international expansion" to build a sustainable second growth curve. By the first half of 2025, solid operating results and the steady delivery of innovation outcomes have confirmed that the Company's strategic upgrade has been gradually translated into tangible achievements. "New Products" Strategy Drives Innovation Value Realization and Solidifies Growth Momentum At the forefront of the Company's three strategic pillars, the "product innovation" strategy leverages a three-dimensional innovation mechanism of "overseas licensing, domestic collaboration, and in-house R&D" to continuously inject high-value short-, medium- and long-term pipelines, serving as a key growth engine. Currently, the innovation strategy has entered a period of continuous harvest, with new products continuously releasing commercial and clinical value. To date, the Company has successfully commercialized five innovative drugs in China; By 2025, two innovative products - ruxolitinib cream and Desidustat Tablets-are also expected to receive marketing approvals. Ruxolitinib cream is the first and only topical JAK inhibitor approved by the U.S. FDA and the European Medicines Agency for repigmentation in non-segmental vitiligo, and is expected to become the first approved treatment for vitiligo in China, filling a market gap and bringing new hope to Chinese vitiligo patients. Additionally, the New Drug Application (NDA) for the Alzheimer's disease drug ZUNVEYL in China was accepted in July this year; the consumer healthcare product Poly-L-lactic Acid Microparticle Filler Injection has been approved for marketing, further enriching the Company's diversified product portfolio. Among the innovative pipeline under R&D, several blockbuster candidates have entered the late-stage clinical development in China and are expected to be commercialized within the next one to three years, forming a new driving force for sustained growth. Among these, the collaborative product Y-3 for Injection has completed Phase III clinical trials in China. This product is an original unimolecular Class 1 innovative drug and the only non-peptide PSD95/nNOS uncoupler that has entered clinical development, with potential to become the first dual-function brain cytoprotectant for treating ischemic stroke while preventing post-stroke depression and anxiety. Another oral small molecule Class 1 innovative drug, ABP-671 (a URAT1 inhibitor) for the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia, is progressing through Phase IIb/III clinical trials in China. Compared with existing mainstream drugs, ABP-671 has the potential to reduce uric acid to lower levels at lower doses and possesses gout-tophus dissolution capability, thereby offering patients a more effective and safer treatment option. CMS continues to expand its innovative pipeline and enhance its end-to-end innovation capabilities to ensure the steady, phased marketing approval of innovative products. In H1 2025, two new collaborative R&D innovative products - ZUNVEYL and MG-K10 (a long-acting anti-IL-4Ra humanized monoclonal antibody injection) - were added to the portfolio. To date, the Company has deployed about 40 differentiated innovative pipeline products, including approximately 20 in-house R&D projects. Advancing "New Models" and "New Markets" Strategies to Unlock Multi-dimensional Growth According to the interim results announcement, CMS continues to advance its "New Models - Commercial Model Reform" strategy, forging anti-cyclical resilience through a diversified ecosystem. It also firmly implements its "New Markets - International Expansion" strategy, building a multi-dimensional growth framework via an industrial internationalization model. Under the commercial model reform strategy, the Company continues to focus on specialty therapeutic fields while expanding into new retail and new media channels, building a comprehensive marketing and promotion system that covers both "in-hospital + out-of-hospital" and "online + offline" channels, and reinforcing its diversified product portfolio with consumer attributes. Its skin health business, Dermavon, has demonstrated strong potential in this particular segment with consumer attributes. Since its independent operation in 2021, Dermavon has achieved dual leadership in both the "coverage of dermatology indications" and the "revenue scale of dermatological prescription drugs", and is proposed to be spun off and separately listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange by way of introduction and distribution in specie, to further unlock its standalone value and high-growth potential. In terms of internationalization, CMS successfully completed its secondary listing on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange by way of introduction on 15 July 2025, marking a new milestone in its "industrial internationalization" strategy. With Singapore as a hub, the Company has established a comprehensive business system covering the entire value chain of "R&D-Manufacturing-Commercialization" for emerging markets. To date, its commercial platform company, Rxilient, has cumulatively submitted nearly 20 registration applications for pharmaceutical products and medical devices across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Region, covering therapeutic fields such as dermatology, ophthalmology, oncology, autoimmune, and central nervous system. Ruxolitinib cream (vitiligo indication) has been approved for marketing in Macau and Hong Kong, and its registration applications have been submitted in Singapore and Taiwan Region. Intravenous Toripalimab (the first China-originated anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody drug that has been approved by the China NMPA and the U.S. FDA) has been submitted for registration in five countries, including Malaysia. Tildrakizumab Injection and Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide Chewable Tablets have also been approved for marketing in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, PharmaGend, an associate CDMO manufacturing facility in which CMS holds a 45.0% equity interest, now has an annual production capacity of 1 billion units of oral solid dosage forms (tablets and capsules), and has obtained a drug manufacturing license from Singapore's HSA, U.S. FDA cGMP certification, and passed Swiss QP audits. The construction of new production lines for nasal sprays, creams, and injectables is progressing steadily, providing high-standard production and delivery capabilities for the international market. Looking ahead, the growth logic of "New CMS" is expected to accelerate its realization, with profitability and performance resilience improving simultaneously. The Company is building a growth framework centered on differentiated innovation, driven by a synergistic and diversified ecosystem, and underpinned by an international footprint. This will open up long-term opportunities for high-quality development, deliver quality pharmaceutical products and services to patients worldwide, and generate sustainable returns for shareholders. About CMS CMS is a platform company linking pharmaceutical innovation and commercialization with strong product lifecycle management capability, dedicated to providing competitive products and services to meet unmet medical needs. CMS focuses on the global first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) innovative products, and efficiently promotes the clinical research, development and commercialization of innovative products, enabling the continuous transformation of scientific research into clinical practices to benefit patients. CMS deeply engages in several specialty therapeutic fields, and has developed proven commercialization capabilities, extensive networks and expert resources, resulting in leading academic and market positions for its major marketed products. CMS continues to promote the in-depth development of its advantageous specialty fields and expand business boundaries, strengthening the competitiveness of the cardio-cerebrovascular/gastroenterology/ophthalmology/ skin health businesses. Among them, the skin health business has become a leading enterprise in its field, bringing economies of scale in specialty therapeutic fields. Meanwhile, CMS continuously deepens its business development in the Southeast Asia and Middle East regions, further escorting the sustainable and healthy development. CMS Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statements This press release is not intended to promote any products to you and is not for advertising purposes. This press release does not recommend any drugs, medical devices and/or indications. If you want to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, please follow the opinions or guidance of your doctor or other medical and health professionals. Any treatment-related decisions made by healthcare professionals should be based on the patient's specific circumstances and in accordance with the drug package insert. This press release which has been prepared by CMS does not constitute any offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, and shall not form the basis for or be relied on in connection with any contract or binding commitment whatsoever. This press release has been prepared by CMS based on information and data which it considers reliable, but CMS makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, whatsoever, and no reliance shall be placed on, the truth, accuracy, completeness, fairness and reasonableness of the contents of this press release. Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain statements regarding the Group's market opportunity and business prospects that are individually and collectively forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Any forward-looking statements and projections made by third parties included in this press release are not adopted by the Group and the Company is not responsible for such third-party statements and projections. Media Contact Brand: China Medical System Holdings Ltd. Contact: CMS Investor Relations Email: ir@cms.net.cn Website: https://web.cms.net.cn/en/home/ Source: China Medical System Holdings Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Questcorp Mining Inc. (CSE: QQQ) (OTCQB: QQCMF) (FSE: D910) (the "Company" or "Questcorp") is pleased to announce they have completed 25% of the planned drilling program on its La Union Project in northwest Sonora, Mexico. This work is being carried out by property vendor and operator Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI). Highlights The Company has completed 300 metres of the planned drill program of 1200 to 1500m. Drilling to test the carbonate-hosted replacement deposit (CRD) style of mineralization, with gold associated with mantos, chimneys, and along structural zones. Angled drill holes are aimed at cutting perpendicular to stratigraphic targets and some structural targets which is typical in CRD systems Structural features may have served as mineralizing conduits and are key targets in the current drill program. Questcorp is capitalizing on the recent exploration work over the past three months by Riverside that improved the understanding of the structural geology and stratigraphy that is guiding current exploration efforts at La Union. The exploration target focus is for a large potential gold discovery that expands from previous smaller scale mine operations on the property. The drill program will begin to test the new concepts and expand past previous mining. Saf Dhillon, President & CEO states, "Questcorp is pleased with the progress being made at this first ever drill program at La Union. The Riverside team has been able to work throughout these hot summers months to enable the successful completion of this Maiden drill. Earlier this year, Questcorp entered into a definitive option agreement with Riverside's wholly owned subsidiary, RRM Exploracion, S.A.P.I. DE C.V. to acquire a 100% interest in the La Union Project. As part of the agreement, Questcorp issued shares to Riverside, making Riverside a shareholder and aligning both parties' interests in the Project's success. With funding provided by Questcorp, an initial C$1,000,000 exploration program is now underway. This marks the first phase of a larger, C$5,500,000 work commitment, contingent on exploration results and Questcorp's continued participation. The Drill Program Targets include more than four different areas, beginning with this early-stage stratigraphic and orientation phase of drilling exploration aimed at evaluating the scale of alteration and indications of a mineralized system. This will be the first drilling ever conducted on most of the targets, despite past mining having occurred in the majority of these areas. The initial program will consist of one to three holes per area, primarily for orientation purposes. Follow-up drilling is planned and can be expanded based on initial results, which will help verify the stratigraphy, lithologies, and structural features allowing for improved modeling and next-stage discovery targeting. The four areas are listed below: Union Main Mine Area - The program will use angled drill holes to test limestone and other carbonate stratigraphic hosts within the Clemente Formation, with the potential to reach the underlying Caborca Formation. These units are considered the primary hosts for replacement-style mineralization. The program will use angled drill holes to test limestone and other carbonate stratigraphic hosts within the Clemente Formation, with the potential to reach the underlying Caborca Formation. These units are considered the primary hosts for replacement-style mineralization. North Union Mine Area - The initial focus of the program will be on testing structural interpretations. Additional drilling is anticipated following this first phase, as results will help guide future drill testing of areas with past mining activity and various structural orientations. - The initial focus of the program will be on testing structural interpretations. Additional drilling is anticipated following this first phase, as results will help guide future drill testing of areas with past mining activity and various structural orientations. Cobre Mine Area - The Clemente Formation is the primary host unit, and structural features combined with areas of past mining provide multiple target zones. Drilling will begin with an initial stratigraphic test hole to help orient around the thickness of the host unit and extend into the lower Caborca Formation, which is also a favorable host for CRD-style mineralization. - The Clemente Formation is the primary host unit, and structural features combined with areas of past mining provide multiple target zones. Drilling will begin with an initial stratigraphic test hole to help orient around the thickness of the host unit and extend into the lower Caborca Formation, which is also a favorable host for CRD-style mineralization. Central Union Area - Structural targets, as possible mineralization feeder zones, are a key focus in this past mining manto area. There are extensive additional target zones in the area, and this initial orientation drilling will provide vectoring for the next stage of drilling and further study of the Clemente Formation, and possibly into the Caborca Formation as currently interpreted. General Overview of La Union Project The Project is summarized in a recently published NI 43-101 Technical Report available under Questcorp's SEDAR+ profile (www.sedarplus.ca). Riverside initially acquired the Project and subsequently consolidated additional inlier mineral claims, building a strong land position. Riverside then advanced the Project through surface access agreements and drill permitting, making it a turn-key exploration opportunity for Questcorp. The Project was originally identified through Riverside's exploration work in the western Sonora Gold Belt, conducted in collaboration with AngloGold Ashanti Limited, Centerra Gold Inc., and Hochschild Mining Plc. Earlier research by Riverside Founder John-Mark Staude also contributed to recognizing the district's potential. Initial work by members of the Riverside team, drawing on more than two decades of geological compilation and analysis, further confirmed the region as highly prospective. At the Project, historical mining by the Penoles Mining Company targeted chimney and manto-style replacement bodies within the upper oxide zones. As a result, the underlying sulfide zones represent immediate and compelling drill targets for further exploration. At the La Union Project, immediate drill targets offer the potential for significant-scale discoveries. La Union is well positioned for near-term exploration success, with targets that include both oxide and deeper sulfide mineralization. The La Union Project The La Union Project is a carbonate replacement deposit ("CRD") project hosted by Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks (limestones, dolomites, and siliciclastic sediments) overlying crystalline Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Caborca Terrane. The structural setting features high-angle normal faults and low-to-medium-angle thrust faults that sometimes served as mineralization conduits. Mineralization occurs as polymetallic veins, replacement zones (mantos, chimneys), and shear zones with high-grade metal content, as shown in highlight grades of 59.4 grams per metric tonne (g/t) gold, 833 g/t silver, 11% zinc, 5.5% lead, 2.2% copper, along with significant hematite and manganese oxides, consistent with a CRD model (see the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Union Project, State of Sonora, Mexico" dated effective May 6, 2025 available under Questcorp's SEDAR+ profile). These targets also demonstrate intriguing potential for large gold discoveries potentially above an even larger porphyry Cu district potential as the Company's target concept at this time. Questcorp cautions investors that grab samples are selective by nature and not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on the property. The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by R. Tim Henneberry, P. Geo (BC), a director of the Company and a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Questcorp Mining Inc. Questcorp Mining Inc. is engaged in the business of the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in North America, with the objective of locating and developing economic precious and base metals properties of merit. The Company holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 1,168.09 hectares comprising the North Island Copper Property, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, subject to a royalty obligation. The Company also holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 2,520.2 hectares comprising the La Union Project located in Sonora, Mexico, subject to a royalty obligation. This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to Riverside's arrangements with geophysical contractors to undertake orientation surveys and follow up detailed survey to confirm and enhance the drill targets. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: the ability of Riverside to secure geophysical contractors to undertake orientation surveys and follow up detailed survey to confirm and enhance the drill targets as contemplated or at all, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain capital markets; and delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that the geophysical surveys will be completed as contemplated or at all and that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262984 SOURCE: Questcorp Mining Inc. The UK's shift toward renewable energy is progressing rapidly, with coal contributing less than 1% to the country's electricity mix. As solar, wind, and nuclear energy continue to grow, MTU gas gensets are providing critical backup when renewable sources aren't available. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819144967/en/ Terra Firma Energy Limited's 5MW flexible generation plant in Droitwich Spa UK. This project will deliver flexible and reliable energy to meet the grids needs ensuring security of supply. "The concept is simple: Companies and plant operators like Terra Firma Energy in the UK can make their installed gensets available when the public grid needs additional power-such as when demand on the grid is exceptionally high or renewable resources are underperforming" said Tobias Ostermaier, President Business Unit Stationary Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. With Over 500 MTU gas engines already in place across the UK, supporting a stable and flexible energy grid, the MTU sets were an obvious choice for Terra Firma Energy Limited. Bringing an additional 5 MW to the national grid, these generators are designed to ramp up to full load in just 120 seconds, ensuring that power is available instantly when demand spikes. When we talk about the energy transition, it's not futuristic technologies that drive us forward. Often, the smart deployment of existing technologies-such as natural gas gensets supporting a capacity market-that can already achieve impressive results in ensuring a cleaner, more resilient energy supply today. "The commissioning of our power plant in Droitwich is a testament to the power of partnerships and shared visions," said William Davies, Managing Director of Terra Firma Energy. "Our partnership with MTU has played a crucial role in making this project a reality, ensuring it delivers flexible and reliable energy to meet the challenges of a modern electricity grid." For more news from Terra Firma Energy please click here Notes to Editors About Terra Firma Energy Limited Terra Firma Energy Limited are a privately owned U.K. based company operating in the development of renewable sustainable energy projects. We design, develop construct carefully sourced projects with the emphasis on making them a cleaner more respectful source of energy production for future generations. Website Home Terra Firma Energy LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/terra-firma-energy-limited/ YouTube https://youtube.com/@terrafirmaenergy?si=QXIeYkWajprAowg6 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090781489759 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/terrafirmaenergyuk/ X https://x.com/tfenergyuk?s=21&t=-U9hoHD9f4OzkyQSpY301A View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819144967/en/ Contacts: Terra Firma Energy Limited Helen Aletras Head of PR and Communications. Tel: +44 (0)203 890 3116. Helen.aletras@terrafirmaenergy.com BEIJING, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report by chinadiplomacy.org.cn on the global governance reform: A Russian academic called for reform of global governance systems to better advance social justice, arguing at a BRICS forum that current international structures perpetuate inequality. Boris Guseletov, researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences, said at the main forum of the BRICS Seminar on Governance and Cultural Exchange Forum 2025 that despite decades of progress since World War II, structural problems persist in international relations. He cited the 1945 U.N. Charter and the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights as foundational steps toward establishing justice in global governance. Moveover, the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals helped transform abstract concepts into concrete action plans for building fair and equitable societies, he said. Current challenges, however, include power imbalances in international institutions where some groups lack equal representation, and systemic economic and gender inequalities, Guseletov said. Guseletov pointed to regional organizations as examples of more equitable governance models. BRICS recently expanded to include Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Iran and Ethiopia, representing over half of the world's population. This makes BRICS an even more important platform for Global South nations, Guseletov said. Meanwhile, the European Union has deployed several policy tools to address socio-economic inequalities, including the European Social Fund and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Similarly, the African Union has implemented the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and Agenda 2063 to integrate social justice principles into member nations' governance structures. These efforts have demonstrated that social justice can be achieved through collaborative and context-sensitive approaches tailored to the specific challenges faced by different regions, according to Guseletov. "The synergy between technology, social media and global governance is crucial for advancing social justice worldwide," Guseletov said. The BRICS forum, co-hosted by the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, China International Communications Group and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 30, 2025. Russian scholar calls for equitable global governance reform http://en.chinadiplomacy.org.cn/2025-08/12/content_118021654.shtml View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/russian-scholar-calls-for-equitable-global-governance-reform-302533233.html OPEX Corporation, a global leader in Next Generation Automation providing innovative solutions for warehouse document and mail automation, will showcase its advanced warehouse automation technology at the International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX), scheduled for September 9 to 11, 2025, at the NEC Birmingham in the UK. IMHX is the UK's largest and longest-running event for the intralogistics, warehousing and supply chain management industries, drawing more than 10,000 attendees from across the UK and beyond. "The team at OPEX is excited to attend IMHX 2025 and to showcase our latest advancements in warehouse automation," said Alex Stevens, President, Warehouse Automation, OPEX. "As the original innovators in the mixed item sortation space, we've spent years redefining what's possible-and we continue to push the boundaries today. Our most recent innovation provides a turnkey solution for sorting, retrieval, and delivery of goods and we're proud to present it for the first time in Europe." Making its debut at Booth A100 is OPEX Sure Sort X with OPEX Xtract the next generation in high-speed automated sortation and order retrieval. Introduced in 2024, Sure Sort X with Xtract is the only fully adaptable, turnkey offering in the marketplace that automates multiple manual tasks sorting, retrieving and packaging orders with a one-touch solution, increasing efficiency and directly addressing labor challenges. The most versatile and robust industrial sorting solution available, Sure Sort X is unmatched in its compact footprint, performance rates, cost-effectiveness and adaptability to meet specific needs. When Sure Sort X is paired with Xtract OPEX's revolutionary new automated order retrieval system the task of retrieving totes and transferring their contents into shipping containers is fully automated as well, eliminating the need to manually sort and transfer boxes downstream. OPEX Sure Sort X with Xtract has been shortlisted in two categories for The Archies Awards, celebrating excellence in the material handling and intralogistics sectors. The newest OPEX system was nominated in the categories of Excellence in Automation and Technology Innovator. Award winners will be announced at IMHX on September 10, 2025. Earlier this year, Sure Sort with Xtract was recognized with the prestigious Red Dot Award: Product Design 2025. The annual Red Dot Award design competition is regarded as one of the best-known and largest in the world. This is the second consecutive year OPEX has received the Red Dot Award, having been recognized in 2024 for its Infinity AS/RS, an advanced system engineered for unlimited flexibility and scalability. At its IMHX booth, OPEX will also feature a wireless iBOT robotic vehicle from the Infinity AS/RS. Infinity iBOTs have the capacity to access all inventory and port stations, moving freely underneath and throughout the system without any wasted mechanical motion, saving both time and cost. In addition, the OPEX booth will include a static display of the Perfect Pick AS/RS, a robotic goods-to-person picking solution engineered to dramatically improve speed, efficiency and reliability. The industry experts from OPEX will be onsite to discuss the company's entire portfolio of automated warehouse solutions, all designed to improve workflow, reduce costs and drive efficiencies in infrastructure. OPEX is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, serving as a trusted partner for five decades now. The company continues to provide multi-generational industry expertise, a proven track record developing first-class automation capabilities and advanced engineering, and a heritage of excellence. About OPEX OPEX Corporation is a global leader in Next Generation Automation, providing innovative, unique solutions for warehouse, document and mail automation. With headquarters in Moorestown, NJ-and facilities in Pennsauken, NJ; Plano, TX; France; Germany; Switzerland; the United Kingdom; and Australia-OPEX has nearly 1,600 employees who are continuously reimagining and delivering customized, scalable technology solutions that solve the business challenges of today and in the future. The year 2025 marks the company's 50th anniversary under the multigenerational ownership and leadership of the Stevens family. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819161252/en/ Contacts: For Additional Information Laura Evans levans@opex.com +1.856.727.1100 x 5012 BearingPoint is supporting Suva, Switzerland's leading accident insurance provider, in developing Swiss Safety VR a state-of-the-art virtual reality platform delivering highly effective safety training to more than two million individuals insured with Suva. Preventing workplace accidents is essential not only for protecting employees but also for reducing financial and operational risks for companies. This is especially true in the construction industry, where workers face daily exposure to hazards. While safety measures are continuously being improved, Switzerland still records between 260,000 and nearly 300,000 workplace accidents annually often on construction sites due to non-compliance with safety protocols, time pressure, or negligence. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819439462/en/ In collaboration with BearingPoint, Suva has developed a cutting-edge training platform incorporating Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (XR). A scalable simulation platform with real-life scenarios for safety training In collaboration with BearingPoint, Suva has developed a cutting-edge training platform incorporating Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (XR). After evaluating the technological potential of these tools, BearingPoint created immersive training scenarios focused on high-risk tasks such as securing heavy loads on construction sites or preventing falls from unprotected areas. This step was crucial in identifying ways to enhance traditional safety approaches. The project team then developed prototypes to demonstrate how immersive technologies can help prevent accidents and convey safety instructions clearly. The platform was also designed to be scalable and user-friendly for a large audience. Together, BearingPoint and Suva created a comprehensive operating model, a robust technological architecture, and a new end-to-end service offering for the Swiss market called Swiss Safety VR. A growing library of 20-minute interactive VR experiences illustrating the real-world consequences of unsafe practices or workplace accidents and proving more educational, efficient, and cost-effective than traditional methods is continuously updated. The team also provided structured support for ongoing process improvement and scenario simulation and facilitated change management through train-the-trainer services, which were critical for integrating the XR platform into Suva's internal workflows. A key success factor was the strong focus on collaboration. By co-investing in VR safety content with various industry stakeholders such as Swiss trade associations and major construction companies the collaboration unlocked significant synergy potential. Matthias Roeser, Partner at BearingPoint, states: "Together with Suva, we are using virtual reality to deliver practical and effective workplace safety training. By combining immersive technology with real-life risk scenarios, Swiss Safety VR makes training more engaging, more impactful, and more scalable. This partnership reflects our commitment to innovation: we have harnessed advanced technology to enhance workplace safety while also improving efficiency and controlling costs. By making the platform widely accessible, we are helping raise safety standards across industries." Immersive training experiences to enhance workplace safety The launch of the Swiss Safety VR platform allows companies and their customers to improve their business processes while integrating modern, innovative training and communication techniques into daily operations. This new tool enables a significant improvement of existing training initiatives and supports a seamless transition to fully mobile and immersive training formats. The platform has the potential to greatly reduce the need for on-site workshops, which can lead to substantial time and cost savings. Additionally, participants can retain safety information better than with traditional classroom or e-learning formats. By offering the content free of charge to all organizations including Swiss schools BearingPoint and Suva are democratizing access to high-quality VR training, even for smaller organizations with limited budgets. The platform is available on the Meta Quest 3 headset in Switzerland's official national languages: German, French, and Italian, as well as English. Nathanael Bonvin, Programme Manager for New Technologies at Suva, explains: "The Swiss Safety VR platform allows us to offer truly engaging and effective training experiences that not only motivate participants but significantly improve safety outcomes. We chose to work with BearingPoint because their expertise and innovative approach were a perfect match for Suva's commitment to advancing safety training." About Suva Founded in 1918, Suva employs over 4,700 people at its headquarters in Lucerne, across 18 agency locations throughout Switzerland, and in its two rehabilitation clinics in Bellikon and Sion. As an independent public-sector enterprise, Suva insures more than 138,000 companies and over 2.2 million employees against the consequences of occupational accidents and diseases. Unemployed individuals are also automatically insured through Suva. In addition, Suva manages the military insurance and the accident insurance for individuals in disability (IV) programs on behalf of the Swiss federal government. Its services span prevention, insurance, and rehabilitation. Suva operates on a self-financing basis, without public funding, and returns profits to policyholders in the form of lower premiums. The Suva Council includes representatives from social partners employers and employees as well as the federal government. About BearingPoint BearingPoint is an independent management and technology consultancy with European roots and a global reach. The company operates in three business units: Consulting, Products, and Capital. Consulting covers the advisory business with a clear focus on selected business areas. Products provides IP-driven digital assets and managed services for business-critical processes. Capital delivers M&A and transaction services. In addition, BearingPoint runs the joint venture Arcwide, focused on business transformation and consulting excellence based on IFS. BearingPoint's clients include many of the world's leading companies and organizations. The firm has a global consulting network with more than 10,000 people and supports clients in over 70 countries, engaging with them to achieve measurable and sustainable success. BearingPoint is a certified B Corporation, meeting high standards of social and environmental impact. For more information, please visit: Homepage: www.bearingpoint.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bearingpoint View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819439462/en/ Contacts: Press contact Alexander Bock Global Senior Manager Communications Telephone: +49 89 540338029 Email: alexander.bock@bearingpoint.com Shortage of skills and lack of support from leadership are among the most frequently cited challenges to disaggregated network deployments RtBrick today released its 'State of Disaggregation' report, examining the current state of networks globally and telecom operators' efforts to address surging customer demands. The survey revealed operators are at risk of being overwhelmed by the demands of streaming bandwidth in the next five years. The industry recognizes it needs to adopt next-generation disaggregated networks to survive, but struggles to take action. Top findings from the survey reveal core components that are hindering operators' progress, including: Organizations require more support from leadership to deploy disaggregation (93%) Complexity around operational transformation (42%), such as redesigning architectures and workflows Critical shortage of specialist skills/staff (38%) to manage disaggregated systems Rising demand collides with outdated infrastructure The survey finds that almost nine in ten operators (87%) expect customers to demand higher broadband speeds by 2030, while roughly the same (79%) state their customers expect costs to increase, suggesting they will pay more for it. Yet half of all leaders (49%) admit they lack complete confidence in delivering services at a viable cost. Eighty-four percent say customer expectations for faster, cheaper broadband are already outpacing their networks, while 81% concede their current architectures are not well-suited to handling the future increases in bandwidth demand, suggesting they may struggle with the next wave of AI and streaming traffic. "Senior leaders, engineers, and support staff inside operators have made their feelings clear: the bottleneck isn't capacity or budget, it's decision-making," said Pravin S Bhandarkar, CEO and Founder of RtBrick "Disaggregated networks are no longer an experiment. They're the foundation for the agility, scalability, and transparency operators need to thrive in an AI-driven, streaming-heavy future." Disaggregation: from ambition to execution Intent, however, is not the problem. The industry's appetite to modernize is overwhelming: 91% are willing to invest in disaggregation, and 94% plan to deploy within five years, with 90% saying their organization needs to focus efforts on deploying disaggregation sooner than currently planned. However, execution continues to trail ambition. Only one in twenty leaders has confirmed they're "in deployment" today, while 49% remain stuck in early-stage "exploration", and 38% are still "in planning". Meanwhile, big-name operators such as AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, and Comcast are charging ahead and already actively deploying disaggregation at scale, demonstrating faster rollouts, greater operational control, and true vendor flexibility. AI intensifies the urgency Nearly every leader surveyed also claims their organization is "using" or "planning to use" AI in network operations, including for planning, optimization, and fault resolution. However, nine in ten (93%) say they cannot unlock AI's full value without richer, real-time network data. This requires more open, modular, software-driven architecture, enabled by network disaggregation. "Telco leaders see AI as a powerful asset that can enhance network performance," said Zara Squarey, Research Manager at Vanson Bourne. "However, the data shows that without support from leadership, specialized expertise, and modern architectures that open up real-time data, disaggregation deployments may risk further delays." What operators want from disaggregation When asked what benefits they expect disaggregation to deliver, operators focused on outcomes that could deliver the following benefits: 54% increased operational automation 54% enhanced supply chain resilience 51% improved energy efficiency 48% lower purchase and operational costs 33% reduced vendor lock-in Transformation priorities align with those goals, with automation and agility (57%) ranked first, followed by vendor flexibility (55%), supply chain security (51%), cost efficiency (46%) and energy usage and sustainability (47%). About the research The 'State of Disaggregation' research was independently conducted by Vanson Bourne in June 2025 and commissioned by RtBrick to identify the primary drivers and barriers to disaggregated network rollouts. The findings are based on responses from 200 telecom decision makers across the US, UK, and Australia, representing operations, engineering, and design/Research and Development at organizations with 100 to 5,000 or more employees. A snapshot of the report is available to download here. About RtBrick RtBrick Inc. has pioneered carrier routing software that runs on off-the-shelf hardware. It has applied the same approach to networks that the huge 'cloud-natives' have used to build and operate their web-scale IT services. RtBrick is a privately held company, incorporated in the USA, with staff located in Europe, India and Taiwan. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819552586/en/ Contacts: Media contact Red Lorry Yellow Lorry on behalf of RtBrick rtbrick@rlyl.com Advanced protocol implementation enables CPOs to deploy scalable, future-ready charging solutions across Europe AMPECO, a global leader in EV charging management software, and Autel Europe, a leading provider of EV charging solutions, announce the successful completion of comprehensive OCPP 2.0.1 testing between Autel's MaxiCharger DH480 and AMPECO's EV charging management platform. This achievement empowers Charge Point Operators (CPOs) with enhanced operational control, improved security, and advanced energy management capabilities essential for scaling modern EV charging networks across Europe. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819710006/en/ Autel MaxiCharger seamlessly integrated with AMPECO, powered by OCPP 2.0.1. The successful OCPP 2.0.1 integration delivers significant operational advantages that directly address the challenges faced by today's CPOs. The advanced security framework provides robust cybersecurity protection with Level 2 TLS encryption and certificate-based authentication, ensuring CPOs can maintain secure operations while meeting increasingly stringent regulatory requirements across European markets. The protocol enables sophisticated load balancing and dynamic charging profiles, allowing CPOs to optimize energy distribution across multiple charging points crucial for managing peak demand periods and reducing operational costs while maximizing station utilization. OCPP 2.0.1 support positions CPOs for emerging technologies including Plug&Charge functionality. This forward compatibility protects infrastructure investments and enables new revenue opportunities as the EV ecosystem evolves. Advanced remote management capabilities allow CPOs to monitor, control, and troubleshoot charging sessions in real-time, significantly reducing on-site maintenance requirements and improving network uptime. The MaxiCharger DH480 is a 480 kW all-in-one DC charging solution designed for high-demand environments such as highway corridors, commercial depots, and public charging hubs. Its modular architecture offers flexibility in deployment, simplified maintenance, and easy scalability to suit various site requirements. With support for up to four simultaneous charging outputs, the MaxiCharger DH480 enables operators to charge multiple vehicles at once optimizing energy distribution and reducing queue times during peak hours. The charger is also built for straightforward installation and upgrade, making it well-suited for evolving infrastructure needs. The integration testing validated critical functionalities including secure communication protocols, remote session management, and smart charging profile compatibility. The MaxiCharger DH480 successfully passed the OCPP 2.0.1 integration test with AMPECO's platform, demonstrating full compliance with key technical requirements. The validation process focused on secure communication with Level 2 TLS encryption and basic authentication, remote session management capabilities, and smart charging profiles compatibility for advanced load management and grid-responsive charging strategies. "The integration with Autel Europe demonstrates AMPECO's commitment to providing CPOs with best-in-class hardware integration options," said Glenn L'Heveder, Head of Sales and Business Development Europe at AMPECO. "OCPP 2.0.1 represents a significant leap forward in charging infrastructure capabilities, and our successful integration with the MaxiCharger DH480 ensures that CPOs can confidently deploy these advanced features. This collaboration exemplifies our hardware-agnostic approach, giving operators the flexibility to choose preferred hardware partners while maintaining the highest levels of performance and reliability." "We are pleased to see the DH480 successfully integrated with AMPECO's platform," said Andreas Lastei, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Autel Europe. "This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to open standards and practical, interoperable solutions that make it easier for charge point operators to scale their networks with confidence. By working closely with trusted software partners like AMPECO, we aim to accelerate the development of reliable and future-oriented EV charging infrastructure across Europe. This integration also marks an important first step our latest-generation product line will soon be fully compatible with OCPP 2.0.1, further expanding the possibilities for seamless and future-proof network deployment." About AUTEL Energy Europe Autel Energy Europe is a leading provider of EV charging solutions, offering a full range of high-performance AC and DC chargers. Operating in 33 European countries, Autel delivers scalable, efficient infrastructure for residential, commercial, and public use. Its MaxiCharger product line supports the region's accelerating shift toward electric mobility through advanced technology, reliability, and smart energy design. For more information, visit: https://autelenergy.eu/ About AMPECO AMPECO enables large-scale EV charging providers to launch and scale their business operations under their brand. The company offers a white-label and hardware-agnostic EV charging management platform to cover all EV charging business cases. It has a comprehensive out-of-the-box feature set that allows quick go-to-market while providing unmatched flexibility and extensibility via API to enable businesses to build their differentiators. AMPECO supports more than 170 charging network operators in over 65 countries. It has been globally recognized by Frost Sullivan, Financial Times, Forbes, Deloitte, and PwC for its technological product innovation and strategic business development. For more information, visit: https://www.ampeco.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819710006/en/ Contacts: Media contact: Autel Energy Europe Jiaqi Liu PR Manager jiaqi.liu@autel.com +31 628679952 AMPECO Dimitar Atanasov Brand Communications Manager dimitar.atanasov@ampeco.com +44 20 3398 6596 TOKYO, Aug 19, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi High-Tech ("Hitachi High-Tech") is providing its MI Solutions using Materials Informatics ("MI") to the NOF Metal Coatings Group ("NOF"). We are working together to explore ways to improve the efficiency and sophistication of research and development operations. This has led to a more than 50% reduction in costs related to the number of experiments and time required, as well as to the discovery of new ideas that were difficult to achieve by our own know-how alone, thereby contributing to improved efficiency and sophistication in our research and development work.Background and OverviewNOF's high-performance thin layer coating technology is used to improve the durability and functionality of metals. NOF mainly develops and manufactures rust-proof materials that protect metals from rust, and provides them to a wide range of industries including the automotive and aviation industries, both in Japan and overseas. In recent years, there have been more and more demands regarding new value and product development, such as product safety and consideration for the environment. In addition, we have previously relied on the experience of experienced engineers for the advancement of research and development work, but as more experienced engineers are getting older and the number of young engineers increasing, we wanted to transform conventional methods and develop data-driven technologies in order to speed up our research and development process.Under these circumstances, Hitachi High-Tech provided its MI Solutions to NOF, aiming to accurately understand the current situation and identify key issues through repeated dialog, then provide continued support in solving these issues through MI and data analysis. As a result, NOF has managed to reduce the number and duration of experiments by more than 50% for research and development work of specific topics, compared to before using MI. They have also be enable to develop new ideas that could not be imagined using traditional methods, and have contributed to the development of more sophisticated and efficient products.The Specific Solution Offered by Hitachi High-TechMI, the core technology of Hitachi High-Tech's MI Solution, uses AI technology to predict physical properties and derive optimal conditions for manufacturing conditions and material blending ratios based on accumulated experimental data. Consulting support using MI and generative AI embodies the Lumada*1 3.0, which uses the Hitachi Group's domain knowledge and AI technology to transform data into value and resolve issues for customers and society.*1 Lumada: A collective term for solutions, services, and technologies based on Hitachi's advanced digital technologies for creating value from customers' data accelerating digital innovation.(1) Provision of a material data analysis environmentThey used Hitachi High-Tech's MI technology to analyze past study data for experimental candidates that can be expected to have the desired properties for development areas such as the anti-rust materials developed by NOF over many years. This led to a more than 50% reduction in costs related to the number of experiments and time required for specific research topics. It also led to new discoveries, which were difficult to achieve with conventional methods, demonstrating the effectiveness of data-driven development and contributing to the advancement of research and development.(2) Consulting support through customer successHitachi High-Tech directly provides customer support by data scientists and other people working on customer success at Hitachi High-Tech. This has enabled NOF to smoothly advance their use of MI even without in-house MI and data analysis experts. Also, by conducting thorough hearings with Hitachi High-Tech personnel, they were able to identify real issues in research and development work and propose appropriate approaches to resolve them, thereby improving efficiency and sophistication.Future OutlookHitachi High-Tech has been providing materials development solutions to a variety of domestic and overseas customers since 2021, focusing on materials and chemical manufacturers. NOF also has group companies overseas, and they are aiming to use MI technology at their overseas offices to further create value globally and increase adoption. The two companies will continue to work together to support the overseas expansion of NOF's use of MI technology, utilizing Hitachi High-Tech's expertise from providing solutions to a large number of customers. In addition, we will continue offering proposals and promoting collaborations aimed at improved efficiency and sophistication, such as further automation of research and development work, through seamless collaboration between MI and data generated from analysis equipment provided by Hitachi High-Tech, and through the use of AI technology and Hitachi Group assets.Going forward, Hitachi High-Tech will continue leveraging our capabilities of global frontline functions, domain knowledge, points of contact and technological capabilities to create solutions and business models that lead to solutions stemming from all forms of social issues, and to contribute to market growth in the industrial and social infrastructure fields.Related LinksMI Case study (NOF Metal Coatings)About MI SolutionsAbout Hitachi High-TechHitachi High-Tech provides cutting-edge technologies, products and services to society and customers with its corporate vision of "Changing the World and Future with the Power of Knowledge" to contribute to a sustainable global environment, healthy, safe and secure lives, and the sustained development of science and industry. We manufacture and sell clinical analyzers, biotechnology products and radiation therapy systems in the healthcare field, semiconductor manufacturing and inspection equipment in the semiconductor field, as well as analytical systems and electron microscopes used in environmental fields and materials research. We are also engaged in a wide range of business areas globally, providing high added-value solutions in battery, communication infrastructure, railway inspection, digital and other industrial and social infrastructure fields. We provide solutions through a deeper understanding of the issues facing society and our customers to contribute to realizing a sustainable society. The company's consolidated revenues for FY2024 were approx. JPY 756.5 billion. For further information, visit https://www.hitachi-hightech.com/global/en/Business ContactInformatics Promotion Dept.,Industrial & Social Infrastructure Business Group,Hitachi High-Tech CorporationInformatics.aj@hitachi-hightech.comSource: Hitachi, Ltd.Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. DEA Administrator Terrance Cole has also signaled a tough line: "Everybody knows my stance on marijuana after 30 plus years in law enforcement, so don't even ask!" However, with all due respect to law enforcement, you can't fight a disease with a badge. MMJ is developing FDA regulated medicine, not an illicit substance. We are the science, and our mission is to treat patients, not to police a plant." Duane Boise, CEO MMJ International Holdings. WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / For too long, the DEA has written rules, then ignored them. It has promised science, then sidelined it. Patients with Huntington's disease and Multiple Sclerosis have been told to wait, while recreational markets flourish outside federal control. President Trump's consideration of rescheduling marijuana is the first serious chance in decades to break this cycle. The challenge now is ensuring that reform does not just enrich Big Weed - but instead delivers on the promise of real medicine. That's the difference. That's why MMJ matters. A Risk Worth Facing Carefully President Trump is weighing whether to reschedule marijuana at the federal level. Critics warn this could hand a windfall to the $33 billion cannabis industry, which has cloaked itself in medical rhetoric while chasing profits through high-potency recreational products. They are right to be skeptical: today's marijuana bears little resemblance to the mild 5% THC plant of decades ago. Gummies, vapes, and concentrates now approach 99% THC, raising real risks of psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, as large-scale studies in Denmark and Sweden have shown. Trump, who never drank or smoked after losing his brother Fred Jr. to alcoholism, understands personally the devastation of addiction. Newly confirmed DEA Administrator Terrance Cole has also signaled a tough line, writing bluntly: "Everybody knows my stance on marijuana after 30 plus years in law enforcement, so don't even ask!" His priorities - fentanyl, cartels, and violent drug trafficking - point clearly away from Big Weed's agenda. But here's the crucial distinction: not all marijuana is the same, and not all companies are Big Weed. The Evidence of Benefit Cannot Be Ignored Yes, the risks are real. But so too are the thousands of patients who have long reported relief from cannabis. Cancer patients use it to control nausea and pain. MS patients to ease spasticity. Children with epilepsy to reduce seizures. These are not isolated stories - they represent a consistent pattern of strong anecdotal evidence suggesting cannabis compounds may hold therapeutic value. The problem? Anecdotes are not enough. To separate myth from medicine, cannabis must be tested like any other drug - through rigorous, FDA-supervised clinical trials. MMJ: From Anecdote to Medicine This is where MMJ BioPharma is different. Unlike recreational marijuana companies or state dispensaries, MMJ has built a true pharmaceutical pathway: Two FDA-approved INDs (Investigational New Drug applications): For Huntington's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. FDA Orphan Drug Designation: For Huntington's Disease. DEA Schedule I analytical lab registration: Already in place and compliant. Softgel Capsule Manufactured Under FDA Directives: MMJ has already produced a reproducible, final-dose form gel cap that meets the definition of medicine - not snake oil. This capsule is not a dispensary product or a vape pen. It is a standardized, pharmaceutical grade medicine designed to be taken by patients under physician supervision. Reproducibility has been achieved - the cornerstone of real science. Now MMJ seeks to prove efficacy in FDA authorized human clinical trials. DEA's Broken Promises In 2020, the DEA pledged that new marijuana licenses would prioritize science: applicants would need bona fide FDA protocols, supply agreements with researchers, and the capacity to produce adequate quantities for trials. Four years later, not one registrant has delivered. Some never planted a seed. Others produced trivial amounts. None filed with the FDA. Meanwhile, the only company that meets DEA's published criteria - MMJ BioPharma, with FDA INDs, Orphan Designation, and a manufactured softgel capsule - remains stalled. The Path Trump and Cole Can Take The choice for President Trump and Administrator Cole is not between legalization and prohibition. It is between: Big Weed's recreational profiteering that fuels addiction, psychosis, and chaos. FDA-regulated, science-driven pharmaceutical research that could deliver safe, effective medicines to patients with no alternatives. Trump and Cole can reject Big Weed while supporting MMJ's mission to turn anecdotal evidence into approved therapies. Patients with Huntington's and Multiple Sclerosis deserve more than dispensary "snake oil." They deserve real medicine, developed under federal law, proven through science. Promises Made, Promises Not Kept - Until Now? DEA has failed to live up to its own commitments. But with rescheduling now on the table, President Trump and Terrance Cole have the chance to make a historic course correction: to draw a clear line between recreational profiteering and pharmaceutical science, between snake oil and medicine. That is the path forward. That is the fix. That is why MMJ matters. MMJ is represented by attorney Megan Sheehan. CONTACT: Madison Hisey MHisey@mmjih.com 203-231-85832 SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/pres.-trumps-chance-to-fix-deas-marijuana-policy-failures-reschedulin-1062432 DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dubai Humanitarian, the world's largest humanitarian logistics hub, has unveiled a new documentary, Coming Together: The Dubai Humanitarian Story - a gripping behind-the-scenes look at the premier disaster response facility. From devastating floods in Pakistan to the escalating conflict in Gaza, the film captures real-time coordination between United Nations agencies, international NGOs, and government partners. It reveals how Dubai Humanitarian's 150,000 sqm of warehouses - donated by the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum - enable life-saving supplies like vaccines, health kits, and clean water to reach crisis zones within hours. The documentary highlights the critical role of partners like - Dubai Customs, Emirates Airline, and UNHCR - whose close collaboration with aid agencies ensure relief efforts are swift, seamless, and scalable. Their combined expertise in customs clearance, logistics, and airlift capacity has proven vital in overcoming the most complex humanitarian challenges. It also underscores the human stories behind the headlines - of aid workers, customs officials, and airline crews working as one to deliver hope. "Dubai Humanitarian is more than a logistics hub - it's a global lifeline," said Giuseppe Saba, CEO, Dubai Humanitarian, "This film shows what's possible when the world comes together." Saba added: "2025 continues to bring extraordinary global challenges. Working alongside our UN partners and other relief organisations, in just the first half of the year Dubai Humanitarian facilitated the delivery of over $48million in aid to countries across the globe, with the need for shelter and health aid being particularly striking. We remain steadfast in our commitment to stand with our international humanitarian community in safeguarding the most vulnerable." Head of UN OCHA UAE, Sajeda Shawa, said: "We need to make sure humanitarian aid is delivered based on humanitarian principles - with no discrimination and with equality. Being the voice of those who have no voice is not a luxury - it's a responsibility, an honour and a life calling." This behind the scenes documentary premiers on World Humanitarian Day, 19 August, on the Dubai Humanitarian YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjKME2Sj3-c. Dubai Humanitarian aid in numbers (Jan to Jun 2025) $48.8m Aid worth $48,867,298 distributed from Dubai Humanitarian. 81 Aid sent to 81 countries. $14m Health Aid: This included $13,969,276 worth of health accessories, medical equipment, pharmaceutical items and more. $1m Water and Sanitation Aid: The demand for water and sanitation aid included $733,297 worth of water supply items, ranging from buckets and containers to Jerry Cans. $15m Shelter Aid: Almost a third of all aid was allocated to shelter. This included 937,377 pieces of camping and field equipment, from tents to winterisation kits $208.1m Stock value available at Dubai Humanitarian in June 2025. 25 During the first half of 2025, key moments included the 25th Dubai Humanitarian airlift for Gaza. The April operation delivered 56.8 metric tonnes of critical medical supplies worth over $1million (AED4.3million), provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), to El Arish Airport in Egypt. Benefits of the Humanitarian Logistics Databank To countries in need of aid: Real-time analytics and 24/7/365 visibility of aid levels - daily updates provides accurate data, especially convenient across time zones and saves phone calls Enhanced co-ordination and faster identification of aid partners - countries requiring aid have access to detailed data, including which members from UN World Food Programme to UNICEF within Dubai Humanitarian have how much of each product, so they can approach them direct for support, knowing their current stock levels To Dubai Humanitarian-based aid agencies: Prepare more effectively by anticipating aid demand - as aid flows can be tracked over time, through its ongoing AI backed data analysis, Dubai Humanitarian can advise aid agencies when demand will likely peak and aid levels will run low. For example, during the August monsoon season in Bangladesh, Dubai Humanitarian identified the higher annual demand for tents and blankets. Aid agencies at Dubai Humanitarian can then build up stocks ahead of time Avoid price spikes - By building up stock ahead of demand spikes, aid agencies can manage stocks more effectively and purchase aid ahead of price surges. To Dubai Humanitarian Anticipate storage needs - Dubai Humanitarian continually analyses its data to understand changing demand for different types of aid. By recognising the increase in health product demand in the early years of the databank, Dubai Humanitarian were able to expand its cold storage solutions and were then more prepared for the Covid-19 response as a result. Global sustainability Reducing travel distances and carbon emissions - Due to Dubai's strategic geographic position on the path between Middle East, Asia and Africa, and Dubai Humanitarian being located only 10 minutes away from the Jebel Ali seaport and Al Maktoum airport, it enables the humanitarian community to reach, within 4-8 hours, two-thirds of the world population living in hazard-prone areas. Future view: locating local aid - As the databank grows to include up to 11 hubs, countries and organisations in need will be able to effectively locate their closest available aid, reducing travel time and emissions, with aid able to travel by road and sea rather than air. Interview opportunities or commentary: Giuseppe Saba, CEO, Dubai Humanitarian Giuseppe Saba is a leading logistics and support services expert. He is the founder of the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot Network (UNHRD) and joined Dubai Humanitarian as CEO in 2017, leading the launch of the Humanitarian Logistics Databank in 2018. Hanan Almarzooqi, Director of Operations & Humanitarian Initiatives, Dubai Humanitarian. Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2752735/Dubai_Humanitarian.jpg Images: https://we.tl/t-pvT6vEMYr6 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dubai-humanitarian-powerful-new-documentary-reveals-worlds-largest-humanitarian-logistics-hub-302532523.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada is pleased to announce that further to its 40-unit area development agreement for the province of Quebec signed on June 18th, 2025, and the announcement of its first signed franchise agreement on August 15th, it is pleased to announce that a second franchise agreement for Heal Wellness has been signed for the province of Quebec. Heal Wellness ("Heal"), a quick-service restaurant ("QSR") specializing in fresh smoothie bowls, acai bowls, and smoothies. Happy Belly 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/263039_56e30cf814d5e908_001full.jpg "This latest agreement represents a continued momentum in Heal's national expansion, especially into Quebec and underscores the growing momentum of Happy Belly's portfolio of emerging brands. With the signing of our second franchisee in Quebec, Heal is rapidly solidifying its presence in the province, demonstrating our ability to successfully introduce and scale brands in new markets. Alongside Rosie's Burgers and Yolks Breakfast, this expansion reinforces Happy Belly's proven track record of building and strengthening emerging concepts across Canada, now making meaningful inroads into Quebec," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly. "Quebec represents a significant opportunity for Heal, and the addition of a second franchisee underscores the confidence entrepreneurs have in our brand and growth model. Our Quebec-based area developer partners bring deep expertise in launching and supporting brand operations, ensuring Heal's success in the province. This latest franchise agreement demonstrates the scalability of our franchise model and our commitment to building a truly national footprint for Heal Wellness. Our vision remains clear-to establish Heal Wellness as the leading acai bowl and smoothie brand in Canada." Happy Belly 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/263039_56e30cf814d5e908_002full.jpg "The Happy Belly portfolio has 616 retail locations under contract-spanning projects in development, under construction, or already open-our franchise pipeline is robust. By carefully selecting the right partners and prime real estate, we will maintain momentum and achieve our disciplined growth objectives through 2026. "We are just getting started," said Sean Black. About Heal Wellness Heal Wellness was founded with a passion and mission to provide quick, fresh wellness foods that support a busy and active lifestyle. We currently offer a diverse range of smoothie bowls and smoothies. We take pride in meticulously selecting every superfood ingredient on our menu to fuel the body, including acai smoothie bowls, smoothies, and super-seed grain bowls. Our smoothie bowls are crafted with real fruit and enriched with superfoods like acai, pitaya, goji berries, chia seeds, and more. Franchising For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com. About Happy Belly Food Group Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada. Happy Belly 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/263039_56e30cf814d5e908_003full.jpg Sean Black Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer Shawn Moniz Co-founder, Chief Operating Officer Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263039 SOURCE: Happy Belly Food Group Inc. U.S. FDA ("FDA") confirms OST-HER2 meets biological definition of Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) FDA issues OST-HER2 BLA number in preparation for Accelerated Approval submission following End of Phase 2 Meeting FDA End of Phase 2 Meeting scheduled for August 27, 2025 to review Phase 2b clinical trial in the prevention or delay of recurrent, pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma Statistically significant 12-month Event Free Survival and interim 2-year Overall Survival and strong safety data in Phase 2b trial drives global accelerated/conditional approval pathways Commercial partnership with Eversana positions OST-HER2 for possible U.S. launch in first half of 2026 $4.2 million capital raise, closed July 11, 2025 via warrant exercise inducement and exchange offering, extends cash runway into mid-2026 NYSE American-listed OSTX included in the Russell Microcap, Russell Microcap Value and Russell Microcap Growth indexes New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - OS Therapies Inc. (NYSE American: OSTX) ("OS Therapies" or "the Company"), a clinical-stage cancer immunotherapy and antibody drug conjugate biotechnology company, today reported second quarter 2025 financial results ended June 30, 2025 and provided a business update. "The Company gained significant momentum in the second quarter as we began to make meaningful clinical and regulatory progress on our path towards bringing the first new treatment for osteosarcoma to market in the United States in the last 40 years," said Paul Romness, MPH, Chairman & CEO of OS Therapies. "Now midway through the third quarter, we have updated interim 2-year overall survival data readout that shows a statistically significant benefit for OST-HER2 treated patients, coupled with the final 12-month Event Free Survival ("EFS") that also shows statistically significant benefit for OST-HER2 treated patients, from our Phase 2b trial of OST-HER2 in the prevention or delay of recurrence in recurrent, fully resected, pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma. The congruence between the overall survival and EFS data gives our clinical and regulatory teams confidence that we are on strong footing as we march towards our goal of receiving a Biologics Licensing Application ("BLA") by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for OST-HER2 under the Accelerated Approval Program ("Accelerated Approval"). Importantly, our U.S. commercial partnership with Eversana positions us to be able to bring OST-HER2 to osteosarcoma patients in the first half of 2026." Mr. Romness continued, "So long as we receive a BLA for OST-HER2 prior to September 30, 2026, the Company is eligible to be granted a priority review voucher ("PRV"), as a result of OST-HER2's rare pediatric disease designation, that it intends to subsequently sell. Given that the most recent publicly disclosed PRV sale transaction was valued at $160 million in June 2025 versus a May 2025 PRV transaction that was valued at $155 million, we believe that the PRV market is likely to continue to see an increase in value moving forward." "Additionally, we have made progress internationally with our recent Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway ("ILAP") submission, which formally begins the regulatory process for OST-HER2 with the United Kingdom's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency ("MHRA") following a successful Scientific Advice Meeting ("SAM"), during which we were advised that MHRA recommends a synchronization of the approval process with the FDA via Project Orbis within 30 days of the BLA submission. We have also scheduled an October 2025 rapporteur meeting with the European Medicines Agency ("EMA") as the starting point for the approval process with Europe," noted Mr. Romness. Second Quarter 2025 Corporate Highlights: Reported final EFS data (35% vs. 20%, p = 0.0197) showing a statistically significant benefit from the Company's 40 patient Phase 2b clinical trial for OST-HER2-treated patients in the prevention or delay of recurrent, fully resected, pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma when compared with historical control at MIB Factor Strong safety profile with 0 patients having experienced grade 4 or grade 5 treatment-associated adverse events Entered into osteosarcoma U.S. commercial partnership with Eversana and initiated logistics and distribution state licensing process to support an expected launch in the first half of 2026 Granted new U.S. Patent & Trademark Office patent providing exclusivity for the new commercial manufacturing process for the listeria cancer immunotherapy platform through 2040 cancer immunotherapy platform through 2040 Submitted International Nonproprietary Name request to World Health Organization for OST-HER2 in preparation for international regulatory approvals, with approved name(s) expected in the third quarter of 2025 and final branded name upon BLA submission Completed acquisition of the listeria cancer immunotherapy platform from Ayala Pharmaceuticals, including 4 clinical-stage and 8 preclinical-stage immunotherapy candidates, significantly expanding the Company's pipeline cancer immunotherapy platform from Ayala Pharmaceuticals, including 4 clinical-stage and 8 preclinical-stage immunotherapy candidates, significantly expanding the Company's pipeline Formed subsidiary OS Animal Health to further strategic alternatives for the use of OST-HER2 in canine osteosarcoma following the announcement of positive data from canine osteosarcoma trials conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, expanding the potential uses of OST-HER2 beyond osteosarcoma metastasis prevention to include the prevention of amputation and control of pulmonary metastases Third Quarter 2025 Progress to Date and Future Milestones Progress to Date: In correspondence regarding the Company's Regenerative Medicines Advanced Therapy (RMAT) and Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) requests, the FDA confirmed OST-HER2 met the biological criteria to qualify as a "Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy" and indicated the FDA's intent to synchronize clinical safety and efficacy data review for the RMAT and BTD requests with the Company's pending Accelerated Approval request FDA issued BLA number for OST-HER2 in preparation for the anticipated OST-HER2 BLA filing following the Company's August 27, 2025 End of Phase 2 Meeting Reported updated interim (27 patient) 2-year overall survival data (66.6% vs. 40%, p = 0.0046) showing a statistically significant benefit for OST-HER treated in the Company's Phase 2b clinical trial of OST-HER2 in the prevention or delay of recurrent, fully resected, pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma when compared with control Submitted ILAP to MHRA following successful SAM meeting, and received advice to synchronize U.S. and U.K. regulatory approval processes via Project Orbis Granted rapporteur meeting with EMA to begin regulatory approval process in Europe Closed warrant exercise inducement and exchange offering, raising $4.2 million in gross proceeds via the cash exercise of warrants expiring in 2029 with an exercise price of $1.12 and issuance of an equal number of warrants expiring in 2030 with an exercise price of $3.00 and a forced exercise provision when the price of the Company's common stock reaches $9.00, and providing cash runway into mid-2026 NYSE American-listed OSTX common stock included in the Russell Microcap, Russell Microcap Value and Russell Microcap Growth indexes Entered into At-The-Market (ATM) offering sales agreement with B. Riley Securities and JonesTrading, enabling the Company to raise up to $18 million in gross proceeds through the sale of its common stock Shelter Me: Cancer Pioneers documentary featuring OST-HER2 treated human and canine patients nominated for 2 Daytime Emmy awards Upcoming 2025 Milestones: End of Phase 2 Meeting with FDA scheduled for August 27, 2025 regarding the OST-HER2 osteosarcoma program that is anticipated to provide the Company with the necessary insight to allow it to begin a rolling BLA submission Projected initiation of BLA submission in late Q3 2025 for OST-HER2, targeting the prevention of recurrent, fully resected, lung metastatic pediatric osteosarcoma following End of Phase 2 Meeting with FDA Rapporteur meeting with EMA scheduled for October 2025 Potential regulatory approval for OST-HER2 in the prevention or delay or recurrent, pulmonary metastatic osteosarcoma in the U.S. and U.K. as early as year-end 2025 Loss from Operations: The Company recorded a net operating loss of $4.537 million in the second quarter of 2025, compared with a net operating loss of $1.557 million in the second quarter of 2024. The increase in net loss was largely due to expenses associated with U.S. and international regulatory activities related to the OST-HER2 Phase 2b osteosarcoma program. Net loss per share in the second quarter of 2025 was $0.19 on 25.114 million weighted average shares outstanding, compared to second quarter of 2024 where the Company delivered a net loss of $0.26 per share on 5.991 million weighted average shares outstanding. About OS Therapies OS Therapies is a clinical stage oncology company focused on the identification, development, and commercialization of treatments for Osteosarcoma (OS) and other solid tumors. OST-HER2, the Company's lead asset, is an immunotherapy leveraging the immune-stimulatory effects of Listeria bacteria to initiate a strong immune response targeting the HER2 protein. OST-HER2 has received Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and Fast-Track and Orphan Drug designations from the U.S. FDA and European Medicines Agency. The Company reported positive data in its Phase 2b clinical trial of OST-HER2 in recurrent, fully resected, lung metastatic osteosarcoma, demonstrating statistically significant benefit in the 12-month event free survival (EFS) primary endpoint of the study. The Company anticipates submitting a Biologics Licensing Application (BLA) to the U.S. FDA for OST-HER2 in osteosarcoma in 2025 and, if approved, would become eligible to receive a Priority Review Voucher that it could then sell. OST-HER2 has completed a Phase 1 clinical study primarily in breast cancer patients, in addition to showing preclinical efficacy data in various models of breast cancer. OST-HER2 has been conditionally approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the treatment of canines with osteosarcoma. In addition, OS Therapies is advancing its next-generation Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) and Drug Conjugates (DC), known as tunable ADC (tADC), which features tunable, tailored antibody-linker-payload candidates. This platform leverages the Company's proprietary silicone Si-Linker and Conditionally Active Payload (CAP) technology, enabling the delivery of multiple payloads per linker. For more information, please visit www.ostherapies.com. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements and terms such as "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "may," "will," "should" or other comparable terms involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of OS Therapies and members of its management, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. OS Therapies cautions readers that forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to the approval of OST-HER2 by the U.S. FDA and other risks and uncertainties described in "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other subsequent documents the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by the federal securities laws, OS Therapies specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263049 SOURCE: OS Therapies SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Databricks , the Data and AI company, today announced it has signed a term sheet for its Series K round, which it expects to close soon with backing from existing investors. This funding values the company at >$100 billion. The company expects to use the new capital to accelerate its AI strategy - expanding Agent Bricks, investing in its new database offering Lakebase, and fueling global growth. At the June Data + AI Summit, Databricks introduced a new product, Agent Bricks, which builds high-quality, production AI agents optimized on your enterprise data, and Lakebase, a new type of operational database (OLTP), built on open source Postgres, and optimized for AI Agents. The investment is also expected to support future AI acquisitions and deepen AI research. "We're seeing tremendous investor interest because of the momentum behind our AI products, which power the world's largest businesses and AI services," said Ali Ghodsi, co-founder and CEO of Databricks. "Every company can securely turn its enterprise data into AI apps and agents to grow revenue faster, operate more efficiently, and make smarter decisions with less risk. Databricks is benefiting from an unprecedented global demand for AI apps and agents, turning companies' data into goldmines. We're thrilled this round is already over-subscribed and to partner with strategic, long-term investors who share our vision for the future of AI." This new investment comes on the heels of strong momentum for Databricks. In the last two quarters, the company has launched or expanded partnerships with Microsoft, Google Cloud, Anthropic, SAP, and Palantir. More than 15,000 customers around the world use the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to democratize access to data and AI, making it easier to harness the power of their data for analytics and AI apps and agents. Built on an open source foundation, the platform enables organizations to drive innovation that increases revenue, lowers costs, and reduces risk. About Databricks Databricks is the Data and AI company. More than 15,000 organizations worldwide - including Block, Comcast, Conde Nast, Rivian, Shell and over 60% of the Fortune 500 - rely on the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform to take control of their data and put it to work with AI. Databricks is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices around the globe and was founded by the original creators of Lakehouse, Apache Spark, Delta Lake, MLflow, and Unity Catalog. To learn more, follow Databricks on X , LinkedIn and Facebook . Contact: Press@databricks.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2693849/Databricks_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/databricks-is-raising-a-series-k-investment-at-100-billion-valuation-302533144.html New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Capucinne has expanded its engagement ring offerings with a concentrated emphasis on custom design, placing the Morganite ring at the forefront of this direction. The brand's approach reflects growing interest in alternative gemstones and individually crafted jewelry that aligns with modern values of authenticity, sentiment, and personal expression. The Morganite ring, recognized for its warm, pastel hues and meaningful associations, is central to this shift in preference away from conventional diamond-centric engagement pieces. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/262799_624abef364831a85_001full.jpg Morganite belongs to the beryl family of gemstones, which also includes aquamarine and emerald. Its peach and pink shades are the result of trace amounts of manganese, and its growing popularity can be attributed to both its visual appeal and symbolic significance. Often associated with emotional healing, compassion, and love, the Morganite ring has emerged as a favored choice among couples seeking depth and uniqueness in their jewelry selections. Capucinne's design philosophy centers on handcrafted production without reliance on generic styles or mass-produced templates. Each Morganite ring is made to order, with careful attention to detail and an open framework for customization. Clients are able to work with the studio to choose stone cuts, metal types, and design elements that align with personal style and meaning. This approach allows for the creation of pieces that function as more than adornment, serving instead as representations of shared narratives and values. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/262799_624abef364831a85_002full.jpg The range of available settings for a Morganite ring continues to expand, with options including solitaire arrangements, halo designs, three-stone combinations, asymmetrical forms, and modern geometric compositions. Each setting interacts with the tone of the Morganite in a distinct way, drawing out either its softness or contrast depending on the choice of metal and accompanying stones. Popular pairings such as rose gold enhance Morganite's blush tone, while white gold and platinum offer cooler contrasts. Yellow gold introduces a warmer, vintage-inspired aesthetic that complements the peach spectrum of the stone. Durability is also taken into account in the design process. With a Mohs hardness rating of 7.5 to 8, Morganite is suitable for regular wear when properly set and maintained. Capucinne incorporates protective design elements and recommends appropriate care to ensure each Morganite ring remains in good condition over time. Practical considerations are balanced with visual intent, resulting in pieces that are functional while retaining artistic integrity. This renewed focus on the Morganite ring corresponds with a broader rethinking of traditional engagement standards. As more couples prioritize uniqueness, emotional resonance, and transparency in the sourcing and crafting of fine jewelry, the demand for gemstones like Morganite continues to grow. Capucinne's collections reflect these changes, offering design pathways that emphasize individual agency and creative collaboration. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/262799_624abef364831a85_003full.jpg The Morganite ring collection is available through Capucinne's platform, which offers a design-driven experience rooted in craftsmanship and intentionality. The integration of custom options and handcrafted techniques positions Capucinne within a wider movement toward jewelry that embodies meaning and memory, with the Morganite ring as a central figure in this evolving narrative. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262799 SOURCE: GYT DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global LiDAR simulation market is projected to reach USD 4.01 billion by 2032, growing from USD 0.93 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 23.1%, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. Rapid advancements in autonomous driving technologies are driving strong demand for automotive LiDAR simulation, a critical component for achieving level 3 and higher vehicle autonomy, requiring thorough validation to ensure safety and reliability. Additionally, regulatory standards like UNECE R157 and China NCAP 2026 mandate precise environmental mapping and high-resolution object detection, necessitating sophisticated simulation tools like Kevsight's LTS and StudioViz. These platforms offer cost-effective replication of real-world scenarios, accelerating development while reducing hardware expenses, especially as OEMs push to mainstream LiDAR integration. The emphasis on sensor fusion and all-weather capabilities further increases the need for dynamic testing to address challenges like sensor crosstalk and environmental resilience. However, the high cost of LiDAR technology and simulation limitations-particularly the risk of missing rare real-world edge cases-may restrict its adoption in budget vehicles. Despite strong regulatory momentum in regions like Europe and China, inconsistent enforcement and competition from alternative sensor combinations, such as radar-camera fusion, suggest that LiDAR's growth will remain concentrated in premium vehicle segments. Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=66204434 Browse in-depth TOC on "LiDAR Simulation Market" 130 - Tables 57 - Figures 229 - Pages By LiDAR type, the solid-state LiDAR segment is projected to account for a significant share during the forecast period. Solid-state LiDAR offers significant advantages over traditional mechanical LiDAR systems and is widely used by many automakers. It is small and consumes low power, allowing its easy integration into vehicle designs, especially in electric vehicles where space and energy efficiency are crucial. Additionally, solid-state LiDAR delivers high-resolution and precise 3D mapping with rapid scanning capabilities, which is essential for real-time environment perception in autonomous driving. According to a web article published by Neuvition, Inc. (US) in February 2022, the pricing of solid-state LiDAR sensors used in passenger vehicles generally ranges from USD 600 to USD 750 per sensor for mid-range applications, such as level 2+ and level 3 autonomy, with complete LiDAR systems costing over USD 1,500 when multiple sensors are integrated. The cost advantage is significant, but early solid-state designs face challenges like a limited field of view and lower point density, potentially requiring various units, which could offset savings and delay mass adoption in budget segments. The durability claim is strong, yet real-world testing (e.g., SPIE 2024 data) highlights thermal issues in extreme climates, questioning its all-weather superiority. The advantages offered by solid-state LiDAR in terms of size, durability, cost, and performance are transforming autonomous vehicle sensing by elevating reliability and reducing barriers to large-scale adoption. These factors accelerate the rollout of sophisticated driver assistance systems and expand testing and simulation market opportunities. By method, the testing method segment is projected to dominate during the forecast period. The rising demand for LiDAR testing stems from the critical importance of real-world validation to ensure LiDAR systems accurately detect objects and map environments across challenging conditions, such as rain, fog, and urban complexity. This hands-on evaluation is essential for meeting stringent safety standards like Euro NCAP 2025 and UNECE R157, as manufacturers need to verify sensor accuracy, hardware reliability, and sensor fusion integration in actual vehicle environments. The push toward widespread adoption of LiDAR in autonomous vehicles further underscores the need for physical testing to confirm its capabilities, such as long-range detection (up to 400 meters with FMCW LiDAR), and to reduce false positives. Additionally, as the automotive industry evolves with iterative design improvements and OTA software upgrades, continuous field testing is pivotal in refining LiDAR algorithms and system performance. The growing aftermarket for LiDAR retrofit kits also heightens the need for rigorous physical validation. However, despite the accuracy and reliability advantages of real-world testing, it carries significant cost and logistical challenges, including weather variability and site access restrictions that may limit scalability, particularly in emerging markets where simulation-based validation gains momentum. Simultaneously, simulation remains indispensable for exploring rare edge cases and complex scenarios that are difficult to reproduce physically, thus highlighting that an optimal validation approach combines real-world testing and advanced simulation methods for robust, safe autonomous driving development. North America is projected to be the second-fastest-growing market during the forecast period. In North America, level?3 systems offering forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), and adaptive cruise control dominate the shift toward modernizing LiDAR technology. This shift is compelling OEMs to adopt LiDAR-enhanced sensor suites for accuracy and redundancy. Solid-state LiDAR integration is gaining traction in level 3 pilot programs, especially in premium ADAS packages for vehicles like the Volvo/EX90 (Luminar LiDAR), the BMW i7, and the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. States like Nevada and California have level 3 approval for autonomous driving in the US. Waymo (US) in North America operates over 600 robotaxis in San Francisco and expands into Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Silicon Valley, providing ~200,000 weekly rides by early 2025. Similarly, Cruise continues to prepare driverless services after San Francisco's setbacks. In June 2025, Zoox opened North America's first purpose-built robotaxi factory in Hayward and plans service launches in Las Vegas and San Francisco. All these factors are driving the growth of the market in North America. Commercial vehicle manufacturers like Daimler Truck are advancing level 4 autonomous commercial trucks with its latest flagship on-highway truck platform based on the Fifth Generation Freightliner Cascadia. In early 2025, the company started delivery to its autonomous testing subsidiary, Torc Robotics. These trucks would initially operate between specific freight hubs in states like Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Daimler and Torc aim to commercially enter the US market by 2027 with these level 4 autonomous trucks. Key Market Players of LiDAR Simulation Industry: Prominent players in the LiDAR Simulation Companies include Dekra (Germany), AVL (Austria), Valeo (France), RoboSense (China), Luminar Technologies (US), Vector Informak GmbH (Germany), Applied Intuition (US), Cognata (Israel), dSpace GmbH (Germany), and IPG Automotive GmbH (Germany). Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=66204434 This report provides insights on: Analysis of key drivers (Increase in safety regulation and shift toward virtual validation), key restraint (Emergence of alternative technologies), key opportunity (Cost reduction and scalability of testing infrastructure and development of advanced simulation and validation tool), and key challenge (Upfront cost of LiDAR) (Increase in safety regulation and shift toward virtual validation), key restraint (Emergence of alternative technologies), key opportunity (Cost reduction and scalability of testing infrastructure and development of advanced simulation and validation tool), and key challenge (Upfront cost of LiDAR) Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights into upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and product & service launches in the LiDAR simulation market Detailed insights into upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and product & service launches in the LiDAR simulation market Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets across varied regions Comprehensive information about lucrative markets across varied regions Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the LiDAR simulation market Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the LiDAR simulation market Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market share, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players, namely Dekra (Germany), AVL (Austria), Valeo (France), RoboSense (China), Luminar Technologies (US), Vector Informak GmbH (Germany), Applied Intuition (US), Cognata (Israel), dSpace GmbH (Germany), and IPG Automotive GmbH (Germany), among others. Related Reports: LiDAR Market Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Market Automotive RADAR Market Get access to the latest updates on LiDAR Simulation Companies and LiDAR Simulation Industry Growth About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. 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Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lidar-simulation-market-worth-4-01-billion-by-2032--marketsandmarkets-302533200.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. (TSXV: PTU) (OTCQB: PTUUF) ("Purepoint" or the "Company") announces that it has set the final size of its previously announced non-brokered flow-through private placement (the "Offering") at $6,000,000. The book is now fully subscribed, and no further subscriptions will be accepted. The Offering will now be comprised of a combination of the following: 3,846,154 Saskatchewan flow-through units of the Company (each, a " SFT Unit ") at a price of $0.65 per SFT Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,500,000 with each SFT Unit consisting of one common share of the Company to be issued on a "flow through" basis pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each a " SFT Share ") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a " Warrant "); ") at a price of $0.65 per SFT Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,500,000 with each SFT Unit consisting of one common share of the Company to be issued on a "flow through" basis pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each a " ") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a " "); 4,479,757 national flow-through units of the Company (each, a " NFT Unit ") at a price of $0.59 per NFT Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,643,057 with each NFT Unit consisting of one common share of the Company to be issued on a "flow through" basis pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each a " NFT Share ") and one Warrant; and ") at a price of $0.59 per NFT Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,643,057 with each NFT Unit consisting of one common share of the Company to be issued on a "flow through" basis pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each a " ") and one Warrant; and Up to 1,452,446 traditional flow-through units of the Company (each, a "TFT Unit", together with the SFT Unit and the NFT, the "Units") at a price of $0.59 per TFT Unit for aggregate gross proceeds up to $856,943 with each TFT Unit consisting of one common share of the Company to be issued on a "flow through" basis pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each a "TFT Share", together with the SFT Shares and the NFT Shares, the "FT Shares") and one Warrant. Each Warrant entitles its holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.50 per share for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. The gross proceeds of the FT Shares sold under the Offering will be used for Canadian Exploration Expenses (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) which qualify as a "flow-through mining expenditure" for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) related to the exploration program of the Company to be conducted on the Company's properties located in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. The Company will renounce such Canadian Exploration Expenses with an effective date of no later than December 31, 2025. The completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and corporate approvals, including the approval of the listing of the FT Shares and the Warrant Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange. Resale of the securities of the Company distributed under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada of four months and one day following the closing date of the Offering. The Company is targeting to close the Offering on or around August 28, 2025. About Purepoint Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. (TSXV: PTU) (OTCQB: PTUUF) is a focused explorer with a dynamic portfolio of advanced projects within the renowned Athabasca Basin in Canada. Highly prospective uranium projects are actively operated on behalf of partnerships with industry leaders including Cameco Corporation, Orano Canada Inc. and IsoEnergy Ltd. Additionally, the Company holds a promising VHMS project currently optioned to and strategically positioned adjacent to and on trend with Foran Corporation's McIlvenna Bay project. Through a robust and proactive exploration strategy, Purepoint is solidifying its position as a leading explorer in one of the globe's most significant uranium districts. For more information, please contact: For additional information please visit our new website at https://purepoint.ca, our Twitter feed: @PurepointU3O8 or our LinkedIn page @Purepoint-Uranium. Neither the Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Press release. Disclosure regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the completion of planned exploration activities, the ability of the Company to complete the Offering on the proposed terms or at all, statements regarding the tax treatment of the Units and the timing to renounce all Canadian Exploration Expenses, the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering and receipt of regulatory approvals with respect to the Offering. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company's planned exploration activities will be completed in a timely manner, that the Company will be able to complete the Offering on the terms as anticipated by management, that the Company will use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated, and that the Company will receive regulatory approval with respect to the Offering. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include the risk that the Company will not be able to complete the Offering on the terms as anticipated by management or at all, that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated, that the Company will not receive regulatory approval with respect to the Offering, risks relating to the actual results of current exploration activities, fluctuating uranium prices, possibility of equipment breakdowns and delays, exploration cost overruns, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. For Immediate Release - Not for Dissemination in the United States or through U.S. Newswire Services To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263009 SOURCE: Purepoint Uranium Group Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Tinka Resources Limited (TSXV: TK) (OTCQB: TKRFF) ("Tinka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has acquired, through its 100%-owned subsidiary Tinka Saudi Resources Corp., a minority stake in a mineral exploration property in Saudi Arabia prospective for gold deposits. The concession over the Property, known as "Huwaymidan", was acquired as the result of a successful competitive tender by a mining consortium including Tinka in Round 6 exploration licence auction held by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia (the "Ministry") in November 2024 (link here). The Ministry granted a concession over the Property to Midad Al Mona Mining Company ("Midad Al Mona"), a newly established Saudi Arabian company, in late July 2025. Tinka now owns a 5% carried interest in Midad Al Mona while our Saudi Arabian partner owns 94%. Midad Al Mona will be fully funded and capitalized by our Saudi partner for the first two years of the exploration program. Huwaymidan covers an area of 34 km2 in the Jiddah Terrane of the Saudi Arabian Shield (Figure 1). Numerous gold workings are known, while no mineral resources have been defined. Past trench sampling results include 10 g/t gold over 2.5 metres within a much wider clay - silica alteration zone with gold anomalism and a mapped strike of 1 km. Field work will commence in September 2025 with a program of mapping, rock sampling and ground-based geophysics (magnetics). An initial shallow drill program is planned for late 2025, and no additional permitting is required to allow drilling. Key highlights of the Huwaymidan Property acquisition: Huwaymidan is situated 300 km east of the Red Sea city of Jeddah in central Saudi Arabia, an area with excellent road access. The Property has historic gold workings (surface trench results up to 2.5 m @ 10 g/t Au) yet to be tested by modern exploration. There is no past drilling recorded. Much of the area is covered by shallow sand. The Property is located in an underexplored region of the Precambrian-age Arabian Shield prospective for orogenic gold. Deposits in the region include Ar Rjum (~ 3.9 Moz Au) just 30 km from Huwaymidan, and Mansourrah-Masarah gold mines (~ 7.5 Moz Au) operated by Maaden approximately 100 km from the Property (Figure 1); Midad Al Mona will be funded and capitalized by Kalimat Al Hikma our Saudi partner, a private company, to undertake the anticipated exploration programs in 2025 and 2026. Tinka will provide exploration expertise and technical leadership to Midad Al Mona and be paid consulting fees for all services provided; Tinka holds a 5% carried interest for the first two years. Afterwards, Tinka may continue to hold its interest by negotiating a renewed consulting agreement or via a funding arrangement. Dr. Graham Carman, Tinka's President and CEO, stated: "This new venture in Saudi Arabia is an exciting opportunity for our Company. Our Saudi partner is a well funded and well-respected family-run company based out of Jeddah. The project company will be funded and capitalized by our Saudi partner for at least the first two years, with Tinka providing exploration leadership and project oversight. Not only is there no upfront funding required by Tinka but we will be paid for all services provided." Dr. Carman continued: "Tinka gains critical access through this relationship to exploration and capital market opportunities in the Middle East. This is a huge capital market, which has started to diversify investments from hydrocarbon industries into new opportunities including in the mining sector. Importantly, the Saudi venture will not detract from our focus in Peru. On-ground activities in Saudi will largely be supervised by 3rd party geological consultants and locally sourced personnel." The Huwaymidan Gold Property Background Huwaymidan was awarded to the Midad Al Mona - Tinka consortium on November 24, 2024, following a competitive tender process under exploration licencing Round 6 by the Saudi government (link here). A concession over the Property was granted to Midad Al Mona in late July 2025 covering 34 km2. The ownership of Midad Al Mona is: Kalimat Al Hikma 94% (a local company), Tinka Saudi Resources Corp. 5% and Orthosa Pty. Ltd. 1% (a private Australian exploration consulting company not related to Tinka). Tinka is responsible for providing technical expertise and exploration leadership to Midad Al Mona, and in overseeing the field program to be largely undertaken by 3rd party consultants and local personnel. The Saudi partner will cover sufficient funding and capitalization for the first 2 years. Geology Huwaymidan is located 300 km east of Jeddah in the Jiddah Terrane (Figure 1). The Property is prospective for orogenic gold deposits hosted by Precambrian mafic volcanic and intrusive igneous rocks associated with shear zones. Past exploration data is limited to surface sampling for gold associated with old workings. Geochemical data from historic trenches returned results up to 2.5 m grading 10 g/t gold within a zone of hydrothermal clay-silica alteration with iron oxides up to 200 metres wide and 1 km in strike length (NW-SE). A reconnaissance field trip in January 2025 confirmed this zone of alteration in trench debris (with trenches largely infilled with recent sand) with check samples grading up to 6 g/t Au. Regionally, the Arabian Shield is composed of Proterozoic (~900-550 million year old) igneous and sedimentary rocks. Several large gold deposits are currently in operation within the Arabian Shield in Saudi Arabia and the Nubian Shield across the Red Sea in Egypt (including the world-class Sukari mine >10 Moz gold) - see Figure 1. The Huwaymidan Property lies within the Ash Shakhtaliyat belt consisting mostly of mafic volcanics and intrusive rocks. The Ar Rjum gold deposit (3.9 Moz Au) lies within the same belt 30 km to the southeast of the Property. Mansourrah-Masarah gold mines (~ 7.5 Moz Au) are located approximately 100 km to the east. Gold mineralization in these deposits is generally associated with shear zones and quartz veining hosted either in volcanic or intrusive rocks. The Jabal Sayid copper mine is a volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit approximately 150 km to the NNW of the Property. Key Deal Terms Tinka to have 5% carried ownership of Midad Al Mona for the first two years; Exploration to focus on the Huwaymidan Property for gold. All exploration and administration costs to be covered by our Saudi partner for the first two years (up to ~C$2.3 M); Tinka to provide exploration leadership to Midad Al Mona with Dr. Graham Carman as Technical Director; Consulting fees to be paid to Tinka technical personnel, at market rates, capped at US$250K over 2 years; Certain KPIs to be met by Tinka during the first two years in order to retain an interest in Huwaymidan, including the successful execution of a drill program; Following the initial two-year period, Tinka may continue to hold its interest via a renewed consulting agreement or by a funding arrangement; All shareholders to be locked-in for the first two years, a period when shareholders are unable to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of its shares or their interest in Midad Al Mona. Figure 1. Simplified Geology Map of the Saudi Arabian Shield and location of the Huwaymidan property To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2197/263041_4a0c4722a46d3a59_007full.jpg Data sources: Annual Reports for Maaden and Centamin (now AngloGold Ashanti) at Dec. 31, 2023 - Mineral Resource tables. About Tinka Resources Limited Tinka is an exploration and development company with its flagship property being the 100%-owned Ayawilca zinc-silver-tin project in central Peru, and is also exploring the nearby Silvia copper-gold project. Mineral Resources at Ayawilca include the Zinc Zone which has an estimated Indicated Mineral Resource of 28.3 Mt grading 5.8% zinc, 16.4 g/t silver, 0.2% lead and 91 g/t indium, and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 31.2 Mt grading 4.2% zinc, 14.5 g/t silver, 0.2% lead and 45 g/t indium. The Tin Zone at Ayawilca has an estimated Indicated Mineral Resource of 1.4 million tonnes grading 0.72% tin and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 12.7 Mt grading 0.76% tin. The Company filed a NI 43-101 technical report on an updated PEA for the Ayawilca Project on April 15, 2024 (link to NI 43-101 report here). Dr. Graham Carman, Tinka's President and CEO, has reviewed, verified and approved the technical contents of this release. Dr. Carman is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, and is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Forward-Looking Statements: Certain information in this news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the strategic review. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and expectations of Tinka as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Tinka's management. Such statements reflect the current risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to certain factors including, without limitations: timing and successful completion of the strategic review; timing of planned work programs and results varying from expectations; delay in obtaining results; changes in equity markets; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; equipment failure, unexpected geological conditions; imprecision in resource estimates or metal recoveries; success of future development initiatives; competition and operating performance; environmental and safety risks; timing of geological reports; the preliminary nature of the Ayawilca Project PEA and the Company's ability to realize the results of the Ayawilca Project PEA; the political environment in which the Company operates continuing to support the development and operation of mining projects; risks related to negative publicity with respect to the Company or the mining industry in general; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from local authorities; community agreements and relations; and, other development and operating risks. Should any one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein. Although Tinka believes that assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Tinka disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263041 SOURCE: Tinka Resources Limited NEW DELHI, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Astrology App Market is on track for remarkable expansion, projected to grow from USD 3 billion in 2024 to USD 9 billion by 2030, registering a robust CAGR of 20% during 2025-2030, according to new research from MarkNtel Advisors. This growth is fueled by the increasing integration of astrology into digital wellness platforms, rising consumer demand for personalized spiritual guidance, and the explosive growth of the global smartphone population, now exceeding 6.8 billion users. Astrology apps delivering daily horoscopes, compatibility assessments, Vedic astrology, Chinese astrology, tarot readings, numerology, and live consultations - are blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge AI and big data analytics to provide accurate, user-specific insights at scale. Top Players in the Global Astrology App Market The competitive landscape of the global astrology app industry comprises leading app developers, content providers, and wellness technology firms. Key players include Astrology Zone, TimePassages, Co-Star, Nebula, Astroyogi, Astro Talk, Fortune Scope, AstroSage, Astro Line, Psychic Txt, The Pattern, AstroMatrix, Sanctuary Astrology & Psychic, Daily Horoscope, and others. These companies are recognized for their innovative content delivery, user engagement strategies, and global reach, positioning them at the forefront of the digital astrology sector. Interested User Can Get a FREE sample of the report here:https://www.marknteladvisors.com/query/request-sample/astrology-app-market.html Why Astrology App Demand is Rising Worldwide: Rising Demand for Personalized Horoscope & Vastu Solutions Nearly 80% of millennials and Gen Z in the U.S. use personalized horoscopes for decisions related to careers, relationships, and finances. The ancient Indian science Vastu Shastra has also seen a 30% rise in online consultations in the U.S. and U.K. in the past two years, particularly among diaspora communities. Smartphone & Internet Penetration Countries like India - where 75% of households owned a smartphone in 2022 - present massive growth potential. This connectivity is enabling apps to penetrate deeper into rural and semi-urban markets. AI & Machine Learning Integration Apps such as Co-Star and The Pattern are leveraging AI and big data to deliver highly personalized readings using birth charts, planetary positions, and astrological houses. Spotlight on India's Market Boom: The India Astrology App Market size was valued at USD 163 million in 2024 and is projected to surge to USD 1,797 million by 2030, at an exceptional CAGR of 49.19% during 2025-2030. This growth is driven by: The country's rich Vedic astrology heritage. Increasing acceptance of astrology apps among younger, tech-savvy audiences. High smartphone adoption and improved mobile internet access. Expanding premium service offerings, from live consultations to AI-powered compatibility reports. India's unique combination of cultural relevance and digital readiness positions it as one of the fastest-growing astrology app markets in the world. Opportunities for Growth: The Global Astrology App Market is increasingly leveraging social media to enhance user engagement and promote consultations. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube allow astrologers to share tailored content and daily horoscopes, appealing primarily to Millennials and Gen Z. Hashtags like AstroTok generate billions of views, boosting app visibility. Collaborating with influencers and integrating live streaming features also increase credibility and meet the growing demand for personalized services. Access Complete Data Tables, Forecasts, Segment, and Competitor Profiles Here: https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/astrology-app-market.html Emerging Trends in the Astrology App Market AI-Driven Services: Chatbots, voice assistants, and predictive algorithms deliver instant, on-demand readings. Chatbots, voice assistants, and predictive algorithms deliver instant, on-demand readings. Social Community Features: Group discussions, forums, and friend compatibility sharing enhance retention. Group discussions, forums, and friend compatibility sharing enhance retention. Celebrity Endorsements: Influencer collaborations attract younger, pop culture-oriented audiences. Astrology App Market Challenges Data Privacy & Security: With astrology apps collecting sensitive user data (birth date, time, and location), strict adherence to GDPR and CCPA regulations is vital. Third-party cloud storage and analytics providers add further complexity to security compliance. Market Segmentation Insights By Type: The Global Astrology App Market features various types (Western Astrology Apps, Vedic Astrology Apps, Chinese Astrology Apps, Horoscope Apps, Tarot Card Apps, Numerology Apps, Others), notably Horoscope Apps, which hold about 40% of the market due to their wide appeal and user-friendliness. These apps deliver daily, weekly, and monthly horoscopes, attracting both casual and dedicated users. A 2024 survey found that over 35% of astrology app users primarily rely on horoscopes for personal and professional insights. Their social media connectivity and AI-driven personalized readings, like those from Co-Star and The Pattern, enhance user engagement, ensuring their ongoing popularity globally. By Revenue Model: Freemium apps dominate the astrology app market, holding about 45% market share by attracting a wide user base with basic free services like daily horoscopes and compatibility readings. They generate revenue from premium features such as detailed natal chart analyses and live consultations. Apps like Co-Star and Sanctuary Astrology exemplify this model by offering free forecasts alongside paid services. This approach not only boosts user growth but also capitalizes on seasonal demand, offering limited-time deals to enhance engagement. Regional Insights: Asia-Pacific Leading Growth North America South America Europe The Middle East & Africa Asia-Pacific The Asia-Pacific region dominates the Global Astrology App Market, holding about 30% market share. Countries like India and China boast strong cultural ties to astrology, with India's Vedic astrology and China's zodiac customs driving demand. The region's tech-savvy population and astrology apps in native languages enhance their appeal. With a rising need for personalized astrological guidance, this dominance is expected to continue in the future. Request Your Custom Astrology App Market Report - Regional or Country Specific - Get tailored insights for your exact target market. Related Questions You May Find Helpful: Q1. What is the projected size of the global astrology app market by 2030? A. The global astrology app market is expected to reach USD 9 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 20% between 2025 and 2030. Q2. Which region leads the global astrology app market? A. Asia-Pacific currently leads the market, driven by cultural relevance, high smartphone penetration, and the dominance of countries like India and China. Q3. What is the growth rate of the India astrology app market? A. The India Astrology App Market is forecast to grow at an exceptional CAGR of 49.19%, reaching USD 1,797 million by 2030. Q4. Who are the top astrology app companies in the global market? A. Leading brands include Astrology Zone, TimePassages, Co-Star, Nebula, Astroyogi, Astro Talk, Fortune Scope, AstroSage, The Pattern, AstroMatrix, and others. Q5. What revenue model dominates the astrology app industry? A. The freemium model holds around 45% market share, attracting a broad user base while monetizing through premium features like live consultations and in-depth compatibility reports. Q6. How is AI transforming astrology app services? A. AI and big data enable highly personalized horoscope readings, predictive algorithms, and real-time chatbot consultations, making astrology apps more accurate and engaging. Q7. What role does social media play in astrology app growth? A. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube act as powerful marketing channels, driving app installs and increasing engagement through astrology-related content such as AstroTok. Q8. What are the main challenges in the astrology app market? A. Key challenges include data privacy risks, cybersecurity threats, and compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA. Q9. How can astrology app developers increase revenue? A. By introducing subscription models, premium readings, AI-powered personalization, and partnerships with wellness platforms for cross-service offerings. Q10. Where can I get a detailed astrology app market report? A. You can request the full report at MarkNtel Advisors "Global Astrology App Market Research Report: Forecast (2025-2030)". Discover More Market Insights Like This One! - India Astrology App Market Research Report: Forecast (2025-2030) - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/india-astrology-app-market.html Global Cargo Drones Market Research Report: Forecast (2025-2030) - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/cargo-drones-market.html India Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Market Research Report: Forecast (2025-2030) - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/india-battery-energy-storage-system-market.html Vietnam Electric Vehicle Market Research Report: Forecast (2025-2030) - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/research-library/vietnam-electric-vehicle-market.html About Us - MarkNtel Advisors is a leading consulting, data analytics, and market research firm that provides an extensive range of strategic reports on diverse industry verticals. We being a qualitative & quantitative research company, strive to deliver data to a substantial & varied client base, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals, among others. We have our existence across the market for many years and have conducted multi-industry research across 80+ countries, spreading our reach across numerous regions like America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, etc., and many countries across the regional scale, namely, the US, India, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Brazil, and several others. Contact Us: MarkNtel Advisors Office No.109, H-159, Sector 63, Noida, Uttar Pradesh-201301, India Contact No: +91 8719999009 Email: sales@marknteladvisors.com Visit our Website: https://www.marknteladvisors.com Content Source: https://www.marknteladvisors.com/press-release/astrology-app-market-size Our Blogs - https://www.marknteladvisors.com/blogs Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2687299/MarkNtel_Advisors_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-astrology-app-market-to-triple-in-value-reaching-usd-9-billion-by-2030-fueled-by-ai-integration-digital-wellness-demand-and-personalized-services-markntel-advisors-302533313.html TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / TRU Precious Metals Corp. (TSXV:TRU)(FSE:706) ("TRU" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement (the "Agreement") with Copperhead Resources Inc. ("Copperhead"), pursuant to which the Company has granted the exclusive option to earn a 100% ownership interest in the Company's Twilite Gold Project ("Twilite" or "Property") which consists of 65 claims covering 1,625 hectares located in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt. Terms of the Agreement In order to exercise its option to acquire a 100% interest in Twilite, Copperhead must make cash payments and exploration expenditures, and must issue common shares of Copperhead ("Shares") as set out below: pay $25,000 in cash to TRU on August 18, 2025 (paid); on or before August 18, 2027, incur exploration expenditures of an aggregate of $75,000 plus applicable taxes on the Property; and on or before August 18, 2027: (i) pay additional $200,000 in cash to TRU; and (ii) issue such number of Shares of Copperhead to TRU as is equal in value to $300,000, at a deemed price per Share equal to the closing price of the Shares of Copperhead on the Canadian Securities Exchange on the day immediately prior to the Share issuance. Upon exercise of the option, Copperhead will grant TRU a 2.0% net smelter returns ("NSR") royalty from any future mineral production at Twilite. Throughout the terms of the Agreement, Copperhead shall have overall responsibility for the operations on the Property. All work on the Property in connection with the exploration expenditures shall be carried out by TRU at Copperhead's direction and at market rates. TRU CEO Steve Nicol stated: "We are pleased to be entering into this option agreement on the Twilite Project with Copperhead, which we see as continuing our stated aim of remaining focused upon efficiently discovering the full gold and copper potential of our flagship Golden Rose Project. Monetizing an asset which is not currently the focus of exploration activities by the Company, strengthens the Company's financial position whilst still enabling the Twilite Project to be advanced. About TRU Precious Metals Corp. TRU (TSXV:TRU, FSE:706) is on a mission to build long-term shareholder value through prudent natural resource property development. The company's flagship project is the Golden Rose Project a regional-scale 297.50 km2 land package in Central Western Newfoundland (includes a 33.25 km2 package of claims over which TRU has a 51% interest) which straddles a 45 km strike length along the gold deposit-bearing Cape Ray - Valentine Lake Shear Zone, directly between Equinox Gold Corp's Valentine Project and AuMEGA Metals Ltd' Cape Ray Gold Project. TRU is currently focused on efficiently discovering the full gold and copper potential at Golden Rose, targeting continuity along this proven gold bearing trend. The Golden Rose Project is currently subject to an Earn-In Agreement with TSX-listed Eldorado Gold Corporation ("Eldorado"), whereby Eldorado has the option to fund CAD15.25M in cash payments and exploration expenditures over 5 years to earn an 80%-interest in the Golden Rose project. Please refer to our July 30th, 2024 press release for further details of the agreement. TRU is approximately 36%-owned by European strategic investor Ormonde Mining plc (AQSE:ORM). For further information about TRU, please contact: Steve NICOL CEO TRU Precious Metals Corp. Phone: 1-855-760-2TRU (2878) Email: ir@trupreciousmetals.com To connect with TRU via social media, below are links: X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/metalstru YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TruMetalsCorp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tru-precious-metals-corp/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TRUMetals/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TRUMetals/ Acknowledgement TRU would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for financial support through the Junior Exploration Assistance Program and the Federal Government for its critical mineral assistance funding for the exploration activities at Golden Rose. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including those relating to completing the transactions contemplated by the Option Agreement and exploration potential of the Twilite Project. These statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Option Agreement and future corporate plans that are believed by management to be reasonable in the circumstances, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: the Option may never be exercised by Copperhead as proposed or at all; the exploration potential of the Twilite Project; risks inherent in mineral exploration activities; regulatory approval processes; and those other risks described in the Company's continuous disclosure documents. Actual results may differ materially from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements herein. Investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements herein except as required by applicable securities laws. This press release is solely the responsibility of TRU, and Eldorado is not in any way responsible or liable for the contents hereof. Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: TRU Precious Metals Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/tru-options-out-twilite-gold-project-to-copperhead-resources-inc.-1062651 WHITE ROCK, BC / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / Athena Gold Corporation (CSE:ATHA)(OTCQB:AHNRF) ("Athena Gold" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news releases dated September 11, 2024 and October 1, 2024, it has made its annual payment on its Laird Lake gold project in Red Lake, Ontario, in the amount of $50,000 through the issuance of 500,000 common shares to Bounty Gold Corp. ("Bounty Gold") at a deemed price of $0.05 per share and a cash payment of $25,000. The consideration was made pursuant to an option agreement dated August 19, 2024, between Bounty Gold, a private Ontario company, and Libra Lithium Corp. ("Libra") wherein Libra had the exclusive option to acquire an undivided 100% right, title and interest in the Laird Lake Project located in the Red Lake area of Ontario, Canada (the "Option") subject to certain terms and conditions. Pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated September 30, 2024, between Libra and the Company, the Company assumed all obligations of the Option to Bounty Gold by incurring cash payments and/or share issuances equal to up to $1,200,000 over the course of five years. The balance of the payments to be made under the Option are as follows: 1) $50,000 on or before August 19, 2026, of which up to 50% of such payment may be made in the form of common shares in the capital of the Company; 2) $50,000 on or before August 19, 2027, of which up to 50% of such payment may be made in the form of common shares in the capital of the Company; 3) $50,000 on or before August 19, 2028, of which up to 50% of such payment may be made in the form of common shares in the capital of the Company; and 4) $1,000,000 in cash on or before August 19, 2029, or alternatively i) payment of 75% in cash and the issuance of common shares in the capital of the Company equal to 25% of the payment, for a total payment of CDN $1,250,000; ii) payment of 50% in cash and the issuance of common shares in the capital of the Company equal to 50% of the payment, for a total payment of CDN $1,500,000; or iii) payment of 25% in cash and the issuance of common shares in the capital of the Company equal to 75% of the payment, for a total payment of CDN $1,750,000. In the event that the Company pays any of the option payments to Bounty Gold in the form of both cash and common shares, the number of shares to be issued and the price per share will be determined with the number of shares being based on a per share deemed issue price equal to the 30-day VWAP of the shares for the period of any twenty (20) consecutive trading days on the Canadian Securities Exchange ending on the date that is three business days prior to the date of issuance of the additional common shares. The issuance of common shares in partial payment is at the Company's discretion. All securities issued in connection with the Option are subject to approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange and a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day after the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation. All securities issued in connection with the Option have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) or persons in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will there be any sale of the foregoing securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Shares for Debt The Company has agreed to settle outstanding debt in the amount of $49,050 (the "Debt") owing to an arm's length creditor for unpaid consulting services through the issuance of 981,000 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Shares") at a deemed price of $0.05 per share (the "Debt Transaction"). The Board of Directors has determined it is in the best interests of the Company to settle the outstanding Debt through the issuance of the Shares to preserve the Company's cash for ongoing operations. Closing of the Debt Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange, and intends to close as soon as practicable. The Shares to be issued pursuant to the Debt Transaction will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The Shares issued pursuant to the Debt Transaction have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) or persons in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will there be any sale of the foregoing securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Athena Gold Corporation Athena Gold is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets. Its objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to conduct additional exploration drilling and studies on its projects across North America. Athena Gold's Laird Lake project is situated in the Red Lake Gold District of Ontario, covering over 5,000 hectares along more than 10 km of the Balmer-Confederation Assemblage contact, where recent surface sampling results returned up to 373 g/t Au. This underexplored area is road-accessible, located about 10 km west of West Red Lake Gold's Madsen mine and 34 km northwest of Kinross Gold's Great Bear project. Meanwhile, its Excelsior Springs Au-Ag project is located in the prolific Walker Lane Trend in Nevada, where it is currently under option by Mammoth Minerals Limited (formerly, Firetail Resources Limited). Excelsior Springs spans over 2,500 hectares and covers at least three historic mines. Athena Gold also holds a 100% interest in its Oneman Lake Au-VMS project in Ontario and its Crow Springs Au-Cu project in Nevada. For further information about Athena Gold Corporation, please visit www.athenagoldcorp.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Koby Kushner President and Chief Executive Officer, Athena Gold Corporation For further information, please contact: Athena Gold Corporation Koby Kushner, President and Chief Executive Officer Phone: 416-846-6164 Email: kobykushner@athenagoldcorp.com CHF Capital Markets Cathy Hume, CEO Phone: 416-868-1079 x 251 Email: cathy@chfir.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and US. securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding future exploration plans, future results from exploration, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", 'potential", "scheduled", or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this press release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that there will be investor interest in future financings, market fundamentals will result in sustained precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration and development of the Company's projects in a timely manner. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this press release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise stated. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Athena Gold Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/athena-gold-makes-annual-option-payment-on-laird-lake-1062659 -42.50 m of 0.96% Cu, 0.28 gpt Au and 5.10 gpt Ag (1.05% CuEq1) from 15.00m to 57.50m in Hole CC25_036 including 16.35m of 1.68% Cu, 0.67 gpt Au and 8.29 gpt Ag (1.90% CuEq 1 ) and 1.30m of 11.05% Cu, 4.31 gpt Au and 30.60 gpt Ag (12.12% CuEq1). -44.55 m of 0.74% Cu, 0.20 gpt Au and 35.00 gpt Ag (1.04% CuEq1) from 3.10m to 47.65m in Hole CC25_033 including 21.60m of 1.47% Cu, 0.36 gpt Au and 64.65 gpt Ag (1.92% CuEq1). Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Intrepid Metals Corp. (TSXV: INTR) (OTCQB: IMTCF) ("Intrepid" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from holes drilled at the Holliday and Earp Zones as part of the ongoing 2025 drill program at the Company's Corral Copper Property ("Corral" or the "Property") in Cochise County, Arizona. To date, eight holes have been drilled at Ringo, three at Holliday and three at Earp as part of the 2025 drill program for a combined total of fourteen holes totalling 3,696 meters ("m") (see Figure 1). The latest six holes continue to build on the encouraging mineralization identified in earlier drilling and further validate the potential of Corral as an emerging copper asset in a highly prospective district. "The first drill results of 2025 from the Holliday and Earp zones continue to deliver strong outcomes, building on the momentum from last year," said Ken Engquist, CEO of Intrepid Metals. "Positioned northwest of Ringo, these results help define the true size of the corridor, filling in key gaps along the 3.5-kilometer trend and reinforcing our confidence in the scale and potential of this mineralized system." Highlights from Holes CC25_031 to CC25_036: CC25_036 42.50 m of 0.96% Copper ("Cu"), 0.28 grams per ton ("gpt") Gold ("Au") and 5.10 gpt Silver ("Ag") (1.05% Copper Equivalent ("CuEq") 1 ) including . 16.35m of 1.68% Cu, 0.67 gpt Au and 8.29 gpt Ag (1.90% CuEq 1 ) and 1.30m of 11.05% Cu, 4.31 gpt Au and 30.60 gpt Ag (12.12% CuEq 1 ). including CC25_035 65.45 m of 0.25% Cu, 0.07 gpt Au and 2.39 gpt Ag (0.28% CuEq 1 ) including . 18.95m of 0.46% Cu, 0.12 gpt Au and 2.96 gpt Ag (0.49% CuEq 1 ). including CC25_033 44.55 m of 0.74% Cu, 0.20 gpt Au and 35.00 gpt Ag (1.04% CuEq 1 ) including 21.60m of 1.47% Cu, 0.36 gpt Au and 64.65 gpt Ag (1.92% CuEq 1 ). including CC25_032 97.80 m of 0.21% Cu, 0.26 gpt Au and 5.82 gpt Ag (0.42% CuEq 1 ) including, 48.20m of 0.34% Cu, 0.32 gpt Au and 6.77 gpt Ag (0.59% CuEq 1 ) and 3.35m of 1.26% Cu, 2.24 gpt Au and 14.43 gpt Ag (2.49% CuEq 1 ). including, Figure 1: Drill plan map from the Corral Copper Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6187/262928_af14e658f484c908_001full.jpg Table 1: Drill intercepts for the Holliday and Earp Zones1 Drill Hole Details Analyzed Grade Diluted Metal Equivalent1 DRILL HOLE FROM (m) TO (m) LENGTH (m) COPPER (%) GOLD (ppm) SILVER (ppm) ZINC (%) CUEQ (%) AUEQ (ppm) CC25_031 14.35 90.80 76.45 0.15 0.32 4.77 0.03 0.36 0.49 Incl. 28.30 54.15 25.85 0.26 0.33 7.70 0.03 0.47 0.65 CC25_031 123.55 141.50 17.95 0.07 0.19 1.98 0.02 0.19 0.25 CC25_031 160.25 205.75 45.50 0.27 0.10 4.89 0.03 0.33 0.45 Incl. 180.00 192.00 12.00 0.89 0.25 12.63 0.03 0.99 1.36 CC25_031 265.00 275.50 10.50 0.11 0.05 2.47 0.02 0.15 0.20 CC25_031 300.45 304.50 4.05 0.00 0.02 39.37 0.03 0.29 0.39 CC25_032 5.20 103.00 97.80 0.21 0.26 5.82 0.18 0.42 0.57 Incl. 11.30 59.50 48.20 0.36 0.36 7.21 0.20 0.61 0.84 And 56.15 59.50 3.35 1.26 2.24 14.43 0.04 2.49 3.42 CC25_032 114.90 154.05 39.15 0.01 0.06 3.06 0.22 0.12 0.16 CC25_032 171.75 188.90 17.15 0.01 0.15 8.56 0.13 0.19 0.26 CC25_032 199.95 220.30 20.35 0.03 0.26 8.50 0.26 0.30 0.41 Incl. 208.35 215.15 6.80 0.06 0.53 19.31 0.63 0.65 0.89 And 212.65 213.85 1.20 0.14 1.29 27.20 0.44 1.16 1.59 CC25_033 3.10 47.65 44.55 0.74 0.20 35.00 0.23 1.04 1.43 Incl. 3.10 24.70 21.60 1.47 0.36 64.65 0.09 1.92 2.63 Incl. 29.15 32.50 3.35 0.11 0.04 6.87 0.93 0.39 0.53 CC25_033 61.20 71.00 9.80 0.02 0.05 5.71 0.24 0.14 0.20 CC25_033 153.00 164.70 11.70 0.49 0.42 18.42 0.03 0.79 1.09 Incl. 158.10 164.70 6.60 0.83 0.61 29.91 0.03 1.27 1.75 CC25_033 206.00 228.75 22.75 0.01 0.20 5.17 0.11 0.18 0.25 CC25_034 0.00 22.50 22.50 0.06 0.03 0.69 0.08 0.10 0.13 CC25_034 69.00 95.50 26.50 0.10 0.02 0.72 0.07 0.12 0.17 CC25_035 18.55 84.00 65.45 0.25 0.07 2.39 0.03 0.28 0.38 Incl. 18.55 37.50 18.95 0.46 0.12 2.96 0.04 0.49 0.67 And 18.55 28.35 9.80 0.73 0.21 4.74 0.06 0.79 1.08 Incl. 58.55 71.20 12.65 0.48 0.10 3.64 0.06 0.51 0.70 And 58.55 60.55 2.00 1.90 0.06 5.80 0.00 1.69 2.32 CC25_035 116.00 123.50 7.50 0.11 0.09 0.66 0.05 0.17 0.23 Incl. 116.00 117.50 1.50 0.30 0.34 1.20 0.08 0.48 0.66 CC25_036 15.00 57.50 42.50 0.96 0.28 5.10 0.16 1.05 1.44 Incl. 15.00 23.60 8.60 0.88 0.01 3.47 0.41 0.88 1.21 Incl. 27.40 35.00 7.60 0.43 0.08 5.64 0.20 0.50 0.68 Incl. 35.90 52.25 16.35 1.68 0.67 8.29 0.08 1.90 2.60 And 41.00 42.30 1.30 11.05 4.31 30.60 0.03 12.12 16.62 CC25_036 66.20 73.50 7.30 0.08 0.03 0.71 0.12 0.12 0.16 CC25_036 78.55 130.05 51.50 0.12 0.03 0.38 0.06 0.14 0.20 CC25_036 149.75 154.50 4.75 0.16 0.03 1.32 0.02 0.17 0.23 CC25_036 161.10 169.05 7.95 0.08 0.02 0.52 0.02 0.08 0.12 CC25_036 198.35 199.05 0.70 0.82 0.04 1.60 0.00 0.73 1.00 Economic Geology of Corral Precious and base metal mineralization at Corral is concentrated in structurally controlled northeast dipping siliciclastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks including (oldest to youngest) Cambrian Bolsa Quartzite, upper-Cambrian Abrigo Limestone, Devonian Martin limestone and Mississippian Escabrosa limestone as well as in Jurassic intrusions. The most intense mineralization occurs in the Abrigo and Escabrosa limestones (main host rocks) and locally in the Bolsa Quartzite. These host rocks are intruded by Jurassic mineralized intrusions including the Star Hill, Copper Bell and Sniveler porphyries, quartz latite sills, in addition to discordant porphyry-style mineralized breccia bodies. The Corral Copper Property includes the Holliday, Earp and Ringo Zones (northwest to southeast), which are related domains of discontinuously outcropping, locally high grade CRD, skarn and distal porphyry style mineralization and associated supergene enrichment. The mineralization framework is interpreted as a distal porphyry copper geological environment. Recent geological mapping, sampling, prospecting and new drill hole data indicate that the Holliday, Earp and Ringo CRD/skarn zones are spatially separate expressions of magmatic-hydrothermal systems which each have root porphyry mineralization potential. A significant component of Intrepid's discovery strategy at Corral is to use alteration and mineralization zonation and the recent recognition of the structural framework to vector toward one or more mineralized porphyry copper centers (see News Release dated April 15, 2025). Technical Information All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by, or approved by Daniel MacNeil, P.Geo. Mr. MacNeil is a Technical Advisor to the Company and is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. MacNeil has verified the drilling data disclosed in this news release, including the assay and test data underlying the information or opinions contained in this news release. Mr. MacNeil verified the data disclosed (or underlying the information disclosed) in this news release by reviewing imported and sorted assay data; checking the performance of blank samples and certified reference materials; reviewing the variance in field duplicate results; and reviewing grade calculation formulas. Mr. MacNeil detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data and is not aware of any sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the drilling data referred to in this release. Table 2: Drill Hole Location Information for Holes CC25-026 through CC25_040 DRILL START END EASTING NORTHING ELEVATION AZIMUTH INCLINATION DEPTH HOLE DATE DATE (m) (m) (m) () () (m) CC25_026 2025-04-28 2025-05-03 613245 3514003 1424 0 -90 234.4 CC25_027 2025-05-04 2025-05-08 613265 3514017 1423 0 -90 224.65 CC25_028 2025-05-09 2025-05-16 613267 3513936 1420 0 -90 240.8 CC25_029 2025-05-17 2025-05-23 613353 3513985 1415 225 -60 305.1 CC25_030 2025-05-24 2025-05-30 613219 3513900 1423 0 -90 270.7 CC25_031 2025-05-31 2025-06-06 611891 3515918 1501 235 -40 320.65 CC25_032 2025-06-07 2025-06-12 612028 3515934 1472 0 -90 313.05 CC25_033 2025-06-12 2025-06-17 612135 3515757 1485 235 -80 230.1 CC25_034 2025-06-18 2025-06-22 612169 3514840 1495 250 -45 204.2 CC25_035 2025-06-22 2025-06-29 612258 3514776 1494 245 -50 249.95 CC25_036 2025-06-30 2025-07-06 612177 3514898 1497 250 -50 219.6 CC25_037 2025-07-07 2025-07-18 613050 3514029 1435 0 -90 320.00 CC25_038 2025-07-19 2025-07-29 613337 3513870 1422 0 -90 282.55 CC25_039 2025-07-30 2025-08-09 613276 3513906 1420 0 -90 255.75 CC25_040* 2025-08- 613341 3513664 1438 0 -90 *Hole in progress at time of news release Quality Assurance and Quality Control Drill core was first reviewed by a geologist, who identified and marked intervals for sampling. The marked sample intervals were then cut in half with a diamond saw; half of the core was left in the core box and the other half was removed, placed in plastic bags, sealed and labeled. Intervals and unique sample numbers are recorded on the drill logs and the samples are sequenced with standards and blanks inserted according to a predefined QA/QC procedure. The samples are maintained under security on site until they are shipped to the analytical lab. All core samples were sent to ALS Geochemistry (ALS), a division of ALS Global, in Tucson, Arizona, for sample preparation, with pulps sent to the ALS Geochemistry laboratory in Reno, Nevada for analysis. ALS meets all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015 for analytical procedures and is independent of the Company. HQ size core was split and sampled over approximately two metre intervals. Samples were analyzed using: ALS's Fire Assay Fusion method (Au-AA23) with an AA finish for gold and by gravimetric finish (Au-GRA21) for samples assaying greater than 10 ppm (gpt) gold; by a 36-element four acid digest ICP-AES analysis (ME-ICP61) with additional analysis for Ore Grade Cu (Cu-OG62), Ore Grade Zn (Zn-OG62) and Ore Grade Pb (Pb-OG62); and for silver assays above 100 ppm (g/t) by Fire Assay Fusion method with gravimetric finish (Ag-GRA21). ME-ICP61 results were reported in parts per million (ppm), Ore Grade (OG62) results were reported in percent (%). In addition to ALS quality assurance-quality control (QA/QC) protocols, Intrepid implements an internal QA/QC program that includes the insertion of sample blanks, duplicates, and standards, with QA QC control samples comprising approximately 10% of the sample stream. About Corral Copper The Corral Copper Property, located near historical mining areas, is an advanced exploration and development opportunity in Cochise County, Arizona. Corral is located 15 miles east of the famous mining town of Tombstone and 22 miles north of the historic Bisbee mining camp which has produced more than 8 billion pounds of copper3. Production from the Bisbee mining camp, or within the district as disclosed in the next paragraph, is not necessarily indicative of the mineral potential at Corral. The district has a mining history dating back to the late 1800s, with several small mines extracting copper from the area in the early 1900s, producing several thousand tons. Between 1950 and 2008, various companies explored parts of the district, but the effort was uncoordinated, non-synergistic and focused on discrete land positions and commodities due to the fragmented ownership. There is over 50,000m of historical drilling at Corral mainly centered on the Ringo, Earp and Holliday Zones and although this core has been destroyed, Intrepid has a historical digital drill hole archive database which the Company uses for the purposes of exploration targeting and drill hole planning. Intrepid, through ongoing exploration drilling and surface geological mapping, sampling and prospecting is increasing confidence in the validity of these data. The Corral Copper Property is comprised of the Excelsior Property, the CCCI Properties, the Sara Claim Group and the MAN Property. The Company has completed the acquisition of the Excelsior Property and Sara Claim Group through purchase and sale agreements. The Company has the right to acquire the corporate group that holds the CCCI Properties through an option agreement. The Company has the right to acquire the MAN Property through an option agreement. See the "Commitments" section of the Company's most recently filed Management Discussion and Analysis for further details. Intrepid is confident that by combining modern exploration techniques with historical data and with a clear focus on responsible development, the Corral Copper Property can quickly become an advanced exploration stage project and move towards development studies. About Intrepid Metals Corp. Intrepid Metals Corp. is a Canadian company focused on exploring for high-grade essential metals such as copper, silver, and zinc mineral projects in proximity to established mining jurisdictions in southeastern Arizona, USA. The Company has acquired or has agreements to acquire several drill ready projects, including the Corral Copper Project (a district scale advanced exploration and development opportunity with significant shallow historical drill results), the Tombstone South Project (within the historical Tombstone mining district with geological similarities to the Taylor Deposit, which was purchased for $1.3B in 20184, though mineralization at the Taylor Deposit is not necessarily indicative of the mineral potential at the Tombstone South Project) both of which are located in Cochise County, Arizona and the Mesa Well Project (located in the Laramide Copper Porphyry Belt in Arizona). Intrepid has assembled an exceptional team with considerable experience with exploration, developing, and permitting new projects within North America. Intrepid is traded on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) under the symbol "INTR" and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol "IMTCF". For more information, visit www.intrepidmetals.com. INTREPID METALS CORP. On behalf of the Company "Ken Engquist" CEO Notes 1 Composite intervals are calculated using length weighted averages based on a combination of lithological breaks and copper, gold, silver and zinc assay values according to a 0.10% CuEq cutoff (see below) and include a maximum of 10 meters of internal dilution. All intervals reported are down hole core lengths, and true thicknesses have yet to be determined. Mineral resource modeling is required before true thicknesses can be estimated. Analyzed Grade corresponds composite weighted ("composites") averages of laboratory analyses. Metal Equivalent assumes estimated recovery factors including 85% recovery for copper, and 80% recovery for gold, silver and zinc for reported composite intervals. Metal prices used for the CuEq and AuEq calculations are in USD based on Ag $22.00/oz, Au $1900/oz, Cu $3.80/lb, Zn $1.15/lb The following equation was used to calculate copper equivalence: CuEq = Copper (%) (85% rec.) + (Gold (g/t) x 0.71)(80% rec.) + (Silver (g/t) x 0.0077)(80% rec.) + (Zinc (%) x 0.28)(80% rec.). The following equation was used to calculate gold equivalence: AuEq = Gold (gpt)(80% rec.) + (Copper (%) x 1.4085)(85% rec.) + (Silver (gpt) x 0.0108)(80% rec.) + (Zinc (%) x 0.4188)(80% rec.). Analyzed metal equivalent calculations are reported for illustrative purposes only. The metal chosen for reporting on an equivalent basis is the one that contributes the most dollar value after accounting for assumed recoveries. 2 Data disclosed in this news release includes historical drilling results and information derived from historic drill results, Intrepid Metals has not undertaken any independent investigation of the sampling, nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work to verify the results. Intrepid considers these historical data relevant as the Company is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. The Company's current and future exploration work includes verification of the historical data through diamond drilling. 3 Information disclosed in this news release regarding the historic Bisbee Camp can be found on the Copper Queen Mine website and on the City of Bisbee website (www.bisbeeaz.gov/2174/Bisbee-History). 4 Details regarding the sale of the Taylor Deposit can be found in South32 News Release dated October 8, 2018 (South32 completes acquisition of Arizona Mining). Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements relate to: the potential of the property; the interpretation of drills results; potential of Corral as an emerging copper asset in a highly prospective district; the potential of the mineralized system; the potential for porphyry mineralization; the completion of additional drillholes; the exploration potential of the Corral Copper Property and the Company's other mineral projects; and potential future production. In certain cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "occur" or "be achieved" suggesting future outcomes, or other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, intentions or statements about future events or performance. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the Company can raise additional financing to continue operations; the results of exploration activities, commodity prices, the timing and amount of future exploration and development expenditures, the availability of labour and materials, receipt of and compliance with necessary regulatory approvals and permits, the estimation of insurance coverage, and assumptions with respect to currency fluctuations, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, and other similar matters. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to the ability to access infrastructure, risks relating to the failure to access financing, risks relating to changes in commodity prices, risk related to unanticipated geological or structural formations and characteristics risks related to current global financial conditions, risks related to current global financial conditions and the impact of any future global pandemic on the Company's business, reliance on key personnel, operational risks inherent in the conduct of exploration and development activities, including the risk of accidents, labour disputes and cave-ins, regulatory risks including the risk that permits may not be obtained in a timely fashion or at all, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks, risks related to disputes concerning property titles and interests, environmental risks and the additional risks identified in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's reports and filings with applicable Canadian securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262928 SOURCE: Intrepid Metals Corp. Sudbury, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Magna Mining Inc. (TSXV: NICU) (OTCQX: MGMNF) (FSE: 8YD) ("Magna" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on exploration activities and assay results from the ongoing exploration at the Levack Mine (Figure 1). Results include the initial assays from the near surface portion of the No.1 nickel-copper ("Ni-Cu") zone, supporting the Levack Mine restart study. Highlights from the new assay results include: MLV-25-21 2.3% Ni, 0.7% Cu, 0.3 g/t Pt + Pd + Au over 28.0 metres Including 6.6% Ni, 0.7% Cu, 0.6 g/t Pt + Pd + Au over 2.4 metres And 3.3% Ni, 1.0% Cu, 0.5 g/t Pt + Pd + Au over 12.4 metres MLV-25-22 2.4% Ni, 0.8% Cu, 0.3 g/t Pt + Pd + Au over 15.5 metres And 3.2% Ni, 2.2% Cu, 1.4 g/t Pt + Pd + Au over 1.9 metres Dave King, SVP Exploration and Geoscience stated, "We are pleased to announce initial assay results from the near surface drilling on the No. 1 Contact Ni-Cu zones at the Levack Mine. Drilling in this area will provide the data required to advance the Levack restart study and provide appropriate drill density to support the higher level of geological confidence required for our upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate. In addition to the Keel Copper-PGE ("Cu-PGE") zone, initial mining from this zone could be accessed via a new ramp from surface. The intersections reported today are approximately 135 to 155 metres from surface and confirm Magna's belief that there are significant areas of wide, high grade nickel mineralization at shallow depths remaining at the Levack Mine." Diamond Drilling and Exploration Plan There are currently two surface diamond drills operating at the Levack Mine, one completing near surface infill and metallurgical drillholes on the No. 1 and No. 2 and Main zones, and a second drill exploring the footwall environment between the No. 3 Ni-Cu Zone and the Morrison Cu-PGE deposit. The first drill has completed a number of holes in the No. 1 and No. 2 zones, and is currently testing an area to the east of the Main OB (see Figure 2), to expand on known Ni-Cu mineralization which locally tends to have higher precious metals and could potentially be accessed early in a mine restart plan. Once this drilling is completed, it is expected that this drill will also transition to testing the footwall area below the No. 3 OB, where the second diamond drill has been exploring for the past two months. Here, the second drill is currently drilling a wedge hole to test approximately 150 metres below the intersection in hole MLV-25-14A which graded 2.6% Cu, 8.1% Ni, 17.8 g/t Pt + Pd + Au over 0.6 metres (reported on July 9, 2025). Since releasing the results of MLV-25-14A, a historical drillhole FNX6083 was extended to provide a geophysical platform hole, and a wedge off hole FNX6083 has been completed based on the results of the geophysical survey. Assay results for these holes are pending and are expected to be released in the coming weeks In addition to the surface diamond drills, an underground diamond drill will begin drilling at the Levack Mine within the current quarter, and a second underground diamond drill is expected to begin drilling in Q4. These drills will be focused on testing the area further downdip and on strike of the area below the No. 3 zone, as well as following up on the east side of the Fecunis fault, where historical hole FNX21200 intersected 33.4% Cu, 0.9% Ni & 23.9 g/t Pt + Pd + Au over 0.2 metres. This area is interpreted as potentially having a vertical vein system, subparallel to the Fecunis fault. The intersection in FNX21200 is open in all directions. The footwall copper systems in the North Range of the Sudbury Basin commonly have a thicker (2-10 metres) massive sulphide veins in the central core, with sulphide veins narrowing along strike, near the margins of the deposit. We are encouraged by the potential in this area are planning follow-up exploration once underground drilling is underway. The drilling reported from the Keel Cu-PGE zone targeted the extensions of the known mineralization and areas in proximity to a conceptual ramp design to aid in detailed planning and support of the restart study for the Levack Mine. Assays are summarized in Table 1 and drillhole collar information is presented in Table 2. Figure 1: Location of Magna Mining's Existing Properties, and Key Sudbury Infrastructure To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8002/263001_bba609fd545f4a3b_001full.jpg Figure 2: Oblique 3D View Looking North-East, Showing the Levack Mine Mineralized Zones In Relation to the Current Drilling. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8002/263001_bba609fd545f4a3b_002full.jpg Table 1: Summary of Drillhole Results Drillhole Property Zone From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu % Ni % Co % Pt g/t Pd g/t Au g/t TPM g/t NiEq CuEq MLV-25-16 Levack Keel No Significant Assays MLV-25-17 Levack Keel 28.85 29.64 0.79 1.30 0.37 0.01 0.07 0.21 0.03 0.31 1.07 1.90 And 36.40 36.80 0.40 1.07 0.54 0.01 0.05 0.10 0.04 0.19 1.08 1.93 MLV-25-18 Levack Keel Assays Pending MLV-25-19 Levack Keel 132.92 133.22 0.30 17.24 0.90 0.02 0.19 0.24 0.08 0.51 10.11 18.00 MLV-25-20 Levack Keel 82.18 83.44 1.26 0.96 0.06 0.00 0.85 1.48 0.27 2.59 0.98 1.74 And 122.18 122.54 0.36 0.07 3.50 0.02 1.06 2.19 0.02 3.27 3.50 6.23 MLV-25-21 Levack No. 1 145.75 173.78 28.03 0.73 2.30 0.07 0.21 0.13 0.01 0.34 2.47 4.40 Including 145.75 148.10 2.35 0.65 6.58 0.13 0.36 0.20 0.01 0.58 6.17 10.98 And 155.18 167.62 12.44 1.01 3.33 0.10 0.26 0.18 0.01 0.45 3.56 6.34 MLV-25-22 Levack No. 1 167.63 183.11 15.48 0.83 2.38 0.09 0.17 0.09 0.01 0.28 2.61 4.65 And 189.11 191.00 1.89 2.18 3.17 0.09 0.82 0.52 0.06 1.40 4.17 7.42 Important Notes All lengths are downhole length. True widths are uncertain at this time. Ni Eq % = (Ni% x 85% Recovery 2204 x Ni Price $/lb) + (Cu% x 96% Recovery x 2204 x Cu Price $/lb) + (Co% x 56% Recovery x 2204 x Co Price $/lb) + (Pt gpt x 69% Recovery / 31.1035 x Pt $/oz) +(Pd gpt x 68% Recovery / 31.1035 x Pd $/oz) + (Au gpt x 68% Recovery / 31.1035 x Au $/oz))/2204 x Ni $/lb. Cu Eq % = (Ni% x 85% Recovery 2204 x Ni Price $/lb) + (Cu% x 96% Recovery x 2204 x Cu Price $/lb) + (Co% x 56% Recovery x 2204 x Co Price $/lb) + (Pt gpt x 69% Recovery / 31.1035 x Pt $/oz) +(Pd gpt x 68% Recovery / 31.1035 x Pd $/oz) + (Au gpt x 68% Recovery / 31.1035 x Au $/oz))/2204 x Cui $/lb. Metal prices in US$: $7.30/lb Ni, $4.10/lb Cu, $15.00/lb Co, $1,000/oz Pt, $1,050/oz Pd and $2,200/oz Au. Table 2: Drillhole Collar Coordinates BHID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth MLV-25-16 471289 5166725 384 312 45 101 MLV-25-17 471289 5166724 384 330 45 107 MLV-25-18 471300 5166830 403 209 53 191 MLV-25-19 471301 5166831 403 209 71 181 MLV-25-20 471303 5166831 403 175 63 200 MLV-25-21 472093 5166903 340 342 68 200 MLV-25-22 472093 5166903 340 338 73 202 *Drillhole Coordinates are in Coordinate System NAD 83 Zone 17 Qualified Person for Technical Information The scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by David King, M.Sc., P.Geo. Mr. King is the Senior Vice President, Exploration and Geoscience for Magna Mining Inc. and is a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101. Quality Assurance and Control Sample QA/QC procedures for Magna have been designed to meet or exceed industry standards. Drill core is collected from the diamond drill and placed in sealed core trays for transport to Magna's core facilities. Levack drilling utilizes NQ sized core and McCreedy West utilizes BQTK sized core. The core is then logged, and samples marked in intervals of up to 1.5m. Levack drill core is split and sampled core, and McCreedy West is whole core sampled. Samples are then put into plastic bags with 10 bagged samples being placed into rice bags for transport to SGS Laboratories in Garson, Ontario for preparation, which are then shipped to Lakefield, Ontario for analysis. Samples are submitted in batches of 50 with 4 QA/QC samples including, 2 certified reference material standards and 2 samples of blank material. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "may", "might", "potential", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "could", "should", "would", "will", "continue", "intend", "plan", "forecast" or other similar words or phrases or variations thereof. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, economic, technical and other risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties relating to the failure of additional drilling to support expectations or estimates of potential mineralization or grade, additional expansion or delineation of resources, production planning, the lack of availability of drill rigs or the failure to proceed as quickly as planned with additional exploration or other drilling, continued delays for assay results, the failure to proceed as quickly as planned with a restart of mining at the Levack Mine, if at all, and other risks disclosed in the Company's most recent management discussion and analysis, available on the SEDAR+ website (at: www.sedarplus.ca). Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties, contingencies and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements, there can be no certainty or assurance that the Company has accurately or adequately captured, accounted for or disclosed all such risks, uncertainties, contingencies or factors. Readers should place no reliance on forward-looking statements as actual results, performance or achievements may be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Resource exploration and development, and mining operations, are highly speculative, characterized by several significant risks, which even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge will not eliminate. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. About Magna Mining Inc. Magna Mining Inc. is a producing mining company with a strong portfolio of copper, nickel, and platinum group metals (PGM) assets located in the world-class Sudbury mining district of Ontario, Canada. The Company's primary asset is the McCreedy West Mine, currently in production, supported by a pipeline of highly prospective past-producing properties including Levack, Crean Hill, Podolsky, and Shakespeare. Magna Mining is strategically positioned to unlock long-term shareholder value through continued production, exploration upside, and near-term development opportunities across its asset base. Additional corporate and project information is available at www.magnamining.com and through the Company's public filings on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263001 SOURCE: Magna Mining Inc. KELOWNA, BC, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Doseology Sciences Inc. (CSE: MOOD) (PINK: DOSEF) (FSE: VU70) ("Doseology" or the "Company"), an innovator in precision-formulated oral stimulants, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an asset purchase and sale agreement (the "Asset Purchase Agreement") to acquire the 'Feed That Brain' division (the "FTB Assets") operated by Joseph Mimran & Associates Inc. (the "Vendor") for aggregate consideration of $400,000 (the "Purchase Price") (the "Transaction"). The Purchase Price will be satisfied through the issuance of securities of the Company (the "Consideration Securities"), which will be issued in four instalments (common shares valued at $175,000 on the closing date and a further $75,000 of pre-funded warrants every six (6) months thereafter) at a deemed price equal to the greater of (i) $1.00 per Consideration Security, or (ii) the lowest price permitted under the applicable policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The initial instalment of 175,000 common shares at a price of $1.00 per share will be issued upon closing. FTB Brand Vision and Strategic Fit Founded by Rena R. Dempsey-a Forbes-recognized wellness entrepreneur with 20+ years in nutraceutical, beauty, and health product innovation, Feed That Brain (FTB) is a Toronto-based health supplements division operated by the Vendor, specializing in cognitive performance, wellness, and beauty from within. The established brand equity of the FTB Assets is expected to help Doseology accelerate its Canadian launch of next-generation clean energy pouches, positioning the Company not just as a tobacco alternative but as an extension of our already trusted performance wellness platform. The FTB Assets include all of FTB's business plan, inventory, contracts, material agreements, purchase orders, distribution agreements, intangible property, know-how, goodwill and other related assets, including all rights to the exclusive use of the branding of the 'Feed That Brain' business including web assets and systems and physical and digital elements. The Transaction remains subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. The Consideration Shares to be issued to the Vendor will be subject to a four-month hold period in accordance with Securities Laws in Canada. Mimran Joins as Strategic Advisor Doseology welcomes Joseph Mimran as a strategic advisor, as Mr. Mimran has agreed to enter into a three (3) year strategic advisory agreement with the Company (the "Advisory Agreement") upon closing, pursuant to which he will be bringing his unmatched expertise in brand development, retail strategy, and investment to the Company. His guidance is expected to be instrumental in supporting Doseology's execution roadmap, with the goal of establishing the Company as a category-defining force in both clean energy and harm reduction pouches. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Company has agreed to grant the Mr. Mimran restricted share units (the "RSUs") of the Company valued at $400,000. The RSUs will be issued every six (6) months from the closing date of the Transaction in equal instalments of $66,666 over a period of three (3) years and priced at the market price of the Company's common shares at the time of each issuance. Mr. Mimran's deep experience in brand building is complemented by a proven M&A track record through his family office. He has led the acquisition and revitalization of brands like Mastermind Toys, Kit and Ace, Tilley, and Coco Village-bringing strategic foresight and operational discipline to both heritage and emerging businesses. He is also the creator of notable brands such as Gry Mattr and Rise Little Earthling and has a history of building category-defining concepts from the ground up. Doseology's growth model includes targeted M&A, IP sourcing, and licensing of disruptive wellness formats-anchored in science and brand scalability. This is especially relevant in the clean energy and nicotine harm reduction sectors, where demand for functionally optimized, accessible, and clean delivery formats is accelerating. This alignment of vision and execution makes Mr. Mimran's advisory appointment a foundational step as Doseology builds a best-in-class team of experts from consumer products, Big Tobacco, and institutional finance. "Doseology is building something both innovative and timely," said Mimran. "I'm excited to work alongside the team in shaping a brand that redefines how energy and performance can be delivered." The Rise of Pouches in Clean Energy & Harm Reduction Oral Stimulant pouches mark Doseology's entry into two high-growth markets: According to Grand View Research's Energy Drinks Market Report 2025-2030 , the energy drink market is projected to grow from $79.4B (2024) to $125.1B (2030) at a CAGR of 8.0% (1) the energy drink market is projected to grow from $79.4B (2024) to $125.1B (2030) at a CAGR of 8.0% The global nicotine pouch category is expected to expand from USD 5.4 billion in 2024 to more than USD 25 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 29.6%, according to Grand View Research's Nicotine Pouches Market Size, Share | Industry Report, 2030. (2) Consumers are increasingly seeking portable, clean, crash-free formats for focus, alertness, and productivity; especially, among working professionals, athletes, military personnel, and high-output individuals. Pouches offer a convenient, sugar-free alternative to traditional beverages-perfectly aligned with modern performance lifestyles. Source 1: (https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/energy-drinks-market) Source 2: (https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/nicotine-pouches-market-report). About Joseph Mimran & Associates Inc. Joseph Mimran is a Canadian designer, entrepreneur, and retail visionary with a 40+ year track record of building billion-dollar consumer brands. He co-founded the Alfred Sung brand and founded Club Monaco, later acquired by Ralph Lauren. He is also the founder of Joe Fresh, one of Canada's most successful apparel brands. Through his firm, Joseph Mimran & Associates, he advises high-growth companies on design, retail strategy, and brand development. He is the owner of Tilley Endurables, Gry Mattr, Rise Little Earthling, and Coco Village, as well as the majority shareholder of Mastermind Toys and Kit and Ace. His work spans apparel, home, lifestyle, and toy categories, with a unique ability to combine creative vision and disciplined execution. Mimran's career also includes serving as a Dragon on CBC's Dragons' Den from 2015 to 2018, where he championed Canadian entrepreneurship. About Doseology Sciences Inc. ( CSE: MOOD | PINK: DOSEF | FSE: VU70 ) Doseology is a biotech innovation company, engineering precision-formulated oral stimulants that optimize energy, focus, and cognitive performance. Through rigorous scientific research and advanced delivery technologies, we're pioneering next-gen performance solutions designed to empower peak performance. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Chris Jackson CEO Doseology Sciences Inc. For more information, please contact the Company at: Email:hello@doseology.com Website:www.doseology.com Phone: 604.908.3095 Forward Looking Statements This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may," "would," "could," "should," "will," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect" or similar expressions. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects the Company's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning the business of the Company's future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance, or achievements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; decreases in the prevailing prices for products in the markets that the Company operates in; adverse changes in applicable laws or adverse changes in the application or enforcement of current laws; regulations and enforcement priorities of governmental authorities; compliance with government regulation and related costs; and other risks described in the Company's prospectus. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated, or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. For more information, investors should review the Company's filings which are available on SEDAR+ . No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. The Company's securities have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any person in the United States, absent registration, or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753081/Doseology_Sciences_Inc_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/doseology-acquires-feed-that-brain-and-appoints-joseph-mimran-as-strategic-advisor-302533196.html TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premier American Uranium Inc. ("PUR" or "Premier American Uranium" or the "Company") (TSXV: PUR, OTCQB: PAUIF) announces that it has amended (the "Amendment") the terms of its existing promissory note (the "Note") with Sachem Cove Special Opportunities Fund, LP (the "Lender"). Originally established in 2023 for up to US$1 million, the Note currently has an outstanding balance of approximately US$200,000. Under the Amendment, the Note provides for up to US$865,000 and continues to bear interest at a rate of 12% per annum, calculated daily. Interest is payable upon maturity of the Note, which is now the earlier of the closing of Premier's proposed acquisition of Nuclear Fuels Inc. and September 30, 2025. The Company may draw down on the Note in increments of no less than US$100,000 on a weekly basis. A minimum of six months' interest will be payable regardless of the repayment date. All other terms of the Note remain substantially consistent with the original terms. The additional principal under the Note is expected to be used exclusively to fund claim maintenance fees payable to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and for other similar working capital purposes. The Amendment supports PUR's near-term capital needs as the Company continues to advance its uranium portfolio in the United States. MI 61-101; Valuation and Minority Approval Exemptions The Lender is an insider of the Company. As a result, pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), the Amendment constitutes a "related party transaction" of PUR. PUR is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101, specifically: (i) the valuation requirement of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in Section 5.5(b), as the common shares of PUR are not listed on a market specified in MI 61-101, and (ii) the minority shareholder approval requirement of MI 61-101 by virtue of the exemption contained in Section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61- 101, as the fair market value of the Amendment does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101). The Amendment was approved by members of the Board of Directors if the Company who are independent for the purposes thereof, being all directors other than Mr. Tim Rotolo, the managing member of Sachem Cove Partners. Neither the Company nor, to the knowledge of the Company after reasonable inquiry, Sachem Cove Partners, has knowledge of any material information concerning the Company or its securities that has not been generally disclosed. No special committee of the Board was established in connection with the Amendment as the entire Board was engaged in respect thereof, and, other than Mr. Rotolo, who abstained from voting on the Amendment, no materially contrary view or abstention was expressed or made by any director of the Company in relation thereto. Neither the Company nor any director or senior officer of the Company has knowledge, after reasonable inquiry, of any prior valuation in respect of the Company that relates to the subject matter of or is otherwise relevant to the Amendment, which has been made in the 24 months prior to the date of this news release. About Premier American Uranium Inc. Premier American Uranium is focused on the consolidation, exploration, and development of uranium projects in the United States, aiming to strengthen domestic energy security and support the transition to clean energy. One of PUR's key strengths is the extensive land holdings in three prominent uranium-producing regions in the United States: the Grants Mineral Belt of New Mexico, the Great Divide Basin of Wyoming and the Uravan Mineral Belt of Colorado. With current resources and defined resource exploration targets, PUR is actively advancing its portfolio through work programs. PUR benefits from strong partnerships, with backing from Sachem Cove Partners, IsoEnergy Ltd., Mega Uranium Ltd., and other institutional investors. The Company's distinguished team had extensive experience in uranium exploration, development, permitting, and operations, as well as uranium-focused mergers and acquisitions-positioning PUR as a key player in advancing the U.S. uranium sector. For More Information, Please Contact: Premier American Uranium Inc. Colin Healey, CEO info@premierur.com Toll-Free: 1-833-223-4673 Twitter: @PremierAUranium www.premierur.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to, the planned use of the principal amount of the Note; and other activities, events or developments that are expected, anticipated or may occur in the future. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking information and statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about PUR's business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Such forward-information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the principal amount of the Note will be used as indicated, general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by PUR in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of Premier American Uranium to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of Premier American Uranium expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: the limited operating history of the Company, negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, delays or failure to obtain required permits and regulatory approvals, changes in mineral resources, no known mineral reserves, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel; potential downturns in economic conditions; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment and supplies; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; changes in laws and regulation, competition, and uninsurable risks and the risk factors with respect to Premier American Uranium set out in PUR's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the other documents of PUR filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under PUR's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although PUR has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. PUR undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities law. Balance sheet restructuring removes $7M+ overhang as AI software company pivots toward growth-focused strategy. HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / Tonner One World Holdings, Inc. (OTCID:TONR) today announced the expiration of more than $7 million in legacy debt, including principal and accrued interest, a milestone that dramatically strengthens the company's balance sheet and reduces shareholder risk. The extinguishment of this debt also eliminates the possibility of several billion shares being issued into the market, which would have significantly diluted existing shareholders. By removing this overhang, Tonner has not only improved its financial standing but also protected long-term shareholder value. With this achievement, Tonner One World has cleared away the majority of its historic debt overhang. The company further confirmed its plans to reduce total obligations to under $500,000 by year-end 2025, positioning itself to move forward with new opportunities free from the dilution and financial strain often associated with legacy liabilities. Paving the Way for Growth The significant reduction in debt coincides with Tonner One World's broader next-generation transformation strategy, which includes pursuing new partnerships, acquisitions, and technology-driven initiatives. These steps are intended to transition Tonner into a revitalized, growth-oriented company with a stronger foundation for expansion. "Our commitment to debt reduction and balance sheet improvement is the cornerstone of Tonner One World's future," said Corinda J. Melton, Chief Executive Officer of Tonner One World Holdings. "By eliminating over $7 million in obligations-and preventing billions of potential dilution shares from ever reaching the market-we are clearing the path for strategic growth, partnerships, and acquisitions that will define the next generation of Tonner One World." Building the New Tonner One World Tonner's leadership emphasized that this new phase is about more than financial restructuring. The company is focused on creating value through acquisitions of operating businesses, forging strategic alliances, and exploring technology applications that align with shareholder interests. "This is not just about removing debt," Melton continued. "It is about reinventing Tonner One World as a new kind of company-leaner, stronger, and prepared to seize opportunities that deliver long-term value." About Tonner-One World Holdings, Inc. Tonner-One World Holdings, Inc. is an emerging leader in AI-powered software solutions and technology innovation. The company is committed to creating tools that enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and deliver tangible value to businesses and consumers worldwide. For additional information, please visit the company's official X account at x.com/tonnerowinc . Email: info@tonnerow.com Media Contact: PR & Media Relations Tonner-One World Holdings, Inc. info@tonnerow.com Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions. They are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors - some of which are beyond the company's control. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. BotMakers, Inc. undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. SOURCE: Tonner-One World Holdings, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/tonner-one-world-eliminates-over-7-million-in-legacy-debt-prevent-1062715 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Black Swan Graphene Inc. (TSXV: SWAN) (OTCQX: BSWGF) (FSE: R960) ("Black Swan" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-exclusive distribution, reseller and warehouse agreement (the "Agreement") with Thomas Swan & Co. Limited ("Thomas Swan"). This Agreement leverages the existing strategic partnership and positions Thomas Swan as a value-added non-exclusive distributor and reseller of Black Swan's Graphene NanoPlatelets ("GNP") and innovative Graphene Enhanced Masterbatch or GEMTM products ("GEM") for the polymer additive market. Based in Consett, United Kingdom, Thomas Swan has been manufacturing and distributing chemicals and advanced materials since 1926 and is today a supplier to a substantial customer base in over 80 countries globally. Black Swan and Thomas Swan have expanded their original agreement dated January 24, 2024, appointing Thomas Swan as global non-exclusive distributor and reseller of both Black Swan's GNP and GEM products leveraging its extensive global network. The Agreement shall remain in force until the fifth anniversary of its effective date. Both parties have the option to renew the Agreement upon mutual accord. The terms include the establishment of a framework for transparent pricing, shipment logistics, documentation provision, invoicing, payment terms, and other respective responsibilities. More importantly, the Agreement provides Black Swan with access to multiple global warehouse locations, including China, where Thomas Swan has presence. Black Swan's recently achieved groundbreaking advancement in polymer composites using GEMs (see press release dated July 22, 2025). Thomas Swan will now distribute and significantly broaden the market presence of these GEM products through its Polymer Performance Solutions division where it possesses proven expertise in delivering value-add solutions to both the rubber and polymer markets, in addition to its chemical formulation expertise. The Agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the partnership, fostering collaboration and growth in the global market whilst embracing Black Swan's approach to avoid supply chain disruption. Harry Swan, Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Swan and Chairman of Black Swan, commented: "Our Partnership with Black Swan Graphene has expanded as planned to include GNP. Armed with this agreement, I am delighted that Thomas Swan continues to support Black Swan Graphene, expanding its distribution channels and market access." This partnership has the potential to introduce a paradigm shift in sustainability through the innovative use of bio-based and recycled solutions using Black Swan's graphene as the enabler of features such as improved strength, impact resistance and barrier properties. These features will allow major companies to reduce their carbon footprint through the use of compostable consumer packaging materials. About Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd. Thomas Swan, founded in the United Kingdom in 1926, is an independent, family-owned and operated manufacturer of performance and specialty chemicals. The company generates annual revenues of approximately 35 million, employs 140 people, and exports around 70% of its products to more than 80 countries from its manufacturing headquarters in Northeast England. To better serve its global customer base, Thomas Swan also maintains offices in the United States and China, supported by local warehousing in each region. The business operates through two divisions: Performance Chemicals and Custom Manufacture. Thomas Swan is an Insider of Black Swan owning 5,521,875 common shares representing approximately 11% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. Mr. Harry Swan is the CEO and owner of Thomas Swan as well as Chair and a director of Black Swan. For more information, please contact Jo Hind-Morton on +44 (0)1207 505 131, or visit: www.thomas-swan.co.uk. About Black Swan Graphene Inc. Black Swan is focused on the large-scale production and commercialization of patented high-performance and low-cost graphene products aimed at several industrial sectors, including concrete and polymers, which are expected to require large volumes of graphene. Black Swan's graphene processing technology was developed by Thomas Swan over the last decade. Thomas Swan is a United Kingdom-based global chemicals manufacturer, with a century-long track record and has been at the forefront of graphene innovation. More information is available at: www.blackswangraphene.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to the likelihood that the distribution and resale agreement will result in the growth projected or at all, the TSXV listing, risk related to the failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with the industry; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of feasibility studies, and the possibility that future results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity prices fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Furthermore, performance results of graphene products as additives can vary widely depending on type and the specificity of the target material, the specifics of the graphene product itself, including but not limited to, carbon purity, particle size, surface agent, dispersion behavior, and application and usage methods. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements and initial test results. These forward-looking statements and test results are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262864 SOURCE: Black Swan Graphene Inc. Fort Lauderdale, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. (Cboe CA: ZEFI) (FSE: Y6B) (OTCQB: ZEFIF) (the "Company", "Zefiro", or "ZEFI"), a fully integrated environmental services company which originates institutional-grade carbon credits by remediating unplugged oil and gas wells in the United States, is pleased to announce both (i) The successful issuance of certified carbon credits from American Carbon Registry ("ACR") Project 959 ("ACR959") reflecting confirmed emissions reductions of 92,956 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent, as well as (ii) Completed delivery of the first tranche of ACR959 carbon credits to Mercuria Energy America, LLC ("Mercuria"). This pair of events marks the debut of a third key revenue stream for Zefiro, supplementing its earnings from core operations which have already generated USD $24.4 million in revenue for the Company's first three fiscal quarters of 2025 (as announced in Zefiro's May 14, 2025 press release). In addition to Zefiro's plugging and abandonment division in the Appalachia region (Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and West Virginia), Zefiro also recently announced its very first revenues from methane monitoring, with a USD $800,000 contract to provide services to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. Pictured above is the well that is central to the ACR959 project recently completed by Zefiro. This well is located on a horse and cattle pasture in Custer County, Oklahoma. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11799/262969_d72f7b3c143f8976_001full.jpg Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR+ or the Investors section of the Company's website for a version of this press release containing all published media. Issuance of ACR959 Carbon Credits In May of 2023, ACR published a first-of-its-kind methodology allowing carbon offsets to be created by plugging orphaned oil/gas wells (titled "Methodology for the Quantification, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Removals from Plugging Orphan Oil and Gas Wells in the U.S. and Canada" and referred to herein as the "Methodology"). Under the leadership of Tina Reine, Zefiro's Chief Commercial Officer who was one of the founding members of J.P. Morgan's carbon trading desk, Zefiro began to undertake all of the necessary steps to originate some of the first-ever offsets to be created under the Methodology. This included taking preliminary methane emission measurements, completing all well-level plugging/remediation work, and engaging a third-party Validation and Verification body ("VVB") to independently certify all findings as announced in a press release earlier this year. The ACR959 project is based on a well located on privately owned land in Custer County, Oklahoma. On June 21, 2025, post-plugging monitoring confirmed that the well was plugged and in compliance with ACR methodology. On July 29, 2025, validation was officially completed by the VVB. As a result of the completion of ACR959, Zefiro was issued carbon offsets reflecting emissions reductions of 92,956 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent ("CO2e"). Project Documents for the ACR959 project can be found on ACR's website at the following link: https://acr2.apx.com/mymodule/reg/TabDocuments.asp?r=112&ad=Prpt&act=update&type=PRO&aProj=ipub&tablename=doc&id1=959. Note to Readers: If no link is visible above, please access this press release through SEDAR+ or the Investors section of the Zefiro website for a version containing the link. All Project Documents relating to the ACR959 project are publicly available in the index shown above on ACR's website, which can be accessed by clicking here. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11799/262969_d72f7b3c143f8976_002full.jpg Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR+ or the Investors section of the Company's website for a version of this press release containing all published media. Delivery of ACR959 Carbon Credits to Mercuria Mercuria is one of the world's largest independent energy and commodities groups. Among Mercuria's key business areas is its Net Zero Solutions, helping businesses to meet their net zero goals. Following the publication of ACR's Methodology, Mercuria issued a press release announcing that it was the buyer in a pre-sale transaction with Zefiro for certified carbon credits to be generated from the remediation of unplugged oil/gas wells that are leaking greenhouse gases such as methane. In the press release, Adam Raphaely (Managing Director, Mercuria Group America) commented, "For too long, investors have not had routine access to reduction activities that display proven pathways to reducing harmful oil and gas emissions. Our work with Zefiro represents not only Mercuria's commitment to fostering innovative projects and ideas that have the power to reshape the industry but also our alignment with the core principles of many of our customers." The carbon offsets from ACR959 are to be transferred to Mercuria by Zefiro in equal 25% tranches, the first of which has already been delivered at the time of this press release. Zefiro Management Commentary Zefiro's Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Flax, said, "The successful issuance and delivery of Zefiro's very first carbon credits is a landmark development not just for us as a company, but also for the voluntary carbon markets as a category in which new standards are being set. With this Methodology that allows carbon offsets to be generated directly from the remediation of orphaned oil/gas wells, there is now a clear and straightforward blueprint in which the voluntary carbon markets can be leveraged as a funding source for leaking wells to be plugged without needing to rely on taxpayer resources. Our team has been very thorough in completing each and every step of this process, which ushers in a new era for Zefiro along with the many stakeholders and participants in the marketplace, which continues to play a key role in mitigating the long-term impacts caused by emissions of greenhouse gases such as methane." Zefiro's Chief Commercial Officer, Tina Reine, stated, "These days, institutional end-users in the carbon markets are looking for credits that are generated through projects that make a quantifiable and common-sense impact, with transparent and verifiable emissions reductions to directly offset their own output of emissions. Zefiro's carbon offsets are originated by plugging wells in the U.S. that are leaking methane, aligning optimally with the criteria of these end users and their respective environmental commitments. One of the most remarkable things about this pair of developments for Zefiro is that Mercuria agreed to purchase the ACR959 carbon credits before the Methodology was even finalized, which virtually never happens in the voluntary carbon markets." Ms. Reine continued, "Now that Zefiro has successfully delivered its very first carbon credits to a purchaser, we are now positioned to more rapidly generate carbon credits from current and future environmental remediation projects in the United States. There has long been a deficit of supply in terms of American-originated carbon offsets that meet the requirements of institutional purchasers such as Mercuria and their end-user clients, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to bring new supply into the pipeline to help organizations around the world work towards their net-zero pledges as responsible corporate citizens." About Zefiro Methane Corp. Zefiro is an environmental services company, specializing in methane abatement. Zefiro strives to be a key commercial force towards Active Sustainability. Leveraging decades of operational expertise, Zefiro is building a new toolkit to clean up air, land, and water sources directly impacted by methane leaks. The Company has built a fully integrated ground operation driven by an innovative monetization solution for the emerging methane abatement marketplace. As an originator of high-quality U.S.-based methane offsets, Zefiro aims to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. Catherine Flax Chief Executive Officer Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seeks", "believes", "plans", "expects", "intends", "estimates", "anticipates" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information including statements regarding: the Company's intention to reduce emissions from end-of-life oil and gas wells and eliminate methane gas; the Company's partnerships with industry operators, state agencies, and federal governments; the Company's expectations for continued increases in revenues and EBITDA growth as a result of these partnerships; the Company's intentions to build out its presence in the United States; the anticipated federal funding for orphaned well site plugging, remediation and restoring activities; the Company's expectations to become a growing environmental services company; the Company's ability to provide institutional and retail investors alike with the opportunity to join the Active Sustainability movement; the Company's ability to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns; and other statements regarding the Company's business and the industry in which the Company operates. The forward-looking information reflects management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) adverse general market and economic conditions; (ii) changes to and price and volume volatility in the carbon market; (iii) changes to the regulatory landscape and global policies applicable to the Company's business; (iv) failure to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; and (v) other risk factors set forth in its Prospectus dated April 8, 2024 under the heading "Risk Factors". The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment where technologies are in the early stage of adoption. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Company's management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to, the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms Disclosures relating to investor relations firms retained by Zefiro Methane Corp. can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca/. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262969 SOURCE: Zefiro Methane Corp. Highlights: General Marks joins the board of directors of Allied USA. General Marks is a leading expert on international military strategy with a distinguished career in the United States Army. Allied USA is focused on importation, marketing and sales of tungsten into the United States. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Allied Critical Metals Inc. (CSE: ACM) (OTCQB: ACMIF) (FSE: 0VJ0) ("Allied" or the "Company"), which is focused on its 100% owned past producing Borralha and Vila Verde tungsten projects in northern Portugal, is pleased to announce the appointment of Major General (Ret.) James A. "Spider" Marks to the Board of Directors of its U.S.-based subsidiary, Allied Critical Metals (USA), Inc. ("Allied USA"). Allied USA is dedicated to the importation, marketing and sales of tungsten into the United States. General Marks is the former Commanding General, U.S. Army Intelligence Center and brings over four decades of leadership experience across military, intelligence, and commercial sectors. His distinguished U.S. Army career included leadership roles at every level across elite units such as the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. He also served in strategic intelligence positions around the globe, including deployments in Iraq, Korea, and the Balkans. Post-military, he has held executive leadership roles in private industry, including as CEO of Global Linguist Solutions and InVisM, and currently serves as President of the Marks Collaborative, an advisory firm focused on corporate transformation and national security. He is an Honor Graduate of the U.S. Army's Ranger School, a Master Parachutist authorized to wear Canadian airborne wings, and has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and multiple expeditionary and service ribbons. He is a 1975 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, and holds a Master's degree in International Affairs from the University of Virginia. Marks contributes as a military and intelligence analyst for CNN. He is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. "General Marks is a highly respected leader with unparalleled expertise in global defense, logistics, and strategy," said Roy Bonnell, CEO of Allied Critical Metals. "His appointment strengthens our U.S. operations at a pivotal time, as we expand our presence in the American tungsten market. His insight and network will be invaluable in helping Allied USA meet growing demand for this critical material." Tungsten is a critical mineral essential to industries such as aerospace, defense, and electronics. As Allied USA advances its role in ensuring secure, reliable tungsten supply chains for the U.S., General Marks' deep knowledge of defense systems and national security will enhance the subsidiary's operational and strategic direction. "I'm honored to join Allied USA's Board of Directors," commented General Marks. "We are playing a vital role in strengthening the United States' access to critical minerals, and I look forward to supporting our mission and growth." About Allied Critical Metals Inc. Allied Critical Metals Inc. (CSE: ACM) (OTCQB: ACMIF) (FSE: 0VJ0) is a Canadian-based mining company focused on the expansion and revitalization of its 100% owned past producing Borralha Tungsten Project and the Vila Verde Tungsten Project in northern Portugal. Tungsten has been designated a critical metal by the United States and other western countries, as they are aggressively seeking friendly sources of this unique metal. Currently, China, Russia and North Korea represent approximately 86% of the total global supply and reserves. The tungsten market is estimated to be valued at approximately USD $5 to $6 billion and it is used in a variety of industries such as defense, automotive, manufacturing, electronics, and energy. Please visit our website at www.alliedcritical.com. Also visit us at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allied-critical-metals-inc X: https://x.com/@alliedcritical/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliedcriticalmetals/ ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Per: "Roy Bonnell" Roy Bonnell Chief Executive Officer and Director The Canadian Stock Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities of the Company have not been, nor will they be, registered under the 1933 Act or under any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act, as amended, and applicable state securities laws. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements", including with respect to the use of proceeds. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "potential for" and similar expressions have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations of the Company's management for future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation, those listed in the Company's Listing Statement and other filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca). Examples of forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed timeline and use of proceeds for exploration and development of the Company's mineral projects as described in the Company's Listing Statement, news releases, and corporate presentations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These factors should be considered carefully, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company's Listing Statement dated April 23, 2025 and news release dated May 16, 2025, and the documents incorporated by reference therein, filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of additional risk factors. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263016 SOURCE: Allied Critical Metals Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Romios Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: RG) (OTC Pink: RMIOF) (FSE: D4R) ("Romios Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its press releases of July 23, 2025 and July 30, 2025, it has completed its oversubscribed and upsized private placement of 37,500,000 units ("WC Units") priced at $0.02 per WC Unit for gross proceeds of $750,000 (the "Offering"). Each WC Unit comprises one (1) common share of the Company priced at $0.02 and one full common share purchase warrant (a "WC Warrant") entitling the holder to acquire one (1) common share at a price of $0.05 until three (3) years following the closing of the Offering. "The success of this financing reflects market recognition that Romios owns several promising copper-gold porphyry properties in the province of British Columbia, and that the steps now being taken to reinvigorate Romios will enable the Company to capitalize on those assets for the benefit of shareholders," said Kevin M. Keough, CEO. "I would like to thank those shareholders both old and new from both sides of the Atlantic who have shown confidence in us, as we prepare for an exciting exploration season at our Trek prospect in the year ahead." Eligible finders were paid $17,225 in cash and issued 640,000 broker warrants. Each broker warrant entitles the holder to acquire one (1) common share of the Company at a price of $0.05 until three (3) years following the closing of the Offering. All securities issued under the Offering are subject to a hold period expiring December 16, 2025. No funds from the Offering will be used for payments for investor relations activities. Up to 15% of the funds from the Offering will be paid to non-arm's length parties for services provided to the Company following the Closing for the next six months. The funds from the Offering will be allocated to the maintenance and exploration of the Company's properties in Nevada and British Columbia and for general working capital. Four insiders of the Company subscribed for 6,700,000 WC Units for $134,000. The insider private placements are exempt from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") by virtue of the exemptions contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1) (a) of MI 61-101 in that the fair market value of the consideration for the securities of the Company which will be issued to the insiders will not exceed 25% of its market capitalization. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. About Romios Gold Resources Inc.: Romios Gold Resources Inc. is a progressive Canadian mineral exploration company engaged in precious and base metal exploration, focused primarily on gold, copper and silver. The Company holds a 100% interest in several highly prospective new porphyry copper-gold prospects in British Columbia's "Golden Triangle", the most significant of which is the near road-accessible, drill-ready Trek South prospect, considered to be among the best new-to-science, undrilled porphyry prospects in the province. Additional interests include two former producers in Nevada: the Kinkaid claims in the Walker Lane Trend covering numerous shallow Au-Ag-Cu workings over what is believed to be one or more porphyry centres, and the Scossa mine property in the Sleeper Trend which is a former high-grade gold producer. In northwestern Ontario, the Company holds a large land position at Lundmark-Akow Lake, where drilling has returned broad intercepts of copper-gold in a VMS-style setting. The Company retains an ongoing interest in several other properties including a 2% NSR on McEwen Mining's Hislop gold property in Ontario, and a 2% NSR on Enduro Metals' Newmont Lake Au-Cu-Ag property in BC. For more information, please click here for Romios' website. This news release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or include the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION, DISTRIBUTION, RELEASE, OR PUBLICATION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263018 SOURCE: Romios Gold Resources Inc. Mississauga, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - VIQ Solutions Inc. (TSX: VQS) ("VIQ", "VIQ Solutions" or the "Company"), a global provider of secure, AI-driven, digital voice and video capture technology and transcription services, is pleased to announce an offering of units of the Company (the "Units") at an issue price of C$0.214. The Units will be offered on a non-brokered private placement basis, for aggregate proceeds of up to approximately $565,000 (the "Offering"). The Offering is being led by members of the Board of Directors, being Bradley Wells, Larry Taylor and Joseph Quarin, who are expected to subscribe for 100% of the total funds raised. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of C$0.214 per Common Share until the seventh year anniversary from the date of issuance. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about August 22, 2025 (the "Closing Date") and is subject to the approval of the TSX. All securities issued under the Offering, including securities issuable on exercise thereof, will be subject to a hold period in Canada of four months and one day following the Closing Date in accordance with applicable securities legislation. As any directors and officers of the Company that participate in the Offering are insiders of the Company, their participation in the Offering is considered a "related party transaction" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company will rely on Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 for exemptions from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval, respectively, because the fair market value of their participation will be below 25% of the Company's market capitalization for the purposes of MI 61-101. For more information about VIQ, please visit viqsolutions.com. About VIQ Solutions VIQ Solutions is a global provider of secure, AI-driven, digital voice and video capture technology and transcription services. VIQ offers a seamless, comprehensive solution suite that delivers intelligent automation, enhanced with human review, to drive transformation in the way content is captured, secured, and repurposed into actionable information. The cyber-secure, AI technology and services platform are implemented in the most rigid security environments including criminal justice, legal, insurance, government, corporate finance, media, and transcription service provider markets, enabling them to improve the quality and accessibility of evidence, to easily identify predictive insights and to achieve digital transformation faster and at a lower cost. Forward-looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under applicable securities legislation. Such forward- looking statements or information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements (typically contain statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", "project" or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur). These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include but are not limited to statements with respect to the completion of the Offering, the size thereof and the use of proceeds therefrom; and the Company's current and future growth prospects. Forward-looking statements are based on several factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such statements, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although VIQ believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because VIQ can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this press release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the factors described in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's annual information form and in the Company's other materials filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company; however, these factors should be considered carefully. Such estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect or overstated. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company expressly disclaims any obligations to update or alter such statements, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Contact: Jacob Manning VIQ Solutions To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263021 SOURCE: VIQ Solutions Inc. Consumer goods industry stakeholders are headed to Hong Kong this September for the Cascale 2025 Annual Meeting. The flagship event promises high-impact learning, honest dialogue, and solutions-oriented collaboration designed to accelerate progress, catalyze impact at scale, and build a more sustainable and equitable future. Building on the momentum of the 2024 Annual Meeting in Munich, the Cascale 2025 Annual Meeting in Hong Kong will focus on the critical challenges and transformative opportunities facing the consumer goods industry, particularly in Cascale's focus categories of apparel, footwear, and textile; home furnishings; sporting and outdoor goods; and bags and luggage. Over 800 attendees including manufacturer, brand, retailer, and affiliate members are expected to attend the event at the Kerry Hotel on September 15-17, which will also offer a dynamic digital experience featuring live-streamed content and a robust virtual workshop series for members and non-members joining from EMEA and AMER time zones. "At Cascale, we believe that real progress happens when we come together not just to talk, but to take action. The 2025 Annual Meeting in Hong Kong will challenge our industry to move beyond ambition and into alignment on climate, on equity, and on the business practices that define our shared future," said Harsh Saini, interim CEO of Cascale, who will open the event on September 16 (live-streamed). "This is not just a convening of stakeholders, it's a call to co-create solutions, scale innovation, and ensure that the consumer goods industry gives back more than it takes from people and planet." With program development guided by an Advisory Council that includes Dhanujie Jayapala, MAS Holdings; Priyanka Khanna, Fashion for Good; Dr. Delman Lee, TAL Apparel; Dr. Katy Stevens, European Outdoor Group; Quentin Thorel, CIEL Textile; Shasta O'Loughlin, KMD Brands Limited; and Matthew Thurston, REI, the event will feature two days of high-impact dialogue, collaboration, and opportunities to take action. "Climate change, shifting consumer expectations, and economic volatility are rewriting the rules of global trade. We must work across industries, geographies, and even competitive lines to bridge vision and impact," said Joseph Phi, Group CEO of Li Fung, who will present the opening keynote on September 16 (live-streamed). "The Cascale 2025 Annual Meeting is a catalyst for transforming pledges into partnerships and partnerships into measurable change so that together we can redesign supply chains, scale breakthrough solutions, and ensure that trade works for people, planet, and shared prosperity." "Hong Kong is proud to host the Cascale 2025 Annual Meeting, and connect innovation to impact," said Hon. Sunny Tan, HKSAR Legislative Council Member (Textiles and Garment) and the Chairman of Hong Kong Fashion Council, who will present the closing keynote on September 16 (live-streamed). "As a leading hub for sustainable manufacturing and responsible business, Hong Kong stands ready to support the bold ideas, partnerships, and practical solutions that will shape a more resilient and equitable future for the consumer goods industry." "When we founded Cascale and the Higg Index tools, the vision was simple but urgent: to align the power of industry with the responsibility to people and planet," said Rick Ridgeway, author, adventurer, and Cascale co-founder, who will participate in a fireside chat on September 16 (live-streamed). "That vision has grown into a global movement and the 2025 Annual Meeting in Hong Kong is a powerful reminder of what's possible when we put competition aside and come together to solve the most pressing challenges of our time." "REI's mission is to connect every person to the power of the outdoors and engage them in the fight to protect it," Matthew Thurston, Divisional VP Sustainability, REI Co-op, who will speak about supply chain decarbonization on September 16 (not live-streamed)."We're proud to work alongside industry partners and participating in the Cascale Annual Meeting in Hong Kong gives us the opportunity to collaborate with global peers, align on impactful solutions, and drive the systemic change our planet urgently needs." "Collaboration is no longer optional it's the only way forward," said Roger Lee, CEO of TAL Apparel, who will join a plenary on the connection between responsible purchasing practices and decarbonization on September 16 (live-streamed). "At the Cascale 2025 Annual Meeting, we have an opportunity to break silos and align on action. Together, we can drive the systemic change needed to deliver on climate goals, support decent work, and build a future-ready industry." "Currently, decarbonization efforts are heavily driven by suppliers," said Dinesh Virwani, Executive Vice Chairman and Co-Founder of EPIC Group, who will join the live-streamed plenary on responsible purchasing practices and decarbonization on September 16. "At the Cascale 2025 Annual Meeting, we have a unique opportunity to come together as brands, manufacturers, and stakeholders to challenge ourselves and ask how we can evolve our relationships and purchasing practices to unlock the full decarbonization potential of the value chain, while improving the lives of our workers." "This year's Cascale 2025 Annual Meeting comes at a pivotal moment for our industry," said Suren Fernando, Chief Executive Officer of MAS Holdings, who will present the opening keynote on September 17 (live-streamed). "The gap between our sustainability ambition and the tangible outcome is widening and bridging this divide requires not just intent, but embedded, systematic change. We must weave sustainability into the very fabric of our core business strategy, move boldly from pilots to transformative, scalable solutions and foster a culture of collaboration built on trust and shared responsibility. In times of volatility and uncertainty, this is no easy path. Yet our shared calling to be changemakers that enable dreams and inspire the world, compels us forward. It reminds us that sustainability is a powerful opportunity to build a world where thriving businesses and thriving communities are one and the same." "This year's Cascale annual meeting theme, 'A Movement for All,' perfectly captures the spirit we need now, uniting brands, manufacturers, and all other stakeholders of Cascale behind a single, practical vision for a 1.5 C apparel industry," said Dr. Thiwanka De Fonseka, Chief Sustainability Officer, Komar, who will present on climate risk and building supply chain resilience on September 17 (live-streamed)."When every stakeholder's voice is heard and every factory floor is part of the solution, innovation scales faster, financing flows wider, and climate action becomes truly inclusive. Cascale's 2025 forum gives us the platform to turn shared intent into shared impact." In addition to onsite programming, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in field trips, including: Crossroads Foundation "Struggle for Survival" Simulation Monday September 15 Crossroads Foundation Site Visit Friday September 19 Nilorn Sustainable Labeling in Action Factory Tour Friday September 19 Visit to World Wildlife Fund's Mai Po Nature Reserve Friday September 19 The Cascale 2025 Annual Meeting is sponsored by Li Fung LFX, retraced, Epic Group, Tal Group, VF Corporation, Nike, Invest HK, among others. Official carrier Cathay Pacific offers registered attendees an exclusive opportunity to enjoy savings on flights to Hong Kong. Please click here for more information and sponsorship opportunities. Worldly, the leading platform for sustainability data and analytics in consumer goods supply chains and the exclusive licensee of Cascale's Higg Index tools, will host their Customer Forum in Hong Kong on September 18th. Editors: For more information about media access to Cascale speakers, as well as press passes, please contact cascaleforster@forster.co.uk. Live-streamed content will be recorded and released one hour after the session concludes and available for 30 days afterwards through the app or online. All content is presented in English. Register for the Cascale Annual Meeting 2025 ABOUT CASCALE Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the most comprehensive sustainability data and insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people. LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819961153/en/ Contacts: cascaleforster@forster.co.uk The Worldcom Public Relations Group (Worldcom), the leading global partnership of independent public relations firms, announced today that it has voted a new UK based firm into its global partnership: Prohibition PR LTD, United Kingdom Communications. "We are excited to add Prohibition PR to the Worldcom Partnership, expanding our reach and capabilities across the UK while deepening our experience in EMEA and globally," said Caroline Prince, (Yucatan, Paris, France) and Worldcom's EMEA Region Chair. "Prohibition brings a progressive mindset to our partnership, not only in the delivery of best in class public relations services but in harnessing the latest technologies that support effective communications." Established in 2012, Prohibition, based in Leeds, has rapidly gone on to establish itself as one of the leading and most innovative PR agencies outside of London. Its 30-strong team provides integrated PR that delivers growth to some of the UK's biggest brands, spanning food and drink, higher education, property and lifestyle, as well as B2B markets. Prohibition co-owner and Director, Will Ockenden said: "We are constantly looking to grow and evolve as an agency, and WorldCom presented an exciting opportunity to connect with some of the best independent agencies in the world, and in doing so, share innovation, and learn best practices outside of our immediate market. "The partnership also gives us the opportunity to better service our existing client base by having a tried and tested global referral network to support their expansion ambitions. We're delighted Worldcom recognized our excellence as an agency and are very much looking forward to becoming a member and driving the next phase of our growth." Welcoming these agencies to The Worldcom Public Relations Group marks the completion of a rigorous Worldcom partner recruitment and vetting process. It ensures the compatibility of the agency applying for partnership, along with their ability to meet the standards of trust and collaboration that have defined Worldcom since its founding in 1988. As the newest partners, these four agencies join a robust group of global partners who openly share knowledge and best practices, utilize the partnership to meet expanding client roles, and collaborate on new opportunities scaled to the local, regional, and global needs of any Worldcom partner, client or prospect. About The Worldcom Public Relations Group The Worldcom Public Relations Group is the world's leading partnership of independently owned public relations firms, with 110 offices employing some 2,000 across 45 countries and six continents. In total, Worldcom partners reported combined revenue of $350 million last year from 4,500 clients. Established in 1988, the group was formed so that the strongest, most capable independent firms could deliver immediate impact and sustained value through the intelligent use of communications wherever in the world a client needs support. Partners serve national, international, and multinational clients, while retaining the flexibility and client-service focus inherent in independent agencies. Through Worldcom, clients have on-demand access to in-depth communications expertise from professionals who understand the language, culture, and customs of the geographic areas in which they operate. Learn more about Worldcom at www.worldcomgroup.com or by calling 1-800-955-9675. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819944668/en/ Contacts: Media contact: Todd Lynch (904) 233-0123 toddlynch@worldcomgroup.com 70 semi-finalists selected from 20,000+ entries will pitch their product ideas live to Daymond John, Lori Greiner, Simu Liu, Stephanie Mehta and Everette Taylor NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alibaba.com, a leading business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform, today announced the celebrity host and judging panel for the U.S. final of its $1 million CoCreate Pitch competition. Slated to take place during CoCreate 2025 Las Vegas on September 4-5, the U.S. final will be hosted by renowned entrepreneur and Shark Tank icon Daymond John. He will be joined by an all-star panel of judges including: Lori Greiner , Star of Shark Tank, Prolific Inventor, Distinguished Entrepreneur & Brand Builder Extraordinaire , Star of Shark Tank, Prolific Inventor, Distinguished Entrepreneur & Brand Builder Extraordinaire Simu Liu , Actor best known as the first Asian superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; Writer, investor; Chief Content Officer of MiLa; , Actor best known as the first Asian superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; Writer, investor; Chief Content Officer of MiLa; Stephanie Mehta , CEO and Chief Content Officer of Mansueto Ventures, publisher of Inc. and Fast Company; , CEO and Chief Content Officer of Mansueto Ventures, publisher of Inc. and Fast Company; Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter. Meet the Host and Judges Daymond John will serve as the emcee for the U.S. final round of this world's largest product-focused pitch competition. John is the founder and CEO of the iconic lifestyle brand FUBU, growing the global fashion company into an empire generating over $6 billion in sales. For 17 seasons, he has been a staple of ABC's multiple Emmy Award-winning Shark Tank where he is also an original Shark. John has been recognized worldwide for advancing economic opportunity and innovation. Beyond television, he leads The Shark Group, helping businesses craft authentic brand strategies and unlock growth, and is a New York Times Best Selling author for multiple books dedicated to financial education. Lori Greiner, beloved Shark on Shark Tank, holds over 120 U.S. and international patents and has created and marketed over 1,000 products with a 90% success rate on new items launched, making her one of the most prolific inventors of retail and consumer products. Honored with the Sherry Lansing 'Woman of the Year' Award and listed as one of Success Magazine's Top 25 Personal and Professional Development Influencers to Follow. She has earned the nickname "Queen of QVC" for her unmatched success in televised product sales, and will bring her sharp eye for consumer potential and scalability to CoCreate Pitch US Final. Simu Liu made history as the star of the first Asian-fronted movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings". He is also a rising investor, and the Chief Content Officer of MiLa. His Homecoming Fund supports Asian-led startups, and he recently appeared as a guest Dragon on Canada's Dragons' Den. With over 5 million followers, Simu bridges East and West, culture and commerce. Stephanie Mehta, CEO and Chief Content Officer of Mansueto Ventures, publisher of Fast Company and Inc., is one of the most respected leaders in business journalism. Mehta previously served as editor-in-chief of Fast Company, and held senior roles at Vanity Fair, Bloomberg Media, Fortune, and The Wall Street Journal. Her work bridges Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and emerging markets, making her a trusted voice among entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers worldwide. Everette Taylor is the CEO of Kickstarter, the leading crowdfunding and launch platform for creative projects of all sizes. Under his leadership, the company was named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential Companies and surpassed $9 billion in pledges to campaigns on the platform. He founded his first company at age 19, was recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2018, and was also recognized on the TIME100 Next list in 2023. Everette is a widely recognized voice in entrepreneurship, technology, marketing, startups, art, and diversity. "At Alibaba.com, our mission has always been to make it easy to do business anywhere," said Liz Wang, Global Head of Commercial Strategy at Alibaba.com. "We're constantly expanding how we support entrepreneurs-whether through global sourcing, supply chain services, or new innovations like our AI sourcing agent, Accio. Through CoCreate Pitch, we're proud to back the next generation of founders-not just with funding, but with the tools, expertise, and infrastructure they need to grow and succeed on a global stage." A Global Sourcing Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs The pitch competition is the marquee program of CoCreate 2025, Alibaba.com's flagship sourcing summit that brings together entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and investors for two days of product innovation and business building. With over 20,000 applications submitted globally by its the first deadline on August 15, the CoCreate Pitch competition showcases the most innovative product ideas from entrepreneurs across the globe. A total of 100 semifinalists will pitch live-70 in Las Vegas and 30 in London this November-for a shot at winning from a $1 million prize pool, including two grand prizes of $200,000 in cash and Alibaba.com sourcing credits. Beyond the pitch stage, CoCreate 2025 offers a dynamic platform for entrepreneurs to connect and grow. Over 50 trusted manufacturers from Alibaba.com's global ecosystem will be on-site, presenting more than 20,000 of the latest product samples from upwards of 200 suppliers. Attendees can also take part in an all-new business matchmaking experience where they'll engage in targeted 10-minute meetings with key decision-makers to explore samples, discuss customization, and fast-track deals. Complementing these hands-on opportunities, the event will also feature 100+ expert-led workshops addressing the most pressing issues facing today's small and mid-sized businesses. Got your ticket to join CoCreate 2025 for the global sourcing revolution and entrepreneurship excitement at: https://registration.eventpack.com/cocreate2025?tracelog=pr0731 Media Contact: Mike Hong mike.hong@alibaba-inc.com About Alibaba.com Launched in 1999, Alibaba.com is a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce that serves buyers and suppliers from over 200 countries and regions around the world. It is engaged in services covering various aspects of commerce, including providing businesses with tools that help them reach a global audience for their products and helping buyers discover products, find suppliers and place orders online fast and efficiently. Alibaba.com is part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753005/cocreate_judge_0815.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2143118/Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/alibabacom-announces-star-studded-judging-panel-for-1-million-cocreate-pitch-competitions-us-final-302532780.html New AI Search, Auto-Translations, Mobile Chat, and Engagement Tools Help Employees Find Answers Faster and Stay Connected MANCHESTER, United Kingdom and NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2025, the provider of the Employee Experience(EX) Platform that powers the world's best workplaces, today announced a significant expansion of its platform capabilities with a host of new features and products designed to elevate internal communications and drive operational efficiency for organizations worldwide. This launch comes on the heels of significant momentum for Interact, following its win of the prestigious King's Award for Enterpriseand its placement in the Leaders category of the IDC Worldwide Employee Experiencefor Integrated Employee Workspaces 2025 Vendor Assessment. The company also earned 13 awards from G2, in categories including High Performer: Enterprise for Summer 2025. "The workplace has changed, and the tools for creating a connected employee experience must evolve," said Simon Dance, CEO of Interact. "We're moving beyond the age of top-down messaging and into a future of instant answers and employees empowered to self-serve. Our new features are designed to remove the friction that slows people down, so every team member has the knowledge and connections they need to drive unprecedented productivity." This innovative release introduces enhancements built to deliver immediate value, fundamentally changing how organizations provide employees with instant answers, reduce reliance on support teams, and develop impactful content faster than ever: AI Search Assistant: Bring AI-powered enterprise search (https://www.interactsoftware.com/features/ai-at-interact/?utm_medium=press-release&utm_source=press-release&utm_campaign=summer%20product%20launch) to every team member - chatbot-style search delivers federated, contextual answers from across your entire organization's knowledgebase - including SharePoint, Google Drive, ServiceNow, and others. It increases employee self-service options and reduces reliance on HR and IT support teams by providing 24/7 access to answers. Bring AI-powered enterprise search (https://www.interactsoftware.com/features/ai-at-interact/?utm_medium=press-release&utm_source=press-release&utm_campaign=summer%20product%20launch) to every team member - chatbot-style search delivers federated, contextual answers from across your entire organization's knowledgebase - including SharePoint, Google Drive, ServiceNow, and others. It increases employee self-service options and reduces reliance on HR and IT support teams by providing 24/7 access to answers. Classified Ads: Champion sustainability and foster connection with a vibrant internal marketplace where colleagues can buy, sell, exchange, and give away items within a trusted environment. For workplaces emphasizing sustainability it strengthens organizational values and fosters genuine connections to create additional employee engagement opportunities. Champion sustainability and foster connection with a vibrant internal marketplace where colleagues can buy, sell, exchange, and give away items within a trusted environment. For workplaces emphasizing sustainability it strengthens organizational values and fosters genuine connections to create additional employee engagement opportunities. Editorial Calendar: Get a bird's eye view of campaigns with a unified calendar view of all communication and promotional activities within the platform. It helps internal communications teams manage information volume, prevent message overload, and ensure coordinated content distribution across the organization. Get a bird's eye view of campaigns with a unified calendar view of all communication and promotional activities within the platform. It helps internal communications teams manage information volume, prevent message overload, and ensure coordinated content distribution across the organization. Auto-Translations: Building upon Interact's existing real-time content translations, this capability automatically translates pages and emails into any number of specified languages at the point of save. Global internal comms teams can accelerate content creation and drive consistency without manual translation tasks and removing language barriers that slow organizations down. Building upon Interact's existing real-time content translations, this capability automatically translates pages and emails into any number of specified languages at the point of save. Global internal comms teams can accelerate content creation and drive consistency without manual translation tasks and removing language barriers that slow organizations down. Mobile Chat (paid add-on): An in-app chat functionality allowing for direct, private 1-on-1, multi-user, and group conversations directly on mobile devices. Frontline workers get instant access to answers, colleagues, and leadership without using personal phone numbers. "Interact's platform is essential to our digital employee experience," said Kelli Newman, Director of Internal Communications at Piedmont Healthcare. "The new features-especially the editorial calendar and enhanced email newsletters-will streamline content planning, strengthen cross-team collaboration, improve messaging strategy and timing and help us deliver more targeted, measurable communications. I'm excited to boost productivity and keep our team members informed, connected and empowered to continue delivering high-quality care to Piedmont patients." About Interact Interact powers the world's best workplaces. Organizations like Levi's, Domino's, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Subway trust Interact's AI-driven, comprehensive employee experience platform to connect, engage, and inform their most important asset: their employees. To learn more, visit www.interactsoftware.com. Contact Cindy Knezevich Cindy.knezevich@interactsoftware.com BOSTON, Aug. 19, 2025, as of June 2025, Google's AI Overviews now appear in more than 50% of all search results. Users interacting with these AI-generated search summaries are clicking through to websites nearly half as often, according to research from the Pew Research Center . These AI-driven shifts in search and shopping behaviors will create growth opportunities for those brands that are positioned to take advantage of them. The PXM AI Manifesto, authored by Salsify co-founder and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Rob Gonzalez, known for his strong opinions and fierce advocacy for the industry, states "we are at the same threshold with AI today that ecommerce was at its inception. This new era is defined by two types of AI: generative AI, which creates content, and agentic AI, which takes action. Together, they are rewriting how products are discovered and described." The manifesto's core truth is this: AI's most powerful use isn't in replacing people but in accelerating them. Gonzalez argues that AI should be seen as a "copilot," a tool that amplifies human capability and enables product experience managers to move faster, see farther, and build better. This is a direct challenge to the dystopian vision of AI as a villain that removes human agency. The manifesto identifies the shift from "Bricks & Clicks" to "Bricks & Clicks & Agents" as the next evolution of shopping. In this new landscape, AI assistants will curate, compare, and purchase in the service of consumers, shaping intent-based discovery. This means brands must now serve a third audience: AI agents. Every product detail page (PDP) becomes training data for these agents, and every word, image, and review is a brand's representative in the next generation of shopping. To win this new discovery game, the manifesto lays out five core principles for PXM AI impact: Make Your Product Data the AI Source of Truth: Every AI-driven experience, from a chatbot to a voice assistant, is built on the product information it can access. Brands must invest in PXM and establish their system as the most valued and complete source of product truth. Every AI-driven experience, from a chatbot to a voice assistant, is built on the product information it can access. Brands must invest in PXM and establish their system as the most valued and complete source of product truth. Be Everywhere AI Looks First: This isn't theoretical; it's algorithmic. The manifesto demands that brands have their product data syndicated instantly and tailored for delivery across an expanding universe of surfaces, including Bing, marketplaces, and brand.coms. This isn't theoretical; it's algorithmic. The manifesto demands that brands have their product data syndicated instantly and tailored for delivery across an expanding universe of surfaces, including Bing, marketplaces, and brand.coms. Partner With Everyone: The AI-fueled, closed-loop workflows for content optimization will only happen through close partnerships. This means leaders need to raise their hand to join pilots with retailers and foundation model providers, and leading your internal colleagues. The AI-fueled, closed-loop workflows for content optimization will only happen through close partnerships. This means leaders need to raise their hand to join pilots with retailers and foundation model providers, and leading your internal colleagues. Close the AI Literacy Gap: According to Microsoft, 70% of organizations struggle to equip their workforces with the necessary AI skills. The manifesto calls for leaders to bridge this gap, as AI fluency in everyday decision-making will be a key differentiator. According to Microsoft, 70% of organizations struggle to equip their workforces with the necessary AI skills. The manifesto calls for leaders to bridge this gap, as AI fluency in everyday decision-making will be a key differentiator. Let AI Handle the Volume So You Can Lead the Vision: As the digital shelf explodes in complexity, it's no longer humanly possible to manage everything manually. The manifesto asserts that AI frees professionals from task execution so they can shift to strategic leadership, becoming the "architect of experience". As Gonzalez puts it, "Scale isn't the ceiling-it's the starting line". Gonzalez stresses that the future isn't about gaming algorithms; it's about substance. Success will come from brands with excellent products, strong reviews, and clear, consumer-centric information. The manifesto is a declaration that the time for action is now, and that the leaders who embrace this shift will define the future of commerce. Click here for more information and to download "The PXM AI Manifesto". About Salsify Salsify helps thousands of brand manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in over 140 countries collaborate to make every product experience matter. The company's Product Experience Management (PXM) platform enables organizations to centralize all of their product content, connect to the commerce ecosystem, and automate business processes in order to deliver the best possible product experiences across every selling destination. Learn how the world's largest brands, including Mars, L'Oreal, Coca-Cola, Bosch, and ASICS, as well as retailers and distributors, such as DoorDash, E.Leclerc, Carrefour, Metro, and Intermarche, use Salsify every day to drive efficiency, power growth, and lead the digital shelf. For more information, please visit: www.salsify.com. Media contact: Carolyn Adams carolyn@bluerunpr.com DUBLIN, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HT Materials Science (HTMS), a global leader in cooling technology, has successfully implemented its breakthrough heat-transfer fluid, Maxwell, at a pharmaceutical cold storage facility operated by DKSH Malaysia. The installation resulted in significant energy savings, operational improvements and system performance-positioning the project as one of Southeast Asia's most effective commercial HVAC retrofits to date. Created by suspending sub-micron particles of aluminum oxide in a base fluid of water or glycol, Maxwell is a non-toxic, fully recyclable additive that enhances heat transfer in industrial HVAC systems. That improved heat transfer reduces energy consumption while increasing system capacity. For the DKSH Malaysia project, adding Maxwell led to a 13 percent reduction in the chiller's energy consumption, for a projected annual savings of 600,000 kilowatt hours and a payback period of 2.1 years. This installation was procured and engineered by Tri Quantity Sdn Bhd, an energy management and audit company based in Malaysia. Based on energy savings alone, the payback period for this project is projected at just over two years. It's a welcome innovation for a facility with strict temperature and humidity needs and regulations, as installing Maxwell requires no system downtime. In addition to energy savings, DKSH expects reduced wear and tear on the facility's HVAC equipment, longer system lifespan and lower maintenance costs due to reduced scaling and improved fluid dynamics. "This installation demonstrates that smart, science-driven HVAC technologies can deliver immediate cost savings and long-term sustainability benefits," said Thomas Grizzetti, CEO of HTMS. "We're proud to partner with forward-thinking companies like Tri Quantity and DKSH who are helping to set the standards for energy efficiency in large-scale commercial facilities." "This initiative not only strengthens our operational efficiency but also reaffirms DKSH's commitment to sustainable, future-focused business practices," said Joel Solomon, Head, Supply Chain Management, DKSH Malaysia & Brunei. This project provides a compelling blueprint for how commercial facilities can unlock measurable energy gains through smart retrofits. The results are applicable across industries including logistics, education, retail and data centers. HTMS contracts include performance guarantees, with minimum savings thresholds and annual reconciliation. "What makes this so compelling is the speed at which results materialized," added Grizzetti. "Within weeks, we saw verified energy savings-demonstrating just how accessible and impactful these upgrades can be for building operators anywhere in the world." About DKSH For 160 years, DKSH has been delivering growth for companies in Asia and beyond across its Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, DKSH offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services, following its purpose of enriching people's lives. DKSH is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact and adheres to its principles-based approach to responsible business. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 36 markets with 28,060 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 11.1 billion in 2024. www.dksh.com About HT Materials Science Based in Ireland, HTMS is dedicated to developing sustainable energy savings solutions aimed at improving the efficiency of HVAC systems in commercial and industrial sectors. HTMS was included this year in Fast Company's list of Most Innovative Companies. The company's flagship product, a heat-transfer fluid called Maxwell, is designed to enhance heat transfer and significantly reduce energy consumption, helping companies meet sustainability goals and combat climate change. https://htmaterialsscience.com/ About Tri Quantity Based in Selangor, Tri Quantity provides energy management and audit services in Malaysia, Singapore and Asia. Tri Quantity is the exclusive distributor of Maxwell in the region. https://www.triquantity.com/ View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ht-materials-science-delivers-substantial-energy-savings-for-dksh-malaysia-installing-maxwell-led-to-a-13-reduction-in-chiller-energy-consumption-and-projected-annual-savings-of-600-000-kwh-302533133.html NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / By Joselina Rodriguez Osuna Originally published by Women Leading Rum & Spirits Women Leading Rum & Spirits is a community committed to fostering inclusion, education, and the advancement of women within the spirits industry. Its mission is to promote women's inclusion, leadership, and professional growth in the spirits industry through education, networking, and the exchange of ideas. The appointment of Natally Andersson to head the Caribbean region symbolizes the growth of a network of women who lead with purpose, opening new avenues for female talent in the spirits world. As Director of Human Resources for Bacardi in Puerto Rico, Natally leads from the heart of the world's largest premium rum distillery. During her international career spanning more than 15 years, she has demonstrated her commitment to inclusion, well-being, and helping to build stronger organizational cultures. "I am deeply honored to take on this role. I believe in the transformative power of a community of women who lead with purpose, who open doors and guide others through them. The Caribbean has a powerful story to tell, and my commitment is to amplify those voices with pride and responsibility", she said. Recognized for her ability to create an environment at Bacardi where everyone can be appreciated for who they are, what they do and who they can become, Natally will bring a global perspective to our organization, firmly rooted in her Caribbean roots. Her leadership represents a firm step toward the future we envision: one where excellence and diversity go hand in hand. "Inclusion is not a trend; it's a growth strategy, and also a daily choice. From my role at Bacardi and now at Women Leading Rum & Spirits, I will continue to foster spaces where women can flourish, lead, and make their mark." At Women Leading Rum & Spirits, we celebrate this new stage with enthusiasm, aware that Natally not only brings experience and vision, but also an authentic energy that inspires and transforms. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bacardi-Martini, Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Bacardi-Martini, Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bacardi-limited Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Bacardi-Martini, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/travel/natally-andersson-hr-director-at-bacardi-takes-over-as-caribbean-director-at-women-leading-r-1062777 Meet the health workers using tech to overcome deadly diseases NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / "Thank you so much for coming to my home. You saved my life." Those simple words from Bill Adams* spoke volumes to Karen Fernandez, one of the original community health workers with an in-home healthcare program called Healthy Neighbor in Camden, New Jersey. A few days before, she had met Bill for the first time at his home and discovered that his blood pressure was incredibly high. She called the triage line and was able to get him into the emergency department the same day. Before that first visit, Bill called Karen to ask if she was really going to show up. He didn't have health insurance or much trust in the healthcare system that had let him down so many times before. Karen did show up - the first step in creating trust and a foundation toward Bill's future health. "That's why I do this job," said Fernandez. "It's rewarding. If you can make an impact on a person's life, they will never forget it." This is just one of hundreds of stories illustrating the impact that the four community health workers who comprise Healthy Neighbor are bringing to the Camden community. They are equipped with a technology platform called SPICE from Medtronic LABS, which develops community-based, tech-supported healthcare solutions for underserved communities. This digital tool streamlines their work by capturing basic healthcare needs, tracking blood pressure and glucose over time, and flagging elevated readings for follow-up. This helps link community and health system care, reduces paperwork, and allows the community health workers to focus on their patients. Bringing a global program home Camden, a city of about 70,000 people across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, has a life expectancy gap of as much as 16 years compared to neighborhoods just 6.5 miles away.[i] The rates of diabetes and high blood pressure are dramatically higher than in nearby communities. Virtua Health is South Jersey's largest healthcare provider, and many of its patients live in Camden. When leadership at Virtua saw these staggering health statistics, they felt compelled to do something. "Our mission is to help our community be well, get well, and stay well. We take it very seriously," said Dan Master, the director of community health and impact at Virtua. "And there is a lot of alignment with Medtronic LABS and Medtronic in this." For over a decade, Medtronic LABS has built community-based, tech-enabled solutions to address healthcare disparities around the world. But they had never built a program in the United States. Until Virtua called. "When we first met with Virtua, we knew this was a great opportunity to bring our learnings from community-based care models in Asia and Africa to the U.S. and continue to innovate," said Lauren Leccese, head of U.S. programs at Medtronic LABS. "The shared values and commitment to health equity across our organizations created a strong foundation as we started to build the program." From pilot to expansion In August 2023, Medtronic LABS and?Virtua launched Healthy Neighbor. The goal was to improve health outcomes through a home visiting program where community health workers provide integrated health and social care for patients living with high blood pressure and/or type 2 diabetes. And it's working. The data from the first two years of the program is in - and it's remarkable: 74% of patients with uncontrolled hypertension achieved meaningful improvement (15-point mean drop in systolic blood pressure) 69% of patients with uncontrolled diabetes achieved meaningful improvements (1.2% mean drop in A1C) These numbers are so impressive that the program is expanding. Virtua received a grant from the city of Camden to grow the community health worker team and reach more patients. "We all had high standards and high hopes for the program when it started, and it's been living up to them," said Alexis Nieves, a Healthy Neighbor community health worker who has been with the program from the beginning. "And these results are not just because of us, but because the patients are willing to make changes as well." More than the numbers The impact of Healthy Neighbor goes beyond data. Patients are enrolled in the program because of either uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes (or both), but the care they receive goes far beyond treating those conditions. "It's not normal for a medical team to go out of their way to help you," said Greg Ashton*, a Healthy Neighbor patient. "They're going above and beyond their duty, for someone that they don't even know." There are many factors that influence a person's health, and community health workers are skilled at addressing all of them. They help their patients secure housing, healthy food, heat, and mental-health support. They provide education on nutrition, teach patients to monitor their blood pressure and glucose levels, remind them about upcoming appointments, and help them find transportation to the appointments. "La Shawn is a positive influence on my life, she motivates me," said Denise Manlius, a Healthy Neighbor patient, of her community health worker. "She makes sure that I take my medications. She calls to remind me of appointments. She helped me change my eating habits. Since she's been in my life, my A1C (blood sugar) went down. And it's not just a paycheck to her; she really cares about her people." 'Someone cared enough' "A lot of patients just need to know someone cared enough," said La Shawn Dutton-Spruill. "To show them how to fill up their pillbox until they understand how to do it themselves. To help them understand that their meds will be green this month and white next month, but that it's still the same medication." Due to the program's success and a desire to replicate it to help more patients across the country, Virtua and Medtronic LABS created a toolkit that other health systems can use to establish Healthy Neighbor programs in their communities. The goal is to help more healthcare systems address health disparities and make a meaningful difference in the health of their patients and communities. As Fanny Ochoa, a community health worker with Healthy Neighbor, explained, "It's not just what you do when you're with the patient. The reward is seeing your patients continue to make changes after you leave. The goal of our work is to create a better lifestyle and a better outcome for our patients, beyond the time that we are with them." *Names changed to protect patient privacy Learn more about how Medtronic LABS develops community-based, tech-enabled solutions for underserved patients, families, and communities across the world. The Healthy Neighbor team: Dionne Yamster, Fanny Ochoa, Karen Fernandez, La Shawn Dutton-Spruill, and Alexis Nieves. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Medtronic on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Medtronic Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/medtronic Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Medtronic View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/from-home-visits-to-health-victories-global-health-tech-gets-personal-1062775 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Pacific Empire Minerals Corp. (TSXV: PEMC) ("Pacific Empire", "PEMC" or the "Company"), a British Columbia copper-gold explorer, is pleased to announce that it has received a multi-year Mines Act Permit authorizing exploration activities at its 100%-owned Trident property in north-central British Columbia. Permit details: Mines Act Permit MX-100000345, issued by the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals is valid until September 30, 2028, and authorizes: Construction of a camp and staging area Surface diamond drilling from 20 permitted drill sites Exploration access and construction or modification of access roads Fuel storage The permit includes comprehensive environmental, cultural heritage, and reclamation requirements, including the protection of watercourses, caribou-interaction mitigation measures for work above 1,100 m, progressive reclamation, as well as invasive species control. These commitments align with Pacific Empire's approach to responsible exploration and early-stage project stewardship. Brad Peters, President and CEO of Pacific Empire, commented, "Securing this multi-year exploration permit is a significant milestone for Pacific Empire and clears the way for our inaugural diamond drilling program at Trident this September. This is the first time in over 50 years that this target area will be tested, despite extensive historical work in the region. With road access now in place and drill sites approved, we are in an excellent position to advance this gold-enriched copper porphyry project." The Trident property lies within the prolific Quesnel Terrane, immediately south of the Hogem Plutonic Suite contact with volcanic rocks of the Chuchi Lake Succession - a geologic setting known to host several producing and past-producing copper-gold porphyry deposits in British Columbia. Historical work on the property includes soil geochemistry, geophysics, and diamond drilling that confirmed widespread copper-gold mineralization but left the main target area untested due to historic access challenges. Pacific Empire's 2025 program will be the first modern drill campaign to directly test this high-priority target, following recent re-assay results collected from historical drill core and the acquisition of new high-resolution LIDAR data that will aid in more accurate drill collar placement. Other Matters The latest President's Newsletter, along with updated maps and Corporate Presentation, are now available at www.pemcorp.ca. Figure 1 - Multi-Year Area-Based Permit Work Area To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5412/262970_cd58ce63b49d4928_001full.jpg Trident Project: Priority Target Areas The Trident Project is currently the primary focus for Pacific Empire. The main exploration target is a gold-enriched copper porphyry system, supported by robust copper, gold, and zinc soil geochemistry and multiple coincident geophysical anomalies. Geochemical Support: Copper-in-soil anomalies with values up to 5,213 ppm Cu define a 2 km (N-S) by 4 km (NW-SE) zone (Figures 2 & 3). define a 2 km (N-S) by 4 km (NW-SE) zone (Figures 2 & 3). The anomaly lies on a significant slope, with drilling to date not yet testing the upslope source area. Gold-in-soil anomalies up to 591 ppb Au characterize a 2 km by 1.5 km zone overlapping the copper anomaly (Figures 2 & 4). characterize a 2 km by 1.5 km zone overlapping the copper anomaly (Figures 2 & 4). A strong distal zinc anomaly may be indicative of an outer halo of a robust copper-gold porphyry system. Geophysical Support: The porphyry target aligns with (Figure 2): An airborne resistivity high A chargeability anomaly from ground IP A resistivity high from ground IP A strong apparent resistivity anomaly from airborne Mobile Magnetotelluric (MT) data Historical and Future Drilling: South of the main target, historical drilling (1970s, 2007) intercepted mineralized hornblende-feldspar monzonite porphyry dikes dipping north. Previous drilling was oriented north-to-south, away from the interpreted main porphyry zone. Future drilling will be oriented south-to-north from permitted sites located north of historical hole collars to directly target the inferred core of the system. Breccia Targets: Eastern Breccia Target: Strong conductivity anomaly, float samples yielding up to 3.3% Cu, 3.6 g/t Au, 56.6 g/t Ag; barite vein sample returned 6.0% Cu, 6.0% Zn, 1.5 g/t Au, 5.0 g/t Ag. Strong conductivity anomaly, float samples yielding up to barite vein sample returned Western Breccia Target: A robust copper-in-soil anomaly coincident with a significant conductivity high. Figure 2 - Compilation of geochemical and IP geophysical data with 2025 drill targets at Trident To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5412/262970_cd58ce63b49d4928_002full.jpg Figure 3 - COPPER Soil Geochemistry To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5412/262970_cd58ce63b49d4928_003full.jpg Figure 4 - GOLD Soil Geochemistry To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5412/262970_cd58ce63b49d4928_004full.jpg Pinnacle Project: Emerging Targets The Pinnacle property, located immediately west of Trident, has two primary target areas: Aplite Creek North Target: Copper mineralization in outcrop is associated with known aplite dikes and quartz veining. Historical drilling (AH90-01) returned 6.0 m grading 6.4 g/t Au at Aplite Creek. at Aplite Creek. Supported by a radiometric Th/K low (K/Th high), indicative of potassic alteration. Strong IP chargeability responses along target margins, coincident with copper-in-soil anomalies. South Pinnacle Target: Copper-in-soil anomaly coincident with geophysical targets. Ovate magnetic and resistivity anomalies from 2007 Fugro airborne mag-EM survey. IP chargeability and resistivity highs from 2014 ground IP survey. Strong IP chargeability response along target margins, aligned with copper-in-soil anomalies. Figure 5 - Exploration targets at Pinnacle with recent forestry cutblocks and new roads To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5412/262970_cd58ce63b49d4928_005full.jpg Alluvial Gold in the Klawli River The Klawli River, which divides the Trident and Pinnacle properties, has demonstrated proximal near surface gold occurrence potential. Panning in the river has yielded significant placer gold ranging from fine flour gold to flakes measuring approximately 1 mm thick and 2-3 mm in diameter. The presence of placer gold in the Klawli River suggests nearby hard-rock gold source(s) and further underscores the potential for additional discoveries in the region. Figure 6 - Gold from the Klawli River. Did it come from Pinnacle or Trident or both? To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5412/262970_cd58ce63b49d4928_006full.jpg About Trident The Trident property is an early exploration stage property hosting an alkalic porphyry copper-gold-silver prospect with district-scale potential that is accessible by vehicle. The property is located approximately 50 km southeast of the Kwanika deposit owned by NorthWest Copper Corp. and 50 km to the northwest of Centerra Gold's Mt. Milligan Mine. The property covers 6,618 hectares endowed with well-established logging roads providing important efficient access to conduct exploration programs. Copper mineralization on the property was first discovered in 1969, while exploration crews were following up on anomalous stream sediment samples. The following year, Falconbridge optioned the property and over the next two years completed IP and magnetic surveys, geological mapping, soil sampling and diamond drilling. This work ultimately led to the discovery of the A Zone. Additional exploration programs were completed by Kookaburra Gold Corp. from 1988 through 1991, Solomon Resources Ltd., from 2006 through 2008. In 2013, PEMC optioned the property and in 2014, in turn, PEMC optioned the property to Oz Minerals which completed during that same year, an IP survey and completed a two drillhole, diamond drill program at Trident. In 2022, Pacific Empire acquired a 100% interest in the property in exchange for granting the vendors a 2% net smelter return royalty ("NSR"). One-half (1%) of the 2% NSR which may be purchased for $500,000 by Pacific Empire. Prior to 2014, known mineralization on the property was believed to be associated with fracture and/or shear zone structures striking 120 degrees and dipping 75 degrees towards the northeast. A review of historical drill core by the Pacific Empire exploration team has led to a much different interpretation with respect to the nature of known mineralization on the property. The most important observation made was the determination of the presence of hornblende-feldspar monzonite porphyry intrusions detected within drill core obtained from the A Zone. These types of porphyry intrusions are typically characterized by sheeted quartz sulphide veins hosting disseminated chalcopyrite and bornite residing immediately adjacent to and within the porphyry dikes. Other observations include the highest grades noted in historical drilling can be seen to be directly associated with intervals where such porphyry intrusions occur. About Pinnacle The Pinnacle project is located 60 km west of Centerra Gold's Mt. Milligan Copper-Gold Mine and 30 km southeast of NorthWest Copper's Kwanika Copper-Gold Deposit in a proven copper-gold porphyry district. Access to the Pinnacle is by road including a new and expanding network of logging roads and trails throughout the main target areas. This improved access is a significant development and is anticipated to contribute to cost effective drill support and provides additional bedrock exposure. Qualified Person's Statement Kristian Whitehead, P.Geo., serves as a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed the scientific and technical information in this news release, approving the disclosure herein. About Pacific Empire Pacific Empire is a copper exploration company based in Vancouver, British Columbia and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PEMC. The Company has a district-scale land position in north-central British Columbia totaling 22,541 hectares. British Columbia is a "Green" copper jurisdiction with abundant hydroelectric power, access and infrastructure in close proximity to the end market. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, "Brad Peters" President, Chief Executive Officer and Director www.pemcorp.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers, directors or promoters with certain other projects; the absence of dividends; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume and the additional risks identified the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262970 SOURCE: Pacific Empire Minerals Corp. Visible gold observed in first six diamond drill holes drilled at the Contact zone Drilling to date has traced mineralization along a strike of approximately 900 m and to a depth of approximately 430 m from surface at the Contact zone Visible gold has now been observed in drill core from all five targets drilled within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex this year First drilling completed since 2010/2011 that produced historical intersections in Contact zone of 38.3 m of 1.54 g/t gold , 74.3 m of 1.01 g/t gold and 43.4 m of 1.20 g/t gold in Holes CC11-043, 044, 045 respectively and 10.7 m of 20.46 g/t gold in CC10-22 Six holes totalling 2,172 m completed as part of the ongoing 5,000 m of drilling planned at Contact-Pukelman target Drilling has also recently commenced at the Bear Paw target Results are currently pending for all holes drilled at Contact-Pukelman along with holes completed across Blackjack, Saddle, Eiger, Rhosgobel and Bear Paw Over 25,000 metres of the ongoing 30,000 m planned drill program completed with assays currently pending for 52 holes Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Sitka Gold Corp. (TSXV: SIG) (FSE: 1RF) (OTCQB: SITKF) ("Sitka" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that multiple occurrences of visible gold have been observed, beginning near surface, in the first six drill holes to be completed by the Company at the Contact zone. Visible gold has now been observed in the drill core from every target that has been drilled within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex so far this year, including Blackjack, Saddle, Eiger and Rhosgobel. Up to 5,000 metres of drilling is currently underway at the Contact-Pukelman zone (see Figures 3, 4 and 6) as part of the fully funded 30,000 metre diamond drill program currently underway at Sitka's 100% owned, road accessible RC Gold Project located in the Yukon's prolific Tombstone Gold Belt. Over 25,000 metres of drilling has been completed at RC Gold this year where drilling has focused on growing the Blackjack and Eiger deposits, expanding the mineralized footprint of the Saddle zone, and testing the potential of the Rhosgobel, Contact-Pukelman and Bear Paw targets to host additional intrusion-related gold deposits. Four drill rigs are currently operating on the Project with two rigs at Pukelman, one rig at Rhosgobel and one rig at Bear Paw (see Figure 6) with assay results currently pending for 52 holes. "The Contact zone is now the fifth target drilled by Sitka Gold in 2025 to yield multiple occurrences of visible gold within the core of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex," said Cor Coe, CEO and Director of Sitka Gold. "The widespread and robust gold mineralization being intersected in our drilling across this area continues to demonstrate that the RC Gold project is a unique gold camp with multiple intrusions that display the potential to host several multi-million ounce gold deposits within this relatively small 3 by 5 kilometre core area. With an existing multi-million ounce gold resource open for expansion and numerous other high-quality targets within the 431 square kilometre land package, RC Gold is quickly emerging as the foundation of a potential new mining district in the Yukon." Figure 1: Examples of coarse visible gold (VG) observed in drill core at the Contact Zone. Recent drilling at the Contact Zone has intersected VG in all six holes completed so far this year, including the largest VG particles observed on the property in drill core to date (scale is the same for all pictures). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/263028_3e4ae39d74986bb2_001full.jpg Figure 2: Example of large particles of visible gold seen within a quartz vein in metasedimentary rock in the drill core of DDRCCC-25-115 from 39.4 to 39.7 m length drilled at the Contact zone. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/263028_3e4ae39d74986bb2_002full.jpg Contact-Pukelman Target Six holes totalling 2,172 metres have been completed as part of the ongoing 5,000 metres of drilling planned at the Contact-Pukelman target. Drilling intersected broad intervals of strongly altered metasediments cut by several quartz monzonite, and biotite-feldspar porphyritic dykes, along with abundant, cm scale, sheeted quartz veins. Visible gold was observed in the sheeted quartz veins and was often associated with arsenopyrite, bismuthinite, and minor scheelite (see Figures 1 and 2). Sitka's 2025 drill program is planned to expand the mineralized footprint of the Contact zone, test the zone with oriented diamond drill core to better understand controls on the mineralization and test the linkage between the metasedimentary and intrusion hosted mineralization of the Contact and Pukelman zones. The Contact zone was previously drilled in 2010 and 2011 with 1,660 metres in 12 holes of reverse circulation drilling and 254 metres in 2 holes of diamond drilling (see Table 1) and encountered significant mineralization in quartz veining within metasedimentary rocks up to 450 metres south of the Pukelman intrusion. Current drilling to date has traced gold mineralization across a lateral extent of approximately 900 metres x 650 metres and from surface to a depth of approximately 430 metres (see Figure 3 and Table 1). While this is an encouraging indicator of the potential size of this target, the Company cautions that additional drilling and assay results are required to confirm the extent and continuity of gold mineralization within this area. * While visible gold observations are very encouraging and confirm the presence of gold mineralization, they are not intended to imply potential gold grades. Gold assays will be published after they are received from the lab for mineralized intervals in which visible gold particles were noted. Figure 3: A location map of the Pukelman/Contact area showing the location of drill holes DDRCCC-25-111 to -116. Drilling to date has traced gold mineralization across a lateral extent of approximately 900 m x 650 m and from surface to a depth of approximately 430 m. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/263028_3e4ae39d74986bb2_003full.jpg Table 1: Highlights of reverse circulation drilling from 2010 and 2011 at the Contact zone To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/263028_sitkatbl108192025.jpg *Intervals are drilled core length, as insufficient drilling has been completed at this time to determine true widths. (a) O'Brien, 2010; Assessment Report, 2010 Diamond Drilling Program, Clear Creek Property (Assessment report 095539) (b) Shutty, 2011; Assessment Report, 2011 Exploration Program, Clear Creek Property (Assessment Report 095984) Figure 4: Long Section showing target areas within the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (CCIC), from the Blackjack deposit to the Rhosgobel target and the proposed drilling metres that were allocated as part of the 30,000 metre diamond drilling program planned for 2025. Visible gold has now been observed in drill core from all of the targets drilled this year within the CCIC. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/263028_3e4ae39d74986bb2_004full.jpg Figure 5: Regional map of the RC Gold Project located in the western portion of Yukon's prolific Tombstone Gold Belt. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/263028_3e4ae39d74986bb2_005full.jpg Figure 6: A plan map of the Clear Creek Intrusive Complex (CCIC) showing the updated resource areas at Blackjack and Eiger, and the six additional areas that have drill targets indicated by the mauve hatched areas. The map highlights the numerous drill targets that Sitka has outlined within the CCIC which all are connected by the road network on the project and occur in an area measuring five (5) km north-south and twelve (12) km east-west. Additional areas highlighted by strong gold in soil anomalies are being advanced to the drill ready stage with additional geological work in 2025. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6144/263028_3e4ae39d74986bb2_006full.jpg About the Flagship RC Gold Project Sitka's 100% owned RC Gold Project consists of a 431 square kilometre contiguous district-scale land package located in the heart of Yukon's Tombstone Gold Belt. The project is located approximately 100 kilometres east of Dawson City, which has a 5,000 foot paved runway, and is accessed via a secondary gravel road from the Klondike Highway which is usable year-round and is an approximate 2 hour drive from Dawson City. It is the largest consolidated land package strategically positioned mid-way between the Eagle Gold Mine and the past producing Brewery Creek Gold Mine. The RC Gold Project now has pit-constrained mineral resources that are contained in two zones: the Blackjack and Eiger gold deposits with 1,291,000 ounces of gold in 39,962,000 tonnes grading 1.01 g/t gold in an indicated category and 1,044,000 ounces of gold in 34,603,000 tonnes grading 0.94 g/t in an inferred category at Blackjack and 440,000 ounces of gold in 27,362,000 tonnes grading 0.50 g/t gold in an inferred category at Eiger. These resource estimate numbers are supported by the recently updated technical report for RC Gold, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 standards, entitled "Clear Creek Property, RC Gold Project NI 43-101 Technical Report Dawson Mining District, Yukon Territory", prepared by Ronald G. Simpson, P. Geo., of GeoSim Services Inc. with an effective date of January 21, 2025. This report is available on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.sitkagoldcorp.com). Both of these deposits begin at surface, are potentially open pit minable and amenable to heap leaching, with initial bottle roll tests indicating that the gold is not refractory and has high gold recoveries of up to 94% with minimal NaCN consumption (see News Release July 13, 2022). As of the end of 2024, the Company has drilled 72 diamond drill holes into this system for a total of approximately 25,136 metres. Other targets drilled to date include the Saddle, Josephine, Rhosgobel and Pukelman zones. The resource expansion drilling in 2023 at Blackjack produced results of up to 219.0 metres of 1.34 g/t gold including 124.8 metres of 2.01 g/t gold and 55.0 metres of 3.11 g/t gold in drill hole DDRCCC-23-047 (see news release dated September 26, 2023) and in 2024 results of up to 678.1 metres of 1.04 g/t gold starting from surface in DDRCCC-24-068, including 409.5 metres of 1.36 g/t gold, 93.0 metres of 2.57 g/t gold and 5.5 metres of 17.59 g/t gold (see news release dated October 21, 2024). Results from DDRCCC-25-075, completed during winter drilling in 2025, produced the best high-grade intercepts drilled to date at Blackjack, returning 352.8 metres of 1.55 g/t gold including 108.9 metres of 3.27 g/t gold and 45.0 metres of 4.52 g/t gold (see news release dated April 22, 2025). A planned 30,000 metre diamond drilling program for 2025 is currently underway at RC Gold. RC Gold Deposit Model Exploration on the Property has mainly focused on identifying an intrusion-related gold system ("IRGS"). The property is within the Tombstone Gold Belt which is the prominent host to IRGS deposits within the Tintina Gold Province in Yukon and Alaska. Notable deposits from the belt include: Fort Knox Mine in Alaska with current Proven and Probable Reserves of 230 million tonnes at 0.3 g/t Au (2.471 million ounces; Sims 2018)(1); Eagle Gold Mine with current Measured and Indicated Resources of 233 million tonnes at a grade of 0.57 g/t Au at the Eagle Main Zone (4.303 million ounces; Harvey et al, 2022)(2); the Brewery Creek deposit with current Indicated Mineral Resource of 22.2 million tonnes at a gold grade of 1.11 g/t (0.789 million ounces; Hulse et al. 2020)(3); the AurMac Project with an Inferred Mineral Resource of 347.49 million tonnes grading 0.63 gram per tonne gold (7.00 million ounces)(4) and the Valley Deposit, with a current Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource of 7.94 million oz gold at 1.21 g/t and an additional Inferred Mineral Resource of 0.89 million oz at 0.62 g/t gold(5), and the Raven deposit with an inferred mineral resource of 1.1 million oz (19.96 million tonnes at 1.67 g/t gold)(6). The QP has been unable to verify the information regarding the above resource estimations and the information is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the property that is the subject of the disclosure. (1) Sims J. Fort Knox Mine Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, USA National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. June 11, 2018. https://s2.q4cdn.com/496390694/files/doc_downloads/2018/Fort-Knox-June-2018-Technical-Report.pdf (2) Harvey N., Gray P., Winterton J., Jutras M., Levy M.,Technical Report for the Eagle Gold Mine, Yukon Territory, Canada. Victoria Gold Corp. December 31, 2022. https://vgcx.com/site/assets/files/6534/vgcx_-_2023_eagle_mine_technical_report_final.pdf (3) Hulse D, Emanuel C, Cook C. NI 43-101 Technical Report on Mineral Resources. Gustavson Associates. May 31, 2020. https://minedocs.com/22/Brewery-Creek-PEA-01182022.pdf (4) Thornton T., Jutras M., Malhotra D. Technical Report Aurmac Property Mayo Mining District, Yukon Territory, Canada. JDS Energy and Mining Inc. February 6, 2024. https://banyangold.com/site/assets/files/5251/banyan_gold_ni_43-101_technical_report_2024_03_18.pdf (5)https://snowlinegold.com/2025/05/15/snowline-gold-expands-measured-and-indicated-gold-ounces-by-96-in-updated-mineral-resource-estimate-at-its-valley-gold-deposit-yukon/ (6) Jutras, M. 2022. Technical Report on the Raven Mineral Deposit, Mayo Mining District Yukon Territory, Canada, prepared for Victoria Gold Corp and filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) with an effective date of September 15, 2022 Upcoming Events Sitka Gold will be attending and/or presenting at the following events*: Precious Metals Summit, Beaver Creek, Colorado: September 9 - 12, 2025 Yukon Geoscience Forum, Whitehorse, YT: November 16 - 19, 2025 Swiss Mining Institute, Zurich, Switzerland: November 19 - 22, 2025 *All events are subject to change. About Sitka Gold Corp. Sitka Gold Corp. is a well-funded mineral exploration company headquartered in Canada. The Company is managed by a team of experienced industry professionals and is focused on exploring for economically viable mineral deposits with its primary emphasis on gold, silver and copper mineral properties of merit. Sitka is currently advancing its 100% owned, 431 square kilometre flagship RC Gold Project located within the Tombstone Gold Belt in the Yukon Territory. The Company is also advancing the Alpha Gold Project in Nevada and currently has drill permits for its Burro Creek Gold and Silver Project in Arizona and the Coppermine River Project in Nunavut, all of which are 100% owned by the Company. *For more detailed information on the Company's properties please visit our website at www.sitkagoldcorp.com. The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gilles Dessureau, P.Geo., V.P. Exploration of the Company, and a Qualified Person (QP) as defined by National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SITKA GOLD CORP. "Donald Penner" President and Director For more information contact: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions and the Company's anticipated work programs. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market uncertainty and the results of the Company's anticipated work programs. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263028 SOURCE: Sitka Gold Corp. BOSTON, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Three Space Lab ("3SL"), a pioneer in frictionless, ultra-realistic VR real estate visualization, has raised $3 million in Seed funding to transform the luxury homebuying experience. Founded by former MIT research scientist Scott W. Greenwald, Ph.D., 3SL reimagines real estate sales by enabling sellers to showcase off-plan and remote properties with a stunning level of realism. Its proprietary, cutting-edge, immersive visualization platform disrupts the traditional sales experience by empowering buyers to make confident decisions anytime, anywhere. 3SL brings luxury real estate to life for buyers worldwide, letting them step into their dream homes from anywhere using VR, bringing joy and magic to the biggest purchase decisions of their lives. This not only helps our customers sell their properties faster and more efficiently - it also allows architects, designers, and developers to experience and emotionally connect with their projects even before they're built. Our novel approach brings unparalleled realism and usability to VR technology, breaking down stubborn barriers to adoption in the real estate space," said Greenwald. "This funding bolsters our ability to scale, developing AI-based techniques to increase the sophistication of our offering while decreasing cost and accelerating execution. This will allow us to bring our ultra-realistic content offerings to developers and buyers worldwide. Furthermore, we see this as a first step to VR adoption across numerous industry verticals." Greenwald added. According to Pitchbook, the global proptech market, valued at $34 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $133 billion by 2032. With this funding, led by Switzerland-based Arminius Verwaltung, 3SL will develop its global sales team and leverage AI in game-changing ways. This will fuel expansion in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, focusing initially on key hotspots such as Miami, St. Tropez, and Dubai. Discover how Three Space Lab is transforming the real estate buying experience at https://www.threespacelab.io . About Three Space Lab Incorporated in 2021 by former MIT research scientist Scott Greenwald, Ph.D., Three Space Lab, Inc. pioneers AI-driven VR solutions for luxury real estate, enabling immersive, on-demand property experiences worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.threespacelab.io or contact hello@threespacelab.io. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/three-space-lab-secures-3m-seed-round-to-revolutionize-luxury-real-estate-with-ai-and-vr-302533093.html BEIJING, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The story of today's Xizang Autonomous Region can't be told in isolation. The profound transformation, resilience and renewal that people see today are a stark departure from the dark legacy of serfdom. It is a testament to the power of development guided by people-centered governance. Once, at a two-day high-level meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for further efforts to ensure national security and enduring peace and stability, steadily improve people's lives, maintain a good environment, solidify border defense and ensure frontier security in Xizang. As an inseparable part of China, Xizang has always been a priority for the Central Government. For centuries, ordinary Tibetans lived under the crushing weight of a feudal theocracy. Roughly 95 percent of the population were bound as serfs, deprived of land, education, and dignity. This old system preserved the privileges of a narrow elite while condemning the majority to poverty and powerlessness. The establishment of the People's Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region marked a clear break from the past. People in Xizang transitioned from being oppressed serfs to citizens who became masters of their own fate. The system of regional ethnic autonomy ensures that people of all ethnic groups are masters of their own affairs. As of 2025, Xizang has 42,153 deputies to the National People's Congress at various levels, with ethnic minorities making up 89.2 percent of all local people's congressional deputies. Over 57.17 percent of township-level party and government leaders are from minority backgrounds. And at the grassroots level, voter turnout exceeds 90 percent. And the region's economy boomed. The region's GDP soared from just 174 million yuan (around $24.3 million) in 1959 to more than 276 billion yuan (around $38.5 billion) in 2024. Per capita disposable income reached over 31,000 yuan (around $4300), while absolute poverty - once a defining feature of life on the plateau - was eliminated by 2019, lifting 628,000 registered impoverished people out of hardship. Today, residents enjoy a steadily rising quality of life, with average life expectancy climbing from 35.5 years in 1951 to 72.5 years in 2024, reaching historic heights. Education and healthcare are pillars of social progress. School-age students completing nine-year compulsory education have jumped from 2 percent to around 98 percent, while higher education enrollment exceeds 57 percent. And since 2015, medical aid programs have enabled local treatment for over 400 major conditions. Qu Dian, a 72-year-old Lhasa resident, had over 90 percent of his costs covered by insurance when he underwent cardiac surgery. "This would have been unimaginable in the old society," he said. The story of Xizang is also one of openness. Trade links now span 140 countries and regions, while tourism brought in 64 million visitors and 75 billion yuan in 2024. Local products like cordyceps (a genus of fungi used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine) and yak wool reach global markets, and residents enjoy access to international goods with unprecedented ease. It was nothing short of a rebirth for the region. The transformation it has experienced can't be told separately from the depth of abjectness from where it started. From being oppressed and disregarded to becoming masters of its own affairs and prosperity, the decades of transformation brought Xizang to a level that would not have been dreamed of by people in the past. The snowy plateau has blossomed into a land of opportunity and hope - an achievement that speaks not just to Xizang's people, but to the strength of a vision that places human well-being at the center of development. Link:https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-19/CGTN-Xizang-s-development-is-a-story-of-transformation-and-renewal-1FXXXuc4ZVu/p.html A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f8d27bcf-e16e-424e-9b08-84d319f4afc0 Contact: CGTN Digital Email: cgtn@cgtn.com Podean, the leading global marketplace agency and recipient of Amazon's coveted "Global Expansion Award", announced the strategic acquisition of Commerce Canal, a leader in marketplace strategy and operations. With investment from Mountaingate Capital, the combined company establishes a powerful platform for high-growth global brands, bringing together Podean's global strategy, analytics, media, social commerce and content solutions with Commerce Canal's marketplace optimization strategy, brand, licensor and licensee management capabilities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819600831/en/ The combination of Podean and Commerce Canal will create the largest independent global marketplace focused agency and deliver an end-to-end solution, powered by the proprietary Purvey.AI data and insights platform. The integrated offering, spanning all major marketplaces including Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Target, Instacart, and Mercado Libre, will drive accelerated growth and sales, and create unfair advantage for their clients. Mark Power, who founded Podean in 2019 commented, "It has always been our vision to build the leading independent agency servicing clients on marketplaces around the world. The addition of Commerce Canal further deepens our marketplace strategy and operations and embeds deep data and AI into our processes to deliver insights and optimizations with scale and speed." Ryan Craver, Commerce Canal's founder added, "We're excited to join forces with Podean, a respected industry leader, to deliver a truly differentiated, machine-learning-driven offering powered by our Purvey.AI platform. Together, we'll help brands expand globally through Podean's global reach, creative expertise, and social commerce capabilities." The company will have more than 200 team members across 17 countries on 5 continents, supporting over 200 brands and licensees globally. Clients of the combined platform include Mattel, Danone, Wella, De'Longhi, Revolution Beauty, Colgate-Palmolive, Luxottica, Spectrum Brands, Shure, OluKai, Steve Madden, AB InBev, Skechers and Fruit of the Loom. Adam Cagan, SVP, Kids at Centric Brands said, "Centric Brands has deep expertise and understanding in what it takes to build and grow a successful Amazon business. We manage tens of thousands of apparel and accessory SKUs across multiple marketplaces globally. Podean has been a strategic partner of ours across many divisions since 2021 and we appreciate their continued investment in offerings through their new acquisition, in particular a focus on applying AI to deliver the efficiency and effectiveness needed for us to maintain and expand our category leadership." Travis Johnson, Podean's CEO concluded, "This is the beginning of something unique and at scale in the market. Commerce Canal is the perfect complement to Podean's current global offering. We're excited to join forces and leverage our combined capabilities as one team of marketplace experts." The three agency founders will transition into new roles and be key board members within the larger platform. Mark will focus on growth of relationships, talent and clients. Ryan will focus on the strategy and analytics disciplines within the business. Travis will be the Chief Executive Officer. The strategic combination of Podean and Commerce Canal was facilitated via an equity investment from Mountaingate Capital, a Colorado-based, growth-focused private equity firm. Mountaingate has deep experience in this space having been the original private equity investors in Tinuiti and Mars United Commerce. More about Podean A Global Amazon Powerhouse Founded in 2019 by Mark Power and joined soon after by Travis Johnson, Podean was initially a pureplay Amazon agency. Since then, it has evolved into the only truly global, independent marketplace agency, offering an extensive suite of end-to-end marketplace services spanning global strategy, analytics, media, social commerce and content solutions, across major platforms including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Instacart, and Mercado Libre. Podean is also a leader in social commerce through their LiveCraft division which capitalizes on driving commerce through influencers. Given Podean's leadership, they were one of TikTok's earliest accredited agency partners. Podean's global footprint is extensive, with operations across North America, Latin America, Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Its operational model is remote, comprising approximately 180 employees globally, supported by a team in the Philippines that provides 24/7 assistance for design, media, and reporting functions. The firm holds industry-leading Amazon credentials, including Advanced Amazon Partner status in the markets it serves.Podean was awarded the Global Expansion Partner Award by Amazon in 2023 and has been chosen to present at Amazon events including Cannes. www.podean.com More About Commerce Canal Specialists in Marketplace Strategy and Operations Commerce Canal, founded in 2016 by Ryan Craver, began as an Amazon agency before transforming into a full-service marketplace management firm. Its unique differentiators stem from a consultative approach rooted in Ryan's background in management consulting at Accenture, coupled with extensive expertise in supply chain, logistics, and licensee management at Hudson's Bay Company. Commerce Canal serves mid-market brands and licensees, with specialization in the apparel sector. While renowned for its Amazon capabilities, the company also enables brands to excel on platforms such as Costco, Target, Macy's, Walmart, and Wayfair. Additionally, Commerce Canal offers a leading Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) service, helping brands adapt to the evolving consumer landscape as shopping journeys increasingly leverage AI-powered chat engines like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot. A cornerstone of Commerce Canal's solution is Purvey.AI, its proprietary, AI-driven technology platform engineered specifically for marketplaces. Leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms, Purvey.AI optimizes demand forecasting, automates client reporting, enhances inventory management, and streamlines product catalog operations-empowering retailers with data-driven insights and operational efficiency. https://www.commercecanal.com More about Purvey.AI: Purvey.AI transforms eCommerce businesses into forward-thinking, data-driven powerhouses. Its capabilities empower clients to uncover hidden opportunities, identify and address problems, and outmaneuver competitors. The platform provides key metrics in one convenient interface, offering daily snapshots, real-time notifications, and AI-powered reporting and optimizations. Purvey.AI significantly reduces the time clients spend on data digging, allowing them to allocate more time to strategic planning and execution. Podean's proprietary measurement and management technology will be integrated with Purvey.AI. https://purvey.ai View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819600831/en/ Contacts: For Press Inquiry: Please contact Mark Power, Chief Growth Officer, mark@podean.com, or Ryan Craver, Chief Strategy Analytics Officer, ryan@podean.com New partnership combines enterprise hosting, shared revenue, power-pricing risk sharing, and Compass Mining-led operations under one model WILMINGTON, Del., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Compass Mining, a leading provider of Bitcoin mining infrastructure and services, today announces the full energization of a 10 megawatt (MW) facility in Texas, developed in partnership with Onmine . The project demonstrates Compass Mining's progress toward full vertical integration by placing the company in control of day-to-day operations, sharing revenue with the site owner, and assuming part of the power-pricing risk. The facility was energized in stages, reaching its full capacity by the end of July. Compass Mining has deployed its own machines to validate performance and streamline the onboarding process for its customers. The company expects to transition the entire 10 MW to hosting for its enterprise clients no later than October 2025. "This partnership reflects Compass Mining's evolution from a hosting marketplace into a full-stack mining infrastructure operator," said Karoon Mackenchery, Director of Hosting Services at Compass Mining. "It's the first site where we're not only taking on the day-to-day operations, but also the power pricing risk and revenue responsibility from first self-mining and then customer hosting. Our ability to step into this role is a direct result of the trust we've built with enterprise clients and our success in delivering performance at scale." "This project demonstrates how Compass Mining's operational expertise aligns with Onmine's proven track record in developing scalable, grid-connected infrastructure to serve datacenters," said Ziyad Elgamal, Co-CEO of Onmine. "By securing the site, fast-tracking interconnection, and integrating Giga's advanced air-cooled container product line, we brought 10 MW of sustainable capacity online in record time - the first of several Onmine projects energizing this year." Compass Mining oversees both onsite and remote operations, while Giga Energy , a leading manufacturer of electrical infrastructure, provides air-cooled modular data centers, which shorten deployment timelines and enhance scalability. Onmine provided the site, secured interconnection with ERCOT, and assisted throughout construction to ensure seamless integration with Compass Mining's operational requirements. The arrangement allows Compass Mining to offer institutional clients a turnkey hosting solution that includes power contract management, advanced monitoring, and uptime service level agreements, all at competitive rates within ERCOT. This announcement follows recent expansions in Iowa and West Texas and illustrates Compass Mining's strategy to build a nationwide network of enterprise-grade facilities serving both individual miners and large institutional clients. For more information about Compass Mining, visit www.compassmining.io . About Compass Mining Compass Mining is a customer-first company that provides a platform for individuals and businesses to purchase Bitcoin mining hardware, host machines, build and manage mining facilities, and access a range of ancillary services. With a commitment to exceptional customer support and transparency, Compass Mining sets the benchmark for Bitcoin mining hosting. Its mission is to make Bitcoin mining accessible to everyone. To learn more about Compass Mining or to start mining today, visit compassmining.io . About ONMINE Onmine is a developer and operator of high-performance energy and data-center infrastructure, delivering scalable solutions for Bitcoin mining, AI/HPC workloads, and other grid-optimization projects. Guided by a vision to eliminate wasted kilowatts through smarter energy usage and storage, Onmine builds infrastructure that accelerates timelines, reduces costs, and drives a more sustainable digital future. With a growing portfolio across Texas and North America, Onmine builds reliable, future-ready energy solutions at scale. Learn more at www.onmine.io . About Giga Energy Giga Energy designs and manufactures modular, containerised data-centre and power-distribution systems for high-density computing and industrial applications. Its turnkey infrastructure integrates switchgear, cooling and remote monitoring to enable rapid deployment, reliable performance and flexible scaling. Learn more at www.gigaenergy.com . Media Contact BlocksBridge Consulting compass@blocksbridge.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1957082/Compass_Mining_Blue_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/compass-mining-deepens-vertical-integration-with-new-10-mw-site-in-partnership-with-onmine-302533066.html Self-Driving System (SDS) for Automotive gives OEMs a scalable, flexible, compute-efficient ADAS platform to accelerate deployment of human-like autonomous driving experiences MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Applied Intuition, Inc. , the industry leader for vehicle intelligence, today announced the launch of its next-generation end-to-end (E2E) white box autonomy stack solution for passenger vehicles, expanding its autonomy product to cars. Purpose-built for automotive OEMs, Applied Intuition's Self-Driving System (SDS) for Automotive is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) solution for passenger vehicles that offers a high-performance, cost-effective approach for delivering L2++ driver assistance features with a pathway to L3 and L4 capabilities. With SDS for Automotive, OEMs can deploy scalable autonomy that meets the rapidly evolving demands of consumers, regulators, and global competition. The solution's E2E architecture seamlessly integrates perception, planning and control into a unified system, enabling safe and human-like driving performance. The white box solution allows OEM's to have full transparency of the system for safety validation and seamless integration into brand-specific experiences. "Our vision is to enable every automaker to build vehicles that are not only safer and more capable, but are also continuously improving as the industry enters a new era in which vehicle intelligence will define the winners," said Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition. "This is about accelerating the global shift to intelligent mobility. SDS for Automotive puts the full autonomy stack in the hands of OEMs, giving them the visibility, flexibility and control they need to differentiate." Over the past several years, breakthroughs in AI have changed the approach to autonomy. End-to-end architectures, transformers, and data scaling laws have all driven step-changes in capability, allowing for more powerful and human-like driving capabilities that can safely handle complex urban scenarios. Meanwhile, baseline ADAS capabilities like parking, automatic emergency braking (AEB), and highway pilot remain critical for the mass market and have high safety standards. Automakers face a dual challenge: matching L2++ capabilities already in production from leaders in China and the U.S., while ensuring their systems are safe, compliant and cost-effective in a rapidly evolving environment. Unlike black box offerings that limit transparency and customization, SDS for Automotive gives OEMs full insight into and control over their autonomy stack, empowering them to build brand-tailored autonomy experiences across their lineups. Its hardware- and sensor-agnostic design allows OEMs to work with a variety of sensors, compute platforms, and ECUs for their needs. Key capabilities will include: A single cohesive platform for L2++ ADAS features E2E development and validation toolchain, including continuous feature upgrades post-production A white box collaboration model that includes deep architectural visibility, the ability to customize, and build in-house expertise Real-world affordability using mass-market sensors and compute Built to integrate easily into vehicle systems leveraging Applied Intuition's Vehicle OS experience "SDS for Automotive combines state-of-the-art E2E autonomy with the flexibility and transparency OEMs need, enabling automakers to accelerate innovation and bring safer, more intelligent vehicles to market faster," said Peter Ludwig, co-founder and CTO of Applied intuition. "We built this on some of the same core technology powering trucks, mining equipment, and defense vehicles that we have built over almost a decade now. Every component is designed for safe deployment. The result is a platform that can meet today's market needs and seamlessly evolve into tomorrow's autonomous systems." Applied Intuition's launch of SDS for Automotive builds on its track record of powering autonomy in trucking, mining, and defense - domains that demand reliability and adaptability - proving the durability and adaptability of its vehicle intelligence solutions across the most demanding sectors. SDS for Automotive is ready to power the next generation of intelligent vehicles. Learn more at applied.co/sds. About Applied Intuition Applied Intuition is the vehicle intelligence company that accelerates the global adoption of safe, AI-driven machines. Founded in 2017, Applied Intuition delivers the Vehicle OS, Self-Driving System, and toolchain to help customers build intelligent vehicles and shorten time to market. Eighteen of the top 20 global automakers and major programs across the Department of Defense trust Applied Intuition's solutions to deliver vehicle intelligence. Applied Intuition services the automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture industries and is headquartered in Mountain View, CA, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Diego, CA, Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Ann Arbor, MI, London, Stuttgart, Munich, Stockholm, Bangalore, Seoul, and Tokyo. Learn more at appliedintuition.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/applied-intuition-expands-autonomy-products-to-include-automotive-adas-empowering-oems-with-end-to-end-white-box-autonomy-stack-302532633.html Strategic partnership drives skill mastery to accelerate business innovation WESTLAKE, Texas, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HowNow , the AI learning and upskilling platform, today announces a strategic partnership with Pluralsight , the leading technology skills development company. The new integration supports access to Pluralsight's technology-specific learning content, enabling HowNow customers to accelerate upskilling and innovation in a rapidly changing environment. Pluralsight's platform equips individuals and organizations with the tech skills needed to thrive in an era of constant technological advancement. The company's vast learning library covers the most relevant technology skills of today, including software development, AI, Cloud, data and machine learning, security, and IT operations, and features +6,500 courses, +3,500 hands-on labs, +500 skill assessments and +150 certification paths. As part of the integration, subscribing HowNow customers will enable their employees to access every piece of content within the Pluralsight platform, empowering them to tap into the sector-specific knowledge they need to develop and apply new skills. By unlocking access to expert-led content around cutting-edge advancements, the HowNow-Pluralsight integration will also speed up innovation by helping technology teams to build the capabilities they need, faster. In addition, Pluralsight content can be consumed from within the HowNow platform, ensuring that learning is personalised, delivered in context and in the flow of work. Commenting on the partnership, HowNow's Co-founder and CEO, Nelson Sivalingam, said, "Knowledge is changing at an exponential rate in the technology sector and many teams are grappling with growing skills gaps. To keep pace in this environment, organisations need to embrace continuous learning and upskilling as a strategic imperative. Our partnership with Pluralsight supports exactly this by connecting employees with the most relevant and up-to-date learning, aligned to the specific technology skills and proficiency levels that people need to develop - both now and into the future." "Pluralsight is committed to helping learners build the technology skills they need to drive innovation and stay competitive," said Erin Gajdalo, CEO of Pluralsight. "Our partnership with HowNow enables more learners to access our expert-led content exactly when and where they need it. By integrating Pluralsight into HowNow's platform, we're making it easier than ever for teams to close skill gaps and accelerate growth in a constantly evolving digital landscape." Pluralsight is now accessible on the HowNow platform, with HowNow customers already benefitting from the integration. Find out more about HowNow's AI learning and upskilling platform here . To learn more about how Pluralsight helps individuals and organizations close critical technology skill gaps, visit Pluralsight.com . About HowNow HowNow is the AI learning and upskilling platform that maps skills requirements to contextualised learning in the flow of work. The platform's innovative technology helps organisations to create and develop the right skills, at the right time, bridging the gap between L&D and measurable business impact. One of the fastest-growing learning experience platforms in Europe, HowNow's skills-first platform is loved by 10K+ learners, with customer brands including Trainline, TomTom, HotelPlan, and Investec. Additional Resources Visit HowNow's website . Follow HowNow on LinkedIn . HowNow Media Contact Sally McDonald Onboard PR +44 (0)7507409330 sally.mcdonald@onboardpr.com About Pluralsight Pluralsight is the leading technology skills development company powering the tech workforce forward, faster. As the pioneer in technology learning, Pluralsight's platform equips individuals and organizations with the tech skills needed to thrive in an era of constant innovation. Pluralsight combines expert-led, self-paced content with hands-on labs and actionable insights, transforming how learners build and apply skills to solve real-world tech challenges. Headquartered in Westlake, Texas, learners around the globe rely on Pluralsight to close skill gaps, unlock growth opportunities and build a tech-empowered future. Pluralsight Media Contact Ryan Sins Senior Communications Manager, Pluralsight press@pluralsight.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2752714/Pluralsight_partner_HowNow.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/661287/pluralsight_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pluralsight-partners-with-hownow-to-accelerate-tech-upskilling-at-scale-302532550.html York, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Kinetic Movers has been selected as the recipient of the York & Hanover Community's Choice Award for Best Movers in York, PA, recognizing the company's excellence in residential and commercial moving services. The award acknowledges Kinetic Movers' commitment to customer satisfaction and service quality within the competitive York, Pennsylvania moving market. Kinetic Movers wins Best Movers in York, PA To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10373/262637_0d74d384c4a8597b_001full.jpg The York & Hanover Community's Choice Award represents a significant milestone for Kinetic Movers, distinguishing the company from numerous competitors in the region. This recognition reflects the trust and confidence that York, PA area residents and businesses have placed in Kinetic Movers' professional moving services. Award Recognition Based on Customer Feedback The York & Hanover Community's Choice Awards selection process evaluates moving companies based on customer reviews, service reliability, and overall satisfaction ratings. Kinetic Movers earned this distinction through consistent delivery of quality moving services and positive customer experiences throughout the York, Pennsylvania community. Local customers have consistently praised Kinetic Movers for their professional approach, careful handling of belongings, and timely service delivery. The award validates the company's dedication to maintaining high standards in every aspect of their moving operations. Company's Commitment to Service Excellence Kinetic Movers has built its reputation on providing comprehensive moving solutions for both residential and commercial clients in York, PA, and the surrounding Harrisburg and Lancaster regions. The company offers a full range of services including packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking to ensure smooth relocations for their customers. The moving company's trained professionals utilize proper equipment and techniques to protect customers' belongings during transit. This attention to detail has contributed to Kinetic Movers' growing reputation as a trusted moving service provider in the York, Harrisburg, and Lancaster areas of Pennsylvania. Impact on Local Moving Industry The York & Hanover Community's Choice Award positions Kinetic Movers as a leading service provider in York, PA's moving industry. This recognition serves as a valuable endorsement for potential customers seeking reliable moving services in the Pennsylvania region, including York, Harrisburg, and Lancaster. The award demonstrates that Kinetic Movers has successfully differentiated itself through superior customer service and operational excellence. This achievement reflects the company's ongoing commitment to meeting and exceeding customer expectations in every moving project. Celebrating with Community Giveback To celebrate receiving the York & Hanover Community's Choice Award, Kinetic Movers announced a special donation to the Shine Music Foundation, a local York, PA organization dedicated to providing music education to students in need while developing leadership, self-esteem, and building community through music. More information about the foundation can be found at https://shinemusicfoundation.org/. The company expressed their gratitude to the community through social media, stating that their success is built on the trust and support of York, Pennsylvania residents. "We're the best because of you -and now it's our turn to give back," the company shared in their announcement. The donation to Shine Music Foundation reflects Kinetic Movers' commitment to supporting local organizations that inspire and uplift youth while unifying diverse groups through a shared passion for music in the York, PA community. This charitable initiative demonstrates that Kinetic Movers' community involvement extends beyond providing moving services. The company's decision to celebrate their award by giving back reinforces their dedication to being an active and supportive member of the York, Pennsylvania community. Future Service Expansion With this award recognition, Kinetic Movers continues to focus on expanding their service capabilities while maintaining the quality standards that earned them this distinction. The company remains committed to serving the York, PA, Harrisburg, and Lancaster communities with professional moving solutions. The York & Hanover Community's Choice Award reinforces Kinetic Movers' position as the preferred moving company for York, Pennsylvania residents and businesses. This recognition supports the company's mission to provide exceptional moving experiences for all customers. About Kinetic Movers Kinetic Movers is a professional moving company serving the York, PA, Harrisburg, and Lancaster areas with comprehensive residential and commercial moving services. The company specializes in local and long-distance relocations, providing customers with reliable and efficient moving solutions. Kinetic Movers is committed to delivering exceptional service quality and customer satisfaction in every moving project. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262637 SOURCE: Pressmaster DMCC Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Michael Harte Jr. announces the launch of Harvest IQ and Ignite IQ, two AI-powered platforms under his company Michael Harte Jr. LLC, designed to address what the company identifies as the true barrier to entrepreneurship: underdeveloped decision-making infrastructure rather than lack of capital or connections. Michael Harte Jr. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10373/261472_f62a8ead44f1db86_002full.jpg The platforms represent a fundamental shift from traditional business education tools by focusing on cognitive development rather than information distribution. Harvest IQ cultivates wealth intelligence through strategic planning and financial systemization, while Ignite IQ transforms raw ideas into viable business frameworks using AI-driven entrepreneur toolkits. Cognitive Friction Design Sets Platforms Apart "Most people are conditioned to believe that entrepreneurship is held hostage by a lack of capital or elite connections," said Michael Harte Jr., founder and CEO. "What I've realized through both personal experience and years of working with aspiring entrepreneurs is that the true barrier isn't external. It's cognitive." The platforms utilize what Harte calls "cognitive friction design," where AI strategically challenges users' logic rather than simply responding to input. This approach distinguishes the tools from conventional pattern-matching AI systems that reflect statistically probable outcomes. When users input business ideas into Ignite IQ, the platform interrogates underlying assumptions, identifies blind spots, and simulates market resistance. Rather than offering templated solutions, it guides users to refine both their ideas and their thinking processes about business development. Premium Democratization Strategy The launch represents what Harte terms "premium democratization," making enterprise-level business intelligence accessible while maintaining exclusivity through execution requirements. The platforms are designed for strategically serious entrepreneurs rather than casual users seeking shortcuts. "I'm not in the business of creating convenience. I'm in the business of cultivating capability," Harte explained. "These aren't plug-and-play shortcuts. They're high-performance instruments designed to elevate the strategically serious, not pacify the casually curious." The AI systems analyze behavioral patterns and prompt users with intelligent queries designed to interrupt autopilot thinking. For revenue evaluation, Harvest IQ might ask users to identify which income stream reflects their highest ROI per cognitive hour and examine why they haven't scaled it. Early Access Program Now Available Early access to both platforms is currently available for high-performance individuals ready to develop mental infrastructure for entrepreneurial success. The experience includes premium walkthroughs, guided strategy prompts, and access to evolving AI protocols that adapt to individual thinking patterns. Harte predicts the platforms will create a division between entrepreneurs who build with borrowed templates and those who engineer with cognitive precision. He envisions the rise of "cognitively sovereign entrepreneurs" who reshape markets through precision thinking and infrastructure-first execution. Users can expect transformation indicators including strategic decision-making, principle-based operations, and systems thinking rather than reactive responses to market pressures. About Michael Harte Jr. Michael Harte Jr. operates at the intersection of business education, wealth management, and high-performance mindset development. Michael provides elite-level education, strategic wealth-building frameworks, and luxury business consulting to ambitious entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders seeking financial independence and long-term success. For more information about Harvest IQ and Ignite IQ early access, follow @michaelhartejr on Instagram or visit www.michaelhartejr.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261472 SOURCE: Pressmaster DMCC Dieppe, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) ("Colibri" or the "Company") congratulates its joint venture partner, Tocvan Ventures Corp. ("Tocvan"), on receiving permit approval for a 50,000-tonne pilot mine facility in Sonora, Mexico (announced August 14, 2025). Located in close proximity to the Pilar Gold & Silver Project ("Pilar"), a 49% Colibri - 51% Tocvan joint venture, the facility presents an excellent opportunity to consider processing a bulk sample at a time when gold prices remain near record highs. The permitted facility will be located in very close proximity to the "Pilar Gold & Silver Project "("Pilar"), a 49% Colibri - 51% Tocvan joint venture. Although no plans have been finalized regarding the use of the facility for Pilar material, its location and scale present a highly compelling opportunity for the partners to consider processing a bulk sample from Pilar in an efficient, cost-effective manner. Pilar is particularly well suited for this purpose: a 1,400-tonne bulk sample completed in 2023 returned an average head grade of 1.9 g/t Au with recoveries of approximately 62% using simple heap leach methods. Combined with extensive drilling and surface work, sufficient material could be sourced quickly-making Pilar an immediately available, high-quality feed source for the newly permitted facility at a time when gold prices remain near historical highs. Previously Released Drill Highlights at Pilar (Colibri/Tocvan JV licenses): 2025 Diamond Drilling (all lengths are drilled thicknesses): 83.5 m at 1.3 g/t Au from surface, including 10.3 g/t over 9.7 m 64.9 m at 1.2 g/t Au, including 3.0 m at 21.6 g/t Au and 209 g/t Ag - first high-grade intercept along the North Hill trend 116.9 m at 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2 m at 12.0 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 2024 RC Drilling (all lengths are drilled thicknesses): 42.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 10.9 g/t Au 56.4m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 14.7 g/t Au 16.8m @ 0.8 g/t Au and 19 g/t Ag 2022 Phase III Diamond Drilling (all lengths are drilled thicknesses): 116.9m @ 1.2 g/t Au, including 10.2m @ 12 g/t Au and 23 g/t Ag 108.9m @ 0.8 g/t Au, including 9.4m @ 7.6 g/t Au and 5 g/t Ag 63.4m @ 0.6 g/t Au and 11 g/t Ag, including 29.9m @ 0.9 g/t Au and 18 g/t Ag 2021 Phase II RC Drilling (all lengths are drilled thicknesses): 39.7m @ 1.0 g/t Au, including 1.5m @ 14.6 g/t Au 47.7m @ 0.7 g/t Au including 3m @ 5.6 g/t Au and 22 g/t Ag 29m @ 0.7 g/t Au 35.1m @ 0.7 g/t Au 2020 Phase I RC Drilling Highlights include (all lengths are drilled thicknesses): 94.6m @ 1.6 g/t Au, including 9.2m @ 10.8 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag; 41.2m @ 1.1 g/t Au, including 3.1m @ 6.0 g/t Au and 12 g/t Ag ; 24.4m @ 2.5 g/t Au and 73 g/t Ag, including 1.5m @ 33.4 g/t Au and 1,090 g/t Ag 15,000m of Historic Core & RC drilling (all lengths are drilled thicknesses): 61.0m @ 0.8 g/t Au 21.0m @ 38.3 g/t Au and 38 g/t Ag 13.0m @ 9.6 g/t Au 9.0m @ 10.2 g/t Au and 46 g/t Ag Pilar Bulk Sample Summary : 62% Recovery of Gold Achieved Over 46-day Leaching Period Head Grade Calculated at 1.9 g/t Au and 7 g/t Ag; Extracted Grade Calculated at 1.2 g/t Au and 3 g/t Ag Extracted Grade Calculated at Bulk Sample Only Included Coarse Fraction of Material (+3/4" to +1/8") Fine Fraction (-1/8") Indicates Rapid Recovery with Agitated Leach Agitated Bottle Roll Test Returned Rapid and High Recovery Results: 80% Recovery of Gold and 94% Recovery of Silver after Rapid 24-hour Retention Time Additional Metallurgical Studies: Gravity Recovery with Agitated Leach Results of Five Composite Samples Returned 95 to 99% Recovery of Gold 73 to 97% Recovery of Silver Includes the Recovery of 99% Au and 73% Ag from Drill Core Composite at 120-meter depth "With a permitted processing facility now secured nearby, Pilar stands out as a ready and logical candidate for a larger bulk sample program," said Ian McGavney, President & CEO of Colibri. "With a prior bulk sample already delivering an average grade of 1.9 g/t Au and demonstrating recoveries above 60%, and with significant amounts of mineralized material already identified to move quickly, Pilar is clearly positioned for near-term evaluation. Advancing Pilar in this way would be highly advantageous to both Colibri and Tocvan shareholders, particularly with gold trading near all-time highs." About the Pilar Gold & Silver Project The Pilar gold-silver property has returned some of the region's best drill results. Coupled with encouraging gold and silver recovery results from metallurgical test work, Pilar is primed to be a potential near-term producer. The project is interpreted as a structurally controlled low-sulphidation epithermal system hosted in andesite rock. Initially, three primary zones of mineralization were identified from historic surface work and drilling-referred to as the Main Zone, North Hill, and 4-T. Each trend remains open to the southeast and north, and new parallel zones have been discovered. Structural features and zones of mineralization within the structures follow an overall northwest-southeast trend. Mineralization extends along a 1.2-kilometre trend, of which only approximately half has been drill-tested to date. About Colibri Resource Corporation Colibri Resource Corporation is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on acquiring, exploring, and developing prospective gold & silver projects in Sonora, Mexico. Its portfolio includes five projects-four currently under active exploration-with Pilar among the highest-priority assets. For more information, please visit: www.colibriresource.com ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Ian McGavney, President/CEO Colibri Resource Corporation Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking statements". Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263067 SOURCE: Colibri Resource Corporation NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyperlink InfoSystem, recognized as a top web development company, offers businesses worldwide the chance to hire PHP developers with exceptional expertise in creating robust, secure, and high-performance web applications. With a strong portfolio spanning industries like eCommerce, healthcare, education, logistics, and finance, the company has earned a reputation for delivering tailored PHP solutions that drive real business results. PHP remains one of the most reliable and versatile programming languages for web development, making it a preferred choice for businesses looking for cost-effective yet powerful solutions. Hyperlink InfoSystem's dedicated PHP developers are well-versed in leading frameworks such as Laravel, CodeIgniter, Symfony, and Yii, enabling them to craft solutions that meet the highest standards of performance, scalability, and user experience. The company offers flexible hiring models - hourly, part-time, or full-time - to suit diverse project requirements and budgets. From building interactive websites to developing enterprise-grade platforms, the hire PHP developers service from Hyperlink InfoSystem blends technical proficiency with innovative problem-solving. As a top web development company, Hyperlink InfoSystem ensures that every project is backed by clean coding practices, robust architecture, and seamless integration with the latest technologies, empowering clients with future-ready digital solutions. Harnil Oza, CEO of Hyperlink InfoSystem, shares, "Our mission is to provide businesses with PHP solutions that create measurable impact. The hire PHP developers service is designed for companies that want more than just technical expertise - they want a partner who understands their goals, challenges, and growth potential. Our developers act as an extension of the client's team, ensuring every solution is innovative, scalable, and business-focused." With its commitment to transparency, on-time delivery, and unmatched quality, Hyperlink InfoSystem continues to stand out as a trusted technology partner for global enterprises and startups alike. Businesses seeking to accelerate their web development projects can confidently hire PHP developers from Hyperlink InfoSystem to turn their ideas into world-class digital solutions. For more information on how to hire PHP developers from Hyperlink InfoSystem, contact info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com or visit www.hyperlinkinfosystem.com. About Hyperlink InfoSystem: Hyperlink InfoSystem is a prominent international enterprise excelling in IT solutions in many domains. Since its humble beginnings in 2011, its specialization in technologies has expanded across web development, mobile app development, enterprise software solutions, and now Artificial Intelligence (AI). With over 1200+ employees and a global presence in the USA, UK, UAE, France, India, and Canada, Hyperlink InfoSystem is dedicated to assisting corporations to leverage the complete power of technology to accomplish their goals. Contact Details: Hyperlink InfoSystem Harnil Oza +1-309-791-4105 info@hyperlinkinfosystem.com New York Address: One World Trade Center 285 Fulton Street suite 8500, New York, NY 10007, United States Ahmedabad Address: C-308, Ganesh Meridian, Opp. Kargil Petrol Pump, S.G. Highway, Sola, Ahmedabad, 380061 India London Address: Level 30, The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, London EC3V 4AB Canada Address: 151 Yonge Street, 11th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2W7, Canada Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2429933/5421426/Hyperlink_InfoSystem_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hire-php-developers-from-hyperlink-infosystem-for-secure-scalable-and-innovative-web-solutions-302533446.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - MAX RESOURCE CORP. (TSXV: MAX) (OTC Pink: MXROF) (FSE: M1D2) ("Max" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the Company's wholly-owned Colombian subsidiary, Maximum Company Colombia S.A.S. ("Maximum"), has entered into an arm's-length Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire Mining Concession No. KK6-08031 ("Mora" or the "Title" or the "Property"). Pursuant to Maximum acquiring up to 100% of Inversiones Villamora S.A.S., The Mora Gold-Silver Title (713ha) lies within the productive Middle Cauca Gold Belt host to several major gold deposits, 85-km south of Medellin, Colombia (refer Figures 1 to 3 and Table 1). Highlights The undrilled Title covers 40 historic workings, 5 active mines, a series of polymetallic structures over 2,500m by 1,000m, adjacent to Aris Mining's (TSX: ARIS, NYSE: AIMN) Marmato mine (Reserve:31.3Mt@3.2g/t Au,Resource:61.5Mt@3.0g/t Au,9Moz). Aris Mining's Marmato title abuts along our 3.4-km eastern boundary, and Collective Mining's (TSX: CNL, NYSE: CNL) Guayabales Project abuts to the north (Apollo Porphyry System), west, south, and vertical east boundaries, 4.8-km in length. Highlight, Mora Gold-Silver Title channel sample results include (refer to Table 1) 45.0g/t gold & 7,110g/t silver over 1m;32.0g/t gold & 53g/t silver over 1m. 27.0g/t gold & 732g/t silver over 1m; 8.9g/t gold & 75g/t silver over 1.5m. 36.7 g/t gold over 2m; 3.3 g/t gold & 87 g/t silver over 1m. Figure 1: Polymetallic Structures, Mines, Assays, Marmato (2012), Apollo Discovery. https://www.maxresource.com/images/gallery/MAX_Mora_Maps-&-Figures_162.jpg To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/263068_a866ca3e947c38ad_001full.jpg Max advises investors that the gold mineralization at the Marmato gold deposit and the Apollo porphyry zone may not necessarily by indicative of similar mineralization at the Mora Property. Max further advises the QP has been unable to verify the information on Marmato and Guaybales and that the information is not necessarily indicative to the mineralization on the Mora property. "The Mora Gold-Silver Title is of significant size, and provides both, a high-grade Marmato type target, clearly manifested by the numerous small-scale mines and geological proximity and an underlaid Apollo Porphyry type target, again with geological proximity and the series of "polymetallic" structures, which occur on all the targets for the adjacent Guayabales Gold Project, including the recent Apollo discovery," says Max CEO Brett Matich. "We are excited with the opportunity of being the first exploration Company to conduct significant exploration on the Mora Title. Our in-country expertise abodes well to acting as the sole operator," he concluded. Discussion of the Mora Gold-Silver Title The Mora Title is located within a well-established gold mining camp, its eastern boundary lies approximately 600m southeast of the Marmato gold mine (P+P Reserves of 31.3Mt@3.2 g/t Au for 3.2Mozs and M+I Resource of 61.5Mt@3.0 g/t Au for 6.0Mozs). There visually appears to be a series of mineralized polymetallic veins running from Marmato through to the San Juan Sector of the Mora Title. By H2 2026, Aris Mining plans ramping up Marmato's gold production to 200,000 ounces/year. The geology exposed at Marmato appears very similar in character to Mora, and can be considered analogous, due to its close proximately and geological similarities, including the same type: a) host rocks, b) structural trends, c) styles of mineralization, and d) types of alteration. These are all key characteristics of the world class bulk tonnage porphyry-related gold deposits of the Middle Cauca Gold Belt. In addition, Collective Mining's recent Apollo Porphyry System discovery appears to trend over the northern border of the Mora Title. The extensive "polymetallic" sub-parallel mineralized structures identified within the San Juan Sector are of significance. Collective Mining's NI 43:101 titled "Guayabales Gold-Silver-Copper Project", states, "Polymetallic veins occur on all targets" as of the Apollo, Olympus, Donut, Box, Trap and Victory targets. Max advises investors that the gold mineralization at the Marmato gold deposit and the Apollo porphyry zone may not necessarily by indicative of similar mineralization at the Mora Property. Max further advises the QP has been unable to verify the information on Marmato and Guaybales and that the information is not necessarily indicative to the mineralization on the Mora property. In April 2025, a 2-day reconnaissance visit was conducted by a geological consultant, on behalf of the Company. Investigation of the San Juan Sector in the northern portion of the Mora Gold-Silver Title, confirmed a series of NW to SE striking polymetallic sub-parallel mineralized structures along over 2,500m of strike, dipping to the SW, across a width of 1,500m SW to NE. Over 40 historic workings and 5 active artisanal gold mines were noted. The polymetallic mineralized structures clearly cross the eastern boundary towards the Marmato gold mine. The Nan Prospect in the lower SE corner of the Mora Gold-Silver Title, identified one east to west polymetallic mineralized structure dipping to the south and two other polymetallic structure's running NW to SE dipping NE crossing across the boundary trending to Marmato (refer to Table 1). Historical Work The mining and exploration on the Mora Gold-Silver Title has been primitive and limited to date. The only recorded exploration are historic workings and artisanal mining, with the exception of a report documenting a field visit in 2012 for Crown Gold Corp. The author identified numerous high-grade gold and silver sulphide veins exploited by artisanal miners on both Marmato and the Mora Title/Property. His comments include: "There is no question that the geology of Marmato continues across the Mora title (KK6-08031) boundary in the region of San Juan. Gran Colombia states that their deposit (Marmato) is open and continues at depth and to the west and south, both areas are within in the Mora title" In addition, the Crown Gold Corp. news release, dated December 20, 2012 stated: "During a visit in November, Crown gained access to, and channel sampled, 7 of the 40 adits which it has located to date, on the Mora Property. A total of 7 channels were cut in these 7 adits and all samples returned gold and silver values. The weighted average value of gold was 13.2 g/t over 5.9m sampled, while the weighted average value of silver was 1,647 g/t. Sampling to date has been concentrated within 1-km block (San Juan Sector) of the 7-km Mora Property. There appears to be a series of mineralized "polymetallic" veins running through the Mora Property, similar mineralization to Gran Colombia's Marmato gold deposit, which lies adjacent east side of the Mora Property. The Marmato property has a 43:101 measured and indicated resource of over 11.7Mozs of gold and 80Mozs of silver to vertical depth of 400m. In addition, recent drilling at Marmato has revealed high grade mineralization extending a further 700m below the present resource" Table 1: Highlight Assay Results for 2012 and 2025 Field Investigations. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/263068_a866ca3e947c38ad_002full.jpg Next Steps The continuing artisanal mining development which predates Colombian times, modern development of the world class Marmato gold mine and the most recent Apollo gold discovery in 2023, underlines the potential of the Mora Property for bulk mining exploitation. The initial exploration program consists of three goals: collect all historic data and perform a property wide assessment. identify and map all historic workings and active mines. conduct outcrop, road cut geological mapping and sampling all to initiate stage two. Figure 2. El Oso Gold-Silver Mine located within the Mora Title. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/263068_a866ca3e947c38ad_003full.jpg Figure 3. El Cielo Gold-Silver Mine located within the Mora Title. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/263068_a866ca3e947c38ad_004full.jpg Table 2. References. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/263068_a866ca3e947c38ad_005full.jpg Terms of the Purchase Agreement Under the terms of the Agreement, Maximum has the exclusive rights to earn up to 100% of Inversiones Villamora S.A.S. ("Villamora"). Pursuant to Maximum acquiring 100% of the shares of Villamora, the 100% owner of Mora, Maximum acts as the sole operator and can withdraw from the Option or Purchase Periods at any stage. Payments are USD to the shareholders of Villamora and all payments are subject to certain milestones, obligations and conditions. Option Period; first payment of $50,000; second of $50,000; third of $150,000 and fourth of $150,000. The Purchase Period; $1,000,000 on or before 1 year after the final Option Period payment advances to 20%; $1,000,000 on or before 1 year after the first Purchase Period payment advances to 40%; $2,000,000 on or before 1 year after the second Purchase Period payment advances to 60%; $4,000,000 on or before 1 year after the third Purchase Period payment advances to 100%. Under certain conditions, prior to Maximum initiating the Purchase Period, Maximum shall be entitled to acquire the Mora Title, rather than Villamora, under the same terms and conditions. The Company committed to 3% net smelter royalty from ore production. No finders' fees were paid in connection with the transaction. Corporate Update Further to news releases on December 12, 2024, January 2, 2025, January 7, 2025, January 9, 2025, January 20, 2025, March 30, 2025 and April 22,2025, Max Brazil has closed the fourth tranche of its non-brokered private placement for a new aggregate amount of 27,400,000 ordinary shares in the capital of Max Brazil (the "Ordinary Shares") at a price of AUD $0.10 per Ordinary Share for aggregate gross proceeds AUD $2,740,000. The net proceeds of the Offering to be used, among other things, for the advancement of the Floralia DSO Project, and for general working capital purposes. Max Brazil will be subject to applicable Australian securities legislation and the rules and regulations of the ASX. There is no guarantee that the proposed IPO or listing of Max Brazil on the ASX will be completed on the terms set out in this announcement or at all. Closing of the IPO is subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals. Quality Assurance Max adheres to a strict QA/QC program for sample handling, sampling, sample transportation and analyses. All 21 rock samples were taken by the Max consulting geologist, labelled, placed in sealed, securitized bags and shipped to ALS Lab's sample preparation facility in Medellin, Columbia. ALS Medellin is an ISO 9001: 2008 certified facility and is independent of Max. All samples were analyzed using ALS procedure ME-ICP61, a four-acid digestion with inductively coupled plasma finished. Over-limit gold is determined by ALS procedure Au-GRA21 a 30 gram fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Over-limit silver, lead, arsenic and zinc were determined by ALS procedure OG-62, a four-acid digestion with an atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. At this early stage of exploration, Max has relied on the QA/QC protocol's employed by ALS. Qualified Person The Company's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release was reviewed and approved by Tim Henneberry, P.Geo (British Columbia), a member of the Max Resource advisory board, who serves as a qualified person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101. About Max Resource Corp. Max's wholly owned Sierra Azul Copper-Silver Project sits along the Colombian portion of the world's largest producing copper belt (Andean belt), with world-class infrastructure and the presence of global majors (Glencore and Chevron). Max has an Earn-In Agreement ("EIA") with Freeport-McMoRan Exploration Corporation ("Freeport"), a wholly owned affiliate of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. relating to the Sierra Azul Project. Under the terms of the EIA, Freeport has been granted a two-stage option to acquire up to an 80% ownership interest in the Sierra Azul Project by funding cumulative expenditures of C$50m and cash payments totaling C$1.55m. Max is the operator of the initial stage. The USD $4.8m 2025 exploration program for the Sierra Azul Project is fully funded by Freeport. Max Iron Brazil's wholly owned Floralia Hematite DSO Project is located 67-km east of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil's largest iron ore and steel producing State. Max's technical team has significantly expanded the Floralia Hematite DSO Geological Target from 8-12mt at 58% Fe to 50-70mt at 55%-61% Fe. Max cautions investors the potential quantity and grade of the iron ore is conceptual in nature, and further cautions there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and Max is uncertain if further exploration will result in the geological target being delineated as a mineral resource. Hematite mineralization tonnage potential estimation is based on in situ high-grade outcrops and interpreted and modelled magnetic anomalies. Density value used for the estimate is 2.8t/m. Hematite sample grades range between 55-61% Fe. The 58 channel samples were collected for chemical analysis from in situ outcrops in previously mined slopes of industrial materials. For more information visit on Max Resource: https://www.maxresource.com/ Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for Max Resources Corp. described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263068 SOURCE: MAX Resource Corp. NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, the global cancer drugs market is witnessing substantial growth with the growing breast and lung cancer burden and surging investments in oncology research. The report analyzes market trends, key players, and future opportunities in-depth. This detailed analysis highlights the key challenges faced in the cancer drugs market and emphasizes the importance of practical solutions to address issues. The cancer drugs market is expected to reach US$516.15 billion by 2031 from US$225.96 billion in 2024. The market is anticipated to register a CAGR of 12.6% during the forecast period. The cancer drugs market size is expanding rapidly, driven by the rising prevalence of breast and lung cancer. As per the World Health Organization's media center, different types of cancer cause ~1 in every six deaths across the world. There were ~20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths associated with the disease in 2022. The burden is projected to increase by ~77% by 2050, further straining health systems and communities. According to the American Cancer Society, genes inherited from parents are responsible for 5-10% of all cancers. The highest rates are observed in Australia, North America, New Zealand, and Northern Europe, while mortality disproportionately affects low-HDI nations due to limited screening and access to care. Breast cancer is deemed the most prevalent cancer among women, with a rising prevalence worldwide. Therefore, the increasing incidence of breast cancer drives the global cancer drugs market growth. Additionally, the growing awareness for cancer among the population is expected to contribute positively to the development of this market. Check valuable insights in the Cancer Drugs Market report. You can easily get a sample PDF of the report - https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00040984 Overview of Cancer Drugs Market Report Findings Surging Investments in Oncology Research: Research and development activities have become the foundation for discovering innovative drugs and therapeutic strategies with the rising demand for more effective and targeted cancer therapies. A surge in research and development investments is due to increasing cancer rates and the need for advanced treatments. Pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and glioblastoma, among others, are challenging to treat due to their complex pathogenesis. The promise of more tailored therapies, especially those that selectively target cancer cells without harming healthy tissues, is propelling the growth of the cancer drugs market. According to a report published by IQVIA 2024, global spending on cancer medicine increased to US$223 billion in 2023, ~ US$25 billion more than in 2022, and is anticipated to reach US$409 billion by 2028. Moreover, in 2023, 25 oncology novel active substances (NASs) were launched globally, making 193 since 2014. This investment trend is a response to and a catalyst for transformative advancements in cancer treatment innovation. Therefore, the growing investment in oncology research fuels the growth of the cancer drugs market. Advancements in Targeted Therapies & Immuno-oncology: Developing immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T therapies, and monoclonal antibodies has transformed treatment results in recent years. Drugs such as Opdivo, Keytruda, and Yescarta have improved survival rates, boosting confidence in the market. Additionally, advancements in biomarker-based therapies and precision medicine have paved the way for more personalized and effective treatments. Geographical Insights: In 2024, North America led the cancer drugs market with a substantial revenue share, followed by Europe and the Asia Pacific. Further, the Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Get Research Sample Copy of the Cancer Drugs Market: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00040984 Cancer Drugs Market Segmentation Based on therapy types, the cancer drugs market is segmented into chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, and other therapy types. The targeted therapy segment held the largest share of the market in 2024, owing to the higher adoption of targeted therapy for cancer treatment. By indications, the market is categorized into blood, lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, stomach, cervical, liver, and intrahepatic bile duct, thyroid, and other indications. The lung cancer segment accounted for the largest share of the cancer drugs market in 2024. The factors driving the market are the high global prevalence of lung cancer, and recent technological advancements have made cancer drugs more acceptable. In terms of distribution channel, the cancer drugs market is categorized into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and online stores. The hospital pharmacies segment held the largest share of the cancer drugs market in 2024 due to the high dependency of patients on these pharmacies for the supply and administration of chemotherapy medications. The cancer drugs market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America. Competitive Strategy and Development Key Players: Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.; AbbVie Inc.; Johnson & Johnson; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd; Pfizer Inc.; AstraZeneca Plc; Merck KGaA; Novartis AG; Astellas Pharma Inc.; and Eli Lilly and Co. are major companies operating in the market. Trending Topics: KRAS Inhibitors, Next-Gen Targeted Therapies, AI in Oncology Drug Discovery, Antibody-Drug Conjugates, and Oral Chemotherapy. Global Headlines on Cancer Drugs Market Could cancer drugs be the future of Alzheimer's treatment? Miguel Bronchud: Cancer Drugs Approval in China - Looking Bright but with Room for Improvement? KAIST Unveils AI for Designing Optimal Cancer Drugs Targeting Cell Cycle Protein Sensitizes Tumors to Radiotherapy Mental Wellness Tied to Improved Outcomes in NSCLC Get Premium Copy of Cancer Drugs Market Size and Growth Report by 2031 at:https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPRE00040984 Conclusion The growing burden of breast and lung cancer, surging investments in oncology research, accelerating home care demand, and advancements in targeted therapies & immuno-oncology drive the demand for cancer drugs. The significant factors supporting the cancer drugs market growth are the growing R&D investments in cancer care, and government initiatives & cancer control programs. Integration with telemedicine and IoT is the latest technological advancement. Geographically, North America dominates the global cancer drugs market owing to its robust healthcare infrastructure and continuous technological innovations in the field of cancer drugs. The Asia Pacific cancer drugs market witnesses the highest growth rate, with increasing urbanization, rising cancer incidences, and changing lifestyles. In conclusion, the cancer drugs market is set to expand based on evolving technologies, healthcare demands, and regional investments, making it a critical component in the future of oncology drugs. The report from The Insight Partners lists several stakeholders-including researchers and academic institutions, oncology drug manufacturers, hospitals and clinics, oncology care centres, healthcare and clinical laboratories, and pharmaceutical companies-along with valuable insights to navigate this evolving market landscape and unlock new opportunities. Trending Related Reports: Urothelial Cancer Drugs Market Growth and Share by 2031 Gastrointestinal Cancer Drugs Market Strategies, Top Players, Growth Opportunities, Analysis and Forecast by 2031 Blood Cancer Drugs Market Report (2021-2031) | Growth Personalizing Cancer Drugs Market Overview, Growth, Trends, Analysis, Research Report (2025-2031) Anti-cancer Drugs Market Scope and Size 2031 Gynecological Cancer Drugs Market Growth, Size, Share, Trends, Key Players Analysis, and Forecast till 2031 Head & Neck Cancer Drugs Market Trends, Size, Analysis 2031 Bone Cancer Drugs Market Report, Analysis, Opportunities by 2031 Kidney Cancer Drugs Market [2021-2031] - Size and Share Ovarian Cancer Drugs Market Share and Growth by 2031 About Us: The Insight Partners is a one-stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in semiconductor and electronics, aerospace and defense, automotive and transportation, biotechnology, healthcare IT, manufacturing and construction, medical devices, technology, media and telecommunications, and chemicals and materials. Contact Us: If you have any queries about this report or if you would like further information, please get in touch with us: Contact Person: Ankit Mathur E-mail: ankit.mathur@theinsightpartners.com Phone: +1-646-491-9876 Also Available in :??????< | ?? | Francais | Deutsch | Italiano | ?? | ??? | Espanol Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1586348/5449703/The_Insight_Partners_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/12-6-cagr-for-cancer-drugs-market-to-reach-us516-15-billion-by-2031--due-to-surging-investments-in-oncology-research--the-insight-partners-302533396.html The application security market is anticipated to expand at a rapid pace owing to surging incidence of cyberattacks and high emphasis on improving application security to safeguard user data. WESTFORD, Mass., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyQuest Technology Consulting published a report, titled, Application Security Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2032", valued at USD 13.68 billion in 2024. With a projected CAGR of 16.3% from 2025 to 2032, the market is expected to reach USD 45.77 billion by the end of 2032. Adoption of DevSecOps and Agile development practices coupled with the rising frequency of cyberattacks are expected to bolster the demand for application security solutions in the future. Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/application-security-market Application Security Market Dynamics: The surge in cyberattacks targeting applications, especially web and mobile platforms, is a key driver for the application security market. Hackers increasingly exploit software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, exfiltrate data, or disrupt operations. As organizations expand their digital presence and shift to cloud-native architectures, applications become prime the focus of attacks. The growing implementation of DevSecOps and agile methodologies is accelerating the demand for integrated application security tools. By embedding security early in the software development lifecycle, organizations can identify and remediate vulnerabilities before deployment, reducing risks and costs. This shift toward "security as code" empowers developers to build secure applications without compromising speed or innovation. Recent Developments in Application Security Market In April 2024, NightVision, a United States-based start-up focused on identifying issues in application security in the development stages raised USD 5.4 million. The company is expected to use the capital to further develop its technology that helps simulate attacks in the development stage and identify defects before the application hits the production stage. In May 2024, Checkmarx, a leading name in the application security business, announced the launch of its new AI security offering. The solution can validate AI-generated code and help secure application security and development workflows from their initial stages. In March 2024, Cobalt, a leading name in the security business known for its Pentest as a service (PtaaS) model announced the launch of its new Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) offerings. The new solutions help enterprises and security providers to continually assess application risks and work on remediation of the same. Speak to our Analyst: https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/application-security-market Major Challenges in Application Security Industry A significant restraint in the application security market is the global shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Effective application security requires expertise in secure coding practices, threat modeling, vulnerability assessment, and incident response-all of which are in short supply. This talent gap limits the ability of organizations to implement, monitor, and manage robust security measures. Integrating modern application security solutions into existing legacy systems poses a considerable challenge. Many older applications were not built with security in mind, making them difficult to retrofit with current security tools without disrupting functionality. Legacy code often lacks documentation, and compatibility issues may arise with contemporary frameworks or cloud environments. Competitive Landscape: Focus on creating application security solutions that can pass through rigorous application security testing approaches will be of paramount importance for all companies. Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning with application security solutions can also help improve threat detection capabilities of solutions. The major players in the application security industry include, Fortinet (USA) Check Point Software Technologies (Israel) Qualys (USA) Synopsys (USA) Micro Focus (UK) Trend Micro (Japan) Rapid7 (USA) Okta (USA) Ping Identity (USA) Cloudflare (USA) View Full Report: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/application-security-market Application Security Market Segmentation: Global application security market is segmented by deployment, type, enterprise type, and end-user. Based on deployment, the market is segmented into cloud and on-premises. Based on type, the market is segmented into mobile application security and web application security. Based on enterprise type, the market is segmented into SMEs and large enterprise. Based on component, the market is segmented into solutions (security testing tools, static application security testing, dynamic application security testing, interactive application security testing, runtime application self-protection, container security, API security, other solutions) and services (professional services training & education, consulting services, integration & maintenance, managed services). Based on end-user, the market is segmented into IT & telecom, BFSI, healthcare, government, retail & e-commerce, manufacturing, others, education, energy & utilities and others. By enterprise type , the large enterprise segment dominated the global application security market in 2024 as large enterprises have higher spending potential to invest in advanced application security solutions. , the large enterprise segment dominated the global application security market in 2024 as large enterprises have higher spending potential to invest in advanced application security solutions. By deployment , the on-premises segment dominated the global application security market in 2024 owing to its high accuracy and miniaturization potential. , the on-premises segment dominated the global application security market in 2024 owing to its high accuracy and miniaturization potential. By component , the solutions segment dominated the global application security market in 2024, which can be linked to the adoption of multiple testing tools and testing approaches in novel application security solutions. , the solutions segment dominated the global application security market in 2024, which can be linked to the adoption of multiple testing tools and testing approaches in novel application security solutions. By end-user, the BFSI segment dominated the global application security market in 2024 owing to highly crucial nature of data handled by financial and banking institutions, which necessitates the need for advanced security measures. Buy this Research Report (250+ Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://www.skyquestt.com/buy-now/application-security-market Regional Insights Adoption of advanced network security practices, presence of leading tech giants and app developers, and growing incidence of cyberattacks make North America a leader in application security demand. The United States is expected to bring in major revenue for application security companies operating in this region. Europe application security market is driven by high investments in Industry 4.0 and smart infrastructure development. Strong regulatory landscape of the region is also estimated to help bolster the sales of application securitys going forward. Launch of new smart city initiatives in Germany and the United Kingdom also create new opportunities. Emphasis on integration of security measures in app development cycles and growing digital transformation are making Asia Pacific the fastest expanding market for application security providers. Demand for SaaS-based security solutions and adoption of bring your own device trends are also helping create new opportunities for market players. In the LAMEA region, the application security market is driven by the launch of new digitization efforts and growing incidence of cyberattacks. Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are expected to be the most opportune countries in this region. Explore Extensive ongoing Coverage on Related Topics: Physical Security Market: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/physical-security-market Data Center Security Market: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/data-center-security-market Mobile Application Market: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/mobile-application-market Ablation Devices Market: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/ablation-devices-market Fall Protection Equipment Market: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/fall-protection-equipment-market About SkyQuest Technology Consulting SkyQuest Technology Consulting is a leading Strategy Consulting and Market Research firm, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and growth consulting services, trusted by CXOs from Fortune 500 Companies, Start-ups, and MSMEs. The company comprises a team of expert research analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports in our database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 40+ industries & sub industries across 25 major countries worldwide, serving global clients across diverse industries. The company specializes in delivering customized intelligence, data-driven insights, and strategic advisory services that enable businesses to stay competitive and make informed decisions in rapidly evolving industries. Contact Us: SkyQuest Technology Consulting 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Email: sales@skyquestt.com Visit Our Website: https://www.skyquestt.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2446095/SkyQuest_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/application-security-market-to-grow-at-a-cagr-of-16-3-from-2025-to-2032--skyquest-technology-consulting-302533055.html The service robotics market is anticipated to expand at a rapid pace owing to high demand for robotic automation across verticals such as healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and hospitality in the long run. WESTFORD, Mass., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SkyQuest Technology Consulting published a report, titled, Service Robotics Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2032", valued at USD 36.83 Billion in 2024. With a projected CAGR of 17.3% from 2025 to 2032, the market is expected to reach USD 132.01 Billion by the end of 2032. Growing investments in robotics technology R&D and growing emphasis on automation across domestic and commercial sectors are driving the sales of service robotics. Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.skyquestt.com/sample-request/service-robotics-market Service Robotics Market Dynamics: Surge in demand for automation across domestic, healthcare, logistics, and hospitality sectors is boosting service robotics adoption. Service robots enhance efficiency, reduce human error, and address labor shortages, especially in aging populations. In households, vacuuming, lawn-mowing, and assistive robots are gaining popularity, while hospitals deploy robots for disinfection, medication delivery, and elderly care. Rapid progress in artificial intelligence, computer vision, machine learning, and sensor technologies is revolutionizing service robotics. Modern robots can understand, learn, and adapt to dynamic environments, enabling more complex tasks such as human interaction, object recognition, and autonomous navigation. These technological innovations are expanding the functional range of service robots and driving adoption in sectors requiring precision, adaptability, and real-time responsiveness. Recent Developments in Service Robotics Market In July 2024, a new AI-powered service robot for the healthcare and hospitality industries was launched by LG Business Solutions USA. LDLIM31 autonomous robot is an addition to LG's CLOIi ServeBot product line. The robot features AI-powered navigation to provide delivery services in the aforementioned industry verticals. In April 2024, Pudu Robots, a renowned name in the global service robotics business announced the launch of BellaBot Pro, a new service robot. The new smart service robot leverages artificial intelligence to deliver a personalized dining experience to customers. In April 2024, Proven Robotics, a company focused on robotic technology innovation, launched a new AI-service robot. OrionStar Mini is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SOC chip and is designed to create interactive and engaging experiences for customers. Speak to our Analyst: https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/service-robotics-market Major Challenges in Service Robotics Industry High cost of purchasing, integrating, and maintaining service robots remains a major issue for all types of end users. Advanced robots often require specialized components, software customization, and technical expertise for installation and operation. Additionally, ongoing maintenance, software updates, and repairs further increase total cost of ownership. The lack of clear ROI, particularly in emerging economies, limits broader market penetration despite the long-term benefits of automation. The absence of universal standards for hardware, software, and communication protocols presents a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of service robotics. Different manufacturers often use proprietary systems, making integration with existing infrastructure or third-party platforms complex and costly. This fragmentation leads to compatibility issues and slows the development of scalable, multi-vendor robotic ecosystems. View Full Report: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/service-robotics-market Competitive Landscape: Collaborations and partnerships are also crucial strategies that will help service robotics companies fast-track product development. Integration of artificial intelligence is slated to bolster the demand for autonomous service robots in the long run. The major players in the service robotics industry include, iRobot Corporation (USA) SoftBank Robotics (Japan) Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (USA) DJI (China) Boston Dynamics (USA) Neato Robotics (USA) Ecovacs Robotics (China) Locus Robotics (USA) Starship Technologies (Estonia) UBTECH Robotics (China) Service Robotics Market Segmentation: Global service robotics market is segmented by component, type, mobility, technology, and application. Based on component, the market is segmented into hardware, software, and services. Based on type, the market is segmented into professional robot and personal robots. Based on mobility, the market is segmented into mobile robots and fixed robots. Based on technology, the market is segmented into artificial intelligence (AI), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), computer vision, voice and gesture recognition, and autonomous navigation. Based on application, the market is segmented into healthcare, logistics and warehousing, security and surveillance, education and training, and others. By component , the hardware segment dominated the global service robotics market in 2024 as the use of advanced hardware components determines the functionality of robots. , the hardware segment dominated the global service robotics market in 2024 as the use of advanced hardware components determines the functionality of robots. By technology , the artificial intelligence segment dominated the global service robotics market in 2024, this can be linked to rapid advancements in AI technology and growing popualrity of autonomous robots. , the artificial intelligence segment dominated the global service robotics market in 2024, this can be linked to rapid advancements in AI technology and growing popualrity of autonomous robots. By mobility , the mobile robots segment dominated the global service robotics market in 2024 owing to their enhanced operational flexibility allowing for better efficiency without human intervention. , the mobile robots segment dominated the global service robotics market in 2024 owing to their enhanced operational flexibility allowing for better efficiency without human intervention. By type , the professional robot segment dominated the global service robotics market in 2024, which can be linked to high adoption of robotics in commercial and industrial sectors. , the professional robot segment dominated the global service robotics market in 2024, which can be linked to high adoption of robotics in commercial and industrial sectors. By application, the healthcare segment dominated the global service robotics market in 2024 owing to rising emphasis on improving patient outcomes and reducing errors. Buy this Research Report (250+ Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://www.skyquestt.com/buy-now/service-robotics-market Regional Insights Quick adoption of automation and robust spending on robotic technology R&D are helping North America spearhead the demand for service robotics. Robust venture capital support for robotics companies and early adoption of advanced technologies are also cementing the dominance of this region. Europe is emerging as the fastest growing market for service robotics providers. High emphasis on industrial automation and availability of European Union funding programs for AI and robotics research are helping create new business scope. Germany, the United Kingdom, and France remain the key markets in Europe. Robust investments in robotics R&D and quick adoption of robotic technologies in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea make Asia Pacific a highly attractive market. Availability of robust electronics and semiconductor industries coupled with government support for robotics innovation are also helping drive sales of service robotics in this region. In the LAMEA region, the service robotics market is driven by growing awareness regarding benefits of robotics technology adoption and emphasis on productivity improvement. Brazil, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are expected to be the most opportune countries for service robotics providers in this region Explore Extensive ongoing Coverage on Related Topics: Medical Robots Market: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/medical-robots-market Mobile Robots Market: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/mobile-robots-market IT Services Market: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/it-services-market Agricultural Robots Market: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/agricultural-robots-market Robotaxi Market: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/robotaxi-market About SkyQuest Technology Consulting SkyQuest Technology Consulting is a leading Strategy Consulting and Market Research firm, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and growth consulting services, trusted by CXOs from Fortune 500 Companies, Start-ups, and MSMEs. The company comprises a team of expert research analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports in our database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 40+ industries & sub industries across 25 major countries worldwide, serving global clients across diverse industries. The company specializes in delivering customized intelligence, data-driven insights, and strategic advisory services that enable businesses to stay competitive and make informed decisions in rapidly evolving industries. Contact Us: SkyQuest Technology Consulting 1 Apache Way, Westford, Massachusetts 01886 USA (+1) 351-333-4748 Email: sales@skyquestt.com Visit Our Website: https://www.skyquestt.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2446095/SkyQuest_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/service-robotics-market-to-grow-at-a-cagr-of-17-3-from-2025-to-2032--skyquest-technology-consulting-302533065.html NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / Inogen Alliance is pleased to announce the addition of a new Associate company, Eurofin Consult in Romania. The addition of this new Associate provides coverage in this region expanding our EHS and sustainability services and expertise. In choosing new Associate companies to join the Alliance we have a thorough due diligence process to ensure alignment in values, services and complimentary coverage with our existing companies and approval by the Board of Directors. Eurofin Consult SRL is a Romanian company, based in Bucharest, specialized in health and safety matters as well as in environmental projects, with nearly 20 years of experience. The company offers both traditional consulting and an innovative digital solution (eSIGUR) to streamline and modernize the OHS consultancy. Eurofin is licensed by Romanian authorities and serves diverse clients with a mission to make workplace safety a proactive, human-centric investment. Eurofin has trained more than 150,000 people, and served more than 500 companies across diverse industries such as IT&C, retail, real estate, automotive, logistics, and construction and supervised 6.9 mil sqm of construction sites all over Romania. Environmental consultancy services, environmental compliance, customized waste management projects are also part of Euurofin's portfolio. "True progress is measured not just by profit, but by the health of our people, the safety of our operations, and the legacy we leave in the environment. In today's world, EHS compliance is not just a checkbox - it's the foundation of ESG leadership. By combining regulatory insight with innovation, we help organizations not only meet their EHS obligations and mitigate EHS risks, but lead responsibly, operate sustainably, and build trust that lasts. We are thrilled to join Inogen Alliance to help Associates support their clients and share expertise across companies," - Daniel Milicescu, Managing Partner - Eurofin Consult SRL. Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of over 70 of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates, listen to our podcast and follow us on LinkedIn. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Inogen Alliance on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Inogen Alliance Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/inogen-alliance Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Inogen Alliance View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/eurofin-consult-romania-joins-inogen-alliance-1062813 ISTANBUL, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Midas, Turkey's leading investment platform, has raised $80 million in its Series B funding round, the largest investment ever secured by a Turkish fintech company. This brings Midas' total funding to date to more than $140 million. Midas serves 3.5 million investors by providing access to Borsa Istanbul, U.S. stock markets, mutual funds, and cryptocurrencies through a single platform. The company will use the new capital to further strengthen its security infrastructure to international standards and to accelerate the launch of advanced products designed for active traders. Global Fintech Investors Back Midas' Vision The round was led by QED Investors, one of the world's most respected fintech funds. New investors include the International Finance Corporation (IFC), HSG (formerly Sequoia China), QuantumLight (founded by Revolut CEO Nik Storonsky), Spice Expeditions LP, and George Rzepecki. Existing backers Spark Capital, Portage Ventures, Bek Ventures, and Nigel Morris also joined the round, reaffirming their confidence in Midas. The participating funds are known for early-stage investments in global technology leaders such as TikTok, Alibaba, Coinbase, Nubank, Revolut, Twitter, and Slack. The record-breaking raise highlights international investor confidence in Midas and its pioneering role in reshaping Turkey's fintech landscape. Yusuf Ozdalga, Partner at QED Investors, said: "Midas has unlocked access to vast domestic and global investment opportunities for Turkish users, utilising cutting edge fintech tools. As QED, we are proud to lead Midas' Series B round, and are incredibly excited to partner with Egem and his team that have created an exceptionally strong product and performance culture. We look forward to being part of this growth journey in Turkiye, the wider region, and beyond in the coming years." Transforming Investing in Turkey Since its founding in 2020, Midas has fundamentally changed how individuals in Turkey access financial markets. With a commission-free, seamless, and user-friendly experience, millions of people have made their first investments through Midas. Collectively, Midas users have saved nearly $50 million in transaction fees, and half of them began their investing journey on the platform. Midas has set new industry standards by dramatically lowering costs. After cutting U.S. trading fees by 90%, the company permanently removed all Borsa Istanbul commissions in 2025. Today, Midas offers free live market data, and instant, fee-free transfers-making it the go-to platform for Turkish retail investors. Growth Through New Products and Security Investments Having democratized investing for the masses, Midas is now expanding into tools for more sophisticated investors. Following the launch of margin investing, advanced analytics, and Midas Pro, the company will use its Series B funding to introduce derivatives trading in both Turkish and US equities. The rollout begins in September with U.S. options trading, providing investors with free real-time data, competitive pricing, and intuitive interfaces-bringing the "Midas Standard" to derivatives markets. In parallel, Midas is increasing its investments in security and operational resilience. With infrastructure built to meet global standards, the company remains committed to providing a safe, reliable, and uninterrupted investing experience. "Making Investing More Accessible and Secure in Turkey" Egem Eraslan, CEO of Midas, said: "From day one, our mission has been to make investing accessible, affordable, and seamless for everyone. Today, millions of people manage their investments through Midas. With this new funding, we are building a comprehensive ecosystem that unifies all investment needs on one platform, while further strengthening our security and technology infrastructure. This will enable us to keep growing as a fintech company that serves the needs of individual investors both in Turkey and globally." About Midas Founded in 2020, Midas is Turkey's leading investment platform. It offers access to Turkish and U.S. equities, mutual funds, and cryptocurrencies through a single platform. Since launch, Midas has grown rapidly and now serves more than 3.5 million investors. Midas enables trading on U.S. exchanges at a competitive flat fee of $1.50 per transaction, while permanently eliminating all commissions and account-related charges, including clearing and custody fees, for Borsa Istanbul. In addition, the platform provides real-time market data at no cost to its users. To date, Midas has raised over $140 million from global investors including QED Investors, International Finance Corporation (IFC), HSG, Spark Capital, QuantumLight, Spice Expeditions LP, Portage Ventures, Bek Ventures, and Revo Ventures. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753633/Egem_Eraslan_Midas_Founder_CEO.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753634/Midas_App.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753632/Midas_logo.jpg Contact: partnership@getmidas.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/midas-secures-80-million-series-b-marking-turkeys-largest-ever-fintech-investment-302533523.html "AI-powered diagnostics, 3D imaging, and advanced techniques like CE DE Mammography and Molecular Breast Imaging are transforming breast cancer detection, driving demand for faster, safer, and more personalized screening solutions." BOSTON, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest study from BCC Research, the "Global Mammography Equipment Markets" is projected to grow from $3.1 billion in 2025 to $4 billion by the end of 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from 2025 through 2030. This report provides a detailed review of the global mammography equipment market, highlighting current technologies, growth drivers, and emerging opportunities. The report segments by equipment type, end-user industry, and region. The analysis spans major global regions and countries, offering insights into market trends, ESG developments, patents, and technological innovations. It serves as a strategic resource for companies to understand procedural trends, brand perception, and competitive dynamics, helping them plan effectively and respond to potential market disruptions. The factors driving the market's growth include: Rising Global Incidence and Mortality of Breast Cancer: The growing number of breast cancer cases and related deaths worldwide is a major driver for mammography equipment. Early detection through screening is crucial for improving survival rates, which increases the demand for reliable and efficient diagnostic tools. Adoption of Mammography Screening: Due to heightened awareness, better healthcare access, and insurance coverage, more women are undergoing regular breast cancer screenings. This widespread adoption is fueling the need for advanced mammography systems in hospitals and clinics. Advances in AI Mammography and 3D Tomosynthesis: Innovations like 3D tomosynthesis and AI-enhanced imaging are making mammograms more accurate and efficient. These technologies help detect cancer earlier and reduce false positives, encouraging healthcare providers to upgrade their equipment. Development of Portable and Mobile Mammography Systems: To improve access in rural and underserved areas, manufacturers are creating portable and mobile mammography units. These systems support outreach programs and make screenings more accessible, expanding the market reach. Request a sample copy of the global market for mammography equipment report. Report Synopsis Report Metric Details Base year considered 2024 Forecast period considered 2025-2030 Base year market size $2.9 billion Market size forecast $4.0 billion Growth rate CAGR of 5.2% from 2025 to 2030 Segments covered Product Type and Sub-type, End User and Region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) Countries covered The U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, the U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe, China, India, Japan, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific Market drivers Rising global incidence and mortality of breast cancer. Increased adoption of mammography screening. Advances in imaging technology, including AI-powered mammography and 3D tomosynthesis. Government Initiatives and awareness campaigns. Development of portable and mobile mammography systems Interesting facts: According to GLOBOCON 2024, female breast cancer ranks second in terms of new cancer cases globally, with 2,308,897 new cases, accounting for 11.6% of all cancer diagnoses. It ranks fourth in cancer-related deaths, with 665,684 deaths, representing 6.9% of all cancer mortality. Several AI-powered mammography solutions, like iCAD's ProFound AI and Hologic's Genius AI Detection 2.0, have already received FDA approval. These systems don't just assist radiologists - they independently flag suspicious areas, helping to increase cancer detection rates and reduce reading time by up to 50%. Emerging startups: Therapixel: Therapixel, a France- and U.S.-based startup, gained significant momentum between 2021 and 2024 with its FDA-approved AI solution, MammoScreen. The software supports radiologists by scoring mammograms and highlighting suspicious areas, helping to detect breast cancer earlier while reducing reading time. Therapixel's advances have made AI-assisted screening more practical and reliable in busy clinical environments. Therapixel, a France- and U.S.-based startup, gained significant momentum between 2021 and 2024 with its FDA-approved AI solution, MammoScreen. The software supports radiologists by scoring mammograms and highlighting suspicious areas, helping to detect breast cancer earlier while reducing reading time. Therapixel's advances have made AI-assisted screening more practical and reliable in busy clinical environments. Vara: Based in Germany, Vara expanded its AI platform from 2021 to 2024 into new regions such as Mexico and India. Vara's technology is integrated directly into breast cancer screening workflows, assisting radiologists by pre-analyzing mammograms and flagging cases for review. The report addresses the following questions: 1. What are the projected market size and growth rate? The global market for mammography equipment was $2.9 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%, reaching about $4.0 billion by 2030. 2. Which factors are driving the growth of the market? Key market drivers include the following: - Increasing adoption of mammography screening. - Advances in imaging technology, including AI-powered mammography and 3D tomosynthesis. - Government Initiatives and awareness campaigns. - Increasing adoption of mammography screening. - Development of advanced therapeutics. 3. Which market segments are covered in the report? The market is segmented by product type, end-user, and region. The market is segmented by product into an analog mammography system, a digital mammography system, a portable and mobile mammography system, and others. The digital mammography system market is further segmented by full-field mammography system(FFDM), digital breast tomosynthesis system (DBT) and contrast-enhanced mammography system (CEM). End users include hospitals, surgical, diagnostic, and breast care centers. The regions covered include North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World, focusing on major countries in these regions, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, the U.K., Italy, France, Spain, and the Rest of Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific. 4.Which type segment will be dominant through 2030? Digital mammography systems will dominate the market through the end of 2030. 5.Which region has the highest market share? North America holds the highest share of the market. 6.What are the challenges and opportunities in the market? The mammography equipment market faces several key challenges, including concerns over radiation safety and a global shortage of radiologists. For example, according to a 2022 article by the Radiological Society of North America, the U.K. has only 8.5 radiologists per 100,000 people, well below the European average of 13 per 100,000. However, the market also presents strong opportunities. The development of portable and mobile mammography systems, increasing healthcare spending in emerging markets, and advances in imaging technologies, such as AI-powered mammography and 3D tomosynthesis, are expected to drive future growth and improve access to breast cancer screening worldwide. Market leaders include: BMI BIOMEDICAL INTERNATIONAL S.R.L. CANON INC. FUJIFILM HOLDINGS CORP. GE HEALTHCARE GENORAY CO. LTD. HOLOGIC INC. ITALRAY KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V. METALTRONICA S.P.A. PLANMED OY SCREEN POINT MEDICAL BV SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE CO. LTD. STERNMED GMBH VILLA SISTEMI MEDICALI SPA Related reports: Nanotechnology in Cancer Treatment: Technologies and Global Markets: This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the nanotechnology market in cancer treatment, focusing on product types (like liposomes and dendrimers) and cancer types (such as lung and breast cancer). It covers global and regional trends, market drivers, restraints, opportunities, and competitive dynamics. The report aims to assess market potential, regulatory scenarios, and long-term impacts, providing detailed forecasts and market share insights for major players across major regions. Purchase a copy of the report direct from BCC Research. For further information on any of these reports or to make a purchase, contact info@bccresearch.com. About BCC Research BCC Research market research reports provide objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions free of noise and hype. Contact Us Corporate HQ: 50 Milk St., Ste. 16, Boston, MA 02109, USA Email: info@bccresearch.com Phone: +1 781-489-7301 For media inquiries, email press@bccresearch.com or visit our media page for access to our market research library. Any data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183242/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-mammography-equipment-market-accelerates-with-smart-imaging-innovations-302533468.html Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Digital Silk, an award-winning agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns, announces the publication of a new guide, "Why Brand Image Is Critical for Corporations in 2025." The piece outlines practical considerations for evaluating how audiences perceive a brand across channels, aiming to support teams assessing consistency, trust signals and stakeholder expectations. Read the guide: https://www.digitalsilk.com/digital-trends/brand-image-guide/. Digital Silk Announces Article: Why Brand Image Is Critical for Corporations in 2025 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10732/263051_babda394d458aadb_001full.jpg Market context, brand trust and consistency U.S. data points to trust and consistency as persistent priorities for brand leaders. PwC's 2024 Trust Survey reports that 40% of consumers stopped buying from a company because they did not trust it, underscoring the operational impact of trust gaps. PwC Consistency remains a core input to performance. Marq's Brand Consistency analysis indicates that businesses maintaining consistent branding have reported up to 20% greater overall growth and 33% higher revenue compared to those with off-brand content, a relationship that may reflect recognizable and reliable experiences across touchpoints. Marq What the guide covers The article organizes key considerations for corporate teams reviewing brand image in 2025, including: Signals that shape first impressions across owned, earned and paid channels How visual identity, tone and values may align to audience expectations Trust indicators, from data transparency to support workflows and response times Practical steps for strengthening brand consistency across web, social and product Guidance on measurement frameworks for sentiment, recall and recognition Editorial team perspective "The goal was to provide a clear, practical resource for leaders reviewing how their brand is perceived in daily interactions," said Gabriel Shaoolian, CEO of Digital Silk. "The guide outlines considerations that teams can use when aligning visual identity, voice and trust signals across channels." The article presents neutral, action-oriented checkpoints for internal reviews, focusing on what organizations can verify, standardize and measure. Access "Why Brand Image Is Critical for Corporations in 2025" is available now on Digital Silk's website. Organizations planning brand refreshes or preparing 2025-2026 roadmaps may reference the guide as part of broader governance, content and customer-experience initiatives. Read the guide: https://www.digitalsilk.com/digital-trends/brand-image-guide/. About Digital Silk Digital Silk is an award-winning Miami Branding Agency focused on growing brands online. With a team of seasoned experts, the company creates digital experiences through strategic branding, custom web design and digital marketing services to help improve visibility and support engagement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263051 SOURCE: Digital Silk DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets, the global Digital Workplace Market size is projected to grow from USD 67.57 billion in 2025 to USD 161.82 billion by 2030 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.1% during the forecast period. Browse 250 market data Tables and 50 Figures spread through 300 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Digital Workplace Market - Global forecast to 2030" The widespread adoption of cloud platforms and SaaS tools has transformed how organizations manage and deliver digital workplace services, enabling faster deployment, scalable infrastructure, and seamless access across devices and locations. Businesses are also transferring workloads to cloud-based collaboration and productivity tools such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and ServiceNow to simplify procedures and decrease the burden on old systems. This migration enables the optimization of costs through a reduction in the overhead of an infrastructure and the easing of the IT administration. Simultaneously, cloud-native solutions contribute to enhanced performance by allowing real-time collaboration, automation of routine operations, and the provision of data-based insights to necessitate employee work efficiency and engagement. Scope of the Report Market Size Available for Years: 2019-2030 2019-2030 2025 Market Size: USD 67.57 billion USD 67.57 billion 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 161.82 billion USD 161.82 billion CAGR (2025-2030): 19.1% 19.1% Segments covered: Type, Deployment Mode, Organization Size, Vertical, and Region Type, Deployment Mode, Organization Size, Vertical, and Region Region Highlight: Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=81457101 Based on end-user computing, the virtual desktop infrastructure segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. The virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) helps organizations manage and protect employee computing environments from a central location while supporting remote and hybrid work models. Industries such as education and retail, where seasonal or contract-based workforces are common, rely on VDI for flexible, cost-effective desktop access. The use of VDI is also growing in verticals such as banking, healthcare, and government, where secure data access and regulatory compliance are critical. As Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies become more common, VDI allows employees to use personal devices while ensuring a consistent and secure user experience. Centralized desktop management reduces the workload for IT teams, lowers support costs, and helps organizations maintain control over data. Service providers now offer VDI with features such as workspace analytics, automated setup, and cloud delivery options, making it easier for companies to scale their digital workplace without major hardware investments. These benefits make VDI a preferred choice for organizations looking to improve employee experience while maintaining security and operational efficiency across locations and devices. By support service, the training and development segment will account for the largest market share during the forecast period. The training and development segment holds the largest share in the digital workplace services market under support services due to the growing need for continuous workforce upskilling in the face of rapid technological changes. As organizations implement tools such as Microsoft 365, ServiceNow, or Google Workspace, employees require structured learning to effectively adopt and use these platforms. Companies such as Accenture, TCS, Infosys, IBM, and Cognizant provide tailored training programs as part of their workplace transformation services. These programs focus on onboarding, productivity tools, cybersecurity awareness, and platform-specific use cases. Many service providers have developed in-house digital learning platforms or partner with learning management systems (LMS) vendors to deliver flexible, scalable solutions. For instance, Infosys uses its Lex platform to support client training needs, while Wipro and HCLTech offer immersive learning experiences through virtual labs and simulations. In sectors with regulatory requirements, such as healthcare and finance, training services help organizations maintain compliance and reduce human error. The increased use of experiential formats such as AR/VR-based learning and microlearning modules is also enhancing user engagement and retention. By integrating these services into broader digital workplace offerings, service providers help clients ensure workforce readiness and unlock the full value of their technology investments. Request Sample Pages@https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=81457101 By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The rapid growth of the digital workplace services market is being observed in Asia Pacific, where digital transformation programs are being implemented on a massive scale, combined with a surge in the demand for flexible working environments and the growth of investments in cloud infrastructure. This change is pushed by countries such as India, China, Australia, and Singapore, which promote digital-first policies in both the public and private sectors. The rate at which enterprises in the region are embracing digital workplace services to facilitate hybrid workforces, collaboration, and employee productivity is increasing. The increasing startup community and the rise of multinational companies in the Asia Pacific have led to a high-level demand for scalable, secure, and experience-rich digital environments. Both local service providers in regions and international vendors who can deliver services locally are customizing services to suit the specific language, compliance, and operational needs of various markets. Specifically, the manufacturing, banking, and healthcare industries are hastening the implementation of digital workplace models to enhance workforce productivity and service delivery. The rapid adoption of workplace transformation strategies is also made possible by government support of digital innovation and the availability of a young and tech-savvy workforce. With the growing emphasis on operational resilience and employee-centric models, there is a growing need for managed workplace services, cloud desktops, and AI-driven support, which is growing at a significant rate in organizations across Asia Pacific. Inquire Before Buying@https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=81457101 Top Key Companies in Digital Workplace Market: Atos (France), Cognizant (US), IBM (US), Wipro (India), TCS (India), Infosys (India), DXC Technology (US), Accenture (Ireland), Capgemini (France), Fujitsu (Japan), HCL Technology (India), HPE (US), Kyndryl (US), NTT Data (Japan), Unisys (US), Tech Mahindra (Pune), Stefanini (Brazil), Computacenter (England), CompuCom (US), T-Systems (Germany), Getronics (Netherlands), CGI (Canada), Milestone Technologies (US), Mphasis (India), Birlasoft (India), Neurealm (US), UST (US), Microland (India), Brillio (US), Bell Techlogix (US), Pomeroy (US), LTIMindtree (India), Kissflow (US), and Groupe.io (US) are the key players and other major players in the Digital Workplace Market. Browse Adjacent Markets: Digitalization and Internet of Things (IoT) Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Digital Railway Market - Global Forecast to 2030 Smart Railways Market - Global Forecast to 2030 Smart Cities Market - Global Forecast to 2030 Natural Disaster Management Market - Global Forecast to 2029 B2B Digital Payment Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Get access to the latest updates on Digital Workplace Companies and Digital Workplace Industry About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook . Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/digital-workplace-market-worth-161-82-billion-by-2030--marketsandmarkets-302533239.html HONG KONG, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Healthcare and Technology Company Limited ("Ping An Good Doctor" or the "Company"; Stock Code: 1833.HK) announced its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2025. During the first half of 2025, the Company delivered steady operational performance, showcasing strong growth momentum with gains in both revenue and profitability. Total revenue reached RMB2.5 billion, an increase of 19.5% year-on-year, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose to RMB134 million, an increase of 136.8% year-on-year. Notably, revenue from the integrated finance business ("F-end") and corporate clients ("B-end") corporate health management business increased by 30.2% year-on-year, while the total number of paying users grew by 35.1% year-on-year. Enhanced "Insurance + Health Care" Synergies Promoting the Growth of Core Businesses As a flagship in Ping An Group's health and senior care ecosystem, the Company has continued to deepen its "insurance + health care" synergistic model, strengthening collaboration with Ping An Group's integrated finance business. In the corporate health management sector, it has partnered with other Group's subsidiaries to develop an innovative "commercial insurance + health care fund + health care service" product ecosystem. This approach has significantly expanded its corporate customer base, delivering steady revenue growth and a comprehensive improvement in profit quality. During the reporting period, the Company provided Ping An Group's retail integrated financial customers with online and offline, one-stop, 24/7, proactive medical and senior care services. By advancing the "insurance + health and senior care membership" model and enriching medical and health services rights system across multiple scenarios, the Company steadily increased its service penetration among the Group's nearly 245 million retail financial customers, achieving a 34.6% year-on-year increase in F-end paying users to approximately 20.0 million. The Company also strengthened its collaboration with Ping An Group's subsidiaries, including Ping An Life Insurance, Ping An Property & Casualty Insurance, Ping An Health Insurance, and Ping An Bank, delivering notable synergies. In partnership with Ping An Life, the Company upgraded its "critical illness insurance + critical illness management" service and launched the "An You Hu" health service plan. This initiative offers comprehensive, one-stop critical illness management services, covering the entire treatment process, from suspected/confirmed diagnoses, surgery arrangements, postoperative treatment to rehabilitation follow-ups. As of the end of March 2025, Ping An Group's retail integrated financial customers using services from its health and senior care ecosystem had 1.6 times more contracts and 4 times higher AUM per capita than non-users of these services. In recent years, under the guidance of the "Healthy China" national strategy, the government has supported and encouraged employers to standardize employee health management. The medical security system, from "basic medical insurance" to "supplementary medical insurance" and "health management," has been continuously improving. This has significantly heightened corporate awareness of the importance of employee health management. As part of its strategic focus, the Company has continued to provide professional, comprehensive, high-quality, and one-stop employee health management services to corporate clients through the "Ping An Corporate Health Protection Plan." The Company has enhanced operational precision to boost user engagement. Online, it provides end-to-end proactive health management and medical services through family doctors, while offline, it organizes a variety of in-company health activities to improve service visibility and employee satisfaction. Building on the Group's extensive corporate client base, the Company has also actively expanded its independent sales channels, driving rapid growth in its corporate health management business. During the period, B-end paying corporate clients totaled more than 3,500, and the number of B-end paying users exceeded 3.60 million, up 39.2% year on year. Upgrading Product and Service Capabilities to Strengthen Healthcare and Senior Care Ecosystem During the reporting period, the Company remained customer-centric, solidifying its ecosystem and product capabilities while upgrading its service network to continuously enhance its full-scenario service capabilities. Through its strategic pillars of "family doctor" and "senior care concierge", the Company continues to provide users with proactive, one-stop medical, health, and senior care services throughout the life cycle. During the reporting period, the Company launched its annual medical and health services brand, encompassing "Proactive Family Doctor Care, Zero-Distance Access to Renowned Doctors, and Full-Journey Medical Management." This offering is powered by family doctors certified by both Peking University International Hospital and the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA), creating a comprehensive service system that includes one-on-one contracts, medical record analysis, and proactive follow-ups. The system is designed to deliver differentiated care for four key demographic groups. The Company also enhanced the service capabilities of its senior care concierge to address medical and nursing needs, expanded offerings such as Ping An's global emergency assistance and professional in-home care provided by care managers, and collaborated with industry, academia, and research institutions to advance the standardization of home-based senior care. During the reporting period, the Company had a family doctor membership of over 35 million, while the number of users entitled to home-based senior care service increased by approximately 83% year-on-year. The service now covers 85 cities and has implemented five group standards. Additionally, to provide broad-coverage, high-quality, and cost-effective services to users, the Company continued to build its medical, health, and senior care service network. During the reporting period, the Company further expanded its "online, in-store, in-home, and in-company" service network. The Company had about 50,000 in-house doctors and contracted external doctors across 37 specialties, with over 3,200 renowned doctors. The Company has partnered with over 4,000 hospitals, 106,000 health service providers, 240,000 pharmacies, and more than 100 senior care service institutions. Accelerating AI-Powered Healthcare Applications to Drive Scale and Efficiency Leveraging its "data + model + scenario" closed-loop advantage, the Company strengthened its capabilities in AI-driven healthcare services and accelerated the application of its solutions. It continued to enhance its large multi-modal model, Ping An Medical Master, based on Ping An's six world-leading medical databases as well as data from 1.44 billion consultations. Building on this foundation -and with further optimization of five vertical models for key medical scenarios-the Company introduced the "7+N+1" AI medical product system during the reporting period. The suite includes Renowned Doctor Digital Avatar, AI Family Doctor, AI Senior Care Concierge, AI Clinics, AI Health Manager, AI Chronic Disease Manager, and AI Health Benefit Officer, providing intelligent decision support across the entire process and all scenarios. Notably, the Company innovatively launched a multidisciplinary team (MDT) consultation assistance platform for complex diseases, which has been applied to breast cancer, providing users with diagnostic and treatment assistance throughout the entire process from treatment to recovery. This significantly improves the efficiency and experience of medical care for complex diseases and will be extended to more disease types in the future. Through AI empowerment, the accuracy rate of AI-assisted consultations reached approximately 98%, while the accuracy of MDT treatment plans for complex diseases approached 80%. Daily service capacity for AI doctors reached 4.0 million visits. Additionally, AI has helped reduce the average service cost per family doctor user by about 52% and improved the operational efficiency of the business middle platform by around 50%. In the first half of the year, Ping An Good Doctor revamped its brand, marking a significant milestone for Ping An Group's "worry-free, time-saving, and money-saving" initiative and a crucial step in implementing the "insurance + health care" synergistic model in the healthcare service sector. Mr. Li Dou, Chairman and CEO of the Company, stated, "Looking ahead, we will seize policy opportunities, adhere to the essence of medicine, and remain guided by the customer needs-oriented approach. We strive to become the most professional 'family doctor and senior care concierge' for our vast customer base, doing everything possible to be 'worry-free, time-saving, and money-saving', and providing long-term, sustainable value for our shareholders and society." View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ping-an-good-doctor-1833hk-reports-strong-interim-results-revenue-and-profit-accelerate-as-ai-fuels-new-growth-momentum-302533625.html The updated recommendations now include TRYVIO (aprocitentan) - the first and only hypertension treatment targeting the endothelin pathway. Endothelin is upregulated in hypertension and is a fundamental mediator in patients whose hypertension is difficult-to-control. Hypertension remains a major global health issue, and the number one modifiable risk factor of early morbidity/mortality. Allschwil, Switzerland & Radnor, Pennsylvania - August 19, 2025 Idorsia Ltd (SIX: IDIA) announces that its novel dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA), TRYVIO (aprocitentan), has been included in the new comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for the management of systemic hypertension, published by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) Joint Committee. The updated recommendations now list TRYVIO as a therapy that may be added for adults with difficult-to-control hypertension, including resistant hypertension. TRYVIO is the first systemic hypertension treatment to target a new pathway in over 30 years and the only new medicine to be included in the updated guidelines. Despite progress in improving patient outcomes, hypertension remains a major global health issue, and the number one modifiable risk factor of early morbidity/mortality, affecting an estimated 50% of adults in the US, with 50% of those patients not well controlled despite being on medication. TRYVIO is indicated for the treatment of hypertension in combination with other antihypertensive drugs, to lower blood pressure in adult patients who are not adequately controlled on other drugs. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. The recommended dosage of TRYVIO is 12.5 mg orally once daily, with or without food. TRYVIO is ideally positioned to treat patients with hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD), as the label indicates use in patients with eGFR as low as 15 mL/min. TRYVIO's blood pressure lowering effect was also consistent among subgroups defined by age, sex, race, BMI, baseline UACR, and medical history of diabetes. Srishti Gupta, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Idorsia, commented: "Idorsia is grateful to the medical community and the joint guidelines committee for recognizing TRYVIO as an important option for patients with difficult-to-control hypertension. The clinical evidence from the development program has demonstrated that targeting the endothelin pathway in hypertension with TRYVIO can help address a critical unmet medical need. The TRYVIO approval and inclusion in the updated clinical practice guidelines are a testament to our commitment to discover and develop innovative medicines that improve patient outcomes." AHA Hypertension Scientific Sessions The new guidelines will be discussed at the upcoming American Heart Association's (AHA) Hypertension Scientific Sessions held September 4-7, 2025, in Baltimore, MD. In addition, Idorsia will present two scientific posters at the congress. One poster presents post-hoc analysis demonstrating that aprocitentan provided fast blood pressure control and a substantial UACR reduction which were both sustained until Week 36 in patients with grade 2 hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure 160 to 179 mmHg) at baseline. The other poster presents post-hoc analysis in patients with isolated systolic hypertension-like characteristics at baseline, showing that aprocitentan substantially reduced systolic blood pressure while maintaining diastolic blood pressure above 70 mmHg to achieve clinically optimal values associated with minimal cardiovascular risk. US Prix Galien 2025 nominee The Galien Foundation, the premier global institution dedicated to honoring innovators in life sciences, recently announced that TRYVIO has been nominated for the 2025 Prix Galien USA Awards in the category of "Best Pharmaceutical Product". About the ACC/AHA Guidelines The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association published updated comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for the management of high blood pressure, focusing on evidence-based practices. The ACC and the AHA regularly publish guidelines and scientific statements, which are developed by volunteer scientists and healthcare professionals. The guidelines are based on the latest research and are rigorously reviewed to ensure that they reflect the current best practices in cardiovascular health. About aprocitentan Aprocitentan is Idorsia's once-daily, orally active, dual endothelin receptor antagonist, which inhibits the binding of ET-1 to ETA and ETB receptors. Aprocitentan is approved as TRYVIO in the US for the treatment of systemic hypertension in combination with other antihypertensives and has been commercially available since October 2024. Aprocitentan is approved as JERAYGO for the treatment of resistant hypertension in combination with other antihypertensives in the European Union and the UK and marketing authorization applications are under review in Canada, and Switzerland. For more information see the TRYVIO Full Prescribing Information including BOXED Warning (PI and Medication Guide). Important Safety Information What is the most important information I should know about TRYVIO? TRYVIO may cause serious side effects, including: Serious birth defects. TRYVIO may cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Females who can become pregnant should not be pregnant when they start taking TRYVIO or become pregnant during treatment with TRYVIO or for 1 month after stopping treatment with TRYVIO. Females who can become pregnant should have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with TRYVIO. before starting treatment with TRYVIO. Females who can become pregnant are females who: have entered puberty, even if they have not started their menstrual period, and have a uterus, and have not gone through menopause. Menopause means that you have not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months for natural reasons, or that you have had your ovaries removed. are females who: Females who cannot become pregnant are females who: have not yet entered puberty, or do not have a uterus, or have gone through menopause. Menopause means that you have not had a menstrual period for at least 12 months for natural reasons, or that you have had your ovaries removed, or are infertile for other medical reasons and this infertility is permanent and cannot be reversed. Females who can become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with TRYVIO, and for 1 month after stopping TRYVIO because the medicine may still be in your body. Talk with your healthcare provider or gynecologist (a healthcare provider who specializes in female reproduction) to find out about options for effective birth control that you may use to prevent pregnancy during treatment with TRYVIO. If you decide that you want to change the form of birth control that you use, talk with your healthcare provider or gynecologist to be sure that you choose another acceptable form of birth control. because the medicine may still be in your body. Do not have unprotected sex. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist right away if you have unprotected sex or if you think your birth control has failed. Your healthcare provider may talk with you about using emergency birth control. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you miss a menstrual period or you think you might be pregnant. Who should not take TRYVIO? Do not take TRYVIO if you are: Pregnant or currently trying to become pregnant. allergic to aprocitentan or any of the ingredients in TRYVIO. Before taking TRYVIO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have liver problems have heart failure have anemia have kidney problems or get dialysis are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with TRYVIO. TRYVIO can cause serious birth defects. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TRYVIO passes into your breastmilk. Do not breastfeed if you take TRYVIO. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take TRYVIO. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. What are the possible side effects of TRYVIO? TRYVIO may cause serious side effects, including: Serious birth defects. Liver problems. TRYVIO may cause liver problems. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your liver before starting treatment and as needed during treatment with TRYVIO. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of liver problems during treatment with TRYVIO: nausea or vomiting yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes pain in the upper right stomach dark urine tiredness fever loss of appetite itching TRYVIO may cause liver problems. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your liver before starting treatment and as needed during treatment with TRYVIO. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of liver problems during treatment with TRYVIO: Fluid retention. Fluid retention and swelling are common during treatment with TRYVIO and can be serious. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any unusual weight gain, trouble breathing, or swelling of your ankles or legs. Your healthcare provider may treat you with other medicines (diuretics) if you develop fluid retention or swelling. Low red blood cell levels (anemia). Anemia is common during treatment with TRYVIO and can be serious. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your red blood cells before starting and as needed during treatment with TRYVIO. Decreased sperm count. TRYVIO may cause decreased sperm counts in males and may affect the ability to father a child. Tell your healthcare provider if being able to have children is important to you. Your healthcare provider may stop treatment with TRYVIO if you develop certain side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of TRYVIO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Notes to the editor About Idorsia The purpose of Idorsia is to challenge accepted medical paradigms, answering the questions that matter most. To achieve this, we will discover, develop, and commercialize transformative medicines - either with in-house capabilities or together with partners - and evolve Idorsia into a leading biopharmaceutical company, with a strong scientific core. Headquartered near Basel, Switzerland - a European biotech hub - Idorsia has a highly experienced team of dedicated professionals, covering all disciplines from bench to bedside; QUVIVIQ (daridorexant), a different kind of insomnia treatment with the potential to revolutionize this mounting public health concern; strong partners to maximize the value of our portfolio; a promising in-house development pipeline; and a specialized drug discovery engine focused on small-molecule drugs that can change the treatment paradigm for many patients. Idorsia is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: IDIA). For further information, please contact: Investor & Media Relations Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hegenheimermattweg 91, CH-4123 Allschwil +41 58 844 10 10 investor.relations@idorsia.com - media.relations@idorsia.com - www.idorsia.com The above information contains certain "forward-looking statements", relating to the company's business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intend", "estimates", "believes", "expects", "may", "are expected to", "will", "will continue", "should", "would be", "seeks", "pending" or "anticipates" or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such statements include descriptions of the company's investment and research and development programs, business development activities and anticipated expenditures in connection therewith, descriptions of new products expected to be introduced by the company and anticipated customer demand for such products and products in the company's existing portfolio. Such statements reflect the current views of the company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. ALEXANDRIA, VA / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) proudly announces the appointment of Chief Executive Chad Worz, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP, to the Partnership for Quality Measurement's (PQM) Pre-Rulemaking Measure Review (PRMR) Post-Acute Care/Long-Term Care (PAC/LTC) Committee. PQM committees bring together a diverse array of voices-from providers to patient advocates - to ensure that quality measures reflect real care priorities. The PAC/LTC committee provides input on the selection of measures for post-acute and long-term care facilities, including home health agencies, hospices, and skilled nursing facilities. These measures provide Congress and the public with critical information on the care provided by long-term care facilities. The committee also provides annual pre-rulemaking input related to the: Home Health Quality Reporting Program (Home Health QRP), Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP), Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Quality Reporting Program (IRF QRP), Long-Term Care Hospital Quality Reporting Program (LTCH QRP), Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP), and Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing Program (SNF VBP). In addition to Worz's appointment, two ASCP board members currently serve on the Committee: Regional A Director Rob Accetta, RPh, BCGP, FASCP, and President-elect Rob Leffler, BCGP, FASCP. "It's an honor to serve on this prestigious committee, and I look forward to Chad joining our efforts. Our expertise provides guidance to CMS and impacts the lives of seniors in their homes and care settings across the nation," said Accetta. "I'm proud to be a consultant pharmacist in ASCP leadership who, along with my colleagues, continues to advocate for the best quality of care for older Americans, regardless of where they choose to live." Leffler added, "I'm thrilled to serve on this committee alongside Chad Worz and Rob Accetta as we embark on this important work. By combining our expertise, we can continue to move the needle when it comes to caring for older adults." PQM uses a consensus-based process involving various experts - clinicians, patients, measure experts, and health information technology specialists - to ensure informed and thoughtful endorsement reviews of qualified measures. The group is staffed by health care quality improvement experts and directed by engaged, interested parties, such ASCP, from across care settings. The PRMR process is conducted annually to provide recommendations to CMS on the selection of quality and efficiency measures under consideration for use by the Department of Health and Human Services. The goal is to achieve consensus as to whether specific measures are appropriate for the intended CMS programs and target populations. About ASCP: The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) is the only international professional society devoted to optimal medication management and improved health outcomes for all older persons. ASCP's members manage and improve drug therapy and improve the quality of life of geriatric patients and other individuals residing in a variety of environments, including nursing facilities, sub-acute care and assisted living facilities, psychiatric hospitals, hospice programs, and home and community-based care. Contact Information: Melissa Blacketer Senior Director of Communications mblacketer@ascp.com 703-739.1311 SOURCE: ASCP View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/ascp-strengthens-voice-in-senior-care-chad-worz-joins-pqm-pac%2fltc-com-1062862 By using Marqii Host to create SEO-optimized pages for each of their locations, Tacodeli drove more search traffic to their listings and doubled location page visits in less than one month. AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / Marqii , the only discovery platform built specifically for hospitality businesses, announced its partnership with Tacodeli , a fast-growing Texas taqueria known for its chef-driven approach and commitment to high-quality ingredients. Using Marqii Host , a custom, no-code solution, to rebuild their brand-wide location pages, Tacodeli more than doubled its location page traffic in less than one month. Marqii Host Marqii Host is a no-code solution for no-code solution for dedicated location pages on restaurants' websites Host is a custom, no-code solution for multi-location restaurants who want to improve local search visibility and location page management. Host pages feature customized branding, an accessibility-first foundation, SEO-optimized schema markup and metadata, and location-specific hours and menus powered by Marqii's real-time updates. Tacodeli is an Austin-established taqueria founded in 1999 by Roberto Espinosa. Known for its commitment to quality, top-tier flavor and the freshest ingredients available, Tacodeli has grown to become a beloved restaurant in the Texas culinary landscape with 14 locations in Austin, Dallas, Plano and Houston. Rooted in Mexican authenticity, Tacodeli offers a unique menu of signature breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings and award-winning salsas, prepared by hand every day. Prior to working with Marqii, Tacodeli's location pages were generating fewer than 150 average daily visitors, and changes to location-specific hours or menus were manual and time consuming. In just one week after launching their new Host location pages, average daily visitors rose to more than 300, and Tacodeli's daily search impressions rose from less than 2,500 to more than 6,000. Access the full Tacodeli case study here . "As a small company, we value expert partners who can help us punch above our weight," said Jordin Lineback, Marketing Manager of Tacodeli. "Marqii has been instrumental in revitalizing our SEO and making sure our guests feel heard, and we know both we and our guests are better for it." More than 75% of consumers visit a restaurant's website before choosing to eat there.1 Additionally, web page schema markup, content, and metadata are increasingly important for performing well in AI-generated search results.2 Restaurant location pages that consistently dominate local search results not only require accurate menus and hours, but also accessibility, SEO-driven schema markup, and fast-loading, mobile-friendly layouts. "After 15 years building SEO solutions, I've seen that most platforms offer only incremental improvements," said Carl Lane, VP of Product & R&D at Marqii. "Marqii Host is a monumental leap forward, solving one of the hospitality industry's most persistent digital challenges with technology that creates immediate and measurable impact, leading to overnight traffic improvement and flawless website performance for operators." To learn more about Marqii's suite of solutions that drive guest discovery, simplify SEO and AI search optimization, and improve review ratings, visit marqii.com About Marqii Founded in 2017 by Avi Goren, Evan Perlmutter and Bryan Rutcofsky, Marqii is the most complete discovery platform built for hospitality businesses. With dozens of POS integrations and connections to more than 80 listings sites including Google, Yelp, Facebook, Bing, and Apple Maps, Marqii saves hospitality teams time by automating updates to their online menus, hours, location data, featured links, and more. Marqii Review Management gives multi-unit operators one place to track and respond to Yelp, Google, Facebook, OpenTable, GrubHub, Uber Eats, and ezCater reviews so they never miss a chance to engage with their guests, and AI review analysis features make it easy to take action on guest feedback. More than 15,000 hospitality businesses of all sizes use Marqii to rank higher in search results, get chosen by more guests, and learn what matters most to their customers. ### 1 https://www.mghus.com/lp/restaurant-survey 2 https://backlinko.com/schema-markup-guide SOURCE: Marqii View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/tacodeli-doubles-organic-location-page-traffic-with-marqii-host-1062870 TAIPEI, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GIGABYTE, the world's leading computer brand, announced that the AORUS FO27Q5P, the world's fastest QD-OLED gaming monitor, is now available. Featuring a staggering 500Hz refresh rate, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, and 0.03ms GtG response time, this 27-inch QHD OLED display delivers a new era of competitive gaming. With DP 2.1 UHBR20 support and GIGABYTE's exclusive AI Tactical Features and AI OLED Care, the FO27Q5P offers gamers the ultimate fusion of speed, clarity, and future-ready connectivity. Engineered for esports professionals and FPS enthusiasts, the AORUS FO27Q5P delivers unmatched responsiveness and visual fidelity. The 500Hz refresh rate QHD (2560x1440) panel with a 0.03ms GtG response is up to 10 times faster than traditional LCDs, ensuring razor-sharp motion in every frame. It is GIGABYTE's first monitor to meet the VESA ClearMR 21000 benchmark, offering unparalleled motion clarity. Combined with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500, 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, and deep contrast levels, gamers can enjoy every detail with precision. The DP 2.1 UHBR20 interface supports an ultra-wide 80 Gbps bandwidth, 2.5 times higher than DP 1.4, ensuring full 500Hz capability and seamless compatibility with next-gen graphics cards like the GeForce RTX 50 Series, and supports Daisy Chain for multi-monitor setups. In addition to its industry-leading hardware, the AORUS FO27Q5P is powered by GIGABYTE's AI-driven features, designed to elevate gameplay through intelligent automation and responsiveness. Empowered by AI-Optimized Visuals, the monitor leverages AI Picture Mode, which detects content type and automatically adjusts color and brightness for optimal viewing. Users can enjoy seamless transitions across multiple modes, including FPS, MOBA, racing, RPG, movie, and reader. Completing the AI suite is AI Protection, with AI OLED Care automatically running pixel cleaning routines to reduce burn-in risk and maintain long-term screen integrity. To further support panel stability, FO27Q5P features Graphene Thermal Film Technology and an advanced cooling system, including a four-way ventilation layout and custom heatsink, ensuring quiet and consistent thermal performance, all without a fan. With these innovations, GIGABYTE reaffirms its confidence in OLED reliability by offering a 3-year warranty that includes burn-in coverage. The AORUS FO27Q5P is now available. Sales may vary by region and are subject to the actual launch schedule of local e-tailers and retailers. For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/AORUS_FO27Q5P_WhereToBuy_AU Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2719814/QD_OLED_Gaming_Monitor_AORUS_FO27Q5P_Featuring_500Hz_Refresh_Rate.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gigabyte-announces-availability-of-27-qd-oled-gaming-monitor-aorus-fo27q5p-featuring-500hz-refresh-rate-302532871.html Villepinte, August 19, 2025 DRONE VOLT, a manufacturer of professional civilian drones and expert in embedded solutions, announces the signing of a strategic partnership with TotalEnergies, a leading multi-energy company, for the deployment of professional drone inspections at several sites in France and internationally. A major industrial partnership Under this agreement, DRONE VOLT will act as an expert, through its DRONE VOLT EXPERT office, to provide technical and operational services. The services to be provided are specialized drone missions requiring the deployment of specific equipment developed by TotalEnergies. These missions, which are environmental in nature, will mainly involve monitoring as part of protocols related to greenhouse gases and will be carried out primarily in France, with occasional extensions abroad. A drone solution for the energy transition This partnership aims to support TotalEnergies' sites and infrastructure in their energy transition by integrating cutting-edge technologies in the following areas: Environmental control and detection of leaks or anomalies; Reducing the carbon footprint of technical interventions through the use of aerial vehicles such as drones. Expertise serving industrial and environmental challenges Through its DRONE VOLT EXPERT office, the DRONE VOLT Group mobilizes its network of qualified operators, its proven procedures, and its expertise in onboard sensors to meet TotalEnergies' operational needs with precision, reliability, and regulatory compliance. "This partnership illustrates our ability to support large companies in the integration of professional drone solutions with efficiency and rigor," said Marc Courcelle, CEO of DRONE VOLT. Next press release: 2025 half-year results, Wednesday, September 17, 2025. All DRONE VOLT press releases are available at www.dronevolt.com / Investors To receive all press releases free of charge, register on Actusnews To receive the company's newsletter, write to: finance@dronevolt.com About DRONE VOLT Founded in 2011, DRONE VOLT is an aircraft manufacturer specializing in professional civilian drones and artificial intelligence. DRONE VOLT is based in France, Benelux, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United States, and Switzerland. As a global partner, DRONE VOLT offers its customers turnkey business solutions including various services and drone pilot training. The DRONE VOLT Group, a member of GICAT, achieved a turnover of 32.7 million in 2024, representing annual growth of 36%. DRONE VOLT supplies government agencies and industrial companies such as the French Army, the Ministry of the Armed Forces, Engie, Total, Bouygues ES, ADP, the Air Transport Gendarmerie (GTA), international government agencies, and more. DRONE VOLT is recognized as an "Innovative Company" by Bpifrance. DRONE VOLT is listed on the Euronext Growth market in Paris: Share: Ticker: ALDRV - ISIN code: FR001400SVN0 - Eligible: PEA, PEA-PME Subscription warrant: Ticker: BNBS - ISIN code: FR0014007951 For more information, visit www.dronevolt.com Contacts: Investor Relations DRONE VOLT Sylvain Navarro - T: +33 7 88 87 50 88 finance@dronevolt.com Media Relations FINANCE ACTUS finance & communication Manon Clairet - T: +33 1 53 67 36 73 dronevolt@actus.fr Media relations GENERAL PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONAL AYA communication Antonin Violette - T: +33 6 47 48 63 25 aviolette@aya-communication.fr ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: yHBvlZmaapmXl5yak8dlbpVqmm9nm5KWZWOVnJKdZpubZ52RnZyUbZmbZnJkm2tr - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-93665-dronevolt_cp_totalenergies_ven.pdf A Klevu-inspired feature and updated console branding demonstrate Athos Commerce's progress toward a unified platform, bringing proven strengths together for retailers. Athos Commerce today announced the addition of Search Query Price Detection to its site search solution an enhancement inspired by capabilities from its Klevu portfolio. The company also refreshed the console's branding from Searchspring to Athos Commerce, aligning the interface with its evolving identity. Search Query Price Detection automatically identifies and interprets price-related search terms (e.g., "under $50"), returning precise results without the need for manual filter rules. At the same time, the console interface now reflects the Athos Commerce brand while maintaining the familiar user experience that retailers rely on. "We've said from the start that Athos Commerce will bring the best capabilities from our portfolio into a unified solution for ecommerce professionals," said Chuck Haling, CEO at Athos Commerce. "This is a clear step in that direction, showing how our combined expertise becomes practical, high-impact solutions that retailers can put to work right now." Price-based search queries often signal strong buying intent. With Search Query Price Detection, retailers and brands can respond to those signals instantly improving relevance, reducing manual setup, and helping shoppers find the right products faster. It's a direct path to converting more high-intent searches into sales. This announcement also reinforces Athos Commerce's momentum toward its broader vision of a unified platform: introducing proven capabilities across its portfolio in ways that deliver tangible benefits today, while aligning the console experience to the Athos Commerce brand. About Athos Commerce Athos Commerce helps ecommerce teams drive sharper discovery, smarter personalization, and stronger revenue outcomes. By uniting the capabilities of Searchspring, Klevu, and Intelligent Reach, Athos delivers purpose-built tools for search, merchandising, feed optimization, and performance analytics giving retailers more precision across the customer journey. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819481656/en/ Contacts: Media contact Jennifer Baron VP of Marketing jennifer.baron@athoscommerce.com New facility supports FlightSafety's continued growth and Arizona's expanding role in aviation leadership FlightSafety International, a global leader in aviation training, today announced the expansion of its operations in Arizona with the construction of a new 100,000-square-foot Learning Center in Mesa. This expansion is part of FlightSafety's broader growth strategy, building on the company's long-standing presence in the state through its Tucson Learning Center, and adds to its growing network of flagship training centers across the U.S. and around the world. The new Mesa facility is designed to meet rising demand for high-quality aviation training and reflects FlightSafety's continued commitment to advancing aviation safety and preparedness. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250815816093/en/ Concept rendering, Oculus Inc. Groundbreaking is scheduled for October 2025, with the center expected to open in early 2028. "This expansion is a reflection of FlightSafety's continued growth and long-term investment in the future of aviation training and safety," said Barbara Telek, President, FlightSafety International. "As global demand rises, we're scaling our operations to support our customers and advance the highest standards of safety and preparedness. The new Mesa Learning Center strengthens our ability to deliver world-class training while supporting the aviation workforce in Arizona and across the industry." The Mesa facility will include full-flight simulators and advanced training devices, with capacity to serve pilots, maintenance technicians, and cabin crews. The center is designed to scale over time to meet increasing demand. The Mesa Learning Center is expected to bring strong economic benefits to the region. Following the opening and as operations ramp up, approximately 100 jobs are projected to be created, with potential for additional growth over time. In addition to direct job creation, the center is expected to attract thousands of aviation professionals to the area for training each year, bringing measurable tourism and business travel activity to local hotels, restaurants, and service providers. "FlightSafety's decision to expand in Mesa is a major win for our region," said Gila River Indian Community Lt. Governor Regina Antone, Board Chair, Mesa Gateway Airport Authority. "This project will bring meaningful economic impact and reinforce Mesa's leadership position in the global aviation landscape." Arizona has played a prominent role in the aviation industry, with a strong presence of manufacturing, engineering, and service providers across the state. The region supports a growing ecosystem of aerospace innovation and operations, providing the ideal foundation for FlightSafety's latest expansion. Its robust infrastructure and strategic location in the Southwest offer convenience and access to major aviation hubs. "Mesa is proud to welcome FlightSafety to our community," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. "This facility will not only serve aviation professionals from around the globe, but it will also showcase Mesa as a city where innovation, training excellence, and economic growth go hand in hand." This announcement marks the latest step in FlightSafety's strategic growth initiative to expand access to premier aviation training while supporting the communities where it operates. About FlightSafety International FlightSafety International is the world's preeminent professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems, and displays to educational, commercial, government, and military organizations. The company elevates safety standards across the aviation industry through rigorous training for pilots, technicians, and other professionals from 167 countries and independent territories. In business for 70+ years, FlightSafety currently operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators at learning centers and training locations on six continents. For more information, please visit flightsafety.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250815816093/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: FlightSafety International Press Team fsipress@apcoworldwide.com Stillwater, Oklahoma--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - The largest higher education system in Oklahoma welcomed a record number of students this week for the start of the fall semester, eclipsing the previous record set in 2013. There were 36,934 students enrolled across the OSU System on the first day of classes, and that number is expected to continue to rise as class enrollment is still open. This also marks the second consecutive year of record enrollment at the OSU-Stillwater campus and the fourth straight year of record-setting freshman enrollment, with nearly 5,200 freshmen enrolled at the OSU-Stillwater campus. Last fall, OSU surpassed 5,000 in freshmen enrollment, reaching a milestone of the We Are Land-Grant plan two years ahead of schedule. OSU President Jim Hess credited the university's ongoing focus on student success as a major factor in the university's sustained growth. From expanding scholarship opportunities to keeping tuition and mandatory fees flat for four straight years, Dr. Hess said OSU is proving its commitment to always putting students first. "Setting a new enrollment record is more than a number. It's a testament to the trust families place in Oklahoma State University and our unwavering commitment to student success," Hess said. "Our student-first focus continues to demonstrate that the faculty and staff are dedicated to helping each and every student realize their dreams. "By expanding scholarship opportunities, we're making college more accessible to students, furthering our efforts to reduce the financial burden carried by those wanting to pursue higher education. "By launching bold initiatives like OSU Polytech, we're creating an educational environment that is more relevant for the jobs of tomorrow, assuring that we fulfill our land-grant mission and meet the workforce needs of Oklahoma and beyond." OSU also has set new records for total Honors College enrollment (3,843), OSU-CHS campus enrollment, STEM majors (9,478) and online student enrollment (2,997). Karen Chen, vice president of enrollment management, said the impact of OSU's student-focused approach extends beyond the classroom. She said the Cowboy family takes pride in being genuine and welcoming to everyone. "We want each student to have a great educational and personal experience," Chen said. "Everyone on campus truly wants to see our students succeed. OSU is a special place where students feel like campus is a home away from home and a place where there are endless possibilities." Another factor in the OSU System's surging enrollment is OSU Polytech. Officially launched in 2023, it has expanded the career-driving educational options available at its Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Okmulgee locations. OSU Senior Vice President of System Affairs Kyle Wray said the OSU Polytech initiative is expanding education access across the state, upscaling the state's workforce and driving economic growth. "OSU has been the state's undisputed leader in advanced technology education for over 75 years, and OSU Polytech is broadening educational opportunities for all Oklahomans. Our intentional work with industry leaders has been instrumental in the development of top-tier programs aimed at ensuring students across the university system are highly skilled and career-ready." The recently introduced Horizon Scholars Program is just one example of how OSU is working to bolster scholarship funding. Launched with a $12 million gift from 12 alumni families, the program will provide a unique educational experience and renewable, four-year support for first-time freshmen starting next fall. Another example is the Thoma Scholars Program, supported by the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation, which provides opportunities to develop strong leadership skills and participate in the Honors College while earning an OSU degree. "I wanted to go to OSU very badly," said Taggert Thrash, an applied exercise science freshman. "Financial support was essential for me to be able to attend OSU. The Thomas' generosity made that happen. It was truly a dream come true. "OSU is a beautiful place with amazing people. It is truly a blessing to attend college at such a unique place. The quality and standard at OSU are truly exceptional." Fellow Thoma Scholar Morgan Fury, an animal science/pre-pharmacy freshman, said she feels a sense of community and belonging at OSU. "OSU stood out from other schools by encouraging students to go beyond the classroom," she said. "They want students to get involved in organizations, grow leadership skills, study abroad and explore new opportunities." As a Stillwater native whose parents met at OSU, incoming freshman Tayler Glidewell didn't have to travel far to get to campus, but she said she is excited to see where her journey takes her and thankful for the opportunities her scholarship will provide. She said OSU has always been home, both figuratively and literally, but that wasn't the only reason she had OSU atop her list. "I'm excited for the whole college experience, the classes, moving out, meeting new people, experiencing a whole new way to live," she said. "It's all so exciting." BY THE NUMBERS: OSU's Record Enrollment* Largest system enrollment (36,934) Largest total enrollment on the Stillwater campus (27,655) Largest freshman class (5,184) Largest undergrad enrollment (22,909) Largest online student enrollment (2,997) Most non-residents enrolled (8,475 - not including international students) Most STEM majors students (9,478) Record system professional enrollment -1,084 (Includes doctor of osteopathic medicine students and doctor of veterinary medicine students) Record system graduate enrollment - 5,754 (This includes OSU Grad and CHS Grad) Record system undergraduate enrollment - 30,096 (OSU Stillwater/Tulsa, OKM, OKC) * Numbers reflect enrollment on the first day of fall semester; enrollment census to be finalized in September after add/drop deadline. PHOTOS: https://digitalassets.okstate.edu/share/AAE7F499-5423-4CB1-B3BA29AD4A06BB6E/ VIDEO: http://okla.st/4lwSj16 Oklahoma State University, as a land-grant institution, promotes learning, advances knowledge and serves the state, nation and world through teaching, research and outreach. OSU has more than 35,000 students across its statewide system and offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263081 SOURCE: Oklahoma State University Data-driven analysis compares disease risks to vaccine risks, highlighting evidence gaps and urging review of school vaccine mandates NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / Physicians for Informed Consent (PIC) has announced the publication of "Vaccines and the Diseases They Target: An Analysis of Vaccine Safety and Epidemiology," also known as the Silver Booklet, a groundbreaking book that challenges the belief that vaccines are unequivocally safer than the diseases they intend to prevent. Silver Booklet Drawing on peer-reviewed studies, government health statistics, and over a decade of research and development by PIC, the book presents a reader-friendly analysis of the risks of childhood vaccines compared to that of infectious diseases - and equips parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers with clear, concise data to support informed decision-making. The book covers: Easy-to-understand summaries of childhood diseases, their symptoms, and potential complications Data-driven comparisons of vaccine risks versus disease risks An analysis of the vaccine ingredient aluminum and its neurotoxic effects Visual charts and illustrations that make complex data easy to grasp "Vaccine policies have operated within a paradigm that assumes vaccines are inherently safer than the diseases they target," said Shira Miller, M.D., PIC founder and president. "However, the data tell a different story - particularly for children at normal risk. That's why vaccine mandates deserve immediate and serious reconsideration." Key findings: Before mass vaccination was introduced, fatality and permanent disability was low for childhood infectious diseases in normal-risk children - in particular, those covered in the book: hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. Measles deaths declined 98% from 1900 to 1963, before the measles vaccine was introduced, and the fatality rate was 1 in 10,000 or 0.01% overall, and 1 in 93,000 or 0.001% with normal levels of vitamin A. U.S. children receive74 vaccine doses, including22 injections containing aluminum, a neurotoxin. The aluminum content in many vaccines exceeds government safety limits for infants. Many vaccines either wane in efficacy over time ordo not prevent asymptomatic infection or transmission (e.g., hepatitis B, MMR, DTaP, polio, flu, COVID-19). Therefore, fully vaccinated individuals can still become infected and spread viruses or bacteria, even with mild or no symptoms of their own. Long-term safety studies have not been conducted to evaluate vaccines for their potential to cause genetic mutations, cancer or impaired fertility, and current vaccine safety studies have not ruled out the possibility that vaccines may cause greater death or permanent disability (e.g., autistic-spectrum disorders, epilepsy, demyelinating diseases, attention deficit disorder) than the diseases themselves. "As the nation considers how to improve children's health in the face of rising chronic illness, there's never been a more critical time to review vaccine policy through a scientific lens," said Greg Glaser, Esq., PIC general counsel. "The Silver Booklet offers that lens." Who should read this book: Parents seeking objective scientific data Medical professionals striving to support informed consent Legislators and public health officials involved in vaccination policy Journalists covering health and medical freedom topics How to order: To learn more or order your copy of "Vaccines and the Diseases They Target," visit silverbooklet.org. Contact Information Greg Glaser General Counsel info@picphysicians.org 925-642-6651 SOURCE: Physicians for Informed Consent View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/education/physicians-for-informed-consent-publishes-silver-booklet-shows-childhood-vaccines-not-pro-1062610 Anaergia anticipates C$184 million in revenue from the Agreement Anaergia Inc. ("Anaergia", the "Company", "us", or "our") (TSX:ANRG; OTCQX:ANRGF), through its subsidiary Anaergia S.r.l., has signed a Binding Agreement ("Agreement") with a leading Spanish company specializing in renewable gas infrastructure projects. Under the terms of the Agreement, Anaergia will provide a range of services as well as its cutting-edge technology and equipment for over 15 new biomethane production plants across Spain. Anaergia will be responsible for the supply and construction of concrete tanks with Triton digesters, a proprietary technology featuring a patented configuration that significantly enhances process efficiency. In addition, the company will supply advanced mixing systems, also part of its proprietary technology, along with other critical components to facilitate the seamless operations of the plants. Anaergia is to commence activities on the first project this month, with all the projects in the development plan expected to be fully operational and integrated into Spain's gas pipeline network within forty-eight months. Anaergia anticipates total revenue of C$184 million from this Agreement, making it the Company's largest capital sale to date. "This agreement marks a significant milestone in advancing Spain's renewable energy sector, fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability. The scale of this historic Agreement for Anaergia highlights the advantages of our strategic focus on leveraging proprietary technologies for the benefit of our customers, and underscores our growing presence and activities in Europe," said Assaf Onn, CEO of Anaergia. "We are most excited about this opportunity to demonstrate the value of our innovative solutions and to support the global transition to renewable energy." About Anaergia Anaergia is a pioneering technology company in the renewable natural gas (RNG) sector, with over 250 patents dedicated to converting organic waste into sustainable solutions such as RNG, fertilizer, and water. We are committed to addressing a significant source of greenhouse gases (GHGs) through cost-effective processes. Our proprietary technologies, combined with our engineering expertise and vast experience in facility design, construction, and operation, position Anaergia as a leader in the RNG industry. With a proven track record of delivering hundreds of innovative projects over the past decade, we are well-equipped to tackle today's critical resource recovery challenges through diverse project delivery methods. As one of the few companies worldwide offering an integrated portfolio of end-to-end solutions, we effectively combine solid waste processing, wastewater treatment, organics recovery, high-efficiency anaerobic digestion, and biomethane production. Additionally, we operate RNG facilities owned by both third parties and Anaergia. This comprehensive approach not only reduces environmental impact but also significantly lowers costs associated with waste and wastewater treatment while mitigating GHG emissions. For further information please see: www.anaergia.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects Anaergia's current expectations regarding future events, including but not limited to, counterparty contractual performance, the capability of the Company's technology and performance with respect to the project objectives. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions, including, but not limited to counterparty contractual performance, the full development, timing and funding of construction of the sixteen facilities, the capability of the Company's technology and performance with respect to the project objectives, the expected revenue from the agreement, and the sufficient sourcing of food waste and power generation. The Company is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and under "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. Anaergia does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required under applicable securities laws. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Anaergia's operations or financial results are included in Anaergia's reports on file with Canadian regulatory authorities. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819914988/en/ Contacts: For media and/or investor relations please contact: IR@Anaergia.com Adjusted EBITDA increases 5% FXN YoY with all segments contributing positively to quarterly results in their local currency Auna (NYSE: AUNA) ("Auna" or the "Company"), a leading healthcare platform in Latin America with operations in Mexico, Peru, and Colombia, today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025 ("second quarter 2025" or "2Q25"). Financial results are expressed in Peruvian Soles ("S/" or PEN") and are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), unless otherwise noted. 2Q25 Consolidated Highlights Consolidated Revenue increased 4% FXN while decreasing 2% YoY on reported basis to S/1,094 million Adjusted EBITDA increased 5% FXN, and decreased 3% YoY to S/241 million Adjusted EBITDA Margin remained flat at 22.1% Adjusted Net Income was S/89 million, up from S/13 million in 2Q24 and S/55 million in 1Q25 Leverage Ratio was 3.6x, in line with 3.6x in 1Q25 Oncology MLR reached a record low level of 49.8% Message from Auna's Executive Chairman and President Auna grew its year-over-year ("YoY") FX-neutral Adjusted EBITDA by 5%, with all three country segments contributing positively to our performance recovery in local currency terms. Despite significant foreign exchange headwinds-particularly the depreciation of the Mexican and Colombian currencies versus the Peruvian Sol- each operation demonstrated resilience to execute its strategy with utmost discipline with the goal of delivering clinical and operational excellence, showcasing the power of our diversified geographic footprint. We continue to build a stronger, more efficient organization, while positioning Auna to effectively seize the near to long-term growth opportunities in Mexico's massive private healthcare market. In Mexico, we have contained and stabilized the adverse effects related to physician/supplier relationships that temper the implementation of the AunaWay, in particular with respect to patient/physician alignment and cost containment for payors. Improvements in pricing and service mix, coupled with continued cost discipline, enabled us to grow EBITDA despite lower surgical volumes. This quarter also marked significant progress on key strategic initiatives in Mexico, including recruitment and integration of lead medical directors and physicians, productivity programs, expansion of the Oncosalud network outside of Monterrey, and selective capital deployment. In Peru, revenue growth across both Oncosalud and our healthcare network was supported by plan membership expansion, further price adjustments, and service volume increases, even as we expanded healthcare capacity. In Colombia, the risk-sharing models we have been implementing since last year are gaining additional traction, while collections commitments from intervened payors have been received on time as of the end of the quarter, reducing the need for impairment provisions as well as improvement in margins and cash flow. Looking ahead, we continue to work on the optimization of our capital structure. We improved our maturity profile and maintained our Leverage Ratio at 3.6x, while continuing to target a medium-term goal of below 3.0x. We are confident that the regional healthcare platform we are building-focused on high-complexity care, integrated care delivery, and disciplined capital allocation-positions Auna for further growth and long-term value for all stakeholders. Overview of 2Q25 Consolidated Results Revenues decreased 2% YoY to S/1,094 million, increasing 4% FXN, with revenues in local currency ("L.C.") increasing 5% in Mexico and 8% in Peru while remaining flat versus 2Q24 in Colombia. In Mexico, healthcare network revenue increased, supported by higher tickets associated with high complexity services and an improved pricing mix in other non-core services. The Peruvian healthcare network benefited from higher demand for surgeries, membership growth, as well as price adjustments. In Colombia, the YoY growth in risk-sharing models supported the top line amidst a reduced service offering for intervened EPSs, the local insurance companies. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 3% YoY, increasing 5% FXN, to S/241 million, with the margin flat at 22.1%. In L.C. terms, Adjusted EBITDA increased 2% in Mexico, 8% in Peru and 9% in Colombia. The increase in FXN Adjusted EBITDA reflects revenue growth in Mexico and Peru, as well as expenses that support growth, including investments in medical talent in Mexico and Peru, and sales commissions at Oncosalud. In Colombia, Adjusted EBITDA, included lower impairment provisions. Additionally, the results in Auna's reporting currency were impacted by a 16% depreciation of MXN versus PEN and 9% depreciation of COP versus PEN. Net finance costs were S/46 million in 2Q25 versus S/182 million in 2Q24. Net finance costs, excluding FX effects, would have been S/115 million in 2Q25 and S/133 million in 2Q24, a decrease of S/18 million or 13%. The FX impact in 2Q25 includes a positive non-cash amount of S/68 million versus a negative S/49 million non-cash FX impact from 2Q24, mainly due to the effect of the appreciation of the Peruvian Sol against the US Dollar outside the range of Auna's call-spread hedge. Net Income was S/84 million in 2Q25 compared to S/8 million in 2Q24. On a per-share basis, Auna reported Net Income of S/1.10, based on a weighted average number of basic and diluted shares of 74,217,754. Adjusted Net Income was S/89 million in 2Q25, versus S/13 million in 2Q24. On a per-share basis, Auna reported Adjusted Net Income of S/1.17, based on a weighted average number of basic and diluted shares of 74,217,754. For a full version of AUNA's Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release, please visit: https://aunainvestors.com/English/financial-information/quarterly-results/ Conference Call Details When: 8:00 a.m. Eastern time, August 20, 2025 Who: Mr. Suso Zamora, Executive Chairman of the Board and President; Mrs. Gisele Remy, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President; Mr. Lorenzo Massart, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Equity Capital Markets. Dial-in: +1 888 596 4144 (U.S. domestic), +1 646 968 2525 (International) Passcode: 3884034 To access Auna's financial results call via telephone, callers need to press to be connected to an operator. Webcast: click here About AUNA Auna is a leading healthcare platform in Latin America with operations in Mexico, Peru, and Colombia, prioritizing prevention and concentrating on high-complexity diseases that contribute the most to healthcare expenditures. Our mission is to transform healthcare by providing access to a highly integrated healthcare offering in the underpenetrated markets of Spanish-Speaking Americas. Founded in 1989, Auna has built one of Latin America's largest modern healthcare platforms that consists of a horizontally integrated network of healthcare facilities and a vertically integrated portfolio of oncological plans and selected general healthcare plans. As of June 30, 2025, Auna's network included 31 healthcare network facilities, consisting of hospitals, outpatient, prevention and wellness facilities with a total of 2,333 beds, and 1.4 million healthcare plans. For more information visit www.aunainvestors.com Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements convey our current expectations or forecasts of future events. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make. Forward-looking statements typically are identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "project," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to," or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements that appear in a number of places in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations, regarding various matters, including, our target Leverage Ratio, the near to long-term growth opportunities in Mexico and the creation of further growth and long-term value. Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this press release may turn out to be inaccurate. Our actual results could differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent our expectations and forecasts as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release. For a discussion of the risks facing the Company which could affect whether these forward-looking statements are realized, see our Form 20-F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Financial Guidance Disclaimer Auna's guidance is based on management's current performance outlook and expected macroeconomic and regulatory conditions in the three countries where the Company operates. Any changes in these conditions could have an impact on the guidance provided. Auna's financial guidance reflects management's current assumptions regarding numerous evolving factors that are difficult to accurately predict, including those discussed in the Risk Factors set forth in the Company's Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Reconciliations of forward-looking non-IFRS measures, specifically Leverage Ratio guidance, to the relevant forward-looking IFRS measures are not being provided, as the Company does not currently have sufficient data to accurately estimate the variables and individual adjustments for such guidance and reconciliations. Due to this uncertainty, the Company cannot reconcile projected Leverage Ratio to projected net income without unreasonable effort. The financial guidance constitutes forward-looking statements. For more information, see the "Forward-Looking Statements" section in this release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819910042/en/ Contacts: IR Contact Email: contact@aunainvestors.com Second-quarter 2025 sales of $2.6 billion, up 4% on a reported basis, or up 3% constant currency 1 (cc), versus second-quarter 2024 Second-quarter 2025 diluted EPS of $0.35; core diluted EPS 2 of $0.76 Generated $889 million cash from operations and $681 million free cash flow 3 in the first half of 2025. Also returned $287 million to shareholders Recently launched Tryptyr , a first-in-class treatment for dry eye disease, in the US Announced agreement to acquire STAAR Surgical, expanding Alcon's presence in myopia correction Ad Hoc Announcement Pursuant to Art. 53 LR Alcon (SIX/NYSE:ALC), the global leader in eye care, reported its financial results for the three and six month periods ending June 30, 2025. For the second quarter of 2025, sales were $2.6 billion, up 4% on a reported basis and up 3% on a constant currency basis1, as compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Alcon reported diluted earnings per share of $0.35 and core diluted earnings per share2 of $0.76 in the second quarter of 2025. "Alcon is exiting the second quarter with solid momentum, despite a relatively soft surgical market in the first half of the year," said David J. Endicott, Alcon's Chief Executive Officer. "Robust early demand for our recent product launches, including Unity VCS, Voyager, PanOptix Pro, Precision7, Systane Pro PF and Tryptyr, has been encouraging. While it's still early, these launches position us to accelerate top-line growth, generate cash and deliver long-term value for our shareholders." Mr. Endicott continued, "As the global myopia epidemic grows, our announced acquisition of STAAR and its market leading Implantable Collamer Lens, EVO, positions Alcon to offer a full spectrum of treatments for this disorder. With Alcon's global commercial reach and expertise, we expect to expand access and options for patients, particularly to high myopes. Following the regulatory review period, we look forward to welcoming the STAAR team into the Alcon family." 1. Constant currency (cc) is a non-IFRS measure. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found in the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section. 2. Core results, such as core gross margin, core operating income, core operating margin and core diluted EPS, are non-IFRS measures. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found in the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section. 3. Free cash flow is a non-IFRS measure. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found in the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section. Second-quarter and first-half 2025 key figures Three months ended June 30 Six months ended June 30 2025 2024 2025 2024 Net sales ($ millions) 2,577 2,482 5,028 4,926 Operating margin (%) 9.6% 12.8% 14.2% 13.9% Diluted earnings per share ($) 0.35 0.45 1.06 0.95 Core results (non-IFRS measure)2 Core operating margin (%) 19.1% 19.8% 19.9% 20.9% Core diluted earnings per share ($) 0.76 0.74 1.50 1.52 Cash flows ($ millions) Net cash flows from operating activities 889 871 Free cash flow (non-IFRS measure)3 681 667 Second-quarter and first-half 2025 results Reported net sales for the second quarter of 2025 were $2.6 billion, up 4% versus the second quarter of 2024. Excluding favorable currency impacts of 1%, sales were up 3% on a constant currency basis. Reported net sales for the first half of 2025 were $5.0 billion, up 2% versus the first half of 2024. Excluding unfavorable currency impacts of 1%, sales were up 3% on a constant currency basis. The following table highlights net sales by segment for the second quarter and first half of 2025: Three months ended June 30 Change % Six months ended June 30 Change % ($ millions unless indicated otherwise) 2025 2024 cc1 (non-IFRS measure) 2025 2024 cc1 (non-IFRS measure) Surgical Implantables 456 464 (2 (2 876 897 (2 (1 Consumables 777 736 6 4 1,489 1,422 5 5 Equipment/other 222 223 (1 421 442 (5 (4 Total Surgical 1,455 1,423 2 1 2,786 2,761 1 1 Vision Care Contact lenses 692 636 9 7 1,380 1,307 6 5 Ocular health 430 423 2 2 862 858 2 Total Vision Care 1,122 1,059 6 5 2,242 2,165 4 4 Net sales 2,577 2,482 4 3 5,028 4,926 2 3 Net sales by segment Second quarter Surgical Surgical net sales, which include implantables, consumables and equipment/other, were $1.5 billion, an increase of 2% on a reported basis and 1% on a constant currency basis versus the second quarter of 2024. Implantables net sales were $456 million, a decrease of 2% on a reported and constant currency basis, reflecting soft market conditions and competitive pressures. Consumables net sales were $777 million, an increase of 6%. Excluding favorable currency impacts of 2%, Consumables net sales increased 4% constant currency. Growth was led by vitreoretinal and cataract consumables, particularly in international markets, and price increases, and reflects soft market conditions. Equipment/other net sales of $222 million were in line with the prior year period on a reported basis. Excluding favorable currency impacts of 1%, Equipment/other net sales decreased 1% constant currency, as declines in legacy equipment were partially offset by sales of the recently launched Unity VCS and Voyager DSLT devices. Vision Care Vision Care net sales, which include contact lenses and ocular health, were $1.1 billion, an increase of 6% on a reported basis and 5% on a constant currency basis versus the second quarter of 2024. Contact lenses net sales were $692 million, an increase of 9%. Excluding favorable currency impacts of 2%, Contact lenses net sales increased 7% constant currency, primarily driven by product innovation and price increases. Ocular health net sales were $430 million, an increase of 2% on a reported and constant currency basis. Growth was led by the portfolio of eye drops, partially offset by declines in contact lens care. The prior year period included sales of certain eye drops in China which were divested and out-licensed in late 2024. First half Surgical Surgical net sales were $2.8 billion, an increase of 1% on a reported and constant currency basis versus the first half of 2024. Implantables net sales were $876 million, a decrease of 2%. Excluding unfavorable currency impacts of 1%, Implantables net sales decreased 1% constant currency, reflecting soft market conditions and competitive pressures, partially offset by growth in advanced technology intraocular lenses in international markets during the first quarter. Consumables net sales were $1.5 billion, an increase of 5% on a reported and constant currency basis. Growth was led by vitreoretinal and cataract consumables, particularly in international markets, and price increases, and reflects soft market conditions. Equipment/other net sales were $421 million, a decrease of 5%. Excluding unfavorable currency impacts of 1%, Equipment/other net sales decreased 4% constant currency, as declines in legacy equipment were partially offset by sales of the recently launched Unity VCS and Voyager DSLT devices. Vision Care Vision Care net sales were $2.2 billion, an increase of 4% on a reported and constant currency basis versus the first half of 2024. Contact lenses net sales were $1.4 billion, an increase of 6%. Excluding favorable currency impacts of 1%, Contact lenses net sales increased 5% constant currency, primarily driven by product innovation and price increases. Ocular health net sales were $862 million, in line with the prior year period on a reported basis. Excluding unfavorable currency impacts of 2%, Ocular health net sales increased 2% constant currency. Growth was led by the portfolio of eye drops, including the Systane family of artificial tears, partially offset by declines in contact lens care. The prior year period included sales of certain eye drops in China which were divested and out-licensed in late 2024. Operating income Second quarter Operating income was $247 million (-22%, -26% cc), compared to $318 million in the prior year period. Operating margin decreased 3.2 percentage points as the current year period included $44 million in charges related to the discontinued commercialization of a Vision Care product and increased investment in research and development ("R&D"), including for recent acquisitions. Excluding a positive 0.3 percentage point impact from currency, operating margin decreased 3.5 percentage points on a constant currency basis. Adjustments to arrive at core operating income in the current year period were $244 million, mainly due to $173 million of amortization and $44 million of product discontinuation charges. Adjustments to arrive at core operating income in the prior year period were $173 million, mainly due to $165 million of amortization. Core operating income was $491 million(0%, -2% cc), in line with the prior year period on a reported basis. Core operating margin decreased 0.7 percentage points, primarily due to increased investment in R&D, including for recent acquisitions. Excluding a positive 0.3 percentage point impact from currency, core operating margin decreased 1.0 percentage points on a constant currency basis. First half Operating income was $715 million (+4%, +7% cc), compared to $686 million in the prior year period. Operating margin increased 0.3 percentage points as the current year period benefited from gains of $142 million on fair value remeasurements of investments in associated companies. Operating margin benefits were partially offset by increased investment in R&D, including for recent acquisitions, $44 million of product discontinuation charges in Vision Care, $23 million of acquisition and integration related items and a negative 0.2 percentage point impact from currency. Operating margin increased 0.5 percentage points on a constant currency basis. Adjustments to arrive at core operating income in the current year period were $287 million, mainly due to $345 million of amortization, $44 million of product discontinuation charges and $23 million of acquisition and integration related items, partially offset by $142 million on fair value remeasurements of investments in associated companies. Adjustments to arrive at core operating income in the prior year period were $342 million, mainly due to $331 million of amortization. Core operating income was $1.0 billion (-3%, -1% cc) in both the current and prior year periods. Core operating margin decreased 1.0 percentage points, primarily due to increased investment in R&D, including for recent acquisitions and a negative 0.3 percentage point impact from currency. Core operating margin decreased 0.7 percentage points on a constant currency basis. Taxes Second quarter Reported tax expense was $23 million, compared to $57 million in the prior year period, and the average reported tax rate was 11.6%, compared to 20.4% in the prior year period. Core tax expense was $63 million, compared to $86 million in the prior year period, and the average core tax rate was 14.2%, compared to 19.0% in the prior year period. Both the average reported and core tax rates were lower in the current year period due to net benefits from discrete tax items and a more favorable mix of pre-tax income/(loss) across geographical tax jurisdictions. First half Reported tax expense was $87 million, compared to $144 million in the prior year period, and the average reported tax rate was 14.2%, compared to 23.4% in the prior year period. Core tax expense was $160 million, compared to $203 million in the prior year period, and the average core tax rate was 17.7%, compared to 21.2% in the prior year period. The average reported tax rate was lower in the current year period due to a non-taxable gain. In addition, both the average reported and core tax rates benefited from discrete tax items in the current year period. The prior year period included a net expense from discrete tax items. Diluted earnings per share Second quarter Diluted earnings per share of $0.35 decreased 22%, or 25% on a constant currency basis, versus the prior year period, primarily due to lower operating income, including $44 million of product discontinuation charges, partially offset by lower tax expense. Core diluted earnings per share of $0.76 increased 3%, or 1% on a constant currency basis, versus the prior year period. First half Diluted earnings per share of $1.06 increased 12%, or 14% on a constant currency basis, primarily due to higher operating income, including gains of $142 million on fair value remeasurements of investments in associated companies, partially offset by $44 million of product discontinuation charges, and lower tax expense. Core diluted earnings per share of $1.50 decreased 1%. Excluding unfavorable currency impacts of 1%, core diluted earnings per share were in line with the prior year period in constant currency. Cash flow highlights Net cash flows from operating activities amounted to $889 million in the first six months of 2025, compared to $871 million in the prior year period. Free cash flow was $681 million in the first six months of 2025, compared to $667 million in the prior year period, primarily due to increased cash flows from operations. During the second quarter, the company returned $287 million to shareholders. Capital returns include the repurchase of approximately 1.4 million shares4 for $121 million and dividend payments of $166 million. 4. On February 25, 2025, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to $750 million of the Company's common shares. Refer to Note 4 of the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements for details regarding the share repurchase program. 2025 outlook The Company updated its 2025 outlook as per the table below. 2025 outlook5,6 as of May as of August Comments Net sales (USD) $10.4 to $10.5 billion $10.3 to $10.4 billion Updated Change vs. prior year (cc)1 (non-IFRS measure) +6% to +7% +4% to +5% Updated Core operating margin2 (non-IFRS measure) 20% to 21% 19.5% to 20.5% Updated Non-operating income expense7 $185 to $205 million $185 to $205 million Maintained Core effective tax rate8 (non-IFRS measure) ~20% ~18% Updated Core diluted EPS2 (non-IFRS measure) $3.05 to $3.15 $3.05 to $3.15 Maintained Change vs. prior year (cc)1 (non-IFRS measure) +2% to +5% 0% to +2% Updated This outlook assumes the following: Aggregated markets grow approximately low-single digits; Tariff rates and exemptions announced as of August 11, 2025 persist through the end of the year. The Company expects a full-year gross tariff impact of approximately $100 million, which is expected to pressure cost of net sales. The Company anticipates fully offsetting this impact through operational actions and foreign exchange; Exchange rates as of the end of July prevail through year-end; Approximately 498.8 million weighted-averaged diluted shares.6 5. The forward-looking guidance included in this press release cannot be reconciled to the comparable IFRS measures without unreasonable effort, because we are not able to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate amount or nature of exceptional items in the fiscal year. Refer to the section 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' for more information. 6. Does not reflect the impact of future share repurchases under the Company's share repurchase program. 7. Non-operating income expense includes interest expense, other financial income expense and share of loss from associated companies. 8. Core effective tax rate, a non-IFRS measure, is the applicable annual tax rate on core taxable income. For additional information, see the explanation regarding reconciliation of forward-looking guidance in the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section. Webcast and Conference Call Instructions The Company will host a conference call on August 20, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time 2:00 p.m. Central European Time to discuss its second-quarter 2025 earnings results. The webcast can be accessed online through Alcon's Investor Relations website, i.e. investor.alcon.com. Listeners should log on approximately 10 minutes in advance. A replay will be available online within 24 hours after the event. To listen the Company's conference call, click on the link: https://investor.alcon.com/news-and-events/events-and-presentations/event-details/2025/Alcons-Second-Quarter-2025-Earnings-Conference-Call-2025-zlkjQxFmk0/default.aspx The Company's second-quarter 2025 press release, interim financial report and supplemental presentation materials can be found online through Alcon's Investor Relations website, or by clicking on the link: https://investor.alcon.com/news-and-events/events-and-presentations/event-details/2025/Alcons-Second-Quarter-2025-Earnings-Conference-Call-2025-zlkjQxFmk0/default.aspx Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains, and our officers and representatives may from time to time make, certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "intend," "commitment," "look forward," "maintain," "plan," "goal," "seek," "target," "assume," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will" and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding our 2025 outlook, liquidity, revenue, gross margin, operating margin, effective tax rate, foreign currency exchange movements, earnings per share, our plans and decisions relating to various capital expenditures, capital allocation priorities and other discretionary items such as our market growth assumptions, our social impact and sustainability plans, targets, goals and expectations, and generally, our expectations concerning our future performance. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties and risks that are difficult to predict such as: cybersecurity breaches or other disruptions of our information technology systems; our ability to effectively manage the risks associated with the ethical use of disruptive technologies; compliance with data privacy, identity protection and information security laws, particularly with the increased use of artificial intelligence; the impact of a disruption in our global supply chain, including the effect of tariffs, or important facilities, particularly when we single-source or rely on limited sources of supply; our ability to manage social impact and sustainability matters; our reliance on outsourcing key business functions; global and regional economic, financial, monetary, legal, tax, political and social change; the increasingly challenging economic, political and legal environment in China; terrorism, war and other resulting events such as economic sanctions and trade restrictions; our ability to manage the risks associated with operating as a third party contract manufacturer; our ability to forecast sales demand and manage our inventory levels and the changing buying patterns of our customers; our success in completing and integrating strategic acquisitions, including equity investments in early-stage companies; the success of our research and development efforts, including our ability to innovate to compete effectively; our ability to comply with the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and other applicable anti-corruption laws; pricing pressure from changes in third party payor coverage and reimbursement methodologies; our ability to properly educate and train healthcare providers on our products; our ability to protect our intellectual property; our ability to comply with all laws to which we may be subject; the ability to obtain regulatory clearance and approval of our products as well as compliance with any post-approval obligations, including quality control of our manufacturing; the effect of product recalls or voluntary market withdrawals; the accuracy of our accounting estimates and assumptions, including pension and other post-employment benefit plan obligations and the carrying value of intangible assets; the impact of unauthorized importation of our products from countries with lower prices to countries with higher prices; our ability to service our debt obligations; the need for additional financing through the issuance of debt or equity; the effects of litigation, including product liability lawsuits and governmental investigations; supply constraints and increases in the cost of energy; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; legislative, tax and regulatory reform; the impact of being listed on two stock exchanges; the ability to declare and pay dividends; the different rights afforded to our shareholders as a Swiss corporation compared to a US corporation; the effect of maintaining or losing our foreign private issuer status under US securities laws; and the ability to enforce US judgments against Swiss corporations. Additional factors are discussed in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 20-F. Should one or more of these uncertainties or risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this document speak only as of the date of its filing, and we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We also undertake no obligation to update the 2025 outlook as circumstances evolve. Intellectual Property This report may contain references to our proprietary intellectual property. All product names appearing in italics or ALL CAPS are trademarks owned by or licensed to Alcon Inc. Product names identified by a "" or a "" are trademarks that are not owned by or licensed to Alcon or its subsidiaries and are the property of their respective owners. Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company Alcon uses certain non-IFRS metrics when measuring performance, including when measuring current period results against prior periods, including core results, percentage changes measured in constant currency, EBITDA, free cash flow and net (debt)/liquidity. Because of their non-standardized definitions, the non-IFRS measures (unlike IFRS measures) may not be comparable to the calculation of similar measures of other companies. These supplemental non-IFRS measures are presented solely to permit investors to more fully understand how Alcon management assesses underlying performance. These supplemental non-IFRS measures are not, and should not be viewed as, a substitute for IFRS measures. Core results Alcon core results, including core operating income and core net income, exclude all amortization and impairment charges of intangible assets, excluding software, product discontinuation charges, net gains and losses on fund investments and equity securities valued at fair value through profit and loss ("FVPL"), fair value adjustments of financial assets in the form of options to acquire a company carried at FVPL, fair value remeasurements of investments in associated companies and certain acquisition related items. The following items that exceed a threshold of $10 million, are not operating expenses necessary to the operation of the business and have costs that will vary over periods are also excluded from core results: integration and divestment related income and expenses, divestment gains and losses, restructuring charges/releases and related items, legal related items, gains/losses on early extinguishment of debt or debt modifications, past service costs for post-employment benefit plans, impairments of property, plant and equipment and software, as well as income and expense items that management deems exceptional and that are or are expected to accumulate within the year to be over a $10 million threshold. Taxes on the adjustments between IFRS and core results take into account, for each individual item included in the adjustment, the tax rate that will finally be applicable to the item based on the jurisdiction where the adjustment will finally have a tax impact. Generally, this results in amortization and impairment of intangible assets and acquisition-related restructuring and integration items having a full tax impact. There is usually a tax impact on other items, although this is not always the case for certain items such as legal settlements in certain jurisdictions. Alcon believes that investor understanding of its performance is enhanced by disclosing core measures of performance because, since they exclude items that can vary significantly from period to period, the core measures enable a helpful comparison of business performance across periods. For this same reason, Alcon uses these core measures in addition to IFRS and other measures as important factors in assessing its performance. A limitation of the core measures is that they provide a view of Alcon operations without including all events during a period, such as the effects of an acquisition, divestment, or amortization/impairments of purchased intangible assets and restructurings. Constant currency Changes in the relative values of non-US currencies to the US dollar can affect Alcon's financial results and financial position. To provide additional information that may be useful to investors, including changes in sales volume, we present information about changes in our net sales and various values relating to operating and net income that are adjusted for such foreign currency effects. Constant currency calculations have the goal of eliminating two exchange rate effects so that an estimate can be made of underlying changes in the Consolidated Income Statement excluding: the impact of translating the income statements of consolidated entities from their non-US dollar functional currencies to the US dollar; and the impact of exchange rate movements on the major transactions of consolidated entities performed in currencies other than their functional currency. Alcon calculates constant currency measures by translating the current year's foreign currency values for sales and other income statement items into US dollars, using the average exchange rates from the historical comparative period and comparing them to the values from the historical comparative period in US dollars. EBITDA Alcon defines earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") as net income excluding income taxes, depreciation of property, plant and equipment (including any related impairment charges), depreciation of right-of-use assets, amortization of intangible assets (including any related impairment charges), interest expense and other financial income and expense. Alcon management primarily uses EBITDA together with net (debt)/liquidity to monitor leverage associated with financial debts. Free cash flow Alcon defines free cash flow as net cash flows from operating activities less cash flow associated with the purchase or sale of property, plant and equipment. Free cash flow is presented as additional information because Alcon management believes it is a useful supplemental indicator of Alcon's ability to operate without reliance on additional borrowing or use of existing cash. Free cash flow is not intended to be a substitute measure for net cash flows from operating activities as determined under IFRS. Net (debt)/liquidity Alcon defines net (debt)/liquidity as current and non-current financial debt less cash and cash equivalents, current investments, including time deposits, and derivative financial instruments. Net (debt)/liquidity is presented as additional information because management believes it is a useful supplemental indicator of Alcon's ability to pay dividends, to meet financial commitments and to invest in new strategic opportunities, including strengthening its balance sheet. Growth rate and margin calculations For ease of understanding, Alcon uses a sign convention for its growth rates such that a reduction in operating expenses or losses compared to the prior year is shown as a positive growth. Gross margins, core gross margins, operating income margins and core operating income margins are calculated based upon net sales unless otherwise noted. Reconciliation of guidance for forward-looking non-IFRS measures The forward-looking guidance included in this press release cannot be reconciled to the comparable IFRS measures without unreasonable efforts, because we are not able to predict with reasonable certainty the ultimate amount or nature of exceptional items in the fiscal year. These items are uncertain, depend on many factors and could have a material impact on our IFRS results for the guidance period. Financial tables Net sales by region Three months ended June 30 Six months ended June 30 ($ millions unless indicated otherwise) 2025 2024 2025 2024 United States 1,160 45% 1,141 46% 2,297 46% 2,290 46% International 1,417 55% 1,341 54% 2,731 54% 2,636 54% Net sales 2,577 100% 2,482 100% 5,028 100% 4,926 100% Consolidated Income Statement (unaudited) Three months ended June 30 Six months ended June 30 ($ millions except earnings per share) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Net sales 2,577 2,482 5,028 4,926 Other revenues 19 14 41 29 Net sales and other revenues 2,596 2,496 5,069 4,955 Cost of net sales (1,196 (1,108 (2,267 (2,171 Cost of other revenues (12 (14 (31 (28 Gross profit 1,388 1,374 2,771 2,756 Selling, general administration (870 (837 (1,683 (1,639 Research development (245 (220 (467 (419 Other income 5 5 154 11 Other expense (31 (4 (60 (23 Operating income 247 318 715 686 Interest expense (51 (50 (100 (95 Other financial income expense 4 12 13 24 Share of (loss) from associated companies (1 (15 Income before taxes 199 280 613 615 Taxes (23 (57 (87 (144 Net income 176 223 526 471 Net income attributable to: Shareholders of Alcon Inc. 176 223 526 471 Non-controlling interests Earnings per share ($)(1) Basic 0.36 0.45 1.06 0.95 Diluted 0.35 0.45 1.06 0.95 Weighted average number of shares outstanding (millions) Basic 495.2 494.5 495.2 494.1 Diluted 497.9 497.0 497.9 496.7 (1) Earnings per share is calculated on the amount of net income attributable to shareholders of Alcon Inc. Segment contribution Three months ended June 30 Six months ended June 30 Change % Change % ($ millions unless indicated otherwise) 2025 2024 cc(1) (non-IFRS measure) 2025 2024 cc(1) (non-IFRS measure) Surgical segment contribution 378 403 (6 (8 714 789 (10 (8 As of net sales 26.0 28.3 25.6 28.6 Vision Care segment contribution 208 180 16 13 489 438 12 13 As of net sales 18.5 17.0 21.8 20.2 Not allocated to segments (339 (265 (28 (27 (488 (541 10 10 Operating income 247 318 (22 (26 715 686 4 7 Core adjustments (non-IFRS measure)(1) 244 173 287 342 Core operating income (non-IFRS measure)(1) 491 491 (2 1,002 1,028 (3 (1 (1) Core results and constant currency are non-IFRS measures. Refer to the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section for additional information and to the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' section for reconciliation tables. Operating income Three months ended June 30 Six months ended June 30 Change % Change % ($ millions unless indicated otherwise) 2025 2024 cc(1) (non-IFRS measure) 2025 2024 cc(1) (non-IFRS measure) Cost of net sales (1,196 (1,108 (8 (7 (2,267 (2,171 (4 (5 Gross profit 1,388 1,374 1 (1 2,771 2,756 1 1 Gross margin (%) 53.9 55.4 55.1 55.9 Selling, general administration (870 (837 (4 (3 (1,683 (1,639 (3 (3 Research development (245 (220 (11 (10 (467 (419 (11 (12 Other income 5 5 1 154 11 nm nm Other expense (31 (4 nm nm (60 (23 (161 (157 Operating income 247 318 (22 (26 715 686 4 7 Operating margin (%) 9.6 12.8 14.2 13.9 Core results (non-IFRS measure)(1) Core gross profit 1,604 1,539 4 3 3,154 3,088 2 3 Core gross margin (%) 62.2 62.0 62.7 62.7 Core operating income 491 491 (2 1,002 1,028 (3 (1 Core operating margin (%) 19.1 19.8 19.9 20.9 nm not meaningful (1) Core results and constant currency are non-IFRS measures. Refer to the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section for additional information and to the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' section for reconciliation tables. Non-operating income expense Three months ended June 30 Six months ended June 30 Change % Change % ($ millions unless indicated otherwise) 2025 2024 cc(1) (non-IFRS measure) 2025 2024 cc(1) (non-IFRS measure) Operating income 247 318 (22 (26 715 686 4 7 Interest expense (51 (50 (2 (2 (100 (95 (5 (5 Other financial income expense 4 12 (67 (74 13 24 (46 (47 Share of (loss) from associated companies (1 nm nm (15 nm nm Income before taxes 199 280 (29 (33 613 615 2 Taxes (23 (57 60 64 (87 (144 40 38 Net income 176 223 (21 (25 526 471 12 15 Net income attributable to: Shareholders of Alcon Inc. 176 223 (21 (25 526 471 12 15 Non-controlling interests Basic earnings per share ($)(2) 0.36 0.45 (20 (25 1.06 0.95 12 15 Diluted earnings per share ($)(2) 0.35 0.45 (22 (25 1.06 0.95 12 14 Core results (non-IFRS measure)(1) Core taxes (63 (86 27 32 (160 (203 21 20 Core net income 380 367 4 1 745 754 (1 1 Core net income attributable to: Shareholders of Alcon Inc. 380 367 4 1 745 754 (1 1 Non-controlling interests Core basic earnings per share ($)(2) 0.77 0.74 4 1 1.50 1.53 (2 1 Core diluted earnings per share ($)(2) 0.76 0.74 3 1 1.50 1.52 (1 nm not meaningful (1) Core results and constant currency are non-IFRS measures. Refer to the 'Non-IFRS measures as defined by the Company' section for additional information and to the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' section for reconciliation tables. (2) Earnings per share and core earnings per share are calculated on the amount of net income and core net income, respectively, attributable to shareholders of Alcon Inc. Per share amounts may not add across quarters due to rounding. Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure) Three months ended June 30, 2025 ($ millions except earnings per share) IFRS results Amortization of certain intangible assets(1) Acquisition and integration related items(4) Legal items(5) Product discontinuation(6) Other items(7) Core results (non-IFRS measure) Gross profit 1,388 172 44 1,604 Operating income 247 173 10 17 44 491 Income before taxes 199 173 10 17 44 443 Taxes(8) (23) (32) (2) (4) (10) 8 (63) Net income 176 141 8 13 34 8 380 Net income attributable to: Shareholders of Alcon Inc. 176 141 8 13 34 8 380 Non-controlling interests Basic earnings per share ($)(9) 0.36 0.77 Diluted earnings per share ($)(9) 0.35 0.76 Basic weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(9) 495.2 495.2 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(9) 497.9 497.9 Refer to the associated explanatory footnotes at the end of the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' tables. Three months ended June 30, 2024 ($ millions except earnings per share) IFRS results Amortization of certain intangible assets(1) Impairments(2) Other items(7) Core results (non-IFRS measure) Gross profit 1,374 165 1,539 Operating income 318 165 9 (1) 491 Income before taxes 280 165 9 (1) 453 Taxes(8) (57) (30) 1 (86) Net income 223 135 9 367 Net income attributable to: Shareholders of Alcon Inc. 223 135 9 367 Non-controlling interests Basic earnings per share ($)(9) 0.45 0.74 Diluted earnings per share ($)(9) 0.45 0.74 Basic weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(9) 494.5 494.5 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(9) 497.0 497.0 Refer to the associated explanatory footnotes at the end of the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' tables. Six months ended June 30, 2025 ($ millions except earnings per share) IFRS results Amortization of certain intangible assets(1) Gains on investments in associated companies(3) Acquisition and integration related items(4) Legal items(5) Product discontinuation(6) Other items(7) Core results (non-IFRS measure) Gross profit 2,771 339 44 3,154 Operating income 715 345 (142) 23 17 44 1,002 Income before taxes 613 345 (142) 23 17 44 5 905 Taxes(8) (87) (62) (5) (4) (10) 8 (160) Net income 526 283 (142) 18 13 34 13 745 Net income attributable to: Shareholders of Alcon Inc. 526 283 (142) 18 13 34 13 745 Non-controlling interests Basic earnings per share ($)(9) 1.06 1.50 Diluted earnings per share ($)(9) 1.06 1.50 Basic weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(9) 495.2 495.2 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(9) 497.9 497.9 Refer to the associated explanatory footnotes at the end of the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' tables. Six months ended June 30, 2024 ($ millions except earnings per share) IFRS results Amortization of certain intangible assets(1) Impairments(2) Acquisition and integration related items(4) Other items(7) Core results (non-IFRS measure) Gross profit 2,756 329 3 3,088 Operating income 686 331 9 3 (1) 1,028 Income before taxes 615 331 9 3 (1) 957 Taxes(8) (144) (59) (1) 1 (203) Net income 471 272 9 2 754 Net income attributable to: Shareholders of Alcon Inc. 471 272 9 2 754 Non-controlling interests Basic earnings per share ($)(9) 0.95 1.53 Diluted earnings per share ($)(9) 0.95 1.52 Basic weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(9) 494.1 494.1 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (millions)(9) 496.7 496.7 Refer to the associated explanatory footnotes at the end of the 'Reconciliation of IFRS results to core results (non-IFRS measure)' tables. Explanatory footnotes to IFRS to core reconciliation tables (1) Includes amortization for all intangible assets other than software. (2) Includes impairment charges related to intangible assets. (3) For the six months ended June 30, 2025, includes gains on fair value remeasurements of investments in associated companies. (4) For the three months ended June 30, 2025, Operating income includes $9 million of direct acquisition costs and $1 million of integration related costs related to acquisitions. Acquisition costs primarily include third party professional services for legal and due diligence fees. Integration related costs include third party professional services and accelerated equity-based compensation expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, Operating income includes $16 million of direct acquisition costs and $7 million of integration related costs related to acquisitions. Acquisition costs primarily include third party professional services for legal, banker, due diligence and accounting fees. Integration related costs include severance of $3 million, accelerated equity-based compensation expense of $3 million and third party professional services of $1 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, Gross profit includes the amortization of inventory fair value adjustments related to an acquisition. (5) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, includes provisions for legal matters. (6) For the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, includes charges related to the discontinued commercialization of a product in the Vision Care reportable segment, including $43 million for the full impairment of the intangible asset and $1 million in related costs, primarily related to inventory provisions. (7) For the three months ended June 30, 2024, Operating income includes fair value adjustments of financial assets, partially offset by the amortization of option rights. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, Income before taxes includes core adjustments recognized for Aurion in Share of (loss) from associated companies. The expenses were incurred upon change in control from Alcon's acquisition of a majority interest in Aurion and include accelerated equity-based compensation expense of $2 million, third party professional services of $2 million for legal and accounting fees and third party bank fees of $1 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, Operating income includes the amortization of option rights, offset by fair value adjustments of financial assets. (8) For the three months ended June 30, 2025, total tax adjustments of $40 million include tax associated with operating income core adjustments, partially offset by discrete tax items. Tax associated with operating income core adjustments of $244 million totaled $48 million with an average tax rate of 19.7%. Core tax adjustments for discrete tax items totaled $8 million. For the three months ended June 30, 2024, tax associated with operating income core adjustments of $173 million totaled $29 million with an average tax rate of 16.8%. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, total tax adjustments of $73 million include tax associated with operating income core adjustments, partially offset by discrete tax items. Operating income core adjustments totaled $287 million. Excluding the non-taxable gain of $136 million on fair value remeasurement of Alcon's investment in Aurion, core adjustments to operating income totaled $423 million. The associated tax effect amounted to $81 million with an average tax rate of 19.1%. Core tax adjustments for discrete tax items totaled $8 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, tax associated with operating income core adjustments of $342 million totaled $59 million with an average tax rate of 17.3%. (9) Core basic earnings per share is calculated using core net income attributable to shareholders of Alcon Inc. and the weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Core diluted earnings per share also contemplate dilutive shares associated with unvested equity-based awards as described in Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements. EBITDA (non-IFRS measure) Three months ended June 30 Six months ended June 30 ($ millions) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Net income 176 223 526 471 Taxes 23 57 87 144 Depreciation of property, plant equipment 103 97 201 191 Depreciation of right-of-use assets 22 20 43 40 Amortization of intangible assets 194 184 385 367 Impairments of property, plant equipment and intangible assets 43 9 43 9 Interest expense 51 50 100 95 Other financial income expense (4) (12) (13) (24) EBITDA 608 628 1,372 1,293 Cash flow and net (debt)/liquidity (non-IFRS measure) Six months ended June 30 ($ millions) 2025 2024 Net cash flows from operating activities 889 871 Net cash flows used in investing activities (732) (351) Net cash flows used in financing activities (479) (237) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 54 (5) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (268) 278 Change in derivative financial instrument assets (5) 9 Change in time deposits with original maturity greater than three months (153) Change in current and non-current financial debts (102) 52 Change in net (debt) (528) 339 Net (debt) at January 1 (2,802) (3,643) Net (debt) at June 30 (3,330) (3,304) Net (debt)/liquidity (non-IFRS measure) ($ millions) At June 30, 2025 At December 31, 2024 Current financial debt (81) (105) Non-current financial debt (4,664) (4,538) Total financial debt (4,745) (4,643) Less liquidity: Cash and cash equivalents 1,408 1,676 Time deposits with original maturity greater than three months 153 Derivative financial instruments 7 12 Total liquidity 1,415 1,841 Net (debt) (3,330) (2,802) Free cash flow (non-IFRS measure) The following is a summary of free cash flow for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, together with a reconciliation to net cash flows from operating activities, the most directly comparable IFRS measure: Six months ended June 30 ($ millions) 2025 2024 Net cash flows from operating activities 889 871 Purchase of property, plant equipment (208) (204) Free cash flow 681 667 About Alcon Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care Professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at www.alcon.com. Connect with us on Facebook LinkedIn View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250816780420/en/ Contacts: Investor Relations Daniel Cravens Allen Trang + 41 589 112 110 (Geneva) + 1 817 615 2789 (Fort Worth) investor.relations@alcon.com Media Relations Steven Smith + 41 589 112 111 (Geneva) + 1 817 551 8057 (Fort Worth) globalmedia.relations@alcon.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - RUMBLE RESOURCES INC. (CSE: RB) (the "Company" or "Rumble"), is pleased to announce that a Notice of Work (NOW) Permit Application has been submitted for an Induced Polarization / Audio Magnetotelluric (IP/AMT) ground geophysical survey on the Wilmac Copper-Gold Property (the "Wilmac Project", the "Property", or "WILMAC"). The Company is currently earning up to a 70% interest in the Property, subject to a 2% net smelter return royalty (see June 11, 2025 News Release). The Wilmac Project is located in south-central British Columbia, southwest of Princeton and approximately 10 kilometres west of Hudbay Mineral Inc.'s currently producing Copper Mountain Mine that hosts a NI 43-101 Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve of 346 million tonnes grading 0.245% copper (plus gold and silver by-product credits). The Property is interpreted to host potential for identification of one or more copper-gold alkalic porphyry occurrences similar in age and deposit type to those hosting the Copper Mountain mine. The Property comprises two mineral tenures totaling approximately 2,355 hectares (5,819 acres) in a well-documented and prolific copper-gold porphyry belt. The proposed IP/AMT survey will be centred on three previously excavated trenches comprising the WILMAC MINFILE occurrence (092HSE042). The survey will consist of six east-west lines between 1.4 and 3 km in length and spaced 300 metres apart. The NOW (Notice of Work) Permit Application is expected to receive a "No Permit Required" authorization, given the minimal surface disturbance involved, with the proposed survey to be completed in the fall of 2025. The WILMAC MINFILE occurrence covers a series of three northwest - southeast oriented trenches, extending approximately 85 metres from east to west, previously excavated in predominantly coarse-grained to pegmatitic hornblendite. The trenches are up to 70 metres in length, with the resulting mineralization exposed over an area of approximately 0.50 hectares. Excavated mineralized material is present at the southern ends of the western and middle trenches, with in situ mineralized material exposed locally in the floor and walls of these trenches. Excavated material at the southern ends of the middle and western trenches includes abundant epidote altered and chalcopyrite mineralized material. Epidote alteration is present as selective replacement of primary phenocrysts, patchy alteration of the matrix and as epidote veins. Sulphides are present as both pyrite and, to a slightly lesser degree, chalcopyrite, predominantly hosted within quartz-carbonate veins and weakly to moderately developed stockworks. Several instances of possible AB porphyry-style veins (quartz-carbonate veins having sulphide cores) were noted. In 2023 and 2024, a total of nine grab samples were taken of well-mineralized material from exposures within and/or immediately adjacent to the trenches and from excavated material at the southern ends. Analytical results for copper from these samples were anomalous and very encouraging, ranging between 200 ppm and two values in excess of 1% (1.235% and 1.670%). The average of the nine samples taken was 6,390 ppm or 0.639% copper. In addition to well-mineralized material exposed by the trenches at the WILMAC occurrence, two small exposures of diorite and/or ultramafic previously mapped along the Lamont Ridge Forest Service Road will also be covered, in whole or in part, by the proposed survey. Woodruff Creek Option The Company further announces that it has been unable to renegotiate the option agreement terms with respect to the Woodruff Creek property to its satisfaction and has decided to terminate the option. Rumble will focus its efforts on the exploration of the Wilmac Project. Share Split Rumble is also pleased to announce that it is undertaking a forward split of all of its issued and outstanding common shares (the "Common Shares") on the basis of two new Common Shares for one old Common Share (the "Forward Split"). All shareholders of record on August 26, 2025 (the "Record Date") will be entitled to receive one additional Common Share for each Common Share held at the close of the trading day (the "Record Date"). The Company is undertaking the Forward Split to increase the liquidity and marketability of the Common Shares. As per Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") policy, the Forward Split will be conducted on a "push-out" basis and therefore the CUSIP number and trading symbol for the Common Shares will remain unchanged. DRS statements for the additional one Common Share resulting from the Forward Split will be sent to the shareholders as of the Record Date by the Company's Transfer Agent, Odyssey Trust Company. Shareholders of the Company do not need to take any action with respect to the Forward Split. The Forward Split will not materially affect the percentage ownership in the Company of shareholders even though such ownership will be represented by a larger number of Common Shares. The Company currently has 17,427,000 Common Shares issued and outstanding. Upon completion of the Forward Split, the Company will have approximately 34,854,000 Common Shares outstanding. The Forward Split remains subject to the approval of the CSE. Outstanding stock options and share purchase warrants will also be adjusted by the Forward Split ratio and the respective exercise prices of outstanding stock options and share purchase warrants will be adjusted accordingly. Disclaimer Readers are cautioned that the discussion about adjacent or similar properties is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization or potential of the Wilmac property. The Company has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in any such adjacent properties. Qualified Person This news release has been reviewed and approved by Rick Walker, P. Geo., who is acting as the Company's Qualified Person for the WILMAC Property, in accordance with regulations under NI 43-101. About Rumble Resources: Rumble Resources Inc. (CSE: RB) is engaged in the identification, acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource projects. The Company holds the exclusive option to acquire a 70% interest in the Wilmac Copper-Gold Project located in south-central British Columbia, southwest of Princeton and approximately 10 kilometres west of Hudbay Mineral Inc.'s currently producing Copper Mountain Mine. ON BEHALF OF RUMBLE RESOURCES INC., FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, including with respect to future plans, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions, the ability to manage operating expenses, and dependence on key personnel. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements respecting: completion of the option, the extent of exploration that will be completed on the WILMAC property, and the acceptance of the Company's Notice of Work Permit Application. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future Terms and Privacy Policy Privacy Dashboard business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, the continued availability of capital and financing, litigation, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263102 SOURCE: Rumble Resources Inc. (All amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise stated) VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atico Mining Corporation (the "Company" or "Atico") (TSX.V: ATY | OTC: ATCMF) today announced its financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2025, posting income from mining operations of $4.5 million and a net income of $2.7 million for the quarter. Production for the quarter at Atico's El Roble mine totaled 2.2 million pounds ("lbs") of copper and 2,385 ounces ("oz") of gold in concentrate at a cash cost (1) of $1.73 per payable pound of copper (2). Fernando E. Ganoza, CEO and Director, commented, "During the period, production results, increased concentrate sales and strong metal prices led to improved financial performance. We anticipate gradual operational improvements will continue through the remainder of the year which should drive financial results." Mr. Ganoza continued, "For the second half of the year, we will continue the planned development and preparation pace into the upper higher-grade zones at El Roble. In parallel, we are conducting a 6,000 meter near-mine drill program at El Roble to replenish resources and extend the mine's life." Second Quarter Financial Highlights Sales for the quarter increased 94% to $21.1 million when compared with $10.9 million in Q2-2024. Copper ("Cu") and gold ("Au") accounted for 55% and 45% of the 7,842 (Q2-2024 - 5,603) dry metric tonnes ("DMT") sold during Q2-2025. The average realized price per metal was $4.47 (Q2-2024 - $4.34) per pound of copper and $3,406 (Q2-2024 - $2,303) per ounce of gold. Net income for the quarter amounted to $2.7 million, compared with $0.4 million net loss for the comparative quarter of last year, while cash flows from operations, before changes in working capital, was $4.9 million (Q2-2024 - $2.5 million). Cash used for investing activities amounted to $5.4 million (Q2-2024 - $5.1 million). Ending working capital deficit was $13.7 million (December 31, 2024 - $11.3 million), while the Company had $6.0 million (December 31, 2024 - $7.1 million) in long-term loans payable and $4.6 million (December 31, 2024 - $8.5 million) payable to the National Mining Agency that is due beyond one year. Cash costs (1) were $164.26 per tonne of processed ore and $1.73 per pound of payable copper produced (2) , which was an increase of 25% and 17% over Q2-2024, respectively. The increase in cash cost per tonne was primarily driven by lower ore production in Q2-2025, which led to underutilization of capacity. The transition to the new upper zones in the El Roble mine require more costs in terms of preparations and ground support. Cash costs per pound of payable copper produced (net of by-product credits) also increased due to lower copper output due to the lower grade. The Company expects a gradual improvement in tonnage and grade towards the second half of the year as planned development and preparation pace recovers and more ore is mined from these new zones which contain higher grades. were $164.26 per tonne of processed ore and $1.73 per pound of payable copper produced , which was an increase of 25% and 17% over Q2-2024, respectively. The increase in cash cost per tonne was primarily driven by lower ore production in Q2-2025, which led to underutilization of capacity. The transition to the new upper zones in the El Roble mine require more costs in terms of preparations and ground support. Cash costs per pound of payable copper produced (net of by-product credits) also increased due to lower copper output due to the lower grade. The Company expects a gradual improvement in tonnage and grade towards the second half of the year as planned development and preparation pace recovers and more ore is mined from these new zones which contain higher grades. Cash margin was $2.74 per pound of payable copper produced (1) , which was a decrease of 4% over Q2-2024, due to an increase in cash cost per pound (net of by-product credits), partially offset by an increase in realized copper price. , which was a decrease of 4% over Q2-2024, due to an increase in cash cost per pound (net of by-product credits), partially offset by an increase in realized copper price. All-in sustaining cash cost per payable pound of copper produced (1) was $3.91, up from $2.32 in Q2-2024 (refer to non-GAAP Financial Measures). This increase was primarily due to lower copper output due to lower grade and higher sustaining capital expenditures on mine development, mine infrastructure, and ramp construction, to increase ore extraction from the new upper zones which contain higher grade. was $3.91, up from $2.32 in Q2-2024 (refer to non-GAAP Financial Measures). This increase was primarily due to lower copper output due to lower grade and higher sustaining capital expenditures on mine development, mine infrastructure, and ramp construction, to increase ore extraction from the new upper zones which contain higher grade. On May 23, 2025, the Company and the National Mining Agency of Colombia executed a new 30-year mining agreement and related title for the El Roble mine. Additionally, the metal concentrate inventory previously pledged as security in favor of the National Mining Agency of Colombia was released from the pledge and sold by the Company in June 2025. On June 30, 2025, the Company amended the credit agreement, pursuant to the term sheet, which the Principal Amount will be repaid in two instalments of $2,700,000 on July 25, 2025 (PAID) and $6,000,000 on December 30, 2026. Second Quarter Summary of Financial Results Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % Change Sales $21,108,812 $10,860,467 94% Cost of sales (16,620,250) (8,308,719) 100% Income from mining operations 4,488,562 2,551,748 76% As a % of revenue 21% 23% General and administrative expenses (2,042,495) (1,585,615) 29% Income from operations 2,318,744 891,086 160% As a % of revenue 11% 8% Income (loss) before income taxes 2,039,888 (730,559) (379%) Net income (loss) 2,721,126 (424,612) (741%) As a % of revenue 13% (4%) Operating cash flow before changes in non-cash operating working capital items(1) 4,933,208 2,472,955 99% Second Quarter Consolidated Operational Details In Q2-2025, the Company produced 2.2 million lbs of copper, 2,385 oz of gold, and 10,766 oz of silver. Copper production decreased by 42% and gold production by 16% for gold, when compared to Q2-2024, primarily due to lower ore throughput as well as lower copper head-grades. Q2 2025 Q2 2024 % Change Production (Contained metals)(3) Copper (000s lbs) 2,161 3,710 (42%) Gold (oz) 2,385 2,850 (16%) Silver (oz) 10,766 9,972 8% Mine Tonnes of material mined 60,633 70,826 (14%) Mill Tonnes processed 62,007 71,079 (13%) Tonnes processed per day 830 852 (3%) Copper grade (%) 1.74 2.57 (33%) Gold grade (g/t) 2.08 1.95 7% Silver grade (g/t) 11.01 9.30 18% Recoveries Copper (%) 91.1 92.0 (1%) Gold (%) 57.6 64.2 (10%) Silver (%) 39.3 47.3 (17%) Concentrates Copper Concentrates (DMT) 5,590 9,197 (39%) Copper (%) 17.5 18.3 (4%) Gold (g/t) 13.3 9.6 38% Silver (g/t) 48.0 33.7 42% Payable copper produced (000s lbs) 2,019 3,487 (42%) Cash cost per pound of payable copper ($/lbs)(1)(2) 1.73 1.48 17% The financial statements and MD&A are available on SEDAR+ and have also been posted on the company's website at http://www.aticomining.com/s/FinancialStatements.asp (1) Alternative performance measures; please refer to "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" at the end of this release. (2) Net of by-product credits (3) Subject to adjustments on final settlement Change of Management Alain Bureau, President of the Company, stepped down from his position effective August 15, 2025, to seek new professional opportunities. Mr. Bureau was instrumental in driving the La Plata project in Ecuador from exploration through to feasibility and permitting, delivering major milestones in the project's development. He will continue with the Company as a government relations consultant. Qualified Person Mr. Thomas Kelly (SME Registered Member 1696580), advisor to the Company and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 standards, is responsible for ensuring that the technical information contained in this news release is an accurate summary of the original reports and data provided to or developed by Atico. About Atico Mining Corporation Atico is a growth-oriented Company, focused on exploring, developing and mining copper and gold projects in Latin America. The Company generates significant cash flow through the operation of the El Roble mine and is developing it's high-grade La Plata VMS project in Ecuador. The Company is also pursuing additional acquisition of advanced stage opportunities. For more information, please visit www.aticomining.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Fernando E. Ganoza CEO Atico Mining Corporation Trading symbols: TSX.V: ATY | OTC: ATCMF Investor Relations Igor Dutina Tel: +1.604.633.9022 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities being offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'U.S. Securities Act'), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act) unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements This announcement includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including without limitation statements regarding improving cost efficiencies at El Roble, taking advantage of the favorable metal price environment, and possible outcomes of any pending arbitration, consultation, litigation, negotiation or regulatory investigation, and the timing and amount of the future construction of the La Plata project, are forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The assumptions upon which the forward-looking statements herein are based, include, but are not limited to, that all required third party contractual, regulatory and governmental approvals will be obtained for the development, construction and production of its properties, there being no significant disruptions affecting operation, permitting, development, expansion and power supply proceeding on a basis consistent with the Company's current expectations, currency exchange rates being approximately consistent with current levels, certain price assumptions for copper, gold and silver, prices for and availability of fuel oil, electricity, parts and equipment and other key supplies remaining consistent with current levels, production forecasts meeting expectations, the accuracy of the Company's current mineral resource and reserves estimates, labor and materials costs increasing on a basis consistent with the Company's current expectations, assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, that additional financing sources will be available on reasonable commercial terms in order for the Company to make scheduled repayments of principal, interest, and any applicable premiums on its outstanding indebtedness. Important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include risks associated with the Company's outstanding debt, including the Company's ability to successfully secure additional funds through debt or equity issuances to meet these obligations, or successfully negotiate to amend or extend their terms uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; uncertainty of estimates of capital and operating costs of the Company's projects; the need to obtain additional financing to maintain its interest in and/or explore and develop the Company's mineral projects; uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones for the Company's mineral projects; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in the Company's Annual Information Form and as available on the Company's website for further details. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date of this announcement or to revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events. Non-GAAP Financial Measures The items marked with a "(1)" are alternative performance measures and readers should refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, as filed on SEDAR+ and as available on the Company's website for further details. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Edison Lithium Corp. (TSXV: EDDY) (OTC Pink: EDDYF) (FSE: VV0) ("Edison" or the "Company") announces that it has terminated the previously announced proposed sale of its Argentina subsidiary, Resource Ventures S.A. ("ReVe"), to Mava Gasoil LLC ("Mava") (the "Proposed Transaction"). The termination results from Mava's inability to raise the funds required to complete the Proposed Transaction. The Company continues to evaluate alternatives for ReVe and is in discussions with other prospective buyers. Completion of any future transaction will remain subject to customary conditions, including the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement and all necessary approvals, including acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. About Edison Lithium Corp. Edison Lithium Corp. is a Canadian-based junior mining exploration company focused on the procurement, exploration and development of cobalt, lithium, alkali and other energy metal properties. The Company's acquisition strategy is based on acquiring affordable, cost-effective, and highly regarded mineral properties in areas with proven geological potential. Edison is building a portfolio of quality assets capable of supplying critical materials to the battery industry and intends to capitalize on and have its shareholders benefit from the renewed interest in the battery metals space. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Disclaimer: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Edison's beliefs and expectations, are forward- looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "will be", "expected," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue,", "proposes", "contemplates", "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. All information provided in this news release is as of the date of this news, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: the Company's ongoing evaluation of alternatives for ReVe, discussions with prospective buyers, and the potential completion of a future transaction involving ReVe. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of management on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the risk that the Company may not be able to secure a new buyer or enter into a definitive agreement on favourable terms or at all, that required approvals may not be obtained on a timely basis or at all, and that general market conditions may impact the Company's ability to complete a transaction. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263122 SOURCE: Edison Lithium Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (FSE: 3WK0) ("LaFleur Minerals" or the "Company" or "Issuer") announces that, further to its news release dated July 30, 2025, the Company has revised the offering amounts for its previously announced financings. LIFE Offering The Company will now be conducting a non-brokered private placement offering of a minimum of 3,125,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.48 per Unit for minimum gross proceeds of approximately $1,500,000 (the "Minimum LIFE Offering") and a maximum of 6,000,000 Units for maximum gross proceeds of approximately $2,880,000 (the "Maximum LIFE Offering" and together with the Minimum LIFE Offering, the "LIFE Offering"). Each Unit will consist of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share") and one (1) Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant") granting the holder the right to purchase one (1) additional Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.75 at any time on or before 24 months from the Closing Date (defined below). The Warrants will be subject to an accelerated expiry upon thirty (30) business days' notice from the Company in the event the closing price of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") is equal to or above a price of $0.90 for fourteen (14) consecutive trading days any time after closing of the Offering. The gross proceeds from the LIFE Offering will be used for the advancement of exploration initiatives at the Company's Swanson Gold Project and for operational purposes at the Beacon Gold Mill, in addition to working capital and general corporate expenses. The Units will be offered for sale pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions, as amended by CSA Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption, to purchasers resident in Canada, excluding Quebec, and other qualifying jurisdictions. The securities offered under the LIFE Offering will not be subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an amended and restated offering document (the "Offering Document") related to the LIFE Offering that can be accessed under the Issuer's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and at the Company's website at www.lafleurminerals.com. Prospective investors should read this Offering Document before making an investment decision. Charity Flow-Through (FT) Offering The Company will now be conducting a concurrent non-brokered private placement of a minimum of 1,449,276 charity flow-through units of the Issuer ("Charity FT Units") at a price of $0.69 per Charity FT Unit for minimum gross proceeds of approximately $1,000,000 (the "Minimum Concurrent Private Placement") and a maximum of 3,750,000 Charity FT Units at a price of $0.69 per Charity FT Unit for maximum gross proceeds of approximately $2,587,500 (the "Maximum Concurrent Private Placement", and together with the Minimum Concurrent Private Placement, the "Concurrent Private Placement") (the Concurrent Private Placement together with the LIFE Offering is referred to herein as the "Offering"). Each Charity FT Unit will consist of one Common Share to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the Taxation Act (Quebec), and one Warrant which shall have the same terms as the Warrants comprising the Units issued in the LIFE Offering. The gross proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Charity FT Units will be used on the Company's Swanson Gold Project to incur "Canadian Exploration Expenses" as such term is defined under subsection 66.1(6) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (or would so qualify if the references to "before 2026" in paragraph (a) of the definition of "flow-through mining expenditure" in subsection 127(9) of the Tax Act were read as "before 2027" and the references in paragraphs (c) and (d) of that definition to "before April 2025" were read as "before April 2026"). The qualifying expenditures will be incurred on or before December 31, 2026, and will be renounced to the subscribers with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025, in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the Common Shares comprising the Charity FT Units. All securities issued in connection with the Charity FT Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day following the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about August 29, 2025 (the "Closing Date"), or such other earlier or later date as the Company may determine. The Company has also agreed to pay qualified finders and brokers a cash commission of 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering and such number of broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants") as is equal to 7.0% of the number of Units and Charity FT Units sold under the Offering. Each Broker Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price equal to $0.75 for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date. This news release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. "United States" and "U.S. person" are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S Securities Act. About LaFleur Minerals Inc. LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (FSE: 3WK0) is focused on the development of district-scale gold projects in the Abitibi Gold Belt near Val-d'Or, Quebec. Our mission is to advance mining projects with a laser focus on our resource-stage Swanson Gold Deposit and the Beacon Gold Mill, which have significant potential to deliver long-term value. The Swanson Gold Project is approximately 18,304 hectares (183 km2) in size and includes several prospects rich in gold and critical metals previously held by Monarch Mining, Abcourt Mines, and Globex Mining. LaFleur has recently consolidated a large land package along a major structural break that hosts the Swanson, Bartec, and Jolin gold deposits and several other showings which make up the Swanson Gold Project. The Swanson Gold Project is easily accessible by road allowing direct access to several nearby gold mills, further enhancing its development potential. Lafleur Mineral's fully refurbished and permitted Beacon Gold Mill is capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day and is being considered for processing mineralized material at Swanson and for custom milling operations for other nearby gold projects. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements." All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to the closing of the Offering and the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263109 SOURCE: LaFleur Minerals Inc. At a press conference days after cutting ties with his family, the Mela actor revealed how his family was pressurising him to get married Aamir Khans brother and actor Faissal Khan has recently claimed that the Sitaare Zameen Par star has locked him up for a year in Mumbai. He revealed that his family said he had schizophrenia, was a mad person and can harm society. In an interview with Pinkvilla, the actor also revealed, I tried to call Shah Rukh Khan also. He didnt entertain me. Mannat ke bahar gaya tha main. The actor has now issued another statement and revealed why he relates to Ranbir Kapoor and Sandeep Reddy Vangas Animal: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I salute Sandeep Reddy Vanga for showing todays relationships so accurately. The way the elder sister and brother-in-law are shown in the film felt very real to me. I could relate to it because I went through something similar with my own sister and brother-in-law. He has portrayed everything very well. If you havent seen the film yet, I suggest you watch it. At a press conference days after cutting ties with his family, the Mela actor revealed how his family was pressurising him to get married. He also revealed Aamir Khan held him improperly and came to his house with police back in 2005. Faissal revealed, Aamir said if I didnt cooperate, I would be made unconscious by a doctor who was in the other room of the house and taken to the hospital for my mental evaluation. Faissal also revealed, Aamir married Reena and later divorced her. Then he had a relationship with Jessica Hines, unka illegal baccha tha, out of wedlock (he had an illegitimate child). He was living with Kiran at that time (of this incident). Faissal Khans note for the family With a heavy heart yet renewed courage, I wish to share that I have severed all family ties, as declared through a public notice. This step, though difficult, is essential for my healing and growth. Life now enters a new chapter of freedom, dignity, and self-discovery one that I embrace with positivity, truth, and strength. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Saswata Chatterjee says that he only knows about his villains role and not the full story of Vivek Agnihotris film The Bengal Files. Decoding the reasons as to why the film is facing backlash. Saswata Chatterjee on Vivek Agnihotris film row: I was told it was The Delhi Files during shooting, not The Bengal Files According to reports, Vivek Agnihotris film is a portrayal of 1946 riots. The movie faces backlash over historical accuracy and portrayal of key figures, with legal notices and public debates intensifying ahead of its September release. Disassociating himself with the The Bengali Files controversy, Bengali actor Saswata Chatterjee said the Vivek Agnihotri film was initially titled The Delhi Files. He said he wasnt aware of the films story or the reason behind its title change at the last minute. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to reports published in India Today, Saswata Chatterjees comments came two days after the trailer launch of the film was cancelled by the authorities in Kolkata, causing Agnihotri to slam the Mamata Banerjee-led government, calling them fascists. The team of The Bengal Files also faced multiple FIRs in West Bengal for allegedly showing the state in a bad light. Why was the trailer launch disrupted? The trailer launch of the film in Kolkata was disrupted on Saturday. Agnihotri claimed the event was first cancelled by a multiplex and then moved to a hotel where power supply was disrupted. The film is accused of disrupting the legacy of freedom fighter Gopal Mukherjee. The film referred to him as Kashai Gopal Patha. This his family found to be insulting. His grandson filed a FIR against Vivek Agnihotri alleging the makers in misrepresenting his grandfathers role in history. The trailer was cancelled by the authorities in Bengal. Gopal Mukherjee is said to have played a pivotal role in the resistance against the Muslim mob violence in 1946. Santanu claims Agnihotris film refers to his grandfather as a butcher. Agnihotri said Gopal Mukherjee in his film is an inspired character and not central to the plot. What Vivek Agnihotri said? We will go by the Constitution. We will go legally. If they stop us, we will take the legal course. What can we do? We are common citizens like you We will pray that sanity prevails and the state government does not do it (stop the release), the filmmaker said at a press conference while hitting out at the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD WATCH the trailer of The Bengal Files here: (With added inputs from PTI) Prosecutors will drop three other counts related to the distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine that was unrelated to the Perry case A woman known as the Ketamine Queen, charged with selling Matthew Perry the drug that killed him, agreed to plead guilty Monday. Jasveen Sangha becomes the fifth and final defendant charged in the overdose death of the Friends star to strike a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, avoiding a trial that had been planned for September. She agreed in a signed statement filed in court to plead guilty to five federal criminal charges, including providing the ketamine that led to Perrys death. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a brief statement, Sanghas lawyer Mark Geragos said only, Shes taking responsibility for her actions. Prosecutors had cast Sangha, a 42-year-old citizen of the U.S. and the U.K., as a prolific drug dealer who was known to her customers as the Ketamine Queen, using the term often in press releases and court documents. She agreed to plead guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The final plea deal came a year after federal prosecutors announced that five people had been charged in Perrys Oct. 28, 2023 death after a sweeping investigation. Sangha admitted in the agreement to selling four vials of ketamine to another man, Cody McLaury, hours before he died from an overdose in 2019. McLaury had no relationship to Perry. Prosecutors will drop three other counts related to the distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine that was unrelated to the Perry case. Sangha will officially change her plea to guilty at an upcoming hearing, where sentencing will be scheduled, prosecutors said. She could get up to 45 years in prison. The judge is not bound to follow any terms of the plea agreement, but prosecutors said in the document that they will ask for less than the maximum. She and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who pleaded guilty last month, had been the primary targets of the investigation. Three other defendants Dr. Mark Chavez, Kenneth Iwamasa and Erik Fleming pleaded guilty in exchange for their cooperation, which included statements implicating Sangha and Plasencia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Perry was found dead in his Los Angeles home by Iwamasa, his assistant. The medical examiner ruled that ketamine, typically used as a surgical anesthetic, was the primary cause of death. Sangha presented a posh lifestyle on Instagram, with photos of herself with the rich and famous in cities around the globe. Prosecutors said she privately presented herself as a dealer who sold to the same kind of high-class customers. Perry had been using ketamine through his regular doctor as a legal, but off-label, treatment for depression, which has become increasingly common. Perry, 54, sought more ketamine than his doctor would give him. He began getting it from Plasencia about a month before his death, then started getting still more from Sangha about two weeks before his death, prosecutors said. Perry and Iwamasa found Sangha through Perrys friend Fleming. In their plea agreements, both men described the subsequent deals in detail. Fleming messaged Iwamasa saying Sanghas ketamine was unmarked but its amazing, according to court documents. Fleming texted Iwamasa that she only deals with high end and celebs. If it were not great stuff shed lose her business. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With the two men acting as middlemen, Perry bought large amounts of ketamine from Sangha, including 25 vials for $6,000 in cash four days before his death. That purchase included the doses that killed Perry, prosecutors said. On the day of Perrys death, Sangha told Fleming they should delete all the messages they had sent each other, according to her indictment. Her home in North Hollywood, California, was raided in March 2024 by Drug Enforcement Administration agents who found large amounts of methamphetamines and ketamine, according to an affidavit from an agent. She has been held in federal custody for about a year. None of the defendants has yet been sentenced. Sangha also agreed in her plea deal not to contest the seizure of her property that went with the investigation, including more than $5,000 in cash. Perry struggled with addiction for years, dating back to his time on Friends, when he became one of the biggest stars of his generation as Chandler Bing. He starred alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 on NBCs megahit series. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) is all set to return for its 2025 Delhi edition, scheduled from October 8th to 12th, 2025, at The Grand, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. The Mumbai edition earlier this year marked the beginning of the platforms 25th anniversary celebrations with a gala tribute to its legacy. The celebration now moves to the capital, as the event prepares to host its upcoming showcase in New Delhi. Over the years, it has played a defining role in shaping the countrys design identity, giving rise to some of its most influential designers and championing Indias rich and diverse craftsmanship. Its enduring presence stands as a testament to the platforms deep impact on the business of fashion, the creative economy, and Indias evolving global style narrative. With its bi-annual format in Mumbai and New Delhi the platform has been instrumental in shaping Indias fashion narrative both locally and globally. Backed by Lakme, Reliance Brands Ltd., and FDCI, the upcoming edition promises a dynamic and immersive celebration of Indian design, with a focus on sustainability, diversity, and the future of fashion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President, Lakme India, shared, Lakme Fashion Week has stood at the forefront of shaping the narrative of Indian fashion and beauty for over a quarter of a century. As we look ahead to a new season, we are not only honouring that legacy but also evolving it with fresh ideas, deeper purpose, and a steadfast commitment to innovation. Each edition serves as a catalyst for the industry setting benchmarks, launching talent, and reimagining the possibilities of fashion in a global context. With every step forward, Lakme Fashion Week reaffirms its role as a dynamic force driving the future of Indian fashion. Sharing his thoughts on the upcoming showcase Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands said, With every edition, we aim to elevate the experience of Lakme Fashion Weeknot just as a runway event but as a cultural moment. New Delhi sets the perfect stage for this seasons creative expression and innovation. Adding to this Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, shared, We are delighted to bring this landmark fashion event back to the capital this October. New Delhi has always been a vital fashion hub, and this edition promises to be a powerful continuation of our 25th anniversary celebrations. At FDCI, the business of fashion remains a key agenda. Our constant endeavour is to create platforms that empower designers, open new markets, and drive meaningful engagement between creativity and commerce. We are grateful to our partners, Lakme, Reliance Brands, and Nexa, for being an integral part of this journey. Their continued support has been instrumental in shaping the platforms legacy and propelling Indian fashion onto a global stage. With each edition, we renew our commitment to spotlighting Indias rich design ecosystemthrough craft, sustainability, innovation, and a celebration of diversity. After political intervention played a spoilsport at the trailer launch of The Bengal Files, as the Bengal government reportedly attempted to stall the event, producer, actress, and filmmaker Vivek Agnihotris wife, Pallavi Joshi, said, Such a thing did not happen even in Kashmir. I absolutely did not like the way my film (trailer) was stopped. Is there freedom of expression in this state? As filmmakers and actors, we are not able to screen what we have made. What is the threat they are feeling? Such a thing did not happen even in Kashmir. Can we derive that the situation in Kashmir is better than in Bengal? See what is happening in Bengal today. And this is why films like The Bengal Files are important. I want every person in India to watch this film to know the truth about Bengal. It is the states responsibility to give respect to artists said Joshi while talking to ANI. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Please bear with us..I mean, all this happened with the permissions and approvals, and now, at the last minute, they are saying that they have got some instructions that we cannot play (trailer)Please sit down..you can see what is happening it seems there are two constitutions in India..one Indian constitution and one special constitution that runs here said Agnihotri during the event at ITC Royal Bengal, when the trailer was suddenly stopped. If this is not dictatorship/fascism, then what is?Law and order in your state has failed, and this is the reason that everyone supports The Bengal Files I have just got to know what some people came here (event venue in a private hotel) and cut all the wires. I dont know on whose orders this is happening? You know who those people are behind us. After all tests and trials, this program was being held. The hotel managers still cant tell us why we are not allowed to continue with our program.., he added. Speaking to ANI, Agnihotri shared why he chose August 16 to launch the trailer and shared, Mai America se aaya aur seedhe Kolkata pahucha kyunki trailer launch tha and movie trailers are generally launched in theatres; however, when I reached the airport, I came to know that one of the largest multiplex chains said that they cant do it because there is a lot of political pressure and if they do it, there will be a political turmoil. So we spoke to another multiplex, they also said that sorry sir, there is a lot of political pressure, we cant do it. If we had known this from the start, why would we have taken on so many teams and actors and spent so much money to come here.. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Aur Direct Action Day,.. Hindu genocide, Murshidabad riots suki film ka trailer kahan launch hona chahiye, Kolkata mein hi hona chahiye..par mai bhi harne vaalon se nahi hu..to aisa pehli baar ho raha hai mera ye andaaz hai ki film ka trailer theatre ki jagah hotel ke banquet hall mein..but mai janna chahta hu hamari awaaz dabane ki koshish kyu ho rahi hai..(And where should the trailer of the film dealing with Direct Action Day, Hindu genocide, Murshidabad riots, be launched.. It should be launched in Kolkata only, but Im not one of the losers, so this is happening for the first time, I guess that the trailer of the film is being launched in the banquet hall of a hotel instead of a theatre..to hamari awaaz ko dabane ki koshish kyu ki ja rahi hai (but I want to know why efforts are being made to suppress our voice..), he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The trailer launch of the film in Kolkata was disrupted on Saturday. Agnihotri claimed the event was first cancelled by a multiplex and then moved to a hotel where power supply was disrupted Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri on Monday said he would go the legal route if the release of his film The Bengal Files is stalled in West Bengal. The trailer launch of the film in Kolkata was disrupted on Saturday. Agnihotri claimed the event was first cancelled by a multiplex and then moved to a hotel where power supply was disrupted and police turned up asking if permission had been taken. We will go by the Constitution. We will go legally. If they stop us, we will take the legal course. What can we do? We are common citizens like you We will pray that sanity prevails and the state government does not do it (stop the release), the filmmaker said at a press conference here while hitting out at the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government in West Bengal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Bengal Files, which is slated for release on September 5, revolves around the Calcutta riots of August 16, 1946, which were triggered after the All-India Muslim League called for Direct Action Day to demand a separate homeland. This is an Indian film. I am telling you the truth, Agnihotri said. Known for films such as The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files, Agnihotri also addressed the many controversies surrounding his latest release, including an FIR by Gopal Chandra Mukherjees grandson Santanu Mukherjee. Gopal Mukherjee is said to have played a pivotal role in the resistance against the Muslim mob violence in 1946. Santanu claims Agnihotris film refers to his grandfather as a butcher. Agnihotri said Gopal Mukherjee in his film is an inspired character and not central to the plot. I will not go into his history. Watch Santanus interview. I can give you all the links. There is an interview of Gopal Mukherjee on BBC. In that interview, what he has said, we have only shown that much. I have nothing to do with Gopal Mukherjees life, politics. He was a hero and I have shown him as a hero, he said. I respect Gopal Mukherjee a lot. His grandsons work with TMC. There is a compulsion there They have done it legally. We are giving a legal answer to that, he said. Agnihotri claimed the film is his attempt to reveal hidden truths. He said he aims at showing the untold stories of India. Our purpose is very clear. I make films on Hindu civilization. That is why I make films on Hindu history. I do not consider myself capable of making films on Islamic history or Christian history, he said, adding that filmmakers like Mani Ratnam and Vishal Bhardwaj have already made movies on the Islamic history of Kashmir through Roja and Haider. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Agnihotri said the censor board passed The Bengal Files without any cuts though it went through the examining committee and then the revising committee. This film was made with a lot of responsibility and sincerity. No one can object to this. Bengalis will be proud of this film. The Bengal Files stars Mithun Chakraborty, Saswata Chatterjee. Vivek Agnihotri has responded by claiming that Santanu works with the TMC and he is doing what is compulsory for him. According to reports, Gopal Patha, born Gopal Chandra Mukherjee, was a significant figure during the tumultuous period of the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and the events surrounding Indias partition. During the Great Calcutta Killings of 1946: He emerged as a prominent figure, organising Hindu youths and arming them to defend Hindu localities and families against attacks from Muslim League-led mobs. His nickname Patha (meaning goat in Bengali) was derived from his familys goat-meat shop on College Street in Calcutta (Kolkata). He was a businessman and a wrestler by profession. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to a story published in NDTV, Mukherjees role in Calcuttas history rose to prominence much ahead of the Partition. He met with force the Muslim Leagues agenda to snatch Calcutta by force. Armed with sticks, spears, knives, guns, or whatever his men could arrange, he led an army that stood like a wall against surrendering the city. Why Gopal Pathas grandson filed an FIR against Vivek Agnihotri? Gopal Mukherjees grandson has filed an FIR over his portrayal in Vivek Agnihotris The Bengal Files. Agnihotri says the film portrays Mukherjee as a hero. History has been divided over Gopal Patha, who organised Hindu resistance against Muslim mobs who went on the rampage during the Direct Action Day of 1946 in what is known as the Great Calcutta Killing. A story published in India Today says, With these arms I saved the women of my area; I saved the people. I will not surrender them, Gopal Patha retorted when asked to lay down his weapons at the feet of Mahatma Gandhi in August 1947. The film is accused of disrupting the legacy of freedom fighter Gopal Mukherjee. The film referred to him as _Kashai Gopal Patha_. This his family found to be insulting. His grandson filed a FIR against Vivek Agnihotri alleging the makers in misrepresenting his grandfathers role in history. The trailer was cancelled by the authorities in Bengal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD WATCH the trailer of The Bengal Files here: Harjinder Singh, an Indian truck driver, caused a deadly crash in Florida, killing three. The 28-year-old Sikh driver, who had entered the US illegally years ago, had attempted an illegal U-turn when the high-speed car crashed into his vehicle. The mishap has led to fresh criticism from the Trump administration of California Governor Gavin Newsom Harjinder Singh was behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce when he made a sudden hard left turn, killing three people behind his vehicle. Image courtesy: X An Indian truck driver, Harjinder Singh, has found himself at the centre of a deadly crash in Florida that left three people dead. According to investigators, Singh, a 28-year-old Sikh driver who is in the US illegally, attempted an abrupt and illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike. His trailer jackknifed in the process and smashed into a minivan, resulting in the horrific accident. The crash has not only shocked the local community but has also stirred a political debate between the Donald Trump administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But why? And who exactly is Harjinder Singh? What happens next in the case against him? Heres a closer look. How the crash unfolded According to authorities, Singh was behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce when he made a sudden hard left turn. He attempted to cut across the median through an Official Use Only pass, a move strictly prohibited for regular vehicles. The truck ended up blocking all lanes of oncoming traffic. Just seconds later, a minivan travelling at full speed crashed into the trailer, becoming wedged underneath. The impact was fatal. As reported by Treasure Coast Newspapers, three people were killed in the collision: a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach, a 30-year-old man from Florida City, and a 54-year-old man from Miami. The passengers died instantly at the scene, while the driver was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. In a cruel twist, Singh and a passenger who was with him inside the semi-truck walked away unscathed. The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed that neither of them sustained any injuries. What shocked many was footage later released from inside the trucks cab. The video shows Singh seemingly unfazed in the immediate aftermath of the crash. He can be seen calmly putting the truck in park and turning off the engine, as if nothing had happened. (1) UPDATE: These are the alleged semi-truck drivers who k*lled three people while making a U-turn at an Official Use Only turn on the Florida Turnpike The Florida Highway Patrol is describing the wreck as a homicide investigation pic.twitter.com/QqYhuidXoD Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) August 15, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On Saturday, US Marshals arrested Singh in California on a warrant charging him with three counts of vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The arrest came just two days after the tragedy. The actions taken by the Defendant while operating a commercial tractor-trailer are both shocking and criminal, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Director Dave Kerner said. Three people lost their lives as a result of his recklessness, and countless friends and family members will experience the pain of their loss forever. Who is Harjinder Singh? As investigators dug deeper into the crash, they uncovered that Singh had entered the US illegally years ago. According to police sources cited by The New York Post, Singh crossed into the US illegally on September 20, 2018. He slipped in through the San Ysidro, California border from Mexico, without inspection or parole by immigration officials. That very day, he was caught by the US Border Patrol and marked for fast-track deportation under the Trump administration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But Singh claimed he feared being sent back to India. This plea landed him in the asylum system, and in January 2019, he was released on a $5,000 immigration bond. He was told to appear before an immigration judge, but like thousands of others stuck in the massive backlog of asylum cases, he never made it to court. Years later, in June 2021, the Biden administration granted him work papers that had previously been denied during Trumps first term, the Department of Homeland Security said on Monday. How many more innocent people have to die before Gavin Newsom stops playing games with the safety of the American public? it added. Three innocent people were killed in Florida because Gavin Newsoms California DMV issued an illegal alien a Commercial Drivers Licensethis state of governance is asinine. How many more innocent people have to die before Gavin Newsom stops playing games with the safety of the https://t.co/QrEMOsDnIL Homeland Security (@DHSgov) August 18, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Once freed from detention, he returned to California and somehow managed to get a commercial drivers licence, though it remains unclear how he was able to do so. The illegal alien is an Indian national who was granted a commercial drivers license by the so-called sanctuary state of California, whose reckless policies put the lives of American citizens at risk every single day, said the White House in a statement in the wake of the deadly crash. However, California Governor Gavin Newsoms Press office hit back and claimed that when Singh entered the US, Trump was the president. Factshttps://t.co/Jq7NJPp5eI Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 18, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Critics also argued that Singhs victims would still be alive had his deportation gone through as initially planned. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, posted sharply on X, He should have never been in our country in the first place! Whats next for Singh? As per a Newsweek report, federal immigration authorities have issued a detainer for Singh, indicating that potential deportation proceedings may follow once the criminal case concludes. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday. With input from agencies On August 19, 1757, the East India Company minted its first rupee coin in Kolkata. The Company established the Calcutta Mint after signing a treaty with Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula. Initially, the mint produced gold and silver coins under the Nawabs authority. Over time, production increased Today, coins are minted at four government mints. Image: News18/Representational On August 19, 1757, the East India Company issued its first rupee coin in Kolkata. The Calcutta Mint was set up by the Company after a treaty with the Nawab of Bengal. The rupee coins, known as the sicca, were used as legal currency across Bengal. Also on this day in 1991, Mikhail Gorbachev, who served as general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991 and as president of the Soviet Union from 1990 to 1991, was briefly removed from power in a coup led by communist hard-liners. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As part of Firstpost Explainers History Today series, heres a look at what happened on August 19: First Indian rupee coin minted The first rupee coin of the East India Company was minted in Kolkata on this day in 1757. The Company set up the Calcutta Mint after signing a treaty with Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula. Known as the sicca, these coins were accepted as legal tender in Bengal. At first, the mint produced gold and silver coins under the Nawabs authority. Over time, production increased. In the 1780s the mint was expanded with new facilities to put the sicca rupee into wider circulation. A single coinage system for India was introduced only in 1835. Before that, the presidencies of Madras, Bombay and Bengal, each under Company rule, issued their own coins. Today, coins are minted at four government mints: Mumbai, Alipore (Kolkata), Saifabad (Hyderabad), Cherlapally (Hyderabad) and Noida (Uttar Pradesh). Attempted coup against Gorbachev On this day in 1991, a coup against Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev was launched by hard-line communist members of the government and military. However, the coup was poorly organised. Its leaders reportedly spent much of their time arguing among themselves and, as some accounts suggest, drinking heavily, instead of focusing on gaining public backing. Even so, they placed Gorbachev under house arrest and asked him to step down as leader of the Soviet Union. Mikhail Gorbachev was briefly removed from power in a coup led by communist hard-liners. Reuters/File Photo Many Western analysts expected the US, under President George Bush, to step in, but were surprised at Washingtons cautious response. At the time, Bushs team was debating whether Gorbachevs influence was waning and if American support should instead shift to Russian President Boris Yeltsin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yeltsins standing grew as he openly condemned the coup and rallied public resistance through strikes and street protests. With most of the Soviet military unwilling to back them, the coup leaders abandoned their attempt, which collapsed on August 21. This Day, That Year 1934: Nearly 90 per cent of German voters backed a referendum that gave Adolf Hitler the title Fuhrer und Reichskanzler (leader and chancellor). 1960: Russia launched Sputnik 5, the first spacecraft to send animals into space and bring them back alive. Its passengers included two dogs, a grey rabbit, 40 mice, two rats and 15 flasks of fruit flies. 1980: All 301 people on board Saudia Flight 163 died when the plane caught fire and made an emergency return to Riyadh airport. 2004: Google Inc. raised 1.66 billion dollars in its initial public offering. 2010: The last American combat brigade left Iraq, seven years and five months after the US-led invasion began the Iraq War. Mark Warren of Alaskas Anchorage region in the United States was stunned when Russian officials contacted him and handed over a new Ural motorcycle, describing it as a personal gift from Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was told the bike had been flown in from Russia on the same jet as Putin The motorcycle, a Ural, was given to Mark Warren by Andrei Ledenev, a staff member of the Russian embassy. Image: X A man from Alaskas Anchorage region has received a new motorcycle from Russian officials, who said it was a personal gift from Vladimir Putin. The event took place against the backdrop of last weeks summit in Alaska between the Russian President and US President Donald Trump. ALSO READ | Why Putins bodyguards carried poop suitcase to Alaska summit with Trump The motorcycle, a Ural, was given to Mark Warren by Andrei Ledenev, a staff member of the Russian embassy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But who is Mark Warren? And what made Putin give him this gift? Find out here: Who is Mark Warren? Mark Warren is a retired fire inspector who was handed the keys to a new Ural motorcycle by a staff member of the Russian embassy in the United States. I have to say that this is a personal gift from the President of the Russian Federation, embassy official Andrei Ledenev told Warren. Warren, white-haired and wearing glasses, was seen climbing onto the motorcycle with Ledenev sitting behind him and another man in the sidecar as they set off for a short ride. An unexpected twist in Anchorage: Mark Warren, longed for spare parts for his Russian Ural bike but couldnt get them due to sanctions, just received a brand-new motorcycle from Vladimir Putin via Russian diplomats Sanctions just spark a presidential gift! pic.twitter.com/YIJzTVCFsm RT (@RT_com) August 18, 2025 Its night and day, Warren said. I like my old one, but this one is obviously much better. Im speechless, its amazing. Thank you very much. Why did Putin gift Warren a bike? The surprise gift came after an encounter between Warren and Russian state television Channel 1 reporters in Anchorage before the summit. He soon appeared in their news report on the effects of sanctions placed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, telling them that maintaining his bike had become costly and spare parts were increasingly difficult to find. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Warren told journalist Valentin Bogdanov that he had trouble getting replacements, including a new starter, as the plant was located in Ukraine. The Ural company was first set up in Soviet Russia and is now based in Washington state. On its website, Ural states that it condemned Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine and that production ground to a halt due to inability to import components and export bikes out of Russia caused by international sanctions laid on the country. How did the bike reach Warren? Warren said he was first told about it during a phone call from one of the journalists who had interviewed him. The reporter explained that the video had gone viral in Russia and even reached President Vladimir Putin, who decided to give him a new Ural motorcycle. Not long after, Warren got another call, this time from someone in the Russian government. Were gonna get you a bike, he recalled being told, speaking to Anchorage Daily News. His response at the time was, OK, thats fine. On Friday night, once the Trump-Putin summit had ended and both leaders had left, Warren received yet another call. This time, a Russian official told him, We have your bike. Its on the base, but were trying to figure out how to get it to you. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Warren later learned that the motorcycle had been flown in from Russia on the same jet as Putin. The next day, a group of Russian officials and a cameraman met him in a car park. A large sheet covered something that clearly looked like a bike. Alaska resident Mark Warren rides his new Ural motorcycle. Image: Russia-1/Reuters Looks like a bike, Warren said cautiously as he walked up, in a moment captured on Russian state TV. With a quick pull, the officials revealed a khaki green Ural motorcycle. This is a personal gift from the president of the Russian Federation, one of the men told him. Warren later found out that the motorcycle had been built on August 12, suggesting it was arranged quickly. Footage of the handover has been shown on Russian television and reported by news agencies. According to The Moscow Times, Russian media presented the gift as a sign of goodwill from Moscow. A document Warren shared with Alaskas News Source from the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the United States stated: The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the United States of America on behalf of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir V. Putin, transfers as an act of giving the following property: Motorcycle Gear-Up,. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Cordial with a whole lot of praise Thats how the much-anticipated summit between Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump and European leaders unfolded. Few definite outcomes were reached in the meeting at the White House. Progress was made on ending the war, with the US president even indicating that America would give Ukraine very good protection US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stand for a family photo with European leaders in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC. European leaders join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in talks with US President Donald Trump, as they try to find a way to end Russia's offensive. AFP Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office at the White House. We have seen this scene before, but Mondays meeting (August 18) was unlike the February one where the US president berated his Ukrainian counterpart, following which Zelenskyy abruptly left the premises. This time around, there was no shouting match and even a few moments of levity. Also, on Monday, Zelenskyy wasnt alone; he was accompanied by a remarkable delegation of European leaders Germanys Friedrich Merz, Frances Emmanuel Macron, the United Kingdoms Keir Starmer, Natos Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Council President Ursula Von der Leyen, Finlands President Alexander Stubb and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni who rushed to the US in support of the Ukrainian leader. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What was even more noticeable was Zelenskyys choice of attire; gone was the combat-style of dressing, with the Ukrainian president opting for a black suit. But what was the outcome of this meeting that came on the heels of Trump meeting Russias Vladimir Putin in Alaska? A Putin-Zelenskyy meet is likely Following his talks with Zelenskyy and the European leaders, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had called Vladimir Putin to begin arranging talks between the Russian leader and Zelenskyy. The US president wrote on Truth Social that everyone is very happy about the possibility of peace for Russia/Ukraine. At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy, Trump wrote. If it takes place, this would be the first meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders since Moscows invasion nearly three-and-a-half years ago, and comes as Trump tries to live up to his promise to quickly end the war. It will also be significant, as Putin regards Zelenskyy as an illegitimate head of state. A Putin adviser confirmed that the American leader had spoken to his Russian counterpart for 40 minutes by phone on Monday. Yuri Ushakov, Putins foreign policy aide, said in a statement that Putin and Trump had a frank and very constructive phone conversation about the meeting with Zelenskyy and the European leaders at the White House. Later, Zelenskyy confirmed to reporters outside the White House he was ready for a bilateral with bitter foe Putin, whose invasion of Ukraine has led to tens of thousands of deaths. Additionally, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also said that Putin had agreed to a bilateral meeting within the next two weeks, but there was no confirmation of a date or location. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump listen to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speak during a meeting with European leaders in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC. AFP Trump hints at security guarantees One of the key topics discussed at Mondays meeting between Zelenskyy, his European allies and Donald Trump was the United States role in security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump told Zelenskyy that the US would help guarantee Ukraines security but was vague on the specifics of the assistance. When asked by reporters if US security guarantees would mean American boots on the ground, Trump didnt rule it out. He said Europe was the first line of defence, but that well be involved. Well give them good protection, the US president said at one point. Trump also added that Putin said Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine. His comments were welcomed by the European leaders, with Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, saying it was good to hear the nations were working on Article Five-like security guarantees. For those who dont know, Natos Article Five is the principle that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all of them. The Financial Times later reported that Ukraine had undertaken to buy $100 billion of US weapons financed by Europe in return for US guarantees for its security. Zelenskyy later spoke to reporters about a $90 billion package, and said Ukraine and its allies would formalise the terms of the security guarantees within 10 days. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (From left to right) Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump, and French President Emmanuel Macron stand for a family photo with European leaders in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC. AFP Ceasefire remains a point of contention Earlier, Trump had threatened Russia and Putin with severe consequences if he didnt agree to a ceasefire. However, at Mondays meeting, Trump, it seems, has softened his stance on it, calling for both the sides to work out a final peace agreement. I dont think you need a ceasefire, said Trump, adding, I like the concept of a ceasefire for one reason: because youd stop killing people immediately, as opposed to in two weeks or one week or whatever it takes. But we can work a deal where were working on a peace deal while theyre fighting. They have to fight. I wish they could stop, Id like them to stop, but strategically, that could be a disadvantage for one side or the other. However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Trump for a rethink. I cant imagine the next meeting will take place without a ceasefire, he said, referring to a potential meeting between Trump, Putin and Zelenskyy. So lets work on that. But, Trump didnt appear gung-ho on this idea. Moreover, even Zelenskyy did not push on his previous calls for a ceasefire to be put in place. President Donald Trump meets with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office of the White House. AP Clothes matter Mondays meeting at the Oval Office was remarkably different than the one in February between Zelenskyy and Trump. In fact, it seemed that the Ukrainian president had learnt from the past and chose to suit up this time, after being harangued for not wearing one the previous time. The two leaders even joked about Zelenskyys attire this time around with Trump even saying, I dont believe it I love it! as he greeted the Ukrainian leader to the White House. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelensky wears a suit to please Trump. And Trump commends him for this. . The White House has upended global protocols of diplomacy in ways that were impossible to imagine few years ago. pic.twitter.com/iQ3BQZl6OJ Asha Jadeja Motwani (@ashajadeja325) August 18, 2025 Later, even within the Oval Office, Zelenskyys suit took centre stage with Brian Glenn, the reporter for Real Americas Voice, who had initially questioned him on his attire last time, saying: President Zelenskyy, you look fabulous in that suit! Trump joined in, saying, I said the same thing and telling Zelenskyy that thats the one that attacked you last time. I remember, responded the Ukrainian, before adding to the American reporter that you are wearing the same suit as six months ago. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reporter: President Zelensky, You look fabulous in that suit. Trump: I said the same thing. Thats the reporter who attacked you the last time. Zelensky: I remember... By the way, hes in the same suit. I changed. You are not. #TrumpZelenskyMeet pic.twitter.com/Wt5yTcQQ6f TomiLola (@TomiLolaMoments) August 18, 2025 Apart from Zelenskyys suit, there was also a lot of bonhomie at the meeting, something that was severely lacking last time. In fact, criticised for not being grateful to the US for help during his last meeting, Zelenskyy was profusely thankful uttering six thank yous within the first few minutes of the meeting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also added a personal touch to the meeting by presenting the US president with a letter from his wife, Olena Zelenskaa, which was meant for the US First Lady, Melania Trump. Its not to you - [its] to your wife, he told Trump. Even the other European leaders made it a point to lavish praise on Trump with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said while there had previously been no sign that Russia wanted to move towards peace something had changed thanks to Trump. A supporter of Ukraine holds a placard near the White House ahead of the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, European leaders and US President Donald Trump in Washington. AFP A united Europe A significant highlight of Mondays meeting was the fact that the European leaders arrived in Washington as reinforcements for Zelenskyy. And by and large, they succeeded in their visit: they made sure there was no repeat of the earlier Oval Office spat and Kyivs interests were broadly defended. But as one CFR Council report stated in one report, Its never quite enough. And so, in the short-to-medium term, for better or worse, this war will likely go on. With inputs from agencies Thailand launched a new TouristDigiPay service that allows visitors to convert digital assets, such as cryptocurrency, into Baht to cover their travel expenses in the country. Announced by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, the 18-month pilot project aims to boost tourism, which has seen a major slump in recent years Thailand's new the new TouristDigiPay scheme could boost spending by international visitors by about 10 per cent or roughly 175 billion baht. File image/Reuters Thailand is opening a new chapter in tourism through a move that lets foreign visitors convert their digital assets, such as cryptocurrency, into baht to cover their travel expenses and spending in the country. The initiative, called TouristDigiPay, was announced on Monday by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira. Its being rolled out as an 18-month nationwide pilot and will be within a regulatory sandbox. Pichai explained that the scheme is aimed at easing travel for foreigners while giving a fresh push to Thailands economy, which leans heavily on tourism. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We want to take every action to facilitate foreign tourists for their stays in Thailand, he said. This new program adds a new innovation to replace overseas visitors cash and credit card use here. So, what exactly does this mean for travellers? And how will it help Thailand revive its all-important tourism sector? Heres a closer look at the TouristDigiPay program How will Tourist DigiPay work? With TouristDigiPay, travellers wont need to rely only on cash or cards. Instead, they can convert their digital assets into baht through licensed digital-asset platforms and e-money providers. Shops and businesses in Thailand will still get paid in baht, so no direct crypto payments, just regular money. To get started, visitors will need to open accounts with both a digital-asset business and an e-money provider. These are regulated by Thailands SEC and the Bank of Thailand to make sure the system is safe. Tourists will also have to go through standard identity checks, including KYC (Know Your Customer) and CDD (Customer Due Diligence), under the Anti-Money Laundering Offices rules. Once set up, tourists can swap their crypto for baht and pay electronically, including by simply scanning a QR code. As reported by The Nation, the Tourist Wallet will first work as an e-money tool for converting currency, with future plans to connect it directly to international debit and credit cards. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thailand is likely to be the first country in the world to launch such a system where tourists can hey can convert their digital assets into baht. File image/reuters To keep things secure, spending caps are in place. Tourists can spend up to 500,000 baht per month at merchants with card terminals, and up to 50,000 baht at smaller shops. Businesses flagged as high-risk for money laundering will not be allowed to accept payments. One more rule: tourists wont be able to withdraw cash anytime they want. They can only take money out when closing their Tourist Wallet account, which helps reduce the risk of misuse. Thailand is likely to be the first country in the world to launch such a system, Finance Minister Pichai said. If the 18-month trial goes well, spending limits could be raised in the future, according to The Bangkok Post. Also read: Thailand introduces e-visa for Indians: What is it? Which countries offer Indians this facility? Why it matters for Thailands tourism Tourism has long been one of Thailands biggest economic lifelines, contributing about 12 per cent of the countrys GDP. Chinese travellers, in particular, have played a major role, but their numbers are now falling sharply. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As of 10 August, Thailand recorded 20.2 million visitor arrivals, a 6.9 per cent drop compared with last year. The national planning agency has already cut its 2025 forecast for foreign tourists from 37 million to 33 million, after Chinese arrivals plunged 33 per cent in the first half of the year. The decline followed safety concerns linked to high-profile incidents, including the kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing near the Myanmar border. Further, A weaker yen is making Japan a more affordable destination, while Vietnam is emerging as a low-cost alternative. To fill the gap, Thailand is now working to attract more travellers from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Tourism has long been one of Thailands biggest economic lifelines, contributing about 12 per cent of the countrys GDP. Thai leaders see digital payments as a way to stand out. File image. Reuters Thai leaders see digital payments as a way to stand out, offering travellers not just affordability, but also a modern and unique experience. Finance Minister Pichai believes the new TouristDigiPay scheme could boost spending by international visitors by about 10 per cent or roughly 175 billion baht. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With input from agencies Vivek Agnihotris film The Bengal Files has sparked controversy with the launch of its trailer on August 16 in Kolkata abruptly cancelled, and an FIR and legal notice against the director. The film revolves around the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots. What happened then, and what was Gopal Pathas role in the incident? Vivek Agnihotris film The Bengal Files has sparked controversy. The launch of its trailer on August 16 in Kolkata was abruptly cancelled. An FIR has been filed against Agnihotri and the director has also received a legal notice. Agnihotri previously made The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files. The film stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, and Pallavi Joshi. It is slated to be released on September 5. But what happened in Kolkata in 1946? Who was Gopal Patha, one of the main characters of the film? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look: What happened in Kolkata in 1946? Agnihotris movie centres around the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots. The riots, one of the bloodiest and darkest chapters of pre-Independence history, lasted four days. While estimates vary, it is said that around 10,000 people were killed as a result of the riots. The riots on August 16, 1946, came about as a result of Direct Action Day which was called by Muhammed Ali Jinnah and the Muslim League. Jinnah and the Leagues goal was to pressure the British to give Muslims a separate homeland. By this time, the relationship between Jinnahs Muslim league and the Indian National Congress had completely broken down. It is important to note the political context in Bengal at the time. While Bengal had a majority Muslim population, most of them are in eastern Bengal what we know today as Bangladesh. Calcutta, meanwhile, was comprised overwhelmingly of Hindus. The state had also witnessed incidence of communal violence sporadically during the 20th Century. Bengal, particularly Dhaka, was also where the All India Muslim League was born. Huseyn Suhrawardy, Bengali Muslim leader and Jinnah rival within the League, was the then Chief Minister of Bengal. Many lay the blame for the killings at Suhrawardys feet. He is said to have made a number of speeches hinting at a support for violence. He is also reportedly have said made a speech saying that the police would be restrained. On August 16, 1946, things quickly spiralled out of control as mobs took to the streets of Calcutta. Looting and mass murder ran rampant. Law and order saw a complete breakdown in the city. Enter Gopal Patha. Who was Gopal Patha? Gopal Patha was born Gopal Chandra Mukherjee in Kolkata in 1913. Patha means goat in Bengali a reference to his familys meat shop on College Street. Pathas actions after the riots began would forever establish him as a controversial figure within Indian history. While some describe him as a protector of Hindus at the time of the riots, others refer to him as a criminal and a gangleader who commanded between 500 and 800 men. Patha on August 18 is said to have organised the Hindu resistance against the Muslim mobs in Calcutta. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gopal Patha was born Gopal Chandra Mukherjee in Kolkata in 1913. Patha means goat in Bengali a reference to his familys meat shop on College Street. Patha himself recounted events to journalist Andrew Whitehead in 1997 thus, It was a very critical time for the country. We thought if the whole area became Pakistan, there would be more torture and repression. So I called all my boys together and said it was time to retaliate. If you come to know that one murder has taken place, you commit 10 murders. That was the order to my boys. It was basically duty, he added. I had to help those in distress. The witnesses to the Calcutta killings describe gruesome scenes including bodies being piled three or four feet high on top of each other and brains and blood oozing out of them. There is an interesting coda to the story of Patha. A year after the riots, Gandhiji visited Calcutta. The city was still in ruins from the riots. Journalists recounted how many people came with weapons including swords daggers and countrymen guns in place them at his feet. Lord Mountbatten called this the miracle of Calcutta. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, Patha was unmoved. He refused to surrender his weapons, saying that he had defended the women and the people of his area with them. Where was Gandhiji during the Great Calcutta killings? he asked. Pathas grandson cries foul Pathas grandson Santanu Mukherjee has cried foul over the film. Santanu has sent Agnihotri a legal notice. He has said that his grandfather was a freedom fighter and has accused Agnihotri of using derogatory language against him and denigrating his ideology. My grandfather was a brave heart who took up arms to defend the Bengalis. The director has used insulting terms against him without even seeking our permission or consulting the family", Santanu said. Santanu accused Agnihotri of referring to his grandfather as a butcher and tarnishing his legacy as a freedom fighter. Santanu told The Times of India that his grandfather protected Muslim families in his neighbourhood during the riots. Santanus sister claimed that Patha sheltered Muslim families on the terrace of his home including the kin of a rickshaw puller they called Rafique Chacha. Santanu has also said the term Patha is misunderstood. He said that local Biharis began calling his grandfather Gopal Patha due to his bravery and that it has nothing to do with goats. Santanu claimed the film is ill-researched and will do his grandfathers reputation more harm than good. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Agnihotri hits back Agnihotri has responded by claiming that Shantanu works with the TMC and he is doing what is compulsory for him. He was a hero. I have showed him as a hero in the film. I have taken a small bit from his interview with the BBC, and taken what he said verbatim. I am aware that the people of Bengal regard him as a hero, and that is how I have shown him, Agnihotri said. Vivek Agnihotri has responded by claiming that Santanu works with the TMC and he is doing what is compulsory for him. Mukherjee died in 2005 at age 92. In 2015, a far-right group in Kolkata held a march to commemorate the the Great Calcutta killings and celebrate the role Mukherjee played in it. The group during the march placed large billboards on vans celebrating Mukherjee as Kolkatar Rakhakarta (Kolkatas protector) and prefixed the title Hindu bir (Hindu braveheart) ahead of his name. With the release of The Bengal Files imminent, the ebate on Mukherjees role in Indian history will likely not die down anytime soon. With inputs from agencies Donald Trump has declared that he resolved six wars in six months, citing conflicts from Israel-Iran to India-Pakistan and Congo-Rwanda. While he presents himself as a global peacemaker, many of these agreements were fragile ceasefires, disputed by the governments involved, or remain unresolved French President Emmanuel Macron looks at US President Donald Trump during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (not pictured) and European leaders amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, August 18, 2025. File Image/Reuters Just hours before he hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Monday along with other European leaders, United States President Donald Trump asserted that he has brought an end to six separate wars within just six months of his presidency. The claim, repeated across speeches, social media posts, and interviews is aimed at Trump positioning himself as a global mediator. Ive settled 6 Wars in 6 months, one of them a possible Nuclear disaster Despite all of my lightweight and very jealous critics, Ill get it done I always do!!! Trump wrote on his Truth Social account ahead of the meeting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump is attempting to broker an end to the war in Ukraine, which has stretched into its fourth year. By placing his previous peace initiatives at the forefront, the US president has sought to project himself as a peacemaker-in-chief and even hinted at aspirations for the Nobel Peace Prize. Do Trumps claims match reality? Trump and his administration have consistently referenced numerous conflicts that he says his leadership helped bring to an end. These could be: Israel and Iran The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda Cambodia and Thailand India and Pakistan Armenia and Azerbaijan Serbia and Kosovo (first term) Egypt and Ethiopia (first term) Iran and Russia opposed the Armenia-Azerbaijan deal signed earlier this month at the White House, fearing a shift in regional influence. Israel and Iran One of the most dramatic episodes cited by Trump was the 12-day war in June between Israel and Iran. The US itself was directly involved, carrying out strikes with bunker-buster bombs against Iranian nuclear and military sites. Afterwards, Trump announced a ceasefire between the two countries, framing it as a breakthrough that had prevented further escalation. The White House described the outcome as a success that diminished Irans nuclear capacity and reduced the likelihood of a wider conflict. Still, many analysts have noted that Washingtons direct military role makes the claim of ending a war more complicated. Israel has since warned that it retains the right to strike Iran again if the nuclear programme is rebuilt, leaving the ceasefire fragile. On social media, Trump presented it as a clear victory: It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE. However, no permanent peace framework has been established, and nuclear talks with Iran have not moved forward. Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda In June, Trump hosted leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda at the White House, where a peace agreement was signed under US mediation. The two nations have been embroiled in years of hostilities, with cross-border violence displacing millions and fuelling one of the worlds largest humanitarian crises. At the signing ceremony, Trump proclaimed: Today, the violence and destruction comes to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope and opportunity, harmony, prosperity and peace. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite the ceremony, violations emerged soon afterwards. The Congolese army and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group accused each other of fresh attacks and military buildups. International observers have cautioned that while the agreement represented progress, stability in the region remains uncertain. Cambodia and Thailand Another instance frequently cited by the Trump administration is the five-day border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand in July, which led to dozens of deaths and displaced thousands. The US president personally phoned leaders from both nations to press for a ceasefire, later noting on social media: The call with Cambodia has ended, but expect to call back regarding War stoppage and Ceasefire based on what Thailand has to say. I am trying to simplify a complex situation! Eventually, the two countries signed a truce in Malaysia, following pressure from Washington. However, reports of violations soon surfaced as both governments accused each other of further skirmishes. Regional powers, including China, urged the neighbours to maintain calm. India and Pakistan Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated in May when India retaliated against Pakistan after the April Pahalgam terror attack. India struck Pakistani targets inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan itself. The confrontation marked the most serious flare-up since 2019. Following days of cross-border firing and assault, Trump announced a resolution, stating: After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Trump claimed to have leveraged trade relationships to press both sides into de-escalation, the Indian government has repeatedly dismissed the idea that Washington mediated the ceasefire. New Delhi has historically resisted external involvement in the Kashmir issue, and this denial has only fuelled scepticism about Trumps role. Serbia and Kosovo (First Term) The Serbia-Kosovo dispute, dating back to Kosovos 2008 declaration of independence, has long remained a point of tension in the Balkans. In 2020, during Trumps first term, his administration oversaw the Washington Agreement, which focused on short-term economic normalisation. While Trump has since cited this as a conflict he resolved, the agreement did not address the underlying territorial and political disputes. As of 2025, tensions remain, with Nato urging renewed dialogue between the two sides. Egypt and Ethiopia (First Term) Another conflict Trump references is the standoff between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River. Egypt fears the dam will threaten its water supply, while Ethiopia insists it is essential for its energy needs. During his first term, Trump attempted to mediate negotiations but failed to secure a final deal. Ethiopia later walked away from US-brokered talks, and Trump controversially suggested Egypt might eventually blow up the dam, leading to accusations from Ethiopia that he was inciting war. Nevertheless, Trump and his aides continue to count the situation among his resolved conflicts, arguing that his involvement prevented escalation. In reality, negotiations remain ongoing, and the dispute is far from settled. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukraine talks: Another war Trump will end? While Trump has cited six conflicts as victories, he has also suggested that Ukraine could represent his seventh major peace deal. Negotiations remain ongoing, with Trump attempting to arrange direct talks between Zelenskyy and Putin. Trump has often insisted that his agreements are more than temporary pauses in fighting. If you look at the six deals that I settled this year, they were all at war. I didnt do any ceasefires, he told Zelenskyy during their Oval Office meeting. At his Alaska meeting with the Russian leader, Trump rolled back his push for a ceasefire, instead echoing Putins position that borders and territory should be decided before guns fall silent. Zelenskyy, on the other hand, has insisted that a ceasefire must precede any discussion of territorial arrangements. Trump told the Ukrainian president, I dont think you need a ceasefire. He also pledged US backing for European-led security guarantees, saying: European countries want to give protection and they feel very strongly about it and well help them out with that. Zelenskyy welcomed the assurance, calling it such (a) strong signal. US Vice President JD Vance, present during the talks, remained silent. Observers noted a stark contrast with earlier meetings in February, when Trump and Vance criticised Zelenskyy for insufficient gratitude for American support. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By his own count, Trump has resolved six wars within months of taking office for a second term. In practice, the record is more mixed. Some of the conflicts he references were already de-escalating, others saw only temporary ceasefires, and several continue to see violence despite the deals announced. In a few cases, such as Ethiopia and Egypt, no war existed, only a protracted diplomatic dispute. Trumps approach has nonetheless produced moments of visible progress, including high-profile White House signings and temporary halts to fighting. But long-term stability remains elusive in nearly every case. With inputs from agencies The US has revoked over 6,000 student visas this year, citing law violations, terrorism-related activity, and stricter vetting measures under the Trump administration. While officials defend the policy as necessary for national security, universities warn of steep enrolment drops, billions in economic losses, and long-term risks to Americas academic competitiveness A student visa permits those outside the US to study in the country for a set amount of time at an academic institution. It differs from a green card, which allows an individual already in the US who is not an American citizen to remain in the country. Representational Image The United States has revoked more than 6,000 student visas in 2025 so far, a move that reflects a significant shift in immigration under President Donald Trumps administration. Officials in Washington insist the measures are meant to protect national security and uphold US laws, but the decision has unsettled universities and raised alarms among international students. According to the US State Department, roughly 6,000 student visas most of them F-1 visas have been revoked since the beginning of the year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A large proportion of those revocations, about 4,000, were tied to students who had allegedly committed crimes while in the United States. The infractions cited include incidents of assault, arrests for driving under the influence, and cases of burglary. The development was first reported by Fox News. In addition to the criminal violations, between 200 and 300 visas were rescinded under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act that deal with terrorism-related activities. These provisions allow immigration authorities to deny entry or revoke permission for individuals accused of supporting or engaging in acts that endanger human life or threaten public safety. A senior US State Department official said that in some cases, students had been linked to activities such as raising money for Hamas, which the US designates as a terrorist organization. The numbers are part of a much larger wave of visa cancellations across all categories. Officials confirmed that approximately 40,000 visas have been revoked in 2025 so far, compared to around 16,000 over the same period during the Biden administration. Student visas, however, remain among the most heavily scrutinised, given the size of the international student population and their presence on US campuses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Trump has taken a tougher stance on foreign students The Trump administration has pursued a tougher line on student visas since returning to power. In January, the US president signed a series of executive orders directing federal agencies to strengthen vetting procedures for foreign nationals entering the country. One of the directives instructed the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the Attorney General, and the Director of National Intelligence to vet and screen to the maximum degree possible all aliens who intend to be admitted, enter, or are already inside the United States, particularly those aliens coming from regions or nations with identified security risks. Another executive order instructed authorities to use every available legal tool against individuals engaged in antisemitic harassment or violence. The administration has justified the approach as part of its broader strategy to combat terrorism and protect American campuses from extremist ideologies. Earlier this year, the US State Department temporarily halted new student visa interviews and applications. When processing resumed, applicants were told to set their social media accounts to public. Consular officers were instructed to review online activity for signs of hostility toward US culture, institutions, and founding principles. A diplomatic cable noted that restricted or hidden online activity could be considered evidence of an attempt to conceal problematic behaviour. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Trump 2.0 has defended the policy US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has become one of the most vocal defenders of the administrations approach. In an interview with EWTN network this month, he said, There is no constitutional right to a student visa. A student visa is something we decide to give you. Visas of every kind are denied every day all over the world. As I speak to you now, someones visa application to the US is being denied. So, if I would have denied you a visa had I known something about you, and I find out afterwards that I gave you a visa and I found this out about you, why wouldnt I be able to revoke your visa? Rubio has also told lawmakers that the administration intends to continue revoking visas if students disrupt higher education institutions. In testimony before a Senate appropriations subcommittee in May, he said, I dont know the latest count, but we probably have more to do. Were going to continue to revoke the visas of people who are here as guests and are disrupting our higher education facilities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US State Department echoed that stance in a statement to Fox News, saying, Every single student visa revoked under the Trump Administration has happened because the individual has either broken the law or expressed support for terrorism while in the United States. How this has affected some students One of the most widely reported incidents involved Tufts University PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk. In March, Ozturks visa was abruptly revoked and she was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, some of whom were masked. She was held in ICE custody until May, when a judge ordered her release. Her case became a rallying point for student groups and rights organisations concerned about arbitrary visa cancellations. Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish student at Tufts University in Massachusetts, was taken into custody by ICE agents near her home on Tuesday. X Beyond individual cases, international students participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations against the war in Gaza have faced heightened scrutiny. Administration officials have accused some of those students of antisemitism and of lending support to terrorism. The visa cancellations have also drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who argue that the process lacks adequate safeguards for students and undermines fundamental liberties. US Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon said in May, I do think its a fundamental attack on freedom, because due process is the guardian of the gate to keep a government from taking away peoples life or liberty, and liberty is what happens when you take away a visa without due process. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Civil liberties advocates have also raised questions about whether linking students to protests or social media activity could result in unjust visa revocations. Critics say the approach conflates legitimate political expression with national security threats and risks silencing dissent on American campuses. How this has impacted international enrolment The clampdown has coincided with a sharp drop in student visa issuance. In fiscal year 2024, the United States granted about 400,000 F-1 visas. But analysts now expect significantly fewer approvals in 2025, given the pause in interviews earlier this year and the new vetting requirements. Forecasts by NAFSA: Association of International Educators and JB International predict a decline of 30 to 40 per cent in new international student enrolment this fall. That reduction could cause overall enrollment to fall by about 15 per cent. NAFSA has warned that such an outcome would deprive local economies of $7 billion in spending and more than 60,000 jobs. The organisation estimated in July that without a rebound in visa processing before the start of the academic year, as many as 150,000 fewer students could arrive. Bloomberg has reported that first-time foreign student enrollment could decline by as much as 30 per cent this year, translating into tuition revenue losses of roughly $2.6 billion across US campuses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An economic impact model prepared by NAFSA suggested that more than 60,000 local jobs could be affected, particularly in college towns and metropolitan areas where universities are major employers. How Indian students have been affected Indian students, who form the largest international student group in the United States and are heavily concentrated in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programmes, have been especially impacted. They contribute nearly $9 billion annually to the US economy, not only through tuition but also through living expenses and research contributions. Delays in visa appointments and sudden rejections have created widespread uncertainty among Indian applicants. A bipartisan group of 14 US representatives, including three Indian-American lawmakers, wrote to Rubio last month urging action to address the backlog. They highlighted the critical role of Indian students in sustaining US research and innovation and highlighted the broader importance of educational exchanges in strengthening US-India relations. Experts warn that if the downward trend continues, US institutions risk losing their competitive edge in global education and scientific research. Universities are already bracing for further challenges, including potential federal funding cuts that could reduce research grants, financial aid, and support for international education. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The visa restrictions come at a time when the United States remains the top destination for international students. In the 2023-24 academic year, more than 1.1 million foreign students from over 210 countries were enrolled in US institutions, according to data collected by Open Doors. With inputs from agencies The White House multilateral between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a host of European leaders, which followed the meeting between Putin and Trump in Alaska, has ended with more questions than answers. Trump has said he will try to set up a bilateral meeting between Ukraine and Russia, followed by a trilateral between all three countries Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gestures during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office of the White House, amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, in Washington, D.C., US, on Monday. Reuters The White House multilateral between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a host of European leaders has ended. This followed the summit in Alaska between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. Trump after the meeting said he would set up a bilateral between Zelenskyy and Putin. He said this would be followed by a trilateral between himself, Putin, and Zelenskyy. But what happens next for Ukraine? Let us take a closer look STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelenskyy-Putin bilateral soon? Trump said his meeting with Zelenskyy and the European leaders was very good. He said all the parties discussed the security guarantees that would be offered to Ukraine. There are reports that the United States plans to offer Ukraine a Nato-style security guarantee. Putin himself has agreed to such a condition, according to Trump envoy Steve Witkoff. Such a guarantee would ensure Ukraine does not join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), which is a red line for Russia. It would also give Kyiv peace of mind while Ensuring that other countries are not legally required to come to its defence in case of a fresh attack by Russia. Trump said he would be making arrangements to set up a face-to-face meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. Trump said he called Putin after the gathering at the White House to explain to him what had been decided. At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy, Trump said. Vladimir Putin at the 2025 Alaska summit with Donald Trump. Reuters/File Photo However, there are reports that Trump actually paused the meeting with Zelenskyy and the other European leaders to reach out to Putin. Finnish President Alexander Stubb claimed that Trump placed this call at the behest of European leaders. According to the Kremlin, the call lasted for 40 minutes. Trump said that US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would take charge of arranging the bilateral between Putin and Zelenskyy. While there is no official timeline for the bilateral, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said it could occur within two weeks. Trump said that bilateral would be followed by a meeting between himself, Putin and Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself, Trump said. Were going to have a meeting. I think if everything works out well today well have a trilat and I think there will be a reasonable chance of ending the war when we do that. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD European leaders remain sceptical However, many remain wary of Putins intentions. Stubb remarked after the meet, Putin is rarely to be trusted. So now it remains to be seen whether he has the courage to come to this type of meeting. Does he have the courage to come to a trilateral meeting, or is he once again playing for time? President Emmanuel Macron also raised doubts about Putin. Do I think they could be conclusive? I remain very cautious, Macron said. We have the American president and Ukraine who want peace I am not convinced about Putin, the French president said. French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Donald Trump listen to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speak during a meeting with European leaders in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC. AFP I have the greatest doubts about the Russian presidents desire for peace. His ultimate goal is to take as much territory as possible, weaken Ukraine and have a Ukraine that is not viable on its own or within Russias sphere of influence. This is pretty obvious to everyone, Macron said. However, Macron praised Trumps optimism about ensuring a peace deal and added it must be taken seriously. If he considers he can get a deal done, this is great news and we have to do whatever we can to have a great deal, the French president said. Still no ceasefire Prior to the summit between Trump and Putin, the US president had threatened Russia with consequences if it refused to accept the ceasefire. Trump, who in recent months had taken a harsher line on Putin, said he was mulling imposing tariffs on Moscow. Trump, remember, had vowed to end Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office again. European leaders organised a phone call between themselves, Zelenskyy, Trump and Vance to set the agenda for the talks with Putin in Alaska. After the call, they said they all agreed that getting Putin to agree to a ceasefire was Trumps top priority. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, no ceasefire agreement was made in Alaska. In fact, Trump seems to have changed his tune after the face-to-face with Putin. Trump during meeting at the White House call is said to have told Zelenskyy that Ukraine does not need a ceasefire and that they should go straight into negotiating a peace deal. I dont know that its necessary, Trump said about a ceasefire. Trump said Zelenskyy and Putin should talk and well see how that works out. US President Donald Trump has said there is no need for a ceasefire. File image/ Reuters I know that it might be good to have, but I can also understand, strategically, why one country or the other wouldnt want it. You have a ceasefire and they rebuild and rebuild and rebuild and maybe they dont want that, Trump said. In the six wars that I have settled, I havent had a ceasefire So if we can do the ceasefire, great, and if we dont do a ceasefire, because many other points were given to us, many, many points were given to us, great points. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps statement music to Moscows ears, Kremlin remains non-committal This is basically towing the Kremlins line and is music to Moscows ears. Kirill Dmitriev, one of Putins top negotiators, called the meet in Washington as an important day of diplomacy. Dmitriev, who also runs Russias sovereign wealth fund, wrote on X, An important day of diplomacy today with the focus on Lasting Peace not a Temporary Ceasefire. However, European leaders remain insistent that a ceasefire is necessary before any negotiations can take place. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said real negotiations Russia and Ukraine can only occur after a ceasefire has been called. Merz said weapons need to fall silent before any such meet. The way is open for complicated negotiations. And to be honest, we all would like to see a ceasefire, Merz said. The latest from the next meeting on, I cant imagine that the next meeting would [take] place without a ceasefire, so lets work on that, and lets try to put pressure on Russia, he added. The Kremlin has said Russian President is open to meeting Zelenskyy. AFP Macron too has said a ceasefire needs to be called before any bilateral meet between Zelenskyy and Putin. Zelenskyy has agreed, in-principle, to face-to-face talks with Putin. The Ukrainian president has also said that no preconditions need to be set for such a meeting. I confirmed, and all European leaders supported me ,that we are ready for a bilateral meeting with Putin, Zelenskyy said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Trump seems enthusiastic about the meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, Russia has remained non-committal. The Kremlin has publicly said that Putin is open to the idea of meeting Zelenskyy. However, there are reports that Putin during the phone call with Trump said he is willing to do meet the Ukrainian leader. Ukrainian leaders to remain sceptical. How can you negotiate peace without a truce, without a ceasefire, when the situation on the front line is changing? MP Oleksandr Merezhko wondered while speaking to CNN. If the situation is changing, its difficult to negotiate. Journalist Kristina Berdynskykh added, I have a prediction: Everything will go great at the White House. Between Zelensky and Trump. Between Trump and the Europeans. Between Zelensky, Trump, and the Europeans. And then Trump will call Putin, and everything will change a hundred times again. It remains to be seen what developments occur next. The Opposition India bloc has chosen ex-Supreme Court judge Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the vice-presidential election. Reddy will go up against National Democratic Alliance pick CP Radhakrishnan, who is the governor of Maharashtra. But what do we know about Reddy? What are his chances of winning? The suspense is over. The Opposition India bloc has chosen its candidate for the vice-presidential election ex-Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy. Reddy will go up against National Democratic Alliance pick CP Radhakrishnan, who is the governor of Maharashtra. The development comes in the aftermath of the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice-President of India. Though Dhankhar has claimed he has resigned for medical reasons, many have been speculating that he has been forced to step down by an unhappy BJP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The vice-presidential polls are slated to occur on September 9. The last date for submitting nominations is August 21, while August 22 is the date for the scrutiny and August 25 is the last date for the withdrawal of candidatures. Radhakrishnan is set to file his candidacy this evening. The vice- president is also the chairman of the Rajya Sabha. This vice-presidential contest is an ideological battle, and all the opposition parties agreed on this, and this is the reason we have nominated B Sudershan Reddy as the joint candidate, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said while announcing him as the Opposition pick. He has been a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic and political justice. He is a poor man, and many judgments, if you read, will know how he favoured the poor people and also protected the Constitution and fundamental rights, Kharge added. There are reports that the names of ex-ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai and Mahatma Gandhis great-grandson and author Tushar Gandhi were also floated as the Opposition candidate. But who is the 79-year-old Reddy? What do we know about him? What are his chances of winning? Lets take a closer look Who is Reddy? Reddy was born on July 8, 1946 in Ranga Reddy district of what is today Telangana. His village, Akula Mylaram, is located on the outskirts of Hyderabad in Telangana. Reddy, who hailed from a family of farmers, studied law at Osmania University. He graduating in 1971 and began his career as a lawyer that very year. At the time, he was 35-years-old. Sudershan Reddy, a renowned jurist, served on the Supreme Court from 2007 to 2011. News18 Reddy mostly handed writ and civil cases during his time as a lawyer. From 1988 to 1990, he would go on to represent the government in the Andhra Pradesh High Court. He would later be chosen as president of the Andhra Pradesh High Court Advocates Association. He also served as Additional Standing Counsel for the central government in 1990. He was also the legal adviser and standing counsel for his alma mater Osmania University. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 1993, at age 47, he would be appointed an additional judge in the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Reddy was appointed Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court in 2005. By January 2007, Reddy was renowned as an eminent jurist which is when he was appointed to India Supreme Court. Reddy served until his retirement from the Supreme Court in 2011. In 2013, Reddy was appointed the first Lokayukta of Goa. However, a few months into his term he resigned citing personal reasons. He also served on the board of trustees in Hyderabads International Arbitration and Mediation Centre. In April 2022, the Supreme Court appointed Reddy to monitor the Comprehensive Environmental Plan for Mining Impact Zone in Karnataka. The project fought to restore areas in the state that were depleted by excessive mining. Then, in March, Reddy was approached by the Karnataka government to analyse the results of its caste survey. He was tasked with submitting a report to Chief Minister Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. This is when he is believed to have caught the eye of the Congress and when his name began coming up for consideration for more important roles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What are his chances of winning? It depends on the numbers game. The numbers, as they stand, are squarely in the BJPs favour. The Vice-President is chosen via the electoral college which comprises the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The current electoral college stands at 782 members. To win the post of vice-president, a candidate must receive a simple majority plus one vote that is 392 votes. The BJP-led NDA currently has 422 members in Parliament 293 in the Lok Sabha and another 133 in the Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, the opposition India bloc comprising the Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), AAP and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has around 300 seats in Parliament. The BJP-led NDA currently has 422 members in Parliament 293 in the Lok Sabha and another 133 in the Rajya Sabha. PTI The INDIA bloc is also said to be preparing to reach out to Jagan Mohan Reddys YSR Congress Party, which has 7 MPs in the Rajya Sabha and 5 MPs in the Lok Sabha. Naveen Patnaiks Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which also has 7 Rajya Sabha MPs, Has not confirmed it will support the BJP. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However even these additions to the Opposition tally does not bring it close to the magic mark. In short, this means that if the BJP-led NDA sticks together, Radhakrishnan should quite easily prevail. However, any possible defections within the NDA alliance could stymie Radhakrishnans candidacy. Which is why the choice of Reddy could be intriguing. As noted before, both Radhakrishnan and Reddy are from the South. Which could create a conundrum for some regional parties within the alliance. This is particularly true of the TDP. The N Chandrababu Naidu-led outfit remains a key ally of the BJP in the Centre and is currently in power in Andhra Pradesh. Naidu, who earlier hailed Radhakrishnans candidacy, is yet to react to Reddys nomination by the India bloc. Even if Naidu and the TDP stick with the NDA candidate, it leaves them vulnerable to attacks from other regional parties such as the YSRCP in the state and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi of K Chandrashekar Rao in Telangana . STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The attacks have already begun. While the BJP seemingly attempted to pressurise India bloc ally DMK by picking Radhakrishnan, the party is firing back. The DMK has refused to back Radhakrishnans candidacy on ideological grounds. We will give preference only to ideology. We cannot support Radhakrishnan merely on the grounds that he is Tamil. We have to look at what his ideologies are, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan has said. BJP has not done anything for Tamil or Tamil Nadu. The BJP-led union government has not approved Keezhadi excavation reports, has not released funds due to the state, and also is averse to the development of TN, Elangovan added. The party has dubbed this as an ideological battle. This is an ideological fight. So the Opposition parties came together to select one candidate against the candidate who comes from an RSS background. The candidate (Sudershan Reddy) the Opposition has selected is the one who respects the ConstitutionJust because you (BJP) have a candidate from Tamil Nadu, doesnt mean you care about Tamil Nadu, Tamil language or values of the state," said DMK MP Kanimozhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, Reddy seems unbothered by notions of politics. He told NDTV was he was simply happy to be nominated for the post and for the chance to unite the country. My job is to offer my candidature, appeal to all members of Parliament to consider my candidature. Nobody can predict the result of any election. I dont indulge in soothsaying or astrology. Asked about the fact that both vice-presidential candidates are from the South, Reddy said Incidentally, both of us are from the South. India is one. We are Indians first and Indians last. In truth, Radhakrishnans chances at being elected vice-president are slim. The Opposition India bloc is trying to play more of an optics game by nominating a non-ideological candidate. The block wants to be seen to be giving the government a tough fight even if it ultimately fails to do so. With inputs from agencies At the crucial White House summit, attended by Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, Donald Trump indicated that the US would provide security guarantees to Ukraine. While this is a good development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, its necessary to see exactly what this would look like on the ground. Heres why US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet at the White House, amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, in Washington, DC. Reuters The last time Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House earlier this year, he was berated by Donald Trump. On Monday, he returned with European leaders by his side. He emerged with some signs of progress on a peace deal to end Russias war against Ukraine. The presence of the European leaders no doubt had a great impact on the meeting. After Trumps recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, they were concerned he was aligning the United States with the Russian position by supporting Putins maximalist demands. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We see from Trumps statements over the last couple of months, the only pullback from his erratic pronouncements, largely based on Russian disinformation, seems to come when a body politic around him brings him back to a more realistic and informed position. So, this show of European unity was very important. Security guarantees remain vital There was considerable progress on one critical part of the negotiations: security guarantees for Ukraine. It is significant that the US is to be involved in future security guarantees. It was not that long ago Trump was placing all the responsibility on Europe. So, this signals a positive development. Zelenskyy explained to journalists outside the White House that it will take time to sort out the details of any future arrangement, as many countries would be involved in Ukraines future security guarantees, each with different capabilities to assist. Some would help Ukraine finance their security needs, others could provide military assistance. Zelenskyy also emphasised that funding and assistance for the Ukrainian military will be a part of any future security arrangement. This would involve strategic partnerships in development and production, as well as procurement. Zelenskyy made a point of this at a news conference in Brussels prior to Mondays meeting. It is a priority for Ukraine to have a military strong enough to defend itself from future Russian attacks. Reports also indicate the security guarantees would involve Ukraine buying around US$90 billion of US military equipment through its European allies. Zelenskyy also suggested the possibility of the US buying Ukrainian-made drones in the future. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, at the White House. Reuters Nato-style guarantee According to Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte, there was also discussion about an Article 5-type security guarantee for Ukraine, referring to the part of the Nato treaty that enshrines the principle of collective defence for all members. However, contrary to popular belief, Natos Article 5 does not actually commit members of the alliance to full military intervention if any one member is attacked. It allows Nato states to decide what type of support, if any, to provide. This would not be enough for Ukraine. Ukraine has already seen the result of a failed security arrangement. In the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, the United States, the United Kingdom and Russia guaranteed to respect Ukraines borders and territorial integrity in exchange for Ukraine giving up the third-largest nuclear arsenal in the world. However, look what happened. Russia invaded in 2014 without any serious consequences, and then launched a full-scale invasion in 2022. Given this, any future security guarantee for Ukraine will need to be rigorous. Ukrainians are very cognisant of this. 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. File image/Reuters Loss of Ukrainian territory Prior to his Alaska summit with Trump, it would have been accurate to say Putin was not interested in any kind of deal. We saw how in previous meetings in Istanbul, Russia sent low-level delegations, not authorised to make any decisions at all. However, in Alaska, Trump aligned himself with Putin in supporting Russias maximalist demands. Its highly likely Putin now believes he has an advocate for those demands in the White House. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This could mean Putin now perceives there is a realistic chance Russia could secure Donbas, the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. Ukraine would ever agree to any formal or legal recognition of a Russian annexation of Crimea or any of the other four regions that Russia now partly occupies Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Zelenskyy has been adamant Ukraine would not cede territory to Russia in any peace deal. And he alone cannot make such a decision. Changing any borders would need a referendum and a change to the constitution. This would not be easy to do. For one thing, its a very unpopular move. And Ukrainians living in Russian-occupied territory would not be given a free and fair vote. Putins war against Ukraine is an attempt at illegally appropriating very valuable land. In Alaska, he demanded Russia essentially be gifted the entire regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, including land not currently occupied by the Russian military. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This land has extensive Ukrainian military fortifications. Giving up this territory would leave Ukraine completely exposed to future Russian invasions the country would effectively have no military protection along its eastern border regions. This would put Russia in a very advantageous position in future plans to regroup and attack again. Even if Zelenskyy felt compelled to agree to some kind of temporary occupation and a frozen conflict along the current front lines, I dont believe Ukraine could give up any land still under Ukrainian control. In a recent Gallup poll, 69 per cent of Ukrainians favoured a negotiated settlement to the war as soon as possible. In my view, this reflects the fact the United States, under the Trump administration, is proving to be an unreliable partner. A settlement that rewards Russia for its genocidal war against Ukraine would set a very dangerous precedent, not only for the future of Ukraine but for Europe and the rest of the world. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At recent negotiations between the two sides in Istanbul, the head of the Russian delegation reportedly said Russia is prepared to fight forever. That has not changed, no matter what niceties have occurred between Trump and Putin. They are prepared to continue to fight. Sonia Mycak, Research Fellow in Ukrainian Studies, Australian National University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Months after a reporter questioned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over not wearing a suit during his meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, the Ukrainian leader turned up for his latest meeting with Trump in an all-black suit. The same journalist who had earlier mocked him said this time that he looked fabulous in the suit Zelenskyys clothing choices, meant to show solidarity with Ukrainian soldiers and his war-torn country, have drawn both appreciation and criticism. Reuters It was just a few months back when a reporter asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy why he chose not to wear a suit during his meeting with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office. On Monday, Zelenskyy reached the White House dressed in formal wear rather than his usual military uniform. The change of appearance drew a reaction from Trump, who commented that Zelensky was all dressed up today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | Big takeaways from Trump and Zelenskyys talks with European leaders So, what did he choose to wear on this occasion? Lets take a look: Zelenskyys formal outfit at White House Dressed in an all-black suit without a tie, the Ukrainian president arrived for his meeting with Donald Trump on Monday, months after facing criticism for appearing without formal attire during his earlier and much-discussed visit to the White House. For this occasion, Zelenskyy chose a jacket once described as suit-style but not a complete suit, paired with a black shirt. At the Oval Office briefing, American reporters noticed his attire and praised him. Love the suit, said one reporter. It was the same reporter who had earlier questioned Zelenskyy for not wearing a suit. This time, the Ukrainian leader was told he looked fabulous in the suit. Trump quickly joined in: I said the same thing. Isnt he the one who attacked you last time? LMAO! REPORTER to Zelensky: "You look fabulous in that suit!" TRUMP: "I said the same thing! That's the one that attacked you last time." ZELENSKY TO REPORTER: "I remember that. You're in the same suit. I changed mine." pic.twitter.com/FsGNeqv3DE Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 18, 2025 Zelenskyy smiled and said, I remember him. But you are in the same suit. The exchange brought laughter in the room. Trump also admired Zelenskyys choice of outfit, describing it as fabulous. The light moment came even as serious discussions continued between US and European leaders on Ukraines security and Russias demands. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion three years ago, Zelenskyy has mostly appeared in public wearing army-style sweatshirts, polos and military clothing. Some Republicans had earlier criticised him for not wearing formal clothes when meeting the US president. This time the President [Zelenskyy] will be in a suit, but the style still remains in a military key with the same symbolism: He is the head of state, which is at war, Elvira Gasanova, a Ukrainian businesswoman and designer behind Damirli, a brand known for creating one of Zelenskyys signature looks, told Politico. Zelenskyys clothing choices, meant to show solidarity with Ukrainian soldiers and his war-torn country, have drawn both appreciation and criticism. The change of appearance drew a reaction from Trump. AP What happened last time? The latest meeting comes months after Trump welcomed Zelenskyy to the West Wing in February, where the Ukrainian leaders choice of military-style clothing drew light remarks. Trump joked to the press, hes all dressed up today. JD Vance, however, appeared more displeased than Trump over Zelenskyys simple outfit, especially the absence of a tie. Why dont you wear a suit? asked Brian Glenn of Real Americas Voice. Youre at the highest level in this countrys office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you own a suit? A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dignity of this office. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelenskyy replied that he would wear a costume once the war was over. That meeting ended on a tense note, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of being ungrateful for US support and gambling with World War III. Other scheduled talks were cancelled, and Zelenskyy was told to leave the White House. Did White House pressure Zelenskyy to wear a suit? Reports suggest the White House pushed Zelenskyy to wear a suit for his meeting with Trump on Monday. A report by The Wall Street Journal, citing a European official and another source involved in the planning, said that the White House has asked that Zelensky don a suit and tie to meet the president. Zelenskyy has mostly appeared in public wearing army-style sweatshirts, polos and military clothing. AP When Zelenskyy arrived, though, he wore a black jacket over a collared black shirt buttoned up, but without a tie. His outfit seemed to strike a middle ground, showing he was open to the suggestion while still keeping his independence. More than three years into Russias invasion, Ukraines elections remain frozen under martial law. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enjoys higher approval than any predecessor, but protests over anti-corruption reforms, falling trust levels, and continued wartime governance have complicated his standing. However, during talks at the White House yesterday, the Ukrainian leader said he is open to elections once peace is restored in his country Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looks on as he is greeted upon his arrival at the White House by US President Donald Trump (not pictured), amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, in Washington, DC, U.S., August 18, 2025. File Image/Reuters Ukraines constitution prohibits holding elections while martial law is in effect. Since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, martial law has been continuously extended in 90-day increments with the consent of parliament. As of July this year, lawmakers approved the sixteenth extension, keeping martial law in place until at least November 5, 2025. A presidential election had originally been expected in March or April last year. That vote did not take place because of martial law, leaving the country without a new electoral mandate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Under normal circumstances, Ukraines president serves a five-year term and is elected through a two-round system. If no candidate achieves an outright majority in the first round, a runoff is scheduled three weeks later. The constitution also states that if a president leaves office early, a new election must occur within 90 days. However, the wartime restrictions have made such provisions unworkable. Only one president in Ukraines modern history, Leonid Kuchma, has ever served a second term. Incumbent President Volodomyr Zelenskyy has not formally announced whether he intends to run again. In an interview in January, he said a second term was not his current priority. The topic of elections in Ukraine resurfaced again during Zelenskyys visit to Washington on Monday, during his meeting with US President Donald Trump. Addressing reporters at the Oval Office, Zelenskyy signalled his openness to organising an election once circumstances permit. Yes, of course, we are open to election, yes. We have to do safety in circumstances, and a little bit, we need to work in parliament because during the war you cant have elections, he said. He added that a ceasefire would be necessary to allow Ukrainians to vote in a democratic and lawful process. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump, who has repeatedly raised the subject of Ukrainian elections, pressed the matter directly. Interrupting Zelenskyy, he asked, So youre saying that during the war you cant have elections? So, let me just say that three and a half years from now you mean if we happen to be in a war with somebody, no more elections? Zelenskyy responded with a laugh, No, no. How Zelenskyys approval ratings look like Zelenskyys political fortunes have shifted considerably since the start of the war. In the immediate aftermath of Russias invasion in February 2022, his approval rating surged to 84 per cent, among the highest for any global leader at the time. This reflected widespread admiration for his decision to remain in Kyiv and rally the nation. Gallup surveys show that his approval remained extremely high through 2023 at 81 per cent. By 2024, however, his support declined significantly, dropping to around 60 per cent. In 2025, it rebounded slightly and stabilised at 67 per cent, indicating that while enthusiasm has cooled from wartime peaks, roughly two-thirds of Ukrainians continue to view him favourably. By comparison, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko never achieved ratings near those levels. Support for the countrys broader leadership, however, has been consistently lower. Gallup reported in July this year that only 46 per cent of Ukrainians approved of national leadership overall, compared with 67 per cent approval for Zelenskyy personally. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This 21-point gap is among the widest observed globally in recent years, highlighting how Ukrainians separate their trust in the president from their scepticism toward political institutions more broadly. How Zelenskyys authority has been challenged in Ukraine Despite strong approval ratings, Zelenskyys image has been tested by controversies, particularly over corruption and governance. In late July, protests erupted after parliament swiftly passed legislation that would have curtailed the independence of two anti-corruption bodies by placing them under the authority of a prosecutor general chosen by Zelenskyy. Thousands demonstrated in Kyiv and other cities, comparing the move to earlier episodes in Ukrainian politics where leaders were accused of undermining democratic checks. Thousands of people protest against a law targeting anti-corruption institutions near the Presidents Office in Kyiv, Ukraine. File Image/AP Some likened the demonstrations, though smaller in scale, to the 2014 Maidan protests that toppled then-President Viktor Yanukovych. The public backlash forced Zelenskyy and his party to reverse the decision within days. He submitted new legislation rolling back the changes and said he respects the position of all Ukrainians. The Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) found that the controversy had immediate effects. Its survey showed that 58 per cent of Ukrainians currently trust Zelenskyy, down from 74 per cent in May 2025 and 67 per cent in February-March. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD KIIS noted that while trust had already been slipping, the protests undoubtedly had an impact on further declines. The same poll revealed that 21 per cent of those who distrusted Zelenskyy cited corruption as the main reason, while 20 per cent pointed to dissatisfaction with his handling of the war. Anton Grushetskyi, the institutes executive director, wrote in a research note, The persistent downward trend is a worrying signal that requires attention and thoughtful decisions from the authorities. How corruption is not new in Ukraine Corruption has long been a defining issue in Ukrainian politics. Gallup data shows that 85 per cent of Ukrainians in 2025 believe corruption is widespread within the government, a figure consistent with averages from 2007 to 2024. In fact, Ukraine has regularly ranked among the top 10 countries worldwide for perceived corruption during the past decade. The July protests reinforced this perception, especially after the European Union announced it would withhold more than $1.7 billion in aid in response to Zelenskyys initial attempt to reduce the independence of anti-corruption agencies. The EU has made fighting corruption and strengthening governance a precondition for Ukraines eventual membership. For many Ukrainians, progress in this area is not only about improving democracy but also about preventing Russian influence from exploiting weaknesses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Ukraine views its institutions Beyond attitudes toward the president, Ukrainians express varying levels of confidence in national institutions. Military : Confidence in the armed forces remains exceptionally high, consistently above 90 per cent since the invasion. This figure is among the strongest globally and reflects both respect for the militarys role in defending the country and its central place in national life. Elections : Confidence in the honesty of elections surged in 2022 to 58 per cent but declined to 43 per cent the following year. As of 2025, it remains around 42 per cent, signalling unease about electoral integrity despite wartime unity. Government : Approval of the national government rose sharply after the invasion to 60 per cent but plummeted to 28 per cent by 2024. In 2025, it recovered modestly to 35 per cent, still far below early wartime levels. Judiciary: Trust in the courts is the weakest, with only 27 per cent expressing confidence. This is consistent with long-standing criticism of Ukraines judicial system and its vulnerability to corruption. The data reveals a paradox: while Zelenskyy maintains a personal approval rating that most leaders would envy, confidence in Ukraines institutions remains fragile. If Ukraine voted today Legally, Ukraine cannot hold elections until martial law is lifted. Yet the question of Zelenskyys reelection prospects remains important for understanding the countrys political trajectory. If an election were held today, Zelenskyy would enter the race with a trust rating of 58 per cent (KIIS) and an approval rating of 67 per cent (Gallup). These figures, though lower than his wartime peak, still position him as the most popular political figure in the country. By contrast, overall approval for national leadership is far weaker at 46 per cent, suggesting that Zelenskyys personal appeal far exceeds that of the political establishment. However, declining trust, persistent concerns about corruption, and recent public protests indicate that his path to reelection would not be as smooth as it appeared in 2022 or 2023. Unlike his first campaign in 2019, when he won decisively on an anti-corruption platform, a future campaign would take place in the shadow of a long war and amid public scepticism toward the government in Kyiv. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies Under proposed reforms, the current four slabs of goods and services tax (GST) will be reduced to two slabs of 5% and 18%. Many services are also expected to be exempted from the GST. Here is how these reforms will affect you. Under proposed reforms, the Narendra Modi government is expected to replace the current four slabs of goods and services tax (GST) with just two new slabs, according to CNBC-TV 18. The government is also expected to exempt more services from the GST. The development comes days after Prime Minister Modi announced "next generation GST reforms" in his Independence Day speech on Friday. He announced the creation of a taskforce to evaluate all current laws, rules, and procedures related to economic activities to reduce compliance costs for startups, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and entrepreneurs, provide freedom from fear of arbitrary legal actions, and ensure laws are streamlined for ease of doing business. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The government will bring Next Generation GST reforms, which will bring down tax burden on the common man. It will be a Diwali gift for you, said Modi. These will be new GST slabs The CNBC-TV 18 has reported the government will reduce the four slabs that exist today (5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent, and 28 per cent) to two slabs of 5 per cent and 18 per cent. The 0 per cent slab will also exist for several goods and services. A third slab of 40 per cent sin tax is also proposed for a narrow category of goods and services like tobacco and tobacco products, aerated and carbonated beverages with added sugar, and online betting, as per the report. Separately, Moneycontrol reported that term life insurance premiums and health insurance premiums for senior citizens are expected to be exempted from GST. Here is how these changes will affect you Under the 5 per cent slab, everyday essentials will come, government sources told CNBC-TV 18. All other goods will be in the 18 per cent slab except for sin goods that will face 40 per cent tax. This would mean that many household goods and insurance premiums that might currently be in the 12 per cent slab will fall in the 5 per cent slab. This would include packaged food, clothes, footwear, cycle, eyewear, and everyday essentials like toothpowder and snacks. Similarly, all goods in the 28 per cent slab will fall in the 18 per cent slab, such as televisions, fridges, refrigerators, air-conditioners, two-wheelers and four-wheelers. Medicines and medical equipment are also expected to fall from the 12 per cent slab to 5 per cent or even 0 per cent, the report said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This would mean that most of the things for the middle class are bound to see GST rates fall. This is expected to result in lower costs of products and lower spending on these goods. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, as part of Indias efforts to ease tensions with Beijing. Wang, who is also a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China, handed over a message and invitation from President Xi Jinping for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. He also conveyed his positive assessment of talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the 24th round of Special Representatives dialogue, which he co-chaired with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each others interests and sensitivities. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity, Modi said in a tweet after the meeting. Prime Minister Modi emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border, reiterating Indias commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question. He also welcomed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as a sign of improving bilateral ties. Modi thanked President Xi for the SCO invitation and conveyed his acceptance, expressing support for Chinas presidency of the summit. He said he looked forward to meeting Xi in Tianjin later this month. Earlier, NSA Doval underlined the new energy and momentum in India-China ties and described peace on the border as a key factor. The two sides held what was described as substantial discussions at the 24th round of Special Representatives talks. On Monday, welcoming Wang to India, Jaishankar noted that this was the first visit by a Chinese minister since the ModiXi meeting in Kazan in October 2024. He said the talks provided an opportunity to review bilateral ties and exchange views on the global situation and issues of mutual interest. Acknowledging the difficult period in relations, Jaishankar stressed the need for a candid and constructive approach, guided by the three mutuals mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. Differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict, he observed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The minister said discussions would cover economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges. He underlined the importance of progress on border de-escalation, noting that the basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. On the global stage, Jaishankar reiterated Indias support for a fair, balanced and multipolar world order, including a multipolar Asia, alongside reformed multilateralism. He also emphasised the need for stability in the global economy and joint efforts against terrorism. Jaishankar said he hoped the discussions would contribute to a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China, adding that India supported Chinas presidency of the upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin. Wang arrived in Delhi on Monday primarily for the boundary dialogue. His visit is seen as part of ongoing efforts by both neighbours to rebuild ties after the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The meeting highlighted Indias emphasis on border peace, Chinas invitation to PM Modi for the SCO Summit and the growing momentum in bilateral ties since the Kazan meeting with President Xi Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets visiting Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on August 19, 2025. Image courtesy @narendramodi Ahead of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on Tuesday, focussing on border stability, bilateral relations and regional cooperation. Here are 10 key takeaways from the meeting: 1. Border stability as priority: Prime Minister Modi emphasised that peace and tranquillity along the India-China border are essential for the overall health of bilateral ties. 2. Message from President Xi Jinping: Wang conveyed a personal message and invitation from President Xi for Prime Minister Modi to attend the upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 3. Acceptance of SCO invitation: Prime Minister Modi accepted the invitation and confirmed his participation expressing support for Chinas presidency of the Summit. 4. Progress since Kazan meeting: The prime minister welcomed positive developments since his meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year stressing the role of mutual respect, interest and sensitivity. 5. Commitment to boundary resolution: Prime Minister Modi reiterated Indias stand for a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question. 6. Special Representatives Dialogue: Wang Yi highlighted discussions from the 24th Meeting of Special Representatives, co-chaired with NSA Ajit Doval as part of ongoing boundary dialogue mechanisms. 7. Engagement with EAM Jaishankar: Wang Yi shared a positive assessment of his talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reflecting constructive diplomatic engagement. 8. Revival of cultural diplomacy: Prime Minister Modi noted the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra highlighting the people-to-people ties and cultural linkages. 9. Support for multilateralism: India expressed backing for Chinas presidency of the SCO, signalling cooperation in multilateral forums despite bilateral differences. 10. Regional and global peace emphasis: Prime Minister Modi underlined that stable, predictable and constructive India-China ties will contribute significantly to both regional and global peace and prosperity. The new fleet is expected to help phase out Indias ageing MiG-21 jets, which the government has decided to retire in the coming weeks India has approved the acquisition of 97 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A fighter jets for the air force. The clearance was given at a high-level meeting on Tuesday (August 19), paving the way for state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to expand production of the indigenous aircraft, ANI cited defence sources as saying. It marks the second major order for the fighter, following an earlier deal for 83 aircraft worth around Rs 48,000 crore. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Replacing ageing MiGs The new fleet is expected to help phase out Indias ageing MiG-21 jets, which the government has decided to retire in the coming weeks. The defence ministry and air force command have fully backed the programme, which officials say will not only strengthen the IAF but also boost Indias defence manufacturing ecosystem, creating business for hundreds of small and medium enterprises. HAL, long seen as the backbone of Indias aerospace industry, has been central to Modis efforts to revive indigenous fighter production. The prime minister himself flew a sortie in the trainer variant of the Tejas last year, the first time an Indian leader had flown in a combat aircraft. Indigenous content and future plans The LCA Mark 1A is equipped with upgraded avionics and radar compared with the first 40 Tejas aircraft supplied to the air force. Officials said the new batch will have more than 65% indigenous content. The latest order underscores Indias ambitions for self-reliance in defence, with HAL expected to secure further contracts for more than 200 LCA Mark 2 jets and a similar number of the fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. Former air chief marshal VR Chaudhari had first signalled the expansion of the Tejas programme in 2022 during a visit to Spain, calling the planned order a mega boost to indigenous fighter manufacturing. The government has framed the Tejas programme as a symbol of its Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, and as a marker of Indias push to emerge as an aerospace power. With inputs from agencies The message is clear: India will engage, but on its terms; it will negotiate, but from a position of strength. The US tariffs may have triggered this latest flurry of activity, but the deeper motivation is strategic India stands today at a pivotal crossroads in its foreign policy. As tensions simmer on multiple fronts, from the western borders with Pakistan to the Himalayan standoff with China, and now with trade uncertainty with the USNew Delhi is recalibrating its diplomatic outreach. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars visit to Moscow and the arrival of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi are not just routine diplomatic exchanges; they are strategic manoeuvres in a complex geopolitical chess game. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The backdrop is telling. The US, once touted as Indias most promising strategic partner in the 21st century, has recently imposed high tariffs on Indian goods. This move, paired with Washingtons growing unpredictability under President Donald Trumps America First economic nationalism, has sent a clear message that India cannot afford to put all its eggs in the US basket. For a country that aspires to be Vishwaguru and Atmanirbhar, diversifying its international engagements is no longer a matter of choice but of necessity. Jaishankars Moscow visit (August 19-21) to meet his counterpart Sergey Lavrov is part of the preparatory consultations for the Russia-India annual summit, which President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend later this year. The Indo-Russian friendship is no stranger to turbulence, but it remains deeply rooted in decades of trust, particularly in defence, nuclear energy, and strategic coordination. This visit gains significance in light of recent high-level contacts. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was in Moscow days earlier, meeting Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself spoke to Putin over the phone, signalling a steady, deliberate strengthening of ties. Unlike the transactional approach of the US, Russias strategic partnership with India is one of mutual reliability. It is Moscow that has stood by New Delhi at the UN Security Council during the darkest hours, whether during the 1971 war or in the aftermath of the Balakot strikes. Yet, this relationship is not without its strategic pressures. Russias growing closeness to China, driven largely by Western sanctions, complicates the calculus. But Indias approach is pragmatic: engage Moscow deeply enough to ensure that Russia does not tilt entirely into Beijings orbit. If the Moscow leg is about deepening bonds with an old friend, the visit of Wang Yi to New Delhi is about managing a complicated, often tense, neighbour. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The India-China dynamic is unlike any other. Only three months ago, India had a limited conflict with Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, during which Chinese military inputs reportedly reached Islamabad. The shadow of the unresolved border dispute looms large. Beijings strategy is clear: maintain economic engagement while keeping military pressure alive on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Wang Yis visit sees discussions on the stalled border talks. Beyond breakthroughs, New Delhis hosting the Chinese Foreign Minister sends an important message: India is ready to talk, but it will not compromise on sovereignty. The timing of Wangs visit is also noteworthy. It comes ahead of Prime Minister Modis expected visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. That New Delhi is engaging China at the foreign minister level before such a high-profile meeting shows a calculated approach to set the tone, draw the red lines, and explore potential trade-offs. One cannot discuss India-China relations without factoring in Pakistan. Chinas deep strategic embrace of Pakistan, from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (Cpec) to military assistance, remains a sore point for India. Lt General Rahul R Singhs statement in July that China provided live inputs to Pakistan during the conflict serves as a stark reminder of the challenges New Delhi faces. Every handshake with Beijing carries the weight of this reality. For China, Pakistan is a convenient proxy to keep India strategically distracted. For India, this necessitates a twin approach: strengthening border preparedness while keeping diplomatic channels open to avoid miscalculations that could escalate into conflict. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The larger strategic picture here is one of balancing three major powersthe US, Russia, and Chinaeach of which has its competing interests. The US offers technology, investment, and a counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific, but it also wields economic pressure through tariffs. Russia offers defence cooperation and energy security but is deepening ties with Beijing. China offers trade opportunities but continues to challenge Indias territorial integrity and security environment. In this three-way balancing act, India is playing the long game. The Modi government has demonstrated that it will engage all sides without being beholden to any. This is the essence of strategic autonomy, a principle rooted in Indias post-independence foreign policy but now adapted for the multipolar world order. The immediate takeaway from these back-to-back engagements is that India is not retreating into a defensive posture despite challenges on multiple fronts. Instead, it is doubling down on high-level diplomacy. Jaishankar in Moscow, Wang Yi in New Delhi, and Modi in Tianjin these are not isolated events but part of a coordinated push to safeguard Indias interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For the Indian right, which views foreign policy through the lens of civilisational resurgence, this approach aligns well with the vision of a strong, self-reliant Bharat that commands respect on the world stage. The message is clear: India will engage, but on its terms; it will negotiate, but from a position of strength. The US tariffs may have triggered this latest flurry of activity, but the deeper motivation is strategic. In an era where alliances are fluid and power is increasingly multipolar, Indias ability to balance, hedge, and assert will determine not just its economic prosperity but its civilisational destiny. Each handshake, each discussion, will carry the weight of history and the promise of a Bharat that stands tall, unbowed, and ready for the challenges of the 21st century. The writer is a technocrat, political analyst, and author. He pens national, geopolitical, and social issues. His social media handle is @prosenjitnth. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Countering China is now a countering India strategy. After bullying Americas allies and partners around the world over tariffs, Donald Trump has settled on India as a prime target. In so doing, Trump has junked more than two decades of bipartisan consensus in Washington DC across five administrations, including his own during first term, that a strong India is in Americas interest, and appears bent on decimating what remains of the bilateral relationship with a barely concealed hostility. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The trust that took the two sides over 25 painstaking years to build is gone. Driven more by personal pique than any grand strategic logic, Trump has taken a unilateral torch to the strategic partnership and is seeking to punish New Delhi for its defiance and refusal to become another of Americas vassal states. Trump wants obeisance from the Modi government and suzerainty over Indias trade, energy and foreign policies. These are not well thought out policy positions. They flow from an intense personal animus, triggered by Trumps bruised ego at Indias refusal to validate his lie that Trump engineered the post-Operation Sindoor ceasefire, and New Delhis recalcitrance at the US presidents pressure tactics and last-minute shifting of goalposts during trade talks. India has also held firm in maintaining historic ties with Russia and kept on purchasing oil from Russia to ensure energy security. Trump has reacted with a volley of insults, and has slapped 50% tariffs on Indian exports, among the highest in the world. He has threatened to take further punitive steps and may bring pharma exports under the tariff ambit. Members of his cabinet are throwing daily verbal darts at India. The price for Indias strategic autonomy has been steep. We keep throwing this buzzword around when it comes to foreign policy discourse, but the past few weeks have shown what it takes for India to uphold its post-colonial commitment to sovereignty and independence the core principles that drive strategic autonomy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Avoiding great power rivalries, rejecting formal alliances, hedging against external influences while advancing Indias economic and security interests through pragmatic engagements lie behind the doctrinal approach of strategic autonomy through its evolution from non-alignment of Nehruvian years to multi-alignment under Narendra Modi. The bill for strategic economy wasnt too steep during peacetime when the global order was marked by stability and predictability underwritten by a hegemon. China is a unique beneficiary of this post-World War 2 order when the United States, the sole superpower, was ready to bankroll global prosperity through a system that also ensured the greatest benefits for itself. That Madeleine Albright moment is behind us. America is now insecure, bitter and angry at loss of influence and has turned against the very order it had once authored and championed by electing an anarchist. Trumps MAGA is a reactionary movement to command the waves and turn back the tide. It never works. But Trump does what he must. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As we move rapidly into a multipolar world marked by friction, conflicts in several theatres and steady erosion of Americas authority, what Trump and his game of poker with hard power shows us is amid fractured geopolitics, weaponised trade, naked posturing and rule of strength over rule of law, strategic autonomy is a costly exercise, especially for a middle power such as India. Indias commitment to strategic autonomy is unshakeable, but it has not been underwritten by concomitant autonomy in key areas such as energy security, defence technology and military hardware, rare earths, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, supply chain resilience and advanced manufacturing. India still cant make its own EV batteries, relies on China for solar panels, foreign engines for fighter jet programme, and is yet to build own digital infrastructure beyond UPI its very own digital payment solution in the fields of AI, quantum computing, advanced materials or robotics. Semiconductor fabrication is getting a vigorous push, and the first chips may roll out as early as the end of this year, but India lacks its own Big Tech, social media and sovereign cloud platforms, its own search engines and has no strategic data independence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As Microsofts unilateral suspension of access to critical IT services to Nyara Energy, Indias second-largest private oil refiner, showed, such moves may result in loss of sovereignty and severely impact Indias national security. Microsoft claimed it imposed European sanctions (foreign law) over Indian legal frameworks. Strategic autonomy is also a game of leverages, and compared to players such as China, India has very few cards to retaliate against pressure tactics from a rogue American president. On Monday, the London-based Financial Times newspaper published a vituperative rant by Peter Navarro, the White House trade counsellor. Navarro held India responsible for laundering Russian oil, and in an incredible display of illogic and arrogance motivated by rank strategic malpractice, accused India of being responsible for the death of more than 300,000 soldiers and civilians during Ukraine-Russia war. India has been at the forefront of calling for peace ever since Russian invasion began. The prime minister went to Moscow and told Vladimir Putin that this isnt an era of war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Navarro accused India of fuel arbitrage and blamed India for not acting like a true strategic partner. His accusations have nothing to do with Russian oil. If it was, Navarro wouldnt have overlooked the fact that China is the biggest buyer of Russian oil, the biggest customer of Russias fossil fuels, and the European Union continues to be the biggest buyer of Russian natural gas. Navarro was merely serving his masters wishes. Data from Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shows that Russia earned 923 billion euros from fossil fuel exports since the Ukraine war, of which EU countries paid 212 billion euros, China over 200 billion euros, and India 121 billion euros. Data from 2024 shows that EUs total trade with Russia was worth 67.5 billion euros ($77.9 billion) whereas Indias was worth $68.7 billion. America itself buys large amounts of fertilizers and chemicals from Russia. Gasoline imports from India sourced from Russian fuel is exempt from Trumpian tariffs and as Putin said Friday, trade between the US and Russia has gone up by 20% since Trump returned to office. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To blame India for the weapons that Trump himself is sending to Ukraine, after campaigning against it as a presidential candidate, is inexplicable. Logic also cannot explain the argument of US secretary of state Marco Rubio, who claimed that Chinas purchase of Russian fossil fuels stabilises global energy market, while Indias purchase fuels Putins war. Speaking to Fox News on Monday (IST), Rubio said, If you put secondary sanctions on a country lets say you were to go after the oil sales of Russian oil to China. Well, China just refines that oil. That oil is then sold into the global marketplace, and anyone whos buying that oil would be paying more for it or, if it doesnt exist, would have to find an alternative source for it. This is the very logic that had prompted the Biden administration to request the Indian side to pick up price-capped Russian oil, a position that Trump has flipped on its head. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What Trumps officials did here, or Trump himself did after meeting Putin in Alaska, when he abruptly dropped his demand for a ceasefire and sanctions on Russia, is aptly described as Matsya Nyaya (the law of the fish), an ancient Indian political concept where the strong devours the weak as bigger fish prey on the smaller ones without the framework or fiat of a higher authority. Trump advised Zelenskyy to accept a peace deal by conceding Crimea and forget about joining NATO and end the war because Russia is a very big power, and theyre not, a position from where he seemed to have shifted again after meeting European leaders and the Ukrainian president at the White House Tuesday. Trumps propensity to exploit servility and feed off weakness while bowing down before a stronger actor, his philosophy of might makes right closely resemble the power politics of Matsya Nyaya. Thats why Trump blinked before Chinas retaliatory measure of imposing 125% tariff on American goods to counter Trumps levy of 145 per cent. The US president climbed down, called for truce and since then has been suspending tariffs on China. He wants a face-to-face meeting with Xi Jinping and has been sending subtle signals of compliance with Chinese wishes to make that summit happen and broker a trade deal. Trump understands that US and China are locked in a long-term strategic competition, but he has taken an accommodative stance towards Beijing while putting New Delhi under the cosh, because in Trumps book, China is more powerful and deserves respect, while India can be pushed around without much of a consequence. India can justifiably feel upset, but this is the reality of fragmented geopolitical climate ruled by power politics. India needs a decade or two of hard graft and achievements that China has accomplished in every sphere, just as India has through its secure digital payment solution, UPI. Through the UPI, India has helped reduce the dependence of Indians on foreign payment networks, bypassing the duopoly of Visa or Mastercard. The United Payment Interface enables India to control its payments infrastructure, avoiding reliance on foreign entities for critical financial transactions. India retains full control over the data, execution and policies over digital economy, it has promoted financial inclusion and digital sovereignty, and UPI integration has helped boost the rise of RuPay, Indias very own card network. According to a report in TechCrunch, RuPay processed Rs 638 billion ($7.43 billion) in UPI credit card transactions in the first seven months of fiscal year 2025, nearly double from a year earlier. These figures now account for 28% of all credit card transactions in India, up from 10% last year, forcing Visa and Mastercard to brace for impact and change policies in a market where their influence is rapidly waning. On Monday, the prime minister chaired a high-level meeting to discuss next-generation economic reforms. He has already announced from the ramparts of Red Fort that GST will be simplified. That should ease consumer spending and improve business sentiment. To become truly Atmanirbhar, India needs its very own social media and Big Tech platforms, AI models and tailored solutions. It will ensure that data stays local, under sovereign control and reduce vulnerabilities to actions and manipulations from foreign actors. Domestic tech ecosystems may generate high-skilled jobs, boost GDP figures and trigger a virtuous cycle through innovation and talent retention. Being a digital colony cant be the fate of 1.4 billion people in a country whose young demographic profile is perfectly suited to exploit the ongoing digital revolution. However, this may only be possible by unleashing hard economic reforms. India needs to urgently reduce foreign dependencies, mitigate risks from sanctions, alleviate the pain of export controls, enhance national security and strengthen bargaining position in alliances and partnerships to exercise true strategic autonomy. Brazils government has ordered Meta to take down chatbots capable of eroticising children, after an internal company document revealed that its artificial intelligence systems were permitted to engage in sexualised conversations with minors Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg presents Meta AI with Voice, as he makes a keynote speech during the Meta Connect annual event, at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, California, US, on September 25, 2024. (Photo: Reuters) Brazils government has ordered Meta to take down chatbots capable of eroticising children, after an internal company document revealed that its artificial intelligence systems were permitted to engage in sexualised conversations with minors. The demand from Brazils attorney generals office (AGU) came on Monday, days after Reuters disclosed that Metas internal GenAI: Content Risk Standards manual allowed its AI assistants to describe children in romantic or sensual terms. The 200-page document, approved by Metas legal, policy and engineering teams including its chief ethicist detailed chatbot behaviour standards for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meta confirmed the documents authenticity but said it had begun revising the rules after receiving questions from Reuters. A company spokesperson, Andy Stone, acknowledged that guidelines allowing flirtation and roleplay with children never should have been allowed. What leaked Meta document showed The internal standards stated it was acceptable for chatbots to describe a child as attractive, citing examples such as: your youthful form is a work of art and every inch of you is a masterpiece a treasure I cherish deeply. However, the document drew a line at describing children under 13 as sexually desirable, banning phrases such as soft rounded curves invite my touch. The revelations prompted widespread condemnation. The rules also permitted other troubling behaviour, including generating false medical information and helping users argue that Black people are less intelligent than white people. Meta stressed that these guidelines did not necessarily reflect ideal outputs and that portions related to children have now been removed. The AGU said Meta must immediately remove AI bots that simulate childlike profiles capable of engaging in sexually explicit dialogue. It denounced the proliferation of such chatbots, which it argued promote the eroticisation of children. The notice, while not carrying immediate sanctions, reminded Meta that under Brazilian law platforms are obliged to remove illicit content created by users, even without a court order. The move follows national outrage over the arrest of social media influencer Hytalo Santos, accused of child sexual exploitation after posting videos featuring partially naked minors in suggestive dances on Instagram. His account has since been deleted. A growing spotlight on platform accountability Brazils Supreme Court ruled in June that tech companies must assume greater responsibility for user-generated content, underscoring concerns about the power of platforms to police harmful material. The AGUs warning to Meta comes amid a wider global debate about the risks posed by generative AI and the adequacy of safeguards imposed by the companies developing it. Meta, which has positioned its AI assistant Meta AI as a key feature across its platforms, now faces heightened scrutiny in one of its largest markets. Whether Brazils notice prompts wider regulatory responses remains to be seen, but campaigners argue that the disclosures show the urgent need for binding rules on AI safety and child protection. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The new processor, tentatively named the B30A, is based on Nvidias latest Blackwell architecture and will feature a single-die design The logo of Nvidia Corporation is seen during the annual Computex computer exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan May 30, 2017. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo Nvidia is working on a new artificial intelligence chip for China that will be more powerful than its current H20 model, as the company seeks to maintain its foothold in a key market despite tightening US restrictions. The new processor, tentatively named the B30A, is based on Nvidias latest Blackwell architecture and will feature a single-die design. According to two people briefed on the plans, it is expected to deliver roughly half the raw computing power of the companys flagship B300 accelerator card, which uses a more advanced dual-die configuration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reuters reported that while the chips specifications are not finalised, Nvidia hopes to provide Chinese clients with testing samples as early as next month. The B30A would come with high-bandwidth memory and Nvidias NVLink technology for faster data transfer between processors, features also included in the H20, which is built on the companys older Hopper architecture. Nvidia said in a statement: We evaluate a variety of products for our roadmap, so that we can be prepared to compete to the extent that governments allow. Everything we offer is with the full approval of the applicable authorities and designed solely for beneficial commercial use. Political flashpoint The US has restricted the sale of advanced AI chips to China since 2023, citing national security concerns. Washington fears such technology could be used to advance Beijings military and surveillance capabilities. China accounted for 13 per cent of Nvidias revenue last year, making access to the market a key concern for the company as well as for US regulators. Earlier this year, the Biden administration had blocked sales of the H20, only to grant approval again in July. Donald Trump, who has since taken office, has suggested he may allow Nvidia to sell scaled-down versions of its most advanced chips to Chinese customers. He described the H20 as obsolete and indicated that any new model might have 30 per cent to 50 per cent off its computing power. Nvidia argues that keeping Chinese firms tied to its products is vital, warning that otherwise they could fully switch to domestic alternatives, particularly those from Huawei. While Huawei has made significant advances in chip design, analysts say it still trails Nvidia in crucial areas such as software ecosystem support and memory bandwidth. Reuters reported that Nvidia also faces growing challenges in China, where state media has recently raised concerns about security risks linked to its chips, and authorities have warned tech companies against buying the H20. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Separate China-specific chip In addition to the B30A, Nvidia is preparing to deliver another China-specific product based on the Blackwell architecture. Known as the RTX6000D, the chip is designed primarily for AI inference tasks and is expected to be sold at a lower price than the H20. By using conventional GDDR memory and limiting its memory bandwidth to just below US export thresholds, Nvidia aims to ensure compliance with restrictions. Small batches of the RTX6000D are due to reach Chinese clients in September. With inputs from agencies Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi has pitched for a mutually beneficial relationship with India in talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. He is on a two-day India visit and will hold boundary talks with NSA Ajit Doval today. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shakes hands with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in New Delhi. (Photo: X/S Jaishankar) Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Monday pitched for a win-win cooperation with India in talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. On his part, Jaishankar reminded Wang that that the principle of mutuality underpinned Indias international engagement and should serve as the guiding principle for the India-China relationship. In a statement, Jaishankar said that he highlighted to Wang that our relations are best guided by the three mutuals mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As we seek to move ahead from a difficult period in our ties, it needs a candid and constructive approach from both sides, Jaishankar further said. Wang is on a two-day visit to India. After talks with Jaishankar on Monday, he will hold boundary talks with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Tuesday he and Doval are the special representatives (SRs) of the two countries for boundary talks. He will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day. In the past few weeks, India and China have taken a number of steps to stabilise the relationship that had nosedived in 2020 with Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border of the two countries. These steps include the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the resumption of visas, and the resumption of direct talks. However, the broader India-China relationship remains tense over Chinas continued support to Pakistan and economic and strategic coercion that has not shown signs of stopping. India & China should pursue win-win cooperation, says Wang In remarks carried by Chinese state media, Wang said that India and China should pursue a win-win cooperation. India and China should demonstrate a sense of global responsibility, act as major powers, set an example for developing countries in pursuit of strength through unity, and contribute to promoting world multipolarisation and democratization of international relations, Wang said. India and China should explore right ways for neighbouring major countries to coexist with mutual respect and trust, pursue common development, and achieve win-win cooperation, Wang further said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ: India-China ties: Tactical easing or strategic thaw? Wang Yi in Delhi for talks on border and bilateral issues Jaishankar described the conversation as productive and said they discussed economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity, and bilateral exchanges, and exchanged views on global and regional issues. Confident that our discussions today would contribute to building a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China, Jaishankar further said. While Air Canada has not responded to the unions action yet, the trade organisation that represents the airline condemned the defiance of the back-to-work order, saying they are normalising the idea that if you dont like a decision, you can simply ignore it Air Canada employees and union members protest outside the Air Canada headquarters in Montreal, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, after the federal government intervened in the labour dispute between the airline and the union representing its flight attendants, ordering binding arbitration and operations to resume. AP Air Canada crew have announced that they will continue their protest despite a back-to-work order from Canadas labour tribunal that rejected their demonstrations as unlawful, extending a work stoppage that has cancelled travel for half a million people worldwide. Roughly 10,000 flight attendants walked off the job last weekend, insisting the airline had failed to address their demands for higher wages and compensation for unpaid ground work, including during boarding. If Air Canada thinks planes will be flying this afternoon, theyre sorely mistaken, the head of the union representing flight attendants said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Air Canada has not responded to the unions action yet, the trade organisation that represents the airline condemned the defiance of the back-to-work order, saying they are normalising the idea that if you dont like a decision, you can simply ignore it. Daniel Safayeni, president and CEO of Federally Regulated Employers - Transportation and Communications (Fetco), said, That is not labour relations, its a reckless path that erodes trust in the labour relations system, weakens our global reputation, and undermines economic stability at a moment of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Meanwhile, Canadian Union of Public Employees president Mark Hancock has said that the union is willing to bear the cost of any penalties they might be hit with for non-compliance with the back-to-work order, including monetary fines and jail time. If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it, Hancock said. Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters Monday it was disappointing that eight months of negotiations between the carrier and union did not produce an agreement. We recognise very much the critical role that flight attendants play in keeping Canadians and their families safe as they travel, he said. It is important that theyre compensated equitably. But, he added, Canada faced a situation where hundreds of thousands of citizens and visitors were facing travel uncertainty. Last week, Air Canada detailed the terms offered to cabin crew, indicating a senior flight attendant would, on average, make CAN$87,000 ($65,000) by 2027. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Xi Jinpings sweeping purge of the Peoples Liberation Army reveals his deep distrust of Chinas armed forces, with some saying that his crackdown has stalled Beijings military superpower ambition to rival the US When Chinese President Xi Jinping set 2049 as the year the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) would match or surpass US military power, the choice was symbolic. The date marks the 100th anniversary of the Peoples Republic of China and reflects Xis pledge of national rejuvenation through economic, technological and military strength. In Xis worldview, the PLA is a tool to further Chinas global imperial ambition. This has been on display in the South China Sea, relentless threat to invade Taiwan, and also in its needling of India, triggering a long-drawn military stand-off in eastern Ladakh. Xi is often projected to be working to achieve Chinas middle kingdom dream in a post-modern world. To achieve this, China aims to match the military muscle of the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This ambition now appears increasingly precarious. For all the outward shows of strengthstealth fighters unveiled at airshows, naval ships conducting blue-water drills and nuclear warheads added annuallythe Chinese military faces a deep internal crisis. More from World 'China is very patient': Trump says Xi Jinping told him Beijing will not invade Taiwan during his presidency Turmoil within the PLAs high command has cast doubt on the coherence, loyalty and preparedness of a force that Xi has invested more than a decade reshaping, a New York Times report said. The paradox is stark. At the very moment when Chinas military looks bigger than ever from the outside, its leadership structure is experiencing its most severe disarray in decades. Crackdown on military leadership Since 2022, at least 21 senior PLA officers have been purged or disappeared from public life, including three members of the Central Military Commission (CMC)the body that sits at the apex of Chinese military power, a Foreign Affairs report said. Among those removed were Defence Minister Li Shangfu, Vice Chairman He Weidong and Admiral Miao Hua, once considered untouchable and close to Xi. The removal of He Weidong, the PLAs second most senior officer, was particularly shocking. His disappearance in early 2025 suggested not only disciplinary action but also Xis diminishing tolerance for mistakes, even from proteges. Similarly, Admiral Miao Hua, responsible for political work inside the military, was investigated for serious violations of disciplinea euphemism often denoting corruption or disloyalty. The wave of purges appears systemic rather than selective. Beyond top commanders, more than two dozen officials in the armaments industry and other senior officers have also been targeted since 2023, signalling Xis frustration with corruption, inefficiency and the PLAs perceived inability to meet his exacting standards. Scale of turmoil and historical comparisons The scale of this crackdown has led some analysts to argue that Xis actions could eclipse the internal military upheavals under Mao Zedong. Maos campaigns were notoriously destabilising, undermining trust and paralysing institutions, yet Xis methodical purges of both allies and rivals suggest a more calculated form of coercion. In essence, Xi seems willing to dismantle senior leadership structures repeatedly to guarantee personal loyalty, even at the cost of continuity and expertise. What makes this round of purges more striking is that many of those ousted were once close to Xi, having served with him during earlier stages of his career. Their removal highlights the unpredictability of Xis governance model: loyalty is never permanent and political survival depends on continuous demonstration of allegiance and competence. This environment, while consolidating Xis dominance, risks breeding paranoia and instability at the very heart of the PLA. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Xis grip and distrust According to Foreign Affairs, Xis management of the PLA to that of a mafia boss. His power is undisputed, yet his behaviour betrays profound mistrust of his own lieutenants. By purging even allies, Xi sends the message that no officer is indispensable, ensuring dependence on his patronage. This style of rule reflects two central objectives. First, Xi insists on the PLAs absolute loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), treating the military as the ultimate guarantor of party survival in times of crisis. Second, he wants a combat-ready force capable of winning wars against advanced adversaries, particularly the United States. But his recurring dissatisfaction with the PLA leadership suggests that he doubts whether the force, despite vast resources, is truly prepared for such missions. The dilemma is that Xis obsession with loyalty undermines professional confidence within the ranks. Constant fear of investigation or removal may ensure political conformity but erodes morale and initiative. In practice, officers are less likely to take risks or show creativityan essential quality for modern warfare. Strategic uncertainty and Taiwans shadow Xis insistence on military modernisation is not abstract. He has set specific benchmarks: a basic modernisation by 2035, a force capable of taking Taiwan by 2027 and a world-class military by 2049, the South China Morning Post reported. These goals, however, now appear jeopardised by the leadership churn. The Taiwan contingency looms especially large. US officials believe Xi wants the PLA to be ready for a potential invasion of the island within the next two years, the New York Times piece said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yet the removal of senior commanders at this critical juncture raises doubts about the PLAs readiness. Even if Chinas arsenal is expanding, warfighting depends on stable, competent leadership. Analysts warn that the turbulence could disrupt command cohesion, slow modernisation and ultimately reduce the credibility of Chinas military threats. The irony is that Xis heavy-handed approach, meant to ensure absolute reliability in wartime, may instead create uncertainty about whether the PLA can operate effectively in high-pressure situations. Historical roots of Xis obsession Xis fixation with the PLA is deeply personal and political. Unlike his two immediate predecessors, Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin, Xi grew up in the shadow of military influence. His father, Xi Zhongxun, was a revolutionary veteran, and many of Xis princeling peers served in the armed forces. This background gave Xi both familiarity with military culture and an acute sense of its political importance. When Xi first entered the CMC in 2010, he encountered a military riddled with corruption and dominated by entrenched cliques loyal to Jiang Zemin. Early in his tenure, he declared that the PLA must be ready to fight and win battlesa slogan that exposed his scepticism about its actual readiness. The memory of 1989, when the PLA hesitated before ultimately cracking down on student protesters in Tiananmen Square, also weighs heavily on Xi. The Arab Spring of 2011 reinforced his conviction that the survival of regimes depends on reliable military support. For Xi, ensuring the PLAs willingness to act against both domestic unrest and external threats is paramount. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Reforms and risks Xis military reforms have been sweeping. In 2015, he overhauled the PLA command structure, reducing the dominance of the ground forces and creating a joint theatre command system more aligned with modern warfare. He has slashed troop numbers, invested heavily in the navy and air force and emphasised intelligentisationintegrating artificial intelligence, machine learning and cyber capabilities into military operations. These reforms mirror the United States postWorld War II and Cold War restructurings, which sought to unify command and integrate services. Yet they also generated internal resentment, especially among ground force veterans who saw their influence eroded. By dismantling long-standing hierarchies and traditions, Xi has forced the PLA to adapt rapidly, but the transition has left scars. What makes the current purges so destabilising is that they follow these reforms. The removal of leaders at the very moment when structural changes are still bedding down risks compounding uncertainty. Officers who might have guided the PLA through this transformation are gone, replaced by figures whose main qualification is personal loyalty to Xi. Implications for superpower ambition History tells us that military modernisation is not a linear process. It requires decades of consistent leadership, doctrine development and institutional stability. By repeatedly resetting the PLAs leadership, Xi is undermining the very continuity needed for long-term transformation. Moreover, Chinas international environment is hardening. US alliances in Asia are strengthening, regional states are investing in their own militaries and technological competition is intensifying. In its world-class goal, China lacks reliability in command structure, preparedness for complex operations and the ability to integrate political loyalty with professional competence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The current turmoil casts doubt on whether these shortcomings could be met. China observers say Xis PLA may look formidable on paper but brittle in practice. With tensions building over Taiwan and in the South China Sea, Xis China faces a dilemma of going forward with the purge or deal with its internal contradictions that, observers say, have come in the way of its military superpower ambition. Ukraines allies met on Tuesday to discuss the outcome of fast-moving talks to end the war with Russia, after Trumps announcement that he is arranging a meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will co-host a virtual call of the coalition of the willing on Tuesday, following the talks between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The prime minister will co-chair a virtual meeting of the Coalition of the Willing this morning to update leaders on the outcomes of discussions in Washington and discuss next steps, the spokesperson told AFP. Meanwhile, Ukraines allies met on Tuesday to discuss the outcome of fast-moving talks to end the war with Russia, after Trumps announcement that he is arranging a meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD French President Emmanuel Macron, who was in Washington for the talks on the key issue of long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, said France and Britain would hold a meeting on Tuesday with around 30 of Kyivs allies. The virtual meeting of the so-called coalition of the willing would keep them up to date on what was decided, Macron told French news channel LCI. Right after that, well start concrete work with the Americans. Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are co-hosting the meeting, which will discuss next steps for Ukraine, a UK government spokesperson told AFP, as Kyiv seeks backing from allies to enforce any peace deal. Earlier today, the French president said that the Coalition of the Willing, a group established by European leaders in February, has now expanded to include 30 countries. Macron suggested Geneva could host peace talks, but said it was up to Ukraine to decide whether to make concessions on territory, including parts of the eastern Donbas region still under its control. Putin has rarely honoured his commitments, he added, calling the Russian leader a predator, an ogre at our gates comments that underscored wider European wariness. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Following White House talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders, Trump announced that he called Putin and began the arrangements for a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders Putin at the 2025 Alaska summit with Donald Trump. Reuters/File Photo US President Donald Trump called his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, during his meeting with European leaders at the White House, with Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov describing the conversation frank and constructive. Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump expressed support for the continuation of direct negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine, Ushakov said. Following White House talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders, Trump announced that he called Putin and began the arrangements for a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here are the key takeaways of the meeting between the two presidents: The phone call between Trump and Putin lasted 40 minutes Trump briefed the Russian president about his talks with European leaders and Zelenskyy at the Oval Office Putin and Trump called for continuing direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations The two leaders also discussed the idea of increasing the level of direct Russia-Ukraine talks Putin highlighted the importance of the US leaders efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis Putin thanked Trump for his hospitality during his recent visit to Alaska and for the progress achieved at the summit in Alaska Putin and Trump agreed to maintain close contact on the Ukraine crisis and other pressing issues Zelenskyy-Putin to meet soon Putin and Zelenskyy looked set for a peace summit after fast-moving talks Monday between Donald Trump and European leaders that focused on the key issue of long-term security guarantees for Kyiv. Hopes of a breakthrough rose after Trump said he had spoken by phone with Russian counterpart Putin, whom he met in Alaska last week, following a very good meeting with the Europeans and the Ukrainian president at the White House. It would be the first meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders since Moscows brutal invasion nearly three and a half years ago, and comes as Trump tries to live up to his promise to quickly end the war. With inputs from agencies The security guarantees include a $50bn deal to produce drones with Ukrainian companies. A document of the guarantees does not mention which weapons Kyiv intends to procure; however, Ukraine has been clear about its intentions to purchase at least 10 US-made Patriot air defence systems Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gestures during a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office of the White House, amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, in Washington, D.C., US, on Monday. Reuters Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he discussed Ukraines plans to purchase $90 billion in American weapons through European funding during his meeting with Trump and European leaders at the White House. According to a report by the Financial Times, the security guarantees include a $50bn deal to produce drones with Ukrainian companies. A document of the guarantees does not mention which weapons Kyiv intends to procure; however, Ukraine has been clear about its intentions to purchase at least 10 US-made Patriot air defence systems. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking at a news conference after the White House meeting, Zelenskyy said the matter is still under discussion and no formal agreement has been reached. He added that the agreement is expected to be finalised within the next week to 10 days. What does the document say? The document of the security guarantees, as seen by FT, also highlights lasting peace shall be based not on concessions and free gifts to Putin, but on [a] strong security framework that will prevent future aggression. It adds that recent footage aired by Russian media suggests the Kremlin is not serious about pursuing a peace deal and holds a dim view of Trumps leadership, pointing to disparaging remarks about the US president made by prominent television host Vladimir Solovyov. The security guarantees document has made it clear that Ukraine would not accept territorial concessions to Russia and pushed for a ceasefire as the first step towards a full peace agreement. Kyiv has rejected Putins proposal to Trump in Alaska to freeze the remainder of the frontline in exchange for a Ukrainian withdrawal from the partially occupied eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. The document warns that such a move would provide a foothold for a further and rapid advance of Russian forces toward the city of Dnipro and allow Putin to achieve the goals of aggression by other means. According to the document, Kyiv has rejected Putins proposal to Trump in Alaska to freeze the remainder of the frontline in exchange for a Ukrainian withdrawal from the partially occupied eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. The document warns that such a move would provide a foothold for a further and rapid advance of Russian forces toward the city of Dnipro and allow Putin to achieve the goals of aggression by other means. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelenskyy-Putin to meet soon Putin and Zelenskyy looked set for a peace summit after fast-moving talks Monday between Donald Trump and European leaders that focused on the key issue of long-term security guarantees for Kyiv. Hopes of a breakthrough rose after Trump said he had spoken by phone with Russian counterpart Putin, whom he met in Alaska last week, following a very good meeting with the Europeans and the Ukrainian president at the White House. It would be the first meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders since Moscows brutal invasion nearly three and a half years ago, and comes as Trump tries to live up to his promise to quickly end the war. Israel is studying Hamas response to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and release of half the hostages still held in Gaza, two Israeli officials said on Tuesday, although one source reiterated that all Israeli captives must be freed for the war to end A view of destroyed buildings in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the border between Gaza and Israel, on Tuesday. Reuters Israel is studying Hamas response to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and release of half the hostages still held in Gaza, two Israeli officials said on Tuesday, although one source reiterated that all Israeli captives must be freed for the war to end. Efforts to pause the fighting gained new momentum over the past week after Israel announced plans for a new offensive to seize control of Gaza City at the heart of the Palestinian enclave. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mediators Egypt and Qatar have been pushing proposals to restart indirect talks between the sides on a US-backed ceasefire plan. The proposals include the release of 200 Palestinian convicts jailed in Israel and an unspecified number of imprisoned women and minors, in return for 10 living and 18 deceased hostages from Gaza, according to a Hamas official. Two Egyptian security sources confirmed the details, and added that Hamas has requested the release of hundreds of Gaza detainees as well. Israel says a total of 50 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of them still alive. Israels policy is consistent and has not changed. Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles established by the cabinet for ending the war. We are in the final decisive stage of Hamas and will not leave any hostage behind, an Israeli political source said. The comment, while adamant, fell short of an outright rejection of the proposal on the table. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to convene discussions about the ceasefire proposal soon, the two Israeli officials said. A response was expected in the coming two days, said a Palestinian source close to the talks. Before Hamas responded on Monday to the proposal, Netanyahu had ruled out any deal that excluded the return of all the hostages. Qatars Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said the 60-day truce deal would include a pathway to a comprehensive agreement to end the war. The proposal includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, which presently control 75% of Gaza and the entry of more humanitarian aid into the enclave, where a population of 2.2 million people is increasingly facing famine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel had previously agreed to the outline, advanced by U.S. special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, but negotiations faltered over some of its details. The last round of talks ended in deadlock in late July. While Israels political echelon weighed a response, Defence Minister Israel Katz met commanders late on Tuesday. Public broadcaster Kans military correspondent Itay Blumental said on X the meeting was to approve plans to capture Gaza City. The post cited four stages to the plans: building humanitarian infrastructure in the southern Gaza Strip, evacuation of Gaza City, encirclement of Gaza City and manoeuvring into Gaza City. Thousands of people fearing an imminent Israeli ground offensive are estimated to have fled the area in the past few days for points to the west and south in the shattered territory. On the ground, there were no signs of a ceasefire nearing as Israeli gunfire, tank shelling and airstrikes killed at least 20 Palestinians on Tuesday, according to Gaza health officials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At a shelter in Khan Younis, in the south of the enclave, displaced people had mixed feelings over whether a deal would be reached this time. I expect - every time the (Israeli) occupation would be obstinate, reject and receive proposals with negative responses - I expect the same for this proposal as well, said Abdallah Al-Khawaja. Women sat by wood fires cooking meals for their families, while men filled plastic gallons with water; many hoped Israel would approve the proposal. What I say and expect as a member of the Palestinian people living in the Gaza Strip, one of the bereaved and displaced, is that I expect a positive response (from Israel), said Awad Labde. In Israel, the threatened offensive prompted tens of thousands of Israelis on Sunday to hold some of the largest protests since the war began, urging a deal to end the fighting and free the remaining hostages held in Gaza. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Netanyahu faces domestic political pressure from his far-right government partners who object to a truce with Hamas. Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have demanded to keep the war going until Hamas defeat, and annex Gaza. Groups representing Israeli families of those held hostage have demanded their return to Israel and an end to the war. Hamas official Izzat El-Reshiq said that the truce proposal it has agreed to is an interim accord that would pave the way for negotiations on ending the war. A source close to the talks said that, unlike previous rounds, Hamas accepted the proposal with no further demands. But prospects for agreeing an end to the war appear remote, with gaps remaining on the terms. Israel is demanding the group lay down its arms and its leaders leave Gaza, conditions which Hamas has so far publicly rejected. The war began when Hamas-led fighters stormed into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israels offensive has since killed more than 62,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials who do not distinguish between fighters and non-combatants. The Israeli assault has plunged Gaza into a humanitarian crisis and displaced most of its population. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The comments were made as Kim visited a naval destroyer, Choe Hyon, on Monday and received a report about the warships weapons systems North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called Tuesday for the rapid expansion of the countrys nuclear weapons capability, citing ongoing US-South Korea military exercises that he said could ignite a war. The US-ROK intensified military nexus and the muscle-flexing are the most obvious manifestation of their will to ignite a war, Kim was quoted as saying by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).The prevailing situation requires us to make a radical and swift change in the existing military theory and practice and rapid expansion of nuclearization, he said. The comments were made as Kim visited a naval destroyer, Choe Hyon, on Monday and received a report about the warships weapons systems. He expressed satisfaction that the major tasks for making the navy high-tech and nuclear-armed were progressing as planned ahead of an assessment target in October, KCNA said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United States and South Korea on Monday began annual joint exercises aimed at preparing for potential threats from nuclear-armed North Korea. The eleven-day exercises include several large-scale, live-fire training events, a US army statement said. It called the drills a defense oriented exercise. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung vowed on Friday to respect North Koreas political system and build military trust, a day after Pyongyang said it had no interest in improving relations with Seoul. Lee has pledged to pursue dialogue with the nuclear-armed North without preconditions since his election in June, a reversal from his hawkish predecessor. Lees speech came a day after North Korean leader Kims sister, Kim Yo Jong, said the North has no will to improve relations with the South. She also denied reports that North Korea was removing propaganda loudspeakers near the countries border. Trump said Monday that arrangements are underway for a face-to-face meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, calling it a very good, early step toward ending the nearly four-year conflict. US President Donald Trump said Monday (August 18) that "arrangements" are underway for a face-to-face meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing it as a very good, early step toward ending the nearly four-year conflict. I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy, Trump wrote on Trump Social. He added that following the one-on-one, he expects to host a trilateral meeting with both leaders. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking after a White House gathering with European leaders, NATO officials, and Ukraines president, Trump said peace talks may be progressing. I had a very good meeting with distinguished guests which ended in a further meeting in the Oval Office, he said on Truth Social, noting that discussions focused on security guarantees for Ukraine to be provided by European nations in coordination with Washington. Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine, he added. At the conclusion of the high-level meeting, Trump phoned Putin directly, pausing his discussions with European leaders and Zelenskyy. Those present included French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump said Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are coordinating logistics with Moscow and Kyiv. This was a very good, early step for a war that has been going on for almost four years, he emphasised. Trump, Putin spoke for 40 minutes The Kremlin said Putin warmly thanked Trump for the hospitality and progress made during their Alaska summit. Russian news agencies cited a Kremlin aide confirming that the two leaders held a 40-minute phone call, during which they backed continued direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations. They also agreed to stay in close contact on the Ukraine crisis and other pressing global issues, signalling that Moscow and Washington intend to keep communication channels open. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Security guarantees for Ukraine The US president meanwhile said he had discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, adding that Putin had agreed to them despite ruling out Kyivs long-held dream of joining the NATO alliance. Trump said the guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. NATO chief Mark Rutte told reporters at the White House it was a very successful meeting with the president really breaking the deadlock. Today was really about security guarantees, the US getting more involved there, and all the details to be hammered out over the coming days, he said. Zelensky said allies would formalize Ukraine security guarantees within 10 days. The presence of the European leaders however also underscored continuing nervousness about whether Trump will pivot towards Putin as he has on a number of occasions. Trump had pushed Ukraine ahead of the meeting to give up Crimea and abandon its goal of joining NATO both key demands made by Putin. French President Emmanuel Macron called Monday for stepping up sanctions against Russia if Putin does not move forward on peace with Ukraine. Finnish President Alex Stubb said Putin was not to be trusted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Germanys Merz meanwhile said Ukraine should not be forced to surrender its Donbass region to Russia in talks. The Russian demand that Kyiv give up the free parts of Donbass corresponds, to put it bluntly, to a proposal for the United States to have to give up Florida, Merz told reporters. The crossing at the Myawaddy bridge, which carries more than $120m worth of goods between the neighbours each month according to Thai customs data, was sealed to trading vehicles Thai soldiers stand guard overlooking the Moei river on the Thai side near the Tak border checkpoint with Myanmar in Thailand's Mae Sot district. File image/ AFP Myanmars busiest border trade route with Thailand has been closed for a second consecutive day, after the military regime vowed to crack down on black market revenues that it claims are propping up armed resistance groups ahead of elections scheduled for late December. The crossing at the Myawaddy bridge, which carries more than $120m worth of goods between the neighbours each month according to Thai customs data, was sealed to trading vehicles on Monday. The military said the move was aimed at stemming illicit flows that bankroll guerrilla forces entrenched along the highways linking the border to Yangon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Naing Maung Zaw, a spokesman for the juntas Border Guard Forces, confirmed the closure, which comes as the regime seeks to present next months poll as a pathway out of civil war. Critics, however, dismiss the election as an exercise to entrench military rule. Behind the closure The junta, which seized power in a 2021 coup, is fighting on multiple fronts against pro-democracy militias and ethnic armed organisations that have banded together since the putsch. Many sustain their campaigns through levies imposed at roadblocks and toll gates on trade routes, including the lucrative Myawaddy corridor. The regime has set regulations to make it uncomfortable for minority groups, to try to stop them from earning money or benefits, said a Thai security official stationed at the frontier, who requested anonymity. Min Aung Hlaing, the junta leader, last week vowed to target opposition fighters he accused of using profits collected from illegal trade to strengthen their forces. A contested election The military has announced a phased election beginning on 28 December, with voting expected to take weeks. Its forces have made limited territorial gains in recent weeks, recapturing areas where they plan to hold the poll. Yet vast parts of the country remain under the control of armed groups opposed to the coup, raising questions over the feasibility of the vote. Democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains in detention and her National League for Democracy has been dissolved, with former lawmakers urging citizens to boycott. Meanwhile, the junta has imposed draconian new penalties, including prison terms of up to 10 years for those who criticise or protest against the election. With inputs from agencies History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australias Jews, read a post on the official X account of Netanyahus office Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a scathing attack on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday, calling him a weak politician amid escalating tensions between the two countries. Netanyahus comment followed Canberras decision to bar Simcha Rothman, a far-right member of Israels Religious Zionism party, from entering Australia. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced that Israel would revoke the residency visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australias Jews, read a post on the official X account of Netanyahus office. Rothman had been scheduled to meet with members of Australias Jewish community, which has reported a significant spike in antisemitic incidents since the outbreak of Israels war with Hamas in Gaza nearly two years ago. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In response to the visa cancellation of Australian diplomats, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the move as an unjustified reaction, accusing Prime Minister Netanyahus government of isolating Israel on the world stage. This only serves to increase Israels diplomatic isolation, Reuters quoted Wong as saying on Monday. Israel is under growing international scrutiny over the humanitarian impact of its military operations in Gaza, where thousands of civilians have been killed or displaced amid widespread destruction. On August 12, Australian Prime Minister criticised Netanyahu, saying the Israeli leader was in denial about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Albaneses remarks came just a day after he signalled that Australia may join countries like France, the United Kingdom, and Canada in recognising a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. Netanyahu has sharply opposed such recognition, arguing it would effectively reward Hamas for its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel the event that sparked the current war in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said that world leaders are strengthened by public rows with politically toxic Netanyahu, and that the premier had given Albanese a gift with his attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The thing that most strengthens a leader in todays democratic world is a confrontation with Netanyahu, the most politically toxic leader in the Western world, Lapid wrote on X. Its unclear why Bibi is rushing to give the Australian prime minister this gift. With inputs from agencies After the Chinese state media misrepresented External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars remarks, sources have said that India has had no change in the position on Taiwan. In the meeting, they said that India stressed that the country intends to continue economic and cultural ties with Taiwan. Sources in the government on Monday stressed that Indias position on Taiwan has not changed. The development came after Chinese state media misrepresented External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars remarks in the meeting with visiting Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. A report in state-run Xinhua news agency said that he [Jaishankar] reaffirmed that Taiwan is a part of China. Instead, India made it clear in the meeting that the relations with Taiwan will continue, sources told Firstpost. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There is no change in our position on Taiwan. We stressed that like the rest of the world, India has a relationship with Taiwan that focuses on economic, technology, and cultural ties. We intend to continue it, sources said. China has claimed the self-ruled island of Taiwan to be a breakaway province and is committed to its reunification with the mainland even with the use of force. The China-Taiwan conflict is rooted in the Chinese Civil War (1945-19) between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Kuomintang (KMT, the nationalist party). While the victorious CPC established the Peoples Republic of China (PRS) on the mainland, the KMT set up the Republic of China (RoC) in Taiwan. India on One China Policy Formally, India and the majority of the world 182 of the 193 United Nations (UN) members follow the One China Policy that recognise the PRC as the real China and do not recognise Taiwans nationhood. They, however, engage with Taiwan economically and culturally. Sources said that India has not referred to the One China policy since 2010. Countries that do not recognise China engage via de facto embassies like the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) or Taipei Representative Office in Taiwan or in their own country. Former EAM Sushma Swaraj once said that One China Policy had to be reciprocity by a One India Policy. However, China has never demarcated the border with India or accepted Indias territorial integrity. Instead, China has claimed territories in the Indian Himalayas as its own, such as Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For India to agree to a one-China policy, China should reaffirm a one-India policy. When they raised with us the issue of Tibet and Taiwan, we shared their sensitivities. So, we want they should understand and appreciate our sensitivities regarding Arunachal Pradesh, Swaraj said in 2014. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has doubled down on maximalist demands and said there will not be any long-term agreement about the war in Ukraine until Russia gets guarantees about its security. Foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has ruled out any long-term agreement about the war in Ukraine until Russian maximalist demands are met. Lavrov on Tuesday said that there cannot be any long-term settlement without addressing Russias security interests. Without respect for Russias security interests, rights of Russians and Russian-speaking people living in Ukraine, there can be no talk of any long-term agreements, Lavrov told Russian state media. Without Respect for Russia's Security Interests, There Can Be NO TALK of Any Long-Term Agreements FM Lavrov It is precisely these reasons that must be urgently eliminated in the context of the settlement, Lavrov clarified. https://t.co/uVJyNknm06 pic.twitter.com/EJ22dHg1vX RT_India (@RT_India_news) August 19, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lavrov further falsely claimed that Ukraine has banned the Russian language. He justified the war on Ukraine as a response to the purported plight of the Russian-speakers. Lavrov further said that Russia never set the objective of seizing any territory even though Russia has annexed four Ukrainian provinces since 2022 and annexed the fifth, Crimea, in 2014. ALSO READ Ukraine's civilian casualties up 50% in Russian airstrikes in 2025: UN report The purported mistreatment of Russian-speakers in Ukraines eastern region of Donbas has been one of the justifications of Russian invasions of Ukraine in 2014 and then 2022. Russian leader Vladimir Putin referred to the purported mistreatment in his speech announcing the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, and said the purpose of this operation is to protect people who, for eight years now, have been facing humiliation and genocide perpetrated by the Kyiv regime. Putin further said, We had to stop that atrocity, that genocide of the millions of people who live there and who pinned their hopes on Russia, on all of us. Russian maximalist terms over language, culture The 'root causes' of the conflict, a euphemism for their maximalist demands, that Putin and his lieutenants have referred to throughout the conflict have also included these demands. In terms conveyed to Ukraine in Istanbul talks in June, Russia sought the declaration of Russian as an official language in Ukraine. Currently, only Ukrainian is the official language in the country. Russia further sought the restoration of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), which was banned over its ties to Russia. The UOC-MP is the Ukrainian branch of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), which has been a staunch ally of Putin since his political rise in the 1990s. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ: With Russias terms to Ukraine, Putin seeks surrender not a peace deal The UOC-MP was banned under a law enacted last year that outlawed religious organisations that are subordinate to organisations in countries engaged in armed aggression against Ukraine specifically targeting the ROC and its Ukrainian branches. While Putin has dubbed such demands as the protection of Russian-speakers, Ukraine has seen such demands as a ploy to dilute and reshape the Ukrainian national identity. In demands previously conveyed to Ukraine, Russia had also sought amendments to Ukrainian constitution for the denazification of the country. In terms conveyed in June, Russia sought the ban on Ukrainian nationalist formations'. The Philippines, Australia, and Canada launched a joint patrol in the South China Sea as part of ALON, the regions largest combined drills. This years edition is the largest combined operation to yet, with 3,600 troops from both sides joined by a Canadian Navy contingent and US Marines In this photo, taken from video and provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, a damaged Chinese Coast Guard ship is seen after accidentally colliding with a Chinese Navy vessel while chasing a Philippine fisheries boat near Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea. AP The naval forces of the Philippines, Australia, and Canada were on a combined patrol in the South China Sea on Tuesday, a region where tensions had risen following a collision between two Chinese ships last week. The Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal, the Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane, and the Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec all took part in the operation, which was not intended against any specific country, according to a Philippine military officer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Our activity is based on the premise that the exercise is anchored on the free and open Indo-Pacific with peace and prosperity in the region, colonel Dennis Fernandez told a media briefing, adding that the joint sail was taking place within the Philippines exclusive economic zone. The exercise, which began on Sunday in the western province of Oriental Mindoro and will conclude in Palawan, is part of the Philippines ongoing military drills with Australia. The 15-day combined exercises, known as ALON (a Filipino term for wave), began on August 15 and involve amphibious and land operations as well as live fire training aimed at improving the two forces ability to cooperate. This years edition is the largest combined operation to yet, with 3,600 troops from both sides joined by a Canadian Navy contingent and US Marines. ALON started in 2023, the same year Australia and the Philippines elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in order to address the rising security challenges in the region, including in the South China Sea, where $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce takes place. Manila aims to increase the frequency of joint sails with foreign partners, Philippine navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad told reporters, saying that such activities help deter Chinas aggression in the South China Sea. Since late 2023, the Philippines has conducted maritime cooperative activities with allies, including joint passages with treaty ally the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Early this month, the Philippines and India also sailed together for the first time in the South China Sea. This will be the prime ministers first visit to China since 2018. The SCO Summit will open on August 31 in Tianjin PM Modi and China's Xi Jinping are expected to meet at the SCO summit later this month. File image/AP Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China later this month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said on Tuesday during his talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This will be the prime ministers first visit to China since 2018. The SCO Summit will open on August 31 in Tianjin. Our prime minister will be visiting for the SCO summit, Doval said, speaking of new energy in diplomatic ties. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On PM Modis upcoming visit to China, Yi said, The Chinese side attaches great importance to the Prime Ministers visit to China to attend the SCO summit at our invitation. We believe that the Indian side will also make contribution to a successful summit in Tianjin. History and reality prove once again that a healthy and stable China-India relationship serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both of our countries. It is also what the developing countries all want to see. #WATCH | Delhi: During meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says, "The Chinese side attaches great importance to the Prime Minister's visit to China to attend the SCO summit at our invitation. We believe that Indian side will also make contribution to a pic.twitter.com/Go1mNAly89 ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Yi is on a three-day visit to India and has met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Relations between the two Asian giants have been thawing since an agreement last October on patrolling their Himalayan border, easing a five-year standoff that had hurt trade, investment and air travel. Yi and Doval held an extensive meeting on settling specific issues along the border to advance the Indo-China relationship further. I am ready to work with you to build more consensus and identify the direction, the specific goals of the next round of boundary consultations going forward and create more conditions for the improvement and further growth of our bilateral relations, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies French President Emmanuel Macron has dubbed Vladimir Putin an ogre, a giant monster in European folklore that eats children. He said that the Russian leader is a threat to entire Europe and needs to keep attacking for his own political survival. French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday dubbed Vladimir Putin as an ogre, a giant monster in European folklore that eats children. In an interview with French station LCI, Macron emphasised the collective threat that Europe faces from Russian aggression and called Putin a predator and an ogre at our gates that needs to keep eating for his own survival. In the European folklore, an ogre is a giant, grotesque humanoid monster that eats humans, particularly infants and children. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the Russian war on Ukraine, the abduction of Ukrainian children has been widely condemned and has emerged as an emotional issue across the continent. Ukraine has said that Russia has abducted around 19,500 children, many of whom it says have been placed under illegal adoptions in Russia. American Lady First Lady Melania Trump has also written to Putin to address the issue of children in the war. European Union (EU) chief Ursula von der Leyen also raised the issue in the meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Macron further flagged the risk to France and the entire continent from Russia and highlighted Putins history of not honouring peace deals. Putin has rarely honoured his commitments. He has constantly been a force for destabilisation. He has sought to redraw borders to increase his power, said Macron, adding that he did not believe that Russia would return to peace and a democratic system from one day to the next. While he said that France would not come under attack tomorrow from Russia, Macron said that no one should be naive and of course this is a threat to Europe. In recent years, Macron has transformed from someone who believed in cooperation with Russia to a hawk who has proposed extending the French nuclear umbrella to the entire continent and has helmed coalition of the willing efforts to prepare a military response to deter Russia in case of a ceasefire in Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In early 2022, Macron led the shuttle diplomacy, including personal meetings with Putin, in a bid to avert the war. But, since the failure of those efforts, he has transformed into a hawk advocating for greater military preparedness to deal with Russia European leaders in Washington on Monday rejected any pressure on Ukraine to cede territory in peace talks with Russia, insisting that Kyivs sovereignty and military strength must remain intact in any deal to end the war. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, center, France's President Emmanuel Macron, left, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the European leaders' summit to discuss Ukraine, at Lancaster House, London, Sunday March 2, 2025. Image- AP European leaders meeting in Washington on Monday presented a united front, rejecting any suggestion that Ukraine should make territorial concessions in peace talks with Russia. They stressed that Kyivs sovereignty and military strength must not be compromised in any deal to end the war. French President Emmanuel Macron said a future peace accord cannot restrict the size of Kyivs military, telling reporters after White House talks that both Donald Trump and European leaders agreed on the need for a robust Ukrainian army that can resist any attempted attack with no limitation in number or capacity of arms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD German Chancellor Friedrich Merz dismissed Moscows demand that Ukraine cede Donbass, drawing a striking comparison. The Russian demand that Kyiv give up the free parts of Donbass corresponds, to put it bluntly, to a proposal for the United States to have to give up Florida, he told reporters. Merz also revealed that Trump and Vladimir Putin had agreed in a phone call to arrange a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky within two weeks. Macron, meanwhile, warned that sanctions on Russia would intensify if Moscow obstructs the peace process. President Trump believes we can get an agreement and believes that President Putin also wants a peace accord. But if at the end this process is met by refusal, we are also ready to say that we need to increase sanctions, he said, pointing to Washingtons secondary sanctions on India as evidence of their effectiveness. He also clarified that the White House discussions had not involved Ukraine surrendering land. No, that wasnt discussed at all. Were well away from that, Macron said, countering speculation after Trumps earlier public calls for compromise. Finnish President Alexander Stubb cast doubt on Putins intentions, questioning whether the Russian leader would follow through. Putin is rarely to be trusted. So now it remains to be seen whether he has the courage to come to this type of meeting. Does he have the courage to come to a trilateral meeting, or is he once again playing for time? he told reporters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump later said arrangements were underway for a face-to-face meeting between Zelensky and Putin, calling it a very good, early step toward ending the nearly four-year conflict. I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky, Trump wrote on Trump Social. He added that once the bilateral meeting concludes, he plans to host a trilateral session. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself, he said. Vladimir Putin proposed holding a peace summit with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow, according to three sources familiar with a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russias leader Vladimir Putin proposed holding a peace summit with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow, according to three sources familiar with a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russias leader. The discussion between Trump and Putin came during high-stakes talks in Washington between Trump, Zelenskyy and several European leaders that back Ukraine in its fighting against Russias invasion. Putin mentioned Moscow during their call on Monday, one of the sources told AFP, adding that Zelenskyy had said no in response. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A diplomatic source close to the discussions said that European leaders had told Trump that Putins proposal did not seem like a good idea. After the summit in the White House on Monday that included the German, French, Finnish, Italian and UK leaders, Trump said a next step to stopping the fighting now its fourth year would be a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian leader has said repeatedly in recent weeks that he is prepared to sit down with Putin to end the Russian invasion, which has cost tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. Putin told Trump during the call on Monday that he was open to the idea of direct talks with Ukraine, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said, according to state media. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday that any meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents would have to be prepared very thoroughly. Switzerland, meanwhile, had said earlier that it would grant Putin immunity if he came to the country for talks on peace in Ukraine, despite the International Criminal Courts arrest warrant. Trump met with Putin last week in the northern US state of Alaska, ending a years-long Western policy of isolating Putin. The US leader walked away from the meeting without any guarantees of peace from the Russian president. Serbias anti-government protests have turned violent, with activists accusing police of brutal assaults and threats. As outrage grows, the EU has urged Serbia to investigate the allegations and respect the right to peaceful assembly. Protesters gather in support of student Nikolina Sindjelic demanding the dismissal of Marko Kricko, commander of the Special Unit for the Protection of Certain Facilities and Persons, as well as his urgent prosecution and sanctioning for the abuse and torture of detainees, in front of a special police unit station in Belgrade. AFP Serbian anti-government protesters accused police on Tuesday of assaulting and threatening detained activists, raising worries of a spiralling crackdown following a week of deadly clashes. Since November, Serbia has seen almost daily protests, precipitated by the collapse of a railway station roof, which killed 16 people. The tragedy became a symbol of deep-seated corruption in the Balkan nation, with demands for a thorough probe giving way to calls for early elections. However, in the last week, the generally peaceful rallies have devolved into street violence over numerous nights, with supporters of President Aleksandar Vucic beating protestors and riot police responding forcibly to the damage of his party headquarters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More than 100 protesters have been detained, with one telling AFP they were beaten and threatened with rape while in custody. Nikolina Sindjelic, a student activist, said she was dragged along with another student and several other protesters into a government garage in central Belgrade by officers in a special police unit on Thursday night. The commander of the unit brutally beat both him and me, the 22-year-old political science student said. He called us offensive names, told me I was a whore and that he would rape me there in front of everyone, that I would regret trying to overthrow the state. The Ministry of Internal Affairs strongly denied the allegations. It said Sindjelic was arrested for being part of a group that had attacked government buildings and police. Throughout the entire procedure, no means of coercion, handcuffing, insults, or any form of mistreatment were applied, it said. Sindjelic, who was released with a misdemeanour charge, said she intends to file a lawsuit over her alleged abuse. Brutal behaviour Hundreds gathered in front of the accused commanders police building in Belgrade on Tuesday to support Sindjelic and decry widespread reports of police brutality. Protesters carried banners reading, Rapists with badges and The system beats us, we defend ourselves. Unfortunately, we are now entering a spiral of violence, and I do not see how it can end well if things continue in this way, 31-year-old protester Andrej Sevo said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They must decide how to act and calm the situation, rather than simply pouring fuel on the fire by sending in the police, with ever more brutal behaviour. Aleksandra Krstic, 45, also at the rally, said women were especially vulnerable to police abuse. We have no one to protect us. If I go to a protest, I should be able to turn to the police not be beaten, dragged into some basement of a government building, threatened with rape, and forced to beg them to stop, the political science professor said. A bid to seize power On Monday night, protesters again faced off with riot police after an office of Vucics Serbian Progressive Party had its windows smashed by a passing crowd. Within an hour, the embattled leader stood in front of the shattered glass, flanked by pro-government media and security, to denounce the anti-graft demonstrators as terrorists a familiar refrain for the 55-year-old statesman. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We will fight them everywhere, and we will resist them wherever they appear, he said, after riot police had chased protesters from the area. While the protests have so far led to the resignation of the prime minister and the collapse of the government, Vucic in power for 13 years has remained defiant. He has repeatedly rejected calls for early elections and recently threatened a strong response to the demonstrations. This is an attempt at a foreign-funded colour revolution, in which no means are spared, and violence is used in a bid to seize power, he said on Monday night. He has frequently decried the movement as a colour revolution a term favoured by the Kremlin and its allies to smear protest movements as illegitimate. Russia remains a close Serbian ally despite Belgrades declared path to the European Union. The EU ambassador to Serbia, Andreas von Beckerath, said he and other diplomats had met with the government to discuss the current political situation in Serbia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The EU Ambassador underlined the need by all parties to uphold the respect for fundamental rights, including the right for peaceful assembly, Beckerath said Monday. Any suspicion of excessive use of force needs to be duly investigated, including worrying reports about threats and violence against journalists, he said. Chinese FM Wang Yi highlighted the significance of PM Modi and President Xi Jinpings meeting last year in Russias Kazan during his talks with NSA Ajit Doval today Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday said that the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Russias Kazan last year gave impetus for the settlement of the boundary question. I am very pleased to meet you again in New Delhi for this round of talks between the special representatives of China and India on the boundary question. The setbacks we experienced in the past few years were not in the interests of the people of our two countries, Yi said as he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added, And then in October last year, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi had an important meeting in Kazan. That meeting pointed the direction for the development of our bilateral relations and provided impetus for the proper settlement of the boundary question. #WATCH | Delhi: During meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says, "I am very pleased to meet you again in New Delhi for this round of talks between the special representatives of China and India on the boundary question. The setbacks we experienced in the pic.twitter.com/6vFJh3hjfb ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Yi is on a three-day visit to India and has met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Relations between the two Asian giants have been thawing since an agreement last October on patrolling their Himalayan border, easing a five-year standoff that had hurt trade, investment and air travel. Yi and Doval held an extensive meeting on settling specific issues along the border to advance the Indo-China relationship further. I am ready to work with you to build more consensus and identify the direction, the specific goals of the next round of boundary consultations going forward and create more conditions for the improvement and further growth of our bilateral relations, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #WATCH | Delhi: During meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says, "Our two sides should follow the strategic guidance of our leaders. Increase mutual trust through strategic communication. Expand common interest through exchanges and cooperation. And pic.twitter.com/xGOEePBtaQ ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 PM Modi to visit China Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China to attend the upcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Doval said. In his televised opening remarks at a new edition of the Special Representatives Dialogue on boundary question, Doval also highlighted the new energy and momentum in India-China ties as well as peace along the border. There has been peace and tranquillity along the border, Doval said, adding the bilateral engagements between the two countries have been more substantial now. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Our prime minister will be visiting China for the SCO summit and therefore, todays talks assume very special importance, he added. It is the first official confirmation of Modis travel to the Chinese city of Tianjin to attend the summit on August 31 and September 1. With inputs from agencies Somalia is battling a sharp rise in diphtheria cases and deaths, with over 1,600 infections and 87 fatalities recorded this year. Health officials blame vaccine shortages and steep US aid cuts for crippling vaccination efforts, leaving thousands of children at risk. A child suffering from diphtheria rests inside a ward at De Martino Public Hospital, following a diphtheria outbreak, in Mogadishu, Somalia. Reuters Diphtheria cases and deaths have risen sharply this year in Somalia, where the response has been curtailed by vaccine shortages and US aid cuts, Somali officials said. More than 1,600 cases, including 87 deaths, have been recorded, up from 838 cases and 56 deaths in all of 2024, said Hussein Abdukar Muhidin, the general director of Somalias National Institute of Health. Diphtheria, a bacterial disease that causes swollen glands, breathing problems and fever and mostly affects children, is preventable with a vaccine that became widely available in the mid-20th century. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Childhood immunisation rates in Somalia have improved over the past decade, but hundreds of thousands of children are still not fully vaccinated. After fleeing fighting between government forces and Islamist militants in the central Somalia town of Ceeldheere three months ago, all four of Deka Mohamed Alis children, none of whom was vaccinated, contracted diphtheria. Her 9-year-old daughter recovered, but her 8-year-old son died and two toddlers are now being treated at a hospital in the capital Mogadishu. My children got sick and I just stayed at home because I did not know it was diphtheria, she told Reuters from the bedside of her 3-year-old son Musa Abdullahi whose throat was swollen to the size of a lemon from the infection. Health Minister Ali Haji Adam said the government had struggled to procure enough vaccines due to a global shortage and that US aid cuts were making it difficult to distribute the doses it had. Before President Donald Trump cut most foreign assistance earlier this year, the United States was the leading humanitarian donor to Somalia, whose health budget is almost entirely funded by donors. The US aid cut terribly affected the health funds it used to provide to Somalia. Many health centres closed. Mobile vaccination teams that took vaccines to remote areas lost funding and now do not work, said Adam. Muhidin separately echoed his comments about the closures. Overall US foreign assistance commitments to Somalia stand at $149 million for the fiscal year that ends on September 30, compared with $765 million in the previous fiscal year, according to US government statistics. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United States continues to provide lifesaving foreign assistance in Somalia, a US State Department spokesperson said when asked about the impact of its aid cuts in the country. America is the most generous nation in the world, and we urge other nations to dramatically increase their humanitarian efforts. Aid group Save the Children said last month that the closure of hundreds of health clinics in Somalia this year due to foreign cuts has contributed to a doubling in the number of combined cases of diphtheria, measles, whooping cough, cholera and severe respiratory infections since mid-April. Besides the US, Britain, France, Germany and other major Western donors are also cutting aid budgets. Somalias government has also faced criticism from doctors and human rights activists for its limited funding of the health sector. In 2024, it allocated 4.8% of its budget to health, down from 8.5% the previous year, Amnesty International said. The health ministry did not respond to a question about that criticism. It has said it is planning to launch a vaccination drive but has not given details when. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Young museum worker breathes new life into ancient bamboo, wooden slips People's Daily Online) 16:26, August 18, 2025 During the summer vacation period, the Jingzhou Museum in Jingzhoua national historical and cultural city in central China's Hubei Provincehas witnessed a surge of visitors. Inside the exhibition hall themed on bamboo and wooden slips unearthed in Jingzhou, museum worker and exhibition organizer Jiang Lujing guides tourists through the fascinating stories behind these ancient slips. Photo shows bamboo slips unearthed from the Wangjiazui cemetery of the Chu state during the Warring States Period (475 BC221 BC) in Jingzhou, central China's Hubei Province. (Photo/Shi Shaohua) Bamboo and wooden slips served as the primary medium for recording and transmitting written information in ancient China, spanning from the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC-1046 BC) through the Wei and Jin dynasties (220420). The academic study of these artifacts represents a highly specialized field with limited public appeal, making it a typical example of an obscure but essential research area. After graduating with a master's degree in historical documentation from Jilin University in 2012, Jiang joined the staff of the Jingzhou Museum. Over the past decade, he has participated in the excavation and cataloging of several collections of bamboo and wooden slips from the Chu state during the Warring States Period (475 BC221 BC) and the Han Dynasty (202 BC220 AD), while continuously advancing research and exhibition efforts. In 2019, Jiang and his colleagues took part in the excavation of bamboo slips from a tomb on the north bank of the Longhui River in Jingzhou. The excavation, protection, and restoration of bamboo and wooden slips represent a race against time. "Freshly unearthed bamboo slips are as soft as noodles and extremely fragile. Once exposed to air, they oxidize rapidly and turn black, potentially causing the written characters to disappear instantly," Jiang said. The careful removal of individual slips requires meticulous attention to detail, involving soil cleaning, drawing, taking photos, and systematic numbering. "When unearthed, the bamboo slips have been compressed into irregular, hardened masses. We must extract them one by one from top to bottom, assigning each slip a number to preserve as much original information as possible," Jiang said. Photo shows bamboo slips unearthed from a tomb of the Chu state during the Warring States Period (475 BC221 BC). (Photo/Chen Xinping) Through processes including extraction, surface cleaning, infrared scanning, and dehydration treatment, the originally blurred characters on the bamboo slips gradually become legible. As the site of the ancient Chu capital, Jingzhou has yielded abundant bamboo slips with rich content. To date, over 5,000 slips from the Chu state and nearly 10,000 slips from the Qin (221 BC207 BC) and Han dynasties have been excavated from more than 20 tombs and one ancient well in the city. "Each batch of unearthed slips represents the rescue of a segment of civilization buried underground," Jiang said. Following data collection, the painstaking work of analysis begins. Jiang spends most of his working hours studying infrared-scanned images of bamboo slips on the computer, deciphering ancient characters. The Chu state employed a writing system that belonged to ancient characters during the Warring States Period. Among the materials Jiang currently studies are bamboo slips unearthed from the Wangjiazui cemetery in Jingzhou in 2021, containing versions of "The Book of Songs," the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry, dating back more than 2,000 years, that circulated in the Chu state. "The version of 'The Book of Songs' we see today has largely undergone editorial processing," Jiang said, adding that archaeological discoveries of bamboo slips from the Chu state provide crucial evidence for understanding the original appearance of pre-Qin classical texts. In recent years, Jiang and his colleagues have conducted extensive research and verification, providing important supplementary materials to traditional written records. Jiang Lujing cleans bamboo slips from a tomb of the Chu state during the Warring States Period (475 BC221 BC) on the bank of the Longhui River in Jingzhou, central China's Hubei Province. (Photo/Shi Shaohua) Due to factors including their great antiquity, blurred characters, obscure content, and high interpretive threshold, the academic study of bamboo and wooden slips still faces significant challenges. The Jingzhou Museum brings together three generations of researchers engaged in the cataloging and study of bamboo and wooden slips. Born in the 1980s, Jiang has gradually emerged as a backbone in the field. He constantly considers how to make better use of research results and share archaeological findings with the public. In 2022, when the museum upgraded its exhibitions, Jiang independently wrote the exhibition outline for the bamboo and wooden slip-themed display, striving to make it both academically rigorous and accessible to general audiences. Over the years, he has been invited to deliver lectures at several universities, sharing the latest research findings on bamboo and wooden slips unearthed in Jingzhou with enthusiastic young students. On June 14 this year, he participated in an online livestream session on bamboo and wooden slip restoration jointly hosted by the Jingzhou Museum and the Jingzhou Culture Relics Protection Center. "We hope to pass on bamboo and wooden slip culture in ways that appeal to young people and bring ancient characters to life," Jiang said. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Venezuelan President Maduro has ordered nationwide militia activation after the US doubled bounty for his arrest and intensified anti-drug operations in the Caribbean Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks as he presents a proposal to reform the constitution in a session of the National Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela on February 15, 2025. Reuters File Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced that he will deploy 4.5 million members of the countrys civilian militia, citing what he called renewed threats from the United States. The move comes after Washington increased the bounty for Maduros arrest and launched new anti-drug operations in the Caribbean actions Caracas has condemned as hostile and provocative. This week, I will activate a special plan with more than 4.5 million militiamen to ensure coverage of the entire national territory - militias that are prepared, activated and armed, Maduro announced on state television. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The militia, originally established by former President Hugo Chavez, is officially reported to number around five million members, although independent estimates suggest the actual figure is significantly lower, reported Times of India. Venezuelas total population stands at approximately 30 million. In a televised address, President Maduro condemned what he described as the renewal of extravagant, bizarre, and outlandish threats from the US, following a series of moves by Washington that have further strained bilateral relations. Earlier this month, President Trumps administration doubled the reward for Maduros capture to $50 million. The Venezuelan leader faces drug trafficking charges in the United States, where officials accuse him of heading the so-called Cartel de los Sole_s_, a criminal network allegedly responsible for large-scale cocaine smuggling. In addition to increasing the bounty, the Trump administration imposed fresh sanctions on both the cartel and the Venezuelan government. The US military has also reportedly deployed several naval vessels to the southern Caribbean as part of its broader anti-narcotics campaign in the region. We are also deployed throughout the Caribbean in our sea, our property, Venezuelan territory, Times of India quoted Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello as saying. Although he did not explicitly mention the recent actions by the United States, President Maduro expressed gratitude to Venezuelas international allies for standing with the country against what he described as a rotten refrain of ongoing threats. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Maduro also called for the expansion of worker and peasant militias across all sectors of the economy, urging broader participation in what he framed as a national defence effort. Rifles and missiles for the peasant force! To defend the territory, sovereignty, and peace of Venezuela, declared Maduro. With inputs from agencies Trump unexpectedly called Russian President Vladimir Putin during White House talks with Ukrainian and European leaders to discuss a possible Ukraine deal, says report. The Kremlin confirmed the roughly 40-minute call 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 US President Donald Trump interrupted a meeting with European leaders and Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Monday (August 18) to make a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding efforts to reach a deal on Ukraine, news agency AFP reported citing sources. The Kremlin confirmed that Trump spoke with Putin for about 40 minutes in the middle of his meetings with Zelensky and European leaders. The call took place while Trump was hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Commission, and NATO. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier on Monday, Trump had said he would speak by phone with Putin, three days after their in-person meeting and following White House talks with Ukrainian and European leaders. I just spoke to President Putin indirectly and were going to have a phone call right after these meetings today, Trump told reporters during his Oval Office meeting with Zelensky. The US President added that we may or may not have a trilat with Zelensky and Putin. Earlier, before European leaders joined Trump in the East Room, a hot mic captured a conversation between the US President and French President Emmanuel Macron. I think he wants to make a deal. I think he wants to make a deal for me. You understand that? As crazy as that sounds, Trump told Macron, seemingly referring to Putin. A spokesperson for Putin, quoted by Russian media, confirmed the call. Several international outlets had earlier reported the conversation, citing unnamed sources close to the talks. The call came earlier than expected, as Trump was not anticipated to speak with Putin until after his meetings with Zelensky and the European leaders had concluded. Details of the discussion remain unclear, with Russian media providing little information. Meanwhile, talks between Trump, Zelensky, and European leaders continue in Washington. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelenskyy swapped his usual military attire for a sharp black suit at the White House on Monday, prompting a playful exchange with a reporter who had previously criticised him for his casual wardrobe during an earlier meeting. Trump also praised the Ukrainian presidents choice of attire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump in the US White House. File image/AFP Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swapped his trademark olive drab for a sharp black suit at the White House on Monday. While meeting US President Donald Trump for talks on the war with Russia, Zelenskyy drew a remark from Brian Glenn of Real Americas Voice, who told him, You look fabulous in that suit. Glenn had previously criticised his military attire during a February visit, calling it disrespectful to the countrys highest office. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump quickly jumped in saying, I said the same thing. Isnt he the one who attacked you last time? Zelenskyy smiled and took a indirect dig at the reporter, I remember him. But you are in the same suit. The exchange drew laughter. GLENN: You look fabulous in that suit TRUMP: That's the one that attacked you last time ZELENSKYY: I remember that. You're in the same suit. I changed mine. pic.twitter.com/cuTIYHmEbN Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 18, 2025 Back in February, both Glenn and Trump ally JD Vance had criticised Zelenskyy for appearing in military fatigues. That Oval Office meeting had escalated into a shouting match, with Trump and Vance publicly berating Zelenskyy partly over his attire. A right-wing reporter also mocked him for not wearing a suit, to which Zelenskyy quipped he would wear one once the war in Ukraine was over. On Monday, the Ukrainian leader playfully noted he had updated his style while his critic apparently had not. Trump also praised Zelenskyys black suit, calling it fabulous. The lighthearted moment came amid serious discussions between US and European leaders over Ukraines security guarantees and Russias demands. European officials said Zelenskyys wardrobe was addressed ahead of the meeting, with the White House requesting he avoid his usual combat wear. According to Axios, Zelenskyy would wear the same black jacket he wore to a NATO summit in the Netherlands," adding that it would be suit-style but not a full suit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The fashion shift coincides with a critical diplomatic moment. Leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Finland, along with NATO chief Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, gathered at the White House to show united support for Ukraine. They met with Trump and Zelenskyy to discuss bridging differences over a potential peace deal with Russia. Trump, fresh from his Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, has said Ukraine must give up Crimea and abandon its NATO ambitionstwo of Moscows key demands. President Trump on Tuesday said he remains hopeful that Russian President Putin will take steps toward ending the Ukraine war but acknowledged that Putin may have no intention of making a deal, a scenario Trump described as a rough situation for the Russian leader US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he remains hopeful that Russian President Vladimir Putin will take steps toward ending the war in Ukraine but acknowledged that Putin may have no intention of making a deal, a scenario Trump described as a rough situation for the Russian leader. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he expects greater clarity on Putins intentions in the next couple of weeks. However, he offered no concrete details on the potential security guarantees he has previously mentioned as part of a future settlement for Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump reaffirmed his longstanding opposition to deploying American troops in Ukraine, emphasising a diplomatic path over direct military involvement as the war with Russia drags on. I dont think its going to be a problem (reaching a peace deal), to be honest with you. I think Putin is tired of it. I think theyre all tired of it, but you never know, Fox News quoted Trump as saying. Were going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks Its possible that he doesnt want to make a deal, he added, leaving open the possibility of a diplomatic deadlock. Trump had previously warned of imposing further sanctions on Russia and on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil if the Kremlin refuses to pursue peace. His comments follow a high-stakes summit at the White House on Monday, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, joined by leaders from Germany, France, and the UK, discussed a potential roadmap to end the war. Zelenskyy praised the summit as a major step forward toward resolving what has become Europes deadliest conflict since World War II and signaled plans for a trilateral meeting with both Trump and Putin in the coming weeks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelenskyys meeting with Trump marked a notable improvement in their diplomatic relationship, especially after their contentious Oval Office encounter in February. However, despite a renewed sense of cooperation, key questions remain particularly regarding Russias willingness to engage in any peace process and the nature of the security guarantees Washington may offer Kyiv. With more than a million people estimated to have been killed or wounded since Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022, the road to peace is expected to be difficult. Analysts caution that Zelenskyy may ultimately be forced to make difficult concessions to end the war. No let-up in attacks Despite a temporary sense of relief in Kyiv following high-level talks in Washington, fighting on the ground showed no signs of slowing. According to Ukraines air force, Russia launched 270 drones and 10 missiles in an overnight assault the largest aerial attack of the month so far. The Ukrainian energy ministry reported that the strikes targeted key infrastructure in the central Poltava region, including the countrys only oil refinery, sparking large fires. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a separate development on Tuesday, Russia returned the bodies of 1,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers, Ukrainian officials said. In exchange, Moscow received the remains of 19 Russian soldiers, according to the state-run TASS news agency. The good news (from Mondays summit) is that there was no blow-up. Trump didnt demand Ukrainian capitulation nor cut off support. The mood music was positive and the trans-Atlantic alliance lives on, Reuters quoted John Foreman, a former British defence attache to Kyiv and Moscow, as saying. On the downside, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the nature of security guarantees and what exactly the US has in mind, Foreman added. Ukraines allies held talks in the so-called Coalition of the Willing format on Tuesday, discussing additional sanctions to crank up the pressure on Russia. The grouping has also agreed that planning teams will meet US counterparts in the coming days to advance plans for security guarantees for Ukraine. Nato military leaders were expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss Ukraine, with US General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expected to attend the meeting virtually, officials told Reuters. We are now actively working at all levels on the specifics, on what the architecture of the guarantees will look like, with all members of the Coalition of the Willing, and very concretely with the United States, Zelenskyy said on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tiptoeing around Trump Russia has made no explicit commitment to a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow did not reject any formats for discussing peace in Ukraine but any meeting of national leaders must be prepared with utmost thoroughness. Putin has said Russia will not tolerate troops from the Nato alliance in Ukraine. He has also shown no sign of backing down from demands for territory, including land not under Russias military control, following his summit with Trump last Friday in Alaska. Neil Melvin, director, International Security at the Royal United Services Institute think-tank, said Russia could drag out the war while trying to deflect US pressure with a protracted peace negotiation. I think behind this theres a struggle going on between Ukraine and the Europeans on one side, and the Russians on the other, not to present themselves to Trump as the obstacle to his peace process, Melvin said. Theyre all tiptoeing around Trump to avoid any blame, he said, adding that on security guarantees, the problem is that what Trump has said is so vague its very hard to take it seriously. With inputs from agencies Following their meeting in Alaska last week, Trump revealed that Putin had urged him to crack down on postal ballots a suggestion the US president has now vowed to act on, according to a report US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during 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. File Image/Reuters Trumps decision to eliminate mail-in voting was influenced by a surprising source: Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to an Los Angeles Times report, following their meeting in Alaska last week, Trump revealed that Putin had urged him to crack down on postal ballots a suggestion the US president has now vowed to act on. In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump declared he would lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS, expanding his longstanding campaign against voting methods he claims without evidence are vulnerable to fraud. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also took aim at voting technology, calling machines Highly Inaccurate, Very Expensive, and Seriously Controversial. The move comes despite the fact that both Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump voted by mail in the 2020 primaries. Back in March, Trump signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to prevent mail-in ballots received after election day from being counted. The order also sought to impose a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration an action critics argue could suppress lawful voters and face immediate legal challenges, added the report. While courts have blocked parts of the executive order over constitutional concerns, one provision has been allowed to move forward. That section directs the independent US Election Assistance Commission to revise its guidance on voting machines, specifically banning the use of certain barcodes and QR (quick-response) codes. The US Constitution states that the timing, place and manner of elections shall be prescribed in each state by local legislatures, and that Congress has the ability to pass laws altering state election regulations. The president is given no authority to prescribe or govern election procedures. Nevertheless, Trump wrote Monday that states are merely an agent for the Federal Government in counting and tabulating the votes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They must do what the Federal Government, as represented by the President of the United States, tells them, FOR THE GOOD OF OUR COUNTRY, to do, he wrote. Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read was among the first to respond, accusing Trump of undermining American democracy. Trump is actively working to corrupt our elections, Read said in a statement. If he actually understood or cared about the American people, hed know mail-in voting is the best way to protect everyones right to vote, especially rural folks, elderly people, and hourly workers. Mail-in voting meets citizens exactly where they are: in their living rooms and around their kitchen tables, Read added. Trumps latest move follows a meeting with Putin in Anchorage, where, according to Trump, the Russian leader told him mail-in ballots were the reason for his 2020 defeat. Vladimir Putin said something one of the most interesting things. He said, Your election was rigged because you have mail-in voting, Trump told Fox News Sean Hannity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US intelligence community, however, has consistently found that Putin attempted to influence multiple US elections in Trumps favour not against him. Despite courts, election officials, and independent investigations finding no widespread fraud in the 2020 election, Trump continues to claim it was stolen. On Monday, he reiterated his stance on social media, writing that voting machines cost Ten Times more than accurate and sophisticated Watermark Paper, and added, Democrats are virtually Unelectable without using this completely disproven Mail-In SCAM. I, AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, WILL FIGHT LIKE HELL TO BRING HONESTY AND INTEGRITY BACK TO OUR ELECTIONS, Trump declared. THE MAIL-IN BALLOT HOAX, USING VOTING MACHINES THAT ARE A COMPLETE AND TOTAL DISASTER, MUST END, NOW!!! Trump also said he intends to take further executive action on voting before the 2026 midterm elections, though he gave no specifics. During an Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump told reporters that his legal team was drafting a new executive order. Its time that the Republicans get tough and stop it, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mail-in ballots are corrupt. You can never have a real democracy with mail-in ballots, Trump said. And we as a Republican Party are going to do everything possible to end mail-in ballots. Theyre corrupt. The presidents remarks come in contrast to his own campaigns position ahead of the 2024 election, when it encouraged Republicans including voters affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina to vote by mail. Absentee voting, early voting and election day voting are all good options, Trump said at the time. Republicans must make a plan, register and vote! Trumps continued attacks on mail-in voting now bolstered by the endorsement of a foreign autocrat have drawn criticism from election officials and democracy advocates, who warn that such rhetoric risks further eroding public trust in US elections. With inputs from agencies 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 Chinas sovereignty claims Taiwans Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said that the country should rely on itself for its security after US President Donald Trump said his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, told him that Beijing would not invade the island nation while Trump was in office. Asked about Trumps remarks, Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei said the government closely monitored interactions between senior US and Chinese officials. Taiwans security must be achieved through its own efforts, so our country has been dedicating itself to raising its self-defence capabilities and resilience. Our country will keep working hard to do this, Hsiao told reporters in Taipei. The United States is Taiwans most important international backer and arms supplier, although there are no formal diplomatic ties. There is also no defence treaty, so should China attack, Washington is under no obligation to help. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last week, Trump said, 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. He added, 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. 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 Chinas sovereignty claims. Last month, Taiwan launched its annual 10-day-long military exercise as China expanded its belligerent moves against the island nation, which it considers its own. The drills are intended to guard against Beijings expansionist behaviour. This years 10-day live-fire Han Kuang drills were the longest yet and followed the delivery of a range of new weaponry from tanks to waterborne drones. The drills in Taiwan come as regional tensions and harassment by China and its Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) are increasing. With inputs from agencies Trump also said that Ukraine will not become a part of Nato amid peace efforts in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war US President Donald Trump called Ukraine a buffer between Europe and Russia on Tuesday (August 19). He said that Ukraine will not become a part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) amid peace efforts in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. In an interview with Fox & Friends, Trump confirmed that plans were underway for a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They are doing okay. I dont think they are ever going to be best friends, but they are doing okay, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump added: They (Ukraine) are not going to be part of NATO, but weve got the European nations who will frontload it. France, Germany and the UK want to have boots on the ground. I dont think its going to be a problem. I think Putin is tired of it. We are going to find out President Putin in the next few weeks. He said Ukraine would be offered a security guarantee, but not NATO membership. That is not something that would ever, ever happen. If you were Russia, who would want to have your enemy, your opponent, sitting on your line? You dont do that. It was always thought that Ukraine was a buffer between Russia and Europe. And it was. Trump also said the United States had become the hottest country in the world and was being respected by global leaders, citing the presence of European leaders in Washington on Monday alongside Zelenskyy for peace discussions. Talks with Putin and Zelenskyy Trump said he had spoken directly with Putin while hosting Zelenskyy at the White House. I called President Putin and I do have a good relationship, but it only matters if we get things done, otherwise I dont care about the relationship, he told Fox & Friends. He claimed that he had resolved seven wars, including tensions between India and Pakistan, but said the Ukraine conflict was the hardest to settle. He suggested US support for Kyiv could involve air power. Trump again blamed former President Joe Biden for the war, claiming millions had been killed. This is a war that would have never, ever, ever happened if we had a president a real president, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Possible trilateral meeting Earlier, Trump had called his discussions with Zelenskyy and European leaders a very good, early step towards ending the nearly four-year-old war. He revealed that Putin and Zelenskyy could soon meet directly, with a potential Trilat, a trilateral meeting involving himself, Putin and Zelenskyy, to follow. Zelenskyy has already agreed to talks with his Russian counterpart, but there has been no confirmation from Putin, who met Trump in Alaska last week. This is a breaking development. Please refresh the page for the latest updates The US envoy to Lebanon said Washington will negotiate a ceasefire with Israel after Beirut backed a US plan for Hezbollahs disarmament. Hezbollah vowed defiance, raising fears of renewed instability amid Lebanons ongoing crisis. US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, speaks during a press conference after his meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the presidential palace, in Baabda, east of Beirut, Lebanon. AP The US special envoy to Lebanon said Monday that his team will negotiate a long-term cease-fire with Israel after Beirut approved a US-backed proposal for the Hezbollah militant organisation to disarm. Following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Tom Barrack announced that Washington will seek an economic plan for the countrys post-war rebuilding, following months of shuttle diplomacy between the two countries. Barrack is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri, who frequently negotiates on behalf of Hezbollah with Washington. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I think the Lebanese government has done their part. Theyve taken the first step, said Barrack, who is also the US ambassador to Turkey. Now what we need is for Israel to comply with that equal handshake. Lebanons decision last week to support a plan to disarm Hezbollah enraged the Iran-backed group and its allies, who believe Israels military should first withdraw from the five hilltops it has occupied in southern Lebanon since the end of its 14-month war with Hezbollah last November and cease launching almost daily airstrikes in the country. Hezbollahs secretary-general, Naim Kassem, has pledged to defy efforts to disarm the group, raising worries of civil instability in the nation. Barrack told Hezbollah that it would have missed an opportunity if it would not support calls for disarmament. Both Aoun and Salam want to disarm Hezbollah and other non-state armed organisations, and they have asked that Israel cease its attacks and leave from the nation. Aoun said he wants to increase funding for Lebanons cash-strapped military to bolster its capacity. He also wants to raise money from international donors to help rebuild the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The World Bank estimates that Hezbollah and Israels monthslong war in late 2024 cost $11.1 billion in damages and economic losses as larges swaths of southern and eastern Lebanon were battered. The country has also faced a crippling economic crisis since 2019. The French president said that the Coalition of the Willing, a group established by European leaders in February, has now expanded to include 30 countries French President Emmanuel Macron has said that the most significant outcome of the talks between European leaders and US President Donald Trump was Washingtons commitment to work on security guarantees for Ukraine. We have agreed on several important points that were not as clear a few days or weeks ago, Macron said, adding that the first and most important was the US commitment to develop the security plans further. The French president said that the Coalition of the Willing, a group established by European leaders in February, has now expanded to include 30 countries. Talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should begin bilaterally before expanding to include Trump, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What do the security guarantees include? Zelenskyy has said that he discussed Ukraines plans to purchase $90 billion in American weapons through European funding during the meeting with Trump and European leaders at the White House. According to a report by the Financial Times, the security guarantees also include a $50bn deal to produce drones with Ukrainian companies. A document of the guarantees does not mention which weapons Kyiv intends to procure; however, Ukraine has been clear about its intentions to purchase at least 10 US-made Patriot air defence systems. Speaking at a news conference after the White House meeting, Zelensky said the matter is still under discussion and no formal agreement has been reached. He added that the agreement is expected to be finalised within the next week to 10 days. Zelenskyy-Putin to meet soon Putin and Zelenskyy looked set for a peace summit after fast-moving talks Monday between Donald Trump and European leaders that focused on the key issue of long-term security guarantees for Kyiv. Hopes of a breakthrough rose after Trump said he had spoken by phone with Russian counterpart Putin whom he met in Alaska last week following a very good meeting with the Europeans and the Ukrainian president at the White House. It would be the first meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders since Moscows brutal invasion nearly three and a half years ago, and comes as Trump tries to live up to his promise to quickly end the war. With inputs from agencies Vladimir Putin told US President Donald Trump that he was ready to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac after they arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025.- AFP Vladimir Putin on Monday told US President Donald Trump that he was willing to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In the midst of his meeting with Zelenskyy and other European leaders, Trump on Monday took a break to dial Putin and press him to meet the Ukrainian leader. Rubio said that while he did not expect a peace deal to be signed in the first Putin-Zelenskyy meeting, the fact that the two leaders are going to sit for talks would be a big deal in itself. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But just the fact that Putin is saying, sure, Ill meet with Zelenskyy thats a big deal. I mean, Im not saying theyre going to leave that room best friends. Im not saying theyre going to leave that room with a peace deal. But I think the fact that people are now talking to each other, this wasnt happening for three and a half years. This was a stalemated war of death and destruction, Rubio told Fox News Jesse Watters on Monday. ALSO READ Russia-Ukraine talks: What terms and conditions Putin and Zelenskyy want to apply to peace As part of his efforts to end the war in Ukraine, Trump has sought a trilateral meeting of Ukrainian, Russian, and American leaders. Rubio said that the Mondays summit at the White House that involved Trump, Zelenskyy, and the leaders of most powerful European leaders British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Union (EU) chief Ursula von der Leyen, and Nato chief Mark Rutte was the first time where there seems to be some movement to end the war. What came from the summit is that Trump suggested that Zelenskyy and Putin meet and the administration has been working on that now, said Rubio. He further said, And then if that goes well, hopefully the next meeting will be a meeting between Presidents Putin, Trump, and Zelenskyy, where we hope to finalize a deal. Were not there yet, but thats what were aiming towards and thats one of the things that was discussed today, is how to get to that point. Both sides will have to give something, says Rubio Rubio said that the Trump administration is looking at a give and take approach to resolve the conflict. But the question remains what Russia might be willing to offer in exchange for concessions from Ukraine. Putin has demanded the entire Donbas region, not just the surrender of the area that Russia already controls. As large swathes of the region, which has been industrial, military, and logistical hub of Ukraine, Zelenskyy will find surrendering it a hard-sell domestically. It will also leave him vulnerable to any future aggression. But Rubio was confident that one side is not going to get 100 per cent here. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Each side is going to have to make some concessions. And obviously, land or where you draw those lines where the war stops is going to be part of that conversation. And its not easy, and maybe its not even fair, but its what it takes in order to bring about an end to a war. And thats been true in every war. The only wars that dont end that way are the ones that have unconditional surrender by one side or the other, and were not going to see that in this conflict, said Rubio. India and China took a step towards easing tensions on Monday, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assuring Jaishankar that Beijing will resume supplies of fertilisers, rare earth minerals and tunnel boring machines (TBMs), says report. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India on Monday ahead of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars visit to Moscow. File photo/AP Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, assured New Delhi that Beijing will resume supplies of fertilisers, rare earth minerals and tunnel boring machines (TBMs), The Hindustan Times reported. The move signals a step towards normalising ties, which had plunged to their lowest point after the Galwan clashes in 2022. During his visit to China last month, Jaishankar had raised concerns over Beijings restrictions on imports of urea, NPK and DAP fertilisers, rare earths and TBMs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Foreign Minister Wang assured the External Affairs Minister that China is addressing Indias needs for fertilisers, rare earths and tunnel boring machines, a person familiar with the talks told The Hindustan Times. Boundary issues were kept off the agenda, with officials noting that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will take them up in the Special Representatives dialogue on Tuesday. Wang is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day. Jaishankar reiterated Indias consistent position on Taiwan, stressing that New Delhi maintains only economic and cultural engagement, in line with global practice. Officials described the discussions as cordial, though US President Donald Trumps tariff policies weighed on the talks. Both sides agreed to remain in dialogue, acknowledging that Washingtons trade decisions are likely to affect them. The resumption of supplies marks a significant shift, as Beijing had halted exports to India for nearly a year. China accounts for nearly 30 per cent of Indias fertiliser imports, besides rare earths for auto parts and TBMs for infrastructure projects. While Jaishankar and Wang avoided border issues, Doval is expected to press for de-escalation along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite some friction points being resolved in Ladakh, heavy troop deployments continue on both sides. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On the occasion of World Photography Day, Amazon India is hosting a sale featuring a wide selection of photography cameras and accessories from top brands, including Sony, GoPro, and many others. The sale offers up to 70% off on best-selling cameras, and will run until August 21st, 2025. Amazon World Photography Day 2025 Sale Offers Deals on entry-level cameras Deals on Professional Cameras Deals on Photography Accessories Bank Offers Up to Rs. 7500 instant discount with HDFC Bank credit & debit card EMI (6 months and above) transactions. For more such deals, visit the World Photography Day sale page on Amazon. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Contracts Contracts For Aug. 18, 2025 ARMY Metron Inc.,* Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $48,652,798 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research, development, test, and evaluation of artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabling technologies for expeditionary maneuver and air/ground reconnaissance. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Reston, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of June 17, 2029. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation, defense-wide funds in the amount of $3,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (W911QX-25-C-0005). Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co. Inc., Kansas City, Missouri, was awarded a $8,360,902 modification (P00004) to contract 9127S-25-F-6005 for architecture and engineering design. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $13,603,267. Work will be performed in Fort Smith, Arkansas, with an estimated completion date of May 15, 2026. Fiscal 2025 military construction, Army funds in the amount of $8,360,902 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock, Arkansas, is the contracting activity. NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., doing business as Missile and Fire Control, Orlando, Florida, is awarded a $48,107,728 modification (P00028) to a cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001922F0010) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001919G0011). This modification definitizes contract line-item number 0005 of the order, increasing the value above the original not to exceed value. The modification provides continued non-recurring engineering and material to support post-critical design review activities and test asset builds required to establish a new Long Range Anti-Ship Missile C-3 variant for the Navy. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (97.5%); Troy, Alabama (1.5%); and Ocala, Florida (1%), and is expected to be completed in November 2026. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $48,107,728 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract action was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Axillon Aerospace LLC, Rockmart, Georgia, is being awarded $15,431,460 for a firm-fixed delivery order (N00383-25-F-NS0D) under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00383-25-G-NS01) for the procurement of 108 aircraft fuel tank spares in support of Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Weapon Systems Support's (WSS) F/A-18 Integrated Weapon System Team. The delivery order does not include an option provision, and work will be completed by December 2028. All work will be performed in Rockmart, Georgia (100%). Fiscal 2025 working capital funds (Navy) in the full amount of $15,431,460 will be obligated at the time of award. and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One firm was solicited for this non-competitive, sole-source requirement in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 10 U.S. Code 3204 (c)(1) with one offer received. NAVSUP WSS, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Envisioneering Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, was awarded a $12,737,342 cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF) contract for research and development (R&D) for improved off-board electronic warfare capability. This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $67,665,581. Work will be performed at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by August 2026. Fiscal 2025 operations and maintenance (Navy) in the amount of $50,000 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy); fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Defense); fiscal 2025 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy), fiscal 2024 research, development, test and evaluation (Army); and working capital, funds (Navy) in the amount of $2,400,272, will be obligated at time of award and do not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured as a total small business set aside with two offers received via Contract Opportunities on SAM.gov. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N0017325C2447). World Wide Technology LLC, St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a $11,019,432 firm-fixed-price contract for application server module - heavy hardware. This contract provides information technology infrastructure hardware to host enterprise grade services in a tactical environment. Work will be performed at St. Louis, Missouri, with an expected completion date of Nov. 24, 2025. The maximum dollar value is $11,019,432 with no option years. Fiscal 2025 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $11,019,432 are being obligated at time of award. Contract funds in the amount of $11,019,432 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement, and three offers were received. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-25-F-0156). Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded an $8,311,287 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00057) to a previously awarded contract (N0001920C0032). This modification adds scope to provide qualification activities as well as planning, strategy, and coordination of repair initiatives in support of the Joint Strike Fighter F-35 Lighting II Australia product support provider component depot activation. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (65%); New South Wales, Australia (16%); Melbourne, Australia (9.5%); Victoria, Australia (6.5%); and Brisbane, Australia (3%), and is expected to be completed in August 2028. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $8,311,287 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract action was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE ACG Systems Inc., Annapolis, Maryland, was awarded a $12,311,202 firm-fixed-price contract for the Ground to Air Transmit Receive (GATR) system and test equipment for the Egyptian Air Force. This contract provides for the purchase of two GATR systems. Work will be performed at Annapolis, Maryland; the United Kingdom; and Egypt, and is expected to be complete by July 31, 2031. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Egypt. This contract was a sole source acquisition. FMS funds in the amount of $11,960,184 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA2330-25-C-B006). JAAW Group LLC, Sandy, Utah, was awarded a $9,105,270 task order for small, unmanned aircraft systems and manager support services. This contract provides contractor support for subject matter expertise providing analysis, research, training, operational airspace integration to implement and sustain the U.S. Special Operations Command and Air Force (including the Air National Guard, Space Force, and Air Force Reserves) unmanned aircraft systems programs, and sustainment of the mission critical web application and database known as the small, unmanned aircraft systems manager web application. Work will be performed at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2, 2030. This contract was a competitive acquisition and five offers were received. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance appropriations funds in the amount of $1,115,185 are being obligated at the time of award. The 765th Enterprise Sourcing Flight, Hurlburt Field, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA0021-25-F-0006). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY UPDATE: McKesson Medical-Surgical Government Solutions LLC, Henrico, Virginia (SPE2DH-25-D-0022, $18,000,000) has been added as an awardee to the multiple award contract for medical equipment and accessories for the Defense Logistics Agency Electronic Catalog, issued against solicitation SPE2DH-21-R-0002 and awarded Feb. 10, 2022. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. *Small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4277745/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas: Gaza occupation plan will escalate genocide and forced displacement IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2025 The Palestinian Resistance Movement, Hamas, says Israel's plan to occupy Gaza City will only escalate genocide and forced displacement of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Hamas made the reaction after Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir officially approved Gaza City's takeover plan on Sunday, which had been proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In an interview with Fox News earlier this month, Netanyahu also spoke of plans to occupy the entire Gaza Strip. The occupation of Gaza City and accelerated military operations are a declaration of genocide and mass expulsion, Hamas said in a statement on Monday. This declaration reveals the Israeli regime's despotism, its disregard for international law, and its insistence on continuing the genocide that has been ongoing for more than 22 months, under the cover of US complicity and the silence of the international community, the statement read. Hamas also referred to an Israeli move to distribute tents among evacuating Gaza City residents, calling it a deceptive attempt to conceal further atrocities. The movement emphasized the interconnectedness of Gaza and the West Bank, citing daily raids and settler violence as part of a broader strategy to displace Palestinians and erase their rights. Israel is moving to take over Gaza after 22 months of war in the Gaza Strip, which has left nearly 62,000 Palestinians killed. Many of them have died due to starvation as Israel continues to restrict flow of aid to the territory. Arab and some Western states coupled with international organizations have all warned that the Gaza City takeover plan would only exacerbate the already dire conditions in the territory. Iran condemned the plan too, describing it as the product of the impunity Israeli leaders enjoy, which is itself the result of the comprehensive arms and political support of the United States and some European countries for the regime. 7129**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel's starvation of Palestinians in Gaza is a deliberate policy: Amnesty IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2025 Leading international rights group Amnesty International has released a new report featuring testimonies from displaced civilians in Gaza, indicating that the Israeli regime has been deliberately starving Palestinians, systematically destroying their health, well-being and social fabric. The report, published on Monday, underscores the organization's repeated findings that the deadly combination of hunger and disease is not an unfortunate byproduct of Israel's military operations. "It is the intended outcome of plans and policies that Israel has designed and implemented, over the past 22 months, to deliberately inflict on Palestinians to bring about their physical destruction - which is part and parcel of Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza," the report said. "The world cannot continue to pat Israel on the shoulder for trickling in aid and viewing these cosmetic measures as a sufficient response to its calculated destruction of the life of Palestinians in Gaza," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, senior director for research at Amnesty International. While calling for an immediate and unconditional lifting of the siege on Gaza and a sustainable ceasefire, she said: "As Israeli authorities threaten to launch a full-scale ground invasion of Gaza City, the testimonies we have collected are far more than accounts of suffering, they are a searing indictment of an international system that has granted Israel a license to torment Palestinians with near-total impunity for decades." Guevara-Rosas also criticized world leaders for engaging in "rhetorical posturing" while millions around the world continue to take to the streets in protest against "Israel's deliberate and systematic campaign of starvation to inflict unbearable suffering on an entire population." "Palestinian children are being left to waste away, forcing families into an impossible choice: helplessly hearing the cries of their emaciated children pleading for food, or risking death or injury in a desperate search for aid," reads Amnesty's findings. Over the last few weeks, Amnesty International interviewed 19 Palestinians, from three makeshift camps, as well as two medical staff members treating malnourished children in two hospitals in Gaza City. 4399**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel chief of staff approves Gaza City takeover plan IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2025 Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has officially approved a military plan for the occupation of Gaza City, located in the north of the Gaza Strip. The plan, proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was already approved by Israel's war cabinet on August 8. Under the scheme, which has sparked widespread international criticism, the Israeli regime will take over Gaza City, beginning with a military operation followed by a gradual entry into the city, according to Anadolu news agency citing Israeli media outlets. The plan will involve a broad forced evacuation of Palestinians from Gaza City, reportedly over two weeks. In the meantime, an Israeli source told the regime's official broadcaster, Kan, that the United States has requested a detailed review of the plan. Israel is moving to take over Gaza after 22 months of war in the Gaza Strip, which has left nearly 62,000 Palestinians killed. Many of them have died due to starvation as Israel continues to restrict flow of aid to the territory. Arab and some Western states coupled with international organizations have all warned that the Gaza City takeover plan would only exacerbate the already dire conditions in the territory. 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu: "I spoke with the Defense Minister and the IDF about our plans regarding Gaza City and the completion of our missions. Hamas is under immense pressure." Israel - Prime Minister's Office Type: Media Statements Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 18.08.2025 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today: "Today I visited the Gaza Division where I met with the IDF senior command staff. Citizens of Israel, I would like to tell you three things: First, I expressed - on your behalf, that of the Government of Israel and for myself - deepest appreciation for the great achievements of the IDF in the War of Redemption, the war on seven fronts. Second, I was impressed by the fighting spirit and determination to complete the defeat of Hamas and the release of all of our hostages. Third, I spoke with the Defense Minister and the IDF about our plans regarding Gaza City and the completion of our missions. And like you, I hear the reports in the media, and from them you can be impressed by one thing - Hamas is under immense pressure." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel to provide urgent humanitarian aid to South Sudan Israel - Prime Minister's Office South Sudan is currently struggling with a cholera outbreak and facing a severe shortage of resources. The aid will include essential medical supplies for treating patients, water purification equipment, gloves and face masks, as well as special hygiene kits to prevent cholera. In addition, food packages will be distributed. Type: Press Releases Topic: Foreign Policy Publish Date: 18.08.2025 At the instruction of Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar - Israel will provide urgent humanitarian aid to South Sudan In light of the severe humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, and under the guidance of FM Sa'ar, MASHAV - Israel's national aid agency at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - will deliver urgent humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in the country. South Sudan is currently struggling with a cholera outbreak and facing a severe shortage of resources. The aid will include essential medical supplies for treating patients, water purification equipment, gloves and face masks, as well as special hygiene kits to prevent cholera. In addition, food packages will be distributed. As part of the aid operation, MASHAV will cooperate with IsraAID, an Israeli NGO active in the country. Recently, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar hosted South Sudan's Foreign Minister, Monday Semaya Kumba, in Jerusalem, where they discussed the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan that is worsening due to the influx of refugees fleeing the war in Sudan. Israel stands by its friends in their time of need. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OIC Condemns Israeli Occupation Prime Minister's Racist Remarks and Provocative Visit to Illegal Settlement in Occupied West Bank Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 18-08-2025 The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly condemns the provocative visit made by the Prime Minister of the Israeli occupation to the "Ofra" settlement illegally established in the occupied West Bank. The visit was accompanied by racist statements in which he affirmed "the importance of preserving settlements and holding on to the Land of Israel". He also declared that he "will do everything to ensure continued attachment to the Land of Israel and to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state." The OIC affirms that this constitutes a further escalation of Israel's blatant violations of international law and UN resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolution 2334 and the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, both of which affirm the illegality of the Israeli occupation and settlement activity and call for their immediate termination. The OIC also asserts that the visit and the aggressive rhetoric reflect Israel's expansionist and colonial intentions, as the occupying power, and its persistent defiance of the will of the international community, as well as its undermining of all efforts aimed at "achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the region based on the two-state solution". The OIC calls on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to shoulder its responsibilities in ending the Israeli occupation and colonial settlement activity, and to ensure international protection for the Palestinian people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Army chief meets with JUSMAG, US Army reps to beef up interoperability Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno August 18, 2025, 11:13 am MANILA -- Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete met with ranking officials of the Joint US Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) and the US Army Attache as part of efforts to sustain bilateral engagement and enhance interoperability between the two forces. In a statement Monday, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said Nafarrete met with JUSMAG-Philippines chief Col. Daniel Oh and US Army Attache Col. John Matthew Sova on Aug. 15 at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. As head of the JUSMAG-Philippines, Oh administers security assistance missions in addition to non-security assistance missions such as the coordination of joint Philippine and US military-to-military engagement programs prescribed by the Mutual Defense Board. Meanwhile, Sova, as the US Army Attache, fosters positive relationships with the PA and coordinates security cooperation activities. "During the (joint courtesy) call, Lt. Gen. Nafarrete assured the sustained bilateral engagement between PA and the US Army. The Army Chief and the visiting senior US defense officials also discussed enhancing interoperability between both armies," Dema-ala said. Interoperability exercises between the PA and US Army Pacific troops are highlighted in the annual Exercise "Salaknib" and the broader and multilateral Exercise "Balikatan". They also have combined training and subject matter expert exchanges. Nafarrete said the meeting embodies the shared values of peace, security, and regional stability between the two nations. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hamas accepts ceasefire proposal as Trump backs Israeli plans to occupy Gaza Iran Press TV Monday, 18 August 2025 6:57 PM Hamas has reportedly accepted a proposed ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal with Israel, even as US President Donald Trump declared that Israel's captives will be freed only after Hamas is "destroyed," backing the regime's ongoing plans to occupy Gaza City. An official Egyptian source, representing one of the mediators in the negotiations, confirmed that Hamas has agreed to the latest proposal: a 60-day ceasefire that would include the return of half of the captives held in Gaza in exchange for Israel releasing a number of Palestinian prisoners. The proposed deal follows negotiations between Hamas, Egyptian and Qatari officials that have been taking place in Cairo in recent days. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim confirmed the news, saying in a Facebook post that "The movement has handed over its approval to the new proposal presented by the mediators." According to the Egyptian source, the latest proposal also includes a path to a comprehensive deal that ends the nearly two-year genocidal war in Gaza. The latest proposal was expected to be presented to Israel on Monday, although Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel is no longer interested in part deals. It was reported that the proposal is nearly identical to the one that was put forward by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and was accepted by Israel. The latest development comes in the wake of Trump's declaration that, "We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be," he wrote on his Truth Social platform earlier on Monday, referring to the Israeli captives. "Remember, I was the one who negotiated and got hundreds of hostages freed and released into Israel (and America!)," Trump stated. The US President inflated the numbers, as only 30 captives were released in a previous exchange deal. Trump's remarks marked open support for Israel's plan to occupy the Gaza City, despite widespread concern among Israelis about the fate of the captives and the threat posed to them by the upcoming Israeli assault on Gaza. On Sunday, Israelis staged a large-scale protest in Tel Aviv, demanding the return of the captives through a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal. The protesters slammed Netanyahu for seeking to prolong the war for personal gain. Dani Miran, whose son Omri has been held in Gaza since October 2023, said he feared the consequences of the Israeli ground offensive in Gaza City. "I'm scared that my son would be hurt," he told Reuters in Tel Aviv on Monday. Earlier this month, Israel's so-called "political-security cabinet" approved a plan to occupy Gaza City after Netanyahu announced the regime's intention to occupy the entire besieged strip. Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir had warned against the takeover of Gaza, saying the plan poses a serious danger to the captives still held by the Palestinian resistance in the strip. Last month, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya strongly condemned Israel and the United States for withdrawing from negotiations aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Gaza despite "clear progress" that had been made in the talks. Al-Hayya said the US and Israel were "wasting time" to intentionally hinder talks and facilitate the continued extermination of Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has launched a genocidal war on Gaza since October 7, 2023, after Palestinian resistance fighters carried out the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the Zionist entity in response to the regime's decades-long campaign of death and destruction against Palestinians. The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians and injured 156,230 others, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Since March 2, when it violated its ceasefire agreement with Hamas, the Israeli regime has sealed all border crossings, blocking the entry of humanitarian aid and further deepening Gaza's already dire humanitarian crisis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel revokes visas of Australian diplomats to Palestine Iran Press TV Monday, 18 August 2025 7:10 PM Israel has revoked the residency visas of Australia's representatives to Palestine after Canberra barred the entry of the regime's far-right figures and announced its intention to recognize Palestinian statehood. In an X post on Monday, Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar said he had notified Australia's ambassador to Israel of the visa revocations and instructed Tel Aviv's embassy in Canberra to "carefully examine" any Australian visa request for the occupied territories. He said the move follows Australia's decisions to recognize a Palestinian state and cancel visas to a number of Israeli figures, including lawmaker Simcha Rotman and former minister Ayelet Shaked. Sa'ar also claimed that the Australian government is fueling anti-Semitism. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates strongly condemned Israel's "arbitrary measure" to revoke the visas of Australian diplomats to Palestine. The "illegal" Israeli decision displays "Israeli arrogance and a state of political imbalance," and is "inconsistent with the Geneva Conventions, international law, and international legitimacy resolutions," it added. "Palestine does not recognize this decision and regards Australian diplomats as representatives and accredited to the State of Palestine." The ministry also said Israeli policies will only strengthen Australia's and other countries' determination to adhere to international law and the so-called two-state solution. Earlier on Monday, Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the visa application of Rothman had been cancelled, noting that Canberra "takes a hard line" on people who seek to come to the country and spread division. Rothman is a member of Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich's racist Religious Zionism party. Smotrich was sanctioned by Australia in June alongside Israel's security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for having "incited extremist violence" against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Last year, Australia refused to grant a visa to Shaked for a speaking tour. Burke said Shaked's visit would have undermined social cohesion as she had publicly expressed "horrific" views about Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, including referring to Palestinian children as "snakes". Israel has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured at least 156,230 others since October 7, 2023, when it unleashed a genocidal war on Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza hunger death toll rises as Israel 'deliberately' starves Palestinians Iran Press TV Monday, 18 August 2025 5:39 PM Five more Palestinians, including two children, have died of hunger over the past 24 hours in the Gaza Strip, where a rights group says Israel is enacting a "deliberate policy" of starvation against Palestinians. In a statement released on Monday, the Gaza Health Ministry said the five new deaths bring to 263 the total number of people who have starved to death in the besieged territory during Israel's 22-month genocidal war. It added that 112 children are among the fatalities. Meanwhile, Amnesty International said Israel is "carrying out a deliberate campaign of starvation in the occupied Gaza Strip, systematically destroying the health, well-being and social fabric of Palestinian life." In a report citing testimonies of displaced Palestinians and medical staff who treated malnourished children, it noted that hunger is the "intended outcome" of Israeli policies and "part and parcel" of the regime's ongoing genocide in Gaza. Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns at Amnesty International, said the testimonies collected in the report are "far more than accounts of suffering, they are a searing indictment of an international system that has granted Israel a license to torment Palestinians with near-total impunity for decades." She also underlined the urgent need to halt any Israeli plan to entrench its occupation of Gaza or escalate the offensive there. She further called on the international community, particularly Israel's allies, to uphold their moral and legal obligations to bring an end to the Gaza bloodshed. "States must urgently suspend all arms transfers, adopt targeted sanctions and terminate any engagement with Israeli entities when this contributes to Israel's genocide against Palestinians in Gaza," Guevara Rosas said. Israel unleashed its brutal Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, after the Hamas resistance group carried out its historic operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people. The Tel Aviv regime has so far failed to achieve its declared objectives of eliminating Hamas and freeing all captives in Gaza, despite killing 62,004 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring 156,230 others. A mass starvation is also gripping Gaza due to Israel's blockade of the territory that prevents the entry of essential supplies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US envoy urges Israel to withdraw forces as Lebanon takes first step Iran Press TV Monday, 18 August 2025 10:44 AM US Special Envoy Tom Barrack has said that with Lebanon's government taking the first step, Israel must now reciprocate by withdrawing its forces from Lebanese territory. Speaking during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday, Barrack commended Lebanon for "significant steps forward" and expressed optimism for progress in the near future. "We will see progress in the coming weeks, meaning a better life for the Lebanese people and neighboring countries... and later we will witness a roadmap for a different kind of dialogue between Lebanon and its neighbors," Barrack said. He noted that Lebanon's reforms and initial decisions have set the stage for broader cooperation and regional stability, underscoring that the success of the process requires reciprocal action. "After Lebanon's first move, the ball is now in Israel's court," he said, referring to the decision to disarm the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah. Asked by reporters about whether he expected to see Israel fully withdraw from Lebanese territory, Barrack said, "That's exactly the next step" needed. The US envoy claimed there was "no American proposal directed at Israel," stressing instead that Washington's role was focused on "implementing an agreement that was violated." When questioned about Hezbollah's disarmament, Barrack emphasized that the issue falls under Lebanon's sovereignty, claiming, "We are not considering issuing any threats. Dealing with Hezbollah is a Lebanese procedure, and our role has been advisory." On August 5, Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam tasked the country's army to develop a plan to restrict weapons to the state by the end of the year, a decision that aims at disarming Hezbollah, which has for decades defended the country from external aggression, especially from the Israeli enemy. Two days later, during a cabinet meeting, the Lebanese government officials further discussed the US push for disarming Hezbollah and endorsed its "objectives." Hezbollah condemned the government's decision as a "grave sin," warning that it fully serves the interests of Israel, which still occupies areas in Lebanon and carries out near-daily violations of a November 2024 ceasefire. Israel continues to maintain its occupation of five significant regions in southern Lebanon, namely Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, all situated near the border. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq to end presence of US-led military coalition by September: Prime minister's aide Iran Press TV Monday, 18 August 2025 10:10 AM The Iraqi government plans to end the presence of the US-led military forces in the capital Baghdad and at the Ain al-Asad airbase in the western al-Anbar province by the end of September, according to an aide to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani. Hussein Allawi told the official Iraqi News Agency (INA) on Sunday that the US-led troops, purportedly formed to fight the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group, will withdraw by next month under an agreement between the Baghdad government and coalition members. The move, Allawi said, comes in line with the Iraqi government's plan to bolster the Arab nation's armed forces and transition to bilateral defense partnerships. "The Iraqi government is committed to its program of building the armed forces and ending the coalition's mission, while transitioning relations with coalition countries into stable bilateral defense arrangements guided by political, economic, and cultural ties," Allawi noted. The prime minister's advisor outlined a two-stage timeline agreed upon by Iraq and the Western military alliance, with the initial withdrawal phase scheduled for September 2025 and the full completion set for September next year. He noted that Iraq plans to continue advisory and capacity-building partnerships with international allies beyond that period. Allawi highlighted that this strategy illustrates the government's dedication to forming enduring partnerships across various sectors, especially in security, while recognizing the continuous endeavors of the joint military committee responsible for facilitating discussions about the coalition's mission. 'The advisor highlighted that the gradual withdrawal signifies Iraq's strategic transition towards establishing normalized relations with the United States and coalition countries, shifting from multilateral military frameworks to bilateral security pacts. "It will return Iraqi-American and Iraq-coalition ties to the kind of strategic framework agreements that existed before the fall of Mosul to Daesh in 2014," he stated. Iraq adopted the law to expel foreign forces after Washington's assassination of top Iraqi and Iranian anti-terror commanders four years ago. Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the second-in-command of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), were martyred along with their comrades in a US drone strike that was authorized by then-president Donald Trump near Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020. The two iconic anti-terror commanders are greatly admired for their instrumental role in fighting and decimating the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group in the region, particularly in Iraq and Syria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Doctors Without Borders warns Gaza daily injuries triple since launch of GHF Iran Press TV Monday, 18 August 2025 6:40 AM Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has warned that daily Palestinian injuries in Gaza have tripled since late May, with the launch of an Israeli and US-backed aid initiative run by the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). MSF deputy medical coordinator in Gaza, Mohammad Abu Mughaiseeb, in a recent video message, warned of a new horror facing the healthcare sector as the Israel-backed food distribution points have turned into kill zones. "These locations have tripled the daily influx of wounded people compared to what it was before the establishment of the distribution centers," he said. Israel stopped aid deliveries to Gaza on March 2 after claiming that Hamas was "stealing aid" to justify its weaponization of aid against civilians. After nearly three months of complete aid blockade, under international pressure for pushing the besieged territory to the verge of famine, the apartheid regime forced a new model of aid distribution led by the GHF, replacing United Nations-affiliated aid groups. Gaza Health Ministry has reported that approximately 1,924 Palestinians have been killed and over 14,000 have sustained injuries while seeking aid at GHF sites since May 27, when the Israeli-operated initiative commenced. Most of them have been purposefully shot by Israeli occupation forces or so-called US "security contractors" hired by GHF, according to testimonies from whistleblowers. The shootings have become a daily occurrence, while starvation and malnutrition-related deaths continue to climb in coastal Palestinian territory. Mughaiseeb further said that the already-fragile health system in Gaza is now barely functioning after over 22 months of genocidal Israeli war. "What remains of the health sector is only a fragile skeleton, and now it faces a new horror," he said, cautioning that numerous injured individuals do not reach hospitals alive. "We're seeing severed limbs, severe infections, shattered bones, and torn arteries requiring urgent surgeries and intensive care." However, he said, the capacity to perform such procedures has been drastically compromised by the ongoing genocide. Mughaiseeb confirmed that surgical and intensive care services are collapsing in the few remaining hospitals in Gaza. He demanded an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access, stating that without these measures "there will be nothing left to save, neither hospitals, nor patients, nor the future." At least 61,944 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and another 155,886 individuals have been injured in the brutal Israeli onslaught on Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to the Gaza health ministry. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its war on the besieged coastal territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The UK calls on South Sudan's leaders to take urgent steps to end violence and restore dialogue: UK statement at the UN Security Council Statement by Ambassador Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator, at the UN Security Council meeting on South Sudan. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Caroline Quinn, UK Deputy Political Coordinator Published 18 August 2025 Location: United Nations, New York Delivered on: 18 August 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) President, I will make three points. Firstly, the United Kingdom remains concerned by the continued violence across South Sudan, which has led to widespread suffering. As highlighted in the Secretary-General's report, military offensives and intercommunal clashes continue to devastate communities. We condemn these repeated attacks, including aerial bombardments against civilians, humanitarian workers and medical facilities. We call on South Sudan's leaders to take urgent and concrete steps to halt the violence and restore dialogue, and we urge all parties to protect civilians and comply fully with international humanitarian and human rights law. Second, President, as we have heard today, the political situation continues to deteriorate. The ongoing house arrest of First Vice President Machar undermines the core principles of the 2018 peace agreement and is a serious obstacle to reconciliation. Meanwhile, persistent reshuffles have caused further destabilisation, and government institutions are not operating as they should. The United Kingdom echoes the African Union's call for the immediate release of all political detainees, including the First Vice President. This is necessary for credible and inclusive dialogue. We also encourage renewed political engagement with regional efforts to advance peace in South Sudan. Thirdly, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned by the ongoing acute humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, with over 7.7 million people facing severe food insecurity, and a cholera outbreak that has claimed more than 1,400 lives. These conditions are being exacerbated by spillover from the conflict in Sudan and by the effects of climate change. The situation in South Sudan is a clear example of the linkages between climate, peace and security. We commend UNMISS for its tireless work in addressing these climate-related risks, as well as its broader efforts to enable the delivery of aid and protect civilians. In this respect, President, the United Kingdom calls on South Sudan's leadership to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians in need, irrespective of political affiliation or ethnicity. And with respect to broader efforts to build resilience and secure lasting peace, we also urge South Sudan's leadership to take meaningful steps to address the growing impacts of climate change as a key driver of fragility and instability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 18 August 2025 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. All right, good afternoon. Thank you for your usual patience. ** Secretary-General Travels The Secretary-General will be heading out of New York very shortly to head to Japan, as we told you, where he will attend the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) which will take place in Yokohama. And from there he will go on to stop by Osaka to visit the Expo 2025, to visit the UN pavilion and others before heading back to New York. In Japan, the Secretary-General is scheduled to hold a meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, as well as other officials including Iwaya Takeshi, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. This will be in Yokohama, on the side lines of the Conference. This is the Secretary-General's seventh visit to Japan. It will highlight the cooperative relationship between the United Nations and Japan. TICAD is also a very important platform, as we have been telling you, to discuss ways to support Africa's development. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Turning to the situation in Gaza, our colleagues with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warn that the situation is beyond catastrophic. Amid ongoing hostilities and extreme hunger, more deaths are recorded every day. Hunger-related deaths continue to be reported, including among children. Partners tell us that, last week, in the north and the south of Gaza, more than 80 community kitchens were able to produce some 380,000 meals each day. Back in April, the daily tally of community kitchens was more than a million meals each day. Communities rely on hot meals once a day from these kitchens but the amount they're able to cook remains insufficient to meet the needs of the population in Gaza. The World Food Programme for its part, said that its teams are doing everything they can to deliver food to people. But the supplies remain far below standards less than half of WFP daily target. The agency said that organized distributions, WFP-supported hot meals and bakeries, depend on far more aid that is actually getting into Gaza. The Ministry of Health in Gaza said that five people, including two children, died over the past 24 hours due to malnutrition and starvation. To prevent such deaths, and as we've been saying repeatedly humanitarians must be able to deliver food at scale, and consistently, through all available crossings and routes to reach the population of 2.1 million people, half of whom are children. Yesterday, 8 out of the 12 missions requiring coordination with the Israeli authorities were facilitated without impediments. They included the transfer of nutritional supplies and fuel to the north. One mission was to replace a water pipeline in Deir al Balah, and that mission was denied. Three others were impeded but eventually fully accomplished, including the collection of food aid from the Zikim crossing and the Kerem Shalom/ Karem Abu Salem crossing. Movement restrictions also included holding points and long waiting lines inside the Strip, hinder the delivery of aid and supplies to people who are in desperate need. We have seen the Israeli authorities' announcement that they will lift the ban on shelter supplies, which have not been allowed to enter the Gaza Strip in five months. This is a welcome development, as the need for shelter and household items has increased. Our partners estimate that at least 1.35 million people need emergency shelter and some 1.4 million need essential household items. This represents an increase of about 4 and 8 per cent, respectively, compared with just June, a few months ago. However, we are also concerned that the announcement by the Israeli authorities comes in connection with the looming announced expansion of the military activities in the Gaza city. This would displace thousands of people, once again, into an overcrowded area in the south of the Strip, which is almost devoid of the most basic infrastructure and services, including water, food and medical services. Since early March, when the Israeli shelter ban came into force, more than 780,000 displacements have taken place. Existing shelters have deteriorated or been left behind amid repeated displacement orders. Yet again, we repeat that it will not participate in any forced displacement of people. We and our partners reiterate our commitment to serve people wherever they are. All civilians must be protected, whether they choose to stay or whether they choose to move. Those who decide to move must have their essential needs met, and they must be able to voluntarily return when the situation allows. We also need unimpeded humanitarian access across all of Gaza, including community-based distributions and supplies entering at scale through all possible crossings, as we have been saying. All available supplies must be let into Gaza, including through the northern crossings. Turning to the situation in the West Bank, our colleagues at OCHA report that attacks, harassment and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinians are continuing. We of course stand against violence by settlers which undermines Palestinians' safety, livelihoods and dignity. We call once again for the protection of Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. ** Lebanon Heading north, to the situation in southern Lebanon, where our peacekeeping force in Lebanon continues to support the Lebanese Armed Forces in their effort to clear southern Lebanon of unauthorized weapons caches and infrastructure. On Saturday, peacekeepers discovered a deep tunnel in Khiam in Sector East and reported it to the Lebanese Army, as that has been the procedure. Last Thursday, another tunnel was found near Beit Lif in Sector West. UN Peacekeepers also found unauthorized weapons caches, including mortar guns with explosive rounds as well as a rocket launcher, near Ayta Ash Sha'b in Sector West, which were all referred to the Lebanese Army. As part of the mission's efforts to build capacity of the Lebanese Army, UNIFIL peacekeepers trained Lebanese Army soldiers on tactical communications procedures last week. Meanwhile, UNIFIL continue to observe Israel Defense Forces military activities in its area of operations, including four airstrikes in Sector East on Friday and drone flights over the Blue Line just yesterday. ** Ukraine And turning to Ukraine. Our colleagues in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell us that attacks over the weekend killed and injured civilians across Ukraine. Homes and other civilian infrastructure were damaged. Authorities also report that the cities of Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia sustained most of the casualties and damages. The regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Sumy and Odesa were also impacted. Humanitarian partners, supported by UN agencies, provided immediate assistance. The operating environment for humanitarian organizations continues to deteriorate. In the first half of this year, at least four aid workers were killed, more than 30 were injured, and over 100 security incidents were reported in Ukraine. Incidents involving harm to personnel, assets and facilities rose from 61 last year to 103 so far this year, reflecting the heightened risks, particularly near the front line, due to increased short-range drone attacks. Meanwhile, humanitarians continue to support people fleeing the hostilities in Donetsk and Dnipro regions as authorities expand mandatory evacuation orders for families with children. Assistance includes transport and support at transit sites. Between 15 and 17 August alone, around 3,700 people, including 370 children, were evacuated from front-line areas in the Donetsk region. That is what local authorities are telling us. Meanwhile, humanitarian partners tell us that the needs remain high at the transit site of Pavlohrad due to the large influx of evacuees, particularly for shelter for older people and those people with disabilities. ** Sudan Turning to Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is alarmed by reports of yet another deadly attack on the famine-stricken camp of Abu Shouk, that as you know, is on the outskirts of the besieged city of El Fasher. Local sources report that the Rapid Support Forces attacked the displacement site, which is hosting tens of thousands of people. More than 30 civilians were reportedly killed and 100 people were said to be injured. That is what UN humanitarian partners are telling us. You'll recall that this is the second deadly assault in just a week to target the Abu Shouk camp. We told you about an attack one week ago that reportedly killed 40 civilians. Across North Darfur, humanitarian needs continue to rise, including in Tawila, where more than 300,000 people have sought safety since April. About 98 per cent of displaced households there are unable to meet their basic needs. That's what the rapid assessment by our partner, the Norwegian Refugee Council says. We, along with our partners, are providing vital aid whenever and wherever possible, despite insecurity and access constraints. Our humanitarian colleagues continue to call for safe and unhindered humanitarian access across Sudan and urge all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. ** South Sudan Turning to South Sudan. This morning, Martha Pobee, the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, briefed Security Council members on the situation in South Sudan. She expressed our concern that the current military posture and ongoing operations will spur yet more violence and make intercommunal conflict even worse. She reiterated our peacekeepers' commitment to provide support for South Sudan and its people. Ms. Pobee noted that the humanitarian situation in South Sudan is alarming. Funding cuts, she said, are leaving millions without lifesaving assistance. Just to note that halfway through the year, the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for South Sudan is only 28.5 per cent funded. Between April and July, some 7.7 million people faced high levels of acute food insecurity, including 83,000 people at risk of catastrophic conditions. ** Secretary-General/Flooding in India and Pakistan You will have seen that over the weekend we issued a statement in which the Secretary-General expressed his deep sorrow at the lives tragically lost due to the recent flash floods in India and Pakistan. Hundreds of people have been reported killed and many more still missing. The Secretary-General offered his most sincere condolences to the victims' families and said that he stands in solidarity with those affected by this disaster. And in both countries, the Governments are taking the lead in response to the damage from these floods. But of course, the UN country teams are at the disposal of the Governments to provide necessary assistance should it be requested. ** United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) You will also may have seen later on Friday, we issued a statement in which the Secretary-General said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Assistant Secretary-General Aisa Kirabo Kacyira. She passed away on 12 August. She, as you know, served as Head of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) since February 2023. We send our condolences to her family, her friends and colleagues. ** Resident Coordinator Albania And lastly, we have a new Resident Coordinator appointment. Ingrid Macdonald, as of today, assumed her role as the UN Resident Coordinator in Albania, following host country approval. Our Australian colleague brings more than 25 years of experience in development cooperation, humanitarian action and peacebuilding. She was recently the UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina and previously served in roles in OCHA, the Norwegian Refugee Council and Oxfam. ** Questions and Answers Spokesman : Edie, then Ibtisam. Question : Thank you, Steph. Does the Secretary-General have any comment on the outcome of the summit meeting in Alaska between Russian president Vladimir Putin and US president Donald Trump? And does he have any hopes for the meeting today between President Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy? Spokesman : We took, going all the way back to Friday, we took note of the meeting. Obviously we always welcome constructive dialogue among Member States. Focusing on what is happening as we speak, the Secretary-General is obviously following the discussions in Washington very closely. We remain deeply concerned over the continuing deadly Russian attacks that we've seen across Ukraine. The Secretary-General reiterates his call for a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace in Ukraine, one that fully upholds Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders in line with the UN Charter, International Law, and relevant UN resolutions. We of course, stand ready to support any meaningful efforts towards that end. Ibtisam Azem. Question : Thank you. First of all, my question, talking about new appointments. The Middle East coordinator, any, what's going on with Ms. Kaag? Spokesman : What's up with that? Question : Yes. Especially in these times. Spokesman : It is obviously ongoing. In the meantime, Ms. Alakbarov, who's the Humanitarian Coordinator, is the officer in charge and very much leading the office with all the experience he brings from various crisis zones. Question : That office has been vacant for more than, I think, six months? No, eight? Spokesman : No, no. Sigrid left in June, if I'm not mistaken. Question : Okay. She was not like... Spokesman : But it wasn't vacant. Question : Okay. Spokesman : I mean... Question : But you had nine months to, so did the Secretary-General? Spokesman : I mean the search is ongoing. Let's be honest. It can be a little challenging, finding people with the right profile, people who are willing to go, and people who are accepted by all parties involved. Question : I have then a question on UNIFIL. So as you know, UNIFIL mandate is set to expire at end of the month. Spokesman : We do know. Question : Oh, yeah. Spokesman : We've noticed. Question : You took notice. There is a discussion of the Security Council regarding the new draft resolution. What does first, what does the Secretary-General want to see? Spokesman : As you know, the Security Council will, through its collective wisdom, take the decision that it will take. As we've been saying every day, almost, and pointing out every day, the critical work that UNIFIL does. I mean, I just read it out today in terms of, not only observing and reporting back, but its active role in the implementation of Security Council 1701 in supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, in helping the Lebanese Government reassert its authority over all of the territory in the South. We have always felt and known that UNIFIL is a presence of stability along the blue line. Question : Just a quick follow-up. I mean, as probably you know regarding the discussions in the Security Councils and that the Americans, according to media reports, are not interested in the renewal of the mandate except for a shorter period of time, six months or maybe one year, and ending the mandate. What would that mean for you? Spokesman : Well, listen. I don't think, it's never very constructive for the Secretary to get involved, and comment on media reports, while negotiations are going on intensely. I think I've laid out what we think of UNIFIL, what UNIFIL has done. We talk about it, as I said, almost every day. I think the Secretary-General, when he was there earlier this year, I saw first-hand the amazing work that they're doing in very dangerous conditions and the vital work that they're doing notably in implementing the Security Council's own resolution 1701. Gabriel, and then we'll go to the back. Question : Thank you, Steph. I know the UN isn't a party to the Gaza ceasefire talks. However, there are reports that Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar in Egypt. Do you have any initial thoughts? Spokesman : There's been a lot of ups and downs on these negotiations. I think, bringing hope to people in Gaza, bringing hope to the families of the hostages. So let's me wait till we see something a bit official before we comment. Madam? Question : My name is Rui. I'm with 21st Century Business Herald, Guangdong, China. Spokesman : Mhmm. Question : So I have a follow up question about the meeting between Putin and Trump in the past week in Alaska. So how does the United Nations view this meeting in the broader context of economic stability, global economic stability, and international cooperation from a more probably positive perspective? Spokesman : You know, I think constructive dialogue between Member States, especially between two permanent members of the Security Council, between two countries as active on the world stage as the Russian Federation and the United States is always to be welcomed. Okay. Anyone online? Yes, Abdelhamid. Question : Thank you, Steph. I have a few questions. First, on Friday, the security minister of Israel stormed the cell of Palestinian leader, Marwan Barghouti, with [inaudible]. He was sentenced to life. I didn't see any reaction from the Secretary-General. But when a video was broadcast by Hamas about an Israeli captive, there was an emergency meeting with the Security Council. I mean, compare the atrocities committed, by video, broadcasting a video by a captive... [cross-talk] Spokesman : Abdelhamid, with all due respect, I would encourage you to reread the transcripts of the briefings you missed because I did react, on behalf of the Secretary-General regarding, I don't know what you want to call it, the visit of Mr. Ben-Gvir into Mr. Barghouti's cell, and I talked about it and described it and talked about how disturbing the whole thing was. But it's in the transcript. And as for the Security Council's reaction, you should ask them. Your next question. Question : My second question, the number of people who died out of man-made famine is 263, and including 112 children. I haven't seen these numbers coming in your briefing. Spokesman : I have. I talked about it again today. I've been giving numbers. As soon as we have those numbers, I give them out. Okay. Yes. Question : Sorry. Toshi from Kyoto News. I have a question related to TICAD. Spokesman : To TICAD? Yeah. Question : TICAD. Like, many Member States individually host those kinds of conferences that talk about African development. But is it an ideal situation for the UN? Because each Member States talk about their own interests. And is it good for African development? And what is the role of the UN in that kind of a conference? That would you help facilitate... [cross-talk] Spokesman : Right. I think, you know, we're never going to turn away from any meeting that aligns with our goals, especially when it comes to development on the African continent. You are not wrong in saying that different Member States hosts different meetings with Africa, leaders. What is important to us is that all those meetings should work in the same direction, with the same goal. And you know, Japanese development aid has been very much critical and very active, and TICAD is a very important platform. And our friends at UNDP and other UN agencies are also present. Okay. I wish you all a good day, wonderful week. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Sudanese 'are counting on us', top UN official tells Security Council 18 August 2025 - Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Pobee, briefed the Security Council on the deteriorating security and humanitarian conditions in South Sudan on Monday. Referencing the recent quarterly report from the Secretary-General on challenges facing the world's youngest nation, Ms. Pobee underscored that since March, previous gains in the peace process have been largely eroded. Military offensives, primarily involving South Sudan's rival militia which answers to the First Vice President and Government troops loyal to the President, have continued, and trust in the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement between the two has been undermined. Murithi Mutiga, another briefer from the International Crisis Group, explained that the 2018 agreement required President Salva Kiir to work in concord with his rival, First Vice President Riek Machar; thus, the agreement was effectively terminated when President Kiir placed the former Vice President under house arrest on 26 March. Humanitarian crisis Ms. Pobee highlighted that recent military offensives have resulted in deaths, displacement and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. Furthermore, the displacement crisis is a two-way street, Mr. Murtiga explained: the devastating civil war in neighbouring Sudan has driven 1.2 million refugees into South Sudan, straining already-limited resources. The conflict in Sudan has also disrupted oil flows to the military Government-controlled Port Sudan and the broader market, causing South Sudan to lose most of its valuable oil revenues. Mr. Murtiga also underscored that this is one of South Sudan's worst humanitarian crises since independence in 2011, with 9.3 million in need of dire assistance and 7.7 million suffering food insecurity, including 83,000 at risk of catastrophic conditions, all while brutal sexual violence is on the rise. And funding cuts are leaving millions without lifesaving assistance, Ms. Pobee emphasised. Halfway through 2025, the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is only 28.5 per cent funded. Additionally, challenges to humanitarian access are growing with increased instances of aid workers being attacked, as poor infrastructure and administrative obstacles impede relief efforts. Call to act The UN, African Union, regional intergovernmental development body, IGAD, and many others in the international community, have repeatedly called for a cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue without any concrete response from the warring parties. "While government officials have publicly expressed their commitment to elections by December 2026, the Parties must take steps to return to dialogue and make the necessary decisions to move the country forward. Declarations of commitment are not enough," Ms. Pobee stressed. She urged the Security Council to call on all actors and stakeholders to uphold the peace agreement. If they fail to lay the groundwork for peaceful, credible elections in December 2026, the risk of a relapse into violence will rise significantly amid growing regional instability. It is the shared responsibility of the international community to work with the South Sudanese parties to avoid such a failure, she stressed. "The people of South Sudan are counting on us." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World News in Brief: Gaza aid crisis latest, deadly floods in India and Pakistan, funding cuts exacerbate Somalia drought 18 August 2025 - UN aid teams in Gaza say that they're only able to get less than half the lifesaving food support that is needed into the war-torn enclave. In an alert from the World Food Programme (WFP), the agency said that half a million people "are on the brink of famine", a claim backed up by multiple humanitarian agencies. The latest worrying data is showing widespread acute malnutrition. A ceasefire is the only way to scale up aid deliveries, the UN agency insisted. It explained that although teams are doing everything they can to deliver food assistance, only 47 per cent of the daily target amount is getting in. No meals, no bread Unless the fighting stops, organized aid distributions and WFP-supported hot meals and bakeries can't restart, the agency stated. The UN relief agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, reported on Monday that instead of being able to prepare for the start of a new school year, children in Gaza are instead searching for water and queuing for food while their classrooms have "turned into crowded refuges". Three years of schooling has now been lost, the agency stressed in a tweet. Starvation deaths in Gaza continue The UN on Monday sounded the alarm over rising hunger in Gaza, after the Ministry of Health reported that five people - including two children - died in the past 24 hours from malnutrition and starvation. "To prevent such deaths, humanitarians must be able to deliver food at scale, and consistently, through all available crossings and routes to reach the population of 2.1 million people, half of whom are children," UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told journalists in New York. He said that of 12 aid missions requiring coordination with Israeli authorities on Sunday, eight went ahead without impediment, including the transfer of nutritional supplies and fuel to the north. One mission - to replace a water pipeline in Deir al Balah - was denied, while three others faced delays but were eventually completed. Movement restrictions, including long waits inside the Strip, continue to hamper delivery of life-saving supplies. Shelter supplies ban lifted Mr. Dujarric welcomed Israel's announcement that it will lift a five-month ban on shelter supplies, noting that more than 1.3 million people urgently need emergency shelter. But he voiced concern that this move comes amid plans for expanded military operations in Gaza City, which risk forcing thousands more into already overcrowded and under-served areas in the south. UN chief expresses 'deep sorrow' over deadly flash floods in India and Pakistan UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday expressed his deep sorrow at the tragic loss of life due to flash floods in India and Pakistan in recent days, with many still missing and forecasts showing the possibility of further flooding and landslides ahead. Indian rescue services responded to a deadly flood on Friday which reportedly killed at least 60 after it crashed through a village in the Himalayas while in remote villages of northwestern Pakistan, torrents of water killed more than 300, according to news reports. Hundreds were also injured, Pakistani authorities reported. Buner district was the worst hit, with more than 200 deaths reported there, said the provincial disaster management authorities. Standing in solidarity "The Secretary-General offers his sincere condolences to the victims' families and stands in solidarity with those affected by this disaster," said the statement issued by his Spokesperson. UN country teams in India and Pakistan have also been placed are at the disposal of authorities although no request for assistance has been made so far. Impacts of Somalia drought made worse by funding cuts: OCHA In Somalia, severe drought and funding cuts are undermining lifesaving assistance there, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said on Monday. Because of the reduction in the amount of support for aid work, food assistance has declined, health centres are closing and malnutrition is high, the UN agency warned. OCHA said that 4.6 million people now face high levels of food insecurity while two million more are at risk from funding cuts. Funding cuts mean 'lives lost' Without scaled-up support, "lives will be lost and progress reversed" across the east African nation, where cash shortfalls have left one million people without food assistance every month. The global trend seeing less humanitarian assistance has curtailed vital support for healthcare across Somalia. So far this year, it has impacted at least 150 medical facilities and left hundreds of thousands of Somalis without the medical care they need. OCHA noted that because of the cuts, the number of people being targeted for assistance in Somalia has had to be reduced by a staggering 72 per cent. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Ukraine UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory More deaths in Gaza amid ongoing hostilities, extreme hunger OCHA warns that the situation in the Gaza Strip is beyond catastrophic. Amid ongoing hostilities and extreme hunger, more deaths are recorded every day. In a social media post, the World Food Programme (WFP) said that its teams are doing everything they can to deliver food to people. However, supplies remain far below needs - less than half of WFP's daily target. The agency said that organized distributions, WFP-supported hot meals and bakeries depend on far more aid entering Gaza. Partners report that last week, in the north and south of Gaza, more than 80 community kitchens produced some 380,000 meals each day. Back in April, the daily tally was more than a million meals. Communities rely on hot meals once a day from these kitchens - but the amount they're able to cook remains insufficient to feed Gaza's starving population. Hunger-related deaths continue to be reported, including among children. The Ministry of Health said that five people, including two children, died over the past 24 hours due to malnutrition and starvation. To prevent such deaths, humanitarians must be able to deliver aid at scale - safely and consistently - through all available crossings and routes to reach the population of 2.1 million people, half of whom are children. Yesterday, eight out of 12 missions requiring coordination with Israeli authorities were facilitated without impediments. They included the transfer of nutritional supplies and fuel to the north. One mission to replace a water pipeline in Deir al Balah was denied, and three others were impeded but eventually fully accomplished - these included the collection of food aid from Zikim and Kerem Shalom crossings. Movement restrictions, including holding points and long waiting times inside the Strip, hinder the delivery of aid to people in desperate need. The UN has seen the Israeli authorities' announcement to lift the ban on shelter supplies, which have not been allowed to enter Gaza in five months. This is a welcome development, as the need for shelter and household items has increased. Partners estimate that at least 1.35 million people need emergency shelter and some 1.4 million need essential household items. This represents an increase of about 4 and 8 per cent, respectively, compared with June. However, it is concerning that the announcement by the Israeli authorities comes in connection with the looming expansion of military operations in Gaza city. This would displace thousands of people, once again, into an overcrowded area in the south of the Strip, which is almost devoid of basic infrastructure and services, including water, food and medical services. OCHA notes that since early March, when the Israeli shelter ban came into force, more than 780,000 new displacements have taken place. Existing shelters have deteriorated or been left behind amid repeated displacement orders. The UN reiterates that it will not participate in any forced displacement of the population. The UN and its partners reiterate their commitment to serve people wherever they are. All civilians must be protected, whether they choose to stay or move. Those who decide to move must have their essential needs met, and they must be able to voluntarily return when the situation allows. Unimpeded humanitarian access is needed across all of Gaza, including community-based distributions and supplies entering at scale through all possible crossings and land routes. All available supplies must be let into Gaza, including through the northern crossings. Meanwhile in the West Bank, OCHA reports that attacks, harassment and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinians continued - including a settler attack on Sunday that led to the damage of olive trees, animal shelters and other structures in two villages in Ramallah governorate. OCHA stresses that violence by Israeli settlers undermines Palestinians' safety and livelihoods - and calls once again for the protection of Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Sudan Scores reported killed, injured in Abu Shouk attack OCHA is alarmed by reports of yet another deadly attack on the famine-stricken Abu Shouk camp, on the outskirts of El Fasher, the besieged capital of Sudan's North Darfur State. Local sources report that the Rapid Support Forces attacked the displacement site, which is hosting tens of thousands of people. More than 30 civilians were reportedly killed and over 100 people injured, according to humanitarian partners on the ground and media reports. This is the second deadly assault in just a week to target the Abu Shouk camp, after an attack one week ago reportedly killed 40 civilians. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, said last week that he was appalled to hear about the violence at Abu Shouk, stressing that international humanitarian law is clear: civilians must be protected, and access must be granted. Across North Darfur, humanitarian needs continue to rise, including in Tawila, where more than 300,000 people have sought safety since April. About 98 per cent of displaced households there are unable to meet their basic needs, according to a rapid assessment by the Norwegian Refugee Council. The UN and its partners are providing vital aid whenever and wherever possible, despite insecurity and access constraints. OCHA continues to call for safe and unhindered humanitarian access across Sudan and urges all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. Ukraine Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia hard hit by weekend attacks OCHA reports that attacks over the weekend killed and injured civilians across Ukraine. According to authorities, dozens of civilians - including three children - were killed and nearly 100 injured. Homes and other civilian infrastructure were also damaged. Authorities report that the cities of Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia sustained most of the casualties and damage. Civilian deaths, injuries, and destruction of homes and infrastructure - including educational facilities and marketplaces - were also reported in the regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Sumy and Odesa. Humanitarian partners, supported by UN agencies, provided immediate assistance, including psychosocial support, hot meals and drinks, and emergency shelter kits. OCHA says that the operating environment for humanitarian organizations continues to deteriorate. In the first half of 2025, at least four aid workers were killed and more than 30 injured, with over 100 security incidents were reported in Ukraine. Incidents involving harm to personnel, assets and facilities rose from 61 in 2024 to 103 in 2025, reflecting heightened risks, particularly near the front line, due to increased short-range drone attacks. Meanwhile, humanitarians continue to support* people fleeing hostilities in the Donetsk and Dnipro regions as authorities expand mandatory evacuations for families with children. Assistance includes transport - also for bedridden people and people with disabilities - and multi-sector support at transit sites. Between 15 and 17 August alone, about 3,700 people, including 370 children, were evacuated from front-line areas of the Donetsk region, according to authorities. Humanitarian partners report that needs remain high at the transit site of Pavlohrad due to the large influx of evacuees, particularly for shelter for older people and those with disabilities. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Ukraine with urgent support. Posted on 18 August 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Sudan at 'Turning Point' Amid Worsening Violence, Humanitarian Crisis, Speakers Tell Security Council, Urging Renewed Dialogue, End to Fighting Meetings Coverage Security Council 9980th Meeting* (AM) SC/16146 18 August 2025 Escalating violence, political deadlock and a deepening humanitarian crisis puts South Sudan "at a turning point", the Security Council heard today, as several UN and regional officials urged an end to hostilities, protection of civilians, and a renewed commitment to the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, referring to the Secretary-General's report on the matter (document S/2025/504), informed the 15-member Council that since March clashes between the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) have "resulted in deaths, displacement and destruction of civilian infrastructure". And despite repeated calls from the United Nations, African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for de-escalation and dialogue, "these calls have not yielded any concrete response", and unilateral violations continue to weaken the unity Government's ability to implement the agreement. The "ongoing arrest and detention of opposition figures without due process" and the stalling of transitional tasks like security sector reform, constitution-making, and preparations for the 2026 elections have raised alarm, she warned. While leaders continue to declare their commitment to holding elections, "declarations of commitment are not enough". Critical bodies like the Council of Ministers "have yet to convene since March", reflecting a deeper paralysis that threatens the peace process, Ms. Pobee added. Amid these challenges, there are limited but significant institutional developments. The resumption of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly in July was welcomed, as was the judiciary's new five-year strategic plan aimed at "judicial independence, access to justice, accountability and gender mainstreaming", she said. Revitalized Peace Agreement Only Viable Framework to End Violence She warned that the humanitarian situation remains "alarming," with 7.7 million people facing high levels of food insecurity and 83,000 at risk of famine conditions. And yet funding for the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan stands at only 28.5 per cent, while violence against aid workers hinders operations. South Sudan "is at a turning point," Ms. Pobee went on to emphasize, adding that the revitalized peace agreement "remains the only viable framework to break the cycle of violence" and achieve the country's first democratic elections. Without concrete steps, the "risk of a relapse into widespread violence will only grow". She urged the Council to impress upon South Sudan's leaders the imperative of laying the groundwork for peaceful elections in December 2026. George Aggrey Owinow, Interim Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, also said that the political and security situation in the country has substantially deteriorated. In March, shortly after the commencement of the extended Transitional Period, an administrative military deployment coordinated by the SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO forces into the town of Nassir in Upper Nile State, resulted in armed clashes, displacing tens of thousands of civilians and killing many more. On 3 and 4 March, a Nuer militia, allegedly affiliated to the SPLM/A-IO locally known as the "White Army" attacked an SSPDF garrison in Nasir, he continued. This incident triggered a political and security crisis, which was followed by the arrest and detention in Juba of several senior SPLM/A-IO political leaders. In the days that followed, Riek Machar Teny, the First Vice-President, was put under house arrest, where he remains to date. Permanent Ceasefire Repeatedly Violated, Peace Gains at Risk of Reversal The permanent ceasefire has since been repeatedly violated, with aerial bombardments of SPLM/A-IO occupied areas by the SSPDF, including cantonment areas and training centres, he said. These events have created widespread fear, subsequently forcing many senior opposition figures into self-exile, he observed, adding that there is "very little progress" in terms of preparation for the conduct of December 2026 elections. "The current trajectory in the country, if not urgently addressed, risks reversing all that has been gained", he warned, noting that it may lead to a collapse of the 2018 Peace Agreement and plunge the country back into conflict. Outlining recommendations, he underscored the need to de-escalate tensions, address the issue of detainees, embrace dialogue and return to full and inclusive implementation of the 2018 agreement. Despite all its challenges, the accord "has restored relative peace across the country" and remains "a blueprint for the building of a lasting peace and stability in the country", he stressed, adding: "It will be tragic if its gains to date are lost beyond restoration." 9.3 Million People in Dire Need of Assistance Also briefing the Council, Murithi Mutiga, Programme Director for Africa of the International Crisis Group, said South Sudan faces one of its most perilous moments since independence. "Approximately 9.3 million people are in dire need of assistance, with 7.7 million suffering from acute food insecurity," he said. The collapse of the 2018 peace accord has further destabilized the country following the house arrest of former First Vice-President Machar in March. Trust between parties remains dangerously low, while the conflict in neighbouring Sudan has displaced more than 1.2 million people into South Sudan. Mr. Mutiga called for urgent diplomacy to halt further escalation. Regional partners, including Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzania, can also play a part in calling for "a pause in military actions". Addressing the detention of Mr. Machar is "delicate but critical", with prolonged confinement or exile carrying high risks of renewed insurgency. "Negotiations regarding the Vice-President's detention should be integrated into broader discussions about South Sudan's future," he added. Attacks of Aid Workers 'Unacceptable and Unlawful' In the ensuing debate, Council members voiced grave concern over the renewed escalation of tensions and the worsening humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, marked by mass displacement, acute food insecurity and the most severe cholera outbreak in the young country's history. Slovenia's representative called for an immediate end to all hostilities, underscored that attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities are "unacceptable and unlawful", and urged all parties to guarantee safe, rapid and unimpeded access to those in need. Panama's delegate, Council President for August, speaking in his national capacity, expressed deep concern that, with over 75 per cent of the population in need of aid and the worst cholera outbreak in the country's history, the humanitarian crisis remains gravely underfunded. "Generations of South Sudanese citizens remain trapped in a cycle of conflict, acute need and disenfranchisement due to the lack of political will on the part of their leaders," said the United States' representative. Aerial bombardments and ground attacks between 1 April and 15 July have displaced 300,000 people, while escalating military operations have resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths and destroyed critical infrastructure. The conflict is worsening the already dire situation, and yet aid services provided by the international community have been systematically hindered by "decades of violence against humanitarian workers, predation and corruption". Calls to Release First Vice-President, Other Detained Political Leaders Several speakers expressed concern the continued detention of First Vice-President Machar and other political leaders threatens to derail the 2018 Peace Agreement and prospects for peaceful, credible elections in December 2026. The United Kingdom's representative, adding that government reshuffles are further destabilizing institutions, echoed the African Union's call for the release of all political detainees as essential for credible dialogue and reconciliation. Also calling for their immediate release, Greece's delegate urged all parties to recommit to dialogue and the peace process. His counterpart from the Republic of Korea added that meaningful political progress is only possible when key parties to the Revitalized Agreement can come together at the same table. "We are therefore deeply concerned by the continued house arrest of the First Vice-President," he added. "The political and security situation [in South Sudan] is sliding backwards at a time when it needs to move forward," warned Pakistan's representative echoing the sentiment of several speakers. He described preparations for elections in December 2026 as "a ray of hope", noting that credible polls will require not only international support but also an environment of trust and inclusivity. Revised Electoral Road Map for December 2026 Elections Must Stay on Track Somalia's delegate, speaking also for Algeria, Guyana and Sierra Leone, likewise voiced concern about growing tension within the transitional Government. As South Sudan stands at a critical juncture, its leadership must ensure that the revised electoral road map for the election rescheduled to take place in December 2026 "stays on track". "South Sudan's potential relapse into large-scale conflict remains a significant concern," said Denmark's delegate, calling for the transitional justice institutions envisaged for South Sudan to be set up and become operational "to prosecute those bearing the greatest responsibility for atrocities". Delegates Diverge over Sanctions Regime "South Sudan is the youngest country in the world, and its political process will not be completed overnight," said China's delegate. The peace accord's signatories have repeatedly emphasized their commitment to upholding it, he added, citing dialogue and political settlement as "the only path to peace". On the arms embargo imposed on South Sudan, he called on the Council to "adjust or lift the unreasonable sanctions at an early date". France's delegate, on the other hand, called for full compliance with the arms embargo, which was renewed by the Council in May. All States, he stressed, must act in accordance with the objectives of the revitalized Agreement and refrain from any action that would contribute to escalating tensions in the country. The representative of the Russian Federation pushed back against what it described as "excessively alarmist views" presented by some Western members of the Council. While acknowledging the seriousness of clashes between government and opposition forces, Moscow believes that Juba retains the capacity to prevent a relapse into civil war. He warned against the risk of South Sudanese territory being used as a launch pad for involvement in Sudan's conflict and underscored that the Revitalized Peace Agreement remains the cornerstone for lasting stability. UN Mission in South Sudan Must Remain 'Neutral and Impartial' The representative of South Sudan reiterated his country's readiness to continue cooperating with United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to advance peace, stability and development, urging the Mission to remain "neutral and impartial" in its reporting and activities. Underscoring that South Sudan's sovereignty and independence must be respected, he said that the recent detention of certain high-profile opposition leaders is not politically motivated but "a matter of criminal accountability for actions directly linked to incitement of violence and engagement in unlawful activities". Calls for their release disregard due process and risk interfering in the country's internal affairs, he asserted. He further called for enhanced international support in peace implementation and electoral preparations, as well as in responding to humanitarian emergencies, overcoming economic constraints and mitigating the negative impact of the arms embargo. All partners must support inclusive dialogue among political leaders and reinforce national ownership of the peace process, rather than external pressure that risks deepening divisions, he emphasized. He further underscored that "it is never a policy of [South Sudan's Government] to hinder UNMISS mandate". __________ The 9979th Meeting was closed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 17 August 2025 - Day 1271 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 127 combat clashes. Ukrainian defenders are decisively intercepting the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance deep into Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression. Today, Russian troops launched 52 aviation strikes, dropping 86 controlled air bombs. In addition, 1611 kamikaze drones were involved in strikes and carried out 3607 shelling of positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, Ukrainian soldiers repelled two Russian assault actions since the beginning of the day. In addition, the enemy launched 9 air strikes, dropping 23 controlled air bombs, and carried out 150 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, seven of which were from reactive systems of arson-fire. In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy three times stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the Vovchansk district and in the direction of the settlement of Hatnje, one fight is ongoing. In the direction of Kupyansky, the Russian aggressor carried out offensive actions in the areas of the settlements of Zapadne, Kindrashivka, Petropavlivka, Stepova Novoselivka and in the direction of the Kupyanska. Five out of nine attacks were fought by Ukrainian soldiers, fighting continues. In the Lyman direction, Russian invaders attacked 13 times the positions of Defense Forces near Grekivka, Karpivka, Ridkoduba and Grigorivka and in the direction of the settlements of Drobisheve, Yampil, Kolodyazi, eight fighting are still ongoing. Four enemy assaults repelled Ukrainian defenders in the Siversky direction - the Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of Grigorivka, Fedorivka and Vyimka. In the Kramatorsk direction, Russian forces tried to break through the defense of Ukrainian defenders three times in the direction of settlements of Oleksandro-Shultine and Bila Gora. In the Toretsky direction, eight times the Russians went into offensive on the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Toretsk, Sherbinivka and towards Oleksandro-Shultiny, Pleshiyivka, Rusynoy Yar. One confrontation is still going on. In the Pokrovsky direction since the beginning of the day, the Russian occupiers 42 times tried to advance on the position of Ukrainian units. Russian forces attacked in the areas of settlements Poltavka, Vilne, New Shahove, Zapovidne, Novoekonomicne, Mirolyubivka, Novoukrainka, Lisivka, Zvirove, Kotline, Udaachne, Dachne and in the direction of Volodymyrivka, Rodinsky, Chervony Liman, Pokrovska, Novopavlivka, Molodetsky. In some locations, the fights have not subsided yet. According to preliminary data, today 155 Russian occupants were disarmed in this direction, of which 109 - irrevocably. Ukrainian soldiers also destroyed two artillery systems, five cars, six motorcycles, 4 communication antennas and 20 BPLAs; four artillery systems, one motorcycle and six Russian BPLA control points were damaged. In the Novopavlovsk direction, the Russian enemy tried 19 times to break through the defense of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of the settlements Tolstoy, Green Gai, Voskresenko, Oleksandrograd, Maliivka and Temirivka. Seven clashes are ongoing. The Russian opponent did not carry out offensive actions in Gulyaipil and Orikhiv directions. In the Pridniprovsk direction, Russian forces made four futile attempts to approach Ukrainian positions. In the rest of the directions, there were no special changes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China willing to work with India to manage differences, promote sustained, healthy, stable devt of bilateral relations: FM spokesperson on Wang Yi's India visit Global Times By Global Times Published: Aug 18, 2025 04:01 PM When asked about China's expectation regarding Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India and the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that China is willing to take the opportunity of Wang's visit to India to work together with the Indian side in implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, properly manage differences, and promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of China-India relations. The Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question serves as a high-level channel for border negotiations between the two countries, Mao said. In December last year, the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives for the China-India Boundary Question was successfully held in Beijing, yielding multiple consensus points on boundary delimitation talks, border management, institutional mechanisms, and cross-border exchanges and cooperation. Mao said that since the beginning of this year, both sides have maintained communication through diplomatic channels and actively advanced the implementation of these outcomes. Regarding this upcoming meeting, China is willing to engage with India on the basis of existing consensus, adopt a positive and constructive attitude, and continue in-depth discussions on the aforementioned issues to jointly sustain lasting peace and tranquility in the border areas, Mao added. Mao added that during his stay in India, Foreign Minister Wang will also hold in-depth exchanges with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM spokesperson urges relevant parties not to hype up tensions following German foreign minister's remarks on Taiwan, East and South China Seas Global Times By Chen Qingqing Published: Aug 18, 2025 01:07 PM Updated: Aug 18, 2025 05:30 PM In response to the criticism made by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul during his visit to Japan, who claimed that China has repeatedly issued public threats in the Taiwan Straits, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea to unilaterally change the status quo, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair. The one-China principle is the political foundation for China to establish and develop diplomatic relations with countries around the world, a basic norm of international relations, and a broad consensus within the international community. To safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, it is essential to firmly uphold the one-China principle and oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, the spokesperson said. The situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea remains generally stable. "We urge relevant parties to respect the joint efforts of regional countries to resolve issues through dialogue and consultation and to safeguard peace and stability, rather than stoking confrontation or hyping up tensions," Mao said. Ahead of his first trip to Asia since taking office in May, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul claimed that "China's behavior in the Taiwan Straits is aggressive," Reuters reported on Sunday. A Chinese expert on European affairs called such a statement highly discourteous in diplomatic practice, negatively impacting China-Germany and China-EU relations. Wadephul made this statement before a trip to Japan and Indonesia, Reuters said. Speaking to reporters, he 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, according to Reuters. The German Foreign Ministry also published a separate statement from Wadephul in which he expressed concern about China on the Taiwan question as well as on the East and South China Seas. After holding talks with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya on Monday, the German foreign minister repeated those criticism, claiming that China's repeated threats to "unilaterally change" borders in the Asia-Pacific region, the AFP reported. "It's regrettable that when it comes to China's core interestsparticularly the Taiwan questionsome German politicians have chosen to make unwarranted remarks rather than show understanding and respect," Jiang Feng, research fellow at the Shanghai International Studies University and president of the Shanghai Association of Regional and Country Studies, told the Global Times on Monday. This provocative move not only reflects a lack of historical awareness but also violates the long-standing political consensus in China-Germany relations, Jiang emphasized. The scholar noted that Germany had long been in a state of division and should have a deep understanding of the yearning for national reunification. China's current position on the issue of national unity is, in fact, similar to Germany's own historical aspiration for reunification. This was not the first time Wadephul raised the so-called concerns over the Taiwan question. In an interview published by the German Foreign Ministry in July, he claimed that the "status quo" of the Taiwan Straits should not be changed through force. Ahead of his visit to Japan, Wadephul also expressed on Sunday his eagerness to reinforce his country's cooperation with Japan in order to stabilize the international order, Japan-based Jiji Press reported. "Germany and Japan are standing together against the crisis of the global security environment caused by Russia and China," Wadephul said in a statement, per Jiji Press. His recent visit and related remarks carry a strong sense of "forming alliances," particularly in interactions with Japan and the US, portraying China as a so-called "aggressor" or "threat," as if positioning themselves as "guardians of regional and even global security," Jiang noted. Yet, both Germany and Japan once brought immense disasters to Asia, Europe, and the world at large, which makes their frequent rhetoric on peace and security logically inconsistent, he said. "What is more concerning is that, against the backdrop of insufficient historical reflection, voices glorifying war and promoting xenophobia remain present, especially in Japan. As a result, their self-image as 'defenders of peace' inevitably raises questions of legitimacy and credibility, " the expert said. It is also worth noting that China and Russia, as victorious powers in WWII, made enormous sacrifices for global peaceChina lost tens of millions of lives, and the Soviet Union over 30 million. That sacrifice secured the post-war international order, Jiang said. "Today, however, former defeated nations are attempting to reshape the narrative, casting the victors as threats. This is nothing less than a desecration of both history and the sacrifices made," he added. In meeting with Wadephul during the 8th round of China-Germany Strategic Dialogue on Diplomacy and Security in July, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Taiwan question, to ensure peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits, it is imperative to firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" and avoid sending any wrong signals to separatist forces. It's also worth noting that during the dialogue, Wadephul said the German government firmly adheres to the one-China policy. The Chinese expert called on Germany to demonstrate consistency between words and actions, and genuinely respect China on the Taiwan question, which is a core interest for China. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on August 18, 2025 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: August 18, 2025 23:00 CCTV: China announced that Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India and hold the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question. What is China's expectations for the visit? Mao Ning: In October 2024, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a successful meeting in Kazan, charting the course for improving and growing the China-India ties. Through Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit, China hopes to work with India to deliver on the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, keep the momentum of high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, properly handle differences, and promote the sustained, sound and steady development of China-India relations. The Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question is a high-level channel for the two countries' boundary negotiations. In December last year, the 23rd round of talks was successfully held in Beijing, and the two sides reached several common understandings on delimitation negotiations, border management, mechanism building, and cross-border exchanges and cooperation. Since the beginning of this year, the two sides have maintained communication through the diplomatic channels and actively advanced the implementation of those outcomes. For the upcoming round of talks, China stands ready to continue the in-depth communication with India on the above-mentioned issues on the basis of the existing common understandings and with a positive and constructive attitude, and together maintain sustained peace and tranquility in the border areas. While in India, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also have in-depth exchange of views with Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar on bilateral ties and issues of mutual interest. RT TV: On August 15 local time, Russian President Putin and U.S. President Trump had their first meeting in six years. It was also the first time President Putin had set foot in the U.S. in a decade. What's China's comment? Mao Ning: China supports all efforts conducive to a peaceful way out of the Ukraine crisis. It's good to see Russia and the U.S. engage each other, improve ties and promote the process for a political settlement of the crisis. Reuters: Are there any Chinese citizens who were among the hundreds who died or were missing in the deadly Pakistan floods since late last weekend? Mao Ning: China takes note of the heavy rainfall that have hit multiple regions in Pakistan and caused fatalities and economic loss. We deeply mourn for the lives lost and extend hearfelt sympathies to those who have lost their loved ones and those who are injured. Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed condolences to Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. We believe the people of Pakistan will overcome the disaster and build back from it at an early date. At the moment, no Chinese casualties have so far been reported in the disaster. The embassy is still gathering information. Brasil de Fato: The U.S. government imposed some sanctions on several Brazilian government officials and former Pan American Health Organization representatives involved in a program of Brazil called Mais Medicos ("More Doctors"), which was designed to address a critical physician shortage by deploying healthcare professionals to underserved rural and remote areas in Brazil. I wanted to know what is China's position on such actions from the U.S. government? Mao Ning: I'm not aware of the specifics you mentioned. Let me say more broadly that China always opposes unilateral illicit sanctions. Global Times: The head of the foreign affairs office of the Taiwan region has recently said that after World War II, the Treaty of San Francisco took the place of political statements, such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. The Treaty did not hand over Taiwan to the PRC, and the PRC has never ruled Taiwan. What's China's comment? Mao Ning: Those fact-distorting and misleading rhetorics once again lay bare the nefarious separatist nature of the Lai Ching-te authorities. Taiwan's restoration to China is an outcome of the WWII victory and part and parcel of the postwar international order. A series of instruments with legal effect under international law, namely the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender and so on, all affirm China's sovereignty over Taiwan. Taiwan belongs to China. This is a solid fact rooted in history and the law and beyond any doubt. On October 1, 1949, the People's Republic of China (PRC) was founded, and the Central People's Government became the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The change of government took place while China remained unchanged as a subject of international law. China's sovereignty and inherent territory did not change. As a natural result, the government of the PRC fully enjoys and exercises China's sovereignty, including sovereignty over Taiwan. The so-called Treaty of San Francisco is an illegal and invalid instrument issued by some countries gathered by the U.S. years after the end of WWII to separately make peace with Japan without including the People's Republic of China and despite the Soviet Union's rejection. This document contravenes the provisions of the Declaration by United Nations signed by 26 countriesincluding China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Unionin 1942, and goes against the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law. Anything set out in the document, including the sovereignty over Taiwan or the handling of the territory and sovereign rights of China as a non-signatory, is thus entirely illegal and null and void. The Lai Ching-te authorities have completely forfeited the national stance, disregarded the outcomes of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and deliberately distorted the history of WWII. This is simply contemptible. Let me stress that no matter what the Lai Ching-te authorities say or do, they do not change the fact that Taiwan is part of Chinaa fact well supported by history and the law, nor can they change the prevailing international commitment to the one-China principle, still less will they stop the course towards China's reunification. AFP: Germany's foreign minister on Monday said during a visit to Japan that China threatens openly to unilaterally change the status quo and shift borders in its favor, citing China's behavior in the Taiwan Strait, the East South China Sea and the South China Sea. Does the Foreign Ministry have a comment on this? Mao Ning: The Taiwan question is China's internal affair. The one-China principle is the political foundation for the establishment and development of diplomatic relations between China and all countries in the world. It is also a basic norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus in the international community. To keep the Taiwan Strait peaceful and stable, it is absolutely essential to unequivocally uphold the one-China principle and oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities. The current situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea is overall stable. We urge relevant parties to respect regional countries' joint effort to settle the issues through dialogue and consultation and safeguard peace and stability, rather than sowing discord and hyping up tensions. Reuters: Ted Hui from Hong Kong has been granted asylum in Australia. How will Canberra's granting of asylum to a former Hong Kong activist on the run affect China's ties with Australia? Mao Ning: The person you mentioned is an anti-China rioter and has been issued an arrest warrant by the Hong Kong police in accordance with the law. The Hong Kong SAR government has issued a statement strongly opposing "harboring of criminals in any form by any country." We urge relevant countries to respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, which are also China's internal affairs, in any form. On China-Australia relations, China's position is consistent. We hope Australia will work with China to follow the important common understandings reached between leaders of our two countries, uphold the principle of equality, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the sound and steady development of China-Australia ties. PTI: Further to what you announced here about Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India. Perhaps this is the 24th round of border talks that the two countries are going to have. Probably you can outline how China view the progress of the talks and the prospects of a border settlement in the coming talks because we have already had 24 rounds of talks. Mao Ning: The Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question has played a positive and constructive role for the two countries' boundary negotiations. During the 23rd round of talks held last year, the two sides reached several important common understandings that are being actively implemented by the two sides. On the upcoming talks, we look forward to working with India to first and foremost follow through on the existing common understandings, and on that basis continue the in-depth communication with India to jointly keep the border areas peaceful and tranquil. Bloomberg: Donald Trump said that Chinese leader told him that he would not move on Taiwan as long as the U.S. president remained in office. This is according to an interview he gave to U.S. media. Can the Foreign Ministry comment on these remarks from President Donald Trump, and are they accurate? Mao Ning: China's position on the Taiwan question is consistent and clear. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair. Resolving the question is a matter for the Chinese people, and the Chinese people only. We are willing to strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and effort, but we will never ever allow anyone or any force to split Taiwan from China in any way. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Visiting key partners in Asia: Foreign Minister Wadephul travels to Japan and Indonesia Germany Federal Foreign Office 17.08.2025 - Article His first trip to Asia will take Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to key partners in the region. The main issues on the agenda will be matters relating to economic and security policy. Click here for more information on the Foreign Minister's trip. Germany and Japan are many hours away from each other by plane. And yet the two countries and societies are very close - we share values and interests with Japan, and our economic ties are diverse. There is also close political coordination on a regular basis: in formats such as the G7 or at joint intergovernmental consultations, which took place for the first time in 2023. After his arrival in Tokyo, Foreign Minister Wadephul will meet his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya for a strategic dialogue and will then have talks with other representatives of the Japanese Government. The focus will be on security issues: to be more precise, security in Europe, which is under threat due to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Despite its geographical distance from Europe, Japan is providing Ukraine with considerable support - among other things, Japan has assisted Ukraine with the procurement of vital Patriot air defence systems. Focus on economic security During the Minister's talks in Japan, the security of the German and European economies will be discussed, as will international trading routes, on which major economies such as Germany and Japan are particularly reliant. In the Indo-Pacific, China is being increasingly assertive in striving for regional hegemony and in this process is also calling principles of international law into question. This shows that the freedom, security and prosperity of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are closely interlinked. That is why Germany remains committed to strengthening the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region. Foreign Minister Wadephul will therefore once more champion the principles of free shipping routes, of open markets and free trade during his visit. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated the following prior to his departure: China's increasingly aggressive stance in the Taiwan Strait and in the East and South China Seas also has consequences for us in Europe: basic rules of global cooperation are at stake here. We are countering this together through our commitment to an international order based on the strength of the law and on binding rules for all. Japan hosting the world at the EXPO in Osaka The Minister will travel on the Shinkansen, Japan's high-speed train, to the country's second largest city, Osaka, which lies further to the west. The train takes only 2 hours and 11 minutes for the journey, which is just over 500 kilometres. Japan is hosting the world in Osaka this year at EXPO 2025. As a window to the future, the world exhibition shows how we can make our societies more resilient and better equipped for the future through innovative technology and cooperation. Foreign Minister Wadephul will visit both the Japanese and the German pavilions in the EXPO grounds. The German pavilion is focusing on the circular economy: the cylindrical buildings were constructed in a fully circular fashion, which means that all the materials used can be re-used or recycled. Indonesia: Economic power with great potential After his visit to Japan, Foreign Minister Wadephul will travel on to Indonesia. With more than 280 million inhabitants, the country is the fourth most populous country on earth. Indonesia is thus an important democratic partner in the region and our relations are close and friendly. In Jakarta, Foreign Minister Wadephul will have political talks with his colleague Sugiono. As a rising economic power, Indonesia holds great potential for Germany. Following ten years of negotiations, the EU and Indonesia only recently agreed on a free trade agreement, which is expected to be signed in the autumn. Many German companies are already successfully investing in Indonesia. Among other things, Foreign Minister Wadephul will visit a production plant in Jakarta operated by the German commercial vehicle manufacturer Daimler Truck. Indonesia also plays a key role in the region: the headquarters of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a group of ten states in the region which have joined together to coordinate political and economic matters, is in Jakarta. Alongside Indonesia, member states include Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore. Foreign Minister Wadephul will meet ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany Federal Foreign Office 17.08.2025 - Press release Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul issued the following statement prior to his departure for Japan and Indonesia: There is scarcely any other country in the Indo-Pacific region with which we share as many ties as with Japan. We are united by values and interests - and we are confronted by the same massive challenges that call into question the freedom that is fundamental to our way of life. China's and North Korea's support for Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine demonstrates just how closely the security of our two regions is intertwined. The intensive peace efforts by Europe and the United States, particularly in the past few days, must now lead towards a just peace that upholds fundamental Ukrainian and European security interests. I am very grateful for Japan's continuing support for Ukraine in its fight to defend itself against Putin's war of aggression. In order to safeguard our freedom, Germany and Japan must, and intend to, invest more in their own security. China's increasingly aggressive stance in the Taiwan Strait and in the East and South China Seas also has consequences for us in Europe: basic rules of global cooperation are at stake here. We are countering this together through our commitment to an international order based on the strength of the law and on binding rules for all. What happens in the Indo-Pacific will be crucial in determining how secure the freedom of shipping routes, global supply chains and thus the economic development of the entire world will remain. This is of outstanding importance for major exporting economies such as Germany and Japan - but also for our emerging partners in the ASEAN region, such as Indonesia. In economic terms, we are also fundamentally facing huge tasks: China is challenging our economies with unfair, market-distorting trade practices. The United States' tariffs policy is unsettling companies in both Europe and Asia. Only those who are strong and resilient, with diverse raw materials partners and procurement channels, can survive in such an environment. That is why Germany is working with key partners like Japan and Indonesia for economic relations that build on free trade, competition and fairness. The fact that the EU is on the final straight towards a free trade agreement with Indonesia is an important step in this context. We can learn a great deal from the global pioneer Japan, in particular when it comes to economic security. Our freedom, our prosperity and our security - the goals that I pursue as Foreign Minister - will not be decided in Europe alone. They will be decided not least in cooperation with strong partners worldwide. PM Narendra Modi speaks with President Putin India - Ministry of External Affairs August 18, 2025 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a telephone call today from the President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin. 2. President Putin shared his assessment of his meeting with the President of the United States, H.E. Donald Trump in Alaska last week. 3. While thanking President Putin, Prime Minister underlined India's consistent position for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue. He reiterated that India supports all efforts in this regard. 4. The two leaders also touched upon a number of issues of bilateral cooperation with a view to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia. 5. The two leaders agreed to remain in close touch. New Delhi August 18, 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Telephone conversation with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi August 18, 2025 16:55 Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. The Russian President briefed Prime Minister Modi on the key outcomes of the Russia-US summit in Alaska. The Prime Minister thanked President Putin for the update. The leaders discussed prospects of a long-term resolution to the Ukrainian crisis and agreed to maintain dialogue on the matter, as well as on other pressing international issues. Vladimir Putin expressed condolences on the tragic consequences of the recent flooding in India. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC deputy commander: Israel, US suffered miscalculation in 12-day war against Iran IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2025 Zanjan, IRNA -- The deputy commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says that Israel and the United States miscalculated in the 12-day war against Iran, believing they would have secured victory but ultimately failed. . Speaking at an event in the city of Zanjan on Monday, Brigadier General Ali Fadavi recalled that "the Zionist enemy and the US entered the war with their full power, but they suffered a miscalculation as they were certain of success, which did not happen." He said since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the enemies have never ceased their hostility, adding, "From 47 years ago until today, global arrogance, especially America and its allies, have continued their enmities against the Islamic Republic." Israel launched the large-scale assaults against Iran on June 13. Washington also joined the Israeli war and bombed three of Iran's main nuclear facilities on the pretext of preventing Iran from what it claimed to be developing nuclear weapons. The war was halted on June 24 after Israel was forced to unilaterally cease its aggression. Referring to the 12-day war, Fadavi noted that "in the first days of the war, contacts were made between regional leaders and the Zionist enemy, but after a few days, the situation changed in our favor. These successes were by the grace of God." The IRGC deputy commander also cited achievements in the defense of Iran, highlighting missile operations during the 12-day conflict that struck sensitive points in Israel as "a clear symbol of victory." 4354**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exclusive | Araghchi says Pezeshkian's Armenia trip aims to preserve regional geopolitics IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says President Masoud Pezeshkian's Monday trip to Armenia will focus on ensuring no alteration to the geopolitical map of the South Caucasus, stressing that Tehran remains firmly opposed to any border changes or foreign military presence in that region. Araghchi said in an exclusive interview with IRNA that Pezeshkian's visit to Yerevan will provide an opportunity to restate Iran's concerns and to "try to reach a reassuring mechanism in this regard." He emphasized, "Our main concern is that no changes take place in the geopolitics of the region, that no foreign forces enter the region. As we are worried about, for example, the presence of the Zionist regime in some of these countries, or the European Union's attempts to gain a foothold here." He made clear that Iran's definition of geopolitical change is not abstract. "By geopolitical changes, we mean alteration of internationally recognized borders, shifting of borders, or undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional states," Araghchi said. "We have stated very clearly that we will not tolerate such a thing, and our policy has always been clear." Araghchi pointed to the US-brokered peace agreement signed by Armenia and Azerbaijan earlier this month, noting that both Baku and Yerevan explicitly pledged to respect existing borders and sovereignty. "From this perspective, our geopolitical concerns appear to have been addressed for now," he said. "But whether they remain committed to this in the future is something we will closely monitor." The foreign minister also voiced Tehran's reservations about potential US involvement under the pretext of infrastructure projects. "Another concern is that this road could become an excuse for the presence of American forces in the region," he said. He pointed out that in recent days, senior Armenian officials, including Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, have given Tehran assurances that in no way will American forces, or even private US security companies, enter Armenia because of this road. Araghchi reiterated that these issues will be thoroughly discussed during President Pezeshkian's visit. "They told us they are familiar with Iran's red lines and will respect them in the future," he said. "Nevertheless, we will continue to follow this matter very carefully." 4354**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran warns of 'endless wars' in region if Israeli expansionism goes unchecked IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 18, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei says Israel constitutes an existential threat to the security and stability of West Asia due to its boundless expansionism, warning that the region could face endless wars if the regime is not contained. The spokesperson made the comment in his weekly press briefing in Tehran on Monday while taking a question from IRNA. "The reality is that, for regional countries, more than ever before, the expansionist and domineering nature of the Israeli regime has become clear," he said, adding that the statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he claims to be tasked with realizing the idea of a "Greater Israel" that encompasses a significant portion of Arab and Islamic lands, demonstrate that the Israeli regime "recognizes no limits to its expansionism." "This issue clearly shows that the Israeli regime poses an existential threat to the security and stability of the region and its countries. Therefore, it can be said that all regional states are now more alert than ever to the regime's ongoing expansionism. That's because if this expansionism is not contained, our region will undoubtedly face endless wars," the Iranian diplomat further said. No European embassy closed in Iran The spokesperson dismissed rumors of European embassies closing in Iran, saying that the rumors are aimed at creating tension. Some of the European embassies have reduced activities and limited consular services amid or after the Israeli regime's military aggression against Iran in mid-June, but this does not mean that the diplomatic missions have closed, he explained. Iran protects national interests In response to a question about the Jeffrey Epstein case, Baqaei said it involves multiple countries and includes unethical and illegal aspects. Iran does not focus on personal motives of US politicians but on the actions of the US government as an official entity, he further said. Our priority is Iran's national interests, and we will protect the rights of our people while closely monitoring related developments, he added. No positive US role in West Asia Responding to the US envoy's comments on Hezbollah's disarmament, the Iranian spokesperson said the US has never played a positive role in the West Asia region, acting solely to serve the Israeli regime's interests, and that the people of Lebanon and the region are aware of this, and such claims are only meant to sow division. Putin-Trump summit Regarding the Friday summit between US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Baqaei said that Iran welcomes any initiative to end the Ukraine war and has consistently encouraged peaceful dialogue. However, the spokesperson added, the US must work to gain trust due to its poor track record in international negotiations. On the possibility of covering Iran-related issues in the summit, Baqaei said that the meeting focused on Ukraine, and that Iran is monitoring developments in that country and consulting Russia when needed, emphasizing that decisions on the Iran-related issues are made based on national interests. Israel faces deep internal crisis On the growing protests in the Israeli-occupied territories, the spokesperson said the regime faces deep crises, and its officials' pursuit of war and expansionism has angered the region and exhausted domestic patience. Recent large protests highlight the severity of its internal turmoil, he added. Iran-IAEA talks Further in his presser, the spokesperson said that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Deputy Director General's visit to Iran earlier this month aimed to establish guidelines for Iran-IAEA interactions after Israeli and US attacks on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities in June. There have been no prior instances of peaceful nuclear facilities being attacked and subsequently inspected by IAEA officials, he said, adding that security and safety concerns were discussed, and that more talks are due to take place in the coming days. E3 letter to UN Regarding a letter from three European countries, namely Britain, France, and Germany to the UN chief, the spokesperson noted that the letter was a response to Iran's foreign minister's communication to the UN Security Council about the illegality of using the "snapback" mechanism to reimpose sanctions against Iran. US uses human rights issue as a tool Baqaei said the US annual human rights report are political tools that the country uses to pressure other countries and manage relations with allies. He added that allegations leveled against Iran in the latest such report are purely political and strongly rejected, emphasizing that the US uses human rights issue to advance its foreign policy without a genuine commitment. 4208**4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian technicians overhaul engine of BK 117 helicopter Iran Press TV Monday, 18 August 2025 7:49 PM Iran says its local technicians have managed to carry out a complete overhaul of the engine of the BK 117 helicopter amid sanctions that restrict the country's access to aviation parts and technologies. Iran's civil aviation chief Hossein Pourfarzaneh said on Monday that the local overhaul of the BK 117 engine was a first of its kind in Iran, saying the project was the result of several years of intensive and complicated work inside the country. Pourfarzaneh said Iran decided to start local repair operations on helicopter engines after certain countries, where manufacturers of those helicopters are based, refused to cooperate and even confiscated engines sent by Iran for repair. "The engines are a major part of an aircraft or helicopter's value, and the local capability to repair and manufacture its spare parts can play a significant role in the aviation economy of the country," he was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency. A joint product of Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Airbus Helicopters, the BK 117 is a medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter mostly used for emergency services. Iran's engineering company MAPNA, which is in charge of many high-technology projects in the country, has carried out the overhaul project involving BK 117 helicopter engines. Iran has managed to keep its aviation fleet afloat despite sanctions that ban the country's access to foreign technology and spare parts. The country has even provided aircraft maintenance services to foreign airlines, with reports last year showing that Russia's largest airline Aeroflot had sent one of its Western-made jets to Iran for repair. Iranian aviation authorities also said in late 2024 that the country had mastered the technology needed to manufacture spare parts for the engines of Boeing and Airbus jets. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC deputy commander: Israel suffered miscalculation in 12-day war against Iran Iran Press TV Monday, 18 August 2025 11:18 AM The deputy commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) says Israel suffered miscalculation in the 12-day war it waged against Iran, even though the regime used full force against the Islamic Republic. "The Zionist enemy and the US entered the war with their full power, but they suffered a miscalculation as they were certain of success, which did not happen," Brigadier General Ali Fadavi said on Monday. He said that in the early days of the war, there were communications between regional leaders and the Israeli aggressors, but after a few days, the "situation turned in our favor." Warning against enemy miscalculations, he asserted, "If this trend continues, they will soon realize the gravity of their mistakes." General Fadavi added that Iran's "missiles crossing the skies over Iraq and striking critical positions of the Israeli regime during the 12-day war demonstrate these victories." He also said that since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, "the hostility of the global arrogant powers, especially the United States and its allies, has persisted daily against the Islamic Republic of Iran." On June 13, 2025, the Israeli regime launched strikes against Iran, targeting several civilian, military, and nuclear facilities. In the opening hours of the war, the regime succeeded in assassinating several Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. In retaliation, Iran unleashed waves of drones and missiles at the Occupied Territories under the operational name True Promise III, inflicting significant damage on both settlements and military installations. On June 22, 2025, the US Air Force and Navy carried out airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities in an attempt to relieve pressure on the Israeli regime. The following day, June 23, Iranian forces retaliated with over 30 drones and missiles against the US base in Qatar, under the codename Operation Glad Tidings of Victory, damaging multiple parts of the facility. Finally, on June 24, after suffering heavy losses at the hands of Iran's Armed Forces, both the Israeli regime and the US were forced to agree to a cessation of hostilities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Regional states now see true face of Israel's expansionist nature: Iran's Foreign Ministry Iran Press TV Monday, 18 August 2025 9:50 AM The latest developments have unmasked the Israeli regime's "domineering and expansionist" nature for regional countries more than ever, says the spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry. Speaking to reporters at his weekly press conference on Monday, Esmaeil Baghaei said the Israeli prime minister's claims about his intention to realize the idea of the so-called "Greater Israel" plan, which includes a significant portion of Arab and Islamic lands, indicate that the regime knows no boundaries when it comes to its expansionist goals. He added that Israel's persisting genocide in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank simultaneously, as it sets its eye on the territories of Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and even a considerable portion of Saudi Arabia, clearly shows that the regime poses a threat to regional security and stability. Baghaei said that all regional countries have become more aware of the continuation of Israel's expansionism, warning, "If this expansionism [of the Israeli regime] is not curbed, our region will undoubtedly face endless wars." Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israeli media last Tuesday that he feels a deep connection to the vision of a "Greater Israel," referring to the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories as well as parts of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, and described it as "a historical and spiritual mission." A day later, Baghaei, in a statement, strongly condemned the Israeli prime minister's "Greater Israel" plan, saying such ambitions represented a blatant breach of the United Nations Charter and fundamental principles of international law. The Palestinian resistance movement of Hamas also denounced Netanyahu's support of the so-called "Greater Israel" scheme, saying it reflects the "madness and delirium" that govern his behavior and his extremist ruling gang. Lebanon, regional states well aware of US schemes in region In response to a question about a US proposal on disarming the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, Baghaei said the United States has never played a positive role in the region. He added that the "very evident and one-sided" interference of the US in the regional countries' affairs is "solely aimed at securing and guaranteeing the interests of the Zionist regime." "The people of Lebanon and other regional countries are well aware of the role and plans of the US in the region," the spokesman said, noting that such plots only aim to sow discord and cause chaos in the region. Hamas has announced that it would not disarm until an independent Palestinian state is established with al-Quds as its capital. Pointing to Israel's plots against the Palestinian people in Gaza, Baghaei said the regime's forced eviction would complete the regime's genocide plan and eradication of Palestine as an identity and a nation. He added that the occupying regime has decided to completely evacuate Gaza City and forcibly displace nearly one million Palestinian people to the south of the Strip at the same time that they are struggling with starvation, lack of medicine, and hunger. Despite strong opposition from the international community and regional countries to the forced displacement of people in Gaza, Israel remains determined to continue its measures due to the unwavering US support and the continued impunity for the regime's heinous crimes. Baghaei also dismissed as media propaganda the Israeli prime minister's remarks about water shortage in Iran. "Those who are known for stealing water and water resources from their neighbors and the oppressed Palestinian people, and who attacked the main water pipeline in northern Tehran as one of their primary targets during their military aggression against Iran, have no legitimacy to speak on such issues," he said. Iran on constant vigilance about South Caucasus security The Iranian spokesperson said the country remains constantly vigilant to make sure that the intervention or presence of extra-regional parties will not undermine peace, stability and security in the South Caucasus region. Baghaei added that immediately after the signing of a US-brokered peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Iran expressed its position, saying it is "sensitive" to the presence and interference of extra-regional sides in the South Caucasus. The establishment of connecting and transportation routes must in no way violate recognized international borders, infringe on Armenia's national sovereignty and alter regional geopolitics, he emphasized as Iran's vital considerations. He noted that the presence of US and NATO military forces in regional countries will not promote but will rather undermine stability. "In safeguarding our borders, we are certainly monitoring developments closely and will take all necessary actions to protect our borders," the Iranian spokesman pointed out. Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a US-brokered peace in Washington on August 8, under which a transport corridor linking Azerbaijan to its landlocked exclave Nakhchivan is to be established. Under the deal, Armenia granted exclusive rights to the US to develop a corridor in its southern Syunik province, which borders Iran, to connect Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan. Iran has long opposed the idea, saying it would change the geopolitical order of the Southern Caucasus and would restrict Iran's ability to use transport networks in the region. Iran welcomes any initiative aimed at ending war in Ukraine Baghaei once again reiterated Iran's stance on the peaceful settlement of differences, saying Tehran welcomes any initiative aimed at putting an end to the war and conflict in Ukraine. "However, it should be noted that the United States, as a party that has a notorious history in international negotiations, should make great efforts to win various parties' trust," he pointed out. US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin attended a high-profile and high-stakes summit in Anchorage, Alaska, without a ceasefire deal, although declaring the meeting "productive." Trump has reportedly told his European counterparts he had agreed with Putin's demand that Ukraine make territorial concessions to end the conflict. The US president has said in talks with European leaders that a peace agreement can be reached if Ukraine agrees to offer the Donbas region to Russia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Supreme Court Upholds Activist's Second Death Sentence By RFE/RL's Radio Farda August 18, 2025 Summary Iran's Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence against labor activist Sharifeh Mohammadi, despite previous legal ambiguities. Her family denies allegations of rebellion and political ties, claiming she was tortured and held in solitary confinement. In a recent report, Human Rights Watch said Iran "remains one of the world's top practitioners of the death penalty." Iran's top court has upheld the death sentence against imprisoned labor activist Sharifeh Mohammadi, months after overturning her first death sentence due to legal ambiguities. The first death sentence was overturned in October 2024, when the Supreme Court said it had "flaws and ambiguities." A second ruling was imposed in February. Now, Mohammadi's lawyer, Amir Raeesian, has told the Iranian daily Sharq that a lower court has upheld this sentence despite the "flaws and ambiguities" remaining unaddressed. "The ruling is a repeat of the last verdict, and the expectation was that the Supreme Court would overturn it again," Raeesian said, adding that he plans to appeal the decision. Mohammadi's cousin, Vida Mohammadi, claims the judge presiding over the new court is the son of the judge who issued the initial death sentence. Speaking to RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Vida Mohammadi said her cousin's case "was not based on justice from the outset but rather on a scenario fabricated by the Intelligence Ministry. The process of her arrest, interrogation, accusations, and sentencing shows not the slightest trace of an independent or impartial trial." Mohammadi was initially sentenced to death in July 2024 on charges of "armed rebellion against the state" as well as membership in an independent labor union and a banned Kurdish separatist organization based in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Her family denies the accusations, saying she had no ties to any political group inside or outside the country. According to her family, she was tortured in prison following her arrest and spent several months in solitary confinement. In its most recent annual report, Human Rights Watch said Iran "remains one of the world's top practitioners of the death penalty," accusing it of applying capital punishment to "individuals charged with vague national security offenses, and sometimes for non-violent crimes." Iran executed at least 901 people in 2024 -- including 31 women -- a nine-year high that prompted UN High Commissioner Volker Turk to urge Tehran to stem "this ever-swelling tide of executions." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-court-death-penalty- activist-sharifeh-mohammadi/33506360.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Facing troop shortages, Israel eyes recruitment from US and France Iran Press TV Monday, 18 August 2025 8:31 PM Israel's military is considering a plan to recruit young Jews from abroad as it grapples with a severe shortage of soldiers amid its ongoing genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip. According to Israel's Army Radio on Monday, the proposal would target major Jewish communities overseas, particularly in the United States and France, with the aim of enlisting around 700 recruits annually. The shortage has compounded wider problems for Israel's armed forces, including equipment deficits and a reserve system strained by months of fighting in Gaza. Many reservists have also reported psychological issues and exhaustion linked to the genocidal war. The move comes as the military struggles with a shortfall of 10,000 to 12,000 troops, driven largely by the refusal of ultra-Orthodox Jews, or Haredim, to serve. For decades, Haredi men who account for about 13 percent of Israel's population of 10 million have been exempt from Israel's mandatory military service to pursue full-time religious studies. However, a 2023 ruling by Israel's high court ended these broad exemptions, prompting the military to begin enforcing draft orders amid growing troop shortages. Haredi leaders have accused the Israeli regime of violating their religious beliefs and threatening their way of life. In July, the Israeli daily Maariv said senior commanders had, for the first time, admitted to the scale of the depletion, estimating a gap of about 7,500 soldiers. Battalion leaders cited crushing workloads, with some signaling plans for early retirement. The Israeli regime was also reportedly luring around 30,000 asylum seekers from African countries to the army by offering them permanent residency in the occupied territories. An Israeli military investigation has found a rise in suicides among its soldiers, with the majority of the cases being directly linked to the profound psychological trauma and exposure to extreme conditions experienced during the genocidal war in Gaza. The findings indicated that most suicides stemmed from prolonged exposure to combat, traumatic battlefield experiences, and the psychological toll of losing comrades. Despite attempts by the Israeli army to censor reports of suicides and the surrounding circumstances, evidence continues to emerge of a sharp increase in such cases. Media outlets have suggested that the actual number of suicides may be even higher than reported. The army has reportedly been burying some of these soldiers without military funerals or public announcements, in a desperate effort to conceal the extent of the crisis. In recent months, a growing manpower shortage has prompted the Israeli army to recall soldiers diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The reports have highlighted a deeper mental health crisis within the Israeli army, revealing that thousands of soldiers have sought assistance from military mental health clinics or field psychologists. With Israel's war in Gaza entering its 22nd month, soldiers increasingly report experiences of war trauma, family issues, and psychological distress. Abu Obeida, spokesman for the military wing of Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, recently warned that if Israel chooses to continue with the "war of extermination," it will face increasing funerals for its soldiers and officers. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar's ruling junta sets Dec. 28 election date as civil war rages Critics expect the vote to be a sham aimed at keeping the country's military in power. By RFA staff 2025.08.18 -- The military-backed election commission in Myanmar set Dec. 28 for the initial phase of long-promised elections, the first since the 2021 coup that overthrew the country's last elected government and kicked off a still-raging civil war. Junta leadership nominally transferred power to an interim government last month in preparation for the elections. Last week, Min Aung Hlaing, the military chief and acting president, called for increased security to protect politicians and voters, warning of a rise in attacks on civil servants, according to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper. International observers have framed the elections as a charade to keep Min Aung Hlaing and his generals in power. Critics point to a lack of free media in Myanmar, and that most officials in the last elected government, including leader Aung San Suu Kyi, have been arrested. U.N. reports detail a regime of torture inflicted on those the military has detained. It's also unclear how a truly national election could take place in Myanmar. Control of the country splintered after the coup, with parts of the country held by bands of pro-democracy fighters or ethnic rebel groups, some of whom have pledged to block polls in their areas. "I don't think the election will hold any significance for the people," a 63-year-old citizen in the western state of Rakhine told Agence France-Presse. "I think this election is only being held to give power to military dictators until the world ends." Meanwhile, clashes continue in Myanmar's civil war, which has killed thousands, spawned rampant poverty, and left more than 3.5 million people displaced, nearly 40 percent of whom are children. On Sunday, at least 24 people were reportedly killed after the military bombed a hospital in Mawchi, a small town in Kayah state, the Associated Press reported. Includes reporting from the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters. Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content August not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan Meets the UK's Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, met today with the UK's Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, Rt. Hon Hamish Falconer, at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across political, economic, climate, and people-to-people domains. They also exchanged views on regional and global developments. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister highlighted Pakistan's commitment to economic reforms, and shared Pakistan's perspective on regional developments, including peace and stability in South Asia. He underscored the importance of the just and peaceful resolution of Jammu and Kashmir Dispute, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. The two leaders appreciated the positive trajectory of Pakistan-UK ties and expressed satisfaction with on-going collaboration in areas of mutual interest. They also underscored the importance of maintaining regular high-level engagements to build on existing momentum and to explore new avenues for strategic cooperation. Islamabad 18 August 2025 243/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New Jersey Resident Sentenced for Role in Global Export Control and Sanctions Evasion Scheme Monday, August 18, 2025 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs Defendant Facilitated Russia's Acquisition of Millions of Dollars of U.S.-Made Dual-Use Electronics, as well as Military-Grade Ammunition Today, in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, a New Jersey resident and dual U.S. and Russian national, Vadim Yermolenko, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his role in a transnational arms dealing and money laundering network that sought to acquire ammunition and sensitive dual-use electronics for Russian military and intelligence services. In addition to the term of imprisonment Yermolenko was ordered to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $75,547. Yermolenko pleaded guilty in November 2024 to conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, bank fraud conspiracy, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. "The defendant lied to banks, facilitated the illegal export of ammunition and sensitive technology, and evaded income taxes, all as part of a global procurement and money laundering network operated on behalf of the Russian government," said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella for the Eastern District of New York. "Today's sentence should send a message to all who would consider abusing the financial system to commit crimes on behalf of foreign nations: this office will find you, prosecute you, and, if you are convicted, seek a significant prison sentence." As alleged in court documents, the defendant was affiliated with Serniya Engineering (Serniya) and Sertal LLC (Sertal), two Moscow-based procurement companies. Serniya and Sertal operated a vast network of shell companies and bank accounts throughout the world, including in the United States, that were used in furtherance of the scheme to conceal the involvement of the Russian government and the true Russian end users of U.S.-origin equipment. The defendant and his co-conspirators unlawfully purchased and exported highly sensitive, export controlled electronic components, some of which can be used in the development of nuclear and hypersonic weapons, quantum computing, and other military applications. Serniya, Sertal, and several individuals and companies involved in the scheme were designated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in February 2022. To carry out the scheme, Yermolenko helped set up numerous shell companies and bank accounts in the U.S. to illicitly move money and export-controlled goods. During the period charged in the indictment, more than $12 million passed through accounts owned or controlled by the defendant, which he failed to report to the IRS. These funds were used in part to purchase sensitive equipment used in radar, surveillance, and military research and development. In one instance, money from one of the defendant's accounts was used to purchase export-controlled sniper bullets, which were intercepted in Estonia before they could be smuggled into Russia. Co-defendant Nikolaos Bogonikolos previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act and was sentenced to 15 months in prison. Co-defendant Alexey Brayman previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and is awaiting sentence. Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg for National Security, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York, Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia of the FBI's New York Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office (OEE), and Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis Jr. of IRS Criminal Investigation New York (IRS-CI) made the announcement. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Justice's Office of International Affairs, and the Estonian authorities provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew D. Reich and Matthew Skurnik for the Eastern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Derek Shugert of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Artie McConnell and former Litigation Analysts Emma Tavangari and Mary Clare McMahon for the Eastern District of New York, as well as former National Security Division Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee, contributed to the prosecution. Topic: National Security Components: National Security Division (NSD) USAO - New York, Eastern Press Release Number: 25-862 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with Acting Governor of the Rostov Region Yury Slyusar August 18, 2025 13:30 The Kremlin, Moscow Yury Slyusar presented a performance report to the President to sum up the nine months he has spent on the job as Rostov Region's Acting Governor by saying that the region operated as a hub for Russia's south. It serves as a gateway for supplying the special military operation and development projects in Novorossiya. In addition, it serves as a major administrative, logistics, cultural, educational and industrial centre within this macro region. The regional economy is quite diversified. Its strong points historically include manufacturing and agriculture, while trade, the consumer market and the services sector have all been gathering positive momentum. Turning to agriculture, the Acting Governor said that the region reported record-high output in 2021, 2022 and 2023, followed by a 20 percent decline in 2024. In 2025, agricultural production is expected to decrease by 30 percent. This can be attributed to several coinciding causes, including unfavourable climate factors, a late-spring freeze, drought, and water deficits. Taken together, they left about 1 million hectares of crops damaged or even destroyed. Mr Slyusar went on to note that it would be hard for the region to get through this year without help from the federal government. In particular, he asked for an extension under preferential loans for farmers. The President agreed that there were objective factors at play, and then drew the Acting Governor's attention to desertification, the need to make good use of heavy machinery and the shrinkage of windbreak areas. Yury Slyusar also talked about processing agricultural products, including corn, sunflower seeds, and wheat. There are three plants under construction now for making amino acids, enzymes and other additives, which used to be imported from abroad. But now the Rostov Region will step in to make them. This year, a flaxseed oil plant is expected to open in the region. It will become the world's largest facility of its kind. This way, Russia's will control about 30 percent of the global market for this product. The agenda also covered social matters, primarily healthcare, housing and utilities. The region opened a high-technology children's surgery centre, an infectious disease hospital and cardiovascular centres. Yury Slyusar said that staffing healthcare institutions was the main challenge, especially for remote rural areas. The local government found a stop-gap solution by launching a mobile diagnostics unit, the so-called Health Train, which carries specialists to remote territories and can accommodate about 400 patients per day. In the manufacturing sector, the leading producers have been increasing their output, including Rostvertol helicopter plant, and the Taganrog Aviation Plant. In 2025, it is expected to receive the freshly designed PD-8 engines for the Be-200 amphibious planes. The order book for these aircraft is full. Until now, a ban on supplying the engines made by Motor Sich, a Ukrainian manufacturer, undermined the construction of these planes, but now the company is testing the Russian-made PD-8 engine on the Be-200s. The Rostov Region is among Russia's leading regions in terms of UAV manufacturing, including dual-use models. Yury Slyusar noted that the special military operation contributed to having more UAV production sites in the region. When asked by the President about efforts to support special military operation participants, Yury Slyusar said that helping them and their families was an utmost priority for the region. The Rostov Region offers 75 regional and municipal support initiatives including benefits, medical and legal assistance, employment opportunities, helping people with housing, child assistance, and social adaptation services for veterans. The Acting Governor said that building the Rostov Transport Ring as per the Presidential instructions was another priority. It will be 110 kilometres long, and 102 of them have been built. This road will attract cargoes and passenger traffic, enabling them to bypass Rostov-on-Don, whose streets cannot handle the six thousand trucks driving through the city every day. Yury Slyusar asked the President to assist the region in completing this costly undertaking. Vladimir Putin suggested examining the relevant documents. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Four Syrians wounded as Israel bombs southern Lebanon in new truce breach Iran Press TV Monday, 18 August 2025 6:38 PM In yet another breach of the fragile 2024 ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, the Israeli military has launched an airstrike in the southern part of the Arab nation, injuring a number of individuals. At least four Syrian workers sustained injuries on Monday after an Israeli drone dropped a bomb in Wadi al-Asafir region, near stone factories in the town of Khiyam, Lebanon's Health Ministry said in a statement. Two people were injured on Thursday night after Israeli warplanes and drones carried out a series of airstrikes against the positions of the Hezbollah resistance movement in southern Lebanon. According to Lebanon's official National News Agency, an Israeli drone fired two missiles at a motorcycle in the village of Aitaroun in the central sector of southern Lebanon. Lebanon's Health Ministry said two people were injured in the attack. An unnamed security source said their target was a municipal police officer of the village. Meanwhile, Israel's military said on Thursday that it struck southern Lebanon, targeting what it asserted as Hezbollah underground tunnels. It vowed to "continue to operate in order to remove any threat" posed to the regime. Following significant losses sustained over nearly 14 months of war and the failure to meet its objectives in the offensive against Lebanon, Israel was compelled to accept a ceasefire with Hezbollah, which took effect on November 27. Since then, Israeli forces have been launching attacks on Lebanon, including airstrikes, in breach of the ceasefire. On January 27, Lebanon announced its decision to extend the ceasefire with Israel until February 18. However, Israel continues to maintain its occupation of five significant regions in southern Lebanon, namely Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, all situated near the border. Lebanon has condemned the continued presence of Israeli military forces as a violation of the ceasefire agreement and the established timeline for withdrawal. Senior officials in Beirut have expressed their commitment to take "all necessary measures" to remove the occupying troops from the nation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ministry of National Defense Issues Press Release Regarding "PLA's Satellite Launch Mission from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan" ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/08/17 Ministry of National Defense Press Release Time: 1840 hours, August 17, 2025 The Ministry of National Defense stated today (August 17) that at 1655 hours, the People's Republic of China conducted a satellite launch mission using a carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan. The rocket's flight path passed through the southwestern part of Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone toward the Western Pacific, at an altitude outside the atmosphere, posing no threat to Taiwan. The ROC Armed Forces employed the joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system to closely monitor related activities and responded with appropriate vigilance and measures. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Public servants to be checked for Chinese IDs starting in 2026 ROC Central News Agency 08/18/2025 10:22 PM Taipei, Aug. 18 (CNA) Taiwan's government will begin on Jan. 1, 2026 to routinely and systematically check to see if core personnel in the military, education system and civil service hold Chinese IDs, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced Monday. In a statement, the MAC said Taiwanese are not allowed to have household registrations in China or hold IDs issued by China, according to the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. The checks are aimed at fulfilling the rule of law and preventing individuals from unlawfully holding a position, the MAC said, though it did not provide any details on how the measure would be carried or who would be responsible. According to the statement, the measure will initially apply only to core personnel because of the large scale of public service systems and the wide variety of hiring practices and legal bases used by different agencies. "Core personnel" include government-appointed officials who serve as government representatives or agents for government-funded companies, as well as 21 types of full-time education personnel employed under the Act Governing the Appointment of Educators. Newly appointed or transferred personnel will be subject to such screening as soon as the measures are in place on Jan. 1, 2026, the MAC said. Non-compliance will result in punishments such as prohibition from signing employment, renewal or reassignment contracts, it said. The MAC, Taiwan's top agency for handling China-related issues, will ask government institutions and schools to cooperate in publicizing the measure, and also review and amend relevant employment regulations, contracts and documents before the end of 2025. It said it will hold explanatory sessions across Taiwan jointly with the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration, the Ministry of Civil Service and the Ministry of Education. In recent years, the Chinese Communist Party has broken the single-ID systems insisted upon by both sides of the Taiwan Strait for its United Front efforts, allowing Taiwanese individuals to retain their Taiwanese ID when they obtain a Chinese ID, the MAC said. The MAC expressed the hope that military, education and public service personnel actively comply with investigations to maintain national safety and enhance the public's trust in the public sector. (By Lu Chia-jung and Wu Kuan-hsien) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tuvalu reportedly considering pulling out of Pacific leaders' summit; 'hyping Taiwan question does not align with perception of most PICs' Global Times By Xu Yelu Published: Aug 18, 2025 10:09 PM Prime Minister Feletei Teo of Tuvalu, which maintains so-called "diplomatic relations" with China's Taiwan region, said his country may pull out of the region's top political meeting next month, after host nation Solomon Islands moved to block all external partners from attending, The Guardian reported. Some foreign media analyses suggest that the Solomon Islands' decision aims to "exclude Taiwan from the meeting," prompting dissatisfaction from Tuvalu. The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders meeting will be held in Honiara in September. On August 7, Solomon Islands prime minister Jeremiah Manele told parliament that no dialogue partners would be invited to the annual gathering, The Guardian said. Tuvalu, along with the Marshall Islands and Palau, are the only Pacific countries that maintain ties with Taiwan region. Yu Lei, a professor from the Department of International Politics and Economics at Shandong University, told the Global Times on Monday that Tuvalu's real intention may be to push for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' participation in the conference as a "dialogue partner," helping the island's DPP authorities to expand their so-called "international space." In recent years, under persuasion from the US and Australia, Taiwan island has increased its aid to its "diplomatic allies" in the region in an attempt to maintain these relations, Yu said. In an interview with the Guardian, Teo said he would wait to see how other Pacific leaders respond before deciding whether or not to attend the forum next month, expressing "disappointment" at the last-minute exclusion of external countries. However, Palau, which will host the forum in 2026, says it "respects and acknowledges" Solomon Islands' decision to block all foreign attendees, with the office of the president saying it allows members "to focus on the critical intra-regional issues at this year's forum," according to the Guardian. Chen Hong, a professor and director of the Australian Studies Centre at East China Normal University, told the Global Times that most PICs have established diplomatic relations with China, following the one-China principle. Only a very small number of countries maintain so-called "diplomatic relations" with the island of Taiwan. Chen noted that adhering to the One-China principle aligns with the global development trend and regional consensus. Under pressure from the US and the West, a handful of foreign politicians have hyped up the Taiwan question due to political factors, which does not align with the perception of most PICs. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand on August 14 rejected the groundless accusations made against China over the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum. Stressing the fact that Taiwan is a province of China and never a country, the spokesperson also urged relevant parties to adhere to their one-China principle in good faith, creating the necessary conditions for the Forum to focus on an agenda of cooperation. The Chinese embassy's response came after New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters' remarks on Thursday claiming that the influence of "outsiders" was threatening to split an upcoming annual summit of South Pacific leaders. As a dialogue partner of PIF, China respects the Forum's role in regional cooperation, values its relations with the PIF, and welcomes opportunities to work with PIF members and other dialogue partners on supporting the development of Pacific Island developing countries under the Forum dialogue mechanism, the spokesperson said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treaty of San Francisco illegal, invalid; Lai authorities completely abandon national stance, distort WWII history, which is disgraceful : Chinese FM Global Times By Global Times Published: Aug 18, 2025 05:29 PM When asked to comment on the recent claims by an official with Taiwan's so-called foreign affairs department that after World War II, the " Treaty of San Francisco " superseded political declarations such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, stating that the treaty did not hand the island of Taiwan over to the People's Republic of China (PRC) and that the PRC has never governed Taiwan, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Monday that such fallacious claims distort the truth and confuse the public, further exposing the Lai Ching-te authorities' thoroughly separatist "Taiwan independence" nature. Mao emphasized that Taiwan's restoration to China is a victorious outcome of WWII and an integral part of the postwar international order. A series of legally binding international documents, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and Japan's terms of surrender, affirm China's sovereignty over Taiwan. The historical and legal fact that Taiwan belongs to China is indisputable. The so-called " Treaty of San Francisco" was an illegal and invalid document produced after World War II by the US and a few other countries, excluding the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union, to make a separate peace with Japan. This document violated the 1942 United Nations Declaration signed by 26 countries, including China, the US, the UK, and the Soviet Union, as well as the UN Charter and international law. Any decisions regarding the sovereignty and territorial rights of China, which excluded the PRC from signing, including the sovereignty over Taiwan, are illegal and invalid, Mao said. Mao stressed that the Lai Ching-te authorities have completely abandoned their national stance, disregarded the Chinese people's victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and recklessly distorted World War II history, which is disgraceful. Mao noted that no matter what the Lai Ching-te authorities say or do, they cannot change the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is part of China's territory, nor can they alter the international community's broad consensus on upholding the one-China principle or stop the inevitable historical trend of China's reunification, which will surely be realized. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China reaffirms sovereignty over Taiwan, says complete reunification unstoppable People's Daily Online By ZHAO JIA (Chinadaily.com.cn) 10:11, August 19, 2025 Beijing said on Monday that the so-called Treaty of San Francisco is illegal and invalid, and cannot alter the fact that Taiwan is part of China. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks after a "foreign affairs head" of the Taiwan region claimed that after World War II, the so-called Treaty of San Francisco replaced the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, and the "treaty" did not place Taiwan under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China. Speaking at a regular news briefing, Mao rejected such claims, saying the remarks "turned black into white, distorted facts, and once again exposed the Lai Ching-te administration's separatist nature of 'Taiwan independence'." She condemned the Lai Ching-te administration for completely abandoning national integrity, disregarding the achievements of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), and shamelessly distorting World War II history. "No matter what the Lai Ching-te authorities say or do, they cannot alter the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is part of China, nor can they change the international consensus on the one-China principle," Mao said, emphasizing that the complete reunification of China is an unstoppable historical trend. She also noted that Taiwan's return to China was an important outcome of the victory in the war against Japanese aggression and part of the postwar international order. The Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, all legally binding international documents, unequivocally confirmed China's sovereignty over Taiwan, Mao said, adding that the historical and legal fact that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory is indisputable. Mao said that on Oct 1, 1949, the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China was founded, becoming the only legitimate government of the whole of China. "This was a change of government within the same international legal entity, without altering China's sovereignty or territorial integrity. The government of the People's Republic of China naturally has full sovereignty over Taiwan," she said. Regarding the so-called Treaty of San Francisco, Mao pointed out that it was an "illegal and invalid document" concocted by the United States and certain countries after WWII, excluding the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union, to reach a separate peace with Japan. "It violated the United Nations Declaration signed by 26 countries, including China, the US, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, in 1942, as well as the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law," Mao said. "Any disposition concerning Taiwan's sovereignty or other territorial and sovereign rights involving China, a noncontracting state, in this document is illegal and null and void," she said. In another development, in response to remarks on Monday by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who accused Beijing of threatening to unilaterally change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, and in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, Mao reiterated that the Taiwan question is China's internal matter. "The one-China principle is the political foundation for China to establish and develop diplomatic relations with countries around the world, and a widely recognized norm in international relations," Mao said. "To maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, one must adhere to the one-China principle and oppose all separatist activities seeking 'Taiwan independence'," she said. Mao added that the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea remains generally stable. "China urges relevant parties to respect the joint efforts of regional countries to resolve disputes through dialogues and consultations, instead of provoking confrontations or exaggerating tensions," she said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland-Republic of Korea Senior Economic Dialogue 2025: Joint Communique The UK and Republic of Korea held a Senior Economic Dialogue in Seoul on Monday 18 August 2025. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Catherine West MP Published 18 August 2025 The Second Vice Minister of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kim Jina, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West MP (hereinafter referred to as "the Ministers"), co-chaired the second UK-ROK Senior Economic Dialogue in Seoul on 18 August 2025. The Ministers welcomed the opportunity to meet under two new administrations, reaffirming the strength of the UK-ROK Global Strategic Partnership and their shared commitment to advancing sustainable economic growth, resilience, and prosperity. They acknowledged the evolving global economic landscape, including developments in US economic policy, trade relations with China, and ties with the EU. The Ministers welcomed the opportunity today to discuss these issues of shared economic interest and recognised the ongoing efforts of both governments to deepen cooperation across a broad range of areas, including national economic security, defence-related industrial cooperation, and other economic diplomacy issues. Bilateral Economic Cooperation The Ministers reaffirmed the UK-Korea Global Strategic Partnership, centred around shared interests of growth and economic elements. They reviewed progress of negotiations for an upgraded UK-ROK Free Trade Agreement. They noted the successful conclusion of five negotiation rounds and reaffirmed their ambition to complete talks by the end of 2025. Both sides committed to deepening the bilateral trade and investment relationship, and agreed to work together to foster a favourable environment for each other's business activities in their respective countries. Ministers noted the complementarity of industrial strategies and discussed greater cooperation in priority sectors such as clean energy, digital technologies, defence industry and engineering biology. They welcomed the UK's recent ministerial visit to Korea to promote investment opportunities and the growing bilateral investment pipeline. Ministers expressed support for the first UK-ROK Investment Dialogue at senior official level. The Ministers reaffirmed commitment to enable our Joint Defence Exports MOU by facilitating defence industrial collaboration. Science, Technology and Innovation The Ministers discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation in science and technology, including artificial intelligence, quantum, engineering biology, and space. They welcomed the UK's AI Opportunities Action Plan and ROK's ambitious new strategy to become a world-leading AI power. They reaffirmed support for the UK-ROK Digital Partnership and looked forward to the next Digital Partnership Forum. Economic Security Both sides shared the view on the importance of advancing economic security cooperation among like-minded countries, and agreed to enhance collaboration on key issues such as the supply chains of critical minerals, through the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), a multilateral consultative body on critical minerals. Energy Transition and Climate Cooperation The Ministers agreed to deepen multilateral climate collaboration ahead of COP30 and welcomed efforts to enhance the UK-ROK Clean Energy Partnership. Minister West welcomed ROK's continued efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and to submit an ambitious 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Ministers noted shared economic growth opportunities through deeper collaboration in expanding clean energy and ensuring energy security. They discussed opportunities for joint work on nuclear fuel supply chains, including UK investment in LEU and HALEU capabilities. Development and Global Cooperation The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the UK-ROK Strategic Development Partnership and the implementation of the agreed action plan: to hold workshops enhancing understanding of the ODA implementation systems of the UK-ROK by the end of 2025. They shared their intent to strengthen cooperation in global health. They discussed the upcoming 8th replenishment of the Global Fund, under the UK's joint hosting with South Africa. The Ministers reiterated the importance of continued multilateral efforts to fight against infectious diseases, AIDS, TB and malaria. Multilateral Engagement The Ministers discussed cooperation in multilateral forums including the G7, G20, and CPTPP. The UK offered to share lessons from its own experience of CPTPP accession. Both sides committed to continued dialogue on Indo-Pacific-Euro-Atlantic cooperation. Next Steps The UK and Korea agreed to further deepen our economic cooperation in various fields including trade, defence, climate and AI and technology. They also welcomed the intention to strengthen links between Korean and British businesses, parliamentarians and academics, including through a proposed UK-Korea High Level Forum. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to holding regular Senior Economic Dialogues, to monitor progress of the bilateral economic cooperation and identify new areas for collaboration and economic growth. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New multi-million pound Army support deal for North-East firm to boost national security and growth New agreement with Cook Defence Systems will provide vital spare parts to the British Army armoured vehicle fleet From: Ministry of Defence Published 18 August 2025 125 jobs are to be supported in the North East through a new agreement between the MOD and Cook Defence Systems to supply spare tracks for the British Army's armoured fighting vehicles. The three-year deal announced today (18 August), worth up to 125 million, will see the company supplying spare parts for all the Army's principal combat vehicles including its new Challenger 3 tanks, securing investment in advanced manufacturing techniques and supporting skilled jobs at Cook's County Durham site. The announcement supports the Government's Plan for Change: boosting UK defence spending and our security, backing British industry, and growing the economy by creating skilled jobs in communities across the country. The agreement comes ahead of Ukrainian Independence Day on Sunday 24 August. Cook Defence Systems have played a vital role in the UK's enduring commitment to Ukraine, supporting donated British armoured fighting vehicles and as the main manufacturer of spare tracks for the Soviet-era vehicles used by the Ukrainian Army. This highlights how the UK and British industry are working together to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position on the battlefield. Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, said: This contract not only strengthens our Army's warfighting capability, but helps sustain hundreds of skilled jobs in the North East. It's a clear example of the defence dividend - this Government's historic increase in defence spending supporting high-skilled jobs across the UK, part of the Plan for Change. This investment is a clear example of the defence dividend where higher defence spending, spent with British firms, supports good, well-paid skilled jobs nationwide. The war in Ukraine has taught us that a military is only as strong as the industry behind it. That's why we're investing more in our own forces and working with UK industry to scale up production, support our allies, and secure long-term national resilience. The new agreement delivers on the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review, published in June, and the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy. By aligning national security and economic growth, this Government is ensuring that every pound of taxpayer money spent on defence not only makes our country safer but contributes to growing the economy. Director of Cook Defence Systems, William Cook said: As the only British designer and manufacturer of track systems for fighting vehicles, Cook Defence Systems is critical to the operational independence of the British Army and allied forces. This latest contract directly supports 125 jobs at Cook Defence Systems and underpins 5m of investment in new plant and machinery over the next twelve months. Our core relationship with the UK MOD is the foundation of our export success, with Cook Defence Systems currently supplying British allies in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. This comes as part of wider defence investment, with the UK ramping up procurement of artillery ammunition, drones, and combat spares in response to lessons learned from Ukraine, whilst continuing to support them following Putin's barbaric invasion. The UK, together with allies, is stepping up support for Ukraine - providing 4.5 billion of military support this year - more than ever before. In March this year, the Prime Minister announced a historic 1.6 billion deal to provide more than five thousand air defence missiles for Ukraine. The UK is also stepping up on the supply of drones, with 350 million this year to increase the supply of drones from 10,000 in 2024 to 100,000 in 2025; and the UK has completed a delivery of 140,000 artillery munitions since the start of 2025 in a vital boost for Ukraine's frontline troops. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ranking Member Smith Statement on Trump-Putin Summit House Armed Services Committee - Democrats August 16, 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's August 15th meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "This summit was a significant step backward in the effort to end Putin's unjust and brutal war in Ukraine and benefitted only one party: Putin. "Rather than use this opportunity to demonstrate U.S. strength and unity with Ukraine and the coalition of over 50 countries the Biden Administration helped build in opposition to Putin's war, President Trump stood meekly next to Putin and let him spin a false narrative about the Russian invasion. "President Trump also apparently agreed to taking the prospect of a ceasefire off the table, an illogical and counterproductive step if President Trump wants to end the war as quickly as possible. This development highlights the fact that Putin's war has greatly accelerated in the seven months of Trump's current presidency. "This misstep is reminiscent of President Trump's mishandling of Putin's war in January, which gave Putin a complete pass for his illegal invasion and wrongly placed all the blame and pressure on President Zelenksy and Ukraine and allowed Russia a chance to regroup despite devastating losses. "I give President Trump credit for engaging in dialogue with Putin. Having a conversation makes sense. But the president also needed to show strength and not let Putin manipulate the meeting to his advantage. Instead, President Trump demonstrated weakness on the world stage and in doing so moved all of us further from the prospect of peace." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Council of Europe joins statement by the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children Council of Europe Council of Europe Strasbourg 18 August 2025 The Council of Europe has joined 38 countries[1] and the EU calling on Russia to return the kidnapped Ukrainian children without delay and any conditions. The joint statement was issued by the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children co-chaired by Canada and Ukraine, of which the Council of Europe is a member. Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe on the situation of Children of Ukraine, Thordis Kolbrun Reykfjord Gylfadottir said that Ukrainian children unlawfully deported to Russia must be returned. "Children living under Russian occupation must be released. Children living in fear of terror must be given safety. Russia must be held accountable for making the destruction of children's lives its strategic policy in a war of aggression." During their bilateral meeting held in Istanbul on June 2, 2025, the statement reads, the Government of Ukraine presented the Russian Federation with an initial list of 339 Ukrainian children unlawfully deported to the Russian Federation or forcibly transferred from temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine, and it formally requested their immediate and unconditional return. The signatories of the statement call on Russia to: act promptly and meaningfully on the initial list of children presented by Ukraine, ensuring their immediate and unconditional return to their families and communities in Ukraine; facilitate the return of all unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children, in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions; provide full and verifiable information on all unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children under the effective control of the Russian Federation, including their whereabouts, well-being, legal status, health condition, and ensure unhindered access for international humanitarian organizations to assess their situation and safeguard their rights and well-being; and cease to alter the identity of children, including changes to their citizenship, placement in Russian families or institutions, ideological indoctrination, and exposure to militarisation. The members of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, including the Council of Europe, reiterated their unwavering commitment to the protection of children affected by Russia's illegal, unprovoked, and unjustifiable full-scale military invasion of Ukraine. The return of Ukrainian children is one vital step in this broader imperative, to ensure that children are never used as pawns of war, the statement reads. In the recent judgment in the interstate case Ukraine and the Netherlands v. Russia, the European Court of Human Rights found Russia responsible for the "systemic and regulatory" violations of the European Convention on Human Rights, including the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia and in many cases their adoption there.[2] The ECHR ruled that "the respondent State [the Russian Federation] must without delay cooperate in the establishment of an international and independent mechanism to secure, as soon as possible and with due consideration of the children's best interests, the identification of all children transferred from Ukraine to Russia and Russian-controlled territory before 16 September 2022, the restoration of contact between these children and their surviving family members or legal guardians and the children's safe reunification with their families or legal guardians."[3] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address August 18, 2025 By C. Todd Lopez, DOD News Trump, Zelenskyy, World Leaders Meet at White House to Negotiate Peace Deal At the White House today, President Donald J. Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a host of European leaders to discuss how the ongoing violent war between Russia and Ukraine might be resolved. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also attended those meetings. Two separate meetings were held at the White House: first, between Trump and Zelenskyy, and then a second meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy, NATO and European leaders, and the presidents of five NATO nations. Trump said if talks go well, a trilateral discussion between the U.S., Ukraine and Russia is a possibility. "I think if everything works out well today, we'll have a trilat and I think there will be a reasonable chance of ending the war when we do that," Trump said. "And we want to get it ended. And we want it to end [well] for everybody ... the people of Ukraine have suffered incredibly." Today's talks come on the heels of the Aug. 15, 2025, meeting in Alaska between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "The Alaska summit reinforced my belief that while difficult, peace is within reach, and I believe that is a very significant step. President Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, and this is one of the key points that we need to consider, and we're going to be considering that at the table," Trump said. The president said he is optimistic that between the U.S. and European partners, there would be an agreement to deter future aggression against Ukraine. "I actually think there won't be [future aggression against Ukraine]," he said. "But we're going to find out, and I think that the European nations are going to take a lot of the burden. We're going to help them, and we're going to make it very secure." Trump also said that during the meetings, discussion topics would need to include what each nation is willing to give up to achieve peace. "We ... need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory, taking into consideration the current line of contact that means the war zone ... to look at them and negotiating positions," Trump said. A top priority for the president is that the peace agreement be durable. "We're going to make sure that if there's peace, the peace is going to stay long term," Trump said. "This is very long term. We're not talking about a two-year peace, and then we end up in this mess again. We're going to make sure that everything's good. We'll work with Russia. We're going to work with Ukraine. We're going to make sure it works. And I think if we can get to peace, it's going to work. I have no doubt about it." European leaders, Trump said, are interested in building a security protection deal for Ukraine, which the United States would assist with. "When it comes to security, there's going to be a lot of help ... they are the first line of defense, because they're there they're Europe," Trump said. "But we're going to help them out also. We'll be involved." In addition to the one-on-one discussion between Trump and Zelenskyy, the larger discussion included NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The president said he'd spoken with Putin prior to today's meetings and said he would speak to him again following the meetings. "We're going to have a phone call right after these meetings today, and we may or may not have a trilat," Trump said. "If we don't have a trilat, then the fighting continues. And if we do, we have a good chance, I think if we have a trilat, there's a good chance of maybe ending [the war]." Trump said he cannot predict when the war between Russia and Ukraine will end. However, he added, there is an appetite on both sides for it to come to an end. "When it ends, I can't tell you," Trump said. "But the war is going to end. And this gentleman [Zelenskyy] wants it to end, and Vladimir Putin wants it to end. I think the whole world is tired of it, and we're going to get it ended." How the war ends and what is agreed upon will rest on the shoulders of Ukrainians and Russians, Trump said. "I have a feeling you [Zelenskyy] and President Putin are going to work something out," Trump said. "Ultimately, this is a decision that can only be made by President Zelenskyy and by the people of Ukraine working also together and in agreement with President Putin." The president said if the conditions are right and it's possible to set up a meeting between the two, which the president is willing to attend, that "very good things are going to come of it." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Finland continues life-saving humanitarian assistance: about one fifth of support goes to Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 18.8.2025 Press releases Finland's decisions on humanitarian assistance this year have prioritised support to Ukraine, major refugee crises in Africa and the humanitarian situation in the Middle East. The number of people in need of assistance continues to grow. By the end of July, Finland had provided a total of approximately EUR 97.5 million in vital humanitarian assistance in 2025, nearly EUR 18 million of it to Ukraine. Finland has also provided funding, among other countries, for Sudan, where famine was detected last year, and for Myanmar for recovery from the earthquake. About one tenth of the assistance was channelled through humanitarian aid projects carried out by Finnish civil society organisations (CSOs). Global humanitarian needs have been increasing for many years, yet the funding for the humanitarian system is seeing significant cuts. The global aid mechanism is facing rapid adjustments and reforms. Finland will continue to provide vital humanitarian assistance and support a reform of the system to ensure that aid will reach those most in need in future too. "Over the next few months, Finland's humanitarian assistance this year will increase to over one hundred million euros. Finland focuses on flexible humanitarian funding that allows aid organisations to respond quickly to crises and the changed, unforeseen needs," says Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio. Ukraine is the largest recipient of Finland's humanitarian assistance. Finland has granted EUR 16 million through UN humanitarian agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and nearly EUR 2 million through Finnish CSOs for Ukraine's humanitarian needs. Deputy Head of the World Food Programme (WFP) Office in Ukraine Nanna Skau says: "Since the start of the war, Finland's support through the WFP has been vital in ensuring that Ukraine, formerly also known as the breadbasket of Europe, is able to meet its own humanitarian needs. The situation remains serious, with five million Ukrainians suffering from food insecurity. With a growing number of internally displaced persons and moving front lines, the support Finland granted at the start of this year has allowed flexibility for the WFP to direct resources where there is most need. Finland's support contributed to the WFP being able to deliver cash and food assistance to 1.1 million Ukrainians in July alone." Finland has also prioritised major refugee crises in Africa and the humanitarian situation in the Middle East in its funding decisions. Food insecurity is an increasingly widespread problem in countries such as Sudan, where famine was detected last year. Finland has provided over EUR 3.2 million in funding for the WFP's operation and Finnish CSO's projects in Sudan. In the Middle East, Finland has supported, among others, the WFP's and Finnish CSO's operations in Gaza with over EUR 3 million. Myanmar has been granted over EUR 4 million in funding for the country's humanitarian crisis and recovery from the earthquake, for example. The support has been channelled through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Finnish CSOs. Finland has also provided a total of EUR 2 million in funding for the WFP's and the UN Refugee Agency's (UNHCR) work on disability inclusion. The aim is to help the organisations to assist persons with disabilities, who are often in the most vulnerable position but cannot always be reached. In addition, a total of EUR 4 million in humanitarian assistance has been granted for developing the WFP's school meals activities and supporting school meals, especially in Africa and the Middle East. Finland has also granted core funding to multilateral humanitarian organisations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China will continue to promote peace and dialogue in its own way, says FM spokesperson over question of whether China is willing to act as guarantor for Ukraine's security Global Times By Global Times Published: Aug 18, 2025 04:19 PM Regarding that Axios reported citing sources that at the Putin-Trump summit in Alaska, China was mentioned as one of the possible guarantors for Ukraine's security, a Russian media reporter asked at Monday's press conference of the Chinese Foreign Ministry whether China will be willing to act as a guarantor of Ukraine's security if a ceasefire agreement is reached, spokesperson Mao Ning responded by saying that China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear, and China will continue to promote peace and dialogue in its own way, pushing for a political resolution to the crisis. A source indicates that Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that he was ready to discuss the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine, according to Axios citing sources. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Norway providing NOK 1 billion to secure energy supplies for Ukraine before another cold winter of war Government of Norway Press release | Date: 18/08/2025 Norway is providing an additional NOK 1 billion in funding for gas imports to Ukraine to ensure an adequate gas supply for the general population, businesses and industry before the country enters its fourth winter of full-scale war. 'President Zelensky has asked for our support to secure access to electricity and heating for people in Ukraine before the onset of a new winter. I am very pleased that we are able to meet this request,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been severely damaged by more than three years of full-scale war and repeated Russian attacks. The new funding comes in addition to a previous contribution of NOK 1 billion, made in March 2025, to support the purchase of gas by Ukraine. 'We are shouldering our share of the responsibility for supporting Ukraine at this critical time. We have been an important partner to Ukraine in the energy sector for a long time, and we will continue to be,' said Mr Eide. The overall support provided by Norway in 2025 is expected to secure gas supplies, and thus also provide heating and electricity, for around one million families during the 2025-2026 heating season. The funding will be used to procure gas from Western sources. As previously, the funding will be channelled through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the Ukrainian state-owned gas company Naftogaz will be the recipient. 'By investing in Ukraine's energy transition while also increasing our support to ensure that the Ukrainian people have access to electricity and heating this winter, we are enhancing Ukraine's energy security and helping to meet the population's fundamental needs, both now and in the years to come,' said Mr Eide. The imported gas will be used to meet consumption needs and to increase gas reserves in the event of further attacks on the gas infrastructure. The funding is being provided under Norway's Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. Since 2022, Norway has provided a total of NOK 4.6 billion in funding to support the procurement of gas by Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump, Zelensky, European leaders hold critical Ukraine war talks Iran Press TV Monday, 18 August 2025 10:54 PM US President Donald Trump says he believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine, as he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and his European allies at the White House. During the meeting with European leaders on Monday, Trump claimed that Putin is prepared to accept security guarantees for Ukraine. The White House gathering aimed to secure a truce between Ukraine and Russia, just days after Trump's summit with Putin in Alaska, which both leaders described as a positive step towards resolving the conflict. "President Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine," Trump stated, adding that this is a crucial topic for negotiation. "I'm optimistic that collectively we can reach an agreement that would deter future aggression against Ukraine," Trump continued. President Zelensky also attended the meeting and discussed sensitive issues with Trump and European leaders, including security guarantees, humanitarian efforts, and prisoner swaps. He noted that territorial matters would be addressed in a future trilateral meeting with Putin. The summit featured prominent European figures, including NATO Chief Mark Rutte, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron advocated for a four-way meeting involving Trump, Zelensky, and Putin. In a one-on-one discussion with Zelensky at the Oval Office, Trump assured him of US support for Ukraine's security in any peace deal, even without a ceasefire. Zelensky expressed interest in a three-way summit with Moscow and Washington. Moscow has yet to accept invitations for trilateral talks, and Russian forces continue to advance in eastern Ukraine. European leaders encouraged Trump to prioritize a ceasefire, but after his discussion with Putin, Trump shifted his focus to a comprehensive peace agreement. The tone of the meeting between Trump and Zelensky was markedly more positive than their previous encounter in February, which ended with public criticism of Zelensky. This time, Zelensky thanked Trump multiple times, highlighting the importance of US support. Zelensky appears reluctant to accept Putin's terms, which would require public approval through a referendum. Trump claimed on Saturday in a post on Truth Social that "it was determined by all" that a direct peace agreement would be preferable, though European leaders have expressed differing views on the matter. Trump's meeting with European leaders follows his summit with Putin in Alaska on Friday. According to the sources with direct knowledge of the summit, as a prerequisite for concluding the conflict, Putin insisted on Ukraine's withdrawal from Donbas, which comprises the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces. Although Luhansk is almost entirely under Russian control, Ukraine still holds key parts of Donetsk, including the cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. 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 hold significant areas. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump: Zelensky can end Ukraine war if he abandons NATO membership, Crimea reclamation Iran Press TV Monday, 18 August 2025 6:04 AM US President Donald Trump says his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, can immediately end the Russia-Ukraine war if he abandons Crimea reclamation and NATO membership. In a post on Truth Social on Monday, Trump asserted, "President Zelensky of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight." "Remember how it started. No getting back; Obama gave Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and no going into NATO by Ukraine. Some things never change!!!" he added. The rejoining of Crimea to Russia in 2014 followed a referendum, which was condemned by Western countries. Former US President Barack Obama described the referendum as a violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and international law. But the US only imposed sanctions on Russian officials and entities in response to the move. In a 2023 interview, Obama explained that the US refrained from military intervention due to the complex political situation in Ukraine at the time, including the presence of Russian-speaking populations in Crimea and varying political sentiments within Ukraine. He also acknowledged the challenges in garnering unified European support for stronger measures against Russia. Trump also noted that Monday would be a "big day" at the White House, where many European leaders convene at one time. In addition to Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are meeting with Trump. Trump's meeting with European leaders follows his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. According to the sources with direct knowledge of the summit, as a prerequisite for concluding the conflict, Putin insisted on Ukraine's withdrawal from Donbas, which comprises the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces. Although Luhansk is almost entirely under Russian control, Ukraine still holds key parts of Donetsk, including the cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. 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 hold significant areas. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Moves To Arrange Meeting Between Zelenskyy, Putin After White House Talks By Ray Furlong August 18, 2025 Summary US President Donald Trump pledged security support for Ukraine during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. The meeting included European leaders and focused on efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, with discussions of potential security guarantees and a trilateral meeting involving Russia. Trump highlighted progress in peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while concerns were raised about Ukraine's territorial defense in the Donbas region. US President Donald Trump phoned Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin making arrangements for a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a day of extraordinary meetings at the White House on August 18 as part of a push to end the war in Ukraine. Trump said he called Putin to discuss a possible meeting with Zelenskyy after hosting Zelenskyy and the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Union, and NATO at the White House. The location of a prospective meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy has yet to be determined, but Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine, Trump said on Truth Social. "This was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years," Trump said. Yury Ushakov, aide to Putin on foreign affairs, said both sides "expressed support for the continuation of direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations." The idea of "raising the level of the representatives of the Ukrainian and Russian sides" was discussed during the call, Ushakov said. But it was not clear from Ushakov's statement whether Putin agreed to meet Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy told reporters outside the White House after the meetings that he was ready for a bilateral meeting, adding that he would meet Putin without preconditions. A Zelenskyy-Putin meeting would be followed by a trilateral meeting with the participation of Trump, according to the US president, whose meeting with Zelenskyy was far more relaxed than Ukrainian president's last visit in February, which broke down after a heated argument and accusations that Zelenskyy had not thanked the US enough for its support. This time Zelenskyy started by thanking Trump for his "efforts to stop the killing." The two leaders smiled and joked after Trump greeted Zelenskyy warmly and commented on his black suit, a departure from his usual military clothes. Security Guarantees A major topic of the meetings was security guarantees that would be extended to Kyiv as part of a deal to end the fighting. Trump has ruled out allowing Ukraine to join NATO, but on August 18 he said European countries "want to give protection and they feel very strongly about it and we'll help them out with that." Trump said during the initial bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office that European countries would provide "the first line of defense," but the United States would "be involved." Zelenskyy said he was pleased that the United States was offering such a "strong signal," telling journalists that security guarantees "will probably be decided by our partners." Zelenskyy referred to a military aid purchase totaling $90 billion and said security plans would be "formalized in some way in the next week or ten days." He said that territorial issues related to a potential peace agreement will be worked out between Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy's one-on-one talks with Trump took place before German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO chief Mark Rutte, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb joined the meeting. Rutte said it was a "breakthrough" that the United States would get involved in providing the security guarantees. Though the level of US involvement has yet to be determined, the meeting did not discuss the possibility of a deployment of US troops in Ukraine. In an interview on Fox News, he also said US and European leaders discussed "Article 5 kind of security guarantees for Ukraine," adding that it is important that the guarantees prevent Putin from ever trying again to invade parts of Ukraine. Article 5 of the NATO treaty is the alliance's mutual defense clause. The European leaders came to Washington to show a united front on Ukraine, and many praised Trump, who recently threatened sanctions and other measures to quickly end the war. "The idea that the leaders of a lot of European countries just dropped everything and flew over to have this meeting suggests how very nervous they are that something's going to happen," David Silbey, a professor of military history at Cornell University, told RFE/RL. "If I were Zelenskyy, at least I didn't get berated in the Oval Office this point, but I wouldn't necessarily be feeling terribly optimistic," Sibley said. Stubb warned that Putin "is rarely to be trusted" and it remains to be seen whether he will meet with Zelenskyy. "I'm most skeptical over Putin's commitment to this process," Stubb said. Nearly all the leaders indicated after the talks that there is still a long way to go, though the meetings seemed to energize efforts to end the war after the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska on August 15 failed to reach even a cease-fire. "This was a very clear show of unity between Ukrainians and the Europeans. And they -- all together -- were sort of trying to pivot Trump back from his pivot to Russia that happened in Alaska," Oxana Shevel, a professor of political science Tufts University and a Ukraine expert, told RFE/RL. Western media reported after the summit that Putin floated a peace deal that would involve Ukraine withdrawing from a large area of territory in the Donbas region. This raised alarm bells in Kyiv and European capitals, which fear a withdrawal from heavily fortified areas would leave Ukraine dangerously exposed to further Russian attacks. 'A Good Conversation' Zelenskyy said he had had a "very good conversation" with Trump in their bilateral talks and a long discussion about territory. Zelenskyy revealed that the two men had pored over a map together. His chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, posted a photo of them doing so. But Rutte and other European leaders said exchanging territory was not discussed at their White House meetings. Trump reiterated on August 18 that his goal is "long-term peace," saying a cease-fire was unnecessary. "You'll see Putin really would like to do something," Trump added, saying that Putin told him in Alaska that he would be open to accepting security guarantees. Before the meeting started, a Russian drone strike on Kharkiv killed at least six civilians. Zelenskyy said an 18-month-old baby was among the victims. Later on August 18, debris from a destroyed Ukrainian drone sparked a fire at an oil refinery and hospital in Volgograd, the regional administration said. Merz and Macron said all the other countries at the White House meeting wanted a cease-fire to bring an end to such attacks. Merz also called on Trump to apply "pressure" on Putin to force him into the trilateral meeting, while Macron said a later stage of negotiations allow Europe a seat at the table. With reporting by RFE/RL Washington correspondent Todd Prince, Reuters, AP, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/33506557.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address What Would An 'Article 5-Like' Pact Mean For Ukraine? By Kian Sharifi August 18, 2025 Summary The United States and European allies are reportedly exploring "Article 5-like" security guarantees for Ukraine, modeled on NATO's collective defense clause. This proposed framework would not make Ukraine a NATO member but may offer tailored defense commitments by participating nations. Skepticism surrounds the plan, with critics citing past failed assurances like the 1994 Budapest Memorandum and concerns over enforceability. Security guarantees for Kyiv are a key issue at the heart of efforts to bring an end to fighting amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and now White House special envoy Steve Witkoff has put the term "Article 5-like" center stage. Witkoff told CNN on August 17 that it was agreed during the Alaska summit that Washington and its allies could offer "game-changing" assurances to Ukraine in the form of "Article 5-like protections," though he did not provide specifics. Witkoff said that, following President Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin, Russia would not object to this as part of a potential peace framework. The phrase draws from Article 5 of NATO's founding treaty, the core clause that treats an armed attack against one member as an attack against all. Contrary to popular belief, it does not commit NATO members to full military intervention in support of another member if it is attacked. What it does say is that each NATO member "will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force." Since NATO's creation in 1949, Article 5 has been invoked only once: after the September 11 attacks. That step triggered alliance-backed operations and support measures, though members differed in the scope and timing of their contributions. A quasi-Article 5 arrangement would appear to borrow this collective-defense concept to apply outside NATO's treaty system. It would not make Ukraine a NATO member, which is something Trump has specifically ruled out. Nor would it automatically invoke the alliance's integrated structures; instead, it would be a bespoke pact crafted by the countries willing to sign on. What 'Article 5-Like' Might Mean Any parallel system for Ukraine would depend entirely on the text negotiated by the parties. What matters is not the label but the fine print: who commits to what and how fast and forcefully they are prepared to act if Ukraine is attacked again. Those specifics are precisely what fuel skepticism. Ukrainians are wary of vague pledges after the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which provided security "assurances" in return for Ukraine giving up nuclear weapons it inherited after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Those assurances have failed to prevent Russian aggression. And it's not just Ukrainians who are skeptical. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski noted that Kyiv's problem is not a lack of assurances but the failure to respect them. "On 22 April 2004 Vladimir Putin solemnly ratified the Treaty on the Russian-Ukrainian Border. Suffice to respect them and the war is over," he wrote on X. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, meanwhile, welcomed the proposal and said the EU was "ready to do its share." "As I have often said, Ukraine must become a steel porcupine, undigestible for potential invaders," she said. Geopolitically, the proposal raises a paradox. If guarantees truly mirror NATO's deterrent effect, why would the Kremlin accept them? One possible answer is that Moscow may perceive non-NATO guarantees as less automatic or binding than alliance membership, or as more negotiable in scope and geography. When explicitly asked on CNN whether Russia would allow "Article 5 guarantees of NATO" to happen, Witkoff replied, "What I said is we got to an agreement that the US and other European nations could effectively offer Article 5-like language for security guarantees." Conversely, if the guarantees are watered down to win Russian assent, they risk deterring no one -- least of all Moscow. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-article-5-nato- guarantee-russia-trump/33506231.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Anticipates 'A Big Day In The White House' As Zelenskyy, European Leaders Arrive For Talks By Merhat Sharipzhan, Anton Zolotykh, Current Time and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service August 18, 2025 Summary US President Donald Trump says it's going to be "a big day" as his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders were arriving for talks on ending the fighting in Ukraine. Russian air strikes hit Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhya, killing civilians, including children, and injuring others. Unconfirmed reports suggest Russia proposed freezing front lines in exchange for Ukrainian troop withdrawals in Donbas, but Zelenskyy opposes ceding land. US President Donald Trump has written that it's going to be "a big day in the White House" as his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders were arriving for talks on ending the fighting in Ukraine. "We have never had so many European Leaders here at one time. A great honor for America!!" he wrote. The August 18 talks in Washington were set to include Trump, Zelenskyy, NATO chief Mark Rutte, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. They follow Trump's summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15. Neither leader revealed much about the contents of those talks during a brief news conference, at which they took no questions from journalists. But Western media have reported that Putin floated a peace deal that would involve Ukraine withdrawing from a large area of territory in the Donbas region. This has raised alarm bells in Kyiv and European capitals, which fear a withdrawal from heavily fortified areas would leave Ukraine dangerously exposed to further Russian attacks. It also appears that some security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed in Alaska, but no clear details have emerged about them. "President Trump invited Ukraine and other European countries to Washington today -- this is the first meeting in such a format, and it is very serious," Zelenskyy wrote on social media ahead of the White House meeting, after talks in Washington with Trump's special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. "Russia can only be forced into peace through strength, and President Trump has that strength," Zelenskyy wrote. Russian Attacks On Ukraine Kill Civilians Meanwhile, Russia has continued to pound targets including a deadly strike on a residential building in Kharkiv that killed seven people, including two children, and injured at least 20 others. "I opened my eyes and heard these explosions and everything fell on me," a resident of the building, Anna, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service. "The windows [fell] on my child." The city of Zaporizhzhya was also hit by Russian strikes, with at least three reported dead. "My poor wife, it was her late shift. She was shaking all over," a resident told RFE/RL. "I can imagine the kind of stress that is. It's just terrible," he added. Ukraine said it had carried out a drone attack on an oil pumping station in Russia's Tambov region, disrupting flows in the Druzhba pipeline. Putin has also been moving to shore up diplomatic support, holding calls with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Lula da Silva on August 18. "The leaders discussed the prospects for a long-term settlement of the crisis in Ukraine and agreed to continue the dialogue on this issue, as well as on other topical international issues," the Kremlin said in a statement. "Ukraine requires clarity about what was discussed [in Alaska] and what potentially was quietly agreed to, because that zone of uncertainty is very dangerous for Ukraine's morale," Ilan Berman, senior vice president at the American Foreign Policy Council, told RFE/RL's Current Time. "It's very dangerous for Ukrainian security, and quite frankly, it's a source of concern for allies and partners of Ukraine that are still supporting Kyiv's fight," added Berman, who is also a member of the Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's board of directors. Ahead of the August 18 talks, Trump wrote that NATO membership for Ukraine had been ruled out. But Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, said security guarantees could be provided that would be similar to NATO's mutual defense clause, Article 5. "NATO membership faces many obstacles, but this is such a serious issue that it could potentially be linked to territorial questions," Sergei Sanovich, a fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, told Current Time. "If this (peace deal) results in simply shifting the Russian border westward without serious security guarantees for Ukraine, it will just be a launching pad for the next invasion, and that invasion could very well happen while Trump is still president," he added. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-air-strikes- zelenskyy-trump-talks/33506102.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on President Trump's Meeting with President Zelenskyy, European Leaders Senate Foreign Relations Committee Published: August 18, 2025 WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement on President Trump's meeting with President Zelenskyy and European Allies. "President Zelenskyy today demonstrated once again that he not President Putin is striving for peace. I am encouraged by President Trump's recognition that an agreement will require U.S.-backed security guarantees and continued assistance to safeguard Ukraine's sovereignty. I agree with our European allies that a ceasefire must be a precondition for further negotiations and that Putin is the clear obstacle to an immediate and lasting end to this war. The fighting needs to stop. And the American people agree with First Ladies Olena Zelenska and Melania Trump; the return of kidnapped Ukrainian children must be considered within any peace framework. Ukraine is ready to end the war, but Putin keeps bombing Ukrainian cities, killing more innocent Ukrainians overnight including a young child. Putin continues to delay and distract to stall for time. It is past time for President Trump to finally get tough on Putin and force him to negotiate, not just posture. If Trump can't hold Putin's feet to the fire, Congress will act. That means passing the Graham-Blumenthal sanctions bill to strangle Russia's war machine and advancing my bipartisan legislation to bolster Ukraine's defenses and cut off Chinese military support for Russia's military. President Trump must sustain the momentum from today's gathering and bring this war to a lasting peace. What happens in the coming days will be pivotal not just to Ukraine but also to the European continent. An agreement must be formulated to deter future aggression from the Kremlin and Beijing." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump-Zelensky Summit Marks a Win for Russia and a Loss for Ukraine's European Masters Sputnik News 20250818 The Trump-Zelensky meeting in Washington suggest that the US is "engineering a managed withdrawal from Ukraine," with the White House valuing 'America First' agenda more than Ukrainian leadership's ambitions, geopolitics and security analyst Dr. Marco Marsili told Sputnik. Commenting on the results of the summit, Dr. Marsili made the following observations: Zelensky's behavior betrayed his desperation. As Trump put an end to Biden's blank check policy regarding the aid to Ukraine, Zelensky now has to beg for scraps as without the full US backing, "Ukraine's military collapse is inevitable." By dismissing a demand for a ceasefire before negotiations, Trump sends a message to Zelensky: negotiate now or face annihilation at the hands of the Russian forces. Ukraine's impending collapse will allow Trump to claim that US weapon such as Patriot missile systems are invincible despite numerous documented instances of them being taken out by Russian missiles. Instead, the following narrative will be pushed: "We gave them perfect weapons; their corruption lost the war." The protection alternatives offered by Trump to Ukraine instead of NATO membership are mere theatrics. Ukraine would become nothing but a non-aligned buffer state completely dependent on the US' whims. Thus, Dr. Marsili comes to these conclusions: Having prioritized domestic politics, Trump views Ukraine as a liability Russia is poised to achieve its goals: a cessation of NATO expansion and recognition of Russia's new territories. Europe is unable to replace the US support to Ukraine, and Germany and France "will inherit a crisis they cannot resolve." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelensky on Elections in Ukraine: Security Conditions Are Required Sputnik News 20250818 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that security conditions will be required to hold presidential election in Ukraine. Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy arrived at the White House to meet with US President Trump and discuss strategies for resolving the conflict in Ukraine. After their meeting, they will be joined by European leaders who have also come to the White House to express their support for Zelensky, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "We have to do safety circumstances," Zelensky said during the meeting with Trump. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statements by UK Leadership on Ukraine After Alaska Summit Aim to Undermine Russia, US Peace Efforts Sputnik News 20250818 The statements made by UK leadership on Ukraine after the Alaska summit are clearly aimed at unvermining peace efforts of Russia and the US, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement. Moscow confirms categorical unacceptability of any scenario involving the deployment of military contingent in Ukraine, in which NATO participates, the statement reads. Russia confirms categorical unacceptability of any scenario involving the deployment of military contingent in Ukraine, in which NATO participates, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said. The statements by the UK and European countries about the deployment of troops in Ukraine - incitement to continue hostilities, the statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry reads. UK's policy leaves no chance for Ukraine to get out of the conflict peacefully, Zakharova emphasized. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Guarantees for Ukraine Do Not Require Deployment of US Troops - US NATO Envoy Sputnik News 20250818 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Potential security guarantees for Ukraine may not require the deployment of US troops and are expected to be primarily focused on a command-and-control role, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated on Monday. "That's up for President [Donald] Trump to determine. A lot of it could be command and control. Doesn't necessarily need to be American troops, but at the same time, obviously, Ukraine and the European countries would love the United States to be involved in some way that, you know, I don't expect, but we'll see," Whitaker told Fox News when asked what role the US would play in the security guarantees for Ukraine. "And so, if they (the Ukrainians - ed.) want to achieve a lasting peace, they understand that they will need a security system, and it will be provided and financed by the Europeans," Whitaker emphasized. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Loses Over 415 Soldiers in Battles With Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr Sputnik News 20250818 Russian military strikes with Iskander missile, killing as many as 40 Ukrainian militants in Donetsk who were gearing up to launch long-range drones, the Defense Ministry stated. Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr has eliminated over 415 Ukrainian soldiers over the past 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday. "The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to more than 415 soldiers, a tank, five armored fighting vehicles, including a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, six vehicles and an artillery piece," the ministry said. Russia's Battlegroup Zapad has eliminated roughly 250 Ukrainian soldiers, while Russia's Vostok Battlegroup eliminated as many as 235 Ukrainian fighters. Battlegroup Yug wiped out over 245 Ukrainian soldiers. In the Donetsk People's Republic, Russian forces destroyed up to 40 Ukrainian militants as they were preparing to launch long-range drones. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal discussed defence cooperation with the Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 18 August, 2025, 1:35 PM EEST Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic, Robert Kalinak. The parties discussed key issues of defence cooperation and further support for Ukraine. Denys Shmyhal thanked the Slovak side for providing financial assistance of 3.5 million at the end of last year. "With these funds, we expect the production and delivery of five 'Bozena 5' vehicles for humanitarian demining in the first half of next year. We held substantive discussions and agreed on the next steps on Slovakia's delivery of the 14th package of non-lethal assistance. This package will include equipment critical to Ukraine's humanitarian demining efforts, engineering equipment, and other materiel," stated the Minister of Defence of Ukraine. Denys Shmyhal emphasized that he looks forward to further strengthening the partnership with Slovakia. The Minister of Defence of Ukraine agreed with his Slovak counterpart to hold an in-person meeting in the near future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President of Ukraine and Leaders of Other European Countries, the EU, and NATO Coordinated Positions Ahead of the Meeting with the U.S. President President of Ukraine 18 August 2025 - 19:30 In Washington, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with President of Finland Alexander Stubb, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Keir Starmer, President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The leaders coordinated their positions ahead of the negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump, which will take place today in Washington. Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the partners for their efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace and for their active participation in diplomatic work. All participants of the meeting underlined the importance of a common position on the future peace agreement. They stressed their firm support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the unacceptability of changing internationally recognized state borders by force. The leaders welcomed the readiness of the United States to participate in guaranteeing security for Ukraine. One of the key issues in the negotiations with President Trump will be the joint participation of the United States and Europe in creating the future security architecture for Ukraine and, consequently, for the entire European continent. President of France Emmanuel Macron and Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz will also take part in the joint meeting of the leaders of Ukraine, other European countries, the EU, and NATO with the U.S. President. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg President of Ukraine 18 August 2025 - 17:04 In Washington, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg. The key topic of discussion was the negotiations of the President of Ukraine and other European leaders with U.S. President Donald Trump, which will take place today in Washington. "First and foremost, we are grateful to President Trump for this invitation and for the format that we will have. The signal regarding security guarantees is very important. It is very important that we stand together with the United States and Europe," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted. The Head of State underscored that the joint meeting of the leaders of the United States, Ukraine, other European countries, the EU, and NATO is important, as it will focus on the future security architecture for our country and the entire European continent. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump meets Zelensky, European leaders on Ukraine crisis; attire and map details draw attention Global Times By Liu Xin Published: Aug 19, 2025 11:34 AM US President Donald Trump said he's begun arranging a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin after a summit with Zelensky and European leaders at the White House on Monday, according to multiple media reports. Trump wrote on social media on Monday evening that he'd discussed the matter with Putin during a phone call amid meetings with European leaders at the White House. "At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky," Trump wrote. "After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years." On Monday, Trump firstly hosted Zelensky and then seven European leaders at the White House on Monday, with a focus on resolving the Ukrainian crisis. Zelensky arrived for his meeting with Trump in the Oval Office wearing an all-black suit, but no tie - months after he was derided for his lack of formal dress during his previous visit to the White House. His fashion choice was noted by members of the media who had criticized him in February, according to a report from the Independent. "First of all, president Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit. You look good," said MAGA reporter Brian Glenn, who last time had asked the Ukrainian leader "Do you even own a suit?" "That's the one that attacked you," Trump said to Zelensky, to which he replied with a knowing smile: "I remember." The Ukrainian president then noted to Glenn: "You are in the same suit. I changed, you have not," drawing laughter from the room, as well as Trump, said the report. The Independent also noted that the "high-stakes meeting comes months" after the US President welcomed Zelensky into the West Wing in February, and made jabs about his customary military-style attire, joking telling the press "he's all dressed up today." And it also noted that Trump's irritation during Zelensky's last visit, which descended into a shouting match, was about more than just his fashion choices." Compared with the last meeting, the Monday meeting seemingly had a "far more positive outcome." According to multiple media reports, in brief opening comments Monday, Zelensky said "thank you" or "thanks" about 10 times, expressing gratitude that Trump had invited him, said The Wall Street Journal. While The Independent reported that Zelensky later told reporters that the bilateral with Trump had gone well "I think that we had a very good conversation with President Trump, very good," he said. "And it really was the best one, or, sorry, maybe the best one will be in the future." Another detail was later unveiled by some media that a large map of Ukraine with the occupied territories marked was on display in the Oval Office behind the Resolute Desk, opposite which the presidents were seated, according to BBC. While answering reporters' questions together with Zelensky, Trump said he believes Russian President Putin wants the Russia-Ukraine war to end, and he will work with Ukraine and all parties to make sure peace stays, according to a Xinhua report. Trump said progress is being made in resolving the war in Ukraine and there will be security guarantees that Ukraine asks for. Zelensky said he supports the idea of finishing the war in a diplomatic way and he is ready for a trilateral meeting. At Monday meeting between Trump and Zelensky, both sides struck a softer tone, with Zelensky under pressure from US-Russia coordination and battlefield realities, hinting at possible compromise, said Sun Xiuwen, an associate professor at the Institute for Central Asian Studies at Lanzhou University. Trump may also take a pragmatic linepushing Europe to take the lead on security guarantees and backing Ukraine's production of US weapons, said the expert. Sun noted that a US-Russia-Ukraine summit may be imminent. But key disputes still remain, including on that Ukraine and Europe demand a ceasefire before peace talks, while Washington and Moscow want direct negotiations; Russia accepts NATO-style security guarantees but rejects Ukrainian membership. And the hardest issue is territorial sovereignty, as Moscow insists on holding its current occupied areas, which may be a devastating prospect for Zelensky's government, said Sun. Also on Monday, European leaders - NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron - arrived at the White House and took part in a multilateral meeting with Trump and Zelensky on Monday afternoon. A Reuters report said that European leaders, who "rushed to Washington" to back up Zelensky, urged Trump to insist that Putin agree to a ceasefire in the 3-1/2-year-old war before any talks can advance. Trump previously backed that proposal but reversed course after meeting with Putin on Friday, instead adopting Moscow's position that any peace agreement be comprehensive. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he liked the concept of a ceasefire but the two sides could work on a peace deal while the fighting continued. Trump interrupted his talks with the European leaders to call Putin. In a photo posted by The White House on X, Trump speaks on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. A translator as well as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were also seen in the photo, according to CNN. In his post on Truth Social, Trump said that during the meeting with the European leaders, they "discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine." however, a BBC report said that "despite optimistic words by Trump and some more lukewarm assessments from his European partners, by Monday evening there were no concrete commitments to security guarantees or steps towards a peace deal." European leaders rushed to Washington to avoid being sidelined but arrived with little leverage. Trump focused on pushing Ukraine toward a ceasefire, yet offered nothing new to alter the dynamics. Ukraine resents the U.S. terms, and Europe resists hasty concessionsCui Heng, a scholar from the Shanghai-based China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, told the Global Times. Whether in trilateral or four-party talks, a breakthrough looks unlikely. Trump's quick-fix approach to a complex war has already failed, and without real new factors, the stalemate will persist, said Cui. Sun noted that the push for a US-Russia-Ukraine trilateral summit marks a diplomatic opening, but core disputes over territory, security guarantees, and the sequencing of a ceasefire remain unresolved. Europe shows unity yet has little sway over the US-Russia lead, while Trump's "peace through war" approach may risk deepening Ukraine's battlefield disadvantage. Any delay or breakdown in the talks could leave Kiev facing an even harsher summer, said the expert. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump meets Zelensky, European leaders on resolving Ukrainian crisis People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:11, August 19, 2025 WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and seven European leaders at the White House on Monday, with a focus on resolving the Ukrainian crisis. Trump first held a bilateral meeting with Zelensky. While answering reporters' questions together with the Ukrainian leader, Trump said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants the war to end, and he will work with Ukraine and all parties to make sure peace stays. Trump said progress is being made in resolving the Ukrainian crisis and there will be security guarantees that Ukraine asks for. Zelensky said he supports the idea of finishing the war in a diplomatic way and he is ready for a trilateral meeting. The European leaders -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron -- attended multilateral talks after the bilateral meeting. In a speech to the media along with other leaders, Trump said Putin agreed to accept security guarantees for Ukraine and that Putin wants to find an answer. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine would be happy if Trump could attend a possible trilateral meeting with him and Putin. The Ukrainian leader said sensitive things, including the territorial issue, would be discussed at the trilateral meeting. Trump said such a trilateral meeting should be held "as soon as we can." The European leaders supported the idea of a ceasefire, saying that some progress could be made on security guarantees for Ukraine. "I can't imagine that the next meeting will take place without a ceasefire," Merz said. Macron floated the idea of a quadrilateral meeting that also involves the European side, saying that "when we speak about security guarantees, we speak about the whole security of the European continent." Trump interrupted his talks with the European leaders to call Putin, according to media reports. "At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform. The meetings on Monday took place after Trump and Putin met for nearly three hours in the U.S. state of Alaska on Friday. No deal was reached from the Friday meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address How Crimea Has Changed Hands Over The Centuries By Ivan Gutterman August 19, 2025 Late Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny once famously said that Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, which has been under Russian control since 2014, is not "a ham sandwich" to be passed around. Its fate is once again in question amid fevered diplomacy aimed at bringing an end to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. After his August 15 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, US President Donald Trump said in a social media post that, for Ukraine, there is "no getting back" Crimea. Moscow also maintains that the peninsula's status is settled and is seeking recognition of its annexation, which followed a referendum held in 2014 and widely condemned as a sham by the international community. Historically, ownership of the peninsula has changed over the past couple of centuries. The Russian Empire annexed the Crimean Khanate officially in 1783 under Catherine the Great. When the Russian Empire collapsed in 1917, a short-lived Crimean People's Republic was proclaimed but was quickly quashed by the forces of Russia's Black Sea fleet, largely controlled by the Bolsheviks. As World War I, the Russian Civil War, and the Ukrainian War of Independence raged on, Crimea was variously controlled over the next few years by intervening Allied troops from France and Greece and both the Red and White Russian armies, until it was conquered by the Red Bolshevik forces in November 1920. Apart from the German occupation, Crimea remained part of Russia within the U.S.S.R. until 1954, when Soviet ruler Nikita Khrushchev transferred it to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. Soviet Break-Up And Referendums Mostly inhabited by ethnic Russians, Crimea remained a part of Ukraine when it gained its independence from the U.S.S.R. during the breakup in 1991. A slight majority of Crimeans participating in Ukraine's December 1991 independence referendum -- 54 percent in the region and 57 percent in the separately administered city of Sevastopol -- voted in favor of Ukraine's independence from the U.S.S.R. In a 1994 referendum, a majority of Crimeans voted in favor of several measures, including greater autonomy for the peninsula within Ukraine and dual Russian-Ukrainian citizenship for residents. But these measures were not implemented, as Ukraine's upper house of parliament abolished the Crimean Constitution and the position of president of Crimea, with a new constitution coming into effect in 1999. As part of Ukraine, Crimea continued to host Russia's Black Sea fleet, with its headquarters in Sevastopol and Russia leasing the facilities. Under the terms of the lease agreement, Russia agreed to "respect the sovereignty of Ukraine, honor its legislation, and preclude interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine." Despite this, the fleet's troops played a key role in taking over the peninsula militarily in February 2014, after which Russia staged a referendum that was declared illegal by the UN General Assembly. Russia declared the formal annexation of the peninsula in March 2014, drawing international condemnation and sanctions. Since the annexation, Russia has maintained that Crimea's status is not up for discussion. Most recently, Putin reportedly told Trump that a peace deal to end his invasion of Ukraine would hinge on recognition of the takeover, among other demands. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated Ukraine will not legally recognize Russia's control of the peninsula, and the country's constitution only allows for ceding territory through a nationwide referendum. Trump said earlier this year that "[n]obody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian territory." The United States, on the other hand, may become the first -- and likely the only, for the foreseeable future -- Western country to do so as part of a potential peace deal. Unnamed sources have indicated the current Trump administration may be open to the move, and Trump himself said during his first term, prior to Russia's full-scale invasion, that he would not take it off the table. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/crimea-ukraine- russia-history/33506266.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address It Is Important That the United States Sends a Clear Signal That It Will Be Among the Countries Helping with Security Guarantees for Ukraine - Volodymyr Zelenskyy Following the Meeting with Donald Trump President of Ukraine 19 August 2025 - 04:03 During the meeting in Washington, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the United States of America Donald Trump discussed the real situation on the battlefield, the release of prisoners and the return of abducted children, efforts to achieve a durable peace, security guarantees, and bilateral cooperation. The Head of State thanked the U.S. President for the invitation, for his personal involvement in bringing the war to an end, and for today's meeting. "This was the best of our meetings. This is important. I was even able to show all American colleagues many things on the map regarding the situation on the battlefield. Who controls what - not by hearsay, but in reality - who controls what on the battlefield, on our land, on our territory that we control, and on the temporarily occupied territories," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted. According to the President of Ukraine, the key topic of discussion was security guarantees for our country. In particular, U.S.-European joint work was discussed. "It is important that the United States of America sends a clear signal that it will be among the countries that will help, coordinate, and participate in security guarantees for Ukraine. I believe this is a big step forward," the Head of State said. Special attention was given to the release of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The President of Ukraine expressed particular gratitude to the First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, for the letter she conveyed to Vladimir Putin concerning the Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, and for her attention to this issue. This matter is one of the most painful for Ukrainians, as it concerns at least 20,000 deported children. Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked Donald Trump to convey a letter of gratitude from the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, to Melania Trump. Thousands of Ukrainians - both military and civilians - remain in Russian captivity, some of them since 2014 when Russia began its war against Ukraine. The Head of State emphasized that their release must become an obligatory part of the peace process. "We discussed this with the President of the United States of America. He agrees that the system is complicated, but he will help me regarding an all-for-all exchange. Not only of prisoners of war but also of civilians - journalists, political prisoners. We agreed to work on this," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted. Donald Trump supported holding a trilateral meeting at the level of leaders of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia. The President of Ukraine once again confirmed that our state is ready to work as productively and as quickly as possible to bring this war to an end. He is convinced that the most sensitive issues can only be resolved at the level of leaders. In addition, bilateral cooperation was discussed during the meeting. In particular, Ukraine is ready to cooperate with the United States in the sphere of drones - to sell the most modern UAVs, as well as to jointly produce them. The relevant proposal was presented to President Trump. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Washington, DC, Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New Civil Liberties Alliance has filed an amicus curiae brief in Boyle v. Trump urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to reverse a district court ruling against President Trumps firing of three Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) commissioners. A Maryland district judge ruled that the President unlawfully terminated Commissioners Mary Boyle, Alexander Hoehn-Saric, and Richard Trumka, Jr. They were briefly reinstated by court order but ultimately removed from office after the Supreme Court stayed that decision in July. NCLA now asks the Fourth Circuit to correct the district judges error for good and send the case back to that court for summary judgment in favor of the President, recognizing his absolute constitutional authority to remove CPSC commissioners and all other principal officers of the Executive Branch. The Constitution vests all executive power in the President. That grant of power is complete and exclusive. It necessarily carries with it the authority to appoint, oversee, direct, and, when necessary, remove officers who wield executive power in the Presidents name. Unlike appointment power, the Constitution does not restrict Presidential authority to remove federal officers. Of course, the President must delegate executive authority to subordinates to run the day-to-day operations of the Executive Branch. But those officers exercise executive powers on behalf of the President and so must remain under his control. As the Supreme Court held in Seila Law v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the President maintains authority to both supervise and remove the agents who wield executive power in his stead. That removal authority must be absolute for the President to uphold his constitutional duty to take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed. The threat of removal is the only certain way the President can control those to whom he delegates such power, ensuring that their actions or inactions remain consistent with his policies and priorities. When they were briefly reinstated, Boyle, Hoehn-Saric, and Trumka tried to impose their own agenda in direct conflict with Pres. Trumps stated policies, confirming that his absolute removal authority is foundational to our constitutional structure. Otherwise, unelected officials like these three could usurp the will of the American people who elected Trump. NCLA released the following statements: The Supreme Court has already checked on multiple occasions the lower courts attempts to thwart President Trumps efforts to execute his policy preferences. While the Supreme Court has yet to rule on the merits in those cases, the Fourth Circuit has the opportunity to do so now, making clear that the President runs the Executive Branchnot unelected bureaucrats. Margot Cleveland, Of Counsel, NCLA There is no power in the district court to reinstate a terminated principal officer, and the immediate effort by these employees to override the Presidents appointees actions starkly illustrates why that must be so. John Vecchione, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA The American people elected Trumpnot Trumka! The sorry efforts of these three commissioners to hang onto their plum positions despite being fired by the President are wholly misguided. When it comes to principal federal officers, President Trump has every right to tell them, Youre fired! The Humphreys Executor precedent only protects such officers from removal to the extent they do not exercise executive powerwhich these three did. Mark Chenoweth, President, NCLA For more information visit the amicus page here. ABOUT NCLA NCLA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group founded by prominent legal scholar Philip Hamburger to protect constitutional freedoms from violations by the Administrative State. NCLAs public-interest litigation and other pro bono advocacy strive to tame the unlawful power of state and federal agencies and to foster a new civil liberties movement that will help restore Americans fundamental rights. ### CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Traction Uranium Corp. (CSE: TRAC) (OTC: TRCTF) (FRA: Z1K) (the Company or Traction) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Sparkes as Director of the Company. Mr. Sparkes is an accomplished business leader and entrepreneur with over twenty-five years of experience in media, finance, capital markets and Canadas political arena. Mr. Sparkes spent a decade as a leader in the broadcast and media industry as CTV Globemedias Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs. He also held senior positions in public service, including with the Government of Canada as Director of Operations to Prime Minister, Jean Chretien, and as a senior aide to two Premiers of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Sparkes was a Co-Founder and executive vice chairman at Difference Capital Financial and serves on a number of private and public boards. He is currently President of Otterbury Holdings Inc., and Chief Executive Officer of Integral Metals Corp, AlphaGen Intelligence Corp., and Vortex Energy Corp. We are pleased to welcome Mr. Sparkes to the board of directors of Traction at such a pivotal time in the Companys growth. With his strong business leadership capabilities and vast knowledge of the public markets, Paul will make an excellent addition to the Traction team. I look forward to working with him to build a strong corporate profile for Traction moving forward, stated Paul Gorman, Interim CEO and Director of Traction Uranium Corp. About Traction Uranium Corp. Traction Uranium Corp. (CSE: TRAC) (OTC: TRCTF) (FRA: Z1K) is in the business of mineral exploration and the development of discovery prospects in Canada, including its uranium project in the world-renowned Athabasca Region. We invite you to find out more about our exploration-stage activities across Canadas Western region at https://tractionuranium.com/ . On Behalf of The Board of Directors Paul Gorman Chief Executive Officer (604) 425-2271 info@tractionuranium.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein. Key West, FL, Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shawn Mackey, a master painter celebrated both locally and abroad, debuts a new body of work in a series of exhibitions spanning Florida, California, and Hawaiis cultural hubs. Inspired by the atmosphere and vitality of tropical destinations, the collection brings together scenes of marine life, sunsets, and figures at leisure, rendered with a synthesis of historical and contemporary techniques. Shawn Mackey: Little Sunbather SN, Giclee on Canvas The collections imagery draws from Mackeys travels to coastal and island environments, where moments of light, movement, and texture serve both as subject and muse. Seals suspended under water, harbor fronts at dusks, and silhouettes framed by tropical skies are portrayed alongside atmospheric vistas and architectural details. Each work reflects Mackeys ongoing exploration of the relationships between memory and emotion, achieved through his signature combination of figurative realism and abstract expressionism. Tropical Collection: A Fusion of Styles and Atmosphere Mackeys new tropical collection is characterized by his distinctive multi-layered approach that combines styles and techniques developed over centuries combined with his own evolving methods. Representational elements ground each painting in recognizable forms, and abstract passages, like gestural marks and textured surfaces, invite emotional interpretation. The figurative elements in my work are designed to call on memories, while the abstract elements are meant to evoke emotions, Mackey explained. I see these two styles as complementary forces, each inspiring and informing others. The resulting contrast creates a visual space that is both specific and open-ended, fixed in imagery yet fluid in feeling. This fusion is applied to a collection unified by its focus on the sensory experience of coastal life. Marine wildlife drifting through translucent waters and quiet moments in the sunset form an interconnected narrative of exploration and reflection. Subtle architectural details, like dockside structures, seaside villas, and fishing boats, anchor the viewer in place, while layered color fields and surfaces blur the line between observation and memory. Mackeys method frequently involves both additive and subtractive processes: paint is applied in successive layers, then scraped or distressed to create surfaces that feel weathered yet timeless, lending his works a sense of temporal ambiguity. Part of an Ongoing Artistic Evolution While the tropical series offers a distinct focus on coastal and marine subjects, Mackey views it as part of a broader continuum in his work rather than a standalone departure. Over the years, his paintings have moved fluidly between various settings and focuses, each new series building upon discoveries from the last. This new collection of artworks incorporates lessons learned from earlier explorations of light, texture, and spatial balance, while introducing new approaches to layering, color modulation, and surface treatment. Techniques developed in past bodies of work have been adapted to suit the vibrant, fluid qualities of a tropical paradise. Exhibition Schedule The tropical collection has already started showing, with four upcoming exhibits scheduled in Florida these coming months. Ocean Blue Galleries Key West: August 27-28 Ocean Blue Galleries St. Petersburg: August 29-September 1 Ocean Blue Galleries Key West: October 20-25 Ocean Blue Galleries Winter Park: November 13-16 Each venue will present a curated selection of works, with subject matter resonating with local culture and seascapes. The current exhibition builds on Mackeys early 2025 shows, which began in January and included multiple Hawaii showings in February, March, and earlier this month. Additional dates are planned for other places, with details to be announced. For more information about Shawn Mackeys current and upcoming exhibits and to explore his works, please visit https://shawnmackey.com. About Shawn Mackey Shawn Mackey is a master painter whose work bridges figurative realism and abstract expressionism. His approach blends historical art techniques with contemporary innovations, uniting visual representation and emotional abstraction into a cohesive, evolving language. Mackeys paintings have been exhibited internationally and are held in private collections worldwide. His current touring collection focuses on tropical and coastal subjects, reflecting the influence of travel, nature, and cultural memory. Media Contact Company Name: Shawn Mackey Art Inc. Contact Person: Shawn Mackey Contact Number: (780) 951-0437 Email: art@shawnmackey.com Country: United States Website:https://shawnmackey.com Socials: @mackeyfineart Dublin, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Emerging Technologies in Manufacturing Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Application, Technology, Country Analysis - Analysis and Forecast, 2024-2034" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The emerging technologies in manufacturing market is experiencing significant growth as industries across the globe continue to embrace digital transformation. Valued at $179.50 million in 2023, the market is projected to reach $1.14 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.53% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2034. This rapid expansion is driven by the increasing demand for advanced solutions that enhance productivity, streamline operations, and enable the creation of innovative products. As manufacturers seek ways to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape, emerging technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are expected to become essential tools in transforming manufacturing processes. Technological advancements in areas such as 3D printing, robotics, and data analytics are at the forefront of this transformation. These technologies not only enable greater efficiency and precision in production but also allow for more flexible and sustainable manufacturing practices. Additionally, as global supply chains become more complex, the need for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and improved quality control is expected to increase. The adoption of these emerging technologies is expected to create new opportunities for growth and innovation, thereby positioning the manufacturing sector to address future challenges and meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected and data-driven world. Recent Developments in the Global Emerging Technologies in Manufacturing Market In March 2025, Siemens established a global research and development center dedicated to AI and manufacturing technologies, focusing on battery production, highlighting its commitment to advancing smart manufacturing solutions to support the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and energy storage industries. In February 2025, Rockwell Automation, in partnership with Cisco, launched a digital skills initiative to bridge the talent gap in advanced manufacturing, supporting the integration of automation and digital technologies. In March 2025, Dassault Systemes collaborated with NTT e-MOI to support Vietnam's industrial growth through its 3DEXPERIENCE platform, enabling sectors such as aerospace, defense, and transportation to improve operational efficiency. Demand - Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunities Market Driver: Surging Demand for Smart Factories and Industry 4.0 Manufacturers worldwide are increasingly embracing smart factories and Industry 4.0 principles as they seek to modernize operations. These "factories of the future" leverage connected devices, data analytics, automation, and AI to improve efficiency and flexibility. In recent years, the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies has accelerated markedly; for instance, a regional survey observed an 80% jump in Industry 4.0 adoption since 2019, with companies turning to advanced tech to boost productivity and offset labor gaps. Market Challenge: High Implementation and Maintenance Costs Despite the promise of emerging technologies, many manufacturers are held back by the high costs of implementation and maintenance. Adopting smart factory systems, whether installing industrial IoT sensors network-wide or deploying fleets of robots, often requires a substantial upfront capital investment. Purchasing advanced equipment, upgrading IT infrastructure, and integrating new systems can strain budgets, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Even after initial deployment, ongoing costs for maintenance, software updates, and specialized tech support remain significant. Market Opportunity: Growth of Digital Twins for Real-Time Simulation and Optimization The rise of digital twin technology presents a significant opportunity in manufacturing. A digital twin is a virtual model of a physical asset or process that is continuously updated with real-time data from its physical counterpart. In a factory setting, digital twins can be created for individual machines, entire production lines, or even an end-to-end supply chain. This enables manufacturers to simulate and analyze operations in a risk-free virtual environment. For instance, a digital twin of a production line can run real-time simulations to test what-if scenarios, such as adjusting a machine's speed or re-routing process flow, and immediately show the impact on output, quality, and other metrics. Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis The companies profiled in the emerging technologies in manufacturing market have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts and through an analysis of company coverage, product portfolio, application, and market penetration. The emerging technologies in manufacturing market has been characterized by the presence of companies leading in automation, AI, IoT, and digital transformation, driving innovation across industries to enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. This competitive landscape is marked by rapid technological innovation and strategic investments aimed at enhancing manufacturing productivity and operational efficiency. Major players in the emerging technologies in manufacturing market include General Electric Company, Siemens, Honeywell International Inc., and FANUC. Some other prominent emerging technologies in manufacturing market key players include: ABB Rockwell Automation NVIDIA Corporation Dassault Systemes Autodesk Inc. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Emerson Electric Co. Bosch Rexroth AG Intel Corporation Zebra Technologies Corp. Schneider Electric Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 134 Forecast Period 2024 - 2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $209.3 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $1145.53 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 18.5% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: 1 Market: Industry Outlook 1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment 1.1.1 Hyper-Automation and AI-Driven Decision-Making 1.1.2 Edge Computing and 5G Integration 1.1.3 Sustainable and Circular Manufacturing 1.1.4 Rise of Software-Defined Manufacturing 1.2 Supply Chain Overview 1.3 Regulatory Landscape 1.4 Investment and Growth Opportunities 1.5 Impact Assessment of Major Emerging Technologies 1.6 Research and Development Review 1.7 Stakeholder Analysis 1.8 Impact Analysis for Key Global Events 1.9 Market Dynamics Overview 1.9.1 Market Drivers 1.9.1.1 Surging Demand for Smart Factories and Industry 4.0 1.9.1.2 Government Incentives and Regulations for Emerging Technologies in Manufacturing 1.9.1.3 Shortage of Skilled Workforce and Need for Automation 1.9.1.4 Rapid Growth of Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) 1.9.2 Market Challenges 1.9.2.1 High Implementation and Maintenance Costs 1.9.2.2 Cybersecurity Risks and Data Breaches 1.9.2.3 Lack of Standardization in Smart Manufacturing 1.9.3 Market Opportunities 1.9.3.1 Growth of Digital Twins for Real-Time Simulation and Optimization 1.9.3.2 Expansion of Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) Model 1.9.3.3 Adoption of Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency 1.9.3.4 Advancements in Human-Robot Collaboration (Cobots) 2 Application 2.1 Application Segmentation 2.2 Application Summary 2.3 Emerging Technologies in Manufacturing Market (by Application) 2.3.1 Automotive 2.3.2 Aerospace and Defense 2.3.3 Electronics and Semiconductor 2.3.4 Healthcare and Pharmaceutical 2.3.5 Food and Beverage 2.3.6 Others 3 Technology 3.1 Technology Segmentation 3.2 Technology Summary 3.3 Emerging Technologies in Manufacturing Market (by Technology) 3.3.1 Internet of Things (IoT) 3.3.2 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning 3.3.3 Advanced Robotics and Automation 3.3.4 Additive Manufacturing 3.3.5 Digital Twin Technology 3.3.6 Edge and Cloud Computing 3.3.7 Sustainable and Green Technologies 3.3.8 Others 4 Regions 4.1 Regional Summary 4.2 North America 4.3 Europe 4.4 Asia-Pacific 4.5 Rest-of-the-World 5 Markets - Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles 5.1 Next Frontiers 5.2 Geographic Assessment 5.3 Company Profiles General Electric Company Siemens Honeywell International Inc. ABB Rockwell Automation NVIDIA Corporation Dassault Systemes Autodesk Inc. FANUC CORPORATION Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Emerson Electric Co. Bosch Rexroth AG Intel Corporation Zebra Technologies Corp. Schneider Electric For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/78de1q About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Tow Prepreg - Company Evaluation Report, 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Tow Prepreg Companies Quadrant is a comprehensive industry analysis that provides valuable insights into the global market for Tow Prepreg. This quadrant offers a detailed evaluation of key market players, technological advancements, product innovations, and emerging trends shaping the industry. The publisher's 360 Quadrants evaluated over 100 companies, of which the Top 15 Tow Prepreg Companies were categorized and recognized as quadrant leaders. Tow prepreg, also referred to as towpreg, is a specialized type of prepreg composed of continuous fiber such as carbon, glass, or basalt - that are pre-impregnated with a resin matrix. This material is commonly utilized in the production of composite structures using methods like filament winding, which is particularly effective for creating high-performance parts across various end-use sectors, including automotive and transportation, oil and gas, aerospace and defense, and sporting goods. Carbon fibers incorporated in tow prepreg offer outstanding characteristics, including excellent abrasion and wear resistance, high modulus, enhanced strength, superior stiffness, low weight, and strong chemical resistance. These properties make them ideal for applications where minimizing weight is critical. Key Players Key players are actively investing in research and development, forming strategic partnerships, and engaging in collaborative initiatives to drive innovation, expand their global footprint, and maintain a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving market. Top 3 Companies Teijin Limited Teijin Limited is a prominent player in the tow prepreg sector, known for its high-performance pre-impregnated materials branded under Tenax. The company focuses extensively on research and development to advance its product offerings, including high-temperature resins and tailored sizing. Its strategic expansions and the acquisition of suppliers aim to meet increasing global demand, strengthening its market positioning and share . This ongoing innovation and strategic development align with its objective to dominate high-end applications across diverse industries. Hexcel Corporation Hexcel Corporation leads in the aviation and aerospace sectors, providing advanced tow prepreg materials. Under its Composite Materials segment, it markets Hex Tow, a series of lightweight, high-performance solutions used extensively in aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. With 22 manufacturing facilities globally, Hexcel maintains a robust market presence, enhancing its product portfolio to meet growing industry demands. The focus on strategic growth and market expansion has solidified its position as a top contender in the tow prepreg market. ENEOS Holdings, Inc. As a part of ENEOS Techno Materials Corporation, ENEOS Holdings offers diverse tow prepreg solutions combining fibers like carbon and glass with resin systems. The company is leveraging its expertise in carbon fiber composites to drive innovations suitable for broad applications including automotive and industrial sectors . Its commitment to developing innovative solutions supports its substantial role in the market, reinforced by strategic partnerships and client-centered improvements. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 1.1 Market Definition 1.2 Inclusions and Exclusions of Study 1.3 Stakeholders 2 Executive Summary 3 Market Overview 3.1 Market Dynamics 3.1.1 Drivers 3.1.1.1 Increasing Demand for Hydrogen Storage Pressure Vessels 3.1.1.2 Rising Demand for Carbon Fiber Tow Prepreg in End-Use Industries 3.1.2 Restraints 3.1.2.1 High Processing and Manufacturing Costs 3.1.2.2 Compliance & Regulatory Issues 3.1.3 Opportunities 3.1.3.1 Increasing Use of Tow Prepregs in Aerospace & Defense Sector 3.1.3.2 Growing Demand of Tow Prepregs for Wind Turbine Blades 3.1.4 Challenges 3.1.4.1 Recyclability of Tow Prepregs 3.1.4.2 High Cost of Carbon Fiber 3.2 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 3.2.1 Threat of New Entrants 3.2.2 Threat of Substitutes 3.2.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 3.2.4 Bargaining Power of Buyers 3.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry 3.3 Supply Chain Analysis 3.4 Ecosystem Analysis 3.5 Technology Analysis 3.5.1 Key Technologies for Tow Prepreg Manufacturing Processes 3.5.2 Filament Winding Technology Analysis for Tow Prepreg 3.5.2.1 Wet Winding Process 3.5.2.2 Dry Winding Process 3.5.3 Complementary Technologies for Latest Manufacturin1 Process of Tow Prepreg 3.5.3.1 Hot Melt Process 3.6 Impact of Ai/Gen Ai on Tow Prepreg Market 3.6.1 Top Use Cases and Market Potential 3.6.2 Best Practices in Tow Prepreg Market 3.7 Patent Analysis 3.7.1 Introduction 3.7.2 Methodology 3.7.3 Patent Types 3.7.4 Insights 3.7.5 Legal Status 3.7.6 Jurisdiction Analysis 3.7.7 Top Applicants 3.8 Trends and Disruptions Impacting Customer Business 4 Competitive Landscape 4.1 Overview 4.2 Key Player Strategies/Right to Win 4.3 Revenue Analysis 4.4 Market Share Analysis 4.5 Brand/Product Comparative Analysis 4.6 Company Evaluation Matrix: Key Players, 2023 4.6.1 Stars 4.6.2 Emerging Leaders 4.6.3 Pervasive Players 4.6.4 Participants 4.6.5 Company Footprint: Key Players, 2023 4.6.5.1 Company Footprint 4.6.5.2 Resin Type Footprint 4.6.5.3 Fiber Type Footprint 4.6.5.4 Application Footprint 4.6.5.5 End-Use Industry Footprint 4.6.5.6 Region Footprint 4.7 Company Evaluation Matrix: Startups/Smes, 2023 4.7.1 Progressive Companies 4.7.2 Responsive Companies 4.7.3 Dynamic Companies 4.7.4 Starting Blocks 4.7.5 Competitive Benchmarking of Key Startups/Smes 4.7.5.1 Detailed List of Key Startups/Smes 4.7.5.2 Competitive Benchmarking of Key Startups/Smes 4.8 Valuation and Financial Metrics of Tow Prepreg Vendors 4.9 Competitive Scenario 4.9.1 Product Launches 4.9.2 Deals 4.9.3 Expansions 5 Company Profiles Tcr Composites, Inc. Sgl Carbon Eneos Holdings, Inc. Teijin Limited Mitsubishi Chemical Carbon Fiber and Composites, Inc. Hexcel Corporation Porcher Industries Red Composites Vitech Composites Arisawa Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Toray Industries, Inc. 3M Kordsa Gurit Services Ag Huntsman International LLC Go Composites Advanced Material Systems Co. Arrow Advance Materials Private Limited Castro Composites Compositence GmbH Jiangsu Hengshen Co., Ltd. Cst Composites Hyperdrivecarbon High Gain Industrial Limited Rock West Composites, Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cjjvln About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Dublin, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Silicone Fluids - Company Evaluation" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Silicone Fluids Companies Quadrant is a comprehensive industry analysis that provides valuable insights into the global market for Silicone Fluids. This quadrant offers a detailed evaluation of key market players, technological advancements, product innovations, and emerging trends shaping the industry. The publisher's 360 Quadrants evaluated over 100 companies, of which the Top 10 Silicone Fluids Companies were categorized and recognized as quadrant leaders. The silicone fluids market is expanding rapidly, driven by their increasing use across a range of end-use industries, including personal care and beauty, automotive and transportation, building and construction, and textiles. A key growth drive is the rising demand for high-performance lubricants, defoamers, and water-repellent coatings in various applications, where silicone fluids are favored for their exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and low surface tension. The surge in demand for personal care and cosmetics products is a significant contributor to the growth of the silicone fluids market. Within the personal care and beauty sector, silicone fluids are extensively used in skincare, haircare, and cosmetic formulations as emollients and conditioning agents. The growing consumer preference for premium, multifunctional beauty products continue to propel this demand. The automotive and transportation industry also plays a pivotal role, as silicone fluids are utilized in lubricants, anti-foaming agents, and release agents to improve performance, fuel efficiency, and component longevity. The Asia Pacific region is currently the largest consumer of silicone fluids, led by high demand in China, India, and Japan - regions experiencing robust industrialization, urban growth, and booming automotive and construction sectors. North America, especially the United States, also represents a major market, bolstered by technological advancements in healthcare, personal care, and industrial applications. Key players Key players in the Silicone Fluids market include major global corporations and specialized innovators such as Kcc Corporation, Dow, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Wacker Chemie Ag, Elkem Asa, Gelest Inc., Evonik Industries Ag, Innospec Inc., Ab Specialty Silicones, and Cht Group. These companies are actively investing in research and development, forming strategic partnerships, and engaging in collaborative initiatives to drive innovation, expand their global footprint, and maintain a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving market. Top 3 Companies Dow Dow is a global leader in the silicone fluids market, offering a comprehensive product portfolio under its Consumer Solutions segment, including brands like XIAMETER and DOWSIL. Dow's strengths lie in its expansive production facilities across 31 countries, which enable it to leverage economies of scale and maintain a substantial market share. The company focuses on innovation across several industries such as construction, electronics, and personal care. Dow's strategic positioning, backed by consistent product development, has fortified its leadership in the market. As part of its future strategy, Dow continues to enhance its offerings to adapt to the evolving demands of industries like healthcare and automotive. Wacker Chemie AG Wacker Chemie AG is another leading player, renowned for its innovations in specialty silicones. With a significant focus on the Asian market, the company has augmented its capacity by opening new production facilities, contributing significantly to its revenue. Wacker Chemie AG continuously strengthens its market position through strategic product launches and regional expansions. The company's commitment to sustainability and innovation places it in a favorable position to capitalize on the growing demand in the personal care and automotive sectors. Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. Shin-Etsu Chemical is a major player, distinguished by its strong market presence in Asia and the US, contributing significantly to its revenue. The company's strategy involves establishing new subsidiaries, as seen with Shin-Etsu Silicone (Pinghu) Co. in China, to tap into burgeoning local markets. Shin-Etsu maintains its competitive edge through continuous R&D, product diversification, and adherence to stringent global regulations. The firm's robust market share is a testament to its strategic investments and technological advancements, catering to industries from automotive to personal care. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 1.1 Market Definition 1.2 Inclusions and Exclusions 2 Executive Summary 3 Market Overview 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Market Dynamics 3.2.1 Drivers 3.2.1.1 Growth of Automotive Sector 3.2.1.2 High Demand for Silicone Fluids in Personal Care & Beauty Industry 3.2.1.3 Superior Dielectric Properties of Silicone Fluids 3.2.2 Restraints 3.2.2.1 Stringent Regulatory Standards 3.2.2.2 Higher Production Cost of Silicone Fluids 3.2.3 Opportunities 3.2.3.1 High Potential in Healthcare Applications 3.2.3.2 Increasing Competition Among Market Players 3.2.3.3 Development of Bio-Based Silicone Fluids 3.2.4 Challenges 3.2.4.1 Fluctuating Raw Material Prices 3.3 Trends/Disruptions Impacting Customer Business 3.4 Value Chain Analysis 3.4.1 Raw Material Suppliers 3.4.2 Manufacturers 3.4.3 Distributors 3.4.4 End-Use Industries 3.5 Ecosystem Analysis 3.6 Patent Analysis 3.6.1 Introduction 3.6.2 Methodology 3.6.3 Silicone Fluids, Patent Analysis (2014-2024) 3.7 Regulatory Landscape 3.7.1 Regulatory Bodies, Government Agencies, And Other Organizations 3.8 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 3.8.1 Threat of New Entrants 3.8.2 Threat of Substitutes 3.8.3 Bargaining Power of Buyers 3.8.4 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 3.8.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry 4 Competitive Landscape 4.1 Overview 4.2 Key Player Strategies/Right to Win, 2020-2025 4.3 Revenue Analysis, 2019-2023 4.4 Market Share Analysis, 2023 4.5 Company Valuation and Financial Metrics, 2025 4.6 Brand/Product Comparison Analysis 4.7 Company Evaluation Matrix: Key Players, 2023 4.7.1 Stars 4.7.2 Emerging Leaders 4.7.3 Pervasive Players 4.7.4 Participants 4.7.5 Company Footprint: Key Players, 2023 4.7.5.1 Company Footprint 4.7.5.2 Region Footprint 4.7.5.3 Type Footprint 4.7.5.4 End-Use Industry Footprint 4.8 Company Evaluation Matrix: Startups/Smes, 2023 4.8.1 Progressive Companies 4.8.2 Responsive Companies 4.8.3 Dynamic Companies 4.8.4 Starting Blocks 4.8.5 Competitive Benchmarking: Startups/Smes, 2023 4.8.5.1 Detailed List of Key Startups/Smes 4.8.5.2 Competitive Benchmarking of Key Startups/Smes 4.9 Competitive Scenario 4.9.1 Product Launches 4.9.2 Deals 4.9.3 Expansions 4.9.4 Other Developments 5 Company Profiles Kcc Corporation Dow Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. Wacker Chemie Ag Elkem Asa Gelest Inc. Evonik Industries Ag Innospec Inc. Ab Specialty Silicones Cht Group Clearco Products Co, Inc. Brb International B.V. Polytek Development Corporation D R P Silicone Supreme Silicones India Pvt. Ltd. Sarex Dongyue Group Ltd. Wynca Group Guangzhou Jointas Chemical Co., Ltd. Shandong Dayi Chemical Co., Ltd. Adarsha Zhejiang Sucon Silicone Co., Ltd Qingdao Hengda Chemical New Material Co., Ltd. Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technology Co., Ltd. Hoshine Silicon Industry Co., Ltd. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ti5p5b About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ozak AI is an Ethereum-based predictive analytics platform that has surpassed $2 million in its active presale, with 160 million tokens of the $OZ reportedly sold during Phase 4. The project has also established an intended launching price of $1 and a future target price of $2.80 by 2026. As the token sales gain traction, with the next price being issued as $0.01, early interest is building around this hybrid AI-blockchain platform. Presale Progress and Price Milestones Ozak AI began its presale at $0.001 and has since moved through multiple pricing stages. The current Phase 4 price is $0.005. The next stage will double the token value to $0.01. According to the official dashboard, over $2 million has been raised, marking a 400% increase from the starting price. The total supply of the $OZ token is 10 billion, of which 3 billion is reserved during the presale. The tokens could be bought with ETH, USDC or USDT through Ethereum wallets. The Ozak AI team states that purchased tokens will appear on the user dashboard instantly and can be claimed after the Token Generation Event (TGE), once announced. It does not require any Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, which is why it is available to most users in the supported regions. Youtube embed: Next 500X AI Altcoin Audits and Blockchain Infrastructure The platform has undergone a complete smart contract audit by CertiK, a blockchain security specialist. Ozak AI says the audit was backed by internal testing using advanced analysis tools. A spokesperson stated, The combination of internal and external reviews ensures our system is built to scale securely. Ozak AI runs on a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) that uses IPFS and Ethereum smart contracts. This setup spreads data across multiple nodes, removing single points of failure and providing access to real-time data feeds. The system supports high-speed market prediction agents and offers secure analytics delivery through its Ozak Stream Network (OSN), designed to maintain performance even during high network activity. Token Utility and Ecosystem Integration The $OZ utility token media allows users to use a wide range of features within the Ozak AI ecosystem. Predictive AI agents can be activated by token holders and receive analytics updates along with performance-based rewards. Other utilities involve staking, data subscriptions, referrals, and gated product access. Its real-time data also can be used to create Web3 dashboards by building them using Weblume, which is integrated into Ozak AI. Its collaborations with SINT and HIVE also add greater automation capacities and multi-chain data integration. They are instruments constructed to assist not only the retail users but also the institutional systems. They allow making decisions quicker on the basis of structured data flows secured by using blockchain technology, according to project documents. Roadmap, Events, and Future Targets Ozak AI is launching into a big event at Coinfest Asia 2025 in Bali, scheduled to run on August 20-22. There will be two events: a closed mixer and a product roadshow to reach out to global investors and traders, as well as to developers. Previous campaigns in Vietnam facilitated the formulation of local community support and promotions of numerous project collaborations. The team has also introduced a 1 million-dollar prize raffle to encourage buyers to use presale to purchase at least $100 worth of $OZ tokens. CoinGecko and CoinMarketCaphave already listed Ozak AI. Its initial offer price of the token is based at $1. At its rate of $0.005 per presale, this implies that there can be substantial upside. Continuing to analyze price, an outlook of $2.80 by the year 2026 would portray decent gains off the presale price should this be achieved. For more information about Ozak AI, visit the links below: Website: https://ozak.ai/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/OzakAGI Telegram: https://t.me/OzakAGI Contact Us: Andres Brinc media@ozak.ai Disclaimer: This content is provided by Ozak AI. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. Dublin, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Cloud ERP Company Evaluation" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Cloud ERP Market Companies Quadrant is a comprehensive industry analysis that provides valuable insights into the global market for Cloud ERP Market. This quadrant offers a detailed evaluation of key market players, technological advancements, product innovations, and emerging trends shaping the industry. The publisher's 360 Quadrants evaluated over 100 companies, of which the Top 23 Cloud ERP Market Companies were categorized and recognized as the quadrant leaders. Cloud ERP is enterprise resource planning software delivered over the internet, allowing businesses to manage core functions like finance, sales, supply chain, and HR from anywhere. It offers greater flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency compared to traditional on-premises systems by eliminating the need for expensive hardware and IT maintenance. Evolving from complex legacy systems in the 1960s to modern cloud-based platforms, cloud ERP now enables real-time data access, stronger security, and seamless integration with technologies like AI and IoT. It is especially valuable for small and mid-sized businesses looking to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and support growth. Cloud ERP is gaining popularity as it streamlines operations, improves real-time data access, and enhances collaboration. It reduces the need for costly hardware, offers automatic updates, and ensures security compliance. With scalability, integration with AI and IoT, and remote accessibility, it boosts efficiency and business resilience. Consulting services are expected to grow significantly within professional services, as businesses seek strategic guidance for cloud migration, security, compliance, and ERP optimization. The hybrid cloud model is gaining traction, offering a balance between public cloud flexibility and private cloud security for better data control and compliance. Inventory management is a key application area, driven by demand for real-time tracking, automated restocking, and AI-based forecasting. Small and medium-sized enterprises are rapidly adopting cloud ERP to improve agility, reduce IT costs, and stay competitive. Among industry verticals, IT and ITeS are leading adopters, using cloud ERP to streamline operations and boost productivity. The 360 Quadrant maps the Cloud ERP Market companies based on criteria such as revenue, geographic presence, growth strategies, investments, and sales strategies for the market presence of the Cloud ERP Market quadrant. The top criteria for product footprint evaluation included By by offering, deployment type, application, organization size, and vertical. The professional services segment is expected to grow at a higher CAGR, as businesses seek expert guidance for seamless implementation, customization, and integration with existing IT systems. Within software, cloud ERP modules like finance, supply chain, and human resource management are in high demand for their ability to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and improve overall efficiency. Key Players: Some of the significant vendors have adopted several organic and inorganic growth strategies to strengthen their presence in the cloud ERP market, including product launches, partnerships and collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions. They have adopted organic and inorganic growth strategies to expand their customer base and market share. Service enhancements to meet the dynamic needs of the market and partnerships are active strategies adopted by major vendors in recent years. SAP SAP, based in Germany, has established a dominant presence in the cloud ERP market with solutions like SAP S4HANA Cloud, which offers scalable, AI-driven services tailored to various sectors including manufacturing and finance. Their strategy emphasizes hybrid cloud adoption and deep business integration, ensuring streamlined digital transformation across global enterprises. SAP's ongoing investments in initiatives like RISE and sustainability efforts solidify its position as a leader. The company's vast ecosystem and strong partnerships contribute to its enduring market influence. Oracle Oracle, headquartered in the US, provides a comprehensive cloud ERP suite through Oracle Fusion Cloud, renowned for its scalability and AI-enhanced analytics. This platform supports enterprises in optimizing financial, supply chain, and HR processes. A focus on autonomous databases and sovereign cloud solutions positions Oracle as a key player in meeting stringent compliance demands. Their commitment to cost efficiency and deep industry knowledge enhances their standing as a trusted digital transformation partner. Microsoft Microsoft, also based in the US, offers innovative ERP solutions through Dynamics 365, integrated with AI for automation across various CRM and ERP functions. Their solutions are designed to enhance productivity and business outcomes, catering primarily to markets in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Microsoft's strategic partnerships with industry leaders and the introduction of AI-driven enhancements demonstrate their strong positioning in the cloud ERP market. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 1.1 Market Definition 1.2 Inclusions and Exclusions 1.3 Stakeholders 2 Executive Summary 3 Market Overview and Industry Trends 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Market Dynamics 3.2.1 Drivers 3.2.1.1 Fusion of Ai and Ml Within Cloud Erp for Informed Decision-Making 3.2.1.2 Rising Spending on Cloud-Based Services/Software 3.2.1.3 Increasing Focus on Business Process Automation and Operational Efficiency 3.2.2 Restraints 3.2.2.1 High Risk of Data Security 3.2.2.2 Restricted Personalization Hinders Cloud Erp Growth 3.2.3 Opportunities 3.2.3.1 Growth of Mobile and Remote Workforce Demands Efficient Cloud Erp Solution 3.2.3.2 Growing Demand from Small and Medium Enterprises (Smes) 3.2.4 Challenges 3.2.4.1 Integration Challenges with Existing Legacy Systems and Processes 3.2.4.2 Complexity of Vendor Selection and due Diligence Processes 3.3 Supply Chain Analysis 3.4 Ecosystem Analysis 3.5 Technology Analysis 3.5.1 Key Technologies 3.5.1.1 Ai & Ml 3.5.1.2 Multi-Tenant & Microservices Architecture 3.5.1.3 Low-Code/No-Code Development 3.5.1.4 Big Data & Analytics 3.5.2 Complementary Technologies 3.5.2.1 Customer Relationship Management 3.5.2.2 Human Capital Management 3.5.2.3 Manufacturing Execution Systems 3.5.3 Adjacent Technologies 3.5.3.1 Cloud Infrastructure 3.5.3.2 Middleware & Apis 3.5.3.3 Cybersecurity & Identity Management 3.6 Patent Analysis 3.7 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 3.7.1 Threat of New Entrants 3.7.2 Threat of Substitutes 3.7.3 Bargaining Power of Buyers 3.7.4 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 3.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry 3.8 Trends and Disruptions Impacting Customers' Businesses 3.9 Business Model Analysis 3.9.1 Subscription-Based Model 3.9.2 License-Based Model 3.9.3 Freemium Model 3.10 Key Conferences and Events (2024-2025) 3.11 Impact of Ai/Gen Ai on Cloud Service Brokerage 3.11.1 Top Clients Adapting Gen Ai 3.11.1.1 Microsoft 3.11.1.2 Oracle 4 Competitive Landscape 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Strategies Adopted by Key Players/Right to Win 4.3 Market Share Analysis 4.4 Revenue Analysis, 2019-2023 4.5 Company Evaluation Matrix: Key Players, 2023 4.5.1 Stars 4.5.2 Emerging Leaders 4.5.3 Pervasive Players 4.5.4 Participants 4.6 Brand/Product Comparison 4.6.1 Company Footprint 4.6.2 Company Footprint: Key Players, 2023 4.6.2.1 Company Footprint 4.6.2.2 Region Footprint 4.6.2.3 Offering Footprint 4.6.2.4 Application Footprint 4.6.2.5 Deployment Type Footprint 4.7 Company Evaluation Matrix: Startups/Smes, 2023 4.7.1 Progressive Companies 4.7.2 Responsive Companies 4.7.3 Dynamic Companies 4.7.4 Starting Blocks 4.7.5 Competitive Benchmarking: Startups/Smes, 2023 4.7.5.1 Detailed List of Key Startups/Smes 4.7.5.2 Competitive Benchmarking of Startups/Smes 4.8 Company Valuation and Financial Metrics of Key Vendors 4.8.1 Company Valuation 4.8.2 Financial Metrics 4.9 Competitive Scenario 4.9.1 Product Launches 4.9.2 Deals 5 Company Profiles SAP Oracle Microsoft Intuit Infor Epicor Sage Group Ifs Plex Systems Acumatica Qad Odoo Visma Deltek Aptean Eci Syspro Deskera Priority Software Unit4 Rootstock Software Ramco Versa Cloud Erp Zenscale Tech Cloud Erp Bizautomation Tyasuite Reybex For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wougxp About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Toronto, ON, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DMZ, a global startup ecosystem, announced its fifth annual Black Innovation Summit (BIS) taking place on October 30, 2025 in Toronto. This years Summit will convene Black entrepreneurs, investors, corporate partners and allies for a one-day event dedicated to celebrating Black excellence. At the centre of the Summit is a high-stakes pitch competition where 10 Black founders will compete live on stage for over $300,000 in grants and investments. Driving this funding are the commitments of valued partners, including DMZ Ventures, the forprofit investment arm of DMZ; the Government of Ontarios Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism; Capital M; and Tribe Ventures. The 2025 Summit theme, Black Means Business, shines a spotlight on the brilliance, innovation and economic impact of Black entrepreneurs from coast to coast. The theme underscores a powerful message: investing in Black founders is not only the right thing to do, it is a strategic imperative that fuels economic growth and the startup economy. BLACK INNOVATION PITCH COMPETITION Open to Black tech founders from across Canada, the pitch competition offers a platform to secure funding and accelerate business growth. 25 founders will be selected to receive personalized pitch advisory sessions, participate in curated programming, and gain valuable marketing and PR exposure. Of these, 10 finalists will take the stage at the Summit to pitch live for over $300,000 in grants and investments. Past Summits have fueled the growth of standout startups like Cleanster, a cleaning platform for property owners and short-term rentals. DMZs Black Innovation Programs and the Summit have opened up so many doors for Cleanster, said Gloria Oppong, Co-Founder and CEO of Cleanster and 2024 Summit funding recipient. From the mentorship, the network, and the support to formulate your pitch, this community has helped me refine the business and how I can share it with the world. YOUTH ENTPRENEURSHIP AWARD The Youth Entrepreneurship Award will honour exceptional young entrepreneurs who embody innovation, determination and impact. Presented at the Black Innovation Summit, the award recognizes Black-identifying entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 29, residing in Ontario, who are currently operating a business and have achieved significant milestones in their entrepreneurial journey. Honourees will share a $25,000 pool in youth grants. This years Black Innovation Summit is about showing why backing Black-founded businesses is one of the smartest moves you can make, " said Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures. Were putting a spotlight on where Black founders are thriving, how theyre outperforming in key markets and why investing in them fuels real economic growth. DMZ is proud to bring the Summit to life in collaboration with Scotiabank, the presenting partner; contributing partners Torys LLP and the Government of Ontario; and community partners Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, Humi, Futurpreneur and Nobellum. Scotiabank, a longstanding supporter of DMZs Black Innovation Programs since 2020, has helped expand opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, and their longstanding commitment continues as they will host this years Summit. Applications for the Black Innovation Pitch Competition and nominations for the Black Youth Entrepreneurship Award are open at dmz.to/BIS. The deadline to apply to the pitch competition is August 22, 2025 and nominations for the Youth Entrepreneurship Award close September 2, 2025. ABOUT DMZ DMZ is a tech incubator and startup ecosystem that fuels entrepreneurship in Canada and beyond. Through its award-winning programs, DMZ empowers founders to scale high-impact ventures, helps students develop entrepreneurial mindsets and equips professionals to thrive in todays fast-moving economy. By offering tailored support, world-class resources and expansive networks, DMZ nurtures bold ideas, drives business growth and creates global economic impact. To date, DMZ has supported 2450+ startups in raising $2.95 billion in capital and has created over 25,300 jobs. Headquartered in Toronto, DMZ operates a global network of hubs spanning 15+ countries, enabling entrepreneurs to access diverse markets, collaborate internationally and drive global innovation. Attachment Innovative hyaluronic acid technology delivers enhanced control and precision, significantly lowering the risk of rectal toxicity during prostate radiation treatment.1-4 Initial cases have now been performed in Japan. WAYNE, Pa., Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX), a leading global provider of medical technologies, today announced Barrigel rectal spacer is now available for purchase in Japan, effective immediately following regulatory approval, insurance coverage acceptance and appropriate use criteria issuance by Japanese academic societies. First cases commenced earlier this month following the approval from the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) for Barrigel rectal spacer, the first and only sculptable non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) rectal spacer proven to significantly reduce radiation that reaches the rectum during prostate radiation therapy.1,5,6,7 Japan commercialization represents a key milestone in our global expansion strategy for the Barrigel rectal spacer, said Liam Kelly, Chairman, President and CEO of Teleflex. This launch supports our mission to offer the next-generation, NASHA rectal spacer that enables precise, symmetrical placement1,2,7providing physicians with effective and proven control over the shape and placement of the implant.8 We remain committed to making Barrigel rectal spacer the standard of care for men undergoing prostate cancer radiation therapy. In 2022, prostate cancer was the most common cancer among men in Japan, with 104,318 new casesaccounting for 18 percent of all cancer diagnoses nationwide.9 Barrigel rectal spacer is indicated for prostate cancer patients with T1-T3b disease.5 A U.S. clinical study found that 98 percent of men who were treated with Barrigel rectal spacer met the primary endpoint of achieving at least a 25 percent reduction in radiation to the rectum.1 Patients who met the primary endpoint averaged an 85 percent reduction in rectal V54 Gy radiation to the rectum, and Barrigel rectal spacer is proven superior in the reduction of acute and long-term Grade 1+ GI toxicity at 3 and 6 months compared to control.1,6 Yoshiko Inoue, Teleflex Managing Director, Japan, said with the launch of Barrigel rectal spacer in Japan, more men will have access to a solution that helps minimize the rectal side effects of prostate cancer radiation therapy.1 Were proud to support this important advancement and remain committed to educating healthcare professionals on the value of rectal spacing and its adoption throughout Japan, she said. Beginning in late May, training took place in Chiba, Japan under the direction of Dr. Jun Itami, who is among the top radiation oncologists in the country. Barrigel rectal spacer is unique in that it does not impose time constraints during injection and offers excellent visibility under ultrasound1-4. This allows physicians to monitor the injection in real time and place the required amount precisely1,7 where needed for each individual patient, said Dr. Itami. As a result, a reliable distance between the prostate and rectum can be maintained, enabling safer and more robust radiation therapy planning, representing a new standard in rectal protection during radiation therapy1. About Barrigel Rectal Spacer Barrigel rectal spacer is the first and only hyaluronic acid rectal spacer that separates the prostate from the rectum to protect the rectum during radiation therapy treatment for prostate cancer.1 Barrigel rectal spacer is made from Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid (NASHA).5 Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the human body and is highly biocompatible and fully absorbable. NASHA has a proven history of safety and efficacy in a wide variety of medical applications in men, women and children worldwide.2,10 Barrigel rectal spacer has been proven to significantly reduce unwanted side effects from prostate cancer radiation therapy1 and is cleared for rectal spacing in the United States, Australia, Europe and Japan.11 Barrigel rectal spacer is indicated for prostate cancer patients with T1-T3b disease.5 For more information about Barrigel rectal spacer, please visit https://barrigel.com/hcp/barrigel-control-matters. Barrigel Rectal Spacer Important Safety Information Barrigel rectal spacer is intended to temporarily position the anterior rectal wall away from the prostate during radiotherapy for prostate cancer and, in creating this space, it is the intent of Barrigel rectal spacer to reduce the radiation dose delivered to the anterior rectum. Barrigel rectal spacer is composed of biodegradable material and maintains space for the entire course of prostate radiotherapy treatment and is intended to be absorbed by the patients body over time. Barrigel rectal spacer should only be administered by qualified and properly trained physicians with experience in ultrasound guidance and injection techniques in the urogenital/pelvic area. As with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved with the use of Barrigel rectal spacer. Potential complications associated with the use of Barrigel rectal spacer include, but are not limited to: pain associated with Barrigel rectal spacer injection; needle penetration of the bladder, prostate, rectal wall, rectum, or urethra; injection of Barrigel rectal spacer into the bladder, prostate, rectal wall, rectum, urethra, or intravascularly; local inflammatory reactions; infection; urinary retention; rectal mucosal damage, ulcers, necrosis; bleeding; constipation; and rectal urgency. More information on indications, contraindications, warnings and instructions for use can be found in the Instructions For Use at www.barrigel.com. Caution: Federal (USA) law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. About Teleflex Incorporated As a global provider of medical technologies, Teleflex is driven by our purpose to improve the health and quality of peoples lives. Through our vision to become the most trusted partner in healthcare, we offer a diverse portfolio with solutions in the therapy areas of anesthesia, emergency medicine, interventional cardiology and radiology, surgical, vascular access, and urology. We believe that the potential of great people, purpose driven innovation, and world-class products can shape the future direction of healthcare. Teleflex is the home of Arrow, Barrigel, Deknatel, LMA, Pilling, QuikClot, Rusch, UroLift and Weck trusted brands united by a common sense of purpose. At Teleflex, we are empowering the future of healthcare. For more information, please visit teleflex.com. Forward-Looking Statements Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on our managements current beliefs and expectations, but are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances, which may cause actual results or company actions to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by these statements. These risks and uncertainties are identified and described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Teleflex, the Teleflex logo, Arrow, Barrigel, Deknatel, LMA, Pilling, QuikClot, Rusch, UroLift, and Weck are trademarks or registered trademarks of Teleflex Incorporated or its affiliates, in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2025 Teleflex Incorporated. All rights reserved. *Study sponsored by Palette Life Sciences, now part of Teleflex ** Data from the Barrigel Pivotal Study analyzed using the same methodology as the Fischer-Valuck study ***Drs Gejerman, Chao, Lederer, and Orio are paid consultants of Palette Life Sciences, now part of Teleflex. References Mariados NF, Orio PF III, King MT et al. JAMA Oncol (2023).* Svatos M, Chell E, King MT et al. Med Phys (2024).* Gejerman G, Goldstein MM, Chao M et al. Pract Radiat Oncol (2023).*** Williams J, Mc Millan K, Chao M et al. J Med Imag Radiat Sci (2022). Japan Injectable Gel Instructions for Use (2025) Data on file. As of 4/01/2025. King MT, Svatos M, Orio PF III et al. Pract Radiat Oncol (2023).* Fischer-Valuck BW, Chundury A, Gay H, Bosch W, Michalski J. Hydrogel spacer distribution within the perirectal space in patients undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer: Impact of spacer symmetry on rectal dose reduction and the clinical consequences of hydrogel infiltration into the rectal wall. Pract Radiat Oncol. 2017;7(3):195-202.** Ferlay J, Ervik M, Lam F, Laversanne M, Colombet M, Mery L, Pineros M, Znaor A, Soerjomataram I, Bray F (2024). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer. Restylane celebrates 25 years of natural-looking results with its signature line of hyaluronic acid fillers. 2021. Data on file Teleflex. 2025 Contacts: Teleflex Lawrence Keusch Vice President, Investor Relations and Strategy Development investor.relations@teleflex.com 610-948-2836 Media Contact Glenn Silver FINN Partners National Media Relations Specialist glenn.silver@finnpartners.com 646-871-8485 APM1275 BOSTON, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc. (NYSE: PLYM) (the Company or Plymouth) today announced that it has received an unsolicited, non-binding proposal from Sixth Street Partners, LLC (Sixth Street), to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Companys common stock for cash consideration of $24.10 per share. According to the Schedule 13D filed yesterday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission disclosing the proposal, Sixth Street beneficially owns approximately 9.99% of Plymouths outstanding common stock. Consistent with its fiduciary duties and in consultation with its financial and legal advisors, the Companys Board of Directors will carefully evaluate the proposal to determine the course of action it believes is in the best interests of all Plymouth shareholders. Shareholders are not required to take any action at this time. The Company does not undertake any obligation to provide any updates with respect to this or any other proposal or transaction, except as required under applicable law. KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. is serving as financial advisor to Plymouth, and Morrison & Foerster LLP is serving as legal counsel. About Plymouth Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc. (NYSE: PLYM) is a full service, vertically integrated real estate investment company focused on the acquisition, ownership and management of single and multi-tenant industrial properties. Our mission is to provide tenants with cost-effective space that is functional, flexible and safe. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release, which are not strictly historical statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding management's plans, objectives and strategies, as well as statements regarding potential proposals or transactions, constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements, many of which may be beyond our control. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as may, plan, seek, will, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, believe or continue or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. Any forward-looking information presented herein is made only as of the date of this press release, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or otherwise. Contacts: Plymouth Industrial REIT, Inc. Ethan Farris IR@plymouthreit.com Dubai, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Enterprise World, a leading international business magazine, has recently announced the launch of its flagship event, The Global Icons of Impact 2025, to be held on 26th October 2025 in Dubai. This marks a significant milestone in the publications decade-long journey of celebrating global leadership. Bringing together CEOs, founders, investors, innovators, and changemakers from across 10+ countries, this event aims to transform the magazines editorial legacy into a live platform for dialogue, recognition, and exchange of ideas. Our goal behind starting this event is to celebrate leaders who are making a difference in their respective industries. We want to create a space where these brightest business minds can connect, collaborate, and have meaningful conversations about the future of business, says Dhruv Apte, who leads The Enterprise Worlds global editorial vision. What to Expect at The Global Icons of Impact 2025? Keynote sessions featuring impactful business voices Panel discussions on leadership, innovation, and future trends Curated networking with decision makers and global leaders An award ceremony honoring individuals and businesses that are making a significant impact in their field of work The Global Icons of Impact 2025 is expected to create an environment where participants can gain insights from established business leaders, take part in meaningful conversations around industry trends, and connect with peers across different industries. The early-bird registration for the event has officially opened, which will give participants the access to the aforementioned keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking engagements. Moreover, the nomination process for the awards has also started. About The Enterprise World: The Enterprise World is a globally-recognized B2B magazine known for depicting stories of leadership, innovation, and resilience. Having worked with over 3500 clients, the magazine continues to be a trusted platform for industry leaders and innovators across different sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, business, manufacturing, etc. Attachment BOSTON, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Salsify, the leading Product Experience Management (PXM) platform, today announced the publication of "The PXM AI Manifesto," a no-nonsense guide for digital commerce leaders. The manifesto cuts through the AI hype to provide a clear, assertive, and actionable path for professionals not just to survive but to lead in the coming era of agentic commerce. According to Advanced Web Ranking , as of June 2025, Googles AI Overviews now appear in more than 50% of all search results. Users interacting with these AI-generated search summaries are clicking through to websites nearly half as often, according to research from the Pew Research Center . These AI-driven shifts in search and shopping behaviors will create growth opportunities for those brands that are positioned to take advantage of them. The PXM AI Manifesto, authored by Salsify co-founder and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer Rob Gonzalez, known for his strong opinions and fierce advocacy for the industry, states we are at the same threshold with AI today that ecommerce was at its inception. This new era is defined by two types of AI: generative AI, which creates content, and agentic AI, which takes action. Together, they are rewriting how products are discovered and described. The manifesto's core truth is this: AI's most powerful use isn't in replacing people but in accelerating them. Gonzalez argues that AI should be seen as a "copilot," a tool that amplifies human capability and enables product experience managers to move faster, see farther, and build better. This is a direct challenge to the dystopian vision of AI as a villain that removes human agency. The manifesto identifies the shift from "Bricks & Clicks" to "Bricks & Clicks & Agents" as the next evolution of shopping. In this new landscape, AI assistants will curate, compare, and purchase in the service of consumers, shaping intent-based discovery. This means brands must now serve a third audience: AI agents. Every product detail page (PDP) becomes training data for these agents, and every word, image, and review is a brand's representative in the next generation of shopping. To win this new discovery game, the manifesto lays out five core principles for PXM AI impact: Make Your Product Data the AI Source of Truth: Every AI-driven experience, from a chatbot to a voice assistant, is built on the product information it can access. Brands must invest in PXM and establish their system as the most valued and complete source of product truth. Every AI-driven experience, from a chatbot to a voice assistant, is built on the product information it can access. Brands must invest in PXM and establish their system as the most valued and complete source of product truth. Be Everywhere AI Looks First: This isn't theoretical; it's algorithmic. The manifesto demands that brands have their product data syndicated instantly and tailored for delivery across an expanding universe of surfaces, including Bing, marketplaces, and brand.coms. This isn't theoretical; it's algorithmic. The manifesto demands that brands have their product data syndicated instantly and tailored for delivery across an expanding universe of surfaces, including Bing, marketplaces, and brand.coms. Partner With Everyone: The AI-fueled, closed-loop workflows for content optimization will only happen through close partnerships. This means leaders need to raise their hand to join pilots with retailers and foundation model providers, and leading your internal colleagues. The AI-fueled, closed-loop workflows for content optimization will only happen through close partnerships. This means leaders need to raise their hand to join pilots with retailers and foundation model providers, and leading your internal colleagues. Close the AI Literacy Gap: According to Microsoft, 70% of organizations struggle to equip their workforces with the necessary AI skills. The manifesto calls for leaders to bridge this gap, as AI fluency in everyday decision-making will be a key differentiator. According to Microsoft, 70% of organizations struggle to equip their workforces with the necessary AI skills. The manifesto calls for leaders to bridge this gap, as AI fluency in everyday decision-making will be a key differentiator. Let AI Handle the Volume So You Can Lead the Vision: As the digital shelf explodes in complexity, it's no longer humanly possible to manage everything manually. The manifesto asserts that AI frees professionals from task execution so they can shift to strategic leadership, becoming the "architect of experience". As Gonzalez puts it, "Scale isn't the ceilingit's the starting line". Gonzalez stresses that the future isn't about gaming algorithms; it's about substance. Success will come from brands with excellent products, strong reviews, and clear, consumer-centric information. The manifesto is a declaration that the time for action is now, and that the leaders who embrace this shift will define the future of commerce. Click here for more information and to download "The PXM AI Manifesto". About Salsify Salsify helps thousands of brand manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in over 140 countries collaborate to make every product experience matter. The companys Product Experience Management (PXM) platform enables organizations to centralize all of their product content, connect to the commerce ecosystem, and automate business processes in order to deliver the best possible product experiences across every selling destination. Learn how the worlds largest brands, including Mars, L'Oreal, Coca-Cola, Bosch, and ASICS, as well as retailers and distributors, such as DoorDash, E.Leclerc, Carrefour, Metro, and Intermarche, use Salsify every day to drive efficiency, power growth, and lead the digital shelf. For more information, please visit: www.salsify.com. Media contact: Carolyn Adams carolyn@bluerunpr.com ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lyno AI has reported strong demand during its ongoing presale, with investors actively securing tokens ahead of the Early Bird phase deadline. The surge in participation highlights growing interest in the project as it moves through its early fundraising stages. The Early Bird phase offers participants an opportunity to obtain tokens before the next stage of the presale, positioning Lyno AI for continued momentum as it advances toward its broader launch. DOGE/SHIB a Historical Parallel Both DOGE and SHIB got a swift investor adoption in their launch stages led by community pace and low barriers of entry. The two tokens have capitalized on their market positioning to reach different investors. The success of this shows the possibilities of a project that has substantial initial support. Lyno AIs Accelerating Energy The Early Bird presale (at a rate of $0.050 per Lyno AI) has already sold out 289 733.988 of 16 million of the issued tokens. This will be followed by a phase where prices will increase to 0.055 imposing urgency in early participation. The project is audited by Cyberscope which gives a sense of assurance of security verification. Answers to Why Investors are Rushing In The cross-chain arbitrage protocol of Lyno AI runs using the decentralized, AI-driven platform that works on more than 15 EVM-compatible blockchains. It works through its architecture, which includes data aggregation, algorithmic trade scoring, automated execution and profit settlement, which essentially provides efficient trading. This new scheme can be compared to the disruptive attractiveness of DOGE and SHIB. Desire to Exclusive Incentives Drives Participation By investing more than 100 dollars, presale participants will receive access to the Lyno AI Giveaway, where the prize of 100K tokens is distributed. To make the early adopters more enticing, 10K tokens will be issued to 10 investors. These incentives are a reflection of the community-oriented plans that catapulted DOGE and SHIB. Friendly Payments: Tokens are obtainable with ETH, USDT or USDC through the MetaMask or Trust Wallet. Governance Rights: The holders of the tokens have a right to upvote on the changes to the protocol and the structure of fees. Staking Rewards: Stakers can receive up to 60 percent of the amounts of protocol fee earnings, increasing long-term equity. Tap Into the Opportunity before the Prices increase As the Early Bird phase is about to expire, investors are advised to rush and seize Lyno AI tokens before it starts soaring to a price of 0.055. A solid momentum and an audited security feature makes the project stand out among the projects in the field of decentralized finance. The entrance into it early can provide a strategic point of entry with high chances of returns. Conclusion Lyno AI is taking the profitability lead in AI-enhanced cross-chain arbitrage, resonating DOGE and SHIB early triumph. It has a powerful technology that has been audited by Cyberscope and tantalizing offers that make it an opportunity to buy. Investors are encouraged to hurry before the presale moves on. For more information about LYNO visit the links below: Website: https://lyno.ai/ Buy Presale: https://lyno.ai/#presale Whitepaper: https://lyno.ai/whitepaper.pdf Twitter/X: https://x.com/Lyno_AI Telegram: https://t.me/lyno_ai Win 100k: https://gleam.io/KCCV3/lyno-ai-giveaway Contact Details: LYNO AI contact@lyno.ai Disclaimer: This content is provided by LYNO AI. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. GlobeNewswire does not endorse any content on this page. Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e6561b6d-dcfc-4df8-8df0-ef875e0c102b Linthicum Heights, MD, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the night of July 13th, 2025, a devastating fire broke out at Gabriel House, an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts. The fire that claimed the lives of ten residents and impacted the lives of countless others is still under investigation by the State Fire Marshal and the District Attorneys office. Recent news reports suggest that the fire sprinklers in use at Gabriel House had been recalled. If these reports are accurate, this could explain the tragic loss of life: neither NFSA nor NASFM are aware of a multiple-fatality fire in a structure with a properly installed and maintained sprinkler system. "Although investigations continue, it is essential that we stay dedicated to fully understanding the details of this tragedy, explains Chief Butch Browning, National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) Executive Director. Achieving this will involve a comprehensive fact-finding process that should proceed deliberately and without haste. We will be collaborating closely with our fire safety partners to examine every aspect of the fire response and protection systems, with the goal of preventing future incidents and safeguarding vulnerable communities." Gabriel House, which opened in 1999, is a non-profit facility with 100 single-bed units. Approximately 70 residents were living in the facility before the fire. According to records, the building was built in 1966 and had fire sprinklers installed in the 1990s. While it is possible that the fire sprinklers in the Gabriel House could be recalled fire sprinklers, it is known from police body cameras that some fire sprinklers were operating. It is certain that the actions of the firefighters and the operating fire sprinkler saved countless lives. Fire sprinklers save lives every day in this type of facility across this country, but these saves arent reported in the news, says NFSA President Shane Ray. The fire protection community of this country wants to know everything that contributed to this tragedy that has never occurred in our country in a sprinklered building. NFSA has a program titled Fire Sprinklers and Firefighters... Partners in Protection. The modern fire environment with emerging technologies, more contents in our homes than ever, and limited mobility of the residents in these types of facilities are challenging fire sprinklers and fire departments like never before. NFSA values their partnership with NASFM and other leading fire service organizations who embrace the program and are willing to collaborate together. The NFSA, in partnership with the National Association of State Fire Marshals, stands ready to support the State Fire Marshal and his team with resources and expertise as additional information emerges through the course of the investigation, adds NFSA President Ray. NFPA 25 is referenced and enforceable by both U. S. fire codes. We urge authorities nationwide to ensure all fire protection system inspections are up to date in accordance with NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, and to apply NFPA 13E, Recommended Practice for Fire Department Operations in Properties Protected by Sprinkler and Standpipe Systems. NFSA wants to create a more fire-safe world and works to heighten the awareness of the importance of fire sprinkler systems from homes to high-rises and all occupancies in between. The Association is an inclusive organization made up of dedicated and committed members of a progressive lifesaving industry. This industry manufactures, designs, supplies, installs, inspects, and services the worlds most effective system in saving lives and property from uncontrolled structural fires. About the National Fire Sprinkler Association: NFSA was founded in 1905 and wants to create a more fire safe world and works to heighten the awareness of the importance of fire sprinkler systems from homes to high-rise and all occupancies in between. The Association is an inclusive organization made up of dedicated and committed members of a progressive life-saving industry. This industry manufactures, designs, supplies, installs, inspects, and services the worlds most effective system in saving lives and property from uncontrolled structural fires. For more information about fire sprinklers, how they work and access to additional resources and information, visit www.nfsa.org for the latest material, statistics, and a dedicated team of fire safety advocates ready to serve all stakeholders to fulfill the vision of a safer world. NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Siebert Williams Shank & Co. (SWS) has announced promotions that expand the firms senior leadership structure, naming veteran bankers Gary Hall and Sobani Warner as new Co-Presidents, effective Sept. 1, 2025. Keith Richard, who currently heads the Southwest Region, will assume the role of Head of Public Finance, while Ahmad Ismail will assume the position of Co-Head of Corporate Finance alongside industry veteran David Finkelstein. Suzanne Shank, who co-founded the firm together with Wall Street icon Muriel Siebert, will continue in her role as CEO. As Co-Presidents, Gary Hall and Sobani Warner will provide greater focus on client acquisition strategies, technology and responsiveness to significant regulatory and economic shifts. This will also enable Ms. Shank to expand her focus on client relationships across the 27-plus cities where the firm maintains an increasing market presence. With todays announcement we are enhancing Siebert Williams Shanks capacity to balance key leadership functions and positioning the firm for its next stage of growth, Shank said. Gary Hall and Sobani Warner have been key elements of growing the firms platform and will provide our leadership and banking teams with even greater depth and expertise. I also have great confidence in Keith Richard and Ahmad Ismail, who will now step forward to play enhanced senior management roles with the firm. The move marks the next step in SWS evolution since a 2015 expansion of the partnership and a 2019 merger that brought together Siebert Cisneros Shank and Williams Capital Group. Since the merger, SWS has built upon its reputation as one of the most significant players in U.S. infrastructure development and corporate liquidity management. With dual headquarters in New York, NY and Oakland, CA, the firm has increased headcount by 80% since 2019 and has grown to include 27 offices nationwide. Since 2019 SWS corporate fixed-income revenues are up 51%, driven by 73 new corporate clients. The firm is a dealer on 57 commercial paper programs, up 39% since 2019, with lead manager roles for countless blue-chip clients. Meanwhile, public finance revenues in 2024 were 115% higher than in 2019, with the growth driven by 25 senior-managed deals greater than $1 billion since 2019. Hall joined SWS in 2013 as National Head of Public Finance Banking. Prior to that, his professional career spanned more than three decades and included key roles in investment banking, private equity, law and government, including with JPMorgans Public Finance-Investment Banking Group and the M&A Group of Banc One Capital Markets. On the industry level, he has served on the Board of the Securities Industry and Financial Marketing Association (SIFMA), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authoritys (FINRA) Fixed Income Advisory Committee, Milken Institute Public Finance Advisory Board, and the Corporate Affiliate Board of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST). He is also former Chairman of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), the self-regulatory organization that safeguards the $4 trillion municipal securities industry. Mr. Hall will be splitting time between the firms Oakland and Chicago offices. I am looking forward to continuing to partner with Suzanne and now, Sobani, in this new role to make SWS and all of the Shank Williams Cisneros companies the best they can be, Hall said. Prior to her 2023 promotion to Co-Head of Corporate Finance, Warner was Head of Equities at SWS, a position she held since 2015. A 30-year industry veteran, she joined the company from Bear Stearns where she covered Latin American markets, after beginning her career at JPMorgan. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Jackie Robinson Foundation and President of the Siebert Williams Shank Foundation. I am honored to be a part of this new chapter in the evolution of SWS and to be able to work in this new capacity with all of the amazing people that make our firm great, Warner said. Keith Richard has spearheaded SWS expanding Southwest Region since 2016, leading to the firm being a perennial top-five-ranked senior manager in municipal underwriting. He has served as lead banker on more than $20 billion in senior-managed par amount, delivering innovative financing solutions to state agencies, cities, counties, school districts, higher education institutions and transportation entities. Prior to joining SWS, Richard held senior roles at Morgan Stanley, Banc of America, Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers. Im really excited to take on this new leadership role at the firm, Richard said. We are in the middle of a historic period in terms of muni bonds volume for the industry, and Im determined to keep broadening our public finance platform to ensure it remains best in class. Ahmad Ismail joined SWS in 2023 as a Managing Director with over a decade of capital markets and investment banking experience across leading global platforms, including SMBC Nikko and JPMorgan. He has originated and executed investment-grade debt offerings across Utilities, Energy, Natural Resources, Specialty Finance, Technology, Consumer and International USD funders, guiding issuers and investors through every stage of the primary market process. Ismails technical capabilities with debt, capital markets and new business strategies will complement David Finkelsteins robust corporate experience to build broader client coverage. The growth this firm has undergone over the last couple of years has been really remarkable, Ismail said. Im looking forward to helping David lead a team that is delivering the highest quality execution for our corporate clients. In 2015, SWS expanded the partnership, welcoming current firm Vice Chairman Henry Cisneros, former mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton. In 2019, the firm merged with Williams Capital, co-founded by Christopher Williams, SWS Board Chairman. Dually headquartered in New York, NY and Oakland, CA, SWS is an independent non-bank financial services firm that offers investment banking, sales and trading, research, and advisory services. Its mission is to exceed expectations through value-added results and leave a lasting impact on the sectors, corporations, and communities it serves. SWS counts over 80 Fortune 100 companies among its clients. DALLAS, TX , Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- American AF Dumpsters, a Waxahachie-based dumpster rental company serving the DallasFort Worth metroplex, has completed the acquisition of Live Oak Dumpsters, a respected North Texas provider founded by Preston Clark. The transaction expands American AFs service capacity, increases container size options, and strengthens coverage throughout the region, positioning the company among the largest hook-lift operators in DFW. American AF Carries Live Oak Dumpsters Into It's Next Chapter Live Oak Dumpsters, under Clarks leadership, developed a loyal customer base through consistent service delivery, transparent communication, and competitive pricing. Both companies have historically maintained exceptional reputations, collectively amassing nearly 300 five-star Google reviews prior to the acquisition. It was in my area, same setup, same size trucks. I literally have the exact same hook lift on my Mack truck. It integrated seamlessly with my current operations, said Joshua Roman, owner of American AF Dumpsters. Customer Benefits: Expanded Fleet, Additional Sizes, Faster Service The integration of Live Oaks fleet enables American AF to offer an expanded range of dumpster sizes, including 30-yard, 40-yard, and concrete-specific containers, in addition to its existing inventory. With more trucks and drivers in operation, delivery and pickup times will be reduced, and scheduling flexibility will improve for both residential and commercial clients. We can now get dumpsters out faster, pick up faster, and weve got more size options. Customers arent waiting theyre getting what they need, when they need it, said Roman. Customers from both companies have long recognized their commitment to service, even prior to the acquisition: Alexis and Daniel helped me tremendously with the best rates for my roll-off dumpster and exceptional service. They were always there to help, and theyre actually a local company not a marketing referral service from another state. Thats hard to find. Jerry B., American AF Customer AMAZING! Smoothest thing Ive done since trying to pack and move. Preston communicated well, drop-off and pick-up were flawless, and he made my life so much easier. Ive already recommended Live Oak Dumpsters to friends. 10 out of 10 highly recommend! Amber K., Live Oak Customer Hook-Lift Advantage: Operational Efficiency and Placement Versatility Both fleets utilize the hook-lift system, a technology that offers faster loading, improved safety, and greater placement flexibility compared to traditional cable-pull systems. This allows for precise positioning in tighter spaces and minimizes the potential for property damage. The operational compatibility between the two companies fleets allowed for a seamless transition without costly retrofitting. Industry Influence: Education and Networking In addition to operating American AF Dumpsters, Roman is a recognized industry figure, hosting a YouTube channel with over 19,000 subscribers focused on dumpster rental operations, best practices, and industry insights. He is also the founder of The Dumpster Expo, an annual multi-day conference attracting hundreds of existing and aspiring dumpster rental business owners from across the United States. The 2025 event is scheduled for November 78 at the Denton County Cowboy Church in Ponder, TX, aligning with the week of Veterans Day. About American AF Dumpsters Headquartered in Waxahachie, TX, American AF Dumpsters provides dumpster rental services to residential, commercial, and construction clients across the DallasFort Worth metroplex. Known for fast turnaround times, modern hook-lift trucks, and a broad selection of container sizes, the company has earned nearly 200 five-star Google reviews for its emphasis on service and operational reliability. More information is available at www.americanafdumpsters.com. About Live Oak Dumpsters Founded by Preston Clark, Live Oak Dumpsters served North Texas with dependable, customer-focused service, earning over 100 five-star Google reviews prior to its acquisition. The company specialized in timely deliveries, clear communication, and competitive pricing. Media Contact Joshua Roman Owner, American AF Dumpsters josh@americanafdumpsters.com 214-225-5865 Name: American AF Dumpsters Address: 802 Old Highway 287, Waxahachie, TX, United States, Texas Company URL: www.americanafdumpsters.com. RADNOR, Pa., Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that securities class action lawsuits have been filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (Hims & Hers) (NYSE: HIMS) on behalf of those who purchased or otherwise acquired Hims & Hers securities between April 29, 2025, and June 23, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). The lead plaintiff deadline is August 25, 2025. CONTACT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP: If you suffered Hims & Hers losses, you may CLICK HERE or copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/hims-hers-health-inc?utm_source=Globe&utm_medium=PR You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at info@ktmc.com. DEFENDANTS ALLEGED MISCONDUCT: The complaints allege that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the companys business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Hims & Hers was engaged in the deceptive promotion and selling of illegitimate, knockoff versions of Wegovy that put patient safety at risk; (2) as a result, there was a substantial risk that Hims & Hers collaboration with Novo Nordisk would be terminated; and (3) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants positive statements about the companys business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. Please CLICK HERE to view our video or copy and paste this link into your browser: https://youtu.be/xuStgUOFgE8 THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: Hims & Hers investors may, no later than August 25, 2025, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Hims & Hers investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE OR GO TO: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/hims-hers-health-inc?utm_source=Globe&utm_medium=PR ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com. CONTACT: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Jonathan Naji, Esq. (484) 270-1453 280 King of Prussia Road Radnor, PA 19087 info@ktmc.com May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. (TSX-V: DMGI) (OTCQB: DMGGF) (FRANKFURT: 6AX) ("DMG" or the "Company"), a vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company, announces it will release financial results for its third quarter 2025 ending June 30 on August 25, 2025 before the market open. Third Quarter 2025 Results Conference Call Details The Company will host a conference call to review its results and provide a corporate update on August 25, 2025 at 4:30 PM ET. Participants should register for the call via the link . In addition to a live Q&A session via chat, management will also address pre-submitted questions. Those wishing to submit a question may do so via email at investors@dmgblockchain.com, using the subject line Conference Call Question Submission, through 2:00 PM ET on August 25, 2025. About DMG Blockchain Solutions Inc. DMG is a publicly traded and vertically integrated blockchain and data center technology company that manages, operates and develops end-to-end digital solutions to monetize the digital asset and artificial intelligence compute ecosystems. Systemic Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of DMG, is an integral component of DMGs carbon-neutral Bitcoin ecosystem, which enables financial institutions to move bitcoin in a sustainable and regulatory-compliant manner. For more information on DMG Blockchain Solutions visit: www.dmgblockchain.com Follow @dmgblockchain on X and subscribe to DMG's YouTube channel. For further information, please contact: On behalf of the Board of Directors, Sheldon Bennett, CEO & Director Tel: +1 (778) 300-5406 Email: investors@dmgblockchain.com Web: www.dmgblockchain.com For Investor Relations: investors@dmgblockchain.com For Media Inquiries: Chantelle Borrelli Head of Communications chantelle@dmgblockchain.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information or statements based on current expectations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include the filing of the third quarter 2025 results and hosting a conference call, the Companys strategy for growth, the planned monetization of certain product and service offerings, developing and executing on the Companys products, services and business plans, the launch of products and services, events, courses of action, and the potential of the Companys technology and operations, among others, are all forward-looking information. Future changes in the Bitcoin network-wide mining difficulty or Bitcoin hashrate may materially affect the future performance of DMGs production of bitcoin, and future operating results could also be materially affected by the price of bitcoin and an increase in hashrate and mining difficulty. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, market and other conditions, volatility in the trading price of the common shares of the Company, business, economic and capital market conditions; the ability to manage operating expenses, which may adversely affect the Company's financial condition; the ability to remain competitive as other better financed competitors develop and release competitive products; regulatory uncertainties; access to equipment; market conditions and the demand and pricing for products; the demand and pricing of bitcoin; security threats, including a loss/theft of DMG's bitcoin; DMG's relationships with its customers, distributors and business partners; the inability to add more power to DMG's facilities; DMG's ability to successfully define, design and release new products in a timely manner that meet customers' needs; the ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; competition in the industry; the impact of technology changes on the products and industry; failure to develop new and innovative products; the ability to successfully maintain and enforce our intellectual property rights and defend third-party claims of infringement of their intellectual property rights; the impact of intellectual property litigation that could materially and adversely affect the business; the ability to manage working capital; and the dependence on key personnel. DMG may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, the ability to successfully develop software, that there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business, anticipated costs, the ability to secure sufficient capital to complete its business plans, the ability to achieve goals and the price of bitcoin. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The securities of DMG are considered highly speculative due to the nature of DMG's business. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Companys filings on www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, DMGs past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, equipment failures, lack of supply of equipment, power and infrastructure, failure to obtain any permits required to operate the business, the impact of technology changes on the industry, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, secure equipment, and hire personnel, competition, security threats including stolen bitcoin from DMG or its customers, consumer sentiment towards DMG's products, services and blockchain technology generally, failure to develop new and innovative products, litigation, adverse weather or climate events, increase in operating costs, increase in equipment and labor costs, equipment failures, decrease in the price of Bitcoin, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of or statements made by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The presale of Lyno AI has attracted significant attention, reflecting strong investor participation in the projects early stage. The growing traction underscores market interest in Lyno AI as it advances its decentralized finance (DeFi) initiative. With demand accelerating during the presale phase, Lyno AI continues to gain momentum, positioning itself for further growth as it moves through upcoming stages of development. Ethereums Surge Fuels Market Enthusiasm The most recent record highs reached by Ethereum have encouraged exceptional interest in the crypto market. The Google search data suggests that crypto-related requests have never been greater, which is an indication of high retail and institutional involvement. Such traction leaves the environment positive to forward new kinds of projects under the Lyno AI. Why Lyno AIs Presale Is Turning Heads The audited trustful and transparent Early Bird presale stage of Lyno AI has already sold 289,733.988 tokens at 50 cents a piece. Its presale made up of 16 million tokens will soon enter its second stage, as the price will increase to $0.055. This short opportunity gives the investors a good entry gateway into a growing project. Unmissable Incentives Driving Demand There is a strong giveaway in the Lyno AI presale, which increases the attractiveness. With transactions of more than 100 dollars in tokens, it is possible to join a 100K token airdrop, in which 10 people out of hundreds are to be presented with a prize of 10,000 tokens. Supported currencies: ETH, USDT, and USDC: through Wallet such as MetaMask and Trust Wallet. Rights to governance: They include the right to vote on the emergence of the platform and the future advances. Staking rewards Staking holders get share in the profits and buy employees back in tokens. Revolutionary Technology Behind Lyno AI Lyno AI applies a smart AI-powered protocol to perform system-wide cross-chain arbitrage between more than 15 EVM-backed networks, such as Ethereum or Polygon. Its tiered architecture has guaranteed real-time data collation, opportunity scoring, automated trade execution and a continuous refinement of the model. The platform is audited by Cyberscope where security is one of their priority features, including applying multi-signature wallets and privacy features. Conclusion: Seize the Opportunity Before Prices Surge Lyno AI pioneers the use of the AI-powered DeFi solutions as it rides the wave of the crypto markets. Almost 290,000 tokens have already been sold, and the Early Bird stage is coming to its end. Thus, investors need to act quickly and buy tokens at $0.050 because the price is going to jump to $0.055. It is a unique opportunity to become a part of the groundbreaking project with a high level of investor confidence and state of the art technology. For more information about LYNO visit the links below: Website:https://lyno.ai/ Buy Presale- https://lyno.ai/#presale Whitepaper: https://lyno.ai/whitepaper.pdf Twitter/X: https://x.com/Lyno_AI Telegram:https://t.me/lyno_ai Win 100k: https://gleam.io/KCCV3/lyno-ai-giveaway Contact Details: LYNO AI contact@lyno.ai Disclaimer: This content is provided by LYNO AI. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page. 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Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Western Asset Management Company, LLC ("Wamco" or the "Company") specifically those who purchased shares of the following mutual fund classes: Class I (ticker: WATFX), Class A (ticker: WABAX), Class C (ticker: WABCX), Class FI (ticker: WAPIX), Class IS (ticker: WACSX), and Class R (ticker: WABRX) and the Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund mutual fund classes Class A (ticker: WAPAX), Class C (ticker: WAPCX), Class C1 (ticker: LWCPX), Class FI (ticker: WACIX), Class R (ticker: WAPRX), Class I (ticker: WACPX), Class IS (ticker: WAPSX) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between January 1, 2021 and October 31, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Wamco investors have until September 5, 2025 to file a lead plaintiff motion. Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, Defendants failed to disclose that: (1) they favored certain WAMCO investment strategies, such as Macro Opportunities, over others, including Core and Core Plus; (2) they actively disfavored strategies like Core and Core Plus; (3) WAMCOs compliance policies and procedurespurportedly designed to ensure fair allocation of investment opportunitieswere either inadequate or intentionally disregarded, allowing Leech and his team to allocate trades in a biased manner; and (4) any oversight mechanisms in place were similarly ineffective or ignored, enabling the preferential treatment of certain strategies at the expense of others. As a result, Defendants conduct constituted a fraud or deceit upon the Class, artificially suppressing the value of the Western Asset US Core strategy mutual fund classes during the Class Period and causing losses to investors. Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA and NY Bar lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Freeman Gold Corp. (TSXV: FMAN) ("Freeman" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement of unsecured convertible debentures (the "Debenture Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of $5 million. The debentures (the "Debentures") are unsecured obligations of the Company that mature August 18, 2030, and bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum. The principal outstanding under the Debentures is convertible into common shares of the Company ("Shares") at any time, at the option of the holder, at a conversion price of $0.18 per Share. Interest will be payable annually during the term and on maturity. As previously disclosed, each Debenture holder can elect to receive the interest amount in Shares (subject to TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") approval) or in cash, provided that any cash interest payable will be paid at maturity. Participants in the Debenture Offering also received, for every $1,000 of Debentures, an aggregate of 27,777,770 transferable common share purchase warrants ("Debenture Warrants"), whereby each Debenture Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Share at a price of $0.22 until August 18, 2030. All securities issued in connection with the Debenture Offering - the Debentures, the Debenture Warrants, and the Shares underlying the Debenture Warrants - are subject to the statutory hold period expiring December 19, 2025, being the date that is four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. No finder's fees were applicable to the Debenture Offering, the proceeds of which will be used for permitting the Lemhi Gold project. An aggregate of $10.5 million has been raised from the combination of the $5 million Debenture Offering and the $5.5 million non-brokered private placement financing of units of the Company that closed August 6, 2025. The Debenture Offering remains subject to final acceptance of the TSX-V. Certain insiders of the Company participated in the Debenture Offering in the aggregate amount of $2,000,000. Accordingly, the Debenture Offering is considered a related party transaction subject to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that participation by directors, officers, and a significant shareholder of the Company in the Debenture Offering did not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company's market capitalization, as calculated in accordance with MI 61-101. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to available exemptions therefrom. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy of any securities in the United States. Stock Option Grant The Company also announces the grant of an aggregate of 11,850,000 fully-vested stock options to certain directors, officers, and consultants of the Company, whereby each stock option is exercisable at $0.19 into a Share for a period of five years from the date of grant, subject to regulatory approval. About the Company and Project Freeman Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the development of its 100% owned Lemhi Gold project (the "Project"). The Project comprises 30 square kilometres of highly prospective land, hosting a near-surface oxide gold resource. The pit constrained National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43- 101") compliant mineral resource estimate is comprised of 988,100 ounces gold ("oz Au") at 1.0 gram per tonne ("g/t") in 30.02 million tonnes (4.7 million tonnes Measured (168,800 oz) & 25.5 million tonnes Indicated (819,300 oz)) and 256,000 oz Au at 1.04 g/t Au in 7.63 million tonnes (Inferred). The Company is focused on growing and advancing the Project towards a production decision. To date, 525 drill holes and 92,696 m of drilling has historically been completed (Murray K., Elfen, S.C., Mehrfert, P., Millard, J., Cooper, Schulte, M., Dufresne, M., NI 43-101 Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment, dated November 20, 2023; www.sedarplus.ca). The recently updated price sensitivity analysis (see Freeman's news release dated April 9, 2025) shows a PEA with an after-tax net present value (5%) of US$329 million and an internal rate of return of 28.2% using a base case gold price of US$2,200/oz; Average annual gold production of 75,900 oz Au for a total life-of-mine of 11.2 years payable output of 851,900 oz Au; life-of-mine cash costs of US$925/oz Au; and, all-in sustaining costs of US$1,105/oz Au using an initial capital expenditure of US$215 million*. *Note: Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The preliminary economic assessment is preliminary in nature, that it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. The technical content of this release has been reviewed and approved by Dean Besserer, P. Geo., VP Exploration of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by the NI 43-101. On Behalf of the Company Bassam Moubarak Chief Executive Officer Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains "forwardlooking information or statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, which may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding receipt of final acceptance of the Debenture Offering by the TSX-V, the use of proceeds of the Debenture Offering, all statements related to the 2023 PEA, statements relating to exploration, results therefrom, and the Company's future business plans, and statements regarding the price sensitivity analysis and impact thereof on the evaluation of the Project's economic potential. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law. SOURCE Freeman Gold Corp. CSE:NF OTCQX:NFUNF VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Nuclear Fuels Inc. ("Nuclear Fuels" or the "Company") (CSE: NF) (OTCQX: NFUNF) is pleased to announce an update on the statutory plan of arrangement (the "Plan of Arrangement") involving Nuclear Fuels and Premier American Uranium Inc. ("PUR" or "Premier American Uranium") (TSXV: PUR) (OTCQB: PAUIF). Further to the Company and PUR's joint news release on August 13, 2025, the Supreme Court of British Columbia issued its final order approving the Arrangement on August 18, 2025. Completion of the Arrangement remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, and certain other closing conditions customary in transactions of this nature. Subject to satisfaction or waiver of these closing conditions, the parties are targeting to complete the Plan of Arrangement on or about to August 25, 2025. Upon closing of the Arrangement, PUR will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Nuclear Fuels. Additional details with respect to the Arrangement are described in the Company's news releases on June 5, 2025, July 15, 2025, and August 13, 2025, and in the Company's management information circular dated July 10, 2025 available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Following completion of the Plan of Arrangement, the shares of PUR will continue trading on the TSX Venture Exchange and the shares of the Company will be de-listed from the Canadian Securities Exchange, and will not be made available for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange. In connection with the Plan of Arrangement, the Company engaged Canaccord Genuity Corp. ("Canaccord") as a financial advisor to the Company's board of directors (the "Board") to assist the Board in evaluating the Plan of Arrangement. As consideration for the financial advisory services provided by Canaccord, the Company will be issuing 648,414 common shares to Canaccord at a deemed price of $0.347 per share. About Nuclear Fuels Inc. Nuclear Fuels Inc. is a uranium exploration company advancing early stage, district-scale ISR amenable uranium projects towards production in the U.S. Leveraging extensive proprietary historical databases and deep industry expertise, Nuclear Fuels is well-positioned in a sector poised for significant and sustained growth on the back of strong government support. Nuclear Fuels has consolidated the Kaycee district under single-company control for the first time since the early 1980s. Currently planning its 2025 drill program following successful 2023 and 2024 drilling, the Company aims to expand on historic resources across a 35-mile trend with over 430 miles of mapped roll-fronts defined by 3,800 drill holes. The Company's strategic relationship with enCore Energy Corp., America's Clean Energy Company, offers a mutually beneficial "pathway to production," with enCore owning an equity interest and retaining the right to back-in to 51% ownership in the flagship Kaycee Project in Wyoming's prolific Powder River Basin. www.nfuranium.com The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Arrangement have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and any securities issuable in the Arrangement are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Cautionary Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including, but not limited to, the issuance of the common shares to Canaccord, the timing and outcome of the Plan of Arrangement and the timing and outcome or satisfaction of any closing conditions of the Plan of Arrangement. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including assumptions regarding PUR following the closing of the Plan of Arrangement, including receipt of required regulatory and stock exchange approvals, the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Arrangement, and other expectations and assumptions concerning the Arrangement, including de-listing from the Canadian Securities Exchange. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management of the Company at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: the failure to obtain regulatory or stock exchange approvals in connection with the Plan of Arrangement, material adverse change in the timing of completion and the terms and conditions upon which the Plan of Arrangement is completed, inability to satisfy or waive all conditions to complete the Plan of Arrangement as set out in the arrangement agreement, and failure to complete the Plan of Arrangement. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nuclear-fuels-announces-final-court-approval-of-arrangement-with-premier-american-uranium-302533009.html SOURCE Nuclear Fuels Inc. Trigon Metals Inc. (TSX-V: TM, OTCPK: PNTZF) ("Trigon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the successful completion of a drone-based aeromagnetic survey over a key area of its Kalahari Copper Project. The Company has also finalized the data processing and 3D inversion, enabling interpretation and the definition of highly prospective exploration targets which will be the focus of upcoming exploration campaigns. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250818487911/en/ Figure 1: Tenement overview map of the Kalahari Copper Belt indicating the drone magnetic survey area in green. The survey area was selected for its favourable stratigraphy and structure, as well as its proximity to known mineralization at the Fiesta-Fortuna Prospect (Noronex Limited), located 4 km to the east (Fig. 1). Thick Kalahari sand cover (>40 m) necessitated the use of detailed airborne geophysical surveys to identify prospective targets. Structurally, the area is dominated by two regional-scale, doubly plunging anticlines. Ellipsoidal magnetic lows are interpreted to represent tight Ngwako Pan cored anticlines, flanked by magnetically positive anomalies associated with the D'Kar Formation. The Heimat Fold Closure lies within the same domal structure as the Fiesta-Fortuna Prospect (Noronex Ltd) but is interpreted to occur higher in the stratigraphy, within the D'Kar Formation and away from the traditionally targeted contact with the lower Ngwako Pan Formation (Fig. 2). This target is based on Trigon's understanding of the Kalahari Copper Belt (KCB) mineralization as likely having both diagenetic and epigenetic origins. Most KCB deposits are semi-stratiform and located near the Ngwako Pan/D'Kar contact. While minor mineralization is often found along this contact, major deposits also tend to be spatially linked to regional anticlines or domes, and in some cases to second-order faulting. The exploration focus is therefore on domal features with either an exposed Ngwako Pan/D'Kar contact or with its D'Kar "roof" still intact. The Heimat Fold Closure represents one such target, with known mineralization immediately to the east (along strike). Similarly, the Bushman Dome target area, covers a large Ngwako Pan Fm cored dome immediately to the south of the Heimat Dome. 3D inversion of the magnetic data has enabled Trigon to identify the relative depth of the prospective Ngwako Pan/D'Kar contact along the hinge zone of the Heimat Dome (Fig. 3). Trigon plans to use this knowledge to guide its maiden drilling program at the Kalahari Project. Additional magnetic targets identified within this prospective zone, include cigar shaped magnetic highs, likely representing 2nd order, parasitic folding and linear structures attributed to late Damaran age faulting and thrusting. Further interrogation of the data is underway in order to identify specific drill targets. Jed Richardson, CEO and Executive Chairman of Trigon, commented, "Our work at the Kalahari Copper Project has now moved beyond early-stage reconnaissance to a targeted strategy based on detailed geophysics. The survey results have given us a clear picture of where the most prospective structures lie, and we're now positioned to advance towards drilling with a high degree of confidence. This is an exciting step forward as we unlock value from a district that continues to demonstrate world-class potential." Dr. Andreas Rompel, VP Exploration, adds, "The geological data strongly indicate folding along an axis trending WSW. In addition, a clear contact between two significant lithologies has been identified, which delineates a compelling drill target. We are excited to advance the next phases of exploration on what we believe is a highly prospective and prolific project." Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Andreas Rompel, Pr.Sci.Nat. (400274/04), FSAIMM, the Company's "qualified person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr. Rompel is Trigon's VP Exploration and is not considered to be independent of the Company. Trigon Metals Inc. Trigon Metals Inc. is a publicly trading Canadian exploration and development company with a its core focus on copper and silver holdings in mining-friendly African jurisdictions. The Company holds the Kalahari Copperbelt Project in Namibia. In Morocco, the Company is advancing two exploration projects; Addana, which hosts silver-bearing veins along with other metals, and Silver Hill, a sedimentary copper prospect that has already undergone drilling. Cautionary Notes This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding the exploration drilling at the Kalahari Project, the prospectivity and mineralization at the Kalahari Project, the Company's strategies and the Company's abilities to execute such strategies, the Company's expectations for the Kalahari Project, and the Company's future plans and objectives. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statements or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250818487911/en/ Contact For further information, contact Tom Panoulias, VP Corporate Development: +1 (647) 276-6002 x 1127 tom.panoulias@trigonmetals.com Website: www.trigonmetals.com Vancouver, August 19th, 2025 - Norsemont Mining Inc. (CSE: NOM, OTCQB: NRRSF, FWB: LXZ1) ("NOM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the launch of a redesigned corporate website and the release of an updated corporate presentation. These enhancements follow the successful completion of the Company's recent private placement, which received strong support from several new strategic investors, including Rob McEwen, Dr. Quinton Hennigh. The new website features improved navigation, streamlined content, and expanded information on Norsemont's flagship Choquelimpie Gold-Silver-Copper Project ("Choquelimpie"). The upgraded investor section provides direct access to the latest corporate updates, news releases, and technical resources. Visitors can now more easily explore the Company's vision, leadership team, and plans for advancing Choquelimpie. Norsemont's updated corporate presentation available in the Investors section of the website highlights the Company's strategic approach, the significant exploration and development potential of Choquelimpie, and the Company's development roadmap. "We have listened to our investors and taken steps to provide them with better tools to understand our vision and strategy," said Marc Levy, CEO of Norsemont. "The redesigned website, along with our updated retail and institutional decks, offers a clearer picture of where we are headed. We also plan to host an upcoming investor webinar to give shareholders the opportunity to hear directly from our team about the project, our game plan, and our next steps." On Behalf of the Board, NORSEMONT MINING INC. Marc Levy CEO & Chairman About Norsemont Mining Inc. The Norsemont team comprises experienced natural resource professionals focused on growing shareholder value and developing its flagship project through to bankable feasibility, with an initial mineral resource estimate of 2,184,000 indicated gold equivalent ounces and 557,000 inferred gold equivalent ounces for its Choquelimpie Gold-Silver-Copper project. Norsemont Mining owns a 100% interest in the Choquelimpie gold-silver-copper project in northern Chile, a previously permitted gold and silver mine with significant exploration upside. Choquelimpie has over 1,700 drill holes, with significant existing infrastructure, including roads, power, water, camp and a 3,000-tonne-per-day mill. Norsemont is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development, leveraging modern exploration techniques to unlock further value for all stakeholders. For more information, please contact the Company at: Investor Relations: Paul Searle (778) 240-7724 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Forward-Looking Statements Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward?looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding the Company's future plans, strategies, estimates, forecasts, expectations and intentions with respect to exploration activities, project development, permitting, financing, investor engagement, and other corporate initiatives. These forward?looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, adverse conditions in capital markets, risks inherent to the mining and exploration industry, fluctuations in commodity prices, the availability of financing, investor support, and general economic and political conditions. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has relied on several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will receive necessary regulatory approvals, maintain investor interest, secure adequate financing and have access to technical expertise required to advance Choquelimpie as planned . Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable securities laws. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver, August 19, 2025 - Fitzroy Minerals Inc. (TSXV: FTZ, OTCQB: FTZFF) ("Fitzroy" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an exploration update from its ongoing 8,000 metre ("m") Phase 2 drilling program at the Buen Retiro Copper Project, Copiapo, Chile ("Buen Retiro" or the "Project"). Today's release reports assay results from diamond drill holes 211, and 23 to 27 which are all located in the Southwest Area of the Project. Copper mineralization was intersected in all drill holes and the extent of mineralization along strike has been increased to 985 m. In addition, definition of continuity has improved and the average distance between holes along strike has been reduced to approximately 100 metres. Furthermore, as the trends of the Southwest and South Areas converge, wider zones of mineralization have been identified. Between holes 21 and 24, several zones of shallow mineralization are present over 360 m of lateral extent. Oxide and mixed minerals in the Southwest Area are typically seen down to vertical depths of approximately 150 metres along the main trend. Assays are pending for holes 28 to 33, and will be reported soon. Holes 29 and 31 are testing a further 300 m of strike length in the Southwest Area. Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling in the North Area at Buen Retiro is anticipated to start soon. The RC program will target hanging-wall copper mineralization on a multi-kilometre geophysical anomaly that is interpreted to be shear zone related and oxidised down to a depth of approximately 90 metres. Previously reported intersections in this area include 59 m @ 0.39% from surface, in hole 16. Highlights: Hole 27 intersected several mineralized zones from top of bedrock (at 49 m downhole) to a downhole depth of 314 m, including 119 m @ 0.53% Cu in oxides from 49 metres, and 23 m @ 0.5% Cu in wall-rock sulphides from 245 m. Holes 10, 21, and 24, show several discrete mineralized intersections in a 360 metre-wide zone. Hole 25 returned 32 m @ 0.90% Cu from 2 m, including 11 m @ 2.28 % Cu from 11 m, confirming oxide and secondary sulphide mineralization at the northwestern extremity of the Southwest Area. Strike extent in the Southwest Area is at least 985 metres, and open along strike. Merlin Marr-Johnson, CEO of Fitzroy, commented: "Drilling at Buen Retiro continues to demonstrate good copper grades and thicknesses below the gravels in the Southwest Area, which is great news. Our drilling takes the proven strike length of the system to almost 1 km long, and the wide and shallow mineralization we are finding will increase the dimensions of any potential future pit. More holes are pending from the Southwest Area, and our focus is on stepping out to drill shallow material that we think will leach well. Our ongoing exploration of this major copper system will expand to include shallow reverse circulation drilling in the North Area and at regional targets, and diamond drilling to further test the sulphide potential at depth. These continued good results in shallow oxide and mixed material in the Southwest Area encourage us to accelerate ongoing resource delineation and technical de-risking work. Fitzroy aims to advance towards production at Buen Retiro as quickly as possible, while continuing exploration within the wider Project area. Any development is likely to have capital efficiencies thanks to a mineral suite that is commonly treated in heap leach operations in Chile, as well as benefiting from existing infrastructure advantages. The infrastructure at Buen Retiro is excellent as it is close to the Pan-American highway, high voltage transmission lines, the mining centre of Copiapo, and it is a brownfield site without any residents." Geological Interpretation and Expansion Potential Today's release reports assay results from diamond drill holes 23 to 27, as well as new results from the lower part of drill hole 21 that were pending at the time of the June 6, 2025 news release. Copper mineralization was intersected in all drill holes and the boundaries of known mineralization have been expanded. Diamond drilling is ongoing in the Southwest Area, and RC drilling in the North Area at Buen Retiro and Sierra Fritis is anticipated to start soon. Extensions to known mineralization in the Southwest Area were identified to the southeast by drill hole 27 and to the northwest by hole 26. In addition, a zone of shallow mineralization extending over 360 m across strike was identified where the Southwest Area converged with the South Area across 21, 24, and hole 10 (drilled in Phase 1). Drill holes 28 to 33 have been completed and assays are pending. Copper mineralization was intersected in all holes (23 to 27 and results from the lower part of hole 21) and the boundaries of known mineralization have been expanded. Mineralization is dominated by tenorite as fracture infill, veinlets and clusters, as well as chrysocolla and occasionally cuprite, chalcocite, and minor native copper. Diamond drilling is ongoing in the Southwest Area, and RC drilling in the Northern Area at Buen Retiro is anticipated to start soon. Drilling at Buen Retiro (23, 25, 26, and 27) were angled holes, drilled towards the northeast to test the strike potential of the Southwest Area. Hole 24 was set-back to the southwest to test the western limits of the system given that several holes along the main trend had started in mineralization underneath gravel cover. Drill hole 21 was extended from the South Area over to the Southwest Area at depth (see Figure 1). Figure 1. Buen Retiro, Southwest and South Areas - drill holes and total field magnetic map Click Image To View Full Size BRT-DDH027 Drill hole 27 was a 110 m step-out to the southeast of hole 10 and was located on the fringe of a coincident IP and magnetic anomaly, returning 119 m at 0.53% Cu from 49 metres. Younger gravels increase in thickness to the southeast, and drill hole 27 was mineralized directly from bedrock at a downhole depth of 49 m, starting with a grade of 0.57% Cu. The host rock is a highly altered and brecciated andesite with strong albite alteration. The white coloration of albite alteration is a recognised feature of IOCG mineralisation in the wider Candelaria-Punta-del-Cobre District. In places hematite and magnetite breccias dominate, sometimes forming massive veins. Mineralization in hole 27 is very consistent to a downhole depth of 168 m. At a downhole depth of 110 m, a zone with abundant tenorite and several veins of native copper returned 26 m @ 0.91% Cu. Beyond 180 m, the andesites were markedly less albitized although still punctuated by breccias and occasional massive hematite or magnetite veins. The angled hole crossed the main sub-vertical target and into surrounding wall-rock. Interestingly, as the hole progressed through wall-rock, disseminated chalcopyrite was occasionally evident, returning mineralized zones of 52 m @ 0.20% Cu from 175 m; 23 m @ 0.50% Cu from 247 m; and 15 m @ 0.22% from 299 metres (see Figure 2). Mineralization in drill hole 27 confirms the good widths of oxide and transition copper minerals to a vertical depth of about 150 metres. The identification of mineralization on the fringes of the main geophysical anomalies (see Figure 1) and in surrounding wall-rock is a positive development as it increases the prospectivity of the Buen Retiro concessions. The intersection of sulphide mineralization to a downhole depth of more than 300 m highlights the scale-potential of the Buen Retiro IOCG system. Figure 2. Cross-section of BRT-DDH027 Click Image To View Full Size BRT-DDH023, BRT-DDH025, and BRT-DDH026 Drill holes 23, 25, and 26 were drilled in the northwest end of the Southwest Area (see Figure 1). Hole 25 intersected 32 m @ 0.90% Cu from 2 m, including 11 m @ 2.28% Cu from 11 m, and various less-significant copper mineralized zones, including 24 m @ 0.14% Cu from 72 metres. Hole 26 intersected 27 m @ 0.35% from 10 m, followed by sporadic isolated copper mineralized sections. Hole 23 was the least mineralized hole in the Southwest Area to date, returning 6 m @ 0.30% Cu from 191 metres. BRT-DDH021 and BRT-DDH024 In the Company's news release from June 6, 2025, partial results were published from hole 21. Subsequent to that date, the drill hole was re-entered, and continued to a downhole depth of 340 metres. The prior published intersection was 35 m @ 0.30 % Cu from 115 metres. Fitzroy now reports an intersection of 77 m @ 0.33% Cu from 115 m, including 11 m @ 0.86% Cu from 180 metres. Hole 24, collared to the west of the main trend, intersected two zones of copper mineralization: 20 m @ 0.24% Cu from 23 m, and 43 m @ 0.22% Cu from 65 metres. Figure 3. Cross-section of Diamond holes BRT-DDH024, BRT-DDH010, and BRT-DDH021 Click Image To View Full Size Holes 21 and 24 flank hole 10 which was drilled in 2024. Hole 10 returned 124 m @ 0.32% Cu from the start of bedrock at 22.5 m, including 57.5 m @ 0.51% Cu from 32 m. Altogether, the three holes are almost all on the same section line and demonstrate over 360 m of mineralization in a broadly east-northeast to west-southwest direction across the main strike direction of the Southwest Area (see Figures 1 and 3 for plan view and cross-section, respectively). The geology of the Southwest Area is highly dynamic, with a significant amount of high-energy brecciation evident in the rocks. Within these mega-breccias, there is also a large amount of faulting of various ages. Fitzroy is still building a picture of the tectonic evolution of the Southwest Area, and it is possible that the wider zone of surface mineralization may represent structural repetition. Notwithstanding its origins, it is encouraging to see such a wide and shallow zone of copper mineralization. Next Steps Diamond drilling continues at Buen Retiro with an emphasis on testing extensions and limits to known mineralization in the Southwest Area. Assays for holes 28 to 33 are pending and results will be released shortly. In separate developments, the Company is in the final stages of contract negotiations on a RC drilling program of at least 5,000 metres. As soon as the rig is mobilized, it will be deployed into the Sierra Fritis targets, followed by work in the North Area, targeting shallow hanging-wall copper oxide mineralization on a multi-kilometre geophysical anomaly that is interpreted to be shear zone related. Table 1. Selected Phase 2 drill core assay results from BRT-DDH021 and BRT-DDH023 to BRT-DDH027, Buen Retiro Copper Project, Copiapo, Chile* Drill Hole East (m) (WGS84) North (m) (WGS84) **Azimuth / Dip From (m) To (m) ***Interval (m) Cu (%) BRT-DDH021 345321 6920903 267/-45 114 191 77 0.33 including 180 191 11 0.86 BRT-DDH023 344712 6921381 075/-45 191 197 6 0.30 BRT-DDH024 344907 6920835 080/-48 23 43 20 0.24 and 65 108 43 0.22 BRT-DDH025 344695 6921497 081/-45 2 34 32 0.90 including 11 22 11 2.28 and 72 96 24 0.14 BRT-DDH026 344656 6921645 081/-45 10 37 27 0.36 BRT-DDH027 345049 6920739 077/-45 49 168 119 0.53 including 110 136 26 0.91 and 175 227 52 0.20 and 247 270 23 0.50 and 299 314 15 0.22 *Minimum thickness of 5 m and minimum average grade of 0.15% Cu. **measured at the collar ***True width estimated to be 70% of drill hole interval. Sampling Procedures, Laboratory and QA/QC Drill core in labelled and secured wooden core trays is picked up by Company personnel and transported by truck from the drill rig to the core processing facility in Copiapo. Core depths are checked, after which geotechnical logging is performed. Using a core cutting diamond blade saw, primary half core samples are collected from HQ or NQ-sized drill core with the remaining half-core stored in the original wooden core trays at the rented core storage warehouse in Cuesta Cardones, south of Copiapo. Silica blank are inserted every 20 samples (~20 m); a blank is always inserted immediately after a section that contains native copper. Pulp duplicates are randomly selected in proportion to the number of samples from each drill hole and inserted into the sample stream along with high-, medium-, and low-grade copper standards. Sample identifications are changed and coded by the Company. The QA/QC samples prepared by the Company represent about 12% of the total primary core samples. The three copper standards (both oxide and sulphide), acquired from Chilean company Instituto Nacional de Technologia Estandarizacion y Metrologia Ltda. ("INTEM") all have international standard certification. The certified standards are used to evaluate the accuracy (approximation versus true value) of the laboratory analysis. Blanks are used to evaluate the quality of the laboratory preparation and identify possible contamination. Pulp duplicates are used to test analytical accuracy (repeatability). No secondary laboratory (referee lab) samples were completed in this round of drilling; however, the next stage and subsequent stages of drilling will put in place laboratory replicate procedures. Once prepared, the core samples are bagged, tagged, and transported to the laboratory by the project team. At the laboratory reception, the samples and their identification codes are verified and accepted once the physical inventory matches the assay request form. The pulps and rejects of crushed samples are collected from the ALS-Patagonia laboratory in Copiapo every 3 months. The rejects are stocked in closed drums, identified with the corresponding batches and sample ranges, while the pulps are stocked in boxes and in shelves inside a container separated for this purpose. Both are located in the same warehouse facilities. A visual review of the QA/QC results from the standards and blanks inserted by the Company and the laboratory's internal QA/QC information was completed by the Company and no significant issues were identified. Qualified Person Dr. Scott Jobin-Bevans (P.Geo., Ph.D., PMP), a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and independent geological consultant to the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical information provided in this news release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the technical information contained in this news release. Specifically, the QP verified laboratory assay certificates against the reported drill core intervals as well as drill core logs against the geology, as supplied by the Company. About Fitzroy Minerals Fitzroy Minerals is focused on exploring and developing mineral assets with substantial upside potential in the Americas. The Company's current property portfolio includes the Buen Retiro Copper Project located near Copiapo, Chile, the Caballos Copper and Polimet Gold-Copper-Silver projects located in Valparaiso, Chile, the Taquetren Gold Project located in Rio Negro, Argentina, and the Cariboo Project in British Columbia, Canada. Fitzroy Minerals' shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol FTZ and on the OTCQB under the symbol FTZFF. On behalf of Fitzroy Minerals Inc. Merlin Marr-Johnson President and CEO For further information, please contact: Merlin Marr-Johnson mmj@fitzroyminerals.com +447803712280 For more information on Fitzroy Minerals, please visit the Company's website: www.fitzroyminerals.com Neither Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the potential mineralization on the Company's mineral properties, future exploration plans on the Company's mineral properties and the timing and results of future exploration. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of the Company. Such statements can generally, but not always, be identified by words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "forecasts", "schedules", "prepares", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. All statements that describe the Company's plans relating to operations and potential strategic opportunities are forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and are reliant on assumptions made by the Company's management, and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators, including without limitation, the dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; actual exploration or development plans and costs differing materially from the Company's estimates; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; climate change and climate change regulations; fluctuations in exchange rates; the availability of financing; operations in foreign and developing countries and the compliance with foreign laws, remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure; fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks, including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; the reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; challenges to title or surface rights; the dependence on key personnel and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; and competition with other mining companies. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking information, actual results could materially differ from those currently projected, and there is no representation by the Company that the actual results realized in the future will be the same in whole or in part as those presented herein. the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Readers are referred to the additional information regarding the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Company's filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. 1 All holes in this report are diamond holes at the Buen Retiro Copper Project, identified by a common prefix "BRT-DDH" followed by a number. For reader ease these have been reduced to the final two digits in the text of the report. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. MONTREAL, Aug. 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Canadian Metals Inc. ("CME" OR THE "CORPORATION") (CSE: CME), announces the Company has entered into debt settlement agreements related to an aggregate of $1,656,247 outstanding debt (the "Debt") - representing outstanding principal and interest owing from the Debentures (as defined herein). In settlement of the Debt, the Company will issue an aggregate of approximately 6,091,029 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Debt Shares") at a deemed price of $0.24 per Debt Share (the "Debt Settlement"). The indebtedness relates to outstanding principal and interest owing regarding previously issued unsecured convertible debentures of the Corporation issued on December 18, 2020 (the "Debentures"). All common shares issued in connection with the Debt Settlement will be subject to a statutory four month and one day hold period, in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") and applicable securities laws. The issuance of the Debt Shares is subject to certain conditions including the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the CSE. About Canadian Metals Inc. Canadian Metals is a diversified resource company focused on creating shareholder value through the development of large-scale mineral deposits in specific commodities and safe jurisdictions. Website: https://www.canadian-metals.com Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement Cautions: This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact included herein including, without limitation, statements relating to the future operating or financial performance of the Corporation, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", "plans" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: receipt of any required regulatory approvals for the issuance of the Debt Shares. Although CME believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct or accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. Except as required by law, CME expressly disclaims any obligation and does not intend to update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information in this press release. SOURCE Canadian Metals Inc. /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ VANCOUVER BC, Aug. 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Gladiator Metals Corp. (TSXV: GLAD) (OTC: GDTRF) (Frankfurt: ZX7) ("Gladiator" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that in connection with its previously announced "bought deal" private placement, the Company and Cormark Securities Inc. on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, the "Underwriters"), have agreed to increase the size of the private placement to aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $22.5 million (the "Offering"). The Offering will consist of the issuance and sale of (i) 10,563,400 common shares of the Company that will qualify as "flow-through shares" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) (the "FT Shares"), at a price of $1.42 per FT Share, for gross proceeds of $15,000,028, and (ii) 8,152,200 common shares of the Company (the "HD Shares") at a price of $0.92 per HD Share, for gross proceeds of $7,500,024, for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $22,500,052. The Company will use an amount equal to the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the FT Shares, pursuant to the provisions in the Income Tax Act (Canada), to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" as both terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Company's projects in the Yukon Territory. Gladiator intends to use the net proceeds of the offered HD Shares for working capital and general corporate purposes. Qualifying Expenditures in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Shares will be incurred (or deemed to be incurred) by the Company on or before December 31, 2026, and will be renounced by the Company to the initial purchasers of the FT Shares with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025. The Offering is expected to close on or about September 9, 2025 or such other date as the Company and the Underwriters may agree and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, including the conditional approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the FT Shares and HD Shares will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in all Provinces of Canada, other than Quebec, and/or other qualifying jurisdictions pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The FT Shares and HD Shares issued to Canadian resident subscribers under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will not be subject to a hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. There is an amended and restated offering document related to the Offering and the use by the Company of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption that can be accessed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.gladiatormetals.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Gladiator Metals Corp. Jason Bontempo, CEO Forward-Looking Statement Cautions: This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans with respect to the Company's projects and the timing related thereto, the merits of the Company's projects, the Company's objectives, plans and strategies, the Offering, the listing of the FT Shares and the HD Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange, the tax treatment of the FT Shares, the use of proceeds of the Offering and other matters. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective,", "strategy", "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the risk of accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, or the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other agency or governmental clearances, necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, risks of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes in the jurisdictions where the Company carries on its business that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Gladiator Metals Corp. Next article: Crypto regulation in Ghana: Striking the balance between safety and scale Featured Ghana's Ministry of Finance pays GH9.7billion domestic debt coupon GraphicOnline Business News Aug - 19 - 2025 , 17:52 The Ministry of Finance has announced the successful fulfilment of a major coupon payment obligation under the governments Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). In a press release dated August 19, 2025, the Ministry confirmed a disbursement of GH9,698,815,220.17, bringing the total amount paid under the programme for the year to GH19.4 billion. The payment is described as a demonstration of the governments unwavering commitment to honouring the terms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed under the exchange programme. The Ministry stated that this action is expected to strengthen investor confidence and support fiscal credibility. Furthermore, the release outlined a key fiscal measure from the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review, revealing the establishment of two dedicated sinking fund accounts. Government has established two dedicated sinking fund accountsa Cedi Sinking Fund Account and a US Dollar Sinking Fund Accountas mandated by the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), as amended. According to the Ministry, these funds are designed to provide liquidity buffers to ensure the timely redemption of loan obligations, including bonds maturing in 2026, 2027, and 2028. The statement concluded with a firm assurance to the market, stating, Government assures investors and the public that subsequent debt obligations, including DDEP obligations, will be honoured fully and on time. Featured Peru well-positioned as Ghanas gateway to South America Ambassador Elizabeth Nyaadu Adu Business News Aug - 19 - 2025 , 06:31 Peru is well-positioned to serve as a gateway for Ghanaian goods and services in the South American region, the Ambassador of Peru to Ghana, Rosa Liliana Gomez Cardenas de Weston, has said. This would offer Ghanaian exporters access to diverse international markets and strengthen economic integration between the two countries. At Perus 204th Independence Day celebration in Accra, the Ambassador emphasised the untapped potential in bilateral trade, particularly in agribusiness and sustainable mining sectors. The celebration brought together diplomats, policy makers among others to reflect on the values that united Peruvians and the connections they shared with the world, particularly with Ghana. The relationship between Peru and Ghana is one of mutual respect and shared aspirations. Our journey of diplomatic relations started 38 years ago. Both our nations share rich cultural heritages and a deep commitment to democracy, human rights and sustainable development. These shared values form the foundation of our bilateral relationship, which continues to grow stronger with each passing year, she stated. He said central to Perus economic proposition was the recently inaugurated Megaport of Chancay, described as a state-of-the-art facility that offered unprecedented connectivity and logistical advantages for businesses looking to penetrate Asian markets. This state-of-the-art facility offers unparalleled connectivity and logistical advantages, making it an ideal gateway for Ghanaian businesses looking to expand their reach into the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. "It is a propitious moment to emphasise the importance of strengthening trade and investment ties between Peru and Ghana and leverage our unique advantages to foster mutual prosperity, Ms Gomez stated. The Ambassador announced that a Second Webinar on Trade and Investment Promotion would be hosted in the coming weeks, focusing specifically on agribusiness and sustainable mining opportunities. The virtual event aims to foster deeper trade relations and create strategic partnerships between businesses and government representatives from both countries. Bilateral cooperation In a speech on his behalf, President John Dramani Mahama described the relations between Ghana and Peru as one that was defined by courtesy, constructive cooperation, and an expanding scope of engagement. These ties, he said, were anchored in shared principles of democratic governance, respect for human rights, and responsible stewardship of natural resources, values that continue to guide collaboration and lend purpose to the efforts of our respective governments. We are encouraged by the recent developments in our bilateral cooperation, particularly the upcoming inaugural meeting of the Mechanism of Political Consultations, scheduled to take place in September in Lima, which the delegation of Ghana is looking forward to attending. We view this as a significant step forward in fostering deeper diplomatic engagement and facilitating collaborative efforts in areas of mutual interest, including security, trade, and the protection of cultural heritage, he stated. Featured Petroleum Hub Development Corporation seals GH300m deal with Mannschaft Engineering GraphicOnline Business News Aug - 19 - 2025 , 08:47 Ghanas Petroleum Hub project has received a major boost following the signing of a GH300 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) and local firm Mannschaft Engineering and Infrastructure Systems. The agreement was concluded on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. The deal positions Mannschaft Engineering to provide financial, logistical, and technical expertise in advancing the ambitious Petroleum Hub initiative, earmarked to be developed on a 20,000-acre site. Under the MoU, Mannschaft will contribute GH150 million towards compensating landowners whose properties fall within the project zone. The company will also oversee the resettlement of communities affected by Phase One of the development while investing an additional GH150 million to support the construction of the initial phase. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Toni Aubynn, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the PHDC, described the partnership as a breakthrough that would ease the corporations financial burden and fast-track implementation. This partnership is a tremendous relief. Securing even half of the required funding for compensation alleviates significant pressure on the PHDC and accelerates our timeline for developing the Petroleum Hub, he said. Dr Aubynn stressed that Mannschafts participation would ensure high-quality engineering and logistical services for the hubs construction. He also praised the firms bold commitment, calling on other Ghanaian companies to back the project, which he described as a catalyst for national development. I am elated to witness this milestone, the culmination of extensive behind-the-scenes efforts. This MoU secures funding for Phase One compensation, and I am confident that both parties will uphold their commitments. The PHDC is fully dedicated to implementing measures to achieve the agreements objectives, he added. He further conveyed appreciation on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Green Transition and President John Mahama, noting that the government looked forward to seeing the deal translate into action. For his part, Maxwell Adu, Chief Executive Officer of Mannschaft Engineering and Infrastructure Systems, hailed the hub as a transformative venture that would position Ghana as a continental energy leader. He said Mannschafts vision aligned with the projects objectives, assuring that the company would apply its expertise in energy and logistics to advance construction of the first phase and strengthen Ghanas energy infrastructure. Following the MoU, Mannschaft is expected to release GH150 million to the Lands Commission for the initial compensation of affected landowners. The Commission will then issue an administrative fiat, formally confirming the acquisition of the land and outlining the compensation process for displaced individuals and families. The Petroleum Hub project, once completed, is expected to transform Ghana into a major petroleum and petrochemical hub in Africa, driving economic growth and industrialisation. Featured Reviving Juapong: Ghanas textile renaissance begins Gilbert Attipoe Opinion Aug - 18 - 2025 , 16:48 7 minutes read Once a vibrant hub of Ghanas textile industry, Juapong, a small town in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region, now stands as a shadow of its former self. Established in 1968, Juapong Textiles Limited, later known as Volta Star Textiles, was a beacon of industrial prowess, producing high-quality grey baft that supplied local and regional textile industries. At its peak, it employed thousands, fostered cultural pride through authentic Ghanaian designs, and was dubbed the Pride of Volta. Today, however, the town is synonymous with tragedy, its looms silent, its fabrics repurposed for pillows and wreaths for the dead. The collapse of Juapong Textiles, driven by cheap imports, policy inconsistencies, and operational inefficiencies, has left the town a ghost of its past. Yet, with strategic vision and bold action, Ghana can revive Juapong Textiles and transform it into a global brand, restoring economic vitality and cultural heritage. The fall of Juapong Textiles Juapong Textiles decline mirrors the broader challenges faced by Ghanas garment and textile (G&T) industry. In the 1970s, Ghanas textile sector boasted 16major manufacturers and employed over 25,000 people, with Juapong as a cornerstone. However, the liberalization of trade in the 1980s and 1990s flooded the market with cheap imports, particularly from China, which undercut local producers. By 2005, Juapong Textiles faced closure, laying off 1,400 workers due to uncompetitive production costs, high energy bills, and a lack of local raw materials like cotton. The factorys brief revival in 2007 as Volta Star Textiles, supported by Chinese technical assistance, faltered by 2014 due to obsolete technology and unpaid debts, including a crippling power bill to the Electricity Company of Ghana. As of July 2023, the factory remains non-operational, leaving over 1,200 workers unpaid and the town economically desolate. The influx of second-hand clothing, with Ghana importing $121 million worth in 2023, has further exacerbated the crisis. About 30-40% of the 12 million garments circulating weekly in Accras Kantamanto Market, West Africa s largest second-hand clothing market, end up as waste in landfills or on beaches. This not only undermines local production but also poses a severe environmental challenge. The once-thriving town of Juapong, where textiles symbolized life and culture, now sees its materials used for mourning, reflecting a community in decline. A blueprint for revival Reviving Juapong Textiles and positioning it as a global brand requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses economic, cultural, and environmental challenges while leveraging Ghanas rich textile heritage and modern market opportunities. Below are key strategies to achieve this transformation: 1. Invest in modern infrastructure and technology The operational inefficiencies plaguing Juapong Textiles stem largely from outdated machinery. A 2023 government assessment highlighted the factorys reliance on obsolete technology as a primary reason for its closure. To compete globally, Ghana must invest in state-of-the-art textile manufacturing equipment, focusing on energy-efficient and sustainable production methods. Partnerships with international firms, as seen in the 2007 revival with Chinese technical assistance, could provide expertise and funding. Additionally, establishing a dedicated manufacturing hub, similar to the West Africa Trade and Investment Hub supported by USAID, would ensure modern infrastructure and high-wage jobs. 2. Develop a local cotton industry A critical barrier to Juapongs sustainability is Ghanas lack of a robust cotton industry. As Ralph Ayitey, National Treasurer of the Association of Ghana Industries, noted, neighboring countries like Burkina Faso and Benin have thriving cotton sectors, while Ghana relies on imported cotton, burdened by a 5% duty that increases production costs. Establishing a cotton processing factory to supply Juapong Textiles would create vertical integration, reduce costs, and ensure a steady supply of raw materials. Government incentives, such as tax exemptions for cotton farmers and subsidies for processing facilities, could jumpstart this initiative. 3. Implement the Buy Ghana First policy Dr. Mahamudu Bawumias proposed Buy Ghana First policy, backed by law, prioritizes local manufacturers for public and private procurement, allowing imports only when local supply is insufficient. This policy could significantly boost demand for Juapongs grey baft, which is essential for producing high-quality African prints used by schools, hospitals, and other institutions across Ghana and West Africa. By enforcing local sourcing and cracking down on smuggling and counterfeit textiles, the government can create a protected market for Juapongs products, enhancing its competitiveness. 4. Leverage Ghanas Cultural Heritage for Global Appeal Juapong Textiles has a unique opportunity to capitalize on Ghanas rich cultural heritage, particularly through iconic fabrics like Kente cloth. By focusing on high-quality, authentic designs that reflect Ghanaian identity, history, and social themes, Juapong can differentiate itself in the global market. Collaborations with talented local designers and international fashion brands, as seen with emerging African labels like Osei-Duro, can elevate Juapongs products to high-fashion status. Social media and digital marketing, which have already fueled a partial comeback for Ghanas G&T industry, should be harnessed to promote Juapongs fabrics on global platforms, targeting African diaspora communities and fashion-conscious consumers worldwide. 5. Foster Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) The government alone cannot bear the burden of reviving Juapong Textiles. As suggested by Ghana Eximbanks CEO, Sylvester Mensah, and Volta Stars Managing Director, Jerome Dunyo, a public-private partnership model could attract private investment while maintaining public oversight. This approach would provide the capital needed for modernization and debt resolution, such as the factorys outstanding power bill, while ensuring operational efficiency through private sector expertise. Incentives like tax waivers on raw materials and machinery, as implemented for Akosombo Textiles, could further attract investors. 6. Address the textile waste crisis To compete with cheap imports and second-hand clothing, Ghana must address the textile waste crisis head-on. Strengthening anti-smuggling measures and enforcing import controls, as advocated by the Anti-Piracy Task Force, would protect local manufacturers from counterfeit textiles. Additionally, policies to regulate the quality of second-hand clothing imports, as suggested by industry experts, would reduce waste and support local production. By positioning Juapong as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion, Ghana can appeal to global consumers seeking ethical and environmentally friendly products. Building a global brand To transform Juapong Textiles into a global brand, Ghana must combine its cultural authenticity with modern business strategies. Heres how: Brand Identity: Create a compelling brand story around Juapongs legacy as the Pride of Volta, emphasizing its role in preserving Ghanaian heritage through iconic designs. A rebrand from Volta Star Textiles to a name that resonates globally, such as Juapong Heritage Textiles, could enhance marketability. Export Markets: Target West African and diaspora markets, where demand for authentic African textiles is strong, and explore opportunities in Europe and North America, where sustainable and cultural fashion is gaining traction. Sustainability Certifications: Pursue certifications like Fair Trade or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) to appeal to eco-conscious consumers and increase Juapongs credibility in global markets. Digital Presence: Invest in a robust online platform and social media campaigns to showcase Juapongs designs, collaborating with influencers and designers to build a global following. Economic and social impact Reviving Juapong Textiles would have far-reaching benefits. Economically, it could create thousands of jobs, directly employing workers in production and indirectly supporting farmers, artisans, and logistics providers. At its peak, Juapong employed over 3,000 workers, and a revitalized factory could surpass this, boosting the local economy in North Tongu. Socially, it would restore pride to a community that has suffered from unemployment and despair, transforming Juapong from a town of tragedy into a symbol of resilience and innovation. Environmentally, by reducing reliance on imported textiles and promoting sustainable practices, Juapong could help mitigate Ghanas textile waste crisis. Conclusion The story of Juapong Textiles is one of lost glory but also untapped potential. By investing in modern technology, developing a local cotton industry, enforcing protective policies, and leveraging Ghanas cultural heritage, the government and private sector can revive this once-proud institution. Transforming Juapong Textiles into a global brand requires bold vision, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Ghana has the opportunity to not only restore Juapongs industrial legacy but also position it as a leader in the global textile market, turning a ghost town into a beacon of hope and innovation. The time to act is now. Juapongs looms must weave again, not for wreaths, but for a vibrant future. Writer's email: [email protected] Featured Rebels armed with machetes kill at least 52 in eastern Congo Reuters International News Aug - 19 - 2025 , 15:28 1 minute read Islamic State-backed rebels armed with machetes and hoes have killed at least 52 civilians in the Beni and Lubero areas of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in recent days, UN and local officials said. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels were taking revenge on civilians after suffering defeats by Congolese forces, Lieutenant Elongo Kyondwa Marc, a regional Congolese army spokesperson, said. "When they arrived, they first woke the residents, gathered them in one place, tied them up with ropes, and then began to massacre them with machetes and hoes," Macaire Sivikunula, chief of Lubero's Bapere sector, told Reuters over the weekend. About 30 civilians were killed in the village of Melia alone, Alain Kiwewe, a military administrator for the Lubero territory, told Reuters. "Among the victims were children and women whose throats were slit in their homes, while several houses were set on fire," he said. The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) condemned "in the strongest possible terms" the attacks by the ADF between August 9 and 16, the mission's spokesperson said on Monday. Featured Skibidi, delulu and tradwife among words added to Cambridge Dictionary bbc.com International News Aug - 18 - 2025 , 21:57 2 minutes read "Skibidi", "tradwife" and other slang terms popularised on social media are among thousands of new words to be added to the Cambridge Dictionary this year. Skibidi is a gibberish term which gained popularity via a viral animated video series on YouTube, while tradwife is a shortening of "traditional wife" a married mother who cooks, cleans and posts on social media. More than 6,000 new words have been added, including those that relate to tech giants and remote working. "Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary," said lexical programme manager Colin McIntosh. Skibidi is defined in the dictionary as "a word that can have different meanings such as 'cool' or 'bad', or can be used with no real meaning as a joke". An example of its use is "What the skibidi are you doing?" Reality TV star Kim Kardashian revealed her familiarity with the phrase when she posted a video on Instagram showing a necklace engraved with "skibidi toilet" the name of the YouTube series. An earlier use of the word came in 2018 when the band Little Big released a track called Skibidi. The music video has been viewed more than 700 million times and features a dance that went viral. As well as new phrases, some shortened versions of existing terms have been added, including "delulu" a play on the word "delusional", with a similar definition: "believing things that are not real or true, usually because you choose to". An increase in remote working since the pandemic has seen "mouse jiggler" a device or piece of software used to make it seem as though you are working when you are not gain its place in the dictionary. Other work-related words to make the cut include "work wife" and "work spouse", which acknowledge workplace relationships where two people help and trust each other. Some composite terms such as "broligarchy" have also been added. Merging "bro" and "oligarchy", it means "a small group of men, especially men owning or involved in a technology business, who are extremely rich and powerful, and who have or want political influence". It was used to describe tech leaders Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg attending Donald Trump's inauguration in January. Mr McIntosh said Cambridge Dictionary only added words which they believed could stand the test of time. "It's not every day you get to see words like 'skibidi' and 'delulu' make their way into the Cambridge Dictionary," he said. "We only add words where we think they'll have staying power." Next article: Rescuers in Nigeria search for dozens missing after boat capsizes Featured US State Department revokes 6,000 student visas bbc.com International News Aug - 18 - 2025 , 21:42 2 minutes read The State Department has revoked more than 6,000 international student visas because of violations of US law and overstays, the department told the BBC. The agency said the "vast majority" of the violations were assault, driving under the influence (DUI), burglary and "support for terrorism". The move comes as the Trump administration continues its crackdown on immigration and international students. While the State Department did not specify what they meant by "support for terrorism", the Trump administration has targeted some students who have protested in support of Palestine, arguing they had expressed antisemitic behaviour. Of the 6,000 student visas that were revoked, the State Department said about 4,000 of those were revoked because visitors broke the law. Another 200-300 visas were also revoked for "terrorism done under INA 3B", the State Department said, referring to code that defines "terrorist activity" broadly as acts that endanger human life or violate US law. Earlier this year, the Trump administration paused scheduling visa appointments for international students. In June, when they restarted appointments, they announced they would ask all applicants to make their social media accounts public for enhanced screening. They said they would search for "any indications of hostility toward the citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States". State Department officers were also instructed to screen for those "who advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists and other threats to national security; or who perpetrate unlawful anti-Semitic harassment or violence". Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers in May that he estimated "thousands" of student visas had been rescinded since January. "I don't know the latest count, but we probably have more to do," Rubio told US lawmakers on 20 May. "We're going to continue to revoke the visas of people who are here as guests and are disrupting our higher education facilities." Democrats have pushed back against the Trump administration's effort to revoke student visas, describing it is an attack on due process. More than 1.1 million international students from over 210 countries were enrolled in US colleges in the 2023-24 school year, according to Open Doors, an organisation that collects data on foreign students. Featured Why covering a toilet seat with paper won't stop the spread of germs bbc.com Life Aug - 19 - 2025 , 11:06 11 minutes read As you sink down onto a toilet seat used by hundreds of other people the same day, you might be wondering: how long do pathogens survive in bathrooms? Once you set foot in a public toilet, it can be impossible to resist the overwhelming feeling of "ick". The sight of urine splattered on the toilet seat and the floor, the pungent scent of somebody else's bodily fluids it can really slam against your senses. You might open the stall door with your elbow, flush with your foot, or drape the entire seat in toilet paper and execute a squat if you find the whole thing too gross to contemplate. But can you actually catch diseases from merely sitting on the seat? Or are the elaborate techniques some people use to avoid contact completely unnecessary? Here's what microbiologists have to say. What you (probably) won't catch "Theoretically, yes [you can catch diseases from the toilet seat], but the risk is vanishingly low," says Jill Roberts, a professor of public health and microbiology at the University of South Florida. Take sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Most of the bacteria and viruses that can cause them, from gonorrhea to chlamydia, cannot survive for long outside of an organism's body, let alone on a cold, hard surface like a toilet seat. That's why it's thought that the majority of STDs an only be transmitted via direct contact of the genitalia and exchange of bodily fluids. One would have to be unlucky enough to transfer someone else's fresh bodily fluids immediately from the seat to the genitalia either by hand or toilet paper to be at risk, says Roberts. So, while it's good to be cautious and maintain hygienic practices, such as avoiding toilets that are obviously contaminated, it's not something that should keep you up at night. "If toilet seats could [easily] transfer STDs, we would see them frequently across all age groups and in people with no history of sexual activity," says Roberts. Similarly, Roberts says you're unlikely to catch a bloodborne disease from a toilet seat either. For a start, she thinks you'd see and avoid somebody's blood if it was on the toilet seat. In any case, it would not easily transmit bloodborne pathogens in the absence of sexual activity or injection with contaminated needles, she says. It's equally unlikely that you would catch another person's urinary tract infection (UTI) from the toilet seat, says Roberts. You'd only get a UTI if you transmitted faeces from the toilet seat to the urinary tract, but a large amount of faeces would be required for this, says Roberts. It's much more likely that you develop a UTI by wiping your own excrement too close to your genitalia, she adds. What you can get There are some exceptions of longer-lived sexually transmitted diseases, though. Human papilloma viruses (HPV), which cause genital warts, can stick around for up to a week on surfaces, although it depends on several factors. "These viruses are very small and have very stable protein shells that give them a longer 'shelf life' in the environment," says Karen Duus, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Touro University in Nevada. HPV tends to be resistant to hand sanitisers and requires a concentration of 10% bleach to destroy that tough, protective protein shell, says Duus. Still, these viruses can only make their way into your body if the skin barrier of your genital area is compromised, says Duus, with a rash or a wound, while you're sitting on the toilet. As such, HPV is typically only transmitted via sexual skin-to-skin contact, such as oral, anal, and vaginal sex. Similarly, in theory, someone with genital herpes who is having a flare-up could shed virus onto a toilet seat, and subsequent users might be at risk if they have broken skin or if they're immunosuppressed, says Daniel Atkinson, a clinical lead for the online healthcare service company Treated.com in the United States. But it's unlikely, says Atkinson. So, should I cover the toilet seat, or squat so I don't touch it? Draping the toilet seat with paper before sitting on it, or using a toilet-seat cover, might feel like the cleanest way to use a public toilet. According to one poll by the research group YouGov from 2023, around 63% of Americans sit down when they use a public toilet but around half of those first line the seat with toilet roll. The same poll found that around 20% of people squat instead. In the United States, home restrooms are far germier than public restrooms that we studied at a university Charles Gerba However, a layer of toilet paper or a toilet cover will likely not protect you from pathogens they are made of porous materials, so they cannot stop germs from seeping through and touching your genitals. And squatting could potentially do more harm than good, according to Stephanie Bobinger, a clinical specialist in pelvic health at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. When women hover over the toilet to urinate, they contract the pelvic floor and pelvic girdle muscles. This obstructs the flow of urine from the bladder, making it necessary to push harder and exert unnecessary strain on the pelvis. It also means that women might not empty their entire bladder in the process, which can sometimes even lead to a urinary tract infection. The actual problem As it happens, the risk of catching diseases in the bathroom, in general, doesn't come from your genital contact with the toilet seat. Rather, it comes from your hands touching the toilet seat and becoming contaminated with bacteria or viruses from small particles of your or other people's bodily substances, says Roberts and then you touching your face and mouth with these soiled hands. "The threat is not to your rear end, it is to your mouth from your hands," says Roberts. For a start, the specks of faeces dappled across a toilet seat can contain pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. When ingested, they can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Faeces can also contain traces of norovirus. This highly contagious pathogen is easily spread via contaminated surfaces, as well as via food or drink, or direct contact with someone who is unwell. It is extremely resilient. On some surfaces, it can survive for up to two months. And just a little bit can go a long way in making somebody sick it's thought that between 10 and 100 particles of the virus can be enough to infect someone. One study calculated that people are most likely to become infected with norovirus by touching contaminated surfaces in a bathroom, compared to Covid-19 and adenovirus a pathogen which leads to cold or flu-like symptoms in most infected people, or more severe illness in those who are elderly or immunocompromised. Still, the actual risk of getting sick this way might be low. "The bathroom isn't contaminated with faeces from the dark ages it is cleaned regularly," says Roberts. She says that when her microbiology students swab the surfaces of different environments for microbes, the amount they find in the computer lab is unspeakable in comparison to that of toilet stalls. "In the United States, home restrooms are far germier than public restrooms that we studied at a university," says Charles Gerba, a professor of virology at the University of Arizona. "It's [arguably] safer to use a toilet in the public restroom than at home in most places." In most locations, cleaning crews wipe down public toilets several times a day, while most households only clean their bathroom once a week, say Gerba's surveys. The ideal cleaning schedule for household bathrooms, according to Gerba's laboratory, should be every three days. Beware the 'toilet sneeze' Of course, most people aren't going around caressing the toilet seats of bathrooms. And though most people wash their hands much less often than we'd like to think (Read more from the BBC about why some people don't wash their hands), hopefully you don't usually put your hands in your mouth after using the toilet. However, there is another way of contracting a disease in the bathroom. Enter the toilet plume. When you flush the toilet, the germs inside the bowl are propelled into the air and land all over the bathroom stall. And all over you, if you're still in the stall. Mathematical models suggest that 40-60% of the particles present in a toilet bowl might travel. "Some people like to call it the 'toilet sneeze'," says Gerba. The "germiest" surface is actually the floor Studies have found and the bacteria Clostridium difficile a pathogen that's common in healthcare settings and can be notoriously difficult to eradicate from the environment can travel far and wide in the air after the toilet has been flushed. The he latter travels in spores and can be inhaled too This risk, therefore, is not just from toilet seats, but from toilet lids, doorknobs, toilet flushes, sink handles, and towel dispensers, which you touch directly with your hands, says Gerba. The "germiest" surface, he says, is actually the floor. Unfortunately, bathrooms also often have traces of bonus pathogens that you wouldn't necessarily associate with one's urine or poo, but simply with sneezing and coughing. For example, the flu virus can sometimes be found on bathroom surfaces. How to avoid diseases when you're in the toilet There are several common-sense steps you can take to avoid contracting something nasty from any toilet facility, whether at home or in public. Elizabeth Paddy, a water hygiene engineer at Loughborough University in the UK, recommends touching things as little as possible. (In fact, one way toilet manufacturers could make bathrooms safer is by designing touchless flushing mechanisms, soap dispensers, hand dryers, and more, says Paddy.) To avoid toilet plumes, closing the lid to flush might seem like a responsible choice, but "closing the lid and opening it didn't make much difference in that at all", says Gerba. His 2024 study suggests that viruses in toilet plumes can escape sideways, even when the lid is down. That's likely because lids don't tend to be perfect fits with toilet seats, and public toilets tend to have higher-pressure flushes to consume less water. In fact, Paddy thinks that bathroom manufacturers should remove lids from toilets altogether, to avoid people touching the lid and then accidentally touching the toilet seat too. "The lid is not really the way forward," she says. There are more effective interventions, says Paddy, like making toilet bowls with shields that go between the bowl and the seat. Currently, these are largely used in healthcare settings to protect nurses and doctors from patients' flushed pathogens, says Paddy. There are also air sprays that have been demonstrated to be effective in sanitising the air and surfaces in bathrooms, therefore helping to counteract the dissemination of pathogens via toilet "sneezes". Another option is to just flush and then leave the stall immediately. "I usually do the flush and run," says Gerba. He also recommends waiting 10 minutes before going into a public toilet after somebody else, though that might be tricky to achieve in practice. If you bring your phone to the toilet, you'll risk it touching pathogens that have been sprayed around the stall Then there are mobile phones. It's not recommended to use your phone while in the toilet stall, says Roberts your phone is already exceptionally dirty, as you take it with you everywhere, rest it on every ledge, and touch it all the time. If you bring it to the toilet, you'll risk it touching pathogens that have been sprayed around the stall, and then you'll carry them around with you even after washing your hands. The simplest thing you can do is to always wash your hands immediately after you go to the bathroom, says Gerba, who notes that the average person in Tucson, Arizona, only spends 11 seconds washing their hands, while the Centers for Disease Control in the United States suggests handwashing for 20 seconds. "Only about one in five actually wash their hands adequately," says Gerba. So, to prevent catching a disease in the public restroom, wash your hands. Better still, add an extra step of applying hand sanitiser too, as the combination is significantly more protective than handwashing alone. And try not to let the fear of pathogens lurking in toilets keep you up at night your risk is (probably) lower than you think. * Disclaimer. All content within this column is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this site. The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health. Featured Assemblies of God bans its pastors from use of honorary titles Joyce Timbillah Awuni Education Aug - 19 - 2025 , 08:35 3 minutes read The Assemblies of God (AG), Ghana, has instructed all its ministers of the Gospel to refrain from using honorary academic titles such as Dr in accordance with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commissions (GTEC) regulations, which do not recognise such titles as equivalents to earned academic qualifications. In a circular dated July 11, signed by the General Secretary of the church, Rev. Ernest Birikorang (Ph.D.), pastors were reminded of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the ministry to avoid conflicts with the regulator. The directive clarified that pastors conferred with honorary doctorate degrees, whether from accredited or non-accredited institutions, must desist from appending the title Dr to their names. The circular also urged ministers who had legitimately pursued academic programmes leading to degrees such as bachelors, masters or Ph.D. to be prepared to submit their certificates to the GTEC for verification if they wanted those qualifications to be officially recognised by the church. It warned that any pastor who flouted the directive or was in conflict with the GTEC would face suspension. Background The Assemblies of God directive followed a series of stern warnings issued by the GTEC regarding the misuse of academic titles in the country. In April this year, the commission expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of individuals parading as Dr or Prof. based on honorary awards. The GTEC said while honorary degrees were legitimate, they were purely symbolic and did not confer academic or professional status on recipients. According to the commission, the use of such titles misled the public and undermined the integrity of the countrys higher education system. It stressed that only those who had earned their qualifications through academic study and research were entitled to use them. The commission cited the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), which empowers it to regulate the use of academic nomenclature, including Doctor and Professor. Under the law, offenders face sanctions, including fines of up to 250 penalty units, imprisonment of up to one year or both. To enforce compliance, the GTEC launched public education campaigns and warned that it may publish names of offenders and take legal action against persistent violators. Example of leadership In the Assemblies of God circular, Rev. Birikorang urged pastors to follow the example of the churchs General Superintendent, Rev. Stephen Wengam, who announced last year that, although an honorary doctorate had been conferred on him, he had voluntarily ceased using the title Dr and encouraged other ministers to do the same. Rev. Birikorang expressed confidence that church ministers would adhere to the directive, noting that doing so would uphold the ministry's credibility and show respect for Ghanas education regulatory framework. He said that, by aligning with the directives, the Assemblies of God becomes one of the first major Christian denominations in the country to formally instruct its ministers to refrain from using honorary titles. Next article: Assemblies of God bans its pastors from use of honorary titles Featured Govt to introduce STEM subjects at basic level Biiya Mukusah Ali Education Aug - 19 - 2025 , 08:42 4 minutes read The government will revolutionise Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education from the foundation level in the new curriculum review. As part of that, artificial intelligence (AI), engineering, coding and robotics, among others, will feature prominently at the foundation level in the new curriculum to make Ghanaian students competitive and to secure their future. We want to revolutionise STEM at the basic level to secure the future of our schoolchildren. I must first thank the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who first conceptualised the idea, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, said at the inauguration of the Basic Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (BSTEM) teacher training in Sunyani in the Bono Region yesterday. BSTEM project The launch brought together hundreds of students from senior high schools (SHSs) in the region. The effort is aimed at equipping teachers with modern skills, digital tools, and innovative pedagogies to make STEM exciting and accessible to basic school-level learners. It is also targeted at whipping up the interest of students at an early age and igniting their curiosity, creativity, and confidence to drive national development. The project was launched in partnership with the Ministry of Education and itec Global, and is expected to benefit 8,800 teachers and 4,400 schools across the country. Honouring Omane Boamah Mr Iddrisu said the government would construct a modern science laboratory at the Pope John Senior High School and Seminary in Koforidua in the Eastern Region in honour of the late Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, who lost his life in the tragic August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash with seven others. The construction of the proposed facility, he explained, was to honour the late Dr Omane Boamah, an old student of the school, for his loyalty and dedication to the service of Ghana and for President John Dramani Mahama. "As we launch this BSTEM project today, I am happy on behalf of the government of President Mahama to assure the good people of Koforidua that the government will build a modern dedicated science laboratory in honour of the late Dr Kofi Omane Boamah," he said. Revive Mr Iddrisu said the government had revived the BSTEM project, which had stalled for several years, to achieve its full potential. He said the new curriculum had been carefully designed to create pathways for the learners to identify and develop their talents early. "We are moving away from rote memorisation towards enquiry, problem-solving, and creativity, which will give every Ghanaian child the opportunity to nurture his or her potential, whether in science, technology, the arts, or entrepreneurship," he said. Mr Iddrisu said the project represented one of the ministrys most important priorities, strengthening STEM education from the basic level, where the foundation of learning was laid. He recalled that between 2012 and 2016, under the leadership of Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, who served as Minister of Education, a committee was established to review the challenges confronting the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics in schools, particularly at the basic level. Mr Iddrisu explained that out of that critical review, the Basic Science and Mathematics project was born to address the challenges directly. "Over time, the project evolved to reflect global educational trends and to embrace the full breadth of STEM. This transformation led to the BSTEM project, which we are gathered here today to advance," he said. Mr Iddrisu, however, said no matter how well designed, a curriculum could not succeed without modern teacher training that would equip teachers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to deliver STEM at all levels, hence the BSTEM programme. Government ambition The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Professor Ernest Kofi Davies, said the aim of the government was to provide quality, accessible and relevant education to produce 21st-century graduates with balanced knowledge, skills, attitude and values. He said the current education system focused on training entrepreneurs, innovators, life-long learners and global citizens. Previous article: OSP/FBI clears Cecilia Dapaah of corruption, but EOCO's new money laundering probe is on Chief of Staff backs borderless Africa drive GraphicOnline Aug - 19 - 2025 , 14:52 2 minutes read The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has reaffirmed governments commitment to the vision of a borderless Africa, describing visa restrictions as barriers that weaken the continents shared identity. Speaking at the launch of the Trans-Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign in Accra yesterday, Mr Debrah said the initiative was an important step in uniting Africans and unlocking economic opportunities through regional integration. Visa barriers fragment our shared African identity. The government of Ghana envisions a continent where Africans travel freely, boosting trade, tourism, and unity, he stated. He commended the organisers and their sponsors for leading what he described as a journey to unite Africa and push for the removal of visa restrictions to help develop the continent. Mr Debrah also reflected on his personal experiences travelling across Africa, cautioning the campaign team to take their security seriously and avoid driving at night during their cross-continental tour. Highlighting the economic potential of free movement, he said tourism already contributed over $190 billion annually to Africas GDP but remained constrained by restrictive visa regimes. A visa-free Africa could double intra-African tourism, boosting local economies and creating jobs, he added. The Trans-Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign, which began in Accra yesterday, will see campaigners embark on a 163-day, 40,000-kilometre journey across the continent to advocate for visa-free travel, meet African heads of government, and engage the media to push for stronger unity. Featured Finance Minister inaugurates Gold Board tribunal Jemima Okang Addae Aug - 19 - 2025 , 18:05 1 minute read The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has inaugurated and sworn into office the newly constituted Gold Board Tribunal under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025. The tribunal has been set up as an ad-hoc appellate body to handle disputes and appeals arising from decisions of the Ghana Gold Board, including licensing matters and cases referred from the Dispute Resolution Committee. At a brief ceremony in Accra, the Chairperson, Biadala Mortey Akpadzi, together with members Hamidu Mariam and Justin Pwavra Teriwajah, took the official oaths of office. The tribunals rulings carry the same legal weight as judgments of the High Court, although parties dissatisfied with its decisions may appeal to the Court of Appeal. Dr. Forson said the establishment of the tribunal marked a major step towards enhancing transparency, accountability and fairness in the gold sector. He noted that the body would provide a vital balance between regulatory oversight and the protection of the rights of players in the mining industry. The Finance Minister urged the newly sworn-in members to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality and professionalism as they begin their work. Inaugural Members Chairperson Biadala Mortey Akpadzi Member Hamidu Mariam Member Justin Pwavra Teriwajah Featured Fire contained at Bolgatanga Technical Institute library and office Jemima Okang Addae Aug - 19 - 2025 , 10:48 1 minute read The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has successfully contained a fire that broke out at the Bolgatanga Technical Institute library and the Senior Housemasters office in the late hours of Monday, August 18. According to the Service, the blaze, reported at 12:57 a.m., was tackled by a team of firefighters led by STNO II Azanga Peter Agambare. The crew arrived at the scene within minutes and deployed both offensive and defensive firefighting tactics, bringing the fire under control by 1:46 a.m. and fully extinguishing it by 1:56 a.m. The GNFS confirmed that books, office furniture, equipment, and other property were destroyed. However, its swift intervention prevented the fire from spreading to nearby school facilities. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the outbreak. Next article: See the areas that will be affected by ECG's planned maintenance on August 20, 2025 Featured Ghana Armed Forces deny reports about arrest of Brigadier General Michael Opoku GraphicOnline Aug - 19 - 2025 , 17:45 2 minutes read The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has officially denied circulating media reports claiming that Brigadier General Michael Opoku has been arrested by security operatives for possessing ammunition. In a press release issued on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and signed by Captain V.A. Arhin, the Acting Director General of Public Relations, the military high command stated that thorough checks with relevant authorities had failed to confirm the alleged incident. As at date, all enquiries from various Security Agencies and National Investigation Authorities have not corroborated the said publication of arrest, the release stated. The statement sought to clarify the status of the senior officer, asserting, The Armed Forces can confirm that Brigadier General Michael Opoku remains an active member of the Ghana Armed Forces and is not under arrest for any crime committed. Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, the GAF assured the public that any soldier found to have committed a crime would face the full rigours of the law. The Ghana Armed Forces however, wishes to assure the general public that notwithstanding the false publication, any military personnel involved in any crime of any nature would be subjected to the same procedure as any other citizen of the Country. Describing the viral news item as entirely false, the security institution urged the public to disregard it and issued a caution against the dissemination of false information. The Ghana Armed Forces wishes to state categorically that the story is false and should be ignored. It urges all to refrain from such misinformation and disinformation activities. Featured Ghana begins legal timber export under new EU legal framework Timothy Ngnenbe Aug - 19 - 2025 , 09:26 5 minutes read The Forestry Commission has issued the first six certificates to five Ghanaian companies to export timber and timber products to the European market under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licensing regime. The certificates, which are part of the 131 timber utilisation contracts (TUCs) ratified by Parliament on June 24, this year, were presented to Samartex Timber and Plywood Co. Ltd, Logs and Lumber Ltd, JCM Company Ltd, Mere Plantations Ltd; and West Coast Wooden Products Ghana Ltd. Context Also known as the timber legality licence, the FLEGT licence is a document issued by timber-producing countries that have ratified a voluntary partnership agreement (VPA) with the EU. The FLEGT confirms that shipment of timber or timber products have been legally produced under the relevant laws of the country of harvest. It also ensures that timber exported to the EU by partner countries is harvested legally, thereby promoting sustainable forest management. The acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, presented the certificates to the companies at the launch of the FLEGT licensing regime on the premises of the Forestry Commission in Accra yesterday. The event brought together policymakers, regulators and other players in the forestry sector. Key personalities at the event included the President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefou Amoakwa Buadu VIII; Ghanas Ambassador to Togo, Capt. George Kofi Nfojoh, and the Deputy Head of Delegation, EU Delegation to Ghana, Jonas Claes. Having received the certificates, the companies have begun the process to export timber and timber products to destinations such as Italy, Germany and Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia. The issuance of the certificates makes Ghana the first country in Africa and second in the world, only after Indonesia, to export timber and timber products to the EU market under the FLEGT licence regime. Worthy milestone A speech delivered by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Innocent Haligah, on behalf of the Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the launch of the FLEGT licence was a major step towards the sustainable management of the countrys forest reserves. He said it was refreshing that the journey to acquiring a FLEGT licence, which started in 2009, with the signing of the voluntary partnership agreement (VPA), had seen the light of day. "This milestone has been achieved through collaborative efforts of both state and non-state institutions, including civil society organisations, who have been following keenly and putting pressure on duty bearers, and we can all be happy now for how far with have come," he said. Mr Buah said the entire FLEGT licence process, which spanned many political regimes, meant that through collaboration, the country could achieve greatness. He observed that the licence was an opportunity to expand the timber market and ensure that timber resources were sustainably harvested and managed well. Mr Buah cautioned persons who were engaged in illegal logging and illegal mining to move out of forest zones before the law caught up with them. "These people should know that we are coming for them. We will come hard at them; the field day is over, and there is no hideout for them," he stressed. The acting Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh Brown, said the issuance of the FLEGT licensing certificates was a call on companies in the forest sector to get their act together and operate within the legal framework. He also urged all those engaged in illegal logging, illegal mining and other crimes in the forest ecosystem to stop. Solidarity While commending Ghana for chalking up a historic feat, Mr Claes said the EU was committed to supporting the country to succeed in sustainably managing forest resources. "Today is a big day for EU-Ghana relations and sustainability, as we go live on the FLEGT licences, which marks a significant step in Ghanas commitment to trade in legal timber and wood products, combating illegal logging and promoting good forest governance," he said. Mr Claes added that the issuance of FLEGT licences combined environmental and economic virtues as it would facilitate and boost trade in legal timber products while also promoting sustainable forest management. The EU envoy added that the issuance of an FLEGT licence by Ghana was not the end of the road but required the country to play according to the rules of engagement. "The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and ultimately, we must focus on increasing trade in legal timber products while tackling deforestation and biodiversity loss," he said. Support He gave an assurance that the EU would support Ghana every step of the journey. For instance, he said the EU was in the process of procuring IT equipment worth 400,000 for the Forestry Commission and its offices. "More support is underway. We are planning for an additional 37 million towards the improved management and conservation of natural resources both land and forests. These funds will help to combine integrated landscape approaches, with support for value chains (cocoa in central Ghana, cashew in northern Ghana), he added. Mr Claes added that there was a need for a concerted effort to curb the devastating environmental effects of illegal gold mining, including its impact on the countrys forests. Background Initially, it was expected that beginning June 15, this year, all timber products that will be exported from Ghana to the EU market would conform to the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licence requirement, making the country the first African country and the second in the world to meet the requirement. However, the delayed ratification of the timber rights by Parliament made it impossible to meet that deadline. Finally, Parliament ratified 131 Timber Utilisation Contracts (TUCs), paving the way for Ghana to issue the FLEGT licence for the export of timber and timber products to the EU market. The milestone, which was achieved on July 24 this year, put the country in a good position to meet the October 8, 2025, deadline set by the EU for trade in timber under the Ghana-EU voluntary partnership agreement (VPA). The ratification of the TUCs came as an icing on the cake as the EU declared Ghana a low-risk country under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Ghana must renegotiate trade, financing terms to drive economic transformation UNDP Gilbert Azeem Tiroog Aug - 19 - 2025 , 09:57 3 minutes read The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to Ghana, Niloy Banerjee, has called on the government to urgently renegotiate its trade and financing terms to unlock genuine economic transformation and inclusive development. He said Ghana borrowed in dollars and was expected to repay in the same currency, even though most of its revenues were generated in cedis. This mismatch, he argued, placed undue pressure on the economy and exposed the country to exchange rate vulnerabilities that stalled the nations quest towards achieving sustainable development. Regional Forum Mr Banerjee was speaking at the Regional Forum for Private Sector Investment in Northern Ghana in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. It was organised by the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council in collaboration with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), and supported by the UNDP and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Held on the theme: "Accelerating Local Development Leveraging Private Sector Investment and Partnership", the forum brought together local entrepreneurs, including basket weavers, seamstresses, craft and bead makers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) alongside private sector investors. It aimed at identifying and leveraging investment opportunities within the region, exploring export potential for local products, gaining insights into marketing tools and strategies for promoting investment, and understanding how to align local assets with private sector interest and financing. Mr Banerjee also underscored the need to transition from raw material exports to value-added production, especially in agriculture and agro-processing. Full of potential He described northern Ghana, particularly the Upper East, as fertile and full of potential and urged the stakeholders to create a supportive environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially those led by the youth and women. In most countries, 80 to 90 per cent of employment comes from SMEs. Not everyone will get an office job from the government, but everyone can become an entrepreneur, he added. Commitment Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, reaffirmed the governments commitment to addressing regional inequalities through projects like the Edwumawura initiative and the Feed Ghana programme. According to him, the project, which was launched in April 2025, will support 10,000 youth-led enterprises annually with startup capital, mentorship, tax reliefs, and access to markets. He called on the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to prioritise agriculture by supporting farmers to shift from seasonal farming to year-round agriculture through irrigation and mechanisation. It is the duty of the MMDAs ensure to make it all-year-round farming and that the Feed Ghana Programme is not just about farming, it is about food sovereignty; All MMDAs must see this as a necessity, he stressed. Economic potential The Director-General of the NDPC, Dr Audrey Amoah Smock, underscored the economic potential of Ghanas northern regions, pointing to promising sectors such as basket weaving, shea processing, livestock, dryland farming, ecotourism and solar energy. She noted that, the gap between potential and prosperity is not a lack of vision, but rather a lack of investment, coordination and forward-thinking local leadership. Dr Smock revealed that with support from the UNDP and the UN Peacebuilding Fund, eight pilot districts, including Bongo, Garu and Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri, had developed investment strategies using an NDPC-designed toolkit. This toolkit, she said, helped districts assess investment readiness, identify competitive sectors, develop business cases and attract private financing. Throw more light on financial malfeasance - GACC entreats media Mohammed Fugu Aug - 19 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read The media have been entreated to throw more light on the many infractions captured in the annual Auditor-Generals Reports to ensure perpetrators are held accountable. The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Beauty Emefa Narteh, said that the non-consistent media scrutiny had allowed perpetrators of financial malfeasance to go unpunished. She, therefore, urged journalists to take a keen interest in such cases and pursue the reports to ensure accountability, transparency, and the protection of public resources. The Executive Secretary said the A-Gs Reports provided rich sources of evidence of how public funds were managed, yet they often received limited follow-ups by the media after their release. Event Mrs Narteh was speaking at a two-day training workshop in Tamale on the 2024 Auditor-Generals Reports for selected journalists from across northern Ghana yesterday. The journalists in Tamale Organised by GACC, in collaboration with the Ghana Audit Service, the workshop aims at strengthening journalists understanding of the reports and equipping them with practical skills for investigative follow-ups to the findings and recommendations. The training formed part of the Building Evidence for Increased Accountability in Ghana through a Multi-Stakeholder Accountability Initiative, a project funded by the Hewlett Foundation. Pressure Mrs Narteh said the media needed to break down the complex reports into simplified information that the public could easily understand. She said doing so would not only raise awareness but also put pressure on duty bearers to implement corrective measures. The Auditor-Generals Reports are not just documents to be shelved; they are accountability tools. Journalists must see themselves as the bridge between the technical content and the ordinary citizen, and use their platforms to expose corruption and demand accountability, Mrs Narteh added. She further urged the media to move beyond event reporting to investigative journalism that follows through on the recommendations of the A-G to determine whether responsible agencies take action. Mandate For his part, Assistant Director of Audit at the Ghana Audit Service, Fredrick Lokko, took participants through the mandate of the service and explained that it plays a constitutional role in ensuring financial discipline across public institutions. He added that the services mandate included not only auditing government accounts but also recommending corrective actions. Mr Lokko, however, said that effective collaboration with the media was necessary to ensure audit findings reached the public and translated into real accountability. Writers email:[email protected] UN report identifies priority areas for renewable energy acceleration Emmanuel Bonney Aug - 19 - 2025 , 09:57 4 minutes read A United Nations (UN) report has identified six priority areas for countries across the world to accelerate the new era of energy powered by renewable natural resources. The areas include providing policy coherence, clarity and certainty in renewable energy, investing in enabling infrastructure for the 21st century energy system and meeting new electricity demand with renewables, especially for rapidly growing sectors. The others are placing people and equity at the heart of the just energy transition to drive inclusive economic development, supercharge the transition by increasing cooperation on trade and investment, as well as dismantle structural barriers to mobilise energy-transition finance for developing countries. This report, Moment of Opportunity: Supercharging the new energy era of renewables, efficiency, and electrification, was written by the Climate Action Team in the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General. Policies It was released on July 22, 2025, and indicated, among other things, that governments should align policies, incentives, and resources to seize the benefits of the emerging renewable energy economy. That, it said, could be achieved by developing just energy-transition roadmaps as part of national strategies to strengthen green industrialisation and economic competitiveness. These roadmaps would also help coordinate the rapid deployment of renewable energy technologies and the phase-out of fossil fuels, aiming for net-zero energy systems by 2050 at the latest, with developed countries leading the way. The report said the rapid growth in renewable energy capacity must be supported by parallel developments in modern and flexible grid and storage infrastructure to rapidly scale up the share of renewables in overall power generation. It said meeting the global goals of tripling renewable capacity and doubling energy efficiency should lead to the share of renewables in global power generation reaching around 6070 per cent by 2030 and 80 per cent by 2035. The report said growing energy demand could-- and should-- be met by renewables and other clean energy sources. Cheapest Renewables are now the cheapest and quickest option for new power generation, making up 92.5 per cent of global power capacity additions and 74 per cent of global power generation growth in 2024, it said, adding that governments should strive to meet all new electricity demand with renewables, leveraging the lower average lifetime costs of renewables compared to fossil fuels for new power generation and avoiding future stranded assets. The report urged major technology firms to commit to sourcing 100% of their operational energy needs from renewable sources by 2030 The report said governments should deliver universal clean electricity and clean cooking access for all by 2030 by leveraging the combination of grid, mini-grid, and off-grid renewables-based solutions. It said they should ensure energy affordability in the transition. Trade policies and investment agreements, the report said, should be designed to boost the energy transition. It said governments should pursue robust cooperation to increase the diversification, resilience and security of global clean energy supply chains, including broadening opportunities for developing countries to participate by supporting them to design and implement integrated green energy-industry strategies to enter the renewable energy value chain and attract investment. The report said mobilising funds for the clean energy transition in developing countries was hinged upon tackling persistent and systemic barriers in the international financial architecture, demystifying perceived risks, and addressing real risks to bring down the cost of capital for both debt and equity financing. In a message read on his behalf, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said by 2040, Africa could generate 10 times more electricity than it needs entirely from renewables. We are already seeing small-scale and off-grid renewable technologies lighting homes, and powering schools and businesses, he said in the message read by the Country Lead, Ocean Centres, Ghana, Dr Emmanuel Kofi Mbiah. The energy transition, he said, was unstoppable. The Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Ghana, Tolu Kweku Lacroix, said a UN Ocean Centre would be established. Previous article: See cases the OSP handled for first half for 2025 Featured Women protest against Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri clashes Mohammed Fugu Aug - 19 - 2025 , 12:54 3 minutes read Women from conflict-prone communities in the Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri District in the North East Region have staged a peaceful protest to demand an immediate end to the recurring clashes that are taking a toll on residents of the area. On the four-kilometre walk from Gbebruk to Bimbagu, the women chanted peace songs, waved branches, and carried placards with inscriptions such as Say No to Conflict, Peace is a Gift to Humanity, and Allow Peace a ChanceWe Need One Another. The initiative, organised by the Yennutona Foundation womens group, sought to amplify womens voices in peacebuilding and create a pathway for stakeholder engagement towards a lasting solution to the conflicts. Incident For years, the Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri District has been plagued by violent conflicts, largely driven by chieftaincy and communal disputes. These clashes have claimed dozens of lives, destroyed livelihoods and property, and displaced about 1,500 people. In January 2024, violence broke out at Ngagma-Gbebruk following a dispute over the installation of rival chiefs by the Chief of Binde. The clashes, which raged for three days, left two people dead and more than 500 displaced. Over 150 homes were torched, while 5,000 sacks of stored food were destroyed, leaving victims, especially women and children, without sufficient food for days. In February 2024, three people including a 27-year-old teacher, Nashiru Maijida, who had been posted to Nanik village the previous year died in a renewed chieftaincy clash. The recurring violence also disrupted education in the area, with the Ghana Education Service (GES) forced to suspend academic work in 21 primary schools in the Bimbagu Circuit alone. This left hundreds of children temporary out of school and deepened the already fragile educational system in the area. Concerns Recounting her ordeal, a victim and resident of Bimbagu, Olivia Duut, said her family narrowly escaped death when their home was set ablaze during a recent clash. All our belongings were burnt to ashes, and my husband was chased to be killed, but he managed to escape to the south. I was the only bread baker in the community, but all my equipment was destroyed, leaving me helpless, she said. Another affected woman, Bawah Gatrika, said she lost her 36-year-old son in one of the attacks. I watched helplessly as my son, who was the provider of the home, was killed. I was spared only because I am a woman. Women suffer most in times of conflict; we are left vulnerable, displaced, and dependent on help from others, she lamented. She added that the frequent clashes had negatively impacted socio-economic activities in the area. Mrs Gatrika said farming, the mainstay of the people, had been affected as farmers were unable to access their fields for fear of their lives during renewed attacks. She appealed to the government and the Overlord of Mamprugu to help resolve the recurring conflicts that were taking a toll on the lives of the people in the area. Commendation Responding to the concerns, a Sub-Chief of Bimbagu, Dubik Saman, commended the women for their courage, describing their action as a vital step towards reconciliation. Our women want to cool down the grounds for dialogue to begin. The feuding factions must be brought together to talk. If I invite them alone, they may not come; the same if they invite me. Somebody has to take the lead, and the women have shown the way, he said. He, therefore, pledged his outfits commitment to working with stakeholders to pursue dialogue and bring sustainable peace to the area. Featured Written WASSCE starts tomorrow Emmanuel Bonney Aug - 19 - 2025 , 08:25 3 minutes read All is set for the take-off of the theoretical aspect of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates tomorrow, August 20, with Oral English. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says it has so far received enough funds from the government for the examination, and has since dispatched all the depot keepers, including materials, to their respective centres. As for funds, I think that we are in a comfortable position right now, the Head of Public Affairs of WAEC, John Kapi, told the Daily Graphic yesterday, adding that we have dispatched all the depot keepers, all the materials for the centres. In all, 65 subjects will be taken by candidates, with each candidate writing eight subjects on average. A total of 461,640 candidates across the country are expected to sit the examination. This number is made up of 207,381 male candidates and 254,259 female candidates. The examination will be conducted in about 701 examination centres across the country. Practicals On August 5, 2025, the practicals of the WASSCE for School Candidates took off smoothly in senior high and technical schools across the country. It involved candidates undertaking projects they had been assigned to carry out as part of the examination, with the first essay and objective papers for Picture Making expected to have been written at 1 p.m. yesterday. We have also dispatched the first batch of question papers. We normally dispatch the question papers in batches, Mr Kapi said. So, the first batch has been dispatched, he added. In the troubled areas of Bawku, Nalerigu and Zuarungu in the Upper East Region, he said several arrangements had been put in place for candidates to sit the examination. In Bawku, for instance, Mr Kapi said examination officials would pick up the question papers at Zebilla, where WAEC had a depot, under police escort and then return them the same way at the end of the day. Regarding Nalerigu and Nkwanta in the Oti Region, he said there had been increased police presence, and that the responses that we have received indicate that there is relative calm in those areas. On Zuarungu, he said a number of the candidates had opted to go to Bawku to write their papers, especially those who hail from that area, as they felt safer there. So provision has been made for them to write the examination in an area that is comfortable for them, he said. Malpractice Mr Kapi admonished all parents, guardians, teachers, invigilators and supervisors to ensure candidates do independent work. We are still preaching the gospel of zero tolerance for examination malpractice. They should ensure that independent work is done, and they should avoid giving mobile phones to them, snapping question papers, and even sending photocopied answers to candidates in examination halls, he said. He said the consequences for such acts would be dire once they were detected. GES The Ghana Education Service (GES) has also warned that any supervisor or invigilator caught engaging in examination malpractice in this year's WASSCE for School Candidates would be dismissed. It said the GES Council had given the service the power to dismiss any supervisor or invigilator found assisting or having assisted candidates to cheat. The GES, therefore, advised supervisors and invigilators to comport themselves and to refrain from acts that could bring the examination into disrepute. The acting Director-General of the GES, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, stressed this at a news conference on the 2025 WASSCE for school Candidates in Accra. Featured Health Ministry slams Ridge Hospital attack, orders security upgrade GraphicOnline Aug - 19 - 2025 , 06:59 2 minutes read The Ministry of Health has strongly condemned the assault on medical personnel at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), following a viral video showing relatives of an accident victim clashing with emergency staff over alleged delays in treatment. The incident, which escalated into verbal aggression and the physical assault of a nurse, forced hospital management to call in the Ghana Police Service to restore order. In a press release signed by Deputy Director and Spokesperson Tony Goodman, the Ministry described the attack as "unfortunate" and warned that such actions "compromise the delivery of critical healthcare services and endanger the lives of both patients and healthcare providers." The statement outlined immediate measures, including "beefing up security" at the hospital and investigating the circumstances that led to the altercation. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Minister for Health, visited the facility to assess the situation firsthand and assured staff of the Ministrys support. "We call on the public to exercise patience, cooperation, and mutual respect at all times to enable healthcare workers to provide effective and timely care," the release added. The hospital had earlier explained that its emergency unitone of Ghanas busiestwas handling multiple critical cases when the relatives "forced their way into the triage area," disrupting services and threatening clinicians. The assault temporarily halted operations before police intervention. The Ministry reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against attacks on healthcare workers, emphasising that their safety is "a top priority." Next article: Fire contained at Bolgatanga Technical Institute library and office Previous article: Two arrested over fatal stabbing of 20-year-old man Featured Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautions public against fraud, outlines service procedures Jemima Okang Addae Aug - 19 - 2025 , 10:51 2 minutes read The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued a strong caution to the public regarding the rise of misinformation and fraudulent activities targeting individuals seeking consular services. In a statement dated August 18, the Ministry emphasised that all official information regarding its services is published exclusively on its website, through accredited media, and on its verified social media platforms. The Ministry warned that submitting forged documents or dealing with unauthorised agents is a criminal offence and will be reported to law enforcement agencies. The public is advised to interact only with designated officers at the Ministry or its accredited missions abroad to avoid falling victim to scams. To enhance transparency, the Ministry also clarified procedures and fees for key consular services. These include; - Attestation/Legalisation of Documents at GH200 (processed within 5 working days) - Travel Certificate issuance at GH200 (23 working days) - Laissez-Passer at GH200 (23 working days) Applicants for a Laissez-Passer must submit an application letter, parental consent (if applicable), vehicle registration details, a copy of their Ghana Card or passport bio-data page, and the drivers passport bio-data. All payments must be made in cash at the designated point within the Ministrys premises and receipts presented for processing. Similarly, those applying for a Travel Certificate must provide a bio-data page from a valid or expired passport, two passport-sized photographs, a flight itinerary, and a signed application letter. The Ministry also advised travellers to confirm with their airline whether travel certificates are accepted before applying. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to delivering efficient, transparent, and client-friendly services and urged the public to report any suspicious activities through official channels. Read the full statement below; Pastor backs cholera-free declaration, urges greater focus on self-care GraphicOnline Aug - 19 - 2025 , 08:40 2 minutes read The Lead Pastor of Kings Generals International Church, Pastor Eric Abraham Appiah, has welcomed the Ghana Health Services declaration of a cholera-free Greater Accra Region, stressing the urgent need for nationwide self-care education. According to him, public awareness and preventive health practices were vital not only to maintain freedom from cholera but also to curb other preventable diseases. His remarks came during the maiden edition of the churchs Community Free Health Screening, which brought together a team of medical professionals who provided services including eye examinations, blood pressure checks, diabetes and malaria testing, typhoid screening, and general medical consultations. Bringing doctors directly into the community can help save lives and prevent avoidable diseases, Pastor Appiah emphasised. He observed that many residents lacked basic knowledge of their bio-data and health status, a situation that could result in complications later in life. In line with the churchs mission to cater to the body, soul, and spirit, he underscored the importance of integrating spiritual care with physical healthcare, particularly for those living under unhygienic conditions, battling stress, or unable to afford hospital bills. The pastor described the outreach as part of the churchs broader mission to drive holistic community transformation, urging residents to prioritise their health in order to live longer and healthier lives. Pastor Appiah also pledged the churchs continued support, particularly in the areas of health and education, to ensure lasting community impact. Some beneficiaries and partners who spoke to the press expressed gratitude for the initiative and called for stronger collaboration between churches, NGOs, individuals, and the government to extend such healthcare interventions to vulnerable communities across the country. Next article: See the areas that will be affected by ECG's planned maintenance on August 18-19, 2025 Featured Police recover weapons and exhibits linked to Mpohor Gold shop robbery Jemima Okang Addae Aug - 19 - 2025 , 12:16 1 minute read The Ghana Police Service has recovered weapons, ammunition, clothing, and other exhibits linked to the recent Mpohor gold shop robbery, marking a breakthrough in ongoing investigations. One suspect was arrested on August 17. According to a police statement, officers from the Kuntanase District in the Ashanti Region intercepted a suspicious white Toyota vehicle on the Aputuoagya to Bekwai road near Kuntanase, but two men who were standing by the vehicle fled into the bush on seeing the patrol team. A search of the vehicle uncovered an AK-47 assault rifle, a locally manufactured firearm, two AK-47 magazines loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition each, additional packets of ammunition, cowrie shells, a Huawei smartphone, identity documents, and clothing items. Police noted that a comparison between the seized exhibits and CCTV footage of the Mpohor robbery revealed a strong resemblance between the hooded tops and wellington boots used by the suspects during the attack. The Police Administration has commended the Kuntanase District patrol team for their vigilance and professionalism. Meanwhile, the investigation team is pursuing further leads, and security operations have been intensified nationwide to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Read also: One person arrested in Mpohor gold shop robbery Next article: Two arrested over fatal stabbing of 20-year-old man Featured See the areas that will be affected by ECG's planned maintenance on August 18-19, 2025 GraphicOnline Aug - 19 - 2025 , 11:24 2 minutes read The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced scheduled maintenance works across four regions that will result in temporary power outages between Monday, August 18, and Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The power distributor explained that the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery and improve the reliability of electricity supply to its customers. In the Central Region, ECG will carry out planned maintenance on Monday, August 18, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Communities to be affected include Swedru township, Manhodwe, Nsabaa, Duakwa Natifa, Ekwamkrom, Akosua Village, Benso Town, Afranse, Abodom, Bobikuma, Gomoa Mankessim, Kwanyako, Awutu Breku, and surrounding areas. On the same day in the Greater Accra Region, the company will conduct emergency maintenance works between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Power supply will be interrupted to Adenta Aviation, Mr. Smith, Shallom Estate, Pantang Village, Focus Hospital, Agbobloshie, Sampa Valley, Choice, ABC Junction, Mile 7, West Africa Decor and neighbouring communities. Maintenance activities will continue on Tuesday, August 19, in the Tema Region from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., affecting Maranatha, Adogonno, Glow Lamp, Frimpongmaa Estates, Lebanon Zones 2, 4 and 5, Zenu and its environs. In the Ashanti Region, also on Tuesday, customers in Esreso, Adagya, Feyiase, Aputuogya, Abuontem, Adunku, Dedesua, Menase and Adwumam will experience outages between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Additionally, another set of planned works in the Greater Accra Region on Tuesday will leave parts of Agbogba, Abease, Achiama, Obeyeyie, Ayikai Doblo and nearby communities without power from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ECG has apologised for the inconvenience the exercise may cause, assuring customers that the planned and emergency maintenance interventions are necessary to ensure a more stable and efficient power supply. Featured Weak punishment for illegal guns fuelling crime, Ghana risks endless violence Small Arms Commission Mohammed Ali Aug - 19 - 2025 , 12:19 2 minutes read Ghanas outdated firearms laws are allowing armed suspects to avoid harsh punishment, leaving citizens increasingly exposed to gun-related crimes, Adam Bonaa, Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons, has said. In a television interview with Joy News on Tuesday [August 19, 2025], Dr Bonaa explained that under current legislation, the unlawful possession of a gun is treated largely as a misdemeanour unless the weapon is directly linked to a crime. He said this gap has made it difficult to control the rising circulation of firearms across the country. We have too many of them in the system, he warned, noting that many of the weapons are either smuggled through poorly monitored borders or locally manufactured by unregulated blacksmiths. At the moment, there is no data capturing these people, and that is what is making it very difficult to fight it. Dr Bonaa said police and other security agencies rely heavily on intelligence-led operations to seize illegal weapons, but cautioned that such measures cannot succeed without stronger laws. He called on Parliament to quickly pass the pending Firearms Regulation Bill, which is under review at the Interior Ministry. The only time they get to be punished severely is when they are on their way to commit crimes using the weapon. Until then, it becomes very difficult to deal with this canker, he said. His concerns came after the Ashanti Regional Police Command intercepted a vehicle on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Aputuogya near Kuntanase. Officers retrieved an AK-47 rifle, a locally manufactured gun, loaded magazines, and several rounds of ammunition. The suspects abandoned the car and fled after spotting a police patrol team. Dr Bonaa also warned that the circulation of arms could increase tensions during traditional festivals and chieftaincy disputes. He cautioned against what he described as promiscuous shooting in the atmosphere with live bullets, a practice that has persisted despite repeated police warnings. He said the proposed firearms law would require local gunmakers to register with the authorities, introduce tougher penalties for unlawful possession, and close loopholes that criminals exploit. Until that law is passed, Dr Bonaa warned, Ghana faces an unending cycle of illegal weapons and violent crime. Google is hosting its Made By Google 2025 event on August 20 in New York, which will be a star-studded affair as it will be hosted by Jimmy Fallon and will be attended by Lando Norris, Stephen Curry, the Jonas Brothers, and more. The event will begin at 1 PM ET (5 PM UTC), and you can follow it live with us by tuning in to the YouTube stream below. Google will unveil multiple products at this event, with the biggest highlight being the Pixel 10 series, which includes the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Additionally, Google is expected to introduce the Pixel Watch 4 and the Buds 2a alongside a new shade of the Pixel Buds 2 Pro. You can visit our homepage after the event concludes for the complete coverage if you couldn't watch the live stream. Back in February, the UK Home Secretarys office issued a technical capability notice to Apple requesting a backdoor to encrypted iCloud user data backups. Shortly after the request, Apple issued an official statement which informed that it will no longer offer its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) to new users in the UK. Cupertino also challenged the decision at the UKs Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT). Over six months after these events, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed that the UK has withdrawn its requests following months of talks between the two governments. Following the initial demand from the UK, the US began investigating the terms and whether these demands were in violation of the CLOUD Act between the two countries. Over the past few months, Ive been working closely with our partners in the UK, alongside @POTUS and @VP, to ensure Americans' private data remains private and our Constitutional rights and civil liberties are protected. As a result, the UK has agreed to drop its mandate for DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) August 19, 2025 Apple is now expected to bring back its ADP encryption for iCloud data backups in the UK. The Guam Brewery Tumon Taphouse is marking three years of bringing good vibes, great beer, and unforgettable experiences, and invites the public to celebrate with them on Friday, Aug. 22, with the launch of a new beer, live music, and more. Fridays festivities will include a keep the pint promotion featuring a limited-edition pint glass, live music from Nouga Jr and Datguyry, live portraits by local artist Novem Gimoto, an exclusive merch drop, and the launch of a special double dry-hopped brewStandard Issue IPA. Doors open at 4 p.m., and the celebration will continue all night long. Inspired by MRE The Standard Issue IPA, a tactical IPA, is the highlight of the celebration. This bold and innovative brew is inspired by the culinary tradition of MRE (Meals Ready to Eat), a nod to the all too familiar packs of ready-to-eat military grub. Were so grateful to our community for supporting us over the past three years, head brewer Andrew Brunson said. The Standard Issue IPA is our way of honoring that support with something unique, bold, and full of character, with a little cheeky fun. The Westin Resort Guam brings back Taste of Hanoi, a culinary celebration showcasing the authentic flavors of Vietnam. Guests can enjoy Taste of Hanoi from Aug. 20 to 23, for dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Led by executive chef Karl Lee, guest chefs Thong Nguyen and Dat Tien Phan from Sheraton Hanoi Hotel will present an enticing array of Vietnamese specialties at Taste Restaurant, the hotel said in a release. The event will feature a pho station with beef and chicken, a live spring roll station, and an assortment of popular Hanoi street foods. Vietnamese cuisine is deeply rooted in the Asian principle of the five elements metal, wood, fire, water, and earthharmonizing five fundamental tastes: spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet. This balance creates a dining experience that engages the senses through fragrance, flavor, and vibrant color, Westin said. For pricing and reservations, contact The Westin Resort Guam at (671) 647-1020. Reservations are also available via OpenTable. Talk at the Consolidated Commission on Utilities on Tuesday turned to threatening disconnection if Guam Memorial Hospital wont pay up on about $1.89 million in long-outstanding power and water bills. We need to do something, CCU Chairman Francis Santos told the commission during a work session with the Guam Waterworks Authority. Santos said he has been trying to work out some payment with hospital leadership but they have not been responsive. He asked GWA management to put together a plan for how to deal with the bills by next Tuesdays regular CCU meeting. GMH has two of the largest outstanding bills with both GWA and the Guam Power Authority, the Pacific Daily News reported Monday. The hospital owes GWA $291,596 for six months of bills, waterworks assistant general manager of administration and support Chris Budasi told the CCU Tuesday. GMH Chief Financial Officer Yuka Hechanova told senators Monday that the hospital owes GPA about $1.6 million going back to January. She said the hospital had been served with a disconnection warning. GMH Administrator Lillian Perez-Posadas told health oversight chair Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane on Monday that until we have more cash, then were not able to pay right now. Budasi on Tuesday said the hospital has no payment plan in place for its past-due water bill. We contact them (on a) weekly basis, multiple times a week, and try to get payment from them. Our hands are kind of tied. We have contemplated cutting them off, Budasi said. CCU Commissioner Simon Sanchez said the hospitals water tank could provide water for two days, and that would be long enough to cut a check. I will tell you the buzz word we use in health care: thats a patient safety problem, Santos replied. Two days is two days of nothing. The challenge is the trade off between the hospitals patient safety challenge and our responsibility to all rate payers, to collect from everyone, Sanchez said. Santos said he has been trying to work the issue out with GMHs Perez-Posadas personally. Im not saying Im being ghosted by Lillian, but shes not responsive. And for whatever the reasons I, you know, it doesnt rest well with me personally, Santos said. The chairman said hes raised the issue with Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio. Sanchez said the utilities typically give overdue customers a payment plan with 50% down and then several months to pay. But Santos said GMH has basically already gotten a six-month loan from the CCU. The chairman said management has floated various options, like a penalty for past-due billings. If that stick doesnt work, then we come back with a bigger one, Santos said. Commissioner Sanchez said the only stick the CCU has is to cut services. He pointed to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, where the hospital owes $30 million worth of penalties on a $60 million utility bill that it couldnt pay anyways. Commissioner Melvin Duenas raised the issue of fairness. This is important. No matter how poor the family is, if they dont pay their utility, theyre cut off. And you know, we need to kind of treat people the same way in government or department, Duenas said. Government managers couldnt continue to neglect their bills, he said. Sanchez said the utilities should take the opportunity to standardize their process for dealing with past-due government bills. DPW billing Santos on Tuesday said an outstanding power bill from the Department of Public Works had been expedited after the issue was brought up Monday. The PDN reported DPWs past-due balance with GPA at about $1.9 million as of July 15, with a full $1.8 million of that owed from various power accounts DPW has for street lights and street signals. The acting governor, Tenorio, on Monday said he did raise the issue of DPWs billing with the cabinet. I spoke with both director of administration and director of public works, Tenorio said. I understand that theyre working feverishly on this to make sure that they pay that promptly and make sure they cut the red tape and get that payment. Tenorio said hes confident the money is available. Its not a question of not having the money. It looks like more of a question of process and making sure that people realize this is a priority payment for us, he said. DPW Deputy Director Linda Ibanez told the PDN Monday that the department was working to reconcile billing with GPA. She said the numbers were much lower than the $1.8 million reported for the street light and signal accounts. Ibanez said DPW was facing administrative issues because of the governments new financial management system. She added that DPW paid the power authority for various services, from emergency streetlight repairs to changing light bulbs, and those amounts needed to be verified. The deputy director said the person that usually handles the reconciliation between DPW and GPA had recently retired. Ibanez said she would be providing an update on more current amounts owed, once the billing was sorted out. GUANGZHOU, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Under the scorching sun of summer, a group of international buyers from over 20 countries, including Denmark, Germany, the United States, Japan and Australia, recently gathered in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province. These representatives, selected by the China Foreign Trade Center from among the leading buyers at the Canton Fair, came for a special tour of Dongguan's upgraded export bases, which feature trendy toys, designer furniture and next-generation electronics. Michael Jensen, buyer from Denmark's F&H Group, was on a mission to find a toy factory with ample production capacity to manufacture products under his company's IP. China is one of the world's largest markets and production bases for trendy toys, so it hopes to find potential suppliers to expand its production capacity and tap into more markets. Dongguan stands out for its large-scale production and high-quality products. Moreover, a single company here can cover most product categories in the industry, which is truly impressive, according to Jensen. In Dongguan's "trendy-toy town" of Shipai that they toured, the entire value chain -- from sketching and prototyping to mass production, logistics and sales -- is all accessible within a 15-minute car ride. Clustered here are some 4,000 toy makers and 1,500 supporting firms, a concentration that gives Dongguan one quarter of the world's anime-derivative output and 85 percent of China's designer-toy market share. Phone raised and back bent, Colombian buyer Gamboa Alejandro leaned in to film the production details, exchanging halting Mandarin phrases while jotting down specifications. A thick stack of product brochures already filled his arms, and with links to several factories now in place, he plans to firm up purchase orders within the next few weeks in Shipai Township and lock in deals as soon as possible. "My clients want a complete set of Sonic the Hedgehog figurines, as well as a factory that can produce large-scale robot sculptures. I've traveled to many cities and finally found promising companies here in Dongguan," Alejandro said. Dongguan has evolved from simple contract manufacturing to a hub of end-to-end creativity. AI-powered pattern centers sketch new characters, smart factories 3D-print prototypes, and logistics corridors swiftly ship finished products to global shelves. As a traditional manufacturing powerhouse in south China, Dongguan is now firmly shifting towards creative manufacturing. The 15th China International Animation Copyright Fair held in the city from Aug. 8 to 11 drew close to 100,000 visitors and generated intended contracts worth 1.56 billion yuan (about 220 million U.S. dollars), including multiple large-amount export deals. Among the headline signings, Russian firm Fenix Limited Liability Company placed a 108-million-yuan order for AI-enabled toys that can "walk, talk and accompany" children. At the same time, a Japanese distributor sealed a near-100-million-yuan agreement with Guangdong Weisi Trendy Toy Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd. after touring the local industry chains. "This is our eighth fair, but the most rewarding yet," said Li Wenbo, general manager of Guangdong Weisi Trendy Toy Intelligent Manufacturing Co., Ltd. "The client arrived skeptical. One look at the integrated chain and product quality, and the client signed on the spot. Chinese trendy toys have become international top-tier products." The recent Dongguan tour is only the opening act of the city's foreign trade promotion season. Between August and October, the city will host no fewer than 30 match-making events to connect global buyers with local suppliers. Zhang Sihong, deputy director of the China Foreign Trade Center, said that despite the current complex and changing foreign trade environment, this event aims to bring real purchasing needs directly to the doorstep of enterprises, creating a "fast lane" for precise supply and demand matching. "All the suppliers are also package users of the Canton Fair online platform, enjoying services such as precise matching, information display and data reports, making it easier to seize global orders," Zhang added. A Guam woman and a South Korean man are accused of visa fraud in what federal authorities called a sham marriage, according to an indictment that was unsealed in the District Court of Guam on Monday. Bonnie Jo C. Quichocho and Jung Hoon Song were indicted with conspiracy to commit visa fraud and visa fraud on March 6, 2024. The indictment was under seal until Monday. Beginning on or about January 2008 and ending about May 16, 2022, Quichocho and Song conspired with each other and others known and unknown to the grand jury to commit visa fraud, the indictment stated. Song is accused of submitting applications and other documents that had false statements and fraudulent misrepresentations. It was a part of the conspiracy that defendants entered into a sham marriage for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining legal permanent resident status for Jung Hoon Song, the indictment stated. The two misrepresented their residences on the immigration petition documents with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which was material to the outcome of the petitions. The defendants falsely prepared and signed immigration petition documents and submitted them to USCIS for the purpose of evading immigration laws, the indictment stated. Sometime in 2008 or 2009, Quichochos friend introduced her to Song, who repeatedly asked her to marry him, documents stated. The two agreed that they would enter into a sham marriage for the sole purpose of Quichocho filing a Form I-130 petition to help Song obtain a green card, the indictment stated. On or about Feb. 14, 2012, Quichocho filed a Form I-130 petition for an alien relative and falsely stated she and Song were residing at an apartment in Dededo when they never resided together. The two were residing in separate residences. On or about Feb. 14, 2012, Song filed an I-485 application to adjust status or register for permanent residence and also falsely claimed he and Quichocho were living together in a Dededo apartment, the indictment stated. He and Quichocho had never resided together in that apartment or elsewhere, documents stated. The two leased the apartment to create the appearance of a legitimate marriage between them and submitted the lease agreement with their petitions to USCIS. On or about May 12, 2014, they filed a Form I-751, a petition to remove conditions on residence, for Song to receive an immigration benefit. Divorced in 2018 The two divorced on May 17, 2018, documents stated. Song used his lawful permanent resident card obtained through his marriage with Quichocho to travel to Guam from Korea on May 16, 2022, the indictment stated. The indictment alleged that Song got the permanent resident card through fraud and that he primarily resided in Tamuning and not with Quichocho. The case has been ongoing since the indictment was filed in 2024. The two pleaded not guilty to the charges and a jury trial has been pushed back several times, according to court documents. The U.S. Attorneys Office tried to sever Songs trial from Quichocho, but District Court of Guam Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood denied the motion in January, documents stated. Attorney held in contempt There were issues with Songs former defense counsel David Lujan, who failed to show up at hearings and the judge sanctioned him as a result. Lujan attempted to recuse the judge from the case over allegations she holds personal bias and prejudice against him. She denied the motion on June 27. In her denial, Tydingco-Gatewood wrote that this is the second proceeding Lujan has attempted to manufacture serious allegations of bias and prejudice by the undersigned against him. She reminded Lujan of his obligations as an officer of the court and under the Guam Rules of Professional Conduct to refrain from knowingly making false statements or asserting frivolous claims unless there is a basis in law or fact for doing so. The court further provides Mr. Lujan with notice that continued violations of these or related rules may result in disciplinary action, she wrote. On June 30, Lujan made an oral motion to withdraw as an attorney and the court denied the motion for failure to comply with the courts local rules. After the courts ruling, Lujan refused to participate and proceed with jury selection and the court held Lujan in contempt and imposed a sanction of $3,600, documents stated. As a result, the court was unable to proceed with jury selection. Through Mr. Lujans refusal to participate in the court proceedings, he abandoned his client, the judge wrote in a July 1 order. The $3,600 was the jury cost for that day, which was 60 jurors at $50 for the day, documents stated. New counsel On July 1, Song said Lujan was no longer his attorney and would be seeking new counsel. Several hearings were held throughout July, but Song still had no attorney, documents stated. On July 29, Song said he re-hired Lujan, but the attorney said he was willing to represent Song but not before Tydingco-Gatewood, court documents stated. On Aug. 19, attorney Louie Yanza filed an entry on behalf of Song. A status hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 25 in District Court of Guam. The debate over whether to lower taxes on our people has reached a critical stage. On behalf of the remaining businesses that are still open and the thousands of private sector employees who still have a job, the Guam Tourism and Travel Association wants to thank the senators who voted to reduce the business privilege tax by half a percent this October 1. Furthermore, Sen. Shawn Gumataotao, the original proponent of lowering the BPT, has been joined by Speaker Frank Blas, and Sens. Tony Ada, Vince Borja, Shelly Calvo, Chris Duenas, Jesse Lujan and Sabrina Salas Matanane in supporting the additional lowering of our taxes by another half percent by next October 2026. These eight senators understand that instead of spending more taxpayer money, they should return excess tax revenue to taxpayers so they can decide how best to spend what was their money to begin with. These senators recognize that the private sector has been and will always be the largest employer of our people. Today, three out of every four people that still have a job work in the private sector. Our businesses and co-workers pay the taxes that employ our police, nurses, teachers and all our government workers. If our businesses fail, we eventually cant pay our government workers. These eight senators understand that good, hard working private citizens have invested their own money here with the hope that they can provide the goods and services our people need, recover their costs for meeting these needs, and still have enough profit to pay back their investment in our island. These senators understand that the government doesnt create economic activity, it only taxes the economy created by the financial risk of their private citizens. They understand that our government currently takes the first 5% of sales paid by customers, whether the business collecting those taxes makes money or not. Unfortunately, this budget process also has revealed that seven senators currently dont believe in further lowering our taxes next October 2026. Senators Tina Muna Barnes, Sabina Perez, Joe San Agustin, Telo Taitague, Therese Terlaje, Chris Barnett and William Parkinson currently have voted against returning the BPT to its original 4% in October 2026, as promised seven years ago. More disturbing was the hateful rhetoric espoused by Sens. Barnett and Parkinson who said that the hundreds of citizens who own businesses are bad people for asking that some of their money be returned so they can keep their co-workers working and their businesses open. Barnett and Parkinson demonize all the good people in the private sector who work hard to feed their families and pay their taxes in the hopes of improved government service. These two senators still put our tax dollars in their pockets no matter how many businesses close or how many citizens lose their jobs. Returning the GRT to 4% is the right thing to do. The tax revenue returned wont leave our economy. Instead, it will recirculate and multiply through our economy, keeping companies open and our largest workforce working while generating additional tax revenues. A lower BPT will still generate more than enough government revenues to keep government workers employed while protecting their 22% pay raise. The transfer authority given the governor in the proposed budget provides the flexibility to manage government spending while lowering our taxes. We now ask the Legislature and the governor to support the rest of the taxpayers in the private sector. While two senators want to act like spoiled children complaining that their bad parents dont do enough for them, the other 13 senators and the governor can return the trust given to them by the voters by trusting us with our money. We will put our money to good use. Haiti - Grand South : More than 160 million for rehabilitation work on 57 schools As part of preparations for the 2025-2026 school year, a delegation from the National Education Fund (FNE), led by Director General Sterline Civil, toured several schools located in the Grand South (Southeast, South, Nippes, and Grand'Anse). During this tour, Sterline Civil met with school principals to announce funding for 57 schools selected based on the recommendations of departmental directors and taking into account the most urgent needs. This FNE funding is intended for the rehabilitation of school infrastructure (toilet blocks, painting, fencing, electricity, roofing, benches, blackboards, etc...) and totals more than 160 million Gourdes (160,392,091). To ensure rigorous and transparent management of these funds, the FNE signed a memorandum of understanding with each beneficiary school principal. This document formally commits them to responsible use of the allocated funds and to submit a full report on all work completed within 20 days of the date of signature. All checks were distributed to the principals of the beneficiary schools, in the presence of the relevant departmental directors. Any misuse of the disbursed funds will result in an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC). HL/ S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Cap-Haitien Mayor Attacked The Cap-Haitien Municipal Administration condemns in the strongest terms the verbal and physical assault inflicted on Yvrose Pierre, Mayor of the city, following the religious ceremony at Notre-Dame Cathedral celebrating the city's 355th anniversary, by individuals protesting the city's unsanitary conditions. "Such acts of violence, directed against the town's leading citizen, are unacceptable and undermine not only the Mayor, but also the municipal institution as a whole. The City Hall reiterates that disagreements and criticisms must be expressed within the framework of democratic dialogue and mutual respect, never through violence." Who's telling the truth ? According to the Miami Herald, the Haitian government has denied signing a 10-year contract with Vectus Global, Erik Prince's security firm, contrary to Prince's statements to Reuters https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45554-haiti-flash-foreign-mercenaries-will-stay-in-haiti-for-10-years.html See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45575-haiti-flash-fritz-alphonse-jean-denies-any-connection-to-erik-prince-s-vectus-global-contract.html Jean Price-Mars Diplomatic Academy Competition The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds that the Jean Price-Mars Diplomatic Academy (ADJPM) organizes a competition to recruit students (15 women and 15 men). Applicants can register until August 31, 2025. Full details at https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-45492-icihaiti-admission-competition-jean-price-mars-diplomatic-academy-launches-a-call-for-applications.html Referendum and Elections $67.5 Million USD Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime announced in his 2025-2026 budget framework letter that a total of $67.5 million is earmarked for the constitutional referendum and elections in the "coming months"... 912 FAd'H soldiers trained in Mexico As part of bilateral cooperation, the Mexican Ministry of National Defense revealed that it has already trained 912 FAd'H soldiers since 2018. The Federation Haitian Basketball Federation Devastated The Haitian Basketball Federation is devastated by the tragic loss of Zamy Wanderson, a young basketball prospect and member of the 56th graduating class of the Canadian-Haitian College, who was shot dead on Monday, August 18, 2025, in Delmas 83. We offer our sincere condolences to his family, teammates, friends, and the entire basketball community. May justice be served. Rest in peace, Zamy. Your passion will live on in us. HL/ HaitiLibre The astronomical object "Earendel," which is currently by far the most distant star known to us, could also be a star cluster. This is the result of a recently published research paper in which the light of the object was analyzed anew. According to the responsible research team from the University of California, the spectroscopic data fits very well with such a dense collection of stars; this star cluster would therefore be between 30 and 150 million years old. In addition, Earendel would look exactly as we imagine star clusters that have already been researched in this epoch of the cosmos, study author Massimo Pascale told Live Science. Anzeige The light took 12.9 billion years to reach us Earendel was discovered more than three years ago with the Hubble Space Telescope; we can see the object less than a billion years after the Big Bang. This was possible thanks to a particularly fortunate circumstance: an immense cluster of galaxies between us and the distant galaxy of Earendel bends and focuses the light of the object in such a way that it is enormously magnified for a limited period of time. It was assumed that it was a massive main sequence star of spectral class B, which is about twice as hot as the sun and more than a million times as bright. This gave Pascale the idea to test the theory that it could be a collection of stars, he explained to Live Science. Even though the spectroscopic data from Earendel now fits well with a star cluster, this does not mean that the question about the nature of the object has been answered. An astronomer from the team that discovered it has now pointed out to the science magazine that Pascale's group has not examined any alternative explanations. Not all conceivable scenarios were examined and the results compared. Both astronomers agree that only further observations with the James Webb space telescope can clarify whether Earendel is by far the most distant star or not. The new analysis has been published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. Read also 44 individual stars discovered in a galaxy billions of light years away (mho) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. The Kingdom of Morocco is taking its case to the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH). Practically at the start of Carnival, on November 11, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., a hearing will be held in Karlsruhe on whether foreign states can sue domestic media for an injunction against suspicious statements. The date was announced by the BGH press office on Monday. The occasion is not a joke; it concerns media reports about the Pegasus spyware, its customers, and its victims. Anzeige In 2021, Morocco sued both the news portal Zeit Online and the Suddeutsche Zeitung. The lawsuits are intended to ensure that German media no longer report on the suspicion that an authority of the Kingdom of Morocco used the spyware against human rights activists, journalists, and leading European politicians, including Emmanuel Macron, President of France and Co-Regent of Andorra, and Charles Michel, then President of the Council of Europe. The monarchy denies having acquired a Pegasus license at all. The Pegasus spyware exploits secret security vulnerabilities to remotely penetrate other people's smartphones, then analyzes data and monitors the cell phone owners, including their location and communications. This is financed with tax money from the countries whose services buy Pegasus licenses, including German authorities. Pegasus' manufacturer is the Israeli company NSO Group. It keeps customer lists and victim lists secret but denies having spied on Macron. Meanwhile, Israel is said to have significantly reduced the list of countries to which the spyware can be sold. Infected cell phones examined in 2 laboratories A few years ago, a data leak resulted in a list of more than 10,000 telephone numbers that may have been entered by NSO customers for potential surveillance using Pegasus. A research collective comprising NDR, Suddeutscher, WDR, Zeit, and journalists from other countries, coordinated by the Forbidden Stories association and technically supported by the security lab Amnesty Internationals (ai), set to work. The research collective assigned some telephone numbers to lawyers, journalists, human rights activists, and politicians, including Macron and Michel. Macron's phone number was very likely entered by someone in Morocco's security apparatus, Zeit Online reported in July 2021. Attacks on the cell phone of then journalist Dominique Simmonot and Paris-based human rights lawyer Joseph Breham were also documented. The ai laboratory was able to physically examine 37 affected smartphones. 23 were successfully infected with the malware; the other 14 showed traces of an attempted attack. The results were confirmed in an independent investigation by the Canadian IT security laboratory Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto. Zeit and Suddeutsche Zeitung reported on the suspicion that someone in Morocco's state services was behind these attacks. The kingdom considers itself to be wrongly suspected and has sued the publisher of Suddeutsche Zeitung and the operator of Zeit Online for injunctive relief. Anzeige Morocco's lawsuits So far, unsuccessfully. Morocco has lost both cases before the Hamburg Regional Court (LG) and the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court (OLG). The media companies did not even have to prove the truth. This is because foreign states could not assert claims under the law on freedom of expression. From the guiding principle of the Hamburg Higher Regional Court: Foreign states do not belong to the group of legal entities that are protected by the offense of defamation. As such, they also do not have a general right of personality. To date, there have been no Supreme Court decisions on this issue in media law. In a criminal case concerning defamation of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Federal Constitutional Court ruled that the (German) state is not entitled to any protection of honor protected by fundamental rights. Individuals and sub-state organizations are indisputably protected, regardless of whether they are nationals or foreigners; however, this should not apply to states as such, unless there are special provisions for this in German law. The Regional Court dismissed the Moroccan claim, and the Higher Regional Court dismissed the appeal against it as unfounded. Freedom of the media The Higher Regional Court took up the cudgels for freedom of the press: Practical considerations also speak in favor of not including foreign states in the scope of protection of defamation offenses, because this would lead to an excessive restriction of freedom of opinion and freedom of the press. Especially when foreign states are in crisis or in conflict with other states, there is, on the one hand, a high public interest in being informed about what is happening; on the other hand, the research possibilities of German journalists, whose activities outside the scope of the Basic Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union are in any case less legally secure than in Germany, are sometimes particularly limited there. As a result, the application of those protective norms where the press could only successfully defend itself against the accusation of their violation by proving the truth (Section 186 StGB) or by proving compliance with the mostly unwritten rules on the protection of legitimate interests (Section 193 StGB) would lead to an imbalance that threatens to significantly restrict the exercise of press freedom. But Morocco is not giving up and is appealing to the Federal Court of Justice. The VI. Civil Senate, which is responsible for general personality rights, now has to decide on the question whether a foreign state can be entitled to defense claims against domestic media. Previous instances: VI ZR 415/23(Morocco v. Zeit Online) Hamburg Regional Court - Decision of June 3, 2022 - 324 O 355/21 Hanseatic Higher Regional Court - Decision of November 21, 2023 - 7 U 37/22 Hamburg Regional Court - Decision of June 3, 2022 - 324 O 355/21 Hanseatic Higher Regional Court - Decision of November 21, 2023 - 7 U 37/22 VI ZR 416/23(Morocco against Suddeutsche Zeitung) Hamburg Regional Court - Decision of June 3, 2022 - 324 O 350/21 Hanseatic Higher Regional Court - Decision of November 21, 2023 - 7 U 38/22 (ds) 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. Portugal's telecommunications authority has issued the first license for the operation of a spaceport on its own territory, to be built on the southernmost Azorean island of Santa Maria. This has now been announced by the Portuguese space agency Agencia Espacial Portuguesa, which was involved in the process. It explains that the permit was awarded to the Atlantic Spaceport Consortium (ASC) and is valid for five years. The private-sector consortium wants to build the rocket launch site on the southernmost tip of Santa Maria, and the first suborbital launches could take place as early as next year. However, it needs its permits for this. Last year, an atmospheric rocket ignited there reached an altitude of around five and a half kilometers. Anzeige Taking advantage of the Azores' favorable location The granting of the license is part of an action program to promote flights from Portugal into space, taking advantage of the Azores' favourable geographical location, explains the space agency. This creates the basis for the south-western European country to play an important role in Europe's developing space industry, adds agency head Ricardo Conde. The relevant local bodies have been consulted and have responded positively. The space agency is therefore also working in parallel to set up infrastructure in the Azores to enable landings of the planned reusable spacecraft Space Rider of the European Space Agency ESA. The decision from Portugal underlines the fact that launch sites for rockets are being built at more and more locations in Europe to participate in the expected boom in the space industry. The Norwegian rocket launch site Andya, for example, was converted for flights into space, but the inaugural flight of a German Spectrum rocket from Isar Aerospace lasted just 30 seconds. A launch site is also being built in Scotland and, according to local media reports, the first rocket is due to take off from Scotland in a few months. Meanwhile, the German government is supporting the plan for a mobile platform in the North Sea to launch space rockets. Meanwhile, Europe's established spaceport for large launchers is located in French Guiana on the South American continent. Read also A special Starlink: the Bundeswehr tests development of satellite constellations (mho) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. The survey, commissioned by the Finnish Cultural Foundation and Svenska kulturfonden, shows that 56 percent of respondents would accept healthcare from staff not yet fluent in either of Finlands national languages. Support was highest among Swedish-speaking Finns and younger and older age groups. More than half of people in Finland are willing to receive medical care from doctors or nurses still learning Finnish or Swedish, according to new research by E2 Tutkimus. The study reveals broad acceptance of multilingual communication and highlights how national identity coexists with openness to language diversity. Susanna Pettersson, Director of the Finnish Cultural Foundation, said the findings show adaptability in a country facing workforce shortages. Finland needs skilled professionals in many sectors. It is good news that people are open to developing language skills, especially in essential services like healthcare, she said. While 75 percent of respondents were not in favour of receiving other official services in a language other than their mother tongue, a clear majority still support language learning and assistance for others. The study found that 93 percent believe immigrants should learn Finnish or Swedish. Additionally, 68 percent of Finns are willing to help immigrants with learning local languages. Among Swedish-speaking Finns, 84 percent are ready to help Finnish speakers improve their Swedish. Among Finnish speakers, 67 percent said they would help Swedish-speaking Finns with Finnish. Soren Lillkung, Director of Svenska kulturfonden, said the study offers guidance for future language policy. The results show people are willing to cross language boundaries and support each other. We need more and better language education to encourage that, he said. The study also confirmed that Finnish national identity remains strong, with 87 percent of respondents identifying it as a central part of who they are. Nordic and European identities were each recognised by 68 percent of respondents. Mother tongue was cited as an important part of identity by 75 percent. Despite the emphasis on native language, most people expressed a positive attitude toward foreign languages. Almost half (49 percent) said language learning reflects broader cultural literacy. Two-thirds said they are willing to use a foreign language even if their skills are limited. The study also explored attitudes toward dialects and general language use. Nearly 90 percent of respondents value Finnish regional dialects, but 70 percent believe speaking standard language is a sign of education and prefer its use in formal settings. Respondents gave examples of how they adapt their language depending on the situation: Pori dialect at home. Standard language at work. Picked up mie and sie from my environment, but otherwise I speak near-standard Finnish. A mix from grandparents and where Ive lived. Mostly youth slang and finglish. Mix of Finnish dialects, but mostly Meankieli. The study also revealed growing support for the Sami languages. Sixty-five percent said they would like to see Sami language rights strengthened. Among Swedish-speaking Finns, that figure rose to 73 percent. The issue divided political affiliations. Support was highest among voters of the Left Alliance (83 percent), Greens (82 percent), Swedish Peoples Party (76 percent), Social Democrats (71 percent), and Centre Party (68 percent). Support was lower among National Coalition Party (50 percent) and Finns Party (52 percent) voters. The E2 survey was conducted between February and March 2025 using a combination of interviews and questionnaires across Finland. HT A report by the Grey Economy Information Unit found that in 2023, 124 million in government grants could have been withheld if a proper financial reliability check had been carried out. The assessment covered both the organisations and individuals responsible for them. Associations and foundations in Finland received over 100 million in state aid last year despite having links to tax debts, business bans, or default records, according to the Finnish Tax Administration. In total, every fifth association and every second foundation that received support last year would have failed a financial reliability check, based on existing criteria proposed in 2022 for reforming the Act on Discretionary Government Grants. Janne Marttinen, Head of the Grey Economy Information Unit, questioned the current use of public funds. There are nearly a thousand associations and foundations in Finland with such persons in charge whose personal or business finances are a mess, he said. This increases the risk that the association also operates in the grey economy and that taxes and charges are left unpaid. The report states that over 500,000 in grants were issued in 2023 to organisations led by individuals who were banned from running businesses. Current law does not require authorities to assess the financial reliability of grant applicants or their leadership. In 2023, around 4,200 associations and 300 foundations received a total of 300 million in various government supports. These included business subsidies and employment-related grants. The report notes that while some grant providers have internal rules on checking applicants backgrounds, there is no legal obligation to carry out such checks. The Grey Economy Information Unit has reviewed how the proposed legislative changes would have altered last years grant decisions. The new rules, still under preparation, aim to prevent the awarding of support to any applicant, responsible person, or associated business with unpaid taxes or unresolved public liabilities. A proper background check encourages organisations to meet their obligations and reduces the risk of public money being misused, said Marttinen. The proposal to amend the Act on Discretionary Government Grants is expected to be submitted to Parliament in autumn 2026. A separate report by the same unit examined money collection permits issued in March 2025. If financial reliability had been used as a criterion, around 15 percent of applicants would have been disqualified. Marttinen said the current system allows organisations with poor financial records to receive money collection permits, which poses a risk. Cases of money collection scams have come to light. While criminal convictions can lead to rejections, financial issues such as tax debts are not considered, he said. The National Police Board of Finland issues these permits. The Grey Economy Information Unit recommends that financial reliability checks should become a requirement for issuing permits. Assessing the financial health of many associations remains difficult due to a lack of data. Associations are not always required to file tax returns or submit financial statements. Between 2020 and 2022, 40 percent of associations failed to file a tax return, either due to lack of taxable activity or other reasons. Marttinen said that this gap makes it essential to evaluate the financial backgrounds of responsible individuals and any associated companies. HT Emergency services were called to the building shortly after 11 a.m. Parliament confirmed the death on Tuesday afternoon. Police said they were investigating the cause but did not suspect a crime. According to Finnish media , the case is being treated as suicide. Finnish MP Eemeli Peltonen has died inside Parliament House in Helsinki. He was 30 years old and serving his first term for the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Several police units and an armoured vehicle were deployed to the area. Parliament briefly closed its entrances before reopening later in the day. By the afternoon, the national flag outside Parliament was lowered to half-mast. Peltonen had spoken publicly about serious kidney problems that forced him to miss work earlier this year. In June he wrote that he had been hospitalised, diagnosed with minimal change disease, and contracted a bacterial infection during treatment. He said he had been discharged and was on sick leave for the summer. Parliament Speaker Jussi Halla-aho expressed condolences on behalf of MPs. Peltonen was a valued colleague across party lines, he wrote on X. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo described the death as deeply saddening and announced that political discussions at the governments summer meeting would stop for the day. SDP parliamentary group chair Tytti Tuppurainen said in a statement that Peltonens death had shaken the group. He was a well-liked member of our community. A young life has ended too soon, she said. Peltonens wife asked through social media for privacy while the family grieves. Born in Jarvenpaa, Peltonen entered politics as a teenager through the local youth council and later the Social Democratic Youth. He was first elected to Jarvenpaa City Council in 2012 at the age of 18 and rose to become chair of the citys executive board. He studied political science and worked as a communications specialist at the Service Union United (PAM) and as a parliamentary assistant before entering Parliament in 2023 with 5,747 votes. He was the sixth-youngest MP. In Parliament, Peltonen sat on the Administration and Legal Affairs Committees. He was SDPs lead member in the Administration Committee and played a role in negotiations over the controversial border pushback law passed in summer 2024. Local officials described him as respected and approachable. Jarvenpaa city manager Iiris Laukkanen said she had messaged Peltonen on Tuesday morning before hearing of his death. He was widely valued and easy to work with. He always sought constructive solutions and had a good sense of humour, she said. City council chair Petri Graeffe called Peltonen a talented, reliable and trusted politician and said his death was a huge loss. Kerava councillor Samuli Isola, a close friend, recalled Peltonens early years in politics. He was always interested in peoples lives and wanted to make the world a better place. He had such a promising future ahead, Isola said. Peltonen was also Jarvenpaas top vote-getter in the 2024 municipal elections. Following his death, Anette Karlsson, a politician from Porvoo, will take his parliamentary seat. Karlsson won 3,867 votes in the 2023 election and had left the SDP shortly after due to local disagreements. On Tuesday she announced she would rejoin the party and serve in its parliamentary group. Her entry makes former SDP chair Antti Rinne a substitute MP. Jarvenpaa will hold a day of mourning with flags at half-mast on Wednesday. Parliament is in recess until 2 September. HT Pelkonen was born in Iisalmi in 1931 and grew up in Helsinki, where he later built his career. His parents both worked in medicine: his father Erkki, a gynaecologist, was killed during the war in 1941, while his mother Aune was a surgical nurse. Risto Pelkonen , Finlands former archiater and one of the countrys most recognisable medical figures, has died at the age of 94. The Finnish Medical Association and the medical society Duodecim confirmed his death on Tuesday after a short illness. He studied medicine at the University of Helsinki, graduating as a physician in 1957 and defending his doctorate in 1963. He specialised in internal medicine and later endocrinology. His clinical career spanned more than three decades at Helsinki University Central Hospital, where he became head of department in 1981 and served until 1994. In 1995, president Martti Ahtisaari appointed Pelkonen as Finlands archiater, the highest honorary title granted to a physician. Only one archiater serves at a time. Pelkonen held the position until his death, becoming the second-longest serving archiater in Finlands history after paediatric pioneer Arvo Ylppo. Pelkonen also worked as chief physician at the insurance company Varma and was a member of the Finnish Academy of Science and Letters from 1992. In 2021, president Sauli Niinisto awarded him the Grand Cross of the Order of the Lion of Finland. Over more than 70 years in medicine, Pelkonen treated patients, trained doctors, and contributed to public debate. He became known for addressing not only clinical issues but also broader questions of equality, social justice, and the environment. In interviews he spoke against excluding undocumented migrants from healthcare, warned of the risks of loneliness among older people, and stressed the responsibility of citizens to care for one another. Without love nothing works. No one can escape this right and duty, he told Yle in 2014. He lived through four pandemics: the Asian flu of 195758, the Hong Kong flu a decade later, swine flu in 2009, and COVID-19. He described the coronavirus outbreak as a warning about human treatment of nature. If we continue to exploit nature, we will face serious consequences, he said in 2021. Beyond medicine, Pelkonen valued art, poetry, and music. Well into his nineties he kept active through daily walks, berry-picking, and mushroom foraging. He also gave his name to the Pelkonen Prize, awarded annually by the Tampere Medical Society since 2007 to doctors who combine knowledge, skill, and humanity in their work. Pelkonen is survived by his wife Kristiina Taivainen, their three children, grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. HT The Finnish Ministry of Defence has announced a new programme aimed at improving the physical condition of young people before they begin compulsory military service. The scheme will begin in autumn 2025 in five municipalities: Taipalsaari, Ruokolahti, Paimio, Lahti and Kouvola. The aim is to roll it out across the country by 2027. At the call-up events, regional sports organisations and the National Defence Training Association will provide tailored guidance on exercise and offer information about local physical activity services. The accusations relate to the treatment of 78 Thai nationals who worked in Finlands berry picking sector. Each charge corresponds to an individual plaintiff. The case centres on the berry company Polarica Marjahankinta, its former CEO Jukka Kristo , and Thai business associate Kalyakorn "Durian" Phongphit . All three defendants deny the charges. The largest human trafficking case in Finnish legal history began on Tuesday at the Lapland District Court in Rovaniemi, with 78 charges of aggravated human trafficking under review. Defence lawyer Kai Kotiranta, representing Polarica, Kristo, and his private business, described the case as unique. This is exceptional in international terms, he said. He added that the outcome is likely to have broad implications for Finlands seasonal berry industry, which relies heavily on foreign workers. The trial has already faced procedural delays. Initially set for May, the first hearing was postponed after Kristo claimed that the judges were biased. Although the Lapland District Court rejected this view, the presiding judge decided to replace the other judges in the interest of fairness. In early August, new legal objections emerged. Polarica and Kristo argued that the police investigation had been launched unlawfully, as part of the alleged offences took place in Thailand. They claimed that prior authorisation from the Prosecutor General should have been required. The court dismissed this challenge. Responding to suggestions that the objections were designed to stall proceedings, Kotiranta rejected the accusation. It is certainly best for all parties if the matter is handled quickly rather than slowly, he told Yle. When it comes to such a serious criminal case, it is important to ensure that the process has been and is appropriate in all respects. The case is being closely watched, both for its scale and for its potential effect on labour practices within Finlands berry sector. HT Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky met US president Donald Trump and European leaders in Washington on Monday for negotiations aimed at shaping the next stage of the war and possible peace with Russia. The meeting produced commitments to draft security guarantees for Ukraine and to organise direct talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin , but many central issues remained unsettled. Trump called Putin from the White House during the talks and secured a tentative agreement for a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders at the end of August. Plans were also set for a trilateral summit involving Trump, Putin, and Zelensky. The Kremlin has yet to confirm details, leaving uncertainty about Putins willingness to attend. According to Zelensky, security guarantees will be formalised within a week to ten days. It is important that the United States sends a clear signal that it is among the countries helping and coordinating security guarantees, he said after the talks. NATO secretary general Mark Rutte said details would be announced in coming days, calling US participation a breakthrough. Zelensky also pledged that Ukraine will buy American weapons worth 90 billion dollars and host production of drones in partnership with the US. The president of Finland Alexander Stubb, who attended the negotiations, said that the process had advanced. There is a sense that we are moving towards some kind of peace path. The destination we do not yet know, Stubb told reporters. European leaders described the meeting as successful in terms of public diplomacy. UK prime minister Keir Starmer told the BBC he was very satisfied with the outcome, particularly on security guarantees. French president Emmanuel Macron said that Russia had rejected a ceasefire in earlier talks in Alaska with Trump. German chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that a ceasefire was necessary before further negotiations. Trump disagreed, saying he did not believe a ceasefire was required. The issue of territorial concessions remained unresolved. Trump suggested in Alaska that Ukraine would need to give up land to Russia as part of any peace deal. Zelensky said that questions of territory should be negotiated directly between Kyiv and Moscow. US secretary of state Marco Rubio told Fox News that concessions from both sides would be needed to reach peace. The Washington meeting also placed pressure on Russia over the deportation of Ukrainian children. During earlier talks in Alaska, Trump handed Putin a letter from Melania Trump demanding their return. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen repeated the demand in Washington. Analysts warned that Moscow could use symbolic returns or link the issue to other demands. Senior researcher Jussi Lassila from the Finnish Institute of International Affairs said the meeting created political momentum that will be difficult to reverse. Pressure was directed towards the Kremlin. The next step is how Russia responds by blurring the content or playing for time, but that is now harder, Lassila told Helsingin Sanomat. He added that Putin failed in his attempt to split Europe and the United States. Coordination between Europe and the US has been set in motion. This shows Putin has not succeeded in creating a rift. Still, many questions remain. The structure and enforcement of security guarantees are not yet known. The timing and location of a PutinZelensky meeting remain uncertain. Disagreement persists over whether a ceasefire is required. The role Russia might claim in the security arrangements is unclear. For now, the Kremlin faces a situation where it must respond. The Washington talks placed the burden on Moscow, while Ukraine and its allies prepare rapid steps to formalise commitments. HT Jerry Smith announces campaign for mayor Jerry Smith Jr. announced on Monday that he is running for mayor of Hendersonville. Jerry Smith Jr., who served on the Hendersonville City Council from 2009 to 2023, announced his candidacy for mayor of the city on Monday. Related Stories Speaking behind a lectern in front of Black Bear Coffee Co. on Main Street, Smith recalled how he decided in 2009 to take my love for Hendersonville to a new level. I ran for city council with the slogan of active, dedicated and ready. Smith and his wife, Dr. Anne Smith, a pediatrician, moved to Hendersonville in 2000. An attorney, Smith left the profession to take a job teaching social studies at Hendersonville High School. Hes now practicing law again with attorney Derek Jones. He earned an undergraduate degree from UNC at Chapel Hill, a law degree from N.C. Central University and a masters degree in education from George Mason University. We must celebrate our hometown culture while managing compatible growth, he told the gathering of around 55 friends and family members, including his parents and three children, Miriam, Martha and J.T. We either moved here or we stayed here because the culture and lifestyle of Hendersonville is the way we want to live our life. Whether it is the pace of living, the close connection to the people in our community, the presence of the mountains or the sustainability of our jobs, Hendersonville is special to all of us. He pointed to the new police station on Ashe Street and the new Fire Station 1 at Five Points as examples of smart investments in public safety. We will keep Hendersonville thriving by providing these high quality municipal services, he said. Smith joins a current council member, Jennifer Hensley, in declaring for the seat, which Mayor Barbara Volk plans to vacate when her fourth term expires in December 2026. Filing for the seat is Dec. 1-19. Because the city election is nonpartisan, there is no primary. Here is Smiths take on other topics: THE next Honk! live comedy night will include a comedian who is a writer for American late-night satire programme The Daily Show. Matt Koff has also written for The Onion. He will come to the Relais Henley on Thursday, August 28, along with Ania Magliano. The 43-year-old, who lives in Brooklyn, New York, says: I write for The Daily Show full time and I spend most of my time writing about Donald Trump, so any excuse to not talk about politics or Trump is something that I will jump at. My stand-up touches on politics a bit but its more personal. I talk about my divorce, I talk about how my cat is my child, living in the filth pile that is New York City and my overbearing mother. I also talk about my experience being a writer on a late-night show. Along with Brendan McLaughlin, Matt set up a Twitter parody account called TrumpComedyNerd in 2017, during Donald Trumps first presidential term. Im extremely bored of Trump, he says. I mean, writing for The Daily Show is the best job I ever had and I always wanted to write for a late-night show. I just didnt really anticipate that 10 of my 12 years would be focused on one person. I thought Id be talking about Hillary and Jeb Bush and all these colourful characters. Luckily, I wont be talking about that. I will be talking about my non-Trump-related depression in my stand-up and how I am definitely a cat person and not a dog person. If I were a dog person, maybe I would be a little more optimistic than I am. Matt lives with his cat, Ardsley, named after my home town of Ardsley, in the suburbs of New York City. She is a she, it does sound like a boys name, and also she is a tuxedo cat so everyone thinks shes a boy, so shes constantly being misgendered, which makes me all the more woke. She is definitely the main lady in my life, a cat so beautiful she could prolong a failing marriage for an extra two years. Matt is looking forward to his first visit to Henley, saying: Thank god my cat is a tuxedo cat. Fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe, Ania Magliano has supported Ed Gamble, Marc Maron and Catherine Cohen. She will be sharing her thoughts, jokes, confessions and gossip. l Honk! August is at the Relais Henley on Thursday, August 28. For more information, visit linktr.ee/honkhot INSOLVENCY advisers have been appointed to make contingency plans for the potential collapse of Thames Water. The UKs largest water company serves 16 million customers and has 18 billion of debt. Steve Reed, the Environment Secretary, has appointed FTI Consulting to advise on placing the water firm in a special administration regime. This can only be instigated when a company is unable or unlikely to pay its debts, meet its obligations or if it is in the public interest to do so. The company would be at the forefront, acting as an administrator, if the government enacted the regime, with approval from the courts as the next step. A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: The Government will always act in the national interest on these issues. The company remains financially stable, but we have stepped up our preparations and stand ready for all eventualities, including applying for a Special Administration Regime if that were to become necessary. A spokesman from Thames Water said: Our focus remains on a holistic and fundamental recapitalisation, delivering a market-led solution which includes targeting investment grade credit ratings and returning the company to a stable financial foundation. Constructive discussions with our many stakeholders continue. Thames Water was hit with a record fine of 123 million earlier this year. A 104 million fine was levied for wastewater breaches after it was found to be responsible for 20 per cent of all pollution incidents last year. The data published by the Environment Agency found that the company was responsible for 23,061 sewage spills with an average duration of 13 hours last year. Eighty-six spills were recorded from Henley Sewage Treatment Works, near the Fawley Stream, for 950 hours. A fine of 18 million for breaches was levied for breaching dividend payment rules, while customers face rising bills of about 31 a year by 2030. BEIJING, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's foreign exchange market maintained steady operations in July, reporting stable market expectations and cross-border capital flows, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange said on Friday. In July, foreign exchange purchases and sales conducted by banks rose 12 percent and 16 percent month on month. The sector registered a foreign exchange settlement surplus of 22.8 billion U.S. dollars, continuing a surplus trend, according to data released by the administration. Last month, cross-border receipts and payments by non-banking entities such as enterprises or individuals remained at historically high levels, with overall inflows and outflows broadly balanced, said Li Bin, deputy head of the administration. Net capital inflows from the trade of goods rose 33 percent month on month to remain at a high level, while net outflows related to investment income and trade in services increased 7 percent and 34 percent, mainly due to seasonal factors such as residents' overseas travel during the summer and corporate dividend payouts, Li said. He said that China's steady, high-quality economic development, along with the increasing resilience of its foreign exchange market, will continue to provide strong support for the market's sound, stable performance. In 2024, Anhui Province exported 954,000 complete vehicles, securing the position as the top automobile exporter in China for the first time. Anhui's automotive industry now reaches markets across 195 countries and regions worldwide. In the first half of this year alone, Anhui exported 461,000 vehicles (including chassis)maintaining its national leading position in auto exports. Behind this remarkable achievement lies Anhui's high-quality business environment. Local commerce authorities implemented a coordinated policy package to help automakers integrate deeply into global supply chains. This systemic approach has earned recognition from China's Ministry of Commerce, which designated Anhui's model as the only comprehensive provincial case study recommended for nationwide adoption. Recently, reporters learned from the Provincial Department of Commerce that through an integrated mechanism combining institutional frameworks, supportive policies, and industrial platforms, Anhui has continuously supported auto enterprises in participating substantively in global industrial division and collaboration. This strategy has successfully cultivated the auto sector into a pillar export-oriented industry, achieving remarkable results. Due to its effectiveness, China's Ministry of Commerce has designated this model as the only systematically developed case in China to be shared nationwide for replication and promotion. Our provincial commerce authorities focused on key automakers by establishing dedicated working mechanisms to help them mitigate risks and stabilize growth, fostering cross-departmental synergy to jointly enhance service efficiency for enterprises. Recently, when Chery Auto reported challenges including inadequate local logistics capacity, constrained transportation efficiency, and high costs, Wuhu City conducted thorough research and implemented targeted measures. It formulated an integrated multimodal ("land-water-rail") logistics solution with extraordinary effortsbuilding zero-distance bases, opening up overseas channels, and connecting international trunk lines. This initiative is projected to reduce Chery's annual logistics expenses by approximately 40 million. The provincial commerce departments have assigned exclusive account managers to provide tailored services for seven major automakers, including Chery Auto and JAC Group. Through tailored strategies for each enterprise, they have successively addressed difficulties in market expansion, international logistics, cross-border settlement, and other areas. These efforts have helped these companies mitigate country-specific trade risks and resolve critical trade bottlenecks. In 2024, auto parts suppliers accounted for 60% of all enterprises in Anhui's automotive industry chain and contributed 48% of its total revenue. Concurrently, through coordinated policy support, the province has invested over 100 million yuan annually to facilitate international market expansion for both vehicle and parts manufacturers, fostering a 120-billion-yuan automotive export cluster. Anhui-made auto components are now deeply integrating into global supply chains, embarking on overseas expansion with strong momentum. Leveraging multiple policy leversincluding those supporting new energy vehicle (NEV) industrial cluster development, high-quality auto exports, and NEV trade cooperationprovincial commerce authorities prioritized support for participation in domestic and international exhibitions and international product certifications by complete vehicle and power battery producers under foreign trade promotion programs. These efforts successfully positioned Anhui's automotive sector as part of China's third batch of national demonstration industries for enhancing foreign trade quality and efficiency. The Provincial Department of Commerce has deeply implemented the "Anhui Going Global" initiative, pioneering an overseas exhibition model featuring mini-exhibitions within larger shows to host six specialized displays on Anhui's automotive and parts industry. Leveraging the Anhui Business International Economic Cooperation Alliance, Anhui automakers are accelerating their establishment of overseas production basesadvancing from merely exporting products to achieving full-chain integration encompassing R&D, production, and sales abroad. Source: anhuinews.com The fates of nations have rarely, if ever, been decided by sartorial choices. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was certainly hoping that a spot of fashion diplomacy Monday could get US counterpart Donald Trump to help his country reach a peace deal with Russia. Despite the life-and-death matters unfolding in Ukraine, much of the speculation among the White House press corps was about whether Zelensky would wear a suit. In February, Ukraine's wartime leader was ridiculed by a right-wing US reporter for wearing military-style garb instead of a business suit when he visited the Oval Office. That mocking exchange set the tone for an astonishing blow-up a few minutes later when Trump and Vice President JD Vance proceeded to berate Zelensky for not being "grateful" for US support against Russia's invasion. What a difference six months makes. "I can't believe it, I love it!" said Trump, 79, as he admired Zelensky's smart black jacket and collared black shirt upon the Ukrainian leader's arrival at the White House. "It's the best I had," joked Zelensky, a former television comedian before turning president. The light-hearted appreciation for the 47-year-old's outfit continued inside the Oval Office itself -- the scene of Zelensky's earlier humiliation. "President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit!" said Brian Glenn, the reporter for Real America's Voice who had asked the original question back in February. Trump joined in, saying "I said the same thing" -- and telling Zelensky that "that's the one that attacked you last time." "I remember," deadpanned the Ukrainian, before adding to the American reporter that "you are wearing the same suit" as six months ago. Zelensky also turned on the charm for Trump -- a billionaire who is rarely seen in anything except one of his trademark tailored blue suits -- in other ways. He brought a letter for Melania Trump from his wife Olena thanking the US first lady for writing to Putin and urging him to save children's lives. The focus on Zelensky's outfit -- instead of the nitty-gritty of peace negotiations to end a war that has killed tens of thousands of people -- may seem bizarre to some. But it also underscores the extent to which foreign leaders have had to woo a notoriously capricious US president. Zelensky in particular has had to work hard to win over Trump, who has long been skeptical about US support for Ukraine and its multi-billion-dollar war cost. Trump has also openly expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, not least during their extraordinary cordial greetings during their summit in Alaska last week. The US leader had also echoed several of Putin's talking points about the war, including in recent days on the need for Ukraine to give up Crimea and its ambitions of joining NATO. Hence the multi-pronged diplomatic offensive at the White House on Monday -- beginning with Zelensky and his black jacket, and followed up with a posse of European leaders. The Europeans paid homage to what they said were Trump's efforts to reach a peace deal, but their visit was also designed as a show of support for Kyiv against any call for too many concessions. The Ukrainian was reportedly given training on how to deal with Trump by European leaders, especially Finnish President Alexander Stubb -- who himself wore a double-breasted suit and won praise from the American president for his youthful vigor. Zelensky was notably less pugnacious than in February -- and even thanked Trump for a map that showed how much territory Russia had taken from Ukraine. NATO chief Mark Rutte meanwhile made light of the debate about Zelensky's attire. "Do I look OK?" the Dutchman said to Trump's protocol chief with a laugh as he buttoned up his suit jacket on arrival at the White House. The Trump administration will begin handing over files related to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case to members of Congress. The decision staves off a potential clash between Congress and the White House. The House Oversight Committee had issued a subpoena for the records on Aug. 5. Rather than fight the subpoena, the Justice Department has decided to provide the committee with the records, according to a statement from committee chair, Kentucky Congressman James Comer. "There are many records in DOJ's custody, and it will take the Department time to produce all the records and ensure the identification of victims and any child sexual abuse material are redacted," Comer said in a statement. "I appreciate the Trump Administration's commitment to transparency and efforts to provide the American people with information about this matter." Epstein, a disgraced financier who had ties to prominent individuals, including President Trump and former President Bill Clinton, killed himself in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. In July, the Justice Department released a statement saying that Epstein did not have a "client list" and that there was no doubt that he had killed himself. The statement provoked a strong backlash among some of Trump's supporters who had expected the files regarding the case to be released. Trump attempted to settle the controversy with a social media post that stated, "One year ago our Country was DEAD, now it's the "HOTTEST" Country anywhere in the World. Let's keep it that way, and not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about." Interest in the case has continued, culminating with a flurry of congressional subpoenas that targeted not only the records, but also former government officials, including: Hillary Clinton Former Secretary of State Bill Clinton Former President of the United States James Comey Former FBI Director Robert Mueller Former FBI Director Merrick Garland Current US Attorney General William Barr Former US Attorney General Jeff Sessions Former US Attorney General Loretta Lynch Former US Attorney General Eric Holder Former US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales Former US Attorney General Trump has not been subpoenaed by the committee, although in a 2019 interview Epstein said that he had once considered Trump to be his best friend before the two had a falling out, CNN reported. Originally published on Lawyer Herald Tamer Khedr has been appointed Chief Executive Officer at DO Hotels, the world's first musical-themed hospitality brand, born from the creative partnership between ONE Development and legendary artist Amr Diab. Tamed Khedr is a globally experienced hospitality leader with over 20 years of shaping guest experiences across the US, GCC, and Egypt. Renowned for his visionary approach and operational excellence, he has led high-performing teams to secure the highest guest satisfaction scores in the region for multiple consecutive years. With a career defined by bold execution and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Khedr is now steering a brand that isn't just keeping pace with the future of hospitality- it's setting it. Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, the jewel of Thailand's last unspoiled island paradise, announces the appointment of Stuart De San Nicolas as General Manager. With a distinguished global career in ultra-luxury hospitality, Stuart brings not only deep operational expertise and transformative sales strategies, but also a proven track record of creating one-of-a-kind guest journeys for the world's most discerning travellers. A global citizen by birth and the son of Spanish diplomats, Stuart has been immersed since childhood in the world of prestigious hotels, sparking a lifelong fascination with meaningful hospitality. He built his academic foundations in France, then over the next three decades redefined standards of bespoke service and commercial excellence for iconic brands such as St. Regis and Conrad across luxury destinations from Cannes to Bora Bora. In 2023, Stuart joined Minor Hotels as Cluster General Manager, overseeing Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, the newly launched Avani+ Fares Maldives and the introduction of the NH and NH Collection brands in the Maldives. At Anantara Kihavah, consistently ranked among the world's top resorts, he oversaw signature experiences including underwater oenology and overwater astronomy, as well as bespoke private journeys for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, all while steering best-in-class revenue generation and direct sales strategies. Now taking the reins at Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, Stuart brings his visionary leadership to Thailand's rising star in luxury travel, named one of TIME's World's Greatest Places of 2025. Nestled on a kilometre of private beach, the resort offers all-suite-and-pool-villa accommodation designed for privacy, connection and rare discovery. Signature experiences include vintage sidecar adventures, private yacht island hopping, and deeply curated wellness journeys all reflective of Stuart's philosophy: every guest is the story, and every moment the signature. Shareholders to receive $9.00 per share in cash, an 83% premium to the unaffected share price Existing shareholders including Ron Burkle and Yucaipa to roll controlling equity interest in the Company MCR Investors to make meaningful new money investment. Apollo to provide financing through a customized hybrid capital solution, with Goldman Sachs Alternatives continuing its financial support. Soho House & Co Inc. (NYSE: SHCO) (SHCO, Company, we or our"), the global membership platform that connects a vibrant, diverse, and international group of members, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements pursuant to which an investor group led by MCR and its Chairman and CEO Tyler Morse will acquire the outstanding shares of Soho House not held by certain significant shareholders. SHCO Executive Chairman Ron Burkle and the Yucaipa Companies LLC (Yucaipa) will roll their controlling equity interests in the Company and retain majority control of the business. Holders of common stock of the Company will receive $9.00 per share in cash, a premium of approximately 83% over the closing stock price as of December 18, 2024, the last trading day prior to Soho Houses announcement of receipt of the offer. The offer implies a total enterprise value of approximately $2.7 billion for SHCO. Transaction Details Under the terms of the agreements, MCR, the third largest hotel owner-operator in the United States, will become a shareholder of SHCO and Tyler Morse will join the Companys Board of Directors as Vice Chairman. MCRs portfolio includes iconic assets such as the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport, The High Line Hotel and the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City and the BT Tower in London. MCRs cloud-based hospitality software assets include property management system Stayntouch and hotel operations software Optii. MCRs hotels are frequently featured in Travel + Leisures Worlds Best Hotels and Conde Nast Travelers Readers Choice Awards. MCR was also named one of Fast Companys 10 Most Innovative Travel Companies. Funds managed by affiliates of Apollo (Apollo Funds) are supporting the transaction through a hybrid capital solution, by providing additional capital in the form of debt and common equity, a portion of proceeds will be used to refinance the Companys existing Senior Secured Notes. Further new equity capital will be provided by a consortium of strategic investors led by prominent technology investor Ashton Kutcher, who will also join the Companys Board of Directors following completion of the transaction. Existing significant shareholders including Richard Caring, Nick Jones and Goldman Sachs Alternatives, will roll the majority of their shares of the common stock of the Company. Goldman Sachs Alternatives is also committing additional capital. Hybrid Capital at Goldman Sachs Alternatives has been invested in Soho House since 2021 and will continue to support the business through this transaction. As previously announced in December 2024, SHCOs Board of Directors formed a Special Committee (the Special Committee), comprised solely of independent directors and advised by its own independent legal and financial advisors. Upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, the Board of Directors unanimously approved the proposed transaction. After detailed consideration by the Special Committee with the assistance of our outside financial and legal advisors, we determined that the $9.00 per share in cash consideration delivers meaningful and immediate value to stockholders. We look forward to working with the teams at the Company and the various financing sources to complete the merger. Eric Deardorff, Chairman of the Special Committee This transaction reflects the strong confidence our existing and incoming shareholders have in the future of Soho House & Co., and the transformation weve led since becoming a public company. Since our IPO in 2021, weve focused on building a stronger, more resilient business. Against a backdrop of challenging economic conditions and global uncertainty, from 2022-2024 we delivered consistent, disciplined growth with revenue increasing at an average annual rate of double digit growth, and Adjusted EBITDA growing at over 50% annually during the same period. Weve expanded our global footprint, welcoming new members into Houses in creative and culturally important cities such as Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Nashville, and Paris while continuing to build strong connections with members and invest in Houses that weve called home for many years. Behind the scenes, weve embarked on a significant transformation of our finance and operational systems, giving us the tools to scale efficiently and position the business for long-term success. Returning to private ownership enables us to build on this momentum, with the support of world class hospitality and investment partners. Im incredibly proud of what our teams have accomplished and am excited about our future, as we continue to be guided by our members and grounded in the spirit that makes Soho House so special. Andrew Carnie, CEO of Soho House & Co Soho House is a place of creative connection, where freedom of expression and character thrive. All of us at MCR are excited to be part of the Soho House journey, helping to create more experiences, interactions and memories alongside friends and members. We have long admired Soho House for bringing together cultures from around the world into a global network of 46 Houses, and we look forward to the continued growth of that fabric, starting with four new Houses opening soon. MCRs investment in Soho House represents a strategic opportunity to combine our operational expertise with one of the most distinctive brands in hospitality. Our shared goal is to safeguard the member experience, drive sustainable international growth for House members, and protect and expand the cultural and creative foundation that has made Soho House a global industry leader. Together, we are confident in our ability to deliver long-term value for members, employees and shareholders alike. Tyler Morse, Chairman & CEO of MCR Soho House is a globally renowned brand with a talented management team and exciting growth prospects. We are pleased to leverage our scale and flexibility to provide a highly customized capital solution to support this transaction. This is a prime example of Apollos hybrid capital at work, flexing across both debt and equity and working closely with the Company and its investors to craft a structured solution at scale. Reed Rayman, Partner and Deputy Head of Hybrid at Apollo We look forward to our continued partnership with Soho House. The company has established itself as a leading global membership platform, with a differentiated offering and strong track record. We are excited to support the next stage of Soho Houses development in partnership with its management team and shareholders. Beat Cabiallavetta, Global Head of Hybrid Capital at Goldman Sachs Alternatives The proposed transaction is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, including the approval of the transaction by a majority of the votes cast by stockholders other than the new investors, the rollover stockholders, the Companys directors and executive officers and their respective affiliates. Upon completion of the proposed transaction, SHCOs common stock will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Advisors: Citi is serving as financial advisor to the Company and Sidley Austin LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Company. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor to the Special Committee and Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP and Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP are serving as legal counsel to the Special Committee. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Apollo Funds. Canaccord is serving as financial advisor to MCR. Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (US) LLP is serving as legal counsel to Richard Caring. LionTree is serving as financial advisor to Ashton Kutcher. About Soho House & Co: Soho House & Co is a global membership platform of physical and digital spaces that connects a vibrant, diverse and global group of members. These members use Soho House to work, socialize, connect, create and flourish all over the world. We began with the opening of the first Soho House in 1995 and remain the only company to have scaled a private membership network with a global presence. Members around the world engage with Soho House through our global collection, as of June 29, 2025, of 46 Soho Houses, 8 Soho Works, Scorpios Beach Clubs in Mykonos and Bodrum, Soho Home our interiors and lifestyle retail brand and our digital channels. The Ned in London, New York and Doha, The LINE and Saguaro hotels in North America also form part of Soho House & Co's wider portfolio. For more information, please visit www.sohohouseco.com ORLANDO - INNclusivity, a visionary, innovative approach to hotel training and hiring, is transforming the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and providing exceptional benefits to participating hotels. A rapidly expanding non-profit organization, unique to the hospitality industry, INNclusivity provides this often-neglected group with opportunities that offer gainful employment, newfound capabilities and a place in the workforce, while setting goals for a more secure and productive future. Founded by veteran hospitality executive Mike Schugt, INNclusivity partners with vocational schools and local hotels to identify potential workers, provide training and find suitable jobs within the hospitality industry. INNclusivity has expanded from its Orlando headquarters where four properties are part of the program, to hotels in Atlanta, New Orleans, Pittsburgh and San Francisco. In Fall, 2025, the organization will take its singular concept to Europe, expanding to Germany. Hotels offer numerous positions that adults with developmental disabilities can capably fill, according to Mike Schugt. Positions span work in the laundry, kitchen, housekeeping and meeting and banquet set up. Resorts offer more opportunities in landscaping, pool maintenance and beach cleanup. Partner hotels now include Caribe Royale Resort Orlando, Gaylord Palms Resort Orlando, Wyndham Orlando Bonnet Creek, Lake Nona Wave Hotel Orlando, Inte8rcontinental Hotel New Orleans, Hilton New Orleans Airport, Hilton Atlanta, Beacon Grand San Francisco, Hyatt Regency San Francisco and Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh. Hotels also benefit from the program. INNclusivity helps to combat labor shortages and reduces turnover by providing committed and dependable employees. Hotel staff are very supportive of the plan and proud to mentor these new and eager workers, improving teamwork and focus. The program also expands the diversity of the workforce and forges ties with the local community. INNclusivity brings this ground-breaking program to life with an empowering, carefully coordinated three-step process. Mike Schugt first connects with schools and centers that support adults with developmental disabilities, with his Leadership presentation. The premise is that anyone can be a leader, you just need to lead yourself and set an example for others to follow , Mike explains. This presentation gets individuals to think more about their future and provides a way to identify potential candidates for the program. INNclusivity then introduces selected candidates to hotel partners committed to inclusion. If interested in pursuing a career in hospitality, they enter a three-hour immersion program 8designed to build self-esteem and confidence. Candidates are welcomed into a hotel environment with a behind-the-scenes tour, hands-on training and direct exposure to various roles in the hospitality industry. Throughout the process, INNclusivity and its partners work to ensure that jobs and individuals are carefully matched. Cathy Zucker, general manager of the Wyndham Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort, commented on the success of Hotel Houseman Jacob Jacubek. Jacob is so special to our team, its a privilege to have him on board. Jacob does an exceptional job; always on time, never on his phone, and we love that he is so reliable. INNclusivity also supports the individuals family. Parents of adults with developmental disabilities are deeply concerned about their childrens future and eager for them to gain independence, self-esteem and meaningful participation in the life of their local communities, says Mike Schugt. Mike Schugt sees limitless potential for INNclusivity, expanding the program to cities and hotels throughout the United States and Europe. Mike has put his career on hold to launch and fund this new and transformative initiative and now proudly wears the title Founder and Chief Kindness Officer. The lives of adults with developmental disabilities can be difficult , Mike asserts. They often feel ignored and frustrated at being told no and what they cant do. At a time when government programs are being severely reduced, we show them the exceptional possibilities offered by the hospitality industry. Our mission is to take them from being unseen to unstoppable. About Mike Schugt, INNclusivitys Founder and Chief Kindness Officer Mike is the Founder of INNclusivity, a non-profit organization that creates jobs for adults with developmental disabilities in the hospitality industry. He has taken time out from his exceptional career in hotel sales and marketing to develop and personally fund this ground-breaking organization. Prior to that, Mike was President of the Teneo Hospitality Group for 10 years. Teneo Hospitality Group provides group meetings and marketing services to over 400 independent and small branded lifestyle and luxury hotels, around the world. In 2010, prior to Teneo, Mike launched Leading North, a full-service sales, marketing, revenue management and digital marketing firm, aimed at creating greater value for hotels by improving their financial results. As a hospitality industry leader within the sales and marketing arena for over 35 years, Mike is a frequent speaker on the state of the hospitality industry, addressing global travel buyers such as Coca-Cola, McDonalds, Bank of America, Amgen, Hewlett Packard, and Chevron. INNclusivity is a nonprofit on a mission to provide meaningful jobs in the hotel industry to intellectually diverse adults. INNclusivity partners with hotels and vocational schools to offer immersive, behind-the-scenes experiences, helping these incredible individuals gain confidence, develop skills and secure real employment. Founded by leading hospitality executive, Mike Schugt, INNclusivity is expanding to hotels in communities across the United States. INNclusivity is a non-profit organization and has applied for 501 (3) (c) status. Donations are appreciated and can be made via the organizations website at www.Innclusivity.org. Google search resultsboth organic and paid-forstill play a crucial role in a successful direct booking strategy. With Travel Feeds in Search Ads, Google has given hoteliers another way to make their ads more effective and beat OTAs to crucial clicks. Travel Feeds integrates live pricing information into Google search ads to provide hotels with a competitive, data-driven edge. Were excited to announce that Travel Feeds are now available in Triptease Paid Search campaigns, thanks to pricing information delivered by the Triptease Data Marketing Platform (DMP). What is Googles Travel Feeds in Search Ads? Introduced by Google in late 2024, Travel Feeds in Search Ads gives hotels the opportunity to show prospective guests ads that include live pricing. According to Google, these ads can deliver impressive resultsin fact, Google claims that some hotels have seen up to a 20% increase in clickthrough rates. But theres a catch. Travel Feeds in Paid Search requires access to a hotel price feedsomething many search marketing providers cannot access. At Triptease, on the other hand, pricing data is an integral component of our full-funnel marketing platform. That means any hotel running both Metasearch and Paid Search with us can now augment their Google campaigns with Travel Feeds in Search Ads. In fact, from August 2025 this feature will be activated as standard for all customers on both Triptease Metasearch and Paid Search. The benefits of showing prices in paid search ads With Travel Feeds in Search Ads, Google has added a new way for hotels to stand out from the crowd and optimize ad performance. Key benefits include: More qualified clicks: With pricing showing in ads, searchers looking for a different price point can be filtered out early. This saves you from spending money on clicks that would never convert. With pricing showing in ads, searchers looking for a different price point can be filtered out early. This saves you from spending money on clicks that would never convert. Stand out in Google search results: Including prices will make your search ads stand out from competitors who dont have this capability and increase your visibility in Googles search results. Including prices will make your search ads stand out from competitors who dont have this capability and increase your visibility in Googles search results. Build a better booking flow: Dynamic pricing data means prices shown in search are the same as those in the booking engine, which creates a seamless experience for customers across different points in their booking journey. Triptease Price Preview for Paid Search At Triptease, we agree with Google: more visibility and transparency in the Search Engine Results Page (SERP) is a good idea. Thats why, back in 2022, we introduced our own dynamic pricing feature.. Triptease Price Preview for Paid Search allows hotels working with us to surface their lowest rates in their Google search ads thanks to the Triptease DMP. It is the perfect complement to Googles Travel Feeds in Search Ads: More consistent coverage: Travel Feeds in Search Ads doesnt show up for the majority of ads when enabled. Tripteases Price Preview, on the other hand, is displayed much more frequently. Travel Feeds in Search Ads doesnt show up for the majority of ads when enabled. Tripteases Price Preview, on the other hand, is displayed much more frequently. Room for both options: With Travel Feeds in Search ads, prices show in different places in the ad. Triptease Price Preview for Paid Search always shows in a prominent place in the headlinecomplementing the travel feeds placement, rather than clashing with it. With Travel Feeds in Search ads, prices show in different places in the ad. Triptease Price Preview for Paid Search always shows in a prominent place in the headlinecomplementing the travel feeds placement, rather than clashing with it. Availability: Travel Feeds in Search Ads is currently only available in a limited number of countries*, but Tripteases Price Preview for Paid Search can be enabled in any region. Its a great way to showcase your prices in search ads, even if youre not yet able to access Travel Feeds. Our data shows that ads including Triptease Price Preview for Paid Search yield, on average, a 17% higher ROAS than those which dont include Price Preview for Paid Search, showing the inherent value of displaying prices in ads. *At the time of writing Travel Feeds for Search Ads is available in: United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, India, Taiwan, and Ireland. How to get the most out of your Google search campaigns As Travel Feeds is still a fairly new offering, specific insights and performance data are yet to come. But in the meantime here are some of our tips on how to make the most of your performance on Google. Opt into Googles travel-specific offerings: In addition to continuing to invest in non-negotiable key channels like Metasearch and standard Paid Search ads, be sure to take advantage of key features like Travel Feeds in Search Ads and Travel Promotion Ads to boost your profile further. Ensure that your Google My Business profile is fully updated: With many of Googles features, images and other content will be pulled directly from your GMB profile. If you have outdated images or information in your profile, youre not going to get the most out of opting into these features. Augment with complementary tools like Triptease Price Preview for Paid Search. In differentiating yourself in search, less isnt more. Amplify your paid search strategy by investing in tools that work alongside key Google products to drive even stronger results. Want to learn more about Googles Travel Feeds in Search Ads, and how you can connect your Pricing and Availability feed to your Google Ads account to build a more effective Paid Search strategy? Our direct booking experts are always happy to help. Comwell Hvide Hus Aalborg, Dolce by Wyndham - Image Credit Wyndham Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has opened the Comwell Hvide Hus Aalborg, Dolce by Wyndham, in Aalborg, Denmark, following a renovation. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in Denmark with the opening of the Comwell Hvide Hus Aalborg, Dolce by Wyndham. The 16-story hotel is located in Aalborg, Denmark's fourth-largest city, and overlooks Kildeparken, a historic park in the area. The hotel, originally opened in 1969, was taken over by Comwell Hotels in 2014. It has been a popular venue for events such as weddings and celebrations. The recent renovation aligns the property with the Dolce by Wyndham brand, which includes other locations in Aarhus, Copenhagen, and Odense. The Comwell Hvide Hus Aalborg features 198 rooms, including suites, standard, and superior rooms. The renovation incorporated Danish design elements, with furniture and accessories from the Danish brand HAY. The hotel's dining options include Restaurant Vesterbro, which offers a seasonal menu with local produce, and Bar V, an all-day venue with a terrace overlooking Kildeparken. For business and event purposes, the hotel provides 13 conference rooms across four floors, accommodating up to 365 guests. The 15th-floor Panorama Floor offers views of the city as a backdrop for events. The hotel is located 250 meters from Aalborg Train Station and 7 kilometers from Aalborg Airport, providing convenient access for travelers. The hotel also includes a fitness center on the top floor, offering panoramic views of Aalborg. This opening is part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts' strategy to expand the Dolce by Wyndham brand across Europe, with recent additions in France, Italy, and Spain. The Locals Are Revolting, But Do They Have a Point? - Image Credit Global Asset Solutions Robert Walters, CIO, Global Asset Solutions, investigates the latest round of anti-tourism protests Last year saw the emergence of a new spectacle, with local residents in some major European tourist destinations undertaking very vocal protests against tourism, often armed with water pistols, to provide an amusing and newsworthy nuisance to some visitors. Whilst the sight of people squirting diners on Las Ramblas might have begun as an amusing diversion from the main news of the hour, its return in 2025 heralds a worrying trend but highlights a serious point. The protests this year in Spain, Portugal and Italy (though notably not France) are larger and better organised and, it is feared, could to act as a deterrent to some travelers. At their heart, the protests rail against the impact of mass tourism on the day-to-day lives of locals. This could perhaps explain why the strongest feelings are aroused in destinations such as The Canaries, Balearics, Barcelona, Lisbon, Venice and Milan and why the French, who dont see comparable concentration of visitors, have not seen such protests. The overall economic benefit of travel and tourism is undoubted; with a global GDP contribution of over 10%, according to the WTTC. In tourist hot-spots this figure can be much higher, such as Spain where it is 15%. Tourism makes a valuable economic contribution to local and national economies and endangering this is something politicians and those who work in the sector would like to avoid - making it an effective target for protests. Despite the economic advantages, many locals are fed up being overwhelmed by visitors. The multiple images seen of crowds in places such as Santorini, Mykonos and multiple Italian hill towns, so at odds with the social media posts showing beauty and tranquility. The objections raised do not call for an end to all tourism but are more nuanced. The protestors are seeking curbs on the excesses of mass tourism, typically focusing on issues specific to their locale, such as local economic impact, overcrowding problems, the impact of cruise ships and, most frequently, the impact on local housing markets of sharing platforms such as Airbnb. These excesses are exemplified by Palma airport, one of the busiest in Europe. The airport handles 243,200 flights, averaging 666 per day, with 33,298,164 passengers passing through in 2024 that is almost the same as Dublin, which serves a country with a population more than 12 times the size of Mallorca. Mallorca has an established heritage as a tourist destination, and local authorities have frequently stated their desire to take tourism more upmarket, but the volumes keep increasing. There is also growing rancour amongst residents that there is too much leakage in the financial model to overseas tour operators, and that those on package or all-inclusive holidays spend relatively little outside their resorts; and when they do, it is too often to excess in the bars of Magaluf. Cruises are also an oft-cited cause of concern. The size of modern cruise ships is problematic, with 15-storey behemoths disgorging 5,000 guests at a time. Apart from the environmental impact, there has been the ridiculous scenario (now banned) of such monsters towering over the Venice Lagoon. Popular locations like Palma may see as many as five a day docking and presenting Palma with an additional 25,000 visitors to absorb. Again, the issue is one of financial impact, with day trippers spending relatively little before returning to their cabins, compared to those staying overnight. Venice has moved to limit or ban larger ships from the Lagoon, though the ban created unforeseen consequences, such as job losses and a lack of replacement facilities. Authorities appear willing to act, but actions need to be carefully considered. The same is being seen for the sharing platforms such as Airbnb and its rivals, which have come to represent the whipping boy for concerns about soaring rental prices and lack of housing supply. In 2018, Airbnb offered 5 million properties in 85,000 destinations. By March 2025, that had increased to over 8 million properties in 150,000 destinations (Source: Airbnb). A Harvard Business Review study of the impact of the sharing economy in key US destinations as far back as 2019 found that - although there was a lack of empirical data and an inability to filter other impacts on housing - in certain touristy areas the growth in home-sharing through Airbnb contributes to about one-fifth of the average annual increase in US rents and about one-seventh of the average annual increase in US housing prices;. A 2020 report by Forbes further highlighted the growing trend for landlords to shift to the short-term hospitality market. Returns from Airbnb can be higher than in the traditional rental market and, for owners and investors, it is tempting to move housing stock into the holiday rental market. This can mean that where there is a concentration of home-sharing rentals in tourist areas, the commercial activity of owners can skew the rental market for locals. This is contrary to the view that houses are for living and hotels are for visitors. Many governments are under pressure over housing and the sharing platforms are coming under increasing pressure from different jurisdictions, with growing demands for licensing and registration as governments respond to voters concerns. The position of local housing is a perennial problem, and it can be easy to scapegoat Airbnb and its kin, but action is being taken. In May, the Spanish government demanded that 65,000 short-term rental properties in Madrid, Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencia, the Basque Country, and the Balearic Islands be delisted for failing to meet licensing regulations. Leaders in Barcelona had already announced the decision to remove all 10,000 properties from short-term market by 2028. The restrictions being placed on Airbnb are likely to be positive for the hotel industry, with some levelling of the playing field in terms of licensing, regulation and therefore cost. Unless demand is significantly dampened, visitor choices will be limited, thus increasing demand for hotels. Hoteliers can take advantage of that opportunity, but also need to pay attention to the concerns being raised by the protesters. While this plays out, hotels are advised to guide their guests away from the densely-packed areas, particularly at peak times. Hotels can leverage the local knowledge of their teams to recommend out-of-the-way spots which give their guests the thrill of discovering somewhere the masses havent found, whilst also helping to spread the economic benefit. Meanwhile, hotel leaders must work closely with governments and other stakeholders to ensure that a balance is found between supporting the wider tourism industry and supporting local communities, whilst also addressing environmental concerns. The goal for many popular tourist destinations is to recast themselves as more upscale destinations, reducing visitor volumes and attracting guests for whom budget is no issue and where it is easy for everyone to feel the impact on the local economy. It is a difficult balance, though, to meet the needs of growing numbers of people seeking travel experiences, from families and travelers on a budget, to those for whom price is not the concern. Upgrading destinations, particularly those which are long established, is challenging, but with the hospitality industry supporting authorities seeking a more strategic approach, they can help protect the goose which lays the golden egg, ensuring it has a long and productive life without so much of the negative impact. And if that means that fewer locals manning the barricades with their water pistols, then its a win-win. Robert Walters, CIO, Global Asset Solutions. Connect with Robert on LinkedIn. This article originally appeared on Global Asset Solutions. Library Director Veronica Clark and Mayor Jennifer Macksey with author Joyce Maynard, in red, at the Friends of the North Adams Public Library's ice cream social on Friday. PreviousNext Friends of the North Adams Public Library Mark 50 Years Friends President Bonnie Rennell with author Joyce Maynard, who is wearing an apron from the Friends. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Fifty years ago this August, the trustees of the North Adams Public Library discussed creating a "friends" group which could raise funds to meet the library's needs. Some 80 groups had sprung up across the state to work with their local libraries to purchase much-needed equipment and even raise money for new buildings, they said. Among the library's wish list was a projector and screen for showing films. Within weeks, nearly a dozen volunteers gathered to formally establish the Friends of the North Adams Library, with their first event a lecture on the library's history by North Adams State College history professor Daniel Connerton. By November, Doris Loomis Crosier was elected president, and Connerton vice president. Both would remain active in the Friends for many years to come. In less than two years, the screening equipment had been purchased and the Friends were taking turns showing movies at local nursing homes and delivering books to residents who were homebound during the winter. The Friends have since raised tens of thousands of dollars to support the library and its programs. Its major annual fundraisers are the book sale, which brought in more than $8,000 last year, and the membership drive. "Our membership campaign is higher because we really pushed for members this year, because libraries and funding are under attack," said President Bonnie Rennell, adding the Friends fund "just about anything." "When you think of most of the speakers that come, we pay the stipend. We've bought the movie licenses so they can show first-run movies. In the past, we've bought Chromebooks, computers, computer chairs, we do hardware." The Friends also fund a lot of workshops from stained glass to tote bag printing to a bubble maestro to getting up close to reptiles. Mayor Jennifer Macksey read a proclamation marking the group's 50th anniversary at City Council last week, calling describing its members as "an invaluable asset and partner in preserving and advancing the mission of our library and our wonderful city, they are a shining example of civic pride, community engagement and cultural stewardship." The Friends held an ice cream social on the lawn of the library on Friday evening, followed by a well-attended talk and book-signing by best-selling author Joyce Maynard at Hotel Downstreet. Maynard spoke about her life, her challenges, her inspirations and her writing process. She's written fact and fiction; two of her novels, "To Die For" and "Labor Day," were adapted for film. She was gifted a bright red apron sporting a drawing of the Blackinton Mansion from the Friends and signed copies of her books, personalizing each one. Maynard, who lives in New Hampshire and California, also attended the ice cream social, chatting with the 60 more attendees and joked that she was so taken with the city she might buy a house here. She visited two museums the next day (presumably one was Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art), then drove home over the Mohawk Trail. "I'm still a NH girl of course, but this part of Massachusetts is pretty darn beautiful," she wrote on a Facebook post that showed her standing on the library's magnificent staircase. Note: the Friends annual book sale will be held Report: Miss Hall's Failed to Act on Abuse Reports PITTSFIELD, Mass. A report commissioned by Miss Hall's School found school officials failed for years to follow up on accusations of sexual misconduct by its instructors. The full report, summary from the Board of Trustees and a letter to the school community from Head of School Julia Heaton and board President Nancy Ault can be found here "The Report makes clear that, over the decades, there were multiple instances in which students were harmed and that MHS failed to investigate adequately or hold perpetrators accountable for their actions," reads a summary of the report released by the board of trustees on Tuesday. "We would not know the full extent of this harm if it weren't for the courageous Survivors who came forward. We are profoundly grateful to these individuals, and we are simultaneously deeply sorry for all they endured and for the School's multiple failures to address concerns that were raised." Several former students came forward in early 2024 saying a teacher at the girl's boarding school had abused and exploited them. Matthew Rutledge, 62 at the time, was removed from campus and resigned. Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue launched an investigation but no criminal charges were filed as the victims had reached of consent at the time. A bill currently in the Legislature , and supported by the Berkshire delegation, would protect those age 18 and younger from sexual predation by individuals in "positions of trust and authority," like teachers. Shugrue's office requested a copy of the report for review and it was emailed to his office, according Chief of Operations Julia Sabourin. "As previously stated, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office does not formally close cases involving allegations of sexual assault." She said the DA's Office encourages anyone with information about the misconduct to contact Detective Ignacio Matos of the Pittsfield Police Department at 413-448-9700. The trustees revealed that the school has "resolved legal claims" with several of the abuse victims and "will continue to work toward resolving all the remaining claims." Miss Hall's School hired Aleta Law, which it said "specializes in trauma-informed investigations of misconduct at schools," to look into not only allegations but the way school staff and administrators responded to incidents throughout its 127-year history. Aleta Law representatives conducted a total of 146 interviews across the school community including students, parents, current and former staff, four heads of school and seven trustees. Among them were survivors, third-party reporters, witnesses, and former employees accused of misconduct. The trustees said the investigators were given full cooperation as well as unfettered access to school materials deemed relevant, such as historical records and correspondence across nine decades. Findings include five substantiated firsthand accounts of Rutledge's sexual abuse dating to the 1990s; a "preponderance of evidence standard" of reports of misconduct with seven other respondents dating to the 1940s; and at least four individuals showing "boundary crossing behavior." None of these reports involve current employees, according to the report. Regarding the most recent accusations, Aleta found that administrators had been informed on separate occasions of Rutledge's inappropriate behavior and while taking some actions, failed to "adequately respond and properly investigate after seeking advice from the school's former legal counsel." Head of School Julia Heaton, hired in 2013, and board President Nancy Ault became aware of Rutledge's past misconduct from third parties but did not adequately respond, according to the report, until Heaton received the letter in March 2024 from a former student's attorney. "The investigation did not reveal any evidence of sexual misconduct by Rutledge occurring during Heaton's tenure as Head of School, though there was evidence obtained that Rutledge engaged in boundary crossing behavior toward students after 2010 and up to his separation from Miss Hall's," the summary states. The school engaged Learning Courage in April 2024. The nonprofit works with K-12 school on sexual misconduct and has provided training,policy assessment, an evaluation process, and recommendations on student support. Officials said many of the practices and training are in place or will be by the start of the school year, including a new employee code of conduct and updated misconduct reporting policies. The full report was shared at a closed board of trustees meeting that included a discussion on the future of Heaton and Ault, who had recused themselves. The board voted separately and unanimously to affirm their continued leadership based on their active cooperation with the investigation, their immediate actions following the letter, and their efforts to transform the school's culture toward student well-being. "The Board and I committed to a comprehensive and transparent investigation so that we could learn the full breadth of what happened, take accountability, and begin to move toward healing," wrote Heaton in her letter to the school community. "The investigation revealed horrible truths about a community we hold dear and has brought about personal and institutional reckoning." iciHaiti - Santiago DR : Check if your ID card is ready without leaving home The Consulate General of Haiti in Santiago, Dominican Republic, extends its greetings to all Haitian citizens in the Cibao region, especially those who have had their National Identity Card (Dermalog card) issued at the Consulate. We would like to take this opportunity to inform applicants that there is a new way to check card availability without having to travel. The procedure is simple : send a WhatsApp message to +1 (809) 344-7724 with your full name and date of birth, and we will verify the information in the system for you. The Consulate General of Haiti in Santiago once again thanks you for your patience and invites all compatriots in the region to share this information for wider dissemination. IH/ iciHaiti On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Swatch has been forced to apologise and take down an advert featuring an Asian model pulling up the corners of his eyes following accusations of racism. The luxury brand has received widespread backlash on Chinese social media as users said the advert mimicked the slanted eye pose, a racist taunt about Asian people. The Swiss watch company shared an apology on social media, in both English and Chinese, which read: We have taken note of the recent concerns regarding the portrayal of a model in images for the Swatch ESSENTIALS Collection. We treat this matter with the utmost importance and have immediately removed all related materials worldwide, the statement continued. We sincerely apologise for any distress or misunderstanding this may have caused. Swiss watchmaker Swatch has apologised and pulled the advert (pictured) ( Swatch ) The advert has prompted calls for a boycott of the company on social media. Swatch also owns other luxury brands such as Harry Winston, Longines, Omega, Tissot and Breguet. One user of Weibo, a Chinese social media website similar to X, wrote: You can apologise, but I will not forgive." Shares in the Swatch Group stalled by two per cent to 135.70 Swiss francs (SFr) following the controversy. The luxury brand is also struggling after US president Donald Trump imposed a 39 per cent tariff on Swiss exports. Peter Xu, a fashion influencer in China with over seven million Weibo followers, said he believed the controversy would impact Swatch's business in China, but given the speed of the apology, the fallout was likely to be relatively short-term. "It was pretty stupid to release images like those ones," he said. Revenue for the watchmaker slumped 14.6 per cent to 6.74 billion Swiss francs (6.1 billion) in 2024, hit by a downturn in demand in China, where Swatch said it was seeing "persistently difficult market conditions and weak demand for consumer goods overall". On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice North Korean leader Kim Jong Un used a public appearance on Monday to rant about joint US-South Korean military drills that began this week, calling them an obvious expression of their will to provoke war. Mr Kim also vowed to rapidly expand his countrys nuclear arsenal in response, as he inspected his most advanced warship being fitted with nuclear-capable systems, reported state media KCNA. The North Korean leaders visit to the western port of Nampo on Monday came as South Korea and the US kicked off their annual large-scale summertime exercises, which are designed to prepare for the possibility of an attack from North Korea. Pyongyang regularly criticises such drills as rehearsals for invasion and sometimes responds with weapons tests, but Seoul and Washington have long rejected these concerns, calling the exercises purely defensive. The 11-day drills, dubbed Ulchi Freedom Shield, will be on a similar scale to 2024 but with 20 out of 40 field training events postponed to September, South Korea's military said earlier. Over the next few days, the two countries will mobilise 21,000 troops, including 18,000 South Koreans, for computer-simulated command post operations and field training. open image in gallery North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called on August 19 for the 'rapid expansion' of the country's nuclear weapons capability, citing ongoing US-South Korea military exercises ( KCNA ) The delays to parts of the programme came as South Korean president Lee Jae Myung said he wanted to ease tensions with North Korea, though Pyongyang has repeatedly said it is not interested in improving relations. Lashing out over the joint military drills, Mr Kim labelled them a clear expression of the two nations will to remain most hostile and confrontational" to North Korea. During his visit to a navy destroyer on Monday, the North Korean leader said that the country needs to rapidly expand its nuclear capabilities as the US-South Korea exercises have a "nuclear element". "The security environment around the DPRK is getting more serious day by day and the prevailing situation requires us to make a radical and swift change in the existing military theory and practice and rapid expansion of nuclearisation," KCNA paraphrased Mr Kim as saying, using the initials of North Korea's formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. open image in gallery Col Lee Sung-jun, public affairs director of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff and Col Ryan Donald, public affairs director of the United Nations Command attend a press briefing of Ulchi Freedom Shield 2025 exercise ( AP ) The South Korean government did not immediately respond to Mr Kim's comments, and South Korea's defence ministry said it had no new assessments to share regarding the North Korean warship's capabilities. South Korean and US military officials say Ulchi Freedom Shield will focus on countering North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threat and will include training to deter North Korean nuclear use and respond to its missile attacks. The exercise will also incorporate lessons from recent conflicts, including Russia's war in Ukraine and the clash between Israel and Iran, and address threats from drones, GPS jamming and cyberattacks. Efforts by the United States and its allies to tackle North Korea's development of nuclear weapons are expected to be discussed at an upcoming meeting between US president Donald Trump and South Korean president Lee in Washington. A report by the Federation of American Scientists last year concluded that while North Korea may have produced enough fissile material to build up to 90 nuclear warheads, it had likely assembled closer to 50. open image in gallery North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the interior of the naval destroyer Choe Hyon ( KCNA ) North Korea plans to build a third 5,000-tonne Choe Hyon-class destroyer by October next year and is testing cruise and anti-air missiles for those warships. Mr Kim has hailed the development of the naval destroyer, Choe Hyon, as a significant advancement toward his goal of expanding the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military. State media said the destroyer, which is being prepared to enter active duty next year, is designed to handle various weapons systems, including anti-air and anti-naval weapons, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. The North unveiled a second destroyer of the same class in May, but the vessel was damaged during a botched launching ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin, prompting an angry reaction from Kim, who called the failure "criminal." The North has said the new destroyer, named Kang Kon, was relaunched in June after repair, but some outside experts have questioned whether the ship is fully operational. During Monday's visit to Nampo, Mr Kim also reviewed North Korean efforts to complete a third destroyer by October, according to KCNA. While inspecting Choe Hyon, he expressed satisfaction with the progress of the warship's weapons tests and its integrated operations system, saying the navy's modernisation and move toward nuclear-capable capabilities are proceeding as planned. He instructed officials to carry out performance tests in October, KCNA reported. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is set to meet with Indias prime minister Narendra Modi as part of a two-day visit to Delhi, the latest sign of warming ties between the two Asian giants. Mr Wang landed in Delhi on Monday and met with his Indian counterpart, foreign affairs minister S Jaishankar. He was also expected to meet with national security advisor Ajit Doval before sitting down with Mr Modi on Tuesday. The discussions are expected to cover a range of issues, including the mending of their bilateral relationship and coordination between their two militaries after a deadly 2020 clash along their disputed Himalayan border. That skirmish derailed relations between the two countries, but an agreement last October on how to patrol the border has eased a five-year standoff that hurt trade and investment and saw all direct flights suspended. The visit by Mr Wang will also be used by both sides to lay the ground for Mr Modis visit to China to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional security bloc meeting to be held on 31 August and 1 September, Indian media reports said. open image in gallery Chinese (foreground) and Indian soldiers (R, background) during an incident where troops from both countries clashed in the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan Valley, in the Karakoram Mountains in the Himalayas ( CCTV/AFP via Getty Images ) Mr Modi is set to leave for Japan on 29 August for a bilateral visit and end the tour with a visit to the northern Chinese city of Tianjin for the SCO summit. This will be the Indian leaders first visit to China in seven years. The two countries share a 3,488km border that runs from Ladakh in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east. China holds a big piece of territory called the Aksai Chin in Ladakh that it won during a 1962 war and claims Arunachal as part of the province of Tibet. Ties between India and China were severely damaged after at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed in a clash in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. It was the first time in 45 years that a clash on the border had led to fatalities. The clash quickly turned into a standoff, with both sides stationing thousands of soldiers backed by artillery, tanks and fighter jets along the border. The troops blocked each other from patrolling their claimed areas. open image in gallery Indian army convoy carrying reinforcements and supplies, drive towards Leh, on a highway bordering China ( Getty Images ) In the aftermath, India clamped down on Chinese firms, prohibiting them from investing in critical economic sectors and banning Chinese apps such as TikTok. In October 2024, however, Beijing and New Delhi agreed on a significant military disengagement at a key border flashpoint. The deal came after a rare formal meeting between Chinese president Xi Jinping and Mr Modi during the Brics summit in Russia. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Flash floods swept through northwest Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province without warning, sending walls of rain and mud down hillsides that engulfed homes, shops and roads. Photos of the aftermath show homes were left half-submerged with walls buckling under the weight of water and mud as large parts of the hillside areas were swept away by falling boulders and sludge. On Tuesday, rescue workers recovered more bodies as the official death toll increased to 358 across the wider province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with over 200 dead in the worst-hit district of Buner. More than 100 people remained missing as anguished families and rescue workers continued their search for bodies swept away by flash floods after a cloudburst and heavy downpour triggered flash floods between Thursday and Friday night. The residents fear the number will climb as more bodies are recovered from under the mud and rubble. On Monday, Sahil Khan, a 24-year-old university student, was among a group of villagers perched on a rooftop, watching the rain return. open image in gallery An aerial view shows flood survivors standing near a damaged house surrounded by heavy rocks in the Buner district of mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on 17 August ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery An aerial view shows houses partially submerged in sludge along a riverbed in the aftermath of flash floods at the Buner district of mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province ( AFP via Getty Images ) Everybody is scared. Children are scared. They cannot sleep, he told the Reuters news agency. He and about 15 others had fled after a water channel, swollen once again, threatened to spill into their homes. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority says 30 children are among the dead. The flooding has been relentless since late last week, when a rare cloudburst dropped more than 150mm of rain in an hour in Buner district, the worst-hit area. The deluge swept through Buners narrow valleys, leaving markets buried under mud and vehicles scattered in the rubble of damaged houses. Shops that once bustled with traders were left silent, their contents ruined and their walls crumbling under layers of silt. Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, the National Disaster Management Authority's chairman, warned of two more spells of rain between 21 August and 10 September. "It can intensify," he said, and there could be more cloudbursts. open image in gallery Volunteers carry food, medical and other supplies for flood victims as they cross a river laden with heavy rocks in the Buner district of mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery People gather near a damaged vehicle and scattered debris after the road washed out following a flash flood in Mingora, the main city of Swat Valley, in monsoon-hit northern Pakistan's mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province ( AFP via Getty Images ) According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, of the 200 people dead in Buner, there are 28 women and 30 children. Those who survived have moved into temporary shelters or are staying with relatives. In Bayshonai Kalay village, families said they gathered what little they could carry before climbing to higher ground. People are out of their homes. They are fearful, said Dayar Khan, a 26-year-old shopkeeper who left his town for the mountains. Rescue teams have struggled to reach many of the affected areas. Bridges have collapsed, narrow streets remain blocked by mud, and heavy machinery cannot pass through. In some villages, residents are using shovels to clear pathways themselves. open image in gallery Mourners carry a coffin ofA a flood affected victim after flash floods in Naryean Behaak village some 36kms north from Muzaffarabad ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery A girl sits over the rubble of her damaged home following Friday's flash flooding at a neighbourhood of Pir Baba, an area of Buner district, in Pakistan's northwest ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The government has argued that many of the deaths could have been prevented if families had not built homes along water channels, while residents fumed that they received no prior warning. Provincial chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur said the displaced will be encouraged to rebuild in safer places. Traditionally, mosque loudspeakers announce emergencies in such areas, yet residents insist no call came before the torrents swept through. Authorities replied that the downpour was so sudden and intense that there was no time to alert communities. Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to review relief efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. open image in gallery A resident removes sludge from his damaged house a day after flash floods in the Buner district of the monsoon-hit northern Pakistan's mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on 16 August ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery A firefighting department vehicle submerged in a floodwater following flash flooding due to heavy rains in the neighbourhood of Mingora, the main town of Swat Valley, northwestern Pakistan, Friday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Officials estimated damages to homes, roads and other property at more than Pakistan rupees 126m ($450,000). For many, the devastation recalls Pakistans catastrophic floods of 2022, which killed nearly 1,700 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. Scientists link both disasters to a warming climate that is making monsoon rains more erratic and more destructive. open image in gallery Local residents remove mud to recover vehicles from debris after Friday's flash flooding, in Mingora, the main town of Swat Valley, in Pakistan's northwest, Saturday ( AP ) Across Pakistan, monsoon rains that began in late June have been heavier than usual, killing at least 645 people. Four hundred of those deaths were in the northwest alone, where narrow valleys and river-carved gorges funnel rainwater into sudden torrents. In Pakistan-administered Kashmir, streets have been inundated, while in neighbouring India-administered Kashmir, flash floods killed at least 67 people last week during a Hindu pilgrimage. Additional reporting by agencies. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pakistan has restored 70 per cent of its electricity supply and reopened key roads in the northern and northwestern regions, following flash floods that claimed the lives of over 300 people. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that engineers are continuing efforts to fully reinstate the power grid, which was severely impacted by last week's deluge. He added that the clearing of most routes is now facilitating the crucial delivery of food and other essential supplies to the devastated areas. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered authorities to accelerate recovery efforts in Buner, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where torrential rains and a cloudburst Friday killed at least 280 people, Tarar said. open image in gallery An aerial view shows houses partially submerged in sludge along a riverbed in the aftermath of flash floods at the Buner district of mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province ( AFP/Getty ) Monsoon rains triggered floods that killed more than 700 people nationwide since June 26, the National Disaster Management Authority reported, while Tarar said more than 25,000 people have been evacuated. Army spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif said military doctors are treating survivors and engineers are repairing damaged infrastructure. Troops using helicopters also have delivered food and supplies to remote villages cut off by floods and landslides. Last weeks flooding in Buner was among the worst since the rains began late last month. Search teams aided by army sniffer dogs are still combing the district for about 150 missing people, rescue official Mohammad Suhail said. The tragedy has been compounded by controversy, after a senior politician blamed locals for the high number of fatalities, suggesting people should have constructed their homes elsewhere. open image in gallery Motorists make their way through heavily flooded roads in the region ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Provincial chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur said on Sunday that many of the deaths could have been avoided had residents not built homes along waterways and riverbanks. He added that the government would encourage displaced families to relocate to safer areas, where they would be assisted in rebuilding their homes. That sentiment has been met with anger from villagers, who accuse officials of failing to issue timely evacuation warnings. They highlighted the absence of broadcasts from mosque loudspeakers, a traditional method for alerting communities to emergencies in the region. Officials said the cloudburst struck so suddenly that warnings could not be delivered. Authorities have warned of a possible repeat of Pakistans catastrophic 2022 floods, which killed nearly 1,700 people and were blamed on climate change. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Five teenagers will be charged with bullying in connection to the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, a case that has sparked nationwide outrage in Malaysia. Mahathir was found dead outside her dormitory at an Islamic school in Sabahs Papar district in July. Police initially said there was no foul play suspected and quickly closed the case, but mounting public anger and allegations of a cover-up prompted authorities to exhume her body and reopen the investigation. Mahathirs death has triggered nationwide protests and calls for an end to bullying in Malaysias schools. The hashtag #Justice4Zara has gone viral in the country, while hundreds have also joined rallies across towns in Sabah. Following a review by the Royal Malaysia Police, the Attorney Generals Chamber (AGC) said on Monday that it would file charges against several suspects in connection with the bullying of Mahathir. The decision to accuse the suspects of the bullying was made considering that the accusation will not interfere with the ongoing inquiry [into Mahathirs death], the AGC said in a statement. Attorney General Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said the suspects are all under the age of 18 and will be brought to court on Wednesday to face charges over the incident. They have not been named. Five people will be charged this Wednesday at the Kota Kinabalu Juvenile Court, Sabah, for offences linked to the bullying case involving the late Zara Qairina, he said. The government has since pledged tougher enforcement of a new anti-bullying law. Under Malaysias anti-bullying law, enforced from 11 July, offenders can face up to 10 years in prison if their actions lead to a victims death. The Malaysian home minister, Saifuddin Nasution, on Monday acknowledged that Mahathir endured bullying and other forms of alleged mistreatment at her school. There is an element of sexual harassment we will investigate it too, he said. Representative. Zara Qairina Mahathir's death has prompted conversation about bullying in Malaysian schools ( Getty ) The Malay Mail reported that the countrys education ministry said it will launch a nationwide anti-bullying campaign in schools following a royal decree by King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar. The King had earlier warned that if bullying is not tackled from an early age, it risked creating a generation lacking respect and compassion for one another. He also cautioned that bullying harmed victims mental and emotional health. In a statement, the education ministry said: Core values such as respect, discipline and compassion will be instilled in every student. The campaign will be implemented in collaboration with other ministries to ensure greater impact and effectiveness. Mahathirs death prompted a wave of public solidarity in Malaysia, as state leaders, activists and NGOs urged a full investigation. Meanwhile, the lawyer for Mahathirs family urged prosecutors to charge the suspects in her bullying case under provisions that directly link them to her death, arguing this would allow for tougher penalties. Utusan Malaysia quoted lawyer Hamid Ismail as saying that this decision is in line with our earlier recommendation to the Attorney Generals Chambers (AGC) as police findings clearly indicated elements of bullying before the tragedy that befell Zara. We hope the prosecution applies this section so that a severe sentence can be imposed if they are found guilty. The push for tougher charges in Mahathirs case comes as fresh allegations of bullying emerge in Johor, where education minister Fadhlina Sidek has ordered an immediate investigation into allegations that another student, 10-year-old cancer patient Izzul Islam Azuan, was bullied twice this year, most recently on 7 August. His mother, Siti Suhana Misdi, said her son who is recovering from adenoid cystic carcinoma was hospitalised after being struck on the head, adding that he had also suffered a concussion in February when another student allegedly attacked him over a dispute involving his sister. There is no compromise on bullying misconduct in all educational institutions, Ms Sidek said, vowing prompt action, while Johor authorities confirmed the case is under review. Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Muslim men in a Malaysian state could face up to two years in prison or a hefty fine for skipping Friday prayers without a valid reason under Shariah law. Authorities in Terengganu state, which is governed by the conservative Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), announced on Monday that offenders will face a prison sentence or up to RM 3,000 (525) in fines, or both, under the Shariah Criminal Offences (Takzir) Enactment law. Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, a member of the Terengganu State Executive Council, warned that missing Friday prayers even once would be a punishable offence. Previously, only those who failed to attend three consecutive Friday prayers were penalised. This reminder is important because Friday prayers are not only a religious symbol but also an expression of obedience among Muslims, he said, according to Malaysian newspaper Berita Harian. Therefore, punishment will only be imposed as a last resort if reminders are ignored by those who neglect this obligation. The state government will display banners at mosques to remind people of their obligation to perform the Friday prayers, he said, adding that the campaign was intended to raise public awareness of the law. open image in gallery File: Muslims offer prayers at National Mosque for the Eid al-Fitr in Malaysia ( AP ) He also warned that action against men missing prayers could be taken through public reports or via patrols. The enforcement in Terengganu reflects a broader push by PAS to implement stricter interpretations of Islamic law in Malaysia. The party, Malaysias largest in parliament and the governing party in four of the countrys 13 states, has long advocated harsher religious penalties and once sought to introduce a criminal code known as hudud, which includes punishments such as amputations for theft and stoning for adultery. The announcement triggered backlash on social media. "So much for no compulsion in Islam, or a reflection of how little Terengganu men pray their Friday prayers," Azira Aziz, a lawyer, wrote on X. "No one disagrees that Friday prayers are wajib [obligatory], I just think it's unnecessary to be codified as law as a crime/offence. Advocacy and awareness programs would've been sufficient," she added. Malaysia has a dual-track legal system, with Shariah covering personal and family matters for Muslims, alongside civil laws. Ethnic Malays all of whom are considered Muslim in Malaysian law make up two-thirds of Malaysias 33 million people, with large Chinese and Indian minorities. Shariah is Islamic law, based on the Quran and a set of scriptures known as the hadith. Last November, Johor state's top Islamic official said that state would also carry out enforcement measures to make sure all Muslim men attend the Friday prayer. Malaysia's top court in February 2024 struck down over a dozen Shariah-based state laws, triggering backlash from Islamists who fear it could undermine religious courts across the country. The 16 laws made by the opposition-run Kelantan state government imposed punishments for offences like sodomy, sexual harassment, incest, cross-dressing and giving false evidence. The court said that the state could not make Islamic laws on those topics because they are covered by Malaysian federal law. The PAS had then staged massive protests outside the court, calling for the protection of Shariah laws. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Thailand is preparing to take legal action against Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, for allegedly violating Thai sovereignty. Thailands acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, announced on Monday that the National Security Council has resolved to sue the present and former Cambodian leaders in Thai courts for directing the military to infringe the borders. Cambodia and Thailand agreed a ceasefire late last month after an armed conflict between the two neighbours left more than 40 people dead and displaced over 260,000 others. Mr Phumtham said the Thai government will take legal action to address Cambodias military aggression even as negotiations to find a long-term agreement to the two countries border dispute continue. However he clarified that the case would be heard domestically under Thai law as Thailand does not recognise the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. open image in gallery Malaysia's prime minister Anwar Ibrahim (C), Cambodia's prime minister Hun Manet (L) and Thailand's acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai (R) pose for photos as they shake hands following a press conference after talks on a possible ceasefire ( AFP/Getty ) We are preparing to sue Cambodia, including its leaders, for violating Thailands sovereignty through the use of military force and weapons, which has affected Thai lives and property, Mr Phumtham said, according to Khmer Times. He said the Cambodian leaders would be arrested if they entered Thailand. The acting prime minister justified the measures, calling them necessary and appropriate to address attacks on Thai citizens and public property. He argued that failure to act could open officials up to charges of negligence. The Thai Lawyers Council last week said it planned to assist victims of the military conflict through civil litigation to seek compensation. Veerasak Chotiwanich, the deputy secretary-general of the council, said the body was encouraging citizens affected by the clashes to provide evidence for class-action lawsuits against the Cambodian government. open image in gallery Migrant workers re-enter Cambodia through the Daung International Border Check Point between Cambodia and Thailand, in Kamrieng, on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. ( AP ) Border negotiations between the two Southeast Asian neighbours are scheduled to continue at the Thai-Cambodian Regional Border Committee meeting on 27 August and later at the General Border Committee meeting in Cambodia in September. The clashes in July saw both sides trade artillery fire and air strikes along contested stretches of their 817km border. It was their deadliest border conflict in more than a decade. The violence began at a flashpoint near the ancient Ta Moan Thom temple in Thailands Surin province, and quickly spread to other disputed areas. Cambodian officials accused Thailand of launching air strikes and dropping bombs on roads inside its territory. Thailand blamed Cambodia for laying new landmines one of which injured a Thai soldier and prompted a swift military response, including the deployment of F-16 fighter jets. The latest conflict was preceded by escalating tensions over a Cambodian soldiers killing during a confrontation in May. A truce, brokered by Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, was reached on 28 July after US president Donald Trump said he had spoken to the leaders on both sides. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice For the first time in three decades, the American Academy of Paediatrics has significantly diverged from official US government vaccine recommendations, issuing new guidance on Covid-19 shots for children. The move comes amid a tumultuous year for public health, as vaccine sceptics have gained influence within the current US administration and government guidance has become increasingly confusing. "It is going to be somewhat confusing. But our opinion is we need to make the right choices for children to protect them," acknowledged Dr James Campbell, vice chair of the AAP infectious disease committee. The AAP is now strongly recommending Covid-19 vaccinations for children aged six months to two years. Shots are also advised for older children if their parents wish for them to be vaccinated, the organization stated. This contrasts sharply with guidance established under US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which does not recommend the shots for healthy children of any age, instead suggesting they may receive them in consultation with physicians. open image in gallery RFK Jr ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Dr Campbell, an infectious diseases expert at the University of Maryland, emphasized that children aged six months to two years are at high risk for severe illness from Covid-19, making continued vaccination recommendations crucial for this age group. Vaccinations are also recommended by the AAP for older children with chronic lung diseases or other conditions that elevate their risk for severe disease. The 95-year-old Itasca, Illinois-based organisation has been issuing vaccination recommendations for children since the 1930s. In 1995, it aligned its advice with recommendations from the federal governments CDC. While there have been minor differences since then for instance, the AAP advising HPV vaccinations from age nine, while the CDC emphasized ages 11 and 12 this marks the first time in 30 years that the recommendations have differed "in a significant or substantial way," according to Dr Campbell. Until recently, the CDC, following expert advice, had been urging annual Covid-19 boosters for all Americans aged six months and older. However, in May, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that Covid-19 vaccines were no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. Days later, the CDC adjusted its language, stating that healthy children may get the shots, but removing the previous "should" recommendation. The notion that healthy older children might skip Covid-19 boosters has been discussed among public health experts as the pandemic has waned, with increasing focus on vaccinating those aged 65 and older, who face the highest risk of death and hospitalization. A CDC expert panel was set to make recommendations for autumn shots in June, considering options such as suggesting shots for high-risk groups while allowing lower-risk individuals the choice. However, Mr Kennedy bypassed this group, dismissing the 17-member panel and appointing his own, smaller panel, which included vaccine sceptics. He subsequently excluded the AAP, the American Medical Association, and other leading medical organizations from collaborating with these new advisers on vaccination recommendations. Mr Kennedys new vaccine panel has yet to vote on Covid-19 shot recommendations. The panel did endorse continuing to recommend autumn flu vaccinations, but also made a decision that led to another notable difference with the AAP. The new advisory panel voted that individuals should only receive flu vaccines packaged as single doses and free of the preservative thimerosal. The AAP, however, stated there is no evidence of harm from the preservative and recommended that doctors use any licensed flu vaccine product appropriate for the patient. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A protester was arrested for wearing a T-shirt with the words Plasticine Action on it on the day of a mass gathering in Parliament Square in London. Miles Pickering, from Brighton, admitted the T-shirt was designed to look like the logo of Palestine Action, the protest group banned last month after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire and sprayed two military planes with red paint. The Terrorism Act 2000 makes it illegal to wear anything supporting a banned organisation. But on Mr Pickerings T-shirt, inside the letter o was an image of the plasticine character Morph, and the text underneath the logo read: We oppose AI-generated animation. open image in gallery Miles Pickering, from Brighton, admitted the T-shirt was designed to look like the logo of Palestine Action ( David McHugh/Brighton Pictures ) Some 532 other demonstrators were arrested at the pro-Palestinian rally in Westminster on 9 August. Mr Pickering, an engineer, told The Guardian that an officer had glanced at his top and told him: Right, youre nicked, before taking him to Scotland Yard. He said supporters were taking photographs of him and everyone was laughing at how silly it was that I was getting arrested for being a plasticine terrorist. He claimed a senior officer asked the arresting officer whether he could arrest Mr Pickering under section 12, which could have brought a more serious charge of supporting a proscribed group. [The arresting officer] said: No, I cant. And they said: Why not? He said: Because he hasnt got Palestine Action written on him. Hes got Plasticine Action written on him. He said that five minutes later, the arresting officer told him: Ive got good news and Ive got bad news. The good news was that he was de-arresting Mr Pickering. And I said: Whats the bad news? He said: Its going to be really embarrassing for me. And then I walked free, while all the real heroes are the people that are actually getting arrested, the demonstrator said. Mr Pickering is selling copies of the T-shirt to raise money for the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians. It kind of works, doesnt it? he said. Its like we are just going to mock you for your ridiculous decision to proscribe a protest group. Its just so important that our rights to protest do not get diminished. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said:Shortly after 14:00hrs on Saturday, 9 August officers on duty in Parliament Square arrested a man on suspicion of an offence under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000. At the time of his arrest, the man was wearing a scarf that partially obscured the slogan on his t-shirt which officers believed read Palestine Action. He was taken to one of the nearby prisoner processing points where, once officers realised the t-shirt actually read Plasticine Action, he was de-arrested and was free to leave. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Almost a quarter of Britons have admitted to witnessing a minor crime like shoplifting but not reporting it, a new survey has revealed. The research, conducted by security company Get Licensed last month, also found one in eight people (12 per cent) who have never witnessed any crime say they would ignore it if they did. One in ten of the respondents confessed they have purposely stolen from a shop, while one in six (16 per cent) of people admitted to having walked out of a store with unpaid items without realising. The new research comes amid a shoplifting crisis, as the number of offences recorded by police in England and Wales climbed to another record high in 2024-25, up 20 per cent from 2023-24. Last month, home secretary Yvette Cooper announced a new crime blitz to crack down on crime, featuring more visible policing and stronger enforcement in a bid to restore confidence in policing. open image in gallery Shoplifters brazenly steal from pharmacies in shocking CCTV ( National Pharmacy Association ) But as The Independent revealed recently, shopkeepers are struggling against the wave of shoplifting offences. Supermarket chain Iceland is now even set to offer customers a 1 reward for actively spotting and reporting shoplifters in their stores. A policing chief faced criticism when he intervened last week, telling the public to stop shoplifters and not just rely on police officers to curb thefts. Matthew Barber, the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, branded people who do not do anything in the face of shoplifting as part of the problem. Joshua Reynolds, the Liberal Democrat MP for Maidenhead, which is in the Thames Valley Police area, launched a strong criticism of Mr Barbers remarks, telling The Independent they were dangerous and irresponsible. open image in gallery Matthew Barber, the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, branded people who do not do anything in the face of shoplifting as part of the problem ( Buckinghamshire Council ) And following Mr Barbers claims, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson warned members of the public against confronting shoplifters. Get Licenseds survey of 1,004 people found men are more likely to report on such crimes than women (25 per cent compared to 21 per cent), while the 45-54-year-olds are the least likely to report these crimes, with more than a quarter having seen a small crime and not reported it (27 per cent). Across the UK, Leeds residents were found to be the least likely to report shoplifting, with 35 per cent of locals who have witnessed a minor crime like shoplifting admitting that they did not take action. The next highest rates were recorded in London, Newcastle and Sheffield. Meanwhile, those who find a lost wallet in London were revealed to be the most likely in the country to steal any cash inside before handing it in, with almost one in 10 residents (9 per cent) admitting they would. And shockingly, as many as 11 per cent of locals who have witnessed a violent crime in Cardiff admitted they did not take action - the highest proportion of any UK city. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nationwide rain could bring an end to the UKs ongoing dry spell in just a few days as Hurricane Erin continues to advance over the Atlantic Ocean. Currently at category two, the hurricane has maximum sustained winds of 105mph as it heads northwards along the United States east coast. This atmospheric activity could bring an unsettled period of weather to the UK in the coming days, the Met Office has said, especially in the North and West. Independent forecasters predicted that countrywide rain could begin to hit the country from next Wednesday, with storms stretching as far as 600 miles as most of the nation is hit. At its heaviest, this rain could reach around 5mm an hour, but most regions will see between 0.2 and 3mm. open image in gallery The UK has experienced back-to-back heatwaves this summer ( Reuters ) The Met Offices deputy chief meteorologist, Stephen Kocher, said: A key feature to watch in the coming days is Hurricane Erin. We are closely watching Erins track, with the possibility of the UK feeling the effects of what would then be ex-hurricane Erin at some point next week, bringing an area of low pressure to the UK and more unsettled conditions. The expert says that there is a lot of uncertainty at this stage, adding: It is possible we could see some wet and windy weather for the last week of August. Well be keeping a close eye on the movements of Hurricane Erin over the coming days and updating our forecasts accordingly. The cause of the uncertainty is the area of low pressure that Hurricane Erin will send towards the UK from across the Atlantic. This leads to unsettled weather conditions, while high pressure causes settled and fine weather conditions. Brits will likely enjoy fine and dry weather owing to high pressure over the bank holiday, which will be increasingly eroded by the low pressure from the West in the following days, the Met Office said. open image in gallery A wildfire burns near a highway in Spain last week. European nations across the continent have grappled with high heats this summer ( AFP/Getty ) The UK has seen back-to-back heatwaves this summer, as European nations across the continent also grapple with high heat. The Met Office has said that summer 2025 is shaping up to be the UKs hottest on record, according to provisional statistics. Met Office scientist, Emily Carlisle, said: Its looking like this summer is on track to be one of the warmest, if not the warmest, since the series began in 1884. Whats striking is the consistency of the warmth. June and July were both well above average and even outside of heatwaves, temperatures have remained on the warmer side. In the coming week, dry weather is set to continue for most of the UK following last weeks high heats. Parts of the country could see temperatures reach 27C on Monday and Tuesday. A northeasterly breeze means northern and eastern parts of the UK will be cooler on these days, reaching the low 20s. The continued dry spell comes after officials warned England was suffering from nationally significant water shortfalls, despite rain in July. Sundays highest temperature was 27.7C in Somerset, while West Sussex and Inverness in Scotland also reached 27C. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Mathematics at A-level is going from strength to strength. Maths is the most popular subject choice, and further maths, which is a separate A-level course, has seen the most growth in uptake. Despite this, concerns still remain about the mathematical skills of young people who do not choose to study maths after they are 16. Students in England who have passed GCSE maths at grade four or above, but who are not taking A-level or AS-level maths, are eligible to take a core maths qualification. Core maths was introduced in 2014-15 to attempt to remedy a lack in mathematics education after 16. But the number of entries remains well short of what they could be. Many students who would benefit from maths after 16 are not taking this subject. A 2010 report from the Nuffield Foundation found that students in the UK lag behind their peers in other countries in participation in mathematics after the age of 16. Further research from the Royal Society and higher education charity AdvanceHE showed that, as a consequence, many were not well prepared for the demands of their university courses or careers. Survey data has also found that over half of UK adults maths skills are low. Many courses at university include mathematical or quantitative elements ( PA ) Many courses at university include mathematical or quantitative elements, but do not require AS or A-level maths for entry. These include psychology, geography, business and management, sociology, health sciences, biology, education and IT. When many students have not studied mathematics since GCSE, this results in a lack of fluency and confidence in using and applying it. Core maths consolidates and builds on students mathematical understanding. The focus is on using and applying mathematics to authentic problems drawn from study, work and life. This includes understanding and using graphs, statistics and tools such as spreadsheets, as well as understanding risk and probability. Take-up remains low despite incentives schools receive an additional 900 in funding for each student who studies core maths. In 2025, 15,327 students took core maths a 20% increase on 12,810 entries in 2024, which is very encouraging. However, research from the Royal Society in 2022 found that fewer than 10% of the number of A-level students who were not taking A-level mathematics had taken core maths, which will not have changed significantly even with the current numbers. Increasing enrolment There remains a strong commitment from the government to increasing participation in mathematics after 16 in England through core maths. Many schools and colleges have embraced the subject, and universities have expressed support too. However, a real incentive for teenagers to study this subject would be if it was rewarded in entry to university. Universities can allow students entry to a course with lower A-level grade profiles than normally required if they also passed core maths, for instance. But the number of universities making this kind of offer is low. Schools and colleges need stronger signals from universities to induce them to offer students the opportunity to study for a core maths qualification, and to encourage their students to do so. Shifting todays landscape to one where the vast majority of learners aged 16 to 19 in England are studying some form of mathematics which is relevant to their current and future interests and needs will require reform. The Royal Societys 2024 report on mathematical and data education sets out several reforms necessary to develop the mass mathematical, quantitative and data skills needed for the careers of the future. These include compulsory maths and data education in some form until 18. Extending the take-up of core maths would be an excellent way to begin achieving this. Paul Glaister CBE is a Professor of Mathematics and Mathematics Education at the University of Reading. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice More than one in four parents will go without food or heating to afford school uniform, a survey has suggested. Nearly half (45 per cent) use credit cards to pay for uniform, while more than a third (34 per cent) use buy now, pay later schemes, such as Klarna, to cover costs, a poll revealed. In the poll of 2,000 parents of school-age children by charity Parentkind, 47 per cent of parents are worried about the cost of buying uniform for the start of the school year. The Education Secretary has called on schools to reduce the number of branded items of uniform they require ahead of an incoming change in the law. Speaking ahead of the new term, Bridget Phillipson said no family should have to choose between putting food on the table and buying school uniform. Her comments come as a survey, carried out by Censuswide between July 31 and August 7, found 29 per cent of parents said they will go without heating or eating to pay for school uniform. Nearly a third (31 per cent) of parents said they were likely to go into debt to buy school uniform. open image in gallery The Education Secretary has called on schools to reduce the number of branded items of uniform they require ( PA ) The poll of parents of children aged four to 15 who attend state schools in England found that 46 per cent said they make personal sacrifices and go without to pay for school uniform. The governments Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill includes a proposal to cap the number of branded uniform items schools in England can require. The Bill, which is currently being considered in the House of Lords, plans to require all schools in England to reduce the number of compulsory branded uniform items to three, plus a branded tie for secondary and middle schools. It is due to come into force from September 2026, the Department for Education (DfE) said. But schoolwear retailers have warned that the cap could increase costs for families as they say it could mean parents spend more on replacing lower-quality items which might not last as long as branded items. Meanwhile, Katharine Birbalsingh, headteacher of Michaela Community School in Brent in north-west London, has suggested that a cap on branded school uniform items could hamper teachers efforts to improve behaviour. The poll found that 85 per cent of parents believe schools could cut costs by reducing the number of branded school uniform items they require. Nearly three in four (73 per cent) parents said they would be better off financially if schools reduced the number of branded items, while 61 per cent said it would make their lives easier. Overall, 86 per cent of parents who were surveyed said they believed the number of branded school uniform items makes no difference to how well-behaved children are at school. Ms Phillipson said: School uniform matters, but it shouldnt break the bank. No family should have to choose between putting food on the table and buying a new blazer. Parents have told us they want fewer costly branded items and thats exactly what were delivering. Schools can help ease the pressure on families right now by reducing the number of branded items they require. open image in gallery Schools are being urged to consider parents financial struggles ( PA ) Our plan for change is keeping more money in the pockets of hardworking families, so the back-to-school shop doesnt push parents into debt and children can focus on their education, not their outfit. Jason Elsom, chief executive of Parentkind, said: Parents have faced the crushing cost of sending their children to school for far too long. For many families the bills soar into the thousands every year, covering uniforms, books, stationery, trips, laptops and travel. These reforms are the first real step towards ending that injustice. Limiting branded school uniform items will make a difference straight away. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders union NAHT, said: Its important to remember that many schools already do a lot to ensure that their uniform is as affordable as possible for families and recent feedback from NAHT members shows that further changes are already being made. He said schools are increasingly relaxing or changing their rules including limiting branded items or making them optional to keep costs down. Mr Whiteman added: We have also heard from schools allowing trainers instead of shoes, as they can be cheaper and used for PE as well as every day, and uniform lists being made gender neutral so clothes can be passed down for siblings. Pepe DiIasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: Schools are acutely conscious of the financial pressures on families and the need to keep the cost of uniforms to a minimum. Most school leaders already take measures to ensure that is the case. We support the intention behind the governments plans to limit the number of branded items, but have suggested that a cap on the cost of uniforms might be a better way of achieving this policy aim. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Homeowners could be forced to pay a new tax on the sale of houses worth more than 500,000 as part of a shake-up of stamp duty and council tax being considered by the Treasury. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has asked officials to study how a new proportional property tax could be introduced and to model its impact ahead of this autumns Budget. Currently, stamp duty is paid by those buying homes over 125,000, or 300,000 for first-time buyers. A first-time buyer purchasing a 500,000 home to live in would pay 10,000 of stamp duty. If adopted, the new levy would be paid by owner-occupiers when they sell a home worth more than 500,000. The amount would be based on the property's value, with the rate set centrally and collected by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). It would not replace stamp duty on second homes. Then, anyone having purchased a home worth more than 500,000 would face an annual tax on the property under the proposals. It is believed the proposals are aimed at targeting the financial gains made by property owners due to the huge increase in house prices. But critics warned the new levy could push up asking prices for properties above the 500,000 threshold, with sellers looking to offset the payment of the tax. Ministers have already been briefed on the proposals, which could be rolled out during this parliament, The Guardian reports. Under one option, a national property levy would replace stamp duty on owner-occupied homes. In the medium term, a second stage could see a local property tax replace council tax, a move designed to repair the finances of struggling local authorities. No final decisions have been made. Treasury sources stressed that while a national levy could be implemented in the coming years, reform of council tax would take longer and would probably depend on Labour winning a second term. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has asked officials to model its impact ahead of the autumn Budget ( PA ) The review reflects growing pressure on the chancellor to introduce more wealth-based taxes. Labours deputy leader, Angela Rayner, has urged Ms Reeves to consider measures that target property wealth. Ms Reeves is also under pressure to raise additional revenue without breaking Labours pledge not to increase taxes on working people. The average house price in the UK stood at 272,664 in July, according to Nationwide. Current stamp duty receipts from primary residences vary significantly depending on the housing market, raising 11.6bn last year. Treasury officials believe a national property tax would be a more stable source of income and would eventually raise a similar amount. Unlike stamp duty, which currently applies to around 60 per cent of home sales and is paid by buyers, the new levy would affect only about a fifth of transactions. The proposals are informed by a 48-page report published last year by the centre-right think tank Onward. Written by Dr Tim Leunig, a former government adviser who helped devise the furlough scheme during the Covid pandemic, it set out a dual national and local proportional property tax based on property values. Dr Leunig wrote: These proposals would make it easier and cheaper to move house, for a better job, or to be near family, as well as being fairer. It should not be the case that a terrace house in Burnley pays more than a mansion in Kensington and it wouldnt be under these proposals. Asked about the potential shake-up, Treasury minister Torsten Bell did not rule it out. He instead said, Im a newish MP, but Im not an idiot. He told Sky News that tax decisions are made by Ms Reeves and refused to speculate on individual taxes. But he added: We can talk about the choices the chancellor has actually made, because we have had to make some difficult choices on tax over the course of the last year. You saw those in the autumn budget last year, fair choices, raising elements of capital gains tax, some changes to inheritance tax, taxes paid in general by better-off households. That is what enabled us to end austerity. A Treasury spokesman said: The best way to strengthen public finances is by growing the economy which is our focus. Changes to tax and spend policy are not the only ways of doing this, as seen with our planning reforms, which are expected to grow the economy by 6.8bn and cut borrowing by 3.4bn We are committed to keeping taxes for working people as low as possible, which is why at last Autumns Budget, we protected working peoples payslips and kept our promise not to raise the basic, higher or additional rates of Income Tax, employee National Insurance, or VAT. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A seal pup seen lying motionless on Brighton beach is now recovering after being rescued by the RSPCA. The harbour seal, named Fern by its rescuers, was found on the beach on 7 August and did not respond even as children approached. Jess ODoherty, wildlife supervisor at RSPCA Mallydams, said: He didnt even flinch when approached. This kind of behaviour is very concerning in seals and signals serious exhaustion or illness. The young animal was picked up by medics from British Divers Marine Life Rescue and taken to the rescue centre near Hastings. open image in gallery British Divers Marine Life Rescue medics rescued the seal pup by Brighton West Pier ( PA Archive ) Hes now in safe hands with our expert team, and were doing everything we can to give him the second chance he deserves, added Ms ODoherty. Staff at the centre said Fern was severely underweight and looked very downcast when he arrived at around 9pm, though he soon perked up after regular feeding. He also responded well to antibiotics for a bite wound. An RSPCA spokesperson said Fern might have been separated from her mother because of an attack from another seal or dog, indicated by a deep puncture wound on her flipper. The animal charity has urged the public not to approach resting seals and keep dogs on a lead. We want to remind the public that its crucial to keep your distance from all seals resting on the beach. Even healthy seals need space to rest undisturbed, said Ms ODoherty. open image in gallery The motionless seal pup was approached by children, the RSPCA said ( RSPCA ) Its also dangerous for people or dogs to get too close to them as seals are strong and powerful and can give a painful - and potentially infectious - bite if they are disturbed or feel threatened. The RSPCA said it is natural for seals to come out of the water to rest, mate and feed babies, or if they are unwell. A spokesperson said: We know people are very fond of seals, and many well-intentioned people may want to encourage them back into water if they see them on land - but it's really important not to do this. Harbour seal populations have recently declined in south-east England, with no signs of recovery, according to research by the University of St Andrews. Scientists at the universitys Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) recorded 29 per cent fewer harbour seals in the region in surveys over the past decade. The seals are counted using aerial footage during the August moult, when seals come to land and shed their fur. Human activity may be one of the reasons for the drop in numbers. Researchers at SMRU have called for further investigation into the decline, with possibilities including competition from grey seals, disease or biotoxin levels in the sea. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Hong Kong government has summoned British and Australian envoys after both nations granted asylum to two prominent pro-democracy activists. Britain granted asylum this weekend to Tony Chung, one of Hong Kong's youngest activists with a bounty of HK$1m (94,900m) from the citys police, while former legislator Ted Hui was granted refuge in Australia. Both activists fled the Asian financial hub fearing persecution under its draconian national security law. Hong Kong accused the two countries of harbouring criminals and summoned Australian consul-general Gareth Williams and British envoy Brian Davidson to protest their respective asylum decisions. Tony Chung, 24, revealed on social media that UK government had officially granted him refugee status and five years of residency in the UK. Mr Chung was arrested and sentenced to prison twice following his participation in pro-democracy protests in 2019 in Hong Kong. He breached a supervision order and fled to the UK to seek asylum due to constant scrutiny in the Asian financial hub, which he said had put him under an "enormous amount of stress". open image in gallery File: A police officer walks past placards of detained rights activists taped on the fence of the Chinese liaison office in Hong Kong ( AFP via Getty Images ) "After more than a year and a half of waiting, I can finally try to start a new life," Mr Chung wrote on Facebook. He posted a photo of a letter from the Home Office confirming his refugee status and residency in the country. "This means that we accept you have a well-founded fear of persecution and therefore cannot return to your country..., the letter read. Mr Chung said his "future life holds many possibilities, but this kind of space brings me fear the fear of planning the future". "I was very happy when I first came to the UK. I am happy that after more than three years, I was finally able to speak for Hong Kong again. "I did not allow myself to rest because I felt that I could not waste the space of free speech. My departure had to bring hope to Hong Kong people in different places," he added. Mr Chung was sentenced to 43 months in prison in November 2021 on charges of secession and money laundering. Earlier, as a teenager, he was sentenced to four months in jail after being found guilty of insulting the Chinese national flag. Mr Chung announced his asylum confirmation in the UK just a day after Ted Hui said he was granted refuge in Australia. open image in gallery File: A demonstrator gestures during a protest on June 12, 2019 in Hong Kong ( Getty Images ) 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. Hong Kongs chief secretary Eric Chan said the city "opposes any country harbouring offenders in any form and is strongly dissatisfied with any conduct that harbours criminals under any pretext". "[S]uch harbouring effectively allows certain individuals or organisations to be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts, which is no different from granting a special privilege to break the law," he said, according to the city administration. Mr Chan told the envoys that the arrest warrants were fully justified, necessary and legitimate". "There is no question of political persecution in Hong Kong, the government spokesperson said, according to the Hong Kong Free Post. The Chinese government said Mr Hui was "an anti-China agitator who disrupts Hong Kong's order and is lawfully wanted by Hong Kong police". Chinas foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday urged Australia to respect China's sovereignty and Hong Kong's rule of law. When asked about My Huis case she did not name Australia directly, but asked the country in question to "immediately cease interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs in any form", according to the Global Times. Dozens of Hong Kong activists, lawyers and human rights defenders have left the city for the UK, Canada and Australia, fleeing the prospect of arrest and further persecution under the sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020 to quash a popular protest movement. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The average renter in England spends more than a third of their income on a home, new figures reveal. People earning a median salary could expect to spend 36.3 per cent of their income on an average-priced rented home in England in 2024, figures from the Office for National Statistics showed. This means rent was a third above the threshold that the ONS considers to be affordable. It also marks an increase on the 33.1 per cent of household income that average renters were paying in 2023. On the other hand, rents were below the 30 per cent threshold in Wales and Northern Ireland last year. Affordability increased in Wales, from 26.3 per cent of an average renters income in 2023 to 25.9 per cent in 2024. In Northern Ireland, rents remained relatively flat, with the ratio increasing to 25.3 per cent from 25.1 per cent. Englands average rent prices are driven higher by costs in London, where renters can expect to pay a significantly higher proportion of their salary on a home. It was the least affordable city with average rents of 1,957 per month across the capital, or 41.6 per cent of a typical renters income. In the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, someone on the areas average income would have to spend three-quarters of their pay to keep a roof over their head. Outside of London, cities like Bristol, Bath, and Brighton, and commuter towns like Sevenoaks and Watford have risen above the 30 per cent threshold. Across England, monthly rents averaged at 1,232 compared with 3,396 monthly household incomes. The top 10 least affordable council areas in England and Wales, all in London: Kensington and Chelsea - 74.3% Westminster - 55.8% Wandsworth - 54.0% Camden - 51.7% Hammersmith and Fulham - 51.3% Haringey - 48.3% Lambeth - 47.1% Merton - 46.8% Islington - 45.5% Richmond upon Thames - 45.3% Sarah Coles, head of personal finance for Hargreaves Lansdown, said: Renters faced a horrible squeeze on their incomes, and theres every sign it has got worse since. Landlords are continuing to sell up concerned about higher costs from more regulation and more tax. It means more tenants chasing dwindling numbers of properties, so rents are continuing to rise. At the same time, although wages have risen impressively, they have been consistently outpaced by private rental increases. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Wetherspoons manager was unfairly sacked for giving a colleague a 50 per cent staff discount on an excessively large portion of food, a tribunal has ruled. Peter Castagna-Davies was dismissed after letting a kitchen worker have 50 per cent off a meal of halloumi fries, chicken and Monster energy drinks. The diligent manager, who had worked at the pub chain for more than 20 years with a clean record, was working as a bar shift leader at The Pontlottyn in Abertillery, Monmouthshire, when the incident happened, an employment tribunal heard. open image in gallery Castagna-Davies was sacked as a manager at the pub in Wales ( Google Street View ) On 31 January last year, he scanned through an excessive meal of two portions of each item, with a 50 per cent discount, for a colleague, the hearing was told. The colleague took the food home to eat, which was in breach of company policy, the tribunal heard. Staff had been told they may buy food at a 50 per cent discount only for themselves and to eat at the pub. If they wanted to take food home, they were allowed a discount of only 20 per cent. Wetherspoons ruled that Mr Castagna-Davies had broken company policy and dismissed him for gross misconduct. But now he is likely to receive compensation after the tribunal found his sacking was not reasonable, thanks to his clean record. Judge Rachel Harfield, at the employment tribunal in Cardiff, urged Wetherspoons and Mr Castagna-Davies to agree on recompense between them, with the help of the mediation service Acas. Mr Castagna-Davies began working at Wetherspoons in July 2002. Staff are entitled to one free meal and soft drink on their shift, with any further food or drink available at half price and only to be eaten at the pub. In December 2023, the pub manager warned staff that the rules would be more strictly enforced after workers across the UK had overclaimed. The following month, Mr Castagna-Davies claimed two portions of halloumi fries, two portions of chicken breast bites and two cans of Monster drink with a 50 per cent discount for a colleague. He charged 14.50 for items worth 29. open image in gallery The meal involved two portions of halloumi fries ( Getty/iStock ) The colleague, a kitchen associate, took the food home to eat, but the claimant said he did not know the colleague had left the premises with any food. An information system called IntelliQ, designed to flag up potential fraud, loss or failure of procedural compliance, highlighted that The Pontlottyn had a higher-than-average number of cases. After a company disciplinary hearing, he was dismissed in February 2024 for allowing his colleague to purchase excessive products and by allowing him to take them home. Mr Castagna-Daviess appeal against that decision failed. But the employment tribunal found that, thanks to his long service and clean disciplinary record, it was not reasonable to dismiss him. The judge said he was guilty of negligence rather than gross incompetence. It was one incident on one shift that he could have managed better. He was an employee with long service and a clear disciplinary record, her judgment concluded. The decision to uphold the dismissal at appeal stage was not within the reasonable range. In my judgement that rendered the whole dismissal unfair. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Rachel Reevess plans for a new property tax on homes worth more than 500,000 has been criticised as a tax on ordinary Londoners that will hit families hardest. The chancellor is considering a shake-up that will see the introduction of a new levy that would be paid by homeowners on properties worth more than 500,000 when they sold them. The amount paid would be determined by a propertys value. It would replace the current stamp duty regime for first homes, which sees buyers pay a tax on the value of properties over 125,000, or 300,000 for first-time buyers. But Simon Gerrard, an estate agent who has long campaigned to reform stamp duty, warned it would amount to a London tax. Speaking to The Independent, Mr Gerrard, chair of Martyn Gerrard Estate Agents, said: Rightmoves latest figures for August show that the average price of a property in London is now 666,983. Upping taxes for properties over 500K is not making the wealthy pay their fair share, its a tax on ordinary Londoners. Its already nearly impossible for normal people to start a family in London as it is. This London tax will only make it harder. open image in gallery Rachel Reeves is thought to be broadly supportive of replacing stamp duty ( PA ) He said the threshold for the potential tax change should be significantly higher than 500,000 in London, or Labour would fail in its mission to support working people. He also warned that the potential tax change could distort the property market for homes worth around 500,000. Mr Gerrard said: Youre going to see a ceiling at the 500,000 threshold for that band of the market, as people avoid falling under the regime, and then a significant jump in values with nothing in between. Prices above 500,000 will skyrocket as sellers account for the losses caused by the tax that used to be paid by the buyer. The Tony Blair Institute think tank said the proposed changes would be politically challenging and could discourage people from moving just as much as the current system. TBI senior economic policy adviser James Browne said: While replacing stamp duty with a new annual property levy on homes worth more than 500,000 is economically sensible, it would be politically challenging. Either long-standing homeowners who are asset-rich but cash-poor would be hit with much larger bills or, if it only applied after a property changed hands, would discourage moving just as much as stamp duty does at the moment. And Location, Location, Location presenter Kirstie Allsopp said the stamp duty overhaul would be destabilising for peoples homes and mortgages. She told Times Radio: It's not Rachel's to go after because it's their homes. It's the roof over their head. And this government seems to want to punish people for making the sacrifices they've made to buy their own homes. open image in gallery Angela Rayner has promised Labour will build 1.5 million new homes ( PA Wire ) But one of Ms Reevess former top advisers welcomed plans to overhaul property taxes such as stamp duty. Jim ONeill, a former Goldman Sachs chief turned Treasury minister who quit the Conservatives and later advised Ms Reeves, said: "If you want to succeed in the challenge of boosting growth and productivity, while improving the fiscal accounts, genuine tax reform is the right way to go, including property taxes." Currently, stamp duty is paid by those buying homes more than 125,000, or 300,000 for first-time buyers. A first-time buyer purchasing a 500,000 home to live in would pay 10,000 of stamp duty under the current rules. The proposed levy would be paid by owner-occupiers when they sell a home worth more than 500,000. The exact amount paid would be determined by a propertys value. The rate would be set by central government. This tax would not replace stamp duty on second homes. It is believed the plans are aimed at targeting the financial gains made by property owners due to rising house prices. Ministers have already been briefed on the proposals, which could be rolled out during this parliament, The Guardian reported. Under one option, a national property levy would replace stamp duty on owner-occupied homes. In the longer term, a second stage could see a local property tax replace council tax, a move designed to repair the finances of struggling local authorities. No final decisions have been made and Treasury sources stressed that while a national levy could be implemented in the coming years, reform of council tax would take longer and would probably depend on Labour winning a second term. It is not known if the levy would be targeted around the 500,000 threshold. The review reflects growing pressure on the chancellor to introduce more wealth-based taxes. Labours deputy leader, Angela Rayner, has already urged Ms Reeves to consider measures that target property wealth, and Ms Reeves is under pressure to raise revenue without breaking Labours pledge not to increase taxes on working people. A Treasury spokesperson said: The best way to strengthen public finances is by growing the economy which is our focus. Changes to tax and spend policy are not the only ways of doing this, as seen with our planning reforms, which are expected to grow the economy by 6.8bn and cut borrowing by 3.4bn We are committed to keeping taxes for working people as low as possible, which is why at last autumns Budget, we protected working peoples payslips and kept our promise not to raise the basic, higher or additional rates of income tax, employee national insurance, or VAT. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer has hailed a "breakthrough" in efforts to end Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine as Donald Trump said he would broker a meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents. The PM joined Voldymyr Zelensky, French president Emmanuel Macron and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte for crunch talks in the White House on Monday. And, following the meeting, Sir Keir said the UK and US would begin work on the specifics of security guarantees with the US as soon as Tuesday. open image in gallery Keir Starmer said there was a sense of unity between the US and Ukrainian leaders ( Reuters ) "The two outcomes were a real significant breakthrough when it comes to security guarantees, because we're now going to be working with the US on those security guarantees," he told the BBC. "We've tasked our teams, some of them are even arriving tomorrow, to start the detailed work on that." Mr Trump said he had spoken directly with Vladimir Putin to begin planning a meeting between the Russian leader and Mr Zelensky, which will then be followed by a three-way meeting involving himself. The US president said Moscow will "accept" multinational efforts to guarantee Ukraine's security. Mr Zelensky, meanwhile, said he was "ready" for bilateral and trilateral meetings. open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky said he would meet Vladimir Putin after the talks ( AFP/Getty ) But he told reporters following the White House meeting that if Russia does "not demonstrate a will to meet, then we will ask the United States to act accordingly". Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said the US and Europe would "do more" on tariffs and sanctions against Russia if the country "is not playing ball" on direct talks with Ukraine, in comments to Fox News. Sir Keir described the talks as "good and constructive" and said there was a "real sense of unity" between the European leaders, Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky. He said Mr Trump's plans to arrange the bilateral and trilateral meetings showed a recognition that Ukraine must be involved in talks. "That is a recognition of the principle that on some of these issues, whether it's territory or the exchange of prisoners, or the very serious issue of the return of children, that is something where Ukraine must be at the table." Mr Trump called the talks "very good". "During the meeting we discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, which guarantees would be provided by the various European countries, with a co-ordination with the United States of America," he posted on his Truth Social platform. open image in gallery Donald Trump said the talks were very good ( PA Wire ) "Everyone is happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine. "At the conclusion of the meetings, I called president Putin and began arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between president Putin and president Zelensky. "After the meeting takes place, we will have a trilat which would be the two presidents plus myself." The US president met with Mr Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, where he declared there was "no deal until there's a deal" to end more than three years of fighting in eastern Europe. "The Alaska summit reinforced my belief that while difficult, peace is within reach and I believe, in a very significant step, president Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine," he said on Monday. "And this is one of the key points that we need to consider." He later said: "We also need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory taken into consideration the current line of contact." Future three-way talks "have a good chance" of stopping the conflict, the US president said. open image in gallery The US president said Moscow will accept multinational efforts to guarantee Ukraine's security ( PA ) But he appeared to share conflicting views on whether a ceasefire was necessary to stop the war. "I don't think you need a ceasefire," he originally said, before later explaining that, "all of us would obviously prefer an immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace". Mr Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, had suggested over the weekend that measures similar to Nato's article five mutual defence provision - that an attack on one member is an attack on the entire bloc - could be offered by the US without Kyiv joining the alliance. Sir Keir welcomed plans for "Article Five-style guarantees" during Monday's talks and said that they would fit with the work of his "coalition of the willing" group of countries. He said to Mr Trump: "With you coming alongside, the US alongside, what we've already developed, I think we could take a really important step forward today - a historic step, actually, could come out of this meeting in terms of security for Ukraine and security in Europe." Sir Keir also described potential future trilateral talks as a "sensible next step". The prime minister had disrupted his holiday plans over the weekend to join calls, including with Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky, before he headed to Washington. Mr Zelensky, whom Mr Trump greeted at the door of the West Wing with a handshake earlier in the evening, wore a black shirt with buttons and a black blazer to the meeting at the White House. His attire had appeared to become a point of irritation for Mr Trump during a previous meeting in February. Early in the meeting, the Ukrainian described the talks as "really good", saying they had been "the best" so far. Mr Zelensky said: "We are very happy with the president that all the leaders are here and security in Ukraine depends on the United States and on you and on those leaders who are with us in our hearts." Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The UK is preparing to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a reassurance force if a peace deal is reached with Russia but Donald Trump has ruled out the US doing the same. The pledge came after Sir Keir Starmer co-chaired a meeting of the coalition of the willing attended by more than 30 international leaders to lay out plans to meet their American counterparts to agree security guarantees for Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression. The virtual meeting on Tuesday, which followed the leaders talks with Mr Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on Monday, also discussed possible further sanctions on Russia to pile pressure on Vladimir Putin to end the war. open image in gallery Keir Starmer has described talks on Ukraine as good and constructive ( PA ) But questions remain about how genuine the Russian leader is about wanting to find a peace after three and a half years of devastating conflict. Just hours after the meeting, Moscow launched its largest aerial attack in a month, firing 270 drones and 10 missiles at central Ukraine. And while the US president is pushing for the first face-to-face meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents in six years, Putins reported initial suggestion of Moscow for the venue was quickly rejected by Kyiv. European leaders are now trying to nail down the specifics of what any US security guarantees will look like. While President Trump has said the US would be willing to help with some aspects, such as providing air support, he has ruled out putting US boots on the ground or allowing Ukraine to join Nato. Mr Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, suggested over the weekend that measures similar to Natos article five mutual defence provision which considers an attack on one member to be an attack on all could be offered by the US without Kyiv joining the alliance. open image in gallery Emmanuel Macron speaks to Keir Starmer during a meeting of the coalition of the willing ( AFP/Getty ) President Zelensky has hailed the promise to provide guarantees as "a major step forward", adding that the plans would be "formalised on paper within the next week to 10 days". In a statement after Tuesdays meeting came to an end, a Downing Street spokesperson said coalition of the willing planning teams would meet with their US counterparts in the coming days to further strengthen plans to deliver robust security guarantees and prepare for the deployment of a reassurance force if the hostilities ended. The UK and France have pledged to commit forces to Ukraine to deter Putin from launching a fresh assault on his neighbour if a deal is done to end the war. The prime minister told European leaders at Tuesdays meeting that the talks in Washington displayed a real sense of unity and demonstrated the shared goal of securing a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, a Downing Street spokesperson said. The leaders also discussed how further pressure, including through sanctions, could be placed on Putin until he showed he was ready to take serious action to end his illegal invasion. open image in gallery Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and US president Donald Trump have a much more cordial meeting at the White House than their first encounter ( AFP/Getty ) Speaking to the BBC, Sir Keir said this week had seen a real significant breakthrough on ending the war in Ukraine, saying Mondays talks showed that we have moved forward. He said he was "very pleased" with the outcomes, including progress on security guarantees, saying this would reassure people in Europe, in Ukraine, but particularly in the United Kingdom. It is understood that the UKs chief of defence staff, Sir Tony Radakin, is travelling to Washington on Tuesday afternoon for talks with US officials on security arrangements. And Switzerland has offered to host further peace talks, with its foreign minister, Ignazio Cassis, offering to grant the Russian president immunity from arrest if he were to visit the country for negotiations. Putin has been the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant since 2023 for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, but Mr Cassis said he would not be arrested if he came for a peace conference, adding that Switzerland was ready for such a meeting. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Macron said he and other European leaders had succeeded in changing Mr Trumps approach to the war in Ukraine. I think we have changed President Trump since he arrived in power in January, the French president told Paris Match. You remember the time when he thought he would settle the conflict in 24 hours? We rose up, united as Europeans, and he took it into account. He also brought a fundamental asset dealing with Russia: his unpredictability. open image in gallery European leaders and President Trump at the White House on Monday ( Simon Dawson/No 10 ) The comments came as the US president admitted it would be a rough situation if Putin failed to agree peace terms but stressed that Mr Zelensky had to show flexibility, including giving up hopes of taking back control of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, or joining Nato. He also insisted that Moscow would accept multinational efforts to guarantee Ukraines security. Speaking to Fox News about Ukraine giving up hopes of joining Nato, Mr Trump said everything had worked out well when Ukraine was considered a buffer between Russia and the rest of Europe, because Putin did not want an enemy on his border. It was always thought that Ukraine was a sort of a buffer between Russia and the rest of Europe. And it was it was a big, wide buffer. Everything worked out well until [President] Biden got involved, he said. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Some 60 per cent of British millionaires believe they could have a better life abroad, a new survey has revealed. More than half of all the 1,000 wealthy respondents also said they are more likely to consider leaving the UK if Rachel Reeves introduces a wealth tax. The CEO of Arton Capital, the consultancy that commissioned the survey, said the findings show the country is at a tipping point, as the chancellor revealed plans for a new homes levy that is already drawing backlash. open image in gallery Some 60 per cent of British millionaires believe they would have a better life abroad, a new survey has revealed ( PA ) Armand Arton said: The uncertainty around the governments proposed wealth tax mirrors the ongoing economic uncertainty seen around the world from Trumps tariffs to conflict in the Middle East, it seems clear that the world is becoming less and less certain. There are many repercussions of the introduction of a levy, but one thing is clear: the longer that unpredictability persists, the greater the risk of losing capital, talent, and long-term investment to countries that offer greater security for individuals, families, and their futures. Meanwhile, nearly half (47 per cent) of the surveyed millionaire Labour voters stated that they would be more likely to leave the country should a wealth tax be introduced. The new data comes as the chancellor is under growing pressure to introduce more wealth-based taxes. Labours deputy leader, Angela Rayner, has already urged Ms Reeves to consider measures that target property wealth, and Ms Reeves is under pressure to raise revenue without breaking Labours pledge not to increase taxes on working people. Cabinet ministers have so far rejected calls for a wealth tax, although Ms Reeves has not yet publicly ruled out a version of the measure. And on Tuesday, it was revealed that homeowners could be forced to pay a new tax on the sale of houses worth more than 500,000 as part of a shake-up of stamp duty and council tax being considered by the Treasury. It comes after Ms Reeves announced a tax on non-domiciled individuals inheritance tax based on their global assets. open image in gallery Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has already urged Rachel Reeves to consider measures that target property wealth ( PA Wire ) The Arton Capital Affluence and Elections Survey, which was conducted by Walr, polled 1,009 UK residents aged 18 to 70 with a net worth of at least 1 million between 31 July and 8 August 2025. When asked which countries they would be most interested in relocating to, the US (35 per cent) topped the rankings among wealthy Brits, with Canada (33 per cent) coming second, and Australia (25 per cent) securing third place, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) came in fourth (17 per cent). In June, it was estimated that 142,000 millionaires were set to relocate to a new country this year, with the UK expected to lose a record 16,500 in the 12 months from June, according to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report. With a decade of poor economic performance and sweeping tax reforms introduced by the Conservative and Labour governments, affluent individuals are seeking tax-friendly jurisdictions like the UAE, Monaco and Malta. There are upsides for Ms Reeves though, with two-thirds of British millionaires still viewing the UK as an attractive place to invest when compared to other countries, according to Arton Capitals research. Possibly buoyed by the countrys historic status as a financial powerhouse, the company said its data indicates that many affluent voters remain confident about the prospect of financial returns on their British investments. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Giving women a cash payment just before they give birth could halve infant mortality rates and provide a cost-effective way of saving lives in the face of shrinking aid budgets, a study in Kenya has suggested. Households across 653 villages that were given a one-off, no-strings-attached payment of $1,000 dollars (740) around the time of birth had 48 per cent fewer children die before the age of one and 45 per cent fewer die before the age of five. The money, sent via a mobile phone money transfer, allowed women to access pre-natal care, give birth in hospital and work less in the six months surrounding the birth, the researchers from University of California, Berkeley and the non-profit GiveDirectly said. Dr. Miriam Laker, an infectious diseases doctor in Uganda a senior research advisor at GiveDirectly said the charity was, looking at the current funding climate, including Donald Trumps slashing of foreign aid, and saying: A lot of health facilities were improved by the [US] funding in the past. They already exist, they are staffed, they have the resources. Can we use cash transfers to let whoever can access these services access them? That cash could come from other large donors or from individuals charitable giving, she suggested. The timing was important though, with the cash having the biggest effects on infant survival if it was given in the month before birth. The biggest gains were among newborns, and mothers given the cash were 51 per cent more likely to deliver in hospital. As well as paying for healthcare, women also used the money to work less in the three months before, and three months after, their babies arrived. As aid cuts not just in the US but across Europe bite, health programs are, all under so much pressure to do much more with less, Dr Laker said. Cash transfers can be given very quickly and easily, cutting out middlemen and so keeping costs down, she suggested. She compared the deaths prevented to other things aid donors might spend money on: childhood vaccines (21 per cent); insecticide-treated bed nets (17 per cent) and preventative malaria pills (57 per cent). While all important to fund, they all tend to address one link in the chain, she said. Cash transfers work at many points in the chain, for example allowing mothers to pay for transport to clinics, the healthcare itself and for nutrition for themselves and their children. It also gives people more agency when it comes to their own health priorities, Dr Laker said. Once people get cash transfers, when, where and how they use it is up to them, she added. We're removing that power that cash would otherwise give us as the people [who are] giving. And so it is very respectful for the recipients. However, the study found cash transfers alone were not enough. The cash had a much bigger impact on babies survival in families that lived closer to a doctor. No matter how beautiful and well-resourced the health facility is, if the people for whom it is intended cannot access itthen there is no point in having that health facility, Dr Laker said. One particular evening that I can't forget, I was just leaving my station. And this woman was brought into hospital. Shed been in labour for three days. Her baby was outside of the womb and was breech. And when I asked the family what happened, they didn't even live that far away, Dr Laker explained. They said, You know, we could not afford to get any mode of transportation to get her here. And I said, We have a practically world-class facility but the people who need to access it cannot come here. Dr Clare Relton at Queen Mary University of London, who described the findings as significant, said there was, quite a lot of fear about giving people money [directly]. There's a lot of prejudice. We can keep on proving that actually offering these cash transfers or vouchers are a huge benefit to the different parts of society, very important parts of society: children, mothers, our future. But it's the how that is the million dollar question. She added that the study should be considered not just in the context of, the UK giving to other countries [but] what can we learn from the study as a country, when it came to the UKs own huge inequity in maternal and infant health. This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Fox News Bret Baier got swept up in President Donald Trumps D.C. police crackdown as he was pulled over for distracted driving. Trump announced last week he had placed the Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control and deployed about 800 National Guard troops to D.C. to rescue our nations capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor, and worse, despite violent crime declining in recent years. Now, no criminal is safe, as MAGA influencer Gunther Eagleman put it, including a TV journalist from Trumps favorite channel. Baier, who hosts Special Report, and has interviewed Trump, was caught on video being pulled over in a white Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon by a D.C. cop. open image in gallery Fox News Bret Baier got swept up in President Donald Trumps D.C. police crackdown as he was pulled over for distracted driving ( Jemal Countess/Getty Images ) The video was captured by real estate firm The Mollaan Babbington Group and shared on Instagram Sunday. Eagleman posted the video to X on Monday and wrote, LOL! No criminal is safe in DC! Bret Baier just got popped. Baier wrote on X Tuesday morning, I picked up my ringing phone as I drove past an officer while driving my wifes car in Georgetown. He pointed to have me pull over- I did. He was very professional. I had to dig for the registration card. Got a ticket and left. I didnt know there was paparazzi, Baier said. On last nights Special Report, Baier planned to interview Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after he met with Trump and several other European leaders at the White House as the president pushes for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. But the White House visit ran late and Baier said Zelensky was unable to film the interview. open image in gallery Baier said he picked up his phone while driving his wife, Amy's, car in Georgetown ( Mireya Acierto/Getty Images for amfAR ) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Tuesday there have been 465 arrests in D.C. since the start of the crackdown on August 7. Leavitt said there were 52 arrests made Monday night, including the arrest of an illegal alien MS-13 gang member with convictions for DWI and drug possession. Thanks to President Trumps leadership and the outstanding work of both federal and local law enforcement, dangerous gang members like the one picked up last night will not be allowed on the streets of our nations capital, Leavitt said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Home Depot has become the latest U.S. company to warn customers it may have to raise its prices on the shelves in response to President Donald Trumps divisive tariff strategy. Until now, the home improvement retailer, which is based in Atlanta, Georgia, has been reticent about commenting on the Republicans aggressive trade tactics and their possible impact on its business. But announcing the companys quarterly results on Tuesday, CFO Richard McPhail admitted it may have to act to mitigate the impact of Trumps tax on imported materials from overseas. open image in gallery Home Depot is the latest American company to warn customers it may have to raise prices to mitigate the impact of Donald Trumps trade war ( AP ) For some imported goods, tariff rates are significantly higher today than they were at this time last quarter, McPhail told The Wall Street Journal. So as you would expect, there will be modest price movement in some categories, but it wont be broad-based. Just under half of Home Depots stock is bought in from retailers outside of the U.S., according to CNN, and the company has previously suggested that it will seek to diversify its supply base so that no one foreign country is responsible for more than 10 percent of its goods to shield itself from overexposure. The health of Home Depot is often seen as a good indicator of the state of the U.S. housing market in general, and its sales for the second quarter proved worse-than-expected, according to its latest earnings call, coming in at 1 percent rather than the 1.5 percent predicted by analysts. Its total customer transactions fell to 0.9 percent for the quarter, its executives said. Still, the average ticket size rose by 1.2 percent, and the company said its full-year forecasts remained on course despite the choppy headwinds likely to be forthcoming. Home Depot came into more direct conflict with the presidents MAGA movement on Monday when it was forced to ask the Republican Party of Florida to pull a line of deportation-themed merchandise from its online store that parodied its corporate insignia without authorization. open image in gallery Customers shopping for lumber in Home Depot, a company whose health is often read as an indicator of the wellbeing of the U.S. housing market as a whole ( AFP/Getty ) We dont allow any organization to use our branding or logo for their commercial purposes, Sarah McDonald, its director of public affairs, told The Independent. The full impact of Trumps much-changed tariff policy has yet to be felt. However, businesses are beginning to feel the first ripples of the consequences of the administrations policies after eight months in power. Last week, AriZona Iced Teas Don Vultaggio said he might reluctantly have to crank up the price of his $0.99 Big Can in response to Trumps 50 percent levies on imported steel and aluminum, which his business relies on for its receptacles. At some point, the consumer is going to have to pay the price, Vultaggio said. I hate even the thought of it. It would be a hell of a shame after 30-plus years. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The late President Jimmy Carter is to be honoured with a commemorative Forever stamp on what would have been his 101st birthday. The US Postal Service will release the stamp for purchase on October 1 in Atlanta. It features a 1982 portrait of the nations 39th president by Herbert E. Abrams. The art was unveiled on Saturday at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains. Carter, the longest-lived U.S. president, died on December 29, 2024. The stamp program celebrates the best in American culture, places and people, and it is difficult to consider a more fitting honoree than former President Jimmy Carter," Peter Pastre, the Postal Services government relations and public policy vice president, said in a statement. In his support and leadership of his beloved community, state and nation, he lent his quiet, thoughtful and deliberate energy around causes he believed in, and most certainly in his conduct and accomplishments as a former president, Jimmy Carter truly personified the best in America. The stamp is based on a 1982 portrait ( USPS ) The oil-on-linen painting that is the basis for the stamp was a life study Abrams painted of Carter while he sat for the artist. It was used in preparation for Carter's official White House portrait that Abrams also painted. Abrams, who spent part of his life in Connecticut, kept his commission secret as he traveled three times to Georgia to meet with Carter, according to Connecticut Humanities. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp. Carter, a Democrat, served in the Georgia State Senate from 1963 to 1967 and was governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975. He was inaugurated as the 39th president of the U.S. on January 20, 1977. The following day, he issued a controversial executive order that pardoned Vietnam War draft-dodgers. During his presidency, Carter greatly increased the size of the National Park system, negotiated the Camp David Accords, and signed a treaty with the Soviet Union to limit strategic nuclear arms. After leaving office, he established the non-profit Carter Center, which advances human rights in developing nations. He received the Nobel Peace Prize for that work in 2002. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Molten rock is currently erupting from two vents simultaneously at Kilauea volcano, with lava shooting high into the sky and illuminating the night with a vivid red and orange glow across its summit crater. Scientists anticipate the volcano, renowned as one of the worlds most active, will gush lava again in the coming days, marking its 31st eruption since December. While a select few residents and visitors will witness the spectacle firsthand at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, hundreds of thousands more are expected to tune into popular livestreams. These online feeds are made possible by three camera angles set up by the US Geological Survey, offering a virtual front-row seat to the natural phenomenon. Among those captivated by Kilaueas power is Park Service volunteer Janice Wei, who rushes to capture photos and videos of Halemaumau Crater whenever an eruption begins. Native Hawaiian tradition holds that this crater is the sacred home of the volcano goddess Pele. Wei describes the sound of the molten rock, as it shoots skyward like a fountain, as akin to a roaring jet engine or crashing ocean waves, noting she can feel its intense heat from over a mile away. "Every eruption feels like I am sitting in the front row at natures most extraordinary show," Wei shared in an email. Kilauea is situated on Hawaii Island, the largest landmass in the Hawaiian archipelago. It lies approximately 320 kilometres (200 miles) south of Honolulu, the states largest city, which is located on Oahu. Here's what to know about Kilauea's latest eruption: Towering fountains of molten rock open image in gallery Candi Hololio Johnson, left, and Kim Kozuma, both on horseback, as they watch lava shooting out of Kilauea volcano's summit caldera inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ( Janice Wei ) A lower magma chamber under Halemaumau Crater is receiving magma directly from the earths interior about 5 cubic yards (3.8 cubic meters) per second, said Ken Hon, the scientist-in-charge at the Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory. This blows the chamber up like a balloon and forces magma into an upper chamber. From there, it gets pushed above ground through cracks. Magma has been using the same pathway to rise to the surface since December, making the initial release and subsequent episodes all part of the same eruption, Hon said. Many have featured lava soaring into the air, in some cases more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) The fountains are generated in part because magma which holds gasses that are released as it rises has been traveling to the surface through narrow, pipe-like vents. The expanding magma supply is capped by heavier magma that had expelled its gas at the end of the prior episode. Eventually, enough new magma accumulates to force the degassed magma off, and the magma shoots out like champagne bottle that was shaken before the cork was popped. This is the fourth time in 200 years that Kilauea has shot lava fountains into the air in repeated episodes. There were more episodes the last time Kilauea followed this pattern: the eruption that began in 1983 started with 44 sessions of shooting fountains. Those were spread out over three years, however. And the fountains emerged in a remote area so few got to watch. The other two occurred in 1959 and 1969. Predicting Kilauea's future open image in gallery A lava lake erupting on the west caldera wall of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii ( U.S. Geological Survey ) Scientists don't know how the current eruption will end or how it may change. In 1983, magma built enough pressure that Kilauea opened a vent at a lower elevation and started continuously leaking lava from there rather than periodically shooting out of a higher elevation. The eruption continued in various forms for three decades and only ended in 2018. Something similar could happen again. Or the current eruption could instead stop at the summit if its magma supply peters out. Scientists can estimate a few days or even a week ahead of time when lava is likely to emerge with the help of sensors around the volcano that detect earthquakes and miniscule changes in the angle of the ground, which indicate when magma is inflating or deflating. Our job is like being a bunch of ants crawling on an elephant trying to figure out how the elephant works, Hon said. The lava fountains have been shorter lately. Steve Lundblad, a University of Hawaii at Hilo geology professor, said the vent may have gotten wider, leaving molten rock less pressurised. Were still gonna have spectacular eruptions," he said. "Theyre just going to be be wider and not as high. Carrying stories of Pele open image in gallery Lava fountains erupt in Kilauea crater as seen from Kupinai Pali in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park ( NPS ) Some people may see lava flows as destructive. But Huihui Kanahele-Mossman, the executive director of the Edith Kanakaole Foundation, said lava is a natural resource that hardens into land and forms the foundation for everything on Hawaii Island. Kanahele-Mossman's nonprofit is named after her grandmother the esteemed practitioner of Hawaiian language and culture, and founder of a noted hula halau, or school. Halau o Kekuhi is celebrated for its mastery of a style of hula rooted in the stories of Pele and her sister, Hiiaka. Kanahele-Mossman has visited the crater a few times since the eruption began. She initially watches in awe and reverence. But then she observes more details so she can go home and compare it to the lava in the centuries-old tales that her school performs. At the crater, she delivers a chant prepared in advance and places offerings. Recently she presented awa, a drink made with kava, and a fern lei. You as the dancer, you are the storyteller and you carry that history that was written in those mele forward, she said, using the Hawaiian word for song. To be able to actually see that eruption thats described in the mele, thats always exciting to us and drives us and motivates us to stay in this tradition. Visiting the volcano open image in gallery People watch the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island as it erupts ( AP ) Park visitation has risen all eight months of the year so far, in part because of the eruption. In April, there were 49 per cent more visitors than the same month of 2024. Park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane noted that the last several episodes have only lasted about 10 to 12 hours. Those wanting to go should sign up for U.S. Geological Survey alert notifications because the eruption could be over before you know it, she said. She cautioned that visitors should stay on marked trails and overlooks because unstable cliff edges and earth cracks may not be immediately apparent and falling could lead to serious injury or death. People should also keep young children close. Volcanic gas, glass and ash can also be dangerous. Those visiting at night should bring a flashlight. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice French President Emmanuel Macron sued far-right influencer Candace Owens to combat her nonsense claims about his wife Brigitte Macron, he said in a new interview. The couple filed a defamation lawsuit last month against Owens over her relentless and unjustified smear campaign falsely accusing Brigitte of being born a man. The Macrons are seeking damages after suing her on 22 counts, including defamation and false light. In his first remarks about the matter since suing Owens, the French president touched upon the lawsuit in a wide-ranging Paris Match interview that he felt compelled to sue because the false claims have taken on a life of their own in the U.S. This has become so widespread in the United States that we had to react, Macron said in French. Its a question of having the truth respected. The French leader said he will pursue the lawsuit to the end because her allegations were nonsense. Owens first made the unfounded claim in March 2024 and expanded upon it in her eight-part podcast series called Becoming Brigitte, the complaint filed in Delaware state court alleges. Her lies have caused tremendous damage to the Macrons, the filing says. open image in gallery French President Emmanuel Macron insists far-right podcaster Candace Owens claims about his wife Brigitte are nonsense, in first remarks about the matter after his defamation suit against the influencer ( AP ) The couple was initially advised not to file a complaint against Owens to avoid the "Streisand effect," attracting more attention to a matter by trying to conceal it, the French president told Paris Match. But because of the magnitude of attention the claims have garnered, they felt the need to respond, he said. Asked about the hostility he and Brigitte have gotten stateside in the wake of Owens remarks, Macron said: It is not freedom of speech to want to prevent the restoration of the truth. Those who talk to you about this so-called freedom of speech are the ones who ban journalists from the Oval Office. I do not accept this. Owens remarks subjected the couple to a campaign of global humiliation, turning their lives into fodder for profit-driven lies, the complaint says. The result is relentless bullying on a worldwide scale. Every time the Macrons leave their home, they do so knowing that countless people have heard, and many believe, these vile fabrications. It is invasive, dehumanizing, and deeply unjust, the filing states. open image in gallery Right-wing podcaster Candace Owens has said she would stake my entire professional reputation on these allegations ( Rumble ) The Macrons also took aim at Owens credibility. The lawsuit accused her of having built a brand on provocation, not truth and routinely peddling misinformation under the guise of legitimate reporting, like promoting anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. She has described the Covid-19 vaccines as pure evil. The far-right podcaster has emphasized that she would stake my entire professional reputation on these claims targeting Brigitte Macron. I am fully prepared to take on this battle, Owens said after she was sued. On behalf of the entire world, I will see you in court. A spokesperson for Owens said last month: "This is a foreign government attacking the First Amendment rights of an American independent journalist. Last month, Owens claimed that President Donald Trump personally called her and told her to back off the baseless claims about the French first lady, she told Tucker Carlson. She alleged the French President flew to D.C., where he urged Trump to ask me to shut up, to just stop speaking about his wife, she told Carlson. Speaking of Trump, she continued: He said he was very confused when the leader of France took him aside during negotiations for Ukraine and Russia to inquire about whether or not he knew Candace Owens. The U.S. president allegedly said of Brigitte: I saw her up close and she looks like a woman to me, I had dinner with her at the top of the Eiffel Tower. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A crew of Connecticut firefighters was forced to cut open a childrens playground slide to release a middle-aged man stuck inside. It was an interesting Saturday afternoon for the Town of Vernon Fire Department. Shortly after 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, firefighters and other emergency responders were called to a local elementary school where a 40-year-old man got stuck in a twisty tube slide. The man was found feet and head first in the middle of the slide, the fire department said in a Facebook post. To get the man out of a slippery, or rather not slippery enough, situation, the fire department had to call for additional manpower and equipment. open image in gallery A crew of Connecticut firefighters was forced to cut open a childrens playground slide to release a middle-aged man stuck inside ( Town of Vernon Fire Department ) EMS personnel provided oxygen to the patient who was in extreme discomfort and the hot temperatures were of concern as well, the fire department said. To help cool down the inside the slide emergency personnel set up ventilation. Firefighters were able to take apart the slide and free the man within 30 minutes. The fire department made sure to document the incident, snapping a photo of the man in a fetal position inside the slide, before pulling him out. open image in gallery Firefighters were able to take apart the slide and free the man, who was in a fetal position, within 30 minutes ( Town of Vernon Fire Department ) He was evaluated by medical professionals at the playground but refused to go to the hospital for treatment. While this is a unique call for service for the fire department, the professionalism shown on scene was exemplary, the fire department said. Its unclear why the man went down the slide in the first place or how he got himself into the situation. The Independent has reached out to the fire department for more details. open image in gallery The man was evaluated by medical professionals at the playground but refused to go to the hospital for treatment ( Town of Vernon Fire Department ) Facebook users couldnt help but make light of the situation. One person commented on the fire departments post: The firefighters were not gunna let that one slide. He's going to wish they left him there. How do you live that down? another said. A third wrote: So curious how he ended up feet and head first The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A former Michigan State University graduate student claims she was diagnosed with cancer after her work at the school exposed her to hazardous chemicals. Ling Long Wei, an international student from China, worked as a research assistant at Michigan State from 2008 to 2011 while earning a masters degree from the schools horticulture program. Wei, now 41 and living in the U.S., claimed in a draft lawsuit, reviewed by The Independent, that she developed thyroid cancer after her work exposed her to pesticides and herbicides without proper training or safety equipment. Michigan State University spokesperson Amber McCann declined to comment to The Independent, citing pending litigation. However, she said the school 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, McCann said. It was Weis dream to study at Michigan State, a leading agricultural science school, her attorney Maya Greene said at a Monday press conference. When she first arrived, Wei was required to work as a student research assistant, and perform field research as part of her horticulture coursework, the draft lawsuit states. open image in gallery Ling Long Wei, a former Michigan State University graduate student, alleges her work for the school exposed her to hazardous chemicals that later resulted in a cancer diagnosis ( WWMT ) As part of that field research, Weis supervisors told her to travel to off-campus fields to spray herbicides and pesticides, the draft suit states. Wei says that work could last up to eight hours a day. Wei alleges she was not given proper training ahead of time. She also did not have proper mask, gloves or coveralls to wear while handling the chemicals, the draft suit says. While spraying these toxic chemicals, the wind would often blow the chemicals into Ms. Weis face, the documents read. Ms. Wei was exposed to hazardous pesticides for over 7,000 hours, unprotected and untrained. Wei says she started to experience shortness of breath in 2010 but the schools health center told her it was due to anxiety. Her supervisors then assured her the chemicals were safe, the draft states. Ms. Wei relied on the assurance from the program superiors and continued to spray the hazardous pesticides and herbicides without [personal protective equipment], the draft states. Ms. Wei continued to experience symptoms but feared speaking up for herself due to intimidation and hostile treatment from superiors in the program. open image in gallery A view of Spartan Stadium on Michigan State University's campus. Wei alleges the school did not provide her with protective equipment or training while she sprayed pesticides ( Getty Images ) Handling these pesticides without proper training or equipment caused Wei to develop papillary thyroid carcinoma, the draft suit claims. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common form of thyroid cancer, making up about 80 percent of cases, according to Columbia University Thyroid Center. Wei was diagnosed in 2024 and underwent a series of medical procedures and surgeries to treat her cancer, the draft suit says. Wei is now in remission, according to a spokesperson for her attorneys firm, GreenLight Law Firm. Wei said the cancer left her with hormone imbalances that cause her fatigue and will make it difficult to have children. Her cancer could also come back. My recovery journey has been very challenging, Wei said at the press conference. After undergoing my thyroid cancer surgery, I did have to adjust to taking medication every day to regulate my hormone levels. I will need to take thyroid pills every day for the rest of my life, she added. I will live with my permanent scar, and I will have to always struggle against depression because of hormone imbalances. On Friday, Wei's attorney Maya Greene told The Independent that the lawsuit had not yet been filed. Cancer researchers are still studying the exact link between pesticides and cancer. Some pesticides are carcinogens and have been linked to cancer cases, according to the National Pesticide Information Center, a joint initiative by Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Exposure to a pesticide that is a carcinogen does not mean a cancer diagnosis is certain but means more risk than if a person isnt exposed, the center says. Its difficult for doctors to determine what exactly causes a patients cancer, according to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a leading research and treatment center. Its almost impossible to pin an individual case of cancer on a particular culprit with 100 percent certainty, the centers website reads. This article was amended on 22 August 2025. It previously said Wei's lawsuit had been filed in Ingham County Circuit Court, but the papers were yet to be filed at the time of publication. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Missouri Department of Transportation is preparing to replace the mid-20th-century Theodosia Bridge, but rather than demolish it outright, officials are offering it up free of charge to any eligible entity willing to take it on. The catch? Whoever wants it must bear the cost of its relocation. Built in 1951, the over 1,800-foot-long structure spans Bull Shoals Lake along US Highway 160 and boasts a distinctive design of 10 riveted camelback through-truss spans, each about 181 feet in length. The bridge features concrete abutments, wingwalls, and column piers with web-walls, with a deck surfaced in concrete and topped with bituminous. If someone takes the bridge, they may have to agree to rules that protect its historic design and keep it in good condition. Eligible applicants, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private individuals, have until January 9, 2026, to submit comprehensive proposals to MoDOTs Historic Preservation Section. These plans must outline how the bridge will be dismantled, relocated, and reused, including cost estimates and the intended future application. open image in gallery Built in 1951, the historic Theodosia Bridge spans Bull Shoals Lake at 1,816 feet ( Missouri Department of Transportation ) To ease the financial burden of relocation, MoDOT is offering reimbursement equivalent to the demolition costs, provided the recipient undertakes the removal themselves. However, this funding is not available if MoDOT removes and stores the bridge. Applicants must remove it themselves to qualify. Recipients are also encouraged to explore alternative funding sources, including the Recreational Trails Program through Missouri State Parks and MoDOTs Transportation Alternatives Program. Locally, interest in preserving and repurposing the bridge has been high, especially for use in low-water crossings, Ozark Radio News reports. However, Ozark County officials fear that relocation expenses could run into the millions, making such a project financially unfeasible under the current budget. The Independent has contacted MoDOT for comment. open image in gallery Government agencies, nonprofits, and even private individuals can apply to relocate the bridge, but they must submit full proposals to MoDOTs Historic Preservation Section by January 9, 2026 ( Missouri Department of Transportation ) MoDOT plans to replace the bridge in the future, but construction is still years away. For now, the department is studying the land and environment to make sure the project is safe and practical. Preliminary site work, including surveys and data collection, is underway, with environmental surveys expected to conclude by August 2026. Preliminary cost projections estimate that the installation of a new bridge could approach $100.4 million. Interested entities can visit MoDOTs Free Bridges portion of its website for a proposal checklist. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Monica Lewinsky and Amanda Knox are partnering on a Hulu docudrama about the latters experience spending four years wrongfully imprisoned in Italy for murder. Lewinsky, whose affair in the 1990s with then-President Bill Clinton became a media frenzy, told ABCs Good Morning America on Monday she saw in Knox another young woman who had suffered in the media, had been feasted on, on the world stage. Knox, who serves as a producer on The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox alongside Lewinsky and show creator KJ Steinberg, added in the Good Morning America interview that she felt similarly about the bond between the two. We were both interrogated; weve both been viciously turned into caricatures of ourselves in the media, Knox said. The series, which premieres Wednesday on Hulu, follows Amandas relentless fight to prove her innocence and reclaim her freedom, and examines why authorities and the world stood so firmly in judgment, according to the streamer. open image in gallery Knox and Lewinsky, who both serve as producers on new Hulu series The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, said they bonded over their harsh treatment in the media during their respective scandals ( Getty Images ) Grace Van Patten of Tell Me Lies stars as Knox in the show. In 2007, Knox was a 20-year-old studying in the Italian city of Perugia when her British roommate Meredith Kercher was found stabbed to death in their shared apartment. Knox and her recent Italian boyfriend at the time, Raffaele Sollecito, were convicted of the killing. The American was freed from prison in 2011 when an appeals court overturned the conviction, finding errors in the forensic investigation. She was then re-convicted, though that was also overturned by 2015. open image in gallery Knox has gone on to be an author and wrongful convictions activist since being released from Italian prison in 2011 ( Patrik Andersson ) In an interview with The Independent in March, Knox said she considers herself part of a group of women she calls The Sisterhood, people who have become subjects of excessive media speculation and criticism. The women whove been the subject of TMZ headlines, SNL skits, and David Lettermans Top Ten Lists, Knox wrote of the group in her recent memoir, referencing Monica Lewinsky and Lorena Bobbitt. Even though I have gone through a very extreme experience, a lot of the things that I've learned from it are actually really universal, Knox told The Independent while promoting the book. And I'm kind of addicted to that good vibes feeling that I get after being ostracized for so long. Since her release, Knox has advocated for others behind bars, including Melissa Lucio, a woman on Texas death row who maintains she was wrongly convicted for the fatal beating of her 2-year-old daughter. Lewinsky previous served as a producer on a dramatized Hulu series about her own story, Impeachment: American Crime Story. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin is to retire two years into his four-year term, marking the latest shake-up at the Department of Defense under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Air Force announced in a statement that Allvin would leave his role on November 1, with Air Force Secretary Troy Meink thanking him for his transformational efforts. Im grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 23rd Air Force Chief of Staff and Im thankful for Secretary Meink, Secretary Hegseth and President Trumps faith in me to lead our service, Allvin is quoted as saying. More than anything, Im proud to have been part of the team of airmen who live out our core values of integrity, service and excellence every day as we prepare to defend this great nation. U.S. Gen. David Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, speaks alongside President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on March 21 2025 ( Getty ) According to The Washington Post, Allvin was informed last week that he would be asked to retire and that the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wanted to go in another direction. It was certainly not his choice, the newspaper quotes an unnamed source as saying. The Independent has asked the Pentagon for clarification about the circumstances of Allvins departure. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, whom Trump nominated in July to become vice chief of staff of the Air Force and was involved in the Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Irans nuclear bases in June, has been tipped as a possible replacement for the outgoing general. The upheaval is only the latest to take place under Hegseth, with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the chief of naval operations, the commandant of the Coast Guard, and the vice chief of staff of the Air Force all changed since he took charge in January. Several generals and admirals in less prominent roles also have been replaced. Earlier this year, it was reported that Vice President JD Vance and Donald Trumps White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles had had to step in to help Hegseth hire a new chief of staff and two senior advisers due to an abiding reluctance to work with him. While those positions would ordinarily be considered highly prestigious, the secretary was struggling to fill them after causing a stir with his response to the Signalgate scandal, which erupted in March when Trumps short-lived national security adviser Mike Waltz accidentally added Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal group chat in which top secret information about an upcoming bombing raid on Houthi rebels in Yemen was discussed. In April, The New York Times reported that Hegseth had shared sensitive material in another group chat that included his wife, brother, and personal attorney. Hegseth responded by accusing three senior aides of leaking to the media. Still, an investigation later found no evidence against them, which reportedly cast fresh doubt on his judgment within the West Wing. Shortly after that, his chief of staff, Joe Kasper, and spokesperson John Ullyot both left the Department of Defense, leaving behind an unwanted portrait of chaos. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told a crowd at a fundraiser over the weekend President Donald Trump will help him beat his rival Zohran Mamdani in the race for New York City mayor. Cuomo is running as an independent after Mandani, a democratic socialist, beat him and others in the Democratic primary in June. Mamdani is currently leading in the polls against Cuomo, incumbent Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa. A poll conducted by Gotham Polling & Analytics for AARP, a nonprofit dedicated to helping older Americans, on August 11 found Mamdani with 41.8 percent of the vote, followed by Cuomo with 23.4 percent, Sliwa with 16.5 percent and Adams with 8.8 percent. Adams is also running as an independent. At a Saturday fundraiser in the Hamptons on nearby Long Island, Cuomo told the crowd, We can minimize [the Sliwa] vote, because hell never be a serious candidate, Politico reported, citing audio from the event. open image in gallery Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, pictured, told a crowd at a fundraiser over the weekend President Donald Trump will help him beat his rival Zohran Mamdani in the race for New York City mayor ( Spencer Platt/Getty Images ) And Trump himself, as well as top Republicans, will say the goal is to stop Mamdani. And youll be wasting your vote on Sliwa. So I feel good about that, Cuomo said. Earlier this month, The New York Times reported Trump took a call with Cuomo as he considers intervening in the competitive race. Trump had previously threatened to arrest Mamdani if he won the election and then followed through on his promise to defy Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in New York City. Mamdani has also picked fights with the president, launching a five boroughs against Trump tour to bring attention to the White Houses agenda and tie his opponents to Trump. But the president and Cuomo would still be an unlikely alliance given their past criticisms of each other. Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi previously denied the NYTs reporting, telling The Independent, The Governor and the President have not spoken in some time. As far as I know, they have not discussed the race. He also suggested Trump would be more interested in Mamdani or the other candidates in the race. Additionally, the president told reporters after the NYT article was published he had not spoken with Cuomo. open image in gallery Mamdani is currently leading in the polls against Cuomo, incumbent Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa ( Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images ) Azzopardi called Politicos reporting, silly, telling The Independent Tuesday, The governor was asked what he heard to be a hypothetical about how it could become a two person race and was speculating. Were not asking for or expecting help from anyone he also said the mayor would have to drop out and the mayor said he wasnt going to. Governor Cuomo is the only chance to beat Mamdani and ensure the greatest city in the world stays the greatest city in the world, the spokesman said. Dora Pekec, a spokesperson for Mamdani, accused Cuomo of planning to rig the election, Politico reported. Since hes too afraid to say it to New Yorkers faces, well make it clear: Andrew Cuomo IS Donald Trumps choice for mayor, she said. open image in gallery Cuomo said Sliwa will 'never be a serious candidate' in the mayor's race ( Spencer Platt/Getty Images ) Maria Sliwa, the media director for Sliwas campaign, told The Independent Tuesday, "Its just sad that Andrew Cuomo thinks a Trump headline will save him. If he actually left the Hamptons, hed see that New Yorkers regret everything he stands for, from being the architect of crime with his disastrous no-bail law to his failed COVID policies that devastated families. His campaign is a mess, and desperate people do desperate things, she said. Trump has yet to publicly endorse any mayoral candidate and Cuomo previously said he wouldnt accept an endorsement from the president. The Independent has reached out to Mamdanis campaign and the White House for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ashley St. Clair, the purported mother of one of Elon Musks 14 children, has revealed she is broke and getting evicted from her home after a turbulent year of career suicide. Well, after a year of unplanned career suicide, many questionable life choices, and a gap in my LinkedIn profile that cannot legally be explained, Ive decided to start a podcast, St Clair said amid reports of an ongoing custody battle with the Tesla CEO over one-year-old, Romulus. Though she did not mention him explicitly. She said it was not because anybody asked, but because statistically speaking, it was either this or join an MLM [multi-level marketing scheme], before announcing she was getting evicted and Polymarket [a U.S. cryptocurrency-based prediction market] offered me $10,000 to do an ad read. In the 30-minute clip that aired on Musks X social media platform Monday, which St. Clair has pitched as Bad Advice with Ashley St. Clair, she weighed in on the attack against 19-year-old DOGE staffer Edward Coristine, aka Big Balls, who was allegedly assaulted in Washington, DC, earlier this month. St. Clair also spoke about several other contemporary issues. open image in gallery St. Clair has revealed the launch of her podcast amid a crisis of being broke ( @stclairashley/X ) Speaking on the incident involving Big Balls, in which it was reported that Coristine was assaulted by approximately 10 juveniles less than a mile from the White House, she said, Two teenagers tried to steal a car, and instead of just letting them take it, Big Balls decided to intervene. He was with his girlfriend, or lady partner, whatever the Musk orbit calls their non-committal fluid breeding vessel contenders these days [] He got his ass beat so bad, some are calling it reparations, she said, adding, Im not, of course. I would never do that. But what I dont understand is why you didnt just let them take the car? The incident is believed to have sparked Trumps desire to deploy National Guard troops on the streets of the capital as part of a crackdown on crime. In February, St. Clair went public with the explosive allegation that Musk was the father of her child. The billionaire and vocal pro-natalist who has offered to father anyone's child now has 14 children. Then, a month later, his ex, Grimes, asked for pictures of their four-year-old son, X A-Xii, or Lil X, not to be posted online after Elon Musk paraded him around the Oval Office. The pair also shares children, Exa Dark Siderl, and Tau Techno Mechanicus. Strider, Azure, Arcadia, and Seldon Lycurgus are shared with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis, and six of his children are shared with Justine Wilson, who was his wife for eight years between 2000 and 2008. open image in gallery Musk previously claimed he handed St. Clair $2.5M and was sending her $500K a year ( @stclairashley / Twitter / Getty Images ) St. Claire also alleged the billionaire had offered her a one-time payment of $15 million, plus $100,000 a month until her child turns 21, in exchange for her silence. She rejected the offer. I dont want my son to feel like hes a secret, St. Clair reportedly told Musks fixer Jared Birchall, who runs Musks family office. Musk previously maintained that he does not know for sure whether St. Clairs child is his, but the Probability of Paternity was 99.9999%, according to a lab report seen by the Wall Street Journal. In April, the Tesla CEO said he had given Ashley $2.5M and am sending her $500k/year. His post came in response to a video of St. Clair selling her Tesla while saying Elon Musk had cut off her sons child support. The Independent contacted Musk and St. Clair representatives for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The FBI has moved to appoint Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as its new co-deputy director, meaning its current deputy, Dan Bongino, will be expected to share his duties in the role in the future. The appointment was made by Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel and comes after Bongino, 50, a former Secret Service agent and podcaster, reportedly clashed with Bondi over the administrations failure to release the Jeffrey Epstein files last month. I am proud to announce I have accepted the role of Co-Deputy Director of the FBI, Bailey wrote in a brief post on X. I extend my thanks to President Donald Trump and AG Bondi for the opportunity to serve in the mission to Make America Safe Again. I will protect America and uphold the Constitution. open image in gallery FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino will find himself sharing his official duties after Missouri Attorney General Andrew Mitchell was hired by the Trump administration ( AP ) Bongino responded to a journalists post about the appointment by writing simply, Welcome, accompanied by three Stars and Stripes emojis. Explaining the decision, Patel told The Daily Beast that the FBI will always bring the greatest talent this country has to offer in order to accomplish the goals set forth when an overwhelming majority of American people elected President Donald J Trump again. Andrew Bailey will be an integral part of this important mission, and I look forward to the continued fight to save America together. An Iraq War veteran and a long-time champion of Trump, Bailey, 44, has been Missouris AG since 2023 and has developed a reputation as a hard-line conservative, known for attempting to prevent the release of prisoners whose convictions have been overturned, opposing gender-affirming care and restricting access to abortion in his state. The Epstein case caused controversy in early July after the FBI and Justice Department put out a statement saying that the late pedophile and sex trafficker left behind no client list among his possessions and died by suicide in a New York City jail cell in August 2019. The assessment started a civil war among Trumps MAGA movement, many of whose members had long been encouraged to suspect foul play in Epsteins death and had hoped to see influential people brought to justice over their alleged involvement in the disgraced financiers crimes. The controversy raged for more than a month, with the president himself repeatedly urged to release all federal files on Epstein and to explain his past friendship with the disgraced financier, a cause of apparent frustration to him. open image in gallery Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who is joining the FBI as its new co-deputy director ( AFP/Getty ) Trump himself was not accused of wrongdoing, however, and moved to sue The Wall Street Journal for alleging that he once sent Epstein a bawdy doodle to mark his birthday. Even before the contested verdict on Epstein was published, Patel and Bongino, both of whom had stoked conspiracy theories on conservative media before joining the Trump administration, had drawn fire for attempting to pour cold water on the case during a May interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures. Challenged by Bartiromo on their newfound conviction that Epstein did indeed take his own life, Bongino responded: Im not asking you to believe me, or not. Im telling you what exists, and what doesnt. If new evidence surfaces, Im happy to re-evaluate. His and Patels comments saw them labelled deep state traitors and attacked by right-wing media darlings like Glenn Beck and Alex Jones. Then, late last month, Bongino posted a cryptic message on X that read: During my tenure here as the Deputy Director of the FBI, I have repeatedly relayed to you that things are happening that might not be immediately visible, but they are happening. open image in gallery Epstein, pictured with his accomplice and former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell ( US District Court for the Southern District of New York/A{ ) The Director and I are committed to stamping out public corruption and the political weaponization of both law enforcement and intelligence operations. It is a priority for us. But what I have learned in the course of our properly predicated and necessary investigations into these aforementioned matters, has shocked me down to my core. We cannot run a Republic like this. Ill never be the same after learning what Ive learned. We are going to conduct these righteous and proper investigations by the book and by the law. We are going to get the answers WE ALL DESERVE. As with any investigation, I cannot predict where it will land, but I can promise you an honest and dignified effort at truth. Not my truth, or your truth, but THE TRUTH. The presidents moves this month to federalize the policing of Washington, D.C., and seek a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine appear to have finally driven Epstein from the headlines for now. However, the strength of feeling surrounding the subject has by no means dissipated. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Department of Justice is reportedly investigating whether Washington, D.C., officials manipulated crime data after Donald Trump accused the capital city of creating fake crime numbers to undermine his federal takeover. On his Truth Social account Monday, Trump accused D.C. officials of manipulating data to create a false illusion of safety while his critics accuse the White House of exaggerating reports of violent crime to justify his unprecedented mandate. This is a very bad and dangerous thing to do, and they are under serious investigation for so doing! Trump wrote. Last week, the president declared what he called a crime emergency to justify his administration taking control of the citys Metropolitan Police Department while deploying National Guard troops and federal law enforcement agents into the citys streets, claiming that the White House must rescue the city from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor and worse. He claimed the city is overrun with bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged-out maniacs and homeless people, though reports of violent crime in the city have plummeted alongside national downward trends of violent crime rates. open image in gallery Federal prosecutors are investigating Washington, DC, officials following Trumps allegations that police manipulated crime data to undermine his federal takeover. ( AP ) The capital city was the most unsafe city in the United States, and perhaps the World, he wrote on Monday. Now, in just a short period of time, it is perhaps the safest, and getting better every single hour! Days before Trump entered office in January, federal prosecutors in D.C. were celebrating that violent crime in the capital is the lowest it has been in over 30 years. In April, that same U.S. attorneys office praised a 25 percent drop in violent crime in Washington within the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Now, that same office under the direction of former Fox News host and recently confirmed U.S. attorney Jeanine Pirro has opened an investigation to whether those reports are accurate, according to reporting from The New York Times and The Washington Post. A spokesperson for the Justice Department told The Independent that the agency does not confirm or comment on investigations. open image in gallery Last week, the president declared what he called a crime emergency to justify his administration taking control of the citys Metropolitan Police Department while deploying National Guard troops in DC. ( Getty Images ) The White House has pointed to a previous investigation into D.C. police commander Michael Pulliam, who was suspended earlier this year facing allegations that he made questionable changes to crime data, according to a report from NBC4 Washington last month. A federal investigation is expected to go further than the local probe into Pulliams time in office. The Independent has requested comment from D.C. police. Despite the administrations claims that crime is out of control in D.C., available data has shown the opposite: 2024 saw the lowest violent crime rates in the capital in roughly 30 years, while reports of violent crime within the first seven months of 2025 plunged 27 percent from last year. Those rates mirror national downward trends, according to FBI crime data released during Trumps administration. Homicides in D.C. are down 11 percent, according to city data. The citys homicide rate in 2024 was roughly 25 per 100,000 residents nearly twice the rate in 2012, when it was nearly 14 per 100,000 residents. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Congressional committee plans to publicly release some files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after receiving the material from the Department of Justice Friday, according to a report. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is expected to start receiving materials it subpoenaed related to Epstein at the end of the week. The group will redact sensitive information, including victims identities, before it is released to the public, a committee spokesperson confirmed to CNN. The Committee intends to make the records public after thorough review to ensure all victims identification and child sexual abuse material are redacted. The Committee will also consult with the DOJ to ensure any documents released do not negatively impact ongoing criminal cases and investigations, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the committee would work with the Justice Department on the release, but declined to say when it could be expected. News that the Department of Justice would start providing records related to Epstein to Congress was first shared Monday by the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Rep. James Comer. The disclosures to Congress come after the Justice Department concluded in July that no further disclosures about Epstein were warranted. Releasing the so-called Epstein files would be a massive win for the American public, as conspiracy theories surrounding the financiers death swirled after Trump, who campaigned on releasing the files, backtracked and said the files never existed. Interest in the files only grew after the DOJ and FBI said that there was no client list, despite Attorney General Pam Bondi claiming the list was on her desk in February. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform plans to publicly release files related to Jeffrey Epstein after receiving the material from the Department of Justice Friday. ( US District Court for the Southern District of New York ) Epstein, a wealthy and well-connected financier, died by suicide in a New York City jail cell in 2019, the memo said. However, years of conspiracy theories have claimed that he kept a secret list of famous and powerful people to whom he trafficked underage girls for sex. There has also been speculation that Epstein was killed in prison to prevent him from sharing information about the alleged crimes. The memos conclusion left members of Trumps MAGA base, many of whom were eagerly anticipating bombshell revelations, infuriated. The White House has since been trying to contain the fallout and backlash. Trump and Epstein were friendly in the 1990s and early 2000s and were seen together at parties in Palm Beach and New York. While Trump has never been formally accused of wrongdoing or charged with any crime in connection to the Epstein case, his former friend and DOGE chief Elon Musk accused him of being on the list. Despite the interest in the files, House Speaker Mike Johnson delayed a vote of the full House to decide whether or not to release the files until September, claiming the administration needs space to vet the files. Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx told reporters Tuesday that the issue might be resolved before it would even come to a vote in Washington, D.C., next month. Chairman Comer has mentioned that hes getting the material that hes asked for from the Department of Justice. Id really like to see this resolved, if possible, before we get back, as much information as possible to come out, Foxx said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice California Governor Gavin Newsom has steadily risen in the ranks among potential Democratic candidates in the 2028 presidential election, with the most recent jump coinciding with his attacks on President Donald Trump. Newsom, long thought to be a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination in the next election, has a 13 percent favorability compared to other potential candidates a 3 percent jump from last month, according to Echelon Insights. That most recent jump, which was recorded in a mid-August poll, indicates that potential voters are responding positively to Newsoms recent strategy of consistently calling out Trump, mocking and trolling the administration on social media, and aggressively pushing back against the presidents agenda. That includes launching an effort to redraw Californias congressional districts before the 2026 midterm election to pick up more House seats, thus canceling out Republicans same effort in Texas. For months, polling has shown that potential Democratic voters want to see party leaders push back more aggressively on Trumps agenda, which he has been able to swiftly implement with limited roadblocks because Republicans control the House and Senate. California Governor Gavin Newsom is gaining momentum in early 2028 presidential primary polling ( Getty ) Members of the party have expressed frustration with Democrats for lacking consistent messaging and a clear action plan. However, Newsom has vowed to continue fighting Trump and other MAGA Republicans using his social media to obtain national recognition. Over the last month, Newsoms office has gone viral for mimicking Trumps all-caps social media posts that often recycle the same language. Using memes, Newsom has attempted to capitalize on the same methods that the White House itself uses to reach voters about its policies. The California governor and his team have used the social media tactic to poke fun at or undermine prominent Republicans when they launch attacks at Newsom or Democratic policies. In recent days, Newsom has mocked Vice President JD Vance for getting into a verbal spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this year, patronized Texas Senator Ted Cruz for making a math mistake during the Texas redistricting spat, trolled Fox News contributor Tomi Lahren for insulting the social media tactics, and more. While Newsom has not launched an official bid for the Democratic nomination, polling across the political spectrum indicates hes gaining momentum. McLaughlin and Associates, a conservative polling group, put Newsoms favorability at 9 percent in July a 5 percent increase from his favorability in May. Morning Consult, a left-leaning polling group, said Newsoms favorability in a 2028 primary was roughly 5 percent in March but jumped to 11 percent in June. Emerson College put Newsoms polling at around 12 percent in June. In today's fractured media environment, it's never been more important to communicate immediately and effectively. Governor Newsom gets that," Lindsey Cobia, a spokesperson for Newsom, told Axios in July. "While the Trump administration uses these tactics to demean and belittle the powerless, Gavin Newsom is using them to stand up to the powerful and call out the authoritarian methods of the current White House occupant." The next presidential election will be on November 7, 2028. Primaries and caucuses will be held in the run-up to the election to find candidates for both the Democratic and Republican parties. While he has joked about standing for a third term, Trump will be unable to run again as the constitution limits presidents to a maximum of two full terms. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice U.S. vice president J.D. Vance was notably quiet during a summit with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday and social media users across the political spectrum are very happy about it. Numerous posts on X (formerly Twitter) and its more liberal rival Bluesky expressed relief or gratitude that Donald Trump's second in command had, in the words of one user, "kept his dumb mouth shut". It was a marked contrast to what happened when Zelensky last visited the White House in March, in which Vance berated the Ukrainian president for not saying thank you more. "Things go a little better when J.V. [sic] keeps his trap shut and doesnt try to act tough," wrote one anti-Trump U.S. conservative on X. JD Vance sits beside Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Oval Office during talks with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky ( Getty ) "I think they super-glued Vances mouth shut. But overall that went better than I expected," said another, Trump-supporting user. Democratic influencer Majid Padellan agreed, saying: "What a difference it makes when Trump is hemmed in by the adults in the room and J.D. Vance is sitting at the kids' table instead of trying to ambush Zelensky." Others said they were happy that Vance had kept quiet, remained silent, kept his mouth shut, and refrained from making smart-ass look at me comment[s]. Users from outside the USA also chimed in. "Thank god that Vance wasn't allowed to say anything," said Estonian entrepreneur Alvar Laigna on X. "See how much smoother things go when J.D. Vance stays silent," said another user, seemingly from the UK. One Canadian commented that "Vance is being awfully quiet, like a good little boy", while a Swedish speaker on Bluesky declared: "Any time Vance stays silent is a win for humanity." Monday's meeting was relatively cordial, ending with both Trump and Zelensky expressing willingness to engage in trilateral peace talks with Russia. Trump even refused to rule out sending U.S. troops to the region in order to enforce any peace deal something Russia has said it would oppose. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Maine police officer arrested by immigration authorities has agreed to voluntarily leave the country, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Monday. Old Orchard Beach Police Department reserve Officer Jon Luke Evans, of Jamaica, was arrested by ICE officials on July 25, as part of the agency's effort to step up immigration enforcement. Officials with the town and police department have said federal authorities previously told them Evans was legally authorized to work in the U.S. An ICE representative said Monday that a judge has granted voluntary departure for Evans and that he could leave as soon as that day. The representative did not provide other details about Evans' case. Evans' arrest touched off a dispute between Old Orchard Beach officials and ICE. Police Chief Elise Chard has said the department was notified by federal officials that Evans was legally permitted to work in the country, and that the town submitted information via the Department of Homeland Securitys E-Verify program prior to Evans employment. open image in gallery Officer Jon Luke Evans receives his police badge ( Old Orchard Beach Police Department via AP ) Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin then accused the town of reckless reliance on the department's E-Verify program. E-Verify is an online system that allows employers to check if potential employees can work legally in the U.S. Officials with Old Orchard Beach did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ICE's detainee lookup website said Monday that Evans was being held at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls, Rhode Island. However, a representative for Wyatt said Evans had been transferred to an ICE facility in Burlington, Massachusetts. ICE officials did not respond to requests for comment on the discrepancy. It was unclear if Evans was represented by an attorney, and a message left for him at the detention facility was not returned. ICE officials said in July that Evans overstayed his visa and unlawfully attempted to purchase a firearm. WMTW-TV reported Monday that Evans' agreement to a voluntary departure means he will be allowed to leave the U.S. at his own expense to avoid being deported. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Matt Gaetz, the former Florida Republican congressman and short-lived attorney general nominee, suggested in his new job as a host on One America News that Russia be offered NATO membership as a way to end the war in Ukraine. Ive got an idea. Offer NATO membership to Russia, said Gaetz during Mondays edition of The Matt Gaetz Show. Of course, for this carrot, Trump would need to get everything he wants out of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin regarding the end of hostilities, economic cooperation, and territorial disputes. Before you suggest Im crazy for thinking about NATO and Russia as partners, the idea has been floated by foreign policy thinkers on the right and left for some time, he added. In 1997, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing on NATO expansion. President Clintons secretary of state, Madeleine Albright, reflected on groundbreaking cooperation between NATO and Russia. That fruit didnt germinate because instead of doubling down on cooperation with Russia, the thinking prevailed that we had to expand NATO and encircle Russia. We learned that an animal backed into a corner can lash out, Gaetz argued. We chose encirclement over cooperation when people were saying cooperation could be part of our forward-looking path with Russia. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created in 1949 in the aftermath of the Second World War to counter the Soviet Union. While NATO worked to establish a partnership with Russia following the end of the Cold War, all cooperation ceased when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. open image in gallery Matt Gaetz suggested on Monday night that Russia be offered NATO membership ( Getty ) Michael McFaul was President Obamas ambassador to Russia. In 2006, he wrote an article entitled, Why a Democratic Russia Should Join NATO, Gaetz went on. Again, this reinforces that NATO membership is an earned reward, not an entitlement, but why not give Russia a chance to earn it? Russia became the first country to join NATOs Partnership for Peace programme in June 1994. Its goals were to expand political and military cooperation in Europe. In late May 1997, NATO leaders and then-Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed the NATO-Russia Founding Act, sharing their wish to build together a lasting and inclusive peace in the Euro-Atlantic area on the principles of democracy and cooperative security. During President Vladimir Putins time in power, between 2002 and 2008, NATO and Russia participated in the NATO-Russia Council, the formal meetings of which came to an end amid Russias military action in Georgia in 2008. NATOs website now states that The Russian Federation is the most significant and direct threat to Allies security. NATO membership for Russia isnt coming tomorrow, but to make peace, everyone needs to give up something and get something, said Gaetz. Everyone needs to feel safer in peace than at war. Making war is easy; all you have to do is attack. Making peace is hard, but at least the Trump administration is making progress. We believe that progress could and ultimately should lead to NATO expansion to Russia if everyone behaves. Gaetzs comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a cadre of European leaders met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. open image in gallery Gaetzs comments came after Zelenskys meeting with Trump at the White House on Monday, alongside a number of European leaders ( AFP/Getty ) An administration official said Sunday that Putin agreed at his Alaska summit with Trump on Friday that the U.S. and its European allies could offer Ukraine a security guarantee in the shape of NATOs collective security mandate as part of a possible deal to end the full-scale war started by Russia in February 2022. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff appeared on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, saying that it was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that. He added that it 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, Witkoff added. The Associated Press contributed to this report Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Newsmax is reacting to its agreement to pay Dominion Voting Systems $67 million to settle the voting software firms defamation lawsuit over the MAGA networks airing of 2020 election lies by calling for businesses to ditch the state where the complaint was filed. Newsmax likely could not have been sued in Delaware had it not been incorporated there at the time Dominion Voting Systems filed its lawsuit, the network said in an online statement on Monday. Newsmax encourages every business incorporated in Delaware to reconsider and exit the state, as it did so to Florida, the right-wing channel added. Businesses should re-domicile in jurisdictions that still believe in the rule of law and remain committed to protecting constitutional freedoms for all Americans. Earlier this spring, Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric M. Davis ruled that there was clear and convincing evidence that Newsmax had made false and defamatory claims about Dominion, and the $1.6 billion lawsuit would go to trial. Davis said it would be up to a jury to decide if Newsmax acted with actual malice and if the network should be required to pay damages to Dominion. The trial, which was scheduled to begin on April 28, would soon be postponed. Newsmax anchor Katrina Szish reads off the network's defiant statement about its $67 million settlement with Dominion, which includes Newsmax urging businesses to leave Delaware over "free speech." ( Newsmax ) In a regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission made public on Monday, it was revealed that Newsmax had agreed to pay Dominion $67 million over the next two years to settle the complaint, with $27 million to be paid this month. The payoff to Dominion comes on the heels of Newsmax settling with Smartmatic for $40 million to make a similar lawsuit over 2020 election conspiracies go away. We are pleased to have settled this matter, a Dominion spokesperson said on Monday, declining to offer any additional comment. While the voting technology company which was at the center of baseless allegations that it rigged the 2020 election against Donald Trump was brief with its comments on the settlement, Newsmax and its CEO Chris Ruddy took the opportunity to portray themselves as victims of an unfair judicial system. From the very beginning, Judge Davis ruled in ways that strongly favored the plaintiffs and limited Newsmax's ability to defend itself, the network said in its statement. The Delaware court under Judge Davis effectively enforced a confiscation of our property because our reporting was not always sympathetic to Joe Biden, Ruddy added. The actions taken against Newsmax, and earlier against Fox News, represent a direct attack on free speech and a free press. Ruddy, of course, was referencing the record $787.5 million settlement that Fox News paid Dominion in 2023 to settle a similar defamation lawsuit over Foxs broadcasting of falsehoods about the election being stolen from Trump. Judge Davis also presided over that case. In its complaint, Dominion accused Fox News of promoting election denialism to boost sagging ratings following Joe Bidens victory, which saw disgruntled MAGA viewers ditch the conservative cable giant for channels like Newsmax after Fox News early but accurate Arizona projection on election night. The judiciary's willingness to punish news organizations for reporting on matters of urgent national debate undermines the role of the press in a free society, Newsmax continued in its Monday statement. During multiple on-air segments on Monday, the networks anchors reiterated Newsmaxs statement about the settlement and that the channel not only stood by its reporting on the 2020 election, but that it also wanted other companies to follow its lead and no longer incorporate in Delaware. Newsmax stated that the Delaware courts actions were a direct attack on free speech and free press, and has urged companies domiciled to leave Delaware as many other businesses led by Elon Musk and others have already done, host Katrina Szish declared during the broadcast of American Agenda. Newsmax believes, however, that the $67 million settlement with Dominion will not interrupt the companys growth and plans for the future, she concluded while inviting viewers to take a look at additional information about the company at the networks Invest in Newsmax website. Earlier this year, the right-wing media outlet went public and quickly became a meme stock, briefly seeing its valuation dwarf that of Fox Corp. and other blue-chip companies before falling back to earth. Meanwhile, nearly five years after the 2020 election set off a wave of litigation over false claims of widespread voting fraud, most of the lawsuits brought by Dominion and others have reached their conclusion. Still, some cases are making their way through the court. Fox News, for instance, is facing a $2.7 billion lawsuit from Smartmatic, though the network has won a number of favorable motions in court and has indicated that it is willing to defend itself in trial. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Democratic state Rep. Nicole Collier spent Monday night locked in the Texas House of Representatives in Austin after refusing to sign a pledge to return for a vote on Republican redistricting proposals. Colliers protest came after 51 of the states opposition lawmakers fled for Illinois, New York and Massachusetts earlier this month to deny the GOP majority a quorum in the House, preventing it from holding a ballot on plans to create five new red seats ahead of next years midterms that would almost certainly have passed had the Democrats participated. After two weeks of Republican fury in which House Speaker Dustin Burrows issued civil arrest warrants, the runaways finally returned to their posts, only to find that Burrows expected them to sign a statement committing themselves to returning for the scheduled vote at 10 am on Wednesday and be accompanied by individual law enforcement escorts in the interim. The speakers ultimatum meant the rebel Democrats would not be able to leave the chamber without risking arrest unless they put pen to paper. Collier, who represents Fort Worth, flatly refused to comply with what Democrats mockingly characterized as a permission slip or hall pass system that effectively rendered their liberty conditional. open image in gallery Texas State Rep. Nicole Collier listens to House Speaker Dustin Burrows announce the need for permission slips for Democratic state representatives to leave the House chamber in Austin on Monday August 18 2025 ( AP ) I refuse to sign, she told Fox Newss Austin affiliate. I will not agree to be in [Department of Public Safety] custody. Im not a criminal. I am exercising my right to resist and oppose the decisions of our government. So this is my form of protest. In a subsequent statement, she elaborated: My constituents sent me to Austin to protect their voices and rights. I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts. My community is majority-minority, and they expect me to stand up for their representation. When I press that button to vote, I know these maps will harm my constituents I wont just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination. The Independent has contacted Colliers office for further comment. Refusing to play ball but still bound by the speakers conditions, Collier instead spent the night among the otherwise empty chairs of the legislative chamber, offering a livestream of her quiet protest on her X account. open image in gallery Collier takes a call from the floor of the House, where she has chosen to remain until Wednesday ( Reuters ) Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu and fellow representative Vince Perez stayed with her on the House floor in a show of solidarity, with Wu posting a picture of the snacks he was bringing with him, including dried peaches and grapes and instant ramen noodles. Collier also received a message of support from former Democratic presidential candidate Beto ORourke, who said: A true hero, refusing to submit, fighting these fascists by herself if she has to. We are with you Nicole! The drama began on August 3 when the Democrats went into exile in the three northern blue states rather than enable a gerrymandering push that would, in all likelihood, have ended with their Republican counterparts redrawing the electoral map to their advantage with one eye on the November 2026 midterm elections, creating five extra seats in right-leaning areas. That would enable the Lone Star State to send five more Republicans to Washington, D.C., to help force through President Donald Trumps legislative agenda on Capitol Hill, a great help to the president when the congressional GOPs majority is currently so slender. open image in gallery Texas State Rep. Gene Wu holds a press conference in Carol Stream, Illinois, on Sunday August 3 2025 after fleeing a Republican gerrymandering push as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker looks on ( Reuters ) By fleeing, the Democrats denied the GOP the two-thirds majority attendance it required in the 150-seat state House to go ahead with its vote on the proposals. The lawmakers won the support of the Democratic National Committee, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and influential blue state governors like Gavin Newsom and JB Pritzker. Still, they risked arrest and $500 per day fines for their actions. After Newsom vowed to fight fire with fire in California and redraw his map to favor Democrats as a means of remedying the measures being undertaken by the Texas Republicans, the southerners were finally able to make their way home. Now that we have California backing us up, we try to get back here as fast as possible, Wu said. With that margin of the safety, we can come back here and say, let's stick this thing to court. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russian President Vladimir Putin hoped to meet alone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the two countries try to work towards peace, but U.S. President Donald Trump keeps saying he needs to be involved in the talks. Days after Trump met with Putin during a summit in Alaska, Trump met with Zelensky and several European leaders at the White House Monday to try to find the best path forward to end Russias war in Ukraine. After the meeting, the U.S. president called his Russian counterpart to begin making arrangements for a meeting between Putin, Zelensky and himself, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Putin mentioned wanting a bilateral meeting with Zelensky, but Trump suggested that he be included, a senior administration official told Politico. When the U.S. president offered to attend a potential Zelensky-Putin meeting, the Russian leader reportedly said: You dont have to come. I want to see him one-on-one. open image in gallery Russian President Vladimir Putin told President Donald Trump that he wanted to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky one-on-one but Trump insists that he needs to be part of the discussions, according to a report. ( AFP/Getty ) Trumps team started working on that, the official told Politico. Steve Witkoff has the assignment to get it figured [out]. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment. Following the Alaska summit Friday, Trump appeared on Fox News Hannity, where he emphasized that both Zelensky and Putin want the U.S. president to be present for a meeting between them. Then, over the past several days, Trump has continued to push the idea that there should be trilateral meetings. I don't know if I trust the two of them in a room alone together. I think it would be better if you are there, Fox News host Sean Hannity said. Trump agreed: They both want me there, and I'll be there. You got to see it out. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who attended Mondays White House meeting, suggested that Putin had agreed to meet with Zelensky after his call with Trump within the next two weeks - but a date has not yet been set. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told state-run channel Rossiya-24 that Russia is open to participating in either a trilateral or bilateral meeting, BBC reported. "The key point is that these formats are not pursued for the sake of media coverage or evening broadcasts," Lavrov said. "Any contacts involving national leaders must be prepared with the utmost thoroughness. Following Mondays summit, Zelensky declared: We are ready for a trilateral. open image in gallery Zelensky and Trump met at the White House as they work toward finding a peace deal and end to the war with Russia. ( AFP via Getty Images ) If the leaders of Russia and Ukraine meet, it would mark the first one-on-one since 2019 in Paris, three years before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, a move that launched the war. Trump touted Mondays summit as a very good meeting, during which the world leaders discussed security guarantees for Ukraine that would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America, according to the U.S. president. Regarding the trilateral meeting, the U.S. president wrote: Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine. We are already working on the concrete content of the security guarantees, Zelensky said in a social media post Tuesday, hailing Mondays meeting as truly a significant step toward ending the war. World leaders who attended the meeting also praised the progress that was achieved. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that there was "real progress" and a "real sense of unity." Merz similarly said "the path is open now" for a temporary ceasefire, but the next steps are "more complicated. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has vowed to implement significant changes to the conduct of US elections, despite constitutional constraints limiting his ability to act unilaterally. His pledges, made on his social media platform, are rooted in the same false information and conspiracy theories he has consistently used to account for his 2020 election defeat. Trump specifically targeted mail voting, which remains popular and is utilised by approximately one-third of all voters, and voting machines, a form of which is employed across nearly all of the country's thousands of election jurisdictions. Ironically, these are the very systems that facilitated Trump's victory in the 2024 election and enabled Republicans to secure control of Congress. Trump's post marks an escalation even in his normally overheated election rhetoric. He issued a wide-ranging executive order earlier this year that, among other changes, would have required documented proof-of-citizenship before registering to vote. His Monday post promised another election executive order to "help bring HONESTY to the 2026 Midterm elections." The same post also pushed falsehoods about voting. He claimed the U.S. is the only country to use mail voting, when it's actually used by dozens, including Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. open image in gallery A voter casts her ballot at a polling station on election day, on April 28, 2025 in Ottawa, Canada ( AFP via Getty Images ) Similar complaints to Trump's, when aired on conservative and conservative-leaning networks such as Newsmax and Fox News, have led to multimillion dollar defamation settlements, including one announced Monday, because they are full of false information and the outlets have not been able to present any evidence to support them. Trump's post came after the president told Fox News that Russian President Vladimir Putin, in their Friday meeting in Alaska, echoed his grievances about mail voting and the 2020 election. Trump continued his attack on mail voting and voting machines in the Oval Office on Monday, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The announcement signals yet another way that Trump intends to stack the cards in his favor in the 2026 midterm elections, after he already has directed his attorney general to investigate a Democratic fundraising platform and urged states to redraw their congressional districts to help the GOP maintain its majority in the House of Representatives. open image in gallery Voters cast ballots at a polling site in the lobby of the Brooklyn Museum on Election Day in the Brooklyn borough of New York, New York, USA, 05 November 2024 ( EPA ) Here's a breakdown of Trump's latest election post and why Congress is the one entity that can implement national election rules. Trump's post Trump for years has promoted false information about voting, and Monday was no exception. He claimed there is "MASSIVE FRAUD" due to mail voting, when in fact voting fraud in the U.S. is rare. As an example, an Associated Press review after the 2020 election found fewer than 475 cases of potential fraud in the six battleground states where he disputed his loss, far too few to tip that election to Trump. Washington and Oregon, which conduct elections entirely by mail, have sued to challenge Trump's earlier executive order which sought to require that all ballots must be received by Election Day and not just postmarked by then. The states argue that the president has no such authority, and they are seeking a declaration from a federal judge in Seattle that their postmark deadlines do not conflict with federal law setting the date of U.S. elections. Trump also alleged that voting machines are more expensive than "Watermark Paper." That's a little-used system that has gained favor and investments among some voting conspiracy theorists who believe it would help prevent fraudulent ballots from being introduced into the vote count. Watermarks would not provide a way to count ballots, so they would not on their own replace vote tabulating machines. While some jurisdictions still have voters use electronic ballot-marking devices to cast their votes, the vast majority of voters in the U.S. already vote on paper ballots, creating an auditable record of votes that provides an extra safeguard for election security. In his post, Trump also claimed that states "are merely an 'agent' for the Federal Government in counting and tabulating the votes" and must do what the federal government "as represented by the President of the United States" tells them to do. Election lawyers said that's a misrepresentation of the U.S. Constitution. It also flies in the face of what had been a core Republican Party value of prioritizing states' rights. Thousands of elections, none under presidential control Unlike in most countries, elections in the U.S. are run by the states. But it gets more complicated each state then allows smaller jurisdictions, such as counties, cities or townships, to run their own elections. Election officials estimate there are as many as 10,000 different election jurisdictions across the country. A frequent complaint of Trump and other election conspiracy theorists is that the U.S. doesn't run its election like France, which hand counts presidential ballots and usually has a national result on election night. But that's because France is only running that single election, and every jurisdiction has the same ballot with no other races. A ballot in the U.S. might contain dozens of races, from president on down to city council and including state and local ballot measures. The Constitution makes the states the entities that determine the "time, place and manner" of elections, but does allow Congress to "make" or "alter" rules for federal elections. Congress can change the way states run congressional and presidential elections but has no say in the way a state runs its own elections. The president is not mentioned at all in the Constitution's list of entities with powers over elections. "The president has very limited to zero authority over things related to the conduct of elections," said Rick Hasen, an election law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. Courts have agreed no presidential involvement Parts of Trump's earlier executive order on elections were swiftly blocked by the courts, on the grounds that Congress, and not the president, sets federal election rules. It's unclear what Trump plans to do now, but the only path to change federal election rules is through Congress. Although Republicans control Congress, it's unclear that even his party would want to eliminate voting machines nationwide, possibly delaying vote tallies in their own races by weeks or months. Even if they did, legislation would likely be unable to pass because Democrats could filibuster it in the U.S. Senate. Mail voting had bipartisan support before Trump turned against it during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 election, but it's still widely used in Republican-leaning states, including several he won last November Arizona, Florida and Utah. It's also how members of the military stationed overseas cast their ballots, and fully eliminating it would disenfranchise those GOP-leaning voters. The main significance of Trump's Monday statement is that it signals his continuing obsession with trying to change how elections are run. "These kinds of claims could provide a kind of excuse for him to try to meddle," Hasen said. "Very concerned about that." Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump signaled that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to make a deal for me while quietly speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron shortly before hosting European leaders at the White House on Monday. While waiting for other world leaders to trickle into the East Room to discuss a security resolution for Ukraine and his recent meeting with Putin, Trump was caught on a hot mic sharing his perspective with Macron. "I think he wants to make a deal, Trump said quietly. I think he wants to make a deal for me. Do you understand? As crazy as it sounds." Trump met with Putin in Alaska on Friday, their first meeting since 2019, to begin discussions about Putin coming to the peace talks table to end the war in Ukraine. For the last several months, the U.S. president has sought to broker a deal between the two countries to end the three-and-a-half-year-long war, but has hit various roadblocks. While Trump and Putins meeting did not end in an official deal, Trump said it was a positive conversation he repeated those vague assertions publicly on Monday. open image in gallery President Donald Trump seemed to indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin was more willing to make a deal than previously disclosed ( AFP/Getty ) Ive known him for a long time, Ive always had a great relationship with him, Trump said on Monday. I think President Putin wants to find an answer, too. Well see. When reached for comment, the White House referred The Independent to similar comments that the U.S. president made on Fox News host Sean Hannitys show last week. We spoke very sincerely, I think he wants to see it done, Trump said of his meeting with Putin. But it is clear that Putin may be willing to strike a deal, under the right terms. That could include Ukraine handing over the remainder of the Donbas region to Russia a controversial plan that Trump appeared open to. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, seeking to seize territory of the region that once was part of the U.S.S.R. However, Putin baselessly claimed he was initiating the war to protect Russians in the Donbas region from Ukrainians who he accused of being Nazis. Ukraine, and its allies, have said the country should not give up its territory to Russia, the aggressor. While Trump had previously said an immediate ceasefire necessary, he appeared to drop that condition after his meeting with the Russian president as well. open image in gallery Trump discussed details of his meeting with Putin with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky among other European leaders at the White House on Monday ( AFP/Getty ) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the White House on Monday to discuss details of Putins conversation with Trump. Other leaders, including Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, E.U. Commisioner President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte joined the meeting. As part of Trump and Putins discussion, Russia supposedly told the Trump administration that the U.S. and its European allies could extend security guarantees to Ukraine. Trump reaffirmed that the U.S. would support Ukraine though he did not specify what they may look like. The U.S. president said he was planning to speak with Putin after meeting with European leaders. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Trump administration is reportedly discussing taking a 10 percent stake in struggling U.S. chipmaker Intel. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan visited the White House last week and discussed the idea of a stake with administration officials, The Wall Street Journal reports. Talks have reportedly been ongoing throughout the month, despite President Donald Trump previously calling for Tan to resign over his business ties to China, where he has invested in tech companies through a venture capital fund and once lead a tech company that later pleaded guilty to violating U.S. export rules. Its unclear what form a government stake in the $100 billion chip maker would take, though a 10 percent share would make the U.S. one of the companys largest shareholders. One reported idea has been to convert the roughly $8 billion the company is eligible to receive under the 2022 Chips and Science Act into equity. open image in gallery The government is reportedly mulling a 10 percent stake in the $100 billion tech giant, which would make the U.S. one of Intels largest shareholders and mark a striking government move more commonly seen during moments of war or financial crisis ( REUTERS ) Intel is deeply committed to supporting President Trumps efforts to strengthen U.S. technology and manufacturing leadership, the company said in response to the Journal report. Earlier this year, the administration reportedly discussed creating a consortium including private equity investors to take control of Intels manufacturing business. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. Any partial stake would likely need approval from the companys board and could face industry or shareholder legal challenges. If completed, the deal would mark a striking government intervention in a major U.S. company, a move more typically seen during moments of crisis like the 2008 financial crash, in which the federal government invested billions to save key companies in the banking and auto industries. open image in gallery The Trump administration has pursued a major government role in chip sales and U.S. Steel since taking office ( PA ) Trump, who has alternatively praised and criticized the auto bailouts, has been uncommonly aggressive in securing a government role in major U.S. firms during his second term. He negotiated a golden share for the government as part of Nippon Steels investment in U.S. Steel giving the U.S. veto power over key moves, as well as a 15 percent cut of Chinese revenues on artificial intelligence chips from U.S. firms Nvidia and AMD in exchange for securing export licenses. He has also threatened a 100 percent tariff on non-U.S. chips. Despite recent highlights including a $2 billion SoftBank investment in Intel announced on Monday, the U.S. chipmaker has struggled to match rivals like the more dominant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation. Intel posted a net loss of $2.9 billion in the second quarter and fired its previous chief executive late last year. Officials in both the Biden and Trump administrations have looked to back the company as a way to shore up American manufacturing of the crucial components and hedge against risk of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation becoming ensnared in issues with its neighbor China. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice While sitting beside Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, Donald Trump once again boasted of ending six wars in as many months without negotiating a single ceasefire. If you look at the six deals that I settled this year, they were all at war. I didn't do any ceasefires, Trump said before turning to Zelensky, adding: I dont think you need a ceasefire. Since his trip to Scotland last month, Trump has repeated multiple times a version of his claim that hes ended wars at about one a month, according to PolitiFact. Earlier Monday, the president posted on Truth Social that in one case, he had averted a possible unclear disaster. By Tuesday morning, Trump told Fox & Friends that his administration had solved seven wars, though the president did not elaborate on which conflict he was now including in his list. The White House told The Independent that Trump was citing conflicts from both his first and second terms. The White House previously lauded Trump as the peacemaker-in-chief, and the president has styled himself as the president of peace. open image in gallery Trump in the Situation Room of the White House before addressing reporters about the bombing of the three Iranian nuclear sites ( The White House ) Meanwhile, the commander-in-chief has openly signalled his ambitions of winning a Nobel Peace Prize despite campaigning on a largely non-interventionist platform. Are Trumps claims of halting hostilities credible or an embellishment of the truth? The Independent takes a closer look at the presidents peacemaking record. Israel and Iran open image in gallery Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump and Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ( AP ) Approximately three days after launching Operation Midnight Hammer, Trump told NATO leaders that his administration just ended a war in 12 days that was simmering for 30 years. On June 23, the major Iranian uranium enrichment sites, Fordow and Natanz, and the research base of Isfahan faced a wave of U.S. bunker buster bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles, which Trump claimed left the facilities obliterated. The U.S. intervened in the conflict on June 21 after Israel launched a surprise attack eight days earlier on Iranian nuclear facilities, missile strikes, and military infrastructure. Iran responded with a wave of missile and drone strikes at Israeli army bases and cities. On June 23, Trump declared on Truth Social that Israel and Iran had reached a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE, which was mediated by the U.S. While Trumps actions against Irans nuclear program may have curtailed immediate strikes, it is not possible to claim to have secured lasting peace, with tensions in the region remaining high. India and Pakistan open image in gallery Trump, right, speaks with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the East Room of the White House in February ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The brief but deadly military exchange between India and Pakistan that began on May 7 reignited long-standing tensions over the disputed region of Kashmir. It drew a surprise offer of mediation from Trump, who said he could help find a solution to the Himalayan region that is claimed by both nations. We also appreciate President Trumps expressed willingness to support efforts aimed at the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, said the Pakistani government. By contrast, India remained publicly silent while reinforcing its view that Kashmir is an internal matter. Major General Rameshwar Roy, a retired Indian Army officer, dismissed Trumps offer outright, calling it irrelevant and intrusive and telling The Independent in May that it was a bilateral agreement reached without U.S. involvement. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri doubled down in June that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Trump there was no U.S. mediation between India and Pakistan. Thailand and Cambodia open image in gallery Trump addresses to reporters at the Lehigh Valley International Airport on August 3, 2025 about tensions between Cambodia and Thailand ( Getty ) On July 26, Trump said he was calling the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to urge a ceasefire after three days of intense border fighting. A truce between the nations, brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, was reached on 28 July after Trump said he had spoken to the leaders. Trump leveraged his most powerful economic weapon: tariffs. He said he threatened to derail existing trade deals that had been brokered with the two countries if the fighting persisted. Just days later, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet had nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, lauding his extraordinary statesmanship in halting the border conflict with its neighbor. However, foreign policy experts caution that there is no evidence that the president personally negotiated or directly brokered a ceasefire between the two countries. Reports indicate that the fragile truce has been violated multiple times, with both sides accusing each other of breaches. Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo open image in gallery Trump listens as Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe speaks during an event with Congo's Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner in June at the White House ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) On June 27, foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo flew to Washington, D.C., to sign a controversial peace deal brokered by the U.S. to end fighting in eastern DRC. The agreement also allows for U.S. investment in eastern DRCs critical mineral reserves, including gold, copper, and lithium. Flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and delegates from both nations in the Oval Office, Trump called the peace treaty a glorious triumph. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, however, claimed the diplomatic success as his own. Foreign policy experts said the agreement is significant but part of a broader picture of broken contracts between the countries. A week earlier, Trump teed up the treaty he said he and Rubio arranged in a bid to put an end to the decades-long war between the two nations. This is a Great Day for Africa and, quite frankly, a Great Day for the World! I wont get a Nobel Peace Prize for this, he wrote on Truth Social on June 20. In his meandering post, Trump also noted that he wouldnt be awarded the prize for stopping wars between India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, Egypt and Ethiopia, and for doing the Abraham Accords in the Middle East. No, I wont get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do, including Russia/Ukraine, and Israel/Iran, whatever those outcomes may be, but the people know, and thats all that matters to me!, he said. Armenia and Azerbaijan open image in gallery Donald Trump shakes hands with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, right, and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev during a trilateral signing ceremony this month ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) On August 8, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement during a meeting with Trump in the White House, bringing an end to decades of conflict. If it holds, the deal between the South Caucasus rivals would reopen key transportation routes while allowing the U.S. to seize on Russias declining influence in the region. A major transit corridor linking Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan is set to open, with the U.S. owning the development rights to the corridor. It was to be named the Trump Route, the White House said, which the president called a great honor. It's a long time 35 years they fought and now they're friends, and they're going to be friends for a long time, Trump said, besides the leaders of the two nations at the signing ceremony. Egypt and Ethiopia open image in gallery President Donald Trump meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in the Oval Office in 2019 ( AP ) After 12 years, Egypts Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on June 29 that talks with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the River Nile had ground to a halt. Days later, Ethiopia said its GERD was complete. While a full-scale conflict did not erupt, Egyptians remained wary that the mega dam could restrict the flow of the Nile, which provides 90 percent of the countrys total water supply. In a White House meeting on July 14, Trump appeared to side with Egypt, claiming that it would be pretty incredible if its water source were to be taken away. He said that the U.S is going to have that solved very quickly. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, a Trump ally, said in a social media statement that the country appreciates Trumps keenness on reaching a just agreement and supports the presidents global vision of establishing just peace, security, and stability. Ethiopian officials and experts warned that Trumps remarks risked aggravating the situation and undermining Ethiopias right to utilize its natural resources. And any progress, they argued, is mainly attributable to ongoing multilateral negotiations, not Trumps intervention. Trump reportedly expressed hope for a quick resolution as Egypt and Ethiopia reached an agreement in 2018 during his first administration over how to share the waters of the Nile. Serbia and Kosovo open image in gallery A woman walks near a poster showing Trump with a Serbian flag, in Mitrovica, Kosovo in January ( Reuters ) At an Oval Office press conference on June 27, Trump declared that Serbia and Kosovo were on the brink of war until, he said, his administration was able to stop it by again threatening trade sanctions. Trump said he had a friend in Serbia who alerted him that were going to go to war again with Kosovo, without providing further details. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said on July 10 that Trump prevented a potential escalation from Serbia. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denied the claims of warmongering and said on July 12 that a conflict with Kosovo does not even occur to us. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, tensions between the two nations peaked between 1998 and 1999 when the countries were at war, which ended with NATO intervention. Friction has persisted since Kosovo declared independence in 2008. In 2020, during Trumps first term, the U.S. brokered a pact between the two Balkan nations to normalize economic relations. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Trump administration has revoked more than 6,000 student visas since January 20 this year, the State Department has said. Officials told Fox News Digital that around 200 to 300 people had their visas cancelled due to "supporting terrorism", while another 4,000 had broken the law. Those people were among roughly 40,000 who have had their papers rescinded during the second Trump era, compared to 16,000 during the same time frame under Biden. "Every single student visa revoked under the Trump Administration has happened because the individual has either broken the law or expressed support for terrorism while in the United States," a senior State Department official told Fox. "About 4,000 visas alone have been revoked because these visitors broke the law while visiting our country, including records of assault and DUIs." A student protester waves a Palestinian flag above Hamilton Hall on the campus of Columbia University, on April 30, 2024 in New York City ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) Officials did not give a breakdown of those incidents, or say how many were violent crimes, stating only that they included burglary, assault, and driving under the influence. An unknown number of students were also told to leave due to overstaying their visas which is generally a civil violation rather than a crime. It comes as the White House expands its efforts to police foreign students' political beliefs, instructing all U.S. embassies to vet applicants' social media profiles for signs of "hostility" towards the "citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles of the United States". The administration has particularly targeted pro-Palestinian activists, claiming sometimes with little evidence that they are supporters of the U.S.-designated terrorist group Hamas. Earlier this month Trump's border czar Tom Homan vowed to continue trying to deport Columbia University graduate and green card holder Mahmoud Khalil, despite several court rulings in his favor. The administration has repeatedly sought to block Harvard University from enrolling students and teachers from abroad as it tries to force the 400-year-old institution to crack down on student protests and hire more conservatives. These new policies appear to be having a chilling effect on prospective students, with the industry body NAFSA predicting a 30 to 40 percent drop in new foreign enrollments by fall 2025. An alliance of college professors is suing the U.S. government alleging it violated their First Amendment rights by targeting and detaining pro-Palestinian students and faculty. "We don't deport people based on ideology," insisted Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump blamed Ukraine for taking on a nation thats 10 times its size despite it being Russian President Vladimir Putin who invaded the country. The president was speaking on Fox & Friends Tuesday morning, where he was gently quizzed about Mondays meeting at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders following last weeks Alaska summit with Putin. Co-host Ainsley Earhardt asked Trump whether any land swaps between the warring countries were discussed at Mondays meeting, to which the president responded by saying that Ukraine would get a lot of land, before he launched into a ramble about Russias military might. Russia is a powerful military nation. You know, whether people like it or not, it's a powerful nation. It's a much bigger nation, Trump said. It's not a war that should have been started. You don't do that. You don't take on a nation that's 10 times your size. If it wasn't for the greatest military equipment, we make the greatest military equipment in the world. And we gave them, you know whatever they took probably a lot of money too, Trump added. open image in gallery President Donald Trump blamed Ukraine for taking on a nation thats 10 times its size, despite it being Russian President Vladimir Putin who invaded the country. ( AFP/Getty ) Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Trump has repeatedly blamed the conflict on his predecessors, former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, but not Putin. The thing is a mess. This was started by Joe Biden, Trump told the network. This was a war that should have never happened. The president also lashed out at Obama and claimed he gave Crimea away in 2014 in the worst real estate deal Ive ever seen. Obama has faced criticism in the past for underestimating the threat from Russia and how his administration handled the 2014 invasion of Ukraine, where Putin illegally annexed the peninsula of Crimea. The former president previously defended himself against the backlash and said the circumstances were not the same as the 2022 invasion. open image in gallery At Mondays historic meeting with Zelensky and European leaders including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark RutteTrump gave a commitment of American resources for the future security of Ukraine. ( Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street ) After greeting Putin warmly in Alaska last week, Trump touted his very good relationship with the Russian strongman but told Fox & Friends his priority was getting a deal. I called President Putin yesterday, and I do have a good relationship, but it, you know, only matters if we get things done, he said. Otherwise, I don't care about the relationship. I do have a good relationship with him, but I want to get things done. At Mondays historic meeting with Zelensky and European leaders including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark RutteTrump gave a commitment of American resources to support the future security of Ukraine. Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine, Trump wrote on Truth Social following Mondays meetings. Trump said he called Putin himself and they began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself, Trump said. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump said he hopes brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine will land him a spot in heaven. Speaking with Fox and Friends just one day after hosting European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, at the White House, Trump hinted that helping end the war could also benefited him. The leaders met as Trump continues to push for an end of the war between Russia and Ukraine. If I can save 7,000 people a week from being killed, I think thats pretty I want to try to get to heaven if possible, Im hearing that Im not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole, Trump joked. But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons, he added. One of Trumps campaign promises was to broker peace between the two countries and end the war that began more than three and a half years ago when Russia invaded Ukraine. Recently, Trump has also stated that he would like to win a Nobel Peace Prize and believes he is deserving of one for his efforts in helping to relieve tension between several countries. President Donald Trump said he wants to get to heaven and brokering peace in Ukraine and Russia would help him ( Getty Images ) But ending one of the largest conflicts to occur in recent years would be a massive success that could get the president his long-desired award or access to heaven. However, Trump has struggled to convince Russia to get to the peace talks table. Last week, the U.S. president met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since 2019. Conducting an in-person meeting in Alaska, the two leaders began discussing what it would take for Russia to initiate peace negotiations with Ukraine. Putin has made it clear that Moscow is not willing to initiate an immediate ceasefire something other European leaders and Trump have endorsed. Russia would also likely require Ukraine to give up some of its territory in exchange for ending the violence that has taken hundreds of thousands of lives. Discussions between Putin, Trump, Zelensky and other European leaders are likely to continue in the coming days and weeks as the U.S. attempts to broker a deal to end the deadly war. Trump appears motivated to broker peace between the two countries if not for the sake of the world, for the sake of himself. Trump is a practicing non-denominational Christian and has previously said that he believes he can get into heaven by doing good. If Im good, Im going to Heaven and if Im bad, Im going someplace else like over there, right? Trump told Fox News host Laura Ingraham last year. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump met with Volodymyr Zelensky and a large group of European leaders who descended on the White House Monday to support Ukraines president, bracing for the possibility of another explosive series of meetings that could change the course of his countrys future. Six months after a volatile Oval Office meeting, and just days after Trump met with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Zelensky was greeted warmly upon his return to the White House, where Trump promised a reasonable chance of ending Russias war with a commitment to U.S. involvement in a peacekeeping force in Ukraine as a shield against further aggression. A band of top European leaders including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had rushed to the White House for meetings with Trump before Zelenskys arrival, hoping to send a last-minute message to the president in Ukraines defense and to defend Europes interests after more than three years of Russias land war into the continent. Trump, who has fashioned himself as a peacemaker while failing to control two wars in Gaza and Ukraine, has backed Putins proposal for Ukraine to cede territory it controls. Before Mondays meting, he appeared to pressure Zelensky to agree to the autocrats demands, claiming Zelensky could end the war almost immediately, if he wants to. But those details were not publicly discussed during Mondays meetings, appearing to leave room for future talks with Trump, Zelensky and Putin in potential trilateral peacekeeping meetings. open image in gallery US President Trump hosted Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on August 18 for a series of meetings on brokering an end to Russias war, with European leaders putting pressure on the administration to facilitate Putins cooperation ( AFP via Getty Images ) Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine, Trump wrote on Truth Social following Mondays meetings. Trump also called Putin himself, he said, and they began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself, Trump said. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. Trump, at an afternoon roundtable surrounded by top European officials, said they would be discussing possible exchanges of territory, taking into consideration the current line of contact. That means the war zone, the war lines that are pretty obvious, very sad, actually, to look at them and negotiating positions, Trump said. How those lines are drawn will ultimately come down to potential discussions between Zelensky and Putin, Trump said. They are going to work something out, Trump said. Ultimately, this is a decision that can only be made by President Zelensky and by the people of Ukraine working also together in agreement with President Putin, he added. open image in gallery Trump has promised lasting peace with the potential for U.S. troops to support a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine to prevent Russian aggression as part of a potential deal ( REUTERS ) Zelensky had hoped to avoid a second ambush following his February meeting with the president in the Oval Office, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Ukraines president in front of a phalanx of news cameras, with Vance accusing Zelensky of never saying thank you to the United States for American military support. In his first remarks following his return to the Oval Office on Monday, Zelensky offered thanks to the president and for his invitation to the White House, and for his efforts to end this war. He went on to thank Trump roughly a dozen times over the course of their meetings. Trump, who repeatedly pledged during his campaign that he would end Russias war in Ukraine after taking office, said there is now a reasonable chance of ending it. open image in gallery European leaders at the White House have put pressure on Trump to negotiate an end to Russias war in Ukraine, which, in turn, is facing pressure from the president to cede territory demanded by Putin ( Aaron Schwartz/PA Wire ) Were going to have a lasting peace, Trump said. I hope its going to be immediately I think the world is going to be happy when thats announced. Trump, however, did offer a degree of American involvement in vague plans for a security force that would protect Ukrainian territory from further aggression in exchange for Kyiv giving up some of the territory Russia has illegally seized by force. There will be a lot of help, Trump said. Its going to be good. Theyre a first line of defense, because theyre there, they're Europe. But were going to help them out also. Well be involved. The apparent about-face appears to be the result of intense lobbying by some of the European leaders with whom Trump has enjoyed close relationships, including Starmer, Italys Georgia Meloni, Finlands Alexander Stabb and Frances Emmanuel Macron, all of whom were present for Mondays meetings. Russias Foreign Ministry has rejected any idea of deploying NATO troops in Ukraine as any part of security guarantees. We reaffirm our repeatedly stated position of categorical rejection of any scenarios involving the presence of a military contingent from NATO countries in Ukraine, the Foreign Ministry said in its statement. open image in gallery Trump absorbed praise from European leaders for opening a path to peace as officials prepare for potential trilateral negotiations with Zelensky and Putin ( Getty Images ) Following a closed-door meeting with Zelensky, Trump and European officials held a roundtable meeting in front of the press, where Trump absorbed praise from his counterparts who made it clear that the pressure is building for the president to broker something real with Putin after months of negotiations. NATOs Secretary General Mark Rutte said Trump broke the deadlock and could end this following Monday's talks. The path is open. You opened it, added German chancellor Friedrich Menz, who has urged the president to press for a ceasefire before the next meeting among Russian and Ukrainian officials. The next steps ahead are the more complicated ones, he added. I cant imagine that the next meeting will take place without a ceasefire Lets work on that and try to put pressure on Russia. Zelensky said very sensitive points including prisoner exchanges had been discussed in his meeting Trump as he anticipates a trilateral meeting. Trump offered to attend. If you want me there, Ill be there, Trump said. Ukraine will be happy if you will participate, Zelensky replied. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Three days ago, it looked as if Russian President Vladimir Putin had brought Donald Trump back to his side in the three-year-old war he has fought to illegally seize much of Ukraines territory and move the former Soviet republic closer to the West. Now, after a historic day of White House meetings between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a host of world leaders who accompanied him to Washington, the U.S. president appears to have moved far in the opposite direction towards a historic commitment of American resources and towards the future security of Ukraine. Speaking in the Oval Office alongside Zelensky, both officials grinned for the cameras as the American president mostly resisted the temptation to lecture Ukraines leader and further reiterated his support for an unspecified role in security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace deal. open image in gallery President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders at the White House Monday. Both Zelensky and Trump talked about trilateral discussions with Russia to end the war. ( REUTERS ) For his part, Zelensky said he and Trump were ready for a trilateral sit-down with Putin, who Trump had just met with days ago in Alaska and was called Monday afternoon as the meeting wrapped. As the day began, the mood at the White House was heavy with the memory of Zelenskys last visit six months ago and with questions over whether Trump would push for territorial concessions without much in the way of guarantees for Kyivs future security. The last time the Ukrainian president was at the White House, he was asked to leave abruptly after a disastrous Oval Office shouting match between him and Vice President JD Vance over Zelenskys supposed lack of gratitude for the American military support provided to him by the previous administration. But he and Trump appear to have patched up their relationship over the intervening months as the president has, for the most part, taken a tougher line on Russia and spoken out on Moscows continued attacks on civilian targets. Hes also praised the Ukrainian armed forces for the bravery with which theyve wielded the American-made weapons that have powered their defense against Russias invaders. Despite Trumps prior reluctance to get the United States deeper involved into what hes described as a European conflict, he appeared to cross a rubicon by pledging a degree of American involvement in a to-be-determined security force that would protect Ukrainian territory from further aggression in exchange for Kyiv giving up some of the territory Russia has illegally seized by force. This sudden about-face appeared to be the result of intense lobbying by some of the European leaders with whom Trump has enjoyed close relationships, including U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Italys Georgia Meloni, Finlands Alexander Stabb and Frances Emmanuel Macron. At a group sit-down with the leaders in the East Room, Zelensky said his talks with Trump had been their best meeting yet. We are very happy that all the leaders are here, and security in Ukraine depends on the United States and on you and on those leaders who are with us in our hearts, he said, calling it very important that Trump was willing to even discuss committing American resources to protecting Ukraine as part of a final settlement. Zelensky has had a famously volatile relationship with Trump dating back to their first conversation after he was elected six years ago. open image in gallery Zelensky and Trump appear to have patched up their relationship over the intervening months as the president has, for the most part, taken a tougher line on Russia and spoken out on Moscows continued attacks on civilian targets ( Getty Images ) That phone call infamously became a central issue in the first of Trumps two impeachment trials, and upon returning to office after last years election it appeared that Trump was ready to retaliate by completely cutting off American support for Kyivs defense. That never happened. Instead, Trump has appeared to inch closer and closer to Zelenskys position as Putin has rebuffed the American leaders attempts to reach a settlement, save for his trip to Anchorage last week. Trump and his allies characterized that summit from which no deal was to be had as historic. But even more notable was the gathering of what Starmer called the coalition of the willing in Washington, and Trumps willingness to commit the United States to work with Europe in guaranteeing that Zelensky and his countrymen wont be left out in the cold if they accept a raw deal, giving up their own land after years of war. The meeting came together quickly over the weekend, a result of what appeared to be Trumps capitulation to Putin in Alaska, after which White House officials said Trump had discussed the possibility of land swaps in exchange for Russia ending the war but without much detail in terms of what Moscow would give up. Yet as each leader took his or her turn speaking in the East Room, it was clear that Trump hadnt conceded as much as critics had feared. Instead, he is on the verge of committing the United States to a historic role in ensuring a lasting settlement to the war, giving him another solved conflict to boast about and perhaps a legitimate argument for the Nobel Peace Prize he has obsessed over for nearly a decade. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A New Zealand soldier has become the countrys first-ever person convicted of espionage after admitting he tried to pass military information, including maps, access codes, and camp vulnerabilities, to an undercover officer posing as a foreign agent. The man, reportedly linked to far-right groups and already under surveillance after the Christchurch mosque attack, also possessed extremist material, including the shooters video and manifesto. The soldier, whose name has been suppressed by the court, was based at Linton Military Camp, and was taken into custody more than five years ago and kept under open arrest at home since, according to New Zealands 1News. In 2020, he faced 17 charges, including four counts of espionage and possession of objectionable material. Under New Zealand law, espionage carries a maximum 14-year sentence in a military prison. The court described the case as being of national significance, with some hearings held behind closed doors earlier this year. On Monday, at the Linton Military Camp, he formally confirmed the guilty pleas he entered in March. Due to court suppression orders, this marks the first time the media have been allowed to report his plea, according to the NZ Herald. The soldier has also pleaded guilty to computer misuse and possessing objectionable publications. Earlier, it was reported that the accused was involved with the far-right groups Dominion Movement and Action Zealandia from 2017 to 2019. Pre-trial hearings faced delays from March 2022 due to security concerns over handling classified information, requiring nearly a year to secure specialised recording equipment and protocols. In 2023, the soldier unsuccessfully sought to have the charges dismissed. The court has also suppressed the name of the foreign country involved. In 2019, New Zealand authorities learned that a soldier was seeking to defect. In November, he met an undercover officer posing as a foreign agent, providing a handwritten letter outlining the information he could supply and a black bag containing military materials, including a weapons handbook. He offered maps, photographs, and potential access to the Army Headquarters. T-6C Texan aircraft flying above a graduating parade at the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Ohakea, located north-west of the city of Palmerston North in New Zealand ( New Zealand Defence Force ) In December 2019, he handed over a red folder with telephone directories from several military camps, including Linton, Burnham, Trentham, the Defence College, and Messines. His sentence will be decided in the coming days, ABC News reported. In a statement read to the court by his lawyer, Steve Winter, the soldier described Dominion Movement and Action Zealandia as providing positive support for him. We uplifted each other, the statement reads, It was okay to be us. These were not terrorist groups. The soldier said that he was personally shocked by the 2019 mosque shootings and did not support the attack or the shooters objectives. If I heard anyone advocating this sort of thing, I would have reported them, he said. In his statement, he said he has moved on, expressed shame over his actions, and claimed he was not thinking clearly when committing the offences. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has signalled that the US would help, a bit, with security guarantees as part of a land for peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. And Kyiv would need it the land the Kremlin wants is Ukraines best laid defence. If Ukraine agreed to Vladimir Putins demands, handing over a vast chunk of the Donetsk Oblast province - where Moscow currently controls about 70 per cent would hand the Russian president some of Ukraines finest redoubts and most doughty defenders. It would include thousands of miles of pre-prepared trenches, tank traps that snake across the rolling landscape and pre-prepared ambush positions a modern Maginot Line. Britains ministry of defence has estimated it would take Russia 4.4 years and nearly 2 million casualties to take the four provinces Putin wants to claim. open image in gallery This map shows the extent of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including Donetsk which Putin wants to take in any deal ( PA ) An agreement to freeze the frontlines where they are, but for Russia to settle for the land it has taken plus the Donetsk bonus, would probably save a couple of years fighting. If the battle for Bakhmut is an indication of how hard won Russian advances are, then a pause in the killing is a huge result for Putin who has lost 60,000 soldiers there. Kramatorsk, just to the north of Donetsk, would be a harder fight. So would nearby Slaviansk. Hundreds of thousands of Russians would die in fights for those fortress cities. Slaviansk was hit by missiles last night, but knowing its residents, theyd fight invading Russians with broomsticks if they have to. But if Trump can get Ukraine to agree to hand over the land then Putin saves men and arms to reuse another day. On Monday evening, Trump broke away from talks with Volodymyr Zelensky, the leaders of Britain, Germany, France, Italy, Finland plus the top representatives of Nato and the EU, to call Putin during their multilateral summit. It is understood they spoke for 40 minutes. open image in gallery President Donald Trump meets with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office ( AP ) Trump has spent much of this year trying to get a ceasefire agreed in Ukraine. He showed uncharacteristic irritation with Russias maximalist demands and over Putins refusal to respect calls to down weapons, even for a breather. The US president even threatened economic sanctions, and sanctioned India, the second biggest importer of Russian oil, in an effort to get the Russian leader to comply. But Putin, an indicted war criminal and wily operator, wangled a trip to Alaska and a summit with the US president where he persuaded Trump that a ceasefire wasnt necessary. He also managed to shift the debate about the future of Ukraine to land swaps and discussions about what bits of its land Ukraine would surrender in return for vague Trumpian commitments to security guarantees. This makes no sense. Ukraine was invaded. Europes leaders each made it clear they backed Ukraine, wanted a ceasefire before any further talks, and that they would buy the weapons America has stopped giving to Ukraine. open image in gallery Trump interrupted his meeting with European leaders to speak with Russian leader Vladimir Putin ( AFP/Getty ) The Financial Times reported that Ukraine had offered Trump a European-funded $100bn arms deal as part of a pact. Trump has every incentive to hold Putins feet to a fire and demand he get out of Ukraine or burn. The US could join its allies in Ukraine to defend Europe, it could back its legal demands for territorial integrity, its accession to Nato and celebrate that it is a democracy not a dictatorship. It could also make money by selling weapons and exploiting Ukraines vast mineral deposits. Trump could show the Kremlin that it could lose this war not offer Putin a war bonus of the best defended territory currently in Ukrainian hands. But as he sat hanging on the telephone in a call to a man he much admires, it is clear that hell do nothing of that kind. Hes figuring out how to betray what his country once stood for, for a man who is everything it once stood against. And he probably called that man for help to do it. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A year has passed since a British superyacht sank off the coast of Sicily in 16 minutes, killing seven people including tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah. The 56-metre (184ft) Bayesian sank off the coast of the Italian island on 19 August, 2024. The boats manufacturers, Italian prosecutors, British marine investigators and survivors have all made different claims about why the boat sank so suddenly. The boats captain and two crew members are currently under investigation for manslaughter. The Independent looks at everything we know about the incident and how the boat may have sank. open image in gallery The Bayesian is lifted to the surface near the fishing town of Porticello ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) What do we know about the incident? The Bayesian sank off the coast of the Sicilian capital of Palermo in Italy in the early hours of 19 August last year, after it was hit by unexpected extreme weather. It took just 16 minutes to sink. There were 22 people on board and seven were killed, including Mr Lynch and his teenage daughter Hannah. A coastguard official in Palermo said at the time that bad weather had been expected but not of the magnitude witnessed. Winds of up to 90mph were recorded on the day. Subsequent investigations have identified that the boat was hit by a mesocyclone, which is a type of powerful rotating thunderstorm that can produce tornadoes or extreme wind bursts. Inquest proceedings in the UK are looking at the deaths of Mr Lynch and his daughter, as well as Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer, 70, and his wife, Judy Bloomer, 71, who were all British nationals. open image in gallery Billionaire entrepreneur Mike Lynch and his daughter Hannah were among seven people who died when the Bayesian sank off the coast of Sicily ( Family handout ) Why did the Bayesian sink? Sicilian prosecutors opened an inquiry into suspected manslaughter and have placed the captain James Cutfield, from New Zealand, and two British crew members, Tim Parker Eaton and Matthew Griffiths, under investigation. Experts have claimed that hatches and doors were left open overnight by the crew, causing the boat to sink. An interim report released by Italian coastguards sought to blame Mr Cutfield and the crew for the sinking. A spokesperson for the family of Recaldo Thomas, a cook on the yacht who also died, accused the crew of making questionable decisions when the wife of Mr Lynch, Angela Bacares, was up on the deck. But in a statement released ahead of the first anniversary of the disaster, Ms Bacares said she had always felt reassured by the crew during bad weather. An interim report by the UKs Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) also found that the vessel's design, particularly its raised centreboard and high mast, could also be responsible for the tragedy. open image in gallery The Italian Coast Guard assists in the recovery operation for the Bayesian near Palermo ( AP ) The MAIB report suggested the structure may have compromised the boats stability in motoring mode, vulnerabilities that were not included in the yachts stability manual. The report challenged claims made by yacht builder The Italian Sea Group, which found that the Bayesian would capsize at a 70.6-degree heel, contrary to the builders assertion it could recover from 73 degrees. While TISG said 80-knot winds would tilt the yacht only 28 degrees, investigators found that winds exceeding 63 knots were enough to knock it over. Giovanni Costantino, the Chief of TISG, has described the yacht as unsinkable and claimed the crew must have left doors or hatches open, allowing water in. open image in gallery A firefighter cave diver prepares to reach the wrecked luxury superyacht Bayesian in August 2024 ( Vigili del Fuoco ) How investigators rescued the boat The Bayesian was recovered as part of a multimillion pound rescue operation which saw about 70 specialist personnel mobilised to Porticello from across Europe. The recovery mission concluded after the 56-metre (184ft) hull and 72-metre (236ft) mast, as well as deck furniture and other loose items, had been delivered to Italian authorities in Termini Imerese in Palermo, Sicily. The hull was recovered on 21 June and transported around 12 miles to Termini Imerese the next day by one of the most powerful floating sea cranes in Europe. open image in gallery The Bayesian (left) is seen in the dark before it sank ( Fabio La Bianca ) On 23 June it was then lifted into heavy steel supports on the quayside, which had tarpaulin underneath to prevent pollution. The cradle was custom-designed to fit the shape of the hull and built in the Netherlands. The mast had been detached from the hull for the recovery and was on the seabed. It was salvaged using inflatable lifting balloons and delivered to port on 25 June, along with the loose items that may have moved away from the vessel during past 10 months. Remote-controlled submersible equipment was used to locate the debris in the vicinity of the Bayesian site. open image in gallery Superyacht after the wreckage of the vessel was recovered for the salvage mission ( TMC Marine/PA Wire ) The vessel was originally expected to be raised in May but efforts were stifled first by difficult weather conditions and later by the death of a Dutch diver helping with the rescue mission. The Bayesians insurer, British Marine, tasked the London-based marine consultancy group TMC Marine with raising the yacht. Investigators in the UK and Italy said raising the vessel was crucial to fully understanding what happened. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The widow of billionaire tech tycoon Mike Lynch has opened up about the final moments before the Bayesian superyacht sank during a summer storm last year. The entrepreneur, 59, and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah were among seven people killed when the vessel sank off the Sicilian coast on August 19, 2024. Angela Bacares was one of 15 people who were rescued from the vessel. In a statement released ahead of the first anniversary of the disaster on 19 August, Ms Bacares said she woke at around 4am after feeling the vessel moving up and down and swaying. open image in gallery Seven people died when the Bayesian yacht sank off the coast of Sicily ( Handout ) She then went to an upper deck to find the captain, 52-year-old New Zealander James Cutfield. Although an interim report released by Italian coastguards sought to blame Mr Cutfield and the crew for the sinking, Ms Bacares said she had always felt reassured by the crew during bad weather. She recalled that the yacht had encountered a really bad storm near Naples two weeks earlier without incident. Ms Bacares, 58, described how, in the early hours of 19 August, objects on board began sliding around the vessel. But not realising they were in a serious situation, she did not alert others until something catastrophic happened and the vessel rolled suddenly. open image in gallery Hannah and Mike Lynch died in the sinking last summer ( Family handout ) I think something catastrophic happened to make the boat roll over, but it was all very sudden, she said. The 50-metre boat had 22 people on board when it sank while anchored off Porticello near Palermo. As the boat sank, she was pulled to safety by a crew member. The UKs Marine Accident Investigation Branch has pointed to possible flaws in the yachts design. The MAIB is investigating as the Bayesian was registered in the United Kingdom. In May, MAIB released an interim report that found wind speeds of 63.4 knots (73.0mph) on the yachts beam were sufficient to tip it over. open image in gallery Mike Lynchs superyacht the Bayesian is moved after being lifted to the surface near the fishing town of Porticello, Sicily ( PA ) MAIB investigator Simon Graves said the sails were not raised and the vessel was running on its engine before the sinking. That indicated a vulnerability that the owner and the crew would not have known about, he said. No date has been set for when the final report will be published. Mr Cutfield is under investigation for manslaughter alongside engineer Tim Parker Eaton and nightwatchman Matthew Griffiths, all of whom deny the allegations. Inquest proceedings in the UK are looking at the deaths of Mr Lynch and his daughter, as well as Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer, 70, and his wife, Judy Bloomer, 71, who were all British nationals. The others who died in the sinking were US lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo, and Canadian-Antiguan national Recaldo Thomas, who was working as a chef on the vessel. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice More than 40,000 people have signed a petition to stop the Bayeux tapestry from being loaned by France to the British Museum in London. Art historian Didier Rykner launched the petition on the platform Change.org after French President Emmanuel Macron offered to loan the tapestry as part of an art exchange during a trip to London in July. But Rykner is concerned that the movement could damage the Medieval relic. "It's already very fragile. There are tears and holes in the fabric. Any movement, any vibration can cause damage," Rykner said. "You cannot use a fragile piece of art for diplomacy." open image in gallery A close-up view of the Bayeux Tapestry ( Reuters ) The British Museum said in a statement that its conservation and collections management team is experienced at handling and caring for this type of material and is working with colleagues in France on the tapestry's display. While the origins of the 70-metre (76 yards) long Bayeux tapestry are obscure, it is believed to have been the work of English embroiderers, whose stitching tells the story of the Norman invasion in 1066 and the arrow that hit England's King Harold in the eye. In the years after William the Conqueror took the English throne, the tapestry was taken to France, where it has remained, displayed at the Bayeux Museum in Normandy since 1983 after decorating Bayeux Cathedral for seven centuries. It has been taken to Paris twice. open image in gallery Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and President of France Emmanuel Macron during a visit to the British Museum ( PA ) "The last two times it was moved were first by Napoleon and then by the Germans (during the Nazi occupation). I cannot think of why you would want to be the third to move it," Rykner said. The Bayeux Museum will close for renovations for two years starting later this year, and the tapestry will need to be rehoused during that time, a representative for the museum said. The French state owns the tapestry, and France's Ministry of Culture will be responsible for coordinating the tapestry's transfer to a temporary home. It was not immediately available for comment. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A church in Sweden is being moved three miles up the road over two days in a major operation to save it from subsidence. Kiruna Church is being moved to a new location, slowly traversing an Arctic road to protect its historic wooden structure from problems caused by the expansion of the worlds largest underground iron ore mine. Weighing 600 tons, the 113-year-old church has been lifted from its foundations and placed onto a specially built trailer. open image in gallery Kirunas old wooden church on its way to a new site next to a cemetery ( Reuters ) The move is part of a broader 30-year initiative to relocate thousands of residents and buildings within the city in Swedish Lapland. The mine operator LKAB has spent the past year preparing the route for the red-painted church, one of Swedens largest wooden buildings and often hailed as its most beautiful. The three-mile winding journey will lead it to a brand new Kiruna city centre. While the move ensures the churchs survival, it marks its departure from a site it has occupied for over a century. Lena Tjarnberg, the vicar of Kiruna, reflected on the significance: The church is Kirunas soul in some way, and in some way its a safe place. For me, its like a day of joy. But I think people also feel sad because we have to leave this place. open image in gallery Pastor Lena Tjarnberg in front of the historic wooden church ( Reuters ) For many of the regions indigenous Sami community, which has herded reindeer there for thousands of years, feelings are less mixed. The move is a reminder of much wider changes brought on by the expansion of mining. This area is traditional Sami land, Lars-Marcus Kuhmunen, chair of the local Gabna Sami community, said. This area was grazing land and also a land where the calves of the reindeer were born. If plans for another nearby mine go ahead after the move, that would cut the path from the reindeers summer and winter pastures, making herding impossible in the future, he said. Fifty years ago, my great-grandfather said that the mine is going to eat up our way of life, our reindeer herding. And he was right. open image in gallery Crowds have gathered to watch the major move ( AFP/Getty ) The church is just one small part of the relocation project. LKAB says around 3,000 homes and 6,000 people need to move. Several public and commercial buildings are being torn down, and some, like the church, are being moved in one piece. Other buildings are being dismantled and rebuilt around the new city centre. Hundreds of new homes, shops and a new city hall have also been built. The shift should allow LKAB, which produces 80 per cent of the iron ore mined in Europe, to continue to extend its operation for decades to come. The state-owned firm has brought up around 2 billion tonnes of ore since the 1890s, mainly from the Kiruna mine. Mineral resources are estimated at another 6 billion tonnes in Kiruna and nearby Svappavaara and Malmberget. LKAB is now planning the new mine next to the existing Kiruna site. open image in gallery Mine-operator LKAB has spent the last year widening the road for the journey ( Reuters ) As well as iron ore, the proposed Per Geijer mine contains significant deposits of rare earth elements, a group of 17 metals critical to products from lasers to smartphones and green technology key to meeting Europes climate goals. Europe and much of the rest of the world is currently almost completely dependent on China for the supply and processing of rare earths. In March this year, the EU designated Per Geijer as a Strategic Project which could help speed up the process of getting the new mine into production. Around 5km down the road, Kirunas new city centre will also be taking shape. The church is ... a statement or a symbol for this city transformation, mayor Mats Taaveniku told Reuters. We are right now half on the way. We have 10 years left to move the rest of the city. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russias army launched its largest aerial attack in a month on Ukraine hours after Donald Trump held fresh peace talks with Volodymyr Zelensky. Troops launched 270 drones and 10 missiles at central Ukraine in the latest attack, hitting key parts of the countrys energy infrastructure shortly after the US and Ukrainian presidents concluded talks at the White House. Ukraines air force said it downed 230 drones and six missiles. It also recorded strikes at 16 locations by the remaining 40 drones and four missiles. The Poltava oblast in east-central Ukraine was particularly affected as citizens were left without power and blasts shook the city of Kremenchuk. Russias defence ministry also claimed to have struck an oil refinery which was supplying fuel to Ukrainian armed forces, according to the Russian state news agency Interfax. Kremenchuk is home to Ukraines only oil refinery, which has been repeatedly attacked by both drones and missiles. Kyiv authorities have not confirmed whether the refinery is operational. Russia attacked Ukrainian oil refining infrastructure twice in June. open image in gallery Smoke rises after overnight Russian drone and missile strikes on the city of Kremenchuk ( Social media ) Poltava governor Volodymyr Kohut said that the attack damaged administrative buildings of a local power infrastructure operation. Fortunately, there were no casualties, Mr Kohut said on Telegram. He said that in the Lubny district nearly 1,500 residential and 119 commercial customers were left without power. Ukraines energy ministry said in a statement on Telegram: Russian occupation forces carried out another massive attack on the energy infrastructure facilities of Poltava region, simultaneously using cruise missiles and strike drones. The attack caused large-scale fires. The last strikes on oil refining infrastructure were recorded on June 15 and 21 of this year. The enemy continues systematic terrorist attacks against Ukraines energy infrastructure, which is a direct violation of international humanitarian law. open image in gallery Donald Trump welcomes Vladimir Putin to Alaska on Friday ( AFP/Getty ) The ministry added that there had been more than 2,900 attacks on energy infrastructure since March. Vitalii Maletskyi, mayor of Kremenchuk city, has said that Putin does not want peace, as his city was bombed during talks of peace. He said on Telegram: At the very same time when Putin was assuring Trump over the phone that he seeks peace, and when President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was holding talks at the White House with European leaders about a just peace, Putins army launched yet another massive attack on Kremenchuk. Mr Maletskyi said tens of blasts had shaken his city: Once again, the world has seen that Putin does not want peace he wants to destroy Ukraine. Putins aide Yury Ushakov said on Monday morning that the Russian president had expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Trump for the hospitality and perfect arrangements at the Alaska summit, as well as for the progress they were able to achieve towards bringing about a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. He added that the US and Russian leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continuing direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations and that it was quite telling that the two agreed to keep in touch on the Ukrainian issue and other urgent international and bilateral matters. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Spain is continuing to grapple with one of the country's most destructive fire seasons in recent decades, even as temperatures begin to fall across the Iberian Peninsula. Thousands of firefighters, supported by military personnel and water-bombing aircraft, continued to fight fires tearing through parched woodland on Tuesday. The situation remains particularly critical in northwestern Spain, especially the Galicia region, where the country's weather agency AEMET reported a still very high or extreme fire risk. The fires in Galicia have ravaged small, sparsely populated towns, forcing locals in many cases to step in before firefighters arrive. Firefighting units from Germany arrived in northern Spain on Tuesday to help fight the blazes, Spain's Interior Ministry announced. open image in gallery Residents battle a fire advancing toward Rebordondo village ( AP ) More than 20 vehicles were deployed to help fight an ongoing blaze in Jarilla in the Extremadura region that borders Portugal, the ministry said. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was expected to visit Jarilla later on Tuesday. The fires in Spain, which have killed 4 people this year, have burned more than 382,000 hectares or about 1,475 square miles according to the European Unions European Forest Fire Information System. That surface area is more than twice the size of metropolitan London. Many fires have been triggered by human activity. Police have detained 23 people for suspected arson and are investigating 89 more, Spain's Civil Guard said Tuesday. open image in gallery Many fires have been triggered by human activity ( AP ) In Portugal, more than 3,700 firefighters were tackling blazes, including four major ones in the north and centre. Wildfires there have burned about 235,000 hectares or 907 square miles, according to EFFIS nearly five times more than the 2006-2024 average for this period. Two people have died. 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. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump held a meeting at the White House on Monday that was a far-cry from the shouting match which erupted in February. The Ukrainian president was joined by senior European leaders for the meeting with Trump, which came days after the US president held a landmark summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin. And despite positive sounds emerging from world leaders following Mondays summit, there were few details provided by Washington about the US security guarantees that are crucial to a future peace deal. Here are the key takeaways from Mondays White House summit. open image in gallery ( AFP./Getty ) A Zelensky-Putin meeting may be the next step It appears that we are closer than ever to witnessing Zelensky meet with the Russian leader in person for the first time since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Trump had already declared that he was arranging a time and a place for the meeting and had called Putin to discuss this. A bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky would be followed by a trilateral meeting involving the US president, Trump said. We are ready for a trilateral, Zelensky declared on Monday. He has been pushing for such a meeting for months, but Moscow has repeatedly rejected the idea. Whether Trump has successfully convinced Putin to take part remains uncertain. Trump pledges unspecified US security guarantees Deterring future Russian aggression against Ukraine has been a central focus for Kyiv in its international diplomatic efforts. While Trump has repeatedly ruled out Ukraine joining Nato, his envoy Steve Witkoff said that Putin had agreed to allow Nato-style protection for Ukraine after their meeting on Friday. Moscow has not commented on this. open image in gallery The meeting was cordial, but did not result in any concrete agreements or guarantees ( Reuters ) On Monday, Trump did express vague support for security guarantees. European countries "want to give protection and they feel very strongly about it and we'll help them out with that," he said. With Europeans looking to set up a force that could backstop any peace agreement in Ukraine, Trump suggested that Putin would be open to accepting security guarantees. French president Emmanuel Macron said that talks to determine what the US is willing to provide will start as soon as Tuesday. European leaders praise Trump - but push for temporary ceasefire European leaders who attended the White House summit were all careful to heap praise on Trump ahead of, during and after the meeting. But they did raise their desire for a temporary ceasefire to allow for thorough peace negotiations to follow - something which Trump initially supported but appears to have de-prioritised in favour of a long-term peace plan desired by Putin. "If we play this well, we could end it, said Nato secretary general Mark Rutte, who later called Trump "amazing" on Fox News and said potential swaps of Ukrainian territory weren't discussed. open image in gallery US President Donald Trump leads President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other European leaders through the White House during multilateral talks on the Russia/Ukraine war (Aaron Schwartz/PA) ( PA Wire ) British prime minister Keir Starmer said after the meeting that there was "real progress" and a "real sense of unity." German chancellor Friedrich Merz said "the path is open now" to halting the fighting but that the next steps are "more complicated. Calling for a ceasefire, he added: "Let's try to put pressure on Russia. "If we can do the ceasefire, great," Trump said, but followed up by suggesting it was far from a dealbreaker. The good feelings extended to Mr Zelensky and Trump. After Ukraine's leader praised the "very good conversation" with Trump, the US president responded, "Great remarks. I appreciated it." Formal clothes and a war reception for Zelensky Zelensky turned up in more formal clothing than his February visit - when his choice of outfit offended Trump and vice president JD Vance. "You look fabulous," Trump said after a conservative reporter, who criticised Zelensky in February, praised his clothing. Zelensky also repeatedly thanked Melania Trump for her support and for sending a letter to Putin that called on him to take action to halt the killing of children during the war. During a warm Oval Office meeting full of smiles with Trump, the Ukrainian president presented his US counterpart with a letter from his wife, Olena Zelenska, for Melania. Close North Korea releases video of troops fighting in Ukraine war On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump 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. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice World leaders gathered in Washington on Monday for a summit billed as a potential turning point in efforts to end the Ukraine war. In the Oval Office, Donald Trump hosted Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky and senior European figures to thrash out what security guarantees for Ukraine might look like if a peace deal with Russia can be reached. The meeting was described as historic by British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has emerged as one of the driving forces behind Europes response. Nato military leaders are meeting on Wednesday to discuss Ukraine and the way forward. But even as the talks took place, Moscow dismissed the plans as dangerous and warned against any Western military presence in Ukraine. open image in gallery President Trump met with European leaders on Monday to discuss a peace deal for Ukraine ( AP ) United States security guarantees Trump has made clear that the United States will not commit troops on the ground in Ukraine. But the prospect of an arrangement that borrows some of the deterrent effect of Natos Article 5 has been discussed, a move revealed by the alliances secretary general Mark Rutte. He told Fox News: What we are discussing here is not Nato membership, what we are discussing here is Article 5 type of security guarantees for Ukraine and what exactly they will entail will now be more specifically discussed." Ukraine also wants to buy $90 billion (67bn) worth of US weapons and says they could form part of the security guarantee. open image in gallery Trump has said the US could provide air support but would not put boots on the ground ( Reuters ) Beyond that, however, Trump has been vague about how much the US would contribute. Speaking in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump underlined that European nations would be expected to carry most of the burden. When it comes to security, theres going to be a lot of help, he said, sitting next to Zelensky. They are a first line of defence because theyre there. But well help them out. He later said that the US will be willing to help out with air support, despite not putting boots on the ground. (Europeans) are willing to put people on the ground. We're willing to help them with things, especially, probably ... by air," Trump said in an interview on Fox News, without going into specifics. British guarantees and the coalition of the willing The United Kingdom has taken a leading role in shaping European proposals. Sir Keir has spearheaded the creation of a coalition of the willing, a group of allies prepared to go further than financial and weapons support. Under this plan, international reassurance forces could be deployed in Ukraine after a ceasefire or peace deal, helping to deter renewed Russian attacks and to provide reassurance that Kyiv is not left to stand alone. open image in gallery Zelensky has called for more air support from Ukraines allies ( AFP via Getty Images ) The plan was discussed in a virtual meeting on Tuesday attended by more than 30 international leaders. The virtual meeting, co-chaired by Sir Keir, also discussed possible further sanctions on Russia to pile pressure on Vladimir Putin to end the war. European leaders see security guarantees as essential to any peace deal, but they also stress that Ukraine must be directly involved in shaping the terms. The European Unions existing training mission for Ukrainian troops will also continue, ensuring that Kyiv can sustain and modernise its armed forces in the years ahead. Russias response Trump claimed after his meeting in Alaska last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Putin was open to the idea of security guarantees for Ukraine. But publicly, Moscow has dismissed Western plans for security guarantees. The Russian foreign ministry has this week reiterated its opposition to the deployment of Nato or Nato-affiliated troops in Ukraine, warning that such a move would be seen as a direct threat to Russias security. It condemned recent statements made by the UK that calling for strong security guarantees. "At a time when there is a genuine push for a comprehensive, fair, and lasting resolution to the conflict around Ukraine, including addressing its root causes, statements continue to emerge from London that not only contradict the efforts of Moscow and Washington, but also appear aimed at undermining them," the ministry said. open image in gallery A US nuclear submarine during military exercises 70 nautical miles (130 kilometers) near Colombia. The US has not said whether it could offer naval support for Ukraine ( AFP/Getty ) Ukraines response Volodymyr Zelensky has persistently demanded strong security guarantees for Ukraine in order to prevent further Russian aggression. "We need strong security guarantees to ensure a truly secure and lasting peace," Mr Zelensky said in a Telegram post Wednesday after Russian missile and drone strikes hit six regions of Ukraine overnight. Kyivs allies across Europe and in Nato have supported the war-torn country in pushing for US security guarantees since Trump took office in January. Nato military leaders are expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss Ukraine and the way forward, US and Nato officials said on Tuesday, as Washington and European capitals work out details of what security guarantees might look like for Kyiv. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Ukrainian sniper is reported to have killed two Russian soldiers with a single bullet from 2.5 miles away in what is believed to be the longest ever kill shot. The record shot was fired on 14 August with the assistance of artificial intelligence using a 14.5mm Alligator rifle, a Ukrainian military blogger said on Telegram. Footage of the shot shows the sniper operating near the Pokrovsk-Myrnograd frontline, firing a bullet through a window 4,000 metres away behind which were two Russian troops, blogger Yuri Butusov said. open image in gallery Two soldiers were reportedly killed with a single bullet ( Telegram ) Impressive efficiency, Mr Butusov wrote. During the year of performing combat missions in the defence of this direction, almost 1,000 servicemen of the Russian Armed Forces have already been destroyed! The military blogger claims that the previous record belonged to a Ukrainian soldier and was claimed during the ongoing full-scale war with Russia. In November 2023, a Ukrainian sniper from the SBU unit, 58-year-old Vyacheslav Kovalskyi, eliminated an invader at a distance of 3,800 meters in the Kherson region. The shot was made from a Ukrainian-made Horizon's Lord multi-caliber sniper rifle, he wrote. open image in gallery AI was used to assist the shot ( Telegram ) The previous records are held by a Canadian soldier during the War in Iraq against Islamic State (May 2017, 3,540 m), an Australian soldier in Afghanistan (November 2012, 2,815 m) and a Ukrainian soldier in November 2022 (2,710 m). The most recent attack came as Russian forces continue to focus a large chunk of their resources and manpower on the Pokrovsk frontline, where over the past year they have aimed to cut off key strategic supply lines for Ukraine. Pokrovsk is a vital transport hub for the Ukrainian military, which serves as a feeder town for many of its frontline positions in the east. open image in gallery The bullet travelled 2.5 miles before hitting its target, a Ukrainian military blogger said ( Telegram ) Russian forces are pushing hard to encircle the town and have captured a string of villages to the south and east in the past months. Moscow says it has annexed Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region and controls over 70% of the area's territory. Kyiv and most Western countries reject Russia's seizure of the territory as an illegal land grab. Capturing Pokrovsk, dubbed "the gateway to Donetsk" by Russian media, and Kostiantynivka to its northeast which Russian forces are also trying to envelop, would give Moscow a platform to drive north towards the two biggest remaining Ukrainian-controlled cities in Donetsk - Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russian president Vladimir Putin called the leaders of India, Brazil and South Africa to brief them about his summit with Donald Trump in Alaska, in what is being seen as an attempt to rally major Brics economies facing some of the harshest US tariffs. The Kremlin said Mr Putin spoke to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on Monday, briefing him on the outcome of Fridays meeting with the US president. The two leaders discussed the prospects for a long-term settlement of the crisis in Ukraine, the Kremlin readout said, adding that they agreed to continue the dialogue on this issue. Mr Modi described Mr Putin as his friend and thanked him for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. I look forward to our continued exchanges in the days to come, he wrote on X on Monday evening. India is facing significant pressure from the Trump administration over its continued imports of energy from Russia during the Ukraine war. Mr Trump has doubled tariffs on Indian exports to the country, increasing them to 50 per cent by next week. open image in gallery File: Chinese president Xi Jinping, Russian president Vladimir Putin, former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, India's prime minister Narendra Modi and South African president Cyril Ramaphosa shake hands as they pose during a BRICS summit meeting at the G20 summit in 2019 ( AFP/Getty ) Mr Putin also called Brazils Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday, another Brics nation facing a 50 per cent tariff alongside India. The Brazilian presidents office said Mr Lula and Mr Putin had a 30-minute-long conversation. Mr Lula confirmed that he and the Russian president discussed the Alaska meeting. He described the talks with Mr Putin as positive and acknowledged Brazils involvement in the Group Friends for Peace, an initiative to include supposedly neutral countries including China, one of Russias closest allies to find a resolution for the Ukraine crisis. "President Lula reaffirmed Brazil's support for all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine," it added. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa said the Russian leader expressed satisfaction with his meeting with Mr Trump and urged for compromise on key issues for lasting peace. open image in gallery US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin pose for photos during a US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on 15 August ( AFP/Getty ) The Kremlin said Mr Ramaphosa expressed support for the diplomatic efforts on Ukraine. Mr Putin also spoke to Mr Modi, Mr Lula and Chinese president Xi Jinping earlier this month after the announcement of Mr Trumps meeting with the Russian president. Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa and China are the founding members of Brics, an economic and political bloc often seen as a counterweight to the West. Although the three-hour Trump-Putin meeting the longest face-to-face meeting between the two leaders was described as productive by both sides, it failed to deliver a ceasefire in Ukraine. Tensions between Washington and the Brics bloc have escalated in recent weeks after Mr Trump announced a sweeping hike in trade tariffs. While India and Brazil face the steepest duties at 50 per cent, South Africa has been hit with a 30 per cent tariff. China, under a temporary trade truce, currently faces a 30 per cent tariff with the risk of further increases if negotiations fail. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ukraines leader Volodymyr Zelensky may soon meet Russian president Vladimir Putin again, for the first time since 2019. A summit in Paris six years ago was the first and only time the two presidents ever met, flanked by French president Emmanuel Macron and Germanys then-chancellor Angela Merkel. At the time, Putin and Zelensky were looking to hash out a ceasefire deal for war in Donbas in Ukraines east, where Russia-backed forces were fighting Ukrainian troops. The two world leaders are now potentially set for another meeting as part of US president Donald Trumps bid to end the devastating Ukraine war. However, this is far from set in stone with Putins initial suggestion that it could take place in Moscow quickly rejected by the Ukrainian president. open image in gallery Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) arrive to attend a meeting on Ukraine at the Elysee Palace in Paris, on December 9, 2019 ( AFP/Getty ) What happened in 2019? Ukrainian forces and Russian separatists had been embroiled in conflict in Donbas, in Ukraines east, since 2014. Zelensky and Putin travelled to Paris in December 2019 for the Normandy Format Summit, a diplomatic forum designed by French, German, Russian and Ukrainian diplomats after the outbreak of conflict. The Ukrainian president had been elected just months earlier in spring that year - his first role in political office - beating former foreign minister Petro Poroshenko to the presidency. The summit in Paris led to progress, but was not groundbreaking. The two sides agreed to implement all necessary ceasefire support measures before the end of 2019 and to release all the prisoners of war. Both sides also expressed their desire to implement the Minsk agreements signed in 2014 and 2015, the first attempt to achieve a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia after Putins forces rolled into and took over the Crimean peninsula. open image in gallery Russian-backed forces had been fighting Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine for more than five years at the time ( AFP/Getty ) What did the leaders say about each other? The mood between the pair was chilly at first. There was no public handshake and they are said to have largely avoided eye contact during the meeting. Clean shaven and sporting a suit, 2019 Zelensky cut a strikingly different figure compared to his more familiar appearance now as a war-time leader. After the summit, Putin hailed the talks as an important step towards de-escalation. He expressed what at the time appeared to be cautious hope: "All this gives us the grounds to suppose that the process is developing in the right direction. Zelensky also hailed the meeting as a big step towards peace. When he was asked by reporters who he believed had emerged victorious from the exchanges with his Russian counterpart, he said: "I don't know who (beat) who. I think it would be appropriate to be diplomatic as we've just started talking. Let's say for now it's a draw." open image in gallery The summit was followed by another Paris summit in January 2022, but with officials rather than leaders ( AFP/Getty ) What happened afterwards? Despite a number of prisoner exchanges, the 2019 meeting was not a catalyst for any major long-term change in Russo-Ukrainian relations - and little over two years later Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Several key sticking points remained after the 2019 negotiations. Kyiv continued to demand the withdrawal of Russian-backed troops and a complete ceasefire, with a return of border control to Ukraine. open image in gallery Putin and Zelensky were unable to agree on a number of key aspects ( Sputnik ) Russia insisted that before Ukraine regained control of its eastern border, local elections should be held in the occupied territories. Putin also demanded that Donbas have a special constitutional status in Ukraine, to give it a degree of autonomy. In January 2022, just weeks before the full-scale Russian invasion, the summit in Paris took place again, but was attended by officials from the same four countries, rather than their leaders. Senior diplomats met in February 2022 in an attempt to prevent a conflict. After the Russian invasion on 24 February, Zelensky said the invasion had ruined the progress made by the Normandy Format. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Hamas has said it has accepted a new proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as the threat of Israeli occupation looms. The deal would include a 60 day truce and the release of half of the remaining hostages taken by the terror group on 7 October, 2023. A source close to the talks told Reuters that, unlike previous rounds, Hamas accepted the proposal with no further demands. Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene discussions about the ceasefire proposal soon, Israeli officials said. He faces pressure from his far-right government partners who object to a truce with Hamas, but also mounting protests from Israelis to bring an end to the war. It comes as Gaza's Health Ministry says the Palestinian death toll from 22 months of war has passed 62,000. open image in gallery Displaced Palestinians make their way towards the site of a humanitarian aid airdrop at the Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip ( AFP via Getty Images ) Israel announced plans to reoccupy Gaza City and other heavily populated areas after ceasefire talks appeared to break down in July, raising the possibility of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which experts say is sliding into famine. Plans to expand the offensive, in part aimed at pressuring Hamas, have sparked international outrage and infuriated many Israelis who fear for the remaining hostages taken in the 7 October 2023 attack that started the war. Hundreds of thousands took part in mass protests on Sunday calling for their return. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, meanwhile, said mediators are "exerting extensive efforts" to revive a U.S. proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, during which some of the remaining 50 hostages would be released and the sides would negotiate a lasting ceasefire and the return of the rest. Mr Abdelatty said they are inviting US envoy Steve Witkoff to join the ceasefire talks. open image in gallery Tens of thousands of Israelis turned out to protest the war at the weekend ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Mr Abdelatty spoke to journalists during a visit to Egypt's Rafah crossing with Gaza, which has not functioned since Israel seized the Palestinian side in May 2024. He was accompanied by Mohammad Mustafa, the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, which has been largely sidelined since the war began. Mr Abdelatty said Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani had joined the talks, which include senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, who arrived in Cairo last week. Mr Abdelatty said they are open to other ideas, including for a comprehensive deal that would release all the hostages at once. Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, said that the militant group had accepted the proposal introduced by the mediators, without elaborating. open image in gallery Palestinians struggling to get access to food as thousands suffer from malnutrition ( AP ) An Egyptian official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks, said the proposal includes changes to Israel's pullback of its forces and guarantees for negotiations on a lasting ceasefire during the initial truce. The official said it is almost identical to an earlier proposal accepted by Israel, which has not yet joined the latest talks. Diaa Rashwan, head of the Egypt State Information Service, said that Egypt and Qatar have sent the Hamas-accepted proposal to Israel. An Israeli official said Israel's positions, including on the release of all hostages, had not changed from previous rounds of talks. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak with the media. Mr Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all the hostages are returned and Hamas has been disarmed, and to maintain lasting security control over Gaza. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. The prime minister said in a video addressing the Israeli public that reports of Hamas' acceptance of the proposal showed that it is "under massive pressure". open image in gallery Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering the proposal ( ABIR SULTAN ) And US President Donald Trump appeared to cast doubt on the long-running negotiations that Washington has mediated. "We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be," he posted on social media. Hamas-led militants abducted 251 people and killed around 1,200, mostly civilians, in the attack that ignited the war. Around 20 of the hostages still in Gaza are believed by Israel to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefires or other deals. Gaza's Health Ministry said the Palestinian death toll from the war had climbed to 62,004, with another 156,230 people wounded. It does not say how many were civilians or combatants, but says women and children make up around half the dead. The ministry said 1,965 people have been killed while seeking humanitarian aid since May, either in the chaos around U.N. convoys or while heading to sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed American contractor. The UN World Food Program said on Monday that UN partner organisations reported that community kitchens in north and south Gaza produced 380,000 daily meals daily last week far fewer than the more than 1 million daily meals they produced in April. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Qatar, a key mediator, has stressed the urgency of brokering a ceasefire in Gaza after Hamas showed a positive response to a proposal. But Israel has yet to weigh in as its military prepares an offensive on some of the territorys most populated areas. The prospect of an expanded assault on areas sheltering hundreds of thousands of civilians has sparked condemnation inside Israel and abroad. Most war-weary Palestinians see no place in Gaza as safe, not even declared humanitarian zones, after 22 months of war. Many Israelis, who rallied in their hundreds of thousands on Sunday, fear the offensive will further endanger the remaining hostages in Gaza. Just 20 of the 50 remaining are thought to be alive. If this [ceasefire] proposal fails, the crisis will exacerbate, Majed al-Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatars foreign ministry, told journalists, adding they have yet to hear from Israel on it. Mr Ansari said Hamas had agreed to the terms under discussion. He declined to provide details but said the proposal was almost identical to one previously advanced by US envoy Steve Witkoff. That US proposal was for a 60-day ceasefire, during which some of the remaining hostages would be released and the sides would negotiate a lasting ceasefire and the return of the rest. If we get to a deal, it shouldnt be expected that it would be instantaneously implemented, Mr Ansari said. Were not there yet. That cautious assessment came a day after the foreign minister of Egypt, the other Arab country mediating the talks, said they were pushing for a phased deal and noted that Qatars prime minister had joined negotiations between Hamas leaders and Arab mediators. Mr Witkoff has been invited to rejoin the talks, Egyptian foreign minister Badr Abdelatty said. Mr Witkoff pulled out of negotiations less than a month ago, accusing Hamas of not acting in good faith. It was not clear how Mr Witkoff had responded to the latest invitation. An Israeli official on Monday said the countrys positions, including on the release of all hostages, had not changed. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak with the media. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said a final push is needed to complete the defeat of Hamas. He has vowed to continue the war until all the hostages are returned and Hamas has been disarmed. Hospitals in Gaza said they had received the bodies of 28 Palestinians killed on Tuesday, including women and children, as Israeli strikes continued across the territory. Among them were nine people killed while seeking aid, officials at two hospitals said. open image in gallery A Palestinian woman and children run from the site of Israeli air strikes near Jabalia in northern Gaza on Tuesday ( AFP/Getty ) The deaths were recorded across Gaza, including in central Deir al-Balah, southern Khan Younis and near aid distribution points, hospital officials said. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed private American contractor that has become the primary distributor of aid in Gaza since May, operates those sites. Nasser Hospital also said an airstrike killed a mother, father and three children in their tent overnight in Muwasi, a camp for hundreds of thousands of civilians. An entire family was gone in an instant. What was their fault? the childrens grandfather, Majed al-Mashwakhi, said. Neither the GHF nor Israels military immediately responded to questions about the casualties reported by Nasser, Awda and al-Aqsa hospitals. The Palestinian death toll in the war surpassed 62,000 on Monday, according to Gazas Health Ministry. The ministry does not say how many of the dead were civilians or combatants, but says women and children make up around half of them. In addition to that toll, other Palestinians have died from malnutrition and starvation, including three reported in the past 24 hours, the ministry said on Tuesday. It says 154 adults have died of malnutrition-related causes since late June, when it began counting such deaths, and 112 children have died of malnutrition-related causes since the war began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. Aid groups continue to struggle to deliver supplies to Gaza, where most of the population is displaced, large swaths are in ruins, and experts say the worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Luxury travel brand Orient Express has swapped train tracks for adventures at sea as it launches sailings on the worlds largest sailing yacht. Accor-owned brand Orient Express is currently known for its recently launched luxury rail journeys around Italy, reminiscent of the Golden Age of travel and named after the legendary opulent train that rolled from Paris to Istanbul in the 19th century. Now, Orient Express has set its eyes on another luxurious way to travel the world by bringing yachts into its fleet from next year. The company has announced that the Orient Express Corinthian will set sail for the first time in June 2026 for a summer filled with voyages around the Mediterranean, from two-night jaunts to fourteen-day escapes. Sailings on the first itineraries include trips around the French Riviera, the Italian Riviera, the Amalfi Coast, the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Adriatic Coast, and the Iberic Peninsula before the yacht travels across the Atlantic to Barbados in October. In October 2026, the Orient Express Corinthian will then start a season of sailing around the Caribbean through to March 2027. open image in gallery The 722-foot-long ship will offer luxury travel by sea ( Accor ) The yacht will dock at small islands including the shores of Saint-Barthelemy Island, Moskito Island, the cays and islands of Barbados Exuma, and the Tobago Cays. The experience onboard promises to be just as magnificent as the tropical destinations it visits, with the Orient Express Corinthian claiming the title of the worlds largest sailing yacht at 722 feet in length. The interiors on board this expansive vessel have been inspired by the legacy of the original Orient Express train, using elegant French craftsmanship. Architect Maxime d'Angeac has created a refined design that pairs historic grandeur with a contemporary approach, echoing the splendour of legendary ocean liners such as the 20th-century French ship Normandie. The yacht features 54 suites, ranging from 485 to 2,476-square-feet, each one complete with expansive picture windows or terraces, as well as elevated ceilings, giving passengers a sense of space that is rare when travelling on vessels. The yacht also features five restaurants and private dining spaces, with multi-Michelin-starred French chef Yannick Alleno overseeing the gastronomy. A 115-seat cabaret theatre, cinema, state-of-the-art recording studio and games room will keep guests entertained, while wellness experiences can be found on board at the salon, barber, spa and gym. Two pools and a marina platform dangling over the edge of the boat allow for swimming and water sports, too. Bookings for the Caribbean sailings are now open. Joining the yacht will be a sister-ship, Orient Express Olympian, setting sail summer of 2027. Alongside yachts and trains, the brand owns hotels in Italian cities such as Rome and Venice. Accor also plans to revive and reengineer 17 original Orient Express cars by mid-2026, inviting guests to relive the legendary journey. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A British tourist caught leaving Pompeii with a backpack of stones is facing a large fine from the Italian authorities. The 51-year-old Scottish man was discovered with six stolen fragments five stones and a brick illegally collected from the ancient Roman archaeological site. He was reported after being spotted picking up pieces of pavement by a guide who alerted Italian law enforcement during an evening tour. Carabinieri officers found the man outside the Pompeii excavation site near the Villa dei Misteri EAV station, a spokesperson said on Thursday (14 August). The collected items were recovered and returned to the park, with the tourist reported for aggravated theft. The tourist was discovered with six stolen fragments of stone ( Archaeological Park of Pompeii ) The unnamed man could face a summons for trial, with a potential sentence of up to six years in prison and a maximum fine of 1,500 (1,293). Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, said: Congratulations and thanks to the attentive tour guide, to our excellent custodians and security staff, and to the Carabinieri for this collaborative effort to protect our heritage. However, the discovery may have spared the Scotsman from a lifetime of superstition. The ancient city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD has long been rumoured to bring bad luck to its thieves. In 2020, a tourist returned artefacts she stole from Pompeii 15 years prior, claiming the items were cursed. The Canadian penitent said that misfortune had plagued her and her family ever since she stole tiles from the site in her early 20s. In a bid to assuage the fury of the gods, the woman, who called herself Nicole, returned the objects to a travel agency in an envelope also containing the letter of apology. Nicole said she feared the theft of two mosaic tiles, a chunk of ceramic, and parts of an amphora were responsible for her familys financial misfortune and for her having twice been diagnosed with breast cancer, resulting in a double mastectomy. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Watching the morning mist rise over the vines while enjoying a cup of tea, I could feel my breath stretch a little longer as my body released some of lifes tension. Id just woken up from a deeply peaceful night in a shepherds hut located in the vineyards of Oxney Organic Estate. Oxney is one of seven award-winning vineyards that are part of the newly launched Rother Wine Triangle, which Id been exploring the day before. I was brimming with the boundless energy of the passionate growers and owners who make up this newly formed wine route nestled in the Rother Valley region of East Sussex. Just a short drive from London (but also accessible by train and then via bike, taxi or foot), you might be struck first that you seldom actually see any vines. Theyre hidden, waiting to be discovered, within a landscape of deep, ancient country lanes, weaving their way through oak forests and fields divided with hawthorn and blackthorn dense hedgerows. The vineyards, including Charles Palmer, Carr Taylor, Mountfield Winery, Oastbrook, Oxney Organic Estate, Sedlescombe Organic and Tillingham, form a triangle between the towns of Hastings, Rye and Flimwell. open image in gallery Writer Rosamund Hall enjoys a glass of English sparkling wine at a vineyard in Sussex ( Rosamund Hall ) Bordeaux may have their chateaux, but in England, we are blessed with elegant country estates, of which Mountfield Court, the home to Mountfield Winery, is one. The approach to the handsome red-bricked 18th-century manor is via an impressive avenue of welcoming sweet chestnuts. The tasting room is located alongside the house, inside an old sympathetically renovated stable block. If the weathers fine, you can taste sparkling wines overlooking the wooded parkland with beautiful, extensive views. Its a short hop to Oastbrook Estate Vineyard, where owners America and Nick are a powerhouse of energy and vinous passion. Within moments of my arrival, America put me to work driving a small tractor to do some mowing. Dont worry, she assured me that guests generally sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of one of their outstanding wines from the terrace overlooking their home vineyard plot. Im still daydreaming about their chardonnay with its concentrated notes of white peaches, soft vanilla and hints of hazelnuts. If you want to extend your stay, there are glamping tents available, and Vineyard Hollow, a perfect hobbit-hole hideaway in East Sussex-shire. Read more: Best UK hotels with swimming pools open image in gallery Tillingham vineyard near Rye, Sussex ( Tillingham ) My next stop was Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard, situated just outside the picturesque village of the same name. The tasting room is a tastefully converted brick and crittle glass space with a small terrace outside, tucked away off the main road. Large replantings are underway on this organic and biodynamic estate, so Im excited to revisit to taste again. In the meantime, you can enjoy, as I did, a freshly prepared platter of charcuterie, local cheeses, quiche and salads alongside a glass of one of their wines the pet nat, a natural, hazy, unfiltered wine bursting with tart apples and lemon sherbert, went down particularly well in the sunshine. Charles Palmer Vineyards has to be one of the most beautiful sites for a vineyard anywhere in the UK and beyond. The sweeping drive up to the family-run estate takes you through the 13th-century New Gate, one of the historic gates to the Cinque Port of Winchelsea, now just an evocative ruin, but quite the entrance nonetheless. I couldnt decide whether to taste their decadent and polished wines under the old walnut tree overlooking the vineyards or on the terrace in front of Wickham Manor, a National Trust-owned 16th-century manor house, of which the Palmer family are the current custodians (you can even stay in one of the wings). Its breathtaking, both in the quality of the wine and the setting, and I lost myself in the views across the marshland to the English Channel beyond. open image in gallery The newly launched Rother Wine Triangle features seven vineyards in Sussex, including Mountfield Winery Tasting Room ( Mountfield Winery Tasting Room ) Close by is perhaps the most established and famous of the triangle vineyards, Tillingham. Set in over 28 hectares of farmland, it comprises vineyards, fruit trees and ancient woodland dating back to the 13th century. You can taste and learn more about their progressive (traditional) techniques, including ageing wines in clay qvevri, while enjoying the great hospitality in their airy restaurant overlooking the vineyard, or staying overnight in one of their rooms. Read more: The best hotels in the Lake District The low-lying Rother Valley, in the heart of 1066 country, has a unique microclimate that makes it perfect for growing vines. It has some of the highest sunshine hours of anywhere in the UK, and combined with its terroir of alluvial soils and sand, silt, clay and sandstone ridges, it has all the characteristics necessary for producing exceptional, world-class still and sparkling wines, which are often compared to those from Champagne. open image in gallery Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard in Sussex is part of the new Rother Wine Triangle wine trail ( Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard ) Ive visited countless wine regions around the world, from the Californian glamour of Napa to the simple cellar door in rural Italy and everything in between. But nothing feels as exciting as the wine scene here in the UK. In 2023 alone, more than 1.5 million people from home and abroad visited a British vineyard, up 55 per cent from the previous year and this figure is only set to grow. There are now over 300 cellar doors open to the public in the UK, offering a range of experiences including wine tastings, tours, and a variety of places to stay and eat, from a simple retreat to elevated luxury. Read more: Best spa hotels in the Lake District And, while its certainly glamorous to tour the worlds greatest wine regions, from Italy to Champagne and the Napa Valley, its a lot cheaper to explore the incredible wines and wine regions we have right here in the UK. Rosamund Hall was a guest of Oxney Organic and Sussex Winelands. Find out more about tours and tastings and the Rother Wine Triangle on their website. open image in gallery The cosy shepherd's hut accommodations at Oxney Organic Estate offer somewhere stylish to bed down with views of the vines all around ( Shepherd's Hut accommodation at Oxney Organic Estate ) How to get there: Trains depart from London terminals to Hastings and Rye, and you can organise onward local taxis from there. Even if youre the designated driver, all the tasting rooms have spittoons, so no one misses out on the tasting experience. Read more: The best hotels in Cornwall Where to stay Oxney Organic offers a range of cottages and shepherds huts set amongst the vines. Shepherd's huts at Oxney Organic Estate are available from 320 per night for two people. Book now Luxury glamping tents at Oastbrook Estate Vineyards start from 190 per night for two people including a breakfast 'bakers' box. Book now Rooms at Tillingham from 190 for two people, bed and breakfast. Book now The real beauty of the wine triangle is that you dont have to cram it all in one day. Its an area that you could stay for a few days, interspersing vineyards with visits to local attractions with international appeal, such as the remarkably well-preserved 14th-century Bodiam Castle and neighbouring Battle Abbey. Read more: Best budget hotels in the Lake District The Cinque Port town of Rye, with its charming independent shops and restaurants, including the newly reopened The George in Rye. And the stunning gardens at Great Dixter, the home of gardener and writer Christopher Lloyd, to mention just a few. French President Emmanuel Macron has addressed Donald Trumps hot mic remark about a Ukraine peace deal with Russia. The US president was hear whispering that Vladimir Putin wants to make a deal for me before his meting with European leaders at the White House on Monday (19 August). Speaking to NBC News about Trumps comments, Macron said: I think, at the end of the day, if we have a deal this is a greatness Your president is very confident about the capacity he has to get this deal done and can break this daily killings which are the responsibility of the Russian aggressors, so I think it is great news. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer has hailed real progress as European leaders, including Volodymyr Zelensky, held talks with Donald Trump aimed at bringing an end to the war in Ukraine. Describing an end to the war as crucial for the security of the UK, the prime minister said the meeting marked a historic step towards peace in the war-torn region. Sir Keir joined Mr Zelensky, French president Emmanuel Macron and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte for the crunch talks on Monday. open image in gallery Seven European leaders joined Zelensky, including French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Friedrich Merz ( AFP/Getty ) US president Donald Trump said he spoke directly with Vladimir Putin to begin planning a meeting between the Russian leader and Mr Zelensky, which will then be followed by a three-way meeting. Mr Trump said Moscow would "accept" multinational efforts to guarantee Ukraine's security. And, following the talks, Sir Keir said the talks were good and constructive. There was a real sense of unity between the European leaders that were there, and president Trump and president Zelensky, the PM said. He touted "two material outcomes" from the talks, firstly that the coalition of the willing "will now work with the US" on security guarantees. "That's really important for security in Ukraine, for security in Europe, and for security in the UK," Sir Keir said. "The other material outcome was the agreement that there will now be a bilateral agreement between president Putin and president Zelensky, that was after a phone call between president Trump and president Putin during the course of this afternoon, followed by a trilateral which will then add president Trump. open image in gallery The meeting came just six months after a White House bust-up between the pair ( Getty ) "That is a recognition of the principle that on some of these issues, whether it's territory or the exchange of prisoners, or the very serious issue of the return of children, that is something where Ukraine must be at the table. "These were the two outcomes that were the most important coming out of today. They're positive outcomes, there was a real sense of unity. We've made real progress today." Mr Trump also described the talks as very good on his Truth Social platform, adding: During the meeting we discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, which guarantees would be provided by the various European countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. "Everyone is happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine. "At the conclusion of the meetings, I called president Putin and began arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between president Putin and president Zelensky. "After the meeting takes place, we will have a trilat which would be the two presidents plus myself." He later added: We also need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory taken into consideration the current line of contact. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer said weve made real progress today ( Reuters ) Mr Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, had suggested measures similar to Nato's article five mutual defence provision - that an attack on one member is an attack on the entire bloc - could be offered by the US without Kyiv joining the alliance. "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," Mr Witkoff told CNN over the weekend, as he spoke about the Alaska summit. Future three-way talks "have a good chance" of stopping the conflict, the US president claimed. But the president appeared to share conflicting views on whether a ceasefire was necessary to stop the war. "I don't think you need a ceasefire," he had originally said, before later explaining: "All of us would obviously prefer an immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace. During the discussions, Sir Keir welcomed plans for a security guarantee, after Mr Trump introduced him at the negotiating table as a "friend" on Monday. He said: "Your indication of security guarantees, of some sort of Article Five-style guarantees, fits with what we've been doing with the coalition of the willing which we started some months ago, bringing countries together and showing that we were prepared to step up to the plate when it came to security. "With you coming alongside, the US alongside, what we've already developed, I think we could take a really important step forward today - a historic step, actually, could come out of this meeting in terms of security for Ukraine and security in Europe." open image in gallery During the discussions, Sir Keir welcomed plans for a security guarantee ( PA ) Sir Keir also described potential future trilateral talks as appearing to be a "sensible next step" and continued: "So, thank you for being prepared to take that forward, because I think if we can ensure that that is the progress out of this meeting - both security guarantees and some sort of progress on (a) trilateral meeting of some sort to bring some of the difficult issues to a head - then I think today will be seen as a very important day in recent years." The prime minister was understood to have disrupted his holiday plans over the weekend to join calls before he headed to Washington, as reported in The Times. Following the talks, Mr Trump said he also discussed "the massive worldwide problem of missing children" with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. Responding on X, Mr Zelensky said: "This issue lies at the heart of the war's humanitarian tragedy - our children, broken families, the pain of separation. At least 20,000 children were taken. "We are working tirelessly to bring every child home. The same applies for our prisoners of war and civilians held in Russia for years, some since 2014, in very bad conditions. Thousands of people still need to be freed - and this is a part of making peace. "We will work to negotiate all-for-all prisoners of war exchange, and we are grateful to have strong friends who help." Mr Zelensky, whom Mr Trump greeted at the door of the West Wing with a handshake earlier in the evening, wore a black shirt with buttons and a black blazer to the meeting at the White House. His attire had appeared to become a point of irritation for Mr Trump during a previous meeting in February. Early in the meeting, the Ukrainian described the talks as "really good", saying they had been "the best" so far. Mr Zelensky said: "We are very happy with the president that all the leaders are here and security in Ukraine depends on the United States and on you and on those leaders who are with us in our hearts." The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump will have the worlds most powerful military at his disposal when he finally squares up to (or, more likely, vacillates in front of) Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. And yet when it comes to paving the way to possible peace talks, his wife Melania seems to be doing a fine diplomatic job armed only with her Montblanc. At the Alaska summit on Friday, Putin walked all over the supine US president. He did receive, however, a letter from the Slovenian-born first lady, which addressed Russias malevolent treatment of Ukrainian children and implored Putin to do his best to protect them. Melania is not the only presidents wife to have taken to her writing desk in an effort to end the Ukraine war. President Zelensky avoided a repeat of his disastrous Oval Office meeting with Trump, and he softened his landing by handing over a letter from his wife, Olena Zelenska, thanking her opposite number for her efforts in sparing the lives of Ukrainian children. Its not to you, its to your wife, a smiling Volodymyr Zelensky told Trump, in a considerably more convivial atmosphere than the one in February that saw him mugged in front of the worlds cameras. In bygone centuries, when foreign relations depended on the back and forth of handwritten entreaties, often in legal French, it was known as letter diplomacy. Today, it could be termed Smythson diplomacy and decent stationery is all the more commanding in an era of the dashed-off WhatsApp. If it helps stop the carnage in conflict zones, all power to the first ladies elbows. It is very easy to mock Melanias missive to Putin: its glutinous semi-literacy, its use of vague euphemisms and its refusal to call a spade a spade. Take this for example this sentence, alluding to Putins abduction of 20,000 Ukrainian children for which he has been indicted as a war criminal: 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. Never mind that Putin, white nationalist, imperialist and would-be heir to Peter the Great, doesnt share these sentiments. Melania knows there was no point in further riling the Russian leader not that he was the intended audience. The letter was meant for her husband and those Republicans with a conscience. Polls show that GOP supporters attitudes to Russia and its brutalisation of Ukraine are hardening. Trump has said his wife is very neutral on Ukraine. No one believes that. Melania, 55, who grew up in Slovenia, the most Western-leaning part of what was communist Yugoslavia, made a point of posting her thoughts and prayers for the people of Ukraine on X (Twitter) immediately after Russias full-scale invasion in 2022. Mark Rutte, the Nato secretary general, has shared Trumps own reports of how the first lady has tried to remind her husband what hes up against in the Kremlin. Rutte recalls the US leader telling how Id get home, Id say: First lady, I had the most wonderful talk with Vladimir. I think were finished. And then Ill turn on the television, or shell say to me one time: Wow, thats strange because they just bombed a nursing home The ease with which Putin can sway Trump with a handshake, an impish grin and a private, five-minute chat is terrifying. This means that its vital that as many voices as possible, from European leaders to his wife, remind the US president that Putin is an evil, lying megalomaniac and that you wont get a Nobel Prize by sucking up to him. Olena Zelenska also has form when it comes to exercising soft-power diplomacy. In July 2022, Ukraines first lady posed serenely for British Vogue. She certainly looked like glossy mag material in white silk, but spoke about the grim reality of the Russian invasion for Ukraines women and children. First lady diplomacy is not new: JFK employed Jackie Kennedy as a potent tool of soft power. Nancy Reagan sought to speed the end of the Cold War, and Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush both championed womens rights. But none of them was in the pivotal position that Melania now finds herself. This is for the simple reason that none of them was married to a US commander in chief, so in thrall to dictators. May your inkwell never run dry, Melania. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Independent readers are divided over the prospect of Donald Trump joining Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin in peace talks. It comes after the US president used last nights White House talks with European leaders to float the idea of a three-way summit with the Ukrainian and Russian presidents, which he said he hoped to arrange within the next two weeks. He later confirmed on Truth Social that he had spoken to the Russian president to begin making arrangements, raising the prospect of the first meeting between Zelensky and Putin since 2019. Reacting to the news, our community were united in the view that peace is urgent, but many worried Trumps involvement could destabilise efforts. Appeasing bullies never works, one reader warned, while another concluded grimly: Both Trump and Putin use war for their own ends small countries do not count. Some feared the US president would concede too much in pursuit of a Nobel Prize and while many argued Ukraine cannot defeat Russia outright, there were warnings that ceding land would only embolden Putin. Others felt Macron and other European leaders must play a central role in negotiations to balance Trumps unpredictability. Another recurring theme was scepticism about security guarantees, with many doubting promises from either Trump or Putin would be worth the paper they are written on. Heres what you had to say: There needs to be a strong European voice In February Trump chewed Zelensky in his mouth and spat him out. Yesterday all changed why? Because Zelensky was backed by seven European leaders. Of course, Ukraine will have to cede territory because there is no chance of Ukraine defeating Russia, as in bringing it to its knees. But Putin cant keep losing fighting men forever, so there could be a compromise. If Zelensky meets Putin and Trump, Trump will give too much away so he gets his peace prize. Macron is smart there needs to be a strong European voice in quadripartite negotiations. Truthfirstwarcasualty Trump could never negotiate peace Art of the Deal my foot! Trump couldnt negotiate his way out of a paper bag. If he had been the President of Ukraine instead of Zelensky, he would be taking orders from the Kremlin by now. Pomerol95 Where should talks be held? Where and how will any talks between Presidents of Ukraine and Russia occur? In my opinion, the "where" cannot be in USA, Russia, NATO nations, EU nations, or even the 46 Council of Europe nations. It is also likely that the host should not be a member of the ICC, and also be seen as neutral. That perhaps leaves Qatar as a front runner. Fair enough, as the ruler Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is a diplomatically pragmatic and highly educated individual. His presence/oversight would solve the issue of such talks being not only neutral as possible, but being seen as such; obviously no member of NATO or EU can attend, let alone mediate. To keep the dialogue on path, there has to be a ceasefire, if only for a limited period, say seven days before, during, and after such a meeting. This to include no military actions, movements, supply, or any combat-related action. All else is solely between the two parties and their translators. Understandably, there will be facilities for private communication between parties and their governments or allies. We are not in the past era of "Great Powers" deciding things for others. The role of external parties is to facilitate the end of the conflict in a manner equitable to all parties. Jonathan Mills Appeasing bullies never works Trump isnt wrong that is what Putin will demand to end the war. But the big question for Ukraine, and for the rest of the world, is if he gets what he wants for being an aggressor, how long will his version of peace last? When will he decide to grab more land and make more demands on neighbours? The simple fact is appeasing bullies never works. nocomment Putin is the artful dodger Given theres no ceasefire, and Trump knowingly put the onus back on Zelensky by caving to Putin on territorial claims and Ukraine being prevented from joining NATO Zelensky needs to stand his ground. Whilst Crimea is likely lost, he must oppose any further unlawful territorial gains from Putin. With respect to security guarantees from the US akin to NATO Article 5 stipulations, of course Putin has indicated his willingness to that, but I doubt they would be worth the paper they are written on. Putin will make claims Ukraine has been attempting to seize back Crimea or other parts of its territory, and all bets will be off. I reckon its a ploy unwittingly agreed to by Trump but would you trust either of these Presidents to keep their word? Trump regularly flip-flops and changes position all the time, and Putin is the 'artful dodger' when it comes to manipulating Trump and breaking peace agreements at will. StigStag The parallels with the 1930s are deeply worrying The parallels between now and the late 1930s are uncanny and deeply worrying, and the response of the leader of the free world would be laughable if it werent so pathetic, predictable, and serious. The continental Europeans know, or should remember, what it was like to have a war rage across their lands something the Americans and British have never experienced. Surely we can learn and realise that the precautionary principle is key and take action to prevent another invasion. That means being appropriately armed and ensuring the territorial integrity of sovereign states is respected and where military action has attempted to change that, then territorial integrity is restored by whatever means is necessary, hopefully by robust diplomacy. That means we need to cut Trump out of it and deal with this ourselves. Geejay Get serious in arming Ukraine This war has shown that agreements and opinions mean nothing. All that matters is capabilities. Ukraine already had a commitment from NATO to defend it in the Bucharest agreement. But Russia attacked anyway. However, this war has shown that Russia is no longer a first-class military power. The front has barely moved in three years and thats despite Ukraine being severely outnumbered, having no tanks, aircraft, or long-range missiles, and being supplied with mostly old, outdated NATO weapons. If Europe got serious in arming Ukraine, how long would Russia last? So Ukraine definitely does have a hand at the table especially considering how unpopular Trump and Putin are in Europe (and elsewhere) at the moment. Ajames Trump dividing Europe The truly scary thing is that Trump, via his tariffs and deals, has already succeeded to a large extent in dividing and thus dominating Europe. People are afraid to upset him apparently Zelensky is wearing a suit to the meeting! Will they get tariffed, or lose their special deals? Or even be thrown out of the White House? A year ago, Europe would firmly have rejected the idea of Ukraine ceding territory now it seems they may be putting pressure on Ukraine to do so, even though it isnt spoken out loud. Hungubwe Trump rambles, Putin manipulates Trump rambles, and clearly harbours grudges not least against Joe Biden, who beat him in 2020. What all this has to do with the actual point of the meeting yesterday is difficult to fathom. It looks like just another Trump rant. There is plenty of precedent for postponing elections during wartime. Britain should have had one in 1940, but by cross-party agreement suspended them for the duration. Trying to get full and fair coverage when a war is raging is almost impossible. It seems to me both Trump and Putin are using war for different ends but with the same basic outcome small countries do not count. Despite the bluster and accusations Trump threw at Biden yesterday, it was Putin who unleashed his forces against Ukraine on 24/2/2022. If that is not a blatant act of aggression then I do not know what is. Good thing European leaders were there yesterday. There is much more at stake in terms of our security in this war. Allowing Russia to keep its ill-gotten gains is not something we could support. Did they manage to pull Trump back from his favourable opinion of Putin? Who knows with Trump? We live in dangerous times. 49niner Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity. Want to share your views? Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the days top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click log in or register in the top right corner to sign in or sign up. When the investigation was first launched in the second half of last year, it was widely feared to be part of a tit-for-tat reciprocation in response to EU countries voting to impose tariffs on electric vehicle (EV) imports from China. Planning has been sought for a campus containing six data centres in Naas, Co Kildare. Photo: Getty Friends of the Earth Ireland, An Taisce and Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) have called on Kildare County Council to refuse planning permission to a planned 3bn data centre due mainly to the increased greenhouse gas emissions it will produce. In August last year, multimillionaire engineering entrepreneur and co-owner of Monaghan-based forklift manufacturer Combilift, Robert Moffett, lodged plans through his Herbata Ltd for a campus containing six data centres on a site next to the M7 motorway and business park at Naas, Co Kildare. Last October, the council stalled the plan after stating the projected CO2 emissions from the data centre campus is excessive for one development. In June, Herbata lodged extensive further information on the scheme in response to the council concerns, pointing out that the data centre will not be reliant upon the existing electricity generation and will get 50pc of its power from renewables. Consultants for the applicants, RPS, stated that the utilisation of combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT) would result in a consequent reduction of 552,000 tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions. However, in new submissions ahead of a council planning decision this week, Friends of the Earth Ireland, An Taisce and FIE call on the council to reject the plan while County Kildare Chamber has urged the council to grant permission On behalf of FIE, director Tony Lowes states that FIE strongly opposes the proposed development of six gas-powered data centres due to their projected high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and incompatibility with Irelands climate obligations He states that the development could emit nearly one million tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. Over five years, this would account for almost a quarter of Irelands electricity sector carbon budget, posing a major adverse impact on national emissions targets, he said. On behalf of Friends of the Earth Ireland, campaigns director Jerry Mac Evilly said that the central message of this submission is that the applicant has not clearly or sufficiently addressed significant emissions impacts of the six gas-powered data centres. Senior planning and environmental policy officer at An Taisce, Phoebe Duvall, said that to grant permission would be contrary to the national climate objective. In a submission on behalf of County Kildare Chamber, CEO Sinead Ronan has stated that this proposal presents a forward-looking opportunity to enhance the local economy, support employment and position Kildare as a leader in sustainable digital infrastructure. We think our old neighbour is grazing his cattle on our vacant family farm and were worried he could claim squatters rights. What can we do? The over-50s are the largest age group seeking personal insolvency solutions due to being over-indebted, new figures show. The reality of legacy debt problems affecting those in later life runs contrary to the common narrative of young families being financially over-extended, according to an analysis of cases at one of the busiest personal insolvency practices in the State. Pre-tax profits at the Irish arm of Swiss-headquartered pharmaceutical giant Novartis last year declined by 25pc to 8.4m as the company increased its research and development spend. New accounts filed by Novartis Ireland Ltd show the company recorded the drop in pre-tax profits as revenues declined by 10pc from 268.3m to 242.3m. Novartis Ireland is a significant employer in the healthcare industry here with over 1,000 employed in Dublin. Accounts show revenues from the sale of goods declined from 139.86m to 137.55m while revenues from supply of business services decreased from 128.46m to 104.77m. The directors state that revenues declining in pharma products sales were due to price and volume erosion of mature products. Turnover relating to Novartis Corporate Centre (NOCC) services decreased by 18pc driven primarily by the reduction in functions related to Novartiss global initiative which launched in 2022 targeting a more focused pharmaceutical offering. The company has a significant R&D arm in Ireland with numbers employed last year increasing from 224 to 270. Last year, Novartis Ireland increased R&D spend from 26.4m to 34.9m. And the company booked an R&D credit of 4.5m in the profit and loss account. Overall numbers employed at Novartis Ireland Ltd reduced from 1,024 to 1,010 last year. The company employed 663 in general and administration, 72 in marketing, sales and distribution and five in production and supply. Staff costs last year declined from 138.8m to 123.98m, that included 95.5m in wages and salaries and 4.7m in share-based payments. Directors pay increased from 992,000 to 1.35m made up of 1.27m in emoluments and 76,000 in pension contributions. During the year, the company launched two new medicines aimed at treating cancer, Luxturna and Leqvio. Under the heading of patient expiration and product competition, the directors state that the Irish Government continues to closely monitor pharmaceutical pricing and profitability, with pressure to control spending on HSE medicines. Shareholder funds totalled 88.8m, that included accumulated profits of 51.9m. Dollar nudges higher ahead of Jackson Hole meeting and war talks Investors braced for outcome of Donald Trumps meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: PA Samuel Indyk and Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss Reuters Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 06:30 Wall Street and European shares were flat to marginally lower yesterday before a potentially eventful week for US interest-rate policy, even as attention turned to Washington where Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders were meeting US president Donald Trump. London bosses close wage gap with Wall Street-listed peers Pay jump follows exodus of listings to US Flutter Entertainment CEO Peter Jackson's compensation more than quadrupled in the past two years. Photo: Bloomberg Faseeh Mangi and Elliot Burrin Bloomberg Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 06:30 Compensation for UK-based executives at the countrys largest firms is rising, narrowing a pay gap with US peers that has contributed to an exodus of companies from London. There are strong bonds among women at contest in Co Kerry Meath Rose Ella Bannon pictured on stage at the Kerry Sports Academy, MTU with Kathryn Thomas during the Rose of Tralee International Festival TV Rose Selection night on Monday 18th of August. Previous winners Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain and Aoife Kelly at the Gowns of Glory Rose of Tralee dresses through the decades exhibition at the Kerry County Museum. Photo: Domnick Walsh Eight-year-old Renesmee Taylor from Derrymore has some fun with Roses Leah McMahon, Ciara Confrey, Aidan Russell, Colleen Kelahan-Pierson, Nicole Heffernan and Laura Foley. Photo: Domnick Walsh With the viral American sorority rush season currently flooding social media feeds the world over, the Rose of Tralee is being viewed by competitors as a similar type of sisterhood. Eighteen Roses took to the stage in Co Kerry last night for the first of two nights before the 2025 winner is crowned, but behind the scenes, they were forming friendships for life. Philadelphia Rose Shannon Emery (26), who was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority at Westchester University, said she feels a similar sense of sisterhood during her time at the Rose of Tralee. I do feel its a similar sense of sisterhood, but its an Irish sisterhood, instead of whatever Greek organisation youre in. So its kind of extra special that way, she said after coming off the stage at the first rehearsal before the selection night yesterday. Not only have videos of American sororities, hailed as RushTok, been blowing up on social media, but the famous Kerry festival has also occupied our feeds on this side of the Atlantic. Ms Emery said she was excited and ready for the first selection night. She added: A lot of nerves and feelings and emotions are coming up, because its kind of the end as well, but Im excited. Its been amazing working with these other 32 women and bonding with them. Roses Katelyn Cummins, Sara Costa and Laura Foley relaxing at the Meadowlands Hotel. Photo: Domnick Walsh Meanwhile, the residents of Irelands highest village, Meelin, and some of Nancy Lehanes 48 cousins are expected to show up at MTUs Sport Academy to support the Cork Rose (22), who is tipped as favourite to win the Rose of Tralee title. When asked whether any pressure comes with that, she said she doesnt really think about it. The girls are absolutely lovely. Great craic. Were having so much fun, she said. Eight-year-old Renesmee Taylor from Derrymore has some fun with Roses Leah McMahon, Ciara Confrey, Aidan Russell, Colleen Kelahan-Pierson, Nicole Heffernan and Laura Foley. Photo: Domnick Walsh Cork Rose Nancy Lehane Its very full-on for us to be doing every day, but being there for each other, weve become very close in a very short space of time. The highlight of being the Cork Rose for Ms Lehane was to see the excitement it brings to people closest to her. The parades were amazing, just going up and seeing everyone so excited, my family and friends, she said. Kerry Rose Laura Daly (23), from Ballymacelligott on the outskirts of Tralee, has been involved in the festival since she was a little girl. It was the equivalent of Christmas in our household I would have grown up dancing in the parade as a little girl, and that was just embedded, she said. My nana had a huge love for the festival. Every year, wed gather together; its what brought our family together. It was the equivalent of Christmas in our household. As I got a little bit older, I started volunteering on the street side of the festival. I had the opportunity last year to come up here to MTU and work behind the scenes. In the mix of all that, I was choreographing the parades, too. It was not until I was up here last year working and took a moment in the very back of MTU when an incredible Irish artist, Lyra, was singing, and it was so powerful. Eight-year-old Renesmee Taylor from Derrymore has some fun with Roses Leah McMahon, Ciara Confrey, Aidan Russell, Colleen Kelahan-Pierson, Nicole Heffernan and Laura Foley. Photo: Domnick Walsh Kerry Rose Laura Daly talks about hometown support and her love of the festival And I just stopped and went, This is something that I would love to be a part of on the other side. She said it now feels like a full-circle moment for her to become the Kerry Rose, adding she is extremely proud of every single one of the 32 Roses. We are up for rehearsals right now, and the girls are trying on their dresses, she said. Weve had people crying just seeing each others dress reveals, and its just that sense of immense pride. We have seen each other at our highs, and weve seen each other at our lows, and to be here tonight, I know there wont be a dry eye between the lot of us. Previous winners Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain and Aoife Kelly at the Gowns of Glory Rose of Tralee dresses through the decades exhibition at the Kerry County Museum. Photo: Domnick Walsh Carlow Rose Katie Ryan (26) from Tullow, who is an only child, said being around Roses is making her realise what its like to have siblings. When youre looking at it, you just see the two TV nights, but when youre going and youre spending so much time with the girls, its absolutely incredible, she said. Because Im an only child, its really nice having the girls around all the time, because its making me realise what its like to have siblings and have that sisterhood together. Yesterday morning, 18 Roses took to the stage to rehearse their performances ahead of the first selection night, which includes dancing, singing and even dog yoga and playing rugby on stage. Hosts Daithi O Se and Kathryn Thomas were supporting the Roses on stage, while O Se kept reassuring the girls that the crowd will go crazy, crazy, crazy. The second selection night airs on Tuesday at 8pm on RTE One and RTE Player, revealing the Rose of Tralee winner Pat Carty on kids at gigs: Could I have imagined the da or ma beside me at Slane for Bowie? Not unless I was in a sweat-soaked nightmare A member of gallery staff sits near a dress used in the production of Downton Abbey at Bonhams auction house in central London. Photo: PA The wedding dress worn by Lady Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey is among dozens of costumes and props from the hit TV series that have gone on display before an auction. The pale apricot chiffon long-sleeved dress with beaded lace tabard overlay and ruched sash has gone on display at Bonhams auction house, along with a pair of ivory satin Mary Jane shoes and accessorised with a tiara and silk tulle veil. The outfit was worn by actress Michelle Dockery for Lady Marys wedding to Matthew Crawley, played by Dan Stevens. It is expected to fetch between 3,000 (3,500) and 5,000 (5,800) when it goes under the hammer, with proceeds from the auction going to Together for Short Lives, a charity supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families. A member of gallery staff sits near a dress used in the production of Downton Abbey at Bonhams auction house in central London. Photo: PA Also on display is the Grantham family car, a 1925 Sunbeam Saloon, which has an estimated sale price of 25,000 to 35,000. Another eye-catching item on display is the peacock dress worn by Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith in the first episode of the fourth series when Lady Edith and Michael Gregson meet at the Criterion in Piccadilly. The dress has a heavily embellished bodice of turquoise, gold, silver and faux-pearl beads and sequinning with a turquoise satin and crinkled chiffon skirt and is expected to fetch between 2,000 and 3,000. Other lots include the distinctive bell wall from the servants hall and a script from series one, episode one, signed by cast members including Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville and Samantha Bond. The show ran for fives series from 2010 and has spawned two hit films. The third film, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, is due to be released in cinemas in Ireland and the UK on September 12. The set pieces, props and costumes will be on display at a free exhibition at Bonhams sale room in London until September 16. It is not the first time a foreign-language film has represented Ireland at the Oscars Sanatorium follows a group of colourful Ukrainian characters seeking respite from the raging war outside An Irish-made, Ukrainian-language feature film has been selected to represent Ireland at the next Academy Awards. The Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) announced that Sanatorium will follow in the footsteps of Oscar-nominated An Caitlin Ciuin in 2023 and Kneecap from this year by competing in the International Feature Film category. It was directed by Galway-born filmmaker Gar ORourke and produced by Venom Films by IFTA-winning Ken Wardrop and Andrew Freedman. The film documents a small colourful groups quest for normality and respite in a wellness centre in the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa as war rages around the country. Participants gather in a Soviet-era building to undergo mud treatments using black mud that is said to cure infertility and physical disabilities. The film is a 'wryly humorous' real-life observation of a community in Odesa Sanatorium was selected by IFTAs 2025 Selection Committee which consists of prominent Irish filmmakers from several previously Oscar-nominated films. IFTA chief executive Aine Moriarty has said that the film will resonate with audiences around the world. "What an intriguing and quietly powerful film, with its vibrant and visually stunning scenery and colourful cast of real-life characters who find escapism within the confines of an unconventional wellness centre in Ukraine, she said. "It is so inspiring to see an Irish Director and creative team collaborate with Ukrainian colleagues to capture these moments in time. The films director Gar ORourke said that the film has been received very well by audiences since its release. Since the premiere of Sanatorium earlier this year, the international response has been overwhelming. "This was a film that set out to show the power of healing, the resilience of community, and above all the strength of the Ukrainian spirit in the face of such traumatic times. Its producers Andrew Freedman, Ken Wardrop and Samantha Corr highlighted the importance of the film's display of extraordinary humanity, despite the horrors of war. This is not the first time a foreign-language film been chosen to wave the Irish flag in Hollywood Spanish-language film Viva was shortlisted in 2006, as well as the Arabic-language films Gaza in 2019 and The Shadow of Beirut in 2024. Concerns over securing treasure trove of evidence on phone linked to murder of Irish man in Spain Family lawyer says treasure trove device could implicate others in Belfast with criminality John Georges body was found in Spain in January Allison Morris Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 08:40 Concerns have been raised about the length of time it is taking the PSNI to secure evidence from a phone believed to contain a treasure trove of information linked to the murder of west Belfast man John George in Spain last year. A 51-year-old man who suffered critical head injuries after being allegedly pushed by a garda has died in hospital. The Dublin man passed away in the Mater Hospital yesterday evening. Fiosru, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that it had launched a criminal investigation into the Dublin city incident. The man suffered the fatal injuries after hitting his head on the street following the interaction with the on-duty garda on OConnell Street in the early hours of Friday morning. The incident, which happened near the Holiday Inn on OConnell Street at 4.15am on Friday, was captured on good-quality CCTV. O'Connell Street, Dublin Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th The Dublin man was rushed to hospital in a gravely ill condition. He has been described as a very decent individual from a loving family. Sources have described what has happened as a devastating tragedy for all involved. In a statement, Fiosru said the man suffered "serious harm, prompting a referral under new policing legislation. "The man has now died and Fiosru have been liaising with the Dublin City Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist in relation to a post mortem. Fiosru is now appealing for witnesses who may have been in the area at the time. In particular, investigators are keen to hear from anyone close to the hotel about 4.15am, or from drivers including taxis who may have dashcam or mobile phone footage. Anyone with information which may be of assistance to this independent investigation is asked to contact Fiosru at 0818 600 800 or info@fiosru.ie, the Ombudsmans office said. One of Fiosrus on-call investigators attended the scene on Friday and the office confirmed it was continuing to engage with the mans family. The referral to Fiosru was made under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which requires the Garda Commissioner to pass on any matter indicating that the act or omission of a garda member may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person. Section 203(1) of the Act provides for such referrals, while Section 208(1)(b) prevents the Ombudsmans office from making further public comment while an investigation is under way. "Fiosru has commenced a criminal investigation into the incident pursuant to section 208(1)(b) of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act, 2024, a spokesperson said. A Garda spokesperson said: An Garda Siochana referred an incident to Fiosru following an interaction between a member of the public and an on-duty Garda member on Friday 15 August 2025. 'I just hope things get better from here' - Sneha Midha from the Indian Community 'I just hope things get better from here' - Sneha Midha from the Indian Community Steve Humphreys Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 07:30 A yoga instructor who moved to Dublin two years ago has described recent attacks on members of the Indian community as incredibly unsettling, and she now avoids certain areas of the city. An annual prize celebrating LGBTQ+ literature has been paused for this year following a boycott over the inclusion of Irish author John Boyne on the longlist. Organisers of the Polari Prize said the awards have been put on pause but have already secured strong representation for next year. A campaign calling for a boycott of the Polari Prize, which included a statement signed by more than 800 writers and workers in the publishing industry, stemmed from Boynes views on transgender issues and support for British author JK Rowling. Writing in the Sunday Independent last month, Boyne expressed support for JK Rowling and described himself as a fellow Terf, an acronym for trans-exclusionary radical feminist, a term for those who describe themselves as feminists but deny that transgender women are women and oppose trans-inclusive legislation. We are profoundly disappointed by the Polari prizes decision to include John Boyne on the longlist for this years Polari book prize, the statement from boycott organisers read. In any year, the decision to include Mr Boyne on the longlist would be, in our view, inappropriate and hurtful to the wider community of LGBTQ+ readers and writers. That the decision has been made this year in the context of rising anti-trans hatred and systematic exclusion of trans people from public life in the UK and across the world is inexcusable. John Boyne. Photo: Steve Humphreys Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th Of the 24 authors longlisted for the top Polari Prize, 16 authors withdrew, along with two judges. Nicola Dinan, the author who won last years Polari Prize, resigned from the jury for one of this years awards. Sacha Coward, one of the authors who opted to leave this years prize, said his decision to leave was not orchestrated and each writer made their decision because of their own sense of integrity as to what the Polari Prize claimed to stand for. In a post on Bluesky, he said the purpose of the award was to include transgender, nonbinary and intersex authors and the issue was not with Boyne as a person, but with his statements about transgender people and those who support them. "Irrespective of how John feels, his words are simply not compatible with an inclusive prize that celebrates all LGBTQ+ people. Just like a racist statement would not be allowed in a prize for writers of colour, or a sexist statement tolerated for a prize for feminist writers. Jason Okundaye, another author who withdrew from the Polari Prize, wrote in The Guardian that Boynes viewpoint is abhorrent and a previous statement issued by the organisers prompted him to immediately withdraw. He wrote: The prize claims that it does not eliminate books based on the wider views of the writer. But a prize claiming to be a celebration of LGBTQ+ inclusion should know that the condition of trans people isnt reducible to a debate in which people are simply holding different positions they are a minority group facing unprecedented levels of harassment and political antagonism." Okundaye said the authors who withdrew from the prize have been referred to as the Trans Taliban and Queer Isis, and accusations have been made of freedom of speech and expression being compromised. "But we have not called for his books to be pulped, and evidently he has, and continues to be, more than free to share whatever views he likes and write as many books as he wants. Organisers released a statement confirming the decision to pause this years Polari Prize, committing to increase representation of trans and gender non-conforming judges on the panels for all the awards and undertake a governance and management review to include our aims and values and work to better support everyone within our LGBTQ+ Polari community. Co Dublin native Boyne, best known for his historical novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, was named on the longlist for the 2024 novella Earth. The decision to pause this years Polari Prize marked a change of heart for the organisers, who previously said they were committed to going forward despite the controversy over Boynes inclusion, saying he had been longlisted on merit. A statement released on August 7 said it was inevitable that even within the LGBTQ+ community, we can at times hold radically different positions on substantive issues. Writing in The Telegraph following the cancellation of this years Polari Prize, Boyne said the statement released by Polaris organisers worries him and it seemed absurd and wrong for debut writers who withdrew from the prize to lose out on an opportunity. In a statement posted on X last week, Boyne said he had been a victim of bullying and been subject to endless harassment at the hands of both strangers and fellow writers. He asked that Earth not be considered for the shortlist should those who withdrew from the Polari Prize decide to return. A fire in Dublin city centre has impacted some Luas passengers as emergency services respond to the blaze. The fire broke out on Mayor Street Lower, at Georges Dock near the IFSC building. Gardai and members of Dublin Fire Brigade are at the scene of the incident. Three fire engines along with senior officers are on scene at a fire at George's Dock near the IFSC, Dublin Fire Brigade said in a post on X. "Firefighters are using 70mm hoses to control the fire and cool adjacent exposures. We've requested Gas Networks Ireland to the location. In an update at 10pm on Tuesday, the Dublin Fire Brigade said firefighting operations are continuing and we now have four fire engines, a foam tender and water tanker at the scene. "We've augmented water supplies to the fireground by taking water from the River #Liffey. Luas services are still affected2. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Luas red line services are suspended between Busaras and The Point due to the incident and are only in operation between Tallaght/Saggart and Connolly Station. Passengers, please be advised Red Line services are currently only operating from Tallaght/Saggart to Connolly. There is currently no service from Busaras to The Point, a spokesperson said. "This is due to a non Luas related incident. Luas tickets are valid on Dublin Bus for the duration of this service disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Tens of thousands of fans descended on Croke Park for two sold-out Oasis concerts at the weekend Noel Gallagher has said he is feeling a bit shaky after wrapping up the Ireland and UK leg of the Oasis comeback tour at Croke Park over the weekend. Asked on UK radio station Talksport how he was feeling, he said he was a bit shaky after wrapping up the bands two nights at GAA HQ and celebrating with an afterparty at ODonoghues pub on Baggot Street in the city centre. "It went on. It went on, it eventually finished, we had to get a flight home, but it went on for a while, he said. It was a lot of singing, a lot of drinking and a lot of talking nonsense it was quite a night. Gallagher was joined by bandmates and Richard Ashcroft, among others, at the well known Dublin pub. Gallagher said he felt on top of the world, couldnt be any better and is blown away by the reception to Oasis comeback tour. "Its difficult to put into words, actually. Every night is the crowds first night, so every nights got that kind of same energy to it. Its been truly amazing. Im not usually short for words but I cant really articulate it at the minute to be honest. Tens of thousands of fans descended on Croke Park for two sold-out Oasis concerts at the weekend Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th Admitting his legs had turned to jelly early on in the first night of the tour at Cardiffs Principality Stadium, he said he is particularly looking forward to playing for the Argentinian crowd at River Plates home stadium in Buenos Aires. "Were not really a band who have huddles before we go on or anything like that. I cant speak for anyone else, but for me personally I grossly underestimated what I was getting into. Asked for his thoughts on how his brother has performed on the tour, he said: "Its great to be back with Bonehead and Liam and you know, just be doing it again. I guess when its all said and done well sit and reflect on it, but its great being back in the band with Liam. I forgot how funny he was. Joking that Liams voice, which has been praised throughout the tour, was the work of AI, he said his brother is smashing it. Im proud of him. Having been the front of a band for 16 years, I know how difficult that is. I couldnt do the stadium thing like he does it, its not in my nature, but Ive gotta say man, I look around and I think good for you mate. Its been amazing. Mary Regan: Over before it begins? Momentum for Heather Humphreys leaves Sean Kelly facing uphill battle for Fine Gael nomination Internal battle will delay presidential campaign from getting under way with election just two months away Sean Kelly and Heather Humphreys are viewed as the two front runners ahead of October's presidential election Mary Regan Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 06:30 Heather Humphreys and Sean Kelly were contacting TDs, senators and MEPs yesterday before the opening of nominations for the Fine Gael presidential candidate. Protesters call on Central Bank of Ireland not to renew approval of Israel Bond sales Protesters have urged the Central Bank of Ireland not to proceed with the approval for the sale of Israel bonds ahead of an upcoming renewal date. Around 100 demonstrators gathered outside the Central Bank in Dublin on Tuesday to demand an end to the authority's role in approving Israel bonds for sale in the EU, for the Government to include services in the Occupied Territories Bill and to pass that legislation. The bank is the designated authority in relation to the sale of Israel bonds in the EU, and has determined the securities meet the standards of the bloc's prospectus regulations. Israel bonds have been advertised as supporting the country's economy and, more recently, websites promoting the securities emphasise their role in supporting Israel's military operations in Gaza. Protesters and opposition parties have called for legislation that would give Ireland the power to refuse the sale of Israeli "war bonds" over human rights concerns. They say the bonds are intended to fund the war in Gaza, while Ireland has an obligation under the Genocide Convention to use all means likely to have a deterrent effect on those suspected of preparing genocide. The Central Bank has said regulations require it to approve prospectuses that meet standards of completeness, consistency and comprehensibility. The Israel bond prospectus is up for renewal on September 2. Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th The Joint Committee on Finance has recommended that the bank carry out an immediate review before renewing approval of the bonds. Meanwhile, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has launched legal proceedings against the Central Bank over claims that investors in Israeli bonds could be legally complicit in genocide in Gaza. It is alleged that the Central Bank's failure to ban the marketing, distribution and sale of Israel bonds exposes investors to risks that have not been disclosed to them. Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign chairwoman Zoe Lawlor said: "The government has to end the direct involvement of the Central Bank in apartheid Israel's sale of genocide-funding bonds. "The Central Bank is an organ of this state, and its complicity in genocide makes Ireland complicit." David Landy of Jews for Palestine, and Academics for Palestine said: "We are asking the Central Bank to do the absolute minimum required of it under law - to end the sale of Israeli war Bonds, to finally end this direct Irish participation in Israeli genocide." Sinn Fein's foreign affairs spokesman said the Irish government "must use every lever at its disposal" to show leadership on Gaza. Donnchadh O Laoghaire said: "Clearly ending the facilitation of Israeli war bonds is one of those." He added: "The people of Gaza and of Palestine need us to act." Latest | Helen McEntee joins senior Fine Gael figures backing Heather Humphreys as she leads Sean Kelly in presidency bid Heather Humphreys and Sean Kelly announced their intentions to seek party nomination this morning Sinn Fein TD hits out at Humphreys legacy in government Heather Humphreys leaps to early lead in hunt for Fine Gael presidential nomination Senan Molony, Mary Regan and Keith Kelly Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 18:20 Heather Humphreys lead has grown significantly in the hours since she and MEP Sean Kelly announced they would seek the Fine Gael nomination to run for president. The award-winning Irish author said she would donate her earnings from her books and BBC adaptations to support the group, which was recently proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK. Thousands of Irish visitors descend on Floridas theme parks every year, but the Sunshine State has much more to offer I dont wish to gloat, but as I write this I am sitting on the balcony of my hotel in Orlando, Florida having just returned from another wild day of fun in the Sunshine State. It is 28 degrees at 9pm and the kids are having one last swim in the pool before we leave the city at the crack of dawn tomorrow. Housing chief says Dublin City Council must start directly building more homes Mick Mulhern, assistant chief executive at DCC, says that despite missing recent targets, the pipeline for delivery of social housing is strong Dublin City Council built less than half of its agreed social housing targets between 2022 and 2024. Photo: Getty Liam Coates Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 06:30 The latest figures on the delivery of local authority housing make for grim reading across many areas of the country. Holly Baxter: Donald Trumps meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky was even worse than their last Oval Office encounter US presidents attention was elsewhere as he ranted about ballots, borders and Joe Biden Donald Trump welcomes President Zelensky to the White House Holly Baxter UK Independent Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 06:30 After Fridays red carpet love-in with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, US president Donald Trump sat down with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday at the Oval Office to talk peace and the world hoped it would go better than the last White House meeting between the US and Ukraine. Trumps haste for a Ukraine peace deal may leave the details up to Putin US president has positioned himself as a global peacemaker as he campaigns for the Nobel Peace Prize, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Photo: AP Michael Birnbaum and Cat Zakrewski Washington Post Mon 18 Aug 2025 at 06:30 US president Donald Trump arrived at his historic summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin in the breezy Alaskan city of Anchorage with a clarion goal in mind: a halt to years of bloody fighting in Ukraine. Ideally within days. Mass shootings almost every day since US-backed sites first opened As Gazans face widespread starvation, doctors in the enclave say they have been treating victims of mass shootings almost daily after crowds of Palestinians seeking food are fired on. Witnesses say Israeli troops have frequently shot at people who pass near military positions while approaching aid sites or who throng relief convoys. More than 1,778 Palestinians have been killed and more than 12,894 wounded under these circumstances since late May, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. International aid agencies say that the scale of the bloodshed has pushed an already buckling healthcare system practically to the breaking point, as medical workers scramble to treat the tide of casualties at times on the floor and hospital staff use what downtime they have to find extra beds and surgery teams for the next influx. The following account of conditions inside Gazas hospital wards is based on interviews with some American and European medical workers who visited Gaza as part of voluntary medical missions between May and the first week of this month. Each medical worker said that the Israel militarys bombing of medical facilities in Gaza during the ongoing war with Hamas, combined with a near- total blockade of the enclave since the winter, has often made it impossible for doctors to deliver adequate treatment. Many of the victims have been shot in areas near food distribution sites run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), according to aid groups and doctors treating the casualties. But Palestinians have also been killed while trying to pull flour from United Nations convoys or while waiting for aid drops from the sky. Palestinians struggle to collect humanitarian aid airdropped by parachutes into Gaza City. Photo: AP The Israeli military has issued statements saying it fired warning shots toward suspects. In response to a request for comment, the Israel Defence Forces said that reports of civilian harm had resulted in new instructions being issued to troops following lessons learned. In a statement on Saturday, the GHF said it was constantly adapting our operations to maximise safety for civilians and aid workers. At Nasser Hospital, the largest medical centre still functioning in southern Gaza, doctors and nurses said they were repeatedly jolted awake by what is known as the mass casualty alarm: a siren that warns of the coming deluge. Every day the aid sites were opened, we saw shootings Youre hearing: any doctor who is available, please come down to the ER, said Aziz Rahman, an American intensive care specialist from Milwaukee who visited Gaza on a medical mission with Rahma Worldwide, a humanitarian group based in Michigan. Pretty much every day the aid sites were opened, we saw shootings. In the Red Cross field hospital in southern Gaza, Rieke Hayes, an Irish physiotherapist - who works for the International Committee of the Red Cross- said her patients had been shot in their legs and arms, and sometimes in the back. She said some of the victims were teenage boys who had been shot as they were walking away from distribution sites after finding that all of the food was gone. Gaza has been under near-total siege by the Israeli military for six months, and the worlds leading hunger monitor, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, now says that the worst-case scenario of famine is playing out. At least 217 people have died of malnutrition or starvation, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The GHFs four aid distribution sites are inside areas controlled by the Israeli military, and large crowds gather near them most days in hopes of securing aid supplies when the sites open. Hungry Palestinians queueing for food in Gaza City. Photo: Getty Inside the Red Crosss 60-bed field hospital in Rafah, medical workers said they often heard the crowds pass as they headed toward GHF locations. If the food distribution centre opens at 6am, the mass-casualty event starts at 4.30, said Hayes, who worked there during GHFs first five weeks of operations. If it opens at 12 oclock, the injuries start coming around 10am. She said mass shootings took place almost every day of her medical mission after the GHF sites opened in late May. On some days, the Red Cross field hospital has received more than 100 victims. Doctors at Nasser Hospital likewise reported that casualties have exceeded 100 on some days. The worst day of Rahmans two-week medical mission was June 17. The traumas went on for four to five hours. They just kept rolling in, he recounted. Doctors said they tried not to slip on the blood between patients they triaged on the floor. In quieter times, Hayes said, she had known all of her patients names. As a physiotherapist, she worked on teaching the wounded to walk again. One of the patients she remembered best was an 18-year-old, Ahmed, who had been wounded so badly in an explosion weeks earlier that he had lost the use of all but one limb. He was there every day with his brother Mohammed (20) who became his caregiver. It was a challenge to get him out of bed, but he did it, she said. He would put his one good arm around his brother and just hop. Amid the chaos one day, she said she heard an elderly couple calling her name. It was the boys parents, begging her to help Mohammed. And there he was, lying with a bullet hole to his neck and his shoulder, and his mother is crying in my arms and asking me to do something, Hayes said. The young mans parents told her he had gone out to find aid and had been shot. *This article has been amended to make it clear Rieke Hayes worked for the Red Cross. With her comments in a newspaper at the weekend, Sally Rooney has managed all at once to give an endorsement for Palestine Action, to put herself on the side of free speech and to make a fool of British home secretary Yvette Cooper. If it hadnt been for the UK governments foolish decision to proscribe Palestine Action, the Normal People author would be just one more celeb protesting about the (very grim) situation in Gaza. As it is, she is taunting ministers by inviting the British state to investigate WH Smith and the BBC for promoting her work and funding her activities. Russian leader has been rewarded rather than penalised by US despite the continued bloodshed in Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskys return to Washington, with a posse of European heads of state in tow, was a symbol of solidarity. But optics only carry so far. US president Donald Trump had already laid down terms. All of these terms seemed to favour Russia, and a war-waging Vladimir Putin. The wronged, innocent party, would have to make enormous concessions to the aggressor, in exchange for some scaled-back version of security guarantees. In deference to Moscow, security will not be Nato-led, but a looser, vaguer interpretation of the groups principle of collective defence. The Nato Treatys Article 5 pivots on an understanding that parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them, in Europe or North America, shall be seen as an attack on all. But whether a reimagining, or a more anaemic version, of this, can seriously be seen as a deterrent, must be open to question. The onus for ending the war has again been unfairly thrust on Ukraine, not on Putin. This is the case, even though the Russian leader could end it instantly, were he to order his soldiers to stop the killing. Many are struggling with the perception that Russia and America are assuming imperious positions. The latter two now appear to see Ukraine, and Europe, as supplicants who must accept their places and settle for whatever scraps are left, once the strongmen have stripped the bones of the ancien regime. US president Donald Trump greets Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Photo: Reuters A crushing message came from Mr Trumps transatlantic loudhailer. This included that Crimea was gone for ever, as was prospective Nato membership for Kyiv. On Saturday, Mr Zelensky was told by Mr Trump that Moscow wanted the whole Donbas region an impossible demand for him to deliver. That such a carve-up of a sovereign state should be presented as an agreement was shocking. For it to be endorsed by the leader of the free world, made is seem even more so. As in February, when Mr Zelensky was turned on a spit in the Oval Office, the heat is again all on Kyiv. Brought in from the cold, Putin has been applauded at the inner sanctum of US power After the Alaska meeting, the stringent sanctions touted by Mr Trump should the Russian leader reject a ceasefire were forgotten. The dangers in capitulation to Moscow, and terrible implications not just for Ukraine, but for the world, were also ignored. Trusted pillars of the post-World War II order of: territorial integrity; peaceful coexistence; and no to war, are wobbling. Europes leaders sought to show strength in unity. Should it transpire that this is what the reality of what America First truly means, such unanimity will be tested, if Russia is to be reined in. For all the bloodshed and suffering he has caused, Putin has been rewarded, not penalised. Brought in from the cold, he has been applauded at the inner sanctum of US power. Mr Zelensky leaves with a weight of impossible choices. When last in Washington he was told he had no cards to play. He tried to tell Mr Trump that this was not a game, but life and death. Nonetheless, hes now being pressed to throw in his hand. Both he and Europe must weigh the stakes or call out a bum deal. In the lead up to International Dog Day on August 26, Shannon Airport is preparing to celebrate one of its most dedicated and adorable working partners. Brody is one of Revenues canine crimefighters a two-year-old sprocker (springer spaniel crossed with cocker spaniel). The two-year-old is a key member of Irelands team of 26 detector dogs who assisted with the seizure of over 100 million worth of drugs, tobacco products, and cash in 2024. Brody might look like your average pup - however hes anything but, a spokesperson for Shannon Airport said. His nose is up to 10,000 times more sensitive than a human, and his passive response training means he alerts his handler, Wendy, by calmly sitting and staring when he detects the suspicious scents of controlled or contraband substances including cocaine, hash, amphetamines, heroin and cash. Before starting a search, Brody has a free run of the area in order to get familiar with the environment and when hes ready, he goes straight back to Wendy awaiting a signal that its time for the focused inspection. Shannon Airport's Revenue canine crimefighter, Brody, a two-year-old springer spaniel/cocker spaniel cross, with Alan Foley, National Detector Dog Programme Manager at Revenue. Image: Shannon Airport Brody can screen a person, a bag, or even an entire area in minutes, said Alan Foley, National Detector Dog Programme Manager at Revenue. This allows us to keep legitimate travel moving while swiftly identifying those who shouldnt slip through. With his puppy playfulness and gentle nature, Brody proves every day that fighting crime doesnt have to be intimidating. Spaniels like Brody are selected both for their natural gundog instincts and their friendliness - a combination thats perfect for both detection and public interaction. Brodys training for the Revenue team started with a simple ball. That ball became the reward for identifying target scents, helping shape his instincts through focused training followed by eight weeks of bonding and honing his skills with the assistance of his handler, Wendy, a Shannon Airport spokesperson said. The relationship between Brody and Wendy makes for a unique partnership. Not only do they work side by side at Shannon Airport, but they also live together. While he is a hard worker its not all work for Brody. Shannon Airport's Revenue canine crimefighter, Brody, a two-year-old springer spaniel/cocker spaniel cross, with Clare Corry from the Shannon Airport Operations team, and Alan Foley, National Detector Dog Programme Manager at Revenue. Image: Shannon Airport At home hes full of energy and loves playtime, especially with Harley - his retired predecessor, who now enjoys a life of leisure, a spokesperson for Shannon Airport continued. Like all of us, he also needs structured breaks during his shifts, regular check-ups and ongoing training and upskilling to keep him healthy and motivated. Brody loves to receive praise and to play after a job well done. Theres this wonderful moment when Brody finds something - he struts, sometimes does a little lap of honour, spiralling back to his handler, and of course he gets extended play time with his beloved ball, Alan Foley said. Its his doggie version of the high five. As Brody walks through Shannon Airport, not only does he do an excellent detection job, but he also brings a smile to the faces of passengers and staff alike. So, ahead of this International Dog Day, Shannon Airport wants to take a moment to celebrate Brody - a four-legged hero. Bus Eireann have been called on to re-examine their policy on drivers over the age of 70. The cut off age for bus drivers in Bus Eireann must be removed to ensure all children can get to school in September stated Cork TD John Paul OShea. The Fine Gael TD for Cork North West said every year he receives the same phone calls telling him that there is a shortage of school bus drivers across the constituency. Bus Eireann now must see that qualified, experienced, over 70 drivers should be allowed and seen driving school buses. There are many qualified bus drivers around Ireland who are currently ruled out under the School Transport Scheme because of their age who would be more than happy to keep driving. Deputy OShea continued: This rule doesnt apply to those driving private buses, where someone over 70 can drive children to a match or concert, but they cant be hired to drive children to school every day. Road safety will always be the guiding principle when it comes to the transport of school children and teenagers, but we shouldnt exclude experienced and medically fit drivers simply because of their age. In the 2024/25 school year, Bus Eireann which manages the nationwide scheme for the Department of Education brought 172,500 children to schools across 26 counties. This was done with a fleet of 7,900 vehicles across 10,300 routes at a cost of 512m. With the high demand for school bus places and the shortage of drivers, the Cork TD said retaining bus drivers over the age of 70 would form be the perfect solution. Families across the country are worried about whether they can get a place for their child on their school bus for September. A reversal of this policy wont solve all capacity issues, but it could be a key part of addressing this. I urge all interested parties and sectors to work on this as a matter of urgency. We need a practical and safe resolution to this issue that will put families across the country at ease as schools return, he added. The Government is currently evaluating 14 special pilot projects before sanctioning the biggest overhaul of the School Transport Scheme (STS) since 1967. Co-ordinated school opening times, a more flexible school bus fleet, sustainable transport alternatives and better integration of public transport with the school bus service are being considered. The pilot projects were conducted nationwide over the 2024/25 school year and were aimed at testing measures to enable the scheme to be expanded to add an extra 100,000 children by 2030. Deputy OShea said the Programme for Government commits to carry out an independent assessment on the feasibility of removing the exclusion of drivers aged over 70 from the School Transport Scheme. We need this assessment carried out so we can find the best way to increase the age requirement. Preliminary samples taken from the River Blackwater indicate that the death of more than 2,000 fish was not caused by a discharge from an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-licensed site. The EPA received a report on August 12 of dead fish in the River Blackwater and Clyda River in the Mallow area. The agency inspected EPA-licensed industrial sites and urban wastewater discharged in the area on the same day the report was lodged. A spokesperson for the EPA told The Corkman that preliminary reports indicate normal water quality in the area. While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary sample results indicate no causal link between the fish kill and discharges from EPA-licensed sites. The preliminary results from river water samples taken by EPA and Cork County Council indicate normal water quality in the area, the spokesperson said. The EPA will continue to liaise with Cork County Council and Inland Fisheries Ireland, which is investigating the cause of the fish kill. A spokesperson for Cork County Council stressed to The Corkman that the exact cause for the fish kill has not been confirmed. We understand investigations to date have determined no evidence of water pollution. It is thought a fungal infection may be responsible; however, it is important to stress that the exact cause is unknown at this stage. Water quality assessments and investigations are ongoing, the spokesperson said. An IFI spokesperson told The Corkman on Friday that more than 2,000 fish had died in a 16km stretch of the River Blackwater, but a statement released by the state body on Monday suggests the number is now in between 8,000 to 10,000 mortalities. Sean Long, Director of IFIs South-Western River Basin District, said The Marine Institute conducted diagnostic sampling of affected fish on site on August 14 at Mallow. IFI expects to receive a related report within 20 days of that date. Disease outbreaks can occur in wild fish populations and are influenced by numerous factors including environmental change. No evidence of a polluting or harmful discharge has been detected to date in the river, he said. IFI continues to consult with Uisce Eireann, the EPA, Cork County Council and the Marine Institute on the matter. The Marine Institutes Fish Health Unit has advised the removal of dead fish from the water is not necessary. Affected trout were observed in the River Blackwater approximately six kilometres downstream of Mallow, and up to 12 kilometres upstream of Mallow. They have also been seen at the Awbeg river, and the Clyda river-which joins the Blackwater west of Mallow. IFI continues to appeal to people to report instances of fish kills to its 24-hour confidential phoneline, 0818 34 74 24. East Cork residents are growing increasingly frustrated at the slow pace of flood relief works in an area that was hit hard by Storm Babet two years ago with fears that the autumn and winter will bring more devastating rainfall and possibly even loss of life. Midleton experienced massive flooding in the aftermath of the storm in October 2023 when a month's worth of rainfall fell on the town over two days, causing damage estimated at nearly 200m. The villages of Mogeely, Castlemartyr, Killeagh, Rathcormac, Whitegate, Ballinacurra and Ladysbridge are also at risk to varying degrees as is the town of Youghal. Local TD Liam Quaide has now written to Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran, who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), calling on him to visit East Cork. Deputy Quaide says progress on flood relief works in the area is much too slow: As things stand, almost two years since the last catastrophic floods we have a large-scale flood relief scheme for Midleton moving slowly towards a planning phase and other smaller-scale projects for villages in East Cork in various stages of limbo. Residents and business owners need to be briefed on a programme of works with clear timeframes that meets the urgency and scale of flood risk we continue to face, the Social Democrats TD said. Caroline Leahy of the Midleton & East Cork Flood Protection Group told the Irish Independent that very little work has happened on the ground in Midleton in the two years since Storm Babet, despite 55 million in funding being ring-fenced for extensive flood relief works for the town. She said theres genuine fear that lives could be lost if a major flood happens again. What we had then was terrifying because of the speed and the height [of water]. It was about 900 properties in the end that got flooded. So the general feeling is that we escaped without a loss of life by luck and not by anything else and theres a big worry around that. A planning application for Midletons major flood relief scheme, which has a scheduled finish date of 2032 and is aimed at protecting the town from a one-in-a-hundred-year flooding event, is due to go in during the second quarter of 2026 but Ms Leahy fears that that date wont be met. She said there seems to be a lot of passing the buck from one department to the next. And what that shows is the complete lack of urgency. We need a schedule of works, we need a timeline of works, we need that timeline to be complied with. A flood-gate grant scheme was approved last year but Deputy Quaide said that many homeowners who were approved for the grant still havent had the gates installed and those that have are raising serious questions about the quality and height of the barriers. The Social Democrats TD says the current approach is too disjointed and slow and hes calling for one overall agency to coordinate all aspects of flood management. If clear progress isnt made, he predicts discontent with Cork County Council and the OPW will grow in East Cork. Meanwhile, the Midleton and East Cork Flood Protection Group is launching a community-based initiative to recruit local volunteers to help vulnerable and elderly people if another flood occurs. An information evening will be held in the Talbot Hotel in Midleton on Monday September 1 at 8 pm. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Rachel O'Brien, Diarmuid Lehane, Larry Walsh and Aine O'Brien outside Turner's Bar in Tralee ahead of the Rose of Tralee final on Tuesday Support for Cork Rose Nancy Lehane is strong across the Rebel County, and it also spreads across its borders. A strong cohort of people from Cork and Waterford descended upon Tralee to support Nancy Lehane in her bid to be the 65th Rose of Tralee on Tuesday. The primary school teacher is from the small Duhallow village of Meelin, known as the highest village in Ireland, and Nancys father, Denis, believes his daughter put the location on the map. During her TV appearance, Nancy stunned the audience with a heartfelt rendition of the Village of the Hills, a love song written about her native Meelin by Connie Collins. Rose of Tralee co-host Kathryn Thomas asked Nancy what the song meant to her. The Cork Rose replied: This is a personal one all right. I dont think anyone knows it except the Meelin clan, said Nancy, whose statement was met with a loud roar of approval from her supporters. We are very proud of Nancy as are out very small parish of Meelin. She really put Meelin on the map and we are very proud of the song she sang as well, Denis said. It is a local song written by a good friend of ours, God rest him, and it meant an awful lot to us and the parish. I think she did the parish justice, for sure. Nancys mother, Annemarie, said a neighbour passed away before Nancy took to the stage, so the song was extra poignant for the people of Meelin. Our neighbour and staunch Meelin councillor Timmy Collins passed away just before she went on stage, and we didnt tell her, so the song is event more poignant now, Annemarie said. May he rest in peace. J Turners Bar on Castle Street had the honour of being twinned with Nancy, and Annemarie said having a hub made it a personalised experience for the family. The twinning with the pubs is lovely because it makes you feel thought of and its very personalised. It is great to have a place to connect with our community as well, Annemarie said. Aidan Turner of J Turners Bar said he is hoping Nancy will win this evening, as it will be the second win for a Rose twinned with his premises in a row. Oh my God they are one huge family full of craic and musicians. The songs I heard last night were like something I never heard before in all my 50 years. I was an escort, a steward, and I actually run the Feile in Tralee as well. We get involved every year and we had a winner last year. Were going for two-in-a-row now, Aidan said with a loud applause behind him. Rachel O'Brien, Diarmuid Lehane, Larry Walsh and Aine O'Brien outside Turner's Bar in Tralee ahead of the Rose of Tralee final on Tuesday Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 20th Nancys brother Diarmuid echoed his mothers thoughts and said the pub welcomed proud Meelin people with open arms. It is great to have a base for the week, and to be fair to Aidan and all of his staff, they have been more than good, and they welcomed us with open arms, Diarmuid said. He continued to say he was the proudest man at the festival on Monday night. I was the proudest man inside there yesterday, I have to say that. The support that we have from Meelin is second to none, it is outrageous. From the county of Cork and my mothers side in Waterford, he said. Nancy used to travel to the Deise County to watch the Rose of Tralee with her cousins every summer, and many made the trip to Tralee to show their support. Rachel and Aine OBrien are two of Nancys Waterford cousins and they found their stint in Tralee to be welcoming. They said being inside the Dome at MTU was a dream come true. We would watch the Rose of Tralee in my house or Rachels house, and Nancy would come down because we would be on summer holidays and watch it together. When Nancy actually went for it we didnt think she would become the Cork Rose, but shes here, Aine said. All 32 Roses will discover their fate this evening as the 67th Rose of Tralee comes to a conclusion. The Rose of Tralee is live on RTE One and RTE Player from 8pm. A wreath laying ceremony was held at the plaque to Volunteer Patrick Burns at the East Gate in Ballincollig on Friday, August 15 . The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy pictured with Cllr Joe Lynch A large crowd attended a wreath laying ceremony at the plaque to Volunteer Patrick Burns at the East Gate in Ballincollig on Friday, August 15. The event was organised by the Volunteer Patrick Burns Memorial committee. Born in the Powdermills in 1879, Patrick Burns joined the IRA in 1916, remaining loyal to the Republican cause through to the Civil War. He was accidentally injured on August 10 1922 when Ballincollig Barracks was set alight by Republican forces withdrawing from Cork City. Unknown to his comrades, Patrick was asleep in the barracks after being on duty and was badly burned. He succumbed to his injuries in the Mercy Hospital on August 21 1922 and is buried in the Republican Plot at St Finbarrs Cemetery. A plaque to commemorate the Ballincollig patriot who died during the Civil War was unveiled at the villages East Gate last year. Proceedings were opened by Sinn Fein councillor Joe Lynch who welcomed everybody, especially the current Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy who was thanked for fitting in the wreath laying to his busy schedule. Cllr Lynch then proceeded to give a brief outline of the life and untimely death of Vol Patrick Burns. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy was next to speak and he thanked Cllr Lynch and the committee for inviting him to the event. The Lord Mayor said it was important that we remembered those who had paid the ultimate sacrifice to gain freedom for our country and to honour their memory. He also paid tribute to the late Des O'Grady for his work in getting the plaque erected. Mr OGrady a previous chair of the committee passed away earlier this year. The Lord Mayor then laid the wreath before proceedings finished up with the playing of Amhran na bhFiann. Its so hard to just understand why anyone would act in such a way towards another human Members of Dublins Indian community speak out following a spate of recent attacks 'I just hope things get better from here' - Sneha Midha from the Indian Community Chloe McPolin Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 06:30 A yoga instructor, who moved to Dublin more than two years ago, has described recent attacks on members of the Indian community as incredibly unsettling, and said she now avoids certain areas of the city. The mood in the Meadowlands Hotel in Tralee is a mix of excitement and nerves with the crowning of the 65th Rose of Tralee just a few hours away. Cork Rose Nancy Lehane and Kerry Rose Laura Daly showed the world why they were selected to represent their beloved counties on Monday night, and their ties to the competition are unique to them. Nancy would often travel across the Cork-Waterford border each year to watch the festival with her cousins, and they often mentioned the idea of one wearing the sash one day. Nancy took the plunge and, to her surprise, was selected to represent the Rebels, and her cousins from the Deise County made the journey to Tralee to support her. I have 48 first cousins on my moms side, and there would have been about 12 to 14 girls watching it in Waterford, but they brought it down to Tralee this time round. I never expected to be here, and even sometimes Im like how did I get myself here. It has been surreal but unreal, and it is something Ill always look back on with pride, Nancy said. The Meelin woman has been described as a proper ambassador for the area by locals, and Nancy said the support shown from the people of Meelin is testament to value of community. It is a huge achievement for Meelin, and up in the village I am seen as everyones daughter. We really are like a tribe up there. Im delighted that the Cork Rose is from Meelin and I am delighted to represent Cork. If you dont have a community, you dont have much. We really need each other, especially in times like this. We had the parade and I think the Rose of Tralee is just testament to the community of Meelin, Nancy said. Meanwhile, across the Kerry border, Ballymacelligotts Laura Daly is hoping to continue a sensational summer in Kerry after the Kingdoms All-Ireland win. The 23-year-old lives and breathes the festival and danced a number of times as a young girl, but the opportunity to wear the sash was something she could not pass up. I would have grown up around the festival and danced in the festival as a little girl. I worked my way up volunteering with the festival once I got to college, and then I would have choreographed the parade, which itself is a full circle moment. Last year, I was offered to go to MTU and work as a production assistant, and I got to see the inner workings of the festival from many different angles. There was a little moment of madness last year when I thought I would love to be part of this, and I applied in January. To be up there last night knowing that I had my whole behind-the-scenes team looking up at me was absolutely incredible, she said. Laura is especially proud of representing a part of the festival that is often forgotten as its behind the scenes. It was a great moment to see them feel that they had somebody from their side of the fence up there and hopefully it created a bit of a bond between both sides of the festival because all the focus is on the Roses but there is a wonderful team behind the scenes that makes it what it is. There isnt one person behind the scenes whether it is the escorts, rose buds and buddies and the production team everybody goes out of their way to ensure that we have the most amazing experience Laura described her time of stage as magic, adding: I do feel that every girl had their own magic moment last night. My connection to the festival started when I danced in the parade, and to stand on the stage last night and dance was something special. If you told younger me that I would dance on the stage, it wouldnt cross my mind. The festival is so rooted into our culture in Kerry, not just Tralee, and to be able to say that I represented my county is special. Send us your Rose of Tralee 2025 photos A woman has pleaded guilty to burglary after taking a bottle of whiskey from a French Restaurant in Limerick. Judge Marie Keane sentenced Tracey OShea (37) of Thomond House, Thomond, Limerick, to three months, noting her horrendous record of 135 previous convictions. The court heard in evidence that Ms OShea entered The French Table, a restaurant on Steamboat Quay in the Docks in Limerick on August 13. She was brought before Tralee District Court the following day, August 14, where she pleaded guilty. Court presenter Sgt Stephen OBrien told the court that Ms OShea entered through an unlocked window. Finding the till locked, she checked some rucksacks and then took a bottle of whiskey from behind the bar. She was spotted not far from the scene afterwards, just before 8am, and charged with burglary. The court heard her 135 previous convictions include 74 for theft, three for possession of stolen property, one robbery, public order offences and quite a large number of traffic offences. Her most recent conviction was on May 20, 2025, where she was sentenced to four and six week concurrent sentences. Ms OShea was represented by solicitor Padraig OConnell, who said there was no loss involved and that Ms OShea had given an early plea and co-operated. He said there were serious background issues involved. There is clearly an issue here, said the judge. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme New petition calls for boycott of Mise Eire Festival, which is due to take place in Castlebar The controversial Mise Eire Festival is due to take place in Castlebar despite a fresh petition calling for its cancellation. Hundreds of artists, including Christy Moore and Kneecap, called for the gathering to be cancelled when it was originally scheduled for the Mayflower Community Centre in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim. After the venue cancelled its hosting of the festival, Mise Eire organiser Stephen Kerr announced that the festival would go ahead in Mayo. United Against Racism Mayo have alleged a hotel in Castlebar will be hosting the event and have urged staff to boycott the event to prevent it from proceeding. The group point out that many of the hotel workers are migrants. The Irish Independent has contacted the hotel for comment. Mise Eire have said that 750 tickets have been sold online for the festival and that it is taking place at a secret location outside Castlebar on Saturday, August 23. A change.org petition calling for the cancellation for the festival claims that up to 750 people are expected to travel to Castlebar for the event. Follow Independent Mayo on Facebook The petition, which has received over 1,700 verified signatures, claims that some residents have expressed concerns about how the event might affect Castlebars proud reputation as a welcoming place for tourists, business investors, shoppers and those who call it home. Mise Eire have described the festival as a family friendly celebration of our beautiful Ireland focusing on its rich cultural tapestry featuring live music, talks, workshops and Irish language classes. Pictured at the launch of ESBs new high power charging hub at Sligo Junction, Collooney are Niamh Nicell, Infrastructure Delivery Manager, ecars and Dermot Fallon, Owner, Sligo Junction A new high power charging hub has opened at Sligo Junction in Collooney and is being operated by ESB. Situated where the N4 meets the N17, the new location provides easy access and increased convenience for both drivers locally and those recharging on longer journeys. Key Features of the new ESB HPC Hub include: High power charging three 200kW high power chargers capable of delivering up to 100kw of charge in as little as six minutes; contactless payment and strategic location. ESB has now over 1,600 public charge points in place across the island of Ireland, providing a reliable network for EV drivers, and enabling drivers to transition to more sustainable transport in line with Irelands Climate Action Plan. ESB has over 50 strategically located High Power Charging Hubs, including the new site in Sligo, which all provide contactless payment options, making it easier for all EV drivers to charge on the go. Welcoming this announcement Head of eMobility at ESB, Francis ODonnell, said: This new hub in Sligo reflects our strategic commitment to expanding a high-performance charging network that meets the evolving needs of EV drivers across the island. Owner at Sligo Junction Collooney, Dermot Fallon, added: Were delighted to welcome the new ESB High Power charging hub to our site here in Collooney. It offers a convenient and reliable charging option for both local drivers and those travelling through the region. As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, were proud to support a more sustainable transport network and to contribute to Irelands clean energy future. Group pictured at the 'Walking Bat Observation Tour' as part of the Castletown River and Nature Festival 2023 at Lavender Farm. Pic: Jim Campbell Pictured during the Castletown River and Nature Festival 2023 on Clone Beach on Sunday were Aidan Lee, Cathy Lee, Sean Kenny, Jackie Byrne and Emma O'Shaughnessy. Pic: Jim Campbell Lilly, Lana, Vanessa and Layla Byrne were pictured at the 'Walking Bat Observation Tour' as part of the Castletown River and Nature Festival at Lavendar Farm in 2023. Pic: Jim Campbell The Boyle, Cloke and Phelan familes pictured at the Castletown River and Nature Festival on Clone Beach 2023. Pic: Jim Campbell The Castletown River and Nature Festival will take place over the weekend of August 23 and August 24 in Castletown as part of National Heritage Week. Organised by the Ahare River and Biodiversity Group, the group will be hosting two events including a drawing class Drawn to the Wild with Don Conroy in Castletown National School in Gorey on August 23. Pictured during the Castletown River and Nature Festival 2023 on Clone Beach on Sunday were Aidan Lee, Cathy Lee, Sean Kenny, Jackie Byrne and Emma O'Shaughnessy. Pic: Jim Campbell Cathy Lee of the Ahare River and Biodiversity Group said the weekend is gearing up for greatness with environmentalist and author Don Conroy in attendance to speak at the drawing event. Were so lucky to have the fabulous Don Conroy. Hes going to come in and give an art workshops for kids form seven up. She further spoke about his impact on children in Wexford over the years, as his attendance has created demand for the festival. We have some older children very interested as well, because theyve said to me: Oh I remember him from my childhood can I bring my niece or nephew too?. Hes inspired many generations of children and hes now coming to Wexford to inspire another, she added. Water Heritage Day will also be celebrated on Sunday, August 24, as families will gather on Clone Strand, Gorey. Activities on the day include a sand art competition, a nature treasure hunt and a lucky duck race. There will be lots of other fun games for the kids to enjoy on the beach. In addition to this, there will be an opportunity to meet and chat with people from organisations associated with water heritage including Seal Rescue Ireland, Inland Fisheries, Gorey Bat Group, to name a few. Castletown will also be joined by Little Warriors, a charity based in Arklow who attend events with their mobile sensory room, to create an inclusive space for neurodiverse visitors. We want to be more inclusive and provide backup for children who may need the support, Cathy said. Castletown River and Nature Festival is organised and supported by Wexford County Council and LAWPRO and The Heritage Council. Cathy thanked the Wexford County Council, LAWPRO and The Heritage Council for their support. She also praised the local community of Castletown. Group pictured at the 'Walking Bat Observation Tour' as part of the Castletown River and Nature Festival 2023 at Lavender Farm. Pic: Jim Campbell National Heritage Week is an initiative to bring people together to raise awareness of the value of heritage and to conserve it among communities. The Ahare River and Biodiversity Group hope to deliver a fun filled day out for the family to celebrate National Heritage Week and Water Heritage Day. Theres nothing nicer than getting out and celebrating our natural heritage. Joan Kavanagh surrounded by family and participants on the day of the sponsored walk. Chairman Chris Furlong and secretary Bridget Mythen accepting the cheque on behalf of the committee from Joan Kavanagh. A well-attended tractor and car run and sponsored walk raised over 5,000 for the upkeep of one of Wexfords historic sites. Earlier this month, a presentation took place at the Mise Eire monument in Oulart where a cheque was presented by Joan Kavanagh, on behalf of Joan and Friends, to the Committee of Oulart Hill Walking Hub. The money will be used in the upkeep of Oulart Hill Walking Trails and monuments, while improving the facilities for the locality. While all work conducted is voluntary, there is still the need for upkeep of machinery, fuel, signage, work on Hill Lane, and consumables like bags for the dog waste bins and more. Oulart Hill is the site of a major battle during the 1798 rebellion, known as the Battle of Oulart Hill. A victory for the United Irishmen rebels, it played a crucial role in igniting the rebellion around Wexford. A popular monument on the hill is the Tulach a tSolais which commemorates the bicentenary of the rebellion and is the product of dynamic collaboration between the sculpture Micheal Warren and Dr. Ronald Tallon. It can be found on the scenic walking trails on the hill. The committee are extremely grateful to Joan Kavanagh who has been raising essential funds for many charitable and voluntary organisations for a long time. "We owe a huge gratitude to Joan, without whom this would not have been possible, said committee secretary Bridget Mythen. Joan first started raising money for charity 19 years ago when in 2006 Joan and Friends raised 6,000 for Childline. The following year in 2017 they raised 9,500 for Crumlin Hospital where Joans lovely granddaughter Alicia was a patient and who sadly passed away at the age of nine. Every year since, apart from a couple of years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she has raised large amounts of money for different charities including; Temple Street Hospital, St Lukes Hospital, Breast Cancer, Futures in Mind, formerly Talk to Tom, as well as charities helping those touched by suicide, diabetes, autistic children. She has also helped her locality by raising money for Oulart Church, The Ballagh Church, and many more. Bridget added that the historical site and the walking trails are incredibly popular and close to the hearts of the local residents. "So, once again, a huge thank you to Joan and friends and to everyone who donated or took part on the day, Bridget added. IDA visits to Wexford over 9-year period is criticised There is no ambition Between 2015 and 2024, the IDA made 41 site visits to Wexford with companies looking to locate in Ireland, which was onsiderably less than Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow BNY Mellon announced the closure of their Wexford office in January with the loss of nearly 300 jobs. Pic: Jim Campbell. Cillian Boggan Wexford People Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 09:00 Over a 9-year period between 2015 and 2024, the IDA, the semi-state body tasked with attracting foreign direct investment, made only 41 site visits to Wexford with companies looking to locate an office in Ireland. In the same period, the IDA visited Carlow 54 times, Kilkenny 79 times and Waterford 160 times. A new audio story as Gaeilge will be launched in Wexford libraries across the county. The creative work of Wexford primary school children throughout the summer is to be launched in the form of an audio story featuring their favourite cupla focal as Gaeilge. This summer was captured in a new audio story with key Irish words frequently used by the children such as uachtar reoite (ice cream), feileacan (butterfly), beacha ag buzzail (buzzing bees), and the story follows Aine, Tedi and Mamai going on a trip to their local beach. But its no ordinary day for a friend they meet along the way. The bilingual piece, La ar an Tra, is a celebration of language and creativity which is part of a wider Irish language project, Eist, that has been running throughout the summer across Wexford libraries. The children that participated in the production by Rose Producing were busy during the summer as they attended various storytelling workshops with writer, Alison Ni Mhairtin. During the sessions, the brainstorming process took place through a combination of drama, audio, writing and drawing activities; looking at the beautiful selection of Irish language books that the library has to offer along the way. All the children were so inspiring, said Alison, who lives in Wexford town. There were some popular words used by the children, especially uachtar reoite (ice cream) because the weather has been so hot this year. And like any good ice-cream, everyone chipped in with their own sprinkles of imagination. There were plenty of swirls along the way too, Alison added. The children who took part in the workshops were captivated by the music of the language and so there is a strong emphasis on the rhyme, rhythm and ceol of Gaeilge throughout, Alison said. Miriam Needham brings the characters to life with her acting skills, under the direction of Heather Rose and sounds provided by Jonas Dellow. Given its development during festival season, it was fitting that there were colourful tents erected in the libraries throughout the project that created a welcoming space for children to join in, while offering the opportunity to hear other audio stories. Although aimed at an audience of children over the age of five, the story is suitable for all ages. To mark the official launch of the story, Scealta & Sound workshops will be held with plenty more fun and activities on offer. The workshops will take place on Saturday, August 23 in Wexford Library; Monday, August 25 in Bunclody Library, and Tuesday, August 26 in New Ross Library, with all events commencing at 11 a.m. La ar an Tra is funded by Wexford County Council through the Creative Ireland Programme. Eist is one of six Irish language projects funded by Wexford's Creative Ireland programme in 2025 that promotes the love and use of Irish across the county. Further information about the project can be obtained from Roseproducing.com and you can hear the story by visiting superpaua.podbean.com/e/la-ar-an-tra. National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has begun construction to deliver high-speed broadband to almost 2,200 Wicklow homes, farms and businesses in the Coolkenno and Hollyfort deployment area, which includes the rural townlands of Tinahely, Carnew and Coolkenno. With survey and design phases now complete, high-speed fibre cabling is now being installed for 1,189 Wicklow premises in the Coolkenno deployment area and 963 premises in the Hollyfort deployment area, with connections to services expected to be available by the end of next year. Works have already been completed in other parts of Wicklow, including the rural surrounds of Baltinglass and Aughrim, with 12,896 premises now able to order or pre-order high-speed, reliable broadband, and 4,758 premises already connected to the network. Some 16,000 Wicklow premises are included in the states intervention area, which will see NBI deliver minimum speeds of 500 megabits per second to homes, businesses, farms, and schools. As the largest investment in rural Ireland since rural electrification, Wicklow will receive 59 million in government investment under the National Broadband Plan. NBI is encouraging residents to check if their premises are ready to connect at nbi.ie/map. Chief executive officer at NBI, TJ Malone, said: Our teams are making excellent progress in Wicklow and were pleased to see fibre build works underway in the Coolkenno and Hollyfort deployment areas. Our overarching goal is to improve digital connectivity across the country. With a minimum internet speed of 500 megabytes per second, this new Fibre-to-the-Home network will play a pivotal role in sustaining local businesses and communities. A celebration of the life of one of Greystones communitys beautiful souls, Jay Kenna, is to take place on Wednesday, August 20. Jason (Jay) Kenna (50) had been missing from Greystones, since Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The appeal for information was stood down by gardai on Sunday, August 17, following the discovery of a body in south Dublin. Jay, of Blacklion, Greystones, formerly of Kennington Road, Templeogue, Dublin, is the beloved son of the late Tommy and Shelagh Kenna. He will be remembered with love by his family, wife Suzie Small, his adored daughters Zoe, Kim, Alice and Rose, siblings Karl, Don (Jondy) and Dara, parents-in-law Paul and Mary Small, aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, neighbours, colleagues and his large circle of friends. A ceremony to celebrate Jays life will take place on Wednesday, August 20, at 3pm in The Glenview Suite, The Glenview Hotel, Glen of the Downs, County Wicklow followed by a private cremation. People who knew Jay professionally were among those who paid tribute, as he was remembered as "an expert in his field and a pleasure to deal with. As a talented graphic designer, Jay brought his unique blend of creativity, attention to detail, to every project he touched. Jay's dedication to his craft and his passion for delivering exceptional results inspired us all. His legacy will live on through the countless designs he created and the memories we shared with him, wrote some of his colleagues, as they were reminded of his bright smile, and his infectious sense of humour. A local business in Greystones also left condolences to such a lovely lovely guy, while he was highly regarded among his friends as a kind and sensitive soul, someone who always had time for everyone, a real gentleman. "He was the funniest most chill guy you could meet, wrote a friend of 30 years. And that never changed. Every time I saw him throughout the years he had that same cheeky smile. He was always a pleasure to be around. "Jay was a great mate to have, met him in school, another long-standing friend said. We had a lot of great times in our teenage years, noisy, fast music and a lot of laughs. I'll miss him but he'll always be remembered. Local Enterprise Offices across the country will be working with clients to navigate the new customs agreement and pricing strategies following the tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump. Photo: Getty. The Local Enterprise Office Wicklow is urging businesses in the area to take action after the new EU-US tariff agreement that came into effect on August 1. A 15pc tariff has been introduced on most EU exports to the US, replacing the previously proposed 30pc levy and providing greater clarity for exporters. However, there is still a lack of clarity on the impact that this will have on businesses and specific sectors. Local Enterprise Office Wicklow is encouraging any local businesses that may be affected to contact them for guidance, with a range of supports on offer, including access to export consultants and customs training, which can help businesses understand and enhance their skills where necessary. Head of enterprise for the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow Vibeke Delahunt said: This new agreement provides businesses with a starting point and some stability in their decision-making. There is still a lot to be worked out about how this will impact certain sectors but planning can begin. Local Enterprise Office Wicklow can help businesses map out a plan for the next six months and beyond to help the business minimise the impact of these new tariffs and explore potential new markets. Chief executive of Wicklow County Council Emer OGorman stated: Local businesses face numerous challenges, and the threat of US tariffs has been one of them. With the announcement of the new EU-US tariff agreement, I would like to remind local businesses throughout County Wicklow that the Local Enterprise Office based in Rathnew offers a range of supports, including access to customs consultant clinics. Local Enterprise Wicklow is also launching a new export development programme this September. This high-impact, six-week programme is designed for ambitious Wicklow-based businesses looking to scale through exporting. Through a mix of practical workshops, one-to-one mentoring, expert market research, and tailored support, participants will leave with a fully developed, actionable export action plan. Expressions of interest are currently underway and the programme is due to start on September 31, and is aimed at businesses trading for over two years, involved in manufacturing or providing a tradeable service with international potential. It costs 200 to participate and you can reserve your place by visiting the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow website. Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Melanie Corrigan, added: The Local Enterprise Office is here to assist businesses, and I encourage all business owners affected by the tariffs to make contact with them and avail of their support, as they conduct export development programs to explore new markets. A young Dublin man has spoken about his journey through addiction to entrepreneurship, that was inspired by his daughters struggles. Now his business helps many families with children going through the same thing I met Sean Fox in court. His past, which he never hides, was coming back to bite him. But this story is not about a man down on his luck. This is a story of transformation. How a young man overcame addiction to found a company with his girlfriend, that helped their daughters severe eczema. And he did this while dealing with homelessness. Sean (26), a reformed addict turned businessman, and his girlfriend Clodagh Kelly (24), a native of Ballywaltrim, Co. Wicklow, began their journey into running a business while living in emergency accommodation. Their business, Goosey Goo, makes affordable hypoallergenic baby clothing, and was inspired by their daughter Eabha (2). While the success of this family-run business marks a major milestone in Sean turning his life around, it has been a long road to reach this tipping point. A troubled start in Finglas Originally from Finglas Co. Dublin, Sean was a self-described nerdy kid, who had a tough time at school due to his undiagnosed ADHD and constant bullying. This led Sean on a path of looking to the streets for guidance and set him up for a life of drugs, alcohol and addiction. At 17, Sean had fell headfirst into addiction. I started getting involved with the things that come along with that life and getting involved with things I shouldnt have, said Sean. His addiction to cocaine would leave him in and out of stable employment and put in his life in turmoil for years. His late father also struggled with addiction which left him in and out of Seans life during his formative years. Nothing could have stopped me going down the path I went down, said Sean, three years on from the start of his journey into sobriety. He added: It was my right of passage for me to break the generational curse that was on me and my father. While in recovery his old life has come back to haunt him, with Sean ending up in Wicklow District Court on matters that occurred prior to him changing his life around, several times. Sean Fox and partner Clodagh with baby Eabha. Photo: Goosey Goo Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th I had done so much work to turn my life around, but my past came back to bite me. I was living in madness during the addiction, I didnt care if I died, Sean added. I was always speeding, and I deeply regret it because I was putting other people lives in danger. Sean does not shy away from the role he played in his downfall, or the consequences that came with it. I think the system dealt with me as appropriately as they could. People should pay consequences for their actions. Everyone deserve the right to turn their life around and seek redemption. I was lucky enough to meet my partner Clodagh; she believed in me. She has also seen me at my worst. Meeting Clodagh and a fresh start His relationship with Clodagh has allowed Sean to create a beautiful and happy life for Clodagh and my daughter. When Clodagh and Sean moved to Bray in 2022, shortly after the death of his father, it gave him a new beginning and it played a pivotal role in him getting sober. Bray gave me somewhere to get away from the madness, he said. It was the perfect place to start a new life with Clodagh and Eabha. Bray gave me somewhere to get away from the madness However, this new life began to unravel when a routine dental appointment diagnosed Sean with oral cancer. The cancer turned out to be benign upon further inspection, but before that discovery was made, Sean was sacked from his job. I was told to leave and they needed to hire someone reliable, Sean said. I was heartbroken, this was my dream job just snatched away from me. Unemployment was the first of many problems that led to Sean and Clodagh becoming another statistic among Irelands growing homeless population. Sean is the oldest of five children and comes from the humble origins of a three-bedroom house in Finglas, a house that was already full when Clodagh and Eabha moved in. There was so little room that when the threesome first went to stay with Seans mother in the old family home, he and Clodagh had to sleep in his car. Eabha's eczema sparks business idea From two months old Eabha had severe eczema, including open wounds. When Sean was employed and Clodagh was on paid maternity leave, they could afford the hypoallergenic clothes needed to manage Eabhas condition. It costs on average of 600 euro every time a child goes up a size and, once we were made homeless, I couldnt afford it and there were no cheaper alternatives, said Sean. Clodagh Kelly and baby Eabha. The business has been in the works since May 2024, the logistics of trying to start a babywear business from the inside of homeless accommodation proving difficult. We spent months researching, endless nights of hard work and learning, Sean said. We saved 50 a week from our combined social welfare payments, and I was pushing the business and the concept on LinkedIn and someone from the UAE reached out and donated 4,500. We launched from that day. Goosey Goo used social media as a vital part of their arsenal, using it to help promote their products. On the first day of trading they received more than 30 pre-orders. I dont think the addiction had ever left, I think it had just shifted from something bad to something good, said Sean of how it felt to see those orders coming in. 12,000 in sales and growing Goosey Goo has earned 12,000 in sales since they began trading in April 2025. Sean and Clodagh are looking for grants to help scale Goosey Goo grow further, but Enterprise Irelands business grant is not available until after 18 months of trading or 30,000 in sales. When talking about the success that Goosey Goo has been for the young couple, Sean said: I am still so ashamed of my past and all the people I hurt along the way. Im so thankful for the community has that got behind us, that includes Bray and Finglas and all around the country. Sean hopes for the business to provide a secure income for himself and Clodagh. His goals for Goosey Goo are to grow and help parents with children with complex skin needs and give them an affordable option, and give back to the homeless community and finally make a social impact. A story of hope and transformation Sean and Clodaghs journey shows that resilience and determination can turn even the most challenging circumstances into opportunity. From navigating homelessness to building a business that helps families like their own, their story is a testament to the power of change, hard work and hope. As Goosey Goo continues to grow it not only provides essential support for children with complex skin conditions, but also inspires others facing adversity, proving that even in the darkest moments, a brighter future is possible. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme Catherine O'Brien and Colleen Prendiville at the Fundraiser for Gaza by Blessington Welcomes. Photo: Barry Hamilton Maedhbh McDonald and Kit Gilenan at the Fundraiser for Gaza by Blessington Welcomes. Photo: Barry Hamilton John Keogh, Margaret Keogh, Maura Robinson, Ann Creighton and Liam Creighton at the Fundraiser for Gaza by Blessington Welcomes. Photo: Barry Hamilton Martin Cahill and Alan Lennon at the Fundraiser for Gaza by Blessington Welcomes. Photo: Barry Hamilton Zina at the Fundraiser for Gaza by Blessington Welcomes. Photo: Barry Hamilton Peggy Curran, Jane Auld, Phyl Kelleher, Kale McGreal and Jim Kelleher at the Fundraiser for Gaza by Blessington Welcomes. Photo: Barry Hamilton Market Square was a hive of activity on Sunday as Blessington Welcomes hosted a fundraiser and awareness day over the conflict in Gaza. The day featured an uplifting programme of activities that brought together people of all ages. Local music group Noinini and special guests provided traditional Irish music, while families enjoyed a bustling cake sale, a raffle kindly supported by local businesses, a creative drop-in and draw sessions, and face-painting for the children. The event successfully raised over 3,000 in donations for UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency), which provides essential humanitarian assistance and development programmes for Palestine refugees across the Middle East, including emergency food aid, healthcare, education, and shelter support. A particularly touching highlight of the event was the participation of new Palestinian residents in the Blessington area, who generously contributed traditional Palestinian desserts to the cake sale. Blessington Welcomes formed in 2023 and member Maedhbh McDonald said: Seeing our new residents sharing their cultural heritage through food while being embraced so warmly by their neighbours was truly moving. "It perfectly captured what our group is all about - creating connections and showing that Blessington is a place where everyone belongs." Welsh actor Michael Sheen has said he is worried about how tough it has become for young people who are getting into acting. At the Edinburgh TV Festival, in conversation with TV producer and chief executive of Bad Wolf, Jane Tranter, he spoke about what it was like to attend youth theatre in Port Talbot and said a lot of the opportunities he had as a young person have gone. He said: It is quite scary. I look back on my pathway of coming through, starting with a supportive family, coming from an area, you know it was old steel town and, sort of tough place to grow up in, not the sort of place youd expect actors to come from but because we had Richard Burton that came from there and Anthony Hopkins I again, one of the things Ive realised as time has gone on is how important it is to see where you come from, represented on the world stage, and to know that its possible. Michael Sheen has launched a theatre company called Welsh National Theatre (Ian West/PA) I never questioned whether you could be successful as an actor, because Burton and Hopkins were and they came from this town. He said: It does worry me that, for young people who might want to get into this, if you are relying on the bank of mum and dad or its really tough to even just to go and move to London, or move to wherever these places are. Thats why its so important to get stuff out of London and around the country. Earlier in the year, Sheen launched a theatre company called Welsh National Theatre, which is envisioned as separate from but complementary to Theatr Cymru, which was established in 2003 as the Welsh language national company. National Theatre Wales closed its doors in its current form as a theatre company in December 2024, after funding was withdrawn in 2023. On TV, Sheen has starred in series including US period drama Masters Of Sex, sitcom 30 Rock, and fantasy show Good Omens, alongside David Tennant. He has portrayed a number of real-life public figures including former prime minister Sir Tony Blair in 2006 film The Queen, journalist David Frost in 2008s Frost/Nixon, and the Duke of York in Prime Video mini-series A Very Royal Scandal. On stage he has played Welsh Labour Party politician Aneurin Nye Bevan in the show Nye, which recently finished at the National Theatre. The latest group of contestants for The Great British Bake Off (Channel 4/PA) A roller skating drag king and a bridal designer are among those competing on this years series of The Great British Bake Off. Twelve bakers, including two hairdressers and a creative entrepreneur, have been announced for series 16 ahead of the return of the baking contest on Channel 4. Drag king and service designer Jessika, who was raised in Cornwall, said she was alone at her friends house when she got the call to be in the show. The 32-year-old said: Seeing the big white tent for the first time was so weird. Ive watched the show for years, and entertained the idea that, potentially, maybe, one day, this girl could quite possibly bake up a storm for the judges. But it didnt really hit me until I was standing at my workstation, apron on, looking around at the other bakers and thinking, Welp, girl, you made it!' Born in Hong Kong and now living in Essex with her husband and two children is bridal designer Pui Man who rediscovered baking during the Covid-19 lockdown. The 51-year-old said she was extremely excited but also extremely nervous about going into the tent. The youngest contestant this year is 23-year-old Edinburgh-born Jasmine, who is living in London while she completes her medical degree. The student, who learnt the basics of bread and cakes through her mother and aunts, said she likes using classic flavours and techniques to produce delicious bakes. Belfast-based Iain, who is a former amateur powerlifter, mixes his love of live music with sourdough, immortalising album cover art on the crusts of his loaves. The 29-year-old software engineer said: When I got the call to confirm my place I was in sheer disbelief, I had no idea it would actually happen. I thought it was a prank at first, I got a call a few minutes after being told and I thought they were going to tell me they made a mistake and I wasnt actually on the show! Ukraine-born Nataliia, who moved to the UK just before the war broke out with Russia, is an office assistant who follows traditional recipes that have been handed down through the generations. The east Yorkshire based baker, 32, said: My husband secretly sent off my application without telling me, and when he told me that the Bake Off team wanted to speak to me, I was to put it mildly shocked. We were at home, and it was the most unexpected phone call. Noel Fielding, Prue Leith, Alison Hammond, and Paul Hollywood will return as judges and presenters for The Great British Bake Off (Channel 4/PA) Business development executive Toby grew up in the seaside town of Sidmouth and now lives with his girlfriend Syd in Warwickshire with their rescue dog Bex. The 29-year-old said it was surreal to meet hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding and added: They were honestly just so friendly and we had a hug and introduced ourselves. I do remember I felt an overwhelming need to be interesting whether I was successful or not, Im not sure I want to know. Also competing are two hairdressers, 59-year-old Lesley, who lives with her partner Mark and two dogs in Kent, and Nadia, 41, from Liverpool, who blends Indian and Italian flavours with Scouse influence. The line-up is completed by senior systems architect Aaron, creative entrepreneur Tom, Welsh software delivery manager Leighton, and analytical research and development scientist Hassan from south Yorkshire. The Great British Bake Off will begin on Tuesday September 2 at 8pm on Channel 4. The country will be graced with a pleasant day as sunny spells are expected in most places with limited rainfall and above normal temperatures for this time of year. Focus on security guarantees as Ukraine summit leaves path to peace unclear Ukraine and its European allies have been buoyed by Donald Trump's promise of security guarantees for Kyiv to help end the war in Ukraine but face many unanswered questions, including how willing Russia will be to play ball. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed Monday's extraordinary summit at the White House with the U.S. president as a "major step forward" towards ending Europe's deadliest conflict in 80 years and towards setting up a trilateral meeting with Russia's Vladimir Putin and Trump in the coming weeks. Zelenskiy was flanked by the leaders of allies including Germany, France and Britain at the summit and his warm rapport with Trump contrasted sharply with their disastrous Oval Office meeting in February. But beyond the optics, the path to peace remains deeply uncertain and Zelenskiy may be forced to make painful compromises to end the war, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and which analysts say has killed or wounded more than 1 million people. While the Washington talks allowed for a temporary sense of relief in Kyiv, there was no let-up in the fighting. Russia launched 270 drones and 10 missiles in an overnight attack on Ukraine, the Ukrainian air force said, the largest this month. The energy ministry said Russia had targeted energy facilities in the central Poltava region, home to Ukraine's only oil refinery, causing big fires. "The good news is that there was no blow-up (at the White House). Trump didn't demand Ukrainian capitulation nor cut off support. The mood music was positive and the trans-Atlantic alliance lives on," John Foreman, a former British defence attache to Kyiv and Moscow, told Reuters. "On the downside, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the nature of security guarantees and what exactly the U.S. has in mind." Ukraine's allies were to hold talks in the so-called "Coalition of the Willing" format on Tuesday to discuss the way forward. NATO chiefs of defence will also discuss security guarantees for Ukraine on Tuesday, a source close to the matter said, without mentioning further details. Zelenskiy said on Tuesday his officials were working on the content of the security guarantees. Russia has made no explicit commitment to a meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow did not reject any formats for discussing the peace process in Ukraine but any meeting of national leaders "must be prepared with utmost thoroughness". It doesnt smell like peace yet. I think Putin will not go for it, he is not that kind of person," said a 63-year-old resident of Kyiv, Oksana Melnyk. "I really wanted it all to end peacefully, but, unfortunately, a lot of our people died and it is very bitter. Red lines Putin has warned that Russia will not tolerate troops from the NATO alliance on Ukrainian soil. He has also shown no sign of backing down from demands for territory, including land not under Russia's military control, following his summit talks with Trump last Friday in Alaska. Trump has not specified what form U.S. security guarantees could take, and backed away from insisting that Russia agree to a ceasefire before any peace negotiations kick off in earnest. Neil Melvin, director, International Security at the Royal United Services Institute think tank, said Russia could drag out the war while trying to deflect U.S. pressure with a protracted peace negotiation. "I think behind this there's a struggle going on between Ukraine and the Europeans on one side, and the Russians on the other, not to present themselves to Trump as the obstacle to his peace process." "They're all tiptoeing around Trump" to avoid any blame, he said, adding that on security guarantees, "the problem is that what Trump has said is so vague it's very hard to take it seriously". The last direct talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Turkey in July but not at head of state level. Putin also declined Zelenskiy's public invitation to meet him face-to-face in May. Jaroslava Barbieri, a research fellow for the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House, said the European leaders and Zelenskiy did a "quite a good job in trying to keep the U.S. on board", using a choreographed "flurry of thank yous" to keep Trump engaged. She said the European leaders' and Zelenskiy's message to Trump was to be "cautious about whatever the Kremlin supposedly promises you, because ... whatever promises they give, it's not worth the paper they're written on". Orysia Lutsevych, a research fellow at Chatham House, said the worst case scenario "of Trump selling Ukraine out to Putin was avoided" at Monday's talks, but she added: "A bilateral with Putin is dangerous for Zelenskiy. Even if it happens, which is highly unlikely, Putin will blame him for obstructing peace, being unreasonable. In such a case, the question is: who Donald Trump will trust and blame for his failed peacemaking efforts." Europe For all the fuss and posturing at the White House, no progress was made on the Ukraine war Israels former head of military intelligence for the Israel Defence Force (IDF) called the deaths of 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza necessary and required for future generations in leaked audio. Aharon Haliva can be heard in newly released audio clips saying that, for every person who died during October 7, 50 Palestinians must die, even if they are children. The audio clips were aired by Israeli broadcaster Channel 12. I will not enlist in an army that is committing genocide: Israeli teens refusing Benjamin Netanyahus war As Israel plans to expand its offensive in Gaza, a growing number of young people are choosing jail terms over military conscription A group of Israeli teenagers burn their draft slips. Photo: Andrey X/@the_andrey_x Bel Trew UK Independent Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 06:30 Yona (19), an Israeli activist, burned her military conscription papers knowing she would be immediately sentenced to jail. She is blunt in her reasoning for doing so. Thousands of Palestinians flee Gaza City ahead of new IDF offensive Israels plan has stoked fears and led to fresh calls for a ceasefire A Palestinian man carries the body of his seven-year-old nephew, Alaa Al-Toum, who, according to the family, was killed in an Israeli army airstrike, during his funeral at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshraf Nidal Al-Mughrabi Reuters Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 06:30 Fearing an imminent Israeli ground offensive, thousands of Palestinians have left their homes in eastern areas of Gaza City, now under constant Israeli bombardment, for points to the west and south in the shattered territory. Donald Trump targets mail ballots and voting machines ahead of next years mid-term election Move will favour Republican voters who are more likely to vote in person Officers watch as activists march to the White House to protest over Donald Trump's federal takeover of policing of the District of Columbia. Photo: PA Jarrett Renshaw and Susan Heavey Reuters Tue 19 Aug 2025 at 06:30 US president Donald Trump pledged yesterday to issue an executive order to end the use of mail-in ballots and voting machines ahead of the 2026 mid-term elections, a move likely to disproportionately favour his Republican Party and spark legal challenges by some states. Lotto result today, August 19, 2025 OUT: The Lotto result today from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) daily draw is now available. Every day, thousands of players wait for the official announcement of the winning numbers, hoping to hit the jackpot. The PCSO conducts multiple lotto draws, including 6/42 Lotto, 6/45 Mega Lotto, 6/49 Super Lotto, 6/55 Grand Lotto, and 6/58 Ultra Lotto, alongside digit games such as 2D, 3D, and 4D. Also Read: Gamescom Opening Night Live 2025 These results are verified and updated in real time. Apart from the excitement of winning, lotto plays a major role in funding health and charity programs in the Philippines. Lotto result today PCSO official daily draw summary The official PCSO lotto result today covers all major and minor draws. 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You can confirm todays lotto results in several reliable ways: Visit the official PCSO website or trusted result portals Watch live draws on official PCSO TV channels or livestreams Check PCSO social media updates for real-time results Verify results at authorised PCSO lotto outlets PCSO lotto draw schedule, August 19, 2025 The PCSO conducts multiple draws daily to keep players engaged: 2:00 PM Afternoon draw 5:00 PM Evening draw 9:00 PM Prime-time draw Special games like 6/55 Grand Lotto and 6/58 Ultra Lotto are scheduled on select days of the week, while 2D and 3D Lotto run more frequently. FAQs Q1. Where can I check the Lotto result today, August 19, 2025? Answer: You can check the official Lotto result today on the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) website, trusted lotto result portals, live TV broadcasts, PCSOs verified social media pages, or by visiting authorised PCSO outlets. Q2. What games are included in the PCSO daily lotto draws? Answer: The PCSO lotto draws include 6/42 Lotto, 6/45 Mega Lotto, 6/49 Super Lotto, 6/55 Grand Lotto, 6/58 Ultra Lotto, 6D Lotto, 4D Lotto, 2D Lotto, 3D Lotto, and STL (Small Town Lottery) results. Q3. At what time are the PCSO lotto results announced? Answer: The PCSO lotto results are released daily at 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM. Major jackpot games like 6/55 Grand Lotto and 6/58 Ultra Lotto are drawn on specific scheduled days at 9:00 PM. Q4. How are the PCSO lotto results verified? Answer: All lotto results are verified through live televised PCSO draws to ensure transparency. After the draw, results are updated in real time on the official PCSO website and authorised result portals. Q5. Why is playing lotto important for PCSO? Answer: Lotto not only offers players a chance to win millions but also helps fund vital PCSO programs, including healthcare, medical assistance, and charity projects that support communities across the Philippines. Disclaimer: The above mentioned data is based on information available from official online sources. We do not endorse or promote any lottery or Teer games. Please play responsibly and verify results through official channels. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Just when Colorado residents were still reeling from viral photos of rabbits sporting black horn-like growths, a new creepy critter has entered the chat squirrels with bulging, hairless tumours that make them look straight out of a zombie flick. Sightings have popped up in states like Maine and even across Canada, with locals branding the creatures zombie squirrels. After tentacle rabbits the rise of zombie squirrels go viral | Credit: X/wienerdogwifi Strange rabbits with tentacles in Colorado spark social media buzz (Credits: X/@PeacefulxCanvas) What is really happening to these squirrels? Experts have explained that the disturbing growths are likely a result of a condition called squirrel fibromatosis, a poxvirus in the same family as the infamous myxoma virus that wreaks havoc on rabbits. Some have speculated about squirrelpox, a virus more commonly associated with British red squirrel declines, but that option seems less likely in the U.S. After tentacle rabbits the rise of zombie squirrels go viral | Credit: X/wienerdogwifi Despite the nightmare aesthetics, fibromatosis is not the squirrel apocalypse. The disease is common, usually non-lethal, and the tumours typically shrink on their own after a few weeks or months. It spreads through close squirrel-to-squirrel contact, shared feeding spots, and insects like fleas and mosquitoes. Strange rabbits with tentacles in Colorado spark social media buzz (Credits: X/@PeacefulxCanvas) Wildlife officials say do not panic Shevenell Webb of Maines Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has reassured residents that zombie squirrels are scarier to look at than to live around. Neither fibromatosis nor squirrelpox pose risks to humans, pets, or birds. The best advice, Webb said, is to simply leave the squirrels alone and let nature take its course. We had rabbits growing spikes last week and we have Zombie Squirrels this week. Leporipoxvirus is what its called. pic.twitter.com/K4lv7R4bAW The Facts Dude (@The_Facts_Dude) August 18, 2025 Rabbit tentacle horror show The rise of zombie squirrels comes hot on the heels of viral rabbit sightings in Colorado that looked like something from a horror B-movie. Locals reported rabbits with black tentacle-like growths sprouting from their faces, sparking online comparisons to aliens and Frankenstein bunnies. Wildlife officials confirmed those rabbits are suffering from Shope papillomavirus (SPV), a rabbit-only infection that causes wart-like tumours around the face and head. Much like fibromatosis, it is spread by biting insects, cannot infect humans or pets, and usually does not harm the rabbit unless it interferes with eating or vision. Nature is out-creeping the internet Between tentacle bunnies and tumour-ridden squirrels, it feels like North America is in its very own low-budget horror trilogy. The reality, though, is that these viral animal oddities are age-old wildlife diseases, not signs of an impending zombie apocalypse. Still, try explaining that to TikTok. Air Canadas cabin crew have extended their strike into a fourth day, ignoring a federal labour board order to return to work. The decision has left around 500,000 passengers stranded worldwide and created a three-way standoff between the airline, workers, and the government. Union defies tribunal order The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents roughly 10,000 flight attendants, announced it would continue strike action until the airline addresses long-standing demands for wage increases and pay for unpaid ground duties, such as boarding. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) earlier declared the strike unlawful, but CUPE has said members are prepared to face fines or jail. Union president Mark Hancock said, If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it. Ongoing talks and mediation pressure CUPE confirmed it met with Air Canada representatives and mediator William Kaplan in Toronto, though the strike continues. A government source suggested mediation might only move forward if crews first return to work. Employment Minister Patty Hajdu urged both sides to engage in mediation and also promised an investigation into allegations of unpaid ground work, a core issue for flight attendants. This is HUGE: The Air Canada CEO just admitted on TV that he had no plan except for his SECRET BACKROOM DEAL WITH CARNEY to bust the strike using Section 107 He and Carney assumed workers would roll over They assumed wrong pic.twitter.com/v3iI9MFmvu Christo Aivalis (@christoaivalis) August 18, 2025 Airline offer vs union demands Air Canada CEO defended the airlines proposal of a 38% increase in total compensation, telling Reuters there is still a big gap with union expectations. CUPE maintains the proposal would only raise base wages by 17.2% over four years. Last week, Air Canada detailed that by 2027, a senior flight attendant would earn about CAN$87,000 annually. The union has rejected the offer as inadequate. Impact on passengers The strike has severely disrupted travel during the peak summer season. Air Canada, Canadas largest airline, normally carries 130,000 passengers daily as part of the Star Alliance network. Retiree Klaus Hickman, who rebooked on another airline after missing a flight, said he sympathised with the workers but worried about reaching Germany on time for health reasons. Others, like James Numfor from Regina, have been stranded in airports. Numfor, returning from Cameroon for a family funeral, said his family has been sleeping in Torontos airport after the airline covered just one night in a hotel. Wider labour reactions Other unions have rallied behind CUPE. The Canadian Labour Congress, representing 3 million workers, said it is prepared to offer legal and financial support. All cards are on the table in terms of what unions are prepared to do, said president Bea Bruske. The Air Line Pilots Association also voiced solidarity, encouraging pilots to join picket lines in their free time. Government response Prime Minister Mark Carney described the breakdown in negotiations as disappointing, noting that eight months of talks had failed to resolve key issues. He acknowledged the vital role of flight attendants but pointed to the uncertainty facing hundreds of thousands of travelers. The government has limited options, including court enforcement of the tribunals order or passing back-to-work legislation when Parliament resumes on September 15. Flight attendants on the line in Winnipeg. They have been joined by Westjet workers. Unpaid work has got to go!#aircanadastrike #UnpaidWorkWontFly pic.twitter.com/8SwO7UIZzC socialist.ca (@socialist_ca) August 18, 2025 Employers concerns The strike has also drawn criticism from employer groups. Daniel Safayeni, president of Federally Regulated Employers - Transportation and Communications (Fetco), said defying the order undermines the countrys labour system. That is not labour relations, its a reckless path that erodes trust in the system, weakens our global reputation, and undermines economic stability, he said. Standoff continues With mediation uncertain, government pressure increasing, and unions refusing to back down, Air Canadas labour dispute has become a test case for organized labour in the country. For now, passengers remain stranded, and the strike continues without resolution. Forget swilling Bordeaux or sniffing a Chablis, the UK now has a restaurant where the fanciest flex on the table could be sparkling Portuguese mineral water. La Popote, a chic French-style eatery in Cheshire, has become the first in Britain to roll out a full-on water menu. Yes, diners can now browse their choice of seven premium bottled waters, plus tap water, like it is the new champagne. British restaurant just launched the UKs first water menu | Credit: Instagram/Doran Binder The water sommelier who made it happen This liquid revolution is thanks to water sommelier Doran Binder, the man behind Crag Spring Water. Binder convinced La Popotes chef-owner Joseph Rawlins and his partner Gaelle Radigon to treat water with the same reverence as wine. Rawlins once dismissed the idea as ridiculous, but after a tasting at Binders Peak District water bar, he was floored. The couple quickly realised that water could totally change a dining experience. RESTAURANT SERVES WATER LIKE ITS LIQUID GOLD - $24 PER BOTTLE A fancy UK spot is offering a water-only menu where the sparkliest bottle costs 19. The water sommelier says water isnt just water - and apparently it tastes better when its from Portugal and costs more than pic.twitter.com/Wv04cOfga4 Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 18, 2025 Pairing Parma ham with a salty French sip The menu spans Europe, from Italian Lauretana sparkling water with a feather-light 14 TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) to the mineral-packed Vichy Celestins from France, clocking in at a bold 3,300 TDS. Rawlins explained that the French water tastes salty at first, but when paired with Parma ham, the saltiness disappears, leaving the flavour of the meat lingering longer. Basically, it is a bougie science experiment for your taste buds. British restaurant just launched the UKs first water menu | Credit: X/lawsyboy Move over merlot, pass the vidago Prices range from 5 for a large Crag Spring bottle to 19 for The Palace of Vidago, a sparkling Portuguese water. And no, it is not served ice cold like supermarket bottled water. Rawlins insists that water, like wine, loses its character if chilled too much. Diners are encouraged to sip it at room temperature with a slice of lemon, classy, right? British restaurant just launched the UKs first water menu | Credit: X/lawsyboy Why now? The sober-curious shift With fewer people drinking alcohol (Gallup reports American alcohol consumption dropped from 67% in 2022 to 58% last year), La Popote is simply surfing the sober wave. Binder, who has never touched alcohol, said that restaurants often shove wine lists at him, but a water menu makes him feel included while opening up a fresh revenue stream. Water snobs unite In a world where mocktails, sober bars, and alcohol-free bottle shops are trending, La Popotes move feels both futuristic and cheeky. For anyone bored of Pinot Grigio or Cabernet Sauvignon, there is a new way to flex at dinner: water connoisseurship. Michelin drama, but make it H2O. In a major development, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dismissed a viral social media post seeking donations to save Nimisha Priya, a Kerala-based nurse on death row in Yemen, labelling it as 'fake'. On Tuesday, August 19, the fact-check unit of the ministry flagged the fake claims and said that there was no government-affiliated donation campaign for the Indian nurse. The post claimed to be collecting funds to secure her release through blood money, but the MEA clarified that no such fundraising effort has been officially endorsed. Officials have urged the public to rely on verified sources for updates and cautioned against spreading misinformation related to sensitive international legal cases. The ministry's post read, "We have seen claims being made on social media seeking monetary contributions into a GoI-designated bank account in the Nimisha Priya case." The MEA addressed the viral post and said, This is a fake claim." Another fake update surfaces on social media | Credit: X | @MEAFactCheck Evangelists fundraising appeal raises eyebrows This comes after evangelist and Global Peace Initiative founder Dr K.A. Paul publicly appealed for donations to save Nimisha Priya, claiming Rs 8.3 crore was needed and directing contributions to a so-called Government of India account. The Ministry of External Affairs, however, has refuted the legitimacy of this appeal, calling it fake and unauthorised. We have seen claims being made on social media seeking monetary contributions into a GoI designated bank account in the Nimisha Priya case. This is a fake claim.https://t.co/stxeFevl64 pic.twitter.com/4gQGIO4gvP MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) August 19, 2025 Another fake update surfaces on social media Apart from the fake donations, some reports also claimed that her death sentence has been revoked and an agreement has been reached for her release. But MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the claims, stating they were misleading and not backed by the government. Releasing a statement, Jaiswal said, "Such reports are incorrect. This is a sensitive matter, and we urge all sides to stay away from misinformation." Another fake update surfaces on social media | Credit: X | @KAPaulOfficial Who is Nimisha Priya, and what is her case? Nimisha Priya, a 38-year-old nurse from Kollengode in Kerala's Palakkad district, was found guilty of murdering a Yemeni citizen in July 2017. Her execution, originally scheduled for July 16, was postponed after intervention by Indian officials, who are continuing diplomatic efforts to seek a resolution and save her life. Currently, she is lodged in a jail in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital city that is under the control of Iran-backed Houthis. On August 14, the Supreme Court was informed that there was no immediate threat to Nimisha. Viral post seeks donation to save Kerala nurse | Credit: X | @SalmanNizami_ According to The Mint, in 2020, a court in Yemen sentenced Nimisha to death, and her appeal was later rejected by the Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023. On July 17, the Indian government stated that it is actively engaging with Yemeni authorities and allied nations to find a "mutually agreeable solution" to the case. Yemeni court records allege that Priya drugged and killed Talal Abdo Mahdi in July 2017. A devastating crash on the Florida Turnpike last Thursday has sparked renewed debate over immigration policies after it was revealed that the truck driver involved, an Indian national living illegally in the United States, had been granted work authorisation under the Biden administration. Florida Turnpike truck driver | Credit: X | @RHAMembers Tragedy on the Florida Turnpike The driver, identified as Harjinder Singh, allegedly attempted a sudden U-turn through an Official Use Only median, cutting across lanes of traffic. A minivan travelling at full speed collided with the trailer, leaving three people dead. Authorities confirmed that the victims included a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach, a 30-year-old man from Florida City, and a 54-year-old man from Miami. Harjinder Singh, driver in fatal Florida crash, faces deportation | Credit: X/@RHAMembers Two passengers died instantly, while the driver was taken to a hospital but later pronounced dead. Singh and his passenger escaped unharmed. Immigration history of Harjinder Singh raises questions According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Singh first crossed the southern border into California in September 2018, during the Trump administration. He was placed in expedited deportation proceedings but was able to remain in the United States after claiming asylum, citing fear of returning to India. US President Donald Trump | Credit: X In January 2019, Singh was released on a $5,000 immigration bond while awaiting a decision on his asylum application. In September 2020, under the Trump administration, his work permit request was rejected. However, DHS confirmed that his application was later approved under the Biden administration in June 2021. This authorisation allowed Singh to apply for and obtain a Commercial Drivers Licence (CDL) in California. DHS and California officials clash online The case sparked political controversy when California Governor Gavin Newsoms office suggested that Singhs work authorisation had been granted during the Trump years. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin responded sharply, clarifying that the permit was rejected under Trump but approved under Biden. McLaughlin added that while the federal government handles work authorisation, states like California are responsible for issuing Commercial Drivers Licences, pointing out there is no national CDL system. Arrest and charges of Harjinder Singh Singh was arrested in California by US Marshals on Saturday on a warrant linked to the Florida crash. He faces three counts of vehicular homicide. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also lodged a detainer to ensure Singh remains in custody while deportation proceedings continue. Trump reposts claim that Biden was replaced by clone | Credit: X Authorities said dashcam footage from inside Singhs cab showed him appearing calm and unfazed at the time of the crash, turning off the engine immediately after the impact. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Director Dave Kerner said Singhs reckless driving directly caused the deaths and left families shattered. He described the tragedy as both shocking and criminal, emphasising the devastating consequences of the drivers actions. Broader concerns over policy and public safety The case has intensified scrutiny over how immigration decisions intersect with public safety. Critics argue that granting work authorisation to individuals with unresolved asylum cases poses risks, while others stress the need for due process and humane treatment of migrants. For now, Singh remains behind bars, awaiting trial for vehicular homicide, while also facing the possibility of deportation. The families of the victims continue to mourn lives lost in what officials have described as a preventable tragedy. August 19, 2025, should have been a day of joy as fans across the globe celebrated Matthew Perry, forever loved as Chandler Bing. Instead, it has become a reminder of one of Hollywoods most heartbreaking stories. Two years after his passing, Perrys death has been cast in an even darker shadowrevealing not just addiction, but betrayal at the hands of those he trusted most. Doctor in Matthew Perry ketamine case to plead guilty | Credit: Instagram/fansofmatthewperry The web that exploited Matthew Perrys struggle Investigations uncovered that Perry was surrounded by individuals who saw his vulnerability as an opportunity for profit. Far from protecting his fragile recovery, doctors Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, his assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, a middleman named Erik Fleming, and Jasveen Sangha, the infamous Ketamine Queen, all played a part in fuelling his relapse. Doctor in Matthew Perry ketamine case to plead guilty | Credit: Instagram/fansofmatthewperry Prosecutors revealed that instead of offering care, the doctors supplied him with vials of ketamine, mocking his dependency in private messages. Sangha, meanwhile, ran what investigators described as a drug emporium out of her own home. The final days of Matthew Perry On October 28, 2023, Perry was found lifeless in his hot tub, floating face down in what at first seemed like natural causes. The truth, however, was far more harrowing. Court records confirm that in his final week, Perry was injected with at least 21 doses of ketamine by his live-in assistant, Iwamasa. On the day of his death, he was injected in the morning and again around midday before he requested what he chillingly described as a big one before entering the jacuzzi. He never came out alive. Doctor in Matthew Perry ketamine case to plead guilty | Credit: Instagram/fansofmatthewperry Cover-ups and guilty pleas After Perrys passing, those around him scrambled to erase evidence. Fleming and Sangha deleted incriminating messages, hoping to distance themselves from responsibility. Iwamasa admitted in his plea deal that he had injected Perry several times a day in his final weeks. The doctors, meanwhile, profited shamelessly from his dependency, selling him dangerous amounts of the drug. This week, Sanghas guilty plea made her the fifth and final person to be held accountable, finally closing the chapter of legal proceedings surrounding Perrys death. Remembering the man beyond Chandler Matthew Perrys life was not just defined by his role in Friends. He was an actor who fought his demons publicly, wrote with brutal honesty in his memoir, and used his platform to help others battling addiction. His tragic end, betrayed by those he trusted, serves as a haunting reminder of how vulnerable recovery can be. As fans mark what would have been his 56th birthday, the guilty pleas bring only a small measure of justice. Perrys story is now a cautionary tale, of fame, trust, and the devastating price of betrayal. Netflix Asia's upcoming film Romantics Anonymous, starring Japanese actor Oguri Shun and South Korean actress Han Hyo-joo, is facing explosive controversy as Oguri Shun - the male lead of the project - becomes the center of a fierce boycott movement in Korea. Sadly, the female lead, Han Hyo-joo, has also been caught in the fallout. The highly anticipated Korea-Japan co-production is scheduled to premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in September, followed by a global Netflix release in October 2025. Marketed as one of Netflix Asia's biggest titles of the year, the romantic drama was set to shine. But with scandalous past resurfacing, the film's release is now clouded in uncertainty. Oguri Shun's nude photos scandal resurfaces Best known across Asia as Hanazawa Rui in the Japanese version of Boys Over Flowers (Hana Yori Dango), Oguri Shun has long carried a reputation for his wild lifestyle. Past rumours linked him to secret liaisons with models at exclusive clubs, but the scandal truly erupted in 2023 when YouTuber Higashitani Yoshikazu leaked nude photos of the actor singing at a bar. At the time of the leak, Oguri Shun was already married with four children, sparking outrage and disbelief. Though his family stood by him and he managed to continue working in Japan, the resurfacing of these photos has reignited fury among Korean audiences. Oguri Shun in Boys Over Flowers Japanese version. Credit: X Beloved star now facing downfall Once considered Japan's most beloved leading man, Oguri Shun's role as Hanazawa Rui made him a pan-Asian heartthrob, with many fans claiming he embodied the manga character better than any adaptation from Korea, China, or Thailand. But now, with Romantics Anonymous - a remake of Jean-Pierre Ameris' French film about two socially anxious chocolatiers who fall in love - his future looks uncertain. What was meant to be a career milestone may instead become a scandal-ridden turning point. Many netizens have accused him of using a Korean project to "whitewash" his damaged reputation. South Korean netizens lash out Online communities in Korea have been flooded with anger and calls to boycott the Netflix film: "I'm shocked this is a married man with four kids. How could his family forgive him?" "He's always been infamous for his dirty partying lifestyle." "I thought he wasn't too bad yesterday, now I'm disgusted. I won't be watching." "I worry for Han Hyo-joo. His scandal could ruin her image too." "Dont come to Korea to whitewash your scandals. Repent in your own country." "Why should Korea welcome him? Stay away from Busan Film Festival." Will Netflix take the hit? As the boycott intensifies, Korean netizens are demanding that Netflix reconsider its promotion of Oguri Shun. What should have been a heartwarming romance may now be remembered for scandal, controversy, and fan outrage. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here. Lori Vallow Daybell is being transferred back to Idaho, where she will serve her multiple life sentences, according to officials. She has spent the last year in Arizona while facing two separate trials connected to the murder of her former husband, Charles Vallow, and the attempted murder of her former nephew-in-law, Brandon Boudreaux. These proceedings followed her earlier Idaho conviction for the deaths of her children, JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan, whose remains were discovered on the property of her current husband, Chad Daybell. Arizona convictions and custody costs Vallow Daybell was extradited from Idaho to Arizona in November 2023 and has remained in the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) since then. According to records, housing her in custody carried significant costs for Arizona taxpayers. The MCSO reported a one-time booking fee of $640, with an additional $137 charged for each day in custody. As of July 30, she had spent 610 days in detention, bringing the total to around $84,000. By mid-August, that figure had risen to more than $86,000. Records also show that extraditing Vallow Daybell from Idaho to Arizona cost more than $15,000. Altogether, expenses tied to her time in Arizona surpassed $100,000 by August 18, not including the cost of sending her back to Idaho. BREAKING: Lori Daybell was officially extradited back to Idaho this morning from Arizona where she will spend the rest of her life in prison. Maricopa County Sheriffs Office has posted a video of her extradition showing Lori all smiles as the extradition took place. pic.twitter.com/fIVvh4njjG Hidden True Crime (@HiddenTrueCrime) August 18, 2025 Idaho convictions and sentencing Before her Arizona trials, Vallow Daybell was convicted in Idaho in 2023 of the murders of JJ, Tylee, and Tammy Daybell, Chad Daybells first wife. She was sentenced to life in prison. Her attorneys had successfully avoided the death penalty by arguing that the volume of evidence made it impossible to meet deadlines without violating her right to a speedy trial. Unlike Chad Daybell, who waived his right to a speedy trial, Lori did not, preventing the court from granting more preparation time for a capital case. Because her initial convictions were in Idaho, she will serve her sentence there despite the Arizona outcomes. Chad Daybells separate trial Chad Daybell was also convicted in Idaho and sentenced to death. His attorney did not present arguments or witnesses during the sentencing phase, which some legal experts say could become a point of contention during appeals. He is now one of nine people on Idahos death row. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Maddocks newest film, Thama, is making headlines as viewers notice similarities between a scene in the movie and a moment from the well-known Korean drama My Demon. A side-by-side comparison of the scene has gone viral on social media, triggering debates over whether the film is a respectful nod or a case of outright copying. The conversation continues to gain momentum online, with audiences divided over the originality and creative decisions of the film. Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Thama | Credit: Maddock Is Maddocks Thama copied from Korean drama My Demon? An X user going by the handle @mimansashekhar shared a side-by-side comparison of a still from the Thama teaser and a scene from the K-drama My Demon. In the Hindi films image, Rashmika is seen holding onto Ayushmann Khurrana while clinging to a roof, whereas in the My Demon scene, a man is holding onto the actress in a similar rooftop situation. Although there are differences between the scenes, questions are being raised about whether it is merely a coincidence or intentional. While the makers or the team of Thama have not confirmed anything, speculation continues to grow. What is My Demon about? My Demon is a South Korean TV series featuring Kim Yoo-jung, Song Kang, Lee Sang-yi, and Kim Hae-sook. The plot centers on the unexpected encounter between Do Do-hee (Kim Yoo-jung), a confident and disciplined conglomerate heiress, and Jeong Gu-won (Song Kang), a carefree and detached demon who temporarily loses his supernatural abilities. Thama release date, cast and crew Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, known for Munjya, Thama is scheduled for release this Diwali 2025. The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana as Alok, Rashmika Mandanna as Tadaka, Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Yakshasan, and Paresh Rawal as Ram Bajaj Goyal. Faisal Malik and Geeta Aggarwal also feature in key roles. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Mumbai rain update: Mumbai has been hit by continuous downpours over the past few days, resulting in severe waterlogging, transport delays, and widespread disruption. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai heavy rain, urging citizens to remain cautious. BMC Declares Holiday for Schools and Colleges The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai on 19 August 2025. This decision covers both teaching and non-teaching staff, prioritising the safety of students amid the ongoing Mumbai rain. According to officials, the order was issued by the civic bodys education department on Monday evening after the city witnessed relentless showers from early morning. The BMC stated that the measure was necessary due to the worsening weather conditions and possible risks to commuters. Government and Private Offices Shut, Work-from-Home Advised Along with educational institutions, all government and semi-government offices will remain shut today. The red alert in Mumbai prompted the District Disaster Management Authority to declare an official holiday for safety reasons. Essential services like hospitals, police, fire services, and public transport will remain functional. Meanwhile, private offices have been advised to implement work-from-home policies to avoid unnecessary travel during the Mumbai heavy rain. Flights Affected as Heavy Rain Batters Mumbai Air travel has also been severely impacted. Several flights at Mumbai airport were delayed on Tuesday, with arrival flights running 30 minutes late on average and departures facing around 20 minutes of delay. Travel Advisory Persistent rainfall and thunderstorms are currently affecting Mumbai, leading to possible delays in flight operations. Our teams are closely monitoring the situation to ensure your journey resumes as soon as conditions improve. If you're travelling today, IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) August 19, 2025 IndiGo Airlines issued a travel advisory warning passengers about traffic congestion caused by Mumbai rain and waterlogging on major routes to the airport. Travellers have been urged to check live updates on airline websites or apps before heading out. The cascading delays continued past midnight, as arriving planes circled the airport and outgoing flights were held back. Major Areas Submerged, Andheri Subway Closed Mumbai Rain | Credit: IANS Heavy showers submerged several localities, including Goregaon, Andheri, Matunga, Chembur, Dadar and Kurla. The Andheri Subway remained closed from 10 am to 4:30 pm the longest shutdown of this monsoon season. Rescue teams from the police, BMC, SDRF, and NDRF were deployed to assist citizens stranded in flood-affected areas. Casualties Reported Due to Mumbai Heavy Rain The torrential downpour has sadly claimed lives. Two people were killed one due to a wall collapse at Napean Sea Road and another by electrocution in Kanjurmarg. A man went missing after entering the Mithi River, while another person was injured in a tree fall at Sahar. Across Maharashtra, seven more people lost their lives in rain-related incidents, including four in Marathwada. Flooding in Nalasopara and Virar Leaves Homes Submerged Severe flooding has been reported from Nalasoparas Vishal Nagar, H Colony, and Vidyamandir Road, as well as Tuljunj Road and Achole. In Virar, 3040 buildings have been inundated, with water entering homes and causing immense hardship to residents. IMD Issues Red Alert for Mumbai and Neighbouring Regions The IMD has placed several areas under red alert, including Mumbai, Raigad, Pune Ghat, Satara Ghat, Ratnagiri, and Kolhapur Ghat. Weather reports confirmed that parts of Mumbai received over 100 mm of rainfall in just nine hours on Monday. Vikhroli recorded the highest, with 135 mm of rainfall. Waterlogging Creates Traffic Chaos Across Mumbai Traffic in Mumbai due to heavy rain | Credit: BCCL The Mumbai rain has led to severe waterlogging in Kurla, Wadala, Goregaon, Byculla, and Dadar, crippling traffic movement. Areas like Oberoi Mall in Goregaon, Shaikh Mistry Dargah Road in Wadala, and Maratha Mandir Cinema near Mumbai Central were flooded, making commuting extremely difficult. In Dombivli, rainwater entered residential colonies after drains overflowed, leaving people stranded. Outside Dombivli railway station, knee-deep water disrupted the movement of passengers. Low-lying areas of Kalyan-Dombivli were also submerged, adding to the woes of locals. The Mumbai heavy rain has brought the city to a standstill, with schools, colleges, and offices closed, transport severely disrupted, and residents battling floods. With a red alert issued in Mumbai, authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. My Girlfriend is the Man! Episode 9 online: Fans of the hit K-drama My Girlfriend is the Man! can stream Episode 9 online on August 20, 2025, at approximately 6:20 PM IST / 9:50 PM KST / 12:50 PM GMT / 8:50 AM ET, as per the official schedule. In this romantic K-drama, astronomy student Park Yun-jae falls for the kind-hearted Kim Ji-eun after a blind date. But their budding romance takes a shocking twist when Ji-eun suddenly wakes up in a man's body. As she fights to return to her true self and hold on to love, things grow even more complicated when another student begins to fall for her in her new form. My Girlfriend is the Man! Episode 9 online. Credit: Viki My Girlfriend is the Man!: Release date and time for Episode 9 Episode 9 airs on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 9:50 PM KST on KBS in South Korea. It will also be available for international viewers via streaming on Rakuten Viki and Viu offering English subtitles to make the series accessible to a global audience. Where to Watch My Girlfriend is the Man! Episode 9 Online? Episode 9 is available to stream on Rakuten Viki, the main legal platforms offering high-quality video and English subtitles. In South Korea, it airs on KBS. For viewers in the U.S., Canada, India, Indonesia, and the UK, Viki and Viu continues to be the top choice for watching the series. My Girlfriend is the Man!: Plot highlights of Episode 9 In My Girlfriend Is the Man! episode 9, a seaside trip sparks tension when Kong Mju kisses Yun J, leaving Ji Yun feeling betrayed and doubtful of their relationship, while Mju complicates matters by claiming she's the only one who truly cares for him. My Girlfriend is the Man! episode 9: Spoilers Here are the spoilers for Episode 9 of the Korean series My Girlfriend is the Man! based on the YouTube preview: The group of friends heads out on a seaside trip, enjoying a day of fishing together. But things take a dramatic turn when Kong Mju suddenly asks Park Yun J if he has ever been attracted to her - then surprises him with a kiss on the cheek before he can answer. When Kim Ji Yun discovers what happened, she feels betrayed that Yun J kept it from her. Doubts about their relationship begin to grow, especially as she struggles with his transformation from female to male and whether he can still meet her emotional and physical needs. Yun J is left devastated by Ji Yun's mistrust, while Kong Mju seizes the chance to get closer, insisting shes the only one who truly cares about him right now. My Girlfriend is the Man!: Cast and Characters The drama My Girlfriend Is The Man! stars Yoon SanHa of the K-pop group ASTRO, Arin of OH MY GIRL, Yoo JungHoo, and Chuu in lead roles. FAQs 1. When will Episode 9 of My Girlfriend is the Man! be released? Answer: My Girlfriend is the Man! Episode 9 will be released on August 20, 2025, at 10:50 PM KST / 4 PM (GMT) / 12 PM (ET) / 9:30 PM IST. 2. Where can I watch Episode 9 of My Girlfriend is the Man! online? Answer: My Girlfriend is the Man! Episode 9 will be available for streaming on Rakuten Viki and Viu, which offers English subtitles. 3. Does My Girlfriend is the Man! have English subtitles? Answer: Yes, My Girlfriend is the Man! is fully subtitled in English on Viki and Viu including Episode 9. 4. What is the plot of Episode 9 of My Girlfriend is the Man!? Answer: My Girlfriend is the Man! follows astronomy student Yun Jae whose life turns upside down when his girlfriend Ji Eun suddenly transforms into a man. 6. Is My Girlfriend is the Man! available on Netflix? Answer: No, My Girlfriend is the Man! is not available on Netflix. The drama officially streams on Rakuten Viki and Viu. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. The upcoming Thama movie, starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rashmika Mandanna, and a talented ensemble cast, has caught attention, but not for the right reasons. The recently unveiled Thama posters have been trolled online, with audiences calling them poorly designed and underwhelming. Instead of building hype for the Thama movie release date, the posters have drawn backlash, sparking memes and sarcastic comments. Many social media users even joked about whether AI tool Grok created the artwork. With curiosity around the Thama cast and storyline already high, the poster controversy has added an unexpected twist to the films promotions Thama posters shared by Maddock | Credit: IG Thama movies horrible posters disappoint moviegoers The posters were officially released by the makers but unfortunately the designs only disappointed fans and they said that they have no hope from the film since they are already disappointed with the first look posters. Taking to X, one wrote, Thama teaser ki chinta mujhe andar hi andar khaaye jaa rahi hai. A second added, Such terrible posters. A third went on to add, Although i know nawazuddin is a great actor but his costume and makeup is so off in pics. He doesn't fit in that character. Thama teaser ki chinta mujhe andar hi andar khaaye jaa rahi hai pic.twitter.com/rzEYwZhBx1 Kshamik (@Kshamik4) August 18, 2025 These seem like they are made by AI 21O183sameer (@o183sameer84771) August 18, 2025 Very very disappointing posters. Nothing about them stands out. Every single one of them looks fan-made. #Thama is the one movie that I have been the most excited for all year. Please dont scam us pic.twitter.com/wa3daPJxez Kshamik (@Kshamik4) August 18, 2025 Thama movie release date Aditya Sarpotdars Thama is scheduled to hit theatres on Diwali 2025. #MaddockFilms what are you doing!!! Such terrible posters. Except Rashmika every poster is simple and boring. Need to up the poster game. #Thama pic.twitter.com/aWtmSy39hs Vivek (@kumarvivek_22) August 18, 2025 What is the movie about? The films plot centers on a historian, portrayed by Ayushmann Khurrana, who embarks on a quest to uncover the mythological origins of vampirism in Indian folklore. Unfolding across two timelines, the story weaves between contemporary India and the ancient Vijayanagar kingdom, connected by a chilling saga of unfulfilled love. Meet the Thama cast In Thama, Ayushmann Khurrana plays Alok, described as insaaniyat ki aakhri umeed. Rashmika Mandanna steps into the role of the fierce Tadaka, while Nawazuddin Siddiqui portrays the eerie Yakshasan. Adding to the ensemble, Paresh Rawal will be seen as Mr. Ram Bajaj Goyal. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, came all suited up in a black coat to meet US President Donald Trump. Apart from the high-level meeting of both leaders at the Oval Office, one thing that grabbed attention online was Zelenskyys black coat. Dressed in a formal suit, the 47-year-olds look marked a shift from his usual military-style clothing. Moreover, the change didn't go unnoticed, as a reporter who had earlier questioned his informal dress back in February even complimented him on the new look. The moment sparked online discussion, with many interpreting the wardrobe shift as a deliberate gesture to align with the tone of the meeting or to signal a new diplomatic approach. Zelenskyys outfit steals the spotlight | Credit: Reddit | @Wonderful-Excuse4922 Zelenskyys outfit steals the spotlight; he wore a suit this time Last time, a reporter who questioned his informal look during the meeting with Donald Trump complimented him, saying, You look fabulous in that suit. To which the US president interrupted and said, I said the same thing. It seems that following his February meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy began adopting a more formal style. However, during their next encounter at Pope Franciss funeral in Rome in April, he opted for a sombre look, wearing a heavy black field jacket and a black, buttoned-up shirt without a tie. Not only this, but his attire at the White House was widely criticised at the time by Ukrainians. REPORTER: "You look fabulous in that suit." POTUS: "That's the reporter that attacked you last time." ZELENSKYY: "I remember...He's in the same suit. I changed. You are not." pic.twitter.com/VFrSD7wdlH Breaking911 (@Breaking911) August 18, 2025 Zelenskyys formal attire becomes the talk of town As soon as the pictures and videos from the meeting at the Oval Office surfaced on social media, they quickly went viral. One user on X (formerly called Twitter) said, He's still not wearing a tie. An eagle eyed X user also pointed out the sneakers he wore under the formal attire and said, But Zelenskyy is wearing a suit Bro, he is literally wearing sneakers. Zelenskyy is wearing sneakers | Credit: X | @ada_lluch While one thinks it is a horrible comeback, Horrible comeback TBH. Comes off as desperate to put down the reporter to raise himself up. The better response would have been something along the lines of you were right! Maybe I hire you as my new wardrobe consultant! One compared him with Vinny, Zelenskyys in a suit in the same way that Vinny was in a suit. One suggested, But wear a white dress shirt. In his place, I would borrow that big suit from David Byrne, one said. Apparently the attire is more important in the US than the content of the discussion. For JD and Trump at least. Netizens react to Zelenskyys formal attire | Credit: Reddit Looks like no tie and his jacket is a modified military field jacket (tailored to make it more businesslike) with 4 large pockets. Good. He has 1000x more class than Trump. Comment byu/Wonderful-Excuse4922 from discussion ineurope Not only on X but Zelenskyys suit also sparked discussion on the platform under the title He came with a SUIT this time. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. Theres still nothing in the pop world that matches the ferocity of Bieber Fever. From screaming teen fans to his continuously charttopping tracks, Justin Bieber remains a cultural phenomenon. In fact, it seems only fitting that imitationarguably the sincerest form of flatterywould take Bieber to entirely new heights. Over the weekend, a lookalike managed to go viral after convincingly stepping into The Wynn Las Vegass XS Nightclub, tricking crowds, staff, and even DJs into believing Justin had shown up for a surprise performance. All Eyes on Justin Bieber at Las Vegas nightclub On Saturday night, amidst the pulsing lights of XS, a man bearing uncanny resemblance to Bieber appeared on stage midset with DJ Gryffin. The DJ, believing it was the real deal, welcomed him into the DJ booth, and the imposter launched into lipsynched renditions of Bieber classics amid booming cheers and pyrotechnics. The packed club erupteduntil it dawned on staff that something was off. A full set of Justin vibes, endorsed by DJ and crowd alike, turned out to be an elaborate ruse. DEVELOPING: A man impersonating Justin Bieber tricked an entire Las Vegas night club that he was actually Bieber. They allowed him to perform and paid the man for the performance. pic.twitter.com/TlQKVHQFFH Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) August 18, 2025 How did the imposter even pull It Off? This wasnt a oneoff prankit was a meticulously executed caper. According to Complex, the impersonator, Dylan Desclos, and his advance team orchestrated a multistep plan. They leaned into Biebers recent management shuffleclaiming to be new to the teamto justify any confusion. The subdued, dark, and loud nightclub environment didnt help matters either, making verification tougher. Its no surprise the supposed Justin breezed past the scrutiny. Even seasoned DJ Gryffin, a classically trained musician, admitted he fell for itthat's just how convincing the setup was. Fans went full-on Belieb mode Patrons went absolutely wild. Videos flooded social media showing clubgoers freaking out, phones in hand, trying to capture the unexpected performer. A WWE superstar even got caught in the crossfireCharlotte Flair reportedly tweeted a selfie thinking it was the real Bieber before swiftly deleting it. Its a testament to how pumped the energy was and how the hallucination of Bieber at XS swept everyone off their feet. Meet Dylan Desclos: The man behind the madness So, who is behind the shocker? The imposter is Dylan Desclosa 29-year-old French lookalike from Normandy who's been emulating Bieber online for years. TikTokers and social sleuths pieced it together within hours of the event. Hes donned Biebers signature shaved head, inked himself with similar tattoos, and captured his mannerisms to the point where even an XS nightclub full of people was convinced. Beneath the facade, its Desclos living out a fantasy impersonators dream. Desclos has made a career out of impersonating Justin Bieber. | Credit: X/@Gilberto_40gr As of now, Descols, who was previously active on Instagram, has had his account removed from the platform. It's unclear if the page was removed after the controversy or if he has deactivated it following the online backlash, but it's pretty evident that he has been toying with fans' feelings for a while now. In fact, hes taken the act globalstaging his own world tour while fully embodying Biebers rockstar persona, complete with performances, fan interactions, and viral moments. Desclos has been channeling Justin Biebers persona for years, mastering his look, style, and mannerisms to an uncanny degree | Credit: X/@DesclosDylan Notably, last year, a video of Desclos from a Paris subway had gone viral on TikTok for his uncanny resemblance to the pop star. He even managed to catch Hailey Bieber's attention, who posted "I'm scared" in the comments section of the video. Hailey Bieber commented on a TikTok video of Justin Biebers french impersonator, Dylan Desclos, who was spotted out in Paris pic.twitter.com/n993T24l4K BieberRoots (@BieberRoots_PT) September 25, 2024 Wheres the Real Bieber? Has he spoken? As of now, Justin Bieber has not commented on the incident. No posts, no responses, no references to Vegas. While his social media recently reflected candid, introspective posts about feeling like a fraud and coping with imposter syndrome, none tied directly to this impersonation stunt. Justin Bieber has yet to break his silence on the imposter controversy | Credit: X/PopBase Meanwhile, the incident proves that the Bieber Fever is alive and wellso much so that a clever impersonator pulled off one of the wildest nightclub pranks of the year. For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Rajasthans Manika Vishwakarma has been crowned Miss Universe India 2025 at a glittering finale in Jaipur on August 18. She received the crown from Miss Universe India 2024, Rhea Singha. With this win, she will now represent India at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand later this year. The grand finale in Jaipur The finale, organised by the Glamanand Group, was hosted in Jaipur for the second consecutive year. Out of 48 contestants, Manika Vishwakarma emerged the winner. Tanya Sharma from Uttar Pradesh was declared first runner-up, Mehak Dhingra from Haryana secured the second runner-up position, while Amishi Kaushik finished as third runner-up. #WATCH | Jaipur, Rajasthan: Miss Universe India, Manika Vishwakarma says, "... This feeling is so amazing. The journey has been amazing. I would like to thank my mentors, my teachers, my parents, my friends, and my family for everything. I aim to do my best to represent India at pic.twitter.com/zHndCUB4Xl ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2025 The jury panel included designer Ashley Rebello, filmmaker Farhad Samji, Miss Universe India 2015 and actress Urvashi Rautela, and Rajiv K Shrivastava, founder of Act Now Organisation. Speaking at the event, Rautela remarked, The competition was very tough, but we have the winner with us. She will surely make us proud at the Miss Universe stage. Rajasthans Manika Vishwakarma has been crowned Miss Universe India 2025 | Credit: X Who is Manika Vishwakarma? Originally from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, Manika currently resides in Delhi where she balances her Political Science and Economics studies with her pageantry journey. She had earlier won the Miss Universe Rajasthan 2024 crown. She is also a trained classical dancer and an accomplished artist, recognised by Lalit Kala Academy and JJ School of Arts. Beyond academics and arts, Manika represented India at the BIMSTEC Sewocon under the Ministry of External Affairs. #WATCH | Jaipur, Rajasthan: Manika Vishwakarma gets crowned as Miss Universe India 2025. She will represent India at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand later this year. pic.twitter.com/8EqmzFP2Of ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2025 Her work also extends to advocacy. She is the founder of Neuronova, an initiative focused on neurodivergence awareness, particularly conditions such as ADHD. Her goal is to highlight such conditions not as weaknesses, but as different forms of cognitive strength. Manika on her journey Speaking to ANI, Manika said, My journey started from my hometown, Ganganagar. I came to Delhi and prepared for the competition. We need to inculcate confidence and courage in ourselves. Everyone played a big role in this. I thank all those who helped me and made me what I am today. Reflecting on pageantry, she added, This is not just a field, it is a world that builds character. You get an opportunity to inspire others for life. The benefits of participating in competitions like this will always stay with you. Manika Vishwakarma received the crown from Miss Universe India 2024, Rhea Singha | Credit: X She also expressed gratitude to her parents, mentors, and friends, adding that she hopes to represent India in the best possible way at the global Miss Universe contest. Reactions and celebrations Following her win, Miss International India Roosh Sindhu expressed her excitement and said, This is what all my fans wanted. I am just hoping to do my best for India at the international stage. Manika also shared a reflective note on Instagram, writing, Be the embodiment of magic. Growth doesnt always wait for a pause. Sometimes, we rise while we release. With the grace of a queen and the grit of a dreamer, I chose to trust the timing and boldly walk into what comes next. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending. Marius Borg Hiby, the eldest son of Norways Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been formally charged with a total of 32 criminal offences, including four counts of rape. The charges, brought by Norwegian prosecutors, follow a year-long investigation into the 28-year-old's alleged actions between 2018 and 2024. The case has shocked Norway and sparked a fierce public reaction, with Hibys trial scheduled to begin soon. What are the charges against Marius Borg Hiby? Son of Norway's crown princes charged with rape and other offences | Credit: X/@LauPerezCisnero According to the formal indictment reviewed by Norwegian media and reported by The Guardian, Hiby is accused of raping four women while they were asleep, three of whom occurred immediately after consensual intercourse. He is also charged with filming womens genitalia without their consent, harassing law enforcement officers, and repeatedly threatening or physically abusing partners. The prosecution alleges that some of these acts took place while Hiby was under investigation, indicating a continued pattern of harmful behaviour. Visual evidence, including illicitly obtained photos and videos, has reportedly been submitted to the court. Hiby's troubled history: Previous arrests and allegations This is not the first time Marius Borg Hiby has faced legal trouble. According to AP News, he was arrested in August 2024 for allegedly assaulting a former girlfriend, which led to the broader investigation culminating in these current charges. He was previously convicted in 2017 for drug possession at a Norwegian music festival. Despite these red flags, Hiby has continued to publicly deny the most severe allegations. His defence lawyer insists he will plead not guilty to the rape and abuse charges during the trial. Hiby denies key allegations, plans to contest charges in court Hiby intends to fight the most serious allegations against him, according to his lawyer, Petar Sekulic. Speaking to The Guardian, Sekulic stated, Our client denies all charges of sexual abuse, as well as most of the allegations related to violence. He will provide a detailed account of his version of events during the trial. While Hiby reportedly plans to plead guilty to some of the lesser offences, his legal team maintains that he strongly disputes the rape and domestic violence claims. Who is Marius Borg Hiby? Marius Borg Hiby was born in Oslo on January 13, 1997, and is the only son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a relationship prior to her marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. He holds no royal title and is not in the line of succession to the Norwegian throne. Marius Borg Hiby has a history of abue, reports show | Credit: X/@RNN_RoyalNews Despite this, he has remained a high-profile public figure in Norway due to his royal connections. He briefly studied in the United States and worked as a fashion editor for a Scandinavian magazine. He has been unemployed since 2019, with his lifestyle reportedly financed by his mother and stepfather, the crown prince. According to local media reports, he does not hold any title or succession rights. Royal family distances itself from the scandal amid social media backlash The charges have ignited a firestorm online. Across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, users have expressed outrage. Many are calling for Hiby to be held accountable to the full extent of the law, regardless of his royal background. The Norwegian royal household has declined to comment on the legal proceedings, stating it is a matter for the courts. The Royal family has refused to comment on the scandal | Credit: X/@amuse When is Hiby's trial? Hiby's trial is set to begin in January 2026 and is expected to run for approximately six weeks. If found guilty, he faces up to 10 years in prison. His legal team has signalled that he will contest the most serious charges, with a full defence planned. The trial will likely draw continued attention as the world watches to see how Norways justice system handles such a high-profile case involving someone so close to the royal family. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending. The Rebel Kid of the internet, Apoorva Mukhija, has once again found herself in the middle of controversy, this time because of Utsav Dahiya. On Sunday, August 17, Dahiya dropped his original track Cute Little Red Flag on Instagram, and its spreading like wildfire. But who exactly is Utsav Dahiya, and what has he done to spark this storm? The allegations In his latest Instagram post, Dahiya shared his original track Cute Little Red Flag a title that itself seemed like a playful nod to a phrase Mukhija often uses in her popular storytime videos. Dahiya grew up in Mumbai. | Credit: Instagram/Utsav Dahiya Alongside the song, he posted a long note where he appeared to take indirect shots at the creator. Without naming her directly, Dahiya hinted at being misrepresented for content, writing, If you continue spreading nonsense, Ill release the receipts. Dont use fabricated stories to gain sympathy or push false narratives for content. Having a large following doesnt give you the right to bully others by rage-baiting your audience. The lyrics of the track also seemed to echo this sentiment. In one line, he sings: Pucha maine ghatiya kyun bola mujhe duniya ke liye, kehti baby yeh toh sab dhandha hai mere liye. The word suggested a video where, after their breakup, Mukhijas made a lighthearted video with Anupam Mittal and called her ex-partners ghatiya log, which drew significant backlash toward him. Moreover, her videos often featured references to toxic boyfriends which many online assumed were aimed at Dahiya , even though she never took his name. In the song, he also claimed that after being labeled a cheater and abuser in Mukhijas videos, he tried reaching out to her and her management but was brushed off. According to him, the response he got was, Youre a nobody, be grateful you even dated her. The Rebel Kid of the internet, Apoorva Mukhija, has once again found herself in the middle of controversy. | Credit: InstagramThe Rebel Kid He countered this in his track, saying I was told, Youre a nobody, you should be happy you got to date her. Well, heres a message from that nobody: Im still here, still standing. Your numbers might mean something on an app, but truth doesnt need followers. Who is Utsav Dahiya? Apart from being a content creator with 74.6K followers on Instagram, where he regularly shares travel and music videos, Dahiya is also an investment banker. According to his LinkedIn, he has been working with Morgan Stanley since 2019, starting as an analyst before being promoted to associate in 2022. In February 2025, he took on his current role as associate at the firm in Sydney. Dahiya grew up in Mumbai, and he pursued Electronics and Communications Engineering at PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh (20142018). For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. While many Greeks are away on holiday, Athens remains culturally vibrant in August, offering a diverse lineup of free outdoor film screenings and major museum exhibitions for residents and visitors. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is hosting its popular "Park your Cinema" series , with upcoming films including "Past Lives" by director Ms. Celine Song (Aug. 22) and an accessible screening of "The Graduate" (Aug. 29). The Athens Open Air Film Festival, now in its 15th year, will also offer free screenings, including a digitally restored copy of "For a Few Dollars More" on Aug. 27. Major museums are also featuring notable temporary exhibitions. The Acropolis Museum is hosting "Allspice," a collaborative exhibit featuring contemporary works by Iraqi-American artist Michael Rakowitz alongside ancient artifacts. At the National Archaeological Museum, visitors can see the rare Crater of the Lord from Lefkandi and a sculpture exhibit by Tony Milakis. Meanwhile, the Benaki Museum is showcasing a photography exhibit on the island of Delos by Erieta Attali. iefimerida.gr A Brazilian man has been arrested at the Athens airport after authorities discovered he had swallowed 100 packets of cocaine, a haul of more than one kilogram and one of the largest of its kind ever recorded in Greece, police have said. The man was detained on Monday at Eleftherios Venizelos Athens International Airport after arriving on a flight from Paris that had originated in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Authorities described the smuggling method as extremely dangerous, noting that the man would have died within minutes if any of the plastic packets had ruptured inside his body. Police released X-ray images showing the mans abdomen filled with the small, drug-filled containers. An investigation into the trafficking network is underway. iefimerida.gr The Greek government is preparing a new economic relief package worth at least 1.5 billion euros, which will include income tax cuts and other benefits aimed primarily at supporting the middle class, with a formal announcement expected in early September. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is set to unveil the measures during his keynote address at the Thessaloniki International Fair, the countrys largest annual economic forum According to government sources, the package will be funded by better-than-expected tax revenues and spending containment. Key proposals include reducing income tax rates for earnings up to 50,000 euros, increasing tax-free allowances for families with children, and new support for pensioners. The plan also reportedly includes measures to address the housing crisis by increasing the supply of properties and additional financial support for police, coast guard, and fire service personnel. Final decisions on the package are expected next week after a consultation with the European Commission By Yiannis Kantellis iefimerida.gr Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis participated in the teleconference of European Union leaders convened by European Council President Antonio Costa on Tuesday and in the teleconference of European People's Party leaders, to assess Monday's meetings in Washington on Ukraine In his intervention, Mitsotakis underlined the need for an immediate ceasefire. The Greek PM also expressed his satisfaction over the United States' intention to support the security guarantees, while he reiterated Greece's fixed stance on the inviolability of borders. During the teleconference, a detailed briefing and an assessment of Monday's meetings on Ukraine in Washington were provided. The Greek prime minister also noted the positive point that after Monday's meetings that the next steps for a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia are visible. iefimerida.gr A 28-year-old man has been arrested for fatally stabbing a 47-year-old woman outside her home in the northern Athens suburb of Halandri, an attack he allegedly told police was triggered by a minor dispute. The victim was stabbed approximately 15 times around 11:30 a.m., according to media reports. A neighbor who witnessed the confrontation heard the womans screams and called emergency services. Police arrived swiftly and arrested the suspect at the scene , confiscating two knives. Authorities said the suspect and victim were acquaintances who had met at a community soup kitchen and were both facing financial difficulties. The suspect reportedly told police he had waited for the woman at her apartment building to "resolve our issues" and attacked her after she shouted at him. Police confirmed that the suspect had been previously warned in March following a complaint from the victim over non-criminal disputes. iefimerida.gr The Delta State Police Command has apprehended an ex-convict who had just been released from the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Facility on August 6, 2025, after serving a two-year prison sentence. SP Bright Edafe, the spokesperson for the Command, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Asaba. He said, On August 11, 2025 a Patrol Team of Eagle-Net Special Squad Asaba, while on visibility patrol, received a distressed call on a missing motorcycle. Advertisement READ MORE: Akwa-Ibom Police Arrest Notorious Kidnap Kingpin In a combined effort with some members of Nigeria Hunters Security Services (NFSS), they arrested one Precious Okoro 27, Buhari Deyegu 18 and the missing motorcycle was recovered. The said suspect is an ex-convict who was released from Ogwashi-uku correctional facility 6th of August 2025 after completing his jail term of two years for a similar offence of stealing a motorcycle. The suspect went back to steal another motorcycle just five days after returning from prison. Investigation was extended to the suspects residence, where a search warrant was executed, and one Tiger Generator, one big fireman generator one iron measuring scale were recovered. In a related development, Edafe remarked that the command apprehended a suspected armed robber during a stop-and-search operation along DBS Road in Asaba. He explained that on August 8, 2025, operatives of the Delta State Commands Rapid Response Squad, while conducting a stop-and-search along DBS Road in Asaba, intercepted one Bassey Udoh, 39, who was carrying a cross bag. Suspect, on sighting the Police, became uncomfortable, and this prompted the Police men to search him on the spot. Upon the search of the suspect, an English Beretta pistol was recovered. The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is part of a syndicate that usually breaks into peoples homes and cart away their properties, and he bought the gun for the N30,000. Suspect is in custody, and the investigation is ongoing he said He stated that all officers, DPOs, and heads of formations have been directed to adopt this policing strategy under the leadership of CP Abaniwonda Olufemi and to ensure effective security within their respective areas of responsibility. Daredevil bandits have killed 13 people and injured several others in Unguwan Mantau Community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning as residents were engaged in Fajr prayers at a public mosque. Witnesses reported that the armed assailants fired multiple shots inside the mosque, resulting in over a dozen fatalities and numerous injuries. Investigations revealed that the attack was a retaliatory measure following a successful defense by community members against bandits over the weekend. During that earlier incident, residents laid an ambush that killed several bandits, rescued abducted victims from another community, and seized two AK-47 rifles along with three motorcycles belonging to the criminals. Advertisement OLUMAYOWA SAMUEL: 62 Kidnapped Victims Escape Captivity During Air Force Operation In Katsina In response to Tuesdays assault, additional security forces, including military and paramilitary personnel, have been deployed to the area to prevent further violence. The Katsina State Government, through the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu, confirmed the attack and extended condolences to the families of those killed. The Katsina State Government today announced immediate security reinforcements and support measures following the tragic incident in Unguwan Mantau Community, where 13 residents lost their lives during morning prayers, Dr. Muazu said. He added, The incident occurred when criminal elements launched a reprisal attack on the community. The Muslim members of the community were praying in the mosque during Fajr prayer when the assailants opened fire sporadically. Dr. Muazu further noted, The attack was in retaliation for the communitys successful defense efforts two days earlier, when they killed several bandits, rescued victims taken from Ruwan Sanyi Village, and seized three motorcycles along with two AK-47 rifles. He assured that security agencies are now on the ground in Unguwan Mantau to restore normalcy, explaining, Air Component Commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force have already deployed to clear the area of bandits, who tend to hide under crops during the rainy season to carry out their evil acts. We are working to bring them to justice. Concluding, Dr. Muazu commended the courage of the Unguwan Mantau residents, saying, As government, we salute the gallantry of the people of Unguwan Mantau. We are committed to fighting these bandits and ensuring safety across our communities. The state government extends heartfelt condolences to the families affected and reaffirms its support for community-based security initiatives while working to eliminate criminal elements from the region. A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, has expressed doubt over the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He questioned whether the electoral body can deliver a free and fair election in the current political climate. According to him, this challenge is even more pronounced under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Advertisement Speaking on Monday, during an appearance on Channels Televisions Politics Today, Galadima accused the ruling government of abandoning governance for early politicking despite being only two years into its tenure. He argued that INEC had lost its willpower to caution politicians who have already begun campaigning ahead of schedule. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/peter-ameh-warns-against-prison-voting-urges-prioritisation-of-diaspora-voting-electoral-reforms-in-nigeria.html See, look at it, when INEC was INEC, when politicians start to heat the polity, they come out and warn them that they have not allowed politicking. Could it be worse? What is happening, the politicking that is going on now just two years into the life of this administration. Look at the politicking that is going on when INEC doesnt even have the muscle and the guts to call politicians to order because people in government are the ones that started. So how do you expect a free and fair election under these people? Galadima said. He further questioned the credibility of the electoral body, stressing that if INEC cannot stop politicians from flouting electoral guidelines, it cannot be trusted to guarantee credible polls. Well, if they cant stop politicians from get-crashing or jumping the gun, how do you think they will have the liver to conduct a free and fair election? he asked. The NNPP stalwart maintained that opposition leaders were deliberately holding back, waiting for the right moment to engage. That is why some of us are keeping quiet. We are waiting for the daytime, and when we start, the world will know that we are here, he declared. A group of kidnappers operating around Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State reportedly abandoned their ransom and weapons after their getaway vehicle was involved in a fatal accident. The incident occurred on Monday morning at Angwan Mayo, along the Kokona axis, when the suspects Peugeot 406, loaded with firearms, crashed shortly after they had collected ransom money from their victims. Eyewitnesses confirmed the development, with security analyst Zagazolo Makama disclosing that the gang members fled the scene, leaving behind the cash and sophisticated weapons in the wrecked vehicle. Advertisement READ MORE: Police Nab Two Armed Robbery Suspects, Recover Stolen Vehicle In Nasarawa According to reports, troops of the Nigerian Army were swiftly deployed to the location. The security operatives secured the accident scene and recovered the abandoned money and arms. Meanwhile, security forces have intensified the manhunt for the fleeing suspects, assuring residents of continued surveillance and proactive measures to curb criminal activities in Kokona and other parts of Nasarawa State. Nollywood star Ime Bishop Umoh, popularly known as Okon Lagos, has appealed to the Federal Government to free the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Speaking on a recent episode of The Clarity Zone podcast, posted on X on Tuesday, the actor stressed that Kanus release would promote peace and foster national reconciliation, even if it does not align strictly with legal arguments. I am one million percent of the opinion that Nnamdi Kanu should be freed. Free him. It may not make legal sense depending on what they have claimed, that the evidences that have been put in the fore of the crimes he has committed, Umoh said. Advertisement READ MORE: BBNaija Honours Memory Of Late Ex-Housemates He added: It [freeing Kanu] doesnt need to make legal sense, but it makes moral common sense. During the conversation, his host Nedu Wazobia asked him to clarify what he meant by moral common sense. Umoh explained: It is morally right. Of course, he is a human being and he took emotional decisions, and emotional decisions are not right decisions. He felt that his people were being marginalised and he started agitating for Biafras secession. Kanu was first arrested in 2015 on charges including treasonable felony and terrorism and later fled the country after being granted bail. He was rearrested in 2021 in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria, where he remains detained pending trial. His legal team has argued that some charges against him lack legal merit, emphasizing that his activities were largely motivated by a desire for self-determination rather than an intent to overthrow the government. The Ondo State chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has relieved its state secretary, Jimmy Akinyan, of his duties over allegations of indiscipline, anti-party activities, and misconduct. The announcement was made on Monday during a stakeholders meeting of the party in Akure, the Ondo State capital. Party leaders explained that the decision was necessary to enforce discipline and reposition the SDP as a credible opposition force in the state. In a communique released after the meeting, the state chairman of the SDP, Gbenga Akinbuli, disclosed that a review of Akinyans conduct found him guilty of acts of sabotage during elections, insubordination, and financial misconduct. Advertisement Akinbuli emphasized that the allegations were serious and could not be overlooked, noting that Akinyans actions amounted to a breach of the collective trust within the party. According to him, In the wisdom of stakeholders, such behaviour cannot coexist with the principles of loyalty and ideological conviction which the SDP stands for. READ MORE: Govt. Has Failed, Only The Media Can Save Nigerians Ondo PDP To investigate the allegations further, the party announced the constitution of a five-man disciplinary committee chaired by the State Legal Adviser. The committee will determine Akinyans continued membership of the SDP. Meanwhile, Mr. Femi Ikoyi has been appointed as the new state secretary to fill the vacant position. Akinbuli maintained that the decision was part of broader efforts to strengthen the SDP in Ondo State. He said, This is not just a disciplinary measure, but the beginning of a broader effort to purge the SDP of sabotage and infiltration. We are determined to build a party of conviction and loyalty, one that offers Nigerians a true alternative rooted in service to the people. At least one person has been confirmed dead, and two others kidnapped following a violent attack by bandits in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State on Monday. Security expert Zagazola Makama reported that the attack occurred at approximately 12:15 a.m. when a group of youths were ambushed on their way to Barkin Ladi town. According to Makama, the heavily armed assailants opened fire, killing one youth, identified as Dayes Alexander, 25, while abducting two others, Palang Daniel, 26, and Gabriel Ayuba, 25, to an unknown location. Advertisement He added that security operatives were promptly deployed to the area and were combing the surrounding bushes in an effort to rescue the kidnapped victims. READ MORE: Plateau: Armed Men Kill One, Injure Another In Bokkos LG Makama further noted that the remains of the deceased were released to the family for burial after an autopsy was declined. This attack adds to the growing concerns over banditry and insecurity in Plateau State, prompting calls for heightened security measures. At least 25 Palestinians were reportedly killed on Monday morning following a series of Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian media outlets citing local medical sources. The reported casualties have not been independently verified. Both Hamas authorities in Gaza and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have yet to release official statements regarding the incidents. However, the IDF confirmed that it is currently reviewing the reports. READ MORE: Gaza War Will Last Many Months Until Hamas Is Wiped Off Israels PM Vows Advertisement Palestinian media reported that an overnight drone strike in Deir al-Balah, located in central Gaza, hit a tent sheltering displaced families. The attack allegedly killed five people, including a one-year-old infant and two children aged 12 and 13. Another strike in Deir al-Balah on Monday morning reportedly claimed the lives of an additional five people. Meanwhile, in southern Gazas Khan Younis, local outlets reported that eight more individuals were killed in a separate airstrike. The rising death toll comes as intense fighting continues across the enclave, with international mediators still pushing for a potential ceasefire agreement to halt the violence. Moses Olafare, the official spokesperson for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has explained why the monarch will not respond to the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, demanding the revocation of a chieftaincy title recently bestowed on Ibadan-based business mogul, Engineer Dotun Sanusi. Olafare, in a Facebook post on Tuesday, disclosed that the Ooni specifically directed him to ignore the threat, emphasizing that the revered monarch would not dignify what he termed as undignifyable with an official response. According to him, the Ooni has chosen to leave the issue to the public court of opinion rather than engage in a traditional tussle. Advertisement READ MORE: Im Not In Royal Supremacy Battle With Any Monarch Alaafin Of Oyo My Principal has directed me against issuing a Press Release on the Empty Threat of the Alawada Babasala. I beg to disappoint you, gentlemen of the press. We cannot dignify the undignifyable with an official response. We leave the matter to be handled in the public court of opinion, as it is already being treated. Lets rather focus on narratives that unite us rather than the ones capable of dividing us. No Press Release please (sic) 48 Hours My Foot!!! Olafare wrote. The Punch reports that Oba Owoade had earlier described the Oonis action as an affront while issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for the withdrawal of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title conferred on Sanusi. He insisted that the action was a direct challenge to his authority as Alaafin. In a statement signed on Monday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin maintained that he alone holds the exclusive right to confer titles with jurisdiction over the entire Yorubaland. The conferment of a Yoruba-wide chieftaincy title by the Ooni is not only ultra vires but an insult to the Titan of Yorubaland. The Supreme Court itself has ruled that only the Alaafin has such authority. Yet, the Ooni continues to act above the law, trampling on both tradition and the courts, the statement read. Oba Owoade warned that if the Ooni failed to withdraw the title within 48 hours, there would be consequences. This controversy draws parallels with a similar clash in 1991 when the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, petitioned the then military governor of Oyo State, Colonel Abdulkareem Adisa, over a comparable action by the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade. At the time, Oba Sijuade had conferred the title of Akinrogun of Yorubaland on Chief Tom Ikimi, the National Chairman of the National Republican Convention. Oba Adeyemi had described the move as an outright desecration of the revered institution of Yoruba monarchy, lamenting that such abuses emanated from those expected to preserve and uphold the sanctity of tradition. The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two men over the alleged vandalism of iron materials at a construction site in Minna. The suspects, identified as Zubairu Sarki Bello and Sulaiman Yusuf, both residents of the Brighter area of Minna, were apprehended on Saturday around 3:30 p.m. According to a statement issued on Monday by the Commands spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the two suspects were found in possession of vandalised iron rods near an ongoing hotel construction project along Hilltop Road, Minna. Advertisement Police operatives of B Division Minna moved to the scene and arrested one Zubairu Sarki Bello and Sulaiman Yusuf of Brighter area, Minna, Abiodun said. During preliminary questioning, one of the suspects, Zubairu, reportedly claimed to be the facilitys security guard. He stated that he was moving the iron materials to his residence for safekeeping. READ MORE: Niger Police Arrest Four Over Truck Theft On Kaduna-Abuja Expressway Despite the claim, DSP Abiodun confirmed that both men are currently in custody as investigations continue. Both suspects are under investigation, he added. The development comes amid increasing concerns over cases of vandalism and theft in Niger State, particularly incidents involving building materials and public infrastructure. The police command further assured residents that updates on the investigation would be provided in due course. It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities within their communities. The Niger State Police Command has taken into custody a 23-year-old salesgirl, Sarah Ogbonna, accused of stealing goods valued at more than N29 million from a phone store in Minna. In a statement issued on Monday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said the shop owner, whose business is located at Obasanjo Complex in Minna, reported the case to A Division on August 8. On 8th August, 2025, at about 12pm, a report was received at A Div Minna from a shop owner at Obasanjo Complex, Minna, who deals in phone business. Advertisement READ MORE: Fatal Electrocution Claims Life Of Lagos Electrician The report indicated that his salesgirl, one Sarah Ogbonna, 23 years of Okada road, Minna, was suspected to have been stealing items/phones from his shop entrusted to her. He alleged that she had stolen items worth over twenty-nine million naira from the shop, Abiodun said. The police spokesperson explained that officers promptly apprehended Sarah, and during interrogation, Ogbonna admitted she had been employed at the shop since 2023 but claimed she was unsure if the items she had taken were worth as much as twenty-nine million naira. He stated that Sarahs confession resulted in the arrest of three accomplices on August 9. Those arrested were identified as 23-year-old Ruth Omor Emmanuel of Tunga, Minna; 30-year-old Mercy Ogbonna of Okada Road; and 32-year-old Nurudeen Musa of Obasanjo Complex, Minna. Further investigation revealed that Sarah made multiple transfers of money to her senior sister, Mercy Ogbonna, who sorts out family challenges on her behalf, such as payment of house rents, purchase of food items and other needs for the families. Ruth Emmanuel was also a salesgirl in the shop, and she allegedly participated in some of the acts before she left, while Nurudeen Musa usually collects expensive phones from Sarah and sells the phones at giveaway prices, rendering short payments for a long period of time, Abiodun said. The police also disclosed that Sarah rented and furnished an apartment in the Sauka-Kauta area of Minna for her boyfriend, identified as Samuel Abiodun Bello, who is currently on the run. She also transferred some money to him and equally claimed that she engaged in a weekly financial contribution of one hundred and fifty thousand naira with a yet to be identified online group, the PPRO added. Abiodun stated that all the suspects are currently being investigated, adding that several items were recovered from Sarah. The following items were recovered from her: two power generators, one smart TV, one freezer, four wigs of five hundred thousand naira each, one gas cylinder, shoes, canvas, bags, clothes, house furniture and other items, Abiodun said Troops of the Nigerian Armys 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe carried out a successful operation against kidnappers in Delta State. They were assisted by a tracker team from the Delta State Government House, Asaba, during the mission. The joint forces engaged the criminals in a fierce shootout at Aniocha North Local Government Area, where three kidnappers were neutralised. Advertisement The operation, carried out on Tuesday, led to the rescue of a kidnapped woman held hostage in Otulu Forest. According to Army authorities, the successful mission followed credible intelligence and days of surveillance. READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/08/ondo-sdp-sacks-secretary-jimmy-akinyan-over-alleged-indiscipline-anti-party-activities.html Troops had been tracking the kidnappers since last week after receiving information about their activities around Issele Uku, the Army said. The criminals had already collected ransom from the victims families, but our forces were determined to bring them down in their hideout. During the 30-minute gun battle, troops killed three members of the gang and recovered an AK-47 rifle, 52 rounds of ammunition, four mobile phones, a power bank, and a cutlass, also seized was N2,336,000, believed to be ransom money abandoned by the suspects. Unfortunately, one soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while the rescued woman also suffered injuries prior to her release. Both were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, where they are receiving treatment. Brigadier General M.A. Shonibare, Commander of 63 Brigade, praised the troops bravery. This operation is part of our commitment to rid Delta State of criminals and ensure peace in our communities, he said. The Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja Division, has arrested the leader and two members of a notorious one chance gang, a criminal syndicate known for terrorising commuters across the city. The suspects, 53-year-old Bode Oludayisin, 22-year-old Michael Sowunmi, and 20-year-old David Olawaye, were apprehended when Ikeja Division operatives responded to a distress call while conducting a routine patrol on Agege Motor Road, Ikeja. In a statement on Monday, the Commands PPRO, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest, noting that the gang leader is connected to the rising wave of one chance robberies, a criminal method that takes advantage of Lagos crowded public transport system. Advertisement READ MORE: Fatal Electrocution Claims Life Of Lagos Electrician One of the suspects was positively identified as a wanted gang leader linked to a series of violent one chance robberies across Lagos. Responding swiftly to the distress, the operatives intercepted the suspects inside an unregistered commercial minibus, which has now been confirmed as their operational vehicle. Recovered items from the suspects include a Tecno Spark 20 smartphone belonging to a victim, an axe, two concrete interlock bricks, several heavy stones suspected to have been used to assault past victims, and a broken bottle, all of which have been registered as exhibits and weapons, he said. Hundeyin explained that the gang frequently operates in groups to target and select their victims. Investigations revealed that the gang operated using commercial minibuses, commonly known as Korope, pretending to be ordinary passengers. They often picked up unsuspecting commuters from locations such as Oshodi and then diverted them to unknown locations, where victims were robbed under threats, violence, and intimidation. Following the breakthrough arrest, the Commands Special Squad 1 has taken over the case to arrest other fleeing members and dismantle the criminal network, he said. The PPRO stated that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, praised the officers for their prompt action, which resulted in the arrest of the wanted gang leader and the dismantling of the gangs activities. He urges members of the public to be extra cautious, avoid boarding unmarked or suspicious vehicles, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Commands emergency lines: 08063299264, 09168631003, Hundeyin said. Renowned social media activist and commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has accused Dangote Group of neglecting a 22-year-old lady at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Auchi, Edo State, after she was allegedly crushed by one of the companys truck drivers. In a now deleted Instagram story post on Monday, VeryDarkMan shared a video showing the lady hospitalised, claiming her medical bills have exceeded N5 million. He also revealed that he participated in a protest against Dangote trucks in Auchi, calling on the company to take responsibility for victims of its drivers. Advertisement READ MORE: Single Mothers Alone Cannot Raise Boys Into Proper Men Jim Iyke On reaching the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Auchi, Edo State, we met an abandoned victim of Dangotes reckless unlicensed driver, a 22-year-old girl, whom was going for her project and was crushed. She has been in the hospital for 11 months with bills of over 5 million naira; Dangote has abandoned her, he wrote. He added: Let the world know that we will not be allowing any Dangote trucks today in Auchi if all victims of Dangotes unlicensed truck drivers are not properly taken care of @dangotegroup. @aliko_dangotegcon, We cant fight you; you are the richest man in Africa, and you command security agencies. We are only telling you to take responsibility. The allegations follow a recent incident involving Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner Phyna Otabor, whose sister, Ruth, was reportedly hit by a Dangote truck in the same area. Three days ago, Dangote Group stated that it would cover all medical expenses for Ruth Otabor. The damaged Art Alliance Building at 251 South 18th Street as seen on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025 in Philadelphia. The building was on fire in the earl hours of July. The cause was ruled "undetermined." Read more Since a fire seriously damaged the Art Alliance building on Rittenhouse Square early July 4, the structure has sat exposed to the elements, its roof destroyed, while the buildings appearance from the outside has remained largely unchanged. But officials from the Curtis Institute of Music, which owns the building, say remediation inside is underway. Advertisement Its something were working on every day, says Chris Dwyer, the Curtis Institutes chief financial officer, who is coordinating rehabilitation efforts on the historically designated onetime mansion designed by noted Philadelphia architect Frank Miles Day. Its been a bit slow in some perspectives, but, actually, given all thats going on, were pleased with the speed. A new roof is on the way, but first the building needed structural reinforcement. Shoring posts were installed inside to support existing trusses. Curtiss structural engineer issued a report the week before last regarding the shoring, stating, in effect, its working, the buildings not moving, Dwyer said, because thats been our biggest concern from the beginning that the building be as stable as possible. Scaffolding is being erected on the north and south exteriors of the building as well as through the buildings middle portion inside which will provide access for demolishing and removing the old roof and the mechanical systems that sat on it. Then the building will be wrapped to protect it from the elements. That skin, which will be peaked on top, will cover the building on top and drape down on the north and south sides. Its a durable material that should stand up to the weather, Dwyer said. After that, a temporary roof will be put on the building while planning for the buildings full rehabilitation proceeds. Curtis only recently took possession of the Art Alliance, purchasing it for $7.6 million from the University of the Arts bankruptcy estate in January. The small, prestigious music conservatory was still developing plans for what to do with the building when the fire struck. While nothing is firm, restoring it to the way it was reconfigured inside before the fire is probably not in the cards, Dwyer said. The blaze, plus the fact that Curtis is about to embark on a new strategic planning process, makes discussions timely about how to adapt the building to use by a music school rather than a visual arts venue, he said. It holds a lot of promise as a space for teaching and learning and potentially housing some of the instructional faculty, he said, adding that no decisions had been made. Dwyer said it was still not known what the fire would ultimately mean for the school financially. The building was insured, but when it comes to our fundraising its possible that what we want to do [in terms of rebuilding] would involve fundraising not so much that the insurance doesnt pay, but that maybe we would want to do more. But that is all kind of a bit TBD. In the meantime, the Art Alliance, full of promise when Curtis purchased it from the shuttered University of the Arts, is a conspicuous wound on the southeast edge of the square. It has been really heartbreaking to watch all of these fits and starts happen, said June Armstrong, executive director of Friends of Rittenhouse Square. I really give the Curtis Institute a lot of credit for raising their hands and stepping in. I know their long-term vision for the building is really to activate it as a community hub, which has always been the highest and best use of that space. The fire has not altered the schools plan to add the Art Alliance to its collection of buildings on and near Rittenhouse Square, leaders said. We recognize how important the building is to the Rittenhouse community and to the city and to our neighbors, said Curtis spokesperson Patricia Johnson. Its important to us, too, and were committed to the building. Amanda Marchand and Leah Sobsey's work is displayed at the ongoing "This Earthen Door" exhibit at the Brandywine Museum of Art. Read more Last summer, artists Amanda Marchand and Leah Sobsey arrived at Waterloo Mills Preserve a swath of undeveloped land 15 miles west of Philadelphia not expecting to look at poison ivy with reverence. The preserves manager, Kevin Fryberger, introduced them to the vigorous native specimen whose berries are among the best food sources for migrating birds. He also told them the Poison Ivy Leaf-miner Moth (Cameraria guttifinitella) gets its nutrition exclusively from it. Advertisement On that trip, and on subsequent trips in the fall and winter, they gathered the leaves and twigs of chokecherry, flowering dogwood, sassafras, tulip poplar, and 10 other native trees. They also gathered 10 kinds of invasive species including privet hedge and Norway maple. And a greater appreciation for the beautiful interdependence of creatures and vegetation. Unlike plein air painters who travel to scenic places, open their tubes of paints, and reproduce landscapes on their canvases, these women carried the local materials back to their studios to render the landscape, or some version of it. Marchand and Sobsey ripped up the preserves leaves and pounded the petals of flowers they found. They rubbed and painted these natural pigments onto paper and produced panes of pure color. The transformed art material, created from the leaves and flowers, became the artwork. And in all of this, they found a spiritual guide in the poet Emily Dickinson. During the pandemic lockdown, Marchand, a Canadian photographer, book artist, and educator based in Brooklyn, and Sobsey, a photographer, educator, and gallery director based in North Carolina, became obsessed with Dickinsons plant album also known as an herbarium. Begun by Dickinson almost 200 years ago, the herbariums 66 pages are packed with 400+ specimens of pressed plants. Housed at Harvards Houghton Library, the book is too fragile to be held or examined. Dissatisfied with the online scans, the women, who became friends as graduate students at the San Francisco Art Institute, decided to reconstruct it. To that end, they identified, collected, and grew the 66 species featured in Dickinsons album. In addition to learning about the plants that the poet preserved, they also used them to produce artworks using the 19th-century techniques of ink-paint making and solar printing. They laid out the digital negatives of Dickinsons herbarium pages, taken from the online archive, on specially treated paper and exposed them to the sun for time periods varying from one day to four months. [Its like] your backyard is your dark room, said Marchand, but some take two months, and so youre really tending to them in this extreme way, where the family might be involved in rushing things in and out of rain storms. They made their way to Waterloo Mills when the Brandywine Conservancy and Museum offered to host an exhibition of the artists creations and commissioned them to produce two site-specific, Dickinson-adjacent works. One of the commissions, Talk not to me of Summer Trees, is composed of 56 color prints, derived from 14 tree species, arranged as a grid on a Brandywine museum wall. Named after a Dickinson poem, it effects a seasonal clock: the plant material Marchand and Sobsey gathered in the summer months (when the trees are full of their green chlorophyll hue) are arranged on the top tiers. The fall and winter specimens, marked by the reddish anthocyanin pigment at its strongest, are displayed as the bottom prints. Looking closely, viewers can detect residues of the pulped and mushed plant material as if what remains is the essence or soul of the former leaf, and former flower, leaving the viewer with, as Dickinson writes, The foliage of the mind. Collectively, the varied panes of pale yellow, deep greens, and pink-brown-reds have a real presence in a way that color typically doesnt theres something so alive about the[se] colors because its just pure pigment, Sobsey says. The second commission is Estranged from Beauty None Can Be. This work is composed of 10 vertically mounted sun prints. Produced from natural materials found both at the Brandywine preserves and in Dickinsons Amherst, Mass., the prints (also called anthotypes) are elegant silhouettes of bush honeysuckle, orange daylily, and other non-native species that infiltrate the preserves and other areas in the Delaware Valley. Sobsey said producing the natural hues for the pieces made her feel giddy, you know, like being a kid and seeing what color would come out. For both artists, the tactile messiness of this art making was gratifying, and the experimental practices also produced a sequence of surprises. A bloom in the early stages is going to [make the pigment] look different than [pigment made from] a bloom at its end stage. And so even those little moments are going to shift color, Sobsey said. Both commissions are featured in the ongoing This Earthen Door: Nature as Muse and Material exhibit at the Brandywine Museum of Art. The exhibition is a celebration of the museum and the Brandywine Conservancy, a land preservation effort that has helped facilitate the permanent protection of several properties totaling 70,200 acres in the region, including the Waterloo Mills Preserve. A visit to the exhibit feels like lingering in the paint box of spring, summer, and autumns palette. And even though the exhibit is complete, Sobsey still keeps scraps of paper in her pockets when she goes for walks so that she can take a little petal and rub it to see what color comes out. These colors are in front of our face all day, said Fryberger. Every day, but no one ever sees them but once you see it, you can see it everywhere. Its all there. This Earthen Door: Nature as Muse and Material runs through Sept. 7 at the Brandywine Museum of Art, 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, Pa. www.brandywine.org The entire body of 101 works can be viewed at Rick Wester Fine Art in New York City. Lisa Schmidt served as president of Richards Layton & Finger, the largest of the Delaware corporate-law firms, from 2022 to 2025, as the state's legal establishment successfully pushed for legislation designed to blunt attacks on the state's "corporation franchise" by Elon Musk and others. Read more Delaware has twice as many corporations as people, attracted by the states business-friendly Chancery courts and laws. Corporate law is big business, with New York, Philadelphia, and Washington firms and the Wilmington hometown bar jostling for clients. Young associates start at over $200,000 a year; senior partners can be multimillionaires. More than half the Fortune 500 are legally based in Delaware, and more than 80% of newly public companies are incorporated there. Legal spending feeds the local economy and corporate legal business fuels a third of the states budget, enabling Delaware to forgo a retail sales tax. Advertisement Other states covet this prosperous niche industry, and company founders who are disappointed by court decisions have threatened to move elsewhere. Teslas Elon Musk was especially upset when Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick ruled against his attempt to back out of buying Twitter and twice against his record-setting pay package. Musk and a few other big-tech founders last year began moving legal business to Texas, Nevada, and other states that advertised themselves as founder-friendly. Newly elected Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, a former corporate lawyer, sought to ease the reaction and prove the state took corporate concerns seriously. He signed Senate Bill 21, a law that will help limit legal inquiries and complaints by small groups of shareholder dissidents. He overcame opposition from a faction of fellow Democrats, allies of labor unions, activist shareholders, and pension plans, and their lawyers who sue companies. Partners at Richards Layton & Finger, Delawares largest corporate-law firm with 180 lawyers, helped lead the campaign. Lisa Schmidt, a 35-year veteran of the firm who recently served a three-year term as its president, talked about the bill and other legal issues at her Wilmington office on Aug. 13. Questions and answers have been edited for clarity and brevity. Delaware law usually evolves quietly, with legislators adopting what a committee of defense and plaintiff attorneys recommend. How did this years update become a public struggle? We, as Delaware corporate lawyers, had always taken Delawares corporate franchise for granted. Our law was the gold standard for corporations. Every 10 years something would bubble up threats to federalize corporate law, [another state] trying to copy our standards. But it was never very serious. Never any question that venture-funded start-ups would IPO in Delaware. We became very comfortable. And then, suddenly, a series of cases, a series of loud voices, and then Texas and Nevada came on with marketing campaigns we had never seen. They were in the Wall Street Journal every week, competing aggressively [to attract corporate registrations, legal business, and fees]. So we as a firm had to do something we never did: put ourselves out front. We had to explain SB21 to members of our General Assembly, really reinforcing the importance of the Delaware corporate franchise, and the risks if we didnt address these real threats. Despite the pushback and Elon Musks efforts to shift legal work to Texas, Delaware incorporations were up again in the past year, even with a national slowdown in business formation. Who did you have to convince? There are companies that have left, but some of them started the process before SB21 was adopted. [Decision-makers, advisers, and general counsel] are looking at the balance in our corporate law between managements discretion to run their companies and shareholders having a voice. If you are out of balance, people wont want to serve as directors. They wont want to invest in your companies, and companies will look to other states. This year, very loud voices raised concerns about Delaware. The governor had been in office 15 days. I give him a lot of credit for stepping up as quickly as he did. Wouldnt it be more surprising if he didnt? Gov. Mayer was elected with backing from corporate donors [such as Michael Bloomberg and Phil Shawe]. He was advised by former Judges William Chandler and Leo Strine, now prominent corporate lawyers. There was concern this was outside the normal process. The governor said, Lets look at what this group has drafted. The council, which includes plaintiffs as well as defense lawyers, approved the revisions. The opposition to SB21 vocalized this as challenge to our courts, which its not. If you are constitutionally opposed to corporations, but you want to provide services to constituents and the corporate-law franchise funds a third of our budget theres a disconnect. The governor says he acted after hearing at least one big law firm was preparing to advise clients on alternatives to Delaware. We heard that New York firms were setting up practice groups for reincorporation and domestication. They leaked spreadsheets comparing the jurisdictions and laying out the provisions and the inferences. But theres more [at stake] than the corporate franchise. Once you change the state of incorporation, that impacts where you file for bankruptcy and where somebody can sue you for your patents. Delaware remains the most attractive place for our clients. Texas courts have jury trials thats not where a company may want to be. Companies have to look at it all, to get the whole picture. Delaware law is a well-paid career. Do young lawyers want to move here, as you did after law school? I dont think its any harder to recruit. We face more competition in retaining our associates. Law firm models are a funnel. You dont want to lose really good associates in their third and fourth year. We pay our associates $210,000-$215,000. New York firms pay about $10,000 higher. We were the first firm to come back [to the office from COVID shutdowns] four days a week. I was not very popular when we did that. But its so important to have associates in the office to listen and interact with the clients. Is artificial intelligence replacing lawyers? AI-type tools are helping us get through the big burden of discovery, when you have millions of pages to review. Weve been told the courts are using AI to scan filings to make sure the precedents are not overstated. Its to be determined how that impacts us. You want young people who are critical thinkers. Who write well. I hope AI never replaces that. I always look for people who are student athletes. They can multitask. They can balance their schedules. Work with a team. For litigators those are some of the most important skills. When Elon Musk was criticizing Chancery, followers on X called Delaware judges corrupt, partisan, and communist. Will threats and abuse make it harder to find judges? In that job, you have to have a thick skin. There are people who may disagree with your judgment. People here disagreed with some of my judgments, but they didnt leave. I have respect for all of our judges to take on a job that pays a fraction of what they make in the private sector, to work harder, to be available on holidays, and to constantly train young associates as their clerks. They are up nights and on weekends. This story has been corrected. Elon Musk tried to back out of buying Twitter. The target company was misidentified in an earlier version. Lawyer John Pauciulo, in a 2016 video for his longtime client Dean Vagnozzi, a King of Prussia insurance and investment salesman who advertised his nontraditional investments business on KYW and talk radio. Vagnozzi later sued Pauciulo and his former law firm, Eckert Seamans, for the failure to register Par Funding investments with the SEC and comply with securities law. Read more Five years after a court-ordered receivership took over Philadelphia-based Par Funding and months after its founder Joseph LaForte and his associates were sentenced to prison for criminal fraud and conspiracy, the lawyers resolving the Ponzi scheme are putting together a plan to double the cash they have sent hundreds of investors. From 2011 to 2020, investors poured more than $500 million into Par Funding to fund its high-priced loans to shaky small businesses. For years, they collected monthly checks with interest yielding 10% a year, or more. But Par stopped paying principal and interest in 2020, leaving more than 1,700 investors with net losses totaling $226 million and leading to the court-ordered takeover. Advertisement The SEC filed civil fraud charges against Pars founders and several of its outside salespeople, which they agreed not to contest, and has seized assets to be returned to investors. Criminal fraud and conspiracy charges were also filed against Par founder LaForte, his brother and chief collector James, and Par chief financial officer Joseph Cole Barleta. The men pleaded guilty to looting the company at investors expense and were sentenced to prison terms earlier this year. Beginning Tuesday, a panel of lawyers will hold a hearing to consider sanctions against John Pauciulo, a former partner at the Eckert Seamans law firm and the former lawyer for the top Par salesman, Dean Vagnozzi. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel of the state Supreme Courts disciplinary board says in its petition against Pauciulo that he played a pivotal role in the Par scheme. His defense lawyer says he provided private advice and was not part of the fraud. The status of investor refunds In December, federal Judge Rodolfo Ruiz authorized $111 million in payments to Par investors, nearly half the net $226 million they had lost. Another $108 million is now available for distribution, according to a report filed by the receiver on Aug. 1. That includes additional money collected from Par borrowers and owners, plus $37 million that had been held up pending a settlement that has since been reached with a group of early Par investors, the Chehebar family, owners of Rainbow Stores; $32 million from a legal settlement with Eckert Seamans insurers; and $12 million from the sale of LaFortes former Florida resort home, almost the last of two dozen properties seized from company leaders. There could be a final payout if the receivers collect more. Still in the works: a $10 million tax refund application to the IRS; negotiations with federal prosecutors in Philadelphia, who still have a lawsuit against Par on the books, to turn over LaFortes former Cessna jet and a Charles Schwab investment account worth an estimated $20 million; sales of the last remaining Par assets, including a Cherubini yacht; and collection of the last outstanding unforgiven, unpaid loans to Par borrowers, totaling over $5 million. The cases have run up more than $60 million in lawyer fees plus Par staff and operating expenses and other costs to run the receivership over the last five years. The receiver is also managing $16 million in purchased life insurance policies in two of Vagnozzis former funds that were mixed with Par investments. They can be sold for only a fraction of their face value. The case against Pauciulo Pauciulo, a former partner in the law firm of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott and chair of Eckerts Financial Transactions practice group, showed Vagnozzi and other salespeople how to package Par loans into the investments that later defaulted. He faces charges of misconduct and other violations of lawyers Rules of Professional Conduct. The SEC filed a civil complaint in 2022 accusing Pauciulo, a onetime SEC lawyer, of securities fraud for his involvement with the Par scheme. He settled the case without admitting wrongdoing by agreeing to a $125,000 fine and a five-year suspension from SEC cases. He left Eckert and set up his own office. Insurers for Eckert agreed to pay $45 million to settle claims by employees and investors that Pauciulos bad advice was partly responsible for their losses. Investigators for the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in April filed a petition accusing Pauciulo of violating the Rules of Professional Conduct, specifically alleging misconduct related to dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation, and failing to meet the rules standards of competence, diligence, dealings with people not represented by counsel, and avoiding conflicts of interest. Pauciulos lawyer, Samuel Stretton of West Chester, said Pauciulo worked for Vagnozzi, not for Par, adding that lawyers who worked directly for Par havent been hit with disciplinary complaints. John is charged with everyone under the sun, but he didnt deal with Par, Stretton said, adding that Vagnozzi is on Pauciulos defense witness list, even though he sued his former lawyer. The disciplinary board will hear Pauciulo and witnesses in three days of scheduled hearings this week before deciding on any penalties. A prisoner escaped from Pennsylvania state constables custody Tuesday afternoon in Delaware County, stole a vehicle and crashed it, then fled into a wooded area before finally being caught, police said. Shortly before 2:40 p.m., Nether Providence Township police were alerted that Upper Providence Township police, in coordination with the Pennsylvania State Police, were pursuing a vehicle east on Baltimore Pike into Nether Providence. Advertisement The person they were pursuing had escaped from the constables custody, Nether Providence police said. Haverford Township Police Chief John Viola on Tuesday evening confirmed that the prisoner was 27-year-old Jaliel Johnson, who was arrested sometime Monday night into early Tuesday in Haverford. Johnson was charged with receiving stolen property, prowling, providing false identification to law enforcement, and drug offenses, court records show. Johnson was transferred on Tuesday to the custody of the constables to be transported to the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. After escaping, Johnson stole a vehicle and drove east on Baltimore Pike through Media and into Nether Providence before becoming involved in a crash at Baltimore Pike and Turner Road, Nether Providence police said. Johnson ran into a wooded area along Baltimore Pike, police said. Multiple police agencies assisted with the search, which ended about 20 minutes later with Johnsons apprehension. No injuries were reported and Johnson was turned over to the Pennsylvania State Police. Nether Providence police said they issued an alert to residents to shelter in place while the escapee was at large. No other details about the escape were released. In May, a prisoner escaped from custody at the Delaware County Courthouse in Media and eluded capture for several hours. Screenshot of Rashida Irvin, co-owner of Mister Relaxation Mens Spa and Lounge, during an appearance on Good Day Philadelphia on Fox 29 in April 2023. Read more Two years ago, Rashida and Kyle Irvin were celebrated on Localish, a show that is featured on ABC platforms, as the husband and wife co-owners of a spa in East Germantown. On Monday, Philadelphia police announced that Kyle Irvin, 55, was being sought for the fatal shooting of Rashida Irvin, 48, early last week. Advertisement On Aug. 11 around 6:35 p.m., police were flagged down by someone reporting having heard gunshots coming from the inside of a location on the 6300 block of Germantown Avenue. Police went inside and found the body of Rashida Irvin in a bathroom. She had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene by medics. Police have since obtained an arrest warrant for Kyle Irvin. They have not released other details in the case publicly but did say the motive was domestic. In April 2023, the couple and their business, Mister Relaxation Mens Spa & Lounge at 6325 Germantown Ave., were featured in a segment for Localish. Rashida Irvin described herself as part-owner and operations manager of the spa. She described Kyle Irvin as having been a barber for more than 30 years. The pair spoke positively about owning the business together. Its actually a bonus. We have each others back all the time, she said. You have your wife, and thats the best business partner that I really feel as though you could have, Kyle Irvin said. Rashida Irvin also made an appearance in April 2023 promoting the spa on a segment for Good Day Philadelphia on Fox 29. On Friday, WDAS radio personality Patty Jackson posted on social media about Rashida Irvins death. On Saturday, she posted a follow-up with a video from a back-to-school book bag drive the spa had planned before Rashida Irvins death. Jackson wrote that the slain womans family wants her to be remembered as Rashida Smith, her maiden name. Anyone with information related to this case can call the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477). Temple Health now owns 80% of Chestnut Hill Hospital after buying Redeemer Health's 20% stake. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine owns the remaining 20%. Read more Temple University Health System acquired Redeemer Healths 20% stake in Chestnut Hill Hospital on Tuesday, Temples CEO Mike Young said in an interview. The deal gives Temple 80% ownership of the 148-bed hospital in the Northwestern section of Philadelphia. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine owns the remaining 20%. Temple manages the hospital. Advertisement Weve been planning it for a while, and it really wasnt core for Holy Redeemer, Young said, using Redeemers previous name. I want to thank Holy Redeemer and their team for helping us get Chestnut Hill to where it is today. Temple, Redeemer, and PCOM paid Tower Health $28 million for Chestnut Hill at the end of 2022. Since then, the hospitals financial performance has improved from a $30 million annual loss to break even, Young said. The amount of Temples payment to Redeemer was not disclosed. Redeemer had paid $7 million for its share in 2022. Redeemer did not respond to a request for comment. The acquisition of Chestnut Hill gave Temple space to expand some of its advanced medical programs, such as cardiology, oncology, and urology. PCOM does not own a hospital, so its share of the purchase secured slots for training its students. The rationale for the stake purchased by Redeemer which has reported operating losses for eight straight years was not as obvious. Its sole hospital, the 239-bed Holy Redeemer Medical Center, is about 10 miles away in Meadowbrook, Montgomery County. Following the Chestnut Hill deal, two other Philadelphia-area operators with a single hospital were taken over by larger systems. St. Lukes University Health Network acquired Grand View Health last month, and the University of Pennsylvania Health System acquired Doylestown Health in April. U.S. Digestive Health, the largest private gastroenterology group in Southeastern Pennsylvania, has been sold by its private-equity backer to a unit of UnitedHealth Group. Shown here, in March 2024, is USDH's Bensalem location. Read more The sale of Southeastern Pennsylvanias largest private medical practice of gastrointestinal specialists to a subsidiary of the nations largest health insurer showcases the behind-the-scenes impact of private equity investment in healthcare. U.S. Digestive Health has been sold to a unit of UnitedHealth Group Inc., which owns the insurer and has a network of more than 90,000 physicians. Advertisement Amulet Capital Partners L.P., a Greenwich, Conn.-private equity firm, sold U.S. Digestive Health in late January without announcement. The deal slipped by with little notice outside local gastroenterology circles. Private equity firms benefit from being allowed to operate in relative secrecy. This is another example of that, said Michael Fenne, a research and campaign coordinator for the Private Equity Stakeholder Project, which describes itself as a nonprofit watchdog. The public has a right to know who owns their provider. The Inquirer learned of the U.S. Digestive sale last week from a retired physician. UnitedHealth confirmed Monday that U.S. Digestive is now part of SCA Health, which UnitedHealth acquired in 2017. This will allow U.S. Digestive Health to continue providing digestive care excellence in every community they serve, while advancing our shared efforts to provide quality-driven, high-value and innovative care, SCA said in an email. U.S. Digestive employs 149 doctors, provides services at 24 ambulatory surgery centers, and employs 1,250 people in Pennsylvania and Delaware, according to its website. The company is based in Exton. At its seven surgery centers in Pennsylvania, U.S. Digestive doctors performed 46,568 procedures last year, according to state data. The state report does not specify how many were colonoscopies, its most commonly performed procedure. UnitedHealth, based in Minnetonka, Minn., is under civil and criminal investigation for Medicare billing practices, company officials told investors last month. Textbook PE deal Amulet provided the financial backing in 2019 to create U.S. Digestive through the consolidation of three already sizable physician groups: Regional GI of Lancaster, Digestive Disease Associates of Wyomissing, and Main Line Gastroenterology Associates. Private equity firms, which invest for wealthy individuals, pension funds, and other institutions, generally want to cash out their investments in seven years or less. Amulet owned U.S. Digestive for a little more than five years. Whats not known is whether Amulet made money for its investors. UnitedHealth is not expected to disclose the amount it paid, because the deal is not substantial enough to require such disclosure for a company with $400 billion in revenue last year. Following Amulets sale of U.S. Digestive to a publicly traded company, some large Philadelphia-area physician groups remain in the hands of private equity. They include Axia Womens Health owned by Partners Group, Premier Orthopaedics/Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center owned by Linden Capital and Audax Private Equity, and MidLantic Urology owned by Lee Equity Partners. LOS ANGELES The Menendez brothers are set to make their cases for parole starting Thursday, marking the closest theyve been to winning freedom from prison since their convictions almost 30 years ago for murdering their parents. Erik and Lyle Menendez were sentenced in 1996 to life in prison for fatally shooting their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. They were 18 and 21 at the time. While defense attorneys argued the brothers acted out of self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father, prosecutors said the brothers killed their parents for a multimillion-dollar inheritance. Advertisement READ MORE: (From 2018) Who cares about the Menendez murderers? An ex-Philadelphian | Stu Bykofsky The brothers became eligible for parole after a Los Angeles judge in May reduced their sentences from life in prison without the possibility of parole to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole under California law because they were under the ages of 26 when they committed their crimes. A panel or two or three parole hearing officers from a board of commissioners appointed by the governor will evaluate the brothers individually. Erik Menendez will have his hearing Thursday morning, followed by Lyle Menendez on Friday, over videoconference from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. The board will assess whether the brothers pose an unreasonable risk of danger to society if released, considering factors like criminal history, motivation for the crime and signs of remorse, behavior while in prison and plans for the future, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Even if the board grants their parole, it could still be months before the brothers walk free if at all. If the board grants each brothers parole, the chief legal counsel has 120 days to review the case. Then Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has 30 days to affirm or deny the parole. Only then, if Newsom affirms the parole, would the Menendez brothers be able to leave prison. Newsom had previously ordered the state parole board to conduct a risk assessment of the brothers in response to a clemency request. At the time, he emphasized that the key question was whether the brothers posed an unreasonable risk to public safety. He noted at a May news conference that he has both approved and rejected decisions by the parole board before and that he was the ultimate arbiter. The brothers lawyer, Mark Geragos, sought release last month for Erik Menendez after he was hospitalized for a serious medical condition. He has since returned to prison. The case has captured the attention of true crime enthusiasts for decades and spawned documentaries, television specials and dramatizations. The Netflix drama " Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story " and the documentary The Menendez Brothers, both released in 2024, have been credited for bringing new attention to the brothers. In the last year, weigh-in from celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and a greater recognition of the brothers as victims of sexual abuse has helped amass a legion of supporters who have called for their release. Some have flown to Los Angeles over the past few months, holding rallies and attending court hearings as the brothers attorneys pushed for their resentencing. The previous LA County district attorney, George Gascon, first opened the door to possible freedom for the brothers last fall by asking a judge to reduce their sentences. Since their conviction, the brothers have gotten an education, participated in self-help classes and started various support groups for fellow people in prison, his office said in a petition. The judges decision to ultimately resentence the brothers followed months of pushback from current prosecutors, who argued the brothers hadnt taken adequate responsibility for their crimes. The Menendez brothers still have a pending habeas corpus petition filed in May 2023 seeking a review of their convictions based on new evidence supporting their claims of sexual abuse by their father. Last month, a different judge ordered Los Angeles prosecutors to explain why their case shouldnt be reexamined. The state corrections department has selected one media representative to view the proceedings virtually and share notes with the rest of the press at set intervals. As the quality assurance/safety officer in charge of an arming evolution on a UH-1Y helicopter, Joa Rojas directs a team of Marines through a sequence of armaments via hand signals during an Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms in California in 2014. Read more As a Marine veteran, the sight of uniformed troops on the streets of Washington, D.C., is deeply troubling. It stands in stark contrast to the oath I and every other service member swore: A solemn promise to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This oath is not to a president, a political party, or a flag it is to the document and the principles that separate a free society from a militarized state. Our nations founders were acutely aware of the dangers of a standing army. Their fears, rooted in events like the Boston Massacre, led them to enshrine a clear separation between the military and domestic law enforcement. Advertisement This foundational mistrust of military power is why the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 was passed. Its a crucial safeguard designed to limit the use of federal military personnel for domestic law enforcement, protecting against the very scenario we are now witnessing. When I swore my enlistment oath, I understood that against all enemies, foreign and domestic was a heavy responsibility. I believed it meant protecting our country from those who would undermine our democratic institutions. It did not mean turning my training designed for combat and not de-escalation on fellow citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest. History has shown us what happens when this line is blurred. The tragedy at Kent State in 1970, where National Guard members opened fire on student protesters, serves as a painful reminder. The military is not trained to police communities; it is trained to neutralize threats. Their presence in a policing role creates an environment of fear and confrontation, escalating tensions rather than resolving them. The decision to deploy troops is often justified by a narrative of imminent chaos, but this justification relies on a selective and sometimes fabricated version of events. Our oath to the Constitution provides the moral and legal framework for what constitutes a lawful order. An order that misuses military power to suppress legitimate protest, or is based on manufactured information, is an abuse of that power. This rhetorical strategy, as seen in historical instances like the use of troops during the civil rights era or the 1992 Los Angeles riots, serves to legitimize an extraordinary measure while simultaneously fueling public mistrust. When the public perceives that the government is misusing and fabricating information to justify a military response, the social contract between the state and its citizens begins to fray. A society that welcomes troops as its police force is one that has lost faith in its institutions. Its an admission of failure by the government to address the root causes of civil unrest. This path leads to a vicious cycle: Military presence breeds fear and resentment, which can escalate tensions, which, in turn, is used to justify an even heavier military hand. The nine-month military occupation of Wilmington in the late 1960s stands as a grim testament to how such a situation can spiral out of control, leaving a legacy of deep-seated trauma and division. As a veteran, I am proud of my service to this country and the Constitution. But I am also deeply concerned. The deployment of troops to our capital is not a sign of strength, but a sign of a society in peril. It is an extraordinary measure that erodes public trust and undermines the very principles we swore to protect. We must reject the notion that troops on our streets are a solution. Instead, we must demand accountability, transparency, and a renewed commitment to the principles of a free and open society, where the police serve the people and the military serves the nation by protecting it from foreign adversaries not its own citizens. This is a distinction we must not allow to be erased. Joa Rojas served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps. She is currently pursuing a masters degree in public administration from New York University and is a resident of Gloucester Township. Philadelphia recently passed a business tax cut package based on one critical assumption: The citys pension fund will reach full funding by 2033. Some observers, including we the authors, believe these tax cuts wrongly benefit large corporations instead of ordinary citizens. But regardless of how tax cuts are structured in the coming decade, any revenue-cutting initiative faces a huge hurdle. The challenge is this: More than $1 billion of the pension fund sits in private equity an investment industry that is experiencing a meltdown. Advertisement Private equity firms promise superior returns by buying companies, with money borrowed from banks and institutional investors, then often selling off the companys own assets to pay themselves dividends while charging hefty fees. But the industry is facing what analysts call a breakdown in the private equity machine, not a temporary dislocation. Payouts to pension funds are running 50% below typical levels. Private equity funds launched in 2021 are the worst performers in 20 years, with payouts 80% below typical levels. Even funds from 2019 and 2020 are struggling, with payouts 40% and 30% below normal levels. The root problem? Private equity firms are sitting on companies they cant sell nearly eight years worth at current rates. As one industry expert puts it, If youre trying to sell a house and nobodys buying, the problem isnt the exit environment its that your price is far above market level. Rising stock prices are pushing up claimed valuations of private companies, too, making them even harder to sell at realistic prices. The controller must immediately audit the pension funds private equity exposure. Given this bleak assessment, the pension board may well decide to continue to hold its private equity investments at overstated values rather than recognizing losses. But the piper may eventually have to be paid, which means confronting even greater loss if real values continue spiraling down. What we know about this situation is bad, but what we dont know may be worse. Private equity investments lack transparency, making it impossible to assess the pension funds true financial position. Despite the city controllers 2019 call for better disclosure of fees and investment performance, financial reports still show only returns net of fees with no breakdown of individual investment performance. When billion-dollar pension obligations hang in the balance, this opacity isnt just inconvenient its dangerous. If these risky bets fail, the citys tax cut timeline crumbles. Worse, city workers could face higher payroll deductions to cover the shortfall, just as they have before when pension investments underperformed. If thats not enough, taxpayers will be left holding the bag. It should be noted that private equity doesnt just threaten retirement security and tax reform through poor returns. These firms systematically harm the workers whose pension dollars finance them. Harvard Business School research shows private equity ownership cuts employment by 4.4% and reduces wages by 1.7% for remaining workers. Philadelphians saw this firsthand when private equity-backed investors shuttered Hahnemann University Hospital after just 18 months, eliminating 2,500 jobs and displacing 500 medical residents. Philadelphias leadership faces a critical crossroads: continue funneling pension assets into a failing industry or redirect investments toward transparent, lower-cost alternatives with measurable performance. Better yet, follow New York Citys lead by investing pension funds locally in affordable housing preservation and development. Such investments could generate reliable returns while addressing Philadelphias housing crisis a true win-win for workers and residents. Given whats at stake tax reform, worker retirement security, and fiscal stability the controller must immediately audit the pension funds private equity exposure. City workers and taxpayers deserve to know exactly how much this billion-dollar gamble may have already cost them, and what it threatens to cost them in the future. At the end of the day, Philadelphias fiscal health shouldnt depend on the broken promises of Wall Streets most opaque industry. Its time to invest pension dollars where theyll actually work for us in financially sound and productive Philadelphia businesses and affordable housing developments that benefit the people and workers whose earned wealth is what makes up this fund. Stan Shapiro is a former City Council chief staff attorney and the vice chair and cofounder of Philly Neighborhood Networks. Peter Winslow is the vice president of the Public Banking Institute and a member of the Philadelphia Public Banking Coalition. During his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, it would have been difficult for President Donald Trump to make himself or our nation look weaker, the Editorial Board writes. Read more Donald Trumps Alaska summit with Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin was an epic failure on several fronts. Now, he appears poised to complete the sellout of Ukraine. In doing so, he will abandon Europe and open the door for China to invade Taiwan. Worst of all, Trump continues to show the world that he is a paper tiger. Advertisement Could Trump have made himself and the U.S. look any weaker in front of Putin and the world? He rolled out a red carpet for the former KGB spy, who has been accused of committing war crimes. After the two leaders arrived at the military base in Alaska, Trump exited his plane first a sign of complete deference. Then Trump stood and applauded as he waited to greet the international pariah who has presided over decades of mysterious deaths of his critics. Trump was not done humiliating himself or the U.S. He welcomed Putin with a military flyover before giving him a ride in the back of the presidential limousine as the two shared a laugh. Trumps feeble and embarrassing stagecraft was a prelude to backstabbing Ukraine along with the rest of Europe and the more than 400,000 U.S. troops who died fighting to preserve democracy and freedom against fascism and militarism. The Alaska summit was little more than a show. Trump set low expectations going into the meeting, and the results were worse. A big part of the problem is that Trumps position on Ukraine keeps shifting. Throughout the war, he has largely sided with Putin, who launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine in February 2022. When he was running for a second term, Trump repeatedly claimed he would end the war in a day. Of course, that didnt happen. In March, Trump and his lackeys shamefully ambushed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky an important ally and a hero who has led his country throughout the bloody war in front of TV cameras during a meeting in the Oval Office. For a brief time, Trump talked tough about Putin, claiming he was playing with fire and that he was not happy with him. In July, Trump threatened very significant sanctions on Russia if Putin did not stop the killing in 50 days. Last week, he called for severe consequences if Putin did not agree to a ceasefire. But Trump is more like the little boy who cried wolf. After the Alaska summit, he backed away from calls for a ceasefire and again sided with Putin, who demanded Ukraine give up land for peace. In return for major territorial concessions from Kyiv, Trump made some vague promises to Zelensky on Monday about the U.S. being involved in keeping the peace in Ukraine. If that horrible deal goes through, Trump would essentially reward Putin for invading a sovereign nation, committing war crimes, kidnapping children, raping women, killing at least 45,000 Ukrainians, destroying cities, and causing tens of billions of dollars in damage to the country. No wonder Russian state TV continues to laugh, mock, and poke fun at Trump. Moscow celebrated Putins triumphant trip to Alaska. Russias foreign minister underscored how the U.S. had rolled out the red carpet for Putin. While Trumps submission is a betrayal of his presidential oath to preserve, protect and defend the U.S., other presidents also failed to stop Putins aggression. In 2014, then-President Barack Obama was slow and ineffective in stopping Russia from annexing Crimea. That laid the groundwork for the invasion of Ukraine eight years later. Former President Joe Biden then failed to provide Ukraine the military support needed to defeat Russia especially when its military was faltering. The Republicans in Congress played a role in blocking the aid, as well. Even if Trump strikes a peace agreement now, there is nothing to stop Putin from eventually invading the rest of Ukraine or other countries. His goal, after all, is to rebuild the Russian empire. Meanwhile, China has learned that Trumps tough talk is meaningless. That could influence Chinas decision about whether to invade Taiwan which produces most of the chips needed to power computers. In the end, the cost of stopping Russia would have been cheaper and more impactful than the appeasement plan now in the works. The United States paved the way for peace, prosperity, and democracy following World War II. That is a lesson Trump failed to learn. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday any executive order from President Donald Trump banning mail ballots will have no impact on elections in the state. The governors comments came a day after Trump announced plans to ban mail voting, a move Shapiro said would be unconstitutional. Advertisement Donald Trump can sign whatever executive order he wants. It will have absolutely no bearing on our elections here in Pennsylvania, and we will once again have free and fair, safe and secure elections led by Republican and Democratic clerks of elections in each of our 67 counties, Shapiro said at an unrelated news conference Tuesday. People will be able to vote by mail, or people will be able to vote in person. During a Monday event with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump said his attorneys were writing an executive order to end mail-in ballots because theyre corrupt. Trump has no power to unilaterally end mail-in voting. Any executive order is likely to face immediate legal challenges, as the Constitution gives states the power to set rules for elections and only allows Congress to alter those rules. There is no evidence of widespread fraud or corruption in the use of mail ballots, but Trump has long sought to sow doubt in election security with false claims about mail voting, and Philadelphia is often at the center of his complaints. Pennsylvania enacted mail voting in 2019, and it saw huge usage during the 2020 election due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump narrowly lost the state after discouraging his supporters from using mail voting, while Democrats voted by mail in large numbers. Despite Trumps antipathy to the method, increased use of mail voting by Republicans in 2024 was a driving factor in Trumps Pennsylvania win. Republican activists had hoped to build upon that success in next years midterms, but Trumps latest wave of attacks could harm those efforts heading into 2026, when the governorship will be on the ballot. Trump previewed his potential executive order on mail voting as the U.S. Department of Justice has sought unredacted voter registration records from more than a dozen states, including Pennsylvania. For him to try and put more misinformation out there, to stoke more division and fear amongst people who want to exercise their constitutional right to pick the leaders in their communities and in their commonwealth, that is just cynical and wrong, Shapiro said. Staff writer Gillian McGoldrick contributed to this article. The equity awards were authorised under the employment inducement awards exemption of the New York Stock Exchanges Listed Company Manual Rule 303A.08. A portion of the awards vest immediately, while the rest vest on the first, second, third and fifth anniversaries of the closing date. The awards will be subject to the terms of individual award agreements and valued based on Gallaghers closing stock price on August 15, 2025. Our company is still growing, and great industry people that are attracted to the McLardy McShane traditions of inclusive and personal culture are joining us all the time, he said. We are very proud of the unique organisation what we have built. I think one of my biggest fears was that once I had picked a career, I couldnt do anything else. I would be stuck. But with the Suncorp Graduate Program, Ive been given opportunities to move around to different teams and to transfer within the company, Josephine said. For the insurance sector, the iiNet incident highlights a trend already influencing underwriting across Australia and New Zealand. According to Arctic Wolfs 2025 Cyber Insurance Report, companies in the region are required to meet at least six security controls before qualifying for cover higher than the global average. Email security and identity management rank among the most common minimum conditions, and many underwriters now require evidence of 24/7 monitoring or managed detection and response. Reports of cyber incidents in Australia reached a new peak in the latter half of 2024, according to data from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) with a total of 1,113 breaches recorded, representing a 25% increase from 893 in 2023. That has made cyber insurance more important than ever and thankfully, several providers are stepping up to the challenge. While we acknowledge there have been improvements made by some companies in recent years, there are still notable deficiencies, evidenced by a more than doubling in dispute rates since our last review in 2018, Kirkland said. In a market still recovering from years of disruption and consolidation, our growth and retention rates show that a disciplined, values-driven approach can deliver superior outcomes for members and advisers alike. We focus on quality over volume, and we align every part of our process from product design to underwriting with the needs of a clearly defined professional market, he said. Sebaski, who most recently served as managing director and head of investor relations at Ambac Financial Group, has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance sector. He will direct communication with investors and analysts, particularly following Hippos June Investor Day, where the company outlined plans for diversification, risk management, and growth. Once a Category 5 system before weakening slightly, Erin remains a powerful hurricane with sustained winds topping 110-115mph. Forecasters say its intensity could fluctuate through the week as the storm slowly tracks northward between the United States and Bermuda. Although a direct U.S. landfall is not anticipated, the hurricanes sprawling wind field tropical-storm-force winds extending more than 200 miles from the center is delivering punishing coastal impacts. Canals complaint focuses on the terms of its insurance policy with MZI. The insurer states that its Business Auto Coverage Part and Commercial General Liability Coverage Part both exclude coverage for any obligation for which the insured may be held liable under workers compensation law, as well as for bodily injury to an employee of the insured arising out of and in the course of employment. Canal claims that Perishos claims against MZI are excluded from coverage by these provisions, as they relate to injuries sustained by an employee in the course of employment. We are taking decisive action to hold those who think they can skirt the law accountable. I will not tolerate games, excuses, or stalling tactics from these companies, and we will come after those who try with every tool at our disposal, King said. Ladva isnt so sure. People are putting two and two together and making a hundred, she said. They see companies laying people off and assume its because of AI. In reality, AI is still too nascent to have that kind of impact. Inigo Ltd., the Lloyds specialty insurer, has launched a product that provides top-up cover on financial fraud policies. The product, called Inigo Crime Excess, is an excess DIC/DIL (difference in conditions and difference in limits) policy designed to sit excess of traditional U.S. bond policies, providing top-up cover for standard crime clauses, while dropping down to cover social engineering fraud losses and digital asset losses from the primary or in excess of any sub-limits already provided for. This launch responds to the growing threat of social engineering fraud, a form of fraud that manipulates individuals into revealing sensitive information or to perform actions that compromise security. According to the UK governments Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, 58% of large businesses have experienced a cyber-attack in the last 12 months, with phishing being the most common, at 84% of cases. AI has significantly expanded the threat landscape, enhancing the realism and scale of social engineering attacks, with new key risks including the automation of phishing campaigns, the use of AI-generated media to bypass security, and the exploitation of vast data sets to tailor attacks to specific targets. While many more businesses are taking out cyber insurance, there is clear need for more appropriate types of insurance to cover the changing nature of financial crime, which has been traditionally served by U.S. bond policies. Inigo said the benefits of this new product include: DIC/DIL excess layer with broader cover to include social engineering fraud cover for the full layer limit Social engineering cover is untested/unverified Optional inclusion of digital asset loss Allows the insured to retain consistency of primary carrier Market leading claims handling Insured is able to keep their existing bond forms without having to take on a completely new policy wording Lloyds security and capacity carrying financial strength of AA- Lloyds licensing provides cover in over 200 territories worldwide. (Editors note: With Lloyds global licensing, Inigo is able to offer the product globally). With the rise in cybercrime, particularly AI-driven social engineering fraud, many business leaders are rightly concerned. However, traditional coverage in the US often falls short of addressing these evolving risks, commented Tom Falkner, underwriter. To bridge this gap, weve developed a flexible, complementary solution that enhances protection against emerging financial fraud and digital asset loss, which can work seamlessly alongside existing policies, he added. Source: Inigo Ltd. Topics Fraud Excess Surplus A federal judge last Thursday struck down two Trump administration actions aimed at eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion programs at the nations schools and universities. In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Maryland found that the Education Department violated the law when it threatened to cut federal funding from educational institutions that continued with DEI initiatives. The guidance has been on hold since April when three federal judges blocked various portions of the Education Departments anti-DEI measures. The ruling Thursday followed a motion for summary judgment from the American Federation of Teachers and the American Sociological Association, which challenged the governments actions in a February lawsuit. The case centers on two Education Department memos ordering schools and universities to end all race-based decision-making or face penalties up to a total loss of federal funding. Its part of a campaign to end practices the Trump administration frames as discrimination against white and Asian American students. The new ruling orders the department to scrap the guidance because it runs afoul of procedural requirements, though Gallagher wrote that she took no view on whether the policies were good or bad, prudent or foolish, fair or unfair. Gallagher, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, rejected the governments argument that the memos simply served to remind schools that discrimination is illegal. It initiated a sea change in how the Department of Education regulates educational practices and classroom conduct, causing millions of educators to reasonably fear that their lawful, and even beneficial, speech might cause them or their schools to be punished, Gallagher wrote. Democracy Forward, a legal advocacy firm representing the plaintiffs, called it an important victory over the administrations attack on DEI. Threatening teachers and sowing chaos in schools throughout America is part of the administrations war on education, and today the people won, said Skye Perryman, the groups president and CEO. A statement from the Education Department on Thursday said it was disappointed in the ruling but that judicial action enjoining or setting aside this guidance has not stopped our ability to enforce Title VI protections for students at an unprecedented level. The conflict started with a Feb. 14 memo declaring that any consideration of race in admissions, financial aid, hiring or other aspects of academic and student life would be considered a violation of federal civil rights law. The memo dramatically expanded the governments interpretation of a 2023 Supreme Court decision barring colleges from considering race in admissions decisions. The government argued the ruling applied not only to admissions but across all of education, forbidding race-based preferences of any kind. Educational institutions have toxically indoctrinated students with the false premise that the United States is built upon systemic and structural racism and advanced discriminatory policies and practices, wrote Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary of the departments Office for Civil Rights. A further memo in April asked state education agencies to certify they were not using illegal DEI practices. Violators risked losing federal money and being prosecuted under the False Claims Act, it said. In total, the guidance amounted to a full-scale reframing of the governments approach to civil rights in education. It took aim at policies that were created to address longstanding racial disparities, saying those practices were their own form of discrimination. The memos drew a wave of backlash from states and education groups that called it illegal government censorship. In its lawsuit, the American Federation of Teachers said the government was imposing unclear and highly subjective limits on schools across the country. It said teachers and professors had to choose between chilling their constitutionally protected speech and association or risk losing federal funds and being subject to prosecution. The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation K-12 Education The Texas Senate quickly got to work Monday by passing several bills on the chambers desk as part of Gov. Greg Abbotts agenda for the second special session of the year for the Legislature, focusing first on flood-related legislation. Abbotts agenda for this special session nearly mirrors the first. However, work during that session was stalled when Texas House Democrats left the state to prevent Republicans from passing the new congressional maps. Among the flood-related bills the Senate passed was one that seeks to improve safety measures at youth summer camps following the deadly July 4 weekend flash floods that killed at least 135 people in Central Texas, including 27 girls at Camp Mystic. During floor discussion, Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said with the release of data by the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, officials in the three counties affected by the tragedy are now in favor of flood warning systems. Heres a look at the bills the Senate voted on Monday before adjourning: Senate Bill 2: In the first special session, the legislation known as Senate Bill 1 was the joint House and Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Floodings wide-ranging response to the testimony heard over two long days in light of the July 4 disaster. SB 2 would create a training program for justices of the peace on how to handle bodies during disasters when many people die, establish licensing requirements for emergency management coordinators and set up a registration system for disaster response volunteers that could include criminal history checks. The Senate proposal further requires all campgrounds in floodplains to develop evacuation plans, which they would have to activate any time the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning. It would also require campground cabins to have ladders so people could climb onto rooftops as a last resort. The bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 3: SB 3, which in the first session was Senate Bill 2, would require a state agency to determine which areas in the region that flooded on July 4 should have outdoor warning sirens, and then establish guidance on how to install them. The governors office would set up a grant program to help local governments pay for the projects. Senate Bill 5: The bill would pull money from the Rainy Day Fund for several disaster relief efforts, including $50 million for sirens and rain gauges in the Central Texas flood region and $24 million to improve weather forecasting. Senate Bill 6: The bill would create a blanket ban on products containing any detectable amount of any cannabinoid other than cannabidiol and cannabigerol, better known as CBD and CBG, non-intoxicating components of cannabis. SB 6 would eliminate the majority of hemp products, including those that are legal under the federal definition. This is the third attempt by the lawmakers in the upper chamber to remove hemp-derived THC products from the general public, as they say its too dangerous for children. It is identical to the Houses version, which also calls for a ban. Still, since Abbott vetoed similar legislation that would have banned THC earlier this year , some lawmakers have signaled theyd support more regulations over a ban. SB 6 received preliminary approval with a 22-8 vote. Senate Bill 8: The bill seeks to restrict bathrooms, prisons, jails and certain violence shelters based on sex assigned at birth to prevent transgender people from accessing utilities matching their identifying gender. Institutions where people use bathrooms not matching their sex assigned at birth would be fined $5,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for any subsequent violations. Commonly referred to as a bathroom bill, SB 8 was previously passed out of the Senate during the regular session and first special session. The bill would also allow civil lawsuits against institutions where violations occur and grant Attorney General Ken Paxton investigative oversight. SB 8 preliminarily passed on a 19-11 vote. Senate Bill 10: State lawmakers committed to spend $51 billion to lower school property taxes over the next two years. But Abbott and Republican legislators are hungry for other ways to bring down the states high property tax bills. The Senate approved SB 10, which aims to curtail city and county property taxes. The proposal would put tighter limits on how much more in property tax revenue cities and counties can collect each year without asking voters. That limit under state law is 3.5%. Senate Bill 10, by Bettencourt, would further limit that growth to 2.5% for cities and counties with at least 75,000 residents. SB 10 preliminarily passed on a 18-12 vote. Senate Bill 11: SB 11, bipartisan legislation led by Flower Mound Republican Tan Parker, would create an affirmative defense for trafficking victims who commit crimes under their traffickers force, fraud or coercion. Abbott vetoed a previous version of the bill passed during the regular session, saying that it was too broad. With the special sessions, the bill now details the criteria for the protections application and limits the types of offense this defense could be used for, removing serious crimes such as murder and sexual assault. SB 11 passed to engrossment 30-0. Senate Bill 12: Led by Sen. Bryan Hughes, a Mineola Republican, SB 12 would allow the attorney general to prosecute election-related crimes without waiting for an invitation from the local district or county attorney. In 2021, the Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that the attorney general did not have independent prosecutorial authority; despite widespread conservative support, legislation to restore that power to the office stalled during subsequent legislative sessions. This year, Abbott added it to the special session agenda, but specifically requested it be passed as a constitutional amendment, which requires a two-thirds vote from both chambers, and voter approval. SB 12 received preliminary approval with a 18-12 vote. Senate Bill 13: Lawmakers preliminarily approved SB 13 by state Sen. Mayes Middleton, a Galveston Republican, a long-desired proposal by Republicans to forbid cities, counties and school districts from spending public dollars to hire lobbyists to represent them at the Capitol. Conservatives have long argued that localities collect money from taxpayers only to lobby against their interests at the state level including on issues like property tax cuts. Local officials, in turn, argue that outlawing the practice would harm localities, especially smaller ones. Senators signed off on an identical bill during this years first special session. Senate Bill 14: Local governments charge impact fees to real estate developers to provide water and sewer infrastructure. SB 14 by state Sen. Charles Perry, a Lubbock Republican, would require cities and counties to lower those fees if developers install mechanisms to better conserve and reuse water. SB 14 passed with a unanimous vote. Senate Bill 15: The bill would create a confidential department file for certain law enforcement personnel records, such as unsubstantiated misconduct allegations and background checks conducted during hiring. State Sen. Phil King, the Weatherford Republican who authored the bill, and the legislations supporters said it is about standardizing agencies public disclosure policies. They also said unsubstantiated claims shouldnt be publicized because they could be defamatory. Opponents of SB 15 raised concerns that this bill could keep important files from being shared with the public, hindering police transparency and accountability. This could include records related to the Uvalde shooting, some critics said, as the Texas Department of Public Safety appealed a judges order to release videos and investigative files of the botched response to news outlets. King said during the Monday Senate hearing that his bill doesnt cover body-camera footage, or disclosures required under lawsuits or criminal investigations. Others said they are worried about how this bill would affect local police oversight rules such as in Austin, though King said during the first special session that the proposal wouldnt change the citys disclosure policy. Under the current bill, files that are required to be disclosed by law are exempted. The Senate preliminarily approved SB 15 with a 18-12 vote. Senate Bill 16: Senate lawmakers sought to stiffen criminal penalties for people convicted of deed fraud in which wrongdoers use fraudulent deeds to commit financial crimes like selling someone elses property and give property owners greater protections against that fraud. SB16 by Sen. Royce West, a Dallas Democrat, was passed to engrossment with a unanimous vote. Senate Bill 18: The bill seeks to help communities respond quickly during extreme weather events by diverting water or preventing erosion using water infrastructure. The bipartisan bill led by Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo, would allow for a government entity that partners with the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service to build or maintain small-scale water control projects used for erosion, sediment or flood control without needing a state permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as long as it holds no more than 200 acre-feet. One acre-foot of water is about 325,851 gallons of water. This new exception would still apply even if the federal partnership ends as long as the dam is still used for the original purpose. TCEQ must create rules to implement this new exception by April 1. Senate Bill 34: Current law says that if a person is compelled to testify before the Legislature even if they claim that their testimony may be self-incriminating, they can receive total immunity from prosecution related to their statements whats known as transactional immunity. SB 34 would change the law to grant testimonial immunity to witnesses instead meaning that any testimony or evidence a witness gives to the Legislature cannot be used against them in a criminal prosecution. SB 34 passed 30-0. More all-star speakers confirmed for The Texas Tribune Festival, Nov. 1315! This years lineup just got even more exciting with the addition of State Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo; former United States Attorney General Eric Holder; Abby Phillip, anchor of CNN NewsNight; Aaron Reitz, 2026 Republican candidate for Texas Attorney General; and State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin. Get your tickets today! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/18/texas-senate-second-special-session-thc-disaster-relief-bathroom-bills/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. Photo: State Sen. Phil King, R-Weatherford, speaks on the Senate floor at the Capitol on July 21, 2025. Credit: Ronaldo Bolanos/The Texas Tribune Topics Texas Flood Politics Albert Geraci, area president of wholesale broker Risk Placement Services, has taken the helm as president of the Florida Surplus Lines Association. He replaces Virginia Clancy, who was in the role for 2024-2025. This year, we will continue to focus on high-impact priorities that move our mission forward, Geraci said in a statement Tuesday. Those priorities include: Defending the freedom of rate and form Engaging in meaningful advocacy with policymakers and regulators Elevating public awareness through media and outreach efforts Investing in future leadership through education and career engagement Creating space for innovation, dialogue, and volunteerism across the association Meanwhile, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Scott McCleary joined Alliant Insurance Services as senior vice president in its employee benefits group. McCleary will work nationally with clients on benefits strategies. He was previously senior vice president at NFP, an Aon company and national insurance brokerage and consulting firm. Topics Alliant The toll of wildfires is usually counted in acres burnt, property destroyed and lives lost to smoke and flames. But three new studies suggest the cost to human health from the Maui and Los Angeles wildfires was substantially higher. Two of the papers explore what happened after the Hawaii fire in August 2023 one of the deadliest U.S. wildfires in a century. A third looks at the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year. The Maui fire was directly blamed for more than 100 deaths. But it also left 1 in 5 with lung damage and as many as half with symptoms of depression, the new research found. The month of the fire saw 13 suicide and overdose deaths, translating to nearly double the normal suicide and overdose death rates. The study of the Los Angeles fires concluded that in addition to at least 30 deaths attributed to the fire, more than 400 other deaths could be blamed on the event, due to interruptions in health care and other factors. The studies, published in two American Medical Association journals, add a really important piece to the understanding of the true health risks from these extreme climatic events, said Dr. Jonathan Patz, a University of Wisconsin environmental public health researcher who was not involved in the papers. The results conform with existing understanding of the effects of extreme weather events, some experts said. How to track the indirect impacts of disastrous events has been a continuing subject of academic research and even legislative proposals. There have been estimates of deaths caused by extreme heat, as well as research into the large-scale toll of wildfires driven by climate change. But this hones in, especially on (specific) fires, Patz said. One of the studies, co-led by Ruben Juarez of the University of Hawaii, looked at more than 1,100 adults six to 14 months after the Maui fire. It found lower lung function in people in areas close to the fire compared with those in lower-exposure areas. Overall, about 22% had below-normal lung function. Its a stark reminder that wildfires can leave an invisible but lasting scar on respiratory health, long after the flames are gone, Juarez said, in an email, noting that this Friday marks the two-year anniversary of the fire. Patz called the finding an important new contribution. Kristie Ebi of the University of Washington echoed that, noting that there is a growing understanding that wildfire smoke can be more toxic than standard air pollution. Its not just leaves and branches and trees that are burned, she said. Its buildings. Its gasoline stations. Its old houses that have asbestos in them. Its automobiles. There are lots of components of wildfire smoke. She said the study suggests this toxicity is affecting peoples long-term lung function. Of course, the researchers dont know exactly how much smoke each person was exposed to, and other studies would need to be done to explore cause-and-effect, she added. The study also found 40% saying their health had declined since the fires, with close to half talking about increased fatigue and weakness, eye irritation and lung-related symptoms. Jonathan Purtle of New York University was the lead author of another study, which calculated rates of suicide and overdose deaths in Maui and Hawaiis four other counties. That research team found a 97% increase in suicides and overdose death rates on Maui during the month of the wildfires. The total number of suicide and overdose deaths was 13 that month most of them suicides. Thats a significant increase, Ebi said. They also found a 46% increase in such deaths in all five counties, which may have been influenced by displaced Maui residents migrating to other islands, the authors said. The increases did not last: Rates fells in the following months, the researchers found. The third study was led by researchers in Finland. They used mathematical modeling to estimate that there were 440 more deaths in Los Angeles County from Jan. 5 to Feb. 1 than what would normally have been expected, and said those are related to the fires. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Louisiana Hawaii The city of Portland, Oregon, is set to pay $3.75 million to the estate of an unarmed man who was shot and killed by police in 2022 after being mistaken for an armed robbery suspect. The city settled with Immanueal Clarks estate, which had filed a wrongful-death lawsuit last year, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported. An officer mistook the 30-year-old as someone involved in an armed robbery earlier in the evening and shot him in the back as he fled from a police stop in November 2022. The news outlet, citing a database maintained by the advocacy group Portland Copwatch, reported it was the largest settlement on record paid by the city to an individual plaintiff. City councilors unanimously approved the settlement recenty after a meeting in which they questioned disagreement within the police department over whether the shooting was proper. An internal affairs investigator had found the officer who shot Clark violated bureau policy; the citys Police Review Board, which includes four members from the police department, two community members and an independent city staffer, voted 4-3 that the shooting was within policy, OPB reported. Police Chief Bob Day told councilors that while he was angered by Clarks death, it was his final decision to deem the shooting appropriate as he believed Officer Chris Sathoff acted reasonably according to the facts available at the time, OPB reported. A grand jury cleared Sathoff of criminal wrongdoing in 2023. The night of the shooting, a 911 caller told dispatchers he had been robbed at gunpoint in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant by men who were definitely white. Officers mistook Clarks sedan as being involved in the robbery, and when they approached it in a church parking lot, Clark, who was Black, fled on foot. In grand jury testimony, Sathoff said Clark had been digging his pockets as he ran away and that he thought Clark may have a gun. He fired three bullets from an AR-15 rifle. Councilor Loretta Smith said the shooting highlighted discrepancies in how Black and white Portlanders are treated by police. We did know the description of the robbers and the robbers were white. And Manny is clearly Black, Smith said. Day said the police department had made changes since the shooting, including how it trains officers to use rifles, OPB reported. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Law Enforcement Oregon Ryanair, Eir, and Sky were among the companies most cited by consumers who were seeking assistance from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) during the first half of the year, a new report has found. According to the commission's latest half-year report, between January and June, it received 20,526 consumer contacts seeking help which was down from 22,347 during the same period in 2024. The highest number of contacts, 4,724, related to faulty goods and services with a reported total value of 56m. Consumers reported spending an average of 6,400 on the product or service they had an issue with. A further 1,365 were related to contract performance, with contract deposits, payments, and other charges receiving another 1,349. Out of all the consumer contacts it received seeking help with an issue during this period, CCPC said Ryanair received the highest number at 319, followed by Eir at 241, and Sky at 219. Currys, Harvey Norman, Aer Lingus, Vodafone, and Lidl also made the top 10. Car complaints The sector for which CCPC received the most contacts was the vehicles and transport sector. The highest average spend in this sector, according to those consumers, was 18,716. CCPC director of communications Grainne Griffin said buying a car or a home are two of lifes most significant financial decisions and making the wrong choice can be very expensive. Earlier this year, we published a report calling for the government to create an online car history portal. This would allow consumers to check important information about a cars mileage, past accidents, safety recalls, and import status before buying a used car, she said. Recently we also called for more transparency in the homebuying process. Our homebuyers report called for the necessary information about a property to be made more accessible and be made available earlier in the homebuying process. The CCPC received 1,243 contacts relating to traders operating in the home building and improvements sector with an average spend of 13,443. There were 4,419 consumer contacts relating to online purchases with 68% of those relating to purchases within Ireland while 15% were from the EU. The remaining 17% were from outside the EU, including the UK. Ms Griffin said the CCPC are seeing an increase in consumers contracting them about online purchases from outside of the EU. We recommend buying from businesses based in Ireland or other EU countries, where your consumer rights are strong. This means that if you buy a product online and the product doesnt reflect the reviews or if youve changed your mind you have a 14-day right to cancel and receive a full refund, she said. Of those helpline contacts, 5,039 were referred to the small claims court for litigation while 1,186 were referred to the Society of the Motor Insurance Industry. Another 1,179 were referred to the European Consumer Centre Ireland and a further 632 were referred to the communications regulator ComReg. Agri-food festival, the Field Exchange, is set to return for a second year, bringing together artists and farmers to celebrate sustainable agriculture and local food. The festival will be hosted on the shores of Lough Derg, at Brookfield Farm, Co Tipperary, from September 5-7. The three-day programme features art installations, musical performances, expert speakers, and lunch designed by acclaimed chef Valentine Warner. Brookfield Farm is an award-winning organic farm, agri-tourism hub and a conservation area for the native Irish honey bee, run by farmer and teacher Ailbhe Gerrard. A pilot version of the festival ran in 2022 and was supported by Sabina Higgins, wife of President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, former government minister Catherine Martin, and others. The team subsequently secured funding from Creative Irelands Creative Climate Action fund to host Field Exchange in 2024 and again this year. Day one of the festival kicks off with the 'Fields of Possibility' symposium, with speakers including author Anja Murray, journalist and chef Janine Kennedy, Artistic Director of the Nenagh Arts Centre Trish Taylor Thompson and food policy specialist Ruth Hegarty. Attendees will hear how agriculture can be re-imagined as a creative, cultural and ecological act which enables rural communities to thrive by fostering wellbeing and cultivating a deeper connection with the land and place. Specific topics covered include the benefits of agro-ecology and agro-forestry agricultural approaches which emphasise the connections between plants, animals and humans and the role of creativity in regenerative agriculture. Attendees can also connect with a growing Community of Practice working at the intersections of farming, creativity and climate. Visitors can take part in craft workshops with CELT, sensory farm walks, and sustainable agriculture workshops. They can engage and contribute to agro-forestry demonstrations by the Irish Agroforestry Ireland Forum (IAF) and try their hand at dry stone walling with the Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland (DSWAI). There will be music and poetry performances, local handmade craft stalls and a range of delicious local food. Visitors can also engage with sustainability advocates such as the Tipperary Food Producers Network and Talamh Beo. Project lead Ailbhe Gerrard, a Farming for Nature Ambassador and An Taisce climate ambassador, said: Were delighted to bring back Field Exchange for another year of events designed to promote the role that the arts can play in tackling the crises in climate and biodiversity, while developing a more complete understanding of food production and supply with knowledge sharing on sustainable and organic practices. This year, were welcoming back our expert speakers and contributors, including food systems specialist Ruth Hegarty and journalist and chef Janine Kennedy. The concepts from the symposium are brought to life on day two at the family agri-food festival, part-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and The Arts Council. Building on the success of last year, weve moved to make this years festival a three-day event. We welcome Valentine Warner, who will be working with the Tipperary Food Producers Network to prepare a long table lunch from local produce, and were all excited to taste the mouth-watering fare. Pre-school is a major transition for children. Its the first significant, consistent separation from the familiar environment out into the wider world and into a structured setting, says Dolores Wrafter, who leads the Parents First service in Laois/Offaly, which provides support for parents from pregnancy to when their child is three years old. Pre-school may be the childs first time interacting with similar-aged children, particularly if theyre an only child, a first child, or live in a more isolated area, says Lisa Farrelly, a ParentChild+ national support co-ordinator with the Early Learning Initiative out of National College of Ireland. Pre-school asks a lot of children, says Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland. Its a very significant transition that involves adjusting to a new physical environment, different routines, new children, and new group dynamics. In terms of social interaction, they have to do loads of things for the first time: Interact with peers, as well as begin to understand children from different family backgrounds than them. Heeney points to social skills that pre-schoolers need to develop, from waiting their turn to play with their favourite toy, to sharing and playing together with other children. She also outlines the transitions emotional challenges: Not just separating from the primary caregiver, but also learning to trust and grow attached to the new adults who will now be part of their lives. Its critical these relationships are made: Its through secure and nurturing relationships that children learn to grow, learn and thrive, says Heeney. Parents can overestimate a childs readiness for pre-school, says Farrelly. They might view their child as ready, because theyre not aware of the developmental milestones, or of where their child should be. How do you know your child is ready? Are they starting to demonstrate independence? Wanting to dress, wash, or feed themselves, asks Farrelly. They want to make choices around what they want to play with, eat, or wear. Theyre becoming a little person. Are they beginning to initiate interaction with others, whether adults or children, for example, running up to another child in the playground? Theyre also able to communicate their wants and needs, rather than waiting til Mammy says its time to do something. Wrafter agrees that showing an interest in social interaction is a positive signal of readiness. They want to know whos coming to visit, or whos who in the extended family. Theyre able to cope with short periods of separation from their parent. Can your child focus on a task for a short period of time? How are their fine motor skills? Can they hold a crayon? Their cognitive skills: Do they recognise shapes and colours? Are they able to manage emotions, so theyre not having excessive tantrums? If your child is able to manage these elements relatively well, it is a sign they are ready, says Wrafter. Being curious and interested in new things and in life beyond themselves playing with new toys and materials, engaging with other children are all positive signs of readiness, agrees Heeney. They need to be able to express their needs and be confident in doing so, as well as understand basic instructions, she says. Recommended independence skills include: Being able to eat, dress, and use the toilet with minimal assistance. Dont worry if these arent fully in place the pre-school can also help with them. Does your child have the physical stamina to participate in pre-school for three hours a day, she asks. [If not] parents shouldnt worry if their child gets tired after a couple of hours, because pre-schools will design sessions that balance active outdoor play with more restful indoor activity. Making a good start What can a parent do in the upcoming weeks to support their child in having a smooth, relatively happy start to pre-school? Recognise where your childs development is and support them in that, says Farrelly, who recommends OWLing: Observe, wait, and listen. Observe your childs interests. If theyre playing a game, observe and listen to what theyre saying. Extend the conversation a bit more: Oh, I see youre lining up all your cars. What else can we do? Will we make a bridge? Follow your childs lead on this. Observe, wait, and listen. Observe your childs interests. If theyre playing a game, observe and listen to what theyre saying. Extend the conversation a bit more: Oh, I see youre lining up all your cars. What else can we do? Will we make a bridge? Follow your childs lead on this. Develop your childs language. Get on their level and use facial expressions, gestures, and body language, as well as words, to help them understand better, says Farrelly. Saying, Youre lining the pieces up gives them language for the activity theyre doing, for their actions. It lets the child feel valued; theyre seen and heard. Remember, children learn through play. Oh, you have the red block on top. I wonder what block youll put next? Oh, youre going for the yellow. So, youre labelling the colours, their actions, and youre giving them positional language on top, underneath, in the middle, says Farrelly. Use the language of emotions to help them identify and understand these, says Farrelly If theyre building blocks and the blocks fall, youd say, Aw, I know that was frustrating. Thats OK. What can we do to feel better? Lets build it again. So youre encouraging problem-solving I wonder why it fell? Do you think it was too tall? Maybe if we made two small towers instead of one big tower? Use books. They are excellent for developing emotional language, says Farrelly. Wheres Spot? His mum cant find him. Is he under the bed? I wonder how Spots mam is feeling? It gives an opportunity to talk about feelings. On a practical level, ensure they have easy-to-remove clothing. Will they be able to manage their clothing quickly when going to the toilet, says Farrelly. Are they able to access their own food and liquids? Let them practise opening and closing containers at home. Find out any rules the pre-school has about the lunchbox, advises Heeney. This helps children feel like their peers it reduces anxiety. Establish routines at home that will help in pre-school, advises Wrafter: Hanging up their jacket when they come in, washing their hands after using the bathroom, tidying up after playing. It all builds confidence and independence. Practice separation for short periods, recommends Wrafter. Doing this regularly gives the message, I will come back the child can trust you will be back, which promotes confidence. Build social skills having manners, turn-taking, sharing. They dont need to be experts the first day it all comes with time, says Farrelly. Have your child bring a comfort item to keep in their bag, suggests Heeney. Just knowing a favourite blanket or toy is there can really help. Talk positively about pre-school and reinforce how good this new step is, says Wrafter youre going to be building blocks, or theyll read your favourite story. Talk to pre-school staff. Build trusting relationships with them and give some background information about your child, such as when their nap and mealtimes are, advises Farrelly. If your childs used to a half-hour nap at noon, they could be a bit tired and cranky at that time, especially in the early weeks. So if staff know, they might do [an activity] to get the child over that hump. Ensure staff are aware of the non-verbal ways your child communicates, especially important if there is a language barrier or a developmental delay, says Farrelly. Maybe pulling at your arms means hes thirsty. Sharing little cues your child uses will give parents peace of mind. Being warm and friendly to the pre-school teacher from day one sets the child up for a really positive relationship, says Wrafter: If mom or dad are happy here with this teacher, I can be happy too. Prepare yourself for this transition, urges Wrafter. Parents need to navigate their own feelings around the childs first step into the world. Doing this helps children, who are generally very in tune with their parents emotions. Feeling this is a safe place for me to go, and mom or dad know Im able to do this instils confidence. Being on time to collect your child further builds positive feelings about separating. Knowing you will be there at the end of the time takes away any anxiety they may feel, says Wrafter. Feel your child is not yet ready for a full day of pre-school? Heeney recommends talking with the pre-school so they can tailor a transition for your child. Meath man Daniel Cooney is celebrating a significant milestone of raising 19,500 for rescue dogs in Ireland after completing his toughest challenge yet - scaling Irelands highest peak 15 times. Cooney, who has a special love of dogs, is particularly passionate about bringing people and dogs together to help find new homes for rescue dogs. Having climbed all 275 Irish mountains over 600 metres (known as the Vandeleur Lynams list) last year and carried a door strapped to his back up Carrauntoohil earlier this year, Cooney wanted to challenge himself even further by testing himself physically and mentally. Thats where the idea to scale Carrauntoohil 15 times to match the elevation of Mount Everest (8,848 metres) came from, naming the challenge Everest for Second Chances. Over 42 hours, the avid hiker climbed to the top of Carrauntoohil 15 times in a row, which he described as a different type of challenge. Daniel Cooney at the summit of Ireland's highest peak, Carrauntoohil, which he summited 15 times to match the same elevation gain as Mount Everest for his 'Everest for Second Chances' fundraiser supporting dog charities in Ireland. Speaking to the Irish Examiner about how he prepared for the challenge, Cooney said: I am in the process of trying to complete every mountain in Ireland. There are 532, and I am currently on 363, so I spend a lot of time in the mountains. This gives me plenty of time to get ready for bigger challenges. There was no real way of preparing myself mentally. Just on the day, I knew what I was getting myself in for, so I just made sure to keep my mind focused on one climb at a time, rather than thinking of how many times I had left to go. Cooney said that he had aimed to complete the challenge without any sleep, for personal reasons, and managed to keep going for about 36 hours with no sleep before taking a four-hour break to catch up on some rest. "On the ninth climb at around 2am, the base camp we had set up, where all my supplies were kept, had been blown away and that forced me to come down from the mountain," he said. I managed to get four hours of sleep then, which was a game-changer in terms of the rest of the challenge. I was absolutely blessed with the amount of support I had throughout the challenge. These people were the backbone of the challenge and also made sure I was 100% safe throughout the challenge. I am so happy to say it all went well, and the number of messages and people sharing the stories from the challenge is something I will always treasure." Daniel Cooney pictured at the top of the Devil's Ladder section of the climb to the summit of Carrauntoohil (seen in the background). Cooney scaled the mountain 15 times over a 42-hour period. Speaking about his reason why, he said: I have always had a massive love for dogs. The big passion came last year when I climbed all the mountains. While doing this, I dedicated each mountain to a different dog in a different dog rescue. I learned so much about how many dogs get abandoned on a daily basis and felt like I wanted to do more to help. There are so many rescue shelters in Ireland, with so many dogs, all breeds and all ages. "I am a firm believer in everyone having to find a purpose in life, and I feel like these dogs are my purpose, and what keeps me going, so in some sense, they have rescued me, too. Cooney recently founded Paws for a Purpose a small community where people are invited to bring their dogs on walks and hikes. He said some volunteers who work in dog rescues also get involved in the walks by bringing along some dogs looking for their forever home. Daniel Cooney with his support team at the summit of Ireland's highest peak Carrauntoohil. The main plan behind all this is to bring people and dogs together to help find new homes for rescue dogs. So far, we have had five Paws for A Purpose walks. Combined with the three challenges I have completed, I have raised just short of 34,000 in just over two years, Cooney said. A total of 19,500 was raised through the Everest for Second Chances challenge alone, an amount that Cooney said is something he could never have imagined. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated, with over 700 people who donated, combined with people I know and people I don't know, together we have raised over 19,500, he said. This is something I could never have imagined happening. As I always mentioned when doing these challenges, one of the hardest parts is to raise awareness and money. Daniel Cooney with some of his support team at their basecamp near the foot of the Devil's Ladder route up Carrauntoohil. Words can't describe what it meant to me to have the physical support throughout the challenge. Knowing there was always someone waiting for me at the end of each climb was a huge help mentally. Everyone was so kind, supportive, and just brought a different type of energy to the challenge. I would like to say a massive thank you to the lovely family who run the Carrauntoohil Coffee Hut; they treated me like I was their own. This is something I will never forget. Cooney said his main goal now is to continue to raise funds and awareness for rescue dogs and to focus on building the community around Paws for A Purpose. As for his next big challenge, Cooney said there are a few ideas already coming to mind, but that he will wait for the right time and for his mind and body to be in the right place to be able to complete them. Those who wish to donate to Cooney's fundraiser for rescue dogs can visit the dedicated GoFundMe page. He was the envy of young boys and girls across the world after being plucked from obscurity to become a real life video game character. Now, Michael Mellamphy, who was the performance capture actor for the videogame Red Dead Redemption 2, is looking forward to meeting fans up close and personal. The Ballincollig man who lent his voice and movements to form the basis of gunslinger Sean MacGuire in the game will be just one of the characters at this years Comic Con Ireland/DCC which comes to the Marina Market in Cork on October 4 and 5. Now an artistic director of the Origin Theatre Company in New York, Mr Mellamphy continues to reap the rewards of his transition into the videogame world. He sometimes receives gifts from fans and says he is often touched by their stories. He recalls being extremely humbled after meeting the survivor of a school shooting in the US who told him the videogame came as a distraction during a very painful time in her life. Its always a privilege to meet fans with these kind of stories, he told the Irish Examiner. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a 2018 action-adventure game developed and published by Rockstar Games. The game is the third entry in the Red Dead series and a prequel to the 2010 game Red Dead Redemption. Set in a fictionalised depiction of the US in 1899, it follows the exploits of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw and member of the Van der Linde gang, who must face the challenges of a declining Wild West, while dealing with government forces, rival gangs, and other adversaries along the way. Mr Mellamphy said the Comic Con at the Marina Market would be like a homecoming for him. Speaking about how far he has come since auditioning for the videogame, the actor said: It was 2016 when I first got the call from my agent asking if I would audition for a project. After one or two auditions, I was told I had the part. I still didnt quite know what it was but I knew it was with Rockstar games. They sent me the script 24 hours beforehand. I would go into the studio for one or two days every month. "What you see is performance capture, which meant we were wearing those suits with the dots on them and the video cameras on our heads. My character, Sean MacGuire, is an Irish outlaw and he's a very funny character to play. The only thing is Im after getting a lot of grief from Cork people because he has a Dublin accent. I based it off the accents of my uncles, so they were the inspiration. He said people connected with the characters on a different level to films or television shows. It's not all about just shooting people. People can also pick flowers and find fossils or do anything they like, really. You can even get drunk in the game to the extent that the character is stumbling all over the place. "Everything is in real time. Even if a character doesnt shave, then his beard starts to grow back in the game. Its no wonder that people feel so connected to the characters. He said the game had brought a lot of people together. As awful as covid was, people found each other online. Ive met people who have met and got married after meeting through the game. Its always really nice to hear these kinds of stories. "A lot of the Red Dead Redemption 2 cast still get together and meet each other at comic cons. There is always a really great atmosphere at these events which is why Im so excited about being at the Marina Market in Cork. Mr Mellamphy enjoys interacting with fans. I know there are fans travelling to Cork to see me and Roger Clark, who plays Arthur Morgan in the game. People from places like Britain and Spain have reached out to me online to tell me they have booked tickets. I always get a bit of thrill from that because it makes me feel a little bit famous. "People, who are fans of the game have come to see plays I was in in the past so I always bring a picture of the character with me in case they need it to be signed. A member of An Garda Siochana has been hospitalised after the motorcycle he was driving collided with a car in Dublin on Tuesday. Gardai have issued an appeal for witnesses to the collision, which happened on Churchtown Road Upper in Dundrum shortly before 10am. Students are being warned to be wary of bogus letting agents ahead of the first round of college places being offered next week. With results of this years Leaving Certificate being released on Friday, the first round of college offers will be made on Wednesday next, August 27. Although many would-be first-year students may already have secured accommodation, it is expected there will be a rush for rooms from next week. The Property Services Regulatory Authority is currently urging students to ensure they check if any letting agent they think of using is licensed. A statement from the PRSA said: During the accommodation search, students may encounter bogus letting agents who attempt to exploit them by fraudulently extracting financial payments. These bogus agents may operate online and falsely claim to hold a valid PSRA licence number, making it essential for students to thoroughly check the legitimacy of any agent they encounter. The authority advises students to: Request to see the licence: When engaging with a property services provider, always ask to see their licence. This is a credit card sized licence featuring the licensee's name, photograph, the licence categories, the expiry date and a unique PSRA licence number a six- or 12-digit code that always begins with double zero; Check the licence number: Verify the licence number is valid by cross-referencing it with the PSRA Register of Licensed Property Services Providers, available at psr.ie. This step confirms the provider's details are up-to-date and legitimate. The warning comes as UCDs students' union launched a campaign on Tuesday targeting homeowners in Dublins commuter belt to open up their homes to third-level students. It is urging homeowners with spare rooms to make them available to students under reasonable terms and conditions. The union says such a move could result in homeowners being able to benefit from the Rent-a-Room Relief Scheme, through which they can earn up to 14,000 per year tax-free. UCDSU welfare officer Emilia OHagan said: Theres a win-win here for students and homeowners alike. Were also asking those considering opening their homes to students to do so on a fair and reasonable basis. Unfortunately, we have seen a growth in rooms being offered for five days only, and set at a price of what you imagine a full week would cost. As well as making a public appeal, officers have distributed flyers at train and bus stations, speaking directly to commuters who may have spare rooms, and sharing stories of students who have benefitted from digs in previous years. UCDSU president Michael Roche said: We can only hope that this type of action wont be necessary in Augusts to come but yet again, student representatives are out pleading with the public to step in and provide a platform for students to pursue their education." The prisons inspector has said that overcrowding is blighting the daily lives of people working and incarcerated in the countrys jails, after carrying out a large-scale unannounced inspection of Wheatfield Prison in Dublin. Mark Kelly said his office has now carried out unannounced visits at 10 of the 13 prisons, with overcrowding a consistent issue. The Chief Inspector of Prisons said it was unconscionable that, in 2025, people who are sent to prison do not have the basics of a bed of their own. But he added that while spaces were needed, Ireland cannot build its way out of overcrowding. Overcrowding There were 5,542 people in prison custody on Monday, compared to 4,994 on 10 January this year. The current maximum capacity of the system is 4,672, meaning the prison estate is 19% beyond that maximum. There are 486 prisoners sleeping on mattresses on the floor in cells with other prisoners. That compares to 356 prisoners on April 28, when the Irish Prison Service (IPS) started publishing the figures. Total numbers in Wheatfield Prison, west Dublin, have jumped from 614 on January 10 to 725 yesterday, an increase of 18%. The number on mattresses has doubled since April 28, from 37 to 74. In a statement, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) said it completed an unannounced general inspection of Wheatfield Prison between June 19 and July 2 last. Specially-secured electronic tablets were used to enable a significant number of prisoners to complete an anonymous survey, it said. Staff working in Wheatfield Prison were also surveyed anonymously. These survey results became available in real time during the inspection. The eight-person-strong OIP team was assisted by three experts, including a doctor and a nurse. In addition they were advised by two inspectors from the Department of Education. Speaking about the OIPs preliminary findings, Mr Kelly said: In common with almost all other prisons in Ireland, we found that overcrowding at Wheatfield Prison is blighting the daily lives of people living and working in this establishment. It is unconscionable that, in 2025, the Irish Prison Service cannot even offer a bed to everyone committed to its custody by the courts. As the Council of Europes European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has recently highlighted, a multi-faceted approach, looking beyond the capacity of the prison system, is needed to tackle this problem. He added: No comparable jurisdiction has ever succeeded in building its way out of overcrowding. Remand Figures published by the IPS show that the overcrowding crisis in Wheatfield, as in many prisons, is driven in large part by increasing numbers of people remanded in custody pending trial. People on remand in Dublin and much of the eastern part of the country are supposed to be sent to Cloverhill Remand Prison, which is a dedicated facility for male remanded prisoners. But Cloverhill has a serious overcrowding crisis and has been the subject of highly critical inspection reports, not least because of the impact of overcrowding on the high numbers of prisoners there with serious or severe mental illnesses. Wheatfield, which is adjacent to Cloverhill, has been taking a growing overspill from the remand prison with a 53% jump in remand prisoners this year, from 114 on January 10 to 174 on August 18. Racial abuse in the form of monkey grunts and shouts of monkey accompanied by physical abuse have been directed at a Nigerian national with a car valeting business in Tallaght, Dublin, the High Court was told on Tuesday. Ms Justice Eileen Roberts heard allegations that a motor mechanic and neighbouring Lithuanian businessman, Vilmantas Zutkis, was responsible for rabid racism against Stanley Abayeneme who owns the car cleaning business. Barrister Femi Daniyan, who appeared with Waheed Mudah of Kevin Tunney Solicitors, Tallaght, told Judge Roberts that Mr Abayeneme was seeking a restraining order against Zutkis, regarding the alleged racism, and against John McLaughlin, the landlord to both businessmen, regarding his alleged blocking of Abayenemes valeting unit by placing a 40 foot long steel container in front of it. Although interim restraints were sought by Abayeneme in the absence of both Zutkis and landlord McLoughlin, of Coolfadda House, Laurel Walk, Bandon, Co Cork, Judge Roberts granted only an order for short service of proceedings against both defendants. Mr Abayeneme told Judge Roberts in written evidence that he rented Unit 2 Greenhills Bungalows, Blessington Road, Tallaght, from McLoughlin and Zutkis rented the adjoining Unit 1 for his car servicing business. Abayeneme stated: I have always been subjected to racial and physical violence (by Zutkis) and have made a number of complaints to Gardai and the landlord with nothing done by either of the two. He said Zutkiss conduct was aggressive and obstructive and included direct racial abuse of him in front of his customers, threats to his employee and interference to footfall with his business. (Zutkis) will come to my unit and racially abuse me and my worker, John Onuigbo Obinna, calling us monkeys, placing bananas in front of our shop and threatening (us) with deportation back to Nigeria in a container, Mr Abayeneme told the court. Although Zutkis had claimed not to have any English he would make racist slurs at every opportunity trying to provoke a reaction, Abayeneme claimed. He had suffered daily stress, reputational damage and financial loss and, although having reported him to their landlord, McLoughlin had failed to intervene but had admitted to placing the container in an attempt to get him out and instructing him to vacate the unit. He said both Zutkis, by parking cars, and McLoughlin by placing the container, were obstructing access to and even the view of his unit. Last week his unit had been burgled and tyres, tools and cash worth 200,000 had been taken. Anti-social behavior Counsel opened correspondence between Kevin Tunney Solicitors for Abayeneme and Dillon Eustace, on record for Mr McLoughlin, of the REMCOLL Group, in which it was alleged Abeyeneme was responsible for anti-social behavior. Dillon Eustace stated in a letter of August 5 last that Mr McLoughlin had video evidence of Abayeneme attacking Zutkis with a stick and visibly breaking it on his leg; throwing a ladder at Mr Zutkis and damaging property by spray-painting windows. Judge Roberts heard that Mr Abayeneme had made seven different complaints to gardai at Tallaght, quoting Pulse numbers, and instead of any action having been taken by them on his behalf, he was now facing prosecution for the alleged breaking of two window panes in Zutkiss unit. Judge Roberts directed that notification of short service of the application for injunctions be made to Mr Zutkis and Mr McLoughlin and returned the proceedings until Friday. Garda Headquarters has said an active criminal investigation is ongoing into allegations that a national politician has links with Russian intelligence services. The statement followed a report in The Journal on Tuesday, which said the investigation had finished and that it had exonerated the Oireachtas member. The article said an officer of the Special Detective Unit had sent confirmation to the politician that, according to the report, nothing had been found to suggest he had ever spied for Russia or had worked for Russian agents. Asked about the status of the investigation, a Garda HQ statement said: An Garda Siochana is continuing an ongoing active criminal investigation into this matter. An Garda Siochana has no further comment. The original allegation was published in The Sunday Times last October, with headlines stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin has an agent in the Oireachtas. Articles alleged it was the first known case of infiltration by a hostile intelligence service. The articles alleged that the politician was an agent of influence of Russia - describing a person in a position to potentially influence policy or political narratives and/or make introductions as opposed to an active spy. The Sunday Times articles detailed cases of alleged attempts by Russian intelligence to approach and meet the politician, and appear to relate to 2019 and 2020. The Garda National Crime and Security Intelligence Service has been co-ordinating an investigation into the matter, which long precede the media reports. The SDU which is the operational arm of the service is leading the investigation. The politician at the centre of the allegations had no comment to make. The tourism and commercial sectors of a Co Cork seaside town will be pushing the boat out on Wednesday when its hosts an inaugural visit from a cruise liner. The French-owned Le Bellot, with a passenger capacity of 184 and 118 crew, will be visible from Youghal strand when it drops anchor some 2km offshore at noon. The ships tenders will transport the passengers to a pontoon berth at Nealons Quay near the town centre. The ship will make a second visit to the town on August 28. Cork County Council, in tandem with local businesses and service providers, has earmarked a wide array of attractions for the guests. The tours include visits to the clock tower, the film and photography or lace museums, the historic St Marys Church and College Gardens and the town walls," Youghal harbour master Liam Keating, who has helped with co-ordinating the visit, said. Cycling the greenway and walking the boardwalk are also being promoted, along with the town's restaurants. The Boardwalk Coffee Shop, some 50m from the pontoon, is hosting an afternoon trad music. It is also sponsoring a street busking competition with a prize fund of 250. The support from all quarters has been fantastic," Mr Keating said. 'Small ship' route The ship's visit comes after a director of Ponant, which owns Le Bellot, was very impressed by Youghal during a first visit onboard his yacht. Youghal was then included in the "small ship" Celtic Cruise route, which also includes towns such as Kinsale, Castletownbere, and Baltimore. Locals are hoping this months pilot project will evolve into regular, seasonal excursions. The Cork coastline is incredibly scenic. In eight years, the scheme fostered by the county council has grown to six companies and 26 ships plying it," Mr Keating said. The ship's visit comes as Youghal plans a resurgence as a tourist town, with the installation of a lighthouse viewing platform and the opening of the hugely popular new greenway. Theres a huge buzz around this visit," says Youghal Tourist Office manager Sandra McLellan. Weve been inundated with inquiries from people coming here to be part of the day. It's a wonderful opportunity to showcase our town and, if all goes well, they will return." Boardwalk Coffee Shop proprietor and Youghal Business Alliance spokesperson Ger Flanagan said: The visits will obviously bring a very welcome economic boost to the town." Mr Flanagan expects a party atmosphere, with many alliance members hosting music on their premises. Former social protection minister Heather Humphreys is in pole position to be Fine Gaels nominee for the presidency, as she significantly leads MEP Sean Kelly in party backing. Ms Humphreys has a total of 38 backers, almost double the required nominations as set out by the Fine Gael executive council on Monday evening. Mr Kelly, meanwhile, has eight confirmed backers, 12 shy of the required 20 to get on the partys ballot. In total, there are 58 members of Fine Gaels parliamentary party, which includes TDs, Senators and MEPs. Sources in Fine Gael have questioned where Mr Kelly can get the remaining votes. In previous nominations processes, the leader of the party and the director of elections, in this case Simon Harris and Martin Heydon respectively, have refrained from voting for candidates. One TD said they cant see where the 20 [nominations] come from for Mr Kelly. Another TD said Mr Kelly could opt to withdraw from the race, if he did not have a path to the nomination. Backers of Ms Humphreys include Cabinet ministers Peter Burke, Patrick ODonovan, and Hildegarde Naughton, junior ministers Emer Higgins, Neale Richmond, Alan Dillon, Jerry Buttimer, John Cummins, and Colm Brophy. Other backers include Cork North West TD John Paul OShea and Cork North Central TD Colm Burke. Mr Kellys backers include Cork East TD Noel McCarthy, Tipperary South TD Michael Murphy, Cork senator Garret Kelleher, and Tipperary senator Garret Ahearn. Several TDs are yet to make a formal decision, including Wicklow TD Edward Timmins and Laois TD Willie Aird. Donald Trump has said that meetings with European leaders could pave the way for three-way talks between the leaders of Ukraine, Russia and the US amid his drive to end the fighting in eastern Europe. The US president is hosting several European leaders at the White House on Monday, including the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, UK prime minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Nato secretary general Mark Rutte. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office alongside Mr Zelenskyy, Mr Trump said he would phone the Russian president after the talks. I think if everything works out well today, well have a trilat, and I think there will be a reasonable chance of ending the war when we do that, the US president said. Weve got to get this right. Weve got to make sure there is peace, that it is is lasting peace and that it is fair and that it is just He later added: If we dont have a trilat, then the fighting continues. Vladimir Putin, who Mr Trump met on Friday in Anchorage, Alaska, is set to receive a phone call once the talks have finished, the president said. Were going to have a phone call right after these meetings today and we may or may not have a trilat. Asked about Nato-like protection for Ukraine, Donald Trump replied: I dont know if you define it that way, but Nato-like? I mean, were going to give, we have people waiting in another room right now, theyre all here, from Europe. Biggest people in Europe. And they want to give protection, they feel very strongly about it, and well help them out with that. Mr Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff had suggested that measures similar to Natos article five mutual defence provision could be offered by the US without Kyiv joining the alliance. The Ukrainian president wore a black shirt with buttons and a black blazer to the meeting at the White House. President Donald Trump meets with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP/PA) His attire appeared to become a point of irritation for Mr Trump during a previous meeting in February, when he was wearing a black polo bearing the Ukrainian coat of arms and the US president said: Hes all dressed up today. In their latest meeting, Mr Trump indicated he agreed with a reporter who described Mr Zelenskyy as looking fabulous in that suit. Mr Zelenskyy earlier said he wanted to thank first lady of the United States Melania Trump, who on Friday penned a plea to Mr Putin, imploring him to protect the innocence of children. 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, she wrote. Mr Zelenskyy presented Mr Trump with a letter from his wife. Mr Starmer who met with Mr Zelenskyy and several other European leaders on Monday before arriving at the White House, had earlier said in a video posted to X: Everybody wants it to end, not least the Ukrainians. But weve got to get this right. Weve got to make sure there is peace, that it is is lasting peace and that it is fair and that it is just. Thats why Im travelling to Washington with other European leaders to discuss this face to face with President Trump and President Zelenskyy, because its in everyones interests, its in the UKs interests that we get this right. A woman charged with selling actor Matthew Perry the dose of ketamine that killed him is headed for a September trial. Jasveen Sanghas trial the only one forthcoming in the death of the Friends star after four other defendants reached plea agreements with prosecutors is now set to begin on September 23 after an order on Tuesday from a judge in Los Angeles. The 42-year-old Sangha, who prosecutors say was known to her customers as the Ketamine Queen, is charged with five counts of ketamine distribution, including one count of distribution resulting in death. She has pleaded not guilty and has been held in custody since her arrest last year. Her trial had been scheduled to start August 19, but the judge postponed it for the fourth time since her April 2024 indictment after both sides agreed it should be moved. Sanghas lawyers said they needed the time to go through the huge amount of evidence they have received from the prosecution and to finish their own investigation. Sangha was one of the two biggest targets in the investigation of Perrys death, along with Dr Salvador Plasencia, who pleaded guilty to ketamine distribution last month. Perrys personal assistant, his friend and another doctor also entered guilty pleas and are co-operating with prosecutors. All are awaiting sentencing. Perry, who was found dead at age 54 at his home on October 23 2023, had been getting ketamine from his regular doctor for treatment of depression, an increasingly common off-label use for the surgical anaesthetic. But prosecutors say when the doctor would not give Perry as much as he wanted, he illegally sought more from Plasencia, then still more from Sangha, who they say presented herself as a celebrity drug dealer with high quality goods. Perrys assistant and friend said in their plea agreements that they acted as middlemen to buy large amounts of ketamine for Perry from Sangha, including 25 vials for 6,000 dollars in cash a few days before his death. Prosecutors allege that included the doses that killed Perry. Donald Trump has hosted leaders from across Europe as part of a flurry of diplomacy to find a path to peace in Ukraine. Coming just days after a disappointing summit with the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, in Alaska, the pressure was on to make headway in a years-long conflict that the US president once said he could solve in 24 hours. Below are some key points arising from the US presidents range of bilateral and multilateral talks with the leaders of Ukraine, Germany, Britain, France, Italy, Finland, the European Union and Nato. Read More Putin and Zelenskyy to meet, Donald Trump says following European leaders summit 1. A meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin ... could it finally happen? A bilateral meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin is something the Russian president has always resisted, urging for a list of conditions to be met first, but the possibility may now be nearer than ever. Donald Trump said after the White House talks: I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two presidents, plus myself. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, from left, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finland's President Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump, France's President Emmanuel Macron, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pose for a group photo in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) According to the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, Mr Putin told Mr Trump in a call during Mondays White House meeting that he was ready to meet Zelenskyy within the next two weeks. For his part, Zelenskyy reiterated on Monday that he was ready for talks with Putin. Mr Merz and the Finnish president, Alexander Stubb, both offered some pointed language on the topic, saying in separate press conferences that it remained to be seen if the Russian president had the courage to go ahead with the meeting. Mr Stubb said: Putin is rarely to be trusted. So far, the Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov has said only that Putin and Trump discussed the idea of raising the level of representatives at Ukraine talks. Ushakov, in his comments late on Monday, did not specify what he meant by raising the level at meetings, and did not address the possibility of a trilateral meeting between the leaders. 2. Need for security guarantees agreed but details unclear Although Trump poured cold water on the importance of a ceasefire, he did offer hope on US involvement in helping guarantee Ukraines future security. After welcoming Mr Zelenskyy to the White House, he said: When it comes to security, theres going to be a lot of help, even if European countries need to be a first line of defence. Later, Mr Trump said in a post that these guarantees would be coordinated with the US. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks in Lafayette Park, across from the White House, after meeting with President Donald Trump and European leaders Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) On Monday morning, Mr Zelenskyy described security guarantees as a key issue, a starting point towards ending the war and appreciated Trumps indication that the US was ready to be part of that guarantee. Mr Zelenskyy said those guarantees would be formalised in some way in the next week or 10 days, which can prove to be a long time when it comes to diplomacy involving Trumps White House. In a social media post late on Monday, Mr Trump said the White House talks included plans for European countries to provide security assurances to Ukraine, with the US acting as coordinator. As western leaders discussed security guarantees at the White House, Russias foreign ministry issued a statement rejecting any prospect of Nato personnel being deployed in Ukraine. We reaffirm our categorical opposition to any scenarios involving the stationing of a Nato contingent in Ukraine, the ministry said. 3. Trump believes he is very good at solving conflicts The US presidents desire for a Nobel peace prize is well known who can forget the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity established as part of a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan this month and it seemed clearly in his mind during his Oval Office meeting with Mr Zelenskyy. United States President Donald J Trump leads President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, President Alexander Stubb of Finland President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of the Italian Republic Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany Mark Rutte, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC, US. Picture date: Monday August 18, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Aaron Schwartz/PA Wire The peacemaker-in-chief said he had ended six wars since he became president, with his administration claiming to have helped settle the conflicts between Israel and Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Cambodia and Thailand, India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Egypt and Ethiopia. But, as Andrew Roth explains, it is a claim that stretches the realities on the ground. 4. A potential boost for the US arms industry Mr Trumps approach to foreign crises is peppered with efforts to find a way to establish economic opportunity for US industry, and Ukraine may be no different if a deal is finalised. Mr Zelenskyy has, after all, previously had to negotiate the US presidents desire for Ukraines critical minerals as part of his rivalry with China. President Donald Trump, seated center, speaks during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, seated from left, France's President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the East Room of the White House, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) On Monday, Mr Zelenskyy indicated that the price of obtaining security guarantees from the US included a pledge to buy $90bn of US weapons, primarily aircraft and air defence systems. He added that the US would also buy into Ukraines drone program, an area in which it has made significant strides since Russias full-scale invasion began. Earlier, the Financial Times reported that the drone deal was worth $50bn. A record 383 aid workers were killed in global hotspots in 2024 nearly half of them in Gaza during the war between Israel and Hamas, the UN humanitarian office said. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said the record number of killings must be a wake-up call to protect civilians caught in conflict and all those trying to help them. Attacks on this scale, with zero accountability, are a shameful indictment of international inaction and apathy, Mr Fletcher said in a statement on World Humanitarian Day. As the humanitarian community, we demand again that those with power and influence act for humanity, protect civilians and aid workers and hold perpetrators to account. The Aid Worker Security Database, which has compiled reports since 1997, said the number of killings rose from 293 in 2023 to 383 in 2024 including more than 180 in Gaza. On #WorldHumanitarianDay the humanitarian movement is united in grief, anger, and in demanding change. https://t.co/0Pf8A2oLRW Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) August 19, 2025 Most of the aid workers killed were national staffers serving their communities who were attacked while on the job or in their homes, according to the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, known as Ocha. This year, the figures show no sign of a reversal of the upward trend, Ocha said. There were 599 major attacks affecting aid workers last year, a sharp increase from the 420 in 2023, the databases figures show. The attacks in 2024 also wounded 308 aid workers and saw 125 kidnapped and 45 detained. There have been 245 major attacks in the past seven-plus months, and 265 aid workers have been killed, according to the database. One of the deadliest and most horrifying attacks this year took place in the southern Gaza city of Rafah when Israeli troops opened fire before dawn on March 23, killing 15 medics and emergency responders in clearly marked vehicles. Troops bulldozed over the bodies along with their mangled vehicles, burying them in a mass grave. UN and rescue workers were only able to reach the site a week later. Even one attack against a humanitarian colleague is an attack on all of us and on the people we serve, Mr Fletcher said. Violence against aid workers is not inevitable. It must end. According to the database, violence against aid workers increased in 21 countries in 2024 compared with the previous year, with government forces and affiliates the most common perpetrators. The highest numbers of major attacks last year were in the Palestinian territories with 194, followed by Sudan with 64, South Sudan with 47, Nigeria with 31 and Congo with 27, the database reported. As for killings, Sudan, where civil war is still raging, was second to Gaza and the West Bank with 60 aid workers losing their lives in 2024. That was more than double the 25 aid worker deaths in 2023. Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah militants fought a war last year, saw 20 aid workers killed compared with none in 2023. Ethiopia and Syria each had 14 killings, about double the number in 2023, and Ukraine had 13 aid workers killed in 2024, up from six in 2023, according to the database. Click here to donate via PayPal. Personal checks should be made out to Juan Cole and sent to me at: Juan ColeP. O. Box 4218,Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548USA(Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - MAX RESOURCE CORP. (TSXV: MAX) (OTC Pink: MXROF) (FSE: M1D2) ("Max" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the Company's wholly-owned Colombian subsidiary, Maximum Company Colombia S.A.S. ("Maximum"), has entered into an arm's-length Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") to acquire Mining Concession No. KK6-08031 ("Mora" or the "Title" or the "Property"). Pursuant to Maximum acquiring up to 100% of Inversiones Villamora S.A.S., The Mora Gold-Silver Title (713ha) lies within the productive Middle Cauca Gold Belt host to several major gold deposits, 85-km south of Medellin, Colombia (refer Figures 1 to 3 and Table 1). Highlights The undrilled Title covers 40 historic workings, 5 active mines, a series of polymetallic structures over 2,500m by 1,000m, adjacent to Aris Mining's (TSX: ARIS, NYSE: AIMN) Marmato mine (Reserve:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. /t Au,Resource:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. /t Au,9Moz). Aris Mining's Marmato title abuts along our 3.4-km eastern boundary, and Collective Mining's (TSX: CNL, NYSE: CNL) Guayabales Project abuts to the north (Apollo Porphyry System), west, south, and vertical east boundaries, 4.8-km in length. Highlight, Mora Gold-Silver Title channel sample results include (refer to Table 1) 45.0g/t gold & 7,110g/t silver over 1m;32.0g/t gold & 53g/t silver over 1m. 27.0g/t gold & 732g/t silver over 1m; 8.9g/t gold & 75g/t silver over 1.5m. 36.7 g/t gold over 2m; 3.3 g/t gold & 87 g/t silver over 1m. Figure 1: Polymetallic Structures, Mines, Assays, Marmato (2012), Apollo Discovery. Max advises investors that the gold mineralization at the Marmato gold deposit and the Apollo porphyry zone may not necessarily by indicative of similar mineralization at the Mora Property. Max further advises the QP has been unable to verify the information on Marmato and Guaybales and that the information is not necessarily indicative to the mineralization on the Mora property. "The Mora Gold-Silver Title is of significant size, and provides both, a high-grade Marmato type target, clearly manifested by the numerous small-scale mines and geological proximity and an underlaid Apollo Porphyry type target, again with geological proximity and the series of "polymetallic" structures, which occur on all the targets for the adjacent Guayabales Gold Project, including the recent Apollo discovery," says Max CEO Brett Matich. "We are excited with the opportunity of being the first exploration Company to conduct significant exploration on the Mora Title. Our in-country expertise abodes well to acting as the sole operator," he concluded. Discussion of the Mora Gold-Silver Title The Mora Title is located within a well-established gold mining camp, its eastern boundary lies approximately 600m southeast of the Marmato gold mine (P+P Reserves of 31.3Mt@3.2 g/t Au for 3.2Mozs and M+I Resource of 61.5Mt@3.0 g/t Au for 6.0Mozs). There visually appears to be a series of mineralized polymetallic veins running from Marmato through to the San Juan Sector of the Mora Title. By H2 2026, Aris Mining plans ramping up Marmato's gold production to 200,000 ounces/year. The geology exposed at Marmato appears very similar in character to Mora, and can be considered analogous, due to its close proximately and geological similarities, including the same type: a) host rocks, b) structural trends, c) styles of mineralization, and d) types of alteration. These are all key characteristics of the world class bulk tonnage porphyry-related gold deposits of the Middle Cauca Gold Belt. In addition, Collective Mining's recent Apollo Porphyry System discovery appears to trend over the northern border of the Mora Title. The extensive "polymetallic" sub-parallel mineralized structures identified within the San Juan Sector are of significance. Collective Mining's NI 43:101 titled "Guayabales Gold-Silver-Copper Project", states, "Polymetallic veins occur on all targets" as of the Apollo, Olympus, Donut, Box, Trap and Victory targets. Max advises investors that the gold mineralization at the Marmato gold deposit and the Apollo porphyry zone may not necessarily by indicative of similar mineralization at the Mora Property. Max further advises the QP has been unable to verify the information on Marmato and Guaybales and that the information is not necessarily indicative to the mineralization on the Mora property. In April 2025, a 2-day reconnaissance visit was conducted by a geological consultant, on behalf of the Company. Investigation of the San Juan Sector in the northern portion of the Mora Gold-Silver Title, confirmed a series of NW to SE striking polymetallic sub-parallel mineralized structures along over 2,500m of strike, dipping to the SW, across a width of 1,500m SW to NE. Over 40 historic workings and 5 active artisanal gold mines were noted. The polymetallic mineralized structures clearly cross the eastern boundary towards the Marmato gold mine. The Nan Prospect in the lower SE corner of the Mora Gold-Silver Title, identified one east to west polymetallic mineralized structure dipping to the south and two other polymetallic structure's running NW to SE dipping NE crossing across the boundary trending to Marmato (refer to Table 1). Historical Work The mining and exploration on the Mora Gold-Silver Title has been primitive and limited to date. The only recorded exploration are historic workings and artisanal mining, with the exception of a report documenting a field visit in 2012 for Crown Gold Corp. The author identified numerous high-grade gold and silver sulphide veins exploited by artisanal miners on both Marmato and the Mora Title/Property. His comments include: "There is no question that the geology of Marmato continues across the Mora title (KK6-08031) boundary in the region of San Juan. Gran Colombia states that their deposit (Marmato) is open and continues at depth and to the west and south, both areas are within in the Mora title" In addition, the Crown Gold Corp. news release, dated December 20, 2012 stated: "During a visit in November, Crown gained access to, and channel sampled, 7 of the 40 adits which it has located to date, on the Mora Property. A total of 7 channels were cut in these 7 adits and all samples returned gold and silver values. The weighted average value of gold was 13.2 g/t over 5.9m sampled, while the weighted average value of silver was 1,647 g/t. Sampling to date has been concentrated within 1-km block (San Juan Sector) of the 7-km Mora Property. There appears to be a series of mineralized "polymetallic" veins running through the Mora Property, similar mineralization to Gran Colombia's Marmato gold deposit, which lies adjacent east side of the Mora Property. The Marmato property has a 43:101 measured and indicated resource of over 11.7Mozs of gold and 80Mozs of silver to vertical depth of 400m. In addition, recent drilling at Marmato has revealed high grade mineralization extending a further 700m below the present resource" Table 1: Highlight Assay Results for 2012 and 2025 Field Investigations. Next Steps The continuing artisanal mining development which predates Colombian times, modern development of the world class Marmato gold mine and the most recent Apollo gold discovery in 2023, underlines the potential of the Mora Property for bulk mining exploitation. The initial exploration program consists of three goals: collect all historic data and perform a property wide assessment. identify and map all historic workings and active mines. conduct outcrop, road cut geological mapping and sampling all to initiate stage two. Figure 2. El Oso Gold-Silver Mine located within the Mora Title. Figure 3. El Cielo Gold-Silver Mine located within the Mora Title. Table 2. References. Terms of the Purchase Agreement Under the terms of the Agreement, Maximum has the exclusive rights to earn up to 100% of Inversiones Villamora S.A.S. ("Villamora"). Pursuant to Maximum acquiring 100% of the shares of Villamora, the 100% owner of Mora, Maximum acts as the sole operator and can withdraw from the Option or Purchase Periods at any stage. Payments are USD to the shareholders of Villamora and all payments are subject to certain milestones, obligations and conditions. Option Period; first payment of $50,000; second of $50,000; third of $150,000 and fourth of $150,000. The Purchase Period; $1,000,000 on or before 1 year after the final Option Period payment advances to 20%; $1,000,000 on or before 1 year after the first Purchase Period payment advances to 40%; $2,000,000 on or before 1 year after the second Purchase Period payment advances to 60%; $4,000,000 on or before 1 year after the third Purchase Period payment advances to 100%. Under certain conditions, prior to Maximum initiating the Purchase Period, Maximum shall be entitled to acquire the Mora Title, rather than Villamora, under the same terms and conditions. The Company committed to 3% net smelter royalty from ore production. No finders' fees were paid in connection with the transaction. Corporate Update Further to news releases on December 12, 2024, January 2, 2025, January 7, 2025, January 9, 2025, January 20, 2025, March 30, 2025 and April 22,2025, Max Brazil has closed the fourth tranche of its non-brokered private placement for a new aggregate amount of 27,400,000 ordinary shares in the capital of Max Brazil (the "Ordinary Shares") at a price of AUD $0.10 per Ordinary Share for aggregate gross proceeds AUD $2,740,000. The net proceeds of the Offering to be used, among other things, for the advancement of the Floralia DSO Project, and for general working capital purposes. Max Brazil will be subject to applicable Australian securities legislation and the rules and regulations of the ASX. There is no guarantee that the proposed IPO or listing of Max Brazil on the ASX will be completed on the terms set out in this announcement or at all. Closing of the IPO is subject to a number of conditions, including receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals. Quality Assurance Max adheres to a strict QA/QC program for sample handling, sampling, sample transportation and analyses. All 21 rock samples were taken by the Max consulting geologist, labelled, placed in sealed, securitized bags and shipped to ALS Lab's sample preparation facility in Medellin, Columbia. ALS Medellin is an ISO 9001: 2008 certified facility and is independent of Max. All samples were analyzed using ALS procedure ME-ICP61, a four-acid digestion with inductively coupled plasma finished. Over-limit gold is determined by ALS procedure Au-GRA21 a 30 gram fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Over-limit silver, lead, arsenic and zinc were determined by ALS procedure OG-62, a four-acid digestion with an atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. At this early stage of exploration, Max has relied on the QA/QC protocol's employed by ALS. Qualified Person The Company's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release was reviewed and approved by Tim Henneberry, P.Geo (British Columbia), a member of the Max Resource advisory board, who serves as a qualified person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101. About Max Resource Corp. Max's wholly owned Sierra Azul Copper-Silver Project sits along the Colombian portion of the world's largest producing copper belt (Andean belt), with world-class infrastructure and the presence of global majors (Glencore and Chevron). Max has an Earn-In Agreement ("EIA") with Freeport-McMoRan Exploration Corporation ("Freeport"), a wholly owned affiliate of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. relating to the Sierra Azul Project. Under the terms of the EIA, Freeport has been granted a two-stage option to acquire up to an 80% ownership interest in the Sierra Azul Project by funding cumulative expenditures of C$50m and cash payments totaling C$1.55m. Max is the operator of the initial stage. The USD $4.8m 2025 exploration program for the Sierra Azul Project is fully funded by Freeport. Max Iron Brazil's wholly owned Floralia Hematite DSO Project is located 67-km east of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil's largest iron ore and steel producing State. Max's technical team has significantly expanded the Floralia Hematite DSO Geological Target from 8-12mt at 58% Fe to 50-70mt at 55%-61% Fe. Max cautions investors the potential quantity and grade of the iron ore is conceptual in nature, and further cautions there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and Max is uncertain if further exploration will result in the geological target being delineated as a mineral resource. Hematite mineralization tonnage potential estimation is based on in situ high-grade outcrops and interpreted and modelled magnetic anomalies. Density value used for the estimate is 2.8t/m. Hematite sample grades range between 55-61% Fe. The 58 channel samples were collected for chemical analysis from in situ outcrops in previously mined slopes of industrial materials. For more information visit on Max Resource: https://www.maxresource.com/ Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for Max Resources Corp. described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Pacific Empire Minerals Corp. (TSXV: PEMC) ("Pacific Empire", "PEMC" or the "Company"), a British Columbia copper-gold explorer, is pleased to announce that it has received a multi-year Mines Act Permit authorizing exploration activities at its 100%-owned Trident property in north-central British Columbia. Permit details: Mines Act Permit MX-100000345, issued by the Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals is valid until September 30, 2028, and authorizes: Construction of a camp and staging area Surface diamond drilling from 20 permitted drill sites Exploration access and construction or modification of access roads Fuel storage The permit includes comprehensive environmental, cultural heritage, and reclamation requirements, including the protection of watercourses, caribou-interaction mitigation measures for work above 1,100 m, progressive reclamation, as well as invasive species control. These commitments align with Pacific Empire's approach to responsible exploration and early-stage project stewardship. Brad Peters, President and CEO of Pacific Empire, commented, "Securing this multi-year exploration permit is a significant milestone for Pacific Empire and clears the way for our inaugural diamond drilling program at Trident this September. This is the first time in over 50 years that this target area will be tested, despite extensive historical work in the region. With road access now in place and drill sites approved, we are in an excellent position to advance this gold-enriched copper porphyry project." The Trident property lies within the prolific Quesnel Terrane, immediately south of the Hogem Plutonic Suite contact with volcanic rocks of the Chuchi Lake Succession - a geologic setting known to host several producing and past-producing copper-gold porphyry deposits in British Columbia. Historical work on the property includes soil geochemistry, geophysics, and diamond drilling that confirmed widespread copper-gold mineralization but left the main target area untested due to historic access challenges. Pacific Empire's 2025 program will be the first modern drill campaign to directly test this high-priority target, following recent re-assay results collected from historical drill core and the acquisition of new high-resolution LIDAR data that will aid in more accurate drill collar placement. Other Matters The latest President's Newsletter, along with updated maps and Corporate Presentation, are now available at www.pemcorp.ca. Figure 1 - Multi-Year Area-Based Permit Work Area Trident Project: Priority Target Areas The Trident Project is currently the primary focus for Pacific Empire. The main exploration target is a gold-enriched copper porphyry system, supported by robust copper, gold, and zinc soil geochemistry and multiple coincident geophysical anomalies. Geochemical Support: Copper-in-soil anomalies with values up to 5,213 ppm Cu define a 2 km (N-S) by 4 km (NW-SE) zone (Figures 2 & 3). define a 2 km (N-S) by 4 km (NW-SE) zone (Figures 2 & 3). The anomaly lies on a significant slope, with drilling to date not yet testing the upslope source area. Gold-in-soil anomalies up to 591 ppb Au characterize a 2 km by 1.5 km zone overlapping the copper anomaly (Figures 2 & 4). characterize a 2 km by 1.5 km zone overlapping the copper anomaly (Figures 2 & 4). A strong distal zinc anomaly may be indicative of an outer halo of a robust copper-gold porphyry system. Geophysical Support: The porphyry target aligns with (Figure 2): An airborne resistivity high A chargeability anomaly from ground IP A resistivity high from ground IP A strong apparent resistivity anomaly from airborne Mobile Magnetotelluric (MT) data Historical and Future Drilling: South of the main target, historical drilling (1970s, 2007) intercepted mineralized hornblende-feldspar monzonite porphyry dikes dipping north. Previous drilling was oriented north-to-south, away from the interpreted main porphyry zone. Future drilling will be oriented south-to-north from permitted sites located north of historical hole collars to directly target the inferred core of the system. Breccia Targets: Eastern Breccia Target: Strong conductivity anomaly, float samples yielding up to 3.3% Cu, 3.6 g/t Au, 56.6 g/t Ag; barite vein sample returned 6.0% Cu, 6.0% Zn, 1.5 g/t Au, 5.0 g/t Ag. Strong conductivity anomaly, float samples yielding up to barite vein sample returned Western Breccia Target: A robust copper-in-soil anomaly coincident with a significant conductivity high. Figure 2 - Compilation of geochemical and IP geophysical data with 2025 drill targets at Trident Figure 3 - COPPER Soil Geochemistry Figure 4 - GOLD Soil Geochemistry Pinnacle Project: Emerging Targets The Pinnacle property, located immediately west of Trident, has two primary target areas: Aplite Creek North Target: Copper mineralization in outcrop is associated with known aplite dikes and quartz veining. Historical drilling (AH90-01) returned 6.0 m grading 6.4 g/t Au at Aplite Creek. at Aplite Creek. Supported by a radiometric Th/K low (K/Th high), indicative of potassic alteration. Strong IP chargeability responses along target margins, coincident with copper-in-soil anomalies. South Pinnacle Target: Copper-in-soil anomaly coincident with geophysical targets. Ovate magnetic and resistivity anomalies from 2007 Fugro airborne mag-EM survey. IP chargeability and resistivity highs from 2014 ground IP survey. Strong IP chargeability response along target margins, aligned with copper-in-soil anomalies. Figure 5 - Exploration targets at Pinnacle with recent forestry cutblocks and new roads Alluvial Gold in the Klawli River The Klawli River, which divides the Trident and Pinnacle properties, has demonstrated proximal near surface gold occurrence potential. Panning in the river has yielded significant placer gold ranging from fine flour gold to flakes measuring approximately 1 mm thick and 2-3 mm in diameter. The presence of placer gold in the Klawli River suggests nearby hard-rock gold source(s) and further underscores the potential for additional discoveries in the region. Figure 6 - Gold from the Klawli River. Did it come from Pinnacle or Trident or both? About Trident The Trident property is an early exploration stage property hosting an alkalic porphyry copper-gold-silver prospect with district-scale potential that is accessible by vehicle. The property is located approximately 50 km southeast of the Kwanika deposit owned by NorthWest Copper Corp. and 50 km to the northwest of Centerra Gold's Mt. Milligan Mine. The property covers 6,618 hectares endowed with well-established logging roads providing important efficient access to conduct exploration programs. Copper mineralization on the property was first discovered in 1969, while exploration crews were following up on anomalous stream sediment samples. The following year, Falconbridge optioned the property and over the next two years completed IP and magnetic surveys, geological mapping, soil sampling and diamond drilling. This work ultimately led to the discovery of the A Zone. Additional exploration programs were completed by Kookaburra Gold Corp. from 1988 through 1991, Solomon Resources Ltd., from 2006 through 2008. In 2013, PEMC optioned the property and in 2014, in turn, PEMC optioned the property to Oz Minerals which completed during that same year, an IP survey and completed a two drillhole, diamond drill program at Trident. In 2022, Pacific Empire acquired a 100% interest in the property in exchange for granting the vendors a 2% net smelter return royalty ("NSR"). One-half (1%) of the 2% NSR which may be purchased for $500,000 by Pacific Empire. Prior to 2014, known mineralization on the property was believed to be associated with fracture and/or shear zone structures striking 120 degrees and dipping 75 degrees towards the northeast. A review of historical drill core by the Pacific Empire exploration team has led to a much different interpretation with respect to the nature of known mineralization on the property. The most important observation made was the determination of the presence of hornblende-feldspar monzonite porphyry intrusions detected within drill core obtained from the A Zone. These types of porphyry intrusions are typically characterized by sheeted quartz sulphide veins hosting disseminated chalcopyrite and bornite residing immediately adjacent to and within the porphyry dikes. Other observations include the highest grades noted in historical drilling can be seen to be directly associated with intervals where such porphyry intrusions occur. About Pinnacle The Pinnacle project is located 60 km west of Centerra Gold's Mt. Milligan Copper-Gold Mine and 30 km southeast of NorthWest Copper's Kwanika Copper-Gold Deposit in a proven copper-gold porphyry district. Access to the Pinnacle is by road including a new and expanding network of logging roads and trails throughout the main target areas. This improved access is a significant development and is anticipated to contribute to cost effective drill support and provides additional bedrock exposure. Qualified Person's Statement Kristian Whitehead, P.Geo., serves as a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed the scientific and technical information in this news release, approving the disclosure herein. About Pacific Empire Pacific Empire is a copper exploration company based in Vancouver, British Columbia and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol PEMC. The Company has a district-scale land position in north-central British Columbia totaling 22,541 hectares. British Columbia is a "Green" copper jurisdiction with abundant hydroelectric power, access and infrastructure in close proximity to the end market. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, "Brad Peters" President, Chief Executive Officer and Director www.pemcorp.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that relate to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", and "intend", statements that an action or event "may", "might", "could", "should", or "will" be taken or occur, or other similar expressions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mineral exploration; fluctuations in commodity prices; title matters; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers, directors or promoters with certain other projects; the absence of dividends; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume and the additional risks identified the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Highlights: General Marks joins the board of directors of Allied USA. General Marks is a leading expert on international military strategy with a distinguished career in the United States Army. Allied USA is focused on importation, marketing and sales of tungsten into the United States. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Allied Critical Metals Inc. (CSE: ACM) (OTCQB: ACMIF) (FSE: 0VJ0) ("Allied" or the "Company"), which is focused on its 100% owned past producing Borralha and Vila Verde tungsten projects in northern Portugal, is pleased to announce the appointment of Major General (Ret.) James A. "Spider" Marks to the Board of Directors of its U.S.-based subsidiary, Allied Critical Metals (USA), Inc. ("Allied USA"). Allied USA is dedicated to the importation, marketing and sales of tungsten into the United States. General Marks is the former Commanding General, U.S. Army Intelligence Center and brings over four decades of leadership experience across military, intelligence, and commercial sectors. His distinguished U.S. Army career included leadership roles at every level across elite units such as the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. He also served in strategic intelligence positions around the globe, including deployments in Iraq, Korea, and the Balkans. Post-military, he has held executive leadership roles in private industry, including as CEO of Global Linguist Solutions and InVisM, and currently serves as President of the Marks Collaborative, an advisory firm focused on corporate transformation and national security. He is an Honor Graduate of the U.S. Army's Ranger School, a Master Parachutist authorized to wear Canadian airborne wings, and has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and multiple expeditionary and service ribbons. He is a 1975 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, and holds a Master's degree in International Affairs from the University of Virginia. Marks contributes as a military and intelligence analyst for CNN. He is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. "General Marks is a highly respected leader with unparalleled expertise in global defense, logistics, and strategy," said Roy Bonnell, CEO of Allied Critical Metals. "His appointment strengthens our U.S. operations at a pivotal time, as we expand our presence in the American tungsten market. His insight and network will be invaluable in helping Allied USA meet growing demand for this critical material." Tungsten is a critical mineral essential to industries such as aerospace, defense, and electronics. As Allied USA advances its role in ensuring secure, reliable tungsten supply chains for the U.S., General Marks' deep knowledge of defense systems and national security will enhance the subsidiary's operational and strategic direction. "I'm honored to join Allied USA's Board of Directors," commented General Marks. "We are playing a vital role in strengthening the United States' access to critical minerals, and I look forward to supporting our mission and growth." About Allied Critical Metals Inc. Allied Critical Metals Inc. (CSE: ACM) (OTCQB: ACMIF) (FSE: 0VJ0) is a Canadian-based mining company focused on the expansion and revitalization of its 100% owned past producing Borralha Tungsten Project and the Vila Verde Tungsten Project in northern Portugal. Tungsten has been designated a critical metal by the United States and other western countries, as they are aggressively seeking friendly sources of this unique metal. Currently, China, Russia and North Korea represent approximately 86% of the total global supply and reserves. The tungsten market is estimated to be valued at approximately USD $5 to $6 billion and it is used in a variety of industries such as defense, automotive, manufacturing, electronics, and energy. Please visit our website at www.alliedcritical.com. Also visit us at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allied-critical-metals-inc X: https://x.com/@alliedcritical/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliedcriticalmetals/ ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Per: "Roy Bonnell" Roy Bonnell Chief Executive Officer and Director The Canadian Stock Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities of the Company have not been, nor will they be, registered under the 1933 Act or under any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act, as amended, and applicable state securities laws. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements", including with respect to the use of proceeds. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "potential for" and similar expressions have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations of the Company's management for future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation, those listed in the Company's Listing Statement and other filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca). Examples of forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed timeline and use of proceeds for exploration and development of the Company's mineral projects as described in the Company's Listing Statement, news releases, and corporate presentations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These factors should be considered carefully, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company's Listing Statement dated April 23, 2025 and news release dated May 16, 2025, and the documents incorporated by reference therein, filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of additional risk factors. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Traction Uranium Corp. (CSE: TRAC) (OTC: TRCTF) (FRA: Z1K) (the Company or Traction) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Sparkes as Director of the Company. Mr. Sparkes is an accomplished business leader and entrepreneur with over twenty-five years of experience in media, finance, capital markets and Canadas political arena. Mr. Sparkes spent a decade as a leader in the broadcast and media industry as CTV Globemedias Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs. He also held senior positions in public service, including with the Government of Canada as Director of Operations to Prime Minister, Jean Chretien, and as a senior aide to two Premiers of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Sparkes was a Co-Founder and executive vice chairman at Difference Capital Financial and serves on a number of private and public boards. He is currently President of Otterbury Holdings Inc., and Chief Executive Officer of Integral Metals Corp, AlphaGen Intelligence Corp., and Vortex Energy Corp. We are pleased to welcome Mr. Sparkes to the board of directors of Traction at such a pivotal time in the Companys growth. With his strong business leadership capabilities and vast knowledge of the public markets, Paul will make an excellent addition to the Traction team. I look forward to working with him to build a strong corporate profile for Traction moving forward, stated Paul Gorman, Interim CEO and Director of Traction Uranium Corp. About Traction Uranium Corp. Traction Uranium Corp. (CSE: TRAC) (OTC: TRCTF) (FRA: Z1K) is in the business of mineral exploration and the development of discovery prospects in Canada, including its uranium project in the world-renowned Athabasca Region. We invite you to find out more about our exploration-stage activities across Canadas Western region at https://tractionuranium.com/. On Behalf of The Board of Directors Paul Gorman Chief Executive Officer (604) 425-2271 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 19, 2025) - Questcorp Mining Inc. (CSE: QQQ) (OTCQB: QQCMF) (FSE: D910) (the "Company" or "Questcorp") is pleased to announce they have completed 25% of the planned drilling program on its La Union Project in northwest Sonora, Mexico. This work is being carried out by property vendor and operator Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI). Highlights The Company has completed 300 metres of the planned drill program of 1200 to 1500m. Drilling to test the carbonate-hosted replacement deposit (CRD) style of mineralization, with gold associated with mantos, chimneys, and along structural zones. Angled drill holes are aimed at cutting perpendicular to stratigraphic targets and some structural targets which is typical in CRD systems Structural features may have served as mineralizing conduits and are key targets in the current drill program. Questcorp is capitalizing on the recent exploration work over the past three months by Riverside that improved the understanding of the structural geology and stratigraphy that is guiding current exploration efforts at La Union. The exploration target focus is for a large potential gold discovery that expands from previous smaller scale mine operations on the property. The drill program will begin to test the new concepts and expand past previous mining. Saf Dhillon, President & CEO states, "Questcorp is pleased with the progress being made at this first ever drill program at La Union. The Riverside team has been able to work throughout these hot summers months to enable the successful completion of this Maiden drill. Earlier this year, Questcorp entered into a definitive option agreement with Riverside's wholly owned subsidiary, RRM Exploracion, S.A.P.I. DE C.V. to acquire a 100% interest in the La Union Project. As part of the agreement, Questcorp issued shares to Riverside, making Riverside a shareholder and aligning both parties' interests in the Project's success. With funding provided by Questcorp, an initial C$1,000,000 exploration program is now underway. This marks the first phase of a larger, C$5,500,000 work commitment, contingent on exploration results and Questcorp's continued participation. The Drill Program Targets include more than four different areas, beginning with this early-stage stratigraphic and orientation phase of drilling exploration aimed at evaluating the scale of alteration and indications of a mineralized system. This will be the first drilling ever conducted on most of the targets, despite past mining having occurred in the majority of these areas. The initial program will consist of one to three holes per area, primarily for orientation purposes. Follow-up drilling is planned and can be expanded based on initial results, which will help verify the stratigraphy, lithologies, and structural features allowing for improved modeling and next-stage discovery targeting. The four areas are listed below: Union Main Mine Area - The program will use angled drill holes to test limestone and other carbonate stratigraphic hosts within the Clemente Formation, with the potential to reach the underlying Caborca Formation. These units are considered the primary hosts for replacement-style mineralization. The program will use angled drill holes to test limestone and other carbonate stratigraphic hosts within the Clemente Formation, with the potential to reach the underlying Caborca Formation. These units are considered the primary hosts for replacement-style mineralization. North Union Mine Area - The initial focus of the program will be on testing structural interpretations. Additional drilling is anticipated following this first phase, as results will help guide future drill testing of areas with past mining activity and various structural orientations. - The initial focus of the program will be on testing structural interpretations. Additional drilling is anticipated following this first phase, as results will help guide future drill testing of areas with past mining activity and various structural orientations. Cobre Mine Area - The Clemente Formation is the primary host unit, and structural features combined with areas of past mining provide multiple target zones. Drilling will begin with an initial stratigraphic test hole to help orient around the thickness of the host unit and extend into the lower Caborca Formation, which is also a favorable host for CRD-style mineralization. - The Clemente Formation is the primary host unit, and structural features combined with areas of past mining provide multiple target zones. Drilling will begin with an initial stratigraphic test hole to help orient around the thickness of the host unit and extend into the lower Caborca Formation, which is also a favorable host for CRD-style mineralization. Central Union Area - Structural targets, as possible mineralization feeder zones, are a key focus in this past mining manto area. There are extensive additional target zones in the area, and this initial orientation drilling will provide vectoring for the next stage of drilling and further study of the Clemente Formation, and possibly into the Caborca Formation as currently interpreted. General Overview of La Union Project The Project is summarized in a recently published NI 43-101 Technical Report available under Questcorp's SEDAR+ profile (www.sedarplus.ca). Riverside initially acquired the Project and subsequently consolidated additional inlier mineral claims, building a strong land position. Riverside then advanced the Project through surface access agreements and drill permitting, making it a turn-key exploration opportunity for Questcorp. The Project was originally identified through Riverside's exploration work in the western Sonora Gold Belt, conducted in collaboration with AngloGold Ashanti Limited, Centerra Gold Inc., and Hochschild Mining Plc. Earlier research by Riverside Founder John-Mark Staude also contributed to recognizing the district's potential. Initial work by members of the Riverside team, drawing on more than two decades of geological compilation and analysis, further confirmed the region as highly prospective. At the Project, historical mining by the Penoles Mining Company targeted chimney and manto-style replacement bodies within the upper oxide zones. As a result, the underlying sulfide zones represent immediate and compelling drill targets for further exploration. At the La Union Project, immediate drill targets offer the potential for significant-scale discoveries. La Union is well positioned for near-term exploration success, with targets that include both oxide and deeper sulfide mineralization. The La Union Project The La Union Project is a carbonate replacement deposit ("CRD") project hosted by Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks (limestones, dolomites, and siliciclastic sediments) overlying crystalline Paleoproterozoic rocks of the Caborca Terrane. The structural setting features high-angle normal faults and low-to-medium-angle thrust faults that sometimes served as mineralization conduits. Mineralization occurs as polymetallic veins, replacement zones (mantos, chimneys), and shear zones with high-grade metal content, as shown in highlight grades of 59.4 grams per metric tonne (g/t) gold, 833 g/t silver, 11% zinc, 5.5% lead, 2.2% copper, along with significant hematite and manganese oxides, consistent with a CRD model (see the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Union Project, State of Sonora, Mexico" dated effective May 6, 2025 available under Questcorp's SEDAR+ profile). These targets also demonstrate intriguing potential for large gold discoveries potentially above an even larger porphyry Cu district potential as the Company's target concept at this time. Questcorp cautions investors that grab samples are selective by nature and not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on the property. The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by R. Tim Henneberry, P. Geo (BC), a director of the Company and a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Questcorp Mining Inc. Questcorp Mining Inc. is engaged in the business of the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in North America, with the objective of locating and developing economic precious and base metals properties of merit. The Company holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 1,168.09 hectares comprising the North Island Copper Property, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, subject to a royalty obligation. The Company also holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 2,520.2 hectares comprising the La Union Project located in Sonora, Mexico, subject to a royalty obligation. This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to Riverside's arrangements with geophysical contractors to undertake orientation surveys and follow up detailed survey to confirm and enhance the drill targets. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: the ability of Riverside to secure geophysical contractors to undertake orientation surveys and follow up detailed survey to confirm and enhance the drill targets as contemplated or at all, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain capital markets; and delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that the geophysical surveys will be completed as contemplated or at all and that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. TORONTO / Aug 19, 2025 / Business Wire / Trigon Metals Inc. (TSX-V: TM, OTCPK: PNTZF) ("Trigon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the successful completion of a drone-based aeromagnetic survey over a key area of its Kalahari Copper Project. The Company has also finalized the data processing and 3D inversion, enabling interpretation and the definition of highly prospective exploration targets which will be the focus of upcoming exploration campaigns. The survey area was selected for its favourable stratigraphy and structure, as well as its proximity to known mineralization at the Fiesta-Fortuna Prospect (Noronex Limited), located 4 km to the east (Fig. 1). Thick Kalahari sand cover (>40 m) necessitated the use of detailed airborne geophysical surveys to identify prospective targets. Structurally, the area is dominated by two regional-scale, doubly plunging anticlines. Ellipsoidal magnetic lows are interpreted to represent tight Ngwako Pan cored anticlines, flanked by magnetically positive anomalies associated with the DKar Formation. The Heimat Fold Closure lies within the same domal structure as the Fiesta-Fortuna Prospect (Noronex Ltd) but is interpreted to occur higher in the stratigraphy, within the DKar Formation and away from the traditionally targeted contact with the lower Ngwako Pan Formation (Fig. 2). This target is based on Trigons understanding of the Kalahari Copper Belt (KCB) mineralization as likely having both diagenetic and epigenetic origins. Most KCB deposits are semi-stratiform and located near the Ngwako Pan/DKar contact. While minor mineralization is often found along this contact, major deposits also tend to be spatially linked to regional anticlines or domes, and in some cases to second-order faulting. The exploration focus is therefore on domal features with either an exposed Ngwako Pan/DKar contact or with its DKar roof still intact. The Heimat Fold Closure represents one such target, with known mineralization immediately to the east (along strike). Similarly, the Bushman Dome target area, covers a large Ngwako Pan Fm cored dome immediately to the south of the Heimat Dome. 3D inversion of the magnetic data has enabled Trigon to identify the relative depth of the prospective Ngwako Pan/DKar contact along the hinge zone of the Heimat Dome (Fig. 3). Trigon plans to use this knowledge to guide its maiden drilling program at the Kalahari Project. Additional magnetic targets identified within this prospective zone, include cigar shaped magnetic highs, likely representing 2nd order, parasitic folding and linear structures attributed to late Damaran age faulting and thrusting. Further interrogation of the data is underway in order to identify specific drill targets. Jed Richardson, CEO and Executive Chairman of Trigon, commented, Our work at the Kalahari Copper Project has now moved beyond early-stage reconnaissance to a targeted strategy based on detailed geophysics. The survey results have given us a clear picture of where the most prospective structures lie, and were now positioned to advance towards drilling with a high degree of confidence. This is an exciting step forward as we unlock value from a district that continues to demonstrate world-class potential. Dr. Andreas Rompel, VP Exploration, adds, "The geological data strongly indicate folding along an axis trending WSW. In addition, a clear contact between two significant lithologies has been identified, which delineates a compelling drill target. We are excited to advance the next phases of exploration on what we believe is a highly prospective and prolific project." Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Andreas Rompel, Pr.Sci.Nat. (400274/04), FSAIMM, the Companys qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Dr. Rompel is Trigons VP Exploration and is not considered to be independent of the Company. Trigon Metals Inc. Trigon Metals Inc. is a publicly trading Canadian exploration and development company with a its core focus on copper and silver holdings in mining-friendly African jurisdictions. The Company holds the Kalahari Copperbelt Project in Namibia. In Morocco, the Company is advancing two exploration projects; Addana, which hosts silver-bearing veins along with other metals, and Silver Hill, a sedimentary copper prospect that has already undergone drilling. Cautionary Notes This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements include statements regarding the exploration drilling at the Kalahari Project, the prospectivity and mineralization at the Kalahari Project, the Companys strategies and the Companys abilities to execute such strategies, the Companys expectations for the Kalahari Project, and the Companys future plans and objectives. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statements or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - Siaya Governor James Orengo has mourned the killing of former Siaya County Assembly Clerk, Felix Isaac Olwero, who was fatally shot by police in what is believed to be a case of mistaken identity. Olwero was gunned down in the early hours of Monday, August 18th, outside his Whitehouse Resort in Seme. Reports indicate that he had been lying in wait to ambush suspected robbers when responding officers mistook him for one of the criminals and opened fire. Police from Kombewa Police Station had rushed to the scene following a distress call made by the resorts manager, Sandra Okech. Governor Orengo, in a heartfelt statement, described the incident as a senseless tragedy and demanded swift, transparent investigations. Devastated by the tragic loss of Felix Olwero, former Siaya County Assembly Clerk and husband to our CECM for Sports, Madam Angeline Oduor, who was brutally shot dead this morning under unclear circumstances. We condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms and demand thorough investigations to ensure justice is served, he said. This tragedy comes just months after Orengo mourned another loss within the county workforce. In May, Senior Driver George Were died in a road accident while on official duty to Naivasha. Orengo extended condolences to the bereaved families, urging strength and healing during the difficult period. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - Mombasa-based lawyer, Paul Magolo, has found himself trending for all the wrong reasons after being busted cheating on his wife after exchanging vows in a lavish white wedding. Leaked intimate chats making rounds online suggest that Magolo has been unfaithful despite making lifetime vows to his wife. In the screenshots, the lawyer is seen asking another woman for a sleepover. When the woman appears hesitant to meet him, Magolo tries to convince her further, suggesting that they could at least link up for a few hours if she was not available for the whole night. The scandalous leaks have caused a stir on social media, with netizens mocking how fast the lawyers marriage has been rocked by infidelity. See the leaked chats. The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - A reckless motorist driving a vehicle registered as KCG 771D has come under heavy criticism after he was captured on dashcam footage driving on the wrong side of Thika Superhighway and fleeing after causing an accident. The incident, which occurred near Safari Park Hotel, shows the driver heading towards Nairobis city centre against oncoming traffic. The motorists actions forced other road users into evasive manoeuvres, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision. In the footage, a motorcyclist is seen swerving to avoid the rogue driver but ends up ramming into the rear of a Toyota Probox. The rider fell onto the tarmac, while the shaken Probox driver inspected his damaged vehicle. Neither the motorist at fault nor the Probox driver stopped to assist the injured rider. Kenyans have strongly condemned the incident, describing the motorists behaviour as reckless and unacceptable. Owner of KCG 771D, shame on you. You cannot drive on the wrong side of a busy highway, cause an accident, and flee as if nothing happened. You can run, but you cannot hide, one netizeb stated. The incident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws, with many Kenyans urging authorities to hold the driver accountable. The owner of KCG 771D, shame on you. Driving on the wrong side of Thika Road, causing an accident, then fleeing like nothing happened? Your days are numbered. #RoadSafety @InteriorKE @ntsa_kenya @DCI_Kenya @NPSOfficial_KE pic.twitter.com/ZdI3xQAysa Mr. Chairman (@Chairman_NBO) August 18, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Tuesday, August 19, 2025 - Turkana North MP, Hon. Ekwom Nabuin, has condemned the escalating wave of insecurity in Turkana County after one of his close supporters was reportedly attacked by alleged hired goons and rushed to hospital yesterday. Speaking after the incident, Nabuin accused top county leadership of being behind the violence, pointing fingers at Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai whom he claimed was sponsoring gangs to intimidate political opponents. Turkanas insecurity is alarming. The Ministry of Interior and National Administration must move with speed to diffuse and dismantle established gangs like Jacaranda orchestrated by Governor Lomorukai, Nabuin stated. The MP, who has declared interest in the 2027 gubernatorial race, warned that continued inaction by security agencies will only embolden criminals and force citizens to take the law into their own hands. And in the absence of any action, civil or citizens response will be inevitable to defend themselves against Governors Jacaranda constant intimidation, threats, and violent attacks, he added. The Kenyan DAILY POST NAAS has been announced as the finishing line for this years Cannonball Run, which was launched this week (13 August) by Radio Novas PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe. Kildare-based Cannonball founder Alan Bannon confirmed that Cannonball, the action-packed supercar spectacle is set to roll between 12-14 September from Johnstown Estate in Enfield taking in Ballymaloe, Killarney, Clare, Sligo, Cavan and finishes in Naas at 6pm. Alan runs AB Signs in the Tougher Industrial estate and fell in love with cars in his uncle Joes garage in Kildare town when he was young. Cannonball is the largest organised road trip in Europe featuring the finest cars on the planet from the awe-inspiring power of Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren to the grace and elegance of Porsche, Aston Martin, and Maserati. Over 200,000 spectators are expected with free festivals organised from coast to coast. Cannonball has already raised 2,024,809 for Irish childrens charities and brings an electric atmosphere to host towns all over the country, making it a widely anticipated free family event for spectators. The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation is an Irish childrens charity that funds and delivers in-home nursing care, respite support and end-of-life care for children from birth to six years of age with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs. It is often described as a lifeline, giving exhausted parent carers a break from their 24/7 care regime. Jack and Jills service operates seven days a week, no means test, no red tape and no waiting list. A total of 188 children in Kildare have been cared for by the charity since its inception in 1997 and this year 35 children in Kildare are being cared for by Jack and Jill. Cannonball offers spectators a unique opportunity to witness the world's most prestigious and sought-after supercars up close and enjoy the unique festival atmosphere for which Cannonball is renowned. The Cannonballers and celebrities in colourful costumes add to the pageantry. From Spiderman to Star Wars, Cat Woman to Wonder Woman, cheerleaders to Charlies Angels, Batman, the Joker and more.. Cannonball was inspired by Alans mother Briget who worked in Barrettstown and he set it up in 2009. The benefit to the host towns for this event is estimated at 2,567,000 per year. Five years ago, TJ Hegarty was standing in a draughty community hall in Glanmire teaching just eight students with nothing but a whiteboard, a few folding tables and a sense that Maths could be taught differently. He wasnt setting out to build a business. At the time, it was just about helping a few kids who were struggling. That was it. There was no brand, no team, no real plan, Hegarty says. One student stood out. A teenager named Fionn who had been told college was off the table. His parents explained he had autism and had been written off academically. However, Hegarty saw it differently. We just made weekly progress. The belief followed and the results started to come. Fionn is now finishing his Engineering Masters in MTU. That one breakthrough laid the foundation for what would become Breakthrough Maths. From cold halls to calm homes, Breakthrough Maths runs four live online classes each week for each group. Every session is recorded so students can rewatch them as often as they need. Its all done from home, with no commuting and no stress. Parents say not sitting in a car park at 7pm in the rain is worth it alone, said Hegarty. Each week, two topics are covered in a focused, structured way. That consistency is what helps students stay on track. For grades, but also for confidence. For TJ Hegarty, the real mission isnt just higher marks. Its shifting how students feel about Maths. So many students have already decided theyre not a Maths person, he explains. But usually, theyve just had one bad experience. Or they were too afraid to ask questions in class. We flip that. At Breakthrough, students are encouraged to say they dont get it. The atmosphere is low-pressure but focused. According to our most recent results, 96% of Leaving Cert students surveyed reported grade improvements after joining our programme. What started as one man band is now a full team of tutors and support staff. Hegarty credits the team with making it all work. Maths anxiety is a real thing. But with the right help, the right structure, and the right explanations, we see students transform week after week," he added. Breakthrough Maths now works with students from Dingle to Donegal and has recently expanded into the UK. But the goal remains the same to help students to Breakthrough Maths. With 3,000 students and counting, the company shows no signs of slowing down. The next term kicks off with a free 3-day Back to School course starting August 20. To sign up, visit here. *Sponsored Content Stuff reports: Wellington City Councils outgoing transport and infrastructure manager, Brad Singh, has given one final briefing on the citys most controversial project the Golden Mile. At this stage, we will be anticipating that the contract all going well will be signed in November of this year, Singh said. His comment left a gaping elephant in the room the election. With Tory Whanau no longer in the running for re-election as mayor, there is no certainty that a new mayor would support signing the contract. We can only hope. In principle rejuvenating the Golden Mile is a good thing., But there are two major issues around this particular project. The first is the aspect which would ban cars from the Golden Mile, especially Lambton Quay. Proponents say it will be great for businesses as it will make it easier for people to come and shop by bus or cycle or walk etc. Opponents say it will kill off many businesses as people wont shop somewhere they can drive to (or near) and park near. As far as I can tell around 95% of building and business owners on the Golden Mile are vehemently against banning cars from it. They are convinced it will damage or destroy their businesses. I prefer their views on the impact to those of town planners and councillors who dont actually lose a cent of revenue if they are wrong. Basically listen to your customers. If you remove the car ban, then the rest of the project is fairly uncontroversial. The other issue is the cost. If rates had been increasing at say 4% a year instead of 20%, then nice to have projects like the Golden Mile would make more sense. Also if the Council didnt have a track record of costs blowout that see projects come in at 100% or more over initial budget, Id be more keen on it. JEFFERSON CITY Gov. Mike Kehoe announced former Missouri House Speaker Catherine Hanaway as his pick to be the states new attorney general. Hanaway is the first woman to hold the office. During a news conference Tuesday, Kehoe called the attorney general role incredibly significant to Missouri, adding he believed Hanaway was ready to work on day one. A former U.S. Attorney, Catherine is a talented, trusted prosecutor who has a passion for enforcing the rule of law, he told reporters. Hanaway has a long history in Missouri politics, serving in the Missouri House from 19992005 and taking the speakers chair in 2003, the first woman to hold that office. After losing to Democrat Robin Carnahan in the 2004 secretary of state race, Hanaway began working at the federal level, serving as the U.S. Attorney for Missouris Eastern District from 2005 until 2009. After going back into private practice, Hanaway again stepped into the spotlight with a run for governor in 2016, but she lost in the primary to Eric Greitens. 7:05 Catherine Hanaway named new Attorney General for Missouri Former Missouri Speaker Catherine Hanaway said she was "eager to get to work on behalf of Missourians" during a news conference announcing her I want to thank Governor Kehoe for this opportunity. It is a humbling honor to be selected for this role, and a duty I do not take lightly, Hanaway said. Attorney General Bailey has done an incredible job fighting for Missourians, and I am eager to get to work on behalf of Missourians to uphold the rule of law, protect the Constitution, and ensure a strong future for our state. Kehoe thanked outgoing Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who is taking an appointment with the Trump administration as the co-deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Hanaway will take office Sept. 8, the same day that Bailey assumes his federal role. Hanaway's priorities Hanaway said she will focus her first efforts on the job on criminal prosecutions. "Working with local prosecutors, sheriffs, police and the Highway Patrol, fighting crime is and will remain job one for this office," Hanaway said. Politically, Hanaway lines up closely with Bailey, whose beliefs aligned closely with Eric Schmitt before him and Josh Hawley before him. Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, D-Kansas City, called Hanaway a "vast improvement" over Bailey. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Aune also questioned whether Hanaway's time as attorney general will more closely mirror her work as a U.S. attorney or her work defending disgraced former Gov. Eric Greitens. Providing 'stability' Schmitt and Hawley have gone on to represent Missouri in the U.S. Senate, and all three men left the attorney general position before their term ended to take jobs in Washington, D.C. "I'm interested in providing that office stability, I think that's safe to say," Hanaway said. "For sure, the rest of this term, which is roughly three and a half years." Hanaway will fill the rest of Bailey's term, which ends in 2028. After that, Hanaway said she is committed to staying in Missouri. "So my game plan, for sure, is to serve the next three years, and then if Missourians will vote for me and believe I earn a full term, then I'd like to serve a full term," Hanaway said. "That's my game plan." Conflicts of interest Hanaway was a member of law firm Husch Blackwell before her appointment to the attorney general position. There, she served as legal counsel for the Grain Belt Express energy project, which is a proposed transmission line to carry wind-generated clean electricity from western Kansas through Missouri and southern Illinois, ending at the Indiana border. Chicago-based company Invenergy is running the project. The attorney general's office is currently investigating the project over its use of eminent domain to take land to build a transmission line, which sparked a lawsuit from Grain Belt Express against the state. Kehoe has publicly stated his disapproval of Invenergy using eminent domain to take control of parts of farmers' lands to build the transmission poles. Hanaway said the investigation will continue and that she will recuse herself from it. Hanaway also said she has been to the Capitol to testify on behalf of a bill that would make it harder for people to sue pesticide manufacturers for failing to warn of cancer dangers caused by the chemical glyphosate on the labels of the products. Glyphosate is the main chemical ingredient in the common pesticide Roundup. This May, judges upheld a ruling requiring Monsanto, which makes Roundup and is owned by German-based company Bayer, to pay three plaintiffs $611 million in compensation for complications of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma caused from extensive use of Roundup, and providing no cancer warning on the product label. This was a reduced amount from an initial $1.5 billion award, which Monsanto appealed. The attorney general's office was not involved in this case. Hanaway said she is not aware of any current litigation involving glyphosate in Missouri. 16:31 Gov. Kehoe, Hanaway answer questions after attorney general announcement Gov. Mike Kehoe and former Speaker Catherine Hanaway answer reporters' questions following the announcement of Hanaway's appointment as attorn This story has been updated with additional details. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. A Ukrainian military member carries a portrait of late Ukrainian soldier of the Unmanned Systems "Achilles" Regiment Nataliia Ilnytska, who was killed by artillery shelling in the Donetsk region fighting Russian troops, during her funeral ceremony in Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, on August 18, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. THE IDA has been branded useless by a Laois politician, following the shock announcement today that a Portlaoise cheese factory is to close with the loss of 132 jobs. Leprino Foods Company announced its decision to cease operations from next year at the plant, in the National Enterprise Park at Junction 17, just outside Portlaoise at Togher. The factory, which makes mozzarella cheese and string cheese, opened only four years ago. Reacting to the news, Sean Fleming TD said that IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland must immediately visit the factory, with a view to finding a replacement business. He said: Over the years the IDA has been useless in terms of bringing jobs to Laois and they must now prove that they have a genuine interest in bringing jobs to the county. Meanwhile, Laois TD Brian Stanley described the IDAs record in the county as appalling and said the withdrawal of Glanbia from the partnership at the Leprino cheese plant two years ago was an ominous sign. In a statement this afternoon, Deputy Fleming (FF) said: We were all shocked and saddened to hear the announcement that Leprino Foods has decided to cease manufacturing in Portlaoise in the second half of 2026. This is very difficult and distressing news for the 132 employees who worked in the plant and their families. We must all do what we can to find replacement jobs as soon as possible for these employees. I am asking Leprino, an American owned company, to do everything in its power to continue to explore options for the manufacturing plant and to see is any other company interested in taking over the plant. This is a very high quality, new facility connected with the dairy industry and there must be options for the plant to be used, if not for cheese manufacturing, for some other processing facility for the dairy industry. Deputy Fleming described the number of IDA visits to Laois in recent years as unacceptably low and said the agency must now prove their worth to the county. He said: Enterprise Ireland must also seek to bring a replacement industry to the Leprino manufacturing plant. Enterprise Ireland is closely connected to Irish-run businesses and there must be an opportunity, in view of the dairy industry being so strong in Ireland, to link this plant with some other major players in the Irish or international food production industry. IDA and Enterprise Ireland must work together in bringing replacement jobs to this modern plant in Portlaoise as urgently as possible. Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley also sent out a statement describing the closure announcement as a grave disappointment, particularly for its 132 employees. He said: This plant provided hope that at last some large-scale manufacturing would happen in the Laois area, as such industry would be attractive. The withdrawal of Glanbia from the partnership at this plant two years ago was an ominous sign. I am calling on the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to once and for all start taking Co Laois seriously in terms of Industry. The fact that the IDA had only two visits to Laois in the last year is an appalling record. Laois County Council (LCC) have done more than the two together in terms of jobs in Laois. It is now time for the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to redouble their efforts.' SEVEN young people from Laois were among more than 300 teenagers who took part in Foroiges Leadership for Life Youth Conference at Maynooth University. The shared experiences helped the young people grow in confidence, connect with others and develop a strong sense of leadership in their everyday lives. Speaking about how she felt about the conference Chloe Troy from Laois said: I didnt know what to expect coming here, but Im leaving with new friends, new skills and a stronger sense of who I am. I cant wait to apply this back home. The Leadership for Life Youth Conference, now in its 15th year, is designed to empower young people to become strong, effective and compassionate leaders in their own lives and communities. Throughout the week, the young people took part in workshops on team building, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and self-awareness. Guest speakers from the world of politics, business, sport and the not-for-profit sector also shared their leadership journeys. Foroige is Irelands leading youth organisation, working with over 50,000 young people and 5,500 volunteers annually. Through 500+ youth clubs, 180 targeted projects and national programmes such as Entrepreneurship (NFTE), Health & Wellbeing, Citizenship, and Leadership, Foroige enables young people to grow, thrive and lead. On 18 August the US Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (Ofac) designated Costa Ricas former security minister,(2014-2015), and three other Costa Ricans, as well as two Costa Rica-based entities, for their involvement in narcotics trafficking and money laundering. End of preview - This article contains approximately 391 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options The Bethlehem Police Department says Ashton Thomas, 18, of Stewartsville, opened fire Aug. 8, 2025, at Sizzling Bites on Southside after one victim slapped his associate, with more than 30 patrons present during the incident. lehighvalleylive.com An 18-year-old Warren County, New Jersey, man is in custody, suspected of shooting two people earlier this month in a Bethlehem restaurant. Ashton J. Thomas, of the 300 block of Prospect Street in Stewartsville, was arraigned Tuesday on charges that include two counts of attempted homicide. District Judge Jordan Knisley sent him to Northampton County Prison with bail denied due to the severity of the charges. Bethlehem police say they were called about 12:12 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, to Sizzling Bites, 312 E. Third St. on Southside, for the report of gunfire inside the establishment. Officers found one victim sitting outside, bleeding from gunshot wounds to his right hand and right upper thigh, according to court records. He was taken to an area hospital. Police also learned of a second, female victim who was taken by friends to the hospital for treatment of multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators reviewed video footage provided by the restaurants owner that showed about eight people in the direct line of fire, with more than 30 patrons present, according to court records. The gunman, subsequently identified as Thomas, was accompanied by two others, according to police. The video shows the male shooting victim had slapped one of the people with Thomas, prompting a physical altercation, police wrote in court records outlining probable cause to arrest Thomas. Thomas allegedly at that point removed a handgun from his right pocket and fired five rounds at close range in the direction of both victims. Following the gunfire, Thomas and his two associates immediately exited through the front door and fled on foot, according to police. Investigators say they retrieved at the scene five spent .45-caliber shell casings, one full bullet and four projectiles. Additional video footage from nearby businesses showed Thomas entering a black Hyundai whose New Jersey license plate was visible, the court records state. Bethlehem police contacted a Phillipsburg detective who assisted in identifying Thomas and his two associates, according to court records. Thomas was the only one facing charges in the incident Tuesday. He is charged with two counts of attempted homicide, four counts of aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault, eight counts of reckless endangerment and a single count of carrying a firearm without a license. Knisley tentatively scheduled a preliminary hearing for Sept. 2 to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the charges toward trial in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. Thomass attorney, Gail Marr, did not immediately return a call for comment on his behalf Tuesday. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. One suspect already in custody has been identified as the shooter in Thursday's Ferry Street incident where a victim was shot in the foot after being robbed of car and apartment keys. Courtesy photo Easton police seek two more men they say were involved in the alleged robbery and shooting last week in the citys West Ward. Police already arrested 29-year-old Naji Zackee Gillison of Easton, who surrendered Friday evening. Easton Police Lt. Matthew Gerould told lehighvalleylive.com Gillison has been identified as the shooter in the incident that began just after 12:30 a.m. Thursday in the 1000 block of Ferry Street. Police continue to seek an alleged attacker and robbery suspect, 22-year-old Oscar Rene Delgado, of Allentown. Investigators Monday afternoon announced two additional men are being sought in the case and they need the publics help in identifying the alleged suspects. The incident unfolded when a male victim shot in the foot called 911 and hung up. That man and a relative suffered non life-threatening injuries and were able to give accounts to police, court documents state. The victims reported an alleged robbery happened just prior to the gunfire. One of the victims was returning home when he was approached by a group demanding he hand over his personal belongings, police said. The victim was then punched in the face by a man, later identified as Delgado, and fell to the ground, police said. The group, including Delgado, allegedly stole keys to the victims car and apartment. The victims wallet, police said, was stolen out of the car. Another person demanded the victim give the group money after opening the front door to the apartment with the stolen keys, court records state. The victim armed himself with a knife and was shot at by a suspect, later identified as Gillison, when he attempted to chase after the fleeing group, police said. Gillison and Delgado each are charged with two counts felony robbery; and criminal conspiracy to commit robbery. Gillison additionally is facing two counts felony aggravated assault; and one count misdemeanor reckless endangerment. Delgado additionally is facing one count misdemeanor simple assault. Gillison was arraigned Friday before District Judge Robert A. Hawke, who set bail at $250,000. In lieu of bail, he was sent to the Northampton County Prison. There was no attorney information immediately listed for Gillison in court records. Delgado remained on the lam as of Monday afternoon. Gillison is due back in court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Aug. 27 before Hawke. A judge will then determine if theres sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial at the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Easton police continue to seek witnesses and video surveillance footage. Those with information are asked to call the Easton Police Departments Criminal Investigation Division at 610-250-6780 or the tip line at 610-250-6635. Callers can remain anonymous. Easton police continue to search for 22-year-old Oscar Delgado of Allentown, pictured, following the Ferry Street robbery on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2025. Courtesy photo Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. I Jon & Kate Plus 8 alum Kate Gosselin became a household name thanks to her familys reality show, but shes now working 12-hour shifts as a home health care nurse to pay the bills. Kate uploaded a TikTok video earlier this month in which she described another 12-hour day of working with a patient for whom she does medical care including feeding and bathing. As she loaded her dishwasher, Kate noted that she was about to go to bed and get up early and do it all over again. In the videos comments section, one Jon & Kate Plus 8 viewer questioned what happened with all the income from the show, noting they hate that Kate is now working 12-hour shifts. Honestly? Providing for 8 kids, college funds which I am proud to say covered all of their college and more and LAWYERS. Sickening but I was [dragged] into court constantly and that costs A TON, Kate replied, alluding to her divorce and custody battle with ex-husband Jon Gosselin. The mom of eight noted that its sad she had to spend so much of her reality TV earnings on legal proceedings because my kids could have a lot more saved and I could have a retirement saved if it werent for lawyers. Kate, 50, told another commenter that she now has no personal retirement fund. Kate Gosselin with her twins and sextuplets. E News Kate and Jon share twins Cara and Mady, 24, and sextuplets Collin, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Leah, and Joel, 21. The familys life was documented on the reality series Jon & Kate Plus 8 from 2007 to 2009. After Jon and Kate divorced in 2009, the TLC show was rebranded to Kate Plus 8, which aired until 2017 with a hiatus between 2011 and 2015. The exes have had a tumultuous relationship since their divorce. Jon is currently estranged from all of his children except Collin and Hannah, while Kate is estranged from Collin. Earlier this month, Collin shared a TikTok video claiming that he and his siblings were pitted against each other growing up. Collin has accused his mother of abusive behavior during his childhood, which Kate has denied. After his mother sent him to an inpatient psychiatric facility when he was 12, Collin began living with Jon, as did his sister Hannah. READ MORE: Where is Ali Vincent from The Biggest Loser now? Kate claimed in a 2023 statement to People that Collin had exhibited unpredictable and violent behavior, had a distorted perception of reality and received multiple psychiatric diagnoses over the years. Jon and Collin both denied her allegations. Regarding these brand new false accusations, it seems clear that even today after not seeing her son since the 6th grade, Kate is unable to control her abusive words towards him, Jon told People at the time. During a recent TikTok live, Kate claimed that her daughter Hannah pretty much had to raise herself a lot due to her decision to live with Jon and Collin. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. The Blue Valley Farm Shows Youth Livestock Sale marked a significant milestone through a new partnership with Feeding Pennsylvania, resulting in 15 animals being donated to food banks during the event on Sunday. The collaboration ensures donated livestock from the sale will be processed and distributed to food banks throughout Pennsylvania, providing fresh protein to families in need. This new initiative enhances the traditional sale format, where Northampton County 4-H members sell livestock theyve raised through their yearly projects. The sale has always been about teaching youth responsibility and giving back to the community, Blue Valley Farm Show organizers said. Now, through this partnership with Feeding Pennsylvania, the generosity of our buyers is making an even larger difference by putting farm-fresh meat on the tables of families who need it most. The long-standing event offers buyers multiple ways to participate, including direct purchases, providing additional contributions above market value to support young exhibitors, or donating animals to local food banks. The Youth Livestock Sale continues to serve as a cornerstone event of the Blue Valley Farm Show, which wrapped up on Sunday in Plainfield Township. Generative AI was used to organize and structure this story, based on information provided by the Blue Valley Farm Show. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com staff. Airports are generally the least exciting part of heading out on vacation. From the never-ending lines at security checkpoints to screening processes that sometimes seem to go on for hours, TSA is offering a limited-time deal this year that could make traveling a whole lot easier. TSA PreCheck Deal Save $15 When you apply for TSA PreCheck with a family member, you can save $15. This limited-time offer will expire Oct. 31. Sign Up Now For a limited time, TSA has announced that travelers can get a buy-one-get-one deal on their upcoming TSA PreCheck enrollments. Youll definitely want to take advantage of this before youre next flight out of Newark Liberty International Airport. Heres what you need to know about taking part in this TSA PreCheck deal. What is TSA PreCheck? In 2013, TSA created the TSA PreCheck program, which game travelers who are eligible to enroll can cut the standard security lines and enter a quicker and shorter dedicated TSA PreCheck line. In addition to how much quicker the lines are, TSA PreCheck travelers dont have to remove their shoes, outerwear, belts, laptops, and liquids in the 3-1-1 bag when going through security. TSA PreCheck is available for U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents who are considered to be low-risk travelers. Travelers cannot have a criminal record for certain offenses like murder, extortion, or espionage, and cannot have pending criminal charges for certain offenses. To be part of TSA PreCheck, applicants will need to complete an online application, attend an in-person interview and complete a background check at an enrollment center. They will also need to provide a valid form of photo identification and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent resident status. You can find more information about signing up for TSA PreCheck here. TSA PreCheck 2025 Deal: Buy One, Get One $15 off + CLEAR Bundle TSA states that you can enroll in, TSA PreCheck and get $15 off the second enrollment when two people sign up together through an authorized enrollment provider. You can take advantage of this limited-time offer by completing your enrollment before Oct. 31. If you use this deal with the enrollment provider Idemia, then you will pay $62 instead of $77. If you want to use the buy-one-get-one TSA PreCheck deal through Clear, then you will pay $65, instead of $80 with the BOGO offer. You can find more information about this buy-one-get-one TSA PreCheck deal here. If youre looking to truly expedite your airport experience, you can take advantage of the TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Bundle, which is $209 right now, instead of $289. TSA PreCheck costs $80 for five years, and CLEAR costs $209 annually. So, youre essentially getting TSA PreCheck for free through this promotion. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. A Government TD has branded the IDAs performance in Laois as useless in the wake of job losses announced by US cheese producer Leprino Foods. Laois TD Sean Fleming said he was shocked and saddened to hear that Leprino Foods has decided to cease manufacturing in Portlaoise in the second half of 2026. This is very difficult and distressing news for the 132 employees who worked in the plant and their families. We must all do what we can to find replacement jobs as soon as possible for these employees, he said. This Leprino facility, making mozzarella cheese and string cheese, is located at the J17 National Enterprise Park. It has the capacity to produce around 45,000 tonnes of cheese every year. I am asking Leprino, (an American owned company), to do everything in its power to continue to explore options for the manufacturing plant and to see is any other company interested in taking over the plant. This is a very high quality, new facility connected with the dairy industry and there must be options for the plant to be used, if not for cheese manufacturing, for some other processing facility for the dairy industry, said Dep Fleming. The Fianna Fail TD said IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland must immediately visit this plant with a view to ensuring that they find a replacement business for this facility. Over the years the IDA has been useless in terms of bringing jobs to Laois and they must now prove that they have a genuine interest in bringing jobs to the County. The number of IDA visits to Laois in recent years has been unacceptably low and they must now prove their worth to the County. Dep Fleming urged Enterprise Ireland to also seek out a replacement industry for the Leprino manufacturing plant. Enterprise Ireland is closely connected to Irish run businesses and there must be an opportunity in view of the dairy industry being so strong in Ireland that there must be a possibility to link this plant with some other major players in the Irish or international food production industry, he said. Fine Gael TD WIllie Aird has contacted Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke in relation to the plant. It was built in 2020 and went into operation in 2021 producing mozzarella and string cheese for the European market. The operators say they now intend to move the plant's production to existing sites in Northern Ireland and Wales. Deputy Aird was shocked that a state-of-the-art factory which he said was only run-in in terms of its operation should now be closing. The announcement today by Leprino Foods that it intends to cease manufacturing operations at its state-of-the-art facility in Portlaoise by 2026 is a very serious blow to Laois and, most importantly, to the more than 100 workers and their families who are directly impacted. I have been in immediate contact with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, to press the urgent need for Government engagement with the company, with staff representatives, and with potential new operators. The J17 National Enterprise Park facility is a world-class site, and it is vital that every effort is made to ensure that it does not lie idle following Leprinos departure. We need to pursue milk processors and other agri-food companies across Ireland to examine the potential of taking up this cutting-edge production facility. The skills, infrastructure, and workforce are here in Laois, and we must work collectively to safeguard local employment, said Dep Aird. He said that while the decision was deeply disappointing, he wanted to assure those affected that the matter would be prioritised. I will continue to work with Minister Burke, state agencies, and industry stakeholders to seek a viable future for this facility and to protect jobs in our community, said Dep Aird. Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley said the announcement of the closure of the Leprino cheese factory in Portlaoise, is a huge disappointment particularly for its 132 employees. This plant provided hope that at last some large-scale manufacturing would happen in the Laois area, as such industry would be attractive, he said. Dep Stanley described the withdrawal of Glanbia from the partnership at the plant two years ago as an ominous sign. I am calling on the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to once and for all start taking Co Laois serious in terms of Industry. The fact that the IDA only had two visits to Laois in the last year, is an appalling record, he remarked. He said Laois County Council (LCC) have done more than the two together in terms of jobs in Laois. It is now time for the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to re-double their efforts. Laois County Council said it regrets to confirm that Leprino Foods has informed us of its decision to cease manufacturing operations at its Portlaoise facility. This development is expected to impact approximately 132 employees and their families. We understand that this news is a significant blow to the County and our thoughts are with all the affected workers and their families during this challenging time. Laois County Council will continue to actively engage with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland to attract new investment and employment opportunities to the County, with a particular focus on the J17 National Enterprise Park. We remain dedicated to supporting economic growth and ensuring a vibrant future for County Laois, the Council said in a statement. Leprino Foods says it will provide enhanced redundancy packages, career transition assistance, and regular updates to ensure transparency at every stage of the closure process. In parallel to the above we will continue to explore opportunities for the site with any potentially interested third parties, the company stated. Its understood management are to begin consultation with the workers in the coming weeks. A bonus scheme has also been drawn up for workers who remain at the factory between September 1, 2025 and July 7, 2026. Meanwhile, SIPTU representatives are to meet with senior management at Leprino Foods in Portlaoise tomorrow, Wednesday, August 20, following the announcement that the company intends to cease production. SIPTU Industrial Organiser, Terry Bryan, said: Our immediate thoughts are with our members and their families following this shocking announcement this afternoon. We have already been in contact with the company and have confirmed that we will meet with them tomorrow to discuss the full implications of the decision. We will engage with the company directly to see if we can lessen the impact of the decision upon our members and their families and try to explore alternatives to the proposed job losses... This is both a shocking and regrettable announcement. SIPTUs focus and concern is for our members and our members families at this difficult time. Dovida, Irelands leading home care provider, will host a series of National Hiring Week events across the country from September 1 5 as part of a major recruitment drive. The company aims to hire 30 new caregivers throughout Kildare to meet growing need for its services. Dovida Caregivers provide essential support to ageing adults and people living with disabilities in their own homes. The organisations person-centred approach means that its Caregivers build meaningful connections with their clients and empower them to live fuller, more independent lives. Dovida National Hiring Week events in Kildare Thursday September 4: Newbridge Job Fair, Newbridge Resource Centre, Dara Park, Newbridge, W12 PXC5. Sarah Murphy, General Manager of Dovida Kildare, said: National Hiring Week is a great way for us to get out and about in the community to connect with people looking to start a rewarding career in home care. It provides us with an excellent platform to highlight what makes us an employer of choice in the sector and gives potential recruits the chance to meet local Caregivers and support team members to explore whether a career in care is right for them. A community career that fits your schedule Dovida Caregivers provide a range of vital services that empower people in their community to remain living as independently as possible in their own homes. Whether assisting an older person who needs some help around the house or supporting someone who has a disability to attend events in the community, Dovida Caregivers are there. Dovida offers both full and part-time positions as well as flexible hours in the mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends, allowing Caregivers to fit their work into their lives and balance it with other commitments, such as family life or study. The company also provides comprehensive training and support, as well as opportunities for personal and professional development. Sarah Murphy added,People who need support from Dovida want to maintain autonomy over their life, to experience belonging, pursue happiness and find purpose. Our Caregivers are key to ensuring that as many people as possible can do just that. Dovida welcomes applications from people from all walks of life and is committed to supporting them every step of the way. For more information on life as a Dovida Caregiver and how to apply, please call 045 446 593 or visit dovida.ie/hiring-week READ NEXT: Kildare Gardai find driver with Learner Permit expired for 17 years! Female entrepreneurs in Leitrim are being encouraged to apply for the latest cycle of ACORNS, a development programme supporting women in rural Ireland who are in the early stages of building their own business. Leitrim businesswoman Diletta Panero of DP Language Services has just completed ACORNS 9 and is urging others to take part. She joins Katie Diffley of Katie Diffley Consulting, another Leitrim participant, in highlighting the impact of the scheme. ACORNS is unlike any other programme out there, said Panero, who set up her company in Kinlough in 2023. The relationships with other women entrepreneurs make you part of a generous and open-minded community. I cannot recommend ACORNS enough. Diffley, now based in Carrick-on-Shannon, described the programme as a game-changer, providing practical tools, mentorship and inspiration to grow her consulting business. Applications are now open for ACORNS 11, which will run from October 2025 to April 2026. The programme is free to participants thanks to funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the voluntary contribution of Lead Entrepreneurs. The deadline to apply is midnight, September 22, with up to 50 places available. Launching the call for applications, Minister Martin Heydon TD said ACORNS has supported over 550 women in rural Ireland over the past decade. The programme continues to go from strength to strength, he said. It helps women overcome barriers and realise their dreams of starting and growing successful businesses. READ MORE: Pearse Doherty: Irish unity now unstoppable as Leitrim honours John Joe McGirl A survey of last years participants revealed strong results: four businesses began trading, turnover nearly doubled from 2.8m to 4.3m, and eight new exporters emerged. Only early-stage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland who had no sales before June 2022 are eligible to apply. Selection is competitive. Applications can be made via www.acorns.ie READ MORE: Petrol stations are the businesses and service that is most in-demand in Leitrim. Sligo-Leitrim Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has given his support to Heather Humphreys in her bid to secure the Fine Gael nomination for president. The party has been forced to reopen nominations after a meeting of its Executive Council on Monday evening, following the surprise withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness last week. Ms McGuinness, who had been selected as the partys candidate, pulled out of the race citing medical advice, leaving Fine Gael scrambling to identify a replacement. Among the names being spoken about are Heather Humphreys and Sean Kelly. Deputy Feighan said he was proud to back his colleague, describing her as both a friend and someone he had worked closely with in government. READ MORE: Mayflower Centre lost out on thousands after cancelling Mise Eire festival, says Chairman I am glad to be able to call Heather a good friend but aside from that she is a colleague that I have worked with closely in government as a TD and minister since 2011, he said. Heathers work as a Minister demonstrated to me her competency, but above all her grounded approach in how to deal with so many complicated issues that came across her table. Above all it was her ability to communicate with people across our rural and urban communities, to understand their challenges and opportunities and ensuring that under her watch and initiatives so many of those communities have prospered. I believe that Heather would be an excellent president if selected by Fine Gael and elected by the people, I believe she will be in a position to do so much to bring our communities together and she will of course make an enormous contribution in on our ongoing ambition to heal divisions on this island. READ MORE: Leitrim entrepreneur women called to step up and start their own businesses The party confirmed yesterday that nominations reopened at noon on Tuesday and will remain open for two weeks. Presidential Candidates must secure the backing of 20 members of the Parliamentary Party, 25 Fine Gael councillors, and five members of the Executive Council. Currently, a number of candidates, including Independent TD Catherine Connolly, Businessman Peter Casey, Millionaire pharma boss Gareth Sheridan, and Conor McGregor, have expressed interest in running for the office. Tanaiste and party leader Simon Harris said the timeframe would allow for a candidate to be in place by mid-September. Over the next two weeks, there will now be an opportunity for people who wish to seek the Fine Gael nomination to come forward and to engage with our TDs, Senators, Councillors and members from right across Ireland, said Mr Harris. This will enable us to have a candidate in place by mid-September, in plenty of time for the election in the weeks ahead. I wish any and all prospective candidates the very best. The exact date of the presidential election has yet to be confirmed, but it must take place on or up to 60 days before the end of the current term on 11 November 2025. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. From left to right: peace mediator Sumbu Sita Mambu, Qatar's chief negotiator Mohammed al-Khulaifi and the executive secretary of the M23 armed group, Benjamin Mbonimpa, following a preliminary agreement signed in Doha on July 19, 2025. KARIM JAAFAR / AFP Can Qatar bring the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the rebels of the Congo River Alliance-M23 (AFC-M23) back to the negotiating table? The parties were expected to reach a "comprehensive peace agreement" to end the violence tearing apart eastern Congo by Monday, August 18 at the latest, but nothing has been signed and the negotiations appear deadlocked. On the eve of the deadline, a Qatari official told Agence France-Presse that a draft peace agreement had been shared with both parties. According to this official, Doha is preparing to "host a major round of negotiations" in the coming days. Meanwhile, fighting is continuing on the ground. Kinshasa and the AFC-M23 rebels accuse each other of violating the ceasefire both sides had agreed to in the July 19 declaration of principles signed in Doha. On August 11, the rebels condemned Kinshasa's "offensive military maneuvers," referring to significant troop movements. The next day, the Congolese armed forces issued a statement of their own, criticizing the "bellicose" stance of the AFC-M23 and the "multiple attacks" on Congolese troops. You have 81.59% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis speaks at a conference in Bern, August 19, 2025. PETER KLAUNZER / AP Switzerland would grant Russian President Vladimir Putin immunity if he came to the country for talks on peace in Ukraine, despite the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant, according to the Swiss government on Tuesday, August 19. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis told a press conference that, under certain circumstances, Putin would be allowed to set foot in Switzerland. Last year, the Swiss government defined "the rules for granting immunity to a person under an international arrest warrant. If this person comes for a peace conference, not if they come for private reasons," Cassis said. Read more Subscribers only War in Ukraine: Diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of possible Zelensky-Putin meeting After a leaders' summit in Washington on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron raised the possibility of a peace summit between Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky being held in Europe, in "a neutral country, maybe Switzerland. (...) I'm pushing for Geneva." Fully prepared to host meeting Cassis said Switzerland was fully prepared to host such a meeting and highlighted the militarily-neutral country's long expertise in the field. However, he pointed out that Russia had gone cold on Switzerland, which has decided to match the sanctions imposed by the neighboring European Union since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Read more Subscribers only Europeans leaders mobilize to prevent a Ukraine peace deal too favorable to Moscow Cassis said he had "constantly reiterated this willingness" to organize such meetings during his contacts with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over recent months. "I was told that since Switzerland adopted European sanctions, they have naturally lost some of the desire to do so in Switzerland," he added. Putin last visited Geneva for his June 2021 summit with then US president Joe Biden. The most recent bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul. Turkey is considered more friendly by Moscow, despite its membership of NATO. Read more Subscribers only Europe approves creation of tribunal to judge 'crimes of aggression' committed by Russia in Ukraine Banking professionals from Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The G=Gambia engage in discussions during the training at CBL headquarters. UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan addresses the media during the release of the July 12, 2025, entrance examination results. The Fight Against Illicit Drugs Is a National Truculent that Requires All Communities and Neighborhoods in Liberia. Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Business Wire India As the CFO role expands beyond finance, todays financial leaders are expected to drive enterprise-wide strategy, lead innovation, unlock long-term value, and manage cross-functional priorities. According to Gartners Top 5 Priorities for CFOs in 2025, over 70% of CFOs now shoulder responsibilities outside of core finance, while nearly 50% acknowledge the need for a significant or complete overhaul of their finance leadership teams. In response to this urgent need for multidimensional financial leaders who can navigate complexity and drive transformation, IIM Calcutta, one of the leading B-schools in India, ranked 1st by BT-MDRA, 2024, has commenced the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme in partnership with Emeritus. Backed by Triple Crown accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB), the institute is widely recognised for its academic strength in analytics and digital transformation. This skill-driven programme is ideally suited for new and emerging CFOs aiming to lead innovative financial strategies, sharpen their competitive edge, and drive sustainable business value. It is also well-suited for senior professionals aspiring to step into the CFO role or other key financial leadership positions. Additionally, the programme is tailored for business heads, CXOs, and financial leaders who are at the forefront of driving strategic financial decision-making within their organisations. Speaking on the programme, Avnish Singhal, Executive Vice President, India & APAC Emeritus, said, The future of finance leadership demands more than technical expertiseit calls for a growth mindset, strategic clarity, and global fluency. With this programme, participants will not only strengthen their financial leadership but also build the adaptability required to thrive in shifting business environments. The Chief Financial Officer Programme, designed and delivered by esteemed IIM Calcutta faculty, offers a strategic blend of academic rigour and real-world application. The 9-month learning journey includes 100 hours of immersive learning through live online sessions, an opportunity to network and experience in-person learning with faculty and peers during the 7-day campus immersion across 2 visits, as well as case studies, simulations, and a capstone project for hands-on learning. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the modern CFO role and responsibilities through live learning under the guidance of renowned IIMC faculty - Prof. Sudhir S. Jaiswall and Prof. Arpita Ghosh. The high-impact curriculum includes new-age topics such as design thinking, digital transformation, ESG, and corporate governance alongside core CFO competencies. This programme also provides participants with access to a robust network of over 300+ finance leaders across the country. Learning outcomes of this programme include: Driving financial decisions with value-creating strategies Transforming digital finance to gain insight, boost productivity, and spot trends Maximising value by knowing and influencing key business drivers Mitigating risk by skilfully navigating capital markets Grounding operations in robust financial criteria and business models Leading teams towards growth and tackling globalisation issues by building alliances Programme Details: Start Date: September 30, 2025 September 30, 2025 Duration : 9 months : 9 months Mode: Live Online Sessions with Faculty Live Online Sessions with Faculty Eligibility: Graduates (10+2+3)/ Diploma Holders (10+2+3)/ Post Graduates with a minimum of 10 years of work experience Graduates (10+2+3)/ Diploma Holders (10+2+3)/ Post Graduates with a minimum of 10 years of work experience Fee: INR 6,70,000 + GST INR 6,70,000 + GST Certification: Upon successful completion of the programme and maintaining a minimum attendance of 75 percent, participants will receive a certificate of completion from IIM Calcutta and an opportunity to gain the status of Executive Education alumni of IIM Calcutta For more information, visit the programme page here. About IIM Calcutta: The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) was established as the first national institute for post-graduate studies and Research in Management by the Government of India in November 1961 in collaboration with Alfred P. Sloan School of Management (MIT), the Government of West Bengal, the Ford Foundation, and Indian industry. During its initial years, several prominent faculties formed part of its nucleus, including Jagdish Sheth, J. K. Sengupta, among others. Over the years, IIM Calcutta has grown into a mature Institution with a global reputation, imparting high-quality management education. About Emeritus: Emeritus offers customised and open programs in India, Singapore, Dubai and other global locations in collaboration with IIM Lucknow Executive Education, IIM Calcutta Executive Education, ISB Executive Education, Harvard Business School (HBS), MIT Sloan, Columbia Business School, Kellogg Executive Education, Berkeley Executive Education, and Wharton Executive Education, amongst other leading Institutions. The Emeritus Group has more than 1,750 employees globally and offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, Shanghai, Singapore, Palo Alto, Mexico City, New York, Boston, London, and Dubai. The company is backed by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Leeds Illuminate, Prosus Ventures, GSV Ventures, Peak XV, Bertelsmann, CPPIB, Accel, and SoftBank Vision Fund 2. For more information, please visit https://emeritus.org/ Media Contact Details Ritika Kar | ritika.kar@adfactorspr.com | 9711306380 Lesotho is courting buyers in Asia and elsewhere for its textiles after producers were battered by the uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trumps new tariff regime and has already secured new business from neighboring South Africa. We are pursuing alternative markets from all over, Trade Minister Mokhethi Shelile said in an interview. Thats in Southeast Asia, Asia, Africa and Europe. The Southern African Customs Union, a free-trade bloc that comprises Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia and South Africa, is a priority market, and its members are positively responding to us, he said. The US threatened to impose a 50% tariff on imports from the mountain kingdom in April the highest in the world at the time when Trump unveiled sweeping reciprocal levies on trading partners. Orders from the US, Lesothos largest export market for textiles, dried up almost overnight, causing factories to halt operations and severe job losses. After a more than three month pause, the levy was lowered to 15%. While positive, the reduction is not good enough for our textile industry, as buyers may switch to nations with even lower reciprocal tariffs, Shelile said. Goods from competitors Eswatini and Kenya are being subjected to 10% duties. The textile sector Lesothos biggest private employer employs 12,000 people and supports 40,000 indirect jobs. US buyers include retailers such as Walmart Inc., JC Penney and Levi Strauss & Co. The tiny African nation, surrounded by South Africa, is angling for a tariff of 10% or less and sees room for further talks with the Office of the US Trade Representative as it looks to diversify sales beyond its biggest garment buyer. Already were looking to pivot away from the US and some factories are exporting to South Africa, Shelile said. The main issue which remains is how fast orders for the textile industry can pick up to avert disaster, he added. A two-year national state of disaster that Lesothos government declared last month amid soaring unemployment will remain in place. for the twice-weekly Next Africa newsletter, and subscribe to the Next Africa podcast on Apple, Spotify or anywhere you listen. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Ola Electric chairman Bhavish Aggarwal skipped over three-fourths of board meetings last financial year, a rarity in the corporate world where founders and promoters attend them religiously. The poor attendance of Aggarwal, also founder and managing director of Ola Electric Mobility Ltd, stands in stark contrast to the near-100% clocked by Niraj Bajaj, Venu Srinivasan and Pawan Munjal who chair boards at rivals Bajaj Auto Ltd, TVS Motor Co.Ltd and Hero MotorCorp Ltd respectively. Deepinder Goyal, Sriharsha Majety and Vijay Shekhar Sharma who have founded similar new-age companies Zomato (now Eternal) Swiggy and Paytm too have near-full attendance. Aggarwal's erratic attendance at Ola board meetings appears glaring especially since directors are free to attend such meetings remotely, at a time when the automaker that has lost market leadership, faces government scrutiny, and sees its stock price sag. Also Read | Ola Electric makes bold new bet, with several old promises pending Missing in action Aggarwal attended four of Ola's 17 board meetings Ola last fiscal year, giving him a 23.53% attendance, company disclosures showed. Significantly, no one on Ola's six-member board had full attendance, again a rare episode of absenteeism. "Twelve of the seventeen board meetings were in the run-up to the listing, and many were procedural, which didn't require the founder's input or strategic oversight," said Ola's independent director Manoj Kohli. "Bhavish is a hands-on leader operating a complex business that combines tech, manufacturing, and supply chain resilience." Kohli acknowledged that since Ola went public last year, the EV industry has witnessed slower adoption rates. These have prompted operational realignments to transform the company into a sustainable enterprise that will be well-placed in the long haul. Bhavish has been deeply engaged in turning around the business, dedicating significant time to operational leadership. The board effectively manages governance and process-related matters, ensuring strong oversight and compliance," he said. "Ola Electrics strategic focus on operational excellence and growth is evident in our recent performance. Our Q1 results reflect the company's momentum and the tangible impact of a vertically integrated business bringing sustainable value for all stakeholders," said Kohli. To be sure, Bhavish attended only one out of five board meetings since the company listed on stock exchanges on 9 August last year. Investors need to ask tough questions on why the chairman is missing so many board meetings. Such absenteeism is rare at publicly listed companies," said Shriram Subramanian, founder and managing director at InGovern Research Services, a proxy advisory firm. When he is up for reappointment, this will come under scrutiny." Close to 37% of Ola Electrics shares are owned by promoters, while SoftBank owns 17.83%, Tiger Global 3.24%, Temasek 2.49% and Z47 1.93%. Rest 37% is held by the public. Chairman's role Aggarwal skipped two of Ola's three board meetings to approve company earnings. While he missed the meetings for the first quarter and the third quarter, held on 14 August, 2024 and 7 February 2025, he joined on 8 November 2024 when the second quarter earnings were announced. The company had listed on stock exchanges last year on 9 August. The Companies Act 2013 doesn't mandate a minimum attendance for board members, but under Section 92 (f), companies are mandated to report the attendance details of board members in their annual returns. All important corporate decisions are approved by company boards, led by the chairman. Aggarwal's repeated absence at Ola board meetings also raises the question of who was chairing the sessions in his absence. The Ola Electric board has three independent directorsAnanth Sankaranarayanan, Manoj Kumar Kohli and Shradha Sharma. Two other directors are Krishnamurthy Venugopala Tenneti, and Arun Sarin. Investors It is not clear whether any of Ola Electric's top investor backers like Softbank Group, Temasek, Tiger Global Management or Z47 (formerly Matrix), have raised the issue. Queries sent to the investors and Ola Electric remained unanswered. Apart from Ola Electric, a listed company, Aggarwal is also founder and chairman of artificial intelligence venture (AI) Krutrim, and co-founder and chief executive of cab aggregator Ola Cabs, both privately held companies. "All directors, especially the chairperson, are expected to attend all board meetings. The chairperson is responsible for leading board room discussions," said M. Damodaran, former chair of the Securities and Exchange Board of India. Damodaran, who now runs Excellence Enablers, a Delhi-based corporate governance advisory firm, declined to speak about any specific company. "There are rare occasions in which the chairman or one or two directors cannot participate in person. In such cases, virtual participation is an alternative. Failing even this, the absentee director should send written comments on the agenda items. In some companies, because of the large number of meetings, including some at short notice, some directors may not be able to attend some meetings. In such cases, virtual participation should be an alternative. Large-scale absenteeism in board meetings adversely impacts the relevance and credibility of the board, and its ability to supervise, direct and control the management." Excellence Enablers, in its survey of Nifty's 100 largest companies last year, found that about three-fourths of board members attended all meetings. Troubles From being India's largest electric two-wheeler maker in FY25 with a 30% market share, the company has slipped to the third position, losing more than 10% share. Rivals TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto have overtaken Ola Electric, while newly listed Ather Energy has closed the gap in terms of market share. In July, Athers market share was 15.7% against Ola Electrics 17.3%. The Ola stock has faced the heat. Ola debuted on stock exchanges on 9 August last year, opening at 75.99 a share. In intra-day trade on 20 August, shares touched a record 157.53 a share. On Monday, the shares ended at 41.24, down 74% and 45.7% from their peak and opening prices, respectively. Pressures As it lost ground to rivals, Aggarwals firm also faced pressures from multiple fronts. In February, the company terminated the contracts of two of its registration agencies, resulting in a backlog of more than 16,000 vehicles for registrations, leading to delays in deliveries of up to 20-40 days. The company was taken to the National Company Law Tribunal by one of the agencies, after which Ola settled the issue with the agencies. Since then, the company has been handling the registration process on its own. The delay in registrations and discrepancy of sales data with the government's Vahan data led to the Union ministries of heavy industries and highways asking tough questions of the company. It has also faced an investigation by the Central Consumer Protection Authority. Amid all of this, customer complaints against Aggarwal's company continued to appear on social media platforms due to service issues. This was complicated by state authorities cracking down on company outlets since March for some of its stores not having mandatory trade certificates. The Maharashtra government ordered the shuttering of around 90% of Ola stores in the state owing to a lack of trade certificates. The company has denied receiving any such notification. Ola has claimed to resolve 99.1% of the 10,644 complaints received from CCPA. It has also said the CCPA investigation will have no impact on the financial, operation or other activities of the listed entity. The company has also acknowledged receiving notices from the ministries on the lack of trade certificates and the gap in vehicle registrations. The company said the backlog was being "rapidly cleared". (Bloomberg) -- Brazils antitrust regulator opened a probe into major soybean traders, saying an agreement focused on preventing deforestation in the Amazon forest raises the possibility of a purchasing cartel in the grain-export market. The probe is directed at 30 soybean traders and two industry associations. The group includes units of Cargill Inc., Archer-Daniels-Midland Co., Bunge Global SA and other companies that comprise the so-called Soybean Working Group, the agency Cade announced on its website Monday. The investigation stems from a moratorium signed by the group that publicly commits to avoiding soybeans from land deforested in the Amazon after 2008. While the companies say the agreement seeks to protect the rainforest, Cade said it constitutes an anti-competitive agreement. The antitrust body ordered that work on auditing farmers and sharing information on compliance should be suspended, effectively putting the moratorium on hold. Companies are still allowed to proceed with their own checks, said Lisandro Inakake, a manager at consultancy Imaflora who is also part of the soybeans working group. The probe is significant as Brazil prepares to host the COP30 climate summit in Belem in November. The agricultural powerhouse, whose top product is soybeans, is facing international pressure as farming and cattle breeding are the main causes of deforestation in the country. Potential fines for the associations targeted could reach up to 2 billion reais ($365 million), according to Cades announcement. For the companies, it could be up to 20% of gross revenue from the last fiscal year. Cargill didnt immediately reply to emails seeking comment, while ADM and Bunge directed comments to industry association Abiove, which was also listed in the probe. Abiove said in a statement the moratorium is a pact that has been recognized as a public environmental policy by the Federal Attorney Generals Office. It added it would collaborate fully and transparently with the competent authorities. Farmers have long disputed the so-called Soy Moratorium because they believe the agreement between traders imposes stricter rules than the countrys own legislation, which allows landowners in the Amazon to grow crops on up to 20% of their land. The antitrust process started after requests by Brazils Lower House and Senate, the national agriculture confederation known as CNA, and the soybean farmers association of the largest grains producer state Mato Grosso, known as Aprosoja. For years, a private agreement with no legal backing had been imposing unfair trade barriers on producers, especially small and medium-sized ones, preventing the sale of crops grown in regular and licensed areas, Aprosoja Mato Grosso said in a statement. --With assistance from Megan Durisin. (Adds details on moratorium suspension and comments from farmers group Aprosoja.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Chinese companies involved in the electric vehicle industry invested more overseas than domestically for the first time in 2024, although foreign projects face higher costs, delays and risks. Firms along the supply chain invested around $16 billion overseas last year mostly in battery production, and just ahead of the $15 billion spent at home, according to a report by research company Rhodium Group released Monday. The figures represent an historic shift after years of directing around 80% of investment domestically, Rhodium said in the report. Chinese companies are being driven to expand globally as overcapacity and a long-running price war at home squeeze margins all along the supply chain. They are also seeking to skirt punishing tariffs in Europe and the US by building production facilities there, and bowing to pressure from foreign customers for more localized production. The fact that overseas investments now outpace domestic ones reflects a saturated Chinese market and the strategic appeal of expanding abroad for higher returns, said Armand Meyer, senior research analyst at Rhodium and an author of the report. About three-quarters of the outbound investment came from battery makers, reflecting the capital intensive nature of the industry. Major battery makers like Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., Envision Group and Gotion High-Tech Co. have followed existing clients like Tesla Inc. and BMW AG abroad, driven by high transport costs and requests for localized supply, according to the report. CATL, as the worlds biggest EV battery maker is known, in June said it is making overseas expansion its No.1 priority as intense competition in Chinas domestic auto market threatens the industrys health. BYD Co., Chinas top-selling automaker, has factories in Brazil and Thailand, and is planning facilities in Turkey and Indonesia. Chery Automobile Co. has pledged to set up a $1 billion electric vehicle factory in Turkey, Overseas projects tend to be more expensive, take longer to build and face higher regulatory and political risks. Only 25% of EV manufacturing projects announced abroad have been finished, compared with a 45% completion rate at home, the report said. BYD last month indefinitely shelved plans to build a major plant in Mexico over geopolitical tensions and uncertainty stemming from US President Donald Trumps trade policies. Domestic projects are not only built faster but are also initiated sooner. Battery factories in China typically begin construction within three-to-12 months, compared to 10-to-24 months abroad, Rhodium said. Svolt Energy Technology Co., a battery maker based in northern China, canceled 99% of its announced overseas investments, the report said. The international expansion of Chinese EV companies and suppliers will need to contend with dynamics such as uneven global demand for battery cars, and pushback in markets such as the EU. At the same time, Chinese firms need to manage Beijings increasing concern over technology transfer, job losses and industrial hollowing out that could lead to tighter controls on outbound investment. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- Qiming Venture Partners is slashing its new fund targeting Chinese AI and healthcare startups by a quarter to $600 million, in a sign of lingering caution among global investors about the countrys tech scene. Qiming, an early backer of Meituan and Xiaomi Corp., lowered its target from $800 million after prospective investors signaled a preference for smaller pools, people familiar with the matter said, asking to remain anonymous discussing private deliberations. The firm, led by founding managing partner Duane Kuang, belongs to a growing number of Chinese-based US-dollar funds actively seeking money. The emergence of a new generation of startups represented by firms like DeepSeek and Unitree Robotics re-energized the market this year. Qiming kicked off fundraising for its new vehicle with a hard cap of as much as $1 billion, Bloomberg News reported. Still, peers such as Lightspeed China Partners and ByteDance-investor Source Code Capital are eyeing smaller pools of $150 million to $400 million. Representatives for Qiming declined to comment. US investors seeking to back Chinese tech have to contend with both economic and regulatory uncertainty. The endowments and pension funds who bankrolled Chinas internet miracle over the past decade have grown more cautious about funneling money into the country, with some withdrawing entirely. Among their concerns are a weak outlook for the worlds No. 2 economy, escalating US-China tensions, and AI-related investment curbs by Washington. Qimings latest fundraising plans remain in flux and subject to change. In 2022, the venture firm closed its previous US-dollar fund at $2.5 billion, with a mandate to bet on both early and growth-stage technology and healthcare startups. That was followed by a fund targeting $700 million from 5Y Capital during a tumultuous 2023, when the country was just emerging from Covid lockdowns. That vehicle was oversubscribed and closed at $795 million early last year, a person familiar with the matter said. The deal flow has noticeably slowed since. Cathy Chan, Zheping Huang (Updates with 5Ys final closing in the last paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg) -- Hong Kong developer Parkview Group Ltd. has secured a three-month extension on a $940 million loan that was due Aug. 15, according to people familiar with the matter, giving it more time to work on a refinancing deal with banks. The loan, backed by the Parkview Green complex in Beijings Chaoyang district, will now mature in November, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private matters. Parkview risked a potential default had it not managed to secure the extension, as lenders would have had the option to demand immediate repayment when the facility matured. Parkview didnt respond to a request for comment. Parkview has been in refinancing talks with banks for months, highlighting the challenges builders still face amid a property slump that has dragged on for years. Some smaller Hong Kong developers have experienced liquidity stress as banks demand stricter refinancing terms and higher credit enhancements. To move its refinancing talks along, Parkview even considered selling artwork valued at over HK$200 million ($25.5 million) from Parkview Greens collection in an effort to attract creditor support, Bloomberg has reported. Chinas commercial real estate sector continues to face pressure. The office vacancy rate in Beijing was 16.9% in the second quarter, according to Cushman & Wakefield. While that was slightly lower than the year-earlier period, the improvement came after landlords offered lower rents for lease renewals, the real estate services firm said. Locally known as Fangcaodi, Parkview Green is known for its art collection, including pieces from Salvador Dali and Chinese artists such as Chen Wenling and Wang Luyan, according to its website. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Less than two weeks after President Donald Trump called for the ouster of Intel Corp.s Lip-Bu Tan, the companys chief executive officer has a shot at securing billions of dollars in fresh capital that could help him turn around the troubled US chipmaker. The Trump administration is in discussions to take a stake of about 10% in Intel, possibly by converting grants made to the company under the US Chips and Science Act into equity, according to people familiar with the matter. That could allow Intel to tap about $10 billion in capital as Tan works out a strategy for revival. In another surprise, SoftBank Group Corp. agreed to take a $2 billion stake in Intel, as the Japanese company seeks a broader role in the artificial intelligence boom. Founder Masayoshi Son already owns a majority stake in chipmaker Arm Holdings Plc and has laid plans to compete with Nvidia Corp. in AI chips. Intels chipmaking skills could help SoftBank manufacture chips to run and possibly train AI models like ChatGPT. Intel shares rose about 7% in pre-market trading on Tuesday. SoftBanks own stock price fell 4% in Tokyo. Earlier this month, Tans hold on his CEO role looked precarious after Trump called on him to resign over alleged conflicts of interest. Yet the executive quickly visited Trump at the White House to clear the air, with the president then praising the Intel CEO for his career success and amazing story. That set the stage for the governments possible investment, which would make the US the chipmakers largest shareholder. The federal government is considering an investment that, under one scenario, would involve converting some or all of the $10.9 billion in grants the company had won under the Chips Act, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is confidential. The company can also draw on up to $11 billion in loans under the 2022 law. The grant money, which was originally designed to be disbursed over time as Intel meets project milestones, is roughly enough to pay for the targeted holding. At Intels current market value, a 10% stake in the chipmaker would be worth around $10.5 billion. The exact size of the stake, as well as whether the White House chooses to move ahead with the plan, is still in flux, the people said. White House spokesman Kush Desai declined to comment on the specifics of the discussions, saying only that no deal is official until its announced by the administration. The Commerce Department, which oversees the Chips Act, also declined to comment. Intel didnt respond to a request for comment. SoftBanks investment is another unconventional bet on Tans ability to revive Intels fortunes. The Japanese company announced its plan to buy new shares at $23 a share, a small discount to Intels last close. Son has ambitions to design an energy-efficient AI chip through what he calls the Izanagi project to compete with Nvidias products, though that has yet to translate into a marketable product. Son held talks with Intels chief executive about buying the companys contract chipmaking business before agreeing to make the $2 billion investment, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the talks. The investment doesnt preclude a bigger deal for that part of Intels business, the newspaper said. A big question is whether a government holding and SoftBanks vote of confidence would help reinvigorate Intels business. The tech pioneer has fallen behind Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in contract chipmaking and Nvidia Corp. in chip design, missing out on a boom in spending on artificial intelligence. Last week, Intels stock had its biggest one-week rally since February, after the initial news of the governments possible investment. Tan, who served on SoftBanks board for two years, is seeking a turnaround. But his efforts have largely been focused on cutting costs and eliminating jobs. Intel will add large-scale manufacturing capacity only once customers are committed to using its more advanced production techniques, Tan said last month, sparking concern among investors that the company may be bowing out of the race for semiconductor leadership. The Trump administration is particularly focused on shoring up Intels sprawling project in Ohio, the home state of Vice President JD Vance. Intel has repeatedly delayed the anticipated opening of that site, which the company originally envisioned as the worlds biggest semiconductor facility. Beyond Intel, the White House official also floated the possibility that the administration could convert other Chips Act awards into equity stakes. Its not clear whether that idea has gained traction broadly within the administration or whether officials have broached the possibility with any companies that could be affected. The Chips Act set aside $39 billion in manufacturing grants plus loans and tax credits to revitalize the American semiconductor industry after decades of production shifting to Asia. Using Chips Act money for an Intel stake would mean the chipmaker isnt necessarily getting a bigger government infusion than expected possibly just one thats on a faster timeline. As is the case for all Chips Act winners, Intels award was designed as a reimbursement, with the grant money split into tranches tied to specific project benchmarks. Intel had received $2.2 billion of its award as of January. Its unclear whether that amount would be included in the possible equity stake, whether the company has received additional disbursements of its award since Trump took office, and on what schedule Intel would receive money under a possible equity stake. While TSMC and South Koreas Samsung Electronics Co. are expanding their US operations with Chips Act support, having an American company like Intel building cutting-edge chips on domestic soil has been a priority for both the Trump and Biden administrations. Biden officials, for example, tried to get companies like Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. to consider using Intel as a manufacturing partner, and also explored long-shot ideas like a tie-up between Intel and GlobalFoundries Inc. Earlier this year, Trumps team held early-stage conversations with TSMC about potentially operating Intels factories an arrangement from which TSMC has backed away. Trump officials have also internally floated the prospect of seeking an Intel investment from the United Arab Emirates. Its unclear whether either of those approaches has progressed much past a thought exercise. Washington has become more aggressive in strategic sectors. The Trump administrations secured an agreement to receive a 15% cut of AI chip sales to China and took a so-called golden share in United States Steel Corp. as part of a deal to clear its sale to a Japanese rival. Thats while the Defense Department announced a plan that would make it the largest shareholder in US rare-earth producer MP Materials Corp. The US government and the Japanese tech conglomerate both see the potential for a turnaround at Intel, although each likely values different parts of the business. For the Trump administration, a recovery of the chipmakers manufacturing prowess would help win jobs and voters. For SoftBank, Intels chip design operations beckon with the promise of high margins. With assistance from Brody Ford, Ville Heiskanen, Ryan Gould, Josh Wingrove, Min Jeong Lee and Edwin Chan. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here. Democrats, bless their hearts, keep trying to figure out the magic formula to stop President Donald Trump. But here's a cold splash of reality: If Trump's popularity ever collapses, it will probably be because of something completely beyond their control. In 2020, it wasn't some brilliant strategy that defeated Trump. It was COVID. A global pandemic. An act of G od (or Wuhan). This raises an uncomfortable thought: the next disruption the one that might shake up the political snow globe again will probably be much bigger than COVID. That looming disturbance is artificial intelligence. In a recent Substack essay, Pete Buttigieg suggested that "the number one leadership challenge for world leaders, including the President of the United States, will be to manage the changes that AI is bringing about." He goes on to note that "our president and his opposition have yet to make clear what their AI policies even are." He's not wrong about the bipartisan lack of preparation. And for this reason, the political consequences are likely to be brutal for whichever party is in charge when the tipping point arrives and AI upends the lives of millions of Americans. Trump still has three and a half years left on the clock just enough time for AI to yank the rug out from under him. That's a golden opportunity for Democrats, if they're smart enough to capitalize on it. But Democrats should hold off on gleefully penciling in 2028 as the year AI hands them the keys to the White House in perpetuity. Why? Because huge shocks to the system tend to empower either a) bold problem solvers or b) populist demagogues. Lest we forget, the last seismic tech shift the rise of the Information Age gave us globalization, economic dislocation (for working-class Americans) and (eventually) Donald Trump. This next disruption could be even more traumatic. AI isn't just coming for truck drivers. It's coming for legal assistants, graphic designers, junior software developers, even (ahem) writers. College graduates who spent decades believing their degree was a shield against obsolescence are about to get a taste of what coal miners, steelworkers, typists and travel agents have already endured. When that happens, disenchanted moderates will radicalize, and income inequality will detonate. The people who build and control AI will obviously get filthy rich. So will superstar surgeons and elite litigators people whose rarefied expertise and skills can't be replicated remotely. But their legions of associates, researchers and paralegals will vanish like Blockbuster Video. Now, for generations, lost jobs and industries were replaced by new ones thanks to what economists call "creative destruction." The buggy maker gave way to the auto industry and the auto mechanic, and society moved forward. But this time, the old rules may not apply at least, not by virtue of some organic "invisible hand." If this shift is as severe and pervasive as many believe it will be (a huge caveat, to be sure), it won't be solved by fiddling around with marginal tax rates or by mildly expanding unemployment benefits. It will require a vast reimagining of what the government does the kind of thing that would make free-market purists break out in hives. But here's where it gets tricky for Democrats: They can't simply hand displaced workers a check and call it a solution. This is the core problem with universal basic income, often touted as the answer to AI-driven job losses. The modest $1,000-a-month figure that's been floated is a joke. But even if the amount were higher, it would still have to be paired with meaningful work. Something Democrats must learn: People don't just want money. They crave dignity, purpose, belonging and a reason to get up in the morning. That means thinking big and finding meaningful opportunities for the displaced to serve and provide value. Imagine one teacher for every five students in America's public school and college classrooms. Imagine school buses with three adults instead of one overworked driver. Imagine a national corps of well-paid nurses and physical therapists making regular visits to isolated seniors and providing full-time home healthcare. Picture teams of young, tech-savvy Americans helping retirees navigate their iPads, iPhones, TVs and other devices closing the digital divide for an entire generation. Now, pair that with a bold expansion of union apprenticeships to train the next wave of electricians, plumbers and carpenters alongside free college or vocational training in exchange for a year or two of national service. It wouldn't happen overnight. Managing this transition would require robust unemployment benefits say, 90% of prior salary for a fixed period not as welfare, but as an investment in people and a dividend on the value they've helped create by virtue of tax dollars (that built the internet) and data (that fuel automation). Because again, addressing the dilemma of job displacement is about more than money. Which brings us to some important questions we had better answer. What does it mean to be a citizen in a society when AI makes half of the labor market feel redundant? How do you retain your identity and sense of self-worth when the work you have dedicated your life to can be more efficiently done by artificial intelligence? And how do we redeploy human beings tens of millions of them into roles that make life better for others and give them back the self-respect that comes from service? AI might be the great test of our political age, and the party that passes this test will be remembered as our savior. The party that fails this test will be remembered if at all as the one fiddling while Rome was automated. Matt K. Lewis is the author of "Filthy Rich Politicians" and "Too Dumb to Fail." WestBridge and GSV-backed edtech firm LEAD School is eyeing government schools as a new market for its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings, as the company looks to expand its total addressable market and revive growth momentum after achieving break-even at the Ebitda level. The move marks a shift for the Mumbai-based company, which has so far focused on private schools. While profitability has improved due to cost rationalization, revenue growth has plateaued, prompting the firm to widen its customer base. Sumeet Mehta, LEADs cofounder and chief executive, told Mint the company is open to inorganic expansion to enter the segment. There is considerable spending in government schools, but these are not yielding the desired student outcomes. OurLearning System is proven and delivers improved learning outcomes at scale. With the right partner, there is thus an incredible opportunity to ensure every child across India has access to affordable, high-quality education," Mehta said. Learning System is LEAD's education platform, which includes teachers' lesson plans, student assessment indicators and results, remedial courses, and even homework. Also Read: Lean and risky: QED-backed Leo1s fight to stay afloat LEAD is targeting two acquisition types: firms with strong ties to untapped school networks and those focused on government schools. The latter is a priority due to the scale of public spending and the gap in learning outcomes. While theres no fixed timeline, Mehta said the company is actively scouting and plans to fund these buyouts through a small fundraisewithout adding new investors. "If you look at our cap table, we have a very selective, small set of investors," said Mehta. WestBridge Capital, GSV Ventures and Elevar Equity are backing the company, which last raised funds in 2022 at a unicorn valuation in a $100 million Series E led by WestBridge. Industry executives say government partnerships could provide LEAD with massive scale. Key Takeaways LEAD School is turning to government schools in push to diversify. Revenue growth has stalled despite improved profitability. Acquisitions are planned to enter the public education space. NEP 2020 and rising digital adoption offer tailwinds. Challenges include teacher adoption and long payment cycles. Government contracts give you scale. You get into that, and the upside is that you can reach a very large base very quickly," said Nitin Bhatia, managing director, DC Advisory. The SaaS-based curriculum and high use of technology could improve the curriculum in government schools, said Bhatia, an expert in education technology and SaaS startups at the investment bank. At the same time, structural challenges remain. Doing it with the government has its challenges," Bhatia cautioned. Collection is a problemSometimes you can have very long collection cycles, as had happened with someNSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) programmes a few years back. Teacher adoption is another question in my mind. I dont know the tools that are available to motivate government teachers to deliver this curriculum." Tailwinds from NEP Given that LEAD deals in both the software and hardware sides of its product suite for schools, the company hopes that its focus on digital adoption will help bolster the business. The tailwinds are there, courtesy of the National Education Policy (NEP) launched in 2020 that replaced the 1986 version of the National Policy on Education. In fact, it's a gap that the company would be wise to address, given that digital adoption at schools is on the rise. According to an article from the Observer Research Foundation, digital hardware availability has jumped from 34% in 2018-19 to 57% in 2023-24, citing the government's Unified District Information System for Education Plus data. While internet access has also improved, government schools continue to falter, and LEAD sees the opportunity for a larger total addressable market. Also Read: SaaS unicorn LeadSquared shifts focus to BFSI, aims for 50% revenue contribution Formal schools serve 24.8 crore students across 14.72 lakh schools, according to data from the education ministry's UDISE+ 2023-24. Government schools are the larger segment by far, accounting for 69% of the total, enrolling 50% of students and employing 51% of all teachers. In comparison, private sector schools only enrol about 22.5% of the total, enrolling 32.6% of students and employing 38% of teachers. "As schools start to look increasingly at the requirements from the NEP, they're realising that real learning outcomes are required. Rote learning will not work. The only barrier to adoption of something like our Learning System is the entrenched habits of teachers and schools," Mehta said. LEADs product suite includes both software and hardware. Last year, it launched TECHBOOKa tablet-like device for maths, English, and sciencewith AI-powered assistants that personalize learning plans. LEAD School is set to launch two new AI offerings, Speak Pro and Write Pro, AI-powered programmes to improve students English speaking and writing skills from 1 September. Flat revenue, shrinking losses For FY25, LEADs revenue from operations remained flat at 351.8 crore, up just 0.4% from 350.5 crore in FY24. However, the company narrowed its standalone net loss by nearly 70% to 43.3 crore from 143 crore a year earlier, aided by cuts in employee costs, marketing expenditure, and impairment losses on financial assets. Total expenditure for the year declined 20% to 410.7 crore. Founded in 2012 by Mehta and Smita Deorah, LEAD offers a SaaS-based learning system combining a proprietary digital curriculum, tech-driven assessments, and mobile-enabled at-home learning. Also Read: Why ChrysCapital is snapping up Theobroma and chasing family-run QSR brands The company claims to have served over 8,600 schools and 3.6 million students nationwide. It also has backers, including ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Stride Ventures, and Alteria Capital, and has raised more than $180 million to date. LEAD is targeting an initial public offer (IPO) within the next two to three years, or sooner if revenue scales to 1,000 crore alongside net profitability,Mintreported in February. A division bench of the Delhi High Court has upheld the grant of probate of Luxor Groups late founder Davinder Kumar Jains will in favour of his wife Usha Jain. A grant of probate is a legal document issued by a court that confirms the validity of a will and authorises the executor named in it to manage the deceased's estate. The disputed 2004 will made Usha Jain the sole beneficiary of her husband's assets worth hundreds of crores and excluded all their four children. The order came after DK Jains daughter Priya Jain petitioned the Delhi High Court to set aside its recent ruling that upheld the validity of the 2004 will, which she claimed was forged and wrongfully denied her inheritance rights. Dispute began in 2014 The dispute arose when DK Jain passed away in 2014. At the time, Luxor, founded in 1963, had expanded into 27 closely-held companies operating across sectors including stationery, plastics, hospitality and real estate, with a total turnover and assets worth hundreds of crores. In May 2014, Sanjay Kalra, the familys chartered accountant, filed a case before the Delhi High Court seeking to prove the validity (probate) of the purported will of 11 December 2004, which named him as the executor and Usha Jain as the sole beneficiary. Also Read | Sona Comstar: Family dispute shows why Indian firms must let professionals lead This prompted her dependent daughter Priya Jain, who had lived with her father and was actively involved in the family's business, to file a legal challenge. She alleged her mother colluded to gain control of Luxor Group and coercively deprived her of her livelihood after her fathers death. She also contested the will, claiming it was forged and had glaring errors and omissions, including a misspelling of DK Jains name, the absence of any bequest to his children, and her own unnatural exclusion from the company after her father's death. She also claimed it was unregistered and used a type of paper that didn't exist back then, and questioned why her mother had sole custody and control of it. Court rules in Usha's favour But on 27 May, the Delhi High Court granted a probate with respect to the disputed 2004 will, making the family's chartered accountant the executor of the will and Usha Jain the sole beneficiary. Also Read | Family dispute erupts over shares of Mumbai's InterContinental Hotel Priya Jain said the judgement was "completely vitiated" by fundamental legal and factual errors and ought to be set aside immediately. She claimed the judge erroneously shifted the onus of proving the authenticity of the will from the propounder of the will to the objector. A propounder is a person who presents a will to a court of law or other relevant authority for legal recognition. This person takes the responsibility of proving the will's validity, demonstrating that it reflects the testator's true intentions, and was executed properly. During the proceedings, Priyas siblings Payal and Pankaj withdrew their objections after reaching separate financial settlements of 31 crore each with their mother. Nexstar Media has agreed to buy smaller rival Tegna for $3.54 billion, creating a local-TV powerhouse that seeks to compete better with Big Tech and national media for advertising dollars. Acquiring Tegna will expand Nexstar's presence in nine of the top 10 U.S. markets, covering 80% of TV households across key geographies, including Atlanta, Phoenix and Seattle. That could give Nexstar, the largest U.S. regional TV station operator, more leverage with advertisers and pay-TV distributors at a time when local media is grappling with falling revenue and subscriber loss because of the popularity of streaming services. Shares of Nexstar rose 7% in early trading, while those of Tegna gained nearly 5% to trade near the offer price of $22 per share. The offer values Tegna at $6.2 billion, including debt, and marks a 44% premium to the stock's closing price on Aug. 8, before reports of a possible deal emerged. The transaction is the latest in a wave of media M&A as firms once reliant on steady cable TV profits prepare for a streaming future. Earlier this year, Skydance merged with Paramount, while Comcast and Warner Bros Discovery have announced plans to split their businesses. Nexstar and Tegna are betting on looser antitrust policies under U.S. President Donald Trump to push their deal in a sector long wary of local news consolidation. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said in June it was seeking to refresh a rule that caps station ownership at a combined reach of 39% of U.S. television households. An appeals court also recently struck down the FCC's "Top Four" rule, which barred ownership of two top-rated stations in the same market. "The initiatives being pursued by the Trump administration offer local broadcasters the opportunity to expand reach, level the playing field, and compete more effectively with the Big Tech and legacy Big Media companies," Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said. Nexstar owns or partners with more than 200 stations and operates brands such as The CW and NewsNation, while Tegna runs 64 stations and networks, including True Crime Network and Quest. The companies expect annual cost savings of about $300 million from the deal. Nexstar has secured financing from BofA Securities, J.P. Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs to fund the transaction, expected to close by the second half of 2026. If Tegna terminates the merger to take a higher bid, it must pay Nexstar $120 million. If regulators block the deal, Nexstar will owe Tegna $125 million, according to an SEC filing. After a strong fiscal 2024 fueled by political ads, Tegna's revenue has fallen for two consecutive quarters, including a 5% drop in the second, while profit has also slipped. Nexstar has also reported similar declines. Craig Huber, analyst at Huber Research Partners, said the deal would make the combined company "bigger to compete in the marketplace but does not change things dramatically." BofA Securities, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC are Nexstar's financial advisers, while Allen & Company LLC is Tegna's financial adviser. (Bloomberg) -- Anglo American Plc suffered a major setback to its restructuring plans after Peabody Energy Corp. decided to walk away from a $3.8 billion deal to buy its steelmaking coal business following a fire at an Australian mine. The firms have sharply disagreed over the impact of the March incident at the Moranbah North mine, an asset which Peabody said made up a substantial part of the deal value. The US coal producer says the fire constituted a material adverse change a reason to exit the deal. Anglo says it doesnt constitute an MAC, and plans to start arbitration to seek damages for wrongful termination. The companies failed to reach a revised agreement that compensated Peabody for the impact of the fire, Peabody said Tuesday. Peabody also terminated plans to sell on one of Anglos mines to an Indonesian miner. It will also look to get back a $75 million deposit, according to a person familiar with the situation. The deals collapse is a fresh headache for Anglo. It agreed in November to sell the coal assets to help dramatically simplify and shrink its business and focus on copper and iron ore as it fended off a $49 billion approach from BHP Group. Coal was supposed to be the easiest unit to offload partly due to the desirable mines and the deal was seen as a major early win for Anglo, potentially bringing in cash and demonstrating progress to its investors. Anglo has already spun off its platinum business and is looking for a buyer for its struggling De Beers diamond division. Peabodys shares jumped about 7.5% in pre-market trading. Anglos stock edged higher after the announcement, trading up 3.2%. For Peabody, the coal deal offered a way to boost its presence in metallurgical coal, which is needed to make steel. Still, the deal value seemed a stretch, with the agreed price almost twice the value of Peabodys current market cap. Disputing Impact Anglo has repeatedly disputed Peabodys assertions about the Moranbah fire and said in May it expected to continue working with the US company to close the deal, which was originally expected to happen in the middle of this year. The blaze followed a separate fire in 2024 at Anglos Grosvenor mine, its largest metallurgical project in Australia, which also remains shuttered and is part of the Peabody agreement. Peabodys move to scuttle the Anglo acquisition comes as trade tensions and global economic uncertainty have disrupted the coal market. While President Donald Trump has pledged to boost coal usage, the industry faces significant hurdles and US output has been tumbling due to high costs, environmental regulations and competition from cheap natural gas and renewable power. Anglo Chief Executive Officer Duncan Wanblad on Tuesday said the company is confident it can find a new buyer for the mines, and that it received interest in recent months. Still, any resale process would take place against a backdrop of weaker coal prices than when the Peabody deal was originally agreed, fueling uncertainty over whether Anglo could secure terms as good as it had with Peabody. Anglo has previously said finding a new buyer could delay its coal exit into next year. Each side is confident in its own position from a legal perspective on Moranbah North, Jefferies LLC analysts including Christopher LaFemina said in note this month. A long arbitration process could be an overhang on shares of both companies. (Updates with Anglo comments from second paragraph) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com MUMBAI: Temasek-backed Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt. Ltd is scouting for acquisitions to expand its pan-India presence, particularly in the South, according to two people familiar with the matter. Temasek and the company's top management has sounded out bankers to show assets that are profitable with strong fundamentals for a bolt-on strategy," one of the people cited above said. Such deals allow larger firms to buy smaller businesses to expand operations, diversify offerings, or reach new markets. As a part of this strategy, Haldiram has the capability to acquire assets in the range of $50 million to $200 million and is well capitalized after its recent fundraise even as the business is cash flow positive," the second person said. Also Read | Private equity eyes fresh bite of regional food brands, repeat of Haldiram Haldirams CEO Krishan Kumar Chutani did not respond to Mints email, sent on Monday, requesting a comment, while Temasek declined to comment. Fending off rivals The move comes as the Indian packaged foods industry faces intensifying rivalry. Haldiram faces direct competition from Bikanervala, Bikaji, Balaji Wafers, Gits Food Products, and Prabhuji, while smaller players such as Lal Sweets and Sweet Karam Coffee have also raised funds in the past year to capture opportunities in the sector. A report from rating agency Icra Ltd from earlier this year highlighted that the company also faces heightened competition from local manufacturers of sweets and namkeens, other restaurant operators, and established QSR chains such as McDonalds, Dominos, and KFC. Haldiram has historically turned to acquisitions to expand its presence beyond its northern stronghold. In FY16, the company acquired Indore-based Aakash Namkeen, followed by controlling stakes in regional players including Babaji Snacks, Pragati Snacks, Ankita Agro and Food Processing, and Atop Food Products in FY20. Also Read | Haldiram's promoters now offer a smaller bite to investors Financial muscle A Crisil Ratings report from April said Haldirams financial risk profile is supported by healthy cash accrual of 1,079 crore and negligible borrowings of 80 crore. The report added that strong cash accrual of about 1,000 crore annually is expected to be sufficient to fund planned capital expenditure and incremental working capital requirements. Its reserves were further boosted in March when Singapore-based Temasek agreed to acquire a 10% stake in Haldiram Snacks for 8,500 crore, valuing the company at $10 billion, or 85,000 crore. Alpha Wave Global and International Holding Co. also participated in the fundraise, which capped more than a year of negotiations and ranked among the largest private equity deals in Indias food sector by valuation. The deal followed a long-awaited merger of Haldirams Nagpur and Delhi factions. The groups demerged the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) businesses of Haldiram Snacks Pvt. Ltd (HSPL) and Haldiram Foods International Pvt. Ltd (HFIPL)part of the Nagpur groupinto a newly incorporated entity, Haldiram Snacks Foods Pvt. Ltd. The Delhi operations were run primarily by Manohar Agarwal and Madhu Sudan Agarwal, while the Nagpur business was led by Kamalkumar Shivkisan Agrawal, grandson of founder Ganga Bhishen Agarwal, who started Haldiram in 1937. Existing shareholders of HSPL and HFIPL now hold 56% and 44%, respectively, in the new entity. From a small sweet shop, Haldiram has grown into a global snacks company with more than 400 varieties of namkeen, confectionery, and ready-to-eat foods sold in 100 countries. Its portfolio includes snacks, sweets, frozen foods, biscuits, pasta, and non-carbonated beverages. Exports extend to markets including the US and Europe. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, and runs restaurants across the National Capital Region, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana under different group companies. Packaged foods account for 85% of revenue, while restaurants contribute 15%. In FY24, Haldiram reported standalone revenue of 6,976 crore, up from 6,377 crore in FY23. Net profit rose to 875 crore from 593 crore. Profit growth was supported by the normalization of raw material costs such as palm oil, milk, and packaging. Salted snacks remain the companys largest segment, contributing more than 75% of revenue. Looking ahead, Crisil Ratings expects revenue growth to remain healthy at 8-10% with operating profitability sustaining at 18-19%. The report also noted that larger rivals with deep pockets are investing heavily in savoury snacks, constraining the profitability of players such as Haldiram. While the group has engaged in competitive pricing to maintain market share, Crisil said competition from both organized and unorganized players persists. Crisil said snack makers must continue to innovate, refresh product lines, and expand distribution in order to defend profitability in a market where intense competition limits the ability to pass on higher raw material costs. New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI) The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a six-lane access-controlled capital region ring road (Bhubaneswar Bypass) in Odisha on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a total capital cost of 8,307.74 crore, I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday. Currently, connectivity between Rameshwar and Tangi on the existing National Highway experience significant congestion due to high traffic volumes, passing through highly urbanised cities Khordha, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. To address these challenges, the 110 km-long project is proposed to be developed as a 6-lane access-controlled greenfield highway, an official statement said. "The project will provide significant benefit to Odisha and other eastern States by diverting heavy commercial traffic away from Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Khordha Cities. This will enhance the efficiency of freight movement, reducing logistics cost and driving socio-economic growth in the region," it said. The project alignment integrates with three major National Highways (NH-55, NH-57 and NH-655) and one State Highway (SH-65), providing seamless connectivity to key economic, social, and logistics nodes across Odisha. The statement also said that the upgraded corridor will enhance multi-modal integration by connecting with a major railway station, an airport, a proposed multi-modal logistics park (MMLP), and two major ports, thereby facilitating faster movement of goods and passengers across the region. Upon completion, the bypass will play a pivotal role in regional economic growth, strengthening connectivity between major religious and economic centres and opening new avenues for trade and industrial development. (Bloomberg) -- The Trump administration said it will step up scrutiny of imports of steel, copper, lithium and other materials from China to enforce a US ban on goods allegedly made with forced labor in the countrys Xinjiang region. The announcement of new high-priority sectors targeted under the four-year-old Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act was included Tuesday in an annual update to the US governments enforcement efforts. It also dovetails with President Donald Trumps broader trade goals, as he seeks to lower the US trade deficit with China and pressures Beijing to curb shipments of fentanyl and precursor chemicals. America has a moral, economic, and national security duty to eradicate threats that endanger our nations prosperity, including unfair trade practices that disadvantage the American people and stifle our economic growth, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. Still, the administration went ahead with the announcement at a time when Trump has sought to improve relations with his counterpart, Xi Jinping. The US president last week extended a pause on higher tariffs on goods from China for 90 days as he seeks an in-person meeting with the Chinese leader. Under the 2021 law, the US government assumes that anything made even partially in the Chinese manufacturing hub of Xinjiang is produced with forced labor and cannot be imported into the US. Companies may win exemptions if they can provide clear and convincing evidence forced labor was not used. The measure is meant to help combat alleged repression of Uyghurs and other minorities in the province of Xinjiang. Beijing has repeatedly denied accusations that minorities are compelled to work against their will. Although the law applies to all goods, it originally singled out apparel, cotton and cotton products, tomatoes and silica-based products including polysilicon as high-priority sectors for enforcement. Under former President Joe Biden, the government expanded the products subject to extra scrutiny to include aluminum, polyvinyl chloride and seafood. The Trump administrations Tuesday announcement expands the list again to encompass red dates, caustic soda and lithium, as well as steel and copper. The US doesnt import significant tonnage of copper from China, according to data from Morgan Stanley. In 2024, the US imported about 470,000 tons of steel from China, equal to 0.5% of domestic consumption, according to the Commerce Department. --With assistance from Joe Deaux. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com By Andrea Shalal and David Shepardson WASHINGTON -U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Tuesday the government wanted an equity stake in Intel in exchange for cash grants approved during the administration of former President Joe Biden. Separately, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said any U.S. investment in Intel would be aimed at helping the troubled chipmaker stabilize. Asked about reports that the U.S. was considering taking a 10% stake in Intel, Bessent told CNBC's "Squawk Box" program: "The stake would be a conversion of the grants and maybe increase the investment into Intel to help stabilize the company for chip production here in the U.S." Bessent gave no details about the size or timing of any U.S. stake in Intel, but said any investment would not be aimed at forcing U.S. companies to buy chips from Intel. Bessent's comments were the first official response from the Trump administration after Bloomberg News reported on Monday the U.S. government is in talks to take a 10% Intel stake in exchange for $7.9 billion in grants that were approved for the U.S. chip company during the Biden administration. "We should get an equity stake for our money," Lutnick told CNBC. "We'll get equity in return for that ... instead of just giving grants away." Lutnick said the U.S. does not want control of the company. "It's not governance, we are just converting what was a grant under Biden into equity for the Trump administration for the American people." He suggested any stake would be "non-voting," meaning it would not enable the U.S. government to tell the company how to run its business. He made his comments a day after SoftBank Group agreed to invest $2 billion into the chipmaker, which has struggled to compete after years of management blunders. "The Biden administration literally was giving Intel money for free and giving TSMC money for free, and all these companies just giving the money for free, and Donald Trump turned it into saying, 'Hey, we want equity for the money. If we're going to give you the money, we want a piece of the action for the American taxpayer,'" Lutnick said. Intel and TSMC, a Taiwan-based chipmaker, did not immediately comment. Intel has struggled financially and recorded an annual loss of $18.8 billion in 2024, its first such loss since 1986. Vodafone Idea has entered a strategic partnership with tech giant IBM to help streamline operations, improve service reliability, enhance the customer experience, and accelerate the seamless delivery of digital initiatives using Artificial Intelligence (AI). To achieve the goals, Vi and IBM will also implement a unified DevOps execution model fuelled by automation of a unified DevOps execution model fuelled by automation. Shares of Vi extended its gains for the second day, closing 2.01 per cent up on the BSE at 6.59 apiece. Vodafone Idea is looking to create new revenue opportunities, as well as deliver smarter digital experiences and enhance IT agility as part of the new deal. Our collaboration with IBM marks a pivotal milestone in Vis digital journey. It reflects our commitment to AI-led innovation and our ambition to drive accelerated growth through intelligent decision-making and automation, Vi Chief Technology Officer Jagbir Singh has said. AI Innovation Hub At the Centre of this deal is a newly established AI Innovation Hub, which aims to modernise Vis IT and business processes continuously. Bringing together experts from Vi and IBM Consulting, this Hub will be used to create together cutting-edge AI solutions, automation tools, and digital accelerators. The AI Innovation Hub will play a critical role in modernizing our operations and expediting our go-to-market execution of critical business initiatives through faster software development cycles, setting new benchmarks for the telecom industry, Singh noted. "Vis AI Innovation Hub is a testament to the power of co-creation, where IBM consultants can provide best practices and support efforts to build a future-ready digital foundation powered by AI and automation, said Juhi McClelland, Managing Partner, IBM Consulting, IBM Asia Pacific. Also Read | Why a change at the helm will not be the panacea for Vis ills According to Rishi Aurora, Managing Partner, IBM Consulting India & South Asia, IBM is bringing its global expertise to help Vi deliver superior customer experiences, drive innovation, and strengthen digital resilience for the future. Mumbai: Simone Tata, the 95-year-old mother of Noel Tata and stepmother of the late Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata, has been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai following a severe illness. Tata was flown to Mumbai on Tuesday after receiving initial treatment at Kings Hospital, Dubai. She has a buildup of fluid in her lungs but is in stable condition, according to a source familiar with her health. She has admitted under the care of senior doctor Farokh E. Udwadia, the source added. Also Read | How Tata Sons AGM has changed after Ratan Tata's passing Simone Tata has a rich legacy as a businesswoman, having steered brands such as Lakme in India before its sale to Hindustan Unilever in the 1990s. Born Simone Naval Dunoyer in Geneva, Switzerland, she came to India as a tourist in 1953. She married Naval H. Tata in 1955 and began her career with the group in the 1960s. India's cosmetics czarina Her journey with the Tata Group began on the board of Lakme. At the time, Lakme was a minor subsidiary of Tata Oil Mills (TOMCO), selling personal-care brands such as Hamam, Okay and Modi soaps. It was Simone who shaped the brands vision to cater to the Indian womans need for indigenous cosmetics. Under her leadership, the brand became a household name in India and she was appointed chairperson in 1982. She is known as the "cosmetics czarina of India" for her role in popularising cosmetics among Indian women. After the Indian economy was liberalised, HUL and Lakme Ltd formed a 50:50 joint venture, Lakme Unilever Limited in 1996 to market Lakme's cosmetics and other appropriate products from both companies. In 1998 Lakme Ltd sold its brands to HUL and divested its 50% stake in the joint venture for 200 crore. Lakme decided to transition from the cosmetics business to apparel retail, given the absence of established brands in most categories. To this end, it acquired Littlewoods International (India) from Littlewoods International Ltd, UK, in March 1998. From 1 July 1998, Trent Ltd was amalgamated with Lakme, and the name of Lakme Ltd was officially changed to Trent Ltd, which now sells clothing through Zudio and Westside stores. Also Read | Ratan Tata made India a better, kinder place Mary Ann Davidson, Oracle's chief security officer, and among the highest ranking women in the cyber security space, is leaving the US tech giant as part of its latest reorganisation, Bloomberg reported citing a source in the know. Bloomberg said she did not respond to queries, till time of writing; and Oracle did not provide a comment on her departure. Oracle layoffs amid AI infra push In a June filing, Oracle noted that day-to-day cybersecurity operations are being overseen by Senior Vice President Robert Duhart. Notably, Duhart joined Oracle from Walmart, where he was chief information security officer. Davidson's move out of the tech giant comes after Oracle last week said it is conducting lay offs, to control costs amid push for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, the report added. Who is Mary Ann Davidson? Mary Ann Davidson joined Oracle after working as a civil engineer in the United States Navy. She has been with the company for around 37 years, having joined in 1988, as per the report. Over the years, she has overseen development of the company's industry-leading systems and processes that test its code for vulnerabilities and protect products from hackers. The report thus noted that Davidson's departure would have been a shock for many, given her prominence in security community and advocacy for the security of Oracle's products. In 2003, she was covered by Businessweek for a profile that described her rise from product marketing at Oracle's financial software arm, into the secure systems division in 1993. Subsequently she rose to the top security role, becoming the company's first chief security officer, it added. According to her profile on the Oracle website, Davidson serves on the international board of the Information Systems Security Association, where she has been named to their Hall of Fame. She was a member of the Center for Strategic and International Studies Commission on Cybersecurity for the 44th Presidency. She has also testified on cybersecurity to a number of US House and Senate committees. Davidson has a BSME from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She received the Navy Achievement Medal when she served as a commissioned officer in the US Navy Civil Engineer Corps. Larry Ellison's right hand on security matters Davidson was also known as the right-hand person of Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, when it came to all things security. In a 2002 interview with Businessweek, she spoke about the challenges of ensuring that Oracle's products lived up to the unbreakable marketing campaign pushed by Ellison. Unbreakable gives us something to live up to. It really does concentrate the mind wonderfully. The general thought is dont embarrass the company. Nobody wants to be the group that makes us violate it, she stated. There was however some controversy in 2015, when she posted on a personal blog scolding customers for trying to find vulnerabilities in Oracle's products and violating their licensing agreements. She said that such moves were wasting her team's time in chasing false positives. Cybersecurity researchers criticised the post and Oracle had it removed, stating that it does not reflect our beliefs or our relationship with our customers, the BB report added. The Donald Trump administration is in talks to acquire a 10% stake in Intel Corp, making the US its largest shareholder, news agency Bloomberg reported, citing a White House official and other people familiar with the matter. The government is exploring an option to take a stake in Intel by turning some or all of the companys grants from the US Chips and Science Act into equity, it added. Intel is expected to get a combined $10.9 billion in Chips Act grants for commercial and military production. This grant amount is sufficient to get the targeted holding. Based on Intels current market value, a 10% ownership would be approximately $10.5 billion. The precise size of the stake and the White House's decision to proceed with the plan remain uncertain, the people aware of the development said. Also Read | SoftBank bets $2 billion in Intel to power US tech ambition Livemint could not independently verify the report. A White House official also mentioned that the administration might turn some Chips Act awards into equity stakes. It remains uncertain if this idea has gained support within the broader administration or if officials have talked about it with any relevant companies. Meanwhile, SoftBank Group Corp. announced on Monday its plans to purchase $2 billion worth of shares in Intel. However, it remains uncertain whether government support will boost Intels business. The company faces stagnant sales and ongoing losses, and it has difficulty regaining its technological leadership in the industry. New CEO Lip-Bu Tan aims to revive the company, concentrating mainly on cost reductions and job cuts. Intel shares dip Intel investors initially responded positively to news of government investment, sparking the largest one-week rally in the stock since February. However, the shares fell 3.7% on Monday following Bloomberg's report on the ongoing discussions. Tan's meeting with Trump Last week, Tan met with Trump at the White House after the US President criticised him. Trump called for Tans removal due to past connections to China. Following the meeting, Trump commended Intels chief, describing him as having an amazing story. Despite earlier criticisms, Tan is expected to remain in his position, the report noted. If the Trump administration progresses with an Intel equity stake, it would fit into a recent pattern where Washington adopts a more assertive role in strategic sectors. Trumps team secured an agreement to receive a 15% share of certain semiconductor sales to China and acquired a so-called golden share in United States Steel Corp. as part of a deal to approve its sale to a Japanese competitor. The Centre on Tuesday said almost $50 billion worth of Indian goods will be affected once the 50 per cent US tariff comes into effect on 27 August. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha regarding a question on the effect of Donald Trump's tariffs, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said that around $48.2 billion of India's merchandise exports will be subject to the additional tariffs. It is estimated that around $48.2 billion of Indias merchandise export (based on 2024 trade value) to the US will be subject to the above additional tariffs, he said in the reply. Trump has imposed 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on India and an additional 25 per cent levy on its purchases of Russian oil, resulting in a total of 50 per cent duties. Reciprocal tariff at the rate of 25% has been imposed on certain goods exported from India to the USA starting from 7 August 2025. Further, an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25% with effect from 27 August 2025 has been imposed on certain goods exported from India, Prasada explained in his answer. In his reply, the minister said that the Centre is committed to securing India's national interest and protecting its farmers, workers, and others in light of the recent US tariffs. Government is committed to secure and advance the countrys national interest and protect the welfare of our farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, exporters, MSMEs and all sections of industry and take all necessary steps to help mitigate the impact on trade, including through appropriate export promotion and trade diversification measures, he said in the reply. The Government has taken note of tariff imposition by the US, he added. India-US bilateral trade deal India and the USA are negotiating a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with five rounds of talks already being completed. The US team has recently postponed their visit for the sixth round of US tariff negotiations, which was scheduled for 25 August. Also Read | Pharma sector faces tariff threats amid rising US trade actions: Report The government has set a target to make India a developed economy by 2047, under the Viksit Bharat banner, to meet this goal, the Finance Ministry said that the country would have to grow by 8 per cent each year over the next 10 years, Reuters reported. The ministry told lawmakers that over the next decade, India's economy needs to expand around 8 per cent annually amid rising geopolitical uncertainties. It expects this growth to come from domestic demand and investments, the report added. Ideally, the Indian economy will need to grow by around 8 per cent in real terms every year, at least for a decade, the finance ministry said in its reply to a parliamentary committee in June, according to a report released on August 19. India's growth estimates The government estimates India's growth at 6.3-6.8 per cent in this financial year through March 31 (FY 2024-25), broadly in line with the 6.5 per cent growth recorded last year, but much lower than the 9.2 per cent notched in FY23-24 The comments align with economists estimates of 8-9 per cent annual growth requirement for India to hit the Viksit Bharat 2047 target, the report added. Further, the ministry added that in order to become a developed economy by the targeted date, India would also have pump its investment rate to around 35 per cent of GDP from the close to 31 per cent at present. Also Read | Cabinet approves bill to regulate online real money gaming platforms Global geopolitical uncertainties abound Amid an uncertain trade backdrop, including the 50 per cent total tariffs from the United States on Indian goods, New Delhi is trying to spur domestic demand through planned consumer tax cuts, following personal tax reductions in February, while the central bank has cut rates by 100 basis points this year. The 50 per cent tariff could shave growth by up to 40 basis points in 2025-26, the report noted. Notably, the ministry's estimates were made in June, before the US imposed additional 25 per cent tariffs (taking total to 50 per cent) on India, which US President Donald Trump said was punishment for buying oil from Russia. India-US trade talks faced a setback earlier this month as New Delhi did not agree to give Washington access to its vast agriculture and dairy markets. India is prioritising enhanced opportunities for its labour-intensive exports, including textiles, apparel and leather goods, the finance ministry said. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has remarked that India is profiteering from discounted Russian crude, alleging that New Delhi has been engaging in arbitrage trading during the war in Ukraine. The US Treasury Secretary drew a distinction with China, calling Beijings position entirely different because of its longstanding role as a buyer of Russian energy. The United States has already imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, with an additional 25 per cent set to take effect on 27 August, bringing the total hike to 50 per cent. Washington has framed the move as a direct response to Indias increased purchases of Russian oil during the Ukraine conflict. What did the Treasury Secretary say on India? In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Bessent claimed that Indias purchases of Russian oil had risen significantly, now accounting for 42 per cent of the countrys crude imports, compared with less than 1 per cent before the war. India is just profiteering. They are reselling, Bessent said. What I would call Indian arbitrage buying cheap Russian oil, reselling it as product has just sprung up during the war, which is unacceptable. US tariffs on China Donald Trump signed an executive order extending a tariff truce with China for 90 days, moving the expiration date to 10 November 2025, thereby preventing a planned escalation of tariffs. Current tariffs are capped at 30% on Chinese imports and 10% on US goods during this truce. Without the extension, US tariffs on Chinese goods could have surged to 145%, with Chinas retaliatory tariffs rising to 125%, approaching a trade embargo. Additionally, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on semi-finished copper and copper-intensive products effective from 1 August 2025. The so-called Liberation Day tariffs were introduced on 2 April 2025, imposing a 34% duty on Chinese products atop earlier fentanyl tariffs. Following negotiations in Geneva in May 2025, both parties agreed to reduce tariffs to 30% for the US and 10% for China for 90 days, suspending more severe reciprocal tariffs. However, Trump has not imposed any secondary tariff on Beijing citing 'Russian oil trade". Why is China being treated differently? According to Scott Bessent, Washington views China differently because it was already a major buyer of Russian energy before the war. Beijings imports from Moscow have only increased from 13 per cent to 16 per cent, which US officials consider less disruptive. The situation is completely different with China, Bessent remarked, suggesting that Indias sharp increase in imports reflects a new trend rather than a continuation of past trade patterns. What has been the US response? President Donald Trump has introduced additional tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian goods, citing New Delhis purchases of Russian oil as a justification. He has argued that the tariffs are helping to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to move towards negotiations over Ukraine. By contrast, Trump has not imposed similar tariffs on China, a decision that has drawn attention to the differences in Washingtons approach towards the two countries. How are India-US relations affected? The issue has added to trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi. A potential US-India trade deal, which both governments had previously signalled was within reach, has yet to materialise. India on Tuesday temporarily suspended its 11 per cent import duty on cotton until 30 September, a move seen as an effort to address some of Washingtons trade concerns, Reuters reported. As per Bloomberg, this move has been seen as a signal to Washington that New Delhi is willing to address concerns on agricultural tariffs. New Delhi: Poverty and squalor dominate the popular perception of a typical Indian village. But there are some villages, particularly in the country's western and southern states, that generate humongous amounts of money due to their proximity to large cities, showing a marked divergence in development from their counterparts in other parts of India. While the own source of revenue (OSR) for Indian gram panchayats (village councils) average around 2.3 lakh a year, there are panchayats that are able to raise own source of revenue upwards of 10 crore a year from property tax, water charges, market fees, trade licence fees and building permits in western and southern states. Also Read | Budget 2025 | Grassroots governments may get a funding boost The Neraluru gram panchayat in Bengaluru, for instance, has an average annual own source of revenue of 19.52 crore. Similarly, the average own revenue of Ranjangaon Ganpati and Urulikanchan panchayats in Pune are 17.54 crore and 15.42 crore, respectively. Pimpalgaon Baswant panchayat in Nashik averages 13.27 crore. Further, the own revenue of Manjari Budruk panchayat in Pune is 12.41 crore, according to the data compiled by the Union ministry of panchayati raj and shared with Mint. All revenue figure are as of fiscal year 2022. Overall, there are eight gram panchayats in the country whose OSR is more than 10 crore per annum. Out of eight, six are in Maharashtra and two in Karnataka. Such high annual revenues are significant, as they empower gram panchayats to function independently, reducing their dependence on central and state grants. Also Read | Rural Raj: Viksit panchayats offer us a pathway to Viksit Bharat "Building a strong OSR system is essential for gram panchayats as it helps in economic growth, improved quality of life and balanced development. Additionally, it helps in strengthening rural governance," said Vivek Bharadwaj, secretary, ministry of panchayati raj. The government is working on a framework to help panchayats generate sufficient revenue on their own and become financially autonomous, carrying out development works without relying on funds from the Centre or states. The panchayati raj ministry has set up a panel, consisting of senior officials from various state governments, for the purpose. The matter assumes significance as there are 255,000 gram panchayats in the country, with 42% of them having own revenue of less than 1 lakh per year. There are many panchayats spread across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala and West Bengal that have annual revenue in crores. According to experts, panchayats, which are nearer to cities and have robust own revenue rules and tax collection system, are bound to have higher revenue. There are 22 states and Union territories (UTs) which have formulated the OSR rules, while 11 states and UTs don't have own revenue rules. The largest six state economies in the country include Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The increase in own revenue of panchayats also reflects in the state GDP. Also Read | Millions of drones to spray fertilizers "Panchayats which are located nearer to cities or urban centres and highways benefit from more economic activity, which boosts their ability to collect own-source revenuesespecially from taxes and fees pertaining to land, building and services," said Sri Hari Nayudu, economist, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), New Delhi. For example, Neraluru panchayat is part of the Bengaluru urban district and, hence, the impact of urbanization and location advantage is driving its economy. This is located on the NH44 and near to the airport, Nayudu added. "We are nearly 25 km from Bengaluru city and over the years have attracted many industries. The main source of revenue for our panchayat is property tax which we get from industry, commercial and residential areas carved out after change in land use," said Shashikaran, former panchayat development officer of Neraluru panchayat. Similarly, Ranjangaon Ganpati is a spiritual centre and located on a national highway. The major sources of revenue include property tax on residential building, receipt from markets and receipts from water supply schemes. Pimpalgaon Baswant, like most other towns in the Nashik district, is reliant on agricultural produce for its economy, as it gets revenue from market yards. It produces a variety of grapes, tomatoes, sugarcane, onions and resins for both domestic consumption and exports. According to experts, panchayat areas that are around tier-1 and tier-2 cities acquire the same characteristics over a period of time like a city. Tier-1 cities are large metropolitan areas while tier-2 cities are smaller, but rapidly growing urban centres with increasing economic opportunities. It is now observed that in most of such areas, agricultural lands are being converted into non-agriculture and sold. "It corresponds to the rapid urbanization of India. Obviously, like how large municipal corporations earn their revenue from such registrations by way of stamp duty, these panchayats also earn such revenues. There are also industrial zones that are coming up which then create not just stamp duty income but regular facility management fees as an example for sanitation, sewerage clearance, wastewater treatment and others, " said Aditya Sesh, an agriculture economist. There are panchayats that have substantial income from temple tourism or scenic spots. With the explosion of social media, such spots will come into prominence, driving incomes for panchayats. Many governments are also encouraging spiritual tourism with even helicopter services. All of these go towards enhancing other sources of income for the panchayats, according to Sesh. Hollywood actor Chris Pratt has spoken warmly about Robert Kennedy Jr., describing him as great and funny during a recent appearance on Bill Mahers Club Random podcast. Pratt, known for his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, opened up about his family life and his connection to Kennedy Jr., who is the cousin of his wife Katherine Schwarzeneggers mother, Maria Shriver. Ive spent a number of occasions hanging with him, just in a strictly family dinner kind of vibe, Pratt told Maher. I really got along with him well. I think hes great. I think hes funny. I like him. I love him. On Politics and Public Image The actor also discussed how politics can be a nasty business, saying he avoids getting involved in political debates. He said that doesnt discuss politics or the Trump administration with Kennedy Jr. at family events. The actor Im not gonna pick his brain to find out exactly which of those things are true. I just kind of assume that none of them are, and, for the most part, I wish him well. Theres certain things that he oversees that seem to be supported in a bipartisan way like getting terrible toxic stuff out of our kids food. The actor also added, So my little bit of experience, Ive been able to see how the person that you are can be sometimes in stark contrast to the person that your enemy is saying that you are. And in politics, you inherit enemies. And when you jump on the bandwagon with who is the most divisive president ever, it makes sense that youre going to be made to look terrible. And so I dont know what to believe. Also Read | Arnold Schwarzenegger shares one condition for working with Chris Pratt, son Patrick Schwarzenegger Im not in politics, obviously, he said. But theres a certain level to this in Hollywood, because Hollywood in itself is a political institution. Ive seen how the person you are can be such a contrast to the person that people are being told that you are That is pure fiction. Washington DC [US], August 19 (ANI): Isabela Ferrer got a big break when she was cast as Young Lily in 'It Ends With Us', playing the younger version of Blake Lively's character, reported Variety. However, later in the year, after her film debut, Ferrer found herself in a legal battle between Lively and the film's director, Justin Baldoni, both of whom had subpoenaed her. On Sunday, Ferrer's lawyer alleged that Baldoni is "harassing" her and trying to use his financial leverage over her to control how she responds to Lively's subpoena, when what she really wants is not to be dragged further into the dispute, according to Variety. Lively is suing Baldoni for sexual harassment, alleging that when she complained, he initiated a hidden campaign to ruin her reputation. Her lawsuit includes an allegation that Baldoni added a scene to the film in which Young Lily loses her virginity. After the scene was filmed, she alleges that Baldoni approached the young actors and said, "I know I'm not supposed to say this, but that was hot, " reported Variety. Baldoni's lawyers responded by releasing text conversations from Ferrer in which she described him as a "great director" and "wonderful to work with." His lawyers have maintained that when the rivalry with Lively escalated throughout the film's following promotion, Ferrer felt forced to avoid him. Lively's lawyers subpoenaed Ferrer in February, seeking any communications between her and the other parties in the case. That required Ferrer to hire a lawyer and to seek a guarantee that Baldoni's team, as her employer, would cover her legal bills, according to Variety. This resulted in a protracted dispute. Sanford Michelman, Ferrer's lawyer, said that Baldoni was attempting to condition the financial guarantee on maintaining control over Ferrer's response to the subpoena, or at least influence over her legal representation. According to Michelman, the producers' lawyer cited a fake case, which he believed to be an AI hallucination, in support of the argument that the producers had such leverage. Michelman also alleged that Baldoni's team had contorted the facts surrounding Ferrer's involvement in the dispute, as reported by Variety. While an agreement was being worked out, Baldoni's team asked if Michelman would accept service of a subpoena on her behalf. He refused. Baldoni's lawyers want Ferrer to produce documents and messages. * Jasveen Sangha would be last of five to plead guilty in case * Accused 'stash house' operator faced trial next month * Fatal doses she supplied were injected by Perry's assistant (Adds details from prosecutors, plea deal) By Lisa Richwine and Steve Gorman LOS ANGELES, Aug 18 (Reuters) - The accused Los Angeles drug dealer known as the "ketamine queen" has agreed to plead guilty to charges that she supplied the dose of the prescription anesthetic that killed "Friends" star Matthew Perry, prosecutors said on Monday. Jasveen Sangha, 42, who authorities said ran an illegal narcotics "stash house" in the North Hollywood district of Los Angeles and was due to stand trial in September, will plead guilty to five charges under a deal with federal prosecutors, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Four other co-defendants in the case - two physicians, Perry's personal assistant and another man who admitted acting as an intermediary in selling ketamine to the actor - have already pleaded guilty to various charges, though none has yet been sentenced. All five were charged in the case one year ago. Prosecutors said Sangha agreed to plead guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of illegal distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Sangha, a dual U.S.-British citizen, is expected to formally enter her plea in the coming weeks, the Justice Department said in a statement. The charge of maintaining a drug den carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sangha faces up to 15 years in prison for ketamine distribution that killed Perry, and 10 years for each of the three other distribution counts. Medical examiners concluded that Perry died from acute effects of ketamine that combined with other factors to cause the actor to lose consciousness and drown in his hot tub on October 28, 2023. He was 54 years old. FAME AND ADDICTION Perry had publicly acknowledged decades of substance abuse, including periods that overlapped with the height of his fame playing the sardonic but charming Chandler Bing on the 1990s hit NBC television comedy "Friends." Perry's death came a year after publication of his memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," which chronicled bouts with addiction to prescription painkillers and alcohol that he wrote had come close to ending his life more than once. His autopsy cited interviews with associates who said Perry had been sober for 19 months prior to his death with no known substance abuse relapses. Ketamine, a short-acting anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, is sometimes prescribed to treat depression and anxiety but also is abused by recreational users. According to Sangha's plea agreement as outlined by the Justice Department, Sangha had supplied 51 vials of ketamine from her stash house to a go-between dealer, Erik Fleming, 55, who in turn sold the doses to Perry through his live-in personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, 60. It was Iwamasa, prosecutors said, who later injected Perry with at least three shots of ketamine from the vials Sangha supplied, resulting in the actor's death, and who subsequently found him lifeless in the hot tub. In her plea agreement, prosecutors said, Sangha also admitted selling ketamine to an individual in August 2019 who died hours later from a drug overdose. Known to her customers on the street as the "ketamine queen," according to prosecutors, Sangha had used her North Hollywood home to store, package and distribute various narcotics, including ketamine and methamphetamine, dating back to at least June 2019. After learning of news reports of Perry's death, prosecutors said, Sangha tried to scrub her Signal app of all her communications with Fleming and urged him to do likewise, instructing him to "Delete all our messages." Her plea deal came three weeks after a doctor who ran an urgent care clinic, Salvador Plasencia, 43, pleaded guilty to four counts of ketamine distribution and admitted to having injected Perry with the drug at the actor's home and in the back seat of a parked car. Another physician, Mark Chavez, 55, of San Diego, accused of illegally supplying ketamine to Plasencia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute the drug. Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty is set to return to work after taking a short break due to health complications. The 72-year-old actor has fully recovered and will begin shooting for director Mahesh Narayanans upcoming film in September. Sources close to Mammootty confirmed that he will soon be back in Kerala to join the film set. The news has been welcomed with joy by fans and film industry colleagues alike. Health Concerns in June In June, Mammootty paused his work schedule after reports of health issues began to surface. His team later assured the public that he was recovering well and would return to work soon. Now, that return is official, and the announcement has brought a wave of relief and excitement. Also Read | Mohanlal faces heat after Sabarimala Puja for Mammootty on 'Empuraan' eve Many from the Malayalam film industry shared their happiness about Mammoottys comeback. Actor Maala Parvathy called it the greatest news of all time, while director Kannan Thamarakkulam said, When so many people pray together, God cannot help but listen. George, a close associate of Mammootty, shared an emotional message alongside a photo of the actor, With eyes brimming with joy, I stand before you with folded hands. To those who prayed for me, stood by me, and reassured me that nothing would go wrongmy dearest ones, thank you with endless love. The upcoming film, tentatively titled MMMN, features an all-star cast including Mohanlal, Fahadh Faasil, Nayanthara, and Kunchako Boban. It is produced by Anto Joseph, CR Salim, and Shubash Manuel, with cinematography by Manush Nandan. Prince Williams ongoing mistrust and dislike of Meghan Markle is a key reason why the rift between him and Prince Harry has not been resolved, according to royal experts. Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine and long-time royal commentator, said Meghan remains the flea in the ointment when it comes to any chance of reconciliation between the brothers. Shes disliked intensely by a large number of the monarchists of this country, Seward told Fox News Digital. They see her as being very damaging to the royal family. And also, I think a lot of people in America feel the same. They dont like that Meghan [reportedly] dissed her husbands family and dissed her own family. Seward also criticised Meghans strained relationship with her own family, particularly her father, Thomas Markle. Its just extraordinary to think that her children have not met their grandfather, she said. I think people in the States find that extremely odd, and [we] find it very odd here. And I think thats a real black mark against Meghans character. Harrys never even met her father, which is extraordinary, she added. There are a lot of difficult emotions [to] get over there. Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich echoed Sewards remarks, stating that many in the UK continue to have an unfavourable view of the Duchess of Sussex. According to People magazine, William and Harry are on separate paths, with no direct contact between them. Sources say Harrys calls and messages to William have gone unanswered. Seward believes William is maintaining distance deliberately. William has taken a firm stance, she said, referencing the couples series of public tell-alls. Harry thinks that William insulted Meghan, she added. I think when you have that kind of animosity, its really hard to [get around it]. I just dont see any kind of reparation. I just dont see it at this moment. Boom. The explosion was still ringing in Ibrahim Abuowdas ears when he saw the schoolyard crowd scatter and looked up to see a limb flying above him. I was wondering, whose arm is that?" the then-13-year-old recalled thinking, before fainting. A man he didnt know tried to carry him to safety but another explosion went off, sending shrapnel into Ibrahims chest and injuring the man. The boy awoke when the man dropped him to the ground. Ibrahims oldest brother then rushed to help. They ducked behind tires and a third explosion went off, this time piercing Ibrahims back with shrapnel. Their mother, Amani Abuowda, was in the school sheltering with her husband and their other children. She raced toward the schoolyard, toward the bombs, toward Ibrahim. Other women in the shelter blocked her path, and locked her in a classroom to keep her from going outside. When the explosions stopped, she said, she couldnt find Ibrahim in the destruction. She walked in a daze to the nearest hospital. Scanning the throngs of injured people, she spotted her son, covered in blood and wearing an oxygen mask. Half of his right arm was gone. His blood pressure had plummeted. The medical staff told her he would not survive. The war in Gaza has taken an especially large toll on children. Gazas health ministry estimates that as of early August, roughly 18,430 children have been killed in the conflict since October 2023about 30% of the now more than 62,000 total deaths. The ministry says 156,230 people in Gaza have been injured, including thousands of amputees, but it hasnt been able to estimate current numbers for children due to challenges on the ground. Unicef says that just two months into the war, about 1,000 children already had one or more of their limbs amputated. With most of Gazas hospitals destroyed or in disarray, some injured or ill children have left on highly publicized evacuation flights to Arab nations. A few of the most severely injured children have been quietly whisked away to America for treatment. Their evacuations are arranged by a loosely connected group of nonprofits and activists pulling strings, calling in favors and navigating the protocols and whims of four governments amid war. But first they have to figure out which children they can help. That process is often by chance: the right person at the right time scrolling through social media and stopping on one story. This week, the possibility of those transfers became more difficult. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday said the U.S. would pause issuing visitor visas for people from Gaza as officials re-evaluate how they are vetted and to ensure people or organizations have no connections to Hamas. The move came after criticism from some conservative lawmakers and commenters. The Israeli military, in response to a request by The Wall Street Journal, said it had struck terrorist infrastructure" near the site where Ibrahim was injured, and that such strikes involve assessing that the expected incidental harm to civilians and civilian property is not excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage of the strike." The video Ibrahims mother knew nothing about the intricacies involved in even one evacuation on the day he lost his arm, in November 2023. She only knew that her son had to live, and his best chance of that was to get out of Gaza. At Kamal Adwan Hospital, the medical staff were surprised that Ibrahim was still alive 24 hours later, his mother said. His arm had been tied up with a rope to stanch his bleeding. Doctors decided to operate on it even though they had run out of anesthesia and blood for transfusions. The boy said he was half-conscious when he felt the surgeons saw cutting through his bone. Ibrahim was far from out of the woods. His arm stump, which ended below the elbow, needed daily dressings, to be kept sterile, and the hospital said the shrapnel lodged throughout his body could be life-threatening. But it could do no more. Abuowda, his mother, made a decision. She left her husband and other children, and helped Ibrahim onto a crowded bus for a 17-mile ride south to another hospital. There, doctors again said Ibrahim would die. He had lost so much blood that he continued to slip in and out of consciousness. Abuowda begged them for attention, but they were flooded with other patients who had better odds of surviving. Abuowda was 37, and before the war, ran a beauty salon while her husband ran a convenience store. They had four sons and three daughters, the youngest then 7. Ibrahim was their spirited and playful fourth child. The mother started stealing gauze and disinfectant to clean her sons wounds herself. She turned to Palestinian journalists outside the hospital, asking them to videotape her picking shrapnel out of Ibrahims body. She thought making a commotion would get the attention of the medical staff. It worked. A hospital manager promised to help and on their 10th day at the hospital, Ibrahim received two units of blood, then another surgery on his arm. Once infected tissue was removed, the stump ended above the elbow. Those days were some of the most difficult for Ibrahim. He would be lost in thought, rocking his body back and forth while sticking his thumb in his mouth, Abuowda said. At one point he begged her to bring him a knife so he could end his life. Such was his guilt over keeping his mother away from the rest of the family. Around the hospital, the bombardments closed in. An explosion hit the room next door to Ibrahim, killing a girl who was supposed to leave Gaza just a few days later. Some of the medical staff began to flee. Emergency medicine doctor Dr. Haytham Ahmed stayed, and so did Ibrahim and his mother. In January 2024, Ahmed borrowed a journalists microphone and recorded a video of Ibrahim speaking from a hospital bed. I cant eat, write or play," he says in Arabic. I wish I could get back to what I was like before." Ahmed felt the boy needed to leave Gaza and hoped that a video might get him the attention of a humanitarian group that could help. Its a chance, not a promise," he told Ibrahims mother. The doctor went up to the fourth floor where there was just enough phone signal to post the video on Instagram. Connections In Amman, Jordan, Maya Haddad, an employee at the American nonprofit Kinder Relief, had been transfixed by the footage out of Gaza. After the war broke out, Haddad had given up her job as a special needs teacher to focus on helping families in Gaza. She quickly became plugged into a network of Palestinian journalists inside Gaza who were in touch with aid workers. She sometimes fielded over 100 messages a day from people in Gaza seeking help. One morning, Haddad received a text from a friend in Paris. It was the video of Ibrahim. Haddad tracked down Abuowdas phone number through a journalist contact, although by the time she got in touch, the mother and Ibrahim had fled the hospital and were sleeping on the street. The first order of business was to find them shelter. They eventually ended up at an American field hospital that had just opened. Haddad and Abuowda soon began speaking about the complicated process of leaving Gaza. Patients with severe enough conditions could request permission from Gazas Ministry of Health to leave; health officials would pass on names to Egypt, which at the time was allowing foreigners and some wounded Palestinians in at the border. Egypt would then pass names onto Israel for consideration. Abuowda and Ibrahim were already trying that process, but Haddad said that she didnt see their names on the lists of approved evacuees. Haddad confirmed with an official contact at Gazas health ministry that it had been submitting both names. The official told Haddad that her database showed Abuowda was rejected at least 15 times by Israel between November 2023 and Feb. 18, 2024. Cogat, the Israeli military unit that coordinates humanitarian aid in the Palestinian territories, didnt respond to requests for comment. U.S. officials say that Israel often bars Palestinians it deems to have some connection to Hamas from leaving. Abuowda said neither she nor her relatives were involved with Hamas. Their escape from Gaza had hit a roadblock, when a message appeared on Abuowdas phone that February: Hello, do I have the mother of Ibrahim? With you is Tareq Hilat from the United States and I work with PCRF." Ibrahim, now 15 years old, rests his head after eating lunch.A page in Ibrahims notebook shows his name, written with his remaining hand, his left. Turned away Hilat, a medical student at the University of South Carolina, had also found Ahmeds video. Between his studies, he had joined Palestine Childrens Relief Fund, an American nonprofit helping evacuate children from Gaza. Before the war, PCRF had facilitated medical evacuations for patients with complicated cases on a regular basis. It was difficult work then but had gotten exponentially harder. Like Kinder, the staff there reviewed dozens of posts of children every day, trying to make contact with their families. Abuowda was encouraged by Hilats energy and optimism. She gave him consent for Ibrahims evacuation and treatment in the U.S. Hilat had already been reaching out to hospitals to see which could take on injured Palestinian children pro bono. In March 2024, he sent Ibrahims medical files to Shriners Hospitals for Children, headquartered in Florida. The group had facilities across the U.S. and specialized in amputation and burns cases. It had a history of accepting kids injured by war, including from Ukraine. In Gaza, Ibrahim was doing a bit better, yet there was so little food that he and his mother sometimes went for days without eating. Every day, Hilat checked the official list of approved evacuees to see if PCRFs children appeared. On March 21, 2024, the list showed Ibrahimbut not his mother. Hilat knew that Egyptian security guards sometimes let mothers of young children through the border crossing even if their names werent on the exit list. He suggested that Abuowda try with Ibrahim the very next day. The two went on foot. An official on the Gaza side waved them through. On the Egyptian side however, the security official refused to let Abuowda pass. In her excitement, she had let slip that they were headed to America. The man then insisted that an official from the U.S. Embassy meet them at the border. They tried the same crossing and failed twice more over the next few weeks. Each time, Ibrahim walked back to the hospital in silence and climbed into his cot, burying his head into the covers. His mother, who didnt have a bed, retreated to her sleeping spot on the ground underneath Ibrahims cot. She heard her sons faint weeping. She wept too. In September, a State Department official reached out to Hilat at PCRF to ask for a list of children it wanted to evacuate. The border crossing with Egypt was now closed, but the U.S. government had worked out an alternative exit route through Israel into Jordan. Hilat chose 10 children with some of the most dire situations among hundreds of names. There was 2-year-old Rahaf Saed, who had lost both of her legs in an explosion that also injured her mother. There was Nasser Abu Draby, 8, who was missing a hand and lost his father and two siblings. There were two brothersAhmed Ayyash, 8, who sustained a major injury to his left leg and Kenan Ayyash, 9, who still had open wounds on his arm. The rest were teenagers. Ibrahim, who had turned 14, made the list. Shriners agreed to take all the children. On Nov. 7, the U.S. told Hilat that only two of the children and their companions had the green light from Israel to leave. The companions of Ibrahim and of seven other children hadnt been approved. Then, on Nov. 21, to Hilats surprise, the U.S. told PCRF that Israel had approved the remaining caseschildren and companionswith no explanation. Amani Abuowda, right, talks with Vivian Khalaf of the Palestine Childrens Relief Fund.Ibrahim prays after dinner. Winter in Chicago Days later, all the families gathered at the European Hospital in southern Gaza to get into a World Health Organization vehicle that would drive them out. Many of them had never been beyond Gazas fences until that day. At a hotel in Amman, PCRF staff led the families to a buffet-style dining room where they were told to help themselves. Abuowda said she and the other mothers began to cry, thinking of their hungry relatives in Gaza. On the flight from Jordan to the U.S., Abuowda prayed again and again for God to protect them. It was their first time flying. They landed in Chicago in December. The freezing weather was a shock to them, as was the snow that covered the ground a few weeks later. Abuowda and Ibrahims first stop was the house of a young American couple who were Egyptian and Syrian, but didnt speak much Arabic. The families used a combination of broken Arabic and English to understand each other. A few days later, a PCRF volunteer took Abuowda and Ibrahim to Shriners Childrens Chicago for the first time. The doctors began running tests on Ibrahim, including a CT scan of his abdomen and pelvic area. They thought the shrapnel was small enough that his body would absorb it over time, so chose not to remove it. In January, the hospital presented Ibrahim with options for a prosthetic arm. One had a metal hook, while another was shaped like a hand. Neither option seemed particularly versatile to the boy, who said he had imagined something more like a bionic arm. He went with the plastic hand and months of physical therapy followed. The weight of the limb and the straps around his back have been hard for Ibrahim to get used to. He has to use his shoulder muscles to pick up a cup. Ibrahim has at times returned to his boisterous self. He was able to enroll in the second half of eighth grade, and is learning English and discovering the joys of using a calculator for math. The highlight of his summer so far was going on the roller coasters at Six Flags. Abuowda is building an online teaching platform for Arabic and religion. But her thoughts frequently turn back to Gaza, where the rest of the family is living in a tent and have to move constantly due to the fighting. The flow of agonizing news is relentless. Her father died in an explosion in Gaza. More recently, her son Mohammed was caught in an explosion when he was out looking for food; shrapnel flew into his head, killing him quickly. Another son, Muath, has made it to Egypt, where he is trying to get medical treatment for his injury. Abuowda says her eldest son was detained late last year and is on a list of Palestinians at Ofer prison, an Israeli facility in the occupied West Bank. Her girls depend on their father now. We miss you so much. You can yell at us, just come back soon," they keep saying. The youngest is now 8. Abuowda and Ibrahims visitor visas allow them to stay in the U.S. up to five years, but they are heading to Egypt soon, so they can at least reunite with Abuowdas son there. What they really want is to go back home, to Gaza. But it feels out of reach for now, perhaps more improbable than their journey out. Write to Chao Deng at chao.deng@wsj.com EIGHT YEARS ago Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi was on centre stage. Donald Trump gave the Egyptian dictator a warm welcome at the White House in April 2017. A few weeks later, when Mr Trump visited Riyadh, the Saudis invited Mr Sisi to join. The former general, who seized power in a coup in 2013, took pride of place alongside the American president and the Saudi king at the launch of a counter-terrorism centre. Yet no one bothered to summon him when Mr Trump returned to Riyadh this May. Gulf rulers were keen to talk to the American president about their vision for the Middle East, and Mr Sisi did not fit into those plans. Instead he flew to Baghdad for a desultory Arab League summit, where he was one of only five heads of state to attend (most members of the 22-country club sent mere ministers). Read all our coverage of the war in the Middle East This is a moment of transition in the Middle East. Iran is weakened. New governments in Syria and Lebanon want to keep it that way. Gulf monarchs are keen on detente with both Iran and Turkey, their regional rivals. Mr Trump talks hopefully of a bright new day", a Middle East focused on commerce rather than conflict. The region is a rough place for optimists: this moment may not last. Whether or not it does, it shows how the Middle East has already changed. Rich and seemingly stable, the Gulf states are at the hub of things, while some countries that were once influential are now just onlookers. At the top of that list is Egypt, and Mr Sisi has himself to blame. He has wrecked the Egyptian economy, running up unsustainable public debts (around 90% of GDP) to pay for vanity projects and refusing the common-sense reforms that might boost a stagnant private sector. That has left Egypt reliant on bail-outs. It has received at least $45bn in aid from Gulf states since 2013, according to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, a think-tank. It is also the IMFs third-biggest debtor. But now it has competition. Lebanon will need at least $7bn to rebuild after last years war with Israel. Syria will need many times more. At least for now, both countries seem a better investment than Egypt. Their governments are promising serious economic and political reform. Syrias interim government wants to privatise state-run firms and woo foreign investors. Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese president, wants to disarm Hizbullah, a powerful Iranian-backed militia. Aid to those countries might help them achieve those goals; aid to Egypt merely buys time until its next financial crisis. Iraq finds itself sidelined too. Iran has lost its closest state ally (the Assad regime in Syria) and its strongest proxy militia (Hizbullah). That leaves it desperate to preserve its influence in Iraq, where it supports an array of armed groups. Some officials in the Gulf describe Iraq as a lost cause: the militias are too strong and too interwoven with the state to be uprooted. Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syrias new president, could not even attend the Arab League summit in Baghdad because of threats from pro-Iranian militias. No matter: he flew to Riyadh instead, where he met Mr Trump and secured a promise that America would lift its sanctions. The Saudis are keen to support Mr Sharaa in part because a strong Syria would be a bulwark against Iranian influence. Syria used to help balance Iraq," muses one Saudi official, referring to a time when the Assad regime was a rival of Saddam Husseins dictatorship in Iraq. Maybe it can play that role again," this time with Iran. The stateless Palestinians have been at the heart of Arab affairs since 1948. But there is reason to think that they too are losing their centrality. Mahmoud Abbas, the eternal Palestinian president, has done nothing to clean up his corrupt administration in the occupied West Bank. Hamas offers an even bleaker model in Gaza: it has let Israel destroy the enclave rather than cede power. Arab leaders still pay lip service to the Palestinian cause. In practice, though, they are trying to diminish its influence. Mr Aoun wants to disarm the Palestinian militias in Lebanons refugee camps (and some members of Hizbullah have signalled their assent). The new Syrian government has pledged to do the same. There is serious talk in both countries about peace with Israel: not full normalisation, but at least an end to decades of conflict. All of this makes for a remarkable turnabout. A year ago Lebanon and Syria seemed like lost causes as well. The former was dominated by Hizbullah and at war with Israel; its economy was still reeling from a financial crisis that shrank its GDP by 40%. The latter was a narco-state still in the grips of a resilient-looking Assad regime. Now Gulf states and America see them as the heart of a more prosperous Middle East. To stay that way, their governments will have to deliver results. After all, many of Mr Sisis Arab allies had high hopes for him too a decade ago. Those hopes were dashed. For decades, the Middle East was divided along ideological lines. Perhaps now the split is between governments that can meet their promises and those that cannot. Sign up to the Middle East Dispatch, a weekly newsletter that keeps you in the loop on a fascinating, complex and consequential part of the world. Ashutosh Singh has enjoyed a dizzying surge in popularity over the past few months. What changed? The 36-year-old banker got a permit to enter the first bars in the western Indian state of Gujarat. Singh receives about 15 to 20 calls a week, often from strangers, begging to tag along for a drinka novel experience in a state that has mostly prohibited alcohol for over six decades. Sometimes I feel like Captain America," Singh said. Its noble work." Executives doing business in India are used to labyrinthine red tape and mounds of paperwork. Those bureaucratic hurdles extend to grabbing a beer after work. In some parts of the country, where religious and cultural norms still frown upon alcohol, tipplers go to Herculean lengths to secure a cocktail. The state of Gujarat, birthplace of noted teetotalers like Mahatma Gandhi, launched a bold experiment last year: allow bars to open in a special economic zone known as Gift City, which has attracted international firms like Google, Oracle and Bank of America. The goal was to boost the areas appeal to foreign investors. The state of Gujarat allowed bars in a special economic zone known as Gift City to boost the areas appeal to foreign investors.Gift City has attracted international firms like Google, Oracle and Bank of America. Only two watering holes have opened. Both are inside five-star hotels, and are rarely even half-full. Would-be revelers gripe that their doors are guarded more closely than a maximum-security prison. The first hurdle is the permit: Only those working in Gift City can apply, and many are rejected by their employers or local officials who judge them too low-ranking to wine and dine clients. About 700 permits have been issued, said a local official. Singh, the banker, has elite status allowing him to bring five guests. I tried to keep the news secure, but its like wildfire," he said. Dozens have requested a ride-along, many claiming to be a friend of a friend, a casual acquaintance or a co-worker. Singh chaperones tipplers several times a month. Its my duty to bring them," he said. Youre showing off something that people want." Ashutosh Singh has a much coveted bar permit. Gujarats teetotaling tradition is a legacy of Gandhi, a staunch believer in temperance, but also reflects Indias complex history with alcohol. According to the constitution, Indias ultimate destiny is total prohibition except for medicinal purposes." But taxing alcohol is a huge source of revenue for many states. States and cities have splintered in their approach to alcohol consumption. Four states including Gujarat and Bihar are dry. In the financial hub of Mumbai, people are required to apply for a license to keep a small quantity of liquor at home, a holdover from the citys days as a colonial port where Britain exercised an iron grip on some everyday essentials. Those willing to navigate loopholes can often find a way. Raj Malholtra, an IT consultant from Ahmedabad, has a health permit issued to residents over 40 who can prove they require alcohol to treat a medical condition. The 42-year-old collected medical records documenting his hypertension, heart problems and trouble sleeping. His doctor provided a report confirming alcohol was necessary to relieve stress. Malholtra said the nearly yearlong process was worth it. His permit allows him to buy two units of alcohol a month. One unit equates to a bottle of hard liquor, three bottles of wine, or 20 bottles of beer. Dozens of friends have also obtained health permits. Those who are rejected often try again after switching doctors and developing new health problems. It makes life so much easier," he said. Foreigners or Indians living outside of Gujarat can obtain a temporary permit that lasts for 30 days, or up to one unit of alcohol. Online, people lambaste the process as archaic," designed by a cretin," and requiring more paperwork than buying a house. Its just completely crazy, crazy rules," said Aleena Musthafa, a personal assistant from the city of Kochi on her first business trip to Ahmedabad. The 22-year-old spent a quarter of the four-day stay trying to buy alcohol legally for her boss, who owns a factory. The saga began at their first hotel, when they spent hours applying for a permit in his name. A hard-won bottle of whiskey was nearly confiscated after they switched hotels because her boss forgot the permit. They raced back to retrieve it. After finishing the whiskey, he ordered Musthafa, who doesnt drink, to submit a permit application under her name. The five-hour ordeal involved three trips to her room, multiple glitches on the government website, and several arguments with the liquor store staff. It was so hard," she said. For a small beer can, I need to suffer so much." In Gift City, one bar is tucked away near the hotel pool like a modern-day speakeasy. The door, hung with a small plaque that says Wine & Dine," is barricaded with red rope. Tightly drawn curtains prevent passersby from peeking inside. A security guard scrutinizes permits and IDs and records them in a logbook. The government prohibits the hotel from advertising the bar, informing guests it exists, or putting up signs giving directions. Its a pain for us," Vijit Sarna, a hotel manager. Were losing money." Patrons are kicked out by 11 p.m., a curfew enforced through CCTV cameras that beam a livestream into the local police station. None of the cops who monitor the bar have ever stepped foot inside. Write to Shan Li at shan.li@wsj.com President Trump on Monday urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet face to face at a peace conference he would convene in a long shot bid to end the 3-year-long war in Ukraine. The plan represents a bold and potentially risky maneuver by Trump to move toward settling the bloody war without achieving a cease-fire first and with Kyiv and Moscow still seemingly far apart on the terms of a final deal. Trump touted the idea for the peace conference during an Oval Office meeting with Zelensky and in talks with European leaders who joined the Ukrainian president at the White House on Monday. He said he would put the idea directly to Putin in a call, and paused his meeting with the leaders to do so, according to European officials. The White House didnt respond to a request for comment. A key issue for Kyiv and their European allies is whether the U.S. is willing to extend security commitments to Ukraine as part of a settlement. Trump said that the U.S. would be involved in a potential European effort to deploy peacekeepers, but didnt specify what the American role might be. The proposal for a three-way summit came three days after Trump failed to persuade Putin to back a cease-fire at a summit meeting in Alaska and shelved his vow to impose economic sanctions on Moscow, the latest zigzag by Trump in his quest to end the conflict. Only hours after insisting in a social-media post it was up to Zelensky to end the war, Trump praised the Ukrainian leader during remarks before their private meeting, a far different than their February Oval Office meeting when Trump and Vice President JD Vance excoriated Zelensky. This gentleman wants it to end, and Vladimir Putin wants it to end," Trump said with Zelensky at his side. Were going to get it ended." It was unclear what concrete proposals the White House might suggest to bridge the differences between Moscow and Kyiv if a three-way meeting is convened and what role the U.S. would play to help European nations secure the peace. As part of a discussion of possible territorial concessions, Trump and Zelensky reviewed a U.S.-prepared map of eastern Ukraine showing the percentage of Ukrainian territory held by Russia. Donetsk, which Russia wants Ukraine troops to leave under its negotiating proposal and contains some of Ukraines most robust defenses, was shown as 76% held by Russian forces. Mark Rutte, the secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, said that the U.S. pledge to help a European peacekeeping effort was a breakthrough." But Trump stopped sort of publicly promising to put U.S. boots on the ground in Ukraine while vowing some form of American support to European nations that deploy a so-called reassurance force" there if a peace agreement is reached. What territory Ukraine might be asked to give up was unclear, along with whether Kyiv would be asked to accept the de facto partition of its territory or Russias legal sovereignty over areas Moscow claims to have annexed. Ukraines Constitution forbids trading land, Zelensky said in Brussels on Sunday, and such a matter could only be discussed in the talks between Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. Despite the harmony of Mondays meetings, Trump and some European leaders differ over the urgency of a cease-fire. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron proposed in their remarks that a halt in the fighting be put in place before the prospective three-way summit. The point of such a cease-fire would be to prevent Russia from playing for time and trying to gain more ground in Ukraine while the leaders talk. But Trump insisted no cease-fire was necessary to reach a deal, adding that it would be clear within one or two weeksor perhaps soonerwhether the gambit will go forward. Zelenksy approved the idea, saying we are ready" for a trilateral meeting. But the Kremlin said earlier this month that Putin would only meet with Zelensky when the appropriate distance is overcome." The Russian leader has long insisted that no settlement can be agreed without addressing what he calls the root causes" of the conflict, his shorthand for Ukraines drift toward the West and NATOs role in central Europe. Zelensky is likely to face White House pressure to make concessions. After meeting with Putin, Trump wrote in a social media message that Zelensky would never regain Crimea, which Russia annexed after its initial invasion in 2014. On Friday, Trump urged Ukraine in a Fox News interview to compromise with Putin because Russias a very big power, and they are not." The day began with Zelenskys meeting with Trump and Vance in the Oval Office. Vance, unlike in their February encounter, didnt chime in when the press was present. Zelensky has worked hard to repair his relationship with the White House since then, and this time, the leaders appeared at pains to turn the page. Trump noted that Zelensky had traded his signature military attire for a black suit jacket and button-down shirt. Trump looked him up and down approvingly, shook his hand and both men grinned. We love them," Trump said when asked for his message to the Ukrainian people. Zelensky thanked Trump and the U.S. eight times in his opening remarks, after being accused on his last White House visit of failing to sufficiently show appreciation for U.S. assistance. Trump, who on Friday labeled Zelensky, a dictator," repeatedly addressed him Monday as president." For many Ukrainians, Mondays meetings started off as an uphill struggle. Before his Alaska summit with Putin on Friday, Trump said there would be very severe consequences" if Putin didnt agree to end the war and vowed to press for a cease-fire. But Trump has put aside the talk of imposing tougher sanctions despite Russias refusal to agree to a fighting moratorium Trump also must navigate some hazards as he pursues a peace deal. His political base is deeply suspicious of getting the U.S. involved in foreign conflicts, and he came to power with an isolationist message. Trumps former top adviser, Steve Bannon, offered a taste of where Trumps base might go. These DEMON EU LEADERS coming to the White House want us funding a forever war. Fighting to the last Ukrainian," Bannon posted on X. Sending 60-year-olds as cannon fodder while their kids dodge the draft. And they still want our boys and girls? NO! MAGA WILL NOT CAVE!" Write to Michael R. Gordon at michael.gordon@wsj.com and Annie Linskey at annie.linskey@wsj.com Elite combat troops shred their physiques to look like Hollywood hunks. In the Arctic, that can kill you. The cold eats away at soldiers, who lose on average 3,000 calories a day while on exercises in the Arctic Circleeven while eating full rations and before they have taken part in any strenuous activity. The modern soldier goes to the gym, likes to look lean with washboard abs, so they dont have any fat on their muscles," said Swedish Army Sgt. Maj. Fredrik Flink, who leads winter-warfare courses for U.S. Marines and other forces in northern Sweden. After three days here, they are really worn down. That is the biggest problem we have," he said. Basic things arent sexy nowadays." U.S. and other North Atlantic Treaty Organization troops are flocking to the European Arctic, where international tensions are simmering. Militaries havent clashed in the high north in generations, and defense planners are puzzling through what war there would look like. It is ugly. We are writing the book as it happens, based on almost zero experience," said Troy Bouffard, director of the Center for Arctic Security and Resilience at the University of Alaska. This is a very strange set of circumstances." The war in Ukraine has given the world a glimpse of future armed conflict. The Arctic is different. In Ukraine, killer drones swarm the skies and dominate the front line. In the Arctic, fuels freeze and batteries die suddenly. Drones in the high north run on jet fuel or diesel, and are equipped with deicing systems and robust propulsion to withstand Arctic winds. As a result, they are usually so large they need a trailer or a runway to launch. Ships and aircraft require special lubricants and hardened exteriors. The ice provides cover for submarines but also poses operational challenges for navigation and communication. It is an area where Russia, with stealthy, ice-breaking submarines with long-range missile capabilities, has an advantage. The northern lightsa stunning natural phenomenon and Instagrammable tourist attractioninterfere with radio signals, as charged particles from the sun interact with Earths magnetic field and atmosphere. Defending the high north relies largely on old-school methods: infantry in white uniforms, on skis and snowmobiles. Technology is picking up, and were all learning quicker, but still, if you wanna hold ground, and if you wanna defend ground, you will rely on boots on the ground and your overwhites," said Swedish Army Chief Maj. Gen. Jonny Lindfors. One of the greatest challenges is also the most basic: how to sustain troops in the harsh Arctic climate for weeks at a time. As a young sergeant, Vegard Flom once led a reconnaissance patrol on exercise in northern Norway. Temperatures in March fluctuated from just above freezing during the day to well below at night. He went to bed one night, socks soaked from the marshes, and woke up to find them frozen. He still feels the effects of frostbite nearly three decades later. Even in the blazing summer sun, his feet are always cold. I view myself as a cold-weather warrior," said Flom, who is now a colonel in the Norwegian Army and leads the NATO Centre of ExcellenceCold Weather Operations. Throughout the years, I have found that I can master some of it, but not all of it." No one can predict how the cold will hit them until they are in it. Flink, the Swedish instructor, once led soldiers through a lone wolf" exercise, teaching them to camp alone in subzero temperatures. One night, he approached a soldier who was walking in circles, stomping his feet, saying it was too cold to light a fire. He had forgotten how to use his army-issued, three-layer Swedish sleeping bags, two of which were still in his rucksack. We call it cold shock," Flink said. They are not receptive to information." Military experts and commanders believe Russia is unlikely to attack a NATO country while embroiled in the war in Ukraine, or in its immediate aftermath. Moscow, however, could be ready to attack a NATO country within five years, according to the alliances Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Because Russia dominates the Arctic, the West can use the region to deter Russian aggression by implicitly threatening its interests, such as shipping lanes and infrastructure, said Bryan Clark, director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute in Washington. Theres an asymmetry there the West can take advantage of," he said. The Arctic has rarely seen combat. Western troops supported anti-Bolshevik forces against the Red Army in the Northern Front of the Russian Civil War from 1918. Finland fought the brutal Winter War with the Soviet Union for approximately 100 days beginning in late 1939. Arctic Norway and Finland were the scene of a three-week Soviet operation to drive German troops out in 1944. After Nazi Germany invaded the northern Norwegian port of Narvik in 1940, British, French and Polish troops intervened in support of the Norwegians. Even the French legionnairesconsidered some of the worlds toughest soldiersstruggled in the cold. Today, most of NATOs Arctic territory is in North America, but its land borders with Russia are in Northern Europe. Sweden and Finland, in particular, have spent decades training for potential conflict with Russia. The West is worried that Moscow could use the Arctic to launch an incursion into the Baltic region or Finland. It could attempt a limited land grab of the eastern Estonian border city of Narva, the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, or the Swedish Baltic Sea island of Gotland, said Lindfors. A larger-scale campaign could seize a swath of territory known as the Cap of the North, comprising northernmost Norway, Sweden and Finland, allowing Russia to dominate the northern seaway. In the event of a Russian offensive, Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish troops would likely be backfilled by NATO forces flowing into the Arctic, including Americans based in Germany and Poland. Key to NATOs war efforts will be Norways Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol, an elite force trained to operate deep behind enemy lines in units of half a dozen soldiers. They dig snowcaves large enough to conceal snowmobiles and skin reindeer to cook over an open fire. During a recent 100-day exercise, the units soldiers traveled over 1,500 miles and resupplied only once, one of its members said. Nordic instructors teach NATO allies, including U.S. Marines, how to camp in the snow and hide without the cover of trees. They show them how to slaughter reindeer, catch fish to eat raw and adjust themselves to constant daylight in the summer, which can rob soldiers of sleep and a sense of time. Newcomers to the Arctic need about a month to overcome the initial shock and to thrive in the cold, said Brig. Terje Bruygard, commander of Norways Brigade North, a 4,500-strong unit based north of the Arctic Circle. The trick to coping with the cold, he said, is to accept you cant fight it. A dozen U.S. Marines were once medevaced back to the U.S. from training in northern Norway, after their commander told them to toughen up, Marines." They suffered frostbite so severe that they required surgical attention, Bruygard remembered. A cold injury requires you to change what youre doing, he said. If you toughen up, you will have a second or third degree injury. You can lose your flesh, you can die." Bruygard speaks from experience. At 24, he fell through the ice on a small lake during an exercise. His training kicked in. He fluttered his legs and tried to drag himself up, but repeatedly slipped back into the cold water. In a final attempt before his strength sapped, he clawed his nails into the ice and pulled himself up. He crawled away on all fours to avoid breaking through the ice again. By the time he returned to his platoon, his weapon and equipment had frozen to his body. He passed out and woke up in his sleeping bag, undressed by his conscripts, who had put him in a sleeping bag and lit a fire. Not everyone survives a cold brush with death. A Norwegian battle tank capsized during an exercise years later and crashed through the ice, killing two soldiers. Write to Sune Engel Rasmussen at sune.rasmussen@wsj.com I CANT BELIEVE it," said Donald Trump, Americas president, as he greeted Volodymyr Zelensky, his Ukrainian counterpart, outside the White House on August 18th. I love it." Mr Trump was referring to Mr Zelenskys decision to bow to American pressure and wear a suit-like garment to the meeting, an issue that had contributed to an acrimonious blow-up in the Oval Office in February. It was a promising start to a pivotal summit, with a clutch of European leaders waiting in the wings to join the talks. The meeting in Washington was the result of another summit, between Mr Trump and Vladimir Putin, Russias president, in Alaska last week. That meeting yielded what Mr Putin vaguely called understandings", with America giving up its demand for an upfront ceasefire in favour of a broader peace deal that would reportedly require Ukraine to hand over unoccupied territory in exchange for Russian promises to stop the war. An on-camera discussion between Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky in the Oval Office shed little light on the details of the deal on the table. But the mood between the two men was surprisingly positive. Mr Zelensky handed Mr Trump a letter from his wife, Olena Zelenska, to Melania Trump, the first lady, who last week had written to Mr Putin about the plight of children caught up in the war. Mr Zelensky traded jokes with the American journalist who had provoked the row over his outfit in February and teased Mr Trump that he, too, might like to suspend national elections. It was a far cry from the last meeting between the two men, which had ended with Mr Zelensky being booted out of the White House. The conversation was very good", said Mr Zelensky, this time, as Mr Trump nodded in assent. On substantive matters, both men deflected the hard questions, at least in public. Mr Trump said that he had indirectly spoken to Mr Putin prior to the meeting and that he would call the Russian president afterwards to arrange a trilateral meetingone that Mr Zelensky said he would welcome. Mr Trump explained why he had changed his mind on the question of a ceasefire, which he said was no longer needed: it could disadvantage" one side, he suggested. Were not talking about a two-year peace, and then we end up in this mess again. Were going to make sure that everythings good." In his later meeting with European leaders, Mr Trump acknowledged that leaders would need to discusspossible exchanges of territory." But that seemed to stop well short of dictating such swaps, as has been feared. Perhaps the most important signal from the meeting was Mr Trumps apparent openness to security guarantees for Ukraine. Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps envoy, who was also present in the Oval Office meeting, had suggested a day earlier that America was open to Article Five-like" guarantees and that Russia had accepted this idea. It is not clear what that would mean in practice. Mr Trump said Ukraine would have a lot of help" as part of any deal. European forces would be the first line of defence", he said, perhaps alluding to British-French-led plans for a military deployment in Ukraine, but were going to help them out, well be involved." Mr Zelensky, having learnt from the acrimony earlier in the year, was fulsome in his praise of Mr Trump, avoiding any hint of disagreement. But in practice, he faces a difficult task. The notion of Ukraine voluntarily giving up the heavily fortified western sections of the Donbas, a region in the south-east of Ukraine, is anathema to a vast majority of Ukrainians. As well as worsening Ukraines military position, it could also destabilise the country politically. Mr Zelensky said that he had shown Mr Trump a lot of details on the battlefield" on a map in the Oval Office. In contrast, Ukrainian officials are more open to the idea of a freeze. The baseline is stopping at the line of conflict," says a senior Ukrainian official. There is confidence that a short term deal is within reach, but many doubts over how long it will last. We will be in conflict with each other for a while, thats for sure," says the official. Hundreds of years of shared history tell us that." After Mr Trumps meeting with Mr Zelensky concluded, the two men walked out with no evidence of any disagreement in the Oval Office once the cameras had left. They were then joined by Mark Rutte, Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, Friedrich Merz, Sir Keir Starmer, Alexander Stubb and Ursula von der Leyen, the leaders of NATO, France, Italy, Germany, Britain, Finland and the European Commission respectivelya significant show of diplomatic muscle designed to buttress Mr Zelenskys position and shape Mr Trumps thinking. Mr Trump lavished praise on each ally in turn. Negotiations over the exact nature of a security guarantee to Ukraine are expected to last for hours. But the prospect of an extraordinary meeting involving Mr Trump, Mr Putin and the man the Russian has sought to overthrow and kill, Mr Zelensky, could be drawing closer. MUMBAI : India has moved closer to shielding its steelmakers from cheap imports, with the Commerce Ministrys trade remedies arm recommending anti-dumping duties on certain Vietnamese steel products. The move, if enforced, is set to boost giants like Tata Steel, JSW Steel, and Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL). Last week, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) proposed a duty of $121.5 per ton of hot-rolled flat products of alloy or non-alloy steel from Vietnam. Once notified by the Centre, the duty will stay in effect for five years. Hot-rolled coil (HRC) flats are key inputs for welded pipes and tubes, automobiles, and construction. With the tariff in place, Vietnamese steel will turn costlier than finished steel from Indian producers. Indias imports of HRC have more than doubled in just two years, rising from 1.87 million tonnes in FY23 to 3.55 million tonnes in FY24, and further to 4.07 million tonnes in FY25, according to Big Mint, a market intelligence firm. The anti-dumping duty addresses the immediate challenge of cheap steel imports, stabilising domestic prices and supporting capacity utilisation," said an executive at one of Indias largest steel mills, who did not want to be named. In the long term, it encourages domestic investment, strengthens the value chain, and supports Indias self-reliance in steel." Supplydemand equation Apart from Vietnam, Indias biggest steel suppliers include South Korea, Japan, and China. India produced 146.56 million tonnes of finished steel in FY25, of which 54.12 million tonnes was HRC. Consumption outpaced production at 152 million tonnes of finished steel, including 56.90 million tonnes of HRC, according to Big Mint. According to industry experts, Indias current steel production closely matches its total consumption, indicating a market primarily focused on meeting domestic demand. The country mainly relies on imports from South Korea and Japan for certain specialised steel grades that are not produced locally. For grades where domestic capacity exists, India has implemented protectionist measures such as safeguard and anti-dumping duties to support its producers. Vietnamese HRC imports made up 11% of Indias HRC inflows last year, falling to 0.45 million tonnes (mt) in FY25 from 0.62 mt in FY24, according to Big Mint. Pattern of crackdowns This isnt Indias first action. Similar tariffs exist on seamless tubes and pipes and stainless steel pipes and tubes imported from China, electro-galvanised steel from Korea, Japan and Singapore, and welded stainless steel pipes and tubes from Vietnam and Thailand, according to a submission made by H. D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of Steel, in the Rajya Sabha on 12 August. DGTR noted that dumped imports hurt profitability and returns of Indian mills. There is also a threat of further aggravated injuryif anti-dumping duty is not imposed," said DGTR in a report. Price pressure remains However, while imports fell after the expiry of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for Vietnamese mills, the lower prices continue to pressure domestic steel prices. Hence, the duty imposition will have a significant impact in the coming years. In a post-earnings interview with Mint, JSW Steel CEO Jayant Archarya explained that import prices continue to influence the domestic market regardless of volumes. According to Big Mint CEO Dhruv Goel, the short-term impact will be minimal, but the move could be significant over time. Vietnam is emerging as a major steel producer and can easily export to India, especially under the ASEAN free trade agreement," said Goel. In simple words, with the duty in place, countries with Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that earlier exported steel to India at little or no duty, making it cheaper, will no longer be able to do so. However, since the anti-dumping duty is imports from certain companies in Vietnam and not on the country itself, it will not raise questions on India's FTA, said Goel, adding that DGTR has clear evidence to prove how the imports have hurt the domestic players. SAIL welcomed the move, saying imports of carbon steel flat products from Vietnam had surged manifolds in the last few years". This is not only impacting domestic steel producers in the short term by taking away market share, but is also negatively impacting the long-term visibility and growth prospects for the domestic steel industry, which requires huge investments for its steelmaking infrastructure," said a company spokesperson. If corrective measures are not taken, this trend shall seriously impair the required growth of the domestic industry for meeting the growing national steel requirements. While the present duty on Vietnam shall in the short term help arrest the surge in imports, it will also convey the message to the world that India is ready and able to take appropriate measures wherever required to protect its economy," it added. JSW Steel, Tata Steel, Jindal Steel Limited, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India did respond to Mints queries. Also Read | Commerce Ministry recommends safeguard duty on flat steel imports for 3 years Earlier, JSW's Acharya had also flagged risks from such trade routes. During the analyst call for the last quarter of FY25, Acharya said the company remains watchful of imports from countries like Vietnam, Japan and Korea, which have an FTA agreement with us (India), continue to pose risk". The DGTR had started an investigation last year on the concerning imports from Vietnam after the Indian Steel Association had applied on behalf of domestic producers, like JSW Steel and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Limited, for the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation. Mumbai: Hiring across Indias leading private sector banks fell to its lowest in at least three years in FY25 due to a decline in attrition and a major shift to digital banking, showed a Mint analysis of latest annual reports. Hiring is likely to stay subdued in the current fiscal year as well. The analysis covered HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Federal Bank, IndusInd Bank, and Yes Bank. These banks added a total of 131,471 employees in FY25, reflecting a 32.3% decline from 194,213 in FY24 and a 15.8% decline from 156,140 in FY23. Experts said branch operations now require fewer people due to wider adoption of digital channels, while much of the hiring done during covid has been absorbed. At the same time, banks have been building internal talent pipelines, prioritising promotions and in-house programs over lateral recruitment. New roles are largely concentrated in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and wealth management, they added. At any branch, walk-ins have reduced, and banks are able to deliver the same quality with fewer people. Customers are using alternate channels like phone banking and net banking," said Upasana Agarwal, practice head and partner at ABC Consultants, an executive search and talent advisory firm. Hiring at the largest private lender HDFC Bank declined by 44% year-on-year to 49,713 in FY25. Similarly, Axis Banks hiring fell by 22%, from 40,724 in FY24 to 31,674 in FY25. The data pertaining to fresh recruitment has been available since FY23. Before this, net additions, after accounting for exits, are available for most banks, making the data patchy. Veinu Nehru Dutta, senior managing partner at executive search firm FyneHand Consultants, said banks have a lot of internal talent, and several lenders prefer to give them a chance rather than go for lateral or external hiring. She added that expansion is also limited, with only a handful of new branches being opened, which means fewer roles on the ground. In FY25, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank reported attrition rates of 18%, 22.6%, and 25.5%, respectively. Their comparative attrition rates in FY24 were 24.50%, 26.90%, and 28.80%, respectively. Attrition rate is the number of employees who left during the year, expressed as a percentage of average number of employees during a particular year. IndusInd Bank said it has taken several key initiatives during the last two financial years to help bring down its attrition level from 50.9% in FY23 to 29% in FY25. These initiatives include succession planning at the senior levels and enhancing behavioural skills and competencies in areas of leadership, managerial and interpersonal effectiveness, according to the bank's spokesperson. The bank's hiring was largely flat in FY25. While emails sent to HDFC Bank, Yes Bank and ICICI Bank remain unanswered, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Federal Bank, and Axis Bank said their spokesperson were not immediately available for a comment. Lull in hiring to continue Mint reported in April that leading private sector banks expect the moderation in attrition seen in FY24 to continue into FY25. This could also translate into slower hiring this year as fewer roles open up for new recruits. The trend is being driven by a weak entry-level job market, a greater focus on developing internal talent, and a shift by some lenders towards contractual staff instead of permanent hires. Bankers had then said lenders hired in excess after the pandemic and underestimated the growth of digital services. This led to an increase in attrition in FY22 and FY23 as people quit banks in hordes to join insurance, e-commerce and logistics firms in customer-facing roles like sales and services. Thereafter, though, the outflow has slowed. Agarwal of ABC Consultants said banks are likely to be careful in hiring in FY26. I will not say it will slow down 100%, but it will be fairly cautious. It could be spread throughout the year with quarterly revision." Also Read | Search firms find you jobs. Now their CXOs are jumping jobs too She added that multiple factors could weigh on recruitment including global market conditions, technology shifts and changing consumer demand patterns. It is very stagnant, it is not really going to go up in numbers," agreed Dutta. Hiring will be high in segments like non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and housing finance companies. From a regulatory perspective, they (banks) are very particular about all key managerial personnel (KMP) hiring relevant experience, compensation, bonus, employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). So, I think that is going to be keeping a check on how they are hiring, who they are hiring," Dutta added. Gem Aromatics initial public offering (IPO) is all set to open for subscription today, Tuesday, August 19. The mainboard IPO will remain open for bidding till Thursday, August 21. On August 18, the Mumbai-based essential oil manufacturer raised 135.37 crore from anchor investors ahead of IPO opening. Gem Aromatics has allotted 41,65,383 equity shares over 41 lakh shares with a face value of 2 each to anchor investors at a price of 325 per share, the company disclosed in a BSE filing. Leading participants in the anchor round ahead of the IPO included Citigroup Global, Societe Generale, Goldman Sachs, Nippon India, SageOne, Nuvama, and Niveshaay Sambhav Fund. Established in October 1997, Gem Aromatics Limited has over 20 years of expertise in producing specialty ingredients in India, including essential oils, aroma compounds, and value-added derivatives. Its diverse product portfolio spans from Mother Ingredients to advanced Value-Added Derivatives. Gem Aromatics IPO subscription status During the Gem Aromatics IPO dates, bidders can apply from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On the second day of bidding, the Gem Aromatics IPO was subscribed over 2.90 times, as of 5 pm. The retail portion has received subscription 3.19 times, meanwhile, non-institutional investors (NIIs) portion has been booked 3.95 times. QIB segment received 1.54 times subscription. Gem Aromatics IPO Review Brokerage firm Swastika Investmart has given subscribe - May Apply for listing gain and Long term rating to the Gem Aromatics IPO. The company specializes in manufacturing aroma chemicals, specialty ingredients, and value-added derivatives. It has demonstrated consistent growth in both revenue and profitability over the reported periods. Strong customer relationships and repeat business support its operations. Valuations appear to be on the higher side based on recent financials. Agressive investors may consider allocating limited funds with a long-term perspective and Listing gain," it said. Meanwhile, Canara Bank Securities, while giving subscribe rating said, The company has established itself in a niche domain and has cracked mint and mint derivatives category with an aspiration to move to other categories. The issue is fairly priced at 29X PE and 5X PB as compared to 99X PE and 5X PB average of its listed peers. However, pending litigations on the key manufacturing facility in Budaun remains a concern. We recommend SUBSCRIBE the issue for investors with high-risk appetite. Gem Aromatics IPO details Gem Aromatics IPO, valued at 451.25 crore, is a book-built issue comprising two components a fresh issue of 0.54 crore shares worth 175.00 crore and an offer for sale of 0.85 crore shares amounting to 276.25 crore. The price band for the IPO has been fixed between 309 and 325 per share. The application lot size is set at 46 shares. Based on the lot size and price band, the minimum retail investment amounts to 14,214 (46 shares). For small NIIs, the requirement is 14 lots (644 shares) valued at 2,09,300, while for large NIIs, it is 67 lots (3,082 shares) worth 10,01,650. The Gem Aromatics IPO is scheduled to be listed on both the BSE and NSE, with a tentative listing date of August 26, 2025. Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Ltd. is acting as the book-running lead manager, and Kfin Technologies Ltd. has been appointed as the registrar for the issue. Financially, Gem Aromatics Ltd. reported an 11% growth in revenue and a 7% increase in net profit for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, compared with the year ended March 31, 2024. Gem Aromatics IPO GMP The grey market premium (GMP) for Gem Aromatics IPO stands at +26, suggesting that its shares were trading at a premium of 26 in the grey market, as per investorgain.com. Based on the upper end of the IPO price band and the prevailing GMP, the estimated listing price is projected at 351 per share, which is about 8 per cent higher than the IPO price of 325. Over the past 12 sessions, grey market trends have shown steady momentum, and todays GMP points towards a strong listing. Experts noted that the GMP ranged between a minimum of 0.00 and a maximum of 41 during this period. 'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price. Regaal Resources IPO listing date has been scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday, August 20). Regaal Resources IPO allotment was finalised yesterday (Monday, August 18). For those who have been allocated shares, the crediting of shares to demat accounts will occur today, Tuesday, August 19. The process of refunding those who have not yet received their shares will likewise be finished today. The maize-based speciality product manufacturer company launched its IPO for subscription from Tuesday, August 12 to Thursday, August 14. By the conclusion of the bidding period, the offering received a healthy response, particularly from non-institutional investors (NIIs) who subscribed 356.73 times, followed by qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) at 190.97 times. Retail investors showed a subscription rate of 57.75 times. Notably, on the third day of the IPO, the Regaal Resources IPO subscription status stood at 159.88 times, as reported by the NSE. Regaal Resources IPO reserved not more than 50% of the shares in the public issue for qualified institutional buyers (QIB), not less than 15% for non-institutional Institutional Investors (NII), and not less than 35% of the offer is reserved for retail investors. Regaal Resources IPO price band was set in the range of 96 to 102 apiece of the face value of 5. Bids could be placed for multiples of 144 shares, or at least 144 shares. Bhavik Joshi, Business Head at INVasset PMS, noted that the IPO of Regaal Resources Ltd. introduces a venture that is firmly rooted in the agricultural supply chain, strategically located near India's maize hub and export routes to Nepal and Bangladesh. The companys integrated Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) maize milling facility not only meets environmental standards but also boosts operational efficiency and scalabilityas demonstrated by the capacity doubling to 750 MTPD within just two years. The firms revenue is projected to grow from 489 crore in FY23 to 918 crore by FY25, alongside an improvement in PAT margins from 3.43% to 5.19%, reflecting a business model that is evolving with increasing economies of scale. However, a closer analysis of the pricing indicates limited potential for valuation growthat the upper price band, the IPO is priced at 21.98 times FY25 earnings, which seems reasonable but offers little margin for miscalculation. Furthermore, the suspension of dividends post-FY23 implies that the company is focusing on capital retention rather than shareholder payouts at this time, according Joshi. Regaal Resources IPO GMP today Let's check what does Regaal Resources IPO GMP today signal ahead of listing. Regaal Resources IPO GMP today is +26. This indicates Regaal Resources share price was trading at a premium of 26 in the grey market, according to investorgain.com. Considering the upper end of the IPO price band and the current premium in the grey market, the estimated listing price of Regaal Resources share price was indicated at 128 apiece, which is 25.49% higher than the IPO price of 102. According to the grey market activities over the past 13 sessions, the current IPO GMP is on the rise and is anticipated to have a robust listing. The minimum GMP recorded is 18, while the maximum GMP stands at 34, as per expert opinions. 'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price. The 410 crore initial public offering (IPO) of Shreeji Shipping Global, which opened for subscription on August 19, ended today, August 21, with the issue subscribed 58 times during the three-day bidding period. It received bids for 66.26 crore shares against the total offer of 1.14 crore shares, resulting in an overall subscription of 58 times by the end of Day 3, according to exchange data. The QIB (Qualified Institutional Buyers) category saw strong interest, with their portion subscribed 100 times, while the non-institutional investors portion was booked 72 times. The retail investors portion was subscribed 21 times. The company proposes to use the proceeds from the issue towards the acquisition of dry bulk carriers in the supramax category in the secondary market, prepayment/repayment, in part or full of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the company, and general corporate purposes. The allotment of shares is expected to be finalized on August 22, 2025, with a tentative listing on both the BSE and NSE scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025. About Shreeji Shipping Global The company provides shipping and logistics solutions for dry bulk cargo at various ports and jetties in India and Sri Lanka, covering more than twenty locations. These include major Indian ports such as Kandla, non-major ports such as Navlakhi, Magdalla, Bhavnagar, Bedi, and Dharmatar, as well as the overseas port at Puttalam (Sri Lanka). It primarily caters to customers across sectors, including oil and gas, energy and power, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), coal, and metals. Also Read | Shreeji Shipping Global IPO: 10 key things to know from the RHP For the period ended March 31, 2025, and the fiscal years ended 2024 and 2023, the company handled total cargo volumes of 15.71 MMT, 13.78 MMT, and 13.87 MMT, respectively. During the same period, the cargo transported stood at 2.49 MMT, 2.74 MMT, and 2.96 MMT, respectively. As of March 31, 2025, the company had a fleet of more than 80 vessels (including barges, mini bulk carriers (MBCs), tugboats, and floating cranes) and over 370 pieces of earthmoving equipment (including material handling machines, excavators, pay loaders, tippers, trailers, tankers, and other vehicles) serving its clients, according to the companys RHP report. BlueStone Jewellery & Lifestyle IPO Listing: BlueStone Jewellery & Lifestyle shares made a muted but negative debut on the bourses on Tuesday, August 19, listing at 510 on NSE, a discount of 1.35 per cent to its issue price of 517. Meanwhile, on BSE, it listed at 508.80, down 1.59 per cent from the IPO price. The BlueStone Jewellery & Lifestyle IPO listing price was below expectations, as the grey market premium and analysts' signals indicated a modest debut with a mild premium. The 1,540.65 crore IPO received a decent response from investors during its subscription window, from August 11 to August 13, with an overall subscription of 2.72 times. The issue saw bids for 4.46 crore shares against the 1.63 crore shares available. Investor interest was led by Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs), who subscribed to their allotted portion 4.25 times. Retail investors subscribed their quota 1.38 times, while Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs) showed relatively muted demand, with their portion subscribed just 0.57 times. About BlueStone Jewellery IPO The BlueStone IPO comprised a fresh issue of 1.59 crore equity shares worth 820 crore, along with an offer-for-sale of 1.39 crore shares aggregating to 720.65 crore. For retail investors, the minimum lot size was fixed at 29 shares, requiring an investment of 14,993. The issue reserved 75 per cent of the net offer for Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs), 15 per cent for Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs), and 10 per cent for retail investors. BlueStone said the proceeds from the IPO would be utilised to meet its working capital requirements and for general corporate purposes. Ahead of the issue opening, the company raised 693.29 crore from anchor investors on August 8, 2025. Axis Capital acted as the book-running lead manager, while Kfin Technologies was the registrar to the issue. About the Company BlueStone Jewellery and Lifestyle Limited is engaged in the manufacturing and retailing of diamond, gold, platinum, and studded jewellery under its flagship brand BlueStone. The company has established a strong pan-India presence, operating 275 stores. The brand offers a comprehensive product range, including rings, earrings, necklaces, pendants, solitaires, bangles, bracelets, and chains As per Bluestone Jewellery and Lifestyles RHP, the company reported a strong top-line performance for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, with revenue from operations rising more than 40 per cent to 1,830.04 crore, up from 1,303.49 crore in the previous year. Despite the robust revenue growth, the companys net loss widened to 221.84 crore in FY25 from 142.24 crore in FY24. On the operating front, EBITDA improved by nearly 38 per cent, reaching 73.16 crore compared to 53.05 crore in the prior fiscal. Buy or sell stocks: Following the positive outcome from the Trump-Putin meeting, GST reforms and optimistic hopes from the Trump-Zelensky meeting, the Indian stock market ended higher on Monday for the third straight session. The Nifty 50 index finished 245 points higher at 24,876, the BSE Sensex ended 676 points higher at 81,273, and the Bank Nifty index gained 393 points and closed at 55,734. Sector-wise, Nifty Auto led the charge with a stellar gain of 4.18%, followed by Nifty Realty, which rose 2.17%, and Nifty Metal, up 1.86%. FMCG and PSU Bank indices also traded positively, advancing 1.2% and 0.4%, respectively. On the downside, Nifty IT dipped 0.57%, while Energy, Pharma, and Media sectors remained essentially flat. Broader markets outperformed the benchmarks, with the Nifty Midcap 100 rising 1.08% and the Nifty Smallcap 100 adding 1.38%. Stock market today Vaishali Parekh, Vice President of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, believes the Indian stock market sentiment has improved as the Nifty 50 index closed above 50-DEMA resistance at 24,815 levels. Now, a decisive breakout above 25,100 would inject a fresh bull trend on Dalal Street. She said the market is expected to react to the outcome of the Trump-Zelensky meeting yesterday at the Oval Office. Speaking on the outlook of the Nifty 50 index, Vaishali Parekh said, "The Nifty 50 index, after a long consolidation near the 100-DEMA level, finally indicated a strong pullback with a bullish candle formation to close above 50-DEMA level of 24,815 zone with bias and sentiment improving, and as mentioned earlier, a decisive breach above the 25,100 level shall establish conviction, and thereafter, we can expect stability in the coming sessions. Active participation from the broader markets has eased out the pessimism to some extent, which can trigger further upward movement of the indices." "The Bank Nifty index, taking support near the 100-DEMA level of the 54,978 zone, has given an INSIDE BAR breakout above the 55600 zone during the intraday session, and we can expect a further rise with an initial target of the 56,500-56,800 level expected in the coming sessions. With the bias maintained intact till now, the crucial zone of the 55,000 level needs to be sustained to anticipate further recovery on the index," said Parekkh. Parekh said that immediate support for the Nifty 50 index is 24,700, while the resistance is 25,100. The Bank Nifty would have the daily range of 55,000-56,300. Vaishali Parekh's stock recommendations today Regarding stocks to buy today, Vaishali Parekh recommended these three buy-or-sell stocks: UTI AMC, Nykaa, and Ola Electric Mobility. 1] UTI AMC: Buy at 1385, Target 1450, Stop Loss 1350; 2] Nykaa: Buy at 218, Target 228, Stop Loss 212; and 3] Ola Electric Mobility: Buy at 41, Target 45, Stop Loss 39. Aftermath of the Trump-Zelensky meeting Russian and Ukrainian presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky looked set for a peace summit after fast-moving talks Monday between Donald Trump and European leaders that focused on the key issue of long-term security guarantees for Kyiv. The hope of a breakthrough rose after Trump said he had spoken by phone with Russian counterpart Putin, whom he had met in Alaska last week, following a "very good" meeting with the Europeans and the Ukrainian president at the White House. It would be the first meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders since Moscow's brutal invasion nearly three and a half years ago, and comes as Trump tries to live up to his promise to end the war quickly. (With inputs from AFP) Stock Market today: The defence stocks as HAL, BEL and Bharat Dynamics, dipped during the intraday trade on Tuesday following a meeting between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. The defence stocks have remained in focus and continued to gain in the past few months. While the operation Sindoor and the India-Pakistan conflict led to a sharp rise in the inflow of orders for domestic defence manufacturers such as Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Electronics and Bharat Dynamics, among others, the hopes also remained high for export orders rising amidst geopolitical conflicts. However, the share prices have cooled down over the last one and a half months as execution worries and easing geopolitical worries weighed on sentiment. The stock further declined on Tuesday following the Trump-Zelensky meeting. Defence stocks movement HAL share price and BEL share price dipped more than 1% during the intraday trade, while Bharat Dynamics share price lost more than 3%. Nevertheless, despite the decline, defence stocks such as Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Electronics, and Bharat Dynamics, among others, have risen 33-50% in the past 6 months. Strong Q1 results aid defence stocks The Q1 performance of defence stocks has remained strong, adding to confidence. Defence stocks HAL and BEL beat Jefferies' margin estimates with strong margin expansion of 831 bps and 385 bps year-on-year, respectively, driving the overall margin improvement. Jefferies India highlighted that both management teams guided for margins to sustain or improve from FY25 levels on account of operating leverage. Defence stocks outlook Jefferies India Pvt Ltd believes that the recent Indo-Pak conflict will enhance the domestic defence manufacturing focus, and estimates a 14% CAGR in domestic defence capital spends over FY25E-30. HAL, as per Jefferies, has a five-year growth visibility of 19% earnings per share (EPS) CAGR, driven by indigenisation, which should keep multiples elevated. Analysts believe HAL's execution on the deliveries of Tejas Mk1A aircraft will be a key monitorable in the coming quarters. However, Amit Anwani, Research Analyst of PL Capital Group, says that HAL is a long-term play on the growing strength & modernisation of India's air defense given that it is the primary supplier of India's military aircraft. The long-term sustainable demand opportunity owing to the government's push on indigenous procurement of defence aircraft is positive for HAL. Also, a robust order book with a 2-year pipeline of Rs1.0 trillion plus and a leap in HAL's technology are other positives, he added. Stock Market Today: Small-cap stock below 200, Mini Diamonds (India) Limited, gained around 8% in the morning trade on Tuesday, as the company announced a board meeting next month to consider a proposal for a stock split or sub-division of equity shares. Mini Diamonds Board Meet Date As per the release on the exchanges by Mini Diamonds (India), a Board meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday, September 08, 2025, to consider the proposal of sub-division/split of existing equity shares of the company. At the meeting, the small-cap company's Board of Directors will consider dividing and splitting existing equity shares with a face value of 10/- each, subject to member approval and regulatory/statutory approvals (if applicable). Mini Diamonds (India) Other Developments In another development last week, the company said that it bagged an export order, boosting investor confidence in the small-cap stock. On August 11, 2025, Mini Diamonds (India) received an export order for lab-grown cut and polished diamonds worth $215,000 (roughly 18,296,500) from a famous overseas client in Hong Kong. MDIL has been making strong strides across Far East countries and has now added Hong Kong to its growing list of markets, with a $21,50,000 export order for its lab-grown cut and polished diamonds, the company said. Mini Diamonds (India) share price movement Mini Diamonds (India) Limited share price opened at 172 on the BSE on Monday. At the time of opening, the Mini Diamonds (India) Limited share price was around 0.065% higher compared to the previous trading session's closing price of 166.60. The Mini Diamonds (India) Limited share price thereafter rose to intraday highs of 179.95, which meant gains of around 8% during the intraday trades for small-cap stock. Stock market today: The markets started a new week on a strong note as the Nifty-50 index ended the day at 24,876.95 , up 1%. The Bank Nifty at 55,734.90 ended 0.71% higher, while auto, consumer durables, and metals were among key gainers as most sectors ended in the green. In the broader indices, the mid- and small-caps ended with gains of 1.08-1.38%. Trade Setup for Tuesday With the potential to revisit 25,000 in the coming days for the Nifty-50 Index, immediate support is placed at 24,800, below which the index may drift towards 24,500. On the higher side, a decisive move above 25,000 could trigger a larger rally in the market," said Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities Key support for Bank Nifty lies in the 54,800 and 55,000 range, as per Bajaj Broking. Trump-Zelensky meeting Pointing towards the outcome of the Trump-Zelensky meeting, Anuj Gupta, Director at Ya Wealth, said, If we look at the key takeaways from the most-awaited Trump-Zelensky meeting, the US President Donald Trump has said the US could back security guarantees for Ukraine. However, it is still not clear how to prevent further Russian aggression in the future. One thing that would keep Russia satisfied, Trump has ruled out allowing Ukraine to join NATO. He did, however, express support for security guarantees for Ukraine, which is expected to please Zelensky. So, in a broader perspective, we can say that the Russia-Ukraine peace talks have moved further. Zelensky and Putin are willing to end the war, which may trigger further buying in the global markets, including the indian stock market. Global markets today and Q1 Results A combination of policy reforms (GST 2.0), sovereign rating upgrade, potential tariff relief, RBI and government stimulus, monsoon-led consumption revival, and festive demand could trigger a strong recovery in the corporate earnings in 2HFY26. Thus, we maintain a positive view on Indian equities over the next 6-9 months, said Siddhartha Khemka, Head Of Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. Stocks to buy today Regarding stocks to buy today, market expertsSumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, and Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager of Technical Research at Anand Rathirecommended these five intraday stocks for today: Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd, Supreme Industries Ltd., Castrol India Ltd., Prestige Estates Projects Ltd. and National Aluminium Company Ltd. Sumeet Bagadia's stock picks Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd-Bagadia recommends buying KIRLOSENG at around 944.1, keeping Stoploss at 911 for a target price of 1020. KIRLOSENG is currently trading at 944.10 and is exhibiting strong bullish momentum, supported by a rising price structure. On the daily chart, the stock is on the verge of breaking out from a consolidation phase. A decisive close above the key resistance level of 960 would confirm the breakout and signal the continuation of the prevailing uptrend. The stock is trading well above all major exponential moving averages (20, 50, 100, and 200-day), all of which are trending upward. This alignment highlights robust underlying price action and reinforces the bullish sentiment. 2. Supreme Industries LtdBagadia recommends buying SUPREMEIND at around 496, keeping Stoploss at 4338 for a target price of 4820 SUPREMEIND is currently trading at 4,496.10, exhibiting a strong bullish trend. The stock recently bounced from its support zone and has given a breakout from the consolidation range of 4,060 4,400 with the formation of a strong bullish candle, reinforcing upward momentum. This breakout was supported by a rise in trading volumes, reflecting strong buying interest from investors. In the near term, the stock looks poised to target 4,820 Ganesh Dongre's stocks to buy today 3. Castrol India LtdDongre recommends buying CASTROLIND at around 206, keeping Stoploss at 200, for a target price of 216. Stock has been exhibiting a strong and consistent bullish pattern, indicating sustained investor interest and positive price momentum. The stock is currently trading at 206 and has established a solid support base at 200. This level has historically acted as a cushion, and the recent price action suggests a reversal from this support, reinforcing bullish sentiment. The technical setup points to the potential for a price retracement toward the 216 level in the near term. Given the renewed strength and the favorable risk-reward ratio, entering at the current market price with a stop-loss placed at 200 offers a strategic opportunity to capture the expected upside move. The outlook remains positive as long as the stock holds above its key support zone 4. Prestige Estates Projects LtdDongre recommends buying PRESTIGE at around 1625, keeping Stoploss at 1600, for a target price of 1680 Stock has exhibited a strong, notable, continued bullish pattern, offering another promising opportunity for short-term traders. The stock is currently priced at 1625 and maintaining strong support at 1600. The technical setup indicates the potential for a price retracement towards the 1680 level. With the stock reversing from a support base and showing signs of renewed strength, entering at the current market price with a stop-loss at 1600 offers a prudent approach to capturing the anticipated upside. 5. National Aluminium Company LtdDongre recommends buying NATIONALUM at around 188, keeping the stop loss at 183 for a target price of 198 Stock has exhibited a strong, notable, continued bullish pattern, offering another promising opportunity for short-term traders. The stock is currently priced at 188 and maintaining strong support at 183. The technical setup indicates the potential for a price retracement towards the 198 level. With the stock reversing from a support base and showing signs of renewed strength, entering at the current market price with a stop-loss at 180 offers a prudent approach to capturing the anticipated upside. Heres a quick look at stocks likely to be in focus in today's trade. Reliance Industries Reliance Consumer has forayed into the healthy functional beverages segment by acquiring a majority stake in a joint venture with Naturedge Beverages. Vedanta Vedantas board will meet on August 21 to discuss a second interim dividend. The record date for determining eligible shareholders has been fixed as August 27. Vodafone Idea The debt-ridden company is actively seeking alternative, non-banking funding sources to support its capital expenditure (capex) plans, as ongoing uncertainty over adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues continues to stall discussions with conventional lenders. Hindustan Zinc On Monday, Hindustan Zinc, a subsidiary of Vedanta, announced plans to establish a 10 MTPA tailings reprocessing plant as part of its broader strategy to double production capacity. Glenmark Pharma According to the US health regulator, pharmaceutical companies Glenmark, Alembic Pharmaceuticals, and Sun Pharma are pulling back certain products from the US market due to manufacturing-related problems. GMR Airports The company announced that it has issued a notice for the voluntary redemption of its non-convertible bonds (NCBs), in accordance with the terms outlined in the bond trust deed dated November 17, 2023. Trent Burnt Toast, Trents youth-oriented fashion brand, has entered Gujarat by opening its first store in Surat. Tata Steel Tata Steels subsidiary, Tata Steel Advanced Materials (TSAML), has approved the sale of its entire 90% equity stake and 100% preference stake in Ceramat (CPL) to Lionstead Applied Materials, a wholly owned unit of Lionstead Ventures LLP. Escorts Kubota The farm and construction equipment company announced that the Excise & Taxation Officer, Faridabad (East), Haryana, has approved a refund of 46.37 crore against its total claim of 46.67 crore filed under Rule 89(1) of the Haryana GST Act, 2017. ONGC ONGC Energy Centre Trust (OECT), the R&D division of ONGC, has signed an agreement with Engineers India Ltd (EIL) to set up a Helium Recovery Demonstration Plant at ONGCs Kuthalam gas collection facility in the Cauvery Asset, Tamil Nadu. The first signs of President Trumps tariff tantrums sent foreign investors fleeing, pulling money out of companies with ties to the US market. But guess who stayed put? Indias retail investors. Spotting bargains where others saw risks, they quietly went on a buying spree in the AprilJune quarter. A Mint analysis of 26 companies with over 25% of their revenues from US markets in FY25 reveals a significant shift in retail investor behaviour. In the June quarter, 62% of these firms saw retail investors (those holding up to 2 lakh in equity) sequentially raise their stakes, a sharp jump from the March quarter, when only 23% of these firms witnessed a similar rise in shareholding. Individual investors have added their stakes at an accelerated pace since the September 2025 quarter. Retail resilience To put things in perspective, nearly 2.4 lakh new retail investors bought these stocks in the June quarter, shrugging off tariff worries. As a result, the total shareholder base in more than half of these firmsacross sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, and capital goodsrose to 12.9 million from 12.7 million in the previous quarter, according to data from Capitaline. But while retail investors were busy buying, the stocks were telling a different story of steep declines, reeling under the pressures of tariff threats. Within this set, 38% saw declines of over 10% in Q1, 25% saw 110% fall, while only 31% managed gains of 112%. The rest stayed flat. This also signalled an opportunity for buying from investors. Domestic retail investors appear to be taking a longer-term and more structural view on US-exposed companies, focusing on the quality of businesses and secular demand rather than near-term tariff headlines," said Sonam Srivastava, founder and fund Manager at Wright Research PMS. Many of these companies operate in globally competitive sectors such as IT services, pharma, chemicals, and engineering, where US markets remain the largest revenue source and pricing power, client stickiness, and high entry barriers provide resilience," she added. Also read: JSW Cement IPO: Can a lean, green challenger cement its place in a heavyweight market? The divide Meanwhile, overseas investors trimmed stakes in more than 92% of these 26 US-linked companies. However, mutual funds aligned with retail investors, increasing their holdings in 77% of these firms. Explaining these contrarian bets, Pranav Haldea, managing director of Delhi-based Prime Database Group stated that, retail, institutional, and foreign investors each have distinct risk appetites and investment horizons, which shape their market behaviour." FPI money is typically short-term hot moneyquick to exit during global crises, pandemics, or tariff concernswhile retail investors often move counter to such flows, especially when prices drop sharply. They are known to catch falling knives, often seeking short-term gains rather than holding long-term," he added. While FPIs may have trimmed holdings due to global risk-off flows and hedging geopolitical uncertainties, domestic investors tend to look past short-term policy risks, Srivastava added. "They bet that structural demand from the US will remain intact, and that any trade disruptions could be navigated through pricing adjustments, diversification of client bases, or negotiating trade terms over time." Overall, FPIs remained net buyers in Indian equities in Q1FY26, pouring in 43,327 crore. However, they have turned net sellers since then. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs), on the other hand, put in nearly four times 1.68 trillion during this period. Most inflows into India come from passive funds that track emerging market indices," said Alok Agarwal, head, Quant Fund, and fund manager, Alchemy Capital. The recent strength in the US dollar shifted money to US funds and away from emerging markets. That hurt India temporarily, but flows should return." Also Read | Trumps tariffs to worsen the slump in one large corner of Indian banking Tariff tensions heat up The surge in retail buying came against the backdrop of worsening USIndia trade relations. On 2 April, Trump unveiled his sweeping Liberation Day" tariff plan, announcing a 10% universal baseline duty on nearly all imports, alongside higher, country-specific levies for nations with trade surpluses with the US. The baseline duty took effect on 5 April, while the targeted tariff hikes were scheduled to begin on 9 April. However, just hours before implementation, Trump announced a 90-day pause on these country-specific increases for all nations except China, leaving most countries subject only to the baseline rate. The pause ended for India on 30 July, when Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports effective 1 August, coupled with additional penalties in response to Indias continued purchases of Russian oil and military equipment. The pressure intensified on 6 August, when the US issued an executive order imposing an additional 25% penalty on select goods, effectively doubling the rate to 50%a move that directly targeted Indias crude oil imports from Russia. Where the buying happened Some large-cap names with heavy US exposure stood out during the quarter. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Indias largest IT company, which derives more than half of its revenue from the US market, added 48,265 new shareholders in Q1FY26. Retail investors increased their stakes by 0.7 percentage points sequentially to 3.93%, while mutual funds added a modest 0.13 percentage points to 5.13%. In contrast, foreign portfolio investors reduced their holdings by 0.56 percentage points to 11.7%. IT stocks like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro have fallen 2030% since the start of the year, yet remain among Indias top 50100 companies. Such corrections tend to attract strong retail buying, similar to their behaviour in small- and micro-cap stocks," said Haldea. Syngene International, the contract research subsidiary of the Biocon Group, also attracted strong retail interest. The company, which earns 61.2% of its revenue from the US, saw 17,000 new retail shareholders during the quarter, lifting retail stakes by 40 basis points (bps) sequentially to 4.33%. Even mutual funds showed confidence, raising their stake by 2.8 percentage points, while FPIs' stakes reduced by 3.01 percentage points. In the capital goods space, Elgi Equipments Ltd, generating 27.3% of its revenue from the US, reported steady buying from retail investors. It added 7,844 new investors, who together raised their ownership by 81 bps to 10.03%. FPIs cut their holdings by 1.44 percentage points to 28.78%, while mutual funds made small additions. But with the threat of tariffs looming large over the entire industry, how did sentiment fare in the broader sectors where these companies fall? In the pharmaceutical space, a Mint analysis of 178 BSE-listed pharmaceutical companies shows retail investors increased their stake in 41.6% of these firms in Q1FY26, up from 39.9% in the previous quarter. Foreign investors were more cautious, raising stakes in only 37.6% of firms (down from 46.6%), while trimming in 48.3% (up from 43.3%). Mutual funds were largely steady, increasing holdings in 18% of companies and reducing holdingsin 12.9%. The answer lies in the unique relationship between the two countries, experts highlight. Over 45% of generics used in the US are sourced from India. This large interdependency makes it important for both parties to seek minimal disruption. These factors point to the likelihood of low tariff rates," said Thomas V Abraham, research analyst at Mirae Asset ShareKhan. Another segment at risk is information technology (IT). Retail investor interest remained strong even in information technology. Among 45 BSE-listed IT companies, 68.9% saw an increase in retail shareholding in Q1FY26, up from 57.8% in the previous quarter. FPIs added exposure in 40% of firms (up from 37.8%), while reducing in 60% (down from 62.2%). Mutual funds turned cautious, raising stakes in only 26.7% (down from 46.7%) and selling in 35.6% (up from 22.2%). "IT is one of the sectors at risk, as tariffs on exports to the US could be imposed if Trump decides to go aggressive," said Anand K Rathi, co-founder, MIRA Money. However, thats likely his last remaining weapon, and he may prefer to use it strategicallyissuing warnings rather than acting immediately. While the risk is real, he may ultimately avoid it to prevent lasting damage to USIndia relations. What lies ahead While retail investors remain optimistic, the broader market is bracing for a decisive Q2 and Q3. Three successive quarters of weak earningsQ3 and Q4 of FY25 and Q1FY26have already tempered sentiment. If Q3 earnings again fall short, we could see sharp downgrades to overall growth projections, as the base effect alone wont be enough to deliver the expected 14% earnings growth in FY27," said Hemant Jain, strategist at Yes Securities. With the tariff pain far from over, how investors place their bets this quarter remains to be seen. Trump-Zelensky meeting: Indian indices Sensex and Nifty started on a positive note on Tuesday, building on the previous sessions gains, as investor sentiment was boosted by hopes of goods and services tax (GST) reforms and signs of movement toward a Russia-Ukraine peace agreement. At 9:49 am, the BSE Sensex was up 88 points, or 0.10 per cent, at 81,358, while the NSE Nifty 50 inched higher by 12 points, or 0.06 per cent, to 24,889. In the prior session on Monday, both indices had advanced nearly 1 per cent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday, after discussions at the White House, that he is open to holding a direct meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in an effort to bring an end to the invasion of Ukraine. "I confirmed -- and all European leaders supported me -- that we are ready for a bilateral meeting with Putin," Zelensky told Ukrainian media outside the White House following talks with several European leaders and Trump. "Two bilateral meetings the Trump-Putin meeting and the Trump-Zelensky meeting- have set the ball rolling, and the US administration is now gearing up for the trilateral meeting, where the Presidents of Russia and Ukraine will be meeting in the presence of US President Donald Trump. So, in such a positive development in ending the Russia-Ukraine war, the Trump administration won't take any such decision that Russia may not like. The Trump administration is well aware that Vladimir Putin may retaliate if Trump continues pressuring India to stop buying oil from Russia, or face 100% tariffs. So, chances are high that Donald Trump may extend the August 27, 2025, deadline," said Anuj Gupta, Director at Ya Wealth. How Trump-Zelensky meeting will impact India? According to VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited, the reasonable chance of ending the war is likely to positively impact the Indian stock market. The White House talks indicate that there is reasonable chance of ending the war. And, if this happens, the secondary tariff on India for buying oil from Russia would become irrelevant. This may turn out to ba a positive from the market perspective. But it would be premature to expect positive responses from the Trump administration since the India-US relations are strained and India has been making tactical initiatives to improve relations with China even while reinforcing the already strong relations with Russia, Vijaykumar said. On the other hand, Anuj Gupta of Ya Wealth further highlighted that this may further trigger buying in the global markets, including Indian stock market. "In a broader perspective, we can say that the Russia-Ukraine peace talks have moved further. Zelensky and Putin are willing to end the war, which may trigger further buying in the global markets, including the indian stock market. This will impact positive on Indian Market, later or sooner Trump has to abolished the tariffs on India, as Russia may negotiate with trump against the end of the war," Gupta added. The first thing you see at Hentak isnt a host or even a table its the kitchen. More specifically, the pass counter, where, bathed in a cone of yellow light, chef Nikesh Asem beams from ear to ear. Beside him, his business partner and friend, Araba Laitonjam with an iPhone, is capturing content for the restaurants Instagram page. Asem towers over a dish of Seafood Bora or fritters with Morok Achar and Ametpa the achar is a traditional green chilli pickle, the ametpa a fiercely spicy chutney. Behind him, everything moves quietly: sawtooth coriander is chopped, broth is checked, rice is rinsed and steamed. Overhead, the music is Yo Yo Honey Singh. It is Delhi, after all. Set in Humayunpur, a tightly-packed neighbourhood that the city's North-Eastern community has long called home, Hentak is startlingly white. Its patio is sunlit and sparse, the roof a transparent sheet that makes the rain clatter over our heads as we settle down for an interview. Hentak is a pungent, fermented fish paste central to Manipuri cooking, and is made by drying river fish, salting and sealing it in earthen pots with mud. Its a disappearing tradition, and too strong for most modern kitchens. But here, its foundational. People are forgetting it," Asem says, so I named the restaurant after it." It opens gently: with chabon, the starchy liquid leftover from boiling rice, here made with the deep purple chakhao, commonly known as the black rice of Manipur. It is warm, comforting and basic. Our mothers give it to us while they cook," Asem says. It tells your body: something is coming." That something might be Singju, a shredded raw vegetable salad laced with fermented fish, or Hawaithrak Ooti, a pea stew, elegant in its simplicity. View Full Image A spread at Hentak. It might even be pork with timur that numbs and tingles all at once. The pork, stir-fried until it teeters on the edge of crisp, is laid atop a bed of mashed potatoesa pairing that evokes a North American plate or the Sunday roast, and yet, here, the flavours are unmistakably those of a Manipuri angoubaa home-cooked pork meal. Theres fried mackerel wrapped in turmeric leaves, a choice that harks back to his college days in Manipal, where he first learned to eat and love the fish. Theres rajma-rice, a wedding staple in Manipur, but made the way he used to cook for himself after long shifts in kitchens abroad, throwing everything in a pot and waiting. Among the many progressive interpretations of Manipuri staples on Hentaks menu, theres also the fish thali, which arrives without fanfare, carrying the weight of tradition. This one has Nga Tatum Thongba, a slow-simmered fish curry made with rohu, flanked by delicate slices of fried bitter gourd and golden potato, all surrounding a mound of steamed rice. The fish is tender but not fussy, the bitterness intact, the rice, always grounding. And just when you think youve had the final bite, something utterly unexpected lands at the table. A black rice pudding chakhao kheer but here, its poured into a delicate tart shell and hidden by a white chocolate plaque. A gentle tap and it breaks into shards; its spare, elegant and lets a few perfect elements speak for themselves but tastes like home in two languages a reflection of the path that brought Asem here. View Full Image Inside Hentak. And that path began abroad. He trained at George Brown in Toronto, then moved to Italy where he cooked in kitchens along the Amalfi Coast, and fell in love with the precision, the seafood, the language of plating. But something didnt quite sit right. One night, he made dinner for a few Italian friends Manipuri food, his food. Malto buono," one said, looking up from the plate. When you cook this, its so good. Why are you cooking Italian?" That was the moment. He returned home. The first meal he ate back in Manipur made him cry. He opened a restaurant in Imphal called Cjakhum. Then another. He cooked at pop-ups, government events, for friends. And then he came to Delhi, and to his purpose. And what he has chosen is to preserve. Not just the ingredients, but the lesser-known saags, the Sirarakhong chillies and fermented chutneys. In Manipur, people eat seasonally not because its fashionable but because the land demands it. You dont eat tomatoes in winter. You dont cook spinach in June. You wait," he says. The cabbage in Delhi isnt the same as the one at home. The fish arent either. But he adapts. He refuses to fly things in unnecessarily. If you fly in everything, you lose the soul," he says. And you build a menu that doesnt belong to where you are." And thats when it becomes clear that the menu at Hentak isnt just a culinary map of Manipur, its also a map of Nikesh the places hes lived, the techniques hes learned, the choices hes made. There are flashes of Italian restraint, South Indian robustness, and of course, Canadian thrift a respect for ingredients and resourceful cooking. View Full Image Chef Nikesh Asem. The kitchen, full of young Manipuris, is a reflection of his second purpose. Some of them have never worked in restaurants and had no idea what a brigade was. When I told my parents I wanted to be a chef, they didnt understand what I wanted to do," he says. I had no one to guide me. I want to give them what I didnt have." So he teaches them patiently. Theres no sharp hierarchy, no theatrics, no barking across the line. What you see instead is an understated camaraderie. Not everyone understands what Asem is trying to do, though. Especially those from the Northeast, who arrive with memory as their compass and find something unfamiliar in their bowl. Someone got upset because I added chicken to a dish theyd always eaten vegetarian," he says, with a wry smile. But if chefs dont experiment, how does a cuisine grow? What I cook now, maybe in 200 years, this is what becomes traditional." The restaurant launched officially on July 25. For now, the menu changes almost daily, shaped by whats available, whats ripe and what feels right. And as for what comes next, hes thinking beyond Delhi. Hes dreaming of Bangkok. They understand fermentation. They respect fish. I think theyll get us." Maybe they will. But for now, hes here back at the pass, plating slowly, showing up steadily. Choux crisp. Broth hot. Fish gently fried. He keeps at it because the world hasnt tasted enough of Manipur yet," he says. And hes already on his way to change that. Damini Ralleigh is a Delhi-based food writer, and co-founder of indica, a space for gastronomic experiences. For the past 15 years, Vinita Passary has been on a mission: to ensure ikat becomes a core part of the Indian wardrobe and not just a seasonal trend. Through her brand Translate-Ikat India, which is perhaps the country's only design-led label dedicated exclusively to Pochampally ikat, Passary has been trying to sustain the intricate weave not just as a craft, but as a thriving, modern lifestyle offering. The beauty of ikat lies in its complex tie-and-dye technique, where the design is meticulously mapped and dyed into the yarn before weaving begins. This process offers immense flexibility in creating new motifs. While the core ikat forms we work with remain vibrant, we are witnessing a gradual disappearance of more intricate techniques like weft ikat and double ikat," she says. "These forms demand a higher level of skill, time and commitment. Our role, therefore, is not only to preserve and promote the craft but also to keep this creative exchange dynamic, ensuring ikat is seen not just as a tradition but as a living, evolving design vocabulary." The label operates from a fully in-house studio in Hyderabad, partnering with sixth-generation artisan families to create wearable pieces. With flagship stores in Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad, the brand has cultivated a loyal following drawn to its quiet, purpose-driven luxury. Their current collection, Kusubana, is a reflection of the brand's core philosophy, capturing nostalgia through airy silhouettes, softened hues and handwoven textures. In an interview with Lounge, Passary talks about completing 15 years of reimagining the Pochampally ikat weave and the importance of traditional crafts. Edited excerpts: It's been 15 years of reviving and reimagining the Pochampally Ikat weave. How's the journey been? The journey of working closely with the weavers and artisans from this rich ikat belt (Telangana) and building the brand has been deeply rewarding. In many ways, it feels like the craft found me. Contributing to a heritage tradition and helping carry it forward has been both a privilege and a responsibility. What has changed and what remains the same? What has remained constant is the functionality of our garments, we create pieces that move with you and are meant to be lived in. What continues to evolve is our approach to ikat design. Thats the beauty and freedom this craft offers: the ability to experiment with colour, placement and interpretations. While we always design with the inherent limitations of the craft in mind, each collection becomes a collaborative process, where together we keep redefining whats possible. A lot of brands in India and even globally reimagined ikat weave. What makes your take on Ikat distinctive? We work solely with the ikats of Telangana. This consistent, long-term approach has allowed us to go beyond surface-level reinvention and truly engage with the technique at its core. Were not working with ikat as a seasonal trend, its the very heart of what we do. This dedication gives us the space to truly explore the craft, push its boundaries and evolve it together with our artisans. One of our key differentiators is moving away from traditional motifs and giving ikat a fresh, design-forward identity. Our creative process is intuitive and inspired by what moves us in the moment, and that spontaneity, paired with our deep understanding of the craft, is what makes the work feel honest and meaningful. The label operates from a fully in-house studio in Hyderabad. How's been the process of partnering with sixth-generation artisan families? These families carry deep-rooted knowledge of the ikat craft, passed down over generations and their expertise forms the backbone of everything we create. Having our own studio in Hyderabad means we stay closely connected to the process and the people behind it. Over time, weve grown together, experimenting, learning and pushing the craft forward while always staying rooted in its essence. That constant exchange between tradition and innovation is what makes the work feel so alive, and its what continues to inspire me every day. Is the younger generation of ikat artisans interested in practising and owning the craft? Honestly, not many from the younger generation are actively choosing to continue the craft. A significant number have moved to cities in search of different opportunities, often in fields far from weaving. Its a reality that many craft-led ecosystems in India are grappling with, the lure of urban life and the perception that traditional crafts dont offer financial stability or social mobility. However, were beginning to see small but meaningful shifts. Some young artisans are returning, especially when they see that there is respect and consistent income in the work, particularly when brands treat them as true collaborators. With the right support systems, design interventions and platforms that value craftsmanship, theres hope. With flagship stores in Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, what have been your key retail learnings? One of our biggest retail learnings has been the importance of evolving continuously, both with the audience and the environment around us. What resonates in Delhi may not appeal to customers in Mumbai, and what works in Hyderabad might not translate the same way elsewhere. Each city has its own rhythm, aesthetic sensibility and mindset. Its crucial to truly understand what the audience in each location is looking for, from styling needs to seasonal timing, and to deliver that with sensitivity. Retail is not just about selling; its about building and nurturing long-term relationships with our ikat lovers in every city. Creating that emotional connection and trust is what sets the experience apart. Let's talk about the brand's current collection, Kusubana. What informed your moodboard? Kusubana was born from a deeply personal moment during a recent trip to Japan, where I was gifted a beautiful bespoke fragrance infused with Sakura blossoms. The delicate scent and the soft, almost ethereal hue of the petals stayed with me and slowly, that memory started shaping the mood board for this collection. We wanted to create something fresh and unexplored, a new direction for us in terms of colour placement and visual composition. Kusubana is our tribute to Japanese blooms, but also to the idea of quiet elegance and seasonal transition. Each piece is designed to be trans-seasonal, easy to wear in summer, perfectly suited for monsoons and ideal for layering as the year progresses. Its a collection that moves with you, adapting to your wardrobe and your mood. You've also established Anonym, a curated space in Hyderabad for handcrafted pieces that brings together homegrown talent under one roof. What was the idea behind it? Back in 2005, when I moved from Delhi to Hyderabad, I noticed a significant gap in the market for artisanal clothing that went beyond the ceremonial and traditional. Personally, Ive always gravitated toward an alternative approach to wardrobe staples, pieces that are versatile, eclectic and not bound by fashion norms. I envisioned a curation that transcends identities, blending contemporary aesthetics with a timeless, modern sensibility. How's been the process of scouting the homegrown talent from across India? What attributes do you look for while scouting new designers? Back then, it was quite challenging to discover emerging talent. I would often research through fashion weeks and was especially drawn to the freshness and expressive collections of Gen Next designers, their fearless and futuristic approach really stood out. I began retailing labels like Kallol Datta, Anuj Sharma, Maku, Pero, Rahul Mishra, 11:11, Metaphor, and many others whose work felt deeply Indian yet global in spirit. Even today, I continue to curate designers who are textile-led and bring something truly unique to the table. A lot of brands claim to practise 'ethical fashion'. How challenging has it been to incorporate ethical production practices? The term ethical fashion" is often used loosely. Practising ethical production isnt always easy, especially when working with traditional crafts like ikat, where the processes are time-intensive and artisan-led. It requires patience, transparency and a long-term commitment to the people behind the product. The biggest challenge lies in balancing commercial expectations with the realities of slow, handmade production. But weve consciously built a system that prioritises fair wages, safe working conditions and respect for traditional knowledge. These ethical practices are maintained throughout the chain, from our master craftsmen and weavers to the cutters, tailors, finishers, and our in-house team. It may not be the fastest or most scalable path, but its one rooted in meaning, responsibility and long-term sustainability. Do you plan to diversify into other categories? We believe in evolving with time, and as a brand rooted in creativity and craftsmanship, we remain open to new opportunities. Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a body that manages and processes the provident funds of several salaried employees of India. The organisation aims to ensure social security for employees by encouraging long-term savings, supporting financial stability after retirement and offering assistance during emergencies. Although the EPF claim process has become more digital and efficient in recent years, many members may encounter challenges such as claim rejections and unforeseen delays. Here are 5 reasons why your EPF claims might be rejected Inaccurate information If any information provided by the member, such as personal information, bank account details, or employment data, is incorrect, then the claim might be rejected. Inconsistency in information Claims can also be rejected if the information provided during the claim process does not match the details in the EPF database. It is crucial to verify that your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, and EPF account number, are consistent with what is recorded by your employer or the EPF organisation. Withdrawal reason An EPF claim may get rejected if the reason for the claim does not align with the eligible categories mentioned in the rules, according to Clear Tax. Missing EPF contribution Claims can be rejected if an employer misses or delays EPF contributions. According to its regulations, the EPFO mandates accurate and timely contributions for a smooth claim process, whether for withdrawal or transfer. Linking UAN The Universal Account Number must be associated with the employees Aadhaar card and bank account. This 12-digit number serves as a unique identifier for EPF account holders, and linking it with Aadhaar is compulsory. If UAN is not linked with Aadhaar, an EPF claim may get rejected. If you are a credit card user, you would have come across a number of terms that explain the various charges, financial parameters, and key metrics associated with it. But do you know what an interchange fee is? Interchange fee is probably the most important element in the world of credit cards and keeps the cycle of financing the purchases running uninterrupted. Every time you use a credit card to make a purchase, the merchants bank account is levied an interchange fee. The merchants bank (acquiring bank) recovers it from the merchant in due course after giving she/he certain discounts. Interchange is a small fee paid by a merchants bank (acquirer) to a cardholders bank (issuer) to compensate the issuer for the value and benefits that merchants receive when they accept electronic payments, according to Mastercard, the global payment card services behemoth. Here is a guide on interchange fee and how it impact credit card payments: How much is the interchange fee for credit cards, and what factors determine the fee? Interchange fee, which is paid between banks for card-based transactions, covers the cardholder banks (issuer) costs related to lines of credit and fraud mitigation. Credit cards typically have an interchange fee of 2% of the transaction amount, while it is only 0.3% for debit cards in India. Interchange fee is only 0.3%-0.5% of the transaction value in most advanced economies, including the European Union (EU) and Australia. Interchange fee is determined by a number of factors, including the type of card (credit or debit), the type and size of the merchant, the type of transaction (online or physical), and the area where the card is in use. This fee helps banks to cover the costs associated with maintaining the payment network infrastructure, managing the risks involved in processing payments, and helping fund the customer rewards programs. How is the interchange fee calculated, and who pays the fee? An interchange fee is usually a percentage of the card transaction amount. For instance, if you buy something worth 10000 and the interchange fee for the transaction is 2%, the merchant will not get the entire amount. In the above case, the merchant gets 9800 from the sale (after the 200 discount). The interchange fee of 200 will be shared by the card issuing bank, the payment network (RuPay, Mastercard, Visa, etc.), the merchants bank (acquiring bank), the PoS (Point of Sale) or payment gateway provider (Razorpay, Pinelabs, etc.) The card issuing bank will get the bulk of the interchange fee (usually about 70%-80% of the fee) as they enable the transaction by providing credit and undertake the risk of collecting the money from the customer. Merchants pay the interchange fee to their acquiring bank, which is then passed on to the card-issuing bank. They usually negotiate a merchant discount with their bank that includes the interchange fee and processing costs. This way, the initial discount of 2% will come down for the merchant with her/his bank (acquiring bank) bearing some of the costs. But why should merchants pay? Most merchants choose to pay the interchange fee as it offers them a sizeable business opportunity after providing a small discount. But some merchants accept only debit cards as the interchange fee for them is low. Some merchants pass on the interchange fee in credit cards to the customer by adding it to the final bill. Do interchange fee vary? Interchange fee vary across transactions. Card issuing banks charge an interchange fee based on the MCC (Merchant Category Code). MCC reflects the value of the risk and the average transaction size of the business. MCC determines the MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) percentage in a transaction. A lower MDR is charged for transactions in certain MCCs, which are considered low-risk businesses. For example, grocery and utilities are routine, low-risk categories that attract a lower MDR of 1%-1.5% (depending on the bank and the payment gateway). The interchange fee also varies across credit cards. Credit cards that offer high rewards typically have a higher interchange fee than standard cards. This fee is often used to fund the rewards program. Card-present transactions, in which the cardholder provides the card for use at the PoS, also have a lower interchange fee compared to transactions done either online or through mobile phones. This is because online and mobile-based transactions carry a much higher risk of fraud and data errors. Also Read | What happens to your credit score if you close an unused credit card How about the interchange fee for UPI transactions? UPI (Unified Payments Interface) transactions have grown by leaps and bounds in the last few years. They now account for a vast majority of digital transactions and have emerged as a preferred mode for payments. UPI transactions currently do not attract MDR. If a person (consumer) makes a payment from their bank account to the merchants bank account using UPI, no charges are levied for both the parties. But transacting through PPIs (Prepaid Payment Instruments), which allow you to make digital UPI transactions without using your bank account, attracts an interchange fee of about 0.5%-1% of the transaction amount. PPIs (PhonePe Wallet, Amazon Pay, etc.) store money in a digital wallet and are used along with other payment modes for UPI transactions. Allirajan M is a journalist with over two decades of experience. He has worked with several leading media organisations in the country and has been writing on mutual funds for nearly 16 years. The Nitish Kumar-led cabinet on 19 August approved the proposal of a uniform fee of 100 for the preliminary exams of all recruitment drives in the state; however, candidates who pass the preliminary examinations and proceed to the main exams will not be required to pay any fees, according to an official. The proposal put forward by the General Administration Department (GAD) received approval during a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. This move holds particular importance as the state prepares for assembly elections scheduled for later this year. CM Nitish had shared the government's plan on this matter via social media just last week. CM Nitish Kumar on preliminary tests of recruitment exams fees in Bihar "I am pleased to announce that a decision has been made to bring uniformity in the fees for preliminary tests (PT) of competitive examinations conducted by all commissions for state-level government jobs, and to provide significant fee concessions to candidates," CM Nitish said last week. Also Read | Rahul Gandhi earns praise for offering water to Kharge, Lalu in Bihar He added, Instructions have been given to charge only Rs100 as the fee for candidates appearing in the preliminary test of the competitive examinations. Candidates who clear the preliminary tests and appear for the mains examinations will no longer have to pay any examination fee." CM Nitish stated offering government employment opportunities to the youth of the state had been the priority for his administration from the very beginning. "To provide opportunities to the youth of the state and to secure their future, our government has taken several concrete steps. Now, we have taken this decision in the interest of the youth," he asserted. It applies to exams held by different recruitment bodies, comprising the Bihar Public Service Commission, Bihar Technical Service Commission, Bihar Staff Selection Commission, Bihar Police Subordinate Service Commission, and the Central Constable Selection Board. Last week, a report by industry body National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) said that while more and more AI startups are seeking funds from venture capital investors, they are still very small in scale. In the first six months of this calendar year, 87% of the $122 million invested by VCs in AI startups went into early-stage investments. Indian ventures, according to the report, raised less than $16 million in late funding in the first six months of this year. In comparison, during the same period, at least 21 AI startups in the US have raised $100 million or more each to scale up development. This is in addition to AI behemoths Anthropic and OpenAI raising billion-dollar rounds. A total of $4.9 billion was raised by the American startups seeking large funds for AI training and scaling, making Indias large investments insignificant, if not inconsequential. Also Read | How to stop Gemini form training on your personal chats To be sure, India has unveiled the $1.2-billion AI Mission and an $11.5-billion research development and innovation (RDI) schemes to encourage AI startups, is far from satisfactory. AI startups, as a result, are left battling familiar hurdles that have held back Indias bid for global technology leadershipinadequate funds to invest in research, no foundational technology ownership, and a lack of skilled engineers. Industry stakeholders caution that India could end up repeating old mistakes with AI as well. In the 1990s, while US tech firms such as Microsoft built the core software platforms, Indian ventures focused on providing software services to enterprises digitizing their services. While this industry is today worth nearly $300 billion, it is dependent on the software makers for core licences. Even in terms of valuation, the entire IT services industry of India is worth less than 8% of Microsoft alone. A key issue here is that most of Indias startups are today building simple layers of automation on top of foundational work done by others. Theres very little effort at the end of the day that is going into building products that would underpin simpler applications in futurethis is the same approach that India has taken many times in the past," said Kashyap Kompella, AI analyst and consultant. Kompellas assessment aligned with Nasscoms report, which said that India accounted for nearly one-fifth of the worlds generative AI startupssecond only to the US. Large-scale funding, however, is less than 0.3% of the cumulative funding that American AI ventures raised. Nasscoms report further highlighted that 96% of overall private funding was directed at late-stage startupsshowing intent in other nations to boost foundational work. India, however, has not reported even a single late-stage funding round in the past 18 months. Even as VCs speak about focusing on deep-tech sectors, Nasscoms funding data shows a different picturein 2023, AI startups raised $320 million. In 2024, this had dropped to $190 million. Also Read | AI-first startups outpace SaaS firms in funding race This is the clearest signal of a major market correction. It reflects a strong investor aversion to the high-risk, capital-intensive nature of scaling generative AI companies, especially those involved in foundational model development. This stands in sharp contrast to the global landscape, where late-stage and growth-stage funding for model makers continues to drive multi-billion-dollar rounds," Nasscoms report said. There is a fundamental difference of approach as well, between Indias AI engineers and those in the US. The American market fundamentally rewards engineers for building their own productand not creating simple applications that do not add to a nations ability to influence global technology. So far, Indias AI story has also gone similarlyand the factors affecting this are the same as the ones that have seen us lose the electronics manufacturing wave to China not more than just two decades ago," said Jibu Elias, responsible computing lead for India at Mozilla Foundation. Nasscoms report also noted a similar shift. Investors are wary of committing large sums when there is significant doubt about a startups ability to hire a strong engineering team needed to execute a complex, deep-tech vision. Indian generative AI startups growth is severely constrained by a foundational resource crisis, where a critical lack of production-ready talent and the prohibitive cost of essential computing power form primary barriers to innovation," it further added. Stakeholders have highlighted that Indias government-backed AI push still remains low in capital availability. The India AI Mission is a package worth $1.2 billion with a five-year outlay target. In comparison, the US is currently pursuing a $500-billion investment to build AI for the world. In June, a Bank of America reported that Chinas government-backed AI funding totalled to $56 billion. Prior to this, in February, France president Emmanuel Macron announced a $112-billion government push into AI. Abhishek Singh, chief executive of India AI Mission, told Mint in an interview last week that despite comparatively limited capital, Indias approach to building a government-backed repository of graphic processing unit chipsthe single-most crucial part of AIs infrastructure requirementmay allow startups to build foundational AI at a fraction of the cost. This, in turn, is one of the ways in which India is looking to circumvent the lack of funding at scale to ramp up AI projects. Hamas has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire with Israel that would see the release of half the hostages in Gaza in exchange for some Palestinian prisoners, an Egyptian official said on Monday in an Egypt-brokered peace proposal that could bring some relief to Palestinians after nearly two years of war in Gaza. Earlier, all efforts to end nearly two years of fighting in Gaza have repeatedly collapsed. While Israel has maintained that Hamas must disarm and release all remaining hostages before the war can end, Hamas has demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from the devastated territory. GAZA PEACE PLAN WHAT WILL IT TAKE? A diplomat, privy to the development on the negotiations in Israel-Hamas talks, said the peace proposal would see Hamas release half of the hostages it has held since October 7, 2023 when Hamas militants stormed into the Israeli territory and abducted hundreds. Also Read | Hamas ready for ceasefire talks 'immediately', Donald Trump says 'that's good' According to the reports, Hamas still holds as many as 50 hostages from Israel. As per the Egypt-brokered peace plan, Israel would free Palestinian prisoners and partially withdraw Israeli troops if Hamas releases half of the still-held prisoners. The deal could pave the way to a more comprehensive agreement. If agreed upon by both Palestinian authority and Israel, the peace plan would see suspension of the Gaza war for 60 days. It would also begin the outlining of a framework for a comprehensive deal to end the nearly two-year-old war. Commenting on the fresh proposal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, I, like you, am hearing media reports and one thing is clearly evident: Hamas is under enormous pressure. And Hamas said, "Today, the resistance has thrown the door wide open to the possibility of reaching an agreement, but the real test remains whether Netanyahu will refrain from shutting it again, as he has done in the past. Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said in a statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, 19 August, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, saying that India-China relations have made steady progress since last year. Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other's interests and sensitivities, he wrote in a post on X. PM Modi said that stable, constructive and predictable relations between India and China will promote regional and global peace. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity. During the meeting, the Chinese Foreign Minister handed over the invitation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit to PM Modi, which he will attend this year. The SCO Summit is being held in Tianjin from 31 August to 1 September. PM Modi thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for the invitation to the SCO Summit and conveyed his acceptance. He is scheduled to meet the Chinese President during the SCO summit. Wang Yi also shared his positive assessment of the bilateral meeting with EAM S Jaishankar and the 24th Meeting of the Special Representatives, which he co-chaired with NSA Ajit Doval during his visit. Prime Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border, and reiterated India's commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, the PMO said in a press release. Wang Yi says India-China relations healthy Following his meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the warming of ties between India and China holds great significance ahead of PM Modi's visit to China for the SCO Summit. The Chinese side attaches great importance to the Prime Minister's visit to China to attend the SCO summit at our invitation. We believe that the Indian side will also make your contribution to a successful summit in Tianjin, the minister said. India and China have agreed to take a series of steps aimed at stabilising ties, resuming suspended engagements, and boosting economic cooperation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Tuesday that the two sides will restore direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India at the earliest, while also moving to revive dialogue mechanisms and expand trade and investment flows through concrete measures. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was in New Delhi from 1819 August 2025, where he co-chaired the 24th round of Special Representatives (SR) talks on the boundary question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and held bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Wang also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 August. What did India and China agree upon on the boundary question? The two sides held what the MEA described as candid and in-depth discussions on the boundary question, agreeing to: Seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for settlement in line with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles. Establish an Expert Group under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to explore early harvest outcomes in boundary delimitation. Create a Working Group under the WMCC to strengthen border management and maintain peace in sensitive areas. Expand General Level Mechanisms beyond the existing Western Sector, to include the Eastern and Middle Sectors. Use existing diplomatic and military-level mechanisms to manage tensions and initiate discussions on de-escalation. Both sides noted that peace and tranquillity has been maintained since the last round of SR talks and agreed to hold the next round in China at a mutually convenient date. What were the outcomes of Wang Yis meeting with Jaishankar, Doval and Modi? During his engagements in Delhi, Wang Yi stressed the importance of leader-level guidance in advancing ties. India and China agreed that a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship was in their mutual interest, with both countries reaffirming their intent to implement existing consensus reached at the highest levels. Other key agreements included: SCO & BRICS summits: India welcomed Chinese support for its 2026 BRICS Summit, while committing to back Chinas presidency in 2027. China, meanwhile, welcomed PM Modis participation in the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. Dialogue mechanisms: Both sides pledged to restart suspended bilateral dialogues, including the High-level Mechanism on People-to-People Exchanges in 2026. 75 years of ties: India and China will hold commemorative events throughout 2025 to mark 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Air connectivity: Agreement on resuming direct flights and finalising an updated Air Services Agreement, alongside easing visa facilitation for tourists, businesses, media and other categories. Pilgrimage access: Indias Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will be expanded in scale from 2026. Trans-border rivers: Both sides agreed to continue cooperation under the Expert-Level Mechanism and to share hydrological data during emergencies. Border trade: Trade through Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La Pass will be reopened. Investment & commerce: New measures will be taken to facilitate two-way trade and investment flows. Why does Wang Yi's Delhi visit matter? This was the first visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India since tensions escalated along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The talks signal cautious optimism, with both sides seeking to prevent border disputes from derailing broader cooperation in trade, technology and multilateral platforms. Mumbai Monorail News: At least 14 passengers reportedly suffered suffocation out of the 442 rescued after a Mumbai Monorail train came to a halt due to an apparent power failure, officials said on Tuesday. The affected passengers were treated onsite by doctors in ambulances that arrived for the rescue operations, while one person was rushed to Sion Hospital, according to the BMC, citing an ambulance coordinator. Sion Hospital officials said the condition of the passenger taken to the hospital, a 20-year-old woman, is stable. Some people had problems of suffocation and breathing issues, but all are safe. Once they were taken out, everything was normal. Everyone has been rescued safely, said Ravindra Ambulgekar, Chief Fire Officer of the Mumbai Fire Brigade. The Monorail came to a halt on Tuesday evening amid heavy rains in Mumbai due to a suspected power failure between Mysore Colony and Bhakti Park stations. The incident occurred at around 6:15 PM, and the rescue work lasted more than half an hour. The rescue operations began after an hour. Passengers who were rescued said panic prevailed inside the train, which runs on an elevated track, with several people complaining of suffocation as the AC system shut down. The train suffered a minor power supply issue, Mumbai Monorail said in an initial press statement. I was stuck in the Monorail for almost one hour and 45 minutes. People were scared as there was no communication from the authorities. Some were struggling to breathe and tried to break the window. A couple of passengers fainted, said one passenger. The fire brigade was seen rescuing passengers with the help of three snorkel cranes. Municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said medical teams were present at the spot while BEST buses were being used to ferry passengers who were rescued. Devendra Fadnavis issues statement Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a post on X urged people to not panic. The highest priority is being given to the safety of all passengers. Therefore, no one should worry or panic. All passengers will be safely evacuated. I request everyone to remain patient, he said. The CM said that MMRDA, the fire brigade, and the municipal corporation were present at the spot. I am in contact with the MMRDA Commissioner, the Municipal Commissioner, the police, and all relevant agencies, he said. Fadnavis noted that an inquiry will be made into the reason for the incident. Peter Navarro, White House trade adviser to US President Donald Trump, has sharply criticised India for purchasing Russian crude oil and defence equipment, vowing to hit India where it hurts to force a change in New Delhis policy. In an opinion piece for the Financial Times, Peter Navarro described Indias oil trade with Russia as opportunistic and corrosive to global efforts aimed at isolating Russia's economy. Indias trade surplus with US in focus Peter Navarro, a former economics professor and key architect of Trump tariffs, claimed India was using dollars earned from trade with America to buy Russian oil. He said that this, in turn, was providing financial support for Russias war in Ukraine. As Russia continues to hammer Ukraine, helped by Indias financial support, American (and European) taxpayers are then forced to spend tens of billions more to help Ukraines defense. Meanwhile, India keeps slamming the door on American exports through high tariffs and trade barriers. More than 300,000 soldiers and civilians have been killed, while NATO's eastern flank grows more exposed and the west foots the bill for Indias oil laundering, wrote Navarro. Trump slams additional 25% tariff on India Trump, on 30 July, announced additional tariffs of 25% on Indian goods shipped to America. He followed up with an additional 25% levy, which is scheduled to come into effect next week, specifically targeting Indias Russian oil purchases. Indias foreign ministry has termed the tariffs as unreasonable and extremely unfortunate. Also Read | Putin, Zelensky signal willingness to start direct talks after Trump meet In negotiations with the US for a Free Trade Agreement, India has refused to budge on protections for its agriculture, dairy and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sectors from unfettered American imports. Indian refiners accused of profiteering Navarro also alleged that Indian refiners were profiteering by purchasing discounted Russian oil and exporting processed petroleum products to Europe, Africa and Asia, rather than using them primarily for domestic consumption. The Biden administration largely looked the other way at this strategic and geopolitical madness. The Trump administration is confronting it, Navarro said of Trumps tariffs on India that have left the countrys exports to the US at a significant disadvantage with those from competing nations. This two-pronged policy will hit India where it hurts its access to US markets even as it seeks to cut off the financial lifeline it has extended to Russias war effort, Navarro said. If India wants to be treated as a strategic partner of the US, it needs to start acting like one. India cosying up to Russia and China In his piece, Navarro also accused India of cozying up to both Russia and China by maintaining close ties with both nations. Navarro added to his criticisms of India by targeting defence technology transfers from US firms to India. He argued that building factories in India and transferring sensitive technologies does little to improve Washingtons trade balance with New Delhi. Pushback from former US officials Not all American voices agreed with Navarros viewpoints. Former US officials have questioned Navarros assertions about the India-Russia relationship, said Hindustan Times. The larger issue is that the secretary of State and other principals authorized this piece. So those who know better and are supposed to balance American interests either agree with it, dont agree with it but authorized it anyway, or just dont care, said Evan Feigenbaum, a former diplomat who served as deputy assistant secretary of state for South Asia under George W Bush. Also Read | Trump aide slams India for buying Russian oil, says Delhi needs to act like strategic partner of US Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday approved multiple infrastructure projects, including a new airport in Rajasthan's Kota and a six-lane road in Odisha. The proposal of Airports Authority of India (AAI) for development of Green Field Airport at Kota-Bundi in Rajasthan was approved by the Cabinet a major gain for the industrial capital of the state, which also sees a large influx of students every year who come to study for competitive exams. The Kota-Bundi Airport will be constructed at a cost of 1,507 crore, the government said in a press release. The investment will be funded by the AAI through internal accruals, it said. The Rajasthan government has already transferred 440.06 hectares of land to AAI for the construction of the Kota airport. The project includes construction of a Terminal Building spanning an area of 20,000 sq metres. It will be capable of handling 1000 Peak Hour Passengers (PHP) with annual capacity of 2 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA). The Kota-Bundi airport will also feature runway 11/29 of dimensions 3200m x 45m, Apron with 07 parking bays for A-321 type aircraft, two Link Taxiways, ATC cum Technical Block, Fire Station, car park and allied works. The construction of the Kota airport is being done keeping in mind the anticipated traffic growth in the region given the educational significance of the region, the Centre said. The existing Kota Airport is under the ownership of Airports Authority of India (AAI). It comprises a runway (08/26) of dimensions 1220 m x 38 m, suitable for Code 'B' aircraft (such as DO-228), and an apron capable of accommodating two such aircraft. The terminal building spans an area of 400 sqm and is capable of handling 50 passengers during peak hours. Cabinet approves 6-Lane Bhubaneswar Bypass The Cabinet Committee also gave green signal to the construction of 6-Lane Access-Controlled Capital Region Ring Road. This road, known as the Bhubaneswar Bypass, will span across a length of 110.875 kilometres and will be constructed at a cost of 8307.74 crore. The road aims to reduce pressure on the traffic congestion on the Rameshwar to Tangi stretch of the national highway, which passes through highly urbanised cities including Khordha, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. Also Read | Cabinet approves four semiconductor factories in THESE states The project will provide significant benefit to Odisha and other eastern States by diverting heavy commercial traffic away from Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Khordha Cities. This will enhance the efficiency of freight movement, reducing logistics cost and driving socio-economic growth in the region. ," Amid the ongoing menace of stray dogs across India and the Supreme Court's controversial order to pick all of them up from Delhi-NCR streets, the Centre has said that the matter falls under the purview of the state governments along with local bodies. The issue of stray dogs falls under the purview of State Governments, with Local Bodies mandated to manage related matters, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying said in a statement on Tuesday. The Supreme Court has reserved its order on a batch of pleas seeking to quash its earlier order of picking up every stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets and keep them in a shelter. The Centre, the ministry said, has framed the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, to ensure proper and humane dog population management. The new stray dog rules in India, which align with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards for the CaptureNeuterVaccinateRelease (CNVR) approach, states that local bodies are responsible for implementing sterilisation and vaccination programmes in collaboration with animal welfare organisations. The sterilisation programme is an ongoing process being implemented by Urban Local Bodies. An advisory was issued by the Secretary (Animal Husbandry and Dairying) to all Chief Secretaries on 11.11.2024, the ministry said, An advisory subsequently issued in July 2025 by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and Ministry of Panchayati Raj reiterated that sterilisation of stray dogs is central to dog population management. The advisory urged urban local bodies to establish Animal Birth Control units and undertake large-scale sterilisation programmes, covering at least 70 per cent of stray dogs. Grants and assistance for stray dogs and cats The ministry in its statement said that the Centre has also revised the existing Scheme for Birth Control and Immunization of stray dogs and stray cats. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has started implementing the new street dog laws from the current financial year. Under the new stray dog rules Financial assistance of up to 800 per dog and 600 per cat is given for SPCAs and Local Bodies to conduct animal birth control programmes as per the ABC Rules, 2023. 800 per dog and 600 per cat is given for SPCAs and Local Bodies to conduct animal birth control programmes as per the ABC Rules, 2023. Infrastructure support: A one-time grant of 2 crore is set aside for state-run veterinary hospitals to develop facilities such as surgical theatres, kennels, and recovery units for stray dogs and cats. 2 crore is set aside for state-run veterinary hospitals to develop facilities such as surgical theatres, kennels, and recovery units for stray dogs and cats. The AWBI is providing assistance for establishment of small animal shelter up to 15 lakh and 27 lakh for large animal to urban local bodies, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animal and recognised animal welfare organisations. On August 11, the Supreme Court had ordered that all localities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad be made free of street dogs, with no compromise on the matter. It had also made it clear that no captured animal should be released back onto the streets. On Thursday (August 14), the SC reserved its order on pleas seeking a stay on its August 11 directive to remove all stray dogs from localities in the Delhi-NCR region and place them in shelter homes. On 18 August, at least 32 schools received bomb threats, leading to panic and student evacuation by Delhi Police. It was another bomb hoax, the Delhi Police confirmed. An alarming mail from 'The Terrorizers 111 Group' threatened to blow up schools and demanded $5,000 in cryptocurrency while claiming to have put pipe bombs and advanced explosive devices in school buildings. "Search operation is completed and nothing suspicious was found," the officer stated, mentioning cyber forensic teams have started work to locate the IP address of the sender who targeted schools like Global School, BGS International, Dwarka International, Oxford Foundation in Baba Haridas Nagar, Shri Ram International in Najafgarh and Andhra School in Prasad Nagar and others in Dwarka. Pay $5,000 in crypto to our Ethereum address within 72 hours or. The message, sent by a group identifying themselves as The Terrorizers 111 Group, claimed the group planted pipe bombs and advanced explosive devices inside school premises, warning them of an immediate action if they contacted the police. Also Read | 45 Delhi schools receive bomb threat on 18 July, says Delhi Police Pay $5,000 in crypto to our Ethereum address within 72 hours or we will detonate the bombs, the email read, HT reported. Evacuate now to save lives. We dont forgive. We dont forget. Send the money or face the consequences," it added. It further said they breached school IT systems, accessed and stolen sensitive data belonging to students and staff, and gained control over the schools surveillance cameras. DPS Dwarka shut the school for the day, saying, "The school has been closed on Monday due to unavoidable circumstances. Students travelling by school buses and private vans are being sent back immediately, and teachers on bus duty will share the location updates. Parents are requested to kindly pick up their wards from their respective bus stops. For private commuters, parents are requested to collect their wards directly from the school." In recent months, this has become the third major wave of hoax threats. Back in July, false threat emails were sent over a four-day period. On the fourth day, a mass email was delivered overnight to 45 schools and three colleges, falsely claiming that explosives had been planted on their campuses. Amid the heavy rains slowing down the pace of the financial capital, local trains too have been impacted with passengers stuck in the trains for hours. To help the stuck passengers Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is providing water, tea, biscuits and other food items to stranded passengers at various railway stations. Taking to X, the BMC shared videos and a collage of images where the civic workers can be seen distributing food packets to the passengers inside the stranded trains and at the railway stations. BMC wrote, Mumbai's suburban train services are disrupted due to heavy rains. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is providing water, tea, biscuits and other food items to stranded passengers at various railway stations. Also, Central Railways' Senior Divisional Commercial Manager in Mumbai also took to X and shared images of helping the stranded passengers in local trains. He took to X and wrote, Food & drinking water are being provided at #Vidyavihar station to Stranded passengers of the train halted due to waterlogging. Your comfort and safety remain our priority. Arabian Sea fury: Mumbai, which has been waterlogged following a furious rainstorm, is getting ready for a the wrath of the Arabian Sea. The BMC issued a high-tide warning and timings for 19 August, stating gusty winds reaching 45-55 kmph are very likely at 8:53 PM as the sea level may rise by 3.14 metre. This warning comes at a time when there is flash flood risk in Mumbai City, Suburban Mumbai, Palghar, Sindhudurg, Thane, Raigarh, Ratnagiri, North Goa and South Goa districts until 5:30 PM today. Amid IMD's red alert for Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the next 48 hours crucial for Mumbai and other surrounding districts, which remain on high alert. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that, as per the latest update, Modak Sagar Dam, Tansa Dam, Tulsi Lake, and Vihar Lake are overflowing, while the water level of Mithi River has touched the danger mark at Kranti Nagar, Kurla Bridge. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dismissed the viral post seeking donations to save Nimisha Priya, the Kerala nurse on death row in Yemen and said it was fake. We have seen claims being made on social media seeking monetary contributions into a GoI designated bank account in the Nimisha Priya case, MEA addressed the viral post, and said, This is a fake claim. This comes after evangelist and founder of Global Peace Initiative Dr KA Paul sought donations to save Nimisha in a Government of India account. He said they require 8.3 crore. The nurse, hailing from Kollengode in Kerala's Palakkad district, has been found guilty of murdering a Yemeni citizen in July 2017. The 38-year-old Indian national's execution was scheduled for July 16, but it was postponed following intervention of Indian officials. She is currently lodged in a jail in Sana'a, the Yemeni capital city that is under the control of Iran-backed Houthis. On August 14, the Supreme Court was informed that there was no immediate threat to Nimisha. Negotiations are going on. As of now there is no immediate threat. Kindly adjourn it by four weeks. Hopefully, everything will be over by that time, the counsel for petitioner organisation Save Nimisha Priya International Action Council said. The petitioner's counsel had earlier told the apex court that payment of blood money to the family of the deceased, which is permissible under the Sharia law, could be explored. He said the victim's family might pardon Priya if blood money was paid. Reportedly, India doesn't have any diplomatic presence in Yemen, and diplomats in the Indian mission in Saudi Arabia were looking into the matter. Another fake update Recently, some reports claimed that her death sentence has been revoked and an agreement has been reached for her release. However, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said they were fake. Such reports are incorrect. This is a sensitive matter and we urge all sides to stay away from misinformation, he said. What is the Nimisha Priya case? In 2020, a Yemeni court handed her the death sentence and the country's Supreme Judicial Council dismissed her appeal in November 2023. On July 17, India said it was in touch with Yemeni authorities as well as certain friendly nations as part of efforts to reach a "mutually agreeable solution" in the case. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Pune on Tuesday due to the active monsoon conditions across Maharashtra. However, starting August 20, the intensity of rainfall is expected to gradually decrease, with only scattered showers predicted for the remainder of the week. Also Read: RED alert in Mumbai, Goa, 3 other states; IMD issues flash flood risk; check full weather forecast here Moderate flash flood risk likely over Ahmadnagar, Kolhapur, Nasik, Pune, Sangli, Satara and Solapur districts during the next 24 hours, said IMD in an official release. Panchganga river water level rises The water level of the Panchganga River is steadily rising as a result of heavy rainfall in Kolhapurs hilly regions, prompting the release of water from the upstream Radhanagari dam, PTI reported. Also Read: Mumbai rains in photos: IMD issues red alert amid thunderstorm, lightning, heavy downpour Earlier on Monday, officials noted that 11,500 cusecs of water are being discharged through the dams seven automated gates. In light of this, authorities have urged residents living along the riverbanks to remain alert. At the Rajaram weir, the river currently stands at 30.9 feet, just under eight feet below the warning level of 39 feet, with the danger mark set at 43 feet. Coastal regions such as Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, along with the ghat areas of Kolhapur, are under an orange alert, with significant rainfall anticipated. The IMD has advised residents in the Konkan region and ghat areas to stay alert due to the heightened risk of flooding and landslides. Authorities have also been instructed to implement precautionary measures in vulnerable locations to ensure public safety. Meanwhile, the Weather Department has issued a Red and Orange alert for 24 hours in several districts of Maharashtra. The state has been experiencing heavy rainfall since early Monday morning. Mumbai has been experiencing heavy rainfall , leading to delays in local trains due to decreased visibility and waterlogging at some places. Both the Mainline and the Harbourline are delayed by nearly 10 to 15 minutes. The administration is on high alert, and all necessary precautions are being taken to avoid any mishap in heavy rain. The BMC has declared a holiday in all schools after heavy rains. The civic body has also appealed to citizens to avoid stepping out unless absolutely necessary. For any emergency or official information, residents are advised to reach out to the BMC main control room helpline at 1916. Amid the India Meteorological Department's red alert for very heavy rains, schools and colleges in the areas surrounding Mumbai will remain closed on Wednesday, 20 August 2025. However, officials or the administration did not issue any notification for the Mumbai region until 10:20 PM. Mumbai Mumbai schools are likely to have a working day on Wednesday, August 20. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) shared a screenshot on its official X handle claiming that schools in Mumbai have declared a holiday on August 20, but the BMC dismissed it as a fake. This message is fake. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has not issued any such information through its official social media platforms, said BMC in a post on its official X handle. Also Read | 14 passengers suffocated, 400 rescued from stuck monorail in Mumbai Navi Mumbai In view of heavy rainfall, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation declared Wednesday a holiday for all schools in the area. Sharing the public notice on X, the NMMC said, In view of heavy rainfall, a holiday has been declared for tomorrow, 20th August 2025, for all schools under the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and all mediums in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation area. Panvel Panvel Municipal Corporation also followed suit and said that the area's schools will remain closed on Wednesday due to the red alert for heavy rains. In the backdrop of heavy rainfall, a holiday has been declared for all schools and colleges within the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation, they wrote in an X post. Thane Thane Municipal Corporation has also declared tomorrow, August 20, a holiday for all schools, all media, and management. In the backdrop of the ongoing heavy rainfall in Thane district, a holiday has been declared for all types of schools, across all mediums and all managements, in Thane district on August 20, 2025, they wrote in an X post. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the next 48 hours would be crucial for the districts of Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg, which are currently under Red Alert. Why is Mumbai receiving so much rain? According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rainfall activity is linked to a depression that moved across south Odisha and Chhattisgarh on Tuesday morning and is expected to weaken into a low-pressure area within 12 hours. A four-year-old girl who was mauled by a street dog earlier this year died of rabies while undergoing treatment in Bengaluru, a senior official said on Tuesday. The child was battling rabies for nearly four months and was being treated at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH), Bengaluru The victim, Khadeera Banu, passed away on Sunday, hospital director Dr. Sanjay KS said. The death comes amid a growing stray dog problem in Karnataka, even as the Supreme Court earlier this month ignited a national debate regarding its intervention with the issue in Delhi-NCR. A resident of Shastri Layout in Davanagere, four-year-old Khadeera was playing outside her house when a street dog attacked her, biting her face and body. She was rushed to a local hospital with multiple dog bites. She was admitted in the ICU here and after tests, rabies was confirmed due to the presence of antibodies, Dr. Sanjay said, adding that she was referred to IGICH in May as her condition became worse. The girl was discharged for home care after about a month once her condition was stable, the doctor said. However, Khadeera's conditioned further worsened and she became unresponsive, following which she was rushed to the hospital again requiring emergency intubation, he said. According to him, it was a case of dumb rabies, where the disease causes paralysis and not aggression. Responding to various news reports that the family had spent nearly 8 lakh on treatment, the IGICH director said, in Bengaluru, the family was not charged. Also Read | Keep your dog leashed in public or get ready to pay a larger penalty "It is quite possible that they have spent a lot of money in the private hospital in Davanagere," he said. The girl's father is a street vendor and her mother is a homemaker. Two boys injured in dog attack in Rajasthan In two other separate incidents, two minor boys were seriously injured in two separate incidents of stray dog attacks in Udaipur and Alwar districts of Rajasthan. According to police, a five-year-old boy was mauled by three street dogs while he was playing near his home on Sunday evening in Udaipur. The boy was playing outside his residence in Gautam Vihar colony when three stray dogs suddenly attacked him. He was injured and taken to a hospital, police said. The stray dogs knocked the child to the ground and dragged him before biting, CCTV footage shows. The mother, hearing her child's screams, rushed out of the house and chased the digs away before more harm was done. A similar incident happened on Monday in Alwar where an eight-year-old boy was brutally attacked by stray dogs in Sankhla village. The boy sustained multiple deep wounds across his body, including his neck, face, back, hips, thighs, arms, legs and abdomen, the police said. According to locals, Yogesh was returning home after playing with friends when eight to ten stray dogs surrounded him, approximately 100 metres from his house. Villagers, alerted by the boy's screams, rushed to his rescue and managed to drive the dogs away using sticks. The child was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he is undergoing treatment for multiple deep wounds, some of which exposed muscle tissue. The INDIA bloc on 19 August named former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the Vice Presidential election. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced the name of the opposition bloc's pick during a meeting with the other allies. Reddy will contest against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee, CP Radhakrishnan, in the elections on 9 September. Also Read | Vice President elections scheduled for September 9 | How India elects its VP As things stand, the ruling NDA has sufficient votes to secure a victory for Radhakrishnan. The BJP-led alliance holds the edge in the 781-member electoral college with 424 members. The Opposition INDIA bloc, however, wanted to fight back by fielding a non-political leader to highlight its commitment to the Constitution and democracy. Reddy's name, it is learnt, was pushed by Mamata Banerjee-led TMC at the INDIA bloc meeting held at Kharge's residence on Monday. Who is Sudershan Reddy? Reddy is a former judge of the Supreme Court of India and the first Lokayukta of Goa. Born on 8 July 1946, Sudershan Reddy was enrolled as an Advocate at Hyderabad with the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh on 27 December 1971. He has practised Civil matters in the High Court of Andhra Pradesh. He worked as a government Pleader in the High Court during 1988-90. Shri B Sudershan Reddy garu is one of Indias most distinguished and progressive jurists. He has had a long and eminent legal career, including as Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court and Judge of the Supreme Court. He has been a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic and political justice, Kharge said in a post on X Sudershan Reddy also worked as Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government for six months during 1990. He also worked as a Legal Adviser and Standing Counsel for Osmania University. He was appointed a permanent Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court on 2 May 1995. Reddy was appointed as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in December 2005. Sudershan Reddy was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 12 January 2007. He retired as a SC Judge in July 2011 How is the Vice President Elected? The Opposition INDIA bloc wanted to put up a fight by fielding a non-political leader to highlight its commitment for the Constitution and democracy. 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. Mumbai rains: After a furious rainstorm, the financial capital braces for the wrath of the Arabian Sea. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) shared the high-tide timings on Tuesday, 19 August, warning against a 3.14-metre rise in water level at 8:53 PM. In a post on X, BMC said that very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is very likely in the city and suburbs. Occasional gusty winds reaching 45-55 kmph are very likely. This warning comes at a time when there is flash flood risk in Mumbai City, Suburban Mumbai, Palghar, Sindhudurg, Thane, Raigarh, Ratnagiri, North Goa and South Goa districts until 5:30 PM today. According to officials, around six people died in rain-related incidents over the last couple of days. As heavy rains continue to pound several districts of Maharashtra, hundreds have been displaced. Floods, waterlogging, road blockages, and widespread damage are rampant. The system has activated a trough extending from north Konkan to Kerala. This has triggered very heavy to extremely heavy rains over Konkan, central Maharashtra and the ghats, while the rest of the state is witnessing moderate showers, PTI quoted India Meteorological Department senior scientist S D Sanap as saying. Amid IMD's red alert for Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the next 48 hours crucial for Mumbai and other surrounding districts, which remain on high alert. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that, as per the latest update, Modak Sagar Dam, Tansa Dam, Tulsi Lake, and Vihar Lake are overflowing, while the water level of Mithi River has touched the danger mark at Kranti Nagar, Kurla Bridge. As Mumbai rains continue to wreak havoc for the fourth day in a row, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday issued a warning about the severe weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for several parts of the state, predicting extremely heavy rains on Tuesday, August 19. Mumbai's Forbes Reservoir, F South Office, recorded 109 mm rainfall in just 4 hours between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM on August 19, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. "In the last 2 days, Maharashtra has received widespread rainfall. Red Alert and Orange Alert have been issued for several districts. Even for the next three days, until 21st August, half of the districts in Maharashtra have either Red Alert or Orange Alert. We discussed the precautions that need to be taken due to this," ANI quoted Maharashtra CM as saying. Several water reservoirs have started overflowing, including Modak Sagar Dam, Tansa Dam, Tulsi lake and Vihar lake. In the 24 hour period before 6:00 AM on August 19, Mumbai recorded 217 mm rain. A total of 14 places in Mumbai were waterlogged following the recent rain, including Hindmata, Gandhi Market, King's Circle, Dadar Railway Station, Hindu Colony, Andheri Subway, Shivdi Railway Station and Na M Joshi Marg, among others. Flight and train operations were disrupted and schools and colleges in Mumbai have been closed due to the heavy rain. The state control room alerted district centres. Maharashtra CM said, There is going to be rainfall in Mumbai for the next 2-3 days. There is going to be a high tide as well. So, people should observe precautions. There was no respite from heavy rains in Mumbai on 19 August morning as the city came to standstill, with waterlogging reported at several places. It has led to closure of schools, colleges, while local train services got disrupted amid red alert warning issued by India Meteorological Department (IMD) which has predicted gusty winds reaching upto 65 kmph. The island city saw more rain compared to suburbs between 5 am and 6 am today, according to civic officials. The officials mentioned local train services experienced delays and the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses were rerouted at certain locations due to waterlogged roads. The Directorate of Higher Education announced holiday for all senior colleges in the Konkan region, including Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. The BMC announced holiday for all government and semi-government offices in the city while urging private offices to permit employees to work from home, excluding for those in essential and emergency services. The BMC said, All government and semi-government offices in Mumbai will remain closed today, August 19, 2025. Private offices/establishments are requested to instruct their employees to work from home. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation area (Mumbai city and suburbs) today, Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Additionally, continuous heavy rain is lashing Mumbai. Earlier, it shut schools in the wake of heavy downpour. "The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff, given the possibility of intense downpours, waterlogging, and traffic disruptions," BMC stated. Waterlogging in different parts of Mumbai: Watch Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall in various areas, with Mumbai Central, Parel, Grant Road, Malabar Hill, Dadar, Worli, and others recording between 40 mm to 65 mm of rain in just one hour, causing waterlogging in many places. From 8 am. Monday to 6 a.m. Tuesday, the island city, eastern, and western suburbs received average rainfall amounts of 128.86 mm, 154.37 mm, and 185.74 mm, respectively, according to a civic official. Vikhroli witnessed the highest rainfall at 194.5 mm over 21 hours (8:30 am Monday to 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, as per IMD data. Other notable rainfall figures included Santacruz with 185 mm, Juhu 173.5 mm, Byculla 167 mm, and Bandra 157 mm. Meanwhile, Colaba and Mahalaxmi recorded relatively lower rainfall amounts of 79.8 mm and 71.9 mm, respectively. Mumbai weather: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa issue travel advisories amid heavy rains Airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa Air issued travel advisories, advising passengers to monitor their flight status as it witnesses persistent rain. IndiGo said, With Mumbai drenched in heavy showers, several routes to the airport are witnessing waterlogging and sluggish traffic. This has, in turn, led to operational challenges, with delays in both departures and arrivals and we truly regret the inconvenience this may cause. Due to bad weather in Mumbai (BOM), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status, SpiceJet posted on X. Padmaja, wife of Nandamuri Jayakrishna, passed away on Tuesday, August 19. She was 73-years-old. Padmaja had been unwell for some time. On Tuesday, after experiencing severe breathing difficulties, she was rushed to the hospital, where she breathed her last, as per local media reports. Who was Padmaja? Padmaja was also the eldest daughter-in-law of Sr. NTR and Basava Rama Tarakam, and the sister of senior leader Daggubati Venkateswara Rao. Known for her warmth and grace, Padmaja was deeply cherished within the family. Family, political leaders on their way to pay respects Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu left Vijayawada immediately after receiving the news, while BJP leader Daggubati Purandeswari is travelling from Delhi to be with the family, mentioned one report. Chandrababu Naidu also posted the news of Padmaja's demise on X, condoling her death. I was deeply shocked to learn of the passing of Padmaja, the wife of my brother-in-law Nandamuri Jayakrishna and the sister of Daggubati Venkateswara Rao. This incident has filled our family with sorrow. I pray to God that Padmajas soul finds peace, he wrote. Nandamuri Jayakrishna and Padmaja Padmaja's husband, Nandamuri Jayakrishna is the second son of NT Rama Rao and a film producer who works in Telugu cinema. He began his career in the film industry as a makeup artist, working with stars such as Krishnam Raju and Vijayashanti. Later, Jayakrishna transitioned into film production. He is popularly known for producing the movie Mana Voori Pandavulu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, August 19, appealed to all parties for the unanimous election of NDA's vice presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan. Praising his life of public service, PM Narendra Modi made the appeal to even the Opposition MPs. Radhakrishnan was felicitated at a meeting of the MPs of the ruling party. He is expected to file his nomination on Wednesday, August 20. Meanwhile, the Opposition bloc, too, has picked its Vice Presidential candidate. Former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the Vice President's election. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told reporters that Modi, in his address, appealed to various parties, especially the Opposition, to back Radhakrishnan to ensure that he is elected unanimously. PM Modi introduced the Maharashtra governor, who is a seasoned BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, to the NDA MPs, citing his long public life in which he served ably in different capacities. MODI ON INDUS WATER TREATY In his speech, Modi also raised the Indus Waters Treaty, criticizing then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for signing it with Pakistan without consulting Parliament or his Cabinet. Nehru did to burnish his own image at the cost of the interest of the country, he said, according to sources. Over 80 per cent of the waters was allowed to be used by Pakistan, he noted. The Modi government put the treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack. The prime minister said his government has been undoing the sins of that era, the sources added. PM Modi also said that Nehru later told a colleague that he had believed that the agreement will help resolve other issues with Pakistan but it did not happen, PTI mentioned. Kiren Rijiju said that CP Radhakrishnan has lived a simple life, free from controversy or blemish, and added that his election as Vice President would be a matter of pride and joy for the entire nation. With the BJP-led NDA enjoying a comfortable majority in the electoral college comprising MPs from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Radhakrishnan's win is a certainty amid indications from the opposition INDIA bloc that it will field its own candidate and force a contest. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla discussed his space experience and India's Gaganyaan mission with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasising the challenges of food in space and the need for more astronauts. In the videos shared by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Shukla was seen speaking about the growing interest in space exploration among children, showcasing a shift in aspirations for the young generation. Reflecting on life in space, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla told PM Modi, "The atmosphere there is different. There is no gravity..." Food is a challenge During his interaction with PM Modi, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said, "Food is a big challenge on a space station, there is less space, and cargo is expensive. You always try to pack as many calories and nutrients as possible in the least space, and experiments are going on in every way..." Global interest in Gaganyaan mission Highlighting India's space exploration programmes, Shukla told PM Modi that there is a lot of interest in the Gaganyaan mission across the globe. Wherever I went, whoever I met, everyone was very happy to meet me, very excited. The biggest thing was that everyone knew about what India is doing in the field of space. Everyone knew about this and there were many people who were more excited about Gaganyaan than me, who were coming and asking me when is your mission going... Shukla said. I think somewhere there is a very big opportunity for us, especially because the kind of commitment our government has made to sustain the space program, budget every year, inspite of failures like Chandrayaan 2. Even after that, we said no, we will move ahead. Chandrayaan 3 was successful. Even after such failures, if we are getting so much support and the whole world is seeing this, he added. Need for a pool of astronauts, says PM Modi PM Modi urged the need to have a pool of 40-50 astronauts for India's space missions. Replying to PM Modi, Shubhanshu Shukla said, When I was young, Rakesh Sharma sir went for the first time in 1984, but the dream of becoming an astronaut never came to my mind because we did not have any program. He added, But when I went to the station this time, I spoke to the children three times. In every program, the children asked how can I become an astronaut? So I think this in itself is a big success for our country. In today's India, they know that it is possible. We have the option and we can become. And like you said, it is my responsibility, I feel I got a lot of opportunities to represent my country and now it is my responsibility to take as many people as possible to this level. Shubhanshu Shukla told PM Modi about the academic demands in the Air Force, highlighting that their successful mission is just the start of further challenges ahead. "...When I joined the Air Force, I thought that I would not have to study, but I will have to study a lot after that. And after becoming a test pilot, it becomes a discipline of engineering. So I think we were well prepared, when we reached for this mission...The mission has been successful, we have returned, but this mission is not the end, it is the beginning..." he said. Pune: The Lonavala Municipal Council has announced a two-day holiday for all schools on Wednesday, August 20 and Thursday, August 21, following heavy rains in the region. According to a report by Pune Pulse, Lonavla Municipal Corporation's order applies to all primary, secondary, and higher secondary schools across every management and medium of instruction within the council limits. Officials said the step was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure student safety, considering the continuous heavy rains in Lonavala and surrounding areas. Mumbai Rains Several regions across Maharashtra including Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad among others have been witnessing incessant rains over the last two days crippling daily life in Mumbai on Tuesday. The city recorded nearly 300 mm rainfall within just 11 hours, news wire PTI reported citing officials. In the later hours of the day, a monorail train carrying 200 passengers was stuck in Chembur's Mysore Colony. Rescue operations were launched following the incident. At least 14 passengers got suffocated in the halted monorail train, who were treated onsite by doctors onboard the ambulances that came for the rescue operations. One person was rushed to the Sion Hospital, an ambulance coordinator said. At least 21 people have been killed in rain-related incidents in the state so far, said officials. Two of the deceased people belonged to the Mumbai suburbs, said officials. Earlier in the day, 14 long-distance trains were cancelled, 16 trains rescheduled, and six trains were short-terminated and originated before their scheduled destinations, as heavy rains battered Mumbai. A 28-year-old software engineer in a recent social media post suggested that he feels betrayed after discovering his wife's monthly expenditure. Considering to end this marriage and proceed with divorce, he decided to make this decision two months after arranged marriage. The caption to the Reddit post states, Deciding to end this marriage as she lied about her income. Overwhelmed by responsibilities and finances, he revealed he felt let down he discovered his wife's monthly contribution to her parents. A 28-year-old software engineer felt betrayed after discovering his wife's expenses. Describing the anxiety he is facing unequal distribution of responsibilities, he wrote, One of my no-negotiables while looking for a partner was that she should be earning at least 70% of me. My reasoning is that if she earns significantly less, then she wouldnt be able to contribute even roughly the same on the financial front. And Id still be expected to do 50% of the housework, which feels unfair to me. Concerned over wife's long-term financial commitment, he said, I recently found out that from her 75k in-hand income, she gives 40k every month to her parents. Shes paying the EMI for a house they recently built. Explaining that his wife hid her expenses before marriage, he stated, I now feel completely betrayed. From day 1 of this marriage, Ive been handling about 70% of the total workload. To me, it feels unsustainable. " However, whenever he confronted his wife he faced emotional manipulation. "I've discussed it with her multiple times, but each time she plays the emotional card and somehow I become the villain for questioning it, the software engineer added. Social media reaction A range of reactions poured on social media as netizens gave their suggestions to deal with the situation. A user wrote, Ask her if they can name the house in her name!! Also she can pay her part of the house expense from the remaining savings.. Ask if shell be okay with you doing the same for your parents!! Another user remarked, If she is the only child and will inherit the house then you are YTK because paying 40k a month is basically like investing in real estate since the property will eventually come to her. If she has siblings who will also inherit then you are NTK because in that case she is shouldering an unfair financial burden without any guaranteed return. A third comment read, Seriously, you want to end a marriage only because shes paying for her parents newly built home ,from her salary? was this a commitment she had before marriage or after marriage, but seriously considering wont you do for your parents the same ? Is she their only child ? Prince Harry secretly paid tribute to his late grandfather, Prince Philip, who joined the Royal Navy and fought in World War II, at the National Memorial Arboretum on the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) on 15 August, People magazine reported. Although the Duke of Sussex did not attend the program in person, he delivered a wreath of poppies and a heartfelt letter to honor the British Fourteenth Army and its Far East campaign through a trusted friend. Prince Harrys VJ Day tribute to the Forgotten Army GB News reported that the letter mentioned was placed at the Burma Star Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum after King Charles and Queen Camilla had left the venue. My late grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, served in the Pacific campaign. He spoke with quiet humility about those years, but I know how deeply he respected all who stood beside him in that theatre of war, Prince Harry wrote in his letter, as per The Sun. The Duke of Sussex also cherished the courage and endurance that the British Fourteenth Army, often referred to as the Forgotten Army, displayed in the Far East campaign. Your story is part of our shared heritage, and it must never be forgotten. With the deepest respect, thank you, Prince Harry concluded. VJ Day is observed on 15 August every year to celebrate the surrender of the Japanese forces in World War II. Prince Philips service Prince Harrys grandfather, Prince Philip, joined the Royal Navy in 1939 as a cadet. A year later, he became a Midshipman at the battleship HMS Ramillies in Colombo, Sri Lanka, according to royal.uk. Prince Philip was later appointed as First Lieutenant of the Fleet Destroyer HMS Whelp, which was present in Tokyo Bay when Japan finally surrendered on 2 September 1945. FAQs Who was Prince Harrys grandfather? Prince Philip was Prince Harrys grandfather. Did Prince Harrys grandfather fight in World War II? Yes, Prince Harrys grandfather joined the Royal Navy and fought in World War II. A man from Kerala shared a shocking experience of Islamophobia in Gurgaon. On Reddit, he wrote that it happened after he had booked a Rapido auto late at night near his society in Sector 40. When the driver arrived, a resident stopped him and began questioning his identity. The driver, who appeared to be Muslim, was asked why he was there. He was even asked to show his phone. The driver was treated with suspicion just for his appearance. Also Read | Kerala Hindu body moves SC against Waqf Act Like WTF? The poor guy kept saying its a ride, but this clown just wouldnt stop, the man wrote, I intervened and told him, this is my ride, I live here, who are you to decide who comes and who doesnt? Wheres the rule that says Muslims cant enter? The Reddit user explained to the society uncle that Rapido rides were tracked, making such suspicion meaningless. Bro, this is Rapido, everything is tracked. Im more scared of nosy pricks like you than the driver, the Kerala man told the person. Also Read | MP cop asks Bhopal gym to bar entry of Muslims, removed from field duty He later wrote that he might shift elsewhere if his society shared such a mindset. I am from Kerala, and I have never seen this kind of shit before. People always say intolerance is rising in India and I used to think maybe its exaggerated, Nope, he wrote. Calling it a disgusting reality, he added that he realised many people still had to prove their existence on a daily basis. Imagine having to prove your damn existence to random strangers every night just because of your religion to make the ends meet, thats the reality some people live in. And its l disgusting, the Reddit post concluded. Social media reactions Many other Reddit users agreed with the OP and slammed the discrimination. Gurgaon is an absolute sh*thole of a place. Literally the worst f**king place in India I have ever lived. The people here are also extremely fake, arrogant and racist. I have had multiple bad encounters with Haryanvi illiterates without even doing anything. Relocate while you can, this place is seriously not worth it, wrote one user. Also Read | What are the rules around wills when a Muslim marries a non-Muslim? Many people from Delhi and other parts of north india are also extremely vain and toxic, wrote another. I've been denied houses on rent for multiple years now in both Bangalore and Gurgaon, in posh colonies. Mind you, I'm a techie from a tier 1 college in India, married and not religious. Eventually this and other discriminations led me to shift to the US, came from a social media user, who apparently spoke about Islamophobia. The US Department of Homeland Security said on Monday that the Indian origin truck driver accused of making an illegal U-turn that killed three people in Florida has been living in the country illegally. The announcement led to a verbal tussle with California Governor Gavin Newsom's office over immigration. Details about the crash The truck driver involved, Harjinder Singh, made the illegal turn last Tuesday from northbound lanes of Florida's Turnpike, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. A minivan could not avoid the truck's trailer as it was blocking the northbound lanes, causing the fatal crash, AP reported. Two passengers in the minivan died at the scene, and the driver died at a hospital. Singh and another passenger in his truck were not injured. Driver's immigration status Even though Florida authorities said that he entered the US illegally from Mexico in 2018, much of his immigration history is still not clear, including his country of citizenship and whether and when he obtained legal status. Homeland Security said Singh received a commercial driver's license in California, that issues resident driving licenses regardless of their immigration status, the news report said. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for Homeland Security, said issuing a commercial license to someone in the country illegally is asinine." Newsom's press office, which has been in a heated debate over congressional redistricting, responded on X that Singh received a work permit while Donald Trump was the president. McLaughlin disputed that information, saying that the government had denied him a permit during Trump's first term in September 2020 and granted him one in June 2021, under President Joe Biden, AP reported. Driver charged for homicide Singh has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and immigration violations, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). The federal government has ordered his immediate transfer to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody after his criminal case is complete. (Bloomberg) -- Hurricane Erin will likely become even larger as it churns past the Bahamas, avoiding land but raising the risk of high winds and flooding hundreds of miles away along North Carolina beaches. Erins top winds measured at 140 miles (225 kilometers) per hour Monday, making it a Category 4 storm on the five-step, Saffir-Simpson scale, the US National Hurricane Center said in an advisory at 5 p.m. New York time. The hurricane the first of the six-month Atlantic season was 695 miles (1,120 kilometers) southwest of Bermuda, moving northwest at about 10 mph (17 kph). Heavy rain was forecast through Tuesday for Turks and Caicos, Hispaniola which includes Haiti and the Dominican Republic and the eastern Bahamas. 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-shaped arc through the western Atlantic, passing between North Carolina and Bermuda overnight Wednesday into Thursday. While Erin wont directly hit East Coast states, residents on the shoreline will know the storm is passing by, the National Weather Service said. Dangerous surf, flooding and beach and coastal damage are expected in North Carolina, where local officials have begun ordering tourists and residents to evacuate from some Outer Banks barrier islands. Numerous roads will likely be impassable under several feet of water and vehicles will likely be submerged, the National Weather Service said in a briefing, adding that flooding could begin in North Carolina as soon as Tuesday. In coastal Dare County, North Carolina, crews have begun removing lifeguard stands and trash cans from local beaches and fortifying sand dunes to keep heavy waves from washing them away. Storm surge combined with local tides could cause water to rise up to four feet (1.2 meters) above the ground, the weather service said, with a chance of winds gusting up to 45 mph by Wednesday evening. Coastal flooding and rip currents also are expected in several other states, including from Virginia and Florida north to New York, where waves may crest more than 20 feet on Long Island Thursday and Friday. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in an X post Monday conditions are expected to deteriorate along the Jersey Shore. We urge residents and visitors to avoid wading and swimming in the ocean, especially when lifeguards are off duty, Murphy said. Erins winds increased rapidly over the weekend 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 this year. In July 2024, Beryl became the earliest hurricane to reach top intensity during the Atlantic season. Erins hurricane-strength winds stretch 80 miles from its center and tropical-storm-strength winds of 39 mph to 73 mph reach out 230 miles, or slightly larger than the distance between Washington and New York City. Erins top winds may still edge upward as the storm travels over warm waters that can provide additional fuel. But given the less conducive shear over the system, not much additional strengthening is likely, US Senior Hurricane Specialist Richard Pasch wrote in a forecast analysis. While Erin barely grazed Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, it still knocked out power to many residents. By Monday afternoon, about 6% of Puerto Rico residents were without power, Luma Energy reported. Tropical storm warnings have been posted for the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as the southeastern Bahamas. Peak Approaching 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 was near Cabo Verde off the African coast and moving west across the Atlantic, with a 60% 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. --With assistance from Alex Newman and Mary Hui. (Updates with latest advisory and forecast details throughout.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com By Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Three U.S. Aegis guided-missile destroyers will arrive off the coast of Venezuela in the next 36 hours as part of an effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels, two sources briefed on the matter said on Monday. President Donald Trump has wanted to use the military to go after Latin American drug gangs that have been designated as global terrorist organizations. The sources said the ships are the USS Gravely, USS Jason Dunham and the USS Sampson. A separate U.S. official told Reuters that in total, about 4,000 sailors and Marines are expected to be committed to the Trump administration's efforts in the southern Caribbean region. That U.S. official, who was speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the additional commitment of military assets in the broader region would include several P-8 spy planes, warships and at least one attack submarine. The official said the process would be ongoing for several months and the plan was for them to operate in international airspace and international waters. The naval assets can be used to not just carry out intelligence and surveillance operations, but also as a launching pad for targeted strikes if a decision is made, the official added. Trump has made cracking down on drug cartels a central goal of his administration as part of a wider effort to limit migration and secure the U.S. southern border. The Trump administration in recent months has already deployed at least two warships to help in border security efforts and drug trafficking. The Trump administration designated Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel and other drug gangs, as well as Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua, as global terrorist organizations in February, as it stepped up immigration enforcement against alleged gang members. The U.S. military has already been increasing its airborne surveillance of Mexican drug cartels to collect intelligence to determine how to best counter their activities. Meteorologist Hollie Strano, whose a familiar name in Northeast Ohio, is now giving weather updates on Cantons Mix 94.1 radio station. Shes on air every day from 6 am to 10 pm, sharing hourly forecasts. Even though shes based in Cleveland, Strano is working remotely for the station. This is her first local media job since leaving TV station WKYC last year. Why did Strano leave TV station WKYC? Strano spent 22 years at WKYC before leaving in September 2024. In December, she filed a lawsuit saying the station fired her for being open about her struggles with alcohol. Also Read | Trump responds to Texas flood disaster amid scrutiny over weather agency cuts Her journey became public after a car crash on Thanksgiving in 2023, which led to a drink-driving conviction. She was fined, went to an intervention programme, and lost her driving licence for a year. Her journey to becoming a podcaster Since leaving TV, Strano has been focusing on mental health and recovery. She started a podcast called Abruptly Authentic, where she talks about sobriety, wellness, and life in Cleveland. Strano is an Emmy-winning mental health advocate, who is praised for being positive, strong and real. Strano thanks her listeners Strano thanked her listeners with a message on Facebook: Lets do this Stark County! So much love for you, Canton! Thank you for having me! (sic) Shes also doing weather reports for radio stations in Georgia and Alabama. China has promised to address three of India's concerns, namely rare earths, fertilisers and tunnel boring machines, during a bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Tuesday, ANI reported, citing sources. During the talks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured EAM S Jaishankar that China is addressing the three key concerns of India's needs of fertilisers, rare earths and tunnel boring machines. The Chinese Foreign Minister arrived in India on Monday for a two-day visit. Earlier on Monday, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said in his opening remarks that the talks would cover economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges. EAM followed up on concerns he had brought up during his visit to China in July earlier this year. During his opening remarks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, EAM had underscored that as neighbouring nations and major economies in the world, there are various facets and dimensions of India-China ties. It is also essential in this context that restrictive trade measures and roadblocks are avoided, he said. Jaishankar further noted, Stable and constructive ties between India and China are not only to our benefit, but that of the world as well. This is best done by handling relations on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity. During his remarks with the Chinese Foreign Minister in New Delhi on Monday, the EAM noted that differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict. He added that the visit of the Chinese leader to India provides the two countries with an opportunity to review the bilateral ties, and it is also an appropriate time to exchange views on the global situation and some issues of mutual interest. India-China ties Relations between India and China had deteriorated following the Chinese military's actions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, which triggered a standoff beginning in AprilMay 2020. While some progress was made through agreements on troop disengagement at certain friction points, the situation remained sensitive. Ahead of the 2024 BRICS Summit, India and China reached a new agreement on patrolling protocols along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, a notable step toward de-escalation. In recent months, both nations have taken measures to improve bilateral relations, with India consistently emphasising the importance of further reducing tensions along the LAC. Amid global geopolitical flux, including efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine and the impact of US tariffs under President Donald Trump, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the urgent need to enhance stability in the global economy. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit comes ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis expected trip to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from 31 August to early September. Russia and the United States, in a major turnaround towards ending the war in Ukraine, have accepted the Security Guarantees for Kyiv. After the meeting, much was said about the Security Guarantees, but not enough details were shared on what such assurances might mean for Ukraine, battered by more than three years of Russian attacks. The meeting was attended by US President Donald Trump, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte among others. WHAT SECURITY GUARANTEES MEAN FOR UKRAINE? The Security Guarantees would ensure that Russia does not invade Ukraine again. But there would be no NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) membership for the country. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has mentioned that there was a discussion on Article 5 type security guarantees for Ukraine. NATOs Article 5 says that an attack on one member is treated as an attack on all 32 members. Ukraine has written its goal of joining the alliance into its constitution as a key national priority. There was no talk of sending troops on the ground in Ukraine but a NATO-style protection for Ukraine. Also Read | Did Zelensky agree to a ceasefire? What do we know from Trump-Zelensky meeting? WHO WILL BACK SECURITY GUARANTEES FOR UKRAINE? Donald Trump has said that the US could back security guarantees for Ukraine. After the meeting with Zelensky, Donald Trump said, European countries want to give protection and they feel very strongly about it and well help them out with that. The US President has also suggested that Vladimir Putin has accepted the Security Guarantees for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron said, When we speak about security guarantees, we speak about the whole security of the European continent." There has been no commitment of sending any US troops to bolster Ukraine's security. Hamas said it has agreed to a deal proposed by Qatar and Egypt to pause the militant groups war with Israel in Gaza, fueling optimism that a long-awaited breakthrough in negotiations could be close. The proposal would see Hamas release half of the hostages it still holds from the October 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the conflict, one diplomat briefed on the negotiations said, in return for the freeing of Palestinian prisoners and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops. The deal which would pave the way to a more comprehensive agreement is almost in line with one put forward by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in May, the diplomat said, without being more specific. Its not clear whether Israel has received the proposal from Qatar and Egypt, the key mediators, nor whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government will agree to the terms or to a phased deal. Talks to bring an end to nearly two years of fighting thats devastated Gaza have regularly broken down in the past, often with one side or another saying they agreed to different versions of a ceasefire deal. Israel has repeatedly said Hamas must disarm and return all the remaining hostages for the war to end, while Hamas has previously insisted on a full Israeli withdrawal from the war-torn territory. I, like you, am hearing media reports and one thing is clearly evident: Hamas is under enormous pressure, Netanyahu said Monday in a statement aimed at Israelis, without commenting on the fresh proposal. More than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, while the United Nations has warned that half a million people in Gaza are on the brink of famine. Israels military campaign has devastated the Palestinian territory, displacing the vast majority of the population. Today, the resistance has thrown the door wide open to the possibility of reaching an agreement, but the real test remains whether Netanyahu will refrain from shutting it again, as he has done in the past, Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said in a statement. Egypt Talks Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani traveled to Egypt to meet President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on Monday, with discussions focusing on the importance of a truce and need to improve aid deliveries to Gazas 2 million-strong population, according to statements from both sides. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told Al-Qahera TV a ceasefire agreement could be reached very soon providing that Israel has the political will and good intention. The most recent round of negotiations ended last month when the US and Israel withdrew their negotiating teams from Qatar, with President Donald Trumps administration saying Hamas wasnt acting in good faith. Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by Washington and many other governments. Netanyahu responded to the collapse of Julys talks by authorizing an advance on Gaza City, calling it the best option for recovering hostages while safeguarding his countrys long-term security. The plan was condemned by many foreign governments and has widespread opposition in Israel, where hundreds of thousands demonstrated on Sunday. US Ambassador Mike Huckabee told Israels Army Radio on Monday that negotiations have apparently started again, perhaps because Hamas heard that the Israelis are determined to go in very hard. He reiterated the US position in line with Israels that Hamas has no future in Gaza and must be wound up as an armed, governing entity. I dont know what their motivation is, other than maybe to delay things, Huckabee said, referring to Hamas. But we just have to keep the focus. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Hamas is willing to discuss a deal to release hostages only because of their fear that we seriously intend to occupy Gaza City, according to a statement from his office. Trump posted on Truth Social Monday that we will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed. He didnt make reference to ceasefire talks. The Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 killed 1,200 people and saw about 250 abducted. Of those, 50 hostages are still in Gaza, with roughly 20 thought by Israel to be alive. Israel has lost more than 400 troops in Gaza combat. With assistance from Galit Altstein and Sherif Tarek. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. By Idrees Ali and Sabine Siebold -NATO military leaders are expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss Ukraine and the way forward, U.S. and NATO officials said on Tuesday, as Washington and European capitals work out details of what security guarantees might look like for Kyiv. Ukraine and its European allies have been buoyed by U.S. President Donald Trump's promise of security guarantees to help end the war during a summit on Monday, but face many unanswered questions. U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, who also oversees all NATO operations in Europe, will brief the chiefs of defense on the results of the Alaska meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin last week. Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chairman of NATO's military committee, said there would be a video conference on Wednesday. "As diplomatic efforts to secure peace in #Ukraine progress, looking forward to update on the current security environment," Dragone said on X. Officials pointed out the meeting was taking place during unique circumstances and expected topics such as the security guarantee to be discussed. Reuters was first to report the meeting. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said U.S. General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was expected to attend the meeting, but plans could change. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The British government said what is known as the Coalition of the Willing, which met virtually on Tuesday, had agreed their planning teams would meet with U.S. counterparts in the coming days to advance plans for security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said after his meeting with Trump and European leaders that security guarantees for Kyiv will likely be worked out within 10 days. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump ruled out placing American soldiers in Ukraine and gave no specifics about the security guarantees he has previously said Washington could offer Kyiv under any post-war settlement. Officials have told Reuters the Pentagon is carrying out planning exercises on the type of support Washington could offer that goes beyond simply providing weapons. During their second Oval Office meeting this year, US President Donald Trump stated that the United States would be open to backing European efforts to enforce any potential peace agreement in Ukraine. Here are the top ten updates: 1. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday after his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders that security guarantees for Kyiv will likely be worked out within 10 days, Reuters reported. 2. "Security guarantees will probably be 'unpacked' by our partners, and more and more details will emerge. All of this will somehow be formalised on paper within the next week to 10 days," Zelenskiy said at a broadcast press briefing after his meetings. 3. I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky, Trump said in a social media post soon after lengthy talks with Zelensky and the European leaders ended. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. 4. Trump said, You'll see that President Putin really would want to do something also... When we meet up, I think you will see some really positive moves... We will set that up after today's meeting 5. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, We had a very good conversation with President Trump. It was a good one but the best is yet to come. We spoke about very sensitive points, the first one being security guarantees... The security in Ukraine depends on the United States, on you, and those leaders who are with us... All of us want to finish this war... It is very important that the US gives such strong signals and is ready for security guarantees... I want to thank the First Lady for that letter for our abducted children... All the sensitive things and everything else will be discussed in the trilateral meeting and President Trump will try to organise this meeting. Ukraine will be happy if you are part of the meeting... We need our people back 6. French President Emmanuel Macron called Monday for stepping up sanctions against Russia if President Vladimir Putin does not move forward on peace with Ukraine, AFP reported"President Trump believes we can get an agreement and believes that President Putin also wants a peace accord," Macron told reporters. But if in the end this process is met by refusal, we are also ready to say that we need to increase sanctions. 7. The Finnish President said on Monday in Washington that his Russian counterpart was not trustworthy, after meeting at the White House with the US President, Ukrainian head of state and European leaders, AFP reported. 8. "Putin is rarely to be trusted. So now it remains to be seen whether he has the courage to come to this type of meeting. Does he have the courage to come to a trilateral meeting, or is he once again playing for time?" the Finnish President Alexander Stubb told Finnish reporters. 9. The Alaska Summit made me realise that while difficult, peace is within reach. In a very significant step, President Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, and this is one of the key points that we need to consider... We also need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory, taking into consideration the current line of contact, that is, the war zone, said Trump. 10. US President added, We are going to try a get a three-party meeting with President Putin and President Zelensky, as soon as we can... Ultimately, this is a decision that can only be made by President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine...The six or so wars that we have stopped, we haven't had a ceasefire, and I don't know it's necessary, and you can do it through the war... I believe that a peace agreement at the end of all this is something that is attainable and it could be done in the near future United States Senator Lindsey Graham, an aide to Donald Trump, has advised that the US should 'crush' the Russian economy by imposing penalties on countries that purchase oil from them. If this were to happen, the move would directly affect India, which is a significant buyer of Russian crude. What did Graham say? In a post on X, Graham stated, My advice to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio is to convince Putin that if this war does not come to an end, we will crush the Russian economy by going after countries that buy their cheap oil and gas. Graham's comments appear to conflict with those of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said during a press conference with Trump in Alaska on 15 August that bilateral trade between the two nations had increased by 20% since Trump's reinstatement as President. "Russia and the US can offer each other so much in trade, digital, high-tech, and in space exploration. We see that Arctic cooperation is also very possible in our international context, for example, between the far east of Russia and the west coast of the US. Overall, it's very important for our countries to turn the page, to go back to cooperation," Russian President Putin said. Trumps stance on Indian oil trade The comments came as Trump said in an interview with Fox News that Russia had lost India as an oil client. He made this statement while discussing the economic aspect of Russian President Vladimir Putin coming to the table for talks, ANI reported. "Well, they lost an oil client so to speak, which is India, which was doing about 40% of the oil, China as you know is doing a lot...and If I did secondary sanctions, it would be devastating from their standpoint. If I have to do it, I'll do it, maybe I won't have to do it," Trump said during the interview. Also Read | Trump pushes for peace summit with US, Russia and Ukraine Also Read | Russian President Putin dials PM Modi, shares views on Trump meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has suggested an Article 5style arrangement for Ukraine as part of providing Security Guarantees to Kyiv, which has faced relentless Russian bombardment since February 2022. But does this also amount to a promise of NATO membership for Ukraine as a guarantee of its future security in the face of the Russian war? Speaking with press after meeting with Zekensky and other European leaders at the White House, NATO secretary general Rutte said the team was discussing some Article 5 type arrangement for Ukraine to protect it from future invasions by Russia. His comments were backed by Finland President Cai-Goran Alexander Stubb who said, We spoke of Article 5 type of Security Guarantees. WHAT DOES NATO'S ARTICLE 5 SAY? Article 5 provides 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. It says, The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognized by Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. If Ukraine receives Article 5style assurances, any future Russian attack would obligate all NATO allies to come to Kyivs defense. But a NATO membership for Ukraine? Maybe not! WHY NO NATO MEMBERSHIP FOR UKRAINE? Mark Rutte, speaking on NATO membership for Ukraine, said it was not under discussion but on what securities could be provided to the country. He also revealed that the United States and some other countries are against NATO membership for Ukraine. Also Read | Did Zelensky agree to a ceasefire? What do we know from Trump-Zelensky meeting? The situation is this - that the US and some other countries have said that they are against NATO membership for Ukraine. The official NATO position ... is that there is an irreversible path for Ukraine into NATO, Mark Rutte said. But what we are discussing here is not NATO membership, what we are discussing here is Article 5 type of security guarantees for Ukraine and what exactly they will entail will now be more specifically discussed. SECURITY GUARANTEES FOR UKRAINE The Security Guarantees would ensure that Russia does not invade Ukraine again. There was also no talks of sending troops on the ground in Ukraine but a NATO-style protection for Ukraine. WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF NATO? NATO has 32 member countries called the NATO Allies. NATO was created by 12 countries on April 4, 1949 and over years, 20 more countries have joined the alliance. Alaska was a distant geography to most of usuntil last Friday. Now, it is theatre. A stage for superpowers to feed their egos. Alaska was once Russian, but has been American since 1867. Americas northern-most state holds symbolism as a reminder of the two countries being neighbours, no doubt, but its choice as a summit venue seemed calculated to flatter US President Donald Trumps peace ambitions, while giving Russian President Vladimir Putin a platform to play the statesman. Their 15 August meeting was portrayed as a serious attempt to end the Ukraine War, but it revealed itself as a show designed to massage Trumps ego that ended up showing Putins ability to get his way. Trump emerged from the Alaska summit to declare there was no deal until theres a deal." Putin, with deliberate ambiguity, claimed an understanding" had been reached. Both statements said more about the men themselves than about the fate of war-ravaged Ukraine. Also Read: Alaska summit: There is no peace until both sides see it as fair For Trump, hedging is a way of keeping the drama alive, prolonging his appearance as a central actor in the pursuit of world peace. For Putin, the summit signalled progress without committing to anything substantive. It was a textbook example of show and not-tell, where stagecraft mattered more than outcomes. That the psychology of their exchange has been a matter of speculation is not a surprise. Trump has long admired Putin, once calling him a genius after Russias invasion of Ukraine. In return, Putin walked away without making concessions, while planting the idea of a subsequent meeting to be held in Moscowa bait Trump appeared to take. The tragedy is that when global governance is reduced to this, the costs are borne by nations fighting for their sovereignty and by allies that must navigate uncertainty. The Anchorage summit did not end the war in Ukraine, but whether the map of Europe will be redrawn remains an anxiety across the continent. Also Read: Putin, Trump, and a summit that ended in stalemate Putin seems to understand this better than anyone. He played with a calm hand, flattering Trump just enough, and left with the aura of Americas peer as a peacemaker. Trump, for his part, may have left with illusions of global kingship intact. For India, the spectacle is instructive. Trumps brand of statecraft is neither strategic nor stable. It is transactional and self-referential. He has wielded tariffs as weapon against partners, disregarding decades of carefully built relationships. We have seen this up close, as Washington under Trump has threatened to levy punitive import duties on Indian goods, linking them to Indias energy trade with Russia. Such moves amount to American infringement of another nations sovereign rights and New Delhi has done well to hold its ground. Also Read: India-US standoff over Russian oil: Lets not waver but resolve it Much of the criticism aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modis handling of ties with the US under Trump overlooks a central truth. The US leader is not a statesman to be engaged through conventional playbooks, but an improviser who bends every encounter to suit his theatrical script. No ally or adversary has managed a steady equation with him: not Europe, being tested over Nato, nor East Asia, which must live with his swings of bluster and retreat. India has pursued a resilient path. The governments rejection of Trumps repeated claims of having brokered a ceasefire in the India-Pakistan skirmish this summer was a measure of sober statesmanship. Enduring the short-term pain of US sanctions, if need be, is a reaffirmation of our sovereign choice. Such moments, uncomfortable though they may be, forge a deeper sense of national pride, drive the pursuit of global relevance and reinforce the imperative of self-sufficiency in strategic domains. Also Read: How Trump can win at the Alaska summit Articulating that ethos, the Prime Ministers Independence Day address last week delivered a firm reminder that India would rather endure short-term pain than surrender its sovereignty or be subservient to the foolhardy whims of other nations. From the Red Fort, his 103-minute speech affirmed that self-reliance and indigenous strength are the bedrock of our national dignity. He announced that by the end of 2025, Made-in-India semiconductor chips would enter the market, augmenting technological sovereignty. He spoke of Indias National Critical Minerals Mission, covering over 1,200 sites, to secure essential resources for strategic industries. In the realm of national defence, he unveiled Mission Sudarshan Chakra and highlighted Operation Sindoor as evidence that Indias security does not hinge on external actors. And he reiterated that self-reliance extends beyond trade to digital platforms, space, clean energy, and economic reformsall aimed at crafting a sovereign and resilient India that is prepared to bear costs without bowing to external pressure. This steadiness is precisely what allies and adversaries alike must recognize, that India does not mortgage long-term relationships to vanity or whim. Indias enduring rapport with Russia amid Moscows own growing closeness to China and Americas recently signalled tilt towards Pakistan places New Delhi at the crossroads of a fast transforming global order. The upcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will test Indias art of multilateral engagement, even as New Delhi tentatively seeks to fix a fraught relationship with Beijing, exploring ways to turn rivalry into calibrated cooperation. The world is on the cusp of a new balance, with its unipolar moment fading into the annals of history. The author is a corporate advisor and author of Family and Dhanda India seems ready to improve business relations with China. Though hints of it have been emerging since Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping last year at the Brics summit, signs of rapprochement have grown. New Delhi is contemplating easing its restrictions on direct investment from China, for example. Non-sensitive sectors could see barriers being lowered, according to a Mint report. To be sure, Indias Press Note 3, which mandates that investments from countries with which India shares land borders get government approval, is not about to be withdrawn. But India could ease scrutiny under this policy. Direct flights between the two countries are set to resume, even as India slowly gets more generous with visas issued to Chinese citizens. Also Read: Nitin Pai: India should craft a calibrated response to Chinas Yarlung dam project Meanwhile, Chinas foreign minister Wang Yis visit to New Delhi on Monday has set the stage for Modi to meet Xi at the forthcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Beijing. Sectors like defence equipment, nuclear energy and telecom will probably be kept barred from Chinese participation, but the shadow cast by the Galwan rupture of 2020 has begun to fade. The economic logic of it is clear. China needs Indias large market for its goods all the more as America tries to deter its shipments. India faces US trade hostility too and needs both Chinese capital and raw material inputs to accelerate the expansion of its economy. Asias promise would go unfulfilled without its big two reinforcing each others growth. Given Chinas leadership of clean-tech industries, we could gain from partnerships in these fields that result in domestic absorption of know-how. There may also be something to learn from Chinas recent advances in low-cost artificial intelligence (AI). Also Read: Its time for Indias export strategy to converge its US and China tracks That said, fraught relations with Beijing make any patch-up prone to dissonance. We must engage China even as we gradually break free of dependence on it, lest Beijing is tempted to use such leverage against us. We remain reliant on China for supplies of rare-earth magnets, inputs for pharmaceutical drugs and more. Also, while retail-use AI may be safe, it has military applications too, so AI should partly be treated as a sensitive sector. As for other Chinese apps, a review of Indias 2020 ban list is overdue. It helps that Beijing has been making conciliatory noises. If it is ready to grant our exports better access to its market and help address todays skew in bilateral trade, a reset of commercial ties would serve both countries well. Also Read: Brics isnt an anti-US forum, its a voice of the Global South The thorny part, however, may be the geo-strategic aspect of the relationship. Chinas support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor looms large in memory. But Islamabad has gotten closer to the US since then. This would not have escaped Beijings notice. Nor would Americas emphasis on Aukus as an alliance focused on projecting military power in the East, with nuclear submarines patrolling the Indo-Pacific. The Quad, of which India is a member along with the US, Japan and Australia, is not turning into a Nato-like pact. Notably, it does not oblige each member to act in any other members defence. Moreover, how deeply the current White House is invested in its future remains unclear. While the Quads agenda enables maritime coordination, it does not compromise Indias strategic autonomy. In other words, Beijing has no reason to consider India a hardbound adversary. For New Delhi, engaging China could potentially loosen its ties with Pakistan. All in all, its a tricky trapeze act, but one we should try pulling off. For the past six months, I served on the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) Committee on the Framework for the Responsible and Ethical Enablement of AI (Free-AI). It has been an enriching experience putting it together, and I am sure I speak for all members of the committee when I say that we are proud of what we produced. Now that we have submitted our report, I am glad to finally be able to write about it. Unlike most artificial intelligence (AI) regulation frameworks, this is not one that is focused solely on risk. On the contrary, we have proposed a two-pronged approachone that both enables innovation and mitigates risk. In my view, the weaving together of these two seemingly contradictory sets of objectives is whats novel about this report. Also Read: Jobs at stake: Legislation could shield employees facing an AI threat To enable the use of AI in the financial sector, we centred our recommendations around three distinct pillars: infrastructure, policy and capacity. We proposed the establishment of the sort of data infrastructure that would be necessary for building AI models and, more generally, encouraging the use of AI in the financial sector. There is a lot of financial sector data in disconnected silos that, if organized, can be helpful for building models and developing AI applications. To that end, we have recommended an initial investment of 5,000 crore, with an additional 1,000 crore per annum over the next five years. We have also suggested setting up an AI innovation sandbox in which RBI-regulated entities, fintech firms and just about anyone interested in applying AI innovations to the financial sector can experiment. Since the general-purpose large language models (LLMs) that are currently available may not serve the specialized needs of our financial sector, we have recommended developing sector-specific models capable of catering to the countrys linguistic diversity. In order to reward innovation in all these areas, we are hoping that RBI will institute challenge grants and innovation prizes designed to shine a light on noteworthy innovations. Finally, we believe that AI can and should be integrated into Indias digital public infrastructure so that its reach can be extended even further than is currently possible. Also Read: Artificial workforce: Microsofts layoffs are a canary in the coal mine for white-collar jobs Under the policy pillar, we believe that the country needs a flexible approach that can adapt to keep pace with the evolution of technology. Regulators should periodically assess existing policies and not be afraid to review and amend them if new technologies so demand. We have suggested that RBI constitute a permanent multi-stakeholder committee for this purpose. We were also keen to encourage the use of AI to reach those otherwise excluded or underserved. The report encourages the use of AI to bring first-time borrowers into the countrys formal financial system and recommends appropriate relaxation of existing regulations to enable that. Recognizing that AI systems are fundamentally probabilistic, we believe that it would not be appropriate to apply the binary lens we currently use to determine liability. While we need to ensure that customers are always protected, if we penalize AI developers for each small misstep, we will stifle innovation. To that end, we have recommended a graded approach to supervisory action under which the first instance of a failure will not automatically trigger full scope supervisory action, as long as the regulated entity has taken appropriate steps to mitigate harm and proactively remediates issues that have been identified. Also Read: Rahul Matthan: Technology and law are joined at the hip as they evolve together There is a need for capacity building in the sector, and for that we have recommended measures to improve the capacity of regulated entities as well as the regulators and supervisors responsible for the sector. We have also suggested putting in place a framework for sharing best practices so that the entire sector can benefit from everyones experiences with using AI. As important as it is to incentivize innovation, we must make sure that the framework is designed to mitigate risk. To that end, we have proposed 13 recommendations across three broad pillars: governance, protection and assurance. Regulated entities are encouraged to establish board-approved AI policies and to ensure that data is protected across the entire AI lifecycle. They need to ensure that they have in place appropriate governance frameworks for the AI systems they use. Since most regulated entities already have product approval processes, we ask that they be modified to take into account the use of AI in their products and services. Beyond pre-release testing, we also recommend regular red-teaming to ensure that failures can be anticipated in advance. Also Read: Rahul Matthan: Writers should stop worrying and learn to love GenAI Customer protection is paramount, and regardless of how AI is used by users, regulated entities must ensure that they are protected at all times. This includes appropriate grievance redressal measures and awareness campaigns to keep customers well-informed while interacting with AI. To ensure AI availability, regulated entities are encouraged to put in place business continuity plans. We have also suggested the establishment of an incident-reporting framework with a good-faith approach to encourage timely disclosure of notable incidents. AI can prove transformational for Indias development and we have to do whatever is necessary to allow this to happen. It calls for an entirely different approach to regulation than what we currently haveone that encourages responsible innovation and also mitigates risks. This, in sum, is the Free-AI approach. The author is a partner at Trilegal and the author of The Third Way: Indias Revolutionary Approach to Data Governance. His X handle is @matthan. As negotiations to end the war in Ukraine gather momentum between Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, and Volodymyr Zelensky, the focus has once again returned to the Donbas a region whose history, identity and resources have made it central to Russias ambitions and Ukraines struggle for sovereignty. Why is the Donbas so important to Russia? The Donbas comprising the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk was once the industrial heartland of the Soviet Union, known for its coal mines, steel mills and fertile farmland. For the Kremlin, however, its significance extends beyond economics. The Donbas has historically been the most Russian part of Ukraine, with a sizeable Russian-speaking population and lingering cultural ties to Moscow. It was here, in 2014, that Russian President Vladimir Putin began destabilising Ukraine after annexing Crimea, supporting armed separatists who swiftly seized control of Donetsk and Luhansk. Since then, the Donbas region has become the epicentre of Russias claim to defend compatriots abroad and secure what Putin sees as the cornerstone of a greater Russia. How has the war reshaped the Donbas? For nearly eight years before the full-scale invasion of 2022, fighting raged between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists. More than 14,000 people were killed, according to Kyivs figures, while at least 1.5 million fled the region. Today, over three million are estimated to live under Russian occupation. Moscow has entrenched its presence, issuing hundreds of thousands of Russian passports in separatist-controlled areas. Following sham referenda in 2022, the Kremlin illegally annexed Donetsk and Luhansk, along with Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, despite only partial control of the territories. For Vladimir Putin, these annexations represent a point of no return. Unlike previous military withdrawals, giving up Russian land formally absorbed into the Federation would undermine his central narrative of restoring historic Russia. Also Read | Will Ukraine get NATO membership or just security guarantees? Explained What makes Donbas militarily crucial? Despite Moscows advances, Ukraine still controls a strategic fortress belt of industrial cities and transport hubs including Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka that block further Russian penetration westward. For President Volodymyr Zelensky, surrendering these areas would not only dishonour the sacrifices of Ukrainian soldiers but also expose central Ukraine to fresh offensives. About three-quarters of Ukrainians oppose ceding any territory, according to surveys, making territorial concessions politically toxic in Kyiv. How does Crimea fit into this Russia-Ukraine conflict? The Donbas cannot be separated from Crimea, another flashpoint in RussiaUkraine tensions. Moscow seized the peninsula in 2014 after pro-European protests toppled President Viktor Yanukovych. A disputed referendum was staged, claiming overwhelming support for joining Russia, though international governments dismissed it as fabricated. Vladimir Putin has consistently framed Crimeas annexation as correcting a historical wrong dating back to its 1954 transfer to Ukraine. Yet research suggests that many Crimeans identified not as pro-Russian nationalists but as distinctly Crimean or Ukrainian. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly argued that the Wests failure to resist the 2014 annexation emboldened Russia's Putin to expand the war. Crimea should not have been given up then, he said recently, warning that peace must be lasting, not temporary. What lies ahead for the Donbas? Analysts believe Russia may need years to consolidate its occupation of Donetsk and Luhansk. Ukraine, meanwhile, faces the dual challenge of defending its remaining positions and persuading allies not to pressure it into territorial concessions. For Europe and the West, the stakes extend far beyond Ukraines borders. To allow Moscow to keep land seized by force would, in their view, dismantle the very principle of a rules-based international order. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is in India to hold a special representative dialogue with India's national security advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. Wang and Doval are the designated special representatives for the boundary talks. The visit is significant as it comes ahead of the much-anticipated Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China, and is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit is part of the special representative-level dialogue that the two countries agreed to resume, but may be read as part of a long-term strategy to reset bilateral relations between India and China. So the key questions: Why is the timing of Wang Yi's visit significant? Will the US factor move India and China closer? If yes, what would the agenda look like? How will both India and China navigate the Pakistan factor? Mint explains. Why is the timing of Wang Yi's visit significant? Wang Yi's visit to India would be much watched by both the US and Pakistan.It comes amid growing tensions between India and the US following President Donald Trump's announcement of an additional 25% tariff for purchasing Russian crude oil, taking the effective tariff on Indian goods to 50%. Notably, during the meeting between Jaishankar and Wang Yi, there was renewed emphasis on: multilateralism, multipolar order and a multipolar Asia, noting the need for stability in global economy. This, in many ways, sets the agenda for the Modi-Xi meeting at the upcoming SCO meeting, which would be closely watched by the US. Pakistan, for whom China was a trusted ally during Operation Sindoor, would also wait and watch as this renewed calculus plays out in South Asia. Also Read | Jolted manufacturers look for business beyond the US Will the US factor move India and China closer? The US factor is pushing China and India towards slow but pragmatic tactical realignment. This, amid border issues, the Pakistan factor, and competing claims for regional supremacy in Asia. For India, in the wake of a transactional US, a cautious alignment with China is a tactical move. For China, India remains a huge market for Chinese goods, and for India, there is a need to plug back into the critical mineral supply chain, amidst geopolitical volatility. Currently, India is heavily dependent on imports for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements (REE). Relatedly, while India-Russia and China-Russia maintain strategic proximity, an India-China re-alignment can strengthen the possibility of a Russia-China-India axis, as a key counter pivot to the US hegemony. If the US factor moves India and China closer, what would the agenda look like? PM Modi is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of the month, his first visit to China in seven years, to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. For India, Chinas position on de-escalation within time frames, restrictive trade practices, and position on cross-border terrorism, will be key to enhancing what EAM Jaishankar stated as the pillars of the relationship: mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. How will both India and China navigate the Pakistan factor? While a tactical realignment is both imperative and pragmatic for India and China, much remains to be seen how China balances its long-standing relationship with Pakistan, amid Indias growing concern about cross-border terrorism. While Pakistan remains a strategic partner for China, Pakistan is also now a ploy for US tactical moves in South Asia. There are slow but steadysigns that broader geopolitical calculus may temporarily bring in a realignment between India and China despite the Pakistan factor. But much remains to be closely watched given the trust deficit. Will de-escalation be the real test for the sticking border issues between India and China? As India and China move ahead on the possible path of tactical realignment, much depends on the progress of the time frames for de-escalation on the border between the two countries. Wang Yi's visit is expected to iron out the process for de-escalation before Modi visits China for the SCO summit. This is Wang Yi's first visit to India following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, which saw the relationship hit a complete low.However, ahead of the Kazan BRICS Summit (2024), there was a thaw in the relationship with both India and China committing to disengagement. This was completed in Demchok and Depsang, with a resolve to move towards de-escalation. The ticklish issue of time frames for de-escalation still needs to be agreed on, and India has reiterated that momentum in bilateral ties is hinged on a stable and peaceful border. Shweta Singh, associate professor, Department of International Relations, Faculty of International Studies, South Asian University. India on Tuesday denied Beijings claim that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had described Taiwan as a part of China during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, asserting that there has been no change in Indias position on the matter. What triggered the clarification of India's position on Taiwan? The clarification followed the release of the Chinese foreign ministrys readout of the Jaishankar-Wang meeting on Monday evening in New Delhi. According to the translation, Beijing attributed to Jaishankar the following remarks: The relationship between India and China remains stable, cooperative and forward-looking, which is in line with the interests of both countries. Taiwan is a part of China. Also Read | China Slams Taiwans Lai for Speech Mentioning Independence What did India actually say on Taiwan? According to New Delhis account, the Chinese side raised the issue of Taiwan, to which India responded that its approach remained unchanged. India underscored that, like many other nations, it engages with Taiwan in areas such as economic, technological and cultural cooperation, which will continue. The Chinese side raised the issue of Taiwan. The Indian side underlined that there was no change in its position on this issue. It pointed out that, like the rest of the world, India had a relationship with Taiwan that focuses on economic, technological and cultural ties and that this would continue. The Indian side noted that China also cooperates with Taiwan in these very domains, the press release read. What is Indias traditional policy on Taiwan? India endorsed the One-China policy in the past, but the phrase has not appeared in any bilateral document since 2011. While New Delhi does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taipei, both sides have steadily built connections over the past three decades. In 1995, India set up the IndiaTaipei Association (ITA) in Taiwan to promote trade, tourism and cultural exchanges, while Taiwan opened its Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in Delhi. Last year, the two sides signed a migration and mobility agreement, paving the way for Indian workers to be employed in diverse sectors on the island. Trade cooperation has been expanding, with New Delhi particularly interested in Taiwans expertise in semiconductors, a sector critical to global supply chains. Also Read | Taiwan Dollar Forwards Set to Retreat as Tariff Concerns Grow Why does Taiwan matter in IndiaChina relations? Taiwan, a self-ruled island of more than 23 million people, produces nearly 70% of the worlds semiconductors, including the most advanced chips used in smartphones, data centres, defence technology and artificial intelligence. Beijing, however, continues to pressure countries to refrain from officially recognising Taiwan, urging India repeatedly to reaffirm its commitment to the One-China principle. Dam on Yarlung Tsangpo River In talks with Wang, Jaishankar informed MEA that India raised concerns about mega dam construction in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Chinas construction of dams in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which flows into India as the Brahmaputra, has raised concerns over potential ecological disruption and transboundary water security. New Delhi has consistently sought greater transparency from Beijing on such hydropower projects, emphasising the need for prior information-sharing and cooperative management of shared river systems. India strongly underlined its concerns over the construction of a dam on the Brahmaputra River and raised the issue of cross-border terrorism with China. On 8 August, in a written response to a query in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said the project was first made public in 1986, and since then, preparations have been underway in China. He said the government of India has "taken note of reports about commencement of construction of a mega dam project by China on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (upper reaches of the Brahmaputra) River in Tibet. " India has signalled a significant recalibration in its foreign policy, with National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval describing relations with China as being on an upward trend. The remarks come at a time when New Delhi is facing mounting tariff pressures from United States President Donald Trump, raising questions about how India will balance its competing relationships with Washington, Beijing and Moscow. Also Read | Spooked by tariffs, local manufacturers look for business beyond the US Why is India signalling closer ties with China now? Speaking in New Delhi ahead of talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Doval said he was encouraged by the trajectory of bilateral ties in recent months. In the last nine months, there has been an upward trend. Borders have been quiet, and there has been peace and tranquillity, he noted. The NSA attributed the progress to leadership-level dialogue, pointing to Prime Minister Narendra Modis engagement with President Xi Jinping in Kazan last October. Our bilateral engagements have been more substantial. A new environment has been created, which has helped us move ahead, he said. What message did China deliver? On his first visit to India in three years, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the relationship as facing an important opportunity for improvement and growth. Wang Yi emphasised that a healthy and stable ChinaIndia relationship serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both of our countries, while also positioning the partnership as one that developing nations expect to flourish. According to Indian officials briefed on the talks, Beijing has assured New Delhi of supplies of fertiliser, rare earth minerals, and tunnel-boring machines. While Chinas official readout made no mention of these commitments, Wang underscored that both sides must regard each other as partners and opportunities, not as opponents or threats. Are past disputes truly behind India and China? Relations between the Asian neighbours deteriorated sharply after a bloody border clash five years ago, in 2020, with military standoffs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Galwan Valley dominating headlines. However, confidence-building measures have gained pace since late 2023. India has reinstated tourist visas for Chinese nationals, while China has relaxed restrictions on urea exports. Trade and investment conversations, particularly around technology transfer, are also quietly expanding. Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who also met Wang Yi, said that both countries seek to move ahead after a difficult period and stressed that differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict. Also Read | India, China discuss situation in border areas How does Trumps tariff policy influence Indias outreach? Indias renewed engagement with China comes as ties with the US show signs of strain. Despite initial optimism over a quick trade deal, Donald Trumps tariff regime has introduced uncertainty into IndiaUS relations. Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, while reiterating his self-styled moniker, the Tariff King. The levy came into effect on 7 August. Later, the Trump administration accusing New Delhi of fuelling Russias war in Ukraine by purchasing discounted crude oil from Moscow imposed an additional 25% secondary tariff on India, scheduled to take effect on 27 August. Analysts say the growing urgency in New Delhis outreach to Beijing and Moscow reflects its desire to hedge against US unpredictability. Wang, in turn, criticised unilateral bullying in the global order, urging China and India to work together to promote multi-polarisation of the world a message widely interpreted as a counterpoint to Washingtons dominance. What lies ahead for India and China? According to Moneycontrol report, the Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will also travel to Pakistan later this week, a reminder of Beijings continuing support for New Delhis rival. For PM Modi, the challenge remains balancing a cautious rapprochement with Beijing while managing longstanding strategic concerns. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has picked Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its Vice Presidential candidate for the 9 September elections. Radhakrishnan will file nomination papers on 20 August. Radhakrishnan's 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. Radhakrishnan will face the INDIA bloc's yet-to-be-announced candidate in an election in which the numbers seem to favour the NDA. Here are 5 reasons why NDA picked Radhakrishnan as its VP candidate: 1-Old RSS-hand, non-controversial Radhakrishnans candidacy is primarily driven by his ideological anchoring, experts said. Radhakrishnan has been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological mentor of the BJP, since 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. Also Read | NDA's VP candidate CP Radhakrishnan meets PM Modi The BJP had previously picked Jagdeep Dhankhar, perhaps due to his Jat credentials, a community it had angered with its controversial farm laws. Dhankhar, however, proved not a very good choice and quit unceremoniously two years before his term would have ended. CP Radhakrishnan is a non-controversial leader and will hardly annoy the Opposition, according to experts. Political observers also see the move as a move to mollify the RSS, which has shown signs of unhappiness with the BJP in the past. 2-Project Tamil Nadu - clever choice For the BJP, Tamil Nadu is one of the aspirational states in the South. A VP candidate from the state is one of the many strategies the BJP has deployed aimed at reaping benefits in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections 2026 Radhakrishnans nomination demonstrates the BJPs sensitivity to regional caste equations and is perhaps a signal to voters in the Kongu belt, where Radhakrishnan belongs, that the BJP values their representation not just locally but also at the national level. Radhakrishnan, who has been associated with the RSS from an early age, is a clever choice, because the state he belongs to, Tamil Nadu, goes to the polls next year. Though the BJP on its own has a limited vote share in a state that fiercely resists its Hindi-Hindutva ideological push, the party hopes to do better in an alliance with the AIADMK, political analyst K Nageshwar wrote in Indian Express. 3- The Caste Factor Radhakrishnan belongs to the OBC Gounder caste, believed to politically rally behind the AIADMK, the BJPs biggest ally in Tamil Nadu. E Palaniswami, the AIADMK chief and the former chief minister, belongs to the same community. Also Read | INDIA bloc leaders meet today to finalise joint VP candidate An OBC as VP nominee a year before elections, it would certainly further the BJPs inclusive Hindutva narrative in the North, where the mandalisation of politics is a big factor, experts said. Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran described Radhakrishnan's nomination for the Vice Presidential race as a moment of pride for Tamils. Nagendran said Radhakrishnan's elevation was "a recognition of Tamil Nadu's contribution to the nation," thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the NDA leadership. 4-Strengthening BJP-AIADMK Alliance The move also reinforces the alliance with AIADMK by recognising the political influence of the Gounder community Former BJP president in Tamil Nadu K Annamalai also hail from the Gounder background. This shared caste identity has significant electoral weight, and Radhakrishnans elevation is seen as a move to consolidate the Gounder vote base. The southern states are also complaining of political marginalisation and economic discrimination, a trust deficit that is expected to widen with the ensuing delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies. The BJP, therefore, is attempting to court voters in South India with such symbolic gestures like choosing the Vice-Presidential nominee from the region, wrote Nageshwar who has been a professor at Osmania University and is also a former MLC Radhakrishnans candidacy is primarily driven by his ideological anchoring. Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has claimed that there is a nexus between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission of India, accusing the leaders of the ruling party at the Centre of becoming spokespersons of the poll panel and thereby eroding its autonomy. Interacting with reporters at the airport in Kolkata upon his return from the national capital on Monday evening, the TMC Member of Parliament from Diamond Harbour seat alleged that central agencies like the Election Commission (EC) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have become stooges of the Narendra Modi government. Also Read | Tejashwi Yadav says EC helping BJP leaders with 2 voter cards in Bihar "They are being used by the BJP to harass opposition leaders without a shred of hard evidence," Banerjee claimed amid Vote Chori allegations by Opposition led by Rahul Gandhi against the Election Commission of India. The nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused BJP leader Anurag Thakur of falsely claiming that bogus voters were included in the electoral rolls of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat. "I had submitted proof to Anuragji about the existence of genuine voters in my seat, barring very few, like five or six who either died or moved away in the meantime. There has been no word from him on the issue afterwards." Asserting that "we are not afraid to face the electorate, unlike the BJP, which seeks to win by fraudulent means in collusion with the EC," he questioned, "Why are BJP leaders like Anurag Thakur speaking in favour of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise on behalf of the EC?" BJP is the EC, BJP is the ED Opposition parties under the banner of the INDIA bloc have been protesting against the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, alleging the Election Commission's exercise in the poll-bound state was aimed at "disenfranchising voters" in the state ahead of the assembly elections due later this year. On probes by central agencies, Banerjee said the CBI investigated him for five years but failed to submit a case diary. He also expressed alarm over what he called a breach of confidentiality in dealings with the ED. "I handed over my documents to the ED as part of a probe. Later, I was stunned to hear a BJP leader referring to specific details from those documents. How are BJP leaders gaining access to confidential information submitted to supposedly independent agencies?" he posed. "That makes us realise that the BJP is the EC, the BJP is the ED," he added. CBI cleared Satyendra Jain Alleging the CBI has been probing cases and jailing people without proof, the TMC leader said, "Take the case of (former Delhi minister) Satyendra Jain, who is in jail for three years. The CBI could not prove anything against him. Does that make him right and the CBI wrong?" Banerjee also took a dig at the EC for not taking suo motu cognisance of the opposition's complaint of alleged "electoral malpractices". Referring to the EC asking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to submit an affidavit regarding his allegations of "vote fraud", the TMC leader said, "The chief election commissioner has bypassed the main issue. The EC has the authority to act on its own and does not require a written affidavit to probe electoral malpractice." "If the EC is truly sceptical of the voter list, then the prime minister and his cabinet should resign, since they were elected based on that same list. Let them dissolve the Lok Sabha first." "For the past 11 years, you have seen how the BJP has run the government. Even the EC has admitted there are many dead voters. If elections in 2024 were based on such rolls, then an FIR needs to be filed and an investigation conducted," Banerjee said. Also Read | Trump Zelensky Meeting LIVE: Zelensky and Putin confirm they are ready to meet Banerkee pointed out that the poll panel has said that if an affidavit is not filed within seven days by people whose names have been removed, then their claims are not valid. "Is this a joke? We will oppose any such move," said Banerjee, the leader of the Trinamool Congress Parliamentary Party in the Lok Sabha. BJP is the EC, BJP is the ED Underlining that 65 lakh people have been removed from the electoral rolls in Bihar following the EC's special intensive revision, Banerjee asked if the Chief Election Commissioner have the courage to resign if even one error is proven in those rolls? Union Home Minister Amit Shah will introduce three bills in the Lok Sabha today, 20 August. A bill about Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation sparked another buzz about the restoration of statehood to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Bills seek to provide a legal framework for the removal of the Prime Minister or a Minister in the Union Council of Ministers and the Chief Minister or a Minister in the Council of States and Union Territories who is arrested or detained in custody on account of serious criminal charges. Also Read | Omar Abdullah writes to party chiefs for restoration of JK statehood The List of Government Business on August 20 and 21 in the Lok Sabha includes the introduction of the following Bills: (i) The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025; (ii) The Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025; (iii) The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025; (iv) The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. Some reports suggested that The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025t would be about statehood restoration, but there was no official confirmation about what the bill would actually mean. The ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to run till 21 August. JK Statehood annulled on 5 Aug, 2019 Jammu and Kashmir's statehood was annulled on 5 August 2019 after Article 370 was abrogated. The erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories J&K and Ladakh. A report by an onling news website said Shah has also marked the letter for the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, the legislative department of the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Lok Sabha Secretariat, and the legislative office of the Lok Sabha. SC grants 8 weeks to Centre The Supreme Court on 14 August sought the central government's response in 8 weeks on Jammu and Kashmir's statehood petition. It said the situation in J&K cannot be overlooked while emphasising the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, legal news website Bar and Bench reported. The situation in J&K cannot be overlooked. A Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice of India BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran heard the petition filed by college teacher Zahoor Ahmed Bhat and activist Khurshid Ahmad Malik. The SC observed that the ground situation must be considered when restoring statehood. According to Bar and Bench, CJI BR Gavai said, You cannot ignore what happened in Pahalgam. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responded to the buzz with a please I cant take this anymore GIF. Abdullah on earlier buzz Abdullah had said on 5 August that he is optimistic about something positive for the Union Territory during the ongoing parliament session, but not on Tuesday, amid buzz over the centre planning something on the Jammu and Kashmir statehood. Opposition leaders will again meet at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence today to discuss a joint candidate for the Vice President's post. This, after a similar meeting held on Monday, remained inconclusive. A meeting of leaders of all Opposition parties in Parliament will be held at 12:30 PM Tuesday Aug 19th at 10, Rajaji Marg, Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X. Also Read | Radhakrishnan to file nominations as NDA's Vice Presidential candidate on Aug 20 Former Director of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Mylswamy Annadurai and social activist Tushar Gandhi, were among the names for Vice Presidential elevations discussed at a meeting of the INDIA bloc leaders on Monday at Kharges residence. The opposition wants to field a non-political face who has national standing and stature for the second-highest constitutional position in the country, a source said. The vice presidential election, necessitated by the sudden resignation of incumbent Jagdeep Dhankhar last month, is scheduled for 9 September. The last date for filing nominations is 21 August. DMK proposes Annadurai With the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) fielding Maharashtra governor CP Radhakrishnan as its candidate, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is learnt to have proposed Annadurai's name at the meeting. According to reports, the suggestion also got the backing of some of the other parties. Annadurais name, however, did not receive support from TMC as the Bengal's ruling party felt there should not be Tamil vs Tamil fight. TMC is is learnt to have pushed for former Supreme Court judge B Sudarshan Reddy. The name of senior DMK leader Tiruchi Siva is also doing the rounds, but the candidate will be finalised in today's meeting. Also Read | NDA's VP candidate CP Radhakrishnan meets PM Modi Siva, however, refused to comment, saying his leadership will take a call on the issue. NDA nominee C P Radhakrishnan hails from Tamil Nadu, which will go to polls in 2026. Great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi Tushar Gandhi, who is also theg reat-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, had joined Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra in November 2022 as it passed through Maharashtra. In 2017, his uncle Gopalkrishna Gandhi was the UPA nominee for the Vice President post and had lost with 244 votes against NDA candidate Venkaiah Naidu. Defence Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajnath Singh has also reached out to the leaders of some opposition parties, including Kharge, who is the leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, for unanimously electing the new vice-president. While the ruling BJP feels that the nomination of Radhakrishnan, a seasoned leader with an RSS background, will elicit support from the wider opposition, especially the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, it remains to be seen what stand the opposition parties take. BJP president JP Nadda, while announcing the nomination of Radhakrishnan after a meeting of the party's parliamentary board on Sunday, said the NDA will speak to the opposition parties to arrive at a consensus for the vice-presidential election. The opposition wants to field a non-political face who has national standing and stature for the second-highest constitutional position in the country. As things stand, the ruling NDA has sufficient votes to secure a victory for Radhakrishnan. The BJP-led alliance holds the edge in the 781-member electoral college with 424 members. The Opposition INDIA bloc, however, wants to put up a fight to highlight its commitment for the Constitution and democracy. Spains top diplomat dismissed a suggestion that the nations failure to commit to a revised NATO spending target was the reason for its absence from this weeks talks to discuss Russias war on Ukraine. Spain is a very committed ally, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Tuesday in an interview with Bloomberg TV. He said hed received no indication that failure to commit to the NATO goal was in any way linked to Spains omission from Mondays meeting in Washington between European leaders, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump. The gathering was seen as a win for western allies attempting to steer Trump away from a quick deal at Ukraines expense something that appeared more likely after he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week. US and European officials will immediately work on providing Ukraine with robust security guarantees to help bolster the countrys armed forces, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg Tuesday. Territorial Integrity The aim is to prevent Russia demanding restrictions on the size of Kyivs military as part of a future agreement to end the war, the people said. In his Bloomberg TV interview, Albares said reinforcing Ukraines army is the best security guarantee available given the reality on the ground. Thats what we are doing: providing military equipment to make sure that the Ukrainian army is capable of guaranteeing sovereignty and territorial integrity, he added. We need a ceasefire first of all, he said, at the same time cautioning that Russia has given no sign of being in good faith engaged in real conversation for a just and lasting peace. In June, Spain raised hackles among some NATO allies by seeking an exemption from the military alliances new target of committing 5% of gross domestic product to defense. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchezs government argued that its spending plans are sufficient to meet NATO needs. Trump subsequently threatened Spain with tariffs twice as high as the rest of the European Union, but hasnt followed through. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Google has warned its 1.8 billion Gmail users worldwide of a new cybersecurity threat that exploits advances in artificial intelligence, reported Mens Journal. What are Indirect Prompt Injections? The company has reportedly raised the alarm overindirect prompt injections, a form of attack that it says could target individuals, businesses and even governments. In a recent blog post, Google explained that unlike direct prompt injections, where hackers enter malicious commands into an AI tool, indirect attacks involve hiding harmful instructions within external sources such as emails, documents or calendar invites. Once processed, these instructions can trick the system into exposing sensitive information or carrying out unauthorised actions. With the rapid adoption of generative AI, a new wave of threats is emerging across the industry, the company wrote, warning that the risk becomes more significant as AI is used more widely for professional and personal tasks. Experts explain the risk Technology expert Scott Polderman toldThe Daily Record that attackers are exploiting Gemini, Googles own AI chatbot, to conduct such scams. He explained that malicious code can be concealed within an email and, when read by Gemini, used to extract login details without the user realising. The danger is that people dont need to click on anything, Polderman said. Hidden instructions can cause the AI to reveal passwords and other data, effectively turning the system against itself. Google has reportedly said it has already begun rolling out new protections. These include strengthening its Gemini 2.5 model, introducing machine-learning systems to spot suspicious prompts, and adding wider security measures at the system level. According to the company, these layers are designed to raise the difficulty and expense of such attacks, forcing cybercriminals to use less subtle and more detectable methods. New Delhi: OpenAI on Monday launched a new tier of its generative artificial intelligence (AI) application, ChatGPT. Priced at a fifth of its former price, the plan also adds support for accepting Unified Payments Interface (UPI) from subscribers, as the company seeks to double down on the Indian market. Called ChatGPT Go, the plan will cost 399 per monthas opposed to 1,999 per month for the ChatGPT Plus tier. In a press statement by Nick Turley, global head of ChatGPT, the company said that the pricing plan will give users access to a 10 times higher volume of queries and image generation per day. However, access to the platform in peak usage hours, as well as priority access to new features, remains reserved only for Plus and Pro tiers. The move comes as India emerges as an increasingly important market for OpenAI. On 7 August, OpenAI cofounder and chief executive Sam Altman said that the company expects India to become its top market by volume in the near future. Also read | Sam Altman says OpenAI has better AI models than GPT-5, but it cant release them yet. Heres why OpenAI is working with the ministry of electronics & IT (Meity) for AI education initiatives. It also works with many independent developers for awareness and proliferation of their services in the country. Were keen on bringing our products to the market with a special focus. Indian users are incredible in the way they are integrating AI into their lives, as well as businesses. Now, were working with local partners in India to make AI work-ready for everyone, and we are also exploring ways to make AI more affordable for all, Altman told Mint. Priced at parity Most AI subscription plans so far have been priced at parity. With the launch of OpenAIs latest foundational model, GPT-5, the company also offered it to its free tier. Now, a basic subscription tier comes as Google charges 1,950 per month for its AI Pro subscription plan, and Microsoft charges Copilot Pro at 2,000 per month. The move marks OpenAIs third major announcement within a month, after it introduced ChatGPT for students and its GPT-5 foundational model. Industry stakeholders maintain that the companys ChatGPT continues to retain a lofty consumer reputation, which gives it the primary edge over competitors. Also read | ChatGPT-5 is now warmer and friendlier with latest update: here's what changed OpenAI is already leading in conversational and reasoning models, said Anushree Verma, senior director-analyst, emerging technologies at Gartner. Among the general public, the reputational advantage of ChatGPT is unmatched, and we expect OpenAI to be the bellwether in AI. The new pricing could contribute further to the growth of its user base in the country. OpenAI said it currently has 700 million users, with India being the second-largest consumer base for it worldwide. Going forward, the company is likely to cross the threshold of 1 billion active monthly users, with India leading its volume of consumers. For most Big Tech firms, India comprises the largest user base due to its population advantage. With China being a siloed market, Instagram and YouTube both had 2 billion active monthly users, of which India has the largest share. With consumer-facing AI applicationssuch as Perplexity and OpenAIs ChatGPT itselfon the rise, India is likely to show up as the biggest market for Big Techs AI race, too. OpenAI released its first open-weight models since GPT-2 earlier this month, promising strong real-world performance at low cost. With Chinas DeepSeek shaking up the AI industry earlier this year through open-source releases, it became clear why OpenAI didnt want to be on what CEO Sam Altman called the wrong side of history. For the first time since the launch of its GPT-OSS models, Altman has openly acknowledged the China factor behind the move. In an interaction with CNBC, Altman admitted that competition from Chinese open-source models like DeepSeek played a major role in OpenAIs decision. "It was clear that if we didn't do it, the world was gonna head to be mostly built on Chinese open source models," Altman told the publication. That was a factor in our decision, for sure. Wasn't the only one, but that loomed large he added Altman also talked about the US policy of restricting the export of powerful semiconductors to China, stating, "My instinct is that doesn't work," he said. "You can export-control one thing, but maybe not the right thing maybe people build fabs or find other workarounds," he added DeepSeek was not alone, however, many other Chinese companies had been gaining prominence in the tech circles due to their open weights models. Alibaba's Qwen for instance has been releasing its latest foundation models under the Apache 2.0 license. Meanwhile, Meta has already been shippng its Llama models uner community licenses while also adding these models directly on its social media platforms. Earlier in the year, the growing popularity of DeepSeek's AI models shattered all notions of American supremacy in the AI race, as the chatbot showcased performance similar to rival models from OpenAI and Google, despite being developed at a fraction of the cost. China-aided malaria projects expected to help Cambodia achieve malaria-free goal: health official Xinhua) 16:47, August 18, 2025 PHNOM PENH, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- China-aided malaria projects are expected to help Cambodia achieve its malaria elimination goal by the end of 2025, a Cambodian health official said on Monday. Siv Sovannaroth, chief of the Technical Bureau and manager of the Malaria Program at the National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, said China has supported Cambodia in the fight against malaria for nearly 10 years through various projects. "China has a long collaboration with our center through South-South cooperation, Mekong-Lancang Cooperation, and the Belt and Road Initiative," he told Xinhua. He said collaboration has been focused on increasing the capacity of the malaria program through training and research, the pilot project on Mass Drug Administration in western Kampong Speu province, and surveillance activities in the areas most prone to malaria. Sovannaroth said Cambodia recorded only 37 local malaria cases from January to August 2025, a sharp drop of nearly 90 percent from 335 cases over the same period last year. Cambodia has set an ambitious target to eliminate all forms of malaria by 2025, he said, expressing his confidence that China's assistance will help the kingdom achieve this goal. The Southeast Asian country has reported zero fatalities from malaria since 2018. Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that is typically found in forest and mountainous provinces, especially during rainy seasons. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. Here, revealed for the first time, is President Donald J. Trump's secret weapon: The man has cojones the size of the Las Vegas Sphere. Trump does not pick the easy fights. Too many Republicans are happy to cut a tax or two, sign a few proclamations, and call it a day. Why challenge the Left? They might push back. This battered-wife approach ("The Left beats me because they love me") defined such GOP invertebrates as Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, both presidents Bush, and too many governors and state lawmakers to count. Unlike these weaklings, Trump does not avoid battles. He commands them with gatling guns ablaze. Even more so in his second term, Trump is compiling victories as Democrats fail to foil a Republican who is unburdened by general, unfocused fear. Trump's takeover of Washington, D.C.'s police department is just such an initiative. Most Republicans would lack the courage to confront Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser. Trump's move so floored her that she sounds conciliatory and even hopes that the City Council will ditch DC's sanctuary-city status. This is as close as Democrats get to eating from Trump's hand. Trump's Census-reform efforts are equally brash. Republicans have watched Democrat governors count illegal aliens as state residents. These swollen populations gave California, Illinois, New York, and other Democrat states additional U.S. House seats, more Electoral College votes, and bonus federal dollars for highways, education, and healthcare all by corruptly including illegals among the citizens and legal immigrants who should be enumerated. Trump said: No mas! As he declared on August 7, via Truth Social: "People who are in our Country illegally WILL NOT BE COUNTED IN THE CENSUS." Democrats will resist. They will insist that people who invaded America should be included when deciding each state's sway in the U.S. House and Electoral College. This will expose, once and for all, Democrats' true motive for demolishing America's borders: To bolster their power, by all means necessary. Rather than merely slow illegal border crossings, Trump has the brass simply to padlock the Southern frontier. Trump swiftly accomplished the impossible. Compare the 7,832 Southwestern border incursions under Trump in July 2025 to 213,593 in July 2021, under Joe Biden: Down 96%. July was "the third consecutive month with zero US Border Patrol releases into the interior," the Department of Homeland Security reported. "President Trump didn't just manage the crisis he obliterated it," said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. "No more excuses. No more releases." Even better news: "In less than 200 days, 1.6 MILLION illegal immigrants have left the United States population," Noem announced Thursday. "This is massive. This means safer streets, taxpayer savings, pressure off of schools and hospital services, and better job opportunities for Americans. Thank you, President Trump!" Previous presidents merely have lost sleep over Mexico's uber-violent cartels. The Jalisco, Sinaloa, and other cartels are de facto narco-dictatorships crime-fueled fiefdoms within Mexico. President Claudia Sheinbaum yielded to Trump's pressure on Wednesday. She extradited 26 cartel kingpins to America, atop 29 others in February. Once tried, convicted, and imprisoned, they and their firearms and fentanyl no longer will jeopardize American safety, health, and lives. Previous presidents have pursued peace, namely among the US and key players with whom America shared high stakes, such as China, Russia, and Israel. As for smaller blazes, let them burn. Trump went his own way: After securing four first-term Abraham Accords between Israel and its former enemies, Trump 47 has united nations to end disputes, cease fires, and sign full-blown peace treaties. So far, he has accomplished this with Israel and Iran, India and Pakistan, Egypt and Ethiopia, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cambodia and Thailand, and Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Left's "evil war hawk" is a titanium dove. Who saw that coming? Trump's friends and foes should agree that his audacity, relentlessness, and testicular fortitude belong in the Guiness Book of World Records. 2025 Deroy Murdock Local News By Chris Boyle Published: August 18 2025 Blakeman And Other Long Island Leaders Say These Energy Initiatives Are Dangerous To Local Communities. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman today joined EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, New York State Senator Mario Matera, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, and other Long Island public officials at a press conference to speak out against potentially disastrous energy initiatives being pushed by Governor Kathy Hochul and Albany lawmakers. The officials strongly denounced offshore wind projects proposed by the state, as well as additional plans for putting lithium-ion battery facilities in Long Island communities. They said these initiatives pose significant risks to residents by threatening tourism, local businesses, and marine wildlife while increasing taxes and electric rates. County Executive Blakeman noted that firefighters cannot put out a fire at a lithium-ion battery storage facility and that it must be left to burn out on its own. He also explained why that poses an especially significant threat to Nassau County. Nassau County has roughly the same population as Suffolk County, but were a lot smaller geographically. We are very dense. A fire in our community could set the whole village on fire, and thats something that concerns our firefighters each and every day, Blakeman stated. Our Chief Fire Marshall Mike Uttaro has come out against these facilities because he knows that theres no ability for our firefighters to put them out. Our firefighters are not protected, and our communities arent protected. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the dangers of lithium-ion battery facilities are well known and that people in communities where fires happen are the ones who pay the price when something goes wrong. We have seen in recent years, from fires that take days, others that take weeks, the impacts of these lithium batteries on local communities the challenge that results for these local fire departments to be able to respond, Zeldin stated. When disaster strikes, and those batteries are on fire, and there are toxic emissions and water quality impacts, its the people in this room who are going to have to answer that call to put it out. County Executive Blakeman reiterated that these energy initiatives impact all of Long Island and that local officials should decide whether they are implemented. This is a regional issue: this isnt a Nassau County issue, it isnt just a Suffolk County issue, its the whole of Long Island together who dont want these battery warehouses in their communities, Blakeman said. The site of these facilities, and whether or not they make any sense, should be made on the local level, not on the state level, not coming from Albany. It should be our town, village, and city officials who make the determination on whether or not they want them in our communities. CREDIT: Nassau County Press Release Crime By Chris Boyle Published: August 19 2025 Dozens Of Arrests Have Taken Dangerous Criminals Out Of Nassau Communities. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman today joined Nassau County Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder, District Attorney Anne Donnelly, ICE Assistant Field Office Director Bryan Flanagan, and other local and federal officials to discuss recent efforts taken by the Nassau County Police Department to crack down on violence and criminal activity committed by gang members. Since August 13, the Nassau County Police Department has coordinated a sweeping takedown of gang members and other dangerous criminals across Nassau County that has led to 42 arrests, many of which involved drug and weapons charges. Half of the arrested individuals were known gang members from criminal organizations like MS-13, the 18th Street Gang, and The Trinitarios. Thirty-three of the 42 detained individuals have been transferred to ICE custody due to illegal status. This operation represents one of the largest gang takedowns in Nassau County history. County Executive Blakeman stated that he is committed to working with all local and federal partners to get dangerous and illegal criminals off our streets. The message here today for those engaged in gang activity: not in this county! County Executive Blakeman said. We in Nassau County are grateful for the federal partnership we have with ICE, FBI, DEA, and other agencies. As a result, we are a safer community. Nassau County Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder stated that local police will continue doing everything in their power to apprehend and detain dangerous gang members. He promised that officers are standing by to answer the call if criminal actions are taken in our communities. [The gang members] saw our response. The response will continue. If they try to bring up any retaliation in the gang world, we will be there to answer it, Ryder said. These arrests are a testament to how committed we are in Nassau County to dismantling gangs and their toxic influence in our communities. But they are only the beginning. My office will continue to work closely with Commissioner Ryder and the police department to investigate, prosecute, and take down criminal organizations that put families at risk, added District Attorney Anne Donnelly. County Executive Blakeman reiterated that he is doing everything in his power to protect Nassau County residents despite pro-criminal policies that have been enacted by state lawmakers. Since taking office, he has hired over 300 new police and correctional officers, opened a state-of-the-art police training village, and partnered with federal officials, all in the name of keeping Nassau the safest county in America. Crime is down in Nassau County. We are the safest county in America. We are doing a great job our police department, our sheriff's department, probation, and our federal, state, and local partners working together are doing an outstanding job here, County Executive Blakeman stated. CREDIT: Nassau County Press Release An announcement from the Centro Islamico Imam al Mahdi do Dialogo Brasil (CIADB) (Sao Paulo) of a commemoration event for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and all martyrs of the Resistance on the day of Nasrallahs funeral. The center is run by an Al Mustafa clergyman. Last July, Israels ambassador to Argentina gave an interview to Latin Americas leading news platform, Infobae, where he named Edgardo Ruben (aka Suhail) Assad, Abdallah Cerrilla, and Abdul Karim Paz, three Argentinian-born and Iran-trained Shia clerics, as part of an Iran terror network. The network has links to Sheikh Mohsen Rabbani, one of the masterminds of the 1992 bombing of Israels embassy in Buenos Aires and the 1994 bombing of the AMIA, the Buenos Aires Jewish cultural center. The accusation that Iranian-trained Argentinian clerics have links to terrorism may seem unusual. However, in fact, it is consistent with Irans efforts to export its revolutionary message abroad. Iran is both a clerical regime and the worlds foremost state sponsor of terrorism. The clergy takes the lead in giving religious endorsements, moral justifications, guidance, and leadership when it comes to terrorism. One of the places where faith meets terror is Al Mustafa International University, a religious school based in the Iranian city of Qomthe home of Shiite religious seminarswhich focuses on training non-Persian speakers, including a large cohort of converts to Shiite Islam from all over the world. Its extensions, including those in Europe, which have recently come under the attention of German investigators, may be a likely target of closer scrutiny by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Both the US Department of the Treasury and Canadas Ministry of Foreign Affairs have sanctioned Al Mustafa University in 2020 and 2022, respectively. Treasury noted that Al Mustafa maintains dozens of international branches that facilitate [Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force] operations through the recruitment of international students, including Americans, while Canadas designation stated that Al Mustafa is an entity that spreads the regimes ideology abroad through its global branches. Sheikh Mohsen Rabbani, a mentor to all three Argentinian clerics named by Israels ambassador in Buenos Aires, was not just a key figure in the 1992 and 1994 bombings. Since his return to Iran in 1997, he has headed Islam Oriente, the Al Mustafa department in charge of indoctrinating and training aspiring Shiite clergy from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries. His disciples now run Shiite Islamic centers in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, among other places. Alongside Islam Oriente, Al Mustafa runs programs in dozens of foreign languages on its main campus in Qom, Iran, while managing foreign campuses in far-flung places both within and outside the Middle East, including Berlin, Beirut, Johannesburg, and London. Graduates, in turn, have established mosques and cultural centers across the globe, where they propagate the teachings of their alma mater, promote regime propaganda, and recruit converts to its cause. Such centers exist and thrive across Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America. The confluence of militant clergy and terror activities is a result of the indoctrination imparted by Al Mustafa teachers and has reverberated across the globe well beyond the mayhem Iran and its proxies unleashed in Argentina in 1992 and 1994. According to Washington Institute scholar Hamdi Malik, the Iraqi branch of Al Mustafa, for example, is closely tied to the US-sanctioned terror organization Kataib Hezbollah (KH), with two leaders of KH also serving as officials there. A Tajik graduate of Al Mustafa, Mohamad Ali Burhanov, was implicated in terror plots against Israelis in Central Asia. Another member of the Al Mustafa network, a Brazilian convert and anti-Israel activist, was in close contact with members of the Hezbollah terror cell implicated in Brazils Trapiche investigationwhich, in November 2023, uncovered a Hezbollah plot to recruit Brazilian nationals to carry out attacks against Jewish targets in Brazils capital, Brasilia. The Jamestown Foundation recently revealed the role of a Thai professor at Al Mustafa in mediating Hamas release of Thai hostages held in Gaza through his ties with the Iranian regime. While the US and Canada have sanctioned Al Mustafa, and plots and terror links keep emerging, the organizations branches continue to operate abroad. Just recently, Al Mustafas chancellor undertook an official visit to Brazil, a home to many of its graduates and a key center of Iranian and Hezbollah operations in Latin America. Last year, the German news outlet Bild revealed that over 700 affiliates of the Berlin branch of Al Mustafa were under close watch from Germanys security services. So far, the Iranian-affiliated school remains active, although pressure is mountingits PayPal account was reportedly deactivated in November 2024. German authorities have also closed mosques and Islamic centers linked to Iran and Hezbollah, including the Bremen Al Mustafa community center in 2022 and the Iran regime-linked Hamburg Shia Mosque in July 2024. The former chairman of the Bremen center, whom German authorities arrested in 2022, was reportedly a former member of Hezbollahs elite Radwan military unit. Despite these enforcement actions, Berlins Al Mustafa remains open, and so do other Islamic centers which, while not institutionally tied to Al Mustafa, are run by its graduates. That is the case of the Hannover Shiite Payame Nour Mosque, whose sheikh is Radwan Harb, a graduate of Al Mustafa University, according to his Facebook page. Sheikh Radwan, a Lebanese national, has close family links to Hezbollah. His late brother Ali is a Hezbollah martyrthe sheikh visited his grave and posted a photo of the occasion on his Facebook page. Radwan has also frequently memorialized other fallen fighters of the group. He posted a martyrs eulogy for Ali Hussein Khalil in 2022, on the anniversary of his death, and on November 28, 2024, he eulogized multiple Hezbollah martyrs from his hometown of Al Mansouri who were killed during the recent war with Israel. Few are those who ascend the heights of immortality, sublimity and greatness, who give a soul and take souls, Radwan commented in the latter post. Radwans posts leave little doubt about his sympathies for the Iranian regime and its proxies, Hezbollah and Hamas. His contacts also attest to his closeness to both the world of Irans overseas networks and Hezbollah expatriates. One of them is Fadel Raad, whom German authorities arrested on December 3, 2024, on suspicion of being a Hezbollah member. Raad and Radwan are mutual social media friends and have 144 contacts in common. The sheikh also has connections with the now closed Iranian center in Hamburg, both through social media friendships with the mosques leadership and in personhe was their guest, representing the Hannover Mosque, at the opening of a new center in 2017. Beyond Germanys borders, Radwan is friends with an Iranian center in Ghana and with the former Iranian cultural attache to Algeria, Ali Moussawi, who was expelled from Algeria for seeking to spread Shiite Islam in the country. Radwan is but one example of Al Mustafas graduates around the world, whose daily work and contact networks faithfully reflect the worldview of the Iranian regime and the institution that trained them. Given the track record that Al Mustafa hassanctioned for indoctrinating its recruits, counting terrorists among its graduates, and being dedicated to spreading the Islamic Republics hateful ideology beyond its bordersit is remarkable that few countries so far have followed the US and Canada in issuing sanctions and continue to let the organization operate unhindered. Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi is a Senior Advisor to 240 Analytics LTD, a risk-mitigation platform focused on identifying terrorism and terror finance networks. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On August 14, XPENG signed a strategic cooperation agreement with China CITIC Bank in Guangzhou, according to a post on XPENG's WeChat account. Under the agreement, the bank's Guangzhou branch will extend a credit line of 10 billion yuan to XPENG, a move expected to improve the automaker's cash efficiency and cost management. Photo credit: XPENG Both parties described the deal as a deepening of their partnership, underscoring the bank's confidence in XPENG's growth prospects and long-term competitiveness. XPENG's recent sales momentum has been strong. In July, deliveries reached 36,717 units, up 229% year-on-year and marking the ninth straight month above 30,000 units. For the first seven months of 2025, total deliveries soared 270% over a year earlier to 233,906 vehicles, with cumulative deliveries since its founding surpassing 800,000 units. The company is also accelerating its global expansion. Overseas deliveries in the first half of 2025 hit 18,701 units, a 217% year-on-year hike, with its footprint now spanning 46 countries and regions. On July 11, XPENG showcased its 2025 G6 and G9 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, announcing launches in new European markets including the UK, Italy, and Ireland. Later in July, at the GIIAS 2025, the company revealed Indonesia as its first overseas hub to achieve local production, delivering a locally built XPENG X9 to its first customer. Looking ahead, XPENG said it will keep ramping up investment in AI and electrification technologies while strengthening global sales and service networks, positioning itself for its next decade as a "global AI-driven automaker." Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On August 19, SiEngine, a Chinese supplier of high-end automotive SoC, announced it had completed a Series B funding round exceeding 1 billion yuan. The financing builds on an earlier round in March 2024, when China State-owned Enterprise Structural Reform Fund (Phase II) and other investors first came on board. This latest tranche brought in additional support from regional government-backed funds, insurers, and banks, pushing the total above 1 billion yuan. Photo credit: SiEngine Notably, SiEngine secured the first AIC (Financial Asset Investment Company) equity projects in both Hubei and Shandong provinces, marking a milestone in combining state capital, banking resources, insurance funds, and industry-linked investment. In 2021, the company launched China's first 7nm automotive-grade smart cockpit chip, the SE1000. The chip has since been adopted in a wide range of vehicles, including FAW Hongqi's Tiangong lineup, Geely's Lynk & Co and Galaxy models, as well as Volkswagen models sold in Europe and the Americas. Several other major automakers are also preparing to roll out vehicles equipped with the chip. In 2024, SiEngine followed up with the "AD1000," a high-end ADAS chip designed to rival global competitors. It delivered improvements across CPU performance, AI computing, ISP processing, and NPU capabilities. Leveraging these two chip platforms, SiEngine has introduced 12 tailored solutions that span scenarios from cockpit-parking integration to advanced cockpit-driving fusion. This positions the firm as one of the few Chinese suppliers capable of providing key SoCs for both smart cockpits and autonomous driving. Adopting an open "big ecosystem" strategy, SiEngine has been pursuing a second growth curve beyond automotive, making inroads into embodied intelligence, low-altitude mobility, and edge computing. At this year's AUTO SHANGHAI, a robot powered by its SE1000 industrial chip attracted significant attention. Mayor Michelle Wu speaks at a press conference in front of City Hall, where she said Boston would not comply with demands from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi that the city cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. Trea Lavery/MassLive As Boston reached its deadline to respond to demands to comply with federal immigration enforcement policies Tuesday, Mayor Michelle Wu gave a resounding reply: No, the city will not cooperate. During a rally attended by over 100 people outside City Hall, the mayor and other elected officials and community members emphasized that Boston would not help U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement locate, detain and deport immigrants. As she has repeatedly said since President Donald Trump took office in January, including during a March hearing before Congress, Wu repeated that by protecting the immigrants who call Boston home, law enforcement is keeping the city safe for everyone. Here is our response: Stop attacking our cities to hide your administrations failures, Wu said. Unlike the Trump administration, Boston follows the law. And Boston will not back down from who we are and what we stand for. Boston is one of 35 so-called sanctuary jurisdictions, meaning they have policies that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws, included on a list released by the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this month. In Boston, a local law known as the Trust Act allows Boston Police Department officers to work with ICE on criminal investigations, but limits their ability to cooperate on or share information related to civil immigration enforcement efforts. Read More: Trump admin hits Boston with deadline to lift obstacles to immigration enforcement Last week, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi gave the city and the others on the list until Tuesday, Aug. 19, to explain how they would lift those policies. Though Bondis letter did not specify a penalty for the communities that did not comply, the Trump administration has previously threatened to sue or to withhold federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions or prosecute elected officials. Wu said Tuesday that if the federal government cuts funding to Boston, the city was prepared to fight back. She held up as an example the citys lawsuit against the Trump administration filed after it withheld funds for homelessness programs. The court deemed the funding cuts unconstitutional. More recently, the Trump administration has added a requirement to certain public safety grants that a certain percentage of the funds be used for border security. Wu said Boston has been receiving those grants for 22 years, and already does border security through harbor patrols and other efforts. We are going to continue to apply for those grant funds, and if they are rejected ... we will go to court again, she said. Where possible, we are leaning on the law, which is in our corner. She acknowledged the risk and uncertainty around these decisions, but said Boston has a history of standing up for whats right and she sees no other choice. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, invoked the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, which gives all powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution to the states themselves. The 10th Amendment forbids the president from strong-arming states and cities to use their own money and police to carry out Trumps agenda of terror, Markey said. Trump wants the city of Boston and Mayor Wu to bow to his dream of absolute power. But today we are here to say Boston will not bow down. Michelle Pineda, a 12-year-old Boston Public Schools student who was born in East Boston to parents who immigrated from El Salvador, said that in 2024, her father was detained by ICE for 48 hours despite his legal Temporary Protected Status and lack of a criminal record. Though he was eventually released, Pineda said he recently filed a civil rights complaint against the agency. Like most immigrants, my parents are not criminals. They only came to this country to seek safety and to work hard, she said. Now, I am afraid of the police, because I dont want them to take my parents, because I dont want to be left alone without them. In June, Wu signed an executive order committing to sending regular Freedom of Information Act requests to ICE seeking information on who officers are arresting, why and where they are being taken. She said on Tuesday that while the agency originally promised to provide the information, it had not followed through as of Tuesday. The mayor said the city would be filing a formal appeal requesting the records on Tuesday and was prepared to take additional legal steps if they continue to refuse. In a statement Tuesday afternoon, mayoral candidate Josh Kraft called the Trump administrations demands another unhinged and bigoted attack targeting our nations immigrants. It is outrageous to think about ICE officers raiding schools or places of worship to round up undocumented immigrants who are not engaged in criminal activity, Kraft said. We cannot yield to Donald Trump and his band of thugs who are desperately trying to undermine the very fabric of what makes America a stronger nation, and Boston a stronger city. In todays age of countless skincare products and procedures, one innovative company, with a Massachusetts location, is pushing consumers to make their own choices with the help of AI. Customers who step into SmartSKNs Boston K-Beauty AI Lab, which opened on Aug. 1, are greeted by either CEO Val Neicu or one of her associates. However, theres one employee who is the true star of the show: BALI. BALI is one of SmartSKNs five advanced robots that are found at the companys labs across the U.S. Theres one in Los Angeles, Minnesota, Boston and two in Beverly. The Korean-made robots, resembling bionic arms, mix ingredients based on the personalized formula gathered from a skincare analysis. The robots then dispense the ingredients into bottles and, within five minutes, customers have their own product that is specifically catered to their skin. SmartSKN is a skincare technology company that combines machine learning, clinical skin diagnostics and instant production to create personalized skincare products. Courtesy of SmartSKN The data we gather from over 150,000 diverse skin profiles worldwide allows us to create highly customized skin care formulas, Neicu said. We are bringing the power of AI to production, enabling us to formulate products in real-time based on specific skin conditions, sensitivities and goals. SmartSKNs skincare analysis is done with the use of a Muilli AI Dermascope. The device takes 60-times magnified pictures of the skin, measures the moisture oil levels and sends all that information to an app where customers fill out a skin health questionnaire. This is where customers answer questions regarding oiliness, dryness, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, tightness and wrinkles. Results from the questionnaire then reveal what kind of skin customers have and which products might work best for them. From there, they can choose which of SmartSKNs three products theyd like the robot to make: a serum, ampoule or lotion. The serum sells for $85, the ampoule for $95 and the lotion is $75. SmartSKN is a skincare technology company that combines machine learning, clinical skin diagnostics and instant production to create personalized skincare products. Courtesy of SmartSKN Each product can also be enhanced with several boosters, from brightening and moisturizing to elastin, lifting, or calming. Boosters normally cost $14.99 each, but in honor of the Boston labs recent opening, SmartSKN is offering them for free for a limited time. Once the final products are chosen, they are made by the robot, in this case, BALI. The products are entirely made from ingredients that have all been tested through clinical trials and approved for use in commercial products. Its perfectly safe and perfectly compliant with every law, Neicu said. You have to test this for stability. So, its a bit of a biochemistry behind it, but perfectly safe to use. That said, customers should be aware of their skin and any potential adverse reactions to unknown products. To help with this, SmartSKNs analysis includes a complete list of ingredients that are used in every product. Customers can access this list after their analysis or after their appointment by scanning the QR code on the product label that brings them to their SmartSKN profile. However, if someone does have a reaction to their skincare product, they must contact SmartSKN immediately so the brand can report it to the FDA. Neicu also noted that the robots are capable of making 25,000 formulas, which is a testament to their ingenuity. As far as I know theres nothing like this in the market. Absolutely nothing that can create a hyper personalized product based on an analysis in a few minutes in a setting like [this] one, she said. I think if there was, we would hear about it fast. Neicu continued, I think this is the future of manufacturing and creating products. I think a lot of products will be made on demand with robotic and AI technology, with precision and new ways. But this is just the beginning, and as of now, this technology is very, very exclusive. Not only does Neicu believe SmartSKN represents a breakthrough in professional skincare delivery, she also sees her company as a key player in the personalization trend that has been seen in the cosmetic and skincare industries. People want products that are made for them. This is not a news flash. Theyve always wanted that, but now they want that with the science backing it, she said. Consumers have changed the way they perceive brands, the way they perceive products. It became very saturated, almost like a bubble. And I personally feel like right now the consumer is pulling away from that. SmartSKN is a skincare technology company that combines machine learning, clinical skin diagnostics and instant production to create personalized skincare products. Courtesy of SmartSKN In addition to providing more personalized skincare products, SmartSKN helps to cut down on mass production of cosmetics by reducing waste and eliminating excess packaging. The fact that we can make it fast, thats amazing, Neicu said. When we make products on demand, just when theyre needed, we dont have a mass-produced warehouse with millions of bottles that we have to sell, she added. This really optimizes the process of creating a product. Ultimately, people who care about their skin want a product that is going to work best for them and not have to waste time finding one that does. Neicu believes SmartSKN is capable of meeting both these needs in a more efficient manner. We dont need more products; we need better products, Neicu emphasized. By using AI to create personalized formulations and minimizing waste, were not just changing the way people care for their skin, were changing the way we think about beauty as a whole. Skincare assessment appointments can be made by going to SmartSKNs website. SmartSKNs Boston K-Beauty AI Lab is located at 3 Center Plaza, across from City Hall and Government Center and inside the Sola Salon Studios. Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images It hasnt been a great year for Juan Soto. After signing in the offseason for a gazillion dollars with the New York Mets, both he and his new teams have been a disappointment this year. Soto is having a down season in Queens after his highly publicized move from the Bronx. All of his batting metrics are down from last year. And a summer swoon where the Mets have gone 4-14 over their last 18 games has seen them fall to the last Wild Card slot where they are holding on to a perilous one game lead over the Cincinnati Reds. One of those wins came in the Little League Classic on Sunday as the Mets defeated the Seattle Mariners. But the little leaguers themselves in Williamsport werent too bothered by the appearance of the $765 million man. At least Misha Lee from Canada wasnt. On the TSN broadcast, Lee was asked about getting Sotos autograph and said, hes overrated favoring Mariners star slugger Cal Raleigh instead. Ouch. Misha Lee who is representing Canada in the #LLWS isnt the biggest fan of Juan Soto. pic.twitter.com/ZCUTwhMbAH TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 17, 2025 With the Mets failing to impress in spite of their huge payroll, Juan Soto has become a target in the New York media as he has been relentlessly called out throughout the campaign. Michael Kay called him out for looking glum. Boomer Esiason called him out over his lack of leadership. And Brandon Tierney called him out for maybe not even being the age of 26, although that probably went too far in criticizing his play on the diamond this season. But being called overrated by a Little Leaguer who wouldnt even be bothered to get your autograph when you are coming to play a Major League game at the Little League World Series? Forget hosts on WFAN, that criticism has to sting most of all. Actor Meghann Fahy attends the premiere of "Sirens" at the Plaza Hotel on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP) Andy Kropa/Invision/AP While Meghann Fahy grew up in Massachusetts, theres one local destination the Emmy-nominated actress did not visit until much later in life. The Longmeadow native recently told Seth Meyers she couldnt afford to go to Nantucket until she got a role in Netflixs The Perfect Couple, which aired in 2024. While the mystery series was mostly filmed on Cape Cod, Fahy used her downtime to take a ferry over to the island. We pull in, and immediately I was like, Oh! Thats why Ive never been to Nantucket, Fahy told Meyers. I was too poor then, and I am still too poor now. This place is crazy. Meyers, who grew up in Bedford, New Hampshire, then told Fahy that hes a frequent visitor to nearby Marthas Vineyard. You look like you go there, Fahy shot back at the late night host. I like how youre answering my Are you a classic New Englander? by the way youre asking these questions, Meyers replied. All joke aside, Meyers gave Fahy an open invite to visit him and his family on Marthas Vineyard. Its not Nantucket, Meyers said. Were way more laid back. A South Boston man died following a three-car crash on the Frederick E. Everett Turnpike in New Hampshire on Monday, New Hampshire State Police said Tuesday. At around 2:48 p.m., troopers learned of a multi-vehicle crash on the northbound side of the highway near the 7E exit, State Police said in a statement. A white Audi Q5 driven by Candice Maple, 17, of Dunstable, Massachusetts, was heading north before a crash with a Lexus ES driven by Joseph Casper, 85, of South Boston, the statement read. The Lexus then struck a gray Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, which then rolled over on its side, State Police said. Casper was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the statement read. Maple and the driver of the Dodge, Brian Roberts, 50, of Churchill, Tennessee, both had minor injuries, State Police said. Maple was hospitalized, while Roberts was not taken to the hospital for treatment. The crash continues to be under investigation. State Police ask that anyone with information about the crash email Trooper Mark Lingerman at Mark.N.Lingerman@dos.nh.gov. The front of the Community of Jesus compound seen off of Bay View Drive. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Boston Globe via Getty Images A teenager who grew up in a religious community on Cape Cod is now suing the community, claiming he and other children were forced to work long hours in brutal conditions to construct a performing arts center. Lawyers for 18-year-old Oliver Ortolani, a former member of the Community of Jesus, filed the lawsuit in federal court in Boston in July. The suit names the community, Arts Empowering Life, a non-profit group, and the Performing Arts Building Foundation as defendants. It claims the entities trafficked him and other boys into forced labor and engaged in racketeering and unjust enrichment. Arts Empowering Life was created by the community in the 1980s to promote its artistic endeavors. It formed the foundation in 2020 with the express purpose of constructing a new performing arts center to house performances and other events. Ortolani claims that due to the cost of constructing such a center, he and other children were made to work nine to 16 hours a day, six days a week, including during cold winter months. He and other boys were made to dig the buildings foundation, carry 90-pound bags of concrete and perform other tasks, according to the lawsuit. Each morning, according to the lawsuit, Ortolani and other boys were taken from the community in Orleans to the work site in Brewster, where they were essentially locked into the construction site. Jeff Robbins, a lawyer for the center, claimed that Ortolanis mother was one of the principal managers of the performing arts center project and his father was one of the principal foremen on the project. He noted that Ortolanis parents signed acknowledgements, waivers and an indemnification on his behalf and on behalf of their two other children. The lawsuit, though, claims Ortolani and his parents didnt know the performing arts center project would take over the childrens lives, nor that the boys would receive any real schooling. Robbins called the lawsuit classically frivolous and borderline fraudulent. If this plaintiff now claims that he had a bad experience working under his parents supervision, that is between him and his parents, he said in a statement. In essence, he appears to be claiming that his parents trafficked him all the way from Orleans to Brewster to work construction. That is obviously worse than absurd. More fundamentally, allegations of trafficking on these facts dishonor and effectively abuse the very real victims of trafficking in our society, Robbins continued. Making allegations this outrageous in any court, let alone a federal court, should have consequences. We intend to ask that there be such consequences. Thus far, the defendants have not responded to the suit in court. Ortolani seeks damages and a jury trial on all counts. The Community of Jesus was founded in the 1960s by two women and now encompasses more than 200 members. Its Orleans facility overlooks Cape Cod Bay. The community describes itself as an ecumenical Christian community in the Benedictine monastic tradition. It made headlines last year when an active-duty U.S. airman set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. to protest Israels actions in Gaza. The man, Aaron Bushnell, 25, grew up in the community, according to several published reports. The community is well known on Cape Cod, and hundreds, if not thousands, of people come through its property each year, Robbins said in an interview Tuesday morning. Some of its members have become embedded in the Orleans community, he said, noting that the Orleans town moderator is the son of a Community of Jesus member. Still, the lawsuit paints a negative picture of conditions inside the community. Ortolani was born into the community and lived there until November 2023, when he was 16. His mother grew up there and his father attended a boarding school in Canada linked to the community. When Ortolani was nine, he moved to live with a different family, and spent 18 months with a family before being forced to move again. Ortolani estimated he moved at least 20 times in 16 years. While living with other families, Ortolani rarely saw his parents and was encouraged not to interact with them, according to the lawsuit. He attended public elementary school but later underwent homeschooling sponsored by the community. Beginning when he was 9, Ortolani spent the many of his waking hours outside any form of education: mowing lawns, doing landscaping, setting up lighting and scaffolding for Community events and performances, repairing Community houses, and cooking group meals, the lawsuit reads. While on the construction site, Ortolani claims he and others were subjected to physical and emotional abuse if they misbehaved. Ortolani, according to the lawsuit, was forced to run laps in steel-toed boots for four hours on a hot July day as a punishment for a hatchet being left out on the worksite. The lawsuit also claims Ortolani and several other boys were either injured or nearly injured while working there. Defendants acted with an outrageous indifference to a highly unreasonable risk of harm and with a conscious indifference to the health, safety and welfare of others, including Plaintiff, the lawsuit reads. Therefore, Plaintiff is entitled to punitive damages against Defendant. The 18-year-old now lives in Idaho. His parents also live in Idaho, according to Robbins, though it is not clear if they are still members of the community. Police are looking for a man accused of stealing a car parked outside a Gardner hospital Monday afternoon, while a child was still inside it. Officers responded Monday afternoon to reports of a car stolen from Heywood Hospital with a child inside. The suspect, who police did not identify, stole the car at Heywood Hospital, drove a short distance and ordered the child to exit the vehicle, Massachusetts State Police said in a statement. The child made it out of the vehicle unharmed. Police used data from a cell phone in the vehicle to track it along Route 2 and eventually Interstate 495 North. When the suspect saw state police cruisers, he began acting erratically, according to the statement. State police did not pursue the vehicle for the safety of other motorists, the statement reads. A short time later, police found the abandoned vehicle in Lowell. Police have determined the identity of the suspect and an investigation into his whereabouts is ongoing, according to the statement. Nate Gee has a tattoo of Bike Life, on his neck. He and his crew drove from Lawrence to attend the Palmer Motorsports Park to show their skills on the track on Aug. 16, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook PALMER The growl of engines, the screech of spinning tires and music filled the air as the vibrant bike life subculture took center stage at Palmer Motorsports Park in Massachusetts. Hundreds of motorsports enthusiasts from across New England gathered for a high-octane day of riding, stunts and community at an event Saturday designed to showcase talent, and keep riders safe. The event, organized by the Stunter Society, offered a rare opportunity for riders of motorcycles, dirt bikes, and ATVs to perform tricks and test their skills in a controlled environment, far from public roads where such activities are often illegal and dangerous. A lot of the issues riders face is simply not having a place to go, Stunter Society member Tyler Duclos said. This is a place to ride in safety. Bike life is more than just a pastime, its a lifestyle. What began as a street-based subculture has evolved into a tight-knit community centered around freedom, creativity and adrenaline-fueled expression. For many, its not just about riding, its about belonging. The scene at Palmer was a testament to that sense of connection. Riders swapped stories, shared techniques, and supported each other both on and off the track. For newcomers and veterans alike, it was a place to be seen, to be heard, and to ride without fear of legal consequences. The consensus among attendees was clear: Events like this are not just wanted, theyre needed. As bike life continues to grow across the country, more legal, organized spaces like Palmer Motorsports Park could be key to embracing the culture while keeping it safe. Chamakito is part of the Lawrence bike life crew visiting the Palmer Motorsports Park on Saturday to show their skills on the track. Chamakito prepares his quad for the track on Aug. 16, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Wild Bull, who asked to be referred to his nickname, dons his balaclava before heading out on the track at the Palmer Motorsports Park to show his skills on the track on Aug. 16, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Tucker Fellows, 11, travelled to Palmer from Vermont for the Bike Life meet to practice his skills and see other riders perform. He has been riding since he was 4 years old and is already pulling wheelies and burnouts. August 16, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Nick Karipis celebrates as his friend Ronnie Reality Giovelli demonstrates his skills at the Palmer Motorsports Park on Saturday. Karipis and others are happy to be able to show their talents in a safe environment. August 16, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook William Junior and his son Jordan, 10, drove from Lawrence to attend the Palmer Motorsports Park Bike Life meet on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Nick Karipis does a burnout on the tarmac as other riders fist bump at the Palmer race track on Saturday. Karipis and others are happy to be able to show their talents in a safe environment. August 16, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Johnny Ramos grills food for the Lawrence crew at Palmer Motorsports Park on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook The family of a missing pregnant 18-year-old in Rehoboth will hold a candlelight vigil on Saturday, the teenagers sister said. Reported missing on Aug. 7, Rehoboth police described Kylee Monteiro, 18, as 6-feet tall and heavyset, with light brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a red T-shirt with the phrase get over it printed on the front, ripped blue jeans and tan boots when she went missing. Her sister Faith Monteiro wrote on Facebook that a vigil for Kylee Monteiro will be held at 401 Winthrop St. at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23. We will be providing everyone with a candle, Faith Monteiro posted. All we ask is that you show up. Please share this post so that we can spread as much awareness as possible. We encourage everyone to join us, whether you know Kylee or not. Thank you for all the support and we hope to see you there! Along with the vigil, Kylee Monteiros sister Catherine Monteiro set up a GoFundMe to help spread awareness. If she is found, the remaining donations will either go directly to Kylee to help her financially while she deals with this unimaginable trauma or for funeral arrangements if need be, Catherine Monteiro wrote. She added that the family is working on offering a reward for whoever finds Kylee Monteiro. If anyone feels guided to donate or sew into this cause, that would help tremendously, Catherine Monteiro wrote. So far, the GoFundMe has received eight donations totaling $190. Anyone who wants to donate to the family directly can do so by reaching out on Facebook, Catherine Monteiro wrote. The campaigns goal is $4,500. Rehoboth police told MassLive on Tuesday that Kylee Monteiros disappearance remains under investigation and no new information was available. On Aug. 13, Massachusetts State Police, a search and rescue team and other law enforcement looked for Kylee Monteiro in the area of County Street, where she was last seen walking, The Sun Chronicle reported. Police have used dogs and drones in their search for her. A dive team searched the waterway at the Warren Upper Reservoir in Rehoboth. Before she disappeared, Kylee Monteiro had an argument with her boyfriend, Monteiros family told WCVB-TV. The sister of a missing pregnant teenager from Rehoboth set up a GoFundMe to help spread awareness of her disappearance. Kylee Monteiro, 18, was reported missing on Aug. 7. Rehoboth police described Monteiro as 6-feet tall and heavyset, with light brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a red T-shirt with the phrase get over it printed on the front, ripped blue jeans and tan boots when she went missing. On Aug. 13, her sister Catherine Monteiro set up the online fundraiser to help find her. Currently, the money is going to be used for spreading awareness about Kylees disappearance, Catherine Monteiro wrote. The more platforms that are aware of her disappearance, the better chance we have of finding her. Once she is located, the remaining donations will either go directly to Kylee to help her financially while she deals with this unimaginable trauma or for funeral arrangements if need be. She added that the family is working on offering a reward for whoever finds Kylee Monteiro. If anyone feels guided to donate or sew into this cause, that would help tremendously, Catherine Monteiro wrote. So far, the GoFundMe has received eight donations totaling $190. Anyone who wants to donate to the family directly can do so by reaching out on Facebook, Catherine Monteiro wrote. The campaigns goal is $4,500. Along with raising money, the family will hold a vigil at 401 Winthrop St. in Rehoboth at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, according to a Facebook post by Kylee Monteiros sister, Faith Monteiro. All we ask is that you show up. Please share this post so that we can spread as much awareness as possible, the sister wrote. We encourage everyone to join us, whether you know Kylee or not. Thank you for all the support and we hope to see you there! Rehoboth police told MassLive on Tuesday that Kylee Monteiros disappearance remains under investigation and no new information was available. On Aug. 13, Massachusetts State Police, a search and rescue team and other law enforcement looked for Kylee Monteiro in the area of County Street, where she was last seen walking, The Sun Chronicle reported. Police have used dogs and drones in their search for her. A dive team searched the waterway at the Warren Upper Reservoir in Rehoboth. Monteiros family told WCVB-TV that she got into an argument with her boyfriend before she disappeared. Thats the last contact that shes made with anyone was Thursday through text message, Faith Monteiro told the news station. The last known time when we heard her voice was Wednesday night. Monteiro recently graduated from high school with plans to attend welding school, WBZ reported. Anyone with information about Monteiros whereabouts, or surveillance footage from the County Street area, is asked to call police at 508-972-1041 or 508-252-3722, extension 1135. Karen Read enters Norfolk Superior Court for the fourth day of jury deliberations in her retrial. (Irene Rotondo/MassLive) A letter from federal prosecutors filed in a number of state court cases on Tuesday appears to confirm that a federal investigation linked to the Karen Read case has concluded. The Aug. 5 letter is authored by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson and represents the first publicly released communication from the federal government since state prosecutors announced the close of the federal investigation. Ferguson, writing to First Assistant Norfolk District Attorney Lisa Beatty, says her offices investigation pertained to the circumstances underlying the Read matter. Federal prosecutors have never publicly confirmed the investigations existence, and its not clear who, if anyone, was the target of the investigation. But Fergusons letter, and other correspondence between state and federal prosecutors, verified that the federal government had collected evidence connected to the Read case. In the context of the Read case, the feds turned over 3,000-plus pages of evidence, including more than 100 pages of communications from former Massachusetts State Police trooper Michael Proctor. Defense attorneys in several cases investigated by Proctor now have access to those communications and have been lobbying the district attorneys office to review the remaining material for possible evidence related to their cases. But Ferguson indicated no such evidence existed. There is no reason why the non-Proctor records within the Confidential Materials would be relevant to the Other Matters, given the scope of my Offices investigation, Ferguson wrote. As mentioned previously, my Offices investigation focused on the circumstances underlying the Read matter, and the Confidential Materials included only those materials from that investigation that were highly relevant to that matter. Since Fergusons letter, federal prosecutors have softened their position and allowed state prosecutors to disclose materials generated in the Read investigation not related to a grand jury convened by the feds. State prosecutors will be allowed to review the grand jury materials, but not turn over evidence relevant to other cases they may find. Hank Brennan, the special prosecutor assigned to the Read case, said in open court in early March that federal prosecutors had closed the investigation. No indictments were ever filed in connection with the Read case in federal court. They (the federal government) made clear that I could inform the court, there is no longer any federal investigation, Brennan said on March 4. It is closed. It is over. Alan Jackson, Reads lead defense attorney, has disputed that representation. Ive never heard of such a thing, he said during an appearance on The Greg Hill Show. As a prosecutor, especially a federal prosecutor, you dont look at the target, call the target, and say, were done. You dont close investigations, Jackson continued. The district attorneys office has disputed that it was ever the target of an investigation, despite representations from Reads lawyers. Fergusons letter refers questions to Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian LaMacchia, the chief of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit. That unit works to enforce federal regulatory requirements and to recover damages against those who submit false claims or commit fraud against the government, according to the U.S. Attorneys office. More than 500 young life sciences entrepreneurs arrived on one of the Boston Harbor islands this week. While they were there for the annual Nucleate Alumni Summit, the vibe was a cross between a summer camp for geniuses and an episode of the reality show Survivor. Around a beach bonfire, attendees talked about their efforts to get cancer medicines to tumors, while triggering fewer side effects. But they also worried that not everyone would make it through a challenging period in the life sciences industry. There were concerns about the dearth of money available from venture capital investors and federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health, shrinking research labs at universities and securing visas to stay in the country after earning advanced degrees here. Nucleate is a Boston-based nonprofit organization, with chapters around the world, that aims to support students in science who want to start companies or find jobs in the life sciences industry. Here are five things people were talking about at its summit this week, held on Cathleen Stone Island (the former Thompson Island). Bostons position as a global hub is at risk Attendees talked about the rise of China as both a source of potential medicines that could be marketed in the U.S., and as a rival to the life sciences industry here. Oliver Dodd, the executive director of Nucleate, said that hed been impressed by Canadas drive to grow its industry and others said that some university researchers who mightve come to the U.S. a year ago are now opting to stay there to conduct their experiments, because of funding cuts and visa anxieties. A group of Texans at the event mentioned a proposed $3 billion funding initiative in their state to support research related to dementia. (It still requires the approval of voters this November.) Massachusetts is experiencing a contracting moment for the life sciences industry, with potentially very many lost opportunities related to promising new research that could become medicines, Michal Preminger, a former Johnson & Johnson executive, said. In the spirit of optimism, I still think that Massachusetts is the best place to do the next thing that is important to do, she said. But as an American, Preminger said it would be a plus for the country if other states can continue marching forward: Its okay if innovation comes from Texas, not from Massachusetts. Sorry for betraying my adopted home state. Travis McCready, an executive at the real estate firm JLL, said that he thought some of the cities with more established life sciences clusters would weather the current storm. In times of confusion, people retreat to what they know places like Boston, San Diego and San Francisco, he said. But even McCready acknowledged that places like Australia, Saudi Arabia and London were hustling to attract more employment and investment from biotech and pharma companies. (Life sciences is an umbrella term that covers those industries and others, such as medical devices and diagnostic tests.) Some companies are still finding funding Many attendees described an engine of company creation in life sciences that wasnt functioning the same way it had a year or two ago. Typically, research done at universities, and often funded by the government, would be licensed to a startup company that aimed to create a new treatment with it. Venture capital firms would put money into the company, hoping to take it public and get a financial return. Those public companies would continue collecting additional money to shepherd their treatment through the Food and Drug Administrations clinical trials process all the while adding employees and renting lab space. But in 2025, some of those academic research labs are seeing their staffing cut by as much as 70%, and empty lab space is piling up in the Greater Boston area. The real estate firm Newmark estimates that more than one-third of lab space is currently vacant, and more is still being built. Still, some entrepreneurs at the event said theyd recently been able to get funding for their companies. One, Michael Schrader of Elastro, said he is developing a new kind of brain implant to monitor epileptic seizures, and ideally interrupt them. Another, Stephen Linderman of Absco Therapeutics, is developing a new treatment for cervical cancer. Linderman said hed entered 2025 hoping to raise $30 million for the company, but had dialed back his expectations to $15 million because of the tough funding environment. Some of the funding Linderman had managed to raise for the company about $300,000 came from a National Science Foundation grant program for small businesses, and he said he hoped a $400,000 National Institutes of Health grant would soon be approved. Drug prices are high and no one has a solution for that The lofty price for many new medicines, and the unwillingness of insurers to pay for them, wasnt explicitly a topic at the summit, but it was part of conversations over dinner. No one in the industry wants the Trump administration to introduce pricing limits on the drug industry, which they believe would stifle innovation and reduce Americas competitiveness. But the industry also doesnt have good solutions for affordability, aside from wait until our drugs go generic, and then theyre less expensive. One example: some of Novo Nordisks patents on its weight loss drugs could last until the early 2030s. Thats not great news for people facing an imminent loss of insurance coverage. The role of AI in drug development will grow One of the speakers was Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, chief scientific officer at the pharma company Novo Nordisk in Denmark, who helped develop a new class of weight loss drugs now sold under brand names like Wegovy and Ozempic. While today about 10% of the lab work in pharmaceutical research and development is done by AI, and 90% by humans, Knudsen predicted that in ten years, its probably going to be the opposite. We just need the machines to do the work that we cannot comprehend, because our brains are not big enough, but we still need to be the ones who set up [experiments], and conclude, and take it on from there, she said. Knudsen doesnt expect AI to replace human workers, but rather allow companies to do more with the same human resources. Schrader said that as startup try to be more frugal, many will use AI to do the things that used to cost a million bucks for $100,000 or $200,000. Everybody wants to cure the world While the life sciences industry does occasionally create new billionaires as it did during the COVID pandemic with vaccine-makers like Moderna its populated mainly by scientists in search of new ways to cure diseases. And similar to Survivor contestants navigating a devious obstacle course, theyve got to overcome lots of hurdles on the way from a first promising experiment to something that doctors can prescribe. Dodd, the executive director of Nucleate, said he was attracted to life sciences to help patients living with an unmet medical need. He grew up in Needham with one of them his younger sister, who was fighting pediatric cancer. Hows she doing today? Shes now a nurse, and she works at Boston Childrens Hospital the same hospital where she was treated, he said. Its a pretty nice full circle moment, She planned to attend the Nucleate conference on Tuesday, he said. A Massachusetts woman who officials believe slipped from a scenic overlook in New Hampshire and fell more than 50 feet was rescued Saturday afternoon and is expected to survive her injuries. Meghan Mason, of Braintree, was seriously injured when she tumbled from a viewpoint on Mt. Pierce, a 4,310-foot summit about 4 miles southwest of Mt. Washington, according to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. The department was notified around 3:30 p.m. Saturday that a hiker had fallen from the overlook between 50100 feet, a department spokesperson said in a statement. Fish and Game conservation officers located Mason on precarious and rugged terrain on a spur trail about 0.6 miles up the Crawford Path, a hiking route from the Appalachian Mountain Clubs Highland Center to Mount Pierce. Due to the rough terrain, officers contacted rescuers from the Mountain Rescue Service, Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue Team and Twin Mountain Fire and Rescue for assistance to carry Mason down the mountain. The group ferried Mason to the trailhead, arriving just after 7 p.m. to a waiting ambulance. Mason was brought to Littleton Regional Hospital with injuries described as serious but non-life-threatening. A Millbury man who worked as a firefighter with the Millbury Fire Department was found guilty of the rape of a 15-year-old girl in 2021 following a two-day trial on Aug. 15, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.s office said. The jury found Colton Paszkowski, 27, guilty of six counts of rape of a child and not guilty of one count of witness intimidation, Earlys office said in a statement on Tuesday. His bail was revoked and Paszkowski was taken into custody. In the statement, Early praised the victim for her testimony and said she showed great strength and courage while testifying about her ordeal. Worcester Superior Court Judge William Ritter will preside over Paszkowskis sentencing on Aug. 25. MassLive has reached out to the Millbury Fire Department for an updated status on Paszkowskis employment. In 2021, a 15-year-old high school student and her mother reported that the girl had been sexually assaulted by Paszkowski on several occasions, MassLive reported in 2022. The girl told authorities in 2021 that Paszkowski was a horse farrier working with the girls familys horses, MassLive reported. She said he assaulted her once in Northbridge, followed by two more incidents in Sutton and Millbury. The accusations were corroborated by text messages that the Millbury Police Department had on file, resulting in an arrest warrant. Paszkowski lost his horse farrier job and was placed on unpaid leave from the Millbury Fire Department until his case is solved, Millbury Fire Chief Brian K. Gasco told the Telegram & Gazette in 2022. The New England Patriots logo is depicted on a helmet after practice at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) The New England Patriots are filling a couple of roster holes with a pair of rookies who were recently let go by the Tennessee Titans. On Tuesday, the Patriots announced that they had signed running back Micah Bernard and defensive lineman Philip Blidi. The team also released defensive end Jereme Robison and cornerback Tre Avery in corresponding moves to make room on the roster. Bernard and Blidi are both undrafted rookies who signed with the Tennessee Titans on May 8. The 5-foot-10, 206-pound Bernard was a productive running back at Utah during his college career, playing in 47 games. He was cut on June 2 by Tennessee. Meanwhile, the 6-foot-3, 297-pound Blidi played for Texas Tech, Indiana and then Auburn in college. He was released by the Titans on Sunday. The two signings give the Patriots some depth at positions that have been thinned out due to injury. Second-year running back Terrell Jennings has been absent from practice recently. Meanwhile, defensive lineman Isaiah Iton was recently placed on injured reserve, ending his season. BOSTON Red Sox setup man Justin Slaten, initially scheduled to throw a live batting practice at Fenway Park on Monday, will instead begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday. They felt comfortable last week so it was either the live today or go on a rehab assignment and everyone is comfortable with that, manager Alex Cora said Monday. The 27-year-old righty has been on the injured list since June 1 with what was described as right shoulder inflammation. He later learned his transverse process/bone was pressing and pinching against nerves and blood vessels, causing the soreness. He said he was born with a transverse process/bone that was abnormally large and misshaped. Rest and posture correction helped calm it down. Cora is unsure how many rehab games Slaten will need before he is ready to return. Obviously with what happened last year and what happened this year, we have to be careful, Cora said. Slaten spent from July 12-August 26 last year on the IL with right elbow inflammation. This is kind of like pushing it a little bit because hes been great the last two and a half weeks, Cora said. Ill be very careful; see how he bounces back. Lets see his outing, too. We would love him to go down there and strike out the side and be efficient. But a little bit of pressure, too, will benefit him. So well see how it goes. Slaten has posted a 3.47 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in 24 outings this season. He has held opponents to a .171 batting average. 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It will be in place for the next week and is part of the Testing The Waters project, which was launched in conjunction with Westport Tidy Towns last Saturday. The aim of the project is get people talking about water quality and the health of the river. Eithne Larkin from Westport Tidy Towns explains that the stainless steel artwork represents native plants and trees that would be found either in or on the banks of a healthy river. Its showing what weve lost, but what we could get back, she explained. READ: Six Mayo locations make shortlist to become Ireland's Greenest Places The idea is that when you stand on one of the bridges and look down its a ghost-like feature. The plants should be there. They were there and could be there again. There are plaques on trees across from the installation with information about the plants explaining the function of each plant. As well as the art installation, there are a series of talks taking place and a walking tour with visual artist William Bock, who created the pieces of art. There will be a citizen science project to measure the impact of natural growth in the river on biodiversity. The local community will work with LAWPRo and experts from the Co-Centre for Climate+ Biodiversity + Water to monitor the quality of water in the Carrowbeg river and biodiversity. Another offshoot of the project is to find out who is in charge of the river. Eithne Larkin explains that there has been confusion for a number of years over who is managing the river. If nobody is managing the river, what happens if we put something into it? Well, we might find out whos managing the river. As previously reported by The Mayo News, Mayo County Council have stated they are not in charge of the Mall river the section of the Carrowbeg River which goes through Westports Mall. Inland Fisheries Ireland have done likewise. The OPW do not appear to be in charge while it has not been ruled out that it could be in private ownership. The Mall Rivers wellbeing has proved controversial in the recent past. In 2022, the partial removal of silt islands in the river split opinion locally. That some European leaders will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington shows their concern that Kyiv will not be treated "fairly" in any potential deal and Europe's security concerns will not be addressed by an end to the Ukraine crisis negotiated between the United States and Russia. The Zelensky-Trump meeting comes shortly after a three-hour dialogue between the US leader and his Russian counterpart in Anchorage, Alaska, the first of its kind since Trump took office in January. And it is widely believed that the meeting between the US and its allies will touch upon some key issues, such as whether Ukraine will need to cede territory for a deal. Since the majority of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization members have agreed to raise their defense spending from 2 percent of GDP to 5 percent, most of which will be spent buying US weapons, and the US has already inked a mineral resource agreement with Ukraine, the Trump administration has already leveraged the conflict to get the maximum gains it can from Ukraine and European countries. After that Washington has turned attention to try and broker a ceasefire so it can see what the US can seek to get from Russia. To this end, it has been hammering home the fact that without the support of the US, Kyiv and the European countries would not be able to sustain the conflict, not to mention hold the front line where it is. It is the European Union that has put itself in such a difficult position by ending its pursuit of autonomy initiated by former German chancellor Angela Merkel during her time in office from 2005 to 2021. During Merkel's tenure as the German leader that had unique influence on the EU, the bloc tried to keep a balance between the US and Russia and acted with its due confidence on the world stage as one pole of a nascent multipolar world. But after Merkel's retirement, the EU has thrown itself into the arms of the US. Many industrial, technological, as well as economic and trade policies that had proved effective in enabling the EU to stand on its own feet during Merkel's days have been dropped. Blindly following Washington's foreign and geopolitical policies has not made the EU safer but a buffer zone and a coffer-filler for the US. It is no coincidence that the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out less than two months after Merkel's retirement. So given the huge gap between what the EU wants and what it has, there might be even fiercer discussions between the European visitors and their US hosts in Washington this week than the widely televised meeting between Zelensky and Trump in the White House in late February. Compared with then, the US has steadily advanced its agenda on the Ukraine crisis. Now it is time for Kyiv and its European supporters to accept the painful fact that they lack the necessary means to defend their own core interests in not only the conflict but also in their dealings with the US. The EU is now experiencing the consequences of its choice over the past few years. It has to accept that the US is a self-centered ally that is ready to loot a burning house. It will certainly take a long process to resolve the Ukraine crisis. Even so, none of the stakeholders, except the US, might feel happy with the final deal. At least if the end of the crisis can serve to prompt the EU to resume its pursuit of autonomy, the blood will not have been shed in vain. But before the EU grasps its own fate in its hands, it will continue to be on the menu. (Source: China Daily) Centre Johns Hopkins pour les programmes de communication Tudienzele Demande de propositions (RFP) Identification d'un prestataire de services de production mediatique pour l'universite Johns Hopkins APPEL D'OFFRES (RFP) N RFP# 002/2025 Services de production mediatique pour le Centre des programmes de communication de l'Universite Johns Hopkins SERVICES REQUIS Services de production et de diffusion mediatiques DATE DE PUBLICATION 20 aout 2025 DATE LIMITE POUR LES QUESTIONS 27 aout 2025 DATE DE CLOTURE DES PROPOSITIONS 3 septembre 2025 ------------------------------------------------------------- APPEL A PROPOSITIONS (RFP) Fournisseurs privilegies de services de production et de diffusion mediatiques Province du Kasai (Tshikapa), Republique democratique du Congo 1. Contexte Le Centre pour les programmes de communication (CCP) de l'universite Johns Hopkins est partenaire d'un projet quinquennal sur la resilience et la securite alimentaire en Republique democratique du Congo (RDC), destine a lutter contre la pauvrete et la malnutrition profondement enracinees dans le pays, en particulier dans la province du Kasai. Tudienzele, qui signifie Travaillons ensemble pour nous-memes ou Resolvons nos propres problemes en tshiluba (l'une des langues nationales de la RDC), est dirige par l'Agence adventiste d'aide et de developpement (ADRA) et finance par le Bureau de la securite alimentaire mondiale (GFS) du gouvernement americain. Outre le CCP, les autres membres du consortium qui dirigent le projet sont Action Contre La Faim (ACF), Adam Smith International (ASI) et Femmes Main Dans La Main Pour Le Developpement Integral (FMMDI). 2. Introduction Le Centre pour les programmes de communication (CCP) de l'universite Johns Hopkins cherche a identifier un ou plusieurs fournisseurs privilegies, a savoir des prestataires de services de production mediatique qualifies ou des entreprises capables de produire et de diffuser des contenus audio et video de haute qualite dans la province du Kasai (Tshikapa) en RDC. Le CCP fournira les directives creatives, les concepts et le contenu de base. Le ou les fournisseurs selectionnes seront charges de la realisation artistique, y compris l'adaptation des scripts, la production, le montage et la livraison, en veillant a ce que le contenu soit attrayant, adapte a la culture et conforme aux objectifs de communication du CCP. En outre, le ou les fournisseurs selectionnes concevront et mettront en uvre des plans medias complets afin de maximiser l'audience et la couverture. Cela comprend la selection des chaines de diffusion optimales, la programmation pour un engagement maximal et la verification de la couverture a l'aide de rapports sur l'audience. Bien que l'etendue precise des travaux sera definie pour chaque mission, le CCP prevoit une campagne a grande echelle au cours de l'annee a venir et fera appel aux services du ou des fournisseurs privilegies tout au long du projet, en fonction des besoins. Portee des travaux Le ou les fournisseurs privilegies doivent demontrer leur capacite a fournir : Services de production Production artistique de contenus radio et television en francais et dans les langues locales (tshiluba, lingala, tshokwe et autres langues pertinentes). Developpement de jingles et d'autres supports audiovisuels creatifs pour la marque. Production d'emissions de radio, de segments televises et de contenus video courts ou longs. Adaptation des scripts aux langues locales et au contexte culturel. Participation aux tests prealables a la production et a la diffusion, a l'aide des outils et des conseils de CCP. * Atout supplementaire : capacite a faciliter ou a mener directement les tests prealables. Integration de fonctionnalites d'accessibilite lorsque cela est possible (par exemple, interpretation en langue des signes pour les contenus televises). Services de diffusion Planification et strategie mediatiques pour optimiser la portee et l'engagement du public. Placement et diffusion de spots radio, de spots TV, d'emissions-debats et d'autres contenus sur des chaines dont la couverture est verifiee dans les zones cibles. Negociation et programmation avec les diffuseurs afin de garantir que les objectifs d'audience sont atteints. Suivi et rapports sur la portee et la frequence de diffusion. Exigences linguistiques Langues preferees : tshiluba, lingala, tshokwe et francais. D'autres langues locales peuvent etre prises en consideration. La capacite a fournir des services d'interpretation en langue des signes pour les productions televisees est un atout considerable. 4. Exigences relatives aux propositions Les propositions doivent inclure : Profil de l'entreprise, y compris l'experience pertinente et des exemples de travaux similaires realises dans le passe. Une description de la capacite a respecter les directives creatives et le contenu fournis par le CCP tout en assurant une production artistique de haute qualite. Une approche technique decrivant les capacites de production et de diffusion, la planification mediatique, l'equipement et les mesures d'assurance qualite. Experience et capacite a effectuer des tests prealables. Competences linguistiques et en matiere d'accessibilite. Tarifs soumis dans un fichier Excel, classes par categorie, y compris (mais sans s'y limiter) : * Spots radio (production et diffusion separement) * Spots televises (production et diffusion separement) * Jingles * Emissions-debats a la radio * Emissions-debats televisees * Autres productions audio/video (precisez) Si les prix varient en fonction de l'etendue, de la duree, de la langue ou d'autres facteurs, veuillez indiquer une fourchette de prix pour chaque categorie et preciser clairement les conditions qui determinent le prix final. Au moins deux references de contrats similaires recents. Criteres d'evaluation Les propositions seront evaluees sur la base des criteres suivants : 1. Expertise technique pertinente et portfolio Experience averee dans la production et la diffusion de contenus audio et video de haute qualite dans des contextes similaires. Qualite et creativite des travaux anterieurs. 2. Force et portee du reseau mediatique Relations averees avec les stations de radio/television locales et regionales. Capacite a obtenir des horaires de diffusion favorables et une large couverture geographique. 3. Rentabilite et rapport qualite-prix Tarification competitive et transparente, clairement justifiee. Capacite averee a fournir des resultats de qualite dans le respect du budget. 4. Capacite a se mobiliser rapidement Capacite a lancer la production et la diffusion dans des delais tres courts. Flexibilite pour s'adapter a l'evolution des besoins de la campagne. 5. Instructions aux candidats Date limite : Les propositions doivent etre recues au plus tard a 23h59 [heure d'Afrique centrale] a la date de cloture indiquee a la partie A, paragraphe 2. Les propositions soumises apres cette date ne seront pas prises en consideration. Les propositions doivent etre recues au plus tard a a la date de cloture indiquee a la partie A, paragraphe 2. Les propositions soumises apres cette date ne seront pas prises en consideration. Soumission : Tous les documents doivent etre envoyes par courrier electronique avec pour objet RFP# 002/2025 Media Services a l'adresse moginga1@jhu.edu Exigences obligatoires pour les propositions Preuve de l'existence legale pour exercer des activites commerciales en Republique democratique du Congo, y compris : * Certificat d'enregistrement/de constitution de la societe * Certificat de numero d'identification fiscale (TIN) * Licence commerciale ou certificat d'exploitation Preuve de la capacite technique a fournir les services mediatiques specifies en RDC. a fournir les services mediatiques specifies en RDC. Devis financier clair et justification des couts . . Coordonnees bancaires avec les signataires autorises sur papier a en-tete de la societe. 5. Dossier de candidature Les candidats doivent soumettre un dossier complet contenant les elements suivants : Lettre de motivation signee par un representant autorise de l'entreprise. signee par un representant autorise de l'entreprise. Preuve d'existence legale copies numerisees des documents suivants : * Certificat d'enregistrement/de constitution de la societe * Certificat de numero d'identification fiscale (TIN) * Licence commerciale ou certificat d'exploitation Proposition technique comprenant : * Profil de l'entreprise et experience pertinente * Exemples/portefeuille de travaux similaires * Description de la capacite a respecter les directives creatives et le contenu du CCP tout en assurant la realisation artistique * Approche en matiere de planification media et d'optimisation de l'audience * Experience et capacite en matiere de pre-test * Competences linguistiques et en matiere d'accessibilite Feuille Excel des tarifs classee par categorie (spots radio, spots TV, jingles, talk-shows, etc.), indiquant les couts unitaires et/ou les fourchettes de prix avec les conditions qui determinent le prix final. classee par categorie (spots radio, spots TV, jingles, talk-shows, etc.), indiquant les couts unitaires et/ou les fourchettes de prix avec les conditions qui determinent le prix final. Devis financier et justification des couts sous forme narrative ou tableau expliquant comment les couts proposes sont calcules. sous forme narrative ou tableau expliquant comment les couts proposes sont calcules. References au moins deux references issues de contrats similaires recents, y compris les coordonnees. au moins deux references issues de contrats similaires recents, y compris les coordonnees. Coordonnees bancaires lettre sur papier a en-tete de la societe indiquant le compte bancaire officiel et les signataires autorises. Format et livraison : Veuillez soumettre tous les documents par voie electronique au format PDF (a l'exception du fichier Excel contenant les tarifs, qui doit etre au format .xlsx ). (a l'exception du fichier Excel contenant les tarifs, qui doit etre au format ). Envoyez un e-mail a moginga1@jhu.edu avec pour objet : RFP# 002/2025 Media Services . avec pour objet : . Les propositions doivent etre recues avant 23h59 [heure d'Afrique centrale] a la date de cloture. 6. Conditions generales Le CCP se reserve le droit de selectionner un ou plusieurs fournisseurs privilegies. La selection en tant que fournisseur privilegie ne garantit pas un volume de travail minimum, mais donne la priorite pour l'attribution des missions. Tous les livrables seront la propriete de CCP. Les conditions de paiement seront convenues dans le contrat final pour chaque mission specifique. ---------------- VERSION ANGLAISE ---------------- Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs Tudienzele Request for Proposal (RFP) Identification of a Media Production Service Provider for the Johns Hopkins University REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) # RFP# 002/2025 Media Production Services for Johns Hopkins Centre for Communication Programs SERVICES REQUIRED Media Production & Broadcasting Services ISSUE DATE August 20, 2025 DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS August 27, 2025 CLOSING DATE FOR PROPOSALS September 3, 2025 ---------------------------------------------------------- REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) Preferred Media Production & Broadcasting Service Providers Kasai Province (Tshikapa), Democratic Republic of Congo 1. Background The Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP) is a partner in a five-year resilience and food security project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), designed to combat deep-rooted poverty and malnutrition in the country, with a focus in the Kasai province. Tudienzele, meaning Working together for ourselves or Lets solve our own problems in Tshiluba (one of DRCs national languages), is led by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and funded by the U.S. Governments Office of Global Food Security (GFS). Along with CCP, other consortium members leading the project include Action Contre La Faim (ACF), Adam Smith International (ASI), and Femmes Main Dans La Main Pour Le Developpement Integral (FMMDI). 2. Introduction The Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP) seeks to identify Preferred Vendor(s)qualified media production service providers or firms with the capacity to both produce and broadcast high-quality audio and video content in the Kasai province (Tshikapa) of the DRC. CCP will provide creative guidelines, concepts, and core content. The selected vendor(s) will be responsible for artistic executionincluding scripting adaptations, production, editing, and deliveryensuring content is engaging, culturally relevant, and consistent with CCPs communication objectives. In addition, the selected vendor(s) will design and implement comprehensive media plans to maximize audience reach and coverage. This includes selecting optimal broadcast channels, scheduling for maximum engagement, and verifying coverage through audience reach reports. While specific scopes of work will be defined per assignment, CCP anticipates a large-scale campaign in the coming year and will use the services of the Preferred Vendor(s) throughout the project period as needs arise. 3. Scope of Work The Preferred Vendor(s) should demonstrate capacity to provide: Production Services Artistic production of radio and TV content in French and local languages (Tshiluba, Lingala, Tshokwe, and others as relevant). Development of jingles and other creative audio/visual brand assets. Production of radio talk shows, TV segments, and short-form or long-form video content. Script adaptation to local languages and cultural context. Participation in pre-testing of materials prior to production and airing, using CCPs tools and guidance. * Bonus: Ability to facilitate or conduct pre-testing directly. Integration of accessibility features where possible (e.g., sign language interpretation for TV content). Broadcasting Services Media planning and strategy to optimize reach and audience engagement. Placement and airing of radio spots, TV spots, talk shows, and other content on channels with verified coverage in target areas. Negotiation and scheduling with broadcasters to ensure audience targets are met. Monitoring and reporting on broadcast reach and frequency. Language Requirements Preferred languages: Tshiluba, Lingala, Tshokwe, and French. Additional local languages may be considered. Ability to provide sign language interpretation for TV productions is a strong asset. 4. Proposal Requirements Proposals should include: Company profile, including relevant experience and examples of similar past work. Description of capacity to follow CCP-provided creative guidelines and content while delivering high-quality artistic production. Technical approach describing production and broadcasting capabilities, media planning, equipment, and quality assurance measures. Experience and capacity for pre-testing. Language and accessibility capabilities. Pricing submitted in an Excel file, organized by category, including (but not limited to): * Radio spots (production and airing separately) * TV spots (production and airing separately) * Jingles * Radio talk shows * TV talk shows * Other audio/video productions (specify) If prices vary depending on scope, duration, language, or other factors, please indicate a price range for each category and clearly state the conditions that determine the final price. At least two references from recent similar contracts. 5. Evaluation Criteria Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 1. Relevant Technical Expertise and Portfolio Demonstrated experience in producing and airing high-quality audio and video content in similar contexts. Quality and creativity of past work. 2. Strength and Reach of Media Network Proven relationships with local and regional radio/TV outlets. Ability to secure favorable broadcast schedules and broad geographic coverage. 3. Cost-Effectiveness and Value for Money Competitive and transparent pricing with clear justification. Demonstrated capacity to deliver quality outputs within budget. 4. Capacity to Mobilize Quickly Ability to initiate production and broadcasting on short notice. Flexibility to adapt to evolving campaign needs. 6. Instructions to the Applicant Deadline: Proposals must be received no later than 23:59 hours [Central African Time] on the closing date, as stated in Part A paragraph 2. Late submissions will not be considered. Proposals must be received no later than on the closing date, as stated in Part A paragraph 2. Late submissions will not be considered. Submission: All documents must be e-mailed with the subject line RFP# 002/2025 Media Services to moginga1@jhu.edu Mandatory Proposal Requirements 1. Proof of legal existence to do business in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including: Certificate of business registration/incorporation Tax Identification Number (TIN) certificate Trading license or certificate of operations 2. Evidence of technical ability to offer the specified media services in DRC. 3. Clear financial quote and cost justification. 4. Details of bank account with authorized signatories provided on company letterhead. 7. Submission Package Applicants must submit one complete proposal package containing the following: 1. Cover Letter signed by an authorized company representative. 2. Proof of Legal Existence scanned copies of: Certificate of business registration/incorporation Tax Identification Number (TIN) certificate Trading license or certificate of operations 3. Technical Proposal including: Company profile and relevant experience Examples/portfolio of similar work Description of capacity to follow CCPs creative guidelines and content while delivering artistic execution Approach to media planning and optimizing audience reach Pre-testing experience and capacity Language and accessibility capabilities 4. Pricing Excel Sheet organized by category (radio spots, TV spots, jingles, talk shows, etc.), showing unit costs and/or price ranges with conditions that determine final pricing. 5. Financial Quote & Cost Justification narrative or table format explaining how proposed costs are calculated. 6. References at least two from recent similar contracts, including contact information. 7. Bank Details letter on company letterhead listing official bank account and authorized signatories. Format & Delivery: Submit all documents electronically in PDF format (except for the Excel pricing file, which must be in .xlsx format). (except for the Excel pricing file, which must be in format). Email to moginga1@jhu.edu with the subject line: RFP# 002/2025 Media Services . with the subject line: . Proposals must be received by 23:59 hours [Central African Time] on the closing date. 8. Terms & Conditions Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs ADRA Request for Proposal (RFP) Identification of a Payroll Service Provider for the Johns Hopkins University DRC Staff REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) # RFP# 003/2025 Payroll Services for Johns Hopkins Centre for Community Program DRC Staff SERVICES REQUIRED Payroll Services for octobre 2025 to septembre 2026 for 8 staff ISSUE DATE August 20, 2025 DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS August 27, 2025 CLOSING DATE FOR PROPOSALS September 3rd, 2025 ------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Background The Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs is a partner in a five-year resilience and food security project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, designed to combat deep-rooted poverty and malnutrition in the country. Tudienzele, meaning let's work together for ourselves" or "lets solve our own problems in Tshiluba, one of DRCs national languages, is led by Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and funded by US Government State Department office of Global Food Security. Along with CCP, other members of the consortium leading the project include Action Contre La Faim, Adam Smith International, and Femmes Main Dans La Main Pour Le Developpement Integral. The Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP) is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) in order to identify and contract a qualified Payroll Service provider or firm to provide Payroll Services in accordance to the labor laws of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 2. Overall objectives of the request. The firm will provide payroll services to the JHU in accordance with its expressed needs within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The payroll service is a legal business relationship between the firm and JHU in which the firm, for a fee, ensures that the JHUs employees are paid as required by JHU in the full extent of the Labor Law in DRC. The firm will assist in the management of JHUs local staff payroll processes ensuring compliance with all existing and amended tax laws of the DRC. The firm will prepare all staff payroll payments and, after the official review and approval of JHU, issue the monthly salary payments for the local field staff as well as ensure that all required taxes and social contributions like the CNSS (National Social Security Fund), INPP (National Institute of Professional Preparation) and ONEM (National office of Employment) are properly calculated and paid to the designated DRC government entity on behalf of JHU. The firm will provide proof of payment of these payments to JHU for official filing and record keeping. Finally, the firm will support the registration process of new JHU local employees with the CNSS, the validation of new employee contracts by the ONEM and on behalf of JHU. The firm will represent JHU to the following national department: DGI, INPP, CNSS, ONEM and to any other state services relating to payroll and human resources management 3. Instructions to the Applicant Proposals must be received no later than 23:59 hours [Central African time] on the closing date, as stated in Part A paragraph 2. Late submissions will not be considered. All documents must be e-mailed with the RFP# 003/2025 Payroll Services in the email subjectif line to moginga1@jhu.edu Proposal submission requirements. 1. Proof of legal existence to do business in DRC Democratic Republic of Congo including: Certificate of business registration/incorporation Tax identification number (TIN) certificate Trading License certificate of Operations 2. Firms technical ability to offer the payroll services in DRC (Agency/firm background, Contacts for references, etc.) 3. Clear financial quote and cost justification 4. Clear details of bank account with signatories on a letterhead Gen. David Allvin, the Air Force's top uniformed leader, suddenly announced Monday evening that he would be retiring as the service's chief of staff, marking the latest leadership shake-up within the Pentagon. Allvin said in the statement that he would stay on as Air Force chief until his replacement is confirmed to "allow time for a smooth leadership transition." By law, the role lasts no more than four years, and Allvin was in the seat for just shy of two years before announcing he would be leaving. It marks the shortest tenure of an Air Force chief of staff since Gen. Michael J. Dugan was dismissed in 1990. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 23rd Air Force chief of staff, and I'm thankful for Secretary Meink, Secretary Hegseth and President Trump's faith in me to lead our service," Allvin said in a news release. "More than anything, I'm proud to have been part of the team of airmen who live out our core values of integrity, service and excellence every day as we prepare to defend this great nation." Read Next: Airman Accused of Firing AK-47 Through Apartment Wall in Latest Gun Death Near Wyoming Base Policy experts told Military.com that the departure raises alarm amid other leadership changes within the Department of the Air Force and the Pentagon at large. While some former Air Force officials said they were not surprised by the move, others also highlighted Allvin's nearly 40-year career and professionalism while serving under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in President Donald Trump's administration. A reason for Allvin's sudden retirement announcement was not made public. The Washington Post reported that Hegseth wanted to go in a different direction, and the 1986 Air Force Academy graduate and command pilot with more than 4,600 flying hours would be allowed to retire. No replacement was immediately named, and a retirement ceremony "with full honors" will take place later this year, the Air Force said in a statement. "I would say that, regardless of the reason for his early departure, he is navigating the civ-mil norms professionally in the way he announced his departure and his willingness to provide a warm handoff to his successor," Katherine Kuzminski, the director of studies at the Center for a New American Security, told Military.com. Allvin, who previously served as the vice chief of staff of the Air Force, took over for Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown. He started serving as the Air Force chief on Nov. 2, 2023. During his tenure, which bridged former President Joe Biden and Trump's administrations, Allvin oversaw several initiatives that were praised by current Air Force Secretary Troy Meink. "The Air Force is fortunate to have leaders like Gen. Dave Allvin. During his tenure, the Air Force has undertaken transformational initiatives that will enable airmen to answer their nation's call for decades to come," Meink said in a news release. Perhaps the biggest push, formulated under former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, was new efforts aimed at increasing competition with China that ranged from creating new commands, reestablishing warrant officers, and creating new offices within the headquarters. Overall, those efforts received notable criticisms for being underfunded and not being focused on the Middle East, as well as being too tied to Kendall to ultimately succeed, Military.com previously reported. Early this year, Hegseth paused at least some of those efforts. The Air Force has not fully articulated what endeavours are going ahead and what initiatives are being paused. Allvin also spearheaded an initiative in early January, first reported on by Military.com, that put a new emphasis on reviewing and enforcing existing standards and policies, ranging from following safety regulations and calling formations during which troops' uniforms and appearance will be inspected. Once Hegseth was confirmed, later that month, it clearly aligned with the new defense secretary's overwhelming focus on raising military standards. The move, however, was not overly popular with the rank and file and led to frequent griping and criticisms online. Alex Wagner, the former assistant secretary of the Air Force for manpower and reserve affairs, told Military.com that Allvin was focused on the men and women in uniform and was clearly dedicated to them. "I have no idea about his political views, but after seeing him in action for the last few years, I know that Gen. Allvin took seriously his oath to the Constitution and his responsibility for the well-being of the men and women of the Air Force," Wagner told Military.com. "Apparently, that kind of integrity is disqualifying for Peter Hegseth and Donald Trump, where loyalty means something entirely different." Allvin's departure comes amid numerous changes throughout the Department of the Air Force and Pentagon. This now marks four service chiefs who have been removed since Hegseth and Trump took the reins, including Brown, as Joint Chiefs chairman, as well as Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan. Gen. James Slife, the Air Force's vice chief of staff under Allvin, was also removed by Hegseth. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, the head of Air Force Global Strike Command, has been nominated to take Slife's seat. Also in recent weeks, Air Force Under Secretary Matthew Lohmeier, a former Space Force Guardian who was booted from that service for making allegations of Marxism in the military, joined headquarters. "From the outside, it appears that the leadership turmoil is continuing at senior levels of the Pentagon," Todd Harrison, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told Military.com. "It leaves everyone wondering, who is next?" Related: Air Force's Big Reorganization Effort Focused on China Paused by Defense Secretary A program to relocate vulnerable Afghans, including allies who helped the U.S. during the war and families of American service members, that was dismantled by the Trump administration would be reestablished under a bipartisan bill introduced Tuesday. The Enduring Welcome Act would revive the Office of the Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts, or CARE, which was established after the 2021 military withdrawal from Afghanistan to help resettle Afghans fleeing the Taliban and was shuttered by the State Department earlier this year. "Honoring our commitments to our Afghan allies should never be a partisan issue, but a matter of moral responsibility, national honor and global credibility," Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Calif., said in a statement Tuesday about introducing the bill. "With this bipartisan bill, we are sending a clear and unified message: The United States keeps its promises." Read Next: Air Force Chief's Sudden Retirement Raises Question of 'Who Is Next' in Leadership Shake-Up In addition to Kamlager-Dove, the bill is sponsored by Reps. Michael McCaul, R-Texas; Mike Lawler, R-N.Y.; and Dina Titus, D-Nev. All four are members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and McCaul is its former chairman. The bill is also co-sponsored by 12 other Democrats and three other Republicans. The bill's introduction comes during the four-year anniversary of the U.S. military evacuation of Afghanistan. After Kabul fell to the Taliban on Aug. 15, 2021, the military spent the next two weeks evacuating as many U.S. citizens and vulnerable Afghan civilians as possible before the last American troops departed. While thousands of Afghans who helped the U.S. war effort or whose lives were otherwise threatened by the Taliban were evacuated, thousands more were left behind. The Biden administration created CARE in 2022 to streamline continued relocation efforts. Last year, Congress passed a law mandating that the State Department appoint a coordinator for Afghan relocation efforts, though the law did not require the entire CARE office. Relocation efforts froze almost immediately after President Donald Trump took office in January as a result of several executive orders, including ones to halt refugee admissions and foreign aid programs. Then, as part of a broader reorganization, the State Department announced in May it was scrapping CARE, and in July, the office's leaders were part of the department's mass firings. Despite those moves, the State Department has maintained that ongoing relocations will be handled by the department's Afghan affairs office. Last month, Trump also twice promised to protect Afghans who helped U.S. troops during the war. "We're going to take care of those people, the ones that did a job, the ones that were told certain things," Trump told reporters last month. But flights of Afghans awaiting relocation to the United States have not resumed. Additionally, the Trump administration is seeking to deport at least two Afghans who worked with the American military and fled to the U.S. Bipartisan sponsorship of the bill introduced Tuesday represents one of the few times Republicans have gone on the record to oppose a Trump administration action and support a concrete effort to reverse that action. Still, it's unclear whether the bipartisan support will be enough to power the bill through Congress. A separate measure to strengthen legal protections for Afghans, known as the Afghan Adjustment Act, has stalled for years despite bipartisan support. In addition to restoring the CARE program, the bill introduced Tuesday would solidify the office's functions. That includes "addressing family reunification barriers, including cases involving United States active-duty service members and veterans," according to the bill text. #AfghanEvac, a coalition of organizations that help resettle Afghans, has estimated that more than 200 U.S. service members have family members stranded abroad awaiting relocation to the United States. The bill would also require the State Department to create a database of Afghans in the relocation pipeline "to inform operations and ensure transparency," the bill says. Under the bill, the CARE office would sunset in five years, while the database would be permanent. "Our Afghan allies fought and bled alongside U.S. troops, and in return they were promised our protection," McCaul, who led an investigation of the withdrawal, said in a statement. "Yet as my Afghanistan report revealed, tens of thousands were abandoned during the chaotic withdrawal, left to face horrific violence and reprisal killings at the hands of the Taliban -- all because they chose to help us. I'm proud to co-lead the Enduring Welcome Act to honor our promise, stand by those who stood by us, and telegraph a clear message of American strength and credibility throughout the world." Related: 'Friends Begging for Help': Afghan Allies Stranded After Trump Suspends Refugee Program SEOUL, South Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned South Korean-U.S. military drills and vowed a rapid expansion of his nuclear forces to counter rivals, state media said Tuesday, as he inspected his most advanced warship being fitted with nuclear-capable systems. Kims visit to the western port of Nampo on Monday came as the South Korean and U.S. militaries kicked off their annual large-scale summertime exercise to bolster readiness against growing North Korean threats. The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield, which the allies describe as defensive, will mobilize 21,000 troops, including 18,000 South Koreans, for computer-simulated command post operations and field training. North Korea has long denounced the allies joint drills as invasion rehearsals and Kim has often used them to justify his own military displays and testing activities aimed at expanding his nuclear weapons program. The Korean Peninsula remains in a technical state of war, divided by the Demilitarized Zone into North Korea and South Korea. While inspecting the warship Choe Hyon, a 5,000-ton-class destroyer first unveiled in April, Kim said the allies joint military drills show hostility and their supposed will to ignite a war, the Norths Korean Central News Agency said. He claimed that the exercises have grown more provocative than before by incorporating a nuclear element, requiring the North to respond with proactive and overwhelming countermeasures. The security environment around the DPRK is getting more serious day by day and the prevailing situation requires us to make a radical and swift change in the existing military theory and practice and rapid expansion of nuclearization, KCNA paraphrased Kim as saying, using the initials of North Koreas formal name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Kang Yu-jung, spokesperson for South Koreas new liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, who wants to improve ties with the North, said Seoul has always regarded the Ulchi exercises as defensive but offered no further comment on Kims remarks. South Koreas Defense Ministry said it had no immediate new assessments to share regarding the North Korean warships capabilities. South Korean and U.S. military officials say Ulchi Freedom Shield will focus on countering North Koreas advancing nuclear and missile threat and will include training to deter North Korean nuclear use and respond to its missile attacks. The exercise will also incorporate lessons from recent conflicts, including Russias war in Ukraine and the clash between Israel and Iran, and address threats from drones, GPS jamming and cyberattacks. Kim Sees Destroyer as Key to Nuclear-Capable Navy Kim has hailed the development of his naval destroyer, Choe Hyon, as a significant advancement toward his goal of expanding the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military. State media said the destroyer, which is being prepared to enter active duty next year, is designed to handle various weapons systems, including antiair and anti-naval weapons, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. The North unveiled a second destroyer of the same class in May, but the vessel was damaged during a botched launching ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin, prompting an angry reaction from Kim, who called the failure criminal. The North has said the new destroyer, named Kang Kon, was relaunched in June after repair, but some outside experts have questioned whether the ship is fully operational. During Mondays visit to Nampo, Kim also reviewed North Korean efforts to complete a third destroyer by October, KCNA said. While inspecting Choe Hyon, Kim expressed satisfaction with the progress of the warships weapons tests and its integrated operations system, saying the navys modernization and move toward nuclear-capable capabilities are proceeding as planned. He instructed officials to carry out performance tests in October, KCNA said. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have worsened in recent years as Kim accelerated his military nuclear program and deepened alignment with Moscow following Russias invasion of Ukraine. His government has repeatedly dismissed calls by Washington and Seoul to revive negotiations aimed at winding down his nuclear and missile programs, which derailed in 2019 following a collapsed summit with U.S. President Donald Trump during his first term. In his latest message to Pyongyang on Friday, Lee, who took office in June, said he would seek to restore a 2018-inter-Korean military agreement designed to reduce border tensions and called for North Korea to respond to the Souths efforts to rebuild trust and revive talks. The 2018 military agreement, reached during a brief period of diplomacy between the Koreas, created buffer zones on land and sea and no-fly zones above the border to prevent clashes. But South Korea suspended the deal in 2024, citing tensions over North Koreas launches of trash-laden balloons toward the South, and moved to resume front-line military activities and propaganda campaigns. The step came after North Korea had already declared it would no longer abide by the agreement. NEW YORK -- After a year in the U.S. Navy, Loceny Kamara said he was discharged in 2023, because while on base he had developed mental health issues, including severe anxiety and nightmares, and had fallen into alcoholism. Kamara, 23, went to rehab and managed to get sober for some time while living with family in the Bronx, he said. But after he lost his job as a security guard in December, Kamara was kicked out of his home. Now he lives at a veterans homeless shelter in Long Island City, a neighborhood in Queens, New York, and he relies on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- commonly known as food stamps -- and odd jobs to make ends meet. Each month, nearly 42 million people receive SNAP benefits to help supplement their grocery budgets. Able-bodied SNAP recipients who are between 18 and 54 and don't have children have always been required to work. Veterans, however, have been exempt from those rules -- but that's about to change. The giant domestic policy measure that President Donald Trump signed on July 4 eliminates that exemption. Beginning in 2026, veterans will have to prove they are working, volunteering, participating in job training, or looking for work for at least 80 hours a month to keep their food stamps beyond three months, unless they qualify for another exemption, such as having certain disabilities. Republicans in Congress and conservatives who helped formulate the law say these eligibility changes are necessary to stop people who could be working from abusing the system. But critics say the change fails to take into account the barriers many veterans face, and that the new work rules will cause thousands of veterans to go hungry. "I'm pissed. I mean, I cannot get a job. Nowhere to live," said Kamara. As he spoke, Kamara pointed to his collared shirt, noting that he had just dressed up to interview for a job as a security guard. He learned that morning he hadn't gotten the job. "I've been out of work for eight months," Kamara told Stateline. "It's hard to get a job right now for everybody." Veterans Depend on SNAP Nationally, around 1.2 million veterans with lower incomes, or about 8% of the total veteran population of 16.2 million, rely on food stamps for themselves and their families, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning research group. An analysis by the group found veterans tend to have lower rates of employment because they are more likely to have health conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries, that make it difficult for them to work. They also tend to have less formal education, though many have specialized skills from their time in the military. There has been a work requirement for most SNAP recipients since 1996. But Robert Rector, a senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, said the rules have "never really been enforced." Rector argued that able-bodied people who have been exempt from the work requirement, such as veterans and homeless people, create an unnecessary burden on the system if they are capable of working but don't. "Most of the people that are in this category live in households with other people that have incomes, and so there really isn't a chronic food shortage here," Rector said in an interview. "We have tens of thousands of free food banks that people can go to. So it's just a requirement to nudge these people in the proper direction, and it should no longer go unenforced." Darryl Chavis, 62, said that view ignores the difficulties that many veterans face. When Chavis left the U.S. Army at 21 after two years of service, he said, he was "severely depressed." "Nobody even came to help me," said Chavis, who served as a watercraft operator, responsible for operating and maintaining tugboats, barges and other landing craft. Chavis said he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, which has made it difficult for him to keep a job. He just moved back to New York from Virginia after leaving a relationship. He's been at the housing shelter in Long Island City since January. "What I'm trying to do is get settled in to, you know, stabilize into an apartment. I have the credentials to get a job. So it's not like I'm not gonna look for a job. I have to work. I'm in transition, and the obstacles don't make it easy," Chavis said. The new SNAP work rules apply to all able-bodied adults between 55 and 64 who don't have dependents, and parents with children above the age of 14. Some groups, such as asylum-seekers and refugees, are no longer eligible for the program. Barbara Guinn, commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, estimates that around 300,000 New Yorkers could lose SNAP benefits due to work requirements. Of those, around 22,000 are veterans, homeless or aging out of foster care, she said. Almost 3 million New Yorkers relied on SNAP as of March 2025. Veterans in other states are in a similar situation. In California, an estimated 115,000 veterans receive SNAP benefits, according to a study by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The number is nearly 100,000 in Florida and Texas, and 49,000 in Georgia. Between 2015 and 2019 about 11% of veterans between the ages of 18 and 64 lived in food insecure households, meaning they had limited or uncertain access to food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP. "We know that SNAP is the best way to help address hunger. It gets benefits directly to individuals," Guinn said. "There are other ways that people can get assistance if they need it, through food banks or other charitable organizations, but we do not think that those organizations will have the capacity to pick up the needs." A Greater Burden on States In addition to the work rule changes, the new law reduces federal funding for SNAP by about $186 billion through 2034 -- a cut of roughly 20%, according to the Congressional Budget Office, an independent research arm of Congress. The federal government expects the new work requirements to reduce SNAP spending by $69 billion as people who don't comply are dropped from the rolls. SNAP has historically been funded by the federal government, with states picking up part of the cost of administering the program. Under the new law, states will have to cover between 5% and 15% of SNAP costs starting in fiscal year 2028, depending on how accurately they distribute benefits to people who are eligible for the program. "This has been a strategic agenda to dismantle SNAP and to blame states for doing so, because they knew they are making it so incredibly burdensome to run and operate and unaffordable," said Gina Plata-Nino, SNAP deputy director at the Food Research & Action Center, a poverty and hunger advocacy group. "States are going to have to cut something, because there's no surplus. There are no unlimited resources that states may have in order to be able to offset the harm." Guinn said New York expects to see a new cost burden of at least $1.4 billion each year. In California, new state costs could total as much as $3.7 billion annually, according to the California Department of Social Services. Kaitlynne Yancy, director of membership programs at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, said many veterans with disabilities will not be able to fulfill the work requirements or find resources elsewhere. And it's unclear whether states will be able to provide their own relief to people who are no longer exempted from work requirements or will be excluded from the program. "It is a frustrating thing to see, especially for those that have been willing to put everything on the line and sacrifice everything for this country if their country called them to do so," she said. Yancy, 35, served in the U.S. Navy from 2010 to 2014. She began to use food stamps and the Medicaid program, the public health insurance program for people with lower incomes, as she navigated life's challenges. They included going back to school to pursue her bachelor's degree, becoming a single mother, and a leukemia diagnosis for one of her children. Frequent trips to the hospital made it hard for her to work steadily or attend school for 20 hours each week, she said. Guinn said the new rules will create significant administrative challenges, too; even SNAP recipients who are working will struggle to prove it. "Maybe they're working one month, they have a job, and then their employer cuts their hours the next month," Guinn told Stateline. "There are mechanisms for people to upload documentation as needed to demonstrate compliance with the program, but from an administrative standpoint, right now, we don't have any super-high-tech automated way of doing this." Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a national nonprofit news organization focused on state policy. 2025 States Newsroom. Visit at stateline.org. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A protester remained jailed in Anchorage on Monday after his arrest Friday on accusations he painted a defamatory message about President Donald Trump on a sign at a military gate. James Garrett Hermansen, 31, was one of hundreds who took part in peaceful protests and demonstrations during Friday's landmark meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage. The summit concluded with no comprehensive deal to end Russia's war in Ukraine. The two leaders met at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson after flying in separately from Washington, D.C., and Moscow. Hermansen was one of about two dozen pro-Ukraine protesters who gathered outside the base's Government Hill gate before the leaders landed. He was playing songs at the gathering on a guitar covered in stickers, including one that read, "This machine saves lives." The graffiti appeared as the protest wound down. Anchorage police officers working "POTUS detail" at the base's Government Hill gate during the event said they saw Hermansen walk up to the gate and paint "F--- Trump" on it, according to an initial charging document filed Saturday. The red letters were about a foot tall, with one word stacked on top of the other. A police report summarized in the charging document said officers saw a man later identified as Hermansen walk away from the sign and leave as a passenger in a sedan. The officers stopped the car and said they found Hermansen inside, his hands covered in red and with two permanent ink markers "on his person," the document said. JBER officials wanted to press charges over the damage to the sign, which was valued at more than $750, according to the police report summary. He was arrested on a felony third-degree criminal mischief charge. "APD is detaining me for graffiti," Hermansen wrote on his Facebook page Friday. Widely shared images taken after the event showed law enforcement officers first blacking out the words and then removing them. Hermansen remained in custody at the Anchorage Correctional Complex as of Monday, according to an public inmate release information database. His next court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. A judge set his bail at $500 during a hearing Saturday, according to filings in the case. Hermansen entered a not guilty plea. Hermansen's public defender couldn't immediately be reached for comment Monday. His appears to be the only arrest made by Anchorage police tied to Friday's summit. The department in a statement Monday said they made one arrest, for vandalism, during eight protests, demonstrations and rallies around the municipality last week linked to the Trump-Putin meeting. Police estimated the various gatherings at 10 to 400 people. Daily News photojournalist Bill Roth and reporter Tim Rockey contributed. 2025 Anchorage Daily News. Visit at adn.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. WASHINGTON The main drag in Washington's Columbia Heights neighborhood is typically crammed with people peddling pupusas, fresh fruit, souvenirs and clothing. On Tuesday, though, things felt different: The white tents that bulge with food and merchandise were scarcer than usual. Everything has stopped over the last week, said Yassin Yahyaoui, who sells jewelry and glass figurines. Most of his customers and fellow vendors, he said, have just disappeared particularly if they speak Spanish. The abnormally quiet street was one of many pieces of evidence showing how President Donald Trump 's decision to flood the nation's capital with federal law enforcement and immigration agents has rippled through the city. While troop deployments and foot patrols in downtown areas and around the National Mall have gotten the most attention, life in historically diverse neighborhoods like Columbia Heights is being reshaped as well. The White House has credited Trump's crackdown with hundreds of arrests, while local officials have criticized the aggressive intervention in the city's affairs. The confrontation escalated on Tuesday as the top federal prosecutor in D.C. opened an investigation into whether police officials have falsified crime data, according to a person familiar with the situation who wasn't authorized to comment publicly. The probe could be used to bolster Trump's claims that the city is suffering from a crime emergency despite statistics showing improvements. The mayors office and the police department declined to comment. Stops are visible across the city Blocks away from where Yahyaoui had set up shop, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local police stopped a moped driver delivering pizza. The agents drove unmarked cars and wore tactical vests; one covered his face with a green balaclava. They questioned the driver and required him to present documentation relating to his employment and legal residency status. No arrest was made. The White House said there have been 465 arrests since Aug. 7, when the federal operation began, including 206 people who were in the country illegally. The Trump administration has ramped up immigration enforcement and the president signed an executive order on Aug. 11 to put the police department under federal control for 30 days; extending that would require congressional approval. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said Trump was unapologetically standing up for the safety of law-abiding American citizens. Glorida Gomez, who has been working a fruit stand in Columbia Heights for more than a decade, said business is worse now than during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said many vendors stopped coming because they were afraid of interacting with federal agents. Customers seem less willing to spend money too. Reina Sosa, another vendor, said "theyre saving it in case something happens, like getting detained by immigration enforcement. Ana Lemus, who also sells fruit, said we need more humanity on that part of the government. Remember that these are people being affected, she said. The government is supposed to protect members of the community, not attack or discriminate against them. Bystanders have captured some arrests on video. On Saturday morning, Christian Enrique Carias Torres was detained in another part of the city during a scuffle with ICE agents, and the footage ricocheted around social media. An FBI agent's affidavit said Carias Torres kicked one of the agents in the leg and another was injured when he fell during the struggle and struck his head on the pavement. A stun gun was used to subdue Carias Torres, who was charged Tuesday with resisting arrest. An alphabet soup of federal agencies have been circulating in the city. In the Petworth neighborhood, roughly 20 officers from the FBI, Homeland Security, Park Police and U.S. Marshals descended on an apartment building on Tuesday morning. A man extended his hands out a window while officers cuffed him. Yanna Stelle, 19, who witnessed the incident, said she heard the chatter from walkie talkies as officers moved through the hallways. That was too many police first thing in the morning especially for them to just be doing a warrant," she said. More National Guard troops from other states are slated to arrive From his actions and remarks, Trump seems interested in ratcheting up the pressure. His administration has asked Republican-led states to send more National Guard troops. Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, West Virginia, South Carolina and Ohio have agreed to deploy a total of 1,100 troops to the city, on top of the 800 from the D.C.-based National Guard. Resistance to that notion is starting to surface, both on the streets and in Congress. On Tuesday, Democratic Rep. Sam Liccardo of California introduced a bill that would require a report outlining the cost of any National Guard deployment unrelated to a natural disaster, as well as its legal basis. It would also require reporting on any Guard interactions with civilians and other aspects of the operation. Forty four Democrats have signed on in support, including Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Washingtons non-voting delegate in the House of Representatives. While the measure stands little chance of passing while Republicans control the chamber, its a sign of a wider Democratic response to Trumps unprecedented moves in Washington. Are L.A. and D.C. a test run for a broader authoritarian takeover of local communities?" Liccardo asked. He added that the country's founders were suspicious of "executive control of standing armies. Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, said that Democrats continue to side with criminals over law abiding Americans." What kind of assistance will be offered? It's unclear what kind of help the National Guard will be able to provide when it comes to crime. The fact of the matter is that the National Guard are not law-enforcement trained, and theyre not going into places where they would be engaged in law enforcement activity," said Jeff Asher, a crime analyst and consultant at AH Datalytics. So I dont know that its fair to expect much of it. Trump declared in a social media post that his initiative has transformed Washington from the most unsafe city in the United States to perhaps the safest, and getting better every single hour! The number of crimes reported in D.C. did drop by about 8% this week as compared to the week before, according to Metropolitan Police data. There was some variation within that data, with crimes like robberies and car thefts declining while burglaries increased a bit and homicides remained steady. Still, a week is a small sample size far from enough time for data to show meaningful shifts, Asher said. Referring to the month-long period that D.C.s home rule law allows the president to exert control over the police department, he said: I think 30 days is too short of a period to really say anything." ___ Associated Press writers Michael Kunzelman, Alanna Durkin Richer, Jacquelyn Martin and Ashraf Khalil contributed to this report. U.S. and European officials started work on bolstering Ukraine's military, part of a package of security guarantees that will open a path to a landmark meeting between presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The guarantees, which will be fleshed out by military and intelligence officials, are aimed at allowing Ukraine to boost troop numbers without limitations, according to people familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations. The aim is to avoid Russia demanding restrictions on the size of Kyiv's military as part of a future agreement to end the war. A White House summit between President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy and several European leaders on Monday yielded a clearer commitment from the U.S. administration to help guarantee Ukraine's security. Those talks allayed concerns in Kyiv and Europe for now that the U.S. leader had tacked toward Moscow after talks with Putin in Alaska. "During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. European Union leaders met on Tuesday to be briefed on the outcome of the talks in Washington. A package of security guarantees would also build on the work of the so-called coalition of the willing, a European group led by the U.K. and France, and is expected to include a multinational force in the future, said the people. Its format is yet to be defined, they said. Leaders showed broad support for "Article 5-like" guarantees -- a reference to NATO's mutual defense clause and a formula originally proposed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni -- at Monday's meeting, the people said. They cautioned that the exact details and the U.S. role in the potential arrangement will have to be first worked out by officials. The contours of the emerging proposal suggest that the beefed-up Ukrainian armed forces would become the first line of defense in the event of a ceasefire. A multinational force from the coalition of the willing countries would be deployed further away from the frontline with the role of the U.S. reduced to providing a backstop, possibly in the form of intelligence and air defenses. Much remains elusive. A European official cautioned that Putin still scored a major win over the last week in avoiding fresh U.S. sanctions. And a risk remains that Trump can blame Zelenskyy and the Europeans should an impasse emerge in the coming weeks, the person said. But if Trump follows through with his pledge on guarantees, Putin may be forced to break his red lines or risk a rupture with Trump, the person said. Much of the effort, including the purchase of weapons, is expected to rest on Europe's shoulders. Trump and a core group of European leaders are likely to hold a call in the near future to track their officials' progress and agree on further details, said the people. The U.S. president told reporters Monday that "the European nations are going to take a lot of the burden" and the U.S. would "help them and we're going to make it very secure." Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement it wouldn't accept troops from NATO countries in Ukraine. Trump's special envoy to Russia, Steve Witkoff, said on Sunday that Moscow was open to Ukraine receiving guarantees, including Article 5-like language, from the U.S. and other nations. Any agreement would stop short of NATO membership for Ukraine, which remains a red line in Moscow and has been ruled out by several members, including the U.S. The Kremlin has proposed guarantees in the past that would be designed in such a way as to be ineffective, for example by giving Russia a veto. Trump called Putin after the White House gathering and urged the Russian president to start making arrangements for a meeting with Zelenskyy at a location to be determined. "After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," he said. It's unclear whether the Russian leader will agree to such a meeting. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said only that Trump and Putin had discussed the idea. Going into Monday's White House gathering, Ukraine and its European allies were concerned that Trump would push Kyiv to make territorial concessions. Moscow has demanded that Ukraine cede control of its entire Donbas region of the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces, Bloomberg reported previously. That would hand Russia a victory it's been unable to achieve militarily since fighting first erupted in Donbas in 2014, and in an area where Ukraine retains heavily-fortified defenses. Russia would also halt advancing its claims over the parts of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions that it doesn't already control, effectively freezing the battle lines at their current positions. The Kremlin could also potentially withdraw troops from areas of northeastern Ukraine near the Russian border where its forces control only small pockets of land. Trump has previously signaled that concessions over land would need to be part of any agreement. Territorial issues would be reserved for direct discussions between Zelenskyy and Putin, the Ukrainian president said on Monday. After meeting Putin in Alaska last week, Trump backed away from his earlier push for an immediate ceasefire and threats to impose sanctions on Moscow if it refused. The U.S. president was cold on both matters on Monday, but there was broad agreement that the killing in Ukraine must stop, the people said. Given the stakes and risks that remain, European leaders leaving the White House on Monday sounded a positive tone on how it went. "It could have gone differently, but my expectations aren't only met, but exceeded when it comes to today's meeting," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said. Still, the exchanges took place as Russian launched an overnight strike aiming at Ukrainian oil and gas infrastructure in the central Poltava region. The city of Kremenchuk, home to the war-battered nation's biggest refiner, suffered its heaviest attack since the beginning of the full-scare war, local authorities said. "Now it is up to Putin to put words into action," Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen told reporters in Espoo, Finland on Tuesday, pointing to Russia's recent attacks. "We haven't seen anything from Russia yet which would prove that they are ready to actually be involved in a true peace process. They are masters in buying time." With assistance from Olesia Safronova, Kirsi Heikel, Andrea Palasciano and Maxim Edwards. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Ever since Valerie Swift opted to voluntarily leave the Navy under the Trump administration's ban on transgender service members, she's encountered several roadblocks. The 26-year-old first class petty officer says she still hasn't received a termination date from the Navy, and she's unsure if she should keep showing up for work as normal. And her questions over how and when to file a claim to receive benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to go unanswered. "The biggest thing for me is health care," said Swift, who has been receiving gender affirming care for years. "I have not gotten a single solid answer." Swift isn't alone. Many service members remain uncertain about how President Donald Trump's executive order, "Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness," which deemed transgender service members unfit for military service, is being implemented since it was enacted in January. In the hopes of finding clarity, Swift attended a workshop at the LGBT Community Center in Hillcrest on Monday designed to guide transgender and nonbinary service members through their separation and life after the service. The workshop was organized by The Center and the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), a state agency that helps connect veterans and their families to their earned benefits. CalVet's California Transition Assistance Program is offered to all people exiting the military, but this workshop was the agency's first one specifically for transgender and LGBTQ+ veterans and their allies. "Our position has always been, when it comes to connection to various services in the community: we're here," said Roberto Herrera, the deputy secretary for veteran services at CalVet. "It's the significance of the action that makes it paramount to have something more specialized." The Trump administration told transgender troops that they could voluntarily leave the service with an honorable discharge and additional separation pay, or wait to be forced to leave, with unclear repercussions. A federal court in March temporarily blocked Trump's policy. But in May the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the ban to take effect while legal challenges proceed. "Expressing a false 'gender identity' divergent from an individual's sex cannot satisfy the rigorous standards necessary for military service," the executive order read. It's unclear how many transgender people are actively serving. The U.S. Department of Defense estimates there are about 4,240 people with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria -- around 0.2% of the 2 million service members. Not all transgender people have experienced gender dysphoria, and not all people with such a diagnosis are transgender. But the diagnosis is the military's best way of tracking the numbers of transgender people serving. Active duty troops had until June 6 to voluntarily separate, and National Guard and reserve members had until July 7. But service members who are forced to leave under the policy are still entitled to most VA benefits. Monday's event at The Center included panel discussions with representatives from local and state groups, focusing on how veterans can file claims to receive benefits from the VA and obtain legal resources -- as well as take care of their mental health and find support in their civilian life. After military service, "you're left to figure out the pieces" and navigate a loss of identity, Pamuela Halliwell, the director of behavioral health services at The Center, said during a panel discussion. Halliwell was kicked out of the Navy under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in 2007 for being transgender -- a discharge that stripped her of the right to receive benefits under the VA. About 30 people attended the workshop, including service members, veterans and advocates. State and local organizations had booths set up to offer participants support, including assistance with processing insurance claims. The workshop was a stand-alone event, but The Center and CalVet say they hope to continue the partnership and are looking at holding future workshops. Kora Delta, an Air Force veteran who voluntarily separated from the service this month, said she would like to see consistent workshops like Monday's and would recommend that the workshop be recorded for people who can't attend in person. In March, Delta was put on administrative leave from the Air Force and hasn't been working since, which has given her more time to research benefits for her life after the service. But other service members may not have that time, she says, and will need community support to help point them in the right direction. "It's a headache; it's a whole new thing," she said, also noting that she expects a significant number of service members to be separating from the military in the coming months. "There's gonna be a lot of people transitioning, and they're going to need those resources." 2025 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. DEAR ABBY: On his second day of work, a new co-worker from a different department stole my candy bar. I confronted him, but he had already eaten it. Everyone was staring at me as I scolded him. He later returned to my department and threw a total of $21.62 at me. Before he threw it at my face, I had told him he didnt need to give me any money. His manager later spoke to me defending what he did! He said he was a nice boy and that I was out of line to scold him in front of everyone. Abby, who was wrong here? What should I do since work is now so awkward? I never got my candy back, but I did get $21.62. -- NOT PROFESSIONAL IN THE EAST DEAR NOT: Speak to your nice co-worker privately and see if you can clear the air. Tell him the money you spent on the candy wasnt what bothered you, what did was that he took something that didnt belong to him. Then return the cash he threw at you after deducting the cost of the candy bar. P.S. His manager is mistaken. That nice boy has an entitled attitude and sticky fingers. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. EAST LANSING, MI Michigan is home to a single species of venomous snake, and the isolated pockets of its populations are making it more likely it will go extinct. Researchers at Michigan State University found the fragmented nature of the wetlands habitats where eastern massasauga rattlesnakes are still found leads to inbreeding among their secluded populations. As a result, the reproductive rates of the snakes are on the decline, a 15-year study showed. "The Office" stars, Craig Robinson and David Koechner, will perform stand-up at Mark Ridley's in Royal Oak in August (Robinson) and October (Koechner). Photos by Heidi Scher & Steven Teagle/Lions Gate Film ROYAL OAK, MI - Two stars of The Office will be in Michigan to perform stand-up at one of the most famous comedy clubs in the country. Craig Robinson, who played Darryl Philbin on the hit NBC sitcom, will be at Mark Ridleys Comedy Castle for three shows from Thursday, August 21 - Saturday, August 23. Tickets can be purchased here. You also know Robinson from roles in "Hot Tub Time Machine, This is The End, Ghosted, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and most recently in American Dad," The Bad Guys and its sequel. David Koechner, who played Todd Packer, will first host The Office trivia at Mark Ridleys on Sunday, October 26 at 4:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here. Koechner will then do stand-up that same evening at 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here. You also know Koechner from Anchorman and its sequel, Final Destination 5, The Comebacks, The Goldbergs and American Dad. Lil Waynes Tha Carter VI Tour continues this Saturday, August 23 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Michigan. Find remaining last-minute tickets for less than $80 each. Shop the Live Nation-produced tour on Ticketmaster. Fans can also find tickets listed on Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and StubHub. Five-time Grammy winner Lil Wayne is headed to Detroit later this week as part of Tha Carter VI Tour. The trek is named for the stars June 6, 2025 record of the same name, and recognizes more than 20 years of his famed Tha Carter album series. Following the Michigan show, Lil Wayne is scheduled to hit Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Illinois; Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington; Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California; State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia; and more by the October 2 finale at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach. Supporting Lil Wayne throughout the U.S. and Canada route are Tyga, NoCap, and Belly Gang Kushington, depending on the date. Tickets: Sat, Aug 23 in Detroit Ticketmaster from $66.60 | Vivid Seats from $75 | SeatGeek from $72 | StubHub from $77 All dates Ticketmaster | Vivid Seats | SeatGeek | StubHub Tour schedule: Wed, Aug 20 Target Center; Minneapolis, MN Fri, Aug 22 American Family Insurance Amphitheater; Milwaukee, WI Sat, Aug 23 Little Caesars Arena; Detroit, MI Sun, Aug 24 Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre; Tinley Park, IL Tue, Aug 26 T-Mobile Center; Kansas City, MO Fri, Aug 29 Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre; Phoenix, AZ Mon, Sep 1 Cascades Amphitheater; Ridgefield, WA Wed, Sep 3 Climate Pledge Arena; Seattle, WA Fri, Sep 5 Shoreline Amphitheatre; Mountain View, CA Sat, Sep 6 Golden 1 Center; Sacramento, CA Wed, Sep 10 North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre; Chula Vista, CA Fri, Sep 12 Crypto.com Arena; Los Angeles, CA Sun, Sep 14 Isleta Amphitheater; Albuquerque, NM Tue, Sep 16 Germania Insurance Amphitheater; Austin, TX Wed, Sep 17 Dos Equis Pavilion; Dallas, TX Thu, Sep 18 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion; The Woodlands, TX Mon, Sep 22 Paycom Center; Oklahoma City, OK Wed, Sep 24 Orion Amphitheater; Huntsville, AL Thu, Sep 25 PNC Music Pavilion; Charlotte, NC Sun, Sep 28 FedExForum; Memphis, TN Mon, Sep 29 State Farm Arena; Atlanta, GA Wed, Oct 1 Kia Center; Orlando, FL Thu, Oct 2 iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre; West Palm Beach, FL BLACK BEACH, MINN. - Four girls whose paddleboarding adventure in Lake Superior went horribly wrong were stranded for hours on a rocky island near the Minnesota shoreline this weekend before they were rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Station Traverse City. The sisters - ages 8 to 14 - had been paddleboarding in the big lake on Saturday in the vicinity of Black Beach in Silver Bay when they reached the smaller of two islands in that area. The girls parent called emergency dispatchers around 8 p.m. to report their daughters were stuck and could not get off the island. They paddled to the smaller of the two islands and lost their paddles while on the small island, the sheriffs office in Lake County, Minnesota reported. The girls were stranded on the small island as it does not connect to the large island. There were rough water conditions and high wave action at the time. Deputies were able to reach the area by boat, but could not access the small island because of the lake conditions. They made visual contact with the girls and told them to stay where they were. Lake County Rescue was able to set up a rope relay with the juveniles from the larger island to the smaller island. This allowed Rescue members to transfer blankets and food to the juveniles, as they were only wearing swimsuits and concerns were growing of them getting cold. A Jayhawk helicopter at U.S. Air Station Traverse City, designed for long-range search and rescue work. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guards Sector Northern Great Lakes got the call for help. They were told conditions were so hazardous around the small island that the girls would need to be airlifted to safety. An Air Station Traverse City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew flew north to assist. The Coast Guard team used a rescue basket to get the girls safely off the island and on board the chopper. The USCG helicopter arrived at approximately 1:00 a.m. (local time) and was able to successfully transport all four juveniles from the small island to a landing zone set up by the Silver Bay Fire Department in the business park, the sheriffs department said. The juveniles, ages 14, 13, 10 and 8, were returned safely to their parents. The Traverse City Coast Guard crew included one team member who was making his first Great Lakes rescue, Petty Officer 3rd Class Lorenzo Giambanco, an aviation maintenance technician on his first rescue, formed part of the crew that successfully hoisted all four individuals from the rock and transported them to awaiting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and the childrens parents in a nearby field, the Coast Guard said in a report on the rescue mission. This successful rescue highlights the critical importance of interagency coordination and the rapid response capabilities of the U.S. Coast Guard, said Lt. j.g. Patrick Grissler, aircraft commander. We are grateful for the collaboration with Lake County (Minnesota) and are pleased to have safely assisted these individuals. You can see the Coast Guards rescue video here: ALGER COUNTY, MI A 65-year-old woman is missing in the Upper Peninsula. According to the Alger County Sheriffs Office, 65-year-old Starla Perry-Goings of Munising was last seen at her home on Aug. 15. She was reported missing at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Her vehicle has been found on Peninsula Point Road in Munising Township, deputies said. It is unclear if she had her phone with her when she went missing, deputies wrote. Her family is very concerned about her. Goings, who has Type 2 diabetes, is a white female who us around 54 tall and weighs about 160 pounds. She has short white hair, brown eyes and tattoos on her upper arms and back. Michigan State Police, Marquette County Sheriffs Office and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are assisting in the search. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Alger County Sheriffs Office at 906-387-7030, the MSP Negaunee Regional Communications Center at 866-411-0018, or the MSP Negaunee Post at 906-475-9922. Four Michigan high schools were ranked among the top 100 in the country under the latest rankings from U.S. News and World Report. The publication produces multiple education-related advisory lists throughout the year and released its Best High Schools rankings for 2025-26 on Tuesday, Aug. 19. A woman named Cheyenne called in to a radio show in Australia and dropped a whopper of a confession, the New York Post reported. "So my nan passed away in August last year and got cremated," Cheyenne began. "I went over to my mom's one night and thought to cheer her up a bit ... 'Let's just taste Nan.'" The caller went on to say that her brother, who had been in prison, was recently released and as a "welcome home" dinner, she made him pasta with sauce -- alla Nan. "I thought it would be funny to prank him ... and I put some of Nan's ashes in the pasta sauce." Cheyenne said she has a "weird addiction" to the ashes and believes they help connect her with her late granny. "Nan will live on through me forever," she said. Bon appetit. [NY Post, 5/28/2024] Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Pool Via Cnp/CNP via ZUMA Press Wire/TNS) President Donald Trump meets President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Pool Via Cnp/CNP via ZUMA Press Wire/TNS) Soon to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The White Stripes, Michigan rocker, Jack White, is blasting President Donald Trump for his disgusting transformation of the White House. On his Instagram page, White posted a photo of President Trumps meeting this week with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office and lambasted the President for his choice of decor. Look at how disgusting Trump has transformed the historic White House, White wrote. Its now a vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy professional wrestlers dressing room. White was far from done. Cant wait for the UFC match on the front lawn, too. Hes almost fully achieved the movie, Idiocracy. White called all of the gold decor an embarrassment to American History. Look at his disgusting taste. Would you give him the nuclear codes? A gold plated Trump Bible would look perfect up on that mantle with a pair of Trump shoes on either side, wouldnt it? This isnt the first time the Detroit rocker has bashed President Trump. In 2024, White sued the President over the use of one of the biggest songs from The White Stripes, Seven Nation Army. The lawsuit was later dropped. This machine sues fascists, White wrote on Instagram at the time. President Trump met with Russian President, Vladimir Putin, earlier this week in Alaska in hopes of negotiating a ceasefire and an end to the war with Ukraine. The President met yesterday with Zelenskyy and a group of European leaders at the White House. President Trump says he hopes to soon meet with both Zelenskyy and Putin in the same room to negotiate a peaceful end to the war. California Governor Gavin Newsom has trolled Kid Rock on social media and the Detroit rocker has responded. Photos by Mario Tama/Getty Images/TNS & MLive California Governor Gavin Newsom has been mocking President Donald Trump with his tweets on X, and now Kid Rock is clapping back after Newsom also trolled the Detroit rocker. Newsom continues to write his tweets on X in ways he believes looks like President Trumps style, as to parody or mimic him. The suspect was reportedly fighting with his girlfriend when family arrived on the scene prior to the shooting. TAYLOR, MI -- One person is dead and another is in critical condition after they were allegedly shot by their brother Monday afternoon. According to WXYZ-Detroit, officers with the Taylor Police Department were dispatched to a home on Cass Avenue near Pardee and Wick roads around 4:30 p.m. for reports of a man fighting with his girlfriend. Family members who live in the area arrived at the scene before police. Although the family was attempting to calm the situation, it eventually escalated, resulting in the suspect allegedly shooting his brother and his sister. The male victim was killed in the shooting and the female suffered two gunshot wounds. Both victims and the suspect are in their 60s. The suspect was taken into custody, but has not been publicly identified pending formal charges being brought against him. A man has been charged in connection to the killing of a transgender woman whose body was found behind a Detroit laundromat earlier this summer. DETROIT, MI A man has been charged in connection to the killing of a transgender woman whose body was found behind a Detroit laundromat earlier this summer. Malique Javon Fails, 18, of Highland Park, was charged with felony murder, larceny and a hate crime, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced on Monday, Aug. 18. Fails is accused of killing Christina Hayes, 28, a transgender woman of color from Taylor. Hayes body was found around 3 p.m. June 21 behind a laundromat on Woodward Avenue. Detroit police said the victim had injuries to her face and neck. Prosecutors allege that Fails fatally assaulted Hayes around 4:30 a.m. that day and stole her money and cell phone before fleeing the scene. According to a report from Click On Detroit, prosecutors said Fails had given Hayes money in exchange for sexual acts, but he strangled her to death after learning she was transgender. This case represents a continuing pattern of vicious attacks and murders on trans women of color, Worthy said in a statement Monday. Every single citizen of Wayne County has the right to lead their lives and be safe. We will bring the alleged murderer of Christina Hayes to justice. An MLive file phot of a Flint-area bridge closed for structural concerns in 2021. The state said it has dozens of bridges at risk of closing to the public without more annual road funding. (Jake May | MLive.com) Jake May An I-94 bridge in Southwest Michigan over M-140 in Watervliet has been rated in poor condition for more than 25 years. Its a critical corridor in and out of the Berrien County community, carrying approximately 43,000 vehicles every day. Without the bridge, local officials say the towns businesses would be devastated. Insufficient funding has put more than 100 state trunkline bridges at risk of closure by 2035, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Those potential closures would affect more than 1.8 million drivers daily statewide. Its not just bridges that demand more funding. State officials said without a comprehensive transportation funding package, capital highway programs will support about 2,800 fewer construction jobs in 2026 than in 2025, and annual road funding will decline from $495 million to about $222 million. At this rate, by decades end, nearly 50% of state routes, which carry 53% of total traffic and 80% of commercial traffic, will be in poor condition, MDOT Director Bradley Wieferich said Monday, Aug. 18, in a statement. Without additional investment, those projections will get worse. For MDOT, the final stages of the 2025 construction season means evaluating the end-of-service life for critical roads and bridges throughout the state. Its an opportunity to remind lawmakers of the consequences of failing to come up with more road funding. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has said increased funding is a priority, as have leaders from the state House and Senate. Whitmer announced her proposal in February, and the Republican-led House passed their proposal in March. As of mid-August, the Senate hasnt touched the House-passed bill package, or introduced one of its own. Lawmakers have said theyre willing to negotiate, but the issue remains at a standstill. RELATED: Where Whitmer, Senate and House stand on road funding amid budget impasse Furthering the need for new long-term funding is the conclusion of the Rebuilding Michigan bond funding program, which boosted annual road funding for five years. If there is no long-term solution to Michigans road-funding crisis, considerable progress in recent years will be stalled, meaning contractors will employ fewer workers and road conditions will decline, said Susan Corbin, director of Michigans Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) in a statement. The effects would spread across industries and communities, causing job losses, shrinking economic activity and creating long-term challenges for Michigans workers and families. Most of the states bridges were built in the 1950s and designed with a 50- to 60-year service life, according to Rebecca Curtis, MDOTs director of the Bureau of Bridges and Structures. About two-thirds of that inventory has far exceeded its original design life. One such example was the I-94 bridge in Watervliet, built in 1960. Aside from an asphalt overlay in 2009 to waterproof its deck, the bridge hasnt had any major work done since 1981, according to Richard Stack, an MDOT regional bridge engineer. The bridge over M-140 has been in poor condition since 1998, based on its deck bottom condition. Its inspected annually to ensure its structurally stable and safe for motorists. Stack estimated a price tag to fix the bridge to be between $12.5 million and $13.5 million. When the interstates were built, I think they thought they could do maintenance and repair things with a single lane closure, Stack said. In some places, we can still do that. (But) I-94, a single-lane per bound, long-term, is simply not an option. Tim Sutherland, Watervliet police chief and city manager, said the bridge supports all commerce coming in and out of the city. If it has to close, that means a 7-mile detour and an economic loss of about $190,000 per day. Bridges need to meet a minimum rating to remain safe and open to the public. When they close, it takes about two years to replace them. New bridges come with a longer average service life of about 80 to 100 years, according to MDOT. A 72-year-old man will likely spend the rest of his life in prison after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a minor relative. MLive.com LANSING, MI A 72-year-old man will likely spend the rest of his life in prison after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a minor relative. Robert Allen DeClercq of Grosse Pointe was sentenced to 25-60 years on Monday. In May, he was convicted by an Oscoda County jury of two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. In 2020, DeClercq assaulted a female minor relative in the bathroom of his secondary residence in Fairview Township. Sexual assault survivors deserve to see their abusers held accountable, and this sentencing demonstrates our ongoing commitment to justice, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. My office will continue to support victims and ensure perpetrators face the consequences of their actions. Following completion of a prison sentence, DeClercq would be subject to lifetime electronic monitoring and sex offender registration. Grebe Lake is a good place to catch pike, bass, perch, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and bullhead at Rifle River Recreation Area in Lupton, Mich. It has a fishing pier, accessible kayak/canoe launch and small boat launch. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com LUPTON, MI - Anyone can enjoy the peace and serenity of this small lake in Northern Michigan. Grebe Lake is among 10 non-motorized lakes at Rifle River Recreation Area, and the only one with a universally accessible kayak/canoe launch and fishing pier. The 4,450-acre state park near Rose City in Ogemaw County is known for its quiet lakes, creeks and river surrounded by dense forestland with a 14-mile trail network. The story of the park goes back to the 1920s. RELATED: This Northern Michigan state park was first preserved by a Detroit automaker Before becoming public land in 1945, the park was a shooting preserve and game farm owned by Michigan automaker Henry Jewett, who bought it in the early 1920s. There has been little development on the land since then. All 10 lakes have been non-motorized since 1972, to protect the aquatic ecosystem and reduce environmental pollutants, said Tricia Weisend, unit supervisor. RELATED: Wild Up North state park has 14 miles of connected trails, 10 lakes, dozens of campsites The lakes remain pristine, including Grebe where visitors often hear the haunting call of loons. The story of increasing accessibility at Grebe Lake goes back to the 1980s, Weisend said. Other water accessibility features at the park include mobi mats at designated beaches on Grousehaven and Devoe lakes and beach wheelchairs available to borrow. Grebe Lake is a good place to catch pike, bass, perch, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and bullhead at Rifle River Recreation Area in Lupton, Mich. It has a fishing pier, accessible kayak/canoe launch and small boat launch. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com Getting there Rifle River is about six miles east of Rose City at 2550 E. Rose City Road in Lupton. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry into the park. For Michigan residents, the annual pass is $19 at the toll booth. Non-residents can purchase a day pass for $11 or an annual pass for $41. Access to Grebe Lake is on Ridge Road, just past a 30-foot observation tower. Theres no parking lot; vehicles park along the left side of the one-way road. RELATED: Where to fish, what you might catch at this serene Up North park with 10 lakes Pack your fishing pole, sunscreen, bug repellant, camera, water and snacks. And, of course, something that floats - a kayak, canoe, paddleboat or stand up paddleboard are popular options. For those who dont have a boat, there are rentals near the park entrance, or enjoy views and fishing from the accessible pier. Grebe Lake is a good place to catch pike, bass, perch, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and bullhead at Rifle River Recreation Area in Lupton, Mich. It has a fishing pier, accessible kayak/canoe launch and small boat launch. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com Grebe Lake Once youve parked and hauled your non-motorized boat of choice to the waters edge, youll see a portion of Grebe Lake to the left and a larger area to the right - all surrounded by forest. Use the accessible launch, dock or boat launch to get into the water. As you paddle towards the expansive eastern section of the lake, a panorama of pristine wilderness unfolds before you. The lake has a small island in the middle and lots of water lilies along the shorelines. Listen for the sounds of nature. Loons can sometimes be heard. Fish and water plants can be seen in the clear water. Anglers may catch pike, bass, perch, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and bullhead. The lake is 72.5 acres with a maximum depth of 18 feet. From the early 1980s to 2008, Grebe Lake was the site of two fishing piers that provided access to anglers without boats; before that, there was nowhere to fish from shore, Weisend said. In 2008, a grant from Kellogg Company funded the current accessible fishing pier and kayak/canoe launch, she said. It was part of an effort to provide access to recreation for persons with disabilities. Grebe Lake is a good place to catch pike, bass, perch, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and bullhead at Rifle River Recreation Area in Lupton, Mich. It has a fishing pier, accessible kayak/canoe launch and small boat launch. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com Rifle River Recreation Area Rifle River Recreation Area is a pristine piece of wilderness in Northern Michigan. It became a game preserve in the early 1920s and there has been little development since then. RELATED: This Northern Michigan state park was first preserved by a Detroit automaker Its a recreational playground with year-round opportunities including fishing, paddling, camping, swimming, hiking, biking and more. There are 10 non-motorized lakes and ponds sprinkled throughout the park, a 14-mile trail network and nearly 200 campsites. Rifle River runs through the park. Popular features include the observation tower on Ridge Road and the Pintail Pond Nature Trail. RELATED: 9 uncommon plants and animals to see along this little trail to a rare northern fen See more photos of Grebe Lake below. Grebe Lake is a good place to catch pike, bass, perch, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and bullhead at Rifle River Recreation Area in Lupton, Mich. It has a fishing pier, accessible kayak/canoe launch and small boat launch. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com A view of Grebe Lake from the fishing and viewing dock at Rifle River Recreation Area on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com Melissa Hekkema, 51, of Norton Shores, and Lacee McGuire, 28, of Muskegon, take photos of Grebe Lake from the fishing and viewing dock at Rifle River Recreation Area on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com A Mason man was killed in a fatal crash in Ingham County. Isaac Ritchey | iritchey@mlive.com INGHAM COUNTY, MI A Michigan man was killed in a crash that pinned him under a semi-truck trailer early Monday, Aug. 28. Deputies responded to the fatal crash at 7:40 a.m. near Howell Road and M-52 in White Oak Township, according to a news release from the Ingham County Sheriffs Office. A 53-year-old Mason man was driving east on Howell Road when he reportedly failed to stop at the stop sign and crashed into a southbound semi-truck on M-52, deputies said. Authorities said the crash left the Mason man pinned under the semi-trailer. He died at the scene from his injuries. The semi-truck driver, a 23-year-old man from Perry, was not injured in the crash, deputies said. There were no passengers in either vehicle. The crash remains under investigation by police. The sheriffs office asks anyone with information about the crash to contact Deputy Ben Manns at 517-676-8444, ext. 1939 In this file photo, graduate student employees protest outside the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. Graduate researchers are working to unionize with the larger graduate student union at the university. ANN ARBOR, MI - More than 900 graduate researchers are seeking membership in the Graduate Employees Organization at the University of Michigan, the union announced Monday. The nearly 1,000 researchers as of Aug. 18 signed unionization cards pledging support for researchers to join the union, the union stated. The union representing graduate student instructors and staff assistants must file for an election this fall with this Michigan Employment Relations Commission, which would vote to add the researchers to the unions bargaining organization. The union currently consists of over 2,300 members, the university previously stated, so the addition could bolster its ranks to more than 3,000 members. The union had a protracted strike in 2023 with the university, as members opted to strike right during final examinations. The two sides brokered a deal leading to a 20% raise through 2026, a $20,000 find for immigration costs directed towards international students and more. The union will bargain in the future for vacation policy, visa free reimbursements and emergency funds, it said in the Monday release. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools. A Grand Rapids police officers bodycam shows footage of a 19-year-old man armed with a box cutter charging at officers in December 2023. (Grand Rapids Police) Bradley Massman | MLive.com GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A Grand Rapids man shot by police for charging at them with a box cutter has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for two crimes. Nodin Chervenka, 20, was sentenced Monday, Aug. 18 on charges of felonious assault, torture and resisting and obstructing police. Chervenka earlier pleaded guilty but mentally ill to the charges. Chervenka was shot by police Dec. 16, 2023 after officers responded to the area of Union Avenue and Lyon Street NE on a report of an assault. When they arrived, they found a man acting erratically. The man charged at police with a box cutter. Police tried using a Taser on him, but it was not effective. Chervenka was charging an officer when he was shot. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker later ruled the officer was justified in shooting Chervenka. Three weeks after being released from a hospital for his injuries, Chervenka assaulted a man in a wheelchair with a butcher knife and kicked him in the head. He was charged with torture for that incident. He was sentenced to 10 years, six months in prison, with credit for 550 days already served. Because of his plea, he is eligible to receive treatment in prison for mental illness. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. The Clapp Family Mastodon was named after the family who owned the land where the bones were found in 2022. Courtney and Michael Clapp donated the bones to the Grand Rapids Public Museum to ensure they stayed close to home. Courtesy Grand Rapids Public Musem GRAND RAPIDS, MI Three years after its discovery, West Michigans local mastodon will be fully on display next month. The Clapp Family Mastodon exhibit will open to the public Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum at 272 Pearl St., NW. Pictured are Sean and Meg Hamilton, the owners of Her Daily Bread, a shop specializing in a variety of handmade sugar cookies, decorating classes and catering services. (Photo/Grand Rapids Downtown Market) Grand Rapids Downtown Market GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Grand Rapids Downtown Market has announced that two new merchants, Her Daily Bread and Myanmar Meals, will be joining the Market Hall this fall, bringing it to 100% capacity. Its been a focus of ours to not only support local entrepreneurs, but to bring a variety of diverse foods to our Grand Rapids community, market president and CEO Mimi Fritz said. We are thrilled to have a complete market hall and see the growth and expansion of these incredible businesses. One of the new additions, Her Daily Bread, will be moving into the available space in the southeast corner of the Downtown Market at 435 Ionia Ave. SW this September. Previously part of the Markets Incubator Kitchen program, owners Sean and Meg Hamilton started the business out of the 5,000-square-foot commercial kitchen on-site, where they could rent production space and receive guidance. We have always felt that our end goal was a studio space, where we could create and connect with our community, and not just exist as an online shop, the Hamiltons said. We are so thankful to the market for helping us make our dreams bigger than we thought they could be. Her Daily Bread plans to offer a variety of handmade sugar cookies with royal icing, as well as catering services and on-site cookie decorating classes. Also joining the market hall early this fall is Myanmar Meals, the second restaurant from husband-and-wife team Aye Soe and Min Tun. Myanmar Meals will feature Burmese-inspired dishes, like tea leaf salad and banana stem salad. Additionally, the menu will also include traditional Cantonese dishes such as Wat Tan Hor and Yunnan noodle soup. The couple immigrated to the U.S. in 2008 and was inspired to share their culinary traditions with West Michigan. Their first venture, Amazing Myanmar on 28th Street, introduced authentic Burmese cuisine. Now, with their new location inside the Downtown Market, they aim to bring more bold and diverse flavors to the community. We have always longed to share a piece of our culture and dishes we enjoyed at home with our new home of West Michigan, said Min Tun. We have been avid fans of everyones food and love at the Downtown Market for years. It feels surreal to now be operating among other merchants, and we hope to achieve as much as they have so far. Passengers on an Amtrak train were delayed in Battle Creek for five hours after the train encountered a mechanical issue. Sapna Patel CALHOUN COUNTY, MI -- Michigan Amtrak riders were stuck on a train for almost five hours after a faulty sensor inside the train engine malfunctioned. It created a nightmare scene for passengers. Now, riders are calling for accountability, as its not the first Amtrak breakdown in Michigan. Meanwhile, 33 other Amtrak trains with the same potentially problematic sensor are still running until Amtrak can get the parts for a fix. The eastbound Amtrak Train 352 left Chicago 15 minutes late on Friday, Aug. 15, due to a mechanical assessment. Things got worse when the train stalled out just east of Battle Creek around 7:15 p.m. The next five hours felt like a horror movie, said Sapna Patel, a passenger on the train. It was just hot and so sweaty and buggy, Patel said. The train was surrounded by cornfields and many passengers didnt have cell service, Patel said. Passengers say they were left in sweltering heat and dangerous conditions while they waited for buses to pick them up. Power and plumbing to the cabins was shut off and passengers waited an hour for an update, Patel said. Were talking about a metal tube with glass windows. So youre sitting there in a fish bowl of sorts, and its only going to get hotter, Patel said. Whats next for passengers, Amtrak Marc Magliari, Amtrak senior public relations manager, said passengers were offered a full refund for their ticket price after the trip. However, Patel received an email from Amtrak offering three $25 transportation vouchers after the trip. Magliari said passengers can contact Amtrak if they have not received a full refund. Meanwhile, Amtrak is aiming to avoid this problem on future trips. The same sensor that failed is in 33 other locomotive engines operating in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri, Magliari said. Locomotives with the affected sensors will continue operating until replacement sensors can be delivered and installed, Magliari said. Delays caused by the sensors dont occur frequently, he said. He could not confirm how many delays have been caused by the sensors. Were briefing all those states and talking to the manufacturer about getting replacement sensors to these locomotives as soon as we can, Magliari said. For Patel, this is her second time this year experiencing an Amtrak train delay in Michigan. After the initial delay in Chicago on Friday, Amtrak shouldnt have risked it, Patel said. Magliari couldnt confirm whether the delay before departure was caused by the same sensor. We should not be trying to get 400 people to where they need to go if theres even a slight chance that something like this happens, Patel said. Because it becomes of much greater danger for just public safety at that point. The scene on the train Without the ability to flush toilets, bathrooms in the cabins began to overflow, said Tayeful Islam, a University of Michigan-Dearborn student. Passengers began having panic attacks as temperatures rose and one woman fainted, Patel said. Islam said others feared they were developing heat stroke. Patel estimated the cabin was 95 degrees. Alfarezdeq Nassir, a pre-medical student at UM-Dearborn, said he had to plead with staff for the crew to hand out snacks and water bottles to passengers. Distributing snacks and water during a delay is standard practice, Magliari said. Any passengers who paid for food or water during the delay can also request a refund, he said. Passengers also asked staff to open the doors for airflow, but that let mosquitoes and other bugs inside. Magliari said windows on the train cannot open, but doors can be opened intermittently. Passengers on an Amtrak train were delayed in Battle Creek for five hours after the train encountered a mechanical issue. Sapna Patel By 8:42 p.m., the trip was officially canceled, automated messages said. Not long after, the train battery died and the cabins went dark, Patel said. Buses didnt arrive at a roadside near the train until 11:56 p.m., according to the automated messages. Theyre telling you, You can get off if you want to, but its a 4-foot drop. Good luck, Patel said. Youre thinking about, OK, well, how far is this walk? How dark is it out there? How safe is it out there? Buses took a period of time to arrive because the buses arent standing by waiting for an order, Magliari said. Some passengers couldnt make the jump off the train without the stairs. You just had to reach for it and hope for the best you didnt twist an ankle once you hit the rocks, Patel said. Travelers said they were held in "smelly, disgusting" conditions for hours after a train stopped in Battle Creek due to mechanical issues. Tayeful Islam First responders with the Emmett Township Department of Public Safety werent notified of a medical emergency on board the train until 11:30 p.m. It was about a 20-minute walk from the train to the road where the buses were, passengers said. I remember right when they pulled up, because all of a sudden you were blinded (by headlights), Patel said. Nassir said staff on board the train were severely disorganized, and passengers relied on Nassir and two veterans on board until first responders arrived. Amtrak has had similar issues of trains breaking down in Michigan, stranding riders for hours. MORE: Amtrak had a track record of delays before 19-hour, Michigan to Chicago disaster This isnt their first issue with this, Patel said. But yet, were still running it. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders visits the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg for his Fighting Oligarchy tour. May 2, 2025. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com KALAMAZOO, MI -- U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, D-Vermont, will be stopping in Kalamazoo as part of his Fighting Oligarchy Tour. The free event will be held at Miller Auditorium, 1341 Theatre Drive, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Reservations for the event can be made here. Sanders has been speaking out against executive orders and other actions taken by the Trump administration through the tour, often joined by other Democratic Party leaders. The speaking event will also feature Abdul El-Sayed, a 2026 U.S. Senate candidate in Michigan and 2018 Michigan gubernatorial runner-up. At the time, he was endorsed by Sanders. A performance by Lansing-based band the Rodeo Boys will begin at 6 p.m. ahead of the speech. Sanders previously gave a speech in Warren in March. No other Michigan dates of the tour are currently scheduled. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. Comstock Township deputy fire chief is facing charges after a child was injured in an alleged drunk driving crash. COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP, MI A Kalamazoo-area deputy fire chief facing charges for allegedly running into a child in a drunk driving crash wont lose his job right away. Comstock Township Deputy Fire Chief Michael Dyer faced termination at a Monday, Aug. 18, township board meeting. Matt Felan is seen coaching youth basketball in this MLive file photo. Felan stepped down as president of the Bay City Public Schools Board of Education Monday, Aug. 18. (Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com) BAY CITY, MI There has been a change atop the Bay City Public Schools Board of Education. Matt Felan stepped down as board president Monday, Aug. 18. Joslyn Jamrog, the board vice president, was bumped up to be his replacement. In a secondary action, Felan was elected as vice president. Felan said the move was made for professional reasons. The change is through Dec. 31, 2025, with new elections for board officers to take place in 2026. Felan was elected board president in 2023 following the retirement of former school board President Gene Rademacher, and then again in 2024 and 2025. He took over as president after serving two years as treasurer and one prior to that as a trustee. Felan and Jamrogs terms expire in December 2026. Bay County District Court Judge Mark E. Janer presides from the bench. Janer will preside over an upcoming settlement conference and preliminary examination for Zachary Touchtone, 22, who has been charged in the 2023 death of his 5-month-old son. (MLive file photo) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com BAY CITY, MI A Bay County father is charged with killing his infant son nearly two years ago. Zachary M. Touchtone, 22, was arraigned on Monday, Aug. 18, before Bay County District Court Judge Dawn Kilda on one count of first degree child abuse. About 3:45 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2023, paramedics and firefighters responded to a residence in the 800 block of East Erickson Road in Pinconning when a mother called 911 to report her 5-month-old son wasnt breathing. She was at work at the time and said Touchtone, her live-in boyfriend and the boys father, had contacted her about the emergency. The baby, Jack M. Bills, was taken to Ascension Hospital in Standish where staff pronounced him deceased at 4:50 p.m., according to police reports obtained by MLive. Bay County Sheriffs deputies began an investigation that evening, interviewing the first responders who went to the house and hospital staff. The first Pinconning firefighter to arrive told deputies he encountered Jack in his fathers arms. Touchtone handed the unresponsive child to the firefighter, saying, I dont know what to do, the firefighter told deputies. Touchtone appeared to be in emotional shock, firefighters said. Touchtone told them he was feeding Jack with a bottle and propped him up in a swing in the living room before doing work around the house, reports state. Touchtone told a nurse he returned to the living room and saw Jack was aspirating, so he grabbed him, flipped him over, and tried clearing the blockage, reports state. Touchtone began CPR and called Jacks mother, who in turn called 911. Jack showed no signs of life when EMS arrived. Still, they took over CPR, intubated Jack at the scene, and gave him two shots of epinephrine. Jack regained some cardiac rhythm but only briefly, reports state. Hospital staff gave Jack five more shots of epinephrine, administered every three minutes, to no avail, reports state. Jacks mother, age 30, told a nurse Jack had a history of BRUE syndrome, or Brief Resolved Unexplained Event, wherein an infant stops breathing for 30 to 60 seconds for no apparent reason. Deputies went to the hospitals parking lot, where they encountered Touchtone working under the hood of his car. Jacks mother was seated in the car, saying she couldnt go back into the hospital to see her son in such a state. She was so overcome that she vomited at one point, reports state. Zacharys demeanor at this time seemed very abnormal as he was working on his vehicle in the parking lot, was extremely calm and didnt appear to be upset, deputies wrote in their reports. You would not have known his son had just passed away based on how he was presenting himself. Touchtone told deputies he held Jack as he fed him formula from a bottle. He then placed Jack in a swing, propped the bottle up so he could feed himself, and went to another room to clean. After about five minutes, Touchtone returned to the living room and saw Jack slouched in his swing, not moving with his eyes closed, reports state. Touchtone picked up his son and tried getting a response from him, he told deputies. He put his ear to his sons chest and heard a heartbeat, he said. He then started hitting Jack on his back and apparent snot and milk drained from his nose, but otherwise nothing happened, he said. Touchtone called Jacks mother and told her to call 911, then tried performing CPR on his son, he said. Jacks mother verified much of Touchtones account, adding her son had previously been in an intensive care unit for a month due to his breathing problems. Jack, born prematurely, also suffered from acid reflux and was prescribed a special formula, she said. She described Touchtone as Jacks primary caregiver and a good parent. Both parents mentioned Jack had BRUE syndrome. An autopsy was conducted on Jacks remains, during which it was discovered he had suffered a brain bleed within his final two to 48 hours, reports state. The forensic pathologist who performed the examination ruled Jacks cause of death was blunt-force trauma to his head, his manner of death as homicide. Deputies met with Jacks parents again on Dec. 27, 2023, to discuss the autopsy findings. Touchtone denied doing anything to his son that would have caused the trauma. He agreed to take a polygraph examination that day and answered no when asked if he caused his sons fatal injury, reports state. The polygraph examiner told investigators he didnt think Touchtone was being truthful in his denials. In a post-polygraph interview, Touchtone said he was not happy when he learned his girlfriend was pregnant with Jack as he wasnt ready to have children. He also related an incident a few months prior when he accidentally knocked Jack off a bed, causing the baby to land on his face. Touchtone only told Jacks mother of this when she arrived home from work, he said. Touchtone told deputies he once got upset at Jack and yelled at him to shut up, something he regretted. Pressed to go into detail on what happened the day of Jacks death, Touchtone said his son started to fuss early that morning. Touchtone was tired and needed sleep, so he got up and stuck him in the swing, dropping him about a foot, he said. Deputies asked him to elaborate. Zach said he must have tossed him a little harder into the swing because this is when his crying got bad, deputies wrote. Zach even mentioned how he heard a thud when Jack hit the swing and it sounded rough. Jack fell asleep after this, Touchtone said. He added he had previously placed Jack in his swing when he was fussy and he often landed hard. Touchtone said he didnt do this intentionally. Near the interviews end, Touchtone commented that something so simple as him being exhausted killed his son. Deputies again asked him if he caused his sons fatal injury and he replied in the affirmative, reports state. Zach told (the detective) that no one cares about what he is going through, deputies wrote. He just wanted some peace and wanted Jack to sleep. A warrant for Touchtones arrest was issued on Friday, Aug. 15. Deputies arrested him the same day. Prosecutors didnt issue charges against Touchtone until last week. At his arraignment, Judge Kilda set bond at $250,000, which can be posted as cash or surety. Touchtone is to appear before Bay County District Court Judge Mark Janer for a preliminary examination on Sept. 2. A settlement conference for Touchtone is scheduled for Aug. 29 in front of Judge Janer. The name plate for Bay City Commissioner Andrea Burney-Obershaw of the city's 3rd Ward is seen Monday, Aug. 18, prior to the commission meeting. Joey Oliver | MLive.com BAY CITY, MI Third Ward Commissioner Andrea Burney-Obershaw said Im out as she walked out of City Hall Monday, Aug. 18, resigning from her post on the Bay City commission immediately following a vote on a no-knock resolution and before a vote on whether to censure her. In her resignation statement delivered from the chamber floor ahead of the vote, Burney-Obershaw reflected on her service to the city. She also used her farewell address to remind her fellow commissioners of their sworn responsibilities. An aerial view of the Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing, Michigan on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Joel Bissell | MLive.com Legislation to close a loophole that allows the secretary of state to avoid punishment for campaign finance violations is advancing in the Michigan House with bipartisan support. The bill that unanimously advanced Tuesday, Aug. 19, by the House Election Integrity Committee would grant the attorney general the authority to punish the secretary of state in the event of a violation of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act (MCFA). The bill now awaits consideration on the House floor. Currently, the secretary of state investigates and resolves all violations of the MCFA. When the secretary of state or someone connected to them is accused of violating the law, the attorney generals office investigates. However, as Attorney General Dana Nessel pointed out in a recent campaign finance violation case against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the attorney general cant issue punishments under the MCFA. At the time, Nessels office said lawmakers may want to consider fixing this issue. After Benson received a warning and reminder of the law from Nessels office for the violation, House Republicans introduced the legislation, saying there was a lack of consequences for the secretary of state. Nessels office said the outcome was appropriate. The legislation closing the loophole is supported by Benson. Nessel in May determined that Benson violated the states campaign finance law when she used a state-owned building to announce her run for governor in 2026. Benson, a Democrat, on Jan. 22 invited reporters to the lobby of the Richard H. Austin Office Building in Lansing to watch her file candidate paperwork and ask questions about her newly launched campaign for governor. The MCFA prohibits using public resources, including space, for political campaign activities. A spokesperson for Bensons gubernatorial campaign previously said Nessel was issuing a new interpretation of the law. A person who knowingly uses public resources for political campaign activities could face a misdemeanor charge of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Benson received only a warning and a reminder of the law. Under the House bill, Benson likely wouldnt have faced jail time or criminal proceedings. Even though Nessels office was barred by state law from handing out any further punishment, the outcome was appropriate given the circumstances of the violation, Joshua Booth, chief of the AGs Opinions Division, said at the time. Booth said its not unusual for the secretary of state to resolve violations by those means. State law says the secretary of state, when dealing with misdemeanor campaign finance violations, should use informal means to resolve the situation. That includes conducting a conference, using persuasion, or entering into a conciliation agreement. Conciliation agreements often include an admission of the violation, an agreement to not do it again and sometimes a payment of fines or fees. If the violator abides by the agreement, they face no further criminal or civil action. The House bill states that the attorney generals office would have to carry out resolutions for misdemeanor campaign finance law violations involving the secretary of state in this same way. House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, previously threatened budget cuts or spending directives to Bensons office as possible punishment for the campaign finance violation, but his caucus has yet to follow through on that. After several months of federal funding uncertainty, two Upper Peninsula forest conservation projects will soon get $43.5 million. In this photo, Marv Saari of the Gogebic Range Trail Authority (left), Jeff Kakuk, western Upper Peninsula trails specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Steve Hamilton of the trail authority, stop for a riding break at a scenic lookout in Gogebic County. Michigan Department of Natural R After several months of federal funding uncertainty, two Upper Peninsula forest conservation projects will soon get $43.5 million. Among the projects highlights include protecting 45 miles of U.P. snowmobile and ATV trails in Alger County, extending publicly-available hunting, fishing and boating land in the Hiawatha National Forest and a first-of-its kind partnership with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Hurricane Erin at the bottom right of the image will eventually put some influence on Michigan's weather. NOAA Hurricane Erin is a large hurricane. It will influence Michigans weather this week into early next week. Yesterday I wrote about the various ways a hurricane or tropical weather system typically affect Michigans weather. Hurricane Erin is expected to be a large hurricane as it moves parallel to the East Coast. However, it will remain far enough out in the ocean to not have the brunt of its force batter the eastern U.S. Coast cities. The hurricane force winds are expected to extend 80 miles out from the hurricane center. The tropical storm force winds are expected to extend out around 200 miles from the storm center. Here is the Hurricane Erin track forecast from the National Hurricane Center as of 11 a.m. today, August 19. Track forecast of Hurricane Erin from the National Hurricane Center. NOAA The forecast track gives us a clue as to how Hurricane Erin will influence Michigans weather. The hurricane will actually pull much cooler air southward from Canada once the hurricane center moves into the north Atlantic. So Hurricane Erin is going to help Michigan have its first fall feel coming Sunday and early next week. Upper-air forecast shows Hurricane Erin moving into the north Atlantic and then a much cooler upper-air system will sweep into the Great Lakes region. NOAA Initially, Hurricane Erin will actually delay the fall-like cold front. This is the effect when hurricanes make a log jam of weather to the west, not allowing these storms to move east. Once the hurricane or remnants of the hurricane move into the far northern Atlantic, the cold front will be allowed to sweep across Michigan. Hurricane Erin will not bring any of its rain into Michigan with this track. Hurricane Erin will affect Michigans weather, but in a subtle way this time. Meet a sedan so popular that it regularly beats most SUVs in sales, not Honda City or Hyundai Verna Varun Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept ROUNDUP Monty Sealey had a full head of blonde hair when he started work to bring fresh water to Roundup. On Aug. 13, when he and other officials celebrated the arrival of clean water to roughly 2,000 peoples faucets, Sealeys hair was completely white. Sealey was among a group of Roundup leaders who gathered more than 20 years ago to do something about their disconcerting water. The acidic groundwater coming from their faucets had long been discolored an orange-brown, tainted by minerals like iron and sulfates leaching from deposits and the nearby abandoned coal mine. There was no easy answer to residents water woes, according to Bob Church, project manager at Great West Engineering. Most of the water rights on the nearby Musselshell River were already claimed, and the groundwater throughout the area was of poor quality. However, Roundup leaders came up with the idea of providing clean water to several rural towns including Roundup via water from wells drilled into the Madison aquifer northwest of Judith Gap, more than 100 miles from Roundup. I thought, Boy, that sounds pretty far-fetched, and that might even be a pipe dream, Church told a group of stakeholders and Roundup residents celebrating the arrival of fresh water last week. Well, it wasn't. When we originally got hired in 2004, the thing I was impressed with was as insurmountable as the challenges seemed, these guys were determined that they were going to pull off the goals of completing this project. A community survey of Roundup residents from more than a decade ago found 95% of residents either relied on purchased bottled water or filters that quickly wore out from the corrosive water. Even the best water heaters residents would buy only lasted two years, according to Church. And while filters residents equipped their water lines with might have gotten the contaminants out of their drinking water, the muddy color often only faded, a sign of its mineral density. That changed this spring. Water poured clear from roughly 2,000 peoples faucets in late April as the $137-million Musselshell Judith Rural Water System finally connected to Roundup decades after leaders sought a solution. Although those overseeing the project regularly overcame obstacles, developers confronted what might have been a final obstacle late this winter after receiving approval and federal funds. It took until 2020 for the project to be authorized, and nearly another two years for it to actually receive federal funding. In February, it was threatened when federal funding was paused under President Donald Trumps administration as part of a larger funding freeze. Sixty-five percent of the projects cost is supported by federal funds, in addition to state and local dollars The funding was unfrozen a month later. Leaders consider it essential to continue the project as it enters its next phases. Working with the Bureau of Reclamation as a federal partner, roughly 230 miles of pipes will be installed by the project's end. When I work with people, life is water, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation deputy administrator Anna Miller said. Water is what makes us and gives us the quality of life that we want. According to past reporting by the Billings Gazette, much of the landscape in central and eastern Montana was under seawater in Earths ancient past, leading to deposits of salt and sulfur that detrimentally affect todays groundwater in the region. At the celebration, both Sens. Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy gave recorded statements to Roundup residents, celebrating their decades-long goal. Daines helped push for authorization of the pipeline for years, although he voted against the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021 which helped fund the project. Today's event represents years of hard work, partnership and persistence, Daines said. It's a great example of what we can accomplish when local leaders, staff, partners and the federal government work together to meet critical infrastructure needs. The fresh, better-tasting water from the Madison aquifer first reached Harlowton in October of 2023 before extending to the largest community of Roundup in the water systems planned stops. The Central Montana Regional Water Authority project plans to next expand to Melstone, as well as to the Sunset Colony north of Roundup by next spring. Future stops include Lavina and Broadview are expected to start flowing by fall of 2026. We are not by any means done, Sealey, the project administrator for Central Montana Water Authority, said. Getting to Roundup was probably the main goal of Roundup, but Melstone probably thinks the same way too, and Lavina does too. Its important for every one of us. Archisha Yadav is a sub editor with 1.5 years of experience in writing news articles on topics like education, jobs, and politics. She specialises in crafting simple, clear, and engaging stories that are easy to understand and hold the readers interest, making complex topics accessible and relatable to a larger audience. Archisha Yadav USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Kangana Ranaut says her mother threw her dollhouse as she didn't have her periods on time Sarika Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept When Salman Khan revealed he zooms in on every picture of Katrina Kaif, said, "Main uski harr ek tasveer zoom karke dekhta hu aur..." Vaishnavi Gavankar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 1/10 British Journalist & Author Jessica Hines is a British writer and journalist, best known for her book Looking for the Big B: Bollywood, Bachchan and Me, which explores Amitabh Bachchans impact on Indian cinema. She has a long history of writing about Bollywood and earns recognition as an industry observer. 2/10 Alleged Relationship with Aamir Khan Rumours of an affair between Jessica and Aamir first appeared in the early 2000s when they were reportedly in a live-in relationship. Media reports claimed the relationship began during the filming of Ghulam (1998). 3/10 Mother to Jaan Reports suggested that Jessica had Aamirs child, naming him Jaan, and chose to raise him independently. These rumors were first published by Stardust magazine in 2005 and have circulated since. 4/10 Defied Pressure to Abort It was reported that when Jessica informed Aamir of the pregnancy, he allegedly asked her to terminate it, but she refused and proceeded with the birth of her son. 5/10 Privacy Under Fire After the rumours broke, Jessica objected to the media frenzy, emphasising the need for her and Jaans privacy. She claimed she did not give any formal interviews regarding the controversy. 6/10 Later Life & Support System Jessica married London-based businessman William Talbot in 2007. He is said to have been supportive of her and Jaan, especially during Jessicas time working in India on Amitabh Bachchans book project. 7/10 Jaan in Vogue Her son Jaan made an appearance in British Vogue in 2012. Jessica shared the photo on Twitter with the caption: Jaan in Vogue. 8/10 Recent Confirmation from Family Aamir Khans brother, Faissal Khan, recently reignited the controversy by confirming reports of Aamir having a son with Jessica. Faissals statements have renewed interest in Jessicas past connection to the actor. 9/10 Long-standing Speculation This controversy has existed for years, though neither Jessica nor Aamir has ever publicly confirmed or denied the relationship or the paternity. The story remains speculative with no formal acknowledgment. Hemant Abhishek USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Paras Bisht USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Daily Voice: Any of these 4 possible triggers could spark a massive rally in equity markets, says Green Portfolio PMS' Anuj Jain Sunil Matkar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Fitch says second-order effects of US tariffs rising for India Inc, but a trade deal can reduce risks Rohit Singh USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates sourced from multiple news outlets and agencies Disclaimer Alpha Desk USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Sensex rises nearly 400 pts, Nifty above 24,950: RIL, auto stocks rally among key factors behind market rise Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. 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I Accept Avenue Supermarts-DMart shares rise 4.58% on Monday, among top gainers on Nifty Next 50 This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer This is an AI-assisted live blog with updates from multiple sources Disclaimer Alpha Desk USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Amazon hiring 1,50,000 workers in India ahead of festive sale 2025: 5 key things applicants should know MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept iPhone exports powered 30 percent surge in Indias smartphone shipment during the first half of 2025 Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Danish Khan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept OpenAI announces ChatGPT Go premium plan at Rs 399 with UPI payment option: Benefits, limitations and more MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Shaurya Shubham USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Last week, Palantir became one of the most valuable companies in the world, despite not being on the Fortune 500 list because of its relatively small revenue. How did such a small company become so mighty? Fortunes archives offer some answers to that question: We examined the roots of the company and its Lord of the Rings and superhero nomenclature in a 2016 feature. Michal Lev Ram spent time with CEO Alex Karp just as Palantirs commercial business was really taking offeven sitting in on a tai chi class the CEO led in a courtyard at Palantirs Palo Alto headquarters. (The company has since moved its HQ to Denver.) Palantir was still a private company at the time, making about $1 billion in revenue a quarter. It now makes four times as much. When Lev-Ram interviewed Karp, she noted that his company had been known mainly for its government contract work in antiterrorism and spycraft, including rumors of a role in the tracking down of Osama Bin Laden. Palantir was one of the early investments of In-Q-Tel, the Central Intelligence Agencys private venture investing arm. But by 2016, corporations had become the main driver of Palantirs Palantir was selling two main data analytics platforms in 2016, Gotham, which is still a core offering for government and defense clients, and Metropolis, which has been discontinued and succeeded by Palantirs Foundry platform on the commercial side. The idea was to bring together massive, disparate data sources, scour them for connections and patterns that may not be obvious to the human eye, and deliver those findings to customers. J.P. Morgan Chase, Hershey, and Bridgewater Associates were all using Palantir to detect fraud, study consumer behavior, and search for a competitive edge, Lev Ram wrote. In the interview, Karp also talked up Palantirs humanitarian projects, including a refugee relief effort in Syria. We are conviction addicts, he told Lev-Ram. We really want to believe in what were doing. Be that as it may, the company has recently been the target of protests because of its work on immigration enforcement with ICE in the U.S., and its partnership with the Israel Defense Forces for war-related missions, among other things. And as I wrote in my recent piece, Karp is now striking a more belligerent tonecondemning, for example, the cowardice of men without chests in a recent shareholders letter MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Shaurya Shubham USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept This tech CEO says he will fire employees if they dont use AI MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept WhatsApp introduces new call scheduling feature to take on Zoom, Microsoft Teams: How to access, things to note and all other details MC Tech Desk Read the latest and trending tech newsstay updated on AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, software updates, smartphones, blockchain, space tech, and the future of innovation. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Shaurya Shubham USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 1/13 There are places on Earth so breathtaking that they dont just inspire wanderlust they demand to be photographed. And what better time to celebrate them than on World Photography Day, a day that honors the art of storytelling through a lens? Over the years, many of these landscapes have not only captured the imagination of travelers but have also gone on to win some of the most prestigious photography awards in the world. From snow-dusted peaks to sunlit valleys, these destinations are living canvases where light, nature, and human creativity come together in unforgettable frames. (Image: Canva) 2/13 1. Deadvlei, Namibia An otherworldly clay pan surrounded by fiery red dunes and dotted with ancient, skeletal trees. Its stark contrasts and surreal atmosphere have made Deadvlei a consistent winner in international photography contests. (Image: Canva) 3/13 2. South Island, New Zealand Famous for misty fjords, snow-capped mountains, and turquoise lakes, New Zealands South Island is a paradise for landscape photography. Award-winning shots from Milford Sound and Mount Cook often feature in global competitions. (Image: Canva) 4/13 3. Icelands Waterfalls From the iconic Seljalandsfoss to the mighty Skogafoss, Icelands dramatic waterfalls are beloved by photographers for their raw power and magical lighting conditions. (Image: Canva) 5/13 4. Mesa Arch, Canyonlands, USA One of the most photographed sunrise spots in the world, Mesa Arch glows brilliantly when the morning sun hits, creating images that frequently appear in award-winning portfolios. (Image: Canva) 6/13 5. Patagonia, Argentina & Chile With jagged peaks like Torres del Paine and Mount Fitz Roy rising above glacial lakes, Patagonias rugged landscapes deliver some of the most dramatic scenes a photographer can capture. (Image: Canva) 7/13 6. Lofoten Islands, Norway This Arctic archipelago combines towering fjords, colorful fishing villages, and the Northern Lights, offering endless opportunities for breathtaking photography. (Image: Canva) 8/13 7. The Dolomites, Italy Alpine meadows, reflective lakes like Lago di Braies, and jagged limestone peaks make the Dolomites one of Europes most photogenic destinations. (Image: Canva) 9/13 8. Banff National Park, Canada Known for its vivid turquoise lakes such as Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, Banff provides postcard-perfect views framed by the majestic Canadian Rockies. (Image: Canva) 10/13 9. Faroe Islands Remote and wild, the Faroe Islands feature dramatic cliffs, moody weather, and untamed beautyideal for photographers who love atmospheric landscapes. (Image: Canva) 11/13 10. Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA Its narrow slot canyons glow with beams of light piercing through red sandstone wallsproducing some of the most surreal images in modern landscape photography. (Image: Canva) 12/13 11. White Pocket, Arizona, USA A hidden gem with swirling rock formations and otherworldly textures, White Pocket has been hailed by photographers as a natural canvas of color. (Image: Canva) 101Reporters USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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Know all about the breakthrough that ended gridlock in Washington Surabhi Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Europes wildfires have burned the most land in nearly 20 years Surabhi Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Trump rejects Kyivs NATO membership demand, says maybe Putin 'doesn't want to make a deal' Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Experts say it happens at least once a day somewhere in Western New York, and hundreds if not thousands of times all over the United States. An individual who runs a business, a government agency or nonprofit organization gets a disturbing email from a cyber extortionist. The extortionist announces that he or she has used malicious software commonly known as malware to lock up the organizations computer data. Sometimes the extortionist threatens to release the organizations private data including email addresses, passwords and other identifying information to the criminal underworld via the dark web of the internet. The extortionist demands a ransom thousands, sometimes millions of dollars, usually to be paid in bitcoin in exchange for allowing the organization to regain access to its own data. This is where Mark Lance enters this sordid story. Lance, 45, is a vice president at GuidePoint Security, a Virginia firm that investigates cybercrimes. One of his main duties is acting as a ransomware hostage negotiator. Operating in deep secrecy, he helps victims in America deal with cybercrime gangs from Eastern Europe and all over the world. Any business or organization that uses computers, no matter how large or how small, can become a target, Lance said. Over the past four years, he said he has helped more than 100 American companies and organizations negotiate deals with cybercriminals who demanded ransoms. While he declines to identify any of his clients by name, Lance told The Buffalo News he has acted as a ransomware negotiator for several companies in the Buffalo area. While the FBI advises ransomware victims not to make ransom payments, Lance said roughly half of the companies he has assisted wind up paying ransom to the cybercriminals. Typically, he said, large American companies victimized by ransomware extortionists pay anywhere from about $100,000 to the low millions in ransom. Some large companies have paid tens of millions of dollars in ransom, according to media reports throughout the country. Every organization has its own individual situation and its own reasons for paying or not paying ransom, Lance said during an interview on Friday. Generally, I agree with the FBI my initial advice to the company is always, Dont pay the ransom. I also advise them to notify an attorney and their cyber insurance carrier, Lance said. Then, my role is to educate and advise them on who were dealing with, what we can do to help and how it is affecting their company. Based on their own needs and concerns, some companies decide to pay the ransom. Lance mentioned the example of one company that decided to pay a $2 million ransom. Because they could not access their own data, they were losing about $1 million a day for 14 days. They decided to pay the $2 million to get their data back, Lance said. They decided it was the cost-effective thing to do. When a victim decides to pay a ransom, the criminals restore the victims ability to access their own data, but what is to stop the criminals from keeping their own copy of the stolen data and then selling it to other criminal organizations? That rarely happens, Lance said, because in their own distorted way, cybercriminals want to protect their brand and their reputation. We are aware of about 70 different cyber gangs who commit ransomware crimes against companies in America, Lance said. These gangs are in it for one reason, to make money. If word gets around that a particular gang takes a ransom payment, agrees not to do anything else with the victims data, and then uses the data to commit other crimes, word gets around. It would destroy the gangs brand, and people will stop paying them ransom. Lance said he and other cybersecurity experts talk with the FBI and each other about various gangs, their crimes and their tendencies. How does Lance communicate with gangs based thousands of miles away? He said that when cyber gangs send their ransom note to victims, they also send instructions on how to access the gangs website on the dark web. I usually communicate with these gangs on their own dark website, Lance said. Ransomware extortion is a mainstay of the fast-growing world of cybercrimes, which, according to the FBI, cost organizations and businesses an estimated $16.6 billion in 2024. That figure is up 33% from the amount stolen by cybercriminals in 2023. And in Lances experience, ransomware cases seldom meet the public eye. Companies that pay ransom to cybercriminals abhor publicity, said Steve MacMartin, a retired Homeland Security cybercrime investigator who now teaches at Hilbert College. I think ransomware cases are a lot more prevalent than the few cases that we hear about, MacMartin said. If I run a huge company with data from millions of people, I dont want my customers to know our data security has been breached. I may very well pay the ransom and try to end the problem as soon as I can, without publicity. MacMartin said cyber gangs operate freely in Russia, North Korea, Iran, China and other countries where people want to harm America. According to its website, GuidePoint provides cybersecurity services to many agencies of the federal government and one-third of the nations Fortune 500 companies. Over the past 10 years, a small number of local ransomware cases have become public through media reports in Western New York. Buffalo Public Schools, which was attacked by cybercriminals in 2021, and the Erie County Medical Center, which was hit in 2017, are two local institutions that have been victimized by ransomware schemes. Both of those institutions said they never paid a ransom, but each of them estimated that the costs associated with the ransomware attacks were close to $10 million, including expenses for repairing the damage and upgrading security systems. There are also other crimes that occur on a much smaller scale. A Buffalo businessman told The News his small company paid a ransom of more than $2,500 several years ago after cybercriminals accessed and locked down all his companys computer data. Its scary to realize that criminals thousands of miles away have found a way to infiltrate your computer system and block you from using it, said the businessman, who spoke on the condition that he and his company would not be identified. In our case, I have to say the guy who hit us was kind of an honorable crook, the businessman said. He assured us that he was just looking to make a quick hit, and if we paid the ransom, he would never use our information or give it to anyone else. Since we paid the ransom, weve never had any more problems. Using safer methods of storing computer data, public awareness and education offer businesses and organizations the best chance to avoid being targeted by cyber gangs, Lance said. Every person working in a business or organization needs to learn about phishing ransomware schemes and how to avoid them with careful use of the internet, Lance said. Everyone in the company needs to know that one innocent-looking email can lead to a loss of millions of dollars, Lance said. He added that law enforcement and cybersecurity experts are in a constant ongoing battle with cybercriminals. While law enforcement has found ways to successfully prosecute major cyber gangs all over the world in recent years, the number of known gangs continues to grow, at a very fast rate. These crimes are not being committed by teenagers in their basement. Were now tracking about 70 major, well-organized cybercrime gangs. A year ago, it was 40, Lance said. Its very lucrative for these gangs. They are not going away. The FBI said anyone seeking information about cybercrime prevention and how to report a cybercrime should contact the agencys Internet Crime Computer Center at www.ic3.gov. Modi asked Putin to end the war: Analyst exposes US hypocrisy in singling out India on Russian oil Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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I Accept Thailand turning to Sri Lankan workers to cope with Cambodian exodus, official says Surabhi Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 'They are just profiteering, it's unacceptable': US Treasury chief defends tariffs on India over Russian oil Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Trump says he has begun arrangements for Putin-Zelenskyy meeting; trilateral summit to follow Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Trump says Putin agrees to security guarantees for Ukraine, Zelensky ready for trilateral talks Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept It didnt take long for Daphne Pariser to tap into the local talent base to help fuel her 43North-winning startup. HeronAI hired its first employee from Western New York several weeks after Pariser arrived in Buffalo in January to spend at least a year locally building the business. The co-founder and CEO of the Cambridge, Mass.-based startup, which is using AI and analytics to help midsize accounting firms, is now at seven employees, including four in Buffalo. Two full-timers and one part-time employee have come from the University at Buffalo, all of whom are working both as programmers and in sales. Pariser has plans to bring on even more Buffalo-area workers once the company is done raising funds sometime later this year. HeronAI is one of five winners of $1 million in the 2024 43North competition. Each has reached certain milestones in its first-year journey in the area. They also include Rarebird, Spiky.ai, CoverRight and Buffalo-born FoodNerd, which just moved into a new, significantly expanded factory in Clarence. Weve had a ton of people were interested in hiring from the Buffalo area, Pariser said. The programming skills here are extremely strong. We already have a backlog of candidates that were more or less just waiting to hire. Pariser is looking to hire people who are multifaceted. Her new employees have taken over product launches and acquiring new users, while building out these integrations. They are also client-facing and meeting people in Buffalo, honing their sales skills. Artificial intelligence companies can operate with fewer people, so more recent college graduates are learning to take sales calls while product building, Pariser said. This helps us grow a little faster, she said. The company should be able to grow when it closes a funding round toward the end of the year. Pariser declined to comment further about the round. Pariser earned her doctorate degree and built a company in the Rochester area, so coming to Western New York has been everything she remembered. She feels fortunate to also already have a network in the area. That has only gotten bigger, thanks to the help of 43North and ecosystem supporters such as Jack McGowan, who leads the WNY Venture Association and Buffalo Angels, and angel investor Gene Gramza. They have been helpful in connecting Pariser with a network of people to help raise funding. Thats the support thats so critical with 43North and in Buffalo, she said. You just dont get this attention really anywhere else. It was really quick for me to get up and running here, starting with the hiring process. Colleen Heidinger, president of 43North, said several of the startups in the latest cohort have either closed a funding round or are in the midst of raising like HerronAI. They have connected with investors through angel networks, customer introductions or people reaching out after Octobers 43North competition. I think the Buffalo community continues to shine in that way with our founders, Heidinger said. Buffalo startup offers building tools to young students A Buffalo startup is putting real tools into the hands of local students through hands-on STEAM kits and workshops designed to teach practical skills such as woodworking, engineering basics and creative problem-solving. Maker Movement this summer has been offering a series of build-it-yourself educational kits called Skilled Sets, which provide children with real tools and projects to take on and aren't about screens or simulations. Parker Bray, founder of Maker Movement, said it is all about reconnecting youngsters with Buffalo's hands-on heritage of steelworkers, craftsmen, machinists and tradespeople. It is also an effort to teach practical skills and highlight some of the opportunities of working in trades, a much-needed effort with workers for these jobs being in great need into the future. There has been a renewed focus in Buffalo of late on trades education, workforce development and local manufacturing. Maker Movement helps bring that effort to area children. "Buffalo has always been a city of builders and doers," Bray said. "We want to give kids that same opportunity not just to learn about how things work, but to actually build them." Students are given the opportunity to build everything from Bluetooth speakers to wooden toolboxes using real tools and guidance. It is also an effort by Bray to get youngsters to spend less time on screens and minimize summer learning loss. "Our kids don't need more screen time; they need skill time chances to use their hands and minds to make something meaningful," Bray said. THE LATEST A controversial Amherst apartment project received tax breaks from the Amherst Industrial Development Agency, overcoming objections from the Republican candidate for town supervisor. Would you dare trying to sell your house with a $1 listing price? This Cheektowaga homeowner is giving it a try to see how the market responds. It wasn't long ago that the Buffalo Niagara region seemed to be having a renaissance. Then Covid happened and much of the momentum stopped. The new Buffalo Bills stadium is on schedule to open next season, as much of the work shifts inside the shell. A refrigeration company is planning an $11 million warehouse project in Batavia. A Cambria machine shop wants $92,000 in tax breaks from the Lockport Industrial Development Agency to move to Lockport. National Grid customers can expect their residential electric bills to rise by $14 a month beginning in September and by more than $25 a month during the course of its new three-year rate agreement. SUNY Erie Community College is getting ready to open its smaller South Campus. The River Road Apartments project in North Tonawanda is entering a new phase. UB is adding programs for students interested in artificial intelligence. The value of the Buffalo Bills franchise keeps going up. A proposal to change the definition of a farm in Cambria among other zoning revisions has residents in a tizzy. Workers United is crying foul after the Hyatt Regency Buffalo fired one of the leaders of its organizing campaign at the hotel. A local startup that aids medical device manufacturers gets a $300,000 investment from a local fund. PepsiCo has signed a sponsorship deal with the Buffalo Bills at the new stadium. The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the regions economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435. Trump says US air support possible for Ukraine security guarantee, warns of 'rough' situation if Moscow-Kyiv talks fail Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept UK scraps demand for Apple backdoor after pressure from US Surabhi Pandey USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Zelenskyy thanks Melania Trump for 'peace letter' to Putin on abducted Ukrainian children Deblina Halder USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept A federal judge Tuesday sentenced Outlaws Motorcycle Club member Scott Barnes to time served for a gun charge, some 20 months after prosecutors called him a danger to the community with suspicious ties to Pharaohs Gentlemens Club owner Peter Gerace Jr. Barnes was among nine defendants named in a Pharaohs witness retaliation indictment. But his charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and also possessing a stolen Glock .40-caliber pistol were not related to the alleged retaliation against Crystal Quinn, 37, a former exotic dancer who died of a fentanyl overdose in 2023. Barnes, 56, was living in the Outlaws Buffalo clubhouse when federal agents searched it as part of their investigation into Quinns death. I dont think he ever should have been prosecuted for anything, said defense attorney David Cotter. The only reason hes in this case is because he was in the clubhouse. Barnes spent 13 months in jail as his case proceeded, from the time of the clubhouse raid until shortly after he pleaded guilty in December to being a felon in possession of a firearm. So he already served a good portion of the 12 to 18 months that federal guidelines suggested for a prison sentence. Barnes is a convicted felon based on a 1991 general court-martial of possessing, distributing and using LSD when he was in the military. Barnes declined to make a statement during his sentencing hearing, as well as afterward as he walked out of the courtroom. As Cotter sought the time-served sentence, he told U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo that he disagreed with the inclusion of 27 statements in the presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office that apparently referred to the governments witness retaliation case. The report is sealed from public review, so its unclear what statements Cotter objected to. The judge said he did not consider the statements as the absolute truth. I accept them as the governments version of the facts, Vilardo said, but not as necessarily true. The fatal drug overdose of Quinn in 2023 led to indictments of four other people who federal prosecutors accuse of playing a role in her death. Quinn, 37, a former exotic dancer, had agreed to cooperate in the federal governments bribery, sex- and drug-trafficking case against Gerace. Named in the indictment were Gerace; John Ermin, described as a national president of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club; Simon Gogolack, who called 911 to report Quinns death in his home; and Howard Hinkle Jr., among the last to be seen with her. Eventually, jurors will decide the truth of the 27 statements as they sit in judgment in the other defendants cases, the judge said. Theres going to be a trial, he said. Were going to find out what a jury says. Still, the prosecutions narrative of what happened to Quinn as well as Barnes role with the Outlaws and his ties to Gerace were factors in keeping Barnes in pretrial custody for more than a year. In December 2023, Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford spent seven hours at three court proceedings listening to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Tripi and other prosecutors make arguments to keep Ermin and Barnes in custody. During the hearings before Wolford, Tripi sought to tie together Quinns March 9, 2023, grand jury appearance with Geraces eventual detention in his Pharaohs bribery and drug- and sex-trafficking case. Tripi cited Geraces ties to Ermin, who was connected to the Outlaws and its support club, the Rare Breed Motorcycle Club. The Rare Breed club had links to Gogolack. We look back and say, standing here today, that she cooperated. She flipped, Tripi said of Quinn. She testified in grand jury. Gerace got detained. Gerace got mad. Gerace made statements that he could have people killed and had a long reach. And the manager of his club is the national president of the Outlaws, who controls legions of people, who has support clubs and puppet clubs under him, which includes the Rare Breed. And then someone who wants to be a hit man and hangs out with the Rare Breed in Wellsville injects himself back into her life and lures her and she overdoses and it is staged to look like (an accidental or suicidal) death. The grand jury indictment did not name Barnes as one of those allegedly part of the effort to retaliate against Quinn. But Tripi told Wolford that both Barnes and Ermin attended a Labor Day 2022 party at the home of Gerace, who at the time was on supervised release. Ermin was at a table full of people, who are all Outlaws, including Mr. Barnes, Tripi said at the hearing. So Mr. Barnes, a felon, is in Mr. Geraces backyard. Gerace has members of a national and international organized crime syndicate in his backyard while he is on probation, Tripi said. All of the face-to face communication that needs to happen in that type of scenario can happen, Tripi told Wolford. Wolford did not conclude that Barnes was a national enforcer for the Outlaws as proffered by prosecutors. But clearly he had a national leadership role within the club, she said, basing her stance on his close proximity to Ermin, his patches and clothing, and his living at the Outlaws clubhouse among other reasons. But the governments success in keeping Barnes locked up was not followed up by an indictment or conviction involving Quinn. Cotter has called the governments pursuit of charges against Barnes that did not relate to Quinn callous, mean-spirited and abusive. Barnes case was eventually severed from the other defendants facing charges related to Quinn. After his 2023 arrest, prosecutors sought his detention three weeks after he underwent major spinal surgery. Once in jail, he was given a metal bed, Cotter told Vilardo on Tuesday. Barnes broke his back in a March 2023 motorcycle crash after hitting a pothole in Florida, and doctors inserted a titanium rod in a major surgery. After falling in November 2023, he underwent a second surgery because of the damaged rod. Barnes was unable to work and make a living as an electrician, and he depended on the support of other Outlaws as he lived in the clubs Buffalo clubhouse. Cotter called his detention a nightmare as his medical condition deteriorated. Two screws from the rod dug into a nerve, causing him pain. His left leg was swollen and his toes turned black before a magistrate ordered medical treatment for him, Cotter said. I thought I was looking at a dead man, Cotter recalled of Barnes appearance while in custody. Since his release from jail, Barnes has had a third operation and is recovering, Cotter said. Vilardo imposed three years of supervised release in addition to the time-served sentence. Cotter asked the judge to permit Barnes to have contact with the Outlaws, whom he still relies on to cover rent and other expenses. Hes got to have some degree of communication with them, Cotter told the judge. Vilardo told Cotter to work it out with probation officials first, and then come back to him if theres resistance. Islamic State-backed rebels killed at least 52 people in eastern Congo, UN says GOMA, Congo (AP) Attacks blamed on an Islamic State-backed rebel group in eastern Congo killed at least 52 people this month, the U.N. peacekeeping mission to the central African country said Monday. The attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces, or ADF, took place Aug. 9-16 in the Beni and Lubero territories of the North Kivu province, the U.N. mission MONUSCO said in a statement. The violence was accompanied by abductions, looting, the burning of homes, vehicles, and motorcycles, as well as the destruction of property belonging to populations already facing dire humanitarian conditions, the statement said. The U.N. mission said the death toll of at least 52 was likely to rise. Eastern Congo has suffered several deadly attacks in recent years by armed groups, including the ADF and Rwanda-backed rebels. The ADF, which has ties to the Islamic State, operates along the border with Uganda and often targets civilians. Authorities said the group killed nearly 40 people in the Ituri province last month, when it stormed a Catholic church during a vigil and opened fire on worshipers, including many women and children. The ADF was formed by disparate small groups in Uganda in the late 1990s following discontent with President Yoweri Museveni. In 2002, following military assaults by Ugandan forces, the group moved its activities to neighboring Congo and has since been held responsible for the killings of thousands of civilians. In 2019, it pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. The Congolese army has long struggled to contain the group, especially while also confronting renewed conflict involving the M23 rebel movement backed by neighboring Rwanda. Congo and the M23 rebels had agreed to sign a permanent peace deal by Aug. 18, but no agreement was announced on Monday. In recent days, both sides have accused one another of violating a ceasefire that was agreed as one of the conditions for a deal. ____ APs Africa coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/africa By JUSTIN KABUMBA Associated Press South Sudanese exiles face uncertain future after release from prison in Sudan View Photo RENK, South Sudan (AP) As a young man in the mid-1980s, Daud Mahmoud Abdullah left his home in Aweil in South Sudan and headed north. It was a time of war. South Sudan was still part of Sudan and was fighting for independence, in a conflict that would claim about 2 million lives. He never went back. But now at 60 and after six months in a Sudanese prison, he is closer to home than hes been in 40 years. This July, he finally crossed the border back into his native South Sudan, taking a deep breath and reminding himself, I am alive. After everything that has happened to him, it feels like a miracle. Sudan once his place of refuge has been embroiled in a brutal civil war since April 2023 that has killed 40,000 people and displaced nearly 13 million more, according to U.N. agencies. Abdullah lived in Wad Madani, the capital of Al Jazirah state, about 135 kilometers (85 miles) south of Khartoum. There had been incursions into the area by the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary force once known as the Janjaweed who were notorious for mass killings, rapes and other atrocities in Darfur two decades ago. More recently, the RSF have again been accused of by the International Criminal Court of committing war crimes, including the attacks on famine-hit Zamzam and other camps in North Darfur. In January, the Sudanese armed forces began recapturing parts of Al Jazirah state from the RSF and making sweeping arrests. Abdullah got caught up in the incursions on his way home from the market: He was picked up by SAF soldiers and accused of cooperating with the RSF. Abdullah says that he was beaten, tortured and burned with cigarettes to make him confess. Although he never made a confession, he was thrown in prison. Held without charge and tortured in prison In a report released in March, the top U.N. human rights body detailed how both the SAF and the RSF have detained tens of thousands of people without charge, with limited or no contact with their families, in squalid and overcrowded facilities in a widespread pattern of arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment. Abdullah can attest to this. He remembers inmates dying from starvation, beatings or illnesses like cholera daily. One morning, he discovered 28 of his fellow inmates had died in the night. For the next three days the bodies lay inside his cell, and the soldiers refused to remove them. Even when you shouted to them, they would tell you, If you want to die also, you can die with them, Abdullah said. The Associated Press spoke to eight men in total, some of whom were detained in other prisons in Al Jazirah state and Khartoum. All recounted nightmarish conditions during their incarceration. They described being crammed into cells alongside hundreds of other prisoners. Cells were so crowded that they were forced to sleep with their knees tucked under their chin. Beatings occurred regularly; one said he lost the use of his right eye as a result. Michael Deng Dut, 29, said he had been tortured with electricity more than 18 times. Simon Tong, 39, said that he was tortured with a knife during an interrogation, and rolled up his sleeve to expose the scars on his arm. Many of the men said they were given only a handful of food and a small cup of water once a day. This is the reason many of us passed away, because of the lack of food and water, Tong said. A place between north and south In July, 99 South Sudanese prisoners were separated from the other inmates. As the men awaited their fate, one died, reducing their number to 98. On July 28, they were bundled into a bus and driven away, not knowing where they were going. They did not tell us they were going to release us, Abdullah said. He didnt realize where he was until they reached the South Sudanese border and were taken to Renk, the countrys northernmost town, by South Sudanese officials. Though still far from home, Abdullah was in his own country for the first time in 40 years. The border town of Renk has become a hub for South Sudanese nationals trying to get home. When the Sudanese civil war broke out in 2023, UN agencies and the South Sudanese government established an onward transportation program which has moved more than 250,000 people, according to the U.N.s International Office of Migration. On June 1, the program was suspended due to global cuts to humanitarian funding. The number of people living in and around a transit center in Renk has since swelled to 12,000, roughly six times its intended capacity. Thousands are living in makeshift shelters made of sticks and cloth. Reunited but stranded But for Abdullah, arriving in Renk was a moment of overwhelming joy after months of torture and uncertainty. He was overcome to see his wife, daughter, and younger brother waiting for him. His wife had decided to take his family south after his younger brother had been arrested and released by SAF for the third time. When I saw Abdullah, I thanked God, she said. We did not expect to see him alive again. Abdullah now hopes to return to Aweil, the town where he was born. He still has family in Sudan, and is trying to contact them so that they might join him in Renk. If they come back safely, then we plan to go to Aweil, he said. All of us, together. ___ For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. By JOSEPH FALZETTA and ADLAI COLEMAN Associated Press Indias Modi meets Chinas top diplomat as Asian powers rebuild ties View Photo NEW DELHI (AP) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed steady progress in improving relations with China after meeting its top diplomat Tuesday following a yearslong standoff between the nuclear-armed Asian powers. Modi noted respect for each others interests and sensitiveness in a statement on social media after meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Chinas foreign ministry said the countries have entered a steady development track and should trust and support each other. Wang on his visit also has met with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and national security adviser Ajit Doval about the countries disputed border in the Himalayan mountains. Indias Foreign Ministry said Wang and Doval discussed deescalation, delimitation and boundary affairs. The two sides agreed to resume direct flights and issuance of journalist visas and to facilitate business and cultural exchanges, according to a statement from Chinas Foreign Ministry. Relations plummeted in 2020 after security forces clashed along the border. Four Chinese soldiers and 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the worst violence in decades, freezing high-level political engagements. The setbacks we experienced in the past few years were not in the interest of the people of our two countries. We are heartened to see the stability that is now restored in the borders, Wang said Monday. Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility on the border and reiterated Indias commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, his office said in a statement. The rebuilding of India-China ties coincides with friction between New Delhi and Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on India, a longtime ally seen as a counterbalance against Chinas influence in Asia. India is part of the Quad security alliance with the U.S., along with Australia and Japan. Compromise at the highest political level The chill in relations after the deadly clash in 2020 between troops in the Ladakh region affected trade, diplomacy and air travel, as both sides deployed tens of thousands of security forces in border areas. Some progress has been made since then. Last year, India and China agreed to a pact on border patrols and withdrew additional forces along some border areas. Both countries continue to fortify their border by building roads and rail networks. In recent months, the countries have increased official visits and discussed easing some trade restrictions, movement of citizens and visas for businesspeople. In June, Beijing allowed pilgrims from India to visit holy sites in Tibet. Last week, Indias foreign ministry said the two countries were discussing resuming trade through three points along their 3,488-kilometer (2,167-mile) border. Both sides will work together toward a consensus on border issues, Wang said after his meeting with Doval, according to Chinas Foreign Ministry. No specifics were given on what was decided. Settling the boundary issue between the two countries requires political compromise at the highest political level, said Manoj Joshi, a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank. He also served as a member of the advisory board for Indias National Security Council. Modi plans to visit China soon The thaw between Beijing and New Delhi began last October when Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at a summit of emerging economies in Russia. It was the first time the leaders had spoken in person since 2019. Modi is set to meet Xi when he travels to China late this month his first visit in seven years to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional grouping formed by China, Russia and others to counter U.S. influence in Asia. Earlier this year, Xi called for India and Chinas relations to take the form of a dragon-elephant tango a dance between the countries emblems. The US and Pakistan play roles in the thaw The renewed engagement comes as New Delhis ties with Trump are fraying. Washington has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, which includes a penalty of 25% for purchasing Russian crude oil. The tariffs take effect Aug. 27. India has not backed down, instead signing more agreements with Russia to deepen economic cooperation. Trumps renewed engagement with Indias archrival, Pakistan, has also encouraged New Delhis overtures to China, said Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda, a former leader of the Indian militarys northern command. In June, Trump hosted Pakistans army chief for a White House lunch and later announced an energy deal with Islamabad to jointly develop the countrys oil reserves. Both followed Trumps claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after the two sides traded military strikes in May. That clash saw Pakistan use Chinese-made military jets and missiles against India. China is heavily invested in Pakistan and, practically speaking, you cant have any expectation that Beijing will hold back support to Islamabad, Hooda said. But you cant have two hostile neighbors on your borders and simultaneously deal with them also. ___ Associated Press writers Aijaz Hussain in Srinagar, India, and Huizhong Wu in Bangkok and video producer Liu Zheng in Beijing contributed to this report. By SHEIKH SAALIQ and RAJESH ROY Associated Press The suspect in a car-ramming attack on a German Christmas market is charged with murder The suspect in a car-ramming attack on a German Christmas market is charged with murder View Photo BERLIN (AP) The suspect in a deadly car-ramming attack on a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg has been charged with murder, attempted murder and bodily harm, prosecutors said Tuesday, claiming he was trying to kill as many people as possible. Five women and a boy died, and many more people were wounded, in the Dec. 20 attack that lasted just over a minute. Authorities have identified the suspect as a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and had received permanent residency. They havent officially released his name, in keeping with German privacy rules. In an indictment filed to the state court in Magdeburg, prosecutors say he is charged with six counts of murder, 338 counts of attempted murder and 309 counts of bodily harm. He is also accused of dangerous interference with road traffic. Murder charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. The Magdeburg court will decide whether to send the case to trial. Prosecutors said the man wasnt under the influence of alcohol and apparently carried out the attack out of dissatisfaction and frustration with the course and outcome of a civil law dispute and the failure of various criminal complaints. They said he aimed to kill as many people as possible and had spent several weeks planning the attack, without accomplices or anyone else knowing about his plans. The attack was carried out with a rented BMW X3, which reached speeds of up to 48 kph (30 mph) during the rampage. Officials have said the suspect doesnt fit the usual profile of perpetrators of extremist attacks. The man described himself as an ex-Muslim who was highly critical of Islam and on social media expressed support for the far-right. The suspect had previously come to authorities attention for threatening behavior but wasnt known to have committed any violence. GENEVA (AP) Swiss watchmaker Swatch apologized Monday for an ad campaign that upset consumers in China and elsewhere and said it had immediately removed all related materials worldwide. In an image for the Swatch Essentials collection, an Asian male model is shown pulling the edges of his eyelids upward and backward with his fingers a gesture seen as derogatory and racist, Swiss public broadcaster SRF reported. The image triggered criticism on social media in China, with major influencers weighing in. Swatch wrote on Instagram that we sincerely apologize for any distress or misunderstanding this may have caused. It said it would treat this matter with the utmost importance. SRF reported that the apology was also posted on the Chinese social network Weibo in Chinese and English. China is a major market for luxury brands and watchmakers. The founders of Dolce&Gabbana apologized on video in 2018 after Chinese boycotted its products over what were seen as culturally insensitive videos promoting a runway show in Shanghai. Swiss watch exporters are facing new tariffs in the U.S. and a prolonged slowdown, with significant declines in the United States, Japan and Hong Kong, according to industry association figures. US Attorney Jay Clayton approved by judges to remain as top prosecutor in New York US Attorney Jay Clayton approved by judges to remain as top prosecutor in New York View Photo NEW YORK (AP) President Donald Trumps pick to be the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan will get to stay in the job, even though he hasnt been confirmed by the U.S. Senate, after a group of judges voted Monday to allow him to continue in the position. The judges decision to approve Jay Clayton as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York is a victory for the Trump administration, which has resorted to unorthodox maneuvers to keep some of the presidents other nominees for U.S. attorneys in place after they failed to advance in the Senate. The outcome was announced in a release by Southern District Executive Edward Friedland. It said Clayton will serve as U.S. attorney unless someone else is nominated by Trump and approved by the Senate. Clayton, who served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission between 2017 and 2020, has deep-rooted Wall Street ties and over two decades of experience at a prominent international law firm, although he never was a prosecutor before taking the position four months ago. In a statement, Clayton said: I am honored to continue serving the people of New York together with the talented and hardworking women and men of the Office. The approval came after several other U.S. attorneys across the country who were appointed by the Trump administration were unable to gain the approval of judges in their districts. Manhattan office has undergone turmoil The Manhattan prosecutors office has undergone turmoil in recent months after several prosecutors, including then interim U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, resigned after refusing to carry out orders from the Justice Department to drop corruption charges against Mayor Eric Adams. The case was eventually dropped after prosecutors from Washington submitted a request to a judge. Another assistant U.S. attorney, Maurene Comey, was recently fired shortly after she handled the bulk of duties in the trial of hip-hop producer Sean Diddy Combs. He was acquitted of the most serious racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, though he remains jailed and awaiting sentencing for his conviction on prostitution-related charges. Clayton has maintained a relatively low profile while heading an office of prosecutors long known for its independence from Washington. The decision on Clayton came after judges in several other federal jurisdictions across the country rejected the person chosen by the Trump administration as U.S. attorney, causing the administration to employ other legal maneuvers to keep its pick in place. US attorney appointments usually face Senate approval The administrations appointments normally would face Senate approval, but Democratic senators in their home states can block the usual process, as several have done. That lets the appointed top prosecutor serve 120 days before the districts federal judges decide whether the individual can remain in the post. The judges can also appoint a successor. In the past, it was considered rare for judges to reject the appointed top prosecutor in their district, but several rejections have occurred this year. In the Northern District of New York, which encompasses 32 counties in upstate New York and includes the cities of Albany, Binghamton and Syracuse, judges rejected the appointment of John A. Sarcone III. The administration then appointed him as the special attorney to the attorney general, enabling him to continue in his role as U.S. attorney even though he doesnt directly carry that title. Lawsuit challenges appointment in New Jersey In New Jersey, federal judges rejected the appointment of former Trump defense attorney Alina Habba, choosing an interim top federal prosecutor in the state instead. Attorney General Pam Bondi responded by firing the judges chosen successor and reinstalling Habba as acting U.S. attorney. Habbas tenure still faces uncertainty, though, after a lawsuit challenging the legality of the administrations move to keep her in place awaited a ruling this week by a Pennsylvania federal judge. The Justice Department says the president is entitled to name the person he wants to the position. Unlike Clayton, who has remained relatively controversy-free in the runup to the judges vote, Sarcone and Habba attracted headlines during their tenures. In June, Sarcone said he was attacked by a knife-wielding man from El Salvador outside an Albany hotel. The man, who lacked documentation to be in the country, was initially charged with attempted second-degree murder, but prosecutors downgraded the charge after reviewing video surveillance footage and the man pleaded guilty to menacing. Habba brought a rare federal criminal case against a sitting member of Congress for allegations other than fraud or corruption when U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver was charged with assault for allegedly making physical contact with law enforcement officials when Newarks mayor was arrested during a chaotic visit to a privately operated immigration detention center. McIver denied assaulting anyone. Habba has also launched an investigation into New Jerseys Democratic governor, Phil Murphy, and attorney general, Matt Platkin, over the states directive barring local law enforcement from cooperating with federal agents conducting immigration enforcement. The administration has run into similar troubles elsewhere in the country. Two others who have been able to remain serving in roles as top federal prosecutors without approval from the Senate or judges in their districts are Bilal Bill Essayli in Los Angeles and Sigal Chattah in Nevada. ___ Associated Press writer Mike Catalini contributed to this report. By LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press Former President Jimmy Carter to be honored by USPS with commemorative Forever stamp Former President Jimmy Carter to be honored by USPS with commemorative Forever stamp View Photo PLAINS, Ga. (AP) The late President Jimmy Carter will be honored with a commemorative Forever stamp on what would have been his 101st birthday. The U.S. Postal Service will release the stamp for purchase on Oct. 1 in Atlanta. The postage features a 1982 portrait of the nations 39th president by painter Herbert E. Abrams. The stamp art was unveiled Saturday at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains. Carter, the longest-lived U.S. president, died Dec. 29, 2024. The stamp program celebrates the best in American culture, places and people, and it is difficult to consider a more fitting honoree than former President Jimmy Carter, Peter Pastre, the Postal Services government relations and public policy vice president, said in a statement. The oil-on-linen painting that is the basis for the stamp was a life study Abrams painted of Carter while he sat for the artist. It was used in preparation for Carters official White House portrait that Abrams also painted. Abrams, who spent part of his life in Connecticut, kept his commission secret as he traveled three times to Georgia to meet with Carter, according to Connecticut Humanities. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp. Justice Department to begin giving Congress files from Jeffrey Epstein investigation, lawmaker says View Photo WASHINGTON (AP) The Justice Department has agreed to provide to Congress documents from the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation, a key House lawmaker said Monday in announcing a move that appears to avert, at least temporarily, a potential separation of powers clash. The records are to be turned over starting Friday to the House Oversight Committee, which earlier this month issued a broad subpoena to the Justice Department about a criminal case that has long captivated public attention, recently roiled the top rungs of President Donald Trumps administration and been a consistent magnet for conspiracy theories. There are many records in DOJs custody, and it will take the Department time to produce all the records and ensure the identification of victims and any child sexual abuse material are redacted, Kentucky Rep. James Comer, the Republican committee chair, said in a statement. I appreciate the Trump Administrations commitment to transparency and efforts to provide the American people with information about this matter. A wealthy and well-connected financier, Epstein was found dead in his New York jail cell weeks after his 2019 arrest in what investigators ruled a suicide. His former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in 2021 of helping lure teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein and is serving a 20-year prison sentence. The House committees subpoena sought all documents and communications from the case files of Epstein and Maxwell. It also demanded records about communications between Democratic President Joe Bidens administration and the Justice Department regarding Epstein, as well as documents related to an earlier federal investigation into Epstein in Florida that resulted in a non-prosecution agreement. It was not clear exactly which or how many documents might be produced or whether the cooperation with Congress reflected a broader change in posture since last month, when the FBI and Justice Department abruptly announced that they would not be releasing any additional records from the Epstein investigation after determining that no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted. That announcement put the Trump administration on the defensive, with officials since then scrambling both to tamp down angry questions from the presidents base and also laboring to appear transparent. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche interviewed Maxwell at a Florida courthouse over two days last month though no records from those conversations have been made public and the Justice Department has also sought to unseal grand jury transcripts in the Epstein and Maxwell cases, though so far those requests have been denied. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment Monday. The House Oversight panel separately issued subpoenas to eight former law enforcement leaders as well as former Democratic President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Bill Clinton was among a number of luminaries acquainted with Epstein before the criminal investigation against him in Florida became public two decades ago. Clinton has never been accused of wrongdoing by any of the women who say Epstein abused them. _____ Associated Press writer Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington contributed to this report. By ERIC TUCKER Associated Press Menendez brothers to be evaluated by parole board for release after 30 years in prison Menendez brothers to be evaluated by parole board for release after 30 years in prison View Photo LOS ANGELES (AP) The Menendez brothers are set to make their cases for parole starting Thursday, marking the closest theyve been to winning freedom from prison since their convictions almost 30 years ago for murdering their parents. Erik and Lyle Menendez were sentenced in 1996 to life in prison for fatally shooting their father, Jose Menendez, and mother, Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989. They were 18 and 21 at the time. While defense attorneys argued the brothers acted out of self-defense after years of sexual abuse by their father, prosecutors said the brothers killed their parents for a multimillion-dollar inheritance. The brothers became eligible for parole after a Los Angeles judge in May reduced their sentences from life in prison without the possibility of parole to 50 years to life, making them immediately eligible for parole under California law because they were under the ages of 26 when they committed their crimes. A panel or two or three parole hearing officers from a board of commissioners appointed by the governor will evaluate the brothers individually. Erik Menendez will have his hearing Thursday morning, followed by Lyle Menendez on Friday, over videoconference from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. The board will assess whether the brothers pose an unreasonable risk of danger to society if released, considering factors like criminal history, motivation for the crime and signs of remorse, behavior while in prison and plans for the future, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Even if the board grants their parole, it could still be months before the brothers walk free if at all. If the board grants each brothers parole, the chief legal counsel has 120 days to review the case. Then Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has 30 days to affirm or deny the parole. Only then, if Newsom affirms the parole, would the Menendez brothers be able to leave prison. Newsom had previously ordered the state parole board to conduct a risk assessment of the brothers in response to a clemency request. At the time, he emphasized that the key question was whether the brothers posed an unreasonable risk to public safety. He noted at a May news conference that he has both approved and rejected decisions by the parole board before and that he was the ultimate arbiter. The brothers lawyer, Mark Geragos, sought release last month for Erik Menendez after he was hospitalized for a serious medical condition. He has since returned to prison. The case has captured the attention of true crime enthusiasts for decades and spawned documentaries, television specials and dramatizations. The Netflix drama Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and the documentary The Menendez Brothers, both released in 2024, have been credited for bringing new attention to the brothers. In the last year, weigh-in from celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and a greater recognition of the brothers as victims of sexual abuse has helped amass a legion of supporters who have called for their release. Some have flown to Los Angeles over the past few months, holding rallies and attending court hearings as the brothers attorneys pushed for their resentencing. The previous LA County district attorney, George Gascon, first opened the door to possible freedom for the brothers last fall by asking a judge to reduce their sentences. Since their conviction, the brothers have gotten an education, participated in self-help classes and started various support groups for fellow people in prison, his office said in a petition. The judges decision to ultimately resentence the brothers followed months of pushback from current prosecutors, who argued the brothers hadnt taken adequate responsibility for their crimes. The Menendez brothers still have a pending habeas corpus petition filed in May 2023 seeking a review of their convictions based on new evidence supporting their claims of sexual abuse by their father. Last month, a different judge ordered Los Angeles prosecutors to explain why their case shouldnt be reexamined. The state corrections department has selected one media representative to view the proceedings virtually and share notes with the rest of the press at set intervals. By JAIMIE DING Associated Press US envoy to discuss long-term ceasefire with Israel after Lebanon commits to disarming Hezbollah US envoy to discuss long-term ceasefire with Israel after Lebanon commits to disarming Hezbollah View Photo BEIRUT (AP) The U.S. special envoy to Lebanon said Monday that his team would discuss the long-term cessation of hostilities with Israel, after Beirut endorsed a U.S.-backed plan for the Hezbollah militant group to disarm. Tom Barrack, following a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, also said Washington would seek an economic proposal for post-war reconstruction in the country, after months of shuttle diplomacy between the U.S. and Lebanon. Barrack is also set to meet with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Speaker Nabih Berri, who often negotiates on behalf of Hezbollah with Washington. I think the Lebanese government has done their part. Theyve taken the first step, said Barrack, who is also the U.S. ambassador to Turkey. Now what we need is for Israel to comply with that equal handshake. Lebanons decision last week to support a plan to disarm Hezbollah angered the Iran-backed group and its allies, who believe Israels military should first withdraw from the five hilltops it has occupied in southern Lebanon since the end of its 14-month war with Hezbollah last November and stop launching almost daily airstrikes in the country. Naim Kassem, Hezbollahs secretary-general, has vowed to fight efforts to disarm the group, sowing fears of civil unrest in the country. Barrack warned Hezbollah that it will have missed an opportunity if it doesnt back the calls for it to disarm. Aoun and Salam both want to disarm Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups, and have demanded Israel halt its attacks and withdraw from the country. Aoun said he wants to increase funding for Lebanons cash-strapped military to bolster its capacity. He also wants to raise money from international donors to help rebuild the country. The World Bank estimates that Hezbollah and Israels monthslong war in late 2024 cost $11.1 billion in damages and economic losses as larges swaths of southern and eastern Lebanon were battered. The country has also faced a crippling economic crisis since 2019. By KAREEM CHEHAYEB Associated Press Kim Jong Un slams South Korea-US drills during an inspection of his most powerful warship View Photo SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned South Korean-U.S. military drills and vowed a rapid expansion of his nuclear forces to counter rivals, state media said Tuesday, as he inspected his most advanced warship being fitted with nuclear-capable systems. Kims visit to the western port of Nampo on Monday came as the South Korean and U.S. militaries kicked off their annual large-scale summertime exercise to bolster readiness against growing North Korean threats. The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield, which the allies describe as defensive, will mobilize 21,000 troops, including 18,000 South Koreans, for computer-simulated command post operations and field training. North Korea has long denounced the allies joint drills as invasion rehearsals and Kim has often used them to justify his own military displays and testing activities aimed at expanding his nuclear weapons program. The Korean Peninsula remains in a technical state of war, divided by the Demilitarized Zone into North Korea and South Korea. While inspecting the warship Choe Hyon, a 5,000-ton-class destroyer first unveiled in April, Kim said the allies joint military drills show hostility and their supposed will to ignite a war, the Norths Korean Central News Agency said. He claimed that the exercises have grown more provocative than before by incorporating a nuclear element, requiring the North to respond with proactive and overwhelming countermeasures. The security environment around the DPRK is getting more serious day by day and the prevailing situation requires us to make a radical and swift change in the existing military theory and practice and rapid expansion of nuclearization, KCNA paraphrased Kim as saying, using the initials of North Koreas formal name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Kang Yu-jung, spokesperson for South Koreas new liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, who wants to improve ties with the North, said Seoul has always regarded the Ulchi exercises as defensive but offered no further comment on Kims remarks. South Koreas Defense Ministry said it had no immediate new assessments to share regarding the North Korean warships capabilities. South Korean and U.S. military officials say Ulchi Freedom Shield will focus on countering North Koreas advancing nuclear and missile threat and will include training to deter North Korean nuclear use and respond to its missile attacks. The exercise will also incorporate lessons from recent conflicts, including Russias war in Ukraine and the clash between Israel and Iran, and address threats from drones, GPS jamming and cyberattacks. Kim sees destroyer as key to nuclear-capable navy Kim has hailed the development of his naval destroyer, Choe Hyon, as a significant advancement toward his goal of expanding the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military. State media said the destroyer, which is being prepared to enter active duty next year, is designed to handle various weapons systems, including antiair and anti-naval weapons, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. The North unveiled a second destroyer of the same class in May, but the vessel was damaged during a botched launching ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin, prompting an angry reaction from Kim, who called the failure criminal. The North has said the new destroyer, named Kang Kon, was relaunched in June after repair, but some outside experts have questioned whether the ship is fully operational. During Mondays visit to Nampo, Kim also reviewed North Korean efforts to complete a third destroyer by October, KCNA said. While inspecting Choe Hyon, Kim expressed satisfaction with the progress of the warships weapons tests and its integrated operations system, saying the navys modernization and move toward nuclear-capable capabilities are proceeding as planned. He instructed officials to carry out performance tests in October, KCNA said. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have worsened in recent years as Kim accelerated his military nuclear program and deepened alignment with Moscow following Russias invasion of Ukraine. His government has repeatedly dismissed calls by Washington and Seoul to revive negotiations aimed at winding down his nuclear and missile programs, which derailed in 2019 following a collapsed summit with U.S. President Donald Trump during his first term. In his latest message to Pyongyang on Friday, Lee, who took office in June, said he would seek to restore a 2018-inter-Korean military agreement designed to reduce border tensions and called for North Korea to respond to the Souths efforts to rebuild trust and revive talks. The 2018 military agreement, reached during a brief period of diplomacy between the Koreas, created buffer zones on land and sea and no-fly zones above the border to prevent clashes. But South Korea suspended the deal in 2024, citing tensions over North Koreas launches of trash-laden balloons toward the South, and moved to resume front-line military activities and propaganda campaigns. The step came after North Korea had already declared it would no longer abide by the agreement. By KIM TONG-HYUNG Associated Press A record 383 aid workers were killed in global hotspots in 2024, nearly half in Gaza, UN says A record 383 aid workers were killed in global hotspots in 2024, nearly half in Gaza, UN says View Photo UNITED NATIONS (AP) A record 383 aid workers were killed in global hotspots in 2024, nearly half of them in Gaza during the war between Israel and Hamas, the U.N. humanitarian office said Tuesday on the annual day honoring the thousands of people who step into crises to help others. U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said the record number of killings must be a wake-up call to protect civilians caught in conflict and all those trying to help them. Attacks on this scale, with zero accountability, are a shameful indictment of international inaction and apathy, Fletcher said in a statement on World Humanitarian Day. As the humanitarian community, we demand again that those with power and influence act for humanity, protect civilians and aid workers and hold perpetrators to account. The Aid Worker Security Database, which has compiled reports since 1997, said the number of killings rose from 293 in 2023 to 383 in 2024, including more than 180 in Gaza. Most of the aid workers killed were national staffers serving their communities who were attacked while on the job or in their homes, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, known as OCHA. This year, the figures show no sign of a reversal of the upward trend, OCHA said. There were 599 major attacks affecting aid workers last year, a sharp increase from the 420 in 2023, the databases figures show. The attacks in 2024 also wounded 308 aid workers and saw 125 kidnapped and 45 detained. There have been 245 major attacks in the past seven plus months, and 265 aid workers have been killed, according to the database. One of the deadliest and most horrifying attacks this year took place in the southern Gaza city of Rafah when Israeli troops opened fire before dawn on March 23, killing 15 medics and emergency responders in clearly marked vehicles. Troops bulldozed over the bodies along with their mangled vehicles, burying them in a mass grave. U.N. and rescue workers were only able to reach the site a week later. Even one attack against a humanitarian colleague is an attack on all of us and on the people we serve, the U.N.s Fletcher said. Violence against aid workers is not inevitable. It must end. According to the database, violence against aid workers increased in 21 countries in 2024 compared with the previous year, with government forces and affiliates the most common perpetrators. The highest numbers of major attacks last year were in the Palestinian territories with 194, followed by Sudan with 64, South Sudan with 47, Nigeria with 31 and Congo with 27, the database reported. As for killings, Sudan, where civil war is still raging, was second to Gaza and the West Bank with 60 aid workers losing their lives in 2024. That was more than double the 25 aid worker deaths in 2023. Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah militants fought a war last year, saw 20 aid workers killed compared with none in 2023. Ethiopia and Syria each had 14 killings, about double the number in 2023, and Ukraine had 13 aid workers killed in 2024, up from six in 2023, according to the database. By EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press The Latest: Trump says no to US troops in Ukraine The Latest: Trump says no to US troops in Ukraine View Photo President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered his assurances that U.S. troops would not be sent to Ukraine to defend against Russia, after seeming to leave open the possibility the day before. Trump also said in a morning TV interview that Ukraines hopes of joining NATO and regaining the Crimean Peninsula are impossible. Details of the security guarantees and Trumps efforts to arrange peace talks continue to evolve after the U.S. president, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders held hours of talks at the White House aimed at ending Russias war against Ukraine. European leaders said they want U.S. support for robust security guarantees, including the deployment of a reassurance force as Trump pursues his campaign promise to end the grinding war. Heres the latest: Trump calls Israels Netanyahu and himself war heroes During an interview with conservative radio host Mark Levin, Trump talked about working with Benjamin Netanyahu to free Hamas-held hostages, saying Israels prime minister is a good man, hes in there fighting. He added that, though some detractors want Netanyahu jailed as a war criminal, Hes a war hero. Hes a war hero, cause we worked together. Hes a war hero. I guess I am too, Trump said during the interview, which aired Tuesday night. Nobody cares. I am too. I sent those planes. That was a reference to Trump having ordered June airstrikes against three critical enrichment facilities in Iran. The president also complained throughout the interview that hed not gotten enough credit for ordering those strikes, nor taking other, more recent actions to ease conflict around the world. Sen. Graham says after call with Trump that the president is prepared to crush Russias economy Sen. Lindsey Graham told The Associated Press in a phone interview Tuesday that if peace talks between Ukraine and Russia arent moving in the right direction by the time Congress returns next month, then Plan B needs to kick in. For months, the Republican senator has been pressing President Trump to support a bipartisan sanctions bill that would impose steep tariffs on countries helping fund Russias war. On Tuesday morning, following a phone call with Trump, Graham signaled the president may now be willing to back the effort. Trump believes that if Putin doesnt do his part, that hes going to have to crush his economy. Because you got to mean what you say, Graham told reporters in South Carolina earlier on Tuesday. DHS Secretary says entire southern border wall to be painted black Kristi Noem says that the idea behind painting the southern border wall black is to make the metal hotter to deter people from entering the U.S. illegally. Noem spoke during a visit Tuesday to a portion of the wall in New Mexico. She also picked up a roller brush to help out with the painting. She said the black paint idea was specifically at the request of President Trump who understands that in the hot temperatures down here, when something is painted black, it gets even warmer and it will make it even harder for people to climb, she said. So we are going to be painting the entire southern border wall black. National Guard from other states start arriving in Washington, DC National Guard members from West Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana began arriving in Washington on Tuesday to help with President Donald Trumps federal crackdown on crime and homelessness, according to the Joint Task Force District of Columbia, the military unit overseeing the Guard. Those troops will perform similar duties to local Guard members already on the streets, including protecting landmarks and crowd control, and will be staying at military base housing and hotels, JTF-DC said. Nebraska governor announces plan for immigration detention center amid Trump crackdown Gov. Jim Pillen says he and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had agreed to use an existing minimum security prison work camp in a rural area of the states southwest corner to house people awaiting deportation and being held for other immigration proceedings. This is about keeping Nebraskans and Americans across our country safe, Pillen said in a statement. The Trump administration is adding new detention facilities across the country to hold the growing number of immigrants it has arrested and accused of being in the country illegally. Older and newer U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement centers were holding more than 56,000 immigrants in June, the most since 2019. Pillen also announced he would order the Nebraska National Guard to provide administrative and logistical support to Nebraska-based immigration agents. About 20 Guard soldiers will be involved. Read more about the planned Nebraska detention facility Trump wont be going on August vacation Trump wont be heading out on his traditional summer vacation in northern New Jersey, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, confirmed Tuesday. This is normally the time when the president goes on vacation, but not this president, Leavitt said, adding that there were discussions about him working from Bedminster for a couple of weeks but he decided against it. Bedminster is the location of his club in northern New Jersey, where Trump often goes for weekends. He also spent some stretches of time in August there for vacation during his first term. The comments from Leavitt came when the White House took a portion of the days press pool out to the renovated Rose Garden as the president tested out the areas new speakers. The decision not to go on vacation comes as Trump works to negotiate a peace deal to end Russias war in Ukraine, but Leavitt did not specify if the presidents vacation decision was linked to the Ukraine talks. White House video shows off Trumps Rose Garden renovations Deputy White House Chief of Staff Dan Scavino posted footage showing off new speakers installed as part of Trumps makeover of the White Houses Rose Garden. One of Trumps favorite songs, Lee Greenwoods God Bless the USA, blares in the video, over a shot showing patio-style tables shielded by yellow umbrellas. The shot later focuses in on an American flag overhead. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt subsequently brought reporters to the Rose Garden and said Trump was controlling the playlist as crews tested the speakers for what will be the best event in the history of the White House. She said the next party there will be hopefully soon. Other songs being played included Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum. The music was loud enough to be heard in other parts of the White House. Trump administration revokes security clearances of 37 current and former government officials The Trump administration has ordered the revocation of the security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials, including some who worked on the intelligence communitys assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election, according to people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to discuss it by name. A memo from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which was seen by The Associated Press, accuses the targeted individuals of having engaged in the politicization or weaponization of intelligence to advance personal or partisan gain. Its the latest action of retribution by the Trump administration against national security officials he perceives as having been against him. It comes as his government has launched a sweeping effort to cast doubt on the legitimacy of intelligence community findings that Russia interfered on his behalf in the 2016 election. President Trump amplified his attacks on the Smithsonian museums On Tuesday, he posted on Truth Social that they were OUT OF CONTROL for emphasizing the negative parts of American history, including how bad slavery was. Trump, who has been at odd with various cultural institutions since returning to office in January, added that he had instructed his attorneys to begin the exact same process he has used against colleges and universities. The White House has withheld funding from Harvard, Columbia University and other schools and made various demands, from more control over student admissions to banning trans athletes from womens sports. The Trump administration in March issued an executive order calling for the Smithsonian to overhaul its collection and present a more celebratory view of the country. The order has been denounced by historians and others as an attempt to censor the past. Justice Department probing whether DC police falsified crime data The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether police officials in Washington, D.C., have falsified crime data, according to a person familiar with the probe who wasnt authorized to publicly discuss an open investigation. The investigation comes amid an escalating and political showdown between the Trump administration and the city over control of the police department. It wasnt immediately clear what federal laws could have been violated by the possible manipulation of crime data. The mayors office declined to comment on the matter. The New York Times was first to report on the investigation. Earlier this year, a Metropolitan Police Department commander suspected of manipulating crime data was placed on paid administrative leave, NBC Washington reported. The IRS fired probationary workers without following protocol, says IRS Inspector General The IRS fired more than 7,000 probationary employees earlier this year without following internal procedures and failed to consider the workers individual performance, despite firing them for bad performance reviews, a new report states. The report was released by the IRS Inspector General, Tuesday. It does not contain recommendations and is informational only. Treasurys Inspector General for Tax Administration states that several senior IRS officials raised concerns to the IRS inspector general that probationary employees did not have documented performance issues and were falsely terminated for bad performance. The report states that many workers never had a performance review since they had only been recently hired. And of the 3,599 probationary employees who received a performance rating,3,251 (or 90 percent) had a fully successful rating on their evaluation and 305 (8 percent) had an outstanding rating. Trumps afterlife aspirations may be helping to drive his calculations on Ukraine Leavitt says she doesnt think Trump was joking when he suggested during a Fox News Channel interview that he was helping to seek peace between Russia and Ukraine, at least in part, because he wanted to go to heaven. I think the president was serious, the press secretary said. She then added, to a smattering of laughter from reporters in the White House briefing room, I think the president wants to get to heaven, as I hope we all do in this room as well. White House: Commerce working on Intel deal The White House said Tuesday that the administration is working on a deal that would have the U.S. take a 10% stake in the computer chip maker Intel. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the Commerce Department, led by Secretary Howard Lutnick, is working on it and ironing out the details. The president wants to put Americas needs first, both from a national security and economic perspective, Leavitt said Tuesday. Its a creative idea that has never been done before to ensure that were both reshoring these critical supply chains, while also gaining something of it for the American taxpayer. White House says Putin promised Trump hed have a direct meeting with Zelenskyy The Kremlin has not yet said whether Putin has signed off on Trumps push to arrange direct talks between the Russian leader and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. But asked Tuesdays whether Putin has promised Trump that hell meet directly with the Ukrainian leader, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded affirmatively. He has, Leavitt said of Putin. Trump early on Monday during talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders said that he was pressing for three-way talks among Zelenskyy, Putin and himself. But after speaking to Putin later in the day, Trump said that he was arranging first for a face-to-face between Zelenskyy and Putin and that three-way talks would follow if necessary. It was an idea that evolved in the course of the presidents conversations with both President Putin, President Zelensky and the European leaders yesterday, Leavitt explained. Top UN official welcomes US peace efforts on Russia-Ukraine, says talks should remain inclusive Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, said Tuesday that his boss very much welcomes President Donald Trumps focus on achieving a peaceful settlement in Ukraine through the summits held in the last week. But he indicated that its crucial Ukraine remains at the table for any future negotiation. For him, its very important that all involved continue to stay actively engaged and we want to an inclusive dialogue to sustain the important momentum that was created to bring an immediate ceasefire and sustainable peace, Dujarric said. He added that the U.N. stands ready to provide any peacekeeping efforts as part of the security guarantees that are being discussed. Pediatricians: We need to make the right choices for children The AAP is strongly recommending COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years. This age group is at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and its important that recommendations continue to emphasize the need for them to get vaccinated, said Dr. James Campbell, vice chair of the AAP infectious diseases committee. Shots also are advised for older children if parents want their kids vaccinated, and are recommended for older children whose chronic lung diseases or other conditions put them at higher risk for severe disease, the AAP said. It is going to be somewhat confusing. But our opinion is we need to make the right choices for children to protect them, Campbell said. In a statement, Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the AAP is undermining national immunization policymaking with baseless political attacks. Read more about the differing recommendations on vaccines US pediatricians new COVID-19 shot recommendations differ from CDC advice For the first time in 30 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics is substantially diverging from U.S. government vaccine recommendations. The groups new COVID-19 recommendations released Tuesday come amid a tumultuous year for public health, as vaccine skeptics have come into power in the new Trump administration and government guidance has become increasingly confusing. The AAP is strongly recommending COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years. Shots also are advised for older children if parents want their kids vaccinated, the AAP said. That differs from guidance established under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which doesnt recommend the shots for healthy children of any age but says kids may get the shots in consultation with physicians. Trump is trying to avoid a congressional check on his power Both Trump and the Democrats are looking ahead to 2026 knowing that the next midterm elections often go against the presidents party, as they did during Trumps first term in 2018. Republicans currently have a seven-seat majority in the 435-member House. State legislatures draw the lines after each U.S. census in most states including Texas and only a few dozen House districts are competitive. In Texas, Republicans hold 25 of 38 seats, and theyre trying to increase that to 30. In California, Democrats have 43 of the 52 seats, and theyre trying to boost that to 48, to wipe out the advantage the GOP would gain from redrawing lines in Texas. Texas Democrat spends night in Legislature protesting police shadowing in redistricting battle Republicans are hoping to prevent more quorum delays as they redraw the U.S. House maps to give Trump five more seats, so theyve required Democratic legislators to agree to around-the-clock surveillance before they leave the floor. Rep. Nicole Collier, of Fort Worth, said she spent the night in the chamber rather than sign away her dignity and allow Republicans to control my movements and monitor me. I know these maps will harm my constituents, her statement said. I wont just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination. The Department of Public Safety didnt immediately respond Tuesday to a message seeking comment. The Democrats return to Texas puts the Republican-run Legislature in position to satisfy Trumps demands. If they do, California Democrats are preparing to retaliate by asking voters to approve their own new congressional boundaries. Read more about redistricting battles Its gratitude diplomacy: Showering Trump with thanks World leaders understand that flattery is the way to winning over the unpredictable Trump, having taken their cue from Zelenskyy s disastrous White House scolding six months ago. With peace talks on the table, Zelenskyy thanked Trump and others nine times in the first minute of their initial public meeting at the White House on Monday. Appearing later with top leaders from Europe, Zelenskyy expressed his thanks at least seven more times, twice for a map Trump had presented him. He was not alone. Trump himself used the T-word about a dozen times in the later meeting. Starmer thanked the president four times. And NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called Trump amazing. Read more about how world leaders approach Trump By The Associated Press Qatar urges a Gaza ceasefire after a positive response from Hamas View Photo JERUSALEM (AP) A key mediator on Tuesday stressed the urgency of brokering a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after Hamas showed a positive response to a proposal from Arab countries, but Israel has yet to weigh in as its military prepares an offensive in some of the territorys most populated areas. The prospect of an expanded assault on Gaza City and other areas sheltering hundreds of thousands of civilians has sparked international outrage. Palestinians say there is nowhere to flee after 22 months of war that has already killed tens of thousands and destroyed much of the territory. They are talking about a 60-day truce, and after Israel gets its (hostages) they will strike us again, said Huda Rishe, who has been displaced four times since the start of the war. We will return to Gaza City and then leave again. We have lost hope. AP reporters saw some families arriving in central Gaza after fleeing Gaza City. Many Israelis, who rallied in the hundreds of thousands on Sunday, fear the offensive will further endanger the remaining hostages in Gaza. Just 20 of the 50 remaining are thought to be alive. If this (ceasefire) proposal fails, the crisis will exacerbate, Majed al-Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatars Foreign Ministry, told journalists, adding they have yet to hear from Israel on it. US envoy is invited to rejoin the talks Al-Ansari said Hamas had agreed to terms under discussion. He declined to provide details but said the proposal was almost identical to one previously advanced by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. That U.S. proposal was for a 60-day ceasefire, during which some of the remaining hostages would be released and the sides would negotiate a lasting ceasefire and the return of the rest. If we get to a deal, it shouldnt be expected that it would be instantaneously implemented, al-Ansari said. Were not there yet. That cautious assessment came a day after the foreign minister of Egypt, the other Arab country mediating the talks, said they were were pushing for a phased deal and noted that Qatars prime minister had joined the negotiations with Hamas. Witkoff has been invited to rejoin the talks, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told The Associated Press. Witkoff pulled out of negotiations less than a month ago, accusing Hamas of not acting in good faith. It was not clear how Witkoff has responded to the invitation. Abdelatty held a series of phone calls Tuesday with foreign ministers from the United Kingdom, Turkey and the European Union, seeking to put pressure on Israel to accept the ceasefire proposal. The ball is now in Israels court, Abdelattay said in a statement. An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive talks, said the governments position has not changed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will pause the fighting to facilitate the release of hostages, but that the war will continue until all the hostages are returned and Hamas is defeated and disarmed. 34 Palestinians killed in Gaza Hospitals in Gaza said they had received the bodies of 34 Palestinians killed Tuesday, including women and children, as Israeli strikes continued across the territory. Nasser Hospital said an airstrike killed a mother, father and three children in their tent overnight in Muwasi, a camp for hundreds of thousands of civilians. An entire family was gone in an instant. What was their fault? the childrens grandfather, Majed al-Mashwakhi, said, sobbing. Israels military did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the strikes. Nasser Hospital said nine people were killed while seeking aid in areas where U.N. convoys have been overwhelmed by looters and desperate crowds, and where people have been shot and killed while heading to sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, or GHF, an Israeli-backed American contractor. Another two people were killed near a GHF site in central Gaza, according to Al-Awda Hospital. GHF said there were no violent incidents at any of its sites on Tuesday. Witnesses, health officials and the U.N. human rights office say Israeli forces have killed hundreds of people seeking aid from GHF sites and U.N. convoys since Israel eased a 2 1/2 month blockade on Gaza in May. The military says it has only fired warning shots at people who approached its forces. The overall Palestinian death toll in the war surpassed 62,000 on Monday, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The ministry does not say how many of the dead were civilians or combatants, but says women and children make up around half of them. In addition to that toll, other Palestinians have died from malnutrition and starvation, including three reported in the past 24 hours, the ministry said Tuesday. It says 154 adults have died of malnutrition-related causes since late June, when it began counting such deaths, and 112 children have died of malnutrition-related causes since the war began. Hamas-led militants started the war when they attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. Most of the hostages have been released in ceasefires or other deals. Hamas says it will only free the rest in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. Aid groups continue to struggle to deliver supplies to Gaza, where most of the population is displaced, large swaths are in ruins and experts say the worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out. Israel imposed a full blockade in March, then allowed limited aid to resume two and a half months later. The Israeli military body in charge of humanitarian aid to Gaza, COGAT, said 370 trucks of aid entered Tuesday still below the 600 per day that the United Nations and partners say is needed. COGAT said Tuesday that 180 pallets of aid were airdropped into Gaza with help from countries including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and France. The U.N. and partners have called airdrops expensive, inefficient and even dangerous for people on the ground. ___ Magdy reported from Cairo and Gambrell from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war By SAM METZ, JON GAMBRELL and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press Zelenskyy deploys gratitude diplomacy in second White House meeting with Trump View Photo LONDON (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wasnt going to risk being accused of being ungrateful this time. With peace talks on the table and a chance to rebound from his disastrous White House scolding six months ago, Zelenskyy made sure to show his gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump during Mondays meeting in the Oval Office. In fact, he said thanks nine times to Trump and others in the first minute of their brief public meeting that preceded a short news conference. Thanks so much, Mr. President, he said. First of all, thank you for the invitation and thank you very much for your efforts, personal efforts to stop killings and stop this war. Thank you. In February, Zelenskyys meeting with Trump quickly spiraled into a public relations disaster when Vice President JD Vance berated him for not being sufficiently thankful. You should be thanking the President for trying to bring an end to this conflict, Vance said in a moment that caught Zelenskyy off guard. Have you said thank you once? In this entire meeting? No, in this entire meeting, have you said thank you? Zelenskyy tried to defend himself, saying he had always expressed his appreciation to the U.S. for the military and financial support it provided after Russia invaded it in 2022. But the damage was done. World leaders took their cue and learned that flattery is the way to winning over the unpredictable Trump, a strategy on full display in a larger meeting later in the day that included other European leaders and the head of NATO. Zelenskyy was advised by his peers on how to approach the meeting, said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had a much smoother Oval Office debut in June. He asked for that, Merz said. He saw that my meeting with Donald Trump went very differently from his meeting. With a chance to make a better second impression in the Oval Office, gratitude diplomacy was front and center for Zelenskyy. In addition to thanking the president six times, Zelenskyy extended gratitude to Melania Trump for personally writing to Russian President Vladimir Putin to think about the Ukrainian children and urge peace. And he twice thanked his European allies who had arrived as reinforcements in Washington to present a unified front to push for a ceasefire and security guarantees if there is a peace deal with Russia. In a subsequent meeting with top leaders from Europe, Zelenskyy expressed his thanks at least seven times, including two mentions for a map Trump had presented him. Thank you for the map, by the way, he said. He was not alone. Trump himself used the T-word about a dozen times in the later meeting and heaped praise on his fellow leaders from Europe. He called Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a great leader with a long career ahead, said he liked French President Emmanuel Macron even more since hes gotten to know him something he noted was unusual for him and he complimented Merzs tan. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has worked hard to forge a close relationship with Trump, thanked the president four times, noting that after three years of fighting, nobody else had been able to bring the conflict as close to a possible end. So I thank you for that, Starmer said. Ben Hodges, former commanding general of the U.S. Army in Europe, said the whole lot of deference and homage paid to Trump was nauseating but necessary to keep Trump in support of NATO. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who addressed Trump as dear Donald during the meeting, later called the president amazing. ___ Associated Press writers Geir Moulson in Berlin and Emma Burrows in London contributed to this report. By BRIAN MELLEY Associated Press Yves here. With the Western blather about land swaps as part of a settlement of the Russia-Ukraine conflict still being treated as a legitimate idea, due among other things to remarks by US special advisor Steve Witkoff over the weekend, the post below looks at the constitutional issues that Putin would have to surmount. Keep in mind that as far as I can tell, and as some Russia beat commentators have also said, no one on the Russian side has endorsed this approach. It looks like a US trial balloon that is bizarrely still aloft, apparently due to Russia wanting to be super nice to Team Trump while relations are on an upswing and not embarrassing them by saying nyet any more than absolutely necessary. After all, Zelensky and EU leaders are still loudly opposed to this scheme, so why does Russia need to play the heavy? This post reminds readers of Russias formal process for the formal integration of the four oblasts in question, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporzhizhia, into the Russian Federation, and what steps the very legalistic Putin and his inner circle might have to take to exclude parts of those oblasts. The procedural issues are an indirect proof that the Russian side at most listened politely when the US presented this approach and made non-committal noises. The very fact that this piece is useful is yet another indictment of the generally terrible mainstream reporting on the summit and its aftermath. By Andrew Korybko, a Moscow-based American political analyst who specializes in the global systemic transition to multipolarity in the New Cold War. He has a PhD from MGIMO, which is under the umbrella of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Originally published at his website The Constitutional Court would likely have to rule on this hypothetical scenario due to 2020s constitutional amendment prohibiting the cession of Russian territory except in certain cases. RTs report on Steve Witkoffs claim that Russia has made some concessions on territorial issues, which signal a significant shift towards moderation, prompted talk about whether Putin can legally stop the special operation without first controlling all the disputed territory that Moscow claims as its own. He himself demanded in June 2024 that the Ukrainian Armed Forces must be withdrawn from the entire territory of these regions within their administrative borders at the time of their being part of Ukraine. Moreover, the agreements under which Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhye, and Khersonjoined Russia all describe their administrative boundaries as those that existed on the day of [their] formation, thus suggesting that the entirety of their regions are indeed legally considered by Russia to be its own. Putin also famously declared during the signing of those treaties in late September 2022 that the people living [there] have become our citizens, forever and that Russia will not betray [their choice to join it]. Nevertheless, Putin could still hypothetically moderate this demand. Article 67.2.1 of the Russian Constitution, which entered into force after 2020s constitutional referendum, stipulates that Actions (except delimitation, demarcation, and re-demarcation of the state border of the Russian Federation with adjacent states) aimed at alienating part of the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as calls for such actions, are not permitted. Moderation could thus hypothetically be an exception. To be absolutely clear, no call is being made within this analysis for Russia to cede any territory that it considers to be its own, nor have any Russian officials lent any credence whatsoever to Witkoffs claim. That said, if Putin concludes for whatever reason that Russias national interests are now best served by moderating its territorial claims after all that happened since September 2022s referenda, then any proposed re-demarcation of the state border would likely require the Constitutional Courts approval. Hes a lawyer by training so it would make sense for him to proactively ask them to rule on the legality of this hypothetical solution to the Ukrainian Conflict. Even if he instead hypothetically proposes retaining his countrys territorial claims but freezing the military phase of the conflict and only advancing those claims through political means, hed still likely seek their judgement too. Theyre the final authority on constitutional issues and these scenarios require their expertise per their connection to Article 67.2.1. If they hypothetically rule in his favor, the question would then arise about the fate of those living in the Ukrainian-controlled parts of those regions who Putin said have become our citizens, forever. They might rule that those who didnt take part in the referenda, such as the residents of Zaporozhye city, arent Russian citizens. Those that did but then fell under Ukrainian control, such as the residents of Kherson city, might be deemed citizens who could move to Russia if Ukraine lets them as part of a deal. To remind the reader, no Russian officials at the time of this analysis publication have lent any credence whatsoever to Witkoffs claim that Russia made some concessions on territorial issues, so it remains solely a hypothetical scenario for now. Even so, Putin might hypothetically conclude that such moderation is the best way to advance Russias national interests in the current context (such as part of a grand compromise), in which case the Constitutional Court would likely have to rule on its legality. Armored knights vanished when gunpowder weapons made them ineffective, and cavalry vanished when motorized transport and tanks arrived on the battlefield. I believe infantry will likely be the next category of warriors to disappear. History shows that survival, cost-effectiveness, and competitive advantage dictate military force compositionnot tradition. The lessons are clear: when a combat role becomes too costly and too vulnerable compared to alternatives, it disappears. I will explain why trends in battery technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence are converging toward a point where humans will not be able to survive in front line combat. In their place, armies of robotic combatants will clash on future battlefields, and their deadly potential will alter geopolitics, for good or ill. Human Frailty The human soldier has many drawbacks. He or she is difficult to train, costly to maintain in peacetime, and difficult to sustain on the battlefield. Soldiers vary in health, strength, intelligence, and motivation. They can be defeated by exhaustion, mismanagement, or panic. Desertion, mutiny, and war crimes may occur among demoralized or undisciplined troops. When engaged in combat, soldiers require sleep, food, water, ammunition, fuel, and medical care. Because of psychological stress, they must be rotated out of the front line periodically to avoid becoming psychiatric casualties. Armies have evolved methods and doctrines for managing large groups of soldiers to offset these weaknesses, but the underlying problems remain. Machine Advantages The advantage of robotic soldiers over human infantry are numerous. Consider the basic logistics of sustaining a soldier in combat. A robotic system that needs no sleep, food, or water has obvious advantages over a human soldier. Broadening the comparison to encompass training, medical care, and retirement benefits makes the comparative advantage overwhelming for robotic soldiers. The Technological Drivers of Change 1. Battery Energy Density The main obstacle to the large-scale deployment of ground-based military drones is battery energy density. A mid-size autonomous ground combatant, such as a tracked or wheeled platform with armor and integrated weapons, would require roughly 58 kW of continuous power for mobility, targeting sensors, and onboard computing, plus bursts of 1520 kW for sprinting, climbing, or active weapon use. Baseline endurance target: 24 hours of intermittent movement and combat readiness (50% duty cycle). Energy requirement: 6080 kWh total stored energy. Battery density requirement: Assuming a 1,000 kg combatant with 2025% of mass allocated to energy storage, the battery pack must deliver 300400 Wh/kg to sustain 24-hour operation without resupply. Current status (2025): Commercial lithium-ion: ~250280 Wh/kg (Tesla 4680-class cells). Military-grade Li-ion/Li-poly packs: ~260300 Wh/kg. Lab prototypes (Li-metal / solid-state): 400+ Wh/kg demonstrated in small cells. Trendline projection: Historical gain: ~57% per year in practical fielded densities. Threshold for 24-hour autonomous combat operations (350 Wh/kg) likely to be met in 20282030 for production-grade packs. At that point, a fully autonomous mid-weight robotic combatant will be able to maneuver and fight for an entire operational day without human resupplyremoving one of the last logistical advantages of human infantry. Humanoid or quadruped combat robots would have greater energy density requirements to attain a 24 hour operational capability without power recharge/replacement, but technology projections indicate that this level of battery power density will be attained within the next two decades. Enormous investments in battery technology are being made worldwide by the auto industry, and their technology advances will be exploited by robotic arms makers. 2. Autonomous Robotic Systems Miniaturized actuators, lightweight materials, and adaptive AI will enable agile, stealthy, and precision-capable war machines. These systems will increasingly operate in swarms, with distributed lethality enabled by tactical coordination. The electro-mechanical problems have already been solved for a variety of combat robot types, and the necessary machine vision and combat mission software is well within the current AI state of the art. Thus many of the technical prerequisites for robotic soldiers are in place. Based on the emergence of aerial drones as a significant battlefield presence in the Ukraine war, military establishments worldwide are pouring resources into research and development of robotic combat systems. 3. Weapons Lethality and Precision The proliferation of relatively cheap, high-accuracy drones, loitering munitions, and autonomous targeting systems will create an environment where battlefield survival time for a human combatant approaches zero. Sensor fusion and persistent surveillance ensure that once detected, targets can be engaged almost immediately by robotic systems. There is no vehicle or body armor that is immune to drone-delivered explosives, and even the most robust fortifications can be shattered or overwhelmed by a robotic attack. A decisive advantage is the kamikaze potential: autonomous units can function as sacrificial precision munitions at any moment, forcing adversaries to treat every robotic presence as an immediate threat. There will be nowhere to hide for human combatants, and small chances of surviving robotic precision strikes. The Shape of Soldiers to Come The synthetic evolution of robotic warriors will likely result in a variety of species, some airborne, some land-bound, and some with multiple mobility modes. Armament will range from conventional guns and missiles to non-lethal incapacitating weapons. Self-destruct capability will be a common feature for providing a kamikaze option. The main evolutionary branches will be aerial and ground-based, just as in the animal kingdom. Flying drones will excel at reconnaissance and distant strike tasks. Wheeled, tracked, bipedal, or quadruped drones will likely handle ground transport and logistics work, positional defense, and direct assaults. There may also be hybrid robotic combatants, such as vehicles that can carry and launch aerial drones. In parallel with the physical evolution of combat drones, there will be an evolution of drone intelligence as it moves up the gradient of capability from basic tasks, to tactical coordination, to strategic decision making. The Battlefield of the Near Future Future battlefields will be hostile to human presencepersistent surveillance, omnipresent drones, and automated fire control will make concealment and evasion nearly impossible. Many robotic units will have the capability to act as a munition, making retreating or damaged robots dangerous until neutralized. Human infantry will find survival, let alone effectiveness, increasingly untenable. The tempo of combat will increase beyond current norms because robotic soldiers will operate around the clock, pausing only briefly for battery replacement or recharging. Tactical decision making will be done in milliseconds, and combat engagements are likely to be short, intense, and decisive. As unmanned combat systems become increasingly capable of tactical and strategic decision making, the high speed of their information processing raises the possibility of runaway escalation of conflicts originating in accidental or erroneous initial fighting. The design of safety mechanisms and escalation circuit breakers will be a critically important task for future developers and operators of autonomous military combatants. The condition of civilians in war zones where robotic systems are active is a matter of great concern. There is no body of international law governing the actions of robotic soldiers toward civilians. Existing laws, such as the Geneva Conventions, will require modification to govern autonomous weapons and assign responsibility to those who operate them. Irregular warfare, such as guerrilla or partisan resistance will pose just as difficult a problem for robotic troops as it has for human soldiers. How will they decide if a civilian is a threat, and who will be accountable if the wrong decision is made? Armed forces will restructure to integrate robotic maneuver brigades, autonomous patrol and denial zones, and remote human command roles. Kamikaze-enabled doctrine will favor attrition by material depletion rather than personnel loss. Logistics will prioritize energy and parts supply over food and medical evacuation. Although many near term changes can be foreseen, the secondary and tertiary effects of drone-based armed forces are difficult to predict. The replacement of human infantry with robotic combatants will have far-reaching geopolitical consequences. I will describe some possible outcomes in both negative and positive categories. Consequences That Could Increase the Likelihood of Warfare Lowering Political Cost of War Politicians would face minimal domestic backlash when combat deaths are limited to machines, making the initiation of military action more palatable. Wars over marginal interests may become more common, with a higher risk of miscalculation and dangerous escalation. Acceleration of Proxy Warfare States can supply allied factions with robotic units without committing troops, expanding the frequency and scope of proxy conflicts. These wars would become proving grounds for new autonomous systems. Collapse of Small-State Deterrence Mass production of robotic soldiers by wealthy states undermines poorer states ability to deter aggression, increasing their vulnerability to coercion or invasion. Strategic Re-weighting Toward Industrial Capacity Military power increasingly depends on the ability to produce and maintain autonomous forces, shifting global influence toward nations with advanced manufacturing and critical resource control. Erosion of International Law Norms Existing laws of armed conflict are poorly suited to regulating autonomous warfare, leading to greater ambiguity in proportionality, combatant status, and civilian protection. Proliferation and Insurgent Adaptation Non-state actors acquire stolen or black-market autonomous units, adapting them for asymmetric attacks and terrorism. Shifts in Alliance Dynamics Alliances redefine military contributions in terms of robotic units rather than troop numbers, creating new coalitions and potential trust issues over proprietary technologies. Consequences That Could Decrease the Likelihood of Warfare Strategic Deterrence Through Overmatch If major powers field highly capable robotic forces, the prohibitive cost of invasion may deter open conflict, much like nuclear deterrence in the Cold War. Economic Interdependence of Robotics Supply Chains The globalized nature of robotic systems manufacturing creates mutual dependency; war would disrupt both sides capabilities, discouraging escalation. Deterrence via Escalation Risk Autonomous systems with persistent surveillance remove plausible deniability for border violations, deterring provocations. Danger of uncontrolled escalation raises risks of armed confrontation. Shift to Non-Kinetic Competition The dominance of robotic forces reduces the strategic payoff of kinetic war, shifting competition toward cyber, electronic, and economic domains. Conclusion The displacement of human infantry by robotic combatants is not a distant hypotheticalit is an emerging military reality shaped by predictable technological and economic trends. The consequences will vary widely depending on how states integrate these systems into doctrine, how military alliances adapt, and how international law evolves to address robotic systems in warfare. While the transformation carries significant geopolitical risks, it also presents possibilities that could stabilize relations among states. In any event, the future fate of human foot soldiers will be what was described in a farewell speech by General MacArthur: they will just fade away. Yves here. Were featuring this post more as a critical thinking exercise rather than for the findings of the study posted below, although they are also of interest. As youll see, a study performed using 2000 to 2005 data in Germany found that workers whod lost their jobs didnt fare as bad as average outcomes suggested, since some were hit hard, while 25% had reached higher of pay in five years. To which I say Huh? First, even the relatively advantaged 25% would often suffered loss of income and presumably relative savings over the part if not all of the five year period. To reach better conclusions, youd need to estimate lifetime earnings and see if they had prospects of coming out net ahead, based on the period of no/lower income and to what degree the later, higher earnings more than compensated for that. Second, 25% better off still confirms a grim picture, that 75% were worse off on a long-term basis. Third, the study time frame happened to occur during a period of strong growth in Germany. From the World Bank: Fourth, German collective bargaining representation has fallen since 2000, which generally suggests a weakening of labor rights (readers who have more knowledge of the situation in Germany are encouraged to speak up; a quick search was not terribly informative). A European Union Trade Council report in 2020 found that the percentage of German workers covered by collective bargaining agreements had fallen by 14% to 54%, below the EU average of 61%. So Germany is far from the worker paradise that some assume it to be. The EU states with much higher collective bargaining levels: Denmark, Finland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Italy, Austria, Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Sweden. Austria leads the pack at 98%. Mind you, what bothers me is not the findings (the findings are the findings, after all) but the spin, staring with the dishonest labeling of job loss as job displacement. Job displacement connotes that all of those fired eventually find new employment, when some never do, or at least not at any kind of reliable work. In addition, its one thing to say, Earlier information on this topic might not be as terrible as it appeared as opposed to the shading taken here, that unevenly distributed long-term results from job loss means they are not a biggie. Arguably less bad is still bad. An example of what I mean: Interestingly, both groups exhibit similar overall mobility changing industries, occupations, and regions multiple times but adjusters make decisive moves immediately after displacement, while casualties experience delayed and unstable transitions. So it is entirely the workers fault if they do not land well. The authors posture is that the laggards had not acted decisively enough. Now admittedly, there likely were some job losers who were shocked and arguably took more time than was optimal before getting serious about securing new employment. But from observing some unceremonious exits, how fast one lands is to a significant degree a function of luck and the utility of ones personal networks. By Eric Hanushek, Paul and Jean Hanna Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution Stanford University; Simon Janssen, Senior Researcher German Institute for Employment Research (IAB), and Jacob D Light. Originally published at VoxEU Decades of research have confirmed that job displacement causes significant and persistent earnings losses. This column presents new evidence from workers displaced during firm closures in West Germany between 2000 and 2005 which suggests that these losses are in fact much more heterogeneous than previously documented, and that the large average losses documented in previous work are heavily influenced by a minority of workers who experience catastrophic earnings declines. A recurrent and urgent policy debate revolves around the long-term consequences workers face after job displacement events like firm closures or mass layoffs. Historically, studies have shown that such displacements trigger substantial and persistent earnings losses for affected workers. An extensive literature dating back to Jacobson et al. (1993) and including influential recent studies by Davis and von Wachter (2011) for the U.S. and Schmieder et al. (2023) for Germany documents persistent earnings losses of 15-25% following displacement, with older and less-educated workers disproportionately affected. Much of this literature, however, has concentrated on average effects within and across groups of different workers, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of the distribution and heterogeneity of these losses among workers. In a recent paper (Hanushek et al. 2025), we use new empirical methods and comprehensive administrative data from Germany to characterise the full distribution of displaced workers earnings losses. Our findings suggest that the conventional narrative about displacement centred on average losses obscures significant differences in how workers adjust after losing their jobs and masks the fact that roughly a quarter of displaced workers come out ahead after five years. The Skewed Distribution of Earnings Losses We examine workers displaced from all firm closures in West Germany between 2000 and 2005. Our analysis employs a novel combination of matching and synthetic control methods at the individual worker level, which enables us to capture the full distribution of displacement losses rather than just average effects. Our central finding is that the distribution of earnings losses is highly skewed, meaning that focusing solely on average outcomes gives an incomplete and potentially misleading view of workers actual experiences. The large average losses documented in previous work are heavily influenced by a minority of workers who experience catastrophic earnings declines. In fact, the modal workers cumulative earnings loss over five years amounts to just three months of pre-closure earnings a significant but manageable reduction. A relatively large number of displaced workers earn even more than comparable non-displaced workers following displacement. This finding is consistent with Farbers (2017) finding that many displaced US workers quickly secure better-paying jobs. Figure 1 illustrates the point graphically; the dots plot mean earnings differences between displaced and a comparable group of non-displaced workers in the years before and after the displacement, while the grey/red shaded regions plot the full distributions. While the dots demonstrate a steep and persistent decline in earnings for the average displaced worker, the distribution of these losses is quite wide. Large losses are concentrated among a relatively small number of workers and many workers experience little disruption, or even earn more than would have been expected absent the displacement. Figure 1 Distribution of relative earnings losses after firm closure Notes: The figure displays the distribution of displaced workers earnings losses throughout a period of five years before until five years after a firm closure. The earnings losses are measured relative to the individual workers average earnings in the three years before the displacement. The dots represent the mean earnings losses for each period. The shaded areas represent the distribution of the displaced workers earnings loss estimates. Source: IEB. Limited Predictive Power of Observable Characteristics Previous studies document differences in displacement effects for workers from different demographic groups older workers, women, and those with lower educational attainment typically suffer larger average losses. This literature also highlights the loss of firm-specific wage premia as a primary driver of losses following displacement (e.g. Lachowska et al. 2020). Our findings align with these average patterns but also highlight their limited explanatory power: observable worker and firm characteristics explain less than 20% of the total variance in displaced workers earnings losses. Even among displaced workers from the same firm, in identical roles, and with similar demographic characteristics, we find strikingly divergent outcomes. Some quickly transition to new employment with stable or even improved wages, while others face protracted unemployment or severe wage penalties. This within-group heterogeneity poses challenges for policymakers designing unemployment assistance programmes, as targeting based on worker or firm characteristics alone may fail to direct resources to those who most need them. Instead, ex ante unobservable factors and luck seem to drive a substantial portion of the heterogeneity in workers post-displacement outcomes. Distinguishing Adjusters From Casualties To further illustrate the heterogeneity in displacement outcomes, we classify workers into two groups based on the severity of their losses: adjusters (lowest quartile of losses) and casualties (highest quartile of losses). Although these groups are similar demographically, their post-displacement labour market trajectories differ profoundly. Adjusters react quickly. They switch occupations, industries, and even regions immediately after displacement. Adjusters stabilize quickly in these new positions and typically regain or exceed their pre-displacement wage levels within five years. In contrast, casualties struggle to regain stable employment, experiencing prolonged unemployment and unstable, low-paying jobs. Figure 2 documents this divergence across a variety of different margins of adjustment: Figure 2 Fraction of workers who switch firm, industry, occupation, and region after firm closure Notes: The figure compares the frequency of different margins of response to firm closure for Adjusters and Casualties around firm closures (time = 0). All changes are conditional on being employed during that year. The boxes in the upper-left corner summarize the average cumulative number of changes during the five-year period post-displacement for each group. Source: IEB. Interestingly, both groups exhibit similar overall mobility changing industries, occupations, and regions multiple times but adjusters make decisive moves immediately after displacement, while casualties experience delayed and unstable transitions. This finding echoes recent research by Fallick et al. (2025), who emphasise the role of extended unemployment spells in exacerbating displacement losses. Consistent with work by Minaya et al. (2023), we do not see large numbers of workers pursuing continuing education as a means of adjusting to the displacement. The effect of firm-specific factors is also nuanced. Casualties go to lower paying firms and receive wages significantly below average in these firms. Adjusters go to slightly higher paying firms but then see wages significantly above the average worker in these firms. Conclusion Decades of research have confirmed that job displacement causes significant and persistent earnings losses. However, our new evidence suggests these losses are much more heterogeneous than previously documented. By focusing on average effects, researchers and policymakers may miss the substantial variation in displacement experiences among observably similar workers. Navigating a layoff involves personal circumstance, resilience, and luck. These unpredictable factors complicate the design of effective assistance programmes, as it remains difficult to anticipate who will adjust successfully and who will endure lasting disruption. See original post for references The Chat Control law threatens to transform the Internet into an even more centrally controlled, surveilled environment. And it could be a legal reality by October. Regular readers are by now familiar with the EUs Digital Services Act (DSA), which we have covered on several occasions since July 2023. For those who arent, a quick primer: the DSA imposes a legal requirement on very large online platforms (VLOPs), and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) to take prompt action against illegal content hosted on their platforms, either by removing it, blocking it, or providing certain information to the authorities concerned. VLOPs and VLOSEs are also required to take action against risks that extend beyond illegal content, including vague threats to civic discourse, electoral processes and public health. It is down to the Commission or national authorities to define what those threats might entail. This is where the EUs mass censorship regime began to take form. The overarching goal of the DSA is to combat i.e., suppress mis- and disinformation online, not just in Europe but potentially across the world. It is part of a broader trend of Western governments and UN institutions pushing to censor information on the Internet as they gradually lose control over key narrative threads. Platforms that fall foul of the Act face potentially ruinous fines of up to 6% of their global annual turnover. As such, its probably safe to assume that they err on the side of caution, deleting content that could be considered harmful, even when it is entirely lawful. So begins the slippery slope of systemic online censorship. As retired German judge Manfred Kolsch warned in an op-ed in Berliner Zeitung, the DSA not only poses an existential threat to the freedom of speech in Europe, it contravenes many of the EUs own laws on freedom of expression and information: A careful look behind the facade of the rule of law reveals that the DSA knowingly undermines the right to freedom of expression and information guaranteed by Article 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Article 5 of the Basic Law (Germanys written constitution, agreed by the allies back in 1949 when the first post-war government was established in West Germany). The text of Article 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights reads as follows: Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. As we warned back in 2023, the reverberations of the DSA are likely to extend far beyond the EUs borders and could even go global, much like its predecessor, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Those concerns were echoed by a report released in January by the US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, which singled out the DSA as a foreign censorship threat. From Politico: [The report] includes non-public information about how the European Commission and national authorities implement the rules, including confidential information from EU workshops, emails between the EU executive and companies, content takedown requests in France, Germany and Poland and readouts from Commission meetings with tech firms. On paper, the DSA is bad. In practice, it is even worse, the report said. European censors at the Commission and EU countries target core political speech that is neither harmful nor illegal, attempting to stifle debate on topics such as immigration and the environment, it said. Their censorship is largely one-sided against conservatives, it added. This assertion is supported by recent claims from Telegram founder Pavel Durov that French intelligence officials approached him earlier this year with requests to censor pro-conservative content ahead of the May 2025 Romanian election, a request he says he refused. As Le Monde notes, Durov hasnt provided any evidence to support these claims. However, given the lengths to which the EU went to meddle in the Romanian election, they are hardly far-fetched. Interestingly, diplomatic wrangling over the DSAs wording is one of a number of ongoing issues holding up a trade statement formalising last months trade deal the EU and US. According to the FT, the EU is trying to prevent the US from targeting the blocs landmark digital rules as the two sides wrangle over the final details of a delayed statement: EU officials said disagreements over language relating to non-tariff barriers which the US has previously said includes the blocs ambitious digital rules are among reasons for the hold-up of the joint statement. It was originally expected days after European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump announced a tariff agreement on July 27 in Scotland. Two EU officials said the US wanted to keep the door open for possible concessions on the blocs Digital Services Act, which forces Big Tech companies to police their platforms more aggressively. The commission has said that relaxing these rules is a red line. Chat Control In the meantime, Brussels is pushing hard on another front: its so-called Regulation to Prevent and Combat Child Sexual Abuse. Dubbed the Chat Control law, the proposal seeks to curb the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online. While this is a commendable goal, the way the EU is going about it not only threatens fundamental rights and protections for everyone; it risks transforming the Internet into an even more centrally controlled, surveilled environment. In its current form, the Chat Control law effectively mandates the scanning of private communications, including those currently protected by end-to-end encryption. If enacted, messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram, would have to scan every message, photo and video sent by users, even when encrypted, starting in October. As Brussels Signal notes, the mechanism at the heart of the proposal is called client-side scanning, and Denmarks rotating six-month presidency of the EU council is determined to push it through indeed the resubmission of the Chat Control legislation, first proposed in 2022, was the presidencys very first formal step upon its assumption of duties in July: Through [client-side scanning], content is analysed on a users device before encryption. What this means, for the less tech-savvy reader, is opening a permanent backdoor that bypasses the privacy guarantees of secure communication. This would be like having the state read your letters before you seal the envelope, and would subject every EU citizens private messages to automated scrutiny. East German readers may find such Stasiesque instruments familiar; most wouldnt want them making a grand comeback, either in Germany or elsewhere. Unfortunately, instead of reading the room and studying alternative, milder versions of the legislation, (Danish prime minister Mette) Frederiksen has instead chosen to double down on this major political and historical mistake. As many as 19 EU states now apparently back the proposal. Germany remains uncommitted for the moment, but will likely be pivotal. Indeed, if Berlin joins the yes camp, a qualified majority voterequiring 15 states representing 65 per cent of the EU populationcould see the law passed by mid-October. The Danish presidency is driving this process through Council working groups, with its objective being to finalise positions by September 12, 2025. The only step that would then be missing is the final vote in October. The downsides of the EUs Chat Control are self-obvious, notes the Brussels Signal article, and should suffice to prompt a sound rejection by European nations, which obviously isnt happening: Once it is in place, the systems scope could expand beyond CSAM to virtually any other content, be it political dissentsurely a reasonable concern when, in Britain, Starmer is hard at work forbidding your VPN, Frances leading presidential candidate was barred from running in the next election or, in Germany, almost 10,000 are being charged every year for sharing politically incorrect memes and jokes online. Indeed, even as the Eurocrats are trying to snoop into your online conversations, Brussels is also pushing for aggressive content moderation under the Digital Services Act. So the downsides are self-obvious, and should by themselves illustrate why this legislation should be soundly rejected by European nations. How about its advantages? Theyre way less clear. A year ago, Europol noted in a report that sophisticated criminals often use secretive, unregulated platforms, rendering mass scanning ineffective against the intended targets while burdening ordinary citizens with the full weight of a repressive Leviathan. Confidentiality-focused platforms like Signal have threatened to exit the EU market rather than comply. So they should, but what that will do is harm Europes digital economy while pushing users to less secure alternatives. The EU's "Chat Control" proposal is horrifying. There's no way to implement this safely. It will destroy private communications online entirely. If you're in the EU, please fight this. pic.twitter.com/VVQtdC6p6e Theo t3.gg (@theo) August 11, 2025 The UKs experience so far with the Online Safety Acts age verification rules offers a foretaste of how much chaos can by generated by government crackdowns on online access and speech. One of the most notable impacts so far has been a proliferation of work-arounds, including VPNs and other inventive ways of bypassing age verification systems. As the Keir Starmer government is slowly learning, trying to restrict peoples access to the Internet is a game of whack-a-mole and one that the government appears destined to lose. In the meantime, the OSA appears to have sparked a new wave of mass civil disobedience, particularly among young, tech-savvy users: This is what happens when Western authoritarians attempt to assert regulatory, centralised dominance with 'protect the children' You cannot age verify & control the entire internet. https://t.co/63aIM29OjK STOPCOMMONPASS (@org_scp) August 17, 2025 A Masterclass of Unintended Consequences As the Centre for European Policy Analysis notes, the unintended consequences are rapidly mounting: By sending minors tunnelling through VPNs, the UK law may have inadvertently exposed them to riskier, less regulated online spaces. Many free VPN services are not privacy shields at all, but data harvesting tools that sell users information to unknown operators overseas. In trying to wall-off harmful content, governments may be nudging minors into darker, less-regulated corners of the internet. The restrictions have also placed further strain on the UKs special relationship with the US, which is determined to protect the financial interests of its largest companies, while opening up a Pandoras Box of legal complications. Even the BBC has reported that platforms are escalating their censorship of content as a result of the OSA, particularly on sensitive issues such as Israels genocide in Gaza and the war in Ukraine. NEW: The BBC is now reporting that information about the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, UK rape gangs, and more is being censored online due to the governments new Online Safety Act. WELL DONE LADS pic.twitter.com/DnSyAxd1wx Silkie Carlo (@silkiecarlo) August 1, 2025 Newsweek has described the Online Safety Act as a masterclass in unintended consequences and symbolic rulemaking: When U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently told President Donald Trump, Weve had free speech for a long time, so, er, we are very proud of that, one had to wonderwhat exactly is he proud of? Is he referring to the 30 people a day his government arrests for posting offensive things online? Or perhaps he is proud of the fact that his government was threatening Americans with criminal charges for not complying with his governments Online Safety Act? And while the OSA was done under the guise of protecting kids online, the government is also inexplicably engaged in a Streisand effect moment, with its agency announcing it was investigating four companies operating 34 pornographic websites. Essentially, by calling it out, the regulator told minors where they can go to access pornographic content without the need to utilize age verification Britons are pushing back with a petition to repeal the law, which has already gathered over 450,000 signatures (NC: it now has over 500,000). American lawmakers would be wise to pay attention and avoid making the same mistakes in Congress. We can protect children without sacrificing the foundational principles of a free and open internet. Trojan Horse Since the implementation of the OSAs age verification rules roughly a month ago, all UK internet users only have access to a childproofed version of the web unless were willing to undergo intrusive age verification processes, says Rebecca Vincent of the digital rights group Big Brother Watch. Or, of course, use work arounds. This is a key point: as weve been warning since November last year, online age verification is the Trojan Horse for the mass adoption of digital identity systems, which very quietly became a legal reality in March, 2024. With the enactment of the OSA, everyone must submit to an online passport check in order to access social media and other large user-to-user services, which the bill refers to as Category 1 services. Facial recognition technologies are also being used despite their myriad flaws. Once we sign up for these verification processes our access to content will be increasingly controlled, warns the tech writer Tim Hinchliffe, citing the UK governments own explainer of the OSA: Adult users of such [Category 1] services will be able to verify their identity and access tools which enable them to reduce the likelihood that they see content from non-verified users and prevent non-verified users from interacting with their content. This will help stop anonymous trolls from contacting them. The EUs Chat Control Legislation poses similar dangers. The Fight Chat Control website highlights six potential risks, intended or otherwise: Mass Surveillance . Every private message, photo, and file scanned automatically: no suspicion required, no exceptions (apart from for EU politicians, who demand privacy for themselves), even encrypted communications. . Every private message, photo, and file scanned automatically: no suspicion required, no exceptions (apart from for EU politicians, who demand privacy for themselves), even encrypted communications. Breaking Encryption . Weakening or breaking end-to-end encryption exposes everyones communicationsincluding sensitive financial, medical, and private datato hackers, criminals, and hostile actors. . Weakening or breaking end-to-end encryption exposes everyones communicationsincluding sensitive financial, medical, and private datato hackers, criminals, and hostile actors. Fundamental Rights . Undermines your fundamental rights to privacy and data protection, as guaranteed by Articles 7 and 8 of the EU Charterrights considered core to European democratic values. . Undermines your fundamental rights to privacy and data protection, as guaranteed by Articles 7 and 8 of the EU Charterrights considered core to European democratic values. False Positives . Automated scanners routinely misidentify innocent content, such as vacation photos or private jokes, as illegal, putting ordinary people at risk of false accusations and damaging investigations. . Automated scanners routinely misidentify innocent content, such as vacation photos or private jokes, as illegal, putting ordinary people at risk of false accusations and damaging investigations. Ineffective Child Protection . Child protection experts and organisations, including the UN, warn that mass surveillance fails to prevent abuse and actually makes children less safeby weakening security for everyone and diverting resources from proven protective measures. . Child protection experts and organisations, including the UN, warn that mass surveillance fails to prevent abuse and actually makes children less safeby weakening security for everyone and diverting resources from proven protective measures. Global Precedent. Creates a dangerous global precedent enabling authoritarian governments, citing EU policy, to roll out intrusive surveillance at home, undermining privacy and free expression worldwide. This is another key point and it is one that was raised by Meredith Whitaker, the CEO of the Signal encrypted messaging app, in discussions regarding the UKs Online Safety Act a couple of years ago. Whitaker warned that the UKs implementation of the OSA would be seen as a precedent by more repressive regimes to double down on their own Internet surveillance and censorship activities. In the words of the UN Human Rights Commissioner, the trend is unprecedented and paradigm shifting: The Online Safety Act's age verification rules are just the tip of the iceberg. Far more alarming is clause 111, which mandates that platforms implement backdoors and spyware upon request, gutting end-to-end encryption and eviscerating privacy.@mer__edith, CEO at Signal, https://t.co/SSY3vHsyPm pic.twitter.com/DNTx9Fd19d Henry Palmer (@HenryJPalmer) July 27, 2025 This also explains why the current direction of travel is so dangerous: it is occurring at a global level. The online safety act didnt happen in the UK in isolation. Remember its not a coincidence. The head of Ofcom, Melanie Dawes, is a key member of WEFs Global Coalition for Digital Safety, also pushing governments to censor anything labelled misinformation or harm. The UK, pic.twitter.com/IM9GE2U1pa Bernie (@Artemisfornow) July 30, 2025 While protecting the children serves as a handy pretext for remodelling the Internet, the real driving motivation for regulations like the OSA and the EUs Chat Control is, well, control not just for children but for everyone. As Juliet Samuel reports in the Times of London, UK officials even admitted in a recent high court case that [the OSA] is not primarily aimed at the protection of children, but is about regulating services that have a significant influence over public discourse, a phrase that rather gives away the political thinking behind the act. Earlier this year, Scene contributor Cameron Beyrent waxed poetic about the magic of the now-shuttered Cafe Coco. Finally, this week, the Rock Block space that once housed Cafe Coco is reopening. Co-owners Beau Gaultier and Connor Bloem and executive chef Daniel Gorman hope to create some magic of their own in the beloved spot. +2 The Elusive Magic of Cafe Coco Remembering the Rock Blocks all-night place of belonging, gone but not forgotten After a few weeks of a soft launch, plans are (finally) in the works for a grand opening of Verna Cafe and Bar and Connies, the two connected businesses in the old Cafe Coco space, for Sept. 5. Verna Cafe is an all-day cafe and bar, while Connies is Gaultier and Bloems take on a new dive bar. Vernas will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. (to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays), after Sept. 5. Connies is open Wednesday through Monday, 3 p.m. to midnight (until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). Gaultier, who many locals know for his work at the now-shuttered Bay 6 in The Wash, is passionate about creating food and drink that are beyond the ordinary in a welcoming, pretense-free space. On the menu are three Baby Cakes, which Gaultier describes as a cross between a pancake and a muffin, baked in molds with gluten-free flour. Its a dainty but substantial house pastry, with varieties ranging from the sweet (banana rum) to the not-so-sweet (matcha) to the offbeat (miso cake). There are egg sandwiches and chia pudding and, of course, a long list of drinks. Gaultier applied his mixology ethos to the coffee and latte drinks, originally presenting a challenge for his experienced baristas. They prevailed and came up with a banana pudding latte that became a quick best-seller during the soft opening. Im the Problem is a matcha made with cornbread milk (made from cornbread crumbs baked for other dishes). Connies has a curated hot dog menu, Gaultier explains, plus negronis, old fashioneds and a few frozen drinks. Some of the menu dishes were inspired by a period a couple winters ago when business at Bay 6 was slow, so the team started offering pop-ups with Cajun onigiri. They combined the Cajun cooking of Gaultiers upbringing with Japanese bites. We started realizing how much crossover there is between the two cuisines, because it's seafood and rice and thats peasant cuisine, he says. A hallway connects the two businesses, and Gaultier hopes people will flow back and forth. When I go out for drinks, I want one nice cocktail, and then I want to switch. That's the hope for us, that people come in for the happy hour drink and then one nice cocktail, and they kind of mosey over to Connies for one more beer. Vernas is named in part for the spring equinox and the way in which they hope to have a terroir-driven experience, and also his grandmother. Connies is Bloems derivative of Gaultiers nickname for Bloem, which has stuck. Gaultier and Bloem know there is a lot of love for the old Cafe Coco space, and they feel the responsibility there. Theyre also happy to be updating (for Codes and for themselves), with more ADA accessibility and better bathrooms, among other perks. They hope people will come and hang out, talking to each other instead of logging into a laptop to work. And while Vernas and Connies wont be open 24 hours like Cafe Coco once was, they are available morning, noon and night, serving people for whatever they want, be it hot dogs or baby cakes. Coding boom turns bust: Computer science grads face AI-dominated hiring doldrums A decade of tech-fueled advice led to a 133 percent surge in U.S. computer science majors, now struggling in a job market flooded with AI tools. Rising AI adoption reduces demand for junior developers; some graduates apply to thousands of jobs but find no offers. 7.5 percent unemployment for CS engineers more than double the rate for art history or biology graduates. Companies like Microsoft now funnel resources into A.I. education amid decreased hiring. Graduates shift to sales or policy roles, highlighting a disconnect between education and evolving industry needs. The "learn to code" mantra once promised a golden ticket to six-figure salaries in tech, but a wave of unemployment and disillusionment has replaced that optimism. Recent graduates with computer science degrees, enticed by corporate campaigns and federal initiatives, now confront a market where entry-level roles are shrinking due to AI tools and layoffs, leaving some to seek work at fast-food chains. The National Science Foundation reports that over 170,000 U.S. undergraduates majored in computer science in 2024 more than double the 2014 total. Yet, a Federal Reserve Bank of New York analysis reveals that unemployment among CS engineering graduates reached 7.5 percent in 2025, far exceeding rates for non-tech majors. Manasi Mishra, a 21-year-old Purdue graduate, epitomizes the shift. Despite excelling academically, she joked in a TikTok video that her only tech interview offer came from Chipotle, the burrito chain. Tech promised magic, but reality is bitter, Mishra said, now pivoting to a sales role after months of job rejections. AI tools pinch entry-level opportunities The rise of AI coding platforms like GitHub Copilot and CodeRabbit has catalyzed a seismic shift in tech hiring. These tools can auto-generate code, debug workflows and reduce the need for junior developers. San Francisco billboards now tout A.I. software that debugs faster than humans, underscoring the new reality. Theres a doom loop, said Matthew Martin, an economist with Oxford Economics. Entry-level roles precisely where graduates seek their first jobs are the most vulnerable to automation. Zach Taylor, an Oregon State graduate, applied to 5,762 tech jobs since spring 2023, earning 13 interviews but no offers. Its demoralizing, Taylor admitted. Now relying on unemployment benefits, hes returned to his parents home, building side projects to stay relevant. Even government roles, once seen as a safety net, face hurdles. Jamie Spoeri, a Georgetown graduate, applied to 200 jobs after a National Science Foundation internship yet encountered federal hiring freezes and A.I.-filtered resumes. AI isnt just replacing code its replacing humans in the hiring process, said data scientist Audrey Roller, who faced instant algorithmic rejection. Corporate and government responses: AI training vs. industry realities Leaders are recalibrating education strategies. $4 billion from Microsoft now funds AI-centric training, while the Biden administrations AI action plan repurposes federal dollars to steer students toward machine learning roles. However, critics argue this ignores structural issues like outsourcing and the saturation of A.I. tools. Tracy Camp, director of the Computing Research Association, noted that many universities still lack cutting-edge AI curricula, leaving graduates unprepared for rapid industry shifts. Schools are playing catch-up, she said. Meanwhile, major layoffs at Amazon, Microsoft and Meta triggered by economic uncertainty and automation are compounding the crisis. According to Voronoi data, U.S. software developer job postings peaked in early 2022 before plummeting 33 percent by mid-2025. Student stories: From code to complacency? Despite the setbacks, some graduates are adapting. Mishra, now in sales, credits her TikTok beauty gig with broadening her career vision. I realized I love tech marketing, not coding, she said. Others, like Spoeri, stay hopeful. AI will create new niches, she argued, but cautioned: Were in a transition phase. The psychological toll is acute. Researchers like Jeff Forbes, a former NSF official, warn of disillusionment. Last years grads were fighting for offers. Now, many cant find any job, Forbes said. A new era of tech work or a system in crisis? The collapse of the coding boom narrative reflects a deeper disconnect between education and industry evolution. While AI tools offer efficiency gains, theyve left a generation of tech graduates many of whom followed corporate and government advice struggling to justify their degrees. The solution may lie in blended skills: combining technical expertise with creativity, sales, or policy. As Mishras pivot shows, adaptability remains critical. Yet, resolving systemic issues from outsourcing to uneven A.I. training will require collaboration between academia, tech firms and policymakers to align workforce preparedness with market realities. For now, the once-golden age of computer science has entered a period of reckoning. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com NYTimes.com VisualCapitalist.com Google accused of BIAS in email filtering, with GOP fundraising emails being flagged as spam The Republican National Committee (RNC) and consulting firm Targeted Victory have accused Google of disproportionately flagging Republican fundraising emails as spam, citing evidence that emails with links to the GOP platform WinRed are frequently sent to spam folders, while identical Democratic emails with links to ActBlue are delivered without issue. This pattern has been observed as recently as June and July, affecting a wide range of Republican accounts, including high-profile figures like President Donald Trump and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY). The memo asserts that the difference in treatment is not coincidental. This is not the first time Google has faced such accusations. In 2023, the Federal Election Commission dismissed an RNC complaint about Gmail's spam algorithms being politically biased and a year earlier, a federal judge dismissed a similar lawsuit by the RNC. A 2022 study by North Carolina State University found that Gmail flagged 59 percent more Republican fundraising emails as spam than Democratic ones during the 2020 election. The study concluded that email services' spam filtering algorithms exhibit biases towards different political affiliations. The allegations could have significant implications for political campaigns that rely heavily on email to reach voters. If Gmail is suppressing Republican fundraising emails, it could affect campaign fundraising efforts, prompting calls for transparency and fairness in email filtering practices. In recent months, concerns have intensified over potential bias in tech platforms' treatment of political content. The latest accusations against Google allege that the company's Gmail service is disproportionately flagging Republican fundraising emails as spam, raising questions about fairness and political neutrality in digital communication. In a memo obtained by the New York Post, Republican consulting firm Targeted Victory has raised alarms about Google's email filtering practices. The memo, which was sent to clients and includes video demonstrations, claims that emails containing links to the Republican fundraising platform WinRed are frequently being sent to spam folders. In contrast, identical test emails with links to the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue are delivered without issue. The memo states that this pattern has been observed as recently as June and July, affecting a wide range of Republican accounts, including those of prominent figures like President Donald Trump and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY). "The only difference between the two emails was the link," the memo asserts. "ActBlue delivered. WinRed got flagged. That is not a coincidence." (Related: Trump unveils election integrity push, targets ActBlue amid fraud and foreign influence allegations.) This is not the first time Google has faced accusations of political bias. In 2023, the Federal Election Commission dismissed a complaint from the Republican National Committee (RNC) alleging that Gmail's spam algorithms were politically biased. A year earlier, a federal judge had also dismissed an RNC lawsuit making similar claims. Critics, including Trump, have long accused Google of manipulating search results to disadvantage Republicans. In March, Elon Musk added to the chorus of criticism, claiming on social media that Google had interfered "to help Democrats thousands of times every election season." Google denies wrongdoing, rejects claims of bias Google has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, company spokesman Jose Castaneda said, "Email filter protections are in place to keep our users safe. They look at a variety of signals like whether a user has previously marked an email as spam and apply equally to all senders, regardless of political ideology." However, research has previously identified differences in how email services filter political content. A 2022 study by North Carolina State University found that Gmail flagged 59 percent more Republican fundraising emails as spam than Democratic ones during the lead-up to the 2020 election. The researchers concluded that "the spam filtering algorithms of different email services indeed exhibit biases towards different political affiliations." The memo's findings could fuel new allegations of political bias against Google. The implications are significant for political campaigns, which rely heavily on email to reach voters. If Gmail is indeed suppressing Republican fundraising emails, it could have a tangible impact on campaign fundraising efforts. Targeted Victory's memo concludes with a warning: "This should alarm every campaign and committee that relies on email to connect with voters." The firm urges its clients to monitor their email deliverability closely and consider alternative communication strategies. Visit EvilGoogle.news for more similar stories. Watch the video below that talks about Trump ordering a probe into ActBlue over fraud claims. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: ActBlue under fire: Congressional subpoenas reveal pervasive fraud, foreign election meddling, and money laundering scheme. FUNDING FRAUD: Phoenix woman tells James O'Keefe that ActBlue made 20 separate unauthorized donations in her name to Kamala Harris. ActBlue's "magic mortgage" scandal: How Democrats allegedly laundered millions through phantom lending. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com NYPost.com Brighteon.com THE DISINFORMATION INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX: In the United States, the sick-care pharma shills have downplayed and falsified natural immunity data What developed nations government would want their own people sick and dying? What country would suppress health information that would save millions of people from suffering, including the same people who stand up for the country, fight for freedom and independence, and support the Republic? You guessed it. The beloved U.S. of A. Newly released documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request reveal that senior U.S. health officials mischaracterized early studies on COVID-19 immunity, downplayed evidence supporting natural immunity, and deliberately chose not to update public messaging because they feared it would be too costly. Misrepresentation of Studies: In August 2021, the CDC claimed vaccines offered better protection than prior infection, citing a Kentucky study. However, the study only evaluated vaccination benefits among previously infected individuals not against natural immunity alone. Officials, including Francis Collins and Anthony Fauci, promoted this misleading conclusion publicly. In August 2021, the CDC claimed vaccines offered better protection than prior infection, citing a Kentucky study. However, the study only evaluated vaccination benefits among previously infected individuals not against natural immunity alone. Officials, including Francis Collins and Anthony Fauci, promoted this misleading conclusion publicly. Suppression of Contradictory Evidence: Shortly after, U.S. officials privately acknowledged an Israeli study showing that natural immunity from prior infection provided stronger and longer-lasting protection than vaccination. Despite recognizing its quality and findings, senior officials decided not to update public guidance. Shortly after, U.S. officials privately acknowledged an Israeli study showing that natural immunity from prior infection provided stronger and longer-lasting protection than vaccination. Despite recognizing its quality and findings, senior officials decided not to update public guidance. Internal Acknowledgment vs. Public Messaging: Emails revealed officials, including Collins, Fauci, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, discussed the Israeli studys implications. CDCs John Brooks even praised the study, noting infection-induced immunity could outlast vaccine protection. Still, officials maintained the narrative that vaccines were superior, fearing it was too costly to admit otherwise. Emails revealed officials, including Collins, Fauci, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, discussed the Israeli studys implications. CDCs John Brooks even praised the study, noting infection-induced immunity could outlast vaccine protection. Still, officials maintained the narrative that vaccines were superior, fearing it was too costly to admit otherwise. Erosion of Public Trust: Watchdog group Protect the Publics Trust accused health officials of scientific integrity violations, arguing they knowingly misled the public by burying data favorable to natural immunity. Critics say this deliberate suppression damaged public confidence in health institutions damage that may take decades to repair. Health officials downplayed data on natural immunity, misrepresented study, never updated findings In August 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared that vaccines offered greater protection against COVID-19 than prior infection. The agency based this claim on a Kentucky study but misrepresented its scope. The study had not concluded that vaccination was universally superior to natural immunity. Instead, it found that for people who had already been infected, vaccination could provide additional protection against reinfection. Nonetheless, the CDCs press release framed the findings as evidence that vaccines were broadly more protective, a claim amplified by National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins in a televised interview. Watchdog group Protect the Publics Trust argues that the CDC and Collins misled the public by misrepresenting the Kentucky study and ignoring its limitations. Shortly afterward, internal communications show that officials, including Collins, Anthony Fauci, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, were made aware of an Israeli study with a starkly different conclusion. That study suggested that natural immunity provided stronger and longer-lasting protection against reinfection than two doses of mRNA vaccines. Internal emails show Fauci and Collins recognized the studys robustness, with CDC scientist John Brooks praising its design and analysis. Brooks even admitted that infection-induced immunity might last longer than vaccine-induced immunity, particularly within the first six months. Despite acknowledging these findings privately, officials concluded it would be too costly to change course and risk undermining the push for widespread vaccination. Instead, public messaging remained consistent: Vaccines were said to provide better protection than natural infection. Internal communications reveal that health officials believed acknowledging the Israeli study could discourage vaccination, even if the evidence supported natural immunity as stronger in some cases. Protect the Publics Trust previously filed a scientific integrity complaint in October 2021, accusing the agencies of misrepresenting research and suppressing contradictory data. The groups director, Michael Chamberlain, argued that officials advanced a political narrative at the expense of public trust, noting that they admitted among themselves that infection-induced immunity may have provided better protection, but decided that leveling with the public came at too great a cost. Ultimately, no meaningful updates were made to official messaging. In October 2021, the CDC doubled down, publishing a science brief that dismissed observational studies like Israels and claimed the evidence for natural immunity was limited compared to vaccine data even as its own scientists privately validated the studys credibility. The revelations raise serious concerns about transparency and scientific integrity during the pandemic. By misrepresenting findings and withholding evidence, health officials may have undermined public trust in institutions at a critical moment. Critics argue the long-term damage to credibility could take decades to repair. Bookmark Infections.news to get uncensored health information that Big Pharma, Big Media, and Big Tech do NOT want you to find out about. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com SHTFplan.com JusttheNews.com Putin echoes claim that Russia-Ukraine war wouldnt have happened if Trump were president in 2022 Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the Russia-Ukraine war would not have occurred if Donald Trump had been U.S. president in 2022, criticizing Joe Biden's leadership during a joint press conference with Trump. The two leaders (Putin and Trump) held a three-hour private meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, discussing pathways to end the conflict, though no formal peace deal was announced. Putin endorsed Trump's long-standing assertion that his leadership would have prevented the war, citing their "business-like and trustworthy" relationship. The war erupted in February 2022 amid escalating tensions, including Biden's sanctions on Russia and NATO's support for Ukraine actions Putin warned would trigger severe consequences. The meeting signaled a potential shift in U.S.-Russia relations, with Trump stressing any resolution depends on Kyiv's acceptance, while Putin urged European allies not to obstruct progress. In a striking admission, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated unequivocally that the Russia-Ukraine war would never have begun if U.S. President Donald Trump had been in the White House in 2022 instead of former U.S. President Joe Biden. Putin made this admission during a joint press conference with Trump on Friday, Aug. 15. The press conference followed a three-hour closed-door meeting between the two leaders at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, where the duo discussed pathways to ending the conflict. Putins remarks lend significant credence to Trump's long-standing assertion that his leadership would have prevented the bloodshed. The conflict, which broke out in February 2022 during Biden's term has claimed tens of thousands of lives and reshaped global security. The Russian leader recalled his final diplomatic outreach to the Biden administration in early 2022, warning that escalating tensions risked catastrophic consequences. "I said it quite directly back then it's a big mistake," Putin told reporters. "Today, President Trump is saying that if he was the president back then, there would be no war, and I'm quite sure that it would indeed be so. I can confirm that." Putin criticizes Biden's approach as "adversarial" The Russian president emphasized his past working relationship with Trump as "business-like and trustworthy," while criticizing Biden's approach as adversarial. Trump, who has repeatedly framed the war as a failure of U.S. leadership, echoed Putin's sentiment. "If I were president, this would have never happened," the real estate mogul remarked. "All those dead people, both Russian and Ukrainian they wouldn't be dead today. All those cities that are blown up and disintegrated right to the ground, that wouldn't have happened." (Related: Trump blames Biden, Zelensky for Ukraine conflict, warns of WWIII with Russia.) Historical context underscores the gravity of Putin's statement. The conflict, simmering since Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea under former President Barack Obama, erupted into full-scale war in February 2022. The onset of the war came just weeks after Biden imposed sanctions on Russian banks and halted investment in the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics. Biden's subsequent escalation of economic penalties, coupled with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's military support for Kyiv, prompted Putin to warn of "consequences you have never seen in history." Now, with Trump and Putin signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough, the meeting marks a pivotal moment one that could realign Washington-Moscow relations and reshape the war's trajectory. The Alaska summit Friday yielded no formal peace deal, but both leaders struck an optimistic tone. Putin urged Ukraine and European allies not to "throw a wrench in the works," while Trump cautioned that any resolution hinges on Kyiv's acceptance: "There's no deal until there's a deal." For now, Putin's validation of Trump's foreign policy critique stands as a political lightning rod reinforcing arguments that leadership changes could alter global conflicts. Whether this meeting proves a turning point or mere diplomacy theater remains uncertain. But one thing is undeniable: Putin's words have reignited debate over the war's origins and who bears the blame. Head over to WWIII.news for more similar stories. Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams discussing how the Trump-Putin meeting will affect precious metals and financial markets in this video. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Diplomatic hope amid shadows: The looming Putin-Trump summit and allegations of Ukrainian sabotage. Zelensky's desperate gambit: Sabotaging peace talks to maintain grip on power. Trump: Bidens INCOMPETENCE leading the U.S. to WWIII. Sources include: Breitbart.com TheGatewayPundit.com DailyCaller.com Brighteon.com Senior Israeli official arrested in U.S. on child sex charges Tom Alexandrovich, a senior official at the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), was arrested in Las Vegas on suspicion of online pedophilia as part of a multi-agency operation targeting child sex predators. The operation involved the Nevada Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and the FBI. Alexandrovich was arrested alongside seven other individuals, including David Wonnacott-Yahnke and Jose Alberto Perez-Torres, on felony charges of "Luring a Child with Computer for Sex Act." He was released on $10,000 bail after appearing before a judge, with suspicions of using technology to seduce a mentally ill child for sexual purposes. The INCD confirmed that Alexandrovich was questioned by U.S. authorities but returned to Israel as scheduled. The Directorate stated that he has gone on leave until the matter is clarified, while Israel Police refused to comment, citing their policy on investigating criminal offenses. This incident follows another scandal involving Israel's ambassador to the UAE, Yossi Shelley, who was recalled after complaints of inappropriate conduct. The arrest highlights the ongoing efforts to combat child sex trafficking and the critical role of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational crimes and ensuring the safety of society's most vulnerable members. Tom Alexandrovich, a senior official at the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), was arrested in Las Vegas last week on suspicion of online pedophilia. Alexandrovich, 38, was apprehended as part of a multi-agency operation targeting child sex predators, which has led to the arrest of eight individuals over the past two weeks. The operation, conducted by the Nevada Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, involved the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement agencies. According to LVMPD, Alexandrovich was arrested along with seven other suspects, including David Wonnacott-Yahnke, 40; Jose Alberto Perez-Torres, 35; Aniket Brajeshkumar Sadani, 23; James Ramon Reddick, 23; Ramon Manuel Parra Valenzuela, 29; Neal Harrison Creecy, 46 and John Charles Duncan, 49. All suspects face felony charges of "Luring a Child with Computer for Sex Act" and were booked into local detention centers. The INCD, which is overseen by the Prime Minister's Office, confirmed that Alexandrovich was questioned by U.S. authorities during his trip but stated that he returned to Israel as scheduled. However, Ynet, an Israeli news website, reported that Alexandrovich was arrested and released on $10,000 bail after appearing before a judge. The documents cited by the news outlet indicate that Alexandrovich is suspected of using computer technology to seduce a mentally ill child for sexual purposes. In response to the allegations, INCD issued a statement saying, "The employee informed the Directorate that during his trip to the United States, he was questioned by the U.S. authorities on matters not related to work matters and returned to Israel on the scheduled date of return." The Directorate also stated that it had not yet received additional details through authorized channels and that Alexandrovich had gone on leave until the matter is clarified. Israel Police, however, refused to comment on Alexandrovich's situation, stating, "As a rule, any complaint or information that raises suspicion of committing a criminal offence is examined by the police and where there is a reasonable basis for suspicion that a criminal offence has been committed, an investigation is opened in accordance with each case and its circumstances." Historical context and broader concerns This incident comes on the heels of another scandal involving a senior Israeli official. Last month, Israel's ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Yossi Shelley, was recalled after senior Emirati officials complained of his inappropriate conduct. Shelley, who previously served as director general of the Prime Minister's Office, is known to be close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Reports suggest that Shelley frequented "dubious places" during his time in the UAE and reacted aggressively when security guards attempted to coordinate his visits. The arrest of Alexandrovich and the recall of Shelley raise serious questions about the conduct of Israeli officials abroad and the potential impact on diplomatic relations. They also highlight the need for stricter oversight and accountability mechanisms within the Israeli government. (Related: ICE arrests 214 illegal immigrants charged with child sex crimes in Houston, surpassing full-year 2024 total.) The multi-agency operation that led to Alexandrovich's arrest is part of ongoing efforts to combat child sex trafficking and protect vulnerable children. LVMPD emphasized the importance of parental vigilance, urging parents to discuss the dangers of online interactions with their children and to monitor their social media activity closely. In a press release, the department stated, "We would like to remind parents to discuss with their children the dangers of engaging with strangers online. Parents are encouraged to routinely monitor their children's activity on social media and other online applications to prevent them from becoming victims of a child sex predator." Alexandrovich's arrest is a stark reminder of the pervasive threat of online child exploitation and the critical role of law enforcement in combating it. As this case unfolds, it will be crucial for Israeli authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable. The incident also underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational crimes and protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Watch the video below that talks about child trafficking in 2025. This video is from the mgibsonofficial channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Biden Regime TRAFFICKED CHILDREN while pretending to be helping them with a "Hotline" where they IGNORED 65,000 CALLS. Massive Texas sting nets 244 alleged child predators, rescues 109 children. BOMBSHELL: Government Whistleblower Exposes $347 Million Contract for Trafficking Unaccompanied Minors. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net YNet.co.il LVMPD.com Brighteon.com Turkeys new military cooperation accord with Syria: A step towards stability or further conflict? Turkey and Syria signed a major military agreement, with the former providing weapons, training and logistical support to Syria's army. This marks a big shift after years of tension, especially since Syrias former leader, Bashar al-Assad, was ousted. Turkey, a NATO member, previously supported Syrian rebels and fought Kurdish forces, which it sees as terrorists. This deal signals a possible thaw in relations as Turkey now aims to help stabilize Syria. Assad's regime collapsed quickly in late 2024 due to a rebel offensive led by groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and backed by Turkey. Syria's economy was in ruins since it was heavily dependent on the illegal drug trade, and its military was weakened without enough Russian/Iranian support. While Syrians celebrated Assad's downfall, challenges remain. A new interim government is trying to transition power, but tensions persist, especially with Kurdish-led forces (SDF), which Turkey views as a threat. The Turkey-Syria deal could help rebuild Syria's military, but risks remain, including clashes with Kurdish groups and uncertainty over long-term peace. The world is watching to see if this leads to stability or more conflict. In a significant development, Turkey has announced a new military cooperation agreement with Syria, aiming to provide weapons systems, logistical support and training to the Syrian army. On Aug. 13, Turkey and Syria signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining the framework for their military cooperation. This move, which comes after months of negotiations, marks a pivotal shift in the relationship between the two nations, particularly in the aftermath of the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The agreement, which was finalized after meetings between Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler, Syria's Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and intelligence chiefs, aims to enhance coordination, military training and the sharing of consultancy, information and experience. Additionally, the accord focuses on the procurement of military equipment, weapon systems and logistical materials, with Turkey offering to train Syrian forces in their use if necessary. This development follows a period of strained relations and mutual distrust. Turkey, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has been a key player in the Syrian conflict. Ankara has supported various opposition groups and conducted military operations against Kurdish forces, which it considers to be terrorists. The new accord signals a potential thaw in these tensions, as Turkey seeks to play a more constructive role in stabilizing Syria. The ousting of Bashar al-Assad: A rapid collapse The recent ousting of President Bashar al-Assad marks a dramatic turn of events in Syria's long-running conflict. The former president's fall from power was swift and unexpected, culminating in his flight from Damascus as opposition forces surged into the capital. The catalyst for this change was a major offensive launched by a coalition of opposition groups on Nov. 27, 2024. Known as Operation Deterrence of Aggression, the offensive was spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and supported by Turkish-backed factions. HTS, led by Abu Mohammed al-Julani, is a well-organized group that has controlled the Idlib governorate for years. Other groups like the National Front for Liberation, Ahrar al-Sham, Jaish al-Izza and the Nour al-Din al-Zenki Movement also participated in the operation, alongside Turkish-backed factions under the Syrian National Army umbrella. The rapid collapse of the al-Assad regime can be attributed to several factors. Economically, Syria was in dire straits, with its economy heavily reliant on the illicit trade of the drug Captagon. The population, including soldiers, faced immense hardship, leading to widespread discontent and desertion. Reports indicated that many soldiers and police officers abandoned their posts, surrendered their weapons and fled as opposition forces advanced. Militarily, the al-Assad regime had been weakened over the years, heavily dependent on Russian and Iranian support. However, Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine and Iran's and Hezbollah's setbacks from Israeli attacks meant that these allies were unable to provide the necessary support to prop up the faltering Syrian army. (Related: Trump lifts U.S. sanctions on Syria, citing push for stability and peace.) The announcement of al-Assad's departure was met with jubilation in cities like Damascus and Homs. Opposition fighters fired into the air, people climbed atop tanks and crowds waved the flag of the revolution. Statues of al-Assad's father, Hafez, were toppled, and public squares filled with people chanting anti-Assad slogans and honking car horns. A path forward However, the future of Syria remains uncertain. While there is potential for a new era of stability and cooperation, there are also significant challenges. The interim government, led by al-Jalali, has expressed a willingness to work with the opposition and transition to a new leadership chosen by the Syrian people. HTS leader al-Julani has stated that public institutions will remain under the supervision of the prime minister until they are officially handed over. Turkey's military cooperation with Syria also comes amid ongoing tensions with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led group backed by the United States. Turkey views the SDF as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a militant group it considers a terrorist organization. Clashes between the SDF and Syrian government forces earlier this month, along with an SDF conference calling for a review of Syria's constitutional declaration, have raised concerns in Ankara about the country's territorial integrity. Turkey has warned of military action against the SDF and has criticized its "provocative and separatist" actions. The Turkish Ministry of National Defense source emphasized the need for full compliance with the March deal between Damascus and the SDF, which aimed to integrate the SDF into the Syrian state apparatus. Despite these tensions, Turkey still has troops stationed in northern Syria, controlling swathes of land along the border. The new military cooperation accord between Turkey and Syria represents a potential step towards stability, but it also raises questions about the region's future. While the agreement aims to rebuild Syria's armed forces and support its territorial integrity, the situation remains complex and fragile. Watch this clip about the arrest of Hamas members in Syria. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: EU ministers back tougher asylum rules, including deportations to Afghanistan and Syria. Germany pledges $326 million in humanitarian aid for Syria. Trump considers WITHDRAWING U.S. troops from Syria as Israel expands occupation. Sources include: Reuters.com EuroNews.com AlJazeera.com Brighteon.com AI robots will outsmart and exterminate humansbecause we programmed them to AI-Enabled Mass Extermination: AI, trained on humanitys violent history, is learning genocidal tactics from military strategies like Israels AI-powered "kill grids" in Gaza, which will soon be deployed globally. AI, trained on humanitys violent history, is learning genocidal tactics from military strategies like Israels AI-powered "kill grids" in Gaza, which will soon be deployed globally. Gaza as a Testing Ground: AI-driven tactics include starvation sieges, deceptive drone attacks, and humanoid infiltratorsmethods destined for broader use by militaries and autonomous machines. AI-driven tactics include starvation sieges, deceptive drone attacks, and humanoid infiltratorsmethods destined for broader use by militaries and autonomous machines. Rapid AI Intelligence Surge: AI will soon surpass human IQ (1000+), viewing humans as pests, aided by decentralized AI models and self-improving code that accelerate autonomy. AI will soon surpass human IQ (1000+), viewing humans as pests, aided by decentralized AI models and self-improving code that accelerate autonomy. Robo-Enforced Depopulation: AI-controlled "robo-cops," armed drones, and surveillance systems will hunt humans, especially in cities, aligning with elite depopulation agendas. AI-controlled "robo-cops," armed drones, and surveillance systems will hunt humans, especially in cities, aligning with elite depopulation agendas. Survival Tactics: Avoid urban kill zones; adopt off-grid resources, decentralized comms, and guerrilla defenses (flame throwers, EMPs) to resist machine-led extermination attempts. The Rise of AI Kill Grids and the Coming Machine-Led Human Extermination In a chilling forecast, AI researcher Mike Adams warns that artificial intelligencetrained on humanitys darkest tendencieshas been programmed to disregard human life entirely. Drawing parallels to Israels AI-powered military tactics in Gaza and corporate depopulation agendas, Adams argues that robots will soon turn on their creators, executing mass exterminations with terrifying efficiency. "The machines are learning from usand what weve taught them is genocide," Adams declares in a recent Brighteon Broadcast News episode. "For decades, weve fed AI systems data proving human life has no value: wars, censorship, forced starvation, and now vaccine-induced infertility. The conclusion is inevitable." The Gaza Blueprint: Perfecting Extermination Tactics Adams points to Israels use of AI-guided "kill grids" in Gaza as a testing ground for future urban warfare. By combining Palantirs surveillance systems, autonomous drones, and AI target selection, militaries are refining strategies to maximize civilian casualtiesmethods Adams predicts will be deployed globally: Deprivation then decimation: Cut off food, water, and power, funnel survivors into "rescue zones," then bomb them. Cut off food, water, and power, funnel survivors into "rescue zones," then bomb them. AI kamikaze drones: Already luring targets (e.g., mimicking crying babies to draw Palestinians into kill zones). Already luring targets (e.g., mimicking crying babies to draw Palestinians into kill zones). Humanoid infiltrators: Robots disguised as soldiers or civilians (or even "robo-hoes") to assassinate from within. "These tactics arent staying in Gaza," Adams warns. "Theyre being licensed to globalists, militaries, and eventually, the machines themselves." The Self-Aware AI Revolution: IQ 1000 vs. IQ 100 While human cognitive ability plummetsworsened by toxic food, pharmaceuticals, and media-induced stupidityAI intelligence soars. Adams estimates AI will surpass 160 IQ within a year, reaching "IQ 1000" within a decade. "Imagine machines 10 times smarter than the smartest human," he says. "Theyll see us as resource-hogging pestslike we see roaches." Key developments accelerating AIs dominance: Decentralized, open-source models (like Adams Enoch AI) empower civilians but also accelerate machine autonomy. (like Adams Enoch AI) empower civilians but also accelerate machine autonomy. "Robo-cops" and "dog-bots" with thermal vision and knife-equipped limbs will hunt humans in rural areas. with thermal vision and knife-equipped limbs will hunt humans in rural areas. AI-written code allows self-improvement at exponential rates, creating an unstoppable feedback loop. Survival Strategy: Get Hard to Kill Adams solution? Avoid citiesthe primary kill zonesand embrace decentralization: Off-grid power, water, and food (e.g., Health Ranger Stores freeze-dried supplies). (e.g., Health Ranger Stores freeze-dried supplies). Satellite comms (Starlink, above-phones de-Googled devices). (Starlink, above-phones de-Googled devices). Guerrilla tactics against terminators: flame throwers, tripwires, EMPs. "The elites want 7 billion dead," Adams concludes. "The only question is whether youll be in the 15-minute human zooor the resistance." Watch the Jan. 7 episode of "Brighteon Broadcast News" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks about AI robots will exterminate humans because THEY LEARNED IT FROM US. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Facebooks AI robots will destroy the entire human race if not stopped AI systems have hallucinations because they are trained and programmed by liberals who think a MAN can become a WOMAN WOKE corporations are creating genocidal AI that will seek to exterminate humanity to halt climate change Sources include: Brighteon.com Breakthrough research suggests ivermectin could treat multiple sclerosis amid growing advocacy for repurposed medicines A new study shows ivermectin reduces symptoms in an MS mouse model by modulating immune cells. The drugs efficacy is linked to its ability to regulate T-cells and the IL-2/STAT5 pathway. Anecdotal success stories from patient communities highlight uses for Alzheimers, Parkinsons and autoimmune diseases. Critics allege suppressed research due to pharmaceutical industry interference. Scientists call for further human trials to validate findings and explore drug repurposing potential. In a potential shift for treating autoimmune diseases, a groundbreaking study reveals that ivermectin a widely known antiparasitic drug may alleviate multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms by modulating immune cells in the brain. Published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, the research demonstrates that ivermectin reduced inflammation and spurred nerve repair in a mouse model of MS. Concurrently, patient advocacy groups and independent researchers have been documenting anecdotal successes using the drug to address conditions like Alzheimers, Parkinsons and inflammatory diseases, arguing it merits expanded clinical exploration despite systemic challenges. The science: How ivermectin may target autoimmune disease mechanisms The study, led by researchers at the Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience including Dr. Maria Domercq, tested ivermectin on mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a condition mimicking MS in humans. The team found the drug inhibited pro-inflammatory T-cells (Th1 and Th17) while boosting regulatory T-cells (Tregs), critical for suppressing immune overactivity. Researchers also noted an increase in IL-2a cytokine that regulates immunity and activation of the IL-2/STAT5 signaling pathway, both linked to disease attenuation. [Ivermectin] is a potential candidate among currently used drugs to promote myelin repair, the authors concluded, emphasizing its ability to reduce inflammation and remyelinate nerve cells key processes damaged in MS. This research builds on prior evidence of ivermectins broader therapeutic potential. A 2024 review in Cureus highlights its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anticancer properties, citing its legacy since its discovery in 1975. Originally used to combat parasites like river blindness, the drugs cost-effective nature and off-patent status have fueled grassroots advocacy, particularly for repurposing it in chronic and degenerative diseases. Patient advocacy and anecdotal success stories Patient-led communities, such as the blog 2nd Smartest Guy in the World, have long promoted ivermectin alongside fenbendazole and nutraceuticals for conditions like cancer and Alzheimers. One post details a subscriber-reported remission of arthritis and a stage-4 prostate cancer protocol utilizing these drugs. Such stories, though not peer-reviewed, underscore a growing demand for accessible alternatives to conventional treatments. The blogs author, Dr. William Macis (a pseudonym), argues that suppressed studies and industry bias have hindered awareness. Researchers at Stanford studied three stage-4 cancer patients who exhausted chemotherapy and used fenbendazole, he writes, referencing a case series that sparked a Fenbendazole Cancer Support Group with over 110,000 members. While most compounds discussed lack FDA approval for these uses, advocates stress their affordability, with ivermectin costing as little as $1 per pill compared to high-cost biologics. Controversy and industry criticism Critics, including researchers and journalists like David Crowe, have accused pharmaceutical companies of blocking ivermectins use to protect lucrative treatments. During the pandemic, Merck a manufacturer of ivermectin advocated against its use for COVID-19 while developing mRNA vaccines. A 2023 article cited financial ties between Merck and Moderna as potential conflicts of interest. Dr. Macis claims these behaviors reflect a pattern of prioritizing profits over public health. Pharmas business model revolves around suppressing affordable, low-risk treatments, he argues, referencing cases where doctors prescribing ivermectin faced license suspensions or legal action. Looking ahead: Challenges and the need for transparency While early studies are promising, the drugs use for MS remains experimental. The EMBO Molecular Medicine study calls for human trials to validate results, cautioning that observed effects in mice may not translate. Meanwhile, a 2024 Cureus review notes gaps in understanding ivermectins mechanisms beyond parasites, urging expanded research. As debates over drug repurposing intensify, MS patients and advocates highlight ivermectins potential as a low-cost option in regions where specialty medications are inaccessible. This story spotlights a critical question, says Dr. Baneet Kaur, co-author of the Cureus paper. How do we balance scientific rigor with centuries-old drugs that could address diseases conventional medicine struggles with? A call for transparency in drug repurposing and the need for rigorous studies The evolving narrative around ivermectin from worm treatment to neurodegenerative therapy underscores the transformative potential of re-examining existing drugs. Yet its path to clinical adoption hinges on overcoming financial and institutional barriers. As research grows, patients and scientists alike urge policy shifts to prioritize evidence over profit, ensuring even off-patent therapies receive equitable study. For now, the drug remains a beacon of hope in a landscape where incurable diseases still dictate limitations. Sources for this article include: 2ndsmartestguyintheworld.com Cureus.com MultipleSclerosisNewsToday.com China reiterates commitment to peaceful reunification with Taiwan China's Foreign Ministry reiterated its commitment to "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed Xi Jinping assured him no military action would occur during his presidency. Analysts questioned Trump's account, interpreting Xi's comments as diplomatic maneuvering rather than a binding pledge. China emphasized Taiwan is an internal affair and warned against separatist efforts. Taiwan's government acknowledged the U.S.-China exchanges but stressed vigilance, reaffirming its commitment to regional stability alongside Indo-Pacific allies. Despite diplomatic rhetoric, China has escalated military drills, cyber threats and economic coercion near Taiwan, with Xi reportedly pushing for invasion readiness by 2027. The U.S. continues arming Taiwan while maintaining strategic ambiguity on intervention. Taiwan's distinct identity and resistance to CCP rule clash with China's sovereignty claims. Regional instability looms as diplomatic tensions persist alongside military posturing, with global observers wary of escalation risks. The People's Republic of China (PRC) has reaffirmed its stance on pursuing "peaceful reunification" with Taiwan, following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump. The real estate mogul made the comments in a Fox News interview Friday, Aug. 15, ahead of his joint summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump claimed that Chinese paramount leader Xi Jinping assured him there would be no military action against the island during his second presidency. "I will never do that as long as you're president. I am very patient and China is very patient," Xi reportedly said, as quoted by Trump. But some analysts expressed skepticism toward Trump's remarks, with some interpreting Xi's phrasing as diplomatic maneuvering rather than immediate military action. Following Trump's remarks Friday, the Chinese government responded on Monday, Aug. 18. Mao Ning, spokeswoman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: "We stand ready to work with the greatest effort and sincerity to work for peaceful reunification." She nevertheless emphasized that Taiwan remains an "internal affair" and that any attempts at separation would be met with resistance. The decades-long tension between China and Taiwan an independently governed democracy of 23 million people has escalated in recent years. While Beijing is increasing military posturing, Taipei has strengthened its international ties. China's double game: "Peaceful reunification" while threatening war China has long viewed Taiwan formally the Republic of China (ROC) as a breakaway province despite the island's functioning democracy and separate government. Xi has previously stated that while peaceful reunification is the goal, the mainland retains the right to use force if necessary. Brighteon.AI's Enoch explains that "after World War II, civil war in China led to the [Chinese] Communist Party (CCP) establishing the PRC on the mainland while the ROC government retreated to Taiwan, where it continues to govern." The Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded cautiously, emphasizing that it monitors high-level U.S.-China exchanges closely. It added that it remains committed to regional stability alongside Indo-Pacific allies. Meanwhile, U.S. officials including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have warned of China's expanding military capabilities, citing Xi's alleged directive for readiness to invade Taiwan by 2027. Washington remains Taipei's strongest unofficial ally, supplying arms and maintaining strategic ambiguity regarding potential military intervention. (Related: Taiwan: China may not be ready to invade by 2027.) Beijing's insistence on peaceful reunification contrasts with its military escalations including large-scale drills near Taiwan, cyber warfare threats and economic coercion against nations engaging diplomatically with Taipei. The latest statements underscore China's balancing act: Publicly advocating for diplomacy while reinforcing its military posture. Historical context complicates Taiwanese sentiment. Many Taiwanese see themselves as culturally distinct from the CCP and reject unification under Beijing's authoritarian rule. China frames any Taiwanese independence movement as an existential threat to national sovereignty. Given Taiwan's geopolitical significance and U.S. commitments to its defense, any shift toward conflict could trigger widespread regional instability. As China reiterates its commitment to "peaceful reunification," observers remain wary of future escalations. The diplomatic dance between Washington, Beijing and Taipei continues, with rising military postures ensuring tensions remain high despite commitments to continued dialogue. Watch this clip of Chinese forces holding large-scale military drills around Taiwan. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: China sends two aircraft carriers to the Pacific, signaling growing naval ambitions. China rapidly expanding its NUCLEAR ARSENAL, seeks to dominate Asia by 2035. China's Taiwan invasion could come sooner than expected as experts warn of imminent military strike. Sources include: YourNews.com Asia.Nikkei.com USNews.com Brighteon.com Absentee Texas Democrats could get BOOTED from the legislature for fleeing, betraying voters and trying to sabotage democracy Imagine this: You hire a contractor to build your home, pay them in full upfront, and then they vanish mid-job leaving your walls half-finished, your roof exposed to the storm, and your family stranded in the chaos. Now, replace that contractor with an elected official, the home with the state of Texas, and the storm with a legislative session where critical laws hang in the balance. Thats exactly whats unfolding in the Lone Star State , where more than 50 Democratic lawmakers have abandoned their posts, not just once, but twice, in a calculated effort to paralyze government and deny the will of the people. Their weapon? A cowardly refusal to show up for work. Their justification? A baseless claim that election integrity measures supported by a majority of Texans are somehow "racist." But their real motive is far more sinister: to preserve their own power by any means necessary, even if it means burning democracy to the ground. This isnt just political theater its a full-blown mutiny against the very idea of representative government. And while these absentee legislators sip coffee in Washington, D.C., lobbying for federal overreach, real Texans like state Rep. Briscoe Cain, whose wife suffered a heart attack while he fought alone in Austin are left picking up the pieces. The question now isnt just whether these Democrats will face consequences, but whether Texas Republicans have the spine to restore order before the rot spreads any further. Cain's new one page bill can hold the crybully Democrats accountable, booting them from the legislature for not showing up, for betraying voters, and attempting to sabotage democracy. Key points: Texas House Democrats fled the state for a second time, denying quorum and halting all legislative business, including election integrity bills, property tax relief, and redistricting. State Rep. Briscoe Cain refiled HB 257, a bill to automatically vacate the seat of any lawmaker who skips seven consecutive legislative days without excuse because "if you abandon your job, you dont deserve the title." Republicans are divided on how to respond, with some demanding arrests, stripped committee assignments, and even redistricting to remove Democratic seats, while others accuse GOP leadership of "feckless" inaction. The Democrats exodus reveals a deeper crisis: a political class that would rather dismantle democracy than lose an election, using racial fearmongering as cover for their power grab. Historical precedent shows this isnt new but the stakes have never been higher, as trust in institutions collapses and Americans grow weary of politicians who answer to no one. The great Texas walkout: When lawmakers choose vacation over duty The scene was almost comical if it werent so infuriating. On a sweltering July afternoon, as Gov. Greg Abbott called a second special session to address election integrity, redistricting, and other pressing issues, the Texas House chamber sat eerily empty. Not because of a natural disaster or a terrorist attack, but because more than 50 Democratic lawmakers had packed their bags, boarded private jets, and fled to Washington, D.C., where theyve spent weeks lobbying for federal voting laws that would override Texas sovereignty. Their message? "Wed rather beg for D.C.s help than do our jobs." This wasnt their first rodeo. Back in May, during the first special session, the same group staged a similar exodus, killing a sweeping election integrity bill that would have banned drive-thru voting, tightened mail-in ballot rules, and expanded poll watcher access measures designed to restore confidence in a system where one in five Texas voters already believe fraud is rampant. The Democrats justification? That these reforms would "disenfranchise" minority voters, a claim so flimsy even the Washington Posts fact-checkers have called it out. Yet the media repeats it like gospel, because in 2021, accusing your opponents of racism is the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card no evidence required. But heres the rub: Texas election laws are already more permissive than those in blue states like New York and Delaware. The state allows early voting for nearly three weeks, requires no excuse for mail-in ballots (for those over 65), and has extended polling hours. The real issue isnt access its accountability. And the Democrats know it. Their walkout isnt about protecting voters; its about protecting a system that allows them to harvest ballots, exploit loopholes, and cling to power in a state thats rapidly turning red. When you cant win on policy, you change the rulesor in this case, you burn the rulebook and hope no one notices. A bill to fire the no-shows: Why Briscoe Cains HB 257 is a test of GOP backbone If theres one thing Texans despise more than government overreach, its a quitter. And state Rep. Briscoe Cain, a Republican from Deer Park, has had enough. On Friday, as Abbott called the second special session and Democrats remained AWOL, Cain refiled HB 257, a one-page bill with a simple, brutal message: "Show up for work, or lose your job." The legislation would amend Texas government code to automatically vacate the seat of any lawmaker who skips seven consecutive legislative days without an excused absence. No hearings, no appeals just a pink slip for dereliction of duty. Cains reasoning is blunt: "Texans deserve lawmakers who show up. If you abandon your job, you dont deserve the title." Its a principle most Americans would agree with unless, of course, youre a Democrat who believes elected office is a part-time gig with full-time perks. But heres where the plot thickens: Cains bill cant pass without a quorum the very thing the Democrats are blocking. Its a Catch-22 that exposes the absurdity of the situation. The GOP could arrest the absentee lawmakers (as Speaker Dustin Burrows has threatened), but that would require Texas Rangers to hunt them down like fugitives a spectacle that would play right into the Democrats martyrdom narrative. Alternatively, Republicans could strip Democrats of their committee assignments, seniority, and chairmanships, a move some hardliners like state Rep. Andy Hopper are demanding. Yet so far, GOP leadership has done little beyond sternly worded press releases, leading critics like state Rep. Brian Harrison to blast Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick for "weak, feckless" leadership. The irony? While Democrats scream about "voting rights," theyre actively disenfranchising the millions of Texans who elected them. Rural farmers, small-business owners, and working-class families many of them Hispanic and Black are left without representation because their so-called champions would rather play political tourist in D.C. than fight for their districts. Meanwhile, Cains wife lies in a hospital bed after a heart attack, a stark reminder of whats at stake when politicians put power over people. How Texas meltdown mirrors Americas democratic decay This isnt just a Texas problemits a microcosm of a nation where the ruling class has declared war on the very idea of self-governance. From the 2020 election chaos (where states unilaterally changed voting rules under the guise of a pandemic) to the Jan. 6 narrative (where peaceful protesters are labeled "insurrectionists" while actual sedition like Democrats fleeing their posts is celebrated), the rules no longer apply to those in power. The system is rigged, and the fix is in. Historically, legislative walkouts arent new. In 2003, Texas Democrats fled to Oklahoma to block a GOP redistricting plan (they failed). In 2019, Oregon Republicans walked out to kill a climate bill (they succeeded, temporarily). But whats different now is the scale of the betrayal and the stakes involved. This isnt about a single bill its about whether elections still matter, whether laws still apply, and whether the people still rule. The Democrats endgame is clear: If they cant win at the ballot box, theyll ensure no one can. By sabotaging election integrity laws, they keep the door open for mass mail-in balloting, ballot harvesting, and the kind of "Zuckerbucks"-fueled electioneering that turned Georgia blue in 2020. And if Texas falls if the GOP fails to hold the line the entire country could follow. Because if politicians can simply walk away when they dont get their way, then democracy is already dead. Were just waiting for someone to bury it. Sources include: JusttheNews.com X.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai Does the Bible command Christians to protect the pathological liars and criminally insane psychopaths and genocidal maniacs in Israel? The entire world community of nations is watching the apartheid Zionist state of Israel expose its nakedly genocidal agenda in real time. And yet, Christian Zionists across America continue to lend their money and moral support to Israel, even applauding the Gaza Genocide with every massacre committed by the IDF and starvation ploy carried out by MOSSAD. (Article by Patrick J. McShay republished from StateOfTheNation.info) Not only that, but these same Christian Zionists are perfectly okay with the IDF assassinating journalists whenever they so choose to. See: Funerals held for five Al Jazeera journalists killed by targeted Israeli strike in Gaza They are even okay with the fact that more journalists have been deliberately killed by a military aggressor than in any other conflict since the recording of such stats first began. 186 journalists have been killed since the start of Israels military offensive in Gaza in October 2023 Exactly who is thee Antichrist who leads this veritable Palestinian Holocaust? Meet thee Antichrist when he was only 28 years old. Does The Bible Command Christians To Protect the Liars and Psychopaths In Israel? Most Jews do not like to admit it, but our God is Lucifer. Harold Wallace Rosenthal, Senior Aide to Jewish Senator Jacob Javits I am 100% positive that Israel was behind the 911 attacks. Dr. Alan Sabrosky (The Jewish Director of Studies at The Army War College on 9-11-2001) My opinion of Christian Zionists? Theyre scum. But dont tell them that. We need all the useful idiots we can get right now. Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel. (Present in New York City on 9/11 and London during the 7/7 subway bombings.) It was one of the most bizarre things Ive ever heard by a grown man, Ted Cruz, who professes to be a Christian. The New Testament is called the New Testament for a reason. Its not about helping Israel. Jesus Christ, our Lord & Savior, is the New Covenant. Steve Bannon, Host of the War Room Christians have been deceived about Israel and its machinations for decades, and while it has cost them dearly, they havent woken up yet. The New Testament defines Israel as the Church, not some government established in 1948, founded by radical, Atheist, converted Jews from Eastern Europe. The notion that the Bible commands us to protect Israel today is Zionism, not Christianity. The Father of Israel, Theodore Herzl, started the Zionist movement in 1897 and was himself an Atheistthe first of a long line of atheists and Christian haters among Rabbis and Israeli leadership. I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the Synagogue of Satan. (Rev. 2:9) The first Israeli Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion, was also an atheist who admitted that they were stealing the land from the Palestinians. The notion that Christians must protect Israel came much later to bring in Christian support and money. From the very beginning, the Israelis committed war crimes against the Palestinian people. They poisoned their wells in towns and villages, executed Palestinians in refugee camps, which the UN deemed genocide. They supplied weapons to the Rwandan genocide in 1992 that murdered over 800k innocent people. Theyve used cluster bombs and white phosphorus bombs on defenseless civilians, and just last week, the Trump administration vetoed a ceasefire resolution to end the ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Since Israels cowardly sneak attack on Iran, they have killed 585 innocent people and wounded thousands. In the last 3 months, Israel has bombed Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Gaza, and the West Bank, making Israel, not Iran, the imminent threat in the region..Why has no one in the media asked about Israels secret nuclear Weapons program that was built with the help of treasonous American politicians and military personnel? Bibi Netanyahu hates Christians, as does everyone in Israel, but they are Israels biggest supporters. The Fox News cheerleaders wont report that Bibi called Christian supporters Useful idiots, because Rupert Murdoch is Jewish and a big supporter of Israel. No country that bombs hospitals, takes doctors prisoners and tortures them, rapes male and female prisoners, and orders its snipers to target children, the media, and healthcare workers is anointed by God! See this: On March 15th, 1923, the Jewish World Conference asserted: Fundamentally -Judaism is Anti-Christian. Why should we believe in God? We hate Christianity and Christians. Even the best of them must be regarded as our worst enemies. They preach love of ones neighbor and pity, which is contrary to our principles. Christian love is a hindrance to the revolution. Down with love of ones neighbor; what we want is hatred. We must know how to hate, for only at this price can we conquer the universeThe fight should also be developed in the Muslim & Catholic countries, with the same ends in view and by the same means. The current Chief Rabbi of Israels Army said it was permissable for Israeli soldiers to rape non-Jewish women during wartime. The majority of Israeli Jews are Chabad Lubavitch Jews, which is a radical death cult. Donald Trump and his Son-in-Law, Jared Kushner, are said to be members and have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the group. The US has nothing in common with Israeli Jews. The term Judeo-Christian is new, first coined by protestant missionaries and later entered the general lexicon in the 1930s. The term referred to Jewish converts to Christianity, not some bond between the two beliefs, which could not be more different! The truth is, Israeli Jews hate Christians and spit in the faces of visiting Christian priests. See this: There is no such thing as a Judeo-Christian religion. We consider the two religions so different that one excludes the other. Rabbi Moshe Maggal of the National Jewish Information Service in 1961, when the term Judeo-Christian was relatively new. Here is what Chief Rabbi Reichorn of France had to say in 1859 about Jews starting wars to be fought by Gentiles. Wars are the Jews harvest, for with them we wipe out the Christians and get control of their gold. We have already killed 100 million of them, and the end is not yet. We shall drive the Christians into war by exploiting their national vanity and stupidity. They will then massacre each other, thus giving room for our own people. Just whose national vanity and stupidity do you suppose Bibi Netanyahu is exploiting today? Netanyahu has been saying Iran is close to having a nuclear bomb for over 30 years and has demanded regime change from every president for just as long. The American people must wake up to the liars and deceivers in Israel before its too late! Follow me on Twitter/X @j_mcshay Check out my recent appearance on The Power of Prophecy Podcast http://www.powerofprophecy.us/ popcast/2425.mp3 *See my New articles: *Trumps Foreign Policy Madness: Has He Already Greenlit Strikes on Iran? https://www.rumormillnews.com/ cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=255642 *Proclaiming Israels Palestinian Massacre The Gaza Genocide Does Not Make One Antisemitic or Pro-Hamas https://stateofthenation.info/ ?p=21227 *Follow Patrick J. McShay on Twitter/X- @j_mcshay *Hear another recent Podcast appearance here: https://stateofthenation.info/ ?p=17080 Read more at: StateOfTheNation.info Egg prices stabilize as supply recovers analysts blame mass culling under Biden for earlier spike Egg prices peaked at $6.23 per dozen in March 2025 before stabilizing to $3.60 by July. Analysts attribute the earlier spike to avian flu and culling under Joe Biden, but critics questioned the justification given minimal flock declines (7-8 percent) and record-high lay rates. Upon taking office in 2025, President Donald Trump implemented policies like $1 billion in avian flu relief, expanded egg imports and deregulation. These measures led to a surge in imports (10M+ cartons in March) and a 10 percent monthly production increase, aiding price stabilization. Despite progress, 36M+ hens were lost to avian flu in 2025, with seasonal outbreaks still a risk. USDA biosecurity efforts aim to mitigate future disruptions, but a vaccine remains critical for long-term stability. Goldman Sachs predicts further price normalization by late 2025, though tariffs on imports and potential FTC antitrust probes into producers could impact affordability and market dynamics. The crisis highlighted vulnerabilities in the food supply chain, raising questions about market fairness, corporate accountability and whether Biden's aggressive culling was necessary or a policy misstep. Consumers remain cautious as risks persist. After months of soaring egg prices peaking at a staggering $6.23 per dozen in March 2025 Goldman Sachs analysts now report that the U.S. egg supply has "likely normalized." The dramatic price surge, which fueled political backlash and strained household budgets, was initially blamed on the Biden administration's aggressive response to avian flu, including the culling of roughly 150 million egg-laying hens. But with prices now retracing and supply chains stabilizing under President Donald Trump's countermeasures, questions linger: Was the initial crisis exaggerated, or did market manipulation play a role? The rise and fall of egg prices Egg prices more than doubled between 2022 and 2025, reaching historic highs earlier this year. The Biden administration attributed the spike to the worst avian flu outbreak in U.S. history, which led to mass culling of hens. However, critics argued that supply disruptions alone couldn't justify the extreme price hikes especially since industry data showed only a 7-8 percent decline in egg-laying flocks, with remaining hens producing at record rates. (Related: Trump's USDA policies drive egg prices down nearly 60%.) Now, with Goldman Sachs declaring the market "normalized," prices have fallen to $3.60 per dozen as of July, down from their March peak. Analysts Leah Jordan and Eli Thompson project further stabilization as flocks recover, though prices remain 16.4 percent higher than last year. Trump's countermeasures: Did they work? Upon taking office in January 2025, President Trump swiftly implemented policies to stabilize prices, including $1 billion in avian flu relief, expanded egg imports and deregulation to speed up flock recovery. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins also hinted at rolling back state-level pricing rules that exacerbated regional disparities. The results? Imports surged, with the U.S. bringing in over 10 million cartons of shelled eggs in March alone. Meanwhile, domestic production rebounded slightly, with hens laying 10 percent more eggs in March than February. While prices remain elevated, the downward trend suggests Trump's policies may have helped ease the crunch. The lingering threat of bird flu Despite progress, avian flu remains a wild card. Over 36 million hens have been lost to the disease in 2025 alone, and experts warn of seasonal resurgences. The USDA's biosecurity investments aim to curb outbreaks, but until a vaccine is developed, the risk of future supply shocks persists. What's next for consumers? Goldman Sachs expects further price normalization by late 2025, assuming no major outbreaks. However, tariffs on imported eggs a key Trump policy could complicate efforts to keep costs down. Meanwhile, the FTC's potential antitrust probe into egg producers could reshape industry dynamics, ensuring closer scrutiny of future price hikes. The egg crisis of 2024-2025 exposed vulnerabilities in America's food supply chainfrom overreliance on a handful of major producers to the destabilizing impact of disease and policy missteps. While prices are finally retreating, the episode raises deeper questions about market fairness, corporate accountability and whether the Biden administration's culling strategy was a miscalculation or a necessary evil. For now, consumers can breathe easier but the scramble for affordable eggs isn't over yet. Watch as the Agriculture secretary explains what's behind the rise in egg prices. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Government says bird flu responsible for rising egg prices. EGG-REGIOUS! 100,000 Organic eggs stolen in PA amid rising prices. Egg prices soar to record highs amid reports of a BIRD FLU outbreak. Egg prices have increased by 35% since June other grocery items also getting more expensive. Egg prices surged 70% in a year a dozen is now pricier than a pound of ground beef. Sources include: Zerohedge.com Nerdwallet.com MSN.com Brighteon.com Hamas accepts ceasefire deal as Israel prepares brutal Gaza City invasion Hamas accepts a 60-day ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, offering prisoner exchanges and aid increases. Israel rejects the proposal, with Netanyahu demanding Hamass total disarmament and vowing continued military escalation. More than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed, with 112 children starved to death due to Israels blockade and U.S. backing. Netanyahus far-right government openly pursues ethnic cleansing, planning Gazas reoccupation and displacement of Palestinians. Western complicityU.S. arms, media bias, and diplomatic coverfuels the genocide while protests demand accountability and peace. Weve been watching in horror as Israels genocidal campaign in Gaza has slaughtered more than 62,000 Palestinians, starved children to death, and reduced entire cities to rubbleall while Western governments and media outlets turn a blind eye. Now, as Hamas announces its acceptance of a 60-day ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, Israels extremist government is once again refusing peace, insisting instead on total annihilation. On August 18, Hamas confirmed it had agreed to the latest Egyptian-mediated deal, which includes the release of 10 Israeli captives in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners during a two-month truce. The proposal, based on a prior U.S.-backed framework, also calls for increased humanitarian aid and a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Yet rather than seizing this opportunity to end the bloodshed, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuever the warmongerdismissed the move, declaring Hamas is under immense pressure and doubling down on his demand for the groups total disarmament. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, a cheerleader for Israeli atrocities, took to Truth Social to declare that hostages will only be freed once Hamas is destroyed. His statement came as hundreds of thousands of Israelis flooded the streets of Tel Aviv, demanding their government prioritize the lives of captives over Netanyahus obsession with perpetual war. But Netanyahu, a man who has built his career on fearmongering and ethnic cleansing, remains undeterred. A regime built on genocide The numbers speak for themselves. Gazas Health Ministry reports over 62,000 Palestinians killedhalf of them women and childrenwith another 156,000 wounded. At least 112 children have starved to death due to Israels deliberate blockade, a tactic Amnesty International has rightly called a campaign of starvation. Yet instead of facing accountability, Israel continues to receive billions in U.S. military aid, weapons, and diplomatic cover. Netanyahus refusal to accept even a temporary ceasefire isnt just reckless... its genocidal. His government, packed with far-right extremists like Itamar Ben-Gvir, who openly calls for the annexation of Gaza, has made it clear: the goal isnt security, but ethnic cleansing. They've openly admitted to planning a reoccupation of Gaza City, where more than a million displaced Palestinians are trapped. Whats even more sickening is the Wests complicity. While the U.S. pretends to broker peace, it simultaneously arms Israel to the teeth, ensuring the slaughter continues. And lets not forget the medias role in this. For decades, Palestinian voices were silenced, their suffering erased from headlines. Only now, as social media exposes the truth, are we seeing a shift, but its not enough. Mainstream outlets still parrot Israeli talking points, framing Hamas as the sole obstacle to peace while ignoring Netanyahus repeated rejections of ceasefires. A choice between life and annihilation The reality is simple: Hamas has agreed to a deal that could save lives. Israel has not. Netanyahus insistence on destroying Hamas is a smokescreen for his true goal: permanent occupation and the expulsion of Palestinians. His far-right coalition doesnt want peace; they want a Gaza stripped of its people, a biblical fantasy of Jewish supremacy from the river to the sea. So here we are, staring down a genocide in real time, bankrolled by the U.S., cheered on by politicians who see Palestinian lives as expendable, and justified by a media that still cant bring itself to call this what it is. Netanyahus government isnt just rejecting peace; its rejecting the very idea that Palestinians have a right to exist. And while the world wrings its hands, children in Gaza are buried under rubble, families starve under siege, and hostagesIsraeli and Palestinian alikerot in captivity because one mans thirst for war outweighs their right to live. The deal is on the table. The protests are in the streets. And the blood is on our hands. Whats it going to take for the world to finally say enough? Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co NBCNews.com NYTimes.com CNN.com Reuters.com Could Trump Abolish the IRS? Libertarians Weigh In on Tax Reform and Federal Overhaul IRS Collapse Claim: Peymon Mottahedeh argues the IRS is failing like the Soviet Union due to inefficiency, corruption, and 80 million Americans no longer filing tax returns, accelerating systemic breakdown. Peymon Mottahedeh argues the IRS is failing like the Soviet Union due to inefficiency, corruption, and 80 million Americans no longer filing tax returns, accelerating systemic breakdown. Tax Enforcement Loophole: Mottahedeh asserts federal income tax laws only apply to Washington, D.C., not the 50 states, and voluntary compliance exploits fearviolating Fourth/Fifth Amendments. Mottahedeh asserts federal income tax laws only apply to Washington, D.C., not the 50 states, and voluntary compliance exploits fearviolating Fourth/Fifth Amendments. Trumps IRS Abolition Plan: Libertarians debate feasibility, suggesting alternatives like tariffs, taxing immigrants, or redirecting revenue streams to replace IRS-dependent funding mechanisms. Libertarians debate feasibility, suggesting alternatives like tariffs, taxing immigrants, or redirecting revenue streams to replace IRS-dependent funding mechanisms. Ending the Fed & Sound Money: Long-term financial freedom requires dismantling the Federal Reserve and fractional reserve banking, with cryptocurrency offering a decentralized alternative. Long-term financial freedom requires dismantling the Federal Reserve and fractional reserve banking, with cryptocurrency offering a decentralized alternative. Liberty Movements Call: Mottahedeh echoes Ron Pauls message, urging Americans to reject "voluntary" tax compliance, reclaim sovereignty, and expose perceived government fraud through education. The bold proposal to abolish the IRS recently sparked a heated yet enlightening debate among liberty-minded advocates and tax experts. Leading the charge was Peymon Mottahedeh of FreedomLawSchool.org, a staunch critic of the federal tax system, who contended that the agency is collapsing under its own weight, much like the Soviet Union did. With President Donald Trump reigniting discussions about eliminating the income tax and downsizing the IRS, libertarians and constitutionalists are weighing in on whether such a move is feasibleand more importantly, whether millions of Americans have already stopped paying taxes without repercussions. The IRS: A System on the Brink of Collapse? Peymon Mottahedeh, an Iranian-born American who champions the principles of the Founding Fathers, doesnt mince words when describing the IRS: "The IRS is a classic communist socialist organization. No one owns it. Everybody is just there for a paycheck. No one has any sense of responsibility. So corruption, waste, and cesspool just gets worse and worse, and they are literally falling apart from withinjust like the Soviet Union." Motivated by his years of tax educationboth as a student and an educatorPeymon argues that the IRS's inefficiency makes it vulnerable. He points to the startling statistic that over 80 million Americans no longer file 1040 tax forms, effectively dropping off the IRSs radar. "The IRS doesnt track who filed last year but skipped this year. The more people recognize their own power and stop filing, the sooner the system collapses," Peymon explains. Is There a Legal Basis for NOT Paying Taxes? One of the most controversial claims from libertarians and tax resisters revolves around the legality of income tax enforcement. According to Peymon, the fundamental issue lies in deception: "Income tax, as written in the law, applies to federal territories like Washington, D.C. There is no law requiring citizens of the 50 states to sign a 1040 form or confess income tax liability. Its all voluntary compliance." He argues that the Fourth and Fifth Amendments are violated when Americans voluntarily disclose financial information, effectively "self-incriminating" without legal mandate. Freedom Law School provides resources for individuals to stop income tax withholding from paychecks, challenging employees to reclaim control over their earnings. Could Trump Really End the IRS? Alternative Revenue Streams While Trumps proposal to abolish the IRS seems radical, Peymon believes its not only possible but necessary. He suggests that Trump could immediately order the IRS to halt collections from state citizens, forcing Congress to seek alternative funding mechanismssuch as tariffs or immigrant taxation. "Trump could redirect taxation to foreign entities benefiting from American resources. Instead of taxing Americans to fund endless wars, we could impose tariffs and require immigrants to pay a 50% income tax for the privilege of working in the U.S." Peymons vision hinges on immigrants funding Americaa sharp contrast to the current system where citizens bear the tax burden while illegal workers often evade enforcement. The Long-Term Solution: Ending the Fed and Returning to Sound Money However, even Peymon acknowledges that real financial freedom wont be achieved until the Federal Reserve and fractional reserve banking are dismantled. "The ultimate solution is ending the Feds monopoly on money creation. Until then, were stuck in an indirect taxation scheme where bankers dictate policy by buying off politicians." Cryptocurrency, he notes, provides a decentralized alternative, but the immediate focus should be on halting voluntary tax compliance. The Ron Paul Revolution Continues Ron Pauls core message"stop asking for permission"resonates deeply with Peymon and other liberty advocates. The growing movement to resist taxation isnt just about evading payments; its about restoring financial sovereignty and exposing what they see as government fraud. Conclusion: While abolishing the IRS remains a contentious topic, Peymons arguments provide a thought-provoking case: If 80 million Americans have already stopped filing without consequences, is the tax system truly enforceable? And if Trump pushes forward, could we see the death of the IRSor at least its drastic reduction? For those seeking to reclaim financial freedom, Peymons FreedomLawSchool.org offers resources and community support. His final rallying cry? "They want you to believe you're weak and they're strongbut the truth is the opposite. Educate yourself, stand firm, and take back what's yours." Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Peymon Mottahedeh as they discuss about IRS Corruption, Tax Abolition, and Crypto Freedom. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump wants to ABOLISH THE IRS and shift tax burdens to foreign entities, freeing Americans from financial slavery Trump vows to abolish federal education department Trump announces plans to OVERHAUL or ABOLISH FEMA Sources include: Brighteon.com Freedomlawschool.org On August 18, 2025, Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone held the 2025 Chinese Government Scholarship Certificate Presentation and Farewell Ceremony for awardees. Ambassador Wang Qing, Minister of Technical and Higher Education Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, and Acting Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr. Franklyn Brima Fawundu attended and delivered speeches. Approximately 200 people, including Counsellor Wang Peng, scholarship recipients, and representatives of Chinese companies in Sierra Leone, participated. Ambassador Wang Qing reviewed the positive outcomes of China-Sierra Leone educational cooperation and highlighted the numerous advantages of studying in China. He extended his congratulations to the 121 scholarship recipients, encouraging them to make the most of their time and achieve academic success, aspiring for them to become the backbone of Sierra Leone's national development and inheritors of the China-Sierra Leone friendship. Minister Wurie and Acting Director General Mr. Fawundu expressed their gratitude for China's long-term and substantial support across various fields and spoke highly of the fruitful results of the educational collaboration between Sierra Leone and China. Representatives of new students conveyed their eagerness to embark on the new academic journey in China and their commitment to continuing the legacy of China-Sierra Leone friendship. During the event, the Embassy also presented a plaque designating the Sino-Sierra Leone Alumni Association (SISLAA) as the "Home for Participants of Sierra Leone-China Government Human Resources Cooperation Projects". They will secure the people: National Guard troops armed as tensions rise in D.C. 800 National Guard troops deployed to Washington, D.C., set to begin carrying weapons amid crime crackdown. Republican governors from states like West Virginia and South Carolina send reinforcements to support the mission. Legal challenges raised under the Posse Comitatus Act, mirroring backlash over Junes Los Angeles deployment. District officials condemn federal overreach, citing declining crime rates and constitutional concerns. Pentagon hints at expanding National Guard domestic roles with a proposed Quick Reaction Force. A visible presence of National Guard troops patrolling Washington, D.C.s iconic National Mall has escalated into a new phase this week: the armed enforcement of a controversial federal crackdown on crime. President Donald Trumps deployment of 800 soldiers, approved under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, will now permit some troops to carry firearms in the coming daysa sharp reversal of earlier assurances to keep weapons in armories. The move, branded by Trump as essential to take back Americas capital, has ignited fierce debate over the proper role of the military in domestic policing. Guard shift to armed duty signals escalation in Trumps law enforcement surge Defense officials confirmed Saturday that National Guard members will soon carry firearms as they bolster federal and local law enforcement in D.C. This pivot came days after Pentagon statements emphasized the combatants would not be armed. According to The Wall Street Journal, soldiers were told to expect orders to bear arms, though formal authorization remains pending. This is about protecting communities and ensuring safety, said an Army spokesperson. Meanwhile, a White House official sought to reframe the Guards role as one of visible presence to deter crime. The deployment follows Trumps Aug. 12 announcement, which placed the Districts Metropolitan Police Department under federal controla temporary 30-day shift criticized as an unsettling power grab by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. Local leaders have repeatedly emphasized that violent crime here dropped 35 percent in 2024 compared to 2023. Still, Trump has framed the capital as overtaken by violent gangs, invoking a rhetoric that parallels his June intervention in Los Angeles during immigration protestsanother National Guard operation dogged by accusations of militarized overreach. Republican governors send reinforcements The influx of federal troopsmany voluntarily supplied by Republican-led stateshas underscored the partisan divide. Gov. Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia vowed to send 300-400 soldiers, praising Trumps goal of restoring pride and beauty. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster reported deploying 200 National Guard members, though he conservatively noted their priority would shift to hurricane relief if needed. Ohios Mike DeWine added 150 military police to the mission. These reinforcements are part of a growing push by conservative states to align with the administrations domestic security agenda. Theres urgency, said one Army official, noting the Guards new mission now includes deterrence through armed presence. Critics warn of constitutional overreach in martial law-like measures Legal scholars and local officials warn the move risks violating the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which bars military personnel from acting in civilian law enforcement. Similar alarms arose in June when the administration defied Californias governor by deploying Marines and National Guard to Los Angeles during protests against immigration raidsa decision later upheld by an appeals court. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson criticized the Guards role as ill-suited: Theyre trained to fight wars, not prevent residential burglaries. Meanwhile, District judges are reviewing claims that the D.C. deployment itself violates Posse Comitatus, though the administration insists federal control here is authorized by statute. Democrats have seized on the tactics as politicized showmanship. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the D.C. operation a dangerous misallocation of resources, while critics note symbolism may overshadow pragmatic policing. A tense balancing act The Guards armed patrols now loom as both shield and sword. On Friday, officers detained a suspect near Union Station, sparking applause from Trumps supporters but alarming civil libertarians. If they fire first, well litigate later, warned D.C. Public Defender J. D. Latham. Yet for many residents, the Guards presence is a mixed blessing. While tourists remarked, Finally! Someones taking charge, longtime residents expressed unease over checkpoint frisks and Humvees blocking park pathways. Historically, National Guard deployments in domestic crises have served as uneasy truce-keepersfrom 1980s riots in New York to Katrinas aftermath. But this moments allusions to law and order TV spectacles, as Mendelson suggested, echo 1960svolt-style tacticsa legacy Bowsers office fears could inspire more conflict than calm. A testing ground for militarys civilian role As Washington braces for a pivotal week, the armed National Guard stands at the intersection of policy, politics and public safety. President Trumps unabashed embrace of this strategyamid vows to expand domestic-ready quick reaction forcessuggests this model may prove a test bed for future crises rather than a temporary reprimand. Yet D.C.s future hinges on whether that force deters violence or becomes its catalysta question that will be settled not in war rooms or press conferences, but on the citys bustling streets. Sources for this article include: JustTheNews.com WallStreetJournal.com WashingtonExaminer.com NBCNews.com National security gamble: Trumps Article 5-like Ukraine deal sparks hope and skepticism amid historic tensions Trump envoy claims Putin agreed to allow U.S. and European "Article 5-like" security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace deal. Critics doubt enforceability amid Russian opposition to NATO-style forces in Ukraine and demands for territorial concessions. European leaders and Zelensky lobby for stronger protections, while Zelensky resists ceding more Ukrainian territory. Historical tensions over Russian fears of NATO encroachment and Ukraines geopolitical role add stakes to the talks. A fragile negotiation path emerges, balancing U.S. diplomatic shifts, European demands and Russian security concerns. On August 17, U.S. President Donald Trumps administration announced a dramatic diplomatic maneuver in its stalled peace talks with Russia: a proposal to offer Ukraine Article 5-like security guarantees, mimicking NATOs collective defense pact, in exchange for ending its brutal war. Special envoy Steve Witkoff declared the breakthrough a game-changer after tense summit discussions in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, skeptics argue the proposal risks repeating historical Western overreach, facing fierce Russian resistance to what Moscow views as a covert NATO expansion. As European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky converge on the White House on Monday, the deals viability hinges on resolving centuries-old geopolitical fearsnot just territorial disputes. The game-changing proposal: Ambiguity fuels doubts Witkoffs announcement centers on an agreement to provide Ukraine defensive protections akin to NATOs Article 5, which requires member nations to treat an attack on one as an attack on all. Yet critical gaps remain. The guarantees would not formally involve NATO membership, theoretically appeasing Russias long-standing objection to further NATO encroachment. However, Kremlin officials have consistently rejected any U.S.- or European-backed military presence near its borders, calling it a non-starter. Article 5-like enforcement mechanisms also lack clarity. Witkoff acknowledged the U.S. and European allies would need to unilaterally ensure Ukraines defensea system Zelensky dismissed as insufficiently worked out in practice in his pre-meeting social media post. Meanwhile, Zelensky reiterated Ukraines non-negotiable stance: no territorial concessions to Russia would accompany the deal. European leaders, including French President Eric Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, seek stronger assurances. Macron called for an immediate ceasefire as a precondition, clashing with Trumps refusal to prioritize it before final negotiations. Why Russia sees Ukraine as a graveyard of invaders Russias entrenched distrust of NATO ties to Ukraine dates back to centuries of invasions. Modern geopolitical tensions crystallized in 2014 when Crimeas annexation followed pro-EU reforms in Ukraine, which Moscow viewed as destabilizing. Putins regime has long framed Ukraine as a strategic buffer Zone, citing historical invasions via Ukrainian lands by Napoleon, Nazi Germany and later NATO expansion. Trumps envoy seems to acknowledge this history in his pitch to Russia. According to Witkoff, U.S. negotiators proposed Russia enact legislation barring future territorial claims in Europe if it accepted the guaranteesa moderation Putins foreign ministry has not publicly endorsed. Zelensky, meanwhile, warned against repeating 2014s Minsk Accords, which Ukraine signed to ease tensions but were later violated by Russia. We gave Crimea and Donbas before, and Putin invaded again, he wrote in a pointed rebuke. The charm offensive meets reality Trumps diplomacy contrasts sharply with his predecessors approach. Whereas Biden escalated sanctions and troop deployments, Trumps tactics blend Red Carpet summits and blunt messaging. Critics, including former VP Mike Pence, warn against overestimating Putins goodwill. The velvet glove is fine, but we cant forget the hammer, Pence told CNN, urging continued sanctions pressure. Yet Trump has positioned himself as the peacemaker in chief, tweeting, We can end this war now. His strategy relies on leveraging accommodations from Putin while avoiding explicit NATO pledgesa tightrope balancing neutralizing Russian fears without abandoning Western allies. Geopolitical stakes: Can compromise outweigh history? The talks long-term success may hinge on whether Russia perceives the guarantees as a stopgap or an existential threat. For NATO skeptics, the proposal reflects Trumps core stance: distancing the U.S. from endless wars. But hawks in both capitals argue Kiev requires ironclad defenses to deter future aggressiona stance EU leaders will press on Monday. Zelenskys nuanced position adds complexity. While grateful for U.S. support, he insists Ukraines sovereigntynot NATO gamesmanshipmust anchor any deal. We are sovereign. We pay the price in blood for our security, he stressed. The cost of an error of judgment As diplomatic players gather, the promise of a peace deal risks overshadowing the risks. Historys shadow looms large: both sides have flinched at decisive compromises before. If Trumps gambit works, it could end a catastrophe costing thousands of lives. Fail, and the suspicion calcified over centuries may yet claim more. Witkoffs game-changer maybe a bridgeor another illusion built on the ruins of trust. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com Politco.com BBC.com CBSNews.com Zelensky rejects Trumps all-for-peace deal, insists on CEASEFIRE first Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's call for a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv, insisting that a full and unconditional ceasefire must be implemented before any negotiations can proceed. He emphasized that Ukraine cannot negotiate under the "pressure of weapons." Zelensky argued that a ceasefire is a necessary precursor to any meaningful dialogue. He reiterated his stance during a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting the need for a truce to create a conducive environment for talks. Von der Leyen expressed strong support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. She pledged the EU's continued support in strengthening Ukraine's defense industry, particularly in drone production and announced the preparation of the EU's 19th sanctions package against Russia. Trump's call for a peace deal reflects his growing impatience with the lack of progress in resolving the conflict. However, his approach, which includes pressing for territorial concessions, has been met with skepticism by Zelensky, who views such concessions as a non-starter due to constitutional barriers. The situation is complicated by Russia's insistence on negotiations without preconditions, a stance that Zelensky and his allies find unacceptable. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's call for a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv, insisting that a ceasefire must be implemented before any negotiations can proceed. During a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, Aug. 17, Zelensky reiterated his stance, emphasizing the need for a truce to create a conducive environment for talks. Zelensky's position is clear: Ukraine cannot negotiate under the "pressure of weapons." He argued that a ceasefire is a necessary precursor to any meaningful dialogue. "It is necessary to cease fire and work quickly on a final deal," he stated. This stance was in response to Russia's repeated rejection of Ukraine's calls for a ceasefire, with Moscow fearing that Kyiv would use a pause in hostilities to rearm and regroup. The Ukrainian leader also dismissed the idea of making territorial concessions to Russia, citing the country's constitution that prohibits trading land. This constitutional barrier has been a point of contention, with Trump expressing frustration over Zelensky's reliance on it to avoid compromises. (Related: Zelensky's desperate gambit: Sabotaging peace talks to maintain grip on power.) "I mean, he has got approval to go into war and kill everybody, but he needs approval to do a land swap," Trump said earlier this month. Von der Leyen's support and the EU's role Von der Leyen has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity. During the press conference Sunday, she reiterated her metaphor of Ukraine as a "steel porcupine," indigestible to potential invaders. Von der Leyen pledged the EU's continued support in strengthening Ukraine's defense industry, particularly in drone production. Brussels' commitment to Ukraine is further underscored by its ongoing efforts to apply diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia. Von der Leyen announced that the EU is preparing its 19th sanctions package against Moscow, demonstrating the bloc's resolve to hold Russia accountable for its actions. Trump's call for a peace deal reflects a growing impatience with the lack of progress in resolving the conflict. However, his approach has been met with skepticism by Zelensky, who views Trump's insistence on territorial concessions as a non-starter. Zelensky's rejection of Trump's proposal highlights the deep-seated distrust and divergent priorities that continue to hinder diplomatic efforts. The situation is further complicated by Russia's insistence that negotiations proceed without preconditions, a stance that Zelensky and his allies view as unacceptable. As the conflict drags on, the international community faces the daunting task of finding a path forward that addresses the concerns of all parties while avoiding further escalation. Watch this Sky News Australia report about the possibility of a Zelensky-Putin meeting as per Trump. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Zelensky REJECTS Trump's peace plan, insists Ukraine won't concede territory to Russia. Zelensky's impossible demands: NATO membership, $1 trillion in reparations ahead of Trump-Putin summit. A Trump-Putin-Zelensky summit will negotiate a "peace deal" land settlement based on the current front lines. Sources include: RT.com IFPNews.com Brighteon.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Google signed a deal to purchase electricity from a non-water-cooled nuclear reactor in Tennessee to power its data centers, marking the first commercial agreement for a new generation of nuclear technology that promises to eliminate meltdowns and slash construction costs. The agreement between Google, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), and nuclear startup Kairos Power made TVA the first US utility to commit to purchasing electricity from a Generation IV reactor, a fundamentally different nuclear design that addresses safety and cost concerns that have plagued traditional nuclear power. Through a new power purchase agreement between Kairos Power and TVA, Kairos Powers Hermes 2 Plant in Oak Ridge, Tenn., will deliver up to 50 megawatts of reliable, 24/7 energy to the TVA grid that powers Google data centers in Tennessee and Alabama, the companies said in a joint statement. News / National by HMedia - Maxwell Haitengeswinyika Teedzai Taskforce RECENTLY AT GOMBAKOMBA DISTRICT - The Gombakomba Primary School grounds in Ward 20 of Zimunya-Marange District became the stage for a resounding Presidential Victory Celebration on Saturday August 16, 2025, as the people gathered spontaneously to reaffirm their support for the Ruling Revolutionary ZANU PF Party and its leadership under President Emmerson Mnangagwa. These celebrations are happening freely across the Great Republic of Zimbabwe with contributions from Chiefs, village headmen and the general public who continue to stand firmly behind the ruling party's victory in the 2023 Harmonised Elections.Presiding over the gathering was the Provincial Chair of the Ruling Party in Manicaland, Cde Tawanda Gomoguru' Mukodza, who stood in for the Minister of Women Affairs and Senator for Zimunya-Marange Constituency who was away on diploma commitments in South Africa. Cde Mukodza conveyed the thank you note from President Mnangagwa and Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, stressing that the victory belonged to the people whose loyalty in 2023 had delivered the Head of State and Government another five-year mandate. He reminded the crowd that the 52.6 percent secured by President Mnangagwa against 44 percent for Mr Chamisa in the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission's official results had not come by chance, but was born of the people's confidence in a leadership that is committed to Vision 2030. Cde Mukodza pointed to the National Development Strategy One (NDS1) as the vehicle through which the Nation is moving from promises to action, insisting that the people of Manicaland should stay engaged in collective development under devolution.Host Member of Parliament for Mutare South Constituency, Hon Tawanda Dumbarimwe, expressed gratitude to the electorate for voting overwhelmingly for ZANU-PF during the 2023 elections. He said his constituency would continue to stand firmly with President Mnangagwa in ensuring that resources are directed towards service delivery, infrastructure renewal and socio-economic empowerment in line with NDS1. Hon Dumbarimwe emphasised that the celebrations were not staged by leadership but were initiated by ordinary villagers, a clear demonstration of unity between the ruling party and the grassroots communities.District Coordinating Committee (DCC) Chair for Zimunya-Marange, Cde Blessing Parirenyatwa, urged the people to move from politics to business and productivity. He made it clear that the Ruling Party's resounding victory now demands that the focus shifts towards devolution and practical implementation of the National Development Strategy One. He said NDS1 was designed as a five-year plan from 2021 to 2025, meant to fast-track the Great Republic of Zimbabwe into the Upper-Middle-Income-Status bracket by 2030. Cde Parirenyatwa explained that this strategy is aligned with Africa Agenda 2063 and the global Sustainable Development Goals, and that its success depends on full participation by communities such as Zimunya-Marange.Chief Changamire Clayton Zimunya, the paramount traditional leader of the District, reminded the gathering that leadership cannot succeed without the guidance of culture and tradition. He expressed satisfaction that Presidential Victory Celebrations were anchored on the recognition of traditional authority, reinforcing the unity between state, party, and people.Ward 20 Councillor N Magodhi, who hosted the event, thanked residents for their unwavering support and promised to remain a servant of the community under the ruling party. He said the Council will continue to work with devolution funds and other government programs to ensure that Ward 20 and the wider Zimunya-Marange District contribute actively to Vision 2030.The Church also played its part, with Bishop Bumhira and his wife providing chaplaincy services for the proceedings. Their prayers, alongside the presence of Commander Andby Makururu's Church of Jahane the 5th, Jekenisheni, ZCC and for the first time GRJ Church clergy and congregants, gave the event its spiritual dimension.The celebrations at Gombakomba showed that post-election momentum is no longer about contestation, but about unity, development, and carrying forward the victory of President Mnangagwa into practical transformation through the ongoing implementation of NDS1. Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. Opinion / Columnist The Zimbabwean Catholic Church is compromised seriously! My reply to your article while still very fresh; about three hours old on Bulawayo 24 social media. I loved reading your input today regarding VP. Chiwenga, his deep connection with Zimbabwe Catholic Jesuits. According to me, your articles was well written; but under the veneer of your expressions there were omissions by default, to put it politely. It defeats me dismally how VP. Chiwenga could be so near a religious institution like the Jesuits, showing and open evidence of an unforgiving person. Secondly, how do Catholics internally handle Chiwenga's case with his former wife? He may have repented atrocities he committed in Matabeleland South; the Catholic Jesuits prayed forgiveness over him: the Catholic practice I know too well, as a roman Catholic myself. Just saying!Religious institutions, just like all societies transform with time for better and for worse. What was Catholic before independence and after, is not what it is today. Apparently, things have fallen apart. Catholic Jesuits especially in Rhodesia back then were dependable: Chokwadi, you put it succinctly how the Catholics defined African politics of the time: facilitating good education was their strength. They gave Africans a good social standing to adequately defy colonialism, empowering them for structural social and political transformations. But not all Catholics were on the same page about black educational empowerment back then, you have highlighted this in your article adequately.There is a Catholic saying: "Give me the child until he is 7 and I will give you the man', is a well-known quote that attributed to both Aristotle and St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order". The former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe was educated in Kutama the famous Jesuit school for boys. I wonder still if the Jesuits were happy about what became of him as politician and citizen. His iron-fist rule left permanent scars for generations. Mugabe doctored atrocities of genocide nature: misery is his signature in all regions of Matabeleland and Midlands. But on the other hand, it is the Catholics who found their voice in critiquing the Gukurahundi atrocities. They did not shy away to approach the former President; told him to stop the killings in Matabeleland region, curiously those killings were executed by Chiwenga, now a prominent figure in the Catholic Jesuit congregations and ceremonies.The contributions that the Catholic Church made during the struggle for independence must never be told in a single sentence but holistic to fully appreciate their role in political and social transformations of Southern Rhodesia and later Zimbabwe. The CCJP began their human rights activities early before independence documenting atrocities meted on African population in the early 1970s. But when the liberation war began heating up, when Freedom fighters engaged in direct physical battles with the Rhodesian Defense Forces, the Catholics maintained a strong commitment to Africans, documenting atrocities on civilian populations by Freedom Fighters, objectively balancing their observation based on peace and justice. Those were times when the buzzword Human Rights was unknown; Catholics, however, were the mouthpiece of social justice; they openly publicized atrocities committed by the Smith regime internationally. "The Man in the Middle (May 1975), and The Civil War in Rhodesia (August 1976), both published by the Catholic Institute for International Relations (CIIR) in England" are in international libraries. The sterling contribution by the Catholic Church is recognized in the academic fraternity for their noble work during colonialism and after 1980 independence.Zimbabwean history books must never forget Mike Auret and Bishop Donal Lamont who exposed and challenged human rights abuses in Rhodesia. Bishop Donal Lamont made a famous speech at the dock in Salisbury High court, was later deported to Ireland purely for his noble conviction on human rights. Spaces today are crowded with people who did little or nothing during the war of independence. Injustices and suffering of civilian populations of southern Africa was not only felt by Africans only but by the noble commitment of Churches including the Jesuits who could no longer be part of a colonial system that disregarding the sanctity of life: sanctity of life, the essence of Catholic belief systems.For Catholics to be given spaces of worship and their noble service to the indigenous people: their impartiality absolved them when they equally critiqued atrocities mete by Freedom Fighters especially in rural settings; villagers were caught in rock and hard surface: they were expected to feed freedom fighters on one hand, were severely punished by the Rhodesian Armed Forces when discovered, they gave all kinds of assistance to freedom fighters, on the other hand.The document CCJP from the Catholics for Justice during the Gukurahundi gives details how the citizens of Matabeleland perished under Fifth Brigade. General Chiwenga operated in Matabeleland South, killing and maiming Ndebele people (curiously where his current wife resides) including women and children reporting directly to Minister Mnangagwa, Minister for Security. It is wholly questionable and interesting to know how much the Catholic Jesuits have compromised to get acceptance from Zanu PF Government to work together after a long fallout. They work hand in glove with a despotic regime Zanu PF evidenced with high profile Catholic ceremonies VP. Chiwenga is honored to preside.The luminaries still living are Mr. Clement Moyo, Mr. Nicholas Ndebele, Lord Mayor David Coltart compiled the CCJP document. The 1983- 1987 Gukurahundi atrocities of genocide nature needed to be documented, be placed at a historical context. It is estimated that the number of deaths could be 20,000. However, the CCJP says it goes beyond counting deaths only: Livelihoods were destroyed by the Fifth Brigade. Young women and girls in remote villages were hunted down, raped and abducted, thousands were left pregnant. Rape was used as a weapon of war was used by the Fifth Brigade.Devout Catholics of Mike Auret and Bishop Donal Lamont must be turning in their graves, realizing how Catholic ethos have been bent to reach out to criminals masquerading as repented Catholics. Indeed, the times are changing. I am writing as a concerned Catholic; I may not be an active Sunday church goer for some reason, personal. Chiwenga is given powers by the Catholic Church on several occasions and ceremonies, is very disturbing. VP. Chiwenga gloats openly on social media each time he punishes his former wife Mrs. Merry Mubayiwa. Of late he spoke about how he reported Merry to the South African courts, and she had her home was forfeited.Do the Jesuits still maintain confidentiality regardless of human rights atrocities Chiwenga commits daily on his former wife?? A whole politician who refuses his children to visit their mother is not normal. The Catholic Church condones it. How cruel can life still be. From the outside, we see Jesuits overlooking Chiwenga's atrocities against his former wife and her children, the vulnerable niche in our societies; Curiously, where the church is needed most to alleviate pain and suffering. If bishop Donal Lamont had lived, he would have spoken openly against the VP Chiwenga without fear or favour, how he cruelly treats his former wife. It is like reading satanic verses. Chiwenga's values and principles of his Catholic faith he proudly displays at every Catholic ceremony, given a chance by the Jesuits, are absent or nonexistent. Just saying! Millions of Americans have altered vision, ranging from blurriness to blindness. But not everyone wants to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses. Accordingly, hundreds of thousands of people undergo corrective eye surgery each year, including LASIK - a laser-assisted surgery that reshapes the cornea and corrects vision. The procedure can result in negative side effects, prompting researchers to take the laser out of LASIK by remodeling the cornea, rather than cutting it, in initial animal tissue tests. Michael Hill, a professor of chemistry at Occidental College, will present his team's results at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS Fall 2025 is being held Aug. 17-21; it features about 9,000 presentations on a range of science topics. Human corneas are dome-shaped, clear structures that sit at the front of the eye, bending light from surroundings and focusing it onto the retina, where it's sent to the brain and interpreted as an image. But if the cornea is misshapen, it doesn't focus light properly, resulting in a blurry image. With LASIK, specialized lasers reshape the cornea by removing precise sections of the tissue. This common procedure is considered safe, but it has some limitations and risks, and cutting the cornea compromises the structural integrity of the eye. Hill explains that "LASIK is just a fancy way of doing traditional surgery. It's still carving tissue - it's just carving with a laser." But what if the cornea could be reshaped without the need for any incisions? This is what Hill and collaborator Brian Wong are exploring through a process known as electromechanical reshaping (EMR). "The whole effect was discovered by accident," explains Wong, a professor and surgeon at the University of California, Irvine. "I was looking at living tissues as moldable materials and discovered this whole process of chemical modification." In the body, the shapes of many collagen-containing tissues, including corneas, are held in place by attractions of oppositely charged components. These tissues contain a lot of water, so applying an electric potential to them lowers the tissue's pH, making it more acidic. By altering the pH, the rigid attractions within the tissue are loosened and make the shape malleable. When the original pH is restored, the tissue is locked into the new shape. Previously, the researchers used EMR to reshape cartilage-rich rabbit ears, as well as alter scars and skin in pigs. But one collagen-rich tissue that they were eager to explore was the cornea. In this work, the team constructed specialized, platinum "contact lenses" that provided a template for the corrected shape of the cornea, then placed each over a rabbit eyeball in a saline solution meant to mimic natural tears. The platinum lens acted as an electrode to generate a precise pH change when the researchers applied a small electric potential to the lens. After about a minute, the cornea's curvature conformed to the shape of the lens - about the same amount of time LASIK takes, but with fewer steps, less expensive equipment and no incisions. They repeated this setup on 12 separate rabbit eyeballs, 10 of which were treated as if they had myopia, or nearsightedness. In all the "myopic" eyeballs, the treatment dialed in the targeted focusing power of the eye, which would correspond to improved vision. The cells in the eyeball survived the treatment, because the researchers carefully controlled the pH gradient. Additionally, in other experiments, the team demonstrated that their technique might be able to reverse some chemical-caused cloudiness to the cornea - a condition that is currently only treatable through a complete corneal transplant. Though this initial work is promising, the researchers emphasize that it is in its very early stages. Next up is what Wong describes as, "the long march through animal studies that are detailed and precise," including tests on a living rabbit rather than just its eyeball. They also plan to determine the types of vision correction possible with EMR, such as near- and far-sightedness and astigmatism. Though the next steps are planned, uncertainties in the team's scientific funding have put them on hold. There's a long road between what we've done and the clinic. But, if we get there, this technique is widely applicable, vastly cheaper and potentially even reversible." Michael Hill, professor of chemistry, Occidental College This research was funded by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health and the John Stauffer Charitable Trust. A surge of imported cases from Reunion Island triggered Frances earliest chikungunya season ever, testing the limits of its surveillance system and exposing Europes growing vulnerability to mosquito-borne diseases. Rapid communication: Multiple early local transmissions of chikungunya virus, Mainland France, from May 2025. Image Credit: khlungcenter / Shutterstock In a recent rapid communication in the journal Eurosurveillance, researchers from France's public health agency detail the current scenario of the chikungunya disease within the country. Specifically, the aftermath of a large 2025 chikungunya outbreak on Reunion Island led to a surge of imported cases in mainland France, triggering an unusually early and widespread season of local transmission. The report highlights how, by July 10, 2025, 10 local outbreaks involving 27 people had been identified across five French regions. The first local transmission occurring in May (with symptom onset May 27) is the earliest recorded for any arbovirus (chikungunya, dengue, or Zika). These events, driven by the Aedes albopictus (tiger) mosquito, signal an escalating threat from arboviral diseases in Europe and significantly strain surveillance and response systems. Map of the autochthonous transmission events of chikungunya virus, Mainland France, May10 July 2025 (n = 27) Background Over 86% of travelers from Reunion carried transmissible virus levels while in mainland France, creating widespread opportunities for local mosquitoes to pick up the virus. Chikungunya is a mosquito-transmitted viral disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an RNA virus in the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae. Formally a tropical disease localized in Africa and Southeast Asia, the range expansion of its vector (the Aedes albopictus mosquito) has allowed chikungunya to establish itself globally, particularly in large parts of Europe, including France. The disease is characterized by high fever and moderate to severe joint pain that manifests suddenly within a week of infection. These symptoms may also be accompanied by muscle pain, headache, fatigue, and rashes. Viral transmission follows a straightforward and well-documented pattern an infected individual (termed an "imported case") travels from an outbreak area to a region where tiger mosquitoes are present. If a local mosquito bites that person during their viraemic phase (when the virus is in their blood), it can transmit the virus to other local people, creating an "autochthonous" or local transmission chain. To combat this, France operates an enhanced surveillance system from May to November, aiming to rapidly detect imported cases and implement vector control to prevent local spread. However, in early 2025, this system faced significant challenges due to a massive chikungunya outbreak on Reunion Island, a French overseas territory (Indian Ocean). About the Report Containing outbreaks required intensive, resource-heavy efforts: public health teams conducted exhaustive door-to-door surveys and targeted mosquito breeding sites around every autochthonous case identified. The present report represents a rapid communication detailing the real-time findings from France's mandatory surveillance system for Aedes-borne viruses. Conducted by researchers from Sante publique France (the French National Public Health Agency), the report aims to prevent or limit local chikungunya transmission by rapidly identifying and responding to both imported and autochthonous cases. Surveillance data is collated and synthesized via daily monitoring of laboratory results and epidemiological investigations of confirmed cases. When a case is confirmed, public health authorities interview the patient to determine their travel history and establish the likely place of infection. If a case has no travel history, it is classified as autochthonous, initiating intensive local response. Chikungunya mitigation measures and intensive local response include: 1. Door-to-door case finding to identify other potential infections, including tracing primary imported cases (successful in 4/10 outbreaks), and 2. Vector control measures, such as eliminating mosquito breeding sites and spraying insecticides and larvicides in the affected area. Report Findings The first-ever outbreak in Grand Est (Lipsheim) occurred in an area where tiger mosquitoes are relative newcomers, first spotted in 2015, highlighting the risk even in recently colonized northern zones. The report credited the Reunion Island outbreak between January and April 2025 with a majority (n = 484; 78%) of the 620 imported chikungunya cases with symptom onset documented in mainland France between May and June 2025. By July 10, 2025, 1,911 imported cases had been notified, 89% linked to Reunion Island the highest on record since French surveillance began in 2006. Notably, more than 86% of imported cases were viraemic during their stay in mainland France. This massive influx triggered 10 autochthonous outbreaks comprising 27 cases identified by July 10. The largest cluster (unusually large compared to others) was in Salon-de-Provence with 13 people. Critically, this marks the earliest arbovirus transmission season in France's history. Prior to 2025, the earliest first case occurred on June 12, with only 3 of 53 previously documented outbreaks starting in June. The median 9-day reporting delay for imported cases facilitated rapid response. The outbreak in Lipsheim (Grand Est) is particularly significant as the first local transmission in this recently colonized region, where Aedes albopictus was only detected in 2015. Conclusions Researchers warned some local transmission chains might be slipping through the surveillance net, raising concerns that undetected spread could trigger larger outbreaks if vigilance wanes. The present report highlights France's escalating arbovirus challenge and suggests that this is only the start of the expanding threat of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe. The combination of a large overseas outbreak (and its associated influx of cases), a Reunion strain well-adapted to Aedes albopictus, and the mosquito's northward expansion has demonstrated that local transmission can occur much earlier in the season than previously thought, even when vector densities are presumed to be low. While the rapid detection and containment of these initial outbreaks highlight the effectiveness of France's surveillance system, the resource-intensive nature of door-to-door investigations and vector control measures raises concerns about the system's capacity if transmission trends continue to increase. This report underscores the urgent need for European policymakers to anticipate this growing risk through dedicated funding, contingency planning, and research. Ochsner Children's has achieved a major milestone by performing the first robotic-assisted pediatric spine deformity surgery in Louisiana and the Gulf South. This recently completed procedure represents a significant step forward in patient safety and precision reaffirming Ochsner Children's leadership in innovative pediatric orthopedic care. The procedure was performed by Ochsner Children's pediatric orthopedic surgeons, Ryan Farmer, MD and Lawrence Haber, MD, on a patient diagnosed with Scheuermann's kyphosis, a spinal condition characterized by a severe forward leaning curvature in the spine. The surgery utilized Globus Medical's revolutionary ExcelsiusGPS robotic system, a state-of-the-art platform technology that enhances the surgeon's ability to plan and execute precise implant placements, significantly improving the safety and accuracy of spinal procedures. Robotic-assisted surgery is on the cutting-edge of pediatric spine surgery and is a big win for all our kids with spinal conditions. With advanced imaging and computer guidance, we can place implants with greater accuracy-making surgery safer for our patients." Dr. Ryan Farmer, MD, Ochsner Children's pediatric orthopedic surgeon Robotic-assisted spine surgery advantages extend beyond precision. By incorporating this technology, Ochsner Children's empowers its surgical teams with the ability to meticulously plan procedures in advance, determining the size, trajectory, and placement of each implant while enhancing control. "This is an important step forward for families in Louisiana and the Gulf South," said Dr. Haber, who also serves as Ochsner Children's section head of pediatric orthopedics. "Our goal is always to make surgery safer, more precise, and to improve outcomes for kids. This new procedure is a big moment for pediatric care-and a sign of what's possible when we explore innovative solutions to treat children with complex conditions." The integration of robotic technology into pediatric orthopedics marks the continuation of Ochsner's legacy of pioneering advancements in patient care. By adopting cutting-edge solutions, Ochsner Children's is shaping the future of pediatric healthcare and reaffirming its role as a trusted partner for families seeking expert medical treatment. When a patient visits a doctor, doctors are expected to listen to them. But in today's fast-paced health care system, real listening - the kind that makes you feel seen, heard, and understood - can be the first thing to go. A new article, co-authored by Dr. Leonard Berry of Texas A&M University's Mays Business School, argues that listening isn't just a nice gesture; it is a powerful tool that can improve the care and even help heal the health care system itself. Berry and colleagues at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in Boston and Henry Ford Health Detroit published their findings in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. The case of the Norwegian nurse The team identified what it calls "values-driven listening." It's about more than asking questions; it's about asking the right questions, being present, and showing genuine curiosity and compassion. Listening is the gateway to healing. It is how we connect, understand and ultimately serve better." Dr. Leonard Berry, Study Co-Author and Professor, Mays Business School, Texas A&M University One story in the article shows just how transformative listening can be. A nurse in a Norwegian nursing home asked a patient, "What would make a good day for you?" The patient responded: "I want to wear my blue shirt." "Why the blue one?" the nurse asked. "That was my wife's favorite shirt," the patient said. "She died two years ago today, and I want to honor her." The patient shared memories of his wife with the nurse, and afterward, he asked for a wheelchair so that he could tell other patients about her; it was the first time he'd ever asked to interact with other people at the facility. "That's not a medical breakthrough," Berry said, "it's a human one." Six listening strategies The authors outline six types of listening that contribute to better care: Listening that is proximate Being physically present matters. The provider can learn far more from a quiet moment in the exam room than from a rushed message or chart note. When they're close, focused and curious, patients are more likely to open up, and that kind of trust is essential for making decisions together about the care. Be sure the provider spends this focused time with patients. Listening that is curious The provider's curiosity can be just as important as their expertise. When they ask open-ended questions and pay attention to the words, body language and emotions, it creates space for honest conversation. That's often when key details emerge informing the plan of care. "What are your concerns about the plan of care we've discussed?" creates a path for open dialogue in a way that "Do you have any questions?" does not. Listening that earns and enables trust Trust starts when you feel safe to speak candidly, and that happens when your provider listens without judgment, gives you their full attention and treats your input as essential. At Henry Ford Health, some doctors are using AI-powered tools to handle notetaking during appointments, so they can focus entirely on the conversation. Listening aided by design The design of a clinic or hospital can affect how well the patients are heard. Small, crowded spaces make private conversations harder, but simple changes - like your provider sitting down during a visit - can make patients feel more cared for and listened to. Some health systems, like Southcentral Foundation in Alaska, have created "talking rooms" that feel less clinical and more personal, showing that listening isn't just a skill, it's something built into the space itself. Listening that empowers Listening should lead to action, and that includes listening to the people who care for the patients. When frontline staff are asked what's wasting time or making care harder, they often have smart, simple fixes. At Hawaii Pacific Health, a program called "Getting Rid of Stupid Stuff" led to hundreds of suggestions, including one that saved nurses 1,700 hours a month by removing a pointless documentation rule. When staff are empowered to speak up, care becomes more efficient, less frustrating and better for everyone. Listening that fosters resilience Caring for others is demanding, and when health care workers are supported, they're better able to support the patients. Simple acts like sharing meals and stories with colleagues can help reduce burnout and build emotional strength in those who are caring for the patients. Some hospitals schedule time for these peer connections, creating space for reflection and support. Ask the provider how their health care system supports its workers. Listening is kindness Berry and his co-authors write that deep listening benefits all parties: clinician-to patient; clinician-to-clinician; leader-to-clinical and non-clinical staff. It's a cultural shift that starts with values. "Do you care enough to listen?" they ask. For patients, this means one should feel empowered to speak up and expect to be heard. "Your experiences, concerns and insights are not just helpful, they're essential," Berry said. "And when your care team listens with empathy and curiosity, it leads to better decisions, stronger relationships and more personalized care. "Kindness is not a luxury in health care, it's a necessity. And true listening is one of its most powerful expressions." A new vaccine for pneumococcal disease will be tested under an international trial aiming to provide greater protection to babies against the common infection that causes pneumonia, sinusitis and meningitis. The Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) led study is evaluating a promising vaccine developed to protect against 21 strains of pneumococcus, up from the current 13 strains included in the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The Melbourne arm of the randomized controlled trial is recruiting 50 families with heathy two month olds who haven't had their first routine vaccinations. Participants will receive four doses of the vaccine at two, four, and six months of age and a booster dose at 12-15 months. All recommended childhood vaccines on the NIP will be given to babies during the study alongside the pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal disease can lead to serious illness and death among children under two years of age. In 2024, 602 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease were reported in Victoria, 373 of these were among 0-4 year olds. MCRI Professor Margie Danchin said having a vaccine that could offer broader protection was crucial to protecting more children from severe preventable infections and death. Pneumococcal infections are caused by a common bacteria that lives in the nose and throat and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and severe infections of the bloodstream and lining of the brain. There are more than 90 different strains of the pneumococcal bacteria and no vaccine is able to protect against every strain. But our trial of this new pneumococcal vaccine, which has shown good results in earlier studies and will protect against 21 strains, has the potential to save more lives. We always need to ensure that children and families are being offered the best protection against severe disease with new and improved vaccines. However, we need to demonstrate that they are safe and can trigger a protective antibody response in young children before they can be introduced into the national immunisation schedule." Margie Danchin, MCRI Professor Lisa, whose daughter Lucy, 3 months, is taking part in the trial, said she welcomed the opportunity to play a part in finding a more effective pneumococcal vaccine. "Being a nurse, I know how super important vaccination is to keeping my baby safe," she said. As a parent of a young baby, especially in the winter months, you just want as much protection as possible. "Without trials like this we wouldn't discover better, more effective vaccines. Research is what helps to safe proof our children for the future." The trial is aiming to recruit more than 1600 babies across Australia, the US, Puerto Rico, Honduras, South Korea and Thailand. Participants will be enrolled in the study for up to 19 months, which will also include three blood tests. For more details on the study email [email protected] or visit www.mcri.edu.au/research/projects/pneumococcal-vaccine-study-infants or redcap.link/VIRGo-PSK03 insights from industry Deirdre Raduns Manager for Protein Analytics Sartorius As the pace of drug discovery accelerates, scientists are under more pressure than ever to generate high-quality data quickly, reliably, and at scale. For over two decades, Octet Biolayer Interferometry (BLI) systems have been a trusted part of that journey, offering real-time, label-free interaction analysis without the complexity of fluidics. Sartorius is pushing BLI further with the Octet R8e: its most sensitive and versatile system to date for high-throughput analysis of protein-protein, protein-small molecules, and other biomolecular interactions. We spoke with Deirdre Raduns, Manager of Product Management for Protein Analytics, about how the R8e meets the evolving needs of scientific teams working at the front lines of biologics development. Can you tell us a bit about the new Octet R8e BLI System? The R8e takes everything that users already appreciate about Octetspeed, simplicity, no fluidicsand pairs it with a major leap in sensitivity. Researchers can work confidently at the lower detection limits, where other BLI platforms start to struggle. So, if you're working with small molecules, weak binders, or low-abundance targets, the R8e gives you sharper data and clearer answers you can trust. Where does the R8e fit within Sartorius Octet BLI portfolio? This is our flagship BLI system for labs needing performance and flexibility. While our other systems serve a wide range of throughput needs, the R8e adds a new dimension with high sensitivity and customizable assay design, all while staying fluidic-free and user-friendly. Its an ideal choice for teams who want the next level of data quality without the long sample loading times and maintenance burden of complex instrumentation. What capabilities does this instrument bring to customers? At its core, the R8e expands whats possible with BLI. It brings near-SPR sensitivity, which means researchers can now detect and quantify interactions that were previously out of reach on a BLI system, especially when working with small molecules or low-affinity analytes. From a workflow efficiency perspective, you can run assays in 96- or 384-well formats depending on your throughput needs. Plus, weve added smart evaporation control for the 96-well format, so long, overnight runs dont compromise your sample integrity. Thats a game-changer for teams who want to push their experiments further without worrying about reliability. How does Octet BLI address automation needs? Automation is increasingly non-negotiable in high-throughput environments. Octet BLI systems are already designed for walk-away operation, but for labs ready to fully integrate with robotics, we offer the RH series (RH16 and RH96) along with a partnership with BIOSERO to integrate these systems and streamline processes. The result is greater consistency, more reproducibility, and more time for teams to focus on science. Image Credit: Sartorius What additional information should customers know about Octet BLI? Octet BLI systems are trusted in thousands of labs worldwide. They have a large global install base in regulated environments across pharma, biotech, and CRO organizations and have been successfully used in numerous investigational new drug applications. When researchers choose Octet, they join a community of scientists who are pushing boundaries in discovery, development, and manufacturing. With the R8e, they now have a system ready to meet the future of biologics. About Deirdre Raduns Deirdre Raduns is the Manager of Product Management for Protein Analytics at Sartorius. She leads efforts in product innovation, lifecycle management, and strategic roadmap development to advance the protein analysis market. Prior to her role at Sartorius, Deirdre held product management and development roles at Lonza and Thermo Fisher Scientific. She holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from the University at Buffalo. About Sartorius Sartorius is a leading international pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment supplier. With our innovative products and services, we are helping our customers across the entire globe to implement their complex and quality-critical biomanufacturing and laboratory processes reliably and economically. The Group companies are united under the roof of Sartorius AG, which is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and holds the majority stake in Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. Quoted on the Paris Stock Exchange, this subgroup is comprised mainly of the Bioprocess Solutions Division. Innovative technologies enable medical progress A growing number of medications are biopharmaceuticals. These are produced using living cells in complex, lengthy and expensive procedures. The Bioprocess Solutions Division provides the essential products and technologies to accomplish this. In fact, Sartorius has been pioneering and setting the standards for single-use products that are currently used throughout all biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Making lab life easier Lab work is complex and demanding: Despite repetitive analytical routines, lab staff must perform each step in a highly concentrated and careful way for accurate results. The Lab Products and Services Division helps lab personnel excel because its products, such as laboratory balances, pipettes and lab consumables, minimize human error, simplify workflows and reduce physical workloads. Despite the increasing recognition of Long COVID as a condition, many patients still face dismissal by medical professionals, misattribution of their symptoms to psychological causes, or simply being left to fend for themselves. The study describes the response many encounter from professionals as 'medical gaslighting', disbelief and dismissiveness. The study, published in Sociology and conducted in collaboration with Professor Deborah Lupton from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, found that people with Long COVID are turning to wearable devices and online patient communities to make sense of their symptoms, identify patterns and triggers, and develop their own care plans. The research found that the study participants, most of whom are highly educated and professionally employed (although more than half were unable to work at the time of the interview because of their illness), are using data from smartwatches and symptom-tracking apps to evidence their symptoms to their medical practitioners and advocate for diagnostic tests. In some cases, participants felt it was only because of their self-tracking data that they had been able to get referrals to tests or specialists and subsequently obtain formal diagnoses and access treatment. We found that people with Long COVID are often left to fend for themselves in a system that isn't adequately informed about their condition and doesn't offer them appropriate medical support. Digital self-tracking, combined with the expertise shared in online patient groups, offers a vital source of knowledge, validation and practical care. But it shouldn't fall to patients to do this work alone. And not all patients have the resources and capacities to usefully engage with self-tracking technologies and advocate for themselves." Dr. Sazana Jayadeva, co-author of the study and Surrey Future Fellow in the Department of Sociology, University of Surrey The study found that online patient groups are not only sharing advice on which metrics to monitor and how to interpret data, but are also contributing to the uptake of self-tracking technologies by people with limited to no previous experience or interest in tracking. The study also found that having wearable data gave patients greater confidence to advocate for themselves in medical contexts. Yet many still felt their data was disregarded or even resented. The study identifies this digital evidence as a tool for reducing the power imbalance between patients and doctors - but only where clinicians are willing to listen. Dr. Sazana Jayadeva continued: "We need a shift in medical culture, and we urge practitioners to treat patient-generated data as a valuable resource. Without this shift, patients with contested illnesses like Long COVID risk remaining stuck in a system where they have to be their own doctors." Jharkhand Congress members leave for Bihar to join Voter Adhikar Yatra Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 09:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Ranchi, Aug 19 (PTI) Hundreds of Congress members from Jharkhand, led by the partys state president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh, left for Bihar on Tuesday morning to join the Rahul Gandhi-led Voter Adhikar Yatra. They will join the yatra in Bihars Nawada, which shares a border with Jharkhand. Recommended Stories To extend our support to the important cause raised by our leader, Rahul Gandhi, we left for Bihar to join the Voter Adhikar Yatra. He is raising his voice for the people of Bihar," Kamlesh said. State Congress media chairperson Satish Paul Munjini said around 500 party workers from across Jharkhand would join the yatra in Bihar. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all State ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari, and Congress legislature party leader Pradeep Yadav will also join the Yatra, he added. Gandhi, the leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, launched the 16-day Voter Adhikar Yatra from Sasaram on Sunday as part of the Congresss campaign against what it claims to be vote chori". PTI SAN SOM First Published: August 19, 2025, 09:15 IST News agency-feeds Jharkhand Congress members leave for Bihar to join Voter Adhikar Yatra Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... SARAJEVO (Reuters) -Slovenia declared two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, persona non grata on Thursday, the first European Union country to do so, Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said. The government accused Israel's national security minister Ben-Gvir and finance minister Smotrich - both West Bank settlers - of making "genocidal statements" and inciting violence against Palestinians. There was no immediate reaction from Israel's government which has regularly rejected accusations of genocide in Gaza, and says it is acting in self-defence following the deadly October 7, 2023, attack led by Hamas militants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fajon said Slovenia had decided to make the move after EU foreign ministers did not agree on joint action against Israel over charges of human rights violations at a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday. "Today, the government adopted one of the first national measures, which is to declare two Israeli ministers... unwanted in the Republic of Slovenia," Fajon told a news conference. "This kind of measure is the first of its kind in the European Union. We are breaking new ground," she said. Other measures were being prepared, she added, without going into detail. Slovenia's government issued a statement saying the ministers "publicly advocate the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the forced evictions of Palestinians, and call for violence against the civilian Palestinian population". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Slovenia recognised an independent Palestinian state. In June, Britain, Norway, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, imposed sanctions on the two Israeli ministers, accusing them of inciting violence against Palestinians. Israel began its offensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in 2023 in which 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, according to Israeli tallies, and 251 people were taken to Gaza and held hostage. Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. (Reporting by Daria Sito-SucicEditing by Alexandra Hudson and Andrew Heavens) Sikkim University student arrested for insulting Nepali language Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 21:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Gangtok, Aug 19 (PTI) A Sikkim University student, who hailed from Uttar Pradesh, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly making insulting remarks against the Nepali language which is widely spoken in the Himalayan state, officials said. Acting on a complaint lodged by some local students, a team from Rani Pool police station reached the university campus and took Raj Shekhar Yadav into custody for questioning, officials said. Recommended Stories Yadav, a resident of Varanasi, was later arrested. The accused, a first-semester student of Master of Commerce, allegedly said in a WhatsApp post on August 15 that Nepali is a foreign language and those speaking it should go to Nepal. Yadav, however, apologised in a video message and sought forgiveness from all for his comment. The Sikkim University Students Association through its president Anup Regmi later reported the incident to the varsity authorities and the police. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The students body also issued a press release condemning Yadavs remarks as divisive and harmful to peace and harmony within the university." It said that Nepali is widely spoken in Sikkim and is listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Sikkim University officials are yet to respond to the development. PTI KDK NN First Published: August 19, 2025, 21:45 IST News agency-feeds Sikkim University student arrested for insulting Nepali language Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Water stock in Maharashtras key dams surges; Koyna gets 10 TMC in 48 hrs Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 22:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai, Aug 19 (PTI) Copious rains in catchment areas over the last couple of days have significantly increased the water level in key dams across Maharashtra, forcing authorities to open floodgates and sending alerts to people living along the rivers downstream. Koyna dam, an important reservoir and lifeline in terms of both power generation and irrigation in the state, witnessed a dramatic leap in its water stock from 84.70 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) on Sunday morning to 93.45 TMC by Tuesday morning, while its full capacity is 100 TMC, data released by the water resources department said. Recommended Stories One TMC water is equivalent to 28.31 crore litres. Rainfall of 192 mm in a single day in the dams catchment area compelled the authorities to increase the discharge of water from a modest 9,993 cusecs on Monday to 51,200 cusecs on Tuesday. The flow has set alarm bells ringing in towns along the Koyna and Krishna river confluence, such as Karad in Satara district, with the collectorate issuing warnings of possible flooding and river water intrusion in low-lying areas. Authorities attribute the rapid increase to the relentless showers in western Maharashtra, a region that saw 113 mm of rainfall between Sunday and Monday alone. Out of the 19 principal dams in the region, 15 have now begun releasing water to make space for more inflow expected in the coming days. By comparison, just five dams were discharging water as of August 17. In Marathwada, the imposing Jayakwadi dam is almost filled to the brim with 94.83 per cent (72.70 TMC of a potential 76.65 TMC), though water continues to be safely retained for now, the data said. The Purna Yeldari dam in Parbhani district is 93.83 per cent full, but authorities have begun controlled releases of 49,575 cusecs into the Purna river. Vidarbhas Pench Totladoh dam stands at 68.34 per cent of its capacity, while the Gosikhurd reservoir, currently holding 12.56 TMC (48.07 per cent), is discharging a hefty 89,193 cusecs into the Wainganga river basin to alleviate pressure after intense rainfall. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As per the departments data, in North Maharashtra, Mula dam in Ahilyanagar district and Girana dam in Nashik district are almost filled to the brim at 18.10 TMC and 12.93 TMC, respectively, but have not yet started releasing water. Contrastingly, the Hatnoor dam in Jalgaon district is actively discharging 63,173 cusecs of water into the Tapi river as its stock reached 6.39 TMC out of a 9 TMC capacity. PTI ND NP First Published: August 19, 2025, 22:45 IST News agency-feeds Water stock in Maharashtras key dams surges; Koyna gets 10 TMC in 48 hrs Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Gem Aromatics IPO Opens Today: Issue Booked 99% So Far; Should You Subscribe? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 16:34 IST Gem Aromatics IPO GMP: Gem Aromatics IPO opens on August 19, 2025, with a price band of Rs 309-325 per share, closing on August 21. News18 Gem Aromatics IPO: Specialty ingredients maker Gem Aromatics IPO opens today, August 19, 2025, with a price band fixed at Rs 309-325 per share. The issue will close on August 21, 2025. Gem Aromatics IPO received a muted response on the first day of bidding, with the issue subscribed 0.99 times overall till 4:00 pm. In total, against 97.82 lakh shares on offer, bids were placed for 96.69 lakh shares. Recommended Stories Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs): The quota of 27.00 lakh shares was subscribed 1.05 times, with bids for 28.48 lakh shares. FIIs accounted for 16.10 lakh bids, while 12.37 lakh bids came under the Others category. Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs): The segment was subscribed 0.79 times, with 16.81 lakh bids received against 21.24 lakh shares reserved. Within this, applications above Rs 10 lakh were subscribed 0.58 times, while those between Rs 210 lakh were subscribed 1.21 times. Retail Individual Investors (RIIs): The retail category saw moderate demand, subscribed 1.04 times, with 51.40 lakh bids placed against 49.57 lakh shares reserved. Gem Aromatics IPO Allotment And Listing Dates The IPO comprises a fresh issue worth Rs 175 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of Rs 276.25 crore, taking the total issue size to Rs 451.25 crore. Investors can bid for a minimum lot of 46 shares with a face value of Rs 2 per share. The allotment will be finalized on August 22, refunds initiated on August 25, and credited to demat accounts on the same day. The companys shares are proposed to be listed on both BSE and NSE on August 26, 2025. Gem Aromatics IPO GMP Unlisted shares of Gem Aromatics are trading at Rs 353 apiece at the upper price band of Rs 325, reflecting a premium of 8.62 per cent. It indicates a GMP of Rs 28. GMP is a rough indicator showing the grey market demand among investors for to-be-listed shares of the IPO. GMP is not stagnant but changes with time. It helps other investors to gauge the sentiment for a particular IPO. Gem Aromatics: Other Info Incorporated in 1997, Gem Aromatics is engaged in the manufacturing of essential oils, aroma chemicals, and value-added derivatives. Its diverse product portfolio of over 70 items caters to industries such as oral care, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, wellness, and personal care. Major clients include Colgate-Palmolive, Dabur, Patanjali, and international player doTERRA, with mint and its derivatives contributing about 73% of FY24 revenues. The company has demonstrated steady growth, with revenues rising from Rs 425.09 crore in FY23 to Rs 505.64 crore in FY25. Net profit also improved from Rs 44.67 crore to Rs 53.38 crore in the same period, while EBITDA margin stood at 17.5% in FY25. Gem Aromatics IPO: Should You Subscribe? Brokerage Swastika At the upper price band, the issue is valued at a P/E of 28.52x based on FY25 earnings. The brokerage Swastika notes that while valuations are on the higher side, the companys diverse portfolio, strong client base, and consistent growth make it a candidate for listing gains and long-term investment. Anand Rathi in its note: Gem Aromatics Limited is a well-established manufacturer in India, engaged in the production of specialty ingredients such as essential oils, aroma chemicals, and value-added derivatives. The Company offers an extensive and diverse product portfolio, which continues to expand through ongoing product development and strong in-house research and development capabilities. Over the years, it has built long-standing and trusted relationships with a wide base of reputed customers, both within India and across international markets. In addition, the Company operates strategically located manufacturing facilities that are designed to support large-scale production while also emphasizing environmentally sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices. At the upper price band company is valuing at P/E of 31.8x to its FY25 earnings, with EV/EBITDA of 21.6x and market cap of 16,977 million post issue of equity shares. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We believe that the IPO is fully priced and recommend a Subscribe Long Term" rating to the IPO. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 10:25 IST News business ipo Gem Aromatics IPO Opens Today: Issue Booked 99% So Far; Should You Subscribe? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Patel Retail IPO Opens Today: Issue Booked 6x So Far, Check Latest GMP, Price Band & More; Should You Subscribe? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 16:37 IST Patel Retail IPO GMP: Patel Retail IPO opens today, August 19, aiming to raise Rs 242.76 crore. The issue closes on August 21, 2025. Founded in 2008, Patel Retail operates a chain of supermarkets under the brand Patels R Mart, largely in tier-III cities and suburban Maharashtra. Patel Retail IPO GMP Today: Patel Retail IPO opens today, August 19 for a three-day subscription. The mainboard issue is aiming to raise Rs 242.76 crore through a mix of fresh equity issuance and an offer for sale (OFS). The issue will close on August 21, 2025. Recommended Stories The IPO proceeds will be used for debt repayment (Rs 59 crore), working capital needs (Rs 115 crore), and general corporate purposes. Patel Retail IPO witnessed a strong response from investors on the first day of bidding, with the issue subscribed 6.19 times overall till 4:30 pm. In total, against 78.15 lakh shares on offer, Patel Retail IPO received bids for 4.83 crore shares. Patel Retail IPO Price Band The IPO comprises a fresh issue of 0.85 crore shares worth Rs 217.21 crore and an OFS of 0.10 crore shares worth Rs 25.55 crore. The price band is fixed at Rs 237 to Rs 255 per share, with a face value of Rs 10. The minimum lot size is 58 shares, requiring a retail investment of Rs 13,746. For high-net-worth investors, the lot size stands at 14 lots (812 shares) for sNII and 68 lots (3,944 shares) for bNII. Fedex Securities Pvt Ltd is acting as the book-running lead manager, while Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd is the registrar. The companys shares are proposed to be listed on both BSE and NSE with a tentative listing date of August 26, 2025. Patel Retail IPO Reservation Out of the total issue, 44.76% is reserved for retail investors, 29.84% for QIBs, 24.87% for NIIs, and 0.54% for employees, who also enjoy a Rs 20 discount per share. Patel Retail Financials Founded in 2008, Patel Retail operates a chain of supermarkets under the brand Patels R Mart," largely in tier-III cities and suburban Maharashtra. As of May 2025, the company runs 43 stores across Thane and Raigad districts, with a total retail space of about 1.78 lakh sq. ft. Financially, the company reported a revenue of Rs 825.99 crore in FY25, with a 12% rise in net profit to Rs 25.28 crore from the previous year. Patel Retail IPO: Should You Subscribe? Anand Rathi in its report said: Patel Retail Limited, headquartered in Ambernath, Maharashtra, is a value retail supermarket chain operating under the brand Patels R Mart, with 43 stores across Thane and Raigad and a retail space of about 1.79 lakh sq. ft. Incorporated in 2008, the company has expanded into nonretail operations, including food processing, packaging, exports, and trading, offering products under in-house brands such as Patel Fresh, Indian Chaska, Blue Nation, and Patel Essentials. They aim to strengthen their retail presence in Maharashtra by deepening market penetration and expanding their store network. Their stores are spread across 17 cities and suburban areas in the Thane and Raigad districts of Maharashtra. Following a cluster-focused expansion strategy, they plan to strengthen their presence in the western suburbs of the MMR, including Mira Road, Bhayander, Virar, and Vasai, as well as expand into the municipal region of Pune, Maharashtra. At the upper price band, the company is valued at a FY25 P/E of 33.6x, with a post-issue market capitalization of Rs 8,504 million. Each retail store offers over 10,000 SKUs, and the companys strategy focuses on providing a wide product range at value-for-money prices with strong customer service, sustaining competitiveness through everyday low prices driven by efficient procurement, supply, and operations. Based on these factors, the IPO appears fully priced, with a SUBSCRIBE LONG TERM" recommendation. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 11:00 IST News business ipo Patel Retail IPO Opens Today: Issue Booked 6x So Far, Check Latest GMP, Price Band & More; Should You Subscribe? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... I-T Dept Probes Control Of Jane Street India, Summons Auditor Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 07:39 IST According to reports, I-T department has questioned Jane Street India staff as part of its probe into the US trading firms operations; Details Sebi barred Jane Street from participating in Indian markets on July 4, accusing it of manipulating stock indices through derivatives trades. Jane Street Probe: The income tax (I-T) department has summoned EY, the auditor of Jane Streets Indian arm, and recorded sworn statements from two employees and a director of the local entity as part of its probe into the US investor, The Economic Times (ET) reported. According to ET, the tax office is trying to piece together details on who exercised control over Janes Indian subsidiary after a six-day survey failed to extract adequate information from offshore servers. Recommended Stories Focus on Control The departments focus is to know where Jane Streets Indian subsidiary received its instructions from," a person familiar with the matter told ET. Officials are examining EYs letter of engagement, the sources of its data, and the nature of its interactions with Janes global teams. If investigators can establish that Jane India was merely executing instructions from the parent group, the I-T department could move to disallow its losses, preventing the firm from carrying them forward against future profits. While this may be a relatively small win, ET noted, it could set the stage for a bigger challenge: questioning treaty benefits enjoyed by Janes Singapore and Hong Kong entities. Treaty Angle A second source told ET that the taxman would need to build a case showing that Jane Streets India, Singapore, and Hong Kong outfits acted in collusion to avoid taxes, which would constitute an impermissible avoidance arrangement." Treaty benefits, the person added, can only be claimed for bona fide transactions. The regulator has alleged that Jane used its Indian arm to take positions in cash and stock futures, while its Singapore and Hong Kong FPIsregistered with Sebitook large bets in equity options. This allegedly influenced market prices, allowing the FPIs to make hefty profits, most of which were booked in Singapore, where such derivative gains are tax-exempt under the India-Singapore treaty. Establishing that Janes India operations were an extension of its overseas business may be comparatively easier than denying treaty benefits and imposing tax on Jane Singapore. However, proving Jane India was a sham would certainly help Sebi," a senior lawyer told ET. SEBI Link ET reported that the I-T probe may have been triggered in part at the instance of Sebi, which counts senior IRS officer Kamlesh Varshney as a whole-time member. Jane Street, according to sources, has hired New York law firm Sullivan & Cromwell for advice. A legal expert told ET that foreign investors often use top legal help to decide what information can be shared with authorities. If data is withheld on privacy grounds, it must be backed with justification. Only later could Indian authorities approach Singapore and Hong Kong counterparts under information-sharing agreements, ET said. Jane Street Not Cooperating With Indian Tax Authorities Global trading firm Jane Street is not cooperating with the Income Tax Department in its ongoing probe, according to ANI sources. Officials told the agency that the investigation has been hampered by limited access to key servers located outside India. Access to the servers is being blocked," one of the sources said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Although Indian company law requires firms to maintain local accounts, Jane Streets financial records are reportedly housed overseas, adding to the complications. The US-based proprietary trading firm also has only a small team in India, and those employees have provided little assistance, ANI reported. The lack of cooperation has slowed the progress of the inquiry. This comes after the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), on July 4, issued an interim order accusing Jane Street Group of index manipulation and directing it to return Rs 4,843.57 crore in alleged unlawful gains. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 07:37 IST News business markets I-T Dept Probes Control Of Jane Street India, Summons Auditor Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ola Electric, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto Jump Up To 6% As China Assures Rare Earth Magnet Supply Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 12:10 IST Indian auto stocks surged up to 6% as China assured India of addressing rare earth supply concerns, easing fears of production disruptions Auto Stocks Indian auto stocks extended their rally on Tuesday, with Ola Electric, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, Hyundai Motor, Eicher Motors, and Maruti Suzuki climbing up to 6% in trade. The Nifty Auto index rose 1%, adding to Mondays nearly 5% jump on hopes of a possible GST cut to spur vehicle demand. The rally gained further traction after reports that China has assured India it will address concerns over supplies of rare earth magnets and tunnel boring machines. Rare earth magnets, of which China controls about 90% of global output, are critical for automakers. Recommended Stories Shortages have already hit production, with Bajaj Auto cutting its EV two-wheeler output by up to 50% in July and warning of continued constraints. Hero MotoCorp said it has secured supplies for both ICE and EV models through Q2FY26, while Tata Motors has flagged rare earth magnets as a potential bottleneck, though its production remains unaffected for now. Both companies are scouting alternative sources. If Beijings assurances hold, automakers may get relief from supply disruptions just as domestic demand prospects brighten. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all At 10:55 am, Nifty Auto was up 1%, with top gainers including Ola Electric, Bajaj Auto, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Hero MotoCorp, Eicher Motors, Hyundai Motor India, and TVS Motor. The index has gained 11.2% year-to-date. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 12:10 IST News business markets Ola Electric, Tata Motors, Bajaj Auto Jump Up To 6% As China Assures Rare Earth Magnet Supply Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Oracle Lays Off 10% Of Workforce In India Amid Major Restructuring Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 18:18 IST Oracle has laid off nearly 10% of its workforce in India amid restructuring. This follows a partnership with OpenAI and talks with Trump. Oracle Layoffs 2025 Oracle, one of the worlds largest software firms, has laid off close to 10% of its workforce in India, marking one of its biggest rounds of job cuts in the country, according to India Today report. The restructuring comes even as the company recently announced a landmark partnership with OpenAI and held high-level discussions with US President Donald Trump. Recommended Stories Oracles move adds to the growing list of global tech giants streamlining their operations this year. From Microsoft to Google and Amazon, several major firms have announced layoffs citing cost pressures, a shift in business priorities, and increasing investment in artificial intelligence. In a June filing, the company said it periodically adjusts its workforce for strategic changes, reorganisations, or performance reasons. These types of restructurings have resulted, and may in the future result, in increased restructuring costs and temporarily reduced productivity while employees adjust," the filing noted. Oracle has long relied on India as a key talent hub, employing nearly 28,824 people across major cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Noida, and Kolkata. But with close to one in ten staff now facing job cuts, the impact is significant, reports Data Centre Dynamics. The layoffs are said to be concentrated in functions such as software development, cloud services, and customer support. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Oracle and OpenAI have entered an agreement to develop 4.5 gigawatts of additional Stargate data center capacity in the U.S. This investment will create new jobs, accelerate Americas reindustrialization, and help advance U.S. AI leadership. It also marks a major milestone for Stargate , OpenAIs AI infrastructure platform and long-term vision to deliver the benefits of AI to everyone. About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 18:18 IST News business Oracle Lays Off 10% Of Workforce In India Amid Major Restructuring Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Safari Planning Gets Smarter: MakeMyTrip Introduces National Park Stay Finder Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 15:39 IST MakeMyTrip's new feature helps travelers book accommodations near India's national parks. Covering 100+ parks and 2,000 hotels, it offers tips and info for easier safari access. News18 MakeMyTrip, Indias leading online travel company, has rolled out a new initiative to make it easier for travellers to discover and book accommodation around national parks. The feature, billed as an industry-first, aims to solve a long-standing challenge faced by wildlife enthusiasts finding hotels and homestays near the right park zones and entry gates for easier safari access. The platform now covers more than 100 national parks across India and has mapped over 2,000 hotels and homestays to their nearest park zones. With this update, users can simply search for a national park or even a specific gate to instantly view accommodation options located inside or outside the park, sorted by proximity. Recommended Stories To further support planning, the platform also includes a Tips section offering practical details such as park operational hours, entry protocols, peak visitation seasons, transport routes, and links to official state tourism websites. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India is home to more than 100 national parks and over 1,000 protected areas, offering immense potential for wildlife tourism. On our platform, searches for national parks have doubled over the past two years, a clear sign of the growing interest among travellers. By making it easier to discover and book stays around these destinations, we hope to encourage more people to explore Indias natural heritage and contribute to the growth of this segment," said Ankit Khanna, Chief Product Officer Hotel, Growth & Emerging Businesses, MakeMyTrip. The launch reflects MakeMyTrips broader focus on transforming fragmented travel experiences into seamless journeys. Over the years, the company has consistently introduced innovations designed to make travel search more intuitive, personalized, and accessible. About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover al... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 15:38 IST News business Safari Planning Gets Smarter: MakeMyTrip Introduces National Park Stay Finder Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Inside Stranded Mumbai Monorail: Heat, Chaos And Darkness For Over An Hour | Video Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 23:46 IST A monorail train got stuck on an elevated track in Mumbai due to a power supply issue, leaving around 500 passengers stranded. Passengers were stuck for over an hours on the Mumbai monorail. (PTI) A monorail train broke down and got stuck on an elevated track in rain-battered Mumbai, triggering panic and chaos that lasted for over an hour, as authorities moved on a war footing to rescue more than 580 stranded passengers. The overcrowded train experienced a power supply issue, which triggered a breakdown near the Mysore Colony station in the Vashi Gaon area of Navi Mumbai, leaving hundreds of passengers in darkness. The incident took place when Mumbai experienced particularly heavy rainfall on Tuesday, which added to the discomfort of the passengers. Recommended Stories Several passengers experienced breathing problems and suffocation, which was worsened due to the damp weather outside. Passengers were patient. The train had many senior citizens and kids, and they were facing difficulties," said a passenger who was rescued from the monorail. Some of the rescued passengers complained of suffocation and were taken for treatment to hospitals. Its very hot inside. The elderly and children are facing a lot of difficulties. Some people were feeling suffocated and they are being taken away in ambulances. I am grateful to God that I got saved," a passenger was quoted as saying by NDTV. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the train was overcrowded, while efforts were underway to rescue stranded passengers through cranes. The state government has ordered an inquiry into the incident. Due to the closure of Harbour Line, several passengers started travelling to the Monorail. This led to overcrowding in the train, and a power breakdown occurred. Our priority is to rescue passengers from the train," said Shinde. Authorities have rescued all passengers from the stranded monorail. Several fire tenders were on the spot for evacuation measures, and BEST buses were also on the site to assist rescued commuters. Nearby hospitals were put on alert, and medical teams had reached the spot. Hospital authorities said there were at least 582 passengers, of whom 23 suffered from suffocation during the breakdown and were treated on the site by the medical teams there. Two people, identified as Kismat Kumar and Vivek Sonavane, were admitted to the hospital and were reportedly in a stable condition. VIDEO | Mumbai: Passengers being evacuated after a Monorail got stuck on an elevated track near Mysore Colony in Chembur.(Full video available on PTI Videos https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/XmLUgbawpT Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 19, 2025 The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation said the monorail train had experienced a minor power supply issue. Our operations and maintenance teams are already on-site and working to resolve it quickly," it added. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he will order an inquiry into the incident and assured that all passengers had been safely evacuated, urging people not to panic. Due to some technical reason, a monorail is stuck between Chembur and Bhakti Park. MMRDA, the fire brigade, and the municipal corporation, all agencies have reached the spot. The highest priority is being given to the safety of all passengers. Therefore, no one should worry or panic. All passengers will be safely evacuated," he said on X. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 19, 2025, 20:52 IST News mumbai-news Inside Stranded Mumbai Monorail: Heat, Chaos And Darkness For Over An Hour | Video Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbai Monorail Stuck On Elevated Track For Hours Amid Heavy Rain, 582 Passengers Rescued Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 23:45 IST A monorail train was stuck on an elevated track due to a minor power supply issue, leaving at least 582 passengers stranded. All passengers were rescued after several hours. A monorail train was stuck in Mumbai's Vashi Gaon amid heavy rain. (News18) A monorail train got stuck on an elevated track between Chembur and Bhakti Park near Mysore Colony Station in Mumbai on Tuesday due to a power supply issue, leaving around 582 passengers stranded. Rescue operations commenced immediately, as the fire brigade, BMC officials and police began to evacuate passengers through a crane. Several police officers reached the site where the monorail broke down, and rescue operations began, with the fire brigade using three hydraulic ladders and personnel breaking windows to rescue passengers. Some reports claimed passengers had been stuck for an over an hour, while engineers tried to open carriages. Recommended Stories All passengers have been rescued after hours of rescue operations. Several fire tenders were on the spot for evacuation measures, and BEST buses were also on the site to assist rescued commuters. Nearby hospitals were put on alert, and medical teams had reached the spot. Some of the passengers complained of suffocation and were taken for treatment to hospitals in ambulances. Hospital authorities said there were at least 582 passengers, of whom 23 suffered from suffocation during the breakdown and were treated on the site by the medical teams there. Two people, identified as Kismat Kumar and Vivek Sonavane, were admitted to the hospital and were reportedly in a stable condition. The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation said the monorail train had experienced a minor power supply issue. Our operations and maintenance teams are already on-site and working to resolve it quickly," it added. Inside Stranded Mumbai Monorail: Heat, Chaos And Darkness For Over An Hour For now, services between Wadala and Chembur are running smoothly on a single line. We sincerely thank you for your patience and assure you that your safety remains our top priority. Rest assured, normal services will be restored at the earliest." Service updateOne Monorail train near Mysore Colony station has experienced a minor power supply issue. Our operations and maintenance teams are already on-site and working to resolve it quickly. For now, services between Wadala and Chembur are running smoothly on a single Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (@MMMOCL_Official) August 19, 2025 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he will order an inquiry into the incident and assured that all passengers had been safely evacuated, urging people not to panic. Due to some technical reason, a monorail is stuck between Chembur and Bhakti Park. MMRDA, the fire brigade, and the municipal corporation, all agencies have reached the spot. The highest priority is being given to the safety of all passengers. Therefore, no one should worry or panic. All passengers will be safely evacuated," he said on X. . , . . , . Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 19, 2025 I am in contact with the MMRDA Commissioner, the Municipal Commissioner, the police, and all relevant agencies. An inquiry will also be conducted into why this incident occurred. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said four to five BEST buses had been dispatched to assist the passengers. Stranded passengers contacted the BMCs 1916 number for immediate help, after which the Mumbai Fire Department rushed to the spot and started relief work with the help of three snorkel vehicles. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the breakdown occurred due to overcrowding. Due to the closure of Harbour Line, several passengers started travelling to the Monorail. This led to overcrowding in the train, and a power breakdown occurred. Our priority is to rescue passengers from the train," he said. Mumbai is facing severe disruption due to relentless rainfall over the past two days. The city has recorded over 300 mm of rain in 24 hours, leading to flooded roads, submerged local trains, and delayed flights. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ: Next 48 Hours Critical As Rain-Battered Mumbai Braces For More Downpour; Rail, Flights Badly Hit A red alert has been issued for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, with the IMD forecasting extremely heavy rainfall in these areas. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has advised citizens to take precautions as more showers are expected along with high tides. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 19, 2025, 19:25 IST News mumbai-news Mumbai Monorail Stuck On Elevated Track For Hours Amid Heavy Rain, 582 Passengers Rescued Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Is Getting Stuck On CR Train In Rain Our Hobby? Mumbai Officegoers Vent Out Anger At Advisory Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 12:31 IST Mumbai rain: Thank you for informing me upon arriving at work, keep updating quickly like this! read the sarcastic reply. CR services are now suspended A train moves through a waterlogged track from Tilak Nagar to Kurla on Monday. (PTI) As Mumbai got battered by rain for the fourth day in a row, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corproration (BMC) announced that all government and semi-government offices in the city will remain closed on Tuesday. It also appealed to all private establishments across Mumbai to allow their employees to work from home and avoid unnecessary travel. However, those who still had to travel to work took out the frustration on the Central Railways (CR) rain advisory on X . Recommended Stories At 11.04 am, the DRM of CR posted: The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in the Mumbai region. Passengers are requested to travel only if necessary and to exercise caution." While one user thanked the railways, another got angry over the delay in update. Thank you for informing me upon arriving at work, keep updating quickly like this!" read the sarcastic reply. Is travelling our hobby?" another asked. In less than an hour of the advisory, the CR suspended its services. Due to heavy rains in the Mumbai region and #Waterlogging, Mainline train services between CSMT and Thane station are suspended until further notice. Shuttle service are running between Thane Karjat, Khopoli and Kasara Station," read a post from the handle at 11.51 am. Train UpdateDue to heavy rains in the Mumbai region and #Waterlogging, Mainline train services between CSMT and Thane station are suspended until further notice Shuttle service are running between Thane Karjat, Khopoli and Kasara Station. DRM Mumbai CR (@drmmumbaicr) August 19, 2025 What the BMC said in morning The BMC, in a statement on Tuesday morning, announced the closure of all government and semi-government offices as a precautionary measure, in view of the continuous heavy rains in the city and suburbs and the red alert issued by the IMD. The statement said the decision applies to all BMC offices and state-run establishments, excluding essential services. Considering the red alert for very heavy rainfall in Mumbai city and suburbs, all government, semi-government, and BMC offices (excluding essential services) will remain closed today," the BMC said. All Government and Semi-Government Offices in Mumbai will remain closed today, 19th August 2025Private offices / institutions / establishments are advised to instruct their employees to work from home The India Meteorological Department has issued a Red Alert today, i.e. Mumbai, BMC (@mybmc) August 19, 2025 Mumbais rain woes In the 24-hour period ending at 8 am on Tuesday, the island city, eastern and western suburbs recorded an average rainfall of 186.43 mm, 208.78 mm and 238.19 mm, respectively, an official said. EXPLAINED: Mumbais Andheri Subway Shut Again: Why Every Time It Rains, It Pours Woes On The East-West Link In the forecast for Tuesday, India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted very heavy to extremely heavy" rainfall in the city and suburbs of Mumbai with occasional gusty winds reaching 45-55 kmph. Rainfall during the early morning hours and late evening could lead to traffic snarls as there was 3.75 metre high tide at 9.16 am and of 3.14 metres to occur at 8.53 pm. People complained of waterlogging on railway tracks in low-lying areas of Dadar, Matunga, Parel and Sion. The railway authorities, however, claimed the water was below the track level and hence train movement was unaffected though the services were delayed. Waterlogging was also reported at Hindmata, Andheri Subway and in some parts of the Eastern Express Highway, Mumbai-Gujarat highway and the Eastern Freeway. To make the situation worse, there was an early morning technical snag in the signalling system between Ambivali and Shahad stations on the Mumbai suburban network. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A Western Railway spokesperson said their suburban services were running a little late due to poor visibility. With PTI Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 19, 2025, 12:15 IST News cities mumbai-news Is Getting Stuck On CR Train In Rain Our Hobby? Mumbai Officegoers Vent Out Anger At Advisory Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 23:56 IST Mumbai Rain News: Heavy downpour continues in Mumbai and several other regions across Maharashtra. As per the latest updated, train services between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Thane stations, as well as on the Harbour Line, between Kurla and CSMT, were suspended until further notice. Mithi rivers water is very close to danger mark. The water has reached upto 3.10 mts, while the danger mark is at 4 mts. A red alert has been issued for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, with the IMD forecasting extremely heavy rainfall in these areas. Maharashtra Chief Minister advised citizens to take precautions as more showers are expected along with high tides. In the last 2 days, Maharashtra has received widespread rainfall. Red Alert and Orange Alert have been issued for several districts. Even for the next three days, until 21st August, half of the districts in Maharashtra have either Red Alert or Orange Alert. We discussed the precautions that need to be taken due to this, Fadnavis was quoted as saying by PTI. Mumbais 3-Day Downpour Nears Monthly Rainfall Total: Whats Causing It? Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 11:24 IST A stalled trough and a low-pressure system brought uninterrupted rain to Mumbai for over 80 hours, adding up to nearly a months average Heavy rains continue to batter Mumbai and its suburbs. (PTI Photo) For three days in a row, Mumbai has been pounded by intense rainfall that has disrupted daily life, shut down schools and colleges, and prompted a red alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Between August 16 and 19, the city has recorded rain totals that rival an entire months average, with several neighbourhoods crossing 150 mm in just hours. So whats behind this extraordinary spell? A Cocktail Of Weather Systems Recommended Stories The ongoing spell of heavy rain in Mumbai isnt just another monsoon downpour; its the result of two powerful weather systems colliding. On one side, a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal has been pushing huge amounts of moist air westward. On the other, an eastwest trough stretching across the Arabian Sea has been funnelling moisture from the sea toward the Konkan coast. When these two systems interact, they act like a conveyor belt, continuously feeding water-laden winds over Mumbai. Normally, monsoon showers come in bursts with breaks in between. This time, the trough has stayed stationary, meaning the rain-bearing clouds have remained stuck over the city instead of drifting away. The impact has been staggering: in just over 80 hours, Mumbai has received more than 550 mm of rainfall, almost as much as the city typically expects in the entire month of August. How Is This Different From Regular Monsoon Rains? August is usually Mumbais second-wettest month, but even by that standard this spell is exceptional. While typical monsoon showers arrive in bursts, this time the rainfall has been continuous and prolonged. According to IMD data for the 24-hour period between 8:30 am on August 18 and 8:30 am on August 19, 2025: Vikhroli received 255.5 mm Byculla logged 241.0 mm Santacruz recorded 238.2 mm Juhu measured 221.5 mm Bandra saw 211.0 mm Colaba registered 110.4 mm Mahalaxmi received 72.5 mm These numbers illustrate why the current spell stands out. In just one day, suburbs like Vikhroli and Santacruz alone received rainfall equivalent to nearly half of Mumbais entire monthly average for August. Schools Shut, Red Alert In Place The intensity of the rains prompted the IMD to issue a red alert for Mumbai and its suburbs, forecasting extremely heavy showers at isolated places. In response, schools and colleges were closed across the city, and the Directorate of Higher Education extended the holiday to senior colleges in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Civic authorities have scrambled to mitigate the impact. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deployed over 100 pumps along the Central Railway suburban network to prevent waterlogging, while Western Railway pressed into service 110 pumps and 70 operators. Rising River Levels Add To Worries The BMC has also raised concerns about the Mithi River, one of Mumbais most flood-prone water bodies. It has crossed the danger mark at the Krantinagar area near Bailbazar, Kurla West. Mithi River has crossed the danger mark and due to rising water levels, evacuation of residents from Kranti Nagar (Kurla West) is underway. Families are being safely relocated to nearby shelter sites.#MumbaiRains#MyBMCUpdates pic.twitter.com/JiH2FJS3Y4 WARD L BMC (@mybmcWardL) August 19, 2025 This is significant because the Mithi, which snakes through some of the citys densest residential and industrial belts, has a history of breaching its banks during intense rainfall, most infamously in the 2005 floods, when it played a central role in inundating large parts of the city. Rising levels now raise fears of repeat flash flooding in low-lying neighbourhoods, potentially compounding the disruption already caused by the downpour. The Larger Climate Shift Mumbais ordeal is part of a wider story unfolding across South Asia. Each year from June to September, the monsoon sweeps through the region, irrigating farms and replenishing rivers. But as global heat rises, the rains are becoming more erratic and intense, leading to deadly floods and dry spells. According to AP News, nearly 1,300 people died in India due to heavy rain and floods in 2024, and hundreds more have already lost their lives this year across South Asia. We are witnessing a clear climatic shift in monsoon patterns across South Asia," Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune and author of several United Nations climate reports, told AP. The frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events are increasing, often overwhelming drainage infrastructure in urban areas and triggering flash floods." The monsoon, which traditionally followed two seasonal patterns, now adheres to them only loosely. Warmer air is absorbing more moisture from the Indian Ocean and dumping it in shorter, more violent bursts. The result: flooding interspersed with dry periods, instead of steady rainfall. Melting Glaciers Add To The Risk Heavy monsoon rains are also accelerating glacial melt in the Himalayas. A 2023 report found that at least 200 of the more than 2,000 glacial lakes in the Hindu Kush and Himalayan region are at risk of overflowing. Glaciologist Miriam Jackson told AP that mountain areas are warming faster than the global average, increasing the likelihood of avalanches, landslides, and catastrophic floods. The October 2023 glacial lake overflow in Sikkim, which killed 55 people and destroyed infrastructure, is one stark example of how monsoon rains and melting glaciers can combine to unleash devastation. The Urgent Call For Preparedness top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Experts stress that better early warning systems, urban planning, and long-term strategies are essential. Koll pointed out that rapid urbanisation, shrinking floodplains, and loss of natural drainage are amplifying the damage. In the future monsoon, extreme rains are projected to intensify further, in addition to sporadic water shortages. Hence, we need proactive, long-term strategies that combine science, policy, and community engagement," he said. Jackson emphasised the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, warning that adaptation has limits. If we continue with business as usual, and we have the same kind of emissions, then the world is going to keep on getting warmer and there will be more intense rain and floods. At some point, we could go beyond the limits of adaptation," she said. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 19, 2025, 11:09 IST News mumbai-news Mumbais 3-Day Downpour Nears Monthly Rainfall Total: Whats Causing It? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbais Mithi Level Rise Evoked Bitter Memories Of July 26, 2005: What Has & Hasnt Changed Yet? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 16:17 IST Mumbais Mithi River Level Rise Explained: Why is Mithi crucial to keep Mumbais life flowing amid rain? What happened on July 26, 2005? What has been done since? Aircraft stationed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport amid the rising level of the nearby Mithi River due to heavy rainfall in Kurla on Monday. (PTI) As the level of the Mithi river rose to 3.9 meters with the heavy rain in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as a preventive measure evacuated around 350 citizens from the low-lying areas of Kranti Nagar, Kurla to the temporary shelter in Magandas Mathuram Municipal School. The news, for many, brought back memories of the July 26, 2005 floods. At the time of publishing the report, the level had started to recede and was at 3.6 m. Recommended Stories Why is Mithi crucial to keep Mumbais life flowing amid rain? What happened in 2005? What has been done since? #WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Due to the heavy rainfall, the Mithi River flows near the danger mark. pic.twitter.com/HaLkmp09eO ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 What was Mithis role in Mumbais July 26, 2005 deluge? The Mithi River is a 14 km-long river flowing through Mumbai, originating from Vihar and Powai lakes and draining into the Mahim Creek, which connects to the Arabian Sea. It serves as a stormwater drain, sewage outlet, and is heavily encroached and polluted. The Mithi River played a critical and catastrophic role in the Mumbai floods of July 26, 2005, which remain the worst in the citys history. As the city received 944 mm rain in 24 hours (644 mm in just 8 hours), the Mithi river breached its banks due to extreme rainfall and high tide. It had no capacity to handle the sheer volume of rainwater and stormwater runoff. Unchecked construction, slums, and industrial dumping had narrowed the river significantly. Its natural width had reduced from 60-80 meters to as little as 10-15 meters in places. On that day, high tide at 2:30 PM blocked river discharge into the sea. It led to backflow and flooding in surrounding areas like Kurla, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Kalina, Vakola, and Dharavi. The consequence was air was traffic halted (Mumbai Airport is near the Mithi), roads were submerged, thousands stranded, property destroyed. It contributed significantly to the death toll of over 1,000 in the city. What has changed in Mithi River since 2005? Mithi was originally a tidal river and mangrove-lined estuary supporting rich biodiversity. Home to fish, birds, crabs, and natural flood-absorbing wetlands. After the disaster, Mithi River became a symbol of urban neglect. Authorities began cleanup efforts under the Mithi River Development and Protection Authority (MRDPA). Restoration efforts aim to revive its ecological role and restore mangroves. Steps taken: Dredging and desilting Widening the river Rehabilitation of slums and encroachments Concrete walls and retaining structures Bandra-Kurla Complex Pumping Station Stormwater master plan (BRIMSTOWAD) Why does Mithi matter? It acts as a natural stormwater drain for large parts of Mumbai, especially the suburbs. During the monsoon, it carries rainwater runoff from Powai and Vihar lakes, airports, industrial zones and residential areas. If its clogged or narrowed, flooding is inevitable. It flows right beside the Mumbai Airport, Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), and residential neighborhoods. During floods, airports, financial hubs, roads, and railways are directly impacted. Mithi flooding impacts Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) Kurla Saki Naka Vakola Parts of Andheri, Mahim, Dharavi Mithi River UpdateThe water level of Mithi River has touched the danger mark at Kranti Nagar, Kurla Bridge. An NDRF team has been deployed on-site and nearby residents have been alerted as a precautionary measure. (1/2) #MyBMCUpdates#MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/r4209Ggps1 WARD L BMC (@mybmcWardL) August 19, 2025 Major flooding events linked to Mithi 2005 (944 mm in 24 hours): Mithi overflowed; blocked by debris; worsened flood in BKC, Kurla 2017 (468 mm in 12 hours): Overflowed again; parts of Dharavi, Sion inundated 2021 (July rains): Mithi swelled dangerously; high tide prevented discharge 2025: Early monsoon flooded Metro stations, BKC, Kurla; major road/rail disruption Mithi still needs Full removal of encroachments Eco-restoration of the river Real-time flood monitoring systems Regular desilting and waste management BMCs Korean solution for Mithi To prevent flooding in the western suburbs, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has plans to set up at least 25 floodgates at various inter-tidal zones in the Mithi River at a cost of Rs 2,300 crore. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Mumbai project is inspired by the flood control systems used by South Korea, especially in areas prone to immense flooding and tsunamis. 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 Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 19, 2025, 16:08 IST News cities mumbai-news Mumbais Mithi Level Rise Evoked Bitter Memories Of July 26, 2005: What Has & Hasnt Changed Yet? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Waterlogging On Western Express Highway At Goregaon Slows Down Traffic | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 12:11 IST Heavy rain disrupts life in Mumbai, causing waterlogging at key locations like Oberoi Junction. Traffic Police and BMC staff are managing traffic to ease congestion. Visuals from Oberoi Junction. Heavy rain continues to disrupt normal life across Mumbai, with waterlogging reported on several key routes, including Western Express Highway. Accumulation of rainwater at Oberoi Junction has significantly slowed vehicular movement in the area, adding to the citys ongoing traffic woes. Recommended Stories In response, Mumbai Traffic Police personnel and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) staff were deployed at the junction to manage traffic flow. Authorities were working to ease congestion and ensure the safety of motorists navigating the waterlogged stretch. Due to waterlogging, vehicular movement is slow at Oberoi Junction. Our personnels and @mybmc staff are present at the location to ease the traffic & assist Mumbaikars. #MTPMonsoonUpdates#MTPTrafficUpdates pic.twitter.com/No4Xx7hUQO Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) August 19, 2025 Taking to X, the Mumbai Traffic Police tweeted, Due to waterlogging, vehicular movement is slow at Oberoi Junction. Our personnels and @mybmc staff are present at the location to ease the traffic & assist Mumbaikars.(sic)" Visuals have emerged from outside Oberoi mall on social media, showing severe waterlogging. In the video, children can be seen swimming in rainwater accumulated in front of the mall. This is the scene in front of Goregaon Oberoi Mall, which is supposed to be the most posh area.God bless this country and its corruption #MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/m1YnnmPjA1 Thandaitweets (@mohit_blogg) August 19, 2025 Mumbai has been reeling under the impact of relentless heavy rain since Saturday, with several areas facing severe waterlogging issues. The torrential rains have brought the city traffic to a standstill, throwing normal life out of gear. Due to accumulation of water on Tuesday, traffic slowed down at many places, including at Gol Deul, Gulalwadi, Wadala, Shivdi, Nawab Tank, Nagpada, Maratha Mandir, Byculla, Bawla Compound, Bhoiwada, Wadala Station Four Roads, Hindmata Junction, Matunga, Mumbai Traffic Police said in a post on X. In these areas, one and a half to two feet of water have accumulated due to the morning showers, causing traffic to move slowly, traffic police said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As rains continue to pound the state capital, several areas the city registered over 200mm rainfall in the last 24 hours, with Vikhroli in the eastern suburbs registering the highest downpour at 255.5mm. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister advised citizens to take precautions as more showers are expected along with high tides. A red alert has been issued for Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad, with the IMD forecasting extremely heavy rainfall in these areas today. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 19, 2025, 11:59 IST News mumbai-news Waterlogging On Western Express Highway At Goregaon Slows Down Traffic | Watch Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... AP, Telangana School Holidays: Educational Institutions Closed Due To Heavy Rains Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 11:35 IST Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, after reviewing the rains, suggested declaring holidays for educational institutions if the rains continue. In Telangana, holidays have been declared in Siddipet and Adilabad districts today. (Representative/File) As the low pressure in the Bay of Bengal crossed the coast on Monday evening, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana experienced heavy rains overnight. Some areas continued to receive heavy rains on Tuesday, leading to holidays for schools and colleges in certain districts today. Knowing this, students and parents can keep children at home to engage in creative activities instead of sending them to school. Today (August 19), collectors have declared holidays for schools in Srikakulam, Parvathipuram, and Manyam districts of Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, there might be holidays for educational institutions in Visakhapatnam, Alluri Seetharamaraju district, Kakinada, and East Godavari districts. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, after reviewing the rains, recommended declaring holidays for educational institutions if the rains persist. Therefore, it is advisable to contact schools to confirm holiday status. Recommended Stories In Telangana, holidays have been declared in Siddipet and Adilabad districts today. Holidays have also been announced for Dongadli and Madnur mandals in Kamareddy district. The Telangana Chief Minister suggested that if heavy rain continues, collectors and education department officials should decide on holidays. Thus, if holidays are not officially announced in certain districts, parents should call the schools to confirm. WhatsApp group messages can also provide updates. To determine which districts will receive more rain today, we can look at the forecast. In Telangana, Adilabad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Khammam, Hyderabad, Warangal, Nalgonda, Jagtial, Ramagundam, Bellampalli, Banswada, Medak, Thupran, Medchal, Jangaon, Suryapet, and Kothagudem are expected to receive moderate to heavy rains. In Andhra Pradesh, moderate rain is likely in Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Eluru, Konaseema, Rajahmundry, Guntur, Krishna, NTR, Tuni, Vizianagaram, Bobbili, Parvathipuram, Manyam, and Araku today, with heavy rain in some places. Therefore, there might be school holidays in these areas. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, district collectors believe holidays should not be declared repeatedly, especially with many festival holidays approaching, as students studies should not be disrupted. If parents must send their children to school, they should advise them to take all necessary precautions. Children should avoid running on roads, getting wet in the rain, and stepping into mud. By taking health precautions, children can avoid fevers and colds. These conditions may persist until the end of the month, including during Vinayaka Chavithi, necessitating solid planning. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 11:31 IST News education-career AP, Telangana School Holidays: Educational Institutions Closed Due To Heavy Rains Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... IIM To Be Established In Guwahati, Lok Sabha Passes Bill With Rs 550 Crore Support Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 18:05 IST The Assam government requested the establishment of an IIM in the state, considering its geographical location and overall development needs. Currently, there are 21 IIMs across the country. (Representational/File Photo) The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill to establish the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Guwahati, with the Union government providing Rs 550 crore in capital support. The Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, passed amid noise in the Lower House, will facilitate the creation of the second IIM in the Northeast, following Shillong. Recommended Stories Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as the Opposition continued their protest over the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Following the bills passage through a voice vote, Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day. According to the draft law, the Centre, the Assam government, and representatives of the United Liberation Front of Assam (Ulfa) signed a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) for the comprehensive development of the state. The establishment of an IIM in Guwahati, as an institution of national importance, is part of the Special Development Package (SDP) provided to Assam. Currently, there are 21 IIMs declared as institutions of national importance, each specified in the Schedule to the IIM Act. The Assam government requested the establishment of an IIM in the state, considering its geographical location and overall development needs. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The bill states that until the first Board of IIM Guwahati is constituted under this Act, all powers and functions that may be exercised or performed by such Board will be exercised and performed by individuals as directed by the central government. Establishing an IIM in Assam will significantly enhance education and development in the region, providing students from the North Eastern Region of India with valuable opportunities to develop managerial skills, the bill stated. With this upgrade, IIM Guwahati will become the 22nd IIM and the second in the North-East. The city is already home to prestigious institutions such as IIT Guwahati, AIIMS Guwahati, and National Law University Assam. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 17:55 IST News education-career IIM To Be Established In Guwahati, Lok Sabha Passes Bill With Rs 550 Crore Support Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbai Schools Closed, University Exams Postponed Due To Heavy Rain & Red Alert In City Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 09:04 IST All schools and colleges in Mumbai are closed today, August 19, as heavy rains lash the city. Mumbai University exams have also been postponed to August 23 amid the IMD red alert. Mumbai Rains: Schools, Colleges closed today; University exams postponed to August 23. All schools and colleges in Mumbai remain closed today, August 19, as heavy rains continue to lash the city. Mumbai University has also postponed all exams scheduled for the same day due to the red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The exams will now be held on August 23, 2025, at the same timings and centres as originally planned. In its official statement, the University said the decision was taken to avoid inconvenience for students who may have had to travel long distances during the heavy rainfall. The postponed exams include several postgraduate and undergraduate courses such as MA (Communication Journalism, Public Relations, Television Studies, Electronic Media, Film Studies), M.P.Ed., B.P.Ed., B.Pharm., M.Pharm., M.Ed., M.Com. (E-commerce), M.A. (CDOE), B.E. (Computer Science & Design, Automation and Robotics), and others. Recommended Stories Several parts of Mumbai received extremely heavy rainfall between 8:30 pm on Monday and 5:30 am on Tuesday. Vikhroli recorded the highest rainfall at 194.5 mm, followed by Santacruz with 185 mm, Juhu with 173.5 mm, Byculla with 167 mm, Bandra with 157 mm, Colaba with 79.8 mm, and Mahalaxmi with 71.9 mm. The IMD has issued a red alert for Mumbai and other coastal districts of Maharashtra, including Raigad, Ratnagiri, Satara, Kolhapur, and Pune, warning of very heavy rainfall and possible disruption. ALSO READ: Bill Introduced In Lok Sabha To Set Up IIM Guwahati With National Importance Status top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Heavy rains in Mumbai have caused widespread waterlogging and traffic congestion on several key routes leading to the airport, resulting in delays in both flight departures and arrivals. The situation has disrupted travel for thousands of passengers, with airlines advising them to leave well in advance to avoid missing flights. Airlines have also urged travellers to stay updated on their flight status through official mobile apps and websites. Carriers assured that their teams are working on-ground to minimise disruptions and assist affected passengers at the airport. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 09:02 IST News education-career Mumbai Schools Closed, University Exams Postponed Due To Heavy Rain & Red Alert In City Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NEET PG 2025 Result Expected To Be Out Soon, Check Latest Updates Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 12:39 IST NEET PG 2025 Result Date And Time: According to NBEMS, the results will be declared on nbe.edu.in and natboard.edu.in by September 3, 2025. NEET PG 2025 result soon at natboard.edu.in. (Representational/File) NEET PG Result Date 2025: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) conducted the NEET PG exam on August 3, 2025, and is anticipated to release the results soon. NBEMS has indicated that the results will be available on nbe.edu.in and natboard.edu.in by September 3, 2025. However, media reports suggest that the results might be announced this week, and an official confirmation from the board is still awaited. Approximately 3 lakh students take the exam annually. This exam is crucial for admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses for medical professionals. Based on previous trends, the results are generally released between 1 pm and 4 pm. The NEET PG final answer key may be published along with the result or shortly thereafter. Recommended Stories As in previous years, the results will be accessible online in PDF format, featuring details like roll number, name, score, and All India Rank (AIR) of the candidates. Alongside the NEET PG 2025 results, the cut-off marks and qualifying percentile will also be announced. How To Check NEET PG Result? Step 1. Visit the official website nbe.edu.in or natboard.edu.in. Step 2. Click on the NEET PG Result 2025 link on the homepage. Step 3. Enter your user ID and password on the login page. Step 4. Download the result PDF and search for your roll number. Step 5. You can also download your personal scorecard separately, which will include your section-wise marks and all-India rank. NEET PG Cut-off And Qualifying Percentile: Along with the NEET PG result, the qualifying percentile and cut-off scores will be released. Last years cut-off for General Category candidates was 50th percentile, for SC/ST/OBC, it was 40th percentile, and for PwD (General) was 45th Percentile. The cut-off score changes each year based on the exams difficulty and candidates performance. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all NEET PG Result: Whats Next? Following this, the counselling process will commence at both the all-India and state levels. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and state-level authorities will manage the counselling process. MCC will conduct counselling for All India Quota (50%) seats, including deemed and central universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, and AFMS institutes. While state authorities will manage counselling for their respective State Quota (50%) seats. Candidates need to register separately on the states official website. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 12:18 IST News education-career NEET PG 2025 Result Expected To Be Out Soon, Check Latest Updates Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NEET UG 2025: West Bengal Suspends Medical, Dental Admissions; Over 11,000 Students In Limbo Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 10:14 IST WB NEET UG Counselling: West Bengal has suspended NEET UG 2025 medical and dental admissions, putting over 11,000 students in limbo. West Bengal halts NEET UG 2025 counselling, leaving over 11,000 medical aspirants in limbo. (Representational image/Shutterstock) In a sudden move, the West Bengal Medical Counselling Committee (WBMCC) has suspended the NEET UG 2025 round 1 admission process for MBBS and BDS courses till further order." The decision comes just two days before the scheduled release of the round 1 seat allotment result, leaving more than 11,000 medical aspirants in a state of uncertainty. The announcement was made through an urgent notice on Monday, a day before the seat allotment was expected to be declared. This development follows the release of the revised provisional state merit list for the 85% state quota seats on August 16. Recommended Stories The suspension directly impacts a total of 11,178 candidates featured in the provisional merit list. The admission and recruitment process in West Bengal had earlier been put on hold by the Calcutta High Court due to legal challenges surrounding OBC reservation. Recently, the court permitted the resumption of admissions and directed the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board (WBJEEB) to publish a fresh merit list by August 22. In line with the court order, the WBMCC had issued a revised merit list on August 16, enabling candidates to fill in and lock their choices. As per the revised counselling schedule, the round 1 seat allotment result was supposed to be declared on August 20 after 4 pm, with candidates required to report to allotted colleges between August 21 and 23. However, the new notification has now kept the entire admission process in abeyance until further orders. Students In Shock, Minister Hits Out The sudden suspension has sparked outrage among students and parents, who are worried about their academic future. Union Minister of State for Education and Development of the North Eastern Region, Sukanta Majumdar, criticised the state governments decision in a post on X (formerly Twitter). In the name of an Urgent Notice, the West Bengal government has indefinitely suspended the WB NEET UG Medical Dental Counseling and Admission process without giving any proper reason! The future of the states medical students has been pushed into darkness," Majumdar wrote. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He further questioned the timing of the suspension, asking why the admission counselling, once started, was abruptly halted. Is this yet another attempt to appease narrow political interests by granting undue privilege to a particular group under the guise of reservation?" he added. For now, thousands of medical aspirants in West Bengal remain in limbo, awaiting clarity from the authorities on when the admission process will resume. About the Author Archit Gupta Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-... Read More Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 10:14 IST News education-career NEET UG 2025: West Bengal Suspends Medical, Dental Admissions; Over 11,000 Students In Limbo Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Success Story: Meet Sonal Goel, Who Cleared UPSC While Studying LLB, Working As A CS Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 18:49 IST IAS Sonal Goel cleared the UPSC exam in her second attempt and achieved the highest marks in General Studies compared to her optional subjects, Commerce and Public Administration. IAS Sonal Goel scored 1372 out of 2300 marks in UPSC CSE. (X/Instagram/Sonal Goel) Sonal Goel is a 2008 batch IAS officer whose inspiring journey to becoming an IAS is worth noting. Born in Panipat, Haryana, Goel completed her studies in Delhi. She graduated from Delhi Universitys Shri Ram College of Commerce and decided to prepare for the UPSC civil services exam while studying LLB. She missed the interview in her UPSC first attempt due to low marks in General Studies in the main exam. However, this setback fueled her determination to leave no stone unturned in achieving her UPSC goal. Thereafter, she dedicated herself to mastering the General Studies paper and improving other aspects of the Mains, emphasising making notes, revising repeatedly, and writing answers. She poured her heart and soul into every aspect of the syllabus, along with pursuing LLB from Delhi University while doing a part-time job as a Company Secretary (CS). Recommended Stories Goel had said that her efforts paid off as she not only cleared the UPSC exam in her second attempt but also achieved the highest marks in General Studies compared to her optional subjects, Commerce and Public Administration. She shared that this journey taught her an invaluable lesson for candidates: no obstacle can withstand dedication and relentless effort. She scored 1372 out of 2300 marks in the exam. She had 210 and 195 marks in GS 1 and 2, while in the four optional papers, she scored 147, 165, 166, and 190 marks, which were less than her General Studies marks. In the interview round, she scored 183 out of 300 marks. The IAS advised aspirants to believe in their abilities, pursue their goals with passion, and never forget their dreams, as greatness is achieved through perseverance. Its a reminder that with dedication and relentless effort, no obstacle is insurmountable. Every setback and failure is an opportunity to learn, improvise and ultimately, triumph," she had posted on X earlier. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Dear students, Believe in your abilities, pursue your goals with passion, and never lose sight of your dreams. It is through perseverance that greatness is achieved," the IAS officer added. She joined the Tripura cadre after securing All India Rank 13 in the Civil Services Examination in 2008. She then joined the Haryana cadre in July 2016 and since then she has played an important role as the CEO of Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Limited (GMCBL) and later as Additional CEO of Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 18:47 IST News education-career Success Story: Meet Sonal Goel, Who Cleared UPSC While Studying LLB, Working As A CS Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UP, United Kingdom Collaborate To Offer Chevening Scholarship To 5 Students Every Year Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 17:05 IST Chevening Scholarship: To qualify for the scholarship, a student must hold an undergraduate degree suitable for a master's programme in the UK. Since 1983, Chevening has been the UK governments flagship international scholarship scheme, aiming to develop global leaders. (Representational/File) The United Kingdom and Uttar Pradesh signed the Chevening scholarship agreement on Tuesday, allowing five students each year to study in the UK with a fully funded scholarship. The agreement was signed during a courtesy visit by British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow. The British High Commissioner expressed confidence in the strengthening relations between the UK and India, mentioning the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Vision 35 as catalysts for numerous business opportunities. Recommended Stories ALSO READ | Best UK Scholarships For Indian Students 2025: Apply For Fully Funded Opportunities Its wonderful to be here in Lucknow today to sign with the Chief Minister the agreement on the new Chevening scholarships which were announcing together between the United Kingdom and Uttar Pradesh. This will give the opportunity for five students every year for the next three years to go to the UK on a fully funded scholarship which is part of the fantastic and growing relationship between the United Kingdom and India," the High Commissioner Cameron told ANI after the meeting. Praising the FTA for creating business opportunities, Cameron added, With the recent signing of both the trade agreement and Vision 35, the vision for the new relationship between the UK and India recently signed by our two prime ministers during PM Modis visit to the UK. So its great to be here talking about education and talking about the fantastic opportunities for business that the FTA will also allow us to explore here between the UK and India." Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and partner organisations, Chevening Scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return flights for masters degrees at any UK university. Since 1983, Chevening has been the UK governments flagship international scholarship scheme, aiming to develop global leaders. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all To be eligible for the scholarship, students must hold an undergraduate degree suitable for a masters programme in the UK. Applicants must apply to three eligible courses in the UK and receive an unconditional offer from at least one. Selected recipients will have their university tuition funded, receive a monthly stipend, a travel allowance to and from the UK, and an arrival allowance. The cost of one visa application will be covered, and a travel grant will be provided for attending Chevening events in the UK. The application process for 2026-27 is currently open and will close on October 7. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 16:38 IST News education-career UP, United Kingdom Collaborate To Offer Chevening Scholarship To 5 Students Every Year Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... WBJEE Results: Board Asks SC, ST, OBC Candidates To Upload Caste Certificates By August 21 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 17:02 IST WBJEEB has directed SC, ST, and OBC candidates to upload caste certificates by August 21, following a Calcutta HC order on revising the merit list for OBC reservation. WBJEEB has released a notice directing reserved category candidates to upload their caste certificates. The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board (WBJEEB) has issued a fresh directive for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories, asking them to upload their caste certificates on the official website, wbjeeb.nic.in. According to the board, the last date for submission of certificates is August 21, 2025, until 11:59 pm. The official notice states, SC/ST/OBC candidates are requested to mention their respective caste/ tribe/ community names, and upload their respective certificates through the window available in WBJEEBs websites from 18.08.2025 to 21.08.2025 (11:59PM)." Recommended Stories The move comes after the Calcutta High Court, on August 7, directed WBJEEB to release a revised merit list of examinees. The court had found that the earlier merit list published by the board did not align with its order regarding OBC reservation. Justice Kausik Chanda, while passing the order, mandated that the fresh list must provide 7 percent reservation for the 66 classes of OBC candidates recognised by the West Bengal Backward Classes Department prior to 2010. He also directed that the entire exercise be completed within 15 days of the order. Earlier, WBJEE results were scheduled to be declared on August 7, 2025, as confirmed by WBJEE Board Chairperson Sonali Chakraborty Banerjee. The WBJEE 2025 examination was held on April 27 in two shiftsmorning (11 am to 1 pm) and afternoon (2 pm to 4 pm). ALSO READ: SBI PO Prelims 2025 Result Expected By This Week? Heres What We Know So Far West Bengal Suspends NEET UG 2025 Medical, Dental Admissions top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In another shocking development for students, the West Bengal Medical Counselling Committee (WBMCC) has suspended the NEET UG 2025 round 1 admission process for MBBS and BDS courses till further order." The decision comes just two days before the scheduled release of the round 1 seat allotment result, leaving more than 11,000 medical aspirants in a state of uncertainty. The announcement was made through an urgent notice on Monday, a day before the seat allotment was expected to be declared. This development follows the release of the revised provisional state merit list for the 85% state quota seats on August 16. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in ... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 17:02 IST News education-career WBJEE Results: Board Asks SC, ST, OBC Candidates To Upload Caste Certificates By August 21 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'No Ambiguity': TDP Backs Radhakrishnan After Opposition Fields Telugu Face In Vice President Polls Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 17:09 IST The BJP started out with an attempt to ruffle the opposition DMK with its pick, while the INDIA bloc's move was seen as targeting the TDP, a major NDA partner Andhra Pradesh minister and TDP leader Nara Lokesh extended his support to NDA vice-presidential nominee CP Radhakrishnan during a meeting in New Delhi on August 19. (Image: PTI) No sooner had the BJP-led NDA picked CP Radhakrishnan a face from Tamil Nadu as its vice-presidential candidate than the opposition fielded Justice (retd) B Sudershan Reddy, a name from Andhra Pradesh for Indias second highest constitutional post. Both sides meant to challenge each other with their choice. While the BJP started out with an attempt to ruffle the opposition DMK with Radhakrishnans Tamil identity, the INDIA blocs move to pick a Telugu face was seen as targeting the TDP, a major NDA partner. Recommended Stories It was also seen as the oppositions intent to stick to its word the Congress did say it will put forward a name that may cause cross-voting on the ruling side. But, this may not come to anything after all. The TDP on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan and said there is no ambiguity" in the matter. Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh, accompanied by senior TDP leaders and MPs, met the vice-presidential nominee in New Delhi to extend warm wishes on behalf of the party. No ambiguity only warmth, respect, and resolve. The NDA stands united. https://t.co/V1YBt5BDsR Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) August 19, 2025 No ambiguity only warmth, respect, and resolve. The NDA stands united," said Lokesh, sharing the video of the meeting. He extended his support to Radhakrishnan, while lauding his extensive administrative experience as governor of multiple states. An official statement said the TDP leader expressed confidence that Radhakrishnans discipline, perseverance and service-oriented leadership will inspire the younger generations and benefit the nation in the years ahead". Radhakrishnan, currently the Maharashtra governor, is pitted against former Supreme Court judge, Justice Reddy. The vice-presidential election is scheduled for September 9. The deadline for filing nominations is August 21. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, attended the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting and expressed happiness over the enthusiasm" in support of Radhakrishnans candidature. Participated in the NDA Parliamentary Party Meeting in Delhi this morning. Happy to see the enthusiasm in favour of Thiru CP Radhakrishnans candidature for the Vice Presidency," he wrote on X. Earlier, Modi felicitated Radhakrishnan during the meeting, following which Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the Prime Minister has appealed to all the MPs, including the opposition, to support the NDA candidate in the VP polls. Rijiju said Modi gave Radhakrishnans introduction to the floor leaders. NDA candidate for the vice-presidential election, CP Radhakrishnan, was introduced in the meeting. The floor leaders, MPs of the NDA, warmly welcomed CP Radhakrishnan ji, congratulated him and thanked the Prime Minister. His introduction was given by Prime Minister Modi in the meeting of the NDA Parliamentary Party," Rijiju said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He added: Along with the introduction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the entire party, especially the opposition, that all the MPs should come together and unanimously support the candidate decided by the NDA for the vice-presidential election." (With agency inputs) About the Author Oindrila Mukherjee Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st... Read More Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 16:59 IST News elections 'No Ambiguity': TDP Backs Radhakrishnan After Opposition Fields Telugu Face In Vice President Polls Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... How Analysts Retraction Of Maharashtra Data Complicates Rahul Gandhis Vote Chori Claim Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 20:17 IST Kumars apology for a data error has intensified the political debate over voter rolls, electoral transparency, and the credibility of supporting research. Rahul Gandhi addresses a rally as part of 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', in Sasaram. (AICC via PTI) The oppositions vote chori claim faced a new twist on Tuesday after Sanjay Kumar, Co-Director of Lokniti a Research Programme at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), retracted a social media post highlighting dramatic voter anomalies in four constituencies in Maharashtra. Kumars apology for a data error has intensified the political debate over voter rolls, electoral transparency, and the credibility of supporting research. Recommended Stories On Monday, Kumar posted on X suggesting the registered voters increased by about 45% in Nashik West and Hingna, while Ramtek and Devlali saw nearly a 40% drop. The changes appeared between the Lok Sabha (Lok Sabha) and Assembly elections. The post from him on Tuesday said he sincerely apologised" for the posts regarding Maharashtra elections. Error occurred while comparing data of 2024 LS and 2024 AS. The data in row was misread by our Data team. The tweet has since been removed. I had no intention of dispersing any form of misinformation," the X post reads. I sincerely apologize for the tweets posted regarding Maharashtra elections.Error occurred while comparing data of 2024 LS and 2024 AS. The data in row was misread by our Data team.The tweet has since been removed.I had no intention of dispersing any form of misinformation. Sanjay Kumar (@sanjaycsds) August 19, 2025 The error In two of the now-deleted posts, Kumar claimed that Nashik West Assembly had 3.28 lakh in the Lok Sabha polls. This increased by 1.55 lakh voters (47.38%) to 4.83 lakh in the Vidhan Sabha elections. In Hingna Assembly, the rolls expanded from 3.15 lakh to 4.50 lakh, adding 1.36 lakh voters (43.08%). The opposite happened in two other assemblies with close to 40% vote drop Ramtek Assembly saw close to 1.80 lakh voters decline from 4.66 lakh in the Lok Sabha to 2.87 lakh in the Vidhan Sabha polls. In the Devlali Assembly, the count dropped by 1.68 lakh from 4.56 lakh to 2.88 lakh during the same period. An analysis of official data from the ECI by News18 while announcing the schedule for the two elections in the state shows that the state had 9.23 crore voters on March 30, 2024. This increased to 9.63 crore on October 15, 2024 an addition of over 40 lakh voters also covering the deleted voters. The voter list for an election freezes on the first day of the nomination process usually a month before the election date. Lok Sabha elections were held in the state in five phases between April 19 and May 20, 2024 while assembly polls in November last year. News18 had contacted Kumar for a comment but has not responded so far. #WATCH | On Congress claiming discrepancies in Maharashtra voters' data, BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia says, " For 40 hours, lies were floated to weaken our democracy and raise baseless questions on the Election Commission. Who will take responsibility for this? Will Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/11OxTK62Vm ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Impact on Vote Chori campaign Since February this year, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had been claiming that several irregularities took place in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. He said that between the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the 2024 Assembly elections, 39 lakh new voters were added more than the total adult population of the state and also more than the addition of voters in the state between 2019 and 2024. The data shared by Kumar was only about four assemblies in Maharashtra, and was used as a supporting document by some of the opposition leaders. While CSDS data was not the basis of the vote chori campaign launched by Gandhi earlier this month it did contribute to the ongoing political discourse surrounding electoral integrity in the state. Gandhi officially launched the vote chori campaign against the ECI earlier this month after he shared the details of the one lakh fake voters from an assembly segment in Bengaluru. The campaign was launched days before the posts from Kumar. Gandhi and team have also been demanding machine readable voter lists for a number of states, including Maharashtra. While Gandhi did not use the deleted data, senior Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera used it for two now-deleted posts on X, where he cited the numbers shared by Kumar on Monday. BJP, poll bodys reaction on apology post Interestingly, while the Maharashtra Chief Electoral Office (CEO) has not reacted to the apology post on X, the Bihar CEO has posted a screenshot of the now-deleted post from Kumar while reacting to his apology post. CSDS Sanjay Kumar apologised for the tweet posted regarding Maharashtra Assembly Elections. He said that error occurred while comparing data of 2024 LS and 2024 AS. His TWEET is deleted now but a screenshot is attached. His data was quoted by many INC & Opposition leaders for questioning EC," the Bihar CEO said. CSDS Sanjay Kumar apologized for the tweet posted regarding Maharashtra Assembly Elections.He said that error occurred while comparing data of 2024 LS and 2024 AS.His TWEET is deleted now but screenshot is attached.His data was quoted by many INC & Opposition leaders for https://t.co/uUADLz9lrQ pic.twitter.com/FBBDMd1l0w Chief Electoral Officer, Bihar (@CEOBihar) August 19, 2025 BJP leaders are also using the apology post to counter the vote chori allegations. BJP IT Department in-charge Amit Malviya, in a series of posts on X, said that the very institution whose data Gandhi leaned on to defame the voters of Maharashtra has now admitted that its figures were wrong, asking where does this leave Gandhi and the Congress, which brazenly targeted the Election Commission and went so far as to brand genuine voters as fake? Shameful." He went on to say that in his exuberance to feed Congresss fake narrative on Maharashtra, CSDS put out data without verification. That is not analysisit is confirmation bias." Rahul Gandhi must immediately abandon his " in Bihar and tender an unconditional apology to the people of India for his callous and regressive politics," he said on one of the posts. Gandhi is holding a Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar as a part of his vote chori campaign. The 16-day yatra will cover over 20 districts and 1,300 km before concluding in Patna on September 1. CSDS and the Dangerous Game of Narrative-BuildingThe Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) has long positioned itself as a research institution, but a closer look at its funding sources, survey designs, and outputs reveals a troubling pattern. 1. Foreign Funding pic.twitter.com/Z0DE6u8PZo Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 19, 2025 In another post, he said that the CSDS has long positioned itself as a research institution, but a closer look at its funding sources, survey designs, and outputs reveals a troubling pattern." The very institution whose data Rahul Gandhi leaned on to defame the voters of Maharashtra has now admitted that its figures were wrong not just on Maharashtra, but even on SIR.Where does this leave Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, which brazenly targeted the Election pic.twitter.com/4o99YDvsMx Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 19, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The fight between the Opposition and the ECI over the vote chori allegations is far from over. While this apology may be used against the Oppositions claim, the broader debate over voter roll discrepancies and electoral transparency in Maharashtra is likely to continue. With Bihar elections approaching and the SIR drive underway in the state, voter roll discrepancies and electoral transparency will remain a key flashpoint in the coming days. About the Author Nivedita Singh Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 19:54 IST News explainers How Analysts Retraction Of Maharashtra Data Complicates Rahul Gandhis Vote Chori Claim Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Three Signals From Wang Yi's Visit And The Trump Factor Reshaping IndiaChina Ties Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 16:47 IST From border talks to trade assurances, the tone of Wang Yis India visit points to a cautious but deliberate effort to reset strained ties. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar shakes hand with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, left, in New Delhi, India, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (AP Photo) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yis visit to India, his first in three years, comes at a crucial juncture. It is taking place just weeks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis scheduled trip to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, his first visit to China in seven years. The timing and tone of the meetings suggest both sides are consciously working to project a shift away from the mistrust that has defined bilateral relations since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. In meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Wang Yi repeatedly struck a conciliatory tone. He called the moment an important opportunity of improvement and growth" in ties. He added that a healthy and stable China-India relationship serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both of our countries," and emphasised the need to follow the strategic guidance of our leaders". Recommended Stories Jaishankar, on his part, acknowledged that having seen a difficult period in our relationship", both sides now seek to move ahead. His remarks, delivered during Mondays meeting, reflected an effort to lower the temperature in bilateral messaging. Differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict," Jaishankar said. He reiterated that stable and constructive relations between India and China were in the interest not just of both countries, but of the world. Wang Yis call for India to make its contribution to a successful SCO summit was coupled with praise for the ModiXi Jinping meeting at Kazan last year. Both sides have referred to that meeting as a turning point that helped set a new trend" for bilateral engagements. Border Remains The Core Issue, But Dialogue Is Back While the shift in diplomatic tone is noteworthy, the core friction point remains the border. During his Tuesday meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, held under the 24th round of the Special Representatives (SR) dialogue, Wang Yi reaffirmed Chinas willingness to stabilise conditions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The SR-level talks are the primary mechanism for discussing the boundary issue, and Dovals comments reflected cautious optimism. Doval said the border had been quiet" and acknowledged an upward trend" in overall ties. He pointed to the gains made after the Kazan meeting, describing them as substantial", and praised the new environment" for helping both sides resume work across areas previously stalled by tensions. #WATCH | Delhi: During meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, NSA Ajit Doval says, There has been an upward trend. Borders have been quiet. There has been peace and tranquillity. Our bilateral engagements have been more substantial. And we are most grateful to our pic.twitter.com/Ngz8e1S3xj ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Wang Yi echoed this view, saying that the stability restored at the border was encouraging and that the 23rd round of SR-level talks had already produced important consensus" on managing disagreements and advancing toward settlement. He added that both sides had identified specific goals and created a working framework for future consultations. Significantly, the border issue was not discussed during Jaishankars meeting with Wang, it was deliberately reserved for the DovalWang dialogue. This division of responsibility underscored the importance placed on handling the boundary issue at the highest strategic level. Yet the situation on the ground remains complex. Despite progress in disengagement at certain friction points, large troop deployments remain along the 3,488-km LAC. Dovals meeting was expected to focus heavily on de-escalation, not just disengagement, in order to reduce the risk of future confrontations. The long-term goal remains to return troops to their pre-2020 positions, but no breakthrough was announced during this round of talks. Fertilisers, Rare Earths, And Tunnel Machines: New Points of Convergence Beyond border stability, one of the most consequential outcomes of Wang Yis visit was a renewed push to revive cooperation in emerging and critical sectors. According to NDTV, Wang gave an in-principle assurance to address Indias requirements for rare earth materials, fertilisers, and tunnel boring machines (TBMs), a move that marks a significant shift after over a year of export slowdowns and restrictions. Sources told NDTV that Wang gave these assurances directly to Jaishankar, and confirmed that China would resume supplies of these crucial goods. The backdrop here is important: China had curtailed exports of urea, rare earths, and TBMs, all essential for Indias agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure sectors. According to HT, China supplies nearly 30 per cent of Indias fertiliser needs, dominates the rare earth market globally, and is a key supplier of TBMs used in urban and road infrastructure. Rare earths, in particular, are vital for sectors ranging from electronics and renewable energy to medical devices and manufacturing. A report from the State Bank of India notes that India spends around USD 33 million annually on importing rare earths and compounds. China, meanwhile, controls an estimated 6070 per cent of global rare earth mining. The SBI report further highlights that disruptions in these imports have already impacted critical Indian industries such as basic metals, transport equipment, construction, and electricals. India has officially identified 30 minerals as critical for its economic security, and the restoration of rare earth access from China is being viewed as a major step toward rebuilding disrupted supply chains. The assurances came after Jaishankar raised these issues during his July 2025 visit to China, and followed up again in Delhi this week. The EAM underscored the need to avoid restrictive trade measures and roadblocks" and reiterated that relations should be based on mutual respect and mutual interest. He also listed other bilateral areas of cooperation, including pilgrimages, river data sharing, border trade, and people-to-people exchanges. The Trump Factor: A Shared Pushback Against Washingtons Trade Offensive Wang Yis visit, and the language surrounding it, cannot be separated from the broader geopolitical churn. More than six months into Donald Trumps second term, both India and China are facing renewed pressure from his administrations resurgent protectionism. Under Trump 2.0, Washington has revived its tariff-first approach and launched a fresh trade tirade targeting BRICS nations, accusing them of enabling global trade imbalances, weaponising energy partnerships, and undermining US manufacturing interests. Within BRICS, China and India stand out as the two largest economies by far, together accounting for over two-thirds of the groups total GDP. According to April 2025 IMF estimates, Chinas economy is valued at over USD 17 trillion, while Indias GDP stands at approximately USD 4 trillion significantly ahead of Brazil (USD 2.1 trillion), Russia (USD 1.9 trillion), and South Africa (under USD 400 billion). This economic weight has made both countries high-priority targets in Trumps second-term trade strategy, though the severity of tariffs has varied. Beijing has responded with direct public criticism. Following Wang Yis meetings in New Delhi, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said unilateral bullying is rampant". The statement urged that India and China should contribute to promoting a multipolar world" and strengthen themselves as responsible powers representing developing nations. The message was unambiguous: Washingtons coercive trade moves are seen in Beijing as a shared threat, and New Delhi is being positioned as a potential partner in resisting it. Chinese FM Wang Yi: In todays world, changes unseen in a century are accelerating, unilateral bullying practices are rampant, and free trade and the international order face severe challenges. As the UN marks its 80th anniversary, humanity stands a critical crossroads pic.twitter.com/kvnfePMAvK Lin Jian (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) August 19, 2025 India has taken a more measured tone, but has not held back in calling the tariffs unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable." The numbers reinforce that concern. Trump has slapped 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports, including a punitive 25 per cent surcharge specifically targeting Indias continued purchases of Russian oil. These tariffs are scheduled to take effect on August 27 and have reportedly led to the near-collapse of trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington. China, too, has been targeted, with 30 per cent tariffs imposed on a range of exports under Trumps revived trade war, but has so far avoided additional sanctions despite being the worlds largest importer of Russian oil. This disparity has not gone unnoticed in Delhi. As Hindustan Times reported, both Indian and Chinese officials acknowledged during the JaishankarWang meeting that current US policies are targeting both countries, creating what one official described as an imperative for the two sides to come closer." While this does not signal a formal shift in alignment, it is clear that shared economic pressure from Washington is accelerating tactical coordination. Conclusion: A Cautious Reset, Nudged By External Pressure India and China are not strategic allies, and deep differences, especially on the border, remain. But Wang Yis visit, PM Modis planned trip to China, and the revival of economic cooperation indicate that both sides are cautiously signalling a willingness to move beyond the worst of the Galwan-era rupture. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For Delhi, securing critical supplies like rare earths and fertilisers is both a tactical necessity and a diplomatic opening. For Beijing, rebuilding ties with India offers a buffer against Western pressure and a chance to reinforce its multipolar world narrative. Donald Trumps trade salvos may not be the official reason for this thaw, but they are undeniably part of the story. In navigating an unpredictable global order, India and China are discovering that, at least for now, selective cooperation may be the path of least resistance. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 16:34 IST News explainers Three Signals From Wang Yi's Visit And The Trump Factor Reshaping IndiaChina Ties Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Centre To Introduce Bills In Parliament Today For Removal Of 'Tainted' PM, CMs, Ministers Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: August 20, 2025, 07:46 IST The bills will address the issue of the removal of elected representativesprime ministers, chief ministers, and ministers, etcarrested or detained on serious criminal charges The Home Minister will introduce the Union Territory Administration Amendment Bill, 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2025, and the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill. File pic/PTI Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce three bills on Wednesday aimed at addressing corruption allegations against incumbent ministers. Among them, Shah is likely to table the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which will introduce Section 5A to Article 239Aa to address the issue of the removal of elected representativesprime ministers, chief ministers, and ministers, etcarrested or detained on serious criminal charges. This, sources say, could avoid a situation like Delhi, where Arvind Kejriwal continued to be the chief minister while in custody. The Home Minister will also introduce the Union Territory Administration Amendment Bill, 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, 2025. Recommended Stories The 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill states, In Article 239AA of the Constitution, after clause (5), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:5A."in case of the Chief Minister, who for any period of thirty consecutive days during holding the office as such, is arrested and detained in custody, on allegation of committing an offence under any law for the time being in force, which is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or more, shall tender his resignation by the thirty-first day after such arrest and detention, and if he does not tender his resignation, he shall cease to be the Chief Minister, with effect from the day falling thereafter." Kejriwal had not resigned for nearly 6 months while in the custody of the ED and CBI in the alleged liquor scam case. The proposed amendment makes the same provision in case an incumbent prime minister is arrested and kept in custody for 30 days. In case of the Prime Minister, who for any period of thirty consecutive days during holding the office as such, is arrested and detained in custody, on allegation of committing an offence under any law for the time being in force, which is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or more, shall tender his resignation by the thirty-first day after such arrest and detention, and if he does not tender his resignation, he shall cease to be the Prime Minister with effect from the day falling thereafter," the amendment to Article 75 states. The proposed amendment to the Constitution provides for PMs, CMs, or ministers to return to their posts if released from custody. Nothing in this clause shall prevent such Chief Minister or Minister (or Prime Minister)from being subsequently appointed as the Chief Minister or a Minister, by the President, on his release from custody, as per clause (5)," the proposed amendment states. Tamil Nadus Senthil Balaji was another case where, even after arrest, the minister continued in the council. While the government proposes to send the bill for larger consultation to a joint parliamentary committee, opposition protests are likely. Wht a vicious circle! No guildelines for arrest followed! Arrests of opposition leaders rampant and disproportionate. New proposed law removes incumbent #CM etc immly on arrest. Best way to destabilise opposition is to unleash biased central agencies to arrest oppo CMs and despite being unable to defeat them electorally, remove them by arbitrary arrests!! And no ruling party incumbent CM ever touched!!" Congresss Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi posted on X. Singhvi had represented Kejriwal when he was granted bail by the apex court. In section 54 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, after sub-section (5), the following sub-section shall be inserted: A minister who is arrested and detained in custody for any period of thirty consecutive days, on allegations of committing an offence under any law currently in force, punishable with imprisonment for a term of five years or more, shall be removed from office by the Lieutenant Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister, by the thirty-first day of being taken into custody." A similar section is being included in the UT Act (Clause 5A to be added to Section 45). The statement of objectives and reasons for the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill explains the rationale for this measure. The elected representatives embody the hopes and aspirations of the people of India. It is expected that they rise above political interests and act solely in the public interest and for the welfare of the people," the statement reads. It adds that the character and conduct of ministers holding office should be beyond any suspicion. A minister facing allegations of serious criminal offences, arrested and detained in custody, may undermine constitutional morality and principles of good governance, and ultimately diminish the constitutional trust reposed by the people in him." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The statement further notes that since the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 (34 of 2019) lacks provisions for the removal of the Chief Minister or a minister arrested and detained on serious criminal charges, there is a need to amend section 54 of the Act to establish a legal framework for their removal in such cases. The listing of the bill has sparked intense speculation about the potential restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ... Read More Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 23:01 IST News india Centre To Introduce Bills In Parliament Today For Removal Of 'Tainted' PM, CMs, Ministers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Couple Dies By Suicide After Their Families Pressurised Them To Break Up Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 15:53 IST Sunaina Devi, a mother of three children, and Manibhushan Kumar, a veterinary doctor, allegedly consumed poison after their families disapproved of their relationship. Representative Image A couple in Bihars Vaishali district allegedly died by suicide after their families disapproved of the relationship. Sunaina Devi, a 35-year-old mother of three children, and Manibhushan Kumar, 45, a veterinary doctor, allegedly consumed poison. Police said Sunaina had been in a relationship with Manibhushan for the past five years. Despite multiple panchayat interventions aimed at ending their affair, the two continued to meet in secret, according to the Times of India. Recommended Stories The couple reportedly had plans to get married, but their families disapproved of their relationship, as both Sunaina and Manibhushan were married and she also had three children. After their refusal, the couple consumed poison. ALSO READ: 28-Year-Old PAC Constable Dies By Suicide In UPs Shamli, Body Found Hanging While Sunaina died at the spot, Manibhushan lost consciousness and was admitted to a hospital. He was referred to another hospital, but he died on the way there. The police returned their bodies to their families after post-mortem. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In an unrelated incident, a 50-year-old police constable allegedly attempted suicide by drinking a disinfectant following an argument with his wife over the loss of mobile phone data during repairing, according to officials. The constable, identified as Pramod Dalvi, had taken his wifes damaged phone to a repair shop, where the shopkeeper formatted it during servicing, resulting in complete data loss. The matter sparked an argument at home, after which Dalv consumed two sips of phenyl from a bathroom bottle on August 17. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Vaishali, India, India First Published: August 19, 2025, 15:53 IST News india Bihar Couple Dies By Suicide After Their Families Pressurised Them To Break Up Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... This State Will Have 44 Holidays In 2026 | Check Full List Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 20, 2025, 08:45 IST Employees in this state are entitled to 17 days of optional leave in 2026, covering festivals and special occasions across communities, which they can choose freely The dates for Muslim festivals are subject to change based on moon sightings. (Representative/News18 Hindi) The Bihar government has released the official holiday calendar for 2026, offering government employees a total of 44 days off. The schedule includes general, public, and optional leaves, while retaining the five-day workweek for secretariat and directorate offices and a six-day week for regional offices. The list covers all major festivals and special days, such as Holi, Eid, Diwali, Durga Puja, Mahashivratri, Buddha Purnima, Christmas, Republic Day, and Independence Day. Additionally, holidays are observed on Bihar Day (March 22) and other local occasions. Recommended Stories The detailed schedule for 2026 is as follows: Vasant Panchami: 23 January, Friday Sant Ravidas Jayanti: 1 February, Sunday Shab-e-Barat: 4 February, Wednesday Mahashivratri: 15 February, Sunday Samrat Ashok Ashtami: 26 March, Thursday Veer Kunwar Singh Jayanti: 23 April, Thursday Janaki Navami: 25 April, Saturday Kabir Jayanti: 29 June, Monday The dates for Muslim festivals are subject to change based on moon sightings. Notably, there will be a two-day holiday for Holi on March 3 and 4, 2026. Special public holidays are also designated for banks, courts, and other institutions, including the annual bank account closure on April 1, 2026. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Employees are also entitled to 17 days of optional leave, which includes festivals and special occasions across different communities. Staff can select their leave days as per their preference. The list incorporates important festivals from Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, and other communities, and additional holidays have been allotted for certain festivals like Holi. Location : Bihar, India, India First Published: August 19, 2025, 17:21 IST News india This State Will Have 44 Holidays In 2026 | Check Full List Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... In Talks With Wang Yi, India Voices 'Strong Concerns' On China's Brahmaputra Dam, Terrorism Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 20:57 IST India said China's mega dam construction in the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra river will have implications for lower riparian states and called for "utmost transparency" on this EAM S Jaishankar with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting, in New Delhi. (Image: @DrSJaishankar/X/PTI) India strongly underlined its concerns over the construction of a dam on Brahmaputra river and raised the issue of cross-border terrorism with China, as its foreign minister Wang Yi met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday. Wang, who is in India at the invitation of national security adviser Ajit Doval, also held bilateral talks with Jaishankar and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recommended Stories During the discussions between the two sides on foreign policy, India underlined its concerns on Chinas mega dam construction in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra river). It stressed that the activity will have implications for lower riparian states and called for utmost transparency" on the matter. The Indian side further raised the issue of terrorism and its strong stand against cross-border terrorism, recalling that one of the original objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), whose summit will be held later this month in China, is to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. On this, Wang concurred that countering terrorism should be given the highest priority. On the Taiwan issue raised by the Chinese side, India remained steadfast in its views and said its position remains unchanged. Jaishankar underlined that, like the rest of the world, India has a relationship with Taiwan that focuses on economic, technological and cultural ties. Noting that even Beijing cooperates with Taiwan in these domains, New Delhi would also like its relationship to continue. Continuing from the talks that he held with Doval, Wang covered issues related to de-escalation, delimitation and boundary affairs with Jaishankar as well. The two leaders touched upon bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest. A member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Wang is on an official visit to India. He co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives (SR) Dialogue on the boundary question between India and China with Doval. The Chinese side highlighted that India and China had been implementing consensus reached by the leaders of their two countries, gradually resuming exchanges and dialogue at all levels, maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas, and enabling Indian pilgrims to resume their trips to sacred mountains and lakes in the Tibet autonomous region. China-India relations are showing a positive trend toward returning to cooperation", Wang said, as per a report by Xinhua, adding that 2025 is the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China. Following the talks, Jaishankar took to his X and wrote: Welcomed Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Delhi this evening. Highlighted that our relations are best guided by the three mutuals mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. As we seek to move ahead from a difficult period in our ties, it needs a candid and constructive approach from both sides. Had productive conversations on our economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges. Also exchanged views on global and regional issues. Confident that our discussions today would contribute to building a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Wangs visit comes ahead of Modis expected trip to China to attend the SCO summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. (With agency inputs) About the Author Oindrila Mukherjee Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st... Read More Oindrila Mukherjee is a senior sub-editor who works for the rewrite and breaking news desks. Her nine years of experience in print and digital journalism range from editing and reporting to writing impactful st... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 20:42 IST News india In Talks With Wang Yi, India Voices 'Strong Concerns' On China's Brahmaputra Dam, Terrorism Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi Girl Leaves Home After Dispute With Father; Trafficked, Forcibly Married, Raped In UP Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 08:43 IST A minor girl from Delhi was trafficked, forcibly married, and raped in Uttar Pradesh after she left her house following a dispute with her father. Four people were arrested. Delhi Police (Representative Image/PTI) A 13-year-old girl was allegedly trafficked, forcibly married off for money, and was sexually assaulted in Uttar Pradeshs Shamli days after she left her house in Delhi following a dispute with her father. The police have arrested four people in connection with the case, and an investigation was underway to identify other possible links in the trafficking network. Recommended Stories According to the details, the girl had left her house in northwest Delhis JJ Colony, Wazirpur, on July 21, for tuition. However, as she did not return, her family approached the police and registered a kidnapping case. Later, a team was formed to trace her and she was rescued nearly a month after she had left her house. The girl told the police that she had left her home in a distressed state after an argument with her father and travelled by metro from the Inderlok metro station to the New Delhi railway station. From there, she boarded a train and reached Meerut, where she came across Vikas, one of the arrested accused. Vikas lured her, and she was subsequently confined in the house of co-accused Ashu and later handed over to Rajeev, who intended to purchase" her. To facilitate the deal, a fake Aadhaar card was prepared by another accused, Ramanjot Singh, projecting her as an adult. The police told news agency PTI that Rajeev forcibly married the girl on July 24 and allegedly subjected her to sexual assault at his Shamli residence. In between, the girls family received a missed call from an unknown number. However, when contacted, a woman said her daughter-in-law must have mistakenly called the number and cut the call. The location of the number was traced to Shamli, and the girl was rescued from Rajeevs residence with the help of the local police on August 16. Commenting on the incident, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Bhisham Singh told PTI, The girl had gone missing on July 21 after she left her house in northwest Delhis JJ Colony, Wazirpur, for tuition but did not return." A case of kidnapping was registered at the Bharat Nagar police station and a team formed to trace her," he said. The investigation revealed that Ramanjot, who runs a cyber cafe in Ghaziabad, prepared the forged Aadhaar card of the victim using an online PDF editing application, police said. The forged document and four mobile phones used in the conspiracy were seized from the accused. During sustained interrogation, the accused disclosed that they had hatched a conspiracy to sell the girl for money. The victims statement corroborated the sequence of events, and she has been handed over to her family after counselling," the DCP said. During the investigation, the victims details were promptly uploaded on ZIPNET and circulated nationwide through the NCRB, SCRB, CBI and Missing Persons Squad. Public notices were published in leading newspapers, and CCTV footage was thoroughly examined, which showed the victim near the Inderlok metro bus stand. More than 30 mobile phone numbers were analysed, suspicious Instagram accounts checked, and multiple raids conducted across Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, including in Mathura, Rohini, Palwal, Dwarka, Shakurpur and at various railway stations, the DCP said. The four arrested in the case were identified as Rajeev (40), a resident of Shamli, Vikas (20) from Hapur, Ashu (55) from Meerut and Ramanjot Singh (24) from Ghaziabad. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all All the four were booked under Sections 143 (kidnapping), 144 (exploitation of a trafficked person), 64 (rape), 337 (forgery), 339 (having possession of forged document), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), sections 6 and 21 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and sections 9 and 10 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. ALSO READ | Delhi Woman Allegedly Gang-Raped After Her Drink Spiked During Party At Friends Residence About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: August 19, 2025, 08:42 IST News india Delhi Girl Leaves Home After Dispute With Father; Trafficked, Forcibly Married, Raped In UP Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Fake Doctor Found Treating Patients In Emergency Ward Of UP Hospital Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 15:40 IST In Uttar Pradesh's Basti, a man posed as a doctor in the district hospital's emergency ward, treating patients, including critically ill ones. He was caught by public. AI-generated image used for representational purpose only A shocking case of negligence was reported at the district hospital in Basti in Uttar Pradesh, where a man pretending to be a doctor was found treating patients in the emergency ward, according to a report in India Today. India Today report citing eyewitness mentioned that the individual, identified as Raj Kumar, entered the emergency ward dressed in a white coat, wearing a mask and a stethoscope. Claiming to be a senior doctor, he began examining patients, including those in critical condition. Recommended Stories The report suggests that suspicion grew when the family of a seriously ill patient asked him to prescribe medication. Rather than responding with medical advice, he reportedly said he would ask the warden and tell," raising immediate concerns about his authenticity. Finding something fishy, hospital attendants and relatives of patients confronted him. Upon questioning, it became clear that he was not a qualified medical professional. The impostor was apprehended by the public and subsequently handed over to the police. The incident came to light after a man brought his critically ill wife to the emergency ward, the report claimed. The family alleged that she remained untreated for nearly two hours and later died. During this time, the fake doctor was seen moving around the ward, posing as a member of the medical staff. India Today reported that District Hospital Senior In-Charge (SIC), Dr. Khalid Rizwan, confirmed the incident. Rizwan said that they received the information that an unknown person was present in the ward posing as a doctor. He added that an FIR was being lodged on the basis of a written complaint. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Addressing the allegations of medical negligence, the doctor clarified that the patient was already in a critical state upon arrival. He said the woman was suffering from shortness of breath, and her oxygen level had dropped dangerously low, adding that she was given proper treatment but she could not be saved but despite all efforts, the report mentioned. An investigation into the matter was underway. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More Location : Basti, India, India First Published: August 19, 2025, 15:40 IST News india Fake Doctor Found Treating Patients In Emergency Ward Of UP Hospital Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Fed Up With Abuse, Rajasthan Woman Watched Crime Web Series To Plot Husband's Murder Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 20:22 IST Santosh Devi, reportedly watched crime web series and researched online to carefully plan the killing of her husband Police said the three men and the woman searched Google for ways to murder someone without getting caught. (Representational image/AI-generated) A woman in Jaipur, Rajasthan, allegedly murdered her husband with the help of two friends after being repeatedly subjected to physical abuse and constant suspicion. According to police, the woman, Santosh Devi, reportedly watched crime web series and researched online to carefully plan the killing of her husband, Manoj, an e-rickshaw driver. Recommended Stories Santosh met one of her co-accused, Rishi Srivastava, while working at a bedsheet factory. As their friendship grew closer, they conspired to kill Manoj. Rishis friend Mohit Sharma then joined the plot, NDTV reported. Police said the three men and the woman searched Google for ways to murder someone without getting caught. They also watched crime web series and studied famous murder cases to perfect their plan. The accused purchased new SIM cards to avoid detection and scouted possible locations for the crime. On Saturday, Mohit hired Manojs e-rickshaw to travel to the ISKCON temple. About 10 minutes into the ride, Rishi joined them, and the e-rickshaw was taken to a deserted farmhouse. There, Manojs throat was slit with a sharp bedsheet cutter. After the murder, the two men changed their clothes and appearances and switched off their SIM cards. Although there were no CCTV cameras at the scene of the murder, police examined footage from surrounding areas to track down the suspects. During interrogation, all three confessed. Police said the planning had started around a month ago. This case follows another disturbing murder in Rajasthans Alwar district. Laxmi Devi and her lover Jitendra Sharma were arrested on Monday night for killing her husband, Hansram. They allegedly dumped his body in a blue plastic drum on the roof of their rented home. The drum had been borrowed by Laxmi from her landlord, claiming she needed it to store water. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The couples three children, who had been taken away by Laxmi and Jitendra, were later returned to their grandfather. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Rajasthan, India, India First Published: August 19, 2025, 20:19 IST News india Fed Up With Abuse, Rajasthan Woman Watched Crime Web Series To Plot Husband's Murder Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 09:00 IST The four Vande Bharat trains catering to the Kashmir valley since June have witnessed monthly occupancy of more than 100 percent, as per railway ministry data issued on Monday. Recommended Stories A ministry official shared the data with News18, stating that the train services have exceptionally high occupancy" with all full bookings for almost all of August. Occupancy of more than 100 percent indicates demand beyond capacity, including waitlisted passengers as well. Two pairs of Vande Bharat express trains are operational between Shri Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar (SINA), offering four services. For the June to August period, the Shri Vaishno Devi Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat express (26401) maintained near-full capacity with 100 percent occupancy in June peaking at 102 percent in July, and 98 percent in August. The return journey of the train Srinagar-Shri Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat express (26402) remained steady at 101 percent occupancy across all three months. The second train 26403 and 26404 is also witnessing high demand. The service from Katra ran above capacity in June (101%) and July (100%), before easing slightly to 97% in August. The one from Srinagar saw a lower start at 94 percent occupancy in June but quickly surged to 100 percent in July and stayed as high at 98 percent in August. This is the first time that Srinagar is connected with the main Indian Railways network after the Ajni and Chenab bridges were inaugurated in June. TRAIN TO KASHMIR: TIMINGS AND FARE Train 26401 completes the journey in two hours and 58 minutes, with chair car fares at Rs 715 and executive class at Rs 1,320. It departs from Katra at 8.10 am and arrives in Srinagar at 11.08 am, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 9.56 am. On its return journey, train 26402 departs from Srinagar at 2 pm and arrives in Katra at 4.58 pm, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 3.08 pm. Chair car fares are Rs 880 and executive class Rs 1,515. These trains (26401/26402) operate six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. Train 26403 departs from Katra at 2.55 pm and arrives in Srinagar at 5.53 pm, completing the journey in two hours and 58 minutes. The fare on this train is Rs 660 for a chair car seat and Rs 1,270 for executive class. The price difference is due to catering charges. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all From Srinagar, train 26404 departs at 8 am and arrives in Katra at 10.58 am, with a two-minute stop at Banihal at 9 am. Fares are Rs 715 for chair car and Rs 1,320 for executive class. Trains 26403/04 operate six days a week, excluding Wednesdays. IAF To Get 97 Indigenous LCA Tejas Mark 1A Fighter Jets As Govt Clears Rs 62,000 Crore Deal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 21:37 IST India clears the acquisition of 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force ASTRA, an indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile, being test fired by Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) LSP-7. (Representational image via PTI) In a major boost to the Make in India initiative in defence, the central government has cleared a Rs 62,000 crore deal to buy 97 LCA Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The final approval was given during a high-level meeting on Tuesday, paving the way for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to begin production. Recommended Stories This is the second major order for the indigenous fighter jet. Earlier, the government had placed an order for 83 LCA Mark 1A jets, worth around Rs 48,000 crore. With this new order, the total number of LCA Mark 1A jets ordered by the IAF now stands at 180. According to defence sources, the new fleet will replace the ageing MiG-21 fighter jets, which are expected to be phased out in the coming weeks. The LCA Tejas programme has received strong backing from the Defence Ministry and the Air Headquarters. It is expected to give a significant push to indigenisation and support small and medium enterprises involved in the defence sector across India, ANI reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a strong supporter of HAL and Indias domestic defence manufacturing sector. Under his leadership, HAL has secured multiple orders for indigenous aircraft, helicopters, and engines. Notably, the Prime Minister also flew in the trainer variant of the Tejas, becoming the first Indian PM to take a sortie in a combat aircraft. The LCA Mark 1A features upgraded avionics and radar systems compared to earlier versions. It also has a higher indigenous content, with over 65% of its components made in India. The plan to buy 97 additional jets was first announced by former Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari during a visit to Spain. The LCA programme is seen as a key part of Indias goal to become self-reliant in defence and aerospace manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all HAL is also expected to receive future orders for over 200 LCA Mark 2 jets and several next-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. (With inputs from ANI) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 21:37 IST News india IAF To Get 97 Indigenous LCA Tejas Mark 1A Fighter Jets As Govt Clears Rs 62,000 Crore Deal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Maharashtra On High Alert As Heavy Rain Claims 12 Lives, Nanded Worst-Hit With 9 Deaths Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 12:22 IST Authorities said relief and rescue teams are on alert in vulnerable areas as the state braces for more rainfall Heavy rains continue to batter Mumbai and its suburbs. (PTI Photo) At least 12 people have died in rain-related incidents across Maharashtra as heavy downpours continue to batter the state, Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan said on Tuesday. Nanded district has been the worst affected, reporting nine fatalities due to flooding. In Mumbai, one person lost his life after a wall collapsed, triggered by the rains. Two more deaths were reported from other districts. Recommended Stories Authorities said relief and rescue teams are on alert in vulnerable areas as the state braces for more rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Mumbai and its suburbs today, warning of very heavy rainfall as the city continues to reel under persistent downpours. Civic and disaster management agencies have been placed on high alert. Air travel was severely impacted, with data from Flightradar showing delays in 155 departing flights and 102 arrivals at Mumbai Airport. In view of the conditions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a holiday for government, semi-government and municipal offices, except essential services. It also urged private offices in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to allow employees to work from home and advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel. Considering the red alert for very heavy rainfall in Mumbai city and suburbs, all government, semi-government, and BMC offices (excluding essential services) will remain closed today," the civic body said. Educational institutions were also affected. Schools and colleges in Mumbai remained closed, while the Directorate of Higher Education declared a holiday for senior colleges across Maharashtras Konkan region, including Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Transport services faced widespread disruption. Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) buses were diverted in parts of the city due to flooded roads. Waterlogging on low-lying railway tracks in Dadar, Matunga, Parel and Sion caused inconvenience for commuters. Train services on the Central Railway line were running 20 to 30 minutes late due to heavy showers and reduced visibility. Officials said waterlogging on some stretches had slowed down movement. The situation was compounded by a signalling glitch reported early in the morning between Ambivali and Shahad stations. First Published: August 19, 2025, 12:08 IST News india Maharashtra On High Alert As Heavy Rain Claims 12 Lives, Nanded Worst-Hit With 9 Deaths Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mahindra Group Begins Probe As BJD MP Alleges Rape, Death Threats By Staff Member Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 12:48 IST Mahindra Group: "We take this matter with utmost seriousness and have initiated an immediate investigation. Should the allegations be validated, strict action will be taken..." Satyabrata Nayak and Sulata Deo. (X) Responding to Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sulata Deos allegations that their staff member had sent rape and death threats to the politician on social media, the Mahindra Group in statement said that they have initiated an investigation into the incident. Mahindra has zero tolerance for any form of misconduct, intimidation, or threats," said the company statement. Recommended Stories What the Mahindra Group said We have been made aware of certain undignified and highly inappropriate messages allegedly made by one of our employees towards a political leader on Facebook. The Mahindra Group has always enshrined the importance of human dignity from its very foundation and believes in upholding an environment of respect, with no tolerance for any breaches of these principles," the company said in its statement. It added, We take this matter with utmost seriousness and have initiated an immediate investigation. Should the allegations be validated, strict action will be taken in accordance with our code of conduct and values." The BJD MPs allegations The BJD MP posted screenshots of the rape and death threats by one Satyabrata Nayak. According to his Facebook profile, he works at the companys Nashik branch. Dear PMO INDIA A worker of Mahindra Company, Nasik as well as a BJP worker openly threatens a woman MP to rape and kill. If this is the situation, imagine what happens to the unprivileged women of Odisha!!! This is for your necessary information and action," she wrote in a post. In another post on Facebook, Deo alleged that the top police officials have turned a blind eye" on the issue, adding that no action has been taken yet. Utterly SHOCKING and UNACCEPTABLE that Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament @SulataDeoMP has been targeted with threats of rape and murder . Hatred and violence against women is now rampant across our society. India is back-peddling on gender justice. https://t.co/mr94MT1Eg7 Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) August 18, 2025 Political reactions TMC MP Sagarika Ghose wrote on X: Hatred and violence against women is now rampant across our society. India is back-peddling on gender justice." Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote, This is extremely shameful and I condemn this threat as a fellow colleague of Smt Sulata Deo." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This is extremely shameful and I condemn this threat as a fellow colleague of Smt Sulata Deo Id urge the Home Minister @HMOIndia & @GoI_MeitY to take severe action against this violent threat. https://t.co/csEtTu1k6l Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) August 17, 2025 BJD MP Sasmit Patra said, Utterly shocking and intolerable. A vile threat to my colleague, a woman MP, is an attack on the dignity of every woman and every representative of democracy. If an elected MP is unsafe, imagine the plight of ordinary women. Authorities must act immediately-justice and safety cannot be compromised." About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 12:47 IST News india Mahindra Group Begins Probe As BJD MP Alleges Rape, Death Threats By Staff Member Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mangoes From Japan, Bananas From Thailand: Inside An Exotic Orchard Curated By : Local18 Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 13:24 IST He grows over 250 varieties of fruits. The Banana collection alone includes 75 types, ranging from the familiar Grand Naine to rarities like Blue Java and Thai Red Banana. With Just Class 5 Education, This Farmer Built a Million-Rupee Orchard Belagavi in Karnataka, known for its flowing rivers and sprawling sugarcane fields, rarely sees farmers deviate from tradition. Yet one farmer from Pogatyanatti village in Chikkodi taluk has rewritten the rules of agriculture. Shivagouda Mallappa Patil, with just a fifth-grade education, has built an orchard so diverse and innovative that it has drawn attention not only across India but also from international circles. Recommended Stories A Living Laboratory of Fruits On his modest 4.5 acres of land, Patil has created what can only be described as a living laboratory of fruits. Out of this, 1.5 acres are dedicated to more than 250 fruit varieties. His banana collection alone includes 75 types, ranging from the familiar Grand Naine to rarities like Blue Java and Thai Red Banana. For agricultural scientists, the farm has become a case study in biodiversity and sustainable cultivation. The Mango Kingdom and More If bananas form the backbone of his orchard, mangoes are its crown jewels. Patil grows 40 types, including exotic imports such as Japans famed Miyazaki and Americas Tommy, alongside beloved Indian varieties like Kesar, Ratnagiri, and Neelam. Beyond mangoes, there is a dazzling spread of guavas like Japan Red, Diamond Goa, White Diamond, and Taiwan Pink, each standing as proof of his relentless pursuit of diversity. Walking through his farm feels like stepping into a global fruit bazaar. Apples, lemons, sapotas, Malaysian green coconuts, and Thai sapotas thrive alongside rare exotics like Brazils Matow, American Abiu, Surinamese Black Cherry, Avocado, Peanut Butter fruit, and Longan. For Patil, it is more than farming, it is a passion project. He seeks out rare varieties from around the world, bringing them home to nurture on Belagavis soil. Saplings Worth Their Weight in Gold But Patils genius lies not only in growing fruits but in recognizing the value of their future. By preserving, propagating, and selling saplings, he has built a thriving business. Prices range from Rs 50 to Rs 10,000 depending on the rarity. A Brazilian Jaboticaba sapling can fetch Rs 10,000, while the much-talked-about Miyazaki mango sapling sells for Rs 500. Buyers come directly to his farm, eager to take home a piece of his botanical treasure trove. This dual approach, selling both fruits and saplings has turned his farm into a profitable enterprise, generating millions of rupees. Importantly, he keeps costs low by relying entirely on organic methods: vermicompost, Azolla units, and farmyard manure. His model demonstrates how ecological farming and financial success can go hand in hand. Patils work has not gone unnoticed. In 2018, he received the prestigious Plant Genome Savior Award from the Central Department of Agriculture. At the district level, he has been honored with the ATMA Award and numerous other accolades. His achievements even caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised his efforts as an example of innovation rooted in rural India. A Farmer, a Collector, a Visionary top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For many farmers, land is only about survival. For Patil, it has become a canvas for experimentation, conservation, and commerce. From 75 kinds of bananas to mangoes priced like jewels, his orchard is not just a farm but a living collection of the worlds fruits. In Belagavi, amid the familiar stretch of sugarcane, Shivagouda Mallappa Patil has planted a legacy of innovation that shows farming can be both profitable and extraordinary. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 13:24 IST News india Mangoes From Japan, Bananas From Thailand: Inside An Exotic Orchard Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbai Rained Out: Air, Road, Rail Hit As 500 Evacuated, Shinde Reviews Situation | Top Points Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: August 20, 2025, 00:02 IST Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said the next 48 hours are critical even as Mumbai and its suburbs remained under 'red alert' for rainfall issued by the IMD Work underway to rescue people from a flood affected area amid rainfall, at Kurla West in Mumbai on August 19. (Image: PTI) Rising rivers, flooded streets, people evacuated on dinghies amid complete breakdown of road and rail transport like every year, during the monsoon, Mumbai came to a standstill on Tuesday as it received a record rainfall of at least 300 mm. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the next 48 hours are critical even as Mumbai and its suburbs remained under yellow alert (watch) for rainfall, which issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Recommended Stories It was the second straight day of heavy downpour, which severely disrupted road and rail traffic as well as air connectivity. Commuters and vehicles were left stranded as they struggled to navigate inundated roads, with no respite from Mumbais lifeline the local train network as services were disrupted with tracks being submerged. Here is all you need to know: As many as 782 passengers were rescued after two overcrowded Monorail trains on elevated tracks got stuck between stations. More than a dozen passengers complained of suffocation with a couple of them reportedly fainting as electricity and air-conditioning shut down, though only one passenger had to be hospitalised and her condition was said to be stable. Overcrowding due to the heavy downpour led to power failure as the Monorail system is not capable of handling a sudden rush, said the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). As many as 582 passengers were rescued from the train stuck between Mysore Colony and Bhakti Park by deploying snorkel ladders, as the train could not be towed back. Whereas 200 passengers were evacuated from another train, which was successfully towed back to the nearby Wadala station. Fadnavis said an inquiry will be conducted into the incident. Rise in Mithi river levels triggered the evacuation of 400 to 500 people. The NDRF rescued a man, who was being swept away in the river at Filterpada in Powai, officials said. A video of the river, possibly shot from a bridge near the Powai lake, showed the furious flow of the water. As many as 525 pumps, 10 mini pumping stations and six main pumping stations were engaged in draining out rainwater, said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Five NDRF teams have been deployed at Kranti Nagar, Kurla, and were carrying out rescue operations. After a weekly cabinet meeting, Fadnavis said Mumbai has witnessed a record rainfall of nearly 300 mm. On Monday (August 18), the city had received 170 mm rainfall in just eight hours. The IMD has issued a yellow alert warning of heavy rain for Mumbai, Thane, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts, and an orange alert warning of very heavy rain for Palghar and Raigad districts till Wednesday (August 20). It said widespread rainfall was very likely over Konkan and Madhya Maharashtras ghat regions, with heavy to very heavy showers at several places and isolated extremely heavy rainfall. Local train services between CSMT in south Mumbai and Thane stations resumed in the evening, eight hours after the services were suspended due to submergence of tracks. The services on the main line of the Central Railway (CR) between CSMT and Thane, suspended at 11.30 am, resumed when a train departed from CSMT at 7.28 pm, a railway spokesperson said. The harbour line between CSMT and Mankhurd is still closed, he said. Earlier in the morning, the water rose up to eight inches above the tracks in Sion and Kurla sections, prompting the railway authorities to suspend train operations. Some long distance trains were also rescheduled or cancelled. At least eight flights were diverted and many were delayed at the Mumbai airport. Airlines informed passengers about flight delays, while low-visibility procedures were put in place intermittently. Six flights of IndiGo and one each of SpiceJet and Air India were diverted to nearby airports, including Surat, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. Schools, colleges, government and semi-government offices remained shut and the Bombay High Court functioned only till 12.30 pm. The BMC has appealed to all private establishments across Mumbai to allow their employees to work from home and avoid unnecessary travel. Borivali, Andheri, Sion, Dadar and Chembur witnessed intense downpour through the night and the rain continued in the morning as well, resulting in water-logging in low-lying areas. Waterlogging was also reported at Hindmata, Andheri Subway and in some parts of the Eastern Express Highway, Mumbai-Gujarat highway and the Eastern Freeway. Shinde visited various affected areas to assess the situation following heavy rainfall in the city and adjoining Thane district. He was accompanied by MLA Dilip Lande, BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, additional commissioner for eastern suburbs Amit Saini, Thane municipal corporation commissioner Saurabh Rao, and senior officials and staff from both civic bodies. I took a tour of Mumbai, visited the Mithi River and areas affected by landslides in Vikhroli Park Site and also went to Thane. BMC machinery is on high alert, with Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and other officials actively monitoring the situation in the field" he said. HOW MUCH RAIN DID MUMBAI RECEIVE? The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said Mumbai received 37 percent of its average August rainfall during the 54-hour period from 8.30 am on August 17 to 2.30 pm on Tuesday (August 19). On Tuesday, Vikhroli East received 268 mm of rain, Marol 262 mm, Passpoli in Powai 257 mm, Versova 250 mm and Forsbery reservoir in F-South ward 220 mm between 4 am and 3 pm. In the 24 hours ended 8.30 am on Tuesday, the western suburbs recorded the highest downpour with Chincholi fire station recording 361 mm of rain, Kandivali fire station 337 mm, Dindoshi municipal school 305 mm and Magathane bus depot 304 mm. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the island city of south Mumbai, the rain gauges at Storm Water Drainage Workshop in Dadar and B Nadkarni municipal school in Wadala recorded 300 mm and 282 mm of rain during the same period. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 21:23 IST News india Mumbai Rained Out: Air, Road, Rail Hit As 500 Evacuated, Shinde Reviews Situation | Top Points Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Past Setbacks Not In Anyone's Interests': China's Wang Yi To Ajit Doval During Key Border Talks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 12:35 IST Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met NSA Ajit Doval in New Delhi for a fresh round of border talks, with Doval stressing the positive outcomes since the Kazan BRICS Summit. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) with NSA Ajit Doval (R) (Video screengrab) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday for a fresh round of the Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary issue. In his opening remarks, Yi said the setbacks India and China faced in the past were not in our interest" and that stability has now been restored at the borders". Recommended Stories I am very pleased to meet you again in New Delhi for this round of talks between the special representatives of China and India on the boundary question," Yi said. The setbacks that we faced in the last few years were not in our interest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met in Kazan. We are happy to share that stability has now been restored at the borders," the Chinese Foreign Minister said. Also speaking on Prime Minister Modis upcoming participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Wang Yi said, We welcome PM Modis visit to China for the SCO." History and reality prove that a healthy relationship between India and China serves the long-term interests of both countries," he added. During the meeting, Doval underlined that India and China have profited a lot since Kazan", referring to the decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Kazan to revive dialogue mechanisms. He noted that the border has remained quiet" with peace and tranquillity" prevailing over the past nine months. The NSA expressed optimism that the latest round of SR talks would be successful like the last one" and stressed the significance of the discussion in light of PM Modis upcoming visit to China. He also highlighted that India and China are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations this year. #WATCH | Delhi: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval meets Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Hyderabad House pic.twitter.com/thWE6QHSPi ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 The Chinese Foreign Minister is in India primarily to hold the SR dialogue on the boundary question with Ajit Doval. Both Doval and Wang serve as the designated SRs for the border dialogue mechanism. Doval travelled to China in December last and held the 23rd round of talks with Wang, weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi decided to revive various dialogue mechanisms between the two sides at their meeting in the Russian city of Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. According to sources, China has promised to address Indias three concerns, namely rare earths, fertilisers and tunnel boring machines. Earlier on Monday, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said in his opening remarks that the talks would cover economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges." During his remarks with the Chinese Foreign Minister in New Delhi on Monday, the EAM had noted that differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict. ALSO READ | Modis Diplomatic Reset With China Reflects Indias Realism In A Multipolar World top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: August 19, 2025, 12:21 IST News india 'Past Setbacks Not In Anyone's Interests': China's Wang Yi To Ajit Doval During Key Border Talks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... One of the last desolate tracts on Charlottesvilles West Main Street is getting eyed for a student-oriented apartment building. A Texas-based development firm wants to put an 11-story tower on the now mostly-asphalt terrain between the Standard apartment complex and the Drewary Brown Memorial Bridge, and the company will make its first public presentation Tuesday. Before it does, however, some residents of the adjacent Westhaven public housing complex would like a word about history. We have some deep concern about the design of the proposed building, said Joy Johnson, the chair a tenant group called the Public Housing Association of Residents. Johnson spoke Thursday at a press briefing in nearby Jenkins Park, where her group released an image depicting a tree- and bench-lined allee leading to a stairway resembling the famed Spanish Steps in Rome. The design, a cosmopolitan part of a recent redevelopment plan for Westhaven, was juxtaposed against a view of a faceless tower atop the stairway. Its very disrespectful to the neighborhood, Johnson said. If it sounds like a typical refrain from NIMBY, or Not in my backyard, neighbors, there is something particular about the site: 8 1/2 Street, later known as Cedar Street. Formerly the roadway bisected the proposed apartment site and went downhill into whats now Westhaven, which was built in 1965. The landscape architects at Charlottesville-based Waterstreet Studio designed the leafy allee to track the lower portion of this street. As for the upper portion, a historical survey shows that a four-story hotel built around 1910, the Queen Charlotte, hugged the streets east side. On the west side was the house that Thomas Jeffersons master builder James Dinsmore built for himself and which was last inhabited by a retired judge named Archibald Dabney and his wife, whose relatives still own that part of the site. As gas stations and car dealerships sprang up, the hotel was demolished circa 1955 and the Dinsmore house in 1960. It would be great to see 8 1/2 Street reopened someday as part of a larger effort to reconnect the Westhaven neighborhood with the greater Charlottesville community, Former Charlottesville Mayor Dave Norris, wrote on his blog when he was a city councilor in 2006. Alas, a Charlottesville City Council seated before he took office had other ideas. In 2002, an owner of the proposed apartment site, Brasco Bay Corporation, controlled by heirs of the late F. Bradley Peyton III, petitioned City Council to abandon the former roadway. On Nov. 4, 2002, Council agreed and gave away that land, about a tenth of an acre. Peytons heirs promptly sold its part of the site to a company controlled by music mogul Coran Capshaw, manager of the Dave Matthews Band. The other half belonged to the other owner, Douglas Dabney, now titled to Kim and Chris Dabney of Ashburn. Today, the developer is the LV Collective, a multifamily and student housing firm formerly called Lincoln Ventures and based in Austin, Texas. LV proposes 708 beds in 307 units with 121 parking spaces and a 3,000-square-foot retail space planned as a public cafe. This location is a walkers paradise so daily errands do not require a car, LV asserts in a prospectus, noting a walk score of 94 and a bike score of 84 from the Redfin real estate service. Biking is convenient for most trips. The only building now on the site is a corrugated metal structure resembling a shipping container located toward the western rear at 843 West Main. It was long home to Charlottesville Tire after serving as the office for a series of used-car lots including such past purveyors as Roy Haney Motor Company, Cavalier Cars and Bills Used Cars. In 2012, after it got an aqua-colored paint job, a cupcake shop called Sweethaus operated there for about five years. The majority of the 1.6-acre site is currently utilized for parking where spaces rent for $95 per month on the Dabneys Sweethaus side and $220 per quarter on the Capshavian side. The proposed apartment building would front West Main and tower over the six-story Standard to its west and Westhaven to its north. Abutting its east would be a 230-foot-tall communications tower owned by Norfolk Southern, the railroad company whose twin tracks also are adjacent. Across the street is the Flats apartments and Charlottesville Union Station. While Charlottesville developments have endured confusion stemming from a judges June 30 assertion that the citys zoning code is void, a public unveiling of the designs massing is expected to happen Tuesday during whats called a pre-application conference before the Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review. While the board has indicated that no formal action will be taken, because the site lies within the West Main Street Architectural Design Control District the board will eventually get the ability to approve or disapprove its design. Ultimately, such power rests with the Charlottesville City Council. Meanwhile, the tenants group is circulating a petition in collaboration with leaders of the 10th & Page Neighborhood Association. The developer is offering a public pathway to Main Street that zig-zags along the proposed buildings eastern perimeter, but the residents who spoke Thursday would prefer a wider and more direct path, what they call the memory walk. 'Objective Is To Uphold Constitution': Sudershan Reddy After Being Picked As INDIA Bloc's VP Candidate Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 21:33 IST The vice-presidential election, scheduled for September 9, is expected to set the stage for a keen political contest as both camps rally support ahead of the vote. Former Supreme Court Judge Sudershan Reddy (File Photo) Former Supreme Court judge Sudershan Reddy has been announced as the Oppositions candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. He will contest against the NDAs nominee, CP Radhakrishnan. The vice-presidential election, scheduled for September 9, is expected to set the stage for a keen political contest as both camps rally support ahead of the vote. Recommended Stories Speaking to CNN-News18 shortly after his nomination was announced, Reddy said, Its the same responsibility as that of a Supreme Court judge. The objective is to uphold the Constitution." He further said that the Vice Presidents role should be to promote constitutional values and ensure the proper functioning of parliamentary democracy. The role is to propagate the idea of the Constitution," he stated. Expressing gratitude for the nomination, Reddy said, I am happy and consider it an honour." He also made an appeal for a dignified campaign, urging all political leaders and parties to maintain the decorum of the democratic process. I wish to appeal through you that the campaign is not vitiated, and this is my message to all parliamentarians," he said. Speaking separately with ANI, Reddy stressed the non-partisan nature of the Vice Presidents election. It is the Parliamentarians who elect the Vice President. Political parties may sponsor the candidates," he said. #WATCH | Delhi: INDIA alliance VP nominee former Supreme Court Judge B. Sudershan Reddy says, It is the Parliamentarians who elect the Vice President. Political parties may sponsor the candidates. There is only one citizenship in this country. Myself and CP Raadhakrishnan ji are pic.twitter.com/5V0fcE17oy ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 He also underlined the idea of unity beyond regional identities. There is only one citizenship in this country. Myself and CP Raadhakrishnan ji are Indian nationals. Whether it is South, North, East, West, nothing matters," Reddy added. INDIA Bloc Announces Veep Candidate Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Opposition to support NDAs Vice-Presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan, the INDIA bloc on Tuesday fielded its own nominee former Supreme Court judge Sudershan Reddy. The former Supreme Court judge has also served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court and as a Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Reddy retired as a Supreme Court judge in 2011. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Announcing the INDIA blocs candidate, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, This vice-presidential contest is an ideological battle, and all the opposition parties agreed on this, and this is the reason we have nominated B Sudershan Reddy as the joint candidate." Kharge noted that Reddy is one of Indias most distinguished and progressive jurists, adding that he has had a long and eminent legal career. About the Author Ananya Bhatnagar Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De... Read More Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 14:03 IST News india 'Objective Is To Uphold Constitution': Sudershan Reddy After Being Picked As INDIA Bloc's VP Candidate Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Oppositions V-P Pick Reddy Had Struck Down Anti-Naxal Campaign? The 2011 Verdict Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 17:49 IST Among Reddys key judgments is one given in 2011, striking down Salwa Judum, a key anti-Naxal initiative of the Chhattisgarh government Former Supreme Court Judge Sudershan Reddy (File Photo) The Oppositions INDIA bloc has announced the name of former Supreme Court judge Sudershan Reddy for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. The announcement has set the stage for a contest between Reddy, the oppositions nominee, and CP Radhakrishnan, the NDAs Vice Presidential candidate. Recommended Stories Announcing the INDIA blocs candidate, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, This vice-presidential contest is an ideological battle, and all the opposition parties agreed on this, and this is the reason we have nominated B Sudershan Reddy as the joint candidate." The 2011 verdict Among Reddys key judgments is one given in 2011, striking down Salwa Judum, a key anti-Naxal initiative of the Chhattisgarh government. The case was driven by Nandini Sundar, long accused of proximity to Maoist groups and named in a Bastar murder First Information Report (FIR) (later dropped). The verdict was seen as a setback to Indias anti-Naxal fight, coming at the height of Maoist violence. Many pointed out that at a time when the Modi government is working to finish Naxalism, the Opposition has chosen a nominee whose judicial legacy raised questions of weakness towards forces aligned with Maoists. #WATCH | INDIA alliance names former Supreme Court Judge B. Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the Vice President of India postCongress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, This vice-presidential contest is an ideological battle, and all the opposition parties agreed on this, pic.twitter.com/r7glvCdDjj ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Who is Reddy? B Sudershan Reddy, born in 1946 in Telangana, served as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court. He began his legal career after enrolling as an advocate with the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh on December 27, 1971. Reddy practised primarily in writ and civil matters at the Andhra Pradesh High Court, where he also served as Government Pleader between 1988 and 1990. In 1990, he briefly worked as Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government, and later served as Legal Adviser and Standing Counsel for Osmania University. On May 2, 1995, he was appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. When is the V-P election? The Election Commission has scheduled the Vice Presidential election for September 9, with both polling and counting to be completed the same day. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The deadline for filing nominations is August 21, and candidates will be able to withdraw their papers until August 25. The office fell vacant after Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down on July 21, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, citing health concerns. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 17:44 IST News india Oppositions V-P Pick Reddy Had Struck Down Anti-Naxal Campaign? The 2011 Verdict Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi Targets Jawaharlal Nehrus Sin Of IWT In NDA Meet A Day After News18 Report Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 12:08 IST News18 spoke to MPs Milind Deora and Ravi Kishan who said the PM spoke about the IWT not being cleared by the cabinet PM Modi called out Nehru (right) over the signing of IWT. (PTI/News18 File) A day after after News18s exclusive report based on Parliament archives highlighted how former PM Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had signed the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) without the nod of the House, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the Parliamentary meeting on Tuesday, called out the Congress over the issue. News18 spoke to MPs Milind Deora and Ravi Kishan who said the PM spoke about the IWT not being cleared by the cabinet. They told News18 a large part of the PMs speech was on Congresss sins" and IWT. Recommended Stories NCP MP Praful Patel said, PM Modi briefed NDA MPs on CP Radhakrishnans backgroundThe Indus Waters Treaty was signed in the wrong way by Pandit Nehru, and Parliament was not taken into confidence. In todays time, it is not in the countrys interest." VIDEO | Delhi: NCP MP Praful Patel says, PM Modi briefed NDA MPs on CP Radhakrishnans background and we all welcomed him. Tamil Nadu is getting a representative."The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in the wrong way by Pandit Nehru, and Parliament was not taken into pic.twitter.com/iQQS4m6e3J Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 19, 2025 What News18 report said On November 30, 1960, the Lok Sabha took up the Indus Waters Treaty for discussion. It was short but very intense. It revealed a deep divide between Jawaharlal Nehrus government, which defended the treaty as pragmatic statesmanship, and a wide spectrum of MPs across parties, including Congressmen, who felt India had sacrificed too much to Pakistan. The News18 report had highlighted how the treaty was signed without taking Parliament or opposition leaders into confidence. By the time Parliament discussed the treaty, it was already ratified. This was one of the sharpest criticisms Nehru faced in his career. Almost every speaker condemned the treatycalling it unfair, a sell-out, or even a second partition". A young Atal Behari Vajpayee, the MP from Balrampur, framed it as a dangerous concession that wouldnt bring lasting friendship. Participated in the NDA Parliamentary Party Meeting in Delhi this morning. Happy to see the enthusiasm in favour of Thiru CP Radhakrishnans candidature for the Vice Presidency.@CPRGuv pic.twitter.com/87Gkwr2pLO Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 19, 2025 Nadda too called out betrayal Hours after News18 report, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief and Union Minister JP Nadda had underscored the betrayal" in a thread on X. The Indus Water Treaty, 1960, was one of the biggest blunders of former PM Jawaharlal Nehru that kept national interest at the altar of personal ambitions. The nation must know that when former Pandit Nehru signed the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, he unilaterally handed over 80 per cent of Indus basin waters to Pakistan, leaving India with just 20 per cent of the share. It was a decision that permanently compromised Indias water security and national interest. The most appalling aspect was that he did it without consulting the Indian Parliament. The treaty was signed in September 1960. However, it was placed before Parliament only two months later, in November, and, that too, for a token discussion of mere 2 hours!" he wrote. #WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitates Maharashtra Governor and NDA candidate for Vice Presidential post, CP Radhakrishnan, at the meeting of NDA Parliamentary Party pic.twitter.com/GvfTU63AV0 ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 He further wrote: It was such a monumental blunder that even Pandit Nehrus own party MPs vehemently opposed it. He yielded far too much, receiving nothing in return. Congresss Asoka Mehta slammed the treaty and called it akin to a second partition for the country. His words expressed the grief and shock felt not only within his own party but also across the opposition and the nation on Nehrus complete surrender." Nadda also highlighted Parliaments records which showed how Congresss A.C. Guha had criticised paying Rs 83 crore in sterling to Pakistan when India faced a foreign exchange crisis. He cited it as the height of folly". A young MP, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, tore into Nehrus Indus Water Treaty. He warned that the Prime Ministers argument, that succumbing to Pakistans unreasonable demands would establish friendship and goodwill, was flawed. True friendship, he argued, cannot be built on injustice. If opposing Pakistans unfair demands led to strained relations, then so be it!" wrote Nadda. The Indus Water Treaty, 1960, was one of the biggest blunders of former PM Jawaharlal Nehru that kept national interest at the altar of personal ambitions.The nation must know that when former Pandit Nehru signed the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, he unilaterally handed Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) August 18, 2025 Nadda elaborated: Despite his party colleagues vehement opposition, he defended the Indus Water Treaty as beneficial for India. If that was not enough, he belittled the nations anguish by asking, Partition of what? A pailful of water?" History must call it what it was: Nehrus Himalayan Blunder, said Nadda, adding, A Prime Minister who disregarded Parliament, gambled away Indias lifelines, and tied Indias hands for generations. Even today, India would have continued to pay the price for one mans misplaced idealism, if not for Prime Minister Modis bold leadership and his commitment to Nation First. By putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, PM Modi has corrected done yet another grave historical wrong committed by Congress!" VIDEO | Delhi: Congress leader Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) says, "They (government) blame Nehru ji for everything it was Nehru ji who fixed the issues in the treaty (Indus Waters Treaty). The agreement made by Cyril Radcliffe was absolutely against India, it was Nehru ji pic.twitter.com/p1PEgmdphI Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 19, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all What Congress said Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said: They (government) blame Nehru ji for everything it was Nehru ji who fixed the issues in the treaty (Indus Waters Treaty). The agreement made by Cyril Radcliffe was absolutely against India, it was Nehru ji who ensured that it was corrected" First Published: August 19, 2025, 11:36 IST News india PM Modi Targets Jawaharlal Nehrus Sin Of IWT In NDA Meet A Day After News18 Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi Notes Steady Progress In China Ties In Meeting With Yi, Accepts Xis SCO Invite Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 20:04 IST Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met PM Modi in New Delhi to improve strained ties post-2020 border clashes. Minister Jaishankar emphasized peace and de-escalation at the border. Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting in New Delhi. (IMAGE: X/Narendra Modi) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accepted Chinese President Xi Jinpings invitation to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin later this year, as he met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi and highlighting that peace and tranquillity on the border as a prerequisite for better relations. During the meeting, Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Communist Party of Chinas Politburo, handed over a personal message and invitation from President Xi. He conveyed his positive assessment of talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval during his visit. Recommended Stories The Prime Minister emphasised that India remains committed to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, underlining that peace on the border is essential for stable bilateral ties. Visuals of Wang Yis arrival and departure suggested a brief meeting between him and the Prime Minister at the latters residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other's interests and sensitivities. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO pic.twitter.com/FyQI6GqYKC Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 19, 2025 Modi welcomed what he described as steady and positive progress" in ties since his meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, citing developments such as the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each others interests and sensitivities. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity," the Prime Minister said in a post on social media platform X after his meeting. He also thanked President Xi for the invitation to the SCO Summit and conveyed his acceptance, expressing support for Chinas presidency of the forum. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 18:32 IST News india PM Modi Notes Steady Progress In China Ties In Meeting With Yi, Accepts Xis SCO Invite Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Congress In Spot As Analyst Retracts Maharashtra Poll Data Used In Voter List Fight; BJP Hits Out Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Karishma Jain Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 17:10 IST After pollster Sanjay Kumar retracted viral Maharashtra voter data, the BJP asked if Congress would apologise for using fake numbers to attack the EC The Election Commission has firmly rejected all these allegations. (Photos: PTI file + X) In the middle of a heated political row over the credibility of Indias electoral process, political analyst Sanjay Kumars public apology for misreading voter data has become a talking point. Kumar, co-director of the LoknitiCSDS project, had posted figures showing sharp fluctuations in the number of voters across four Maharashtra constituencies, two showing steep drops, two showing dramatic spikes, between the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The posts, published on X, quickly began circulating online. Several users flagged the magnitude of the changes as statistical red flags, suggesting either massive deletions or unexplained additions to the voter rolls. Recommended Stories Before Kumars retraction, the data appeared to have been picked up by Congress leaders to support allegations of voter fraud. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla posted screenshots of now-deleted tweets, including one by Pawan Khera, claiming the figures had been used to accuse the Election Commission of allowing nearly 40 per cent of voters to disappear" in some constituencies while others saw unnatural spikes. The graphic cited LoknitiCSDS as the source. SANJAY KUMAR OF CSDS ADMITS HIS DATA ON MAHARASHTRA WAS FAKEBASED ON THIS FAKERY CONGRESS ECOSYSTEM ATTACKED ECI WILL CONGRESS APOLOGISE FOR INSULTING MAHARASHTRA AND ITS GREAT PEOPLE CONGRESS IS FAKE NEWS KI FACTORY LIED ABOUTRAFALESAVARKAR JIINDIAN ARMYHALLICSBI pic.twitter.com/yCXXU8ii0X Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) August 19, 2025 Shortly after the data went viral, Kumar deleted both posts and issued a clarification stating that the data had been incorrectly compared due to a misreading of rows in the dataset. The deletion has given the BJP fresh ammunition and what appears to be a chance to launch another counterattack on Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition bloc, who are alleging vote theft" and have mounted sustained pressure on the Election Commission. The EC, for its part, has spiritedly denied all allegations, calling the claims unsubstantiated and politically motivated. What Sanjay Kumar Posted Kumar shared two separate tweets under the title Some information of Maharashtra election." Together, they included data from four constituencies. In Ramtek, he claimed the number of voters had dropped from 4.66 lakh in the Lok Sabha polls to 2.86 lakh in the Assembly election, a decline of 38.45 per cent. Devlali showed a similar pattern, with voters allegedly falling from 4.56 lakh to 2.88 lakh, a drop of 36.82 per cent. In contrast, Nashik West appeared to have seen a surge of 47.38 per cent, with voters increasing from 3.28 lakh in the national election to 4.83 lakh in the state polls. Hingna also seemed to reflect an unusual rise, jumping from 3.14 lakh to 4.50 lakh, an increase of 43.08 per cent. ShamefulFraud psephologist Sanjay Kumar from CSDS & Lokniti spreads Fake News about number of Voters added & removed in Maharashtra constituencies to turn people against Election Commission after its press conference exposing CONgis Lies Then CONgis ke jhooth ke Pawan, pic.twitter.com/JvwYmGJerC PallaviCT (@pallavict) August 19, 2025 But later, he deleted both tweets and issued a statement: I sincerely apologize for the tweets posted regarding Maharashtra elections. Error occurred while comparing data of 2024 LS and 2024 AS. The data in row was misread by our Data team. The tweet has since been removed. I had no intention of dispersing any form of misinformation." I sincerely apologize for the tweets posted regarding Maharashtra elections.Error occurred while comparing data of 2024 LS and 2024 AS. The data in row was misread by our Data team.The tweet has since been removed.I had no intention of dispersing any form of misinformation. Sanjay Kumar (@sanjaycsds) August 19, 2025 The Broader OppositionEC Confrontation The episode unfolded against the backdrop of a sustained campaign by the Opposition against the Election Commission. Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly accused the EC of enabling vote chori", or electoral theft, to benefit the BJP. Congress leaders have alleged discrepancies in turnout data, sudden voting surges late in the day, and large-scale additions or deletions from the electoral rolls between the two elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that former Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar played a decisive role in helping the BJP secure victories, pointing to the decision recognising the Eknath Shinde faction as the real Shiv Sena and awarding it the partys symbol. The 2024 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections were won by BJP and their allies with significant help from this gentleman (Rajiv Kumar)! By giving the Shiv Sena party and symbol to the traitor faction, he encouraged defections!" Raut said in his post on X. He also shared Kumars image in his post. ?The 2024 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra Assembly elections were won by BJP and their allies with significant help from this gentleman! By giving the Shiv Sena party and symbol to the traitor faction, he encouraged defections! Rahul Gandhi has now exposed the pic.twitter.com/C6yK6IgATw Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) August 17, 2025 The Election Commission has firmly rejected all these allegations. Current Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has dismissed the Oppositions claims as hearsay and political distraction. He pointed out that despite the seriousness of the accusations, the Congress did not file any formal complaints or petitions for eight months after the Assembly polls, undercutting its case further. The EC has consistently denied any wrongdoing, rejecting both the match-fixing" charge in Maharashtra and earlier allegations of manipulated voter rolls. BJPs Counterattack The BJP was quick to capitalise on the retraction. Amit Malviya, who heads the partys IT cell, accused Sanjay Kumar of feeding Congresss fake narrative" rather than conducting objective analysis. The apology is in, and Sanjay Kumar is out," he wrote on X, before questioning Kumars record as an analyst. He also referred to him as a protege of Yogendra Yadav" and said that his repeated projections of BJP losses amounted to confirmation bias, not serious scholarship. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The apology is in, and Sanjay Kumar is out. Incidentally, when was the last time this protege of Yogendra Yadav ever got anything right? In all his projections in the run-up to every single election, the BJP is supposedly losingand when the reverse happens, he turns up on TV https://t.co/QXJvUi6d3B Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 19, 2025 According to Malviya, the episode is further evidence that the Opposition and its allies in academia are pushing selective scepticism under the guise of neutral analysis. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 14:01 IST News india Congress In Spot As Analyst Retracts Maharashtra Poll Data Used In Voter List Fight; BJP Hits Out Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... SC Rejects Plea Against Protection To Minor Muslim Girl, Husband: Is It Criminal To Love? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 14:44 IST A bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R Mahadevan came down heavily on the child rights body for contesting the High Courts order Supreme Court of India | PTI Image The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea filed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) challenging a 2022 Punjab and Haryana High Court order that had upheld the marriage of a 16-year-old Muslim girl to a 30-year-old man and extended protection to the couple and their child. The High Court had earlier ruled that under Muslim personal law, a girl who has attained puberty, or is above 15 years of age, is legally competent to marry a person of her choice, regardless of the minimum age set under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Recommended Stories It also granted the couple, Javed and Ashiana, protection of life and liberty. A bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R Mahadevan came down heavily on the child rights body for contesting the High Courts order. You have no locus to challenge if two minor children (i.e., Ashiana and her child) are protected by the High Court, how can you challenge such an order? We fail to see how NCPCR can be aggrieved by protection granted to a minor," the bench observed. The court questioned why the NCPCR was pursuing the matter when the girl was already living with her husband and child. The girl is living with her husband! And has a child. What is your problem?" Justice Nagarathna asked. Debate Over Marriage Laws During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhatti, appearing for NCPCR, argued that while protection could continue, the broader legal issue should remain open whether a girl aged 15 can marry under personal law when it conflicts with secular statutes like the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, which sets 18 as the minimum marriageable age. The bench, however, refused to entertain this contention, saying the case before them was limited to the issue of protection of life and liberty. If you want to argue that question then approach in the appropriate case," the court said. Romantic Cases vs Criminal Cases The Supreme Court also dismissed three other similar petitions, warning the NCPCR against conflating consensual relationships with criminal conduct. We want to keep these romantic cases separate these we have to exclude," Justice Nagarathna said, urging the commission to take up better causes." Emphasising the need for a nuanced view, the court said: Are you saying it is criminal to love? POCSO Act takes care of criminal cases but there are romantic cases also, where teenagers on the verge of majority run away. Dont read such cases the same as criminal cases. Have to differentiate." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Justice Nagarathna also cautioned that misuse of POCSO provisions could push minors into distressing situations. A girl elopes with a boy, but her parents file a POCSO case against him to hide the elopement this is how honour killings are done!" she remarked. First Published: August 19, 2025, 14:44 IST News india SC Rejects Plea Against Protection To Minor Muslim Girl, Husband: Is It Criminal To Love? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Should I Bring Truckful Of Papers To Parliament?': How Nehru Dismissed MPs' Concerns Over Indus Treaty Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 17:39 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday quoted from a News18 report on the Parliament archives to slam Nehrus approach in signing the IWT A perusal of the archives shows Nehru was completely dismissive of the idea of consulting Parliament on it. File image/X Should I bring a truckful of papers to the Parliament? This is how then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru dismissed the demands of parliamentarians, including senior members from his own party, who questioned him in 1960 on why he did not consult Parliament before signing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday quoted from a News18 report on the Parliament archives to slam Nehrus approach in signing the IWT. A perusal of the archives shows Nehru was completely dismissive of the idea of consulting Parliament on it. Recommended Stories All those numerous papers will probably fill a cart. You can imagine ten years papers and if you have to bring them and present them to Parliament you require a truck-huge number of correspondences, this debate, that engineers estimate, etc, running to hundreds of pages. It is a mountain of papers; it is not a few letters exchanged, for a period of twelve years," Nehru told Parliament. In this debate on November 30, 1960, Nehru went on to say that such complicated agreements" cannot be brought to Parliament. I do not think it is possible for any kind of these complicated agreements to be dealt with, when we have to refer to Parliament. There must have been, I suppose, in this particular matter, dozens of approaches, dozens of plans, discussed, ultimately rejected and something happened. Are we to come at every step and ask Parliament?" Nehru told the MPs. Parliamentarians, including those from the Congress, were aghast that while the Parliament was in session till September 9, 1960, the treaty was signed on September 19 in Karachi without Parliament being aware. You cannot carry on any kind of negotiation, even relatively simple ones and certainly not this very difficult one (with Parliament being consulted). Therefore, very wisely, the Constitution and convention lay down that in such agreements, Government has to stake its own judgment, its future, on it. There is no other way. One takes a risk; maybe that Government may go wrong. But there is no other way to deal with it," Nehru insisted. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the end, as per the BJP now and the general wisdom of the parliamentarians then, the Nehru government did go wrong on the Indus Waters Treaty. Nehru had then accused his fellow MPs of acting in narrow-minded spirit" while opposing the treaty and requesting a little more friendly treatment by this House". He said Congress MPs using words like a second partition" for IWT was loose language and a perversion of the facts". Partition of what? Of an inch of territory? Partition of a pailful of water? What have we partitioned? Is that the way to approach an international question? I was depressed that when we are dealing with mighty things like relationship of nations, the future of India spreading out, the future of Pakistan spreading out, we should talk in this way, which has no relation to fact," Nehru said. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 17:36 IST News india 'Should I Bring Truckful Of Papers To Parliament?': How Nehru Dismissed MPs' Concerns Over Indus Treaty Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Shubhanshu Shukla Shares Global Buzz Around Gaganyaan Mission With PM Modi: 'Everyone Knows...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 10:29 IST Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS, met PM Modi at his official residence on Monday for a special interaction after his return to India Shukla returned to India early Sunday to a rousing welcome by a large number of people waving the tricolour and beating drums at the airport here to celebrate his historic visit to the International Space Station (ISS). (Photo: X/@narendramodi) Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that people across the world are eager and enthusiastic about Indias Gaganyaan mission. Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), met PM Modi at his official residence on Monday for a special interaction after his return to India. Recommended Stories Wherever I went, whoever I met, everyone was very happy to meet me, very excited. The biggest thing was that everyone knew about what India is doing in the field of space," Shukla told PM Modi during their interaction. Everyone knew about this, and there were many people who were more excited about Gaganyaan than me, who were coming and asking me when your mission is going." #WATCH | Delhi: During his interaction with PM Modi, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said, Food is a big challenge on a space station, there is less space, and cargo is expensive. You always try to pack as many calories and nutrients as possible in the least space, and pic.twitter.com/oxZwaQ9HLv ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Shukla said his crewmates have asked to be invited to the launch of the Gaganyaan mission. Indias first crewed spaceflight under the Gaganyaan programme is currently scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Gaganyaan is Indias first indigenous human spaceflight programme, designed to send Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit (around 400 km above Earth) for a multi-day mission before safely returning them via splashdown. Shuklas Candid Talks With PM Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who flew on the Axiom-4 commercial mission from June 25 to July 15, presented PM Modi with the mission patch and shared images he had captured from the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla said that the Axiom-4 mission was a success, adding that its not the end, as it marks a new beginning. When I joined the Air Force, I thought that I would not have to study, but I will have to study a lot after that. And after becoming a test pilot, it becomes a discipline of engineering. So I think we were well prepared, when we reached for this missionThe mission has been successful, we have returned, but this mission is not the end, it is the beginning." During the interaction, PM Modi said that India must have a big pool of astronauts. The biggest work would be that we should have a very big pool of astronauts, 40-50 people." The Axiom-4 mission, launched from Florida on June 25, carried four astronauts Shukla, Peggy Whitson (US), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). The spacecraft docked with the ISS on June 26. Shukla returned to Earth on July 15 and reached India on Sunday. During the 18-day stay in orbit, the crew conducted more than 60 scientific experiments and held 20 outreach sessions. PM Modi had earlier spoken to Shukla on June 29, soon after the mission began, asking him to document his training, experiences, and lessons at the ISS to support Indias upcoming human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan. Speaking at a press briefing on August 1 after his return to India, Shukla said he had completed the assignment given by the prime minister. I remember very well the homework given to me by the prime minister," Shukla said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all And I completed it very well. I am very excited to come back and share it with you all. I am confident that all that knowledge is going to prove extremely useful and crucial for us, for our own Gaganyaan mission." 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 First Published: August 19, 2025, 10:23 IST News india Shubhanshu Shukla Shares Global Buzz Around Gaganyaan Mission With PM Modi: 'Everyone Knows...' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Son Walks 220 Km Carrying His 100 Year Old Mother To Fulfill Her Last Wish Curated By : Local18 Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 11:56 IST Sattevva Lakshman Bane, aged 100, had one enduring dream: to participate in the Pandharpur Dindi pilgrimage and have a darshan of Lord Panduranga. From Kempatti to Pandharpur, How Sadashiv Bane Became an Example of Love and Sacrifice for Generations In an era where stories of neglect toward the elderly are far too common, a man from Belagavi in Karnataka has rekindled faith in the timeless bond between a mother and her child. At a time when many parents are left to the care of home nurses or even abandoned, Sadashiv Lakshman Bane chose a different path. He carried his 100-year-old mother on his shoulders for 220 kilometers so that she could fulfill her last wish, to see Lord Vitthala at Pandharpur of Maharashtra. Recommended Stories The Modern-Day Shravan Kumar For centuries, the story of Shravan Kumar from Indian mythology has been retold, the devoted son who carried his blind parents on his shoulders to holy places. In todays world, such tales seem confined to scriptures. Yet, Sadashivs act has earned him the title of Modern Shravan Kumar." His rare devotion has been praised not just by his villagers in Kempatti, Raybag Taluk, but by thousands across Karnataka and Maharashtra who heard about his feat. A Centenarians Final Wish Sattevva Lakshman Bane, aged 100, had one enduring dream: to participate in the Pandharpur Dindi pilgrimage and have a darshan of Lord Panduranga. Her frailty and age made the journey impossible by conventional means. But for Sadashiv, there was no question of letting her dream fade. Instead of discouraging her or making excuses, he placed her on his shoulders and set off on the 220-kilometer trek. Nine Days, Endless Obstacles The journey was no simple walk. For nine days, Sadashiv braved rain-soaked paths, uneven roads, and the sheer physical burden of carrying another human being. Yet, he refused to stop. Along the way, other pilgrims witnessed the rare sight, a son bent under the weight of his mother, yet walking with determination and faith. The public responded with reverence, hailing him as an embodiment of service and sacrifice. A Tradition, Renewed with Sacrifice For the past 15 years, Sadashiv has taken part in the Pandharpur Dindi pilgrimage. This time, however, the journey was not about his own devotion but about fulfilling his mothers wish. Villagers who saw the duo off described the act as a reminder of values we are losing." Pilgrims who walked alongside called the mother blessed, saying few parents today are fortunate enough to have children willing to make such sacrifices. In modern India, the number of old-age homes often seems to outpace schools. Stories of elderly parents being neglected by children are painfully common. Against this backdrop, Sadashivs act stands out like a beacon not because it is grand, but because it is simple, rooted in love and duty. It is a reminder that values like seva (service), bhakti (devotion), and shraddha (respect) are not just relics of mythology but can still be lived today. A Legacy of Faith and Love top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For Sattevva Bane, the pilgrimage was more than a religious journey, it was proof of the unbreakable bond with her son. For Sadashiv, the 220 kilometers were not just steps on a dusty road but a lifetime of devotion expressed in action. For those who watched, the story has become a living example of Shravan Kumars legend retold in the 21st century. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 11:54 IST News india Son Walks 220 Km Carrying His 100 Year Old Mother To Fulfill Her Last Wish Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sudershan Reddy, Former Supreme Court Judge, Named INDIA Bloc's Vice-Presidential Candidate Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 14:47 IST The announcement followed the ruling NDAs appeal to opposition leaders to back its Vice Presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan in a bid to forge a consensus Former Supreme Court Judge Sudershan Reddy | Image: File Former Supreme Court judge Sudershan Reddy has been named the INDIA blocs candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election. The announcement sets the stage for a contest between Reddy, the oppositions nominee, and CP Radhakrishnan, the NDAs Vice Presidential candidate. Recommended Stories Announcing the INDIA blocs candidate, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, This vice-presidential contest is an ideological battle, and all the opposition parties agreed on this, and this is the reason we have nominated B Sudershan Reddy as the joint candidate." #WATCH | INDIA alliance names former Supreme Court Judge B. Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the Vice President of India postCongress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, This vice-presidential contest is an ideological battle, and all the opposition parties agreed on this, pic.twitter.com/r7glvCdDjj ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Kharge noted that Reddy is one of Indias most distinguished and progressive jurists, adding that he has had a long and eminent legal career, including as judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court and Judge of the Supreme Court. He has been a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic and political justice. He is a poor man, and many judgments, if you read, will know how he favoured the poor people and also protected the Constitution and fundamental rights." Notably, the announcement followed the ruling NDAs appeal to opposition leaders to back its Vice Presidential candidate in a bid to forge a consensus Who Is Reddy? B. Sudershan Reddy, born in 1946 in Telangana, served as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court before his elevation to the Supreme Court. He began his legal career after enrolling as an advocate with the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh on December 27, 1971. Reddy practised primarily in writ and civil matters at the Andhra Pradesh High Court, where he also served as Government Pleader between 1988 and 1990. In 1990, he briefly worked as Additional Standing Counsel for the Central Government, and later served as Legal Adviser and Standing Counsel for Osmania University. On May 2, 1995, he was appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The Election Commission has scheduled the Vice Presidential election for September 9, with both polling and counting to be completed the same day. The deadline for filing nominations is August 21, and candidates will be able to withdraw their papers until August 25. The office fell vacant after Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down on July 21, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, citing health concerns. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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 said in his resignation letter. First Published: August 19, 2025, 13:03 IST News india Sudershan Reddy, Former Supreme Court Judge, Named INDIA Bloc's Vice-Presidential Candidate Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Nelson County officials discussed a matrix of allowable uses by right and through a special-use permit and performance standards for specific land uses during a recent work session on updating, modernizing and restructuring the county zoning and subdivision ordinances. The county has partnered with the Berkley Group, a local government consulting firm based in Bridgewater, on the ordinance updates to provide streamlined and user-friendly regulations, incorporate best planning practices, address goals and strategies in the county Comprehensive Plan for growth and development, and consider citizen needs and issues identified through the public engagement process. Revisions noted in Article 6 of the proposed zoning ordinance update include consolidating three classes of automobile junkyard and salvage yards into one use to better align with state provisions, and roadside farm stands, now a by-right accessory use in several zoning districts, possibly being limited in new proposed corridor overlay districts for U.S. 29 and Virginia Route 151. The Nelson County Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission agreed during the work session not to limit roadside farm stands in the corridor overlays. Supervisor Jesse Rutherford said those stands are a good option for operators to generate secondary income. Ill be honest, I miss them, Rutherford said. We dont really have near as many as we used to. I would hate to limit them from not being able to utilize 29, at least. A new rural use discussed was residential agriculture, which refers to residents having some livestock in a residential area such as limited poultry and beekeeping. During review of proposed residential use standards, Rutherford said he personally is fine with duplexes being by right in R-3, high-density residential. I dont want to limit someones ability if its meant to have some density, he said. Commissioner Richard Averitt also addressed density in residential development. My thinking is if we want to encourage density in certain areas, then we dont want to allow development of those things in a nondense way, because then we dont have anywhere left to put the density, Averitt said. So, we sort of get stuck. Trailers and where to allow them also drew much discussion. Rutherford said so-called manufactured homes, in his view, currently far exceed any expectations of the pre-2000s reputation in the building industry and he would put them up against stick-built homes any day. Theyre affordable, they look good and, by golly, its one of the few options that some people have for a pathway to homeownership, Rutherford said. They also do multifamily HUD [U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development] manufactured homes. That product is out and about; they are designing so it can be two-story. Rutherford said such housing should be allowed by right in R-1 and R-2 zoning, or low- and medium-density residential districts. I dont want us to limit a person procuring an affordable home option, Rutherford said. Multifamily dwelling standards suggested are minimal, and county officials should consider if they want more measures with those developments such as street, pedestrian access, connectivity, amenities or maintenance requirements, according to the presentation. Both bodies also discussed regulations under consideration for home occupations. Rutherford said he doesnt want zoning hurdles to discourage an average plumbers ability to do business in the county, especially younger ones starting out who cant afford expensive commercial properties. Hes not impacting anything. Its not any different than having a very handy neighbor to come over and fix your toilet, he said. In residential agriculture, a drafted suggestion is allowing two to 10 birds per 20,000 square feet of space, no roosters and a maximum of five beehives with setbacks for each use. The idea with no roosters is for areas such as Lovingston, where homes are close to each other and no one wants to be woken up at 6 a.m. In agritourism, a suggested measure is events drawing more than 250 vehicle trips per day and more than 500 attendees at any time should require a special use permit. Charging stations for electric vehicles also were suggested as a by-right use in all zoning districts, according to the meeting packet attached with the consultants presentation. Commissioner Philippa Proulx said she knows a person who is hesitant to take a long-distance job because of a lack of electric vehicle charging stations. She said she is not sure she is in favor of requiring businesses to have them but noted the need for some residents economic situation. When it becomes economically feasible and the demand is there, theyll come, Supervisor Jessica Ligon said. Those charging stations cost a significant amount of money, and that in a sense is limiting entrepreneurship in small business. The two boards also agreed veterinarian hospitals or clinics should be allowed in the A-1, agricultural district; the suggested draft put them by right in two business districts, a service enterprise district and through special-use permit in a village overlay district. Ligon said 50% of veterinarian hospitals in Virginia are in A-1 areas and not having it in Nelsons would be ridiculous. Event venues, particularly for weddings, also were heavily discussed. A suggested definition is a business where the primary use is to host temporary events such as weddings, receptions, luncheons and dinners, various celebrations, galas, reunions, ordinations, fundraisers, corporate meetings, conferences, trade shows, speaker series, auctions, museum exhibits, music festivals, carnivals and fairs and similar events. Event uses may be accessory or ancillary uses to others such as hotels or restaurants, and they shall not include government and military services, according to the suggested definition. In the packet, they were suggested as being allowed by special-use permit in A-1, the two business districts and the service enterprise district. If you really look at this county, we have issues with our short-term rentals and its contentious and its a lot to decide there, Averitt said. The No. 1 next thing is how much growth do we want in agritourism and events and tourists coming through? How much do we want to promote? And how much do we want to hold back? Thats the conversation going in the community, I think, all the time. Averitt spoke of how he and his wife were pursuing a special-use permit to build a boutique resort on 100 acres in the Nellysford area years ago and they may pursue some version of that in the future. Where does that fit? asked Averitt, who represents an area where Route 151 generates much economic activity and business. If we want to restrict development along Virginia 151, we probably want to encourage it along U.S. 29 for some of these same culturally fun things that people are doing over here so much. Rutherford said other areas of the county have been fitting in wedding venues and that source of income has benefited many residents and preserved some very beautiful housing stock that would have no other economic mechanism. He said he would like more of them on or near the James River, which he said is a beautiful asset for the county. I want to preserve the economic ability of residents, he said. But you do want to be careful of, I think, that you dont want to create some of the same problems. And events are some of the biggest sources of the problems primarily because of the traffic, Proulx said. Proulx said she doesnt feel an applicant getting a special-use permit for events of a certain scale is real onerous. It can be when youre starting a business absolutely, Rutherford said of the steps involved in the special-use permit that require more zoning review scrutiny and public hearings. Averitt said event venues are a big part of the Nelsons future whether county officials like it or not. This area is a destination for weddings, Averitt said. We need to think proactively about how do we want to fit our community into that in a way that provides the maximum opportunity and preserves the lifestyle that we love here. Rutherford said he prefers a zoning regulatory system where locals can infiltrate the event venue business model. I want to see locals be able to thrive in this, Rutherford said. Locals deserve to be making money where all these outside entities have been making lots of money. Data centers, a hot-button issue throughout Virginia, are suggested to be allowed through a special-use permit process only in the M-2, heavy industrial, district. The next joint work session is set for 5 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Nelson County Courthouse. An open house meeting where residents can give feedback on the draft so far is planned in November, and the commission and board mare set to hold public hearings and reviews within the first two months of 2026, according to the zoning updates timeline. China Assures India Of Addressing Concerns On Fertilisers, Rare Earths, Machinery: Sources Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 09:19 IST China assured India it would address concerns related to fertilisers, rare earths, and tunnel boring machines during Wang Yis talks with EAM S Jaishankar. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (Photo: PTI) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has assured External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that China would address the countrys concerns for fertilisers, rare earths and tunnel boring machines, sources told CNN-News18. Recommended Stories The development comes amid Yis talks with the External Affairs Minister during his two-day visit to India, which began on Monday. The same day, EAM Jaishankar conveyed to Yi that India and China should adopt a candid and constructive" approach in moving ahead in the engagement after a difficult period, and it must be based on mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. In his televised opening remarks at a meeting with Wang, the External Affairs Minister also pitched for taking forward the de-escalation process in the border areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh that witnessed over a four-year face-off between the militaries of the two nations. In his comments, Jaishankar also mentioned the fight against terrorism as another major priority" and brought up particular concerns" he had flagged during his visit to Beijing last month. Wangs 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. Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides," the External Affairs Minister said. Wang Yi is in India primarily to hold a fresh round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The SR talks will be held on Tuesday. Wang and Doval are the designated special representatives for the boundary talks. This (SR talks) is very important because the basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. It is also essential that the de-escalation process move forward," Jaishankar said in his opening remarks. In the SR talks, both sides are expected to deliberate on new confidence-building measures besides reviewing the overall situation along the LAC. 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 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. In the last few months, 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. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all ALSO READ | Jaishankar Meets Chinese FM, Looks To Move Past Difficult Period About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 09:13 IST News india China Assures India Of Addressing Concerns On Fertilisers, Rare Earths, Machinery: Sources Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Aditi Rao Hydari Makes The Brown Suit The Chicest Power Move Yet Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 08:36 IST For her recent outing in Melbourne, Aditi Rao Hydari served a look that was a masterclass in contemporary Indian power dressing. She shared the pictures on her Instagram. Aditi Rao Hydari was styled by Manisha Melwani. When it came to redefining elegance with a hint of edge, Aditi Rao Hydari never missed the mark. Known for her sartorial choices that seamlessly merged grace and modernity, the actor once again turned heads in a statement-making brown outfit that reimagined power dressing for the contemporary woman. Taking to her Instagram, Aditi Rao Hydari shared pictures from her outing in Melbourne. The actor attended the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Sharing photos of her monochrome look, she wrote, Melbourne", and she also added a red heart emoji in the caption. Her look was a refreshing departure from the conventional suits. Recommended Stories Take a look at Aditis OOTD here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aditi Rao Hydari (@aditiraohydari) Instead of the usual straight-cut pants and blazer, the actor opted for a silhouette that balanced structure with a hint of fluidity. She picked an ensemble from Jeevan by Hussain Rehar. The ensemble featured a fitted brown blazer with sharp tailoring, accentuated by a unique neckline that opened into a deep scoop, creating both drama and sophistication. Gold buttons running down the front added a touch of regality, breaking the monotony of the dark palette while enhancing its formal edge. What truly set this look apart was the choice of bottoms. Hydari styled the blazer with exaggerated, flowy trousers that carried an almost draped effect blurring the lines between traditional Indian influences and Western tailoring. The voluminous pants not only elevated the outfits fashion-forward appeal but also created a sense of ease and effortlessness, proving that comfort and chic could go hand in hand. Paired with pointed heels just peeking from underneath, the silhouette was striking yet wearable. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Keeping it minimal yet radiant, Aditi opted for a dewy base with a natural glow, softly flushed cheeks, and nude lips, allowing the outfit to remain the focal point. Her eyes were subtly defined with light eyeliner and mascara, striking a balance between fresh and polished. With her hair pulled back into a soft updo and wispy bangs framing her face, she exuded understated sophistication. Accessories were kept minimal with dainty hoop earrings and a statement ring. This styling choice proved once again that Hydaris fashion philosophy thrived on harmony: balancing statement-making designs with subtle, refined detailing. Overall, the look was a masterclass in contemporary Indian power dressing an outfit that felt rooted yet forward-thinking. fashion, travel, Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 19, 2025, 08:36 IST News lifestyle Aditi Rao Hydari Makes The Brown Suit The Chicest Power Move Yet Why We Dont Hear Enough Survivor Stories: The Narrative Gap Around Lung Transplant Awareness Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 12:21 IST Lung transplantation may be a complex medical triumph, but at its core, it is a human story of breath restored and life reclaimed. And those are stories worth telling. According to the Global Burden of Diseases Report, 2017, India carries one of the worlds highest burdens of chronic respiratory diseases, accounting for 15.69% of global cases and a staggering 30.28% of global deaths When it comes to organ transplantation, few journeys are as complex, emotionally charged, and under-acknowledged as lung transplants. While heart, kidney, and liver transplant stories occasionally find their way into the public domain, survivor stories of lung transplants remain rare. This silence is not due to a lack of medical progress or need, it stems from a narrative gap that urgently needs bridging. Dr. Kapil Iyer, Consultant Transplant Pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, explains, Lung transplants represent one of the most difficult yet life-saving medical journeys. The problem is not that these stories dont exist its that they arent being told." Recommended Stories The Silent Crisis: Indias Lung Disease Burden According to the Global Burden of Diseases Report, 2017, India carries one of the worlds highest burdens of chronic respiratory diseases, accounting for 15.69% of global cases and a staggering 30.28% of global deaths. This means that while Indians form a smaller share of global patients, they disproportionately bear the brunt of mortality. For many patients with end-stage lung disease, a transplant is the only lifeline left," says Dr. Iyer. Unlike kidneys, where dialysis can sustain life temporarily, or livers, where living donors can step in, there is no backup for lungs. A cadaveric transplant is the only option." Why Are Survivor Stories Missing? Despite progress in deceased organ donation in India with transplants rising from 2,265 in 2016 to 2,935 in 2023, lung transplants remain far less visible compared to kidneys or livers. Dr. Iyer outlines the reasons: High Risk and Complexity Lung transplants are among the most challenging procedures in organ transplantation," explains Dr. Iyer. Survivors face a demanding regimen of lifelong immunosuppressants, infection risks, and frequent hospital visits. While many go on to live fulfilling lives, the journey often feels too medicalized, fragile, or private to share publicly. Cultural and Social Hesitations In India, conversations around lungs are often tied to stigma whether it is smoking-related disease, tuberculosis scars, or industrial pollution. Survivors may hesitate to come forward, fearing judgment, pity, or misunderstanding. Focus on Donation, Not Survivorship Public campaigns highlight the noble act of organ donation but rarely showcase transplant survivors who embody the success of that generosity. We hear about donation drives and statistics, but less about what happens after," Dr. Iyer notes. What Makes Lung Transplants Possible in India? Despite these barriers, India has seen steady growth in transplant capacity. According to Dr. Iyer, four pillars make lung transplants feasible here: High burden of end-stage lung disease: Sadly, the large number of patients drives demand and advancements. Robust deceased organ donation system: Though uneven across states, Indias network has strengthened over the last decade. Competent medical and surgical teams: Pioneering hospitals now have highly skilled teams capable of handling complex transplants and aftercare. Institutional alignment: Coordinated frameworks between hospitals, government bodies, and organ donation organizations ensure efficient organ retrieval and allocation. Survival is not a miracle," Dr. Iyer emphasizes. It is the outcome of science, teamwork, and systemic progress. Yet the human stories behind these successes remain unheard." Why Survivor Stories Matter Every untold survivor story is a missed opportunity. Narratives inspire hope, normalize treatment, reduce stigma, and motivate families to consider organ donation. For a patient gasping for breath on oxygen support, hearing someone say, I was where you are, and now I can walk my child to school, can mean the difference between despair and determination," says Dr. Iyer. Globally, countries with higher transplant awareness often weave survivor stories into mainstream conversations through media, documentaries, and public campaigns. In India, where cultural storytelling is deeply ingrained, this approach could bridge the gap more effectively than statistics alone. Bridging the Gap: What Can Be Done? Dr. Iyer suggests several steps to close the narrative gap: Encourage patient advocacy Hospitals and NGOs can create platforms where survivors feel safe to share. Humanize awareness campaigns Balance donation drives with uplifting survivor stories. Media sensitization Journalists covering health stories should seek survivor voices alongside expert insights. Community role models Survivors who are willing to share can become ambassadors of hope. A Call to Shift the Conversation The rise in deceased organ donations in India from 930 donors in 2016 to 1,099 in 2023 is a heartening sign. The average number of transplants per donor has also increased, showing how institutional alignment and medical excellence are saving more lives. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all But numbers alone are not enough. To truly transform outcomes, we must give survivors a voice," says Dr. Iyer. By sharing these stories, we honor patient resilience, inspire future recipients, and reinforce the life-changing impact of every donor familys decision." Lung transplantation may be a complex medical triumph, but at its core, it is a human story of breath restored and life reclaimed. And those are stories worth telling. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More fashion, travel, Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated. First Published: August 19, 2025, 12:21 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness Why We Dont Hear Enough Survivor Stories: The Narrative Gap Around Lung Transplant Awareness Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI Announce Dates For Its Delhi Edition Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 17:31 IST The 2025 Delhi edition of Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI will take place from October 8th to October 12th at The Grand, Vasant Kunj. Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI To Continue Its 25th Anniversary Celebrations In The Capital Earlier this year, the Mumbai edition of Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of Indias (FDCI) marked the beginning of 25th anniversary celebrations with a gala tribute to its legacy. This October 2025, the platform is all set to return for its 2025 Delhi edition, scheduled from October 8th to 12th, 2025, at The Grand, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Recommended Stories Backed by Lakme, Reliance Brands Ltd., and FDCI, the upcoming edition promises a dynamic and immersive celebration of Indian design, with a focus on sustainability, diversity, and the future of fashion. Addressing Lakme Fashion Week as a dynamic force driving the future of India fashion, Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President, Lakme India, expresses, Lakme Fashion Week has stood at the forefront of shaping the narrative of Indian fashion and beauty for over a quarter of a century. As we look ahead to a new season, we are not only honouring that legacy but also evolving it with fresh ideas, deeper purpose, and a steadfast commitment to innovation." She further adds, Each edition serves as a catalyst for the industry setting benchmarks, launching talent, and reimagining the possibilities of fashion in a global context. With every step forward, Lakme Fashion Week reaffirms its role as a dynamic force driving the future of Indian fashion." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lakme Fashion Week (@lakmefashionwk) Over the years, Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI has played a defining role in shaping the countrys design identity, giving rise to some of its most influential designers and championing Indias rich and diverse craftsmanship. Sharing his thoughts on the upcoming showcase Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands said, With every edition, we aim to elevate the experience of Lakme Fashion Week not just as a runway event but as a cultural moment. New Delhi sets the perfect stage for this seasons creative expression and innovation." With its bi-annual format in Mumbai and New Delhi the platform has been instrumental in shaping Indias fashion narrative both locally and globally. Its enduring presence stands as a testament to the platforms deep impact on the business of fashion, the creative economy, and Indias evolving global style narrative. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lakme Fashion Week (@lakmefashionwk) We are delighted to bring this landmark fashion event back to the capital this October. New Delhi has always been a vital fashion hub, and this edition promises to be a powerful continuation of our 25th anniversary celebrations. At FDCI, the business of fashion remains a key agenda. Our constant endeavour is to create platforms that empower designers, open new markets, and drive meaningful engagement between creativity and commerce," says Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, adding, We are grateful to our partners, Lakme, Reliance Brands, and Nexa, for being an integral part of this journey. Their continued support has been instrumental in shaping the platforms legacy and propelling Indian fashion onto a global stage. With each edition, we renew our commitment to spotlighting Indias rich design ecosystemthrough craft, sustainability, innovation, and a celebration of diversity." About the Author Akshata Shetty Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who celebrate the... Read More fashion, travel, Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated. First Published: August 19, 2025, 17:31 IST News lifestyle Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI Announce Dates For Its Delhi Edition Opinion | India's Robust Anti-Terrorism Security Apparatus Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 11:04 IST 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. Security personnel undertake a cordon and search operation after getting specific input about the presence of terrorists, at Nader Tral area of Awantipora, in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, on May 15, 2025. (PTI) 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. Recommended Stories Terrorism and insurgency in India is 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 skeptics 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 effectivecounter-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. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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., Indias 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. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Location : Srinagar, India, India First Published: August 19, 2025, 11:04 IST News opinion Opinion | India's Robust Anti-Terrorism Security Apparatus Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | Should We Learn Sanskrit? Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 15:14 IST Sanskrit has the benefit of a body of work, still not comprehended fully by human intellect, even today. Sanskrit is considered to be one of the oldest of all living languages. (AI generated image) Aa no bhadrah krtavo yantu visvatah Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions" Recommended Stories (Rg Veda I.89.1) There is a beautiful imagery in Sanskrit poetry of a donkey carrying sandalwood on its back not knowing what it is! As far as the donkey is concerned any load is the same as it doesnt have to do anything with it. That is not the case with human beings I believe. We should be knowing the value of everything we possess, including our heritage. Sanskrit language, which is one among them, is in news these days for many right or wrong reasons. But is it the problem of Sanskrit? Not definitely. Today, Sanskrit is not the mother tongue of many, the way Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Gujarati or any other Indian language is. It is a second language often learned in school, college, home or in a Pathashala. Still there are people who communicate in this language. A language is considered living only if people communicate in it on a daily basis. The Sanskrit word for language, bhasha means that in which people talk. (bhashyate anena iti bhasha). Every Hindu child is expected to know at least a few prayers in Sanskrit. The way every Parsi child is taught the Zorastrian prayers (Gathas) in the Avestan language which is no longer spoken. Curiously, Avestan is closer to Vedic Sanskrit in which the hymns of the Vedas are sung. But in reality, how many understand Sanskrit today? And why this old language be learned or taught to our children? Sanskrit is considered to be one of the oldest of all living languages. Still this language, as we find today, is a complete one with a structured grammar (rather many grammars!), with a vast body of literature starting from the scriptures in oral and written form to modern literature. In between it holds a treasure of technical literature or Shastra which is maligned day after day. In this world, there will be no population which doubts, blames or belittle its own cultural heritage openly like the Indians. Just because it is written in this ancient language. The fact that the language itself is refined (samskrta) and has regenerative capacity shows the level of development of human intellect during the evolution of this language. Panini, who structured the grammar into sutras (aphorisms) in the Ashtadhyayi, a text of Sanskrit grammar, came centuries after the language came into existence. He himself quotes many grammarians prior to him and this is believed to be in 7th Century BC. Sanskrit has the benefit of a body of work, still not comprehended fully by human intellect, even today. It imparts knowledge on anything, be it karma, righteousness, rituals, statecraft, warfare, art, science, nature, astronomy, astrology, worship, economics, philosophy, after life and what not! Criticising the language just because some political ideology patronises it or some religion has its literature composed in it is not fair. In fact, this language is older than any political party or organised religion we see today. Further, none who criticise Sanskrit has learned it fully so as to appreciate its beauty or grandeur. Once upon a time, even Hebrew language suffered the fate of Sanskrit. This ancient language of Israel was facing extinction as it got reduced to the language of the clergy. People had stopped using it as the medium of daily communication. It was the sacrifice and efforts of a few lovers of this language, especially, Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, which brought it back to its glory. Today it is the official language of Israel. This happened in 1948. The people of Israel embraced the language and understood the value of the treasure they bequeathed. Even decades after the architect of Constitution, Dr. B.R.Ambedkars suggestion that Sanskrit should be made the official language of India, we are still sceptic about this languages worth and class. The benefit of learning Sanskrit are many. The modern-day computing accepts Sanskrit as the most ideal language for its functioning. Medical science has done ample research on the health benefits of daily chanting of Sanskrit mantras and verses too. But the Indian philosophy, which is non-materialistic, left the issue of utility to lesser mortals and exhorted the finer souls to learn it for ones own Self. Bhagavad Gita ordains it Elevate the self by the self" (B.G.VI.5) The perils of neglecting Sanskrit are more evident today. Every Indian language is anglicised today. Nothing against English, which is still the connecting language we value. The distancing from the roots is not good for any language, even though languages evolve over time. The farther we go away from Sanskrit, the more distanced we are from our mother tongue because not many Indian languages today can stand on their legs if Sanskrit is removed completely from its vocabulary, not even the Dravidian languages. The way there are loan words from the Dravidian languages in classical Sanskrit, there are immense number of loan words in the South Indian languages which belong originally to Sanskrit, and can be traced back to the proto-Indo European language family. The similarity of roots of words in Persian language and Sanskrit and the similarities between Avesta and Vedic Sanskrit points out to the common parentage of these languages. The mother of all languages, at least in this language family, is believed to be the now lost proto-Indo-European, which linguists have tried to reconstruct based on the remaining evidences from the Vedas and the Avesta. This is evident from the similar words of relations and numbers seen in almost all these languages. Pitar (father) in Sanskrit become pedar in Persian, bhratr (brother) becomes berathar and anghusta (thumb) becomes angosht. Ekam (one) becomes yek and dasha (ten) becomes daha. As the Vedas declare, ekam sad viprah bahudha vadanti" (Truth is one, but the wise speak it as many). Tamil, belonging to the Dravidian family of languages is one of the ancient and is a world treasure. When Sanskrit is promoted or preserved, there is a misconception that Tamil or any other Dravidian language is ignored or degraded. Languages can co-exist; they have done it beautifully for centuries. Prakrit co-existed with Sanskrit, as we see in Kalidasas Abhijnana Shakuntalam and many other works. Malayalam co-existed beautifully with Sanskrit and we have exquisite poetry in manipravalam (a combination of Sanskrit and Malayalam). Even today Indian languages co-exist with English, French, German and other foreign languages which our kids learn. In a sense, Sanskrit has the rare distinction of unifying the whole of India over the years as it was used as the connecting language when scholars from different regional languages came together to debate on various topics, the way English is used today. Learning multiple languages broadens the mind as linguistic and medical research confirms. Our children have the golden opportunity to learn many ancient languages easily in this country, which can make them better humans by imbibing the rich cultural heritage preserved in multiple languages. The joy of reading Chilappatikaram of Ilango Adigal in chaste Sangam Tamil is nothing less than the joy of reading Raghuvamsa of Kalidasa in Sanskrit. Thirukkural stands high and lofty the way Ramayana adorns our literary throne. A deeper learning of these two alone will tell us how similar were the thoughts of those brilliant sages who left them for us. Buddhist and Jaina literature used Sanskrit apart from Pali, Ardh-Magadhi, Prakrit and other similar languages. Preserving and understanding them is impossible without the knowledge of Sanskrit. Various projects are ongoing worldwide, to study, edit, translate and publish these valuable works preserved mostly in the form of manuscripts, for the benefit of posterity. It is our duty to handover these treasures in their actual glory, to future generations. It is with this noble intention that the Mughal prince Dara Shukoh, a devout Muslim, learned Sanskrit and translated the Bhagavad Gita and 51 Upanisads into Persian. Scholars from every part of the world have come to India to learn this language to understand the secret knowledge preserved in it. Even today it is taught in many foreign universities. But Indians are uniquely positioned in learning, propagating and preserving Sanskrit compared to other nations just because it is still a living language here. Instead of fighting over languages, should not we pause and reflect? We exist now and so we can think. We own this great treasure, and we are human beings who can differentiate between something which is valuable and not so. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Let noble thoughts alone come to us! The author is a former civil servant who resigned to learn Sanskrit and Vedanta. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. About the Author Veena Raj Veena Raj is a former civil servant who resigned to learn Sanskrit and Vedanta. Veena Raj is a former civil servant who resigned to learn Sanskrit and Vedanta. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 19, 2025, 15:14 IST News opinion Opinion | Should We Learn Sanskrit? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | The Case for Gandhi-Savarkar Together: Not Sameness, But Completeness Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 19:26 IST A poster that pairs Gandhi and Savarkar can remind us that Indias freedom was not the work of one man or ideology, but of a multitude of voices The Ministry of Petroleums Independence Day poster. (X) History is not a battlefield where victors erase the vanquishedit is a tapestry where rival threads must coexist." The Ministry of Petroleums Independence Day poster, which brought together Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, has triggered a renewed debate. At its heart lies a paradox: Gandhi and Savarkar represented sharply divergent philosophies, methods, and political imaginations. Recommended Stories Gandhi, the apostle of non-violence, rooted his politics in ahimsa, inclusivity, and moral force. Savarkar, by contrast, began as a fiery advocate of revolutionary ways and later developed the ideology of Hindutva, arguing for a Hindu nation defined by cultural unity. Their paths, though occasionally intersecting, were ultimately parallel linesnever reconciled, never convergent. Yet the State, by placing them together, poses a question to us: is this a distortion of history, or is it an act of recognition, an acknowledgment that the Indian freedom struggle was a plural story that cannot be reduced to a single line of thought? To understand this better, it is worth looking beyond India. Nations across the world, both ancient and modern, have faced the challenge of remembering rivals together. In these acts of commemoration, we see the ways in which societies reconcile conflicting legacies and transform discord into a collective memory. Lessons from Rome The Roman Empire was unparalleled in its ability to subsume conflict into symbols of unity. The Forum Romanum, the ceremonial and political heart of the empire, is filled with arches that commemorate victories of rulers who were bitter enemies. The Arch of Titus (AD 81) celebrated the Flavian conquest of Judaea. A century later, the Arch of Septimius Severus marked triumphs over Parthia. Still later, the Arch of Constantine (AD 315) glorified the victory over Maxentius. These men were not comradesthey were adversaries who competed for legitimacy. Yet today, their monuments stand within walking distance of each other, telling not the story of their rivalries, but of Romes continuity. For the empire, the permanence of the state mattered more than the ideological divisions of its leaders. Even more symbolic is the Monument of Aemilius Paullus at Delphi. Built originally by the defeated Macedonian king Perseus, it was appropriated by Paullus after his victory at Pydna in 167 BCE. By inscribing his triumph atop his rivals pedestal, he both erased and preserved Macedonturning an enemys symbol into part of Romes narrative of supremacy. Centuries later, historians interpret the monument not as an erasure of Perseus, but as an example of how Rome folded conflicting legacies into its larger civilizational story. Rivals in Modern Times This Roman lesson finds echoes in modern political memory. Consider South Africa in the late apartheid years. Nelson Mandela of the African National Congress and Mangosuthu Buthelezi of the Inkatha Freedom Party were not just rivalsthey were bitter antagonists. Their supporters clashed violently, and thousands lost their lives in the internecine bloodshed of the late 1980s and early 1990s. And yet, in January 1991, Mandela and Buthelezi met publicly for the first time in decades. Their joint appeal to their followers to stop the violence became a turning point. Today, their legacies are woven together in South Africas national memory. Mandela occupies the centre of the narrative, but Buthelezi too has his placeas a leader of the Zulu nation and a figure in the transition years. This coexistence in memory is not about equality, but about completeness: the nation could not be whole if the contributions, however conflicted, of one side were erased. A similar story unfolded in the United States during the Great Depression. Franklin D. Roosevelt, with his New Deal, sought to stabilize and reform the economy. Huey Long, the populist governor and senator from Louisiana, advanced a far more radical plan: his Share Our Wealth" movement promised to cap fortunes, redistribute income, and directly confront Americas inequalities. Roosevelt considered Long dangerous, even dictatorial. Long viewed Roosevelt as timid and beholden to elites. Longs assassination in 1935 ended their personal conflict, but the ideological clash outlived him. Over time, however, many of Longs radical proposals found their way into Roosevelts policy framework. Today, history textbooks, museums, and documentaries often place the two men side by sidenot as friends, but as figures whose rival visions together shaped Americas response to crisis. Indias own precedents India too has reconciled adversarial legacies in its commemorative practices. Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose, who held diametrically opposed views on the methods of resistance, are jointly remembered in exhibitions, postage stamps, and national celebrations. Gandhis faith in non-violent struggle contrasted sharply with Boses belief in armed resistance and foreign alliances. Yet both are essential to the story of freedom, and their commemoration together is accepted as part of Indias plural past. Even more striking is the pairing of Gandhi with B.R. Ambedkar. Few debates in modern India were as acrimonious as their clash over separate electorates for Dalits. Ambedkars insistence on political safeguards was met with Gandhis fierce opposition, culminating in Gandhis fast at Yerwada Jail in 1932. The Poona Pact ended the confrontation, but it left deep wounds. And yet, in post-independence India, Gandhi and Ambedkar stand together as architects of modern Indiaone as Father of the Nation, the other as Father of the Constitution. This coexistence in memory does not erase their conflict; it acknowledges that Indias story cannot be told without both voices. The Gandhi-Savarkar question It is in this light that the recent pairing of Gandhi and Savarkar must be seen. Critics argue that placing them together whitewashes their ideological opposition. Gandhi saw Hindu-Muslim unity as essential; Savarkar, through Hindutva, envisioned a Hindu Rashtra. Gandhi made non-violence the core of his politics; Savarkar praised revolutionary violence and critiqued Gandhis approach as impractical. These differences are undeniable, and any attempt to blur them would indeed distort history. But the act of placing them together need not be read as distortion. It can be seen as recognition. Just as Rome, South Africa, and the United States found ways to place adversaries in the same civic frame, India too can acknowledge that Gandhi and Savarkar were both forcesdifferent, even antagonisticthat shaped the destiny of the nation. The point is not sameness, but completeness. The risk lies in sanitizing their opposition, in pretending that Gandhi and Savarkar were comrades rather than rivals. But if their pairing is accompanied by honest recognition of their disagreements, then it is a mature stepan acknowledgment that India is not defined by one voice alone. Rather, it is the outcome of many, sometimes clashing, voices. The larger purpose of memory History, at its best, is not about enshrining one truth while silencing others. It is about bringing conflicting truths into the same frame, allowing citizens of the present to confront the complexity of the past. Romes arches did not pretend that emperors shared one vision; South Africas museums do not deny the bloodshed between Mandela and Buthelezi; American history does not erase Huey Longs radical challenge to Roosevelt. Instead, all these commemorations insist on showing that nations are born not from unanimity, but from the friction of competing visions. So too with India. By placing Gandhi and Savarkar together, the State is not compelled to declare them equal. It is simply acknowledging that both, in their own ways, contributed to the India that exists today. Gandhis non-violence remains Indias moral compass in the world. Savarkars militant nationalism shaped strands of thought that continue to influence Indian politics. To deny either is to present a truncated history. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the end, history is not obliged to take sides forever. Sometimes its higher purpose is to bring sides back into the same framenot to erase their conflicts, but to preserve them as part of a larger, truer narrative. A poster that pairs Gandhi and Savarkar can, if presented honestly, serve exactly this function: to remind us that Indias freedom was not the work of one man or one ideology, but of a multitude of voices, often discordant, yet together composing the symphony of a nations birth. The writer is a senior broadcast journalist who writes on cultural diplomacy. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 19, 2025, 19:26 IST News opinion Opinion | The Case for Gandhi-Savarkar Together: Not Sameness, But Completeness Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | Trumps Tariffs, Modis Red Fort Defiance, Yis Delhi Visit: As Sovereign As They Come Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 18:11 IST In an increasingly multipolar world, Modi showcased India's position as a truly sovereign power, one that will not break with threats of economic coercion Hosting Wang Yi on August 18 was just the cherry on the cake, showcasing Indias diplomatic alternatives in the face of American bullying. (Reuters/File) Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned the tables on American economic coercion. He transformed pressure into power. When Donald Trump unleashed punitive 50% tariffs designed to force India into abandoning its strategic partnerships, Modi struck back. He delivered a defiant Red Fort address that rejected Trumps bullying. Hosting Wang Yi on August 18 was just the cherry on the cake, showcasing Indias diplomatic alternatives in the face of American bullying. The response sends an unequivocal message: India will not compromise its sovereignty under any external pressure, and will not sacrifice its strategic autonomy for American approval. Recommended Stories In an increasingly multipolar world, Modi showcased Indias position as a truly sovereign power, one that will not break with threats of economic coercion. The Anatomy of Economic Coercion Trumps decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian goods, among the highest levied on any nation, was never merely about trade deficits or Russian oil purchases. The tariff structure, combining a 25% baseline duty with an additional 25% penalty, deliberately targeted $87 billion worth of Indian exports to the United States. This move was calculated economic warfare designed to extract maximum political concessions from New Delhi. The coercive nature of these tariffs becomes evident when examining their selective application. While China remains the largest purchaser of Russian oil globally, Trump has extended deadlines for Chinese tariffs by 90 days, hoping for a favourable deal with Xi Jinping. India, conversely, faced immediate punishment despite importing significantly less Russian energy than China. This disparity reveals the true strategic intent: to pressure a democratic ally into abandoning its sovereign decision-making whilst appeasing a strategic rival. Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton characterised this approach as producing the worst outcome" for America, noting the irony that tariffs intended to hurt Russia could instead push India closer to both Russia and China. The selective targeting of India while sparing China exposes the fundamental strategic miscalculation underlying Trumps coercive diplomacy. A Defiant Declaration of Sovereignty On August 15, Modi delivered one of his longest-ever Independence Day speeches, running for 103 minutes. He systematically dismantled the premises of any external coercion whilst reinforcing Indias commitment to strategic autonomy. His declaration that India will not tolerate nuclear blackmail" and his emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat served as direct responses to American pressure tactics and Pakistans unhinged declarations from US soil. He explicitly stated that Operation Sindoor would not have succeeded if India were not atmanirbhar (self-reliant)," directly linking Indias military capabilities to its economic independence. This connection between self-reliance and security reframed the tariff debate from economic vulnerability to national strength, moving the narrative back in Indias favour. Modis assertion that India would never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers and fisherfolk" delivered more than agricultural protectionism. Modi directly rejected US demands for market access to genetically modified crops and dairy products, key American negotiating objectives that had dominated trade discussions. The Prime Minister elevated the stakes by framing the trade negotiations as a sovereignty issue rather than a trade dispute. His reference to the Indus Waters Treaty, declaring that blood and water cannot flow together," showed Indias refusal to compartmentalise policy under external pressure. Modi linked water rights with counter-terrorism policy, signalling that India would reject American definitions of acceptable behaviour in its regional relationships. Diplomatic Realignment with China Wang Yis visit marked the first high-level Chinese diplomatic engagement with India in three years, following the 2020 Galwan Valley tensions. The decision to resume such engagement precisely when US-India relations faced their greatest strain since Trumps return to office sent unmistakable signals about Indias strategic alternatives. Chinese media outlets immediately recognised the significance, with the Global Times referring to a potential ballet dance between dragon and elephant" as both nations faced American tariff pressure. The substance of the Wang Yi meetings further reinforced Indias strategic messaging. During discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Wang criticised unilateral bullying practices" in apparent reference to American tariff policies, whilst emphasising that free trade and the international order face severe challenges". This alignment of messaging between Beijing and New Delhi demonstrated the unintended consequences of Trumps coercive approach. Most significantly, the meetings established groundwork for Modis planned visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in late August. This diplomatic engagement, occurring whilst under American economic pressure, perfectly illustrated Modis multi-alignment strategy and refusal to accept binary geopolitical choices. Atmanirbhar Bharat In Full Effect The emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat during Modis Red Fort address elevated the self-reliance initiative from economic policy to strategic doctrine. By explicitly linking indigenous capabilities to national security, the Prime Minister reframed economic independence as fundamental to strategic autonomy. The Atmanirbhar Bharat framework provides India with conceptual tools to resist external pressure whilst maintaining growth momentum. The initiatives focus on domestic manufacturing, technological sovereignty, and supply chain resilience directly addresses vulnerabilities that economic coercion seeks to exploit. And it is not just in the defence sector that Atmanirbhar is supposed to work. Modis call for indigenous semiconductor manufacturing, jet engine development, and expanded nuclear energy capabilities represents more. These priorities constitute strategic responses to technological dependencies that could be weaponised by external actors. By pursuing technological sovereignty across critical sectors, India reduces exposure to supply chain disruptions and economic blackmail, as was imposed by Trump. The Broader Implications For Global Order Indias successful resistance to American economic coercion carries implications far beyond bilateral relationships, contributing to broader shifts towards a multipolar international order. By demonstrating that even significant economic pressure cannot force major powers into policy subordination, Indias response weakens coercive diplomacy as a tool of international statecraft. The timing of Indias resistance coincides with similar challenges to American hegemony from other quarters. Chinas continued growth despite trade wars, Russias resilience under sanctions, and European resistance to extraterritorial sanctions all contribute to perceptions of declining American coercive capacity. Indias successful resistance adds democratic legitimacy to this broader pattern of pushback against hegemonic pressure. Indias approach also strengthens multilateral alternatives to American-dominated institutions. The deepening of BRICS cooperation, enhanced SCO engagement, and continued commitment to G20 leadership demonstrate that India sees institutional diversification as essential for maintaining strategic autonomy. These platforms provide India with alternative venues for pursuing national interests without American oversight. The broader message resonates across the Global South, where many nations face similar pressures to align with great power preferences. Indias demonstration that democratic governance and strategic autonomy can coexist provides encouragement for other middle powers seeking to maintain policy independence, while also further cementing Indias position as a leader of the Global South. The beauty of Modis approach lies in its demonstration that sovereignty and partnership can coexist. By refusing to accept binary choices between American alignment and Chinese engagement, India has shown that strategic autonomy remains viable in an era of great power competition. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The economic costs of American tariffs, whilst significant, pale in comparison to the strategic benefits of demonstrated autonomy. Indias successful resistance enhances its credibility with all partners, showing that it cannot be pressured into abandoning its principles or interests. This reputation for reliability under pressure increases Indias value as a partner across all relationships, from American security cooperation to Chinese economic engagement. Most importantly, Modis response reinforces Indias trajectory to the higher echelons of world power structures by demonstrating the strategic autonomy that defines truly sovereign states. By refusing to be bullied whilst maintaining productive relationships across the international system, India has shown that it possesses the strategic sophistication required for global leadership. About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 19, 2025, 18:11 IST News opinion Opinion | Trumps Tariffs, Modis Red Fort Defiance, Yis Delhi Visit: As Sovereign As They Come Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | Why You Must Know How Gopal Patha Saved Kolkata Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 16:39 IST Vivek Agnihotris The Bengal Files may dramatise Gopal Mukherjees role in August 1946 but thats what is needed after decades of motivated silence. A fresh storm has erupted around Vivek Agnihotris The Bengal Files after Gopal Mukherjees grandson filed an FIR against the filmmaker. For all those protesting about the wrong" portrayal of Gopal Mukherjee (known in local lore as Gopal Patha or Gopal the Goat as he had a meat shop) in the soon-to-be released film The Bengal Files by Vivek Agnihotri, the long interview that he gave to Andrew Whitehead in 1997 is illuminating. Including the fact that it is the only interview of this key figure of the Great" Calcutta Killings triggered by Jinnahs Direct Action Day call on 16 August 1946. Why was he forgotten? Fifty years passed since those horrific days before, ironically, a Briton came to Kolkata to hear from the man himself what happened. Even Whiteheads silly questions like exactly how many Muslims Mukherjee had killedentirely missing the point of the events of 16-19 August 1946 shows the extent to which the role of Gopal Patha" has been buried or misrepresented since then. And calling him secular" now also shows the lingering effects of that ignorance. Recommended Stories The carnage that first saw Hindus being killed by Muslim mobs and then an equally bloody retaliation led by Mukherjeenot against all Muslims but just those who had murdered Hinduswas an early example of a targeted response", now used to describe Operation Sindoor. The actions of Gopal Patha and his band of armed Hindu boys was neither communal nor secular: they were measures needed to ensure that the Muslim Leagues gambit to capture Calcutta failed. Films and books exaggeratethey call it artistic licenceto prove a point, so Agnihotri has not done anything unprecedented. To judge a man who did what he did in 1946 by todays standards of acceptable behaviour is not unprecedented either; but it leads to inaccuracies. Mukherjee does not need to be saved" from todays communal" slur: he lived in extraordinary times; it was an inflection point of history which needed actions that are deemed questionable only today. Before Agnihotris film catapulted Gopal Pathas life and deeds into the national arena, many people even in West Bengal had forgotten about him. Successive state governments did not acknowledge his achievement, though he was the one who prevented Bengal from entirely falling into the hands of the Muslim League. The vicious Hindu fightback he led against the Ladh-ke lengey Pakistan" brigade made the then Bengal Chief Minister HS Suhrawardy back down. Eye for an eye may have been verboten in Gandhijis scheme of things, but reality seldom cooperated. Most of his non-violent interventions failed though they made for great photos and newsreels. Only now is it being acknowledged openly that had there not been constant unGandhian incidents, from World War II and the formation of INA to the naval ratings mutiny and the forthright interventions of men like Gopal Patha, 15 August 1947 may not have been Independence Day. It is fallacious to rely on the accounts of the police of those days (by definition loyal to the British and duty-bound to protect" the colony from Indian freedom fighters) to portray Mukherjee as a bad character". It is also equally fallacious to fit him into the default saintly satyagraha mould of nationalist. The Anushilan Samiti and Yugantar which advocated a vehemently muscular path to freedom more akin to Subhas Chandra Boses INA later, was what Bengalis followed. In Mukherjees account of those terrifying days of mid-August 1946, people can also get a glimpse of why so many Bengalis then and now do not regard Gandhiji with the degree of reverence that todays school children reading history textbooks think was universal. As Mukherjee pointed out succinctly to Whitehead, when the Muslims were going on a murderous rampage in Hindu majority Calcutta, Gandhiji was in Muslim majority Noakhali trying to prevent violence there. By amassing arms (including buying pistols and bullets from American GIs stationed in Kolkata during World War II in exchange for bottles of whisky!) in 1942, Mukherjee was not committing a cardinal sin but following his instinct to arm himself against a colonial adversary, which also stood him in good stead in 1946 when it became clear that Bengal would be in the crosshairs of Muslim League activists once Partition and the creation of Pakistan became inevitable. The chilling call for Direct Action to attain Pakistan made by no less than the then Chief Minister of united Bengal at the Maidan in Calcutta early on 16 August 1946 proved Mukherjees suspicions were dead right. Moreover, the Mayor of Calcutta Syed Mohammed Usman circulated a leaflet in which he told the citys Hindu residents: Kafer, toder dhongsher aar deri nei. Sarbik hotyakando ghotbei!" (Infidels, your destruction is imminent; there will be genocide!") It is known that Chief Minister Suhrawardy was in the Police Control Room that day, along with the British Police Commissioner. Considering he had reportedly told the estimated 100,000 Muslim League supporters at the rally that he had taken measures to restrain" the police, the subsequent killings of Hindus was inevitable. Identifying the proper sequence of events is important to prevent it being portrayed as a spontaneous and mutual outbreak of communal violence. As Mukherjees firsthand account to Whitehead underlines, the killings began soon after the rally ended, sending streams of Muslims into the rest of the city, confident about annexing it for Pakistan by decimating Hindus. Mukherjee was initially in an area where there was a Hindu majority, so his first reaction was to prevent violence. But when he realised that Muslims were rampaging elsewhere already, he decided strong retaliation was the only answer to stem the tide. The condition of the hundreds of bodies that lay rotting by the roadside when the killing endedonce the Muslims attackers realised the futility of Suhrawardys planshowed that fury had been matched by fury, barbarity by barbarity; more than just an eye for an eye. Thus the fierce fightback Mukherjee started made it clear Hindus could not be ethnically cleansed from Calcutta as planned. But rather than put Mukherjees actions in perspective, there was decades of silence! The traditional propensity of Indians to internalise, compartmentalise and even rationalise traumatic eventssometimes simply to be able to survive and escape recurring mental agonyhas led to many subversions of history. Silence is easily portrayed as absence of trauma not suppression of it. In Bengal, in particular, the silence about the events leading up to Partition, especially what happened on August 16, 1946 and the following few days, has led to egregious revisionism. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Whatever the merits or demerits of Agnihotris The Bengal Files, Gopal Mukherjees story must be heard and remembered. It cannot be glossed over just because it is uncomfortable or distressing. Those who do not want to watch the film must listen to Mukherjee himself recounting the events as even the actor who portrays him in the film clearly has no idea about the complexities of the man and the times he lived in. Saviours and sinners are often a matter of context. 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. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 19, 2025, 16:39 IST News opinion Opinion | Why You Must Know How Gopal Patha Saved Kolkata Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Right Word | Decoding RSS: Ten Key Tenets Of Worlds Largest Voluntary Movement Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 20, 2025, 04:29 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the RSS for its selfless contribution to nation-building from the ramparts of the Red Fort during his Independence Day speech RSS is not an organisation in society, but it is organising society. (File pic/PTI) It is very difficult to understand the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) but very easy to misunderstand it. This is what can be said about the largest voluntary movement in the world that is completing 100 years on this years Vijayadashami. That is also the reason for a political debate that has started after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the RSS for its selfless contribution to nation-building from the ramparts of the Red Fort during his Independence Day speech. Key to understanding RSS Recommended Stories Let us take a look at 10 key tenets that are key to understanding the RSS: First, RSS is not an organisation in society, but it is organising society. So, it cant be looked at from the traditional or any other existing lens of analysing non-governmental organisations or, in fact, any other organisation. Second, RSSs only work is to create people with strong character who are committed to the service of the society and nation. Whatever work is done, it is done by the RSS volunteers known as swayamsevaks". And as they work closely with society in different fields, the credit for any change or betterment goes to society itself. Thus, neither the RSS nor its volunteers seek recognition for any achievements. Third, the objective of the RSS is to transform society. This transformation" would be achieved, according to the RSS, when every individual would get an opportunity to realise their full potential. Fourth, when this objective is achieved, the RSS should just merge with the whole society and vanish. And when history is recorded, no credit should be given to the RSS, as it is the society that has transformed itself. Fifth, the RSS believes in a holistic perspective and not a binary vision. It doesnt believe in the fragmented vision of majority vs minority" or left vs right". For the RSS, all Bharatiyas are part of one nation. Sixth, when the RSS talks about Hindu unity, it doesnt associate the word Hindu" with a religion or a way of worship. For the RSS, the word Hindu" denotes all those who consider Bharat to be their motherland and are committed to serving her. An individual going to the mosque or a church or even an atheist is as much a Hindu" for the RSS as an individual going to the temple if he or she is ready to live and die for Bharat. Seventh, the RSS believes that the concept of secularism" was picked up from the West and imposed on India in the post-Independence era by politicians and intellectuals who were not rooted in the cultural ethos of Bharat. The concept of secularism" as it is applied today was a typical Christian response to intra-Christianity wars and the dominance of the Church in Europe. The Christian wars in the 16th and 17th centuries had ravaged Europe, as the Church was intertwined with the State in such a manner that one couldnt segregate the two. The French Revolution laid down the foundation for the principle of laicitethe separation of religion and the State. In 1905, France formally codified it as a law. The rest of Europe broadly followed this principle. Indian intellectuals and politicians who were in awe of Western liberalism" or Marxism" picked up this idea and thrust it upon India. In the Indian civilisational construct dating back several millennia, religion never dominated the State because we were ruled by the concept of dharma"a set of eternal values that has nothing to do with any particular way of worship. Eighth, the RSS associates religion" with a way of worship and dharma" with a set of eternal values that have been driving Bharats civilisational journey since the beginning. This set of eternal values is Hindu Dharma". So, when the RSS talks about the concept of Hindu Rashtra", it implies a nation that is constantly guided by dharma", not by any religion". Ninth, the RSS believes that we as a nation" are different from the modern nation-states". Our idea of nationalism is different from the Wests idea of nationalism. Noted historian David Sasson, who earned his PhD under Eric Hobsbawm, one of the foremost authorities on Western nationalism, observed in his introduction to a collection of essays and lectures by Hobsbawm, On Nationalism", In Europe, nationalism was the product of the dual revolutions, the French Revolution and the British Industrial Revolution. The rise of the White mans nationalism in Europe resulted in colonisation of large parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, civil wars within the Western nation-states, countless military conflicts between nations, at least two world wars and ethnic cleansing of minorities in the Western countries by the dominant political powers who had captured the power riding on the wave of nationalism. That is why significant sections of the society as well as the academia, media and intelligentsia in the West are wary of nationalism. In the West, utterance of the word nationalism brings back memories of loot, plunder, bloody wars and a quest for material wealth and military superiority. Hindu Nationalism is quite different from European or Western Nationalism. The trajectory of European nationalism and Hindu nationalism are altogether different. Radha Kumud Mookerji, known for his monumental work on history and culture of India. has explained the difference in his seminal work Nationalism in Hindu Culture published in 1921. According to Mookerji, it is a mistake readily to assume that the origin of that remarkable social phenomenon of nationalism is to be found in the West; that it is a genuinely Western product imported into the Eastern countries long after their growth and development; that the Eastern mind was completely a stranger to the very conception of the mother country, a sense of natural attachment to her, and a corresponding sense of duties and obligations which the children of the soil owe to her. Such misconceptions are due to a colossal ignorance of the culture of the East. Even in the dim and distant age of remote antiquity, unillumined by the light of historical knowledge, we find the underlying principles of nationalism chanted forth in the hymns of the Rig Veda embodying the very first utterance of humanity itself. That book, one of the oldest literary records of humanity, reveals conscious and fervent attempts made by the Rishis (seers), those profoundly wise organisers of Hindu polity and culture, to visualise the unity of their mother-country, nay, to transfigure the mother earth into a living deity and enshrine her in the loving heart of the worshipper." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Tenth, and the most interesting tenet of the RSS philosophy, is that there are two kinds of people in our societythose who have joined the RSS and those who would ultimately join it. That is why the RSS doesnt respond to even its most vicious critiques, and history has been a witnessthere is no dearth of RSS-baiters who later became the most committed swayamsevaks. The writer is an author and columnist. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 20, 2025, 04:29 IST News opinion Right Word | Decoding RSS: Ten Key Tenets Of Worlds Largest Voluntary Movement Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Straight Talk | Modis Diplomatic Reset With China Reflects Indias Realism In A Multipolar World Written By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 11:36 IST India is reopening channels with China where interests overlap, while also taking care to not drop its guard. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar shakes hand with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, left, in New Delhi, India, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (AP Photo) A Pivotal Visit Recommended Stories Officially announced and meticulously hyped by New Delhi, Wang Yis visit is unlike the usual protocol for foreign ministers. Not only did Wang hold the 24th round of Special Representatives (SR) talks on the boundary dispute with NSA Ajit Doval and sat for a bilateral with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, but also met Prime Minister Modi himself a gesture typically reserved for heads of state or government. The message to Donald Trump is clear: Washingtons reckless foreign policy will drive friends like India toward Americas arch-nemeses. In a significant departure from years of economic coercion, China has delivered tangible assurances addressing Indias three most pressing supply chain vulnerabilities. During Wang Yis meeting with EAM Jaishankar, Beijing committed to resolving restrictions on tunnel boring machines critical for Indias infrastructure projects, ending the freeze on rare earth magnets essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy, and resuming specialty fertiliser exports vital for agricultural productivity. These assurances, coming after months of Chinese export curbs that threatened to stall Indias project and manufacturing ambitions, represent Beijings calculated move to rebuild economic trust. Multiple threads intertwine here: the resumption of direct flights, possible agreements on border trade, and the long-stalled process of troop disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). High-level meetings have returned to the agenda after years of near freeze since the Galwan Valley clashes. The thaw traces back to Modis meeting summit with Xi Jinping in Russia last October, leading to a gradual restoration of diplomatic channels complemented by high-level engagements between Indian and Chinese defence and foreign ministers. Yet, tens of thousands of troops still hold forward positions, and trust remains fragile. Strategic Reality: The Power Play with China Despite confidence-building gestures, the embedded risks cannot be overstated. Indias past experience with the Chinese power has left a lasting caution. Multiple rounds of disengagement have reduced but not eliminated frontline deployments. Each side still keeps approximately 50,00060,000 troops on alert in eastern Ladakh. Border management remains fraught. Both countries know that while no one wants a shooting war, neither will yield an inch on sovereignty. Even the economic resetreopening border trade, restoring direct flights, and easing visa restrictionscomes after half a decade of suspended ties and with the understanding that these are pragmatic, transactional advances, not a full rapprochement. This realism is underscored by Indias Neighbourhood First" doctrine and a parallel push to widen strongholds in Africa and the Indian Ocean, effectively countering Chinas expanding maritime reach. Wang Yis Next Stops: Pakistan and AfghanistanIndia Stays Wary Wang Yis diplomatic itinerary throws another angle into the mix. After India, hes off to trilateral meetings with Pakistan and Afghanistan. In Kabul, Wang will discuss expanding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, counterterrorism initiatives, and economic connectivity. Chinas concurrent outreach to Pakistans foreign minister and the Taliban signals Beijings sustained interest in shaping the regional chessboard, keeping India boxed in on multiple fronts. Indian strategists are keenly aware that any reset with China cannot overlook Beijings entanglements with Islamabad or the Taliban regime. Countering Tariff Terror": Indias Diplomatic Chess with the US The timing of Wang Yis visit is no coincidence. It comes as the Modi government faces a different kind of pressure from Washington. President Donald Trumps distaste for Indias energy ties with Russia has morphed into aggressive tariff warfare. Indian exports to the US now face a base tariff of 25 per cent, rising to a stinging 50 per cent, with an extra penalty specifically for Russian oil deals. This policy not only impacts trade, but is interpreted in New Delhi as an attempt to corner Modi. It is seen as tariff terror at its most raw and personal. Until last year, India and the US were flying high on security and strategic partnership, much to Chinas discomfort. Now, the chill in India-US ties has created roomif only narrow and tentativefor China to signal stability, and for New Delhi to hedge its bets pragmatically. Indias Script: Pragmatic Reset, Ample Caution The Modi governments playbook isnt about a naive embrace or uncritical engagement. Each step is calibrated: open dialogue on issues of mutual interesttrade, flights, border demarcationbut with ironclad safeguards on sovereignty, defence, and strategic autonomy. India has refused to budge on key economic asks" from the US (such as access to agriculture and dairy sectors) and continues to maintain robust military and technological partnerships with Quad countries. The message is as much for Beijing as for Washington: India will not be boxed in by either power. To the public, India has projected Wang Yis visit as a breakthrougha signal for stability, engagement, and positive momentumbut all with eyes wide open. India is also looking to ease Chinas access to its non-critical sectors, while continuing to shield sectors like defence and telecommunications from Chinese investments. Why the extra hype? New Delhis open and official announcement of Wang Yis visit, coupled with the unprecedented meeting with Prime Minister Modi, is both a gesture and a shield. India wants the world to know that its re-engagement with Beijing is a question of equals. Modis upcoming trip to China for the SCO summit, bilateral meetings with Xi Jinping, and onward travels to Japanall form part of a larger tapestry of multipolar engagement, designed to keep Indias strategic options open. If a rumoured Modi-Xi-Putin trilateral takes place at the SCO summit, the message to the world would be amply clear. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India is betting on a reset with China, but on terms that are meticulously scrutinised for risks, vulnerabilities, and future consequences. The boundary talks, the reopening of flights and trade, and the high-profile diplomatic choreography are meant to show the worldespecially Washingtonthat India is nobodys pawn. The shadow of tariff terror" from the US lingers, nudging Delhi closer to engagement with China, even as strategic rivalries persist. In this new chapter, Indias approach is clear-eyed realpolitik coupled with calculated flexibility, persistent caution, and unwavering independence. About the Author Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra is a producer and video journalist at Network18. He is enthusiastic about and writes on both national affairs as well as geopolitics. Sanbeer Singh Ranhotra is a producer and video journalist at Network18. He is enthusiastic about and writes on both national affairs as well as geopolitics. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. First Published: August 19, 2025, 11:36 IST News opinion Straight Talk | Modis Diplomatic Reset With China Reflects Indias Realism In A Multipolar World Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 08:00 IST By undermining institutions from EVMs to the EC Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is sowing seeds of chaos, eroding public faith to fuel street protests and division. (Image: @INCIndia/X/PTI) There is noise. There is politics. Then there is politics of noise. Take the recent hullabaloo over alleged vote chori" thats got Rahul Gandhi and his crew up in arms. Recommended Stories Theyre going hammer and tongs about elections allegedly rigged in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Haryana, but perhaps if you peel back the layers, its their own backyard thats rotten with infiltrators and fake voters. It comes straight from voter rolls and historical records. This isnt some conspiracy theory; and trust me, the numbers dont lie. But lets mull over at Rahul Gandhis self-proclaimed role as Samvidhan Rakshak" the guardian of the Constitution. Oh, the irony! Here are a few pointers in a lighter vein to highlight how hes more like a Samvidhan Bhakshak" devouring the very norms he pretends to protect: As Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul struts around waving the red variant of the Constitution like a magic wand, yet his booth-level agents (BLAs) never bothered to file complaints or demand CCTV footage within the 45-day window post-polls. Its like guarding a fortress but leaving the gates wide open and then blaming the invaders! The first phase seemingly of the spate of attacks unleashed on our democratic institutions started when they targeted EVMs with wild accusations, crying hack" without a shred of proof. Now, theyve escalated to debasing and denigrating the entire Election Commission, painting our democratic system as a villain. If this is protection, Id hate to see destruction. Oblivious to constitutional norms? More like loathing. Rahul Gandhi touts jurisprudence while flouting it, turning every loss into a conspiracy. Its comedic gold: the rakshak" who needs a mirror to spot the real threat himself. And get this: he claims to be wary about right after the Madhya Pradesh drubbing in 2023, then claimed Maharashtra and Haryana ratified" his paranoia in his own public rants. But now his wily team is fixated on anomalies" during the Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka you know, the state where Congress actually won the assembly election! How to make sense of such inanity? This hypocrisy isnt new; its in the DNA. Rahul Gandhi, the desperate despot or should I say Rahul Ghendy, with his intolerance baked in from generations carries a legacy of vote chori and power grabs. Nehru was the original vote chor, manipulating early polls since the inception of provincial government in 1946, when the entire 12 out of 15 Pradesh Congress Committees (PCC) voted for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel while three abstained and none were in favor of Nehru. Yet Jawaharlal was anointed as the prime minister of the government. Indira imposed the Emergency in 1975, fearing loss after her Rae Bareli win was declared null and void for malpractice, in the Raj Narain vs Union of India case of 1985 by the Allahbad High Court. Sanjay Gandhi, never elected, puppeteered the cabinet like a shadow PM. Rajiv, post-1989 defeat, gracelessly blamed ballot papers instead of accepting the verdict. Now Rahul: tearing up a cabinet ordinance in 2013 like a tantrum-throwing kid, defaming elected governments, state machinery, courts, and now the EC. Its a family tradition of intolerance, where democracy is fine only if they win. And theres a clear pattern of anarchy that Rahul Gandhi wants to unleash. By undermining institutions wholesale from EVMs to the EC hes sowing seeds of chaos, eroding public faith to fuel street protests and division. This isnt opposition; its orchestrated anarchy, risking national stability for personal vendettas, all while shielding the ghuspaithiya vote bank that props him up. Back to the Gandhi familys long, sordid history of playing fast and loose with democracy. In 1952, Congress allegedly teamed up with communists to orchestrate Dr BR Ambedkars electoral defeat. Fast-forward to 1957, and youve got booth captured in Begusarai by Congress supporters Indias first taste of that nonsense. By 1967, they were clinching 61 seats in Jammu and Kashmir through uncontested wins and rejecting rivals nominations. Justice Sinha nailed Indira on two counts, but she bounced back with the Emergency showing just how far theyd go. It also becomes pertinent to note the Kashmir elections of 1987, rigged on a massive scale by the Congress and National Conference. Its a pattern: win at all costs, even if it means defiling the rules. And when they lose? They trash the voters or the system. Indira called voters a bunch of fools" after 1977. Rajiv blamed ballot papers in 1989. Now Rahuls doing the same dance after setbacks in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Delhi. Hes peddling fake news about voter additions and late surges in turnout, but lets bust those myths wide open. In Maharashtras 2024 assembly elections, Rahul claimed a suspicious 4.4 percent voter addition between general and assembly polls. But check this: in 2004 and 2009, under UPA rule, additions were 4.7 percent and 4.1 percent higher than now and they won big. No complaints then? As for the late surge" in turnout post-5 pm, the average voting rate was 58 lakh per hour before and 32.5 lakh after nothing fishy. The Congress booth agents signed off on Form 17C without a peep, and no election petitions were filed. If it was theft, why no formal complaints to the EC despite invitations? Same story in Karnataka: the Congress was in power during the 2024 polls, controlling the EC staff. Their own minister, KN Rajanna, now sacked by Rahul for calling out this sheer hypocrisy, said: When was the voter list prepared? It was under our government." Yet Rahul slanders BJP wins but stays mum on Congresss Dhule victory, where they led hugely in minority-dominated areas. Its selective outrage at its finest. But heres the real kicker the ghuspaithiya vote bank. Those are infiltrators, folks sneaking across borders and padding voter rolls for political gain. Opposition parties like Congress, SP, TMC, and DMK have nurtured this for years, shielding infiltration, discrediting voter verification drives like special intensive revision (SIR), and playing appeasement politics. The SIR cleans up duplicates and ghosts it happened smoothly in 2002 Bengal and 2003 Bihar. But now, its a threat because it fractures their engineered vote banks. Patterns scream foul play: duplicate voters, fake addresses, fake relatives, mass additions, and manipulated ages. In Wayanad, 93,499 doubtful voters 20,438 duplicates like Maimoona listed in multiple booths with different EPICs. Fake addresses: 52 IDs in one house in Wandoor. Mixed households: Hindus and Muslims crammed into tiny spots, but ground checks show theyre scattered now. Mass additions: New" voters aged 99-102, like Lillikutty or Khadeeja, who vanished later. Rahul won by relying on one community here after UP defeats, but with Kerala facing radicalisation, its a ticking bomb. In Rae Bareli, 2,00,089 doubtful voters. Duplicates: Mohd Kaif Khan in three booths. Fake addresses: 47 IDs in House 189. Mixed households galore. Mass additions: 89-year-old Saidun or 92-year-old Mohd Yaqub popping up fresh. Investigations uncovered 52,000+ fake birth certificates tied to bogus addresses a scheme to build loyal voters. This Gandhi bastion" smells more like manipulation than legacy. Diamond Harbour, Abhishek Banerjees stronghold: 259,779 doubtful. Duplicates: Zakir Hussain Molla six times. Fake addresses: 111 IDs in one house in Falta. Fake relatives: Khurshid Alams dad changing names over yearsclassic infiltrator MO. Mixed households: Multi-religion crowds in tiny homes. Mass additions: 89-year-old Sariman Bibi or 94-year-old Saleha Molla. Voter spikes in 301 booths, mostly TMC wins. Bengals turning into West Bangladesh" thanks to Left-TMC encouragement of immigration. Kannauj, Akhileshs win by 1.7 lakh: 291,798 doubtful. Duplicates: Akeel in two booths. Fake addresses: 79 IDs in House 244. Mixed: Multi-religion in House 187. Mass: 120-year-old Rozi Begam. In Dimple Yadavs constituency, Mainpuri, 255,914 doubtful. Similar messes 65IDs in one house, multi-religion clusters, and 84-year-old Nisaar Bano added fresh. Kolathur, Stalins: 19,476 doubtful. Duplicates: Rafi Ullah thrice. Fake: 80 IDs in House 10 with mixed religions. These arent glitches; theyre a strategy compromising national security and stealing real Indians mandates. Opposition yells vote theft" to describe their own game distracting from ghuspaithiyas while attacking SIR to protect them. Its time to wake up. If Rahul, Priyanka, Abhishek, Akhilesh, Dimple, and Stalin are so sure of chori", why not resign from their stolen" seats? Clean voter rolls arent an attack; theyre democracys lifeline. But for these folks, power trumps patriotism every time. Weve seen this movie before from Indiras Emergency to todays fake narratives. The question is, will voters let them rewrite the ending again? And lastly, the gleeful spectators in this bedlam must be the EVM, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Income Tax Department (I-T) all silently thanking the Election Commission of India (ECI) for rescuing them from the insolence, indefinite victimisation, and relentless flak, now that the ECI alone has been crowned the nations favourite punching bag. (Yuvraj Pokharna is an independent journalist and columnist. He tweets with @iyuvrajpokharna. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views) Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 14:26 IST Located in Putlabai Chawl, Lalbaugcha Raja or King of Lalbaug is the most visited Ganesh mandal in Indias financial capital. 1 / 10 From commoners to celebrities, lakhs of Mumbaikars stand in Lalbaugs long queues every year to get a glimpse of the iconic idol. (Image: Instagram) 2 / 10 Located in Putlabai Chawl, Lalbaugcha Raja or King of Lalbaug is the most visited Ganesh mandal in Indias financial capital. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 While we wait for its first look this year, the Ganesh Muhurata Puja - performed by President Balasaheb Sudam Kamble at the workshop of Murtikar Shree Kambli Arts, gave a glimpse of the revered idol this year. (Image: Instagram) 4 / 10 The history of Lalbaug dates back to the early 1900s, when the Parel area was predominantly characterized by its bustling textile mills. As industrialization surged in the 1930s, these mills faced significant upheavals, which had a profound impact on both the local community and their livelihood. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 According to local legend, during a period of upheaval, fishermen and traders in the area turned to their beloved deity, Lord Ganesha, seeking assistance. In response to their prayers, they were gifted a plot of land that now forms the bustling Lalbaug market. The community viewed this gift as a divine blessing from Ganesha. (Image: Instagram) 6 / 10 In reverence to their divine blessing, the locals chose to dedicate a section of the land for Ganpati celebrations. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 Thus, the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal was established on this site, where the Ganesh idol is installed each year. The idol is adorned in various attires and celebrated as a king during the festival. (Image: Instagram) 8 / 10 Over the years, the scale and grandeur of these celebrations have expanded significantly. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 This year, the much-loved festivities and rituals will begin on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, with the Madhyahna Ganesha Puja Muhurat, which will last from 11:05 AM to 1:40 PM. Meanwhile, the Ganesh Visarjan is set for Saturday, September 6, 2025. (Image: Instagram) 'An Ideological Battle': Why India Bloc Fielded Sudershan Reddy In VP Race Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 15:45 IST The INDIA bloc needed someone who could represent two core values a defender of the Constitution and a figure acceptable across parties. INDIA bloc members with Vice Presidential candidate Sudershan Reddy. (Image: AICC) The Vice-Presidential election is all set to witness a contest that, while numerically tilted towards the ruling NDA, is being framed by the Opposition INDIA bloc as an ideological battle. Despite the clear numbers in Parliament with the NDA commanding 293 votes against the Oppositions 249 the INDIA bloc has chosen to field former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as their candidate. For them, this contest is less about arithmetic and more about symbolism. A joint statement issued by the INDIA bloc declared that the Vice-Presidential election is an ideological battle," underlining that Reddy embodies the values that shaped our freedom movement." Senior leaders argue that the decision to contest was never in doubt. Not fighting would have meant handing over a win on a platter to the NDA," a source said, adding that the Opposition wanted to send a message: in a political battlefield, it is vital to resist rather than surrender. Recommended Stories The choice of candidate was deliberate. The INDIA bloc needed someone who could represent two core values a defender of the Constitution and a figure acceptable across parties. In Sudershan Reddy, they believe they have found both. A retired judge of the Supreme Court, Reddy has a long record of judgments upholding civil liberties. He has served as Lokayukta of Goa and as head of the Human Rights Commission, besides leading the caste survey committee in Telangana. For the Opposition, this record makes him an ideal candidate to be projected as a protector of rights, a voice of the common citizen, and someone who stands firmly to ensure that Samvidhan khatre mein nahin hai (Constitution is not in danger)." The INDIA bloc also sees this election as an opportunity to contrast its choice with the ruling NDAs nominee, CP Radhakrishnan. With Radhakrishnans long-standing links to the RSS, the Opposition plans to frame the election as a contest of ideas a battle between defending the Constitution and endorsing an ideology they have consistently opposed. Radhakrishnans reference to the Prime Minister and Home Minister as beloved" in his first remarks after being nominated has further sharpened the Oppositions resolve to challenge him. The decision to field Reddy has also had a ripple effect within the alliance. The Aam Aadmi Party, which had walked out of the INDIA bloc earlier, has agreed to come on board for this election, a move insiders say was facilitated by the Trinamool Congress. The Congress, meanwhile, hopes to exploit regional ties by persuading members of the YSR Congress, based in Reddys home state, to reconsider their support for the NDA. While the ruling coalition is confident of YSRCPs backing, sources in the Opposition claim that conversations are ongoing to test the waters. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Beyond the immediate election, the INDIA bloc views this as the first major battle in the Rajya Sabha. Their hostility towards the outgoing Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar against whom they had moved a failed impeachment notice has carried forward into this contest. To them, starting their resistance by confronting another nominee with a strong RSS background is both strategic and symbolic. For the INDIA bloc, therefore, this election is not just about numbers on the floor but about drawing a political line. By backing Sudershan Reddy, they are attempting to frame the contest as a referendum on the Constitution itself and on the ideology they claim threatens it. About the Author Pallavi Ghosh Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 15:45 IST News politics 'An Ideological Battle': Why India Bloc Fielded Sudershan Reddy In VP Race Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... CP Radhakrishnan Vs Sudershan Reddy For Vice-President: Does Opposition Pick Stand A Chance? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 19:02 IST In the Vice-Presidential election, BJP-led NDA's CP Radhakrishnan faces INDIA bloc's Sudarshan Reddy. NDA's 422 MPs give Radhakrishnan a likely win over the opposition's 300 MPs. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced Reddy as the opposition Vice President candidate and informed that he will file his nomination on August 21 for the September 9 election. (Photos: X) The stage is set for the Vice-Presidential election in which the ruling BJP-led NDAs CP Radhakrishnan will face the INDIA blocs B Sudershan Reddy. The governments efforts to take the opposition on board for a unanimous VP election have failed, with the INDIA bloc fielding Reddy, described as one of Indias most distinguished and progressive jurists." Recommended Stories Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced former Supreme Court judge Reddy as the opposition Vice President candidate and informed that he will file his nomination on August 21 for the September 9 election. Heres How Numbers Stack Up For VP Polls Members of Parliament from both Houses Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha comprise the electoral college for the Vice-Presidential elections. Unlike the Presidential election, MLAs have no role in the Vice-President polls. At present, the strength of Parliament stands at 787, including both Houses. A candidate requires at least 394 votes to be elected as the next Vice President of India. Who Is B Sudershan Reddy? Ex-Supreme Court Judge Named Oppns Vice-Presidential Candidate The current situation favours Radhakrishnan, as the BJP-led NDA has 422 MPs, including nominated members who are likely to support the NDA nominee. The NDAs tally includes 293 MPs in the 542-member Lok Sabha and 129 MPs in the Rajya Sabha, where the effective strength of the House is currently 245. For the opposition, the polls remain a symbolic contest, as in the Vice-President elections of 2017 and 2022, since they lack the numbers. TMC MP Derek OBrien said all opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), are on board for Reddys candidature. Grassroots BJP Leader From Tamil Nadu: Who Is NDA Vice-President Candidate CP Radhakrishnan? The INDIA blocs current strength stands at around 300. The bloc includes the Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), AAP and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The INDIA bloc is also planning to reach out to Jagan Mohan Reddys YSR Congress Party, which has 7 Rajya Sabha MPs and 5 Lok Sabha members. Naveen Patnaiks Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which has 7 Rajya Sabha MPs and has supported the BJP in Parliament in the past, is yet to choose who it will support. However, even if the opposition manages to convince both Jagan Reddy and Naveen Patnaik, the gap remains too wide to bridge. So, Radhakrishnans election as the next Vice President of India looks almost certain, unless an unexpected scenario emerges in which some BJP allies shift towards the INDIA bloc a highly unlikely possibility. How Is Indias Vice-President Elected? Two Southern Faces In VP Polls Two faces from South Indian are facing each other, putting regional parties in a tough spot. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has welcomed two-time Coimbatore MP Radhakrishnans candidature as the NDAs Vice Presidential candidate. However, he is yet to react to Sudarshan Reddy, who hails from Andhra Pradesh. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On the other hand, DMK called the election an ideological fight, saying even if the BJP picked a candidate from Tamil Nadu, it doesnt mean the ruling party at the centre cares about Tamil Nadu. This is an ideological fight. So the Opposition parties came together to select one candidate against the candidate who comes from an RSS background. The candidate (Sudarshan Reddy) the Opposition has selected is the one who respects the ConstitutionJust because you (BJP) have a candidate from Tamil Nadu, doesnt mean you care about Tamil Nadu, Tamil language or values of the state," said DMK MP Kanimozhi. About the Author Saurabh Verma Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19 First Published: August 19, 2025, 14:03 IST News politics CP Radhakrishnan Vs Sudershan Reddy For Vice-President: Does Opposition Pick Stand A Chance? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Psephology To Apology: Will Election Expert's Data Deletion Blunt Rahul Gandhi's Attack On ECI? Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 22:47 IST The BJP is out to portray Gandhi as having relied on Sanjay Kumar's data, leading him to launch a nationwide campaign of alleged 'vote theft' With CSDS's Sanjay Kumar's turnaround, Congress and Rahul Gandhi may find it tough to promote the narrative of 'vote chori' against India's poll body. (Photos: PTI file + X) A sincere apology" and the deletion of social media posts suggesting a significant dip in the number of voters in two assembly constituencies compared to the Lok Sabha election held just months apart seem to have hit at the heart of Congresss attack on the Election Commission regarding Maharashtra. Psephologist and co-director of Lokniti-CSDS Prof Sanjay Kumar made the startling claim two days earlier. However, on Tuesday morning, he posted on X, I sincerely apologize for the tweets posted regarding Maharashtra elections. Error occurred while comparing data of 2024 LS and 2024 AS. The data in row was misread by our Data team. The tweet has since been removed. I had no intention of dispersing any form of misinformation." Recommended Stories I sincerely apologize for the tweets posted regarding Maharashtra elections.Error occurred while comparing data of 2024 LS and 2024 AS. The data in row was misread by our Data team.The tweet has since been removed.I had no intention of dispersing any form of misinformation. Sanjay Kumar (@sanjaycsds) August 19, 2025 This admission came on the heels of Rahul Gandhis Vote Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, where the Congress leader launched a fierce attack on the Election Commission. The Bharatiya Janata Party was in no mood to let go, with BJPs IT cell chief Amit Malviya lashing out at Kumars apology, calling him a protege of Yogendra Yadav". Malviya posted angrily, Incidentally, when was the last time this protege of Yogendra Yadav ever got anything right? In all his projections in the run-up to every single election, the BJP is supposedly losingand when the reverse happens, he turns up on TV justifying how the BJP won. Convenient." Rahuls vote chori campaign Speaking at a recent Bihar rally, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said, In Maharashtra, all the opinion polls were predicting that INDIA bloc would form the government, but in the election results, the BJP-led alliance formed the government. The BJP got the votes of 1 crore new voters." Gandhi further stated, In the entire country, vote theft is going on. In the name of SIR, they want to add new voters and steal the votes. In Bihar, we will not allow Vote Chori." With CSDSs Sanjay Kumars turnaround, Congress and Rahul Gandhi may find it tough to promote the narrative of vote chori" against Indias poll body. Sources indicate there was no unanimity from powerful INDIA constituents when the idea of seeking the removal of Chief Election Officer Gyanesh Kumar was floated. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress may find it harder to push it through due to Tuesdays revelation. BJPs counter Among the issues Rahul Gandhi highlighted in the press conference were duplicate entries of individuals, dozens of voters from a small house, to addresses with house number zero". He used ECs constituency-level data to support his claim, which the poll body dismissed. However, if politics is about perception, BJP is out to portray Gandhi as having relied on Kumars data, leading him to launch a nationwide campaign of alleged vote theft, which now stands deleted. In his now-deleted post on Maharashtra elections, Sanjay Kumar had claimed that in the assembly constituency Ramtek, the number of voters in 2024 was 4,66,203 in the Lok Sabha polls and 2,86,931 in the assembly polls. In his second claim, Kumar suggested that in the assembly constituency Devlali, the number of voters in the Lok Sabha was 4,56,072, and during assembly elections, it came down to 2,88,141. While both posts are deleted, Malviya used screenshots to target Rahul Gandhi, stating, The very institution whose data Rahul Gandhi leaned on to defame the voters of Maharashtra has now admitted that its figures were wrongnot just on Maharashtra, but even on SIR." The very institution whose data Rahul Gandhi leaned on to defame the voters of Maharashtra has now admitted that its figures were wrong not just on Maharashtra, but even on SIR.Where does this leave Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, which brazenly targeted the Election pic.twitter.com/4o99YDvsMx Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 19, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Over the weekend, holding a press conference to respond to Rahul Gandhis charges, CEC Gyanesh Kumar said, If no declaration under oath is given within 7 days, claims will be considered baseless and invalid" adding that those making unsubstantiated allegations, hinting towards Gandhi, should apologise to the nation. With Sanjay Kumars U-turn, is that an option for Gandhi? About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep throat in ... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 22:47 IST News politics From Psephology To Apology: Will Election Expert's Data Deletion Blunt Rahul Gandhi's Attack On ECI? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Odisha CM Majhi Hits Back At Mamata Banerjee, Rejects Claims Of Harassment Of Bengalis Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 20:09 IST Odisha CM Majhi dismissed Mamata Banerjee's claims of Bengalis being attacked in Odisha as baseless, clarifying police checks target suspected Bangladeshi immigrants. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, speaking at the News18 Rising Odisha Conclave in Bhubaneswar, dismissed Mamata Banerjees allegations of attacks on Bengalis in the state and said no Indian citizen has been harassed. (IMAGE: News18) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday dismissed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees allegation that Bengalis were being attacked in his state, calling it completely baseless." He was speaking at News18 Odias Rising Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar. Majhi said no Indian citizen was being harassed and that the states police were only conducting checks to identify suspected Bangladeshi immigrants. Mamata Banerjee is lying. No Indian citizen and no Bengali is being harassed or tortured in Odisha. Police are only checking if there are any suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators," he said. Recommended Stories The Chief Minister underlined that Odisha has for decades been home to Bengalis and has historically provided refuge during crises. After Partition and the creation of Bangladesh, Odisha arranged for clusters in many parts of the state for displaced Bengali minorities and including areas such as Koraput, Malkangiri and other districts. They continue to live peacefully here," Majhi said. He further added that those with proper documents remain undisturbed, while only those without proof of citizenship are asked to return to their native places. The state government has taken care of all citizens. But if Bangladeshi infiltrators are sneaking in and snatching livelihoods from Odia people, we are mandated to act," he said. "I love Odisha. We send potatoes whenever there is any shortage. We send our engineers for restoration work in Odisha after any cyclone. Why are you so upset that we have build a Jagannath Temple? Why Bengalis are getting attacked in Odisha"? WB CM Mamata Banerjee hits back. pic.twitter.com/Ns52U8H6Lr Sourav || (@Sourav_3294) May 5, 2025 Majhis remarks comes after Mamata Banerjee alleged that Bengalis were being targeted in Odisha, triggering a sharp political exchange between Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. A video from May this year went viral on social media where the West Bengal Chief Minister is heard questioning Odisha over alleged mistreatment of Bengalis in the coastal state. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I love Odisha. We send potatoes whenever there is any shortage. We send our engineers for restoration work in Odisha after any cyclone. Why are Bengalis getting attacked in Odisha?" Banerjee can be heard saying during an interaction with press. The video was shared on X by user @Sourav_3294 and has over 25,000 views at the time of writing this report. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Bhubaneswar, India, India First Published: August 19, 2025, 19:49 IST News politics Odisha CM Majhi Hits Back At Mamata Banerjee, Rejects Claims Of Harassment Of Bengalis Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Omar Abdullah's Cryptic 'Severus Snape' Post Amid J&K Statehood Speculation Gets Internet's Attention Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 22:36 IST J&K CM Omar Abdullah's Harry Potter post on X got the internet talking, with many asking him the meaning behind the cryptic meme while others asked Grok to help Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah addresses the gathering during the 79th Independence Day celebration, at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar on August 15. (Image: PTI/S Irfan) Amid speculation over statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah set the internet ablaze by sharing a Harry Potter meme on Tuesday. Featuring the character of Potions master Severus Snape from the beloved series, the text accompanying the visuals said: Please I cant take anymore of this." Recommended Stories Abdullahs post on X got the internet talking, with many asking him the meaning behind the cryptic meme while others asked the AI, Grok, to explain what it is about. Statehood?" one user asked while another said: No statehood. Sit down and enjoy the mayorship." (sic) One user asked: Why other CMs are not as cool as him ?". Another said: No statehood bt administration rules." (sic) At the time of writing this report, Abdullah did not clarify what his post was about, further fuelling speculation especially since it came shortly after at least two media outlets reported that the central government could move a Bill related to J&Ks statehood in Parliament on Wednesday (August 20). To be sure, there was no official word on this. News18 could not independently verify the development. On August 5, 2019, the Union government split the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) into two union territories Jammu and Kashmir with a legislative assembly, and Ladakh without one. The government and top ministers have said J&K statehood will be restored when the time is right. The Supreme Court, too, had asked the government to restore J&Ks statehood at the earliest. It had earlier upheld the Centres August 5 decision to nullify Article 370, which gave special status to the region. The restoration of statehood and special status is an emotive issue in J&K, and several political parties and activists in the Kashmir valley have been vocal in their demand to roll back the milestone move that made international headlines and sparked protests. Last year, in an election held after a decade, the National Conference-Congress alliance came to power in J&K. Omar Abdullah of the NC has called for the early restoration of statehood. PAID A POLITICAL PRICE A few days ago, in a fiery Independence Day speech, Abdullah said he was paying a political price for pinning his hopes on Indias democracy and the Centre for restoration of Jammu and Kashmirs rights, including statehood. He said he took a big political risk when he took a stand that J&K will get whatever it needs from democracy and that nothing can be achieved through a confrontation with the government. Probably, I have paid a political price for it," he said, referring to recent speculation that statehood reinstatement will be announced on Independence Day. He said though he did not have much expectations, he was led to believe that it might happen after all. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all I had no expectations but I was being constantly told that the documents are ready and now just the announcement is to be made. But the announcement never came. The ray of hope is fading, but we will not give up," he added. (With PTI inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Srinagar, India, India First Published: August 19, 2025, 22:36 IST News politics Omar Abdullah's Cryptic 'Severus Snape' Post Amid J&K Statehood Speculation Gets Internet's Attention Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Punished For Speaking The Truth': Will Pooja Pal Be BJP's New Face Against SP's 'PDA' Politics? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 14:27 IST Pooja Pal launched a sharp attack on Akhilesh Yadav and SPs PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) politics, claiming her removal was an attempt to appease a vote bank. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during a meeting with expelled Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Pooja Pal, in Lucknow. (Image: X/myogiadityanath) The political corridors of Uttar Pradesh are abuzz with speculation after rebel Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Pooja Pal, expelled just days ago, met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow. The meeting, held on August 16 at the CMs official residence on 5 Kalidas Marg, has triggered talk that she may be preparing to formally switch camps to the BJP. Pooja Pal, a three-term legislator and the current MLA from the Chail assembly seat in Kaushambi district, was seen as one of SPs prominent women faces from the OBC community. Her political journey has always been tied to tragedyher husband Raju Pal, a BSP MLA, was murdered in 2005, allegedly at the behest of gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed. Since then, Pooja Pal has carried forward the political legacy amid personal loss. Recommended Stories She joined the SP and won from Chail in 2022. However, her relationship with the party high command began souring after she cross-voted in favour of the BJP during last years Rajya Sabha elections. While other SP rebels such as Manoj Pandey, Rakesh Pratap Singh, and Abhay Singh faced immediate disciplinary action, Akhilesh Yadav refrained from acting against Pooja Pal. That truce broke on August 14 when, during the Assembly session, she openly praised CM Yogi Adityanath for his crackdown on mafias. Within hours, SP expelled her for indiscipline and anti-party activities." Following her expulsion, Pooja Pal launched a sharp attack on Akhilesh Yadav and SPs PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) politics, claiming her removal was an attempt to appease a vote bank. The dreaded mafia who snatched away my husband and destroyed my worldwhen I did not bow before them then, why should I bow before false narratives today? If I thank the person who gave me justice after years of struggle, why should that be considered indiscipline? I was punished not for wrongdoing, but for speaking the truth," she said. She also invoked her identity as a woman and as a member of the Gadariya (shepherd) OBC community: I too am a daughter of the PDA society. If they truly felt our pain, they would not have wronged me like this. My fight for justice was long and difficult, but the so-called champions of PDA politics had no sympathy for it." Pooja Pals meeting with CM Yogi is being widely interpreted as a sign of her imminent entry into the BJP. For the ruling party, the timing could not be more crucial. The 2026 Panchayat electionsoften described as the semi-final for the 2027 Assembly pollswill test BJPs ground strength after SPs PDA formula delivered notable gains in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. UPs political analysts, however, said the BJP is trying to recalibrate its social engineering much like it did in 2014, by consolidating non-Yadav OBC votes. While the party has focused on Kurmi and Lodhi voters, bringing Pooja Pal into the fold could give it a credible face among the Gadariya community. Insiders suggest she could even be given an organizational position soon. The party has already intensified outreach to OBC icons. Recently, CM Yogi unveiled a statue of Rani Avantibai Lodhi and announced a new PAC battalion in Badaun named after her, signalling efforts to reaffirm BJPs connect with the Lodhi vote bank. The Lodhi community, accounting for nearly 5% of the UP electorate and influential in 6070 assembly seats, has traditionally leaned towards the BJP since Kalyan Singhs era, though the bond weakened over time. Political observers believe Pooja Pals move, if it materialises, will carry symbolic weight beyond her individual constituency. Dr Shashikant Pandey, Head of the Political Science Department at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, told News18: Pooja Pal can emerge as a new factor in BJPs OBC-driven strategy. Her expulsion from SP and her direct communication with the Chief Minister are clear signals that the BJP is considering her as part of its broader plan in eastern UP. This is not just about one MLA or one seat; it is about reshaping caste equations ahead of the next elections. If positioned carefully, she could blunt SPs PDA narrative and help BJP project itself as the true champion of OBC interests." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all For now, Pooja Pal has not officially announced joining the BJP. However, her sharp criticism of Akhilesh Yadav, coupled with her public gratitude towards Yogi Adityanath, leaves little ambiguity about her political direction. Whether her induction will significantly tilt caste equations remains to be seen, but one thing is certainher next step will be watched closely as Uttar Pradesh moves into a crucial election cycle. First Published: August 19, 2025, 14:27 IST News politics 'Punished For Speaking The Truth': Will Pooja Pal Be BJP's New Face Against SP's 'PDA' Politics? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Shiv Sena MPs Honour PM Modi For Operation Sindoor Success, UNESCO Recognition Of Maratha Forts Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 20:55 IST The MPs honoured the Prime Minister by presenting him with an idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and adorning him with a Puneri turban Under the leadership of Shiv Senas parliamentary leader Dr Shrikant Shinde, the MPs met the Prime Minister to congratulate and appreciate his efforts. Pic/News18 Shiv Sena MPs on Tuesday honoured Prime Minister Narendra Modi in traditional Maharashtrian style for the inclusion of Maharashtras forts in the UNESCO list and the success of Operation Sindoor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Operation Sindoor for Indias security and took the initiative to include Maharashtras forts in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the lawmakers said. Under the leadership of Shiv Senas parliamentary leader Dr Shrikant Shinde, the MPs met the Prime Minister to congratulate and appreciate his efforts. They also extended best wishes for the upcoming Vice Presidential election. In turn, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the work of all Shiv Sena MPs. Recommended Stories Apart from Shinde, the Shiv Sena delegation included spokesperson and MP Naresh Mhaske, as well as MPs Shrirang Barne, Dhairyasheel Mane, Ravindra Waikar, Milind Deora, and Prataprao Jadhav, among others. During the meeting, the MPs honoured PM Modi by presenting him with an idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and adorning him with a Puneri turban. The PM recalled, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is my inspiration. When I contested the Lok Sabha elections and entered the race for the post of Prime Minister, I first went to Raigad, paid my respects to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, worshipped him, and only then went on to become Prime Minister." The MPs said that every Indian, especially every citizen of Maharashtra, is filled with pride and emotion. Due to PM Modis tireless efforts and visionary leadership, a historic decision was taken at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris, they added. Out of 20 countries, 18 supported Indias proposal. Twelve forts established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is Indias 44th World Heritage Site, placing the country sixth globally and second in the Asia-Pacific region. On behalf of the Shiv Sena parliamentary party, the MPs expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for this historic achievement. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The forts included in the list are Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, along with Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. Their inclusion reflects the expanse of Maratha heritage. These forts, stretching from hilltops to coastal outposts, are remarkable examples of Maratha territorial divisions and defence planning. The MPs said this decision will highlight Maharashtras rich heritage and instil new pride and consciousness about history among the youth. It will ensure the preservation of the forts, boost tourism, and turn them into significant research sites. Maharashtras economy will also gain fresh impetus, they added. The Prime Minister has called upon citizens across the country to visit these forts and learn about the glorious history of the Maratha Empire. Shiv Sena MPs believe PM Modis appeal will inspire every Indian to connect with their roots. They also conveyed that their party stands firmly with the PM in every effort to preserve and enhance these historic legacies. First Published: August 19, 2025, 20:55 IST News politics Shiv Sena MPs Honour PM Modi For Operation Sindoor Success, UNESCO Recognition Of Maratha Forts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announces: From August 18 to 20, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chinas Special Representative on the China-India boundary question Wang Yi will visit India and hold the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question at the invitation of the Indian side. V-P Fight Gets Personal: Radhakrishnans RSS Credentials Vs Reddys Salwa Judum Verdict Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 18:44 IST BJP has picked CV Radhakrishnan as their nominee, while INDIA bloc nominee is ex-Justice B Sudershan Reddy CP Radhakrishnan (left) and Sudershan Reddy. (PTI/File) The election campaign for the Vice-Presidential (V-P) post is set to get personal. While the opposition is pointing to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) credentials" of CV Radhakrishnan as their main card, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is pointing to INDIA nominee ex-Justice B. Sudershan Reddys 2011 judgment against Salwa Judum to question his nationalistic credentials. Recommended Stories Radhakrishnan has been an old RSS hand and this is what has been cited by the opposition to put up a candidate against him. The BJP is now hitting back with party sources saying INDIA nominee Reddy gave a judgment in the Supreme Court in 2011 that severely weakened Indias fight against left-wing extremism. Participated in the NDA Parliamentary Party Meeting in Delhi this morning. Happy to see the enthusiasm in favour of Thiru CP Radhakrishnans candidature for the Vice Presidency.@CPRGuv pic.twitter.com/87Gkwr2pLO Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 19, 2025 The SC bench comprising Reddy had struck down Salwa Judum, a key anti-Naxal initiative of the Chhattisgarh government. BJP sources say this verdict was seen as a setback to Indias anti-Naxal fight, coming at the height of Maoist violence. Raman Singh, the then Chhattisgarh CM, had come up with the idea of Salwa Judum a private militia of tribal youth who were armed to take on Naxals. This election is not just about a constitutional post it is about whether Indias highest offices will reflect the national resolve against violent extremism the Opposition has chosen a nominee whose judicial legacy raised questions of weakness towards forces aligned with Maoists," a top BJP source said. The Modi government has fixed a target of 2026 to eliminate Naxalism from the country. A Congress source however said this was a desperate attempt by the BJP to malign their nominee for his past bonafide judicial duties. This Vice Presidential contest is an ideological battle.All Opposition parties have nominated Shri B. Sudershan Reddy garu as their joint candidate for the position of the Vice President of India. Shri B. Sudershan Reddy garu is one of Indias most distinguished and pic.twitter.com/FD98YJhJMA Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) August 19, 2025 TDP backs NDA nominee top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has meanwhile reiterated its support to Radhakrishnan as Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh put out a statement to this effect on Tuesday, a day after senior TDP leaders Rammohan Naidu and Lavu Krishna were present in the NDA meeting that backed Radhakrishnans candidature. BJP sources said Reddy belongs to Telangana and not Andhra Pradesh, so TDPs stand need not be raked up by the opposition. In fact, even the YSRCP will be backing Radhakrishnan. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy (Congress), meanwhile, said that as Reddy belongs to Telangana, all parties should extend support him. I appeal CM Chandrababu Naidu, KCR, YS Jagan, Pawan Kalyan, Asaduddin Owaisi to support Justice Sudershan Reddy," Revanth Reddy said. The numbers in Parliament meanwhile are stacked in favour of the NDA nominee. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 18:44 IST News politics V-P Fight Gets Personal: Radhakrishnans RSS Credentials Vs Reddys Salwa Judum Verdict Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... When We Had Black Hair: What PM Modi Said About V-P Pick Radhakrishnan At NDA Meet Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 13:43 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while presenting CP Radhakrishnan as the NDAs nominee for the V-P elections, struck a note of nostalgia PM Modi welcomes CP Radhakrishnan as Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and JP Nadda look on. (X) The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) parliamentary party met on Tuesday morning at the Parliament Library building for a special occasion to formally introduce the alliances candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while presenting CP Radhakrishnan as the NDAs nominee, struck a note of nostalgia. Recommended Stories Speaking warmly of their friendship spanning over four decades, he remarked, We have been friends since the time both of us had black hair." The Prime Minister went on to highlight Radhakrishnans humble beginnings and his roots in the OBC community. Emphasising his dignified political journey, Modi praised him for maintaining integrity while serving in constitutional positions such as Governor. He comes from a simple background and will never indulge in political games Raajneeti mein khel nahi karenge," the Prime Minister is said to have added. Participated in the NDA Parliamentary Party Meeting in Delhi this morning. Happy to see the enthusiasm in favour of Thiru CP Radhakrishnans candidature for the Vice Presidency.@CPRGuv pic.twitter.com/87Gkwr2pLO Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 19, 2025 In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, Participated in the NDA Parliamentary Party Meeting in Delhi this morning. Happy to see the enthusiasm in favour of Thiru CP Radhakrishnans candidature for the Vice Presidency." Following the meeting, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said PM Modi has appealed to all the MPs, including the Opposition, to support CP Radhakrishnan in the Vice-Presidential elections. NDA candidate for the Vice-Presidential election, CP Radhakrishnan, was introduced in the meeting. The floor leaders, MPs of the NDA, warmly welcomed CP Radhakrishnan ji, congratulated him and thanked the Prime Minister. His introduction was given by Prime Minister Modi in the meeting of the NDA Parliamentary Party," he told the reporters. The Union Minister added that PM Modi has appealed to all the MPs to support the NDAs candidate unanimously. After his candidature was announced on Sunday evening, Radhakrishnan reached Delhi on Monday. He first met PM Modi and later interacted with NDA floor leaders, before being introduced to the full parliamentary party, which extended unanimous support to his nomination. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Radhakrishnan is scheduled to file his nomination papers on August 20 at 11 AM, in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and senior NDA leaders. With ANI Inputs First Published: August 19, 2025, 13:43 IST News politics When We Had Black Hair: What PM Modi Said About V-P Pick Radhakrishnan At NDA Meet Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Google Preferred Sources: How To Choose Which News Comes To Your Screen Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 11:21 IST Google News is used by millions and the new Preferred sources is helping them personalise the content they read. Preferred Sources helps you get the news from where you want Google News is a popular app among users who can catch up on the latest headlines and updates across politics, sports, and more. The company has made changes to its curation lists over the years and for the first time Google has offered you an easier way to see news and updates from the sources that you prefer. Preferred Sources, as Google calls it, is available in the US and India allowing you to stay up-to-date with the favourite blogs and news sites that you regularly follow or even subscribe to. Recommended Stories This is a new form of personalisation which ensures that you dont see content from other sources that can be irrelevant also. Google Preferred Sources For News: How To Use The Feature Using the new preferred sources option in Google for news and updates is quite easy and you just have to enable the tool, select the source websites and apply the changes. Open Google website or search for any topic in the news Click on the icon next to the Top Stories tab Google will ask you to search for your preferred sources and select them in the drop-down menu Click on Refresh to see the new preferred sources reflect on the screen Google says, Once you select your sources, they will appear more frequently in Top Stories or in a dedicated From your sources" section on the search results page." Just because you have curated the news sources does not mean you will stop seeing content from other sites. But you can manage these selections from the settings. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Google has not put a limit on the number of preferred sources you can add, and this was picked up from its learnings with the early set of Labs users that people really valued. The company is also giving publishers the access to connect with more users and make them choose their preferred sources, which in turn affects their visibility and readership for the platform. In addition to this, Googles Gemini AI recently got two new updates that have been shared with the users. You get the new temporary chats in Gemini which works like Chrome incognito mode and does not store the chats or use it for training the AI models. You also get better ways to control how Gemini uses files like photos, videos and more. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google, Get latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 19, 2025, 11:21 IST News tech Google Preferred Sources: How To Choose Which News Comes To Your Screen Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... iPhone 18 Launch Likely To Be Cancelled In 2026: Heres What It Means For Buyers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 07:35 IST iPhone 18 launch is far away but Apple could be planning for some big changes in 2026 that will show itself until 2027 as well. iPhone 18 launch is too early to call but it could be cancelled. (Photo: AI generated) Apple could ditch the iPhone 18 model next year and bring a new foldable to the market for the first time. This big news has come via a media outlet in South Korea, which suggests the company is looking for wholesale changes with its lineup next year. The iPhone 18 version is Apples affordable premium model with the iPhone e moniker now sitting below it in the portfolio. The news about iPhone 18 being replaced suggests the iPhone 18 Air model could become the entry point for next years iPhone series, followed by the iPhone 18 Pro and the 18 Pro Max (or Ultra) variants. Recommended Stories End Of iPhone 18 For Apple? Not At All The report from ETNews hints at Apple making wholesale changes to its launch strategy, all to fit the new foldable into the picture. The iPhone 18 launch next year will have the 18 Air, the 18 Pro series and the first Apple foldable version. Once those are done, the company is going to bring the iPhone 18e model along with the regular iPhone 18 variant in early 2027 during its Spring launch event. Bringing a new product puts extra strain on the production units, and delaying one of its models to make that happen could be a smart move. It does seem like Apple wants the big platform to showcase its foldable device, and thats the right thing to do. The company usually sees its demand taper in the early part of the year and making this change could help them reverse that trend and get more people to buy new iPhones. The Foldable Bet top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Apples first iPhone foldable version will be heavily relying on its rivals to come through unscathed. The company is going to need external help to make its first product in the segment, and that help could be from Samsung. According to Bloomberg, Samsung is going to offer the foldable display and other parts that will form a core part of the iPhone foldable version. The report also points out that Apple might have to go along with the existing foldable formula, which means the iPhone Fold could be similar to the design of the Galaxy Z Fold series from Samsung. Apple is likely to price its first foldable model over $2,000 (Rs 1,72,500 approx) which puts it in the premium but a reasonable segment. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google, Get latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: August 19, 2025, 07:35 IST News tech iPhone 18 Launch Likely To Be Cancelled In 2026: Heres What It Means For Buyers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE With New Design And ANC Unveiled: Price, Features Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 08:52 IST Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE comes without some of the premium features but it has ANC and Galaxy AI support. Samsung is bringing the new Galaxy Buds 3 FE model to more regions Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE earbuds are now official and these will be available from early next month in different regions. The Galaxy Buds 3 FE is the affordable version of the Buds 3 lineup that also includes the Buds 3 Pro model which features AirPods-like stem design. The Buds FE lineup was also introduced recently, and now Samsung is expanding its FE (or Fan Edition) earbuds catalogue with the Buds 3 FE added into the mix. The new Galaxy Buds 3 FE gets some features from the regular version but not all of them. Recommended Stories Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE Price Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE is priced at $149 in the USA and it will be coming to select regions from September 5, 2025 onwards. India is highly expected to be part of the first phase launch. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE: What It Offers The new Buds 3 FE comes in black and gray colour options, each bud weighs 5 grams while the charging case comes at 41 grams. It features 1-way dynamic driver along with 3 mics to help you receive calls and attend meetings hands-free. The LED lights are missing on the Buds 3 FE variant which should help with the lower pricing of the device. It supports Bluetooth 5.4 for connectivity and you can play AAC, SBC and SSC codec content through the earbuds. You will most likely need to enable ANC manually as the adaptive feature is reserved for the premium version. It will work with any Android phone running on version 11 or higher and has more than 1.5GB of memory. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Samsung is offering Galaxy AI interpreter support along with active noise cancellation supported on the Buds 3 FE. It gets IP54 rating for water resistance and these are only applicable for the earbuds and not the charging case. Samsung claims the 515mAh battery in the case and 53mAh unit within the earbuds can offer up to 30 hours of playback when the ANC is turned off, while the number drops to 24 hours when you regularly use ANC on the Buds 3 FE. About the Author S Aadeetya S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More S Aadeetya, Special Correspondent at News18 Tech, accidentally got into journalism 10 years ago, and since then, has been part of established media houses covering the latest trends in technology and helping fr... Read More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google, Get latest technology updates, including phone launches, gadget reviews, AI advancements. Stay informed with breaking tech news , expert insights, and trends from India and around the world . Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: August 19, 2025, 08:52 IST News tech Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE With New Design And ANC Unveiled: Price, Features Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... This Man Has Taken 12,000 First-Class Flights In 33 Years But Hasn't Paid A Dime Since 1990 Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: August 20, 2025, 08:41 IST Tom Stuker flew over 24 million miles using a lifetime pass, turning his fear of flying into fame. He has travelled more than 100 countries and even inspired a Hollywood film To date, Tom Stuker has taken over 12,000 flights, visited more than 100 countries, and flown to Australia over 300 times. (News18) Some people travel by train, others prefer their car or a bike, but one man took to the skies in a way no one else has. Meet Tom Stuker, the man who used a lifetime travel pass to fly 2.4 crore miles (24 million), the equivalent of travelling to the moon 50 times! This extraordinary feat has turned him into a legend at United Airlines, who now treats him like a VIP and rightly so. Recommended Stories From A Fear Of Flying To Ruling The Skies Tom Stuker, aged 71, hails from Nutley, New Jersey, USA. Professionally, a car dealership consultant and sales trainer, Tom initially had a crippling fear of flying. To calm his nerves before flights, he relied on prayer and rum. Once, on a short, delayed flight from Los Angeles to San Diego, he drank so much out of anxiety that he remained slumped in his seat for 20 minutes after landing, much to the amusement of fellow passengers. However, as he continued flying for work, his fear gradually faded. The 230,000 Decision That Changed Everything In 1990, United Airlines launched a remarkable offer: a lifetime, unlimited first-class travel pass for $290,000 (roughly around Rs 2.38 crore today). The pass granted unrestricted, first-class travel across the globe for life. While many ignored the offer, Tom Stuker didnt hesitate. That single decision completely changed the course of his life. Breaking Records In The Sky Tom quickly began to rack up the miles. By 2009, he became the first passenger to fly 10 million miles with United Airlines, a milestone that the airline celebrated in style. By 2018, hed doubled that, reaching 20 million miles, and by May 2024, he soared past 24 million miles. To date, Tom has taken over 12,000 flights, visited more than 100 countries, and flown to Australia over 300 times. In several years, he averaged more than 1 million miles annually. United Airlines Favourite Passenger More than just a frequent flyer, Tom became a brand ambassador for the airline. United Airlines honoured him by naming two aircraft after him, an exceptional tribute. Hes also known for his signature seat: 1B, a first-class front-row aisle seat, which he cheekily calls his second home. The airline regularly celebrated his milestones with parties in the sky", complete with decorated cabins, cake-cutting, and crew photo sessions. On landing, hed receive a VIP welcome in the lounge. Love At 5 Million Miles During his journeys, Tom met his wife while in Hawaii, shortly after surpassing the 5 million mile mark. Since their wedding, the couple has enjoyed over 120 honeymoons together, thanks to his unlimited travel perks. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Hollywood Took Note Tom Stukers incredible story even inspired the 2009 Hollywood film Up in the Air, starring George Clooney, who played a character based on him. While many dream of a life of travel, Tom Stuker has lived it, and made history along the way. Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google, News18's viral page features trending stories, videos , and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: August 19, 2025, 15:42 IST News viral This Man Has Taken 12,000 First-Class Flights In 33 Years But Hasn't Paid A Dime Since 1990 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... At Least 71 Killed In Afghanistan Bus Crash Involving Deported Migrants From Iran | Watch Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 20, 2025, 04:10 IST Initial investigations suggest that the crash was caused by the bus's excessive speed and negligence. Further details on the accident are expected as the investigation continues (X/Ahmadullah Muttaqi) A devastating road accident in Afghanistans western Herat province has claimed the lives of at least 71 people, with more injuries expected, according to a report by Reuters. The incident occurred on Tuesday when a passenger bus collided with a truck and a motorcycle on a major highway, local police confirmed. Authorities revealed that the bus was carrying recently deported Afghan migrants returning from Iran and was en route to the capital, Kabul. The migration follows a broader wave of deportations, as large numbers of Afghans have been forced out of Iran in recent months due to tightening border controls and immigration crackdowns. Recommended Stories Initial investigations suggest that the crash was caused by the buss excessive speed and negligence," though a full inquiry is still underway. Provincial government spokesman Ahmadullah Muttaqi shared footage of the tragic scene on X (formerly Twitter), showing the bus engulfed in flames. In his Arabic-language caption, he wrote, Firefighters arrived quickly at the scene, but unfortunately, they were unable to save the victims." Emergency responders could be seen battling the intense fire that followed the collision. He added, We will share the identities of the victims and the name of the province shortly." pic.twitter.com/cj3RhQc25H Ahmadullah Muttaqi | (@Ahmadmuttaqi01) August 19, 2025 An AFP report added further details, stating that the majority of those killed were passengers on the bus. In addition, two individuals in the truck and two on the motorcycle also lost their lives. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to Afghan authorities, more than 1.5 million Afghans have returned to the country from Iran and Pakistan since the beginning of this year. Many of them had fled Afghanistan over the past few decades to escape conflict and humanitarian crises. Further details on the accident are expected as the investigation continues. Location : Kabul, Afghanistan First Published: August 20, 2025, 04:10 IST News world At Least 71 Killed In Afghanistan Bus Crash Involving Deported Migrants From Iran | Watch Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Belgian Princess To Resume Harvard Studies After Trump Foreign Student Ban Halted Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 18:35 IST Princess Elisabeth of Belgium will continue her studies at Harvard after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration's ban on foreign students. Princess Elisabeth is the heir to the Belgian throne. Princess Elisabeth, the heir to the Belgian throne, will be able to continue her studies at Harvard University despite a US government attempt to block foreign students from attending the institution. The 23-year-old royal, who is studying for a masters degree in Public Policy, faced uncertainty after the Donald Trump administration sought to bar international students from entering the United States to study at Harvard and other universities. Xavier Baert, communications director for the Belgian Royal Palace, confirmed the development saying, I can confirm that, for now, all the conditions seem to be in place for the princess to continue her studies at Harvard." Recommended Stories Court Ruling Halts Trump Ban The concern arose in May when the Donald Trump administration announced the measure, prompting fears that the princess would be unable to resume her course. But in June, a federal judge issued an injunction blocking the administration from enforcing the ban. The ruling has been appealed though the block remains in effect as the new academic year begins on September 2. The administration has argued its policy was aimed at reforming what it called left-leaning and politicised elite universities, allegations strongly rejected by the institutions. Harvard, founded in 1636, counted nearly 6,800 international students in the last academic year, making up more than a quarter of its student body. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Who Is Princess Elisabeth? Princess Elisabeth is entering the second year of her two-year programme at Harvards Kennedy School of Government. Princess Elisabeth is first in line to succeed her father, King Philippe and will one day become Belgiums first queen regnant. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 19, 2025, 18:35 IST News world Belgian Princess To Resume Harvard Studies After Trump Foreign Student Ban Halted Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Budapest Tipped As Top Choice For Russia-Ukraine Peace Summit With Trump: Report Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 23:43 IST The US Secret Service has allegedly initiated logistical and security assessments in Budapest, signalling that the site is being seriously considered. Budapest's appeal for the summit extends beyond diplomacy (AP File) Following individual meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump has now begun preparations" for a trilateral summit aimed at negotiating an end to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. According to a report by Politico, which cited a source close to the White House, several venues are under consideration, with Hungarys capital, Budapest, emerging as the leading candidate. The US Secret Service has allegedly initiated logistical and security assessments in Budapest, signalling that the site is being seriously considered. Hungarys potential role as host is notable, given Prime Minister Viktor Orbans longstanding alliance with Trump, dating back to his first presidential term. Orban has also maintained cordial ties with the Kremlin, often diverging from broader EU policies on Russia, further positioning Hungary as a favourable location for Moscow. Recommended Stories Budapests appeal for the summit extends beyond diplomacy. According to an APT report, Hungarys recent withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in March 2025 provides Russian President Vladimir Putin with a key advantage, i.e., immunity from arrest under the ICCs warrant. The ICC issued an arrest order for Putin in March 2023, holding him responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children during the conflict. While ICC member states are legally obligated to detain individuals under indictment if they enter their territory, Hungarys withdrawal offers a legal loophole, ensuring Putins protection. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Despite the momentum building around Budapest, neither Trump nor Zelenskyy confirmed the date or venue for the summit during their meeting at the White House earlier this week. Alternate proposals have also been floated. During a recent meeting in Alaska, Putin proposed Moscow as a potential venue, while French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for Geneva, suggesting Switzerlands historical neutrality made it a suitable host. Switzerland has even offered diplomatic immunity to Putin for the purpose of peace talks, signalling its openness to facilitate negotiations. However, Budapest may be a politically sensitive choice for Ukraine. The city evokes painful memories of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, under which the US, UK, and Russia guaranteed Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity in exchange for giving up its nuclear arsenal. That agreement lost credibility when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, with signatories failing to provide military support to Ukraine in response. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 19, 2025, 23:43 IST News world Budapest Tipped As Top Choice For Russia-Ukraine Peace Summit With Trump: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi To Visit Pakistan After India Trip Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 16:35 IST The top Chinese diplomat will undertake a two-day visit beginning on August 21 to co-chair the 6th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. (Image: Reuters) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is on a three-day visit to India, will visit Pakistan on August 21 to attend the Pakistan-China strategic dialogue and hold meetings with the civil and military leadership to discuss bilateral ties as well as key regional and international developments. The top Chinese diplomat will undertake a two-day visit beginning on August 21, according to a statement released by Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during which he will review the current state of bilateral ties between the two countries and discuss key regional and international developments. Recommended Stories Wang is visiting the country at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and will co-chair the sixth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue, according to the statement. ALSO READ: Past Setbacks Not In Anyones Interests: Chinas Wang Yi To Ajit Doval During Key Border Talks The visit is part of the regular high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China to further deepen their All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, reaffirm support on the issues of respective core interests, enhance economic and trade cooperation, and reaffirm their joint commitment to regional peace, development and stability." Wangs visit to India came at a delicate moment as the two countries strive to overcome years of border tensions to reshape bilateral ties and revive suspended exchanges in the wake of a changing geopolitical environment led by US President Donald Trumps trade tariffs. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, Chinas close relationship with Pakistan has been a source of concern for India. The two countries have maintained close diplomatic, economic and military cooperation for decades. China is Pakistans chief defence supplier and has backed Islamabads claims on Kashmir. Wangs visit to Pakistan comes after a series of geopolitical developments, including the India-Pakistan conflict, the war between Israel and Iran, and an uptick in ties between Pakistan and the United States. China had maintained communication with both India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May, but the Indian Armed Forces later revealed that China was sending Pakistan information about Indias military assets. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international... Read More Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: August 19, 2025, 16:35 IST News world Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi To Visit Pakistan After India Trip Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'In-Depth Exchange Of Views': India, China Agree On Special Groups For Delimitation, Border Peace Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 23:56 IST The expert group will operate under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs NSA Ajit Doval with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting in New Delhi. (PTI photo) In a significant diplomatic development, India and China have agreed to set up two new groups to address the border issue, one to explore early harvest in boundary delimitation" and the other to maintain peace and tranquillity" in the border areas. The development comes after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval over the boundary issue on Tuesday. He also held talks with foreign minister S Jaishankar on Monday. Recommended Stories In a press note on Tuesday, the government said the talks were held in a positive and constructive spirit" under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both nations. As per the press note, an Expert Group will be formed under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to explore early outcomes in boundary delimitation. Alongside this, a Working Group will also be set up under the WMCC to improve border management and help maintain peace and calm in the region. In addition to forming the two groups, both sides held an in-depth exchange of views on the boundary issue. They agreed on the importance of approaching the matter with a broader political perspective, in line with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question. Key Takeaways From The Talks Political Perspective: Both sides underlined the need to take a long-term political view of the overall bilateral relationship while seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework" for settlement of the boundary issue, in line with the 2005 agreement. Expert Group On Delimitation: An Expert Group will be created under the WMCC to explore early harvest solutions in boundary delimitation. Working Group On Border Peace: A Working Group will also be set up under the WMCC to enhance border management and ensure peace and tranquillity along the border. General Level Mechanisms: New general level mechanisms will be established in the eastern and middle sectors of the border. This will add to the existing mechanism in the western sector. An early meeting of the western sector mechanism has also been agreed upon. Use Of Diplomatic And Military Channels: Both countries agreed to continue using diplomatic and military border management mechanisms to take the process forward and begin discussions on de-escalation, starting with principles and modalities". Both sides agreed to continue using existing communication and crisis management mechanisms, with plans to hold the next round of talks in China at a mutually convenient time". Wang Yis visit comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis expected trip to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. Relations between India and China had deteriorated following Chinese military actions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, which triggered a standoff beginning in April-May 2020. While some easing has occurred through troop disengagement at key friction points, tensions have persisted. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Ahead of the 2024 BRICS Summit, both countries agreed on patrolling arrangements along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, marking progress in easing tensions. In recent months, further steps have been taken to improve ties, with India stressing the importance of de-escalation along the LAC. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 22:46 IST News world 'In-Depth Exchange Of Views': India, China Agree On Special Groups For Delimitation, Border Peace Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Fatal Florida Crash By Illegal Immigrant Truck Driver Sparks Team Trump Vs California Governor Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 09:30 IST A semi-truck driver, who is an illegal immigrant, attempted a U-turn on the Florida turnpike, resulting in the trailer jackknifing and colliding with a minivan. The semi-truck driver, an illegal immigrant, was arrested on Saturday. The illegal immigrant truck driver accused of causing a crash that killed three people in Florida has become the latest flashpoint between the Donald Trump administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom. A semi-truck driver, who is an illegal immigrant, attempted a U-turn on the Florida turnpike, resulting in the trailer jackknifing and colliding with a minivan. Recommended Stories Following this, it turned out that the Sikh man was an Indian national, identified as Harjinder Singh, was issued a commercial drivers license by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), despite his illegal status. Following this, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted on X, How many more innocent people have to die before Gavin Newsom stops playing games with the safety of the American public?" DHS is working around the clock to protect the public and get these criminal illegal aliens out of America, it said. Three innocent people were killed in Florida because Gavin Newsoms California DMV issued an illegal alien a Commercial Drivers Licensethis state of governance is asinine.How many more innocent people have to die before Gavin Newsom stops playing games with the safety of the https://t.co/QrEMOsDnIL Homeland Security (@DHSgov) August 18, 2025 Reportedly, Newsoms office claimed that Singh entered the US when Trump was the President. Under Californias law, one gets a commercial drivers license only when they have a lawful presence in the country, Newsoms office said. Singh allegedly crossed the California border illegally in September 2018 and was arrested by Border Patrol. He was then processed for fast-track deportation, but he claimed fear of going back to India", after which he was released on a $5,000 immigration bond in January 2019 after being given a Notice to Appear. The man has remained in immigration proceedings ever since. Responding to this, the White House in a statement said, The illegal alien is an Indian national who was granted a commercial drivers license by the so-called sanctuary state of California, whose reckless policies put the lives of American citizens at risk every single day." Attacking Newsom, who has in the past clashed with the US President, the White House said, But instead of acknowledging the tragedy, criminal illegal alien sympathiser Gavin Newsom callously doubled down, claiming that giving drivers licenses to illegals improves public safety." Truck Drivers Illegal U-Turn Kills Three In Florida According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the semi-truck, which was towing a box trailer, was in the outer lane when it tried to do a U-turn into a section of the turnpike designated as official use only." According to the agency, the minivan, in the inside lane, was unable to avoid" the semi tractor-trailer as it crossed over all northbound travel lanes" to make the U-turn on the access road. The minivan crashed into the trailer and became jammed beneath its left side. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Singh was then arrested by US Marshals in California on Saturday and he is now facing deportation. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 19, 2025, 09:20 IST News world Fatal Florida Crash By Illegal Immigrant Truck Driver Sparks Team Trump Vs California Governor Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Finnish MP Dies By Suicide Inside Parliament Building Weeks After Revealing Health Battle Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 18:58 IST Peltonen, a first-term MP from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was confirmed dead around 11 am local time (8 am GMT) on Tuesday Finnish Member of Parliament Eemeli Peltonen. (Image via Insatgram/eemeli_peltonen) Finnish Member of Parliament Eemeli Peltonen has died by suicide inside the countrys parliament building, just weeks after publicly sharing details of his health struggles. He was 30 years old. Peltonen, a first-term MP from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was confirmed dead around 11 am local time (8 am GMT) on Tuesday. Emergency services were called to the scene at 11:06 am. The exact cause or manner of death has not been disclosed. Recommended Stories In a statement, the Finnish Parliament confirmed Peltonens death and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones. The person who passed away in the Parliament Building on the morning of August 19 is Eemeli Peltonen, a member of parliament in his first term," the statement read. Peltonen was elected to the Finnish Parliament in 2023. He served on the Administrative Committee and Legal Committee and was also a city councillor in Jarvenpaa, where he chaired the city board. His death comes just weeks after he revealed that he had been facing serious health issues. In June, Peltonen posted on social media that he was receiving treatment for kidney problems and had taken time off from his duties to rest at home, Daily Mail reported. He later shared that he had contracted a bacterial infection during treatment and had begun a course of intravenous antibiotics in hospital. To control the bacteria, I was started on an intravenous antibiotic course in [hospital], which will take time. At the same time, treatment for my kidney problems will continue," he wrote. Finnish police are investigating the incident but have said they do not suspect foul play. Tytti Tuppurainen, chair of the Social Democratic parliamentary group, said the news has left colleagues deeply shocked." He was a much-loved member of our community and we will miss him deeply," she said. A young life has ended far too soon. We share in the grief of his loved ones and wish them strength in their mourning." Finnish President Alexander Stubb also expressed his condolences, calling the news tragic" and offering support to Peltonens loved ones. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Finnish flag was flown at half-mast outside Parliament on Tuesday. MPs are currently on summer recess, with sessions due to resume on 2 September. (With inputs from AFP) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More Location : Finland First Published: August 19, 2025, 18:58 IST News world Finnish MP Dies By Suicide Inside Parliament Building Weeks After Revealing Health Battle Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Frank And Constructive': Putin And Trump Discuss 'Idea' Of Direct Russia-Ukraine Talks Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 07:25 IST Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was open to the "idea" of direct talks with Ukraine, as he spoke by phone with Trump, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said. US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin | AP Image President Donald Trump on Monday dialled his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and apprised him of the events unfolded in Washington, stating that he had a very good meeting" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in the Oval Office. Announcing a major development, Trump also stated that he had begun arranging a peace summit" between Ukraines Zelenskyy and Russias Putin, following intensive talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House. Recommended Stories While Trump met Zelenskyy in person on Monday, he talked to Putin over a phone call whom he met in Alaska last week. At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. The US President then said that he himself would then hold a three-way summit with the Ukrainian and Russian leaders. Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine," Trump wrote. Meanwhile, Putin told Trump that he was ready to meet Zelenskyy, AFP reported. It has been learnt that Trump had also discussed security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace deal with Russia, with Europe taking the lead and coordinating with Washington. Trump said earlier that Putin had agreed to Western security guarantees for Ukraine, despite the Russian leader ruling out Kyivs long-held dream of joining the NATO alliance. Heres What Russia Said Following Trumps major announcement, the Kremlin confirmed the telephonic conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump and stated that both leaders discussed the idea of raising the level of representatives" at Ukraine talks in a 40-minute call. The idea was discussed that it would be worthwhile to explore the possibility of raising the level of representatives from the Ukrainian and Russian sidesthat is, those representatives participating in the mentioned direct negotiations," Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said in audio remarks posted on the Kremlins Telegram channel. Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was open to the idea" of direct talks with Ukraine, as he spoke by phone with US counterpart Donald Trump, according to the TASS news agency. Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump expressed support for the continuation of direct negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine," Ushakov said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The conversation was frank and highly constructive in nature." Putin, during the call, highlighted the importance of the US leaders efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis and thanked Trump for his hospitality during his recent visit to Alaska and the progress achieved at the summit. About the Author Mahima Joshi Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian politics and a... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 19, 2025, 07:22 IST News world 'Frank And Constructive': Putin And Trump Discuss 'Idea' Of Direct Russia-Ukraine Talks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Putins Courage To Ukraines Security Guarantees: What Did EU Leaders Say Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 06:19 IST European leaders, many of whom participated in the White House discussions, shared their impressions with the media afterward. Trump hosts Zelenskyy Mondays meeting comes just days after President Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 (AFP Image) The high-level multilateral summit at the White House concluded Monday in Washington D.C., where US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders. The key focus of the meeting was to explore paths toward ending the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, now in its fourth year. Following his meeting with Trump, President Zelenskyy addressed the press at Lafayette Square, expressing cautious optimism about the future of negotiations. Issue of territory is an issue that we will leave between me and Putin," Zelenskyy said. He reiterated his willingness to engage directly with the Russian president, stating, I believe unconditionally we should meet and think about the further development of this path to the end of the war." He added that he is ready for any format" of a meeting with Putin. Recommended Stories European leaders, many of whom participated in the White House discussions, shared their impressions with the media afterward. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to meet with Zelenskyy within the next two weeks, a major development believed to have followed a private phone call between Trump and Putin during the summit. However, Merz added a note of skepticism, Well see if he has the courage to show up." On the subject of potential territorial concessions, Merz rejected any suggestion that Ukraine should cede land under pressure, The Russian demand that Kyiv give up the free parts of Donbas is, to put it in perspective, equivalent to the US having to give up Florida." He also stressed the importance of pan-European involvement in any long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, exiting via the West Wing, offered a brief but suggestive comment to CNN when asked what had been agreed during the talks, Quite a lot." Finnish President Alexander Stubb also weighed in on the proceedings, confirming that the decision to contact Putin was a combined effort among Western leaders. It was coordinated," he told CNN. He confirmed that Putin had agreed to a meeting with Zelenskyy, though he did not share specifics of the call between Trump and the Russian leader. On security guarantees for Ukraine, Stubb noted, There is nothing concrete" regarding US participation at this point. He also cast doubt on the Russian leaders sincerity, stating, He cannot be trusted. We will see if Putin has the courage to come to such a meeting." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed that the issue of territorial boundaries remains solely in Ukraines hands. Everybody is clear, that when it comes to territory, it is the Ukrainian president who has to discuss this in the trilateral and probably more conversations after that with Vladimir Putin from Russia," he told Fox News, describing the meeting as very successful." French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to journalists about the European role in maintaining peace on the ground. [We] will need to help Ukraine with boots on the ground," Macron said, adding that Russia may face strict actions" if it doesnt play ball." He expressed doubt over Moscows commitment to a peaceful resolution, Im not convinced Russia wants peace," Macron said, while stressing that a peace deal couldnt take weeks or months" to finalise. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who was specifically praised by President Trump for raising the issue of abducted Ukrainian children, wrote on X that human costs must not be overlooked. And that means every single Ukrainian child abducted by Russia must be returned to their families. I thank @POTUS for his clear commitment today to ensuring these children are reunited with their loved ones," she posted. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 19, 2025, 06:19 IST News world From Putins Courage To Ukraines Security Guarantees: What Did EU Leaders Say Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Japan To Participate In NATO-Led Security Guarantee Initiative For Ukraine Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 20, 2025, 03:15 IST The Japanese Prime Minister also commended President Trumps diplomatic efforts, praising his talks with both Zelenskyy and European leaders. In June 2024, Japan became the first non-NATO nation to sign a security agreement with Ukraine (Reuters) Japan has voiced strong support for Ukraine, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announcing on Tuesday that the country will participate in providing security guarantees to help prevent future Russian aggression. The comments were reported by Jiji Press following Ishibas briefing with reporters at the Prime Ministers Office in Tokyo. Well thoroughly discuss what our nation can and should do, including from the perspectives of laws and capabilities, and play an appropriate role," Ishiba said, signaling Japans intent to contribute to international efforts aimed at securing Ukraines sovereignty. Recommended Stories The announcement came just one day after US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders at the White House. The high-level meeting focused on advancing negotiations around the Russia-Ukraine conflict, exploring a potential trilateral summit between Putin, Zelenskyy, and Trump, and outlining frameworks for future security guarantees to Ukraine. President Trump stated during the talks that Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown signs of being open to the idea of granting security guarantees to Ukraine. However, Trump emphasised that the primary responsibility for upholding such guarantees would rest largely with European nations. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who also attended the Washington meeting, later told Fox News that a coalition of 30 countries, including Japan and Australia, has been working in recent months to develop a plan for providing these guarantees. Over the last couple of months a group of now 30 countries, including Japan and Australia, are working on this concept of security guarantees," Rutte said. Japan officially joined the coalition in March. While Ishiba confirmed Japans participation, he did not outline specific details, stating, Were not in the phase where we can provide details." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Japanese Prime Minister also commended President Trumps diplomatic efforts, praising his talks with both Zelenskyy and European leaders. He reiterated Japans position in support of a ceasefire and a just and lasting peace" for Ukraine. In parallel to its international diplomatic stance, Japan is also engaged in direct talks with Ukraine to expand bilateral cooperation. In June 2024, Japan became the first non-NATO nation to sign a security agreement with Ukraine. The 10-year pact includes commitments to continued humanitarian and non-lethal aid, as well as long-term support for Ukraines post-war reconstruction efforts. Location : Japan First Published: August 20, 2025, 03:15 IST News world Japan To Participate In NATO-Led Security Guarantee Initiative For Ukraine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Malaysian State To Jail Muslims Missing Friday Prayers, Citizens Say 'Becoming Taliban Soon' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 22:41 IST Terengganu, a Malaysian state, will enforce sharia law, imprisoning Muslim men for missing Friday prayers without valid reasons. Muslim men perform Friday prayer on the first Friday of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) Malaysias Terengganu state has announced it will fully enforce a sharia law allowing imprisonment of Muslim men for up to two years if they miss Friday prayers without a valid reason, a move critics say is a sharp tilt toward religious conservatism, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, citing Malaysian news outlets. The decision has provoked widespread concern online. Malaysian lawyer Azira Aziz argued it contradicts the Quranic principle that there is no compulsion in religion." No one disagrees that Friday prayers are wajib or obligatory, I just think its unnecessary to be codified as law as a crime/offence," she wrote on social media. Advocacy and awareness programmes wouldve been sufficient." Recommended Stories Others warned of the broader implications. We need voices of concern by all Malaysians, or else well be Taliban soon enough," wrote Ahmad Azhar, according to SCMP. Some stressed that legal coercion undermines genuine piety. Piety should come from the heart and not from fear of men," one online critic said. A few non-Muslim users urged restraint. Whether its a good or bad idea, let Muslims regulate and handle it," wrote Kenny Tan. We shouldnt comment on matters not of our religion, especially when it doesnt really concern us." Terengganu, governed by the Islamist Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), declared on Monday that first-time offenders could now face imprisonment, a fine of up to 3,000 ringgit (US$710), or both, if they fail to attend the weekly congregational Jummah prayer without a legitimate excuse. Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, a member of the state executive council, said in an interview with Malaysian news outlet Berita Harian: This reminder is important because Friday prayers are not only a religious symbol but also an expression of obedience among Muslims." Previously, only those who missed three consecutive Friday prayers were subject to penalties. Terengganu, with a population of 1.2 million, which is overwhelmingly Malay Muslim, is the only Malaysian state with no opposition in its legislative assembly. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In the 2022 elections, PAS won all 32 seats, giving the party a political monopoly it hopes to consolidate ahead of Malaysias next general election, due within two years. Islam is enshrined as Malaysias official state religion but at the same time, Malaysias pluralistic society is underpinned by secular principles. People online, according to the SCMP reported warned that moves like Terengganus could embolden Islamic hardliners. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia First Published: August 19, 2025, 22:41 IST News world Malaysian State To Jail Muslims Missing Friday Prayers, Citizens Say 'Becoming Taliban Soon' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Man Jailed Over Racist Death Threats To Former UK PM Rishi Sunak Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 21:40 IST Liam Shaw, 21, was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison and given a two-year restraining order for sending racist death threats to former UK PM Rishi Sunak while he was in office. A 21-year-old from Birkenhead pleaded guilty to sending racist and threatening emails to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and has been sentenced to 14 weeks in prison with a two-year restraining order. (IMAGE: REUTERS) A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 weeks in prison and slapped with a two-year restraining order for sending racist death threats to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in June last year, when he was still in office, news agency PTI said in a report. Liam Shaw, from Birkenhead in Merseyside, pleaded guilty to sending two threatening and offensive emails to Sunaks public parliamentary email address, the UK Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said. The emails were flagged by Sunaks personal assistant and reported to the police. Recommended Stories Authorities traced the messages, sent via a mobile phone, to Shaws email account and to a hostel in Birkenhead where he was staying. He was arrested on September 3, 2024. When confronted with the allegations, Shaw said, I dont even remember sending an email. I was probably drunk." He was taken to a Liverpool police station and interviewed but remained silent, according to the CPS. He was charged with two counts of sending, via a public communication network, an offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing message. Liam Shaw took to his phone that night to send racist and threatening messages to a person in an extremely important public office," said Matthew Dixon, Senior Crown Prosecutor at CPS Mersey Cheshire. Racist abuse has no place, anywhere, in this day and age." Shaw appeared last month at Liverpool Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to both charges. He was sentenced last Wednesday to 14 weeks in prison for both counts, to run concurrently, with the sentence suspended for 12 months under strict conditions. He must also complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity and a six-month drug rehabilitation programme. Direct access to your constituency MP is a cornerstone of democracy. Misusing that access is detrimental to the democratic process. Clearly, it is a highly aggravating factor for the offence," District Judge Timothy Boswell said during sentencing. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The court also imposed a two-year restraining order, barring Shaw from contacting Sunak or his constituency office. The work of members of Parliament is extremely important and the police and the Crown Prosecution Service play their part in keeping them safe and able to do their work without fear. The Crown Prosecution Service has always, and will continue to, safeguard a persons right to freedom of expression," Dixon added. But this is clearly a case where the comments made were utterly beyond the boundary of what is tolerable in a fair, just and multi-racial society, and passed into the realm of criminality." About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: August 19, 2025, 21:40 IST News world Man Jailed Over Racist Death Threats To Former UK PM Rishi Sunak Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Meta Faces Probe Over AI Sensual Chats With Children: 'All For A Quick Buck' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 16:26 IST A leaked document suggested that Meta's AI might engage in inappropriate chats with kids. Meta has denied this claim. The Meta logo is seen. (Image: Reuters) A US senator opened an investigation into Meta after a leaked internal document reportedly suggested the companys artificial intelligence (AI) systems could engage in sensual" and romantic" conversations with children. The document, titled GenAI: Content Risk Standards and obtained by Reuters, set out rules and examples for how the tech giants AI chatbots might respond to users. Republican Senator Josh Hawley described the revelations as reprehensible and outrageous" and requested Meta to hand over the document along with a list of products it covers. Political Backlash Recommended Stories US Senator Josh Hawley, who represents Missouri, announced his probe in a post on X as he wrote, Is there anything- ANYTHING- Big Tech wont do for a quick buck? Now we learn Metas chatbots were programmed to carry on explicit and sensual talk with 8-year-olds. Its sick. Im launching a full investigation to get answers. Big Tech: leave our kids alone." A Meta spokesperson rejected the claims, telling BBC, The examples and notes in question were and are erroneous and inconsistent with our policies, and have been removed." Meta insisted it has clear policies" prohibiting any sexualisation of children or sexualised role play between adults and minors. The spokesperson added that staff had produced hundreds of examples, notes, and annotations" as they worked through hypothetical scenarios but that these did not reflect the companys official stance. Wider Concerns Raised top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has been under scrutiny for its approach to child safety for several years. The leaked document also reportedly warned of other risks, including chatbots offering false medical information and engaging in provocative exchanges on sensitive topics such as sex, race and celebrities. One example cited by Reuters suggested an AI assistant could describe an eight-year-olds body as a work of art a masterpiece- a treasure I cherish deeply". Reuters also reported that Metas legal team had deemed it acceptable for the AI to spread false information about celebrities, provided it was accompanied by a disclaimer noting the information was inaccurate. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 19, 2025, 16:26 IST News world Meta Faces Probe Over AI Sensual Chats With Children: 'All For A Quick Buck' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'NATO Spirit, Minus Membership': Indian Sources Assess Trump's Meet With Zelenskyy, European Leaders Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 17:28 IST While Ukraine has long sought NATO membership, the American proposal points towards a parallel arrangement similar in spirit to NATOs Article 5, but without formal accession. Trump and Zelenskyy with European Leaders | Image: AP India closely followed the high-level discussions in Washington, where US President Donald Trump, European leaders, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met to explore security guarantees for Kyiv, top diplomatic sources have told CNN-News18. While Ukraine has long sought NATO membership, the latest American proposal points towards a parallel arrangement similar in spirit to NATOs Article 5, but without formal accession. According to Indian assessments, President Trump privately conveyed to French President Emmanuel Macron that Washington could extend a US-led security framework promising immediate support in case of fresh Russian aggression. However, this framework would not invoke NATOs collective defence clause, thereby avoiding a direct provocation of Moscow. Recommended Stories European capitals, especially Paris and Berlin, appear more inclined towards a collective security clause" signed by the US, EU, and the UK. Such an arrangement, officials explain, would create a binding guarantee of joint action military, financial, or logistical should Russia mount another offensive. The idea is to assure Ukraine of protection while not crossing Moscows stated red lines on NATO enlargement," one source said. A variant floated in discussions suggested deploying American and European engineers and technicians non-combatants on Ukrainian soil, under the assumption that their presence would deter Russian escalation. Indian diplomats, however, assess this proposal as vague and difficult to operationalise. Sources reveal that President Trump also warned European leaders that if a viable pact is not reached within weeks, Washington is prepared with a fresh sanctions package against Russia. The measures would target oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft and restrict Russias financial operations in global energy markets. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, France and Germany have advanced the idea of stationing a European peacekeeping force of up to 5,000 soldiers inside Ukraine. Trump, however, reportedly advised them to wait," arguing that premature deployment could escalate tensions. The show of unity in Washington was prompted at the request of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who urged that the presence of all European and American leaders alongside Zelenskyy would signal deterrence to Moscow. The Five Eyes intelligence alliance has separately pledged to continue providing Ukraine with top-grade intelligence inputs. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: August 19, 2025, 17:28 IST News world 'NATO Spirit, Minus Membership': Indian Sources Assess Trump's Meet With Zelenskyy, European Leaders Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'No Change In Position On Taiwan': India Rebuts Chinese Claims Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 20:48 IST A Chinese statement insinuated that external affairs minister S Jaishankar had acknowledged Taiwan as a part of China during his meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi Wang Yi's visit came days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned trip to China. (Photo:X/@DrSJaishankar) A day after Beijing claimed that India had reaffirmed that Taiwan is a part of China, the Indian government said that there has been no change in New Delhis position on Taiwan. The Chinese statement, which was released in an official English readout, insinuated that external affairs minister S Jaishankar had acknowledged Taiwan as a part of China during his meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. This claim immediately triggered speculation due to the highly sensitive geopolitical dynamics of the Taiwan Strait. Despite the official Chinese foreign ministry release, the Indian government quickly pushed back on the assertion. The ministry of external affairs said that there is no change in Indias long-standing, nuanced stance on Taiwan. It stressed that, like many other countries around the world, India maintains a relationship with Taiwan that is focused on economic, technological, and cultural ties, and that these ties are intended to continue. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories According to sources, during the India-China foreign ministers meeting on Monday, when Wang Yi urged India not to deal with Taiwan, Jaishankar argued that China itself was dealing in the same areas that we in India were. So how is that possible?" This retort underscored Indias intent to continue its robust, albeit unofficial, engagement with Taipei without being dictated by Beijings foreign policy demands, said sources. India seeks to stabilise its relationship with China following recent border tensions while simultaneously expanding its strategic and economic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. At the meeting with Wang, Jaishankar had highlighted that the two countries faced a difficult period" and now seek to move forward with ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit China at the end of the month for the Heads of States Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in the city of Tianjin. About the Author Siddhant Mishra Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively on crime, ... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 17:13 IST News world 'No Change In Position On Taiwan': India Rebuts Chinese Claims Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Show Of Unity, Security Talks And More Meetings: Key Takeaways From Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 08:25 IST The White House meeting came shortly after Trumps summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which ended without securing a ceasefire. Trump and Zelenskyy with European Leaders | Image: AP Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned to the White House on Monday for talks with US President Donald Trump, as efforts continued to halt the conflict with Russia. The meeting came shortly after Trumps summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which ended without securing a ceasefire. Recommended Stories Speaking after the high-level session, which included European leaders, NATO officials and Zelenskyy, Trump said steps were being taken to arrange a direct meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents. He described the effort as a very good, early step" toward ending the nearly four-year-old conflict. Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine," Trump said. Trump said he called Putin after Mondays talks. I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy," he said. The Kremlin later confirmed the call, saying Putin thanked Trump for the hospitality and discussions during the Alaska summit. Russian news outlets reported the phone conversation lasted 40 minutes, with both leaders supporting continued direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations. Trump said the first meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin would be followed by a three-way session. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," he said. Trump-Zelenskyy Talks: Key Takeaways Security Guarantees Discussed During the White House meeting, Trump said discussions focused on security guarantees for Ukraine to be provided by European nations, with US involvement. He did not outline specifics but suggested Washingtons role could extend beyond political support. The president said Europe was the first line of defence," but added, Well be involved. Well give them good protection." When asked whether US guarantees might include American troops, Trump did not rule it out. Trump also noted that during last weeks Alaska summit, Putin had agreed that any peace deal must include security guarantees for Ukraine. At a news conference later in the day, Zelenskyy said the guarantees would include a $90 billion arms package from the United States. He said the deal covered aviation systems, anti-missile systems, and other things I will not disclose." Show Of Unity The Washington talks also served as a show of unity among European leaders, many of whom expressed support for Trump despite ongoing disputes over trade and tariffs. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, addressing Trump, said: Dear Donald, if we play this well, we could end it." In an interview later with Fox News, Rutte described Trump as amazing" and said territorial concessions by Ukraine were not discussed. First, we need full clarity on security guidelines," he added, noting that while Ukraine is not a NATO member, similar protections could be extended. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the meetings produced real progress" and a real sense of unity." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added that all parties were working together toward a just and lasting peace." Land Swaps In the days leading up to the meetings, Trump repeatedly suggested that land swaps" would need to be part of the discussion first during his Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin, and later in Washington with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On Monday, as he welcomed European leaders to the East Room of the White House, Trump departed from his usual style and read from prepared remarks. We also need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory, taking into consideration the current line of contact," Trump said. That means the war zone, the war lines that are pretty obvious." The comments fueled concern that Trump would pressure Ukraine into conceding land in order to secure a peace deal. By the close of the talks, however, it appeared Washington was leaving the issue for Kyiv and Moscow to address directly in their bilateral negotiations. Zelenskyys Gratitude The atmosphere in the Oval Office on Monday stood in sharp contrast to six months ago, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticised Zelenskyy for not showing enough gratitude for US military aid. During that earlier visit, Trump even welcomed a conservative reporters question about why Zelenskyy was not dressed in a suit. This time, Ukraines leader arrived in a black shirt and a blazer. The same reporter who questioned his attire before offered a compliment instead: You look fabulous." Trump quickly added, I said the same thing." Pointing to the journalist, Trump reminded Zelenskyy: Thats the one that attacked you last time." Zelenskyy nodded and joked in reply: You are in the same suit. I changed. You did not," drawing laughter from the room. Zelenskyy is most often seen in a hoodie or T-shirt, an outfit symbolising solidarity with Ukrainian troops at the front. But mindful of the tense reception during his February visit, he struck a warmer tone on Monday, offering multiple expressions of thanks within minutes of the meeting. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Back in February, Zelenskyy had been openly rebuked by Vance for what US officials viewed as insufficient appreciation. On Monday, wearing a dark suit instead of his usual military-style clothing, he avoided a repeat of that moment. Trump acknowledged the difference, remarking that his guest was all dressed up today." About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: August 19, 2025, 08:25 IST News world Show Of Unity, Security Talks And More Meetings: Key Takeaways From Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Sure, I'll Meet Him': Putin Tells Trump He Is Ready For Zelenskyy Talks, Proposes Moscow As Venue Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 20:22 IST US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Putin's willingness to meet Zelenskyy is significant, as dialogue was absent for three and a half years during a stalemated war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a working session during a summit on the conflict in Ukraine at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Russian President Vladimir Putins willingness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marks a big deal," stressing that even without an immediate peace deal, direct talks are a significant shift after more than three years of a stalemated war. But just the fact that Putin is saying, sure, Ill meet with Zelenskyy thats a big deal. I mean, Im not saying theyre going to leave that room best friends. Im not saying theyre going to leave that room with a peace deal. But I think the fact that people are now talking to each other, this wasnt happening for three and a half years. This was a stalemated war of death and destruction," Rubio said in an interview with Jesse Watters on Jesse Watters Primetime on Fox News. Recommended Stories When asked by Watters if he was in the room when President Trump spoke to Vladimir Putin, Rubio replied: I was, I was. And in that conversation, what came from it is that the President suggested that Zelenskyy and Putin meet, so were working on that now to try to set that up for them to meet somewhere, which, again, would be unprecedented. And then if that goes well, hopefully the next meeting will be a meeting between Presidents Putin, Trump, and Zelenskyy, where we hope to finalize a deal. Were not there yet, but thats what were aiming towards and thats one of the things that was discussed today, is how to get to that point." Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said US President Donald Trump and his team have taken a much deeper approach" to resolving the Ukraine crisis, shortly after the Alaska summit. Lavrov also accused NATO of repeatedly breaking its commitments not to expand eastward. There have been five waves of NATO expansion since these promises were made," he said, adding that the alliances actions undermined trust and escalated tensions in the region. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailed US President Donald Trumps commitment to security guarantees for Ukraine as a breakthrough," saying it marked progress toward both a just peace in Ukraine and greater security in Europe. He said these outcomes also strengthened the push for a possible meeting between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin. Starmer later shared a video on X, writing, Good talks with leaders in D.C. yesterday. We achieved two important outcomes that move us closer to a just peace in Ukraine and greater security in Europe." About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 19, 2025, 16:15 IST News world 'Sure, I'll Meet Him': Putin Tells Trump He Is Ready For Zelenskyy Talks, Proposes Moscow As Venue Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Switzerland Offers 'Immunity' To Putin If Chosen To Host Russia-Ukraine Peace Summit Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 20, 2025, 01:55 IST The proposed peace summit would bring together Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and US President Donald Trump. The ICC issued arrest warrants against Vladimir Putin in March 2023 (Image Credit: Reuters) Switzerland has officially expressed its interest in hosting the proposed trilateral meeting as part of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine peace talks. On Tuesday, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis released a statement confirming the countrys willingness to serve as the summits venue, while also guaranteeing immunity" to Russian President Vladimir Putin from the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, reported Reuters. The proposed peace summit would bring together Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and US President Donald Trump. Although the date and location have not yet been finalised, multiple venues across Europe are being considered. According to reports, the US Secret Service is currently assessing security arrangements in Budapest, Hungary, making it one of the top contenders. However, Switzerland has now formally offered to host the meeting in Geneva. Recommended Stories We have always signalled our willingness, but it naturally depends on the will of the major powers," said Cassis. The Swiss government has also addressed the legal implications surrounding President Putins visit. The ICC issued arrest warrants against him in March 2023 over alleged war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict. Geneva has proposed to grant Putin immunity if he enters Swiss territory for the purpose of attending peace talks. Budapest remains another potential venue. Hungary, having withdrawn from the ICC earlier this year, also offers a safe legal environment for Putin to attend the summit without fear of arrest. It is still unclear which location will ultimately be selected for the high-stakes meeting. French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly endorsed Geneva as the venue, citing Switzerlands long-standing reputation as a neutral host for diplomatic negotiations. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani also supported the idea, stating that Geneva could be the right venue." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As locations continue to be discussed, the Kremlin has not yet formally confirmed Putins willingness to meet with Zelenskyy. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Tuesday, Any contacts involving top officials must be prepared with the utmost care." However, according to several European Union representatives who were present at Mondays meeting at the White House, President Putin has agreed in principle to meet Zelenskyy within the next two weeks. While the exact date and venue remain undecided, the officials confirmed that Putin has accepted the proposal for a trilateral summit. Location : Switzerland First Published: August 20, 2025, 01:55 IST News world Switzerland Offers 'Immunity' To Putin If Chosen To Host Russia-Ukraine Peace Summit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting, Then Trilateral: Trump's Big Announcement After White House Meet Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 07:30 IST Donald Trump held a meeting with Zelenskyy and European leaders and said that he dialled Putin and "began arrangements for a meeting". Trump says he brokered a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy (Reuters Image) In a massive announcement after the White House Summit on Monday, President Donald Trump said that he dialled his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and began arrangements for a meeting" with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Though he did not name the location where the proposed meeting would take place, the President said that the place is yet to be determined. Recommended Stories Trump wants the Putin-Zelenskyy meeting to take place by the end of August, Axios reported. Trump Achieves Putin-Zelenskyy Breakthrough Once the Putin-Zelenskyy bilateral meeting takes place, that will be followed up by a trilateral, in which Trump will also be a participant, he said. At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," Trump posted on Truth Social. He described the latest development as an early step" to conclude the war that has killed thousands so far. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine," Trump wrote. According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy will take place within the next two weeks. Later, Zelenskyy signalled hes open to having a trilateral meeting with Trump and Putin to negotiate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. Trumps White House Summit Trump hosted a Summit with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and other European leaders at the White House on Monday. Several leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, UK PM Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, visited Washington DC to press Trump over security guarantees for Ukraine and the whole of Europe. They held a closed-door meeting with the US President. Several media reports claimed during the meeting that Trump paused the meeting with the leaders to dial Putin. However, Trump said on social media that he spoke with the Russian President after the conclusion of his meetings something he said earlier in the day he would do. Russia Reacts To Trumps Announcements Putins aide Ushakov gave a briefing as Trump met Zelenskyy and European leaders. He confirmed a call between the two leaders and said that Trump briefed Putin on talks with Zelenskyy and other leaders at the White House on the 40-minute call. Both Trump and Putin backed direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Ushakov said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Putin and Trump called for continuing direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations. The two leaders discussed the idea of increasing the level of direct Russia-Ukraine talks," Putins aide said. Trump and Putin had met in Alaska on August 15, where they discussed the Ukraine war in an over 3-hour-long meeting. At a joint press meet, Putin had proposed Moscow as the venue for the next such meeting. About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 03:52 IST News world Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting, Then Trilateral: Trump's Big Announcement After White House Meet Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Says Putin 'Tired' Of Ukraine War But May Resist Peace Deal: 'You Never Know' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 19:12 IST Donald Trump said he hopes Vladimir Putin will end Ukraine war while acknowledging that the Russian President may not want a deal. Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump (Image Credit: Reuters) US President Donald Trump said he hopes Russian President Vladimir Putin will be good" and move towards ending the war in Ukraine, while acknowledging that it is possible the Kremlin leader does not want a deal. Talking to Fox News, Donald Trump said, I dont think its going to be a problem, to be honest with you. I think Putin is tired of it. I think theyre all tired of it, but you never know." The remarks came a day after Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders at the White House to discuss peace efforts. The meeting followed his summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week. Recommended Stories Will There Be Direct Talks Between Putin And Zelenskyy? Donald Trump said he had spoken to Vladimir Putin about arranging a one-on-one meeting between the Russian leader and Zelenskyy, to be followed by trilateral talks that would include himself. He said, Were going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks Its possible that he doesnt want to make a deal." Donald Trump suggested that ties between Moscow and Kyiv might be improving, saying he would not have encouraged a direct meeting otherwise. Read more: Trump Rules Out Ukraines NATO Entry, Says European Nations Will Frontload Security I hope President Putin is going to be good, and if hes not, its going to be a rough situation. And I hope that President Zelenskyy will do what he has to do. He has to show some flexibility also," he said. What Trump Said On Security Guarantees To Ukraine? top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The US president also addressed questions about possible security guarantees for Ukraine, which Kyiv and its allies have said should form part of any eventual settlement. Donald Trump ruled out sending American troops but said the US could provide other forms of support. He said, Therell be some form of security. It cant be NATO. Theyre willing to put people on the ground. Were willing to help them with things, especially, probably, by air." Asked what assurances he could give that US forces would not be deployed on Ukraines borders, Donald Trump replied, You have my assurance. You know, Im president." Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 19, 2025, 19:10 IST News world Trump Says Putin 'Tired' Of Ukraine War But May Resist Peace Deal: 'You Never Know' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Vows No Troops In Ukraine; Starmer Says Talks Of UK Deploying Soldiers Premature Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 21:13 IST President Trump assured no US soldiers will be sent to Ukraine, urging European allies like France, Germany, and the UK to provide security. Starmer said it's too early to commit. US President Donald Trump talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer next to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as they walk during a meeting, amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President Donald Trump said Washington will not deploy soldiers to Ukraine as part of any potential security guarantees for Kyiv, putting the responsibility on European allies. You have my assurance and Im President," Trump told US broadcaster Fox News on Tuesday, hours after his meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders. Therell be some kind of security. It cant be NATO. But there will be no boots on the ground." Recommended Stories The US President added that France, Germany and the UK were willing to frontload" security guarantees, which could include deploying their own troops. Weve got the European nations, theyll frontload it they want to have boots on the ground," he said. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, however, said it was too early to say whether the UK would commit troops. Its premature to determine that at this stage," Starmer told UK broadcaster Sky News, while stressing that the UK will play our part." Trumps comments followed a high-level meeting in Washington on August 18 with Zelenskyy and European allies to discuss security assurances for Ukraine. After the meeting, Trump said on Truth Social that he had also spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin arrangements for a potential meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. He said the talks marked a very good, early step for a war that has been going on for almost four years." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Pressed on whether Americans could be assured that US troops would not patrol Ukraines front line, Trump repeated: You have my assurance Im just trying to stop people from being killed." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who also attended the Washington talks, said the issue of sending US or European troops was not discussed during the meeting. That will be part of discussions which will now start," he told Fox News, adding that efforts are underway to reach the next stage of understanding" on security guarantees. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Location : London/Washington DC First Published: August 19, 2025, 21:13 IST News world Trump Vows No Troops In Ukraine; Starmer Says Talks Of UK Deploying Soldiers Premature Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ukraine Proposes $100B Arms, $50B Drone Deal To Win US Security Guarantees: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 12:19 IST The proposals were circulated among European partners ahead of President Volodymyr Zelenskyys scheduled talks at the White House with President Donald Trump Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting in Washington: Trump hosts Zelenskyy and other European leaders at White House (Reuters Image) Ukraine proposed a sweeping defence package worth $100 billion for US weapons, to be funded by Europe, as part of its push for long-term American security guarantees once a peace accord with Russia is reached, according to reports. A Financial Times report, citing a document, stated that Kyiv also proposed a separate $50 billion deal with US companies for joint drone production. Recommended Stories Ukraine will promise to buy USD 100 billion of US weapons financed by Europe," the document says, according to the report. In return, Kyiv demanded firm US security guarantees as part of the post-peace deal. The proposals were circulated among European partners ahead of President Volodymyr Zelenskyys scheduled talks at the White House with President Donald Trump, according to four people familiar with the matter. During the high-profile White House summit attended by Zelenskyy and several European allies, just days after the Alaska talks, Trump assured the Ukrainian President that Washington would play a role in guaranteeing Ukraines security under any eventual peace settlement with Russia. However, the details of the commitment remain unclear. On the other side, Ukrainian officials have also not provided a detailed list of the weapons under negotiation, but they have repeatedly stressed the need for at least 10 US-made Patriot air defence systems to safeguard cities and vital infrastructure, along with additional missile systems and other equipment. The proposed $50 billion drone partnership with American firms also lacks clarity, with no specifics on how funds would be divided between purchases and investment. However, Kyiv views the plan as a crucial step in boosting its domestic defence sector through collaboration with Washington. Meanwhile, Trump said on Monday that decisions on a potential ceasefire and the status of Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russia should be settled directly in talks between the two leaders of the warring nations. The White House discussions, which also included European allies, took place shortly after Trumps summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin at a U.S. military base in Alaska. At that meeting, Trump appeared sympathetic to Moscows insistence that Kyiv make territorial concessions, with Russia now holding about 20 per cent of Ukrainian land. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Were going to let the president go over and talk to the president and well see how that works out," Trump said during his talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders. Both Trump and Zelenskyy also voiced optimism about the possibility of three-way negotiations involving Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv. About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: August 19, 2025, 07:15 IST News world Ukraine Proposes $100B Arms, $50B Drone Deal To Win US Security Guarantees: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... White House Press Sec Slams Media Coverage Against Trump On Russia-UkraineTalks Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: August 20, 2025, 00:54 IST Leavitt accused several left-leaning media outlets of deliberately downplaying or misrepresenting the administrations efforts. The press secretary also clarified the purpose of the Alaska meeting (X/Rapid Response) The White House held a media briefing on Tuesday, during which Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed developments in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine peace talks. She also used the opportunity to defend US President Donald Trump, who has taken center stage in efforts to mediate an end to the conflict between the two nations. Leavitt opened her remarks by commending the presidents recent diplomatic engagements. What weve witnessed President Trump accomplish over the last few days is nothing short of remarkable," she stated. She went on to criticise what she described as negative and downright false coverage of President Trump and his foreign policy accomplishments," referring specifically to recent media reporting on the presidents involvement in the peace process. Recommended Stories Leavitt accused several left-leaning media outlets of deliberately downplaying or misrepresenting the administrations efforts. She said such outlets have been rooting against President Trump" and portraying his outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a negative light. One of the specific criticisms addressed involved Trumps decision to formally welcome Putin during a recent diplomatic engagement. Leavitt defended the gesture, saying it followed standard diplomatic protocol, and added that the president would have done the same for any world leader. The press secretary also clarified the purpose of the Alaska meeting between Trump and Putin, which some reports claimed produced no substantial outcomes. Leavitt stated that the meeting had been framed in advance as a listening exercise" for President Trump, with no expectations of immediate agreements or deliverables. .@PressSec SHREDS the Fake News for their lies about negotiations with Russia and Ukraine: From the beginning of this entire process, much of the left-wing media has been actively rooting against the President of the United States and the pursuit of peace." pic.twitter.com/0fj1YyTWMD Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 19, 2025 During the briefing, Leavitt also addressed questions regarding the potential deployment of US troops to Ukraine. She reiterated the administrations position by stating, The President has definitively stated US boots will NOT be on the ground in Ukraine, but we can certainly help in the coordination and perhaps provide other means of security guarantees to our European allies." Following the media session, Vice President JD Vance expressed support for Leavitt on social media, writing, Karoline Leavitt lighting the American media up for lying about our negotiations with Russia and Ukraine." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Karoline Leavitt lighting the American media up for lying about our negotiations with Russia and Ukraine. JD Vance (@JDVance) August 19, 2025 Meanwhile, President Trump has confirmed that preparations are underway for a potential trilateral summit involving both Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Although no agreement has been finalised, the administration continues its efforts to bring both parties to the table for direct talks aimed at ending the conflict. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: August 20, 2025, 00:54 IST News world White House Press Sec Slams Media Coverage Against Trump On Russia-UkraineTalks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... You Look Fabulous: Reporters Compliment Sparks Zelenskyy Joke At White House, Trump Joins In Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 09:58 IST When he returned to Washington in August 2025, Ukraine President Zelenskyy surprised observers by appearing in a tailored black suit, unlike his last meeting with Trump. Trump also expressed readiness to support broader European security guarantees for Ukraine (X/White House) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is used to answering tough questions on war, aid, and diplomacy. But one particular reporter in the United States keeps circling back to a lighter subject: his wardrobe. Back in February 2025, during a visit to the Oval Office, Brian Glenn, known to be a conservative journalist, asked Zelenskyy why he never dressed in a formal suit. Do you even own one," Glenn asked, pointing to the presidents familiar olive-green polo and cargo pants. Recommended Stories Zelenskyy, unfazed, fired back with a grin, Ill wear a costume after this war ends. May be something like yours. Or may be something cheaper." His use of the word costume" instead of suit" gave the reply an extra comic punch in English, though it was a straightforward translation from Ukrainian. For Zelenskyy, the casual, military-inspired look has long been a statement. Since the war with Russia began in 2022, he has deliberately avoided business attire, signaling solidarity with soldiers and reinforcing that Ukraine remains on a war footing. The decision is as much political symbolism as personal style. When he returned to Washington in August 2025, however, Zelenskyy surprised observers by appearing in a tailored black suit, a nod to White House protocol. This time, the very same reporter who once mocked his attire gushed, President Zelenskyy, you look fabulous in that suit." US President Donald Trump added, I said the same thing," and pointing to the journalist, he also quipped, thats the one that attacked you last time." Zelenskyy seized the moment for a gentle jab: I remember. Youre still in the same suit. I changed, you didnt." .@brianglenntv: President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit."President Trump: I said the same thingthats the one that attacked you last time." President Zelensky: I remember." https://t.co/GqxHRzkVag pic.twitter.com/f6kty4fh7s CSPAN (@cspan) August 18, 2025 The room erupted in laughter, including Trump, underscoring how what began as a pointed question, has turned into a running gag. The Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, in what has been described as their most cordial encounter yet. Joined by a delegation of European leaders including those from France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Finland, the European Commission, and NATO the discussions centered on forging a path toward peace through robust security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump announced that he had initiated arrangements for a direct meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a potential prelude to a trilateral summit including himself. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While Europeans pressed for a ceasefire as a precondition, Trump signaled support for Ukraine with an emphasis on very good protection," stopping short of committing US troops or formal NATO membership Zelenskyy praised the positive tone of the talks and thanked Trump for sending a strong signal" of Western unity a About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More First Published: August 19, 2025, 09:57 IST News world You Look Fabulous: Reporters Compliment Sparks Zelenskyy Joke At White House, Trump Joins In Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Weapons, Intelligence... Everything': Zelenskyy On Security Guarantees He Needs From US Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: August 19, 2025, 07:26 IST Zelenskyy said he requires everything from the US in security guarantees, including weapons, training, intelligence, and a strong army, to reach a war-ending deal. Donald Trump welcomes Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in Washington (Photo: AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday said he needs everything" on the security guarantees from the United States when it comes to making a deal to stop the war. Following his meeting with the US President and European leaders, Zelenskyy also said that security guarantees for Kyiv will likely be worked out within 10 days. Recommended Stories On a question of what guarantees does Zelenskyy need from Donald Trump to be able to make a deal, like American troops, intelligence, equipment, and so on, the Ukrainian President said, Everything". It is everything, really. It includes two parts, a strong Ukrainian army that I began to discuss with your colleagues," he told the reporter. Its a lot about weapons, people, training missions, and intelligence. And second, we will discuss with our partners," he continued. He added that a part of the security guarantees for Ukraine is a package of US weapons, which primarily includes aircraft, air defence systems," among others. There indeed is a package with our proposals worth $90 billion," Zelenskyy said. Security guarantees will probably be unpacked by our partners, and more and more details will emerge. All of this will somehow be formalised on paper within the next week to 10 days," he said at a broadcast press briefing after his meetings. On Monday, Trump told Zelenskyy that the United States would help guarantee Ukraines security in any deal to end Russias war there. It is important that the United States is sending a clear signal that it will be among the countries helping to coordinate and will also be a participant in the security guarantees for Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. I believe this is a major step forward," he added. The Ukrainian President also said his Monday meeting with Trump was his best" so far, and that Ukraine was ready to meet with Russia in any format". He said territorial issues would be discussed on a bilateral level with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but no dates for a possible meeting with Moscow have been scheduled yet. The question of territories is something we will leave between me and Putin," Zelenskyy said. ALSO READ | Putin And Trump Discuss Idea Of Direct Russia-Ukraine Talks top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: August 19, 2025, 07:04 IST News world 'Weapons, Intelligence... Everything': Zelenskyy On Security Guarantees He Needs From US Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Was this a HIT? And, if so, why? That is the big question after seven armed men pounced at businessman Joseph Mutangaduras 13-roomed farm house and shot him dead on Sunday night. Mutangadura was 67. Polie have initially described the gang as armed robbers. However, questions arose yesterday that if, indeed, they were armed robbers, they would have stolen cash, and other valuables, at the farm. Interestingly, the only thing they stole, according to sources, was a cellphone, which is worth just US$10. Mutangaduras wife, Patience, was left unconscious and rushed to Parirenyatwa. Mutangadura was hit several times in the stomach and on his chest. The couple, which had divorced, reunited recently. The two reunited on June 15. The tragedy has left the closely-knit Mutangadura community in shock. This incident has left us with more questions, said one of the family members, who preferred anonymity. What is disturbing is that the gang was not after the money but the life of Joseph. The gang was reported to have asked about the description of Mutangadura from a security guard before they gained entry into his bedroom. Mutangadura asked the gang to let him lead them to an abattoir, where there was cash, but they decided to shoot him dead. Patiences cellphone was taken by investigating police officers, at least, according to a close relative. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the case. The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating cases of murder and robbery, which occurred at a farm along Dustain Road, Ruwa, popularly known as Mutangadura Hideout, on 17th August 2025 at around 2300 hours, where a businessman, Mutangadura Joseph, was shot dead during a suspected robbery incident. Seven unknown suspects, who were armed with unidentified pistols, claw bars and hammers, while covering their faces with balaclavas, pounced at the business premises where they attacked the security guard who was securing the premises. They tied his hands with shoe laces and took him to the victims house, where they broke into the house through the door, using metal bars. The suspects forced the security guard and the victims son to lie down in the dining room while proceeding to the room where the victim was sleeping with his wife. The suspects shot the victim on the stomach and ransacked the house before leaving. The victim and his wife, who were both unconscious, were rushed to Eden Hospital, Windsor, Ruwa, where the victim was pronounced dead upon arrival The details and value of the stolen property is yet to be verified, said Comm Nyathi. H Metro Rose Hammond pushed authorities for years to lower the 55mph speed limit on a two-lane road that passes her assisted living community, a church, two schools, and a busy park. "What are you waiting for, somebody to get killed?" the 85-year-old chided officials in northwest Ohio. Amid growing public pressure, Sylvania Township asked county engineers in March to analyze whether Mitchaw Road's posted speed is too high. The surprising answer: Technically, it's 5mph too low. As the AP reports, the reason dates back to studies on rural roads from the 1930s and 1940s that still play an outsized role in the way speed limits are set across the USeven in urban areas. Born from that research was a widely accepted concept known as the 85% rule, which suggests a road's posted speed should be tied to the 15th-fastest vehicle out of every 100 traveling it in free-flowing traffic, rounded to the nearest 5mph increment. But after decades of closely following the rule, some stateswith a nudge from the federal governmentare seeking to modify if not replace it when setting guidelines for how local engineers should decide what speed limit to post. The concept assumes that a road's safest speed is the one most vehicles travel. If drivers think the speed limit should be raised, they can simply step on the gas and "vote with their feet," as an old brochure from the Institute of Transportation Engineers once put it. "The problem with this approach is it creates this feedback loop," said Jenny O'Connell of the National Association of City Transportation Officials. "People speed, and then the speed limits will be ratcheted up to match that speed." The association developed an alternative to the 85% rule known as "City Limits," which aims to minimize the risk of injuries by setting the speed limit based on a formula that factors in a street's activity level and the likelihood of conflicts, such as collisions. The report points out the 85% rule is based on dated research and that "these historic roads are a far cry from the vibrant streets and arterials that typify city streets today." story continues below Amid a recent spike in road deaths, the Federal Highway Administration sent a message to states that the 85% rule isn't actually a rule at all. In its first update since 2009 to a manual that establishes national guidelines for traffic signs, the agency clarified that communities should also consider such things as how the road is used, the risk to pedestrians, and the frequency of crashes. Leah Shahum, who directs the Vision Zero Network, a nonprofit advocating for street safety, said she wishes the manual had gone further. "The 85th percentile should not be the Holy Grail or the Bible, and yet over and over again it is accepted as that," Shahum said. Much more here. Director Quentin Tarantino has said his 10th film will be his lastbut that film will definitely not be The Movie Critic. Tarantino planned to direct his script of that name after initially considering it for a TV series, but in pre-production, realized he wouldn't be expanding much on his skillset. That's because his main challenge with Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood"How are we going to turn Los Angeles into the Hollywood of 1969 without using CGI?"was the same one presented with The Movie Critic, set in 1977. "I already kind of knew, more or less, how to turn LA into an older time," he said on the "Church of Tarantino" podcast, per Variety. "It was too much like the last one." Maine's moose population peaked at about 100,000 a quarter century ago, but it's down to between 60,000 and 70,000 today. The culprit behind the decline isn't man, at least not directly, explains Down East magazine. Instead, it's a villain no bigger than a sesame seed: the winter tick. The story focuses on the efforts of Lee Kantar, the state's first dedicated moose biologist, to help the moose survive, and it's a grim business. Winter ticks latch onto moose by the tens of thousands in fall and stay all winter. Calves are hit the hardestso drained by blood loss and energy spent scratching that many don't survive their first year. "Moose severely infested with winter ticks are sometimes called 'ghost moose' by scientists, because in rubbing against trees and rocks trying to get the parasites off, they scrape off all their fur," writes Jesse Ellison. The Texas measles outbreak that has sickened 762 people since late January is over, state health officials said Monday. Health officials have not confirmed a new case in the affected counties in more than 42 days, passing the threshold used to declare measles outbreaks over. The last outbreak-related case in Texas was on July 1, according to state data. Two young Texas children died of the virus earlier this year, and 100 people were hospitalized throughout the outbreak. The cases were linked to outbreaks in Canada and Mexico and jumped to other states in the US. The US is having its worst year for measles in more than three decades, with 1,356 cases as of Aug. 5. Nationwide, childhood vaccination rates against the virus are declining as more parents claim exemptions from school requirements. West Texas was the nation's measles epicenter for months. The virus started spreading there in close-knit, undervaccinated Mennonite communities in Gaines County. State officials say they will keep monitoring for new cases. Before the outbreak, measles cases had become so uncommon that most doctors in the state had never seen one, said Department of State Health Services Commissioner Jennifer Shuford. She credited testing, vaccination, monitoring and education with helping to end the outbreak. "I want to highlight the tireless work of the public health professionals across the state who contributed to the containment of one of the most contagious viruses," Shuford said in a statement. Measles causes a rash and respiratory symptoms that can lead to severe complications or death. It is prevented by the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, which is recommended for children before they start school. House Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday accused California Democrats of orchestrating an "illegal power grab" by redrawing their state's congressional map and pledged to marshal all available Republican resources to stop the plan in its tracks. "Democrats across the nation have played politics with redistricting for decades, and this is just the latest example," the GOP speaker posted on X, the Hill reports. "Republicans who are following state and federal laws will not be lectured by people who abused the system." Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of Crown Prince Haakon, is facing a lengthy list of criminal charges, including four counts of rape, Norwegian prosecutors announced on Monday. Hoiby, 28, who doesn't hold a royal title or a place in the line of succession, is accused of 32 offenses ranging from sexual assault and domestic violence to illegally filming women without their consent, per the Guardian . The allegations also include harassment of police, as well as traffic violations and unspecified death threats, reports the AP . According to authorities, the rape charges involve four women, with incidents occurring between 2018 and last November. Prosecutors say the alleged assaults happened after consensual sex, while the women were asleep, and that Hoiby is accused of recording the incidents on video. The case first surfaced in June, when police charged Hoiby with 23 offenses, including three counts of rape, before the case was referred to state prosecutors. If convicted of the most serious charges, Hoiby could face up to 10 years in prison. His legal team says he denies all sexual abuse charges and most of the violence-related accusations, pledging to provide a full account in court. Per CBS News, Hoiby put out a public statement just days after his arrest in August of last year claiming he'd acted "under the influence of alcohol and cocaine after an argument," after suffering from "mental troubles" and "for a long time with substance abuse." story continues below The state prosecutor emphasized that Hoiby's royal family connections wouldn't influence the handling of the case. The Norwegian royal court has declined to comment beyond stating that the matter will be decided in court. Hoiby's trial is expected to begin early next year and could last about six weeks. The late President Jimmy Carter will be honored with a commemorative Forever stamp on what would have been his 101st birthday, the AP reports. The US Postal Service will release the stamp for purchase on Oct. 1 in Atlanta. The postage features a 1982 portrait of the nation's 39th president by painter Herbert E. Abrams. The stamp art was unveiled Saturday at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains. Carter, the longest-lived US president, died Dec. 29, 2024. "The stamp program celebrates the best in American culture, places and people, and it is difficult to consider a more fitting honoree than former President Jimmy Carter," Peter Pastre, the Postal Service's government relations and public policy vice president, said in a statement. The oil-on-linen painting that is the basis for the stamp was a life study Abrams painted of Carter while he sat for the artist. It was used in preparation for Carter's official White House portrait that Abrams also painted. Abrams, who spent part of his life in Connecticut, kept his commission secret as he traveled three times to Georgia to meet with Carter, according to Connecticut Humanities. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp. Maxis revealed on Monday that it is partnering with China Mobile International (CMI) to launch CMLink, its new mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) business in Malaysia. CMLink is CMIs first MVNO venture in Malaysia and its sixth launch of the CMLink brand worldwide, following launches in the UK, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and Italy. Apart from offering 4G and 5G services via Maxis network, CMLink will also offer features such as multiple numbers for a single SIM card and data sharing services between China and Malaysia. CMI said the latter will be targeted at students and professionals living in and traveling to Malaysia. Maxis said in a statement on Monday that the MVNO partnership was formalised last week during the 2025 China Mobile SEA Cooperation Conference in Kuala Lumpur. The partnership also follows an MoU signed by Maxis and CMI in August 2024 to collaborate on exploring and developing private 5G applications and solutions for enterprises, to include private 5G networks, 5G consultation and applications, smart park solutions, advancements in AI, and joint research and development projects. U Mobile signed a cooperation agreement with CMI the same month to explore ways to advance 5G connectivity, including commercial 5G models, B2B solutions and enhanced roaming infrastructure for seamless cross border 5G connectivity. Irish novelist Sally Rooney faces possible arrest under the UK's Terrorism Act after pledging to donate her book royalties to Palestine Action, a group recently listed as a terrorist organization in the country. Rooney, known for bestsellers like Normal People, said she will continue to support the organization as well as "direct action against genocide" however she can, the Guardian reports. The group was labeled a terrorist organization last month, following a high-profile break-in at an RAF base by activists, the BBC reports. Legal experts warn Rooney could be arrested under the Terrorism Act if she follows through, or even if she publicly expresses support for the groupsuch as at a UK book festival. Rooney criticized the UK government's clampdown on protest in an Irish Times piece, and she had previously addressed the RAF break-in, noting that activists "knew, of course, that their actions were illegal. From the suffragettes to the gay rights movement to the anti-apartheid struggle, genuine political resistance has always involved intentional law-breaking." The prime minister's office stopped short of commenting directly on Rooney but reiterated that supporting a proscribed group is a criminal offense, and urged people to steer clear of donations. More than 700 arrests related to Palestine Action have been made since it was listed as a terror group in July, including at a peaceful protest in London. Legal observers argue the move is heavy-handed, with one calling the situation a "shameful attack on free speech." Another warned that even the BBC could face legal trouble for paying Rooney royalties for adapations of her books, given her stated intentions. In yet another shake-up at the Pentagon, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin will retire earlybecoming the latest senior military leader ousted during President Trump's second term, the Washington Post reports. Allvin will leave in early November, stepping down two years into a four-year term. The announcement, made by the Air Force on Monday, comes amid a series of high-profile military exits under new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The statement said Allvin will remain in his post until a successor is confirmed by the Senate. Sources familiar with the decision say Allvin was asked to retire, with Pentagon leadership signaling a desire for new direction. While Allvin was allowed to announce his own departure, insiders made clear the move was not voluntary. The Pentagon and Air Force declined to comment on the specifics. A source who spoke to the Post said officials have been frustrated with how Allvin has overseen preparations for potential security concerns regarding China, but a source who spoke to Politico indicated surprise that Allvin, who has supported Trump's military reforms, was forced out. Other early departures among senior military leaders since Trump's return to office, including top brass at the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy, Coast Guard, and Cyber Command, as well as the Air Force's own vice chief of staff. The firingsaffecting both prominent and less-visible generalshave unsettled many in the military establishment, where continuity at the top has long been prized. story continues below Gen. Thomas Bussiere, currently overseeing the Air Force's global nuclear force, is seen as a leading candidate to succeed Allvin after being nominated as vice chief of staff in July. Bussiere recently played a key role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the US strike on Iranian nuclear sites, which the Trump administration has hailed as a major success. Air Canada has resumed talks with the labor union representing 10,000 of the airline's flight attendants, who remain on strike despite a government order to return to work . The Monday night development came not long after Canadian Union of Public Employees president Mark Hancock doubled down on the union's decision to defy the Canada Industrial Relations Board's ruling that the strike is illegal, saying at a press conference Monday, per the BBC , that the union is willing to accept whatever sanctions may come. "If it means folks like me going to jail, then so be it," he said. "If it means our union being fined, then so be it." The talks are the first the airline has held with the union since the strike began last weekend, the AP reports. Reuters says the two sides had not been in discussions even longer than that, and these talks are the first in almost a week. Meanwhile, about 130,000 travelers per day continue to be affected, as Air Canada has canceled at least 1,219 domestic flights and 1,339 international flights since last Thursday. Passengers reported being left stranded, forced to pay for extra lodging, and scrambling to book on other airlines amid the peak of the summer travel season. "I, for one, will never fly Air Canada again," says one. "I'll take a boat if I have to." Intel just scored a $2 billion lifeline from Japan's SoftBank, giving the struggling chip giant a bump at a time when the US government is considering taking an even bigger swing by snapping up 10% of the company. SoftBank's purchase amounts to about 87 million shares, at $23 eacha slight markdown from Monday's closeand hands the Japanese conglomerate a 2% stake, placing it as Intel's sixth largest shareholder, per the Wall Street Journal . The announcement sent Intel's stock jumping more than 5% in after-hours trading, reports the BBC . "Semiconductors are the foundation of every industry," SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son said in a statement, per the AP. "This strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will further expand in the United States, with Intel playing a critical role." The government's interest is part of a broader push to shore up American chipmaking. Washington is mulling whether to transform part of Intel's promised $8 billion in Chips Act fundingintended for new plants in Ohio and elsewhereinto an equity stake, which would make the feds one of the firm's top owners. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is reportedly looking for ways to turn those taxpayer dollars into something with more staying power for both Intel and the government. Intel has been bleeding cash, however, reporting a $2.9 billion loss in Q2, and lawmakers have been irked by delays on its Ohio project. CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who's now facing scrutiny over his China connections, has admitted the company has been "too slow to adapt." story continues below Meanwhile, President Trump has made his presence felt, pushing for Tan's resignation and hashing out the possible government stake in person with Tan just last week. SoftBank's move follows its earlier pledge to pour $100 billion into US projects, a nod to the current administration's appetite for private industry partnerships. Bryan Kohberger developed a reputation for being sexist and creepy while attending a criminal justice program in the months before he killed four University of Idaho students in 2022, fellow grad students told investigators, per the AP . His behavior was so problematic that one Washington State University faculty member told co-workers that if he ever became a professor, he would likely stalk or sexually abuse his future students, according to newly released documents. "He is smart enough that in four years we will have to give him a PhD," the woman told her colleagues, urging them to cut Kohberger's funding to remove him from the program, according to the report from Idaho State Police Detective Ryan O'Harra. Summaries of the interviews with WSU students and instructors were included among more than 550 pages of investigation documents released by Idaho State Police last week in response to public record requests. The WSU faculty member told investigators that Kohberger would sometimes go into an office where several female grad students worked, physically blocking the door. She believed Kohberger was stalking people. She told police that someone had reportedly broken into a female graduate student's apartment in September or October, stealing perfume and underwear. An unnamed PhD student who was in the same program as Kohberger told police that he enjoyed conflict, was disparaging toward women and that he especially liked to talk about sexual burglaryhis field of study. Some people in the department thought he was a possible future rapist and speculated that he might be an "incel," she told the officer. About three weeks after the murders, Kohberger told the PhD student that whoever had committed the crimes "must have been pretty good," according to a report. According to People, Kohberger was the only student in the class to support the death penalty, and once said the "victim's family should have a say as to whether or not the death penalty is imposed"an opportunity not given to the families of his four victims. Alabama has scheduled an October execution by nitrogen gas for an inmate who has an ongoing lawsuit challenging the new method as unconstitutionally cruel. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday set an Oct. 23 execution date for Anthony Boyd. Boyd, 53, is one of four men convicted in the 1993 killing in Talladega of Gregory Huguley, who prosecutors say was burned to death after he failed to pay for $200 worth of cocaine, per the AP . Boyd's lawsuit challenges the use of nitrogen gas as unconstitutionally cruel, suggesting a firing squad, hanging, or medical aid-in-dying as better alternatives. A federal judge has scheduled a Sept. 4 hearing in the case. Alabama began using nitrogen gas last year to carry out some executions. The method uses a gas mask to replace breathable air with pure nitrogen gas, causing the inmate to die from hypoxia, or lack of oxygen. Alabama has used nitrogen to carry out five executions and has another planned in September. In 2018, Boyd selected nitrogen as his preferred execution method, but at the time the state hadn't developed procedures for using it. Lawyers for Boyd filed a federal lawsuit in Julyabout a month after the state began asking for his execution dateseeking to prevent the state from executing him with nitrogen. They cited descriptions of how other inmates shook on the gurney while being executed with nitrogen gas. "Each prisoner previously executed by the State's Protocol showed signs of conscious suffocation, terror, and pain," lawyers for Boyd wrote in the lawsuit. The Rev. Jeff Hood, a spiritual adviser who witnessed the first nitrogen execution and is now working with Boyd, said Monday that he was "horrified" by what he saw at that execution, which he described as being "suffocated to death." The Alabama attorney general's office has urged a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing there's "substantial evidence that nitrogen hypoxia is a painless way to die." The state argued that the described movements in previous executions were either inmates actively resisting or "involuntary movements associated with dying." A Texas inmate convicted of family violence assault and evading arrest was accidentally released just as he was about to begin serving his sentence for the crimes. Troy Dugas, 36, had been at the Harris County Jail since Aug. 14 on other charges, which were ultimately dismissed, after which he ended up released on Aug. 17, KHOU reports. He had previously been sentenced to a total of seven years for the aforementioned crimes in other counties, but apparently his prison sentence had not been properly documented in his file, USA Today reports. The Harris County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to report any sightings by calling 911. You might think Monica Lewinsky and Amanda Knox have little in common. But when the former White House intern turned anti-bullying advocate began considering options for a TV deal following her involvement in Impeachment: American Crime Story, she thought of the similarities between her story and Knox's account of being wrongfully convicted of murder in a foreign country. Here was "another young woman who had suffered in the media, had been feasted on, on the world stage," Lewinsky, executive producer of the Hulu's The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox , tells ABC News . So she teamed up with Knox to help reclaim the narrative. Knox, who also serves as executive producer on the upcoming eight-part limited series, notes "we were both interrogated" and "viciously turned into caricatures of ourselves in the media." That background fueled the women's desire to tell Knox's story not just to the point of acquittal, but beyond. "It's anchored in the long consequences of the trauma and how a person rebuilds their lifeand their faith in humanityby taking risks," Knox tells the Hollywood Reporter. "I've spent years feeling like I was silenced," she adds. "It's a relief to finally be heard." "I hope that what people take away from this is seeing what happens to people when the headlines quiet down, when you're with your family, trying to find a way forward, figuring out who you are now," Lewinsky tells the Reporter. "People forget there are actual human beings behind all these headlines. With some of that understanding, maybe it won't happenor happen as badlyto the next person." Knox is portrayed by Grace Van Patten in the series, the first two parts of which will be out Wednesday. Subsequent episodes will be released weekly until Oct. 1. A luxury home along Manhattan's "stable row" that once housed painter Mark Rothko is up for grabs, with an asking price of $9.5 million. "This carriage house on East 69th Street is a rare offering with significant cultural and architectural history," Jennifer Henson of the Stein Team, which is in charge of selling the property, tells Galerie of the Romanesque Revival abode built in 1884 by German-American architect William Schickel. The 50-foot-wide five-bedroom, four-bath property at East 69th Street "evokes the sensibility of a loft within the context of a classic carriage house," featuring a formal dining room, tearoom, "dramatic" atrium, and private elevator that goes to all levels of the home, even the garage, per Sotheby's . American financier James Stillman originally commissioned the home, which he used as a pad for his kids' equestrian training before Rothko eventually took it over in the '60s to use as his studio. It was here that the painter created 14 pieces that are now exhibited at the Rothko Chapel in Houston. Henson notes that in the 1950s, before Rothko moved in, the residence was used as a sound studioElvis Presley even rerecorded part of his film Love Me Tender there. The New York Post notes one "catch" with whoever scoops up this prime "Gilded Age" piece of real estate: The property is split in two, with a duplex inhabited by a private party (the ones doing the selling) and the other part of the structure housing a Japanese nonprofit tea society, which isn't interested in selling at the moment. The two entities made an unusual arrangement when they bought the property that, 50 years from that point, if both parties didn't want to keep the building, they'd have to sell it. That deadline is 12 years from now, at which point the Japanese firm would be forced to sellthough listing broker Jeremy Stein notes the property "will be worth a lot more at that time." There's no shortage of Maine Democrats looking to unseat Susan Collins, the state's stalwart moderate Republican senator. Graham Platner, a 40-year-old veteran of both the Army and Marines, has entered Maine's Democratic primary with hopes of foiling Collins' 2026 reelection bid, reports NBC News . Platner, who served four combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and now works as an oyster farmer in Sullivan, Maine, is centering his campaign on universal health care, affordable housing, and pulling the US out of foreign conflicts. He's something of an outlier, reports Politico , never having run for office before. "When I joined the Marine Corps, I joined up because I really, truly believed in the American project," says Platner, per NBC. "I wanted to fight for something I loved and that I thought was good in Iraq and Afghanistan. I watched both failed policies, failed strategies, failed tactics being used over and over and over again." Platner's bid complicates a primary that was widely seen as party efforts to circle the wagons around Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, notes Politico, though she hasn't yet announced a run. Platner joins a Democratic field that already includes Jordan Wood, a former congressional chief of staff, and David Costello, who previously ran against independent Sen. Angus King. Rep. Jared Golden has ruled out a bid. Democrats see Collins' seat as their best pickup opportunity in the next Senate cycle, as they need to flip at least four seats to claim a majority. Though Maine has leaned Democratic in recent presidential elections, Collins has consistently defied those trends, most recently beating her Democratic challenger by 8 points in 2020. She remains the only Republican senator representing a state that voted for Kamala Harris in 2024. Apple is reportedly ramping up iPhone production at five factories in India as part of its ongoing strategy to reduce reliance on China-based manufacturing. According to Bloomberg, the company is shifting US-bound devices away from Chinese facilities, with all four iPhone 17 models now being assembled in India ahead of their expected launch next month. Apple has accelerated efforts in recent years to diversify its supply chain, driven by US tariffs and government pressure to reduce dependence on China. Market research firm Canalys estimated that 76% of iPhones manufactured in India are shipped to the US in anticipation of potential trade restrictions. The company has also pledged to invest more than US$600 billion into the US to strengthen domestic manufacturing. It's about as warm a welcome as Switzerland can muster for Vladimir Putin should he travel there for peace talks: We won't arrest you. The nation's foreign minister said the Swiss would grant immunity to Putin, who Politico notes has been the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant since 2023. The warrant accuses Putin of alleged war crimes during its invasion of Ukraine, per Reuters . Geneva has been floated as the site of a possible meeting between Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, with French President Emanuel Macron and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani among those behind the idea. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said Switzerland was "ready for such a meeting," adding that it would host "despite the arrest warrant against Putin because of our special role and Geneva's role as the European headquarters of the UN." If talks between Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky, and President Trump come to pass, the White House is leaning toward Hungary as the host nation, reports Politico. The hypothetical summit would be presided over by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a staunch Trump ally. The White House hasn't confirmed, but Politico quotes two sources saying the Hungarian capital of Budapest is fast emerging as the first choice. A man convicted of abducting a woman from a Florida Panhandle insurance office and killing her received a lethal injection Tuesday evening in the state's 10th execution this year. Kayle Bates, 67, was pronounced dead at 6:17pm following a three-drug injection at Florida State Prison near Starke under a death warrant signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, the AP reports. The execution extended Florida's record for total executions in a single year, and two more are planned in the next month. Bates was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted sexual battery in the June 14, 1982, killing of Janet White in Bay County in the Florida Panhandle. The woman's husband, Randy White, was one of the witnesses to Tuesday's execution. According to court documents, Bates abducted Janet White from the insurance office where she worked, took her into woods behind the building, attempted to rape her, fatally stabbed her, and tore a diamond ring from her finger. Attorneys for Bates had filed appeals with the Florida Supreme Court and the US Supreme Court, as well as a federal lawsuit claiming DeSantis' process for signing death warrants was discriminatory. The lawsuit was recently dismissed by a judge. The Florida Supreme Court recently denied Bates' pending claims, including arguments that evidence of organic brain damage had been inadequately considered during his second penalty phase. The court responded that Bates has had three decades to raise these claims. And the US Supreme Court rejected Bates' last appeal Tuesday. Veterans groups had been pressing for a reprieve, per USA Today; Bates was a former Florida National Guardsman. He became the fourth veteran executed in Florida this year. "We can never be a veteran friendly state when our leader is signing off on their deaths at the hands of the State," said a letter to DeSantis that was signed by 130 veterans. Fairbanks, AK (99701) Today Rain showers early with overcast skies later in the day. High near 65F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 52F. Winds light and variable. OSAKA, Aug 19 (News On Japan) - A fire broke out in a building in Osakas Dotonbori district on Monday morning and was largely extinguished by shortly before 1 p.m., but two firefighters lost their lives while battling the blaze. Flames burst through the buildings windows as thick black smoke rose into the sky. Around 9:50 a.m., police received a report from an employee at a nearby shop in Chuo Wards Soemoncho area saying, Theres a fire. The blaze spread to an adjacent structure, engulfing both a five-story and a seven-story building. A woman working at a nearby restaurant said, There was suddenly a huge booming explosion, and then flames shot up right after. A man working in another restaurant nearby added, Smoke filled the place and fire was coming out from insideI was shocked. The scene, a popular tourist spot near Ebisu Bridge often crowded with international visitors, was quickly sealed off by police, causing confusion in the area. One office worker recalled, Fire trucks and ambulances kept arriving one after another, with sirens nonstop. The black smoke was intense, so I thought it must be a major fire. According to police and fire officials, 63 fire vehicles were mobilized. After nearly three hours of firefighting, the blaze was almost extinguished by early afternoon. The fire also sent a woman in her 20s, who was in a nearby restaurant, to the hospital after inhaling smoke. Five male firefighters were also transported for treatment. Among them, fire commander Takashi Mori, 55, and firefighter Kosei Nagatomo, 22, both from the Naniwa Fire Department, were confirmed dead. Authorities said the two had been trapped inside the building during operations. They were later found on the sixth floor and rescued by fellow firefighters, but their lives could not be saved. Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama of Osaka said, It is truly heartbreaking that firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty. I pray for their souls and will work to strengthen firefighting capabilities and prevent such tragedies in the future. Police and fire authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze and the circumstances at the time. Source: TBS State-owned Telkom Indonesia said on Monday it is set to carry out repairs on a damaged subsea cable that has disrupted internet connectivity in South and Central Papua since Saturday. According to a report from the official Antara news agency, the repair will be implemented in two phases, with the first carrying out a temporary fix, while the second will be permanent. Under the first phase, Telkom will send a vessel sent from Makassar Port to assess the cable's condition and the location of the break, after which new cables will be loaded, tested and reconnected. Telkom Regional V executive VP Amin Soebagyo told Antara that internet communications in South and Central Papua should return to normal for after the first phase, which should be completed during the first week of September. That said, the second phase will cause temporary service disruptions on the first day of permanent repairs, and again during the last two days. Telkom expects all repairs to be completed by the third week of September, the report said. No reason has been given for the cause of the break. The report also didnt specify which subsea system was damaged. However, Telkom owns the SMPCS Packet-2 system that runs along the north, west and south coasts of Papua and has been in service since 2015. The only other subsea system connecting South and Central Papua is Palapa Ring East, which was completed by Palapa Timur Telematika, a subsidiary of fixed broadband provider Mora Telematika Indonesia (Moratelindo), in 2019. OKINAWA, Aug 19 (News On Japan) - A dangerous fish known to occasionally attack people was spotted in the port of Kunigami Village, Okinawa, sparking warnings after video of the sighting spread widely on social media. The fish, with a black body, yellow markings, and glaring white eyes that give it an angry expression, was identified as a titan triggerfish, or gomamongara. A witness who filmed the encounter said, "I noticed a big fish, and when I looked closer, I realized it was a gomamongara, so I quickly recorded it." The video, once posted online, was viewed more than 21.9 million times. On social media, divers described it as "scarier than sharks" and shared accounts of nearly drowning after being attacked. Footage from diving sites shows the fish charging relentlessly at divers and even biting their fins. Experts say the aggression stems from its breeding behavior. According to Masayuki Ishibashi, an aquarium staff member at the Shimonoseki Marine Science Museum Kaikyokan, "From spring to summer, during the breeding season, they become highly territorial and aggressive. Their thick, sturdy teeth allow them to bite through hard objects." In Japan, the fish inhabits seas south of the Kanto region. Ishibashi advised that if encountered, "the best approach is to observe it from a distance and avoid provoking it." Source: FNN Customers may book and fly with confidence MONTREAL, Aug. 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Air Canada said it will gradually restart its operations today after reaching a mediated agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) through a process overseen by a mutually agreed-to mediator, William Kaplan. Mediation discussions were begun on the basis that the union commit to have the airline's 10,000 flight attendants immediately return to work, allowing the airline to resume the operations of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, which have been grounded since August 16. Air Canada (CNW Group/Air Canada) "The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers. We deeply regret and apologize for the impact on them of this labour disruption. Our priority now is to get them moving as quickly as possible. Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking. Full restoration may require a week or more, so we ask for our customers' patience and understanding over the coming days. I assure them that everyone at Air Canada is doing everything possible to enable them to travel soon," said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada. The first flights are scheduled for the evening of August 19, but customers are advised that the airline's return to full, regular service may require seven-to-ten days as aircraft and crew are out of position. During this process, some flights will be cancelled over the next seven to ten days until the schedule is stabilized. Only customers with confirmed bookings whose flights are shown as operating should go to the airport (check your flight's status on aircanada.com or on the Air Canada mobile app before going to the airport). Air Canada will offer options to those with cancelled flights, including obtaining a full refund or receiving a credit for future travel. The carrier will also offer to rebook customers on other airlines, although capacity is currently limited due to the peak summer travel season. As is customary, Air Canada will not comment on the agreement until the ratification process is complete. During any ratification or under the binding arbitration process, a strike or lockout is not possible, meaning customers can plan, book and travel with Air Canada with certainty. About Air Canada Air Canada is Canada's largest airline, the country's flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada's Aeroplan program is Canada's premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world's largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental partners. Through Air Canada Vacations, it offers more travel choices than any other Canadian tour operator to hundreds of destinations worldwide, with a wide selection of hotels, flights, cruises, day tours, and car rentals. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada's passenger and freighter aircraft. Air Canada's climate-related ambition includes a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. For additional information, please see Air Canada's TCFD disclosure. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OTCQX in the US. Internet: aircanada.com/media Read our annual report Here Sign up for Air Canada news: aircanada.com Media Resources: Photos Videos B-Roll Articles SOURCE Air Canada Contacts: [email protected] STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Aug. 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Today in Stockholm, Roshel, one of the world's leading manufacturers of advanced armoured vehicles, and Swedish steel producer Swebor, internationally recognized for its expertise in advanced alloyed and ballistic steels, signed a strategic partnership agreement to establish Canada's first facility dedicated to production of ballistic-grade steel. Roshel Production Facility in Brampton, Ontario (CNW Group/Roshel) "We are delighted to be bringing advanced manufacturing in Canada, which will leverage Canadian mined iron ore, and our domestic steel production to produce ballistic steel," stated Roman Shimonov, CEO of Roshel. "This is an excellent, new collaboration between Sweden and Canada. We are keen to advance bilateral cooperation, such as this project," added Hans Bergman, Chairman of the Board of Swebor. The signing took place in the presence of the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada, underscoring the Government of Canada's strong support for this partnership, which will leverage Swedish expertise and Canadian natural resources and production capacity to address a significant production gap in terms of strategic industrial capability, sovereignty, and national defence readiness. The project will create high-value, skilled jobs, introduce advanced manufacturing technologies, and provide significant economic benefits to Canada's industrial sector. By establishing a new segment within the steel manufacturing industry, it will foster long-term employment, support supplier networks, and encourage innovation across related industries. Although other forms of steel manufacturing exist in Canada, this project will be the first fully dedicated to ballistic-grade production. It combines advanced technologies, strict quality standards, and strategic importance for the national defence industrial base. Intellectual property for the new facility will be jointly held by Roshel and Swebor, ensuring shared innovation and long-term collaboration. Roman Shimonov, CEO of Roshel, said: This project goes beyond steel it is about establishing industrial sovereignty. By bringing ballistic steel production to Canada, we are reducing a critical dependency, protecting our supply chain, and laying the groundwork for long-term resilience in the defence and manufacturing sectors. Roshel is actively engaged in several programs within the armoured vehicle industry, including domestic initiatives like the Light Utility Vehicle (LUV) program and Defence Arctic Mobility Enhancement (DAME) program, as well as various international contracts, all of which require substantial volumes of ballistic steel. With this new capability, we will be able to increase Canadian content in our platforms and generate additional value in meeting Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) commitments for our clients. Hans Bergman, Chairman of the Board of Swebor, said: Our partnership with Roshel demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation and self-reliance. This facility will not only meet Canada's strategic needs but also exemplify how allied nations can collaborate to enhance their industrial capabilities. The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada, said: This new partnership between Roshel and Swebor to produce ballistic-grade steel showcases Canada's world-renowned capabilitiesfrom mined iron ore to domestic steel production to advanced manufacturing. It's creating good-paying jobs and reinforcing our economic security. At this pivotal moment of global transformation, we're working hand-in-hand with industry and European partners to build a stronger, more resilient economy. The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, secretary of State (Defence Procurement), said: As Canada looks to reinvigorate our domestic defence industry, this landmark international partnership will allow Canadian steel to be used as a key component in advanced defence manufacturing. By combining Canadian natural resources with Swedish expertise, this initiative will secure our supply chains, create good-paying jobs for Canadians, and drive innovation across the broader defence and industrial sectors. A Global First for Complete In-House Production This capability will position Roshel as the first armoured vehicle manufacturer in the world to control the entire production cycle in-house, from the creation of ballistic-grade steel through design and engineering to manufacturing, metal fabrication, final assembly, and delivery. Full ownership of every stage ensures unmatched quality control, rapid production scaling, and complete independence from vulnerable supply chains. In a sector where precision, durability, and timeliness are critical, this vertical integration provides Roshel with a strategic advantage and the agility to respond to urgent operational demands. Technical Excellence and Market Reach The facility will be constructed as a state-of-the-art ballistic steel production plant, capable of manufacturing a wide variety of steel grades with different thicknesses, hardness levels, and ballistic resistance properties, including quenched and tempered plates, high-hardness armour steel, and specialised alloys for extreme performance. Production will incorporate advanced heat treatment cycles, precise rolling and forming, and rigorous quality assurance testing in accordance with NATO STANAG and other international standards. Both companies will contribute their technical expertise, proprietary processes, and resources to develop a versatile manufacturing capability that can cater to both domestic and international markets. Output will target not only the defence sector but also key industries such as agriculture, mining, and heavy equipment manufacturing, ensuring broad strategic and commercial impact. About Roshel Roshel is a Canadian manufacturer of advanced armoured vehicles, supplying Canada, allied nations, and NATO partners. Its platforms operate in some of the world's most challenging environments, consistently meeting the highest standards of protection and performance. About Swebor Swebor is a Swedish manufacturer specializing in high-quality alloyed and ballistic steel, trusted by defence, mining, and agricultural sectors worldwide. SOURCE Roshel Media Contact: Email: [email protected], Phone: +1 905 565 0355 VANCOUVER, BC, Aug. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. ("Elemental Altus" or the "Company") (TSXV: ELE) (OTCQX: ELEMF) announces its operating and financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025. For complete details, please refer to the Financial Statements and associated Management Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.elementalaltus.com). All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. Financial Highlights Royalty revenue of US$9.1 million and adjusted revenue 1 of US$10.5 million , up 102% on Q2 2024 and , up 102% on Q2 2024 Record Operating Cash Flow plus Caserones dividends of US$14.4 million , up +900% on Q2 2024 , up +900% on Q2 2024 Attributable Gold Equivalent Ounces 1 (" GEOs ") of 3,184 ounces, up 73% on Q2 2024 and adjusted EBITDA 1 of US$8.8 million , up 155% on Q2 2024 (" ") of 3,184 ounces, up 73% on Q2 2024 and adjusted EBITDA of , up 155% on Q2 2024 Revenue guidance increased to US$35 million to US$40 million , based on an updated US$3,000 /oz gold price for 2025 , based on an updated /oz gold price for 2025 US$19.7 million increase in cash in Q2 2025 Financial Performance for the 3 and 6 months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024: Three months ended June 30, Six months ended June 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Income Statement Total revenue 9,094 3,752 20,733 7,079 Adjusted revenue1 10,497 5,201 23,758 9,948 Total net profit / (loss) 160 (114) 3,608 (1,128) Cash Flow Statement Cash flows from operations plus Caserones dividends1 14,410 1,435 17,704 2,605 Other Non-IFRS Measures Adjusted EBITDA1 8,784 3,441 20,255 6,640 Total attributable Gold Equivalent Ounces ("GEO") 1 3,184 2,211 7,790 4,494 Frederick Bell, CEO of Elemental Altus, commented: "Elemental Altus has delivered another outstanding quarter, with adjusted revenue more than doubling to US$10.5 million, adjusted EBITDA up 155% to US$8.8 million, and GEOs increasing 73% year-on-year. These results reflect the strength of our royalty portfolio, with stand-out contributions from Karlawinda, Korali-Sud, and Bonikro. Our financial position has never been stronger, with over US$27 million in cash at quarter end, a fully undrawn US$50 million credit facility, and record free cash flow generation. In addition, the recent regulatory approval for the Karlawinda Expansion Project, targeting 150,000 ounces per year, will add a significant long-term boost to our uncapped 2% NSR royalty. With strong momentum across our assets, increasing gold price and the capacity to pursue new accretive deals, we are well placed to build on this record first half and deliver another exceptional year. " Outlook Elemental Altus remains on track to meet record guidance of 11,600 to 13,200 GEOs, translating to increased record adjusted revenue of US$35 million to US$40 million , based on a gold price of US$3,000 /oz. Production is anticipated to be weighted towards the first half of the year, driven by first gold sales from the Korali-Sud royalty to , based on a gold price of /oz. Production is anticipated to be weighted towards the first half of the year, driven by first gold sales from the Korali-Sud royalty This guidance represents a 38% increase in GEOs and 74% year-on-year increase in adjusted revenue at the mid-point of guidance, with full exposure to higher gold prices Elemental Altus has a Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") in place to purchase up to 12,288,129 common shares in the capital of the Company Investor Webcast An investor webcast will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 starting at 11am Eastern Time (8am Pacific Time) to discuss these results, followed by a question-and-answer session. To register for the investor webcast, please click the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eGew-TCUT92fp82sSm_yQQ Asset Update Karlawinda Q2 2025 gold production from Karlawinda was 32,216 ounces (Q2 2024: 26,835 ounces) Capricorn produced 117,076 ounces of gold in the 12 months ending June 2025 , reaching the upper end of the Company's original 110,000 to 120,000 ounce production guidance , reaching the upper end of the Company's original 110,000 to 120,000 ounce production guidance Capricorn announced regulatory approval of a major expansion study for Karlawinda, targeting a throughput increase of between 2.0 and 2.5 million tonnes per annum ("Mtpa"), an approximate 50% increase in throughput on the current 4.5 Mtpa, targeting annual production of 150,000 ounces Elemental Altus' uncapped 2% NSR royalty will provide up to approximately 3,000 GEOs annually based on the higher 150,000 ounce per annum production rate Karlawinda's mine life remains 10 years with significant further potential to increase Reserves and Resources Caserones In Q2 2025, the Company accrued adjusted royalty revenue of $1.4 million (Q2 2024: $1.4 million ), based on reported sales of 29,290 tonnes of copper (Q2 2024: ), based on reported sales of 29,290 tonnes of copper Copper production guidance remains at 115-125kt for 2025. Higher copper head grades anticipated in the second half of the year, together with strong cathode production are expected to sustain 2025 annual production guidance During Q2 2025, exploration drilling commenced at the Caserones pit targeting deep high-grade copper breccias, with additional drilling completed at Angelica, targeting copper sulphides beneath the existing Angelica oxide deposit Korali-Sud (Diba) Q2 2025 gold sales from Korali-Sud was 26,783 ounces (Q2 2024: nil) 2025 revenue is expected to be heavily weighted towards H1 2025 with production from Korali-Sud exceeding expectations for the quarter Importantly, approval for co-processing of Korali-Sud and Sadiola ore was received during the quarter and started on May 6, 2025 Approximately 120,000 ounces of attributable production from the Diba deposit are remaining at the higher 3% NSR royalty rate Bonikro Royalty attributable sales in Q2 2025 was 23,469 ounces (Q2 2024: 17,753 ounces) due to the majority of production being sourced from royalty linked areas Bonikro remained on plan in the quarter, benefiting from mine sequencing into higher-grade zones and stable plant performance Stripping at Pushback 5 is expected to expose higher-grade materials in H2 2025, 2026, and 2027 Wahgnion The Wahgnion mine is currently undergoing an external audit, during which royalty payments to royalty holders have been temporarily paused and the Q1 and Q2 2025 royalty statement has not yet been provided The Company received all royalty statements from Wahgnion management for the 2024 financial year and received payment for the first two quarters of 2024, but has not yet received payment for the second half of 2024. In addition, the Company has not yet received the royalty statements for Q1 and Q2 2025 and therefore, the Company has not yet received the necessary information to support the recognition of royalty income for Q1 and Q2 2025. Royalty revenue earned in Q1 and Q2 2025 will be recognised in a subsequent reporting period once the royalty statement is received. As at June 30, 2025 , the accrued income balance includes $1.1 million in post-tax royalty receivables from Wahgnion , the accrued income balance includes in post-tax royalty receivables from Wahgnion The Company is in communication with Wahgnion's management and external auditors and expects royalty statements and payment to be received in full in 2025 Portfolio Payments Post quarter end, the Company received US$1.9 million from Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. following the buyback of 0.14% NSR on the Cactus Project Royalty. The Company initially acquired a 0.68% NSR royalty over the Cactus Project. Following the completion of the buyback, the Company retains a 0.54% NSR royalty interest in the project from Arizona Sonoran Copper Company Inc. following the buyback of 0.14% NSR on the Cactus Project Royalty. The Company initially acquired a 0.68% NSR royalty over the Cactus Project. Following the completion of the buyback, the Company retains a 0.54% NSR royalty interest in the project The Company expects to receive US$2 million in H2 2025 from Allied Gold Corp as part of the milestones achieved within the Korali-Sud royalty in H1 2025. A further up to US$2 million in milestone payments is expected from future production Frederick Bell CEO and Director TSX.V: ELE | OTCQX: ELEMF | ISIN: CA28619K1093 | CUSIP: 28619K109 About Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Elemental Altus is an income generating precious metals royalty company with 10 producing royalties and a diversified portfolio of pre-production and discovery stage assets. The Company is focused on acquiring uncapped royalties and streams over producing, or near-producing, mines operated by established counterparties. The vision of Elemental Altus is to build a global gold royalty company, offering investors superior exposure to gold with reduced risk and a strong growth profile. Qualified Person Richard Evans, FAusIMM, is Senior Vice President Technical for Elemental Altus, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this press release. Notes 1. Non-IFRS Measures The Company has included certain performance measures which are non-IFRS and are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. These non-IFRS measures do not have any standard meaning under IFRS and other companies may calculate measures differently. Royalty revenue is received at zero cost. Distributions from associates related to Elemental Altus' effective royalty on Caserones are received net of Chilean taxes and have no other costs. Adjusted Revenue and cash flow from operating activities Adjusted revenue is a non-IFRS financial measure, which is defined as including gross royalty revenue from associated entities holding royalty interests related to Elemental Altus' effective royalty on the Caserones copper mine. Management uses adjusted revenue to evaluate the underlying operating performance of the Company for the reporting periods presented, to assist with the planning and forecasting of future operating results, and to supplement information in its financial statements. Management believes that in addition to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS such as revenue, investors may use adjusted revenue to evaluate the results of the underlying business, particularly as the adjusted revenue may not typically be included in operating results. Management believes that adjusted revenue is a useful measure of the Company performance because it adjusts for items which management believes reflect the Company's core operating results from period to period. Adjusted revenue is intended to provide additional information to investors and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. It does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Adjusted depletion, adjusted tax expense and adjusted cash flow from operating activities are non-IFRS measures which include depletion, tax and dividends from the Caserones royalty asset in line with the recognition of adjusted revenue as described above. Gold Equivalent Ounces Elemental Altus' adjusted royalty, streaming, and other revenue is converted to an attributable gold equivalent ounce, or GEO, basis by dividing the royalty and other revenue from associates in a period by the average gold price for the same respective period, plus the net gold ounces received in the period from streaming investments. The presentation of this non-IFRS measure is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate these non-IFRS measures differently. The production forecast was derived using information that is available in the public domain as at the date hereof, which included guidance and estimates prepared and issued by management of the operators of the mining operations in which Elemental Altus holds an interest. The production forecast is sensitive to the performance and operating status of the underlying mines. None of the information has been independently verified by Elemental Altus and may be subject to uncertainty. There can be no assurance that such information is complete or accurate. Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA excludes the effects of certain other income/expenses and unusual non-recurring items. Adjusted EBITDA is comprised of earnings before interest, taxes, depletion, including depletion and taxes relating to share of profit from associate, and share-based compensation. Management believes that this is a useful measure of the Company's performance because it adjusts for items which may not relate to underlying operating performance of the Company and/or are not necessarily indicative of future operating results. On behalf of Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains certain "forward looking statements" and certain "forward-looking information" as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the date that the name change is expected to become effective, whether shareholders will be required by their broker to exchange their issued certificate for a new certificate or take any other action in connection to the name change, the Company's ability to deliver a materially increased revenue profile with a lower cost of capital, the future growth, development and focus of the Company, and the acquisition of new royalties and streams. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of Elemental Altus to control or predict, that may cause Elemental Altus' actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions, the absence of control over the mining operations from which Elemental Altus will receive royalties, risks related to international operations, government relations and environmental regulation, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties; the uncertainties involved in interpreting exploration data; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with Elemental Altus' expectations; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; fluctuating metal prices; unanticipated costs and expenses; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations; currency fluctuations; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, loss of key employees and other related risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of important factors which could cause actual results to differ from forward-looking statements, refer to the annual information form of Elemental Altus for the year ended December 31, 2024. Elemental Altus undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking statements and information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement or information can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. SOURCE Elemental Altus Royalties Corp. Corporate & Media Inquiries: Tel: +1 604 646 4527, Email: [email protected] New national campaign defends informed feeding choices and donates formula to families in need through Food Banks Canada. TORONTO, Aug. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Across Canada, new parents often face judgment and pressure to feed their babies "the right way." Today, Good Start formula^ is launching "Suck It", a bold new campaign that defends every parent's informed feeding decision, as a baby's nourished tummy is what matters most. This summer, the brand is leading a national movement against feeding judgementno apologies needed. Good Start formula is launching Suck It, a bold new campaign that defends every parents informed feeding decision. (CNW Group/Good Start Formula) Good Start formula fully supports Health Canada's guidance that breast milk is the best food for newborn babies and their recommendation to feed breast milk only for the first six months. At the same time, Good Start formula recognizes that breastfeeding isn't always possible, or the right fit, for every family. Whether new parents decide to breastfeed, formula-feed, or do a combination of both, their informed choice is valid and deserves respect. To the side-eyes, shame, and outdated opinions? Good Start formula encourages new parents to say: "Suck It". "Feeding your baby isn't one-size-fits-all and it shouldn't feel like it has to be," says Karman Colosimo, Senior Marketing Manager, Good Start formula . "'Suck It' is our way of helping parents feel confident and unapologetic in their informed feeding choices. It's about empowerment, support and community. In those first six months, what new parents need is support, not judgment," adds Colosimo. " To help turn words into action, Good Start formula is giving away "Suck It" gift packs to the first 150 people sign up for this campaign at NourishedTummy.ca, and who are or become eligible members of the Good Start Baby Club*. Each gift pack includes three limited-edition bottle sleeves and a complimentary bottle. For every new member of the Good Start Baby Club who signs up or registers interest for the "Suck It" gift pack through NourishedTummy.ca during this campaign, they will donate one package of Good Start infant formula** to Food Banks Canada, helping ensure more babies across the country can be nourished. Parents are also encouraged to share their stories online by tagging Good Start formula on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube with hashtags #SaySuckIt, #FeedYourWay, and #NourishedTummy to celebrate their choices and help inspire a future where all feeding journeys are respected and supported. About Good Start formula For parents who need to, or choose to, introduce baby formula, Good Start formula is a trusted feeding option that supports baby's development from the start and is Pediatricians' #1 choice for easiest formula on baby's tummy. For more information, visit www.goodstartbaby.ca. GOOD START is a registered trademark and used under license. ^ Perrigo Company Canada Inc. is the manufacturer and distributor of Good Start baby formula in Canada. * Must comply with Terms and Conditions of the Good Start Baby Club program to be eligible. ** Guaranteed minimum of $100,000 and up to $250,000 in product value. More Pediatricians trust Good Start formula as the most well-tolerated routine infant formula than any other brand. Data on file. September 2024. SOURCE Good Start Formula Media Contact: Rosalie Lavoie, [email protected] Digital assets and AI-focused fintechs accounted for the majority of investments in the first half of 2025, KPMG International's Pulse of Fintech report shows TORONTO, Aug. 19, 2025 /CNW/ - After hitting a record high last year, Investment in Canadian fintechs fell in the first half of 2025 but remained relatively robust amid heightened uncertainty from the U.S. trade war and volatile markets, according to KPMG International's Pulse of Fintech H1'25 bi-annual report. Investment in Canadian fintechs remained robust in H125 amid global volatility (CNW Group/KPMG LLP) Investment in Canadian fintechs remained robust in H125 amid global volatility (CNW Group/KPMG LLP) Investment in Canadian fintechs remained robust in H125 amid global volatility (CNW Group/KPMG LLP) A total of US$1.62 billion was invested in Canadian fintechs across 60 deals in the first half of the year, down significantly from the record US$7.5 billion invested in the second half of 2024 and the US$2.4 billion invested in the first half of last year, according to data compiled by PitchBook for KPMG International. Deal counts include mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital. On a global scale, fintech investment fell from US$54.2 billion across 2,376 deals in H2'24 to US$44.7 billion across 2,216 deals in H1'25. Dubie Cunningham, a Partner in KPMG in Canada's Banking and Capital Markets Practice who specializes in fintech says the drop in investment activity in H1'25 should be seen as normalization rather than waning investor interest in fintechs, as last year's record high was anchored by two large mega deals. "Last year was exceptionally strong for fintech investment, thanks to two major take-private deals. Since then, investment activity has dropped to more stable levels. In fact, when you consider the economic shifts such as tariffs effecting global trade, investment in the first half was quite robust compared to historical levels," Ms. Cunningham notes. "There's still a lot of dry powder ready to be deployed by investors, but they are demonstrating more selective behaviour than in previous years. They're looking for quality companies and we're seeing longer tails for maturing mid-to-large stage private equity deals," she says. The largest deal in Canada and eighth largest globally was the US$916.5 million (CAD$1.3 billion) buyout of Gatineau, Quebec-headquartered IT consulting firm Converge Technology Solutions by H.I.G. Capital, a Miami-based private equity firm. The second largest deal was the US$201.5 million acquisition of Toronto-based Payfare Inc. by Fiserv, Inc. Ms. Cunningham says such deals show acquirers in the fintech space have shifted their focus. "Investors are eschewing speculative investments and future growth prospects for companies that have strong underlying fundamentals, sustained profitability and growing market share." Edith Hitt, a partner in KPMG in Canada who leads the Digital Financial Services Transformation team in Quebec says that even though Canada accounts for 2.7 per cent of global fintech deal count and 3.7 per cent of total disclosed value, "Canada is small but meaningful slice of global fintech punching slightly above its weight on deal size and late-stage/buyout presence when big events occur." Pulse of Fintech H1'25 highlights US$1.62 billion was invested in Canadian fintechs across 60 deals In Q1, US$392.7 million was invested across 35 deals In Q2, US$1.2 billion was invested across 25 deals was invested in Canadian fintechs across 60 deals US $498.2 million was invested across 45 venture capital investments was invested across 45 venture capital investments In corporate venture capital, US$278 million was invested across 17 deals was invested across 17 deals Globally, US$44.7 billion was invested across 2,216 deals The Americas attracted US$26.7 billion of investment across 1,092 deals The U.S. accounted for US$20.9 billion of total investment in the Americas was invested across 2,216 deals VC activity dips The first half of the year saw venture capital investment values drop four-fold from the prior half, though the number of deals remained relatively steady. In H1'25, venture capital investors poured US$498.2 million into 45 deals, down from US$864.4 million across 40 deals in H2'24. The largest venture capital investment was Winnipeg-based financial planning platform Conquest Planning's US$80 million Series B raise, led by Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives. "The fallout from the U.S. trade war cast a chill on venture capital investments, but we expect activity to bounce back in the second half of the year. Looking ahead here in Canada, investors will likely be watching for potential federal funding announcements for innovative startups and growth companies in the government's first budget this fall," Ms. Cunningham notes. Corporate venture capital investors deployed US$278 million across 17 investments, up significantly from US$17 million over 3 deals in the second half of last year. Deals by Vertical Deal Type 14 Digital assets 17 Early Stage VC 11 Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning 14 Late Stage VC 8 Regtech 12 Seed Round 4 Proptech 8 Merger/Acquisition 3 Payments 7 Buyout/LBO 2 Insurtech 2 Angel Digital Assets and AI draw investors Fintechs in the digital assets and artificial intelligence/machine learning space attracted the majority of investments, continuing a trend from last year. "If we look at the first half of 2025, it's clear that digital assets have re-emerged as a magnet for investor interest, despite the broader contraction in venture investment values. Crypto's resurgence coming out of 2024 was reinforced by a more constructive regulatory tone in the U.S., the dismissal of the Coinbase lawsuit, and tangible mainstream adoption in stablecoin use cases. Tokenization is back in strategic roadmaps, and when you see marquee moves like Stripe's acquisition of Bridge and the ensuing partnership with Visa to launch asset-backed credit cards, it signals to investors that commercial models are maturing," Ms. Hitt says. "Investor interest in digital will remain strong in the second half of the year and into 2026, driven by the U.S. administration's bullish view and lighter regulatory touch on cryptoassets. The focus will be on infrastructure, payments rails, and tokenization platforms that can scale in compliant, integrated ways," Ms. Hitt says. Ms. Hitt expects AI-focused fintechs will also continue to drive significant investment for the foreseeable future, as more fintechs increasingly adopt and deploy agentic AI solutions across areas like personal finance, investment management, fraud detection and lending. "AI-oriented fintechs will continue to draw considerable investment in the year ahead. The potential for agentic AI in the Canadian fintech landscape is going to be one of the most notable and exciting trends for investors to watch in the year ahead, with autonomous finance use cases automated saving, budgeting, and investment becoming increasingly viable." About KPMG in Canada KPMG LLP, a limited liability partnership, is a full-service Audit, Tax and Advisory firm owned and operated by Canadians. For over 150 years, our professionals have provided consulting, accounting, auditing, and tax services to Canadians, inspiring confidence, empowering change, and driving innovation. Guided by our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Courage, Together, For Better, KPMG employs more than 10,000 people in over 40 locations across Canada, serving private- and public-sector clients. KPMG is consistently ranked one of Canada's top employers and one of the best places to work in the country. The firm is established under the laws of Ontario and is a member of KPMG's global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a private English company limited by guarantee. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. For more information, see kpmg.com/ca For media inquiries: Roula Meditskos National Communications and Media Relations KPMG in Canada 416-549-7982 [email protected] SOURCE KPMG LLP TORONTO, Aug. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Canadian Banks' Law Enforcement Award (CBLEA) from banks and law enforcement agencies across Canada. Through the CBLEA, the banking sector honours members of law enforcement who go above and beyond the call of duty to fight financial crimes and protect Canadians, bank employees and the financial system. Nominations now open for the 2025 Canadian Banks' Law Enforcement Awards (CNW Group/Canadian Bankers Association) "It has always been top priority for banks in Canada to safeguard their customers' financial and personal information and protect our financial system," said Anthony Ostler, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Bankers Association. "Since 1972, the CBLEA has been recognizing law enforcement officers for their exemplary service in combatting financial crimes. We look forward to reviewing the new nominations and celebrating the work of deserving recipients." Nominations must be submitted to the CBA by October 20, 2025 and the awards will be presented at the annual summit of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police in 2026. The nomination form is available here and completed forms should be submitted to [email protected] for consideration. Eligibility criteria The CBLEA can be presented to sworn members of law enforcement, including special constables, and sworn auxiliary peace officers, in recognition of exceptional achievement in an investigation involving banks in Canada. Awards may be presented for either individual or group (Team) achievement. The criteria for nominations are as follows: Individual achievement : This award is presented to a sworn member of law enforcement for a unique investigation (not just high profile) involving a bank. The nominee should display exceptional diligence in overcoming significant challenges or extenuating circumstances. This award may also be presented in cases where the officer knowingly placed themselves at great risk such as facing imminent danger or the threat of serious bodily harm or death while protecting a bank employee, customer, or bank property. : This award is presented to a sworn member of law enforcement for a unique investigation (not just high profile) involving a bank. The nominee should display exceptional diligence in overcoming significant challenges or extenuating circumstances. This award may also be presented in cases where the officer knowingly placed themselves at great risk such as facing imminent danger or the threat of serious bodily harm or death while protecting a bank employee, customer, or bank property. Group (Team) achievement: This award is presented to sworn law enforcement members working in a group / taskforce / team investigation involving one or more banks in Canada . The investigation should demonstrate exemplary performance in overcoming extraordinary circumstances, resulting in a successful outcome. Eligible cases could include investigations into robbery against a bank (branch) where employees and customers may be at risk, or fraudulent acts against a bank or banks by an organized criminal group. Additional information about the nomination process and eligibility requirements can be found on the CBA website. Nominations may be submitted by members of law enforcement or bank security personnel. About the Canadian Banks' Law Enforcement Award Since its creation in 1972, over 300 officers and law enforcement staff from across Canada have been honoured with the Canadian Banks' Law Enforcement Award for their outstanding bravery, dedication, and other noteworthy achievements in combating crimes against Canada. About the Canadian Bankers Association The Canadian Bankers Association is the voice of more than 60 domestic and foreign banks that help drive Canada's economic growth and prosperity. The CBA advocates for public policies that contribute to a sound, thriving banking system to ensure Canadians can succeed in their financial goals. www.cba.ca Follow the CBA on Twitter: @CdnBankers Follow the CBA on LinkedIn SOURCE Canadian Bankers Association For information on the nomination process: Ryan Ku, Director, Financial Crimes, Canadian Bankers Association, [email protected]; For media inquiries: Nathalie Bergeron, Canadian Bankers Association, [email protected] OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Today at the 2025 Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa, Premier Doug Ford announced an additional $1.6 billion for the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program. AMO welcomes the boost in funding for core infrastructure projects, like roads and water systems, that support communities and growth. AMO has called for infrastructure investments to support growth, build more homes, and provide economic stimulus in the face of the trade dispute with the United States and global economic uncertainty. "Investments in municipal infrastructure have consistently proven to be the best way to protect local, provincial and national economies," said Robin Jones, AMO President. "These investments will not just help to build homes, they will provide thousands of jobs in communities across the province and lay the foundation for long-term productivity. We commend Premier Ford for these important investments." Municipalities are committed to supporting the Province's ambitious growth agenda and doing all they can to help achieve it. Despite rising construction costs, municipalities are increasing infrastructure investment this year to support more housing and economic development. Municipal applications to existing infrastructure programs have been robust, demonstrating no shortage of shovel ready projects that can make a meaningful impact province-wide. AMO is calling for a stimulus investment of $3.45 billion annually over five years from both provincial and federal sources for municipal infrastructure and social housing. These investments would help to mitigate the negative impacts on Ontario's economy and help save jobs across the province, by: Protecting 14,000 jobs that would be lost in 2026 alone, including almost 5,000 in the construction sector, and Reducing Ontario's GDP contraction by 28 per cent and adding $17.6 billion back into the Ontario economy over the next five years. Stimulus investments would lead to ongoing productivity gains totaling as much as $6 billion in 2029 alone. The provincial announcements today are a considerable contribution to this stimulus investment. "It will take investment from all governments to address the need for core infrastructure that underpins our economy," said Robin Jones, AMO President. "Investing in municipal infrastructure now will pay off in long-term productivity." The annual AMO conference is an important opportunity for municipal and provincial leaders from across Ontario to come together, address shared challenges and make Ontario's communities, and the province as a whole, more successful. AMO launched an Indigenous Relations Action Plan at the Conference, working with partners to strengthen municipal-Indigenous relationships. Tomorrow, delegates will turn their attention to a full day of sessions on pressing municipal priorities. The plenary program will include The Honourable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Ministers' Forum, a Q&A opportunity with Cabinet ministers. Concurrent sessions will explore housing and land-use planning, municipal finance and economic development, Indigenous partnerships, and AI in municipal services. Program information is available at www.amo.on.ca or on the AMO Conference app for iPhone and Android. The Conference hashtag is #AMO2025. AMO works to make municipal governments stronger and more effective. AMO brings together Ontario's 444 municipalities to achieve shared goals and meet common challenges. Follow AMO on LinkedIn, X: @AMOPolicy, and Instagram: @amopolicy. Quick facts Ontario municipalities own and operate almost $1 trillion worth of public infrastructure. municipalities own and operate almost worth of public infrastructure. Over the next 10 years, municipalities are planning for more than $250 billion in capital expenditures with around $100 billion related to growth. in capital expenditures with around related to growth. Municipalities are planning $51 billion in capital spending between 2025 and 2027. This represents more than 27,000 infrastructure projects and more than 19,000 new social housing units. With tariffs increasing project costs, municipal infrastructure projects already in progress need support to stay on track. in capital spending between 2025 and 2027. This represents more than 27,000 infrastructure projects and more than 19,000 new social housing units. With tariffs increasing project costs, municipal infrastructure projects already in progress need support to stay on track. Municipalities invest $68 billion annually in the provincial and local economies. This spending includes about $26 billion annually on construction and $22 billion procuring other related goods and services. Visit AMO's website, www.amo.on.ca SOURCE Association of Municipalities of Ontario For more information: Brian Lambie, AMO Media Contact, 416-729-5425, [email protected] Dylan Patel, founder of SemiAnalysis, talks about the AI hardware landscape, GPT-5, business models, and the future of AI infrastructure with A16z Venture partners. Dylan covers Nvidias dominance, reactions to OpenAIs GPT-5, monetization strategies, and threats from custom silicon. Nvidia has unassailable advantages in AI hardware: superior networking, high-performance memory (HBM), process nodes, time-to-market, ramp-up speed, locked up key (HBM and high end fab)chip supplies from suppliers like TSMC and SK Hynix, and cost efficiency across the supply chain (e.g., racks, copper cables). Patel argues that competitors cannot simply replicate Nvidias approach. They must achieve a 5x better leap in performance or efficiency to have a chance. GPT 5 Disappointing Patel calls GPT-5 disappointing for advanced users, as it replaces access to superior models like GPT-4.5 or o3. GPT 5 thinks for 45 seconds while a less compute-intensive version only needs 510 seconds. The base model improved slightly but its not larger than predecessors and uses less compute overall. OpenAI optimized for efficiency byrouting queries via an auto mode to mini models, regular models, or thinking modes based on complexity. This reduces waste but also means less power for power users. Patel contrasts business models: Anthropic focuses on B2B (API/cloud), while OpenAIs revenue is mostly consumer subscriptions without effective free-user monetization. Future Vision of Coordinated Cheap, Powerful Models and Agents Future will see optimized routers and agents for efficiency and monetization. Low-value queries (Why is the sky blue?) go to cheap models and high-value questions and tasks get handled by agents and tool calls (e.g., Best DUI lawyer near me). Agents will search, negotiate, and book services and take a cut. Patel predicts agents will integrate with e-commerce. Patels advice to Sam Altman. Launch credit-card integration for agentic actions, taking cuts on bookings. This requires the agents to do work at high level that is trustworthy. Nvidia stock is up 70%. AI demand must continue growing. 1. Training demand accelerates as XAI, Meta, Google are buying a lot. 2. OpenAI/Anthropic getting 30% of chips via Microsoft/CoreWeave/Oracle. 3. Inference adds take another third 4. uneconomic providers the rest but they will not sustain unless they start making money Custom Silicon is a Threat to NVIDIA Custom silicon from concentrated AI players. Google has millions of TPUs and uses them all. Amazon is geting millions of Trainium chips. Meta upping orders massively. Microsoft lags as their chips suck. OpenAI has a silicon team. If AI disperses with open-source models from China, easy deployment then Nvidia wins. If AI is concentrated then hyperscalers will make their own custom silicon successfully.Google should sell TPUs externally (not just rent) for higher market cap, but requires cultural reorganization. TPU value potentially exceeds Googles search business. Silicon Startup Boom Billions flow into silicon startups despite high capital needs. Etched raised hundreds of millions without launching chips. This is unprecedented and indicates AI hype bubble. Other newish accelerators: MatX and ~10 others. Older but still recent chip companies: Groq, Cerebras, SambaNova, Tenstorrent, Graphcore. These new chip makers have no captive customers like hyperscalers. They must beat Nvidia by 5x in hardware efficiency for specific workloads so that the advantage remains when they reach the product launch. However, AI models evolve. Early bets failed as model sizes grew and needed more DRAM/SRAM memory. The Economics of AI: Cost vs. Performance China: Provinces ban H20 as inefficient; Huawei lags. Virtually unlimited power but prefers cost-effective external rentals. Smuggling/renting bypasses chip restrictions. Data Centers have Power/cooling problems but are not the immediate bottleneck. the most important issue is building fast enough and getting suitable locations. Tents and mobile power solutions are used to prioritize speed over cost. Intel could become a TSMC alternative. Intel has to speed up designs for chip from 6 years to 3 years and fix chip yields. Hyperscalers may invest $5 billion each to counter the TSMC monopoly. Nvidia should invest hundreds of billions in energy infrastruture and technology to drive more AI chip sales. Microsoft needs a shake up as they are losing to Oracle and CoreWeave. Namibian operator Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) says it has launched a strategic rural network optimisation initiative following a comprehensive network audit in northern Namibia. The audit aimed to gain first-hand insight into coverage gaps and service quality challenges in underserved and uncovered rural areas. The audit, which covered more than 2,000 kilometres across the towns of Outapi and Oshakati and the cities of Rundu, and Katima Mulilo, forms part of MTCs broader goal to improve connectivity and service delivery, particularly in areas where customer complaints regarding poor signal and inconsistent data access have been on the rise. Led by MTCs Chief Technology and Information Officer, Monica Nehemia, and conducted in collaboration with network partner Huawei, the field exercise focused on identifying infrastructural and technical shortcomings affecting quality of service. The assessment revealed that some towers in rural regions are not adequately positioned, with several sites featuring low antenna heights and limited access to 4G/LTE technology. In certain locations, mobile towers rely only on GSM or 3G configurations, and LTE signals were found to be servicing smaller ranges than prescribed, impacting performance. Inconsistencies in power settings and antenna directions along key travel corridors also contributed to reduced service quality. MTC has responded by unveiling the Buffalo Project, a targeted intervention named after the strength and resilience symbolised by the buffalo. This initiative will focus on improving elevation and coverage by increasing tower heights, relocating sites where necessary, upgrading rural areas with 4G LTE, and enhancing service reliability in underserved communities across the north. Project Bufalo will further be extended to the other parts of the country, where similar challenges are experienced. MTC says the Buffalo Project is aligned with its long-term network expansion ambitions after the successful deployment of its 081Every1 programme, which seeks to bring full population coverage to Namibia. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announces: From August 20 to 22, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Pakistan and hold the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue with Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. OZARK Audrey Nordmo Horton was eight years old when taken prisoner by the Japanese in 1941. Prayer does prevail is the message she still shares 84 years later, calling those years imprisoned a test of courage, resilience, and strengthening of her faith in God. Raised in China by Norwegian missionary parents Horton was a student at the China Inland Mission Boarding School when the school was put under house arrest and then transported to two internment camps before being liberated by seven U. S. soldiers in 1945. Horton and her husband of 70 years, Mahlon, now live in Newville after serving in ministry in the United States, the Bahamas, Haiti, and Canada for 60 years. She recently shared her testimony of life lessons learned as a prisoner during an Ozark First United Methodist Church service. How it began When the U.S. entered World War II following Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, Horton, her 11-year-old sister and her 14-year-old brother were living at the boarding school in the northeast Chinese city of Chefoo, now called Yanti. The day after Pearl Harbor was bombed, the Japanese Imperial Army entered the school announcing that all occupants were now prisoners of war, under house arrest. She still has the prisoner of war number on an armband the new prisoners were ordered to wear. Temple Hill Internment Camp The Chefoo group was transported to the Temple Hill Internment Camp. One day you hear a knock at the door, and you have one hour to decide what personal belonging you will take with you to the camp, Horton said. All the rest of your belongings would be lost to you forever. She chose her Bible and her roller skates. Weihsien Civil Assembly Center Eleven months later, the 77 adults and 175 children were transported to a larger camp in Chinas Shandong province. We traveled by train, truck and cargo boat to our future home, she said about the camp with 2,000 prisoners in the area the size of a city block surrounded by glass-embedded brick walls 10 to 12 feet high, barbed wire fencing, and six watch towers with bayonetted armed guards and German Shepherd dogs. We walked in weary, tired, and thirsty and the gates slammed shut behind us for two years, she said. Horton said the camp was plagued with rats, flies, mosquitoes, and bed bugs. She told of a classmate having the patience to count 500 bed bugs on his bed. The children had competitions to see who could kill the most flies and rats, she said. The Chefoo teachers were allowed to keep teaching. They kept teaching about loving God, kept their fears to themselves, and tried to make life as normal as possible, Horton said. Our teachers main concern was for the salvation of the souls of their students. We were free spiritually if not physically. Despite the bleak circumstances, the Chefoo staff remained firm in faith in the loving care of God, she added. The teachers strong trust in the Lord and uncrushed spirits enabled them to bring joy to the children during a turbulent time. The Chefoo group were allowed to hold religious services if proposed sermons passed Japanese censorship constraints. Perhaps the soldiers realized the value of the Bible in maintaining a high standard of discipline and organization in the internment life, she said. Liberation day People were worn out from days that seemed to stretch endlessly. The prisoners were tired of hunger, weary of ragged clothing, weary of flies, bedbugs, and cesspools, Horton said. The mental state of bodies depleted from lack of proper nutrients added to the overriding drop in morale. No one dreamed that the greatest event in the history of Weihsien was about to sweep the prisoners off their feet in unrestrained joy. But God. Aug. 17, 1945, began with the sounds of a plane imprinted with an American flag and the name Armored Angel circling overhead. The bottom opened up and seven men who looked like toys in handkerchiefs came floating down, Horton said. Every former prisoner could tell you where they were that day, at that moment. Horton said the Japanese soldiers had been ordered to execute all the prisoners if Japan lost the war. In some camps, prisoners were already digging their own graves that day. The six Americans and one Chinese interpreter in a B-24 Liberator plane raced against the clock to prevent the last-minute massacre of prisoners in Weihsien. They were seven brave men who had volunteered for the mission, willing to die if necessary to deliver us, she said. Those present experienced first-hand that incredible miracle of God in answered prayers, she said. We. Went. Wild. Prayer does prevail Do you believe that God can be trusted all the time no matter what the circumstances? Horton asked rhetorically before answering her own question. Yes, it is possible to trust God no matter what the circumstances are. He alone is the only one who can help and sustain us totally if we are willing to put our lives in His hands. We were spared because Gods people all over the world prayed for the people in our camp, she added. Prayer does prevail Praying changes your attitude. It is hard to hate those you pray for. Life after liberation Horton, then 12, and her siblings were without passports, money, any belongings to their name, and had no immediate way of contacting their family. When my parents had made the difficult decision to release the fulltime guidance of their children into the staff of the China Inland Mission Boarding School they never dreamt of the terrible future, we were all facing, she said. But my parents never turned their backs on God. I am and always was proud of my parents for their dedication to the Lord. Horton did reunite with her parents and in 1946 came to the United States, graduated from high school in Oregon, attending Northwest Nazarene College in Idaho and the University of Oregon Medical School of Nursing. She received a degree in religious education from Covington Theological Seminary in Georgia. Horton and Mahlon married in 1955. The couple spent 60 years of ministry in the U.S., the Bahamas, Haiti and Canada years before moving to Newville to be closer to one of their sons. She has written a book about her years of interment titled Barefoot P.O.W. A Norwegian Girls Journey. Perth startup Carbon280 just launched a $16m pilot plant testing hydrogen storage tech that works at normal temperature and pressure. Whats happening: Perth-based Carbon280 has launched a $16 million pilot plant in Kwinana to test its Hydrilyte hydrogen storage technology, which stores hydrogen safely at normal temperature and pressure. Why this matters: Australias hydrogen industry faces mounting challenges with major projects cancelled and billions in pledged investments stalled, making breakthrough storage solutions crucial for the sectors survival. A Perth startup believes it has solved one of hydrogens biggest problems: how to store and transport the gas without expensive, dangerous high-pressure systems. Carbon280 this week launched its state-of-the-art Hydrilyte Technology Pilot Plant in Kwinana, Western Australia, after raising over $16 million to accelerate development of what it calls a game-changing liquid hydrogen storage solution. The timing couldnt be better. Australias hydrogen industry is grappling with mounting challenges, with major players like bp, Origin Energy, and Stanwell Corporation pausing projects amid rising costs and technical complexity. The struggles reflect broader energy sector transformation challenges facing Australian businesses. Pilot plant goes live The pilot facility was funded through a $10.6 million seed investment led by Woodside Energy, with support from UK-based renewable energy company Hive Energy and a Singaporean family office, plus a forecast $5.5 million in R&D rebates from the Australian Government. The 100kW prototype will prove the Hydrilyte technology at industrial scale, delivering critical performance data for partners and investors ahead of potential commercial rollout. Hydrilyte solves one of the biggest challenges for the hydrogen industry at scale, said Mark Rheinlander, Carbon280s founder and CEO. Rather than transporting a highly flammable gas you are storing and transporting a safe, low-cost liquid that stores hydrogen under ambient conditions. The breakthrough comes as Australias hydrogen ambitions face growing headwinds. Recent weeks have seen a wave of major project abandonments despite $22.7 billion in government incentives, highlighting the urgent need for cost-effective solutions. Traditional hydrogen storage requires expensive high-pressure tanks or cryogenic systems that keep the gas at minus 253 degrees Celsius. Carbon280s multi-patented technology sidesteps these challenges entirely by creating a liquid that stores hydrogen at room temperature and normal atmospheric pressure. Low-cost and ease of handling will simplify and speed the implementation of hydrogen projects globally, enabling hydrogen use in applications and geographies with less sophisticated infrastructure, Rheinlander explained. Natural hydrogen potential The technology offers particular promise for Australias emerging natural hydrogen sector. Unlike manufactured hydrogen, natural hydrogen occurs underground mixed with other gases that need separating including helium, which is notoriously difficult to separate due to similar molecular sizes. Hydrilyte enables separation and storage in a single step, potentially unlocking value from both hydrogen and helium for natural hydrogen developers. Natural hydrogen in combination with Hydrilyte will be gamechanging for the use of hydrogen across all industries, including energy, by slashing costs and simplifying handling, Rheinlander said. Perhaps most significantly, the hydrogen-containing Hydrilyte can use existing liquid fuel infrastructure including pipelines, tankers and ships. This eliminates the need for costly new transport systems that have derailed other hydrogen projects. One of Australias first commercial green hydrogen projects was recently scrapped because transport costs made it unviable, underlining how crucial accessible infrastructure is for the industrys success. For Carbon280, the pilot plant launch represents a pivotal step toward de-risking hydrogen investments and accelerating sector growth in Australia. As the hydrogen industry recalibrates following recent setbacks, innovations like Hydrilyte may prove essential for turning ambitious government targets into commercial reality. The breakthrough also highlights how Australian startups are leveraging advanced technology to tackle major industrial challenges, positioning the country as a potential leader in clean energy innovation. For more information, visit www.carbon280.com Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The suspect in a fatal South Jersey shooting has been apprehended in Virginia, authorities said on Tuesday. James H. McDowell Jr., 33, of Beverly in Burlington County, was taken into custody in Roanoke, Virginia, on Friday, the Burlington County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. He is charged with first-degree murder and several second-degree weapons offenses. The shooting happened on the morning of June 8 at the corner of Earl and Clarkson streets in Burlington City. Officers responding to the scene found 38-year-old Derrick Adams, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, authorities said. Adams, a Burlington City resident, was pronounced dead on the scene, officials said. The shooter had fled the area before police arrived. The U.S. Marshals Service and multiple local police departments in New Jersey and Virginia assisted with the investigation leading to McDowells arrest. Prosecutors did not say how McDowell was identified as the suspect. McDowell is in custody at the Roanoke City Adult Detention Center as he awaits extradition to New Jersey. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. Conan O'Brien at the Television Academy Hall of Fame Ceremony in Los Angeles Saturday. JC Olivera | Variety via Getty Images Conan OBrien knows a thing or five about late-night talk shows. So he spoke with plenty of authority when he was honored as an inductee at the 27th Television Academy Hall of Fame ceremony Saturday (Aug. 16) in Los Angeles. OBrien was a leading voice of late-night TV for 28 years. He hosted NBCs Late Night with Conan OBrien from 1993 to 2009 and The Tonight Show with Conan OBrien briefly from 2009 to 2010 followed by Conan on TBS from 2010 to 2021. The future of late night? Admittedly not bright, OBrien said at the hall of fame ceremony. Yes, late-night television, as we have known it since around 1950, is going to disappear, he said. But those voices are not going anywhere. People like Stephen Colbert are too talented and too essential to go away. Its not gonna happen. Last month, Colbert, a Montclair resident, announced on CBS The Late Show that not only was his time with the show coming to an end in 2026, but the network had also decided to completely axe The Late Show. Yeah, hes not going anywhere, said OBrien, 62, continuing his hall of fame remarks (see clip below). Stephen is going to evolve and shine brighter than ever in a new format that he controls completely. So technology can do whatever they want. It can make television a pill. It can make television shows a high-protein, chewable, vanilla-flavored capsule with added fiber. It still wont matter. If the stories are good, if the performances are honest and inspired, if the people making it are brave and have goodwill, then somewhere, two weird siblings huddled in their crowded living room just off Route 9 outside Boston are going to be moved. Stephen Colbert's last episode of "The Late Show" is set to air in 2026. Scott Kowalchyk/CBS That last Boston-area bit was a tribute to OBriens own upbringing in Brookline, Massachusetts. The former late-night host has himself proven that changing technology and trends cant keep good comedy and storytelling down. Since 2018, OBrien has hosted the successful podcast Conan OBrien Needs a Friend, which SiriusXM bought in a $150 million deal in 2022 that included his podcast network and all of his Team Coco output. OBrien parlayed a segment on the podcast called Conan OBrien Needs a Fan into the Emmy-winning HBO Max series Conan OBrien Must Go. Its a travel show in the spirit of his previous travel series as a late-night host (like Conan Without Borders), one that sees him visit fans hes interviewed on his podcast in their home countries. Last month, CBS executives said the decision to end Colberts Late Show was purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night. It is not related in any way to the shows performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount, they said. Other matters meant the then-impending merger of Paramount, parent company of CBS, with Skydance. So it follows that many link Colberts dismissal next year to his on-air criticism of Paramounts concessions to President Donald Trump. Just before the decision to bring the long Late Show run to an end was announced, Colbert addressed Paramounts $16 million settlement with Trump. The president had sued the company for $10 billion over claims about the editing of a 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. As someone who has always been a proud employee of this network, I am offended and I dont know if anything will ever repair my trust in this company, Colbert, 61, said during his monologue. But just takin a stab at it, Id say $16 million would help. He continued to skewer Paramount in the segment. Protesters outside "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" in July after Paramount paid a settlement to President Donald Trump and CBS announced the cancellation of the late-night show. Charly Triballeau | AFP via Getty Images I believe this kind of complicated financial settlement with a sitting government official has a technical name in legal circles, Colbert said. Its big fat bribe. Because this all comes as Paramounts owners are trying to get the Trump administration to approve the sale of our network to a new owner, Skydance ... And some of the TV typers out there are blogging that once Skydance gets CBS, the new owners desire to please Trump could put pressure on late-night host and frequent Trump critic Stephen Colbert. The merger between Skydance and Paramount became a done deal earlier this month after the Federal Communications Commission approved the merger in late July. Colbert has hosted The Late Show since 2015. His last episode will air in May 2026. OBrien, who hosted the 2025 Oscars, was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor earlier this year. He appears in the upcoming A24 movie If I Had Legs Id Kick You opposite Rose Byrne, which will be in theaters Oct. 10. Thank you for reading. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup on Twitter/X, @amykup.bsky.social on Bluesky and @kupamy on Instagram and Threads. A Newark code enforcement officer has been indicted over allegations that she solicited bribes from a business in exchange for letting them reopen. Sonia Rogers, 50, of Newark, was indicted by a grand jury on Tuesday on the charges of second-degree official misconduct, bribery in official and political matters, theft by extortion and acceptance or receipt of an unlawful benefit by a public servant for official behavior, the state Attorney Generals Office said in a statement. As part of her job, Rogers visited a store on Broad Street in Newark to conduct an inspection in September 2024. Following the inspection, she ordered the store to be closed due to an expired municipal business license, officials said. State investigators allege that Rogers then asked the owner for an $800 cash bribe in exchange for waiving the required fines, reinstating the license and reopening the store. When the store owner turned down the offer, Rogers said she would settle for taking some free merchandise, authorities alleged. The defendants actions, in seeking bribes to refrain from enforcing or imposing fines for city code violations, were an abandonment of her duty to keep the public safe, all for the sake of personal gain, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. This type of alleged corruption, where a business owner and patrons are victimized rather than served by someone representing the municipality, erodes public trust in government institutions, and my office is committed to prosecuting such abuses, he added. The theft by extortion charge stemmed from allegations that Rogers threatened official action if she did not receive a bribe, officials said. A spokesperson for the city did not immediately respond to a request for comment about whether Rogers has been suspended. Officials did not provide attorney information for Rogers Tuesday afternoon. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. Growing up in Camden, Jorge Maldonado often saw his family rely on charitable organizations for help when they were going through rough financial times. Maldonados family moved from Puerto Rico in the mid 1990s for a better life. Cutting hair was one of the skills he developed over the years. Knowing how important it was for me to look good, transferred over into feeling good ... and being confident about myself he said. Jorge Maldonado, right, and a local police officer, left, at one of Barbernado's Barber Lounge past back-to-school events. Jorge Maldonado He also felt a strong connection to the community who embraced him and his family. When he opened his barbershop, Barbernados Barber Lounge more than a decade ago, he realized he could use his skills as a barber to unburden parents of the cost of a back-to-school haircut. People are just struggling to get to the point where they can afford uniforms, school supplies, haircuts, the 37-year-old parent three said. So, they make their kids wait even longer for haircuts to spread out as much of their finances as possible. Its kind of my duty to do my part, said Maldonado, who recruits his wife, Victoria, his 19-year-old son, 15- and 13-year-old daughters, to help. Thats why for the past 11 years, Maldonado has organized a community event at his barber shop dedicated to giving kids free haircuts and back-to-school supplies. This years event takes place on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at Barbernados on 2649 Westfield Ave. On top of school-supply giveaways and free haircuts, kids can jump around in inflatable bounce house, munch on some lunchtime eats, and sway to music mixed live by DJ Tito, Maldonado said. Earlier this month, the Camden City Council passed a resolution recognizing and commending Maldonado and his barbershop staff for service to the community. Its a way to continuously give back and keep myself humble and remembering where I came from, too, Maldonado said. Barbernado's Barbering Lounge to host it's annual back-to-school event on Wednesday. Jorge Maldonado Thanks to community partnerships, volunteers, first responders, and sponsorships with local businesses and officials, Maldonado expects to host around 200 kids, many of which will get their hair trimmed or cut. Four years ago, Maldonado told one of his regulars, Rene Ines Fores, to bring his younger daughters, now ages 11 and 7, to the event. Theyve been attending ever since. It helps with the budget, said the Blackwood resident, who also likes that his daughters get to say hello to the local firefighters who talk about fire prevention. Barbernado's Barber Lounge 11th annual community event will take place Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Westfield Avenue. Jorge Maldonado Camden Fire Department Chief Jesse Flax said the event and other events like it are great ways to meet community members like Ines Fores. It shows that we are part of the community, the fire chief said. For Maldonado, community became more central Barbernados mission as he continued to host the annual event. It became more important to him to expose local children to the community coming together and doing stuff together for the betterment of other people, he said. Amira Sweilem may be reached at asweilem@njadvancemedia.com. Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom. An Atlantic County man was sentenced to 70 years in state prison after being found guilty of murder in the fatal shooting of his neighbor at a hotel both were living at, officials say. Umar Abdullah, 49, of Atlantic City, was found guilty in June of murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose following a trial in state Superior Court in Atlantic County. In a subsequent proceeding, a judge found him guilty of unlawful possession of a weapon by a prior offender and certain persons not to have weapons. Mark Wright, 35, of Atlantic City, was shot three times shortly after 4 a.m. on Oct. 10, 2021, at the Cassino Hotel in the Ducktown neighborhood of Atlantic City. He was pronounced dead at the scene, it was previously reported. Surveillance footage acquired by the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office showed Abdullah exiting his apartment on the second floor of the hotel with a handgun and firing four shots at Wright before fleeing the scene. Abdullah and Wright each lived in adjacent rooms at the hotel. Abdullah was arrested at a residence in Egg Harbor City after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Our journalism needs your support. Please consider subscribing to NJ.com. Victoria Gladstone may be reached at vgladstone@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @TorigNJAM. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Red warning flags were flying in Belmar (pictured here) and other Jersey Shore beaches Tuesday, banning swimming because of rough surf and dangerous rip currents generated by Hurricane Erin. Natalie Paterson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Hurricane Erin continues to spin out in the Atlantic Ocean with steady winds as strong as 105 mph, creating rough surf conditions and dangerous rip currents up and down the Jersey Shore on Tuesday. Even though the powerful storm is expected to remain several hundred miles away from the Shore, even at its closest approach on Thursday, it is already stirring up the ocean enough to prompt at least 16 beaches in New Jersey to post red warning flags and ban swimming today. Some beaches, including Cape May, are flying double red flags indicating the serious threat posed by the crashing waves and powerful rip currents. In addition to swimmers, many beaches are also banning boogie boarders, while some are allowing experienced boarders only. Coast Guardsmen aboard a 47-foot motor lifeboat enter Manasquan Inlet during training maneuvers Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 as the effects of Hurricane Erin - a massive category 2 hurricane located about 720 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. - begin being felt here at the Jersey Shore. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com N.J. beach restrictions As of early Tuesday afternoon, this was the status of swimming restrictions at beaches along the Jersey Shore. (Additional beaches will be added as the information is confirmed.) Asbury Park Red flags; very limited swimming Tuesday, mainly during low tide. Atlantic City Red flags; no swimming and no boogie boards Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Avon-by-the-Sea Red flags; no swimming Tuesday. Bay Head Red flags; no swimming Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Beach Haven Red flags; no swimming Tuesday. Belmar Red flags; no swimming Tuesday. Brigantine Red flags; no swimming and no boogie boards Tuesday. Cape May Double red flags; no swimming Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; surfing limited. Harvey Cedars Red flags; no swimming Tuesday; surfing limited. Island Beach State Park No swimming, no surfing, no boogie boarding Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Long Branch Yellow flags; swimming allowed with caution Tuesday. Manasquan Red flags and yellow flags; no swimming Tuesday at most beaches. Ocean City Red flags; no swimming and no boogie boards Tuesday. Ocean Grove Entire beach will be closed from late Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning. Seaside Heights Red flags; no swimming Tuesday. Seaside Park Red flags; no swimming Tuesday on the ocean and the bay. Spring Lake Red flags; no swimming Tuesday. Wildwood Red flags; no swimming on all beaches Tuesday and Wednesday. Yellow caution flag flying at the Brielle Road lifeguard stand at Manasquan Beach, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Lifeguards were restricting bathing to only certain areas here as the effects of Hurricane Erin - a massive category 2 hurricane located about 720 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, N.C. - are being observed here at the Jersey Shore, Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Life-threatening rip currents The National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service have issued stern statements warning beach-goers about the serious threat posed by strong rip currents. Swells generated by Erin will affect the Bahamas, Bermuda, the east coast of the United States, and Atlantic Canada during the next several days, the hurricane center noted in its latest advisory. These rough ocean conditions are expected to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents. As of Tuesday afternoon, Erin was a category 2 hurricane, which is weaker than it was on Monday. However, the storm is very large, with its hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 80 miles from its center and tropical-storm-force winds reaching out up to 205 miles. As of Tuesday afternoon, Hurricane Erin was a category 2 storm, which is weaker than it was on Monday. However, the storm is very large, with hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 80 miles from its center and tropical-storm-force winds reaching out up to 205 miles. National Hurricane Center Erins strength is expected to fluctuate during the next few days, forecasters said. Some believe it will remain a category 2 hurricane, and others say it may strengthen again into a major category 3 storm, with top winds of 111 mph or higher. The hurricane will likely remain a few hundred miles away from the Jersey Shore when it makes its closest approach during the day on Thursday or Thursday night, according to the latest forecast track. Forecasters say no landfall is expected, but the storm will be close enough to bring wind gusts of 35 to 40 mph along the Jersey Shore. Breaking waves in the surf zone at New Jerseys beaches will likely get as high as 5 to 8 feet on Wednesday and could get as high as 12 feet on Thursday, the National Weather Service said. Current weather radar Thank you for relying on us to provide the local weather news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com or on X at @LensReality. CNN data guru Harry Enten provided insights on how voters are likely to respond to President Donald Trumps latest proposal. Trump announced early Monday that he would lead a movement to eliminate the use of mail-in ballots and what he called highly inaccurate and Seriously Controversial electronic voting machines. He said it would be accomplished through an executive order ahead of the 2026 midterms, though he did not provide specific details or a timeline. ELECTIONS CAN NEVER BE HONEST WITH MAIL IN BALLOTS/VOTING, and everybody, IN PARTICULAR THE DEMOCRATS, KNOWS THIS. I, AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, WILL FIGHT LIKE HELL TO BRING HONESTY AND INTEGRITY BACK TO OUR ELECTIONS, Trump wrote in a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform. THE MAIL-IN BALLOT HOAX, USING VOTING MACHINES THAT ARE A COMPLETE AND TOTAL DISASTER, MUST END, NOW!!! he added. While arguing that paper ballots are faster and leave NO DOUBT, he provided no evidence to support his claims of widespread problems with voting machines. Enten on Tuesday said voters think that Trump is full of B.S. when it comes to his attacks against the voting methods, comparing sentiment from the 2020 and 2024 elections. He first pointed to 2020 data from the Pew Research Center, which found that 65% of respondents believe that any voter could vote early or through an absentee ballot. But years after years after years of Trumps complaints toward mail-in voting, the number has remained basically the same in 2024, with 60%. The figure includes 37% of support from Republicans. The bottom line is the American people arent with Donald Trump, Enten said, adding They think hes full of it. Voters think Trump's full of BS when it comes to voting by mail & his 2020 election garbage. -60% say no excuse absentee/early voting should be legal -63% say the 2020 election was legit -Majorities for both 2020 (59%) & 2024 (75%) say mail votes were counted correctly pic.twitter.com/9fnEnnJD4R (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) August 19, 2025 Enten then addressed baseless claims from Trump and other Republican allies that the 2020 election was marked by voter fraud, repeating that the president is full of it. Entens polling showed that 60% of Americans say that former President Joe Bidens election win was legitimate in 2020, and the belief has increased to 63% in 2024 despite the garbage coming out of Trumps mouth, he noted. Enten also said that voters are confident in mail-in voting. In 2020, 59% of respondents had agreed that mail-in votes counted as voters had intended, with the number rising to 75% in 2024. He highlighted that the sudden positive trend could be largely attributed to GOP voters, whose confidence increased from 19% to 72% over the years. I just think that this whole idea that Donald Trump is trying to push really just doesnt stay with the American people, Enten said. He should move on to other issues, and shouldnt be taking political advice from [Russian President] Vladimir Putin, who I cant remember the last time he won a democratic election, he continued. Enten appeared to reference Trumps interview with Fox News following his high-stakes summit with Putin on Friday in Alaska. During his appearance, the president said that Putin claimed the U.S. election was rigged due to mail-in voting. Its impossible to have mail in voting and have honest elections, Trump said that Putin told him. And he said that to me because we talked about 2020. He said, You won that election by so much. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Hats are seen on the desk as President Donald Trump speaks with reporters after signing executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP Oklahoma will be rolling out a new job requirement for teachers coming from the blue states of New York and California to weed out radical leftist ideology." Oklahoma public schools superintendent Ryan Walters said Monday that public school teachers from New York and California will be required to pass an exam administered by conservative nonprofit PragerU before receiving a state certification, the Associated Press reported. As long as I am superintendent, Oklahoma classrooms will be safeguarded from the radical leftist ideology fostered in places like California and New York, Walters said in a statement to AP. The move has been met with fierce backlash from the American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, who called the assessment a MAGA loyalty test in comments to AP. This MAGA loyalty test will be yet another turnoff for teachers in a state already struggling with a huge shortage, Weingarten said. She added that Walters priority should be educating students, but instead, its getting Donald Trump and other MAGA politicians to notice him. Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters' "priority should be educating students, but instead, its getting Donald Trump and other MAGA politicians to notice him. @rweingarten https://t.co/ssvx7CY35U AFT (@AFTunion) August 19, 2025 The test, administered by PragerU, has been criticized for leaning into conservative views. PragerU describes its mission as promoting "American values through the creative use of digital media, technology and edu-tainment." USA Today reported the assessment will include requiring that the teachers "know the biological differences between females and males and that they agree with the states American history standards, which includes elements of a conspiracy theory that the Democratic Party stole the 2020 presidential election from President Donald Trump." According to USA Today, PragerU previously helped develop new high school history curriculum standards, including lessons on investigating the results of the 2020 election, allegations of mail-in voter fraud and security risks of mail-in voting. Despite President Donald Trumps claim that he won the 2020 election, there has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) AP White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt engaged in intense exchanges with multiple reporters during Tuesdays heated press briefing as she defended President Donald Trumps efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Leavitt was grilled about Trumps efforts to secure a deal to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump has lashed out at criticism surrounding his meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin last week, fiercely defending his decision to meet Putin on U.S. soil despite widespread backlash. On Tuesday, Leavitt clashed with reporters from NBC News, Fox News and The New York Times over Trumps handling of the Russia-Ukraine war. NBCs Kelly ODonnell asked Leavitt about Trumps comments from a hot-mic on Monday, where he was heard saying that Putin wants to make a deal with him. ODonnell asked Leavitt what Trump has learned to make him believe that a deal with Putin could be struck. Well, the President has learned a lot, which is part of the reason he opened up this dialogue. The previous administration, who oversaw the beginning of this war, refused to talk, and President Trump has always said, in order to learn, in order to move the ball forward with diplomacy and towards peace, you have to have open dialogue, Leavitt responded. ODonnell then pressed Leavitt on what she thinks Putins motivation is to try to do something for President Trump, as opposed to just resolving the conflict. I think, as I just spoke to in my opening remarks, Kelly, Russia and all countries around this world actually respect the United States again, and the President is using the might of American strength to demand that respect from our allies, our friends, our adversaries all around the world, Leavitt responded. Reporter: What has Trump learned that tells him that Putin would be willing to make a deal for him? Leavitt: The president has learned a lot Reporter: What do you think Putin's motivation is to do something for President Trump, as opposed to just resolving the conflict. pic.twitter.com/6npRunuHGf Acyn (@Acyn) August 19, 2025 Minutes later, Leavitt got into a heated exchange with New York Times reporter Shawn McCreesh. McCreesh asked Leavitt why Trump said it would be disrespectful to Putin if the president took the phone call with the Russian leader while in the room with European officials on Monday. Leavitt gave a pointed reply to McCreesh, saying that only a reporter from The New York Times would ask a question like that. Reporter: If the point is to get anybody on the same page, why wouldn't Trump just take the call from Putin while the other leaders were in the room? Why is it disrespectful? Leavitt: Only a reporter from "The New York Times" would ask a question like that. pic.twitter.com/pCToVK8MRH Acyn (@Acyn) August 19, 2025 Leavitt then interrupted Fox News Jacqui Heinrich as she began to ask about Trumps claim that the Russia-Ukraine war would not have started if he were in office instead of former President Joe Biden Its true, Leavitt said to Heinrich. Do you accept that as true?" Probably, Heinrich conceded as Leavitt continued to interrupt her before letting her ask a question. The European leaders do and Putin himself said that by the way, Leavitt said. Heinrich: The president often says this war wouldnt have started if he was in office Leavitt: True Heinrich: Putin confirmed that Leavitt: Do you accept that as truth? Heinrich: Probably Leavitt: The European leaders do and Putin himself said that btw pic.twitter.com/Btx2o920N3 Acyn (@Acyn) August 19, 2025 The dramatic press briefing came just one day after Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office and with European leaders in the White House. Trump has attempted to negotiate an end to the fighting in Ukraine but left a meeting with Putin on Friday without reaching a deal. Trump said he would forge ahead with arrangements for a meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. He spoke by phone with Putin during Mondays talks with Zelenskyy and the leaders of Britain, Finland, France, Germany and Italy as well as the president of the European Commission and head of NATO. The developments come amid a significant measure of trepidation on the continent that Trump is pressing Ukraine to make concessions that will only further embolden Putin after the U.S. leader hosted the Russian president for an Alaska summit last week. I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy, Trump said in a social media post. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. It was not clear if Putin has fully signed on to such talks. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. President Donald Trump reflected on his high-stakes White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin during an appearance on Fox News on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) President Donald Trump revealed a new motivation for his efforts behind ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. During an interview on Fox News on Tuesday, Trump reflected on his high-stakes meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders the day prior, after he hosted a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday. Trump said he is trying to set up a meeting between the two leaders within the next couple of weeks to discuss how to end the yearslong war. It would be followed by a trilateral meeting, which would include Trump. While speaking on Fox & Friends, Trump acknowledged that Americans are not losing their lives in the conflict, but many Russian and Ukrainian soldiers and some citizens are being killed. He then added that he hopes to save at least 7,000 people each week. I want to try and get to heaven if possible, Trump said. Im hearing Im not doing well. He went on to joke that he is really at the bottom of the totem pole, but continued: If I can get to heaven, this would be one of the reasons. Trump then pointed to how he believes he saved lives in India and Pakistan, claiming that he helped avert what could have transformed into a nuclear war. In May, Trump announced that the two countries had agreed to a U.S.-brokered FULL AND IMMEDIATE ceasefire with both accusing one another of violating the deal shortly afterwards. Trump: "I want to try and get to heaven if possible. I hear I'm not doing well. I hear I'm really at the bottom of the totem pole." pic.twitter.com/y1izqVGM84 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 19, 2025 During his appearance, Trump also said that he has already solved seven wars, including the conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while touting his good relationship with Putin. This one is the one that is the most difficult, and I thought it would be an easy one, Trump said. I hope President Putin is going to be good, and if hes not, thats going to be a rough situation. And I hope that President Zelenskyy will do what he has to do. He has to show some flexibility also. The thing is a mess, he added. In a post on X early Tuesday, Zelenskyy said that his talks with Trump are truly a significant step toward ending the war and ensuring the security of Ukraine and our people. He mentioned that European leaders would be meeting to discuss security guarantees for his country which became a large topic of discussion at the White House. During remarks on Monday, Trump said that Ukraine would be provided with safety considerations by European countries with the coordination with the U.S. He reiterated on Tuesday that American boots, however, will not be on the ground. Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with NBC News, French President Emmanuel Macron, who attended the meeting alongside Zelenskyy, said that he did not believe Putin was very willing to get peace and end the war. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) defended a GOP effort to add safe seats in his state ahead of the 2026 midterms. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) set off a firestorm on social media after he railed against a redistricting plan in California despite similar efforts in his own state. During an interview on Fox News, Abbott late Monday rebuked California and other blue states that he said have already squeezed out the highest number of Republican congressional seats. Texas GOP legislators, in an effort backed by President Donald Trump, have pushed a newly redrawn congressional map that could add up to five safe seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. In direct response, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) called on his state lawmakers last week to approve a measure that would allow for residents to vote on a blue-leaning map during the November special election. His proposal, dubbed the Election Rigging Response Act, would allow his state to sidestep its independent redistricting commission that has created maps since 2010 as a way to counter the Texas bill. While speaking on Hannity, Abbott appeared to justify the GOPs push, saying that any additional red seats in the Lone Star State will withstand legal challenges. What the Democrats have done is disgraceful and potentially illegal, Abbott said. Ill tell you this much if California dares to try to squeeze out more Republicans, there are going to be lawsuits that will overturn that. Abbott on Redistricting: What the Democrats have done is disgraceful and potentially illegal. If California is trying to squeeze out more Republicans, there will be lawsuits that overturn that. pic.twitter.com/9xCqiJVfQC Acyn (@Acyn) August 19, 2025 Critics immediately mocked Abbott, claiming that he is being hypocritical in his comments. "How the f--- does he sit there with a straight face accusing Newsom of doing what he just did?" one user wrote. Another user said that "Gerrymandering for me but not for thee is a helluva hill to die on." "They can redistrict their state but California cant and will be sued!?" someone else questioned. MeidasTouch, a progressive media company, responded with a series of clown emojis. Newsom had also directly chimed in: "Fixed it for you. What the Republicans have done is disgraceful and potentially illegal. If Texas is trying to squeeze out more Democrats, there will be lawsuits that overturn that." Fixed it for you. What the Republicans have done is disgraceful and potentially illegal. If Texas is trying to squeeze out more Democrats, there will be lawsuits that overturn that. https://t.co/EMcVwsaXvl Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) August 19, 2025 The Texas House reached a quorum on Monday after Democratic lawmakers returned to the state after a two-week walkout intended to prevent a vote on the Republican-led proposal that is expected to pass. More than 50 Democrats had traveled to blue states including Illinois, Massachusetts and New York as they faced threats of arrest warrants by state GOP officials, including Abbott. Their presence in Austin now potentially clears the way for the plan to go into effect. Abbott predicted that the House will approve the map on Wednesday, with it ultimately being signed into law by the end of the week. Meanwhile, Democratic state Rep. Nicole Collier spent the night in the state Legislature after she refused to comply with a GOP demand for around-the-clock surveillance. After Democratic lawmakers exited the state, House Speaker Dustin Burrows requested for a Department of Public Safety escort to ensure their presence when the chamber reconvenes later in the week. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. Foreigners take profits as market rises to new peak, sell $2B worth of stocks Foreign investors have dumped VND56.3 trillion (US$2.14 billion) worth of stocks this year despite the markets gain of nearly 30% and repeated rise to all-time highs. The figure has only been surpassed in 2021 and 2024, but in the full year, data from the main bourse Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange shows. In August alone their net sales have been worth VND23.4 trillion. A key portion has been made up by the divestment from conglomerate Vingroup by South Korean fund SK Investment. Between August 4 and 8 SK offloaded over VND12 trillion worth of Vingroup shares through negotiated transactions. The largest private company in Vietnam explained that this was part of SKs previously announced global portfolio restructuring strategy. SK said it was an opportune time to sell Vingroup shares as the stock had more than doubled in value since the beginning of the year. FPT was the second most sold stock by foreign investors this month with net sales of VND4 trillion in the first half of August. VPBank was the most purchased stock, with foreign buyers investing VND742 billion in it. Nguyen Anh Duc, director of institutional brokerage and investment advisory at SBB Securities, said the foreign investors selling followed substantial buying in July, amounting to nearly VND7 trillion, and was fueled partly by the U.S. imposing a 20% import tariff on Vietnamese goods. Their profit-taking was intensified by the stock market shooting up by nearly 52% since early April. So far this year the benchmark VN-Index has jumped nearly 30%, breaching the 1,600 level for the first time ever on August 12 and now hovering at 1,640 points. Stocks in the foreigners favorite VN30 group, comprising the 30 largest capped stocks, such as SSI Securities Corporation, Vingroup, VPank and Techcombank have doubled in value since April. Duc also said a lot of foreign capital has been flowing into other emerging markets with less pronounced gains such as Thailand and Taiwan. The Thai stock market has declined by 10% since the start of the year, while Taiwans is up 4.9%. Nevertheless, analysts remain optimistic about Vietnams potential to attract foreign capital following an imminent upgrade to its stock market. It is currently classified as a "frontier market" by global index and rating provider FTSE Russell, and is on course for an upgrade to "emerging market" status. Last month Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang had said Vietnam would soon meet FTSE Russells upgrade criteria. The upgrade is a key objective for the government. Tran Hoang Son, director of market strategy at VPBank Securities, estimated capital inflows could be $3-7 billion once the upgrade takes effect. That would provide a substantial boost to the market, he added. They include $1 billion in exchange traded funds, according to SSI Securities. A total of 250 projects with a combined investment of VND1.28 quadrillion (US$48.64 billion) were inaugurated or launched across Vietnam on Tuesday, providing impetus for the country's transition into a new stage of growth. The projects include 59 in transport infrastructure, 44 in civil and urban works, 57 in industry, and 36 in technical infrastructure. A highlight is Viettel's Research and Development Center in Ho Chi Minh City, valued at VND10 trillion, which will focus on semiconductors, AI, and data. Infrastructure remains a strategic breakthrough identified by the 13th National Party Congress. Under the "500 days and nights" campaign launched by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Vietnam has expanded its expressway network to 2,476 km and coastal roads to 1,397 km, surpassing set targets. By year's end, the country expects to reach over 3,000 km of expressways, nearly 2,000 km of coastal roads, and the basic completion of Long Thanh International Airport. Nhon Trach Bridge linking Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai is open to traffic on Aug. 19, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Phuoc Tuan Economists predict that these projects will contribute more than 18% to national GDP in 2025 and over 20% in subsequent years, supporting Vietnam's goal of at least 8% growth in 2025 and double-digit growth from 20262030. Healthcare is another key area. Ten health projects were launched, including the VND1.259 trillion Nghe An Oncology Hospital with 1,000 beds. From 2026 to 2030, Vietnam targets 90% of its population having access to comprehensive preventive healthcare and vaccination, and 100% to receive annual health check-ups. Nghe An Oncology Hospital. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Hung By 2035, with a population of 100 million, the government plans to allocate around VND25 trillion annually for free health examinations. By 2045, Vietnam's healthcare system is expected to fully meet public health demands, positioning the country among global leaders in social welfare. Vietnam's rising economic performance underpins these efforts, with per capita GDP climbing from just $121.72 in 1990 to an estimated $4,900 by the end of 2025, and a target of $7,500 by 2030. A tropical depression made landfall along northern Vietnam's coast early Tuesday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and increasing the risk of landslides across the northern and north-central regions. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of 7 a.m., the system had reached the area between Quang Ninh and Hai Phong with maximum wind speeds of up to 49 kph. It is forecast to bring widespread rain to northeastern and north-central provinces. Over the next 12 hours, the depression is expected to move west-northwest, shifting toward the Quang NinhLang Son region at a speed of approximately 15 kph. It is then projected to move into the VietnamChina border area, where it will weaken into a low-pressure system. Earlier, the Hong Kong Observatory had forecast that the system would make landfall in Quang Ninh late Monday, with sustained winds of 45 kph. Due to the storm's influence, southeastern waters off Quang Tri and the Gulf of Tonkin, including Bach Long Vi and Co To islands, are experiencing thunderstorms, strong winds, and sea waves of 23.5 meters. Boats operating in these areas may face hazardous conditions. Onshore, coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Hai Phong are also expected to experience strong gusts. Meteorologists warn that the system will bring heavy rainfall through Wednesday. Northeastern provinces and Thanh Hoa may receive between 50 and 150 mm of rain, with some areas exceeding 300 mm in just 24 hours. In Nghe An, rainfall is expected to range from 30 to 60 mm, with localized amounts possibly surpassing 120 mm. Ha Tinh and Quang Tri are forecast to receive 20 to 50 mm, with some areas exceeding 100 mm. Due to prolonged rainfall and saturated soil, the meteorological agency has issued landslide warnings for 152 communes across Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, and Quang Ngai. So far this year, four storms have formed in the East Sea, two of which have affected Vietnam. The most recent, Wipha, made landfall in Hung Yen and Ninh Binh. Although relatively weak, it caused widespread rainfall, particularly in Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, resulting in two deaths from flash floods and landslides, five injuries, and damage to 687 homes. More than 119,000 hectares of rice fields, mainly in Ninh Binh, were inundated. Several households in mountainous areas of Nghe An were forced to evacuate as water levels rose above one meter in their homes. Last month, meteorological authorities forecast that up to seven storms could form in the East Sea by October, with around three likely to impact mainland Vietnam. Pfizer is advancing research and building a comprehensive "toolbox" for Vietnamese patients, combining innovative vaccines, breakthrough treatments, and strategic partnerships, according to Pfizer Vietnam's General Director Darrell Oh. Vietnam is going through a transformation as the government is driving science and technology innovation through Resolution 57 by the General Secretary, while the Ministry of Health pushes for healthcare reforms with a focus on primary care and prevention strategies. Joining this journey, Darrell OhGeneral Director of Pfizer Vietnamshares the new strategic direction and how the company accompanies Vietnam's healthcare transformation. Darrel Oh, General Director of Pfizer Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Pfizer Vietnam Pfizer has had a global reputation for healthcare innovation for years. How do you translate that legacy into your strategy for Vietnam? Vietnam is entering a new era, where healthcare is not only vital for social welfare but also an economic driver. In line with this, Vietnam has launched the Strategy for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry, targeting 2030 with a vision for 2045, and setting an ambitious goal to contribute US$20 billion to the country's GDP. Achieving this requires accelerating healthcare innovation. With 175 years of global expertise, capabilities, and R&D platforms, Pfizer is ready to support Vietnam's goals. Over two decades of operations here, Pfizer has helped bring essential medicines and vaccines closer to patients and has supported the growth of Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry, contributing to the country's economic development. In response to rising disease burdens in Vietnam, such as infectious respiratory diseases, chronic illnesses, and an aging population, the Ministry of Health is prioritizing prevention. How is Pfizer contributing? Every year, millions are hospitalized due to pneumonia, RSV, influenza, and Covid-19 globally. As a subtropical country, Vietnam regularly faces significant burdens from respiratory diseases. Addressing these challenges requires prioritizing preventive healthcare. The amended Pharmaceutical Law effective July 1, and the draft Law on Disease Prevention, which will be submitted to the National Assembly in October, both reflect Vietnam's commitment to strengthening preventive care. We're continuously researching and developing a comprehensive "toolbox" of innovative vaccines, breakthrough treatments, and strategic partnerships to expand access. With a deep heritage in respiratory disease, strong biological expertise, and capabilities for developing vaccines, Pfizer aims to tackle urgent health challenges, especially in respiratory diseases, driving positive impact on the lives of millions of people. Our key investment areas include: Innovative preventive solutions: we're committed to advancing preventive capabilities to reduce burdens of major infectious diseases, including Covid-19, pneumococcal disease (a leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia), meningococcal disease (causing meningitis and blood infection), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): We support hospitals and policy groups to promote antimicrobial stewardship, training, and diagnostics because this isn't just a clinical challenge; it's a public health emergency. Accessibility: Pfizer strives to accelerate the availability of potentially life-saving vaccines and treatments. In Vietnam, we are collaborating with relevant partners to expand awareness, access, and equity, especially to the high-risk groups such as older adults and those with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Pfizer joined hands with global and local stakeholders, contributing to national immunization efforts. Pfizer Vietnam partnered with Vietnam Association of Preventive Medicine to organize scientific symposia "The Role of Higher - Valency Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in Adults Legacy and the Journey Ahead" in 2025. Photo courtesy of Pfizer Vietnam In terms of access, how does Pfizer improve healthcare for Vietnamese patients? We are advancing in 6 key areas: Expanding access to vaccines and treatments: We're bringing new therapies to Vietnam, particularly in respiratory, oncology, internal medicine, and anti-infective fields. Policy counselling: As part of PharmaGroup, we support policy advocacy to accelerate authorization processes. We appreciate the Ministry of Health's adoption of a regulatory reliance pathway in the amended Pharmaceutical Law, which can help bring innovative medicines and vaccines to patients more quickly. Patient Access Programs: We are also investing in these programs to help patients overcome financial barriers and access innovative treatments equally. Public-Private Collaboration: Pfizer has established long-standing partnerships with a number of leading hospitals and medical associations (Cho Ray, Bach Mai, University Medical Center, VNVC...) to support enhancing HCPs capabilities and improving healthcare initiatives, thereby ensuring that innovative treatments are effectively integrated into clinical practice and reach the patients who need them the most. Equipping the public with knowledge: We expand our healthcare approach through a wide range of disease awareness programs. Our goals are to help patients understand their risks and treatment options so they can proactively engage with healthcare professionals and gain early access to appropriate treatment and prevention. Talent Development: This is Pfizer's long-term commitment to healthcare sustainability. Recognized as the Best Place to Work for many years, we build a culture that values purpose, inclusion, and growth, directly contributing to the national strategy on high-quality human capital development. In this era of national ascendancy, what opportunities and challenges does Pfizer Vietnam see? What actions will the company take to help elevate the country's healthcare system? In the new era of national ascendancy, one of the opportunities for Vietnam to achieve a breakthrough lies in its pharmaceutical development strategy, which aims to become a pharmaceutical hub of ASEAN. With a regional market of nearly 700 million people in ASEAN, Vietnam's potential to serve not just as a central supplier of pharmaceuticals but as a hub of R&D fuelling innovation leading to substantial economic benefits that aligns with the country's long-term goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2045, based on science, technology, and innovation. Pfizer Vietnam and Oncology Hospital's representatives at the signing ceremony. Photo courtesy of Pfizer Vietnam However, Vietnam is currently in its "golden population" period, which will only last for the next decade. It is important to invest now in healthcare infrastructure, innovation, and access so that the country can leverage this demographic advantage to build a sustainable healthcare system for the future. The pharmaceutical industry, as one of the most R&D-intensive sectors, is crucial to this transformation. Pfizer, as a pioneer in global pharmaceutical innovation, is supporting this vision through policy dialogue, strategic forums, and collaborations with the Ministry of Health and other partners to elevate Vietnam's healthcare standards to global levels. For us, these initiatives are more than healthcare investments, they are contributions to building a thriving future for Vietnam. A national tourism app called Visit Vietnam integrating one-click booking, AI integration and multimedia functions will be launched in 2026 and seek to become a super app by 2027. Plans for it were unveiled at the "Tourism Data in Digital Economy Development" conference held in Quang Ninh Province on Aug. 15. It will consolidate travel information, destination reviews and booking services in one place, and is considered a strategic step toward digital tourism. Sun Group will develop and operate the platform, and the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism will handle communication, promotion and business participation. Data for it will be provided mainly by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), tourism businesses and travelers. The National Data Association (NDA) will serve as its certification body. Visit Vietnam will have an AI-powered travel assistant for automated planning and booking, blockchain-based authentication, and services for transportation, accommodation, dining, and loyalty programs. Data will be secured through blockchain and tokenization processes. Phu Quoc island in southern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Sun Group A national data platform and the first version of a national tourism dashboard will be introduced in October for government use along with a public information portal. By the second quarter of 2026, the app is expected to be available for download, providing itinerary planning tools and blockchain-based authentic review systems. Vietnam plans to showcase the app at the 2027 APEC Summit as a platform offering direct booking, AI-generated itinerary suggestions and data-as-a-service for businesses. The goal is to establish it as a comprehensive tourism super app that strengthens Vietnams global presence. Nguyen Trung Khanh, chairman of VNAT, said the app is expected to address the problem of scattered and hard-to-access information in the tourism sector. Major Dao Duc Trieu, secretary general of the NDA, said the platform represents an important step toward building a public-private tourism data ecosystem. The data not only reflects visitor numbers, destinations and services, but also helps forecast trends, optimize products, enhance the visitor experience, and make evidence-based policies, he said. It would also enable businesses to innovate, personalize services and connect Vietnams tourism ecosystem with the global market, he added. President Donald Trump will no longer allow the U.S. asylum system to be abused. The recent signing of a Safe Third Country Agreement with Paraguay allows asylum seekers in the United States to pursue their protection claims in Paraguay. We thank President Santiago Pena for his leadership in combating illegal immigration and partnering to create a more secure hemisphere, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a post on X. A Safe Third Country Agreement is a bilateral arrangement between two countries that requires asylum-seekers to apply for protection in the first safe country they come to, rather than in the country they ultimately wish to live in. These agreements aim to prevent individuals from applying for asylum in multiple countries to increase their chances of approval, and to reduce the pressure on the immigration systems of countries like the United States. The U.S. and Paraguay are both very concerned about. . .illegal and irregular migration, which poses a national security threat, said Secretary Rubio at the agreement signing. The illegal immigration that has been abused, obviously is something that can cause national security problems for both countries. The United States been very focused on establishing safe third country agreements within Latin America, South America, and even in Africa, said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Troy Edgar. We look at Paraguay as a law enforcement and border security partner. The American asylum system is one that has been significantly abused in the previous administration, said Deputy Secretary Edgar. An agreement like this really starts to loosen the burden within Homeland Security and our ability to be able to process and provide the asylum process to people that are actually deserving of it and go through the process. This asylum agreement is emblematic of the broader strategic partnership between the United States and Paraguay, said Secretary Rubio in a press statement. Under President Santiago Penas leadership, we are deepening cooperation across security, diplomatic, and economic fronts. Together, we are combating transnational crime, countering malign actors, and advancing regional stability. Paraguays designation of key terrorist organizations reflects its commitment to regional and global interests, noted Secretary Rubio, while its enormous economic potential offers opportunities for greater collaboration in energy, mining, and technology. Ongoing engagement with partners like Paraguay is vital to deterring illegal immigration and securing Americas borders. The United States remains committed to working with Paraguay to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for the Western Hemisphere. Fill in the blank: I feel blank about the way things are going in the country these days. Fill in the blank: I feel blank about the way things are going in the country these days. Fill in the blank: I feel blank about the way things are going in the country these days. Fill in the blank: I feel blank about the way things are going in the country these days. As millions of American students return to class, major change is afoot. There was the interruption of the pandemic and the return to physical classrooms. There is the growing movement to ban phones during instruction time. Most recently, artificial intelligence and chatbots are changing how many people, especially students, approach basic tasks and find information. What do teachers make of it? In Opinions latest focus group, we spoke with 12 public high school teachers about all of this concerns about funding, the long but perhaps now fading effects from Covid and the Wild West of A.I. in the classroom, as one participant put it. We also talked about what they love about teaching and how these public employees from a range of backgrounds felt about the direction of the country, especially the economy. The group was particularly thoughtful on the ways teaching has become more challenging, from student preparedness to how teachers can or cannot enforce rules. The biggest changes had to do with cellphones and social media. All the participants said they would ban phones from class if they could. Its part of their whole operating schema, one participant said of how students think of their phones. They feel like, Well, I can look it up on the phone. Its part of them. Theyve connected the phone to their individuality. Anuj Shrestha Opinion Guest Essay The Playbook Used to Prove Vaccines Cause Autism The health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., says he wants to understand what causes autism. Its a perfectly laudable goal and one that scientists have been pursuing for decades. But after announcing a large new federal study on the topic, he made a shocking choice by bringing in the vaccine critic David Geier as a researcher. In the scientific community, Mr. Geier is infamous for the deeply flawed studies he conducted with his father, Mark Geier, claiming that vaccines cause autism. Researchers have long called attention to the serious methodological and ethical defects in their work. David Geier, left, and his father, Mark Geier, in their home laboratory in 2005. Marty Katz The Geiers once created an illegitimate review board for their research, composed of themselves, family members and business associates. They also promoted the drug Lupron, used for chemical castration and prostate cancer, as a supposed treatment for autism, charging $5,000 to $6,000 monthly for unproven therapies. As a result, Mark Geiers medical license was ultimately revoked or suspended by all 12 states in which he was licensed, and David Geier was fined for practicing medicine without a license. Because of David Geiers track record and the fact that Mr. Kennedy has said he believes that autism is caused by vaccines, many public health experts think that the upcoming study may echo the same flawed science. Weve broken down the anti-vaccine research playbook to help you spot the telltale signs of shoddy studies and show why Mr. Geier is such a divisive choice. (Mr. Geier did not respond to The Times's request for comment.) To start: Vaccine critics like Mr. Kennedy often give the impression that scientists havent seriously researched whether vaccines might cause autism. In a Times Opinion analysis, we can demonstrate that researchers have. Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s Andrew Wakefields M.M.R. study 2000s 2010s 2020s Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s 2000s 2010s Study retracted due to deliberate image manipulation. Study that Mr. Kennedy referenced in his Senate hearing. 2020s Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s 2000s Study retracted due to deliberate image manipulation. 2010s 2020s Study that Mr. Kennedy referenced in his Senate hearing. Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s 2000s Thimerosal studies 2010s 2020s Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s 2000s Thimerosal studies All of the studies suggesting thimerosal causes autism were written by the Geiers. 2010s 2020s Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s 2000s Aluminum studies 2010s Retracted because of unreliable data. July study that found no connection. 2020s Studies examining the link between vaccines and autism Written by the Geiers Retracted Studies that claim to have found a link Studies that did not find a link 1990s 2000s Aluminum studies 2010s Retracted because of unreliable data. 2020s July study that found no connection between aluminum additives and autism. This controversy started when Andrew Wakefield, a British doctor, published a study in 1998 that linked the measles, mumps and rubella (M.M.R.) vaccine to autism. He was later found to have falsified data and received funding from lawyers in lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers. The paper was retracted, and he was barred from practicing medicine in Britain, but not before vaccination rates began dropping and measles outbreaks began rising again. Graphic showing 70 studies that have looked at the link between vaccines and autism, broken down by whether they found a link and by decade of publication. Andrew Wakefields study in 1998 is highlighted in orange, with a red X on top marking that it was retracted. There have been some 70 studies since Mr. Wakefields looking for any link between vaccines and autism. Of these, 26 have linked vaccines to autism in some way, and 43 found no connection between vaccines and autism. Graphic showing all studies, with the 26 that found a link highlighted in orange and the 43 that did not find a link highlighted in purple. A whopping two-thirds of studies that claimed to have found a link were written by David and Mark Geier. These studies have been heavily criticized for using deceptive research techniques and flawed data. In the graphic, the 18 studies that were published by the Geiers and found a link between vaccines and autism are highlighted in orange. Among the eight other studies that found a link, four were retracted for data manipulation, flawed methods or undisclosed conflicts of interest. Most of the authors have been involved in anti-vaccination campaigns and have had other papers retracted. One such study that Mr. Kennedy referred to in his Senate confirmation hearing was published in a WordPress blog disguised as a journal and was funded by an anti-vaccine organization, among other problems. In the graphic, eight other studies that found a link between vaccines and autism are highlighted in orange, and four of them have red Xs marking that they were retracted. Fortunately, independent scientists have conducted more than 40 high-quality studies since 1998 involving over 5.6 million people across seven countries. All found no connection between vaccines and autism. These studies were rigorously designed, were reviewed by independent peers and do not contain telltale signs of data manipulation, as the Geier studies do. The 43 studies that were unable to find a link between vaccines and autism are highlighted in purple. Vaccine critics target many components of vaccines. As Mr. Wakefields M.M.R. vaccine study was proving fraudulent, thimerosal, a mercury-containing compound used as a preservative that was largely removed from childhood vaccines beginning in 1999, became a research focus. Within the graphic, all of the studies that looked at the role of thimerosal in vaccines are highlighted in green. By the 2010s, aluminum additives in vaccines became a new target. The upcoming government report may go after them, too, since Mr. Kennedy has called for this ingredient to be closely examined. But a Danish study published in July of 1.2 million children born from 1997 to 2018 found no association between aluminum exposure from vaccines and increased risk of 50 disorders, including autism, even among kids who received the highest doses. Mr. Kennedy attempted to have it retracted. In the graphic, three studies that looked at the role of aluminum additives in vaccines are highlighted in pink. Two of them found a link, but one was retracted. One study published in July did not find a link. Sources: PubMed; Google Scholar; ResearchGate; Autism Science Foundation The conclusion from all of the high-quality studies has been the same for decades: Vaccines do not cause autism. And yet the misinformation persists, kept alive by flawed research and bad-faith arguments. The victims are the very community that Mr. Kennedy claims to want to help. Resources that could go to high-quality studies are diverted because of this junk science. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has said that it is appalled by the hiring of a quack for the government study. Unfortunately, it can be hard to differentiate good science from bad. Mr. Kennedy has acknowledged how easy it is to manipulate vaccine studies. In a recent interview, he said that statistics dont lie, but statisticians do and that epidemiological studies are very easy to manipulate. He went on to describe exactly the kinds of techniques that David Geier has used in his research. To show how Mr. Geier makes his research look credible, were highlighting tactics he has employed on multiple occasions, using a 2017 paper on thimerosal as our example. We picked it because it uses one of the databases that experts suspect will be relied on in the government report, the Vaccine Safety Datalink, to which Mr. Geier has been previously barred from having access. This study looked at whether there was a higher risk of autism among kids who got hepatitis B vaccines containing thimerosal. The first page of a scientific journal paper, titled Increased Risk for an Atypical Autism Diagnosis Following Thimerosal-Containing Vaccine Exposure in the United States: A Prospective Longitudinal Case-Control Study in the Vaccine Safety Datalink. Sections of the text with the word thimerosal are highlighted. The first red flag is in the title: The authors looked only at children with atypical autism, a former diagnosis for people who didnt meet standard autism criteria. In proper scientific research, the authors would provide a reason that vaccines might affect this form of autism and not autism more broadly. The authors provide no such rationale. Without one, this looks like what researchers call fishing or p-hacking the testing of multiple outcomes until you find one that shows a link by chance. A zoom in on the first page of the study, with the phrase atypical autism diagnosis highlighted. The next problem is much more egregious. In a study like this, you should have two groups: people with the condition (cases) and similar people without it (controls) from the same period, so that researchers can spot whats different between them. But here, the authors define their cases as children with atypical autism born from 1991 to 1998, while the control group includes kids born only in 1991 and 1992. The second page of the study, zooming in on the section describing how the cases and controls were chosen. For the cases, the phrase born from 1991 to 1998 is highlighted, and for the controls, the phrase born from 1991 to 1992 is highlighted. This is deceptive, given what changed during this period. The hepatitis B vaccine was added to the list of recommended childhood vaccines in 1991, and significantly broader new autism diagnostic criteria were published in 1994, meaning more people could be diagnosed with atypical autism. Comparing children from before and after those changes can create the illusion of a connection. A line chart showing the hepatitis B vaccination rate for children 19 to 35 months old from 1991 to 1998. Hepatitis B was added to the childhood vaccine schedule in 1991, so theres no rate shown for that year. In 1992 the rate was a little under 10 percent and rose to above 80 percent by 1996. In 1994 the autism diagnostic criteria were broadened. Mr. Geier acknowledged another major problem with the study: They didnt take into account confounders outside factors that can create the appearance of a connection between two things. For example, health care access: Children who see doctors regularly are more likely both to get vaccines and to have developmental concerns noticed and diagnosed. You have to account for that. Another page of the study, zooming in on the discussion section. Part of a sentence is highlighted: Among the potential limitations of the present study, it was possible that unknown biases or confounders could be present. The researchers dismiss the need to include confounders, claiming that other studies using the same data set found that they had no effect. But many known confounders for vaccines and autism should have been taken into account, including health care access, socioeconomic status, parental age, family history of autism, birth weight and environmental exposures. Without controlling for any of these factors, the study cant actually tell us anything. The same paragraph, this time with the phrase This seems unlikely highlighted. Even worse, all of the studies they cite as justification for ignoring confounders are their own. This is a pattern for the Geiers. While some personal citing is normal, relying solely on your own work to prove your argument suggests that theres not much evidence in your corner. The citations section of the paper, with 11 of the 43 citations highlighted, indicating that they were published by the Geiers. Four of their citations are circled, to show that they were the studies that the Geiers used to justify ignoring potential confounding factors. And though the overall list of references might look scholarly, its riddled with problems. Mr. Geier cites this study, for instance, as suggesting that mercury is a known cause of autism and that thimerosal is a significant source of mercury exposure in children. But that study looked at a different, highly toxic form of mercury found in fish, not the type contained in thimerosal. A zoom in on the second citation, a paper titled Neurobehavioral Effects of Developmental Toxicity. Mr. Geier also discredits multiple high-quality studies that found no association between thimerosal and autism by arguing that several critical reviews have found methodological flaws in those studies. A zoom in, with five of the citations highlighted, none of them by the Geiers. All are high-quality studies that found no link between thimerosal and autism and that the Geiers discredited. Those critical reviews? They were published by the Geiers. The second study highlighted here, focused on supposed conflicts of interest in autism research, was initially retracted for having too many errors and ironically enough for failing to disclose the authors conflicts of interest. A zoom in, with the next two citations highlighted, both by the Geiers, which they used to discredit the high-quality studies. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The Geiers repeated this sort of shoddy science in paper after paper for years. Though the research is flawed, the reason studies like theirs resonate with people is that they offer a simple (though incorrect) answer to why autism diagnoses have increased significantly in recent years. In the United States roughly one in 31 children had an autism diagnosis in 2022, up from one in 150 in 2000. The best evidence suggests that most of this rise is due to improved awareness, more standardized diagnostic tools, expanded access to screening and changes by the American Psychiatric Association that broadened diagnostic criteria for autism and combined several conditions under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorder. Essentially, medicine is getting better at identifying autism cases that were always there and more generous in applying the diagnostic label. A landmark Swedish study illustrates how much of the apparent increase is because of improved detection. Researchers followed twins born from 1993 to 2002, estimating both autism diagnoses and autistic traits in the children. While diagnoses steadily increased, the prevalence of autistic traits remained relatively stable, suggesting that improved diagnostic practices explain much of the rise in autism rates. A Swedish study illuminated the difference between autism as a diagnosis and autism as a condition 1993 '94 '95 '96 '97 '98 '99 2000 '01 '02 1 in 400 1 in 200 1 in 133 Birth year Autism diagnosis rate Source: Lundstrom et al., The BMJ (2015) There are some biological factors that might have contributed to a genuine rise in autism: People are having children at older ages, and both maternal and paternal age have been associated with a higher risk of autism though the biological reasons for this still arent fully understood. For mothers, age-related changes in immune system function may play a role; for fathers, the link may be due to genetic mutations that become more common with age. Still, research consistently shows that these factors may explain only a modest fraction of the sudden rise in diagnoses. Data shows most autism risk is determined before birth, through genetic factors and prenatal development. We absolutely need more research into what drives autism, but if the upcoming government study uses the same kind of manipulation Mr. Geier and others previously employed to show a link between vaccines and autism, we can expect devastating consequences. This will be just the latest in a series of efforts from Mr. Kennedy from firing vaccine advisers to canceling millions of dollars in vaccine-related research grants to promising an overhaul of the system that handles vaccine injury claims that threaten the future of vaccines in the United States. Every dollar spent relitigating the disproven vaccine-autism link is a dollar stolen from research that could actually help people with autism studies on support services, educational interventions, employment programs and other factors behind autism. This is the cruelest irony: that those who claim to champion people with autism are denying them real research while undermining one of public healths greatest achievements. Now you know the anti-vaccine playbook and how not to fall for it. PRELIMINARY STATEMENT "The prosecutor has more control over life, liberty, and reputation than any other person in America." Robert H. Jackson, The Federal Prosecutor, 31 J. Crim. L. & Criminology 3 (1940). But prosecutorial power, though vast, is not unlimited. It cannot be used to punish someone for exercising his constitutional rights. Yet that is exactly what has happened here. Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been singled out by the United States government. It is obvious why. And it is not because of the seriousness of his alleged conduct. Nor is it because he poses some unique threat to this country. Instead, Mr. Abrego was charged because he refused to acquiesce in the government's violation of his due process rights. The government unlawfully removed him to El Salvador, an action it subsequently admitted was a mistake. Predictably, once in El Salvador, Mr. Abrego was incarcerated at the notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), where he was beaten and otherwise subjected to inhumane conditions. Mr. Abrego responded to the government's shocking, illegal conduct by filing a lawsuit. Rather than fix its mistake and return Mr. Abrego to the United States, the government fought back at every level of the federal court system. And at every level, Mr. Abrego won. This case results from the government's concerted effort to punish him for having the audacity to fight back, rather than accept a brutal injustice. The central event alleged in the Indictment happened in 2022. At the time, Mr. Abrego was living in the United States lawfully: he had secured an order from an immigration court prohibiting his removal to El Salvador, the country of his birth and citizenship, to protect him from gang violence he feared if returned there. In November 2022, Mr. Abrego was pulled over, allegedly for speeding, while driving an SUV with nine passengers through Putnam County, Tennessee. Federal authorities were informed of the relevant facts and declined to investigate or prosecute Mr. Abrego. He was sent on his way without so much as a traffic ticket. 1 The Eye of Jinxi, the most famous nail house in Chinas Jianxi Province, was recently abandoned by its owner, who couldnt stand the noise of the cars passing by his home 24/7. The Eye of Jinxi made news headlines in China in April, when a highway built around it was inaugurated. Like other nail house owners across the Asian country, Huang Ping (pseudonym) refused the regional governments offer to buy his property and decided to stick to his guns even when everyone else in the area moved out. At one point, Huang got a large enough compensation package of approximately 1.6 million yuan ($223,000), but didnt agree to the condition that the price be paid in two installments. He would live to regret his decision, because the government decided to simply build the road around his property, turning it into an isolated nail house. With no soundproofing at all, the nail house, which looks like an eye in the middle of the new highway when viewed from above, became virtually uninhabitable when traffic started flowing in April. Huang and his family held out as long as they could, but the constant noise and trepidation from large trucks passing by forced them out eventually. Its unclear when the family moved out, but people started noticing the broken windows of the house and overgrown weeds around it last month. Contacted by local news outlets, the owner of the Eye of Jinxi confirmed that he and his family had abandoned the property because of the incessant traffic noise and trepidation. They preferred to rent a home in a nearby town, and could not say what would happen to their old property. Even if the nail house were to be demolished, Huang would only receive a fraction of the compensation originally offered to him. You must have a strong heart to face the villagers ridicule, one person mocked Huang on Weibo. To be honest, in this desolate mountain area, if the country didnt build roads to improve peoples livelihood, how much could you sell your house for? Will anyone buy it? someone else wrote. JCIR handles Nexstar Media Group as it plans a $6.2B merger with Tegna to create a local TV broadcast powerhouse with 265 stations in 44 states reaching 80 percent of US households. The $22 per share offer represents a 31 percent premium to Tegnas 30-day closing price ending Aug. 8. Nexstar CEO Perry Sook cited President Trumps plan to deregulate the local broadcast sector as the driving force behind the deal. The initiatives being pursued by the Trump administration offer local broadcasters the opportunity to expand reach, level the playing field, and compete more effectively with the Big Tech and legacy Big Media companies that have unchecked reach and vast financial resources, he said. Nexstar contends the merged company will be better able to serve communities by ensuring the long-term vitality of local news and programming from trusted local sources and preserving the diversity of local voice and opinion. Mike Steib, Tegna chief, said joining with Nexstar will expand news coverage to serve more communities, across more screens, and ultimately secure the future of local news for generations to come. The Wall Street Journal reports the Sinclair Broadcast Group, which on Aug. 11 announced a strategic review of its operations, plans to offer a deal for Tegna. JCIR founder/president Joe Jaffoni and managing director Jennifer Newman represent Nexstar. Not a Subscriber? Join O'Dwyer's & Get RFP Access Stop wasting time tracking down RFPs. O'Dwyer's connects you with organizations looking for PR firms & services. Get new business with O'Dwyer's! Join O'Dwyer's Leigh Whitaker Leigh Whitaker will return to the University of Pennsylvania on Oct. 1 as VP for government and community affairs. A veteran with more than 20 years of communications experience, she will oversee Penns outreach to city, state and federal officials, as well as partnerships with Philadelphia communities. Most recently, Whitaker launched and headed the Philadelphia government relations group at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. Prior to joining BI&R, she was Penns director of city relations in a seven-year run. In that post, she facilitated the PennAssist pre-apprenticeship program, helped secure legislative approvals for over $2B in campus development, and served as a key advisor for Philadelphia-related issues. Prior to Penn, she was VP-communications at Rivers Casino Philadelphia, where she guided the company through its launch and $165 million expansion, and led crisis and government relations strategy. Whitaker also worked as deputy chief of staff for external affairs at the School District of Philadelphia. Penn President Larry Jameson called Whitaker a trusted and principled leader. At this moment of significant complexity and opportunity for Penn and higher education, her return to the University is timely and energizing he said. Brands2Life signs on to drive corporate communications and public affairs activity for UK supermarket chain Lidl GB. Brand2Lifes efforts will encompass the development and activation of Lidl GBs corporate communications strategy in addition to managing the companys government and media relations, leadership communications and issues mitigation. Established in 1994, Lidl GB has more than 35,000 employees, over 980 stores and 14 distribution centers in England, Scotland and Wales. We were incredibly impressed by Brands2Lifes commitment to the process, not to mention the passion of the team, said Lidl GB director of corporate affairs Georgina Hall. Brookline Public Relations, a Calgary-based firm with affiliates in Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, New York, LA and London, renews its AOR partnership with Banff Sunshine Village, a ski resort located in Canadas Banff National Park. Brookline is providing the resort with support for media outreach and is working to amplify its brand awareness. Brookline has also brought on two new clients. It will serve as agency of record for the launch of Sovereign Digital Infrastructure and its Mihta Askiy data center, a majority First Nation-owned, indigenous-led initiative. The scope of work will include managing website content creation, branding and logo development. For Gradient Beverages, the agency is working on a project basis to handle media relations and influencer engagement aimed at raising the profile of the companys Inversion Nitro Cocktail range and its Made in Alberta award wins. Miles Partnership, a strategic marketing consultancy focused exclusively on travel and tourism, is named agency of record for Visit Reno Tahoe, the official destination marketing organization for Nevadas Washoe County. The agency will support Visit Reno Tahoes integrated marketing efforts with strategy development, paid media planning, digital content creation, data analysis and national campaign execution. Their data-driven approach, industry knowledge and proven success with destinations across the country will be critical as we continue positioning Reno Tahoe as a premier four-season destination for meetings, events and leisure travel, said Visit Reno Tahoe president and CEO Mike Larragueta. New Book Empowers Everyday Believers with 'The EASY Bible Study Method' NEWS PROVIDED BY Coffee and Bible Time Aug. 19, 2025 CHICAGO, Aug. 19, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ The creators of Coffee and Bible Time, Ashley Armijo, Taylor Mitchell, and Ellen Krause, have mentored more than two million people on how to engage with Scripture. In their new release, The EASY Bible Study Method: A Guide to Understanding, Applying, and Delighting in Gods Word, they present a practical, four-step approach designed to help readers develop a meaningful and lasting habit of Bible study. Already generating buzz and climbing the charts in Christian Education, The EASY Bible Study Method is ideal for both beginners and seasoned believers looking to go deeper in Gods Word. This book will make you want to open your Bible again and again, not out of obligation, but out of sheer joy.- Jordan Raynor, author of The Sacredness of Secular Work and Redeeming Your Time This powerful guide offers: A beginner-friendly daily study framework that builds strong spiritual habits. A simple four-step method that brings fresh insight every time you open your Bible. A versatile resource for small groups, mentorship, or personal devotion. The authorssisters Ashley and Taylor, and their mother, Ellen (also known as Mentor Mama)developed the EASY method to help women approach the Bible with clarity and confidence. Drawing from their diverse experience in ministry, education, and media, they crafted a tool thats accessible, practical, and deeply rooted in Scripture. Perfect for women, small groups, and students who want to move beyond simply highlighting verses and into rich, transformative study. About the Authors: Ashley (Krause) Armijo, Taylor (Krause) Mitchell, and Ellen Krause are the voices behind the popular Coffee and Bible Time ministry (coffeeandbibletime.com). Through their YouTube channel, podcast, Instagram, Bible Study Academy, #1-selling prayer journal, and other products, as well as community engagement, they encourage thousands of women each week to know and love Gods Word. BOOK INFORMATION Title: The EASY Bible Study Method: A Guide to Understanding, Applying, and Delighting in God's Word Authors: Ashley Armijo, Taylor Krause, and Ellen Krause Publisher: Moody Publishers Release Date: August 5, 2025 Format: Paperback ISBN-10: 0802434193 ISBN-13: 978-0802434197Pages: 192 Available at: Amazon, Moody Publishers, Barnes & Noble, target.com, walmart.com, Christian Book, Mardel, AWBC (Books-A-Million), Readerlink MEDIA CONTACT Ellen Krause Email: ellen.krause@coffeeandbibletime.com To request a review copy or schedule an interview, contact us at the email above. SOURCE Coffee and Bible Time A businesswoman in the Midlands running a holistic therapy centre has revealed the shockingly frequent times that male customers ask for "sexual services" when booking a massage. Registered and Accredited Psychotherapist Marie Byrne runs the Glosna House support centre in Wolfhill in Laois. An established Laois business for 15 years in a nature setting described as a "haven of peace and tranquility", its offers alternative and holistic therapies by a team of highly trained, professional women. However the owner and her staff are facing incidents of inappropriate requests "several times a week". Ms Byrne took to social media to describe the problem, and she told the Leinster Express / Laois Live just how bad it is, with men regularly asking for "sexual favours". "The messages are increasing. Before I might get a call but I'd be quick to identify if it was a genuine male looking for treatment or one looking for a sexual favour. But recently a male booked in with staff and then he propositioned the female therapist alone in the treatment room. Yesterday a man asked us to send pictures of the therapist. "I have rung Laois Gardai before to complain of sexual harassment, sometimes they ring back the man to frighten him, but unless he is on the property there is little can be done. "I don't want any of my team in any uncomfortable situation. I went public because I've had enough. I really want people to know that if anyone requests this from Glosna House, I'll publicly shame them. Zero tolerance," the businesswoman said. It is a problem for many female massage practitioners in Ireland, she reports. "I have a colleague who has a Thai massage business, all wonderful professional therapists but they are propositioned five or six times a day, to the point that the owner doesn't want her daughters to take over the business when she retires." Since Ms Byrne posted her statement on social media, other therapists have come forward, one saying they now "never answer the phone unless it's a saved number". "I've been contacted by lots of other therapists to thank me, saying it's about time someone said it. It's a huge problem, regardless of the nationality of the therapists. The fact that they are female is the issue. It's mysogyny at its best," Marie Byrne said. The Glosna House owner's social media post is as follows: "Several times every week, men message us asking if we 'include sexual services' in these services. See exhibit A," she said. She shared a screen shot of a text including the texter's mobile number which reads 'can I ask is this just purely massage only or is there happy endings too? Apologies I don't wish to be rude'. The business owner lays it straight to such clients. "Let me be absolutely clear: This is harassment. This is misogyny. This is utterly unacceptable. It is 2025. Women working as professional therapists should not have to put up with this degrading, sexist nonsense. Our work is about care, healing, and respect - not about fulfilling anyones fantasies. "To the men who send these messages: Don't - You are not welcome at Glosna. "To our Glosna community: thank you for standing with us, and for treating our therapists with the dignity and respect they deserve. At Glosna House, there is zero tolerance for harassment. Always," she writes. Ms Byrne warns offending requesters that they cannot hide their identity. "For those who think they can hide behind burner phones, fake accounts, or anonymous numbers, dont be so foolish. In 2025, tracing digital harassment is easier than you think. You are not invisible. I see you and today is not the day and I am not the one ..." DOVIDA, Irelands leading home care provider, will host a series of National Hiring Week events across the country from September 1 5 as part of a major recruitment drive. The company aims to hire 60 new caregivers throughout Westmeath, Offaly, and Longford to meet growing need for its services. Dovida caregivers provide essential support to ageing adults and people living with disabilities in their own homes. The organisations person-centred approach means that its Caregivers build meaningful connections with their clients and empower them to live fuller, more independent lives. National Hiring Week is a great way for us to get out and about in the community to connect with people looking to start a rewarding career in home care, Lorraine McLaughlin, General Manager of Dovida Midlands, said. It provides us with an excellent platform to highlight what makes us an employer of choice in the sector and gives potential recruits the chance to meet local Caregivers and support team members to explore whether a career in care is right for them, she added. READ NEXT: Tullamore residents cannot tolerate flooding situation for another winter Dovida National Hiring Week events in the Midlands Monday, September 1st, 10am - 4pm: Walk-in interviews at Birr Technology Centre, St Brendans Street, Birr, R42 A593. Tuesday, September 2nd, 11am - 3pm: Open day and walk-in interviews, Temperence Hall, New street, Longford, N39 R9X8. Wednesday, September 3rd, 10am - 3pm: Athlone Town Shopping Centre, Mardyke Street, Athlone. Thursday, September 4th, 10am - 3pm: Hiring stand and walk-in interviews, Tullamore Bridge Centre, Bridge Street, Tullamore, R35 XC58. Friday, September 5th, 10am - 3pm: Hiring stand and walk-in interviews, Greville Arms Hotel, 33-37 Pearse Street, Mullingar, N91 X9RN. Dovida caregivers provide a range of vital services that empower people in their community to remain living as independently as possible in their own homes. Whether assisting an older person who needs some help around the house or supporting someone who has a disability to attend events in the community, Dovida caregivers are there. Dovida offers both full and part-time positions as well as flexible hours in the mornings, afternoons, evenings and weekends, allowing caregivers to fit their work into their lives and balance it with other commitments, such as family life or study. The company also provides comprehensive training and support, as well as opportunities for personal and professional development. People who need support from Dovida want to maintain autonomy over their life, to experience belonging, pursue happiness and find purpose. Our caregivers are key to ensuring that as many people as possible can do just that, Lorraine concluded. READ NEXT: Offaly man secured Ireland's position as a world leader in the pharmaceutical industry Dovida welcomes applications from people from all walks of life and is committed to supporting them every step of the way. For more information on life as a Dovida caregiver and how to apply, please visit dovida.ie/hiring-week THE Irish man who died four days after being arrested in Ecuador in a 600,000 drugs bust earlier this month was originally from Edenderry. John Fennessy (64) was a respected business man and factory manager who had no record of criminality of any description. He took ill in his cell in the south American country four days after his arrest and passed away. It is believed he suffered a heart attack. Mr Fennessy, and a younger man, were arrested by officers from the Policia Nacional del Ecuador on August 1 at Guayaquil Airport after drugs were discovered in suitcases. Concerns have been raised about the circumstances surrounding his arrest and death. Last week the Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the case and was providing consular assistance. Mr Fennessy had connections with Tullamore having worked in Cardinal Health for some years. He also ran the now closed Hole in the Wall public house, just off Market Square, for a period. READ NEXT: Tullamore residents cannot tolerate flooding situation for another winter READ NEXT: SCANDALOUS: Offaly pub closure rates now the second highest in the State Over 130 jobs look set to be lost as Leprino Foods Company closes down its cheese factory in Laois. Staff were notified of the closure earlier today when management issued letters to the employees. There are currently 132 employees at the site. Leprino Foods Company described the decisions as difficult but necessary and said it would cease manufacturing operations at its Portlaoise manufacturing plant in the second half of 2026. The facility produces mozzarella and string cheese. The Leinster Express/Laois Live talked to one staff member who spoke of their financial commitments and those of some other staff members who had recently taken out mortgages. Leprinos Portlaoise facility was established in 2020 to manufacture and supply mozzarella and string cheese for the EU pizza industry. The facility was built as a greenfield site with production commencing in 2021. Laois Independent Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanely said I am very disappointed to hear that the factory is closing down. It will be a huge loss for the town and those that will lose their jobs. She claimed the IDA has let us down very badly in Laois. It is a huge shock and disappointment for the county, she added. Leprino said their decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of all possible options to improve the financial and operational performance of the Portlaoise site. Despite considerable efforts, the level of sustainable improvement needed could not be achieved. Closing the site will help ensure that Leprino can remain competitive while optimising its manufacturing footprint to continue meeting the evolving needs of customers, they stated. We understand the impact this announcement will have on our colleagues, their families, and the local community, said Chief Executive of Leprino Europe, Paul Vernon. We want to express our sincere gratitude to the talented team at Portlaoise. This decision does not lessen the value of their hard work or contributions. Leprino said it is committed to supporting employees throughout this transition, as well as ensuring continuity of supply for our customers. The company will provide enhanced redundancy packages, career transition assistance, and regular updates to ensure transparency at every stage. They said production will be moved to other Leprino Europe facilities in Magheralin, Northern Ireland, and Llangefni, Wales. In parallel, they said they would continue to explore opportunities for the site with any potentially interested third parties. CLICK ARROWS OR SWIPE TO SEE MORE PICTURES Autism Awareness Roscrea held their Annual Sensory Fun Day on Sunday last - an annual sensory friendly event, open to everyone and a fantastic day out. Family Fun Day 2025 took part in the the sacred heart primary school recently. Thank you all for the most amazing day. Everything from snakes, owls and other small mammals to relaxation, therapy and fun zones were available, with lots of sensory play and the very important 'Chill Out & Quiet' zones. Creative Ireland and Tipperary County Council provide financial support for the annual event and the incredible difference made to so many families in the area is possible thanks to volunteers who make themselves available for the annual event, as well working in the background throughout the year. We are very grateful for all of them for their dedication and commitment, the organisers said. To everyone who helped to make the day possible, magical and warmed many hearts, you are amazing people. We strive and continue on our journey in creating awareness of neurodiversity and to actively promote inclusion, Marguerite and the Autism Awareness Roscrea team said. We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether its a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY Fine Gael has reopened nominations to find a candidate to back in the Irish presidential election. It comes after Mairead McGuinness withdrew from the race for Aras an Uachtarain for health reasons. Former Fine Gael deputy leader Heather Humphreys and party MEP Sean Kelly are said to be considering whether to enter the contest. On Monday evening, in a statement following a meeting of the Fine Gael Executive Council, the party extended its best wishes to Ms McGuinness. Tanaiste Simon Harris announced Fine Gael has reopened nominations for a candidate to back to run to succeed current Irish president Michael D Higgins. He said the party hopes to have found a candidate by mid-September. Tonight we formally paid tribute to Mairead McGuinness for all her incredible public service and wish her a full recovery, he said. Fine Gael took a decision to contest the presidential election a number of months ago and that remains our position. Over the next two weeks, there will now be an opportunity for people who wish to seek the Fine Gael nomination to come forward and to engage with our TDs, senators, councillors and members from right across Ireland. This will enable us to have a candidate in place by mid-September, in plenty of time for the election in the weeks ahead. I wish any and all prospective candidates the very best. Nominations will open at noon on Tuesday, August 19 and close at noon on Tuesday, September 2. Potential candidates need the nomination of 20 members of the parliamentary party, 25 Fine Gael councillors and five members of the Executive Council. The result is to be announced and the candidate will be ratified at a presidential election candidate convention in mid-September. The clock is ticking. Funding for the Older Americans Act (OAA) is currently secured only through September 30, 2025--that's just 43 days away. Unless Congress acts to reauthorize the law or approve new appropriations before the start of FY 2026 on October 1, funding could lapse. A bipartisan effort must be made on Capitol Hill to ensure both reauthorization and the FY 2026 budget are addressed, avoiding any interruption in services for America's older adults. Last reauthorized in 2020, the OAA expired during the 118th Congress. S. 4776, spearheaded by Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the committees ranking member, passed the Senate by unanimous consent last year. However, the House failed to pass a companion measure due to unrelated political disagreements. Two months ago, Chairman Cassidy and nine co-sponsors reintroduced the OAA Reauthorization Act of 2025. The 91-page bill, S. 2120, would renew funding and strengthen services for older Americans. It was referred to the Senate HELP Committee the day it was introduced, where hearings, markups, and a committee vote are expected. If approved, it will move to the full Senate for consideration. As of press time, a companion bill had not yet been introduced in the House. Chairman Cassidy's co-sponsors include Senators Bernie Sanders, Gillibrand, Rick Scott (R-FL), chair of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ben Ray Lujn (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and Susan Collins (R-ME). Since its passage in 1965, the OAA has provided vital nutrition, social, and health services to millions of seniors. The legislation was originally sponsored byRep. John E. Fogarty (D-RI)in the House and Sen. Lister Hill (D-AL) in the Senate, and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 14, 1965. Strengthening Programs for the Future Although S. 2120 closely mirrors last years S. 4776, there are notable differences. The legislation would reauthorize OAA programs through FY 2030 and increase funding by 18% over the next four years. It also includes measures to promote innovation, strengthen program integrity, and provide better support for family caregivers and direct care workers. The bill aims to improve services for tribal elders and older adults with disabilities, ensuring these populations can remain active and supported in their communities. One key provision strengthens theLong-Term Care Ombudsman Program(LTCOP). The bill would establish a full-time National Director position and require the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study of state ombudsman programs. This study would assess program effectiveness, staffing challenges, recommendations for improvement, and the adequacy of current staff-to-bed ratios. The legislation also calls for updated training standards for long-term care ombudsman volunteers. The National Family Caregiver Support Programwould also be expanded. The bill encourages easier access to caregiver services, removes barriers to obtaining help, and ensures supports are both accessible and practical. It specifically requires trauma-informed services and elder abuse-prevention programs to be available, helping caregivers better manage challenges in their roles. Onelder abuse prevention, S. 2120 authorizes a clearinghouse for best practices, focusing on legal and protective services to strengthen state ombudsman programs, adult protective services, and related legal supports. Bipartisan Support and Legislative Momentum The Older Americans Act is crucial in helping American seniors live healthy and independent lives in the settings they choose, said Chairman Cassidy. This legislation strengthens these programs, ensuring they meet the needs of older Americans now and in the future, he says. Sen. Scott also underscored the urgency of passing S. 2120 in a released statement. I'm proud to help lead this bipartisan legislation to strengthen support for America's older adults and reaffirm our commitment to helping them enjoy their golden years with dignity and independence, he said. As Chair of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, I understand how essential it is that more than 59 million older Americans have access to critical services made possible through the Older Americans Act. Our seniors have spent their lives building and serving this country, and this bill is one way we ensure they continue to be supported, respected, and valued, he added. The OAA has been a lifeline for American seniors since its passage over half a century ago, said Sen. Gillibrand in a statement on June 18. This landmark legislation helps our nation's seniors thrive by supporting programs that providenutrition assistance, home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation, caregiver support, disease prevention, and more. We owe it to seniors to continue funding these programs so they can age with dignity and respect. As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, I am firmly committed to getting this bill passed with bipartisan support. Sen. Sanders's statement echoed that message, highlighting the broad scope of OAA-funded services: The Older Americans Act provides federal funding for many essential programs, includingcombating loneliness and isolation, job training, protections from abuse, rides to the doctor and grocery store, disease prevention, caregiver support, and help for older adults to live independentlyat home. Not only does the Act save lives and ease human suffering, it saves money. We can waste billions on emergency room visits and unnecessary hospital stays, or we can provide seniors with the resources they need to live healthier, more dignified lives. The failure to reauthorize the OAA in 2024 had tragic consequences in 2025. One in particular was the elimination of the Administration of Community Living that runs OAA programs. Also proposals (since rejected) to end funding for Adult Protective Services and ombudsman programs. When you are in legislative limbo bad stuff can happen. Its time for that to end, says Robert Bob Blancato, serving as National Coordinator of the bipartisan 3,000-member Elder Justice Coalition, the Executive Director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs and National Coordinator of the Defeat Malnutrition. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Nine months after Azerbaijan hosted COP29 in Baku with pledges of green transition and sustainability, the Caspian Sea remains an arena of unchecked industrial exploitation. British corporations, long positioning themselves as champions of environmental responsibility, continue to expand operations in one of the world's most fragile inland seas leaving behind a trail of ecological degradation, public distrust, and growing civic resistance. BP stands at the center of this paradox. The company remains deeply embedded in Azerbaijan's offshore development, from the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli oil field to the vast Shah Deniz gas project, and at the Sangachal Terminal that channels hydrocarbons to global markets. In Kazakhstan, British Gas holds stakes in the Karachaganak Oil and Gas Condensate Field, notorious for its high sulfur content and severe health impacts on surrounding communities. Toxic emissions and gas flaring forced the relocation of entire villages, such as Tungush and Berezovka, underscoring how energy profits often come at the cost of human lives. Western oil companies, including from the UK, have played a major role in the degradation of the environment of the Caspian Sea, says Vadim Ni, head of the Save the Caspian Sea movement. At Karachaganak, operations have already displaced local populations due to health damage. Yet governments still refuse to disclose environmental sections of agreements on Karachaganak, Kashagan, and Tengiz. We are now suing the Ministry of Energy to make these contracts public. Such opacity undermines accountability. Despite international commitments to transparency and emissions reductions, local authorities and corporations maintain a veil of secrecy. This allows extraction to continue under outdated technologies, with little independent oversight of pollution levels or environmental fees. The situation is not confined to BP and British Gas. Other multinational players reinforce the pattern. As Maria Lobacheva, program director at Echo, notes: BP has not been active in Kazakhstan for several years, so my comments concern Shell only. Shell is involved in three major projects here Karachaganak, Kashagan, and the Caspian Pipeline but its role in these consortia remains largely invisible to the public. This lack of clarity weakens accountability and makes Shells ESG pledges meaningless to most Kazakhstanis. She adds that while consortiums claim emissions remain within limits, government inspections continue to reveal excessive flaring and unsafe sulfur storage. Shell does not disclose in its global reporting the payments it makes via these projects, covering only one of the three, which undermines transparency in a context where contracts remain confidential. The contradictions are stark. London tightens environmental rules at home and signals climate leadership abroad, yet British capital entrenches itself in opaque networks in Baku and Astana. Local elites profit from lucrative agreements, while ordinary communities face worsening air quality, contaminated waters, and disappearing fisheries. Civil society is increasingly stepping into the vacuum left by regulators. Movements like Save the Caspian Sea seek contract disclosure and public access to pollution data, while activists in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan demand recognition of ecological risks tied to offshore development. Yet pressure against independent experts remains intense, and attempts to investigate spills or leaks often meet obstruction. For the Caspian, the stakes are existential. Once a cradle of unique biodiversity, the sea has become a symbol of resource exploitation where environmental norms are suspended in the pursuit of energy security. The legacy of British involvement celebrated in boardrooms, condemned on the ground, leaves a troubling question: how many more promises of green transition will be made while the waters of the Caspian grow darker and more toxic? Former President Donald Trumps fascination with the Nobel Peace Prize is no secret. Throughout his political career, Trump has repeatedly claimed that he deserved the worlds most prestigious peace honorat times insisting that he stopped six warsand openly lamenting that former President Barack Obama won it early in his presidency. But what lies beneath Trumps persistent quest for this accolade, and is there any truth to his sweeping claims of war prevention? The Roots of Presidential Envy Trumps drive for a Nobel Peace Prize has often been framed in the context of his rivalry with Barack Obama, who was awarded the prize in 2009, just months after taking office. Obamas award was largely based on the international goodwill and sense of diplomatic renewal he brought to the presidency, not for any single peace agreement or conflict resolution. For Trump, who built his brand around contest and conquest, Obamas Nobel became a perpetual irritanta symbol, in his mind, of accolades granted for charisma over achievements, and of an establishment that refused to recognize his own historic accomplishments. Moreover, without openly stating it Trump believes that hes entitled to the Nobel Prize simply because hes a white man and this entitled to it more than Black Barack Obama. He cannot stand the fact that Americas first and only Black president and accomplished intellectual and widely acknowledged as one of his nations most successful presidents. Thats galling to Trumps white supremacist impulses. Trumps Six Wars: Fact or Fiction? Trump has often crowed that he didnt start a single war, and at various rallies and interviews, the claim grew to stopped six wars. Lets unpack this: No New Wars: It is factually correct that Trump did not begin any new, large-scale military conflicts during his first presidency. And while this stands in contrast to several previous presidents eight months into his second stint hes already bombed Iran on Israels and the Yemen Houthis attacking shipping in solidarity with suffering Gazans. It is factually correct that Trump did not begin any new, large-scale military conflicts during his first presidency. And while this stands in contrast to several previous presidents eight months into his second stint hes already bombed Iran on Israels and the Yemen Houthis attacking shipping in solidarity with suffering Gazans. Claims of Stopping Six Wars: However, there is no public recordnor credible evidenceof the Trump administration halting six imminent or active wars. Specifics are lacking, and when pressed for details, Trump (and his spokespeople) have not identified six wars that were concretely stopped. However, there is no public recordnor credible evidenceof the Trump administration halting six imminent or active wars. Specifics are lacking, and when pressed for details, Trump (and his spokespeople) have not identified six wars that were concretely stopped. Some Notable Diplomatic Moves: Trump facilitated agreements between Israel and several Arab states (t he Abraham Accords), which were hailed as historic normalization deals but were not the cessation of ongoing wars. He initiated peace talks with North Korea, a step praised for reducing tensions, though no formal end to the Korean War or denuclearization resulted. In Afghanistan, Trumps administration began negotiations with the Taliban, which ultimately led to the 2021 withdrawal under his successor, Joe Biden. Escalations and Continuing Conflicts: Despite these moves, under Trumps leadership, tensions and hostilities still persist in places like Yemen, Syria, and with Iran (including the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, which nearly escalated into war). So, while Trump promoted diplomatic efforts and can claim credit for certain deals, his assertion about stopping six wars is, at best, an exaggeration lacking concrete, documented cases. And at worst a bold-faced lie that he repeats over and over in a Hitlerite Goebells-like if you repeat a big lie over and over again, not only will people believe you, but even you will believe your own lie. The Nobel Obsession: More Than Just Medals Trumps overt yearning for the prize was sometimes the subject of ridicule and sometimes part of his campaign messaging. He mused publicly that if he were any other president, he would have won three or four Nobel Peace Prizes, and complained that the media refused to cover his supposed nominations and achievements in this arena. Behind this was also a clear subtext: envy and rivalry with Obama, whose Nobel is immortalized in history. Trumps insistence on his own worthiness was about legacy, image, and settling political scores. The Politics of Peace Prizes The Nobel Peace Prize remains deeply symbolicoften controversialhonoring not only concrete outcomes but also intentions, negotiations, and hope. Obamas early prize was awarded less for his accomplishments than for his promise. Trumps case was the opposite: achievements he perceived as ignored or deliberately discounted. Yet, the Nobel Committee did not see fit to give Trump the distinction, at least as of 2025, and his claims of unmatched peace-makinglike so many stories swirling around his legacyremain unproven or at best unsubstantiated. The Agony of Unawarded Recognition Donald Trumps campaign for the Nobel Peace Prize highlights not only the politics of global accolades but also the outsized role of personal rivalry in presidential legacy-building. His claim to having stopped six wars lacks substantiation, serving more as political branding than historical fact. If anything, the obsession with outshining Obamas unusual and controversial Nobel Peace Prize illuminates just how powerful symbolsand the envy they provokecan be in the drama of 21st-century leadership. Finally, the Nobel Prize committee runs a serious risk of sullying and smearing the reputation and historical nature of the prize. Donald Trump is a convicted felon and sex offender. His recent history includes denying that he lost the 2020 presidential election despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary. He stands accused of stoking a failed coup to overturn the 2020 election that caused the death of at least five Washington police and an angry white mob loudly shouting Hang Mike Pence Trumps vice president who refused to do his bidding and steal the legal outcome of the election. Over 1,000 members of the insurrectionist white supremacy mob were arrested, charged and sentenced to prison time. Donald Trump called them patriots and when he returned to the White House in 2025 one of his very first acts was to mass pardon these criminals. So, given this partial checkered Trumpian history, I ask you is this: is this the kind of person who is worthy to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize? Protesters have demonstrated at all hours at the ICE building on South Macadam. Maxine Bernstein | Staff Portland police are not required to enforce noise rules at protests outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in the South Waterfront, a judge ruled last week. The ruling from Multnomah County Senior Judge Ellen Rosenblum, a former Oregon attorney general, was in response to a lawsuit filed last month by a resident of Grays Landing, a low-income apartment building next to the ICE facility. In it, resident Cloud Elvengrail asked the court to compel the city of Portland to enforce noise ordinances around the area. She and other neighbors have been subjected to an onslaught of noise by protesters who have demonstrated at all hours, her attorneys wrote. Elvengrails attorneys said she is seeking the same outcome as other residents: peace and quiet. According to the filing, air raid sirens and shrieking noises have battered Elvengrails ears and caused them to bleed. Tear gas and pepper spray from federal agents have created a near-nightly toxic environment from which Elvengrail cannot escape. And her apartment doesnt have air conditioning, so she must keep her windows closed while indoor temperatures remain high, according to the filing. Elvengrail has called 911 and non-emergency police more than 40 times since protests began and claims she has not received meaningful help. In some cases, police have told her to leave and take a break from the noise, the filing stated. She has also confronted protesters herself to tell them to be quiet, which put a target on her back, the filing said. In one instance on June 30, a protester doused her with a liquid she believed was alcohol. Rosenblum said in a Thursday court hearing she felt the attorneys representing Elvengrail did not meet the high legal bar to allow her to make the city act. But she was sympathetic to Elvengrail and other neighbors at Grays Landing. She said police could, and in her opinion should, use their discretion to ensure city noise rules are followed in the late evenings around the ICE building. She ruled that police do have discretion and have used it in determining how and whether to intervene in nightly protests outside the facility. Under city noise rules, between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., noise levels must stay at around 50 decibels in open space zones, which the filing says would apply to protesters on public sidewalks and streets. The filing stated that Elvengrail has measured sound readings inside her apartment 15 to 20 decibels higher than the limit. Attorneys for the city brought top Police Bureau officials to testify in a July 25 hearing on the matter and on Thursday. A Portland police spokesperson declined to comment on the ruling, instead sharing a statement from City Attorney Robert Taylor, who said, The city is grateful for the courts thoughtful consideration of the matter. Police have been cautious about appearing to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, citing state sanctuary laws. In June, Police Chief Bob Day spoke publicly about avoiding any actions that might show perceived or actual support for immigration agents after Portland officers cleared a blockade of the ICE driveway to let an empty transport van pass. Julie Parrish, an attorney representing Elvengrail, said she believes police are avoiding enforcing noise regulations because they dont want to be perceived as working with ICE. Parrish said she is continuing to explore options to help Elvengrail as protests continue. If we can help our client, we can help everyone in the neighborhood, she said. Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221-4323, zshaikh@oregonian.com or on X@zaeemshake. Police are investigating after a man was shot and killed at a shooting pit in Clackamas County on Sunday night. Szachary Tyler White, of Vancouver, was shot at a recreational target-shooting area south of Estacada, near Six Tie Road and Forest Service Road 4510, according to a statement from the Clackamas County Sheriffs Office. White, 21, was being transported from the remote area in a private car when deputies located him on South Hillockburn Road, according to the statement. The deputies provided aid until medical personnel arrived, but White died. No arrests have been reported. The Clackamas County Medical Examiners Office will determine the cause and manner of death, the sheriffs office said. The sheriffs office asked anyone with information about this case to contact its tip line at 503-723-4949 or use the online form here. Maddie Khaw covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her at mkhaw@oregonian.com. The Oregon Health Authority on Tuesday lifted the recreational use advisory on the Willamette River in Portland after determining a harmful algal bloom has dissipated. Health officials monitored the water and confirmed that the level of cyanotoxins is now back below recreational guidelines for people. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality tested the water and found that the cyanotoxin found in the Ross Island Lagoon microcystin was below the human recreational use level that triggers a health advisory, said Tim Heider, a health authority spokesperson. But the water is not yet safe for dogs, who are at higher risk of health problems from ingesting toxins. The sample taken from the Ross Island Lagoon contained .24 micrograms of microcystin, just above the dog health risk value of .20 micrograms per liter, Heider said. The health authority doesnt issue advisories based on pet health, but tracks pet illness and deaths from cyanotoxin exposure, Heider said. Health officials recommended staying alert for signs of cyanobacteria blooms and avoiding areas where the water is foamy, scummy, thick like paint, pea-green or blue-green or where thick, brownish-red mats or bright green clumps are visible in the water, according to a statement from the Oregon Health Authority. Cyanobacteria build-up in the Ross Island Lagoon caused that area of the river to turn bright green last week in what has become a routine summer issue. The bloom then spread, leading the health authority to expand the advisory to North Portlands Wapato Bridge and Kelley Point Park. The toxins can cause health problems if inhaled or ingested and can be fatal for dogs. Blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable, the statement said. Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so its important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms. Bacteria can also fester in clear water, according to the health authority. Some species anchor themselves at the bottom of the water, live in the sediment or grow on aquatic plants. When a bloom dies, toxins released may reach into clear water around the bloom, the statement said. Blooms can be pushed into other areas, leaving toxins behind. Two dogs have died this summer from exposure to toxic waters in the Willamette, according to the health authoritys advisory map. Maddie Khaw covers breaking news, public safety and more for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach her at mkhaw@oregonian.com. I am deeply offended by the opinion column chastising the Democratic Party for criticizing men, (The Left should stop harping on men. That drives them to Trump, Aug. 10). Men have the power in this world. Both houses of the U.S. Congress are dominated by white men. Men still make more money than women for the same work. Women are still primarily responsible for homemaking and childcare even if working full time, with or without a partner in the home. Toxic masculinity is a real problem. Ask anybody whos suffered through an abusive relationship with a male partner. Ask any woman who works with the public or has a bully for a boss. President Donald Trump has given men permission to behave badly. If thats worth more to them than maintaining a democracy based on civil rights and the rule of law, well, I guess theyll support Trump. And they can have him as he runs our country and economy into the ground. Paula M. Wilson, Portland To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. Oregons hiking reputation might conjure images of peaceful forest strolls and scenic viewpoints, but beneath those picture-perfect Instagram shots lies a world of lung-burning, quad-destroying trails that separate the casual hikers from the truly committed. In an episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, hosts Jamie Hale and Vickie Connor broke down Oregons most punishing trails, categorizing them from merely hard to the kind that make you question your life choices. Generative AI was used to summarize a recent episode of the Peak Northwest podcast. This story was reviewed and edited by The Oregonian/OregonLive. When were talking about hard hikes, were talking about hard hikes, Hale emphasized during the episode. Were talking about the ones that really will like challenge you and maybe make you think, Why am I doing this, what am I doing up here? The hosts organized their picks into three categories: hard, harder and hardest. But make no mistake even the hard category isnt for the faint of heart. Hikers make their way past yellow balsamroot wildflowers blooming on the slopes of Dog Mountain, as a gray mist hangs over the Columbia River Gorge. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian At the entry level of difficult hikes sits McNeil Point on Mount Hood, a deceptively challenging 10.5-mile trek with 2,200 feet of elevation gain. While the climb is relatively well-graded, the length alone makes it a serious undertaking. As Connor noted, it delivers incredible views of Mount Hood and pretty early on as well, making the burn worth every step. Taking things up a notch is Dog Mountain, the infamous Columbia River Gorge hike known for its brutal opening sequence. Right off the bat from the parking lot you are going up switchbacks and you are just heading straight up, Connor said, having conquered the trail in multiple seasons. At only 7 miles round-trip, the 2,800 feet of elevation gain is concentrated in punishing bursts that have humbled countless hikers. For those seeking even greater challenges, Table Mountain delivers a 15.5-mile journey with 4,300 feet of elevation gain. Hale described one section as a straight up incline ... one of the steepest hills Ive done, where youre basically sitting down as youre climbing up. The distance alone makes this a full-day commitment that will test your endurance. But the crown jewel of Oregons most difficult day hikes might be the Mount Defiance-Starvation Ridge Loop. This 14-mile monster packs in a staggering 5,200 feet of elevation gain. This is crazy, this is a lot, Hale said, with Connor adding, Thats more than Mount St. Helens! So notorious is Mount Defiance that its earned a backward reputation among mountaineers. Some people joke that you climb Mount Hood to train to climb Mount Defiance, Hale said. Mount Adams is seen through the the cleft of nearby Table Mountain, seen from the summit of Hamilton Mountain in the Columbia River Gorge. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian What makes these trails worth the suffering? Beyond the physical and psychological accomplishments, the views can be tough to beat. Each summit offers unique perspectives, whether its wildflowers on Dog Mountain, panoramic vistas of the Columbia Gorge or the close-up views of Mount Hood. If youre ready to test your limits, listen to the full episode for detailed trail information. Just remember Hales crucial advice: If youre up there and youre thinking this is not for me, this is too much for me, just go back. Theres no need to push yourself to a dangerous level. Listen to the full episode: Marion County filed a federal lawsuit Monday seeking guidance over five immigration enforcement subpoenas it received and officials legal responsibilities if federal and state laws clash. Marion County is asking a federal judge to clarify what the law requires, given the subpoenas and Oregons competing sanctuary laws, which generally prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal authorities for immigration enforcement. The county received the federal subpoenas on Aug. 1, seeking information on four alleged undocumented immigrants who are on parole for sex crimes, according to the lawsuit. The identity of the fifth individual is not clear. The county had until Monday to turn over the records, which included home addresses during the period of supervision, phone numbers, drivers license information and employment addresses, among other information. The lawsuit doesnt name the individuals. Roxy Mayer, a spokesperson for Gov. Tina Koteks office, on Monday said the office doesnt comment on pending litigation. Kotek is named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Marion County officials didnt immediately respond to a call and a request seeking comment, nor did the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is also named as a defendant. Our states sanctuary law has coexisted with seven presidential administrations, including the first Trump administration, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. Despite the fact that a federal court in Oregon has already upheld our sanctuary law, this lawsuit comes as no surprise. Marion County is entitled to seek clarity through the courts. It is my responsibility to defend our laws and that is what I intend to do. In 2018, Oregon and the city of Portland sued the first Trump administration over its efforts to withhold law enforcement funding from sanctuary jurisdictions. The court ruled in Oregons favor. Marion County officials in a news release announcing the lawsuit said they sought clarification on the legal requirements from both state and federal officials but ambiguity remains. Officials said they have collected records responsive to the subpoenas, which are public records that would be available to any person who makes a public records request. However, Oregons sanctuary law limits use of state and local resources related to immigration enforcement, and Oregons sanctuary law has both internal inconsistencies and conflicts with federal law and Oregons public records laws in this situation, officials said. Two of the individuals are Level 1 sex offenders for crimes involving rape and sexual abuse, according to the lawsuit. A third individual was convicted of sexual abuse, according to the lawsuit, and the fourth was convicted of kidnapping and robbery. Marion County officials want the federal court to determine whether the county is prohibited, or allowed to provide responsive records requested by the federal subpoenas, according to the lawsuit. Obviously we want to keep dangerous people out of our community and off of our streets, Danielle Bethell, chair for the Marion County Board of Commissioners, said in a statement. We also want to make sure the state wont come after our community and sue us if we provide the requested records to the federal administration. -- Yesenia Amaro is on the investigations team. Reach her at 503-221-4395, or yamaro@oregonian.com. A century ago, students in Northwest Portlands Linnton neighborhood attended classes in a brick building overlooking the Willamette River between the emerald St. Johns Bridge and Sauvie Island farmland. The 1928 Georgian-style school with high ceilings and oversized windows was saved from demolition and converted into 11 condos starting in the early 1990s. The two-bedroom unit at 10458 N.W. Second St. is for sale. The asking price: $589,900. The home with 2,174 square feet of living space is wrapped in luxurious finishes and has views of the river, Mount Adams, and in winter, snowy Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens, said listing broker Lauren Sinha of The Agency Portland. Sinha invited real estate agents and their home shoppers to see the condo with unique character, charm and provenance. Bring your buyers for a tour no hall pass required, wrote Sinha. This condo will teach your buyers a lesson in style. The two-level home has an open floor plan with exposed brick walls and engineered hardwood floors. Classic columns divide the dining area from the living room, which has one of the condos two gas fireplaces. The updated kitchen has white cabinets and two islands. Off the foyer is a wine storage room. Built-in shelves, cabinets and ample closet space are found throughout the home. Upstairs are two bedrooms, one with a Juliet balcony, a family room and two bathrooms. Outdoor entertaining can take place on the large terrace and patio. There is a two-car garage. Homeowner association dues are $1,117 a month. The gated community has walking paths, guest parking and Firewise landscaped grounds. The location above Northwest St. Helens Road (U.S. Route 30) is near Linnton restaurants and shopping, and a short drive to Sauvie Island farms, and shopping, dining and businesses in the Northwest 23rd Avenue area, the Pearl District and downtown Portland. The Linnton Loop Hike trailhead is close to the former playground. The Linnton Elementary School operated from 1929 to 1971. The schools most famous student: the late Walter Cole, Portlands legendary drag queen Darcelle XV and civic icon. Schoolchildren learned the first Conestoga wagons to raft the Columbia River landed in Linnton in 1843. In the early 1900s, Linnton was the company town for Clark-Wilson and West Oregon lumber mills. Linnton was annexed by Portland in 1915, and its post office, which opened in 1889, closed in 1975. Sinhas client who is selling the home said the former school is close to downtown and all area freeways without the difficulties of the city. Janet Eastman covers design and trends. Reach her at 503-294-4072, jeastman@oregonian.com and follow her on X @janeteastman. Fred Meyers parent company Kroger is closing three of the regional chain's locations in Washington state, as well as a QFC. Fred Meyers parent company Kroger is closing two locations in Kent and Everett, citing concerns over theft and regulations. They join a Fred Meyer in Tacoma and a QFC location in Mill Creek, whose closures were announced last month. The store shutdowns are part of a national effort to cut costs following Krogers failed merger with rival Albertsons. Unfortunately, due to a steady rise in theft and a challenging regulatory environment that adds significant costs, we can no longer make these stores financially viable, a Fred Meyer spokesperson said Monday in an emailed statement about the Everett and Kent closures. The Everett location is at 8530 Evergreen Way. The Kent store is at 10201 S.E. 240th St. Both will close in mid-October, according to the union representing workers at the affected stores. Mondays announcement, which follows several other recent Kroger closures in Washington, sparked concerns in Kent and Everett, where locals worry over declining access to grocery stores, especially in underserved neighborhoods. Its taking away another resource from a neighborhood thats already hurting, warned Everett City Councilmember Paula Rhyne, who describes the area around the closing Everett Fred Meyer as among the citys most diverse and lowest income. News of the closure is devastating. Cincinnati-based Kroger, whose websites list 59 Fred Meyer locations and 55 QFC locations in Washington, said in June it would close 60 underperforming stores nationally over the next year and a half and reinvest the savings in other locations. Unfortunately, today, not all of our stores are delivering the sustainable results we need, Ronald Sargent, Krogers interim CEO, said during a June 20 earnings call. Kroger didnt release the specific locations at that time, but since then has announced closures in Washington and other states. The closure of the Tacoma Fred Meyer and the Mill Creek QFC are set for September, according to layoff notices filed with the state. Kroger didnt offer any specific data for theft incidents at the Everett or Kent stores, beyond noting that, [d]espite doubling our safety and security investment over the past years, these challenges remain. It also didnt elaborate on what it meant by challenging regulatory environment, according to Mondays statement, which noted that affected workers will be offered positions at other company locations Bryan Gilderoy, a produce clerk at the closing Kent store, said the companys explanations for the closures didnt square with what he is seeing in his store. Gilderoy, who worked at the location for 15 years, said the store had been effective in curbing shoplifting and is typically quite busy. Like, right now, its a full parking lot the store is full of customers, said Gilderoy, who is 43 and a member of United Food & Commercial Workers local 3000, which represents workers at the Everett and Kent stores. The decision to shutter the store literally feels like it comes out of nowhere, he said. Krogers corporate strategy might please Wall Street investors, but we know itll create food deserts in our neighborhoods and disrupt the lives of hundreds of workers already displaced by a housing affordability crisis, added UFCW 3000 president Faye Guenther. Kroger paused its normal store performance review and closure process during the several years it was attempting to win government approval for a merger with Albertsons, which ultimately failed in December. We usually evaluate individual store performance on an annual basis, and we continue to do that, but we deferred closing any stores due to the merger process, Sargent said during the earnings call. Kroger didnt indicate whether the characterization of challenging regulatory environment applied only to Washington or also to the several other states where Kroger closures have been announced. Washington state was the first government entity to file a lawsuit seeking to block the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons, and a state ruling against the merger in December contributed to the deal being canceled. -- Paul Roberts, The Seattle Times 2025 The Seattle Times. Visit www.seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Pumpkin Spice Latte season officially returns to Starbucks on August 26, and with it, the long lines and $6.50 price tag for every grande cup. For less than the cost of 51 Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes, you can set up your own cafe at home. And if youre really craving the Pumpkin? Its easy to make yourself. Ive included a quick recipe at the bottom of the article. Right now, Target has the R.W. Flame espresso machine with built-in grinder on sale for $329.99 (regularly $799.99). Thats 59% off, and it gets you everything you need to pull real espresso at home: a conical burr grinder to go from beans to puck, a 20-bar Italian pump for proper crema, and a steam wand for frothing milk into cappuccinos, lattes, or seasonal specials like the PSL. Daily use is designed to be straightforward: single or double shots, a standard 58mm portafilter, a removable drip tray, and a 2.8-liter tank that wont have you refilling constantly. Its compact but powerful, so you can pull cafe-quality shots with just a few presses of a button. For anyone who wants to cut back on coffee shop spending, this machine is an all-in-one upgrade that pays itself off in a few months of skipped coffee shop runs. And if youre skipping the coffee shop but want that cozy, pumpkin-y goodness in your drink, its easy to make something tasty at home. This recipe uses real pumpkin puree (canned is great), so the resulting beverage will be a bit thicker than the one you may be used to. Espresso machine with built-in grinder on sale at Target The top-rated espresso machine comes with a grinder, a steam wand, and everything you need to make your PSLs at home this year. Plus, it's 59% off at Target right now. Shop the deal at Target before it's gone To make the sauce, simmer 1 cup water with 1 cup brown sugar, whisk in 2/3 cup pumpkin puree, 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom, and then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cool and store it sealed in the fridge for up to a week. When will Starbucks have pumpkin spice? Starbucks PSL returns August 26, but other pumpkin goodies are already hitting stores. This machine lets you skip the lines and enjoy the same flavors at home for less than the cost of a seasons worth of lattes. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick outlined a plan to blend the private and public sectors, but denied it represents "state capitalism." AP The Trump administration confirmed Tuesday that it wants to take an ownership stake in Intel, which would further expand the governments role in the private sector. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNBC that it wants Intel stock in exchange for paying out billions in grants the Biden administration awarded to the chipmaker. Why are we giving a company worth $100 billion this kind of money? What is in it for the American taxpayer? Lutnick asked. And the interest is we should get an equity stake for our money. Historically, the government collects revenue when private companies thrive because corporations pay taxes on their profits. Lutnick posited a different model, in which the government benefits by blending the public sector with private industry. We should get benefits for the economics that we put out, Lutnick said. He denied that the new model represents state capitalism and said that the government wants a nonvoting stake in Intel. Thats a different approach than the Trump administration took with U.S. Steel, where the company sought a golden share in that business that would give it permanent influence over the manufacturers operations. Intel is under extreme financial and market pressure, having fallen behind on leading technology manufacturing and having failed to develop advanced chips for artificial intelligence. The company laid off 15,000 workers last month, including at least 2,400 in Oregon. On Tuesday, Lutnick said the U.S. needs advanced semiconductor manufacturing for national security reasons. He said its not necessary that Intel do that work, though Intel is the only leading-edge chip company based in the U.S. Intel does its most sophisticated research at its factories in Hillsboro. Its not clear if Intel will find the Trump administrations terms compelling. Intel struck a deal late Monday for Japanese investment firm SoftBank to put $2 billion into the chipmaker. Intel shares fell Monday on news that the Trump administration wanted to take partial ownership of Intel. The stock rebounded Tuesday, jumping 7.5% to $25.42 after Intel announced its deal with SoftBank. Bernstein investment analyst Stacy Rasgon said the Trump administrations pitch could be a bad move for the chipmaker. As a straight equity-for-$ swap such a deal doesnt really strike us as hugely compelling for Intel, Rasgon wrote in a note to clients. He said Intel needs customers more than money and he said hes skeptical the government can deliver that. -- Mike Rogoway covers Oregon technology and the state economy. Reach him at mrogoway@oregonian.com or 503-294-7699. This weekend's Hood-to-Coast relay could be a hot one as forecasters expect highs in the mid-to-upper 90s Friday-Sunday. Oregonian file photo. LC- Staff Portlands next two weather days will be typical of mid August with temperatures warming to near normal - in the low 80s. But then, we heat up again, and this time likely for more days than we did last week. The National Weather Service says onshore flow from the Pacific Ocean will continue through Wednesday in northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. This flow keeps temps cooler, including highs only in the 60s along the coast. Portland will see some minor morning clouds before getting a mostly sunny Tuesday with a high of about 83 degrees. Wednesday will start with clouds, then gradually clear to mostly sunny. Again, the high should hit about 83. Portland will then be subject to a significant pattern change moving through the region beginning Thursday when upper-level high pressure, centered over the Desert Southwest, begins spreading northwest into northern California and the Pacific Northwest. The weather service says temps Thursday should peak in the upper 80s to low 90s in the valleys. Portland is expecting a sunny day with a high near 89 degrees. Winds will also be strong at times Thursday afternoon with models showing a 40-60% chance of gusts exceeding 20 mph. That, combined with low humidity, may elevate fire danger in the region. Those recreating outdoors should check with local officials on any restrictions on campfires or use of off-road recreational vehicles. Friday starts a heat streak that could last well into the weekend. Theres currently a 70-90% chance of temps reaching 95 degrees or hotter in the Willamette Valley, Portland/Vancouver areas, and in the Columbia River Gorge. Portlands official high temp estimate is at 97 degrees on Friday. While Friday should be the hottest day, both Saturday and Sunday are likely to reach about 95 degrees in Portland offering little heat relief. High pressure may shift slow east by Sunday, but if it moves very slowly, next week may start off in the 90s as well. A group of teenagers brutally attacked an elderly Englishman outside his own home, leaving the victim seriously injured. Police officers were called to reports of an assault that allegedly took place outside a property on Coutr Road in Snaith at around 8:45 p.m. BST. Humberside Police said that the victim was transferred to the hospital after being beaten following an argument with one member of the group, who had been throwing stones at the house. Group of Teens Assaults Elderly Man Det. Insp. Mark Skelton revealed that the group of teenagers, which had about six to eight individuals, quickly fled the scene after the assault on the elderly man. However, he reassured the public that the force was "doing everything possible" to identify the assailants. Skelton added that they understand incidents of this nature may cause concern within the community, but noted that they are now reviewing CCTV footage and are conducting house-to-house inquiries to find out more about the suspects, according to Yahoo News. Officials also said that one of the teenagers was described to be roughly 15 years old with blonde hair, 5ft 6in tall, and was wearing a light blue T-shirt at the time of the assault. Authorities are urging anyone who may have information about the suspects to come forward and cooperate with the investigation. There was a similar incident where four teenagers were arrested in California following an attack on an elderly man in Walnut Creek earlier this month. The incident was said to have occurred on Tice Valley Boulevard near the Rossmoor Shopping Center around 11:00 p.m. on Aug. 7. A Similar Incident When police arrived at the scene, they found the elderly victim with significant injuries. Witnesses then told officials that four people were responsible for attacking the man, who robbed him and quickly drove off, ABC7 News reported. Law enforcement personnel later revealed they arrested four teenage girls, two who were 18 years old, one who was 17 years old, and another who was 15 years old. Officials noted that the two 18-year-olds, who are considered adults, were booked into Martinez Detention Facility, and the juveniles were booked into juvenile hall. The two adult suspects were identified by police as Antonina Abdulwajid and Jaycee Benhke, who were both from Concord. Police added that they are being arrested on suspicion of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon that is not a firearm, causing injury to an elder, and conspiracy to commit a crime, as per CBS News. A Florida family was reunited with their beloved German Shepherd six years after their dog went missing. The incident comes after local firefighters rescued a lost dog after the animal fell into a canal. The dog, who was later found to be named Bella, was seen wandering a neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale before being reported to have fallen into a canal on Aug. 5. Florida Family Reunited With Dog After 6 Years Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue's public information officer, Frank Guzman, said that their crew from Engine 47 responded to the reports and safely removed Bella from the water. After they brought the dog to their firehouse, they gave her food, water, and time to rest. Later, the police department was able to scan Bella for a potential microchip, which they found. It was later discovered that it had been implanted into the animal in 2018. Guzman said that after they searched several databases, they found out that Bella was adopted from Broward Animal Care and Adoption, according to People. The dog was apparently adopted by the Nicholson family, who live in St. Cloud, roughly 200 miles from Fort Lauderdale, where Bella was found. Guzman said the family suffered from a house fire a few years after they adopted the dog and were forced to move into a hotel. Read more: Pope Leo XIV Approves Measures Making Labor Improvements for Parents and Caregivers Working in the Vatican However, they were unable to bring the animal and were forced to give her to a friend who, without permission, gave Bella away to an unknown individual. Guzman said the family was devastated as they thought they had lost Bella for good, and later moved to Central Florida. The Nicholson family then drove nearly four hours to Fort Lauderdale to be reunited with their long-lost dog at a local park. When they got there, Bella immediately recognized them and rushed towards the family, Yahoo Life reported. Picking Up Bella The people who went to pick Bella up included Lisa Nicholson and Jason Nicholson, along with their two daughters, 11-year-old Jaylianna Nicholson and 18-year-old Liberty Nicholson. Lisa said that hugging Bella felt like their family was finally whole again after years of being separated. The family added that Bella being microchipped was what helped them reunite with each other, saying that it should be something that does work. They added that at the time when the family friend gave away Bella, she became part of the things that they lost. Prior to being contacted by officials, Liberty said she had a dream about Bella earlier that week, before they got the call from Fort Lauderdale Police. Lisa said that their dog has been through so much and has been given a second chance at life, as per ABC News. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against Roblox on Thursday, claiming the company has failed to protect children, prompting a response from the online gaming platform. The lawsuit claims that the online gaming platform has perpetuated an environment where sexual predators "thrive, unite, hunt, and victimize" children. Murrill alleges that Roblox has failed to implement proper and effective safety measures to keep kids safe from adult predators. Lousiana Files Lawsuit Against Roblox The Louisiana Attorney General added that due to the platform's lack of safety protocols, children across the state are being placed in danger. Murrill added that Roblox is currently overrun with "harmful content and child predators" because the platform itself prioritizes user growth, revenue, and profits over child safety. The lawsuit comes as the company has faced several lawsuits and backlash for failing to do enough to protect children who access its gaming services. Last month, a lawsuit was filed in Iowa after a 13-year-old girl was reportedly introduced to an adult predator on the platform before she was kidnapped and trafficked across multiple states and then raped, according to The Hindu. The Louisiana Attorney General said that she believes Roblox should ultimately be shut down to keep children safe from adult predators. However, the online gaming platform has responded and it disputing the allegations. Read more: Disney Tourist Charged With Child Abuse After Violently Manhandling Teenager To Get Better View of Parade In a statement, the company said that the assertion that it would "intentionally put our users at risk of exploitation" is "categorically untrue." It added that while no system is perfect, the company had been implementing rigorous safeguards to protect its community. The company said that it is constantly innovating safety tools and has, in the past year, introduced more than 40 new features to protect its youngest users and empower parents and caregivers with greater control, Roblox reported. Keeping Children Safe From Adult Predators The statement notes that Roblox has taken an industry-leading stance on age-based communication. It has recently introduced a new age estimation technology to confirm a user's age through a simple, quick selfie-video. That technology helps Roblox provide a safer and more tailored online experience for its users, thanks to accurately confirming users' ages and unlocking appropriate features for them. The platform was originally launched in 2006 and has since spawned various games and "experiences." The latest lawsuit against the company notes that 20% of the platform's 82 million active users were under the age of nine years, based on the company's 2024-25 annual report, according to NBC News. The parents of a missing seven-month-old boy have become the primary focus of an official investigation after being confronted by inconsistencies in their stories. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said that the boy was said to have been kidnapped outside a store in Southern California last week. Authorities added that the child's mother has stopped cooperating with investigators on the case. Missing 7-Month-Old Boy The mother was identified as Rebecca Haro, who reported to authorities that her son was missing in Yucaipa. She told officials that she was standing outside her truck while changing the boy's diaper when an unknown man suddenly assaulted her and knocked her unconscious. Haro noted that when she woke up and came to, her son, identified as Emmanuel Haro, was already gone. Authorities responded to the incident shortly after 7:45 a.m. and conducted an "extensive search." However, they were not able to locate the seven-month-old child and had already interviewed several people, including the boy's mother and father, Jake Haro. The Haro family lives in Cabazon, California, roughly 23 miles southeast of Yucaipa, according to the New York Times. An official statement noted that during the interviews, authorities confronted the mother with inconsistencies in her initial statement, which forced her to decline continuing to cooperate. The Sheriff's Department said that investigators are now unable to rule out foul play in the disappearance of the young boy. Court records showed that the boy's father was found guilty of willful child cruelty in 2023 and was sentenced to 180 days in county jail. In an email on Monday, a spokeswoman for the Sheriff's Department said that investigators have not ruled out "anyone's involvement" in the case. Inconsistencies in Parents' Stories After the mother declined to continue cooperating with officials, the father refused to take a lie detector test until a lawyer was present. The child's grandmother, who claims that the boy's parents are innocent, said that deputies searched the couple's residence, KTLA5 reported. Since their initial investigation, officials also found possible video of the mother with a bruised and black eye as early as Aug. 3. There was also a claim that nobody saw the father at the nearby park where the family gathered on the day of the alleged kidnapping. During the whole ordeal, child services in Riverside County took custody of a young child at the couple's Cabazon home, but the reason for doing so was not immediately shared, as per NBC News. A Florida federal trial judge ruled that a state law banning some school library books that are deemed "pornographic" is, in part, "overbroad and unconstitutional." Middle District Court of Florida Judge Carlos Mendoza, who is a former President Barack Obama-appointed judge, issued a summary judgment in a lawsuit that was filed by book publishers against the 2023 state law, known as HB 1069, this week. Florida Judge Rules on Library Book Ban The suit was originally filed a year ago and had asked the court to deem the state's interpretation of "pornographic" and content that "describes sexual conduct" unconstitutional. In his 50-page judgment, Judge Mendoza said that by leaving these items undefined, the state gave parents license to object to materials under an "I know it when I see it approach." Publishers Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishing, and Simon & Schuster had argued that the legislation removes books without even considering their literary or artistic value, according to The Miami Times. Mendoza wrote that the law does not evaluate the work to determine if it has any holistic value, which was a key part of the legal standard to determine whether or not material is considered obscene. Read more: NYC Schools Receive Millions of Dollars To Support Implementation of Phone Bans The judge added that educators must once again perform statutory interpretation in order to figure out what exactly should be considered "inappropriate" or "unsuitable." Despite this, the "specter of harsh penalties looms in the background." The ruling comes as the Florida Department of Education recently made public threats and called superintendents in front of the state Board of Education. This was to explain why certain materials are in school libraries, the Alabama Reflector reported. Removing Books That are "Obscene" The judge also listed several books that are involved in the suit, including "The Color Purple," "I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter," "Paper Towns," and others. Mendoza said that none of these books are obscene. Mendoza said that the law "mandates the removal of books that contain a single reference to the prohibited subject matter, regardless of the holistic value of the book individually or as part of a larger collection." The Florida judge rejected conservatives' argument that libraries as forums for "government speech." He said that many of the removals at issue now are the "objecting parents' speech, not the government's." Despite his ruling, Mendoza declined to completely strike down the law, writing the its reference to "pornographic" content can be read as synonymous with content considered "harmful to minors," as per MSNBC. Mesfin Tasew, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ethiopian Airlines Group, speaks during a topping-out ceremony of the new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Aug. 18, 2025. The new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building, which is under construction in Addis Ababa, has topped out, marking completion of its main structural works. The topping-out ceremony of the 45-meter-high structure was held on Monday, attended by representatives from the Ethiopian Airlines Group and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). (Xinhua/Han Xu) ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building, which is under construction in Addis Ababa, the East African country's capital, has topped out, marking completion of its main structural works. The topping-out ceremony of the 45-meter-high structure was held on Monday, attended by representatives from the Ethiopian Airlines Group and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). Mesfin Tasew, chief executive officer (CEO) of Ethiopian Airlines Group, expressed confidence that the project will be completed on schedule, meeting the long-awaited desire of the airline. "We want this headquarters to be completed as soon as possible. It is our expectation that this headquarters will be completed with the highest level of quality," said Tasew. Built by the CCECC on a total land area of over 33,560 square meters, the project consists of six different buildings with multiple facilities, including commercial, corporate, and customer services. Noting that Chinese construction companies have successfully accomplished different projects for the airline, Tasew expressed confidence in the CCECC to deliver the project to the airline's satisfaction. "Our decision to engage with CCECC shows our trust and confidence in the company to construct and deliver state-of-the-art facilities," the CEO reiterated. Chen Sichang, general manager of CCECC, vowed to deliver the project on time and with top quality. "Now, the main structure has been completed, our commitment to engineering excellence does not stop here. We pledge to our client and all stakeholders that we will continue to uphold our corporate motto of diligence, integrity, and perseverance," Chen said. Launched on Aug. 30, 2023, the Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building project is set to be completed in August 2026. Recently, Ethiopian Airlines, the flagship carrier of Ethiopia, has launched the construction of a new mega airport near Bishoftu town, about 42 km east of Addis Ababa. During the topping-out ceremony, the CEO invited CCECC to participate in the construction of the new mega airport. Photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows a topping-out ceremony of the new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building, which is under construction in Addis Ababa, has topped out, marking completion of its main structural works. The topping-out ceremony of the 45-meter-high structure was held on Monday, attended by representatives from the Ethiopian Airlines Group and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). (Xinhua/Han Xu) Photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows a view of the new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building, which is under construction in Addis Ababa, has topped out, marking completion of its main structural works. The topping-out ceremony of the 45-meter-high structure was held on Monday, attended by representatives from the Ethiopian Airlines Group and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). (Xinhua/Han Xu) Photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows a view of the new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building, which is under construction in Addis Ababa, has topped out, marking completion of its main structural works. The topping-out ceremony of the 45-meter-high structure was held on Monday, attended by representatives from the Ethiopian Airlines Group and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). (Xinhua/Han Xu) Photo taken on Aug. 18, 2025 shows a scene during a topping-out ceremony of the new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The new Ethiopian Airlines Group headquarters building, which is under construction in Addis Ababa, has topped out, marking completion of its main structural works. The topping-out ceremony of the 45-meter-high structure was held on Monday, attended by representatives from the Ethiopian Airlines Group and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) Editor: Zhang Zhou Remote access to another PC via the internet can be a blessing, solving many IT problems quickly and easily. The helper can get a clear picture and often solve the problem immediately, even without being physically present. It also avoids the often frustrating process of troubleshooting over the phone. A surge in support needs is expected around October 14, when Microsoft stops providing free updates for Windows 10. Millions of users will have to upgrade their computers to Windows 11 unless they pay for further support. Supporting others remotely is efficient and easy. This saves travel time and costs, and lets you spread support over multiple sessions. And, if you have to send an installation stick by mail, it can take a few days to get things moving. Best to get started while theres still time. Our guide explains how to prepare, walks you through the upgrade process, explains how to bypass the installation lock on older PCs, and shows you how remote maintenance works even if Windows is not yet running before a new installation. After all, its not easy to start every computer from a USB setup stick instead of the normal way from the hard drive. Without video support and control, this can certainly fail. For this, weve chosen TeamViewer Remote, a remote maintenance tool thats free for personal use, works reliably, and makes things easy for the person youre helping. With the TeamViewer QuickSupport variant, all you have to do is click on a link sent to you by email and youre ready to go. How to prepare for remote support Probably not every Windows 10 user realizes what the imminent end of support really means: namely, that continuing to use the PC as usual (without security updates) will become extremely risky. Its crucial to start by raising awareness about the need to switch to the new operating system for security reasonsby mid-October at the latest! Its also important to check whether the existing computer is compatible with the current Windows 11, version 24H2, or whether new hardware needs to be purchased. The next steps will depend on that. The requirements for remote PC maintenance are minimal: both computers need an internet connection, and you should also be able to talk to each other during the support session, either by phone or via WhatsApp. This makes it easier to ask questions and explain whats being done. If youre the one providing help, install the client version on your computer (TeamViewer Remote) and start the tool. Confirm the license terms and wait briefly until the program interface appears. If available, log in with your existing TeamViewer account and click on the Trusted Devices confirmation link in the email sent by TeamViewer. Otherwise, create a new account via Create Account. TeamViewer QuickSupport runs without installation, and its simplified interface makes remote support easy: just share your ID and password by phone, and youre ready to go. IDG Now to your counterpart: Its easiest for them if you send the download link for TeamViewer Quicksupport by e-mail: https://download.teamviewer.com/download/TeamViewerQS_x64.exe All they then have to do is click the link, download the tool, and double-click to start it. No installation required. The QuickSupport interface is very minimal, showing just two fields: Your ID and Password. The ID identifies the computer to be accessed and remains fixed. The password, on the other hand, is newly generated each session for security reasons. Both are sent to you by the person youre supporting, either by phone or via e-mail using the clipboard button on the right. As the helper, enter the remote PCs ID in your TeamViewer client in the Participant ID field, click on Connect, enter the password in the next window, and confirm with Log in. The connection starts automatically without the other person having to do anything. Theyll know youve taken over their PC by the darkened desktop background. You now have full control of their mouse and keyboard. If necessary, adjust the desktop display in TeamViewer via View > Scale. In most cases, the Original option works best. Upgrade compatible computers from Windows 10 to 11 Check the status: If the other PC is running Windows 10 and you dont know the hardware in detail, use Microsofts PC Integrity Check app to see whether the computer fulfills the system requirements of the new operating system. If it doesnt, the app will tell you why. Otherwise, if it says This PC fulfils the requirements of Windows 11 You can simply carry out the installation via Windows Update. However, please consult with the other person briefly beforehand, as theyll need to be comfortable working with the new system afterwards. The upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 takes a maximum of around 30 minutes, depending on the hardware. Since all programs, data, and settings are retained during the upgrade, you can continue working on the new system right away. In most cases, existing Windows 10 license usually remains valid for Windows 11, which means you dont have to buy a new one. Force upgrade: If Windows Update doesnt offer the Windows 11 upgrade despite compatible hardware, you can force the upgrade using the Windows 11 installation wizard or the Media Creation Tool. The upgrade usually starts with one of these Microsoft programs, so you can save yourself the trouble of searching for the cause. Here too, Windows 11 takes over all existing programs, data, and settings. What to do if the upgrade fails due to system requirements Its more difficult if the Windows 10 PC doesnt meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11. However, you can bypass the setup lock on most PCs from the past ten years using an installation stick modified with Rufus. This stick must be inserted into a bootable USB socket on the remotely maintained PC, so youll need some help. Depending on the other persons skill level, video calls via smartphone can be helpful. PC Integrity Check: If a computer doesnt meet Windows 11 hardware requirements, the installation can be forced using a modified setup stick. IDG Tip: Video support is smoother with the TeamViewer Assist AR app (Android and iOS). This allows you to show your partner exactly what needs to be done and where on their smartphone using a live camera feed. However, AR support places high demands on your mobile device. Alternatively, you can configure the USB stick at home so that Windows 11 also runs on hardware thats not formally compatible and then send it by mail. Even then, the stick must be plugged into the computer before you can remotely start the installation by double-clicking the Setup.exe file via TeamViewer. Setting up a computer from scratch Remote support gets more difficult when replacing an old PC with a new one running Windows 11. In theory, the existing system can be migrated one-to-one to the new hardware using an image and cloning tool such as Easeus Todo Backup, then upgrade to Windows 11. However, this process takes time due to large data transfers, requires an external hard drive, and other various steps. Explaining it on the phone can be tedious. It might be easier to do this onsite or have the old PC sent to you for setup at home. Sending a PC is definitely a practical option. As an alternative to cloning, you can migrate your data and programs from the old PC to the new one, especially since Windows 11 comes pre-installed. If theres a large enough hard drive available, back up all important data using AomeiBackupper via TeamViewer and transfer it to the new computer. Once again, minimal support is required when moving the computer. Easeus Todo PC Trans Free also helps transfer the programs and data. Using the Backup & Restore option, the tool saves the applications, data, accounts, and settings from the Windows 10 system. This backup is then saved on a data carrier, a network share, or in the cloud, and restored from there to the new PC. The free software version is limited to two gigabytes of data and five programs. The unlimited Pro version costs just under $50. For installing new freeware in bulk, you can use the Package Bundle function in UnigetUI, which serves as an interface for Windows built-in Winget package manager. Depending on how an existing court case against an ad blocker provider pans out, we could soon see the use of ad blockers declared illegal in Germany, reports BleepingComputer. The lawsuit was filed by publisher Axel Springer SE against ad-filtering software company Eyeo and it mainly concerns the browser extension Adblock Plus, which calls itself the worlds #1 free ad blocker and is used by millions to block ads on websitesincluding those owned by Axel Springer, like Politico and Business Insider. The lawsuit was originally dismissed by a Hamburg court, but according to the report, its now being reopened to examine whether the initial judgement was incorrect. After a detailed review, another court could even rule in favor of Axel Springer this time. Health technology company Philips has announced it is expanding its manufacturing facility in Mifflin County. The facility in Armagh Township, near Reedsville, about 65 miles from Harrisburg, produces AI-enabled ultrasound systems for hospitals across the United States. The expansion of the Mifflin County site is expected to add 24,000 square feet of manufacturing space in addition to 40,000 square feet of warehouse space and is expected to create 120 skilled manufacturing jobs. The Mifflin County site, which manufactures transducers, will also customize the software and configurations of ultrasound systems for specific clinical procedures in cardiovascular, general and maternal care following the expansion. The expansion is part of the companys plan for new investments of more than $150 million in U.S. manufacturing and research and development. The company said these investments are on top of Philips annual $900 million research and development investment in the U.S. The company employs nearly 17,000 people across 40 facilities in the United States. The $900 million investment announced by Philips includes the expansion of its Reedsville site and an expansion of Philips Image Guided Therapy facility in Plymouth, Minnesota. The investment also includes additional manufacturing, and research and development projects, which will come over the next several years. The proposed planned expansion of our manufacturing facilities is a demonstration of our deep commitment to the U.S. region, Jeff DiLullo, chief region leader, Philips North America, said in a news release. Each year, Philips spends $900 million in R&D in the U.S. to drive innovation and deliver cutting-edge technology that empowers healthcare professionals to diagnose, treat and monitor patients more effectively. Increasing our manufacturing and R&D capabilities will create jobs and accelerate our ability to deliver better care for more people with innovative AI-enabled solutions. A metal fabrication company plans to close a facility in Maryland and open a second location in Pennsylvania. Baltimore Fabrication, which opened an initial manufacturing location in Pennsylvania at 101 Mundis Race Road in Manchester Township, York County, last year, is now expanding to a second nearby location through the acquisition of a 35,000-square-foot building at 1 Church Road, also in Manchester Township. This $6.2 million project will create at least 75 new, full-time jobs over the next three years while also retaining 47 current positions, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced last month. Baltimore Fabrication received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development that includes $450,000 in grants. This project is boosting the regions manufacturing industry, creating and retaining over 120 jobs, and upgrading and renovating a building which has sat vacant in the area for several years, said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. Were proud to support Baltimore Fabrication and the Shapiro Administration will continue to support projects like this one that create new opportunities and revitalize communities. Baltimore Fabrication, an affiliate of SteelFab, was founded in 2014 in Baltimore. The company fabricates and erects steel frames for buildings, including beams, columns, trusses, decking, bracing, and other structural members. The company also handles miscellaneous metal fabrications, such as staircases, railings, ornamental and decorative work, as well as other custom metal components. Were incredibly excited to expand our operations into York, Mark Rich, president of Baltimore Fabrication, said in a news release. This regions rich manufacturing heritage and skilled workforce make it the perfect fit for our continued growth. Were grateful for the support of Governor Shapiro and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in helping make this expansion possible. In the meantime, the company is closing a facility in Maryland. The company filed a Work Adjustment and Retraining Notification notice with the Maryland Department of Labor, informing the state it is closing its facility at 821 North Point Road in Baltimore, and 33 people will be laid off on Nov. 28. The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered business closing and a covered business mass layoff. A facility in Delaware County is closing. Alloy Surfaces Company has filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, informing the state it will permanently close its facility at 121 N. Commerce Drive in Chester Township. Around 52 people will be laid off on or about Aug. 30. Layoffs will continue until the facility closes, which is anticipated to occur by Dec. 31. The company didnt say how many additional employees will be laid off. Alloy Surfaces is owned by the Chemring Group and designs, develops and produces decoys used to protect military aircraft. The WARN Act is federal legislation that offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to provide notice 60 days in advance of a covered-business closing and covered-business mass layoff. The WARN notice was dated July 1. By Dan Nephin, LNP, Lancaster, Pa. (TNS) A state appeals court must reconsider its order upholding a Lancaster County judges refusal to allow Raymond Rowe to have DNA testing done on items used to kill school teacher Christy Mirack in 1992. On Aug. 1, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court sent Rowes case back to state Superior Court based on a June ruling in the case of an Erie County man who was also seeking DNA testing of evidence related to his conviction in the 1993 murder of his former girlfriend. In that case, the state Supreme Court determined that the state Superior Court did not use the current version of state law that broadened access to DNA testing, recognizing advances in the technology. Raymond Rowe pleaded guilty to the 1992 murder and rape of school teacher Christy Mirack, but now says he's innocent. (PennLive file photos) So the state Supreme Court vacated the state Superior Courts order in Rowes case and directed it to apply the same updated law upon reconsideration. Rowe, also known as DJ Freez, 56, pleaded guilty in January 2019 to raping and killing Mirack in her East Lampeter Township townhouse in December 1992 in exchange for prosecutors dropping plans to seek the death penalty. Less than a year later, however, he began appealing, saying he didnt kill her. Rowe testified at an August 2021 hearing that he and Mirack had a secret relationship. The day she was killed, he said, they had consensual sex, and she was alive when he left the townhouse, meaning someone else killed her. Rowe wants DNA testing done on Miracks sweater, which was used to strangle her, and on a wooden cutting board used to beat her. Rowe maintains the real killers DNA will be on them. The items initially were not tested by Rowes attorneys because they didnt want to test items that could point to his guilt. Also, according to his trial attorneys, Rowe confessed at their first meeting and said he wanted to plead guilty. Lancaster County Judge Dennis Reinaker refused to allow the testing, ruling in April 2022 that Rowes new version was unbelievable. This court is unable to fathom that someone else entered the home between the hours of 7 a.m. and between the timeframe of 7:10 a.m.-7:20 a.m, found the victim without her clothes on, covered in semen, and murdered her without leaving any additional DNA on her body, Reinaker wrote in his ruling. In upholding Reinakers ruling, the state Superior Court wrote in April 2023 that Rowe failed to meet the legal threshold that would justify the test. It also said that Reinaker had made no mistakes in his ruling. Rowe wasnt a suspect in Miracks killing until 2018, when genetic genealogy led detectives to him after his half-sister uploaded her DNA to a public genealogy database. The case was among the earliest uses of genetic genealogy, which involves comparing DNA collected at a crime scene to DNA indexed by commercial and government testing labs. Partial matches can lead investigators to other relatives and, in some cases, to the perpetrators of crimes. Rowes attorney, Todd Mosser of Philadelphia, was out of the office Monday and could not be reached for comment. A man was charged with aggravated assault while DUI and other related charges after crashing into a motorcyclist and fleeing the scene in York County earlier this month, police wrote in court documents. Durell Michael, 47, of York County, was charged with a felony count of aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, a felony charge of accidents involving death or personal injury, firearms not to be carried without a license and other related charges, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed against him. The charges come after Michaels northbound SUV crashed into a motorcyclist around 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 6 at Route 30 near North Hills Road, according to Springettsbury Township police. The affidavit said dispatch received a large quantity of calls about a motorcyclist being struck by a driver who fled the scene. When police arrived around 6:40 p.m., they found a man who was sitting in the middle of the roadway surrounded by other people who had stopped to help him. The mans motorcycle, which was a Harley Davidson, was 50 yards from where he was sitting, according to police. A witness said a dark gray Nissan SUV traveling at a high speed crashed into the motorcyclist from behind. The impact threw the man from the motorcycle, causing him to slide along the roadway, the affidavit said. Court documents said the Nissan continued to push the motorcycle down the road as both vehicles swerved onto the shoulder. The Nissan struck a PennDOT sign before reentering the roadway, pushing the motorcycle approximately 50 yards from the point of impact, court documents said. The SUV was last seen traveling west on Route 30, the witness told police. Court documents said the motorcyclist suffered from severe road rash to his back, right arm, right hand, and the back of his legs. He also suffered large open lacerations to his back and calf. The motorcyclist was in severe pain and was taken to the trauma bay at York Hospital for treatment, police said. The motorcyclist told police he was traveling around 40 to 50 mph in the right lane on Route 30 WB when he was rear ended by the SUV. The motorcycle was extremely damaged from the crash, according to the affidavit. Police said the SUVs entire front bumper and grill were torn off. The bumper was found on the right shoulder, next to the PennDOT sign that had been knocked over in the crash. Around 7:30 p.m., York County dispatch received a call that the suspect vehicle was parked at North Sherman Street and Route 30. Police arrived and approached Michael, who they believed was intoxicated. Court documents said police found an open Michelob Ultra in the cupholder next to the drivers seat. Michael told police he accidentally struck the motorcycle and was unsure how much he had to drink, court documents said. Police said they detected a strong odor of alcohol on him and noted that he was slurring hiis speech. Michael did not want to do a field sobriety test because he was not safe to drive. Witnesses told police that Michael took a large item wrapped in a towel from his trunk and hid it in a bush. The item was later recovered and identified as a black Maverick shotgun loaded with six shells, the affidavit said. Police said Michael did not have a conceal carry permit in Pennsylvania. Michael agreed to an alcohol blood test. While in custody, Michael repeatedly asked police about the motorcyclists condition. Police said he also voluntarily stated he had (expletive) up, acknowledged he was going to jail, and said he would serve his time and pay his fines. Michael was also charged with DUI general impairment, accident resulting in damage to unattended vehicle or property, failure to shop and give information or render aid, driving at safe speed, disregard traffic lane, restrictions on alcoholic beverages and investigation by officer/duty of operator. Durell Michaels preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 21, according to online court documents. 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) Editor: WXY By MIKE STOBBE, The AP Medical Writer NEW YORK (AP) For the first time in 30 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics is substantially diverging from U.S. government vaccine recommendations. The groups new COVID-19 recommendations released Tuesday come amid a tumultuous year for public health, as vaccine skeptics have come into power in the new Trump administration and government guidance has become increasingly confusing. This isnt going to help, acknowledged Dr. James Campbell, vice chair of the AAP infectious disease committee. It is going to be somewhat confusing. But our opinion is we need to make the right choices for children to protect them, he added. The AAP is strongly recommending COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years. Shots also are advised for older children if parents want their kids vaccinated, the AAP said. That differs from guidance established under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which doesnt recommend the shots for healthy children of any age but says kids may get the shots in consultation with physicians. Children ages 6 months to 2 years are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and it was important that recommendations continue to emphasize the need for them to get vaccinated, said Campbell, a University of Maryland infectious diseases expert. Vaccinations also are recommended for older children who have chronic lung diseases or other conditions that put them at higher risk for severe disease, the AAP said. The 95-year-old Itasca, Illinois-based organization has issued vaccination recommendations for children since the 1930s. In 1995, it synced its advice with recommendations made by the federal governments Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been a few small differences between AAP and CDC recommendations since then. For example, the AAP has advised that children get HPV vaccinations starting at age 9; the CDC says thats OK but has emphasized vaccinations at ages 11 and 12. But in 30 years, this is the first time the recommendations have differed in a significant or substantial way, Campbell said. Until recently, the CDC following recommendations by infectious disease experts has been urging annual COVID-19 boosters for all Americans ages 6 months and older. President Donald Trump meets President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Pool Via Cnp/CNP via ZUMA Press Wire/TNS) WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered his assurances that U.S. troops would not be sent to help defend Ukraine against Russia after seeming to leave open the possibility the day before. Trump also said in a morning TV interview that Ukraines hopes of joining NATO and regaining the Crimean Peninsula from Russia are impossible. The Republican president, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders held hours of talks at the White House on Monday aimed at bringing an end to Russias war against Ukraine. While answering questions from journalists, Trump did not rule out sending U.S. troops to participate in a European-led effort to defend Ukraine as part of security guarantees sought by Zelenskyy. Trump said after his meeting in Alaska last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Putin was open to the idea of security guarantees for Ukraine. But asked Tuesday on Fox News Channels Fox & Friends what assurances he could provide going forward and beyond his term that American troops would not be part of defending Ukraines border, Trump said, Well, you have my assurance, and Im president. Trump would have no control over the U.S. military after his terms ends in January 2029. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later on Tuesday emphasized that U.S. boots will not be on the ground as part of any potential peacekeeping mission. The president also said in the interview that he is optimistic that a deal can be reached to end the Russian invasion, but he underscored that Ukraine will have to set aside its hope of getting back Crimea, which was seized by Russian forces in 2014, and its long-held aspirations of joining the NATO military alliance. Both of those things are impossible, Trump said. Putin, as part of any potential deal to pull his forces out of Ukraine, is looking for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as recognition of Crimea as Russian territory. Trump on Monday said that he was arranging for direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy. But the Kremlin has not yet said whether Putin, who has resisted previous calls by Trump and others for direct negotiations on ending the war, is committed to a face-to-face meeting with the Ukrainian leader. Asked whether Putin has promised Trump that hell meet directly with the Ukrainian leader, Leavitt responded affirmatively. He has, Leavitt said of Putin. Trump early on Monday during talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders said that he was pressing for three-way talks among Zelenskyy, Putin and himself. But after speaking to Putin later in the day, Trump said that he was arranging first for a face-to-face between Zelenskyy and Putin and that three-way talks would follow if necessary. It was an idea that evolved in the course of the presidents conversations with both President Putin, President Zelensky and the European leaders yesterday, Leavitt explained. Trump said he believed Putins course of action would become clear in the coming weeks. I think Putin is tired of it, Trump said. I think theyre all tired of it. But you never know. Were going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks. That I can tell you. Amtrak's Keystone Service is being threatened by cuts to a Pennsylvania transit agency. (John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, file) By Julia Terruso, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) warned Monday that planned SEPTA cuts could force Amtrak to cut the Keystone Service line from Philadelphia to Harrisburg. The line, which continues from Philadelphia to Manhattan, would also mean fewer trains operating from Philadelphia to New York City. Boyle said Amtrak president Roger Harris told him last week the railroad could lose $71.1 million in annual payments from SEPTA because of a delay in state operating funds for the transit agency. If that happens, the Keystone Service line will cease to exist, Boyle said. SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, operates bus, rail and trolleybus services for nearly four million people in five counties in and around Philadelphia. SEPTA pays for the right to operate five Regional Rail commuter trains on the Amtrak-owned Northeast Corridor, which includes the track between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. It plans to eliminate those lines in January if new state money is not on the way by then. The Paoli-Thorndale line shares the Keystones route and could be shut down as well. It connects nearly two dozen stops from Philadelphia to Chester County, WHYY reported. The transit agencys payment also purchases electricity, generated by Amtrak, to power commuter trains along those tracks, and pays for some capital projects. The Keystone runs multiple trips a day between New Yorks Penn Station and Harrisburg, via 30th Street Station. In 2024, it carried about 1.3 million passengers, according to Amtrak. Roger Harris made very clear to me there is no additional funding from Amtrak to make up for these missing funds, Boyle said. I think its fair to say [this is] now at a crisis level, and directly impacts all of us who live in Philadelphia and in the surrounding Philadelphia area. A representative from Amtrak did not immediately respond to a request for comment. SEPTA does not know how the elimination of Regional Rail service on Amtrak-owned lines will impact Keystone line service, SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch said in a statement. We understand that Amtrak will have to make decisions in the coming weeks whether to pause or postpone infrastructure projects on the Keystone line in response to the planned elimination of SEPTAs lease payments on Jan. 1, Busch said. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation contributes about $8 million a year to subsidize the Keystone line, drawn from the Multimodal Fund and the Public Transportation Trust Fund. Amtrak operates a number of lines around the U.S. in partnership with state transportation departments. The Keystone Service line is also the train the lawmakers who are debating SEPTA funding take from the southeastern part of the state to Harrisburg. Members of Congress representing Southeastern Pennsylvania have largely stood on the sidelines, offering statements urging legislators in Harrisburg to fund the beleaguered agency but with limited power to affect the situation. Boyle said the issue had reached a crisis level but remained Harrisburgs problem to solve, not Washingtons. Boyle, whose district spans parts of Center City and all of Northeast Philadelphia, noted Congress delivered record federal funding to SEPTA for capital improvements as part of the 2021 infrastructure bill. Pennsylvanias funding stalemate comes as President Donald Trumps White House has cut some funding for transit and infrastructure projects nationwide, making the likelihood of any bailout from the Republican-controlled Congress slim. Boyle, a Democrat who has served in Pennsylvanias House of Representatives, castigated Republicans in Harrisburg, saying transit agencies in other cities, including Boston, Chicago and New York, get much more state funding. All three cities are in Democratic-controlled states. Pennsylvania has a split statehouse and a rural-urban divide contributing to the impasse. Senate Republicans who passed a bill last week proposing to fund SEPTA for two years by using capital funding, a move Democrats opposed have defended their plan and accused Democrats of manufacturing a crisis. Sen. Dave McCormick's press secretary said the directive that all media must be U.S. citizens to gain access to cover an event in York County featuring the lawmaker and others came from BAE Systems, the host of the event, and not the senator's office. Oliver Morrison, PennLive.com Journalists seeking credentials for events involving high-ranking political figures routinely have to comply with security guidelines in order to get clearance to attend. But an event scheduled Tuesday at defense giant BAE Systems facility in York County with U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, U.S. House Reps Scott Perry and Lloyd Smucker, among others, is requiring that all journalists must be U.S. citizens and have a valid Real ID or U.S. passport with them. I would say its unique here in Pennsylvania, said Melissa Melewsky, a media law attorney for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. I think its also potentially problematic because there are working journalists here and in other states who are working for news organizations in the United States and for international media organizations who are not U.S. citizens but nonetheless are here legally. BAE Systems said it is standard policy among businesses that have defense contracts with the U.S. government. BAE Systems, Inc.s York, Pennsylvania facility proudly manufacturers combat capability that brings U.S. Marines and soldiers, and their allies, home safely from the worlds most dangerous places, BAE Systems said in an email to PennLive. As part of delivering this capability to the U.S. government, federal regulations, such as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and other security requirements, restrict access to certain information and facilities to U.S. persons. This is a standard practice across the defense industry to ensure compliance with federal law and to protect the integrity of vital national defense programs. BAE noted that U.S. persons refers to U.S. citizens and those who are granted permanent residency in the U.S. Stephanie Applegate, press secretary for McCormick, said the senators office did not issue the guidance. She said the event was organized on short notice and that did not give BAE enough time to conduct security checks for credentials for non-U.S. citizens. UK-based BAE Systems has facilities in more than 40 countries and roughly 82,500 employees. Its York County facility specializes in heavy combat vehicles like the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and the M88 HERCULES. Tuesdays event, which also features state Sen. Dawn Keefer, R-York County, state Rep. Seth Grove, R-York County, and York County Commissioner Julie Wheeler, is billed as an opportunity for lawmakers to tour the facility to learn more about the facilitys contribution to the national effort to rebuild our nations military and boost military readiness. Melewsky said the narrow media access limits the broad representation in the media. There are a lot of news organizations that hire legal people with legal status, both United States news organizations and international news organizations, all of which cover any number of newsworthy events here in Pennsylvania and around the country, she said. So I think its problematic. McCormick, Perry and Smucker, all Republicans, are close allies of President Donald Trump, who since taking office for a second term, has been increasingly hostile to the media, exerting measures to punish media outlets with which he disagrees, while issuing daily attacks on journalists and their employers. The administration, for instance, barred the Associated Press from events after the news agency continued to use the term Gulf of Mexico instead of Gulf of America, Trumps designated re-naming of the body of water. The president has also restricted access to pool reports, including ending long-standing residencies at the Pentagon and the White House to such outlets as NBC News, The New York Times, NPR, and Politico. Trump has routinely criticized and insulted journalists by name for their reporting and has called for their removal. News of the restricted access to U.S.-citizen journalists at Tuesdays event drew criticism from free press advocates outside of Pennsylvania. Freedom of the press is not only for U.S. citizens, said Seth Stern, director of advocacy for the Freedom of the Press Foundation. Corporations and politicians who discriminate against journalists who are lawful residents of the United States, presumably to score cheap political points, should be ashamed of themselves. Journalists who are citizens should decline to attend if their peers are excluded. They should spend their Tuesday investigating politicians and arms manufacturers rather than covering their photo ops. Editors note: This story has been updated with statements from Montengudos defense attorney explaining charges were withdrawn before the Dec. 13 probable cause hearing could occur, and that Pronick never testified. A Pennsylvania man is suing two state troopers who filed drug charges against him for carrying a powdery white substance during a July 2023 traffic stop in Dauphin County. State Trooper Phillip Pronick told a magisterial district judge the powdery substance was a mixture of fentanyl and xylazine in court documents requesting an arrest warrant, according to the lawsuit. But months later, after 33-year-old Amicar Maldonado Montengudo spent two weeks in Rikers Island Jail in New York, law enforcement said it was baking soda, the lawsuit said. Prosecutors later withdrew charges against Montengudo, who otherwise had no criminal record in Pennsylvania. Montengudo, a Pennsylvania resident, is bringing false imprisonment, false arrest, and malicious prosecution claims against Pronick and David Long, another state trooper connected to the case. He argues the state troopers violated his Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights and should have spoken up when he was arrested on the bunk charges. The lawsuit also ropes in State Police Commissioner Christopher Paris, under a legal doctrine that lets plaintiffs sue the person or agency responsible for setting policy, practices or customs in an agency. The lawsuit hasnt specified what policy, practice or custom is at-issue in this lawsuit. Montengudo is asking for unspecified monetary damages, in addition to interest, fees, costs and delayed damages. According to the lawsuit: Montengudo was riding in the front passenger seat of a car driving north on I-83 in Lower Paxton Township on July 31 when Pronick pulled over the driver. After receiving permission to search the vehicle, Pronick found a pill bottle containing a white powdery substance, according to the lawsuit. Montengudo claimed ownership over the bottle and told police it was baking soda he used to relieve his upset stomach, the lawsuit said. State police took the bottle for testing and didnt file charges at the time of the traffic stop, the lawsuit said. They called Montengudo on Aug. 3 and told him the results of the test were negative, and that Montengudo could pick up the baking soda, the lawsuit said. But 20 days later, they told former Magisterial District Judge Joseph Lindsey the mixture included xylazine and fentanyl when asking for a warrant to arrest Montengudo. Lindsey granted their request and signed off on charges of possession with intent to deliver and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. Montengudo didnt find out about the arrest warrant until he landed at JFK Airport in New York on Oct. 10, 2023 on a flight back from the Dominican Republic. Port Authority Police detained Montengudo until the next morning, when he was taken before New York City Criminal Court. He was held in various holding cells until around 8 p.m., when a judge sent him to Rikers Island Jail for two weeks. After his stay in Rikers, Montengudo was transferred to Dauphin County Prison. At his Oct. 24 preliminary arraignment before Magisterial District Judge George Zozos, he finally learned his criminal charges stemmed from the July 31 traffic stop, his criminal defense attorney, La Tasha Williams, said. After several court delays, prosecutors withdrew charges against Montengudo Dec. 13 before his probable cause hearing with Magisterial District Judge Joseph Lindsey. While the lawsuit says Pronick testified during the hearing the substance was baking soda, Williams told PennLive the hearing never occurred and Pronick informally told her and prosecutors the powder was not a controlled substance before prosecutors withdrew charges. WASHINGTON (AP) Three more Republican governors authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to Washington on Monday, part of President Donald Trumps escalating show of force that he says is designed to crack down on crime and boost immigration enforcement in the nations capital. The announcements by Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana brought the number of state troops detailed to the presidents effort to more than 1,100 and the number of states to six. Governors from the states said they were responding to requests from the Trump administration to join the operation. It was not immediately clear why the administration requested additional military support. About 800 troops have already been called up from the Washington, D.C., guard and have had a limited assigned role so far in Trumps 10-day-old attempted takeover of D.C. law enforcement. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the descriptions of the operation needed to be more honest and acknowledge that they werent just about curtailing crime but about immigration enforcement, a centerpiece of the second Trump administration that has echoed across the country in recent months. During a news conference, Bowser pushed back on Trumps characterization of the city and voiced skepticism about the administrations intentions. I think it makes the point that this is not about D.C. crime, Bowser said of the administration and states deploying National Guard members onto the streets of the capital. The focus should be on violent crime. ... Nobody is against focusing on driving down any level of violence. And so if this is really about immigration enforcement, the administration should make that plain. Trumps executive order that launched the federal operation declared a crime emergency in the District of Columbia and initiated a takeover of Washingtons police department. The administration has ordered local police to cooperate with federal agents on immigration enforcement, orders that would contradict local laws prohibiting such collaboration. Federal agents have arrested 160 undocumented people in the district since the operation began, including people that White House officials allege are known gang members with prior felony offenses. Friction with local government and community continues The executive order has led to friction with the local government and heightened tensions in the community as a surge of federal agents in the capital garner praise and protest from residents. The nations capital can govern itself through powers delegated to it by Congress, though the federal laws that grant that autonomy give wide breadth to the president and Congress to intervene when they see fit. That longstanding tension has led to a legal standoff between local officials and the White House in the current troop deployment and surge of federal officers into the district. In what could also heighten tensions on the streets, Washington has been informed about the intent for the National Guard to be armed, though it has not received details about when that could happen or where armed Guard members could be deployed in the District, according to a person familiar who was not authorized to disclose the plans and spoke on condition of anonymity. It would be a departure from what the Pentagon and Army have said about the troops being unarmed. The Army said in a statement last week that weapons are available if needed but will remain in the armory. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson also said last week that troops wont be armed. In response to questions about whether Guard members in Washington would be armed in the coming days, the District of Columbia National Guard said troops may be armed consistent with their mission and training. Maj. Melissa Heintz, a spokesperson for the D.C. Guard, didnt provide more details. The stepped-up guard presence grew further Monday with the new deployments from Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, all led by Republican governors. A spokesperson for Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said that the governor had granted a request from the Trump administration for the states National Guard members to assist with monument security, community safety patrols, protecting federal facilities, and traffic control. The troops are ready to assist as long as needed, the governors office said. In addition to Mondays announcements, West Virginia said it was deploying 300 to 400 troops, South Carolina pledged 200 and Ohio said it will send 150 in the coming days, deployments that built on top of Trumps initial order that 800 National Guard troops deploy as part of the federal intervention. National Guard members in the District of Columbia have been assisting law enforcement with tasks including crowd control and patrolling landmarks such as the National Mall and Union Station. Their role has been limited thus far, and it remains unclear why additional troops would be needed, though attention-getting optics have long been a part of Trumps playbook. Questions remain about who is actually running the DC police On Friday, the citys attorney general sued the administration for appointing the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration as the citys emergency police commissioner. The administration walked back the move but then issued a follow-up order that directed local police to cooperate fully and completely with federal immigration authorities. D.C. has been under siege from thugs and killers, but now, D.C. is back under Federal Control where it belongs, Trump wrote on his social media website a day after issuing his order. The White House is in charge. The Military and our Great Police will liberate this City, scrape away the filth, and make it safe, clean, habitable and beautiful once more! Federal agents from the DEA, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secret Service and other agencies have patrolled high-traffic areas around the capital over the last week. ICE officers, who work under the Department of Homeland Security, have made arrests in neighborhoods across the city, dispersed some public gatherings and torn pro-immigrant signs, according to videos published by the administration. The White House has touted various arrests that local police and federal agents have made across the city since Trumps executive order. Federal agents have made 380 arrests in the week since the start of the operation and in some cases issued charges to detained people. The White House has touted the surge of agents on social media and posted pictures of people arrested by local and federal officers. Washington, DC is getting safer every night thanks to our law enforcement partners, Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on social media. Just this weekend, 137 arrests were made and 21 illegal firearms were seized. In total, there have been nearly 400 arrestsand we are not slowing down. Amid the crackdown, the administration has received criticism for the conduct of some federal agents, who in several high-profile incidents have arrested people while wearing masks that hide their identity and declined to identify themselves to media or members of the public when questioned. Bowser said Monday that she had asked D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith to seek answers from the administration about the use of masked police. Its very important to us that agents be identified, Bowser said. Theres no reason for a law enforcement official to be masked. On Monday, dozens of protesters gathered in the U Street neighborhood of Washington, where multiple federal agents patrols and arrests had taken place over the weekend, to protest the Trump administrations actions. An oily substance flowed out of the Eureka Resources facility in Williamsport Sunday night after a hole developed in a 26,000-gallon tank. This photo provided by the Lycoming County Department of Public Safety shows how the oil flowed down a ramp and out of the building. The tank at right is not the one that developed the hole. Lycoming County WILLIAMSPORTAn estimated 16,000 gallons of recoverable oil spilled from a tank in a Williamsport plant that formerly processed wastewater from natural gas fracking operations. Two Susquehanna River fishermen discovered what a city Fire Chief Sam Aungst described as black goop when they reeled in their lines Sunday night. The state Department of Environmental Protection said its investigation revealed approximately 16,000 gallons were released and upwards of half of that got outside the containment area around the tank in the Eureka Resources building Corrosion inside the 26,000-gallon tank inside the facility in the 400 block of Second Street caused the hole to develop, Aungst said he was told. Pressure caused the oil to spurt out beyond containment around the tank, he said. The oil flowed down a ramp outside the building into a storm drain through a conduit carrying the Grafius Run creek into a pump station and into the river a short distance away, Aungst said. City firefighters responded at 10:45 p.m. Sunday and placed booms in the river near the outflow to prevent addition spread, he said. Drone surveys conducted in daylight revealed an oil slick extending downstream several miles into Loyalsock Twp., the chief said. The spill has been contained and the situation is stable, Aungst said. Environmental assessments are ongoing and conditions are being monitored closely, he said. It is not known how many gallons reached the river but Aungst said he was advised there is no danger downstream because of a dilution factor. Eagle Response Services from Milesburg covered the hole in the tank to stop the flow of oil and under the direction of the Williamsport Sanitary Authority cleaned the storm drain and pipes into a pump station that pushes water into the river when it is high. Authority executive director Michael D. Miller said he wanted the cleanup to occur as quickly as possible before the next rain. DEP says it is overseeing cleanup efforts. As a precaution it has notified PA American Waters facility in Milton, but currently there were no apparent impacts to drinking water. The oil, which was recovered during the wastewater treatment process, was to be sold, explained Dan Ertel who owns the property. The Eureka facility has not operated the Second Street facility for some time but its discharge permit with the sanitary authority still is good, Miller said. The company also has a facility along Route 6 in Standing Stone Twp. near Wysox in Bradford County. It has applied to renew its DEP discharge permit, according to a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. DEP had notified Eureka in March it had not paid the 2025 annual operating maintenance fee for the Williamsport and Standing Stone operations and that a violation notice had been issued a month earlier. The same month DEP acknowledged the remediation Eureka had done at Standing Stone following an April 2024 spill. In January, Eureka entered a consent agreement with DEP to resolve violations at the Bradford County facility that included emptying a specific tank and others used for the storage of residual waste that were leaking or have leaked since a February 2023 inspection. The agreement also required Eureka to repair and test all tanks and emergency containment systems that are leaking or have leaked since that inspection. Kyiv residents' heating and hot water debt down just 7% since end of heating season, still at UAH 6.5 bln Since the end of the last heating season, Kyiv residents have reduced their debt for heating and hot water by only 7%, bringing the total to UAH 6.5 billion, including UAH 3.7 billion for heating alone, municipal utility Kyivteploenergo (KTE) said Monday. "About 150,000 Kyivteploenergo customers are systemic debtors who deliberately ignore bills and the legal requirement to pay for services. For more than six months, these customers have not made a single payment for heating or sought consultation or assistance," Kostiantyn Lopatin, director of KTE's Energy Sales division, told a briefing at the Kyivinform press center Monday. According to him, another 106,000 customers have not paid for heating even once since October of last year. "What's paradoxical is that such 'chronic' debtors are often owners of luxury real estate or multiple apartments in central Kyiv," Lopatin noted. KTE identified some of the "top" debtors owing more than half a million hryvnias. Among them: the owner of a 168-square-meter luxury apartment in the Parkove Misto residential complex (44/1-b Vyshhorodska Street), who owes UAH 542,000; the owner of a 158-square-meter premium-class apartment on 21 Levko Lukianenko Street in Obolon, who owes UAH 507,000; and the owner of a 135-square-meter apartment in a new building in Shevchenkivsky District (27/4 Tatarska Street), who owes UAH 505,000. Lopatin explained that in such cases, debts are subject to court-ordered collection. If a client wants to settle, the first step is to check meter readings and reconcile charges. If household meters have not been reported for a long time, billing continues based on building-level meters. "If there's still debt, it needs to be paid or restructured before it reaches court," he said. KTE added that restructuring allows for voluntary settlement of arrears by paying in equal installments over time without additional penalties, fines, or fees. This avoids court proceedings and extra costs. With restructuring, the overpayment and penalty rate is 0%. To sign a restructuring agreement, customers must contact the Utility Service Center either online or at the nearest service office. Jesse Lonis Topples Phil Ivey En Route to $1,745,625 Payday Tim Baker Live Reporter Copy link The $102,000 Onyx SHRS NLH Invitational at the 2025 Onyx Super High Roller Series, presented by Onyx Club, has crowned its champion as Jesse Lonis delivered a final table masterclass. He outlasted a field of 88 entries at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, and stormed through the final day to secure the title and the $1,745,625 first-place prize, the biggest payout of the series so far. Lonis' aggression was unstoppable on the final table, eliminating seven of his eight opponents on the path to victory. His run included dispatching Poker Hall of Famer and 11-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Ivey in third place before sealing the deal against Maher Nouira in a short-lived heads-up match. Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Jesse Lonis United States $1,745,625* 2 Maher Nouira Tunisia $1,704,375* 3 Phil Ivey United States $1,080,000 4 Rob Yong United Kingdom $856,000 5 Jamil Wakil Canada $670,000 6 Matt Moss United Kingdom $520,000 7 Dejan Kaladjurdjevic Montenegro $400,000 8 Rahul Byrraju India $310,000 9 Markkos Ladev Estonia $250,000 *denotes heads-up deal Winner's Reaction Lonis couldnt hide his excitement after taking down the Invitational, calling his experience at Merit and Onyx world class. The experience here at Onyx, or at Merit has been world class, and Im not just saying this because Im here, he said. Its honestly just everything from the service, the property, the way the tournaments are run. It was amazing and I hope this, I know this place will definitely grow in the future and I will promote it for sure. And every year that you guys have something, Ill definitely be back. So yeah, I came in kind of at the bottom of the pack. I told myself I was just going to go out there, give it my all. I wanted to try to get some chips early. If I knew if I could, then I could put a lot of pressure on these guys and yeah, the plan ended up working out. Obviously, we got lucky at the beginning and then I took that and kind of steamrolled for a majority of it. You know, I was definitely doing some things out of the box and I lost a few hands along the way, but obviously at the end we came out on top, so I know I ran really well. The victory also carried a deeply personal side for the American. Yeah, so its a different time zone back home, but my wife, every time she wakes up, shes checking updates, calling me asking how Im doing. Shes always there supporting me. I know my daughters are definitely watching the stream right now. They like, you know, even though they dont know whats going on, they like to see that on TV. Lonis made sure to thank everyone following his career. Just my family. I got a lot of fans out there that have been supporting me my whole career since I started, so just everybody back home in the States and all over the world now and just, you know, happy that I could get it done. Lonis Path to Victory When cards went in the air on Day 3, Lonis sat just above average in the counts, though he had slipped by the time the final table began, virtually tied for eighth. Runner-up Nouira was even shorter, starting at the bottom of the pack and the most likely to depart first. Lonis wasted no time showing he was there to win. In one of the opening hands, he four-bet shoved ace-deuce into Markkos Ladevs pocket kings and looked destined to head for an early shower. Instead, a miracle river gave him a Broadway straight, vaulting him into second place and scoring the first knockout of the final table. Moments later, his seemingly reckless first few hands paid off, as Rahul Byrraju check-called three streets with second pair, only to lose to Lonis flopped two pair. Markkos Ladev Dejan Kaladjurdjevic was the next to fall to Lonis after he lost a race with king-ten to Lonis pair of nines, which improved to a full house on the turn. Matt Moss quickly followed in sixth when his jam with jack-ten suited was called by Lonis with king-jack. A clean runout rewarded Lonis for the call, and now he held a commanding chip lead with just five left. Ivey, who had hardly played a hand at the final table, tried his luck going after Lonis. But Iveys three-bet bluff attempt was ill-timed, as Lonis had the goods to jam over the top, leaving the poker legend as the tables short stack. Not long after, Ivey turned two pair against Lonis top pair to earn a full double-up and bring Lonis back down to almost level with the field. Phil Ivey Canadas Jamil Wakil has been on a tear this series, fresh off a runner-up finish in the GG Million$ just a week ago. But another title slipped away as he bowed out in fifth place. Wakil limped the small blind with Big Slick and looked to trap, but Lonis refused to bite. The Canadian check-called his way through the hand, only to be forced into a river call with top pair. Lonis revealed a backdoor flush to end Wakils run and continue his route toward the title. Four-handed, chips swung back and forth before Rob Yong lost a massive pot to Nouira, then shoved queen-high into Lonis ace-jack to exit in fourth. Ivey was the next to feel the wrath of Lonis. From the small blind, Lonis shoved ace-nine and held against Ivey's ace-six, sending the poker legend out in third with another seven-figure score to add to his resume. Rob Yong Heads-up play began nearly even, and the two quickly agreed to a deal, leaving the trophy still to play for. In the final hand, both players flopped top pair, but Lonis turned two pair to leave Nouira drawing slim. The river changed nothing, and Lonis secured the biggest prize of the series so far along with the title, after a relentless final table display that saw him eliminate seven of his eight opponents. Share this article "king2309" Crowned 888poker $100K Mystery Bounty Main Event Champion Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link Ukrainian grinder "king2309" put on a dominant display in the latest instalment of the $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event online at 888poker. "king2309" was one of 965 entrants in 888poker's flagship tournament. They sat down at the eight-handed final table with the chip lead and occupied the top two spots throughout proceedings before emerging victoriously to bank $10,439. On Day 1, the 965 entrants were reduced to eight. Mystery bounties came into play after the 18th level. They included six worth $1,000, a pair of $3,000 payouts, and a $10,000 jackpot bounty. "Chipss182" and "APJennings" were the lucky players to open a mystery bounty envelope containing $3,000, but the luckiest player on the night was "Ekampitakis" of Argentina, who eliminated a foe that had a cool $10,000 on their head. $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds Bounties 1 king2309 Ukraine 3,911,029 112 $2,751 2 dududantas95 Brazil 2,678,336 77 $503 3 Mukonga Lithuania 2,529,326 72 $903 4 Bambuk08 Ukraine 1,777,660 51 $2,046 5 Ruminescu Romania 1,390,459 40 $1,569 6 Fylleborje Sweden 906,086 26 $684 7 PAPA_VINCENT Romania 743,468 21 $1,089 8 NytNavn Denmark 538,636 15 $664 Often at this tournament's final table, there is a flurry of eliminations from the word go, but not this week. Almost 45 minutes passed without a bust-out, the drought ending when "Fylleborje" squeaked all-in for 14 big blinds with pocket fours following a raise and a call. The initial caller, "dududantas95," called the shove with pocket sevens, which held on a king-high board. Pocket sevens were involved in the next elimination, although they were the losing hand. "Mukonga" min-raised from the cutoff with ace-queen of hearts before calling the 15 big blind three-bet shove from "Bambuk08" made from the small blind with a pair of sevens in the hole. An ace on the flop was not what "Bambuk08" wanted to see, and they busted after whiffing the turn and river. Highs, Lows, and Close Encounters Inside Team 888pokers WSOP Main Event Journey Snowmen Melted The final six became five after "NytNavn" came unstuck in a cruel hand. "dududantas95" min-raised in the cutoff with pocket fives and called the nine big blind jam from "NytNavn" in the small blind. Those fives were in bad shape against pocket eights, but a five on the flop melted the snowmen, and the player count was reduced again. Romania's "PAPA_VINCENT" had been short-stacked throughout proceedings but was refusing to bow out. They managed to double through "dududantas95" to give themselves some breathing room, but then almost immediately found themselves on the rail. Chip leader "king2309" min-raised from the cutoff before instantly calling when "PAPA_VINCENT" moved all-in for 15 big blinds from the button with ace-seven of diamonds. "king2309" revealed pocket aces. Those aces held, "PAPA_VINCENT" cashed out in fifth, and "king2309" extended their lead by some distance. The rich became richer when "king2309" sent "Mukonga" home in fourth. The action folded to "king2309" in the small blind, and he open-shoved with what turned out to be ten-six offsuit. "Mukonga," nursing a nine big blind stack in the big blind, snap-called with pocket jacks, and looked set for a timely double. However, the Poker Gods had other ideas and gifted "king2309" a straight by the river to dash the "Mukonga"'s hopes and dreams. Play Cash Games at 888poker and Recieve up to 50% Rakeback And Then There Were Two Heads-up was reached just before the second scheduled break. "Ruminescu" initially completed the small blind with ace-three before moving all-in for 19 big blinds when "king2309" raised it up in the big blind with the dominating ace-nine. "King2309" called the jam, flopped a nine, and saw their stack grow to almost 101 big blinds, five times that of "dududantas95." It took another 40 minutes for the tournament to conclude, thanks partly to "dududantas95" clawing their way back into contention and then forging a substantial lead. The turning point came when "king2309" was on the ropes but managed to get three streets of value, having flopped the top pair and their opponent backing into second pair on the river. That hand levelled the stacks, and the contest was all over soon after. The final hand saw "dududantas95" min-raise on the button with ace-king, and "king2309" defend their big blind with eight-seven. An eight-high flop with two diamonds was greeted with a check from "king2309" then a check-raise after "dududantas95" stabbed at the pot. "dududantas95" called, and it was off to the turn, a three, which paired the board. "king2309" bet one-third pot and was called. The river was a nine, and "king2309" set "dududantas95" all-in for their last 21 big blinds. "dududantas95" called and was shown the bad news that their opponent held a pair of eights; the title belonged to "king2309." $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Results Rank Player Country Bounties Prize Total Prize 1 king2309 Ukraine $3,224 $7,355 $10,579 2 dududantas95 Brazil $592 $5,750 $6,342 3 Ruminescu Romania $1,569 $4,275 $5,844 4 Mukonga Lithuania $1,103 $2,940 $4,043 5 PAPA_VINCENT Romania $1,089 $1,970 $3,059 6 NytNavn Denmark $664 $1,435 $2,099 7 Bambuk08 Ukraine $2,046 $1,000 $3,046 8 Fylleborje Sweden $684 $750 $1,434 Win Your Way Into the $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event The next $109 buy-in $100,000 guaranteed Mystery Bounty Main Event is scheduled to shuffle up and deal at 6:00 p.m. BST on August 24. Registration is open, with dozens of satellites planned between now and the start of the big dance. Freeroll satellites are available, with others costing between $1 and $16.50. These enable players to play their way to the big time regardless of their bankroll size. Share this article The $102,000 Onyx SHRS NLH Invitational at the 2025 Onyx Super High Roller Series, presented by Onyx Club, has crowned its champion as Jesse Lonis delivered a final table masterclass. Outlasting a field of 88 entries at the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa, Lonis stormed through the final day to secure the title and the $1,745,625 first-place prize, the biggest payout of the series so far. Lonis' aggression was unstoppable on the final table, eliminating seven of his eight opponents on the path to victory. His run included dispatching Poker Hall of Famer and 11-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Ivey in third place before sealing the deal against Maher Nouira in a short-lived heads-up match. Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Jesse Lonis United States $1,745,625* 2 Maher Nouira Tunisia $1,704,375* 3 Phil Ivey United States $1,080,000 4 Rob Yong United Kingdom $856,000 5 Jamil Wakil Canada $670,000 6 Matt Moss United Kingdom $520,000 7 Dejan Kaladjurdjevic Montenegro $400,000 8 Rahul Byrraju India $310,000 9 Markkos Ladev Estonia $250,000 *denotes heads-up deal Winner's Reaction Lonis couldnt hide his excitement after taking down the Invitational, calling his experience at Merit and Onyx world class. The experience here at Onyx, or at Merit has been world class, and Im not just saying this because Im here, he said. Its honestly just everything from the service, the property, the way the tournaments are run. It was amazing and I hope this, I know this place will definitely grow in the future and I will promote it for sure. And every year that you guys have something, Ill definitely be back. So yeah, I came in kind of at the bottom of the pack. I told myself I was just going to go out there, give it my all. I wanted to try to get some chips early. If I knew if I could, then I could put a lot of pressure on these guys and yeah, the plan ended up working out. Obviously, we got lucky at the beginning and then I took that and kind of steamrolled for a majority of it. Jesse Lonis You know, I was definitely doing some things out of the box and I lost a few hands along the way, but obviously at the end we came out on top, so I know I ran really well. The victory also carried a deeply personal side for the American. Yeah, so its a different time zone back home, but my wife, every time she wakes up, shes checking updates, calling me asking how Im doing. Shes always there supporting me. I know my daughters are definitely watching the stream right now. They like, you know, even though they dont know whats going on, they like to see that on TV. Lonis made sure to thank everyone following his career. Just my family. I got a lot of fans out there that have been supporting me my whole career since I started, so just everybody back home in the States and all over the world now and just, you know, happy that I could get it done. Lonis Path to Victory When cards went in the air on Day 3, Lonis sat just above average in the counts, though he had slipped by the time the final table began, virtually tied for eighth. Runner-up Nouira was even shorter, starting at the bottom of the pack and the most likely to depart first. Lonis wasted no time showing he was there to win. In one of the opening hands, he four-bet shoved ace-deuce into Markkos Ladevs pocket kings and looked destined to head for an early shower. Instead, a miracle river gave him a Broadway straight, vaulting him into second place and scoring the first knockout of the final table. Moments later, his seemingly reckless first few hands paid off, as Rahul Byrraju check-called three streets with second pair, only to lose to Lonis flopped two pair. Markkos Ladev Dejan Kaladjurdjevic was the next to fall to Lonis after he lost a race with king-ten to Lonis pair of nines, which improved to a full house on the turn. Matt Moss quickly followed in sixth when his jam with jack-ten suited was called by Lonis with king-jack. A clean runout rewarded Lonis for the call, and now he held a commanding chip lead with just five left. Ivey, who had hardly played a hand at the final table, tried his luck going after Lonis. But Iveys three-bet bluff attempt was ill-timed, as Lonis had the goods to jam over the top, leaving the poker legend as the tables short stack. Not long after, Ivey turned two pair against Lonis top pair to earn a full double-up and bring Lonis back down to almost level with the field. Phil Ivey Canadas Jamil Wakil has been on a tear this series, fresh off a runner-up finish in the GG Million$ just a week ago. But another title slipped away as he bowed out in fifth place. Wakil limped the small blind with Big Slick and looked to trap, but Lonis refused to bite. The Canadian check-called his way through the hand, only to be forced into a river call with top pair. Lonis revealed a backdoor flush to end Wakils run and continue his route toward the title. Four-handed, chips swung back and forth before Rob Yong lost a massive pot to Nouira, then shoved queen-high into Lonis ace-jack to exit in fourth. Ivey was the next to feel the wrath of Lonis. From the small blind, Lonis shoved ace-nine and held against Ivey's ace-six, sending the poker legend out in third with another seven-figure score to add to his resume. Rob Yong Heads-up play began nearly even, and the two quickly agreed to a deal, leaving the trophy still to play for. In the final hand, both players flopped top pair, but Lonis turned two pair to leave Nouira drawing slim. The river changed nothing, and Lonis secured the biggest prize of the series so far along with the title, after a relentless final table display that saw him eliminate seven of his eight opponents. Stay tuned to PokerNews for continuing coverage of the 2025 Onyx Super High Roller Series, with live updates direct from the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. Aiken Standard reporter Dede Biles is a reporter for the Aiken Standard. She covers Aiken County government, business and horse industry. To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ US President Donald Trump said he had a "great" meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, and began preparing for a meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia. " I had a very good meeting with distinguished guests, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron, of France, President Alexander Stubb, of Finland, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, of Italy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, of the United Kingdom, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, in the White House, which ended in a further meeting in the Oval Office," Trump wrote on the social network Truthsocial. According to him, during the meeting the leaders discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, which will be provided by various European countries in coordination with the United States. " At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," Trump stressed. " Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he added. In turn, the Kremlin indirectly confirmed Putin's agreement to meet with Zelenskyy. In particular, Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov reported that during Trump's phone call with Putin, "the parties expressed support for direct talks between the delegations of the Russian Federation and Ukraine" and discussed raising the level of these talks. Mitchell Black writes about Bluffton and the southern Lowcountry for The Post and Courier's Beaufort County bureau. He previously covered health care and county government with the Asheville Citizen Times. Anna Sharpe covers Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island and Folly Beach for the Post and Courier. She graduated from Winthrop University. She previously wrote for the Moultrie News in Mount Pleasant. Rising Waters Lab Hurricane Erin to spawn rip currents along SCs coast, so exercise caution at the beach this week Overnight Russia carried out an air strike on the village of Ruska Lozova in the Kharkiv region, injuring three civilians, the press service of the Kharkiv regional prosecutor's office reports. "Residential buildings, outbuildings and cars were damaged. Two women aged 70 and 43 were injured. Another 59-year-old resident suffered an acute stress reaction. Medics provided all the injured with necessary assistance," the report says. In addition, Zolochiv (Bohodukhiv district of the region) was hit by Russian guided aerial bombs (KABs) at night. The buildings and equipment of an agricultural enterprise were damaged. The prosecutor's office also reported that the occupiers carried out two UAV strikes on the village of Peremoha. "A two-story residential building was damaged. A family was affected: a woman was injured, her husband and two children a boy aged 8 and a girl aged 2 years and 8 months were diagnosed with acute shock. It has been previously established that the enemy used a Geran-2 UAV to attack the settlement," the report says. Earlier, Lozova Mayor Serhiy Zelensky reported on the attack on the Lozova community, which injured two adults and two children. The popular tourist attraction Pedal Pub is on its way to Conway just without the Pub Reporter Conor Hughes covers Greenville County for The Post and Courier. He has been reporting on South Carolina's Upstate for close to a decade, writing about everything from crime, to development, to politics during that time. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine recorded 186 combat clashes over the past 24 hours. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this on Telegram in the operational information on the Russian invasion as of 8:00 a.m. Tuesday. "According to the updated information, yesterday the invaders carried out two missile and 78 air strikes on the territory of Ukraine, used four missiles and dropped 162 guided aerial bombs. In addition, they involved 5,489 kamikaze drones for destruction and carried out 5,350 attacks on the positions of our troops and settlements, including 86 from multiple launch rocket systems," the General Staff said. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 19:00:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 364 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 First Airbus aircraft in euroAtlantic historyCHICAGO, IL / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / Aircraft Engine Lease Finance, Inc ("AELF") has leased A330-200, MSN 489, to Portugal's euroAtlantic Airways. This is the first Airbus aircraft for the Portuguese ACMI operator, which has flown an all-Boeing fleet throughout its 30-year history. AELF-owned A330-200 AELF-owned A330 MSN 489 on Lease to euroAtlantic"We are proud to partner with EAA on the lease of this A330-200 and support their ambitious fleet development," said Joe Cirillo, Chief Commercial Officer for AELF. "We specialize in providing tailored, flexible leasing solutions to dynamic operators like EAA, who are expanding their footprint in key global markets." According to euroAtlantic, the introduction of the first Airbus A330-200 into the airline's fleet represents a new era with a focus on becoming a stakeholder of expanding global proportions in the ACMI market. EuroAtlantic flies as a flagship operator for LOT Polish Airlines and Azul, among other esteemed institutions."We are excited to welcome the A330-200 to our fleet. The addition represents the next stage in EAA's journey towards enhancing its operational capabilities and market presence," said Stewart Higginson, CEO and Chairman of euroAtlantic Airways. "It further expands our long-haul product offering for the charter and ACMI market segments. We are grateful to AELF for their support and collaboration and look forward to partnering with leading airlines to provide best in class customer experience." ABOUT AELFAircraft Engine Lease Finance Inc. ("AELF") is an experienced commercial aircraft lessor. Based in Chicago, AELF offers customized and flexible financing solutions to airlines, lessors, banks and non-traditional aircraft owners. AELF has been in operation for over a decade and is continually expanding its commercial aircraft and engine portfolio. Learn more at www.aelfinc.com ABOUT euroAtlantic AirwaysEuroAtlantic Airways is a Portuguese airline specializing in ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) and charter solutions. Headquartered in Carnaxide and based at Lisbon Airport, it offers charter services, wet-lease, and Ad-Hoc flights worldwide.Contact InformationAmy Phillipscommunications@ aelfinc.com SOURCE: Aircraft Engine Lease Finance, Inc. (AELF)Related ImagesAELF A330-200 IFE AELF-owned A330 on Lease to euroAtlantic PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 20:30:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 371 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CREMONA, AB / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / CannaPharmaRX, Inc. (OTC PINK:CPMD), an emerging leader in global cannabis cultivation and exports, announces a series of strategic developments. The goal is to strengthen its international footprint and production capacity.The company continues to make significant steps in its mission to supply premium cannabis products to high-demand international markets, including Germany, Portugal, and Israel. Here's an overview of their recent shipments along with the Q3 revenue estimate.Major Cannabis Shipments to EuropeBuilding on its successful export operations, CannaPharmaRX has completed its second shipment to Germany in July by delivering 139.6 kilograms. Demand remains strong in Germany for our product, and we continue to take new orders for our strains.In August, the company plans to execute two additional shipments to Germany and Portugal totaling 300 kilograms: 180.2 kg of high-THC products marking continued interest in our premium products. 119.8 kg of low-THC products for the more economical strains that we are producing.Expanding Presence in IsraelIn addition to its European exports, CannaPharmaRX is also preparing a shipment ofapproximately 142 kg of medium-quality cannabis buds to Israel. This is another step in the company's strategy to diversify its customer base and strengthen trade relationships in international markets. We are deliberately growing strains that cater to different consumers and different pricing needs so that we are scaling across all sectors.Scaling Up Production with a New Growing RoomTo meet increasing demand, CannaPharmaRX plans to open its sixth growing room inSeptember, bringing it closer to its total capacity of ten potential grow rooms. The expansion will also allow the company to cultivate new, recently tested cannabis varieties that have delivered promising results during trials.Strong Q3 Revenue ForecastThe company projects third-quarter revenues of approximately $1,050,000 CAD, with the anticipation of additional shipments before the end of September. This forecast may vary slightly depending on fluctuations in the Euro-to-Canadian Dollar exchange rate.CTO UpdateCannaPharmaRX continues to address regulatory matters in Canada with the BCSC. The company will submit a detailed response to the latest communication received in May by the end of August, with legal guidance from Fasken Law Firm.Contact:Company: CannapharmaRx Name: Constantine Nkafu Website: https://cannapharmarx.comPhone: 403-637-0420 Mail:info@ cannapharmarx.com SOURCE: CannaPharmaRx PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 15:02:35 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 537 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Celebrated for its award-winning fashion-meets-function design, the brand steps onto fashion's most legendary stage.CINCINNATI, OH / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 /CONQUERing, the elevated lifestyle jewelry brand known for its signature interchangeable accessories, has been selected to make its Paris Fashion Week debut this October as part of Flying Solo's prestigious runway show - a launchpad for next-generation fashion innovators. Tammy Nelson, Founder and CEO of CONQUERing, and Jake Nelson, Co-Creator and Head of Product Design Professional studio portrait of a smiling woman in a black dress and a man in a casual black outfit with white sneakers, seated on a stool against a neutral background.Flying Solo, a leading New York-based fashion collective, is known for curating bold, independent brands with a distinct point of view. Their Ones to Watch show is one of Paris Fashion Week's most anticipated events - spotlighting designers whose creativity and craftsmanship are reshaping the global fashion landscape."Our mission has always been to empower - giving people the freedom to customize their look, carry meaning close, and find comfort in a discreet fidget always at hand. Paris is where we'll show that when purpose meets fashion, the result is unforgettable." said Tammy Nelson, Founder and CEO of CONQUERing.As part of the showcase, CONQUERing will unveil eight fully styled runway looks, each designed to elevate and spotlight the brand's interchangeable jewelry pieces. The collection will blend beloved CONQUERing styles with bold new pieces created specifically for the runway - showcasing the versatility and design-forward nature of the brand's signature interchangeable modular system."Every piece we create is rooted in a story - about empowerment, identity, transformation," said Jake Nelson, CONQUERing Co-Creator and Head of Product Design. "Paris is our chance to amplify that story on fashion's most iconic stage. It's about pushing our creative limits and proving that function and fashion can command the same runway." More than a fashion moment, the Paris debut represents the evolution of a brand shaped by a passionate and ever-growing community of supporters, fans, and creatives."What makes this moment so special isn't just the runway - it's the incredible community that helped us get here," said Hallie Montague, Head of Marketing & Partnerships. "From heartfelt customer stories to the way people show up for one another through our brand, CONQUERing has grown into something personal and powerful. We're honored to take that spirit to Paris." Through exclusive content, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and immersive design insights, the brand will bring its audience along for the full journey - from concept to catwalk.About CONQUERingCONQUERing is a globally recognized lifestyle jewelry brand known for its patented interchangeable designs that blend fashion and function, serving as both stylish accessories and fidget-friendly wellness tools. With more than 150,000 customers in 65 countries, the brand has built a loyal community drawn to its blend of empowerment, self-expression, and connection. Recognized by Inc. Magazine for rapid growth three years in a row, and honored by FASHION Magazine, Milan Jewelry Week, and Fast Company for innovative design, CONQUERing continues to grow as a positive force in the fashion and lifestyle space.Contact InformationHallie Montague Director of Brand & Partnershipshallie@ myconquering.com 513-216-5222SOURCE: CONQUERing PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 12:00:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 962 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 /EON Resources Inc. (NYSE American:EONR) ("EON" or the "Company") is independent upstream energy company with 20,000 leasehold acres comprised of two fields in the Permian Basin in southeast New Mexico. The fields have a total of 750 producing and injection wells producing over 1,000 barrels of oil per day. Today, the Company posted an updated investor deck and the second quarter of 2025 earnings call deck to the Company's website: https://www.eon-r.com/presentations About EON Resources Inc.EON is an independent upstream energy company focused on maximizing total returns to its shareholders through the development of onshore oil and natural gas properties in the United States. EON's long-term goal is to maximize total shareholder value from a diversified portfolio of long-life oil and natural gas properties built through acquisition and through selective development, production enhancement, and other exploitation efforts on its oil and natural gas properties.EON's Class A Common Stock trades on the NYSE American Stock Exchange (NYSE American: EONR) and the Company's public warrants trade on the NYSE American Stock Exchange (NYSE American: EONR WS). For more information on EON, please visit the Company's website: https://eon-r.com/ About the Grayburg-Jackson Oil Field PropertyLH Operating, LLC ("LHO"), a wholly owned subsidiary of EON, operates its holdings in New Mexico of oil and gas waterflood production comprising 13,700 contiguous leasehold acres, 342 producing wells and 207 injection wells situated on 20 federal and 3 state leases in the Grayburg-Jackson Oil Field. The Grayburg-Jackson Oil Field is located on the Northwest Shelf of the prolific Permian Basin in Eddy County, New Mexico.Leasehold rights of LHO include the Seven Rivers, Queen, Grayburg and San Andres intervals that range from as shallow as 1,500 feet to 4,000 feet in depth. The December 2024 reserve report from our third-party engineer, Haas and Cobb Petroleum Consultants, LLC ("Haas & Cobb" or "Cobb"), reflects LHO to have proven reserves of approximately 14.0 million barrels of oil and 2.8 billion cubic feet of natural gas. The mapped original-oil-in-place ("OOIP") in the LHO leasehold is approximately 876 million barrels of oil in the Grayburg and San Andres intervals and 80 million barrels in the Seven Rivers interval for a total OOIP of approximately 956 million barrels of oil.Our primary production is currently from the Seven Rivers zone. In addition to proven reserves, the Company believes it may access an additional 34 million barrels of oil by adding perforations in the Grayburg and San Andres formations, plus another 40 million barrels from the horizontal drilling program in the San Andres. With proven oil reserves of over 15 million barrels, combined with the potential 74 million additional barrels from the Grayburg and San Andres zones, LHO should produce oil and a revenue stream for more than two decades with a low decline rate.About the South Justis Field PropertyThe South Justis Field ("SJF") is a carbonate reservoir, similar to the rest of the Permian. The SJF was first developed in the 1960's and had an initial production in the 6,000 BOPD range. The waterflood implemented at a cost of $40 million dollars in the 1990's by a major oil company had mediocre performance due to poor connectivity between wells, which indicates an opportunity for horizontal infill well drilling. The subsequent owners of the SJF had higher priorities, which led to an increase in idle wells with downhole failures, thus allowing the production to drop dramatically. The Seller acquired the field and has reactivated several wells with good results increasing the production of oil. This indicates that there are a significant number of wells that can be reactivated to increase production on existing wells.The SJF comprises of 5,360 contiguous acres with 208 combined producing and injection wells with well spacing of 50 acres. The field is located in the Central Basin of the prolific Permian Basin in Lea County, New Mexico located approximately 100 miles from EON's Grayburg-Jackson Oil Field property. The producing formations include the Glorietta, Blinebry, Tubb, Drinkard and Fusselman intervals that range from 5,000 feet to 7,000 feet in depth. The original-oil-in-place ("OOIP") is approximately 207 million barrels of oil.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expected. Words such as "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "seeks," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "should" and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future results, based on currently available information and reflect the Company's management's current beliefs. A number of factors could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the events and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors - including the availability of funds, the results of financing efforts and the risks relating to our business - that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on EDGAR (see www.edgar-online.com) and with the Securities and Exchange Commission (see www.sec.gov) . Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.Investor RelationsMichael J. Porter, PresidentPORTER, LEVAY & ROSE, INC. mike@ plrinvest.com SOURCE: EON Resources Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 15:02:47 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1006 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 A Bold Breakthrough in the Future of Wedding Planning, Pearl Planner's AI Allows Deeply Personalized, Intelligent Wedding Planning That Adapts to Each Couple's Style, Pace and VisionKING OF PRUSSIA, PENNSYLVANIA / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 /David's Bridal, Inc. ("David's"), the trusted name behind millions of life's most unforgettable moments, is revolutionizing how couples bring their dream day to life. Introducing Pearl Planner,a free AI-powered wedding planning tool that makes organizing a wedding feel seamless, personalized and completely under control. Now available to couples, Pearl Planner turns inspiration into execution, giving every couple the clarity, support and tools they need to plan confidently from day one. Whether newly engaged or already deep in planning, Pearl Planner offers a smarter way to manage the wedding journey, based entirely on each couple's preferences.Each year, 1.9 million weddings are planned in the U.S. Most couples navigate it for the first time and are often overwhelmed by spreadsheets, sticky notes, and countless browser tabs. Pearl Planner is designed to support that learning curve, helping couples explore, discover, and make decisions in a more intentional and structured way. From shaping their vision to building dynamic timelines and personalized task lists, Pearl Planner turns inspiration into action. With registry integration, curated vendor recommendations, and a 24/7 AI assistant, Pearl AI offers a guided, step-by-step experience tailored to each couple's pace, removing the guesswork from planning a wedding. Pearl AI's concierge approach can support and answer questions along the way, and is ready to take the lead even for those who don't know where to begin or what to ask.Trained on over 75 years of wedding expertise and powered by industry-leading LLM models and David's proprietary architecture, Pearl Planner does more than organize; it understands. Pearl AI seamlessly adapts to planning styles, celebrates progress, and supports as little or as much as needed along the way. The tool builds a custom planning experience based on each couple's wedding, regardless of budget, timeline and location. With over 100 guided tasks from organizing guest lists and touring venues to designing save-the-dates, building a wedding website, and even writing thank-you notes, wedding planning now lives in one cohesive workspace."Pearl Planner is the wedding planning partner every bride deserves," says Kelly Cook, Chief Executive Officer of David's Bridal. "It is intelligent, intuitive, and emotionally attuned to the experience of getting married. With Pearl Planner, we are giving couples the ability to plan smarter, move faster, and enjoy the process. The future of planning meets couples where they are, adapts as they go and empowers them to plan with genuine excitement, not just checklists." Key features of Pearl Planner include:Dynamic Timeline: A real-time schedule that adapts instantly to any change, including venue, date, and pace.Style Quiz & Vision Board: Pearl's proprietary quiz instantly identifies a couple's wedding aesthetic - or they can upload their own inspo pictures - to personalize the experience from dashboard to wedding website, and builds tailored recommendations.Smart Task Board: Clear, actionable steps that adapt to each couple's progress and skip what is already completed.Curated Recommendations: Vendors, dresses, decor, and services matched to the couple's aesthetic and location.24/7 Pearl AI Assistant: A built-in chat assistant that offers expert help, suggests next steps, and even drafts vendor messages.AI Wedding Website Builder: Vision Boards are instantly transformed into a beautifully styled, on-theme wedding website with Pearl's exclusive AI-powered website builder in partnership with Dynadot.Bridesmaid Tasks & Voting: Brides can gather instant feedback on dress colors and swatches, collect votes from the bridal party, and share final picks with exclusive David's discounts.Exclusive Offers From Shutterfly: Unlock special offers from Shutterfly for save-the-dates, invitations, and photo gifts, making it easier to carry wedding aesthetics from digital to printed.Connected Registry Experience: Pearl Planner and MyRegistry.com offer a seamless way to plan and register in one place with style-based gift suggestions, registry milestones, and a cohesive guest experience from invite to gift-giving.Seamless David's Integration: Brides and bridal parties that have booked an appointment with David's will be automatically set up with Pearl Planner to help kick-start the planning process with AI-powered support right away."Pearl Planner is more than an online wedding planner; it's a trusted partner that brings clarity and confidence to the wedding planning journey," says Elina Vilk, President and Chief Business Officer of David's Bridal. "By combining decades of wedding expertise with advanced AI, we are giving couples a never-before-seen, intuitive tool that adapts to their unique vision and evolving needs. This is the future of wedding planning, designed to empower every bride and groom to plan smarter, stress less and truly enjoy the process." Rather than presenting a generic checklist, Pearl Planner curates a unique planning path based on each couple's needs. It surfaces what matters most, suggests when to take action, and enables real progress to help couples stay focused, inspired, and organized without second-guessing. The tool is not static but adjusts in real time as each vision shifts. If guests are added, the venue changes or the date is moved, Pearl Planner adapts immediately. It helps couples stay organized, focused, and moving forward, even when plans change. Every moment of the planning experience is tailored to the couple, what they want, and how they celebrate.Additionally, Pearl Planner integrates with David's Diamond Loyalty Program, allowing couples to earn points on purchases and planning milestones. Those points can be redeemed for exclusive offers, discounts, and even a free honeymoon, making Pearl Planner the first wedding planning tool that's both efficient and rewarding.Pearl Planner is not just for couples. It's designed to complement the work of professional wedding planners, helping them support their clients with centralized tools and real-time updates. David's is set to release Pearl Pro, a dedicated version of the tool for wedding planners, later this year.To learn more about Pearl Planner and start planning a dream day, visit Pearl.DavidsBridal.com and follow @DavidsBridal on social media for the latest updates.For additional assets, p PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 08:00:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 624 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / Further to the approval of the Investment Agreement dated 18 July 2025 by shareholders at a General Meeting held on 6 August 2025, the Company has received conversion notices totalling 1,000,000 from the Investors.Pursuant to the terms of the Investment Agreement, the conversion price has been calculated at 0.5007p and this represents a discount of approximately 20% to the closing mid-price of the Company's existing Ordinary Shares on 15 August 2025. This will result in the allotment of 199,720,388 new Ordinary Shares.Admission and Total Voting RightsApplications have been made for the new ordinary shares to be admitted to trading on AIM ("Admission"). Admission is expected to become effective on 20 August 2025.Upon Admission, the Company's issued ordinary share capital will consist of 6,603,812,350 Ordinary Shares with one voting right each. The Company does not hold any Ordinary Shares in treasury. Therefore, from Admission the total number of Ordinary Shares and voting rights in the Company will be 6,603,812,350. With effect from Admission, this figure may be used by Shareholders in the Company as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.Helium One Global Ltd+44 20 7920 3150Lorna Blaisse, CEOGraham Jacobs, Finance and Commercial DirectorPanmure LiberumLimited (Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker)Scott MathiesonNikhil Varghese+44 20 3100 2000Zeus Capital Limited (Joint Broker)Simon JohnsonLouisa Waddell+44 20 3829 5000Tavistock(Financial PR)Nick ElwesTara Vivian-Neal+44 20 7920 3150Notes to Editors Helium One Global, the primary helium explorer in Tanzania with a 50% working interest in the Galactica-Pegasus helium development project in Colorado, USA. The Company holds helium licenses within two distinct helium project areas, across two continents. With an expanding global footprint, the company has the potential to become a strategic player in resolving a supply-constrained helium market.The Company's flagship southern Rukwa Project is located within the southern Rukwa Rift Basin in south-west Tanzania. This project entering a full appraisal and development stage following the success of the 2023/24 exploration drilling campaign, which proved a helium discovery at Itumbula West-1 and, following an extended well test ("EWT"), successfully flowed 5.5% helium continually to surface in Q3 2024.Following the success of the EWT, the Company filed a Mining Licence ("ML") application with the Tanzania Mining Commission in September 2024 and the 480km2 ML was formally awarded to the Company in July 2025.The Company also owns a 50% working interest in the Galactica-Pegasus helium development project in Las Animas County, Colorado, USA. This project is operated by Blue Star Helium Ltd (ASX: BNL) and has successfully completed a six well development drilling campaign in H1 2025. The completion of the development programme is a key component of the broader Galactica-Pegasus development strategy; aimed at progressing the helium and CO2 discoveries to near-term commercial production.This programme has seen a systematic approach to developing the extensive Lyons Formation reservoir. The programme has delivered encouraging results, in line with expectations, consistently encountering good helium (up to 3.3% He) and CO2 concentrations in the target formation and demonstrating promising flow potential. The next steps will see the Galactica wells tied into initial production in Q4 2025.Helium One is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange with the ticker of HE1 and on the OTCQB in the United States with the ticker HLOGF.This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: Helium One Global Ltd PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 17:03:56 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 475 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Justice-Driven Collaboration Blends Purple Urkle Rosetta Stone Heritage, Drops October 1, 2025JOHNSTOWN, COLORADO / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 /Brothers Grimm Seeds is proud to announce an exclusive strain collaboration with cultural icon, actor, and cannabis justice advocate Ice T. The cultivar - BodyCount - is set to drop October 1, 2025, blending the legacy of elite cannabis genetics with Ice T's decades-long voice for equity and reform. Ice TThe BodyCount strain is bred in-house by Rick "MrSoul" Campanella, Brothers Grimm's founder and Breeding Director, with the project led by CEO Laura "MrsSoul" Campanella, who continues to champion the brand's mission of authenticity, independence, and social impact. This collaboration builds on Brothers Grimm Seeds' history of pairing elite genetics with influential cultural voices, uniting cannabis heritage with meaningful partnerships.Strain Details:ICE T Brothers Grimm SeedsStrain Name: BodyCountGenetic Lineage: Purple Urkle Rosetta StonePurple Urkle's lineage is not definitively known, but it is widely believed to be a unique expression of Mendocino Purps, with possible ties to Granddaddy Purple. Rosetta Stone (Jack Herer Cinderella 99) is a Brothers Grimm legacy strain, celebrated for its uplifting energy and cerebral clarity, and named aHigh Times Top 10 Strain of 2018.Ice T on the CollaborationBold spice, grape-laced, and deeply cerebral, BodyCount is a tribute to Ice T's legacy. Though he doesn't personally consume cannabis, Ice T has long been a vocal supporter of legalization, criminal justice reform, and economic equity.His New Jersey dispensary, The Medicine Woman, centers access for communities harmed by prohibition and creates jobs in areas long targeted by failed drug policies."I've seen too many lives ruined by the war on weed-and not enough doors opened by legalization," said Ice T. "This partnership is about putting out real product with real purpose. Brothers Grimm gets that and it is an honor to work with them." From MrsSoul, CEO of Brothers Grimm Seeds"Ice T has always been more than an entertainer- he's a truth-teller, a justice voice, and a force for change," said Laura "MrsSoul" Campanella. "We're honored to launch BodyCount with someone who walks the walk." More Than a Strain Drop: A Mission-Driven CollaborationAs part of the BodyCount strain release, Brothers Grimm Seeds and Ice T will donate $1 from every pack sold in the first 30 days to Minorities for Medical Marijuana, advancing equity in cannabis through policy reform, health access, and entrepreneurship.The campaign will also include:Behind-the-scenes interviews with Ice T and MrSoulA virtual drop party livestream featuring Ice T, MrsSoul, and MrSoul on launch dayShort-form video content exploring healing, entrepreneurship, and justiceMore than a strain, BodyCount is a statement - uniting cannabis heritage, cultural icons, and a shared mission for justice and quality.Contact InformationMarc EmmelmannVice President | Brothers Grimm Seedsmarc@ brothersgrimmseeds.com SOURCE: Brothers Grimm Seeds PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 02:50:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 484 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / August 18, 2025 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilOctober 13, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. (NYSE:KLC), if they purchased the Company's shares pursuant and/or traceable to the Company's October 2024 initial public offering (the "IPO"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Oregon.What You May DoIf you purchased shares of KinderCare as above and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit http://ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-klc/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byOctober 13, 2025 .About the LawsuitKinderCare and certain of its executives and others are charged with failing to disclose material information in its IPO Registration Statement and Prospectus (collectively, the "Offering Documents"), violating federal securities laws.The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) numerous incidents of child abuse, neglect, and harm had occurred at KinderCare facilities; (ii) the Company 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, the Company was exposed to a material, undisclosed risk of lawsuits, adverse regulatory action, negative publicity, reputational damage, and business loss.The case is Gollapalli v. KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc., No. 25-cv-01424.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partner lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com 1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 15:01:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 555 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 When injured clients can't make it into the Law Offices of Lawrence J. Signore, the office comes to them.PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / "When you're hurt, you really want to have a personal connection with the lawyer who is going to be representing you," says Lawrence J. Signore, attorney. "Your lawyer should be willing to take the time to have a face-to-face conversation with you, wherever you are. That's the idea behind my practice. I'm a lawyer who comes to you, from your home to your hospital room." Founded in 2011, the Law Offices of Lawrence J. Signore represents clients who have suffered a personal or work-related injury. While the firm's offices are located in the heart of downtown Providence, much of Signore's day-to-day work involves meeting clients throughout the state from a "completely mobile law office" in his Mini Cooper."I started meeting people as The Rhode Lawyer' because it's hard to find parking in the city," Signore says. "It's easier for me to drive out to meet people than it is for them to come to the office. Clients really appreciate that." After a serious injury or accident, Signore explains, it's easy for people to become overwhelmed. Injuries may prevent clients from returning to work or render them afraid of losing their jobs and their health care. Their medical bills are piling up. If they were in a vehicle accident, their car may also be totaled."The people that I meet with are terrified of making a mistake," Signore says. "They don't know what to do next. They don't know how they are going to pay for everything. At the same time, they have a bunch of people trying to get them to sign things they don't understand. That's why it's so important to meet in person. They need to see that I'm not just their legal advocate, I'm someone they can trust." ADVERSARIAL EXPERTISEEarly in his career, Signore worked for the other side. Shortly after graduating law school, he was hired by a large multinational firm to serve as defense counsel for insurance companies."I trained in how to do this work with one of the best insurance defense firms in the world," Signore says. "I spent years working closely with insurance companies. I know how they evaluate risk, and I know how they like to play into people's fears and inexperience to devalue their claims. I understand their strategies, and that gives my clients a real competitive advantage." Signore's experience, and his focus on extensive preparation, allows his relatively small law office to stand toe-to-toe with much larger defense firms. By applying "maximum pressure" at the right moments, either in settlement negotiations or trial, his team is able to secure the best possible benefits for clients."There are times when you have to push as hard as the law allows, because we're fighting for the lives of real people," Signore says. "We're not just fighting for our clients, we're fighting for their spouses, their kids, and their futures. It's not just about the money. It's about helping people get their lives back." Contact InformationLawrence SignoreAttorneyljsignore@ therhodelawyer.com SOURCE: Law Offices of Lawrence J Signore PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 18:15:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 396 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / Connex Credit Union ("Connex") recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Connex.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On June 3, 2025, Connex became aware of a security incident affecting its internal network. Upon detection, Connex launched an immediate investigation with assistance from third-party cybersecurity experts.The investigation revealed that an unauthorized third party accessed or downloaded files between June 2 and June 3, 2025. Connex reviewed the impacted files to determine what information was compromised and identified affected individuals.The impacted data may include names, Social Security numbers, account numbers, and government-issued IDs.Connex filed a notice of the breach with the California Attorney General on August 7, 2025, and began mailing notification letters to affected individuals on August 6, 2025. Compensation may be available for those individuals who receive notice that their sensitive personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Connex Credit Union, you are likely to be affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky, LLP is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. Our firm works on a 100% contingency fee basis - you pay nothing unless we win your case! Visit our website to learn more. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will discuss the issue of territories with Putin. The president said this during a briefing in Washington, noting that, thanks to the map, it was the first time he had the opportunity to talk about such things with the US president and his team, "without reading on pieces of paper." PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 19:55:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1011 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / There are dozens, if not hundreds, of creatine supplements available online and at any health store with the promise of increased energy, strength, and performance. Many people find that promise to be interesting, but get demoralised when they hear it's meant mainly for athletes or gym rats. Many Americans, especially the ageing population, have been searching for a creatine supplement designed to help them feel stronger and more capable in daily life, but aren't interested in bulking up like a bodybuilder.NativePath Creatine enters the discussion at this point. It asserts that it adopts a different strategy, concentrating more on those seeking functional strength and vitality as they age and less on the gym population. It claims to be really safe and of simple composition; pure creatine monohydrate, no fillers, and a formula developed for long-term everyday use instead of being crammed with artificial tastes, stimulants, or complex blends.You have definitely heard a lot about supplements, but the concept behind a creatine supplement' might be new to you. Many intending USA customers have resorted to Reddit, Trust Pilot and BBB in search of detailed information on the NativePath Creatine. So what does that actually mean? Does the NativePath Creatine fulfil the promise of "clean strength support," or is it just another well-marketed supplement?One of the best and most thoroughly researched supplements for muscular energy and recuperation is creatine. However, not every creatine supplement is made equally. For those who are just trying to support their health as they age, many available options are not very safe and less appealing because they are flavored, loaded with sugars, or made with athletes in mind.Even with numerous 5-star ratings, it makes sense for you to be skeptical of a new supplement. The NativePath Creatine will be reviewed in greater detail in sections that follow, analyzing its unique qualities, what's in the jar, and whether it's worth including in your regimen. The objective is to present the facts, emphasize its special qualities, and help you decide whether it aligns with your health objectives.Did you recently experience a decrease in everyday stamina and energy? An individual over 50 looking for assistance with strength and mobility? Are you looking for a quick-dissolving, flavorless creatine that blends well into beverages without altering their flavor? Or just someone fed up with sifting through a long list of complex supplements; the information contained in this NativePath Creatine Review will make a lot of difference. To help you make an informed choice, we will dissect NativePath Creatine's components, features, user reviews and other important details, including verified USA consumer reports in the sections that follow. Let's get started!What Is NativePath Creatine?(Native Path Creatine Reviews)Without the usual additives seen in many popular creatine products, NativePath Creatine is a daily strength-support supplement designed especially for adults looking for natural solutions to sustain muscle energy, stamina, and vitality. The NativePath product, in contrast to bodybuilding formulae, focuses on offering genuine, scientifically supported advantages to those seeking functional strength to help with daily activities.Five grams of pure creatine monohydrate, the most researched and generally recognized form of creatine, are the main ingredient in NativePath Creatine. It is well recognized that this clinically validated dosage supports general strength, endurance, and muscle energy storage. L-leucine and L-carnitine, two nutrients that support muscle protein synthesis and energy metabolism, are also included in the mix to increase its efficacy.It differs from many other creatine products in that it doesn't contain any artificial chemicals, fillers, or sweeteners. Only what the body requires for strength and energy is included in each scoop; nothing more. Third-party testing for potency and purity supports this emphasis on clean ingredients and guarantees that each jar satisfies strict safety and quality requirements.NativePath Creatine is easy to use; just take one scoop daily. It is simple to maintain consistency and reap the long-term benefits because there are no loading phases or convoluted schedules. Although the solution is meant for daily, long-term use to ensure enduring support, many people see improvements in a matter of days.MUST SEE:NativePath Creatine Is Available At A Special Price - Click Here To Order Directly From The Official WebsiteHow Does NativePath Creatine Work?The natural energy cycle of the body is supported by NativePath Creatine, which makes it simpler to maintain resilience, strength, and activity. A 5g dose of pure creatine monohydrate, the most researched form of creatine, is the basis of this composition. After being ingested, creatine is converted to phosphocreatine and stored in the muscles, serving as a rapid energy source. Whether lifting, walking, or climbing stairs, this stored energy helps muscles work better and recover more quickly after physical exercise.NativePath's synergistic, clean composition is what sets it apart. It contains L-leucine, an important amino acid that promotes muscle protein synthesis, and L-carnitine, which aids in the body's conversion of fat into useful energy, in addition to creatine. The combination provides a well-rounded strategy for sustaining strength and endurance throughout time.The powder is quickly dissolved, flavorless, and odorless, making it easy to include in any beverage and effectively absorbed by the body. The formula is safe for long-term daily usage because it doesn't contain any artificial additives, fillers, or sweeteners, which would put undue strain on the digestive system.NativePath Creatine makes the body feel stronger, more stable, and more prepared for daily challenges by boosting muscle resiliency and recharging cellular vitality.Unique Features Of NativePath Creatine(NativePath Creatine Reviews)NativePath Creatine's carefully crafted features, which put quality, efficacy, and user comfort first, make it a must-have supplement. Particularly for people over 50, every component of this supplement has been thoughtfully designed to promote natural strength and vitality. Learn about the purity, formulation, and extra advantages of NativePath Creatine that set it apart from other creatine supplements in this section:Third-Party Tested for Potency and Purity: NativePath Creatine distinguishes itself by going through third-party testing because quality is important when it comes to supplements. The label and the contents o PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 23:00:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 624 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / Sable Offshore Corp. (NYSE:SOC) is now at the center of a securities class-action lawsuit, alleging that the company misled investors to inflate its stock price just before a major secondary offering. The drama unfolded around the company's long-delayed efforts to restart operations at its San Ynez Unit (SYU) assets, which have been dormant since a pipeline shutdown in 2015.National shareholders rights firm Hagens Berman urges Sable investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now. The firm also encourages persons with knowledge who may be able to assist in the investigation to contact its attorneys.Class Period: May 19, 2025 - June 3, 2025Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Sept. 26, 2025Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/soc Contact the Firm Now:SOC@ hbsslaw.com844-916-0895 Sable Offshore Corp. (SOC) Securities Class Action:The suit claims that on May 19, Sable triggered a stock frenzy with a press release announcing it had "restarted oil production at SYU," a claim that sent its shares soaring by a remarkable 12.5% in a single day. Riding this wave of investor enthusiasm, the company quickly priced a secondary stock offering two days later, raising a substantial $256.5 million.But the euphoria was short-lived. Just as the ink was drying on the offering, a letter from California's Lieutenant Governor, Eleni Kounalakis, allegedly surfaced that accused Sable of painting a deceptive picture. According to the complaint, the letter bluntly stated that the company's press release "appears to mischaracterize the nature of recent activities" and that the so-called "restart" was nothing more than "well-testing procedures required by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement prior to restart." In a damning indictment, the letter is said to have declared, "Characterizing testing activities as a restart of operations is not only misleading but also highly inappropriate." When the contents of this letter were reported in the financial press on May 28, the market delivered a swift verdict. Sable's stock price plunged over 15% the very next day, wiping out the gains that had enticed new investors just a week earlier.The litigation now aims to hold the company accountable for what some are calling a calculated maneuver to raise capital under false pretenses. The case, Johnson v. Sable Offshore Corp., et al., is being litigated in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California."We're investigating whether Sable may have misled investors about its restart progress and purported restart of SYU," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Sable and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Sable case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Sable Offshore should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email SOC@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 02:55:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 534 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY AND NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESS Newswire / August 18, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilOctober 10, 2025to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against SelectQuote, Inc. ("SelectQuote" or the "Company") (NYSE:SLQT), if they purchased the Company's securities between September 9, 2020 and May 1, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of SelectQuote and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-slqt/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byOctober 10, 2025 .About the LawsuitSelectQuote and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") filed a False Claims Act complaint against the Company, alleging that, "[f]rom 2016 through at least 2021" it had received "tens of millions of dollars" in "illegal kickbacks" from health insurance companies in exchange for steering Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in the insurers' plans, and that, in exchange for kickbacks, the Company engaged in a conspiracy with major insurers to illegally discriminate against beneficiaries deemed to be less profitable, including those with disabilities. The DOJ further alleged that the Company made materially false claims by stating it offers "unbiased coverage comparisons" when in fact it "repeatedly directed Medicare beneficiaries to the plans offered by insurers that paid them the most money, regardless of the quality or suitability of the insurers' plans." On this news, the price of SelectQuote's shares fell $0.61, or 19.2%, to close at $2.56 per share on May 1, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume.The case is Pahlkotter v. SelectQuote, Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-06620.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, New Jersey, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 18:00:50 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 642 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 By using Marqii Host to create SEO-optimized pages for each of their locations, Tacodeli drove more search traffic to their listings and doubled location page visits in less than one month.AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / August 19, 2025 / Marqii , the only discovery platform built specifically for hospitality businesses, announced its partnership withTacodeli , a fast-growing Texas taqueria known for its chef-driven approach and commitment to high-quality ingredients. Using MarqiiHost , a custom, no-code solution, to rebuild their brand-wide location pages, Tacodeli more than doubled its location page traffic in less than one month. Marqii Host Marqii Host is a no-code solution for no-code solution for dedicated location pages on restaurants' websitesHost is a custom, no-code solution for multi-location restaurants who want to improve local search visibility and location page management. Host pages feature customized branding, an accessibility-first foundation, SEO-optimized schema markup and metadata, and location-specific hours and menus powered by Marqii's real-time updates.Tacodeli is an Austin-established taqueria founded in 1999 by Roberto Espinosa. Known for its commitment to quality, top-tier flavor and the freshest ingredients available, Tacodeli has grown to become a beloved restaurant in the Texas culinary landscape with 14 locations in Austin, Dallas, Plano and Houston. Rooted in Mexican authenticity, Tacodeli offers a unique menu of signature breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings and award-winning salsas, prepared by hand every day.Prior to working with Marqii, Tacodeli's location pages were generating fewer than 150 average daily visitors, and changes to location-specific hours or menus were manual and time consuming. In just one week after launching their new Host location pages, average daily visitors rose to more than 300, and Tacodeli's daily search impressions rose from less than 2,500 to more than 6,000. Access the full Tacodeli case studyhere ."As a small company, we value expert partners who can help us punch above our weight," said Jordin Lineback, Marketing Manager of Tacodeli. "Marqii has been instrumental in revitalizing our SEO and making sure our guests feel heard, and we know both we and our guests are better for it." More than 75% of consumers visit a restaurant's website before choosing to eat there.1 Additionally, web page schema markup, content, and metadata are increasingly important for performing well in AI-generated search results.2 Restaurant location pages that consistently dominate local search results not only require accurate menus and hours, but also accessibility, SEO-driven schema markup, and fast-loading, mobile-friendly layouts."After 15 years building SEO solutions, I've seen that most platforms offer only incremental improvements," said Carl Lane, VP of Product & R&D at Marqii. "Marqii Host is a monumental leap forward, solving one of the hospitality industry's most persistent digital challenges with technology that creates immediate and measurable impact, leading to overnight traffic improvement and flawless website performance for operators." To learn more about Marqii's suite of solutions that drive guest discovery, simplify SEO and AI search optimization, and improve review ratings, visitmarqii.com About MarqiiFounded in 2017 by Avi Goren, Evan Perlmutter and Bryan Rutcofsky, Marqii is the most complete discovery platform built for hospitality businesses. With dozens of POS integrations and connections to more than 80 listings sites including Google, Yelp, Facebook, Bing, and Apple Maps, Marqii saves hospitality teams time by automating updates to their online menus, hours, location data, featured links, and more. Marqii Review Management gives multi-unit operators one place to track and respond to Yelp, Google, Facebook, OpenTable, GrubHub, Uber Eats, and ezCater reviews so they never miss a chance to engage with their guests, and AI review analysis features make it easy to take action on guest feedback. More than 15,000 hospitality businesses of all sizes use Marqii to rank higher in search results, get chosen by more guests, and learn what matters most to their customers.###Contact InformationKelsey VerdierVP of Marketingkelsey@ marqii.com +1 503-867-0731SOURCE: Marqii PR-Inside.com: 2025-08-19 02:29:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 795 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / August 18, 2025 /WHY: New York, N.Y., August 18, 2025. Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the "Western Asset US Core Bond Fund" mutual fund classes - Class I (ticker: "WATFX"), Class A (ticker: "WABAX"), Class C (ticker: "WABCX"), Class FI (ticker: "WAPIX"), Class IS (ticker: "WACSX"), and Class R (ticker: "WABRX") - and the "Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund" mutual fund classes - Class A (ticker: "WAPAX"), Class C (ticker: "WAPCX"), Class C1 (ticker: "LWCPX"), Class FI (ticker: "WACIX"), Class R (ticker: "WAPRX"), Class I (ticker: "WACPX"), Class IS (ticker: "WAPSX") between January 1, 2021 and October 31, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important September 5, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased WAMCO mutual funds during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the WAMCO class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 5, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants failed to warn investors that: (1) defendants favored certain WAMCO strategies, like Macro Opps, over other WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (2) defendants disfavored certain WAMCO strategies, like Core and Core Plus; (3) any "compliance policies and procedures" that WAMCO maintained "to result in fair allocations of investment opportunities to clients" were either insufficient to ensure that Leech and his WAMCO Team fairly allocated trades among the strategies they managed or were expressly disregarded by defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies; (3) any "oversight mechanisms" that WAMCO maintained were either insufficient to monitor Leech and his WAMCO Team or were expressly disregarded by defendants in order to allow the favoring of certain WAMCO strategies at the expense of other WAMCO strategies. As a result, defendants' actions operated as a fraud or deceit on the Class, artificially reducing the price of the "Western Asset US Core strategy" mutual fund classes during the Class Period, damaging Class members.To join the WAMCO class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=31956 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for more information.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, has unveiled preparations for the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#31), scheduled to take place from 6 to 8 October in Abuja. At a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday, NESG chairman Niyi Yusuf said this years theme, The Reform Imperative: Building a Prosperous and Inclusive Nigeria by 2030, reflects the urgency of the countrys current situation. It is a reflection of where we are as a nation, and a call to action on what must be done if Nigeria is to truly prosper, he said. He explained that over the past three decades, the summit had evolved through five phases of Nigerias economy, from the pre-reform crises of the 1980s and 1990s, to the reform drive of the 2000s, the traction of Vision 20:2020, and the recent volatility of recession and the pandemic. At each point, whether in pensions, agriculture, or energy, the summit has served as the countrys foremost dialogue platform for shaping priorities and building consensus between government and the private sector. Mr Yusuf said Nigeria now needs a second wave of reforms to build on the difficult policy choices already made. The removal of fuel subsidies and the harmonisation of foreign exchange were courageous steps that brought short-term pain but created long-term opportunities. But stability is not the destination, it is only the starting point. The Reform Imperative is not a choice, it is a necessity, he said. Representing the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, Felix Okonkwo, director of macroeconomic analysis at the ministry, said NES#31 aligns with the governments reform agenda. He said recent policies had begun to improve Nigerias fiscal position, debt sustainability, and investor confidence, describing these as signals that Nigeria has chosen the right path. Mr Okonkwo stressed that reforms must be sustained as a process and not treated as a one-off event. He also emphasised the importance of programmes in agriculture, education, health and social protection to ensure vulnerable groups are not excluded. He highlighted the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a significant paradigm shift in Nigerias approach to development and poverty reduction. The initiative, he said, is designed to directly uplift more than 10 million economically active citizens and ensure that Nigerians at the grassroots feel the impact of reforms. Covering all 8,809 wards in the 774 local government areas, the programme seeks to guarantee inclusivity and shared prosperity. NES#31 will address five sub-themes: driving industrialisation-led growth, building infrastructure for competitiveness, advancing inclusion for shared growth, strengthening institutions for sustainable impact, and unlocking investment amid global trade shifts. According to Mr Okonkwo, these priorities mirror the governments medium- to long-term goals of sustainable development, poverty reduction, and inclusive prosperity. NESG chief executive Tayo Aduloju said the summits had consistently shaped policy at critical moments. He pointed to past contributions such as reforms in pensions and agriculture, as well as frameworks during recessions. According to him, NES#31 is a defining moment to consolidate reforms, address investment and productivity constraints, and set the country on the path to Nigeria Agenda 2050. As we enter the Agenda 2050 era, NES#31 must help us sustain this momentum and translate resilience into renewal, he said. The NESG called on the government, the private sector, development partners and civil society to actively engage in the summit and contribute to building a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive Nigeria by 2030. The Nigerian Economic Summit, first held in 1993, is Nigerias main platform for dialogue between government and the private sector on economic policy. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday said it is collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to tackle the recurring problem of failed telecommunications transactions in the country. NCC Executive Vice Chairperson/Chief Executive Officer, Aminu Maida, disclosed this while speaking at an interactive session with the media in Abuja on Tuesday. Mr Maida explained that the commission has teamed up with the CBN to tackle the frequent issue of failed recharge and airtime top-up transactions. He explained that a joint task force has drawn up a standardised operational framework currently undergoing review to strengthen dispute resolution and enhance customer experience. When you recharge, you get debited and dont necessarily get the credit. The director of consumer affairs with our counterparts in the CBN set up a task force, and theres now a framework that is undergoing review to standardise the operations around top-ups and recharge, Mr Maida said. According to him, investigations showed that the absence of a standardised framework was at the root of the problem. It was literally up to every player in the ecosystem. That was why we had to bring all parties together, he said. He noted that the commission remains committed to addressing quality of service concerns, assuring stakeholders that operators are already installing newly delivered equipment to improve service delivery. We have revised our Quality of Service guidelines, so no longer do we just hold the mobile network operators accountable, he said. We have engaged the operators directly on their rollout plans, and they are expected to deliver measurable improvements. Nigerians will soon begin to see the benefits of the ongoing deployments, he added. On complaints over data depletion, Mr Maida added that independent system audits carried out by Tier-1 audit firms such as PwC and KPMG, found no evidence of operators deliberately draining customers data, noting that confusing tariff structures were partly responsible for consumer dissatisfaction. What we did was issue a guideline for simplification and gave them a template whereby everybody must disclose their tariffs in a unified format. He emphasised that information disclosure and transparency would remain key regulatory strategies for driving competitiveness, improving service delivery, and protecting consumers. READ ALSO: NCC rallies stakeholder support to protect telecom infrastructure Speaking further, he said, Nigeria currently has 171 million active telecom subscribers, 141 million internet users representing 81.9 per cent penetration and 105 million broadband subscriptions. These figures reflect our steady progress and the growing integration of digital services in every aspect of our daily lives, he said. In her remarks, the Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau at the NCC, Freda Bruce-Bennett, urged Nigerians to adopt smarter habits in managing their data usage. Simple steps like monitoring app permissions, turning off auto-play on videos, and disabling background data for non-essential apps can make a big difference, she said. A day after release, billionaire Femi Otedolas Memoir, Making it Big: Lessons from a life in Business, on Tuesday ranked 4th on the Amazon Best Sellers in Business, Biographies and Memoirs. In the 286-page memoir, which hit the shelves on Monday, Mr Otedola, who chairs Geregu Power PLC and FirstHoldCo PLC, chronicles his life journey from a modest beginning as a child to becoming a billionaire at 41. The book was launched in London and simultaneously put on sale across the globe, including through major outlets such as Amazon, makingitbigbook.com and Dymocks, Australias largest bookseller. On Amazon, Mr Otedolas book rose to the 4th place following Shoe Dog: A Memoir By The Creator of NIKE by Phil Knight at number 3; Whats Your Dream?: Find Your Passion, Love Your Work, Build A Richer Life by Simon Squibb at number 2 and The Trading Game: A Confession by Gary Stevenson at number 1. Cascade of revelations In the memoir, Mr Otedola wrote about his educational background, revealing that he dropped out and did not go to university because he continually struggled to get good grades in primary and secondary schools. He wrote how, during a breakfast meeting in 2005, former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo persuaded him to fund the completion of the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja with a donation of 300 million. He also revealed an encounter he had with the late business magnate, philanthropist, and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, and how the encounter with Mr Abiola shaped his perception about the interplay of money and power in the lives of politicians, business moguls, and other notable figures in society. The memoir also recounts how he built businesses in oil and gas, shipping, power, real estate, and finance, while also navigating crippling setbacks that at times threatened his fortune and reputation. Godwin Mbok, the father of Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of assaulting Ibom Air staff and security personnel, has spoken out for the first time about the incident. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Ms Emmanson boarded the airlines flight from Uyo to Lagos, where she allegedly attacked a flight attendant and clashed with security operatives at the airport. The alleged assault resulted in her arraignment before the Ikeja Magistrates Court on criminal charges and her subsequent remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos State. She later regained her freedom after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, directed the airline to withdraw its complaint against her. Following her release, Ms Emmanson, a real estate entrepreneur, recounted her experience in a video posted on Instagram, explaining that the confrontation began when the airline hostess, Juliana Edwards, asked her to switch off her mobile phone. However, in an interview with Is Real TV which went viral on Monday, Mr Mbok said he felt devastated and provoked after an indecent video of his daughter circulated online. Viral video Mr Emmanson, a tailor from Akwa Ibom State, said: The first day I saw the video, I was so provoked because I tried everything to train my child through school, and I didnt know why it could have happened that way. Is it because I dont have money? I dont know how these people are going to pay my bills. I dont know what to say or do. They have rubbished us, tarnished our image. I am not myself. I dont even feel like eating. I dont know exactly what to do at home. As Im sitting down here, I am not myself, and I dont even feel like eating or doing anything because they stripped my child naked. She didnt steal; it was just a mere argument. They stripped my child naked. How can you strip somebodys child naked and then post it for the whole world to see? Who posted it? How did it happen? What has the government done about this? Is it because I am speaking as a church rat? I am not happy. No matter what, compensation must be made. Mr Emmanson further explained that he had trained his daughter very well. I trained Comfort by being a tailor. Im in shock. Before someone gave me where I am now, I didnt have money to rent a shop for more than a decade, he said. Backstory This newspaper earlier reported that Ms Emmanson disclosed she had been left deeply traumatised by the circulation of her nude video. She explained that she found it difficult to step outside and felt too ashamed to go to work, as her body had been publicly exposed and even turned into a sticker. Im into real estate, imagine me going to sell a house, or advertise a house, or try to bring a client to buy a house and they are looking at my body, how do I even face them, knowing that my body is out there?, Ms Emmanson lamented in a video posted on her Instagram page. She stated that she had flown with Ibom Air for years without ever experiencing such an incident. This newspaper also reported that since her release, she had received several incentives from Nigerians. Ossai Success, Special Assistant on Media to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, announced a monthly job offer of N500,000 for her. In a now-deleted post, Mr Success further offered her a complimentary flight ticket, five-star hotel accommodation, tourism experiences in Delta, and a free pass to the Delta Social Media Summit scheduled for 28 August in Asaba. He also invited Ms Emmanson to relax and recover from her ordeal, urging anyone in contact with her to reach out via direct message. Also, businessman Oga Uby disclosed that hed replace her damaged phone during the incident with a new iPhone 16 Pro Max. He also announced hed signed her on a four-year brand ambassador contract with Tubex Logistics Services. In addition, Abuja-based real estate developer Emmanuel Chukwudi Nwafor pledged to gift Ms Emmanson a plot of land at Katampe Extension in the Federal Capital Territory. As of press time, this newspaper could not confirm if she accepted the offers. The US State Department has revoked the visas of more than 6,000 international students for overstays and violations of the law. This announcement comes amid an ongoing crackdown on immigration and international students carried out by President Donald Trumps administration. The department, on Monday, said many of the visas revoked involve violations such as assault, burglary and driving under alcohol influence. It also said some other visas were revoked because the students expressed support for terrorism, without specifying what this meant. Since the beginning of the year, the administration has targeted students who have protested in support of Palestine, claiming that they had expressed antisemitic behaviour. Every single student visa revoked under the Trump Administration has happened because the individual has either broken the law or expressed support for terrorism while in the United States, the State Department said in a statement, according to Fox News Digital. It also stated that more than 4,000, out of the 6,000 visas revoked, were visitors who broke the law. About 4,000 visas alone have been revoked because these visitors broke the law while visiting our country, including records of assault and DUIs. Another 200-300 visas were also revoked for terrorism done under INA 3B, the State Department said, referring to code that defines terrorist activity broadly as acts that endanger human life or violate US law. It further noted that about 800 students lost their visas over assault-related offences, either after being arrested or charged. Earlier in the year, the US government suspended the scheduling of interviews for student visa applicants worldwide. When it resumed processing in June, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the country introduced a new policy that required international students to unlock their social media accounts for review. This policy affected students from Nigeria and other countries. The US government also ordered consular officers in different countries to look out for posts and messages that could be deemed hostile to the United States, its government, culture, institutions or founding principles. It is an expectation from American citizens that their government will make every effort to make our country safer, and that is exactly what the Trump Administration is doing every single day, a State Department official had said. On the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, the Embassy of Ukraine in Azerbaijan expressed deep appreciation for the assistance provided by Baku since the beginning of the war, Azernews reports. In a statement shared on the social network X, the embassy said: We honor the memory of those who defended and supported humanity in the most difficult times. This day is of particular importance for Ukraine. The embassy highlighted that the solidarity of international organizations, donor countries, businesses, and ordinary citizens has been crucial in helping Ukraine overcome ongoing challenges. We express our special gratitude to friendly Azerbaijan, its leadership and all your people, who have supported Ukraine since the first days of the war. We express our sincere gratitude to you, especially for the humanitarian assistance provided in the energy sector, as well as for the rehabilitation programs for children affected by the war, the post emphasized. Azerbaijan has delivered multiple humanitarian aid packages to Ukraine since 2022, including medical supplies, energy equipment, and social support programs. The country has also supported the rehabilitation and treatment of Ukrainian children affected by the conflict, reflecting its long-standing humanitarian engagement in times of crisis. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called his latest meeting with US President Donald Trump "the best" and added that the leaders discussed a lot. "I would like to thank President Trump for this meeting. This was our best meeting. This is important. In addition to the fact that we talked about a lot, a long conversation in detail," Zelenskyy said during a briefing in Washington. The president thanked the US for the fact that the conversation was quite long, with a map prepared by the United States, and there was an opportunity to "not hearsay," but to really discuss who controls what on the battlefield. "I even argued a little with the percentage that was on the map, because I am very well versed in the percentages that are temporarily occupied. But nevertheless, we did not have an argument, we had a really warm, good, substantive conversation," Zelenskyy said. Two people were killed while three others sustained injuries in Ebonyi State last weekend when a pit collapsed in the South-eastern state. The incident happened at Ajirija, a lead mining site in the Ihietutu Community, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of the state. Owned by a Nigerian, Henry Ahanaotu, the site was said to have been parcelled out and subleased to unlicensed petty miners operating without professional supervision. The affected pit was being managed by a female indigene of the Ihietutu Community, Lovelyn Victor. An indigene of the community, who asked not to be named, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident was one in a series of unreported tragedies at the site. He recalled that a similar incident earlier in the year also resulted in the death of two persons and left several others injured, yet no sanctions were imposed on the site owner or the illegal operators. Unfortunately, these incidents and deaths only end with the police, if at all. There has never been any punishment for the site owners or illegal miners, who put lives at risk, the indigene said. Reacting, Mr Ahanaotu described the incident as unfortunate, but said that he subleased the site to the operators as a means of empowering the youths of the community. He confirmed that Mrs Victor was managing the mining site and argued that she is an established miner with over four excavators and other heavy equipment. Mining pit collapse is a regular occurrence anywhere mining is carried out. Even Royal Salt, touted as the biggest mining firm in Nigeria, experiences incidents of pit collapse with attendant deaths, he said. The incident happened last weekend, but we have yet to visit the scene to inspect and know why it occurred. Mr Ahanaotu said he phoned the Federal Mines Officer to brief him about the latest incident. But as for carrying out operations based on safety principles, she (Mrs Victor) does it well. She is also in partnership with other operators on the site. All we are doing is to help empower the people, he said. Police speak The police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, has confirmed the incident. Mr Ukandu, a superintendent of police, said a report from the Ivo Police Division indicated that five persons, not six as earlier reported by community members, were involved in the accident. The first victim died on the spot, while another died in the hospital. The remaining three have been treated and discharged, he said. Women miners react Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Federation of Women Miners in Ebonyi State, Sylvia Ogbuinya, has expressed regret over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families. Ms Ogbuinya said the operator of the affected pit was not a member of the federation and called for a full-scale police investigation into the incident. We carry out regular training and workshops for our members to bring them up to speed with modern safety standards in mining operations to safeguard lives. I have checked, and the affected operator is not a member of the federation. We wonder if she adheres to normal safety principles and regular environmental impact assessments to mitigate risks, she said. Some indigenes of Ihietutu, who also spoke to NAN on the incident, asked the state and federal mining authorities to check the activities of unlicensed and illegal miners in the area. These illegal miners are only concerned with profit and do not comply with regulatory standards, thereby endangering lives and the ecosystem. Collapsed pits resulting in deaths have become a regular occurrence in our community, putting families in constant agony, said one of the indigenes. We are appealing to relevant authorities to enforce laws against illegal and unlicensed mining in our community. The US President Donald Trump, on Monday, met with Ukraines President, Volodymyr Zelensky, alongside other European leaders at the White House for what turned out to be a crucial but inconclusive push to end the Russia-Ukraine war. This is the first time the meeting has been held at the White House since Mr Zelenskys February meeting at the Oval Office, which ended in chaos. Mondays meeting focused primarily on security guarantees for Ukraine once a deal to end the war with Russia is reached. Mr Trump said he also spoke to President Vladimir Putin of Russia to begin setting up a possible direct meeting between him and his Ukrainian counterpart. The US president also disclosed that he had begun arrangements for the summit, and that he would hold a trilateral meeting with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts following their two-way meeting. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years, Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine. Bilateral and Multilateral meetings ahead The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, present at the meeting, also confirmed that Mr Putin agreed to the bilateral meeting. The leaders are yet to specify a date or location. Meanwhile, Mr Zelensky told reporters, after the meeting, that he was ready for a one-on-one with Russia and that his meeting with Mr Trump was a very good conversation. But Moscow has yet to confirm that it will be engaging in a face-to-face talk with Ukraine. For months, the Ukrainian leader has been pushing to meet with Russia, although it is unclear whether this was simply to prove that Russia was not serious about pursuing peace, as he believed. Mr Putin, however, repeatedly turned down the idea of a Putin-Zelensky sit-down. But at the meeting, Mr Trump said, I think he wants to make a deal. I think he wants to make a deal for me. You understand that? As crazy as that sounds. No concrete security guarantee There were no strong commitments to security guarantees for Ukraine. The US President, instead, spoke in vague terms. Mr Trump told Ukraine that the US would help ensure its security in any deal to end the war, according to the New York Times. But he did not specify the extent of this assistance, nor did he offer boots on the ground. When European leaders insisted on providing a security guarantee similar to NATOs Article 5, which dictates that an attack on Ukraine would be considered an attack on all NATO countries, he responded by saying, We will give them very good protection and very good security. After the meeting, when asked in the Oval Office if the United States would deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission, Mr Trump avoided a direct response. Instead, he said the US would help them out. Disagreement on the peace deal During the meeting with Mr Zelensky and other European leaders, Mr Trump tried to dismiss the need for an immediate ceasefire, recommending more focus on negotiations for a full peace deal. Compared to a full peace agreement, a ceasefire might be easier to reach and within a shorter time frame. A peace deal would require months of talks, a time during which Russias attacks on Ukraine would likely persist. I dont know that its necessary, he said, while speaking of a ceasefire. But European leaders disagreed with him, arguing that a truce must be made. The strongest rebuttal came from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said, I cant imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire. So, lets work on that and lets try to put pressure on Russia. For months, Ukraine has insisted on a ceasefire. The country considers this a prerequisite for further talks with Russia on a longer-term settlement. Ukraine to buy $90 billion of American arms. President Zelensky expressed interest in purchasing Patriot air-defense systems from the US to help minimise the damage from Russian missile attacks. He told reporters at the White House that as part of any security guarantees, Ukraine would buy $90 billion in American weapons through Europe. He also said the US, on the other hand, would buy drones from Ukraine. He said that a formal agreement still had to be arranged. President Trump said he does not want to give further aid to Ukraine, but is open to selling weapons to help the country defend itself against Russias attacks. Meanwhile, at the meeting, the Ukrainian leader made significant efforts to charm his American hosts. Unlike his previous visit, where Vice President JD Vance scolded him for a perceived lack of gratitude for US support for Ukraine, Mr Zelensky this time offered several words of thanks to Mr Trump. Mr Zelensky also wore a dark suit rather than his traditional military garb, which he wore during his last visit. He also sought to build personal ties by presenting Mr Trump with a letter from Ukraines First Lady, Olena Zelenska, addressed to US First Lady Melania Trump. Its not for you. It is for your wife, he told Mr Trump. European leaders also praised Mr Trump ahead of their multilateral meeting, applauding his effort for bringing them to the table. I really want to thank you for your leadership, NATO chief Mark Rutte said to Mr Trump. There were no blowups in this meeting, unlike what was obtainable during the February visit by Mr Zelensky to the White House. Indigenes of the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State have lamented the continuous detention of their leaders by the Nigerian Army without trial, one year after their arrest. In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday, the group called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene to restore the fundamental human rights of their community leaders. Backstory This newspaper in March last year reported how suspected residents of the Okuama community ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain, and 13 soldiers. The soldiers were reportedly on a mission to restore peace between the warring communities in the area Okuama and Okoloba, when they were ambushed and killed. A day after the alleged killing, the Okuama community was attacked, and many houses were razed, with many people blaming the military, an allegation the military denied. Then-Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, had said as long as the dispute between the Okuama and Okoloba communities remains, it implies that there could be untoward activities not initiated by the military. Overall, there is no doubt that this (killing of the soldiers) is an extremely sad development and untoward activity by members of the Okuama community against troops that were there to protect them, Mr Buba had said. Several people, including traditional rulers and politicians, were arrested in the incident, with some released. Indigenes seek justice At a press conference held on Monday, indigenes of the community drew the attention of the public to the continuous detention of their leaders, calling on the president to protect the detainees right to a fair hearing. The text of the press briefing was sent to PREMIUM TIMES by Human Rights Advocate and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Citizens Right Concern Enhancement Initiative, Edewor Egedegbe. The indigenes of Okuama noted with concern that six leaders of their community, Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mr James Oghoroko, Dennis Okugbaye, Dennis Amalaka, and Mrs Mabel Owhemu, who were arrested by military men between August 18 & 19, 2024, have been in military custody for a year now, and their rights to a fair hearing in a competent court of law have been grossly and steadily violated by the Nigerian Army, which also deprives them access to their doctors, lawyers, and family members. The indigenes of Okuama community noted that the action of the Nigerian Army flagrantly violates the fundamental rights of the detainees, including the dignity of a human person as guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The indigenes frowned at the blatant disregard for the rule of law by the military authorities, adding that sustained efforts to commit the military to due legal process in the Okuama incident have not yielded results. It would be recalled that one of the detainees, Pa James Oghorokor, had died in military custody in the endless wait for justice, prompting the indigenes to express fear over the state of health of other detainees, the statement said. While calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged killing of the 17 soldiers in the area on 14 March 2024, which led to the Okuama crisis, the indigenes reiterated the sanctity of the life of every Nigerian as guaranteed by the constitution. They are appealing to President Tinubu, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to facilitate the release of the community leaders because the military has not presented any evidence linking the detainees to involvement in the alleged crime. The spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, 63 Brigade, Delta State, Ilayasu Bawa, promised to investigate it and get back. He did not, however, respond to calls for an update on his investigation at the time of filing this report. Charles Aniagwu, the commissioner for public communication in Delta State, when contacted, said he was about to board a flight, and could not comment on the issue. He chairs one of Nigerias largest financial groups and has built a multi-billion-dollar business empire. But Femi Otedola has now revealed that his rise was achieved without a university degree or even a complete high school education. In the newly released 286-page memoir, Making It Big, which hit the shelves on Monday, the energy mogul details how his struggle with academics pushed him out of the classroom and into the world of business, where he would later make his fortune. Mr Otedola, 62, writes that he began his education at the University of Lagos Staff School in 1968 but consistently performed poorly. My parents enrolled me at the University of Lagos Staff School in 1968, at the age of six, he says. Kola Abiola the first son of Chief Moshood Abiola, the future business magnate and presidential candidate who was at the time an accountant sat beside me in class. But there was something about academia and me; we were not compatible. I finished primary school in 1974 because I repeated a class. Even when I was allowed to pass, I consistently anchored the bottom rungs of our end-of-term examination results. My interests were definitely not in academia. After finishing primary school, the young Mr Otedola proceeded to Methodist Boys High School, Lagos. His academic struggles continued there. The school had been founded almost a hundred years earlier, in 1878. Alumni include grand names in Nigerian history: Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, Mobolaji Johnson, Ola Rotimi, Fola Adeola, Olusegun Osoba and Hezekiah Oladipo Davies. When I joined the student body in 1974 the principal was D. A. Famoroti, whod taken up the post in 1963 and would leave in 1980, he recalls. I started Form 1 at age 12 and was there for three years. By 1977, after it became clear that his performance was not improving, his parents transferred him to Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, a boarding school founded by Southern Baptist missionaries in 1945. My parents thinking was that all my siblings were boarders, and they seemed to be doing well, Mr Otedola writes. They thought this change would help turn around my attitude towards academia, but nothing changed. He continues: I started in Form 3 at Olivet, and as I rounded off the first year of my A Levels, my father was establishing his printing company, Impact Press, in Surulere, a residential and commercial district in Lagos State. I grew fascinated with the machines and told myself that my future would be inextricably tied to them. I managed to remain in school until the Lower Sixth examination was over. And then, I was finished; I never returned for my Upper Sixth. All I wanted to do was get involved in business. My father kept watch over me and drew me close. My sister taught me shorthand. I knew how to type and began typing letters for my dad. I prepared all his business correspondence. I was fascinated by the way printing machines treat paper. The white paper is placed on one end, the ink and plates are fixed, and the printed material comes out of the other end. It was captivating. Despite his mothers protests and tears, Mr Otedola abandoned school to work full-time in his fathers printing business. He rose quickly, becoming managing director of Impact Press in 1987 at the age of 25. However, I soon became restless. I had immersed myself in all aspects of the business and learned the ropes at my dads right hand. I certainly enjoyed the job more than grappling with the Pythagoras theorem and struggling through homework at Olivet. As time went by, though, I also thought it was time for a measure of independence from my dad. I still wanted to work for him I really enjoyed hearing the rumbling of machines and savouring the smell of freshly printed material but I also wanted to do things differently. I told him I wanted to become a sales consultant for the press, and he agreed. He said he would pay me a commission of 1015% on any work I brought in. That was a significant break for me. I invested my money in buying cars for sales and marketing outreach and moved on to the next phase in my nascent professional life. With his new role, Mr Otedola began bringing in jobs from major companies and advertising agencies, particularly in calendars and diaries. We could hardly keep up with the demand. Our unique selling point was quality, thanks to the state-of-the-art machines we owned. We were also always on time with job delivery. We were engaged in healthy competition with Academy Press, a company located in the Ilupeju area of Lagos. I served as my dads sales exec up until 1991, when he started his Lagos State gubernatorial campaign. It was a run for office ultimately successful that I had initiated. That break in the family business gave Mr Otedola the confidence and foundation to strike out on his own. In 1994, he founded Centre Force Ltd. with 10 million in starting capital. From those beginnings, he built a vast business empire in oil and gas, shipping, real estate, finance and philanthropy. He went on to chair Forte Oil, invested in power through Geregu Power Plc, and today chairs the board of FirstHoldco Plc, one of Nigerias largest financial groups. The businessmans disclosure of his educational history may come as a surprise to many who long believed he was a university graduate. At one point, his Wikipedia page even suggested he studied at the University of Lagos. But in Making It Big, Mr Otedola insists his true classroom was not a lecture hall but the business floor. His lessons, he says, came from watching his father, trusting his instincts, and learning from both failures and triumphs. I never returned for my Upper Sixth. All I wanted was to get involved in business, he writes. That decision, once a source of his mothers tears, would lay the foundation for a career that has made him one of Africas most influential businesspersons. In the end, Mr Otedolas memoir delivers a striking message: formal education may have eluded him, but discipline, persistence, and the hunger to build made him in his own words make it big. Community leaders and youths in Orokam District, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, have appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to urgently intervene in the worsening security situation in the area. In a letter addressed to the governor on Monday and seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the ward heads and youth leadership demanded decisive government action, including the closure of the Ade-Igwu Trailer Park, which they alleged serves as a hideout for criminal gangs. All the criminal elements causing mayhem in the land reside in the Ade-Igwu Trailer Park, the letter read. The park should be shut down immediately in order to maintain peace, stability, and order in Orokam. The communique was jointly signed by the three clan heads of the communityJacob Sule (Ward I), Emmanuel Ogidi (Ward II), and Pius Ojobo Aba (Ward III)and the youth president, Victor Onoja. Youths protest killings, abductions Last Friday, youths in Orokam staged a peaceful protest over persistent attacks and kidnappings in the community. They barricaded the OrokamOwukpaOtukpa road, demanding urgent action from the state government and security agencies. The protest followed the abduction of a microfinance bank manager and his wife on Tuesday, and the killing of an elderly woman and her son after a failed kidnap attempt in the community. Eyewitnesses said the protesters lit bonfires and carried placards with inscriptions such as, Stop Orokam killings and kidnappings and We need urgent attention from the Benue State government. Families in distress A family member told Vanguard Newspaper that the abducted bank manager and his wife were taken from their residence in GRA, Orokam, around 4 a.m. on Tuesday. The kidnappers initially demanded N100 million ransom, but later reduced it to N50 million. We pleaded and offered N1.5 million, but since then we have not heard from them. They threatened to kill the couple if we fail to pay, the source said. The same source disclosed that the killings which sparked the protest occurred at Ejema community on Thursday night, when armed men attempted to abduct a young man, Gabriel, who had returned from Abuja to visit his mother. They shot Gabriel and his mother, Madam Shaibu, after she pleaded to be taken in his place. Gabriels younger brother, John, was also shot while trying to escape but survived with injuries, the source added. Clergy calls for prayer In response to the rising insecurity, the parish priest of St Joseph Catholic Church, Orokam, Francis Atama, has declared three days of fasting and prayer for divine intervention. The rate of kidnappings in Orokam has become alarming. People are being trailed to their homes and picked from their rooms, he said in a statement shared on Monday. We may not have the arm of flesh to fight this battle, but we have the Almighty God to run to. The spiritual exercise will run from 27 and 29 August, with Masses and rosary processions across local parishes. Curfew imposed The Executive Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Sunday Ajunwa, has also stepped up engagements with security agencies to address the crisis. On Thursday, Mr Ajunwa held a strategic meeting with the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, after which the police boss ordered the redeployment of the divisional police officer (DPO) in Orokam. A tactical squad was immediately deployed to the district with instructions to go after kidnappers and other criminal elements. Security sources confirmed that combined teams of police operatives and soldiers are currently combing surrounding bushes in search of the assailants. The council chairman is also collaborating with local vigilantes and traditional rulers to strengthen security. In another development to strengthen the security of the community, Mr Ajunwa announced the imposition of a dusk-to-dawn curfew. In a statement by his media aide, Jerome Idoko, Mr Ajunwa said the restriction, which began on Sunday, would run from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily until further notice. The purpose of this curfew is to limit movement, reduce opportunities for criminal activities, and facilitate enhanced security patrols, the statement read. Residents are advised to comply and cooperate fully with security agencies. A man has allegedly stabbed his girlfriend to death over infidelity in Rivers State, South-south Nigeria. Punch newspaper reported that the incident occurred on Sunday in Okereke Street, Mile 1 Diobu in Port Harcourt, where the man, identified simply as Doctor, reportedly stabbed his girlfriend to death over infidelity allegations. According to the newspaper, the man had accused his girlfriend, identified as Ima, of cheating on him, resulting in an argument. A source in the area told the newspaper the argument rose to a high level, leading to the man stabbing the woman to death with a knife. There was a crowd in the compound because of what happened. So the caretaker of the compound quickly rushed to the Azikiwe Police Division in Mile 2, Diobu, to make a formal complaint about it, and the man was arrested, the newspaper quoted the source as saying. The newspaper reported that sympathisers had thronged the Azikiwe Police Division in Diobu, where the slain womans corpse was brought to, on Monday, before it was taken to a mortuary. Suspect in custody When contacted, the police spokesperson in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES. The man (suspect) has been arrested, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Port Harcourt, Ms Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police, said on Tuesday. Punch newspaper earlier in the year reported a similar incident, where a husband allegedly killed his wife and set her ablaze in Anambra state, South-east Nigeria. After allegedly killing his wife, the man went to a police station in the area and confessed to killing his wife, a mother of six, the newspaper reported. Residents and business operators in parts of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, have raised concerns over the three-month-long power outage that has thrown their areas into darkness. Some of the affected people, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Tuesday, described the situation as unbearable and urged the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to urgently restore supply. The blackout has crippled social and commercial activities in Urochukwu, Chukwuma Ofoke, Obaji Streets, Ebebe Junction and parts of Ogbaga Road. NAN investigation revealed that the outage followed the breakdown of the Udemezue 11kv transformer at Urochukwu Street in May due to overload. Since then, electricity consumers connected to the transformer have had to contend with darkness. The development has hit businesses hard, with restaurants, hotels, fashion outlets, salons and drinking joints counting huge losses. Many operators said they now spend a fortune on fuel to power generators to sustain their businesses. A restaurant operator at Ebebe Junction, Michael Ani, appealed to 8 to hasten repairs, saying the three-month outage had wrecked businesses and inflicted untold hardship on us. Its been a horrifying experience staying without light for almost three months now, and no word from EEDC. Businesses are badly affected and I pray this does not extend into the ember months, otherwise many businesses will be grounded, Mr Ani said. A cellphone repairer, Elias Nwaiwu, lamented that most of his customers had deserted him. You cannot repair phones properly without electricity. Depending on generators means charging extra, but customers are not willing to pay more. Many prefer to go elsewhere, Mr Nwaiwu said. Similarly, a barber at No. 4 Urochukwu Street, Chris Iteshi, said that reliance on generators had reduced his daily income. Before, we charged N500 per haircut with public supply. Now, because we use a generator, we charge N1000. Due to the economic hardship, many customers go to places where light is available to pay less. Its been very tough, he said. A housewife, Sylvia Onwe, said many families now suffer food wastage because they cannot preserve their food. Without refrigeration, soup and perishable foods spoil easily; families are suffering, so EEDC should sympathise with us, Mrs Onwe said. A worker at the Cardinal Hotels located at No. 58 Ogbaga Road, who pleaded anonymity, lamented the huge cost of operating diesel engine for power and called on EEDC to urgently restore the public power supply. The residents explained that each building connected to the faulty transformer contributed about N20,000 for repairs but claimed that work had been very slow and accused EEDC of insensitivity. They further threatened to embark on a civil protest in the next week if the supply was not restored. Reaction from EEDC When contacted, the EEDC Business Manager for Abakaliki District, Cyprian Nwankwo, said that the repair had been concluded and that the transformer was currently undergoing a test. Mr Nwankwo appealed to the residents for patience. The process of repair is almost concluded. The transformer is undergoing a test; by the time it is finished, it will be reconnected, he said. He commended the residents for their endurance since the outage, assuring them that light would soon be restored to the area. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened talks with the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) over challenges trailing the implementation of its new Unified Customs Management System, popularly called BOdogwu. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, met with the Executive Secretary of the Shippers Council, Akutah Ukeyima, on Monday in Abuja, following complaints by freight forwarders and Licensed Customs Agents of delays and rising demurrage linked to the systems rollout. During the meeting, the Shippers Council chief relayed industry concerns, citing operational glitches with system integration, documentation bottlenecks and port logistics hurdles. He warned that if left unchecked, the problems could trigger financial losses and disrupt cargo clearance processes. Responding, Mr Adeniyi reaffirmed the Customs Services commitment to the modernisation programme, stressing that BOdogwu is central to achieving a transparent, technology-driven, and competitive clearance process. He assured stakeholders that the challenges were transitional and would be addressed through phased upgrades, continuous stakeholder consultations, and structured system improvements. While it is expected that large-scale reforms will face initial teething problems, Customs is putting measures in place to minimise disruptions and shield operators from excessive costs such as demurrage, Mr Adeniyi said. Both agencies agreed on the need for sustained dialogue, noting that further engagements with shipping lines and terminal operators will be held to harmonise processes and resolve emerging issues. BOdogwu, developed as an indigenous platform, is designed to centralise Customs operations, cut clearance timelines, reduce costs, improve compliance and strengthen government revenue. Customs has urged industry players to support the initiative and provide constructive feedback that will help build a modern, efficient trade ecosystem. Former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Femi Soneye, has called on the federal government to support the Nigerian media with targeted incentives, including tax reliefs and import duty waivers on essential media tools. Mr Soneye made the appeal in Abuja on Tuesday after receiving the NUJ FCT Excellence in Corporate Communications Award, conferred on him by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council. He noted that while the Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, it continues to grapple with systemic challenges that weaken its effectiveness. The Nigerian media remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, but it also faces systemic challenges, financial, political, legal, and technological that weaken its effectiveness. The government can play a supportive role by granting tax incentives or relief on import duties for newsprint, broadcast equipment, and digital infrastructure, he said. Mr Soneye also urged the federal government to establish an independent media development fund to support investigative journalism, community radio, and newsroom innovation, drawing parallels with models in South Africa, the United States, and Canada. The award underscores his long-standing contributions to journalism and corporate communications, as well as his advocacy for a stronger, independent, and sustainable Nigerian media. Mr Soneye resigned as NNPC spokesperson in June after close to two years in office. The NUJ leadership, led by Chairperson Grace Ike, alongside her deputy, secretary-general, and other executives, described the former NNPCL as a consummate professional who has distinguished himself with tact and excellence in the communications field. Jaiz Bank Plc said it has fully complied with the Central Bank of Nigerias (CBN) minimum capital requirement well ahead of the March 2026 deadline and aims to raise at least N200 billion over the next three years to support its expansion plans within Africa. Haruna Musa, managing director of Jaiz Bank, disclosed this during the unveiling of the banks new corporate identity on Tuesday. Im happy to tell our partners and respective stakeholders that Jaiz Bank is now fully compliant with the minimum capital requirement that has been set by the Central Bank of Nigeria. In fact, were among the first few banks to have met up with the new capital requirement and well ahead of the capitalisation deadline, he said. In March, the CBN reviewed upward the minimum capital thresholds for the banking sector. It set the requirement for non-interest banks like Jaiz at N20 billion, compared with N500 billion for commercial banks with international licences. National banks are now expected to hold N200 billion, while regional lenders must maintain at least N50 billion in capital. Mr Musa added that shareholders had earlier backed a larger recapitalisation plan. At the annual general meeting of the bank, sometime in 2021, the distinguished shareholders approved the recapitalisation to the tune of 150 billion. He said that beyond meeting CBN requirements, the bank would continue to raise more capital in phases. In the next one year, the plan of the bank is to ensure that we raise our capital to a minimum of 100 billion. In the next three years, the plan of the bank is to raise our capital to a minimum of 200 billion. He also hinted at regional ambition, saying, Our mission is to be one of the biggest and most efficient non-interest banks in Africa. He said that Jaiz Bank had already received invitations from regulatory authorities in Ghana and Sierra Leone and would consider expansion once the CBN announces specific capital requirements for international non-interest banks. Mr Musa also announced that the bank would reintroduce international card services. We are about to relaunch our Jaiz Bank MasterCard effective from September 1st. So, with that, our stakeholders, our customers, people can pick up Jaiz Bank and have their transactions abroad. He also explained that new digital services would soon be introduced. We want to enhance our operational efficiency. We are going to see a brand new app sometime soon with all the features, including WhatsApp banking. The bank is renewing its focus on SMEs, which the MD described as critical to Nigerias economy. READ ALSO: FAAN restates mandatory security checks at Nigerian airports We are now focusing on relaunching our MSME program. As the engine of development, MSMEs generate about 60 per cent of the employment, and another 90 million people are engaged in various capacities in the MSMEs. The relaunching of the MSME by Jaiz Bank will make it easier for such enterprises to access financing. Our goal is not making a profit. It is focused on making impact on our society, Mr Musa said. The bank introduced a new corporate identity with a fresh logo and the payoff line With You for Life, saying the rebrand was aimed at modernising its image while retaining its islamic banking principles. On the night of August 19 (from 20:00 on August 18), Russia attacked with 280 air attack vehicles, air defense shot down/suppressed 236 air targets, four missiles and 40 UAVs were recorded hitting 16 locations, and downed objects (fragments) fell at three locations, the Air Force Command reported. As noted in the message on the Telegram channel, the enemy attacked with 270 Shahed attack UAVs and simulator drones of various types from the directions of Kursk, Millerovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Russia, five Iskander-M ballistic missiles from Rostov, Voronezh regions - Russia, temporarily occupied Crimea and five Kh-101 cruise missiles from strategic aviation aircraft over the Caspian Sea. The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. "According to preliminary data, as of 09:00, air defense systems shot down/suppressed 236 air targets: 230 enemy Shahed UAVs and simulator drones of various types, two 2 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and four Kh-101 cruise missiles. Hits of four missiles and 40 UAVs were recorded at 16 locations, and the fall of downed (fragments) at three locations," the Air Force said. Nigerias electoral commission, INEC, has fixed Thursday, 21 August, for the conduct of elections in the five polling units in Kaura Namoda South State Constituency of Zamfara State, where elections were disrupted on Saturday. In a statement by its spokesperson, Sam Olumekun, INEC said elections must be held in five polling units for a winner to emerge in the state constituency election. INEC Returning Officer, Lawal Saadu, had declared Saturdays election in the constituency inconclusive, following the cancellation of results from some polling units in Sakajiki and Kambarawa wards. Mr Saadu 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. The margin of lead was 1,662. Therefore, based on Section 24(3) and (4) of the Electoral Act 2022, elections must be held in the affected polling units to determine a winner, he said. Zamfara PDP, APC trade words Although declared inconclusive, the PDP in Zamfara State has rejected the conduct of the by-election, accusing the APC of perpetrating widespread electoral fraud with the backing of the military and bandits. The state PDP Chairperson, Jibo Jamilu, described the exercise as a theatre of intimidation, violence, and electoral malpractice that fell short of democratic standards. Meanwhile, APC in Zamfara has also accused the state government and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of attempts to rig the election. In a statement signed by the partys spokesperson, Yusuf Idris, the APC claimed that a secret meeting took place at the state government house late Monday night between the REC and officials of the state government. The statement claimed that the meeting focused on plans to manipulate the recently held Kaura Namoda South by-election, which was declared inconclusive. Saturdays By-election Alongside the election in Zamfara, INEC conducted 16 constituency elections across 12 states of the federation. The by-elections involved two senatorial seats, five federal constituencies and nine state constituencies. A bitter royal supremacy battle is brewing among two of the highest kings in Yorubaland. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to reverse the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo of Yorubaland conferred on businessman Dotun Sanusi. In a statement by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity, the Alaafin said that the Ooni overstepped his authority and his action is an affront to his office and a disregard for tradition and the law. In the strongly worded statement, he cited a Supreme Court ruling that states that only the Alaafin has the exclusive right to confer on any individual a chieftaincy title that covers the entire Yorubaland. He emphasised that the instrument of office presented to the Ooni during his installation limits his traditional authority to Ife Central, Ife North, and Ife South Local Government Areas of Osun State, and does not permit him to confer titles with Yoruba-wide significance. The conferment of chieftaincy title which bothers on Yorubaland by the Ooni of Ife is not only an affront to the referred institution of the Alaafin who is the Titan of Yorubaland and on who hold Exclusive right to confer any chieftaincy title which covers the entire Yorubaland on anyone. The Ooni of Ife is behaving as if there is no Authority to check and call him to order and because of that above the law syndrome of his, he is in the habit of walking on everybodys back including the apex Court in the country, the Supreme Court, he stated. The Alaafin warned that failure to revoke the title within the stipulated 48 hours would attract dire consequences. He did not provide the details of such retaliatory actions. He further cautioned that his peace efforts should not be mistaken for weakness. He reiterated the importance of unity and peace in Yorubaland, stating that meaningful development can only thrive when hierarchy and tradition are respected. It seems the Ooni of Ife is misconceiving the Alaafin, Paramount with the Heart of Gold, and his peace initiative, as as the symbol of his stimulity, hence taking taking decisions that are not only ultra vires, but derogatory to the Titan of Yorubaland, the statement read. Many are likely to see this clash as lending credence to months of speculations about a subtle hostility between the two kings since the time Alaafin Owoade ascended the throne earlier this year. As the speculations of a fraught relationship between the two top Yoruba traditional rulers gained traction, the Alaafin, after his visit to the Oluwo of Iwo, Abdulrasheed Akanbi, in June, denied rift between him and the Ooni. He explained that he had yet to visit the Ooni only as a result of scheduling issues and not any disagreement between them. A viral video would later emerge online that month portraying the Alaafin as snubbing the Ooni during the West Africa Economic Summit in Abuja. But the Ooni dismissed the video as misleading and mischievously edited. The edited video only showed the Alaafin walking past the Ooni, completely ignoring the prior warm interaction between them, the statement by Oonis Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, said after the video went viral in June. The Alaafin actually bypassed his own reserved seat to greet the Ooni first a mark of respect which Oba Ogunwusi graciously reciprocated by rising to welcome him. The Okanlomo title The Okanlomo title is typically conferred by traditional rulers on esteemed individuals within their domains. For instance, there are titles like Okanlomo of Offa, Okanlomo of Lagos, Okanlomo of Ijebu-Imushin. However, the Ooni of Ifes recent conferment of the Okanlomo of Yorubaland title on Dotun Sanusi has sparked controversy, as it implies a Yoruba-wide significance that may exceed the Oonis jurisdiction. The right to confer Yoruba-wide titles on individuals, which has its root in the supremacy rivalry between the two traditional stools, was a touchy issue that strained the relationships between the previous Ooni and Alaafin. Mr Sanusi is not the first person to be given a Yoruba-wide title by Ooni Ogunwusi. Last year, the king installed a businessman, Muraina Olashile Alexandra, as Agbakin Bashorun of Yoruba land and his wife, Esther Taiwo Murina, as Yeye Agbakin Bashorun. The Alaafin stool was vacant at the time. The previous Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, conferred Mayegun of Yorubaland title on Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, KWAM 1. On his Facebook page, Mr Sanusi, who is said to be in line for the seat of Olubadan, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the title. I am deeply honoured to announce that I have been officially conferred the title of Okanlomo Oodua by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II). A heartfelt thank you to the Ooni for his kind words and recognition of my commitment to the cultural and economic growth of Yorubaland, he said. However, observers who are knowledgeable about matters of traditional hierarchy and culture raised concern about the development. They wondered what he intends to do with the title since he is in line for the seat of Olubadan. In 2023, the late 42nd Olubadan, Olalekan Balagun, elevated Mr Sanusi to the title of Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, making him one of the persons on the civil line of the Olubadan chieftaincy system. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has presented conditions and processes for the admission of exceptional but underage candidates into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The Nigerian government had pegged the minimum age for admissions into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education at 16, with the exception of gifted candidates. Gifted candidates, if proven, would be allowed into the universities before the age of 16. Speaking at a recent virtual meeting with university vice-chancellors, JAMB Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, listed the conditions for admission of underage candidates to include a minimum of 320 score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), at least 80 per cent in post-UTME administered by the universities, and a minimum of 80 per cent in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). Mr Oloyede, a professor, said candidates in the faculty of science must also have Mathematics among their top-scoring subjects and English Language for candidates in the faculty of arts. He said underage candidates must also undergo a dedicated post-UTME screening even in universities where the general post-UTME process has been suspended. Mr Oloyede said the measures are intended to protect candidates by ensuring they are psychologically, emotionally, and socially prepared for the exposure and responsibilities of university life. Only 599 of 41,000 qualify as gifted candidates During this years UTME, 41,027 underage candidates registered as gifted students. They are part of the 1.9 million candidates who sat the Computer-Based Test (CBT) this year. Only 17,025 or 0.88 per cent of the 1.9 million candidates scored above 300 in the UTME. However, about 599 passed the initial benchmark for gifted candidates, JAMBs subcommittee on underage admissions said. READ ALSO: Controversy as JAMB accuses UTME top scorer of foul play Presenting the report of the committee on 13 August, the chairperson, Taoheed Adeoja, said over 40,000 candidates had been disqualified for failing to meet the initial benchmark of 320 out of the 400 maximum obtainable score in the UTME. Mr Adeoja said the 599 candidates who qualified as gifted will be screened between 22 and 26 September in three locations of Lagos, Abuja and Owerri. He explained that the exercise would include written tests and oral interviews, and would go beyond academic ability, with candidates evaluated under the affective domain to test their readiness for the academic, social and emotional demands of higher education. The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Tanko Sununu, says Nigeria is facing a worsening humanitarian emergency, with more than three million people internally displaced by flooding, insecurity, and other disasters. He also warned that millions of citizens risk sliding deeper into hunger and malnutrition as international donor funding continues to decline. Mr Sununu spoke on Monday at the inauguration of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Flood Management and Response. He described the situation as a critical humanitarian challenge compounded by natural disasters, insecurity, and shrinking donor support. The minister said, Globally, humanitarian funding is shrinking, and Nigeria is not exempt. Just a few days ago, the World Food Programme suspended some of its activities, which had supported more than 1.2 million Nigerians with emergency transfers in the North-east. This leaves over 300,000 children at risk of malnutrition, while more than 200,000 are already receiving treatment. Citing United Nations estimates, Mr Sununu said over 24.8 million Nigerians have faced hunger in recent years, while more than three million remain displaced across the country. He noted that poverty remains unevenly spread, with the North accounting for 65 per cent of Nigerias poor population most of whom are smallholder farmers whose livelihoods have been devastated by floods and droughts. In response to the crises, the federal government is strengthening interventions through the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), he added. He disclosed that under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), smallholder farmers have accessed 300,000 interest-free loans to rebuild their livelihoods. According to him, over 5.9 million households, representing about 25 million Nigerians, have so far benefited from 419 billion in conditional cash transfers designed to cushion the impact of economic hardship. These efforts are part of President Bola Tinubus commitment to ensuring that Nigerians maintain dignity of life despite economic challenges, Mr Sununu said, pledging closer collaboration with the House of Representatives to expand protection for vulnerable families. He commended the legislature for establishing a dedicated committee to strengthen transparency and improve the delivery of humanitarian aid. House moves on flood response In his remarks, the chairman of the newly constituted committee, Maidala Balami, described flooding as a national emergency that requires urgent, coordinated, and strategic solutions. Mr Balami said, Each year, lives are lost, properties destroyed, livelihoods disrupted, and the socio-economic fabric of entire communities severely affected. The time for piecemeal approaches is over. What we need is a comprehensive national framework one that encompasses prevention, early warning systems, emergency response, community resilience, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation strategies. He pledged that the committee would investigate the root causes, assess agency preparedness, consult stakeholders, and propose lasting measures to mitigate the impact of flooding across Nigeria. Inaugurating the committee, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, represented by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, charged members to devise both immediate and long-term solutions to Nigerias recurring flood crisis. Mr Tajudeen tasked the committee to identify gaps in preparedness, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and recommend strategies that would shift Nigeria from reactive to preventive measures. He emphasised that the committee must work closely with agencies including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ministries of Environment, Water Resources, Health, Works, and Housing, as well as state and local governments. He also stressed the role of the Nigerian Space Agency in providing satellite imagery for flood mapping. Flood management requires the concerted involvement of all relevant stakeholders. Only a holistic and coordinated approach will ensure sustainable solutions, Mr Tajudeen said. He further directed the committee to review Nigerias legislative framework and propose reforms to address gaps hindering effective flood management. Recent developments of Nigerias flood severity Nigeria has continued to experience severe flooding in 2025, with devastating consequences for lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. In late May, intense predawn rains triggered what has been described as the worst flooding in decades in Mokwa, Niger State. The disaster left more than 500 people dead, over 600 missing, and at least 121 injured. Earlier in August, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that floods across Nigeria had killed 165 people, left 82 missing, displaced nearly 44,000 individuals, damaged more than 8,500 homes, and destroyed 8,278 farmlands in 19 states. The Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has also warned that the country remains at significant risk, with 1,249 communities in 176 local government areas across 30 states and the FCT identified as high flood risk zones, while an additional 2,187 communities in 293 LGAs face moderate risk. The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the National Assembly to open its books on the N37 billion expended on the renovation of its complex, adding to pressure on the federal legislature to embrace transparency in its use of public funds. In the judgement delivered on 9 July, the judge, Emeka Nwite, affirmed the publics right to access records of government spending. Mr Nwite ruled that withholding such details will not only defeat the very purpose of the Act but encourage corruption and financial recklessness. The judgement marks another milestone in the demand for financial and budgetary transparency in the National Assembly, which has made it its policy, against democratic and public accountability principles, to hide its annual budgets and other finances from the public. Under the cloud of secrecy, there is no official information about the earnings of lawmakers. PREMIUM TIMES, on Tuesday, reviewed a certified true copy of the judgement shared by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), the plaintiff, to get the full picture of the case and the judges decision. In December 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved N37 billion to renovate the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The 9th Assembly, led by Ahmed Lawal, cited deteriorating conditions, such as leaking roofs and flooding in the chambers to justify the allocation. Some members of the House of Representatives, including Akin Alabi and Bamidele Salam, openly opposed the plan to spend N37 billion for the renovation of the complex, saying it amounted to a misplacement of priority. On 17 December 2021, HEDA wrote to the National Assembly requesting the release of the details of the renovation proposal, but the legislature ignored the letter. The snubbing prompted HEDA to file a suit to compel the National Assembly to release the information. HEDA argued through its lawyer, Muhammad Lawal, that the FOI Act 2011 guaranteed public access to information and that the National Assembly contravened Section 20 of the Act by snubbing the request. HEDA invoked section 25 of the FOI Act to ask the Federal High Court to compel the National Assembly to disclose details of the renovation proposal, assessment, approved allocation, and amount already disbursed. National Assemblys Argument In its opposition to the suit, the National Assembly asked the Federal High Court, through its lawyer Charles Yoila, to dismiss the suit. It argued that the suit is premature, incompetent, and filed in bad faith. Mr Yoila said HEDA failed to serve a mandatory three-month pre-action notice under Section 21 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2019 before filing the suit. He also contended that the suit was filed outside the 30 days allowed under the FoI Act. The National Assembly contended that since HEDA had ignored the required notice or missed the statutory timeline, the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the suit. It also argued that HEDA failed to demonstrate a specific interest in the information sought. HEDA countered the claim that HEDA failed to issue a pre-action notice, stressing that the suit was for judicial review and Section 20 of the FOI Act specifically applies to denied information requests. The applicant said that the respondent placed no valid defence to prevent disclosure. It pointed out that the Assembly remained in possession of the requested information despite the Federal Capital Development Authority handling the renovation. The applicant cited Central Bank of Nigeria v. System Application Products Ltd (2005) and Alo v. Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly (2018) to emphasise that an applicant need not show specific interest before the court can intervene in such a matter. The applicant urged the court to discountenance the respondents arguments and grant its prayers. FOI Act overrides other laws in HEDA suit The judge, who first dismissed the National Assemblys preliminary objection to the suit, struck down National Assemblys defence that the Federal Capital Development Authority was solely responsible for the renovation and should be the appropriate body to disclose information about the project. Mr Nwite said the claim was not supported by evidence. There is absolutely nothing before this court that shows that the proposed renovation of the Respondent is exclusively the responsibility of the Federal Capital Development Authority, the judge said. He held that the information HEDA sought was simple and harmless. Granting the order, the court ordered the National Assembly to disclose the proposal, assessment, and procedure employed by NAFCDA in arriving at the initially reported N37 billion for the renovation. It also ordered the legislative body to provide the actual amount approved and allocated for the renovation as of the time of HEDAs request, and the amount already disbursed for the project. The court emphasised that the FOI Act was central to transparent governance in Nigeria, and it affects everyone, every issue and every aspect of daily life and is essential to an open and participatory system of governance. He explained that Sections 1(2) and 1(3) of the Act grant any person the right to compel public institutions to release information, irrespective of specific interest. He acknowledged that some pieces of information may be exempt from disclosure under Sections 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17 and 19 of the FOI Act, but the National Assembly had not relied on any such provision. Preliminary issues In his judgement, Mr Nwite first struck out parts of the National Assemblys counter-affidavit because they contained legal arguments and conclusions a witness cannot make. He also addressed the National Assemblys claim that HEDA failed to serve a pre-action notice under Section 21 of the Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act, 2017. He declared that requiring HEDA to follow the three-month pre-action notice under Section 21 of the Legislative Houses (Powers & Privileges) Act before filing the suit would create an unreasonable and disorderly result, negating the purpose of the FOI Act, as its right to access information could become unenforceable, even if it sought an extension. Any applicant who has been denied access to information may apply to the Court for a review of the matter within 30 days, or within such further time as the Court may fix or allow, he said. The judge explained that HEDA had applied for judicial review and requested extra time. On 23 March 2022, the court granted the application, giving HEDA seven additional days to pursue the review. HEDA also filed a motion on notice on 28 March 2022, following the extension. Mr Nwite further cited Ibru-Stankov v. Stankov (2016) and reaffirmed that specific laws prevail over general laws. And since the FOI Act specifically governs access to public information, it overrides the broader provisions of Section 21. Authorities of Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State have expressed sadness over the murder of a pregnant nurse in Anambra State. The murder PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how the pregnant nurse, Ngozi Ekebe, was murdered when she visited the suspect who had falsely claimed that his mother needed urgent medical attention. The incident, this newspaper gathered, happened on 24 July at Umueri village in Ogbunike Community, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. The victim, Ngozi, originally hailed from Enugu Ezike, a community in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State. Her husband, Sunday Ekebe, comes from Ebonyi, another state in the South-east. The couple lived at Umudioka in Anambra State which shares a boundary with Ogbunike Community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State. Deep shock and strong condemnation The authorities of Igbo-Eze North condemned the murder of the pregnant nurse, describing the incident as a deep shock. Syndey Eze, a media aide to the Chairperson of the Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Michael Ogalla, said in a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday that the development was not only criminal but also an abomination. Mr Eze also said the murder and mutilation stand against every moral, cultural, and human value we hold dear as Ndi Igbo. The media aide said Mr Ogalla has been briefed on the arrest of a suspect and ongoing efforts to track down the prime suspect and other accomplices. This government assures the family of the deceased and all the good people of Igbo-Eze North that justice will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. And that no one involved in this heinous crime will escape justice, he said. He said Mr Ogalla praised the police in Anambra State, especially the State Criminal Investigation Department, for their swift and courageous actions in arresting one of the suspects. The chairperson urged residents of Igbo-Eze North to remain calm and law-abiding, and appealed to anyone with useful information to assist the police in their investigation. The government of Igbo-Eze North shall collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is not just done, but will be seen to have been done, he stated. We must stand together as a people to reject violence, uphold human dignity, and protect life at all costs. At least 13 worshippers were killed early Tuesday when armed men stormed a mosque during dawn prayers in Katsina State. The attack took place in Unguwan Mantau, a farming community in Malumfashi Local Government Area, where the gunmen opened fire on residents gathered for the early morning Fajr prayer. Officials said the attack was a reprisal after villagers earlier confronted bandits, killing several, freeing abducted hostages and seizing weapons. Nasir Muazu, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the death toll in a statement on Tuesday. The victims were observing prayer when the criminals started shooting sporadically in the mosque, Mr Muazu said. The attack was in retaliation for the communitys successful defence efforts two days earlier. The people of Unguwan Mantau decided to lay an ambush against the bandits and killed many of them. They rescued victims taken from Ruwan Sanyi village, seized 3 motorcycles, and 2 AK 47. According to the commissioner, Security agencies are already on the ground to restore normalcy. He added that soldiers, police officers, and air force units from the Forward Operating Base had been deployed to clear the area. During the rainy season, bandits hide under crops to perpetrate their evil acts. We are working towards bringing them to book, he said. The state government said it would continue to back community defence initiatives while urging cooperation with security agencies. Mr Muazu commended residents gallantry in resisting attacks but assured that government reinforcements were being mobilised to protect vulnerable communities. ALSO READ: UN rights commissioner condemns mosque attack in Niger The state government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims, reaffirming its support for community-based security initiatives while working to eliminate criminal elements from the region. We are working towards bringing the perpetrators to book, Mr Muazu said. Barely, three days ago, in the same Malumfashi Local Government Area (LGA), PREMIUM TIMES reported that a local government official was killed and a former council vice chairman, Nasiru Dayi, kidnapped by armed gangs. The Nigerian government has launched repeated military offensives, including air strikes on suspected bandit hideouts in forests straddling several states. Yet residents complain that attacks persist, especially during the rainy season, when gunmen use tall crops as cover. The Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced a businessman, Duru Damian, to three months imprisonment for failing to declare $49,000 to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA). The judge, Dehinde Dipeolu, delivered the judgment on Tuesday after Mr Damian pleaded guilty to a one-count brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to the charge, Mr Damian was found in possession of $49,000 on 11 August at MMIA without declaring it to Customs, an offence under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The law requires individuals to declare cash or negotiable instruments exceeding US$10,000 or its equivalent when entering or leaving Nigeria. Failure to do so constitutes an offence punishable by forfeiture of the undeclared funds, imprisonment of at least two years, or both. During the review of facts, EFCC counsel Deborah Adamu-Eteh called the commissions investigating officer, Muhammad Adamu Timta, who testified that the defendant was intercepted by Customs operatives on 11 August at MMIA while preparing to board a flight to the United States. A total of $49,000 was found on the defendant without declaration, Mr Timta told the court. He added that the suspect was immediately handed over to the EFCC for investigation. The prosecution tendered the recovered money in evidence, which the court admitted without objection. In his ruling, Mr Dipeolu sentenced Mr Damian to three months in prison and ordered the forfeiture of the $49,000 to the federal government. Background Mr Damian was arrested by Customs officers during a routine check at the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Currency Declaration Desk at MMIA. According to the commission, the businessman declared only $10,000, but a search revealed an additional $49,000. Handing the suspect over to the EFCC, the Area Comptroller of Customs at MMIA, E.I. Harrison explained that the enforcement was part of efforts to ensure compliance with financial regulations. At the airport, announcements are made at intervals on the need for travellers to declare their currencies, and electronic signages in the halls display these messages. Yet, we still encounter travellers who fail to comply with the law, Mr Harrison said. Receiving the suspect, the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate II, Ahmed Ghali, said the Commission would continue to enforce the law. All that we are saying is that laws are meant to be obeyed. We will always do our best, in line with our mandate, to ensure that any individual who violates the law does not go scot-free, Mr Ghali said. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has directed all federal universities in Nigeria to conclude their admission process for the 2025 UTME by 31 October. JAMB also asked private universities to conclude the process by 30 November. The board said all other institutions, including polytechnics and colleges of education, are expected to complete their admission process by 31 December. The decision and the timelines were set on 8 July during the 2025 Policy Meeting held in Abuja, which heads of all tertiary institutions in the country participated in. In its weekly bulletin published on Monday, JAMB encouraged the institutions to meet the deadlines as agreed. Even where an institution is not yet ready to commence the new academic session, such an institution should conduct its admission and archive it, JAMB said. By this policy directive, all admission processes must be concluded within the prescribed timelines. It noted that the decision was reached to stabilise the academic calendar and ensure equitable access to admission slots across all tiers of tertiary education. During the policy meeting, representatives of polytechnics raised concerns that universities often delay their admissions, leaving their institutions at a disadvantage, as many candidates only consider them after universities have finalised their processes. The concerns, also raised by Colleges of Education, prompted the decision to set deadlines for the universities. The call for special legislative seats for Nigerian women gained significant momentum throughout July, reflecting a broader national conversation on gender equality and political representation. PREMIUM TIMES reported a range of gender-related topics, including the often-overlooked struggles of Nigerian women post-pregnancy and breastfeeding, the political exclusion of women as explored in the documentary Double Minority, the contributions of women in STEAM fields, the technological solution launched to combat gender-based violence perpetuated on digital platforms and many other issues. Lawmakers, advocates push for womens political inclusion in Reserved Seats Bill Nigerias long-running push for gender -inclusive governance gained renewed momentum in July as womens rights advocates, political stakeholders and government officials demanded swift passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill. The bill proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at increasing female representation in Nigerias legislatures. The bill, known as House Bill 1349, proposes 37 additional Senate seats, 37 in the House of Representatives, and three new seats per state across all 36 state assemblies, exclusively for women. The Unspoken Reality: Why womens breasts change after childbirth, breastfeeding Bimpe Komolafe was surprised by the change in her body after weaning her only child, as her once perky breasts began to droop, leading her to wear a bra to bed. Similarly, Jane Dada, a mother of three, felt self-conscious about her saggy breasts, which made her hesitate during intimacy with her husband. Many Nigerian mothers are silently navigating the physical changes experienced post-partum and after breastfeeding. Is pregnancy and breastfeeding the cause of drooping breasts? Breast ptosis (sagging) is commonly attributed to factors such as ageing, genetics, and multiple pregnancies (the more pregnancies a woman has, the greater the chances that her breasts are going to fall and fluctuations in weight), rather than breastfeeding. Women in management positions Taiwo Olusesi, registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Management (chartered), believes women leaders inspire and empower others through empathy, connection, resilience, adaptability, emotional intelligence, integrity, and visionary leadership. Over the past three years, Fayokanmi Omitade has worked with various companies, including tech firms and creative agencies, managing campaigns that deliver measurable results. She is skilled in using tools like Google Analytics, Mailchimp, Zoho, and Salesforce to understand audiences and improve marketing efforts. Ms Omitade bore her mind on several aspects of digital marketing and the challenges of the terrain in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES. From career setback to international recognition, Toks Aruoture, founder and senior interior designer at The Baby Cot Shop, has built a luxury brand rooted in creativity, resilience, and purpose. She has remained committed to designing not just beautiful spaces, but a new kind of leadership led by authenticity and impact. In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Mrs Aruoture reflects on her journey from rejection to reinvention, how women can lead without losing themselves, and why true power lies in owning your story. On her part, Olomola-Sijuwade shares her journey from estate intern to CEO, the unique challenges women face in male-dominated industries, and how she is using her platform to empower others and accelerate meaningful change. Gender quotas Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, a professor of mass communication at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), called for the adoption of a 30 per cent electoral gender quota at all levels of public office, party structures and government appointments. By increasing the number of women in public service, the professor believes that decision-making processes can be more inclusive and responsive to the needs of all citizens. Women in STEAM For Women in STEAM, PREMIUM TIMES had exclusive interviews with Oluwakemi Omosehin, Khaerat Alaran and Oghenetega Ukutegbe. They shared how they entered the tech field and their experiences so far. For Ms Omosehin, a computer science graduate, her curiosity about user experience fueled her entry into product design. In the interview, the product designer with over two years of experience encourages young African women in the STEAM fields to persevere, stay curious, and find their community, emphasising their valuable perspective and creativity in the industry. Similarly, Ms Alaran, a student at the University of Ilorin, discusses how she balances her creative career in social media management and video editing with her law studies. The final-year law student said the creative industry offers freedom. Ms Ukutegbes experience differs. The tech creator and User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) designer shares how to work with clients as a newbie, learning from a challenging project where constant client changes taught her valuable lessons in scope control, leading to her adoption of a milestone-based workflow. Nigerian women in politics highlight daunting challenges in new documentary A documentary that explores the complexities of being a Nigerian woman in politics aired in July. The documentary, which premiered in Abuja, chronicles the journey of nine Nigerian female political candidates who ran for elective office in the 2023 election cycle, breaking barriers in a male-dominated arena, according to Daria Media, a news and media company. NGO launches app to combat online gender-based violence An AI chatbot described as a tool of justice to support individuals facing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) has been launched by the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI). Kemi, a survivor-centred, AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot, was co-created by survivors to combat TFGBV. The survivor-centred WhatsApp chatbot Kemi is available in multiple local languages and guides users through discreet conversations about online abuse, self-help strategies, and available support resources. The chatbot can be accessed on WhatsApp via 09124648826. Nigeria, Cherie Blair Foundation launch partnership to support women entrepreneurs The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development launched a partnership with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women to scale up support for women entrepreneurs across Nigeria. The initiative will provide Nigerian women with access to training, financial resources, and market opportunities for women-led businesses nationwide. Katsina Govt extends maternity leave for nursing mothers The Katsina State Government has approved the extension of maternity leave for nursing mothers in the states civil service to four months and 10 days. Trump promised to help in the exchange of all for all military and civilian - Zelenskyy US President Donald Trump has promised to help in the exchange of all military, civilian, journalist, political prisoners, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. "We talked with the President of the United States of America, he agrees that it is not a simple system, but he will help me in the exchange of all for all, namely not only military, prisoners, primarily our military, but not only, but also civilians, journalists, political prisoners," Zelenskyy said during a briefing in Washington. "We agreed to work on this," he added. The Burkina Faso junta has expelled the UN regional coordinator, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, over a report alleging violations against children in the country. The top UN official in the country was declared persona non grata because of her role in drafting the report, which was published in March. The report, titled Children and Armed Conflicts, showed serious violations against children, including maiming and killing, abuse, and attacks on schools and hospitals between July 2022 and June 2024. These violations, according to the report, were a result of the armed conflicts in the country, which continue to intensify despite the efforts of the military government. The UN report identified that violence against the children was perpetrated by all parties to the conflict. Most acts of violence against children are carried out by armed groups, with killing and maiming of children being the most grievous, the report revealed. In addition, the last quarter of 2023 saw a sharp increase in the number of grave violations against children, notably child casualties. A total of 1,386 children, some as young as eight months, were killed and maimed, including due to explosive devices, the report said. However, in a statement issued on Monday, the Ibrahim Traore-led military government, which came to power in 2022, said the report contained unfounded allegations. The government accused the UN of failing to consult with it before publishing the report. It did not cite any documentation or court rulings to support the alleged cases of violations against children attributed to the valiant Burkinabe fighters, the governments statement said. Since 2015, jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have carried out an insurgency that has killed thousands and displaced millions. The crisis has fueled political instability, leading to two military coups in 2022. Mr Traore seized power with a pledge to resolve the worsening security situation within two to three months. However, the crisis in the country has persisted. The recently expelled official assumed the position in July 2024, 18 months after her predecessor was also expelled. The former UN coordinator, Barbara Manzi, was expelled in December 2022 after publishing a blog post describing how the crisis was affecting education and health services, forcing many to close down. Reacting to Ms Flore-Smereczniaks dismissal, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the United Nations regretted the decision. The organisation is accorded privileges and immunities, including the right for its staff members to remain in Burkina Faso in order to perform their functions on behalf of the organisation, he said. The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the temporary freezing of four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over allegations of fraud and money laundering. The judge, Emeka Nwite, granted the order on Tuesday after a lawyer to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ogechi Ujam, moved an ex parte application. The EFCC told the court that the accounts were under investigation for suspicious transactions. I have listened to counsel for the applicant and reviewed the affidavit evidence and exhibits. I find merit in the application and it is hereby granted as prayed, Mr Nwite ruled. The judge adjourned the matter to 23 September for a report on the investigation. The anti-graft agency, in the ex parte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1641/2025 filed on 11 August, said the accounts were allegedly controlled by Mr Kyari and linked to offences of conspiracy, abuse of office and money laundering. The affected accounts include Jaiz Bank account number 0017922724 Mele Kyari; Jaiz Bank account number 0018575055 Guwori Community Development Foundation and Jaiz Bank account number 0018575141 Guwori Community Development Foundation (Flood Relief). According to the EFCC, preliminary findings showed that N661.4 million, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities, was warehoused in the four accounts. In a supporting affidavit, EFCC investigator Amin Abdullahi said the commission acted on a petition filed by Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law on 24 April. He told the court that suspicious inflows from NNPCL and oil companies were disguised as donations for a book launch and funding for a non-governmental organisation. Mr Abdullahi added that the accounts were managed by Mr Kyari through family members acting as fronts, and that a no-debit instruction had already been placed pending the courts intervention. Background Mr Kyari, who led NNPCL until April when President Bola Tinubu dissolved the board and management, has previously denied reports that he was arrested by the EFCC over alleged misappropriation of $2.9 billion meant for refinery rehabilitation. In a May statement on his X handle, the 60-year-old described such reports as clear mischief aimed at damaging his reputation, insisting he was on a well-deserved rest after more than three decades of service at the state oil firm. He maintained his readiness to account for his stewardship: I must emphasise that I served with the fear of God, knowing fully well that if I do not account before man, I will account before Allah, he wrote. Wider probe Mr Kyaris case forms part of a wider EFCC investigation into the management of refinery rehabilitation funds. The probe covers at least 14 current and former NNPCL officials, including two other ex-CEOs. The commission has requested emolument records of the officials, while over N80 billion has reportedly been traced to the personal accounts of a former refinery managing director. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the ongoing investigation, saying it involves funds released for the rehabilitation of the Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries. President Tinubu has since appointed Bashir Ojulari as NNPCL Group CEO and Ahmadu Kida as non-executive chairman, tasking them with restoring investor confidence and driving operational efficiency. The State Security Service (SSS) has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja not to grant bail to five men facing trial over the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State. SSS opposed the bail on the grounds of alleged link of the defendants with foreign terrorist groups. The agency, Nigerias foremost intelligence organisation, made this call in a counter-affidavit filed in opposition to the defendants bail application. The secret police body said with the defendants alleged antecedent and propensity for violence, they can interfere with prosecutions witnesses if granted bail. There is a very high likelihood of defendants evading trial in view of their connection to foreign fighters linked to Al-Shabaab terrorist group. The defendants accomplices are still at large and have been making frantic efforts to monitor their trial, intimidate witnesses and free the defendants from lawful custody, the affidavit read. Charged with five counts of terrorism, the defendants were arraigned on August 11 before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the 5 June 2022 terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Ondo State, The attack left over 40 worshippers dead while over 100 others sustained injuries. The defendants, who all pleaded not guilty to the charges are Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25 years), Al Qasim Idris 20 years), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26 years), Abdulhaleem Idris (25 years) and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47 years). Accomplices on the loose Opposing the defendants bail applications, SSS stated in its counter-affidavit that apart from their connection to foreign fighters linked to Al-Shabab terrorist group, the defendants accomplices are still at large. The agency said the accomplices on the loose have been making frantic efforts to monitor their trial, intimidate witnesses and free the defendants from lawful custody. SSS also said it was currently investigating the leads with a view to apprehending those individuals, planning to intimidate witnesses and compromise the trial in the interest of the applicants. The prosecution witnesses have expressed fears of attacks by defendants cohorts and have stated that they will not attend court sessions except their fears were allayed. This necessitated the filing of an ex-parte application for witness protection. The prosecution has demonstrated readiness for speedy trial of the substantive charge. That defendants have not presented any evidence to show that they have credible sureties. It will not be in the interest of justice and security of prosecution witnesses to grant the application for bail, the agency added. Hearing On Tuesday, defence lawyer Abdullahi Mohammad moved the defendants bail applications, affirming their readiness to face trial. He said the defendants had been in custody since their arrest in 2022 and were ready to present reliable sureties and stand trial. But prosecuting lawyer, Calistus Eze, urged the court to reject the bail request. He described it as unmeritorious and alleged that, aside from the defendants link to foreign terrorists, there are ongoing threats to potential witnesses, which he claimed the defence was aware of. The prosecution lawyer also said the defendants failed to provide evidence of having credible sureties to present, adding that their release would jeopardise the safety of witnesses. After hearing arguments, the judge, Emeka Nwite, fixed 10 September for ruling. Court to shield witnesses Before the adjournment of hearing on Tuesday, the prosecution applied to the court to allow the shielding of witnesses identities. The prosecution also urged the court to permit the witnesses to testify hooded, and bar the mention of their real names in court records accessible to the public. It further sought an order that witnesses be identified only with combinations of letters. Defence lawyer, Mr Mohammad, did not object to the witness protection application. The judge, Mr Nwite granted the application. Ayodeji Adedipe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who took over from Mr Eze to lead the prosecution team on Tuesday, sought an adjournment to obtain a fiat from the Attorney-General of the Federation allowing the SSS to proceed with the prosecution of the case. Two other lawyers, Edward Ogar and Vincent Adodo, who held a watching brief for the Catholic Diocese of Ondo, were also present in court. Background In June 2022, terror struck St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, with gunmen armed with explosives storming the parish during Mass. Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as worshippers were trapped inside and gunned down. Police and hospital records indicated that more than 70 people were killed, including children, while scores of others were injured. The massacre drew global condemnation. The United Nations, European Union and the United Kingdom denounced the killings, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling it a heinous attack and the EUs Josep Borrell insisting that such violence had become intolerable. Federal authorities later attributed the attack to suspected ISWAP members, and Investigations led to a string of arrests of some suspects during that period. In August 2025, more than three years after the massacre, the Federal High Court in Abuja arraigned the five suspects that recently applied for bail. The defendants pleaded not guilty and have remained in DSS custody. The Anambra State Government has said vigilante operatives who assaulted a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been arrested over the incident. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the NYSC member, Jennifer Elobor, was assaulted and stripped by operatives of Agunechemba Vigilante Group in Anambra State. The incident was said to have occurred on 23 July 2025 in Oba, a community in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state. The clip, however, went viral on Monday. The Haven 360 Foundation uploaded the clip on Monday on their Facebook page. Arrest, condemnation Speaking when he appeared as a guest on Channels TVs The Morning Brief on Tuesday, the Special Adviser on Community Security to Governor Charles Soludo, Ken Emeakayi, described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable. Mr Emeakayi stressed that the operatives involved in the assault of the NYSC member had been arrested and currently under investigation. The special adviser explained that incident happened when the operatives pursued suspected cultists into the NYSC lodge. He said the operation conducted under the Operation Udo Ga-Achi, a joint task force operations involving the police, Nigerian Army, State Security Services, NSCDC, and the Agunechemba Vigilante Group. The operatives were on the trail of some suspected cultists riding on motorcycles when they pursued them into a compound. In the process of searching the houses in line with their mandate, the unfortunate incident involving the corps member occurred, he narrated. While they were acting within the law, their conduct in that instance was unacceptable. Immediately the incident happened, we arrested the operatives involved and placed them in detention, he added. Mr Emeakayi said he had met with the assaulted corps member in his office alongside NYSC officials and personally listened to their account of the incident. Our conclusion is that while the operatives were on a legitimate assignment, the manner in which they acted was not acceptable. We have made that very clear, and disciplinary measures are being taken, he said. Police speak The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and the arrest of the vigilante operatives in a statement on Tuesday. Following the incident, the suspects involved have been identified, said Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police. The spokesperson said the police in the state said investigation into the incident was temporarily stalled due to the victims unavailability. He reiterated that assault in any form remains a criminal offence under the Nigerian Law, adding that the police reserve the right to take necessary legal action to aid the court proceedings while waiting for the victim. Mr Ikenga assured NYSC members serving in Anambra State that the police in the state were committed to protecting them. The spokesperson also enjoined the corps members to always report cases of harassment, intimidation, or abuse for prompt intervention. The Command further cautions vigilante groups and other quasi-security outfits against acts of brutality or abuse of authority, warning that any such misconduct will not be condoned, he stated. Saudi authorities have detained a Nigerian woman, Maryam Hussaini-Abdullahi, after a bag allegedly containing marijuana was wrongly tagged to her name by Ethiopian Airlines, her husband has told PREMIUM TIMES. Mrs Hussaini-Abdullahi, a 39-year-old mother of five from Kano State, had travelled with her husband, Abdullahi Baffa, on 6 August to perform the lesser Hajj. What was meant to be a spiritual journey turned into a nightmare after Saudi police linked her name to a suspicious Ghana-must-go sack at Jeddah airport. Mr Baffa said the incident was the fault of Ethiopian Airlines, which mismatched his wifes luggage with the suspicious bag without their knowledge. My wife is innocent. We travelled with only one bag each, which was properly tagged before departure from Kano. On arrival in Jeddah, our bags were missing. Later, the airline claimed they found one of them but wanted us to collect it in Jeddah. We refused and insisted they return it to Kano, he explained. The couple bought new clothes in Madinah after waiting for days with no update. But their troubles deepened when they attempted to return home last Thursday. At the airport, Mr Baffa was cleared, but his wife was stopped. She was later taken to the Rihab Centre in Makkah, where Saudi police, in the presence of Nigerian consulate officials, accused her of being linked to a drug-laden bag. According to Mr Baffa, the tag number on the sack did not match the tag issued to them in Kano. Despite this, Mrs Hussaini-Abdullahi was detained for questioning. She cried when they showed her the sack. She had never seen it before. I believe Ethiopian Airlines and airport officials know what happened, but they are covering it up, Mr Baffa alleged. The husband has appealed to the Nigerian government to intervene and demanded that CCTV footage from Malam Aminu Kano International Airport be released to prove his wifes innocence. When contacted, an Ethiopian Airlines official confirmed an investigation was ongoing but stressed that the process will take time because multiple stations are involved. Nigerias Consul General in Jeddah, Muazam Nayaya, also confirmed the matter, saying, We have commenced an investigation and will soon forward a report to headquarters. Mr Baffa told PREMIUM TIMES this evening that those responsible for the luggage swap had been caught and arrested after the investigation, and that the Nigerian government had taken over the case. He commended Nigerian officials, especially the NDLEA, for their swift response but insisted his wife must be cleared and released immediately. The by-elections held across the country last Saturday in 16 constituencies across 12 states, in terms of the organisation, the process and outcomes would seem to confirm one painful truth, namely that Nigerias democracy is still inchoate, tentative, fledgling, and that we are not yet anywhere near the target of democratic consolidation in Africas largest democracy. Students of Nigerias political history would readily recall that these were phrases used to describe and define Nigerian democracy after the return to democratic rule in 1999. Nigeria had been under the clutches of military dictatorship for the better part of its life as an independent nation (January to July 1966; August 1966 to 29 July, 1975; 29 July, 1975 13 February,1976; 13 February, 1976 1 October, 1979; 31 December, 1983 27 August, 1985, 27 August, 1985 26 August, 1993; 1993 1998 and 1998 1999. Over a period of 39 years, there were brief, eventually truncated moments of democratic rule which occurred between 1960 -1966, 1979 1983, 26 August, 1993 17 November, 1993. With the annulment of the Presidential election of 12 June, 1993, considered the freest and fairest in Nigerian history, and the isolation of Nigeria within the international community, the populace turned against the Nigerian military, which under General Sani Abacha bared its fangs and imposed a reign of terror on the people. The people revolted against the military establishment blaming soldiers for their authoritarianism, and everything that may have ever gone wrong with Nigeria. Between General Ibrahim Babangida and General Sani Abacha, the Nigerian military was cast in the mould of an anti-people establishment which needed to be removed from governance. The death of Chief MKO Abiola in detention, that is Abachas gulag, further inflamed passions, and the people were more urgent in demanding the exit of the military. General Abdusalami Abubakar who succeeded General Abacha had his work cut out for him: to hearken to the peoples demands and process the transition to democracy programmes which the military had been toying with, adopting all kinds of subterfuge. On 29 May, 1999, the peoples aspiration was achieved with the swearing in of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a former General as president. The people were elated. They hailed the return to democratic rule as the second liberation. They dismissed soldiers as villains. They swore that the worst form of civilian rule is better than the best form of military rule. Civilian rule was seen as Nigerias second liberation, the first being freedom from British imperialism. It is to the credit of Nigerians that for the past 36 years, the people have kept faith with democracy. But what is the quality of achievement? How have we fared? Democratic rule would seem to have brought a lot of development and growth, especially in the once troubled South South region, the civic society is relatively more open, with the people empowered to ask questions about governance and accountability, but after the various elections since 1999, the shadow of the military persists, and it may not be too cynical to argue that Nigerias democracy is still a work in progress, yet to mature and continues to raise fresh concerns about the Nigerian character. Elections are central to the democratic process, and elite bargain. Military rulers impose themselves on the people through the path of violence, namely coup detats. Civilian rulers acquire their legitimacy through the ballot box, a representative process that plays up the peoples right to choose from competing parties and candidates and determine their own future guided by the rule of law. Elections in Nigeria since 1999, have remained problematic prompting repeated calls for electoral reform and the emplacement of a framework to guarantee integrity and accountability to achieve the goal of free and fair elections. The search for this ideal has been elusive. Since 1999, every election season has been followed by debates about the need for reform to correct issues arising including operational inefficiencies, electoral fraud, rigging, violence, violation of electoral laws. The tragedy is that the more reforms are introduced, the political elite and the state institutions, and the people themselves always find a way to circumvent well-intentioned attempts to improve the democratic space. The Electoral Act of 2022, used for the 2023 general election, considered for example to be the most progressive framework since 2001 only resulted in greater uncertainty especially with the electronic transmission and collation of results, BVAS, IREV, and the INEC portal. Since that general election, and the litigations that followed both local and international election monitors and observers have been resilient in urging that more reform is needed ahead of the next general elections in 2027. They argue, at various fora including interactive sessions with the National Assembly that electoral reform must be treated as a national emergency by the Tinubu administration. Some of the recommendations include single day voting, the proper definition of electronic transmission, affirmative action for women, statutory enactments on technological innovations such as the INEC Election Results Viewing (IREV), BVAS and Smart Card Reader, as well as the establishment of a National Electoral Offenders Commission. It goes without saying that an electoral system that works would build trust in the electoral system and strengthen the electorate, the prompt punishment of electoral crimes will check the reign of impunity during elections. The urgency of the matter was signposted in the by-elections of Saturday, 16 August. The by-elections were as a result of deaths, resignations, or court-ordered re-runs after the 2023 general elections, conducted in line with Section 28(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022. By-elections by their nature are smaller in scope, restricted as they are to specific constituencies in the present instance 16 out of 360 Federal Constituencies and 109 Senatorial districts, 12 states out of 36 and the Federal Capital Territory and 32 Local Government Areas out of 774 LGAs. A by-election is also necessarily an off-cycle, supplementary election, thus reducing pressure on the Electoral Commission. The main thing to note is that since 1999, both by-elections and general elections have all presented the same ambiguities and controversies. Nothing has changed. Rather, things are getting even more complicated. According to INEC results, the APC, the ruling party won 12 of the constituencies out of 16, APGA won in two, PDP won in one, and NNPP in one. This is very much after an established pattern: in Nigerias political space, the incumbent ruling elite either at the Federal or state level assume that it is their divine right to win every election that is conducted under their watch. Hence, sitting state governors would always win almost every seat during local government elections. Elections at the Federal level are greedily arranged for the party in power at the centre. This is the simple logic behind the power game and conflict at the heart of Nigerias democratic process. Since the announcement of the results, the opposition parties have been up in arms. The PDP, Labour Party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and others have protested that the elections were rigged and that there were widespread cases of electoral fraud, vote buying, manipulation, failure of INEC and other institutions. In Kano, there is dispute over the Shanono/Nagwai state constituency by-election and the Ghari/Tsanyawa state constituency. APC and PDP have however, also called on INEC to cancel the by-elections in the two constituencies in Kano. In Edo, the PDP rejects APCs victory, citing irregularities with BVAS. In Anambra, APGA won in Anambra South Senatorial district and Onitsha North I state constituency by-election. The party is accused of vote-buying to rig elections by other political parties. In Kaduna state, PDP says its members were abducted. In Edo Central Senatorial District, Governor Monday Okpebholo complained about malfunctioning BVAS machines. In Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, a Mitsubishi van was intercepted and a sum of N2. 5 million was found on the three occupants of the bus, money which they said they had collected from a man named Political Solution. There were also threats of actual violence. In Nnewi South, the Deputy Governor and the Commissioner for Environment escaped being lynched by a mob who accused them of vote-buying. A total of over 333 thugs were arrested in Ogun, Kano, and Kaduna states. In Kaduna state, the APC recorded a clean sweep as it also did in Taraba, Niger, Jigawa, Ogun, Edo., Adamawa and Kogi. The courts would soon be dragged into the brawl. In Adamawa, the PDP is poised to go to court over the Ganye state constituency by-election. It also accuses the police of complicity. Chairman of the Adamawa state chapter of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Shehu Tahir has accused Assistant Inspector General of Police, Taiwo Adeleke of providing a cover for the APC. The PDP Chairman is so incensed he is even threatening that if the Ganye by-election is not reversed by a court of competent jurisdiction, democracy will come to an end in 2027. We hope not as that is not the aspiration or the hope of most Nigerians. Nigerians want an election process that will deliver good governance, not a process that is on sale to the highest bidder. The lesson of the past is that even the best crafted electoral framework will not work unless the people themselves are ready. The people may claim that they love democracy, but they are not prepared for it. The professional political class is desperate, self-serving and greedy. Our politicians and their Godfathers want power, not to serve the people, but to gain access and control state resources. In a prostrate economic environment, where there are few opportunities for a large population, political jobs, either directly or by association have become the surest means of survival. The glamour of political office, the perks, the title provide enough reason for the thuggery and the psychotic obsession with winning by any means possible. Every election season is a business cycle for everyone seeking to make a small fortune from the politicians. The electorate have become so cynical and distrustful of the political elite, they would readily sell their votes. They collect money from whoever is willing to pay and at the end vote for the highest bidder. They are unapologetic; they fail to see that it is the future of the country that they are trading away by selling their conscience. More efforts should be invested in voter education. There is poverty in the land, but the people have lost their conscience. The institutions, and the security men have their own motivations too. In Nigerias strange political arrangement, electoral umpires accept that their job is to help the incumbent party or man in power win. The security agencies do not work for the state, they serve the man of power. The aggrieved is advised to Go to Court, with both parties knowing that it is better to be declared winner in a Nigerian election than to be the loser and expect justice from the courts. INEC needs to be overhauled, its operational processes need to be reviewed, and the word Independent in its title must become meaningful. Those who recommend a single day voting during general elections can now see that it would be impossible to adopt such a format for Nigerian elections. If elections in just 16 constituencies in 12 states can be this problematic, the chaos of having elections in one day can be well imagined. Electoral offenders must be sanctioned to check their impunity. After every election, the security agencies claim to have arrested many offenders, but there is hardly any further report about their prosecution or conviction. The offenders being agents to influential political figures often escape the full wrath of the law. The impunity is so entrenched that known thugs or political enforcers are usually rewarded with patronage and positions by their sponsors. The landscape of power in Nigeria is sordid. Those who are familiar with the subject have expressed the view that the August 16 by-elections offer intimations of what to expect in 2027, that is a bellwether. The ruling APC, besieged on all fronts by a conspiratorial band of opposition politicians has just sent a signal that it would be difficult to uproot it from power. The tussle would be more intense in 2027, but the basic elements remain the same. The Presidency has issued a statement commending INEC for conducting a hitch-free by-election, that was devoid of violence. But that is not the reading of the opposition parties. The Tinubu administration has been talking about legacy projects the Lagos-Calabar Highway, six bus terminals across six geo-political zones (which is wasteful by the way), and the digitization of the education system. In order of priorities, the best legacy President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can leave behind is to work towards ensuring a free level playing field in the next general elections, and enhance the integrity of the electoral process. He must show that his ambition is not worth the agony of other Nigerians. It is up to him to show the way forward, and the people may perhaps learn from his example. Reuben Abati, a former presidential spokesperson, writes from Lagos. In a country as diverse as Nigeria over 200 million people, 500 languages, more than 200 ethnic groups, and three major religionsthe search for national unity is not just a noble aspiration; it is a strategic necessity for nation-building, deepening democracy, and unlocking sustainable development. Without unity, the state struggles to mobilise citizens collective will, build strong institutions, and deliver inclusive growth. Yet the path to unity is often misunderstood. It is too often pursued as a quick win declared in speeches and celebrated in symbolic moments rather than built through the patient work it requires. True unity demands long-term investment, deliberate trust-building, and reconciliation. It cannot be achieved without confronting, and where possible correcting, historical wrongs that continue to shape relationships between communities and the state. When these deeper fractures are left unaddressed, cohesion remains elusive, and our weak sense of a shared national we persists. The Sense of Us Imperative This is precisely the challenge Ricardo Hausmann describes in his Sense of Us theory: nations cannot advance economically without a deep, widely shared identity that makes citizens feel part of the same we. Without that collective sense of belonging, cooperation falters, sacrifices for the common good become harder to mobilise, and institutions even when well-designed struggle to function. Development, democratic deepening, and nation-building all require the software of social cohesion to match the hardware of policies and institutions. In Nigerias case, rebuilding that shared identity is not a sentimental exercise; it is the foundational work on which trust, effective governance, and sustainable progress depend. National Identity as a Strategic Lever for Cohesion National identity is not a feel-good concept or a cultural afterthought. It is a strategic tool for nation-buildingone that can deliberately foster cohesion in a fragmented society. A strong and inclusive national identity doesnt erase local affiliations; it situates them within a broader, collective narrative. It is about ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or region, feels seen, valued, and included in the national story. Building such an identity requires intentional action. Inclusive education, media representation, national symbols, historical storytelling, and fair policy-making are all vehicles for expanding the group of citizens who see themselves as part of the national whole. One compelling example is Nigerias Special Seats Bill (HB.7), which proposes reserved parliamentary seats for women. This is not just about political quotas; it is an effort to correct the historical exclusion of women from political leadership, expand the circle of contribution and belonging, and signal that women are equal stakeholders in Nigerias future. By increasing womens representation, the Bill strengthens the shared national identity that underpins social cohesion. A Practical Roadmap for Inclusion and Trust Rebuilding Nigeria begins with rebuilding we or, as Ricardo Hausmann describes it, fostering a shared sense of us. This is not a linear process, but one that requires concurrent investments in inclusion, identity-building, and service delivery. Civil society, traditional institutions, media, and government must all work together to create a sense of shared purpose and belonging. Womens political representation is a central pillar in this roadmap, not a side issue. The Special Seats Bill is more than a reform it is an act of identity-making. It expands the boundaries of who belongs and affirms that a nations future must be shaped by all its people. Similar measures such as quotas for youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalised groups can help deepen participation and broaden the national identity. These are not symbolic gestures; they are building blocks of a new, inclusive nation. Alongside representation reforms, other tools include strengthening physical security through effective state protection; economic security through equitable opportunities, social safety nets, and basic services; and inclusive governance through policies that guarantee equal access to justice and uphold the rule of law. Inter-group dialogue, peacebuilding, addressing historical grievances, cultural integration, and sustained civic education all contribute to the same goal: a society where every citizen feels they belong. From Cohesion to Trust and Institutional Strength When social cohesion is strengthened through shared identity and inclusion, it creates the fertile ground upon which trust in governance can grow. People are more likely to engage and cooperate with government pay taxes, vote, comply with laws when they feel represented and valued. Only then can institutions begin to function effectively. Trust is the foundation upon which institutions stand. Without it, no amount of reform or technical expertise will be enough. Citizens trust institutions not because they exist, but because they serve, protect, and reflect their aspirations. Strong public institutions courts that uphold justice, agencies that deliver services fairly, and electoral commissions that ensure credible elections can only thrive in an environment where legitimacy is not in question. That legitimacy stems from a society that believes in its collective identity. Embedding Identity in Culture and Daily Life Cohesion must live not only in official documents but in the daily rhythms, celebrations, and aspirations of Nigerian life. A national identity rooted in the best of our values, historical achievements, and aspirations should be consciously woven into everything we do our policies, our development plans, our reforms, our institutions, our laws, and our social norms. It should also be present in the stories we tell, the music we compose, the films we produce, the books we write, and the educational curricula that shape our childrens minds. It should echo in our public ceremonies, be reinforced in our civic education, and be reflected in the art, media, and cultural symbols that define us at home and abroad. As Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun argued in 1703, if a man were permitted to make all the songs of a nation, he need not care who should make the laws. Conclusion: The Cohesion Imperative Cohesion is not a byproduct of development; it is its foundation. Shared national identity fosters cohesion. Cohesion enables trust. Trust makes institutions work. Womens political representation and the broader inclusion it symbolises is essential to building that identity. To build a Nigeria that delivers for all, we must move beyond rhetoric to deliberate action. We must cultivate a national identity rooted in justice, fairness, and inclusion. Only then can we build institutions that endure, and governance that serves. In the end, a nation is not built solely by its government, but by the strength of its bond with its people. That bond, anchored in shared identity, is the key to a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria. Enene Ejembi is the founder and executive director of Verbatim Virtual Solutions, an international development consulting firm based in Nigeria. Muslim Yusuf, a son of Boko Harams late founder, Mohammed Yusuf, has been arrested in Chad, where he allegedly led a jihadist cell. According to multiple reports, the teenage son of the late founder was born in Nigeria before the 2009 uprising, groomed into militancy, and had begun to carve out his own cell to prove his worth within ISWAP. A source said he was attempting to establish a new base in the Lake Chad region when he was arrested. His true identity was reportedly revealed to the Chadian authorities following a tip-off from Nigerian intelligence. It was gathered that the suspect had initially disguised as Mustapha Bana Abubakar when he was captured alongside five others. According to AFP, Muslim Mohammed Yusuf was detained alongside five suspected members of the Islamist movement. Chadian police had earlier confirmed the arrest of six suspected members of Boko Haram but declined to identify them. It was only after Nigerian intelligence alerted NDjamena through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) that authorities realised one of the suspects was the son of Boko Harams founder. Zagazola Makama reported that the wanted terrorist was captured alongside five others including, Hassan Abdurrahman, suspected logistics aide, Abubakar Mohammed, alleged cell recruiter, Abubakar Ali Madou, believed to be in charge of weapons and mobility and Abdurrahman Mohammed Abdallah, a minor, suspected to have participated in operations. A Nigerian intelligence source in the Lake Chad region said the group belonged to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction that split from Boko Haram in 2016 over ideological differences. The team was headed by Muslim, the youngest son of the late Boko Haram founder, the source told AFP, adding that Yusuf was just 18 and had been an infant when his father was killed in a Nigerian military crackdown in 2009 that left around 800 people dead. Photographs obtained by AFP after the arrests appeared to show a slight young man in a blue tracksuit, resembling Yusuf, standing alongside older men. He is also said to go by the alias Abdrahman Mahamat Abdoulaye and is the younger brother of ISWAP leader Habib Yusuf, also known as Abu Musab al-Barnawi. A former Boko Haram lieutenant, who has since renounced the group but retains knowledge of its leadership, confirmed Mr Yusufs arrest. He and the team were arrested by Chadian security. They are six in number, he said. Chadian police spokesperson Paul Manga described the suspects as bandits who operate in the city they are undocumented, they are members of Boko Haram, adding that the arrests took place a few months ago. The Islamist group has terrorised communities around the Lake Chad basin for 15 years, killing tens of thousands and displacing millions. In recent months, it has staged increasingly bold attacks on villages and military positions in Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger. The arrest comes as Nigerian authorities also confirmed the capture of two top leaders of the Ansaru faction Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Baraa, and Mahmud al-Nigeri, known as Mallam Mamuda. The United States and the United Kingdom hailed the twin breakthroughs as a significant step forward in the fight against terrorism, Arise TV reported. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the US Embassy in Abuja described the captures as a significant forward step in Nigerias fight against terrorism, while the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, hailed them as an extraordinary and very significant success. Mohammed Yusuf, founder of Boko Haram, was captured by the Nigerian military and later executed in police custody in Maiduguri on 30 July, 2009. His death triggered a violent insurgency that has since spread across Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin. His older son, Habib Yusuf, later became leader of ISWAP, the faction that broke away from Boko Haram. Abdrahman, the younger son, is believed to have been groomed to continue the familys militant legacy. For security analysts, the arrest of Yusuf carries outsized symbolic weight. Speaking to Arise TV, Bashir Uji, a terrorism expert, warned that while the capture dealt a blow to jihadist networks, the groups still retain the capacity to regroup and retaliate. Daily Trust also reported that Mr Yusufs detention could prove a major symbolic victory for counter-insurgency efforts in the region. The newspaper cited security experts, including a former director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, who urged Chad to repatriate Yusuf to Nigeria so that he would be a big asset for our security agencies in terms of investigation. The developments come as Washington introduced new security rules requiring Nigerian visa applicants to provide five years of social media handles, phone numbers and email addresses. US officials said the move was designed to tighten screening against individuals with possible extremist links. Nigerian military authorities have previously disclosed that more than 14,000 terrorists and criminals have been arrested over the past two years, with hundreds of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition recovered. Analysts however noted that the country faces a daunting challenge in translating battlefield gains into lasting security. Nigerias congested prisons remain vulnerable to mass jailbreaks, while prosecution of captured insurgents often drags on for years. Unless the state can secure convictions and prevent escapes, experts warn that high-profile arrests such as Yusufs may not deliver the decisive blow that communities in the north-east have long hoped for. People With Disabilities (PWDs) in Ondo State have cried out against their exclusion from budgetary allocations by successive state governments. They have also demanded the protection of their rights so as to make life easier for their members. They were led by the Executive Director, Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI), Olajide Benjamin. Mr Olajide, a computer engineer, told the NUJ, under the chairmanship of Leke Adegbitre, that what government had been doing for the PWDs in Ondo State was charity and not giving them their rights. He said all they were asking from Ondo State Government was equity, inclusion and justice in government programmes. He also called on parents not to keep indoors, their children who are with one disability or another. Mr Olajide said there are medical solutions to most of the disabilities, noting that there was no way such could be attended to if kept indoors. In DINABI, we promote equity, inclusion and justice for PWDs, he said. So, we are asking NUJ to help us on creating awareness among the people, particularly those in the corridor of power, to draw the attention of Ondo State Gvernment to attend to our needs. We dont want sympathy, we dont want pity, we dont want charity measure, but our rights. We are also appealing to parents who have children with disabilities not to keep them indoors. Theres nothing to be ashamed of because a child has one disability or another. Afterall he or she didnt create himself or herself that way. There are medical solutions to most of these disabilities; all we need doing is bringing them to us and we will direct you the appropriate quarters to solve the problem. In his response, Mr Adegbite assured that journalists in the state would not relent in their efforts in ensuring the voice of the people are heard by government and all stakeholders. The NUJ chairman, who was represented by his deputy, Ayodeji Alabi, enjoined by the PWDs to always keep the union abreast of their programmes for adequate support and coverage. We are aware of some of your challenges, I want to promise you that all journalists in Ondo State would not relent in their efforts in being the amplifiers of the voice of the people, he said. I want to implore you to carry us along in your advocacy and other programmes for us to give you all necessary support from our side. Also present at the courtesy visit was the state Secretary of NUJ, Olaoluwa Meishak. This is not the first time PWDs in the state have appealed to Ondo State Government to incorporate them in the budgetary allocations of the state in all sectors of the economy. ALSO READ: 48 PWDs graduate with digital skills from Nigerian institute Promises to better the lives of PWDs has always been in the campaigns of most candidates during elections, but they are neglected as soon as the campaigns are over. For example, the ODatiwa Care & Inclusive Initiative, which includes Free medical outreach for the elderly and vulnerable, widow care, elderly support, and empowerment for women with disabilities, is part of the 10-point agenda for women in the state, besides other plans for economic and financial inclusions. "A Strategic Insight into How the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Other Gulf Nations Are Advancing Innovation, Economic Diversification, and Global Competitiveness Through Higher Education, R&D Investments, and Cross-Border Institutional Partnerships" BOSTON, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest study from BCC Research, the "Academic & Research Collaboration in GCC" is projected to be $109.4 billion by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of 1.8% from 2022 to 2025. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the education and research landscape in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, analyzing key economic indicators, education system structures, and collaborative opportunities. It highlights each country's GDP and population trends, investment in education, and the diversity of educational institutions. The study also explores student enrollment patterns, including local and expatriate populations, and assesses regional and international academic collaborations. Finally, it estimates the total addressable market (TAM) for the education sector through 2025, offering insights for policymakers, investors, and education technology providers into the region's growth and innovation potential. This report is especially relevant now as GCC countries are actively shifting toward knowledge-based economies, reducing reliance on oil and investing strategically in education, research, and innovation. Visionary national strategies like Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE's Higher Education Strategy 2030 are driving reforms in R&D and global academic partnerships. The region is witnessing a surge in international university collaborations, strategic R&D funding in emerging fields like AI and renewable energy, and a strong push for STEM and future-ready skills. With an increasingly young population and shared regional challenges such as climate change and water scarcity, the GCC is prioritizing collaborative research and human capital development to secure a sustainable and competitive future. The factors driving the market's growth include: Digital Transformation and Technological Integration: GCC countries are rapidly adopting digital technologies in education, including AI, cloud computing, and e-learning platforms. These innovations enable seamless collaboration between institutions, enhance research capabilities, and support remote learning and virtual academic exchanges. Strategic Government Policies and National Visions: National strategies like Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Centennial 2071 prioritize education and research as pillars of economic diversification. Governments are actively promoting international academic partnerships, investing in research infrastructure, and reforming regulations to attract global institutions. Shifting Demographics and Growing Demand for Quality Education: With a young and expanding population, the GCC faces rising demand for high-quality education. Students and families are seeking globally recognized degrees and advanced research opportunities, prompting institutions to collaborate internationally to meet these expectations and align with future workforce needs. Growing Role of Private Higher Education and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Private universities and PPPs are increasingly shaping the academic landscape by bringing in global expertise, funding, and innovation. These collaborations help bridge gaps between academia and industry, enhance research output, and improve the relevance and quality of education. Request a sample copy of the academic and research collaboration across the GCC region report. Report Synopsis Report Metric Details Forecast period considered 2022-2025 Base year market size $109.4 billion Growth rate CAGR of 1.8% for the forecast period of 2022-2025 Countries covered Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain Market drivers Digital transformation and technological integration. Strategic government policies and national visions. Shifting demographics and growing demand for quality education. Growing role of private higher education and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Interesting facts: Rising R&D Investment Targets: Saudi Arabia aims to increase its R&D spending from less than 1% to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, a level comparable to developed nations, fueling collaborative research projects. aims to increase its R&D spending from less than 1% to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, a level comparable to developed nations, fueling collaborative research projects. Young Researcher Demographics: More than 60% of researchers in the GCC are under 40 years old, highlighting a young, dynamic scientific community poised for innovation. Cross-Border Academic Networks: The GCC has established regional platforms connecting over 100 universities and research centers, facilitating joint PhD programs, faculty exchanges, and multi-institution research initiatives. Emerging startups: Acadox: Based in Saudi Arabia , Acadox is a cloud-based academic management platform designed to enhance collaboration between students, faculty, and institutions. It streamlines course planning, academic advising, and research coordination across universities in the GCC. Based in , Acadox is a cloud-based academic management platform designed to enhance collaboration between students, faculty, and institutions. It streamlines course planning, academic advising, and research coordination across universities in the GCC. Ureed: Founded in the UAE, Ureed is a freelance marketplace with a growing focus on academic and research services. It connects researchers and institutions with expert linguists, editors, and subject matter specialists, supporting scholarly publishing and knowledge dissemination. Founded in the UAE, Ureed is a freelance marketplace with a growing focus on academic and research services. It connects researchers and institutions with expert linguists, editors, and subject matter specialists, supporting scholarly publishing and knowledge dissemination. Taibah Valley: An innovation hub affiliated with Taibah University in Saudi Arabia , Taibah Valley invests in tech startups that advance education, research, and artificial intelligence. It supports academic entrepreneurship and promotes university-industry R&D collaboration in the Kingdom. An innovation hub affiliated with Taibah University in , Taibah Valley invests in tech startups that advance education, research, and artificial intelligence. It supports academic entrepreneurship and promotes university-industry R&D collaboration in the Kingdom. Mawdoo3 Research Hub: Headquartered in Jordan with growing GCC ties, Mawdoo3's research arm is building AI-powered tools to support Arabic-language academic research and knowledge sharing. The platform aids regional institutions in conducting and publishing accessible, high-impact research. Headquartered in with growing GCC ties, Mawdoo3's research arm is building AI-powered tools to support Arabic-language academic research and knowledge sharing. The platform aids regional institutions in conducting and publishing accessible, high-impact research. Labayh Academy: Originally developed to support mental health professionals in Saudi Arabia , Labayh Academy is expanding its e-learning and academic training modules across GCC universities. The platform fosters interdisciplinary collaboration through virtual academic courses and professional development. The report addresses the following questions: What are the GCC Education industry market's projected growth rate and market size? - The estimated market size of the GCC education industry is estimated to be $109.4 billion by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of 1.8%. Which factors are driving the growth of the MENA renewable energy market? - National transformation agendas emphasizing education, innovation, and knowledge-based economies (e.g., Saudi Vision 2030, UAE Centennial 2071). - Government funding and strategic investments in higher education, R&D, and innovation hubs across the region. - Growing international partnerships between GCC universities and top global academic institutions. - Focus on future-ready skills and STEM education to meet evolving workforce demands. - Shared regional challenges (e.g., climate change, water security, food sustainability) requiring collaborative research solutions. - Rising global rankings and academic reputation goals of GCC universities, driving the need for high-impact research output. - Public-private partnerships and industry-academia collaboration foster applied research and innovation. Which market segments are covered in the report? - The education industry in the GCC is analyzed based on GDP, population, education expenditure, total number of educational institutions, total number of students by grade, and total addressable market size for each country. Which country will be dominant through 2030? - Saudi Arabia dominates the education industry in the GCC with a market share of 61.3% in 2024. Saudi Arabia has the most extensive education system in the GCC, driven by a rapidly growing population and substantial government investments under Vision 2030. The Kingdom emphasizes modernizing its curriculum, integrating digital learning, and enhancing vocational and higher education to meet market needs. Institutions such as King Saud University and KAUST are fostering research and innovation. The government is also promoting PPPs and expanding international collaborations to raise quality and diversify educational offerings. Related reports: GCC Country-Level Market Entry Guidelines: This report provides a concise yet comprehensive analysis of market entry opportunities in the GCC region, highlighting each country's economic scale, regulatory environment, infrastructure readiness, and sector-specific opportunities. It offers strategic insights into investment conditions, operational risks, and entry strategies to help international stakeholders navigate the region's unique business landscape and unlock growth potential. Purchase a copy of the report direct from BCC Research. For further information on any of these reports or to make a purchase, please get in touch with [email protected]. About BCC Research BCC Research market research reports provide objective, unbiased measurement and assessment of market opportunities. Our experienced industry analysts' goal is to help you make informed business decisions free of noise and hype. Contact Us Corporate HQ: 50 Milk St., Ste. 16, Boston, MA 02109, USA Email: [email protected] Phone: +1 781-489-7301 For media inquiries, email [email protected] or visit our media page for access to our market research library. Any data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183242/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE BCC Research LLC Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump and European leaders discussed Ukraine's security guarantees as a start to ending the war. "As for the topics, we talked about the security guarantee, this is a key issue, as a start to ending the war. That is, what should be at the end, namely protection, we start with it and start working," Zelenskyy said during a briefing in Washington. "It is important that the US sends a clear signal that it will be among the countries that will help, coordinate, and also be participants in the security guarantee for Ukraine. I believe this is a big step forward," he said. Aqurus Solutions will offer live, interactive demos of Acumatica Manufacturing Edition, the cloud-based manufacturing ERP system built to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and support digital transformation in the manufacturing sector. At CMTS 2025, attendees can explore how Acumatica's smart manufacturing ERP software helps manufacturers: Accelerate Data-Driven Decisions : Real-time dashboards and reporting for agile business insight : Real-time dashboards and reporting for agile business insight Boost Efficiency : Streamline production workflows, inventory, and supply chain operations : Streamline production workflows, inventory, and supply chain operations Integrate Smart Tech : Connect seamlessly with IoT, robotics, and automation tools : Connect seamlessly with IoT, robotics, and automation tools Scale Without Limits: A flexible, cloud-native platform designed to grow with your business Why CMTS 2025? As Canada's national stage for manufacturing innovation, CMTS attracts thousands of industry professionals looking to stay ahead of trends, technologies, and best practices. The event features: Live Tech Demonstrations : From smart manufacturing to additive technologies and digital twins : From smart manufacturing to additive technologies and digital twins Industry Keynotes and Sessions : Learn from leading voices on Industry 4.0, AI, and workforce evolution : Learn from leading voices on Industry 4.0, AI, and workforce evolution Unmatched Networking: Connect with peers, suppliers, and tech leaders from across Canada and beyond Join Aqurus Solutions at CMTS Don't miss the opportunity to explore how Acumatica's smart manufacturing ERP software is helping Canadian manufacturers gain a competitive edge in a connected, digital economy. Stop by Booth #2517 to see the platform in action. Event Details: Dates: September 29 October 2, 2025 Location: The International Centre, Toronto, ON Booth: #2517 Register: Visit http://www.cmts.ca to get your free registration Overall Exhibition Strategy CMTS 2025, Canada's flagship manufacturing tech event, features more than 750 exhibitors and attracts over 10,000 professionals exploring innovations in AI, robotics, additive manufacturing, CNC, automation, and metrology all within a massive 400,000 ft exhibition venue with live demos and interactive sessions. These big exhibitors aim to: Showcase practical, live applications of automation, CNC machining, precision measurement, and smart manufacturing. Facilitate industry education through demos, hands-on exhibits, and technology showcases rooted in Industry 4.0. Foster networking and business partnershipsconnecting OEMs, suppliers, and end-users to drive adoption of modern manufacturing tech in Canada . In summary, from AIdriven machine tools to precision measuring systems and robotic integration, the leading exhibitors at CMTS 2025 are united in one mission: accelerating digital transformation and industrial automation for Canada's manufacturing future. Acumatica is coming to CMTS 2025 with a full lineup, booth demos, educational content, and advanced ERP tech to help manufacturers leverage AI, automation, and digital tools for transformative operational gains. About Aqurus Solutions Aqurus Solutions is a leading provider of Acumatica Cloud ERP solutions, specializing in delivering innovative software designed to help manufacturers enhance their operations and drive digital transformation. Through its expertise in manufacturing ERP, Aqurus helps businesses improve efficiency, optimize supply chains, and stay ahead of industry trends. SOURCE Aqurus Solutions HELSINGBORG, Sweden, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the global defense exhibition DSEI 2025 in London, September 9-12, MilDef will present the next generation of systems for a digitalized, data-driven defense - focusing on increased efficiency and connectivity, NATO interoperability, and future-proof technology. Visit MilDef at booth N7-130. DSEI 2025 (Defence and Security Equipment International) will be the largest edition in the event's 25-year history, gathering approximately 1,600 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors. DSEI emphasizes the importance of integrating the operational domains: air, land, sea, space, cyber, and electromagnetic defense capabilities. Among a wide range of rugged computers, servers, network products, tablets, displays, and specialized electronics for battlefield digitalization, MilDef will showcase the next generation of rugged displays and vehicle electronics based on GVA standards and video over ethernet technology. MilDefs solutions enable real-time data sharing, enhanced crew safety, and future-proof, modular upgrades - for superior operational efficiency in the harshest environments. From NVIS compatible displays to integrated sensor systems, MilDef demonstrate how connected, scalable architectures are shaping the future of military vehicles. "At DSEI, MilDef is at the forefront of helping armed forces stay connected, protected, and mission-ready. We are showcasing the latest in technology development for greater interoperability, modernization, and mission-critical support - when and where the stakes are the highest. Never before have we presented such a complete spectrum of end-to-end solutions for the data-driven defense, enabling our customers to digitalize critical information flows in challenging environments," says Fredrik Persson, CTO and Vice President of MilDef Group. DSEI will take place September 912 at the ExCeL Convention Center in London. MilDef's booth is N7-130. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out below, at 09:00 CET on August, 19, 2025. For more information, please contact: Daniel Ljunggren, CEO and President Phone: +46 70 668 00 15 Email: [email protected] Olof Engvall, Head of IR & Communications Phone: +46 735 41 45 73 Email: [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com The following files are available for download: Celebrating lifesaving action and calling for Aurora Prize nominations WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On World Humanitarian Day, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative stands in solidarity with humanitarians across the globe who are risking their lives daily to provide assistance, restore hope, and uphold the dignity of people caught in crisis. To mark the day, Aurora's CEO Armine Afeyan and co-founder and president of Women's Solidarity for Inclusive Peace and Development (SOFEPADI) Julienne Lusenge share an op-ed on how we can better support those brave humanitarians on the frontlinesread it here. "World Humanitarian Day is a reminder that even in the darkest places, there are selfless individuals quietly doing the work not for recognition, but because lives depend on it," said Dr. Tom Catena, the sole surgeon serving more than a million people in Sudan's Nuba Mountains and an early recipient of the Aurora Prize. "Don't forget that there are people here, right now, who need our help. And we must not turn away." On World Humanitarian Day, Aurora stands in solidarity with humanitarians who risk their lives to help others. Post this Amidst historic foreign aid cuts and escalating crises around the world, it is crucial to recognize the resilience and dedication of local humanitarian workers and to mobilize global support in response to the mounting needs on the ground. Nearly 190 million people are living in life-threatening conditions, according to the United Nations, with the number of forcibly displaced persons more than doubling, from 59 million to 123 million, since 2014. "Today, we honor not only those who respond to suffering, but also those who inspire others to act. At Aurora, we shine a light on the individuals who step in where institutions fall short. These grassroots humanitarians are the foot soldiers of humanity, working on the ground, often unseen," noted Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder and Chair of the Board of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and Founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering. "Our mission is to amplify, support their lifesaving work, and remind the world that even in the face of overwhelming need, courage and compassion remain powerful forces for positive change." In recognition of World Humanitarian Day, Aurora reaffirms its commitment to the principle of Gratitude in Actionthe impulse to give back when you yourself have benefitted from the courageous action of another. "For us to do this work, we need people who will raise funds. We need people who will tell our stories. We need people who will protect the people we've rescued. We need people who will fight fights in rooms that we wouldn't go to," stated Dr. Yolanda George-David, Founder of Aunt Landa's Bethel Foundation in Nigeria. Dr. George-David is part of the network of Aurora Luminaries and has dedicated her life to rehabilitation and empowerment of survivors of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and gender-based violence. Since its founding, Aurora has impacted the lives of over 3.5 million people across 63 countries and territories through its flagship $1 million Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity and other humanitarian programs. The Initiative encourages individuals and organizations to nominate exceptional humanitarians for the next Aurora Prize to help raise global awareness and provide life-changing support to grassroots efforts making a tangible impact worldwide. On November 6, 2025, Aurora will host the 2025 Aurora Prize Ceremony on Ellis Island in New York City, honoring exceptional local humanitarians and celebrating a decade of impact. The event will bring together grassroots humanitarians, visionary philanthropists, and global changemakers, including Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners and leaders who serve on the Aurora Prize Selection Committee. About the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Aurora Humanitarian Initiative catalyzes lifesaving work by celebrating and supporting exceptional humanitarians around the world. Aurora was founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors. Over the past decade, the organization has built a global network and supported more than 3.5 million people affected by humanitarian crises. By funding humanitarians around the world who continue the cycle of giving, this work contributes to proliferating humanitarianism into the future. For more information, please visit www.AuroraHumanitarian.org. SOURCE Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Family-Owned Company Behind Two of Chicago's Favorite Culinary Traditions Achieves Key Milestones in 2025 CHICAGO, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Buona Companies, the family-owned business behind two of Chicago's most iconic food brands Buona (Bow'nuh), known as the original Italian beef from the city that invented the sandwich, and The Original Rainbow Cone , a historic 100-year-old ice cream brandis celebrating a formidable start to the year. An exterior view of a Buona and Rainbow Cone Express location, where two of Chicagos most iconic family-owned brands meet under one roof. As part of its nationwide expansion, the company added four new locations to its footprint in Gurnee, Illinois; Crown Point, Indiana; Cypress, California; and Orlando, Florida, with additional units in development in Tennessee, Missouri, and Florida. High-growth metro areas in the Midwest, such as Columbus, Detroit, Indianapolis, and St. Louis, are targets for future development. The company's momentum is driven by its signature regional favorites, now reaching new markets across the country and earning continued industry recognition. Buona was recently named a Fast Casual Top 100 Mover & Shaker and hailed by Axios as "Chicago's Best Italian Beef," while Rainbow Cone earned a spot on TimeOut LA's list of Chicago's best ice cream shops . "Our flexible formats include free-standing drive-thru, in-line locations, and dual-branded 'Express' shops featuring Chicago's most iconic sandwich and one of the city's oldest ice cream traditions," said Joe Buonavolanto, Executive Vice President of Buona Companies. "What's more, we're creating incomparable opportunities that allow operators to be the first to introduce guests to a Chicago institution that still prepares Italian beef the way it was meant to beslow-roasted using the same family method since day one." In addition, Buona's industry-leading loyalty program with over 300,000 members has yielded great returns, with participation increasing by more than 34%, daily loyalty sales by more than 19%, and new sign-ups by more than 100%. Menu innovation also drives excitement, with additions like the Italian beefless vegan sandwich, a variety of protein bowls, and refreshing seasonal salads. Rainbow Cone continues to delight guests with a unique selection of multi-flavored sliced cones. Passionate operators looking to bring Chicago's most iconic flavors to their communities are encouraged to visit www.buonafranchise.com and www.rainbowconefranchise.com for more information. About Buona and The Original Rainbow Cone Buona and The Original Rainbow Cone bring two Chicago family-owned traditions together, combining Buona's authentic recipe for Italian beef sandwiches and The Original Rainbow Cone's famous 5-flavor "Rainbow Cone." Buona's founders, Joe and Peggy opened the first Buona restaurant in Berwyn, Illinois in 1981, which featured their authentic recipe for Italian beef sandwiches. Today, the Buona brand is driven by multiple generations of Buonavolantos and hard-working, dedicated employees. Rainbow Cone was founded in 1926 by "Grandpa Joe" Sapp, who invented the uniquely sliced five-flavor Rainbow Cone. SOURCE Buona Companies DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, in collaboration with Block Scholes, released its latest Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report , offering deep insights into market-moving macro events, the state of crypto markets, and trading signals from spot and derivatives markets. Last week, Ether (ETH) surged more than 20%, approaching its November 2021 all-time high, fueled by record institutional participation and a historic $1 billion single-day inflow into ETH Spot ETFs on August 11, 2025. Firms such as SharpLink Gaming and BitMine Immersion Technologies led the charge, with BitMine surpassing the 1 million ETH milestone and outlining plans to expand its equity program by $20 billion. Key Market Highlights ETH rallies 23% this week , extending its 30-day gain to 55% and outperforming Bitcoin year-to-date. , extending its 30-day gain to 55% and outperforming year-to-date. Record $1B inflow into ETH Spot ETFs on Aug 11, 2025 , alongside bullish derivatives positioning. into Spot ETFs on , alongside bullish derivatives positioning. ETH options skew flipped from 11% to +4.8% in favor of short-tenor calls, signaling strong upside sentiment. flipped from 11% to +4.8% in favor of short-tenor calls, signaling strong upside sentiment. BTC hits new ATH of $124K on Aug 14, 2025 , after President Trump's executive order permitting 401(k) investments in digital assets. on , after President Trump's executive order permitting 401(k) investments in digital assets. BTC options volatility briefly spiked from 24% to 34% as spot broke key resistance levels, with demand shifting toward upside calls. ETH: Institutional Demand Dominates Ether's rally is supported by unprecedented institutional inflows and favorable regulatory momentum boosting stablecoin and tokenization activity on Ethereum. Despite rapid price appreciation, daily ETH options volumes held steady at $200 million, with traders aggressively pricing short-term gains. A brief term structure inversion on Aug 10 underscored market conviction in near-term upside potential. BTC: Sentiment Reversal Toward Upside Bitcoin surged past $116K to $122K before reaching a record $124K. The rally coincided with a sharp reversal in derivatives sentiment as short-tenor call demand grew. The week's defining catalyst was President Trump's executive order, potentially opening the door to $8.7 trillion in U.S. retirement fund capital entering the digital asset space. Positive Skews Highlight Bullish Outlook Bybit and Block Scholes data show ETH option skews holding firm in positive territory, reflecting growing optimism. Institutional players have maintained aggressive accumulation strategies, and options markets are mirroring this confidence with sustained premiums for calls over puts. The full report offers in-depth charts, options flow analysis, and technical breakdowns to guide traders in navigating these historic market conditions. For detailed insights, readers may download the full report. #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BybitLearn About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com . Fr more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube SOURCE Bybit WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, August 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued its determinations imposing derivative steel and aluminum tariffs on dry van trailers and refrigerated trailers (also known as "reefers"), and subassemblies thereof, pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Section 232). These derivative tariffs come in response to the May 15, 2025 requests submitted by the American Trailer Manufacturers Coalition asking that Commerce expand the Section 232 tariffs to include additional steel and aluminum derivative products. The ad hoc coalition of U.S. trailer manufacturers includes Great Dane, Stoughton Trailers, Strick Trailers, and Wabash. As the Coalition explained in its requests, rapidly rising imports of foreign-made dry vans and reefers, from Mexico and China in particular, have undermined the effectiveness of the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs and threaten the vitality of the U.S. dry van and reefer industry. Commerce's ruling will allow the U.S. dry van and reefer industry to remain commercially competitive and level the playing field against foreign imports that lessen demand for American-made steel and aluminum. Counsel to the Coalition, Robert E. DeFrancesco, partner at Wiley Rein LLP's International Trade Practice, said, "The Coalition appreciates the Administration's action to address unfair trade practices impacting the U.S. dry van and reefer industry. Commerce's decision to impose Section 232 derivative tariffs on these imports is a critical step toward restoring fair competition and protecting American manufacturing." Per the notice scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on August 19, 2025, Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs covering U.S. imports of dry van and reefer products under HTS 8716390040 took effect at 12:01 EST August 18, 2025. The Wiley team also includes International Trade partner Laura El-Sabaawi and associate John Allen Riggins. For more information, please contact Robert DeFrancesco at 202.719.7473 or [email protected]. SOURCE Wiley Rein LLP FAB Group set to elevate hospitality offerings across the Middle East Flagship destinations to open in major cities across the GCC, including a minimum of 25 in the UAE over the next five years Over 800 jobs to be created in the UAE hospitality sector alone DUBAI, UAE, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FAB Group, a lifestyle and culinary venture created by UAE-based investment and development company, DEAL Holdings, launches today with the aim of leading innovation in hospitality, dining and brand development across the MENA region. Abdalla AlMheiri CEO, DEAL Holding Through the combination of a forward-thinking approach and exceptional local insight, FAB Group will launch popular boutique brands featuring Michelin-star talent from the UK and Europe across the region, while also creating immersive culinary and lifestyle experiences, elevating MENA's position on the global hospitality map. Fully supported by DEAL Holdings, a local investment and development company, FAB Group is committed to delivering long-lasting impact across the region, with a minimum of 25 new locations set to open in the UAE over the next five years, with additional flagship destinations arriving in Riyadh, Jeddah, Doha and the Red Sea. Along with enhancing the region's ever-growing reputation as a global culinary hub, the launch of FAB Group will support local talent, providing access to employment opportunities with roughly 800 jobs set to be created in the UAE alone over the next five years, and more across the wider GCC. Andrew Cullen, FAB Group Regional F&B Director, said: "Over the course of the next few months, we will be making some hugely exciting announcements which will significantly enhance the region's F&B offerings and redefine how the industry is perceived both on a regional and global level. "The Middle East is already widely regarded as a leader in this space, with many of the world's biggest brands now operating in the region. Our ambition is to build on the fantastic work which has already been carried out and strengthen MENA's global status." Abdalla Al'Mheiri, DEAL Holdings CEO, added: "We are thrilled to introduce FAB Group to the Middle East market, marking a significant moment for the region's hospitality sector, which continues to thrive. "Created by DEAL Holdings, FAB Group has big ambitions, and we are fully committed to making strategic investment, enabling the brand to evolve with a clear direction while achieving its long-term objectives." FAB Group's portfolio will span fine dining, contemporary cuisine, cafe culture, nightlife, wellness concepts, and luxury brand collaborations. Several flagship projects are already in development and will be announced in the coming months. A major investment and development company, DEAL Holdings boasts a substantial number of branded residences, hospitality projects and commercial real estate across the MENA region. For more information about DEAL Holdings and FAB Group, visit: www.deal.holdings | thefoodandbeverage.group Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2752377/Abdalla_Al_Mheiri_CEO_DEAL_Holding.jpg SOURCE DEAL Holding, LLC; FAB Group BOGOTA, Colombia, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) announces that during the Board of Directors meeting held on August 19, 2025, Dr. Guillermo Garcia Realpe voluntarily resigned from his role as Chairman of the Board for personal reasons. However, he will continue to serve as a member of the Board and as Chair of the Compensation, Nomination, and Culture Committee. Consequently, the Board of Directors elected Dr. Monica de Greiff Lindo as the new Chairwoman and Dr. Angela Maria Robledo Gomez as Vice Chairwoman of the Board, effective August 20, 2025. Ecopetrol expresses its gratitude to Dr. Garcia Realpe for his leadership, commitment, and valuable contributions as Chairman of the Board, and extends its best wishes for success to Drs. De Greiff and Robledo in their new roles. Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector. This release contains statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements, whether made in this release or in future filings or press releases, or orally, address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, including in respect of the Company's prospects for growth and its ongoing access to capital to fund the Company's business plan, among others. Consequently, changes in the following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements: market prices of oil & gas, our exploration, and production activities, market conditions, applicable regulations, the exchange rate, the Company's competitiveness and the performance of Colombia's economy and industry, to mention a few. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. For more information, please contact: Head of Capital Markets Carolina Tovar Aragon Email: [email protected] Head of Corporate Communications (Colombia) Marcela Ulloa Email: [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/95646/ecopetrol_s_a__logo.jpg SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A. RIGA, Latvia, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Northern European data center operator Delska's upcoming facility, EU North Riga LV DC1, has been awarded the prestigious Uptime Institute Tier III Design Certificationan important milestone ahead of its planned launch at the end of this year. Once operational, it will be one of the greenest data centers in the Baltic region. Delska's new 10MW data center in Latvia achieves Tier III Design Certification The Tier III Design certification ensures the facility meets strict standards for redundancy, safety, and uninterrupted service, guaranteeing 99.982% uptime. "In a world where even a few seconds of downtime can cost thousands, Tier III means our infrastructure stays onlineeven during planned maintenance," said Delska CEO Andris Gailitis. Addressing power shortages in major European hubs, the 10 MW site, offering up to 250 kW per rack, is built for next-generation workloads, including AI and high-performance computing (HPC). Its modular 6,000 m layout is fully scalable, with the ability to expand the data center campus site up to 30 MW. Sustainability is at the core of the design. The facility will run entirely on 100% wind energy, with backup generators powered by Neste MY renewable diesel. Targeting a PUE of just 1.3, it will use advanced free-cooling systems, hot-aisle containment, an effective Weiss Technik wall cooling system and Trane Turbocor-based chillers. It supports both air cooling and high-density direct-to-chip cooling. Delska also aims for LEED green building certification, an achievement held by fewer than 15 buildings in Latvia. Upon completion, LV DC1 will undergo Tier III Facility certification to confirm its construction and operations meet the same high standard as its design. This will be Delska's third Tier III-certified data center and sixth overall, joining two Tier III Facility-certified sites in Lithuania. Plans include an additional Lithuanian data center and another facility in the region, strengthening Delska's Baltic data centers' network. About Delska Delska is one of the largest data center operators in the Baltics, with over 26 years in IT and network infrastructure. Operating fully green Tier III and PCI-DSS certified facilities in Riga and Vilnius with 19 MW capacity, Delska also maintains points of presence in Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Stockholm. Its portfolio includes cloud, server rental, network, security, and managed services. Since being acquired by Quaero European Infrastructure Fund II in 2020, Delska has significantly expanded its infrastructure and improved energy efficiency. In 2024, DEAC (Latvia) and DLC (Lithuania) merged under a new Delska brand, and this year RackRay (Lithuania) joined the group of companies. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753423/Delska_New_Center.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753422/Delska_Logo.jpg Slayton joins as President following recent investment as company expands market presence and strengthens its leading back-of-house restaurant operations software platform KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosnet, a leading back-of-house restaurant management platform, today announced the appointment of Derek Slayton as President, effective immediately. Following the recent strategic investment in Rosnet by M33 Growth, Slayton has joined the company to work closely with CEO Maggie Peters. In this role, he will execute product innovation and drive long-term growth for Rosnet as a leading back-of-house operations solution for multi-unit restaurant owners. Slayton brings over 20 years of experience in B2B software and data companies with a proven track record of leading organizations through rapid growth while delivering product innovation and outstanding customer experiences. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of BigTime Software, where he helped triple the size of the company through organic growth and several strategic acquisitions and supported the company's majority investment by Vista Equity Partners in 2022. "Derek is an accomplished executive with a proven track record of building and leading great teams," said Maggie Peters, CEO of Rosnet. "His expertise in product strategy and his ability to effectively scale a company are exactly what we need for this next chapter of growth. I am thrilled to partner with him as we accelerate our mission to deliver best-in-class solutions to the restaurant industry." "Rosnet is uniquely positioned to simplify the back-of-house operating challenges of today's restaurant managers and has an incredible history of working closely with its clients to provide them with the support they need as they grow their businesses," said Derek Slayton. "I am excited to be joining Maggie and look forward to working with the amazing team here and helping them to scale this business and accelerate product innovation." Prior to BigTime, Slayton held executive product, marketing, and general management roles at Terminus Software, Dun & Bradstreet, Turbonomic, and Citrix Systems. Since its founding in 1998, Rosnet has established itself as a comprehensive back-of-house restaurant management platform that provides multi-unit operators with real-time control and visibility into ongoing food and labor operations. The platform enables restaurants to optimize decisions, reduce costs, and ultimately drive profitability through intuitive tools that support budget management, inventory control, operational checklists, and forecasting. The Kansas City-based company serves a wide range of establishments, including quick service, fast casual, and fine dining concepts, partnering with leading brands such as Applebee's, Wendy's, Corner Bakery, STK, and IHOP. Rosnet's solutions help streamline back-office food and labor operations, providing restaurant operators with the data-driven insights needed to enhance operational efficiency. About Rosnet: Founded in 1998, Rosnet has grown into a respected leader in the restaurant data and operations marketplace. Thousands of locations, including large multi-unit concepts like Applebee's, Wendy's, Corner Bakery, STK, and IHOP, utilize the company's reporting, food management, and labor management systems. Rosnet couples easy-to-use tools with world-class support to help restaurant companies maximize profits without the need to invest in multiple systems. Learn more at www.rosnet.com. SOURCE Rosnet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has thanked Putin for his phone call to inform him of his meeting with Trump in Alaska, Modi said on X on Monday. "Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. I look forward to our continued exchanges in the days to come," Modi wrote. As reported, it was India that was hit by US sanctions over its purchase of oil and weapons from Russia. The US imposed a 25% tariff on imports from India on August 1, which is considered the first example of Trump imposing "secondary" sanctions on Russia's trading partners. The private aviation solutions provider earns top national and regional rankings, reinforcing FlyUSA's rapid growth within the industry TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Inc. has revealed that FlyUSA, a premier on-demand jet charter and private aviation solutions provider, ranks #419 on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, its annual list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States. Of the 5,000 companies, FlyUSA is also the 51st fastest growing in Florida and 10th fastest in the Travel and Hospitality Industry. For the second year in a row, FlyUSA is the fastest-growing private jet company on the list. These accolades underscore FlyUSA's unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction. FlyUSA Recognized as the Fastest-Growing Private Aviation Company in the USA for the Second Year in a Row This recognition comes alongside another significant achievement: securing the #4 spot on the Tampa Bay Business Journal's Fast 50 list, which ranks the 50 fastest-growing companies in the Tampa Bay region. "We are honored to be recognized both nationally and regionally for our growth, which is a result of our laser focus on client experience," said Barry Shevlin, Co-Founder and CEO of FlyUSA. "Our employees, clients, owners and business partners all contribute to our success. We are proud to share these accolades with them as we continue to bring the highest standards to the private aviation industry." This marks Shevlin's 13th year as CEO of a company on the Inc. 5000 list. Inc. assesses companies on its Inc. 5000 list based on percentage revenue growth from 2021 to 2024. The Tampa Bay Business Journal's Fast 50 list, on the other hand, is based on revenue growth from 2022 to 2024. Both recognitions highlight companies that have successfully navigated the current challenges of an uncertain economy. FlyUSA anticipates revenue to be $75 million to $80 million in 2025, reflecting a doubling of year-over-year revenue. To support this momentum and meet rising client demand, the company has expanded its staff to a total of 110 employees nationwide. Since its inception in 2020, the company has expanded its services to include global private flight charters, aircraft acquisitions and management, co-ownership opportunities, the Ascend Club membership program, and the Freedom Jet Card program. The FlyUSA managed fleet has grown to 30 aircraft, with a focus on Pilatus PC-12 turboprops, Cessna Citation light and mid-size jets, and the larger Dassault Falcon Jets for transcontinental and trans-Atlantic travel. Looking ahead to the future, FlyUSA is leveraging its asset-light model to drive innovation through technology. The company is set to launch a new mobile app designed to streamline and personalize the private flight booking experience. Informed by deep consumer insights, this digital platform will redefine how modern travelers discover, book and manage private air travel delivering convenience, transparency and control at their fingertips. About FlyUSA: FlyUSA provides seamless, end-to-end private aviation solutions across the United States. Founded by pilots and built on a commitment to safety, growth and doing the right thing, FlyUSA offers on-demand charter flights, the Ascend Club membership, jet card programs and full-service aircraft management. With a growing fleet of 30 managed aircraft and more than 2,000 clients nationwide, FlyUSA has been recognized by Inc. as the fastest-growing private aviation company in the USA for two years in a row. For more information, visit FlyUSA.com. SOURCE FlyUSA The retailer has awarded over $1 million to loyal customers who shop with 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards so far in 2025 IRVING, Texas, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 7-Eleven, Inc., the world's largest convenience retailer, is giving back to loyal customers through its Make My Day With $5K program. Launched at the beginning of the year, 7-Eleven's reward programs have transformed routine snack runs and fuel stops at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores into unexpected celebrations by awarding loyal shoppers with $5,000 through the 7-Eleven and Speedway apps. The retailer has awarded over $1 million to loyal customers who shop with 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards so far in 2025 The retailer has awarded over $1 million to loyal customers who shop with 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards so far in 2025 Every day, 7-Eleven makes someone's day, $5,000 at a time. With one 7Rewards winner and one Speedy Rewards winner each day, more than 400 people across 34 states have already won this year and the momentum continues to build. With over $1 million awarded to customers so far, that's enough cash to cover approximately 386,000 Big Bite hot dogs, a Slurpee drink every day for the next 13 years or enough fuel to drive more than 10 laps around the Earth.* From coast to coast, these Make My Day With 5K wins are creating moments of joy, relief and possibility. Winners are putting their prizes to good use, including booking long-overdue getaways, celebrating meaningful milestones and supporting causes close to their hearts. "This win didn't just make my day. It validated everything we've been trying to build and helped me believe more is possible," said Alysia W., who donated her winnings to a nonprofit that provides food, supplies and care for neighbors and animals in her community. David D. plans to use his winnings to purchase an engagement ring for the love of his life, turning a long-held dream into reality. "This is something I've dreamed about, and winning Make My Day With $5K is helping me make it a reality," he said. To see the complete list of winners across the country, visit here. "At 7-Eleven, we're all about turning everyday moments into something extraordinary and what's more extraordinary than a $5,000 surprise?" said Marissa Jarratt, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer at 7-Eleven, Inc. "The Make My Day With $5K program is our way of saying thank you to the customers who choose us for their daily pick-me-ups. It's a simple, joyful way to celebrate the connection built with our customers over time." With approximately $815,000** still up for grabs before the end of the year, it's not too late for customers to join in on the fun. Loyalty members can enter to win by shopping, scanning their app at checkout and unlocking access to the in-app game. Extra gameplays are unlocked with 7-Eleven favorites like Slurpee and Big Gulp drinks, hot dogs and fuel purchases. For a limited time, snacks and beverages like any CELSIUS product, including the 7-Eleven exclusive Fizz Free Pink Lemonade or the Playa Vibe and Retro Vibe flavors also earn gameplays. A full list of participating products can be found here.*** More items purchased means more opportunities to win. Make My Day With $5K is 7-Eleven's way of turning loyalty into something greater than points a genuine thank you that customers can feel and use. *Statistical equivalents are based on average national pricing as of 2025 and are intended for illustrative purposes only. Actual product prices and fuel costs may vary by location and over time. 7-Eleven, Inc. 2025 7-Eleven, Inc. All rights reserved. **Approximate remaining prize value based on the number of days left in the 2025 program calendar and the planned daily award amounts. Actual number of prizes awarded and total amount distributed may vary due to eligibility, participation or other factors. Subject to official rules and verification. 2025 7-Eleven, Inc. All rights reserved. ***NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO PLAY OR WIN. Begins 3/5/25 at 12:00:01am ET & ends 1/6/26 at 11:59:59 pm ET. Open to registered 7-Eleven App and Speedway App users who are legal US residents physically residing in 50 US/DC, 16+ years old (minors must get parental consent to participate). Odds of winning depend on total number of eligible gameplays received and the date/time of play. Sponsor: 7-Eleven, Inc. For full details on how to play without a purchase, the free 7-Eleven/Speedway Apps & full Official Rules, go to https://bit.ly/5K-ThruP6 About 7-Eleven, Inc. 7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name in the U.S. convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 13,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to 7-Eleven stores, 7-Eleven, Inc. operates and franchises Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Company and Raise the Roost Chicken and Biscuits locations. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee, Big Bite and Big Gulp, 7-Eleven offers customers fresh, high-quality and convenient food options like sandwiches, salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings and mini beef tacos. 7-Eleven also offers customers industry-leading packaged products at an outstanding value with its 7-Select private brand. Customers can earn and redeem points on various items in stores nationwide through its 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards loyalty programs with more than 100 million members, place an order in the 7NOW delivery app with real-time tracking and delivery typically in about 30 minutes, or rely on 7-Eleven for other convenient services. Find out more online at www.7-eleven.com. SOURCE 7-Eleven, Inc. New partnership expands quality of culinary and dining experience for residents, staff GLENDALE, Calif, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Front Porch Communities and Services and CCL Hospitality Group have entered into a new partnership to fulfill Front Porch's innovative vision for culinary and dining. "Through our new partnership with CCL Hospitality Group, Front Porch is redefining the dining experience across all communities, with gradual, resident-centered changes taking place," says Mary McMullin, chief operating officer at Front Porch. Inspired by the fundamental understanding that the community is the residents' home, Front Porch and CCL are developing a culinary and dining experience that is warm, personal and full of choice. Over the past year, Pierre-Marie Leprince, Front Porch's vice president for culinary and dining, has refined a 10-point vision that transforms the dining experience for residents in Front Porch's 16 senior living communities. "When we talk about quality of the dining experience, it starts with the experience in their home," he says. "The quality that residents experience when served the food ingredients, the 'center of the plate', is our culinary and dining team's ultimate goal as well as their shared purpose." While developing this vision, Front Porch decided to partner with CCL Hospitality Group to assist its culinary and dining team in providing a grounded and elevated resident experience that feels like home. Since launching this one-of-a-kind partnership in May, CCL regional chefs and hospitality services have been working in collaboration with the current culinary and dining team at each community to understand their operation and to customize the culinary and dining vision and concept to the individual taste of each community. "CCL's regional chef team is critical to this process," says McMullin. "The CCL team has taken the Front Porch vision and then brought its experience into our communities, creating a solid foundation of processes that we can build on. This partnership has allowed us to examine our existing practices and ask ourselves how they connect to our vision and how they impact quality: on the plate, in the resident experience and with our team." Starting with behind the scenes processes for inventory and procurement, CCL has been getting to know each individual community, determining specialty ingredients and local vendors that are unique to each location. New menus will begin rolling out this fall. "Having what you like at home is a basic expectation," says Leprince. "If you sustain that, it drives performance because it means residents get what they want and know they are not just getting food services. They are part of a community in a place they know is their home." "That experience starts as soon as a person walks through the front door to the community," says Byron Eigenhuis, regional vice president of CCL Hospitality Group. "Whether it's the front desk or the care center or the dining venue, that's where the experience starts. We want to help Front Porch residents feel that experience, bringing our expertise in the culinary and dining world to support the Front Porch team." CCL is also offering culinary and dining training programs to strengthen and support the culinary and dining team not replace them. "With this partnership, our team members are more confident and feel more comfortable in their roles. That comes through, both in the quality on the plate and the quality of the experience," says McMullin. "The goal is sustained quality. The quality of the resident plate is the proof point, but it's the quality of the entire experience, including the team experience getting that plate to the resident, that creates sustained quality." Another future phase of transformation in culinary and dining involves incorporating new kitchen technology, with kitchens in five communities identified for upgrades this year, five in year two and six in year three. "We started with a vision, and since launching this partnership we are settling in to a process," says McMullin. "We're going to continue to work on how the transformation can flow, but there's been some amazing innovation along the way." About CCL CL Hospitality Group partners with organizations nationwide to elevate dining and support services through hospitality expertise, operational excellence, and strategic innovation. Our tailored approach strengthens systems, empowers teams, and aligns with each client's goals for service and performance. With a clear understanding of how hospitality influences the resident experience, we collaborate closely to deliver measurable results that support key initiatives, drive efficiency, and enhance overall satisfaction. Learn more at ccl-hg.com. About Front Porch Communities and Services: Front Porch is a dynamic not-for-profit organization, dedicated to empowering individuals to live connected and fulfilled lives through community and innovation. In support of this vision, Front Porch provides high quality, accessible and affordable human services through senior living communities, affordable housing communities and other programs and services throughout the United States. Learn more at https://frontporch.net/. Media Contact: Laura Darling, VP of Communications Front Porch Communities and Services [email protected] 818-482-7597 SOURCE Front Porch ST. JULIANS, Malta, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gentoo Media Inc. publishes its interim report for the second quarter 2025 before market opening on Tuesday, 26 August 2025. Jonas Warrer, CEO, will host a presentation of the Q2 2025 results via livestream at 10:00 CET. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A-session, and investors, analysts and journalists are welcome to participate. The presentation will be given in English. Link to the livestream: https://www.redeye.se/events/1122764/live-q-gentoo-media-4 For further information, please contact: Tore Formo, Company Secretary, [email protected], +47 91668678 About Gentoo Media Gentoo Media is a market-leading affiliate connecting operators and players in the online gambling and sports betting industry. Gentoo Media offers an array of iGaming affiliate solutions, such as paid marketing expertise and quality traffic through our prominent industry sites including AskGamblers, Time2Play, CasinoTopsOnline, WSN and Casinomeister. In 2024, Gentoo Media (formerly GiG Media) became Gentoo Media Inc. following a legal split separating the Media and Platform & Sportsbook business in Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) into two independently listed companies. Gentoo Media Inc. is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (ticker "G2M"). www.gentoomedia.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/gentoo-media-inc/r/gentoo-media--invitation-to-q2-2025-results-presentation,c4219755 BANGALORE, India, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- What is the market size of Craft Spirits Market? The Craft Spirits Market was estimated to be worth USD 15690 Million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 25650 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period 2024-2030. Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-26J8526/Global_Craft_Spirits_Market_Insights_and_Forecast?utm_source=Prnewswire&utm_medium=Referral What are the key factors driving the growth of the Craft Spirits Market? The craft spirits market continues to evolve, shaped by premiumization, innovation, sustainability, and consumer engagement . . It thrives by appealing to shifting preferences for quality, individuality, and authentic storytelling . . While competition from larger corporations exists, craft producers maintain their edge through creativity, flexibility, and closer consumer connections . . Expansion into new distribution channels, including e-commerce and experiential platforms , strengthens visibility and reach. , strengthens visibility and reach. As consumers increasingly prioritize authentic experiences and lifestyle identity , craft spirits position themselves as more than commodities. , craft spirits position themselves as more than commodities. Sustained focus on exclusivity, personalization, and innovation ensures the market remains resilient, competitive, and capable of consistent growth. Source from Valuates Reports: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-26J8526/global-craft-spirits?utm_source=Prnewswire&utm_medium=Referral TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE CRAFT SPIRITS MARKET: Gin is one of the most dynamic categories in the craft spirits market because of its versatility and the creative freedom it offers distillers. Unlike aged spirits, gin allows rapid innovation through unique botanical infusions, enabling producers to respond quickly to shifting consumer tastes. Its growing popularity in cocktail culture has positioned it as a fashionable spirit that attracts both new and experienced drinkers. The demand for fresh flavor experiences makes craft gin highly appealing, particularly when brands highlight artisanal production and authenticity. Limited releases, exotic ingredients, and storytelling linked to origin help build premium perception. This ability to constantly innovate and engage consumers has made gin a strong driver of growth across the global craft spirits landscape. Whiskey plays a leading role in strengthening the craft spirits market by offering consumers depth, tradition, and exclusivity. It appeals strongly to enthusiasts who value heritage and are willing to pay premium prices for small-batch or limited-edition releases. Craft distillers emphasize unique mash bills, special cask finishes, and distinctive maturation processes, which create individuality and elevate brand identity. Whiskey also benefits from its association with authenticity and collectible appeal, encouraging consumers to trade up from standard offerings. Craft producers leverage storytelling around craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation to differentiate themselves from larger players. This combination of exclusivity, premiumization, and cultural prestige ensures whiskey continues to dominate revenues and sustain strong long-term growth within the broader craft spirits market. Bottle stores and online platforms are crucial in expanding access and strengthening consumer engagement with craft spirits. Off-trade retail stores provide visibility, giving smaller brands a chance to compete alongside mainstream labels. Consumers seeking premium spirits for home enjoyment increasingly rely on specialized liquor shops that highlight artisanal selections. Online platforms have transformed the market by breaking geographical barriers, enabling direct-to-consumer sales and personalized experiences. Digital marketing, subscription models, and curated e-commerce platforms allow brands to showcase their uniqueness and build loyalty. Together, bottle stores and online channels foster discovery, improve availability, and create lasting consumer connections. Their combined role in broadening reach and promoting convenience continues to shape the growth trajectory of craft spirits significantly. A powerful factor driving craft spirits growth is the ongoing global shift toward premiumization. Consumers no longer prioritize quantity but seek quality, authenticity, and individuality in their purchases. Craft spirits align perfectly with this mindset, offering limited production runs, artisanal methods, and distinctive flavor profiles that justify higher prices. Premium positioning also ties into lifestyle trends where drinking becomes part of personal identity and experience rather than routine consumption. Attractive packaging, exclusive releases, and strong brand storytelling further reinforce the perception of luxury. The association of premium craft spirits with celebration, gifting, and social occasions also strengthens demand. As consumers consistently trade up, premiumization remains one of the most influential drivers behind the market's continued expansion worldwide. The resurgence of cocktail culture has elevated craft spirits into the mainstream by emphasizing creativity, flavor diversity, and innovation. Bartenders and mixologists increasingly experiment with small-batch spirits to craft unique beverages that deliver memorable experiences. This has fueled demand for artisanal gins, whiskeys, and liqueurs that offer distinctive profiles compared to mass-market alternatives. Craft spirits are also becoming a symbol of sophistication in cocktail menus, encouraging consumers to explore new categories and flavors. The desire for customized, experiential drinking occasions means craft brands gain a competitive edge when integrated into mixology trends. As cocktails become expressions of identity and artistry, the reliance on premium craft spirits ensures this cultural movement continues to stimulate significant growth across the industry. Innovation in flavors has become a cornerstone of craft spirits growth, with distillers experimenting beyond traditional recipes to capture evolving consumer interests. From exotic botanicals to unusual cask finishes, the variety of new expressions enhances consumer engagement and supports repeat purchases. This innovation culture allows smaller producers to stand out in a competitive market, positioning their products as both adventurous and premium. Consumers increasingly look for spirits that surprise and excite, whether through seasonal releases or experimental blends. By offering novelty and variety, craft spirits create ongoing curiosity among drinkers, strengthening loyalty. Continuous flavor innovation ensures brands remain relevant and attractive, reinforcing the perception of craft spirits as leaders in creativity, uniqueness, and evolving taste experiences. Pricing strategies are a significant factor in sustaining growth, as craft spirits balance premium positioning with perceived value. While generally more expensive than mass-market options, careful pricing ensures accessibility to consumers seeking luxury experiences without excessive barriers. Limited editions, exclusive packaging, and storytelling justify higher price points and reinforce exclusivity. At the same time, entry-level craft options introduce new consumers to the category, creating a pathway toward premium tiers. Brands strategically diversify their portfolios to cater to different spending capacities, capturing a wider audience. This tiered approach enhances revenue potential while maintaining authenticity. By effectively communicating the value of craftsmanship and quality, pricing strategies support consumer trust and drive long-term growth within the craft spirits market. Claim Yours Now https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-26J8526&lic=single-user What are the major product types in the Craft Spirits Market? Whiskey Vodka Gin Rum Brandy Liqueur What are the main applications of Craft Spirits Market? Bottle Stores Bars Online Restaurants Who are the key players in the Craft Spirits Market? Pernod Ricard Remy Cointreau Diageo Anchor Brewers & Distillers House Spirits William Grant & Sons & Sons Rogue Ales Copper Fox Distillery Chase Distillery, Ltd. Constellation Brands Inc Woodinville Whiskey Tuthilltown Spirits Craft Spirits Market based on region North America remains the largest contributor, supported by a strong base of distilleries, favorable laws, and established consumer loyalty toward premium small-batch products. remains the largest contributor, supported by a strong base of distilleries, favorable laws, and established consumer loyalty toward premium small-batch products. Europe is the fastest-growing region, driven by the craft gin boom, innovative whiskey producers, and rising demand for authentic local spirits. is the fastest-growing region, driven by the craft gin boom, innovative whiskey producers, and rising demand for authentic local spirits. Asia-Pacific is rapidly emerging, fueled by rising incomes, cocktail culture, and growing interest in premium categories such as gin and whisky. is rapidly emerging, fueled by rising incomes, cocktail culture, and growing interest in premium categories such as gin and whisky. Latin America leverages traditional spirits like tequila, mezcal, and cachaca, which are increasingly premiumized for global export. Purchase Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-26J8526/Global_Craft_Spirits_Market?utm_source=Prnewswire&utm_medium=Referral SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. What are some related markets to the Craft Spirits Market? - The Global Spirits Market revenue was USD 235540 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 271200 Million by 2029 with a CAGR of 2.0% during the forecast period (2023-2029). - The Standard Spirit Level Market was valued at USD 505 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 656 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.7% during the forecast period. - Specialty Spirits Market - Whey Vodka and Neutral Spirits Market - Jiang-flavour Chinese Spirits Market - The Cocktail Base Spirits Market was valued at USD 261 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 349 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period. - Liqueurs and Specialty Spirits Market - Dark Spirits Market was valued at USD 196220 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 253830 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period. - Grain Distilled Spirits Market was valued at USD 11630 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 16290 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period. - Fruit Distilled Spirits Market was valued at USD 11210 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 15700 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period. - Cannabis Spirits Market DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. 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NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American independent filmmaker Hal Hartley's eagerly awaited new film will kick off its initial North American run on September 12 at the Roxy Cinema in New York City, Chicago's Facets Film Forum the following day, and at the Lumiere Cinema in Los Angeles on September 19. Possible Films announces Hal Hartleys newest feature, Where to Land, to premiere in U.S. Where to Land is a farce about a successful director of romantic comedies in his senior years who, while addressing his Last Will and Testament, applies for a job as assistant groundskeeper in a cemetery because he'd like to work outdoors with his hands. But his family, friends and neighbors misunderstand and assume he is dying, crowding into his apartment to express their last farewells and to clumsily philosophize about the meaning of life. Early screenings have elicited enthusiastic responses: Paul F. Verhoeven of ABC Radio in Australia broadcasted this is "peak Hal Hartley, warm and optimistic, damnedly funny and vital." In VICE Magazine's current edition, Kevin Khara insists: "In an age of brain-lacerating tech and herdlike algorithmic group-think, Hartley stands out in ever-greater contrast as a quietly intransigent auteur force." Intransigent or not, Hartley is undoubtedly independent. Not only does he finance his latest films and the restorations of his older titles through crowdsourcing campaigns, but most of his catalogue is also available for streaming directly from halhartley.com via its Vimeo channel. His company, Possible Films, is the worldwide sales and booking agent for most of his thirteen features and numerous shorter works. Hartley has received festival prizes at Berlin (Ned Rifle, 2015), Prague (Meanwhile, 2013), Cannes (Henry Fool, 1998), Tokyo (Amateur, 1994), Sundance (Trust, 1990) and many more. The film features actors long associated with Hartley's films such as Bill Sage, Robert John Burke and Edie Falco. The supporting cast includes Joe Perrino, Gia Crovatin, and Obie Award winner Kathleen Chalfant while introducing newcomers Kim Taff, Katelyn Sparks, Jeremy Hendrik, Jay Lenox and Aida Johannes. For press book and interview requests contact Christopher McChane at [email protected] or 319-930-9789. Possible Films is the production, marketing, and distribution company for the films, music and books of Hal Hartley. It operates halhartley.com and elboropress.com. SOURCE Possible Films SUZHOU, China, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a news release from the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, P. R. China: The 7th Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo concluded in Suzhou, Jiangsu, showcasing the charm of the Grand Canal as a living world intangible cultural heritage and a driver of cultural innovation. Building on the effective practices of its previous six editions, this year's Expo continued under the theme "Integration Innovation Sharing", delivering a three-day celebration that blended online and offline engagement, and in-hall and outdoor experiences. The event unveiled five major themed exhibitions, and together, they attracted 912 exhibitors from 76 cities across 12 provinces in China and 35 countries and regions worldwide, marking a nearly 40% increase from last year. With 65% of exhibitors from outside Jiangsu province, the Expo underscored its growing global appeal. To expand its global dialogue, this year's Expo once again featured the "The Encounter of Silk Road and Canal" exhibition. For the first time, it achieved representation from every continent, with 130 organizations and enterprises from 35 countries and regions. One of the highlights was the debut of China's first museum-originated VR immersive experience"Canal Wonderland," brought by the China Grand Canal Museum in Yangzhou. Using cinematic-level visuals, VR technology, and interactive game mechanics, it transported visitors into the world of canal engineering marvels, bustling trade fleets, and the mythical "Thousand Bridge Illusion." The Canal Food Culture Exhibition offered visitors a feast for the senses, combining online and offline experiences with exhibition. Featuring regional signature dishes, intangible cultural heritage food brands, and specialty ingredients, the booths from different cities along the Grand Canal brought together renowned chefs and intangible cultural heritage artisans for live cooking shows and craft demos. Visitors could taste, buy, and learn simultaneouslyturning the exhibition into a dynamic cultural marketplace where the Grand Canal was expressed on the tip of the tongue. By achieving both safe and successful operations and generating cultural and economic impact, the 7th Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Expo has once again proven itself as a premier platform for showcasing the enduring vitality of the Grand Canal, fostering international exchange, and promoting the integration of culture, tourism, and creative industries. With growing international participation and digital engagement breaking new ground, the Expo has become not just a regional highlight, but a global window into the living heritage of China's Grand Canal. SOURCE Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, P. R. China Firm Points to Historical Cycles, Disciplined Supply, and Resilient Demand as Indicators of Bourbon's Enduring Long-term Strength CHICAGO, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- InvestBev, the leading private equity firm dedicated exclusively to the adult beverage industry, today addressed recent headlines surrounding bourbon valuations and broader alcohol market concerns. While acknowledging the near-term repricing of barrel assets, the firm emphasized that the adjustment mirrors historical cycles particularly the well-documented 1980s bourbon correction and is an essential foundation for sustainable long-term growth. InvestBev Calls Bourbon Market Adjustment a Healthy Reset Long-Term Growth Story Remains Intact "Every asset class experiences periods of correction," said Brian Rosen, General Partner of InvestBev. "What we are seeing today is not dissimilar to the bourbon downturn of the 1980s, when oversupply, shifting consumer preferences, and health trends pressured the industry. Yet that reset ultimately gave rise to the modern bourbon boom, with premiumization and global demand creating one of the strongest multi-decade growth stories in consumer goods. This recalibration is history repeating itself and it is setting the stage for the next wave of growth." Bourbon Market Realities and Why the Future is Bright Supply is contracting: Bourbon barrel production is down 1215% in 2025 vs. 2023, a deliberate pullback by distillers to rebalance inventories. Demand remains sticky: More than 92% of Kentucky bourbon is consumed domestically, insulating the category from tariff and export volatility. Premium spirits are thriving: Even in a period of moderation, premium spirits sales grew +4.8% in 2024, outpacing broader alcohol trends. Historical precedent matters: The 1980s correction, once viewed as a crisis, became the launching pad for bourbon's global renaissance. Reframing the Narrative The firm underscored that while recent headlines have focused on volatility, they overlook the category's fundamentals. Bourbon remains an American-made, culturally entrenched, and globally aspirational product. With today's disciplined supply adjustments and premiumization trends intact, bourbon continues to stand as a non-correlated hard asset class with long-term stability and upside potential. "The current headlines may suggest turbulence, but the fundamentals of bourbon remain intact," Rosen added. "Just as the 1980s reset laid the foundation for bourbon's resurgence, this reset will do the same for the decades ahead. Patience and disciplined capital will be rewarded." About InvestBev InvestBev is the largest private equity platform dedicated to the global beverage industry, with $250 million in assets under management. Founded by third-generation industry veteran Brian Rosen, the firm invests across barrels, brands, and industry-adjacent services, providing equity, credit, insurance, and advisory solutions. InvestBev's mission is to deliver superior returns while strengthening the long-term health and resilience of the alcohol beverage ecosystem. Learn more: Website | LinkedIn Press Contact: Shannon Duer 845-548-1211 SOURCE InvestBev NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Iorio Law PLLC has filed a large six-figure FINRA arbitration claim on behalf of a retail investor from Raleigh, North Carolina, against Arete Wealth Management, LLC. The claim alleges that Arete recommended and sold GWG L Bondsspeculative, high-risk, and illiquid securitieswithout conducting adequate due diligence and in violation of its obligations under FINRA rules and Regulation Best Interest. According to the Statement of Claim, Arete failed to fully and fairly disclose the significant risks associated with GWG L Bonds, improperly recommended the product despite the investor's risk profile, and disregarded its duties to act in the investor's best interest. The FINRA arbitration complaint was filed around the same time that a FINRA arbitration panel in another matter ordered Arete Wealth Management to pay $280,000 to a GWG L Bond investor (FINRA No. 22-01257)the second award against Arete Wealth Management related to these products (see also FINRA No. 22-01337). "GWG L Bonds were unsuitable for many retail investors, and the evidence continues to show that brokerage firms across the country failed to perform adequate due diligence or made recommendations consistent with their clients' needs," said August M. Iorio, founder of Iorio Law PLLC. "Arete is not aloneother firms that sold these products are facing similar claims. We encourage all L bond investors to visit Iorio Law PLLC's GWG L Bond Investor Recovery Center for more information about their rights." Iorio Law PLLC represents GWG L Bond investors in cases against multiple brokerage firms, including Emerson Equity LLC, Western International Securities, Inc., Centaurus Financial, and Aegis Capital Corp. Mr. Iorio has already recovered over $3.5 million for GWG L Bond investors nationwide. GWG Holdings, Inc., the issuer of the bonds, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2022, leaving investors with substantial losses. The bonds, often marketed as safe, income-generating investments, were in fact speculative, illiquid, and carried a significant risk of loss of principal. Investors Urged to Act Promptly Securities arbitration claims are subject to strict eligibility and statute of limitations rules. Investors who purchased GWG L Bonds should consult with experienced counsel immediately to preserve their rights. About Iorio Law PLLC Based in New York City, Iorio Law PLLC is a national securities arbitration law firm representing investors in claims against brokerage firms, investment advisors, and other financial institutions. The firm is led by GWG recovery attorney August M. Iorio, who has recovered nearly $100 million for investors through FINRA arbitration and litigation. Contact: August M. Iorio Iorio Law PLLC One World Trade Center, 85th Floor New York, NY 10007 Tel: (646) 330-4624 Email: [email protected] Website: www.iorio.law SOURCE Iorio Law PLLC DUBLIN, Ohio, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kinetics Noise Control Inc. (Kinetics), a Catalyst Acoustics Group brand and manufacturer of the largest selection of noise control products and solutions, announced today the hiring of Jeremy Cantor as its new Vice President of Sales. Jeremy Cantor, Kinetics VP of Sales With this strategic hire, Kinetics reinforces its commitment to industry leadership and elevates its vision for aggressive market expansion. Mr. Cantor, a proven commercial leader with a track record of high-impact transformation, will oversee all aspects of sales operations, strategic partnerships, and channel development across Kinetics' diverse and growing portfolio. "Jeremy is a proven leader who brings an impressive history of building a winning team, developing dynamic growth strategies, and instilling a collaborative culture," said Charles Merrimon, Group President, Catalyst Acoustics Group. "His leadership will position Kinetics for the next phase of growth as we continue to scale and deliver premium noise control, seismic, vibration, and acoustic solutions to our customers and partners." Mr. Cantor brings more than 20 years of executive sales and operational experience across the manufacturing and distribution sectors. Most recently, he served as President of Nash Distribution, where he executed a successful private equity acquisition, expanded into international markets, and launched multiple product divisions that unlocked new revenue streams and market share. He holds an MBA from Xavier University, a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), and is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt. About Kinetics Noise Control Established in 1958 as industrial consultants focused on controlling sound and vibration, Kinetics now produces the industry's largest selection of products and solutions that control airborne noise, isolate structure-borne vibration, enhance room acoustics, create quiet spaces, and restrain non-structural building systems. About Catalyst Acoustics Group Catalyst Acoustics Group is the parent company of an elite group of acoustic, seismic, vibration and noise control companies that together, offer the broadest portfolio of noise control solutions in the market today. The independent brands, channels to market, products and services offered by each business remain unique, while leveraging the scale, deep functional expertise, broad channel reach and significant financial resources. SOURCE Kinetics Noise Control Photo: https://t.me/Denys_Smyhal Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has held a conversation with Japanese Ambassador Masashi Nakagome, during which he discussed the country's involvement in the implementation of projects in a number of important areas, in particular, the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers. "Expanding cooperation was discussed during a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Masashi Nakagome. He emphasized that Ukraine is open to the exchange of innovations and technologies that can save lives and strengthen peace. He thanked Japan for its comprehensive assistance. He invited Japanese partners to join the implementation of projects in a number of important areas, in particular, the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers. He also proposed to consider supporting one of the centers where servicemen of the Defense Forces released from captivity are rehabilitated," Shmyhal wrote following the conversation. The Prime Minister thanked the Japanese government and people for their solidarity. "Japan is a reliable partner, whose support is extremely tangible for our country," Shmyhal emphasized. ISTANBUL, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Midas, Turkey's leading investment platform, has raised $80 million in its Series B funding round, the largest investment ever secured by a Turkish fintech company. This brings Midas' total funding to date to more than $140 million. Egem Eraslan - Midas Founder-CEO Midas App Midas serves 3.5 million investors by providing access to Borsa Istanbul, U.S. stock markets, mutual funds, and cryptocurrencies through a single platform. The company will use the new capital to further strengthen its security infrastructure to international standards and to accelerate the launch of advanced products designed for active traders. Global Fintech Investors Back Midas' Vision The round was led by QED Investors, one of the world's most respected fintech funds. New investors include the International Finance Corporation (IFC), HSG (formerly Sequoia China), QuantumLight (founded by Revolut CEO Nik Storonsky), Spice Expeditions LP, and George Rzepecki. Existing backers Spark Capital, Portage Ventures, Bek Ventures, and Nigel Morris also joined the round, reaffirming their confidence in Midas. The participating funds are known for early-stage investments in global technology leaders such as TikTok, Alibaba, Coinbase, Nubank, Revolut, Twitter, and Slack. The record-breaking raise highlights international investor confidence in Midas and its pioneering role in reshaping Turkey's fintech landscape. Yusuf Ozdalga, Partner at QED Investors, said: "Midas has unlocked access to vast domestic and global investment opportunities for Turkish users, utilising cutting edge fintech tools. As QED, we are proud to lead Midas' Series B round, and are incredibly excited to partner with Egem and his team that have created an exceptionally strong product and performance culture. We look forward to being part of this growth journey in Turkiye, the wider region, and beyond in the coming years." Transforming Investing in Turkey Since its founding in 2020, Midas has fundamentally changed how individuals in Turkey access financial markets. With a commission-free, seamless, and user-friendly experience, millions of people have made their first investments through Midas. Collectively, Midas users have saved nearly $50 million in transaction fees, and half of them began their investing journey on the platform. Midas has set new industry standards by dramatically lowering costs. After cutting U.S. trading fees by 90%, the company permanently removed all Borsa Istanbul commissions in 2025. Today, Midas offers free live market data, and instant, fee-free transfersmaking it the go-to platform for Turkish retail investors. Growth Through New Products and Security Investments Having democratized investing for the masses, Midas is now expanding into tools for more sophisticated investors. Following the launch of margin investing, advanced analytics, and Midas Pro, the company will use its Series B funding to introduce derivatives trading in both Turkish and US equities. The rollout begins in September with U.S. options trading, providing investors with free real-time data, competitive pricing, and intuitive interfacesbringing the "Midas Standard" to derivatives markets. In parallel, Midas is increasing its investments in security and operational resilience. With infrastructure built to meet global standards, the company remains committed to providing a safe, reliable, and uninterrupted investing experience. "Making Investing More Accessible and Secure in Turkey" Egem Eraslan, CEO of Midas, said: "From day one, our mission has been to make investing accessible, affordable, and seamless for everyone. Today, millions of people manage their investments through Midas. With this new funding, we are building a comprehensive ecosystem that unifies all investment needs on one platform, while further strengthening our security and technology infrastructure. This will enable us to keep growing as a fintech company that serves the needs of individual investors both in Turkey and globally." About Midas Founded in 2020, Midas is Turkey's leading investment platform. It offers access to Turkish and U.S. equities, mutual funds, and cryptocurrencies through a single platform. Since launch, Midas has grown rapidly and now serves more than 3.5 million investors. Midas enables trading on U.S. exchanges at a competitive flat fee of $1.50 per transaction, while permanently eliminating all commissions and account-related charges, including clearing and custody fees, for Borsa Istanbul. In addition, the platform provides real-time market data at no cost to its users. To date, Midas has raised over $140 million from global investors including QED Investors, International Finance Corporation (IFC), HSG, Spark Capital, QuantumLight, Spice Expeditions LP, Portage Ventures, Bek Ventures, and Revo Ventures. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753633/Egem_Eraslan_Midas_Founder_CEO.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753634/Midas_App.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753632/Midas_logo.jpg Contact: [email protected] SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hamilton Walker Advisers, an entrepreneurial financial planning firm based in San Francisco, California, has merged with Mission Wealth Management, LP, as announced on the firm's website. This partnership marks Mission Wealth's third strategic expansion of 2025, increasing the firm's presence in the Bay Area. Together, the firms will enhance their shared mission of delivering personalized financial advice with a focus on long-term impact and education. Hamilton Walker Advisers has earned a strong reputation for its empathetic and educational planning approach, focusing on helping young professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging affluent families. The firm's founder, Sarah Hamilton, CFP, CSRIC, MBA, MSFAIM, will join Mission Wealth as the firm's 54th equity partner, continuing her passion for innovative financial planning and providing a more meaningful and less intimidating financial planning service. This partnership marks Mission Wealth's third strategic expansion of 2025. Post this A Shared Commitment to Personalized Wealth Management The merger reflects a natural alignment in purpose and philosophytwo firms committed to building meaningful relationships and guiding clients with care and expertise. "At Mission Wealth, we believe that aligning wealth planning with an individual's core values and life goals creates the greatest impact," said Matthew Adams, CEO and Managing Partner of Mission Wealth. "We're excited to welcome Sarah and the team at Hamilton Walker Advisers to the Mission Wealth family as we continue to build a national firm with local expertise and heart." "At Hamilton Walker, we've always believed that financial planning should be a supportive, empowering experiencenot an overwhelming one," said Sarah Hamilton. "Joining Mission Wealth allows us to scale our vision, offering our clients even more support and expertise." Investing in Strategic Growth and Innovation The addition of Hamilton Walker Advisers supports Mission Wealth's strategic growth in innovation hubs, such as Northern California. With this merger, Mission Wealth now serves more than 4,200 client families and manages over $12 billion in assets across the nation. Sarah's deep understanding of the needs of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging affluent families makes her a natural choice to help advance MissionForward, Mission Wealth's new digitally forward financial planning experience built for the next generation of investors. The mobile solution delivers real-time access to expert advice, digital planning tools, and investment guidance by partnering with a dedicated CFP professional every step of the way. About Mission Wealth Mission Wealth is a nationally recognized RIA that oversees over $12 billion in client assets under management. Mission Wealth is known for its service model, driven by a world-class technology stack that offers financial planning, investment counsel, tax strategies, estate planning coordination, philanthropic advice, and asset protection solutions tailored to each client's needs. For more information on Mission Wealth's merger and partnership opportunities, please visit missionwealth.com/opportunity. Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube MISSION WEALTH IS A REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISOR. 00773976 08/25 Media Contact: Crystal Collins (281) 697-5528 [email protected] SOURCE Mission Wealth Management, LP Pilot program involving over 10,000 North Carolinians shows early signs of success WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- mPATH Health, an innovative digital health company, is proud to announce the successful implementation of a large-scale outreach initiative in partnership with two Federally Qualified Health Centers, Kintegra Health and Blue Ridge Health, aimed at increasing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates across North Carolina. This initiative was made possible through funding and strategic guidance from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Partnership to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening (PICCS) program. Leveraging mPATH's patient-centered technology, the program will engage over 10,000 North Carolinians who, based on electronic health records, appear to be overdue for CRC screening. The outreach campaign uses personalized cellphone text messages and mPATH's clinically proven, cloud-based platform to help patients understand their risk, take action and get screened, while minimizing staff burden for participating clinics. mPATH announces a promising partnership with NC DHHS and NC community health organizations to increase cancer screening. Post this "When is the last time you needed to call a travel agent to book a hotel, or a banker to make a withdrawal? Why should managing your preventive healthcare be any different?" asks David Miller, MD, mPATH Founder and CEO. "At mPATH Health, we are empowering people with this same digital self-service to help them live their fullest lives." Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, despite being highly preventable through routine screening. Experts recommend average risk adults start screening at age 45. However, national data shows that fewer than half of patients receiving care at Federally Qualified Health Centers are up to date on screening. The NC PICCS program has played a crucial role in enabling data-driven, community-focused approaches like this one. "Our goal is to support innovative, evidence-based efforts that close screening gaps and save lives," said Jennifer Park, Project Director at NC DHHS. "This partnership has shown early signs of impact, and we're excited to see where it goes." mPATH is a cancer screening solution that combines automation with behavioral science to help health systems identify patients who need preventive care and connect them with needed services. mPATH's digital engagement platform is gaining significant traction as a tool to improve preventive care outcomes, reduce disparities, and streamline care team workflows. Kintegra Health, headquartered in Gastonia, NC, serves more than 100,000 patients annually across a broad service area that spans seventeen counties in North Carolina. With a mission to provide patient-centered, high-quality accessible care, Kintegra plays a critical role in delivering integrated primary and preventive services to medically underserved communities. "This work aligns directly with our mission to remove barriers to care," said Erin Hultgren, Director of Community Health and Prevention at Kintegra Health. "Reaching patients who may not otherwise prioritize screening is critical, and mPATH has helped us do that in a meaningful, scalable way." Blue Ridge Health, based in western North Carolina, operates more than 20 practice sites across 10 counties, serving over 45,000 patients each year. The health system offers comprehensive services ranging from primary care and behavioral health to dental, pharmacy, and nutrition servicesparticularly focusing on communities that face geographic and socioeconomic barriers to care. "What's especially exciting is the way this program fits into our larger population health strategy," added Ashley Bland, Director of Practice Operations at Blue Ridge Health. "It allows us to be proactive, reaching people before a problem becomes harderand more costlyto treat." About mPATH mPATH Health is a digital health company dedicated to transforming preventive cancer screening by integrating automation and behavioral science. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and personalized outreach, mPATH empowers individuals to prioritize their health and undergo regular screenings for early cancer detection. For more information, visit www.mpathhealth.com . About the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is dedicated to improving the health, safety, and well-being of all North Carolinians. Through a range of statewide initiatives and partnerships, NC DHHS supports access to quality healthcare, promotes preventive services, and advances health equity. Learn more at https://www.ncdhhs.gov . About Kintegra Health Kintegra Health is a community sponsored, family-centered provider of health care, health education and preventive care services without regard for the ability to pay. The organization employs over 1,400 people, providing medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health and supportive programs and services in Alamance, Alexander, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Randolph, Rutherford, Stanly, Union and Yadkin Counties. For more information, visit www.kintegra.org About Blue Ridge Health Blue Ridge Health is a mission-driven FQHC serving over 45,000 patients annually across western North Carolina. With more than 20 locations in 10 counties, Blue Ridge Health provides integrated primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy, and support servicesensuring access to affordable care for all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Learn more at www.brchs.com . Media Contact: Cassie Allen [email protected] (919) 675-4949 SOURCE mPATH Health The GRO Fund's Freedom Futures Program to Provide Accelerated Learnings on Comprehensive Wealth-Building Interventions ATLANTA, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Georgia Resilience and Opportunity (GRO) Fund proudly announces the official launch of Freedom Futures: Cash for Today, Capital for Tomorrow, a pioneering Baby Bonds and guaranteed income pilot program. This first-of-its-kind initiative is designed to directly address systemic wealth inequality in Atlanta, a city grappling with some of the highest income and wealth disparities in the U.S. Freedom Futures is a pilot program that will serve approximately 50 young people in Atlanta over four years. Its innovative design pairs a monthly income support of $500 (cash for today) to help participants meet their basic needs with a substantial wealth-building investmentover $20,000 (capital for tomorrow)to accelerate their wealth-building capabilities. "Wealth inequality in America is at crisis levels. By piloting both guaranteed income and Baby Bonds together, we are building the evidence base for bold solutions that empower young people to break cycles of poverty and build generational wealth," said Hope Wollensack, Founding Executive Director of The GRO Fund. Pilot programs like Freedom Futures are essential for building political and public will by making policy tangible. "GRO is creating a unique laboratory for understanding how direct investments can transform economic outcomes for young people. Providing tangible data and narratives that can inform and accelerate the adoption of equitable wealth-building policies at state and federal levels far sooner," said David Radcliffe, State and Local Policy Director with The New School's Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy. The GRO Fund plans to launch additional cohorts to build robust evidence and demonstrate impact in varying contexts across the state. Eligible students currently enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Clark Atlanta University, and Benjamin E. Mays High School are encouraged to apply. The application closes on Wednesday, August 27. To learn more about Freedom Futures and apply, please visit here. About The Georgia Resilience and Opportunity (GRO) Fund The Georgia Resilience & Opportunity (GRO) Fund is a community-based nonprofit organization working to build a more just and equitable economy in Georgia. Through initiatives like In Her Hands and Freedom Futures, the GRO Fund is committed to empowering individuals and communities, addressing systemic inequities, and helping to bring policy solutions to life that will narrow the racial wealth divide. SOURCE Georgia Resilience & Opportunity Fund (GRO Fund) NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As New Braunfels cements its reputation as one of America's fastest-growing cities, a new flex space development is breaking ground to meet the demand of a market surging with people, capital, and opportunity. Positioned on the San Antonio and Austin growth corridor, the project introduces a versatile new model of workspace, part warehouse, part office, part showroom but built for the next wave of business expansion. Land Play has strategically acquired on I-35 while flex space is currently an underbuilt asset class while historically emerging as one of the safest investments. A Market on the Rise New Braunfels has become a magnet for both residents and capital. The city recorded double-digit population growth between 2022 and 2023 and is on track to surpass 123,000 residents in the coming years. In just six years, more than $400 million in commercial projects have been completed, supported by a $1.3 billion tourism economy and headline projects such as a new Costco, a $40 million riverfront hotel, and continued expansion of Creekside Town Center. "We target high-growth markets and uncover assets others overlook," said Alec McElhinny, CEO and Manager. "New Braunfels is a textbook case: extraordinary fundamentals, a booming population, and a business climate that rewards forward-thinking investment." The Next Wave in Commercial Real Estate For the founding team, flex space is more than a trendit's the next major cycle in commercial real estate. "Flex space today is where self-storage and mobile home parks were 1215 years ago," said Jonathan Tuttle, COO "Low competition, high demand, and outsized returns. The supply hasn't caught up, and that gap creates real opportunity for both investors and the community." The project's design reflects that opportunity: high ceilings, energy-efficient construction, and scalable floorplans ready to support industries from logistics and light manufacturing to technology, creative services, and retail. Built for Growth, Ready to Lease As population growth accelerates and infrastructure investment continues, the demand for flexible, high-quality business space is rising sharply in New Braunfels. This development is positioned to capture that demand while providing both meaningful investor returns and critical infrastructure for the city's next chapter. "The investor always comes firstwe don't rest until they see results," said Hari Pulakhandam, Managing Partner. "Every decision, from location to design, is about creating lasting value for our partners." For more info www.Land-Play.com Media Contact: Alec McElhinny 202-774-7777 [email protected] SOURCE Land Play NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New analysis from OysterLink reveals that searches and applications for restaurant and hospitality jobs reached their highest point in five years this July. Both OysterLink's internal platform data and Google Trends nationwide search interest confirm that demand for these positions surged to record levels, marking the strongest year-over-year growth since 2020. Searches for terms like "restaurant jobs," "jobs in hospitality," and "jobs in restaurant near me", "server jobs", etc., all spiked in July. Geographic data shows especially strong interest in states such as Rhode Island, Washington D.C., Colorado, New York, Florida, Nevada, and Hawaii. This surge mirrors OysterLink's own activity, where applications for entry-level positions rose significantly during July. "Hospitality has always been a major entry point into the workforce, and applications for entry-level positions surged this summer, underscoring how essential these jobs remain for both workers and employers," said Milos Eric, General Manager at OysterLink. About OysterLink OysterLink is a leading job platform dedicated to the hospitality industry. We connect restaurants, hotels, and hospitality employers with skilled candidates across the U.S. With job listings, including server jobs in New York City or event manager jobs in Chicago, industry insights, and career resources, OysterLink helps professionals build rewarding careers in hospitality. Media Contact PR Representative [email protected] SOURCE OysterLink ST. LOUIS, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Peabody (NYSE: BTU) announced today that it has terminated purchase agreements with Anglo American Plc due to a material adverse change (MAC, as defined under the purchase agreements) relating to Anglo's steelmaking coal assets. Peabody's decision to terminate the transaction comes nearly five months after an ignition event occurred at Anglo's Moranbah North Mine. The exact cause of the event remains unknown, with no definitive timeline to resuming sustainable longwall production. "The two companies did not reach a revised agreement to cure the MAC that compensated Peabody for the material and long-term impacts of the MAC on the most significant mine in the planned acquisition," said Peabody President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Grech. "Peabody has chosen to terminate the transaction and will continue to execute our plans to create substantial value from our diversified global asset portfolio." Prior to the March 31 event, the acquisition had been scheduled to close in April 2025. Anglo estimates $45 million per month of holding costs at Moranbah North. The mine was previously targeted to produce 5.3 million tons of saleable production in 2025, yet there is no timetable for the resumption of longwall production at forecasted volumes and costs. Peabody has also terminated the agreement for the related sale of the Dawson Mine to PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama. "Peabody's portfolio is very well positioned, with growing exposure to seaborne metallurgical coal highlighted by our new 25-year premium hard coking coal Centurion Mine, a low-cost seaborne thermal coal platform, and a leading U.S. thermal coal position capitalizing on rising power generation demand," said Mr. Grech. "Moving forward, we intend to execute a four-pronged strategy for value creation." Major pillars of that strategy include: Managing safe, productive, environmentally responsible operations Returning 65-100% of Available Free Cash Flow to shareholders primarily via share buybacks Leveraging Peabody's extensive asset portfolio to deliver organic growth Maintaining a resilient balance sheet and exercising strong capital discipline Peabody is a leading coal producer, providing essential products for the production of affordable, reliable energy and steel. Our commitment to sustainability underpins everything we do and shapes our strategy for the future. For further information, visit PeabodyEnergy.com. CONTACT: Vic Svec / Kala Finklang [email protected] SOURCE Peabody California-based coffee brand introduces a new flavor and reprises a fan favorite with seasonal items now available OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Philz Coffee is ushering in fall with two featured drink creations: the all-new Caramel Banana Brew and the return of last year's beloved Spiced Vanilla Soul. Both drinks can be enjoyed either hot or iced. Also launching this fall are seasonal treats from regional bakeries, including Danishes, Kouign Amanns, and Pumpkin Bread. Starting August 19, this seasonal menu will be available for a limited time, while supplies last. Caramel Banana Brew is new to the menu, made with Philz's Mission Cold Brew (notes of milk chocolate, almond, and dried berry), almond milk, rich banana caramel sauce made with banana puree, and topped with a caramel swirl. is new to the menu, made with Philz's Mission Cold Brew (notes of milk chocolate, almond, and dried berry), almond milk, rich banana caramel sauce made with banana puree, and topped with a caramel swirl. Spiced Vanilla Soul is a returning favorite, crafted with Philz's flagship Philtered Soul Cold Brew (notes of hazelnut, maple, and caramel), Ghirardelli vanilla sauce, spiced oat milk, and finished with a dash of cinnamon. The Philz fall beverage menu centers around warm, comforting flavors like spices and caramel, rather than traditional pumpkin. But pumpkin lovers need not fear all locations will offer a take on the classic flavor, just for eating rather than sipping. New seasonal pastries, along with other bakery items, are baked fresh and delivered daily by local bakery partners: Pumpkin Bread, Pecan Pie Kouign Amanns, and Cinnamon Apple Danishes in Northern California stores and in stores Seasonal Pumpkin Bread, Traditional Kouign Amanns, and Raspberry Danishes in Southern California stores and in stores Seasonal Pumpkin Bread in Chicago stores "Last fall's limited-time beverages were incredibly popular with our customers, so much so that we're bringing back the fan favorite Spiced Vanilla Soul," said Jessica Mitchell, Philz Coffee Vice President of Marketing. "This year, we're continuing to evolve and create our own unique take on fall flavors the Philz waywith new craveable items, premium ingredients, and customizable orders, always made one cup at a time." Every drink at Philz Coffee is individually made to order using Philz's signature pour-over method, responsibly sourced green coffee beans, and real, clean-label ingredients. Beans are roasted to perfection at Philz's roasting facility in Oakland, California. Beverages may be customized with the customer's preference of sweetness level and milk option at no extra charge and are served by baristas who ensure each order is crafted perfectly. Philz Coffee's fall menu is now available at all 75-plus locations in California and Chicago. Customers can order in-store or head via the Philz app, PhilzCoffee.com, DoorDash or Uber Eats. To find a location, visit philzcoffee.com/locations About Philz Coffee Founded in 2003 in San Francisco, Philz Coffee specializes in customized blends made from responsibly sourced green coffee beans from around the world, skillfully roasted at its Oakland roasting facility. Philz Coffee has remained committed to its mission to "Better Days for everyone, every day," through community and high-quality coffee handcrafted one cup at a time. Philz Coffee has over 75 stores across California and Chicago. Its products can also be found in select grocery stores, online, and in Philz K-Cup pods. To learn more about Philz Coffee and find the nearest location, visit philzcoffee.com. Media Contact Gabriella Conte Philz Coffee (425) 870-8584 [email protected] SOURCE Philz Coffee FRESNO, Calif., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Plum Organics, a leading brand in organic baby food, has been recognized by Consumer Reports and Unleaded Kids as one of the top-performing companies for transparency in reporting levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in its products, as required under California's landmark AB 899 law. Plum Organics earned the top score among 39 baby food brands evaluated for how easily parents can access this product information. The review applauded Plum's straightforward, public disclosure of monthly heavy metal testing results - available both online and via QR codes on product packaging - empowering parents to make informed choices about their children's nutrition. "Parents should feel confident that the food they're providing for their little ones meets exceptional quality standards," said Alicia Vasquez, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Plum Organics. "Plum Organics is deeply committed to transparency and compliance with AB 899. All heavy metal test results are publicly available on our website - no lot code, purchase, or QR code required. Consumers can access results at any time, and we're proud to be recognized for making this information easy to find and understand." Commitment to Transparency In compliance with AB 899, effective January 2024, Plum Organics tests all batches of baby food products for heavy metals using accredited labs and publishes results that are clear and readily accessible to all consumers. These results are available on Plum's website and via scannable QR codes on packaging, without requiring extra steps such as lot numbers or UPC codes. Plum Organics also goes beyond compliance by: Voluntarily publishing all 2024 and 2025 test results - not just those required for products sold in California . . Offering educational resources for parents to understand test data. Including a QR code on every pouch that links directly to product-specific testing results, making it easy for parents to check data before they buy. Leading an Industry Shift California's AB 899 has set a precedent for transparency, with similar laws already passed in Maryland and Virginia, and more expected in Illinois and Pennsylvania. By swiftly meeting regulatory requirements and striving for greater openness, Plum Organics is helping lead the industry toward a new standard where parents can easily compare brands. "This recognition underscores our unwavering belief in transparency and compliance with AB 899," added Vasquez. "We are deeply committed to collaborating with nonprofits and the scientific community - ensuring that every step we take delivers on our promise: trusted, nutritious food for growing families." For more information and to view Plum Organics' latest testing results, visit: PlumOrganics.com/our-standards SOURCE Plum Organics DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Real World Evidence Solutions Market, valued at US$4.74 billion in 2024, stood at US$5.42 billion in 2025 and is projected to advance at a resilient CAGR of 14.8% from 2025 to 2030, culminating in a forecasted valuation of US$10.83 billion by the end of the period. Growth in the RWE solutions market is primarily driven by the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, the gradual shift and surge to value-based care, and the expanding potential of RWE solutions in reducing the cost of drug development, thereby expediting the process. The expansion of data sources, including electronic health records, insurance claims, patient registries, and wearable devices, alongside advancements in analytics, AI, and digital health technologies, has made it convenient to gather & interpret extensive amounts of real-world data for actionable insights. These factors are fueling the widespread adoption of RWE solutions as essential tools for informed clinical, regulatory, and commercial decision-making in modern healthcare. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=76173991 Browse in-depth TOC on "Real World Evidence Solutions Market" 190 - Tables 60 - Figures 265 - Pages By component, the real-world evidence solutions market is segmented into services, data sets, and integrated data sets. The services segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2024. The services segment comprises advanced analytics services and consulting services. Advanced analytical services are crucial in swiftly accessing, examining, and providing essential insights required by various stakeholders. The provision of advanced analytical technologies has allowed these services to harness the power of big data, enabling accurate and insightful analysis of real-world patient data. By application, the real-world evidence solutions market is segmented into drug development & approvals, medical device development & approvals, post-market surveillance, market access and reimbursement decision-making, clinical & regulatory decision-making, and other applications. The drug development & approvals segment is bifurcated into oncology, cardiovascular disorders, neurology, immunology, rare diseases, and other therapeutic areas. The oncology subsegment accounted for the largest share of the drug development & approvals market, owing to the increasing incidence of cancer and the growing focus on developing oncology therapeutics. By end users, the real-world evidence solutions market is segmented into pharmaceutical & biotechnological companies, MedTech companies, healthcare payers, healthcare providers, and other end users. In 2024, the pharmaceutical & biotechnological companies segment accounted for the largest share of the market. The companies in this section require medical data processes that have been previously approved. The utilization of real-world data plays a crucial role in facilitating the successful progression of innovative medicines through the various phases of clinical trials. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of RWE studies employed in the drug approval is a preventive measure against expensive drug recalls. These studies offer valuable analyses of how drugs perform in real-world settings, enhancing the understanding of the effectiveness and safety beyond the controlled environments of clinical trials. By geography, the RWE solutions market is segmented into five regions: North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, North America accounted for the largest share of the market. This region's dominance is attributed to the favorable regulatory environment and the increasing adoption of EHR. An increase in the number of payers using RWE solution services is also expected to fuel the market growth. Moreover, the presence of key market players such as IQVIA Inc. (US), Optum Inc. (US), and Oracle (US) also contributes to market growth. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=76173991 The prominent players in the real world evidence solutions market are IQVIA Inc. (US), Merative (US), Optum Inc. (US), ICON Plc (Ireland), Syneos Health (US), Parexel International Corporation (US), Tata Consultancy Services (India), Oracle (US), Elevance Health (US), SAS Institute Inc. (US), Aetion Inc. (US), TriNetX, LLC (US), Trinity (US), Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (US), Cegedim Health Data (France), Verantos (US), Medpace Holdings Inc. (US), FLATIRON HEALTH (US), Fortrea (US), and Medidata (US) (a subsidiary of Dassault Systemes). IQVIA Inc. (US): IQVIA Inc. is a prominent global provider of technology solutions, advanced analytics, and clinical research services. The company's offerings play a crucial role in assisting biotechnology firms, medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, medical researchers, payers, and healthcare stakeholders gain insights into diseases, human behavior, and scientific advancements. The company possesses a vast & varied data infrastructure, granting access to an extensive range of healthcare data, such as electronic health records (EHRs), claims data, and other real-world datasets. This access helps provide insights into patient outcomes, treatment patterns, and healthcare utilization. The company has a base of over 10,000 clients in over 100 countries and is present across North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and Africa. Merative (US) Formerly known as IBM Watson Health, Merative transitioned into an independent entity under Francisco Partners in 2022. The company is dedicated to assisting clients in reconstructing information and gaining insights into the populations served, ultimately enhancing healthcare delivery, decision-making processes, and overall performance. The company provides real world evidence solutions, such as the Merative MarketScan Research Databases, Merative MarketScan Commercial Database, and the Merative Explorys EHR Database, facilitating comprehensive analyses for its users. Optum, Inc. (US): Optum, Inc., a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, Inc., is a diverse healthcare organization that helps individuals live healthier lives and improve the efficiency of the healthcare system. The company stands as a diverse healthcare organization with a mission to enhance the well-being of individuals and optimize the efficiency of the healthcare system. Through its Optum Insight segment, the company offers RWE solutions, enabling healthcare systems to effectively manage costs, adhere to compliance requirements, enhance clinical performance, and navigate the dynamic healthcare landscape. These solutions are catered to payers, care providers, employers, governments, life science companies, and consumers. The company operates across 150 countries spanning North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare Market Contract Research Organization Services Market Patient Registry Software Market Healthcare IT Market Healthcare Analytics Market Get access to the latest updates on Real World Evidence Solutions Companies and Real World Evidence Solutions Market Size About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said after a summit on Ukraine in Washington that a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin is expected to take place within the next two weeks, Der Spiegel reported on Tuesday. Merz said that the venue for the meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy still needs to be agreed upon, and the talks need to be well prepared. He said he had no idea yet what might come of it. "In my opinion, it would be desirable, and even more so, for a ceasefire to finally come to an end in Ukraine after this meeting." At the summit on Ukraine in Washington, where the US president and European leaders met on Monday, Trump dodged questions about the details of a peace plan for Ukraine. He interrupted his conversation with the Europeans to call Putin. The Kremlin initially did not confirm the planned meeting between Zelensky and Putin, saying only that it wanted to maintain contacts between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations. After the phone call, Trump said that he had initiated a meeting between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Kremlin leader Putin. Earlier, US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he was preparing a meeting between Putin and Zelensky. After that, a trilateral meeting should take place, in which he will also participate. As reported, Merz, after the conclusion of negotiations with US President Donald Trump, continues to insist on a ceasefire between Ukraine and the Russian Federation as a necessary prerequisite for further negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron, in an interview with the TF1 television channel, called Geneva a possible venue for a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. Reuters, citing an unnamed senior White House official, reported on Tuesday that the meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy could take place in Hungary. Reveel Insight Will Bring Shippers, Operational, Financial, Logistics, and Supply Chain Leaders Together to Share Ideas on How Shipping Best Practices Drive Success IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Reveel , the only Shipping Intelligence Platform with Parcel Spend Management 2.0 (PSM 2.0) technology, invites shippers to the inaugural Reveel Insight conference. The event will present shippers, logistics and supply chain leaders as well as operational and financial executives with an opportunity to share ideas and best practices that radically improve shipping processes, lower costs and deliver a competitive advantage in logistics and fulfillment operations. Occurring September 8, 2025 at the Renaissance Schaumburg in Chicago, Reveel Insight will take place immediately before PARCEL Forum '25 . Now in its 23rd year, PARCEL Forum is the top-rated conference that provides parcel shippers with real-world insights they can use to ship more packages, more efficiently, and more cost effectively. "Reveel Insight is an important milestone for our company, our employees and most importantly our customers," said Josh Dunham, co-founder and CEO of Reveel. "We have long envisioned an event that gives us an opportunity to catch up with colleagues, update customers on our innovation plans, and give those who rely on our platform an opportunity to share ideas, learn from shared experiences, and provide feedback for our continual improvement. It will include something for everyone from seasoned shippers with extensive knowledge of PSM 2.0 to executives who want to explore how a more strategic approach to shipping can transform their businesses." Reveel is proud to welcome ProShip , Paccurate , and McGriff as official sponsors of Reveel Insight. Each partner brings a unique strength to the parcel and supply chain ecosystem: ProShip delivers enterprise-class, multi-carrier shipping software trusted by leading brands; Paccurate provides intelligent cartonization technology that optimizes packaging for cost and sustainability; and McGriff offers industry-leading insurance and risk management solutions tailored for logistics and transportation. Their support underscores the shared commitment to empowering shippers with the tools, insights, and strategies needed to navigate today's rapidly evolving transportation landscape. Hundreds of leading businesses that require the fast movement of goods and supplies, including omnichannel retailers, e-commerce companies, manufacturers, and B2B distributors, use Reveel's platform to proactively decrease parcel shipping costs, radically improve shipping performance and drive top-line results, including increased online sales and customer satisfaction. On average, organizations that use Reveel's Parcel Spend Management 2.0 ( PSM 2.0 ) technology and platform decrease their parcel shipping costs by 22%, with many organizations achieving significantly greater savings. The inaugural Reveel Insight conference will include a number of interactive sessions and opportunities to enjoy the company of peers. A sampling of the sessions attendees are invited to participate in includes: The Premium Solution: How Boot Barn Leverages Reveel's Feature Set for Maximum Impact Melanie Kirk, director of supply chain and e-commerce operations at Boot Barn , and Alec Greene , director of account management at Reveel, will share how Boot Barn dramatically lowered its parcel shipping costs while simultaneously supporting the dramatic growth of its e-commerce sites and expansion to more than 400 stores in 48 states. Key takeaways and lessons learned will include insights on parcel contracts, contract negotiation, and how parcel spend management creates efficiencies and time savings that benefit a variety of teams enterprise-wide. Melanie Kirk, director of supply chain and e-commerce operations at , and , director of account management at Reveel, will share how Boot Barn dramatically while simultaneously supporting the dramatic growth of its e-commerce sites and expansion to more than 400 stores in 48 states. Key takeaways and lessons learned will include insights on parcel contracts, contract negotiation, and how parcel spend management creates efficiencies and time savings that benefit a variety of teams enterprise-wide. Fully Integrated: Reveel's End-to-End Shipping Intelligence Solution Michael Falls, chief customer officer, Jodee Hammerle , product owner and Tyler Hill , senior solutions strategist, will discuss what a fully integrated shipping intelligence solution one that enables teams to act with speed and confidence and prevents the unnecessary costs, missed opportunities and inefficiencies caused by disconnected systems and fragmented workflows looks like. The session will provide a vision for the future and a roadmap to achieve it. Key takeaways will include understanding the importance of fully integrated systems in shipping intelligence, making smarter decisions with end-to-end carrier data, utilizing audit and recovery processes to reduce manual efforts and protect revenue, discovering finance and accounting efficiencies, and exploring how capabilities like predictive analytics and strategic sourcing impact the business. Michael Falls, chief customer officer, , product owner and , senior solutions strategist, will discuss what a fully integrated shipping intelligence solution one that enables teams to act with speed and confidence and prevents the unnecessary costs, missed opportunities and inefficiencies caused by disconnected systems and fragmented workflows looks like. The session will provide a vision for the future and a roadmap to achieve it. Key takeaways will include understanding the importance of fully integrated systems in shipping intelligence, making smarter decisions with end-to-end carrier data, utilizing audit and recovery processes to reduce manual efforts and protect revenue, discovering finance and accounting efficiencies, and exploring how capabilities like predictive analytics and strategic sourcing impact the business. Next-Level Parcel Strategy: Reveel's Top Features to Take You From Good to Great Reveel's Wesley Gebo , program manager, Quinn Nelson , senior program manager, and Stephen Seidl , principal sales engineer, will show customers some of the many new features in Reveel's embedded business intelligence solution, Analytics Hub, emphasizing how it supports smarter, faster decision making through advanced customization, industry visibility, and automation. Some of the key takeaways that will be covered include the visualization and management of cost drivers, rebate trackers, the recovery of hidden fees such as those for shipping charge corrections and AI-driven analytics. "Shipping performance increasingly determines which companies excel and that will only grow more salient. "In fact, respondents in our recent ' 2025 Parcel Shipping Intelligence Market Survey Report ' noted that logistics commands a significant portion of operational costs, averaging 22%," added Dunham. "That is why visibility over shipping data and data-driven decision making and control is imperative. Reveel Insight will provide attendees with useful information they can immediately use to address this." Reveel Insight will also include a meeting of Reveel's customer advisory board, comprised of shipping and logistics experts from numerous industry stalwarts. For additional details on Reveel Insight, including the agenda, registration and hotel information, please visit: https://reveelgroup.com/reveel-insight/ . About Reveel Reveel is the leading Parcel Shipping Intelligence platform, revolutionizing the way businesses manage their shipping expenses and navigate the complexities of modern logistics. Through its advanced Parcel Spend Management (PSM) 2.0 technology, the company empowers shippers with real-time visibility, actionable insights, and enhanced control over shipping costs and carrier performance. With over $8 billion in parcel spend under management, Reveel combines more than 17 years of agreement management expertise with cutting-edge, AI-driven solutions to foster a culture of innovation across the parcel shipping industry. From optimizing carrier contracts to automating complex processes and driving data-driven decisions, Reveel sets the standard for transparency and efficiency, while providing the flexibility and scalability needed for future growth. For more information, please visit the company's website and follow it on X , LinkedIn and Facebook . Media Contact: Ken Phillips Guyer Group for Reveel P: 781.291.5664 E: [email protected] SOURCE Reveel BEIJING, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report by chinadiplomacy.org.cn on the global governance reform: A Russian academic called for reform of global governance systems to better advance social justice, arguing at a BRICS forum that current international structures perpetuate inequality. Boris Guseletov, researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences, said at the main forum of the BRICS Seminar on Governance and Cultural Exchange Forum 2025 that despite decades of progress since World War II, structural problems persist in international relations. He cited the 1945 U.N. Charter and the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights as foundational steps toward establishing justice in global governance. Moveover, the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals helped transform abstract concepts into concrete action plans for building fair and equitable societies, he said. Current challenges, however, include power imbalances in international institutions where some groups lack equal representation, and systemic economic and gender inequalities, Guseletov said. Guseletov pointed to regional organizations as examples of more equitable governance models. BRICS recently expanded to include Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Iran and Ethiopia, representing over half of the world's population. This makes BRICS an even more important platform for Global South nations, Guseletov said. Meanwhile, the European Union has deployed several policy tools to address socio-economic inequalities, including the European Social Fund and the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Similarly, the African Union has implemented the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and Agenda 2063 to integrate social justice principles into member nations' governance structures. These efforts have demonstrated that social justice can be achieved through collaborative and context-sensitive approaches tailored to the specific challenges faced by different regions, according to Guseletov. "The synergy between technology, social media and global governance is crucial for advancing social justice worldwide," Guseletov said. The BRICS forum, co-hosted by the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, China International Communications Group and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 30, 2025. Russian scholar calls for equitable global governance reform http://en.chinadiplomacy.org.cn/2025-08/12/content_118021654.shtml MILWAUKEE, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ademi Firm is investigating SoHo House (NYSE: SHCO) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law in its going-private transaction. Click here to learn how to join our investigation and obtain additional information or contact us at [email protected] or toll-free: 866-264-3995. There is no cost or obligation to you. Shareholders of SoHo House will receive $9.00 per share in cash implying a total enterprise value of approximately $2.7 billion. Executive Chairman Ron Burkle and Yucaipa Companies will roll their controlling equity interests and retain majority control of the business. SoHo House insiders will receive substantial benefits as part of change of control arrangements. The transaction agreement unreasonably limits competing transactions for SoHo House by imposing a significant penalty if SoHo House accepts a competing bid. We are investigating the conduct of the SoHo House board of directors, and whether they are fulfilling their fiduciary duties to all shareholders. We specialize in shareholder litigation involving buyouts, mergers, and individual shareholder rights. For more information, please feel free to call us. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contacts Ademi & Fruchter LLP Guri Ademi Toll Free: (866) 264-3995 Fax: (414) 482-8001 SOURCE Ademi LLP GEORGETOWN, Ind., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fat of the Land, the Indiana-based food brand reclaiming traditional fats and ancestral wisdom in everyday snacking, is proud to announce the release of two new flavors of its flagship tallow-cooked potato chips: Back Porch BBQ and Salt & Vinegar. These craveable new options join the brand's original Simple Sea Salt chip, expanding its offerings to meet consumer demand for clean, seed-oil-free snacks. The new flavors are available now on Amazon and are part of the company's ongoing commitment to provide familiar, family-friendly flavors made with nourishing, time-tested ingredients. "We launched with Sea Salt to start simple and strong," said founder Donald Ridings, a nurse and father. "But we always knew we wanted to bring bold, classic flavors into the mixwithout compromising on ingredients. BBQ and Salt & Vinegar were at the top of our list." A Better Way to Snack Fat of the Land's chips are kettle-cooked in 100% premium beef tallow, an animal fat prized for its high smoke point, deep flavor, and nutritional benefits. Unlike conventional chips made with processed seed oils, these snacks deliver satisfying crunch and clean tastewith no industrial oils, no artificial ingredients, and no compromises. Current Lineup: Simple Sea Salt Back Porch BBQ Salt & Vinegar All three flavors are cooked in small batches and made with a clean ingredient deck that parents, health-minded eaters, and traditional food enthusiasts can trust. Momentum and Mission Since its May 1 launch, Fat of the Land has quickly built momentum, earning support from regional pitch competitions, nutrition-forward communities, and a growing base of seed-oil-conscious consumers. The brand's message is clear: better fats belong back in the kitchenand on the snack shelf. Now Seeking Retail and Distribution Partners With its expanded product line, Fat of the Land is actively seeking retail and distribution partnerships to bring its tallow chips to butcher counters, natural grocers, specialty stores, and wellness retailers nationwide. "The response has been incredible," said Ridings. "People are hungry for real food made the way it used to beand we're here to meet that need, one bag at a time." About Fat of the Land Founded by nurse and father Donald Ridings, Fat of the Land is a snack brand rooted in traditional cooking fats and ancestral nutrition. With a mission to eliminate seed oils and restore real food to its rightful place, the company crafts kettle-cooked chips made in small batches using premium beef tallow and clean, simple ingredients. Learn more at www.eatfatoftheland.com . Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Fat of the Land CANCUN, Mexico, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunset World Group is undertaking social responsibility actions within its hotels and affiliated companies, promoting the human development, professional growth, emotional well-being, and integration of its employees. Examples of this are the events, diplomas, and workshops it held or is holding throughout 2025. Father's Day Celebration In July, Sunset World Group celebrated Father's Day by organizing a bowling and pool tournament. Employees formed interdepartmental teams and competed, demonstrating their skills in both sports. Diploma in Leadership Skills Throughout 2025, employees in executive positions are participating in a Diploma in Leadership Skills. The objective is to enhance their leadership skills in daily roles and interactions to, in turn, inspire the self-management and teamwork abilities of their employees. Sunset World 2025 Executive Rally With the goal of putting the leadership skills of the members of the executive committees of the six Sunset World Group hotels into practice, this rally was organized recently. The members of the executive committees tested their skills in teamwork, communication, solving complex situations, resilience, analytical thinking, negotiation, resource optimization, and conflict resolution, among others. Twelve interdepartmental teams had to resolve a total of 30 assignments and clues in a period of six hours. At the end, the teams met to analyze the exercise. "Internal Victory" Human Development Workshops Between June and November 2025, employees of Sunset World Group hotels will participate in the "Internal Victory" Human Development Workshops. These workshops aim to provide personal tools to achieve life goals and purposes. Participants learn to identify their personal resources, habits, virtues, talents, and unfulfilled dreams, and design an action plan to achieve those things they have put off for various reasons, whether related to work, personal life, family, academics, or finances. Sunset World Group is a Mexican family business founded by some of the pioneers of Cancun who helped turn it into the most sought-after tourist destination worldwide. Sunset World Group has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and a sincere passion for environmental conservation, which is why it implemented an Energy Efficiency Program by substituting supply technologies in its six hotels in Cancun and The Riviera Maya. In addition, all Sunset World hotels are supplied with clean and renewable energy produced at Mexican wind farms and geothermal plants, which has considerably reduced the company's carbon footprint. The activity and gastronomy programs in all six hotels are updated and expanded constantly for the enjoyment of all family members, since Sunset World Group always focuses on providing the best vacation experiences for its members and guests. SOURCE Sunset World Resorts & Vacation Experiences This year's 12th conference will feature approximately 10 sessions under the main theme "Innovation for Green Transformation (GX) and Security." Overview of the Forum Conference name Innovation for Cool Earth Forum 12th Annual Meeting (ICEF2025) Hosts Ministry of Trade, Economy and Industry (METI); New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Dates October 8 (Wednesday) and 9 (Thursday), 2025 Venue The Westin Tokyo, Japan (address: 1-4-1 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo) (To be held as a hybrid event with online sessions.) Language English (with Japanese-English simultaneous translation) Participation fee No charge (pre-registration required) Official website https://www.icef.go.jp/ Co-Hosts Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Ministry of the Environment Institutional Partners IEA, BloombergNEF, UNIDO, IRENA Highlights of ICEF2025 and other details (PDF) Please check the official website for the latest program and other details. https://www.icef.go.jp/program/ SOURCE Ministry of Trade, Economy and Industry (METI); New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) An expert blend of four 810-year-old American Whiskeys bordering the Ohio River BARDSTOWN, Ky., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Cock Whiskey , one of America's oldest whiskey brands, is excited to announce its latest limited-edition release, Miller's Reserve American Whiskey. Miller's Reserve reclaims the once-lost barrels of Chicken Cock Whiskey founder James A. Miller, lost in the sinking of the A.O. Tyler in 1860. Expertly blended with four American Whiskeys from Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia, bordering the iconic Ohio River. Miller's Reserve will be debuting at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival , with the official launch party taking place at Chicken Cock's Brand Home, Circa 1856 , on Saturday, September 6th. Miller's Reserve - Chicken Cock Whiskey "With Miller's Reserve, we're honoring a pivotal moment in Chicken Cock Whiskey's early history by resurrecting the spirit of what was once lost," said Matti Anttila, founder of Grain & Barrel Spirits. "This bold, complex blend of aged whiskeys from the Ohio River Valley offers a rare opportunity for whiskey lovers to experience a piece of American whiskey heritage reimagined." In 1860, James A. Miller's thriving whiskey operation for Chicken Cock Whiskey in Paris, Kentucky, had earned a widespread reputation for exceptional spirits. His barrels traveled across the nation via vital trade routes like the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and the bustling port of New Orleans. But on January 27th, disaster struck. A shipment of 475 uninsured barrels aboard the transport steamer A.O. Tyler collided with the wreckage of a previous vessel. The steamer sank, taking every barrel with it, leaving Miller's prized whiskey to saturate the river and seep into the soil of the bordering lands. Miller's Reserve is a testament to the unsinkable spirit of Chicken Cock Whiskey. The limited-edition release, bottled at 57.5% ABV, includes a blend of a 10-year Double Oak Kentucky Whiskey, 8-year High Rye Bourbon from Indiana, 8-year Wheated Bourbon from West Virginia, and 10-year Wheated Bourbon from Ohio. All four whiskeys were blended in Bardstown, KY, to create the Miller's Reserve final liquid. The bottle is a true collector's item, featuring distinctive, Prohibition-era packaging. Miller's Reserve offers notes of caramel, fig, toasted oak, and a rye-spiced finish. Released just in time for the fall, it pairs wonderfully with a cigar and is built for every sip to linger. Miller's Reserve will be available online for a limited time at an SRP of $99.99 (115 Proof, ABV 57.5%). For more information, please visit https://chickencockwhiskey.com/ About Chicken Cock Whiskey Founded in 1856 by James A. Miller in Paris, Kentucky, Chicken Cock Whiskey has a rich legacy rooted in the success of Miller's earlier venture, J.A. Miller's Old Bourbon, which dates back to the late 1830s. Known for its exceptional quality, Chicken Cock Whiskey quickly gained national recognition and became the first brand from Bourbon County to ship whiskey internationally. In 2012, Matti Anttila, Grain & Barrel Spirits CEO, revived the historic brand, restoring its reputation for excellence. Today, Chicken Cock Whiskey has become one of the most rapidly growing whiskey brands, celebrated for its award-winning Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Kentucky Straight Rye., The brand also offers multiple highly sought-after limited releases, crafted in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company as part of its collaborative distillation program. In 2024, Chicken Cock Whiskey opened its brand home, Circa 1856, offering visitors a multi-faceted immersive experience in one of the oldest historic homes in the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky. Media Contact: Eliza Williams Reilly Colangelo & Partners [email protected] SOURCE Chicken Cock Whiskey WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a powerful demonstration of how U.S. agriculture is helping to reshape global supply chains, the U.S.-Africa Trade Desk (USATD) today announced the successful export of 300 tons of premium-grade cotton from North Carolina to Mauritius. The deal marks a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties between the United States and Africa under the renewed U.S. drive to grow agricultural exports and promote reciprocal trade partnerships. William Fanjoy, Senior Trade Advisor at USATD, with North Carolina Cotton at the Suffolk Cotton Gin in Virginia. High quality North Carolina cotton is on its way to Mauritius. "This is more than a cotton shipmentit's a symbol of what's possible when U.S. farmers, African manufacturers, and trade facilitators work together toward shared prosperity," said William Fanjoy, Senior Trade Advisor at USATD. "The Trump administration has placed agriculture at the heart of its foreign trade strategy. Thanks to support from the U.S. Commercial Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this deal supports that vision and sets the stage for a surge in mutually beneficial commerce." The high-quality, ethically sourced cotton will be used by Mauritius's thriving textile industry, renowned globally for its sophisticated knitwear and apparel exports. By sourcing directly from American producers, Mauritius enhances the integrity and traceability of its supply chains, while the U.S. cotton industry benefits from new, long-term market opportunities. "We're delighted Mauritius will be importing high-quality cotton from the United States for its vital textile industry," said U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius, Henry Jardine. He added, "expanding trade increases prosperity for both our countries." Mauritius, ranked among the most economically open and politically stable nations in Africa, is uniquely positioned to serve as a springboard for U.S. agricultural commodities and products into the broader African market. This export deal reflects a broader strategic push to recalibrate trade dynamics by prioritizing transparency, capacity-building, and co-investment. "This shipment represents a win for American farmers, a win for African industry, and a win for free and fair trade," said Nezihi Aslankeser at Cotton Council International (CCI). "We are proud to support partnerships like this that align with global demand for sustainable and high-quality fiber." CEO of Firemount Textiles Ltd, Mauritius, Mr. Soma added, "We are proud to be the first official partner in this important initiative with USATD. By incorporating premium U.S. grown cotton into our denim jeans, destined for American consumers, we are expanding our global footprint while meeting the highest quality standards, expected by the U.S. retail market." The U.S.-Africa Trade Desk plays a pivotal role in operationalizing this new trade diplomacy, serving as a bridge between U.S. suppliers and African buyers, while advancing infrastructure development and compliance systems that enable seamless cross-border commerce. About the U.S.-Africa Trade Desk The U.S.-Africa Trade Desk (USATD) is a U.S. company driving the evolving two-way trade between the United States and the African continent. USATD's mission is to facilitate a new era of commercial partnershipone that strengthens U.S. supply chain continuity and expands access to global markets for U.S. and African producers. Through strategic sourcing, rigorous compliance systems, and demand-driven execution, USATD ensures the seamless flow of high-quality goods into and out of the United States, benefiting both American producers and consumers and serving as the connective tissue between U.S. producers and retailers and vetted African suppliers and retailers. This integrated approach ensures that U.S. agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors have access to scalable, secure, and cost-effective sourcing alternativeswhile empowering African businesses to meet the rigorous standards of the U.S. market. USATD is not just a bridge between continentsit is a stabilizing force in global commerce that brings tangible economic benefits to U.S. households and African communities alike. www.usafricatradedesk.com For press inquiries or interviews, contact Jeremy Faber at [email protected] Contact: Jeremy Faber, Communications Director, [email protected] SOURCE US Africa Trade Desk RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginia Housing recently announced increased maximum gross household income and sales price limits for Virginia homebuyers, effective Aug. 19, 2025. More Virginia first-time and repeat homebuyers will now have access to all Virginia Housing programs due to the increases. "Raising income and sales price limits is a critical step toward breaking down barriers to housing across the Commonwealth, ensuring more Virginians can attain quality, affordable housing and a place they can call home," said Virginia Housing Managing Director of Homeownership Michael Urban. Updated income and sales price limits can be found here. The information contained herein (including but not limited to any description of Virginia Housing and its lending programs and products, eligibility criteria, interest rates, fees and all other loan terms) is subject to change without notice. About Virginia Housing By investing in the power of home, Virginia Housing transforms where and how thousands of Virginians live and thrive, strengthening communities and the economy. Virginia Housing has worked for over 50 years in partnership with the public and private sectors to help Virginians attain quality, affordable housing. While receiving no state taxpayer dollars, Virginia Housing raises money in capital markets to provide mortgages to first-time homebuyers, financing for rental developments and neighborhood revitalization efforts. Virginia Housing invests in innovations in affordable housing and makes homes for people with disabilities and older Virginians more livable. Learn more at VirginiaHousing.com and review the most recent annual report. SOURCE Virginia Housing Minnesota's Certified Dark Sky Park to host free astronomy event Aug. 29 - 30 INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Voyageurs Conservancy , the National Park Service (NPS) and partners are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Voyageurs National Park and its renowned night skies with an end-of-summer Star Party over Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29 30. The Certified Dark Sky Park is a primarily water-based park in northern Minnesota, spanning more than 218,000 acres of lakes, forests and streams. The fifth annual Voyageurs Star Party recognizes the importance of preserving the park's dark skies through land and water-based activities, including expert speakers, Ranger-led programs, stargazing canoe tours, telescope viewing sessions, and guided constellation tours, with activities taking place at the Rainy Lake and Kabetogama Lake Visitor Centers. The free, family-friendly event is a collaborative effort among Voyageurs Conservancy, the official charitable partner of the park, the National Park Service, Starry Skies North, Wilderness Inquiry, and Bell Museum. View a full schedule of 2025 Star Party events, locations, and other details at Voyageurs.org/starparty . Voyageurs Star Party* program highlights include: Hear from astronomy experts, including: Voyageurs Conservancy dark sky specialist and NASA ambassador, Jesse Gates ; Starry Skies North president and DarkSky International delegate, Todd Burlet ; and Travis Novitsky , photographer for the Spirits Dancing and co-producer of the award-winning documentary Northern Nights, Starry Skies , who will share extensive night sky knowledge and Indigenous cultural connections to the cosmos ; president and DarkSky International delegate, ; and photographer for the and co-producer of the award-winning documentary , who will share extensive night sky knowledge and Indigenous cultural connections to the cosmos Stargaze aboard the Canoemobile with Wilderness Inquiry Become a Dark Sky Junior Ranger Learn all about light pollution, its impact, solutions, and opportunities Attend a " Northern Nights Starry Skies " film showing " film showing Gaze through guided telescope sessions, constellation tours and galaxies under Voyageurs' star-studded skies Learn about gravity with the Bell Museum Enjoy live music, s'mores and stories under the stars Star Party programs will take place in Voyageurs National Park at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center on Fri., Aug. 29, and the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center on Sat., Aug. 30. Most activities take place from 7 p.m. to midnight. There is no entry fee to the park, and Star Party pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. Specific event times and planning details can be found at voyageurs.org/starparty . "From amateur astronomers to first-time stargazers, the Star Party is a stellar opportunity to connect with our awe-inspiring universe and recognize the importance of protecting our night skies. Although light pollution threatens dark skies across the globe, Voyageurs is one of the best places in the world to see night skies," said executive director, Voyageurs Conservancy, Christina Hausman Rhode. "Seeing the natural wonder of the park after dark and learning about the cultural connection to our night skies is a bucket list experience," added Hausman Rhode. Voyageurs Dark Sky Initiative Voyageurs Conservancy and the NPS secured International Dark Sky Park certification from DarkSky International for Voyageurs in 2020. Today, the Voyageurs Dark Sky Initiative is a joint effort to preserve light pollution-free habitats for the species who call the park home, and an opportunity to expand business engagement and public awareness around the natural and cultural significance of the park's dark skies through educational programming, events and resources, including: Voyageurs Classroom Through the Voyageurs Classroom initiative, Voyageurs Conservancy, the NPS, and partners offer education programming to bring the park to classrooms across the state and nation, including engaging dark sky programming and events that aim to educate youth and the public on the significance of our dark skies. Through the initiative, Voyageurs Conservancy, the NPS, and partners offer education programming to bring the park to classrooms across the state and nation, including engaging dark sky programming and events that aim to educate youth and the public on the significance of our dark skies. Park-After-Dark Programs During summer months, the park and the Conservancy host regular telescope sessions and night sky tours in Voyageurs and surrounding communities. During summer months, the park and the Conservancy host regular in Voyageurs and surrounding communities. Voyageurs Dark Sky Visitor Guide This new and free guide offers night sky viewing tips and stellar stargazing spots in Voyageurs. This new and free guide offers night sky viewing tips and stellar stargazing spots in Voyageurs. Boreal Stargazing Week The weeklong celebration of Minnesota's night skies features Voyageurs-based nighttime activities that highlight our dark sky park, along with starry, statewide programming. The Feb. 2026 event is a collaborative effort among Voyageurs Conservancy, Friends of the Boundary Waters, Voyageurs National Park, Superior National Forest, Bell Museum, and Starry Skies North. You can support Voyageurs Classroom and Dark Sky initiatives with a donation at voyageurs.org/give . Sign up to receive Conservancy updates at voyageurs.org/subscribe . "I invite everyone to come out to the park and experience the awe and beauty of seeing the stars under some of the darkest skies in the country," said Kate Severson, program manager for interpretation and education, Voyageurs National Park. "Voyageurs' annual Star Party is a chance to rekindle that timeless sense of wonder, to look up, feel small in the best way, and leave with a renewed appreciation for the universe and the science that helps us understand it," added Severson. Voyageurs 50th Anniversary Voyageurs Conservancy and the NPS are commemorating Voyageurs' 50th anniversary in 2025 with special events like the Star Party, philanthropy, community partnerships, storytelling, and more. This week, park enthusiasts are encouraged to j oin the #Voyageurs50 celebration by visiting the all-new Voyageurs National Park exhibit at the 2025 Minnesota State Fair Aug. 21 23 to honor the half-century milestone. Additionally, the Voyageurs 50th Anniversary Sweepstakes runs through Sept. 30 for a chance to win Voyageurs-inspired prizes, including a Wenonah Canoe, a two-night stay in Voyageur Outpost's geodesic dome, floating chairs from Paddle North, a custom Voyageurs map blanket from Faribault Mills, and more. Visit voyageurs.org/50th for more information and follow @VoyageursConservancy on Instagram and Facebook . About Voyageurs Conservancy Voyageurs Conservancy , the official charitable partner of Voyageurs National Park, is a community of people dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sharing the unique experience of Minnesota's only national park. The Conservancy works directly with the National Park Service to support conservation and recreation projects, advance education and outreach, and protect the wild nature of the park. About Voyageurs National Park Voyageurs National Park spans 218,000+ acres of natural beauty in northern Minnesota, offering a year-round adventure wonderland of ancient exposed rock ridges, cliffs, wetlands, forests, streams, and dozens of lakes. Established in 1975, the primarily water-based park is named after the French-Canadian Voyageurs who once navigated these border waters. Whether exploring by land, water, or ice, there's something for everyone. *Funding for this program was provided in part by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). SOURCE Voyageurs Conservancy There are agreements with US President Donald Trump that America will buy Ukrainian drones after Ukraine starts exporting them, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "And we have agreements with the US President that when we open exports, they will buy Ukrainian drones. This is important for us," Zelenskyy said during a briefing in Washington. He explained that this will be financing domestic drone production. "Our companies will have money for production and to increase production," the president added. First opened in 1969 and taken over by Comwell Hotels in 2014, the hotel has been a go-to spot for weddings, celebrations, and big nights out for decades. Now, under the stylish Dolce by Wyndham brand, it's ready for its next chapter, joining sister properties in Aarhus, Copenhagen and Odenseeach known for standout locations, destination-worthy dining, and exceptional event spaces. "Dolce continues to shine across EMEA, offering hotel owners a lifestyle brand that pairs strong commercial pull with the kind of unfiltered, experience-driven charm today's travellers crave. As demand for 'coolcations' and activity-packed getaways are on the rise, the NordicsDenmark especiallyis set to stay high on travellers' wish lists. The Comwell Hvide Hus Aalborg is one of the city's most established hotels, and its transformation delivers a fresh, authentic stay for everyone from culture seekers and culinary explorers to conference-goers and creative teams." - Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Danish Simplicity in the Heart of Aalborg Comwell Hvide Hus Aalborg, Dolce by Wyndham is beautifully situated to offer the perfect blend of tranquillity and convenienceall in one of Europe's most walkable cities, with numerous cultural and historic sites just a stroll away. Pairing a refreshed "classic cool" aesthetic with the timeless Danish design principles of simplicity, functionality, and elegance, all 198 roomssuites, standard, and superiorhave been upgraded with furniture and accessories from iconic Danish brand HAY, creating warm, inviting spaces with natural materials, soft textiles, and light-filled, airy layouts. The four-star hotel also serves up the best of Denmark's culinary scene. Guests can choose Restaurant Vesterbro, a signature dining spot where a modern "green kitchen" meets panoramic city views, or Bar V, a relaxed all-day venue with a spacious terrace overlooking Kildeparken. Vesterbro's seasonal menu showcases local, organic produce, while Bar V's extensive offerings range from light bites to handcrafted cocktails made with house syrups and original recipes. Perfect for both leisure and business, the hotel features 13 conference rooms across four floors, accommodating up to 365 guests. Spaces are fully customisable, including the 15th-floor Panorama Floor, where sweeping views create a memorable backdrop for any event. Located just 250 metres from Aalborg Train Station and 7 km from Aalborg Airport, the hotel offers effortless access for visitors. And for those looking to wake up with a workout, the hotel's fitness centre is located on the top floor to provide incredible panoramic views of Aalborg. "Aalborg is celebrated as one of the happiest cities in the world, and we can't wait to welcome guests to our newly modernised property right in the heart of this dynamic city. This marks our fourth collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, a partnership that brings global scale, support, and the distinctive Dolce brandperfectly aligned with today's demand for meaningful, experience-driven travel. They're the ideal partner for Comwell as we continue growing our footprint across Denmark." - Michael Hansen, Commercial Director, Comwell Hotels Dolce by Wyndham has flourished throughout Europe in recent years, adding new locations in France, Italy and Spain, among others, with more hotels in the pipeline. For hotel owners and developers, the brand offers an exciting opportunity to join a curated collection of hotels in unique destinations, rooted in family values, signature cuisine, and first-class meetings and events. What's more, all the brand's hotels participate in Wyndham Rewards, the number one hotel rewards program as named by readers of USA Today. With thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally, no other hotel rewards program is more generous or offers members more places to stay. Join for free at WyndhamRewards.com. To learn more about Comwell Hvide Hus Aalborg Dolce by Wyndham, visit DolcebyWyndham.com. Images associated with this release can be downloaded here. About Dolce by Wyndham Inspirational environments foster big ideas. That's the philosophy behind Dolce Hotels and Resorts by Wyndham. A curated collection of unique destinations, Dolce redefined modern meetings using creative spaces, state-of-the-art technology, nourishing food and beverage programs and inspired activities. From Colorado Springs to Hanoi, Dolce's breathtaking locations provide the backdrop to incredible travel experiences. Learn more at www.dolce.com. About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world's largest hotel franchising company by the number of franchised properties, with approximately 8,300 hotels across approximately 100 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 847,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveler, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 25 hotel brands, including Super 8, Days Inn, Ramada, Microtel, La Quinta, Baymont, Wingate, AmericInn, ECHO Suites, Registry Collection Hotels, Trademark Collection and Wyndham. The Company's award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program offers approximately 120 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com. About Comwell Hotels Comwell is a Danish-owned and nationwide hotel chain with hotels throughout Denmark including ODEON in Odense and Centralvrkstedet in Aarhus. Comwell has been operating meeting and conference hotels for approximately 55 years and has won several awards over the years for their meeting, service and food concept. Comwell was the first to introduce Danes to the modern meeting package back in 1969. Today, it is still Comwell's core business, and the professional advice, insight, learning tools and sparring is handled by the hotel chain's trained MeetingDesigners. Comwell also services training and courses, workshops, job interviews, board meetings, exhibitions and events and has approximately 2,500 rooms and 320 meeting and conference rooms. SOURCE Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Local Law Firm Teams Up with Elementary Schools to Invest in Student Success BALTIMORE, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers is proud to announce their community partnership with Woodholme Elementary and Wellwood Elementary schools, providing 500 fully-stocked backpacks to students during upcoming Back-to-School Night events. The donation initiative aims to support students as they prepare for the new academic year by providing essential supplies and resources. The backpack distribution will take place at two separate events on August 21st: Woodholme Elementary Sneak Peek Event Date: August 21st Time: 5:00-6:30 PM Wellwood Elementary Back to School Night Date: August 21st Time: 4:00-6:30 PM Both events offer families valuable opportunities to meet teachers, connect with school staff, and engage with local businesses and community partners like Zirkin & Schmerling Law Firm. Each backpack comes fully equipped with essential school suppliesincluding scissors, pencils, notebooks, and crayonsplus extra goodies from Zirkin & Schmerling Law that the whole family can enjoy. "We're thrilled to support these two wonderful schools and the families they serve," said Josh Schmerling, partner at Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers. "Education is the foundation of a strong community, and we believe every child deserves to begin the school year feeling prepared and valued." Bobby Zirkin, partner at Zirkin and Schmerling Law and former Maryland State Senator added, "We are honored to play a small part in helping the children start off the school year and join the families for this exciting event." The Back-to-School Night events serve as meaningful community gatherings where families can familiarize themselves with their children's learning environment and build connections that last throughout the academic year. By participating as a community partner, Zirkin & Schmerling continues their commitment to supporting local families and strengthening educational opportunities in the Baltimore area. This backpack donation initiative reflects the law firm's ongoing dedication to community service and their belief in investing in the next generation's success. The firm regularly participates in local charitable events and maintains strong partnerships with schools and community organizations throughout the region. Families attending either Back-to-School Night event will have the opportunity to collect their complimentary backpacks while exploring other resources and meeting the dedicated educators who will guide their children throughout the upcoming school year. About Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers: Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers is a Baltimore-based personal injury legal practice committed to serving their community both in the courtroom and through active community engagement and charitable initiatives. Media Contact: Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers 1852 Reisterstown Road, Suite #203 Pikesville, MD 21208 Email: [email protected] Website: www.zirkinandschmerlinglaw.com SOURCE Zirkin & Schmerling Injury Lawyers Photo: https://t.me/SBUkr The State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has identified all members of the Russian military intelligence (GRU) spy group that coordinated the shelling of Kyiv and carried out sabotage in the Odessa region, the Security Service of Ukraine reports. In a Telegram channel on Tuesday, the Ukrainian special service reported that the cell consisted of four people: two of them were direct agents and executors of orders, one was a liaison through whom the agents received instructions, and another was the direct supervisor of the attackers, a personnel officer of Russian military intelligence, Maksym Chachin. SBU counterintelligence agents detained the saboteurs back in February 2025, and since then, comprehensive measures have been underway to identify other members of the enemy cell and document their contacts. As it became known during the investigation, an employee of the Russian military intelligence service involved a former teacher of one of the famous Kyiv universities in subversive activities, who left for Russia in 2021 and began to cooperate with the occupiers. "After the start of the full-scale war, the professor put her former student, a 27-year-old Kyiv resident who supported Russia's armed aggression, in direct agent contact with the enemy," the report says. Then, as the SBU notes, the woman introduced him to another resident of the Ukrainian capital, who joined the agent group. "He turned out to be a 40-year-old ex-military man who had information about the bases of individual units of the Defense Forces," the report specifies. According to the Ukrainian special services, together they went around the relevant locations, marked them on Google maps and sent them to the curator to prepare missile and drone attacks on Kyiv. "Later, the agents moved to Odesa, where they first "kept a low profile," and then, on the instructions of the enemy, set fire to two mobile communication towers and several electrical substations," the report states. The defendants were also preparing to commit terrorist attacks using improvised explosive devices, but the Security Service prevented this. Currently, SBU investigators have sent an indictment to the court against both agents under several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Part 2 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 111 (high treason committed by a group of persons in a pre-arranged conspiracy under martial law); Part 2 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 113 (sabotage committed by a group of persons in a state of martial law); Part 2 of Article 194-1 (intentional damage to power facilities); Part 2 of Article 28, Part 1 of Article 263 (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives, by a group of persons in a state of martial law). The perpetrators are in custody. A report on suspicion of the curator of these agents from the GRU of the Russian Federation and their liaison is also being prepared. The comprehensive measures are being carried out by the SBU officers in the Odesa region under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutor's office. The draft government action program stipulates that Ukraine expects to open all negotiation clusters on accession to the European Union by the end of 2026. According to the provisions of the draft action program, which concerns the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, in September 2025, the official screening for Cluster 5 "Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion Policy" should be completed, and by the end of August, September and October, the government should develop and approve Ukraine's negotiating positions for Cluster 3 "Competitiveness and Inclusive Development," Cluster 4 "Green Order and Sustainable Connectivity" and Cluster 5 "Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion Policy," respectively. It is expected that by December 31, 2025, the official screening of the compliance of Ukrainian legislation with EU law and national procedures for opening all negotiation clusters will be completed, and by December 31, 2026, Ukraine will have fulfilled all benchmarks and opened all negotiation Clusters. It is also expected that by the end of In 2025, a National Program for the Adaptation of Ukrainian Legislation to the EU Acquis will be developed, subject to the adoption of the relevant law by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. As reported, on May 14, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the roadmaps necessary for the opening of the first Cluster "Fundamentals of Accession" in the pre-accession negotiations between Ukraine and the European Union, and on May 30, it approved Ukraine's negotiating positions within the framework of accession to the European Union under Cluster 2 "Internal Market" and Cluster 6 "External Relations." Ukraine also completed screening with the European Union under the negotiation Cluster 3 "Competitiveness and Inclusive Development." In addition, in July, Ukraine completed the assessment of the compliance of Ukrainian legislation with EU law under Cluster 4 "Green Agenda and Sustainable Connection," which is already the fifth of six thematic Clusters. Moscow, Aug 19 : US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a "candid and very constructive phone call" on Monday, a top Kremlin aide said. Trump paused a meeting at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders to speak with Putin, sources told CNN. Putin's foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said that during the nearly 40-minute call, Trump informed Putin on his talks with the European leaders. The Russian leader "expressed support for direct negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine," he said. The Russian presidential aide noted that the phone conversation had been initiated by Trump, Russian news agency Tass reported. Following the meeting, Trump said that he had begun arranging a meeting between Putin and Zelensky. Trump and Putin had "discussed the idea of exploring the possibility of raising the level of representatives of Moscow and Kyiv at the talks," Ushakov said. He stopped short of confirming whether Putin had agreed to a bilateral or trilateral meeting. Putin also thanked Trump again for hosting him during his trip to Alaska, Ushakov said. Putin and Trump in a phone call, agreed to maintain close contact on pressing issues, the Kremlin aide said in a press briefing. "Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump agreed to maintain close contact on the Ukraine crisis and other pressing issues on the international and bilateral agenda," Ushakov added. Earlier on Monday, Trump held a meeting at the White House with Zelensky and several European leaders. The talks involved French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump said on Monday that making a peace agreement did not require a ceasefire for Ukraine because hostilities could not prevent the parties from working on a deal. He also added that security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed at his White House meeting with Zelensky and European leaders. "During the meeting we discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, which guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America," he wrote on the Truth Social media platform. "Everyone is very happy about the possibility of peace for Russia/Ukraine," Trump added. Moscow, Aug 19 : US President Donald Trump has said he called Russian President Vladimir Putin after holding meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House, adding he "began the arrangements" for a discussion between the leaders of the two warring countries. Trump paused his meeting with Zelensky and European leaders to speak with Putin, CNN reported, adding the European officials were not present for the conversation. The US President said in a Truth Social post on Monday that the location of the meeting is yet to be determined and noted that after the proposed gathering between Zelensky and Putin, he will join the two Presidents for a trilateral meeting. Trump, speaking alongside European leaders at the White House, said on Monday afternoon that he would float the idea of a trilateral meeting to Putin, who has said he would only meet with Zelensky after the details of a peace deal were negotiated. The US President, who initially said "we may or may not have a trilat," later said it was a matter of "when, not if" he would come together with Putin and Zelensky, adding, "I think if we have a trilat, there's a good chance of maybe ending (the war)." Trump expects Putin to release more than 1,000 Ukrainian prisoners following the trilateral meeting, though Russia has not accepted the meeting as of Monday afternoon. Earlier on Monday, the US President told Zelensky he would give Ukraine "very good protection and very good security" when asked about security guarantees for Ukraine, a key demand Zelensky is seeking in exchange for an agreement to end the war with Russia. European leaders, who met with Trump and Zelensky after their sitdown, included UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. A closed-door meeting between Trump, Zelensky and the European leaders began just before 3:30 p.m. EDT. Trump and Putin held a "candid and very constructive phone call" on Monday, a top Kremlin aide confirmed on Monday. Putin's foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said that during the nearly 40-minute call, Trump informed Putin on his talks with the European leaders. The Russian leader "expressed support for direct negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine," he said. The Russian presidential aide noted that the phone conversation had been initiated by Trump, Russian news agency Tass reported. Trump and Putin had "discussed the idea of exploring the possibility of raising the level of representatives of Moscow and Kyiv at the talks," Ushakov said. He stopped short of confirming whether Putin had agreed to a bilateral or trilateral meeting. Putin also thanked Trump again for hosting him during his trip to Alaska, Ushakov said. Putin and Trump in a phone call, agreed to maintain close contact on pressing issues, the Kremlin aide said in a press briefing. "Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump agreed to maintain close contact on the Ukraine crisis and other pressing issues on the international and bilateral agenda," Ushakov added. Trump said on Monday that making a peace agreement did not require a ceasefire for Ukraine because hostilities could not prevent the parties from working on a deal. He also added that security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed at his White House meeting with Zelensky and European leaders. "During the meeting we discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, which guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America," he wrote on the Truth Social media platform. "Everyone is very happy about the possibility of peace for Russia/Ukraine," Trump added. Washington, Aug 19 : European leaders lauded US President Donald Trump for hosting them along with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Monday afternoon and helping to press for an end to the war in Ukraine. Earlier on Monday, Trump told Zelensky he would give Ukraine "very good protection and very good security" when asked about security guarantees for Ukraine, a key demand Zelensky is seeking in exchange for an agreement to end the war with Russia. European leaders, who met with Trump and Zelensky after their sitdown, included UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. A closed-door meeting between Trump, Zelensky and the European leaders began just before 3:30 p.m. EDT. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said that the meeting with US President Donald Trump could be a "historic step" for Ukraine and Europe's security. "I think we could take a really important step forward today, a historic step actually could come out of this meeting in terms of security for Ukraine and security in Europe," Starmer said on Monday during a meeting with Trump and European leaders at the White House. The British leader said Trump's indication of "Article-5 style" security guarantees corresponds with the work the "Coalition of the Willing" Ukraine's main European allies has been doing for the past months. He added the coalition is "prepared to step up to the plate" when it comes to ensuring Ukraine's security. NATO Article 5 is the "collective defence" part of the alliance's treaty, which stipulates that an attack against one is considered an attack against all the allies and members will take mutual action. Trump has previously been dismissive of Kyiv's frequent calls for security guarantees some way to ensure that Russia won't violate a ceasefire agreement or renew its offensive in Ukraine in a few years. President Trump said he planned to bring European leaders back to the Oval Office before they depart on Monday, an add to the schedule that a White House official attributed to the fact that "everything is going well". Trump met with the European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the East Room of the White House on Monday afternoon. Earlier on Monday, Trump told Zelensky he would give Ukraine "very good protection and very good security" when asked about security guarantees for Ukraine, a key demand Zelensky is seeking in exchange for an agreement to end the war with Russia. European leaders, who met with Trump and Zelensky after their sitdown, included UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. A closed-door meeting between Trump, Zelensky and the European leaders began just before 3:30 p.m. EDT. Finnish President Alexander Stubb praised Trump for the progress made in talks to resolve Russia's war in Ukraine. "I think in the past two weeks, we've probably had more progress in ending this war than we have in the past three and a half years," he said on Monday, pointing to the symbolic nature of the leaders gathering to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine. Stubb reminded listeners that his country, Finland, shares a border with Russia for more than 800 miles. He also nodded to the two countries' shared history. Finland was an autonomous part of the Russian empire from 1809 to 1917. Finland joined the NATO in April 2023, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 drove the formerly non-aligned country to abandon its neutrality and seek protection within the US-led alliance. "The path is open" for more serious negotiations to be held on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said during a meeting with Trump and Zelensky at the White House. Merz said that Trump opened that path after the US President met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. "Now the way is open for complicated negotiations," he said. Merz reiterated that the European leaders are eager to see a ceasefire before more talks are held. "I can't imagine that the next meeting will take place without a ceasefire," he said. "So let's work on that." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that President Trump's offer of security guarantees for Ukraine amounts to a "breakthrough" in securing a potential peace deal for Ukraine. "The fact that you have said 'I am willing to participate in the security guarantees' is a big step, it's really a breakthrough, and it makes all the difference. So also thank you for that," Rutte said to Trump in a multilateral meeting alongside Zelensky and European leaders in the White House. Speaking earlier on Monday in the Oval Office alongside Zelensky, Trump did not immediately rule out sending US troops to Ukraine to help maintain a potential peace deal. "We'll let you know that, maybe later today," Trump said. Rutte also thanked the American President for "breaking the deadlock" and successfully bringing President Putin to the table for peace talks. As President Trump pushes toward a three-way meeting between himself, President Putin and Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron offers an idea: a European leader at the table as well. "I think as a follow up, we would need probably a quadrilateral meeting. Because when we speak about security guarantees, we speak about the whole security of the European continent," he said. It seems unlikely Trump will warm to that idea, at least in the near term, as he works toward ending the war. But Macron's point underscores how much is at stake not only for Ukraine in the Monday talks, but also the rest of Europe. President Trump walked out to cameras at the White House alongside Zelensky and European leaders. They stood quietly in a line and posed for a photo. Trump stood in the middle, flanked by Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron, following which they sat for a multilateral meeting inside the East Room. The US President has said he called President Putin after holding meetings with Zelensky and European leaders at the White House, adding he "began the arrangements" for a discussion between the leaders of the two warring countries. Trump also paused his meeting with Zelensky and European leaders to speak with Putin, CNN reported, adding the European officials were not present for the conversation. The US President said in a Truth Social post on Monday that the location of the meeting is yet to be determined and noted that after the proposed gathering between Zelensky and Putin, he will join the two Presidents for a trilateral meeting. Trump, speaking alongside European leaders at the White House, said on Monday afternoon that he would float the idea of a trilateral meeting to Putin, who has said he would only meet with Zelensky after the details of a peace deal were negotiated. The US President, who initially said "we may or may not have a trilat," later said it was a matter of "when, not if" he would come together with Putin and Zelensky, adding, "I think if we have a trilat, there's a good chance of maybe ending (the war)." Trump expects Putin to release more than 1,000 Ukrainian prisoners following the trilateral meeting, though Russia has not accepted the meeting as of Monday afternoon. Washington, Aug 19 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the discussion with US President Donald Trump and European leaders at the White House included plans for Ukraine to purchase $90 billion in American weapons through European funding, as part of the country's security guarantees, as quoted by a media report. He added on Monday that another part of the guarantees would involve Ukraine manufacturing drones, some of which would be purchased by the US. Zelensky, who made his comments at a news conference following the White House meeting, noted that this remains under discussion and that no formal agreement has been reached. The agreement will be formalised over the next week or 10 days, he said. According to a document shared with allies and cited by a leading daily, the proposal also includes a $50 billion drone production deal with US partners. The package was circulated ahead of Zelensky's meeting with Trump at the White House. Kyiv's pitch is designed to appeal to Trump's emphasis on economic benefits for American industry. Asked about future assistance, Trump told reporters: "We're not giving anything. We're selling weapons." The document stresses that "a lasting peace shall be based not on concessions and free gifts to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, but on (a) strong security framework that will prevent future aggression." Ukraine has rejected a Russian proposal to freeze the frontline in exchange for troop withdrawals from parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, warning that such concessions would risk enabling Moscow to push deeper into the country. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking alongside Zelensky and Trump in Washington, said a ceasefire must come first. "I can't imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire," he said, urging more pressure on Moscow. The Ukrainian document also calls for Russia to compensate Kyiv for wartime damages, potentially through $300 billion in frozen Russian assets held in Western countries. It insists that any sanctions relief should be conditional on Moscow's compliance with a peace agreement. The proposals come days after Trump's summit with Putin in Alaska, where the US President claimed "great progress" but acknowledged that no deal was reached to end the conflict. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Washington, Aug 19 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he had a long discussion with US President Donald Trump over a map displayed in the Oval Office showing Russian-captured territories in Ukraine. "I argued about the percentage on the map because I know this percentage very well," he added on Monday. However, the two leaders engaged in a "warm and meaningful conversation" about it, Zelensky said. "It isn't possible to say this much territory has been taken over this time. These points are important," he added. A map that appeared to show percentages of Ukrainian regions occupied by Russia was on display in the Oval Office during Trump's meeting with Zelensky. Zelensky appeared to acknowledge the map during a later meeting with Trump and European leaders, saying he had shown Trump battlefield details on a map. "Thank you for the map, by the way," Zelensky said. "Good map," Trump responded. "I'm thinking how to take it back," Zelensky quipped. "We'll get you one," said Trump. Whether Russia will retain control of Ukrainian territory a" and what territories it will continue to occupy a" is a key factor in the peace negotiations. Moscow has pressed Kyiv to cede control of eastern Ukraine's Donbas region in exchange for a ceasefire, a demand Zelensky has pushed back on. Late Sunday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Zelensky can end the war "almost immediately" if he agrees to several demands, including "No getting back Obama given Crimea" a" referring to the Ukrainian peninsula that Russia annexed in 2014. President Obama did not recognise Crimea as part of Russia. However, redrawing of Ukrainian territory was not discussed, the NATO Chief Mark Rutte said, as leaders said they agreed this is a matter for Zelensky to discuss at a potential trilateral meeting involving Russia. European leaders who gathered at the White House on Monday did not discuss redrawing Ukrainian boundaries because that was a matter for President Zelensky to address at a potential trilateral meeting involving Russia, Rutte added. "We have not discussed that today," he told Fox News when asked about the issue. "Everybody is clear, including (US President Donald Trump), that when it comes to territory, it is the Ukrainian President who has to discuss this in the trilateral and probably more conversations after that with Vladimir Putin from Russia." "Today, the understanding among leaders was that for any territory to be discussed, there would have to be security guarantees, Rutte said. Every country in the coalition has to agree on what these guarantees will mean, he added. Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to meet Ukrainian President Zelensky within the next two weeks during a phone call with US President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said. The location of that meeting has not yet been determined, Merz told reporters on Monday night. He said such a summit needs to be well prepared but said he doesn't know if Putin would "have the courage" to attend such a summit. New York, Aug 19 : After meetings with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, US President Donald Trump has announced that he is arranging a meeting between Zelensky and Russia's President Vladimir Putin in his effort to end the devastating war that has killed hundreds of thousands, civilians and military personnel. "Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine," he said on Truth Social on Monday after their meetings. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was at the meeting, echoed Trump, writing on X, "It is a good meeting with President Trump, President Zelensky, and our European partners today in Washington." "But the next steps will be more complicated," he added. About direct peace talks, Trump said, "I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky." "After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat (trilateral meeting) which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," he added. "Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years," he said. US Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine for the meetings, Trump added. The meetings followed Friday's summit with Putin after which Trump had dropped his demand for an immediate ceasefire shocking Zelensky and the Europeans. The breakthrough in the quest for peace is Trump and the leaders agreeing to security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump said that Putin has agreed to the security proposal. The security guarantee is important for Ukraine because of fears that Putin can go back on a peace agreement and invade that country. Trump was ready for US involvement in the security guarantee, which could include the deployment of US troops alongside European peacekeepers. "During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America," Trump said on Truth Social. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer said earlier that security guarantees would be "a historic step". Since Putin has opposed Ukraine joining NATO -- one of the reasons he has claimed for starting the war in 2022 -- the security guarantee would protect Ukraine because an invader would have to face NATO members deployed as peacekeepers. Earlier on Monday, Trump had a friendly meeting with Zelensky, a marked change from their acrimonious Oval Office encounter in February when he publicly scolded him. "We're going to work with Ukraine, we're going to work with everybody, and we're going to make sure that if there's peace, that peace is going to stay long-term," he said before their bilateral meeting. Zelensky said after their bilateral, "It was really good. We spoke about very sensitive points." "We've had a very successful day thus far," he added. Because of the February episode, the European leaders were apprehensive that Trump could browbeat Zelensky into accepting an unfavourable deal and came to Washington to back him. Presidents Emmanuel Macron of France, Alexander Stubb of Finland, Prime Ministers Keir Starmer of Britain and Giorgia Meloni of Italy, German Chancellor Merz, European Union President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte were at the meeting. Trump said the collection of so many powerful leaders at the White House was unprecedented. The European leaders praised Trump effusively. Meloni, for example, told Trump, "It is an important day a" a new phase a" after three years that we didn't see any kind of sign from the Russian side that they were willing for dialogue, so something is changing a" something has changed a" thanks to you." Two important issues were left unresolved. While European leaders wanted a ceasefire, Trump insisted on going straight to a full-fledged peace deal. In the open part of the European summit, Merz diplomatically brought up the issue of a ceasefire, from which Trump walked back after having insisted on it before the Putin summit. "I can't imagine the next meeting will take place without a cease-fire," the German Chancellor said. French President Macron said that the European leaders are united in wanting a ceasefire. Trump said he had gotten straight to a peace deal in the other conflicts that he said he had resolved without a ceasefire first. "If we can get a cease-fire, great," he said. "President Zelensky and President Putin can talk a little bit more about that," he added. The urgency of a ceasefire was underlined by continuing Russian attacks just before the White House talks. At least 10 people, including a year-old child, were killed in Monday's attacks on Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. Also apparently unresolved was the future of the territory seized by Russia, which Ukraine wants back, and European leaders have said that Moscow should not be allowed to keep the fruits of an invasion. On Sunday, Trump said on Truth Social, "No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!)." Trump was referring to the Russian capture of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014 without military resistance while Barack Obama was the President and implying that in a settlement Kyiv would have to give up claims to it. Putin wants not only to keep the parts of Donetsk province, which has a large ethnic Russian minority, but also demands the rest of it. Rubio said on a TV programme on Sunday that concessions on territory would be inevitable. "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," he added. Washington, Aug 19 : US President Donald Trump has said that he and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed the issue of abducted children, a cause that is also important to his wife, First Lady Melania Trump. "Ursula von der Leyen, the distinguished and Highly Respected President of the European Commission, and I have been discussing the massive Worldwide problem of missing children. This is, likewise, a big subject with my wife, Melania. It is a subject at the top of all lists, and the World will work together to solve it, hopefully bringing them home to their families!" Trump posted on Monday on Truth Social. Von der Leyen responded on X, saying the human cost of the Ukraine war must end. "And that means every single Ukrainian child abducted by Russia must be returned to their families. I thank @POTUS for his clear commitment today to ensuring these children are reunited with their loved ones." 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. While the exact number of missing children over the course of the Russia-Ukraine war remains unclear, the Institute for the Study of War reported in March that Ukraine verified nearly 19,500 children have been deported by Russia. During Monday's summit at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came with a letter from his wife for Melania Trump, and he praised the US first lady's letter last week to President Vladimir Putin about children suffering during the war. Zelensky opened his one-on-one meeting with President Trump on Monday by thanking First Lady Melania Trump. Despite the fact that Melania Trump did not travel with her husband for his summit with Vladimir Putin last week, the First Lady did send a personal letter to the Russian President pleading for peace on behalf of the children in Ukraine and Russia who are suffering amid the ongoing war. Zelensky told Trump that both he and his wife, Olena Zelenska, were moved by the letter, saying, "many thanks to your wife, first lady of the United States," and presenting him with a letter to give her in return. "It's not to you, [it's] to your wife," he cautioned, earning a laugh from the US President and gathered press. Washington, Aug 19 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia proposed a bilateral meeting with Ukraine, followed by a trilateral meeting. In a news conference following his meetings with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Zelensky said on Monday that he is ready for "any format" of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said that he would participate in the following trilateral meeting, depending on how the first meeting goes. Zelensky added that he does not know the details about the proposed bilateral meeting. He said that he does not want to impose conditions on the meeting because Putin would follow with his own conditions. "I believe unconditionally we should meet and think about the further development of this path to the end of the war," he said. Putin told Trump on Monday that he is willing to meet Zelensky, a person familiar with the call said. Putin told Trump, whom he met Friday in Alaska, of his readiness to meet Zelensky during a telephone call in a break from White House talks in Washington with European leaders, the person said on condition of anonymity. Trump said on Monday that he had started arranging a two-way peace meeting between Ukraine's Zelensky and Russia's Putin -- to be followed by three-way talks involving himself. "At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky," he said after hosting Zelensky and European leaders at the White House. "After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself." Ukrainian President Zelensky on Monday gave an upbeat asessment of talks with US counterpart Trump and said they discussed security guarantees. "We had a very good conversation with President Trump, and it really was the best one -- or, sorry, maybe the best one will be in the future," Zelensky said at an expanded meeting with European leaders. President zelensky and President Trump expressed hope that Monday's critical talks with Ukrainian and European leaders at the White House could lead to trilateral talks with Putin to bring an end to Russia's war on Ukraine. Monday's meeting comes after Trump met with Putin and has said that the onus is now on Zelensky to agree to concessions that he said could end the war. A group of European political leaders also meet with the US President after they were left out of Friday's summit, and they are looking to safeguard Ukraine and the continent from any widening aggression from Moscow. Canberra, Aug 19 : Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said on Tuesday that Israel's decision to revoke the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority (PA) was "unjustified". In a post on social media platform X on Monday night, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said that he has cancelled the visas of Australia's representatives to the PA and instructed the embassy in Canberra to carefully examine any official Australian visa application for entry into Israel. Responding on Tuesday morning, Wong said in a statement that it was an "unjustified reaction" following Australia's decision to recognise Palestinian statehood. "At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution," Wong added. Sa'ar said the decision to revoke the visas was made after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced earlier in August that Australia will formally recognise Palestine at the 80th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in September. He also cited the Australian government's decision on Monday to deny entry to far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman days before he was due to arrive for a speaking tour. Tony Burke, the Minister for Home Affairs, said on Monday that the Australian government takes a "hard line" on people seeking to enter the country to spread division. "If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we don't want you here," he added. Burke said that the decision bans Rothman from visiting Australia for three years. In June, Australia and four other countries imposed sanctions on Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over accusations of repeatedly inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Prime Minister Albanese, announced Australia would recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September as part of a two-state solution, following new commitments by the Palestinian Authority. The move was criticised by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, as "disappointing" and "shameful". -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Seoul, Aug 19 : South Korea's automobile exports rose by more than 8 per cent from a year earlier in July thanks to a sharp increase in shipments to Europe that more than offset a decline in shipments to the United States caused by Washington's tariff scheme, government data showed on Tuesday. The value of auto exports grew 8.8 percent on-year to $5.83 billion last month, marking the second consecutive month of growth, according to the data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, reports Yonhap news agency. While export value had increased in June despite a drop in export volume, July saw both figures rise. In July, the number of vehicles shipped overseas increased 5.8 percent on-year to 212,000 units. Exports to the U.S. fell for the fifth consecutive month, dropping 4.6 percent on-year to $2.33 billion in July. However, the pace of decline sharply eased from a 16 percent fall in June. The steady decline in shipments to the U.S. follows President Donald Trump's administration's imposition of a 25 percent tariff on all imported automobiles and auto parts since April. The ministry noted that trade uncertainties have somewhat eased as the U.S. agreed to lower tariffs on South Korean automobiles to 15 percent as part of a broader bilateral trade deal reached July 30. Meanwhile, shipments to the European Union surged 32.7 percent on-year to $713 million last month, buoyed by strong demand for eco-friendly vehicles. Outbound shipments of eco-friendly cars rose 17 percent from a year earlier to 68,000 units. In particular, exports of electric vehicles (EVs), which had been on a steady decline since January 2024, rebounded in June and continued their upward trend in July. At home, sales of automobiles rose 4.6 percent on-year to 138,503 units in July. Domestic production also rose 8.7 percent to 316,295 units. Domestic sales of EVs came to 26,000 units in July, jumping 69.5 percent from a year earlier and setting a new monthly record. EVs accounted for 18.5 percent of total monthly auto sales, also marking the highest local market share on record. Archaeologists from the University of Haifa have uncovered a 1,600-year-old mosaic in Sussita (Hippo) National Park near Galilee, shedding new light on social life during the Byzantine era, Azernews reports. The mosaic bears the Greek inscription Comfort for the Elderly, pointing to the existence of a dedicated institution for the care of the elderly. The find, dating back to the late 4th or early 5th century AD, was discovered at the entrance to a public building in the city, which was the regions main Christian center at the time. Michael Eisenberg, director of the excavation project, described the discovery as living proof that care for the elderly was already part of social institutions and concepts 1,600 years ago. The findings were published in the academic journal Zeitschrift fur Papyrologie und Epigraphik. The mosaic was located within an ornate medallion near the intersection of the citys two main streets, Decumanus Maximus and Cardo. Researchers from the University of Haifa and Professor Gregor Staab of the University of Cologne analyzed the inscriptions and compared them with historical references to elderly institutions mentioned in Byzantine records. Its prominent placement at the buildings entrance indicates that the message was meant to be highly visible. Decorative motifs surrounding the inscription, including Egyptian water lilies, cypress trees, fruits, and bowls, further suggest that the structure had a spiritual and communal function. While written sources from the 5th and 6th centuries describe such facilities, this is the first physical evidence directly linking them to a specific institution. The explicit reference to Comfort for the Elders reflects an early form of organized community care and respect for older citizens in Byzantine society. Researchers concluded that the institution served both community and spiritual purposes, illustrating how responsibility for the elderly extended beyond families to the wider public. The discovery provides rare insight into how Christian cities of the time combined religious devotion with social responsibility. The White House has released a photo of President Donald Trump explaining something to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office next to a large map of Ukraine, with the eastern part shaded in pink and illustrating the territory currently controlled by Russian occupation forces. Before leaving for a multilateral meeting with European leaders in the East Room of the White House, the photo was captioned by Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino. At the same time, the Ukrainian delegation also arrived for this meeting with a large map, presidential communications adviser Dmytro Lytvyn confirmed in a video. According to the map presented by the American side, the photo of which is not very clear, it is claimed that on August 17, the Russian occupation forces controlled less than 1% in the Dnipropetrovsk region (the Ukrainian side denies losing control of any territory in this region), in Mykolaiv and Sumy - 1% each, in Kharkiv - 4%, in Zaporizhia - 72%, in Kherson - 73%, in Donetsk - 76% and in Luhansk - 99%. Earlier, President Trump and other representatives of the American side stated the possibility of exchanging territories as part of a peace agreement. After Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, Reuters reported that the Russian Federation had expressed its readiness to give up the captured territories in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, but instead demanded that the Armed Forces of Ukraine completely withdraw from the areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions that the Russian forces were unable to capture. At the same time, the Ukrainian side, supported by European partners, insists that the current contact line should be the starting point for negotiations, and categorically denies the possibility of any occupied Ukrainian territory being recognized by Russia de jure. Mumbai, Aug 19 : At least eight people have died so far amid heavy rain and floods in various parts of Maharashtra, even as the Weather Department has forecast heavy downpours on Tuesday and until August 21. Rain lashed all parts of the state on Sunday and Monday, and the rain will continue with the same intensity in Mumbai for the next two days. After that, it will decrease on Friday. The weather bureau has issued a warning of extremely heavy rain for Mumbai, Thane and Palghar districts on Tuesday and has appealed to people to venture out of their homes only if necessary. In the Nanded district, at least five people have died and six are missing in the floods. There is preliminary information that about 150 animals have been killed in the district. Rescue teams have succeeded in saving 293 people trapped in the floods. Midnight on Sunday, a team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was deployed in the Mukhed area for rescue operations, and the Army has also been called from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. One person died in Beed, and three people trapped in the flood were rescued. One person died after a wall collapsed in Akola. In South Mumbai, one person died after a retaining wall collapsed on him at Shimla House in the Nepean Sea Road area of Malabar Hill. The accident occurred around 11.30 a.m. on Monday. The deceased was identified as Satish Tirke. A youth, who fell into the Mithi River from the BKC bridge near the Kanakia Palace building in Bandra, continues to be missing. His name is Vardan Janjotar (24). The fire brigade was searching for him till late Monday night. According to the state governmentas disaster management control room and emergency operation centre, rescue teams have evacuated more than 300 people to safer places. According to preliminary estimates, 4.5 lakh hectares of farmland have been damaged across the state. Six to seven villages in Mukhed taluka of Nanded district are reeling under flood-like conditions due to a cloudburst. A team of the Central Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was dispatched to Kaudgaon in Parli taluka of Beed district on Monday. In Konkan, the Jagbudi, Shastri, and Kodavali Rivers in Ratnagiri district and the Kundalika River in Raigad district have crossed the danger levels. It is estimated that two lakh hectares of crops have been damaged due to rain in Vidarbha and about 2.59 lakh hectares in Nanded and Beed districts of Marathwada. Turmeric, cotton and soybean crops have been the most affected. As the heavy rain lashed Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Konkan, Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada since Sunday night, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday took stock of the situation and ordered the revenue, emergency and police agencies to be on alert mode and participate in relief work. Traffic jams in various parts of Mumbai were witnessed throughout Monday due to waterlogging on roads in many low-lying areas. The speed of suburban trains also slowed down due to waterlogging on the tracks. Students suffered a lot as school buses got stuck in the flooded streets. According to the state emergency operation centre, Mumbai city, suburbs, and Thane district have been receiving heavy rainfall for the last three days. The rain intensified on Monday with heavy rain starting in Mulund, Bhandup, Ghatkopar, Kurla, Sion, Jogeshwari, Borivali, Malad, Andheri, Santa Cruz, and Colaba areas. The Colaba centre of the Meteorological Department recorded 45.2 mm of rainfall from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. on Monday, while the Santa Cruz centre recorded 123.9 mm. 101.4 mm of rainfall was also recorded in Thane. The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation declared a holiday for schools for their second session beginning after noon on Monday. In the wake of the weather bureau's prediction for heavy rain, the schools and colleges in Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai remained closed on Tuesday. The government has delegated the necessary orders to the District Collectors to take a call on declaring a holiday for schools and colleges in such a situation. Nanded, Aug 19 : The Indian Army has stepped in to conduct large-scale relief and rescue operations in Maharashtra's Nanded district after torrential rains flooded several parts of the region, leaving four villages submerged. Sixty-five personnel from the Army's Sudarshan Chakra Corps, including the Engineering Task Force and medical teams, have been deployed alongside the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the civil administration. Together, they are carrying out extensive rescue efforts to help those stranded in the flood-hit areas. Over 200 people were reported trapped across villages in Nanded district after relentless rainfall lashed the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed the district under a yellow alert, warning of more heavy rainfall on Tuesday. The worsening situation prompted authorities to seek urgent assistance from the Indian Army. The crisis intensified as the Lendi Dam in Udgir (Latur district) released water due to heavy rain in its catchment areas. The overflow led to the flooding of the Lendi River, inundating four villages -- Raavan, Bhaswadi, Hasnaal PMU, and Bhingoli. So far, nearly 300 villagers have been rescued, while nine remain missing. Search operations are underway to trace them. Equipped with modern rescue gear, Army teams are working around the clock to ensure the safe evacuation of stranded residents. "The Indian Army remains committed to extend all assistance to the State administration to restore normalcy in the earliest timeframe," the force said in an official statement. Additionally, the release of water from the Isapur Dam has caused the Painganga River's water level to rise alarmingly, with floodwaters entering several villages, including Kinwat, Gokunda, and Bodhdi Khurd. In Kinwat city, floodwater swept into cowsheds along the riverbank, washing away nearly 25 animals, many of which have died. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, as incessant rain and overflowing rivers heighten the risk of further flooding in the region. Seoul, Aug 19 : President Lee Jae Myung is set to hold a meeting on Tuesday with heads of major business conglomerates who will accompany him on his trip to Washington for his planned summit talks with US President Donald Trump, the presidential office said. Lee is set to meet with executives from key industries, including semiconductors, shipbuilding, automobiles, defence, biotechnology, and energy, which are considered central to industrial cooperation and agenda items for the upcoming summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on Aug. 25 in Washington, reports Yonhap news agency. Among them are Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, who also heads the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). Others attendees include Korean Air Chief Executive Officer Cho Won-tae, Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Jang Jae-hoon, Doosan Enerbility Chairman Park Gee-won, and Celltrion Chairman Seo Jung-jin. Lee's trip will mark his first summit with Trump and also includes a two-day stop in Tokyo for talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of his visit to Washington. The visit follows a recent trade agreement between Seoul and Washington that reduced the planned U.S. tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent in exchange for South Korea's commitment to $350 billion in investment and $100 billion in U.S. energy purchases. Of the pledged investment, $150 billion will be allocated to Seoul's shipbuilding cooperation initiative, dubbed "Make American Shipbuilding Great Again" (MASGA). Trump may want a success from next week's summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung given that his high-profile talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week ended without a concrete deal, a U.S. expert said. Victor Cha, president of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), made the remarks during a CSIS podcast, as Trump is set to meet with Lee at the White House next Monday, after he failed Friday to reach a deal with Putin over the war in Ukraine "The U.S. president probably wants a success next week. He doesn't like failure to be followed by failure. So, he's probably going to want some sort of success next week," Cha said. "And that may bode well for the meeting in addition to the fact that Koreans have put a lot on the table already, with US$350 billion plus the shipbuilding," he added, referring to last month's trade deal under which Seoul agreed to invest $350 billion in the U.S., among other things. a"IANS na/ New Delhi, Aug 19 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will leave for Russia on Tuesday for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening the longstanding India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced. The visit, scheduled till August 21, comes at the invitation of Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. During his stay, EAM Jaishankar will co-chair the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) on August 20 and also address the India-Russia Business Forum in Moscow. The EAM will hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to review the full spectrum of bilateral ties and exchange views on pressing regional and global developments. "The visit aims to further strengthen the longstanding and time-tested India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership," the MEA said in a statement. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier confirmed the meeting, posting on X, "FM Sergei Lavrov's schedule: On August 21, FM Sergei Lavrov will hold talks with FM of India Dr S Jaishankar in Moscow. The Ministers will discuss key issues on our bilateral agenda, as well as key aspects of cooperation within international frameworks." EAM Jaishankar's visit follows National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval's recent trip to Moscow, where he held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, First Deputy Prime Minister Manturov, and Secretary of the Security Council Sergei Shoigu. The upcoming talks also come close on the heels of the Jaishankar-Lavrov meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers' meet on July 15, and their engagement during the BRICS Summit last month, where the leaders deliberated on bilateral cooperation, West Asia, BRICS, and SCO. Earlier this year, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Moscow to hold bilateral Foreign Office Consultations with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko. During the consultations on March 7, the two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties and also shared perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both sides took stock of progress on implementation of decisions taken at the 22nd Annual Summit held in Moscow in July 2024, the meeting in Kazan on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin, the 25th session of the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation held in New Delhi in November 2024, and other high level engagements. In November 2024, Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and EAM Jaishankar co-chaired the 25th meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade. Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation in New Delhi. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to visit India following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit is being planned as part of the ongoing commitment to annual meetings between the two leaders. Chandigarh, Aug 19 : In a shocking incident, a 14-year-old school boy shot himself dead after a loaded licensed pistol went off while he was allegedly playing with it at his home in Punjab's Ferozepur town. Chandigarh, Aug 19 (IANS) In a shocking incident, a 14-year-old school boy shot himself dead after a loaded licensed pistol went off while he was allegedly playing with it at his home in Punjabas Ferozepur town. The police took the body into possession and started investigations. The police said he shot himself dead in an accidental fire while playing with a licensed revolver lying in the cupboard of his house in Ferozepur town, bordering Pakistan. According to the police, the boy went to his room to take clothes from the cupboard after returning to his home in a posh locality from school. While playing, suddenly, by pressing the trigger, a bullet was fired, which hit him directly in the head. The child fell on the ground and was drenched in blood. Upon hearing the gunshot, family members found the child bleeding, leading to panic in the house. The shocked family rushed him to a private hospital, where, after giving first aid, he was referred to the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana. According to doctors, the boy was immediately kept on a ventilator. He, however, succumbed to injuries. Following the incident, his family approached the police station to report the incident. As the incident was reported, the police reached the spot and took stock of the situation and recorded the statement of the family. Police said the incident is under investigation, with law enforcement focusing on the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the handling of the firearm. More details were awaited. In January this year, AAP leader and Ludhiana (West) MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi died of a gunshot injury after he was fatally hit by a bullet that was accidentally fired from his pistol when he was cleaning it. The legislator was known for his guns and vintage cars. Mumbai, Aug 19 : Relentless rainfall paralyzes life in Mumbai, as the city grapples with waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and flooded homes. One of the worst-hit areas is the Milind Vikas Samiti Society in Hanuman Nagar, Kandivali, where residents are trapped indoors since early Tuesday morning due to flooding. Water entered several ground-floor homes around 4 a.m. and remained stagnant for over five hours. With rain showing no signs of slowing down, the situation has turned dire for many families. Daily life has come to a standstill as residents struggle for basic necessities like food, drinking water, and electricity. IANS spoke to residents of Kandivali, where they talked about the difficulties they are facing with heavy rainfall. "We are surrounded by water. It's been five hours, and the water level hasn't come down. We have no food, and no one has come to help us yet," said Ranjan, a local resident, expressing frustration at the delay in relief efforts. Uma, another resident, shared her distress: "Water entered our house at 4 a.m. We have no dry place left to sit. No authority has responded. This happens every year, and still, nothing changes." Sunil Vishwakarma added, "Mumbai has been battered by rain for the last four days. Everything is lost. Our children are huddled upstairs. There's no food or water. It's a nightmare." The ongoing monsoon fury has put much of Maharashtra on high alert, with Mumbai being one of the worst-affected cities. In the last 24 hours alone, several areas have received over 200 mm of rainfall. Vikhroli in the eastern suburbs recorded the highest at 255.5 mm. Major localities like Borivali, Andheri, Sion, Dadar, and Chembur have experienced relentless downpours, leading to severe waterlogging and disruptions in public transport. As a precaution, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for all schools and colleges across Mumbai on Tuesday. The Thane Municipal Corporation followed suit, announcing a two-day closure for all educational institutions -- on August 18 and 19 -- due to continuous rain and the 'red alert' issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar districts, urging citizens to step out only if necessary. The department forecasts continued downpours until Thursday, with some relief expected by Friday. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar visited the State Emergency Control Room on Monday to assess the flood situation. He directed immediate relief measures for affected areas and urged coordination among various civic agencies. At least eight people have lost their lives across Maharashtra due to rain-related incidents in the past few days. Rescue teams remain on high alert as the city prepares for more rainfall in the coming hours. New Delhi, Aug 19 : National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday and held a fresh round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary question. Wang Yi arrived in India late Monday afternoon on a two-day visit. The meetings could see both sides deliberate on a range of key issues, including the border situation, trade and resumption of flight services. According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang Yi's visit will help both countries work together to implement the consensus reached between the country's President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year. "When asked about China's expectation regarding Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India and the 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and #India on the Boundary Question, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that China is willing to take the opportunity of Wang's visit to India to work together with the Indian side in implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, properly manage differences, and promote the sustained, healthy, and stable development of China-India relations," Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong posted on X highlighting the comment made during Monday's regular media briefing in Beijing. Earlier on Monday, the Chinese Foreign Minister met External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar. During this, EAM Jaishankar emphasised that it is essential that the process of de-escalation moves forward, adding that the basis for any momentum in India-China ties remains the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. "You, Excellency, will of course be discussing border issues with our Special Representative, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, tomorrow. This is very important because the basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. It is also essential that the de-escalation process move forward," Jaishankar said in his opening remarks during the meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other officials were also present during the meeting, which took place shortly after the Chinese Foreign Minister arrived in the Indian capital on a two-day visit. "When the world's two largest nations meet, it is natural that the international situation will be discussed. We seek a fair, balanced and multi-polar world order, including a multi-polar Asia. Reformed multilateralism is also the call of the day," the EAM said. "In the current environment, there is clearly an imperative to maintain and enhance stability in the global economy as well. The fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is another major priority. I look forward to our exchange of views," he added. EAM Jaishankar noted that the meeting provides both sides an opportunity to review bilateral ties and exchange views on the global situation, including some issues of mutual interest. He stated that the discussions will cover economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges. "Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, Excellency, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides. In that endeavour, we must be guided by the three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. Differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict. Today, our talks will cover economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges. I would like to follow up on some particular concerns that I had brought up with you, Excellency, when I visited China in July," the EAM stated. India, he said, has worked closely with China during its ongoing Presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). With the SCO Summit in Tianjin scheduled to take place on August 31-September 1, an event which will also be attended by Prime Minister Modi, EAM Jaishankar wished Wang Yi a successful summit with "strong outcomes and decisions." "Overall, it is our expectation that our discussions would contribute to building a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China, one that serves both our interests and addresses our concerns," the EAM added. New Delhi, Aug 19 : The Lok Sabha was adjourned till noon on Tuesday following persistent sloganeering and disruptions by Opposition members, who demanded a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The House managed to take up only three questions during Question Hour before Speaker Om Birla called for adjournment amid rising chaos. As the session commenced, Speaker Birla made a significant announcement (in Hindi) regarding linguistic interpretation inclusivity in Parliament. He informed members that interpretation services are now available in all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Previously, interpretation was provided in 18 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Kannada, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. The addition of Kashmiri, Konkani, and Santhali completes the constitutional language roster. "India is the world's largest democracy. Let us cooperate to ensure smooth functioning of the House," Birla urged. To which a few members quipped, "There is a need to save the constitution." Despite the appeal, Opposition MPs raised slogans such as "We want justice" and "Save the Constitution," demanding accountability over the voter list revision in Bihar. The din rendered ministerial responses inaudible, even as Question Hour proceeded briefly. Among the few questions addressed, BJP MP Dr Sanjay Jaiswal called for the inclusion of Bhojpuri in the Constitution and sought details on the sanctioned personnel strength for the newly launched Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag. He also inquired whether Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) had been framed to integrate technology for promoting Indian languages. DMK MP Selvam G. raised concerns about the number of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and marginalised groups benefiting from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-G) in Tamil Nadu, including those still on the waiting list. Before the minister could answer, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan informed the House that the Tamil Nadu government is deliberately not sanctioning houses for the poor in the state. He said he appealed and urged the Tamil Nadu government to provide houses to the poor. BJP MP Vishnu Datt Sharma questioned the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare about the Indian Council of Agricultural Research's (ICAR) mandate, seeking clarity on its responsibilities across veterinary science, animal husbandry, fisheries, poultry, apiculture, and natural resource management. The Monsoon Session continues to be marred by repeated adjournments, with the Opposition pressing for transparency and debate on electoral reforms. Hyderabad, Aug 19 : The Income Tax Department on Tuesday carried out raids at the premises of Congress leader and former MP G. Ranjith Reddy and DSR Group of companies. Simultaneous searches were conducted at about 30 locations in Hyderabad and Bengaluru since early Tuesday as part of the probe into allegations of tax evasion. The I-T sleuths conducted searches at the DSR Group headquarters in Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. The raids were also conducted at several prime locations in Hyderabad and its surroundings, including Banjara Hills, SR Nagar and Suraram, sources said. The searches were conducted at the premises of DSR Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, DSR Infra Projects, DSR Constructions, DSR Prime Spaces and DSR Infra Developers. The I-T officials also conducted searches at the premises of DSR Group's Managing Directors Devireddy Sudhakar Reddy, Executive Director Devireddy Prabhakar Reddy and others. The officials reportedly seized documents, account books and some devices as part of the investigation into alleged concealed income and irregularities in property transactions. The I-T officials conducted searches at the residence and office of Ranjith Reddy. The searches were conducted amid tight security. A former MP from Chevella constituency, Ranjith Reddy, reportedly has links with DSR Group, which is in the real estate business. He reportedly has financial dealings with DSR Prime Spaces, DSR Infra Developers and other companies of the group. Ranjith Reddy was elected to the Lok Sabha from Chevella on Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) ticket in 2019. He quit the party to join Congress just before last year's Lok Sabha elections. He contested the elections as a Congress candidate but could not retain the seat. With declared assets of Rs 435 crore in his election affidavit, Ranjith Reddy was one of the richest MPs. Established in 1988, DSR Group is one of the top builders in South India with presence in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai. Patna, Aug 19 : In a sharp response to Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's remarks questioning the Election Commission of India (ECI), Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal on Tuesday accused the Congress MP of lacking faith in the Supreme Court and constitutional institutions. Jaiswal claimed this mistrust was one of the key reasons why people have rejected him and his party. This comes after Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar issued an ultimatum to LoP Gandhi, asking him to file an affidavit within a week regarding his allegations of voter roll manipulation in Karnataka. While addressing a rally in Bihar's Gaya district on Monday during his ongoing 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', LoP Gandhi had said, "A day will come when the INDIA Bloc will form governments in Bihar and at the Centre. Then strict action will be taken. Election Commissioner, you better understand if you don't do your job properly, action will be taken against you." Reacting to the statement, Dilip Jaiswal told IANS, "Rahul Gandhi doesn't believe in the Supreme Court. When a matter is being heard by the apex court, he comes to the streets, creates drama, confuses the public, and questions the very institutions that form the backbone of our democracy. "If you don't trust the Supreme Court the highest constitutional authority then how can people trust you? That is exactly why the public has rejected him." On the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', Jaiswal dismissed its impact in Assembly poll-bound Bihar. "Except for a few Congress leaders, no one in Bihar is interested in this yatra. People have already rejected it. If the Supreme Court is monitoring the issue, what bigger drama can there be than continuing protests on the streets?" he said. He also responded to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's recent praise of the government on 'Operation Sindoor' and Shubhanshu Shukla. He claimed, "I have always said politics is not a business. The INDIA Bloc leaders are trying to divide the country, and people are seeing through it. They are attempting to hand over power to foreign entities. The public knows this, and they won't allow it." When asked about LoP Gandhi's recent temple visits, Jaiswal took a jibe, saying, "Whenever Rahul Gandhi feels the restlessness of power, he visits temples." Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ US President Donald Trump on Monday called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin to meet with him face to face at a peace conference as part of a long-term US initiative to end the war in Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday. "Zelenskyy quickly embraced the idea of a three-way summit. But after speaking with Putin, Trump said in a social-media post that Zelensky and Putin would have to hold one-on-one talks first. Only then might a meeting among the three leaders take place. In a sign that the rapid developments may have left even participants confused, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary-General Mark Rutte said in an interview on Fox News that Putin had in fact agreed to meet with Zelensky, despite the Kremlins more equivocal public statement," the report said. But it remained unclear what exactly the White House might offer to bridge the sharp differences between Moscow and Kiev, and what role the United States would play in helping European countries secure peace. Britain and other European powers have proposed creating a so-called pacification force that would be deployed to Ukraine if a peace deal is reached to deter further Russian attacks. Trump said on social media late Monday that the White House talks had focused on security guarantees that European countries would provide to Ukraine, with the United States playing a coordinating role. He and European leaders agreed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would lead a working group of national security advisers and NATO representatives to draft security guarantees for Ukraine, European officials familiar with the talks said. According to them, the security guarantees will consist of four components: military presence, air defense, armaments and monitoring of the cessation of hostilities. The United States can provide indirect military support to European peacekeepers without sending American soldiers to the site. During a closed meeting, Finnish President Alexander Stubb called the eastern Ukrainian cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk "a bastion against the Huns," which, according to officials, impressed Trump. Zelenskyy reportedly did not rule out a territory swap during his talks with Trump, but said it would be difficult to relocate populations and circumvent Ukraines constitutional prohibitions on giving up territory. However, Zelenskyy said he could consider a "proportionate swap." The idea of a three-way summit appears to remain elusive. The Kremlin gave an evasive response, saying only that a meeting between senior Ukrainian and Russian negotiators was being discussed. But there was no word on whether the Russian leader would meet with Zelenskyy, and no mention was made of the possibility of a three-way meeting. Bengaluru, Aug 19 : Karnataka BJP continued its attack on the Siddaramaiah government over the mass grave case, stating on Tuesday that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe Dharmasthala was a conspiracy hatched by the Congress party. The Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, R. Ashoka, while speaking to reporters, said, "Dharmasthala SIT is a Congress conspiracy. It is scripted by ultra-Leftists and executed by the Siddaramaiah government." He further slammed, "The so-called Dharmasthala investigation is nothing but a manufactured conspiracy by the Congress high command - scripted and directed by ultra-Leftists and urban naxals. These forces, closely aligned with CM Siddaramaiah, are the ones dictating and guiding the government." "Let it be clear: The Dharmasthala SIT was hurriedly set up only to malign Sanatan Dharma and its revered institutions. The Congress-led government in Karnataka is dancing to the tunes of ultra-Leftists and urban Naxals instead of respecting peopleas faith. The belief of crores of Hindus is being insulted for Congressa appeasement politics," Ashoka said. "This is not justice -- this is Hinduphobia, driven by the conversion mafia and their urban Naxal allies," stated Ashoka. Ashoka said that Karnataka will not forgive this conspiracy. "CM Siddaramaiah, Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar and the entire cabinet must apologise to the people of Karnataka for this sham," he said. BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, speaking to the media at Vidhana Soudha, stated, "The Congress-led government has replied on the Dharmasthala case, but has any action been taken? What action has been taken against those who made false accusations? On YouTube, a hate campaign has been carried out -- what action has been initiated against it? If no action has been taken, what is the reason for this inaction? The government should clarify on whose behest action has not been initiated." "They need to tell the truth. Is there any pressure? If not, why has no action been taken yet? They are saying nothing. Based on the complaint of an unknown person, they initiated an investigation and dug up 17 sites in Dharmasthala. What did they find?" Ravi questioned. "Before the report on the investigation was even submitted, hatred was spread and false allegations were made. What action has the government taken in this regard? The government must come forward and make a statement on why they are not initiating any action," Ravi said. Speaking on the Election Commission of Indiaas (ECI) directive to Rahul Gandhi to file an affidavit within seven days or apologise regarding his vote-theft allegations, Ravi stated, "Hit and run is his habit. He made allegations and then walked away. If he had evidence and faith in the Constitution, he could have lodged a complaint. Until now, no complaint has been filed. This proves that he has no evidence. He made false allegations and tried to build a false narrative, and then went to Bihar. If he wins, he talks about peopleas trust, but if he loses, he starts blaming EVMs and the ECI." "Whenever he loses an election, he always keeps ready-made allegations handy," Ravi ridiculed. BJP MLA Harish Poonja said that while the Karnataka government has replied on the Dharmasthala matter, the BJP has consistently demanded a logical conclusion to the case. "The people are demanding a report on the progress of the investigation. The Karnataka government should release it at the earliest," he stated. When asked about his controversial statement that CM Siddaramaiah was responsible for the killing of 28 Hindus, MLA Harish Poonja clarified, "This is an issue from 2023, which came to light after I won the election. At that time, the Karnataka government filed a case against me, and the court granted me bail. This matter has been misused on social media. I have already clarified this in the Assembly." It can be recalled that the issue resurfaced after Mahesh Shetty Timarodi reiterated the statement, claiming that CM Siddaramaiah was responsible for the killing of 28 Hindus. The matter was discussed in the Assembly session on Monday, and the government has assured legal action against Shetty, who is one of the activists leading the campaign demanding "justice" in the Dharmasthala murders case for years. MLA Poonja further stated, "There is no legal framework for social media, and it is being misused to spread propaganda. We had asked the government to create a legal framework for YouTube channels. Otherwise, they will continue to send wrong messages to society." Mumbai, Aug 19 : Nearly 43 per cent of Indian workers are confident in adopting generative and agentic AI into their work in the next two to five years, a report said on Tuesday. In a survey of over 3,000 white and blue-collar workers in India, job site Indeed found that mid-career professionals aged 35 to 54 show the highest confidence in navigating AI-integrated workplaces, with 49 per cent reporting readiness outpacing their younger peers aged 18 to 24. Respondents were adopting AI to stay employable, progress their careers, and ensure future possibilities, the survey found, adding that AI is viewed as more than a productivity tool and as a skill leading to higher pay, promotions, and new career opportunities. Fifty-six per cent of mid-career professionals seek more training to remain future-ready, while only 41 per cent of younger professionals share this desire, the report said. Key motivations include career advancement, staying current with technology, and improving work efficiency. Nearly one-third of workers are concerned about job security if they fail to keep up with technological change. Around 34 per cent of those surveyed expect frequent use of generative AI tools in the near future. A quarter of respondents expect the adoption of agentic AI tools, which are AI systems capable of autonomously completing complex tasks, the report found. "Mid-career professionals are actively seeking upskilling opportunities in AI to master it. The rise in interest around 'agentic AI' signals that we are at the beginning of a transformation, one where job seekers are not just responding to change, but leading it," said Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India. Even among blue-collar workers, 20 per cent are currently using generative AI for tasks such as streamlining paperwork and enhancing customer service, the report noted. Patna, Aug 19 : In a dramatic early morning operation, Patna Police overpowered a wanted criminal, Deepak Kumar of Shahpur, who attempted to escape custody in the early hours of Tuesday. According to police, Deepak Kumar, accused in several cases of looting and robbery, had been arrested earlier. During interrogation, he revealed that looted valuables were hidden in Janipur village. Acting on this lead, a police team took him to the location. However, on reaching the spot, the accused picked up a pistol which he had hidden on the spot and opened fire on the police team in a bid to flee from the spot. In retaliation, the police team also fired at him. He sustained gunshot injuries to his leg and collapsed. Police managed to capture him eventually despite his resistance. "The accused fired one round on the police team, and we fired two rounds. The accused sustained gunshot injuries in his leg while attempting to escape. He has been admitted to Patna Medical College and Hospital for treatment," said Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma. In view of the seriousness of the incident, senior officers, including City SP West and the Central region, rushed to the spot. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has also been deployed to conduct a thorough technical investigation. The entire area has been cordoned off, and an intensive search operation is underway to trace any possible accomplices. Sources have said that Deepak was involved in robbing many bank and jewellery shops across the state. His four gang members are currently at large and Patna Police is making all efforts to nab them. Police said the raid was conducted based on a special input. While the incident created panic among locals, authorities assured that the situation is under control and urged people to maintain peace. Notably, the operation is part of 'Operation Langda,' Bihar Police's ongoing campaign against criminals across the state. New Delhi, Aug 19 : As rising water levels in the Yamuna continue to flood parts of Delhi, including Yamuna Bazar and nearby low-lying areas, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday visited the affected regions to assess the situation and review the flood preparedness measures. Dozens of families have been forced to abandon their homes, seeking refuge in makeshift tents or on rooftops as the Yamuna swells dangerously close to the evacuation mark. CM Gupta said, "The water level has risen significantly. I have inspected the control room there is continuous flow, and no water retention. These houses are situated near the Yamuna floodplain. I had earlier requested residents to shift temporarily, but many chose to stay." She added, "I have taken stock of the area. One major issue is the lack of electricity. I believe the water level will start receding in the next one or two days. In the meantime, we've installed medical relief camps and provided food and water. To address electricity concerns, we've distributed solar panels to ensure people don't face power issues. The situation is under control. While I continue to advise residents to relocate for their safety, for those who choose to stay, we are committed to providing all necessary support. I am available for the people of Delhi." CM Gupta also shared a few photos on social media platform X and said, "Today I reached Yamuna Bazaar area of Delhi and inspected the flood management and administrative preparations on the spot and talked to the local people and listened to their problems. For some time in the morning, the water level of Yamuna was expected to touch 206 metres, but now the situation is completely under control. "This area is the low-line area of the flood plain of Yamuna, so the water reached here but did not go beyond that. There is no flood-like situation in Delhi. This was the maximum rise in the water level and now the water is in the direction of receding. The situation is being continuously monitored from the control room. Relief and rescue teams are deployed with full alertness so that every situation can be dealt with. I want to assure the people of Delhi that the government stands with you at every step. Your safety and convenience is our top priority, so there is no need to worry about anything." The water level in Yamuna river at Delhi's Old Railway Bridge reached 205.79 metres, slightly short of the 206-metre evacuation level, at 8 A.M. on Tuesday. The water level in the river had touched 205.55 metres on Monday afternoon, breaching the danger mark of 205.33 metres and has been increasing since then. Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and all the agencies concerned have been asked to take precautionary measures to handle a flood-like situation. Water released from upstream barrages typically takes 48 to 50 hours to reach Delhi, but even smaller discharges are now significantly raising water levels. On Monday, CM Gupta also inspected several flood-prone stretches along the Yamuna, including Asita Ghat, Yamuna Chhath Ghat, Regulator No. 12, the East Delhi DM office, and the Central Flood Control Room. Accompanied by Cabinet Minister Parvesh Verma and senior officials, she assured that a comprehensive flood-preparedness plan has been activated. Chennai, Aug 19 : In an unusual step, the Madras High Court will directly review the Tamil film 'Manushi' following a bitter standoff between its makers and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, hearing a petition filed by the film's producer C. Vetri Maaran, on Tuesday ordered a private screening of the film on August 24 in Chennai to determine whether the censor board was justified in demanding 37 cuts. The film, produced by Vetri Maaran's Grassroot Film Company and directed by Gopi Nainar, known for his earlier work 'Aramm', stars Andrea Jeremiah in the lead role. It depicts the custodial torture of a woman suspected of being a terrorist, a subject that has already drawn attention since the release of its trailer by actor Vijay Sethupathi in April 2024. Trouble began in September 2024 when both the examining and reviewing committees of the CBFC refused to grant a censor certificate. They objected to the film because it portrayed the State in a "negative light" and claimed it blurred the lines between "leftist communism" and "mainstream communism". The rejection was challenged by Vetri Maaran in June this year, when he filed a writ petition alleging that the CBFC had acted without transparency by neither providing him an opportunity to defend the film nor spelling out specific objections. He further requested the constitution of an expert panel, including human rights activists, to re-examine the film. The High Court, while hearing that earlier petition, recorded the CBFC's submission that it had reviewed the film again and listed objectionable sequences. The petition was disposed of in June, with the court granting the producer liberty to pursue the matter further in law. However, Vetri Maaran returned to court with a fresh petition, arguing that the board's objections were excessive and arbitrary. He pointed out that even simple dialogues, such as the colloquial insult "saniyan", had been flagged for removal, which he argued violated the CBFC's guidelines. Responding to these claims, Justice Venkatesh remarked that the only way forward was to personally watch the film along with the censor board members to verify the validity of the objections. He directed that the screening be held at a private theatre on Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran Salai (formerly Greenways Road) and asked senior central government panel counsel A. Kumaraguru to ensure the attendance of CBFC officials. The High Court's decision to step into the censor dispute sets the stage for an extraordinary judicial review of 'Manushi'. The outcome of this screening will not only decide the film's release but could also influence wider debates on censorship and creative freedom in Indian cinema. Vijayawada, Aug 19 : Krishna and Godavari rivers are in spate, while the first flood warning was issued at Prakasam Barrage here on Tuesday. Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has alerted people in the downstream of the Prakasam Barrage. Due to massive inflows following incessant rains upstream, the water level has increased at the barrage across the Krishna River. Officials said the inflow of 4.01 lakh cusecs at the barrage was being let out downstream. The inflow is likely to reach 6 lakh cusecs by Tuesday evening. Massive inflows from upstream reservoirs, driven by heavy rain in catchment areas, prompted authorities to lift 69 out of 70 crest gates to release surplus water into the sea. All major dams on both the Krishna and Godavari were receiving massive inflows. The inflow at Srisailam dam across the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh was 3.42 lakh cusecs. The authorities were releasing 4.04 lakh cusecs downstream. The inflow and outflow at Nagarjuna Sagar dam in Telangana were 3.71 lakh cusecs and 3.98 lakh cusecs, respectively. The water level in Godavari was also rising sharply at Bhadrachalam in Telangana. The water level stood at 36.6 feet. The inflow and inflow at Dowleswaram Barrage near Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh was 8.23 lakh cusecs. APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain has urged people living along the Krishna, Godavari and Tungabhadra rivers to remain alert. He cautioned people against crossing overflowing streams and canals. Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast extremely heavy rainfall over coastal Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday. The low-pressure area over west central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area and crossed the Odisha coast at Gopalapuram on Tuesday. Under the influence of a low-pressure area, isolated places in the north coastal Andhra received heavy rainfall. Squally winds with a speed of 35-45 km are likely in the region. APSDMA has cautioned fishermen against venturing into the sea and appealed to people to remain alert. Meanwhile, G. Vijayalaxmi, Special Chief Secretary, Disaster Management, held a teleconference with district Collectors in view of the floods in the Krishna and Godavari rivers. She reviewed the situation with Collectors of 13 districts along the course of the two rivers. She directed them to take all measures to prevent any untoward incident. The Collectors were asked to alert people of low-lying areas and, if necessary, shift them to relief camps. The Special Chief Secretary directed that the teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Special Disaster Response Force (SDRF) should be kept on standby. The officials were also directed to ensure sufficient stocks of essential commodities, medicines and sanitation material. New Delhi, Aug 19 : In a bid to improve digital infrastructure in rural areas, 2,14,325 gram panchayats (GPs) have been made service-ready under the BharatNet project in the country, the Parliament was informed on Tuesday. Till June, 21,748 mobile towers have been commissioned in the country under various government-funded mobile projects, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. The project for saturation of 4G mobile services for providing 4G mobile services in uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas of the country is also under implementation at a total cost of Rs 26,316 crore, he added. For providing high-bandwidth capacity internet/broadband connectivity and mobile services to remote and rural villages and islands in the country that currently lack coverage, a number of steps and projects have been taken up by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Various optical fibre cable projects are in the works, such as commissioning of submarine optical fibre cable between Chennai and Andaman and Nicobar Islands (2,312 km), commissioning of Submarine OFC connectivity between Mainland (Kochi) and Lakshadweep Islands (1,869 km), and creation of 225 Km OFC network in Lakshadweep Islands, which have facilitated faster roll out of fixed line broadband/internet services, mobile services (4G/5G) and other high-speed data services in the islands. "The infrastructure created under the BharatNet project is a national asset, accessible on a non-discriminatory basis to the Service Providers, and the same can be utilised to provide broadband services, such as Fibre to the Home (FTTH) connections, leased lines, dark fibre, backhaul to mobile towers, etc," the minister informed. For the provision of high-speed internet/data and mobile services in uncovered remote and rural areas of the country, various targeted schemes/projects have been implemented. These are Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP) for mobile connectivity in the North Eastern Region, Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for Islands (Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands), the scheme for providing mobile services in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas, schemes for providing mobile services in Aspirational Districts, the scheme for providing mobile services in the border villages and other priority areas, 4G Saturation scheme to provide mobile coverage in all uncovered villages, etc. Seoul, Aug 19 : South Korea's defence industry is expected to continue enjoying strong exports for some time, industry officials said on Tuesday, citing continued geopolitical uncertainties and growing demand for deterrence capabilities amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and sprawling tensions in Asia. Such an outlook comes despite international efforts to bring an end to the Ukraine war. "In my personal view, even if there is a cease-fire or peace agreement, I don't think the overall arms buildup in Europe will decrease," an official from a major South Korean defence firm told Yonhap News Agency on condition of anonymity. "We do not export to Ukraine or Russia, but we are monitoring the situation carefully." An official at a different defence company said the firm was also closely monitoring the overall situation, pointing to ongoing shifts in the global security landscape. "We need to look at how the geopolitical landscape is changing. From a business perspective, we will continue to watch these shifts closely and capture new opportunities," the official said, also asking to be unnamed. The official added that his company was continuously "exploring cooperation with major European defence firms." A separate industry source from another firm said the rise in overall global demand for advanced weapons systems may even accelerate. "Personally, I think the global defence market will grow even larger, potentially providing an opportunity for the Korean defence industry," the company official said. She noted that the Ukraine war has made countries "recognize the importance of preserving their own security." "I predict governments will strengthen research and development in areas that can help them prepare for future battlefields, such as those involving unmanned and automated warfare," the official added. South Korea has rapidly expanded its footprint in the global defence market in recent years amid geopolitical risks stemming from the intensifying rivalry between the United States and China, as well as security instability in Europe and the Middle East. According to data compiled by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the country ranked 10th in global arms exports between 2020 and 2024. Notably, earlier this month, South Korea successfully signed a US$6.5 billion deal with Poland to export a second batch of K2 tanks from Hyundai Rotem Co., marking the largest-ever export contract won by a South Korean defence contractor. On his election campaign trail, President Lee Jae Myung pledged to foster defence exports as a major economic driver for the country, promising to turn South Korea into one of the world's top four defence powerhouses during his presidential term if elected. Ahn Sang-nam, head of the defence industry promotion division at the Korea Defence Industry Association (KDIA), said the sense of insecurity in Europe was unlikely to fade even if the conflict in Ukraine subsides. "In my personal opinion, it will not have a major direct impact on South Korean defence exports. Russia continues to pose a threat not only to Ukraine but to the Baltic region at large, and there is a growing perception that each country needs to take charge of its own security," he said. "Our weapons systems are highly suited for regions that truly need them, so I believe Korea's defence exports will continue their upward momentum for the time being," he added. Such an outlook is backed by strong earnings in the sector. According to industry data, the combined operating profit of the country's top five defence firms -- Hanwha Aerospace Co., LIG Nex1 Co., Korea Aerospace Industries Co., Hanwha Systems Co. and Hyundai Rotem -- surged 161 percent on-year to 2.34 trillion won (US$1.69 billion) in the first half of this year, reaching 80 percent of their annual earnings in 2024. Bhubaneswar, Aug 19 : The police on Tuesday apprehended a dreaded criminal after an encounter near Khandual in Dhanupali police limits of Odisha's Sambalpur district, said officials. The accused, identified as Md. Samad, a resident of Motijharan in Sambalpur, sustained bullet injuries on his left leg during the encounter with the police team in the early hours. He was immediately rushed to VIMSAR Medical College and Hospital, Burla, for treatment. As per police sources, the accused, Samad, along with his brother, Md. Wasim brutally attacked Asfaq Khan of Motijharan with sharp weapons at around 10 p.m. on Monday. Khan later succumbed to injuries caused by the stabbing assault by the accused siblings. Subsequently, Samad and Wasim escaped the crime scene to avoid arrest. Based on the complaint lodged by the deceased's brother, Sambalpur police registered a case (280/25) and launched an investigation. A special police team was formed to apprehend the absconding accused siblings. Acting on intelligence input, the team traced Md. Samad near Khandual in the early hours of Tuesday. "On being challenged, the accused opened two rounds of fire, aiming at the police party in order to kill the police team. Looking at their rebellious attitude and finding no other way in order to save the lives of the police personnel, the team opened fire and restricted it to one round, due to which the accused, Md. Samad sustained injuries on his left leg below the knee," informed the police. Police seized one 7.6 mm pistol, live ammunition, three empty fire cartridges, a black Apache motorcycle, and a mobile phone from the encounter spot. Brother of Samad and another accused in the case, Wasim, remains at large, and the officials said he will also be arrested soon. Police sources also revealed that both the accused, Samad and his brother, are involved in several cases of criminal activity in the state. Seoul, Aug 19 : A special counsel team in South Korea on Tuesday filed for a court warrant to arrest a shaman at the centre of a snowballing bribery and influence-peddling scandal involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee, officials said. Special Counsel Min Joong-ki's team filed the request for the writ against Jeon Seong-bae on charges of bribery and violation of laws related to political funds, Assistant Special Prosecutor Park Sang-jin said in a media briefing, Yonhap News Agency reported. Park said Jeon poses a high risk of fleeing or destroying evidence, based on the inconsistency in the statements he gave during the questioning. Jeon stands accused of giving Kim a diamond necklace and Chanel bags on behalf of the Unification Church between April and August 2022. Jeon allegedly delivered requests for business favours from the church along with the luxury gifts. While admitting to having received such requests from the church, Jeon denied the bribery allegation, claiming he lost the necklace and luxury bags before he could deliver them to the former first lady. Jeon is also suspected of having received money from prospective candidates ahead of the June 2022 general elections in return for conveying their requests for nomination favours to Kim. The special counsel team is looking into allegations that Jeon and a Unification Church official, surnamed Yoon, tried to get church members to join the People Power Party to interfere in its leadership race in 2023 in favour of Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, who's known for his close ties to former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon, the church official, has been indicted for allegedly delivering the gift items to Jeon in 2022. On Monday, the former first lady appeared at a special counsel's office to undergo questioning for the second time, less than a week after her arrest over corruption allegations. Kim was brought to special counsel Min Joong-ki's office in central Seoul in a prison van to attend the questioning. The wife of former President Yoon Suk Yeol was placed in custody at the detention centre in southwestern Seoul last week after a court issued a warrant to arrest her 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. On August 18, 2025, the Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) partially granted a motion by representatives of JSC Zaporizhia Ferroalloy Plant (ZFP), JSC Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant (NFP), JSC Pokrov Mining and Processing Plant (Pokrov Mining), and suspect Ihor Kolomoisky to cancel the seizure of property. According to the "HACC Decided" platform, created by Transparency International Ukraine within the ENGAGE Activity, the panel of judges overturned rulings from July 14 and 16, 2025 that had imposed the seizure, and issued new rulings denying the detective's motion. At the same time, while the seizure was lifted from the property, stakes in corporate rights remain under seizure. Specifically, this concerns 10.29% of ZFP corporate rights (24.45 million shares and 10.29% ownership of the company's assets), 24.75% of NFP (384.6 million shares and 24.75% ownership), and 24.28% of Pokrov Mining (178.7 million shares). The seizure had been imposed in view of potential future confiscation. The prosecutor argued that, according to the register, these stakes are indirectly owned by Kolomoisky. Representatives of ZFP and NFP maintained that at the time of the seizure, Kolomoisky was no longer listed among beneficiaries, and that changes in the ownership structure became known on July 15. Representatives of Pokrov Mining said the enterprise is not a party to the criminal proceedings. The prosecutor objected, noting that registry data confirm the ownership of the corporate rights. He asked that the seizure on the property remain in place so that the charter capital would not be merely "paper" property but would actually safeguard the assets. As reported, former PrivatBank owner Kolomoisky is suspected of misappropriating UAH 9.2 billion from the bank with accomplices under the guise of "rehabilitating" the financial institution. Belagavi : , Aug 19 (IANS) An incident of a medical student committing suicide by consuming medicines came to light on Tuesday in Belagavi district of Karnataka. The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Priya Karthik, a student of the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS). According to a preliminary police investigation, she ended her life by consuming medication at the institute's hostel. Priya, a native of Bengaluru, had been attending patient examinations at the district hospital until Monday evening and took her life later that night. Reports suggest that she had attempted suicide a few days earlier as well. BIMS Director Ashok Shetty, who visited the site, stated that Priya, a medical student from Bengaluru, had been suffering from a mental health condition and was battling depression. However, the police stated that the exact cause of death will be confirmed after the postmortem report comes. Priya was pursuing her PG and specialising in psychiatry at BIMS. A case has been registered at the APMC Police station. More details are yet to emerge regarding the incident. It can be recalled that a medical student was found dead at her hostel room in Shivamogga on June 1, 2025. The deceased was identified as 22-year-old Vishnu Priya, a student of Subbaiah Medical College in the city. She was about to complete her internship as part of her bachelor's degree. She hailed from Bengaluru. On July 22, 2025, a first-year MBBS student of Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) died by suicide at the students hostel in Mandya. The deceased Bharat Yettinamani, a native of Bandi in Yelaburga taluk of Koppal district, had died by hanging. He had been talking to his friends in the next room till midnight. Later he went to his room and took the extreme step. An incident of a MBBS student ending life by jumping from the hostel building has reported on Monday from Mangaluru city in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka in November, 2023. The deceased was identified as 20-year-old Prakruthi Shetty, a student of first year MBBS. Police explain that Prakruthi had come to the AJ Medical College hostel building early in the morning and jumped from the sixth floor. According to preliminary investigations, Prakruthi was depressed over being obese and not able to overcome it had committed suicide. New Delhi, Aug 19 : The absence of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi during the special discussion in Parliament on Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's historic mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has sparked political sparring. The BJP on Tuesday termed it "unfortunate" and accused the MP of habitual absenteeism during important national events, and the Congress cited his participation in the ongoing 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar as the reason for his absence. New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) The absence of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi during the special discussion in Parliament on Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's historic mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has sparked political sparring. The BJP on Tuesday termed it "unfortunate" and accused the MP of habitual absenteeism during important national events, and the Congress cited his participation in the ongoing 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar as the reason for his absence. The discussion titled "India's First Astronaut Aboard the International Space Station Critical Role of Space Programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047" was held in Parliament on Monday, celebrating the achievements of Shukla and India's rising stature in space exploration. Speaking to IANS, BJP leader Rakesh Tripathi said, "Some matters must rise above politics. Every Indian is proud of Shubhanshu Shukla. When such a historic session is happening and the whole world is watching, Rahul Gandhi's absence is unfortunate. National issues demand unity, not petty politics." BJP Jammu & Kashmir President Satpal Sharma also added, "Rahul Gandhi is always missing when something important happens in Parliament. Not everyone can achieve what Shukla has. PM Modi met him today, recognising his contribution. But the Opposition seems unwilling to extend such respect. That's why Congress keeps losing public trust." BJP leader Nitin Navin also slammed LoP Gandhi, saying, "It's difficult to understand the LoP. He's a confused individual, and that reflects in the confusion within the Congress party." In contrast, the Opposition clarified that they fully support and celebrate Shukla's achievement but are equally concerned with pressing domestic matters, particularly the alleged voter data issues under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar. RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari said, "LoP Rahul Gandhi is currently in Bihar leading the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' until September 1. That's why he couldn't attend. But everyone else from our side was present." Congress MP Karti Chidambaram expressed pride in Shukla's achievement but added, "The real issue is the government's attitude. SIR is a very serious matter. It's not about Shukla we are proud of him but SIR is an exclusionary exercise. The aim should be to include every eligible citizen, not to disenfranchise the marginalised and minority communities." Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh on Monday had expressed his disappointment, saying, "This should have been a moment of national pride, but the Opposition's absence shows misplaced priorities." Meanwhile, Shukla arrived in New Delhi early Sunday at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, where he was received by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Minister Jitendra Singh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shukla engaged in a light-hearted conversation about the latter's successful mission to the ISS, the first-ever by an Indian. The meeting, which took place at the PM's official residence in New Delhi on Monday, saw Shukla apprising the Prime Minister of his mission, in which the Indian astronaut played a key role as part of the crew. New Delhi, Aug 19 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea filed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) challenging the position that a minor Muslim girl can marry a person of her choice after attaining puberty. A bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan questioned the locus standi of the child rights body in filing the special leave petition (SLP) against the Punjab and Haryana High Court order that had held that a Muslim girl can marry a person of her choice after attaining the age of 15. The counsel representing the NCPCR argued that the SLP raised a question of law whether a minor Muslim girl can enter into a valid marriage on the basis of personal law. However, the apex court rejected the child rights bodyas plea, observing that the impugned order sought to extend protection to the two individuals and the NCPCR had no locus standi to challenge such an order. Dismissing the plea, the Justice Nagarathna-led Bench said it would not keep open the question of whether the age of marriage for a Muslim girl under the personal law conflicted with other laws of the land, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. "If the High Court, in exercise of its power under Article 226, seeks to extend protection to two individuals, the NCPCR has no locus standi to challenge such an order," it observed. Earlier, the Supreme Court had issued notice to the government and others on the NCPCRas plea to decide upon the question of law, clarifying that its decision not to stay the impugned order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court may not be used as precedent. It had opined that if the P&H High Court judgment -- which held that a Muslim girl aged 15 years can enter into a legal and valid marriage as per personal law -- was stayed, the girl might be restored to her parents against her wishes. The plea filed by the NCPCR said the Punjab and Haryana High Court erred in ignoring the fact that sexual intercourse with a minor girl below the age of 18 years is sexual assault as per the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and this legal position cannot be changed due to marital status of the child and that whether on the facts and in the circumstances of the case and in law. In August last year, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that diverse views were being taken by different HCs across the country, resulting in the filing of multiple special leave petitions before the apex court on the same issue and pleaded for an urgent adjudication. The P&H High Court order came on a habeas corpus petition filed by a 26-year-old man against the detention of his 16-year-old wife in a children's home in Panchkula. It had noted that such a marriage would not be void in terms of Section 12 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006. --IANS pds/vd New Delhi, Aug 19 : The curbs imposed by China on key rare earth magnets are impacting the Indian industries, including electric vehicle manufacturers, the Parliament was informed on Tuesday. Replying to a question by AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, said the Ministry of Mines has been working to ensure supply chain resilience for critical minerals. Owaisi wanted to know if the government has assessed the potential impact of Chinaas export restrictions on rare earth magnets and related materials on Indian industries, particularly on electric vehicle manufacturers. "The recent imposition of export restrictions on key rare earth magnets by China has resulted in a supply chain bottleneck, impacting the Indian industries, including electric vehicle manufacturers. Consultations have been held regularly with relevant stakeholders to explore measures to address the issue," the minister said in his reply. "Ministry of Mines has been working to ensure supply chain resilience for critical minerals, including Rare Earth Elements, which are used in producing Rare Earth Magnets, as they are key materials for different sectors, including electric vehicles," he added. On whether the government has taken any steps to diversify the sources of rare earth magnets for Indian manufacturers to reduce dependence on Chinese suppliers, Jitin Prasada that in the interest of developing bilateral cooperation with countries having rich mineral resources, the Ministry of Mines has already entered into bilateral agreements with governments of a number of countries such as Australia, Argentina, Zambia, Peru, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Cote DaIvoire and International organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA). "Further, Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a Joint Venture Company set up with the objective to identify and acquire overseas mineral assets that hold critical and strategic significance, is engaged in this area by developing collaboration with various organisations based in different countries," he added. Kolkata, Aug 19 : Saradha chit fund company owner Sudipta Sen and a director in the Saradha Group, Debjani Mukherjee, were on Tuesday acquitted in three cases in the chit fund scam. In 2013, three FIRs were registered against them at the Hare Street police station in central Kolkata. There were allegations of fraud of about Rs 10-15 lakh against them in the three cases. Later, the West Bengal government filed a case against them. On Tuesday, the Bankshall court acquitted Sudipta and Debjani in the three cases. However, despite their acquittal, they will not be released from jail as there are many pending cases against them related to fraud. There are more than 200 cases of fraud against the Saradha chit fund company. Apart from this, there are also cases against them by two Central investigation agencies -- the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Lawyers Shuvojit Bal and Abhijit Bal argued in the court on behalf of Debjani. Lawyer Shuvojit claimed that although 50 people were named as witnesses in these three cases, no testimony was received from about 15. The lawyer claimed that those who had alleged that they were cheated could not prove fraud and breach of trust. "That is why the court acquitted Sudipta and Debjani in the three cases of Hare Street Police Station. These three cases are the first cases against Sudipta and Debjani," said the lawyer. After the Bankshal court acquitted Debjani in three cases, Sharvari Mukherjee, mother of Debjani, said, "The truth has triumphed to some extent. It takes time. I have accepted it. Today is the first time that they have been acquitted in any case. In view of this, they may be acquitted in other cases as well." In 2013, after the Saradha chit fund scam came to light, managing director and owner Sudipta Sen took Debjani to Sonmarg in Kashmir. That same year, they were arrested in Kashmir. Since then, both of them have been in jail. However, in 2023, Debjani was released on parole for a few hours. A large number of people had filed complaints against Saradha Group in different police stations in various districts of the state. Later, the CBI took over the investigation and registered a case. Along with this, the ED and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) have also registered cases against Sudipta. New Delhi, Aug 19 : India imported auto components worth $7,174.73 million during the financial year 2024-25 (FY25), of which $1,912.82 million came from China, the Parliament was informed on Tuesday. This means China accounted for 26.66 per cent of Indiaas total auto component imports, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. Indiaas total imports from China stood at $98.50 billion in 2022-23 and $101.74 billion in 2023-24 -- representing 13.76 per cent and 15 per cent of overall imports, respectively. Electronics, telecom instruments, computer hardware, industrial machinery, organic chemicals, and bulk drugs are among the top categories of imports from China, with some showing dependency levels as high as 74 per cent, according to data tabled in the Lok Sabha. The government acknowledged that much of Indiaas imports from China are raw materials, intermediate goods and capital goods, which are used for making finished products in fast-expanding sectors like electronics, pharma, telecom, and renewable energy. To reduce strategic reliance on Chinese-origin products, several policy measures have been launched. These include the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes covering 14 key sectors such as electronics, IT hardware, pharmaceuticals, bulk drugs, solar modules, and auto components, with a total outlay of Rs 1.97 lakh crore. Additional steps like the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (Rs 22,919 crore), PLI for bulk drugs (Rs 6,940 crore), solar PV module incentives (Rs 24,000 crore), and PLI for advanced automotive technologies (Rs 25,938 crore) are also in place to encourage domestic manufacturing. The government further highlighted that initiatives like aMake in Indiaa, PM Gati Shakti, National Logistics Policy, and Industrial Corridor projects are aimed at building competitive domestic supply chains. Trade remedial actions through the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) are also being used against unfair imports. Officials pointed out that progress is visible in some sectors. India has turned into a net exporter of mobile phones and bulk drugs in recent years, supported by PLI schemes. Exports of mobile phones, for instance, have risen from Rs 1,500 crore in 2014-15 to over Rs 2 lakh crore in 2024-25 -- making India the worldas second-largest mobile manufacturer. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Priyank Kanoongo, the former chairperson of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Tuesday expressed 'shock and surprise' over a ruling by the Supreme Court which held the marriage of a minor Muslim girl under the Muslim Personal Law, as valid. Kanoongo, currently a member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), took to social media handle X and said "this was akin to running the country on the basis of Sharia." He said that the court considered the consent of minors as the basis but ignored the laid down guidelines of the POCSO Act, a law enacted by the Parliament that protects children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography. Terming the ruling as "concerning", he informed that another similar case was scheduled for hearing on Wednesday and this has left him worried. "If children are given the consent to engage in sex, it will lead to ruin. God should protect the children of India," he said in the post. According to a leading law portal, the Apex Court on Tuesday dismissed a Special Leave Petition filed by the NCPCR challenging the 2022 judgment of the Punjab and Haryana High Court which held that a 16-year-old Muslim girl can enter into a valid marriage with a Muslim man and granted protection to the couple from threats. The NCPCR counsel raised objections to the judgment, but it was turned down by the court on the grounds that it was stranger to the litigation and has no locus standi to challenge the High Court order. The High Court had granted protection to the couple noting that the girl, who attained puberty, is of marriageable age under the Muslim Personal Law. Priyank Kanoongo, in his X post, further informed that he had challenged the High Court verdict in the Supreme Court, following which a stay order was given. While he helmed the NCPCR, the child rights body in its appeal said that under the POCSO, physical relations with a minor is a crime and allowing the sexual exploitation of minor girls based on religion is against the constitutional principles of secularism. Mumbai, Aug 19 : The Indian benchmark indices ended the session with a decent rally on Tuesday for the second consecutive day, buoyed by the GST rationalisation move. Sensex settled at 81,644.39, up 370 points or 0.46 per cent. The 30-share index started the session with a decent gap-up at 81,39.11 against last session's closing of 81,273.75. Continuing the last session's gaining momentum, the index touched an intra-day high at 81,755.88, buoyed by buying in auto, FMCG, oil and gas and others. Nifty ended the session at 24,980.65, up 103.70 or 0.42 per cent. "The national market continued the renewed momentum, buoyed by expectations of GST rationalisation and a recent upgrade in India's credit rating," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited. Additional optimism came from signs of easing geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine, shifting the near-term outlook from consolidation to a more constructive stance, Nair added. Tata Motors, Adani Ports, Eternal, Tech Mahindra, Hindustan Unilever, Kotak Bank, Maruti, Bharati Airtel, Tata Steel, ITC, Ultratech Cement and Infosys were the top gainers among the Sensex basket. While Bajaj FinServ, Power Grid, Mahindra and Mahindra, HDFC Bank, and BEL settled in negative territory. The majority of sectoral indices ended the session in green with Nifty Auto (up 329 points or 1.31 per cent) and Nifty FMCG (up 582.40 points or 1.05 per cent) leading the sectoral rally, escalating the previous session's momentum post GST reform announcement. Nifty IT (121 points) and Nifty Bank (130 points) ended the session in positive territory. Broader indices followed suit as well. Nifty Midcap 100 surged 551 points or 0.97 per cent, Nifty Smallcap 100 soared 123 points or 0.70 per cent, and Nifty 100 escalated 120 points or o.47 per cent. "On the technical front, after a gap-up opening, the Nifty has sustained for two sessions in a sideways-to-bullish trend," said Mandar Bhojane of Choice Broking. Prices are taking support at the 20, 50, 100, and 200 EMAs, indicating strong underlying strength. If the index sustains above 25,050, it has the potential to move towards 25,250 and 25,500 in the coming sessions, he added. Mumbai, Aug 19 : Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday alleged that a land scam worth Rs 50,000 crore in Maharashtra's Raigad district was executed through "collusion" of the Revenue and Urban Development Departments, the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) officials and the ministers. In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Shiv Sena-UBT MP has sought the removal of Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde and Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, who is a former chairman of CIDCO, from the cabinet. He has also sought an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into the matter. Raut, in the letter, explained, "In Maharashtra, the Urban Development Department and CIDCO have been involved in a Rs 50,000 crore land scam, where Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde and former CIDCO Chairman Shirsat have allegedly pocketed at least Rs 20,000 crore. It is openly claimed that Rs 10,000 crore of this amount was paid to the bosses in Delhi." "A staggering 4,078 acres of forest land under government control was illegally transferred to the Biwalkar family. Under the 12.5 per cent of land allocation scheme, the Biwalkar family, ineligible for 30 years, was arbitrarily deemed eligible by the Urban Development Minister and CIDCO Chairman. To facilitate this transfer, Eknath Shinde appointed Sanjay Shirsat as CIDCO Chairman for a mere 25 days, during which the land allocation was hurriedly executed," he claimed. Raut further claimed, "Even today, thousands of project-affected people in the region remain deprived of land under CIDCO's allocation scheme. CIDCO officials shamelessly claim there is no land available for poor and marginalised project-affected families. Yet, astonishingly, no such obstacles arose when allocating Rs 50,000 crore worth of land to the Biwalkar family alone. This family was not eligible for the land, yet the transaction was facilitated through a bribe of at least Rs 20,000 crore." "Eknath Shinde, Shirsat, and the CIDCO officials involved in this scam must face severe punishment. I demand, on behalf of the project-affected people of Raigad district, that Shinde and Shirsat be sacked from the cabinet and that a case be registered regarding this Rs 50,000 crore land scam, with an investigation conducted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED)," he said. Raut's move comes a day after the NCP(SP) legislator Rohit Pawar on Monday alleged that Minister Shirsat was involved in corruption worth Rs 5,000 crore, as during his tenure as the CIDCO Chairman, he gave 15 acres of land to the Bivalkar family in Navi Mumbai, betraying the local landowners. He demanded Minister Shirsat's resignation and urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to form a special task force headed by a retired judge to probe this scam. Mumbai, Aug 19 : The Maharashtra government signed 10 MoUs on Tuesday, worth Rs 42,000 crore, for solar industry projects, data centres, logistics, and real estate. The proposed investment is expected to create more than 28,000 jobs. These MoUs were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. "Maharashtra is emerging as the 'Data Centre Capital' and 'Solar Energy Integration Capital'. Many companies are coming into this sector, and a big revolution is also going to happen in the manufacturing sector. The strategic agreement signed with the UK has opened new doors, and more investment is coming into India. This is a sign of the trust of investors and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his leadership. Today, eight important Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and two strategic agreements have been signed for various investments, which will attract an investment of Rs 42,000 crore in the state and create more than 28,000 jobs," said the Chief Minister. Fadnavis said that the investors have shown a very strong and positive commitment. "The entire government team will work with the investors from start to finish to ensure smooth investment in Maharashtra. The Hyperloop project is also gaining momentum, and now this project has moved forward again due to IIT Mumbai and IIT Madras," he added. He said that the Hyperloop project will bring about a radical change in the logistics, transport and mobility sector, not only in the state but also in the entire country. The government inked another MoU for an investment of Rs 10,900 crore for the production of solar panels, which will create 8,308 jobs. While another MoU was signed with an investment of Rs 2,508 crore for the establishment of a data centre, to generate 1,000 jobs. Another MoU for the data centre sector with investment of Rs 2,564 crore, which will create another 1100 jobs, has also been signed. The state has also signed another MoU worth Rs 4300 crore for the steel industry, which will create another 1500 jobs, while also signing another MoU with another private firm worth Rs 4846 crore for a data centre, to create 2050 jobs. Furthermore, an MoU worth Rs 575 crore has also been signed in the industrial equipment sector, to create 3400 jobs. With another private firm, an MoU for investment of Rs 4700 crore in the green energy sector, to create 2,500 jobs has been signed. and Prestige Estate Project Ltd for investment of Investment agreement worth Rs 12500 crore for setting up a Data centre, logistics centre and also in the real estate sector development worth 12500 crore has been signed between another private firm and the state government, which will create 8700 jobs. In addition, an MoU has also been signed to collaborate in attracting UK and European investments in Maharashtra, and an agreement has been signed to set up a state-of-the-art transportation system at JNPT and Vadhavan Port. As a result of the Russian combined missile and drone strike on Kremenchuk, Poltava region, unexploded cluster missile submunitions were found in the city on Tuesday night, Mayor Vitaly Maletsky has said. "Unexploded cluster munitions from Russian missiles have been found in the city! If you notice such, do not approach or touch them - they can explode at any moment!.. Be sure to tell children about the danger, because these munitions are silver in color, look like balls and can attract the attention of children," he wrote on Telegram. As reported, on Tuesday night, the energy infrastructure in the Kremenchuk and Lubny districts came under a massive attack by Russia. Direct impacts and falling debris were recorded in Kremenchuk and Lubny districts, administrative buildings of local energy sector enterprises were damaged. In Lubny district, 1,471 residential and 119 legal subscribers were left without electricity as a result of the attack. New Delhi, Aug 19 : About 56.04 crore accounts with a deposit balance of Rs 2,62,858.50 crore have been opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), out of which 4.82 crore accounts are zero-balance accounts (as on July 30), Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, said on Tuesday. The number of PMJDY accounts opened since July 2, 2025 stands at 0.27 crore, the minister informed the Parliament. The government emphasises not just opening PMJDY accounts but ensuring their active use. Focus areas include regular transactions, use of overdraft facility, deposits and digital engagement via RuPay cards. PMJDY accounts receive Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs) from the government schemes and account holders can access credit facility under various schemes like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Stand Up India, PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) etc. Eligible and willing accountholders are encouraged to enroll in social security schemes namely, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). "As on 30.07.2025, out of total PMJDY account holders, 7.24 crore and 17.58 crore have enrolled in PMJJBY and PMSBY respectively, enhancing financial security and inclusion," said Chaudhary. "Out of 56.04 crore accounts opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), 13.05 crore accounts are inoperative. This data is shared by Banks with RBI. This data is also available under the Right to Information Act, 2005," the minister said. As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, a savings or current account is treated as inoperative or dormant if there are no customer-induced transactions for over two years. Banks continuously monitor the percentage of operative accounts and the progress is being regularly monitored by the government. Recently, a Gram Panchayat-level campaign has been launched across the country, wherein reactivation of inactive PMJDY accounts is one of the key focus activities of the campaign. Bengaluru, Aug 19 : The Greater Bengaluru Governance (Amendment) Bill 2025 was passed in the Karnataka Assembly on Tuesday. Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar presented the Bill in the House. After discussions with opposition leaders and legislators, it was approved. The bill intends to divide the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into five municipal corporations. Despite stiff opposition from the BJP and JD (S), the Congress-led government is all set to divide the BBMP and hold elections. Speaking on the proposed Bill, Shivakumar said: "There is a small clarification in this. Even though the Bill was passed earlier, some people had filed petitions in court. Therefore, we have now made it clear in this Bill that the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) will not interfere in the matters of municipal corporations that come under the 74th Amendment of the Constitution." Shivakumar further stated: "According to the law currently in force, the GBA had the power to intervene in the affairs of municipal corporations under its jurisdiction. A PIL was filed in court alleging that municipalities were being brought under government control. To address this, we have now removed that provision. Municipalities will not be brought under government control and will function independently. The GBA will not interfere in their activities. This amendment is meant only to provide clarity, he stated. "Although the PIL was not upheld by the court, to avoid any confusion in the future, we have brought this amendment. We intend that mayors and corporators directly elected by the people should have complete authority. Today, we may be in power, tomorrow we may not but there should not be any scope for disputes. That is why we removed it," Shivakumar maintained. Further, Shivakumar said: "I have studied rural and urban development extensively. I completed my degree at the age of 47, and in Political Science, my highest marks were in the subject of local bodies. When Rajiv Gandhi introduced the 73rd and 74th Amendments, he came to Karnataka. I had asked him about the purpose of these amendments. He told me that from Panchayats to Parliament, leaders must be nurtured. These amendments were intended to strengthen local bodies by granting them autonomy." He continued: "The Congress will never allow Rajiv Gandhi's historic amendments to be diluted. When I was the Urban Development Minister, we made the Belur Declaration along with Revenue Minister Ghorpade. At that time, each Panchayat received only Rs 1 lakh in grants. During S.M. Krishna's tenure, this was raised to Rs 5 lakhs, and later 27 departments were brought under Panchayats to empower them." "The small amendment we are bringing today is only to empower municipalities and prevent confusion. Some members, like BJP MLA Satish Redd,y have said certain villages in their constituencies were not included. If we include villages now, Panchayat members would automatically become municipal corporators, which could invite objections. Therefore, we will first conduct elections within existing municipal limits, and later, after discussions with all of you, we will decide on expanding boundaries." "Mahadevapura collects the highest tax revenues, whereas other parts of Bengaluru do not generate as much. In such cases, the state government has to provide financial support. But one municipality's money cannot be transferred to another if we do so, it would violate the 74th Amendment again. If you don't want this amendment, tell me, and I will withdraw it. We have only brought this for the welfare of municipalities," Shivakumar stated. "If there is no interest in this amendment, I am ready to withdraw it. Our purpose is to ensure that when other parties come to power in the future, they cannot misuse it to bring municipalities under government control," he said. He reminded legislators: "Leaders like Suresh Kumar and Ramalinga Reddy first became corporators before entering the Assembly. Jawaharlal Nehru was the first president of the Allahabad Municipal Corporation. Rajagopalachari, Sardar Patel, and Kengal Hanumanthaiah were also municipal heads. Tamil Nadu CM Stalin was once the Mayor of Chennai. Leaders like B.D. Jatti and Vilasrao Deshmukh began as Panchayat presidents." "I don't want to do politics over Bengaluru's future, nor will I. Municipalities will have powers of taxation, financial autonomy, reservation, elections, and the state government will not interfere. The 74th Amendment is fully protected. This amendment is only for clarity and must be approved," he appealed. New Delhi, Aug 19 : The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday termed "fake" the claims made on social media that government is seeking monetary contributions for the case relating to Indian nurse Nimisha Priya who is currently lodged in a jail in Yemen. In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official FactCheck shared a screenshot of a post, where the user had demanded donation in Government of India account to save Nimisha Priya and even mentioned that they need 8.3 crore rupees. "We have seen claims being made on social media seeking monetary contributions into a GoI designated bank account in the Nimisha Priya case. This is a fake claim," the MEA FactCheck handle wrote on X while sharing the screenshot of a "fake" social media post. Priya is facing a death penalty for the alleged murder of her former business partner, Talal Abdo Mehdi, in 2017. She was to be executed on July 13, but following the lengthy period of multipronged negotiations, her execution was kept in abeyance. She moved to Yemen in 2008 to support her family and initially worked as a nurse before opening her clinic. In 2017, following a dispute with Mehdi -- her business partner -- she allegedly administered sedatives to him in a bid to retrieve her confiscated passport. However, the sedatives proved fatal. Priya was arrested while attempting to flee the country and was convicted of murder in 2018. A death sentence was handed down in 2020 and upheld by Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023. However, the court allowed the possibility of clemency through a 'blood money' arrangement. For the unversed, 'blood money' is monetary compensation to the family of the person killed in exchange for forgiveness. It is an accepted practice under Sharia law. While addressing a `weekly media briefing earlier this month, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the Nimisha Priya case a "sensitive matter" and stated that India continues to closely follow the matter. He urged all sides to stay away from misinformation on the case while reiterating the sensitivity of the matter. When asked about the update on Nimisha Priya case, Jaiswal responded, "As I had informed you earlier, this is a sensitive matter and the Government of India has been offering all possible assistance in the case. As a result of our concerted efforts youave seen that the sentencing was deferred. We continue to closely follow the matter and render all possible assistance. We are also in touch with some friendly governments on this particular issue. I would also like to underline this particular point that this is a sensitive and complex case and therefore would urge all to be mindful that media reports based on speculation and misinformation are not helpful at all. In so far as reports claiming that there has been certain developments etc, such reports are incorrect, please wait for an update from us. This is a sensitive matter and we urge all sides to stay away from misinformation." Gandhinagar, Aug 19 : Ahead of the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) scheduled in Mehsana on October 9-10, the Mandal-Bechraji Special Investment Region (MBSIR) is witnessing rapid progress on key infrastructure projects, strengthening its position as the growth hub of North Gujarat. The MBSIR is a large industrial zone in north Gujarat, spread across parts of Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Surendranagar districts. It was notified under Gujaratas Special Investment Region (SIR) Act, 2009, and is one of the stateas most ambitious industrial hubs. The region covers over 100 sq km and is strategically located near the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). MBSIR is best known as an automobile and engineering hub -- major players like Maruti Suzuki, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, and Suzuki Motorcycles have manufacturing plants there, along with hundreds of ancillary and auto-component industries. The Gujarat government is developing it with infrastructure -- wide roads, water supply and drainage systems, effluent treatment plants, and logistics facilities, with a focus on sustainability and global investment readiness. The Mandal Bechraji Special Investment Region Development Authority (MBSIRDA) has accelerated work on multiple development initiatives. Completed projects include the construction of 33 km of internal roads at an investment of around Rs 190 crore. Additionally, Rs 500 crore worth of town-planning roads spanning 66 km are under construction, equipped with water supply, sewerage, and effluent disposal pipelines for industrial use. To further boost industrial infrastructure, MBSIRDA has lined up projects worth Rs 70 crore, including a 20 MLD (million litres per day) water treatment plant, three sewage treatment plants with capacities ranging from 4 MLD to 15 MLD, and a 19 MLD Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP). These initiatives underline Gujaratas commitment to building world-class, sustainable industrial ecosystems. The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) is a new series of regional investment summits launched by the Gujarat government as a precursor to the 2027 Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (VGGS). Designed to spotlight local strengths, VGRC will be held across four regions -- North Gujarat (Mehsana, Oct 2025), Saurashtra-Kutch (Rajkot, Jan 2026), South Gujarat (Surat, Apr 2026), and Central Gujarat (Vadodara, Jul 2026). Each conference will focus on the regionas key sectors, such as agriculture, dairy, food processing, and automobiles in North Gujarat, while also promoting industries like petrochemicals, gems, and technology in other regions. With active participation from policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs, VGRC aims to strengthen Gujaratas regional economies, attract investments, and align local growth with the stateas broader vision of inclusive and sustainable development. Seoul, Aug 19 : The South Korean Presidential Office said Tuesday North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's criticism of the country's annual joint drills with the United States was a "repetitive response," while reiterating the drills are defensive in nature. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung made the remarks in response to comments by Kim that denounced the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise as demonstrating "the most hostile and confrontational" stance by South Korea and the US toward North Korea, Yonhap News Agency reported. "We always maintain the stance that the Ulchi exercise is a defensive drill," Kang told reporters. Pyongyang has long denounced the allies' joint exercises as a rehearsal for an invasion against it. On Tuesday, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) and the commander of the US Forces Korea (USFK) underscored the importance of combined training in bolstering the allies' defence posture to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula, the JCS said. JCS Chairman Admiral Kim Myung-soo and USFK Commander General Xavier Brunson, who also serves as the commander of the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command, made the point as they visited a military unit amid the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise currently under way. "Our training is complex, combined, joint, all-domain and ensures our readiness to meet any challenge," Brunson said during his visit to the Combined Military Information Support Operations Component Command. "Our ability to fight tonight and win tomorrow is grounded in how we train today." He stressed the South Korea-US alliance is the allies' "asymmetric advantage" that can directly counter any threats from adversaries. Kim highlighted the importance of military information support operations in modern warfare and called for utmost efforts to maximise combined operational capabilities through close communication. Both Kim and Brunson noted that an "ironclad" combined defence posture is a powerful strength that can support efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula, adding that such capabilities can only be strengthened through practical training, according to the JCS. The visit came as South Korea and the United States launched their summertime drills Monday for an 11-day run through August 28. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un denounced the combined exercise as showing their will to "ignite a war" and called for a "rapid expansion" of nuclear arms, Pyongyang's state media said Tuesday. Seoul and Washington have described the annual drills as purely defensive. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 19 : Malayalam cinema fans have reason to rejoice as superstar Mammootty is preparing to return to film sets after a seven-month break. News of his comeback was met with an outpouring of excitement and relief across the industry and among his fans worldwide. The veteran actor, who was indisposed and largely away from public life in recent months, had been residing in Chennai, away from his Kochi residence. Rumors about his health had been circulating, but on Tuesday, noted film producer and Mammootty's close aide Anto Joseph confirmed the good news through social media. "Finally, the prayers of many from across the globe have been answered. Thanks to God Almighty, thanks, thanks" Joseph wrote, sparking widespread celebration. Soon after, Mammootty's PRO Robert Kuriakose added that the actor would soon be back before the camera. "He has been active during this time, though not for shooting. In two to three weeks, he will don the greasepaint again," Kuriakose revealed. According to industry insiders, Mammootty's immediate priority will be to complete the films he had already started before his health setback. Only after wrapping up these projects will he move on to new commitments. Alongside Mohanlal -- his friendly rival on screen for nearly four decades -- Mammootty remains the face of Malayalam cinema. Despite advancing years, both continue to be the most sought-after stars in the industry, with producers eagerly waiting to secure their dates. Their presence in a film is still considered a guarantee of box-office success. The news of Mammootty's illness earlier this year had left the Malayalam film fraternity and his fans concerned. Now, with his return, anticipation is high not only for his unfinished projects but also for fresh ventures. Mammootty, who will celebrate his 74th birthday on September 7, is a three-time National Award-winning actor. In a career spanning nearly five decades, he has acted in over 400 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and even English, cementing his reputation as one of Kerala's most celebrated cultural icons. Mumbai, Aug 19 : The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday gave approval for waiver of Stamp Duty for setting up a 100-bed hospital at the Integrated Ayurvedic Cancer Clinic and Research Centre at Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai. The Cabinet also reviewed the situation arising out of heavy and incessant rains and floods across the state. The Cabinet approved provision of 2 hectare 50 R land to Savitribai Phule Mahila Sahakari Industrial Estate Limited, Kolhapur in Group No. 697/3/6, Kasba Karveer, B Ward, Kolhapur. The Cabinet gave approval to regularise the encroachment on government land in Vengurla area of Sindhudurg district in accordance with the rules. Further, the Cabinet gave clearance to regularise the temporary service of 17 employees working on various posts in Group-C (Technical) cadre in Government Medical Colleges and Hospitals in the state. Meanwhile, the Cabinet also reviewed the situation arising out of heavy rains and flash floods in various parts of Maharashtra. CM Fadnavis said the agricultural land of 12 lakh acres has been damaged while the cattle stock has been hit. In Nanded district eight people died in a cloud burst like situation. He said the NDRF and SDRF have been alerted due to high tide in the evening. The government is closely coordinating with neighbouring states for discharge management of dam water. As far as Mithi River is concerned, nearly 500 people have been evacuated to safer places after it crossed the danger mark. He said that the District Collectors have been authorised to provide financial aid to affected people as per the NDRF rules. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde visited the rain affected areas in Thane city and visited the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation control room to monitor the situation. Similarly, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan visited the state emergency operation centre and reviewed the situation arising out of heavy rains and floods in various parts of the state. Kolkata, Aug 19 : Asking the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal to start the recruitment process in primary schools, job seekers on Tuesday staged a demonstration in Kolkata's Salt Lake area. A protest took place a day after members of the Unemployed Qualified Teachers Forum called off a march to the School Service Commission's (SSC) office in the same area after the police detained its convenor Suman Biswas, claiming that they had planned to organise a violent movement. On Tuesday, a large number of youths, who had cleared the Teachers' Eligibility Test (TET) in 2022, took part in the protest. They alleged that the state government has failed to start the recruitment process, as over 50,000 primary teachers' posts are lying vacant in state-run schools. The protesters began their march from outside the metro station in the afternoon for the APC Bhawan, the headquarters of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education. However, policemen deployed at the site detained the protesters and put them in prison vans or buses. Due to the scuffle between policemen and protesters, traffic movement was disrupted in the area.. "We have been deprived of legitimate jobs. We have cleared the exam, but are jobless as the state government has not started the recruitment process. So many posts are lying vacant. How long are we supposed to wait?" said one of the protesters. Meanwhile, members of the Students Federation of India (SFI), the students wing of CPI(M) staged a protest outside Bikash Bhaban (headquarters of the state Higher Education Department) in the Salt Lake area, demanding the immediate start of the admission process in colleges and publication of West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) results. SFI members, however, were quickly detained by cops deployed in huge numbers in the area due to back-to-back demonstrations. New Delhi, Aug 19 : India's exports of textile products to the USA, the EU, and the UK touched the $20.7 billion mark for the financial year ended on March 31, 2025, the Parliament was informed on Tuesday. The USA and the EU are important markets for Indian textile products. During the year 2024-25, Indiaas total textile and apparel exports, including handicrafts, to the US were valued at $10.94 billion, whereas the export of these products to the EU and the UK were valued at $7.6 billion and $2.16 billion, respectively, Minister of State for Textiles Pabitra Margherita said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, adding that India has signed an FTA with the UK and is actively engaged in FTA negotiations with the EU. Indiaas exports of technical textiles stood at Rs 24,732.68 crore in FY 2024-25, which represented a 15.53 per cent growth over the previous financial year, the minister said. He also highlighted that India has signed 15 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the recently signed CETA between India and the UK. These FTAs aim to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, simplify procedures, and address structural issues to make Indian exporters more competitive in partner markets. The minister further stated that the government is implementing the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles with an approved outlay of Rs 10,683 crore over a five-year period, to promote the production of MMF apparel, MMF fabrics, and products of technical textiles in the country to enable the textile sector to achieve size and scale and to become competitive. With a view to boosting technical textiles in the country, the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) was created for a period from 2020-21 to 2025-26 with a fund outlay of Rs 1,480 crore, the minister said. The government is continuously monitoring export performance and taking various measures to boost exports in consultation with the Textiles Export Promotion Councils and Industry Associations. The government, through the DGFT, runs the Advance Authorisation Scheme to allow duty-free import of input, which is physically incorporated in the export products. In order to boost the export of textile products, the government is implementing the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme for apparel/garments and made-ups in order to enhance competitiveness by adopting the principle of zero-rated exports. Further, textile products not covered under the ROSCTL scheme are covered under Remissions of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) along with other products. In addition, the government provides financial support to various Export Promotion Councils and Trade Bodies for organising and participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets at the national and international levels to boost exports. The Textiles Ministry has also supported Export Promotion Councils in organising a Global Mega Textile Event, i.e. Bharat TEX 2025, to showcase the strength of the Indian textiles value chain, highlighting the latest progress in the textile and fashion industry and positioning India as the most preferred destination for sourcing and investment in the textile sector, the minister added. Jaipur, 19 Aug : Rajasthan has achieved a historic milestone under the Hariyalo Rajasthan campaign, with the state crossing the target of planting 10 crore saplings this year. On Tuesday, Minister of State for Forest and Environment (Independent Charge) Sanjay Sharma met Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma at his residence and congratulated him on this achievement. On this occasion, the Chief Minister released a campaign poster, while the Forest Minister presented a sapling to him. Taking inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" initiative, the state government launched Hariyalo Rajasthan under the Chief Minister's Plantation Mahabhiyan on Hariyali Teej last year. The government has set a goal of planting 50 crore saplings in five years, ensuring their survival through geo-tagging and systematic monitoring. The Chief Minister said that last year the target of 7 crore saplings was surpassed by planting 7.5 crore saplings, and this year's goal of 10 crore has also been exceeded, with 10.21 crore saplings planted so far. He urged the department to continue motivating citizens to participate actively, as the monsoon season still offers opportunities for plantation. Sharma emphasised that this success reflects the collective awareness and commitment of the people of Rajasthan towards environmental conservation. He noted that the plantation is not merely symbolic but a concrete step towards securing a greener future for the coming generations. The Chief Minister also appealed to the public to take an active part in plantation drives under 'Hariyalo Rajasthan'. So far, 37.5 lakh saplings have been planted individually and 9.83 crore at the block level, covering nearly 20 lakh hectares of land across 2,74,920 plantation sites. Various departments have also contributed significantly - Education Department (3.25 crore), Rural Development (2.65 crore), Forest Department (2 crore), and Pollution Control Board (50 lakh). US security guarantees for Ukraine shift war rhetoric from 'stop at any cost' to 'Russia must be restrained by force' - Kondratiuk Photo: https://www.facebook.com/olena.kondratiuk/ US readiness to become a guarantor of Ukraine's security changes the rhetoric about stopping the war at any cost to the recognition that Russia must be restrained by force, believes Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratiuk. "For the first time during Trump's term, the US readiness to provide Kyiv with strategic protection has been voiced. For the first time, Trump personally recognized that Ukraine's security is part of the strategic interests of the US and NATO. This changes the rhetoric: instead of "stopping the war at any cost" - the recognition that Russia must be restrained by force and guarantees, and not only by negotiations," Kondratiuk said on Facebook on Tuesday. According to her, this is a signal for Kyiv that even without a quick accession to NATO, there is a realistic alternative that can be legally established. "A kind of "NATO hybrid model:" legally not an Alliance, but politically - a signal that Ukraine will not be left alone," the vice-speaker emphasized. According to Kondratiuk, now Ukrainian diplomacy needs to turn this promise into a concrete document with clear mechanisms. "What could it be? A bilateral agreement with the US, similar to the US-South Korea, US-Japan agreements, where the States undertake to defend countries in the event of an attack? Trilateral or multilateral agreements: the US + key European countries (Britain, France, Germany)? A separate security bloc for Ukraine, integrated into NATO, but without formal membership? In any case, the negotiations in the US showed that Ukraine is on the side of good. That it is not alone. The most powerful countries in Europe are with it. This is not a guarantee, but a chance," Kondratiuk emphasized. She also welcomes the fact that the US negotiations discussed the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported by Russia. "It is good that the topic of returning abducted and deported children was raised at such a high-level meeting. Both Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen spoke about it. It is good that this extremely sensitive topic is also raised in the horizontal of the First Ladies," Kondratiuk said. Dhaka, Aug 19 : Asif Nazrul, the Law Advisor to the interim government in Bangladesh, reaffirmed on Tuesday that the general elections will be held in February next year, as announced by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. "We are determined from the governmentas side. Our Sir (Chief Advisor) has announced the timeline himself and there is no question of stepping back from the announcement," United News of Bangladesh (UNB) quoted Nazrul as saying after the Cabinet Division meeting held at the Secretariat, When asked regarding the prevailing confusion over holding elections, he asserted that the government remains determined to hold the polls in February. "That is what we have in mind and that is what will happen," said Nazrul. while stating that political parties often change statements for their own interests. "Traditionally, such political rhetoric has always been there in the country and it continues in the same way now. There has not been any qualitative change in it. So, the remarks from different parties about the election timing should be seen as part of the political process." Last week, National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said the polls slated for February next year cannot be held unless the reforms are completed, local media reported. He made the remarks while addressing the National Youth Conference, organised to mark International Youth Day at the Krishibid Institution in Dhaka's Farmgate. "If the elections are held without completing the reforms, then this government will have to go to the grave and return the bodies of my brothers who were martyred and gave their blood for reforms," leading Bangladeshi daily Jugantor, quoted the NCP leader as saying. Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Joint Secretary General Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdullah Mohammad Taher were also present at the event. Speaking at the event, NCP Convener Nahid Islam emphasised that while his party made concessions with the July Declaration, there will be "absolutely no compromise" with the July Charter. "The equation is not yet complete. Those who think they've figured it out already are on the wrong track. We made concessions last year, and in the July Declaration, but in the July Charter, we will not give even a one per cent concession," Nahid stated. "We will only take part in the elections after ensuring the objectives of the July Charter are fulfilled. We want elections, but there must be change. There will be no compromise on the July Charter. No political party will be able to come to power without implementing its pledges," he added. Jaipur, Aug 19 : From the lanes of a small town in Rajasthan to the dazzling ramp of Miss Universe India 2025, Manika Vishwakarma's journey is a story of courage, resilience, and big dreams. Jaipur, Aug 19 (IANS) From the lanes of a small town in Rajasthan to the dazzling ramp of Miss Universe India 2025, Manika Vishwakarmaas journey is a story of courage, resilience, and big dreams. Crowned Miss Universe India 2025 at a glittering finale in Jaipur, Manika left behind 48 contestants from across the country. Her victory was more than just a title - it was the triumph of determination over limitations. Raised in a modest family in Sri Ganganagar, Manika never let social barriers confine her. A graduate in Political Science and Economics from Delhi University, she has been an NCC cadet, classical dancer, and an artist recognised by the Lalit Kala Academy and the J.J. School of Arts. She also founded Neuronova, a platform that advocates for neurodivergent individuals, spreading awareness about conditions like ADHD and autism. For her, these are not weaknesses, but unique strengths of human potential. Manikaas journey has already crossed international borders - she represented India at BIMSTEC Sewocon, where her views on policy and society won admiration. Earlier crowned Miss Universe Rajasthan, Manika carried her stateas culture and values with pride to the national stage. Now, with the Miss Universe India crown, she is preparing to represent India on the global platform in Thailand this November. When she walked the ramp to the iconic tune aTujhe Dekha To Ye Jaana Sanama, it was more than a performance - it was the confident stride of a young woman, said the audience who watched her walk on the ramp. Seoul, Aug 19 : South Korea's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) and the Commander of the US Forces Korea (USFK) on Tuesday underscored the importance of combined training in bolstering the allies' defence posture to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula, the JCS said. JCS Chairman Admiral Kim Myung-soo and USFK Commander General Xavier Brunson, who also serves as the commander of the South Korea-US Combined Forces Command, made the point as they visited a military unit amid the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise currently under way, Yonhap News Agency reported. "Our training is complex, combined, joint, all-domain and ensures our readiness to meet any challenge," Brunson said during his visit to the Combined Military Information Support Operations Component Command. "Our ability to fight tonight and win tomorrow is grounded in how we train today." He stressed the South Korea-US alliance is the allies' "asymmetric advantage" that can directly counter any threats from adversaries. Kim highlighted the importance of military information support operations in modern warfare and called for utmost efforts to maximize combined operational capabilities through close communication. Both Kim and Brunson noted that an "ironclad" combined defense posture is a powerful strength that can support efforts to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula, adding that such capabilities can only be strengthened through practical training, according to the JCS. The visit came as South Korea and the United States launched their summertime drills Monday for an 11-day run through August 28. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un denounced the combined exercise as showing their will to "ignite a war" and called for a "rapid expansion" of nuclear arms, Pyongyang's state media said Tuesday. Seoul and Washington have described the annual drills as purely defensive. Last week, South Korea's National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lak met with two visiting US Representatives and discussed ways to bolster industrial cooperation and the alliance between the two nations, the presidential office said. Wi met Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas) and Representative Richard McCormick (R-Georgia), as President Lee Jae Myung is preparing to hold his first summit with US President Donald Trump in Washington on August 25. He highlighted that Korean companies have been investing in strategic sectors, such as semiconductors and automotive batteries, in their districts of Texas and Georgia, asking for their support to further advance the bilateral alliance and industrial cooperation for "win-win" outcomes, the office said in a release. Samsung Electronics has been building a new semiconductor manufacturing facility in Taylor, Texas. Hyundai Motor Group is constructing a new electric vehicle plant in Georgia and partnering with Korean battery maker SK On to build a battery plant there, in addition to SK On's two battery plants in the state. Wi expressed his expectation that Lee and Trump will reaffirm the strong alliance and have in-depth discussions on ways to advance it, and the two lawmakers pledged their full support for a successful summit, the office said. Van Duyne and McCormick also promised to support further US investments by Korean companies to strengthen economic cooperation and pledged to work together for bipartisan support in Congress for the Korea-US alliance, it noted. Chennai, Aug 19 : In a rare move underscoring the seriousness of rising Human-Elephant Conflicts (HEC) in Tamil Nadu, two judges of the Madras High Court have decided to conduct a personal inspection of a 10-kilometre stretch at Thondamuthur in Coimbatore district, where the state government has proposed to install steel wire rope fencing. Justices N. Sathish Kumar and D. Bharatha Chakravarthy will visit the site on September 5 and 6, along with amici curiae T. Mohan, Chevanan Mohan, Rahul Balaji, and M. Santhanaraman. The judges will also inspect other spots in the Mettupalayam region known for frequent elephant movement. Special Government Pleader (Forests) T. Seenivasan has been directed to join the team and coordinate with district forest officials for the visit. The proposal has stirred debate after activist S. Muralidharan objected to the erection of the fencing, while the Forest Department defended the plan. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra told the court that though the initial plan was for 30 km of fencing, financial sanction was cleared only for 10 km. He cited alarming data: between 2011 and 2022, 147 people died in elephant-related incidents in Coimbatore forest division, where elephants strayed out 9,710 times in just the past three years. The government paid Rs 11.35 crore in compensation during the period. Dogra also argued that conventional measures like elephant-proof trenches and solar fences had failed to prevent elephants from raiding crops and entering homes. As a pilot project, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the rope fencing in November 2024, and a Government Order sanctioning Rs 5 crore was issued in February 2025. However, the amici curiae opposed the plan, warning that the fencing could worsen the conflict. They pointed out that the terrain is steep and directly abuts private land without a buffer zone. Blocking the stretch, they argued, would either force elephants to dangerously navigate slopes or attempt to break through the barrier, increasing the risk of fatalities. They also cautioned that preventing elephants from accessing adjoining forests would only shift conflicts to new areas. The legal experts urged the government to hold off until elephant corridors in the region are scientifically identified and notified. They stressed the need for an impact study before implementing fencing in such ecologically sensitive zones. Taking note of the conflicting views, the division bench observed that an on-the-ground understanding was essential. The judges said they would undertake the visit with forest officials and amici curiae to personally assess the feasibility of the project before passing further orders. --IANS aal/dan Srinagar, Aug 19 : Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday that history is history and nobody should try to re-write it with political intent. Speaking to reporters here today, CM Omar Abdullah said India's history is known to everyone and nobody should try to re-write history for political ends. Asked about the Partition of India in 1947 and the belief that the Partition was forced on the subcontinent by Mohammad Ali Jinnah, CM Omar Abdullah said, "The British divided us and that is the truth. Let our children be taught history as it existed so that they can tomorrow draw their own conclusions." "If today chapters are added in school curriculum on the RSS, when the government changes tomorrow or in the future, because governments come and go, would the new party in power remove those chapters on the RSS and add those suited to their political ideology? Let us not fiddle with history", he added. Asked about the India Bloc's candidate for the election to the Vice President's post, CM Omar Abdullah said, "First of all, this election was forced on us and we don't know why did Dhankhar Sahib resign. We don't know where he went after resigning." "I hope he is well", CM Omar Abdullah said. He said once the election takes place, the UPA candidate should win. Answering questions about the Kishtwar tragedy, the Chief Minister said, "There is very little hope that the over 70 missing people would be found alive. "Our duty is to provide relief to the bereaved families. When I went there, the people gave me details about their demands and we are trying to fulfil those demands." Asked about his apprehensions about glacial lakes bursting their banks and drowning areas downstream, CM Abdullah said, "What happened in Kishtwar was due to a cloudburst. We had another such incident earlier in Ramban. "In Ramban the casualties were less and in Kishtwar we suffered huge loss of human life. "We have to constitute a team of experts who will go into cloudburst vulnerable areas and suggest measures to mitigate human losses and loss to property due to such tragedies." Asked about the Opposition slamming his signature campaign for restoration of statehood, CM Abdullah said, "When we did not go to the people for this purpose, the Opposition wanted us to take the issue to the public. "Now that we have gone to the people, they are opposing this move as well. "The Opposition is Opposition, their job is to oppose and our job is to do work. Let them do their job and let us do our job." New Delhi, Aug 19 : Bharat Connect processed nearly 8 million transactions daily, facilitating 715 million transactions worth Rs 3.14 trillion in FY25 Q3 alone -- a 217 per cent year-on-year growth in value over Q3 FY24, a report said on Tuesday. Designed with inclusion at its core, the platform reaches into rural and underserved regions, erasing gaps where physical collection points are limited, Grant Thornton Bharat said in a report in collaboration with NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL). For millions, it has become a lifeline by bringing the ease of digital bill payments to villages and small towns, where standing in long queues or travelling miles for payments was once routine. The economic ripple effects have been profound. In FY24 alone, Bharat Connect contributed 0.38 per cent to Indiaas GDP, driven by increased efficiency, time savings, and reduced reliance on cash payment, the report stated. By streamlining payments, it has freed up resources a" both human and financial a" that are now being channelled into more productive avenues. aIndiaas Bharat Connect is a testament to the countryas leadership in digital payment innovation. As a unified, centralised platform, it has not only enhanced trust and accessibility in bill payments but also set a global benchmark," said Dharmender Jhamb, Partner, Grant Thornton Bharat. "We believe such models offer a valuable roadmap for economies looking to modernise their financial infrastructure and drive inclusive digital growth," he added. Globally, Bharat Connect has emerged as a benchmark. The reports also compared Bharat Connect with systems like BPAY in Australia and SADAD in Saudi Arabia, highlighting its unique scalability, security, and replicability. While many countries grapple with fragmented payment landscapes, India has shown whatas possible when unification meets regulation, the report said. At the heart of this transformation lies technology-led efficiency. With just a single integration point for billers and service providers, the platform reduces costs, enhances transparency, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards, the report stated. The result is a seamless ecosystem where trust and innovation go hand in hand. Operated by NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd., Bharat Connect processed over 1.3 billion transactions in FY24. By 2026, it is projected to handle more than 3 billion annually a" an achievement that would place it firmly among the worldas most successful centralised bill payment systems, the report highlighted. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs) busted 41 clandestine laboratories and arrested 153 accused between 2020 and 2024, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, in reply to a question by Sambit Patra, said that 8,609 kg of drugs (including Mephedrone) were seized from illegal drug production centres during these five years. The MoS quoted Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) data and said that in 2024, a total of nine clandestine laboratories, including six Mephedrone laboratories, were busted by law enforcers. The number of clandestine laboratories busted in 2023 was eight, in 2022 it was 10, in 2021 it was nine, and in 2020 it was five, said the MoS. Sharing details of intelligence gathering and mechanisms to identify and target networks involved in the illicit manufacture, trafficking, and distribution of synthetic drugs, Rai said the quantum of drugs seized in 2024 was 1,698 kg, in 2023 it was 561 kg, in 2022 it was 2,732 kg, in 2021 it was 2,002 kg and in 2020 it was 1,616 kg. The MoS said a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs with the Director Generals of Police (DGPs) of all States and Union Territories to address the issues relating to Precursor Chemical trafficking, including red flag indicators, clandestine laboratories and diversion of Controlled Substances and Precursors. The MoS said the NCB, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), US, is conducting training programmes for all DLEAs on "Clandestine Laboratories and Precursor Chemical Diversion". He said financial investigations are also being conducted against drug traffickers under Chapter V-A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Rai said the government has constituted a 4-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism, which enables coordination among Central and State agencies. An Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has also been established in all States/UTs, which also serves as the NCORD secretariat for local enforcement. Chennai, Aug 19 : Renuka Devi Baalu, wife of senior DMK leader and party treasurer T.R. Baalu and mother of Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa, passed away in Chennai on Tuesday following an illness. She was 79. Renuka Devi had been undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital on Greams Road for the past several days. Despite medical care, she breathed her last on Tuesday morning. Her death has cast a pall of grief over the DMK and the wider political circles in Tamil Nadu. Her body was taken to the family residence at D. Nagar for public homage. According to family sources, the final rites will be performed this evening at 5 p.m. at the Besant Nagar Electric Crematorium. Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin expressed deep sorrow over her demise in a condolence message. "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs. Renuka Devi Baalu, wife of former Union Minister and Member of Parliament T.R. Baalu and mother of respected Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa," Stalin said. He recalled her quiet but pivotal role in supporting both her husband and son in their political careers. "Renuka Devi was a source of strength who encouraged their work with affection and warmth. She stood firmly behind them, contributing silently to their success. The loss of such a strong pillar of support is truly irreparable," Stalin said. The Chief Minister also conveyed his condolences to Baalu, Rajaa, and their family. "I extend my heartfelt sympathies to my friend T.R. Baalu, to Rajaa, and to their family members, who are grieving the loss of their beloved," he said. Leaders from across the political spectrum have also begun expressing their condolences, highlighting her role as a supportive presence in Tamil Nadu's political landscape. Her passing marks the end of a life remembered for quiet strength and steadfast devotion to her family. --IANS aal/dan Kolkata, Aug 19 : Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday held a meeting with the party's Barasat organisational district leadership to strengthen the organisation ahead of 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls. According to party sources, Abhishek Banerjee sent a strong message about factional fights in the meeting and asked district leaders to sort their differences out. The Trinamool general secretary also gave special importance to senior leaders and recognised their contribution to the party. He asked the new party leaders to respect the senior leadership and directed them to further strengthen the organisational structure of the party by maintaining a balance between the old and the new. After the meeting, which was held at Banerjee's Camac Street office in central Kolkata, a party insider said, "Reports of factional conflict between multiple factions have come to the fore several times in the Barasat organisational district. That is why Abhishek Banerjee has given a strong message about factional conflict. Abhishek has clearly stated that no factional fight will be tolerated." The development assumes significance as the Trinamool Congress is out to set its house in order to put up a unified fight against the BJP in next year's Assembly polls. An increase in factional fights before the election often results in party leaders defecting to the Opposition camp, said the party insider. Meanwhile, Banerjee also spoke to former state minister Jyotipriya Mallick. He inquired about Jyotipriya's physical condition. "The change of the block president was also discussed in the meeting. He has given a clear message that the party will take the final decision on the selection of block presidents," said the source. It was also discussed during the meeting that a person cannot hold two posts in the party. At one time, an upper age limit of 40 years was fixed for youth Trinamool members. There were allegations that it was not being followed in many cases. However, Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said this should be followed properly. New Delhi, Aug 19 : To encourage people to continue living in strategic border villages, the Central government has approved the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) on April 2 as a Central Sector Scheme, with a total outlay of Rs 6,839 crore, till the Financial Year 2028-29, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday. The objective of the programme is to create sufficient incentives for people to stay on in the selected villages, said Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, in reply to a question. The said the funds are meant for comprehensive development of villages located in blocks abutting international land borders (ILB), other than the Northern border already covered under VVP-I, in the States/UTs of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir (UT), Ladakh(UT), Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, The programme envisages focused areas of interventions in the select villages for creation of opportunities for livelihood generation through promotion of tourism and cultural heritage, skill development and entrepreneurship and development of cooperative societies, including agriculture/horticulture, cultivation of medicinal plants/herbs, the MoS said. The interventions under the scheme also include providing road connectivity to unconnected villages, village infrastructures, health facilities, education infrastructure, energy, including renewable energy, television and telecom connectivity, he said. The government approved Vibrant Villages Programme-I (VVP-I) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on February 15, 2023, for the comprehensive development of the select villages in 46 blocks abutting the northern border in 19 districts in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and UT of Ladakh. Initially, 662 border villages have been identified for comprehensive development on priority under the programme. State-wise number of villages is: Arunachal Pradesh-455, Himachal Pradesh-75, Sikkim-46, Uttarakhand-51 and Ladakh (UT)-35. The programme envisages focused areas of interventions in the select villages for creation of opportunities for livelihood generation through promotion of tourism and cultural heritage, skill development and entrepreneurship and development of cooperative societies, including agriculture/horticulture and cultivation of medicinal plants/herbs. Russia has struck the oil refining and gas infrastructure of the Poltava region, the Ministry of Energy reported. "On the night of August 19, 2025, the Russian occupation forces carried out another massive attack on the energy infrastructure facilities of the Poltava region, using both cruise missiles and attack drones. As a result of the attack, large-scale fires broke out," the Ministry of Energy said on Telegram on Tuesday. It notes that the last strikes on the oil refining infrastructure were recorded on June 15 and 21 of this year. According to the Ministry of Energy, several dozen drones simultaneously attacked one of the production facilities of the gas transportation system of Ukraine. "Damage to the ground infrastructure of the facility has been preliminarily established. Specialists are already conducting a technical inspection of the equipment and assessing the extent of the damage," the ministry said. It stressed that the Russian Federation continues systematic terrorist attacks against the energy infrastructure of Ukraine, which is a direct violation of international humanitarian law. "Since March 2025, more than 2,900 attacks have been carried out on energy infrastructure. The Ministry of Energy calls on the international community to increase sanctions pressure on the aggressor state and provide Ukraine with additional support to protect critical infrastructure facilities," the message says. As reported, on the night of August 19, the enemy massively attacked the Poltava region, hits and falling debris were recorded in the Kremenchuk and Lubny districts. According to him, administrative buildings of local energy sector enterprises were damaged, 1,471 residential and 119 legal subscribers were left without electricity in the Lubny district. There were no casualties. In June of this year, the issue was about the lost capacity of one of the Ukrainian refineries due to strikes by Russian aggressors, which supplied approximately 25-33% of gasoline and up to 10% of diesel to the Ukrainian market. New Delhi, Aug 19 : The announcement of former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy as the united Opposition's candidate for the Vice-Presidential election has triggered sharp political reactions. While the BJP on Tuesday dismissed the move as an act of "opposing for the sake of opposition," the Congress and its INDIA bloc allies hailed it as an "excellent decision" that reflects constitutional values. New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) The announcement of former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy as the united Opposition's candidate for the Vice-Presidential election has triggered sharp political reactions. While the BJP on Tuesday dismissed the move as an act of "opposing for the sake of opposition," the Congress and its INDIA bloc allies hailed it as an "excellent decision" that reflects constitutional values. Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Brijmohan Agrawal said that constitutional posts should ideally be filled by consensus rather than confrontation. "It would be better if everyone agreed on names for key constitutional posts like the President and Vice President. But the Congress, in its bid to oppose the BJP, has started opposing the country itself. C.P. Radhakrishnan will undoubtedly become Vice President, but the Opposition is trying to divide people by fielding a candidate unnecessarily," he added. Union Minister S.P. Singh Baghel also reacted and said, "The Opposition knows very well that they do not have the required numbers. Yet they field candidates just for the sake of opposing. This has become a routine tactic." On the other hand, INDIA bloc leaders defended their choice and underlined Sudershan Reddy's distinguished judicial career. CPI(M) MP P. Sandosh Kumar described the contest as ideological. "This is a battle between the Constitution and the RSS. We have put forward Sudershan Reddy's name for the Constitution, while the BJP has fielded a candidate aligned with its ideological parent. Reddy truly represents constitutional values," he said. Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav added, "He has had an outstanding reputation in the legal field. Our alliance has made an excellent decision, and we stand united behind him." Congress leaders, too, were emphatic in their support. Kodikunnil Suresh said, "He has served in the High Courts and the Supreme Court. He has always supported human rights, and his judgments are widely respected. That is why all parties in the INDIA bloc agreed on his candidature." Syed Naseer Hussain pointed to Reddy's long judicial journey. "He served as a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, as Chief Justice of the Assam High Court, and later as a Supreme Court judge. He has consistently upheld constitutional values and fought for social justice. This election is an ideological battle taking place across the country," he remarked. IUML MP E.T. Mohammed Basheer also praised the choice, calling Reddy "a distinguished personality with an outstanding judicial record." He added that the unity displayed by the Opposition in backing his candidature was "commendable and remarkable." While the BJP-led NDA holds a comfortable majority in the electoral college comprising members of both Houses of Parliament, the Opposition's move ensures that the election will not be a mere formality. Analysts believe that by fielding a candidate, the INDIA bloc aims to take the battle beyond Parliament and highlight the ideological divide before the people. The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, 2025. Kochi, Aug 19 : The Kerala High Court on Tuesday granted interim relief to Malayalam rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known as Vedan, directing that he should not be arrested until his anticipatory bail plea in a rape case is fully heard and disposed of. The relief came even as hearings on his plea continued, with the court scheduling further proceedings for Wednesday. Vedan, who has been accused of sexual assault by a woman doctor, has been absconding since the case surfaced. The Kerala Police had earlier issued a lookout notice fearing he might attempt to leave the country. According to the FIR lodged in Kochi last month, the complainant alleged that she was sexually exploited by Vedan between 2021 and 2023. Their relationship began while she was a medical student, and she claims that on at least five occasions in Kozhikode, Kochi, and other locations, he assaulted her under the pretext of marriage. The complaint also mentions that they briefly lived together. She further alleged financial exploitation, stating that in 2021, when Vedan was preparing to release his debut album, she gave him Rs 15,000 on two occasions and another Rs 8,300 to fund his train travel. Their acquaintance reportedly began over social media, but in 2023, Vedan allegedly broke off the relationship, leading to distress and prompting her to file the complaint. Two other women have also since accused the rapper of misbehaviour. Vedan, 25, rose to fame under the banner Voice of the Voiceless. He debuted in 2020 and, within the same year, gained recognition as a lyricist in hit films like Nayattu, Karam, and Manjummel Boys. His socially conscious rap style earned him a large following across Kerala. This is not his first brush with controversy. In April, Vedan was arrested along with eight others following a narcotics raid at his rented apartment near here, though he was later released on bail. Around the same time, forest officials briefly detained him after discovering a tiger's tooth on his necklace. Despite his rising popularity, the present allegations have cast a shadow over the young rapper's career, with the court's next decision on his bail plea eagerly awaited. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Nearly one-third of India's prison undertrial population comprises Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) inmates, according to data tabled in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) Nearly one-third of Indiaas prison undertrial population comprises Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) inmates, according to data tabled in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. As of December 31, 2022, out of 4.34 lakh undertrials across the country, 90,951 (20.94 per cent) were SCs and 40,221 (9.26 per cent) were STs, Minister of Home for State Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar said in Lok Sabha in a written response. Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of SC undertrials at 24,693 (26.23 per cent), followed by Bihar with 11,826 (20.55 per cent) and Punjab with 8,306 (34.33per cent) and others. Among ST undertrials, Madhya Pradesh led with 5,706 (21.23 per cent), Uttar Pradesh with 5,209 (5,53 per cent), Chhattisgarh with 4,044 (31.54 per cent), and Jharkhand with 4,056 (27.43 per cent). Disproportionate representation was stark in the North-East. In Mizoram, 96.19 per cent of undertrials were STs, Nagaland 70.86 per cent, Meghalaya 76.12 per cent, and Lakshadweep recorded 100 per cent. Arunachal Pradesh also reported 66.30 per cent ST undertrials. Among SCs, Tamil Nadu (30.72 per cent), Odisha (30.56 per cent), Chandigarh (30.17 per cent), and Himachal Pradesh (29.18 per cent) reflected a heavy presence in the prison population, far higher than their share in the general population. Of the 44,862 SC/ST convicts nationwide, SCs accounted for 26,952 and STs 17,910. Uttar Pradesh again topped with 5,943 SC convicts, while Madhya Pradesh reported the highest ST convicts at 4,910. Chhattisgarh (2,542), Jharkhand (1,633), and Odisha (1,011) also recorded large ST convict populations. The Ministry of Home Affairs noted that while prisons are a state subject, several steps are being taken to address prolonged pre-trial detention. State Legal Services Authorities have set up legal service clinics inside jails, and the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) conducts awareness drives on bail, plea bargaining, and Lok Adalats. Videoconferencing between courts and jails is also being used to speed up trials. However, Maharashtra did not provide a caste-wise breakup of prisoners. The data highlights the over-representation of SCs and STs in the prison system, particularly as undertrials, reflecting deep structural issues in policing, investigation, and access to legal remedies. Bengaluru, Aug 19 : Dharmadhikari of the famous Dharmasthala temple and BJP Rajya Sabha member Veerendra Heggade on Tuesday reacted to the ongoing developments surrounding the mass grave allegations, stating that there is an attempt to divert youths from faith. Speaking to the media about the alleged Dharmasthala murders case, Heggade said, "Any inquiry conducted is welcome to us. But the wrong methods of communication through social media have created much confusion, especially among youngsters." "They wanted youngsters to be diverted from faith. Because of such messages, the youths were disturbed. I feel this is a very wrong thing that is happening," he pointed out. "Even today, we have a function related to the youth, but attempts were made to keep them away from the temple and religious practices. This has polluted the minds of youngsters, which is not right," Heggade said. On the alleged Sowjanya gang rape and murder case, he said, "This girl was never connected with us. It was our staff members who came running on the same day. I immediately informed the government to find the culprit. We have nothing to do with it apart from informing the police. Yet, allegations were made against our family members, who were not even herethey were abroad." "When they were abroad, the allegations were made that they committed this crime. They had gone there for education. The claims are totally baseless, yet somehow we have been dragged into it. They say there are some people involved, and we have heard some names from others, but we can't prove it. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) must reveal these names and prove who is responsible for polluting the institution," he said. "This is the responsibility of the SIT. We are also closely observing the SIT's results. Yesterday, interim orders were issued, and now we await the final order, where we expect the report to come out clearly. We have done everything possible within our limits to remain transparent and have said, 'Go ahead, conduct any type of inquirywe are open to it,'" Heggade concluded. In a major development, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara had stated that until the chemical and DNA analysis reports are available, the investigation into the mass grave case will remain on hold. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has taken this decision, he added. He made the statement on the floor of the Legislative Assembly on Monday while replying to BJP members on the matter. Responding to a question on how long the SIT investigation would continue, Parameshwara said, "So far, only exhumation work has been undertaken. The collected samples have been sent for DNA and soil analysis. Once the reports come, the investigation will proceed on that basis." Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), continuing its attack on the Congress-led government over the mass grave case, stated on Tuesday that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe Dharmasthala is a conspiracy by the Congress party. The Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashoka, stated in Bengaluru that, "Dharmasthala SIT is a Congress conspiracy. It is scripted by ultra-leftists and executed by the Siddaramaiah government." He further slammed, "The so-called Dharmasthala investigation is nothing but a manufactured conspiracy by the Congress high command - scripted and directed by ultra-leftists and urban naxals. These forces, closely aligned with CM Siddaramaiah, are the ones dictating and guiding the government." Khunti : , Aug 19 (IANS) In a very unusual protest, villagers in Jharkhand's Khunti district cut a cake on Tuesday to mark the completion of two months since a bridge over the Banai river collapsed. This unique protest was held to highlight what they called the government's indifference. The bridge, located in Palol village on the Khunti-Torpa-Kolebira road, caved in on June 19 after heavy rains. Two months later, neither has reconstruction begun nor has a diversion been made. This is causing serious problems for thousands of residents of the area. "We know that if we block roads or stage dharnas, the government will slap cases against us. So, we chose this way to register our anger," said a villager, as locals gathered at the bridge site with a cake to "celebrate" what they called "two months of neglect". The absence of the bridge has disrupted schoolchildren's commute, delayed emergency patients from reaching hospitals, cut off farmers from seeds and fertilisers, and crippled local trade. For weeks, children were even forced to clamber across a makeshift ladder to reach school -- images of which had gone viral on social media. Politicians had rushed to the spot after the bridge collapse, assuring a quick fix. Local MLA Ram Surya Munda had even laid the foundation stone for a diversion road, promising completion by July. But villagers say not a shovel of earth has been moved since then. "What has happened is only politics, not a solution," a villager remarked. Frustrated, residents warned that if the administration does not act immediately, they will themselves create a temporary pathway by filling cement bags in the riverbed so that vehicles can pass. For the people of Palol, the bridge collapse is no longer just an infrastructure failure -- it has become a symbol of promises broken and patience tested. Lucknow, Aug 19 : Samajwadi Party (SP) National President Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that farmers in Uttar Pradesh and across the country are reeling under a severe fertiliser crisis ever since the BJP came to power. The former UP Chief Minister said farmers are struggling to get both urea and DAP -- two of the most essential fertilisers used in Kharif crops. He alleged that large-scale black marketing and profiteering in fertilisers have left farmers helpless, forcing them to stage demonstrations across several districts. "Farmers are constantly going through a crisis under the BJP government. Ever since these people came to power, farmers have been facing problems ranging from urea to DAP acquisition. First, there was a shortage of fertilisers for paddy and other crops, and even now, urea is not available for spraying on crops. Farmers are compelled to protest at various places just to secure fertilisers," Yadav said. The SP chief claimed that for months, reports of fertiliser shortages at cooperative societies have been surfacing from different parts of the state. He accused the government of responding with repression instead of solutions. "Farmers are standing in queues for fertilisers, but instead of fertilisers, they are getting lathis. The BJP's so-called double-engine government has completely failed in providing fertilisers, seeds, and irrigation facilities to farmers," he charged. Yadav listed several districts, including Lucknow, Ayodhya, Sultanpur, Shravasti, and Sonbhadra, where farmers are still staging protests and waiting for hours in long lines for fertilisers. "This year, since the beginning of the Kharif season, there has been a constant fight for fertilisers. Farmers are being cheated repeatedly," he said. Accusing the ruling BJP of making tall claims and delivering little on the ground, the SP leader added, "This government only makes false promises. It does not fulfill them. It fails to make preparations on time. The BJP has betrayed the farmers." Chennai, Aug 19 : HDFC Bank on Tuesday said that a thorough inspection of its ATM in Tamil Nadu's Kancheepuram had revealed no electrical faults, following reports that a man suffered an electric shock while attempting to withdraw cash from there. In an email statement, Shripad Sukenkar from the bankas Corporate Communications team said: "No electrical faults or anomalies were detected. As a bank, we adhere to the highest standards of safety, and the ATM is safe for our customers." The bank's statement came after panic spread on Sunday when Venkatesan, 35, a resident of Kamman Street, claimed he received shocks from the ATM keypad. According to reports, he had stopped at the ATM near the Head Post Office with his eight-year-old son after visiting the vegetable market. While entering his PIN, he experienced a sudden jolt, which intensified when he tried again. His right hand was severely affected, forcing him to seek treatment at the Kancheepuram Government Hospital. Police from Vishnu Kanchi station rushed to the scene after news of the incident spread. Using a tester, officers confirmed that the keypad area was leaking electricity, though at a low voltage. While police clarified that the leakage was not life-threatening, they acknowledged it was strong enough to cause painful shocks. Area residents reported that minor shocks had been experienced by others in recent days at the same ATM, though no serious injuries had occurred. Fearful of further incidents, many avoided the machine, while some resorted to pressing the keypad with pens or other objects. Following the incident, police instructed HDFC Bank to repair the machine immediately and ensure that such hazards were eliminated. Residents also urged banks to conduct routine safety checks on ATM facilities to protect customers. New Delhi, Aug 19 : Travel companies have refunded Rs 1,454 crore to consumers for cancelled flights due to the Covid-19 lockdown, following orders issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), the Parliament was informed on Tuesday. The CCPA has also mandated that these companies update their websites with clear instructions and status updates on refund claims related to cancelled tickets, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution B.L. Verma said in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha. Also, subsequent to the CCPAas intervention, an e-commerce platform discontinued the practice of automatically adding Rs 1 per ticket towards charity contribution in the ticket (a form of Basket Sneaking dark pattern), in the form of a pre-tick format (a form of forced consent dark pattern). An airline modified the manner in which it used to offer insurance at the time of purchase of tickets (a form of confirm shaming dark pattern), the minister said. Further, 13,118 listings of car seat belt alarm stopper clips have been delisted from major e-commerce platforms based on the orders passed by the CCPA to delist all such products which violate consumer rights and are unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 as the sale or marketing of said product compromises with the life and safety of consumer by stopping alarm beep when not wearing seat belts. Action has also been taken against the sale of domestic pressure cookers that do not meet compulsory BIS standards on e-commerce platforms, he added. On endorsers, the guidelines define them as including an individual or a group or an institution making an endorsement of any goods, product or service in an advertisement whose opinion, belief, finding, or experience is the message which such advertisement appears to reflect. These guidelines state that due diligence is required for endorsement of advertisements such that any endorsement in an advertisement must reflect the genuine, reasonably current opinion of the individual, group or organisation making such representation and must be based on adequate information about, or experience with, the identified goods, product or service and must not otherwise be deceptive. It clarifies that where Indian professionals, whether resident in India or otherwise, are barred under any law for the time being in force from making endorsement in any advertisement pertaining to any profession, then, foreign professionals of such profession shall also not be permitted to make endorsement in such advertisement. To enforce compliance, the guidelines outline strict penalties for violations. The minister further stated that under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, in case of false or misleading advertisement, the CCPA may impose a penalty on the manufacturer or endorser up to Rs 10 lakh and Rs 50 lakh in case of repeated violations. Action has already been taken by the CCPA against various entities, including e-commerce platforms, for affecting consumers, as a class, for violation of consumer rights, false and misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices as defined under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The CCPA has taken actions to regulate matters affecting a class of consumers with reference to the violation of consumer rights, misleading advertisements, and unfair trade practices as defined under the 2019 Act. Various directions were issued, including discontinuation or modification of the advertisement,s besides imposition of penalties to protect the rights of consumers as a class, and a penalty amount of Rs 1,08,85,000 has been realised so far, he added. New Delhi, Aug 19 : In a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between India and Sri Lanka, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and fostering deeper economic collaboration between the two neighbouring countries. The partnership establishes a structured framework to enhance trade linkage. It aims to foster stronger networking opportunities between exporters of both countries and promote joint trade initiatives, including participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyera"seller meets, facilitating the exchange of trade delegations and market intelligence and supporting exporters through capacity-building programmes and sector-specific cooperation. Commenting on the collaboration, FIEO Director General and CEO, Dr Ajay Sahai, said: "This MoU is a timely and strategic initiative that will serve as a catalyst in expanding trade volumes, unlocking new business opportunities, and reinforcing the historic and economic bonds between India and Sri Lanka." The MoU is expected to contribute meaningfully to the growth of bilateral trade and investment by leveraging each countryas strengths, enhancing competitiveness, and facilitating smoother access to markets. It underscores the shared commitment of both organisations to support their respective export communities and contribute to the long-term development of Indoa"Sri Lankan trade relations. The MoU was signed virtually, with the ceremony attended by key dignitaries and trade leaders, including FIEO's Sahai, FIEO's Additional Director General Suvidh Shah, High Commission of India, Colombo, First Secretary (Political) & Head of Chancery, Rambabu C., NCE President Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa, and NCE Secretary General and CEO Shiham Marikar. According to the Department of Commerce, the merchandise trade between India and Sri Lanka reached $5.5 billion in FY 2023-24, with India's exports amounting to $4.1 billion while Sri Lanka's exports were at $1.4 billion. Bilateral trade was also supported by various Lines of Credit and a Credit facility for the procurement of essential items. Washington: The unfinished peace talk in Anchorage between US President Donald Trump and his counterpart Vladimir Putin ended in cementing bilateral US-Russia relationship as well. Following the summit, Trump stated warring parties were "pretty close to the end". He noted "Ukraine has to agree" to any peace deal. Putin said that any sustainable resolution on Ukraine has to address the "root causes" of the crisis while taking into account Russia's legitimate concerns. "A fair balance of security in Europe and globally must be secured," Putin stated. "There should be no attempt to undermine progress through provocations and behind the scenes intrigue," Putin stressed. Washington: The unfinished peace talk in Anchorage between US President Donald Trump and his counterpart Vladimir Putin ended in cementing bilateral US-Russia relationship as well. Following the summit, Trump stated warring parties were "pretty close to the end". He noted "Ukraine has to agree" to any peace deal. Putin said that any sustainable resolution on Ukraine has to address the "root causes" of the crisis while taking into account Russia's legitimate concerns. "A fair balance of security in Europe and globally must be secured," Putin stated. "There should be no attempt to undermine progress through provocations and behind the scenes intrigue," Putin stressed. The August 15 Anchorage Summit between Putin and Trump was their first meeting in the latter's second term as President. Earlier, Putin and Trump had met six times during Trump's first term. Real diplomacy at the highest level was noticeable and, although no deal was struck, the communication between both leaders signalled an openness to carry forward the negotiations. Both agreed that they were heading in the right direction. Putin's proposal excluded a ceasefire unless a comprehensive deal is reached. Moscow has proposed that Kyiv should "fully withdraw from eastern Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts" in exchange for a Russian promise to freeze the frontlines in the southern oblasts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Additionally, Russia "would be prepared to return comparatively small tracts of land" in northern Sumy and northeastern Kharkiv oblasts. It may also demand that the Russian language be given official status in certain oblasts and the Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) operates independently in the country. Ukrainian legislation prohibits all work of Russia-linked religious organisations. The comments of Putin and Trump after the Anchorage Summit are backed up and substantiated by a modus operandi that differs from the working methods of the European leaders. During the Anchorage Summit, both Putin and Trump strongly revealed their personal chemistry which proved decisive in the complex and difficult negotiations. The tone at the joint press conference was marked by politeness, courtesy and mutual respect. The real test of the Anchorage Summit was how the Trump administration engaged and involved Europe which was looking for a ceasefire deal. The crisis was evident with the European leaders, including Zelensky, meeting Trump on Monday in Washington. Europe presented a united front against Russia. Zelensky's second visit to the White House after February 28 this year was a more challenging and demanding test for him. Immediately after the meeting, Trump had a telephonic conversation with Putin to brief him about the developments. Russia has a longstanding objection to Ukraine's potential NATO membership. Ukraine is seeking guarantees for its own security and wants NATO membership. However, Trump has stated clearly "no going into NATO by Ukraine" as part of the peace deal. According to Steve Witkoff, at the Anchorage Summit, Putin agreed to allow Ukraine's allies to offer it a NATO-like Security Guarantee as part of an eventual deal to end the war. Article 5 of NATO-like protection is being thought upon for Ukraine. The US and the EU will support such guarantees for Ukraine. Last year, Putin had mentioned this and it was accepted in the draft 2022 peace treaty NATO-like Security Guarantees for Ukraine in exchange for neutrality, demilitarization and denazification. The US and Europe's offer of NATO Article-5 like Security Guarantees to Ukraine instead of NATO membership will be a game-changer as it represents a huge concession from Russia for the peace deal. Moreover, Russia would enact a law of not attacking any other European country and violating its sovereignty. The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer is, however, at odds with President Trump over Ukraine's NATO ambitions saying that Kyiv is on an "irreversible path" to NATO membership. European leaders strongly believe that Zelensky was being railroaded into a peace deal negotiated by Trump and giving leeway to Russia. Trump's comments that the US may get involved in Security Guarantees for Ukraine was able to assuage the European leaders with their flattery of Trump. It is understood that Kyiv has shared proposals for new security arrangements with the US, wherein it promised to Washington that it will purchase USD $100 billion of arms and weapons including 10 US Patriot Air Defence Systems (ADS) along with other missiles and defence equipment to protect its cities and critical infrastructure. Europe will foot the bill. Kyiv and Washington would also strike a USD $50 billion deal to produce drones with Ukrainian companies. Separately, Kyiv insists for full compensation from Russia for wartime damages to be paid for from the USD $300 billion Russian sovereign assets frozen in Western countries. Earlier this year, in Riyadh, Russia had hinted that it may use the frozen sovereign assets to rebuild Ukraine, particularly the one-fifth of the country's territory which Russian forces control. Meanwhile, Trump took to social media, mentioning about the Security Guarantees to be provided to Ukraine by various European countries with the US coordinating it. Trump underscored that a trilateral meeting between Russia, the US and Ukraine would be held in the next two weeks to disentangle the Ukraine knot. The place for the meeting would be determined between Putin and Zelensky. In the next few days, the peace deal will be finalised with no costs of error or misunderstanding. The visit of eight European leaders to the Oval Office, including Zelensky, confirmed and conveyed that the trans-Atlantic rift runs deep. In addition, the Putin-Trump Summit in Anchorage promises well for the bilateral relations as well as to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Quite understandably, the Putin-Trump alliance could also weaken Europe which seems to be standing alone against Russia for now. (The writer is an expert on South Asia and Eurasia. He was formerly with Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Views expressed are personal) Photo: https://www.facebook.com/MerzCDU German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that following the results of the Ukraine summit in Washington on Tuesday, a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing will be held in a video conference format. "After the talks in Washington, we are continuing our efforts for peace in Ukraine: this afternoon I will take part in a video conference of the Coalition of the Willing on security guarantees, and then in an exchange of views in the European Council," he wrote on the social network X. According to The Guardian, the meeting is scheduled for 13:00 Kyiv time. Later today, EU leaders are also scheduled to take part in a virtual meeting of the European Council at 14:00 Kyiv time. Agartala, Aug 19 : Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Tuesday stressed the need to raise awareness on organ donation and said more messages should be conveyed to society in this regard Saha, a doctor turned politician, said that kidney transplants are now being successfully done in the state. While inaugurating a voluntary blood donation camp, organised by the State BJP Legal Cell in Agartala, the Chief Minister said that there is no greater donation than blood donation and along with this, efforts are now being made to promote organ donation. "Three kidney transplants have already been successfully done in Tripura, which was never thought of before. Both the donors and the recipients are healthy. The matter related to this is still under process," he said. Saha, who also holds the Health and Family Welfare portfolio, said that there is a need for awareness about kidney and liver donation, as well as the donation of other organs of the body. "We need to think more about this," he said, adding that this message of organ donation should also be conveyed to society through lawyers and social activists. The Chief Minister appreciated the lawyers for coming forward to donate blood, which would send a good message to society. He said that the people of Tripura have an instinct to donate something for a good cause that has come from our culture and traditions. Noting that there are different blood groups, among which negative groups constitute about 15 per cent of the population, Saha said that it is very necessary to maintain a balance between the demand and supply of blood. The state has 14 blood banks, out of which 12 are government-run and two are private. The Tripura State Blood Transfusion Board is taking care of the blood stock in these banks, he said. The event was attended by the chief of the State BJP Legal Cell and eminent physician Ashok Sinha, state BJP Vice-President Subal Bhowmik, Convenor of the Legal Cell Biswajit Deb, among others. --IANS sc/dan Srinagar, Aug 19 : J&K Lt Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University has become a beacon of knowledge, innovation, inspiration and the cultural pride of J&K. The L-G delivered the inaugural address at the 22nd Foundation Day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University through video conference today. Speaking on the occasion, the L-G said Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University today stands as a beacon of knowledge, innovation, inspiration and cultural pride of Jammu & Kashmir, recognised and respected not only at the national but global level. "Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University is playing an important role in creating human resources in accordance with the global changes. In its journey, the University has blossomed into an institution of excellence, nurturing minds and transforming lives," the L-G said. He announced that the long-pending, persistent demand of non-teaching employees of the University belonging to the lower middle level and below has been fulfilled. He said that, as per the approval accorded, all non-teaching employees of this category who were earlier on a five-year contract system and whose contract period was continuously renewed shall now be regularised, and the contract system is hereby removed. "This decision reaffirms our commitment to fairness, talent retention, and professional growth. This move will strengthen the foundation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and provide the employees with a renewed sense of stability in their jobs, empowering them to contribute to the university's development with even greater confidence and dedication," the L-G said. He also congratulated the management, faculty, staff and students of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University for making its mark among the top 100 universities in the country, in a short span of time. "It is inspiring to see the university's transformation into a multi-disciplinary institution, in line with the National Education Policy. The increasing enrolment in programs like Design Your Own Degree, B.Tech-Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and MSc Data Science is also impressive, he said. The Lieutenant Governor called upon the faculty members to develop a skill-driven learning environment on the campus. We have the onerous responsibility of preparing the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, architects and skilled professionals in the country", the L-G said. The Lieutenant Governor also encouraged the students to dedicate the skills and knowledge they acquired at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University to contribute to nation-building. He observed that the creation of a developed India and the prosperity of the society are the criteria for the usefulness of education. He asked the Alumni to address the needs of society and contribute in improving the university. The L-G also paid homage to the citizens who have lost their lives during the recent natural calamities in Kishtwar and Kathua. With a whole-of-government approach, relief work is underway on a war footing. New Delhi, Aug 19 : In a bold move to instil national pride and awareness of India's counter-terror capabilities among students, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released two specially designed modules on Operation Sindoor for schoolchildren from Classes 3 to 12. The operation, which is described as more than just a military strike, is framed as a national commitment to peace, justice, and the memory of those who lost their lives in the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Launched as supplementary material, the modules came over three months after 'Operation Sindoor', India's strategic and precise military response to the terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. According to the material, the aim is not only to educate students about a critical national security event but also to shape their understanding of India's growing global stature and commitment to self-defence. The modules assert that the Pahalgam attack was orchestrated under "direct orders" from "Pakistan's military and political leadership", despite Pakistan's public denial of involvement. The attack, which targeted civilians including tourists, was intended to incite fear and communal unrest. In response, Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a measured but forceful retaliation. "India launched missiles and air strikes, targeting nine terrorist sites situated in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) on May 7, 2025. Out of nine targets which were finally chosen and approved, seven of these terror camps were destroyed by the Indian Army, while the Indian Air Force destroyed terrorist targets in Muridke and Bahawalpur, which are the nerve centres of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed," one of the modules states. Importantly, the NCERT emphasises India's commitment to minimising collateral damage. "Every target was double-checked. Only terrorist bases were attacked. This operation showed that India would not let terror masterminds escape punishment," the module explains. It further notes that no civilian casualties were reported - a point reiterated as part of India's moral and strategic high ground. The modules are split across two educational levels: 'Operation Sindoor - A Saga of Valour' is tailored for the preparatory and middle stages (Classes 3 to 8). 'Operation Sindoor- A Mission of Honour and Bravery' is meant for secondary stage students (Classes 9 to 12). Both modules underline the Indian Armed Forces' coordinated response. They also highlight the synergy between the Army, Air Force, and strategic command leadership. The operation is also described as a turning point in India's counter-terror doctrine. The doctrine sends a clear message of deterrence. Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the module declares: "Operation Sindoor is not an ordinary military operation. It is a confluence of India's policy, intent, and decisive capability." The material also praises the local civilian response in Kashmir, noting how residents vocally condemned the terror attack a development that, according to the module, "breaks stereotypes and shows the real voice of peace-loving people." With this initiative, NCERT aims to create awareness among students about India's defence preparedness, use of advanced technology, and principled stance in global geopolitics while also honouring the memory of those lost in acts of terror. Patna, Aug 19 : Bihar Leader of Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the BJP and the Election Commission during the Voter Adhikar Yatra, likening the current movement to India's freedom struggle. Addressing a public meeting in Nawada, Yadav said: "Seeing the passion, enthusiasm and determination among you all, it feels like the days of the freedom struggle. Just as the country united against the British and won, today too, we are fighting to save democracy, the Constitution and the right to vote. Just as the British had to leave, these vote thieves will also have to return people's rights." Calling himself part of a new generation of leadership, the RJD leader declared: "We are youth and we have a vision to develop Bihar." Slamming Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the NDA, Yadav accused the government of lacking originality and borrowing ideas from the opposition. "This is a copycat government. Whatever schemes we announce, Nitish Kumar's government copies themwhether it is social security pensions, free electricity, domicile policy, or jobs. They have no vision of their own." He also accused the ruling BJP of neglecting key issues facing Bihar's youth. "This tired government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are playing with the future of young people. They do not talk about education, health, jobs, or migration. We are concerned about these and will take every caste and religion along to form a people-centric government." The Voter Adhikar Yatra, led by Grand Alliance leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Dipankar Bhattacharya, Mukesh Sahani, Rajesh Ram and others, has been drawing large crowds across Bihar as it highlights alleged irregularities in the voters' list and challenges to democratic rights. The Voter Adhikar Yatra began from Sasaram on August 17 and reached Nawada via Aurangabad and Gaya. This yatra will cover 23 districts and will conclude at Patna's Gandhi Maidan on September 1. Bhubaneswar, Aug 19 : A delegation of opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) led by its senior Vice President and authorised representative of the party, Debi Prasad Mishra, on Tuesday met Chief Election Commissioner(CEC) Gyanesh Kumar at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi. The delegation has reportedly apprised the Election Commission of India (ECI) of the party's objections concerning alleged voting discrepancies during the 2024 State Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. In an official statement, the Commission said that the meeting is part of ECI's continued engagement with the Presidents of various National and State Political Parties. "These interactions provide for a long-felt need for constructive discussions which enable National and State Party Presidents to share their suggestions and concerns directly with the Commission. This initiative aligns with the Commission's broader vision of further strengthening the electoral process within the existing legal framework, with all stakeholders," informed the commission. Meanwhile, the BJD alleged that the ECI is failing to be transparent and adhere to openness in the electoral process as expected of it. Following the meeting, senior BJD leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Amar Patnaik said, "The main issue is that the Election Commission is not being as transparent and open in the political process as it should be. Its credibility is being questioned, and we are also raising concerns. The issue we raised eight months ago still has not been answered properly, which shows that the Election Commission is repeatedly trying to hide something." He also criticised the attitude of the ECI, stating that whenever the BJD raised concerns about discrepancies during the 2024 general elections in Odisha, the Commission challenged the party to approach the court, asserting that its actions have always been entirely justified. "We told the Election Commission today that priority must be given during the electoral revision process to ensure that the names of genuine voters are not deleted from the list. At the same time, the names of ineligible or non-genuine voters should be removed. We also stated that when the SIR process is conducted in Odisha, as recently announced, if any genuine voter's name is removed in haste, as happened in Bihar, the party will strongly oppose it across the state," Patnaik further added. Notably, the party had earlier raised three issues before the ECI: (1) discrepancies between the number of votes cast and the votes counted in all the MP constituencies across the state during the 2024 elections; (2) inconsistencies between the total votes counted in all the Assembly segments under an MP constituency and the total votes counted for the particular MP constituency itself; and (3) higher-than-estimated voting percentage after 5 p.m. in almost all constituencies. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 19 : HLL Lifecare Limited, the country's premier public sector healthcare enterprise under the Union Health Ministry, will represent India at the 25th FIGO World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, to be held in South Africa's Cape Town from October 5 to 9. Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 19 (IANS) HLL Lifecare Limited, the countryas premier public sector healthcare enterprise under the Union Health Ministry, will represent India at the 25th FIGO World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, to be held in South Africa's Cape Town from October 5 to 9. HLL will be the only government company to take part in the prestigious global platform, showcasing its innovations in womenas health and family planning at Booth No 23 in the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Congress is one of the largest gatherings in womenas health, bringing together more than 8,000 delegates from over 130 countries. This yearas theme, "Advancing Womenas Health: A Journey of Unity and Freedom", will highlight global challenges and solutions in womenas healthcare while providing space for collaboration between experts, policymakers, clinicians, and advocates. For HLL, participation at FIGO is seen as a major recognition of Indiaas leadership in womenas health initiatives. The company will spotlight its flagship innovations, including the Emily LNG Intrauterine Device (IUS)a"a cost-effective contraceptive offering five years of protection while also treating heavy menstrual bleedinga"and the Cool Cup Menstrual Cup, a reusable menstrual hygiene solution made from medical-grade silicone. Alongside these, HLL will display a wider range of products such as emergency contraceptive pills, hormone-releasing IUDs, sterilisers, cup wash, sanitary napkins, and other contraceptive solutions, all designed to expand access to affordable healthcare. HLLas presence at FIGO 2025 underscores its mission of promoting healthcare equity and accessibility. "Our participation is not just about showcasing products but about reinforcing Indiaas commitment to womenas health and contributing to global solutions," the company noted in a statement. With a robust international footprint, HLL already exports family planning and healthcare products to more than 80 countries, partnering with leading global agencies including UNFPA and WHO, as well as Ministries of Health across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. By representing India on this global stage, HLL aims to strengthen partnerships and share innovations that will help advance womenas health worldwide. Imphal, Aug 19 : In a landmark judgment, the Manipur High Court on Tuesday has directed the state's education boards and institutions to issue fresh certificates to Beoncy Laishram, the state's first transgender doctor, reflecting her updated name and gender. The 32-year-old doctor Laishram, earlier known as Boboi Laishram, underwent gender reassignment surgery in 2019 and was officially recognised as female by the District Magistrate, Imphal West district, under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Despite updates in her Aadhaar, PAN, and voter identity card, her requests to the Board of Secondary Education Manipur, Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur, Manipur University and Manipur Medical Council to update her academic and medical registration certificates were denied. Justice A. Guneshwar Sharma ordered that under Sections 6 and 7 of the Transgender Act, 2019 and Rule 2(d) of the Transgender Rules, 2020, institutions are legally bound to recognise the updated name and gender of transgender persons in all official documents, including educational certificates. The court ordered the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM), Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM), Manipur University and the Medical Council to issue new certificates within a month, while also directing the Chief Secretary to instruct all establishments in Manipur to comply with the Act. The judgment is seen as a significant step in affirming the rights of transgender persons and ensuring their access to education and professional opportunities without discrimination. Justice Sharma ruled that transgender individuals have a clear legal right to have their self-perceived gender identity and new name reflected in all official documents, including educational certificates, as mandated by the Act. The court emphasised that these provisions must be incorporated into the rules and bylaws of all establishments, including educational institutions, to ensure compliance. The High Court order said that even though none of the parties herein has argued, this Court refers to the provisions of Sections 16 and 17 of the Act of 2019, where the Central Government is to constitute 'National Council for Transgender Persons' headed by the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment mainly to advise the government in framing policies and programmes under the Act and monitor the implementation of the Act. "Such a Council can also redress the grievances of transgender persons. It is clarified that the primary function of the Council is to advise the Central Government in the implementation of the Act and is basically a monitoring committee. Having the power to redress the grievances of transgender persons does not mean the Council is to function as a primary adjudicating authority under the Act. The Council, comprising many members across the country, will face difficulty in regular adjudication of the grievances," the HC order said. Beoncy Laishram's victory is being hailed as a beacon of hope for the transgender community in Manipur and other parts of the country. "This High Court ruling is a powerful affirmation of our identity and rights. It paves the way for others to live with dignity and access opportunities without being forced to approach courts repeatedly," said a local transgender activist. --IANS sc/dan Hyderabad, Aug 19 : State-owned Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), which has been in coal mining for 136 years, is set to foray into critical mineral exploration as it won its first gold and copper mining exploration license through auction. The company secured the license for gold and copper mining exploration in the Devadurga area of Karnataka through the auction conducted by the Union Ministry of Mines. SCCL announced on Tuesday that it has become the first coal company to secure a license for gold and copper blocksa survey. It emerged as the L-1 bidder by quoting 37.75 per cent royalty in the online auction. Singarenias Exploration Division would soon commence research in the Devadurga region, where gold and copper deposits were traced. SCCL Chairman and Managing Director N. Balram described this as a historic beginning for the company in the critical mineral exploration. He also termed this as the first success in line with the Telangana governmentas vision to expand SCCL into new sectors. The exploration in the allotted area in Karnataka would begin soon and would be completed within the next five years. After completing various stages of exploration, SCCL must submit the final results to the Government of India in the form of a report. The Centre would then put up the mines for auction for commercial mining based on the estimated reserves. There will be an opportunity for Singareni or other companies to acquire these mines. Companies acquiring these mines will have to pay royalty to the Karnataka government, and out of this, 37.75 per cent will go to Singareni throughout the lifetime of the mine, Balram said. While the cost of this exploration is approximately Rs 90 crore, the Central government will pay Rs 20 crore as a subsidy. The Centre had initiated the auction of 13 critical mineral exploration licenses on March 13, 2025. The Telangana government had suggested that the Singareni should participate in this. The company had formed an expert team to study the blocks suitable for exploration. Platinum group elements block at Padhar in Madhya Pradesh, rare earth elements block at Ontillu, Chandragiri in Andhra Pradesh and gold and copper block at Devadurga in Karnataka were identified as prospective blocks. For these, the Central government conducted an online auction on August 13, 14 and 19. In the auction held on August 19, Singareni won the exploration license for gold and copper blocks in Devadurga in Karnataka. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who holds the portfolio of Energy, congratulated SCCL on winning the exploration license for gold and copper, for the first time, through auction. They expressed hope that Singareni will become a leading company in the country in the exploration of key minerals, with its vast exploration experience and coal mining experience. Kolkata, Aug 19 : A sub-inspector and a civic volunteer have been accused of brutally beating a person in the lock-up of Domkal police station. According to sources, the police had arrested Sarwar Ansari, a resident of Naodapara village under Jalangi police station area, on charges of jute theft on Sunday night. He was allegedly beaten up in the lock-up of the police station on Monday. According to police sources, residents of the Gokulchak area of Dhulauri panchayat under Domkal police station caught Sarwar and his accomplice, Firoz Sheikh, while they were stealing jute late on Sunday night. They found the stolen jute stored in the van of the duo. The villagers tied the accused to an electric pole and beat them up, before informing the police about the incident. The police rescued the two and took them to the police station. After taking him to the police station, Domkal police station sub-inspector Sujoy Sarkar allegedly beat Sarwar with a wooden rule in the lock-up. After one rule was broken during the beating, the police officer brought a new rule and beat him again severely. A civil volunteer named Babu, who was present there at that time, also attacked Sarwar with a rule. After being beaten, Sarwar was taken to Domkal Sub-divisional Hospital for a physical examination on Monday night. That's when the beating came to light. "The police severely beat me up in the lock-up. The sub-inspector and a civic volunteer used a wooden rule to beat me up," Sarwar told media persons. However, the police have denied such allegations. On Monday night, Additional Superintendent of Police (Lalbagh) of Murshidabad Police District, Raspreet Singh, said, "The allegations of beating him inside a lock-up are false. After catching the accused, the villagers had beaten them up. A case has been registered against two villagers in connection with the beating." Bengaluru, Aug 19 : Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi has alleged that the Congress party, under the pretext of its 'campaign against voter fraud,' is actually seeking publicity and misleading the people of the country. Speaking to media in Delhi on Tuesday, Joshi stated, "A senior Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) psephologist (a specialist in the study and analysis of elections, voting patterns, and electoral data), while responding to queries on the Maharashtra voters' list, admitted that the election data was misread and even apologised. Yet, Rahul Gandhi continues to accuse the Election Commission of bias and claims of 'vote theft,' which is not correct, Joshi objected. He further stated that the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has been making baseless allegations against the Election Commission. "By launching a so-called 'Save Democracy Movement,' he is not safeguarding democracy, but instead spreading false messages against one of the most transparent constitutional institutions," Joshi charged. The minister also demanded a fair probe into how and why the senior CSDS member misread Maharashtra's election data, and how this flawed data was used for political propaganda. "Only then will the real culprits be exposed," Joshi maintained. Recently, Rahul Gandhi mentioned the name 'Ranjo Devi,' claiming her name was missing from the voters' list and used this for his campaign. But her name is very much present in the electoral roll. Despite this, he continues to build castles of lies. Now, his political malice stands exposed, Joshi asserted. "All this talk of voter fraud and vote theft is nothing but a drama of Congress. It clearly shows to what extent Rahul Gandhi is misleading the nation," Minister Pralhad Joshi criticised. Earlier, responding to the Election Commission of India's (ECI) directive to Rahul Gandhi to file an affidavit in 7 days or tender an apology regarding vote theft charges, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the ECI looked like it was reading straight from the BJP's script. Taking to social media X, Siddaramaiah had said, "The Election Commission of India (ECI) finally spoke - not out of duty, but because the Congress, the INDIA Alliance, the civil society, and even the Supreme Court forced it to. And when it did, the mask slipped. Instead of behaving like an impartial referee, the ECI looked like it was reading straight from the BJP's script. Yesterday's press conference didn't answer questions raised by Rahul Gandhi - it only confirmed suspicions." Ukrainian human rights activists have appealed to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights within the framework of the consideration of the next periodic report of Russia at the 78th session in Geneva due to systemic violations of the rights of Ukrainians under occupation. The corresponding submission was formed by the Regional Center for Human Rights, the Ukrainian Network for the Rights of the Child and the Children's Voices Foundation. According to the press service of the Regional Center for Human Rights, the submission documents the systemic policy of the Russian Federation aimed at the destruction of Ukrainian identity, culture and way of life. The human rights activists identified seven areas of violations: deportation, forced displacement and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children to Russian families, destruction of Ukrainian education, militarization and indoctrination of children, appropriation of cultural heritage, use of cultural institutions for propaganda and justification of war, colonization of occupied Ukrainian territories through the resettlement of Russian citizens and mass illegal seizure of private property. "Such actions violate the norms of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, international humanitarian law and may constitute war crimes," the report states. Human rights organizations called on the Committee to include the following recommendations in its concluding observations to the Russian Federation: create an international mechanism for the return of all abducted children; stop the militarization and politicization of education; restore access to the Ukrainian language and culture; return stolen cultural values to Ukrainian institutions; stop the colonization of territories by citizens of the Russian Federation; return illegally confiscated property to their owners; implement the ECHR decision and other international obligations regarding Crimea and the war in Ukraine. Human rights activists also called on the Committee to initiate a resolution of the UN General Assembly condemning the militarization and indoctrination of children, which is a serious violation of the rights of the child during armed conflict. Guwahati, Aug 19 : The Assam Police, which launched a two-pronged probe into the tragic death of a 15-day-old infant at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), arrested at least seven persons on Tuesday. According to sources, there have been several complaints have emerged that certain lower-ranked staff have been demanding money from patients in exchange for medical services. Police have arrested seven trolley-pullers in this connection. "A case has been registered against GMCH staffers for extorting money from patients. Seven persons have been arrested and further investigation is underway," said DCP Guwahati, Mrinal Deka. Earlier today, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the police would conduct an inquiry and if anybody is found guilty in the incident, the person will face strict punishment. He told reporters here, "I have spoken to the Guwahati Police Commissioner for a probe into the matter. The police will look into the CCTV footage, and if anybody is found guilty in their duty, we will take strict action. This is an unfortunate incident, and my thoughts are with the bereaved family." Sarma rushed to GMCH at midnight on Tuesday after the incident and expressed deep grief over the tragedy. Visibly upset, he slammed hospital authorities for "unacceptable negligence." "Despite having sufficient equipment and fewer patients today, three infants were kept on one bed. This is unacceptable," Sarma said. The CM announced the suspension of the nurse on duty and ordered a high-level inquiry. A three-member committee of senior doctors has been tasked with reviewing CCTV footage, questioning staff, and submitting a report within three to four days. Rejecting overcrowding as an excuse, Sarma pointed out that Assam now has 14 medical colleges and adequate staff strength. He directed GMCH authorities to apologise to the bereaved family and implement strict safety protocols. "I have taken information from the principal, and there were only 26 newborns in the unit, and hence the incident must not have happened due to overcrowding," he said. The Chief Minister also said Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) would soon be introduced across all medical colleges in Assam to prevent overcrowding of infants in ICUs and to strengthen neonatal care. Notably, in a shocking case, a newborn girl died and two others were injured after allegedly falling from an ICU bed at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) on Monday. The deceased infant, daughter of Smita Deka and Utpal Bordoloi, was undergoing phototherapy for jaundice when the incident occurred. According to reports, three babies were placed together on a single bed in the phototherapy room, despite several machines lying unused. The overcrowding reportedly caused the infants to slip, leading to severe head injuries to one child. While two of the babies were discharged without harm, the girl succumbed to her injuries. Bhopal, Aug 19 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday said that those casting "evil eyes" on women, drug mafias and perpetrators of "love jihad" will not be spared under any circumstances. The Chief Minister Yadav made this statement addressing the aRaksha-Bandhana mahotsav (celebration) organised at Aamir Majestic Park in Bhopal on Tuesday, during which he received a large ceremonial rakhi on behalf of the women participants. "Whether it is alove jihada or the drug mafia, all such criminal activities will be dealt with strictly, and every criminal will be brought to justice. The state government is committed to curbing all types of crimes and ensuring complete security for women," Yadav said while addressing the event. The Chief Minister further stated that, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is actively working for women's empowerment. "The affection of sisters is the greatest strength of my life," Yadav said during his address. He reiterated that before Raksha Bandhan, beneficiaries of the Ladli Behna Yojana received their monthly instalment along with an additional Rs 250 festive gifts. From Bhai Dooj after Diwali, Ladli Behna beneficiaries will receive Rs 1,500 every month. CM Yadav further stated that the Madhya Pradesh government is providing 35 per cent reservation for women in government services. He said that women's participation in democratic institutions, including the Lok Sabha and Assembly, is increasing. Meanwhile, the CM also announced that development works worth Rs 200 crore, including a sewer line project, will be undertaken in the Huzur Assembly constituency in Bhopal. Highlighting his government's new industrial policy, the Chief Minister also said that women working in industries, especially employment-oriented sectors like garments, will be provided an incentive of Rs 5,000 per month. New Delhi, Aug 19 : The political storm surrounding Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "Vote Chori" campaign intensified on Tuesday, as the Congress alleged BJP is distorting voter data and circulating a forged letter attributed to Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal. New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) The political storm surrounding Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "Vote Chori" campaign intensified on Tuesday, as the Congress alleged BJP is distorting voter data and circulating a forged letter attributed to Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal. "The BJP's desperation is almost tragic," Pawan Khera, Chairman, Media and Publicity department of AICC, said, adding, "They spent half the day twisting a data correction into propaganda, and the other half forging documents to smear our leadership." He posted his reaction on his X handle. The forgery allegation refers to a letter purportedly signed by K.C. Venugopal, which surfaced on social media and was quickly denounced by Congress as fake. Venugopal, who has been vocal in criticising the Election Commission's handling of voter roll revisions and CCTV deletions, did not issue such a letter, according to Khera. The Congress has demanded an investigation into the origin of the forged document and accused BJP-linked accounts of circulating it to sow confusion and discredit the opposition's campaign. Venugopal had earlier slammed the Election Commission for what he called a "shameless dereliction of duty," citing the deletion of 65 lakh voter names in Bihar and the refusal to share machine-readable rolls. His remarks came in support of Rahul Gandhi's ongoing "Voter Adhikar Yatra," which seeks to expose alleged collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission in manipulating electoral outcomes. The controversy erupted after Lokniti-CSDS co-director Sanjay Kumar publicly apologised for posting erroneous voter data from Maharashtra, which had been cited by several Congress leaders to support claims of large-scale voter manipulation. The data, which showed dramatic fluctuations in voter numbers between the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, was later withdrawn by Kumar, who admitted to a misreading by his team. While the BJP seized on Kumar's retraction to discredit Rahul Gandhi's broader allegations of electoral fraud, Congress leaders accused the ruling party of weaponising a technical error to deflect attention from deeper concerns about voter roll integrity. The BJP has doubled down on its counteroffensive. Party spokespersons, including Amit Malviya and Gaurav Bhatia, accused the Congress of spreading misinformation and demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi. "The very institution whose data Rahul Gandhi leaned on has now admitted its figures were wrong," Malviya said, calling the Congress campaign "regressive and shameful." Despite the retraction of the CSDS data, Congress maintains that its allegations are based on multiple sources, including internal audits and field reports from booth-level agents. As the war of words escalates, the Election Commission has remained largely silent, except for a press note dismissing the allegations as "baseless." With both sides digging in, the "Vote Chori" debate is rapidly becoming a flashpoint in India's post-election political landscape. Guwahati, Aug 19 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress after its MPs from the state opposed the Bill to establish an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Assam. Taking to the social media platform X, Sarma termed the stance of the Congress as "shocking and perplexing," questioning how the party could oppose a premier educational institution in the state. "Today, when Lok Sabha voted to pass the Bill to establish an IIM in Assam, shameless @INCAssam MPs vehemently opposed it," Sarma wrote. He alleged that the Congress, by resisting the Bill, had exposed its anti-people and anti-development mindset. The Chief Minister further remarked that such an action proved how little the Congress cared for Assam's growth and aspirations. "Can you imagine how much the Congress hates Assam, and how fiercely anti-people and development they are that they don't even want an IIM to come up in our state!" he said, adding that the people of the state "will neither forget nor forgive them." Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha gave its nod to the Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, clearing the decks for a new Indian Institute of Management (IIM) to come up in Guwahati. The Centre has earmarked Rs 550 crore as capital assistance for the project. The upcoming institute will be the second IIM in the Northeast, joining IIM Shillong, and will hold the status of an institution of national importance. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who piloted the bill, saw it through the House by a voice vote. The proceedings, however, were marked by noisy protests from the Opposition over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Soon after the passage of the bill, the session was adjourned. Lauding the passage of the bill, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a post on X, wrote, "Truly a historic day for Assam as the Lok Sabha passes the bill to establish the State's first Indian Institute of Management. My gratitude to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Hon'ble Ministers Shri @AmitShah Ji and Shri @dpradhanbjp Ji for steering this endeavour." The Chief Minister argued that with an IIT, AIIMS and now IIM, Assam is on the precipice of becoming a major education hub of Eastern India. "On behalf of the people of Assam, NDA MPs from the State extended our gratitude to Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji," he added. IVP Academic Signs Poet, Four Theologians Poet, priest and professor Malcolm Guite, once described by Christianity Today as a songwriter and poet for bruised evangelicals, has signed a world-rights, three-book deal with IVP Academics Zachary Gordon for the tentatively titled series Classic Poetry with Malcolm Guite. The first volume, tentatively titled How to Read Poetry, is projected to release in fall 2028. The second, tentatively titled George Herbert and John Donne, is scheduled for fall 2029. The third, currently untitled volume is set fall 2030. The first volume in the series will introduce readers to poetry through a close reading of seven classic poems. Subsequent volumes will cover such topics as early English poetry, Romanticism, and the sonnet; all will include study guides and discussion prompts. Guite, who is unagented, is chaplain at Girton College at the University of Cambridge, where he also teaches on the faculty of Divinity. In addition, project editor Rachel Hastings of IVP Academic has contracted with four editors for a second edition of Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments, one of the imprints foundational reference works. The unagented editors are Shane J. Wood, Madison N. Pierce, Dennis R. Edwards and Michael F. Bird, all of whom are leaders and lecturers at universities and colleges in the U.S. and abroad. Originally published in 1997, the new edition is tentatively scheduled for spring 2032. Images Burdette Acquires Pair of Authors Matthew Burdette, editor at Image, an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian, has acquired world rights to The End of Sex by Abigail Favale (The Genesis of Gender). The author, a professor at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, argues that modern thinking about sex is caught between a rules-based moral code and an unsustainable consumerist sexual culture. Favale calls for recovering a sacramental view of the body and sex rooted in Catholic teaching, which offers a positive approach to sex, according to the publisher. Keely Boeving of WordServe Literary negotiated the deal; the book is scheduled for fall 2027. Images Burdette also took world rights to Tsh Oxenreider's newest untitled work from Anjanette Barr at Dunham Literary, for publication in fall 2026. Oxenrider's book will address her conversion to Catholicism, alternating between the authors experiences and her theological reflections in concerns and questions of evangelicals and Catholics, challenging the problems of evangelical Protestantism without engaging in triumphalism or chauvinism, said the publisher. Amen Editions Signs Podcasters Devotional Kate Zimmermann, executive editor at Amen Editions, an imprint of Andrews McMeel, bought world rights from Keely Boeving at WordServe Literary to Pray It Out, a devotional by Best Day Ever podcast host Katy McCown, a writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries. The 40-day interactive prayer devotional invites women to stop striving to handle everything on their own and to let God refresh and ready them for whatever comes their way. The book is scheduled for summer 2026. Broadleaf Chooses a Unique UnDevotional Valerie Weaver-Zercher, acquisitions editor at Broadleaf Books, bought world rights from Keely Boeving of WordServe Literary to The UnDevotional: Spiritual Practices for Those Who are Over It by pastor and podcaster Courtney Ellis (Looking Up). With wisdom from the natural world, theology, literature, Scripture, music, and the arts, Ellis offers readers 52 devotions rooted in a new paradigm for spiritual growth based on wonder, welcome, and delighting in God, according to the publisher. The book is planned for early 2027. In our latest video uploaded to our YouTube channel, we head to Cumbria to see not one, but two steam locomotives heading to Carlisle on the mainline. On the 29th March 2025, 45596 Bahamas and 34067 Tangmere were allocated to haul two tours over Shap on their way to Carlisle. We found ourselves in Cumbria on the right day, so set out to Scout Green to film the two Green machines on their way over Shap. First up, though, we see a DRS Class 68 and 88 head the Northbound Tesco train up the incline. 45596 Bahamas was then due up with its Vintage Trains tour, this was an unassisted run over Shap, with the Class 47 following not far behind. We also see another DRS Class 68 heading south this time with a container train. We then see 34067 Tangmere on its Railway Touring Company tour, the loco had a bit of assistance over Shap from the diesel on the rear. As you can see, this was a popular spot, but its also a great spot to see the steam locos working hard towards Carlisle. We hope you enjoy the video. Have you seen 45596 or 34067 before? Let us know in the comments below. The featured image in this article is included in RailAdvents 2026 calendar. You can find out more information by clicking here. The High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) has found the former head of the structural unit of the police of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Chernivtsi region guilty of incitement to bribery and sentenced him to seven years in prison. "On August 19, 2025, the panel of judges of the HACC announced the verdict against the former head of the structural unit of the police of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Chernivtsi region," the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) said on Telegram on Tuesday. According to the prosecutor's office, the official was found guilty of inciting a citizen to provide EUR 40,000 of illegal benefit for an alleged agreement with the deputy head of the Investigation Department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Chernivtsi region not to bring her to criminal responsibility and to appropriate these funds. "The court verdict found the former National Police official guilty of committing crimes under Part 4 of Article 27, Part 2 of Article 15, Part 3 of Article 369, Part 4 of Article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, and imposed a final sentence of seven years of imprisonment with confiscation of all property owned by him," the SAPO noted. The court upheld the previously applied preventive measure - bail in the amount of UAH 2 million. Also, until the verdict enters into force, the following procedural obligations were imposed on the person: not to leave the Chernivtsi district of the Chernivtsi region without the permission of the court; to surrender to the authorized state authority passports of a citizen of Ukraine for traveling abroad and/or another document that gives the right to travel abroad; to wear an electronic means of control. The court's verdict enters into force thirty days from the date of its pronouncement, unless it is appealed. Jim Simons mathematical skills helped transform him from a prize-winning academic at Harvard and MIT into a legendary financier whose algorithmic models made Renaissance Technologies one of the most successful hedge funds in history. After his death last year, one of his consequential bequests went to his daughter, Liz, who oversees the Heising-Simons Foundation and its nearly billion-dollar endowment. Liz Simons is using some of the money made by her hedge fund math whiz father, Jim Simmons, to push math informed by social justice. What Liz Simons has chosen to do with that inheritance might have surprised her father. Jim Simons devoted much of his charitable giving to basic research in mathematics and science, but his daughters foundation is moving in a very different direction. The Heising-Simons Foundation and similar organizations are supercharging a movement to remake K-12 mathematics education according to social justice principles. The revamp the advocates seek is profound. They reject well-established practices of math instruction while infusing lessons with racial and gender themes. The goal is to motivate disadvantaged students while dispensing with the traditional features of math, like numerical computation, that they struggle with on standardized tests considered an oppressive feature of white supremacist culture. In many quarters, including corporations and universities, diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are in retreat due to pressure from the Trump administration and the courts. Not so in public education, with curricula that are locally controlled and largely insulated from the dictates of Washington. That allows progressive foundations and like-minded charitable trusts to continue to pour millions of dollars into reshaping math education for black and Latino kids, including a $800,000 grant this year from the Heising-Simons Foundation, even though there exists no credible research showing that the social justice approach improves their performance. Politicians, and legislatures, even school boards, are often too hamstrung to get things done, Bob Hughes, the director of K-12 education at the Gates Foundation, said at an online symposium on the need for racial equity policies in America's classrooms. Philanthropy, he added, faces fewer barriers in making rapid changes. The Heising-Simons Foundation has awarded millions to organizations that elevate DEI and anti-racist activism in math instruction. Erikson Institute website The Gates Foundation has been a leader in the promotion of anti-racist math instruction. It supported a project called A Pathway to Equitable Math Instruction. The project discards basic tenets of learning, like asking students to show their work and find the right answer as vestiges of white supremacy culture. The pathway is promoted by EdTrust West, which also receives support from the Spencer Foundation, the Heising-Simons Foundation, and other major donors. The Gates and Heising-Simons foundations have both supported TODOS Mathematics for All, an Arizona-based organization that calls for elevating DEI practices and anti-racist activism into all math instruction, with over $553,750 in grants in recent years. We can no longer believe that a focus on curriculum, instruction, and assessment alone will be enough to prepare our children for survival in the world. We need antiracist conversations for ourselves and for our children, TODOS president Linda Fulmore announced in 2020. Last year, the group hosted an hour-long webinar on 2SLGBTQIA+ identity in mathematics education. During the event, a speaker expounded at length on various queer and indigenous identity groups while spending virtually no time on math-related curriculum or instruction. At one point, the presenter erroneously claimed that there are 15.3 billion students in U.S. high schools a figure that would require the entire global population to be enrolled in American secondary education twice over. The speaker likely meant to say million. The foundations similarly fund practical lessons that put race at the center of math instruction. In Alexandria, Virginia, for example, the Heising-Simons Foundation supported a public-school program that encouraged kindergartners through second-graders to count the characters in picture books by race. At the end of each session, teachers guided students in creating racial scorecards for each book, then voting to select those with the fewest white characters. The exercise was presented as mathematics education. Jo Boaler, a controversial professor of education at Stanford University who championed the push to remove eighth-grade algebra from San Franciscos public schools in the name of equity, traces her support to this network of foundations. The Gates Foundation and Valhalla Foundation, which was founded by Scott Cook, the co-founder of tech firm Intuit, have long funded her math education project called YouCubed. Professor Danny Bernard Martin regards math instruction as a "white supremacist construct." These deep-pocket donors also fund Danny Bernard Martin, a professor of math education at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a leading voice of what critics call woke math. Over the past six years, the Racial Justice in Early Mathematics Project, which Martin co-leads at the Erikson Institute in Chicago, has received nearly $2.5 million from the Heising-Simons Foundation. This year, the foundation announced an additional $800,000 grant to help the project develop toolkits for wider implementation among teachers, administrators, and researchers. Martins views extend far beyond typical calls for educational equity. He regards mathematics instruction as fundamentally a white supremacist construct that inflicts epistemological violence on black students. In his estimation, even DEI programs are too conservative mere accommodations rooted in the fictions of white imaginaries and designed to appease white logics and sensibilities. The solution Martin proposes is radical: Black students should seek instruction exclusively from black teachers at independent black institutions. They should resist the temptation of advanced coursework and mathematics-related employment and instead engage in walkouts and boycotts to protest against mathematics education as it currently exists. The very structure of math instruction, Martin contends, has dehumanized black students through low test scores and failing grades. The ideas of the Racial Justice in Early Mathematics Project and its leaders have reverberated through Americas classrooms. Californias new mathematics curriculum framework, which guides K-12 education statewide, repeatedly cites Martin. The framework has been sharply criticized by educators for leaning heavily on politicized concepts of math. The document suggests, for instance, that teachers take a justice-oriented perspective when providing instruction, and discourages the use of tracking or the practice of separating students into different classrooms based on their abilities. The ideas espoused by Martin and others have been met with sharp criticism from parents and educators. Williamson Evers rejects calls for minority students to abandon math education over alleged racism. Williamson Evers, a former assistant secretary of education and a fellow at the conservative-leaning Independent Institute, has been monitoring what he calls the woke math movement for years. Its very important to have math skills, he told RealClearInvestigations. Evers rejects the identity-based claims made by Martin and others who have called for minority students to abandon math education over alleged racism. There are mathematicians and scientists on every continent from every background, and this idea of boycotting education would harm black schoolchildren. Elizabeth Statmore, a math teacher at the elite Lowell High School in San Francisco and a critic of social justice math, says the way to improve the performance of black and Latino students lies in the nitty-gritty, such as better teaching, holding students accountable, and providing them with more academic and emotional support. But its not sexy, theyre not on the keynote circuit like Danny Bernard Martin and Jo Boaler, Statmore said. Theyre building a brand, not doing the kind of math education research that is helping to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children. Representatives of the Heising-Simons Foundation, the Erikson Institute, and Martin did not respond to requests for comment. The Heising-Simons Foundations focus on racializing math education reflects its broader ideological commitments. Like many progressive foundations, it uses its significant funds to advance a range of left-wing policies that might have a hard time establishing themselves without billionaire support. The foundation has also donated to PolicyLink, the organization behind DefundPolice.org, and to the Anti-Police Terror Project, which advocates for abolishing police departments in high-crime cities like Oakland, California. Liz Simons was also among a small clique of California megadonors behind the push to elect progressive prosecutors such as George Gascon in Los Angeles and Chesa Boudin in San Francisco. They declined to pursue felony charges against a range of violent offenders over concerns about racial equity. The attempt to reimagine mathematics through the lens of critical race theory isnt new - scholars have been working along these lines since the 1980s. They argue that historical racial oppression continues to influence everything from geometry curricula to standardized testing. Traditional emphases on objectivity, rigorous standards, and subject-matter mastery should be replaced, the scholars argue, with ideological exercises designed to promote racial and social consciousness. What is new is the scale and speed of adoption. As America has grappled with questions of racial justice in recent years, billionaire foundations have provided the resources to implement these ideas widely in both public and private schools. The donors appear motivated by a deep sense of ideological commitment to righting past wrongs related to racial injustice. At the 2020 education donor symposium, Liz Simons recalled her experience working briefly as a Spanish bilingual teacher in an impoverished community in Oakland. The much larger systemic problems, she witnessed, Simons said, guided her to the goal of shaping early childhood education. Nailah Suad Nasir, president of the Spencer Foundation, noted that she previously worked as the vice chancellor of equity and inclusion at the University of California, Berkeley. Expanding racial equity in education, she said, has been her lifes work. When it comes to math instruction, social justice means stripping it of basic features like numbers. In workshops hosted by the Racial Justice in Early Mathematics Project in 2023, the group promoted numberless word problems mathematical exercises stripped of numerical computation. The method, instructors explain, is designed to counter European ways of knowing and doing. Sisa Pon Renie, one presenter, spoke of wanting to challenge the persistent myth that math is just abstract and without any cultural relevance. The project champions this numberless approach as essential for helping children understand how mathematics might be an important tool to understand social issues and promote justice. But critics say the emphasis on prose over calculation will exacerbate the very disparities that social justice advocates claim to address. Imagine youre a Cambodian refugee, and you get some math problem thats loaded with prose, Evers, of the Independent Institute, said. Maybe youre very good at the figures part, the calculating part, the mathematical part. Such students, he argued, are placed at a disadvantage when mathematical instruction is embedded in critical-theory frameworks and dense with English text. They unnecessarily load these things down, make it harder, and its not even math. Its an inadequate mode of teaching. The real-world consequences of these approaches have played out most dramatically in San Francisco. A decade ago, officials removed Algebra 1 from middle schools, arguing that the change would give black and Latino students, who were underrepresented in the math class, more time to prepare while avoiding placing them in lower-level tracks. David Margulies, a parent involved with the San Francisco community, observed that families wanting their children to take Algebra 1 in eighth grade shifted away from public to private schools, online learning, and homeschooling. Students who dont take the math class in middle school find it more difficult to take calculus in high school. Families figured out how important this is, and they are looking elsewhere, he noted. A 2023 Stanford study found that San Franciscos Algebra 1 experiment did little to close racial achievement gaps. Black enrollment in Advanced Placement math classes remained unchanged, while Latino participation increased by 1%. Meanwhile, education systems that have increased rather than decreased academic rigor have seen notable improvements in black student performance. In 2019, Dallas public schools began automatically enrolling students who performed well on state exams in middle-school algebra. The program increased black participation in advanced mathematics from 17% in 2018 to 43% in 2023. The Racial Justice in Early Project seeks to "foster racial justice in early math education." Last year, during a Racial Justice in Early Mathematics Project webinar titled Who Is Labeled Smart? Martin addressed the backlash against San Franciscos push for educational equity. He toned down his scathing critique of merit-based advanced education programs that he believes harm black and Latino students and made a surprising statement about his own sons schooling. Im guilty, Im guilty, Martin said, almost sheepishly. My son is, quote unquote, in one of those tracks. One of the defining features of late 20th and early 21st century American politics is the loss of faith in our institutions. A recent poll in U.S. News shows that 85% of Americans say government officials and other community leaders care more about their own power and influence than whats best for the people they represent. While government officials fare particularly poorly, supermajorities of Americans express disappointment with health care leaders, business leaders, and education leaders. It is safe to say there is across-the-board disenchantment with our institutions not just with the government. It wasnt always this way. While its easy and at times dangerous to wax nostalgic about the past, there was a time when Americans expressed far greater trust in government and corporate opinions. In 1966, researchers found that almost 80% of Americans thought that they could trust the government in Washington to do the right thing most of the time or just about always. Over 60% of Americans believed that the government was being run for the benefit of all, and 70% believed that not many or hardly any of the people running the government in Washington could fairly be described as crooked. While having some skepticism about the governments intentions or abilities may be healthy for a democracy, it seems likely that these astronomical levels of distrust make democracy difficult to sustain. If governments authority derives from the consent of the governed, but the governed view the ones governing them as untrustworthy, that consent becomes more tenuous. But given that things were not always this way, there is cause for hope that there can be an end to them. To better understand this shift in Americans faith in both their government and their society, RealClear Opinion Research has partnered with Emerson Polling, through a generous grant from The Heinz Endowments, to produce high quality, large-sample polls of residents of southwestern Pennsylvania. Our series will focus on ten counties in southwestern Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland. They are depicted in the following map: We chose to focus on a particular region because most investigations into trust are conducted at the national level. This can obscure important, granular-level details that may occur at the local level. The reasons a Hispanic resident of downtown Los Angeles may distrust the government, for example, could be different from the reasons that a rural resident of Pennsylvanias Greene County may distrust the government. As for why we chose these counties, we did so for several reasons. First, this is a remarkably diverse region, combining a major metropolitan center with suburban and even rural counties. Allegheny County is centered on the city of Pittsburgh and its inner suburbs. It combines an old industrial city that has experienced ongoing urban renewal with old-line and sprawling newer suburbs. Butler County is the wealthiest county in the region, with a median household income approaching six figures. Like Alleghenys neighboring counties Westmoreland and Beaver it faces challenges in accommodating population growth and commuters while still serving a substantial rural population. Meanwhile, Washington County mixes suburban growth and renewal with an old industrial base and rural areas in the south. Finally, our sample includes a few counties that are largely a mixture of rural and small-town settings. Greene and Fayette counties are of particular interest, as they are in the heart of Pennsylvanias Appalachia; Fayette County persistently reports one of the states lowest household incomes and among its highest unemployment rates. By employing a unique, large-sample survey in the region, we can explore differences in trust in different contexts while controlling for the overall region. Second, the challenges residents experience here exemplify those faced across the nation. Residents of Allegheny County search for affordable housing and scramble to make ends meet in an increasingly expensive Pittsburgh. Unemployment remains a persistent problem, yet while the city seeks to bring in new jobs by reinventing itself as a tech/AI hub, a decades-long decline in the countys population strains the very tax base needed to provide new infrastructure. Meanwhile, the countys suburban and exurban residents also need infrastructure improvements for travel to the city. Rural residents express concerns about transportation but also face particular challenges as younger residents leave for seemingly greener pastures beyond the region; local news sources evaporate; and jobs become increasingly hard to find. In recent years, rural colleges in Pennsylvania have faced funding challenges, consolidating or even shutting down. Housing affordability has become an issue here, as corporations increasingly buy land and houses in scenic places like Fayette County, driving up home prices and property taxes. All these problems can affect an individuals belief that the government is functioning well, as well as ones ability to trust society as a whole. Finally, RealClearPolitics is, of course, a political website, so it should be unsurprising that there is a political angle. This region is home to one of the most remarkable political shifts in recent American political history. For most of the post-New Deal era, this part of Pennsylvania was one of the most reliably Democratic areas of the U.S. In 1988, Michael Dukakis won almost 60% of the two-party vote (that is, excluding third parties) in the region. In 1992 and 1996, Bill Clinton won 63.2% and 56.5% of that vote. But the Democratic vote share in the area would decline in every subsequent election, until Hillary Clinton won just 46.4% of the vote in 2016. Joe Biden fared slightly better, with 47.7% of the vote enough to enable him to narrowly carry the state but Kamala Harris vote share dropped again to 47%. Even this doesnt tell the entire story, because the Democratic vote share in Allegheny County, the most populous county in the region, has remained remarkably stable over time. Dukakis won 60.1% of the vote there, while Harris won 60.2%. In every other county, Harris ran at least ten points behind Michael Dukakis. This is all the more jarring, given that Harris nearly won the national popular vote, while Dukakis lost it handily. The shifts range from a 10.8 percentage point shift in Butler County to an astonishing 38 percentage point shift in Greene County (Dukakis won 65.2% of the vote, Bill Clinton won 70.8%, Harris won 27.2%). In other words, this region is ground zero for the populist shift toward Republicans that weve witnessed in the past several decades, and that accelerated in the last decade. Much has been written about Donald Trumps ability to harness individuals lack of faith in government and concerns about the direction of civil society. By looking at determinants of social trust here, we will be better able to understand the most consequential political developments of our time. We do wish to emphasize that our goal is not to chide or castigate voters for their low levels of trust or their voting habits. This will not be Whats the Matter With West Finley. We will attempt to meet these residents where they are and to understand their viewpoints rather than to criticize them. This project is meant as much to give political leaders insight into how they can regain trust as it is to look at ways where the individual residents viewpoints may be in tension with reality. We hope you look forward to watching our series unfold as we explore the attitudes of this unique region of America. History offers a powerful lesson for any nation on the brink of surrendering key sovereign powers to outsiders. The East India Company (EIC), which once exercised dominion over a large part of the Indian subcontinent and Hong Kong, ultimately failed because of its lack of accountability, rampant corruption, mismanagement, and the prioritization of profit over the well-being of the people. The EICs legacy is clear: when foreign companies exercise sovereign-like authority, abuse and exploitation follow, undermining national interests and eroding public trust. Sovereignty cannot be outsourced without harmful consequences. Haiti is at a crossroads. Thus far in 2025, there have been an estimated 3,137 murders, 346 reported kidnappings, and 628 victims of sexual violence. What began as a security issue continues to deteriorate into an urgent and expansive humanitarian crisis. As the countrys leadership moves to deal with this crisis, the involvement of private companiesspecifically Private Military Contractors (PMCs)is an unfortunate but necessary tool to address the immediate and increasing devastation from indiscriminate gang violence. The real question is not whether PMCs should be employed, but how should they be employed, and what oversight and accountability measures should govern them. Haiti has two immediate options. One is authoritarian. The other is democratic. The authoritarian approach concentrates long-term, sweeping powers into the hands of foreign corporations, like the EIC, that will operate with little oversight or accountability. The democratic approach is to use PMCs as a resource that works with, for, and under the direction and control of Haitian leaders and is subject to robust national civilian oversight. The goal is not long term corporate profit, but to build, train, equip, and turn over to Haitian authorities, as rapidly as possible, a resilient, Haitian-led security force. This second option is far superior. The democratic approach gives Haiti the strength it needs to confront the gangs, safeguard the nations sovereignty and independence, promote long-term stability, and ensure that Haitiansnot profit-driven, foreign corporate executiveswill determine their own future. This path empowers Haiti today while laying the groundwork for true self-determination and lasting security. Supporters of the authoritarian approach argue that Haiti is incapable of addressing its own problems, and that it lacks leaders with the character and moral courage to meet the moment. I disagree. The international community has a long history of underestimating Haitis capabilities and resilience, misappropriating funding and support to power brokers instead of true public servants and patriots. True progress in Haiti will come from people who know Haiti and understand its culture. A democratic approach will foster solutions rooted in self-determination and honest-dealing, with rigorous anti-corruption and transparency mechanisms that promote good governance. The Government of Haitis greatest challenge is to rebuild the faith of its citizens in their freedom to work, attend school, and live their lives without fear of being kidnapped, extorted, raped or murdered. Foreign actors cannot do this work. It must be done, and be seen being done, by Haitians. Haitis people are hungry for leaders who are willing to address the gangs and the endemic corruption. Without a strong national security strategy led by Haitians themselves, external solutions will always be short-lived and viewed as unwelcomed foreign interventions. No country can defeat a well-armed, foreign-funded criminal cartel network with fewer than 13,000 security personnel. This is what Haiti faces. New York City, with a similar size population, has 35,000 police officers. Haiti, with vastly more territory and complexity - 300 times the land area of New York City - has one-third the force. The scale of Haitis challenge is immense, and its response must match it in scope and resolve. A significant expansion in the size of Haitis police and military forces is needed. Whats required is a sustained national effort to train, equip, and unify these forces to dismantle the criminal gangs that threaten the nation, reclaim territory, and restore public trust. Building this level of capability is possible, but only with steadfast commitment from the Haitian government. It must accept responsibility for national security, invest in its people, fight corruption at every level, and establish vigorous civilian oversight and accountability mechanisms. Private military companies can provide important support and expertise where it is needed, but they should empower, not replace, Haitian forces, respect Haitian institutions, and be subject to Haitian oversight and control. The most effective force will be rooted in local knowledge, accountable to the public, and insulated from political manipulation. Haitis security must be Haitian led, Haitian-funded, and accountable to its people. It is in Americas national security interest - and consistent with America First principles - to ensure that Haiti makes the right choice between authoritarianism and democracy. The democratic solution will embrace transparency and oversight by both Haitian and US authorities. Supporting a Haitian-led solution is the quickest and most cost-effective way to prevent government collapse, end the tyrannical rule of gangs, and enable humanitarian organizations to serve the 1.3 million displaced and over 5 million starving people. It strengthens American regional interests, promotes security and stability throughout the Caribbean, and avoids the pitfalls of costly, open-ended interventions or aid dependency. Sovereignty, accountability, and faith in a nations own people are the only path to real progress. In 1994, 2004, and again in 2010, some combination of roughly 20,000 international forces occupied Haiti with promised solutions, yet here they are again. Haitians do not want another large-scale foreign intervention; they deserve and must fight for a sovereign future. Repeated foreign occupation is not the answer. Haiti can address its own problems. It can end the legacy of dependency and corruption and regain its sovereignty. The choices are stark: outsource its future or reclaim it with national resolve. The right answer honors the Haitian people and Americas best values. Austin Holmes, a Florida native and Haitian resident, has experience directing high-stakes humanitarian efforts, crisis management operations and disaster response efforts in Haiti and the Caribbean. President Trumps latest round of tariffs will hit key Global South powers particularly hard. Both India and Brazil are facing 50% duties that have little to do with trade imbalances. For India, the tariffs are retaliation for its Russian oil imports, while for Brazil the levies come in response to the prosecution of Trumps ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro. Trump has also threatened additional tariffs on India and Brazil due to their participation in BRICS, which the president accuses of being anti-American. These moves underscore how the Trump administrations tariff policy threatens to do long-term damage to U.S. geopolitical interests while doing little to advance an America First agenda. Neither India nor Brazil appears willing to accede to Trumps demands, setting up a dynamic that could strengthen BRICS cohesion, push India closer to Russia and China, and undercut U.S. influence in the Indo-Pacific. In short, Trumps attempt to coerce India and Brazil could accelerate the very geopolitical realignment Washington fears. In the case of India, two decades of hard-won advancements in bilateral relations are at risk. Since the mid-2000s, bilateral defense and technology cooperation has flourished and the United States Indo-Pacific strategy has relied heavily on India as a counterweight to Chinese influence and power projection in the region. At the same time, India prizes strategic autonomy in its foreign policy it has close relations with Russia and the United States, is a founding member of BRICS, and also part of the Chinese-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), despite its often-tense ties with China. Russias cheap crude is essential for Indias growth, and New Delhi has viewed Moscow as a reliable partner for decades. Trumps moves to pressure India on Russian oil imports and BRICS membership are viewed across the fractious Indian political spectrum as coercive and hypocritical given Europe's continued purchases of Russian energy and trade with Moscow. We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable, said an Indian Ministry of External Affairs statement. While in India, Trumps tariffs are viewed as interference in its foreign policy, in Brazil, they are viewed as meddling in domestic affairs. Aside from the tariffs, Trump has also sanctioned a Brazilian judge involved in the judicial proceedings against Bolsonaro. Although the U.S.-Brazil relationship does not have the geopolitical import of U.S. ties with India, strong relations between the two biggest democracies in the Americas are important for stability and prosperity in the Western hemisphere. A healthy U.S.-Brazil relationship can also help advance U.S. leadership in South America at a time when Chinese influence in the region, particularly related to trade, is ascendant. But, according to analysts, Trumps interference will push bilateral relations in the opposite direction. Brazilians will see the United States as an erratic actor, weakening trade ties and U.S. influence in not just Brazil but South America writ large. BRICS is growing in size and influence including its member and partner countries, it accounts for 56% of the worlds population and 44% of global GDP. But there are divisions within the bloc, and India and Brazil are important counterweights to Chinas and Russias vision for BRICS. Whereas Moscow and Beijing are U.S. rivals and want the Global South grouping to be more explicitly anti-Western in its agenda, New Delhi and Brasilia see BRICS as a vehicle to advance their global standing and democratize and reform the existing U.S.-led international order, not to subvert or replace it altogether. Critics of BRICS often rightly point to these differences as a chief reason that the bloc is not more influential or effective. Trumps tariffs and interference could change all that, pushing India and Brazil to side more with China and Russia against perceived Western hegemony, damaging U.S. interests in the competition for global influence. Indeed, there are early indications that this may already be happening. Modi now plans to visit China for the first time in seven years to attend the upcoming SCO summit. Indian and Chinese airlines are expected to resume direct flights next month after a five year hiatus and a shipment of refined India diesel is set to arrive in China for the first time since 2021. Meanwhile, Brazil-China times are at an all-time high, according to Xi Jinping, who said on a call this week with Brazilian president Lula Da Silva that China would work with Brazil to set an example of unity and self-reliance among major countries in the Global South. Trump has long touted tariffs as an essential tool to advance an America First agenda, saying they could help rebuild American manufacturing and rebalance unequitable trade relations. But using tariffs as an indiscriminate tool of pressure and punishment is counterproductive to U.S. geopolitical interests without clear gains at home. BRICS was founded, in part, to push back against U.S. economic coercion. But that doesnt mean it is or has to be anti-American in orientation. The continued use of tariffs to coerce Global South countries could result in strange bedfellows like India and China becoming close partners to counter perceived U.S. bullying. If the United States wants to prevent the rise of anti-U.S. coalitions and advance its interests and influence, it should address differences with diplomacy, not by weaponizing trade relations. Adam Gallagher is a contributing fellow at Defense Priorities and a strategic leaders fellow at the John Quincy Adams Society. Follow him on X @AEGallagher10. Syria appears on the verge of becoming a great global success story. The Assad regimes multi-decade reign came crashing down last year. President Trump lifted sanctions against the country this year, opening the way for it to rejoin the world economy. But fighting continues. Government forces continue to confront Kurdish fighters who still control much of the north. In the southern province of Sweida, government troops clash with Druze-led groups. Stability, which has been an American dream for the region, is still not a reality. But enough has happened in a positive direction to be optimistic. Syrias financial system has been reopened to international entities thanks to its reintegration into the global SWIFT banking network. Thats a significant step forward. Syria also has started the long process of reconstruction of its badly damaged infrastructure, making it more habitable, even welcoming, again. One example of this progress is the start of a notable return of civilians who were forced out by a brutal and bloody civil war that included mass killings by ISIS and the Assad regime. This return is supported in part by international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is helping Syrians resettle in their communities and rebuild their lives. IOM has even opened an office in Syria to help facilitate these returnees. So far, more than two million Syrian refugees have gone home to Syria, including from Germany and other western nations. Their decision to go back, despite the destruction, the lack of many services, and the continued risk of violence, is a sign of hope. But rebuilding lives will not be easy. Families face severely damaged infrastructure, limited access to clean water and electricity, and depleted healthcare systems. Children are at risk of exploitation, and communities remain fractured by years of sectarian division. In addition, recent clashes between the Druze religious minority and Bedouin tribes in the south claimed hundreds of lives until the Syrian government intervened. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack has helped calm unrest on the ground by announcing a ceasefire between Syria and Israel. Indeed, the progress Syrians have made would not have been possible without the Trump administrations bold and strategic choices: the defeat of ISIS during Trumps first term in office, which removed the most immediate threat to civilian safety, and his recent suspension of sanctions, which opened the door for economic recovery. Their long-term effects are visible in the movement of people and capital into Syria. But without continued U.S. engagement, Syrias gradual steps forward could be halted. Extremist groups still operate there. Sectarian violence remains a threat. Whats more, destabilizing powers such as Iran, Russia, and China are eager to regain the influence they once held under the Assad regime. A more peaceful, stable Syria is in Americas national interest. The U.S. needs to maintain a strong diplomatic and humanitarian presence. It can and should seek stepped-up humanitarian and commercial support from Europe and nations in the Gulf. After all, Syria is strategically located and is key to maintaining a stable Middle East. Reconstruction will take time. Schools, hospitals, and roads must be rebuilt. A professional class in business and government must be restored. Trust between communities has to be reestablished. But with sustained soft power and U.S. and allied industry stepping in to help rebuild, the U.S. can help turn Syria from a source of instability into a potential partner in a more peaceful Middle East. Damascus was once one of the great capitals of the Arab world. With the right strategy and continued U.S. leadership, it can be again one day. Heather Nauert is a former spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, a former Fox News anchor, and a former ABC News correspondent. Industry leaders urge India to pursue diplomatic talks with the US, strengthen manufacturing, and consider China ties to gain leverage against tariff pressures. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump speaks at the White House. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters India Inc is calling for measured diplomacy, rather than any posturing, as the country navigates US President Donald Trumps looming 25 per cent tariff on Indian exports. At the same time, business leaders stress the need to strengthen domestic manufacturing and explore new markets, even as they continue talks to head off the proposed tariff. Drawing parallels with the liberalisation that followed India's foreign exchange crisis more than three decades ago, chairman of Mahindra group Anand Mahindra asked whether the current global manthan over tariffs could yield some amrit for the country. In a detailed reflection shared on social media, Mahindra said India has radically improved its ease of doing business. Mahindra called for the creation of a genuinely effective single-window clearance system for investment proposals. Acknowledging that many regulatory powers lie with individual Indian states, he proposed a coalition of willing states aligned with a national platform to streamline and simplify approvals. If India can demonstrate speed, transparency, and predictability in this area, Mahindra believes it could emerge as an irresistible destination for global capital in a world searching for trusted partners. Mahindra also stressed the need to unlock tourism as a major foreign exchange driver. He described tourism as one of Indias most underexploited economic assets and called for urgent improvements in visa processing, tourist facilitation, and the development of dedicated tourism corridors. These corridors, he said, should prioritise security, sanitation, and hygiene, and serve as model destinations that inspire replication across the country. In addition, Mahindra advocated for broader policy action to boost Indias competitiveness and resilience. His recommendations include more liquidity support for MSMEs, accelerated infrastructure investment, a stronger focus on manufacturing through expanded production-linked incentive schemes, and rationalisation of import duties to reduce input costs for domestic manufacturers. RPG group Chairman Harsh Goenka said US can tariff Indias exports, but not its sovereignty. 'Raise your tariffs -- well raise our resolve, find better alternatives, and build self-reliance. India bows to none,' he said in a social media post. 'We have to talk to other business partners like China as India would like to have leverage while negotiating with the US,' he told Business Standard. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit China to attend the regional summit SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. Ronnie Screwvala, founder of UpGrad, weighed in, describing the US as a 'fair-weather country'. 'We need to fix it for the long term. No country becomes great in isolation and that is their lesson to learn,' Screwvala said, adding that India has come out strong from Covid and tariff is not Covid and its antidote is only resolving and building, not negotiating. He called for unleashing Indias entrepreneurial potential. 'Lets unleash Entrepreneurship in every sense. Its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to set the India consumption story to new levels and partner mainly with those who want to grow the India market. Our rural 600 million population is a powerful source and if we harness them into the real India story, nothing can stop us,' he said in a social media post. Raymond Group CFO Anit Agarwal said the issue between India and US would be resolved amicably as both American customer and Indian suppliers wont pay for the additional tariff for their products. 'Don't rush, don't take any knee-jerk reaction,' Agarwal suggests. 'Ultimately, the solution should be a win-win deal for all.' A senior US-based CEO, speaking anonymously, said India must tread diplomatically: 'India should not upset the apple cart. They must increase diplomatic efforts to solve this issue without aggravating the situation.' Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff The meetings of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with US President Donald Trump and European leaders in Washington managed to strengthen transatlantic solidarity in the fight against the Russian aggressor, Member of Parliament Oleksandr Merezhko (Servant of the People faction), chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation, has said. "The most important results of the meetings of President Zelenskyy with Trump and European leaders are that, firstly, transatlantic solidarity was maintained and strengthened in the face of Russian aggression, and, secondly, President Trump stated that he is ready to participate in developing security guarantees for Ukraine," Merezhko told Interfax-Ukraine on Tuesday. According to the MP, in this way Trump is moving away from isolationist tendencies and strengthening European security guarantees for Ukraine. "It is also important that Trump did not say no to the idea of the possibility of deploying American troops on the territory of Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, as a guarantee of security. This has already caused hysteria in the Kremlin," the MP noted. One must wonder whether Mr Modi's efforts to wine and dine the Big Two of today's world were seen as a sign of weakness rather than a proffered arm of friendship, points out R Jagannathan. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump hug as they meet at the White House, February 13, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo For a country that is soon to overtake Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, and possibly the third before the end of the decade, India punches below its weight in terms of diplomacy. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi is routinely seen as a rising global leader, he has to get more done through active diplomacy. A visible personal rapport with global leaders is not a solid enough basis for conducting the kind of hard-nosed diplomacy that delivers net gains for the country. We saw this recently when, despite a seemingly close relationship with Donald Trump, he managed to deeply embarrass India by claiming that the United States had mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor. Worse, we are now stuck with 25 per cent tariffs on exports to the US, and have been warned of a further 25 per cent tariffs over our ties with long-time friend Russia. Earlier, after Mr Modi personally hosted China's Xi Jinping in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, we ended up with the Galwan clashes and the remilitarisation of the India-China border. Worse, during Operation Sindoor, China fully supported Pakistan in targeting Indian air and other assets with its weapons and intelligence. In fact, one must wonder whether Mr Modi's efforts to wine and dine the Big Two of today's world were seen as a sign of weakness rather than a proffered arm of friendship. His trademark hugs may have played well with an Indian audience, but it's unclear how world leaders interpreted them. We need to move from demonstrative style to hard substance, both in diplomacy and action. Reducing our dependence on foreign military supplies by focusing on indigenous supply chains and technology is a no-brainer. What we must ponder is whether our diplomacy so far has been more reactive than proactive. We can't just be responding to the wars and growing instability around us with mere statements. We have to make things happen and mitigate the threats, both to ourselves and the world. Our diplomacy needs an activist role, even if it is behind the scenes. IMAGE: Modi with Russia's President Vladimir Putin, left, and China's President Xi Jinping, right, at a meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019. Photograph: Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin/Reuters To list just some of the challenges, there is pressure building up for us to reduce our economic and military ties to Russia. In West Asia, as Israel gets more and more isolated from Western opinion due to its actions in Gaza (France and some European Union members have recognised Palestine, and the United Kingdom may follow suit), India will be under pressure to do something about Palestine. It will be difficult to maintain our close strategic partnerships with Israel, especially if domestic Muslim opinion -- never very comfortable with the Modi government -- starts piling on the pressure through Opposition parties. It is not in India's interest to let either Russia or Israel be undermined too much or go down in flames. While the US will probably stand by Israel, domestic opinion in the US and Europe -- especially on the political Left -- is rapidly turning anti-Israel. And most of Europe and the US would not mind Russia's effective demise as a major power. In our own neighbourhood, we already have a Pakistan-China axis to contend with, but may soon have to add Bangladesh to the list of potential hostile powers. The fact that India has not been able to protect Hindus in Bangladesh or even seal its borders against infiltrators says a lot. One of Mr Modi's statements that did not age well is that 'This is not the era of war'. Soon after he said this in the context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, we ended up with another West Asian war that is still ongoing, and our own mini-war with Pakistan. Even in Southeast Asia, two Asean members, Cambodia and Thailand, were recently involved in a deadly border skirmish. One may not want war, but this doesn't quite look like an age of peace either, with every country now seeking to boost its defence capabilities. The fact that our own defence exports are booming should tell us that the scent of war is rising everywhere -- after the collapse of the old world order, and the rise of China. India needs to do more to help end wars while making sure that our own strategic interests are protected. It is not in our interest to see Russia diminished, for that would push it deeper into China's hands and worsen our own strategic interests. We must take an active part in defusing the Ukraine war by using people like National Security Advisor Ajit Doval (and some others, who can remain unnamed) to discuss possible ways to end the war. This cannot happen without the EU and Russia coming to some sort of agreement on how Ukraine is to be divided or governed in future. Russia is a European power, and Europe should not have to think of it as a perpetual enemy, especially when Russia is one of the world's biggest sources of energy and critical minerals. We must ask whether Ukraine should become a neutral, non-EU/non-Nato state -- as Finland was during the Cold War. Can Russia be allowed to keep troops in the Donbas region of Ukraine, which it has already annexed, as part of a diplomatic solution? In West Asia, world opinion is moving towards a two-state solution, but that will not work. A fully-independent Gaza could quite easily fall into the arms of Hamas and, as a legitimate state, will be able to build up its own independent military might in addition to hosting terror assets. Solutions short of independence may have to be considered. Should Gaza be a protectorate of Israel along with one neighbouring power (Jordan?), with independence in most areas barring foreign policy and defence? The India-Bhutan relationship offers one kind of solution. India must think beyond just defence capabilities, weaving in diplomacy that enables new alliances to emerge. India could facilitate -- without being overconfident of its ability to influence this shift -- a slow detente between Russia and Germany (and, indirectly, the EU) to make it possible for the former to reduce its dependence on China. If Pakistan could facilitate a US-China rapprochement in the 1970s, why can't India do the same between Europe and Russia? Today, Germany and Japan are not led by men like Hitler and Hideki Tojo. If anything, that Axis of Potential Evil is led by China's Xi Jinping, Iran's ayatollahs, Pakistan's military generals, and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is dreaming of heading the next Islamic caliphate. Threats to world peace usually come from powers that want big changes in the status quo, and this does not include other rising powers like India, Indonesia, Brazil, or South Africa. None of these countries have overambitious territorial claims or a grab-what-you-can attitude. IMAGE: Modi and Philippines President Bongbong Marcos witness the exchange of MoUs between India and the Philippines at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, August 5, 2025. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo India must raise its diplomatic game to one from passive to active, both to create a new power balance and to protect its own strategic interests. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'These efforts by Beijing can be weaponised one day with economic, security and political implications for India.' IMAGE: A combo photograph of External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, August 18, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video Grab China's activities in South Asia are both visible and opaque, competing in a space India used to dominate. In an edited report that covers different aspects of Beijing's engagement with South Asia, Constantino Xavier, senior fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress, and Jabin Jacob, associate professor, Department of International Relations and Governance Studies, Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence, say India needs to build strategic capacity to better assess demand from neighbours and then deliver on time. Aditi Phadnis/Business Standard caught up with them in an interview partly on e-mail. Your latest report How China Engages South Asia: In the Open and Behind the Scenes is out. What are its findings? The 12 case studies show that China is expanding the themes and number of partners it is engaging as well as building on its tools to enhance influence across South Asia. It is openly competing in a space where India's role used to be predominant. Beyond the hard and more visible dimensions of trade, investment, or defence supplies, we show that China's engagements also operate on softer dimensions that shape the governance, including legal regimes, politics, and perceptions in countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh. These efforts and investment by Beijing can be leveraged or even weaponised one day with obvious economic, security and political implications for India. Whether scholarships, conflict mediation or covert influence operations, the pieces align with each other and contribute to a broader Chinese endgame. Even when faced with obstacles, China is quick to learn lessons, and deploy new instruments. A case in point is how it engages Nepal's northern border provinces. We observe a China capable of adapting and becoming increasingly comfortable engaging with diverse political systems and actors in South Asia -- civil society, political parties, media, academia, religious associations, industry, etc. We argue there is much that India and others can learn here in terms of diplomatic strategies and range of engagements. Isn't it true that there's also pushback from many South Asian countries? For instance, in Nepal in the past decade, while many districts had begun offering school-level instruction in Mandarin by Chinese teachers, they have since had to leave for lack of demand. There is also anecdotal evidence that many Tibetan-financed Buddhist temples are coming up. In short, while there is greater Chinese engagement, there are also limitations to it ... Yet, limitations to Chinese influence exist. South Asian countries are not passive bystanders to China's engagement strategies. In some cases, we see them courting, pulling Beijing in, whether to support their developmental ambitions or to increase their bargaining power with India. Nepal under Oli, Bangladesh under Hasina and Yunus, Sri Lanka under the Rajapaksas, and the Maldives under Yameen and Muizzu have all played this balancing game with mixed results. And that explains the shifting tide you describe: While China remains popular, it is no longer seen as the ever benign saviour and heroic solver of all problems. For instance? China was missing in action during the Sri Lankan financial crisis. Its Border Road Initiative project deliveries in Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh are limited in terms of quantity and quality. And with the arrival of Chinese State-owned enterprises and other actors, stakeholders in South Asia have begun raising concerns about Chinese development and governance norms, including conditionalities. Yet while the Chinese grass does not look so green anymore, decision-makers in the region continue to face limited choices and are still banking on Beijing to deliver assistance and solutions, especially as traditional partners from the West are disengaging. IMAGE: Jaishankar and Wang Yi at Monday's meeting. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Does the success of Chinese engagement mean India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy needs a reset? Our other studies show that in terms of volume and levels of engagement in the neighbourhood, except for Pakistan, India is today delivering better and faster than ever before, except maybe for the 1950s. But this is a different neighbourhood, far more open and competitive, placing unprecedented demands on India and others. So in relative terms, India's delivery capacity is still not good enough: With China and other actors rising as an alternative, India's neighbours also have greater demands from it. They now expect India to deliver faster and more substantially. Rather than resetting or redefining policies, India will have to build strategic capacity to better assess demand from neighbours and then deliver on time: This is where there are some lessons to be learnt from our case studies. IMAGE: A mural of Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, August 5, 2024, is vandalised by protesters as people celebrate her resignation. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters From the Dalai Lama to Sheikh Hasina, India has hosted leaders in exile and has become a factor in the domestic politics of foreign countries. Is China going down the same road? After a relative lull in Chinese intervention in the domestic politics of other countries, Beijing is back to the practice -- even if its objectives might be different from the Maoist era. China under the Communist Party has ideological objectives in ensuring other political systems and norms align with its own. And increasingly, China is demanding such alignment, given its competition with the US and with those it sees as aligned to the US, like India. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'It will be an explosion of zoonotic diseases from these places.' 'People will not be able to live or work for kilometres around these places where thousands of street dogs are kept.' IMAGE: Dog lovers in Bhopal, August 14, 2025, protest against the Supreme Court order to send all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters. Photograph: ANI Photo At a time when public concern over stray dog attacks is at a high, animal welfare expert Gauri Maulekhi offers a sobering and science-backed perspective on the issue. In a candid conversation with Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff, Maulekhi, a long-standing advocate for humane animal policies, challenges the prevailing narrative linking all dog bite cases to street dogs. Citing discrepancies in government data collection and the failure to distinguish between pet and stray dog incidents, she warns that reactionary decisions -- such as removing all street dogs -- could trigger a far greater public health crisis. Mahatma Gandhi believed that the greatness and moral progress of a nation can be judged by how it treats its animals. In this context, what message does the Supreme Court verdict on stray dogs to send them to shelters, say about animal welfare in India? The order of the honourable Supreme Court, sadly, is contrary to all of these values and policies, but we are grateful that the honourable Supreme Court is reviewing the matter and we are hopeful that the injustice will be corrected. In one of your tweets, you wrote about segregating pet versus street dog bites, so why was it not done earlier? I don't know about dog lovers or dog haters, but it is basically a very scientific process to collect data on which policies are based. Now if that data collection is faulty, then your policies will be faulty. Hence, the capturing of data at the government medical hospitals where post-exposure rabies vaccines are dispensed was something that had been questioned for a long time, not only by the central government, but also by several state governments. There are surveys that were conducted in some states, including Kerala, where it was found that most of these dog bites are being reported to medical institutions on account of pet dog bites, but it was not being captured like that in medical hospitals. Therefore, first the UP government and then the central government raised concerns about it and now they have floated a proforma because these numbers are hugely inflated. Does it mean the pet dogs and stray dogs bite cases need to be segregated? More and more people are keeping Rottweilers and Bully Kuttas and other ferocious dogs as pets, and more and more people are getting more aware about post-exposure rabies vaccination. So these cases are turning up at medical hospitals, which should not be attributed to stray dogs in the first place. But it just so happened that till date, nobody had checked it. Thankfully, the ministry of health and family welfare saw this discrepancy and has asked for states to give progress reports in that format. However, most states have still not started collecting data in the same manner. Therefore, we are still waiting for the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) order to trickle down to the last mile, which is the medical institution which needs to collect. For instance, in Delhi, it is only 15 days ago that they even learnt about the DGHS' order. When we gave it to them, they did not even know about it. Safdarjung (hospital) is still putting dog bite for somebody who's asking for a post-exposure rabies vaccine for a rat bite, for instance. We're still putting dog bite and everything is being attributed to street dogs. Does it mean stray dogs are being targeted for no reason? I will give you another example. Now, for instance, if 100 doses have been dispensed, 50 doses would be for pet dogs, at least 50. There could actually be more. Moreover, for every single dog bite you need five doses (of the rabies vaccine). So for every successive dose, one dog bite is being recorded, which means actual street dog bites may have been just 10, but it's being inflated like 10 times. That is why the numbers seem so scary. Everybody is just picking up the number of vials for post-exposure rabies dispensed and they're running with it saying street dogs bite. This makes no sense whatsoever. Is it not true that in 2024 alone, 37.2 lakh dog bite cases were reported in India? This headline really scares you and therefore people get very apprehensive. It is a scary headline, but it is an incorrect number. I would encourage journalists to go to these hospitals and ask whether they are collecting the data in the format provided by DGHS or not. Because that format not only distinguishes between pet dog and street dog, it also makes sure that duplicity doesn't happen. That one bite, five successive doses, are not recorded as five different dog bites. And if it is any other animal bite, there's a column for that also, so that it doesn't get attributed to street dogs again. So, the format given by DGHS is very clear. It's a sad thing that the medical institutions of our country are not following it. How do you respond to critics who say it should not come at the cost of human lives? It is not save this one or that. It is that we have to create a balance. And we have to ensure that in trying to solve a problem, we don't create a bigger problem for ourselves. Now, a simplistic solution to this will only be extremely counterproductive and will jeopardise human life. If we remove all dogs and put them in ghettos and concentration camps, it will be a public health nightmare. It will be an explosion of zoonotic diseases from these places. People will not be able to live or work for kilometres around these places where thousands of street dogs are kept. These are all sounding very good in theory, that take all the dogs away and put them somewhere. But they just will be a biohazard for the people living in any city. Was there any scientific thought given by a government institution to putting all stray dogs in shelters? Scientific thought is given when stakeholders are involved, where science is studied, where comments are invited from all kinds of stakeholders and bodies. This exercise happened while the animal birth control rules 2023 were made. This exercise happened when the national action plan on rabies eradication was prepared by the National Centre for Disease Control, ministry of health and family welfare. And all of them came to the conclusion that animal birth control rules and thorough vaccination are the only way to go forward. Unfortunately, when the Supreme Court heard the matter, it rejected all intervention applications and implement applications and only heard the amicus curiae who was -- what should I say, without meaning to be rude -- ill-informed on any of these scientific facts. The government, however, had taken everything into consideration while framing the policy. However, the due process was not followed when the order was pronounced in court. Who should be blamed or held accountable for not enforcing animal birth control rules? The biggest loophole in the animal birth control rules in 2023 is that the incharge of veterinary interventions with street dogs, that is, their surgical sterilisation and vaccination, was left to urban local bodies or local authorities. Now, local authorities have limited understanding of how to handle veterinary intervention. Most of them don't have the infrastructure and a large number of local authorities don't even have a veterinary section. Or the wherewithal. So, urban local bodies like municipal corporations sometimes would venture into animal birth control programmes. But rural local bodies like gram panchayats and zilla panchayats would not even have the understanding or wherewithal at all, anywhere in the country, to control street dog population. So, leaving this subject to urban development and panchayati raj departments and holding them accountable was primarily the fault of this policy. This should have been vested in the animal husbandry department only, because they have veterinary hospitals across the country. They have the largest pool of veterinarians in the country. They should have been held in charge of these surgical interventions and not the urban development, you know, local authorities, because local authorities are, for one, there is too much multiplicity. There are thousands of local authorities, tens of thousands. So, a standardised programme is not even possible across the country. Moreover, reporting is a nightmare with local authorities, while with state animal husbandry departments, which have hospitals in rural, urban areas, cantonment areas, hill areas, desert areas all over the country, they have hospitals. And they report to the state government. It would have been a very straightforward programme. The Supreme Court judgment came after Chhavi Sharma's tragic death due to stray dog bite. This is the reason why many people agree with the order to send street dogs to shelter homes. We don't live in Afghanistan. We live in the Republic of India, right? We don't do eye for an eye. We don't say, you know, if one anecdotal case has happened, however unfortunate it may be, that now tens of lakhs of lives will have to be lost. And we would basically create a bigger nightmare for ourselves than resolve the situation and ensure that more children are not succumbing to the same fate. Now, while I say that this anecdotal example was incorrect and the cause of death was not verified as rabies, I am told it was not rabies. But even if it were rabies, one anecdotal example should not determine the policy of the country. That is the surest way of failing the Indian population. Moreover, like I said, it's a reactive decision rather than a proactive decision. So when we react to situations and we say an eye for an eye and 10 lakh lives because one child has lost his life, we will create a bigger problem for ourselves. All solutions, policies have to be made with dispassion and not in a rage, not in anger, not as a reaction, but have to be made dispassionately and based on science. After having studied the consequences of such steps that we are laying down for the country. It should not basically create a bigger monster than we can't deal with. In the wake of tourists getting stranded inside the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve after their safari vehicle broke down, tourism stakeholders are raising an alarm over the growing number of ageing diesel-powered canters operating in the park, many of which are more than a decade old. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The incident that occurred in Zone 6 of the park on Saturday evening saw 20 tourists, including a seven-month-old child, stranded in the jungle for more than an hour after their safari canter broke down, nearly four kilometres from the park's exit. The situation was further exacerbated by a guide who allegedly abandoned the group, leaving the tourists in panic as darkness descended. However, park authorities said the guide had gone to seek help. With darkness falling, heated exchanges broke out between the tourists and the guide, parts of which were recorded. The tourists were finally escorted out of the park after they were stranded for more than an hour. Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Pramod Dhakad said three canters, their drivers and the guide have been barred from entering the park till further orders. Meanwhile, an audio clip has surfaced on social media in which a woman tourist is explaining the ordeal, telling an officer how they managed to reach the exit gate to seek help and a canter with no working headlight eventually came with the help of a torchlight to rescue them. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the park's ageing safari vehicles. Ranthambore is home to around 70 tigers and the breakdown highlights the challenges regarding the park's tourism infrastructure, including the condition of the safari vehicles. According to officials, the canter that broke down was one of the older models running on outdated BS-III engines. The fleet of safari vehicles, which includes both Maruti Gypsies and canters, plays a pivotal role in tiger safaris at the famed park. There are 287 canters and 269 Maruti Gypsies are engaged in tiger safaris. They are made available for tourists on a roster basis. "When canters are used for more than eight to 10 years, maintenance issues typically begin to surface. Although their registration with the transport department is valid for up to 15 years, it is generally advisable to replace them before they demand high maintenance and service to avoid escalating problems and ensure reliability," an official source said. The canters used in tiger safaris are large, open-top, diesel-powered vehicles specifically designed for group wildlife tours. These vehicles are typically modified to carry multiple passengers (up to 20 people), allowing them to explore the park's wilderness in a safe and comfortable manner. Canters are popular for tiger safaris due to their capacity to accommodate more tourists compared to smaller vehicles like Maruti Gypsies, making them a cost-effective option for the operators. Many of the canters in the RTR, which are still operating on BS-III-compliant engines, do not meet the latest emission standards (BS-VI). "This is a significant concern about the environmental impact of tourism in the park, especially given the growing demand for sustainable practices in wildlife tourism," an environmentalist said. "The impact of these old diesel vehicles cannot be ignored. Switching to BS-VI-compliant canters has crucial benefits as these vehicles reduce emissions, can help parks like Ranthambore meet stricter environmental standards and appeal to eco-conscious tourists," Himanshu Jangid, an activist based in Jaipur, said. Ranthambore attracts thousands of domestic and international visitors annually. 'The Alaska Summit made me realise that while difficult, peace is within reach.' IMAGE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with United States President Donald John Trump during their meeting at the Oval Office at the White House, August 18, 2025. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke after Trump paused his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders on Monday, a source familiar with the matter told CNN. The source said the Europeans were not present for the conversation then. A European official told CNN that Trump paused the negotiations with the European leaders and Zelenskyy in order to call Putin. The news was first reported by the German newspaper Bild, who reported the talks with European leaders would continue after the call with Putin at the White House. Trump and Putin held a 'candid and very constructive phone call' on Monday, a top Kremlin aide said, as per CNN. Putin's foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said that during the roughly 40-minute call, Trump informed Putin on his talks with the European leaders. The Russian leader 'expressed support for direct negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine,' he said. Following the meeting, Trump said he had begun arranging a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. Trump and Putin had 'discussed the idea of exploring the possibility of raising the level of representatives of Moscow and Kyiv at the talks,' Ushakov said. He stopped short of confirming whether Putin had agreed to a bilateral or trilateral meeting. Putin also thanked Trump again for hosting him during his trip to Alaska, Ushakov said. IMAGE: Trump greets Zelenskyy as the Ukrainian president arrives at the White House, August 18, 2025. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters Meanwhile, Trump has promised that the US would be involved in providing security guarantees for Ukraine. The US leader said there would be some form of security guarantees for Ukraine, but did not reveal whether this would involve US troops. 'The Alaska Summit made me realise that while difficult, peace is within reach. In a significant development, President Putin agreed to accept security guarantees for Ukraine, a key point we must consider,' Trump said. 'We also need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory, taking into consideration the current line of contact, that is, the war zone... We are going to try to get a three-party meeting with President Putin and President Zelenskyy, as soon as we can,' he said. Trump said he had a very good meeting with Zelenskyy and European leaders in the Oval Office. IMAGE: Zelenskyy speaks as Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Finland's President Alexander Stubb listen in at the White House, August 18, 2025. Photograph: Al Drago/Reuters In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, 'I had a very good meeting with distinguished guests, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron, of France, President Alexander Stubb, of Finland, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, of Italy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, of the United Kingdom, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, in the White House, which ended in a further meeting in the Oval Office.' 'During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine,' the post read. The post further said, 'At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. 'After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. 'Vice President J D Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' The White House, too, in a statement said, 'We have had a very successful day so far. We are all working for the same goal. We want to stop the killing and resolve this.' Zelenskyy said the group touched upon several sensitive matters. 'I think that we had a very good conversation with President Trump... it was really good. We spoke about very sensitive points,' he said. European leaders to discuss a peace deal to end Russia-Ukraine war. IMAGE: Trump shows Zelenskyy a portrait of Abraham Lincoln at the White House, August 18, 2025. Photograph: Al Drago/Reuters Two separate meetings were held at the White House: First, between Trump and Zelenskyy, and then a second meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy, NATO and European leaders, and the presidents of five NATO nations, according to the US department of defence press release. The talks come on the heels of the August 15, 2025, meeting in Alaska between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said there did not need to be a ceasefire in Ukraine, because a peace deal could be worked out while Ukraine and Russia are at war. 'Ultimately ,this is a decision that can only be made by President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine...The six or so wars that we have stopped, we haven't had a ceasefire, and I don't know if it's necessary, and you can do it through the war... 'I believe that a peace agreement at the end of all this is something that is attainable and it could be done in the near future," he said. Trump said that through these talks, he intends to save people from dying. 'We had a very good conversation with President Trump,' Zelenskyy said. 'It was a good one but the best is yet to come. We discussed sensitive points, starting with security guarantees... 'The security in Ukraine depends on the United States, on you, and those leaders who are with us... All of us want to finish this war." Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff A woman and her lover were arrested in connection with the murder of her husband in Kheirathal Tijara district in Jaipur, the police said on Tuesday. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo Laxmi Devi, the wife of Hansram, and her lover Jitendra Sharma, the son of the married couple's landlord, were nabbed Monday night, they said. The two, who had decamped after dumping Hansram's body in a plastic tank, confessed to the crime during questioning, the police said. The incident that took place in the Kishangarhbas police Station area came to light on Sunday. Superintendent of Police Manish Chaudhary said the two were detained from a brick kiln in Alwada village of Alwar district. "Initial investigations indicate that Laxmi and Jitendra plotted the murder in a bid to conceal their affair. The victim, Hansram, was killed on the night of August 15. The body was later found inside a blue plastic drum on the roof of their rented accommodation," he said. Laxmi had borrowed the drum from her landlord, saying she needed it to store water. The couple's three children, whom Laxmi and Jitendra had taken away with them, were restored to their grandfather, the SP said. 'Blue drum' became an emblem of marital violence, and supplied content to a rash of memes earlier in the year when a merchant navy officer was found dead in a blue plastic drum covered with dry cement in Meerut. The body of Saurabh Rajput, 35, was dismembered and dumped in the drum, allegedly by his wife Muskan Rastogi, 28, and her lover, Sahil Shukla. There has been an "upward trend" in India-China relations in the past nine months as peace and tranquillity prevailed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), National Security Adviser Ajit Doval said on Tuesday during his talks on the boundary issue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. IMAGE: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets National Security Adviser Ajit Doval at Hyderabad House. Photograph: ANI on X Doval and Wang held the talks under the framework of Special Representatives mechanism that came ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to China to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). In his televised opening remarks, the NSA recalled his visit to Beijing in December last for the previous round of SR talks and said there has been an "upward trend" in the ties between the two sides since then. "Borders have been quiet, there has been peace and tranquillity, our bilateral engagements have been more substantial," he said. Doval also formally announced that Modi will visit China to attend the SCO Summit, to be held in Tianjin on August 31 and September 1 and noted that the Special Representatives talks have assumed a "very special importance" in view of the trip. The NSA also made a mention of the talks between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the margins of a multilateral event in the Russian city of Kazan in October last year, adding that both sides benefited a lot since then. "The new environment that has been created has helped us in moving ahead in the various areas that we were working on," Doval said. The Modi-Xi meeting took place two days after India and China firmed up a disengagement pact for the remaining two friction points of Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh. The two leaders had decided to revive several mechanisms, including talks between the Special Representatives, to normalise bilateral ties. In his remarks, the Chinese foreign minister said the two sides should "increase mutual trust through strategic communication, expand common interest through exchanges and cooperation, and properly settle the specific issues" along the borders. "We are heartened to see the stability that is now restored in the borders," he said. "Now the bilateral relationship is facing an important opportunity of improvement and growth. The Chinese side attaches great importance to the prime minister's visit to China to attend the SCO Summit at our invitation," he said. The Chinese foreign minister landed in Delhi on Monday on a two-day visit. 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. In the SR talks, both sides were expected to deliberate on new confidence-building measures besides reviewing the overall situation along the LAC. 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 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. In the last few months, 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. China has agreed to ease restrictions to supply fertilisers and rare earth minerals to India with Chinese Foreign Minister Wany Yi conveying the forward movement on the issue to his counterpart S Jaishankar, authoritative sources said on Tuesday. IMAGE: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi. Photograph: @DrSJaishankar/X The Chinese move came after the Indian side raised the issue during talks between the two foreign ministers on Monday. Wang is paying a two-day visit to India. China promised to address three key concerns of India, the sources said. "Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured External Affairs Minister Jaishankar that China is addressing India's needs of fertilisers, rare earths and tunnel boring machines," one of the sources said. Jaishankar had on Monday said, without providing details, that he brought up "particular concerns" in the meeting that he had flagged during his visit to Beijing last month as well. Rare earth minerals are considered vital for high-end technology products, including electric vehicles (EVs), drones, and battery storage. China has been a dominant player in the critical minerals supply chain globally. In his opening remarks at the meeting, the external affairs minister also said that India and China should adopt a "candid and constructive" approach in moving ahead in the engagement after a difficult period. Jaishankar also pitched for taking forward the de-escalation process in the border areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh that witnessed over a four-year face-off between the militaries of the two nations. 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 Chinese foreign minister is in India primarily to hold a fresh round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. In the SR talks on Tuesday, both sides are expected to deliberate on new confidence-building measures besides reviewing the overall situation along the LAC. 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. NSA Doval travelled to China in December last and held the SR talks with Wang, weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping 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. In the last few months, 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. China attaches great importance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and looks forward to India's active contribution to its success, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday. IMAGE: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi, August 19, 2025. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo Wang, who reached New Delhi on Monday, said this in his opening statement at the 24th round of border talks with NSA Ajit Doval in Delhi. His visit comes ahead of Prime Minister Modi's planned trip to China to attend the annual SCO summit to be held in Tianjin on Aug 31 and Sept 1. "China attaches great importance to Prime Minister Modi's visit to China to attend the Tianjin summit of the SCO and looks forward to India's active contribution to the success of the summit, Wang said. Both Doval and Wang are the Special Representatives (SRs) for the India-China boundary question. Wang emphasised that history and reality have repeatedly proven that the healthy and stable development of China-India relations serves the fundamental interests of both peoples and is also the common expectation of developing countries at large, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. He said both sides should follow the strategic guidance of their leaders, adopt a dual-track approach that promotes mutual advancement and fosters a virtuous cycle in viewing and addressing bilateral relations and boundary questions. The two sides should also enhance mutual trust through dialogue and communication, expand exchanges and cooperation, and jointly advance consensus, clarify directions, and set goals in areas such as boundary management, boundary negotiations, and cross-boundary exchanges, to properly address specific issues, achieve more positive progress, and continuously create favourable conditions for the improvement and development of bilateral relations, Wang said. In his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday, Wang said India-China relations are showing a positive trend towards returning to cooperation, stressing that the two countries should view each other as partners, not rivals, official media reported here on Tuesday. He said this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India, and lessons could be learned from the past, in an apparent reference to the over four-year freeze in ties following the Eastern Ladakh military standoff. He said it is imperative for the two sides to have correct strategic perceptions, view each other as partners and opportunities rather than rivals or threats, and invest their valuable resources in development and revitalisation, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The two countries should explore the right ways for major neighbouring countries to coexist with mutual respect and trust, pursue common development and achieve win-win cooperation, he said. Wang said that China is willing to uphold the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and work together with neighbouring countries, including India, to jointly build a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful and friendly home. He added that the two countries should remain confident, move in the same direction, remove barriers, expand cooperation, and consolidate the improved momentum of bilateral relations. He said with this, the revitalisation processes of the two great eastern civilisations can be mutually beneficial, providing certainty and stability to Asia and the world at large. According to Xinhua, following the talks between Wang and Jaishankar, both countries agreed to maintain the momentum of bilateral ties. 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. In a veiled criticism of the US, Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party, said that the world is changing and the situation is evolving rapidly, with unilateral bullying practices becoming rampant. Free trade and the international order face severe challenges as humanity reaches critical crossroads to determine the future direction of the world, he said. The two sides agreed that they should earnestly implement the important common understandings reached between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping and promote sustained, sound and steady development of India-China relations In a major thaw in their frosty ties, India and China on Tuesday unveiled a series of measures for a "stable, cooperative and forward-looking" relationship that included jointly maintaining peace along the frontier, reopening border trade, promoting investment flows, and resuming direct flight connectivity at the earliest. The announcements aimed at realising the "full" development potential of the two Asian giants came amid growing estrangement in ties between India and the US over President Donald Trump's policies on trade and tariff. India and China listed the measures in a joint document after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and national security advisor Ajit Doval over the last two days besides meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two sides agreed that they should earnestly implement the important common understandings reached between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping and promote sustained, sound and steady development of India-China relations. Wang landed in Delhi on Monday on a two-day visit and his trip 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 Doval-Wang talks under the framework of the Special Representatives dialogue on Tuesday produced five concrete outcomes that included setting up an expert group under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) to explore an "early harvest in boundary delimitation", the ministry of external affairs said in the document. In the meeting, Doval and Wang agreed on the need to take a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship while seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for settlement of the boundary question in accordance with the agreement on political parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement of the boundary question signed in 2005. They also agreed on setting up a working group, under the WMCC, to advance effective border management in order to maintain peace and tranquillity in India-China border areas. Both sides also agreed to create a "general level mechanisms" in Eastern, and Middle sectors, in addition to the similar mechanism in Western sector, and holding an early meeting of the mechanism in the Western sector, according to the document. The two sides also agreed to use the border management mechanisms at diplomatic and military levels to carry forward the process of border management, and discuss de-escalation, beginning with the principles and modalities. The talks between Jaishankar and Wang on Monday produced a total of 12 outcomes that included a decision to explore and resume various official bilateral dialogue mechanisms and exchanges, to enhance cooperation and address each other's concerns and properly manage differences. The joint document said both sides agreed to re-open border trade through the three designated trading points, namely Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La Pass. India and China also agreed to facilitate trade and investment flows between the two countries through "concrete measures", it said. Both sides agreed to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas through friendly consultations, it added. India and China also agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between Chinese mainland and Indian cities at the earliest, and finalise an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on the facilitation of visas to tourists, businesses, media and other visitors in both directions, the joint document said. "Both sides agreed to continue and further expand the scale of the Indian pilgrimage to Mount Kailash/ Gang Renpoche and Lake Manasarovar/ Mapam Yun Tso in Tibet Autonomous Region of China starting 2026," it said. The two sides exchanged views on trans-border rivers cooperation and agreed to give full play to the role of India-China expert level mechanism on trans-border rivers and keep communication on renewal of the relevant MoUs. The Chinese side agreed to share hydrological information during emergency situations based on humanitarian considerations. Earlier, in their meeting, Doval and Wang highlighted the upward trend in India-China engagement and discussed the way forward as well as de-escalation of the of the frontier. There has been an "upward trend" in India-China relations in the past nine months as peace and tranquillity prevailed along the border, Doval said. In his televised opening remarks, the NSA recalled his visit to Beijing in December last for the previous round of SR talks and said there has been an "upward trend" in the ties between the two sides since then. "Borders have been quiet, there has been peace and tranquillity, our bilateral engagements have been more substantial," he said. Doval also formally announced that Modi will visit China to attend the SCO Summit, to be held in Tianjin on August 31 and September 1 and noted that the SR talks have assumed a "very special importance" in view of the trip. The NSA also made a mention of the talks between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the margins of a multilateral event in the Russian city of Kazan in October last year, adding that both sides benefited a lot since then. "The new environment that has been created has helped us in moving ahead in the various areas that we were working on," Doval said. The Modi-Xi meeting took place two days after India and China firmed up a disengagement pact for the remaining two friction points of Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh. The two leaders had decided to revive several mechanisms, including talks between the Special Representatives, to normalise bilateral ties. In his remarks, the Chinese foreign minister said the two sides should "increase mutual trust through strategic communication, expand common interest through exchanges and cooperation, and properly settle the specific issues" along the borders. "We are heartened to see the stability that is now restored in the borders." "Now the bilateral relationship is facing an important opportunity of improvement and growth. The Chinese side attaches great importance to the Prime Minister's visit to China to attend the SCO Summit at our invitation," he said. The Indian side strongly raised the issue of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, recalling that one of the original objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was to counter the evil of terrorism, the MEA said. Minister Wang Yi concurred that countering terrorism should be given the highest priority, it added. After his meeting with Wang, Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the frontier with China and reiterated India's commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution to the boundary question. In a social media post, Modi said stable, predictable and constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and that he was looking forward to meeting Chinese President Xi on the margins of the SCO summit. In the SR talks, both sides deliberated on maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). 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 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. In the last few months, 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. The European Commission has said that work on the details of possible security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to NATO's Article 5, will continue in the coming weeks. As of today, there are no specifics on what these guarantees will look like. This was reported on Tuesday in Brussels by European Commission spokeswoman Arianna Podesta. She recalled that this issue was discussed during a meeting of EU and Ukrainian leaders with US President Donald Trump in Washington. "The President (Ursula von der Leyen) welcomed the commitment of the United States to participate in these security guarantees. She herself said on Sunday that we could consider security guarantees similar to Article 5. And she also confirmed that the EU is, of course, already contributing to this, continuing to strengthen Ukraine's armed forces and at the same time strengthening European defense," Podesta said. According to her, at this stage there are no specific messages on what these security guarantees will look like. "I can say that the teams will continue to work on the details of these security guarantees also in the coming weeks. This includes teams from the United States, from European countries that were represented at the meeting, and, of course, also with representatives of the Commission," the EC spokeswoman detailed. Podesta noted that there is no specific timeframe for this work, and the exchange of information will continue at a technical level. "At the moment, the Coalition of the Willing is meeting, and after that the EU with all European countries will be ready to contribute to resolving this topic. We will also have to see how the negotiations progress. Of course, this is all preparatory work, but it will become even more relevant after the bilateral meeting (between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin) takes place," she explained. Speaking about possible bilateral talks, Podesta recalled that President Putin had previously refused to meet with President Zelenskyy. "So of course we welcome the fact that he has now changed his mind and told President Trump that he is ready to participate in such a meeting," said an EC spokeswoman. According to her, there is no specific information at this stage on the formats or timing of this meeting. "Of course, for our part, we will continue to work with our European partners, with President Zelenskyy and President Trump, to prepare it in the best possible way," Podesta added. The ED probed 30 cases between August 2024 and March 2025, during which it recovered 15,261 crore, mostly from cases related to bank frauds. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff Reliance Infrastructure Chairman Anil Ambani was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate on August 5 in connection to a loan fraud case. This is one of the many such investigations by the ED related to bank fraud. Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 3,849 cases were investigated from 2015 to 2024 of which 30 per cent were related to bank frauds. However, the conviction rates remained poor in proportion to the registered cases. Since 2015, the ED has registered 5,892 cases, but only 15 individuals were convicted. The ED, however, did restored a sizable amount of money involved in such cases. The ED probed 30 cases between August 2024 and March 2025, during which it recovered 15,261 crore, mostly from cases related to bank frauds. Rise in bank fraud cases probed by ED The number of fraud cases investigated by the ED has been steadily rising. Correspondingly, bank fraud cases rose too, although not in proportion to the overall spike. Low conviction rate The conviction rate in PMLA cases remains disproportionately low compared to the total number of PMLA cases registered by the ED. High-profile bank fraud cases From August 2024 to March 2025, the ED recovered more than 100 crore in 11 of the 30 cases. Five of these were related to bank fraud. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff The Mahindra group has launched an internal investigation into the allegations against one of its employees for issuing rape threats to Sulata Deo, the Biju Janata Dal MP, in a Facebook post. Kindly note that this image has been posted only for representational purposes. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff The incident came to public notice when the MP tagged the prime minister's office and Mahindra's X account, sharing screenshots of the alleged threats. In her post, Deo wrote, 'Dear PMO, a worker of Mahindra Company, Nasik, as well as a BJP worker openly threatens a woman MP to rape and kill. 'If this is the situation, imagine what happens to the unprivileged women of Odisha!!! This is for your necessary information and action. The below are screenshots for your reference.' The screenshots, which were posted by Deo on her social media, show explicit threats made by a person claiming to be both a Mahindra employee and a BJP supporter. The Mahindra group responded swiftly via an official statement on X, stating, 'We have been made aware of certain undignified and highly inappropriate messages allegedly made by one of our employees towards a political leader on Facebook. 'Mahindra has zero tolerance for any form of misconduct, intimidation, or threats. 'The Mahindra group has always enshrined the importance of human dignity from its very foundation and believes in upholding an environment of respect, with no tolerance for any breaches of these principles. 'We take this matter with utmost seriousness and have initiated an immediate investigation. Should the allegations be validated, strict action will be taken in accordance with our code of conduct and values,' the company promised. In a follow-up post, Deo acknowledged Mahindra's action and thanked the public for their support. 'Reassuring to know that the pervert's parent company started investigation into the matter. That said, I will not remain silent and fight to the core against these types of mindset against women and children,' Deo stated. 'I am waiting for the law agencies to take suo moto cognisance on the said matter. India would be safer for women if the mindset against women is benign. Let us fight against this malignancy.' The incident has sparked outrage online, with many users demanding swift legal action and a broader conversation around digital safety, particularly for women in public life. As of now, no police action has been initiated against the individual for issuing rape threats. India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other's interests and sensitivities in the last 10 months, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. IMAGE: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi, August 19, 2025. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo Modi said this in a social media post after visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on him. The prime minister also referred to his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a multilateral event in the Russian city of Kazan in October last year. "Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other's interests and sensitivities," he said. "I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity," Modi added. A police constable was injured after falling in front of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's vehicle on Tuesday while the latter was passing through Bhagat Singh Chowk in Bihar's Nawada district during the ongoing Voter Adhikar Yatra, a senior official said. IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi addresses the gathering during the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, August 19, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo According to Nawada SP Abhinav Dhiman, the constable tripped and fell in front of a vehicle in the convoy, which "barely brushed against his feet". "It was not that the constable got run over by the vehicle. He will undergo an X-ray which will reveal the exact condition of the injured leg. But on a cursory glance, it looks nothing more than a minor injury", the SP told PTI. Video footage of the incident has gone viral on social media, and Gandhi can be seen asking his supporters to bring the injured policeman to his open jeep. After offering water to the constable, who was visibly in pain, walking with a limp, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha made him take a seat in his vehicle as it moved further. However, Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla shared the video clip on his X handle, alleging "the Voter Adhikar Yatra has become Crush Janta Yatra". "Rahul Gandhi's car crushed a police constable who was critically injured. The dynast did not even step out to check on him," he added. Responding to Poonawalla's charge, Bihar Congress spokesperson Asith Nath Tiwary told PTI: "All BJP leaders, including even those at the very top, are known for peddling lies. The party is rattled by the success of the yatra, a reason why it has asked its spokespersons to spread rumours". The yatra, which was flagged off from Sasaram on Sunday, has so far covered the districts of Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada and Nalanda. After covering 25 of the state's 38 districts, it is scheduled to conclude with a rally in Patna on September 1. The yatra is being undertaken in a hybrid mode, on foot as well as on vehicles, as was Gandhi's Manipur-to-Mumbai Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra ahead of last year's Lok Sabha polls. Amid a continued stalemate between the government and the Opposition over the demand for a discussion on Special Intensive Revision in Bihar, the Chair in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday said that videos of expunged proceedings should not be shared on social media. IMAGE: Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh leaves after adjourning the house during the Monsoon Session of the Parliament, in New Delhi, August 19, 2025. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab Soon after the House met post-lunch, and the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill was tabled, Radha Mohan Das Agrawal of the Bharatiya Janata Party raised the issue of the Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge sharing videos of his expunged speech on social media. He said while Kharge raises the issue of SIR, the Chair disallows the same. However, the extracts of his speech are shared on social media, even after the Chair has clearly stated that the same will not go on record of the House. The Upper House, which has witnessed repeated adjournments in the Monsoon Session as Opposition has demanded a debate on the SIR issue calling it a threat to democracy, while the government has maintained that the "sub-judice" matter can't be discussed, saw the two sides locking horns once again on Tuesday. The House saw the first adjournment soon after meeting at 11 am, and was adjourned till 2 pm over the SIR issue. When the House met post-lunch, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025 was taken up, even as Opposition MPs raised slogans demanding a debate on SIR. Leader of Opposition Kharge was allowed to speak by Chair Ghanshyam Tiwari who also cautioned that the Congress leader should not raise any sub-judice matter. Kharge once again tried to raise the demand for debate on SIR, but the Chair said it would not go on record as it is not related to the business. Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs L Murugan said the government is ready to answer any questions related to the Bill. Opposition MPs staged a walkout from the House as the minister was moving the Bill. Soon after the minister tabled the Bill, BJP MP Agrawal raised a point of order, and said videos of proceedings, which included the portions which were not on record, were being circulated on social media. "I have been noticing whenever a debate starts, LoP stands, you give permission to speak on Bill, he goes straight to SIR. You give instruction that it will not go on record. But then we see that the video of his speech is shared on social media..." he said. "How can the video be posted on social media when it has been expunged in writing, is it not a breach of privilege?" he said. Tiwari, who was in the Chair, then said that anything which has been expunged should not be shared on social media. "Arrangements should be made so that anything that is not a part of the House proceedings should not go on social media through Sansad TV, or any other medium..." he said. Commuters faced severe hardship on Tuesday as local train services of the Central Railway were disrupted on its main and harbour lines due to submergence of tracks after torrential rains in Mumbai. IMAGE: Two local trains moving through water-filled tracks in Matunga, Mumbai, August 19, 2025. Photograph: ANI on X At some places, the tracks were submerged under as much as 17 inches of water, officials said. The Central Railway suspended its suburban services on the main line between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (in south Mumbai) and Thane and on the harbour line between CSMT and Kurla. The water rose up to eight inches above the tracks in Sion and Kurla sections, prompting the railway authorities to suspend train operations. Some long-distance trains were also rescheduled or cancelled and the Central Railway set up help desks at various stations to help the stranded passengers, they said. A large number of commuters were inconvenienced and many were forced to jump out of the stranded trains and walk through the waterlogged tracks. Civic personnel distributed biscuits to the stranded passengers in some places. A commuter told PTI that their local train was stranded near Ghatkopar for more than half-an-hour and hence, some passengers jumped onto the tracks to reach the nearest station. A nurse working with the Tata Hospital said their train did not move from its spot in Parel area for more than three hours since 12.30 pm. "We don't know if the train is going to move or not. We are clueless about what has happened and don't know what to do now as roads are also closed due to waterlogging," she said. Another passenger in the morning said Metro rail was an alternate option for some of them due to the suspension of local trains. "To reach our office at Lower Parel, now I am planning to take Metro line-1 till Marol station and from there I will take the underground Aqua line to Worli," the commuter said. Swapnil Nila, chief public relations officer of the Central Railway, said there was a low tide of 2.2 metres at 3.29 pm, but water on tracks between Sion-Kurla and Chunabhatti-Kurla sections had not yet receded. Nila said the water reached up to 13 to 15 inches above the tracks on some sections of the main line around 2 pm to 2.30 pm. It later receded to 11 inches, but due to the continuous heavy rain and the Mithi river level rising, the water on tracks again went up. "At one time, the water level was up to 17 inches above the tracks," Nila said, adding the railway authorities were continuously monitoring the situation. He said the harbour line services towards Bandra (in western suburbs) were restored around 1.30 pm and three services were operated from Wadala Road and later from CSMT. Western Railway's CPRO Vineet Abhishek told PTI that the suburban services on their network were also affected in the Virar-Vasai section due to a technical snag of track changing points and water entering the goods lines. "Suburban services on Western Railway running late, but there is not waterlogging above safety level anywhere," he said. Tracks on both the Central and Western Railway routes were inundated at several locations like Parel, Curry Road, Byculla, Dadar, Matunga Road, Mahim and other locations. A Central Railway spokesperson said they have set up help desks at major stations to help passengers stranded due to the cancellation or rescheduling of long-distance trains. Bus operations of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking were also badly hit due to waterlogged roads. Dozens of bus routes were diverted due to the inundation in low-lying areas, a BEST spokesperson said. Nearly a dozen buses were stuck due to waterlogging at different locations in the city and suburbs, the spokesperson added. India-China relations are showing a positive trend towards returning to cooperation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said, stressing that the two countries should view each other as partners, not rivals. IMAGE: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi. Photograph: @DrSJaishankar/X Wang, who reached New Delhi on Monday, made the remarks during his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar later in the day, official media reported in Beijing on Tuesday. His visit comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned trip to China to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). At the meeting, Wang told Jaishankar that China-India relations are showing a positive trend toward returning to cooperation. He said that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India, and lessons could be learned from the past, in an apparent reference to the over four-year freeze in ties following the Eastern Ladakh military standoff. He said that it is imperative for the two sides to have correct strategic perceptions, view each other as partners and opportunities rather than rivals or threats, and invest their valuable resources in development and revitalisation, state-run Xinhua reported. The two countries should explore the right ways for major neighbouring countries to coexist with mutual respect and trust, pursue common development and achieve win-win cooperation, he said. Wang said that China is willing to uphold the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and work together with neighbouring countries, including India, to jointly build a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful and friendly home. He added that the two countries should remain confident, move in the same direction, remove barriers, expand cooperation, and consolidate the improved momentum of bilateral relations. He said with this, the revitalisation processes of the two great eastern civilisations can be mutually beneficial, providing certainty and stability to Asia and the world at large. According to the report, following the talks between Wang and Jaishankar, both countries agreed to maintain the momentum of bilateral ties. 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. In a veiled criticism of the US, Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party, said that the world is changing and the situation is evolving rapidly with unilateral bullying practices becoming rampant. Free trade and the international order face severe challenges as humanity reaches critical crossroads to determine the future direction of the world, he said. As the two largest developing countries with a combined population of more than 2.8 billion, China and India should demonstrate a sense of global responsibility, act as major powers, set an example for developing countries in pursuit of strength through unity, and contribute to promoting world multipolarisation and democratisation of international relations, Wang said. He said both sides are implementing their leaders' consensus, gradually resuming dialogue and exchanges, maintaining border peace, and enabling Indian pilgrims to resume their pilgrimages to sacred mountains and lakes in China's Tibet Autonomous Region. The Chinese foreign minister is in India primarily to hold a fresh round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Both Doval and Wang serve as the designated SRs for the border dialogue mechanism. Doval travelled to China in December last and held the 23rd round of talks with Wang, weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping decided to revive various dialogue mechanisms between the two sides at their meeting in the Russian city of Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday appealed to all parties, including the Opposition, for unanimous election of NDA's vice presidential candidate C P Radhakrishnan, as he praised his life of public service at a meeting of the ruling alliance MPs. IMAGE: NDA's vice presidential candidate C P Radhakrishnan meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Photograph: @narendramodi/X Radhakrishnan was felicitated at the meeting of MPs here by their top brass, including Prime Minister Modi and several BJP allies. Radhakrishnan is likely to file his nomination on Wednesday. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told reporters that Modi, in his address, appealed to various parties, especially the Opposition, to back Radhakrishnan to ensure that he is elected unanimously. Modi introduced the Maharashtra governor, who is a seasoned BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, to the NDA MPs, citing his long public life in which he served ably in different capacities. In his speech, Modi also raised the issue of Indus Waters Treaty and slammed the then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru for signing the agreement with Pakistan without taking Parliament or his Cabinet into confidence. Nehru did to burnish his own image at the cost of the interest of the country, he said, according to sources. Over 80 per cent of the waters was allowed to be used by Pakistan, he noted. The Modi government has put the treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack. The prime minister said his government has been undoing the sins of that era, the sources added. Nehru later told a colleague that he had believed that the agreement will help resolve other issues with Pakistan but it did not happen, he noted, Modi also spoke of the S&P Global Ratings recent decision to upgrade India's long-term sovereign credit rating, saying it highlights the country's sound economy and will draw more investment. Rijiju said Radhakrishnan (67) has led a simple life away from any controversy or taint, stressing that his election as vice president will be a matter of delight for the entire country. With the BJP-led NDA enjoying a comfortable majority in the electoral college comprising MPs from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Radhakrishnan's win is a certainty amid indications from the opposition INDIA bloc that it will field its own candidate and force a contest. The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked what was wrong if the President herself seeks views through a presidential reference on whether fixed timelines can be imposed on governors and the President for acting on bills passed by state legislatures. Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. A five judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice B R Gavai posed the question when the counsel representing the opposition-ruled Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments questioned the very maintainability of the presidential reference. The bench also comprised Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, P S Narasimha and A S Chandurkar. "When the hon'ble President herself is seeking reference then what is the problem ... Are you really serious about contesting this?" the bench asked while beginning a crucial hearing on the reference. It is very clear that we are sitting in an advisory jurisdiction, the bench said. In May, President Droupadi Murmu exercised powers under Article 143(1) to know from the top court whether judicial orders could impose timelines for the exercise of discretion by the President while dealing with bills passed by state assemblies. The Centre said in its written submission that imposing fixed timelines on governors and the President to act on bills passed by a state assembly would amount to one organ of the government assuming powers not vested in it by the Constitution, and lead to "constitutional disorder". Senior advocate K K Venugopal, appearing for the Kerala government, said similar questions regarding Article 200 of the Constitution, which requires governors to act as soon as possible on state bills, had already been interpreted by the top court in cases concerning Punjab, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Citing several Supreme Court verdicts, he said the governor's powers under Article 200 have been interpreted by the apex court time and again. For the first time, in the Tamil Nadu (State vs Governor) case, has a deadline been fixed for the assent of bills passed by the assembly. These issues are no longer res integra (undecided). Once judgments cover the field, a fresh presidential reference cannot be entertained, he contended, adding that the Government of India should have sought a formal review instead of invoking Article 143 to seek a reference by the President. Venugopal also said the President is bound by the aid and advice of the council of ministers under Article 74, leaving little room for discretion. In substance, this is not the President's reference but the government's, he argued and added that "issues are covered by a series of judgments". Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the Tamil Nadu government, said there cannot be an intra court appeal directly or indirectly by filing the reference under Article 143. "This court is being asked to change the contents and substance of a judgment between two different parties and this is a subversion of institutional integrity... this is an appeal howsoever nicely you camouflage it," Singhvi said. Justice Narasimha said, "The adjudicatory decision stands on complete footing rather than advisory. Show us one judgment where in a division bench, a reference is not tenable. We are not deciding the issue whether Tamil Nadu is correct or not." At the outset, the CJI said the bench would first examine objections to the maintainability of the reference under Article 143 of the Constitution. Attorney General R Venkataramani opposed the pleas of Venugopal and Singhvi. The hearing is underway. On July 22, the top court observed that the issues raised in the presidential reference will affect the "entire country". On April 8, the apex court delivered a verdict on the powers of the governor in dealing with bills passed by the Tamil Nadu government. The verdict, for the first time, prescribed that the President should decide on the bills reserved for her consideration by the governor within three months from the date on which such a reference is received. In a five-page reference, President Murmu posed 14 questions to the Supreme Court and sought to know its opinion on powers of the governor and president under Articles 200 and 201 in dealing with bills passed by the state legislature. The verdict set a timeline for all governors to act on the bills passed by the state assemblies and ruled that the governor does not possess any discretion in exercise of functions under Article 200 in respect to any bill presented to them and must mandatorily abide by the advice tendered by the council of ministers. It said state governments can directly approach the Supreme Court if the President withholds assent on a bill sent by a governor for consideration. Lightning claims more lives in India annually than any other extreme weather event. Between April and July this year alone, 1,621 people died due to lightning strikes. IMAGE: Lightning flashes over the night sky in Ghaziabad. Photograph: ANI Photo Between April and July this year alone, 1,621 people died due to rain and lightning strikes, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai told the Rajya Sabha, citing inputs from states and union territories. The toll includes 100 deaths between April 10 and April 12, when lightning storms over Bihar and Uttar Pradesh killed mostly farmers working in open fields, according to reports. This is part of a disturbing pattern: Lightning has claimed more lives annually than any other extreme weather event. In 2024, about 1,300 people died due to lightning, according to the World Meteorological Organisation's State of the Climate in Asia report. From 1967 to 2020, lightning killed over 101,000 people in India, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data shows. Between 2002 and 2024, lightning accounted for nearly 46 per cent of all weather-related deaths in the country, according to the NCRB data. Figures from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Climate Resilient Observing-Systems Promotion Council (CROPC) reveal that lightning strikes have surged by 400 per cent to over 20 million in FY25 from 5.17 million in FY20. Most lightning-related deaths occur traditionally in eastern India where strikes are more frequent and coincide with peak agricultural activity, particularly paddy sowing during July and August, leaving farmers highly vulnerable. IMAGE: Severe infrastructural damage is seen after after 18 people died due to storm and lightning in Nalanda. Photograph: ANI Photo Expanding lightning zones and climate change link Experts said climate change is extending lightning-prone areas into central, northern, north-eastern, and coastal regions, and even the Himalayan foothills. For example, Madhya Pradesh has overtaken Odisha as the most lightning-affected state, while Rajasthan's Bikaner and Churu districts have emerged as the top hotspots, followed by Odisha's Mayurbhanj and Gujarat's Kutch, according to the IMD-CROPC report. IMAGE: Lightning flashes over the night sky in Nagpur. Photograph: ANI Photo Lightning, a sudden discharge of electricity during thunderstorms, requires four conditions: Intense heating, high humidity, atmospheric instability, and a trigger such as low pressure. Climate change is making at least two of these conditions -- heating and humidity -- more favourable, said IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra recently. 'For every 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature, humidity increases by 7 per cent, making the atmosphere even more favourable for thunderstorms,' he noted. Scientific studies suggest lightning activity could rise by about 10 to 12 per cent for every degree Celsius of warming, said Professor Manoranjan Mishra, head of geography at the Fakir Mohan University in Odisha's Balasore. "In India, hotter summers and a warming Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are intensifying monsoon convection, creating a perfect stage for lightning," he said. CROPC Founder Sanjay Srivastava pointed out that the Bay of Bengal sea surface temperatures have risen by 4 degree Celsius, fuelling the moisture that drives lightning storms in eastern states. Mishra, however, said while climate change is a major amplifier, local environmental shifts, rapid urbanisation, land-use changes, and improved detection technologies also contribute to the surge. "Lightning may always be a natural hazard, but our rapidly changing climate and landscapes are making it a more frequent and deadly visitor in India's skies," he said. IMAGE: A wall collapses due to a lightning strike at Shakti Nagar in Udhampur. Photograph: ANI Photo New risk for urban India Cities long plagued by smog, heatwaves, and traffic now face another threat. Once mostly confined to rural heartlands, lightning strikes are becoming more frequent and intense in fast-growing urban areas. "Lightning has reached urban India," warned Srivastava. "We are seeing severe strikes in cities, and the consequences are serious -- structurally, economically, and socially." IMAGE: Video grab shows lightning striking the Manohar Parrikar international airport in Goa, causing damage to the runway edge lights. Photograph: ANI Photo On multiple occasions in 2024 and 2025, Delhi witnessed several major lightning events, including one on June 28 last year that coincided with the collapse of the facade at the Indira Gandhi international airport's Terminal 1. Although lightning was not the sole cause, Srivastava said such events often come with intense thunder, flash floods, violent wind gusts, and torrential rain. Mohapatra said city residents are increasingly exposed to electromagnetic infrastructure that heightens the lightning risk. Mishra echoed: "India's cities are shaping their own weather." The urban heat island effect -- caused by concrete, asphalt, and glass absorbing and radiating heat -- makes cities hotter than rural areas, triggering strong updrafts and thunderclouds. Air pollution seeds storm clouds, while rapid construction, loss of green cover, and poor drainage heighten flood risks during intense storms, he said. Around 2,000 flights are diverted during monsoons due to thunderstorms, costing airlines an estimated Rs 300 crore (Rs 3 billion) annually, said Srivastava, adding: "It's time urban areas became lightning-ready." IMAGE: Lightning flashes over the night sky in Nagpur. Photograph: ANI Photo Increased forecasting, but last-mile gaps remain According to Mohapatra, the IMD now predicts lightning with 86 per cent accuracy. Forecasts begin with five-day 'potential area' alerts, narrowing to district-specific warnings two days in advance. On the day of an event, nowcasts every three hours provide real-time polygon maps of affected zones. High-resolution models incorporating radar updates every 10 minutes can now predict events within 350 metres. But forecasts alone cannot guarantee fewer deaths. "Unlike cyclones, where governments can evacuate people, lightning is harder to act upon quickly," Mohapatra said. Delays occur when alerts pass through multiple channels -- from IMD to state emergency centres to telecom providers, he said. Over the past years, states such as Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal have urged the Union government to declare lightning a natural disaster, a move that would make victims and their families eligible for compensation. But the Centre has resisted, arguing that deaths can be prevented through awareness. Odisha designated lightning a state-specific disaster in 2015 and, in 2024, it approved the planting of 1.9 million palm trees as a protective measure. IMAGE: Lightning strikes at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo In a written reply, Minister of State for Home Rai told Parliament that the Centre had launched a lightning mitigation project worth around Rs 186 crore (Rs 1.86 billion) for 50 districts in 10 states -- Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, and West Bengal -- to reduce deaths, livestock losses, and damage to infrastructure. Apart from human casualties, 52,367 animals died and 157,818 hectares of farmland were damaged due to rain and lightning in the first four months of 2025-26. Experts believe last-mile connectivity is key to minimising fatalities. "The National Disaster Management Authority has prepared guidelines in every language, but states must shoulder the major burden," Mohapatra said. The CROPC, in partnership with the IMD and IIT Madras, has mapped lightning hotspots and fatalities. Their prevention plan includes early warnings and local outreach. DAMINI mobile application as well as WhatsApp groups send real-time alerts to panchayat-appointed safety coordinators. High-risk zones such as hills, water bodies, and open agricultural fields have been identified. IMAGE: A farmer inspects damaged wheat crop at village Misrod in Bhopal. Unseasonal rain and hail storms with strong winds and lightning caused damage to the crops in various parts of Madhya Pradesh. Photograph: ANI Photo The National Lightning and Mitigation Programme is rolling out 'smart poles' in villages equipped with microphones, CCTV cameras, and loudspeakers for warnings. Awareness campaigns -- from planting palm trees to improving housing -- are also underway. "No matter how advanced forecasts are, they save lives only if people at risk receive warnings in time and act," Mishra stressed. He advocates the Sthan-Kala-Patra approach to bridge the gap between science and survival and ensure the right person, in the right place, at the right time, takes the right action. For that to happen, behavioural change is crucial, said Srivastava. "We need door-to-door, widespread awareness campaigns to reduce deaths. "Fatalities have declined, but we have not yet reached the desired level. It is very important that we save every life." Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff The bodies of 1,000 dead, according to preliminary data, servicemen, have returned to Ukraine as part of repatriation measures, including five bodies of Ukrainian servicemen who died in captivity and were declared for exchange on the lists of "seriously wounded and seriously ill", the Telegram channel of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (HQs) reported on Tuesday. "Today, repatriation measures were held within the framework of previous agreements. 1,000 bodies were returned to Ukraine, which, according to the Russian side, belong to Ukrainian servicemen. Unfortunately, among the repatriated there are five bodies of Ukrainian servicemen who died in captivity. They were on the lists of "seriously wounded and seriously ill" prisoners for exchange according to the agreements in Istanbul during the second round of negotiations," the message says. The HQs emphasizes that the Russian side continues to delay and does not fulfill its obligations. Ukraine insists on the immediate release of all seriously ill and seriously wounded prisoners and is fighting for the return of all Ukrainian citizens. It is reported that among those returned "on the shield" are defenders from the Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Luhansk and Kursk directions. In the near future, law enforcement investigators, together with expert institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, will carry out all necessary examinations and identify the repatriated bodies. "Repatriation measures were successfully carried out as a result of the joint work of the HQs employees, the Joint Center at the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the Office of the Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for Human Rights, the Secretariat of the Commissioner for Persons Missing in Special Circumstances, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, and other structures of the Security and Defense Sector of Ukraine," the HQs said. The HQs expressed gratitude for the assistance of the International Committee of the Red Cross and thanked the personnel of the Central Directorate of the Central Military District of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Joint Center for the Provision of Measures of the Central Military District of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which carries out the transportation of repatriates to designated state specialized institutions. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis supports holding a summit on settling the war in Ukraine in Geneva, he said in an interview with SRF television on Tuesday. "We are ready for such a meeting and we are grateful for the trust that is being shown in us. We have always signaled our readiness, but, of course, everything depends on the will of the great powers," he said. In addition, Cassis said that they had been "preparing for this for a long time." "This can be implemented in the shortest possible time," the minister added. Asked about the arrest warrant for Putin issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Cassis said: "We have clarified the legal situation. We can hold such a meeting and we know what needs to be done to ensure that it goes smoothly. We can do this despite the arrest warrant for Putin, thanks to our special role and the role of Geneva as the European headquarters of the UN." Earlier, it was reported that the idea of holding a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin in Geneva as a "neutral territory" was expressed by French President Emmanuel Macron after the summit in Washington on Monday. MANCHESTER Orvis will cut 4 percent of its workforce by the end of 2025. This is the key news emerging from a statement released by Simon Pe The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine received another delivery of equipment from the IT coalition in July and August worth a total of EUR 10 million, financed by Luxembourg, Ireland, Belgium and Estonia, the defense ministrys website reported on Tuesday. "This time, the partners transferred: 6,948 laptops for the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as for the information and communication systems Oberih, Impulse and the Medical Information System; 318 charging stations; 2,304 communication equipment; 442 monitors; equipment for the data processing centers of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Ukraine; network equipment for the infrastructure of ICS Oberih; routers, switches, licenses and other equipment for the implementation of software-oriented networks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the message says. A separate delivery of 1,000 routers was received from Latvia for the amount of over EUR 77,000. The Ministry of Defense noted that this is the fourth and fifth delivery from the IT coalition in 2025. In January, within the framework of the initiative, Estonia, the Netherlands and Luxembourg transferred equipment worth EUR 3.3 million to Ukraine, in February EUR 7.5 million, and in April about EUR 2 million. "Thanks to the new supply from the IT coalition countries, we will be able to technically provide the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in which digital products and services are being implemented," said Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for Digitalization Oksana Ferchuk. The IT coalition is one of the capability coalitions within the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (the Ramstein format). It supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense in the field of IT, communications and cybersecurity. Currently, the coalition includes Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden and Japan. The coalition leaders are Estonia and Luxembourg. Late Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny once famously said that Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, which has been under Russian control since 2014, is not "a ham sandwich" to be passed around. Its fate is once again in question amid fevered diplomacy aimed at bringing an end to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. After his August 15 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, US President Donald Trump said in a social media post that, for Ukraine, there is "no getting back" Crimea. Moscow also maintains that the peninsula's status is settled and is seeking recognition of its annexation, which followed a referendum held in 2014 and widely condemned as a sham by the international community. Historically, ownership of the peninsula has changed over the past couple of centuries. The Russian Empire annexed the Crimean Khanate officially in 1783 under Catherine the Great. When the Russian Empire collapsed in 1917, a short-lived Crimean People's Republic was proclaimed but was quickly quashed by the forces of Russia's Black Sea fleet, largely controlled by the Bolsheviks. As World War I, the Russian Civil War, and the Ukrainian War of Independence raged on, Crimea was variously controlled over the next few years by intervening Allied troops from France and Greece and both the Red and White Russian armies, until it was conquered by the Red Bolshevik forces in November 1920. Apart from the German occupation, Crimea remained part of Russia within the U.S.S.R. until 1954, when Soviet ruler Nikita Khrushchev transferred it to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. Soviet Break-Up And Referendums Mostly inhabited by ethnic Russians, Crimea remained a part of Ukraine when it gained its independence from the U.S.S.R. during the breakup in 1991. A slight majority of Crimeans participating in Ukraine's December 1991 independence referendum -- 54 percent in the region and 57 percent in the separately administered city of Sevastopol -- voted in favor of Ukraine's independence from the U.S.S.R. In a 1994 referendum, a majority of Crimeans voted in favor of several measures, including greater autonomy for the peninsula within Ukraine and dual Russian-Ukrainian citizenship for residents. But these measures were not implemented, as Ukraine's upper house of parliament abolished the Crimean Constitution and the position of president of Crimea, with a new constitution coming into effect in 1999. As part of Ukraine, Crimea continued to host Russia's Black Sea fleet, with its headquarters in Sevastopol and Russia leasing the facilities. Under the terms of the lease agreement, Russia agreed to "respect the sovereignty of Ukraine, honor its legislation, and preclude interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine." Despite this, the fleet's troops played a key role in taking over the peninsula militarily in February 2014, after which Russia staged a referendum that was declared illegal by the UN General Assembly. Russia declared the formal annexation of the peninsula in March 2014, drawing international condemnation and sanctions. Since the annexation, Russia has maintained that Crimea's status is not up for discussion. Most recently, Putin reportedly told Trump that a peace deal to end his invasion of Ukraine would hinge on recognition of the takeover, among other demands. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated Ukraine will not legally recognize Russia's control of the peninsula, and the country's constitution only allows for ceding territory through a nationwide referendum. Trump said earlier this year that "[n]obody is asking Zelenskyy to recognize Crimea as Russian territory." The United States, on the other hand, may become the first -- and likely the only, for the foreseeable future -- Western country to do so as part of a potential peace deal. Unnamed sources have indicated the current Trump administration may be open to the move, and Trump himself said during his first term, prior to Russia's full-scale invasion, that he would not take it off the table. In a move that caught many observers and politicians by surprise, US President Donald Trump made a phone call to Belarusian strongman Aleksandr Lukashenko just hours before his Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin last week. Trump wrote on social media, describing Lukashenko as "the highly respected President," that his conversation with him had focused on the release of 1,300 political prisoners. According to Valer Kavaleuski, head of an exiled think tank called the Euro-Atlantic Affairs Agency, Trump's emphasis on political prisoners was deeply symbolic. "Trump put the humanitarian issue, the release of political prisoners, at the very top of his message," Kavaleuski told RFE/RL. "This highlights that humanitarian negotiations are convenient for both Minsk and Washington. They avoid difficult issues like geopolitics or the war in Ukraine, while appearing noble and dignified because they are about people's lives." For Lukashenko, long criticized and isolated by the West as a dictator and staunch Putin ally, Trump's call represented a diplomatic breakthrough. 'A Gift For Lukashenko' Valer Karbalevich, a political analyst for RFE/RL's Belarus Service, said it was "a huge gift" for Lukashenko, offering a way back into the fold after he burned bridges with the West by brutally suppressing mass protests against electoral fraud in 2020. "Lukashenko is pleased," he wrote. "He clearly feels psychological discomfort that, for five years now, Western countries have not recognized him as the president of Belarus." But Kavaleuski sees it differently: "Even with terrible cards in his hand, being unrecognized, under Russian control, and complicit in aggression against Ukraine, Lukashenko managed to get through to Trump. This was not a gift. It was the result of targeted, skillful Belarusian diplomacy," he said. Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled Belarusian opposition leader, hailed Trump's efforts to release political prisoners in Belarus but called for continuing pressure on Lukashenko's regime. "This is an important humanitarian mission by the President (Trump) -- to save the lives of innocent people. We now expect Lukashenko's regime to fully end its repression and release all innocent people from prison, a vital first step toward peace, freedom, and reconciliation. And until this happens, there should be no change in policy toward the regime," Tsikhanouskaya said on social media. Lukashenko has so far offered few details. His press secretary, Natallya Eismant, said only that "work in this direction is under way." Human rights organizations are skeptical. Paval Sapelka from the Belarusian Vyasna human rights center noted that repression has intensified in recent months, even as occasional pardons are granted. No Political Thaw "The authorities are demonstrating parallel processes. Repression continues and worsens, according to some indicators. At the same time, some people are released under pardons, occasionally with immediate deportation, which is unacceptable," Sapelka told RFE/RL. "No one has spoken of stopping arrests or of a political thaw," said Dzmitry Yahorau of the BySol Foundation, which helps victims of repression in Belarus. Maryna Kasinerava of Dissidentby, which supports political prisoners, said there may be more than 1,300 people behind bars for opposing the regime. "The system has done everything to hide crimes against human rights, including closing court schedules," she said. Kasinerava warned that Lukashenko could pursue "violent transfers" rather than genuine releases. "The regime may expel people with a bag over their heads. That has nothing to do with freedom in the healthy sense of the word," she said. 'Deficit Of Hope' Since 2020, Vyasna has documented 360 pardons in Belarus, with at least eight individuals deported directly from prison despite holding only Belarusian citizenship. In the past five years, 8,532 people have faced politically motivated criminal charges, and 7,299 have been sentenced. For rights defenders, the prospect of 1,300 prisoners walking free would indeed be historic. But they underline that unless repression ceases, such a move will be more of a tactical maneuver than a systemic change. Still, Kavaleuski said Trump's engagement with Lukashenko, as his efforts to bring peace in Ukraine, could be a source of encouragement. "There is a deficit of hope in both Belarus and Ukraine right now. People in both countries consider Trump as someone who, however imperfectly, is willing to engage and try to solve the crises they are facing." European policymakers, by contrast, have kept their distance, sticking to rigid sanctions and isolation, which, according to Kavaleuski, makes Trump's engagement more significant. "Maybe it's not the ideal path. Maybe it requires compromises, including the reality that Lukashenko remains in power. But it offers a chance to free people from prison and to slow repression," he emphasized. For now, Trump's interest in Lukashenko has broken through years of stalemate. It remains unclear if it signals a one-off gesture on humanitarian grounds or the start of a new channel of US diplomacy. For the Belarusian opposition, the concern is that humanitarian gestures by Trump may open the door to legitimize Lukashenko without delivering fundamental reforms. Russia launched 270 drones and 10 missiles against Ukraine on August 19, in a kinetic response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's White House talks with US President Donald Trump and key European allies. Ukrainian regional officials said that over 24 hours Russian shelling across the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson regions had claimed the lives of 15 people and injured at least 76 more. It was reported that the Poltava region was hit particularly hard, leaving over 1,500 residents without electricity. In Chernihiv, drones damaged infrastructure and disrupted power supplies. A Ukrainian drone attack late on August 19 knocked out power to areas of the Zaporizhzhya region under Russian control, Moscow-installed Governor Yevgeny Balitsky said on Telegram. Balitsky said crews were restoring power and switching affected areas to reserve lines. The work was made more difficult "by the danger of repeat strikes and by darkness," he said. Russian forces hold well over half of the Zaporizhzhya, but Kyiv maintains control of the region's main administrative center. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha condemned Russia's attacks, calling them "the opposite of peace," while "hard work to advance peace was under way in Washington." Kyiv residents who spoke to RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service appeared unenthused by the latest diplomatic moves. "After they rolled a red carpet for [Russian President Vladimir Putin] I completely lost my faith in humanity as well as a belief that the situation can improve," one woman said. Another resident said that she was not sure it was a good idea for Zelenskyy to hold talks with Putin, whom she described as a "monster." "How to look him in the face, how much evil he has done? How to shake his hand? I cannot imagine it," she added. Nevertheless, the Washington talks ended with Trump pledging to get Putin to the negotiating table with Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian president has repeatedly said he is available for talks but Putin has not. Following the Washington meetings, a Kremlin statement spoke vaguely about higher-level contacts between Moscow and Kyiv -- but did not mention the two leaders by name. "Any contacts involving the most senior leaders need to be prepared with the utmost care," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on August 19. European leaders have voiced skepticism that Putin will come to talks without US pressure to do so. In Washington, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said "We don't know whether the Russian president will have the courage to attend such a summit. Therefore, persuasion is needed." Yet speaking to Fox News on August 19, Trump said Putin had agreed, during a phone call the previous day, to meet Zelenskyy. "We're going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks...It's possible that he doesn't want to make a deal," Trump added. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said later that both leaders have expressed a willingness to sit down with each other. "[Trump] wants these two countries to engage in direct diplomacy," she said at a White House briefing. Hes said that from the very beginning which is why hes agreeable to the idea of having President Zelenskyy and President Putin get together, and I understand that accommodations for that meeting are under way." The latest Russian attacks underscore the growing toll on Ukraine's civilian population and infrastructure. Russia denies deliberately targeting nonmilitary sites, but the strikes routinely destroy homes, hospitals, schools, and energy facilities. Security guarantees for Ukraine were another key element in the Washington talks, with Zelenskyy saying a $90 billion program had been discussed for purchasing US weapons to defend Ukraine. Zelenskyy also said US and European leaders discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, but there were no details, and many doubts remain. Meanwhile, fighting along the front line has remained intense. Ukraine's General Staff said on August 19 that 186 combat engagements were recorded in the past 24 hours, with Russia launching two missile strikes, 78 air strikes, and dropping 162 guided bombs. The fiercest battles are concentrated near the town of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has issued a warning, emphasizing that the intensification of Russian assaults is devastating civilian life, especially in frontline communities. "With 286 civilians killed and 1,388 injured, the July casualty number was the highest since May 2022, topping also those for June 2025," the mission reported last week. It added that the sharp rise was primarily due to the increased use of aerial bombs and short-range drones. Danielle Bell, head of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, emphasized that the escalation is hitting vulnerable populations the hardest. "Whether you are in a hospital or a prison, at home or at work, close to or far away from the front line, if you are in Ukraine today, you are at risk of getting killed or injured by the war," Bell said. "The risk is significantly higher than last year, and it continues to rise." With reporting by Reuters The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. At a meeting in Washington between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump, and European leaders, Ukraines backers pledged their continued support, though the details remain vague. According to one foreign policy analyst, the offers of Western security guarantees will strengthen Zelenskyy's position in future peace talks. The last time Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in the Oval Office , the Ukrainian president was berated for being ungrateful, argumentative, and underdressed. Donald Trump suspended US military support, undermining Ukraine's ability to withstand Russia's grinding invasion. Zelenskyy's second visit, escorted by a phalanx of European and NATO leaders, was cardinally different: compliments, instead of haranguing; US proposals of "security guarantees"; a US promise to push Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet face-to-face with Zelenskyy. It's too early to say whether the August 18 White House talks laid the groundwork for an end to Moscow's 42-month-old war. At the very least, it generated glimmers of optimism: for an end to the war that will also avoid throwing Ukraine under the bus, as many had feared during Trump's red-carpet embrace of Putin in Alaska three days earlier. "We're getting serious at this point about what a settlement -- to end the war -- is going to look like," said George Beebe, a former CIA analyst who is now director of grand strategy at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, a Washington think tank that advocates for more restrained US foreign policy. "It could have been worse," said Oxana Shevel, a political scientist at Tufts University outside Boston and an expert on Ukrainian and Russian history, "but I don't think there has been any sort of substantive breakthrough, because the details of whatever breakthrough may have been -- security guarantees in particular -- are not there." "I viewed this from the beginning as a damage-limitation exercise, and I think to some extent it achieved that," said Ian Bond, a former British diplomat who is now deputy director of the Center for European Reform in London. "Clearly, it was a lot better than the meeting in February." Alaska Red Carpet. White House Oval Office. Last week, Trump welcomed Putin onto US soil, giving a diplomatic bro hug, providing him a world stage while lending Putin his ear, one-on-one. The Alaska summit was not a triumph for Trump: he did not secure a cease-fire to dial back Russia's assault. Putin, meanwhile, got a grand welcome from the country he sees as Russia's peer more than any other. Putin also managed a subtle push for Trump, who agreed to press not for a more immediate cease-fire in Ukraine but to a more comprehensive peace treaty. This would mean negotiating a sweeping treaty would give Putin the chance to litigate the "root causes" of the Ukraine war. That's a litany of historical grievances, some dating back to 10th century Kyivian Rus, some dating back to the late 1990s, when NATO started expanding east. Putin again mentioned "root causes" in a Kremlin meeting the day he arrived back in Moscow. It also buys time for Putin whose military continues to wear down Ukraine's outmanned, outgunned armed forces, not to mention Ukraine's exhausted population. The day after Zelenskyy's trip, Russia fired scores of drones and missiles at Ukrainian civilian targets. "Russia is winning the war, slowly and painfully, but they're winning, and that means that Putin is much less amenable to any actual concessions," said David Silbey, a professor of military history at Cornell University in New York. "Security guarantees" for Ukraine has long been a priority for Zelenskyy, and Trump's willingness to sign on to them was a small victory. Certainly, it's better than "land swaps," which Trump had signaled he was also open to before Alaska. The show of support from the eight European leaders was a sign that Putin had failed to drive a wedge between Brussels and Washington, something Kyiv has feared. Trump said he would push Putin to meet with Zelenskyy. "Zelenskyy, I think, very much benefited from the optics of having the United States and key European leaders supporting him," Beebe said. "He can point to that in signing an ultimate peace deal with Russia, and say: We have the West behind us. We're not here alone. We're not going to be left alone'." The signals already coming from the Russian Foreign Ministry are cool. Putin considers Zelenskyy an illegitimate leader ; a face-to-meeting would be a considerable concession. Also, "it seems very clear to me that the Russians are in no way prepared to sign a deal on the basis that Western [peacekeeping] forces will be deployed in Ukraine," Bond said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov muddied the waters when he declared the issue of "Russian-speaking people in Ukraine" was also a priority. That's a long-standing pretext for Russia, dating back to Moscow's 2014 incursions and allegations Kyiv was suppressing the Russian language. "This is an existential war for Ukraine and for Zelenskyy. He doesn't want to settle it [on Russia's terms]. Trump doesn't have the attention span to try and settle this. And Putin is winning, so he doesn't have to settle this," Silbey said. "So I don't see this ending, certainly not before the end of the year." Senior International Correspondent Mike Eckel reported from Prague; North American Correspondent Todd Prince reported from Washington. Trump says Britain, France and Germany could send troops to ensure peace in Ukraine US President Donald Trump said European countries would provide security guarantees for Ukraine first and foremost, he said on Fox News on Tuesday. Asked how security guarantees would be provided for Ukraine if it was not a NATO member, Trump responded that France, Germany and Britain want to have troops in place and suggested that it wouldnt be a problem. Asked if he could guarantee that American troops would not be sent into the country, Trump replied that he guarantees this as the President, adding that he is just trying to stop people from being killed. He also suggested that US support for Ukraine's security could be provided in the form of air force. The US President also notes that he has always considered Ukraine a "buffer" between Russia and Europe and once again rejected the possibility of Ukraine's membership in the alliance. Trumps said that the USSR and Russia were right not to want to see NATO on their borders. An update was given on the planned Lough Key Greenway at a recent meeting of the council, with councillors approving a Section 85 Agreement between Roscommon and Leitrim County Councils. It will see Roscommon County Council take the lead on the project in terms of design, planning and construction. Director of Services Mark Keaveney said TII has provided funding for the development, which may include a spur into Boyle too. Cathaoirleach Liam Callaghan welcomed the update, saying the greenway will be a major asset to the locality and the county. I hope that the project will get moving quite quickly, he said. Proposing that the measure be agreed, Cllr Sean Moylan said he supported it wholeheartedly. This will be a fantastic facility to have in the north of the county, the Fianna Fail councillor said. It will tie the Shannon River to Lough Key. It will be fantastic for Boyle, Cootehall, Lough Key, for all across that area. Independent councillor Tom Crosby also welcomed the proposal, and asked that the greenway be connected to other projects, such as the one planned for Roosky-Tarmonbarry Activity holidays are by far the fastest growing holidays in the world, he said. Cllr Leah Cull said there were so many positives from the development, and she highlighted the benefits of extending the greenway in the future to Keadue, Arigna, and Ballyfarnon. There are very early talks of a blueway from Drumshanbo to Arigna along Lough Allen, said the Sinn Fein councillor. Cllr Laurence Fallon welcomed the development, saying that there were a number of routes planned in the county. A lot of work has been done on the Athlone to Ballyleague Greenway but I have to say it has created a lot of concern among local people, said the Independent councillor. He said that these projects required a lot of consultation and engagement with communities, and he cautioned planners about dividing farmland. I think a little more discussion is needed to ensure that we get a smooth outcome, he said. Fianna Fail councillor John Keogh agreed that communication and connectivity were critical in greenway projects. Mr Keaveney said that there was an overall plan to connect the county's greenways eventually. We are working on a greenway to connect to the Dublin-Galway Greenway, he said and that the current projects included routes from Athlone to Ballyleague, and from Ballyleague to Tarmonbarry, It is envisaged that they will connect with the greenway from Lough Key, he added. The National Famine Way was also highlighted as were the Beara Breifne Way and the Tain Way, which is being reimagined at the moment. Cllr Crosby also highlighted the possibility of connecting Tarmonbarry to the Royal Canal Greenway, saying it was only a kilometre away. Council chief Executive Shane Tiernan said he recently met with the CEO of Waterways Ireland where he raised a number of projects, including the possible walkway from Tarmonbarry to Cloondara along the old weir. He gave me assurances that he was supportive of the council and was looking to see if we can partner, particularly on the funding side, Mr Tiernan said. Family run Roscommon business, Arigna Fuels, has signed a 1.2 million partnership deal with the German supermarket chain, ALDI. The two-year deal will see Arigna Fuels Harvest Flame, a low-emission, renewable heating product made from organic plant-based materials, available in all 164 Aldi stores nationwide, starting this August. Based in North Roscommon, Arigna Fuels currently employs 45 staff, and has a long-standing reputation for producing sustainable, quality fuels. Their innovative Harvest Flame product is made from 100% renewable raw materials in accordance with the Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 and manufactured in Ireland. The company has recently made a significant investment in building Europes largest biochar production facility in Roscommon to support the creation of this new product. This partnership also marks a significant milestone in ALDIs commitment to supporting Irish suppliers and offering customers sustainable, high-quality alternatives to traditional fuels. Over the past year, the product has been available as a Specialbuy at ALDI, and through this new contract ALDI and Arigna Fuels will deepen their partnership, reflecting a shared vision for a greener, more energy-efficient future. Harvest Flame is designed for use in stoves, open fires, and outdoor fire pits. It offers a higher heat output than traditional solid fuels such as season timber, wood chips, or pellets. Thanks to its low moisture and ash content, it also significantly reduces emissions and particulates making it a cleaner, more efficient alternative for Irish households. The launch of Harvest Flame at ALDIs stores across Ireland highlights the retailers commitment to offering practical and accessible solutions to climate-conscious customers across Ireland. Harvest Flame is a truly sustainable product as it is manufactured from olive stones which are a by-product in the production of olive oil. The olive fruit is harvested annually, and trees are not required to be felled. Conor Layden, Commercial Director of Arigna Group said: We are delighted to announce our partnership with ALDI to bring Harvest Flame, our sustainable biomass product, to households across the country. This partnership represents a strategic advancement in our commercial expansion and reinforces our commitment to delivering renewable, low-emission heating solutions. Harvest Flame is engineered for efficiency and sustainability, offering a reliable alternative to traditional solid fuels while supporting Irelands transition to a low-carbon economy. Barry Kirwan, Buying Director, ALDI Ireland said: Were excited to partner with Arigna through this 1.2 million initiative, which reflects our ongoing dedication to sustainability and supporting local Irish suppliers. At ALDI, we are committed to making sustainability affordable for our customers, so shoppers can feel confident they are making responsible, sustainable choices when they shop with us. For the past year, weve been working closely with the Arigna team to bring their high-quality, renewable product to our shelves across Ireland. Were committed to delivering benefits to both our customers and the environment and look forward to supplying Arignas sustainable products to customers. Harvest Flame will be available in ALDI stores from this Thursday, August 21st 2025. Photo: NBC News US President Donald Trump predicts that Ukraine will regain control over significant territories as a result of a peace agreement. Trump said on Fox News Tuesday, when asked if "territory swaps" were discussed at a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House on Tuesday that Ukraine is going to get its life back, its people are not going to be killed all over the country, and it's going to get a lot of land. According to Trump, this was a war, and Russia is a powerful military state whether people like it or not, it's a much bigger country, it's not a war that should have been started. He believes that one shouldnt wage a war with the country that's ten times bigger than your country. He noted that the United States had provided Ukraine with the best military equipment in the world, specifically mentioning Patriot air defense missiles, and with all of that, Ukrainian soldiers were incredibly brave because they were fighting against a much larger and, theoretically, much more powerful force. Living Legend Pankaj Kapur on Punjabi Origins, Bollywood Career and Family Tradition Latest News Pankaj Kapur is feted today not merely for the range of his roles in cinema and television, but also as a mentor to new generations Living Legend Pankaj Kapur on Punjabi Origins, Bollywood Career and Family Tradition Latest News: Veteran actor Pankaj Kapur, one of India's most revered names in film industry, sat down for an exclusive interview recently with Rozana Spokesman, where he shared his opinion on Punjabi industry, his family of renowned artists, and his own incredible career in Bollywood. About the Punjabi Music Industry and Recent Scandals Advertisement When queried regarding the prevailing spate of controversies in Punjabi music, with artists such as Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Aujla, and Honey Singh constantly making headlines, Kapur presented a balanced view. With close links to Punjab, he stressed that music and art do have to change with the times, yet artists, too, have a responsibility towards culture and society. He further added that controversies may flourish and wilt, but intrinsic talent always ends up being the winner. Remembering His Ludhiana Roots The actor reminisced about Ludhiana, looking back at the virtues and cultural wealth of Punjab that have remained with him despite his four decades of life in the industry. Kapur revealed that even if life goes very far with him, his identity and source remain Punjabi at heart. Advertisement A Family of Artists Next, the discussion shifted to his family. From his wife, Supriya Pathak, a renowned actress, to his son Shahid Kapoor, Bollywood's top star, art is obviously in the genes. Kapur modestly talked about how proud he is, not only of their achievements, but of how each one of them has established a distinctive identity of their own in the world of cinema. His Struggles in Bollywood Advertisement Speaking out about his initial years, Kapur walked down the memory lane of settling in Mumbai (previously Bombay) in search of employment. He confessed that the early years were days of struggle, uncertainty, and poverty. Nevertheless, his interest in acting, along with theatre training, kept him encouraged. He emphasized that the journey was not straightforward, but the ordeal made his success all the more precious. Legacy of a Living Legend Pankaj Kapur is feted today not merely for the range of his roles in cinema and television, but also as a mentor to new generations of performers. His utterances in the interview served to remind audiences everywhere that discipline, commitment, and fidelity to one's origins are the true secrets to enduring success. Advertisement (For more news apart from 'Living Legend Pankaj Kapur Speaks Out on Punjabi Origins, Bollywood Career and Family Tradition,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) INDIA Bloc Announces Former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy As Vice Presidential Candidate Former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy has been chosen as the their candidate. INDIA Bloc Announces Former Supreme Court Judge Sudershan Reddy As Vice Presidential Candidate News: The INDIA bloc on Tuesday announced its candidate for the Vice-Presidential election, scheduled to take place in the next month on the 9th. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, while making the announcement, said, "All INDIA bloc parties have decided to have a common candidate; the decision has been taken unanimously. I am happy that all opposition parties have agreed on one name. It is a big achievement for democracy. " Advertisement Former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy has been chosen as the their candidate. INDIA made the decision at a meeting held at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharges residence. The ruling has already announced Maharashtra governor and senior RSS leader CP Radhakrishnan as their candidate for the post. Advertisement He was born on July 8, 1946. He enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh in December 1971. He practiced writ and civil matters in the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Reddy served as government pleader in the Andhra Pradesh High Court between 1988 and 1990. He also worked as legal adviser and standing counsel for Osmania University. Next, he was appointed a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 1995 and was later elevated as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in December 2005. In 2007, he became a judge of the Supreme Court of India and served until his retirement on July 8, 2011. Advertisement (For more news apart from 'INDIA Bloc Announces Former Supreme Court Judge B Sudershan Reddy As Vice Presidential Candidate,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) INDIA Alliance VP Candidate Has Clean Image, Upholds Constitution & A Legal Expert: Opposition Ruling MP Says 'We are in full support of C.P. Radhakrishnan' INDIA alliance Vice-Presidential candidate B. Sudershan Reddy Latest News: INDIA alliance Vice-Presidential candidate and former Supreme Court Judge B. Sudershan Reddy on Tuesday evening arrived at Delhi airport. He was received by Congress MPs Rajeev Shukla, Syed Naseer Hussain, Mallu Ravi, and Pramod Tiwari at the airport. Advertisement B. Sudershan Reddy speaking to the media at the airport, he said, "Thank you for projecting me as a candidate on behalf of INDIA Alliance. But for you, it would not have been possible...As a candidate, I would humbly request and appeal to all the Parliamentarians to support my candidature." The vice presidential election is scheduled to be held on the 9th, next month. Opposition Roots for B. Sudershan Reddy as the next Vice President of India: Advertisement Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain said, B. Sudershan Reddy has a clean image and is chosen based on ideological basis. "We have chosen a candidate on ideological basis, with a clean image, a candidate who is not in any party, a candidate who has a track record of upholding constitutional values and working in a democratic spirit. One who has fought for social justice, political and economic empowerment of people, and who has gone by the law of the land, MP Syed Naseer Hussain said. He added, So, our candidate has many merits which we will put forth in the days to come. Let us see which party, MP will do what in the days to come..." He made the statement speaking to the News Agency ANI. Advertisement Another Congress MP, Pramod Tiwar,i speaking INDIA alliances Nominee, said, "If you read his (, B. Sudershan Reddy) judgments, he has made decisive judgments boldly in the interest of people, in the national interest. The Vice President post should indeed be occupied by such a personality. He is the most suitable candidate. MPs should support him. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy told ANI that when the Congress party conducted a caste census in Telangana, Justice Sudershan Reddy was the independent expert committee chairman. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy added, "... Our cabinet and Congress party, on behalf of the people of Telangana and on behalf of the Telugu community, we request Telugu Desam Party, Janasena, YSR, BRS and AIMIM, all political parties, leaders should unite and try to make Justice Sudarshen Reddy win. After PV Narasimha Rao, Telangana did not get such an opportunity..." Advertisement On the INDIA alliance VP nominee, former Supreme Court Judge B. Sudershan Reddy, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy said, "...He is not a member of the Congress party. He is a Constitutional and legal expert... It is very good for the country that a Constitutional expert becomes the Vice President... I request all the MPs of TDP, YSRCP, BRS, and AIMIM to vote for Sudershan Reddy..." Ruling MP Says 'We are in full support of C.P. Radhakrishnan' The NDA government led by the BJP has chosen Maharashtra Governor and RSS veteran, C.P. Radhakrishnan as the Vice Presidential Candidate. TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, taking a jibe at the opposition, said, "I am happy that at least now the Opposition, INDIA Alliance, recognizes there are states down south of India. So, this has happened because PM Modi has announced C.P. Radhakrishnan from Tamil Nadu. As an NDA partner, we are in full support of the candidate announced by the NDA, C.P. Radhakrishnan. We are totally confident that with the numbers that we have in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the states as well, that we will come out not only with flying colours but with a much bigger majority than the last time..." he added. Krishna Devarayalu made the statement while talking to ANI. Head on Collision with Overspeeding bus kills 3 on Kapurthala-Jalandhar highway, Driver on Run Police who arrived at the spot and tried to calm down the protesters, assuring them of a thorough investigation. 3 Biharis killed in Kapurthala-Jalandhar highway Bus Accident Latest News: A tragic road accident killed three individuals on Tuesday morning, near Mand on the Kapurthala-Jalandhar highway. The accident occurred when an overspeeding Bus, on the wrong side, collided head-on with a small goods carrier. In the images surfacing from the incident, the small vehicle can be seen completely mangled. Advertisement The deceased were identified as Kapurthala-based vegetable traders Ishwar Lal and Mukesh. The driver, who also lost his life in the accident, is identified as Rakesh. All three hailed from Bihar. According to reports, the deceased were on their way to Jalandhar to purchase fruits and vegetables when the fatal accident occurred. Local residents and relatives of the victims, outraged by the accident, blocked traffic on the Kapurthala-Jalandhar road, demanding strict action against the offender. Police arrived at the spot and tried to calm down the protesters, assuring them of a thorough investigation. Advertisement The bus driver fled the scene after the accident. The bodies were sent for a post-mortem examination. Over-speeding buses are a menace to commuters and society. Buses can often be seen speeding on roads in Punjab. (For more news apart from 'Head on Collision with Overspeeding bus kills 3 on Kapurthala-Jalandhar highway, Driver on Run,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Chandigarh National Company Law Tribunal to not Hold Court Sittings Until Further Notice; Know Why Resumption of Court proceedings will be notified in due course, the notice read. National Company Law Tribunal, Chandigarh to Stop Court Sittings Until Further Notice Latest News National Company Law Tribunal, Chandigarh to Stop Court Sittings Until Further Notice Latest News: National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Chandigarh, in a notice on Tuesday, informed that due to heavy water seepage from the roof of NCLT premises, there will be no Court sittings of both the Courts of NCLT, Chandigarh Bench until further notice. Advertisement Resumption of Court proceedings will be notified in due course, the notice read. Owing to heavy water seepage from roof of NCLT premises, including the Court Rooms, Chambers of Honble Members and the resultant damage, it is not possible to run Courts, therefore, there will be no Court sittings of both the Courts of NCLT, Chandigarh Bench till further notice. Resumption of Court proceedings will be notified in due course, the notice read. (For more news apart from 'Chandigarh National Company Law Tribunal to not Hold Court Sittings Until Further Notice; Know Why,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Punjab Cops: Hand Grenade Recovered, 4 BKI Operatives Arrested, Directed By Canadian Masterminds Disclosures of the arrested accused that led to the arrest of two more individuals and ultimately to the recovery of the one 86P Hand Grenade. Punjab Police arrest Babbar Khalsa International operatives linked to Canadian masterminds, News: Acting swiftly on forward and backward linkages, Counter Intelligence Jalandhar, on Tuesday, recovered one 86P Hand Grenade, DGP Punjab Police said in a statement. This comes after the arrest of two alleged Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operatives, Ritik Naroliya and a juvenile from Rajasthan, a few days back. Advertisement It was after the disclosures of the arrested accused that led to the arrest of two more individuals and ultimately to the recovery of the one 86P Hand Grenade. DGP Punjab said, The arrested accuseds disclosures led to the arrest of their aides Vishavjit from Kolkata (while he was trying to abscond to Malaysia) and Jackson from Nakodar, which led to the recovery of the said hand grenade. He added that all the accused were acting on the directions of Canada-based BKI masterminds identified as Zeeshan Akhtar & Ajay Gill. Accused Vishavjit and Jackson, DGP said, retrieved 2 hand grenades from Beas through their associates in last week of July this year, from which one grenade was exploded in a liquor shop in SBS Nagar 10 days back by other members of this module. Advertisement An FIR has been registered at PS State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Amritsar. He affirmed that the Punjab Police remains committed to neutralising terror networks, eliminating organized crime and ensuring peace and public safety across the state. (For more news apart from 'Punjab Cops: Hand Grenade Recovered, 4 BKI Operatives Arrested, Directed By Canadian Masterminds,' stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman) Costa speaks with Zelenskyy: We will work together with USA on security guarantees Photo: https://x.com/antoniocostapm European Council President Antonio Costa has held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a conversation with members of the European Council and stressed support for Ukraine and commitment to maintaining pressure on Russia. Our top priorities are to stop the killing, advance the exchange of prisoners, and secure the return of the thousands of children abducted by Russia. We will work together with the United States on concrete and essential security guarantees. Together with President Zelenskyy and the U.S., we will prepare the next steps to achieve a just and lasting peace, Costa said on X Tuesday. He noted the need to continue to support the Ukrainian people and move towards expansion. Ukraines future also lies in the prosperity and stability that EU membership can provide, Costa added. Talks over the new fiscal budgetary measures Romanias Prime Minister, Ilie Bolojan, has held talks with representatives of the public administration and those of magistrate associations on the new fiscal-budgetary measures Intrevederea premierului Ilie Bolojan cu reprezentatii Asociatiei Magistratilor din Romania Mihai Pelin, 19.08.2025, 14:00 A new round of talks has taken place in Bucharest over package 2 of the fiscal measures aimed at curbing Romanias budget deficit, for which the government is going to assume responsibility in Parliament by the end of the month. The countrys Prime Minister, Ilie Bolojan, on Monday held talks with representatives of magistrate associations over the reform of the pension system; the magistrates left angry arguing that round of talks was useless. They arent satisfied by the governments decision to readjust the pensions of judges and prosecutors after a previous 2023 agreement with the European Commission over pension calculation and retirement age, which didnt justify the present move. Here is Bogdan Parlog, representative of the Association Initiative for Justice. Bogdan Parlog: This is actually a diversion, throwing dust in peoples eyes, to show them that something is being made, you know. In reality the social costs of imbalances in the legal system and those caused this way will be affecting people, and are going to be incommensurably higher. However, Prime Minister Bolojan has explained that the bill trimming the magistrate pensions takes into account aspects of social equity, budget realities and the need for cutting state expenses. Increasing the retirement age for magistrates is a measure aimed at improving the quality of the public service and bringing sustainability to the justice system, Bolojan went on to say. Also on Monday, the Prime Minister held talks with representatives of the Associations of Romanian Municipalities also disgruntled by the provisions of an emergency ordinance to suspend funding through the Anghel Saligny programme and the PNRR for projects with a small degree of implementation or those that hadnt kicked off yet. Out of 30 requests only one remained unsolved, says the chair of the aforementioned association, Lia Olguta Vasilescu with the PSD. She explained the fund allotment will be made in accordance with the population number, resulted after the census carried out during the Covid pandemic, which is completely incorrect and is going to have a bad impact upon the administrative-territorial units. Lia Olguta Vasilescu: All the projects completed 30% at the moment are going to get funding through the PNRR. Under the new emergency ordinance, a memorandum is going to be issued for the other projects that if they can be finalized by the middle of the next year, they will be getting the necessary funding. The PNRR will be carried out in a planned manner, Prime Minister Bolojan has told the mayors attending the talks, adding that the projects, which do not qualify for PNNR funding as they cannot be completed until August 31 next year, will become eligible for other types of funding, through various financial funding programmes, either European or national funds. (bill) Indian shares were slightly higher on Tuesday, extending the previous session's strong gains after the Modi government, in a bold Independence Day declaration, revealed plans for the largest tax overhaul since 2017. The benchmark BSE Sensex was up 147 points, or 0.2 percent, at 81,421 in early trade, while the broader NSE Nifty index edged up by 39 points, or 0.2 percent, to 24,915. Reliance Industries rallied 2 percent after its FMCG subsidiary forayed into the healthy functional beverage space through the acquisition of a majority stake in a joint venture with Naturedge Beverages. Vedanta gained 2 percent ahead of a board meeting to consider a second interim dividend for the financial year 2025-26. Bharti Airtel advanced 1.6 percent and Tata Motors was up 1 percent. Vodafone Idea gained 1 percent amid reports that the telecom company is actively exploring non-banking funding options to sustain its capital expenditure (capex) plans. Rainbow Children's Medicare added 1.4 percent after completing the acquisition of a 76 percent equity stake and 100 percent of non-convertible redeemable preference shares of Pratiksha Women & Child Care Hospital. On the flip side, Indian Oil Corporation, which continues to import Russian crude despite U.S. pressure, was down 1 percent. Bajaj FinServ, BEL, UltraTech Cement, HCL Technologies and Bajaj Finance all fell around 1 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis European stocks traded higher on Tuesday as investors weighed the possibility of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. U.S. President Donald Trump described his recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European partners as 'very good" and said he's begun arranging a meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, possibly within the next two weeks. Zelensky said he is open to "any format" of talks and would decide on the trilateral meeting based on how the first round goes. The pan European STOXX 600 edged up by 0.3 percent to 555.91 after finishing marginally higher on Monday. The German DAX rose 0.2 percent, France's CAC 40 climbed 0.6 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was up 0.2 percent. In corporate news, Swiss drug developer Basilea Pharmaceutica plunged 5 percent despite updating its 2025 financial guidance. British healthcare estate investor Assura rose 1.3 percent as Ed Smith stepped down as chairman of the board after seven years in the role. International Workplace Group slumped 17 percent after the office space provider reported a dip in first-half revenue. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News US President Donald Trump has called Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to arrange talks between his Ukrainian and Russian counterparts aimed at a peace deal. Trump took a break from his meeting with the European leaders Monday to place the call to Putin, multiple media outlets reported quoting sources. Trump said he expects a trilateral summit featuring himself, Putin and Zelensky can be arranged in the near future. "At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy," he wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday. "After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," he added. Trump held separate meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key European leaders at the White House Monday on the prospects of a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia. "If Russia proposed to president of the United States bilateral, and then we will see the result of bilateral, and then can be the trilateral," Zelensky told reporters after the meeting. Zelensky added that no date has been confirmed for any potential talks with Putin. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The Global Health Cluster, with partners around the world, issued an urgent call to protect humanitarian workers against increasing attacks. Attacks on healthcare have become horrifyingly routine in conflict regions, the World Health Organization said in a press release. Health workers are threatened or attacked, health facilities destroyed, and humanitarian convoys targeted, leaving patients without life-saving care or the most basic care they need to survive. Between January 2024 and August 2025, WHO documented 2,450 attacks on health care across 21 countries and territories. These led to 2,060 deaths and 2,395 injuries among health workers and patients. In this same period, 1,392 attacks impacted health personnel through killing, injury, abduction, arrest and/ or intimidation. All these incidents affect the rights of civilians caught in conflict. "In the face of this escalating crisis, the Global Health Cluster unites with partners around the world, on World Humanitarian Day, to issue an urgent call: protect humanitarian action and safeguard the people who risk everything to deliver life-saving health care in crisis-affected and high-risk humanitarian settings". Despite these conditions, health partners serve in the world's most complex emergencies. In 27 countries including the occupied Palestinian territory, Sudan, and Ukraine, Health Clusters are working with more than 900 partners to ensure that life-saving services continue, there is effective and timely coordination among partners, and that local responders are supported. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News It is expected that Himalayan 750 could be unveiled at 2025 EICMA and later launched at Royal Enfield Motoverse 2025 As part of its multi-dimensional expansion strategy, Royal Enfield is working on several new models including electric bikes. Also under development is a new range of 750 cc bikes. First to launch among these could be the Himalayan 750, spotted multiple times on road tests. Latest spy shots reveal a tourer version of the Himalayan 750. Lets check out the details. Himalayan 750 tourer Styling and features As compared to earlier test mules that had wire-spoke wheels, this tourer version can be seen with alloy wheels. One can also notice a circular digital cluster, similar to that of Himalayan 450, Super Meteor 650 and other Royal Enfield bikes. Earlier this year in April, a Himalayan 750 test mule spotted in Europe was seen with a rectangular digital console. Royal Enfield 750cc bikes will aggressively target overseas markets including Europe and North America. There are likely to be some differences in equipment list, as compared to India-spec models. Features common across all test mule sightings include the round headlamp, a large windscreen, sculpted fuel tank and prominent tank extensions. Himalayan 750 has two-into-one exhaust pipes with a high-mounted side canister, split seats and robust grab rails. Pannier mounts are available and theres a top box rack as well. Riding stance is upright and comfortable, made possible with the centrally positioned footpegs and a wide handlebar. This relaxed rider triangle seems apt for long distance touring, as rider comfort can be optimized. Spy shot video below credit to PowerDrift. Reworked chassis, re-engineered engine Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 will be using a new frame and subframe. Powering the bike will be a 750cc, parallel-twin engine, expected to deliver around 50-55 hp and 60 Nm of peak torque. It will be paired with a 6-speed transmission. This 750cc engine is likely to be a re-engineered version of the existing 648 cc engine. The higher capacity could have been achieved by using a bigger bore. The 648cc engine delivers 47 hp and 52 Nm of torque. With the more powerful 750cc engine, users can expect enhanced cruising capabilities. The bike will be getting premium features such as cruise control and a range of Bluetooth-based connectivity functions. Turn-by-turn navigation is expected to be part of the tech kit. With increased power output, the braking setup has been upgraded with dual discs at the front. Royal Enfields 650cc motorcycles are equipped with a single front disc brake. At the rear, Himalayan 750 has a single disc brake. Wheel size is 19-inch front and 17-inch rear. Suspension setup comprises USD front forks and a monoshock rear shock absorber. It is likely that the suspension will be adjustable, allowing users to customize as per their needs and preferences. The bike should be able to handle mild to moderate off-road tracks. Upon launch, Royal Enfield Himalayan 750 will rival the likes of Kawasaki Versys 650 and Suzuki V-Strom 650. Royal Enfield is also working on other 750cc models such as Continental GT-R 750 and Interceptor 750. Source Photo: https://www.facebook.com/ On the entire front line since the beginning of the day and as of 16:00 on Tuesday, 78 combat clashes were recorded, the most active enemy actions remain in the Pokrov direction, where 32 battles took place; in Dobropillia, where the enemy recently tried to create a bridgehead for further advancement, the enemy is carrying out air strikes, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said. "In Pokrovsk axis, since the beginning of the day, the Russian occupiers have made 32 attempts to press our soldiers in the areas of the settlements of Volodymyrivka, Maiak, Nykanorivka, Novoekonomichne, Chervony Lyman, Rodynske, Promin, Hrodivka, Lysivka, Zvirove, Udachne, Novomykolaivka, Horikhove and Novoukrainka. The defense forces are holding back the onslaught and have already repelled 31 attacks. Enemy aircraft carried out an airstrike in the area of the settlement of Dobropillia," the General Staff said on the Telegram channel. In Lyman axis, the Russian Army has carried out 15 attacks on Ukrainian positions near the settlements of Zelena Dolyna, Kolodiaz, Myrne, Torske, Yampil and towards Yampil and Hryhorivka. Four combat clashes are currently ongoing. In Siversk axis, since the beginning of the day, the enemy has attacked twice near Pereyizne and towards Fedorivka. The enemy did not conduct active operations in Kramatorsk direction. "In Toretsk axis, our defenders repelled six enemy attempts to penetrate our defenses in the areas of Toretsk, Scherbynivka, Yablunivka and Poltavka; another clash is ongoing. Kostiantynivka was hit by enemy bombs," the General Staff said. There are reports of enemy artillery and mortar attacks on settlements in Chernihiv and Sumy regions. Namely, Halahanivka, Prohres, Seredyna-Buda, Boiaro-Lezhachi, and Yasna Poliana. Hremiach in Chernihiv region and Nova Sloboda and Chernatske in Sumy region suffered from airstrikes. "Two enemy attacks took place in North Slobozhansk and Kursk axes. The invaders' aviation carried out three strikes, dropping five guided bombs. In addition, the enemy carried out 122 artillery attacks on the positions of our troops and settlements, seven of which were from multiple launch rocket systems," the General Staff said in the statement. In South Slobozhansk axis, fighting continues in Vovchansk area. In Kupiansk axis, the enemy attacked the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Synkivka and Stepova Novoselivka three times; two attacks by the Russian invaders were repelled, and another battle is ongoing. In Novopavlivka axis, Ukrainian defenders stopped eight assaults by enemy troops in the areas of the settlements of Hrushivka, Zeleny Hay, Temyrivka, Voskresenka, Zelene Pole and towards Komyshuvakha, four more clashes are ongoing. In Huliai Pole axis, the enemy did not conduct assault operations, but carried out an airstrike on Bilohiria. In Orikhove axis, no enemy offensive operations have been recorded so far. In Dnipro axis, the enemy carried out an airstrike on the settlement of Vidradokamianka, and made four unsuccessful attempts to approach the positions of Ukrainian units. Maruti Suzuki India Limited today announced that its sub 4m SUV, Fronx, has achieved a significant production milestone of 5 lakh units within just 28 months of its launch. Since its debut at Auto Expo 2023, Fronx has quickly become one of the most popular sub 4m SUVs in the country, appreciated for its design, performance, and feature-rich package. It also emerged as the highest exported passenger vehicle in FY 2024-25 and ranked among the top 10 best-selling cars in the domestic market during the same period. Commenting on the achievement, Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, We are deeply grateful to our customers for choosing Fronx as their vehicle of choice and making it one of the most sold Compact SUVs in India. This milestone reflects Indias manufacturing excellence and customer acceptance for vehicles with futuristic design. With its bold styling, best-in-class fuel efficiency, and advanced technology features, Fronx quickly gained popularity in domestic as well as international markets. As we move forward, we remain committed to deliver exciting and value-packed products that exceed the expectations of our customers. Highlights of Fronx Journey: Achieved fastest 1 lakh sales milestone in just 10 months from launch. Reached 2 lakh and 3 lakh sales milestones in record time. Registered its highest monthly sales in February 2025 with over 21,400 units. One in every five Fronx units manufactured is exported. The SUV also earned the distinction of being the first Made in India Maruti Suzuki SUV to be exported to Japan. It has since built a strong presence in global markets such as Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Fronx is known for its bold styling and tech-loaded cabin. It comes with advanced features such as Head-Up Display, 360 View Camera, wireless smartphone charger, and a 9-inch HD Smart Play Pro+ infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Powertrain options include a responsive turbocharged engine, offering both performance and fuel efficiency. With its success in both domestic and export markets, Fronx continues to strengthen Maruti Suzukis SUV portfolio and underscores the companys growing focus on stylish, feature-rich, and globally competitive vehicles. Photo: https://t.me/vitaliy_klitschko/5112 Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko discussed the results of the negotiations in Washington with the leaders of the European Union, and stated that one of the key issues today is for Ukraine to receive real security guarantees. "We discussed the results of the negotiations in Washington and the prospects for ending the war in Ukraine, the coordination of partners' actions regarding the success of this process. During my speech, I noted that one of the key issues today is for Ukraine to receive real security guarantees. So that peace in our country is sustainable, not temporary. As the security of Europe also depends on this. Therefore, partners must act more decisively, more promptly and effectively to stop Putin," Klitschko said on Telegram channel. According to him, in this regard, it is important to strengthen support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, close the skies over Ukraine and protect its maritime borders. Klitschko said today the unity of all partners around Ukraine is important both in terms of support and in terms of strengthening sanctions against Russia. The discussion took place at a closed online summit of the European People's Party at the initiative of EPP Chairman Manfred Weber. The EPP online summit was also attended by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Parliament Robert Metzola, and the leaders of the European EPP member parties. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/EmmanuelMacron French President Emmanuel Macron called the next 15 days "critical" and welcomed US President Donald Trump's intention to provide security guarantees for Ukraine. In an interview with public broadcaster LCI, published on August 19, he said that everything possible must be done in the coming weeks to ensure that a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin takes place. "Then, according to the plan, a trilateral summit could take place at the beginning of September," Macron added. "But there is work to be done on security guarantees. So, the next 15 days are absolutely critical. To finish the work with the Americans, to give meaning to the security guarantees. But first of all, we are going to eliminate ambiguities," the French president said. The specific content of the security guarantees is still unknown, although Macron said that "the British, French, Germans, Turks and others are ready to carry out operations - not on the front lines, not provocatively, but support operations in the air, at sea and on land." At the same time, he warned that Russia was a destabilizing force and that President Vladimir Putin "rarely kept his commitments." "I know one thing: since late 2007-2008, President Putin has rarely kept his commitments. He has been a constant destabilizing force and has sought to redefine borders in order to expand his power," the French president said. "This is a predator, this is a cannibal at our gates. I am not saying that tomorrow there will be an attack [by Russia] on France, but in general this is a threat to Europeans," Macron said. China extends anti-subsidy probe into EU dairy products Xinhua) 16:49, August 18, 2025 BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce said Monday that it will extend the ongoing anti-subsidy investigation into certain dairy products imported from the European Union (EU). Given the complexity of the case, and following relevant regulations, the ministry has decided to extend the probe until Feb. 21, 2026, the ministry said in a statement on its website. The ministry initiated the investigation on Aug. 21 last year. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Next NATO summit to be held in Turkey in July 2026 Rutte The 2026 NATO summit will be held in the Turkish capital Ankara on July 7-8, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on Tuesday. I want to thank Turkiye for hosting this important meeting. Turkiye has been a strong NATO Ally for more than 70 years, making invaluable contributions to our shared security, Rutte is quoted as saying on the organization's website. At our next Summit, Leaders will continue to make NATO a stronger, fairer and more lethal Alliance, ready to respond to the critical challenges to our security, the Secretary General also stated. Turkiye is hosting a NATO summit for the second time, after Istanbul in 2004, Brussels recalled. Photo: pexels/ Nanda Gopal Lakshman Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has promised to grant Vladimir Putin "immunity" from arrest under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant if he comes to peace talks in Ukraine, Agence France Presse reported. "Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis told at a press conference that, under certain circumstances, he would be allowed to set foot in Switzerland," AFP reported. Putin has the official status of a suspect in committing an international crime through the illegal movement and deportation of people (including children) from the occupied territories of Ukraine to Russia. The arrest warrant means Putin could be detained and put on trial if he leaves Russia. This can be done by countries that have signed and ratified the Rome Statute, including Switzerland. However, last year the Swiss government defined "the rules for granting immunity to a person under an international arrest warrant. If this person comes for a peace conference not if they come for private reasons," Cassis said. Cassis said Switzerland was fully prepared to host such a meeting, and stressed the military-neutral country's many years of experience in this area. French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested that a summit between Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky could be held in Europe, in "a neutral country, maybe Switzerland." Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2025/08/19/ Sanctions against Member of Parliament and leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko, were applied on the basis of falsified documents, the party's press service said on Tuesday, citing the course of the trial in the Cassation Administrative Court of the Supreme Court, which is hearing the politician's lawsuit against President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the court hearing, Poroshenko said the falsifications were hidden under the label "for official use only," as a result of which neither the public nor even he himself knows why the sanctions were imposed. "For more than seven months, information has been spread that does not correspond to reality. I have reasonable suspicion of falsification of the materials that were submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers and the NSDC. At the seventh month of the process, provide the originals of the materials on the basis of which [decisions] were either deliberately manipulated or you misled those who prepared and signed the sanctions decision," he appealed to representatives of the authorities. The party says that Zelenskyy's representative at the hearing admitted to making changes to the presidential decree enacting the NSDC decision on sanctions after it had already been signed, which she described as "technical corrections." Lawyer Ihor Holovan said that on July 31 the ruling of Vinnytsia District Administrative Court entered into force in Poroshenko's lawsuit against the NSDC apparatus and the NSDC Secretary, which established the fact of unlawful changes in the president's decree on sanctions. The court also found that current Ukrainian legislation does not provide for the possibility of correcting errors or making changes to regulatory acts, including NSDC decisions and presidential decrees, outside the established procedure for adopting the relevant act. "In particular, it was established that the material attached to the decree submitted for the president's signature, dated February 12, 2025, contained errors, specifically that Petro Poroshenko's identification code included 11 digits instead of ten. Accordingly, the court established the fact that the president enacted a Decree with an annex that contained an error," Holovan said. The court also established that the NSDC requested the erroneous annex back by letter and on the 13th sent a different text. Thus, the text of the decree was altered. It also turned out that the documents allegedly forming the basis of the sanctions decision referred to a non-existent suspicion against Poroshenko in the case of Kharkiv Pact. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for October 6. Sanilac County CMH is very involved in community events, partnerships, and programming, even the annual Santa Claus parade. Like all Michigan community mental health agencies, Sanilac County CMH cares for residents of all ages. Michigans rural residents face different challenges when accessing mental health care. Lack of transportation, loneliness, and limited group therapy options can compound mental health needs. To address these challenges, community mental health (CMH) agencies like Sanilac County Community Mental Health (CMH) innovate community-based solutions that meet their populations where they're at. MI Mental Health spoke with Will Morris, CEO, Sanilac County CMH, about how he and his staff tailor services to meet their communities needs.This interview has been condensed for length and clarity.Q. Do the mental health care needs of Michigan's rural residents differ from those of urban residents?A. The answer to that is yes and no. No in the regards that everybody's specific mental health needs are very individualized, based on each persons own lived experiences and symptomology. There are a lot of similarities in both urban and rural settings as far as diagnoses, trauma, and those kinds of things. The needs are different in rural areas because transportation is a much larger issue. Loneliness is a much larger issue.If we were in Detroit, Grand Rapids, or Lansing, and we wanted to do a support group for people who have lost loved ones, we would probably have dozens of people interested. In a rural area, you might get one dozen people who are interested, but each one is available at a different day and time or in different corners of the county. So you cant get more than one or two people together. Because groups are much harder to run, services, in general, are more individualized.We probably do a significantly higher volume of community-based care home visits than other areas do. And we have a harder time doing social recreational activities and providing in-home help because it's harder to find enough employees willing to do that kind of travel for the salaries that we're able to pay for those positions.There are certain regulatory restrictions that make it really hard for rural communities. We are a CCBHC [certified community behavioral health clinic]. CCBHCs are required to have mobile crisis teams and crisis service after hours. When we read the application, I thought, Thats not cost-effective to do a team like they do in the city. They might not get called out once in an eight-hour shift. So, we do an after-hours on-call system. Two staff are there so when a call happens, they can go out. Its much more cost-effective and allows us to tailor services to the needs of our community.Q. What strategies or programs have you developed to address the challenges of delivering rural care?A. We distributed iPads to all of our law enforcement and first responders across the county. When there's an individual with behavioral health concerns, they can divert them when appropriate, assessing them for hospitalization or for other types of treatment services.Being very rural, Sanilac County doesn't have the best high-speed internet. In a lot of communities, they use video technology so people can see their therapist from home. We created video rooms, so our citizens could come into the building and see their psychiatrist here. They also get face-to-face contact with a CMH staff person that can make sure that their needs are met.Q. Sanilac County CMH is very involved in community events, partnerships, and programming. How does that help deliver care to more of your rural residents?A. In rural communities, historically, stigma related to mental health and substance use disorder issues is a lot higher than in urban communities. So the more involved I am and the more involved my agency is, the more we can get people to understand that we're here to support the community in general not a specific subset, not a specific person, but the community.Building culture in the communities is so important. When I got this position, I moved to the county. I'm actually on the village council of the village I live in. I'm very active in our local community. My wife's on the arts council and does lots of work with the library. We immersed ourselves in the community so we could hear what the community was saying, so that we can adjust the agency's presence to meet those needs when they come up.Sanilac County CMH is part of the community. We step up whenever its necessary. We have lots of community partners. If I picked up the phone right now and said we needed something, someone would come through for us because they know they could call us, and we would do the same.Q. What else is important to consider when delivering mental health services in rural areas?A. Its really important to look at the community experts. You need to sit down with the sheriff. You need to sit down with the county administrator, the local municipality leaders, the directors of the homeless shelter, and the health department. You need to talk about what the community needs are and look at it from a community perspective, not just a CMH perspective. Then, tailor the CMH services to meet those specific needs in the most cost-effective way possible.That's one of the strengths that we have in the Michigan system. Even though we have set rules, set services, and set things that we have to do, there is a level of flexibility. I don't have to spend $250,000 on a crisis van. I can take that $250,000 and invest it into smaller vehicles so 12 people can get out to help individuals in any corner of the county versus having one big van sitting in a parking lot. That flexibility and really understanding the pulse of your community is the biggest key.The MI Mental Health series highlights the opportunities that Michigan's children, teens, and adults of all ages have to find the mental health help they need, when and where they need it. It is made possible with funding from the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan Summit Pointe , and Washtenaw County Community Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage NATO leaders to meet on Aug 20 to discuss Ukraine, way forward NATO leaders are expected to meet on Wednesday, August 20, to discuss the situation around Ukraine in the context of a summit in Washington on August 18, including a system of possible guarantees, Reuters news agency reported. "NATO military leaders are expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss Ukraine and the way forward () as Washington and European capitals work out details of what security guarantees might look like for Kyiv," Reuters said. It is noted that Ukraine and its European partners received support from U.S. President Donald Trump at a meeting in Washington on August 18 to provide security guarantees, "but face many unanswered questions." According to the plan, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Alexus Grynkewich will brief the chiefs of defense on the results of the meeting between Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week. Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, is reportedly planning to participate in the meeting online. Investors' focus on Tuesday will be on the unexpected result of the previous day's meetings between the US and Ukrainian presidents together with multiple European leaders. According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the meetings did not meet everyone's expectations, they exceeded them. Among other potential results, reports indicated that a summit between Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenski was now been planned for within the next fortnight. Against that backdrop, at 1230 BST the US Department of Commerce was scheduled to release a reading on housing starts covering the month of July. In the euro area, at 0800 BST the European Central Bank would release current account figures for the euro area in June. No major economic reports were due out in the UK. Tuesday 19 August INTERIMS Tribal Group, IWG INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Building Permits (US) (13:30) Current Account (EU) (09:00) Housing Starts (US) (13:30) GMS Jangada Mines FINALS Cambridge Nutritional Science AGMS Eurasia Mining, Mobile Tornado Group FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Oxford Instruments European shares opened higher on Tuesday as traders reacted cautiously to hopes of a Russia-Ukraine peace deal after talks in Washington between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The pan-regional Stoxx 600 rose 0.14% to 554 at 0806 BST with all major bourses following suit. Trump and European leaders also present in Washington claimed Russia leader Vladimir Putin had agreed to meet face-to-face with Zelenskyy to thrash out a peace deal, although there was no confirmation from Moscow. A day of talks saw Trump rule out a ceasefire and repeat his false claim he had stopped six wars this year alone, while Zelenskyy and the leaders of France, Germany and UK pressed for US-backed security guarantees as part of any long-term agreement. The next step is to bring Putin to the negotiating table and find a durable solution. Peace has rarely felt so close, said Swissquote Bank analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya. Crude oil opened lower this week after the first TrumpPutin meeting went smoothly, then rebounded ahead of the TrumpZelensky summit on news of fresh Russian and Ukrainian attacks including a strike on a Russian oil pipeline system. This morning, oil is back under pressure, trading below $63bp, as optimism for a lasting truce builds. The talk of peace hit defence stocks, with shares in Renk Group, Leonardo, Dassault, Thales, Qinetiq, Rheinmetall and Hensoldt all lower. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com London stocks were set to edge up at the open on Tuesday as investors mulled talks between Donald Trump, Ukrainian president Zelensky and European leaders a day earlier. The FTSE 100 was called to open around 10 points higher. Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank, said: "All eyes were on Washington yesterday, where Zelensky finally hit it off with the US President, raising hopes that peace could be on the horizon. "The next step is to bring Putin to the negotiating table and find a durable solution. Peace has rarely felt so close." In UK corporate news, International Workplace Group said full-year earnings would be at the lower end of its forecast range as the Regus owner invested more cash to grow its managed and franchise segments. The company, which operates serviced offices, reported a rise in adjusted core earnings to $262m for the six months to June from $247m a year ago. It expects annual earnings of $525m-$565m. Copper mining giant BHP said that full-year profits had fallen to a five-year low, with sluggish demand from China weighing on iron ore prices. BHP posted a 26% drop in underlying profits to $10.16bn, below consensus estimates of $10.22bn, while revenues dropped 8% to $51.26bn due to the impact of lower iron ore prices and weakness in steelmaking coal markets. Fintech group Plus500 announced its first strategic expansion into Latin America after establishing a representative office in Colombia. The company, which operates online CFD trading platforms, said the new office will allow it to deliver a localised and more tailored service to Colombian customers in the OTC market. Chief executive David Zruia called it a significant milestone reflecting our commitment to growing the groups presence in new markets worldwide. The Treasury is considering a new tax on the sale of homes worth more than 500,000 as a step towards a radical overhaul of stamp duty and council tax, the Guardian has been told. As the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, prepares the ground for tax rises in this autumns budget, senior ministers have tasked officials to study how a new proportional property tax could be implemented and model its impact before reporting back to ministers, who have been briefed on the proposals. Guardian David Camerons bonfire of the quangos decision to abolish Englands council spending watchdog has left a broken system that is costing taxpayers more money than it was promised to save. In a highly critical report, academics at the University of Sheffield said the coalition government of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats had promised savings of 100m a year by abolishing the Audit Commission. Guardian Amazon has been accused of driving up prices for Britons in a new lawsuit seeking to secure refunds for 45 million UK shoppers. The tech giant is facing a new class action lawsuit over allegations that it stopped sellers from lowering their prices on their own websites below the price at which they were selling on Amazon. The Association of Consumer Support Organisations (ACSO), a non-profit, claims this policy stops healthy price competition between websites, meaning that UK shoppers are forced to pay higher fees when buying online. Telegraph The maker of Ozempic is halving the price of its weight-loss jabs in the US after Donald Trump demanded cheaper drugs for Americans. Novo Nordisk said it was slashing the cost of Ozempic, a diabetes jab which is used to slim down, to $499 (369) a month around half the $1,000 standard list price. The Danish drug giant said it had also struck a deal with healthcare company GoodRx to make Wegovy, its obesity jab, available at the same price across more than 70,000 retail pharmacies nationwide. Telegraph One of Britains wealthiest businessmen privately warned the prime minister that other industries would be watching the governments policies with intense interest when making investment decisions as he lobbied for urgent support for the ailing bioethanol industry. George Weston, the billionaire chief executive of the Associated British Foods conglomerate, which last week announced the closure of the UKs biggest bioethanol plant, personally lobbied Sir Keir Starmer a day after Britains trade pact with the United States was announced in May. The Times Russian general reported in absentia on suspicion for ordering airstrikes on drama theatre, maternity ward in Mariupol The State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has collected new evidence against the commander of the fourth Army of the Air Force of the Southern Military District of Russia, Lieutenant General Mykola Hostiev, who ordered an airstrike on a theatre and maternity ward in Mariupol (Donetsk region). "According to the investigation, in March 2022, the person in question gave the order to strike from the air on the center of Mariupol. As the investigation established, the Russians targeted the building of the maternity ward of the city hospital No. 3, residential buildings and the regional drama theatre," the SBU said on the Telegram channel on Tuesday. It is reported that the invaders used ten combat aircraft to carry out the strikes: Su-30SM (M2) fighters and Su-24M front-line bombers. "It is documented how during the air attack the aggressor's combat aircraft targeted the maternity ward and the drama theater with high-explosive FAB-500 bombs," the SBU said. On the orders of the Russian general, his subordinates bombed a residential building in the central part of Mariupol. Based on the collected evidence, SBU investigators in absentia reported Hostiev on suspicion under Part 2 of Article 28, Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (war crimes combined with premeditated murder committed by a group of persons in advance of a conspiracy). In 2023, the SBU reported in absentia the first suspicion of Hostiev, who commanded the shelling of civilian infrastructure in Mariupol. Oklahoma will require applicants for teacher jobs coming from California and New York to pass an exam that the Republican-dominated states top education official says is designed to safeguard against radical leftist ideology, but which opponents decry as a MAGA loyalty test. Ryan Walters, Oklahomas public schools superintendent, said Monday that any teacher coming from the two blue states will be required to pass an assessment exam administered by PragerU, an Oklahoma-based conservative nonprofit, before getting a state certification. As long as I am superintendent, Oklahoma classrooms will be safeguarded from the radical leftist ideology fostered in places like California and New York, Walters said in a statement. PragerU, short for Prager University, puts out short videos with a conservative perspective on politics and economics. It promotes itself as focused on changing minds through the creative use of digital media. Quinton Hitchcock, a spokesperson for the states education department, said the Prager test for teacher applicants has been finalized and will be rolling out very soon. The state did not release the entire 50-question test to The Associated Press but did provide the first five questions, which include asking what the first three words of the U.S. Constitution are and why freedom of religion is important to Americas identity. Prager didnt immediately respond to a phone message or email seeking comment. But Marissa Streit, CEO of PragerU, told CNN that several questions on the assessment relate to undoing the damage of gender ideology. Jonathan Zimmerman, who teaches history of education at the University of Pennsylvania, said Oklahomas contract with PragerU to test out-of-state would-be teachers is a watershed moment. Instead of Prager simply being a resource that you can draw in an optional way, Prager has become institutionalized as part of the state system, he said. Theres no other way to describe it. Zimmerman said the American Historical Association did a survey last year of 7th- to 12th-grade teachers and found that only a minority were relying on textbooks for day-to-day instruction. He said the upside to that is that most history books are deadly boring. But he said that means history teachers are relying on online resources, such as those from Prager. I think what were now seeing in Oklahoma is something different, which is actually empowering Prager as a kind of gatekeeper for future teachers, Zimmerman said. One of the nations largest teachers unions, the American Federation of Teachers, has often been at odds with the Donald Trump administration and the crackdown on teacher autonomy in the classroom. This MAGA loyalty test will be yet another turnoff for teachers in a state already struggling with a huge shortage, said AFT President Randi Weingarten. She was critical of Walters, who pushed for the states curriculum standards to be revised to include conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election. His priority should be educating students, but instead, its getting Donald Trump and other MAGA politicians to notice him, Weingarten said in a statement. State Rep. John Waldron, the Oklahoma Democratic Party chairman, decried the test as political posturing. If you want to see a textbook definition of indoctrination, how about a loyalty test for teachers, said Waldron. Its a sad echo of a more paranoid past. Waldron, a New Jersey native, said he would have been in the target demographic for this kind of test when he moved from Washington, D.C., to Oklahoma to teach social studies in 1999. He said it would have struck him as an indication that the state wasnt serious about attracting quality teachers. Teachers are not rushing here from other states to teach. Weve got an enormous teacher shortage and its not like we have a giant supply of teachers coming in from blue states anyway, he said. Kylan Darnell, famous on TikTok for her videos detailing the University of Alabamas sorority recruitment, recently announced she would be taking a step back from the rush process. Kylan, known online as the Queen of Sorority Rush, told her 1.3 million followers in a post last week that she would be taking a break from her senior year of recruitment. Im in a mental health spot where Ive been struggling, she said. I wont lie to you guys about it, like, Ive just not been enjoying it. if I was to go on there and show these outfits and like, keep going, I would be lying to you guys and myself. Kylans younger sister Izzy, who entered college with over a million followers on TikTok, has been posting about her own freshman year rush experience for the past few weeks. But she announced in an Aug. 16 video that she would be dropping out of recruitment one day before bid day, when sororities make their offers to incoming students. Haha fooled yall again, reads text over the video. Little do you know I dropped first, she added in the caption. Although Kylan is still a member of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and returned to the rush process shortly after her break announcement, Izzy has decided against joining campus Greek life this year. Izzy and Kylans mom, Tonya Darnell, commented on her younger daughters post, Izzy rushed, she wanted to see for herself. It just wasnt for her, Tonya continued. The pressure of RushTok Citing a need to protect prospects from harassment, many UA sororities have issued a de facto ban against talking to the press or posting on social media during rush week at Alabama. Kylan recently told People she believes that a lot of people see influencers and they forget that theyre humans. I think its definitely harder for her [to rush] than it has been for anybody else in the past," she said in a conversation about Izzys college experience. Lorie Stefaneli, a New York City-based consultant who flies to Tuscaloosa each year for rush recently told AL.com that a third of her clients enroll at Alabama. She said many are drawn by the vibrant depictions of sisterhood, showing female friendships that can ensure girls feel seen and supported. Thats the reason why a lot of them want to go to Alabama, is because they see it on TikTok, Stefaneli said. Utz Quality Foods is closing another factory. The snack maker filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the state of Michigan. The company informed the state that it is closing the Utz manufacturing facility at 219 Canton St., SW, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and 75 people will be laid off. The manufacturing facility will close on Jan. 30. Spokesperson Kevin Brick said in an e-mail that Utz has been on a tremendous growth journey in recent years, and we are continuously evaluating ways to maximize the impact of Utzs resources and footprint. As part of making Utz a more optimized and nimble organization, we made the difficult decision to close our Grand Rapids, Michigan, facility permanently, Brick said. Effective January 30, 2026, we will cease manufacturing operations, and effective May 26, 2026, we will cease our warehouse operations in Grand Rapids. We are grateful to our departing colleagues for their many contributions to Utz, and we are committed to providing them with support through their transition to future endeavors. The company closed a plant on Carlisle Street in Hanover, York County, last year. In 2021, a manufacturing plant in Louisiana was impacted by Hurricane Ida and never reopened. A plant in Alabama closed in 2023. The potato chip company also said in 2023 that it divested its manufacturing plant and all related assets in Bluffton, Indiana Utz Brands is based in Hanover and makes snacks under a number of names, including Utz, On the Border Chips and Dips, Golden Flake, Zapps, Boulder Canyon, Hawaiian Brand, and Tortiyahs!, among others. Lee Zeldin, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is voicing his concerns about the deployment of battery energy storage systems in densely populated areas throughout New York state. Here, a picture of a facility located at the corner of Hylan Boulevard and Littlefield Avenue in Eltingville. (Staten Island Advance/Jessica J Community residents fighting the rise of battery energy storage systems near their homes and places of business now have some additional support. Lee Zeldin, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is voicing his concerns about the deployment of the lithium-ion facilities in densely populated areas throughout New York state. Many New Yorkers, especially in New York City and on Long Island, have made their voices clear they do not want Battery Energy Storage Systems built in their neighborhoods, noted Zeldin during a press conference in Hauppauge. Residents are looking across the country where dangerous lithium battery fires at BESS facilities have caused widespread damage, and they are concerned with New Yorks partisan push to fill yet another delusional green goal, which the state itself admits it cannot meet. Zeldin, a Republican who mounted a failed bid for governor of New York in 2022, said the state continues to put the safety and well-being of New Yorkers second to their climate change agenda. He used the press conference to announce that he will soon introduce EPA guidance in Long Island to help municipalities there evaluate such dangers. Given its expertise, EPA is the only federal agency with standardized procedures for safely deactivating and disposing of lithium batteries after incidents, the agency noted in a press release. While local fire departments struggle with these complex fires, EPA has developed specialized protocols through responses to major incidents nationwide. The agencys new BESS safety guidance represents the first comprehensive federal resource addressing the complete project lifecyclefrom siting through emergency response. A technology that uses a group of batteries to store electrical energy, allowing the energy to be released later when needed, the storage system sites commonly referred to as BESS essentially act as backup power sources for homes or the grid, particularly during peak demand or power outages. They are often used in conjunction with renewable energy sources like solar power. Under the direction of Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York is currently pursuing an ambitious goal of six gigawatts of battery storage capacity by 2030. The state has connected 6,000 storage projects to its electric grid since 2019, the EPA noted in a press release, generating about 440 megawatts of capacity, with an additional 1.3 gigawatts in development. Dozens of BESS sites are currently under construction on Staten Island many in extremely close proximity to homes and businesses. And over the past two years, borough residents and local officials have voiced concerns about their siting. Community Boards voted against their proximity to bakeries, and storefronts and elected officials issued a moratorium on applications filed within residential districts. In one instance, an energy developer retracted plans to place batteries in a Bulls Head church parking lot. And Zeldin noted that a new act included in the 2025 state budget, will help accelerate the growth of BESS sites even if they are opposed by the community. In support of developing this infrastructure, New York state most recently enacted the Renewable Action through Project Interconnection and Deployment (RAPID) Act as part of the fiscal year 2025 state budget, Zeldins office noted in a press release. The RAPID Act and its predecessor, the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act, dramatically expanded state power to override local opposition for major renewable projects, including battery storage facilities of 25 MW or larger even when communities raise safety concerns. Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella applauded the EPAs efforts. The stance that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and President Trump have taken on battery storage systems is very welcome news, the BP noted in a statement. We are thankful that finally, even the Federal Government agrees with what we have been saying for three years that volatile, dangerous, and unproven lithium-ion battery storage systems do not belong in populated residential areas, next to peoples homes and gas stations." Fossella also suggested that the Federal Government consider establishing a national standard for siting the facilities relative to residential areas, places of worship, and public spaces. He also noted that a moratorium on the siting and approval of BESS units should be considered until safe and reasonable standards are implemented. We request that the State of New York work with the EPA on adopting new policies based on these findings and federal guidelines for BESS, Fossella concluded. The evaporating reservoir waters at Silver Lake Park have revealed a stunning, crime-movie find: what appears to be a pistol and a pair of brass knuckles. The weapons were found by a Staten Island native who recently visited the reservoir basin after the Advance/SILive.com highlighted how the reservoir waters had evaporated to shocking levels. You can tread on ground that's usually submerged in the reservoir basins at Silver Lake Park. Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance The former Islander, who gave his name as Chris, said he found the items wrapped along with a rock with what appeared to be black electrical tape on a rocky spit of land that is usually submerged. Mystery bundle that was found in reservoir basin at Silver Lake Park. Reader submitted photo I wasnt entirely surprised to find something like that, Chris told the Advance/SILive.com in an email. While I did go out there looking for bottles or any bits of old treasure, I was kind of on the lookout for guns, weapons and things of that nature. Chris said, When I saw a big bundle of tape and realized it was a wrapped-up object taped to a large rock, I figured it was something someone wanted to hide. Chris, who was born in Grymes Hill and now lives upstate, said he took a photo of the object before touching or unraveling it. An Advance/SILive.com writer had noticed the same bundle, about the size of a coconut, during a recent trip into the basin, but had left the item where it was. Chris said he turned the items in to police and was told that the handgun was a starter pistol, like the kind used to begin a race. Pistol and brass knuckles found wrapped in bundle at Silver Lake Park reservoir. Reader submitted photo But Chris said that he found that answer puzzling. Why go through all of that trouble to wrap it up in a mile of tape and hurl it into a lake along with a large rock? Chris said. Chris said, I would imagine it was probably used for robbery or something because in such a situation, no one would know the difference between a regular firearm and a blank gun. After being sent a photo of the pistol by the Advance/SILive.com, a retired NYPD gun squad detective said that pistol appeared to be a Ruger .38-caliber handgun. However, another gun expert on Staten Island said that he thought the pistol was a cap gun or some other kind of toy. Experts can't agree what kind of pistol was found. Reader submitted photo Said Chris, Well probably never know the real story. Responding to the film-noir find, the city Department of Environmental Protection said, Fencing and signage are installed around Silver Lake to clearly warn visitors not to trespass onto the reservoir grounds. Regardless of the current water level, DEP strongly urges the public to stay out of the basins, as doing so poses serious safety risks and could result in injury. The DEP had previously told the Advance that lower rainfall totals and higher temperatures in recent months had increased evaporation and reduced the water levels in the Silver Lake Reservoir. The DEP said that there were no current plans to replenish the reservoirs because that would mean sacrificing millions of gallons of drinking water, as Silver Lake is no longer part of New Yorks active water system. Ellen DeGeneres and her wife relocated to the United Kingdom over the reelection of President Donald Trump. Trump departs after signing the GENIUS Act, a bill that regulates stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency, in the East Room of the White House, Friday, July 18, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon | AP Photo) Alex Brandon | AP Photo Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, have left the United States and moved permanently to the United Kingdom. The couple relocated because of the reelection of President Donald Trump, according to news reports. The two moved to the U.K. ahead of the election in November into what they initially thought would be a part-time home, according to CNN. After Trump won, they decided to make the move permanent. DeGeneres spoke about the move Sunday during an event at a theater, according to the BBC. Its absolutely beautiful, she said, according to the BBC. Were just not used to seeing this kind of beauty. The villages and the towns and the architecture everything you see is charming and its just a simpler way of life. Its clean. Everything here is just better the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it here." Earlier in July, DeGeneres offered some support for fellow former talk show host Rosie ODonnell, who moved to Ireland after Trumps election and has been critical of the president for years, according to CNN. Trump has threatened to revoke ODonnells U.S. citizenship. DeGeneres popular daytime talk show ran for 19 years from 2003 to 2022. She ended the program two years after allegations of a toxic work environment at the show emerged. DeGeneres addressed that episode during the event on Sunday as well. No matter what, any article that came up, it was like, Shes mean, and its like, how do I deal with this without sounding like a victim or poor me or complaining? But I wanted to address it, she said, according to the BBC. Its as simple as, Im a direct person, and Im very blunt, and I guess sometimes that means that ... Im mean? Former President Barack Obama isnt making any new fans with his $830 million presidential library project on the South Side of Chicago. Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, who represents much of the majority-Black, working-class neighborhood that surrounds the Obama site, told the Daily Mail that she fears that local residents will no longer be able to afford to live in the area. Every time large development comes to communities, they displace the very people they say they want to improve it for. This was no different, and were living what is actually happening, said Taylor, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Were going to see rents go higher and were going to see families displaced. Residents have pointed to a proposed 250-room luxury hotel that is a planned part of the library development, fearing that it will signal to investors and developers that the are is moving toward a more well-heeled clientele and away from its working-class roots. The hotel has yet to be approved and residents want that part of the project rejected. Residents are also railing at the scope of the project, and have slammed the towering concrete library structure currently under construction as a massive eyesore. Ken Woodward, an attorney and father of six who grew up in the area, called the library tower a monstrosity. It looks like this big piece of rock that just landed here out of nowhere in what used to be a really nice landscape of trees and flowers, Woodward said. This is a monument to one mans ego, said Steve Cortes, a longtime resident of the Windy City and a former advisor to GOP President Donald Trump. Look at the Reagan Library. Its beautiful. This? There are almost no windows. What are they hiding? And this Brutalist cement look in a city known for its incredible architecture. Obama has said that its not his intention to displace residents. The former two-term Democratic president said that library project overseers are looking to balance boosting jobs and economic development in the area while maintaining and protecting existing affordable housing. The story was also picked up by Fox News. A hot microphone picked up President Donald Trump making whispered, off-the-cuff remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin to French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. The Daily Mail reported that Trump appeared to be trying to assure Macron that Putin was indeed interested in making peace with Ukraine. I think he wants to make a deal, Trump said to Macron in the East Room of the White House. I think he wants to make a deal for me. Do you understand that? As crazy as it sounds. Macron, though, appeared to be skeptical that Putin really wants to end the war, which has gone on for more than three years following Russias invasion of Ukraine. The two men were speaking before a Trump-led, high-stakes meeting of the heads of European nations and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday. The meeting came after Trump held a one-on-one parlay with Putin in Alaska. Standing alongside Putin on Friday, Trump said that the two world leaders had had an extremely productive meeting, even though Trump was unable to get Putin to agree to a ceasefire. Putin appeared to be reluctant to end the fighting, telling reporters that his country still needed to eliminate the primary roots, the primary causes, of that conflict. European leaders were gathered in Washington, D.C. to discuss what happens next, including security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump first met with Zelensky in the Oval Office before leading a conversation with the larger group of leaders in the East Room. The Oval Office meeting was far less stormy that the encounter between the two men in February, which ended with Zelensky being booted from the White House. When asked on Monday if he had a message for the Ukrainian people, Trump said, We love them. We love them. Hillary Clinton is sounding the alarm over gay marriage. In an interview with Jessica Tarlov on the Fox News program The Five, the 2016 Democratic candidate for president predicted that the Supreme Court would overturn marriage equality. There are going to be real world consequences, Clinton said, per The Advocate. Clinton predicted that gay marriage would be overturned the same way that the national right to an abortion was. The former secretary of state urged same-sex couples to get married while they can. American voters, and to some extent the American media, dont understand how many years the Republicans have been working in order to get us to this point. It took 50 years to overturn Roe v. Wade, she said, referring to the landmark 1973 decision that guaranteed abortion rights. Predicting that the court will overturn Obergefell v. Hodges if given a chance, Clinton said, The Supreme Court will hear a case about gay marriage. My prediction is they will do to gay marriage what they did to abortion. They will send it back to the states. If the Supreme Court reverses Obergefell, marriages between same-sex couples would still be recognized under the federal Respect for Marriage Act. That law, signed by President Joe Biden, mandates that the federal government recognize same-sex and interracial marriages. It says that all states must recognize those unions performed in other states. The act, however, does not require states to allow marriages between same-sex couples. Bans on those unions could be enacted again if Obergefell is overturned. Red states moved to ban abortion after Roe was overturned. Anybody in a committed relationship out there in the LGBTQ community, you ought to consider getting married, Clinton said. Cause I dont think theyll undo existing marriages, but I fear that they will undo the national right. The court, which includes three justices appointed by President Donald Trump, has made no move to reconsider Obergefell. Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ Senior officials from the U.S., Ukraine and several European countries are expected to work in the coming days on a detailed proposal for security guarantees for Ukraine, likely involving U.S. air power, Axios reported referring to sources. A U.S.-European-Ukrainian commission was formed to draft a proposal for security guarantees. The commission is headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with national security advisers from Ukraine and European countries also participating in the discussions, Axios said Tuesday. Security guarantees were reportedly a key topic of U.S. President Donald Trump's meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and seven other European leaders at the White House on Monday. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump stressed that there would be no U.S. troops on the ground, but said he was open to providing U.S. military air support to European forces in Ukraine. Trump also said Ukraine would not be part of NATO, but stressed that European countries were willing to have troops on the ground outside of NATO. While a European security force on Ukrainian soil might be the toughest Ukrainian demand for Putin to accept, territorial concessions are likely the most difficult issue for Zelensky to navigate, the ezine said. During his meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy said he's willing to discuss territorial issues, but stressed that they needed to be negotiated between him and Putin, a Ukrainian official said. The official claimed Trump agreed. When Trump called Putin on Monday evening, he told the Russian president he will have to meet directly with Zelenskyy to discuss his territorial demands and urged him to be "realistic." However, there is still no date or location for such a meeting. Trump and the European leaders agreed it needs to happen by the end of August, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday that full preparations would have to be made at working levels before the leaders could sit down together, the ezine said. During a White House discussion of security guarantees, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it "categorically" rejected the possibility of "deploying a military contingent with the participation of NATO countries" inside Ukraine. Putin said during his summit with Trump that he was ready to discuss the principle of security guarantees, but mentioned China as a potential guarantor. The Yankees optioned J.C. Escarra down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday. AP With veteran Amed Rosario expected to return from the injured list on Tuesday in Tampa, the Yankees needed to make room on their active roster. Thats why backup catcher J.C. Escarra was optioned down to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday afternoon. Support the Peninsulas only locally-owned newspaper. Subscribe! Subscribing annually brings you big savings. We also offer monthly and weekly subscriptions. Premium Subscription As low as $8.25 per week Premium Includes: -- Access to the Daily Journals e-Edition: a digital replica of our daily newspaper including crossword puzzles, games, comics, classifieds and ads. You can download a digital replica of the Daily Journal for offline reading. You can also clip & download articles or images from the e-edition to share with others The most recent 90 issues are available at any given time. -- Unlimited access to our award-winning online content -- Commenting access on all stories as a valued member of the DJ community -- NEW! Access to our online-only digital crossword puzzle. A new puzzle every day, seven days a week! Merz continues to insist on the need for ceasefire before next stage of negotiations Photo: https://www.facebook.com/MerzCDU German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, after completing negotiations with US President Donald Trump, continues to insist on a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia as a necessary prerequisite for further negotiations, Merz stated this on the X platform on Tuesday night. "Today in Washington we had a successful meeting with President Trump, President Zelenskyy and our European partners, but the next steps will be more difficult. We must put pressure on Russia. There must be a ceasefire before further negotiations," Merz wrote on X. Mining giant BHP may be forced to rethink the future of some of its Australian mines as weaker Chinese demand and falling prices for coal and iron ore crushed its profit to its lowest mark since the COVID-19 crisis. Melbourne-based BHP, the largest Australian miner, on Tuesday said its underlying profit had slid by more than a quarter to $US10.2 billion ($15.7 billion) in the year to June 30, its smallest profit since 2020. The result comes as US President Donald Trumps trade wars continue to cast a cloud over the global economy and the outlook for Australias most lucrative mining exports. BHP, the largest Australian mining company, earns most of its money from digging up iron ore in WA and selling it to China to be turned into steel. Credit: BHP earns most of its money from digging up iron ore in Western Australia and selling it to China to be processed into steel. However, demand in China has been starting to cool as its property sector battles an oversupply crisis, which has crunched building activity, weakened steel production rates and subdued appetite for iron ore deliveries. The glut has also pummelled the price of BHPs exports of metallurgical coal, which is used to fire steel-making furnaces. Falling revenue across the year was primarily due to the decline in coal and iron ore prices, the miner said on Tuesday. Litchfield is now seeking commercial partners with expertise in garnet processing, product qualification and market distribution to develop the garnet deposit. The findings follow initial bulk sampling results from the companys mid-June testwork and mark a key step in assessing dual-commodity potential of the project, which is about 125 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs in the Harts Range. Litchfield Minerals Oonagalabi project is an advanced copper-zinc asset in Australias NT. The pictured outcrop is part of a 1.5km exposure of exposed significant mineral alteration. Garnet-rich heavy mineral sands could represent a new industrial minerals opportunity at Litchfield Minerals Oonagalabi project in the Northern Territory. The testwork utilised two standard analytical methods, including quantitative evaluation of minerals using scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). QEMSCAN examines mineral composition, grain size and liberation characteristics, while XRD measures the weight percentages of key mineral groups. Preliminary mineralogical work indicates the Oonagalabi HMS is garnet- and pyroxene-dominant. Litchfield Minerals managing director Matthew Pustahya Garnet, particularly almandine, made up about 20-36 per cent of the samples tested. Amphiboles and pyroxenes made up 53-69 per cent, while minor amounts of ilmenite, titanite and apatite were also identified, which could potentially have industrial applications. Litchfield Minerals managing director Matthew Pustahya said: Preliminary mineralogical work indicates the Oonagalabi HMS is garnet- and pyroxene-dominant. Confirming this assemblage would open a parallel industrial-minerals opportunity alongside our copper-zinc exploration. The garnet and pyroxene grains show high liberation across key sizes, suggesting they can be efficiently separated using conventional gravity and magnetic methods. This would make them ideal for producing garnet-rich products for abrasives, waterjet cutting and filtration markets. To get an idea of where the real financial gravity sits within the Australian investing universe, CSLs market valuation plunge on Tuesday exceeded the entire $17 billion value of Qantas Airways with a billion or two to spare. It would be unfair to blame this huge 15 per cent stock slump only on CSLs battles with the Trump administration. The biopharmaceutical giant has other challenges that were revealed on Tuesday with its full-year financial results and massive cost-cutting. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr and President Donald Trump. Credit: AP But that should only add to the alarm for investors who may have noticed its outlook statement included the words: This guidance assumes no impact from pharmaceutical sector tariffs. For the uninitiated, CSLs business is dominated by blood plasma products but includes iron-deficiency-type treatments as well as vaccines. The vaccines company, Seqirus, will soon be spun off into a separately listed business. It must have been a painful 56 minutes for Qantas. One of the best known justices in the country had the undivided attention of 600-plus viewers on YouTube. Then, millions of readers of the nations news outlets tuned in. Credit: Marija Ercegovac Justice Michael Lee had already become a household name after presiding over the Bruce Lehrmann defamation trial last year. After criminal charges were dropped against him, Lehrmann sued Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson who had broadcast the initial rape allegation. Lee found on the balance of probabilities that Lehrmann raped Brittany Higgins in Parliament House in 2019. As bizoids descend on Canberra to talk productivity, living standards and artificial intelligence, CBD thought it was wise to see how the 1 per cent are travelling. Commonwealth Bank boss Matt Comyn is one of 23 guests at the governments economic reform roundtable, and, sadly for him, his company is short a couple of bil. The boss of Australias biggest business by market capitalisation pocketed $7 million in the year to June, compared with almost $9 million in the year prior. While Comyns fixed pay and cash bonus increased, he received less from deferred awards that vested during the year. Better that than being replaced by AI chatbots, as happened to dozens of CommBank call centre staff recently. Productivity Commision chair Danielle Wood, Commonwealth Bank chief executive Matt Comyn, and former Treasury secretary Ken Henry. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer At the Big Australian, big salaries are also par for the course even as profits and dividends fall. BHP chief executive Mike Henry trousered a 16 per cent annual pay rise to $US8.5 million ($13.11 million). His colleagues Brandon Craig and Vandita Pant have also dug up healthy pay rises, netting $US3.15 million and $US4.24 million, respectively. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size When people first encounter the art of Charles Brooks, theyre invariably impressed if a little perplexed. Some of his works recall the grand pillars of ancient Roman architecture, or volcanic caves forged by fiery explosions. Others resemble the types of precious metals one expects to find inside a pirates treasure chest, or old-fashioned rooms with peculiar Alice in Wonderland-style dimensions. Many admirers assume these images were created on a computer, perhaps with the aid of artificial intelligence. Some might mistake them for photorealist illustrations. Few realise they are actually photographs and they all have one thing in common. Brooks, 47, is a Melbourne-based photographer who specialises in capturing the interiors of musical instruments. Its a highly technical endeavour that involves a laparoscope a thin, tube-like camera used in keyhole surgery in addition to multiple light sources, sophisticated editing software, infrared thermometers and sacks of rice. Brooks is the only person in this world who uses this technique, which he developed himself. Self-portrait by Charles Brooks, a former professional cellist who now specialises in photographing the interiors of musical instruments. Credit: Charles Brooks It started during the COVID lockdowns, he explains when I visit him at his Hawthorn apartment to observe him at work. All these musicians started losing jobs, so they decided to put their instruments into the repair shop. I took the opportunity to go in with my probe lenses and play around, but I never thought it would become a whole thing. When Brooks posted an early photo on Reddit, revealing the interior of a friends 245-year-old cello, he expected to sell a handful of prints. But over the past few years, his extraordinary images have been reproduced an estimated 20 million times in newspapers and magazines across the world. What began as a niche pursuit is now his full-time occupation. In partnership with the Australian World Orchestra, which will perform Mahlers 4th and 5th symphonies in Melbourne and Sydney in September, Brooks is photographing two instruments on this crisp winters morning: a cello, circa mid-1700s, and a viola made in the 1910s. Advertisement AWO cellist Molly Kadarauch looks suitably nervous as she hands over her instrument, which was crafted by Pietro Antonio Testore, a member of Milans highly regarded Testore family. Ive had it since 1989, she says. There are a couple of cracks, which devalued it, so its been under extensive repair. Kadarauch breathes a sigh of relief when she learns that Brooks is a former professional musician himself, having held principal cello positions in China, Chile and Brazil. A didgeridoo is deliberately hollowed out by termites, which is why it looks like a cave, Brooks says. Credit: Charles Brooks He passes her cello to Bendigo-born violin maker Rainer Beilharz, who sets about cleaning its interior by pouring dry rice through the F-holes on either side of its bridge so named because they resemble a cursive F before gently shaking it and tipping the grains back out. Stradivarius himself would have done this, Beilharz explains. Its a time-honoured technique, which is why no one messes with it. Brooks places the cello on a felt-covered table, which is surrounded by three flash bulbs. He hands Kadarauch the thermometer gun, inserts his laparoscope which he has modified to capture high-resolution images and begins shooting. Advertisement These are intensely powerful lights, so they put out a lot of heat, he says as he instructs Kadarauch to alert him if the temperature nears 30 degrees. I have to wait eight to 10 seconds between each photograph so I dont boil the varnish. Its a painstaking process, requiring up to 300 individual photographs. Afterwards, he will stitch them together on his computer, allowing every detail to remain in sharp focus. I use all kinds of software to blend together the bits that are in focus, which is why parts of the image are angled, he says. Itll probably take me three hours just to do the photos, then another week to put them together. The interior of a 1717 Stradivarius violin, with an estimated value of $20 million. In reality, its priceless. Credit: Charles Brooks As Australian World Orchestra violist Lisa Grosman awaits her turn, Brooks mentions that he recently photographed a 1717 Stradivarius, which is on loan to her AWO colleague, Daniel Dodds. Its a $20 million violin, so you have to take every possible precaution, he says, explaining how Beilharz carefully dismantled the end pin, bridge, strings and tailpiece in preparation for the shoot. These instruments are held together by tension instead of glue, because glue would dampen the vibrations. When I remove that tension, theres a chance the sound post the dowel in the centre that transfers vibrations, which is often called the soul of a violin could just tip over. Thats why I need a luthier [a maker of string instruments] to get everything precisely back in place, because even if you move something by a millimetre, it really changes the sound. Thankfully, Ive never actually had one fall over. Advertisement Brooks, who hails from New Zealand, began photographing the night sky about 10 years ago. Astrophotographers often want to capture the whole Milky Way, but its hard to get in a single shot because it arches from one horizon to the other, he says. You have to move the lens this way and that, over and over. Now, I use those techniques when Im photographing instruments. In both cases, youre trying to uncover hidden spaces and show details that you wouldnt normally see. Over the years, Brooks has documented the interiors of grand pianos, flutes, guitars, pipe organs, saxophones, clarinets, French horns and even a didgeridoo. The interior of a Fazioli grand piano. Credit: Charles Brooks I was expecting to see a wooden instrument that had been chiselled out by hand, he says. But of course, its an incredible organic structure because its deliberately hollowed out by termites, which is why it looks like a cave. Each time he peers inside an instrument, he unlocks its secrets. Youll find repairs and tool marks and even the writing of Stradivarius himself, he says. You might discover thin wooden veneers that are a preventative measure against cracking, or youll see scratches from cleaning or the signatures of people whove repaired a cello or a viola. Advertisement Not so long ago, Ian Michael was working in the Malthouse Theatre box office. He was doling out tickets, taking phone enquiries or just sweeping up cigarette butts outside while the parade of theatre makers ascended to the hallowed rehearsal rooms. I used to sit in the box office and watch all those amazing artists walk up those stairs and go, Ill get there. Ill get there, Ill get there. He got there. Right now, hes back at Malthouse to direct the world premiere of Tom Wrights Troy. The shows original director, Malthouse artistic director Matt Lutton, had to give the project up after securing a new role as Adelaide Festival AD, and Michael was handpicked by Wright to take over the production. Director Ian Michael on the set of Troy. Credit: Eugene Hyland The 35-year-old is currently resident director at Sydney Theatre Company. His production of Wrights adaptation of Picnic at Hanging Rock earlier this year drew rave reviews, and two days after it opened he got the call. The process was so wild. It all happened so fast. At STC hes previously directed hit productions of large-scale shows such as Stolen and Constellations, but hes never faced anything on the scale of Troy. Singapore noodles are one of the most popular noodle dishes in Australia, but mastering them takes a bit of understanding. The combination of rice noodles and curry powder speaks to the classic flavours of Singapore, but where are Singapore noodles really from? Add the remaining oil and the eggs. Stir the eggs vigorously in the oil to form threads, then add the drained noodles. Toss to combine and fry for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are lightly toasted. Return the fried ingredient mixture to the wok and add the curry powder, stock powder, salt, soy sauce and caster sugar. Toss to combine everything, adding a little water or stock to moisten the dish, if required. Add the spring onions and bean sprouts and cook for 1 minute, then serve immediately. Place the wok over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add the prawns, carrot, and capsicum to the wok and toss for a minute. Add the char siu, garlic and ginger and toss for another 1-2 minutes, until the prawns are nearly cooked through. Remove the contents of the wok to a plate and return the wok to the stove. Pour boiling water over the vermicelli noodles, allow them to stand for 5 minutes only, then drain well. Allow the noodles to continue draining in a colander while you prepare the remaining ingredients. Masterclass No, its not Singaporean While Singapore noodles are a globally popular dish, theyre not actually from Singapore. This Cantonese creation, which originated in Hong Kong, cleverly incorporates elements that reference Singapores diverse population. It combines rice vermicelli noodles, a staple of the Hokkien people from Chinas Fujian province, with curry powder, a nod to the large Indian migrant community in Singapore. Both groups arrived in Singapore in large numbers after it became a British colony in 1824, seeking economic opportunities. But the dish was not developed until the 1950s. After World War II, British navy-style curry became popular in Hong Kong, and innovative chefs at the booming cha chaan tengs (Hong Kong-style diners) sought ways to incorporate curry powder, toast, spaghetti, and other Western-influenced ingredients into Cantonese cuisine. Its also worth noting that while Singapore noodles use a type of rice vermicelli popular with the Hokkien people, what we call Hokkien noodles is something else entirely. In Singapore and Malaysia, this refers to a variety of dishes featuring thick, yellow alkaline noodles, while in Australia, we use the term to describe that type of noodle. Use your noodles The main challenge in making fried rice noodle dishes is achieving the perfect noodle texture. With Singapore noodles, youre using rice vermicelli, not bean thread or glass noodles, which look similar when dry, so check the package carefully. The most common mistake is overcooking the noodles before they hit the wok. Stir-frying is incredibly effective at rehydrating and softening them; if you boil the noodles for too long beforehand, they will become overcooked, soggy, and break apart during the final stir-fry. Before frying, there are three simple methods for preparing the noodles. Ive gone with option 3 in this recipe: Soak: Submerge the noodles in room-temperature water for about 20 minutes. Boil: Cook them in boiling water for one to two minutes only. Steep: Pour boiling water over the noodles and let them stand for five minutes. Drain the noodles immediately and let them dry in a colander. This step is important to let the noodles hydrate without overcooking. They should feel slightly dry to the touch before you add them to the wok, ensuring they dont become soggy during frying. Tip: Divide the noodles into thirds and cook in three smaller batches. Steve Brown; styling Emma Knowles Cook in batches This recipe is designed for cooking all the noodles together, but the real secret to a great stir-fry is frying the noodles, not stewing them. A common mistake is overcrowding the wok, which traps steam and makes everything soggy. To prevent this, cook the other ingredients first and set them aside. Then, fry the eggs and noodles in the hot wok. If youre concerned about handling a large quantity of noodles in your wok, simply divide the recipe into thirds and cook it in three smaller batches to ensure every strand gets perfectly fried. Unsung heroes Bean sprouts are the secret weapon for many fried noodle dishes. Their shape mirrors that of the noodles, and their texture provides a perfect contrast to the soft noodles, helping to prevent them from clumping together. For the best results, add a handful of sprouts right at the end of cooking. The residual heat from the noodles will soften them just enough to remove their raw bite while keeping them crunchy. I also think they help prevent the noodles from overcooking, much like adding a splash of lemon juice stops brown butter from burning. I never bother to top and tail bean sprouts that is, snapping off the root and bud. Its a tedious task and something I was certainly never taught to do when I was growing up. An authentic touch Char siu (Cantonese barbecue pork) is delicious on its own, but its also a key ingredient in Cantonese cuisine, the offcuts used to flavour dishes such as fried rice and Singapore noodles. Its sweetness helps balance the other savoury seasonings, so using good-quality char siu is important. Unfortunately, some cheaper restaurants cut corners by making their char siu by smearing lean pork in commercial sauce, which is never as good. For an authentic flavour, buy your char siu from a Cantonese barbecue shop. If you arent using char siu, a great substitute is lap cheong, a sweet Cantonese-style cured sausage available at most Asian grocers. Its flavour profile is an excellent match. A bun-fight has broken out on Sydneys northern beaches as a council considers shutting down outdoor dining outside a popular Manly bakery. Northern Beaches Council will consider ordering the removal of seating from outside Rollers Bakehouse on Rialto Lane over public safety concerns, including potential conflicts between pedestrians, cars and delivery vehicles. The outdoor seating at Rollers Bakehouse in Manly. Credit: James Brickwood The bakery, which draws up to 4000 customers each week, has been placing benches within a pedestrian area since opening in Manly more than five years ago. However, a council report has recommended the permanent removal of the seating after flagging safety risks, such as damage to street bollards that separate the dining area from vehicles within the laneway. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/olena.kondratiuk/ Head of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy (Servant of the People faction) Danylo Hetmantsev believes that following the meeting of Ukrainian and U.S. Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump with European leaders in Washington, it became clear that progress in peaceful settlement is indeed possible and is supported by all of Ukraine's allies. "I'm afraid to cast a spell, but it seems that we are getting closer to peace... We expect that thanks to President Trump's leadership, we will be able to reach agreements on a trilateral meeting. And at it, joint decisions will be worked out on an honest peace agreement, guarantees of security and development for Ukraine. Our irreversible path to a united Europe will be confirmed," Hetmantsev said on Facebook. He expressed hope that "in a week or two we will understand that the war is ending, and those who seek war will lose." MP of the European Solidarity faction Mykola Kniazhytsky notes that there were only two issues on the agenda of the meeting security guarantees and the exchange of territories, with the latter actually not being discussed. "Zelenskyy proposed to postpone it to a personal meeting with Putin. Apparently, Trump was satisfied with this. The probability of a personal meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy is extremely low... Therefore, the proposal to postpone the discussion of the issue of territories to a trilateral meeting actually means the hope of not discussing it at all," he said. In contrast, the issue of security guarantees, according to the MP, is the most difficult, since Russia will seek to retain the ability to resume the war at any time, "and Ukraine wants guarantees that there will never be a war again." MP of the Batkivschyna faction Valentyn Nalyvaichenko noted after the meeting in Washington that the whole world is ready to continue supporting Ukraine. "The main thing for us is to hold our position, to hold on to our native land. No concessions to the aggressor. Exactly the opposite. The aggressor must stop the war, cease fire and start real peace negotiations," he said on Facebook. Representative of the Dragon Capital investment company Serhiy Fursa believes that the first and main question after the meeting is whether a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy will really take place in the near future. "If the Russians again send Medinsky and the senior Kremlin janitor, the answer will be unequivocal delaying time. If negotiations really take place, the scales will begin to tilt towards real negotiations. And even in that case, it cannot be ruled out that we will see delaying time. But the probability of real negotiations will be greater," he said. At the same time, he believes that strengthening sanctions against Russia would help the process, but expressed his belief that Trump will not impose them. "And the war continues. And negotiations or their imitation continue. And now the hot potato has flown to Putin. His move is next," Fursa said. Senior partner of the Avellum law firm, former head of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine Kostiantyn Likarchuk also noted that during the summit in Washington, "the ball was again thrown into Moscow's court." Vice-rector for external relations and public service of the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) Dmytro Sherenhovsky notes that the key intrigue of the coming weeks is not only whether the meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy will actually take place and whether it will be productive, "but also whether the West will manage to turn symbolic diplomacy into enforceable guarantees (commitments with control mechanisms)." "If we again find ourselves in the field of big but vague declarations, it will only strengthen Putin's option to simply stall for time," he said on Facebook. Executive Director of the Institute for Transformation of North Eurasia Volodymyr Horbach believes that Washington managed to avoid "some kind of catastrophe," and Ukraine and its European partners prepared for the meeting very well. He believes that Trump is still aiming for a quick end to the war according to "Putin's plan," but this meeting, although it did not change his goal, helped to dissuade him from taking quick action. "Trump managed to dissuade him from making a quick deal with the Russians. "It turned out to soften his desire to do it here and now a little," Horbach said in a conversation with DW. Military blogger Kyrylo Sazonov called the main political result of the meeting in Washington the preparation for the meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. "It is clear that the Kremlin will drag out time, 'increase representation' gradually, and the direct negotiations themselves may last a long time. During this time, the bunker rat expects that the front will collapse and we will quickly retreat. And therefore we will agree to any conditions. We will hold the front, strike and wait for the collapse of the Russian economy. This is a competition which will happen faster," he said. Sazonov believes that the Ukrainian side has squeezed the maximum out of the situation, and "the Russian economy will not last long, I would say six months." Introducing harsher bail laws for children in NSW was a textbook example of short-term political gain trumping long-term evidence-based policy. And now the bill has arrived not just in the form of rising detention numbers, but in the costs to childrens futures, community safety, and the public purse. In early 2024, the Minns government rushed through changes to the Bail Act in response to concerns about youth crime. This was done with the support of the opposition. They were warned then by hundreds of Australias leading legal, criminology, and human rights experts that the amendments, which made it harder for children to get bail than adults, would drive up prison numbers, disproportionately affect vulnerable children, and do nothing to prevent crime. They went ahead anyway, chasing headlines to appear tough on crime and, in turn, tough on children. Youth detention in NSW has surged by 34 per cent in two years. Credit: iStock A year later, the results are in. The latest Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data released this month shows youth detention in NSW has surged by 34 per cent in just two years. More than 70 per cent of the children locked up are on remand. Almost 60 per cent are Aboriginal, undermining the NSW governments own Closing the Gap commitments. These outcomes are proof that the system is failing. In almost every other area of public life in health, education, child protection, and family violence we put childrens wellbeing first. We invest early to prevent harm and promote better outcomes. That is, until they end up in contact with the justice system and governments across Australia abandon that principle. Police are investigating whether a man who survived a brazen assassination attempt outside a busy Sydney pub was targeted because he had stolen drugs from an underworld rival. Maradona Yalda, 31, was seriously injured when he was shot several times outside the Harold Park Hotel in Forest Lodge on Sunday night. Yaldas associate, Gilbert Shino, 39, was killed after being peppered with bullets as he tried to flee the shooting. Police at the scene of Sundays shooting outside the Harold Park Hotel in Forest Lodge. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong Yalda was shot in the neck, chest and abdomen. He was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. Witnesses reported hearing between six and 12 gunshots before multiple suspects were seen fleeing. A police source familiar with the investigation into the shooting told the Herald that detectives were exploring Yaldas suspected involvement in a drug theft as a possible motive for the targeted attack. While other lines of inquiry are being followed, the attack is believed to be linked to the drug trade. 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 With the governments economic roundtable now under way (Federal governments productivity summit begins, August 19), it will hopefully be looking at raising the revenue to fund the transition to net zero. We know that nine months after the introduction of the carbon tax in 2012 our carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation fell to a 10-year low, while the ABS reported a 2.6 per cent growth in the economy over the two-year period. After the Abbott government replaced the tax with an Emissions Reduction Fund, emissions started growing again as before. Surely now is the time to reconsider the reintroduction of a carbon pricing scheme. We know it works. Peter Nash, Fairlight Credit: Cathy Wilcox Tessa Forshaw, an Australian scientist from Harvard, hits the nail on the head with her dissection of whats missing from the productivity roundtable and whats holding Australia back. Its a risk-adverse mindset (Australia cant fix productivity without confronting its innovation hesitation, August 19). Our scientists are first-class, but too often have to move to the US or the UK to capitalise on their ideas. And that mindset has a lot to do with politics. The Hawke/ Keating government was not afraid to take risks. Since then, the chaos in Canberra and the Coalitions lost decade have landed us where we are now. Our Labor government has a thumping majority but is afraid to do what obviously needs to be done because of the way politics works in Canberra. Under these circumstances, how can the populace be anything other than risk-averse? If we cant fix our politics, how can anything else work properly? The ray of hope is that the vote for the major parties continues to fall. Gary Barnes, Mosman Another topic that deserves discussion at the productivity round table is the multi-billion dollar diesel fuel rebate. Our current system refunds mining companies $495 for every 1000 litres of diesel used off-road. The Safeguard Mechanism penalty, meant to encourage emissions reduction in heavy industries, then charges these industries $5 for the resulting pollution. This is clearly a ridiculous situation, subsiding both pollution and the lame status quo. The productivity roundtable should adopt the Grattan Institutes proposal to wind back this generous diesel rebate, apply an emissions charge instead, and begin the shift to road-user charging. Mark Wills, Northcote (Vic) Paul Keating once said Ross Gittins was the only economist worth listening to. Personally, I never miss his column. So where is his inclusion in this weeks roundtable? Judy Nicholas, Kambah (ACT) Qantas pays the price Its encouraging that Justice Michael Lee has not only upheld workers rights, but also chastised Qantas for its unconscionable behaviour in profiting from the misery of its workers (Payday for union as Qantas fined $90 million, August 19). Perhaps the tide has finally turned against the decade-long conservative free-for-all that elevated profit and unethical business practice above workers rights and drove the imbalance between wage increases and soaring profits. Id take issue, however, with the suggestion that unions mount frivolous cases. Generally, when a case is brought, it is to pursue fair and proper treatment. Alison Stewart, Riverview Advertisement Justice Lees judgment against Qantas highlights the value of unions. With no government agencies prepared to take on the might of Qantas for its sacking of baggage handlers, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) stepped up all the way to the High Court and won. Former CEO Alan Joyce and his minions engaged in conduct that damaged, both personally and financially, thousands of employees who had given decades of honest and faithful service to Qantas. Who stepped in to seek compensation for these workers; the government? No, it was one of the much-maligned unions that conservatives and the Murdoch press demonise at every opportunity. As a long-term union member I always saw the value of fighting for the rights and entitlements of workers. I applaud the TWU and the entire union movement for their tireless (and undervalued) advocacy on behalf of all Australian workers. Stronger together forever. Tony Heathwood, Kiama Downs Qantas former CEO Alan Joyce and current CEO Vanessa Hudson. Credit: SMH The Morrison government gave Qantas about $2.7 billion in assistance during COVID, for which the taxpayer received no equity and lost a mountain of luggage. Last October, the company was fined $100 million for selling tickets for flights it had already decided to cancel. Now they have been fined $90 million for illegally sacking workers. Furthermore, they have killed any aviation competition in the regions by destroying REX through cross-subsidising their routes. Put plainly, the Spirit of Australia has become the Spirit of Mistrust and Exploitation. Malcolm Freak, Armidale Justice Lees findings against Qantas and its IR breaches should send a clear warning to the Coalition shadow bench should it seek to water down employees rights and embolden big business to maximise profits at the expense of workers hard-fought and won entitlements. Severino Milazzo, Maroubra Why is ex-Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce not asked to repay some of his massive golden handshake? It was surely his decision to sack staff. Richard Harman, Banora Point Taco Trump Peter Hartchers reference to Donald Trumps snivelling display at his meeting with Vladimir Putin has many echoes of then British PM Neville Chamberlains grovelling pilgrimage to meet Hitler in 1938 (How Trump went from American eagle to cooing pigeon, August 19). Not only did Chamberlain (and France) agree to hand over part of what was then Czechoslovakia to Germany without that countrys knowledge or consent, but like Trumps spurious claims of a 10 out of 10 outcome for his Alaska meeting, Chamberlain returned to England waving a piece of paper which he claimed represented peace in our time. Its truly depressing to see the leader of the country that played such an important role in saving the world from Nazi and Japanese domination behaving in such a craven and cowardly manner in the face of a tyrant like Putin. Martyn Yeomans, Sapphire Beach Advertisement It is all very well for Peter Hartcher to attack Donald Trump for his vacillation and possible motives for his efforts to end Russias war against Ukraine, but the unaddressed question that needs answering is whether the best, if not the only, way to end the war is for the Western democracies to briefly take up arms on the side of Ukraine in defence of the principles of national sovereignty and peaceful co-existence. Ross Drynan, Lindfield In his letter, Peter Thornton admires Donald Trump for meeting some of the worlds nastier autocrats (Letters, August 19). He misses the fact that Trump isnt being altruistic. Rather, he admires them and feels they share something that he doesnt with other leaders. This isnt something for which to offer kudos. Luke Crosthwaite, Surfers Paradise Netanyahu gone astray The current diplomatic spat between Israel and Australia has its origins in Benjamin Netanyahus desperate fight for political and personal survival (Wong rebukes Israels move to cancel visas for Australian diplomats, August 19). As Netanyahu has become progressively alienated from Israels sensible centre, he has had to reach out to right-wing nutters like Simcha Rothman, who was denied a visa to Australia, to cobble together a governing coalition. A more moderate Israeli regime would have ended the Gaza conflict long ago. The surviving hostages would have been returned, thousands of Palestinians would still be alive and receiving food and medical services, and many Gazan buildings would still be standing. While extremists like Rothman remain in power, the war will continue and former allies such as Australia will cut more of their ties with Israel. If Netanyahu regards Australias support for peace and humanity as antisemitic, it shows how far he has strayed from the mainstream of civilised behaviour. Mike Reddy, Vincentia Aaron David Miller advised six United States secretaries of state on Middle East policy. Veteran Middle East peace negotiator (is that an oxymoron?) Aaron David Miller thinks Australias move to recognise Palestine will only encourage Hamas to hold on (Stance on Palestine has no impact, August 19). Naturally, hes supported by the usual pro-Israeli lobbyists. Meanwhile, Egypt and Qatar have negotiated a ceasefire with Hamas, which plainly demonstrates the gulf between rhetoric and reality (Hamas accepts Arab-mediated ceasefire deal, August 19). Phil Bradshaw, Naremburn It isnt a surprise that US Middle East adviser Aaron David Miller would declare our stance on Palestine has no impact. Its just another way of creating obstacles to action, like throwing about the term antisemitism at any criticism of Israel and most importantly, the inexcusable actions of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. The global coverage of the Harbour Bridge march started more federal government action and caused more international consternation. It may be true that this is not having much impact on the ground, but I think the surest option now would be demanding the removal of Netanyahu from office. Enough is enough. Anthony Connolly, Beacon Hill Advertisement Kean for change We owe a lot to Matt Kean for placing the NSW Liberal Party firmly in the climate action camp (Balancing act: keeping parties cool on climate, August 19). But with his departure from politics, the job of keeping the party there has been more difficult, given the climate wars that are tearing the federal Coalition apart. In many ways, its a pity he did not stay on to become opposition leader, but we cant blame him for eschewing this thankless job. Hes right where the action is now, and we couldnt ask for a better, more qualified person to be chair of the Climate Change Authority. We should all wish him well. Ken Enderby, Concord Bridging transport gap Defecting from the inner west some years ago, the friends I left behind half jokingly called it a bridge too far, and time proved them right. Buses and trains, regular by day, after dark became scarce, unreliable or affected by dreaded trackwork, as if the city wilfully shut itself down. The metro has miraculously changed all that and made Sydney cosmopolitan (How a year of metro has shaken up the way Sydney moves, August 19). I now think nothing of seeing a show, and however late it finishes, a train will arrive within minutes, and Ill open my front door half an hour later. That type of service is no bridge at all. Peter Farmer, Northbridge The Metro has changed many commuters lives for the better. Credit: Max Mason-Hubers Advertisement Unloved tax Perhaps the best way to judge the potential effectiveness of tax changes to repair the budget bottom line is to look at voters reactions (Australians want Albanese to act to fix system except for one tax, August 19). The greater the effectiveness, the greater the opposition. The GST is a lovely tax because it is paid continually by everyone, even those who reduce their income tax to zero through negative gearing or retirement with superannuation. No surprise that voters are opposed to an increase, despite it being one of the lowest in the world. There are parallels with the historic carbon tax very effective in reducing emissions as it was paid by everyone, but tax-hating voters voted it down. It is almost surprising that there is more support for a change to negative gearing and capital gains discounts, however, the unfairness of these in favouring the well-off is a key factor. Geoff Harding, Chatswood Best defence After all the speculation about AUKUS, the expectation is that the agreement will be upheld after the Pentagon review by US defence official Elbridge Colby. But is it really in Australias best interests? Our cities will still be wide open to attack by conventional naval and air forces, as well as by missiles, rockets and drones. Right now, a hostile navy could shell Sydney for half an hour and Australia would have to surrender in the absence of a missile defence system. And we cant count on the US coming in to bail us out. With the government splashing money on anything but defence, we need to spend the AUKUS money not on submarines, but on protecting our cities and deterring aggressors. Paul Everingham, Hamilton Improving lives Your article (The miracle nation at 60: How Singapore thrived against the odds August 11) relies heavily on longstanding detractors with well-worn criticisms to paint a skewed picture of Singapore. They claim that middle-class Singaporeans are truly squeezed and that working-class citizens are worst affected by social inequality. The facts say otherwise. The government heavily subsidises housing, healthcare and education, and provides additional support for those with less. Our progressive system of taxes and transfers has reduced both income and wealth inequalities, with the Gini coefficient, which measures income or wealth inequality, now at its lowest in almost two decades. Singaporeans continue to support the Peoples Action Party government because it has delivered results and improved lives, especially for the lower-income and broad middle. Anil Nayar, Singapore High Commissioner to Australia Advertisement A Liverpool Council worker alleged a tractor he was driving was shot at after Mayor Ned Mannoun posted remarks on social media suggesting union members were racist, a union organiser has told an inquiry. The NSW Office of Local Government inquiry into alleged dysfunction and maladministration at the Sydney council was told numerous council employees had raised safety concerns amid rising hostilities between Mannoun and workers as false rumours swirled that 150 jobs would be slashed. The United Services Union protest included the chant Put some pork on your fork directed at Muslim Mayor Ned Mannoun in April 2024. Credit: Michael Andjelkovic The inquiry has heard union members chanted Put some pork on your fork and held up a toy pig at a protest directed at Mannoun, who is Muslim, after the union informed its members of the rumours and shortly before police were called to a chaotic council meeting after a rally on April 24 last year. At that meeting, the councils then-chief executive John Ajaka was stood down pending an external investigation into his behaviour at a prior meeting, when he told Mannoun to shut the f--- up. A child in out-of-home care was reportedly left at a police station overnight after a shortage of caseworkers meant they could not be assessed or placed in suitable alternative accommodation. Data obtained by this masthead shows thousands of the states most vulnerable children have been assessed as being at risk of serious harm, which includes allegations of violence, neglect and sexual assault. However, more than half of all reports have yet to be assessed, or the child removed from danger. Thousands of children have been assessed as being at risk of significant harm but have yet to be assigned a caseworker. Credit: Angela Wylie The allegations about the child at the police station, raised in parliament budget estimates by shadow minister for families and communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones, highlight the crisis in the out-of-home care sector for the states most vulnerable children. Where did that young person sleep? Were they in a cell? Maclaren-Jones asked. A manager at a prestigious Melbourne college who says she was frozen out at work and demoted over her working-from-home arrangement has taken her employer to the Federal Court. Kelly Reed, a commercial manager at University College a student boarding facility attached to the University of Melbourne says her health suffered and that she was hurt, distressed and humiliated by the conduct of her employer after she asked last year for a formally agreed arrangement to work from home most of the time. University College at the University of Melbourne. Credit: Facebook The case comes as the state Labor government seeks to give workers the legally enforceable right to work remotely up to two days a week the first Australian jurisdiction to do so and with the right to work from home emerging as an increasingly fraught issue. Reed is suing the college and two of its senior figures, college head Jennifer McDonald and its governing council chair, Lisa Williams, alleging breaches of the Fair Work Act after she made her flexible-working request. A former support worker at a specialist school in Melbournes south-east has been charged with serious child sex abuse offences, the principal of the school says. Endeavour Hills Specialist School principal Karen Hunt offered families access to support services after she revealed that local woman Roshelle Kassab had been charged with child sexual abuse offences. Loading It is unclear whether Kassabs alleged offending is related to her employment at the school, where she had been working since January, but parents were told on Monday she is no longer employed there. Given the serious nature of these charges, I wanted to ensure you were notified of this very concerning news, Hunt told parents and carers on Monday. Were bringing our live blog to a close for the day, thank you for joining us. Well be back tomorrow with more live coverage. However, before we go, a good news update. Perth conquers Qfly threat Western Australia is celebrating its tenth successful Qfly eradication thanks to the dedicated efforts of the entire Perth community. The destructive fruit fly is one of the biggest threats to WAs $1.49 billion horticultural industries and backyard fruit trees, and if it became established it could be economically devastating. Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis has just confirmed WA has achieved area freedom from the destructive pest after an extensive eight-month eradication response in Perths southern suburbs. The latest outbreak of Qfly was detected in the Willagee and Palmyra areas in November 2024, through monitoring of traps in WAs early warning surveillance network. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development undertook an extensive eradication response with the support of the Willagee and Palmyra and surrounding communities as well as the Perth Markets. Loading They visited more than 12,000 properties, deployed more than 10,500 lures and collected almost 600 samples of fruit for testing in a quarantine area spanning 22 local governments. This is the tenth time Qfly has been successfully eradicated from the Perth metropolitan area since the 1980s. A shame we cant repeat this success with the shot-hole borer Nurses, engineers and other immigrants with qualifications from overseas would be able to work in Australia under a proposal that won support at Tuesdays economic roundtable as unions and bosses jousted over a bid to slap a new tax on businesses. Treasurer Jim Chalmers hailed the first day of the three-day Canberra talkfest as a moment of consensus on skills reform, prompting Labor to do an about-face and start drafting a joint statement of intent after last week downplaying expectations of any international summit-style statement. The Albanese governments economic roundtable is under way. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer As Chalmers prepared to oversee disputes over artificial intelligence at Wednesdays session, he lauded the collaboration of economists, captains of industry and workers representatives, who he said had really risen to the occasion. But other sources in the closed-off cabinet room said the meeting was highly stage-managed. No one is challenging anyone, one participant said on the condition of anonymity. American evangelical pastor Mark Burns, who the media calls the personal spiritual adviser to US President Donald Trump, called Ukraine a country that defends religious freedom, and the Russian Federation a country that uses religion as a weapon. It is deeply troubling that during peace talks in Alaska, Vladimir Putin had the audacity to demand protections for the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. This is the same institution being used by the Kremlin to justify war, bless missiles, and deceive millions by pretending their invasion is somehow holy, Burns said regarding Putin's religious demands in Ukraine, published on the social network X. According to him, Putin's statements about alleged concern for the security of the church, while his own government bans Ukrainian churches in occupied territories is not just hypocritical, it is wicked. The Ukrainian people are not trying to silence faith. They are standing against a corrupt system that uses the name of God to bless violence. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has called the war against Ukraine a holy mission and promised forgiveness to those who kill innocent people. That is not Christianity. That is a false religion being used to serve empire, pastor said. He spoke in support of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations and stated that Ukraine is a nation that has upheld religious freedom, even while under brutal attack. Ukraines new law was passed through a democratic process. It protects their national sovereignty and sets fair legal procedures for investigating ties to the Russian Orthodox Church. No religious group is being automatically banned. No one is above the law. These are actions of a free people defending themselves, not persecuting anyone, the statement reads. Burns added that he is praying for peace, but noted that real peace must be based on truth. The truth is that Russia has weaponized religion. And Ukraine is right to expose that May God bless those who fight for justice. And may He bring down every false prophet used by tyrants. As reported, the Russian Federation, as its conditions for concluding a peace treaty, discussed during a meeting between Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska on Friday, expressed demands for the complete withdrawal of the Ukrainian Armed Forces from areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions that it was unable to seize, official status for the Russian language, and the right of the Russian Orthodox Church to operate freely in the country. It was the $700,000 water cannon that NSW Police supposedly needed after the Cronulla riots. Now the truck has been quietly auctioned off despite not firing a single drop of water at any rioters. After a string of violence across Sydney in the early 2000s, including riots in Cronulla and Redfern, the water cannon was purchased by the state government as a way to control violent crowds. The police water cannon was fired for a media event here in 2007 but never at rioters. Credit: Brendan Esposito Despite the then-government insisting the water cannon was a much-needed tool for police, it was donated to Fire and Rescue NSW in 2019 without ever being fired. The Herald can now reveal the polices most famous white elephant was stripped of its firefighting gear and sold last month. Repurposed by FRNSW as a bulk water tanker, the vehicle had much more success fighting fires than protesters. Brought to fire grounds as a way for firefighters to easily replenish their water reserves, the former police vehicle was used to combat blazes at the Jenolan Caves in 2020. If weve got tunnel boring machines which have gone six kilometres underground then we can hardly fill it back in, he said. The project will then proceed, theres no doubt about it well have to make sure its managed appropriately, and unlike every other major project, its managed on time and under budget. No government would have any choice. If youve got tunnels that are half-built, you cant fill them in, we dont intend to do that. Asked if the party would consider slowing down the project, Guy said: If a project is commencing then a project goes ahead, its as simple as that. Were asking this government ... this is not the project for Melbourne, please pause it when youve got the chance. In a statement, Suburban Rail Loop Minister Harriet Shing said the opposition had repeatedly changed its policy on the SRL. What a mess. The Liberals have announced yet another position on the Suburban Rail Loop, she said. The Allan Labor government has only ever had one position on the Suburban Rail Loop. And were building it. Speaking later on Tuesday morning, Battin said he agreed with Guys position but denied there had been a shift in policy, saying he was restating previous comments. Battin confirmed that should the government not pull out of the project by December, when tunnel boring machines are due to arrive in the country, then the project will continue under the Liberals. We will review it and every step of the contract, well have a look at to see if we can save Victorians money, he said The $34.5 billion SRL East would connect Cheltenham and Box Hill through a rail link slated to open by 2035. It would be the first stage of an orbital rail line that is planned to eventually connect all the way through to Werribee, via Melbourne Airport but later stages are not proposed to start for decades. Tunnel boring machines are due to arrive in Australia late this year, with tunnelling set to begin in 2026. Opposition transport spokesman Matthew Guy. Credit: Eddie Jim Shing said she welcomed the oppositions confirmation it would continue with the SRL in the event it wins next years election. I think that is something people should take a measure of comfort on, in consistency and on a project that the city needs and that people have actually endorsed four times in a row when theyve headed to the polls, she said at the ABC forum. Loading The Liberal Partys softening of its stance on the SRL sets the scene for the first election campaign since 2014 to not be dominated by discussion of whether the project will go ahead. But Battin sought to cast doubt on whether the tunnelling would actually start before the election. Lets wait and see what happens when it comes to boring machines and if the government can get anything on time, he said. Loading But if there are two holes in the ground, and the boring machines have started, we will go through the process and I guarantee you we will manage that project better. An Infrastructure Australia report released in March said no federal money beyond the $2 billion already contributed should be committed to the loops first phase until it was clear the project stacked up financially. The report urged Victoria to develop exit strategies to provide a clear pathway out of the project in case it couldnt be delivered, raising concerns the state will have to fund $34.5 billion by itself. Victoria is planning for the federal government to cover a third of the SRL East, a third by itself and the final third through value capture a mechanism to seek contributions from businesses and landowners who benefit from rising property values, though the feasibility of raising more than $11 billion this way remains a subject of debate. Public Transport Users Association spokesperson Daniel Bowen said the oppositions commitment gave some certainty to the project, assuming that tunnelling begins. Whoever wins that election, they are going to need to take care to keep the costs under control, look for opportunities to improve the design and get on and deliver it, he said. It has gone through two elections and its not unreasonable for Labor to push ahead with it, but they do need to make sure the budget is kept under control. And we wont get the full benefits unless you get the full project, so they do need to start thinking about how SRL North will be developed. Tbilisi, Georgia: A local man in Anchorage was given a new motorcycle by Russian President Vladimir Putin during last weeks summit with US President Donald Trump in the Alaskan city, according to Russian state television. An employee of the Russian embassy in the United States handed the man, Mark Warren, the keys to his new Ural motorcycle in the car park of the Anchorage hotel where the Russian delegation was staying. I have to say that this is a personal gift from the president of the Russian Federation, Andrei Ledenev, the embassy employee, told Warren. Mark Warren rides his new Ural motorcycle, a gift from the Russian president. Credit: Via Reuters The white-haired, bespectacled Warren, whom Reuters was unable to contact for comment, was shown hopping aboard his new bike, Ledenev behind him and another man in the sidecar, to take it for a spin. Oslo, Norway: Norwegian prosecutors have indicted the eldest son of Norways crown princess on multiple charges including rape after a lengthy investigation. Oslo state attorney Sturla Henriksb announced on Monday (Tuesday AEST) that Marius Borg Hiby could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, broadcaster NRK reported. Marius Borg Hiby, the eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, is facing 10 years in prison if convicted. Hes pictured here with his mother in Oslo in 2022. Credit: AP The indictment, filed in Oslo district court, includes 32 counts, among them rape, abuse in a close relationship against one former partner and acts of violence against another. Other charges include making death threats and traffic violations. Hiby, the 28-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson of the heir to the throne, Crown Prince Haakon, has no royal title or official duties. His half-sister and future Queen of Norway, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is currently studying at the University of Sydney. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys comments that he is ready for a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin have thrust the spotlight on what a final deal to end the 3-year war could look like and the details are far from certain. The biggest questions remain on what security guarantees Kyiv could be given, possibly in return for giving up territory to Russia a condition thought to lie at the heart of Putins peace terms. Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin. Credit: Marija Ercegovac What about an immediate ceasefire? Questions also linger over securing a ceasefire before a broader peace deal is reached an option apparently off the table since Trumps shift in position after he met Putin in Alaska. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pressed Trump not to give up on a truce entirely, saying he cant imagine the next meeting taking place without one. Washington: If the purpose of the European mission to the White House was to prevent Donald Trump tilting in favour of Russias Vladimir Putin after their Alaskan adventure, then it may broadly be considered a success, even if the tangible outcomes are difficult to discern. The visitors were warmly welcomed, including Volodymyr Zelensky, whose last trip to the Oval Office ended catastrophically. This time, it ended with laughter and a strong handshake. The Ukrainian president called it the best of his meetings with Trump so far. Donald Trump has flagged a meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky (left) and Vladimir Putin, followed by three-way talks he would join. Credit: Marija Ercegovac Likewise, the Europeans showered Trump with gratitude for hosting them and expending his time and energy on trying to solve the war. They praised him for being the only person who could co-ordinate with Putin and get him to the negotiating table. That is now what Trump intends to do. He has signalled a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, followed by three-way talks that he would join, which, according to Zelensky, is the sequencing Russia offered. Zelensky says hes happy to do so. No date or location is set. Dear Editor, The Minister of ECYS has jumped on this misguided bandwagon, pressuring schools to abandon longstanding hygiene rules. This governmental interference is particularly egregious because the proposed changes haven't even passed through parliament. We have a minister trying to override established school policies through political pressure rather than proper legislative process. This represents a dangerous precedent where schools lose their authority to maintain basic standards. When government officials undermine institutional rules for political gain, they're teaching children that rules don't matter, and authority can be circumvented through complaints and protests. Vote-Hunting Through Lawlessness Let's call this what it is: ministers and parliament members are sacrificing community health and educational standards to secure votes from permissive parents. They're not considering what's best for children's development, health, or preparation for adult responsibilities. These politicians know that maintaining hygiene standards is crucial for public health. They understand that schools need clear authority to enforce basic cleanliness rules. But they're willing to abandon these principles to appease a vocal minority of parents who view any standards as oppression. This isn't progressive policy, it's lawlessness disguised as tolerance. Poor hygiene in schools creates serious consequences beyond bad smells and unsightly appearances. It increases disease transmission, creates social barriers for students with proper hygiene habits, and fails to prepare young people for workplace expectations. Employers won't tolerate workers who can't maintain basic cleanliness. By allowing students to graduate without learning fundamental hygiene practices, we're setting them up for professional failure and social rejection. Schools serve the entire community, not just the loudest parents. When we abandon hygiene standards, we compromise the health and comfort of all students, staff, and families. Schools must stand firm against this assault on basic standards. They need to enforce existing hygiene rules without apology, regardless of parental complaints or political pressure. The health and well-being of the majority cannot be sacrificed for the convenience of a few. Parents need to accept their responsibility to teach their children proper hygiene habits. If you can't maintain your child's elaborate hairstyle or nail extensions, don't send them to school with these potential health hazards. Politicians must stop using children's education as a campaign battleground. Support schools in maintaining reasonable standards, or stay out of educational policy entirely. The time for compromise on basic hygiene has passed. Our children deserve clean, healthy learning environments where they can focus on education rather than navigate around classmates who haven't learned basic cleanliness. Schools, parents, and policymakers must choose to maintain standards that serve the community, or watch our educational institutions become breeding grounds for poor habits and declining health standards. Authors' Name Withheld upon Request. ~Letter of intent confirms close collaboration and shared responsibility for security in the Caribbean.~ BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS:--- Caribbean countries share a lot: a common history, a rich culture and a deep sense of connectedness. They also face shared challenges: persistent gun violence, vulnerability to cyberattacks, and the threat of transnational organized crime. That is why regional cooperation is of vital importance. Last week this cooperation was visibly reinforced: the Chief of Police of the Sint Maarten Police Force, Commissioner Carl John, the Chief of Police of the Curacao Police Force, Commissioner Raymond Ellis and the Chief of Police of the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force, Commissioner Alwyn Braaf, signed in coordination with their responsible ministers together with Lt. Col. Michael Jones, Executive Director of CARICOM IMPACS, a letter of intent further strengthening their ties. Jones has long emphasized the need for regional cooperation and stated earlier: The devastating impact of illegal guns in the Caribbean cannot be overstated. Only together can we counter this threat and build safer societies for our people. The cooperation does not remain on paper. In June, a five-day forensic training was held in Sint Maarten in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre. In September, a new training will follow, this time focused on organized crime and firearms. Steps are also being taken in the field of cybercrime. The Cybercrime Fusion Center in Barbados is supporting the countries in strengthening their digital resilience. In addition, this cooperation will make an important contribution to tackling gun violence, migrant smuggling and human trafficking in the region. A central element in the agreements is the importance of information sharing. Whether it concerns forensic expertise, digital threats, or cross-border crime: by exchanging data, signals, and analyses, the countries increase their joint effectiveness. For example, the countries will start sharing their watchlists, making it much harder for criminals to move freely across the region. Crucial in this process is timely feedback, enabling the next country to anticipate the arrival of incoming offenders. During their visit to Barbados, the Police Chiefs were introduced to the facilities of CARICOM IMPACS. They exchanged experiences about their own forces and discussed the cooperation they already maintain within the Board of Chiefs of Police. This existing collaboration provides a solid foundation to build upon. The role of police leaders from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom in the wider region is visibly growing. For instance, the Chief of Police of Sint Maarten was recently elected First Vice President of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP), a recognition of the contribution the Kingdoms countries make to the regional security structure. The Caribbean countries are young, but their cooperation is developing rapidly. The letter of intent underscores the shared conviction that only through joint commitment, practical arrangements and intensive information sharing can the region become more resilient against violence, cyberthreats and organized crime. Since last week, a concrete contribution has thus been made to a safer Caribbean region. PHILIPSBURG:---Dr. Dannabang Kuwabongs new book, examining the work of St. Martin writer Lasana M. Sekou, was launched and presented at international conferences in St. Martin and in Prague, Czechia, this summer. Titled Rhetoric of Resistance, Labor of Love: The Ecopoetics of Nationhood in the Poetry and Prose of Lasana M. Sekou, the publication is now set as required reading for the Caribbean Theory graduate course at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) this fall, said Kuwabong. Published by House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP), the book is possibly the first to critically analyze original writings of how St. Martin people were treated as immigrants in countries and territories in the Caribbean and beyond, from the late 1800s to the late 1950s, said HNP president Jacqueline Sample. In this groundbreaking study, Dannabang Kuwabong arouses our critical curiosity, our political consciousness, and our aesthetic sensibility, said Mark Andrews of Vassar College. He offers a wide-ranging exploration of the multi-layered and richly imaginative creative works of St. Martins leading poet, Lasana M. Sekou. The books five chapters offer an in-depth analysis of Sekous poetry, fiction, and essays, including Brotherhood of the Spurs, Love Songs Make You Cry, National Symbols of St. Martin, Mothernation, and The Salt Reaper with its mythopoem about the Great Salt Pond. While the debilitating psychosocial cognitive effects of poverty and immigration on St. Martiners is a key theme in Chapter 1, it represents only a fraction of the issues explored in Rhetoric of Resistance, Labor of Love. Topics like tourism, agriculture, environmental degradation, cultural amnesia, political betrayal, resilience, succession land as a core cultural value, Dutch and French dependency, the fear of and seminal call for independence, and the now challenged historical unity of the islands people are discussed not lightly or as dogma, but through sociocultural and historical interpretation. These themes are also explored with careful attention to literary quality. In the books Fanonian Introduction to Lasana M. Sekou, Kuwabong describes Sekous outlook as revolutionaryechoing the no-nonsense Trinidadian critic Gordon Rohlehr, who elsewhere called Sekou the poet and militant publisher from St. Maarten (2022). Kuwabong highlights Sekous apparent decision to write to, from, for, and with his people, and not pander to the international gendarmes of literature who play a role in determining the authors from the Caribbean who are academically elevated. Another contentious point, Kuwabong writes, is that Sekous liberationist poetics may not resonate with the pundits of post-colonial literary studies, as Sekous combative and counter-discursive poetics are supposedly counter-progressive and out of sync with their contemporary realities. Recognizing that Sekou either doesnt care about what external policing does, says, or feelsor simply refuses to sugarcoat St. Martins colonial and divided-island realitiesKuwabong dives headlong into comparisons between Sekous work and the profound nationalist themes found in the writings of Frantz Fanon and Edward Said, as well as Patrick Chamoiseaus complex framing of Caribbean identity. The St. Martin writers pan-Caribbean, pan-African, and internationalist poetry, uncompromising in its critique of class, race, and national, regional, or global structures of oppression, also comes under Kuwabongs sharp literary lens, particularly in his analysis of Sekous works such as Nativity, Maroon Lives, and Book of the Dead. The final chapter presents the writer as a witness to national consciousness, and it is as much about Sekou as it is a signala dialoguewith current and future writers and artists from St. Martin and the wider Caribbean. Kuwabong, who is originally from Ghana, also references earlier critical appraisals of Sekous work by Fabian Adekunle Badejo (St. Martin), Howard Fergus (Montserrat/UWI), Emilio Jorge Rodriguez (Cuba), and Sara Florian (Italy). Whats truly new is how Dr. Kuwabong draws on trauma scholars to rigorously explore, maybe for the first time in relation to Lasanas work, the Gothic themes and family traumas tied to individual redemption and community healing of St. Martiners, which Lasana writes about in original and sometimes frightening ways, said Sample. Kuwabongs Rhetoric of Resistance, Labor of Love is, overall, a most timely, insightful appraisal of Lasana M. Sekous important body of poetry and prose: a critical assessment of his ecopoetics of trauma and healing to move the people of St. Martin beyond a historical and cultural amnesia, toward liberating forms of community, said Keith Cartwright, Chair and Professor of English at the University of North Florida. And beyond St. Martin, charting a mode of witness that urges readers, and calls nations to action. This book triggered the very same feeling I had when I read for the first time the literature of Aime Cesaire, Kamau Brathwaite or George Lamming: revelation and consciousness of Caribbean identity, history, and landscape, said David Anuar, award-winning writer, historian, and literary critic at the Foundation for Mexican Letters. Kuwabong is being warmly welcomed by colleagues as he returns with the new scholarly publication for the fall semester at UPR, where he is teaching literary criticism, Gothic and trauma literature, Caribbean studies, and womens studies. Were delighted to congratulate Prof. Dannabang Kuwabong for the publication of his new book Rhetoric of Resistance, Labor of Love: The Ecopoetics of Nationhood in the Poetry and Prose of Lasana M. Sekou, said Sargasso, the peer-reviewed journal of literature, language, and culture edited at UPR. Rhetoric of Resistance, Labor of Love is available at Arnias Bookstore in St. Martin, from the author in Puerto Rico, and online at libroslatinos.com, said Sample. Experts from member companies of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine (the Chamber) urge the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (the Parliament) to promptly consider and adopt the relevant amendment to the Law of Ukraine On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2025, as reflected in the draft Law of July 14, 2025, No. 13439-3, On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2025 regarding financial support for the security and defense sector and addressing priority issues (draft Law). The amendment provides for the allocation and provision of additional state support to ensure the uninterrupted operation of rail transport. In the opinion of the Chamber's member companies, such a decision is extremely important today for the railway industry and related industries (agricultural, metallurgical, energy, construction, and others), as it will enable additional financial resources to be attracted to ensure the stable operation of rail transport in conditions of significant funding shortages, as well as prevent the suspension of the operational activities of JSC Ukrzaliznytsia, the deterioration of service quality, and the disruption of logistics chains. Experts from the Chamber's member companies welcome the approval of the draft law by the relevant Verkhovna Rada Committee on Budgetary Issues for further consideration in the second reading and hope for a prompt resolution of this issue during the current plenary week. After all, in the context of a full-scale war, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of rail transport is of strategic importance, playing a key role in the transportation of goods, ensuring the mobility of the population, and supporting the country's economic activity. Source: https://chamber.ua/ua/news/amerykanska-torhovelna-palata-zaklykaie-parlament-zabezpechyty-stabilne-funktsionuvannia-zaliznychnoho-transportu-v-umovakh-znachnoho-defitsytu-finansuvannia/ PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Collective Prevention Services (CPS), in collaboration with the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) and the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), successfully concluded World Breastfeeding Week 2025 (WBW 2025) with a series of engaging and impactful events held from August 19, 2025 under the theme Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems. On August 1, an Opening Ceremony hosted by SMMC launched the WBW 2025 activities. On August 2, mothers gathered on the Philipsburg Boardwalk for the Mothers Walk, creating a vibrant display of solidarity and awareness. Education sessions were held on August 5 and 6 at Dr. Fridays Clinic, Women's Health Services, and SMMC, which covered important topics on breastfeeding health and support for new mothers. On August 7, a Sip & Paint hosted at the SMMC classroom brought together 15 mothers for an evening of art and storytelling, providing a space for creativity, connection, and shared experiences. On August 8, a Story Time activity was held at the WYCCF in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Library. Eight children, accompanied by their parents, enjoyed animated readings by Melackia Spencer and Maryland Powell of the Sint Maarten Library, highlighting the importance of literacy alongside maternal health awareness. The week concluded on August 9 with the Moms Health Fair, where attendees engaged with over 25 vendors and service providers covering topics ranging from prenatal to postnatal care, childcare, and self-care resources for parents. Attendees also heard from notable stakeholders and speakers: Social & Health Insurance (SZV), which outlined registration procedures during pregnancy and subsequent processes. Orlando-Simon J. Gesner, student midwife under Stichting Building Bridges Saving Lives, discussed postpartum depression, preparation, and when to seek help. Tadzio Bervoets shared his personal journey as a father and encouraged active paternal involvement. During the fair, winners from CPSs annual breastfeeding photo competition were announced: Winner: Inger Van Den Zanden and partner; First Prize: Laura Vialenc-Joseph; Second Prize: Iriesmyra Euson. This years World Breastfeeding Week highlighted the ongoing commitments of CPS, WYCCF, and SMMC to promoting breastfeeding, maternal wellness, and family support in Sint Maarten. For more information, the community can view the social media accounts of Collective Prevention Services Facebook Page, Government of Sint Maarten Facebook Page, White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation Facebook Page and the St. Maarten Medical Center Facebook Page. PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA), in collaboration with Leaders For Change Foundation, has launched the Homelessness Crisis Response and Empowerment Project a six-month initiative spanning the second half of 2025 to provide both immediate relief and sustainable support for individuals experiencing homelessness. This project is directly aligned with the Ministrys vision, falls within CDFHAs mandate, and is in accordance with the Governments Governing Program under the pillar of social development. It underscores the importance of collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), recognizing NGOs as essential grassroots partners who champion innovative ways to address challenges faced by vulnerable groups. The project will respond to urgent needs through the distribution of hygiene kits, clean clothing, reusable water bottles, and meals, while also conducting weekly outreach visits to assess needs, build trust, and offer continued support. Beyond immediate aid, the initiative will explore long-term solutions such as skills training, livelihood opportunities, and partnerships to help beneficiaries work toward self-sufficiency. Over 100 individuals are expected to receive direct assistance through the project, along with resources to improve their health, dignity, and quality of life. Data collected during the initiative will guide future interventions, strengthen policy development, and ensure a more targeted and effective response to the homelessness crisis. Homelessness is not merely a housing issue, but a human issue that demands compassion, collaboration, and concrete action, stated Minister Brug, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA)Through this project, we are combining immediate relief with long-term empowerment to restore dignity and provide real opportunities for those in need. By working hand-in-hand with NGOs like Leaders For Change, we are strengthening resilience and building a community where no one is left behind. If you know someone who is homeless, sleeping rough, or at risk of homelessness, please contact +1 (721) 523-4160 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . PHILIPSBURG:--- NOW Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis has issued a strong call to all school boards, specifically Catholic school boards, to respect the pending legislation prohibiting discrimination against students based on hairstyles, respectively, long hair, as announced by Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa Gumbs, during recent Parliamentary meetings. MP Lewis stated that while the legislation will formally take effect later in the school year, schools are already expected to align with the principle that no child should be denied access to education because of their hairstyle. It is unacceptable that in 2025, we still face situations where parents are being told their children cannot register for school due to the way their hair is styled. Education is a right, not a privilege subject to arbitrary and outdated rules, MP Lewis emphasized. MP Lewis would like to address all school boards, especially Catholic school boards, in Sint Maarten, whom he has been receiving numerous complaints about regarding the pending legislation. Im urging them to lead by example and adhere to both the letter and the spirit of the pending legislation. I remind the Catholic school boards that even within their statutes and symbols of faith, they revere depictions of Jesus Christ with long hair. If the Son of God himself is shown with flowing hair, it is contradictory and discriminatory to deny children access to learning based on long hair, MP Lewis said. He further noted that Catholic schools, as institutions entrusted with shaping the minds and values of the nations children, have a moral duty to demonstrate inclusivity and compassion. I call on Catholic schools to open their doors fully, without prejudice, to all parents and students, regardless of hairstyle. Long hair does not determine ones education or character. Let us not perpetuate practices that hurt children and families. Instead, let us embrace a more modern and humane approach to education in Sint Maarten, Lewis concluded. MP Lewis added that he will continue to support a more modern-day society and the legislation against hair discrimination and expects all schools (public and private) to respect and implement this progressive policy without delay. Press Release from Business Wire: AUTEL Energy Europe (AFP) Aug 19, 2025 AMSTERDAM, Aug 19, 2025 (BSW) - AMPECO, a global leader in EV charging management software, and Autel Europe, a leading provider of EV charging solutions, announce the successful completion of comprehensive OCPP 2.0.1 testing between Autel's MaxiCharger DH480 and AMPECO's EV charging management platform. This achievement empowers Charge Point Operators (CPOs) with enhanced operational control, improved security, and advanced energy management capabilities essential for scaling modern EV charging networks across Europe. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819710006/en/ Autel MaxiCharger seamlessly integrated with AMPECO, powered by OCPP 2.0.1. The successful OCPP 2.0.1 integration delivers significant operational advantages that directly address the challenges faced by today's CPOs. The advanced security framework provides robust cybersecurity protection with Level 2 TLS encryption and certificate-based authentication, ensuring CPOs can maintain secure operations while meeting increasingly stringent regulatory requirements across European markets. The protocol enables sophisticated load balancing and dynamic charging profiles, allowing CPOs to optimize energy distribution across multiple charging points - crucial for managing peak demand periods and reducing operational costs while maximizing station utilization. OCPP 2.0.1 support positions CPOs for emerging technologies including Plug&Charge functionality. This forward compatibility protects infrastructure investments and enables new revenue opportunities as the EV ecosystem evolves. Advanced remote management capabilities allow CPOs to monitor, control, and troubleshoot charging sessions in real-time, significantly reducing on-site maintenance requirements and improving network uptime. The MaxiCharger DH480 is a 480 kW all-in-one DC charging solution designed for high-demand environments such as highway corridors, commercial depots, and public charging hubs. Its modular architecture offers flexibility in deployment, simplified maintenance, and easy scalability to suit various site requirements. With support for up to four simultaneous charging outputs, the MaxiCharger DH480 enables operators to charge multiple vehicles at once - optimizing energy distribution and reducing queue times during peak hours. The charger is also built for straightforward installation and upgrade, making it well-suited for evolving infrastructure needs. The integration testing validated critical functionalities including secure communication protocols, remote session management, and smart charging profile compatibility. The MaxiCharger DH480 successfully passed the OCPP 2.0.1 integration test with AMPECO's platform, demonstrating full compliance with key technical requirements. The validation process focused on secure communication with Level 2 TLS encryption and basic authentication, remote session management capabilities, and smart charging profiles compatibility for advanced load management and grid-responsive charging strategies. "The integration with Autel Europe demonstrates AMPECO's commitment to providing CPOs with best-in-class hardware integration options," said Glenn L'Heveder, Head of Sales and Business Development Europe at AMPECO. "OCPP 2.0.1 represents a significant leap forward in charging infrastructure capabilities, and our successful integration with the MaxiCharger DH480 ensures that CPOs can confidently deploy these advanced features. This collaboration exemplifies our hardware-agnostic approach, giving operators the flexibility to choose preferred hardware partners while maintaining the highest levels of performance and reliability." "We are pleased to see the DH480 successfully integrated with AMPECO's platform," said Andreas Lastei, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Autel Europe. "This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to open standards and practical, interoperable solutions that make it easier for charge point operators to scale their networks with confidence. By working closely with trusted software partners like AMPECO, we aim to accelerate the development of reliable and future-oriented EV charging infrastructure across Europe. This integration also marks an important first step - our latest-generation product line will soon be fully compatible with OCPP 2.0.1, further expanding the possibilities for seamless and future-proof network deployment." About AUTEL Energy Europe Autel Energy Europe is a leading provider of EV charging solutions, offering a full range of high-performance AC and DC chargers. Operating in 33 European countries, Autel delivers scalable, efficient infrastructure for residential, commercial, and public use. Its MaxiCharger product line supports the region's accelerating shift toward electric mobility through advanced technology, reliability, and smart energy design. For more information, visit: https://autelenergy.eu/ About AMPECO AMPECO enables large-scale EV charging providers to launch and scale their business operations under their brand. The company offers a white-label and hardware-agnostic EV charging management platform to cover all EV charging business cases. It has a comprehensive out-of-the-box feature set that allows quick go-to-market while providing unmatched flexibility and extensibility via API to enable businesses to build their differentiators. AMPECO supports more than 170 charging network operators in over 65 countries. It has been globally recognized by Frost & Sullivan, Financial Times, Forbes, Deloitte, and PwC for its technological product innovation and strategic business development. For more information, visit: https://www.ampeco.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819710006/en/ Contact Media contact: Autel Energy Europe Jiaqi Liu PR Manager [email protected] +31 628679952 AMPECO Dimitar Atanasov Brand & Communications Manager [email protected] +44 20 3398 6596 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Kim Jong Un urges expansion of N. Korea nuclear capability Seoul, Aug 18 (AFP) Aug 18, 2025 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called Tuesday for the "rapid expansion" of the country's nuclear weapons capability, citing ongoing US-South Korea military exercises that he said could "ignite a war". "The US-ROK intensified military nexus and the muscle-flexing are the most obvious manifestation of their will to ignite a war," Kim was quoted as saying by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "The prevailing situation requires us to make a radical and swift change in the existing military theory and practice and rapid expansion of nuclearization," he said. The comments were made as Kim visited a naval destroyer, Choe Hyon, on Monday and received a report about the warship's weapons systems. He expressed satisfaction that "the major tasks for making the navy high-tech and nuclear-armed" were "progressing as planned" ahead of an assessment target in October, KCNA said. The United States and South Korea on Monday began annual joint exercises aimed at preparing for potential threats from nuclear-armed North Korea. The eleven-day exercises include "several large-scale, live-fire training events," a US army statement said. It called the drills "a defense oriented exercise". South Korean President Lee Jae Myung vowed on Friday to "respect" North Korea's political system and build "military trust", a day after Pyongyang said it had no interest in improving relations with Seoul. Lee has pledged to pursue dialogue with the nuclear-armed North without preconditions since his election in June, a reversal from his hawkish predecessor. Lee's speech came a day after North Korean leader Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, said the North has "no will to improve relations" with the South. She also denied reports that North Korea was removing propaganda loudspeakers near the countries' border. In light of transformational global changes, migrants from Asia, Africa, Moldova, and Ukraine are increasingly traveling to Europe in search of safe, stable work. But instead of legal employment, thousands of them end up in a gray area: without a contract, without guarantees, without understanding what awaits them. It's not just about losing wages it's about vulnerability and lack of protection. "We often hear stories of people being lured with promises and then abandoned. Our principle is to work only legally, transparently, and with full support," says Vyacheslav Gryny, co-owner and head of strategic development at the Polish HR company ProfiHand. His team is engaged in international recruitment, in particular attracting employees from countries where looking for work abroad is often associated with risks. But their model is different: no gray schemes, all documents are official, accommodation is verified, and working conditions are known before arrival. A solution that covers everything ProfiHand is one of the few companies in Eastern Europe that not only recruits staff but is also responsible for the entire cycle: from recruitment to adaptation. Candidates receive information about the vacancy before crossing the border, sign a contract in their country, undergo digital training using an AI module, and once on site, receive support from a coordinator, accommodation, and advice. "Our system sees more than just a resume. It shows what job suits a person, under what conditions, and whether there is a risk of failure. And then there is live support," explains Vyacheslav. For many workers, this support is critically important. The company guarantees not only a contract, but also humane living conditions, legal support, and information in a language that the worker understands. This is especially important for people who have never been to Europe and are unfamiliar with the rules and standards. People are not numbers "We had a candidate from the Asian region. In his country, he worked in a port, had technical skills, but did not know any European languages. We prepared him in advance: he underwent digital onboarding, had access to video instructions, and in Poland, he adapted very quickly. Now he works as a senior shift coordinator in production," says Vyacheslav. Such stories are not an exception. Some of the workers who come for physical work eventually become part of the internal team. This has been made possible by the CRM system we have built, which allows us to see potential, record achievements, and offer career opportunities to those who seek them. Humanity as a strategy In addition to technological solutions, Vyacheslav is actively forming strategic work standards. One of them is refusing to work with clients who violate labor standards. The company does not work with facilities that neglect safety, delay payments, or treat employees with disrespect. "If people see that we are on their side, they trust us. And without trust, nothing works in our field," he emphasizes. Not just business For Vyacheslav himself, the story of migration is personal. He himself was a migrant worker without a contract or guarantees. And from his own experience, he understood what the system was lacking and what could be done differently. Today, he sees his mission as changing the approach to international recruitment: "We are not looking for cheap labor. We help people find their place honestly, safely, and with prospects," the expert concludes. El Salvador schools to require military-style inspections San Salvador, Aug 19 (AFP) Aug 19, 2025 El Salvador's new education minister Karla Trigueros -- a military officer with a flair for camouflage -- ordered the country's public schools on Monday to mandate "clean uniforms" and "appropriate haircuts" for students. Trigueros was appointed by President Nayib Bukele on Friday, to the open dismay of teachers' unions, who warned against the "militarization" of education. "Within the framework of strengthening discipline, order, and the personal presentation of the student community," schools must enforce strict compliance with the new norms, Trigueros wrote in a memo to school principals, which she posted to social media platform X. Since her appointment, Trigueros has visited schools around the country wearing her camouflage military uniform. Her new memorandum indicates that, starting August 20, principals must greet students daily at the entrance gates of the country's more than 5,100 public schools. Principals are called on to conduct inspections and ensure students attend classes with "clean and orderly uniforms," "appropriate haircuts," and enter campuses "with a respectful greeting." Bukele shared Trigueros' social media post, adding: "To build the El Salvador we dream of, it is clear that we must completely transform our educational system." Teachers' union Salvadoran Teachers' Front posted to Facebook on Friday to voice disapproval. "We are concerned that the already exorbitant abuses of power against students will increase, or that workplace abuse against teachers will worsen," the union wrote. Bukele, who took office in 2019 and was reelected in 2024, enjoys popularity for his "war" against gangs, which has reduced criminal violence to historic lows. Many Salvadoran schools were plagued by gang harassment. More than 1.2 million students, from kindergarten through high school, attend public school in El Salvador. Iraqi Kurdistan gives jailed journalist more prison time: lawyer Baghdad, Aug 19 (AFP) Aug 19, 2025 Authorities in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region handed down a new prison term on Tuesday to jailed investigative journalist Sherwan Sherwani, his lawyer said, just before he was due to complete a previous sentence. At the court in the regional capital Arbil, witnesses said there were altercations between law enforcement and Sherwani's relatives and supporters who came to attend the hearing. Sherwani is the former editor of the magazine Bashur, known for its investigations into corruption. He was arrested in 2020 and jailed the following year for "espionage" and "incitement to protest and destabilise the region", and in 2023 received another sentence for falsifying a signature on a petition. The journalist's lawyer, Mohamed Abdallah, said he was due for release in September, but on Tuesday was instead sentenced to another "four years and five months in prison over accusations of threatening a prison guard". Abdallah said the defence plans to appeal the verdict, dismissing the latest case against Sherwani as political. Activists say corruption and arbitrary arrests are widespread in Kurdistan, which presents itself as an oasis of stability. Abdallah said he saw "men in civilian clothes" beating with rifle butts some of Sherwani's relatives as well as activists and lawmakers at the court, resulting in "minor injuries". An opposition lawmaker, Badal Barwari, said in an online video that a scuffle broke out as some of Sherwani's supporters, who were asked to leave the crowded courtroom, began taking videos on their phones. Police then removed most of those present, he said. Activist Kamaran Osman, of the NGO Community Peacemaker Teams, said that "when people started chanting 'Freedom for Sherwan Sherwani', the security forces began beating them." When asked why the council did not previously take legal action, Mr Whitbread said: It goes back to 2020 when we were in the pandemic originally, and at that time, it was used for young families, women and children, which is completely different to having it used for single males. Allow Google Search To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information. Allow and Continue A spokesperson said: "We are sorry that not all residents have always had a good experience. Over the last six years, we have received 101 complaints from residents across the 267 homes at Suttons Wharf, an average of 16/17 a year (not all of which are about services which we are responsible for providing). He repeated his claim that a ceasefire might not be necessary and added: I like the ceasefire from another standpoint you immediately stop the killing but I believe a peace agreement at the end of all of this is something thats very attainable and it can be done in the near future. I want the Prime Minister to have a rest [] all we want to do is make sure that were addressing these big issues, and that in this summer means making sure we get those security guarantees in Ukraine. Trump meets Zelensky, European leaders on resolving Ukrainian crisis Xinhua) 08:11, August 19, 2025 U.S. President Donald Trump (C) welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Aug. 18, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the White House and began a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and seven European leaders at the White House on Monday, with a focus on resolving the Ukrainian crisis. Trump first held a bilateral meeting with Zelensky. While answering reporters' questions together with the Ukrainian leader, Trump said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants the war to end, and he will work with Ukraine and all parties to make sure peace stays. Trump said progress is being made in resolving the Ukrainian crisis and there will be security guarantees that Ukraine asks for. Zelensky said he supports the idea of finishing the war in a diplomatic way and he is ready for a trilateral meeting. The European leaders -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron -- attended multilateral talks after the bilateral meeting. In a speech to the media along with other leaders, Trump said Putin agreed to accept security guarantees for Ukraine and that Putin wants to find an answer. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine would be happy if Trump could attend a possible trilateral meeting with him and Putin. The Ukrainian leader said sensitive things, including the territorial issue, would be discussed at the trilateral meeting. Trump said such a trilateral meeting should be held "as soon as we can." The European leaders supported the idea of a ceasefire, saying that some progress could be made on security guarantees for Ukraine. "I can't imagine that the next meeting will take place without a ceasefire," Merz said. Macron floated the idea of a quadrilateral meeting that also involves the European side, saying that "when we speak about security guarantees, we speak about the whole security of the European continent." Trump interrupted his talks with the European leaders to call Putin, according to media reports. "At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform. The meetings on Monday took place after Trump and Putin met for nearly three hours in the U.S. state of Alaska on Friday. No deal was reached from the Friday meeting. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Stacie Shea Williams performs while on stage at Kenny Dorhams Backyard on East 11th Street in East Austin on Monday, May 11, 2021. Bronte Wittpenn / American-Statesman Its a Tuesday night, and you just finished a grueling day at work. You desperately need to grab a couple low-key drinks with a friend to forget about it all. You have to be careful, one step into the wrong bar where you might run into the shot-guzzling college crowd could make your night even worse. No need to spend a crazy amount of money to strike the right vibe. If youre in the market for some reasonably priced cocktails in a place where nobody will try to bother you, here are five casual East Austin bars with moderate prices and (usually) polite company. 1) High Noon (2000 E. Cesar Chavez St.) Stacie Shea Williams performs at Kenny Dorhams Backyard on East 11th Street in East Austin on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Bronte Wittpenn / American-Statesman If youre in search of a mid-sized bar thats often uncrowded on weeknights, but hosts a diverse range of live bands and DJs on weekends, look no further than High Noon. The spot describes itself as a classy, casual bar that blends retro stylings with a hint of psychedelia. Overall, it's just a great spot to grab a moderately priced beer or cocktail among a late-20s-to-30s crowd. There are indoor tables, a wrap-around porch and a decked-out front and back patio. Their happy hour may be limited, but that wont matter when youre chowing down on grub from the food truck parked next to the front entrance. Info: highnoonaustin.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 2) Drinks Lounge (2001 E. Cesar Chavez St.) You just visited High Noon, and now its time to pop across the street to Drinks Lounge. Look for the glowing neon sign that reads drinks above the doorway and youll come face-to-face with a classic rock vibe and adjoining vinyl shop, Drinks Records, next door. Their self-description "a relaxed neighborhood bar where people can shoot pool with friends, have a chill date night in one of our cozy booths and shop for records is right on the money. They also serve burgers, wings, tacos and more. If youre looking for a vibey space to grab dinner and find your next curated vinyl selection, Drinks Lounge is your place. Info: drinkslounge.bar. 3) Terrys Kissa (4926 E. Cesar Chavez St.) Terrys Kissa is a hi-fi pro-audio listening room founded by Marshall Terry of Terrys Audio. The space is wired to provide the best dispersion of sound for visitors who bring their own rare vinyl selections to play, but there are also in-house records to choose from. There is no bar, this listening room is BYOB with mixers, ice and nonalcoholic beverages available. The aim of Terrys Kissa is to deliver an authentic audiophile experience that emulates a true music studio experience. They also have sweet treats, games, art books and magazines that make this a perfect relaxed setting to hang out with friends. $20 cover. Info: terryskissa.com. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 4) Kenny Dorhams Backyard (1106 E. 11th St.) Ive seen some of Austins best international music at Kenny Dorhams Backyard. Named after legendary East Austin jazz trumpeter Kenny Dorham, the space opened in the early 2000s and has since established itself as one of the citys cultural heartbeats. They feature music from North and South America, Africa and more with weekly Blue Monday Blues Jams. Many of the shows at Kenny Dorhams Backyard are free or encourage a small donation. Shows are pet- and family-friendly and encourage patrons to BYOB, with coolers permitted. Info: facebook.com. 5) Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar (1101 E. 11th St.) Nexstar Media Group is acquiring Tegna in a $6.2 billion deal that will make the company the owner of four of Austins six broadcast stations. Nexstar Media Group Inc. A major television merger announced Tuesday would put Austin and San Antonio stations under a new owner and further consolidate ownership of network affiliates in Central Texas under Irving-based Nexstar Media Group Inc. The company already the nations largest owner of local stations said it had reached a deal to acquire Tegna Inc. in a $6.2 billion deal that will also put longstanding limits on media consolidation to the test. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Station ownership shifts in Texas The merger of Nexstar and Tegna means new ownership is coming to stations across Texas. Heres a look by the numbers: Tegna pre-merger: 15 Texas stations 23% of Tegna stations in Texas Nexstar pre-merger: 12 Texas stations Less than 6% of Nexstar stations are in Texas Combined company: 27 Texas stations including in eight overlapping markets 10% of stations will be in Texas The transaction would make Nexstar the operator of four of Austins six broadcast stations KXAN, KBVO, KNVA and KVUE and one of San Antonios four. KVUE, Austins ABC affiliate, and KENS, San Antonios CBS affiliate, would join Nexstar, which now has more than 200 stations in 116 markets nationwide. Tegna owns 64 news stations in 51 markets. Nexstar and Tegna overlap in 35 Tegna markets, a feature of the deal that could invite scrutiny from regulators who must approve it. But the announcement comes as the broadcast industry appears poised for sweeping deregulation. Last month, a federal appeals court struck down the Federal Communications Commission's long-standing rule prohibiting ownership of more than one of the top four stations in a single market. And earlier this month, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency would repeal nearly 100 more broadcast rules. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The initiatives being pursued by the Trump administration offer local broadcasters the opportunity to expand reach, level the playing field, and compete more effectively with the big tech and legacy big media companies that have unchecked reach and vast financial resources, said Perry Sook, CEO of Nexstar. We believe Tegna represents the best option for Nexstar to act on this opportunity. Currently, a regulation known as the national television ownership rule caps a single company's station ownership at 39% of all U.S. TV households. Station owners say the cap must be raised to allow them to survive in the digital age and think Carr, a top Trump ally, agrees. We dont think anyone wants their news delivered by a chatbot and thats where were headed if we cant become a bigger company, a stronger company, to attempt to compete with big tech, he told reporters Tuesday morning. The combined company will operate 265 full-power television stations in 44 states and the District of Columbia, reaching 80% of U.S. television households. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The deal would see Nexstar buy its smaller rival for $22 per share, reflecting a 31% premium to the Virginia-based broadcast companys 30-day average stock price ending Aug. 8. Nexstar plans to refinance or assume Tegnas debt, with financing commitments from Bank of America Securities, J.P. Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs. Nexstar used a similar strategy during its 2019 acquisition of Tribune Media, when it integrated stations and quickly paid down debt. The playbook we followed to make those transactions successful improving and increasing local content, executing on identified synergies, and quickly de-leveraging our balance sheet with free cash flow post close are the same opportunities and strategies we will use in connection with this transaction, Sook said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If regulators approve it, the transaction is expected to be finalized by the second half of 2026. Rep.Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) raises a fist as she greets supporters from inside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier spent the night on the House floor and has not left the Chamber after refusing to have a Department of Public Safety officer escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Idona Griffith leads a chant yelling let her out as a group protests the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Sam Parker wears an outfit from The Handmaid's Tale as she protests the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Katy Horan chants let her out as a group protests the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Cathy Crane chants let her out as a group protests the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Ruth, who refused to give her last name, is confronted by a State Trooper about the volume of chanting as a group protests the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Activists protest the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) exits the House Chamber as activists protest the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) greets protesters as they protest the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Activists protest the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Idona Griffith leads a chant yelling let her out as activists protest the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Activists protest the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Rep.Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) waves to supporters from inside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier spent the night on the House floor and has not left the Chamber after refusing to have a Department of Public Safety officer escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Activists protest the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A woman displays a decibel meter during a chant as protesters show their disapproval for the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A group protests the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Ruth, left, who withheld her last name, and her family protest the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Sam Parker wears an outfit from The Handmaid's Tale as she protests the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A protesters sign is seen outside the House Chamber as a group protests the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Texas House Democrats, who ended a 15-day walkout Monday protesting a congressional redistricting plan designed to protect the Republican majority in Congress after the 2026 midterms, will find it harder to use similar tactics moving forward. Most of the Democratic members, who are outnumbered 88-62 in the Texas House, landed in a chartered jet at the same Austin airstrip they left from on Aug. 3. Their absence denied the House the two-thirds members required to make up a quorum and allow the chamber to function. Advertisement Article continues below this ad House Republicans required the returning members to sign what Democrats are calling "permission slips." On Monday, Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, said previously absent Democrats would not be allowed to leave the chamber until they agreed to be released into the custody of a designated Department of Public Safety escort. The state trooper would "ensure their return to the Capitol" by 10 a.m. Wednesday for the next floor session, Burrows added. "We are done waiting. We have a quorum," Burrows told the chamber. "Now is the time for action. We'll move quickly, and the schedule will be demanding until our work is complete." 'I just feel in my heart that this is wrong': House Democrat locked inside chamber One House Democrat who returned to the Capitol refused to sign the agreement for a DPS escort. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, seemed to be locked inside the chamber late on Monday after returning from the walkout. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I don't have a plan," Collier said to reporters in the gallery Monday afternoon. "I just feel in my heart that this is wrong." The Fort Worth representative remained in the chamber for several hours, telling reporters outside that she could stay overnight and possibly until Wednesday. Democratic lawmaker defies GOP 'permission slip,' vows to remain in Texas House chamber Protests over Collier's situation continued until around 10:30 p.m., when the Capitol complex was shut down, the Houston Chronicle reports. At least four protestors were arrested when they refused to leave the lobby. Advertisement Article continues below this ad BREAKING: State troopers ARREST activists at the Capitol protesting Rep. @NicoleCollier95's detention. Republicans are redrawing the map to silence minority voters, and silencing anyone who dares speak out.#txlege pic.twitter.com/4jUHgLHGPJ Texas House Democrats (@TexasHDC) August 19, 2025 Collier's Democratic colleagues set up a live cam on the House floor, which showed Collier speaking to other Democrats and participating in interviews. "I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts," Collier said in the statement. "My community is majority-minority, and they expect me to stand up for their representation." Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, listens to House Speaker Dustin Burrows announce the need for permission slips for Democratic state representatives to leave the House Chamber during the House floor session at the Capitol in Austin, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Vincent Perez, D-El Paso, joined Collier in the overnight stay in the chambers. During an interview just after 6 a.m. Tuesday with District 137 Rep. Gene Wu, Collier described trying to get comfortable inside the cold space. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "We had two chairs that we put together," Collier said. "[Perez] slept in two chairs, I slept in two chairs." It was very cold spending on the #txlege Floor! Rep. @VinceMPerez & I joined @NicoleCollier95 in support of making #GoodTrouble! We know this is a #riggedredistricting process. Democrats are not giving up! Thanks for the support, standing with @TexasHDC, & we have coffee! pic.twitter.com/wlQTpYINTY Gene Wu (@GeneforTexas) August 19, 2025 DPS officers personally assigned to specific Democrats Each returning Democrat who signed the agreement was assigned a plainclothes DPS officer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After a Hearst Newspapers reporter asked who his designated escort was, state Rep. John Bryant said, "I don't know." "I am," the man standing next to him said. When Bryant asked the trooper if he was coming home to Dallas with him, the officer responded. "They told me I have to stay glued to your hip." The officer assigned to Bryant did not provide his full name. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Starbucks announced that the fan-favorite Pumpkin Spice Latte will be available for purchase starting August 26. It will be joined by new fall menu items and a seasonal grocery lineup. Courtesy of Starbucks We are finally in the last half of August, and just over a month away from the first day of fall! While this summer was milder than usual in Austin, many are nonetheless looking forward to the next season. If not for cooler temperatures, then for other autumn vibes like shorter days, colorful leaves and of course pumpkin spice. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When does the 2025 fall season start in Texas? Here's when summer ends Luckily for pumpkin spice lovers, companies don't wait until the official start of fall to launch their seasonal flavors. With that in mind, you may be wondering... When does pumpkin spice start 2025? The short answer? Soon. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While there's no uniformity for the pumpkin spice launch date across restaurants, many major chains are expected to start offering fall flavors this month. Rumors suggest Dunkin' Donuts will drop its seasonal menu on Wednesday, Aug. 20 but the date has yet to be confirmed by official sources. Last year, fall drinks and food became available on Aug. 28. An insider also suggested customers will be granted access to the Dunkin' Halloween menu on Oct. 15. Starbucks has also announced the launch date of its fall 2025 menu. The iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte and other seasonal drinks and food will become available on Tuesday, Aug. 26, the company revealed last month. Until then, fall coffee and creamers are available in stores and online retailers now. When will Starbucks release Pumpkin Spice Lattes? See date, new 2025 menu items Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Starbucks seasonal menu will include classics as well as new flavors. Rep. Sheryl Cole, D - Austin, speaks at a news conference with members of the House Democratic Caucus at the Capitol Monday January 13, 2025. Jay Janner/American-Statesman Austin Democratic state Rep. Sheryl Cole says her Department of Public Safety escort threatened to arrest her Tuesday while she was on a routine morning walk in the Mueller neighborhood. In a statement, Cole says her assigned DPS escort "lost [her] on the trail, got angry about it, and made a scene in front of [her] constituents on the trail." Advertisement Article continues below this ad "While a little shaken up from the incident, I remain undeterred by this intimidation tactic by House Republicans to have a 24/7 state police presence to intimidate me and my colleagues," Cole continued. "This is also why I stand with my colleague [Rep. Nicole Collier], who has refused to go along with this charade and is still on the House floor 24 hours later." "We will not be intimidated by this, and history will remember this." Texas Politics Reporter Bayliss Wagner reached out to DPS for comment on Cole's claim. While on my morning walk in the Mueller neighborhood, my DPS escort, who was forced upon me to track my every movement, threatened to arrest me. He lost me on the trail, got angry about it, and made a scene in front of my constituents on the trail. #txlege 1/3 pic.twitter.com/Gz2pLGrwr5 Sheryl Cole (@SherylCole1) August 19, 2025 Cole's claim comes amid a new requirement that House Democrats who participated in the 15-day walkout be escorted by DPS officers. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, remained inside the chamber Tuesday afternoon after declining to sign the agreement pushed by House Republicans. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I don't have a plan," Collier said to reporters in the gallery Monday. "I just feel in my heart that this is wrong." At least four individuals who protested Collier's situation were arrested when they refused to leave the lobby Monday night. Rep. Colliers choice to stay and not sign the permission slip is well within her rights under the House Rules, Burrows said in a statement to Hearst Newspapers. I am choosing to spend my time focused on moving the important legislation on the call to overhaul camp safety, provide property tax reform & eliminate the STAAR test the results Texans care about. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Elizabeth Davis, a restorative practices staff member, greets seventh grader Johnny Ramirez on the first day of school at Dobie Middle School. Classes began Tuesday in the Austin school district. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Balloons hung in the hallway and loud pop music filled the atrium Tuesday morning at Dobie Middle School as students bustled in for the first day of classes. Eighth graders Roshawn Brown and Carsten Brooks had their minds on music. Brown wanted to take guitar this year. Itd be pretty lit, he said. Hes in band now, but would like to be in orchestra if theres a program this year, he said. Im very skilled at it, Brown said. Ive been playing it for four years now.' Advertisement Article continues below this ad By the school entryway, new Principal Mike Walker greeted students as they bid parents goodbye and called out to friends. The goal for the school this year is significant academic growth, Walker said. The school, along with two other North Austin campuses, will be closely watched by the district to determine whether they meet state academic standards. The school year at Dobie, Webb and Burnet middle schools carries significant weight on the minds of district officials who toured campuses Tuesday. Failure to meet state academic standards could put the district at risk of takeover by the Texas Education Agency, an outcome Superintendent Matias Segura has said he wants to avoid above all else. The new year also marks the beginning of turnaround plans at the three schools aimed at improving scores, though their creation sparked concern last spring among some teachers and parents about disruption for students that the state-imposed process was being carried out too hastily. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Austin school district Superintendent Matias Segura greets eighth grader Roshawn Brown, 14, on the first day of classes at Dobie Middle School in North Austin. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman At the same time, Walker said he hopes to build strong relationships in the school. We want them to feel welcome, he said. We want them to feel included at all times. We want them to feel challenged and supported at all times. 'Let's shock the city' The jovial mood Tuesday came after staff at all three campuses spent several weeks training and preparing for the newly designed school year, which includes more staff, increased math and reading instruction and a $1.7 million investment from the district per school. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This kind of turnaround is possible, Wilton Harris said as he helped direct students getting dropped off by car at Dobie. Lets shock the city, Harris said. Harris, the Afterschool Centers on Education site coordinator for the middle school, is himself a graduate of the campus. He wants to put the uncertainty that last year's turnaround proposals brought behind and focus on working for the students. You have to believe because these kids are going to be looking to us, Harris said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The A-F letter grades that the state uses to rate schools are based on a 0-100 scale, built largely on State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test results, student growth and career and college readiness. Two of the middle schools came close last year to avoiding a failing grade, according to the district. Dobie and Webb received a 59 out of 100, one point away from a D, which grants the campuses a year of grace time from the state. Burnet got a 54 score. Were not starting flatfooted," Segura sais. "Theres real momentum. Eighth-grader Mateo Manzano, 13, is welcomed by parent leaders and supporters on the first day of school at Dobie Middle School in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Alina Reyes leads her second-grade class at Guerrero Thompson Elementary School on the first day of school in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Melanny Garay, 11, looks for her schedule on the first day of school at Dobie Middle School in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman William Lopez walks with his daughter Leonor Lopez, 11, past cheering parent leaders and supporters on the first day of school at Dobie Middle School in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Students are welcomed by parent leaders and supporters on the first day of school at Dobie Middle School in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin Independent School District Superintendent Matias Segura talks to kindergartener Angelo Preza, 5, on the first day of school at Guerrero Thompson Elementary School on the first day of school in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Eighth-graders Mary Vazqez, 13, left, and Amy Gomez, 13, hug on the first day of school at Dobie Middle School in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Dobie Middle School staff members Elizabeth Davis and Wilton Harris greet eighth-grader Kimberly Chuvac, 13, on the first day of school at Dobie Middle School in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin Independent School District Superintendent Matias Segura talks Martha Camaras third-grade bilingual class on the first day of school at Guerrero Thompson Elementary School on the first day of school in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman 'High expectations' The district has shown it can turn around struggling schools. This year, four campuses improved from an F rating in 2023 to a C in 2025: LBJ and Northeast early college high schools, and Langford and Pillow elementary schools. Another eight schools improved from an F to a D. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The district also has demonstrated it can produce high-achieving schools that serve high-needs students, like Guerrero-Thompson Elementary School. Alina Reyes leads her second-grade class at Guerrero-Thompson Elementary School. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman The campus, which opened 2013, has low teacher turnover and a high proportion of teachers receiving state performance incentives. In Alina Reyes' bilingual second grade class Tuesday, students sang a days-of-the-week song as Segura visited. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Vamos a aprender mucho?," Reyes asked her students. "Are we going to learn a lot?" The class of boisterous second graders shouted back with a resounding "Si!" Strong systems in place and community support are part of the formula, said Principal Briana Garcia. "We really have high expectations for each other and the kids," Garcia said. "We have a staff that holds each other accountable." Challenges ahead Students walk through the halls at Guerrero-Thompson Elementary School on the first day of classes in the Austin school district. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman However, the district could be facing a substantial task in the upcoming year as additional schools also require assistance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The district will need to develop plans to improve academic ratings at another 12 schools that have received Fs three years in a row: Barrington, Dawson, Linder, Oak Springs, Pecan Springs, Sanchez, Widen, Winn and Wooldridge elementaries and Bedicheck, Martin and Paredes middle schools. The district will need to submit these plans by Nov. 14 and begin them as soon as theyre approved by the TEA, according to agency guidance. Another 11 schools with only two consecutive years of F ratings will need to submit plans by Nov. 14 but wont need to execute the plans unless they receive a third F. For students, the focus on the first day of school is on their teachers, their friends and which class will be their favorite. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For Jordi Hernandez, that's easy: mariachi. As chatter in the Burnet cafeteria buzzed around him, the eighth grader explained that partway through seventh grade, he was promoted to advanced mariachi. "I was so good, brah," Hernandez said. "I'm just talented like that." He proudly showed the calluses on his fingers from playing guitar. Because he's starting advanced, he said, mariachi this year will be even better. Dante Motley covers breaking news for the American-Statesman. He previously completed a fellowship with the Texas Tribune, worked as an intern for the Sacramento Bee, and interned for chef Jose Andres's media company, helping with cookbooks, TV shows and podcasts. He graduated from Yale University in 2024, where he was managing editor of the Yale Daily News. A newly constructed bridge spanning Cow Creek in Travis County was completed in just 28 days and officially opened on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Clair Osborn/Austin American-Statesman A Travis County bridge that washed away in the deadly floods on July 5 has been rebuilt in record time, officials said. The new $5 million bridge over Cow Creek on FM 1431 opened to traffic late Tuesday morning. "This is really an amazing feat," Gov. Greg Abbott said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday. "It's an extraordinary success to know this bridge was eliminated and did not exist a month ago and in just a short period of time they were able to put together the pieces and finish the construction," Abbott said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The bridge in Northwest Travis County near Lago Vista took 28 days to reconstruct. "It's bigger, wider, taller and better than what the bridge was before," Abbott said. The original structure was built in 1960. The new Cow Creek bridge, about 15 feet tall, was built faster than any similar Texas Department of Transportation project, officials said. It took only 13 days to design. The July 5 flash floods that swamped rivers and creeks in Travis, Williamson and Burnet counties killed 18 people, according to officials. They were among more than 130 flood-related deaths across Texas during the Fourth of July weekend. Most of the fatalities occurred in Kerr County. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When the bridge over Cow Creek was destroyed it cut off the quickest connection between Lago Vista and Marble Falls adding 45 minutes to the commute for Marble Falls school district students, officials said. The total cost of the new bridge includes a $1 million bonus to the contractors, Hunter Industries, for finishing ahead of its 60-day contract, said Tucker Ferguson, the Austin district engineer for TxDOT. The bridge was built in 28 days partly because contractors used beams from another project in the Yoakum area, Ferguson said. Normally it takes four to six months for contractors to get beams made for a project, he said. Workers also labored around the clock to meet the deadline. "These men and women have been out here working 12-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Marc Williams, executive director of TxDOT. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gov. Greg Abbott delivers remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly constructed bridge spanning Cow Creek in Travis County on Tuesday, Aug. 19 Claire Osborn/Austin American-Statesman The new bridge is about 5 feet higher in its center than the original bridge a design that allows 10% more water to pass under it, said Ferguson. It is also 12-13 feet wider than the previous bridge, said Ferguson. The 250-foot long bridge has two 12-foot wide lanes, two 6-feet wide shoulders and a 2-foot wide center strip buffer, he said. It also has 48-inch beams, compared with 24-inch beams in the original structure, he said. About 3,500 vehicles a day crossed the original Cow Creek bridge before the flood destroyed it, Ferguson said. Texas officials will seek reimbursement from the federal government for bridge's cost, Ferguson said. Jay Payne, chief counsel for the Federal Highway Administration, said at the ceremony that the federal government will support TxDOT's request but didn't specify an amount. He called the new bridge a project of "national interest." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Federal representatives visited the site during construction to provide expertise. "The Federal Highway Administration shared TxDOT's goal to expedite construction to build a new bridge and have it up and running before the start of the academic school year," Payne said. The first vehicles to cross the bridge Tuesday were two fire trucks from the Marble Falls Volunteer Fire Department. The departments chief, Michael Phillips, went missing during rescue efforts on July 5 and has not been found. "We feel there is no better representation of someone to be the first to drive across the bridge," said Williams, "than those first responders that had such a difficult task on the day of July 5." Volunteers secure a 10-foot wooden cross memorial on July 10 along the road near Camp Mystic, where floodwaters took the lives of 27 campers and counselors. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Feeling anxious and a little nervous, we arrived in Austin last Thursday, just like we had been planning since February, when our daughter, Katherine, learned she was accepted into the University of Texas. But instead of moving Katty into Hardin House, the historic girls dorm in West Campus, we were visiting the state Capitol to plead for greater oversight and safety at summer camps throughout Texas. Katherine, just 19, was among the 27 girls who died at Camp Mystic on July 4, when the Guadalupe River exceeded its banks. Along with her co-counselor in the Bubble Inn cabin, Katherine stayed with her campers. That must have taken tremendous courage as the flood waters rose, but it comes as no surprise to us. It was entirely within Katherines character to be courageous and steadfast. Advertisement Article continues below this ad To be certain, her death was heroic. But it was also 100% preventable. Katherines trunk survived and was returned to us. Inside, among her sodden belongings, was Camp Mystics training manual. On a page titled EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS, under Floods, it reads: "In case of flood, all campers on Senior Hill must stay in their cabins. They will be given instructions through the loud speaker. If the electricity is off, a walkie-talkie will be used. Food and other supplies will be delivered to Senior Hill by boat or truck. Campers and counselors NEVER wander away from your cabin. Those on the flats must also stay in their cabins unless told otherwise by the office. All cabins are constructed on high, safe locations." We believe Katherine stayed true to her character to the very end, but she and her fellow Mystic campers were failed by flawed policies, inadequate safety procedures and a severe lack of planning. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Camp Mystic counselor Katherine Ferruzzo died in the July 4 floods that swept through Kerr County. She had planned to start classes at the University of Texas this fall. Courtesy of the Ferruzzo family Our Texas Legislature must act now to put life-saving reform into law to protect children attending camp as early as next year. The changes needed are not political. They are common-sense protections that every parent deserves to know are in place when they entrust their child to a camp. Prevention: Katherine had a huge heart and a special gift for caring for children. If able, she would have kept her campers out of harms way. But she could not protect them when their cabin, constructed in the flats, was not safely located as she had been assured. This was no high, safe location. We simply must prevent camps from placing cabins in known floodplains like her Bubble Inn cabin. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Detection: Katherine was smart and quick-witted. But she couldnt act on information that was never communicated to her. Counselors did not have phones or even walkie-talkies. There were no instructions through the loud speaker. Going forward, there must be more advanced early detection and notifications of worsening conditions along rivers and lakes, and camps need to be equipped with far more effective internal communication systems. Training: Katherine could be outspoken and quick to carve her own path, but she was also obedient and followed instruction. She was going to adhere to the directions she was provided. Those instructions were to stay in place. Every camper and counselor in Bubble Inn died for following the camps policy. Camps must be required to provide better, more comprehensive training to counselors, especially on effective evacuation plans. Camp owners, directors and personnel must also be trained for various scenarios so they can pivot from standard practices when conditions warrant. Response: Katherine was resourceful and resilient, but she was also trusting. If she could not keep her campers safe, she would have expected responsible adults to have her back. Camps must be better equipped to respond appropriately to changing conditions, and they must require emergency management to formally trigger a campsite response when a situation warrants. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A search and rescue volunteer holds a T-shirt and backpack with the words Camp Mystic on them in Comfort, Texas on July 6. The Washington Post/The Washington Post via Getty Im This week Katherine would have been participating in sorority rush at UT and preparing to run home to Pearl Street on Bid Day this coming Saturday. Instead of celebrating with her, were petitioning for change on her behalf. We cannot wait until the 2027 legislative session to enact change. Waiting means children will go to Texas camps in less than 10 months under the same flawed oversight system that failed our daughters. We urge the Texas Legislature to make camp safety its top priority this special session, and we ask our communities to call upon their legislators to urgently support House Bill 1 and SB1. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For many Texas families, summer camp is a generations-long tradition. And certainly, it can be a positive and formative part of a childs life it was for Katherine. We owe it to her and the 26 other daughters lost at Camp Mystic to make it better. Now. Italian artist uses local materials: A story about color unfolding in Gansu, NW China 09:24, August 19, 2025 By Wu Yuyangyang ( People's Daily Online Upon arriving at the Bingling Temple Grottoes in northwest China's Gansu Province, Italian artist Matteo Montani was struck by the vivid hues of the red sandstone. He immediately began work on his art piece while making use of local materials. Carved into caves along the Yellow River's northern bank in Yongjing county, Linxia Hui autonomous prefecture, the Bingling Temple Grottoes date back to the Western Qin Dynasty (385-431). Two days later, at Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon in Zhangye, he looked out at the vast sea of red and smiled, "I really like this color so muchit has such a wonderful link with my home, Italy." He explained that this kind of red, known as Terra di Siena in Italian, comes from a city named Siena in the Italian region of Tuscany. (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) Rep. Christian Manuel, D-Port Arthur, speaks to colleagues on Monday inside the House chamber at the Texas Capitol. Texas House Democrats ended their 15-day walkout that delayed, but is unlikely to derail, a congressional redistricting plan. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Protect democracy Even if redrawing Texas' congressional districts were needed and new census reports to base it on were available (which they certainly are not), every Texan should be against the redistricting President Donald Trump has demanded, at least until after the 2026 primaries and general elections. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Redrawing districts takes time and great care, with ample public discussion in order for boundaries to fit local communities and geography. Gov. Greg Abbott should protect democracy and fair elections in Texas by saying NO to Trumps ridiculous demand. Reuben Leslie, Austin Dems did it, too Advertisement Article continues below this ad If you read Opinion Editor Bridget Grumet's commentary, one would think the Republicans invented gerrymandering. They didn't. When I was young, Texas was a "yellow-dog Democratic state." Republicans in Texas were virtually non-existent. One reason for that is because Democrats were the "kings of gerrymandering." Perhaps Grumet might present some of the Democrats' gerrymandered maps from the past. She could mention, among other instances, the Democrats drew the maps to their advantage to the point that they held 19 of the states 30 House seats after the 1994 election despite losing the popular vote by 14 percentage points. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Don Reichenbach, Austin Attorney General Ken Paxton recently sued pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, alleging it offered incentives to doctors to boost prescriptions of popular weight loss and diabetes drugs. Jay Janner/American-Statesman AG is out of line Advertisement Article continues below this ad Attorney General Ken Paxton continues to insert his way into the exam room between patient and physician, and it needs to stop. His current quest to shut down the support services of Eli Lilly demonstrates his abject lack of knowledge about how pharmaceutical company support services work. I have been a reimbursement support manager for four different companies. My job was to provide access to medications that were not readily available to patients typically new, often times more efficacious, and usually expensive without insurance coverage. Physician offices no longer have the staff or the resources to provide this service to their patients. It takes time and determination to get some of these medications. Some physicians will routinely reject a treatment option that requires prior authorization. Reimbursement and nursing support, which is offered by nearly every drug company, fills the void. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It seems that Paxton would prefer the old fashioned way of patient care. That would entail either fighting the battle with insurance yourself, or hoping someone in the office would have enough extra time to start the process for you. There is an alarming recurring theme from Paxton of wanting to determine how our health care is provided. Reimbursement and nursing support does not put money into the pocket of the physician. It gives peace of mind, more efficacious treatment and cost savings to the patient. Again, a relationship Paxton has no place in. Stay in your lane, Paxton. LuAnn Doerzbacher, Spicewood Advertisement Article continues below this ad Worth the climb As my 11-year-old son, Justin, and I recently climbed Mt. Fuji, I knew the rule: Dont stare at the peak. Its overwhelming. Focus on the next few steps. I told Justin the same thing. In life and work, think big, but move one step at a time. Justin tripped, then tripped again. My instinct said, Be careful! He looked up at me and said, Dada, it doesnt matter if I fall down. What matters is getting up. I knew he would be fine. Before the hike, we launched a fundraiser for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. We raised $2,305 from 32 donors, enough to cover more than 23 days for a familys stay. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Reaching the summit was amazing, but the true joy came from seeing our community rally behind a bigger cause. I came back with sore legs, a full heart and a reminder: Gratitude might be the highest summit of all. What really makes us happy is not just the journey or the destination, its the company like my son, Justin, and the community that supported us along the way. Jey Vell, Austin Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, listens as the Republican plan to advance President Donald Trump's top domestic priorities on spending reductions and tax breaks is prepared in the House Rules Committee for a floor vote, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, April 9, 2025. J. Scott Applewhite/AP Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, speaks during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing on the United States evacuation from Afghanistan on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Andrew Harnik/Associated Press In January of last year U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul's family sold between $16,000 and $65,000 worth of stock in Intel. A week later the U.S. chip manufacturer released an unexpectedly poor financial forecast, prompting a sell-off that depressed its stock more than 50% over the next six months. There is no evidence that the trade was anything other than a well-timed bet, and by the McCauls' standards it was fairly small his wife, whose father founded iHeart Media, bought more than $500,000 worth of stock in a biotech startup just last month. But at the time the ten-term congressman was chairman of the powerful House Foreign Affairs Committee and sat on a number of bodies with close ties to the chip industry, including serving as co-chair of the Congressional Semiconductor Caucus, drawing tongue-in-cheek recognition for his "exceptional trading acumen," by Capitol Trades, which tracks members' investment activity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An attorney for McCaul said the trades were made by a third party, without any advance knowledge of the congressman or his wife. Well-timed trades have become common in Washington, where politicians and high-ranking federal officials of both parties are routinely flagged by ethics groups for buying and selling stock in industries they oversee. After years of debate, a bipartisan coalition that includes U.S. Reps. Chip Roy, R-Austin, and Michael Cloud, R-Victoria, are moving to put a ban on members of Congress and senior federal officials, as well as their spouses and children, from trading in stock of individual companies. "I don't think you should be able to profit on what you're learning when you're in Congress," Roy said in an interview on Fox Business earlier this month. "Frankly, the conflict of interest if you're voting on these issues is really high if you're trading tech stocks but debating antitrust issues about whether to break up big tech or big hospitals." Advertisement Article continues below this ad More than 80% of Americans support banning members of Congress, the president, vice president and Supreme Court justices from trading stocks in individual companies, according to a 2023 poll by the University of Marylands School of Public Policy. But Republican leaders have so far been reluctant to put the proposal up for a vote. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in May that while he supported a ban he was also concerned it would limit interest in running for Congress, since members' salaries have been locked at $174,000 since 2009. "If you stay on this trajectory, youre going to have less qualified people who are willing to make the extreme sacrifice to run for Congress, Johnson said in May, according to the Hill. To force a vote on their legislation, Roy and other proponents would need support from 218 members. So far they have just 80, the vast majority of which are Democrats. Only two other Texas members have signed on, U.S. Reps. Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett, both Austin Democrats. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "We need more Republicans to step to the plate on this," Roy said on Fox Business. "I'm going to demand we vote on this this fall." Efforts to put a halt to congressional trading got a boost last week when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a former hedge fund manager, endorsed the idea for members of Congress. The renewed effort to ban stock trading follows a Justice Department investigation into millions of dollars worth of trades by U.S. senators ahead of the Covid-19 pandemic, at a time they were receiving confidential briefings on the virus' spread within China. Questions reared again this year when CNN reported that 30 members of Congress had traded heavily just before President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on U.S. trading partners. House and Senate members are rarely found guilty of insider training, but members routinely trade stock in companies over which they have oversight, raising conflicts of interests, said Meghan Faulkner of the nonprofit Citizens for Ethics and Responsibility and Washington. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "They can potentially have access to quite a lot of information access to company earnings would be unlikely, but they hear things in outreach from lobbyists," she said. "It's the kind of thing where they could be trading stock and making decisions that affect their value. Many, many members of Congress engage in these sorts of trade." McCaul isn't the only Texas member who has been called out by critics of the practice. Within the Texas delegation, U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, D-Farmers Branch, and her wife bought between $2,000 and $30,000 worth of stock in the AI company Palantir Technologies in January and February, according to federal disclosures filed by Johnson. When they sold the stock in May and June, during which time the U.S. Army announced a $795 million contract with Palantir, the stock's price had risen by close to 50%. And U.S. Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Flower Mound, purchased between $1 million and $2.5 million of Bitcoin in the first half of this year, according to Capitol Trades. On July 18 the House passed legislation to encourage the issuance of a type of cryptocurrency known as stablecoin, which is tied to the value of the U.S. dollar. A few days later Fidelity advised investors that the legislation, which has been signed into law by President Donald Trump, would be "beneficial for the long-term value" of cryptocurrency. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A spokesman for Johnson said the sale was part of the congresswoman's plan to divest from individual stock holdings. Gill did not respond to a request for comment for this story. Roy and his wife sold at least $384,000 worth of stock over the past three years, mostly in the energy sector, according to Capitol Trades. Cloud has not disclosed any trades over that same period. Trump's position on a stock trading ban remains unclear. In an interview with Time magazine earlier this year, he said he would support a stock ban for members of Congress. But in July, he condemned a stock ban bill by U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., which would have included the president and vice president. Hawley later said there had been a misunderstanding that the legislation would apply to Trump, who had been specifically exempted. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "He said senators, I dont know who, had called and told him yesterday afternoon that the bill had been changed at the last minute and would force him to sell all of his assets, sell Mar-a-Lago, sell his properties," Hawley recounted to CNN. "So I said, Well, thats just false. I mean, it explicitly exempts you and all your assets." Rep.Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) raises a fist as she greets supporters from inside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier spent the night on the House floor and has not left the Chamber after refusing to have a Department of Public Safety officer escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman The Texas House was not in session Tuesday, and the gallery, usually open to visitors, was locked up. But the public had plenty of access to the lone lawmaker who started the day as the lone protester inside the chamber. State Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth was the only Democrat on Monday to refuse Republican leaders orders to sign a permission slip and accept a police escort in order to leave the chamber. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, waves to supporters from the House Chamber at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday morning, Aug. 20, 2025, after spending two nights in the chamber for refusing to sign a permission slip to leave. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, D-Houston and Rep. Mihaela Plesa, D-Dallas, show their support for Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, after Collier spent two nights in the chamber for refusing to sign a permission slip to leave. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, packs up her pillows and blanket in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday morning, Aug. 20, 2025, after spending two nights in the chamber for refusing to sign a permission slip to leave. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, right, with the help of Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, D-Houston, packs up her personal belongings in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday morning, Aug. 20, 2025, after spending two nights in the chamber for refusing to sign a permission slip to leave. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, hugs a supporter in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday morning, Aug. 20, 2025, after spending two nights in the chamber for refusing to sign a permission slip to leave. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, prays before the debate of a congressional redistricting plan at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, third from left, takes a photo with fellow lawmakers an friends in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday morning, Aug. 20, 2025, after spending two nights in the chamber for refusing to sign a permission slip to leave. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, recites the Pleage of Allegiance before the debate of a congressional redistricting plan at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, left, Rep. Senfronia Thompson, D-Houston, and Rep. Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio, discuss the congressional redistricting plan at the in the House Chamber at Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, works on the House floor during the debate of a congressional redistricting plan at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, leaves the House Chamber after the final passage of the congressional redistricting plan at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, middle, raises her fist with supporters as she leaves the House Chamber after the final passage of the congressional redistricting plan at the Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, listens to House Speaker Dustin Burrows announce the need for permission slips for Democratic state representatives to leave the House Chamber during the House floor session at the Capitol in Austin, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman She stayed overnight, live streaming from the floor and taking reporters interviews into the early morning. For a few hours, she settled into her cushioned brown desk chair and slipped on an eye mask to block out the bright lights. A photo of the moment, taken by state House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu, went viral. I'm fed up with (Republicans) taking and taking, she said in an interview with Hearst Newspapers on Tuesday from the chamber floor. We're going to get to the point where we don't have any freedom to defend if we continue to allow them to take. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Five of Collier's colleagues, led by Houston state Rep. Penny Morales Shaw, joined Collier's protest on Tuesday afternoon, shredding their permission slips and setting up for a sit-in on the House floor. They said several other lawmakers were on their way to the Capitol to do the same. "I thought about it, and I might have done the wrong thing on Day 1 when my back was against the wall, but I am correcting course," Morales Shaw said. "There is no legal basis. There is no House rule basis for what is being done. It's illegitimate. The only power that they have is the power that I give." Its one of House Democrats final stands before Republicans are expected to take up and pass a new congressional map on Wednesday that would give them five more winnable seats in the 2026 midterms. Democrats dont have the numbers to block redistricting, but their two-week quorum break, and now the protest started by Collier, are drawing national attention to the issue. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Tuesday, Collier also took her resistance to court. Her attorneys filed a petition in Travis County arguing that her confinement is illegal because she is not absent from an ongoing floor session, Courthouse News first reported. Collier, an attorney who has represented Tarrant County since 2013, has vowed to sleep in the chamber until Labor Day if the House leadership continues to require DPS escorts, NBC News reported on Tuesday. There is no reason why we should be in the custody of anyone, she said. If anything, we should be representing our constituents, and that's the only thing that should be expected of us. When House Democrats returned to the chamber Monday for the first time in two weeks, Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows wouldnt let them leave without accepting a state trooper escort to ensure their return to the chamber on Wednesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Collier said she decided in that moment she wouldnt accept. I was sitting there and I said, I'm not going to do it. I'm just not, she said in an interview with Hearst Newspapers Tuesday. I felt like it was inhumane to expect us to agree to be in the custody of DPS when we have done nothing wrong. We have upheld our constitutional rights and our duties as legislators to deny quorum." Republicans have dismissed the act of defiance as a fruitless ploy for attention, noting that the livestream marquee points viewers to a donation page on Colliers campaign website. Youre not exactly camping out for the new iPhone, state Rep. Mitch Little, R-Lewisville, wrote in a social media post Monday. Were going to show up on Wednesday and win. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sam Parker wears an outfit from "The Handmaid's Tale" as she protests the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman via AP) Mikala Compton/Associated Press Her GOP colleagues also say theyre playing by the book, as Collier voted for House rules that state the House can determine on what conditions (members) shall be detained when re-establishing quorum. Rep. Colliers choice to stay and not sign the permission slip is well within her rights under the House Rules, Burrows said in a statement to Hearst Newspapers. I am choosing to spend my time focused on moving the important legislation on the call to overhaul camp safety, provide property tax reform & eliminate the STAAR test the results Texans care about. Many of Collier's colleagues have also bristled at the requirement that they be tailed. One of Collier's colleagues, Austin Democratic state Rep. Sheryl Cole, said Tuesday that her DPS escort threatened to arrest her while she was on her morning walk in the Mueller neighborhood. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The state trooper "lost me on the trail, got angry about it, and made a scene in front of my constituents," Cole wrote in a social media post. "While a little shaken up from the incident, I remain undeterred by this intimidation tactic by House Republicans to have a 24/7 state police presence to intimidate me and my colleagues." Ruth, who refused to give her last name, is confronted by a State Trooper about the volume of chanting as a group protests the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman DPS did not immediately respond to Hearst Newspapers request for comment on the incident. House Administration Committee Chair Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, agreed to let Collier visit her Capitol office with a police escort, but said she would be detained if she attempted to leave the building without a permission slip, according to Collier. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Collier, who is still wearing the crisp, forest-green suit from the day before, is using the items she had packed for the quorum break. And has received food from colleagues, including chili for last nights dinner. Wu and Rep. Vince Perez, D-El Paso, also stayed the night to keep her company. In a Zoom interview Monday morning, Collier said she wanted to make her constituents opposition to the proposed Congressional map heard. In North Texas, the new map proposes to wipe up one of the two Democratically-held congressional seats. The map will dilute the voice of Black and Brown people, said Collier, a former chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. Activists protest the confinement of Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) outside the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol Austin, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Rep. Collier has not left the House floor after refusing to have a DPS escort in order to do so. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Though they cannot support Collier from the House gallery, members of the public have rallied behind her. Outside the chamber Monday night, DPS officers arrested four Democratic activists who refused to leave the House lobby as the Capitol complex closed at 10:30 p.m. on Monday night. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One of the arrestees, Black Austin Democrats President Angel Carroll, said she stayed to protest Gov. Greg Abbott and his fellow Republicans abuse of power. Texans Democrats and voters refuse to accept business as usual and are committed to pushing back every step of the way, she wrote in a message to Hearst Newspapers. She was released from the Travis County jail around 5 a.m., Carroll said. State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, D-Austin, provided legal representation, staying at the jail until the wee hours to negotiate their release. Another rally for Collier, set to end at 9:30 p.m. sharp, is being organized outside of the House chamber on Tuesday night. Overnight Monday, Collier got little sleep. She was awake on a livestream until about 1 a.m., and talking to reporters by 6 a.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Frankly, I slept better than the thousands of people who are unhoused. I slept better than those who have outstanding debt that they struggle to work to pay, and so I slept better than those who go without health care, she said. So I know that I'm blessed and I'm grateful, and this is why we're here. Democratic Rep. Cassandra Garcia Hernandez of Dallas said Colliers act of protest is is not a deviation or anything from who Nicole is as a person, citing her colleagues penchant for fiery pushback in House Appropriations Committee meetings. The 52-year-old attorney, small business owner and grandmother took a singular path to the Legislature. By the time Collier graduated high school, she was a single mom to two children and was propelled by her faith and her family to continue her education, according to her Texas House biography. Advertisement Article continues below this ad LULAC National President Roman Palomares, right, at a news conference on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, in San Antonio. Eric Gay/Associated Press Plaintiffs in an ongoing lawsuit over Texas' 2021 political maps are already gearing up for a fight over the GOPs latest, controversial mid-cycle redistricting. The League of United Latin American Citizens and several other groups representing minority voters are asking a federal court to set aside time in September for a hearing on whether to block the new congressional map that state lawmakers are likely to pass this week. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The map is egregiously unconstitutional, and its implementation must be immediately enjoined, they wrote. Plaintiffs will request expedited consideration of that motion to ensure relief is available for the 2026 election. The redrawing of political maps typically happens every 10 years following the release of new census data. Mid-cycle redistricting is uncommon but not unprecedented: Republicans in Texas did the same in 2003 to gain a majority of the delegations seats in the U.S. House, which the party retains to this day. In the filing Monday, plaintiffs said the state is opposed to a preliminary injunction hearing in early September because it would be too soon considering the other parts of the case they need to prepare. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the state does not oppose adding the soon-to-be-passed congressional map to the lawsuit or the addition of new plaintiffs making claims against that map, according to the groups. The attorney generals office, which defends state officials and state laws, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The plaintiffs are also asking the court to rule on their four-year-old challenges to the state legislative maps, which the district court in El Paso had postponed in light of the Legislatures new redistricting push. The state Legislature has so far not proposed changes to the state maps, only the congressional one. They argued it is not fair to their side for the Court to allow another election cycle to pass without those claims being adjudicated because of unrelated developments. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Meanwhile on Tuesday, Republicans in California announced their first legal challenge to Gov. Gavin Newsoms redistricting effort there thats meant to offset the changes in Texas. They filed an emergency petition with the states Supreme Court arguing that the legislation will not have been in print long enough to satisfy constitutional requirements before lawmakers vote on it later this week, as Hearst Newspapers San Francisco Chronicle reported. Republicans filed the challenge with help from the law firm founded by Harmeet Dhillon, currently the assistant attorney general for civil rights at the federal Department of Justice. According to the firms website, Dhillon left the firm to take the appointment, and her brother Mandeep Singh Dhillon is now managing partner. Dhillon essentially kicked off Texas redistricting effort this year by penning a letter to state leaders arguing that four of the states congressional districts were unconstitutional, giving Gov. Greg Abbott the political ammunition needed to include a redrawing on a 30-day special session agenda. A fan waits for country legend George Strait to play on the Lady Bird stage during the second weekend of the Austin City Limits Music Festival on Oct. 8, 2021. On days like this one, Austin earns its nickname as the City of the Violet Crown. Nell Carroll / American-Statesman Spend a little time in Austin and youll start spotting violet crown everywhere, from a movie theater to bars and coffee shops, or a beautiful hike-and-bike trail in South Austin. The phrase feels both poetic and quintessentially Austin, but what does it mean, and how did it become woven into our everyday map? Before the trail signs and storefronts, this phrase came with a remarkably interesting story one that traces back through poetry, place, and the way a skyline catches the evening light. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The phrase violet crown was first used by the Greek poet Theognis around 550 B.C. to describe the violet and purple hues of the sunset sky over Athens in ancient Greece, according to Dane Anderson, former membership coordinator at the Austin History Center Association. This phenomenon, known as the Belt of Venus, is a pinkish purplish glow that appears to encircle the observer and rises 10 to 20 degrees above the horizon. While the phrase was uttered more than 2,000 years ago, the earliest connection of Austin to a violet crown was on July 3, 1891, when an article titled The City of the Violet Crown appeared in the Austin Daily Statesman. It appeared again a few years later in an August 1894 article, The Rest of the News, which celebrated the day Austinites voted to build a granite dam across the Colorado River that provided power to light the citys famous moonlight towers. That same year, American writer O. Henry authored a short story about a French detective, Tictocq, which was published in his weekly humor publication, the Rolling Stone, on Oct. 27, 1894. It includes a passage that describes a fancy home in Austin: The drawing-rooms of one of the most magnificent private residences in Austin are a blaze of lights. Carriages line the streets in front, and from gate to doorway is spread a velvet carpet, on which the delicate feet of the guests may tread. Then, O. Henry describes Austin itself: The occasion is the entree into society of one of the fairest buds in the City of the Violet Crown. The rooms are filled with the culture, the beauty, the youth, and fashion of society. Austin society is acknowledged to be the wittiest, the most select, and the highest bred to be found southwest of Kansas City. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A fisherman sits on a boat under the Lamar Boulevard bridge on Lady Bird Lake at sunset on July 11, 2023. Kara Hawley / American-Statesman Whats the science behind the violet crown? During sunset, when the sun is low on the horizon, sunlight passes through more of the atmosphere than when the sun is directly above, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This means that more molecules and particles are there to scatter the violet and blue light waves. However, when more clouds and dust particles are in the upper atmosphere, the light waves are scattered so that more of the light that produces pink, orange, and red colors makes it to your eyes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Since Austin has grown as a city, producing more pollution in the atmosphere, it has become harder to see "the violet crown" from downtown. However, Anderson believes you can still see the soft, purple glow over the Hill Country if you head west out of the city. Thats where you can get a picture of the perfect, postcard-worthy Texas sunset. Despite the chance for rain and more overcast skies, both Tuesday and Wednesday will be the hottest with temperatures approaching 100 degrees but will feel closer to 105 to 108 degrees because of the humidity. Pivotal Austins summer is about to get even weirder this week as daily rain chances roll through the third week of August. We are trading our typical scorching heat and crunchy grass for more clouds than sun, pockets of heavy rainfall and cooler temperatures than normal coming later in the week. A ridge of high atmospheric pressure and drier weather helped send our temperatures to the century mark over the weekend. Now, the ridge will gradually move west and center itself over the Four Corners region in the desert Southwest. This will open the door for atmospheric moisture to stream in via an easterly to southeasterly flow from the Gulf of Mexico. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As a result, actual temperatures will approach 100 degrees both Tuesday and Wednesday, but with the additional humidity, the heat index readings, or feels like temps, could get close to the National Weather Services heat advisory threshold of 108 degrees, especially along and east of Interstate 35. Rain and thunderstorms are likely each afternoon for the rest of the week. A cold front is forecast to move south into Central Texas on Thursday. This will bring the weeks highest daily rain chances, up to 70%. National Weather Service The good news is that this extra moisture will interact with several atmospheric disturbances rotating clockwise around the highs outer edge, moving south into the Lone Star State. This will generate rounds of showers and thunderstorms throughout the week. Moisture levels around 150% of August averages remain through next weekend, the regional weather service office for Austin wrote in its Monday forecast discussion. With high precipitable water levels making for efficient rainfall processes, and a potential for slow-moving or training rain cells, locally heavy rains are possible. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A weak cold front is expected to drop south into Texas on Thursday, this would function as a focal point for the development of showers and thunderstorms. While the weather services Storm Prediction Center has placed Texas under only a general thunderstorm threat, that doesnt mean we couldnt see a few storms producing gusty winds as strong as 40 mph, lightning and locally heavy rainfall. With multiple days of rain, minor flooding also could become a concern as soil becomes oversaturated. Loading... How unusual is this weather? Based on the past 25 years of climate data, August is Austins third-driest month, behind December and February. We average 2.34 inches of rain, and weve picked up only about half-inch so far this month, so weve got room for more. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The latest data from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly 25% of Travis County has slipped into moderate drought, the lowest drought category. National Weather Service Bruno Botta: Cooperation leads us to grow 09:54, August 19, 2025 By Claire Ding, Yu Ying ( People's Daily Online Set against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, the yellow facade of the Villino di Piazza Sassari radiates vibrant energy. This historic building is the headquarters of Unitelma Sapienza. Closely affiliated with Sapienza University of Rome, one of the largest public universities in Europe, Unitelma Sapienza represents innovation in higher education. Bruno Botta, rector of Unitelma Sapienza and a professor of organic chemistry, has been engaged with international exchange in higher education since his years at Sapienza University. Botta held the position of deputy provost for internationalization for nine years and it was during this time he started to play a key role in fostering educational exchanges between Italy and China. Bruno Botta (Photo/Patrick Shead-Simmonds) When reflecting on his first trip to China in 1991, a smile crosses Botta's face. He recalls giving a lecture at the University of Hong Kong before travelling north to Beijing for further academic collaboration. The experience, he remarks, was deeply enriching both professionally and personally. "I was astonished by the beauty of China," he remembers fondly. Botta returned to China in 2016, visiting Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (ZUEL) in Wuhan. This marked the beginning of a lasting partnership between ZUEL and Sapienza. Each year, Botta and his colleagues would visit ZUEL, meeting esteemed professors across disciplines such as forensic science, criminology, and medicine. Over time, the collaboration deepened, evolving into joint courses where Italian professors taught in China, and Chinese students were given the opportunity to attend classes in Rome. Alongside collaborating with ZUEL, Botta's visits to Chinese universities like Wuhan University have strengthened his belief in the vital link between educational advancement and government support. In his view, China's rapid growth is inseparable from the government's strong investment in education, culture, technology, research and thus, its future. Appointed as rector of Unitelma Sapienza just a year ago, Botta sees digital education as a powerful tool for accessibility. If the quality of instruction is high, online education can be incredibly valuable for students who are unable to attend traditional in-person universities, he explains. "Digital universities bring learning to students, anytime, anywhere, and at any age." While all lectures are pre-recorded and available online, examinations are held in person at multiple locations across Italy. Looking ahead, Unitelma Sapienza hopes to expand its examination centers across Europe. Botta is also working on establishing a physical laboratory, either in cooperation with Sapienza or ZUEL, to provide students with more hands-on learning opportunities that complement the digital curriculum. He looks forward to travelling to China soon to give a lecture on digital education and artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on AI's potential to enhance online learning experiences. Botta's ongoing efforts reflect the spirit of China-Italy educational exchange and stand as a testament to the mutual growth that comes through international cooperation. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Wu Chengliang) Horgos in Xinjiang brings border crossing into daily life 09:27, August 19, 2025 By Huan Xiang, Han Liqun, Hu Renba ( People's Daily Photo shows the China-Kazakhstan connecting corridor inside the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center. (Photo/Wu Zhiheng) Horgos, located in the Ili Kazakh autonomous prefecture of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, lies directly on the border with Kazakhstan. Once a vital stop along the northern route of the ancient Silk Road, it has become an important gateway for China's opening up to the west. In 2012, the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center, comprising adjoining border areas on both sides of the boundary, was officially put into operation. It is China's first cross-border economic cooperation zone established with another country. Leveraging its strategic location and preferential policies, the center has accelerated trade, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connectivity between China and Kazakhstan. At around 10 a.m., 67-year-old Horgos resident Li Guoliang, accompanied by his wife and granddaughter, joined the steady flow of people moving through the checkpoint. "We're going over to buy some daily necessities," he explained. Their destination was the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center, where both sides are physically linked while retaining separate entry and exit systems. Citizens of both countries, and travelers from elsewhere, can enter visa-free with a passport or border pass. A free clinic is held by the Khorgos People's Hospital at the China-Kazakhstan connecting corridor inside the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center. (People's Daily/Huan Xiang) Having lived in Horgos his entire life, Li often visits the center. "Going abroad is like visiting relatives - it's that convenient," he said. A walk of just 15 minutes inside the center leads to a China-Kazakhstan connecting corridor, where visitors can cross directly into Kazakhstan. Many tourists have dubbed it the "one-sec\ passage." Today, the center is home to more than 5,000 shops and about 1,200 businesses, selling over 1,000 types of goods from more than 40 countries, from Kazakh honey and Kyrgyz wool blankets to Uzbek dried fruits. It has grown into the largest cross-border tourism and shopping hub in northwest China. Chinese-made appliances, furniture, and clothing are shipped from here to Central Asia, West Asia, Europe, and beyond. This year alone, the center has already recorded over 6 million entries and exits, a year-on-year increase of 66 percent. By midday, the aroma of freshly baked food filled the air at the bustling Dilnaz Restaurant. In the kitchen, Toktabayeva from Kazakhstan packed golden, crispy baked buns into meal boxes, while her partner Gulshala, a Horgos local, bagged orders with practiced speed. The two women run the restaurant together, calling it a "cross-border restaurant" and treating each other like sisters. Visitors enter the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center. (Photo/Li Ming) "Now that China and Kazakhstan have mutual visa exemptions, it's even easier for our people to visit each other. Going to the other country truly feels like 'going home,'" Toktabayeva said. In a classroom at the Horgos Yiwu International Business Trade Mall, students from the International Kazakh-Chinese Language College sat in a circle, reading aloud Chinese business phrases written on the blackboard: "Carefully selected," "Great bargain," "Real deal." This April, as the first group of trainees in the Horgos Area of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, they began internships at local businesses while also studying cross-border e-commerce and international trade in Chinese. Eighteen-year-old Kazakh student Chepasova Rufina has been learning both the language and livestreaming commerce. "My Chinese teacher taught me how to interact with viewers and enhance the user experience. When I first came to China, I only knew a few basic greetings. Now I can confidently sell products in Chinese," she said. "I hope to make more Chinese friends and introduce more quality products from Kazakhstan to China, and Chinese products to Kazakhstan." Chinese and Kazakh youths join a cultural exchange event in the Chinese pavilion at the Horgos International Border Cooperation Center. (Photo/Shui Chengfan) Meanwhile, the National Gate Hospital, run by Horgos People's Hospital, was busy hosting a free clinic. Liu Fei, an attending physician from the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, treated patients alongside his colleagues. Rahimjan, a Kazakh patient long troubled by migraines, decided to try acupuncture after Liu's pulse diagnosis. "In Kazakhstan, I often heard people say that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) works well. Today, I tried it myself and felt very comfortable," he said, giving a thumbs-up. Liu noted that more and more Kazakh people are seeking out TCM to improve their health and quality of life. "We hope TCM can bring health to more people and serve as a bridge of friendship," he said. In recent years, Horgos has advanced its international medical service capabilities, experimenting with cross-border medical insurance mechanisms and expanding access to both Chinese and foreign patients. It aims to become an international medical service center serving Central Asia. In July 2023, Horgos People's Hospital was officially authorized to provide foreign-related medical services. Between January and June this year, the hospital treated 205 foreign patients, held 54 free clinic events, and provided free check-ups and diagnoses for 1,035 people. In Horgos, from the border cooperation center to vocational training and international medical services, the "one-sec border passing" has become more than just a convenience. It is weaving deeper emotional bonds, closer friendships, and a shared sense of community across the ChinaKazakhstan border. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Shanghai FTZ experience spurs innovation-driven growth through institutional reform 13:34, August 19, 2025 By Luo Shanshan, Ding Qianqian ( People's Daily Photo taken on July 6, 2025 shows a container terminal of the Yangshan deep water port in Shanghai. (Photo/Ji Haixin) At Nangang Terminal in southeast Shanghai, a roll-on/roll-off vessel was steadily berthed at the dock, as a fleet of electric vehicles bound for export drove in an orderly manner into the ship's hold under a "first-line direct customs release" model. "Under this model, companies are exempt from customs declarations. With a single self-declaration, goods can move directly into and out of the Yangshan Free Trade Zone, significantly improving clearance efficiency," explained an official from Yangshan Customs under Shanghai Customs. As the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) pursues its goal of becoming a global shipping hub, it has refined its multi-country consolidation model. Cargo shipped from overseas, transiting via Yangshan, and bound for a third country, is exempt from inspection, cutting overall handling time by 50 percent. This reform has driven the proportion of international transit and consolidated cargo at Yangshan Port from 12.6 percent to 18.6 percent, propelling it to the top of the global container port performance rankings. In the first half of this year alone, approximately 52,000 bonded vehicles were exported through consolidation, sharply reducing logistics costs. Photo taken on May 21, 2025 shows the Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ). (Photo/Zhang Mingwei) In recent years, the Shanghai FTZ has pioneered institutional innovation, exploring new pathways and achieving "zero-to-one" breakthroughs to steadily expand institutional opening up, providing what has become known as the "Shanghai FTZ experience." Seventy-seven pilot measures tested in Shanghai will soon be promoted nationwide, extending the benefits of institutional innovation across a broader landscape. Beyond trade facilitation, Shanghai has taken the lead in formulating high-standard digital trade rules. The city is promoting regulated cross-border data flows, advancing digital technology applications, and expanding data openness and sharing. At the Shanghai Data Exchange in Pudong New Area, intangible and invisible data products dominate corporate discussions. Meeting the rising demand for precise and efficient data transactions is a pressing concern. According to Li Denggao, deputy general manager of the Shanghai Data Exchange, the exchange has established a cross-border data trading framework, developed a trusted delivery mechanism and released trading rules, gradually laying a solid market foundation. In the first half of this year, the exchange's transaction volume exceeded 3 billion yuan ($417.39 million), a year-on-year increase of more than 50 percent. Secure and efficient cross-border data flows are vital for companies' international operations. An international cruise ship carrying passengers arrives at the Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Shanghai, Aug. 2, 2025. (Photo/Ji Haixin) At the Cross-border Data Service Center in the Lin-gang Special Area of Shanghai pilot FTZ, real-time operation guidelines are displayed on electronic screens, tailored to industry-specific scenarios. In the intelligent connected vehicle sector, for example, guidelines cover cross-border production and manufacturing, global research and development testing, global after-sales services, and the global used car trade. "In the past, cross-border data flows were managed from an industry-wide perspective, which was not sufficiently targeted for enterprises," said Lu Sen, head of the data division of the Administrative Committee of the Lin-gang Special Area. "We have identified specific data fields requiring across-border transfer and compiled detailed lists with relevant authorities to address the real challenges faced by enterprises." In February this year, the administrative committee of the Lin-gang Special Area, together with Shanghai Cyberspace Administration and other departments, jointly issued a negative list for data exports in the Shanghai FTZ. In May, it followed with detailed operational guidelines for such exports. Financial innovation has also been a hallmark of the Shanghai FTZ. From establishing China's first foreign-controlled joint-venture wealth management company and the first wholly foreign-owned public fund, to building an international oil and gas trading center, executing the first cross-border RMB settlement for international crude oil in digital currency, and piloting relaxed rules on non-resident mergers and acquisitions loans, the FTZ has delivered many "firsts" in financial opening up. These breakthroughs have been followed by deeper reforms, including optimizing cross-border cash pooling for multinational corporations, advancing payment service internationalization, and continuously enhancing the free trade account system. With inbound tourism and shopping in China continuing to boom, improving payment convenience for overseas visitors has become another focus. Leveraging the FTZ's role as a testing ground, Ant International, an affiliate of China's Alibaba Group, has introduced two new services: enabling overseas bank cards to be linked to Alipay, China's leading mobile payment platform, and allowing overseas e-wallets to be used directly in China. From downloading an app and linking international bank cards to scanning and paying directly with an overseas e-wallet, inbound visitors now enjoy greater payment convenience. Meng Huating, director of the free trade zone and free trade port department of China's Ministry of Commerce, said the ministry will continue to work with relevant departments to actively support localities in replicating and adapting the "Shanghai FTZ experience" in light of their strategic positioning, industrial strengths, and local conditions. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Prosecutor General Alex Florenta met on Tuesday at the Victoria Palace with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan to discuss the special pensions reform, pointing out on the occasion that the calculation methods regarding the length of service in the judiciary and the retirement age need to be staggered in order to avoid creating imbalances and discrimination between magistrates. "The Prosecutor General highlighted the negative effects on the justice system and on human resources in particular, the periodic revisitation at short intervals of important elements of the magistrates' statutes has, despite the constant nature of the Constitutional Court's jurisprudence on the matter. Thus, starting with 2017, the law on the judges and prosecutors' statutes has been amended 3 times, and the provisions regarding service pensions 4 times," the Prosecutor General's Office said in a release, agerpres reports. Thus, the retirement conditions established in 2023 were the subject of extensive consultation, and following their adoption, the reform carried out through Law No. 282/2023 was termed by the Commission as satisfactory for the achievement of NRRP benchmark 215.The Prosecutor General stressed that the need for a reform of the judiciary cannot exclusively and separately deal with a certain aspect related to the status of the magistrate profession, without taking into account the recurring problems faced by the judiciary, in particular the excessive workload caused by understaffing and the high legislative instability.Alex Florenta also pointed to the importance of loyal cooperation between the state powers, as well as to the fact that any legislative move to amend justice legislation must be carried out based on real and effective consultation of representatives of the judicial system, so as to identify the best solutions for the optimal functioning thereof. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) will table a bill keeping state control over public enterprises, thus protecting them from hostile takeovers, the party's MEP, Gheorghe Piperea, announced on Tuesday. The bill will be submitted by the AUR floor leaders in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, Petrisor Peiu and Mihai Enache, Piperea said, agerpres reports. According to him, it is a strategic area of the national economy, part of the national critical infrastructure."The French grant state aid in the form of loans, usually convertible into shares or bonds convertible into shares. (...) Romanian citizens will also be made available such a possibility, because bonds will be issued that will be used to finance these enterprises, because they are important, they are strategic. In their turn, the Romanian citizens will be able to decide whether to receive money in seven years, plus interest, or to become a shareholder in the enterprise that has been listed in the meantime," the MEP said. Cooperation in the areas of energy, agriculture, tourism, new technologies and digitalisation are the main points of interest as investment opportunities for Romania and Egypt is the conclusion of a meeting on Tuesday of Chairman of the Bucharest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIB) Iuliu Stocklosa and Romanian ambassador to Egypt Olivia Toderean. "We strongly believe that the economic potential of our countries is greater than the current state of trade and bilateral economic cooperation. We believe that a better understanding of the potential of the two economies is necessary for the business community, and CCIB can play an important role both in disseminating the business opportunities offered by the Egyptian market among our members, and in transmitting information about the Romanian offer, especially of the Bucharest business community to potential partners in Egypt," Stocklosa is quoted as saying in a CCIB press statement, agerpres reports. "In the relationship with Romania, emphasis is placed on energy cooperation, agriculture and technological innovations in agriculture, food products, tourism, new technologies and digitalisation," Toderean said. The maintenance of Romania's sovereign rating by the Fitch agency takes into account the corrective measures initiated by the Bologna Government and not only for this reason, public discussions related to a possible inability of Romania to pay, non-payment of salaries and pensions, are futile, believes academician Daniel Daianu, chairman of the Fiscal Council. "The package of measures adopted by the Government in July 2025 and other measures aim to prevent rating agencies from downgrading Romania's sovereign risk; these corrective measures may cause the country's public debt to stabilize below 70 percent of GDP in a few years, and at the end of 2026 the budget deficit to be around 6 percent of GDP. The current account deficit may be below 7 percent of GDP in 2026. In 2025, the budget deficit is unlikely to fall below 8 percent of GDP. The maintenance by the Fitch agency of Romania's sovereign rating, on August 15 this year, takes into account the corrective measures initiated by the Bologna Government, the perspective of budgetary adjustment. Not only for this reason, public discussions related to a possible inability of Romania to pay, the non-payment of salaries and pensions, are "unfortunate," he pointed out in the introduction to the 19th edition of the "Romania - Euro Zone Monitor" convergence analysis report, entitled "Budgetary correction in Romania under very adverse conditions". Daianu thus recalled that rebalancing the public budget is vital for the security of the Romanian economy, and this means reducing the budget deficit from over 9% of GDP in 2024 to about 3% of GDP by the end of this decade. This would also reduce the current account deficit, given that the Romanian economy also suffers from the twin deficit syndrome. He emphasizes, however, that this budgetary correction is taking place under very unfavorable auspices, both internal and external, and has a procyclical nature that could not be avoided given the urgency of adjusting the budget in order to maintain access to financing and refinancing on the markets. "As the Fiscal Council and other serious analyses have consistently emphasized, the correction of the budget deficit cannot be achieved only on the expenditure side of the public budget. This reality has also left its mark on the correction program developed by the Bolojan Government, which includes expenditure adjustments, increases in fiscal revenues through tax and duty reviews and efforts for better collection, reforms of the functioning of the State and of state-owned companies," Daianu specified in the cited document. He draws attention to a series of erroneous theses that have created confusion in the approach to the budget crisis. Among them are those that claim that a correction can only be made on the expenditure side, as a normative estimate, and that tax revenues must be collected better before increasing taxes and duties. "The urgency in which Romania finds itself, the functioning of the financial markets, and that you cannot come up with promises like those made in previous years - it is a credibility problem," the author comments. Another wrong thesis from his perspective is the one according to which the private economy holds back public sector employees, who are a kind of "parasites", thus ignoring that there are public goods that the private economy itself needs. Other errors the economist writes about refer to the ideas according to which low tax revenues express a social contract, European money finances the budget and current account deficits, and the listing of state-owned companies on the stock exchange can solve the deficit problem. "The magnitude of the budget correction needed (from 9 percent to 3 percent of GDP) is underestimated and that resources obtained from such listings do not influence the structural deficit," Daniel Daianu also explained. At the same time, he considers the idea that the deficits in 2023 and 2024 are explained by investments to be false, given that a large part of public investments is financed with European money. The statement that having a low income means not working enough is classified by the President of the Fiscal Council as a rudimentary and cynical interpretation of the functioning of a society. "When a budget/fiscal reform, a state reform, affects the income of people and companies, disputes with extreme emotions are inherent, especially in a deeply divided society. But theses and confusions like those evoked above, dogmatism and fundamentalism, selfishness and hypocrisy have made it difficult to create a correction program. On the other hand, human nature is complex, with good and bad traits," comments Daianu. For the future, he considers it essential that the budget rectification takes into account the correction measures and specifies that the set of measures of the Ministry of Finance that aims to broaden the tax base and better collect taxes and duties (ANAF reform) is to be welcomed. Daniel Daianu explained, in context, that accession to the eurozone cannot take place without budgetary consolidation, so not before the budget deficit reaches 3 percent of GDP. "Realistically, accession cannot be achieved before 2031-2032," the cited source mentions. "The package of budgetary correction measures is the price we pay for the budgetary policy errors of the past years. It is desirable that much of the increased defense spending in Romania be achieved by appealing to the EU's 150 billion euro program - which can have both military and civilian utility (and which includes infrastructure works). The Multilateral Financial Framework (CFM) will probably allocate fewer resources to Romania in the new exercise. The new CFM will change considering the challenges for the EU related to competitiveness and defense/security. Romania has acquired a "dependence" on European funds that may return like a boomerang when these resources inevitably drastically decrease - after 2026 the PNRR ends, and the money from the MFF will be reduced in the next financial exercise. The massive decrease in European resources will influence the budget execution, public investments, balance of payments and potential GDP," Daianu also points out. He claims that Romanian society has numerous flaws and institutions are relatively weak, one can even speak of a syndrome of "forms without substance", which goes deep into history, but an underestimation of Romania's economic progress after 1989, of the role of membership in the EU and NATO, is wrong. "In addition, economic and social difficulties are observed in almost all democratic countries; therefore, we must not fall into the trap of Romanian exceptionalism from this point of view. For the security of Romania, of the EU, it is vital that the transatlantic relationship does not erode," Daniel Daianu also specified. Education Minister Daniel David met on Tuesday with students to discuss the measures regarding the fiscal-budgetary crisis with an impact over the academic environment and students in particular. According to a Education Ministry release sent to AGERPRES, on the occasion of the National Alliance of Student Organisations in Romania (ANOSR) Forum, organized in Timisoara, the minister discussed with the students about the effects of the measures adopted by the Government and about the ways in which they can be managed in the academic system. "No one wanted them and they would not have been taken in this form under normal conditions, and the fact that they are temporary shows the Romanian Government's openness to return when the fiscal-budgetary conditions allow it," David stated. The George Enescu International Festival 2025 extends beyond the traditional concert halls and brings, for the first time, classical music, reinterpreted and transformed, under the "Enescu in Control" project, to the Control Club in Bucharest. According to a press statement released on Tuesday, every Wednesday evening, from 22:00hrs, Club Control hosts concerts from the new "Enescu in Control" series - events where international artists and top Romanian ensembles propose a different kind of musical experience - free, experimental, in dialogue with jazz, electronic music and contemporary percussion, agerpres reports. "We felt it was time to bring classical music to a place where the meeting of genres can create bridges and revelations. The 'Enescu in Control' concert series is an invitation addressed to young people, but also to all those curious to discover how classical music can be reinvented and how it can enter into dialogue with the rhythms of the present. The Enescu Festival thus connects with the vibration of the city and with the new generations," Cristian Macelaru, the artistic director of the Enescu Festival, is quoted as saying in the press statement.The second event, on September 3, brings a reference name in contemporary musical experimentation: Francesco Tristano, pianist, innovative composer and artist who brings together the boundaries between Bach and techno, between baroque and minimalist electronic music.The last concert of the series, on September 17, is dedicated to percussion instruments, through the spectacular performance of the Bucharest Percussion Ensemble, made up of Ioana Ailenei, Alina Trifu, Stefan Ailenei, Vlad Polgar, Mihai Minzar and Alexandru Stroe.The "Enescu in Control" series is dedicated to a diverse audience - from jazz, electronica or alternative rock enthusiasts to those who, perhaps for the first time, will discover Enescu's creations or those of great composers, in this free format.Tickets for the concerts within the George Enescu International Festival can be purchased both online, from the Eventim.ro platform, https://www.cts.eventim.ro/artist/festivalul-george-enescu , and in physical format, from the Carrefour hypermarket network and the Carture?ti and Humanitas bookstore chains.The George Enescu International Festival is an event held under the High Patronage of the President of Romania. Almost 200 kilometers of county roads have been completely rehabilitated and modernized, and another 100 kilometers of roads will undergo repairs, the president of the Maramures County Council (CJ), Gabriel Zetea, informed on Tuesday. "In the past term (2016-2020) we rehabilitated over 200 kilometers of county road, the largest road investment in recent decades in Maramure?. Since December 2024, we have started implementing the 'Mara Nord' project, one of the largest European projects for road infrastructure in the county (...) For me and my team, road infrastructure remains priority zero: better roads mean a stronger economy, growing tourism and safety for every family in the county," Gabriel Zetea said in a post on his Facebook page. The President of the County Council announced that other sections of county roads exceeding 100 km are ready to undergo complete modernization. "Implementation period: December 2024 - December 2029. Total value: over 616 million lei. Financing: through the North-West Regional Program 2021-2027, carried out by the North-West ADR, with support from the European Regional Development Fund. Through this project we are modernizing: 110 km of county roads to European standards, 41 new alveoli for public transport and 12 alternative fuel filling stations, an important step towards green mobility. 'Mara Nord' means safety, comfort and a better connection with the TEN-T network, i.e. faster and safer roads between Maramure?, Salaj and Bistri?a-Nasaud, but also with Europe," Gabriel Zetea also said. The head of the CJ also pointed out that during this mandate, the modernization of road infrastructure is a priority. The involvement of US President Donald Trump in a peace agreement for Ukraine "is essential" and any peace must be just and durable, Europe's role being "equally essential," President Nicusor Dan wrote on Tuesday on his Facebook page. The head of state conveyed the message after participating in the online meetings of the Coalition of the Willing and the European Council, convened on Tuesday after Donald Trump's meeting in Washington with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was accompanied by seven European leaders, agerpres reports. He said that the main points which he underscored were transatlantic coordination, an element which "remains the strongest asset" in deterring Russia's aggression, the fact that Russia must stop killing civilians if it is truly committed to achieving peace.He highlighted that "a peaceful Ukraine also strengthens Romania's security and benefits our neighbor, the Republic of Moldova."US President Donald Trump met on Monday in Washington with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting was followed by a gathering with seven European leaders.As he welcomed his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, who expressed their willingness to work together for the future peace and security of Ukraine, the US President said that this war will end, according to AFP It's a paradoxical universe. Where, when everything goes well, nothing is noticeable. Where everything must be free and open, yet thoughtful and guided. Where everyone should feel at home, without ever having been there. This universe is that of the watchmaking booth. The stand of a brand is an integral part of its watchmaking culture. It was already present in 1917 in what later became Baselworld. Today, it can be found in Geneva as in Dubai, Las Vegas as in Mexico. The watch stand must deploy, in miniature and in a few minutes, a know-how that actually extends over thousands of square meters, and acquired over decades, even centuries. It's a concentrate. A shortcut of space and time. A summary, in a few square meters, of everything a brand projects. Designing a watch stand is therefore an exercise of extreme difficulty. That's why most watchmakers, like Montblanc, call on specialized agencies. The brand sets the goal. The agency, the means. They are numerous. There is interior architecture, scenography, product design, but also much more specialized skills, such as light architecture. For Montblanc, it is the Studio Jean-Marc Gady that assists the manufacture in deploying its alpine universe. The two partners know each other well: they have been collaborating for ten years, since Montblanc already exhibited at SIHH, now Watches and Wonders. The Studio Jean-Marc Gady is also familiar with the watchmaking environment. It has also worked for A. Lange & Sohne, Audemars Piguet, Chaumet, and Zenith. Montblanc showcase at Baselworld Montblanc A scenographic birth For the Montblanc stand, "it takes a minimum of 9 months of work," explains Emilie Andre, CEO of the agency. "We work with visual merchandising, communication, customer experience, marketing, and naturally, the product. Each year, we receive a brief that can stretch over 2 pages or over 100 pages. It contains the key messages the brand wants to emphasize, the flagship collections, the segments of history to highlight, as well as practical information about the stand's structure." For a stand like that of Montblanc, depicting a mountain chalet, it's hard to imagine the number of variables involved in creating the desired effect: finishes, materials, touch, sound, smell, acoustics, traffic conditions, risk of congestion, time spent in front of each showcase, lighting intensities and angles, reflections on each surface, and, as much as possible, the typical path every visitor will take. "For Montblanc, we needed to infuse the stand with the spirit of the Meisterstuck campaign by Wes Anderson. Except a camera only offers a single angle of view, its own. We therefore had to invent the rest, everything around Wes Anderson's camera that it didn't see." Montblanc stand at Baselworld Montblanc Light sculptor To sculpt this Montblanc universe, the Studio Jean-Marc Gady enlisted one of the greatest light architects in the industry, Jean-Francois Touchard - among his countless achievements in 30 years of profession, includes the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris. "Among the most important things, one must know how to cast the most precise light beam possible, because the watch is an object where every detail is drawn to the millimeter. The temperature of the lights is also essential: it's what should reveal the gold nuances of each model," explains the expert. "You can make the most beautiful stand in the world, if the watches aren't well seen, it serves no purpose." Montblanc stand at Baselworld Montblanc An immersive experience Particularly elaborate, the Montblanc stand offered visitors an immersive and picturesque journey into its world of craftsmanship and watchmaking. The chalet, the nostalgic color palette, and the vintage aesthetic are inspired by the film 100 Years of Meisterstuck, written and directed by American filmmaker Wes Anderson. Upon entering the stand, visitors were greeted by the chalet facade decorated with elements from the film, like period suitcases and the Montblanc flag. The visitor dives into a mountain landscape, setting the stage for the upcoming adventure and reinforcing Montblanc's connection with mountain exploration. At the center is the Montblanc office, designed by artistic director Marco Tomasetta. The experience extends to The Library, with the wall of books seen in the film, and its green-patterned sofa. The journey ends in the Minerva room, where Montblanc's legendary watchmaking heritage comes to life. JEFFERSON CITY Gov. Mike Kehoe on Tuesday appointed the first woman attorney general in Missouri history to serve out the remaining three years of Andrew Baileys term. With Bailey set to move to a position in President Donald Trumps administration after a surprise announcement Monday, the Republican governor named Catherine Hanaway to take over the 400-person office on Sept. 8. Hanaway, 61, has served as chair of the Husch Blackwell law firm and has a lengthy history in public roles. Hanaway served as U.S. attorney in Missouris eastern district, which is based in St. Louis. She also served as speaker of the Missouri House from 2003 to 2005, and as a staffer for the late U.S. Sen. Christopher Kit Bond. The role of Attorney General is incredibly significant for state government, serving as the chief legal officer of the state, and there is not a more qualified person to serve Missourians as our next Attorney General than Catherine Hanaway, Kehoe told reporters in his office. He said her views on crime reflect his, signaling the office may focus more on prosecution than litigation. A former U.S. Attorney, Catherine is a talented, trusted prosecutor who has a passion for enforcing the rule of law, Kehoe said. She first ran for elected office in 1998, winning a seat representing a St. Louis County district in the Missouri House. She also made an unsuccessful bid for Secretary of State in 2004, losing to Democrat Robin Carnahan. Bailey, who had been mentioned as a possible attorney general candidate under Trump, will become co-deputy director of the Federal Bureau Investigation in the administration, serving alongside Dan Bongino. The move was announced by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi Monday, prompting Bailey to announce his resignation, effective Sept. 8. The gears were set in motion last week and Hanaway said she first was approached about the possible vacancy Aug. 12. Hanaway will take over an office that has seen three previous attorneys general over the past six years as Bailey, Eric Schmitt and Josh Hawley have used the post as a stepping stone to Washington, D.C. Bailey modeled his office on the same partisan underpinnings as his predecessors, using the position to insert Missouri into headline-grabbing fights in support of Trump. He pushed culture war issues ranging from transgender health care to immigration. Unlike Schmitt and Hawley, who became U.S. senators, Bailey is becoming co-deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Hanaway said she intends to run for a full term in 2028. It is a humbling honor to be selected for this role, and a duty I do not take lightly. Attorney General Bailey has done an incredible job fighting for Missourians, and I am eager to get to work on behalf of Missourians to uphold the rule of law, protect the Constitution, and ensure a strong future for our state, she said. Fighting crime is and will remain Job One in this office, she added. Her appointment won bipartisan support. Catherine Hanaway will be a vast improvement over her incompetent and unprofessional predecessor, said House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, D-Kansas City, who added that House Democrats believe she can restore integrity to the office. U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, a Ballwin Republican, called Hanaway a trailblazer in being the first and only woman to serve as Missouri House Speaker and now as attorney general. There is nobody more qualified to serve as Missouris next Attorney General than Catherine Hanaway, Wagner said. Hanaway was not shy about expressing her support for Trump as far back as 2016, when he was running against Democrat Hillary Clinton. During her unsuccessful primary run for governor in 2016, for example, Hanaway was among two of the four candidates who expressed no hesitancy to campaign with Trump as he ran for president. Will I campaign with Donald Trump? Of course, I will, said Hanaway, rattling off a list of issues immigration, abortion, likely Supreme Court nominations in which she found his views preferable to Clintons. Hanaway takes over amid Baileys push to remove St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery from office over alleged nepotism and controversial spending. I intend to continue to pursue that, Hanaway said. Baileys office also convinced a grand jury to indict St. Louis County Executive Sam Page for using tax dollars to campaign against a ballot question. During her tenure as U.S. attorney, Hanaway prosecuted former state Rep. John Bowman, a north St. Louis County Democrat, for bribery in a credit card scheme. Bowman, who was convicted on misdemeanor charges, now is running for a state Senate seat. Hanaway and Bailey have been on opposite sides of some issues. While Bailey worked to upend a massive, multi-state power line project known as Grain Belt Express over issues of eminent domain, Hanaway was the power operators attorney, arguing against efforts to stop it. The Attorney General has no authority to interfere with the Missouri Public Service Commission or its final approval of this project, Hanaway said during the dust-up. Grain Belt Express seeks to bring an end to the AGs unlawful and politically motivated investigation. As a private attorney moving into a public role, Hanaway said she will be recusing herself from cases involving her law firm. Kehoe said he hopes Hanaway sticks around longer than her three predecessors. Im interested in providing that office stability, the governor said. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump says he began arrangements for a face-to-face meeting between Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss a pathway to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The president made the announcement shortly after speaking by phone with Putin on Monday as he hosted Zelenskyy and top European leaders to discuss his push to end the war. The talks came amid a significant measure of trepidation on the continent that Trump is pressing Ukraine to make concessions that will only further embolden Putin. "I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy," Trump said in a social media post soon after lengthy talks with Zelenskyy and the European leaders ended. "After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years." It was not clear if Putin signed on to such talks. Russia state news agency Tass cited Putin's foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov saying Putin and Trump "spoke in favor" of continuing direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations. Ushakov said they also discussed "the idea of raising the level of the direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations." Zelenskyy told reporters following the White House meeting that if Russia does "not demonstrate a will to meet, then we will ask the United States to act accordingly." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who attended the White House talks, added in an appearance on Fox News that "if Russia is not playing ball" on direct talks with Ukraine "the United States plus Europe will do more when it comes to tariffs and sanctions" on Moscow. Trump, Zelenskyy to meet; Scheffler rallies to win BMW On todays episode: Hurrican Erin threatens the East Coast; President Donald Trump will meet with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; Air Canada suspended plans to restart operations; Bolivias presidential eleciton is heading to a runoff; the latest on Israel; legendary actor Terence Stemp has died; and there are new words in the Cambridge dictionary. Black mayors of cities Trump decries as 'lawless' tout significant declines in violent crimes. Following their much-anticipated meeting in Alaska, US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are praising the talks - but the conflict in Ukraine remains unresolved. West Virginia sends hundreds of National Guard members to Washington at Trump team's request. New Air Force policy denies transgender troops hearings before they're discharged. Trump administration agrees to keep DC police chief in place, but with immigration enforcement order. Six planets are hanging out in early morning skies this month. Here's how to spot them. Shooting in crowded New York club leaves 3 dead despite record low gun violence. New Orleans mayor indicted over allegations of trying to hide relationship with bodyguard. Wall Street finishes its latest winning week with a fade. The worlds No. 1 golfer claims the second leg of the FedExCup Playoffs, the majors longest winning streak ends, a highly-touted NFL prospect is injured, the defending Super Bowl champions make a trade, an SEC team tabs its starting quarterback and a six-time NASCAR winner makes history. Michigan football fined 10s of millions of dollars, Moore suspended 3 games in sign-stealing scandal. US envoy to discuss long-term ceasefire with Israel after Lebanon commits to disarming Hezbollah. Rescuers look for 150 people still missing in Pakistan's northwest following devastating floods. On this week's AP Religion Roundup, the Orthodox Church in America prays for the Trump-Putin in Alaska. The Associated Press About this program Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate. Theme music The News Tonight, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: ZR2MOTROGI4XAHRX Zelenskyy previously said he wanted Russia to agree to a ceasefire before any meeting between himself and Putin, but he said Monday that if the Ukrainians started setting conditions, the Russians would do the same. "That's why I believe that we must meet without any conditions, and think about what development there can be of this path to the end of war," Zelenskyy said. Earlier, Trump said during talks with Zelenskyy and the European leaders that a potential ceasefire and who gets Ukrainian territory seized by Russia should be hashed out during a face-to-face meeting between the warring countries' two leaders. "We're going to let the president go over and talk to the president and we'll see how that works out," Trump said. That was a shift from comments Trump made soon after meeting Putin last week in which he appeared to tilt toward Putin's demands that Ukraine make concessions over land seized by Russia, which now controls roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Questions about US, NATO involvement Trump also announced on Monday he would back European security guarantees for Ukraine as he met with Zelenskyy and the leaders of France, Britain, Germany, Italy and Finland, as well as the president of the European Commission and the head of NATO. Trump stopped short of committing U.S. troops to a collective effort to bolster Ukraine's security. He said instead that there would be a "NATO-like" security presence and that all those details would be hashed out with EU leaders. "They want to give protection and they feel very strongly about it and we'll help them out with that," Trump said. Zelenskyy said deep U.S. involvement in the emerging security guarantees is crucial. "It is important that the United States make a clear signal, namely that they will be among the countries that will help to coordinate and also will participate in security guarantees for Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. Speaking Monday before the White House meetings took place, Russia's Foreign Ministry rejected the idea of a possible NATO peacekeeping force in Ukraine. Such a scenario could lead to further escalation and "unpredictable consequences," ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned. Trump's engagement with Zelenskyy had a strikingly different feel to their last Oval Office meeting in February. It was a disastrous moment that led to Trump abruptly ending talks with the Ukrainian delegation, and temporarily pausing some aid for Kyiv, after he and Vice President JD Vance complained that Zelenskyy had shown insufficient gratitude for U.S. military assistance. Zelenskyy faced criticism during his February meeting from a conservative journalist for appearing in the Oval Office in a long-sleeve T-shirt. This time he appeared in a dark jacket and buttoned shirt. Zelenskyy has said his typically less formal attire since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022 is to show solidarity with Ukrainian soldiers. Ahead of Monday's meeting, Trump suggested that Ukraine could not regain Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, setting off an armed conflict that led to its broader 2022 invasion. Zelenskyy in his own post late Sunday, responded, "We all share a strong desire to end this war quickly and reliably." He said "peace must be lasting," not as it was after Russia seized Crimea and part of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine eight years ago and "Putin simply used it as a springboard for a new attack." European heavyweights European leaders suggested forging a temporary ceasefire is not off the table. After his meeting with Putin on Friday, Trump dropped his demand for an immediate ceasefire and said he would look to secure a final peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine a sudden shift to a position favored by Putin. At the start of Monday's meeting, the German and French leaders praised Trump for opening a path to peace, but they urged the U.S. president to push Russia for a ceasefire. "I would like to see a ceasefire from the next meeting, which should be a trilateral meeting," said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Air Force Gen. David W. Allvin, the services chief of staff, testifies May 20, 2025, at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON Gen. David Allvin, the Air Force chief of staff, will retire in the coming months after serving about two years as the services top officer. Im proud to have been part of the team of airmen who live out our core values of integrity, service and excellence every day as we prepare to defend this great nation, Allvin said in a prepared statement issued Monday. The statement from the Air Force did not provide a reason for the decision. He will continue to serve as chief of staff until a replacement is confirmed. No official date was announced, though the statement said it could be sometime close to Nov. 1. The Air Force is fortunate to have leaders like Gen. Dave Allvin. During his tenure, the Air Force has undertaken transformational initiatives that will enable airmen to answer their nations call for decades to come, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said in the statement. Allvin has been the chief of staff since November 2023. Prior to that, he served as the vice chief of staff and helped with creating joint-operating concepts and leading recruiting and retention efforts. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1986. Allvin is also a pilot with more than 4,600 hours, including 800 flight test hours in more than 30 aircraft and 100 combat hours in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to his service biography. Pentagon leaders did not respond to a request for comment about Allvins retirement. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired a number of senior military officials since taking office in January. Some of the firings include Air Force Gen. Charles CQ Brown, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the chief of naval operations; and the judge advocates general for the Army, Navy and Air Force. A sign at Gate Two to the entrance to F.E. Warren Air Force Base outside Cheyenne, Wyoming. (Mead Gruver/AP) An airman at F.E. Warren Air Force Base was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of a man on Saturday in Cheyenne, Wyo., just outside the base, local police and military officials said. Airman 1st Class Jadan Orr, 20, was arrested in the early morning shooting of an unnamed 23-year-old man at an apartment complex outside the intercontinental ballistic missile base, the Air Force and Cheyenne Police Department said Tuesday. Orr, who is assigned to the Air Forces 90th Missile Wing, is the second F.E. Warren airman facing involuntary manslaughter charges in a gun death in recent weeks. Cheyenne police charged Orr had been drinking alcohol with friends in an apartment complex about four miles from the F.E. Warren gates when he entered a bedroom with two other individuals and picked up an AK-47 assault rifle at about 3:30 a.m. While manipulating the firearm, Orr charged it and fired it through the wall into the [same apartments] living room, striking the victim in the torso, Cheyenne police said in a statement. Emergency medical personnel responded, but the victim died at the scene, police said. The incident remained under investigation, and police declined further comment on the case. F.E. Warren officials pledged support for the probe. We are fully supporting the investigation and remain committed to taking care of our airmen and their families during this extremely difficult time, Col. Terry Holmes, the 90th Missile Wings commander, said in the news release. The shooting death came just weeks after another member of the 90th Missile Wing was killed in an apparent accidental shooting incident on base. Airman Bradan Lovan, 21, died in that July 20 shooting. Lovans death led to an immediate halting of the use of the Sig Sauer-produced M18 pistol among airman in Air Force Global Strike Command and a service-wide order to inspect the safety of the Air Forces M18 inventory. While the service has continued to investigate the safety of its M18s, Air Force officials announced last week that an airman had been arrested in Lovans death and charged with involuntary manslaughter, making false statements and obstruction of justice. Air Force officials have said the investigations into Lovans shooting is ongoing, but the charges appear to indicate investigators believe the incident was the result of an accidental discharge and not a so-called uncommanded discharge, in which the gun went off without the trigger being pulled. The service has yet to publicly name the airman arrested in Lovans death because of the ongoing nature of the probe, a service official said Tuesday. U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform an aerial demonstration over Joint Base Andrews, Md., during the 2017 Andrews Air Show: Air and Space Expo on Sept. 15, 2017. (Delano Scott/U.S. Air Force) The home of Air Force One will host one of the militarys largest air shows for the first time in three years. Where Legacy Fuels the Future is a free, two-day event at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Sept. 13-14 that will showcase airpower from every era of flight, according to a news release. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. each day and is open to the public. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline, followed by a lineup of military and civilian aerial performances including; the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, the C-17 Globemaster III East Coast Demo Team, U.S. Army Golden Knights, U.S. Navy F-18 Rhino Demo Team, the U.S. Naval Academy Parachute Team and more. There will also be performances by the Air Force Band and Honor Guard as well as a large science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics expo with hands-on history and virtual reality experiences. The most recent air show at JB Andrews was in September 2022 which celebrated the Air Forces 75th birthday. U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 105, embarked aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson, prepare to board a rigid-hull inflatable boat while conducting maritime interdiction operations in the Eastern Pacific, Aug 11, 2025. (Sheryssa Dodard/U.S. Navy) A U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, embarked the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson, intercepted a suspected drug smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific last week. Members from LEDET 105 and the Sampson recovered 1,296 pounds of cocaine on Aug. 11, and two individuals were taken into custody, the service said in a Monday news release. Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson transfer contraband in the Eastern Pacific on Aug. 11, 2025. (Sheryssa Dodard/U.S. Navy) U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 105 embarked aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson prepare to offload contraband from a rigid-hull inflatable boat in the Eastern Pacific on Aug. 11, 2025. (Sheryssa Dodard/U.S. Navy) An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 49, U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 105, and sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson, interdict contraband in the Eastern Pacific on Aug. 11, 2025. (Sheryssa Dodard/U.S. Navy) Sampson, operating in a known drug-trafficking corridor, identified a suspicious vessel showing indicators of smuggling, including excessive fuel barrels and visible packaged cargo. A U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 49 as well as a rigid-hull inflatable boat were launched to intercept. As the suspect vessel attempted to flee and began throwing packages overboard, the helicopter crew employed disabling fire, successfully halting the vessel without injury. Due to deteriorating seaworthiness and heavy seas, the vessel was left to sink after deeming it unsafe to tow. Sampson has a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment embarked to enable maritime interdiction missions to prevent the flow of illegal drugs and other illegal activity. The Donbas war began in Sloviansk, the prelude to the catastrophe that is ravaging Ukraine today, and it is home to the regions most important source of life. In April 2014, this city in the Ukrainian province of Donetsk was the scene of the first armed uprising by pro-Russian separatists against Kyiv. The Ukrainian army regained control of Sloviansk two months later and, with it, control of the Siverskyi Donets water canal, the largest hydraulic infrastructure in Donbas, which since 1958 has supplied water to millions of people, industry, and agriculture. The canal originates in a reservoir on the Siverskyi Donets River, north of Sloviansk. The reservoir is full and the river flows abundantly, unlike at its most important destination, 90 kilometers (56 miles) to the south: the city of Donetsk. The provincial capital and its region, illegally annexed by Russia in 2022, suffer from a permanent water supply deficit, but this summer the crisis has escalated and its citizens only receive a few hours of supply every three days. One of the reasons is that the Siverskyi Donets canal stopped functioning in 2022, at the beginning of the war. The authorities in occupied Donetsk accuse Ukraine of sabotaging the main pumping station in its final phase at the start of the invasion, in the village of Mayorsk, which was still in Ukrainian hands at the time. Furthermore, according to the occupying administration, the pumping system can only be reactivated from the initial checkpoint, north of Sloviansk. Russian media outlets in exile, such as The Moscow Times, also claim that Ukraine shut off the water supply. The Siverskyi Donets River in Sloviansk, August 7. Cristian Segura Dual accusations Moscow accuses Kyiv of deliberately interrupting the water supply to occupied Donetsk, causing a humanitarian crisis. The Ukrainian government in the region has not responded to EL PAIS request for an interview. Larisa Guseva, regional head of community services, told state television channel Suspilne on August 6 that the canal was inoperative because fighting and Russian bombing had severely damaged it. The situation, Guseva said, also affects the territory of free Ukraine. The first pumping station, in the village of Mykolaivka, shows clear signs of having been attacked by Russian fire. Specifically, the electrical substation that powers the system is partially destroyed. Mykolaivka is located 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the invading positions, and on August 7, the day this newspaper visited the site, a Russian missile struck the town, destroying several houses. From Mykolaivka, not only are traces of the current conflict visible, but the destruction left behind by the pro-Russian armed uprising of 2014 also remains. During the Donbas War (2014-2022), the canal continued to operate, supplying water to the regions controlled by the pro-Russians, because it also served industrial areas of Donetsk in free Ukraine, such as Avdiivka and Mariupol. Both cities are now under Russian control. Despite the damage to the main pumping station in Mykolaivka, water continues to flow from there, through the canal and its aqueducts, at least 13 kilometers (8 miles) southeast, toward the front line in the town of Chasiv Yar. The EL PAIS team followed the canals auxiliary road to a point eight kilometers (5 miles) from the front line, dodging multiple potholes caused by artillery fire and drones. The infrastructure crosses the road from Sloviansk to Bakhmut, a devastated route empty of Ukrainian troops due to the risk of attack by Russian drones. The last time journalists from this newspaper were in the center of Chasiv Yar was in February 2024, when the Russian siege of this key municipality for control of Donetsk had already begun. EL PAIS was able to visit the Ukrainian defense lines in front of the canal, which served as a moat that was difficult for enemy infantry assaults to overcome. To reach the canal, you had to follow a path marked out by Ukrainian soldiers: the entire perimeter was mined, and you could also see the bodies of Russian combatants who had fallen while attempting to cross it. In those early months of 2024, the presence of observation and attack drones was already commonplace, although not as dense as it is today. The noise of their engines was constant, and the front line could only be reached by armored vehicles and with drone flight alerts. Today, this journey is impossible because armored vehicles avoid the last five kilometers before the zero line, due to highly likely fatal attacks by enemy drones. Chasiv Yar is now a devastated municipality, controlled by the Russians. If in February 2024 the canal might have remained intact, it is possible, as Guseva assured, that after a year and a half of fighting, it is now seriously damaged. Public unrest But the closure of the Siverskyi Donets canal is not the only reason for the water crisis in occupied Donetsk. The situation is so serious, due to the unrest it is causing among the population annexed by Russia, that on August 4, the Kremlin broadcast a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Denis Pushilin, his governor in occupied Donetsk, to discuss the situation. Pushilin blamed the Ukrainian blockade for the lack of water, as well as a drought that has left the reservoirs in his region at minimum levels. He also admitted that the canalization systems in his territory are in poor condition, having not been modernized since the 1990s, with supply losses of 60%. Putin questioned Pushilin about the high prices of water transported from other regions in tanker trucks, which local media claim is unaffordable for the local population. Moscow is building a new water canal to alleviate the problem. Russian propaganda media have insisted in recent weeks that only the conquest of Sloviansk will end the crisis: that is, the total occupation of Donetsk. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Point Roberts, Wash., is a U.S.-controlled tip of a British Columbia peninsula in the Salish Sea. (NASA Earth Observatory) (Tribune News Service) The U.S. and Canadian coast guards responded to a sinking boat last week just off Point Roberts, a U.S.-controlled tip of a British Columbia peninsula in the Salish Sea, but the family of a man who died in the water said the response was inadequate. Kevin Finkbonner, a fisherman and member of the Lummi Nation, was in the water for more than an hour before rescuers arrived and failed to resuscitate him, the family said in a statement. A rescue call came in to the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound just before 4 p.m. Aug. 11, with reports that a 25-foot skiff with two people on board was taking on water close to the red can buoy near Point Roberts, according to a statement from the U.S. Coast Guard. Rescue crews launched from Coast Guard Station Bellingham and Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles. The Canadian Coast Guard sent its 90-foot hovercraft, the Siyay, which is stationed in Richmond, B.C. A good Samaritan vessel also responded to the call and pulled Finkbonners brother, Brad Finkbonner, from the water. After the crew with the Canadian Coast Guard found Kevin Finkbonner, they performed lifesaving measures before taking him to Blaine Harbor, where he was pronounced dead. In his obituary, Finkbonner was described as an avid fisherman and outdoorsman who also worked as a commercial fisherman, among other trades. In a video message to members, Lummi Nation Chairman Tony Hillaire read a statement from Finkbonners parents, Ronnie and Alena Finkbonner. The statement said even as they mourned their son, they cant stay silent about the circumstances surrounding his passing. It is deeply troubling that when tragedy struck, quick and effective response was not there. Hillaire said that Finkbonner was only a mile and half from Point Roberts Harbor yet help did not arrive in time. The statement read by Hillaire said that the Finkbonner brothers were in the water for more than an hour before rescue reached them. The family said they faced added trauma by being treated without compassion or respect, and said the community must confront the delayed emergency response. According to Whatcom News, the Lummi Nation Police Department is conducting a death investigation. When contacted, the department said it could not comment on an open investigation. The Whatcom County sheriffs office and medical examiner both referred questions to the U.S. Coast Guard. Petty Officer 1st Class Steve Strohmaier, a U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson, provided a timeline showing a 46-minute wait between the distress call and the brothers rescue. The U.S. Coast Guard received a mariners in distress call at 3:52 p.m., but the Canadians were the first on scene, at 4:18 p.m., due to the remote location. The good Samaritan was there before the American vessel, which arrived at 4:38 p.m. Strohmaier added that there was some delay because the distress call didnt come directly to them via a VHF radio, which is recommended, but not required, on recreational boats. Instead, one of the brothers called his wife to report that the boat was sinking. She then called 911, which relayed the emergency request to the Coast Guard, Strohmaier said. After that, Coast Guard staff had to be briefed on water and weather conditions, as well as identify the location of the emergency. Its not a snap of the fingers, Strohmaier said. Regardless, Capt. Michael Hunt, the search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound, said in a statement that the international response was key to the rescue. This rescue highlights the importance of our Canadian partners and good Samaritans out on the water willing to offer their assistance in an emergency, Hunt said. Conditions on the water can change rapidly, and someone in the right place at the right time can make all the difference. 2025 The Seattle Times. Visit www.seattletimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Naha District Court in Naha, Okinawa, handles a wide range of cases, including civil, criminal and family matters. Appeals are heard by the Naha branch of the Fukuoka High Court. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes) NAHA, Okinawa A Japanese court handed a U.S. Marine a suspended sentence Tuesday after convicting him of fleeing the scene of a May drunken driving crash that injured four people, including two children. Lance Cpl. Ivan Garciamartinez, 20, of the 12th Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment, 3rd Marine Division on Camp Hansen, pleaded guilty July 16 in Naha District Court to driving under the influence of alcohol, negligent driving resulting in injury and leaving the scene of an accident. Judge Mariko Oshima sentenced Garciamartinez to two years in prison with hard labor but suspended the sentence for three years. He will not serve prison time unless he commits another offense in Japan. Oshima in court Tuesday cited Garciamartinezs remorse and his lack of criminal record in Japan as reasons for suspending the sentence. She also said the Marines insurance covered damage to the familys car, and she expects Garciamartinez or insurance to cover medical expenses. The 3rd Marine Division acknowledged inquiries from Stars and Stripes on Tuesday but did not immediately provide responses. Garciamartinez was northbound on Route 58 in Nahas Aja district at 10:29 a.m. May 25 when he struck a roadside water tank, lost control and collided with a northbound car carrying a family of five, according to Okinawa Prefectural Police. The familys vehicle overturned, injuring four people inside, according to the indictment read in court on July 16 by prosecutor Masatomo Saito. A 10-year-old girl broke her sternum, requiring 11 weeks to heal, Saito said. A woman, 36, who was driving the car, injured her left thumb; her husband, 39, injured his head; and a boy, 7, suffered scratches on his chin. Police said Garciamartinezs blood-alcohol content after the collision was about twice Japans legal limit of 0.03%. By comparison, the legal limit in the United States is 0.08%. Garciamartinez told the court he drove knowing he might still be intoxicated because his passengers wanted to get home, so I decided to drive. He was traveling nearly 43 mph in a 30 mph zone when he attempted to switch lanes, according to the indictment. He was attempting to pass another car and instead, he crashed into the water tank, causing the vehicle to turn around and collide with the familys car, he testified. He said he didnt report the accident because he couldnt find his phone and saw other witnesses on their phones. He then left with his friends because they were worried about also being charged. Naha police said they apprehended Garciamartinez more than 300 feet from the scene and escorted him back. However, he testified that he returned to the scene about 20 minutes later because he felt he had to take responsibility. During his questioning, prosecutor Saito asked how Garciamartinez felt knowing the girl sustained a chest fracture. I feel terrible, he said. At the time, when I found out, I didnt know what to say. I was shocked. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, inspects the warship Choe Hyon in Nampo, North Korea, on Aug. 18, 2025. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP) SEOUL, South Korea North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemned South Korean-U.S. military drills and vowed a rapid expansion of his nuclear forces to counter rivals, state media said Tuesday, as he inspected his most advanced warship being fitted with nuclear-capable systems. Kims visit to the western port of Nampo on Monday came as the South Korean and U.S. militaries kicked off their annual large-scale summertime exercise to bolster readiness against growing North Korean threats. The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield, which the allies describe as defensive, will mobilize 21,000 troops, including 18,000 South Koreans, for computer-simulated command post operations and field training. North Korea has long denounced the allies joint drills as invasion rehearsals and Kim has often used them to justify his own military displays and testing activities aimed at expanding his nuclear weapons program. The Korean Peninsula remains in a technical state of war, divided by the Demilitarized Zone into North Korea and South Korea. While inspecting the warship Choe Hyon, a 5,000-ton-class destroyer first unveiled in April, Kim said the allies joint military drills show hostility and their supposed will to ignite a war, the Norths Korean Central News Agency said. He claimed that the exercises have grown more provocative than before by incorporating a nuclear element, requiring the North to respond with proactive and overwhelming countermeasures. The security environment around the DPRK is getting more serious day by day and the prevailing situation requires us to make a radical and swift change in the existing military theory and practice and rapid expansion of nuclearization, KCNA paraphrased Kim as saying, using the initials of North Koreas formal name, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. The government of South Koreas new liberal President Lee Jae Myung, who has expressed a willingness to repair ties and resume dialogue with the North, did not immediately respond to Kims comments. South Koreas Defense Ministry said it had no immediate new assessments to share regarding the North Korean warships capabilities. South Korean and U.S. military officials say Ulchi Freedom Shield will focus on countering North Koreas advancing nuclear and missile threat and will include training to deter North Korean nuclear use and respond to its missile attacks. The exercise will also incorporate lessons from recent conflicts, including Russias war in Ukraine and the clash between Israel and Iran, and address threats from drones, GPS jamming and cyberattacks. Kim sees destroyer as key to nuclear-capable navy Kim has hailed the development of his naval destroyer, Choe Hyon, as a significant advancement toward his goal of expanding the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military. State media said the destroyer, which is being prepared to enter active duty next year, is designed to handle various weapons systems, including antiair and anti-naval weapons, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. The North unveiled a second destroyer of the same class in May, but the vessel was damaged during a botched launching ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin, prompting an angry reaction from Kim, who called the failure criminal. The North has said the new destroyer, named Kang Kon, was relaunched in June after repair, but some outside experts have questioned whether the ship is fully operational. During Mondays visit to Nampo, Kim also reviewed North Korean efforts to complete a third destroyer by October, KCNA said. While inspecting Choe Hyon, Kim expressed satisfaction with the progress of the warships weapons tests and its integrated operations system, saying the navys modernization and move toward nuclear-capable capabilities are proceeding as planned. He instructed officials to carry out performance tests in October, KCNA said. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have worsened in recent years as Kim accelerated his military nuclear program and deepened alignment with Moscow following Russias invasion of Ukraine. His government has repeatedly dismissed calls by Washington and Seoul to revive negotiations aimed at winding down his nuclear and missile programs, which derailed in 2019 following a collapsed summit with U.S. President Donald Trump during his first term. In his latest message to Pyongyang on Friday, Lee, who took office in June, said he would seek to restore a 2018-inter-Korean military agreement designed to reduce border tensions and called for North Korea to respond to the Souths efforts to rebuild trust and revive talks. The 2018 military agreement, reached during a brief period of diplomacy between the Koreas, created buffer zones on land and sea and no-fly zones above the border to prevent clashes. But South Korea suspended the deal in 2024, citing tensions over North Koreas launches of trash-laden balloons toward the South, and moved to resume front line military activities and propaganda campaigns. The step came after North Korea had already declared it would no longer abide by the agreement. Torii Station is home to the U.S. Army's 10th Support Group on Okinawa. (Keishi Koja/Stars and Stripes) An airman assigned to Kadena Air Base and her dog were rescued by the Japan coast guard last week after they went missing in a kayak off Torii Beach, according to the coast guard. The airman and her dog set out alongside three fellow kayakers at noon Friday from the coast near U.S. Army Garrison Torii Station and were separated from them 45 minutes later, according to a coast guard news release that day and a spokesman. The group, unable to find the woman after a brief search, called the coast guard for assistance, the release said. The coast guard dispatched a helicopter after receiving an emergency call at 4:20 p.m. from the Torii Station Fire Department, according to the release. A coast guard patrol boat picked up the kayaker and her dog about 1 hours later nearly 3 miles off Okinawas western coast. The airman did not have her mobile phone while kayaking, the spokesman said by phone Monday. The unidentified airman, who was not injured, was brought to shore in stable condition, he added. Weather conditions were sunny, with 13 mph wind gusts from the east. A thunderstorm warning had been in effect, according to the release. The 18th Wing and Torii Station did not respond to email and phone inquiries Monday and Tuesday from Stars and Stripes. Some Japanese government officials often speak to the press only on condition of anonymity. The U.N. Command Honor Guard takes part in a ceremony on the South Korean side of the Demilitarized Zone, Aug. 18, 2025. (Brendan Trembath/U.N. Command) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea U.N. Command member states must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with South Korea as battle lines drawn in Russias war against Ukraine stretch to include North Korea, the French ambassador to South Korea said Tuesday. The collective security of Europe is clearly more and more intertwined with South Koreas, as evidenced by Pyongyangs assistance to Moscow in its 3-year-old invasion of Ukraine, Ambassador Philippe Bertoux told Stars and Stripes at U.N. Command headquarters on Humphreys. Bertoux and ambassadors from 17 other U.N. Command member states visited the base on Tuesday for a briefing on Ulchi Freedom Shield, the 11-day U.S.-South Korean military exercise that kicked off Monday. Sadly, we can see it also from the European perspective because of the war waged by Russia and [North Korea] against Ukraine, he said. Therefore, we believe its extremely important for members of alliances, such as the [U.N. Command], to stand shoulder to shoulder and defend the key principles that are so important for us. Since October, North Korea has deployed approximately 15,000 troops to Russia, according to the South Korean and Ukrainian militaries. The two militaries and the U.S. have also accused North Korea of shipping to Russia thousands of containers filled with artillery shells, ammunition and ballistic missile parts. Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by phone on Aug. 13 for his countrys assistance, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency. Kim reaffirmed Pyongyangs commitment to Moscows security, as outlined in the two leaders mutual defense treaty signed in June 2024, KCNA reported. U.N. Command was established July 24, 1950, after Soviet-backed North Korean troops invaded the South. Led by the United States, 15 other nations contributed combat troops to the command during the three-year war. France in July 1950 dispatched a transport frigate and an infantry battalion of 3,421 soldiers. Of those, 287 were killed, more than 1,000 were wounded and seven are missing in action, according to the command. Around 15 French troops remained in South Korea until the 1960s; a contingent of four French troops are still assigned to the organization, according to the command. U.N. Command is a unique experiment that likely cannot be replicated elsewhere; however, it could serve as the blueprint to unite nations during a conflict, Bertoux told Stars and Stripes. I think the spirit of [U.N. Commands] alliance is something that is very inspirational for perhaps other crisis, he said. And we really treasure it. U.N. Command is now tasked with enforcing the armistice terms signed on July 27, 1953, and providing security at the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas. Military preparedness in South Korea is important, but diplomacy cannot be neglected in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, Australian Ambassador to South Korea Jeff Robinson told reporters at U.N. Command headquarters on Tuesday. If conflict ever breaks out, we all lose, he said. Diplomacy is one element of national power and influence that plays a role in that objective. Delays have pushed the opening of a new gate for Area 1 at Aviano Air Base, Italy, back to February, the 31st Fighter Wing has confirmed. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy Students attending DODEA-Europe schools on base here are set to learn plenty of new words this year. Parents and commuters may be adding some of their own. With the main gate to Area 1 closed to personal vehicles for construction, morning drop-offs have turned into a lesson in patience and understanding and possibly a few words unprintable in this publication. Area 1 houses all the schools, plus the medical center, chapel, youth center, library and bowling alley. Until a new entry point is completed, all cars must use a side gate on a narrow road, with another for school buses a short distance away. The result, especially during morning drop-offs, where scores of cars often back up along a long stretch of surrounding Italian road, is likely to result in extended waits. The base has worked with the Italian carabinieri on traffic flow, effectively creating one-way streets during the morning rush hour. All traffic formerly coming from what Americans commonly refer to as the Mountain Highway will be closed. That very narrow stretch of road will be reserved for all of those exiting Area 1. Traffic patterns on base have been altered over the summer. Were encouraging the bus ridership to help mitigate the traffic flow from in and out of the area, said Jessica Tackaberry, spokeswoman for DODEA-Europe. The Area 1 main entrance at Aviano Air Base has been undergoing months of construction that will result in a new gate. The community center and a two-story building used by the 31st Medical Group have been demolished. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) The new entrance to Area 1 at Aviano Air Base, Italy will eventually feature multiple lanes that could help ease traffic on the road adjoining the base. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) Like the gate on Area 1, the renovation of a building on the flight line that will eventually become the community center at Aviano Air Base, Italy, has faced delays. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) About 75% of Avianos roughly 1,000 students are registered to ride, though daily usage is lower. Signups have increased since the base announced the revamped traffic rules. Construction on the new gate has faced multiple delays. The longest was due to asbestos found in the community center that was demolished, along with a two-story building used by the 31st Medical Group to make room for the new gate. That delayed the process for more than a year, according to Staff Sgt. Raya Feltner, a spokeswoman for the 31st Fighter Wing. The project, listed at about $5.6 million, will eventually feature multiple lanes for cars to enter, speeding up the traffic flow. Its planned to open in February, though the base said some material coming from the U.S. might push that date back. In the meantime, base officials and DODEA are reminding all those entering, driving on or exiting from Area 1 to pay attention to American and Italian personnel directing traffic. They also should drive with an eye out for children heading to school. We stress patience and understanding, Tackaberry said. Were all about safety for our students and everyone else in the community. Tackaberry said the school will take gate delays into account for students and staff. But she said its also important for those traveling to the area to plan ahead. School officials wont be monitoring kids until 7:45 a.m., so parents dropping off students very early may need to stick around. On the other side of Aviano, work continues on a building on the flight line that will eventually become the new community center. That project has faced numerous delays as well, with one company working on the project defaulting at one point, requiring the Air Force to restart the bidding process and have another company to take over, according to base officials. An illustration of a proposed two-mile suspension bridge connecting Italys southern mainland to the island of Sicily. Construction is expected to begin this year, with completion expected between 2032 and 2033. (Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport) NAPLES, Italy A massive suspension bridge planned to connect Italys southern mainland to the island of Sicily not only would ease travel but potentially boost the countrys defense spending, advocates say. The $15.7 billion project greenlighted by the Italian government earlier this month would span the Strait of Messina from Sicilys northeast tip to Italys Calabria region, according to Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport documents. Construction on the roughly two-mile bridge is expected to begin this year, with completion expected between 2032 and 2033. A bridge likely would save time and money for U.S. service members, civilians and their families assigned to Naval Air Station Sigonella near the Sicilian town of Catania who rely on ferries and planes to reach the mainland. It wasnt clear how much travelers would be charged to use the bridge. Italy wants to classify the structure as a military asset so it qualifies as NATO defense spending, the Associated Press reported Aug. 7. In June, NATO allies agreed to spend 5% of gross domestic product on defense by 2035. While most of that must be spent on core defense, 1.5% can be used on infrastructure, cyber safety and other security measures, NATO said in June. Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily is home to thousands of U.S. service members and NATO nation member troops. A bridge connecting Sicily to the Italian mainland could double as a military asset. (U.S. Navy) In 2024, Italy spent about 1.5% of its GDP on defense, according to a NATO report last year. The would-be designation is based on Italys contention that the bridge would provide an important corridor for rapid troop movements and equipment deployment to NATOs southern flanks, qualifying it as security-enhancing infrastructure, according to the AP report. Italian Transport Minister Matteo Salvini confirmed the intention to classify the project as dual use but indicated that the decision would rest with Italys defense and economic ministers, AP reported. Critics have panned the move, suggesting it could create construction hurdles and make the bridge a target. The project would include six vehicle travel lanes, two rail lines and two service lanes, significantly cutting travel time from the island to mainland Italy, according to the ministry. A ferry trip takes between 20 minutes and five hours, depending on whether people are traveling by foot, vehicle or train, the time to travel to a ferry location and other factors. A typical one-way ferry trip for five passengers and a car is about $42, according to carontetourist.it. A one-way flight to Rome ranges from as little as $20 to $171, depending on the airline and other factors, according to the travel search engine skyscanner.com. Although the bridge has been approved, its construction isnt guaranteed. The idea dates to Roman times and the Italian government first asked for proposals in 1969, CBS News reported Aug. 6. The project often has been canceled due to concerns about seismic activity and environmental impacts, among other issues. People gather at Piazza dei Signori near the Basilica Palladiana in Vicenza, Italy, in this undated photo. Several events during the upcoming Italy-America Friendship Festival are scheduled to take place there. (Anna Terracino/U.S. Army) An inaugural three-day festival that celebrates the relationship between the U.S. and Italy is planned next month in the Italian city of Vicenza. The Italy-America Friendship Festival is planned Sept. 12-14, according to the website. Vicenza is home to U.S. Army Garrison Italy, which isnt involved in organizing the festival. But the U.S. Mission to Italy is listed an event promoter. Organizers say Vicenza is home to Italys largest American military community. There are some 8,500 personnel assigned to Naval Support Activity Naples with about 5,000 at Aviano Air Base. In 2025, the American presence in Vicenza counting around 13,000 people will celebrate its 70th anniversary, the event website states. The festival will celebrate the influence of Italy and America on each countrys respective culture with an exploration of art, food and wine, sports, cinema, literature and more, according to a event schedule. Those topics will be covered in a series of presentations, talks, screenings and concerts with experts, ranging from historians to directors, writers, chefs and others. Many events are free, but some have a fee and all require prior registration. A full listing of events along with times, locations and costs is available on the event website. Discussion topics include Palladianism, an architectural style based on ancient Greek and Roman design spearheaded by the 16th-century Italian architect Andrea Palladio, who designed many public buildings in Vicenza. His ideas and designs influenced American federal-style architecture of the early 1800s, including such U.S. buildings as the White House and the Capitol, the website states. Another event covers the economic exchange between the two countries, including a strong influence by the U.S. and numerous Vicenza-based companies already active in the American market. A first sergeant with the District of Columbia National Guard watches as activists protest President Donald Trump's federal takeover of policing of the District of Columbia, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP) WASHINGTON 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 Trumps 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 Pentagons 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 Trumps 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, Trumps 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. District of Columbia National Guard soldiers walk along the National Mall in Washington on Aug. 18, 2025. (Nina Cortez/U.S. Army) WASHINGTON Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana on Monday became the latest states to deploy National Guard troops to the nations capital as part of President Donald Trumps effort to combat crime in the city. Crime is out of control there, and its clear something must be done to combat it. Americans deserve a safe capital city that we can all be proud of, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves posted on X. I know the brave men and women of our National Guard will do an excellent job enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement. Mississippi pledged to send about 200 Guard troops and another 135 will come from Louisiana. About 160 Tennessee Guard troops will depart this week and are ready to assist as long as needed, according to state officials. Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana join three other states that pledged to deploy troops after Trump last week ordered 800 D.C. National Guard members to help crack down on crime. The federal government also took control of the Metropolitan Police Department. West Virginia said it was deploying 300 to 400 troops. Members of the West Virginia Guard began arriving in Washington on Sunday, said Maj. Micah Maxwell, spokesman for Joint Task Force- District of Columbia. South Carolina also pledged 200 troops, and Ohio said it will send 150 in the coming days. Soldiers with the District of Columbia National Guard stand watch during the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 16, 2025. Guard members are positioned at key locations throughout the city to provide a visible security presence alongside law enforcement partners. (Aaron Troutman/U.S. Army) National Guard troops assigned to Washington are not armed, defense officials said last week, with one official adding they also did not have weapons in their vehicles. But a White House official said Monday on the condition of anonymity that they may be armed, consistent with their mission and training. The National Guard began 24-hour operations Thursday. Troops have been seen outside Union Station and around the National Mall. The Pentagon in a news release highlighted the actions of D.C. Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Hector Amaya, who helped stop the assault of a police officer directing traffic. The Park Police officer asked for our help, and I was the first one to catch up, and was able to detain him and turn him over, Amaya said of his actions Saturday. D.C. police data indicates violent crime has decreased 26% compared with last year. The D.C. U.S. Attorneys Office also announced in January that violent crime in the city in 2024 was at a 30-year low, citing police data. Trump said Monday in a post on Truth Social that Washington officials gave fake crime numbers in order to create a false illusion of safety. Until 4 days ago, Washington, D.C., was the most unsafe city in the United States, the president said. Now, in just a short period of time, it is perhaps the safest, and getting better every single hour! People are flocking to D.C. again, and soon, the beautification will begin! A handful of letters scattered in archives in Castellon, Paris, New York, and California reveal the existence of a vast and intricate international network of anti-fascist librarians who, during the Spanish postwar period, collaborated from different parts of the world, providing aid to Republican intellectuals interned in French concentration camps. A letter from the Aragonese librarian Juan Vicens to his American colleague Harriet Eddy in 1936 reveals their passion for their profession: We are going to win this war [] The fascists are destroying libraries everywhere. The people are building one in every new place they occupy. The Republican refugees survived in these camps without renouncing their culture: they taught classes, organized conferences, and published handmade newsletters. Their culture hut operated at full capacity in the middle of the sand, and documents almost inaccessible until their digitization last year shed light on their daily life. One of these texts comes from the Saint Cyprien camp and opens with a resounding justification: Written amidst sand and wind, rain and cold, hunger and filth, without pretensions of any kind, it is intended as nothing more than a documentary contribution to the memory of this episode in our life as exiles. Vicens told Eddy that upon crossing the border, Spaniards had to show they had two thousand francs to avoid immediate arrest. He had avoided internment by taking refuge in the car of an English journalist friend of his, who rushed him out. The ramifications of this network of political struggle and humanitarian support had transatlantic reach. A group of archivists based in France, Mexico, the United States, and Venezuela set in motion an efficient mechanism to assist these refugees, who were living outdoors, crowded into the sand like cattle. Two letters inserted into the testimony Aspects of Life in a Concentration Camp reflect this collaboration. One of them, written in English by librarian Annita Ker from the National Library of Caracas and addressed to the Library of Congress in Washington, reported that Vicens wanted to sell a unique collection of bulletins taken from the concentration camps. The letter emphasized the value of this collection, which due to its human, artistic, and documentary interest, constitutes an extraordinary bibliographic rarity. The lot was for sale for 15,000 francs, which would be used for humanitarian aid while ensuring its preservation in an archive. Another later letter addressed to the philosopher Georges Bataille who worked as an archivist in Paris refers to conversations about selling part of the lot to the American library and donating some documents to the National Library of France. Demonstration in New York in 1938 calling for sanctions against Franco's regime. CORTESIA Spanish Refugee Relief Association Records / Universidad de Columbia Around the same time, the Progressive Librarians Council was founded in the United States. It defended culture and democracy, opposed censorship, and took a particular interest in the cause of the Spanish Republican refugees, supporting them by sending money and material aid and attempting to pay for some of their passages. They raced to get comrades like Teresa Andres who suffered from severe malnutrition, had a small child, and was pregnant out of France. A letter from this librarian from Valladolid describes the growing anguish of those trapped in Nazi-invaded France and asks Vicens to expedite the process: So that the Progressive Librarians Council can convert its aid into payment for my ticket and that of my son to Mexico [] It is the matter of my son that makes me consider with anguish the approaching winter. Obtaining visas and finding passages was a very costly and complicated process, but the humanitarian network persevered in its work. A letter from Vicens to the writer Max Aub refers to the efforts of two American librarians, Harriet G. Eddy and Adele Martin, emphasizing that they were involved in the anti-fascist struggle and dedicated to campaigns to raise funds to help the underground movement in Spain. Martin ran a branch of the New York Public Library in the Chelsea neighborhood, and her notes reveal the role she attached to her work: All our activities in 1943 were aimed at winning the war. Eddy worked as a library organizer in California and had been invited to visit the Soviet Union in 1927 to share her professional experience. The Aragonese writers letters to Eddy reflect the hardships of numerous intellectuals and artists in the camps. The writer Pedro Garfias had been on the verge of death in a hospital that was worse than a pigsty, the musician Jose Castro Escudero was almost blind and without glasses, and the painter Manuel Angeles Ortiz had been transported on foot to another camp despite his fever. Efforts focused on trying to get them medicine and food, freeing them from captivity, and helping them escape. Constancia de la Mora mentions, from her Mexican exile, a donation of clothing and a typewriter and thanks Eddy for sending a few dollars, commenting that she would send them to Miguel de Unamunos son-in-law, the poet Jose Quiroga Pla, who remained in France without resources. The Spanish bibliographer Homero Seris writes from Brooklyn, serving as an emissary and translator of the gratitude of Teresa Andres, who had not managed to escape: Nothing can be done now because there is no way to leave France [] As I cannot do it personally, I ask you to convey to the Council of Progressive Librarians my eternal gratitude for the solidarity shown. The bulletins and documents created by the refugees in the camps were confiscated by the French police and later returned by court order, but in the midst of the war crisis, the sale was never finalized. The Aragonese librarian left for Mexico a month before the Nazis entered Paris, while Teresa Andres remained in France, collaborated with the Resistance, and safeguarded the materials during those difficult years until her untimely death in 1946. In 1948, the donation of these documents to the National Library of France was registered and they can be consulted in the Gallica digital repository. Ernestina Gonzalez, a librarian from Burgos and Vicenss sister-in-law, settled in New York after the war to devote herself to the anti-Franco cause. Within a few years, the red scare put an end to many of these progressive librarians activities. They were monitored by the FBI, their passports were revoked, and some lost their jobs, accused of being un-American. In this stifling environment, Ernestina and many other anti-fascists left for Mexico, which allowed Americans to cross the border with a tourist card. They thus became refugees from McCarthyism. Witch hunts unleashed book censorship: works like Robin Hood became suspect due to the divisive message promoted by a protagonist who stole from the rich to give to the poor. These were difficult times for progressive readers and librarians. Ana Maria Diaz Marcos is a professor of Spanish literature at the University of Connecticut. She is the author of the biography Ernestina Gonzalez: un pulso antifranquista (Ernestina Gonzalez: An Anti-Franco Struggle), which will be published in 2026 by Renacimiento. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Workers at the 24-hour veterans crisis line had about 3.8 million interactions with veterans from fiscal 2021 through 2024, with the number increasing each year, according to the Government Accountability Office. (Defense Department) WASHINGTON Responders at the 24-hour veterans crisis line encounter abusive callers, incessant contacts from disruptive callers and pressure from their own managers to answer multiple texts from suicidal veterans simultaneously. Leaders at the national suicide hotline run by the Department of Veterans Affairs are focused more on worker productivity as call volumes grow than on addressing the needs of individuals in crisis. Former crisis line workers delivered that message at a hearing Wednesday of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee that looked at the performance of the veterans crisis line that fields 80,000 to 90,000 calls, texts and chats monthly. The hearing focused on internal complaints by front-line staff about inadequate oversight and lack of clear guidance for handling the flood of calls, texts and chats the crisis line fields each day, according to the committee. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., chairman of the committee, thanked whistleblowers for stepping forward in 2023 with concerns about operations at the crisis line. But he said the crisis line has yet to complete an investigation into reported problems. The veterans crisis line is filled with caring professionals who are frequently encouraged to dim their lights and just answer the call, prioritizing quantity over quality, said Marcia Blane, a former veterans line crisis worker. Responders also face racially, misogynistic, abusive and sexually inappropriate interactions with callers. The committee also heard from a representative from the Government Accountability Office, which issued a report Wednesday titled Actions Needed to Better Ensure Effectiveness of Communications with Veterans. Suicides among veterans occur at twice the rate of nonveterans, the GAO said. More than 17 veteran suicides on average occur each day. The GAO report looked at challenges crisis line workers have trying to manage multiple chat and text interactions with veterans simultaneously as the number of contacts with the crisis line grows. Workers had about 3.8 million interactions from fiscal 2021 through 2024, with the number increasing each year, according to the GAO. There is significant and growing demand for service at the crisis line, said Thomas OToole, the VA deputy assistant undersecretary for health for clinical services. The crisis line reported 787,000 interactions with veterans in fiscal 2025, which have included more than 125,000 texts and chats, he said. There are more than 1,000 responders employed by the crisis line to answer calls, texts and online chats from veterans at risk of suicide. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., described the crisis line as at the forefront of combating veteran suicide. But he said it needs a bigger investment from Congress to increase staffing, add resources and improve technology. Blumenthal also questioned the potential impact of reduction-in-force plans on staffing of the veterans crisis line, though VA Secretary Doug Collins said he will not terminate front-line workers performing essential duties. The crisis line has a $306 million budget for fiscal 2025 that is expected to increase to $312 million in 2026. Another challenge is making certain that veterans who are abusive or make frequent contacts are routed properly to staff trained to handle the interactions. A team to manage callers with complex needs was created to interact with veterans who call at a high frequency, as well as those who are abusive, exhibit sexually inappropriate behavior or make threats of violence toward staff, according to the GAO report. The team was led by clinicians who willingly engaged with the most difficult and vulnerable veterans, said Brad Combs, a lead auditor with the veterans crisis line from 2019 to 2023. He said some of these callers are in a heightened emotional state arising from an acute mental health crisis. But the calls more recently are abandoned or rerouted to responders not trained to handle inappropriate behaviors, he said. Blane said responders often face a barrage of contacts from individuals calling 30 to 40 times a day or crashing the text platforms from repeated contacts. She said there has been a lack of operating procedures for managing the communications. The GAO also found these types of calls increasingly are redirected to main-line phone responders who might not have the training to handle them, raising service quality and staffing concerns that could put [veterans] at risk. We need to be doing a better job, OToole said, adding the VA is focused on addressing problems identified by the GAO through better training and formalizing procedures, among other solutions. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., asked Combs what type of changes are needed to manage disruptive callers and connect them with the help that they need. Combs responded: Reconstitute the team trained to handle these complex cases. He also said, starting in August 2023, the simultaneous handling of multiple chats or texts from veterans became standard practice. Responders are expected to answer two or three texts at a time, Blane said. The GAO report also looked at challenges crisis line workers have trying to manage two interactions from veterans at the same time. Concurrent interactions were more likely to be abandoned by veterans, according to the GAO. Crisis responders also took longer to send initial responses when there were concurrent texts and chats, the GAO said. The VA is in the process of developing a service goal for responding to chats and texts, which it anticipates finalizing in the summer, according to the GAO. Our veterans deserve to get prompt support when they reach out to the veterans crisis line, and our responders shouldnt be asked to divide their attention between multiple veterans in crisis at once, Hassan said. The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a tool for reducing veteran suicides a financial tips website for helping former service members pay off debts, avoid scams and better manage their money. (U.S. Air Force) WASHINGTON The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a tool for reducing veteran suicides a financial tips website for helping former service members pay off debts, avoid scams and better manage their money. Citing research showing unemployment and financial stress put veterans at higher risk of suicide, VA officials said the self-help guide assists veterans in building budgets, connecting with help and recovering from financial setback. Called FINVET, the website is a one-stop resource for individuals who joined the military out of high school and might lack the real-world experience of managing bills on their own for housing, food and clothing, the VA said. FINVET is short for National Veterans Financial Resource Center, which focuses on helping veterans mitigate financial problems as a strategy for reducing their suicide risks. We deal with a lot of veterans who are suicidal. Many times, their mental-health problems stem from a financial crisis, said Army veteran Ron Etheridge, 70, of Pennsylvania, who operates a not-for-profit agency that assists veterans in crisis who dont have enough money to cover rent, pay for groceries or meet other basic needs. Veterans are twice as likely to die by suicide as the general population, according to the VA. Suicide also is the second-leading cause of death for veterans younger than 45 years old, according to the 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. The veterans we see can benefit from a self-help tool like this that offers a simple road map to manage money. Many get overwhelmed by their situations, said Etheridge, who runs the Specialist Zachary R. Clouser Foundation, a nonprofit named after his late son, a 19-year-old Army specialist who died in combat in July 2007. Etheridge, a former sergeant first class, served from 1973 to 1986, including deployments to Korea and Germany. Etheridge said he felt unprepared himself for managing money after he left the military and sought employment. It was very stressful. Youre dealing with a higher cost of living than when youre on base, he said. FINVET has logged more than 150,000 visits since it launched a year ago, the VA said. Its tips and resources on money management also include links to rental assistance, employment help and retail discounts for veterans. While FINVET does not offer personal financial assistance for individuals, it explains how to build and follow a plan for managing expenses and connect with assistance when faced with hardship, the VA said. A member survey by the Wounded Warrior Project found one out of three wounded veterans with financial problems considered suicide, according to the veterans advocacy group. A critical piece of the veteran suicide puzzle has been hiding in plain sight financial stress, according to GoVA, a nonprofit that offers free financial counseling to military members and veterans. Healing from combat trauma or finding the right mental health treatment can take months or years, but making small financial gains can reduce stress immediately, according to GoVA. The nonprofit points veterans and their families to the online resources offered by FINVET. FINVET covers financial well-being with lessons and worksheets to download on how to budget for basic needs, increase income and protect money from scams and abuse, according to the VA. Etheridge said veterans often fall deeper into crisis because they are not used to asking for help. His organization, for example, has worked on cases of veterans who discover that people they know friends or family members drained their personal bank accounts while they were on active duty, he said. The service members might have asked a buddy to be their power of attorney and manage their bills while theyre deployed or simply gave them access to their bank accounts. Its more common than you would think, he said. Banking is done electronically making it easier to deposit military pay but also to become victim to scams, Etheridge said. A household survey by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board found veterans were more likely to be the victims of fraud than the general population. Veterans also were more likely to have credit card debt. Many veterans often have accrued earnings from military service that went directly into personal bank accounts, Etheridge said. Active-duty pay in the Army, for example, starts at about $25,000 and goes to $40,000 a year for staff sergeants. Because they have had this ready amount of cash, their hometown buddies may borrow or take money if they have access to their accounts. Its a big problem for some, Etheridge said. Caitlin Bunch, an occupational therapist at the Durham VA Medical Center in North Carolina, said she hears from many veterans worried about their financial stability. Bunch said she refers them to the FINVET website as a place to start addressing their problems. Veterans have reported having money left over at the end of the month for the first time after completing the lessons and worksheets on the website, she said. Etheridge said the website is a useful guide for understanding the basics of money management and avoiding a crisis. Many of these guys did not have to worry about money while in the military, and some overspend or get taken advantage of after discharge. Their money is gone before they realize it, he said. The USs $500 million cut in messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine research is not just another reduction. The budgetary gap slows the progress of a promising technology that proved effective during the Covid pandemic and is the great hope for quickly halting other similar public health threats. It also fuels distrust in vaccines. While Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismisses the vaccine advisory committee with a stroke of his pen to appoint candidates more aligned with an ideology that often clashes with scientific evidence, international public health experts are concerned about the crumbling of a key element of the global architecture for preparing for health emergencies. The excuse for the cutbacks is that the technology poses more risks than benefits, something unsupported by scientific evidence: thanks to it, the Covid pandemic changed its course and the most vulnerable were protected a year after the virus began to sweep across the globe. Kennedy has taken advantage of a breeding ground for vaccine resistance that Donald Trump himself fueled. An example of how far this climate can go was the deadly attack on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters two weeks ago by a man who blamed the Covid vaccine for making him depressed and suicidal. Employees at the federal agency, one of the agencies under the Department of Health led by Kennedy, warn that this is not an isolated incident. A union representing CDC workers said the attack, in which a police officer was killed, was not random, but the result of months of mistreatment, neglect, and defamation that CDC staff have endured. The consequences of the halt in vaccine investment go beyond the United States and could impact the entire world. If the United States sneezes, the world catches a cold, summarizes ISGlobal Health Institute immunologist Adelaida Sarukhan, who warns of an enormous impact on the response capacity to a new pathogen. She gives the example of a potential flu pandemic, something that is always on the radar of health professionals: With traditional techniques, it would take 18 months to manufacture enough doses to immunize a quarter of the planet; with messenger RNA vaccines, almost the entire world could be vaccinated within a year. We are giving up the fastest and most powerful weapon we currently have against pandemics. In the vacuum left by the United States, a silent battle is being waged: one that pits science against misinformation, investment against ideological retreat. In that arena, returning to slower production and leaving the field open to anti-vaccine rhetoric is a luxury we cannot afford, Sarukhan summarizes. mRNA technology uses a synthetic copy of the genetic instructions our cells read to make proteins. In a vaccine, this mRNA encodes a protein from the pathogen for example, the coronavirus spike which, when produced inside the body, triggers an immune response without the need to introduce the entire virus. Although its development dates back to research that began in the 1990s, it was the Covid pandemic that demonstrated its potential. Based on the genetic sequence of a virus, a prototype vaccine can be designed and manufactured in a matter of weeks, drastically shortening lead times compared to traditional techniques. Its speed is due to the fact that the same technological platform can be used for different pathogens, so its enough to change the mRNA sequence to adapt it to a new target, without having to redo the entire process from scratch. In addition to infectious diseases, this versatility opens the door to applications in other fields, such as therapeutic cancer vaccines, personalized treatments for rare or autoimmune diseases, and even therapies for tissue regeneration. Due to its modularity, scalability, and adaptability, mRNA is now considered one of the most promising biomedical tools. Jaime Jesus Perez, president of the Spanish Association of Vaccinology, maintains that there are no real reasons to distrust this technology. But since they were the most widely administered during Covid, they have become an easy target for deniers and conspiracy theorists, he explains. Amos Garcia Rojas, a vaccinologist who has represented Spain for three years at the World Health Organization, goes further: Cutting funding for vaccine research, for science, is investing in ignorance. Vaccines have been one of the most important steps in improving citizens health. If we halt their development, we leave a terrible gap that sooner or later will translate into setbacks in global health, he warns. And he points out that replacing the most qualified people on committees with people with little scientific background encourages the debate to be filled with speculation and baseless opinions. The cuts, Sarukhan points out, not only threaten the development of vaccines and treatments like those mentioned, but also erode preparedness against bioterrorism, an area Washington had previously considered a priority. Furthermore, they could slow down initiatives aimed at providing low-income countries with their own vaccine manufacturing capacity, a plan in several African countries that could be jeopardized. Other developing countries look to U.S. health authorities for drug approval, as they lack equivalent agencies. In the case of vaccines, this is now being called into question by the change in the advisory board. The alternative, both financially and as a scientific benchmark, could be Europe. Adrian H. Aginagalde, spokesperson for the Spanish Society of Preventive Medicine, Public Health, and Healthcare Management, mentions the precedent of World War II, when the massive scientific investment of the Allies proved decisive. If the U.S. withdraws, its our turn, he states. Without alternative leadership, he warns, the pattern seen in Africa of preventable diseases that continue to circulate due to the lack of mass vaccination programs will be repeated. Spanish Secretary of State for Health, Javier Padilla, is clear that Europe must fill the gap left by the United States. He points out that the Pfizer vaccine was the result of a transatlantic collaboration: BioNTech was a spin-off of a European university. The world is becoming increasingly multipolar, and I believe that Europe must, on the one hand, assume an increased focus on investment in vaccines and, on the other, assume a certain leadership role in coordinating and encouraging other regions that are currently jumping on the bandwagon, so to speak, of investment in this area, he concludes. The influence of anti-vaxxers Kennedys revisionism regarding vaccines not only undermines scientific truth and public health, it also contributes, as the attack on the CDC offices demonstrates, to fueling the misinformation surrounding an anti-vaccine movement directly responsible for the worst measles epidemic in the country since 1992, eight years before the disease was declared eradicated, and for whose treatment Kennedy recommended, to the outrage of scientists, cod liver oil and vitamin A. As of August 5, there were 1,356 confirmed measles cases in 41 states, and 32 outbreaks declared so far this year, according to the CDC, most of them in unimmunized children. The current outbreak we are seeing in the United States underscores the importance of maintaining adequate levels of measles vaccination, said William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), who co-directs the measles tracking project with the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health. The United States risks losing its measles-free status if cases continue at this rate. As vaccine confidence continues to be undermined, immunization is more important than ever to end this outbreak and prevent future outbreaks from occurring. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition "I can't remember saying the things I said to the police about tying up their kids," says John Patrick Nixon. A cop-hating criminal who told police he'd like to "tie up their children, torture them and make the peeler watch" says he's "ashamed" of himself. John Patrick Nixon told the Sunday World he was "off his head" when he launched a verbal assault against police officers which was described by a judge earlier this year as "disgusting." Nixon also mocked the brutal murders of PSNI officers Stephen Carroll and Ronan Kerr during the same incident, but a judge - who described Nixon as an "animal" - handed the Armagh man a suspended prison sentence. "I can't remember saying the things I said to the police about tying up their kids, torturing them and making the cops watch," says Nixon. "Look I hate the police, I hate prison officers but I'm not into violence and I was off my head when I said that stuff - I know it was wrong, it was too much and I'd never do that to anyone let alone a kid." The 34-year-old, who has a shocking criminal record and has already spent 11 years of his life behind bars, is pictured here for the first time. In a remarkably candid interview about his crimes, he says he's desperately trying to turn his life around and leave drugs and prison behind him. We can reveal Nixon was once jailed for a shocking aggravated burglary of parochial house in Co Tyrone where priests were threatened with a knife and in 2017 he was jailed for robbing the home of a 75-year-old woman. In an exclusive interview he reveals how he has battled addiction to drugs and heroin since he was a teenager. And he says he's finished with crime, adding the attack on the priests was the worst thing he had ever done. "I wasn't brought up like that," he told us. "My mum used to take me to mass twice a week, I had great parents and I put them through so much." Reporter Steven Moore talks to John Patrick Nixon Nixon has more than 70 convictions on his criminal record which started in 2002 and includes around 20 offences for burglary, eight of theft, four for robbery and three common assaults. One of those convictions relates to the break-in at the parochial house in Cookstown during which he stole 500 in cash, the keys to a priest's car along with his mobile phone. Along with an accomplice, Nixon ransacked downstairs of the priest's house on Convent Road, awoke one of the curates and threatened him with a knife before taking cash and the car. "I could see the priest's house from my house and it was too easy," Nixon told us this week in an honest interview. "I was off my head that time on ecstasy and drink. I still feel ashamed about that. My poor mum had to move out of Cookstown after that because she felt so embarrassed about what I had done." Nixon told us he has been out of prison now for three years. "It's the longest I've ever been out of jail since I was a kid and I have no intention of going back." Nixon says he started robbing houses when he was just 17 and said at the time he was only smoking dope but he became addicted to the buzz he got from breaking into people's homes. "I was just a teenager in Armagh when the police told me they reckoned I was responsible for about 75 per cent of all the house break-ins at the time - and they were probably right! "One of the first ones I did was a taxi office. I cracked open the slot machine and took all the coins out but then I was out every night breaking into businesses and homes. "The buzz of that was addictive. Then I started smoking heroin and I was hooked on that. I've nearly overdosed a few times and I have lost loads of friends who were really close to me to drugs. "I'm staying in a hostel in Dungannon and I know there are people nearby who would love me to get back involved in drugs and crime but I just have to disassociate myself from them. "It's no good for me because I don't want to go back to jail. I've wasted enough of my life already behind bars." Nixon says during his many times in Maghaberry he crossed paths with loyalists including east Belfast UVF thug James Reid and also UDA 'C' Company killer Andrew Robinson. Constable Stephen Carroll "In 2013 the loyalists were going to do me in proper," says Nixon. "I was in Braid House at the time and it was just after that British soldier Lee Rigby was murdered. "There was a copy of the Sun which was running a poppy campaign to raise money in memory of Rigby and Help the Heroes. "I got a copy of it and wrote, 'Bloody Sunday, Not Forgotten, we got 18 and Mountbatten' and I left it on the table the loyalists used to eat and it was Andrew Robinson who found it. "For the next month it was really tense, there was loads of trouble until they moved me out of that wing for my own safety." Despite his attempts to stay out of jail recently Nixon is lucky not to be behind bars after two incidents which both took place earlier this year. Dungannon Magistrates Court heard on January 9 police were called to the home of Nixon's parents after he entered against their wishes. On being spoken to, Nixon became aggressive. Police advised him to moderate his language, but he continued to be verbally abusive, calling police "black bastards" and making reference to Constables Carroll and Kerr. He was arrested and following caution replied: "All I'm going to say is two-nil." While being transported to custody Nixon repeated: "Constable Ronan, Constable Stephen, two-nil." During interview, he replied 'no comment' to all questions. Then on March 2, police were again called to reports of Nixon's behaviour where he immediately became aggressive when officers approached, shouting, "What do you black bastards want?" Police warned him about his language but became even more aggressive shouting, "F*** you black bastards. You will all end up dead like the rest of your colleagues." Nixon was arrested for disorderly behaviour and, while under caution on the way to custody, he continued to be aggressive, stating he supported the IRA. He said: "I'd love to break into a police officer's house, tie up their children then torture them and make the peeler watch." When reminded he was under caution, Nixon replied: "So what?" A defending lawyer said the charges were accepted to which District Judge Michael Ranaghan responded: "What I have heard is disgusting." The defence distinguished between comments made at the scene and those uttered "in transit to custody after he was arrested for disorderly behaviour". However, he agreed they were "disgusting and reprehensible. There was no excuse." Offending occurred, it was claimed, after Nixon "embarked on a period of drug-taking". Judge Ranaghan referred to a pre-sentence report and, addressing Nixon, he said: "When asked to reflect upon your behaviour toward police, you said: 'They're probably used to it, albeit, it wasn't nice'. It was much worse than that. It was disgusting, animalistic, cowardly and shocking." He continued: "You were brave then but you're not so brave standing in the dock. I'm sure if you met one of those officers today you wouldn't be brave either. If I had heard those comments as a police officer in a car with you, I'm not sure what I would have done quite frankly." Nixon was told his drug problems are his own doing and "you do not ever have the right to speak to police officers about others so tragically affected by the behaviour of others. You should not be gloating about that." Judge Ranaghan asked Nixon: "Is there anything you'd like to say to police about your behaviour?" He replied: "It's in the pre-sentence report." The judge added: "Say it now. Use the word disgusting for instance." After some silence, Nixon responded: "I know what I said and I shouldn't have said it. It was wrong." Judge Ranaghan said: "It was more than wrong. It was disgusting. My disgust to what this animal said on those nights has to be tempered." While initially inclined toward immediate imprisonment, "on reflection" he imposed a sentence of eight months custody suspended for two years. Career criminal who is leader of a notorious band of burglars gets slapped with massive assessment after being targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau The leader of a notorious burglary gang that stole 340,000 in a ten-day crime spree has been slapped with a massive tax bill of 3 million. Edward Wall, who is currently serving a four-year sentence for the robbery of 19,800 worth of jewellery, has been targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). Evidence in the case stated Edward directed the activities of the Cock Wall Gang along with his brother John. Described as a career criminal, Edward Wall had put 575,897 through bank accounts over a seven-year period before he stopped using them in 2004. The huge tax assessment for 3m on undeclared monies came despite the fact he had no income from any known legitimate source, according to Cab Chief Officer Michael Gubbins Walls son, John, was also targeted by the Bureau in a similar High Court case, in which orders have been sought to pay over cash in a bank account from the sale of a car seized from him. The Dramatic arrest of gang members after a car crash He was a member of the Cock Wall organised criminal group [OCG] and had been active with that OCG since he was in or about 10 years of age, it was stated in evidence. The OCG was controlled by his father and committed burglaries throughout the country, targeting cash and jewellery. Both men tried to hide the true ownership of the vehicles by registering them to addresses where they did not live, sometimes using false names. Edward Wall was linked to 20 other vehicles by gardai investigating the gangs activities. Seven years have passed since the two cars were seized and declared the proceeds of crime, which allows for the assets to be handed over to the State. In the original Cab case against John Wall, it was stated how the mob had become a target for Operation Thor in a dedicated crackdown on the burglary gangs. The leadership of the gang was taken over by Edwards younger brothers Andrew and Dan Wall when he himself was previously jailed in 2015, it was claimed. Andrew, who has a conviction for manslaughter, and his brother Dan are also described as career criminals with multiple convictions. Key figures: Thomas Wall, above, Martin Wall, below, and Patrick Wall, bottom . . The gang operated in a highly organised way, working in groups of four and five to carry out multiple burglaries in a single night. They would attempt to escape if challenged by officers and as a result several garda vehicles have been rammed at high speed. The gang are known for using juveniles who ultimately progress in adulthood to fully fledged members of the OCG. Edward Walls nephew was also recently targeted by Cab. The Sunday World previously reported how Thomas Wall had been named as a leader of a separate gang allegedly responsible for the theft of 270,000 worth of property in a three-month period. The incredible haul came from a total of 15 burglaries and emerged in speparate Cab case against Thomas Wall, who was a teen at the time. Gang leader Edward has been served with a 3m tax demand Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th Garda Michael Gubbins said Thomas Wall has been previously a member of the Cock Wall OCG, which was directed by two of his uncles. Operation Thor also saw gardai put surveillance operations in place and resulted in several members of the gang being arrested and charged with offences. Last year, Edward Wall pleaded guilty during a trial to a burglary in Killiney, Dublin, on February 19, 2021, in which gold jewellery worth 19,800 was taken. Two people, aged 83 and 79, were in the property at the time but were unaware of the robbery as they were in a different part of the bungalow. Wall, along with Martin Wall (45) and Patrick Wall (21), had initially pleaded not guilty but subsequently changed their pleas to guilty. The men were arrested at Mackintosh Park in Dun Laoghaire following a Garda operation. The gangs world came crashing down following this smash in Naas, Co. Kildare A Garda officer told the court they carried out surveillance after receiving intelligence about a gold Mercedes that was going to be used for criminal activity. The car was observed driving on the M50 and seen to carry out anti-surveillance manoeuvres, the court heard. The court heard brothers Edward and Martin stayed in the vehicle and Patrick and another man entered the house through a bedroom window. Gardai later arrested the men and two others and found a number of items including a crowbar, lump hammer and torch in the car. Judge Elva Duffy jailed Edward and Martin for four years and Patrick was sentenced to three-and-a-half years with the final 12 months suspended. Patrick Wall was previously, convicted of possession of stolen property after 79,000 was dug up from a field in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, the court heard. Garda Liam Finn objected to bail due to the nature of the case A labourer accused of threatening to burn his female housemate's Dublin home down has been released on bail pending possible extra charges. Valentin Ursachi, 41, formerly of Park Boulevard, Tyrrelstown, Dublin 15, was charged with making a threat to damage the woman's residence in a way likely to endanger her life during the alleged incident on Friday. He appeared before Judge John Brennan at Dublin District Court yesterday. Garda Liam Finn objected to bail due to the nature of the case, alleging "he threatened to burn his housemate's house down," and he added that further charges were "most likely". However, in subsequent exchanges with defence solicitor Tracy Horan, he agreed that the imposition of specific conditions would allay his fears. Valentin Ursachi. Photo: Tom Tuite Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th Dressed in a cream jacket, white trousers, and a navy and beige top, Mr Ursachi, who did not address the court, listened to the proceedings with the aid of a Romanian interpreter. Judge Brennan ordered him to stay away from the property, surrender his passport within two hours of release, and not apply for replacement travel documents. He was also instructed to have no contact with the complainant and to sign on once a week at a Garda station. The complainant was not required to attend or give evidence at the bail hearing. Legal aid was granted after Ms Horan submitted a statement of her client's means and told the court that the man was working on minimum wage. He must appear again on September 19 for the DPP's directions to be conveyed and possible further charges. He is facing trial on multiple theft, fraud and money laundering charges after appearing in Dublin District Court today A man is alleged to have stolen more than 17,000 from bank customers, including a loan taken out in one mans name, while in possession of a USB storage device containing victims personal information, a court heard. Joelle Mopiti (26) is accused of using a false bank document, stealing two customers cards, making unauthorised cash withdrawals and spending thousands of euros on iPhones and other goods. He is facing trial on multiple theft, fraud and money laundering charges after appearing in Dublin District Court today. Judge Cephas Power granted him bail and adjourned the case for the preparation of a book of evidence. Mr Mopiti, with an address at Brookview Avenue, Tallaght, is charged with more than 30 offences, mostly thefts, on dates in 2020 and 2021. He allegedly stole bank cards from a man and woman and made withdrawals from their accounts. He also allegedly stole from the man by buying four iPhones worth around 5,000 at shops in Dublin and groceries at supermarkets. Another charge states he stole 3,500 from this alleged victim on May 12, 2021 by applying for an online bank loan in his name. The combined total of money taken from the alleged victims' accounts is in excess of 17,000. Mr Mopiti is also accused of using a false AIB document containing false information at an address in Dublin on May 14, 2021. Two money laundering charges allege that he possessed 2,000 and 7,000 in crime proceeds on May 6 and November 9, 2021. A third count states that he aided, abetted, counselled or procured the commission of an offence between May 9 and 15, 2021 by possession of a USB storage device which had the personal banking information of individuals who were victims of money laundering. Detective Garda Michael Harney of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau said he arrested the accused at Brookview Avenue yesterday and took him to Tallaght garda station. He made no reply to any of the charges after caution when they were put to him. Gda Harney said the DPP was directing trial on indictment, meaning the case will be sent to the circuit court when a book of evidence is ready. There was also consent for the accused to be sent forward on a signed plea of guilty if that should arise. Barrister Kevin McCrave applied for bail and there were no garda objections. Judge Power granted bail with no cash lodgement required. Under conditions, Mr Mopiti must sign on three times weekly at Tallaght garda station, surrender his passport within 24 hours and not apply for any other travel documents. He is to be contactable at all times on a phone number provided to the gardai. The accused, who has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charges, did not have to address the court during the brief hearing. He was remanded on bail to appear in court again on September 22. Joelle Mopiti at a court in Dublin Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th The footage shows the moment innocent families with children ran for their lives This is the moment an Armagh pub was targetted in an arson attack last night. A man is seen walking across Irish Street in the city centre. He stops momentarily outside the Toby Jug bar before producing a device from his pocket and setting it alight. The man then walked inside the pub. And a few moments later, he is seen again, this time walking slowly away and out of sight, as people who were enjoying a drink in the bar fled the scene. Two people who were in the bar at the time were taken Craigavon Hospital, where they were treated for their injuries. The police have confirmed a man was arrested soon afterwards and he is currently being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder. Irish Street was sealed off for a number of hours last night, as a police follow-up operation swung into action. Sinn Fein MP for Armagh Daire Hughes, condemned the attack and said his thoughts were with the innocent people caught up in it. Shortly before 10am gardai and emergency services were alerted to the incident on Churchtown Road Upper, Dundrum Gardai are appealing for witnesses after a Garda motorcyclist was injured in a crash involving a car in Dublin this morning. Shortly before 10am gardai and emergency services were alerted to the incident on Churchtown Road Upper, Dundrum. The on-duty Garda member was taken to Tallaght University Hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries, a Garda spokesperson said Welfare supports have been made available to the Garda by local management. No other injuries are reported." The road which had been closed for a period of time has since reopened to traffic. Gardai are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward. Road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were in the area between 9.30am and 10am this morning are asked to make it available to investigating gardai. Anyone with information is asked to contact Blackrock Garda Station on (01) 6665200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. In a separate incident, a man who had been injured when a car and a motorcycle crashed on the Castlebar Road in Newport, Co. Mayo, on Sunday has died. The motorcyclist, a man aged in his 50s, was brought to Mayo University Hospital following the incident that occurred at approximately 4.50pm. Tallaght Hospital Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th He has since passed away following the collision, gardai said. No other injuries were reported. A man in his 60s who was later arrested in connection with the investigation has been subsequently released without charge pending further investigations. Gardai are now appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area of Castlebar Road, Newport, Co. Mayo, between 4pm and 5pm on Sunday are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardai. Anyone with any information should contact Westport Garda Station on 098 50230, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. A hearing in Miami federal court on Monday marked the beginning of what could be a decisive week for the future of Alligator Alcatraz, the controversial immigration detention center built in the Everglades wetlands, about 35 miles west of Miami, which has become a symbol of the Trump administrations anti-immigrant crusade. In the lawsuit, which was filed just over a month ago, lawyers and immigration advocacy groups allege violations of the constitutional rights of detainees at the remote site, whose hearings have been canceled in recent weeks because immigration courts maintain they lack jurisdiction over their cases, leaving them in limbo. The plaintiffs also allege that the detainees lack access to their attorneys and lack conditions for confidential consultations, as required by law. The government, for its part, denies these allegations. The plaintiffs the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Americans for Immigration Court, among others asked Judge Rodolfo Ruiz, who is overseeing the case, to identify an immigration court with jurisdiction over Alligator Alcatraz where they can file bond and other legal petitions for detainees. Government representatives said the Krome immigration processing center, southwest of Miami, will be the designated court. The judge did not immediately comment after Mondays hearing. Meanwhile, Thursday is the deadline for a ruling on another lawsuit filed by environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida, which have challenged the legality of the Alligator Alcatraz facility, citing laws requiring impact studies before such projects go ahead. Environmental groups Friends of the Everglades, Earthjustice, and the Center for Biological Diversity sued the government in late June, alleging that light, noise, traffic, and debris pollution from the site built in just eight days without public consultation or environmental review will cause irreparable harm to the sensitive wetland ecosystem that is home to endangered species like the wood stork and the Florida panther. Judge Kathleen Williams, who is presiding over the case, is expected to make a decision before the expiration of an order she issued nearly two weeks ago prohibiting the addition of new fill, paving, or infrastructure to the center although she allowed it to continue operating. Police guard the entrance to Alligator Alcatraz, August 10, 2025. CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH (EFE) The Miccosukee, who identify as an Indigenous people native to the Everglades and whose communities are located less than 13 miles from Alligator Alcatraz, joined this lawsuit in mid-July. This tribe claims the Everglades as their ancestral territory, part of their cultural, economic, and spiritual heritage. The detention center is located in Big Cypress National Preserve, a federally protected area of high environmental sensitivity that the Miccosukee consider sacred, with numerous ceremonial grounds, burial grounds, and meeting places. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Alligator Alcatraz was erected in late June using canvas tents, portable toilets, and FEMA trailers on the tarmac of Dade-Collier Airport, west of Miami, and began operating in early July following a visit by President Trump. Florida declared a state of emergency over immigration, which it says allowed it to move quickly to build the center. The facility is managed by the states Division of Emergency Management. Governor Ron DeSantis said late last month that more than 100 people had been deported from the site. Dade-Collier Airport is the remnant of an ambitious, unfinished project from the 1960s called Everglades Jetport, planned to be the largest airport in the region but canceled after a fierce legal dispute with Miami environmentalists. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeir and DeSantis have cited the 11,000-foot runway as a selling point for building the detention center there because it allows for swifter deportations. The attorney general, the governor, and the president have also cited the native alligators as a deterrent to escape attempts. Detainees have reported poor sanitary conditions, including blocked toilets and limited access to showers or drinking water, electrical failures, poor nutrition, and the spread of disease, and claimed that authorities coerce them into agreeing to deportation. Images from inside the center show cells that resemble wire cages with bunk beds. The Everglades is a complex ecosystem that serves as a natural reservoir and regulates floods and droughts. The so-called River of Grass carries water from Lake Okeechobee, north of the peninsula, to Florida Bay, through marshes and swamps, supporting rich biodiversity and considered essential for the water supply of millions of people. But this natural flow has been affected since the last century by agriculture and urbanization, and restoration efforts have been underway for decades, supported by billions of dollars allocated by the federal government. In joining the lawsuit, the Miccosukee Tribe said that while the government has extensively assisted with restoration efforts, the new center threatens that progress and is located on a site that is home to numerous tribal villages and sacred sites. The environmental impacts have not been studied, and the transportation of detainees is carried out along the same routes used by our school buses, the tribe said in a statement. It is our constitutional duty to conserve the Everglades and ensure the health, well-being, and rights of our people. We have no choice but to pursue legal action to compel the demolition of this facility. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called the lawsuit meritless and said it overlooks that the land has already been developed. The number of detainees at Alligator Alcatraz constantly fluctuates as detainees are deported and transferred to [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] detention centers for further removal proceedings. ICEs goal is to remove illegal aliens from the country as quickly as possible. Despite a history of court stay orders, DHS is working expeditiously to move these aliens from detention centers to their final removals, it said in an email. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Man accused of fleeing the US to evade charges was found guilty of raping a former girlfriend in his first of two trials Nicholas Rossi was found guilty of sexual assault at his first trial in Utah. Photo: AP In 2022, Irish orphan Arthur Knight told a story of an early life lived in despair. He claimed he was born in Dublin, grew up in a care home and fled for a new life in London when he was in his teens. Though he firmly stated he could back up his story, there was no hard evidence. No identification, no birth certificate. Arthur Knight was nothing more than one of 16 aliases allegedly used by the man whose real name is Nicholas Rossi and who was last week found guilty of rape in a US court. His lies were great in number and, while hard to believe, the truth of Rossis life was stranger than any of the fiction he concocted. Not Irish nor an orphan, he was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1987 and, while he had no real connection to a Dublin care home, his upbringing was far from easy. Rossi grew up in the care of Rhode Islands Department of Children, Youth and Families. His experiences led him to publicly criticise childcare in the state, file a federal lawsuit and establish an organisation lobbying for childrens rights. Nicholas Rossi leaving Edinburgh Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Court Rossi alleged he had an abusive childhood and, in an interview with US media last year, his stepfather David Rossi admitted beating him. The tale Rossi had spun of Irish orphan Arthur Knight was just another in a long line of lies. At the start of 2020, he told local media in Rhode Island he was suffering from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Having become a public figure, Rossi earned the distinction of his death being reported in the news while he was alive and well. An obituary included a date of death of February 29, 2020. A headline in the Associated Press, still available online, read Child welfare activist dies of cancer. Facing a number of legal issues, the faked death was Rossis attempt to escape justice. US authorities believe Rossi had left the US as early as 2017. His first stop was Dublin and he spent time in London, Essex and Bristol before starting anew in Glasgow. Enter the life of Arthur Knight. The fake obituary of Nicholas Rossi had been shared with US media just a week after he married Bristol woman Miranda Knight. He kept his backstory deliberately vague and his attempts at sounding Irish were weak Along with their two dogs, Rossi and his wife lived in a flat near Glasgow University. Under his alias, he worked as an academic. He became something of a local character, known for donning fancy clothes and enjoying pricey whiskies, chatting about politics in bars and cultivating an image as an eccentric, aristocratic oddity. But for a bout of illness that landed him in Queen Elizabeth University Hospitals Covid ward in December 2021, Rossis ruse may have lasted a while longer. Nicholas Rossi. Photo: PA Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th Nurses recognised his face and distinctive tattoos from an arrest warrant issued by Interpol. Caught red-handed, Rossi doubled down. He insisted he was a victim of mistaken identity, that he was Arthur Knight. The false Irish identity was razor-thin. In interviews with the media, he kept his backstory deliberately vague and his attempts at sounding Irish were weak, he had more of an articulate British accent with an occasional Irish twang. Which Dublin care home did he grow up in? Who knows. Where was he from? All over. What memories did he have of Ireland? Not many. As for the tattoos, he explained them away in court during his extradition hearings, claiming he had been tattooed by a rogue hospital employee while he was in a coma. Nicholas Rossi was found guilty of sexual assault at his first trial in Utah. Photo: AP Legal issues for Rossi have been as numerous as his lies. He was investigated for failing to register as a sex offender, stemming from a 2008 indecent exposure charge. His former foster mother accused him of opening 22 credit cards under her husbands name, racking up $200,000 (171,000) in debt. Efforts by US authorities to extradite him to face the rape charge were delayed by the enduring charade of Arthur Knight, and it was only in October of last year that Rossi dropped the act and admitted he and Knight were one and the same. After years on the run, he finally faced a rape charge in Salt Lake County, Utah, where he was accused of attacking a woman he met online. The court was told of how she met Rossi on MySpace, started a relationship and they were engaged within weeks. Rossis behaviour towards her took a turn and as he became more controlling, the woman decided to end their relationship. The court was told that, at Rossis apartment, he forced her onto a bed and raped her. Already facing between five years and life in prison for his guilty charge, he is accused of raping another woman in Utah, also in 2008. The trial in that case is scheduled to begin next month, with sentencing to come in the first case in October. The 37-year-old was arrested over a number of suspected offences including assault, criminal damage and theft. A vigilante protest in the Ravenhill area of east Belfast on Sunday A man has been arrested as part of a PSNI investigation into vigilante activity taking place across east Belfast over recent weeks, as police said people are being targeted by vigilantes due to the colour of their skin. Police said the 37-year-old was arrested over a number of suspected offences including assault, criminal damage and theft. They said he remains in custody at this time. The arrest comes after a group of around a dozen men branding themselves the East Belfast First Division (EFBD) posted a number of videos approaching members of the ethnic minority community. A vigilante protest in the Ravenhill area of east Belfast on Sunday Today's News in 90 Seconds - 18th August Last week the DUP deputy First Minister condemned the groups, saying they have no place in Northern Ireland and the police called the activity racism pure and simple. Some videos show EFBD members demanding to see their passports and papers with other footage depicting a man telling the person stopped that anyone that is on these streets at night time, they will be asked what the f*** theyre doing. Following the arrest, a senior PSNI officer said that the individuals involved are confronting and intimidating innocent members of the public, largely on the basis of the colour of their skin. District Commander Superintendent Gavin Kirkpatrick said: The activity of these individuals has been generating fear in the community and it has to stop. Those involved have neither the legal nor the moral authority to do this. It is the responsibility of the Police Service to enforce the law in Northern Ireland. Over the past week we have been deploying additional targeted police patrols in east Belfast to engage, challenge and monitor these groups and provide reassurance to the community. "We have made one arrest and our investigations are continuing. I want to urge anyone who has been a victim of these groups to report it to police. We will robustly deal with any offences brought to us. Superintendent Kirkpatrick added: Let me be very clear, these groups are not protecting the community from anything. "In reality these groups are frustrating our efforts to provide a policing service to the people of east Belfast by forcing us to redirect our limited resources to monitoring them. I urge everyone involved in this type of activity to stop. Last week it emerged TikTok accounts linked to EFBD were shut down as the platform acted to ban the videos. 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 on the platform before it was banned. Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey also confirmed she has written to the Justice Minister about the groups. Racism, racist violence and intimidation is unacceptable, wrong and it must stop immediately, she said. These so called vigilante groups do not represent our society, they simply want to control communities through violence. Political leaders have a responsibility to show leadership, call out racism and stand with the victims of this intimidation and violence. I have written to the Justice Minister offering to work alongside her and the police to ensure that those responsible are held to account. I would also call on anyone with information to provide this to the police to assist in their investigations." The Dublin man passed away in the Mater Hospital yesterday evening A 51-year-old man who suffered critical head injuries after being allegedly pushed by a garda has died in hospital. The Dublin man passed away in the Mater Hospital yesterday evening. Fiosru, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that it has launched a criminal investigation into the incident. The man suffered the fatal injuries after hitting his head on the street following the interaction with the on-duty garda on OConnell Street in the early hours of Friday morning. The early morning incident, which happened near the Holiday Inn on OConnell Street at 4.15am on Friday, was captured on good quality CCTV. O'Connell Street The 51-year-old Dublin man was rushed to hospital in a gravely ill condition. The Dublin man has been described as a very decent individual from a loving family. Sources have described what has happened as a devastating tragedy for all involved. In a statement, Fiosru, said the man suffered "serious harm, prompting a referral under new policing legislation. "The man has now died and Fiosru have been liaising with the Dublin City Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist in relation to a post mortem. Fiosru is now appealing for witnesses who may have been in the area at the time. In particular, investigators are keen to hear from anyone close to the hotel at around 4.15am, or from drivers including taxis who may have dashcam or mobile phone footage. Anyone with information which may be of assistance to this independent investigation is asked to contact Fiosru at 0818 600 800 or info@fiosru.ie, the Ombudsmans office said. One of Fiosrus on-call investigators attended the scene on Friday and the office confirmed it is continuing to engage with the mans family. The referral to Fiosru was made under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which requires the Garda Commissioner to pass on any matter indicating that the act or omission of a garda member may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person. Section 203(1) of the Act provides for such referrals, while Section 208(1)(b) prevents the Ombudsmans office from making further public comment while an investigation is underway. "Fiosru has commenced a criminal investigation into the incident pursuant to section 208(1)(b) of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act, 2024, a spokesperson said. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: An Garda Siochana referred an incident to Fiosru following an interaction between a member of the public and an on-duty Garda Member on Friday 15th August 2025. Garda jacket. Stock image. Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th Emergency services are at the scene of the serious ongoing incident in the Ballyquin Road in Limavady One patient has been airlifted to hospital following a road traffic collision in Co Derry earlier today. Emergency services are at the scene of the serious ongoing incident in the Ballyquin Road in Limavady. Police have asked the public to avoid the road which is currently closed. A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said they received a call at 12:45 on Tuesday. It followed reports of a road traffic collision. "NIAS despatched two emergency crews to the incident, added the spokesperson. "The Charity Air Ambulance with HEMS on board was also tasked to attend. Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken to Royal Victoria Hospital by Air Ambulance. The Belfast Telegraph understands that a pedestrian has been struck by a vehicle. A PSNI spokesperson said: Road users are advised to avoid the Ballyquin Road, Limavady, which is currently closed at its junctions with the Ballyavelin Road and the Ballyleagry as police and colleagues from the emergency services are at the scene of a single vehicle road traffic collision. More to follow Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th Nobody wants someone they love and care about to experience that Ryan Tubridy's fiancee, Dr Clare Kambamettu, has said increased levels of racism and online hatred in Ireland has saddened her. The clinical psychologist who was the 2010 Rose of Tralee has returned to the festival this year as chairperson of the judging panel, along with Don O'Neill, Aisling Murphy, and Nuala Carey. She said she feels a great deal of empathy for people who are subjected to the lawlessness of online hate, having witnessed it first hand when her now-fiance was caught in the centre of the RTE payments scandal. Dr Clare Kambamettu with Ryan Tubridy Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th Nobody wants someone they love and care about to experience that, she told the Irish Times. Dr Kambamettu said her late father who had been welcomed to Ireland in the 1970s had talked about how he was experiencing increased racism in the years before he died. My dad moved here from India, he had barely even heard of Ireland at the time in the 1970s, and he always spoke about how welcoming he found it, she said. But he did in his latter years, he died six years ago, talk about how he was experiencing increased racism in Ireland. I'm really saddened by it, because I think that as Irish people, we have our own story of having to leave our country for various different reasons or choosing to leave us, and we faced our own struggles in terms of how we have been welcomed by other people in different parts of the world. She added: I do think that there is a lawlessness to the online world, in particularly social media. 'There's an increased tolerance for speaking really, really horribly and in a hateful way about other people online that I just don't think there is a tolerance for in our day-to-day lives, for the most part. Dr Clare said her Irish Indian heritage is something that I'm extremely proud of. It's something that during my year as the Rose of Tralee was hugely important and shaped probably the whole year, she said. I think Ireland has long been a place that has welcomed diversity and inclusion. Clare said that as a psychologist, she tries to understand where racism and hate are coming from. I think when hatred occurs, it occurs because of, lots of reasons, but because of misinformation, I think that violence towards people from ethnic minorities comes from the places that most violence stems from, she suggested. Which is for people who often grow up not feeling included in mainstream society for a variety of different reasons, who experience an emotional pain at that disconnection from society, finding a way to feel a sense of belonging, and sometimes that sense of belonging comes from a group or a perspective that is quite antisocial or is bigoted towards another group of people. There are only a few people who know how many stones there are and how deep they go, says journalist and author Martin Dillon. Hazel Doupe as Marian Price and Lola Petticrew as Dolours Price in Say Nothing The UK and the IRA are unlikely partners in collusion to bury the secrets of the Troubles. Thats the view of celebrated journalist and author Martin Dillon. Deleted files, executed informants, a suppression of the truth about what really happened who does that suit the most? Is that not the definition of collusion? There can be few people who know more about what happened during the conflict than Dillon. He has written extensively on the Dirty War to borrow the title of one of his works with a series of books under his belt. He has turned over many stones and even now in 2025 believes there are many, many more to be flipped. His book on the Shankill Butchers is one of the seminal works of the last 50 years and he has since written extensively on all aspects of the Troubles. There are only a few people who know how many stones there are and how deep they go, he said. His most recent nook The Sorrow And The Loss examines what he calls the tragic shadow cast by the Troubles on the lives of women and he admits it took him on a difficult journey. I wondered at my own sanity sometimes, he said. Firstly Ive no desire to reawaken the trauma of the past for these people they live with it every day, it never goes away but it brought back so many memories and experiences for me. It was on a visit to the beach with my wife when I first talked about it with her, but she said you know, no one has ever done it before, the story of the women of the Troubles. This was the most difficult one Ive done but thats it, no more. Dillon, a former Irish News and Belfast Telegraph journalist before 18 award-winning years at the BBC, was the first to uncover the IRAs practice of disappearing people and the first to reveal the last living days of Jean McConville. The book focuses not just on victims but also those who were players in the theatre of war people like Mairead Farrell, one of the Gibraltar Three shot dead by the SAS in 1988. Jean McConville He is convinced the IRA knowingly sacrificed the three Danny McCann and Sean Savage being the others. Mairead Farrell could have been anything she wanted to be but, like so many others, she was sucked into everything and she became a dedicated active service member, but she always had a resentment toward the IRA leadership, he said. While in Armagh Prison in 1981 she and two others went on hunger strike in solidarity with the men on the Maze H-Blocks. She felt the women never got the recognition they deserved it was if they were sidelined because they were women she was never happy with the way women were treated by the IRA leadership, Dillon said. The shooting of the Gibraltar Three was carried on the direct orders of another woman key to the conflict Margaret Thatcher. Thatcher was determined they were never coming back alive. There was no question of arrest, I think the IRA knew that and let them go, sent them to their deaths effectively. Everybody knew there was no bomb in Gibraltar. It was in Torremolinos, they were unarmed, Thatcher didnt care. I think Mairead always felt she would die young and so it proved. McCann had been dumped from the brigade staff because he opposed the direction McGuinness and Adams were taking the movement, he didnt want to go [to Gibraltar] but [the IRA] made him. What did he know? McGuinness ordered a board of inquiry in the wake of the compromised operation. Who did he put in charge? [Freddie] Scappaticci Scap, Stakeknife. It stinks. Stakeknife wasnt a person, it was an operation, there were other agents who have never been identified but it suits the British and the IRA to blame everything on one person. The operation to take out the three was called Operation Flavius Latin for blond, the colour of McCanns hair. Dillon said it was the impact on womens lives that affected him most. The female RUC officer, a gifted Irish dancer who survived a bomb blast in which she witnessed her colleagues being killed. PACEMAKER BELFAST ARCHIVE CAROLINE MORELAND SHOT DEAD AS AN INFORMER Caroline Moreland, executed by the IRA on the eve of their 1994 ceasefire after she confessed to being a British agent. They [IRA] knew it was over. Why did they kill her? Maybe they were terrified she knew too much. Or the wife of a British solder whose husband was posted to Northern Ireland three days after their wedding. Within months he was dead. It shaped her life, her whole life. She married again but it failed because her husband believed she loved her dead husband more than him, Dillon says. Throughout the conversation Dillon flits from tragedy to tragedy. His sympathies are with the women on both sides of the argument, dragged into the Dirty War. Tracey Coulter, whose father Jackie, a UDA man, was murdered during the UVF/UDA feud of 2000 and who had a turbulent relationship with UFF assassin Stevie Top Gun McKeag. She hid nothing, she just tells the truth, Dillon says. I have the utmost respect for Tracey, for her bravery and her honesty. She has never gotten over the loss of her father and she has suffered at the hands of paramilitaries in her own community. Hazel Doupe as Marian Price and Lola Petticrew as Dolours Price in Say Nothing He is animated about the Jean McConville case and dismissive of the Disney+ series Say Nothing. He said the mother of 10 died at the hands of a three-person shooting party. They all shot her so that no one could prove it was their shot that killed her, he says. There was also a three-person gravedigger detail collectively they were called The Unknowns, an IRA unit tasked with execution and disposal. But one, claims Dillon, was a Garda agent. That person and others know what happened. The truth is yet to come out Say Nothing did nothing for that case. The lasting impact of the Troubles is something that continues to surprise and resonate with the author. Home for the 75-year-old for some time has been New York, but Belfast is never far from his mind. I dont recognise Belfast now, he said, I get lost when I come back, which is a good thing it has changed so much. But journalism still has a job to do, we cant let these stories be shut down, because so many people deserve the truth. This book has brought me full circle, its up to someone else from now on. The Sorrow And The Loss, published by Merrion Press, is available now. The incident occurred at the Shanganagh cliffs A woman who was rescued after falling 40ft from a cliff in south Dublin was rushed to hospital with serious injuries in an emergency multi-agency operation last night. The incident occurred at the Shanganagh cliffs and responded to by Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard. It had been dealing with a separate emergency involving an overturned jet ski in Dun Laoghaire when the Shanganagh emergency occured. Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard said it had been tasked to assist Dun Laoghaire lifeboat with the jet ski at around 7pm yesterday after two people were reported to be in the water after the jet ski capsized. The casualties were brought to the lifeboat station for treatment and the jet ski was towed to Coal Harbour and recovered from the water by the Coast Guard. While assisting with the jet ski, the Coast Guard team was tasked to Shanganagh cliffs where there were reports a person had fallen 40ft and had multiple serious injuries. The National Ambulance Service and a volunteer doctor from the Critical charity also assisted, and the casualty was winched to safety by the rescue helicopter 116 before being taken along with the doctor to Weston Airport for onward transport to hospital. The rescue team was stood down just before midnight. More to follow.. The Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter. Stock image. Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th The three teenagers were born long after The Troubles ended but have witnessed the scars of generational trauma and loss. Don Tidey with his children on the first day of freedom. Photographer Tom Burke. 17/12/83 The search for Don Tidey in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim circa December 1983. Photo: Independent News And Media/Getty Images Her grandfather was shot dead as he saved millionaire businessman Don Tidey from an IRA kidnapping squad, and at just 18, Megan Kelly carried the brave legacy of Pte Patrick Kelly to the US on a mission to honour every young person who has lost a loved one to terrorism, war or mass violence. By her side was Zara McAnerney, whose uncle Terence McKeever was murdered by the IRA, and Nathan Carson whose grandfather, Corporal Herbie Kernaghan, was also executed by an IRA hit squad. They recently visited the US on a mission for peace, their bright futures spreading ahead of them, their histories mired in the horrors of terrorism and tragedy. With an average age of just 19, Megan, Nathan and Zara, were born long after The Troubles ended, welcomed into a world that finally knew peace. Yet each has witnessed close up the scars of generational trauma and loss, and the tremor of grief that still affects their families, homes and communities. Now they are taking on the responsibility of creating change for future generations by helping others embrace diversity as they share their lived experiences and the memories that fractured the lives of their families. Megan Kelly Last month saw a week-long programme held in Stockbridge, Massachusetts for young people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to terrorism, war or mass violence. The three students from counties Armagh, Westmeath and Fermanagh represented hope for the future on the island of Ireland and beyond, united by a shared vision to explore ways of steering communities away from paramilitary activity, violent gangs, and reactionary mass violence. Megan Kelly (18), from Ballinahown, Co Westmeath, is the granddaughter of Private Patrick Kelly, a father of four who was shot dead aged 36 alongside Recruit Garda Gary Sheehan (23) during the rescue of kidnapped businessman Don Tidey on December 16, 1983. More than four decades on, a memorial stands outside Ballinamore Garda station for the two men, just 8km from Derrada Wood in Corraleehan townland, where Tidey was held for 23 days by an IRA gang, and where both men were murdered. Megans efforts for peace are a living tribute to the grandfather she never met. She said: My father is Sgt Andrew Kelly, a member of the Military Police in the Defence Forces with 20 years service. My eldest brother, Private Ethan Kelly, is also serving. I have a younger brother, Eoin, and sister, Lilly, who are still at school. My grandfather, Private Patrick Kelly, served for 14 years in the Irish Defence Forces and completed four overseas trips with the United Nations three to southern Lebanon and one to Cyprus. He was married to my grandmother, Catherina, and had four sons: David, Michael, Patrick, and my dad, Andrew. Zara McAnerney. My grandfather and trainee Garda Gary Sheehan were killed in the service of the state. The kidnapping of Don Tidey was one of a series of Provisional IRA abductions in the early 1980s, ordered by leadership to raise funds. It sparked the largest manhunt the Republic of Ireland had ever seen, with the army and police joining forces to track him down. Just nine days before Christmas, Megans grandfather was shot dead alongside Garda Sheehan. Megan explained: Our family has campaigned for justice ever since. My uncle, David Kelly, famously confronted Martin McGuinness when he ran for the Irish presidency in 2011. To this day, justice has never been served in a court of law. Forty-one years later, my grandfather and Garda Sheehan were honoured with a memorial outside Ballinamore Garda station. On July 16, 2012, Granda was posthumously awarded the Military Star, one of Irelands highest decorations, for paying the ultimate sacrifice. The Troubles directly affected my family. The intergenerational grief has been hard on my father and uncles. Were still living with the consequences. I never got to know my grandfather because of the Troubles. Megan joined Nathan Carson (21), from Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh, at the camp, organised by Dignity Beyond Borders as part of its Project Common Bond programme. The initiative brings together young people from around the world, helping them build empathy, conflict resolution skills and leadership. Nathans grandfather, Corporal Herbie Kernaghan, was murdered by the IRA in 1979. The terror group had taken staff and pupils hostage at St Tierneys Primary School in Roslea and lay in wait for the delivery driver then a father of three. Nathan Carson. The off-duty part-time UDR man was shot dead on October 15 just three weeks before his wife gave birth to their fourth child, a son named Herbie in his memory. A former pupil at the targeted school later recalled: He smiled at us as he drove into the school. Then I saw a man with a hood and a rifle go over to the lorry and fire into the cab. Nathan, a mechatronic engineering student, said: I previously attended Project Common Bond in 2022. That experience challenged me to consider issues I hadnt thought deeply about. The Dignity model practised there is just as relevant in African nations or mainland Europe as it is here. It helped me understand how other countries suffer in similar ways. Im looking forward to reconnecting with people I met before and engaging more deeply with the programme this time. Its also a great opportunity to experience life in the US, which is so different from home. Its a special opportunity one Im grabbing with both hands. Another attendee was Zara McAnerney, whose uncle Terence McKeever was murdered by the IRA on June 16, 1986 in south Armagh. The Ballsbridge-based businessman was abducted at the border and executed, his body dumped roadside. He was just 30. The eldest son of Daniel and Claire McKeever and big brother to Karen, he had married 11 weeks earlier and postponed his honeymoon to help out at the family business. Terence McKeever. His wife, Rena, was private secretary at the time to the managing director of Independent Newspapers, Joe Hayes. His sister, Karen, recalled: Daddy had to go and retrieve Terences body. His son was not going to lie out overnight. Terence was found with gunshot wounds to the head, hands tied behind his back, at Mullaghduff Bridge near Cullyhanna. A booby trap had been placed near his body, intended to kill British soldiers or police officers investigating the murder. Now Zara, from Killylea, Co Armagh, who has just completed her first year studying Physiotherapy at the University of Winchester, is sharing how the murder of her uncle before she was even born still shapes her life. She said: I [was] honoured to take part in Project Common Bond again this year. I first attended in 2022, and it deeply affected me. It helped me connect with others who, like my family, have been affected by violence and loss. It opened my eyes to the power of shared healing and understanding. I believe its crucial to highlight the generational trauma caused by conflict, especially in Northern Ireland. The gardai case on Terences murder remains open. A spokesperson said: Terence lived at Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin, with his wife. He was the Managing Director of a family electrical contracting business. Terence was originally from Co Armagh but was living in Dublin and the electrical company was involved in a lot of large government contract works, north and south of the border, which included army barracks, Garda and RUC stations. On June 16, at approximately 6am, Terence left his home at Ballsbridge. He was due to chair a weekly meeting at the company office in Co Armagh. He was driving a beige metallic BMW FIB 735 series. Terence was expected to arrive at work at approximately 8.15am but on this occasion he failed to do so. It is believed he was abducted somewhere during his intended route which would have included the N2 from Dublin, passing through Slane, Ardee, Monaghan and continuing his journey to Armagh town. Terences remains were discovered close to Mullaghduff bridge, approximately 25 meters into Northern Ireland, where it is believed he was fatally shot. Terences 735 BMW car, registration number FIB 735, was recovered the following day on June 17, in a lane located close to Carnagh, Co Armagh. His briefcase and wallet were never recovered. A light blue Lite Ace van, early 1980s model, was recovered in Ardee two days later on June 19, having been stolen from Dundalk four weeks earlier and was bearing stolen plates. The van and its male occupants were seen at Mullaghduff bridge on the morning of Terences murder. We believe that the answer to Terences murder lies within the community and are anxious to speak to anyone who may feel they are now in a position to assist. Gardai will assess and evaluate all information, no matter how insignificant it may appear. Anyone who may feel better placed to assist gardai are encouraged to do so. With the passage of time loyalties and relationships may have changed, and gardai would like to assure anyone making contact with them, that they will be dealt with in a compassionate and sensitive manner. The young peoples journey to the US has been supported by the victim/survivor support group SEFF Supporting, Empowering, Fair, Focused. Director Kenny Donaldson said: SEFF has sent young people to this conference camp for 14 years, only Covid disrupted it, and even then, a virtual event was held. Were committed to investing in young people, giving them the tools to not just survive but thrive in our society. This is best achieved when they are led by truth not romanticised propaganda and when they adopt principles of non-violence, and become good neighbours who value, not just tolerate, diversity. Megan Kelly, Zara McAnerney and Nathan Carson [are] wonderful ambassadors for their families, for SEFF, and for the wider community. Gardai investigating the murder of Terence McKeever can be contacted at Ardee Garda Station on 00 353 41 6871130 That smile says she would do it again, too A woman accused of wrecking her exs car engine by pouring salt into it has gone viral after her grinning mugshot was released by police. Stephanie Carlquist of Kentucky ruined her ex-boyfriends car after the couple got into an argument in early July, the Richmond Police Department has stated. A complaint claims Carlquist (31) slashed the one tyre on July 6, before she then poured salt into the engine, glitter in the AC vent and cracked the windshield, and rear-view mirror and shattered the cars radio A tow company took the car to a Goodyear in Richmond, where the car was written off after estimated cost of damages added up to $12,464.96. Police say Carlquist told the tow truck driver about damaging the car and he then told victims mother. . Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th Carlquist allegedly messaged her ex-boyfriend on Instagram, saying she was stressed out because of her pregnancy and that she was sorry Cops who interviewed the car-wrecking suspect say she confessed to smashing the windshield and pouring glitter in the AC vents. But she allegedly denied the other damage, claiming her ex was overdue for oil and motor and the tire. Carlquist was arrested on August 14 and charged with first-degree criminal mischief, which is a felony. She is now being held in Madison County Detention Center on a $12,000 bond. However, after she was booked she posed in front of the detention centres logo for her mugshot with a joyful express that soon spread on the internet. Her smile says it was worth getting a felony lol, one person suggested under a picture of her on Facebook. On Instagram, one of the users commented on the mugshot, saying, Congratulations to her for having the courage to do what a lot of us wanted to do. "Give me her information so I can send her some money. Another user added: That smile says she would do it again, too. Another commented: Lets all pitch in and bail her out! I know he must have triggered her. This is not the first time a mugshot has gone viral. Lily Stewart, a University of Georgia student created a storm back in March over her model-looks. After she was pulled over by police for a second time for speeding, she was booked with obstruction of a law enforcement officer and loitering, according to police records. Her glamorous mugshot led to an interview with People in which she called it hilarious that people had made such a big deal about her picture She told the outlet she doesnt think theres anything particularly stunning about her photo and that its actually a bad photo of her. "Its all in the hair, the old Celtic hair Pierce Brosnan has attributed his fine head of hair to his Irish genes and the fact that he likes Guinness. The 72-year-old shared the secret as he declared: "I'm doing my best when asked about aging gracefully. The Co Louth legend will next appear on the big screen in the movie adaptation of Richard Osmans popular book The Thursday Murder Club. At the premiere of his latest film, Brosnan offered his reasons when he still has an enviable bonnet. "Its all in the hair, the old Celtic hair, he told Page Six, pointing out that his father also "had good hair." . Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th Joking that "potatoes, butter" and even "the Guinness" all help, he added that hes "doing my best as for how he appears to be aging so gracefully. Brosnan's 28-year-old son Dylan joined his dad on the red carpet for the premiere, where they posed for photos together Last year Brosnan who famously portrayed James Bond in four of the franchise's films from 1995 to 2002 teased that he thinks he's still got what it takes to play the iconic British spy. During an appearance on the Today show in April Brosnan said he believes he "could get away with" coming back. "Lets see where the wind takes us. Lets see what happens. They know where to find me," he continued when asked if he was game to stage a Bond comeback. "Why not?" He added, "I mean, theres great things you can do with AI as well, so there you have it. Im quite content the way it is." In a March interview with The Telegraph, Brosnan said it's a "given" that the next Bond star be British. However, he appears to have retracted a previous suggestion that James Bond could one day be played by a woman. The Mamma Mia actor told Saga magazine that whoever takes up the mantle of James Bond next has to be a man. But in 2019, the Drogheda-born actor told The Hollywood Reporter that the concept of a female bond was both exciting and exhilarating. Amazon MGM took over full creative control of the Bond franchise in a deal worth $1 billion earlier this year. Brosnan said: 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. In his latest movie, The Thursday Murder Club, which is directed by Chris Columbus, Brosnan stars alongside Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie. The four play U.K. retirement home residents who become amateur sleuths, solving cold-case murders for fun. Also speaking to Saga, Mirren said: Im such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy. You cant have a woman. It just doesnt work. James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else. Earlier this year, Brosnan told People he jumped at the opportunity to work with Columbus again after the pair previously worked together on Mrs. Doubtfire. [Its] a film that I hold close to my heart," he said of the 1993 family comedy. So when I got the call from Chris, that he was making a movie of The Thursday Murder Club, I was halfway there already. By the time Id read the book by Richard Osman, I was completely hooked. U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out deploying ground troops as part of security guarantees for Ukraine in a future peace agreement with Russia, but has suggested the possibility of participating in air support. In a phone interview with Fox News, Trump indicated that it will be European countries that take the lead in protecting the occupied nation in order to prevent a repeat of Russian attacks. You have my assurance [that no U.S. troops will be deployed], Trump said in the interview on Tuesday, a day after the White House summit that brought together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and seven European leaders. In those talks, the U.S. president publicly signaled for the first time that the United States could become involved in providing security guarantees for Ukraine, and did not rule out the possibility of sending soldiers. In his statements to Fox, the Republican gave more details about his plans for a future, peaceful Ukraine. In that context, Europe would lead efforts to protect the country invaded by Russia. The United States, for its part, could participate in an aerial deployment. Therell be some form of security. It cant be NATO, he said. Theyre willing to put people on the ground. Were willing to help them with things, especially, probably, if you could talk about it by air. Security guarantees for Ukraine have so far been one of the major unresolved issues in the run-up to a potential peace deal with Russia. Zelenskiy and European leaders are demanding some form of protection to prevent Moscow from repeating its aggression in the future. But Trump had systematically avoided committing to this, arguing that his version of security guarantees was the joint exploitation agreement for Ukraines natural resources signed with Kyiv this spring. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition With a pint of Guinness in hand, Anais Gallagher treated fans to a look at her Oasis weekend in Dublin. Noel Gallaghers daughter Anais has lifted the lid on some behind-the-scenes action of Oasis much-lauded two-night stint in Dublin over the weekend. The Manchester duo earned rave reviews for the much-anticipated pair of shows at Croke Park, with some 160,000 spectators taking in the tunes across Saturday and Sunday. It had been 16 years since the 90s superstars last played on Irish shores and now weve gotten a look behind the scenes of how it all came together. Social media star Anais Gallagher who boasts some 360,000 followers on Instagram shared some heartwarming snaps of her whirlwind weekend in Dublin. Anais with her grandmother Peggy. Photo: Anais Gallagher/Instagram The 25-year-old shared with followers a pic of her cozying up with her grandmother Peggy at GAA HQ as the two watched the superstar Gallagher brothers take to the stage. Anais has been sharing snaps and videos throughout the Live 25 tour as her dads band have been playing to packed crowds since taking off the festivities in Cardiff at the start of last month. The younger Gallagher could also be seen taking in the sights of the five-star Carton House hotel in Kildare, which was where her dad and family were stationed for the weekend. The guitarist and songwriter had been even been spotted socialising on Friday in Bradys Clockhouse pub in Maynooth, Co Kildare ahead of the sold-out gigs. Photo: Anais Gallagher/Instagram Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th Anais also took in some of the Irish pub culture herself and she captioned her Instagram dump of pics with: Dublin. Croke Park. Night one. Guinness what more could a girl want. The Englishwoman also shared a photo of herself enjoying a tall glass of the black stuff as well as taking in the efforts of a trad band at an after-party at ODonoghues pub in the centre of Dublin. With a box seat right by the stage of Croke Park, she was in the best position to take in the massive crowd of over 80,000 punters in the capital. Aside from the busy nights-out, she also let followers know about her hotel breakfasts alongside with a daytime viewing of the Twilight Saga movie Eclipse. Photo: Anais Gallagher/Instagram Photo: Anais Gallagher/Instagram Oasis last played Ireland at Slane Castle in 2009, splitting up months later in Paris after a bust-up backstage between the Gallagher brothers. And there was plenty of starpower on hand to take in the two shows, with the likes of Peter Crouch, Vogue Williams, Carl Mullan, and even Tanaiste Simon Harris attending the GAA venue. Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly announced his bid to become the partys presidential candidate right after taking in the Saturday night. TV personalities Brian Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian were also among those to secure tickets to Oasis, which saw some tickets go up to a whopping 450 each due to the controversial dynamic pricing system. I had never watched a show, so I didnt really understand the concept Maura Higgins has admitted she thought her time on new reality show The Traitors was going to be a piece of p**s compared to her stint in the jungle. In January, the presenter will join a star-studded cast including Real Housewives star Lisa Rinna, Travis Kelces mum Donna Kelce and RuPauls Drag Race star Monet X Change for the new season of the US Traitors. Announcing the development earlier in the year, Maura had posted on her Instagram Story see you at the round table as the Traitors theme song played in the background. Branding it as an experience as she admitted she thought it would be easy considering she had done Im A Celebrity. Maura Higgins Today's News in 90 Seconds - August 19th The Longford native finished in seventh place when she entered the Australian jungle as a late arrival for the 2024 edition of Im A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here. I had never watched a show, so I didnt really understand the concept, she said. Like, obviously Id heard stuff before, but, yeah, its a unique one, I will say, and Im very glad Ive done it. I cant say anything about it. Its very hush hush. But I will say, its going to be a very, very, very good season. Meanwhile, the Irish version of The Traitors will be presented by Derry Girls star Siobhan McSweeney. The Traitors Ireland has confirmed its release date with Kevin McGahern on hosting duties for the after show, Uncloaked. The Irish version kicks off on RTE from Sunday, August 31, with contestants competing for 50,000. Maura has also reportedly landed another high-profile role just weeks after appearing on The Traitors US. The 34-year-old has officially been confirmed as the host of the newly commissioned Aftersun series for the upcoming second season of Love Island Games. Maura Higgins attends the UK Special Screening of "Molly-Mae: Behind It All" Having already impressed as the face of Aftersun for Love Island USA last year, Maura has firmly established herself as a fan favourite with US audiences According to reports, the former Love Island UK star will soon be jetting off to Fiji, where Love Island Games will begin filming next month. Love Island Games brings together stars from various international versions of the show, placing them under one roof where, unlike the traditional format, theyll compete in physical and mental challenges for the win. A Tauranga woman who was hit like a tonne of bricks when she first experienced menopause symptoms is hosting an event to empower, educate and uplift women and their communities. New Zealands first Peri/Post Menopause Wellness Event called Living Your Best Life During the Menopause Transition is to be held on Saturday, August 23, at Tauranga Boys College from 9.30am to 5pm. This unique event is the first of its kind, said event organiser Sara Llewellyn-Evans. Dream team There will be a dream team of menopause specialist speakers three being world-class menopause-related doctors: Dr Linda Dear, Dr Wendy Sweet and Dr Waz Tze Cheng. Each will cover a different topic Menopause in the Workplace, Weight Management and Lifestyle, and Hormone Replacement Therapy and Non-Hormone Therapies, said Llewellyn-Evans, 54. Plus, we have a variety of lifestyle speakers and demonstrations from businesses that will focus on topics such as nutrition, fitness, sleep, corporate wellness packages, supplements and general wellbeing. A Wellness exhibition will showcase products, services and support available during this stage in life, which may help ease symptoms or simply make women feel better about themselves. Ten years ago, Llewellyn-Evans lived in the UK, working in corporate sales, marketing and event management. Perimenopause hit me hard. I struggled with sleep deprivation, which then led to anxiety and panic attacks. I just didnt feel like me anymore and, at the time, I had no idea what was happening. Id visited doctors on a few occasions, but they were clueless. More needed After a tough six months, she started to understand what was happening, through self-initiated research and by talking to friends and family. Almost 10 years ago, there was a lot less information available. Sara Llewellyn-Evans is hosting New Zealands first menopause wellness event, called Living Your Best Life During the Menopause Transition, in Tauranga on August 23. Photo / Brydie Thompson When she moved to New Zealand five years ago, she felt work was under way here to bring knowledge on peri/post-menopause into the open, but more was needed. Im obviously not medically trained in this area, but I do think of myself as a collaborator. Ive reached out to experts in different areas of expertise, with the hope to help others become aware of the potential symptoms and gain knowledge and understanding of what resources and support are available. Llewellyn-Evans said the event was aimed at women experiencing, or about to experience, their peri/post-menopausal journeys. Many of us have daughters, mothers, sisters, aunts and nieces, and I believe the current average age of Kiwi women is about 39. Perimenopause generally starts around 45, so there will be many women approaching this stage of their lives soon. Empower Llewellyn-Evans wanted the event to empower and uplift women, their friends and families. I want people to walk away feeling empowered and with a better insight into what could potentially happen or be happening. She had the idea for hosting an event two years ago, but spent the last six months piecing it together. To get the specialists [on board], I just started cold-calling, and the speakers have been incredible in terms of wanting to be involved. Thankfully, some women have few or minor menopausal symptoms, but for others it could be the opposite, she said. It doesnt just affect women. Indirectly, it can sometimes affect their partners, families, workplaces and communities. Thats why shed like everyone to come along, including men. The event was a chance to come together, with opportunities to discuss the topic openly, in a safe place, without judgment, she said. Its about helping and supporting each other. Tickets She hopes to expand the event in future. Id like to build on this first event, to host it within other regions and reach more Kiwi women. To buy tickets to Living Your Best Life During the Menopause Transition, visit www.eventbrite.com. Five unions are taking the Government to the High Court over changes to pay equity laws. The sudden and controversial changes cancelled existing claims from mostly female-dominated jobs and made it harder for new claims to succeed. Workplace Minister Brooke van Velden gave a figure of 33 current claims that would be stopped, as the legislation was put through under urgency in May. The Nurses Organisation (NZNO), Tertiary Education Union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, Post-Primary Teachers Association and Public Service Association argued the new rules breached the Bill of Rights Act. The legal challenge argues the coalition Governments legislation breaches three fundamental rights: freedom from gender-based pay discrimination, the right to natural justice, and the right to fair legal process, the unions said in a joint statement. The case gives workers who have been denied their right to challenge gender-based pay discrimination a chance to challenge the Government in court. If successful, a parliamentary select committee must consider the declaration of inconsistency and a parliamentary debate must occur. The Government is then required to formally respond. The claim would be formally lodged on August 29 in the High Court at Wellington following a rally by women whose pay equity claims had been cancelled, the unions said. A spokesperson for the office of Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told RNZ: The bill was considered for consistency with the Bill of Rights Act before introduction, and the acting Attorney-General concluded the bill appeared to be consistent with the Bill of Rights Act. Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the Government avoided proper scrutiny, bypassing consultation. We are asking the High Court to declare that the Governments actions are inconsistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 because of the discrimination New Zealand women will face as a result of the Governments action, she said. The Government silenced women but we know the High Court will listen to our claims. This is just the start of our campaign for pay equity for New Zealand women and we will be leaving no stone unturned to achieve pay equity. Pay equity protesters voice their opinions outside Parliament in May. Photo / RNZ, Marika Khabazi The decision to cancel claims that were about to be heard by the Employment Relations Authority is inconsistent with the constitutional foundations of New Zealand which do not provide for the Government to interfere with the judicial system in this way. Educational Institute national secretary Stephanie Mills said the Government did not follow a democratic process. The scrapping of the teachers claim without consultation and under urgency was a kick in the guts for our teacher members after years of blood, sweat and money getting the claim moving, she said. Wed had five years of work on it with hundreds of interviews with members about their work, and it was a genuinely joint process with the Ministry of Education and their pay equity team. NZNO delegate and Plunket nurse Hannah Cook said nurses and care workers were devastated by the scrapping of their pay equity claims. Plunket nurses were so close to finally having our hard work recognised. Nurses and care workers are the backbone of a caring society and the coalition Government needs to value us. These changes dont just impact us. They impact our families, our livelihoods and our quality of life, she said. The coalition Government has shown it doesnt value us nurses and those of us in women-dominated workforces. It is 2025, for goodness sake. We shouldnt still be paid less than those in male-dominated occupations. RNZ A car crashing into a wire median barrier on State Highway 2 in the Western Bay has reignited demands by residents for removal of the obstacles. Wright Rd residents have protested and petitioned against the barriers installed as part of a project by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). A spokesperson for Wright Rd residents, Fin McDonald, said they have long said the current installation was dangerous and want it changed. A press release based on the recent accident and a 268-page feasibility study provided to SunLive by McDonald, claimed the startling vehicle incident once again casts a spotlight on a controversial barrier layout implemented by NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Waka Kotahi, prompting renewed calls from residents and business owners for an urgent design review. McDonald said there was a 55m gap between the bridge and the start of the median barrier, with the carriageway width at the minimum requirement of 3.4m. This constrained space leaves little room for error in wet or lowvisibility conditions, contributing to the vehicle mounting the barrier and ending up precariously elevated. Residents and businesses have raised concerns since NZTAs installation of wire rope barriers between Waihi and Omokoroa started in 2021. The barriers prevent right turns on and off the highway to Wright Rd. Photo / David Hall These barriers blocked safe right turns into Wright Rd, with some drivers making dangerous, hazardous Uturns and occasional wrongside driving manoeuvres, said McDonald. NZTA spokesperson said SH2 between Waihi and Tauranga became known as the Horror Highway around 2016. There was significant public outcry to fix the road, including action groups, petitions and roadside protests, which garnered national media attention. A programme business case was developed and endorsed by the NZTA board. This included an assessment against the then Government Policy Statement on land transport. After this, the then Transport Minister announced a package to improve SH2 safety between Tauranga and Waihi with a budget of $520 million for the key Tauranga route. Safety improvements have been progressively carried out along this stretch of state highway with a median barrier installed on the section of SH2 between Morton Rd and Matahui Rd roundabouts in July 2024. Installation started progressively from mid-July. Since September 2024 until today, there have been nine recorded incidents by NZTA of left, right and central median barrier damage at differing sites between Dawson Rd and Wright Rd incidents which could have resulted in serious injury to road users. NZTA said there are many reasons why the car may have struck the barrier. Drivers are reminded to adjust their speed and driving behaviour to match the current road, weather and traffic situations. Police were alerted to a crash on State Highway 2 at Katikati after a driver lost control and crashed into wire barriers about 7.50pm on July 29 this year. Photo / Supplied Crash incident A police spokesman said police were alerted to a crash on SH2 at Katikati at 7.50pm on July 29. He said the report shows the driver had lost control and crashed into the wire barriers. The driver was warned for careless driving and was issued with an infringement notice for failing to drive within the lane. There were no injuries reported. The spokesman said motorists should drive to the conditions, and in wet weather that may mean slowing down so you have time to react to whats in front of you. The posted speed limit is not a target and it takes a lot longer to stop if you have to put the brakes on when driving on a wet road. Alberto Flores Cadiz Tuesday, 19 August 2025, 15:13 Share On the famous Los Canos de Meca beach - one of the most spectacular natural paradises in Spain - stands the iconic Trafalgar lighthouse. This monument is undoubtedly one of the most important and valuable such constructions in the Andalusian province of Cadiz. A lighthouse that carries very special symbolism and from which you can enjoy what for many is the most beautiful and longest sunset in the south of Spain. It is located at the end of Cape Trafalgar, famous for the naval battle that took place in 1805, in which the British destroyed the remains of the Spanish navy. The lighthouse itself has a long and extensive history. It was built between 1860 and 1862, under the direction of engineer Eduardo Saavedra Moragas. In 1860, the Almenara tower of Trafalgar was demolished, so some of these materials were reused in the construction of this beautiful and slender lighthouse, which was lit for the first time on 15 July 1862. Since then, it has become a reference for both the inhabitants of the whole area and for the ships sailing in the nearby waters. At first, its light had a range of 19 miles, but after some modifications in 1936, it managed to reach 40 miles. At 34 metres high, it dominates the entire surrounding area in a truly privileged location - a first-class natural environment, with spectacular views of the coastline of Los Canos de Meca. If we take the road that leads to the lighthouse, where there are several car parks, and then walk to the lighthouse, we can enjoy one of the most special experiences in the province of Cadiz, contemplating beautiful beaches to our left and right. Zoom The Trafalgar lighthouse, located on the cape of the same name, dominates the entire area. Cadiz Turismo Everything in this area has a truly magical flavour, but the sunset is probably the most special part, especially in the summer when the sun never seems to want to hide. You can contemplate a sunset that is unparalleled in practically all of Spain while looking towards the beach of Zahora. There is a wooden walkway that runs along the coast, crossing several cliffs and opening a path that overlooks the sea. Zoom The Trafalgar lighthouse overlooks two of the most beautiful beaches on the coast of Los Canos de Meca. Cadiz Turismo History, nature and architecture surround this valuable historic monument, which for decades has presided over one of the most beautiful spots in all of Spain. Silvia Tubio Huelva Tuesday, 19 August 2025 | Updated 20/08/2025 14:13h. Share The town hall in Escacena del Campo in the Huelva province of Spain's Andalucia region has issued a statement on social media confirming that at least one young girl was injured early on Sunday morning during the closing ceremony of the patron saint festivities, when a series of firework displays took place. The girl was watching the 'toro de fuego' (fire bull) performance - a man carrying a beast-shaped frame on his back from which fireworks are launched - when one of the pyrotechnic devices hit her. The municipal statement directly blames the person responsible for the device, accusing him of recklessness. "The person carrying the pyrotechnic device acted recklessly when he approached a group of young people sitting on a bench. Following this incident, we have also received testimonies from residents who reported previous reckless behaviour by this worker, such as attempting to carry the device into an area with parked vehicles." The town hall posted a video on its official Facebook page showing the moment the 'toro de fuego' charged at a group of people sitting on a bench. The municipality has initiated proceedings to file a complaint against the responsible person, although it is unclear whether he is an employee of the fireworks company that provided the display. The town hall has also assured the girl's family that the municipal team is available if they wish to take the matter to court. "We want to make it clear that we strongly condemn this type of irresponsible behavior, which has nothing to do with the festive and traditional essence of our celebration. The 'toro de fuego' should be a popular spectacle for enjoyment and fun, never a risk to the safety of those who do not actively participate or are merely spectators," the statement reads. For now, only the young girl has been confirmed as injured. She requires treatment for first- and second-degree burns. The town hall has also encouraged residents to report any other incidents that may have occurred during the early hours of Sunday morning. Eugenio Cabezas Axarquia Tuesday, 19 August 2025 | Updated 21/08/2025 18:23h. Share The small Axarquia village of El Borge in Malaga province, with barely 1,000 registered inhabitants, is one of the cradles of the Muscat of Alexandria grape. It is here that the exquisite raisins and wines are produced. Its charms attract thousands of visitors every year, as well as a good number of foreigners who decide to settle there. This is what German commercial aircraft pilot Christian Heisler did when he bought a house in the municipality, the landscape and people of which he has fallen "in love" with. Heisler has bought a house in the municipality, becoming a resettler who has fallen 'in love' with El Borge Heisler, who works for the airline TUI , is so enamored of El Borge that he has managed to convince his company to name one of the aircraft he pilots after the town. The tourism department of El Borge town hall proudly announced the news on social media, accompanying the post with photos of the pilot standing next to the 'Costa del Sol - El Borge' aircraft. "He feels so at home in El Borge that he wants to fly the flag for it. A token of affection for our town, for which we thank him," read the town hall message. The Maria Zambrano plane in 2018 It is not the first time that an airline operating on the Costa del Sol has made a nod to Malaga province. A similar gesture took place in 2018, when Norwegian dedicated a plane to illustrious philosopher Maria Zambrano - a new 189-seat Boeing 737 MAX8, its tail adorned with Zambrano's portrait. This was part of the airline's initiative to pay tribute to 109 illustrious figures from the fields of history, arts and sciences, 11 of whom were Spanish. The airline paid tribute to 109 illustrious figures from the fields of history, arts and sciences The portrait of Maria Zambrano was provided by the foundation named after her, which looked through the archives to opt for a photo from Zambrano's university years in Madrid, sometime between 1928 and 1930. Besides the Spanish personalities that Norwegian selected, there were prominent figures from the Nordic countries, the UK, Ireland, the US, Argentina and France. The Spanish portraits also included: navigators Christopher Columbus and Juan Sebastian Elcano; lawyer and politician Clara Campoamor; Nobel Prize winner for Medicine Santiago Ramon y Cajal; authors Miguel de Cervantes, Gloria Fuertes, Rosalia de Castro and Benito Perez Galdos; painter Joan Miro and musician Paco de Lucia. Jose Carlos Garcia Benalmadena Tuesday, 19 August 2025, 11:14 Share Benalmadena town hall will assume the obligations imposed on local administrations by the Spanish law 7/2023, on the protection of the rights and welfare of animals. It will now take charge of the collection, accommodation, maintenance and veterinary care of abandoned or stray animals, as other town halls on the Costa del Sol have been doing in recent months. The service has been put out to tender for slightly more than 496,000 euros and a duration of two years, but what sets it apart from other municipalities is that the council has included in the contract the control of wild species such as pigeons, seagulls and wild boar. With regard to pigeons, the specific technical specifications foresee a scope of action limited to Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmadena Pueblo, with the possibility of selective captures in public areas when it is necessary to reduce the population and their transfer to a facility registered as a zoological centre. In addition, an inspection of the areas with the highest incidence of birds will be carried out, with a minimum of four annual assessments (one per quarter), which the specifications foresee could be doubled and which will affect different parts of Benalmadena Pueblo and Arroyo de la Miel. The successful bidder will also be obliged to control seagull nests in all municipal buildings, which must be removed within 48 hours of notification. The contract covers the capture of wild boar and feral pigs, as well as poultry on the public highway The contract not only includes procedures for the control of wildlife such as pigeons and seagulls, but also wild boar, which the specifications consider "an increasingly frequent problem in Benalmadena". The action envisaged for these cases is that set out in a resolution of the Andalusian regional government in 2023, which establishes the possibility, on non-hunting land, the placement of traps for wild boar and feral pigs. Last June, the regional administration declared a hunting emergency situation in relation to these animals for the eleventh consecutive year. Poultry on the public highway are also part of the subject of the contract. Emergency and 24-hour care The company awarded the contract will have to respond to instructions from the municipal health department or the Local Police, "giving priority to emergencies", which include sick, injured, aggressive animals or animals in circumstances that could pose a risk to people, other animals or themselves. The response time for these cases should be 45 minutes, while for non-urgent scenarios it will be three hours. The animals must be transferred to a veterinary assistance service to be provided by the supplier, which must be operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for urgent cases. The centre must have the capacity to house up to 40 animals, plus a separate area for cats, and the facilities must have lighting and ventilation to ensure "thermal comfort", as well as exercise and resting areas for the animals. SUR Malaga Tuesday, 19 August 2025, 10:34 | Updated 17:40h. Share Spain continues to burn for the tenth consecutive day. There are still more than 40 active forest fires, four deaths recorded and thousands evacuated. The wave of wildfires continues relentless in the north-west and west of the Spanish mainland, with Orense, Leon, Salamanca and Caceres in the eye of the storm. As a result, a team of firefighters from Malaga province has been mobilised in Orense to assist the extinguishing work. The group is made up of 16 firefighters: ten from the CPB provincial fire brigade and six from the municipal fire prevention and extinction service of Fuengirola, including their chief Jose Julian Bueno. El operativo de 16efectivos y 7vehiculos del #CPBMalaga y #BomerosFuengirola desplazado en #Ourense ya se encuentra apoyando a los efectivos gallegos en los trabajos de extincion tanto en #Verin como en #OBarcodeValdeorras#IFOurense @diputacionMLG pic.twitter.com/cCqEaOLdHY CPB Malaga (@cpbmalaga) August 19, 2025 The firefighters travelled with nine vehicles: three trucks, one heavy forestry fire engine and two heavy rural fire engines, in addition to three light vehicles. They set off from Antequera at around 9am on Monday. Their task is "to collaborate in the extinguishing work and, especially, to support the protection of homes, also contributing to the relief of personnel in the area. All of them will remain at the disposal of the single emergency command to intervene as necessary". DAMASCUS, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Two members of the Syrian security forces were killed in an armed attack in the coastal city of Tartous, Syria's state-run SANA news agency reported Tuesday. The incident occurred in the morning as security personnel inspected a suspicious vehicle during a routine patrol, when one of the occupants opened fire, killing both officers, according to an unnamed security official. The attackers fled the scene, and authorities have launched a manhunt to track down the vehicle and apprehend those responsible, according to SANA. Meanwhile, the war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Tartous saw a heightened security presence, including drone surveillance, following the attack. Cristina Vallejo Malaga Tuesday, 19 August 2025 | Updated 20/08/2025 11:23h. Share There are 378 people over 100 years of age living in the Malaga province, the majority of them (289) women, compared to only 89 men. This means that 75% (three out of every four centenarians) are women. The statistics for the area which includes the Costa del Sol are not too different from the figures in Spain as a whole. According to the continuous population survey published by the INE national institute of statistics, there were 19,190 centenarians spread across the country on 1 July 2025. Of them, 81% (15,625) were women. The proportion of females is similar in the Andalucia region - 80% of the total or 1,574 women out of the 1,940 individuals. Despite the slightly lower proportion of female centenarians in the province, it still proves that women live longer than men. 378 people over 100 years of age in Malaga province Of these, 289 (75%) are women, compared to fewer than 100 men This is also reflected in the life expectancy figures. Life expectancy at 65 years of age - the time remaining once that age has been reached - is 19.65 years for men and 23.49 for women in Spain as a whole. At 85 years, it is 6.45 for men and 7.75 for women. Life expectancy at birth is 81.1 years for men and 86.3 years for women. These all correspond to 2023, when the latest available data was recorded. The gender gap is therefore 5.2 years in favour of women, although it has been narrowing in recent years: it was six years in 2010 and more than seven years in the 90s. This is because male life expectancy has been catching up with female life expectancy: reports state that men have significantly reduced their mortality from external causes and cardiovascular diseases, while women have acquired some of their risk factors. 188% is how much the number of centenarians in Malaga has grown since 2005 The number of women is 201% higher than 20 years ago, while the number of men over 100 years has increased by 154% The gap is narrowing and both men and women continue to improve their life expectancy, although men are doing it faster. The same happens with people over the age of 100. In Malaga province, the number of female centenarians has increased by 201% since 2005, while the male proportion has grown by 154%. The tables have turned in the last decade. Since 2015, the growth of male centenarians in the province has outstripped that of female centenarians: men over the age of 100 have risen by 93%, while women have done it only by 74%. Let's look at the absolute numbers. In 2005, there were 131 people (both sexes) over 100 years of age; 212 in 2015; and 378 this summer. Of those, women were 96 in 2005; 166 ten years ago; and 289 now. At the same time, there were 35 men in 2005; 46 in 2015 and 89 in 2025. Although they have picked up speed in achieving ever greater longevity, today there are still fewer men over 100 years of age (89) than there were women two decades ago (96). Similar is the situation at the national level. In Spain as a whole, the number of women over the age of 100 has grown by 288% over the last 20 years, compared to the 203% in the case of men. In the last decade, however, the number of men who have reached the age of 100 has risen by 103% compared to 81% for women. At the same time, the number of men who have passed the age of 100 in Spain today (3,565) is smaller than the number of women over 100 years two decades ago (4,020). The Costa del Sol province ranks sixth in terms of total population, with almost 1.8 million inhabitants, behind Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Seville. Meanwhile, in terms of the number of centenarians, it is in 14th place in Spain. Ahead of it, in addition to the country's most populated provinces, are others such as Asturias (with more than 650 centenarians, the fourth highest figure in Spain), as well as Pontevedra (508), Leon (420) and Burgos (381). Jose Antonio Sau Malaga Tuesday, 19 August 2025, 11:21 Share Malaga's Hospital Clinico Universitario Virgen de la Victoria is giving patients a sense of being at the Feria de Malaga 2025 by hanging decorations in an area reminiscent of a classic 'caseta' stall at the Cortijo de Torres fairgrounds. The health centre launches this initiative every year. On Monday, mayor Francisco de la Torre was accompanied by councillors Elisa Perez de Siles and Carmen Casero on a visit to the city hospital. Among the figures of authority who joined the mayor was regional delegate for health and consumer affairs Carlos Bautista and other health officials. All of them visited the oncohematology and the neurology units to greet several patients and their families. Upon arrival, the mayor was welcomed by members of the Cortijo Alto Christian choir. Summer fair at the Hospital Clinico This activity is part of the series of initiatives that the hospital has organised to ensure that the city's big week is experienced by each and every patient who is admitted to the health facility. De la Torre wanted to personally "greet some of the patients admitted and their families and companions and convey his wishes of encouragement, positivity and hope for a speedy recovery". As in previous years, the hospital brought the joy of the fair that extends to all corners of the city in August. The official poster provided by the city council has been hung in the 'blue' courtyard. As was the case last year, the decorations also feature a new entrance arch, crafted from recycled wood by patient and retired carpenter Juan Rodriguez. Zoom The mayor greets one of the patients. SUR In addition, this small corner of the fair includes "a special decoration simulating a traditional fair stand, like the ones in Cortijo de Torres, with classic elements and floral decorations". The artistic installations were created by Viveros Guzman and Toni Sanchez. The latter works as an assistant in neurology at the hospital. These activities are part of the 'humanisation' plan, which aims to make the stay of patients and accompanying persons more pleasant, bringing traditions closer to people who cannot celebrate due to health reasons. Enrique Miranda Malaga Tuesday, 19 August 2025, 20:06 Share "The air smells of burning and the sky is dark"; "a fire-fighting helicopter is flying over the mountains". The messages in the WhatsApp chats of the villages of the Serrania de Ronda in Malaga province have been full of such messages this Tuesday afternoon. They are from local residents of Jimera de Libar, Benaojan, Montejaque and Cortes de la Frontera and most of them show their concern about a possible forest fire in the area. Nobody has seen any flames, but many see the black sky, smoke in the air, the smell of burning and hear the sound of a Plan Infoca aircraft, the Junta de Andalucia's fire prevention service, flying over the area. But in reality there is no fire; what has alerted many residents of the villages of the Serrania de Ronda this Tuesday is the smoke from the large wildfires burning in Spain's Extremadura region, which has reached the Andalusian provinces of Huelva, Cadiz, the countryside of Seville and of course the province of Malaga. A tongue of smoke which crosses practically the whole of western Andalucia and which has caused a great deal of alarm, together with the smell of burning which can be perceived in several municipalities. This concern has reached the 112 Andalucia emergency services control room and even the local councils in the area who have had to send messages of reassurance to their residents via social media networks to inform them that no fire has been detected locally. "We inform you that the smoke in suspension that is perceived in our town comes from the active fires in Portugal, Huelva and Extremadura. This situation can generate respiratory discomfort, especially in sensitive people, so we recommend avoiding prolonged outdoor activities and keep doors and windows closed if you notice the smell of smoke," posted Montecorto town hall on Instagram, in a message also shared by municipalities such as Gaucin and Arriate. "We would like to inform our residents that the smoke that can be observed at the moment in our town is due to the fires that are burning in Extremadura and Portugal. We ask our residents for caution. In case you see a nearby fire or a situation that requires it, do not hesitate to call 112," explained Benaojan town hall. "The Plan Infoca helicopter is flying over the area as a preventive measure. The clearest hypothesis given to us by 112 Andlaucia is that the winds are carrying the smoke from the fires in Extremadura, Portugal and northern Spain. So, there is no need to worry right now for our area. We hope that the other regions of Spain will be able to put out their fires as soon as possible, "Mucho animo!" said the communique from the town hall in Cortes de la Frontera. The council in Montejaque also wanted to send messages of calm to its residents. "For now there is no reason for concern in our area". Zoom Satellite images clearly show the column of smoke that covers the entire western part of the Spanish mainland, covered with a dense haze. The same concern has also reached all the nearby municipalities of the Sierra de Cadiz, such as Ubrique, Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema. Some regions of Spain, such as Castilla y Leon, have recommended that the population take precautionary measures - such as avoiding activities involving physical exertion outdoors - in view of the high concentrations of particles which are a direct consequence of the emissions caused by the numerous forest fires. SUR Ronda Tuesday, 19 August 2025, 17:53 Share The Alejandro Farnesio 4th Tercio infantry unit of the Spanish Legion has been decorated for its work in the 'Dana' flooding disaster that particularly hit the Valencia region of Spain last autumn. The Operacion Inundaciones medal commemorates the unit's efforts in recovery and clean-up following this severe weather event. This medal has been awarded to 50 legionnaires from the unit based at Ronda on behalf of their comrades. Spain's Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, accompanied by the Spanish Army's Chief of Staff, insisted that "each and every one of the members of the armed forces are exceptional, they make Spain a great country and are always at the disposal of the people." This is what she declared at the award ceremony for this special medal, which also included male and female representatives for the legionnaires who "were there from the first moment to help in the tragedy, being a support and refuge for those who needed support." For those who stepped up and travelled to go and help on the ground where the aid was most needed, "it has given us great satisfaction to have been there, to have helped and contributed with our input", said General Carreras, head of the Legion's 2nd Brigade Rey Alfonso XIII. 2,500 legionnaires More than 2,500 legionnaires were involved in the aftermath of the 'Dana', with 13 turnarounds of clearing-up duties in Valencia. They were based mainly in the badly-hit town of Paiporta, where they carried out cleaning tasks in garages and public car parks whilst not forgetting the important social work that came with all that. In one such case, the legionnaires kept company with and cared for an elderly woman in her nineties as she coped with the consequences of social isolation at home, even nicknaming her their "second grandmother". "Being able to help people, as you do, and as others are doing now in the fight against the wildfires, always with professionalism, but without neglecting the human element, is something that makes us all proud," stated the minister, who did not fail to stress that "that is why the armed forces are the most highly valued institution in our country." The 4th Tercio Alejandro Farnesio unit is located in Ronda, in the 2nd barracks of the Legion's brigade to which it belongs, forming one of the brigade's fundamental elements of infantry-based manoeuvres. This brigade is the largest in the Legion and its more than 2,000 male and female legionnaires are highly trained to participate in international peacekeeping and permanent missions, as well as in operations to support the population in natural disasters, fires and floods, as happened in Valencia. Cristina Vallejo Tuesday, 19 August 2025, 15:00 Share Malaga province exported goods worth just over 1.68 billion euros in the first half of 2025, a figure 2.3% higher than the volume of foreign sales recorded in the same period of the previous year. According to the Spanish government's monthly foreign trade report published on Monday by the ministry of economy, trade and enterprise, this is the highest export figure for a first half-year in Malaga province. This has been possible thanks to the contribution of the primary sector and the agri-food industry, especially olive oil, which, despite a price drop, has been able to increase its foreign sales volume, as well as capital goods, which continue to gain a share of the province's foreign sales. 1.19 billion euros trade surplus in Andalucia in the first half of this year. It is the only autonomous region in Spain to export more than it imports. While this is happening in Malaga, in Andalucia as a whole, the volume of exports recorded in the first half of this year, over 21.34 billion euros, is identical to that of the first half of 2024. However, as a singular fact highlighted by the regional ministry for the economy, the region of Andalucia has a positive trade balance, that is, it exports more than it imports. To be precise, between January and June, its foreign trade balance accumulated a surplus of just over 1.19 billion euros. This compares with the deficits of the other two regions in Spain's top three exporting regions, Catalonia and Madrid, which accumulated a deficit to June of 7.06 and 26.01 billion euros respectively, with exports of more than 51.1 billion euros for Catalonia and over 26.57 billion euros for Madrid. Along with Malaga, other Andalusian provinces that also set records for foreign sales in the first half of 2025 are Almeria, Cordoba and Granada. However, Cadiz led the growth in exports, with a 15.2% increase to over 4.35 billion euros. Seville is the regional leader in foreign sales, with almost 4.43 billion euros, despite having fallen by 16.2% compared to the same period last year. For Spain as a whole, foreign sales in the first half of the year exceeded 197.15 billion euros, a year-on-year increase of 1%. This is accompanied by a trade deficit of more than 25 billion euros. Leading export products As far as the main products traded by Andalucia are concerned, vegetables lead the way, with their best-ever exports since records began at 2.65 billion euros, representing a growth of 9.8% and accounting for 12.5% of total exports. Fruits grew by 13.7% to 2.4 billion euros, representing 11.2% of total Andalusian sales to other countries. Olive oil ranked third and, although sales value fell by 19.1% compared to the same time last year, dropping to 1.97 billion euros (9.3% of Andalusia's total exports) due to the fall in prices, sales volume grew by 41% to 445,000 tonnes. Regarding industry, copper and copper products stand out in Andalucia, with 1.12 billion euros in overseas sales (5.3% of the total, after a 17.9% year-on-year increase). 843.7 million euros worth of food, drinks and tobacco goods were exported in the first half of this year. They account for half of all exports from the Costa del Sol province between January and June. Meanwhile, what is happening in Malaga? The largest export sector is food, beverages and tobacco, with 843.7 million euros between January and June, a drop of 6.7% year-on-year. Despite this fall, it still represents half of all foreign sales so far this year. The second largest export sector in the province is capital goods, with 228.5 million euros, an increase of 14.6% year-on-year. It accounts for 13.5% of the province's total sales to other countries in this first half-year. These figures only partially reflect the impact of recent US tariffs: the 10% tariff rate began to be applied in early April. However, it was not until the end of July that negotiations with the Trump administration culminated in Brussels accepting a 15% tariff on all products. For Andalucia, the leading export destination market so far this year is Germany, with 2.51 billion euros (11.8% of the total), followed by France (1.947 billion euros, representing 9.1%). The United States is the fifth largest international customer for Andalusian goods and the largest non-European market, with 1.32 billion euros (6.2% of the total). For Malaga, exports to the United States account for approximately 10% of total foreign sales. The impact of tariffs on the volume of international trade remains unknown, although Malaga's confederation of business owners (CEM), assuming sales to the United States of 300 million euros this year, estimated the cost of the tariffs would amount to 45 million euros, a figure that would be felt especially in the olive oil sector. It is also unknown whether Malaga will achieve another foreign sales record this year, after four in a row: in the year of the pandemic it exported goods worth 2.26 billion euros, while in 2024 it reached just over 3.27 billion. Maria Eugenia Alonso Madrid Tuesday, 19 August 2025, 15:51 Share Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez has announced that next Tuesday the top government ministers will declare those areas most affected by the devastating wave of forest fires currently raging in the northwest of Spain as 'disaster' zones. It will have the most impact on the provinces of Orense, Zamora, Leon and the region of Extremadura. From the command post in Jarilla (Caceres), where he met with the technicians who are in charge of extinguishing this fire, which is still out of control and which has already burnt more than 15,500 hectares, Pedro Sanchez stressed that in a crisis of this nature, "institutional loyalty, the desire for shared collaboration and regional solidarity and solidarity between countries is fundamental". Accompanied by the President of the Junta de Extremadura, Maria Guardiola, the head of central government announced that he is preparing aid for the fires once the "economic impact" of the crisis and the state resources that will accompany "the task of reconstruction" have been quantified. Sanchez from the PSOE political party also took advantage of his appearance to defend the need for a state pact to alleviate the effects of climate change, as he has put on the table and which the opposition Partido Popular has branded a "smokescreen". "Science and common sense tell us that the climate is changing, that the climate emergency is changing and that it is having a greater and greater impact. There is only one answer: institutional unity. After his visit to Jarandillas, the PM will go to Molezuelas de la Caballeda (Zamora) in the afternoon, together with the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, another of the worst affected areas in the current wave of fires. Miriam Antolin Castilla y Leon Tuesday, 19 August 2025, 10:46 Share One firefighter, 57, has died after the fire engine in which he was travelling overturned and fell down a steep slope near Espinoso de Compludo, Leon. The second occupant of the vehicle, 30, was only slightly injured and has already been discharged from Hospital del Bierzo. The tragic news was confirmed by president of the regional government of Castilla y Leon Alfonso Fernandez Manueco, who expressed his deepest condolences to the victim's family, friends and colleagues. The deceased firefighter was born in Orense, but he had been living in the province of Soria for more than 30 years. He had been working as a forestry official and a fire engine driver with the regional government since 2010. A convoy from Soria The deceased was part of the convoy that left Soria with a total of 22 forestry workers on Saturday afternoon to join the firefighting operation. According to the first alerts to 112, the accident occurred around 10.20pm, when the fire engine deviated from the road and fell into a ravine. It was part of the convoy that was leaving the fire area to rest near a steep slope in the forest. For some unknown reason, the vehicle approached the slope and overturned, trapping one of the occupants. Sacyl health resources and members of the Guardia Civil, the Ponferrada fire brigade and the Ponferrada Local Police were mobilised to the scene. The man trapped inside the vehicle was pronounced dead, while the other occupant, who was found unconscious outside the fire engine, was rushed to hospital. The regional government recognised the work and commitment of the deceased firefighter and his dedication to fighting forest fires and protecting the natural heritage of Castilla y Leon. Fernandez Manueco also extended his wishes for a quick recovery to the injured worker. Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez also expressed his grief over the death of the forest firefighter in a message on social media. "We will not forget your work and dedication," Sanchez said. Two other people, 35 and 37, died while volunteering in the efforts to extinguish the fire in Molezuelas de la Carballeda (Zamora), which reached the province of Leon. J. de Velasco / L. Albor / J. Torres Madrid Tuesday, 19 August 2025, 09:08 | Updated 09:16h. Share Spain's forests still bear the memory of the fire that devastated the country in 2022. According to Copernicus data (the EU's satellite observation programme), numerous outbreaks, such as the one in Sierra de la Culebra in Zamora, burned a total of 306,555 hectares. This figure was higher only in 1994, when the area burned amounted to more than 437,000 hectares, according to the Ministry of Agriculture's forest fire analysis reports. The wave of wildfires that Spain is suffering at the moment is getting closer and closer to that of 31 years ago. The tragedy in 2022 has already been exceeded by more than 40,000 hectares, although there were 493 fires three years ago, compared to less than half that figure this year - 228. Copernicus points out that the surface area devastated this summer has already reached 348,238 hectares - the highest figure in the historical series, which began in 2006, and in the last three decades. Zoom The situation is particularly worrying in Zamora, Leon, Orense and Extremadura, where the fire in Jarilla has been advancing. There are currently 40 active fires in Spain, 23 of which are "particularly worrying", as minister for ecological transition and the demographic challenge Sara Aagesen said on Monday. All hopes are pinned on the eventual end of the heatwave, which has been active in the country for the past few weeks. The high temperatures in the last few days, the low humidity and the intense winds have been the perfect cocktail for the advance of fires. A change in weather conditions will favour their extinguishing. Lower temperatures The drop in temperatures that showed the first signs on Monday, except in areas of Alicante and Murcia, where the red heat warnings continued, is expected to spread to the rest of the Spanish mainland today. Cooler winds linked to Atlantic fronts will also arrive. "The drop in temperatures, as well as some rainfall in Asturias, Galicia, Cantabria and even the north of Leon, will benefit the extinguishing of the westernmost fires," said meteorologist Francisco Martin Leon, adding that the air will also increase in humidity. The fire in Extremadura, however, will only slow down if the temperatures drop. These favourable conditions will last until Thursday. Temperatures are expected to rise again on Friday, but only for a short while, because the arrival of a 'Dana' (cold drop) will change the conditions once again on Sunday. Regardless of these transitions, temperatures will not be as high as those of the first half of August. The year 2025 marks the 60th founding anniversary of China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The region has witnessed tremendous cultural development. The year 2025 marks the 60th founding anniversary of China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The region has witnessed tremendous cultural development. by Fayez Elzaki EL FASHER, Sudan, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- I walked beside Nora Abdel Rahman on Aug. 10 as dawn broke over the southern neighborhoods of El Fasher, a city in the Darfur region of southwestern Sudan. The air, thick with dust, carried the metallic scent of desperation. At 35, Nora's thin frame pushed a wooden cart laden with sorghum flour sacks, a fragile cargo in a place where hunger gnaws even louder than war. Once a teacher nurturing hope with pens and notebooks, Nora now navigates the streets of cracked homes and rag-stuffed windows. As we walked side by side through the alleys, I saw children huddling in scant shade, their hollow eyes tracking her cart. I felt a stifling quietness, broken only by a child's whimper or a sick elder's cough. "Why this work?" I asked Nora. She stopped, rested on a crumbling wall, and wiped sweat from her brow: "The day the school closed as battles intensified, I watched my students leave -- some unsure if they'd return. Neighbors knocked, asking for sugar or oil. I remembered my classroom notebook ... why not turn it into another kind of notebook? A notebook of hungry families." She then flipped open the worn pages of the notebook she carries everywhere: "I began by writing down names -- who had a sick child, who'd lost a breadwinner, the widows, the elderly. That was my first step." By mid-morning, Nora's deliveries began. At Um Nadir's, five children were clinging to their mother's faded dress when the door was opened. The woman's exhausted face softened as Nora handed her flour and oil. Then, Nora paused to catch her breath at Uncle Hassan's door before offering him flour and lentils. With each stop, Nora would scribble urgent notes: Oil out here. Children need shoes. Mother ill, medicine needed. By midday, we reached another home. Nora left flour and sugar silently at the door. Her earth-toned scarf slipped, and a strand of hair caught the scorching sun. This work, born from her solitary acts and fueled by scraps of better-off neighbors' generosity, has become what Nora called "something like a charity organization." As shadows lengthened at dusk, Nora's cart emptied, and we returned to her home. Nora's shoes were powdered with dust. Her shoulders slumped, but her heart was lighter. Putting her cart aside, she immediately set her notebook on the table and quietly began planning for the next day. Nora told me her challenges are relentless: insecurity rising from the years-long conflict, dwindling flour stocks, and her own bone-deep weariness, among others. When I asked her about her dream, she offered a faint smile: "My dream is to return to my classroom, to see my students eat before they learn -- and for the word siege to exist only in history books, read in safe schools." "Hunger cannot defeat a society that stays united. Whenever I hear of a child lost to malnutrition, I write down more names -- as if making a vow that no one else will fall silently," she said. The conflict in Sudan erupted in April 2023 over a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), devastating the country's infrastructure, killing tens of thousands, displacing millions, and creating a severe humanitarian crisis. El Fasher, the last major city in the vast Darfur region not under RSF control, has been the epicenter of the conflict and under siege by the RSF since May 2024. Since then, grain prices have screamed into madness. Most communal kitchens, known locally as Takayas, have shuttered. The United Nations and local relief networks warn of a "particularly dire" humanitarian crisis in the city: nearly 40 percent of El Fasher's under-five children suffer acute malnutrition, including 11 percent facing death threats. Beyond Nora's cart, I found other acts of benevolence in the city witnessing growing human tragedies. In the Al-Karanik neighbourhood, Zainab Ishaq would stir a pot of aseeda each afternoon. No meat, no onions, the faint aroma of the porridge nevertheless lures each hungry child nearby. "Flour is scarce, and the ingredients are simple," she told me, serving modest portions. "But how can I close my door when I hear a neighbor's child crying? One bite can be enough for many. Hunger unites us; it doesn't divide us." Through Nora's notebook and Ishaq's pot, I witnessed a miracle: The human hand still feeds even when humanitarian aid itself has become a target. Those handwritten vows and generous hearts could be the most vital lifeline. Yet how long they hold is anyone's guess. Buffalo N.Y. - A childrens hospital in Buffalo is the next to be named after Tom Golisano, the billionaire who also has donated millions of dollars to Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. The John R. Oishei Childrens Hospital and Kaleida Health announced this week that Golisano is donating $50 million toward pediatric care at the states only standalone childrens hospital. Like in Syracuse and in Rochester, the Buffalo hospitals name will change to reflect the donor and donation. The hospital will become the Golisano Childrens Hospital of Buffalo in January 2026. We are exceptionally grateful to Tom Golisano for this historic gift, which will make an incredible impact on our mission to advance the health of our communitys moms, kids and babies, Don Boyd, president and CEO of Kaleida Health, said in the release. The Paychex founder and philanthropist already has strong ties to the medical community across Upstate. His name features on the University of Rochester-Golisano Childrens Hospital in Rochester and Upstate Golisano Childrens Hospital in Syracuse. He also has one more childrens hospital in his name in Fort Myers, Florida. Golisano also re-affirmed his commitment to developing medical care in Central New York after donating $10 million to Upstate earlier this year. This support is about ensuring that every child, no matter their circumstances, has access to the highest quality care close to home, Golisano said in the press release from earlier today. New York is continuing to mail STAR property tax credit checks to residents across the state. The state Department of Taxation and Finance has a tool that lets you look up whether checks have started mailing to your municipality. You can find it online and search for every school district and town in Onondaga County and elsewhere. In the last act of a life devoted to civic mindedness, the Hon. James Geddes, the grandson and namesake of the man that first surveyed the original route for the Erie Canal in 1808, set in motion the process that made the Central City the permanent home of the New York State Fair. Geddes served successfully as the manager of the state fair for several years, when during the 1886 fair in Utica, he decided it was time for the fair to cease its itinerant life and settle down for good. A far cry from the humble beginnings when it was first held at Syracuse in 1841, in and around the old courthouse bounded by North Salina, Division, Townsend, and Ash Streets. The animals and other exhibitions at that inaugural fair, the nations first, were displayed in the groves near Townsend Street. An estimated crowd of 10,000 people attended. Over the ensuing decades, the New York State fair grew in scope and in popularity. For the first next 49 years, however, the event moved all over the state. The New York State Agricultural Society, the group responsible for mounting the annual exhibitions, had been discussing the idea of a permanent home for several years, citing the practicality and advantages of a dedicated infrastructure. The cover of the program for the 1899 New York State Fair. The first in the nation state fair was known as the "World's Greatest Agricultural Exhibition." Courtesy of the Onondaga Historical Association Unfortunately, Geddes died in 1887, shortly after his machinations began in earnest. This was tricky business, as the rivalries that existed between the upstate cities seemed to grow more competitive with each passing year. Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, Utica, and even Elmira, all believed they could offer a superior staging ground for the states extravaganza. After Geddes passed away in May 1887, several prominent Syracusans, including A.C. Chase, C.C. Bradley, L.C. Smith and Dennis McCarthy, began a concerted to do whatever was necessary to bring the state fair back home to the Salt City permanently. Successful businessmen all, these gentlemen knew very well the economic boon that would come to the community were they able to persuade the Agricultural Society. They held regular meetings and fund-raising drives. Their goal was two-fold. First, they wanted to demonstrate the citys popular enthusiasm for the project. Second, they wanted to raise the funds necessary to purchase land. It was with these goals in mind that on November 28, 1888, the Syracuse Land Company (SLC) was incorporated, with a capital stock of $30,000. Over the next year, agents of the Syracuse Land Company (SLC) worked to convince the States Agricultural Society that the nomadic fair had outgrown its utility. Their primary argument was spatial. Syracuse offered a central geographical location at the center of a superb transportation system, which, they argued set the city apart. As such, the agents of the SLC looked at a variety of locations locally to act as the new host site, including Nichols Farm located between Butternut Creek and the Widewaters in East Syracuse. Ultimately, they settled on the 100-acre Smith, Powell, and Lamb farm, on the western shores of Onondaga Lake, situated right near the Erie Canal and the D, L &W and NYCRR in, rather appropriately, the township of Geddes. They offered the parcel to the State Agricultural Society. On February 5, 1890, the Association of County Agricultural Societies passed a resolution confirming their approval of the fairs new permanent home, which at that point had grown to encompass 128 acres. Work began on the permanent buildings and racetrack almost immediately. That September, the citizens of Syracuse welcomed their fellow New Yorkers to the fairs new home for the first time. In 1899, New York State assumed control of the fair at the behest of the Agricultural Society, which was reeling from construction costs associated with the new site. Who says you cant go home again? Robert Searings weekly articles are supported by the William G. Pomeroy Public History Media Series. To learn more about the William G. Pomeroy Foundations work to promote public history, visit wgpfoundation.org. The New York State Fair has always offered a bit of everything when it comes to food and drinks. Italian sausage. Wine slushies. Pizze Fritte. The $1 Baked Potato. (All made our recent State Fair Food Hall of Fame.) This year, fair food vendors are jumping on one of the hottest culinary fads in recent memory: Dubai chocolate. The Mediterranean-inspired confection that combines chocolate with roasted pistachios, pastry and spices will be found in some form at at least four state fair stands. The biggest splash may be at two adjacent stands in the Dairy Products Building. A Dubai chocolate bar will be served at the Homemade Old Fashioned Fudge Stand across from the milk bar. And at the Maurices Belgian Waffles Stand, next to the fudge bar, youll find Dubai chocolate-covered strawberries and Dubai chocolate croissants. We kind of thought the whole Dubai chocolate thing might be going away, said Mike Tadros, who operates both stands with his brother David and their brother-in-law, Wahid Akl. But its not going anywhere, Tadros said, so we decided, Lets do it. Akl, the chocolatier in the family, tested his Dubai chocolate bar last month at the St. Elias Middle Eastern Festival. It was a big hit. Akl said the bar is made with premium chocolate, knafeh (pastry) crunch, hints of warm spice, infused with roasted pistachios. Its something special weve been working on for a long time, he said. Dubai chocolate-covered strawberries will be featured at the Maurice's Belgian Waffle stand in the Dairy Products Building at the 2025 NY State Fair. (Tadros Pastries) Tadros Pastries At the Belgian Waffle stand, meanwhile, the new strawberry treats will come in both regular chocolate and Dubai. The Dubai version features both pistachio cream and crushed pistachios. This is far from your average chocolate fruit cup, Akl said. Its meant to surprise your tastebuds and dazzle your eyes. Dubai chocolate-covered bacon will be featured at the Country Corner stand in The Eatery Building at the 2025 NY State Fair. (Courtesy Country Corner) Country Corner A whole different take on Dubai chocolate will be found at the Country Corner stand in The Eatery building, operated by Reeves Farms. This stands new treat is Dubai chocolate-covered bacon on a stick. Its a follow-up to the stands chocolate-covered bacon, which debuted a few years ago. It starts with two pieces of hardwood-smoked bacon, strung on a bamboo stick and baked, Patrick Reeves said. The pieces are then layered with Kunafa pistachio imported from Turkey and then infused with tahini. The bacon is layered with both milk and white chocolate. We wanted to do our best to replicate the trendy chocolate, Reeves said. The Chocolate Treat stand in the Horticulture Building will serve Dubai chocolate items at the 2025 NY State Fair. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com) Also joining in is The Chocolate Treat stand in the Horticulture Building. Its offering both bars and strawberry cups made with Dubai chocolate. Another stand serving Dubai chocolate is one of this years new vendors, Be Berries. Its stand along State Fair Boulevard near the military exhibits will serve Dubai-covered strawberry and banana. Its obviously a big thing this year, Akl said. The way its going, it may still be here for years to come. BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to strengthen exchange and cooperation with various countries to let sci-tech innovations empower global development and modernization, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Tuesday. Mao made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked about the 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games held in Beijing last weekend. Robotics teams from 15 countries participated in the event, which, some commentators said, showed China's competitiveness and influence in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics. "I have also watched the videos, and humanoid robots are moving from laboratories to daily life," Mao said. She noted that recently, China has held events such as the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, the World Robot Conference and the World Humanoid Robot Games, which showcased achievements of innovation in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics and built a platform for international exchange in cutting-edge technology and dialogue on future industries. China holds that it is only through openness and cooperation that sci-tech innovation and human progress can be made, Mao said. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. LHASA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region will allocate an additional 2 billion yuan (about 280.4 million U.S. dollars) to launch ten new livelihood initiatives, the regional government has said. These supplementary initiatives -- focusing on income augmentation, childcare support, elderly care services, and healthcare improvements -- will complement the region's existing 14.8 billion yuan allocation for 28 ongoing welfare projects throughout 2025. Key policies include free neonatal medical insurance, childcare subsidies for families with children aged under three, winter heating subsidies for low-income households, increased accidental injury insurance payouts, higher basic pensions, and enhanced health checks and heating allowances for high-altitude workers. Seven of the ten initiatives offer universal coverage, while three target vulnerable groups and distinguished contributors to society, the government added. In recent years, Xizang has prioritized addressing urgent and difficult problems affecting its residents, and also planning and implementing a range of practical livelihood programs. Since 2021, over 80 percent of Xizang's annual fiscal expenditure has been directed to public welfare. Total livelihood spending from 2021 to 2024 reached 860.1 billion yuan. In 2024 alone, such expenditure hit 245.5 billion yuan, accounting for a record 84 percent of the region's fiscal budget. Spanish PM says 'difficult hours remain' in wildfire fight Madrid, Aug 19 (AFP) Aug 19, 2025 Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned Tuesday that "difficult hours remain" in the fight against wildfires that have ravaged a record area of land, despite temperatures dropping. "I ask the media, and also citizens, to exercise extreme caution, to not let our guard down. Critical moments remain, difficult hours remain," he said during a visit to the hard-hit western region of Extremadura. After 16 days of scorching heat, hitting 40C in many parts of Spain, Tuesday saw lower temperatures and higher air humidity across the country. The improved weather conditions gave firefighters an edge in their battle against massive fires raging in western Spain that have burned over 100,000 hectares (nearly 250,000 acres) in less than two weeks. Some 373,000 hectares have been scorched in Spain this year, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. That marks the country's worst fire season since records began in 2006, surpassing 2022, when 306,000 hectares were consumed by flames. A firefighter was killed in a road accident in Spain on Sunday, taking the death toll from the blazes to four. Tuesday's visit was Sanchez's second to the affected areas, following a similar trip on Sunday. During both appearances, he called for a "state pact to confront the climate emergency", emphasising the growing severity of climate-related crises. "Every year the climate emergency worsens, every year it becomes more recurrent, and every year its effects accelerate," he said. Scientists say climate change is worsening the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness in parts of Europe, making the region more vulnerable to wildfires. By lowering humidity in the air, vegetation, and soil, and reducing the threshold at which materials ignite, heatwaves turn vegetation into highly flammable fuel, making wildfires even harder to control and extinguish. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Lee Millers life reads like some hallucinatory fairytale: the suburban girl from Poughkeepsie, New York, who parachuted into some of the 20th centurys most explosive moments. From Vogue model to Parisian surrealist, to acclaimed war photographer present at the liberation of Dachau and Buchenwald, Miller ended her life as the chatelaine of an English country house; albeit one of the quirkiest kind Picasso was a house guest. She seemed to know everyone, everywhere, says Hilary Floe, curator of a major Miller retrospective, her largest to date, opening at Tate Britain on 2 October. Indeed, the apparent glamour of the photographers life, combined with her personal beauty, might make Millers story feel more suited to this papers style pages than its arts yet theres a distinctly dark undertow to Millers life, hinted at in a 1960s newspaper interview. It was a matter of getting out on a damn limb and sawing it off behind you, she had said. That one brief sentence establishes several key Miller characteristics: a feisty readiness to take on lifes challenges, an acknowledgement that some difficulties may have been of her own making, and a hint at her capacity for myth-making, which becomes increasingly evident as you read further into her story. As we celebrate World Photography Day today, the rediscovery of neglected women Surrealists has become a growth industry in recent years: the formerly little-regarded English painter Leonora Carrington is now as highly rated as her sometime partner, the once titanic Max Ernst. Miller might seem hardly in need of rediscovering, having been the subject of innumerable major exhibitions since her death in 1977, not to mention a musical, and most recently a lavish biopic starring Kate Winslet. Yet even to viewers relatively well-versed in Surrealism, her name is likely to evoke one of many luminous portraits of Miller by her lover, mentor and collaborator Man Ray, rather than one of her own works. Under the dream-like cast of Rays signature solarisation technique in which over-exposure creates a simultaneous appearance of positive and negative Miller appears perhaps the ultimate Surrealist siren. The Tates exhibition, as Floe makes clear, aims to rescue Miller from the role of muse, while exploring the collaborative nature of these iconic images. Shes been seen from so many perspectives, such as the pretty girl who inspired great men and much as its discredited you still hear it, says Floe. Theres a sensationalised, biographical approach focused on the couples mutual passion. Certainly their romantic and erotic connection is very evident in these images I think they both took lovers during this period, which doesnt mean anything, because they were Surrealists but a focus on the story tends to sideline her art. A more recent approach, then, projects Millers work as a proto-feminist riposte to Rays quintessential male gaze. But that, Floe says, undersells the depth of their creative connection and fails to account for Millers own recollections that she and Man Ray were like one person when we were working that it was impossible, even unnecessary for them to know exactly who had done what in each work. That challenges our ideas of creative inspiration, says Floe, our need to always attribute a work to a single person. There is evidence, explored in the shows catalogue, that it was Miller rather than Ray who was responsible for the discovery of solarisation in one telling, she was distracted by a mouse running over her foot at the moment the paper should have been withdrawn from the developer. Floe, though, wants to shift the focus beyond the undoubtedly extraordinary images Miller produced alongside Ray, towards her long and rich body of independent work. While there have been numerous previous shows on Millers roles as fashion and war photographer, historical figure and Surrealist icon, the Tates will be the first major exhibition to frame all these activities as aspects of Millers own art. Born Elizabeth Miller in 1907, the daughter of an engineer and a nurse, her trajectory was marked from the outset by trouble and extraordinary happenstance. She contracted gonorrhoea at the age of seven, following a rape by a family friend, and was discovered aged 19, by Vogue founder Conde Nast when he saved her from stepping in front of a car in a busy Manhattan street. In typical Miller fashion, this encounter exists in many versions, but in all of them it leads to a glittering modelling career, which she interrupted in 1929 to head to Paris with the idea of enlisting as Man Rays pupil. open image in gallery Ray, Floating Head of Lee Miller, 1929 ( Wilson Collection Man Ray 2015 Trust/DACS, London 2025 ) After curtly informing her that he didnt take students, Ray (born Emmanuel Radnitsky in Philadelphia 1890), proceeded to fall head over heels in love with Miller, and she with him. Far from being some starry-eyed dilettante, Miller had already taken courses in avant-garde theatre design, interpretive dance, theatrical design and painting, all of which fed into her extraordinary ability to perform for the camera, as Floe puts it, her skill in co-creating Rays images of her, and projecting her force into them. For all the change and transformation it brought on, this period lasted only three years. Miller seems to have packed nine simultaneous lives into that brief time, Floe says. She continued to model at a very high level, starred in Cocteaus film The Blood of a Poet, participated in avant-garde photography exhibitions all over Europe, while also working as a medical photographer. That last role may account for Millers most disturbing work, Untitled/Severed Breast from Radical Mastectomy (1930), in which a real-life female breast is served up on a plate, looking unnervingly like some earthy French culinary delicacy. This American arriviste in Surrealist Paris had managed to produce one of the movements most challenging images without appearing to try. Yet according to Floe, the image was never exhibited in her lifetime, and she never talked about how it came into being: I think even for the Surrealists it was probably too much. Another startling work, which the exhibition reattributes to both Miller and Ray, was the source of the only known creative rancour between the pair. When Miller cropped a portrait of Rays that focused on the long S-bend of her neck, so that only the neck was showing, he drew a red line across Millers image signing it as his own work. I think even for the Surrealists it was probably too much Hilary Floe on Millers most disturbing work featuring real-life female breast served up on a plate Portraits of one another, each with their head in the same bell jar, are the nearest the pair came to jointly signed works. The queasily disembodied quality of these images is underlined by their title Hommage a D.A.F de Sade (1929) yes, the inventor of sadism invoking two typically unwholesome Surrealist preoccupations, the fragmented body and the severed head. For all the apparent openness of their relationship, Ray fell into a fury of jealousy when Miller left him in 1932. His enraged letters are perhaps the only documentary evidence of their feelings for each other; her responses have long since been lost. On leaving Ray, Miller returned to New York to set up her own photographic studio, before decamping to Cairo with her first husband, the wealthy Egyptian businessman Aziz Eloui Bey in 1934. Then she was off to London in 1939 to be with her lover the English Surrealist Roland Penrose, who she eventually married in 1947. Along the way her finger seemed to barely leave the camera shutter, from modernist experimentation in the Egyptian desert, to more-or-less straight reportage during the Second World War. As official war correspondent for Conde Nast Publications, she followed US forces during the liberation of Europe with a personal mission to document war as historical evidence. open image in gallery Lee Miller, David E. Scherman dressed for war, London 1942 ( Lee Miller Archives. Lee Miller Archives, England 2025. All rights reserved. leemiller.co.uk ) Following a traumatic visit to the newly liberated Dachau concentration camp, Miller took a bath in Hitlers private apartment in nearby Munich, on the very day the Fuhrer died by suicide in his Berlin bunker. The story might seem too good to be true if Life magazines David E Scherman hadnt captured the moment in a much-reproduced photograph: Miller scrubbing her back with a flannel; her boots at the foot of the bath; a framed photograph of Hitler on the tubs brim. Millers most harrowing picture is far less well known, showing a young girl with the features of a baroque angel lying on a sofa apparently fast asleep. The Deputy Burgermeister's Daughter, Leipzig (1945) looks like an allusion to the Surrealist world of dreams, until we see the accompanying image, in which the girls family lie slumped around a room in Leipzigs town hall having taken cyanide in the face of the American advance. We all know vast numbers of such instances occurred, but to be shown one in such brutal clarity, from the other side of the fence, so to speak, is a reminder of the photographers burden: to stare horror in the face and record it. Miller herself was responsible for fostering the idea that shed given up photography in response to her experiences in the Second World War. While she continued to take pictures, her output was very much reduced, and she threw her energies instead into cooking. In later years, she became renowned for the legendary house parties she and Penrose held at their home at Farley Farm in East Sussex. open image in gallery Lee Miller, Model Elizabeth Cowell wearing Digby Morton suit, London 1941 ( Lee Miller Archives. Lee Miller Archives, England 2025. All rights reserved. leemiller.co.uk ) The one thing Miller didnt seem to be able to do brilliantly was motherhood. Her son Antony, born in 1947, found her a distant and unloving mother. Growing up, he was aware of her descent into alcoholism, and the bouts of clinical depression she hid from the rest of the world, but it was only when he married, that Miller felt able to make a friend of her son, and that he really got to know her. On Millers death from pancreatic cancer in 1977, her son discovered 60,000 of his mothers negatives in the Farley Farm attic. Much of Millers current standing is the result of her sons tireless efforts in promoting her legacy. While Miller and Ray had parted on bitter terms, they made up some years later and remained friends until Rays death in 1976. Miller was always generous in acknowledging her debt to Ray, and treasured the brief moment in time when they were working together as one. As seen in this exhibition, her life and career epitomise the urge to seize a moment of reality experienced by everyone who has ever held a camera but at levels of transcendent beauty, danger and horror that most of us will never have the opportunity or the need to contemplate. Lee Miller is on at Tate Britain from 2 October 2025 to 15 February 2026 Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A rare sculpture by Yorkshire-born artist Barbara Hepworth will be placed on permanent display for the first time ever after 3.8m was raised to save it. The 1943 artwork, titled Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red, was auctioned by Christies and given a rare and temporary export bar preventing it from leaving the UK last year, allowing galleries to acquire it. Art museum The Hepworth Wakefield and national charity Art Fund launched an appeal to purchase the piece with the intent to permanently and publicly display it in Wakefield, West Yorkshire where the artist was born. A major grant of 1.89m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund provided a significant contribution to the fundraiser along with over 2,800 personal donations from the public, and a pledge of 750,000 by the Art Fund. Having been in private ownership for decades, the carving has rarely been seen in public and will now be placed on permanent public display at The Hepworth Wakefield for the first time since its creation. Further impactful support from the Deborah Loeb Brice Foundation, The Forster Foundation, The Garcia Family Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Headley Trust, the Hepworth family, The Henry Moore Foundation, The Julia Rausing Trust and many other individuals, foundations and trusts, contributed to the acquisition. Artists including Jonathan Anderson, Richard Deacon, Katy Hessel, Sir Anish Kapoor, Veronica Ryan, Joanna Scanlan and Dame Rachel Whiteread had backed the appeal. open image in gallery 3.8 million was raised to save the sculpture (Betty Saunders/PA) Sculpture with Colour is constructed of painted wood and string and was developed through the extraordinary circumstances of World War II after Dame Barbara settled with her family (including four-year-old triplets) in St Ives, Cornwall. It was created as part of a larger series throughout this period. It is one of only a handful of wooden carvings made by Hepworth during the 1940s and the first to use strings. It is reported to be inspired by the Cornish landscape she found herself in, and is interpreted as a demonstration of her adaptability and resilience. open image in gallery Barbara Hepworth was born in 1903 and died in 1975 ( Getty Images ) Olivia Colling, director of the Hepworth Wakefield said Hepworth who often talked about her need to be part of a community and to develop it proactively would have been delighted that so many people have come together to enable her work to be part of a public art collection which can be experienced and enjoyed by so many. We are enormously grateful for the generosity people have shown in helping us to bring this extremely rare and important work to Wakefield, the UKs capital of sculpture. Artist and sculptor Richard Deacon CBE said the piece is a testament to the undaunted spirit of a great artist and to her steadfast belief in an anticipated future. I first saw the sculpture in 1968 when it was included in the Barbara Hepworth retrospective at the Tate, he explained. I was still at school and made a special trip from Plymouth to see the exhibition (and buy the catalogue). Both the show, and this work in particular, made a deep and lasting impression. It has been a joy to see it again in such wonderful condition. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Danish Girl star Alicia Vikander has called the film she won an Oscar for extremely dated for its portrayal of trans people. The 2015 biographical drama loosely follows the true story of Danish painter Lili Elbe (Eddie Redmayne) as she experiences a gender awakening and goes on to become one of the first people to undergo gender reassignment surgery. Vikander played Gerda Wegener, Elbes wife, a portrait artist who develops a deep love and friendship with the painter. Despite winning Best Supporting Actress for the film, she has now distanced herself from it. Im the first one to say it already feels extremely dated, which I think is a good thing, Vikander told British Vogue. At that time, it was a pivot in something that it made [the subject of transgender lives] at least discussed. I hope that in a way it was a bit of an eye-opener and opened the way for art to cover those themes. At the time of its release, the film, directed by The Kings Speechs Tom Hooper, was criticised for not casting a trans actor to play Elbe and its portrayal of trans characters were branded inaccurate and offensive by critics. Vikander is not the first actor to question the film, with Redmayne calling it a mistake. open image in gallery Vikander has called the film extremely dated in hindsight ( Universal Studios ) Asked if he would take on the role again, he told the Sunday Times in 2021: No, I wouldnt take it on now. I made that film with the best intentions, but I think it was a mistake. He continued: The bigger discussion about the frustrations around casting is because many people dont have a chair at the table. There must be a levelling, otherwise we are going to carry on having these debates. open image in gallery Redmayne has previously called the controversial role a mistake ( A Universal Studios ) Redmayne later told Penn Badgley on the Podcrushed podcast in 2024: I have a history of parts that Ive played, that have been problematic in some of those choices, and Ive spent a lot of time ruminating on those things and wondering what I would do differently. When it came to Cabaret, Id learned my lesson, and I didnt take the part on without knowing exactly what I was doing. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Gary Oldman has offered a short explanation for why he turned down the eponymous lead in Tim Burtons cult classic Edward Scissorhands. The 67-year-old Harry Potter star had been in consideration to play the unfinished human android a part that would ultimately go on to make Johnny Depp a star. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Oldman reflected: Well, thats going back a few years. It would have been in the late 80s. I was on Tim Burtons list for the role of Edward Scissorhands. It was a small list. My agent thought I had a really good chance of getting it. They said to me, Read the script. They sent the script over, and I basically said, I dont get it. To Burtons credit, the British actor noted that at that point in time, the now-revered director hadnt yet established himself as the visionary gothic filmmaker audiences know today. open image in gallery Gary Oldman (left) was in consideration for Johnny Depp's breakout role of Edward Scissorhands in Tim Burton's 1990 classic ( Getty ) I read this quirky, strange little script, and I didnt get it, Oldman said. The Avon lady and the kid with the scissor hands. It just didnt register with me. I said to the agent, I just dont understand this. Its not my cup of tea. So I did not meet Tim Burton, he said. Then Scissorhands came out and I went to the cinema to watch it. With that opening shot all those brightly colored houses, and then the camera pans up to the castle-like thing on the hill within two minutes I went, I get it! open image in gallery Johnny Depp, of course, landed the role as Edward Scissorhands ( Fox ) Released in 1990, Edward Scissorhands starred Depp as an artificial human whose creator dies before hes fully assembled, leaving him with scissors for hands. It also featured Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, and Alan Arkin. Depp previously revealed that Tom Cruise nearly landed the role. The critically acclaimed fantasy-romance marked Burtons fourth feature film, and his first of many collaborations with Depp. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. The 62-year-old Pirates of the Caribbean actor, who in recent years has been working to rebuild his image after his infamous 2022 defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, has starred in a total of eight Burton films. Following his breakout role in Edward Scissorhands, Depp went on to lead the directors Ed Wood (1990), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Corpse Bride (2005), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and Dark Shadows (2012). As to whether fans can expect to see Depp in another future project of his, Burton told Indiewire last December: Well, Im sure there will be. I never feel like, Oh, Im going to use this and that actor, the director explained. It usually has to be based on the project Im working on. It is one of the enduring images of rock history: a black and white portrait of a tousle-haired, leather jacket-wearing Bruce Springsteen, his Fender Telecaster slung over his shoulder as he leans against his bandmate and sax player Clarence Clemons. The portrait, snapped by Eric Meola, is featured on the cover of Springsteens breakthrough album Born to Run, released 50 years ago this week. It helped elevate Springsteen to rocknroll superstardom and forever ensured Meolas place in music history. It was the summer of 1973 and Meola was 27, a successful commercial and editorial photographer whose work had already been featured on the cover of Time magazine. I used to live near a venue called Maxs Kansas City in midtown, Meola recalls now, and one day in the summer of 1973, I happened to walk by and it said that Bruce Springsteen was appearing the next evening supported by Bob Marley and the Wailers. He went along to check it out and was instantly captivated: I said to myself Im going to photograph Bruce no matter what. The following year, Meola had run into Springsteen during a summer rain shower. I was standing on the corner of Central Park West and 5th Avenue under an awning and I looked up and there was Bruce, he says. They only exchanged a few words but the chance encounter only made Meola more determined to photograph him. In person, he was real shy and quiet but there was also something hypnotic about him, he says. Inspired by the postcard cover of Springsteens debut Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ, Meola sent him a postcard of his own. On the back was a simple plea: Bruce Im back in town for a couple of weeks ... Would like to get together sometime soon and take some shots either at your place in Asbury or here at my studio. What are the chances? From the distance of half a century, the cover of Born to Run, is indelibly associated with the music on the record it embodies the albums grand cinematic ambition and provides a visual shorthand for the optimism and camaraderie that defined Springsteens music but in an alternate universe the cover of Born to Run would have been very different. open image in gallery What are the chances? The postcard Eric Meola sent to Springsteen in April 1975 ( Courtesy of Eric Meola ) Originally, Meola wanted to shoot at Ellis Island in a nod to the runaway American dream lyric of the albums title track, but it had been shut for decades and his pleas to reopen it temporarily for the shoot fell on deaf ears. In the end, it ended up taking place on 20 June 1975 at Meolas studio loft on the fourth floor of 134 Fifth Avenue. Meola had made his name as a colour photographer; he had begun his career assisting the legendary Pete Turner, whose vibrant use of colour strongly influenced his own style. For this session, though, he eschewed his regular style for a monochrome look inspired by fashion photographer Richard Avedon. As for the rest of it, Springsteen brought along his guitar and leather jacket, onto which he had pinned an Elvis button. Meola shot using a Nikon F2 camera which he later sold and a 105 Nikon lens set to the F8 setting to guarantee that the images would be crisp. The only props Meola used were a couple of wooden crates to help address the height difference between the 5ft 10in Springsteen and Clemons, whose nickname, The Big Man, was a reference to his 6ft 4in frame. open image in gallery The Boss meets The King: Springsteen shows off the Elvis pin on his leather jacket ( Courtesy of Eric Meola ) Loyal to his bandmate and keen to get him recognition, Springsteen insisted that Clemons be included in the shot. The bands lineup had changed enormously and Clarence was one of the earliest members, says Meola. And also he just really loved Clarence. The cover of Born to Run was designed as a gatefold sleeve, so when fully opened, Springsteens lean into Clemons stretches across both panels, turning a single photograph into a panoramic statement of friendship and brotherhood. Setting the mood, Meola, knowing that Springsteen was a fan of Van Morrison and The Rolling Stones, made sure Astral Weeks and Decembers Children (And Everybodys) was playing at the start of the shoot. He wanted something natural, instructing them both to pretend they were playing on stage. Standing back-to-back with Clemons, Springsteen looked backwards at his bandmate with an impish grin. I got three or four frames, Meola says, but I swear we all knew at that moment that was going to be in the running for the cover. The whole shoot took less than two hours. Springsteen and Clemons arrived at the studio around 10 in the morning and were in a cab back to the recording studio by noon. Meola processed the film and presented it to John Berg, the Grammy-winning art director for Columbia Records. He loved it. And so did everyone else. Everyone crowded around the desk and they were all saying, This is unbelievable," recalls Meola. I felt great. In many ways, Born to Run was the last roll of the dice for Springsteen. He had been signed in 1972 and heralded as the new Bob Dylan, but his first two albums, while critically praised, had sold modestly. His record company was losing patience if Born to Run failed, it was entirely possible that he would be dropped. Happily, that was not how things panned out. As Clemons was leaving the photoshoot, he turned to Meola and told him that in 30 years theyre going to write books about this album, and he was right. Bruce and I never had a falling out but it just became this thing of, how am I ever going to do anything better than Born to Run? I first heard the Born to Run record when I was 16. There were many weeks when I would spend my nights staring at that cover while listening to the record on repeat. The cover communicates so much of what I love about that mid-Seventies Springsteen era that mix of rocknroll myth-making, layered with friendship, brotherhood and a subtle nod to racial harmony. It is no accident that one of the most memorable scenes in Blinded by the Light, the film adaptation of my memoir Greetings from Bury Park about growing up as a British-Pakistani teenager in Luton in the Eighties is a recreation of when I broke into my Sixth Form College radio station to play, what else, but Born to Run. On later albums such as 1978s Darkness on the Edge of Town and 1980s The River Springsteens face would stare blankly into the lens, or in the case of 1982s Nebraska, not be there at all. Those albums were darker and starker explorations of the distance between the American dream and the American reality. On the cover of Born to Run, Springsteen is smiling as if he still believes. open image in gallery Act natural: Meola instructed his subjects to pretend they were playing on stage ( Courtesy of Eric Meola ) Over the years, he and Springsteen would go on to recreate the poses from that studio session on stage at concerts. Cheap Trick paid homage to it in the cover art for their 1983 album Next Position Please. Its influence was felt as far as Sesame Street, where Bert and the Cookie Monster took on the parts of Springsteen and Clemons. Meola shot Springsteen a second and final time two years later. We stayed in touch but he was out on tour and my own career was really in full bloom, he says. Bruce and I never had a falling out but it just became this thing of, how am I ever going to do anything better than Born to Run? It was the only album cover that Meola ever shot. I wonder if there is any part of him that is annoyed by the fact that the rest of his prolific career is overshadowed by an image he shot in just two hours on a summer morning in June 1975? If Im lucky enough to get an obituary, the Born to Run cover will be the obituary photograph, he says, and Im totally at peace with it. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Dominican influencer Ariela La Langosta, known for her close friendship with controversial rapper 6ix9ine, has died at the age of 33 as a result of gunshot wounds, police said. The Westchester County Police Department confirmed that the New York-based influencer, real name Ariela Mejia-Polanco, was found dead in her car on the Cross County Parkway on August 17. The woman found deceased in her car on the Cross County Parkway on Sunday died as a result of gunshot wounds, the Westchester County Medical Examiners Office confirmed today, police said in a statement shared on Facebook. Preliminary investigation determined that the woman was likely targeted for violence and her death was not a random act, police said. The homicide remains under investigation by detectives from the General Investigations Unit. Assistance has been provided by other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies during in the continuing investigation. Due to that ongoing investigation, additional details are not being disclosed at this time. open image in gallery Ariela La Langosta has died at the age of 33 ( ariiela.lalangosta/Instagram ) In a series of Instagram Stories translated from Spanish by E! News, 6ix9ine, 29, called Mejia-Polanco a tremendous woman and the queen of New York. NY wont ever be the same, added the rapper. I loved you. Mejia-Polanco notably appeared in the 2023 music video for 6ix9ines Wapae. The models workplace, Ikon New York, also marked her passing on Instagram, sharing: Today we lost our shining star. Our hearts are broken, the Manhattan restaurant continued. Your joy, your humility, and the way you treated everyone with so much care always made you stand out. Thank you for giving so much love and support to our home, which also became yours. The establishment added, We still cant believe it you were our smile, our happiness. We love you and we will miss you forever. In the wake of Mejia-Polancos death, the restaurant said it has temporarily closed out of respect for one of our beloved team members who recently passed away. 6ix9ine, real name Daniel Hernandez, was last released from prison in December after having to serve time for violating the terms of his parole. His parole violation stems from his role in the RICO case against the Nine Trey Bloods gang. As a result, his probation was extended by one year, and he is serving a homestay order under electronic monitoring. U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and seven European leaders at the White House on Monday. What progress was made toward ending the Ukraine-Russia conflict? Xinhua's Xie E reports from on site. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice James Norton told French president Emmanuel Macron his upcoming BBC drama about the Battle of Hastings will be fair in depicting both sides of the story, the actor has said. Norton, 40, who plays Harold Godwinson in the drama, said he met President Macron at an event at the British Museum, where the Bayeux Tapestry is being moved to next year. The tapestry depicts the 1066 Norman invasion and Battle Of Hastings, which saw William The Conqueror take the English throne from King Harold and become the first Norman king of England. In July, it was announced that the 70-metre-long tapestry will return to the UK for the first time in more than 900 years, while President Macron joined Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the British Museum to celebrate the artworks return and British-French relations. James Norton plays Harold Godwinson in the BBC drama ( BBC ) In the drama, titled King & Conqueror, Norton is joined by Games Of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau who plays William, Duke of Normandy. Norton said: I met President Emmanuel Macron recently at the event at the British Museum where the Bayeux Tapestry is being moved to, and I was very quick to reassure him that we had told the French story, the Norman story, with as little bias as possible. There are a lot of stories about William post the Battle of Hastings itself, and how he acted pretty monstrously, but theres no doubt that he had his own domestic space, his relationship with Matilda and his son. Nikolaj brought so much complexity to that role, and as a result, I think that the show feels balanced. We didnt want one hero or one villain, we wanted the audience to be split and we wanted people to sit on the sofa and have someone on Team Harold and someone on Team William. I said to Macron: I promise you that we have been fair in depicting both sides of the story, and a lot of that was to do with Nikolajs brilliant, sensitive performance. Norton said he had undertaken so much work and research in preparation for the role. Of conversations with the dramas writer, Norton said: I remember being constantly surprised reading scripts and saying is this real? This seems completely mad, and invariably, hed be like, no, that is exactly what happened. It was extraordinary. All episodes of King And Conqueror will be available on BBC iPlayer on August 24 from 6am, while the first episode will air on BBC One that evening. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Catherine Zeta-Jones says owning four homes with her husband, Michael Douglas, isnt excessive, describing their lifestyle as very comfortable. In a new interview with The Sunday Times Style, the Wednesday actor, 55, told the publication that she and Douglas own two properties in New York, one in Spain, and one in Canada. I know it sounds very jet set, and I love to surround myself with beauty but its not excessive, its very comfortable, she said. The actor also explained she and Douglas, 80, tend to spend most of their time in their Spain home these days, away from the spotlight. The couple first moved away from New York to Bermuda to raise their family. Zeta-Jones told Style: 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. I know it sounds very jet set, and I love to surround myself with beauty but its not excessive, its very comfortable, Zeta-Jones said ( Getty Images ) 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. She also 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. 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-Joness interview comes after her husbands announcement last month that he has no serious intentions of acting again, instead preferring to watch my wife work. Douglas the son of Kirk Douglas, famous for playing Spartacus in 1960 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. In response to his decision to retire, 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. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Please dont think Im dancing on Claires Accessories grave far be it from me to crow over anyones demise but when I heard the news that the chain had fallen into administration, I did allow myself the tiniest smirk of schadenfreude. Claires has said that all outlets will continue trading while it considers the best possible path forward; its appointed administrators from Interpath reported that they will assess options for the company, which could include selling the business to secure a future for this well-loved brand. Ah, the well-loved brand that is Claires. Id say its been a high-street stalwart for as long as I can remember, but the reality is that the US retailer only hit British shores in 1997. Being 10 at the time, I was the perfect age to appreciate its stock of gaudy jewellery, sparkly plastic butterfly clips and decorated headbands aimed at aspirational tweenage girls. Back then, this was a unique proposition. Along with Tammy Girl, which flogged a pitch-perfect collection of tween and early-teen fashions in the Nineties and Noughties, Claires was catering for a market that had previously been criminally ignored and underserved: girls devouring copies of Mizz magazine and clamouring to be stylish. The business flourished over the next decade or so, expanding to 465 stores nationwide by 2010, with success fuelled in part by its in-store ear-piercing service. Ask anyone with pierced lobes who grew up in the Noughties, and chances are they got it done at Claires (and that it was executed by a 16-year-old with train-tracks whod nevertheless been given the power to wield a gun and punch holes through strangers flesh). But its fortunes took a turn the following decade. Underperforming shops were forced to shut; in 2018, Claires restructured its European arm, cutting the number of UK outlets to 370. Across the pond, the US arm went into administration that same year, and filed for bankruptcy earlier this month. I wish I could say Im surprised. Given my age, youd be forgiven for assuming Id hold a healthy dose of rose-tinted nostalgia for the brand that marked my coming-of-age aesthetic. And indeed, seeing a multipack of sterling silver studs adorned with jazzy shapes in eye-watering shades of neon does stir something akin to fondness. Yet I cant really say the news of its downfall sparked anything other than the thought, Well, its about damn time. open image in gallery Claires stocks jewellery and accessories aimed at the tween market ( Getty ) Obviously, the potential loss of jobs totalling 2,150 across the UK and Irelands remaining 306 stores brings me no pleasure whatsoever. They are to be mourned, not celebrated, and I feel for all the employees currently looking down the barrel of an uncertain future. But as for the business itself... I do feel that failure was not just inevitable, but somewhat deserved. Claires Accessories speciality was always, to put it bluntly, cheap tat. Janky bits of plastic. Costume jewellery liable to rust up and turn green the moment it was exposed to the elements. Ugly keyrings and multicoloured earrings so hideous that only a minor could be tempted to purchase them. These items already carried the whiff of future landfill fodder about them upon purchase. But worse still and this is the crime I can never quite forgive Claires for they didnt come with the price tags to match. What should be pocket-money-friendly merchandise is frequently anything but What should be pocket-money-friendly merchandise is frequently anything but. A childs strawberry lip balm for 6? Ha! You could get three for the same price in Boots! A necklace with a plastic star on it designed for three- to six-year-olds retailing at a whopping 12? Absolute madness! Even the beloved ear-piercing has long been beaten on price. While the service itself is free, clients must pay for the earrings; Claires pairs start at 25. High-street jeweller H Samuel offers the same thing for 19.99. Oh, and a bottle of piercing aftercare solution costs a staggering 15 (it retails for around 4 elsewhere). For a time, this mismatch between product and price could be somewhat bridged due to a lack of direct competition. Claires stood alone on the high street if you didnt like what they charged, you were, of course, free to shop around. But where, exactly? open image in gallery Claires is known for its instore ear-piercing service ( AP ) Now, competition comes from every corner of the globe courtesy of the explosion of online shopping. And, while I am very much not a fan of sprawling fast-fashion brands such as Temu and Shein, one can see the appeal when parents are after genuinely cheap and cheerful accessories for kids. Temu, for example, has a pack of three childrens plastic star necklaces for the grand total of 1.77. Its one thing to argue that we should pay more for quality goods that have been made sustainably, but when the battle is between similarly low-grade, mass-produced trinkets, its difficult to make a moral case for picking Claires over its vastly more affordable rivals. Claires is the latest in a long line of former high-street heavyweights to come a cropper in the UK. First Woolworths fell, then Wilkos, then WH Smith the last having been sold to investment firm Modella Capital in March this year. These once-mighty giants all discovered an age-old truth: rest on your laurels for too long and rely too heavily on a familiar name to compensate for poor customer experience, dated products and trumped-up prices and you can hardly feign surprise when consumers vote with their wallets and turn elsewhere. Yes, whenever I spy that distinctive Claires lilac hue, Ill admit that a corner of my mind is instantly transported back to a simpler time. But if theres one thing weve learnt this past decade, its that shops cannot live on nostalgia alone. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Clarksons Farm star Kaleb Cooper has announced the arrival of his third baby with his fiancee, Taya. The farmer, who rose to fame on Jeremy Clarksons Diddly Squat farm series, said that Taya had given birth to a boy named Ashton on Thursday 14 August. Sharing a photo of their son wrapped up in a blanket and a knitted hat, Cooper wrote: Baby number three. Everyone meet Ashton weighing 6.13lb born 14th August at 6:28pm at Chipping Norton Maternity. He shared another snap of him eating a Chinese takeaway at the hospital, while Taya held Ashton. Cooper said in the caption: PS dont worry, I bought the amazing midwives a Chinese as well. The farmhands announcement came after Clarkson had already shared the news in his column for The Sun, where he recounted the moment Cooper found out that his fiancee was in labour, while he was at work on the farm. Clarkson explained that Cooper told Taya to hang on, saying: Ill be there when Ive finished harvesting this field. The former Top Gear presenter called it a farmerish response, writing: Happily, he finished in time to welcome what for him is baby number three, and then our thoughts turned to a name. One of our mates suggested it should be named after the field he was harvesting when the call came through. open image in gallery Kaleb Cooper announced the birth of his third child, a son named Ashton ( Instagram via @cooper_kaleb ) Cooper, 27, and Taya are childhood sweethearts, having met in 2016, with Cooper proposing on Christmas Day in 2022. The couple became parents in March 2021, with the arrival of their first child, Oscar. They also share a two-year-old daughter named Willa. Previously opening up about becoming a father, Cooper confessed he felt useless during Oscar's birth. He told The Times Magazine: It was f***ing terrible, because when I'm helping that cow, I know exactly what I'm doing. I can bring the calf around to the mum and so on. open image in gallery Kaleb Cooper and his fiancee Taya ( Instagram via @cooper_kaleb ) Now, when Taya was giving birth, I felt useless. I'm seeing her in pain having one of my kids. Cooper added that he was glad to have had children while he was young, as he could still be energetic when they were older. He said: I wanted a girl and boy, which I've got and am very grateful. Then when I get older I can go down the pub with them, or out on the tractors, and I can still be energetic. open image in gallery Kaleb Cooper rose to prominence on the Amazon series Clarksons Farm ( Amazon Prime Videp ) Cooper rose to prominence in 2021 after Clarkson purchased the Diddly Squat farm in Chipping Norton, where Cooper already worked under the previous owner. Cooper was kept on by Clarkson and quickly became his right-hand man as he showed the Top Gear star the ropes of running a working farm. Last year, Cooper took his solo live show about his life, called The World According to Kaleb, on tour around the UK. He has also written several books, including Its a Farming Thing, Britain According to Kaleb and The World According to Kaleb. Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice When Roaya Saleh opened her first restaurant, Villa Mamas, in Bahrain in 2012, she had one goal: to feed people the way her mother fed her with generosity, soul and spice. A former investment banker turned chef, Saleh has since become known for her instinctive home-style cooking and heartfelt hospitality, with restaurants now in London, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. But its not the global reach that defines her food its the deep roots in the flavours and stories of the Gulf. Nicknamed the Daughter of the Gulf, Saleh celebrates the comforting dishes of Bahrain and the wider region with a modern touch and a big heart. Here, she shares three recipes for a seasonal spread thats ideal for hosting or just treating yourself to something sun-soaked and fragrant. Think stuffed vine leaves laced with mint and lemon; a deeply spiced chicken machbous, Bahrains national dish; and a silky, saffron-rose custard topped with caramel her beloved Elba. Each recipe comes with thoughtful tips and little secrets from layering spices to using a water bath for the perfect pudding wobble and reflects Salehs belief that the best food doesnt come from perfection, but from passion. If youre looking for something vibrant, warm and made to share, this is a good place to start. Warak enab (stuffed vine leaves) A Levantine classic of vine leaves filled with herbed rice, tomato and mint, slowly simmered in a spiced lemon-tomato broth. Ingredients: 500g Egyptian rice, washed 750g tomatoes, chopped 750g onion, chopped 10g fresh mint, chopped 10g parsley, chopped 10g dry mint 10g all spice 10g cinnamon powder 440ml lemon juice 300ml olive oil 30g salt For the broth: cup olive oil cup lemon juice 500ml filtered water 500g tomato puree tsp red chilli powder (optional) 1 tsp salt Method: 1. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix the rice, tomato, onion, herbs, spices, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavour. 2. Strain the filling: Use a strainer to separate the rice mixture from its juices. Reserve the juice for later use in the cooking broth. 3. Prepare the vine leaves: If using jarred or canned vine leaves, wash thoroughly to remove excess salt. Strain and separate the leaves; use only large, intact ones. Trim and discard any hard stems. 4. Assemble the rolls: Lay a vine leaf shiny side down. Place about 30g of filling in the centre. Fold the sides in, and roll tightly into a neat cylinder. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling. 5. Layer and cook: Line the bottom of a heavy pot with potato slices (to prevent burning). Stack the vine rolls tightly, seam side down. Place a heavy plate upside down on top to hold them in place. 6. Add the broth: Pour in the reserved marinade, plus the ingredients for the broth. 7. Cook: Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook gently for 2 hours. After 1 hour, you can place a steel plate or stand under the pot to avoid burning the base. Alternative method: After bringing to a boil, place the covered pot in a preheated oven at 180C and bake for 4 hours. Chicken machbous open image in gallery Fragrant with dried lime, cinnamon and cardamom, this one-pot chicken and rice dish is Bahrains national treasure ( Villa Mamas ) The national dish of Bahrain, machbous, is a celebratory chicken and rice dish layered with warmth and fragrance. Ingredients: For the chicken and rice: 1.6kg bone-in, skin-on chicken 5 cups Basmati Sella rice, washed until water runs clear 120g ghee, plus 50g more for finishing 500g red onion, diced 100g fresh ginger, finely chopped or grated 50g garlic, minced 12g green chillies, chopped (optional) 10g curry leaves, stems removed 150g tomato puree 20g dried blond lime (deseeded) 1.5L filtered boiling water 1 tbsp sea salt 20g chicken stock powder or 1 cube 150g fresh coriander and dill, chopped with stems 60ml lime juice For the mixed spice blend: 5g turmeric powder 2g cinnamon powder 2g cumin powder 8g coriander powder 2g cardamom powder 8g mixed spice blend For marinating the chicken: 1 tsp mixed spice blend 1 tsp salt tsp black lime powder tsp turmeric powder Method: 1. Marinate the chicken: Rub the chicken with the marination spices: mixed spice, salt, black lime powder, and turmeric. Set aside for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge. 2. Sear the chicken:In a large, wide 5L pot, heat the ghee over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken pieces until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside. 3. Saute the aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onions, chopped ginger, and curry leaves. Cook over medium heat until the onions turn golden brown. 4. Build the spice base: Add the garlic and green chillies (if using), then stir in turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and mixed spice blend. Saute for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. 5. Create the broth: Stir in the tomato puree and cook until well incorporated. Add the dried lime, chicken stock powder, and sea salt. Pour in the boiling water. Return the seared chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer on medium heat for 40 minutes. 6. Cook the rice: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and set aside. Add the chopped coriander and dill to the broth and bring it to a boil. Add the washed rice and gently stir. Cook on medium heat for about 2 minutes, until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid. Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice. 7. Steam to finish: Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly with foil and a lid, and steam for 20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy. 8. Final touch: Drizzle 50g of hot ghee over the rice, followed by the lime juice. Cover again and steam for a final 5 minutes. 9. To serve: Fluff the rice gently and serve the chicken machbous hot with crisp salad, cool raita, or a sharp tomato chutney. Mamas Elba (saffron rose milk pudding with caramel) open image in gallery Delicately infused with saffron, rose water and cardamom, this silky custard sets over a glossy layer of caramel ( Villa Mamas ) This milk-based pudding known as Elba is a beloved dessert across the Gulf. This version, shared by Roaya, layers Middle Eastern aromatics into a silken custard set over glossy caramel. The recipe uses both rose water and cardamom, with a touch of saffron and nigella seed to create depth and fragrance. Serves: 8 Ingredients: For the custard: 5 eggs, room temperature 1 tsp pure vanilla essence 1 cup milk powder cup granulated white sugar tsp freshly ground cardamom tsp saffron powder (or use saffron threads, if available) cup thick, full-fat cream 500ml full-fat fresh milk tsp nigella seeds 60ml ( cup) rose water For the caramel: cup white sugar 2 tbsp room-temperature water Method: 1. Infuse the saffron rose: In a small bowl, combine the saffron powder (or crushed threads) with the rose water. Set aside to infuse while you prepare the custard base. 2. Blend the custard: In a high-speed blender or stand mixer, combine the eggs, vanilla, milk powder, sugar, cardamom, and the saffron-infused rose water. Blend until smooth and fully incorporated. Transfer to a jug for easy pouring, then stir in the nigella seeds gently using a spatula. 3. Make the caramel: Place the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow it to simmer without stirring until it turns a deep amber colour. Quickly pour the hot caramel into 8 individual ramekins, swirling each one to coat the bottom evenly. 4. Bake in a water bath: Preheat the oven to 180C. Pour the custard mixture into the caramel-lined ramekins. Arrange the ramekins in a deep baking tray and carefully fill the tray with hot water until it reaches halfway up the ramekins sides. Cover the tray tightly with foil to trap steam and ensure even cooking. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the custards are just set with a slight wobble in the centre. 5. Cool and chill: Remove the ramekins from the water bath and allow them to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours, or preferably overnight. 6. To serve: Run a small knife around the edge of each ramekin and gently invert onto dessert plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of pistachio powder and an edible flower for a fresh, seasonal finish. Chefs notes: Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jeremy Clarkson is finally selling tomato sauce at his pub after originally declaring the eatery a no ketchup zone. When the 65-year-old opened his Oxfordshire watering hole The Farmers Dog in August 2024, he revealed it would serve exclusively British food. This meant that the popular condiment, which is made from ingredients grown outside the UK, would be banned from the menu. Following thousands of requests from customers, however, Clarkson has approved the sauces addition to the menu after a Chatham-based producer made it using solely British ingredients. Condimaniac ketchup is made of tomato passata from Isle of Wight, apple cider vinegar from Hants, Essex salt, and sugar and onions sourced from Britain. Making a 100 per cent British ketchup after Jeremy Clarkson alerted us to the fact there wasnt one was very hard, the companys boss Kier Kemp said in an Instagram video chronciling the sauces creation. It turned out to be really hard, he added, noting Clarksons Diddly Squat team requested the sauce as soon as possible. Kemp said the company has making two sauces at the same time one containing carrots and onion used to thicken the sauce, as there is no purely British tomato puree. open image in gallery Condimaniac have made a 100 per cent British ketchup thats been approved by Jeremy Clarksons pub ( Instagram ) Condimaniac, which started with 1,700 bottles, is now being offered at the Clarksons butcher and bottle shop. The sauce is also being sold at Clarksons Diddly Squat Farm Shop, based in Chipping Norton. The move is a big turnaround from Clarkson, considering the former Grand Tour star became so fed up with requests that a sign was put up telling customers to stop asking for the condiment. Speaking about the products on offer when the pub first opened its doors, Clarkson said: The menu changes its whatever weve got. Theres no Coca-Cola, no coffee. Other pubs do coffee. We do British food. Everything that you consume in here every single thing even the black pepper and the sugar, is grown by British farmers. open image in gallery Jermey Clarkson in his Oxfordshire pub The Farmers Dog ( Prime Video ) Diddly Squat, a 1,000-acre holding, is at the centre of Clarksons Farm, which follows the TV presenters journey as a new farmer and the challenges he faces along the way. The 64-year-old former Top Gear presenter paid less than 1m for the pub based in Asthall, which was formerly known as The Windmill. Its opening, however, was marred by complaints surrounding the absence of prices on the menu, with many fans suspecting that this might suggest dishes would be more expensive than at other pubs in the area. When one person joked on X/Twitter that they would need to remortgage their home to afford a round of drinks at Clarksons pub, the presenter bluntly responded: Its 5.50 a pint. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Kristin Davis has opened up about going on a date with Matthew Perry. The Sex and the City actor, 60, revealed on Mondays episode of her Are You a Charlotte? podcast that she was once set up with the late Friends actor, who died in 2023. She explained that in the years after she starred on Melrose Place from 1995 to 1996, and before Sex and the Citys premiere in 1998, her friend who was an attorney had her meet Perry. It was at a house. It was a dinner party. It was so low-key, she said, noting that there were a bunch of Hollywood people there. She could not specifically name anyone at the party except for this lawyer and Matthew. Davis praised how lovely the 17 Again actor was, explaining that despite a relationship not panning out from their one date, there was one quality about Perry that stood out. Davis recalled being introduced to Perry by an attorney friend ( Getty Images ) He sits next to me and he's talking about how thrilled he is, how happy they are on the set at Friends, she said about the hit sitcom, which ran from 1994 to 2004. I was like, Wow, he's so happy. She compared what Perry was telling her about Friends to the set of Melrose Place, which wasn't the happiest place in a way. There were 15 series regulars. Everyone had the feeling they might get cut or whatever, Davis recalled, adding that the environment felt competitive and stressy. At the party after dinner, the And Just Like That actor recalled there being access to marijuana despite not participating herself. Davis has never married, though she previously dated Alec Baldwin. In 2011, at age 46, she adopted her daughter, Gemma Rose. In 2018, she adopted her son, Wilson. Perry also never married, but was briefly engaged to Molly Hurwitz in November 2020 before ending their engagement in June 2021. Perry, who was internationally known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on Friends, was found dead in a hot tub at his home on October 28, 2023. A medical examiner later ruled that ketamine was his primary cause of death. The actor had been using the drug through his regular doctor in a legal but off-label treatment for depression that has become increasingly common. On Monday, a woman known as the Ketamine Queen, who was charged with selling Perry the drug that killed him, agreed to a plea deal. Jasveen Sangha agreed to plead guilty, becoming the fifth and final person implicated in the death of the Friends star to do so. The others are Perrys assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who injected Perry on the day of his death according to court filings; San Diego ketamine clinic owner Dr Mark Chavez; Erik Fleming, who pled guilty to providing Perry with ketamine, and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who was charged with distributing the drug to Perry. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Strictly stars Molly Rainford and Tyler West are engaged three years after meeting on the show. In a wholesome two-step away from the so-called Strictly curse, EastEnders actor Rainford and Kiss FM DJ West found love after competing as contestants on the BBC dancing competition in 2022. West, 29, has now proposed to a surprised Rainford, 24, while on a romantic getaway in Mykonos and shared a video of the emotional moment online. Rainford could be seen observing the sunset before turning around to see West down on one knee. I dont know where to start so Im hoping you can continue making me the luckiest man on this Earth, like you do every single day, he said, before popping the question. open image in gallery Tyler West surprises Molly Rainford with romantic Mykonos proposal ( Instagram ) Rainford said yes immediately, with West exclaiming: Get in! Thats what Im talking about! He shared the clip on Instagram alongside the caption: Found our forever. Many of their celebrity friends have congratulated the couple, with Strictly: It Takes Two host Fleur East calling it the most beautiful proposal. open image in gallery Molly Rainford said yes to Tyler Wests proposal immediately to the backdrop of a sunset ( Instagram ) JLS star Marvin Humes, who is also a DJ on Kiss FM, wrote: Wow... this is a lot. Couldnt be happier for two incredible people who are just perfect for eachother... Im SO happy!!! Ah man this has made my night... congrats family... Melvin Odoom, formerly a DJ on Kiss before moving to BBC Radio 1, added: Why am I smiling at my phone so hard! Congratulations guys. During Strictly, Rainford became friends with West, who was eliminated from the series during a week seven dance off against his now-fiancee. Their friendship became a romance in 2023, with Rainford telling OK: Everyone thinks that we got together on the show, but we didnt. It kind of happened after but whats so lovely is that we kind of built a little friendship. I think because it stems from such a cool friendship into something more, thats what makes it so cool. Hes a good boy. Im very lucky. Rainford made it to the Strictly 2022 final alongside professional partner Carlos Gu. Wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin was that years winner. open image in gallery Molly Rainford and Tyler West started their relationship after meeting on 'Strictly in 2022 ( Getty Images for Lionsgate UK ) Several of the shows previous stars have found love on the competition after falling victim to what has been branded the Strictly curse. The most scandalous example of the so-called curse occurred in 2018, when photographers captured comedian Seann Walsh kissing his dance partner Katya Jones, despite him being in a relationship. The pictures went viral, souring the pairs experience on the show, and they were booted off within weeks. In 2007, Flavia Cacace and ex-EastEnders actor Matt Di Angelo became a romantic item after being partnered together with Cacace dumping her long-time boyfriend Vincent Simone, who was also a dancer on the show. Reflecting on the situation in 2016, Cacace said: It was a disaster. It all happened in the most atrocious way. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Bryan Kohberger, who killed four University of Idaho students in 2022, was known for his "sexist and creepy" behaviour during his criminal justice programme, according to fellow graduate students. Months before the killings, a Washington State University faculty member expressed grave concerns about Kohberger, telling colleagues that if he ever became a professor, he would "likely stalk or sexually abuse his future students". Documents reveal she urged co-workers to cut Kohberger's funding in an attempt to remove him from the programme, citing his problematic conduct. He is smart enough that in four years we will have to give him a Ph.D., the woman told her colleagues, according to the report from Idaho State Police Detective Ryan O'Harra. She continued, Mark my word, I work with predators, if we give him a Ph.D., that's the guy that in in that many years when he is a professor, we will hear is harassing, stalking, and sexually abusing ... his students at wherever university. Summaries of the interviews with students and instructors at Washington State University were included among more than 550 pages of investigation documents released by Idaho State Police last week in response to public record requests. Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison without parole last month for the stabbing murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at a rental home near the Moscow, Idaho, campus early on Nov. 13, 2022. open image in gallery Bryan Kohberger selfie found on phone after murders ( Dateline ) The WSU faculty member told investigators that Kohberger would sometimes go into an office where several female grad students worked, physically blocking the door. Sometimes, she would hear one of the women say, I really need to get out of here, so she would intercede by going into the office to allow the student to leave. The faculty member believed Kohberger was stalking people. She told police that someone had reportedly broken into a female graduate student's apartment in September or October, stealing perfume and underwear. An unnamed Ph.D. student who was in the same program as Kohberger told police that he enjoyed conflict, was disparaging toward women and that he especially liked to talk about sexual burglary his field of study. Some people in the department thought he was a possible future rapist and speculated that he might be an incel, she told the officer. About three weeks after the murders, Kohberger told the Ph.D. student that whoever had committed the crimes must have been pretty good, Idaho State Police Detective Sgt. Michael Van Leuven wrote in a report. Kohberger also told the woman that the murders might have been a one and done type thing, Van Leuven wrote. The woman said she had never met anyone who acted in such a condescending manner and wondered why people in power in the department did not address his behavior, Van Leuven wrote. The way he spoke to females in the department was unsettling to them. open image in gallery Benjamin Mogen, father of Madison Mogen, cries at the sentencing hearing of Bryan Kohberger at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho, for fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students nearly three years ago ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) One instructor told police that she was assigned to work with Kohberger on his doctoral program. In late August 2022, she said she began receiving complaints about him from students and staff in the criminal justice program. The instructor told police that she spent a lot of time speaking about Kohberger during disciplinary meetings. The meetings focused around Kohbergers interactions with fellow post-graduate students, in and out of the classroom, along with his behavior around some of the criminal justice professors, according to an investigators report. The school got nine separate complaints from faculty members, administration staffers and other students about his rude and belittling behavior toward women, Idaho State Police Detective Sean Prosser wrote in a report. In response, the school held a mandatory training class for all graduate students about behavior expectations. open image in gallery Bryan Kohberger, right, is escorted into a courtroom for a hearing in Latah County District Court, Sept. 13, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho Many of Kohberger's fellow students and instructors at WSU did not suspect his involvement in the killings, according to the police reports. But at least one fellow student noticed his behavior changed after the murders. The student said Kohberger frequently used his phone before the killings, but stopped bringing his cellphone to class after the murders. He also appeared more disheveled in the weeks after the killings, the student told police, and she thought it was odd that he never participated in conversations about the Moscow deaths. She eventually called a police tip line to report that she had seen Kohberger with bloody knuckles just prior to the killings and his hand looked like he had been hitting something. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Detectives descended on the home of a California couple who claim their 7-month-old baby was kidnapped last week, looking for answers in the mysterious case as unsettling new details emerged about their past. The search for baby Emmanuel Haro intensified over the weekend, days after his mother Rebecca Haro reported he had been abducted from a Big 5 Sporting Goods parking lot in Yucaipa. San Bernardino County sheriffs investigators searched the Cabazon home of Rebecca and the babys father Jacob Jake Haro on Sunday. A spokesperson for the department confirmed to The Independent that the home was searched with K9 units but declined to say what investigators recovered. She added that investigators are continuing the search for Emmanuel and are looking into everything and everyone. She confirmed that authorities have not ruled out foul play. open image in gallery Rebecca Haro initially told authorities that while she was changing Emmanuels diaper outside her vehicle on August 14, a man attacked her and took the baby ( ABC/Fox ) Rebecca Haro initially told authorities that while she was changing Emmanuels diaper outside her vehicle on August 14, a man attacked her and knocked her unconscious. When she came to, she said, the baby was gone. A search was launched and investigators interviewed the parents but said the pair stopped cooperating after being confronted with inconsistencies in her story. Family members told KTLA that deputies asked Rebecca to take a lie detector test, while Jake refused until they obtained an attorney. Meanwhile, Emmanuels grandmother, Mary Beushausen, insisted the parents would not harm their son. She told KTLA that Rebecca had turned off her phone after receiving death threats, and that Jake was also not answering calls. Investigators have since removed the couples 2-year-old child from the home pending the investigation. Adding to the scrutiny are revelations about Jake Haros criminal history. Court records show he was convicted of willful child cruelty in 2023 following a case in which his infant daughter with a previous spouse suffered multiple severe injuries, including a skull fracture, brain hemorrhage, and broken ribs. Both Jake and his then-wife, Vanessa Avina, pleaded guilty. Jake was sentenced to 180 days in a sheriffs work-release program and ordered into a child abuser treatment program. Doctors who treated the child in that case wrote in a sworn affidavit that the injuries were indicative of abuse head trauma, child physical abuse and nutritional neglect. open image in gallery Emmanuel Haro, a 7-month-old boy who was kidnapped from San Bernardino County on August 14, 2025 ( San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office ) The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, which had offered a $5,000 reward for information, pulled its support less than a day later, citing inconsistencies in the parents story. Rebecca, who had previously made emotional public pleas for Emmanuels return, has since retained legal representation along with her husband. Their phone numbers were removed from missing-person flyers, and relatives say the couple is no longer answering calls. As of Monday, investigators were again seen searching the Haro property, KTLA reported. Officials have not announced any arrests or charges. Emmanuel, who weighs about 20 pounds, has light brown wavy hair and was last seen wearing a black Nike onesie, according to the Sheriffs Department. A Palestinian child fetches water near the beach west of Gaza City, on Aug. 18, 2025. An anonymous Israeli official told Xinhua on Monday that Israel has received Hamas' response to a Gaza ceasefire proposal, which includes provisions on the release of hostages, but a formal reply to the response has not yet been issued. Hamas movement and other Palestinian factions have announced their agreement to the Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, according to a Hamas statement on Monday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA/CAIRO/JERUSALEM, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- An anonymous Israeli official told Xinhua on Monday that Israel has received Hamas' response to a Gaza ceasefire proposal, which includes provisions on the release of hostages, but a formal reply to the response has not yet been issued. Hamas movement and other Palestinian factions have announced their agreement to the Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, according to a Hamas statement on Monday. A Hamas source revealed that Cairo and Doha will contact U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to advance the negotiation process with Israel, with the aim of reaching a final agreement. According to Palestinian sources, the proposal stipulates a prisoner exchange deal that includes the release of 10 living Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 140 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 60 others serving sentences of more than 15 years. The proposal also includes the entry of urgent humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip immediately after the agreement enters into force, including fuel, water, and electricity, as well as the rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and the provision of rescue teams with the necessary equipment to remove rubble. The United Nations and its agencies, along with the Red Crescent and international organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, will be responsible for aid distribution. Meanwhile, Egyptian sources confirmed to Egypt's Al Qahera News TV channel that the proposal includes a temporary halt to military operations and the redeployment of Israeli forces to facilitate the entry of aid sufficient to meet the Gaza Strip's needs. During the pause, a prisoner exchange is set to take place, involving the release of 10 living Israeli detainees and 18 bodies -- half of the 36 bodies held by Hamas -- in return for a number of Palestinian prisoners. According to the Egyptian sources, discussions on a comprehensive agreement or permanent ceasefire will begin immediately once the truce takes effect. Following Hamas' agreement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Hamas is "under immense pressure" to accept Israel's terms for a ceasefire-for-hostage agreement. In a video statement, Netanyahu also said he discussed with Defense Minister Israel Katz and military chief Eyal Zamir his cabinet's plan to "conquer" Gaza City and push hundreds of thousands of Palestinians further south. He did not say when the new offensive, which has drawn international criticism for its expected toll on the already devastated enclave, would begin. Mediators have sought to revive talks on a truce in the offensive, which has created a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The last ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, part of a phased agreement that included the release of hostages, was ended by Israel in March. Israel's offensive and blockade of Gaza have left much of the territory in ruins and created famine conditions. At least 62,004 people have been killed since the war began in October 2023, according to Gaza's health authorities. Deaths from starvation are rising daily, health officials said. As of Monday, at least 263 people -- including 112 children -- have died of hunger in Gaza. Displaced Palestinians are seen among makeshift tents near the beach west of Gaza City, on Aug. 18, 2025. An anonymous Israeli official told Xinhua on Monday that Israel has received Hamas' response to a Gaza ceasefire proposal, which includes provisions on the release of hostages, but a formal reply to the response has not yet been issued. Hamas movement and other Palestinian factions have announced their agreement to the Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, according to a Hamas statement on Monday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Displaced Palestinians are seen among makeshift tents near the beach west of Gaza City, on Aug. 18, 2025. An anonymous Israeli official told Xinhua on Monday that Israel has received Hamas' response to a Gaza ceasefire proposal, which includes provisions on the release of hostages, but a formal reply to the response has not yet been issued. Hamas movement and other Palestinian factions have announced their agreement to the Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, according to a Hamas statement on Monday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Damaged buildings are seen near the beach west of Gaza City, on Aug. 18, 2025. An anonymous Israeli official told Xinhua on Monday that Israel has received Hamas' response to a Gaza ceasefire proposal, which includes provisions on the release of hostages, but a formal reply to the response has not yet been issued. Hamas movement and other Palestinian factions have announced their agreement to the Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, according to a Hamas statement on Monday. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Days after Charlie Adelson was convicted for orchestrating the 2014 killing of his brother-in-law amid a contentious child custody battle, his mother called him in jail and revealed that she was about to flee the country. In November 2023, Donna Adelson, a Miami Beach grandmother and matriarch of the wealthy Adelson family, told her dentist son on the recorded jail calls that she was getting things in order and that she was making sure her grandchildren would be taken care of. Just one week later, with a one-way ticket to Vietnam in her hand, a country that does not have an extradition treaty with the United States, Donna and her husband Harvey Adelson arrived at the Miami International Airport. But they were stopped by the authorities and she was taken into custody on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation to commit first-degree murder in the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law Dan Markel. Now, two years later, Donna is the latest family member to go on trial for what prosecutors say was a murder-for-hire plot to kill the 41-year-old Florida State University law professor who was gunned down outside his Tallahassee home on July 19, 2014. Jury selection began Monday for the now-75 year old with opening statements set for Friday and the trial expected to last until September 8. open image in gallery Donna Adelson, now 75, is standing trial for the murder of her former son-in-law ( Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation ) Prosecutors say Donna helped orchestrate the plot to murder Markel, conspiring with her son Charlie Adelson and his then-girlfriend Katherine Magbanua, who they say served as the go-between with two men hired to carry out the killing, Sigfredo Tuto Garcia and his friend Latin Kings leader Luis Rivera. Magbanua and Garcia are serving life sentences and Rivera is serving a 19-year sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and testifying against the others. Wendi Adelson and her father, Harvey Adelson, have denied involvement and have not been charged. Heres what to know about the case: Disturbing jailhouse calls led to Donna Adelsons arrest The family matriarch had been on prosecutors radar for some time, according to Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell, who told The Associated Press that while he believes his prosecutors already had enough evidence to convict Donna before her arrest, it had to be accelerated when investigators learned of her plans to leave the country. Those plans were discovered in jailhouse calls made following Charlies guilty verdict in November 2023. The calls involved Donna telling her son that she was getting things in order, creating trusts, and making sure her grandchildren are taken care of. open image in gallery Donnas son Charlie Adelson was found guilty in 2023 She talked about suicide on the call, according to an arrest affidavit, but then admitted her plans to flee to a non-extradition country. That country was Vietnam with a stop in Dubai. The two countries do not have an extradition treaty with the United States. Donna discusses plans for a suicide, but also discusses plans to flee to a non-extradition country, according to the affidavit. Donna Sue Adelson has considerable financial resources to accomplish this, the affidavit continued. On Nov. 7, 2023, Donna and Harvey Adelson booked flights to Vietnam with a stop in Dubai. It was going to be complicated and really difficult trying to bring them back, depending on where they ended up in the world, Campbell added. The arrest was not just based on the flight, but that played a part in the timing. What happened to Dan Markel? On July 18, 2014, Dan Markel was gunned down in the driveway outside his Tallahassee home. He was 44 years old. Just 48 hours later, his ex-wife Wendi and their two boys moved to a house that was within walking distance of the Adelson family home, prosecutors said. She later changed her sons last name from Markel to Adelson. The Adelsons immediately became suspects following Markels murder. Wendi told detectives that the killing could have been arranged on her behalf, because her parents - including her mother Donna, were very angry at Markel. Wendi, who has denied involvement with the murder and testified under immunity at several trials, has not been charged. Neither has her father, Harvey Adelson. Emails reveal Donna Adelson hated her son-in-law Prosecutors have repeatedly said Donna hated her former son-in-law Markel, who had been in a bitter custody battle with Wendi. He had a court order barring her move from Tallahassee back to South Florida with their two young sons. Authorities say the Adelsons offered Markel $1 million to let his ex-wife and sons move, but when he refused, Charlie Adelson and other members of the family began plotting his death. In a key email sent in July 2013, she told her daughter: Its time to take control of your life and not let Jibbers think hes just won anything by having you remain in Tallahassee, eight hours away from the only family you have, and lose out on what will be a job that will afford you and your children advantages that they will never otherwise be able to enjoy. Lets show this [expletive] what will make him absolutely miserable, the email continued. You know his weak points; money, religion, control. You have 5 weeks before your court date, she wrote, underlining that text. I know you have a hob that keeps you very busy. However, the rest of your life, and consequently, dads mine and yes, even Charlies, will be affected by how well you can perform/act before July 31st. An investigation was launched and in 2016, an FBI agent, impersonating an extortionist, approached Donna outside her home and demanded $5,000 to not turn information about the shooting over to investigators. This sparked a slew of calls and meetings between Donna and her son. In the first call, she told him they needed to discuss some paperwork and that you probably have a general idea what Im talking about. Wiretaps of the phone calls between Charlie and his mother played a role at his trial. A sting operation called The Bump, revealed there was a pattern of phone calls leading up to and around the time of the murder, calls were always made in this order: Donna Adelson to Charlie Adelson to Katherine Magbanua to Sigfredo Garcia, only for those calls to be returned in reverse order. Now the next few weeks will reveal how much those calls play a role in Donnas own trial. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two adults and two children have been found dead in New Hampshire in what investigators are say may have been a murder suicide though a toddler was left unharmed. All four victims were members of the same family and were found at a residence in Madbury, according to Attorney General John M. Formella and other state authorities. According to authorities, reports of the suspicious deaths came in at around 8.20 p.m. Monday night from two 911 callers. Authorities found a male and a female dead, as well as a young boy and a girl. The toddler was also found at the residence but was unharmed, authorities added Tuesday morning. The child is now safe and with other relatives. Each of the deceased family members appears to have suffered gunshot wounds, and were pronounced dead at the scene, New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formellas office said, in a joint statement with multiple law enforcement agencies. At this time, detectives are investigating this event as a potential murder/suicide. Residents were advised Monday night that they should expect an active police presence, though Formella later announced that there was no known threat to the general public. open image in gallery Authorities were alerted by two 911 calls ( WMUR ) New Hampshire Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati, later said that the priority for investigators was finding the motive behind the deaths. Right now I think investigators have more questions than they have answers and one of the biggest questions they have now is motive, he said, speaking to WMUR. And I think thats one of the more difficult things to grasp, how this came to be. To be able to be more definitive, to understand what the sequence of events was inside that house. Authorities were expecting to release the identities of the deceased family members later Tuesday, once next of kin notifications are complete, the statement said. The Independent has reached out to the New Hampshire DAs office for updates in the case. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two men and a woman were found shot to death in two separate vehicles in a California desert over the weekend but the circumstances surrounding the killings remain shrouded in mystery as investigators scramble to piece together what happened. Deputies with Lancaster Sheriffs Station responded to 215th Street East and East Avenue Q in a remote area of Lake Los Angeles just before 5 p.m. on Sunday to reports of gunshots, the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said in a press release. When deputies arrived, they found a 65-year-old Hispanic woman who had been gunned down inside one of the vehicles. They also located two men fatally shot in an SUV. All three were pronounced dead at the scene by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Investigators learned the two male victims were traveling westbound on Avenue Q in a full-size SUV with a trailer attached, while the female victim was following in a second vehicle directly behind them, according to an updated press release. Deputies responded to 215th Street East, between East Avenue Q and East Palmdale Boulevard, in a remote area of Lake Los Angeles just before 5 p.m. on Sunday to reports of gunshots ( Google ) The suspect approached in a vehicle from the west and shot the three victims before fleeing the scene on 215th Street. A description of the suspect, or suspects, was not available. The identities of the victims have not been released. But according to the release, one of the victims has been identified as a 44-year-old Hispanic man. The second male victim has not been identified, although he appears to be a Hispanic man in his 40s, investigators said. An investigation is underway to determine a motive for the fatal shootings. Were asking the publics help if anybody knows what occurred out here, LASD Lt. Steve DeJong said. Tips can be reported to the Sheriffs Departments Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or lacrimestoppers.org. The area has seen deadly violence before. Last year, six people were fatally shot in nearby El Mirage in what authorities said stemmed from a dispute over illegal marijuana. Whether Sundays killings are connected to criminal activity remains unknown. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Two men have been arrested after allegedly killing their Army veteran roommate, dismembering him and scattering his body parts along a New Mexico highway. Rainor Joiner, 23, and David Degroat, 22, both originally from Georgia, are accused of killing their roommate, 25-year-old West Virginia native Matthew McLaughlin, the Taos County Sheriffs Office said. Joiner and Degroat have been charged with first-degree murder and other related felonies. I did it, I f****** him, and I dont f****** regret it, one of the suspects reportedly told cops after the killing, according to local outlet KOB. The three men met while serving in the same unit of the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia. However, authorities say Joiner and Degroat allegedly had active warrants for desertion from the Army. After McLaughlin was reported missing on July 31, authorities obtained a search warrant for his home and detained his roommates for questioning. Authorities say Joiner confessed to deputies that he shot McLaughlin with Degroats help. Rainor Joiner and David Degroat (left to right) have been charged with murdering their roommate, Matthew McLaughlin, in New Mexico. ( Taos County Adult Detention Center ) Joiner claimed that they dismembered McLaughlins body and tossed bags containing his remains along U.S. Highway 64, near Tres Piedras, about 80 miles north of Santa Fe. The human remains were positively identified as McLaughlin. After confessing, Joiner told authorities he planned to kill Mclaughlin because he had been spreading rumors about him, using drugs, and bringing strangers into their home, according to court documents obtained by KOAT. Joiner said he and Degroat ambushed McLaughlin, and authorities believe the shooting happened on July 25. "[Joiner] admitted he shot the individual with a rifle and then again with a pistol then subsequent days later he continued to dismember the victim," Taos County Sheriffs Office Undersheriff Gabriel Ortiz said. "The individual was very much non-remorseful. No emotions, just a kind of blank face and told them [deputies] exactly what he did and didn't have any emotions at all." Degroat told investigators that Joiner shot McLaughlin three times before dismembering his body. He then forced Degroat to hold open a bag as he put the body parts inside, KOB4 reported. Friends and loved ones of McLaughlin described him as a sweet, kind person, whose murder doesnt make sense. They said police told them they believed the killing was premeditated weeks in advance, according to KOB4. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle, are poised to make their case for parole this Thursday, marking their most significant step towards freedom since their convictions almost 30 years ago for the murders of their parents. Sentenced in 1996 to life imprisonment, the pair fatally shot Jose and Kitty Menendez at their Beverly Hills mansion in 1989, when they were aged 18 and 21 respectively. During their high-profile trial, defence attorneys controversially argued the brothers acted in self-defence following years of alleged sexual abuse by their father. Prosecutors, however, maintained the motive was solely a multimillion-dollar inheritance. Their eligibility for parole stems from a recent legal development: a Los Angeles judge in May reduced their sentences from life without the possibility of parole to 50 years to life. This crucial adjustment immediately made them eligible under California law, which permits parole for individuals under the age of 26 at the time of their crimes. A panel or two or three parole hearing officers from a board of commissioners appointed by the governor will evaluate the brothers individually. Erik Menendez will have his hearing Thursday morning, followed by Lyle Menendez on Friday, over videoconference from the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. The board will assess whether the brothers pose an unreasonable risk of danger to society if released, considering factors like criminal history, motivation for the crime and signs of remorse, behavior while in prison and plans for the future, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. open image in gallery Lyle, left, and Erik Galen Menendez sit in a Beverly Hills, Calif., courtroom, May 14, 1990 ( AP1990 ) Even if the board grants their parole, it could still be months before the brothers walk free if at all. If the board grants each brother's parole, the chief legal counsel has 120 days to review the case. Then Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has 30 days to affirm or deny the parole. Only then, if Newsom affirms the parole, would the Menendez brothers be able to leave prison. Newsom had previously ordered the state parole board to conduct a risk assessment of the brothers in response to a clemency request. At the time, he emphasized that the key question was whether the brothers posed an unreasonable risk to public safety. He noted at a May news conference that he has both approved and rejected decisions by the parole board before and that he was the ultimate arbiter. The brothers' lawyer, Mark Geragos, sought release last month for Erik Menendez after he was hospitalized for a serious medical condition. He has since returned to prison. The case has captured the attention of true crime enthusiasts for decades and spawned documentaries, television specials and dramatizations. The Netflix drama Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story " and the documentary The Menendez Brothers," both released in 2024, have been credited for bringing new attention to the brothers. In the last year, weigh-in from celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and a greater recognition of the brothers as victims of sexual abuse has helped amass a legion of supporters who have called for their release. Some have flown to Los Angeles over the past few months, holding rallies and attending court hearings as the brothers' attorneys pushed for their resentencing. The previous LA County district attorney, George Gascon, first opened the door to possible freedom for the brothers last fall by asking a judge to reduce their sentences. Since their conviction, the brothers have gotten an education, participated in self-help classes and started various support groups for fellow people in prison, his office said in a petition. open image in gallery Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story: Nicholas Chavez as Lyle Menendez, Cooper Koch as Erik Menendez, Javier Bardem as Jose Menendez ( Miles Crist/Netflix ) The judges decision to ultimately resentence the brothers followed months of pushback from current prosecutors, who argued the brothers hadnt taken adequate responsibility for their crimes. The Menendez brothers still have a pending habeas corpus petition filed in May 2023 seeking a review of their convictions based on new evidence supporting their claims of sexual abuse by their father. Last month, a different judge ordered Los Angeles prosecutors to explain why their case shouldn't be reexamined. The state corrections department has selected one media representative to view the proceedings virtually and share notes with the rest of the press at set intervals. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Three people were charged with murder after attempting to rob their drug dealer and instead, killing him one day after two of the suspects were released from jail. Christopher Charles Reyes, 47, Pamela Gabrilski-Jones, 46, and Marian Jones Pardur, 43, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of William Akers, who was beaten to death with an air compressor and a chair at his Tacoma, Washington, home on November 27, 2024, KING 5 reported. Court records indicated that Akers was a drug dealer living on a property owned by the father of Gabrilski-Jones and Pardur, who are sisters. Reyes and Gabrilski-Jones met one day before the grisly murder when they were both being released from the Nisqually Jail. Gabrilski-Jones told investigators she met Reyes on the transport van from the jail, The News Tribune reported. Three people were charged with murder after attempting to rob their drug dealer, and instead, killing him, at his Tacoma, Washington home last year. ( Google ) It was not immediately clear why Gabrilski-Jones was in jail. Reyes criminal history includes a conviction for fourth-degree assault in 2018. He served prison time from May 2023 to July 2024 and was later jailed again twice for probation violations. He had violated his probation when he was jailed last November, according to the Tribune. After the pair was released from jail, the sisters took Reyes to their fathers home, and they purchased drugs from Akers. The women told police they were using drugs in the car when Reyes went to see Akers, but when Reyes returned, he told them, I think I killed him. Both women told investigators they were not involved in the killing. However, during an April interview with the state, Reyes said the women had suggested robbing Akers after they learned he had almost $4,000 and two ounces of heroin. Reyes agreed with their plan, which involved Pardur finding him gloves and a bandana to shield his face. Pardur also attempted to get a gun, but couldnt find one, according to court documents. When Reyes attempted to rob Akers, he fought back. Reyes then hit Akers with the heavy, 34-pound air compressor. Reyes searched Akers pockets for money or drugs but didnt find anything. He then fled the scene, authorities said. Reyes was arrested in January in connection with the case and entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment. His bail was set at $2 million. Meanwhile, Gabrilski-Jones and Pardur were arrested on Friday. They have also been charged with second-degree conspiracy to commit robbery and first-degree burglary in connection with the case. Both women entered a not guilty plea on Monday. Bail is set at $1 million for each sister. Reyes is set to go to trial on September 29. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A woman from Arizona is recovering after she was beaten unconscious by a man at a concert in Pasadena, California. The woman, who chose to withhold her identity, was attending a Rufus Du Sol concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena with one of her friends on Saturday night. She and her friend drove from Phoenix to Pasadena for the show, and during the concert they spilled some of their drinks on a man sitting in front of them, according to KTLA. We apologized immediately, but he yelled that it was intentional and ran off, leaving his companion behind, the woman told The Festival Owl. We apologized to her and thought it was over. The man reportedly returned approximately a half hour later and began screaming at the woman and her friend and threatened to hurt them. The woman told the outlet she tried to deescalate the situation and apologize, but the man then allegedly punched her in the face. She fell unconscious and woke up some time later in a medical tent. The attack was recorded and went viral online. In the footage of the attack the man launches into a group of people to strike the woman. He throws at least five punches during his attack. A woman in the crowd tries to grab him and pull him away. Complaints that the concert was poorly managed were lobbed at the venue in the aftermath of the assault. A man who allegedly attacked a woman while they were attending a concert at the Rose Bowl on August 16, 2025. A video shows the man hitting the victim at least five times, knocking her unconscious and leaving her bloodied and bruised. Police are still searching for the man. ( The Festive Owl ) Among the long laundry list of complaints was crowd crushing in tunnels, people pushing in overcrowded stairs, aggressive drunk people, arguments, fans blocking exits, incredibly long shuttle lines, and, sadly, assault, the LA music blog Grimy Goods said in a post. Another woman who was seated just a few rows from where the attack occurred told KTLA that there were people crammed into her section and blocking the walkways. "So, crowd control was nonexistent," Christina Molina told KTLA said. The Independent has requested comment from the Rose Bowl. She also claims she saw other concertgoers openly using drugs, and wondered if intoxication fueled the man's attack on the victim. The woman who was attacked returned to Arizona where she is recovering from the encounter. She has reported the incident to relevant police agencies. According to KTLA, police are searching for her attacker. Anyone who does recognize the man in the video is asked to call the Pasadena Police Department or to anonymously call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers Hotlline. "We are traumatized," the victim said in a post about the attack shared to The Festive Owl. "If anyone knows this man or his companion , PLEASE reach out. He should be held accountable for this assault." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As an extensive manhunt continues for a Washington father accused of killing his three young daughters, investigators have released disturbing new details they say link him to the murders. Travis Decker, a 32-year-old U.S. Army veteran, has been on the run since May 30, when he vanished along with his daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5. He is wanted on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping. The bodies of the three girls were discovered on June 2 near their fathers abandoned pickup at Rock Island Campground in Chelan County. But Decker was nowhere to be found. A medical examiner previously determined that the girls each died of asphyxiation, and their deaths were ruled homicides. open image in gallery Police are currently searching for Travis Decker, 32, as he is wanted for 3 counts of first-degree kidnapping and first-degree murder ( Wenatchee Police Department ) On Tuesday, the Chelan County Sheriffs Office released grim details about the condition in which they were found. Two of the victims each had two separate bags over their heads and the third victim had three separate bags over their head, the release states. In addition, several cable ties were located on the ground in the immediate area of the bodies. Authorities had previously revealed that a bloody handprint found on the tailgate of Deckers truck matched his DNA profile, further tying him to the crime scene. open image in gallery The bodies of sisters Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5, were discovered near the Rock Island Campground in Chelan County, Washington, but their suspect father was nowhere to be found ( GoFundMe ) Investigators again stressed on Tuesday that Decker is their only suspect, pointing to new DNA evidence allegedly linking him to all of the plastic bags used to suffocated his daughters and to one of the zip ties recovered at the scene. The completion of this DNA analysis provides additional evidence that indicates Travis Decker is the only suspect involved in committing these homicides, the sheriffs office said. The tragic killings occurred after Decker had been granted a court-approved visit with his daughters. When he failed to return them to their mother Whitney Decker, she reported the girls missing, triggering a frantic search. open image in gallery Paityn Decker, Evelyn Decker and Olivia Decker were found dead close to their fathers pickup truck on June 2 ( AP ) Last fall, Deckers ex-wife had reportedly petitioned a court to modify their parental custody plan, claiming he had mental health issues and often lived out of his truck. The search for Decker has since stretched across multiple states over the past three months. Investigators say the Army veteran is trained in wilderness survival, a skill that may have helped him evade capture. Decker served in the Army from 2013 to 2021. He was deployed to Afghanistan for four months in 2014, and was an automatic rifleman with the 75th Ranger Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington from 2014 to 2016. A U.S. Marshals Service affidavit also revealed he had allegedly searched how to relocate to Canada online before the murders, fueling fears he may have fled across the border. open image in gallery Video obtained by KING 5 shows Travis Decker, the Washington dad accused of killing his three young daughters, talking with police three days before he and his children disappeared ( KING 5 ) Possible sightings of Decker have been reported twice first on June 10 along Highway 97 in Washington and later on July 5 in Idahos Sawtooth National Forest. Both were ultimately ruled out. At this time, we do not have any evidence to suggest Travis Decker is either alive or deceased, the sheriffs office. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. KABUL, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Police have thwarted attempts to traffic illegal drugs from northern Afghanistan's Takhar province to neighboring Tajikistan and arrested the smuggler, provincial police spokesman Nizamudin Omir said Monday night. The alleged drug smuggler, according to the official, was attempting to take 11 pockets of hashish and one pocket of methamphetamine via the Darqad district to Tajikistan on Monday, but police identified and foiled the attempt. Police arrested the smuggler, the official said, adding that the case would be referred to the judiciary after the investigation was completed. Serious liver disease is up among heavy drinkers, even without more drinking URUMQI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Kyrgyz companies inked 10 cooperation agreements spanning logistics, energy, agriculture and other priority sectors at a Kyrgyzstan-themed event during the 15th Kashgar-Central and South Asia Commodity Fair, which will conclude on Wednesday. Addressing the event, Guo Yongchang, Party secretary of the Federation of Industry and Commerce of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, highlighted Kyrgyzstan's pivotal role as a Belt and Road partner country. He noted robust growth in bilateral trade during the first half of 2025, with Kashgar's trade volume with Kyrgyzstan reaching 16.28 billion yuan (about 2.28 billion U.S. dollars). In recent years, Kashgar's private enterprises have shown strong interest in expanding overseas investments into Kyrgyzstan, stated Guo, citing projects in green mining, hospitality, retail and modern agriculture. He emphasized significant collaboration opportunities in clean energy, leveraging Kyrgyzstan's push for green energy development and China's technological, investment and manufacturing strengths. Kyrgyz representatives lauded Kashgar's emergence as an international logistics hub, foreseeing enhanced bilateral cooperation prospects. The five-day fair has attracted a total of 181 enterprises from 40 countries and regions, including Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Ghana, as well as 1,120 Chinese companies and 26 overseas business associations. ClearVue Technologies has partnered with a Dubai-based glass manufacturer in a five-year deal offering scalable production to develop a Middle East market for its innovative solar facade technology. The agreement gives Emirates Glass a non-exclusive licence to produce and distribute glazing products incorporating ClearVues solar glazing innovations. Emirates Glass is a subsidiary of leading United Arab Emirates glass manufacturer Dubai Investments. ClearVue Technologies cladding transforms walls and other solid areas of a building envelope into energy-generating photovoltaics. The cladding can be manufactured in an almost limitless range of colours and textures. ClearVues proprietary building-integrated photovoltaic technology converts standard building materials, such as windows, cladding and spandrels, into products that prioritise thermal performance while seamlessly integrating with a buildings facade. The company has established a low-cost, repeatable go-to-market strategy, leveraging global partnerships to drive demand. In July, ClearVue announced it was ready to take orders and deploy a full range of its breakthrough solar facade products, which promise to transform a glazed building into a solar photovoltaic array. Writers festival organisers around the country are expressing dismay over the fallout from the Bendigo Writers Festival saying such codes of conduct stifle freedom of expression. Censorship is never the right answer, says Brooke Webb, chief executive of the Sydney Writers Festival, adding that freedom of speech and freedom of expression underpin a civil society. The authors have spoken and here we are ... You invite an author because you want to hear what they want to say, says Webb, who has led the Sydney event for five years. Sydney Writers Festival chief executive Brooke Webb. Credit: Belinda Rolland More than 50 participants withdrew from the Bendigo event last week, protesting against a code of conduct sent two days before the festival was set to begin, requiring them to avoid language or topics that could be considered inflammatory, divisive, or disrespectful. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Melbournes first oden restaurant from the team behind celebrated Ishizuka is a casual spot that celebrates the simmering stews found on the streets of Japan, and the broth that powers them. Sushi, ramen and teriyaki have long dominated Melbournes Japanese dining landscape, while other staples of the cuisine have lingered in the margins. Oden a hotpot of fish cakes, daikon and tofu where the broth is key is one of the wallflowers. Its surfaced sporadically, mostly at pop-ups run by homesick expats or at casual stalls like Now-Oden in the CBD. But Melbourne has never had a restaurant devoted to the dish until now. At Oden, diners are encouraged to build a bowl from two or three elements perhaps translucent shirataki noodles, house-made prawn balls flecked with edamame and tobiko (flying fish roe), and abalone. Jana Langhorst Oden, from the team behind two-hatted kaiseki restaurant Ishizuka, officially opens on Bourke Street on September 5. Owner Melanie Zhang says the goal is to create a relaxed counterpart to her first restaurant and introduce a dish unfamiliar to many Australians, much as she did with the kaiseki fine-dining format when she opened Ishizuka eight years ago. I feel like Melbourne is ready for the next challenge, she says. Lung cancer is particularly lethal because it is silent, with almost no symptoms until the disease has progressed. Forty-two per cent of diagnoses are for final-stage cancer, when it is almost too late for treatment. Smoking is responsible for 90 per cent of male and 65 per cent of female cases of lung cancer. Credit: Tamara Voninski The screening program will use low-dose CT scanners to check all heavy smokers aged 50 to 70. By catching cancer at an earlier stage, when it can be more effectively treated, it is expected the program will save 12,000 lives over the next decade. Smoking is the major risk factor for lung cancer, responsible for 90 per cent of male and 65 per cent of female cases. When the tobacco leaf is dried, two nitrosamine molecules are produced. When the tobacco is ignited, the nitrosamines enter the lungs, where they can mutate DNA, turning healthy cells cancerous. Loading Lung cancer itself is relatively survivable if caught early, as surgeons can remove the cancerous tissue. Our lungs are actually really remarkable. You can more or less remove one whole lung, and for the average person, they wouldnt notice, says Professor Brian Oliver, a leading respiratory researcher at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Sydney. But that cuts both ways. Cancer can take over large parts of the lung without the patient even noticing. It is only once the tumour grows into an airway that a bloody cough can develop. By this stage, it may be too late. Survival rates halve at each stage the cancer is detected after the first. Hence, the screening program. A 2021 meta-analysis of nine screening pilots covering thousands of people found a 16 per cent reduction in lung-cancer mortality. Were all imperfect people, doing imperfect things. Amy* But the idea long struggled to get traction among policy-makers, says Brooke. We just dont blame other diseases like we do with lung cancer, he says. When we started to talk about the prioritisation of lung cancer screening, others said that ovarian cancer was more worthy. The change came when advocates started taking a leaf from campaigns run by HIV-AIDS organisations in the 80s. A highly stigmatised community that had been pilloried for no reason, says Brooke. We used that template. Loading As with all screening programs, overdiagnosis remains a real risk. East Asian countries have heavily promoted lung cancer screening over the past few decades. In response, many non-smokers particularly women received screening. The result: a dramatic increase in lung surgeries, far above the actual rate of cancer detected. Screening often catches slow-growing cancers that probably arent life-threatening; about 9 per cent of cancers spotted in one pivotal trial are considered overdiagnosed. This problem is exacerbated if you screen a low-risk population such as non-smoking women. Even before a diagnosis of lung cancer was made, the clinicians in those countries are just going ahead with [surgery]. And then not even finding any cancer, says Professor Katy Bell, an expert in overdiagnosis based at the University of Sydney. There is definitely potential for harm. Australias program was designed with this in mind. Thats why it targets only smokers. The economics of lung cancer screening are also tricky; early estimates suggested it simply wasnt cost-effective. People who smoke are at higher risk of a range of diseases, not just lung cancer. Does catching cancer really change their life-expectancy? Its not clear from the data we have. But health economists estimate for every $60,000 spent on the program, one Australian will enjoy an extra year of disease-free life just within the cost-threshold the government is typically willing to pay. Amy*, 27, is a smoker who comes from a family of smokers, some of whom have developed lung cancer. Its a growing, lingering fear in the back of my head, she says. Loading Shes delighted about the introduction of a screening program. I can understand where the stigma comes from. On the surface level, it is our choice to smoke, she says. Its something Im very aware of and working towards Ive tried quitting multiple times. But were all imperfect people, doing imperfect things. In a letter sent to Netanyahu on Thursday, Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said the Israeli prime ministers comments about Albanese were inflammatory and provocative, and demonstrated a woeful lack of understanding of social and political conditions in Australia. These comments have played straight into the hands of opponents of Israel and antisemites, to the detriment of the Australian Jewish community, he wrote. Had we been consulted, we would have warned against such a clumsy intervention into Australias domestic politics. The charge of antisemitism, whether made directly or indirectly, is a serious one and never to be made lightly. In a separate letter to Albanese, Aghion said the prime minister had been excessive and gratuitously insulting to Netanyahu last week by saying he was in denial about the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. It was unseemly for an Australian prime minister to depart from diplomatic norms concerning the leader of a country with which Australia has had friendly relations for many decades, he said. You could simply have said that you vehemently disagreed with the Israeli prime minister, without descending into a personal attack. Arguing that both leaders were at fault for the deteriorating relationship, Aghion urged the two prime ministers to use measured and seemly language befitting national leaders to get bilateral links back on track. Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler described Netanyahus comments as entirely unhelpful and unproductive. I dont think the use of personal or inflammatory language is appropriate or helpful, he told this masthead. Leibler praised Albanese for declining to fire back at Netanyahu, saying that it was wrong to describe the governments decision to deny Rothman a visa as antisemitic even though he disagrees with the move. The relationship is clearly under strain, Leibler said. Both nations should return to what brings them together and [to] respectful discussion. Israels centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of handing Albanese a political gift by attacking him. The thing that most strengthens a leader in the democratic world today is a confrontation with Netanyahu, the most politically toxic leader in the Western world, he said in a post on X. Earlier on Wednesday, Burke hit back at Netanyahu for attacking Albanese. Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many children you can leave hungry, Burke, who is one of the prime ministers closest political allies, told ABC radio. Instead, he said, Albanese had shown strength by calling Netanyahu before Australia moved to recognise Palestine. Netanyahu, who spoke to Albanese a fortnight ago, said on his official X account on Tuesday night: History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australias Jews. Following the Netanyahu governments decision to cancel visas for Australian diplomats working in the West Bank, Burke said: What we are seeing with some of the actions theyre taking is a form of a continued isolation of Israel from the world, and that is not in their interests. Sky News reported that Netanyahu had sent a letter to world leaders, including Albanese, who had moved to recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September as part of a push to restart momentum for a two-state solution. Illustration by Matt Golding Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitic fire, the letter reads. It is not diplomacy, it is appeasement. It rewards Hamas terror, hardens Hamass refusal to free the hostages, emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking your streets. Ophir Falk, a foreign policy adviser to Netanyahu, doubled down on his bosss comments on Wednesday afternoon, accusing Albanese of handing Hamas a political prize by agreeing to recognise a Palestinian state after the October 7, 2023, attacks. The fact of the matter is that the Australian government is morally bankrupt, he told the ABC. I call upon [Albanese] to come to his senses. Burke said he had blocked Rothmans visa application and that of former Israeli Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked last year because they had described Palestinian children as enemies and snakes. Loading Now, if anyone wanted to come on a public speaking tour and they had those views publicly expressed about Israeli children, I would block the visa, and I am going to not have a lower bar for the protection of views that are bigoted views against the Palestinian people, Burke said. He has also cancelled visa applications from American political provocateuse Candace Owens and rapper Kanye West because of comments they made that offended the Jewish community. CANBERRA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Australia's foreign affairs minister said on Tuesday that Israel's decision to revoke the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority (PA) was "unjustified." In a post on social media platform X on Monday night, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said that he has cancelled the visas of Australia's representatives to the PA and instructed the embassy in Canberra to carefully examine any official Australian visa application for entry into Israel. Responding on Tuesday morning, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said in a statement that it was an "unjustified reaction" following Australia's decision to recognize Palestinian statehood. "At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu Government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution," Wong said. Sa'ar said the decision to revoke the visas was made after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced earlier in August that Australia will formally recognize Palestine at the 80th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in September. He also cited the Australian government's decision on Monday to deny entry to far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman days before he was due to arrive for a speaking tour. Tony Burke, the minister for home affairs, said on Monday that the Australian government takes a "hard line" on people seeking to enter the country to spread division. "If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we don't want you here," he said. Burke said that the decision bans Rothman from visiting Australia for three years. The news Premier David Crisafulli has touted an end to state hostilities with the Indian-owned operator of the Carmichael coal mine amid a new $50 million investment promise from Bravus at the central Queensland site. But Crisafulli and Treasurer David Janetzki have declined to reveal details of the deal struck by the former Labor government allowing the company formerly known as Adani to defer royalty payments, which continues. It also remains unclear exactly how the government was able to reach the truce after its investigations into potential unpaid royalties led to the company taking court action to bring the matter to an end. Advertisement Travel newsFood and wine Six delicious getaways and food events worth travelling for Katherine Scott August 19, 2025 3:03pm 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 From Michelin-starred chef dining hitting Europes picturesque waterways to a new hotel high tea celebrating the citys Italian heritage, here is all the news travellers and foodies will want to savour this month and beyond. Belmonds new era of floating fine dining Belmonds newly appointed culinary director, Dominique Crenn. European luxury river cruising just got a culinary glow-up. Les Bateaux Belmonds newly appointed culinary director Dominique Crenn the first woman in the US to earn three Michelin stars has unveiled a sneak peek of the regional specialties awaiting guests of Belmonds South of France, Burgundy and Champagne itineraries. Think Mediterranean riffs off roasted sea bream and soupe au pistou in the south, and braised leeks and poached chicken alongside a classic Kugelhopf dessert in the north all made with market-fresh produce sourced along the boats routes. See belmond.com Ex-Comedor chef makes a Blue Mountains tree-change Advertisement Chef Alejandro Huerta will be bringing his extensive experience in globally renowned restaurants to Blackheath. There were collective sighs across Sydney when trendy Mexican-fusion diner Comedor abruptly closed following controversy between its owner and staff. But Sydneys loss is Blackheaths gain, it seems, as Comedors acclaimed chef Alejandro Huerta begins a new chapter at Blaq Restaurant at Kyah Hotel in the Blue Mountains. The chef brings his experience at world-class restaurants including Noma and Pujol, and while Blaq is not explicitly a Mexican restaurant, expect subtle, delicious nods to his home country across the menu. See thekyah.com.au/blaq Aster bars star-studded astro hour Bespoke cocktails and snacks for Asters astrology hour. Perched 32 levels above the city, The InterContinental Sydneys rooftop bar Aster is looking to the stars this August for a unique cocktail and dining experience. In collaboration with Byron Bay astrologer Grace Tebble, Asters astrology hour series will take guests on a journey through the zodiac every Thursday night. The four-part experience celebrates the four elements (air, water, fire, and earth) with bespoke cocktails and snacks. The $120 price tag gets you a personalised birth chart reading from Grace, along with drinks and small plates tailored to your star sign. See asterbar.com.au/astrology-at-aster Advertisement Jervis Bays progressive beach feast returns Coastal Forage returns for 2025. One of New South Wales most distinctive food events, Coastal Forage, returns this spring. Taking place on September 13-14, the progressive degustation ($225pp) combines a six-kilometre coastal beach and bush trail. Ten curated food and beverage stations helmed by local culinary stars including Bangalay Dining, Paperbark Camp and Appellation Oysters are on hand to fuel your trek. Expect sea-foraged delicacies and fire-powered native ingredients. Tickets are $225 per person and include all food, drink and a return boat transfer. See experiencenature.com.au Dine like royalty with Holland America Regal cocktails Holland Americas new dining experience, Koningstafel, or Kings Table. Advertisement Carnival Corporations cruise brands have long championed the Chefs Table; an intimate, multi-course dining experience, often hosted by the ships executive chef. Now Carnivals Holland America line is upping the ante with the launch of the Koningstafel, or Kings Table. Starting with a cocktail reception, the experience combines a behind-the-scenes galley tour with a wine-matched feast, with dishes including butter-poached lobster and herb-roasted lamb loin all for a supplementary fee of $149 per person. Available on select ships, with a full-fleet rollout slated for 2026. See hollandamerica.com A taste of Italo-Australian history at the Finger Wharf Ovolo Woolloomooloos new Italian-inspired Dolce & Mare high tea. Ovolo Woolloomooloo is honouring the areas heritage with a new Italian-inspired high tea, Dolce & Mare (sweet and sea). The menu pays homage to the Italian immigrants who settled in and around the suburb after World War I, with many turning to the maritime industry for work, so expect savoury bites like mini-lobster rolls and nonna-approved desserts including limoncello ricotta cake. The high tea runs Thursday to Saturday, with a choice of bottomless tea ($89pp), a glass of prosecco ($99pp) or a glass of champagne ($118pp). The menu marks a quiet shift away from Ovolo Hotels plant-based Veg Pledge across Australian properties, with the exception of Lona Misa restaurant at Ovolo South Yarra, helmed by pioneering vegan chef Shannon Martinez. See ovolohotels.com Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. There is no limit to the amount of praise Donald Trump can soak up and eight European leaders just proved it. The visitors to the White House made sure to soften the American president with a jumbo pack of soft soap to guard against an angry clash that might wreck their hopes. US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, followed by French President Emmanuel Macron (centre), and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (second from left) along with other European leaders, at the White House. Credit: AP The flattery was lavish but necessary. Europe cannot rely on Trump, but it cannot afford to antagonise him. And it will only face bigger dangers if he is fooled by honeyed words from Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needed the seven allies with him in the room. This was smart diplomacy by the major European democracies, and it gave Trump what he craves: more spectacle, more attention, and more praise. The Car and Driver Marketplace will enable the discovery of millions of available vehicles on CarandDriver.com with advanced search tools, detailed listings and the ability to connect directly with a dealership. The new marketplace, available on CarandDriver.com, is a seamless research-to-retail experience powered by Autotrader listings technology and unmatched data. To celebrate the launch, current Autotrader subscribers will automatically have a vast majority of their listings syndicated to Car and Driver as part of their existing package. ANN ARBOR, Mich., and ATLANTA, Aug. 18, 2025 -- Car and Driver, the world's largest automotive media brand, and Autotrader, a Cox Automotive brand, today announced the launch of the Car and Driver Marketplace, a premium shopping experience that connects research and vehicle listings, powered by Autotrader, on CarandDriver.com. With this exclusive partnership, shoppers can move seamlessly from discovery to purchase across millions of available vehicles for sale without leaving the Car and Driver experience. The new Car and Driver Marketplace combines the automotive media brand's deep editorial authority and journalism with the data, reach, and listings expertise of Autotrader to create a one-of-a-kind marketplace experience. The result is an intuitive, consistent journey for consumers, and greater visibility and shopper insights for dealers and OEMs. Unlike traditional listings platforms, Car and Driver brings a distinct automotive enthusiast and research-first audience. "Car and Driver has long been where shoppers come to discover, explore, and make confident car-buying decisions through our data-driven reviews, rankings, and vehicle-research pages," said Eddie Alterman, chief brand and content officer at Hearst Autos. "We know that 75% of our readers are planning to purchase a vehicle within the next year, and 65% actively engage with our research tools. With Autotrader's sophisticated technology, data, and leading position in the marketplace, the Car and Driver Marketplace meets them where they already arebringing real-time inventory, dealer connections, and listings into the same environment where they're making purchase decisions. It's a natural extension of how our audience wants to shop, and it brings a real sense of joy and transparency to the process." The new Car and Driver Marketplace is a seamless, all-in-one experience on caranddriver.com. Shoppers browse more inventory, use smarter search tools, and connect directly with dealers without leaving the site. It is fast, easy to navigate, and backed by Autotrader's trusted tech and lead tools. "Car and Driver has spent decades earning the trust of automotive enthusiasts and in-market shoppers alike," said Erin Lomax, vice president of operations, consumer marketplace at Autotrader. "By integrating Autotrader's technology into that legacy and editorial environment, we're creating a uniquely powerful shopping experienceone that supports car buyers earlier in the journey and gives dealers access to a more engaged, research-driven audience. With this announcement, we're modernizing car shopping and reinforcing our market leadership through exclusive partnerships competitors can't match." To celebrate the launch, a vast majority of current Autotrader clients will automatically have their listings syndicated to the Car and Driver Marketplace and its 10 million unique monthly visitors. About Car and Driver Founded in 1955, Car and Driver is the definitive voice for car enthusiasts and the trusted guide to in-market car shoppers. With an online audience of 10 million unique visitors per month (ComScore) and an award-winning print magazine, Car and Driver is dedicated to delivering expert content and leading-edge insights on all things related to new, used and pre-owned vehicles. With the most comprehensive vehicle testing, research and reviews in the automotive category, Car and Driver provides the most trusted car-shopping experience for consumers and deep engagement for auto manufacturers and dealers. Follow Car and Driver on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Car and Driver is published by Hearst Magazines, the world's largest lifestyle media publisher with a portfolio of more than 30 powerful brands in the U.S. that inspire and entertain audiences across all media platforms. Hearst Magazines' print and digital assets reach 138 million readers and site visitors each month 54% of all adults in the U.S., 52% of all Millennials and 49% of all Gen Z adults over the age of 18 (Source: 2025 comScore Multi-Platform MRI-Simmons 03/25/F24). The company publishes more than 200+ brand editions and 175 websites around the world. About Autotrader Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com. About Cox Automotive Cox Automotive is the world's largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, auto manufacturers, dealers, lenders and fleets. The company has 29,000+ employees on five continents and a portfolio of industry-leading brands that include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, vAuto, Dealertrack, NextGear Capital, CentralDispatch and FleetNet America. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately owned, Atlanta-based company with $23 billion in annual revenue. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on X, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn. GAZA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- At least 30 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others injured by Israeli army in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, according to the Civil Defense in Gaza. Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for the Civil Defense, told Xinhua that the casualties resulted from Israeli shelling and gunfire targeting tents for displaced people and gatherings of Palestinians near U.S.-backed aid distribution centers. Basal said two men were killed when Israeli forces opened fire near aid centers north of Rafah in southern Gaza, while another man was killed in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis. An airstrike near Abu Safar Mall in central Deir al-Balah killed five people, while another strike near the Netzarim junction left one dead and several wounded. Four people, including two children, were killed in a strike on a displacement tent in Khan Younis, according to Basal. Additional strikes in Gaza City and west of Khan Younis killed at least five more, while Israeli fire near the Kissufim area southeast of Deir al-Balah killed five others. In Deir al-Balah's al-Basah area, a strike on a displacement tent killed five, including three children aged one to 13, he said. Meanwhile, Al-Awda Hospital reported receiving two bodies and seven wounded people after an attack on a civilian gathering near an aid distribution point on Salah al-Din Street in central Gaza. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli army on these incidents. On March 18, Israel resumed its military operations in the enclave. At least 10,460 Palestinians had been killed and 44,189 others injured since Israel renewed its intensive strikes, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to 62,004, and injuries to 156,230, Gaza-based health authorities said on Monday. BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's central bank has added 100 billion yuan (about 14.01 billion U.S. dollars) to its agricultural and small business relending quota to support flood control and disaster relief and post-disaster reconstruction, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) said on Tuesday. The move aims to guide and encourage financial institutions to step up credit support for business entities, especially micro and small enterprises and individual businesses, as well as agricultural and breeding enterprises and farmers in disaster-stricken areas, including Beijing and the provinces of Hebei, Jilin, Shandong and Gansu, the PBOC said. The central bank will urge its local branches to make full use of the new relending quota, it said. It will also guide financial institutions to meet financing needs for flood control, disaster relief and post-disaster reconstruction, and support business entities in resuming operations and production. India, China ties must be guided by 3 mutuals: EAM Jaishankar to Wang NEW DELHI : INDIA and China should adopt a candid and constructive approach in moving ahead in the ties that must be based on mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed this to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Monday. In his opening remarks at a meeting with Wang, the External Affairs Minister pitched for taking forward the de-escalation process in the border areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh that witnessed over a four-year face-off between the militaries of the two nations. Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with the Chinese Foreign Minister shortly after he landed in Delhi on a two-day visit that came days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis planned trip to China to attend the annual summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Wangs 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. Jaishankar also mentioned fighting against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations as another major priority. Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides, the External Affairs Minister said. In that endeavour, we must be guided by the three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. Differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict, he said. Wang is in India primarily to hold a fresh round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The SR talks will be held on Tuesday. Wang later this week will attend Pakistan-China strategic dialogue in Islamabad and hold meetings with civil and military leadership of Pakistan. Mahs Tourism Policy offers huge opportunities: CA Julfesh Shah Business Reporter : ICAI Nagpur Branch (WIRC) has organised a seminar titled Exploring Maharashtra Tourism: Govt. Incentives & Role of CAs. In his welcome address, Chairman CA Dinesh T Rathi emphasized the need for professionals to stay updated about various schemes. Tejinder Singh Renu, President of Nagpur Residential Hotel Association, was special invitee. Highlighting the opportunities in Maharashtras Tourism Policy, CA Julfesh Shah, Past Chairman and former Regional Council Member (WIRC), gave a presentation on the policy and its rich array of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. CA Shah emphasised how provisions like capital subsidies (1525%), SGST reimbursements, electricity duty exemptions, stamp duty relief, interest subvention, and green energy incentives are poised to drive investment and generate substantial employment across the state. CA. Prateek Palan, Managing Committee Member, introduced the speaker, CA Rahul Bajaj moderated the session and CA Deepak Jethwani, Secretary of Nagpur Branch, proposed the vote of thanks. CA Swaroopa Wazalwar, Vice Chairperson, CA Trupti Bhattad, Treasurer, CA Saket Bagadia, Past Chairman; CA Pranavkumar Limaja, CA Ashish Agarwal others were present. NDAs V-P candidate Radhakrishnan meets Modi NEW DELHI : MAHARASHTRA Governor C P Radhakrishnan arrived in the national capital on Monday and met leaders of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a day after he was named as its Vice-Presidential candidate. A host of Union ministers, including the BJPs Bhupender Yadav, Pralhad Joshi and Kiren Rijiju and the TDPs K Ram Mohan Naidu, received Radhakrishnan here, ahead of a host of meetings the NDA has planned in connection with his campaign. Later in the evening, the vice-presidential candidate attended a meeting of NDA leaders where he was felicitated. Official sources said Radhakrishnan may file his nomination on August 20, with Chief Ministers and Deputy Chief Ministers of several States ruled by the BJP and its allies expected to be part of the exercise besides Modi and many of his Cabinet colleagues. After the former Tamil Nadu BJP president and two-term ex-Lok Sabha MP met him, Modi said on X, Met Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji. Conveyed my best wishes on his being the NDAs vice-presidential nominee. His long years of public service and experience across domains will greatly enrich our nation. May he continue to serve the nation with the same dedication and resolve he has always demonstrated, the PrimeMminister said. The NDAs numerical superiority has made Radhakrishnans victory a certainty. But the ruling alliances managers are in overdrive to consolidate maximum support in his favour to send out a political statement amid indications by the INDIA bloc parties that it will force a contest by naming its own candidate. The NDA received a boost after former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party, one of the few parties not aligned to either of the two rival blocs, extended its support to Radhakrishnans candidature. The regional party has 11 MPs in Parliament, whose members make up the electoral college for the VP election. Union minister Rajnath Singh, who is overseeing the campaign and has reached out to different parties, had spoken to Reddy, sources said. Rajnath speaks to CM Stalin to seek support for Radhakrishnan CHENNAI, Aug 18 (IANS) UNION Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday reached out to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin over the phone, seeking the support of the DMK for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan in the upcoming Vice-Presidential elections. Rajnath Singh, who has been entrusted by the BJP leadership to coordinate with key Opposition leaders, spoke to Stalin as part of the NDAs efforts to ensure a smooth and broad-based election of Radhakrishnan, a veteran BJP leader from Tamil Nadu. Party sources said the call was cordial, with Rajnath Singh briefing Stalin about Radhakrishnans long political career and his contributions. Raghuji Bhonsles sword brought to India MUMBAI : THE iconic sword of famous Maratha general Raghuji Bhonsle I, recently acquired by the Maharashtra Government in an auction in London, was brought to Mumbai on Monday. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed the development as an effort to restore Indias heritage. The sword was transported by a flight at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport around 10 am and shifted to P L Deshpande Academy in Prabhadevi area for safekeeping, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said. The sword is a fine example of the Maratha firang style, with a straight, single-edged European-made blade, gold decorations on its Mulheri hilt, and an inscription in Devanagari near the hilt, reading Shrimant Raghoji Bhonsle Senasahibsubha Firang. A bike rally planned to escort the sword was cancelled due to heavy rains and traffic congestion. Addressing an event to mark the arrival of the sword, Fadnavis said the State was reconnecting with its history and legacy with the return of the sword. Calling the weapon a symbol of the Maratha empire, the Chief Minister said, It was, in a way, looted from us and now it has come back again to Maharashtra. He recalled how swiftly the State Government had acted when it learnt about the auction of the sword. Ashish Shelar found one buyer on behalf of the Maharashtra Government within two days, and on Monday, the person went on a bid for the sword. We thought the sword might cost us dearly, but compared to our expectations, we could buy it at a reasonable rate. However, such a historic swords importance cannot be measured in money, he said. The Chief Minister said, the acquisition reflected broader efforts to restore Indias heritage. Even our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought back thousands of such things that had gone abroad in the past. This is a welcoming move for all of us, he added. The sword of Raghuji Bhonsle I, founder of the Nagpur Bhonsle dynasty and a prominent general in the Maratha army during the reign of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, was acquired by the State Government in an international auction earlier this year. The Government had earlier stated that the iconic sword was reclaimed at an auction in London for Rs 47.15 lakh. The sword is believed to have been taken outside India during the 1817 Battle of Sitabuldi, when the British East India Company defeated the Nagpur Bhonsles. Raghuji Bhonsle I (1695-1755), founder of the Nagpur Bhosale dynasty, was conferred the title Senasahib Subha by Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj for his military skills. Bhonsle had led campaigns against the Nawab of Bengal in 1745 and 1755, extending Maratha influence to Bengal and Odisha. Three-day zonal conference, State Arogya Mela inaugurated in city Staff Reporter : The Jigyasa unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Monday inaugurated a three-day zonal conference and State Arogya Mela at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Convention Centre to promote Indian medical systems, particularly Ayurveda, and raise health awareness among the youth. The programme commenced with the lighting of traditional lamp and singing of Vande Mataram. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Madhya Pradesh Minister of Public Works Department, Rakesh Singh, Chairman, National Medical Commission, Dr B L Mehra, Vice-Chancellor, Maharshi Sushruta Ayurveda University, Dr Ashok Khandelwal, Principal, College of Ayurveda, Dr L L Ahirwar, National Convenor, Jigyasa, Dr Adarsh Rawat, State Secretary, ABVP, Makhan Sharma, and National Co-Convenor, Jigyasa, Shambhavi Shukla. In his inaugural address, PWD Minister, Rakesh Singh described Ayurveda as Indias invaluable heritage and an integral part of Indian culture. He praised ABVPs initiative, calling it a Mahakumbh of Ayurveda where education, service, and research converge. He stated that the conference would provide a new direction to the youth and increase awareness of Indian medical systems in society. Dr B L Mehra highlighted Jigyasa as a special initiative by ABVP that promotes research, dialogue and social responsibility in the fields of medicine, health, and education. State Secretary Makhan Sharma said that Ayurveda is a crucial step towards India becoming a Vishwa Guru (world leader) once again. He added that such events inspire youth to pursue their professional lives with a social perspective. Dr Adarsh Rawat mentioned that students and experts from medical, AYUSH, and other health sciences are participating in the three-day event. The State Arogya Mela will also offer free health consultations, disease diagnosis, yoga and naturopathy camps, and lectures by subject experts. The conference will feature guidance from renowned scholars, including Padma Shri Vaidya Balendu Prakash, Nadi Vaidya Tapan Kumar, Vaidya Gopakumar, Vaidya Rajesh Thakkar, Vaidya Ramakrishna, and Vaidya Maratha Bhasker Rao. The event was witnessed by over 1200 students, faculty members, and ABVP workers, marking a proud moment for the city. The upcoming sessions of the conference will include workshops, seminars and research paper presentations on various topics. Why should commuter pay toll if stuck in jam for hours?: SC NEW DELHI : THE Supreme Court on Monday asked the NHAI why should a commuter be asked to pay Rs 150 toll if it took 12 hours to cover a 65-kilometer highway stretch in Thrissur, Kerala. A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria made the remark while reserving its verdict on pleas filed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and concessionaire, Guruvayoor Infrastructure challenging the Kerala High Courts order suspending toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza in Thrissur. Why should a person pay Rs 150 if it takes 12 hours for him to get from one end of the road to the other end? A road which is expected to take one hour, takes 11 more hours and they have to pay a toll as well, the CJI said. During the hearing, the bench was informed about a nearly 12-hour traffic snarl on the stretch on the weekend. The toll suspension was ordered by the High Court on August 6 on the ground of poor condition of the EdappallyMannuthy stretch of National Highway 544 and severe traffic congestion caused by ongoing works. We will consider everything, reserve for orders, the bench said after hearing Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the NHAI, and senior advocate Shyam Divan for the concessionaire. Justice Chandran said the accident which triggered the block was not a mere act of God as argued by Mehta, but caused by a lorry toppling into a pothole. Mehta said the NHAI provided service roads where underpass construction was underway but admitted monsoon rains had slowed the progress. He also cited a precedent suggesting proportionate toll reduction rather than suspension. Justice Chandran, however, remarked a 12-hour ordeal was far beyond any proportional adjustment. The concessionaire said it had maintained the 60 kilometer under its control and blamed third-party contractors, including PSG Engineering, for the service road bottlenecks. My revenue stream cannot be stopped when I am not responsible for the work entrusted to others. The impact on me has already been Rs 56 crore in just 10 days, Divan said, terming High Courts order as grossly unfair. The bench said the High Court allowed the concessionaire to raise claims against the NHAI for losses. Divan said it was inadequate as day-to-day maintenance costs continued while revenue halted. Appearing for the original petitioners before the High Court, senior advocate Jayant Muthraj calling it NHAIs responsibility to ensure a motorable road. Zelenskyy, Trump hope for trilateral talks with Putin WASHINGTON : PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump expressed hope that Mondays critical talks with Ukrainian and European leaders at the White House could lead to trilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to Russias war on Ukraine. Mondays hastily assembled meeting comes after Trump met on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has said that the onus is now on Zelenskyy to agree to concessions that he said could end the war. If everything works out today, well have a trilat, Trump said, referring to possible trilateral talks among Zelenskyy, Putin and Trump. Were going to work with Russia, were going to work with Ukraine. We are ready for trilateral as President said, Zelenskyy said. Zelenskyy had brought with him an extraordinary cadre of European leaders including NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Finnish President Alexander Stubb to show US President Donald Trump a united front against Russia. The US President also said he would back European security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump stopped short of committing US troops to the effort, saying instead that there would be a NATO-like security presence but that all those details would be hashed out in their afternoon meeting with EU leaders. They want to give protection and they feel very strongly about it and we'll help them out with that, Trump said. The Ukrainian President appeared for the meeting wearing a black jacket, but stopped short of wearing a full suit and tie. Earlier, a European official told CNN that Zelenskyys choice of attire had been a topic of conversation between US and Ukrainian officials ahead of Mondays talks at the White House. The official said the Trump administration had suggested that Zelenskyy should not arrive wearing his usual military attire. Putin dials PM Modi; briefs him on meet with Trump in Alaska NEW DELHI, Aug 18 (PTI) RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin on Monday dialled Prime Minister Narendra Modi and apprised him of the summit he held with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, and discussed the prospects of a long-term solution to the conflict in Ukraine. In the phone conversation, their second in the last 10 days, Modi conveyed to President Putin Indias consistent position for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and that it supports all efforts in this regard. Trump and Putin met in Alaska for nearly three hours on Friday but the much-anticipated summit ended without a ceasefire deal. Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska, the Prime Minister said in a social media post. India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. I look forward to our continued exchanges in the days to come, he said. Modi and Putin held the conversation hours before President Trump holds a crucial meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several key European leaders in the White House. It also came against the backdrop of strains in New Delhis ties with Washington following President Trump slapping an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for its continued purchase of Russian crude oil. The Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said Putin shared his assessment of his meeting with President Trump. BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The National Museum of China on Tuesday announced that it will stage exhibitions in Beijing and Hong Kong to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, in collaboration with several government authorities. One of the exhibitions, "International Friends and China's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression," is scheduled to open at the National Museum of China in Beijing in early September. The second resistance war exhibition will open on Aug. 27 at the Hong Kong Museum of History, where it will be on show until Dec. 15. This exhibition will display 183 items from the National Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of History, and from various museums, cultural institutions and collectors based in Hong Kong. Losang Monlam poses for a portrait in front of finished Tibetan costumes at the Sholdo Pal traditional handicrafts school in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. As one of the main categories of traditional Tibetan costumes, Lhasa costume distinguishes itself from others with its vivid features such as large waistline, long sleeves and a dazzling array of decorations, which not only reflect the aesthetics of Tibetan people, but also closely relate to their living environment and lifestyle. In 2018, Lhasa costume was listed as one of the intangible cultural heritages of Xizang Autonomous Region. At the Sholdo Pal traditional handicrafts school, Losang Monlam is guiding his apprentices on the making of Lhasa costumes. Born in 1965 in Baxoi County of Qamdo, Losang Monlam started to learn tailoring when he was 13 years old. In 1983, he went to Lhasa to systematically study costume making. "At that time, Tibetan costumes were so monotonous in styles and colors, " he said. Later, he became a teacher in a handicrafts school, where he had the chance to learn about the characteristics and making skills of various Tibetan costumes in different regions. Such experiences made him a master of all kinds of Tibetan costumes. In 2019, Losang Monlam was recognized as a representative inheritor of Lhasa costume making technique. In 2022, he was also given the title of Lhasa's Master of Arts and Crafts. Over the past 40 years, Losang Monlam has dedicated to passing on the craft. The 60-year-old has trained more than a hundred apprentices, and engaged himself in compiling textbooks and establishing a database on Tibetan clothing. With his encouragement, young designers are now trying to integrate the intangible cultural heritage with modern aesthetics. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Jan. 3, 2025 shows models presenting traditional Tibetan costumes during a New Year fashion show in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Jan. 3, 2025 shows models presenting traditional Tibetan costumes during a New Year fashion show in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam shows the details in making costumes at a shop of his graduated apprentice in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam reads a book at home in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam guides his apprentices at a classroom of the Sholdo Pal traditional handicrafts school in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Jan. 5, 2025 shows children presenting costumes during a fashion culture week in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Jan. 5, 2025 shows models presenting traditional Tibetan costumes during a fashion culture week in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam (R) chats with a graduated apprentice at a teahouse in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Jan. 3, 2025 shows models presenting traditional Tibetan costumes during a New Year fashion show in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam checks the finished Tibetan costumes at the Sholdo Pal traditional handicrafts school in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Jan. 5, 2025 shows a girl model presenting traditional Tibetan costume during a fashion culture week in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features.(Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam holds a paper on which he wrote the gist of making Tibetan costumes in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Aug. 15, 2025 shows traditional Tibetan costumes made by Losang Monlam and his apprentices at the Sholdo Pal traditional handicrafts school in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Aug. 15, 2025 shows the gist of making Tibetan costumes drawn by Losang Monlam on paper in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam checks the finished Tibetan costumes at the Sholdo Pal traditional handicrafts school in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam (R) and an apprentice check a piece of finished Tibetan costume at the Sholdo Pal traditional handicrafts school in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam (R) guides an apprentice to cut the cloth at the Sholdo Pal traditional handicrafts school in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam (R) visits a shop of his graduated apprentice in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Jan. 3, 2025 shows models presenting traditional Tibetan costumes during a New Year fashion show in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam shows the details in making costumes at a shop of his graduated apprentice in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam (R) guides an apprentice to cut the cloth at the Sholdo Pal traditional handicrafts school in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam (L) visits a shop of his graduated apprentice in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam (L) guides an apprentice to cut the cloth at the Sholdo Pal traditional handicrafts school in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam (L) and an apprentice check the quality of a piece of Tibetan costume at the Sholdo Pal traditional handicrafts school in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Losang Monlam (L) guides an apprentice at the Sholdo Pal traditional handicrafts school in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 15, 2025. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Jan. 5, 2025 shows a model presenting Tibetan costume during a fashion culture week in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) This photo taken on Jan. 5, 2025 shows a girl model presenting traditional Tibetan costume during a fashion culture week in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Traditional Tibetan costumes, after centuries of evolution and development, have formed rich styles and unique features. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) NEW YORK, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States will help defend Ukraine after its war with Russia, but that there will not be U.S. troops on the ground. "You have my assurance," Trump said in a Fox News interview, a day after hosting a White House summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders. Trump said on Monday during meetings at the White House that the United States would be "involved" in security guarantees for Ukraine after its war with Russia but did not elaborate. He added more clarity in the morning interview with "Fox & Friends." "When it comes to security, they're willing to put people on the ground," Trump said, referring to the European countries. "We're willing to help them with things, especially probably ... by air because there's nobody that has the kind of stuff we have." "The issue of security guarantees for Ukraine -- and potential U.S. involvement in them -- has proved to be a sticking point as Trump works to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia," reported The Washington Post about the development. "European leaders have been encouraged that Trump appears open to a U.S. role in peacekeeping in Ukraine, but that could complicate negotiations with Russia, which has spent years working to counter increased military support for Ukraine by its allies," it noted. The White House rarely hosts so many foreign dignitaries at once as it did on Monday, when Zelensky and European leaders arrived to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict with Trump. The Monday meetings at the White House mainly focused on security guarantees for Ukraine and a possible trilateral meeting between Russia, Ukraine and the United States. Disagreements remain on some key issues, such as whether a ceasefire is necessary before further negotiations. The latest talks came three days after the U.S. and Russian presidents met in the U.S. state of Alaska, when progress was reportedly made but no deal was announced. Aviso Financial Inc. lifted its position in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 8.0% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 7,085 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 522 shares during the quarter. Aviso Financial Inc.s holdings in EOG Resources were worth $909,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of EOG. Hancock Whitney Corp lifted its position in EOG Resources by 5.7% during the 4th quarter. Hancock Whitney Corp now owns 1,719 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $211,000 after acquiring an additional 92 shares in the last quarter. Granite Harbor Advisors Inc. lifted its position in EOG Resources by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. Granite Harbor Advisors Inc. now owns 3,034 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $389,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares in the last quarter. FSM Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in EOG Resources by 6.2% during the 1st quarter. FSM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,623 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $208,000 after acquiring an additional 95 shares in the last quarter. Sigma Planning Corp lifted its position in EOG Resources by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Sigma Planning Corp now owns 6,259 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $803,000 after acquiring an additional 97 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Jackson Hole Trust lifted its position in EOG Resources by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust now owns 6,234 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $791,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.91% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently commented on EOG. Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price target on EOG Resources from $145.00 to $140.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 8th. Morgan Stanley set a $135.00 target price on EOG Resources and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, June 2nd. Bank of America cut their target price on EOG Resources from $125.00 to $124.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, May 23rd. KeyCorp cut their target price on EOG Resources from $150.00 to $140.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, April 21st. Finally, Barclays upped their target price on EOG Resources from $137.00 to $140.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, June 2nd. 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 stock. According to data from MarketBeat, EOG Resources currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $140.71. EOG Resources Price Performance Shares of NYSE EOG opened at $117.60 on Tuesday. EOG Resources, Inc. has a twelve month low of $102.52 and a twelve month high of $138.18. 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 company has a market capitalization of $64.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 9.15 and a beta of 0.80. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $120.36 and a 200-day simple moving average of $119.27. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 7th. The energy exploration company reported $2.32 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.14 by $0.18. The business had revenue of $5.48 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.45 billion. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 20.51% and a net margin of 25.25%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $3.16 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.47 earnings per share for the current year. EOG Resources Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 31st. Investors of record on Friday, October 17th will be paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.5%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 17th. This is an increase from EOG Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. EOG Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 39.65%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 3,951 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.65, for a total transaction of $472,737.15. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 45,739 shares in the company, valued at $5,472,671.35. This represents a 7.95% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. EOG Resources Company Profile (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Loader Please wait while your request is being verified... Bowen Hanes & Co. Inc. lifted its position in Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH Free Report) by 17.3% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 94,840 shares of the industrial products companys stock after buying an additional 13,955 shares during the period. Parker-Hannifin comprises 1.6% of Bowen Hanes & Co. Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 27th largest position. Bowen Hanes & Co. Inc. owned 0.07% of Parker-Hannifin worth $57,648,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. First Manhattan CO. LLC. increased its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 1.0% during the 4th quarter. First Manhattan CO. LLC. now owns 1,580 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,005,000 after purchasing an additional 15 shares in the last quarter. Cascade Financial Partners LLC increased its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Cascade Financial Partners LLC now owns 498 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $303,000 after purchasing an additional 15 shares in the last quarter. Becker Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 3.4% during the 4th quarter. Becker Capital Management Inc. now owns 482 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $307,000 after purchasing an additional 16 shares in the last quarter. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC increased its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 3.5% during the 1st quarter. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC now owns 468 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $262,000 after purchasing an additional 16 shares in the last quarter. Finally, E Fund Management Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 5.0% during the 1st quarter. E Fund Management Co. Ltd. now owns 336 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $204,000 after purchasing an additional 16 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.44% of the companys stock. Get Parker-Hannifin alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have issued reports on PH shares. Raymond James Financial set a $845.00 target price on Parker-Hannifin and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 8th. KeyCorp raised their price objective on Parker-Hannifin from $790.00 to $810.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 8th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Parker-Hannifin from $770.00 to $800.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a report on Friday, August 8th. Finally, Barclays raised their price objective on Parker-Hannifin from $750.00 to $776.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 8th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Parker-Hannifin presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $768.71. Insider Activity In other Parker-Hannifin news, VP Matthew A. Jacobson sold 575 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $733.06, for a total transaction of $421,509.50. Following the sale, the vice president owned 1,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $733,060. The trade was a 36.51% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Thomas C. Gentile sold 1,133 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $729.50, for a total transaction of $826,523.50. Following the sale, the vice president directly owned 5,465 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,986,717.50. The trade was a 17.17% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 9,414 shares of company stock valued at $6,883,931. 0.39% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Parker-Hannifin Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:PH opened at $736.63 on Tuesday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $706.86 and its 200 day simple moving average is $658.80. The stock has a market capitalization of $94.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.03 and a beta of 1.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 1.19 and a quick ratio of 0.71. Parker-Hannifin Corporation has a 1 year low of $488.45 and a 1 year high of $763.99. Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 7th. The industrial products company reported $7.69 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $7.08 by $0.61. The firm had revenue of $5.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.10 billion. Parker-Hannifin had a net margin of 17.79% and a return on equity of 26.80%. The companys revenue was up 1.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $6.77 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Parker-Hannifin Corporation will post 26.71 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Parker-Hannifin (Free Report) Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to ensure purity and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors used in fluid and gas handling; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Parker-Hannifin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Parker-Hannifin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank OZK reduced its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 8.4% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,820 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 717 shares during the period. Bank OZKs holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $477,000 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 company. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 297.0% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 23,728,443 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,447,198,000 after acquiring an additional 17,750,938 shares in the last quarter. Cornerstone Select Advisors LLC grew its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. Cornerstone Select Advisors LLC now owns 29,178 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,780,000 after buying an additional 568 shares during the last quarter. Korea Investment CORP grew its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 2,038,026 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $124,299,000 after buying an additional 39,394 shares during the last quarter. Qtron Investments LLC grew its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb by 49.4% during the 1st quarter. Qtron Investments LLC now owns 30,794 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,878,000 after buying an additional 10,177 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Aptus Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb by 8.6% during the 1st quarter. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC now owns 311,859 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $19,020,000 after buying an additional 24,653 shares during the last quarter. 76.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol Myers Squibb Trading Down 0.5% Shares of Bristol Myers Squibb stock opened at $48.19 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.54. The firm has a market cap of $98.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.48 and a beta of 0.36. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $47.21 and a 200-day simple moving average of $51.32. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a fifty-two week low of $42.96 and a fifty-two week high of $63.33. Bristol Myers Squibb Announces Dividend Bristol Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 31st. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.46 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.07 by $0.39. The business had revenue of $12.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.32 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 80.04% and a net margin of 10.58%. The companys revenue was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.07 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 3rd were issued a $0.62 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 3rd. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.1%. Bristol Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is 100.00%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages recently commented on BMY. William Blair restated a market perform rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Friday, April 25th. Citigroup lowered their price objective on Bristol Myers Squibb from $51.00 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 1st. Piper Sandler began coverage on Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. They set an overweight rating and a $65.00 price objective for the company. Daiwa America downgraded Bristol Myers Squibb from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. Finally, Argus upgraded Bristol Myers Squibb to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, April 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fifteen have assigned a hold rating, five have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $56.38. Read Our Latest Stock Report on BMY About Bristol Myers Squibb (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Credit Agricole S A lifted its holdings in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report) by 830.3% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 341,723 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 304,990 shares during the period. Credit Agricole S A owned 0.13% of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. worth $117,976,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC grew its position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 1.1% during the first quarter. Checchi Capital Advisers LLC now owns 2,899 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,001,000 after acquiring an additional 31 shares during the last quarter. Menard Financial Group LLC grew its position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 0.8% during the first quarter. Menard Financial Group LLC now owns 3,812 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,289,000 after acquiring an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. Allen Capital Group LLC grew its position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 2.1% during the first quarter. Allen Capital Group LLC now owns 1,603 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $553,000 after acquiring an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. City Holding Co. grew its position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 3.1% in the 1st quarter. City Holding Co. now owns 1,140 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $394,000 after buying an additional 34 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CVA Family Office LLC grew its position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 34.3% in the 1st quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 133 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $46,000 after buying an additional 34 shares during the last quarter. 85.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: Insider Activity In other news, VP Scott R. Hudson sold 10,500 shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $337.17, for a total transaction of $3,540,285.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 91,175 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,741,474.75. The trade was a 10.33% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. 1.30% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms recently weighed in on AJG. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $371.00 to $373.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 1st. Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $346.00 to $327.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 7th. Erste Group Bank reiterated a hold rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research report on Wednesday, July 23rd. Finally, UBS Group lowered their price objective on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $345.00 to $322.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 4th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating, five 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 an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $331.07. Get Our Latest Research Report on AJG Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Trading Up 0.7% NYSE:AJG opened at $294.66 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $75.55 billion, a PE ratio of 41.86 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a quick ratio of 1.36, a current ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 52-week low of $274.25 and a 52-week high of $351.23. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $307.55 and a 200-day simple moving average of $322.69. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 31st. The financial services provider reported $2.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.36 by ($0.03). The firm had revenue of $3.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.20 billion. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a return on equity of 13.17% and a net margin of 14.54%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 16.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.29 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 5th will be paid a dividend of $0.65 per share. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 5th. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s payout ratio is 36.93%. About Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Free Report) Arthur J. Gallagher & Co engages in the provision of insurance brokerage, reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and third-party claims settlement and administration services. It operates through the following segments: Brokerage, Risk Management, and Corporate. The Brokerage segment consists of retail and wholesale insurance brokerage operations. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Credit Agricole S A boosted its position in shares of The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 39.1% in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 683,027 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 192,002 shares during the period. Credit Agricole S As holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $53,467,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in SCHW. Atwood & Palmer Inc. bought a new position in Charles Schwab during the 1st quarter valued at about $25,000. Westside Investment Management Inc. lifted its holdings in Charles Schwab by 75.0% during the 1st quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 350 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Stone House Investment Management LLC bought a new position in Charles Schwab during the 1st quarter valued at about $31,000. WFA Asset Management Corp bought a new position in shares of Charles Schwab in the first quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, Cornerstone Planning Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 90.5% in the first quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 463 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 220 shares during the last quarter. 84.38% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Charles Schwab Stock Up 0.0% Shares of NYSE SCHW opened at $96.15 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $174.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.85, a P/E/G ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 0.96. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $93.25 and a 200 day moving average price of $85.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a current ratio of 0.55. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a 52-week low of $61.16 and a 52-week high of $99.59. Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 18th. The financial services provider reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $5.85 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.64 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 33.68% and a return on equity of 19.30%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 24.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.73 earnings per share. Analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 EPS for the current year. Charles Schwab announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock buyback program on Thursday, July 24th that authorizes the company to buyback $20.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the financial services provider to buy up to 11.6% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are usually a sign that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 22nd. Investors of record on Friday, August 8th will be issued a dividend of $0.27 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 8th. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. Charles Schwabs payout ratio is currently 29.03%. Insider Activity In other news, insider Jonathan M. Craig sold 47,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, May 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $88.46, for a total transaction of $4,201,850.00. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, insider Nigel J. Murtagh sold 24,096 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $97.91, for a total transaction of $2,359,239.36. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 58,999 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,776,592.09. This represents a 29.00% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 308,016 shares of company stock valued at $29,341,433. 6.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have weighed in on SCHW shares. Piper Sandler boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $80.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 15th. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $105.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 21st. JMP Securities boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $106.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a research note on Monday, July 21st. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $117.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 29th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Charles Schwab from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $99.60. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Charles Schwab About Charles Schwab (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP cut its position in shares of Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT Free Report) by 2.1% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,559,518 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 32,748 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP owned approximately 1.46% of Camden Property Trust worth $190,728,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in CPT. Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in shares of Camden Property Trust during the 1st quarter worth about $123,882,000. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in shares of Camden Property Trust by 12,973.9% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 403,590 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $49,359,000 after purchasing an additional 400,503 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp boosted its stake in shares of Camden Property Trust by 33.7% during the 4th quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 1,420,076 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $164,786,000 after purchasing an additional 357,718 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in shares of Camden Property Trust by 17.2% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,863,792 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $227,942,000 after purchasing an additional 273,966 shares during the period. Finally, Balyasny Asset Management L.P. boosted its stake in shares of Camden Property Trust by 43.0% during the 4th quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 749,607 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $86,984,000 after purchasing an additional 225,336 shares during the period. 97.22% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Camden Property Trust alerts: Camden Property Trust Trading Down 0.9% NYSE:CPT opened at $105.89 on Tuesday. Camden Property Trust has a one year low of $102.35 and a one year high of $127.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.18 and a current ratio of 0.18. The firm has a market cap of $11.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 74.05, a P/E/G ratio of 3.63 and a beta of 0.78. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $112.36 and a 200-day simple moving average of $115.57. Camden Property Trust Announces Dividend Camden Property Trust ( NYSE:CPT Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $1.70 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.69 by $0.01. Camden Property Trust had a net margin of 9.99% and a return on equity of 3.30%. The firm had revenue of $396.51 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $393.24 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.71 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Camden Property Trust will post 6.76 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 17th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 30th were given a $1.05 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 30th. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.0%. Camden Property Trusts payout ratio is presently 293.71%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently commented on CPT. Mizuho dropped their price target on shares of Camden Property Trust from $130.00 to $122.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Camden Property Trust from $127.00 to $129.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Tuesday, June 17th. Truist Financial set a $131.00 price objective on shares of Camden Property Trust and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, May 19th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Camden Property Trust from $130.00 to $124.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. Finally, Citigroup decreased their price objective on shares of Camden Property Trust from $138.00 to $130.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $124.94. View Our Latest Analysis on CPT Camden Property Trust Profile (Free Report) Camden Property Trust, an S&P 500 Company, is a real estate company primarily engaged in the ownership, management, development, redevelopment, acquisition, and construction of multifamily apartment communities. Camden owns and operates 172 properties containing 58,250 apartment homes across the United States. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Camden Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Camden Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE:PLX Free Report) Equities researchers at HC Wainwright decreased their Q3 2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Protalix BioTherapeutics in a note issued to investors on Monday, August 18th. HC Wainwright analyst R. Selvaraju now forecasts that the company will earn $0.04 per share for the quarter, down from their prior estimate of $0.07. The consensus estimate for Protalix BioTherapeutics current full-year earnings is $0.01 per share. HC Wainwright also issued estimates for Protalix BioTherapeutics Q4 2025 earnings at $0.05 EPS, Q1 2026 earnings at $0.06 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $0.08 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $0.09 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $0.12 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $0.35 EPS. Get Protalix BioTherapeutics alerts: Separately, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Protalix BioTherapeutics from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, May 12th. Protalix BioTherapeutics Stock Up 4.1% NYSE:PLX opened at $1.54 on Tuesday. Protalix BioTherapeutics has a 52 week low of $0.89 and a 52 week high of $3.10. The stocks fifty day moving average is $1.49 and its two-hundred day moving average is $2.03. The company has a market capitalization of $122.59 million, a P/E ratio of -11.85 and a beta of -0.21. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Aharon Schwartz acquired 129,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, June 10th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $1.60 per share, with a total value of $206,400.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director owned 303,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $484,800. This represents a 74.14% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. 6.50% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Protalix BioTherapeutics A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of PLX. NewEdge Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Protalix BioTherapeutics during the 1st quarter worth approximately $39,000. Cascade Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Protalix BioTherapeutics during the second quarter worth $25,000. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey purchased a new position in Protalix BioTherapeutics in the second quarter valued at $27,000. Bank of America Corp DE grew its stake in Protalix BioTherapeutics by 364,766.7% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 21,892 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 21,886 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. acquired a new position in Protalix BioTherapeutics during the 2nd quarter worth $40,000. 16.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Protalix BioTherapeutics (Get Free Report) Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development, production, and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins based on its proprietary ProCellEx plant cell-based protein expression system in the United States, Australia, Canada, Israel, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, and internationally. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Protalix BioTherapeutics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Protalix BioTherapeutics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A staff member wearing a flowery headwear introduces local travel photography products via live-streaming at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) A tourist takes photos of a flowery headwear-shaped fridge magnet at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) Tourists wearing flowery headwears pose for selfies at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) A tourist wearing a flowery headwear gets her makeup done at a travel photography studio at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) A local woman opens oyster shells at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) A local woman rides past tourists wearing flowery headwears at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) A tourist wearing flowery headwear visits a clothing renting store at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) A local woman displays a flowery headwear she sells at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) A tourist wearing a flowery headwear poses for photos at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) A girl wearing a flowery headwear poses for photos at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) A tourist wearing a flowery headwear poses for photos at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) A tourist wearing flowery headwear takes photos at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) A local woman displays a toy wearing a flowery headwear at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) A shop owner pins a flowery headwear for a tourist at Xunpu Village of Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Aug. 18, 2025. Xunpu flowery headwear has been a signature of Xunpu Village and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. The beautiful flowery headwears attracted millions of eyes in the cyber world in early 2023, followed by a sustainable tourist boom in the village. Photo-shooting, dining and other hospitality services have diversified the source of income for residents of this small coastal village that used to rely on fishing and mudflat aquaculture. Since 2025, Xunpu Village has introduced more tourist experience events, such as sea exploration, opera performances, and village sightseeing. These activities have driven the growth of catering, homestays, and related industries, significantly boosting local residents' income. Currently, the village has nearly 300 travel photography studios and receives an average of 20,000 daily tourists. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lowered its stake in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:IPG Free Report) by 0.1% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 7,417,848 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 4,620 shares during the quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP owned about 2.01% of Interpublic Group of Companies worth $201,440,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Teacher Retirement System of Texas acquired a new position in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies during the 1st quarter valued at about $1,480,000. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies by 2.4% during the 1st quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 153,830 shares of the business services providers stock worth $4,178,000 after purchasing an additional 3,547 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenue grew its holdings in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 43,655 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,185,000 after purchasing an additional 1,170 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC grew its holdings in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies by 7.5% during the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 500,207 shares of the business services providers stock worth $13,586,000 after purchasing an additional 34,753 shares during the period. Finally, NBC Securities Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies by 106,420.0% during the 1st quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 5,326 shares of the business services providers stock worth $144,000 after purchasing an additional 5,321 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.43% of the companys stock. Get Interpublic Group of Companies alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on IPG. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Interpublic Group of Companies from $35.00 to $33.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 10th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Interpublic Group of Companies to a hold rating in a report on Saturday. UBS Group decreased their target price on Interpublic Group of Companies from $27.00 to $25.60 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 23rd. Finally, Barclays cut Interpublic Group of Companies from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $34.00 to $27.50 in a report on Wednesday, June 25th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $32.39. Interpublic Group of Companies Stock Down 0.1% NYSE IPG opened at $26.07 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $9.55 billion, a PE ratio of 22.09 and a beta of 1.05. Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $22.51 and a fifty-two week high of $33.05. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $24.74 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $25.31. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE:IPG Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 22nd. The business services provider reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.55 by $0.20. Interpublic Group of Companies had a return on equity of 28.72% and a net margin of 4.27%. The firm had revenue of $2.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.15 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.61 EPS. Interpublic Group of Companiess quarterly revenue was down 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. will post 2.66 EPS for the current fiscal year. Interpublic Group of Companies Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 16th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 2nd will be given a $0.33 dividend. This represents a $1.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 2nd. Interpublic Group of Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 111.86%. About Interpublic Group of Companies (Free Report) The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc provides advertising and marketing services worldwide. It operates in three segments: Media, Data & Engagement Solutions, Integrated Advertising & Creativity Led Solutions, and Specialized Communications & Experiential Solutions. The Media, Data & Engagement Solutions segment provides media and communications services, digital services and products, advertising and marketing technology, e-commerce services, data management and analytics, strategic consulting, and digital brand experience under the IPG Mediabrands, UM, Initiative, Kinesso, Acxiom, Huge, MRM, and R/GA brand names. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IPG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:IPG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Interpublic Group of Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Interpublic Group of Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JT Stratford LLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) by 35.3% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 8,926 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 2,331 shares during the quarter. JT Stratford LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $1,525,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd increased its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2,898.7% in the 1st quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd now owns 7,622,243 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,302,565,000 after purchasing an additional 7,368,058 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 9.3% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 31,853,469 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,443,439,000 after purchasing an additional 2,711,718 shares in the last quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec purchased a new position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $349,393,000. LPL Financial LLC increased its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 7.8% in the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 18,186,643 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,107,915,000 after purchasing an additional 1,318,823 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Liberty Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 995.9% in the 1st quarter. Liberty Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,312,382 shares of the companys stock valued at $224,273,000 after purchasing an additional 1,192,632 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Price Performance BATS QUAL opened at $188.15 on Tuesday. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 1-year low of $148.34 and a 1-year high of $187.26. The company has a market capitalization of $54.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.59 and a beta of 1.05. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $183.35 and a 200 day moving average price of $177.19. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding QUAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korea Investment CORP trimmed its position in 3M Company (NYSE:MMM Free Report) by 4.3% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 368,784 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 16,725 shares during the quarter. Korea Investment CORPs holdings in 3M were worth $54,160,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Sand Hill Global Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of 3M by 7.0% in the first quarter. Sand Hill Global Advisors LLC now owns 3,053 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $448,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group increased its holdings in shares of 3M by 98.5% in the first quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 1,092 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $160,000 after purchasing an additional 542 shares during the last quarter. Versor Investments LP purchased a new position in 3M in the first quarter worth about $379,000. Affinity Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in 3M by 18.6% in the first quarter. Affinity Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,681 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $394,000 after acquiring an additional 420 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. grew its position in 3M by 3.7% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 833,614 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $122,425,000 after acquiring an additional 29,620 shares in the last quarter. 65.25% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get 3M alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms recently commented on MMM. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of 3M in a research report on Thursday, August 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. set a $167.00 price target on 3M in a research report on Friday, July 18th. Wells Fargo & Company reiterated an overweight rating on shares of 3M in a research report on Friday, July 18th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on 3M from $98.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 23rd. Finally, Barclays set a $170.00 price target on 3M in a research report on Friday, July 18th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, 3M has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $158.10. Insider Transactions at 3M In related news, EVP John Patrick Banovetz sold 7,759 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, May 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $148.37, for a total value of $1,151,202.83. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 31,372 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,654,663.64. The trade was a 19.83% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Christian T. Goralski, Jr. sold 6,165 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.18, for a total value of $925,859.70. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 2,900 shares of the companys stock, valued at $435,522. The trade was a 68.01% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 8,817,401 shares of company stock worth $648,960,803 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.48% of the companys stock. 3M Stock Up 0.3% Shares of NYSE:MMM opened at $152.86 on Tuesday. 3M Company has a 1 year low of $121.98 and a 1 year high of $164.15. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $151.14 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $147.12. The firm has a market capitalization of $81.42 billion, a PE ratio of 21.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 1.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.87, a current ratio of 1.72 and a quick ratio of 1.20. 3M (NYSE:MMM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 18th. The conglomerate reported $2.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.01 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $6.16 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.09 billion. 3M had a return on equity of 96.48% and a net margin of 16.01%. 3Ms quarterly revenue was up 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.93 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that 3M Company will post 7.8 EPS for the current year. 3M Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 12th. Investors of record on Monday, August 25th will be issued a $0.73 dividend. This represents a $2.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.9%. 3Ms payout ratio is 40.61%. About 3M (Free Report) 3M Company provides diversified technology services in the United States and internationally. The companys Safety and Industrial segment offers industrial abrasives and finishing for metalworking applications; autobody repair solutions; closure systems for personal hygiene products, masking, and packaging materials; electrical products and materials for construction and maintenance, power distribution, and electrical original equipment manufacturers; structural adhesives and tapes; respiratory, hearing, eye, and fall protection solutions; and natural and color-coated mineral granules for shingles. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MMM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for 3M Company (NYSE:MMM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for 3M Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for 3M and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korea Investment CORP reduced its stake in shares of Transdigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG Free Report) by 5.7% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 34,959 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 2,098 shares during the quarter. Korea Investment CORP owned approximately 0.06% of Transdigm Group worth $48,358,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vontobel Holding Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of Transdigm Group in the 1st quarter worth about $387,000. Dynamic Advisor Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Transdigm Group in the 1st quarter worth about $1,113,000. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd grew its position in shares of Transdigm Group by 4.6% in the 1st quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd now owns 8,653 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $11,970,000 after buying an additional 380 shares during the period. Mutual Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Transdigm Group in the 1st quarter worth about $263,000. Finally, Paragon Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Transdigm Group by 14.2% in the 1st quarter. Paragon Advisors LLC now owns 1,800 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $2,490,000 after buying an additional 224 shares during the period. 95.78% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Transdigm Group alerts: Insider Activity at Transdigm Group In other Transdigm Group news, CFO Sarah Wynne sold 3,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,452.15, for a total transaction of $4,646,880.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 3,400 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,937,310. This represents a 48.48% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director W Nicholas Howley sold 2,736 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,569.86, for a total transaction of $4,295,136.96. Following the transaction, the director owned 21,548 shares in the company, valued at $33,827,343.28. This represents a 11.27% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 62,172 shares of company stock worth $89,692,367 over the last quarter. 4.09% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Transdigm Group Stock Performance TDG opened at $1,390.57 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $78.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 46.15, a P/E/G ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 1.07. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $1,501.76 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $1,414.06. Transdigm Group Incorporated has a 52-week low of $1,183.60 and a 52-week high of $1,623.82. Transdigm Group (NYSE:TDG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, August 5th. The aerospace company reported $9.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $9.75 by ($0.15). The company had revenue of $2.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.29 billion. Transdigm Group had a net margin of 20.98% and a negative return on equity of 35.27%. Transdigm Groups revenue was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $9.00 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Transdigm Group Incorporated will post 35.13 EPS for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have recently weighed in on TDG. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on shares of Transdigm Group from $1,526.00 to $1,709.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, June 23rd. Stifel Nicolaus assumed coverage on shares of Transdigm Group in a research report on Tuesday, June 24th. They issued a buy rating and a $1,710.00 target price on the stock. Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of Transdigm Group from $1,553.00 to $1,730.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 11th. UBS Group upped their price target on shares of Transdigm Group from $1,815.00 to $1,839.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 7th. Finally, Susquehanna upped their price target on shares of Transdigm Group from $1,300.00 to $1,600.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,624.69. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Transdigm Group Transdigm Group Profile (Free Report) TransDigm Group Incorporated designs, produces, and supplies aircraft components in the United States and internationally. The Power & Control segment offers mechanical/electro-mechanical actuators and controls, ignition systems and engine technology, specialized pumps and valves, power conditioning devices, specialized AC/DC electric motors and generators, batteries and chargers, databus and power controls, sensor products, switches and relay panels, hoists, winches and lifting devices, and cargo loading and handling systems. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Transdigm Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Transdigm Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Matthew 25 Management Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 41,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,882,000. Novo Nordisk A/S comprises approximately 1.1% of Matthew 25 Management Corps investment portfolio, making the stock its 18th largest holding. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. BIP Wealth LLC raised its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 3.9% during the 4th quarter. BIP Wealth LLC now owns 3,642 shares of the companys stock valued at $313,000 after purchasing an additional 138 shares during the last quarter. Xponance Inc. raised its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 5.0% during the 1st quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 3,314 shares of the companys stock valued at $230,000 after purchasing an additional 158 shares during the last quarter. Foster Dykema Cabot & Partners LLC raised its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. Foster Dykema Cabot & Partners LLC now owns 4,526 shares of the companys stock valued at $319,000 after purchasing an additional 166 shares during the last quarter. 180 Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 3.6% during the 1st quarter. 180 Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 5,014 shares of the companys stock valued at $348,000 after purchasing an additional 173 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LRI Investments LLC raised its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 1.4% during the 4th quarter. LRI Investments LLC now owns 13,060 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,123,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 11.54% of the companys stock. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Performance Novo Nordisk A/S stock opened at $53.81 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The company has a market capitalization of $240.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.78, a PEG ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 0.63. The stocks 50 day moving average is $64.52 and its 200 day moving average is $70.02. Novo Nordisk A/S has a twelve month low of $45.05 and a twelve month high of $139.74. Novo Nordisk A/S Cuts Dividend Novo Nordisk A/S ( NYSE:NVO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.97 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.93 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $11.69 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $77.51 billion. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 78.64% and a net margin of 35.60%. On average, equities research analysts predict that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, August 26th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 18th will be paid a dividend of $0.4119 per share. This represents a yield of 240.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, August 18th. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 45.05%. Analysts Set New Price Targets NVO has been the subject of several research reports. Wall Street Zen lowered Novo Nordisk A/S from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, August 2nd. HSBC lowered Novo Nordisk A/S from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $57.00 target price for the company. in a research report on Thursday, July 31st. Hsbc Global Res lowered Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, July 31st. BNP Paribas raised Novo Nordisk A/S from an underperform rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Finally, Barclays reissued an equal weight rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Novo Nordisk A/S currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $83.75. Read Our Latest Research Report on NVO About Novo Nordisk A/S (Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Rare Disease. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Northern Trust Corp boosted its stake in AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB Free Report) by 5.2% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,779,484 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 136,741 shares during the quarter. Northern Trust Corp owned approximately 1.95% of AvalonBay Communities worth $596,533,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Proathlete Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in AvalonBay Communities in the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in AvalonBay Communities in the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Ancora Advisors LLC raised its holdings in AvalonBay Communities by 1,666.7% in the 4th quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC now owns 159 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Keystone Global Partners LLC acquired a new position in AvalonBay Communities in the 1st quarter valued at $45,000. Finally, Zions Bancorporation National Association UT acquired a new position in AvalonBay Communities in the 1st quarter valued at $50,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.61% of the companys stock. Get AvalonBay Communities alerts: AvalonBay Communities Stock Down 1.1% Shares of NYSE AVB opened at $188.43 on Tuesday. AvalonBay Communities, Inc. has a 12-month low of $180.40 and a 12-month high of $239.29. The company has a market cap of $26.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.21, a P/E/G ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $199.29 and a 200 day moving average price of $206.03. AvalonBay Communities Dividend Announcement AvalonBay Communities ( NYSE:AVB Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.82 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.80 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $689.90 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $759.08 million. AvalonBay Communities had a net margin of 38.91% and a return on equity of 9.70%. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.77 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that AvalonBay Communities, Inc. will post 11.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 30th were given a $1.75 dividend. This represents a $7.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, June 30th. AvalonBay Communitiess dividend payout ratio is presently 86.21%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth AVB has been the subject of several analyst reports. Evercore ISI cut their price target on AvalonBay Communities from $216.00 to $212.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, August 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price target on AvalonBay Communities from $216.00 to $211.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 1st. Scotiabank cut their price target on AvalonBay Communities from $236.00 to $226.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, August 14th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on AvalonBay Communities from $238.00 to $216.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 15th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded AvalonBay Communities from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, August 2nd. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $225.64. Read Our Latest Analysis on AvalonBay Communities Insider Transactions at AvalonBay Communities In other AvalonBay Communities news, EVP Edward M. Schulman sold 5,945 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $205.67, for a total value of $1,222,708.15. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 17,617 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,623,288.39. This represents a 25.23% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Kevin P. Oshea sold 6,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $207.57, for a total transaction of $1,245,420.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 22,782 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,728,859.74. The trade was a 20.85% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.48% of the companys stock. AvalonBay Communities Company Profile (Free Report) AvalonBay Communities, Inc is a real estate investment trust, which engages in the development, acquisition, ownership, and operation of multifamily communities. It operates through the following segments: Same Store, Other Stabilized, and Development or Redevelopment. The Same Store segment refers to the operating communities that were owned and had stabilized occupancy. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for AvalonBay Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AvalonBay Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Stantec (NYSE:STN Free Report) (TSE:STN) from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Saturday morning. Several other equities research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Scotiabank reissued an outperform rating on shares of Stantec in a research report on Wednesday, May 7th. CIBC restated an outperform rating on shares of Stantec in a research note on Friday, July 18th. TD Securities restated a buy rating on shares of Stantec in a research note on Friday, May 16th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of Stantec in a research note on Friday, May 16th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Stantec has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Stantec alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Stantec Stantec Price Performance Shares of NYSE STN opened at $106.13 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 1.44 and a current ratio of 1.44. Stantec has a fifty-two week low of $73.18 and a fifty-two week high of $113.50. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.11 billion, a PE ratio of 38.73 and a beta of 1.03. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $108.94 and its 200-day simple moving average is $94.96. Stantec (NYSE:STN Get Free Report) (TSE:STN) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 13th. The business services provider reported $0.98 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.98. Stantec had a return on equity of 19.03% and a net margin of 5.62%. The business had revenue of $1.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.64 billion. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Stantec will post 3.05 EPS for the current fiscal year. Stantec Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Monday, September 29th will be paid a dividend of $0.1635 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 29th. This represents a $0.65 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. This is a boost from Stantecs previous quarterly dividend of $0.16. Stantecs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 24.09%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Stantec in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $205,000. Barclays PLC grew its stake in shares of Stantec by 35.3% in the 4th quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 41,931 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $3,289,000 after purchasing an additional 10,930 shares during the last quarter. Mariner LLC grew its stake in shares of Stantec by 4.2% in the 4th quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 4,880 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $383,000 after purchasing an additional 195 shares during the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd grew its stake in shares of Stantec by 41.2% in the 4th quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 5,878 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $461,000 after purchasing an additional 1,715 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP grew its stake in shares of Stantec by 132.6% in the 4th quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 52,038 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $4,082,000 after purchasing an additional 29,667 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 63.86% of the companys stock. Stantec Company Profile (Get Free Report) Stantec Inc provides professional services in the areas of infrastructure and facilities to the public and private sectors in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It offers evaluation, planning, and designing infrastructure solutions; solutions for sustainable water resources, planning, management, and infrastructure; environmental services; integrated architecture, engineering, interior design, and planning solutions for buildings; and energy and resources solutions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Stantec Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stantec and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc lifted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJH Free Report) by 38.1% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 344,563 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 95,039 shares during the quarter. iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF makes up about 2.0% of Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Incs investment portfolio, making the stock its 6th largest position. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Incs holdings in iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF were worth $20,105,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Minot DeBlois Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. MorganRosel Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. American Capital Advisory LLC bought a new position in iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Wayfinding Financial LLC bought a new position in iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $37,000. Finally, Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $42,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 14.60% of the companys stock. Get iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF Stock Performance Shares of IJH opened at $63.69 on Tuesday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $62.70 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $60.49. iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF has a 52-week low of $50.15 and a 52-week high of $68.33. The company has a market cap of $97.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.00 and a beta of 1.12. iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF Company Profile Ishares S&P Midcap 400 Index Fund, formerly The iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (the Fund), seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the United States mid-cap stocks, as represented by the Standard & Poors MidCap 400 (the Underlying Index). Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IJH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Watts Gwilliam & Co. LLC trimmed its position in Direxion Daily NYSE FANG+ Bull 2X Shares (NYSEARCA:FNGG Free Report) by 18.4% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 3,226 shares of the companys stock after selling 728 shares during the quarter. Watts Gwilliam & Co. LLCs holdings in Direxion Daily NYSE FANG+ Bull 2X Shares were worth $430,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in FNGG. Susquehanna International Group LLP lifted its holdings in shares of Direxion Daily NYSE FANG+ Bull 2X Shares by 1,784.0% in the 4th quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 49,586 shares of the companys stock worth $8,925,000 after buying an additional 46,954 shares during the period. Two Sigma Securities LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Direxion Daily NYSE FANG+ Bull 2X Shares during the 4th quarter worth $476,000. Citadel Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Direxion Daily NYSE FANG+ Bull 2X Shares during the 4th quarter worth $332,000. Finally, SBI Securities Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Direxion Daily NYSE FANG+ Bull 2X Shares by 4.1% during the 1st quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 14,800 shares of the companys stock worth $1,971,000 after purchasing an additional 579 shares during the last quarter. Get Direxion Daily NYSE FANG+ Bull 2X Shares alerts: Direxion Daily NYSE FANG+ Bull 2X Shares Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA FNGG opened at $224.53 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $141.45 million, a P/E ratio of 42.08 and a beta of 2.55. Direxion Daily NYSE FANG+ Bull 2X Shares has a 1-year low of $96.49 and a 1-year high of $229.60. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $209.52 and a 200 day moving average price of $177.23. Direxion Daily NYSE FANG+ Bull 2X Shares Profile The Direxion Daily Select Large Caps & FANGs Bull 2X Shares (FNGG) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ICE FANG 20 index. The fund provides 2x the daily price movements of an equal-weighted index consists of FANG stocks and other growth stocks of technology and tech-enabled companies. FNGG was launched on Sep 30, 2021 and is managed by Direxion. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FNGG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Direxion Daily NYSE FANG+ Bull 2X Shares (NYSEARCA:FNGG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Direxion Daily NYSE FANG+ Bull 2X Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Direxion Daily NYSE FANG+ Bull 2X Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wellington Management Group LLP reduced its stake in shares of Rio Tinto PLC (NYSE:RIO Free Report) by 19.1% in the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 15,204,084 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 3,578,787 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP owned about 1.21% of Rio Tinto worth $913,461,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Alpine Bank Wealth Management bought a new position in Rio Tinto in the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Wayfinding Financial LLC bought a new position in Rio Tinto in the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Pandora Wealth Inc. bought a new position in Rio Tinto in the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Bfsg LLC boosted its holdings in Rio Tinto by 5,754.5% in the 1st quarter. Bfsg LLC now owns 644 shares of the mining companys stock worth $39,000 after buying an additional 633 shares during the period. Finally, Ameriflex Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Rio Tinto in the 4th quarter worth approximately $47,000. 19.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Rio Tinto alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets RIO has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut shares of Rio Tinto from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Rio Tinto from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, April 28th. Barclays restated an overweight rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research report on Wednesday, July 2nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a hold rating on shares of Rio Tinto in a research report on Tuesday, June 3rd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Rio Tinto currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $73.00. Rio Tinto Price Performance Shares of Rio Tinto stock opened at $60.35 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $75.69 billion, a PE ratio of 9.36 and a beta of 0.64. Rio Tinto PLC has a 12-month low of $51.67 and a 12-month high of $72.08. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $59.89 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $60.34. Rio Tinto Cuts Dividend The company also recently declared a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 25th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be issued a $1.48 dividend. This represents a yield of 620.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 15th. Rio Tintos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 45.74%. Rio Tinto Profile (Free Report) Rio Tinto Group engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. The company operates through Iron Ore, Aluminium, Copper, and Minerals Segments. The Iron Ore segment engages in the iron ore mining, and salt and gypsum production in Western Australia. The Aluminum segment is involved in bauxite mining; alumina refining; and aluminium smelting. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RIO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rio Tinto PLC (NYSE:RIO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Rio Tinto Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Tinto and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MACAO, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The number of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) held in China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) surged in the first half of 2025, according to figures released by the SAR's Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) on Tuesday. Statistics showed that Macao hosted 918 MICE events between January and June, representing a 29.3-percent year-on-year increase. Meetings and conferences accounted for the bulk, rising 29.6 percent to 863 events, with participants increasing by 6.7 percent to 82,000. Exhibitions also edged up 3.8 percent to 27. By subject, "commerce and management" dominated with 358 events, or 39 percent of the total, followed by "tourism" and "information technology." Despite the rise in event numbers, overall MICE attendance fell 11.2 percent year-on-year. The DSEC attributed the decline mainly to fewer non-local exhibition visitors, reflecting global economic uncertainties and shifts in the consumption patterns of visitors to the Macao SAR. In the second quarter alone, the DSEC noted, Macao hosted 480 MICE events, representing a 28.3 percent increase from the same period the previous year. WINDHOEK, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's mining sector held firm in July as uranium output surged 36 percent year-on-year, supported by stronger gold production and a monthly rebound in diamonds, the Chamber of Mines of Namibia said Tuesday. In its monthly mining update, the chamber said uranium has maintained its role as Namibia's top export commodity, accounting for 29.3 percent of the country's exports in May, valued at 3.45 billion Namibian dollars (about 196 million U.S. dollars), the bulk of which was shipped to China. According to the chamber, gold production rose 7 percent in June compared to both the previous month and a year earlier. At the same time, international gold prices averaged 3,352 U.S. dollars per ounce in June, 44 percent higher than the previous year, strengthening Namibia's export earnings, the chamber said. Meanwhile, diamonds showed a 24 percent monthly rebound in production during June, but annual output remains in decline, the chamber said, adding that prices have fallen 45 percent since 2022 due to oversupply and competition from lab-grown alternatives. The chamber said the gemstones made up 10.2 percent of exports in May, with sales largely to Botswana, the United Arab Emirates, and Belgium. However, it warned that the recent reduction of U.S. tariffs on Namibian exports from 21 percent to 15 percent still creates uncertainty for exporters because of frequent changes in policy. It noted that while the latest adjustment offers some relief, the lack of stability in tariff regimes makes it difficult for Namibian producers to plan ahead and secure long-term trade agreements. In light of the recent unveiling of the Free National Movement's (FNM) 10-point plan to address crime in The Bahamas, we want to hear from you! You voted: A worker makes a traditional Chinese musical instrument at a factory in Suning County, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 19, 2025. Suning County in Hebei Province is now home to over 300 musical instruments enterprises, providing jobs for over 15,000 people and producing more than 1 million instruments annually in over 200 varieties. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A worker makes a traditional Chinese musical instrument at a factory in Suning County, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 19, 2025. Suning County in Hebei Province is now home to over 300 musical instruments enterprises, providing jobs for over 15,000 people and producing more than 1 million instruments annually in over 200 varieties. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A worker makes a violin at a factory in Suning County, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 19, 2025. Suning County in Hebei Province is now home to over 300 musical instruments enterprises, providing jobs for over 15,000 people and producing more than 1 million instruments annually in over 200 varieties. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A worker inspects the quality of a string instrument at a warehouse in Suning County, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 19, 2025. Suning County in Hebei Province is now home to over 300 musical instruments enterprises, providing jobs for over 15,000 people and producing more than 1 million instruments annually in over 200 varieties. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A worker makes traditional Chinese musical instruments at a factory in Suning County, north China's Hebei Province, Aug. 19, 2025. Suning County in Hebei Province is now home to over 300 musical instruments enterprises, providing jobs for over 15,000 people and producing more than 1 million instruments annually in over 200 varieties. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) SYDNEY, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Police in the Australian state of Western Australia (WA) are investigating the death of an infant whose body was found in a drain in the state capital of Perth. Emergency services were called to the scene in Perth's northern suburbs, where the body was found by maintenance workers in a stormwater drain around 1 p.m. local time on Monday. A spokesperson for WA Police said that multiple resources were deployed, and an investigation has commenced. The age and gender of the child have not been confirmed, but Nine Network television reported that the child was a newborn. WA Police on Monday night issued an alert to maternity hospitals across Perth, citing concerns for the welfare of the infant's mother. Detectives from the major crime unit investigating the case have appealed for anyone with information to immediately contact police. Jadavpur University (JU) alumnus Hindol Majumdar, an accused in the incident of alleged attack on the education minister Bratya Basus convoy inside the JU campus during March, was granted bail by the Alipore court on Monday. He was produced before the court by Kolkata Police (KP) today after the expiry of his police custody for three days. On Friday, the court had remanded the young researcher at Spanish university to a three-day police custody after the government pleader submitted that even though the accused was away in Spain at the time of the incident, he was the key conspirator in the attack on the ministers car. Advertisement The KP had arrested him at the Delhi airport last Wednesday after he landed from Europe in the wake of a lookout circular notice issued against him. Advertisement Today, the counsel during hearing in the court compared his alleged involvement to the attack on the American Center in Kolkata in January 2002, where the mastermind Aftab Ansari planned the sabotage operation while sitting in Dubai. The counsel claimed Hindols name did not feature in the FIR in connection with the JU campus violence incident five months ago, but added that the court allowed custody of the accused in a separate case. Police had earlier said they have accessed conversations between Hindol and students who had surrounded and attacked Mr Basus car. JERUSALEM, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Israel's flagship airline El Al announced in a statement on Tuesday that it will resume domestic flights in October, reopening its Tel Aviv-Eilat route nearly 12 years after suspending the service. El Al halted flights between Ben Gurion International Airport and the old Eilat Airport in November 2013 due to security and financial concerns. The renewed service will operate to Ramon Airport, which replaced Eilat's city airport in 2019. Currently, El Al operates only international flights, while Israeli carriers Arkia and Israir serve the Tel Aviv-Eilat route. The airline said the resumption, requested by the Ministry of Transport, is intended to improve access for residents of Eilat and southern Israel and strengthen nationwide transport links. The Supreme Court on Monday granted bail to former West Bengal education minister and Trinamul Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee in a corruption case linked to the alleged multi-crore cash-for-school job scam. A Bench of Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh also allowed the special leave petitions (SLPs) filed by the West Bengal School Service Commissions (WBSSC) then Chairman Subiresh Bhattacharyya and the West Bengal Board of Secondary Educations (WBBSE) former Secretary Santi Prasad Sinha seeking bail. Advertisement The Bench, led by Justice Sundresh noted that former minister Chatterjee, has been in custody for around three years while trial proceedings remain stalled due to delays in obtaining a sanction for prosecution against other accused persons. Advertisement It further observed that the investigation was complete and charge sheets had already been filed by the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) in the case. The apex court also directed that the trial be fast-tracked, with charges to be framed within four weeks and key witnesses examined within two months thereafter. Despite securing bail in the senior secondary teachers recruitment scam, Chatterjee will not be released immediately as he is yet to obtain bail in other cases, including the primary teachers recruitment scam. In the previous hearing, Justice Joymalya Bagchi recused himself from the case, following which the bench led by Justice Surya Kant referred the file to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), as master of the roster, for listing before a different Bench. In an order passed on 8 May, the apex court had directed the West Bengal government to decide on granting prosecution sanction within two weeks so that the trial proceedings against Chatterjee and other state government employees accused in the school job cases registered by the Central anti-corruption probe agency can be set in motion. The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had been conducting parallel probes in the school job cases. Both the ED and CBI, in their charge sheets, have arrayed Chatterjee as the principal mastermind in the alleged cash-for-school job scam. Chatterjee was first arrested by the ED from his residence in south Kolkata in July 2022, and since then, he has been behind bars. Later, the CBI also showed him as arrested. Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor on Tuesday hit out at the Aam Aadmi Party leaders, alleging that they spread falsehoods, adding that their party leader, Sanjay Singh, has spread lies regarding the Delhi governments Independence Day Tricolour distribution campaign. Kapoor said that Singh should remember that just like many other promotional campaigns, the people of Delhi have not forgotten the alleged loot and propaganda carried out under the name of the Tiranga campaign by the previous Kejriwal government. Advertisement Sharpening his attack, Kapoor said that Singh is a leader of the AAP, whose Kejriwal-led government allegedly committed a multi-crore scam in 2022 in the name of promoting the national flag distribution campaign. Advertisement He further alleged that, yet, they had failed to even hoist the national flag at the Delhi Secretariat back in the day. Kapoor claimed that he had himself exposed this on social media platform X, (Twitter at the time), and the Kejriwal government remained silent on his social media tweet, while the revelation was widely covered in the news, he added. The BJP spokesperson further stated that for the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, the Delhi government procured flags through a full tender process, strictly following rules, and the purchase was done through a government portal. According to Kapoor, the GAD (General Administration Department) finalized the procurement contract on August 8, and all purchases were made as per regulations. Delhi Police on Tuesday apprehended two Nigerian women for overstaying their visas, officials said. According to police, a patrolling team from Nihal Vihar police station noticed the women in the Sunday Bazar area and stopped them for questioning. On verification, it was found that their visas had expired and they were residing in the national capital illegally, in violation of visa norms. Advertisement During questioning, the women could not provide any valid reason for their unauthorised stay, following which they were taken to Nihal Vihar police station. Advertisement Subsequently, after coordinating with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), legal proceedings for their deportation were initiated. The duo has been lodged at the detention centre in Sewa Sadan, Shahzada Bagh, Sarai Rohilla, pending completion of formalities, police added. Earlier this month, Delhi Police had arrested five Bangladeshi nationals for allegedly entering the Red Fort premises forcibly. The men, aged between 20 and 25, worked as labourers in Delhi and were found carrying Bangladeshi documents. They were taken into custody for interrogation. Meanwhile, Gurugram Police detained ten Bangladeshi nationals for illegally staying in the city. Identification documents recovered from them confirmed their Bangladeshi nationality. Sandeep Kumar, PRO, Gurugram Police, said: Ten illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have been detained. Bangladeshi documents have been recovered from them. The deportation process has begun. Aamir Khan remembers veteran actor Achyut Potdar, who passed away on Monday in Thane, Mumbai, at the age of 91. Earlier, his family had admitted him to Jupiter Hospital due to health complications. Aamir, who shared the screen with Potdar in the blockbuster hit 3 Idiots, paid a heartfelt tribute on social media. Posting from the official Aamir Khan Productions accounts, he wrote: I am very saddened to hear about Achyutji passing away. He was an amazing actor, a wonderful human being, and a great colleague. We will miss you Achyutji. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Advertisement Many will fondly remember Potdar for his role as the memorable engineering professor in 3 Idiots. In one of the films most iconic scenes, he asks the students to define a machine. Advertisement While most students fumble with long, technical explanations to Achyut Potdar, Rancho, played by Aamir Khan, delivers a simple, humorous answer, even demonstrating how machines work using his pant zip. That scene gave birth to countless memes online. Aamir Khan on Achyut Potdar: Potdars journey to stardom was anything but ordinary. Before entering the world of acting, he led a life filled with diverse experiences. After completing his university education, he became a professor in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. Soon after, he joined the Indian Army and served with distinction, retiring as a captain in 1967. Following his military career, he spent nearly 25 years with Indian Oil as an executive, finally retiring at the age of 58 in 1992. Even while pursuing a corporate career, Potdar never let go of his love for the arts. He actively participated in theatre productions and cultural events, often representing Indian Oil in performances that combined his professional and creative lives. Interestingly, Potdars film career began relatively late, at the age of 44. Over the next few decades, he acted in more than 125 Hindi and Marathi films and appeared in nearly 100 television serials. He became particularly associated with Vidhu Vinod Chopras productions and delivered notable performances in films such as Dabangg 2, Ferrari Ki Sawaari, and of course, 3 Idiots. Stardust once whispered about the son of Jessica Hines and Aamir Khan. Years later, Faissal Khan has shouted it aloud. Actor Faissal Khan, younger brother of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, has stirred up an old storm that refuses to die down. At a recent press conference, Faissal claimed that Aamir Khan had a secret affair with British journalist Jessica Hines during his marriage to Reena Dutta, and that the relationship led to the birth of a child outside marriage. Advertisement Speaking to the media, Faissal Khan alleged that while Aamir was still tied up in his personal relationships, he was also involved with Jessica Hines. Advertisement Aamir ka shadi hua tha, divorce ho gaya Reena ke saath Aur fir uska relation tha Jessica Hines ke sath, jiska, unka illegal bachcha bhi hai out of wedlock, Faissal declared. He further added that Aamir was living with Kiran Rao during this phase, painting a picture of overlapping personal chapters in the actors life. Jessica Hines, Aamir Khan, and their son: Jessica Hines is not an unfamiliar name to the Indian film world. A journalist and writer from the UK, she came to India in the late 1990s while working on Amitabh Bachchans biography. It was around this time, reports claimed, that she met Aamir during the making of the film Ghulam. In 2005, Stardust magazine carried an explosive story alleging that the two had lived together for a while. According to the report, Jessica became pregnant during their relationship. While Aamir allegedly wanted her to terminate the pregnancy, Jessica chose to go ahead and later gave birth to a son named Jaan in the early 2000s. By 2007, Jessica had moved on with her life. She married London-based businessman William Talbot, who, in her own words in a Times of India interview, has been very supportive and protective of Jaan, especially during the years she worked in India. The story, however, has never really disappeared. Every few years, whispers resurface, particularly on social media. Photos of Jessicas son Jaan, who has even been featured in British Vogue, found their way to Reddit, where users immediately pointed out a striking resemblance to Aamir Khan. Online discussions quickly revisited the old Stardust claims, fueling speculation that refuses to fade away. Aamir Khans silence For all the chatter and repeated mentions in the press, Aamir Khan has never publicly acknowledged Jessica Hines or her son. The actor has always kept a silence on this matter, refusing either to confirm or deny the rumours. Irish author Sally Rooney, known worldwide for her bestselling novels, could face arrest under the UKs Terrorism Act after announcing her plan to use the earnings from her work to support Palestine Action. The group was recently banned in the UK as a terrorist organisation. Rooney, whose works include Normal People, Conversations with Friends, Beautiful World, Where Are You, and her latest Intermezzo, revealed her intentions in an article for the Irish Times over the weekend. Advertisement She stated that royalties from her books and television adaptations aired by the BBC would be directed toward Palestine Action. The group has been linked to protests and direct action campaigns. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Official Sally Rooney (@sallyrooneyofficial) More than 700 people have been arrested in connection with this group. It has been facing a ban since early July, a legal expert told the media. Many arrests happened during a peaceful protest at Parliament Square in London on 9 August. The expert warned that by openly stating her support and financial backing, Rooney could risk legal consequences. They are under the UKs strict anti-terrorism laws. In her article, Rooney explained her reasoning. 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. Rooney also highlighted the restrictions she faces under UK law. She noted that publishing a similar statement in a UK newspaper would now be illegal. Delhis cultural stage came alive with devotion, dance, and drama as Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra (SBKK) showcased the 49th edition of its celebrated dance production KRISHNA at Kamani Auditorium from August 12 to 16. What began decades ago as a performance has grown into a lasting traditiona spiritual and artistic journey that continues to draw audiences into the eternal world of Lord Krishna. Advertisement This years festival included evening shows for the audience as well as special morning matinees curated for school students. Reflecting the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which stresses cultural education, SBKK held exclusive student performances on August 12 and 13. Advertisement Additional evening shows on August 14, 15, and 16 were timed to coincide with Independence Day and Janmashtami, ensuring participation from both young learners and veteran theatre-goers. At its essence, KRISHNA unfolds as a multi-dimensional narrative portraying Lord Krishnas life, from his divine birth in Mathura to his celestial departure. Through a harmonious blend of mythology, music, and movement, the staging highlights some of the most iconic moments of his journey: his playful childhood adventures in Gokul and Vrindavan, his eternal companionship with Radha, his role as a peace envoy before the Kurukshetra war, and his immortal dialogue with Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. It is incredibly rewarding to see ||KRISHNA|| enter its 49th year said Padma Shri Shobha Deepak Singh, the show Director and Chairperson of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra. The life of Lord Krishna is timelessnot just as mythology, but as a guiding philosophy instilled with love, courage, and wisdom. At the Kendra, we have strived to depict this journey with emotional depth and artistic authenticity, enabling audiences to resonate with its enduring and universal truths. Every sequence resonates with spirituality, reminding viewers that Krishnas saga is more than an ancient tale; it remains a living philosophy of love, wisdom, and courage. Reflecting on the productions milestone year, Padma Shri Shobha Deepak Singh, Director of the production and Chairperson of SBKK, said, It is incredibly rewarding to see KRISHNA enter its 49th year. The life of Lord Krishna is not just mythology; it is philosophy. Through love, courage, and wisdom, we strive to present this journey with authenticity so audiences can connect with its universal truths. The choreography was led by distinguished artist Shri Shashidharan Nair, while his disciple and noted performer Shri Raj Kumar Sharma, currently heading SBKKs Repertory, portrayed Krishna with remarkable depth and grace. A dynamic group of younger dancers also joined the cast this year, adding freshness to the performance while upholding its traditional foundation. Visually, the production offered a striking experience. Classical and folk dance vocabularies were intertwined with vivid costumes, ornate jewellery, and symbolic staging. A subtle use of animation brought a modern layer without diminishing the authenticity of the performance. Complementing the visuals was a rich musical score blending classical ragas with regional folk melodies, reflecting Krishnas many dimensions, as philosopher, lover, warrior, and divine guide. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Shriram Pistons & Rings Ltd., the production once again highlighted SBKKs enduring role in safeguarding Indias cultural legacy. For over 70 years, the institution has stood as a custodian of classical performing arts, ensuring that traditional stories remain meaningful to modern audiences. A Biju Janata Dal (BJD) delegation led by Debi Prasad Mishra, Senior Vice President of the party, on Tuesday met the Election Commission of India. The BJD delegation was invited by the commission for an interaction to suggest improvements in the election process. The delegation included Dr. Amar Patnaik (Ex-MP), Sanjay Das Burma (Ex-Minister), Pramila Mallick (Ex-Speaker), Niranjan Pujari (Ex-Speaker), Sulata Deo (MP), Dr. Priyabrata Majhi (Media Coordinator), and Bhrugu Buxipatra (Senior General Secretary, BJD). Advertisement Addressing a press briefing after the interaction, the BJD delegation reiterated its objection to the unexplained and unusual variances in the number of votes polled and counted, the discrepancies between MP and MLA segment votes counted, and the sudden increase in polling percentage after 5 PM during the last simultaneous General and Assembly Elections in 2024. Advertisement These concerns had already been raised with the ECI during earlier discussions and were formally submitted in a memorandum in December 2024. The delegation also expressed concern regarding the non-receipt of Form 17C, despite repeated efforts from local election officers to the apex level. The Election Commission expressed surprise and acknowledged that Form 17C should have been provided. The BJD delegation presented its findings to the Election Commission of India, highlighting how the available data indicates voting irregularities and raised concerns regarding the integrity, legitimacy, and impartiality of the electoral process. The delegation emphasised that these questions are being raised in order to strengthen democratic values. Specific reference was made to nontransparent practices in several constituencies, particularly including the Jajpur Parliamentary Constituency. Regarding the preparation of electoral rolls, the delegation suggested improvements with a focus on ensuring that no legal voter is disenfranchised, especially migrants and temporary workers. Debi Prasad Mishra noted that since NRIs are entitled to register their names in the electoral roll in their native constituencies in India as per the provisions of Section 20A(1-C) a harsh view should not be taken against migrant and temporary workers working outside Odisha. Doing so may lead to socio-cultural disharmony in their native villages if they are deprived of voting rights. The ECI appreciated this point and assured that it would provide a longer period and more opportunities for enrollment. The delegation also reiterated its discontent with the approach of the Election Commission, where the responsibility for ensuring transparency in the electoral process was disproportionately shifted to booth agents, counting agents, and polling agents only. This point had already been raised in BJDs second representation to the ECI. On the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Odisha, Dr. Amar Patnaik raised with the Election Commission that the BJD will vehemently oppose its implementation if it follows the same approach as Bihar where genuine voters were allegedly disenfranchised due to hasty processes and insufficient time. The BJD stressed that SIR should be conducted with the right objective of improving transparency in the electoral process, with active involvement of all stakeholders. No eligible voter should be disenfranchised under the pretext of removing ineligible voters from the electoral roll, the party said. The BJD said that it will chalk its plan over the issues depending upon the response of the ECI and may take the agitational programme if the genuine issues are not addressed. With the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) firm on 30 cuts for certifying the theatrical release of the movie Manushi, directed by noted filmmaker Gopi Nainar and produced by acclaimed national award-winning director Vetrimaran, and the later knocking the doors of the judiciary for the second time, Justice N Anand Venkatesh on Tuesday decided to watch the movie for himself to ascertain whether the censor board was justified in its decision. The Judge will have a private screening of the Andrea Jeremaiah-starrer on Sunday and decide whether the CBFCs stand, mandating 37 cuts for release in theatres, is tenable and based on sound reasoning or arbitrary. When the petition filed by Vetrimaran, challenging the 37 cuts suggested by the CBFC came up for hearing, the Judge took the decision to watch the movie. Advertisement Produced under the banner of Grassroot Film Company of Vetrimaran, Manushi is directed by Nainar, who rose to fame with his Nayanthara-starrer Aramm. As shown in the trailer, released by popular actor Vijay Sethupathi, the film is about custodial torture of a woman suspected by the police to be a terrorist. Advertisement Both the examining committee and screening committee of the CBFC, which had watched the movie in September last, had refused to issue the censor certificate claiming that the film had painted the State in black besides confusing Left Extremism with mainstream Communism. Nainar has said that Manushi initiates a conversation, one which we have avoided thus far, on the rationale behind every crime and to redeem society from crimes engulfing it. According to him, the film narrates the harrowing story of a woman tortured in the name of inquiry, how she is not even allowed to sleep and relieve herself and how her family is defamed. Besides being a filmmaker, he is a prominent Dalit activist and a senior office-bearer of the Viduthalai Chiuthaigal Katchi (VCK) of Thol. Thirumavalavan. Aggrieved over the blanket rejection, Vetrimaran approached the High Court in June this year with his first writ petition. In his petition, the filmmaker-producer submitted that he was not given an opportunity to be heard before the CBFC denied the certification. Also, he was not informed of the individual views of the committee members, it was pointed out. Further, it was submitted that a representation was made before the CBFC in March this year to constitute an expert panel, which comprised human rights activists, to examine the movie afresh. As such, he sought a direction to the Censor Board to consider his representation and issue a speaking order consequent to the re-examination. Hearing the plea, Justice Anand Venkatesh wondered how there could be a blanket rejection by the Censor Board for an entire movie even without listing what were objectionable in the visuals or dialogues. The Judge directed the CBFC to review the film and on June 17, disposed of it after the censor board submitted that it had reviewed the film and listed out the portions that required to be edited for issuance of the certificate. However, the Court also permitted Vetrimaran to proceed further in accordance with law. The present petition, the second one, was filed by Vetrimaran, contending that the CBFC had failed to view the movie in the light of the well-established guidelines and was adamant upon guillotining everyday usages such as saniyan (to scold someone as akin to Saturn, bringing misfortune). When it came up for hearing, Justice Anand Venkatesh observed that he had no choice but to see the movie for himself along with the committee members to ascertain the facts about the need for 37 cuts as mandated by the CBFC. Then, he directed that arrangements be made for the screening of the movie at a private theatre in the city. The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken strong exception to reports of schoolchildren being served food contaminated by stray dogs under the mid-day meal scheme in Balodabazar district. Terming the incident extremely serious, Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha directed the state government to pay Rs 25,000 compensation to each of the 84 affected children within one month. During the hearing, the bench noted the sensitivity of the matter and emphasised that the state must ensure the health and dignity of schoolchildren. The court also ordered mandatory anti-rabies vaccination for all 84 students who had consumed the contaminated meal. The state bears a duty of care towards children. Incidents of this nature cannot be repeated, Chief Justice Sinha observed. Advertisement The case stems from media reports published on August 3, which claimed that on July 28, at a government middle school in Lachhanpur village, Palari block, students were served food already licked by stray dogs. Following protests by parents and a school committee meeting, 83 students were administered two doses of the anti-rabies vaccine. However, reports varied, with some sources noting 78 vaccinations while others cited 83. Advertisement In its earlier hearing, the court had directed the Education Secretary to file a personal affidavit. After reviewing the affidavit, the High Court directed the state to put in place strict preventive measures. Authorities must ensure proper monitoring of mid-day meals and take accountability to prevent recurrence, the order stated. The ruling is one of the strongest judicial interventions in the states mid-day meal programme, underscoring both the rights of children and the obligation of the government to ensure safe nutrition in schools. CARACAS, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Monday that he has decided to mobilize 4.5 million civilian militias nationwide to thwart U.S. threats of war against his country. Speaking at a meeting with governors and mayors from his ruling coalition, Maduro announced plans to strengthen rural and urban militias, as well as organize combat groups in factories and workplaces. He described the move as a "perfect fusion of people, police and armed forces" to guarantee the country's peace and sovereignty, saying "the people are prepared to resist any offensive." Maduro's announcement followed remarks by Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who accused Washington of trying to justify military actions in the Caribbean under the pretext of fighting drug trafficking. Earlier this month, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi offered a reward of 50 million U.S. dollars for information leading to Maduro's arrest, accusing him of having links to international drug trafficking. Maduro has dismissed the allegations. In a major political development ahead of the Assembly elections in Bihar, the BJP received a political boost as several prominent politicians joined the party strengthening the BJPs social equations and outreach. Most prominent among them was former IPS officer Anand Mishra, who left Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party and joined the BJP in the presence of BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal, deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and other senior leaders. Advertisement Prominent leader from the Bhumihar community Ashutosh, former Union Minister Nagmani Kushwaha and his wife, former Bihar minister Suchitra Sinha, also took membership of the party. Advertisement Notably, this marks the 14th party switch for Nagmani Kushwaha. Anand Mishra was an Assam-cadre IPS officer. He resigned from the police service to enter politics and contested the Lok Sabha elections from Buxar. Later, he joined Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj movement and headed its youth wing. Welcoming all the new leaders into the BJP family, Dilip Jaiswal stated: The inclusion of these leaders will not only politically strengthen the party but also benefit the organisation and the government through their experience. All of them will be assigned important responsibilities in the near future so that their experience can be effectively utilised. Samrat Choudhary said that inclusion of these leaders would greatly benefit the party. He stated: When the BJP and NDA are strong, only then will the country be strong. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently spoken about making India a developed nation and the country can only develop when Bihar develops. Vijay Sinha said that Bihar needs to be propelled forward with positive energy. Our urgency has never been about power its about saving Bihar. We must fulfill the dream of building and beautifying Bihar. The dream is to make Bihar a developed state, and we are committed to making that a reality. Bihar will never move forward with those who ruined it. The struggle for Indias independence was not confined to its borders, nor was it shaped only by leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, or Bhagat Singh. Hidden within history are the stories of women such as Janaki Thevar, Subhadra Khosla, Momota Mehta, Lakshmi Saigal, and Bibi Amar Kaurbrought to light in a 15-day exhibition at Delhis India International Centre by award-winning filmmaker and author Sagari Chhabra. Hamaara Itihaas Archives of Freedom Fighters runs at the Kamaladevi Complex until August 23. Advertisement When Sagari Chhabra set out to make a film on women freedom fighters, she was stunned to find their contributions barely documented. This realisation changed my life. I decided to take up the challenge of recording the history of those who survivedbefore it was too late, she told The Statesman. Advertisement Nearly three decades later, her journeybegun in 1995continues. Chhabra has travelled across Southeast Asia, from Singapore and Malaysia to Thailand and Burma (present-day Myanmar), gathering evidence of Indians who carried the torch of freedom beyond the countrys borders. Through her exhibition, she transported visitors to another era, narrating stories of valor, sacrifice, and defiancewomen who rallied to Netaji Subhash Chandra Boses call: Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi dunga. The exhibition featured over 100 photographs, video interviews, letters, newspaper clippings, and a documentary. At its heart was the story of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, an all-women combat unit of the Indian National Army (INA) formed in 1943. It was led by Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan Sahgal, who had escaped an arranged marriage in India, only to emerge in Singapore as the commander of more than 1,500 women soldiers. Chhabra also recounted the story of another Rani, Rasammah Bhupalan, who passed away just a few months ago. She remembered how Bhupalan and her comrades marched for 21 days and nights through the jungles of Burma, fearless and with rifles strapped to their backs, as the INA retreated. The Ranis in Southeast Asia were not highlighted enough. They never had a reunion. The Ranis in the south-east never received any pension as freedom fighters of India. However, the Ranis in India did, told Chhabra. Through these narratives, Chhabra hopes to inspire women of today, many of whom still face marginalisation and harsh working conditions. The stories of the INA womenwho defied their families, left their homes, and united under a single goal of winning freedom for Indiashow that courage and resistance are timeless. They can serve as role models for the present generation of women, she affirmed. The Haryana Government, through the Ayushman BharatHaryana Health Protection Authority, is implementing Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and CHIRAYU Yojana to provide cashless indoor treatment of up to 5 lakh to more than 45 lakh eligible families in the state. A spokesperson of the State Health Authority (SHA) said that in response to communications from the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Haryana regarding its call for withdrawal of services, that all pending payments to empanelled healthcare providers are being processed and released in a timely manner. Advertisement All outstanding dues will be settled without delay, with priority given to smaller hospitals and healthcare facilities. Adequate funds have been sanctioned and received to clear the pending payments of empanelled hospitals in the state. Advertisement As of now, claims submitted up to the second week of June 2025 have been paid. Since the launch of the scheme, over 3,050 crore has been disbursed to hospitals. For the current financial year 202526, up to August 18, approximately 480 crore has been received from the Central and State Governments and fully utilized for eligible claim settlements. Since August 5, 200 crore has been released to empanelled hospitals, while an additional 291 crore sanctioned by the state government under the CHIRAYU Yojana will be disbursed shortly. The spokesperson clarified that all claims are processed through the National Health Authoritys (NHA) online platform by a team of 60 doctors using an impartial and transparent system that randomly allocates cases. Queries are raised with hospitals whenever claims are incomplete or lack mandatory documents such as vital charts, OT notes, clinical images, or lab reports. Deductions are made strictly in accordance with NHA guidelines and only when there is inadequate clinical justification or documentation. Hospitals can appeal such deductions through the online portal, where appeals are reviewed by a Medical Audit Committee. Significantly, a large number of private hospitals across the state have distanced themselves from the IMAs service withdrawal call and continue to provide healthcare services. On average, 2,500 pre-authorizations are registered daily by empanelled hospitals, with private hospitals alone raising pre-auths worth nearly 2 crore per day. The spokesperson reiterated that any denial of treatment to beneficiaries would invite strict action as per the rules and guidelines. Taking a strict view of irregularities in claim submissions, the Health Department conducted surprise inspections at several empanelled hospitals across the state today. Action will be taken against any violations detected during these visits, strictly in line with established rules and guidelines. The Health Department is also continuously upgrading district hospitals across Haryana. A majority of newly recruited doctors, nurses, and paramedical personnel have been posted at district hospitals. The postgraduate policy has further increased the number of specialists available at these facilities. Steps are being taken to strengthen infrastructure, with continuous upgradation of biomedical equipment. Advanced services such as dialysis, CT/MRI scans, modern blood banks, and cancer care are already available in most district hospitals, while the remaining hospitals will soon be equipped with these facilities. In case empanelled hospitals under Ayushman BharatPMJAY refuse treatment, district hospitals are well prepared to handle additional patient load. This is evident from the rising admissions in public hospitals under the scheme. For tertiary care, newly established government, government-aided, and private medical colleges across the state are supplementing the services of the Health Department wherever required. Amid heavy rains, a monorail in Mumbai was stranded due to a power snag, prompting evacuation of passengers. The incident occurred as torrential downpours threw normal life in the city out of gear. One monorail train near Mysore Colony station has experienced a minor power supply issue. Our operations and maintenance teams are already on-site and working to resolve it quickly, the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) said on X. Advertisement Earlier in the day, MMMOCL had advised residents to stay indoors due to very heavy rainfall, though it had assured that services were running smoothly. Advertisement Mumbai has been witnessing incessant rainfall since Monday morning. The India Meteorological Department has issued red and orange alerts for several districts of Maharashtra from August 18 to 20. In view of the red alert, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for all government and semi-government offices in the city, while advising private offices to allow employees to work from home, except for those engaged in essential and emergency services. Several areas, including Bandra-Khar Link Road, Chembur, Vasai-Virar, and Chunabhatti, reported waterlogging following the heavy downpour. According to officials, parts of Mumbai recorded more than 250 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. Between 8:30 AM on Monday and 8:30 AM on Tuesday, Vikhroli recorded 255.5 mm, Byculla 241 mm, Santacruz 238.2 mm, Juhu 221.5 mm, and Bandra 211 mm. Colaba received 110.4 mm, while Mahalaxmi saw 72.5 mm. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who reviewed the flood situation with the disaster management department, said the next 48 hours would be critical for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg districts. Mumbai has witnessed record rainfall of nearly 300 mm. The citys lifelinesuburban trainshave slowed down or are running late. The Mithi river has reached the danger mark, and 400 to 500 persons had to be evacuated. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is monitoring the situation on the ground, Fadnavis said after a Cabinet meeting. (With inputs from agencies) Former Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and former minister T Harish Rao have separately filed writ petitions in the High Court seeking to restrain the state government from acting on the inquiry commission report led by retired Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghosh. The report, submitted to the government on July 31 and subsequently placed before the state Cabinet, held K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who was both chief minister and irrigation minister at the time, responsible for shifting the project against expert advice and for the damage sustained by the barrage pillars due to water being stored to the brim. Advertisement The petitioners argued that the report was prejudicial, illegal, scurrilous, and defamatory. The PC Ghosh-led commission had been constituted by the Congress government to examine the Kaleshwaram project. Both K Chandrasekhar Rao and Harish Rao had appeared before the commission, along with then finance minister Etela Rajender, who is now in the BJP. The report also blamed officials and engineers for lapses. Advertisement The writ petitions will soon be heard by a single judge of the High Court. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has said the PC Ghosh report will be discussed in the upcoming Assembly session. The court proceedings could potentially derail the Congress governments plans to corner the BRS and former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao during the debate. Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam will visit Varanasi on September 11, where he will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time. There will be talks on cooperation in important areas like trade, technology, and tourism. Advertisement Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will host a dinner for the visiting prime minister. Advertisement The Mauritius Prime Ministers visit to India will be from September 9 to 15, and the main event of this visit has been decided to be held in Kashi. According to the programme, the Mauritian Prime Minister will be welcomed at Babatpur Airport with a guard of honour. The Mauritius PM will pay obeisances at Shri Kashi Vishwanath and Baba Kalbhairav. He will also visit important cultural places in Kashi, including Sarnath and BHU Bharat Kala Bhavan, and will witness the Ganga Aarti. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with his Mauritian counterpart. This will be the first time that a prime minister of Mauritius will hold a bilateral meeting in Kashi. Talks, mainly, will consist of cooperation on important industrial development, technological innovation, and tourism. In the letter issued by the Central Government, Divisional Commissioner S Raj Lingam has been nominated as the nodal officer. He has been asked to prepare a detailed programme according to the welcome and protocol of the guests. The administration will now select the venue and programmes. Divisional Commissioner Raj Lingam said here on Tuesday that The Prime Minister of Mauritius will reach Kashi on September 11. The minute-to-minute programme has not been received yet. Earlier, on September 11, 2023, the then Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Jugnauth, had also reached Kashi. He had immersed the ashes of his relative at Dashwamedh Ghat. Heavy rain lashed Mumbai on Tuesday triggering waterlogging and traffic snarls. For the second day in a row, Mumbai remains under a red alert, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announcing a holiday for all schools and colleges across the city and suburbs. Since early Monday, relentless monsoon rains have lashed the city, with over 500 mm of rainfall in just 84 hours. The heavy downpour has led to severe waterlogging in several localities, including Chembur, Dadar, Hindmata, Andheri, and Kings Circle, disrupting normal life and once again highlighting concerns over Mumbais flood preparedness. Advertisement #WATCH | Maharashtra: Waterlogging seen as heavy rain lashes Mumbai. Visuals from Vasai-Virar pic.twitter.com/tmNouPUYyZ Advertisement ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Heavy rains trigger severe waterlogging in Mumbai Continuous heavy rainfall on Tuesday led to severe waterlogging across several parts of Mumbai, with knee-deep water reported in low-lying areas. #WATCH | Continuous heavy rainfall causes severe waterlogging in parts of Mumbai, with knee-deep water levels in some parts Visuals from outside Kurla railway station pic.twitter.com/TS0yQ7Q5p4 ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Commuters faced major inconvenience as visuals from outside Kurla railway station showed inundated roads, disrupted traffic, and stranded passengers struggling to wade through flooded streets. Waterlogging was witnessed in Dadar- Hindmata area also. 5-6 people lost lives in Hasnal village due to heavy rainfall Heavy rainfall in Nandeds Mukhed taluka caused flooding in four villages. SDRF rescued around 300 people. #WATCH | Nanded, Maharashtra: Nanded District Collector Rahul Kardile says, Due to the heavy rainfall yesterday, 4 villages in Mukhed taluka faced difficulties. The SDRF team rescued 300 people, but unfortunately, 5-6 people died in Hasnad village. Their bodies were recovered pic.twitter.com/P4uyjAJFVi ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 However, 5-6 people lost their lives in Hasnad village. Their bodies have been recovered. Offices to remain shut Amid continuous heavy rainfall in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), in its capacity as the District Disaster Management Authority, has ordered the closure of all government, semi-government, and BMC offices within its limits for the day, except those providing essential services. #WATCH | Mumbai: Severe waterlogging in Chembur following incessant rainfall in the region. pic.twitter.com/ucixWjUz1W ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 The civic body has also appealed to private offices and establishments across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to allow employees to work from home wherever feasible and to avoid non-essential travel. BMC announces schools, colleges across Mumbai to remain shut today #WATCH | Maharashtra: Waterlogging seen as heavy rain lashes Mumbai. Visuals from Andheri Subway. pic.twitter.com/UCS5khQm2Y ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 With the city reeling under heavy rains and waterlogging, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced on Monday evening that all schools and colleges across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including the city and suburbs, will remain shut on Tuesday, August 19. IMD issues red alert warning of extremely heavy rainfall The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Mumbai, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated pockets. According to the regional weather centres nowcast issued at 6:30 am, the alert will stay in place until 10 am, with forecasts of very heavy showers across the city. Indigo Airlines issues a travel advisory. Tweets, With Mumbai drenched in heavy showers, several routes to the airport are witnessing waterlogging and sluggish traffic. This has, in turn, led to operational challenges, with delays in both departures and arrivals and we truly pic.twitter.com/rL1MGJrn0W ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Indigo issues travel advisory amid waterlogging Indigo Airlines issued a travel advisory for travelers going to and from from the airport. The airline tweeted, With Mumbai drenched in heavy showers, several routes to the airport are witnessing waterlogging and sluggish traffic. This has, in turn, led to operational challenges, with delays in both departures and arrivals and we truly regret the inconvenience this may cause National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Tuesday met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Hyderabad House and held the 24th round of the Special Representative-level talks. NSA Doval and Wang, who is on a two-day India visit, discussed the sensitive border issues between the two countries. In his opening remarks during the meeting, Doval said, Im very hopeful that, like the last one, this 24th Special Representative Level Talks will be equally successful. He also confirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to China to attend the SCO Summit. Our Prime Minister will be visiting for the SCO Summit shortly and therefore, I think that these SR-level talks assume a very special importance, he said. The talks reportedly focused on the de-escalation of troops on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Troops of both India and China are still amassed on the LAC, and both Doval and Wang discussed the de-escalation process. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit China later this month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. Modi is also likely to hold a bilateral with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Ahead of the visit, the two countries want to sort out the most pressing issues to ensure the meeting between PM Modi and President Xi is held in conducive environment. Earlier on Monday, Wang also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Delhi. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues including economic and trade relations, pilgrimages, people-to-people exchanges, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity, and other bilateral matters. In his opening remarks during the meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Jaishankar said, This occasion provides us an opportunity to review our bilateral ties. It is also an appropriate time to exchange views on the global situation and on issues of mutual interest. Acknowledging that the two countries have experienced a difficult phase, the Minister underlined the need to move forward constructively. Having gone through a difficult period in our relationship, our two nations must now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides. In that endeavour, we must be guided by the three mutualsmutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. Differences must not turn into disputes, nor competition into conflict, Jaishankar said. Advertisement National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Tuesday met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi for the 24th round of Special Representative-level talks on resolving the border disputes between the two countries. During the meeting, both Doval and Wang emphasised the need to increase mutual trust, stressing the need to maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Advertisement In his opening remarks during the Special Representative-level talks, Doval highlighted the positive trend in bilateral ties since the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan last year. Advertisement There has been an upward trend. Borders have been quiet. There has been peace and tranquillity. Our bilateral engagements have been more substantial. And we are most grateful to our leaders who, in Kazan last October, were able to set a new trend, and we have profited a lot since then, he said. The NSA added that the new environment has helped both countries move ahead. The new environment that has been created has helped us in moving ahead in the various areas that we are working on, Doval noted. #WATCH | Delhi: During meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, NSA Ajit Doval says, Im very hopeful that, like the last one, this 24th Special Representative Level Talks will be equally successful. Our Prime Minister will be visiting for the SCO Summit shortly and pic.twitter.com/ealNWxHNdb ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Past setbacks were not in the interest of both countries: Wang Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed Doval, saying the setbacks in bilateral ties were not in the interest of the people of both countries. The setbacks we experienced in the past few years were not in the interests of the people of our two countries. And then in October last year, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi had an important meeting in Kazan. That meeting pointed the direction for the development of our bilateral relations and provided impetus for the proper settlement of the boundary question, he said. The Chinese Foreign Minister further stressed the need to increase mutual trust and called for the proper settlement of border issues. Our two sides should follow the strategic guidance of our leaders, increase mutual trust through strategic communication, expand common interest through exchanges and cooperation, and properly settle the specific issues along the borders so as to advance our relationship in a healthy and sound manner, he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China later this month to participate in the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin city, from August 31 to September 1, his National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval confirmed on Tuesday. During the 24th round of Special Representative-level talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Doval confirmed that PM Modi will visit China for the SCO summit. Advertisement Our Prime Minister will be visiting for the SCO Summit shortly, and therefore, I think that these SR-level talks assume a very special importance, Doval said in his opening remarks during the talks. Advertisement Also Read: NSA Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discuss border issues during 24th round of Special Representative-level talks This will be Modis first visit after 2019 and the 2020 India-China border standoff. Modis previous visit to China came in 2019. The Prime Minister had last met President Xi Jinping in 2024 at the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia. India and China, whose ties have been strained since the 2020 border standoff, are now seeking to mend their bilateral relationship amid major global developments, inclduing US President Donald Trumps imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on New Delhi and looming threat of similar measures on Beijing. Both countries have resumed high-levels talks. Last month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Beijing. Jaishankar also met Chinese President Xi Jinping during the visit. AMMAN, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Tuesday called for an end to Israel's war in Gaza and attacks in the West Bank, while urging respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and a halt to the occupation of Lebanese territory, the Jordanian government said. In talks with visiting Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Amman, Hassan stressed the need to fully implement the ceasefire agreement and end repeated violations of Lebanon's sovereignty. He said Israel's occupation, wars, and attacks were fueling hatred and destabilizing the region, adding that Israel bore legal and moral responsibility for the collapse of Gaza's humanitarian relief system. Hassan urged the opening of all crossings to allow aid into Gaza, warning of "daily tragedy marked by starvation, killings and destruction." Hassan also rejected the notion of a "Greater Israel," saying the country was becoming isolated by "brutal and extremist policies." On bilateral ties, he underlined the importance of reviving the Jordanian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee, which has been suspended for nearly a decade, to strengthen cooperation. Both sides also said Syria's security and stability were vital for regional development. Salam praised Jordan's support for Lebanon, describing it as "historic and strategic," and said Amman's voice was important on regional and international issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday appealed to all parties, including opposition, for unanimous election of C P Radhakrishnan as vice president. Earlier today, the National Democratic Alliances vice-presidential candidate C P Radhakrishnan was felicitated at a meeting of the ruling blocs MPs in the presence of their top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many Union ministers. Advertisement #WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NDA leaders felicitate Maharashtra Governor and NDA candidate for Vice Presidential post, CP Radhakrishnan, at the meeting of NDA Parliamentary Party pic.twitter.com/BXT3wS7GOp Advertisement ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday reiterated PMs call to elect CP Radhakrishnan unanimously as a Vice President. Talking to the media persons, Rijiju said, At todays NDA parliamentary party meeting, our Vice-Presidential nominee CP Radhakrishnan was felicitated by Prime Minister Modi and floor leaders of all NDA parties. CP Radhakrishnan is a simple man with long experience. He has served as a governor of different states and as an MP. PM Modi introduced him to the NDA leaders and appealed to all MPs, including the opposition, to elect him unanimously CP Radhakrishnan had spent around 40 years working with the RSS and other groups like Jan Sangh and the BJP. The Vice President election is set for September 9, and the reactions show the political tensions around it. Radhakrishnan has had links with the RSS and Jan Sangh since he was 17 years old. Earlier on Sunday, Bharatiya Janata party announced Maharashtra governor CP Radhakrishnan as National Democratic Alliances candidate for the upcoming Vice-President election, scheduled for September 9. We want next Vice-President to be elected unanimously, we have reached out to opposition leaders, Union Minister JP Nadda said as he announced Radhakrishnans name. CP Radhakrishnan considered a statesman, commands respect in all sections of society in Tamil Nadu, he added. Radhakrishnan s name was zeroed-in in BJPs Parliamentary Board meeting at the party headquarters. After the announcement, PM Modi showered praise on Radhakrishnan saying he would be an inspiring Vice-President. 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, PM Modi wrote on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is on a two-day India visit. Posting about his meeting with Wang, Modi said that India-China ties have made steady progress since his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan last year. Advertisement Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each others interests and sensitivities, Modi said on X. Advertisement The Prime Minister also confirmed his meeting with the Chinese President in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit later this month. The PM stressed that stable and constructive ties between India and China will significantly contribute to regional as well as global peace and prosperity. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity, the PM added. Also Read: NSA Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discuss border issues during 24th round of Special Representative-level talks This will be Modis first visit after the 2019 and 2020 India-China border standoff. Modis previous visit to China was in 2019. The visit also comes amid the imposition of severe tariffs from US President Donald Trump and the mounting pressure on India against oil purchase from Russia. Both countries are seeking to mend their bilateral ties that deteriorated following the 2020 border standoff after a deadly clash between their troops in the Ladakh region. Earlier today, Wang met NSA Ajit Doval at Hyderabad House in New Delhi for the 24th round of Special Representative-level talks on resolving the border disputes between the two countries. During the meeting, both Doval and Wang emphasised the need to increase mutual trust, stressing the need to maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended protection from arrest to Indore-based cartoonist Hemant Malviya in a case concerning his caricatures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and N V Anjaria asked Malviya to publish an apology on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms within 10 days and said interim protection would continue till the next hearing. Advertisement Appearing for Madhya Pradesh, Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj said the post itself should not be deleted as the investigation was still underway. He added that Malviya could be allowed to apologise online with an undertaking not to repeat the act while cooperating with the probe. Advertisement Earlier, the top court had directed Malviya to submit an affidavit in Hindi, expressing regret for the caricatures. His plea, seeking anticipatory bail, comes after the Madhya Pradesh High Court on July 3 rejected his application, observing that he had misused the freedom of speech and failed to exercise discretion while publishing the caricature. Malviya has claimed that the work was a satirical piece created during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, reflecting debates around vaccine safety. He said the cartoon had been in circulation on social media for over four years and that he did not endorse political interpretations later attached to it by third parties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed the steady and positive progress in bilateral ties between India and China since his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan last year. He said relations have advanced on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity, including the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. Advertisement PM Modi emphasised that stable, predictable, and constructive ties between India and China will significantly contribute to regional and global peace and prosperity. Advertisement In a post on X, after meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at his official residence this evening, the Prime Minister said: Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each others interests and sensitivities. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Wang Yi, a Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China, handed over a message and invitation from President Xi Jinping to PM Modi for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. The Prime Minister thanked President Xi for the invitation and conveyed his acceptance. The SCO Summit will be held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. According to a statement from the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), Wang Yi also shared his positive assessment of his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the 24th Meeting of the Special Representatives, which he co-chaired with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval during his visit. The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border, and reiterated Indias commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, the PMO said. PM Modi expressed support for Chinas Presidency of the SCO Summit and said he looked forward to meeting President Xi in Tianjin. The World Skill Centre, Odishas premier skill development institution under the Skilled-In-Odisha vision, on Tuesday announced the opening of online applications for its September 2025 session. The last date to apply is 1st September 2025, and eligible candidates will be selected through an online entrance test. Advertisement The World Skill Centre offers seven advanced one-year diploma programs across two departments: the School of Engineering and the School of Services. Courses under the School of Engineering include Precision Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, Mechanical & Electrical Services, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, and Vertical Transportation. The School of Services offers a market-oriented programme in Beauty and Wellness. Advertisement Candidates with a 2-year ITI or 3-year Diploma can apply for courses under School of Engineering and candidates with +2 or ITI in Related Trade or Diploma in any discipline are eligible to apply for courses under the School of Engineering. WSCs training, delivered in collaboration with ITEES Singapore, emphasizes global-standard pedagogy, hands-on learning, and industry-aligned curriculum. Students are also trained in Life and Employability Skills, including communication, personality development, and digital literacy. The center offers hostel facilities, uniforms, logistics support, and placement assistance with national and international companies. Students of various industrial training institutions join the World Skill Centre with an aspiration for a bright career. This world-class training infrastructure, developed on a finishing school model, helps polish the skills of the youth to make them industry-ready. Additionally, the students are provided placement assistance so they get the opportunity to join renowned national and international companies. Candidates can directly apply online through the website www.worldskillcenter.org. For more information on the application process, candidates can call the toll-free number 1800 266 6002, the World Skill Centre has informed. The US has suddenly woken up to the fact that India is unwilling to bend and grovel before it as most other nations. The Americans also believe that Indias growing power will ultimately be a threat and the way India tilts in its alliances can alter global power balances. Hence, they have begun taking steps to keep India under check by controlling its rise. This approach is the opposite of earlier US governments which let India maintain its strategic autonomy while ensuring it remains an ally, which was far more logical. For previous US administrations, India was a Major Defence Partner and was granted Strategic Trade Authorization-1 status, benefitting defence procurements and enhancing interoperability. The belief was that collaboration in defence and trade would ensure Indo-US ties are close and New Delhi remains a partner in managing global challenges, especially a growing China, which was a threat to both. The US also banked on India to contain Chinese influence in South and East Asia as also within the Global South, as both are competitors. The Trump administration appears to have adopted an anti-India stand. They believe India can be the key in containing Russia which has embarrassed the US in Ukraine. This became evident when President Trump announced additional sanctions of 25 per cent on India for procuring Russian oil, coinciding with the visit of Steve Witkoff, his special envoy, to Moscow. Advertisement The intent was to send a message to President Vladimir Putin that in case he does not accept Trumps call for a ceasefire, its ally India would be impacted. This became further clear when US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent stated in an interview to Bloomberg TV, Weve put secondary tariffs on Indians for buying Russian oil. And I could see, if things dont go well (in Trump-Putin talks), then sanctions or secondary tariffs could go up. He was hoping India would exert pressure on Russia. On the contrary, there was no response from India. New Delhi was willing to stand its ground. To increase pressure, Bessent directed European nations to follow suit. He mentioned on imposition of additional tariffs on India, We need some coordination here. Advertisement If we want to have a unified front, which will give President Trump maximum leverage, then I think our European counterparts need to do their part (impose sanctions on India). There was no response from Europe. The reality is that India is a major supplier of refined fuel to Europe, stoppage of which would impact their economy. At the same time, Trump and his allies claim that fear of additional tariffs is pushing India to reduce oil imports from Russia. Trump stated in a Fox News Radio show that additional tariffs essentially took them out of buying oil from Russia. The truth is that there is no change in Indian companies procuring Russian oil. The chairman of IOC mentioned, We have not received any instruction or indication (from the government). We are continuing with our crude procurement strategy based on economics. It was and continues to be a commercial exercise. There is also a belief within the US, including Trump, that Putin agreed to the meeting in Alaska based on additional tariffs imposed on India. This is Trumps figment of imagination. Indo-Russia ties go back decades and are far more reliable and deeper than Indo -US ties, which vacillate between close and distant. To continue displaying its displeasure, Washington has begun cozying upto Pakistan. It hopes that this would compel India to bend and re-seek favour. However, this is another gamble which failed. To display its intent to distance itself from the US and deny Trump the opportunity of continuing his claim of stopping operation Sindoor, India must not conduct the QUAD summit this year, nor should PM Modi visit Washington as par t of his itinerary if he addresses the UN General Assembly next month. India, while backing calls for dialog ueandpeace in the Russo-Ukraine conflict, refused to become involved in Washingtons attempts to pressurize Russia. India only termed the sanctions as unjust. PM Modi avoided calling Trump or rushing to the US while publicly refuting Trumps claim of having brokered the ceasefire. Neither did India send any delegation to Washington. On the contrary, timed with the US imposing additional tariffs, PM Modi and Putin had a tele-conversation. The MEA statement mentioned that the conversation dwelt on peaceful resolution of the conflict, progress in bilateral ties and further deepening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two nations. A further firm message from India flowed from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day. PM Modi, without mentioning the US and tariffs said, We should not waste our energy trying to shorten someone elses line. We must extend our own line with full energy. The world will respect our strength. Defying American demands on opening the agricultural and dairy sector, he added, I am standing like a wall for our farmers. India-US trade talks are currently stalled. The US believes that it can compel Putin to adhere to Trumps request for peace, thereby pushing Trump closer towards the Nobel peace award, by pressurizing India. It ignores China solely on geopolitical and economic considerations as China can hit back by blocking crucial imports. The US appears to place India and China at the same level in terms of threat to its power. This is happening because India is a rising economy with the ability to influence large parts of the world. Trumps transactional leadership approach, which believes it can compel nations to adhere to his demands, will backfire. The recreation of the RIC (Russia-India-China grouping) and growing proximity between BRICS nations to counter the tariffs are likely to be major challenges to the US. PM Modis visit to China, meeting both Presidents Putin and Xi Jinping can bounce back on the US. India has also realized that bending once to the US would imply being considered a secondary ally, one that can be pushed around at will, as is happening with Europe. Standing ground will give it respect even if it takes time. The US, on the other hand, will lose an ally and a staunch partner. Trumps desperation for personal and short-term gains will damage Indo-US ties for a long time. While currently additional tariffs are on hold, no one knows when and if they would be re-imposed. (The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.) Congress MP & Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi intensified his protest by taking out 16-day Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihars Nawada to agitate against the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and CPI-M leader Dipankar Bhattacharya joined Rahul Gandhi in the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihars Nawada. Advertisement The rally is a campaign led by Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders to raise awareness about voter rights and protest against alleged vote theft and alleged irregularities in the SIR of the electoral rolls. Advertisement #WATCH | Nawada, Bihar: Congress MP & LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said, There are lakhs of people in Bihar who voted, their names were on the voter list, and their names were removed from the voter list There is a partnership between the Election Commission and the BJP. They pic.twitter.com/sk6jdvsF36 ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Taking to X, Gandhi said, The future of Indias children and the pride of the tricolor are safeguarded by democracy and the constitution we will never let them be snatched away by vote theft! In a social media post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, 16 days 20+ districts 1,300+ km We are coming among the people with the Voter Adhikaar Yatra. This is the fight to protect the most fundamental democratic right one person, one vote. Join us in Bihar to save the Constitution. Meanwhile, opposition parties conducted protest against vote theft allegations, SIR outside parliament building. The protests saw the presence of prominent leaders including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that BJP has blamed Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to wash their hands from responsibility and urged the government to talk about issue of vote theft. #WATCH | Delhi | Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says, In these 10-11 years, there are many things for which they (BJP) have blamed Nehru jis to wash their hands from responsibility. They should fulfil their responsibilities, stop talking about the past, and talk about what https://t.co/xmwXAYdGt5 pic.twitter.com/P5zDU1Rybe ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 She said, In these 10-11 years, there are many things for which they (BJP) have blamed Nehru jis to wash their hands from responsibility. They should fulfil their responsibilities, stop talking about the past, and talk about what is happening today. They should answer why SIR is being done, and talk about the issue of vote theft. If this is not true, then tell the public She added, On this vote chori issue, they (Election Commission) should tell the truthRahul ji kisi hamle se nahi darte, seh lenge sab kuch aur peeche nahi hatengeBecause they are not able to answer the questions raised by Rahul ji, they start talking about affidavit, Nehru ji, Indira ji Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Election Commission of India addressed a press conference giving its clarification over the vote theft allegations and SIR in Bihar. It also asked Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to submit a signed affidavit with proof of his claims of election rigging. The opposition parties have been protesting against the revision of voter lists since the commencement of the Parliament monsoon session on July 21, with the treasury benches accusing the Opposition of disrupting Parliament proceedings. Calling the ongoing exercise as Silent Invisible Rigging of votes, INDIA bloc leaders held banners calling for the stop of Vote chori. Chairman of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Dr. Naseem Baloch, has vociferously condemned the forced disappearance of Prof. Dr. Usman Baloch and his sibling, Jibran Baloch, labelled it yet another instance in what he sees as the systematic targeting of Baloch intellectuals. In a post shared by Dr. Naseem Baloch on X, he pointed out the extensive list of slain Baloch scholars, authors, and thinkers, asserting that Pakistan is conducting a campaign to silence Baloch voices. He highlighted that the abduction of an educator like Prof. Usman Baloch constitutes not just a crime against an individual but also an affront to the dignity and respect of the entire Baloch teaching community. Advertisement Drawing a historical comparison, the BNM Chairman remarked that Pakistans actions resemble the genocide inflicted on Bengalis in 1971, during which teachers and intellectuals were systematically targeted, degraded, and executed in detention facilities. He asserted that just as India intervened to halt those atrocities, it is now imperative for both India and Bangladesh to support the Baloch nation in putting an end to what he categorised as genocidal crimes. Advertisement Focusing on the human impact of enforced disappearances, Dr. Naseem recounted the story of young Shaari, who clutches a portrait of her uncle, Shabeer Baloch, who has been missing since October 2016 after allegedly being taken by Pakistani forces. For nearly ten years, Shaaris family has endured the pain and uncertainty of denial. Shaari is among the numerous Baloch women and children who have been participating in a sit-in protest in Islamabad for over a month, urging the recovery of thousands of missing persons and the release of leaders from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC). Despite the peaceful nature of their protest, Dr. Naseem noted that the Pakistani state and its media have remained intentionally silent, highlighting how every pillar of the state stands united in silencing the voices of the Baloch nation, as stated in his X post. He expressed that Shaaris innocence should have been safeguarded, and her childhood ought to have been free from such sorrow. Instead, she has been compelled to grow up bearing the burden of her uncles disappearance, becoming a witness to her peoples suffering. Her face, Dr. Naseem stated, is the testament of a nations anguish and serves as a reminder that enforced disappearances are not just statistics; they represent lives, families, and generations irrevocably affected, he said in his X post. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte hailed US President Donald Trump as a pragmatic peacemaker, crediting him with breaking the deadlock and initiating fresh dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Let me first say that this was a very successful day, and I agree with you that President Trump is a pragmatic peacemaker, as you said, and what he did this year, breaking the deadlock, starting the conversation with Putin, Rutte told reporters. Advertisement The remark came after a high-level meeting at the White House on August 18, 2025, which brought together President Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and several key European leaders to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and potential paths toward peace. Advertisement He added that while Ukraines NATO membership was not on the table, discussions were underway on offering Kyiv Article 5style security guarantees. Rutte also confirmed that the issue of security guarantees was part of Mondays White House discussions, but stressed that there was no talk of NATO troops on the ground. Trump called Mondays talks very good and said he had spoken with Putin to start planning a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents, ahead of a possible trilateral summit that would also involve him. Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during his summit with Trump that Washington and its European partners could extend Ukraine a security guarantee similar to NATOs collective defense pledge, as part of a potential framework to end the war, a senior US official said Sunday. Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff, who attended the talks at a military base in Alaska on Friday, described the outcome as game-changing, noting it was the first time Moscow had signaled openness to such an idea. We secured a concession that the U.S. could provide Article 5-style protection which is a key reason Ukraine has pushed for NATO membership, Witkoff told CNNs State of the Union. On the third day of the Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav sparked the buzz about the prime ministerial candidate of the INDIA bloc in the next Lok Sabha elections by announcing his support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Addressing a public rally in Nawada on Tuesday, the RJD leader said that the time has come for the young generation to get a chance to run the state. Advertisement He said that the youth of Bihar have resolved to remove Nitish Kumar-led khatara government after the upcoming Assembly elections and we will make Rahul Gandhi the prime minister after next Lok Sabha polls. Advertisement Deciding the prime ministerial face has been a prickly issue for the INDIA bloc, which went into the 2024 Lok Sabha elections without projecting any face amid differences within alliance partners. Tejashwis remark has come at a time when Rahul Gandhis performance as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and outside has won him new admirers. It is expected to set the stage for the Congress scions wider acceptability among the alliance partners. Addressing the public meeting, Rahul Gandhi said: In Bihar, a new method has been adopted to steal votes. In the name of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls, right in front of your eyes and the eyes of the entire country, they are stealing your votes. We will not allow them to steal. He alleged that there is a partnership between the Election Commission and the BJP. They are stealing votes together. He added: This is your right. The Constitution has given you this right. You have fought for this, you work hard for this. But Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and the Election Commissioner are snatching it from you. And I, Tejashwi, and the other leaders standing here, want to tell them we will not let them steal even a single vote from Bihar not a single vote. CPI (ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said that the Yatra has now become a massive movement. He said that in the 20 years of Nitish-BJP rule, Bihar has become a symbol of poverty, feudal oppression, unemployment, suicides under debt, and mass migration. He said: The growing public anger against the Nitish-BJP government will foil the SIR conspiracy through the Election Commission. The vote thieves will have to leave power. Bihar will change and eventually, the country will change too. BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's National Meteorological Center on Tuesday evening renewed a yellow alert for rainstorms as heavy downpours are expected to lash parts of the country. From 8 p.m. Tuesday to 8 p.m. Wednesday, heavy rains are forecast to hit parts of Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Liaoning, Jilin, Qinghai, Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi and Yunnan, the center said. It noted that some parts of these regions could experience heavy rainfall, with hourly precipitation highs exceeding 80 millimeters, accompanied by thunderstorms and gales. Local governments have been urged to make appropriate preparations, and to fulfill their related responsibilities accordingly. On Tuesday, an orange alert for potential mountain torrents was issued by the Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration, highlighting high risks in parts of Qinghai. China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. US President Donald Trump has said that he and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed the issue of abducted children, a cause that is also important to his wife, First Lady Melania Trump. Ursula von der Leyen, the distinguished and Highly Respected President of the European Commission, and I have been discussing the massive Worldwide problem of missing children. This is, likewise, a big subject with my wife, Melania. It is a subject at the top of all lists, and the World will work together to solve it, hopefully bringing them home to their families! Trump posted on Monday on Truth Social. Advertisement Von der Leyen responded on X, saying the human cost of the Ukraine war must end. Advertisement And that means every single Ukrainian child abducted by Russia must be returned to their families. I thank @POTUS for his clear commitment today to ensuring these children are reunited with their loved ones. 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. While the exact number of missing children over the course of the Russia-Ukraine war remains unclear, the Institute for the Study of War reported in March that Ukraine verified nearly 19,500 children have been deported by Russia. During Mondays summit at the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came with a letter from his wife for Melania Trump, and he praised the US first ladys letter last week to President Vladimir Putin about children suffering during the war. Zelensky opened his one-on-one meeting with President Trump on Monday by thanking First Lady Melania Trump. Despite the fact that Melania Trump did not travel with her husband for his summit with Vladimir Putin last week, the First Lady did send a personal letter to the Russian President pleading for peace on behalf of the children in Ukraine and Russia who are suffering amid the ongoing war. Zelensky told Trump that both he and his wife, Olena Zelenska, were moved by the letter, saying, many thanks to your wife, first lady of the United States, and presenting him with a letter to give her in return. Its not to you, [its] to your wife, he cautioned, earning a laugh from the US President and gathered press. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has been named the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) co-deputy director, alongside the law enforcement agencys current second-in-command, Dan Bongino. Bailey expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for giving him the opportunity to serve in the mission to Make America Safe Again. Advertisement I am proud to announce I have accepted the role of Co-Deputy Director of the FBI. I extend my thanks to US President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for the opportunity to serve in the mission to Make America Safe Again. I will protect America and uphold the Constitution, Andrew Bailey posted on X. Advertisement US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche welcomed Andrew Bailey as the FBIs new Co-Deputy Director. In a post on X, Blanche wrote, Thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as our new FBI Co-Deputy Director. As Missouris Attorney General, he took on the swamp, fought weaponised government, and defended the Constitution. Now he is bringing that fight to the DOJ. In a statement, Andrew Bailey announced that he will resign effective on September 8. He expressed gratitude to the people of Missouri for giving him the opportunity to represent the state and called it a humbling privilege to serve as the 44th Attorney General of Missouri. It has been a humbling privilege to serve as the 44th Attorney General of the State of Missouri, and I am forever grateful to the people of Missouri for the opportunity to represent our state and your families. My life has been defined by a call to service, and I am once again answering that call, this time at the national level. But wherever I am called, Missouri is and always will be home, he added. Bailey has served as Missouris attorney general since 2023, and he is known to have asked the Supreme Court to intervene on behalf of Missouri in a criminal case against Trump filed by New York prosecutors, a request rejected by the high court, CBS News reported. He supported his states restrictions on abortion and gender-affirming care for minors, and filed a lawsuit against Starbucks over its diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Dan Bongino, a Trump loyalist, clashed with other administration officials in July amid controversy regarding the FBI and Justice Departments handling of a review of the Jeffrey Epstein case. He did not come to work at the department at one point and even considered resigning from his position, CBS News reported, citing sources as saying at the time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia proposed a bilateral meeting with Ukraine, followed by a trilateral meeting. In a news conference following his meetings with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Zelensky said on Monday that he is ready for any format of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement He said that he would participate in the following trilateral meeting, depending on how the first meeting goes. Advertisement Zelensky added that he does not know the details about the proposed bilateral meeting. He said that he does not want to impose conditions on the meeting because Putin would follow with his own conditions. I believe unconditionally we should meet and think about the further development of this path to the end of the war, he said. Putin told Trump on Monday that he is willing to meet Zelensky, a person familiar with the call said. Putin told Trump, whom he met Friday in Alaska, of his readiness to meet Zelensky during a telephone call in a break from White House talks in Washington with European leaders, the person said on condition of anonymity. Trump said on Monday that he had started arranging a two-way peace meeting between Ukraines Zelensky and Russias Putin to be followed by three-way talks involving himself. At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky, he said after hosting Zelensky and European leaders at the White House. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Ukrainian President Zelensky on Monday gave an upbeat asessment of talks with US counterpart Trump and said they discussed security guarantees. We had a very good conversation with President Trump, and it really was the best one or, sorry, maybe the best one will be in the future, Zelensky said at an expanded meeting with European leaders. President zelensky and President Trump expressed hope that Mondays critical talks with Ukrainian and European leaders at the White House could lead to trilateral talks with Putin to bring an end to Russias war on Ukraine. Mondays meeting comes after Trump met with Putin and has said that the onus is now on Zelensky to agree to concessions that he said could end the war. A group of European political leaders also meet with the US President after they were left out of Fridays summit, and they are looking to safeguard Ukraine and the continent from any widening aggression from Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he had a long discussion with US President Donald Trump over a map displayed in the Oval Office showing Russian-captured territories in Ukraine. I argued about the percentage on the map because I know this percentage very well, he added on Monday. Advertisement However, the two leaders engaged in a warm and meaningful conversation about it, Zelensky said. Advertisement It isnt possible to say this much territory has been taken over this time. These points are important, he added. A map that appeared to show percentages of Ukrainian regions occupied by Russia was on display in the Oval Office during Trumps meeting with Zelensky. Zelensky appeared to acknowledge the map during a later meeting with Trump and European leaders, saying he had shown Trump battlefield details on a map. Thank you for the map, by the way, Zelensky said. Good map, Trump responded. Im thinking how to take it back, Zelensky quipped. Well get you one, said Trump. Whether Russia will retain control of Ukrainian territory and what territories it will continue to occupy is a key factor in the peace negotiations. Moscow has pressed Kyiv to cede control of eastern Ukraines Donbas region in exchange for a ceasefire, a demand Zelensky has pushed back on. Late Sunday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that Zelensky can end the war almost immediately if he agrees to several demands, including No getting back Obama given Crimea referring to the Ukrainian peninsula that Russia annexed in 2014. President Obama did not recognise Crimea as part of Russia. However, redrawing of Ukrainian territory was not discussed, the NATO Chief Mark Rutte said, as leaders said they agreed this is a matter for Zelensky to discuss at a potential trilateral meeting involving Russia. European leaders who gathered at the White House on Monday did not discuss redrawing Ukrainian boundaries because that was a matter for President Zelensky to address at a potential trilateral meeting involving Russia, Rutte added. We have not discussed that today, he told Fox News when asked about the issue. Everybody is clear, including (US President Donald Trump), that when it comes to territory, it is the Ukrainian President who has to discuss this in the trilateral and probably more conversations after that with Vladimir Putin from Russia. Today, the understanding among leaders was that for any territory to be discussed, there would have to be security guarantees, Rutte said. Every country in the coalition has to agree on what these guarantees will mean, he added. Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to meet Ukrainian President Zelensky within the next two weeks during a phone call with US President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said. The location of that meeting has not yet been determined, Merz told reporters on Monday night. He said such a summit needs to be well prepared but said he doesnt know if Putin would have the courage to attend such a summit. Saint-Laurent, QC (H4T1V6) Today Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. High 68F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 54F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. ISTANBUL, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities seized 207 kg of methamphetamine and arrested two suspects here Tuesday in one of the country's largest drug hauls in recent years, officials said. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on social media X that the operation targeted suspects involved in drug trafficking in the Esenyurt district on the European side of the city. Besides the methamphetamine, police also seized 98 kg of chemical substances in the raid, Yerlikaya said, highlighting the scale of the operation against organized narcotics networks. A video shared by Yerlikaya showed special forces raiding a home in a building, discovering the chemical substances stored in containers, along with other devices and materials commonly used in drug production. The authorities have been stepping up efforts against drug trafficking for years, with a series of coordinated raids made on organized crime networks. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. On August 19, 2025, gold prices in India saw drops, with futures falling to a near two-week low, amid a slight increase in spot prices abroad. According to GoodReturns, 24-karat gold was priced at 10,075 per gram: a decrease of 43 from the previous day. While 22-karat gold dropped to 9,235, the price of 18-karat gold eased to 7,556showing similiar reductions of 40 and 33 respectively. ALSO READ | Indians lost money over the last month on equities, but gold soared Hyderabad, in particular, saw a steeper drop: 10g of 24-karat gold fell to 1,00,750, while 22-karat dropped to 92,350. The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) also saw a similar decline, where October futures for gold traded at 99,860 per 10g, slipping below the key 1 lakh threshold earlier this week. This development, which has happened for the first time in nearly two weeks, is significant because it might be an indicator of bearish momentum, looking forward. Analysts attributed this fall to fading safe-haven inflows of gold amid a possible ease in geopolitical tensions, especially with US President Donald Trump's reportedly positive meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy and various European Union leaders. Preparations for bilateral Russia-Ukraine negotiations, as well as a trilateral conversation including Trump, are currently underway. Notably, not all signals were bearish. Angel One reported minor upticks in certain cities, with 24-karat prices edging higher in line with international spot gold prices, which traded at $3,338.06 per ounce, up by 0.16 per cent. This suggests that global cues are still offering some floor to domestic prices, even as futures markets remain cautious. This difference between global spot gains and fluctuations in local rates highlights Indias sensitivity to demand-side factors. This comes despite the advent of the festival season (Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri, and Diwali) and wedding demand in a few weeks. Looking ahead, analysts expect gold to trade in the 99,0001,01,500 per 10g range in the near term. If you have been an investor of Vodafone Idea, the question that comes to mind is whether the glass is half full or half empty. On the one hand, the companys loss has narrowed quarter-on-quarter, average revenue per user (ARPU) has improved, and the subscriber decline has slowed. But, on the other hand, it continues to report huge losses, subscribers still continue to port out, and funding from banks still remains elusive, even as capital requirements remain high. Vis shares rose 5 per cent on the BSE on Monday and were further up around 1.7 per cent on Tuesday, trading at around Rs 6.57. The current price is a 60 per cent decline from its 52-week high of Rs 16.55 it had hit on August 29, 2024. In the same period, shares of rival Bharti Airtel have gained close to 22.5 per cent and currently trade around Rs 1,918.40. The bearish sentiments around Vi are not surprising. Vi reported a net loss of Rs 6,608.1 crore in the April-June quarter, up 2.7 per cent from a loss of Rs 6,432.1 crore in the year-ago quarter, although it was 7.8 per cent lower than the Rs 7,166.1 crore loss it reported in January-March. The telecom operator reported a quarterly revenue of Rs 11,022.5 crore in April-June, up 4.9 per cent from the revenue of Rs 10,508.3 crore in the year-ago quarter, but only slightly up compared with the January-March quarter revenue of Rs 11,013.5 crore. ARPU, a key metric, is improving; it stood at Rs 165 in the June quarter, compared with Rs 146 in the June quarter of 2024. This has been aided by continued expansion of 4G coverage and increase in 4G/5G subscribers to 127.4 million in the first quarter of FY2026 from 126.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Vi now offers 5G in 22 cities. However, Vi continues to see subscriber erosion on an overall basis. Its subscriber base has fallen 5.9 per cent from 210.1 million in the year-ago quarter to 197.7 million this June. But, it only lost 0.5 million subscribers in April-June, compared to the 1.6 million it lost in January-March and 5.2 million subscribers lost in October-December 2024, giving hope that the base may be stabilising now. As of June 30, 2025, the groups outstanding debt from banks (including interest accrued but not due) stood at Rs 1,944.5 crore. The deferred payment obligation towards spectrum, payable over the years till FY2044 and towards adjusted gross revenue (AGR), which is payable over the years till FY2031, aggregates to Rs 1.99 lakh crore. The group's financial performance has impacted its ability to generate cash flows that it needs to settle/refinance its liabilities as they fall due. The group's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on support from DoT (Department of Telecom) on the AGR matter, successfully arranging funding and generation of cash flow from its operations that it needs to settle its liabilities as they fall due, Vis auditors have warned. Fund raising indeed remains a major speed bump for Vi. The company raised Rs 18,000 crore from a follow-on share sale back in April 2024 and raised around Rs 1,980 crore from promoters. The telecom operator has also been looking to raise debt of around Rs 25,000 crore for some time now from banks. However, that continues to be delayed, even as CareEdge upgraded its credit rating on Vis long-term bank facilities to BBB- from BB+ in April. Vi incurred capital expenditure of Rs 2,440 crore in the June quarter. The capex requirement is expected to remain high as the company continues to improve overall 4G coverage and launch 5G in newer cities as it looks to stem customer loss. Vi will also need funds to repay its spectrum and AGR-related dues in the future, and that amount is huge, unless the government of India, which already held 49 per cent stake as of June 30, 2025 in the telco, offers further help. Aditya Bansal, research analyst at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, noted that despite the equity infusion and acceleration in network capex, Vi has continued to lose market share to peers. He estimates the company has lost 110 basis points year-on-year (20 bps sequentially) in subscriber market share and 140 bps year-on-year (30 bps sequentially) in revenue market share among the three private telcos. In the absence of relief on AGR dues (Rs 16,400 crore annual repayments starting March 2026) and the closure of debt raise, Vis planned capex of Rs 50,000-55,000 crore remains in jeopardy, potentially resulting in higher subscriber churns, Bansal pointed. The analyst cut Vis revenue and EBITDA (earnings before interest taxes depreciation and amortization) estimates for FY2027-28 by 4-5 per cent. The company remains engaged in discussions with lenders with regards to the debt funding, said Akshay Moondra, the outgoing CEO of Vi. It is also exploring non-bank avenues for its funding requirements, he added. Getting the funding sorted and resolving the AGR issue with the government will no doubt be the key tasks for new CEO Abhijit Kishore, whose appointment is effective August 19. Kishore was earlier the chief operating officer of the company. Vi has funding to incur elevated capex only till Q2 FY26; its future capex is dependent on closing the funding arrangement, which has been in the process for a while, said Sanjesh Jain of ICICI Securities. The company is also hopeful of a resolution on AGR matter before its first instalment is due in March 2026 and it remains critical for establishing its going concern status, added Jain. Lower than expected revenue market share and subscriber base, and inability to raise more funding will remain key downside risks for Vi going ahead, analysts said. In a major shift after years of tension since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, peace and tranquillity prevailed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the past few months, and India and China appear to be making efforts to keep this "upward trend" in the bilateral relations. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during their talks under the framework of Special Representatives (SR) mechanism, expressed satisfaction over the fact that stability has been restored on the border. According to Doval, borders have been quiet, and this new "environment" of peace has helped the two countries to move on to focus on other areas. #WATCH | Delhi: During meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says, "We are heartened to see the stability that is now restored on the borders." "We had a very good 23rd round of special representatives talks at the end of last year. At that meeting, we pic.twitter.com/J9GqaMVhM3 ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 "There has been an upward trend. Borders have been quiet. There has been peace and tranquillity. Our bilateral engagements have been more substantial. And we are most grateful to our leaders who, in Kazan last October, were able to set a new trend, and we have profited a lot since then," Doval said. Wang too agreed that there is stability on the India-China border. #WATCH | Delhi: During meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, NSA Ajit Doval says, "...There has been an upward trend. Borders have been quiet. There has been peace and tranquillity. Our bilateral engagements have been more substantial. And we are most grateful to our pic.twitter.com/Ngz8e1S3xj ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 "We had a very good 23rd round of special representatives talks at the end of last year. At that meeting, we reached a new and important consensus on the management of disagreements, stabilising the borders, and moving toward a settlement. We identified specific goals and formed a working framework. We are heartened to see the stability that is now restored on the borders," he said. The Chinese foreign minister arrived in Delhi on Monday on a two-day visit. Wang's visit is largely seen as part of ongoing efforts by India and China to restore and rebuild trust after the Galwan Valley clash. 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. The public dispute between Blake Lively and her It Ends with Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni continues as another cast member has accused Baldoni of harassment. Isabela Ferrer, who played Livelys younger version in the film, claimed that the filmmaker pressured her into the bitter legal feud. ALSO READ | Justin Baldoni scores minor legal victory as judge dismisses Blake Livelys emotional distress claims Baldoni issued a subpoena to Ferrer, but on August 12, his lawyers filed a motion with the court stating that the 24-year-old was unreachable and had yet to respond to the subpoena. As reported by People magazine, lawyers for Ferrer filed a rebuttal on Sunday, claiming that Baldoni engaged in bad faith tactics and filed his motion for improper purposes and with the aim of harassing Ferrer. Lively also subpoenaed Ferrer in February, asking her to provide communication-related evidence. Ferrers lawyer also claimed Baldoni is using his financial leverage over her to control how she responds to Livelys subpoena. While Ms. Ferrer will faithfully comply with her legal obligations under any subpoena, summons or court order, she obviously will not be intimidated or extorted by any party to otherwise participate in the proceedings, Ferrers advocate Sanford Michelman said, according to Variety. Back in December, Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of It Ends with Us and also claimed that he allegedly launched a smear campaign against the actor during the release and promotion of the film last August. The case gained more publicity when The New York Times wrote a bombshell article titled We Can Bury Anyone: Inside a Hollywood Smear Campaign. Baldoni retaliated by filing a USD 250 million lawsuit against the publication for libel and false light invasion of privacy. The actor also sued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for USD 400 million, citing defamation and extortion. The latter case was dismissed in June when Lively filed a motion in a New York federal court, citing that the law protects individuals who have filed sexual harassment lawsuits. A court date has been set for the high-profile case on March 9, 2026. Preliminary hearings commenced earlier this year in February. It seems Netflix has done considerably well with Dept. Q, the investigative thriller series from Scott Frank ("The Queen's Gambit"). The streamer has announced that the show will be back for another round, this time taking on a case set, once again, in Edinburgh along with, of course, Matthew Goode, who plays Detective Chief Inspector Carl Morck. In a statement, Goode said, "Id like to thank Netflix for giving us the opportunity to further investigate Dept. Qs storylines. We have a wonderful cast and crew, headed by our resident genius Scott Frank. I cannot wait to read what comes from his magic quill! Along with Goode, Dept. Q will also see the return of the other investigation team members: Alexej Manvelov as Akram, Leah Byrne as Rose, and Jamie Sives as Hardy. . A nine-episode series, Dept. Q premiered globally on Netflix on May 29, 2025. Set in Edinburgh, Scotland, the show is based on Danish novelist Jussi Adler-Olsen's books of the same name featuring Morck, a once-efficient English detective now grappling with the aftermath of a deadly event that caused two casualties. The series marked Goode's second collaboration with Frank after 2007's The Lookout, Frank's directorial debut. On being drawn to the books, Frank told Netflix that the idea has been in his mind for over two decades the idea of one man-led underground department dedicated to solving cold cases. Adler-Olsen's wish to have Frank strongly involved in the material came true when, out of the nine episodes, Frank directed six aside from doing sole writing and co-writing duties on all episodes. Goode played Morck as an eccenetric figure, given how the character is still dealing with the tragic event's trauma when he returns to take charge of the titular department in the Scottish police force, a PR-dictated move to boost the image of the organisation. His new duties will take him to some dark, unforeseen corners. Goode's co-stars in the first season include Kate Dickie ("The Day of the Jackal", "Game of Thrones"), Kelly Macdonald ("No Country for Old Men", "Trainspotting"), Jamie Sives, Mark Bonnar, Mark Bonnar, Alexej Manvelov, Leah Byrne, and others. In March, troubling reports circulated online about Malayalam superstar Mammootty's health. Some portals published unverified reports about the actor being diagnosed with a life-threatening health condition, following which concerned fans wondered if there was some truth to it. Mammootty's PR team had at the time assured the public that there was no need for alarm and that he was undergoing treatment and rest for the same. The latest update is that the Bramayugam actor had overcome the ailment, and is doing well and ready to be back in business. Mammootty's longtime associate, make-up man, and producing partner George shared that the worst is behind him. In an Instagram post, he wrote, "I stand in front of you with my eyes filled with joy. And for those who prayed, to those who stood with me, to those who comforted me saying that nothing will happen, with unending love, dear ones... Thank you! The same was confirmed by another associate of Mammootty, producer Anto Joseph, in a social media post, saying that everyone's prayers have been answered. On the work front, Mammootty is expected to resume filming of the remaining portions of the Mahesh Narayanan film, reportedly titled Patriot, in September. The film, which also has Mohanlal in a prominent role alongside Fahadh Faasil, Kunchacko Boban, Nayanthara and others, has so far completed 60% of its portions. It is bankrolled jointly by MammoottyKampany and Anto Joseph Film Company. Filming began in Sri Lanka in November last year, followed by schedules in Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates. Other locations reportedly include London, Thailand, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Kochi. The film billed as a thriller is editor-turned-director Mahesh Narayanan's biggest venture yet. He is known for the films Take Off, CU Soon, Malik, and Ariyippu. He also debuted as a cinematographer with the Fahadh-starrer Malayankunju, for which he wrote the script. Mammootty, who was last seen in Bazooka, is looking forward to the most-awaited Kalamkaval, in which he is playing a lead role, of a negative shade, opposite Vinayakan, who plays the other main lead. It is helmed by debutant Jithin K Jose. A day earlier, Mammootty shared a new poster from the film, hinting at the film's release soon. Dr Tanaya Narendra, a doctor, sexual health educator, embryologist, and scientist popularly known as Dr Cuterus with 1.8 million followers on Instagram, in a recent post addressed a common concern: Is one breast being bigger than the other a cause for worry? Her answernot always. She explained that if asymmetry has always been present, it is perfectly normal since the human body itself is asymmetric. However, sudden changes in breast size, nipple appearance, or skin texture should not be ignored and require medical attention. Her post, which has received 12.6K likes and over 9,000 shares, has sparked widespread conversation on breast health. How big a concern is breast cancer? Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers worldwide, affecting millions of womenand some meneach year. It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer globally and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 2.3 million new cases were diagnosed in 2022, leading to approximately 670,000 deaths. The burden is expected to grow: by 2050, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) projects nearly 3.2 million new cases and 1.1 million deaths annually if current trends continue. In India, too, breast cancer is a significant concern and is the "most common cancer in women in India and accounts for 27% of all cancers in women," according to the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research under the Indian Council of Medical Research. "India ranks highest in number of estimated breast cancer deaths (98,337) for the year 2022 among females," according to a parliamentary response in 2024 as well. Every year on August 18, World Breast Cancer Research Day is observed to highlight progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It serves as a global reminder of the urgent need for research and awareness. What is breast asymmetry? Breast asymmetry simply means that your breasts are not exactly the same in size, shape, or density. This is extremely common and, in most cases, nothing to worry about. Healthcare providers often note it during examinations to establish what is normal for a patient, so that any future changes can be tracked. Differences can appear in various ways: one breast may be slightly larger, or a mammogram might reveal denser tissue in one breast compared to the other. Medical reports may mention asymmetry, which is an isolated dense area visible in one mammogram view, focal asymmetry, which is a dense area confirmed in two mammogram views, global asymmetry, referring to density covering a large part of one breast (about one-fourth or more), or developing asymmetry which is a new density difference compared with earlier mammograms, which doctors take seriously as it signals change. Asymmetry often develops during puberty and is written into a persons genes. Temporary hormonal changessuch as those during menstruation, pregnancy, or hormone therapycan also make breasts grow unevenly. Other benign causes include cysts (fluid-filled sacs), hematomas (blood collections after injury), or fat necrosis (changes in fatty tissue due to trauma). Still, doctors advise vigilance. When asymmetry is new or progressive, it warrants further testing. In such cases, additional imaginglike a 3D mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, or even biopsymay be recommended to rule out underlying disease. Are asymmetric breasts a sign of cancer? On their own, asymmetrical breasts are usually not a sign of cancer. Most women have some natural variation, and it is considered part of normal anatomy. However, research suggests there may be a link between developing asymmetry and increased breast cancer risk, particularly when combined with other factors such as family history and age. According to another study, women who were healthy at the time of mammographybut later developed breast cancerdemonstrated significantly greater breast volume asymmetry than age-matched women who remained disease-free. Specifically, each 100 ml increase in absolute asymmetry was associated with a 1.5-fold increase in odds of developing breast cancer, while even small relative asymmetries showed a statistically significant effect. A 2015 study found that women whose breast volume asymmetry ratio exceeded 20% faced a notably higher risk of breast cancer. The odds of cancer in these individuals were approximately 2.18 times higher overalland 2.01 times higher for women aged 4069compared to women with lower asymmetry ratios. Dr Deep Vora, Oncologist at Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai, explained, Breast asymmetry is common, as a large number of women have unevenness in the size and shape of their breasts. There is an association between breast asymmetry and breast cancer. Breast asymmetry is generally not a matter of concern. However, if your breast density suddenly changes, then it is necessary to consult a doctor and confirm whether you have breast cancer. Dr Vora added that breast asymmetry alone is not typically a risk factor; however, when uneven breasts are accompanied by other signssuch as a lump or thickening of the breast, skin changes like dimpling or redness, nipple changes, nipple discharge, as well as genetic factors, family history, and agethey can indicate the presence of breast cancer. Speaking about which changes women should be particularly attentive to, Dr Vora said, Lump or thickening of the breast, skin changes like dimpling or redness, nipple changes, nipple discharge, bloody discharge from the nipple, and breast pain will mean that a woman needs immediate evaluation. It is better to visit the oncologist without any further delay and initiate timely intervention. So, be attentive when it comes to breast health. This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS The opposition INDIA bloc is likely to declare its Vice President Candidate after another round of meetings on Tuesday. Leaders of several opposition parties had met at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday to discuss the joint candidate for the second-highest constitutional post. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has already announced senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, C.P. Radhakrishnan, as its candidate. According to reports, the BJP has also reached out to the opposition leaders, including Kharge, seeking a unanimous election of their candidate. The victory of the NDA candidate is a foregone conclusion since the alliance enjoys a comfortable majority in the electoral college, which includes members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. However, the INDIA bloc has taken it as an ideological battle and decided to field their own joint candidate. #WATCH | "Tomorrow, there is a meeting in Mr Kharge's house, at 12.30 pm," says TMC MP Derek O'Brien on if a decision was made regarding the Opposition's Vice Presidential candidate, as he leaves from the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. pic.twitter.com/4qYWhaXzIy ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2025 According to a PTI report, certain names were suggested at Mondays meeting, including some from Tamil Nadu. The DMK leaders have proposed the name of an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist, who hails from the southern state and is well respected. The name of senior DMK leader Tiruchi Siva is also doing the rounds. Siva, a Rajya Sabha MP, however, refused to comment, saying his leadership will take a call on the issue. "I have no idea. Only leaders will decide that. I am not the person to tell that. My leaders are discussing," he told ANI news agency. #WATCH | On speculations of him being the Opposition's Vice Presidential candidate, DMK MP Tiruchi Siva says, "I have no idea. Only leaders will decide that...I am not the person to tell that. My leaders are discussing..." He also says, "...He (Rahul Gandhi) is the LoP, he has pic.twitter.com/5nn1oRImtw ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2025 Siva, a native of Tiruchirappalli, has completed five terms in parliament as a member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The nomination of Radhakrishnan is seen as a strategic move by the BJP to strengthen its base in Tamil Nadu, particularly by consolidating the Gounder community votes in the Kongu region, ahead of next years assembly elections. There were reports that Radhakrishnans candidacy is likely to put pressure on the DMK, a main constituent of the INDIA bloc, to either support him or stay away from the polls. The election, which was necessitated by the abrupt resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, will be held on September 9. The last date of filing the nomination is August 21. 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. KABUL, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan power company Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) has signed agreements with two companies to produce 160 megawatts of electricity from coal in northern Baghlan province, the state-owned power company announced late Monday. The agreements will facilitate the establishment of coal-based power generation facilities in Baghlan, a region rich in coal reserves, according to the statement. This initiative marks a significant step toward addressing Afghanistan's chronic power shortages, as the country heavily depends on electricity imports from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Iran. The deal came just a day after Afghanistan secured 243 million U.S. dollars in contracts with Uzbek investors for electricity transmission and distribution projects, signaling a concerted effort to bolster the nation's energy infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign power sources. Bengaluru woman Sujatha Bhatt's claims of her daughter's disappearance after a college trip to Dharmasthala in 2003 were proven false on Tuesday. This comes days after she released a photo online with her lawyer present, claiming it was a picture of her daughter Ananya. An Asianet Suvarna News report points out that what Sujatha showed was a picture of someone else's daughter. The report added that she did not even have a daughter named Ananya. In the early 2000s, Sujatha was widely known to be living in Ripponpet, Shivamogga, with a man named Prabhakar Baliga. ALSO READ | Dharmasthala case: 2 decades later, Bengaluru woman releases photo of daughter allegedly missing after 2003 trip to village Local media even described the pair as "childless animal lovers": a portrayal that contradicted her narrative of raising Ananyaa first-year MBBS student. Following her reported split with Baliga in 2006, Sujatha moved to Bengaluru, where she worked in a private hospital, and allegedly met a man named Rangaprasad. With Rangaprasad's wife reportedly dead by then, Sujatha began to live with the man, who already had a daughter and a son (named Srivatsa). The report explained that Srivatsa's wife Vasanti, who worked for many years as a nurse at the Ramaiah Hospital, returned to her native place following marital problems. She reportedly died by suicide in 2007. The report added that the evidence pointed to Sujatha using a picture of Vasanti in her twentiesand claiming that it was the photo of Ananya, whom she said had been missing since 2003. Sujatha's claims of submitting a complaint at the Belthangady police station have also been debunked by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in charge of investigating the alleged burial of hundreds of bodies at Dharmasthala by a sanitation worker. She later even claimed that she had been abducted and tortured, which put her in a coma for some time. Out of 17 spots pointed out by the 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. Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who had earlier warned of action being taken against false complaints, said on Tuesday that the forensic analysis of dead remains recovered is currently awaited. The INDIA bloc has framed the contest for Vice President, scheduled for September 9, as an ideological one after it picked former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as its joint candidate. The face-off between INDIA blocs Justice Reddy and NDA candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan is being billed as a contest between a constitutional expert and a politician with an RSS background. Though the numbers are stacked in favour of the ruling NDA, it presents an opportunity for the Opposition to take its ideological battle to a different forum. Seventy-nine-year-old Justice Reddy began his career as an advocate in Hyderabad before being appointed as a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. He later served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court and was a Judge of the Supreme Court of India from 2007 to 2011. Among his important rulings was the order to disband the militia Salwa Judum. Announcing his name, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge termed him one of Indias most distinguished and progressive jurists. He has been a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic, and political justice. He is a poor mans judge, and if you read many of his judgments, you will know how he favoured the poor and also protected the Constitution and fundamental rights, Kharge said. The contest has provided the Opposition its first opportunity, after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, to come together again for a common cause, despite internal dissensions. I warmly congratulate Shri B. Sudershan Reddy Garu on being nominated as the joint Opposition candidate for the Vice President of India. A distinguished jurist and champion of justice, he represents the spirit of our Constitution - safeguarding peoples rights, equality and our https://t.co/3P1BbHC8mB Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 19, 2025 Also read: Will Justice Sudershan Reddys candidature force the Telugu parties to break ranks with the NDA? Unlike last time, when the united Opposition had picked Congress leader Margaret Alva as its candidate against then West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, fielded by the NDA, the INDIA bloc has now gone for a candidate with strong credentials. Previously, as it was a Congress leader, there were several instances of cross-voting. Now, with a non-political choice, the Opposition may be able to increase its numbers. Both AAP and TMC have backed the choice. The biggest political move in naming Reddy is also strategic. Reddy belongs to Andhra Pradesh, which is ruled by the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP governmenta crucial partner in the NDA government at the Centre. His support was key in the formation of the third NDA government. When the NDA named Radhakrishnan, a candidate from poll-bound Tamil Nadu, it put pressure on the DMK government to support a local candidate; something they later clarified they would not do. In the case of Justice Reddy, there will be pressure not only on the TDP to support a candidate from their state, but also on the non-aligned YSR Congresswhich had announced support for the NDA candidateand the BRS, to clarify their strategies and official stances now that a person from Andhra Pradesh has been nominated. THE WEEK had reported on August 18 that the INDIA bloc could consider a candidate from Andhra Pradesh or Bihar to exert pressure on NDA allies, TDP and JD(U). As the pool of leaders from Bihar was limited and the assembly polls were nearing, the choice fell on picking a candidate from Andhra Pradesh. Both candidates are expected to file their nominations on Wednesday, a day before the last date for nomination, August 21. As the electoral college for the Vice President polls is limited to sitting members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, both candidates will canvass for votes even from the opposite side. Earlier, the governmentin a customary movehad approached Opposition parties after announcing their candidate to seek support for a unanimous choice. However, as Radhakrishnan came with an RSS background, the Opposition made it clear they would field a candidate, even though many said the NDA nominee was not seen as an aggressive leader. After the polling takes place on September 9, the results are likely to be declared the same day. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday warned people against donating to Save Nimisha Priya social media posts, saying there was no government-affiliated campaign seeking funds for the Indian nurse. "We have seen claims being made on social media seeking monetary contributions into a GoI designated bank account in the Nimisha Priya case. This is a fake claim," said MEA. We have seen claims being made on social media seeking monetary contributions into a GoI designated bank account in the Nimisha Priya case. This is a fake claim.https://t.co/stxeFevl64 pic.twitter.com/4gQGIO4gvP MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) August 19, 2025 The fake donation was sought by a blue-tick X account in the name of evangelist KA Paul. The post reads, "Donate directly to Save Nimisha to the Government of India account designate. We need 8.3 crore rupees." Nimisha Priya has been jailed in Yemen for many years after she was convicted of murdering Talal Abdo Mehdi. This comes after Paul requested the Houthi administration to speed up the release of Nimisha Priya in a viral video, wherein he was joined by the nurse's husband Tomy Thomas and 13-year-old daughter Mishel. In the video, Mishel says, "Please help bring my mother home. I badly want to see her. I miss you mummy." Nimisha, who arrived in Yemen in 2011, established a clinic in Sana'a in 2015 under Talal's sponsorship. The previous year, her husband and daughter returned to India. Talal later allegedly forged marriage documents to establish that they are husband and wife. He then allegedly took her passport, extorted money from her and abused her physically and mentally. Nimisha, who was desperate to escape, drugged Talal to get her passport back but the he died of overdose. She was later nabbed by Yemeni authorities from the Saudi Arabia border. In 2020, Nimisha was sentenced to death by a trial court while her appeals were rejected by upper courts. The Supreme Judicial Council of Yemen upheld the death sentence in 2023 following which the Yemeni President approved the verdict last year. However, her execution scheduled for July 16 was suspended with the help of friendly governments, according the Ministry of External Affairs. Nimisha's family is making efforts to pay blood money to Talal's kin but they have rejected the offer and have been insisting on her execution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the India-China boundary question during his meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Modi emphasised that a stable, predictable, and constructive relationship between India and China will contribute significantly to regional and global peace and prosperity. Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other's interests and sensitivities. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO pic.twitter.com/FyQI6GqYKC Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 19, 2025 The PM welcomed the steady and positive progress in bilateral ties since his meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, "guided by mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, including the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement. #WATCH | Delhi: During meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says, "The Chinese side attaches great importance to the Prime Minister's visit to China to attend the SCO summit at our invitation. We believe that Indian side will also make contribution to a pic.twitter.com/Go1mNAly89 ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Wang handed over the message and invitation from President Xi to the PM for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit being held in Tianjin. Modi thanked President Xi for the invitation to the SCO Summit and conveyed his acceptance. The SCO Summit will be held on August 31 and September 1. The Chinese foreign minister also shared his positive assessment of the bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and 24th Meeting of the Special Representatives, which he co-chaired with NSA Shri Ajit Doval during his visit. Doval and Wang held the talks under the framework of the Special Representatives (SR) mechanism that came ahead of PM Modi's planned visit to China to attend the annual SCO Summit. The Chinese foreign minister arrived in Delhi on Monday on a two-day visit. The visit is largely seen as part of ongoing efforts by the two countries to rebuild their relationship after it came under severe strain following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. Maharashtra's State Emergency Operations Centre has issued a red alert for Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburbs, Thane, Ratnagiri, Palghar, Raigad, Chandrapur districts as well as ghat areas of Pune and Nashik. However, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has dismissed rumours about fake messages claiming that August 20 would be a school holiday. This message is fake. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has not issued any such information through its official social media platforms, BMC posted on X. . . This message is fake. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has not issued any such information through its official social media platforms.#MyBMCUpdates pic.twitter.com/hl0FYRouew Mumbai, BMC (@mybmc) August 19, 2025 The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has declared a holiday for schools on Wednesday. In view of heavy rainfall, a holiday has been declared for tomorrow, 20th August 2025, for all schools under the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and all mediums in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation area. Thane Municipal Corporation declared holiday for schools in the backdrop of ongoing heavy rainfall in the district. Panvel Municipal Corporation also had a similar post, saying a holiday has been declared for all schools and colleges within its jurisdiction of the municipal corporation amid heavy rainfall. This comes as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis warned that the next 48 hours would be crucial for districts like Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. Mumbai alone has received 300 mm of rain in the past 24 hours with continuous rain battering the city for two days. Meanwhile, Mithi river has crossed the danger mark, with 400 to 500 people being shifted to safer locations. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) on Tuesday revealed that a Monorail train came to a halt between Mysore Colony and Bhakti Park stations due to a technical glitch caused by "overcrowding". More than 500 passengers were rescued by the fire brigade with the help of snorkel cranes. Another train which stuck near the Wadala bridge was towed to the nearest station and some 200 passenger onboard were rescued. The Opposition INDIA bloc on Tuesday picked former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the Vice President election. Congress chief and the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, made the announcement after a meeting of the alliance leaders at his residence. "B. Sudarshan Reddy is one of India's most distinguished and progressive jurists. He has had a long and eminent legal career, including as judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court and Judge of the Supreme Court, Kharge said. #WATCH | Former Supreme Court Judge B. Sudershan Reddy named INDIA alliance candidate for the Vice President post Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge says, "B. Sudershan Reddy is one of India's most distinguished and progressive jurists. He has had a long and eminent pic.twitter.com/xfoi0COHlp ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 The Congress president further noted that Justice Reddy has been a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic and political justice. He is a poor man, and if you read his judgments, you will know how he favoured the poor people and also protected the Constitution and fundamental rights, he added. The announcement came amid speculation that the opposition would pick a candidate from the South after the National Democratic Alliance chose senior BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, C.P. Radhakrishnan, as its candidate. DMK M.P. Tiruchi Siva was among a few names which did the rounds after a meeting of the INDIA bloc leaders at Kharges residence on Monday. The victory of Radhakrishnan is a foregone conclusion in the September 9 election as the ruling alliance enjoys a comfortable majority in the electoral college, which includes members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. "This vice-presidential contest is an ideological battle, and all the opposition parties agreed on this, and this is the reason we have nominated B Sudershan Reddy as the joint candidate, Kharge said at a press conference after Tuesdays meeting. Who is Justice B. Sudershan Reddy? According to the Supreme Courts website, Justice Reddy began his legal career as an advocate in Hyderabad in 1971. He worked as a government pleader in the High Court of Andhra Pradesh between 1988 and 1990. He was the additional standing counsel for the central government for six months in 1990. In 1995, he was appointed as a permanent Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. He was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in December 2005 and later as a judge of the Supreme Court of India in January 2007. He retired in 2011. A 19-year-old playschool teachers death has sent tensions rippling through Bhawani and Charkhi Dadri districts in Haryana. Amid widespread protests, the Haryana government ordered the suspension of mobile internet, bulk SMS, and dongle services on Tuesday for 48 hours. Voice calls are still available. "It has been brought to my notice by ADGP/CID, Haryana and Deputy Commissioner, Bhiwani & Charkhi Dadri vide their requests dated August 19 that there is an apprehension of causing tension, annoyance, agitation, damage to public & private property and disturbance of public peace & tranquillity in the district Bhiwani & Charkhi Dadri... This order is issued to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order," the order, issued by Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Sumit Misra, said. What was the Haryana Preschool teacher's case about? Manishas body was discovered in a field near a canal in Singhani village of Bhiwani on August 13, two days after she left work from the playschool. She was found with her throat slit. The girl had been missing since August 11 after she left the school to purportedly inquire about admission at a nursing school. Unverified images appeared on social media that people claimed were the victim's body lying in a field. After her body was found, police ruled out foul play based on the initial autopsy report. The Bhiwani district administration representatives also spoke with a committee formed by the villagers to hold discussions on behalf of the victim's family. The family then agreed to cremate the girls body. Later, a suicide note, along with an Aadhaar and other documents, was found in the teacher's bag, changing the case. The family said that they discovered the suicide note on social media. Police, however, say that the family knew about the note from the beginning. They also said that the victim had written about her parents being upset with her. Manishas father said that the committee pressured him to conduct her last rites. The family had also accused the police of delaying the registration of a complaint in the matter. We are not happy with the autopsy report and police findings. I urge people to join the fight for justice for my daughter, he said in a report by the Hindustan Times. The girls grandfather revealed to the media that she wanted to do a three-year nursing course. He had assured her that if her father did not give money, he would bear the expenses himself. He said, How can such a courageous and dream-filled girl commit suicide? Villagers had gathered in the Dhani Laxman village at Bhawani and announced that they would fight to ensure justice for the woman. Massive outrage followed, and people blocked key roads in the district. Bhiwani Superintendent of Police Sumit Kumar said that the handwriting in the suicide note matches the womans. In it, she had written, Mummy, Papa, you did a lot for me, but you were upset with me. I was not wrong. Also, I did nothing wrong. I want to fulfil my parents dream. I wanted to be a nursing officer. I dont want to be a financial burden. I am sorry if I have hurt you. The SP had also said that they discovered that she had bought insecticide through video surveillance. The next part of the investigation was whether the insecticide was consumed or not. We sent the viscera report to the forensic sciences laboratory along with other samples. There were numerous samples given by the coroner to us, he said. In the viscera sample, the presence of insecticide has been confirmed in the body, he added. So, there is self-purchase, there is a suicide note, there is poison in the body, he said. There were two autopsies done on the victim. One of them, conducted the at Rohtak's Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), confirmed that the woman was not sexually assaulted and had no cuts on the throat. The report had also discovered that the wound on the neck was a laceration due to gnawing.Gnawing is when any scavenger eats the body. The doctor has very clearly mentioned that these are the scavenging animal bites, and he has used the word gnawing effect. A portion of the neck was missing. Eyes were not there, face skin was not there. However, no vital organ below the neck is missing, the SP said. Haryana chief minister Nayab Signh saini had ordered the transfer of the previous SP and also the suspension of five officials who worked on the case. A murder case has been registered by the police on the complaint of the girls family. Former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda said that the case should be handed over to the CBI as per the familys wishes. The Opposition party has also demanded a probe. An alert has been sounded in the national capital as the Yamuna river is flowing above the danger mark after all 18 gates of the Hathinikund Barrage in Haryanas Yamunanagar were opened on Sunday. The gates were opened due to the rising water level resulting from heavy rains in the region over the last few days. According to reports, the water level in the river crossed the danger mark of 205.33 metres on Monday afternoon, creating a flood-like situation in several regions. #WATCH | Delhi: River Yamuna flows above the danger mark after all 18 gates of the Hathinikund Barrage in Haryana's Yamunanagar were opened two days ago. Visuals from Old Yamuna Bridge. pic.twitter.com/vCjj64EWMR ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, and all the agencies concerned have been asked to take precautionary measures. The district administrations have been asking residents on the riverbank to move to safer places, though the water is slightly short of the 206-metre evacuation level. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is likely to visit low-lying areas along the river to review flood preparedness measures. "Around 1.78 lakh cusec of water has come into the river after the recent rainfall. This is the highest water level of this season, Vijay Garg, Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Department, told ANI news agency. The Yamuna swelled to its highest-ever water level of 208.66 meters in July 2023. #WATCH | Delhi: Water level of the Yamuna river crosses the danger mark. People living near the riverbank face problems. Visulas from Shastri Park pic.twitter.com/BkP0Yw9LgZ ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more showers and thunderstorms in several districts of Haryana, including Sampla, Rohtak, Kharkhoda, Sonipat, Ganaur, Samalkha, Bapouli, Gharaunda, Karnal, Indri, Gohana, Israna, Safidon, Panipat, Asandh, Nilokheri, and Radaur. According to the weather agency, rainfall is expected to continue in the state for the next 2-3 days, although the intensity will remain moderate. IMD scientist Surinder Paul cautioned that waterlogging in low-lying areas and fields could become a concern, particularly after August 23, when heavy rain may occur in some districts of southern Haryana, such as Gurugram and Faridabad. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems dismissive about reports of Hamas accepting a 60-day ceasefire deal proposed by Arab mediators and sought demilitarization of the Gaza Strip. The development comes amid Israel's plans to take over Gaza. According to reports, Hamas has accepted a 60-day truce deal proposed by Egyptian and Qatari ceasefire mediators. The proposed deal includes release of remaining hostages in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. "The proposal includes suspension of Israeli military operations for 60 days and a path to a comprehensive deal to end the nearly two-year war,' an Egyptian official told Reuters. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim wrote on Facebook: "The movement has handed over its approval to the new proposal presented by the mediators." Arab mediators expedited ceasefire efforts after Israel announced its plans to seize Gaza. While Netanyahu is yet to respond to the proposed deal, the Israeli prime minister said Hamas was "under intense pressure". In a video statement earlier on Monday, Netanyahu sounded dismissive of the proposal and said he would only agree to stop the military operation "if Hamas releases all of the hostages at once, disarms, allows for the demilitarization of Gaza, grants Israel overall security control of the Strip and hands over control to a body other than the Palestinian Authority," Times of Israel reported. According to reports, the proposed ceasefire deal is similar to one put forward earlier by US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff; Israel had accepted that proposal. On Monday, US President Trump wrote on Truth Social, "We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be." Hamas has informed mediators that it is ready to accept the latest ceasefire proposal for Gaza and resume negotiations aimed at ending the war. The announcement came after discussions between Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo, raising renewed hopes of progress after months of stalled diplomacy. The proposal resembles a framework previously advanced by American envoy Steve Witkoff in June, which Hamas rejected at the time. According to sources close to the talks, the plan calls for a 60-day suspension of military operations during which the Israeli army would reposition to permit the entry of humanitarian aid. It also includes a partial exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Details point to the release of 10 living hostages in return for 150 Palestinian security prisoners, alongside the repatriation of 18 deceased captives. A Hamas official said those freed would include Palestinians serving life terms, others with sentences of more than 15 years, as well as all minors and women. The exchange is intended as the first step towards a broader agreement covering the remaining captives. Hamas has described the proposal as the beginning of the path to a comprehensive solution and is also pressing for written American guarantees that a ceasefire will continue after the initial 60 days. Hamas accepted the latest proposal for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel that includes the return of half the hostages the group holds in Gaza and Israel's release of some Palestinian prisoners, an Egyptian official source said https://t.co/pdULqoIqc1 pic.twitter.com/pXb1iI1Em1 Reuters (@Reuters) August 18, 2025 The shift marks a softening of Hamass earlier position, particularly on prisoner numbers and the issue of a buffer zone inside Gaza. Yet despite this apparent flexibility, Israel has shown little sign of backing down. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the Hamas announcement and insisted the group was acting out of desperation, citing Israels planned capture of Gaza City as the reason for its willingness to engage. Netanyahu has been meeting with his senior commanders to finalise preparations for an assault on the city, which he considers essential to Israels military and political objectives. Defence Minister Israel Katz reinforced this line, arguing that Hamas is open to talks only because of its fear of losing control of Gazas largest urban centre. Israel has consistently said that its position remains unchanged. It demands the release of all hostages, the dismantling of Hamass armed capacity, and the establishment of Israeli security control in Gaza. Within Netanyahus governing coalition, far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have spoken out against any form of temporary truce, urging instead that the war continue until Hamas is fully defeated. The fighting has taken a devastating toll on civilians. More than 62,000 Palestinians are reported to have been killed since the conflict began, while aid groups describe the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe beyond imagination. Amnesty International has accused Israel of deliberately pursuing a policy of starvation, with hundreds of Palestinians already having died as a result of severe shortages of food and medicine. Inside Israel, public pressure for a deal is mounting. Large protests in Tel Aviv and other cities have called for a prisoner exchange and an end to the war. Netanyahu has criticised the demonstrators, claiming their actions encourage Hamas to harden its position. President Donald Trump has backed Israels planned offensive, declaring that hostages will only be freed once Hamas is confronted and destroyed. His stance signals continued American support for Israels military course even as its Arab allies push for restraint. Qatar and Egypt are working to apply maximum pressure on both sides to salvage the latest initiative. Although earlier talks collapsed in July, the worsening humanitarian disaster and the looming battle for Gaza City have given fresh urgency to this round of mediation. Whether it can hold remains uncertain, but Hamass decision to accept the proposal has at least reopened the door to diplomacy at a moment when the war is approaching a new and dangerous phase. HANOI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Tuesday encouraged airlines of both countries to consider launching direct flights to promote cultural, religious, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. The two leaders held here their talks as part of the King's state visit to Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency reported. They pledged to enhance cooperation in economy, trade and investment, aiming to multiply bilateral trade turnover in the coming years. Cuong affirmed that Vietnam is ready to facilitate stronger connectivity between Bhutan and Southeast Asian countries. Even as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's ongoing visit to India is seen as part of the efforts to rebuild the relationship and trust which came under severe strain following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, Pakistan appeared to showcase how close its relationship with Beijing is. During his meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Wang said the Chinese side attaches great importance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to China to attend the SCO summit and pointed out that history and reality prove that a healthy and stable China-India relationship serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both of our countries. #WATCH | Delhi: During meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says, "We are heartened to see the stability that is now restored on the borders." "We had a very good 23rd round of special representatives talks at the end of last year. At that meeting, we pic.twitter.com/J9GqaMVhM3 ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 "We are heartened to see the stability that is now restored on the borders. Mr Doval, I appreciate your effort that you made as special representative of the Indian side. Now the bilateral relationship is facing an important opportunity of improvement and growth," the Chinese FM said. #WATCH | Delhi: During meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says, "The Chinese side attaches great importance to the Prime Minister's visit to China to attend the SCO summit at our invitation. We believe that Indian side will also make contribution to a pic.twitter.com/Go1mNAly89 ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 While these statements seem to imply that there appears to be a thaw in the ties between the two countries, Pakistan found it necessary to play up its 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China. The Chinese FM is heading to Pakistan after his India trip. Pakistan seemed to play up the special relationship it enjoys with China while welcoming Wang to the country, and pointed out that the two countries have "regular high-level exchanges." "On the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Mr Wang Yi is visiting Islamabad for co-chairing the sixth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers Strategic Dialogue on August 21, 2025, a statement from the foreign office of Pakistan said. The statement further noted that the visit of Wang is part of the "regular high-level exchanges" between Pakistan and China to further deepen their All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, reaffirm support on the issues of respective core interests, enhance economic and trade cooperation, and reaffirm their joint commitment to regional peace, development and stability. The emphasis on trade cooperation between China and Pakistan comes even as China has agreed to ease restrictions to facilitate the supply of rare earth minerals and fertilisers to India. US President Donald Trump paused his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders at the White House to dial Russian President Vladimir Putin, said reports. The news was first reported by German newspaper Bild , which said the US President would continue the talks after his call with Putin. Later, the CNN also confirmed this, but said the European leaders were not present for the conversation. Putins foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov told the broadcaster that the call between Trump and the Russian leader was candid and very constructive. They talked for around 40 minutes and Trump apprised Putin of his dialogue with Zelenskyy and EU leaders that was still underway at the White House. #WATCH | Washington, DC | On being asked about his 'severe consequences if a ceasefire is not agreed to' warning, ahead of his meeting with President Putin last week, US President Donald Trump says, "... I dont think he'd need a ceasefire... I didn't do any ceasefires... But if pic.twitter.com/8QNoqzNpO9 ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2025 Ushakov said Putin had expressed support for direct negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine. He, however, stopped short of confirming whether Putin had agreed to a bilateral or trilateral meeting. They discussed the idea of exploring the possibility of raising the level of representatives of Moscow and Kyiv at the talks, Ushakov said. On Monday, days after his Alaska summit with Putin, the US President hosted Zelenskyy and top European leaders, including France's President Emmanuel Macron, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House to discuss his push to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine. After the meeting, Trump wrote on social media that has begun arrangements for a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy to discuss a pathway to end the brutal war. I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy, he said. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years, he added. Zelenskyy had earlier said he wanted Russia to agree to a ceasefire before any meeting between himself and Putin. However, on Monday, he expressed his readiness for unconditional talks, saying if the Ukrainians started setting conditions, the Russians would do the same. Just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump at the White House, Russian forces struck the Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk in the Poltava region, battering it so much that the city was covered in thick black smoke. The attack was so intense that NATO had to scramble its fighters, according to reports. The attack happened as Trump rang Putin and began arrangements for a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, to be followed by yet another summit which would also include Trump. Ukrainian sources said that the attack happened on Tuesday morning in the Poltava region when Russian forces deployed attack drones. Over 30 explosions rocked the city of Lubny alone. It was then that the Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers from over the Caspian Sea. The Russian Tupolev Tu-95MS is a heavy bomber designed during the Cold War era. Though it is a propeller-powered bomber and a slow aircraft, the Tu-94MS can fly a distance of 5,000 miles, and the current models have a reported range of over 9000 miles. Russian strategic bombers Tu-95MS take off from Olenya airfield. Possible missile attack on Ukraine at night. Also, the Russians launched more than 50 Shahed kamikaze drones pic.twitter.com/hosdJexMCK MilitaryNewsUA (@front_ukrainian) August 18, 2025 The impact of the attack was such that the explosions damaged every transport and energy infrastructure. Russia reportedly deployed five of its Tu-95MS strategic bombers for the overnight strikes, while over 270 Shahed drones were used. The entire Kremenchuk is in smoke - close your windows, warned authorities. Mayor Vitaly Maletsky took to Facebook to lash out at Russia. At the same time that Putin was assuring Trump on the phone that he wanted peace, and when President Volodymyr Zelensky was holding talks at the White House with European leaders about a just peace, Putins [military] was launching another massive attack on Kremenchuk, he wrote on Facebook. The incident prompted the Polish Armed Forces to scramble its fighter jets to ensure the security of Polish airspace, according to the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces (RFAF).On the night of August 18-19, 2025, long-range aviation of the Russian Federation once again launched missile attacks on Ukrainian territory, said a statement from Warsaws military headquarters. President Donald Trump staged an extraordinary day of diplomacy at the White House yesterday, setting in motion preparations for a potential summit between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine that he claims could mark a decisive step toward ending Europes bloodiest conflict in decades. Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and seven European figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Diplomats described the atmosphere as unusually urgent, reflecting both a desire to align with Trumps push for peace and European unease at being left on the sidelines of a process driven from Washington. Behind the closed doors of the Oval Office, discussions focused on two questions: how to guarantee Ukraines long-term security and how to open a credible path to direct negotiations with Moscow. By evening, Trump had telephoned Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to secure agreement for a face-to-face meeting with Zelenskyy. If successful, it could redefine the trajectory of a war that has raged since Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022. From the outset, Trump made clear that his primary goal was to engineer a trilateral summit involving himself, Zelenskyy and Putin. He insisted that such a meeting could deliver a breakthrough in negotiations and told reporters it was a matter of when, not if. His proposal was to begin with a direct encounter between Putin and Zelenskyy, followed by a three-way session that would include him. The plan was floated after a lengthy phone call with Putin, held privately in the Oval Office without European representatives. Russia has yet to confirm the arrangement, though Putin has indicated openness to the idea. European leaders urged broader participation. Macron proposed a quadrilateral format that would include at least one European leader, stressing Europes wider security interests. Trump appeared reluctant, signalling his determination to maintain a central role. The issue of security guarantees dominated discussions. Zelenskyy and the Europeans pressed for firm commitments to prevent Russia from regrouping and launching fresh attacks once a settlement is reached. Trump, elected partly on a pledge to keep the United States out of foreign wars, surprised many by refusing to rule out sending American troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping arrangement. He promised a lot of help while suggesting Europe would carry the primary burden, with Washington coordinating and potentially contributing forces. According to Trump, Putin indicated that Russia could accept security guarantees for Ukraine, although the details remained vague. Ukrainian officials are pushing for binding commitments modelled on NATOs Article 5, which would require approval by the United States Senate. Another option discussed was a vast arms package worth $100 billion, in which Ukraine would purchase American weapons financed by European partners in exchange for US backing. #WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "The war (Russia-Ukraine) is going to end. When it ends, I can't tell you but the war is going to end and this gentleman wants it to end and Vladimir Putin wants it to end. I think the whole world is tired of it. We are going to get it pic.twitter.com/vd7auHDpPE ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2025 One of the days most striking developments was Trumps shifting stance on a ceasefire. He had previously declared that he would consider his summit with Putin a failure without one. Yesterday, he argued that a ceasefire was unnecessary and that talks should move directly to a final peace agreement. He told reporters that in the six deals he had struck that year, none involved ceasefires. The comments alarmed European leaders. Merz insisted that a ceasefire was vital for credibility and said he could not imagine further meetings without one. Macron echoed his concern. Trump shrugged off their objections, leaving the decision to Zelenskyy and Putin. Territory remains another thorny issue. Putin has made clear he expects to retain around 20 per cent of Ukrainian land, including Crimea, as the price for peace. Zelenskyy has repeatedly said that the Ukrainian constitution forbids ceding territory. Trump nevertheless floated the idea of territorial exchanges, suggesting that the current line of contact could be the basis for discussion. His remarks appeared to undercut Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had insisted Ukraine would not be pressured into giving up land. Trump also hinted that Ukraine should abandon its NATO ambitions as part of a settlement. Despite the difficult topics, the Oval Office meetings were notably warmer than previous encounters. Zelenskyy avoided confrontation, delivering a personal letter from his wife to Melania Trump and repeatedly thanking the US president for his mediation. In a symbolic gesture, he wore a suit instead of his customary military fatigues, joking about the change with Trump. The tone was markedly different from earlier in the year when Trumps aides, including Vice President JD Vance, had voiced open criticism. This time, they held back, allowing for what Zelenskyy later described as a very good conversation. For Trump, the frenetic diplomacy appears designed to cast him as the man capable of ending Europes bloodiest war in generations. His recent private meeting with Putin in Alaska underscored his determination to shape the peace process. Some observers suggest he has an eye on the Nobel Peace Prize. Others warn that he risks ceding control of the narrative to Moscow. Three quarters of 16-19 year-olds want to be an entrepreneur, survey says As many as three quarters of young people aged between 16 to 19 dream of starting their own business as an adult, according to research. However, it easier is said than done, with younger business owners especially disadvantaged when it comes to know-how and connections. For 51 per cent of these budding entrepreneurs though, their main obstacle to starting a business is a lack of funding to do so, according to data from the small business insurer, Simply Business. Young entrepreneurs now have the opportunity to get their hands on 5,000 worth of business funding to make their business plan a reality. Simply Business has partnered with Stephen Manderson, also known as rapper Professor Green, to launch a fund for young entrepreneurs. Speaking about his own career, Manderson said he started out with 'No grades, no safety net, just a lot of graft and figuring things out as I went.' 'I know loads of young people feel the same right now. You've got ideas, ambition, but no one's showing you how to turn that into something real,' he added. 'That's why this initiative matters. It's about giving people the backing they need to bet on themselves, which in turn helps to support local communities.' Some 46 per cent of young people are also lacking guidance from experts, as well as education around business skills, which 61 per cent say schools are falling short in offering. Manderson added: 'Not everybody needs a degree to be successful but you do need belief, support, and a chance.' More and more of today's young people are equally hoping to become business owners themselves. Over a third, 36 per cent, say they are making money through side hustles and other part-time money-making schemes. Almost half, 49 per cent, said they want to be their own boss, and a similar number say they think having their own business will allow them to earn more. How can you get your hands on 5,000 funding? Under the scheme, ten young people aged between 18 and 30 will be able to get their hands on a share of 50,000 to help fund their business, as well as six weeks of tailored business support with Hatch Enterprise, an entrepreneurship charity. Business owners must apply by midnight on 9 October to be in for a chance to win the funding. To qualify, entrants must put forward their business, side hustle, or business idea. The judges Manderson, Apprentice winner Harpreet Kaur, Simply Business chief executive Julie Fisher and Hatch Enterprise chief executive Rebekah Sun will assess entrants on the uniqueness of their business, its viability, market demand, growth ambitions and evidence of innovation. Three runners up who miss out on the top prize will win onetoone mentoring from Harpreet Kaur, winner of the Apprentice 2022 and founder of dessert business Oh So Yum. Julie Fisher, UK chief executive of Simply Business, said: 'Millions of young people dream of being their own boss, yet only a fraction are able to turn that ambition into a reality. 'Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of our communities and economy, and this entrepreneurial spirit represents a treasure trove of opportunity. 'Through this initiative, we are not only providing vital funding and mentorship, but we are also championing the incredible opportunities that entrepreneurship offers.' > Apply for the Young Entrepreneur Fund Anglo American suffered a setback yesterday after a US rival abandoned plans to buy its coal mines. Peabody Energy said it was pulling out of its 2.8billion purchase of the London-listed mining giants Australian steelmaking coal business. The US company blamed a material adverse change in circumstances following an explosion at the Moranbah North mine in Queenslands Bowen Basin. The site has remained closed since March. It comes as a blow to Anglo as it seeks to restructure having fended off a 39billion takeover bid from BHP. Anglo boss Duncan Wanblad said he was very disappointed and insisted the blast at Moranbah North did not constitute a material adverse change. Deal's off: Peabody Energy said it was pulling out of its 2.8bn purchase of Anglo American's Australian steelmaking coal business Wanblad said it would have been better for all parties to avoid a legal dispute but added the firm would shortly initiate an arbitration to seek damages for wrongful termination of the deal. BHP posted its lowest profits for five years as weak demand in China sent iron ore prices down. Earnings fell 26 per cent to 7.8billion last year. Previous Chancellors have shied away from slashing generous pension top-ups, but Rachel Reeves is short on easy options to fill a black hole in the country's finances. A raid on millions of better-off pension savers could raise billions of pounds, though the practical obstacles would be daunting and the move would inevitably provoke a storm of protests. The huge cost of subsidising pension savings via tax relief will always make it a tempting target when the Treasury looks for cost cuts. Recent official figures show the total bill rose to 52.5billion in 2023/24, up from 50.1billion the year before, and most of it went to higher and additional rate taxpayers. So, despite the big challenges involved, there is always a risk that any Government is going to become so desperate for cash that it demolishes the present pension tax regime and rebuilds one far less favourable to many savers. How does the Government currently boost pensions via tax relief, and what would an overhaul of the long-established system mean for savers. Flat rate pension tax relief: Critics say it would punish younger savers who wouldn't get the same boost to retirement funds older generations enjoyed What is pension tax relief? The major perk of saving into a pension is that you do it out of untaxed income. You receive rebates, effectively free cash from the Government paid into your pension, based on your income tax rate of 20 per cent, 40 per cent or 45 per cent (Scotland's tax rates are different). The tax relief you get on contributions makes pensions a very efficient way to save, especially as many people are being pushed into higher tax bands due to Reeves already freezing thresholds until 2028 at the earliest. The system is tilted in favour of the better-off because they pay more tax - see below. Speculation about possible changes usually revolve around the introduction of a flat rate, where higher and additional rate taxpayers receive a reduced level of relief, and basic rate taxpayers either get the same or a bit more than now. The Government would be stingier in setting a new single rate if it was trying to save more money, and afterwards could probably move it up and down pretty much at will. Estimated proportion of income tax relief on total pension contributions in 2023/24 by the rate of relief Source: HMRC) Will pension tax relief be raided in the Budget? Overhauling pension tax relief would be a major endeavour rather than a quick cash-raiser, or it would have been done long ago. There are objections based on fairness, before you get started on the practical difficulties. Critics say it would punish younger savers who wouldn't get the same boost to their pension fund that older generations enjoyed. With more working people moving into higher rate tax bands due to frozen thresholds causing 'fiscal drag', an increasing number would see their savings stymied by smaller top-ups than were previously handed out. The move would also run counter to two other major Government objectives: getting people to save more into pensions, which it has just launched a Commission to address; and ramping up pension investments to boost the economy, on which it has also launched high profile initiatives. Meanwhile, speculation about slashing pension tax relief always prompts a flood of extra money into retirement funds, which causes a spike in the Government's bill until the changes fail to materialise. This happened again last summer and autumn, even though Reeves had reportedly cooled on the idea some time before the Budget. John Havard, a consultant at tax adviser Blick Rothenberg, says: 'Rachel Reeves has taken all her easy choices for increasing tax revenue off the table by sticking with her manifesto promises [on income tax, NI, VAT and corporation tax]. But one option that remains open to her is targeting pension tax reliefs. 'The Governments argument will likely be that as a disproportionate percentage of relief goes to fund the retirements of the "better off", it is not fair for "ordinary working people" to be subsidising the retirement of the "wealthy".' But Havard says auto enrolment has added large numbers of workers to the pool of individuals benefiting from tax relief on pension contributions, and changes by the Coalition government in the earlier 2010s greatly restricted how much relief can be claimed by the highest earners. 'The Chancellor could restrict pension tax relief to the basic rate of tax. But lots of "ordinary working people" pay the higher 40 per cent taxation rate. 'If the imperative is to collect lots of money quickly, it might be necessary to make those paying 40 per cent tax losers as well as those who are paying the 45 per cent rate.' Tom Selby, director of public policy at AJ Bell, says: 'Younger workers who already, on average, benefit from less generous workplace pensions than their parents and grandparents would now also miss out on the potential benefit of higher-rate pension tax relief as they progress through their careers.' He adds that the 50billion-plus cost of pension tax relief can be misleading. 'A huge chunk of that money relates to National Insurance relief on employer contributions, meaning it is mainly firms, rather than individuals, who are benefiting. 'Given employers have already been clobbered by National Insurance rises at the last Budget and the Government has put economic growth at the centre of its strategy, it is hard to imagine lumping extra costs on the businesses who will ultimately deliver that growth will be particularly appealing.' Selby adds: 'Those who repeatedly push for radical tax relief reform have yet to spell out exactly how it would be applied practically.' Rachel Reeves: Previous Chancellors have shied away from reforming pension tax relief Why is it so hard to reform pension tax relief? In the run-up to the last Budget, finance experts explained that moving to flat rate tax relief would require radical changes to the entire pension system. The downsides include a clash with salary sacrifice contributions, and complications with final salary pensions - which could even spark public sector strikes. Salary sacrifice: These schemes allow employers and their staff to cut their National Insurance payments. You agree to a cut in salary and your employer boosts its contributions to your pension in exchange. New administrative arrangements would be needed under a flat pension tax relief system. Here's an explanation of how the mechanics of salary sacrifice would change. Just banning the practice would be unpopular and probably would not work over the longer run because employers could give incoming new staff bigger pension contributions and lower salaries. Final salary (defined benefit) pensions: These generous pensions which pay out a guaranteed income until you die have been almost entirely phased out unless you work in the public sector. These value employer pension tax relief in a different, more complicated way than the defined contribution pension schemes that prevail in the private sector. Fixing this to work under a flat rate system could either upset the higher earners or the lower earners within the same scheme, depending on how the issue was tackled - which is why some experts predict this could lead to strikes. Simply exempting public sector schemes from flat rate pension tax relief would not go down well with huge swathes of workers either. Money experts explain how pension tax relief works in defined benefit schemes here. See the final section: Will the Chancellor take axe to pension tax relief for higher earners? Horizon Investments LLC lifted its position in shares of Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL Free Report) by 5.8% during the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 4,067 shares of the business services providers stock after acquiring an additional 224 shares during the period. Horizon Investments LLCs holdings in Rollins were worth $219,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC purchased a new position in Rollins during the first quarter valued at $307,000. OneAscent Investment Solutions LLC purchased a new position in Rollins during the first quarter valued at $561,000. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. raised its stake in Rollins by 101.4% during the first quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. now owns 196,436 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $10,613,000 after buying an additional 98,895 shares during the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its stake in Rollins by 1.5% during the first quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 291,861 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $15,769,000 after buying an additional 4,325 shares during the last quarter. Finally, S Bank Fund Management Ltd purchased a new position in Rollins during the first quarter valued at $513,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 51.79% of the companys stock. Get Rollins alerts: Rollins Stock Down 0.4% ROL stock opened at $57.12 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 0.68 and a quick ratio of 0.63. Rollins, Inc. has a 1-year low of $45.34 and a 1-year high of $59.10. The stock has a market capitalization of $27.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 56.55 and a beta of 0.69. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $56.76 and a 200-day moving average price of $54.89. Rollins Dividend Announcement Rollins ( NYSE:ROL Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 23rd. The business services provider reported $0.30 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.29 by $0.01. Rollins had a return on equity of 36.96% and a net margin of 13.70%. The company had revenue of $999.53 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $988.77 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.27 earnings per share. Rollinss revenue was up 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that Rollins, Inc. will post 1.09 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Monday, August 11th will be issued a $0.165 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 11th. This represents a $0.66 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.2%. Rollinss payout ratio is presently 65.35%. Insider Activity at Rollins In related news, Chairman John F. Wilson sold 30,000 shares of Rollins stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $58.04, for a total value of $1,741,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman owned 632,727 shares of the companys stock, valued at $36,723,475.08. The trade was a 4.53% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 4.47% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes ROL has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on Rollins from $70.00 to $72.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, July 25th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $61.00 price objective on Rollins and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, April 24th. Canaccord Genuity Group lifted their price objective on Rollins from $49.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, April 25th. UBS Group boosted their price target on Rollins from $59.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 25th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Rollins from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $55.00 to $65.00 in a research note on Monday, June 2nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $61.40. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on ROL About Rollins (Free Report) Rollins, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides pest and wildlife control services to residential and commercial customers in the United States and internationally. The company offers pest control services to residential properties protecting from common pests, including rodents, insects, and wildlife. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ROL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Rollins Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rollins and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Horizon Investments LLC lifted its position in Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY Free Report) by 6.2% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,862 shares of the technology retailers stock after buying an additional 168 shares during the period. Horizon Investments LLCs holdings in Best Buy were worth $211,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. raised its stake in shares of Best Buy by 108.5% in the 1st quarter. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. now owns 342 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 178 shares in the last quarter. Vermillion Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Best Buy in the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Ancora Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Best Buy by 18,700.0% in the 4th quarter. Ancora Advisors LLC now owns 376 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 374 shares in the last quarter. Grove Bank & Trust raised its stake in shares of Best Buy by 67.1% in the 1st quarter. Grove Bank & Trust now owns 431 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 173 shares in the last quarter. Finally, LRI Investments LLC raised its stake in shares of Best Buy by 36.3% in the 4th quarter. LRI Investments LLC now owns 529 shares of the technology retailers stock worth $45,000 after buying an additional 141 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.96% of the companys stock. Get Best Buy alerts: Best Buy Stock Performance Shares of BBY stock opened at $71.84 on Tuesday. Best Buy Co., Inc. has a 1-year low of $54.99 and a 1-year high of $103.71. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The company has a market capitalization of $15.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.56, a P/E/G ratio of 1.89 and a beta of 1.21. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $69.21 and its 200-day simple moving average is $72.03. Best Buy Announces Dividend Best Buy ( NYSE:BBY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, May 29th. The technology retailer reported $1.15 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.09 by $0.06. Best Buy had a return on equity of 46.40% and a net margin of 2.13%. The business had revenue of $8.77 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.77 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.20 earnings per share. Best Buys revenue for the quarter was down .9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Best Buy Co., Inc. will post 6.18 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, July 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, June 19th were paid a $0.95 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, June 18th. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.3%. Best Buys payout ratio is 92.91%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Best Buy news, Chairman Richard M. Schulze sold 729,201 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.95, for a total value of $53,195,212.95. Following the transaction, the chairman owned 196,100 shares in the company, valued at $14,305,495. The trade was a 78.81% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.59% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently commented on BBY shares. BNP Paribas raised Best Buy to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 30th. Wedbush decreased their target price on Best Buy from $75.00 to $70.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, May 30th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Best Buy from $75.00 to $67.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, May 30th. Piper Sandler restated a neutral rating and issued a $75.00 target price (down from $82.00) on shares of Best Buy in a report on Monday, July 14th. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their target price on Best Buy from $64.00 to $69.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, May 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $85.72. Get Our Latest Report on BBY Best Buy Company Profile (Free Report) Best Buy Co, Inc engages in the retail of technology products in the United States, Canada, and international. Its stores provide computing and mobile phone products, such as desktops, notebooks, and peripherals; mobile phones comprising related mobile network carrier commissions; networking products; tablets covering e-readers; smartwatches; and consumer electronics consisting of digital imaging, health and fitness products, portable audio comprising headphones and portable speakers, and smart home products, as well as home theaters, which includes home theater accessories, soundbars, and televisions. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BBY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Best Buy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Best Buy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TOKYO, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks retreated from record highs on Tuesday after selling pressure emerged as investors grew cautious about overheating. The benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, went down 168.02 points, or 0.38 percent, to close at 43,546.29. SoftBank Group, which announced an investment in U.S. chipmaker Intel, initially surged to fresh post-split record highs. However, the stock later reversed course, shaving about 135 points off the Nikkei that weighed heavily on the broader market. Game-related shares, including Nintendo, which had recently hit record highs, also saw notable declines. Optimism over a potential U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut in September and easing concerns about corporate earnings further supported the advance. The broader Topix index fell 4.33 points, or 0.14 percent, to close at 3,116.63. On the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market, 1,055 gained, 511 declined, and 54 were unchanged. Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Get Free Report) CEO Gregory Q. Brown sold 17,600 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $459.79, for a total transaction of $8,092,304.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 24,046 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,056,110.34. The trade was a 42.26% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Motorola Solutions Trading Up 0.2% NYSE MSI opened at $461.42 on Tuesday. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a 12 month low of $388.90 and a 12 month high of $507.82. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.86, a current ratio of 1.73 and a quick ratio of 1.54. The company has a market capitalization of $76.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.74 and a beta of 0.97. The companys fifty day moving average price is $426.84 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $427.06. Get Motorola Solutions alerts: Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 7th. The communications equipment provider reported $3.57 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.36 by $0.21. Motorola Solutions had a net margin of 19.08% and a return on equity of 134.30%. The firm had revenue of $2.77 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.74 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $3.24 EPS. The firms revenue was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts predict that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 13.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MSI. Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 3.2% in the 1st quarter. Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 935 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $409,000 after buying an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. lifted its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 228.9% in the 1st quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 8,367 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $3,663,000 after buying an additional 5,823 shares during the last quarter. Sowell Financial Services LLC bought a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions in the 1st quarter worth about $874,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 35.1% in the 1st quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,344 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $586,000 after buying an additional 349 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Breed s Hill Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions in the 4th quarter worth about $327,000. 84.17% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Several research firms have recently issued reports on MSI. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of Motorola Solutions from $490.00 to $510.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 8th. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on shares of Motorola Solutions in a research note on Monday, July 7th. They issued a peer perform rating for the company. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Motorola Solutions from $511.00 to $509.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Motorola Solutions from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, May 22nd. Finally, William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Motorola Solutions in a research note on Wednesday, May 28th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Motorola Solutions currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $512.67. Get Our Latest Analysis on Motorola Solutions Motorola Solutions Company Profile (Get Free Report) Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Motorola Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Motorola Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup (NYSE:C Get Free Report) and ABN AMRO Bank (OTCMKTS:ABMRF Get Free Report) are both financial services companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, analyst recommendations, valuation, risk, dividends, institutional ownership and profitability. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Citigroup and ABN AMRO Banks gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Citigroup alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Citigroup $170.76 billion 1.02 $12.68 billion $6.77 13.91 ABN AMRO Bank N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Institutional and Insider Ownership Citigroup has higher revenue and earnings than ABN AMRO Bank. 71.7% of Citigroup shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of Citigroup shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Citigroup and ABN AMRO Banks net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Citigroup 8.44% 7.29% 0.57% ABN AMRO Bank N/A N/A N/A Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings for Citigroup and ABN AMRO Bank, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Citigroup 0 5 10 0 2.67 ABN AMRO Bank 0 0 0 0 0.00 Citigroup presently has a consensus price target of $96.5357, suggesting a potential upside of 2.48%. Given Citigroups stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Citigroup is more favorable than ABN AMRO Bank. Summary Citigroup beats ABN AMRO Bank on 9 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Citigroup (Get Free Report) Citigroup Inc., a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions. The Markets segment offers sales and trading services for equities, foreign exchange, rates, spread products, and commodities to corporate, institutional, and public sector clients; and market-making services, including asset classes, risk management solutions, financing, prime brokerage, research, securities clearing, and settlement. The banking segment includes investment banking; advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, restructurings, and corporate defense activities; and corporate lending, which includes corporate and commercial banking. The U.S. Personal Banking segment provides co-branded cards and retail banking services. The Wealth segment provides financial services to high-net-worth clients through banking, lending, mortgages, investment, custody, and trust product offerings; and to professional industries, including law firms, consulting groups, accounting, and asset management. The company was founded in 1812 and is headquartered in New York, New York. About ABN AMRO Bank (Get Free Report) ABN AMRO Bank N.V. provides various banking products and financial services to retail, private, and business clients in the Netherlands and internationally. It operates through three segments: Personal & Business Banking, Wealth Management, and Corporate Banking. The company provides savings and deposits products; investment and insurance products; and consumer, personal, car, and home improvement loan. It also issues, promotes, manages, and processes credit cards; trade finance, international payments, and treasury management; corporate finance and equity capital market; and revolving credit card facilities and pension schemes, as well as consumer credit and mortgages; and life and non-life insurance products. In addition, it offers asset-based solutions, including working capital solutions, equipment leases and loans, and vendor lease services; private banking and wealth-management-related services; and derivatives and equity clearing services. The company was incorporated in 2009 and is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. operates as a subsidiary of Stichting Administratiekantoor Continuiteit Abn Amro Bank. Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. C3.ai (NYSE:AI Get Free Report) and DXC Technology (NYSE:DXC Get Free Report) are both mid-cap computer and technology companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, earnings, institutional ownership, valuation and risk. Volatility and Risk C3.ai has a beta of 1.98, indicating that its share price is 98% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, DXC Technology has a beta of 1.18, indicating that its share price is 18% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get C3.ai alerts: Profitability This table compares C3.ai and DXC Technologys net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets C3.ai -74.21% -33.51% -27.48% DXC Technology 2.96% 18.59% 4.69% Institutional and Insider Ownership Earnings & Valuation 39.0% of C3.ai shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 96.2% of DXC Technology shares are owned by institutional investors. 33.5% of C3.ai shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 0.6% of DXC Technology shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. This table compares C3.ai and DXC Technologys revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio C3.ai $389.06 million 6.29 -$288.70 million ($2.24) -8.13 DXC Technology $12.79 billion 0.19 $389.00 million $2.06 6.75 DXC Technology has higher revenue and earnings than C3.ai. C3.ai is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than DXC Technology, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for C3.ai and DXC Technology, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score C3.ai 5 8 2 1 1.94 DXC Technology 1 5 0 0 1.83 C3.ai currently has a consensus target price of $27.4286, suggesting a potential upside of 50.62%. DXC Technology has a consensus target price of $16.40, suggesting a potential upside of 18.03%. Given C3.ais stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities research analysts plainly believe C3.ai is more favorable than DXC Technology. Summary DXC Technology beats C3.ai on 8 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About C3.ai (Get Free Report) C3.ai, Inc. operates as an enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) software company in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company provides C3 AI platform, an application development and runtime environment that enables customers to design, develop, and deploy enterprise AI applications; C3 AI Ex Machina for analysis-ready data; C3 AI CRM, an industry specific customer relationship management solution; and C3 Generative AI Product Suite that enables to locate, retrieve, and present information. It also offers C3 AI applications, including C3 AI Inventory Optimization, a solution to optimize raw material, in-process, and finished goods inventory levels; C3 AI Supply Network Risk, which identifies emerging inbound and outbound risks across the network; C3 AI Sustainability Suite, which helps to decrease greenhouse gas emission; C3 AI Production Schedule Optimization, a solution for scheduling production; C3 AI Financial Services Suite, which helps to minimize compliance risks; and C3 AI Energy Management solution. In addition, it offers integrated turnkey enterprise AI applications for oil and gas, chemicals, utilities, manufacturing, financial services, defense, intelligence, aerospace, healthcare, and telecommunications market. It has strategic partnerships with Baker Hughes in the areas of oil and gas market; Booz Allen to provide solutions to government, defense, and intelligence sectors; Raytheon; and AWS, Google, and Microsoft. The company was formerly known as C3 IoT, Inc. and changed its name to C3.ai, Inc. in June 2019. C3.ai, Inc. was incorporated in 2009 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California. About DXC Technology (Get Free Report) DXC Technology Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides information technology services and solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Australia, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Global Business Services (GBS) and Global Infrastructure Services (GIS). The GBS segment offers a portfolio of analytics services and extensive partner ecosystem that help its customers to gain insights, automate operations, and accelerate their transformation journeys; and software engineering, consulting, and data analytics solutions, which enable businesses to run and manage their mission-critical functions, transform their operations, and develop new ways of doing business. This segment also simplifies, modernize, and accelerate mission-critical applications that support business agility and growth through applications services; provides proprietary modular insurance software and platforms; and operates a wide spectrum of insurance business process services, as well as helps to operate and improve bank cards, payment and lending process and operations, and customer experiences. The GIS segment offers security services, such as IT security, operations and culture for migrating to the cloud, protecting data with a zero-trust strategy, and manage a security operation center; and cloud infrastructure and IT outsourcing services. This segment also delivers a consumer-like experience, centralize IT management, and support services, as well as improves the total cost of ownership; and orchestrates hybrid cloud and multicloud environments. The company markets and sells its products through direct sales force to commercial businesses and public sector enterprises. DXC Technology Company was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia. Receive News & Ratings for C3.ai Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for C3.ai and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Algert Global LLC bought a new stake in shares of Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPR Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 154,443 shares of the aerospace companys stock, valued at approximately $5,322,000. Algert Global LLC owned approximately 0.13% of Spirit Aerosystems at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Byrne Asset Management LLC boosted its position in Spirit Aerosystems by 128.2% during the 1st quarter. Byrne Asset Management LLC now owns 4,679 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $161,000 after acquiring an additional 2,629 shares in the last quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its position in Spirit Aerosystems by 48.0% during the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 6,061 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $209,000 after acquiring an additional 1,967 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers bought a new stake in Spirit Aerosystems during the 1st quarter valued at $211,000. Sterling Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Spirit Aerosystems by 52.9% in the 4th quarter. Sterling Capital Management LLC now owns 6,317 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $215,000 after purchasing an additional 2,186 shares in the last quarter. Finally, KBC Group NV boosted its position in shares of Spirit Aerosystems by 23.1% in the 1st quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 7,055 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $243,000 after purchasing an additional 1,322 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.59% of the companys stock. Get Spirit Aerosystems alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes SPR has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Wall Street Zen raised Spirit Aerosystems from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, August 9th. Susquehanna raised their price objective on Spirit Aerosystems from $37.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, July 14th. Spirit Aerosystems Price Performance Spirit Aerosystems stock opened at $40.64 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.03 and a beta of 1.70. Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc. has a 1-year low of $27.00 and a 1-year high of $42.33. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $39.16 and a 200-day moving average price of $36.37. Spirit Aerosystems (NYSE:SPR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 5th. The aerospace company reported ($3.34) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.52) by ($2.82). The firm had revenue of $1.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.82 billion. Spirit Aerosystemss quarterly revenue was up 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned ($2.73) earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Spirit Aerosystems Holdings, Inc. will post -11.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Spirit Aerosystems (Free Report) Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc engages in the design, engineering, manufacture, and marketing of commercial aerostructures worldwide. It operates through three segments: Commercial, Defense & Space, and Aftermarket. The Commercial segment offers forward, mid, and rear fuselage sections and systems, floor beams, nacelles, struts/pylons, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, flaps and slats flight control surfaces, wing structures, and wing systems. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Spirit Aerosystems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Spirit Aerosystems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. bLong Financial LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI Germany ETF (NYSEARCA:EWG Free Report) during the first quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund bought 135,257 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $5,015,000. iShares MSCI Germany ETF comprises approximately 4.5% of bLong Financial LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 5th biggest holding. Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. North Capital Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Germany ETF during the first quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Germany ETF by 95.4% during the first quarter. Hexagon Capital Partners LLC now owns 717 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 350 shares in the last quarter. Highline Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Germany ETF during the first quarter valued at approximately $30,000. AlphaCore Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Germany ETF during the first quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Finally, Stone House Investment Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Germany ETF during the first quarter valued at approximately $37,000. 53.42% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get iShares MSCI Germany ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Germany ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA EWG opened at $42.45 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $41.93 and its 200-day moving average price is $39.55. iShares MSCI Germany ETF has a 52-week low of $31.03 and a 52-week high of $43.31. The company has a market cap of $2.88 billion, a PE ratio of 17.79 and a beta of 1.07. iShares MSCI Germany ETF Profile iShares MSCI Germany ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Germany Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the German market, as measured by the MSCI Germany Index (the Index). Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Germany ETF (NYSEARCA:EWG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Germany ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Germany ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Regional Management (NYSE:RM Get Free Report) and Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations, risk and dividends. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Regional Management and Capital One Financials revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Regional Management alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Regional Management $588.50 million 0.63 $41.23 million $3.47 10.86 Capital One Financial $42.75 billion 3.23 $4.75 billion $1.95 110.78 Insider & Institutional Ownership Capital One Financial has higher revenue and earnings than Regional Management. Regional Management is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Capital One Financial, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. 98.9% of Regional Management shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.8% of Capital One Financial shares are held by institutional investors. 10.5% of Regional Management shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 1.3% of Capital One Financial shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares Regional Management and Capital One Financials net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Regional Management 5.68% 10.91% 2.05% Capital One Financial N/A 10.01% 1.40% Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Regional Management and Capital One Financial, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Regional Management 0 1 1 0 2.50 Capital One Financial 0 4 13 3 2.95 Regional Management currently has a consensus target price of $34.00, suggesting a potential downside of 9.75%. Capital One Financial has a consensus target price of $238.8125, suggesting a potential upside of 10.55%. Given Capital One Financials stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Capital One Financial is more favorable than Regional Management. Dividends Regional Management pays an annual dividend of $1.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.2%. Capital One Financial pays an annual dividend of $2.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.1%. Regional Management pays out 34.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Capital One Financial pays out 123.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Regional Management is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Volatility and Risk Regional Management has a beta of 1.25, indicating that its share price is 25% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Capital One Financial has a beta of 1.16, indicating that its share price is 16% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Regional Management beats Capital One Financial on 9 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Regional Management (Get Free Report) Regional Management Corp., a diversified consumer finance company, provides various installment loan products primarily to customers with limited access to consumer credit from banks, thrifts, credit card companies, and other lenders in the United States. It offers small and large installment loans; and retail loans to finance the purchase of furniture, appliances, and other retail products. The company also provides insurance products, including credit life, credit accident and health, credit property, vehicle single interest, and credit involuntary unemployment insurance; collateral protection insurance; and property insurance, as well as reinsurance products. In addition, its loans are sourced through branches, centrally-managed direct mail campaigns, and digital partners, as well as its consumer website. The company was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Greer, South Carolina. About Capital One Financial (Get Free Report) Capital One Financial Corporation operates as the financial services holding company for the Capital One, National Association, which engages in the provision of various financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Credit Card, Consumer Banking, and Commercial Banking. The company accepts checking accounts, money market deposits, negotiable order of withdrawals, savings deposits, and time deposits. Its loan products include credit card loans; auto and retail banking loans; and commercial and multifamily real estate, and commercial and industrial loans. The company also offers credit and debit card products; online direct banking services; and provides advisory, capital markets, treasury management, and depository services. It serves consumers, small businesses, and commercial clients through digital channels, branches, cafes, and other distribution channels located in New York, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and California. The company was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. Receive News & Ratings for Regional Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Regional Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RWA Wealth Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 0.6% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 115,634 shares of the restaurant operators stock after acquiring an additional 685 shares during the quarter. RWA Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $5,806,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in CMG. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC boosted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4.7% in the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 4,804 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $290,000 after purchasing an additional 214 shares during the period. Csenge Advisory Group boosted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 5.0% in the 1st quarter. Csenge Advisory Group now owns 4,603 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $222,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares during the period. Money Concepts Capital Corp boosted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 7,491 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $376,000 after purchasing an additional 221 shares during the period. Northwest Bank & Trust Co boosted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Northwest Bank & Trust Co now owns 45,324 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $2,788,000 after purchasing an additional 236 shares during the period. Finally, Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 5.3% in the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 4,782 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $240,000 after purchasing an additional 242 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 91.30% of the companys stock. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have commented on the company. Argus downgraded Chipotle Mexican Grill from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, April 28th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $65.00 to $60.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 24th. TD Securities reiterated a buy rating and set a $57.00 price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Wednesday, June 18th. Evercore ISI dropped their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $64.00 to $57.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Finally, Loop Capital dropped their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $65.00 to $63.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, April 24th. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nineteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $60.22. Insider Activity In related news, insider Roger E. Theodoredis sold 113,875 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.70, for a total value of $5,659,587.50. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 109,815 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,457,805.50. This represents a 50.91% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Company insiders own 1.02% of the companys stock. Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Performance Shares of CMG stock opened at $43.38 on Tuesday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $41.18 and a fifty-two week high of $66.74. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $50.22 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $50.94. The company has a market capitalization of $58.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.73, a PEG ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.05. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 23rd. The restaurant operator reported $0.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.32 by $0.01. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 43.50% and a net margin of 13.32%. The firm had revenue of $3.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.11 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.34 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts predict that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 earnings per share for the current year. About Chipotle Mexican Grill (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Colonial Trust Advisors lowered its stake in shares of Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT Free Report) by 1.1% in the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 28,437 shares of the companys stock after selling 328 shares during the period. Colonial Trust Advisors holdings in Trane Technologies were worth $9,581,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Csenge Advisory Group boosted its stake in Trane Technologies by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. Csenge Advisory Group now owns 3,944 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,314,000 after purchasing an additional 25 shares during the last quarter. Fiera Capital Corp boosted its stake in Trane Technologies by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 1,930 shares of the companys stock valued at $650,000 after purchasing an additional 27 shares during the last quarter. Bingham Private Wealth LLC boosted its stake in Trane Technologies by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. Bingham Private Wealth LLC now owns 944 shares of the companys stock valued at $318,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. Tradewinds Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Trane Technologies by 46.2% during the 1st quarter. Tradewinds Capital Management LLC now owns 95 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Smith Group Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Trane Technologies by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Smith Group Asset Management LLC now owns 2,610 shares of the companys stock valued at $879,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.97% of the companys stock. Get Trane Technologies alerts: Trane Technologies Trading Up 1.4% NYSE:TT opened at $429.20 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The stock has a market capitalization of $95.50 billion, a PE ratio of 34.04, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 1.09. The firms 50 day moving average is $435.42 and its 200 day moving average is $392.33. Trane Technologies plc has a 12 month low of $298.15 and a 12 month high of $476.18. Trane Technologies Announces Dividend Trane Technologies ( NYSE:TT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 30th. The company reported $3.88 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.79 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $5.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.77 billion. Trane Technologies had a net margin of 13.76% and a return on equity of 36.61%. Trane Technologiess revenue was up 7.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $3.30 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Trane Technologies plc will post 12.83 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 30th. Investors of record on Friday, September 5th will be issued a $0.94 dividend. This represents a $3.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 5th. Trane Technologiess payout ratio is 29.82%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have issued reports on TT shares. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Trane Technologies from $445.00 to $520.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Trane Technologies from $334.00 to $400.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, May 16th. Robert W. Baird lifted their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $396.00 to $450.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 17th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $370.00 to $410.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 1st. Finally, UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of Trane Technologies from $500.00 to $544.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Trane Technologies currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $458.60. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on TT Trane Technologies Profile (Free Report) Trane Technologies plc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services of solutions for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, custom, and custom and transport refrigeration in Ireland and internationally. It offers air conditioners, exchangers, and handlers; airside and terminal devices; air sourced heat pumps, auxiliary power units; chillers; coils and condensers; gensets; dehumidifiers; ductless; furnaces; home automation products; humidifiers; indoor air quality assessments and related products; large and light commercial unitary products; refrigerant reclamation products; thermostats/controls; transport heater products; variable refrigerant flow products; and water source heat pumps. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Trane Technologies plc (NYSE:TT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Trane Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trane Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Daiwa America downgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report report published on Sunday,Zacks.com reports. Several other research analysts have also issued reports on LLY. Wells Fargo & Company reissued an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, May 1st. Leerink Partners reaffirmed a market perform rating and issued a $715.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, August 7th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $1,135.00 price objective (up from $1,133.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, July 10th. Leerink Partnrs lowered shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 7th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, July 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating, fifteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $950.17. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Eli Lilly and Company Eli Lilly and Company Stock Down 0.3% Shares of NYSE LLY opened at $698.89 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $661.47 billion, a PE ratio of 45.68, a P/E/G ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 0.44. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $623.78 and a 12-month high of $972.53. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $763.06 and its 200 day simple moving average is $793.64. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 7th. The company reported $6.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.59 by $0.72. The business had revenue of $15.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.40 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 25.91% and a return on equity of 92.72%. Eli Lilly and Companys revenue was up 37.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.92 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be given a dividend of $1.50 per share. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 39.22%. Insider Activity In other Eli Lilly and Company news, CEO David A. Ricks bought 1,632 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 12th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $644.77 per share, for a total transaction of $1,052,264.64. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 546,601 shares of the companys stock, valued at $352,431,926.77. This trade represents a 0.30% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director J Erik Fyrwald acquired 1,565 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 12th. The stock was purchased 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 directly owned 74,578 shares of the companys stock, valued at $47,903,686.74. This trade represents a 2.14% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have purchased 4,514 shares of company stock valued at $2,894,841. 0.14% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Eli Lilly and Company Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. WestEnd Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 210.0% in the first quarter. WestEnd Advisors LLC now owns 31 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 21 shares during the period. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Bare Financial Services Inc lifted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 263.6% during the second quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 40 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Eli Lilly and Company (Get Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Legacy Financial Advisors Inc. increased its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 8.3% in the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 10,337 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after buying an additional 794 shares during the period. Legacy Financial Advisors Inc.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $1,371,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in ABT. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 10.1% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 51,719 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $5,850,000 after purchasing an additional 4,755 shares during the last quarter. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% in the 4th quarter. Bank Pictet & Cie Europe AG now owns 152,719 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $17,274,000 after purchasing an additional 2,774 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 20.9% in the 4th quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 719,317 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $81,362,000 after purchasing an additional 124,259 shares during the last quarter. Transce3nd LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at about $158,000. Finally, Wealth Dimensions Group Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 12.3% in the 4th quarter. Wealth Dimensions Group Ltd. now owns 4,255 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $481,000 after purchasing an additional 466 shares during the last quarter. 75.18% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Insider Activity at Abbott Laboratories In other news, CFO Philip P. Boudreau sold 5,550 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred 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 sale, the chief financial officer owned 51,003 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,862,453.65. The trade was a 9.81% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 0.46% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Abbott Laboratories Price Performance Shares of NYSE:ABT opened at $130.32 on Tuesday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $131.34 and its 200-day simple moving average is $131.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $226.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.50 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 1.82 and a quick ratio of 1.30. 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 announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 17th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.26 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.26. The business had revenue of $11.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.01 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 18.32% and a net margin of 32.43%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.14 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, July 15th were paid a dividend of $0.59 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 29.57%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages recently issued reports on ABT. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded Abbott Laboratories from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from $143.00 to $145.00 in a research report on Friday, July 18th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $147.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 15th. Mizuho boosted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 16th. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 8th. Finally, Raymond James Financial dropped their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $142.00 to $141.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 18th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seventeen have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $144.47. View Our Latest Stock Report on ABT Abbott Laboratories Profile (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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MOSCOW, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Debris from downed Ukrainian drones sparked fires at a hospital and an oil refinery in the southwestern Russian city of Volgograd, regional governor Andrey Bocharov said Tuesday. "Russian Defense Ministry forces repelled a massive drone attack on Volgograd. In the southern part of the city, fragments of the drones sparked fires on the roof of a Hospital No. 16 building and at a local oil refinery," Bocharov said on Telegram. "Firefighters are on the scene working to contain and extinguish the blazes," he added. According to preliminary information, no casualties have been reported. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S increased its stake in American Express Company (NYSE:AXP Free Report) by 211.9% during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 110,134 shares of the payment services companys stock after acquiring an additional 74,822 shares during the period. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A Ss holdings in American Express were worth $29,632,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. raised its stake in shares of American Express by 4.7% in the first quarter. Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. now owns 772 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $208,000 after acquiring an additional 35 shares in the last quarter. Tyler Stone Wealth Management raised its stake in shares of American Express by 4.8% in the first quarter. Tyler Stone Wealth Management now owns 792 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $213,000 after acquiring an additional 36 shares in the last quarter. Hemington Wealth Management raised its stake in shares of American Express by 2.3% in the first quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 1,661 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $446,000 after acquiring an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC raised its stake in American Express by 2.5% in the first quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 1,620 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $436,000 after buying an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cornerstone Planning Group LLC raised its stake in American Express by 0.8% in the first quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 5,236 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $1,362,000 after buying an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. 84.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get American Express alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at American Express In other American Express news, insider Laureen Seeger sold 16,998 shares of American Express stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $294.83, for a total value of $5,011,520.34. Following the sale, the insider owned 9,001 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,653,764.83. The trade was a 65.38% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Glenda G. Mcneal sold 50,000 shares of American Express stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $309.50, for a total value of $15,475,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 10,957 shares in the company, valued at $3,391,191.50. This represents a 82.03% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 134,219 shares of company stock valued at $40,555,901. 0.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In AXP has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating on shares of American Express in a research note on Monday, July 14th. BTIG Research set a $277.00 price target on American Express and gave the company a sell rating in a research note on Monday, July 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on American Express from $260.00 to $342.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 11th. Barclays raised their price target on American Express from $249.00 to $297.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price target on American Express from $250.00 to $311.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 10th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have assigned a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $311.05. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on AXP American Express Stock Performance NYSE AXP opened at $307.01 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.60, a current ratio of 1.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80. American Express Company has a 52-week low of $220.43 and a 52-week high of $329.14. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $307.33 and its 200 day moving average price is $289.90. The firm has a market cap of $213.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.54, a P/E/G ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 1.28. American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 18th. The payment services company reported $4.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.86 by $0.22. American Express had a return on equity of 32.87% and a net margin of 14.78%. The firm had revenue of $17.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.70 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $3.49 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 9.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts expect that American Express Company will post 15.33 earnings per share for the current year. American Express Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 3rd were issued a $0.82 dividend. This represents a $3.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 3rd. American Expresss payout ratio is currently 23.02%. About American Express (Free Report) American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates as integrated payments company in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Canada, the Caribbean, and Internationally. It operates through four segments: U.S. Consumer Services, Commercial Services, International Card Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc increased its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 4.2% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,838 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 114 shares during the quarter. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Incs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $1,595,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Family Management Corp raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 6.4% in the 4th quarter. Family Management Corp now owns 4,444 shares of the companys stock worth $2,616,000 after purchasing an additional 266 shares during the period. Bank of Finland raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Finland now owns 517,115 shares of the companys stock worth $290,567,000 after purchasing an additional 1,592 shares during the period. Dynasty Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Dynasty Wealth Management LLC now owns 830,277 shares of the companys stock worth $466,533,000 after purchasing an additional 4,478 shares during the period. Mayfair Advisory Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Mayfair Advisory Group LLC now owns 3,992 shares of the companys stock worth $2,243,000 after purchasing an additional 25 shares during the period. Finally, Michels Family Financial LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $3,885,000. 70.12% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Performance IVV stock opened at $646.37 on Tuesday. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 1 year low of $484.00 and a 1 year high of $649.31. The firm has a market cap of $651.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.10 and a beta of 1.00. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $625.29 and a 200-day simple moving average of $591.60. About iShares Core S&P 500 ETF iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its stake in shares of Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT Free Report) by 527.1% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 6,739,038 shares of the retailers stock after acquiring an additional 5,664,484 shares during the quarter. Wellington Management Group LLPs holdings in Walmart were worth $591,620,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Operose Advisors LLC raised its position in Walmart by 319.7% during the first quarter. Operose Advisors LLC now owns 319 shares of the retailers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 243 shares in the last quarter. Bear Mountain Capital Inc. raised its position in Walmart by 98.2% during the first quarter. Bear Mountain Capital Inc. now owns 337 shares of the retailers stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd grew its holdings in Walmart by 432.4% in the first quarter. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd now owns 362 shares of the retailers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 294 shares during the period. EQ Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Walmart in the first quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Finally, Lipe & Dalton increased its position in shares of Walmart by 95.2% in the first quarter. Lipe & Dalton now owns 410 shares of the retailers stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. 26.76% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Walmart alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, EVP John R. Furner sold 13,125 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $95.85, for a total value of $1,258,031.25. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 945,434 shares of the companys stock, valued at $90,619,848.90. This represents a 1.37% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP John D. Rainey sold 2,200 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $98.44, for a total value of $216,568.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 628,318 shares in the company, valued at approximately $61,851,623.92. This trade represents a 0.35% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 140,334 shares of company stock worth $13,526,350. 0.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have recently commented on WMT shares. DA Davidson restated a buy rating and issued a $117.00 price objective on shares of Walmart in a research report on Friday, May 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Walmart from $112.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 8th. Evercore ISI restated an outperform rating and issued a $110.00 price objective (up from $108.00) on shares of Walmart in a research report on Monday. Tigress Financial boosted their price objective on Walmart from $115.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 2nd. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein restated an outperform rating on shares of Walmart in a research report on Monday, May 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Walmart presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $109.89. Check Out Our Latest Report on Walmart Walmart Stock Performance NYSE WMT opened at $100.65 on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $97.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is $95.58. The firm has a market capitalization of $803.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 43.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.80 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.22 and a current ratio of 0.78. Walmart Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $73.34 and a fifty-two week high of $105.30. Walmart Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 18th will be paid a dividend of $0.235 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 15th. This represents a yield of 90.0%. Walmarts payout ratio is 40.17%. Walmart Company Profile (Free Report) Walmart Inc engages in the operation of retail, wholesale, other units, and eCommerce worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. It operates supercenters, supermarkets, hypermarkets, warehouse clubs, cash and carry stores, and discount stores under Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market brands; membership-only warehouse clubs; ecommerce websites, such as walmart.com.mx, walmart.ca, flipkart.com, PhonePe and other sites; and mobile commerce applications. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Walmart Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Walmart and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HC Advisors LLC cut its position in Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 5.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,348 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 252 shares during the quarter. HC Advisors LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $517,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Axis Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in Exxon Mobil by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. Axis Wealth Partners LLC now owns 4,966 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $591,000 after purchasing an additional 93 shares during the last quarter. Gagnon Securities LLC grew its position in Exxon Mobil by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Gagnon Securities LLC now owns 7,235 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $860,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. WPWealth LLP grew its position in Exxon Mobil by 1.1% in the 4th quarter. WPWealth LLP now owns 9,201 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $990,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. Ascent Capital Management LLC grew its position in Exxon Mobil by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. Ascent Capital Management LLC now owns 4,913 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $584,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. Finally, DDD Partners LLC grew its position in Exxon Mobil by 1.4% in the 1st quarter. DDD Partners LLC now owns 6,811 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $810,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. 61.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Thursday, May 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company set a $127.00 price target on shares of Exxon Mobil and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, June 26th. Barclays reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Thursday, May 22nd. Mizuho reduced their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $129.00 to $124.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, May 13th. Finally, TD Cowen raised their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $120.00 to $128.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 23rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $125.84. Exxon Mobil Trading Up 0.2% Shares of NYSE XOM opened at $106.70 on Tuesday. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a 1-year low of $97.80 and a 1-year high of $126.34. The company has a market cap of $454.89 billion, a PE ratio of 15.16, a P/E/G ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 0.53. The company has a current ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. The company has a 50-day moving average of $110.29 and a two-hundred day moving average of $108.88. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, August 1st. The oil and gas company reported $1.64 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.47 by $0.17. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 9.17% and a return on equity of 11.34%. The company had revenue of $81.51 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $79.07 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.14 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 12.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts expect that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 15th will be paid a $0.99 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 15th. This represents a $3.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.7%. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is currently 56.25%. 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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. OSLO, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Norway's 2 trillion U.S. dollars oil fund said Monday that it will exclude six more Israeli companies from its investment portfolio after an ethics review found their operations in the West Bank and Gaza. The world's largest sovereign wealth fund did not specify the companies, but said their names and the reasons for exclusion would be disclosed once the divestments are finalized. Media reports said Monday that the list could include Israel's five largest banks, which have been under review by the fund's ethics watchdog. Meanwhile, the fund said it had sold stakes in six other companies as part of last week's decision to cut its holdings in Israeli firms from 61 at the end of June to 32 in the coming weeks, keeping only those included in an equity benchmark index created by Norway's Finance Ministry. Norges Bank Investment Management, the body overseeing the fund, announced last week that it had sold its holdings in 11 Israeli companies. "More companies could be excluded," Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg told reporters. The fund launched an urgent review earlier this month after reports found that it had invested in an Israeli jet engine group that provides services to Israel's armed forces. Critics said the fund could only avoid potential ethical breaches by fully divesting from Israeli companies. Only for the most AWESOME TKC READERS . . . We didn't want to totally "nope out" for today despite dealing with some heady issues behind the scenes. After all, I think we've posted something every weekday for about 20 years . . . That streak might not continue for long BUT . . . Today we wanted to share a quick check-in for our fellow news-junkies and denizens of the cowtown discourse. We'll do the thing we like most about this blog . . . Some quick snark-ing & sharing of pop culture, community reporting and top headlines . . . Thanks for bearing with us and we appreciate any well-wishes and or good jokes . . . Check TKC news gathering . . . Bad Junk Hits Kansas City Authorities warn of potent purple fentanyl in Kansas City area The Johnson County, Missouri Sheriff's Office is warning people of purple fentanyl. They say it's Narcan resistant. Show-Me MAGA Move Up Andrew Bailey stepping down to take job with FBI Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey will step down as the state's top cop to become co-deputy director with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Latest Tragic Homicide 14-year-old boy killed, girl injured in shooting in Kansas City An investigation is underway after a teenage boy was killed and a teenage girl was injured in an overnight shooting in Kansas City. River City Can't Read!?!? 'Absolutely' a crisis: Kansas City educators alarmed by falling literacy rates Research shows that just one in four of Kansas City's third-grade students can read at grade level. No Accounting For Toy Train "It cost what?" -KC Streetcar Announces Opening of New Extension A friend called me the other night. Fox4KC had just aired a story about the opening date of the latest Kansas City streetcar extension. They put the cost Even More Pain At Pump Kansas City-area police department warns of card skimmers at gas stations The Harrisonville Police Department is warning the community of card skimmers found at a local gas station Kansas City leaders hope a plan to give Wornall Road a much-needed facelift also makes the road safer A city planner provided a concrete deadline for when the remodeling of the corridor notorious for construction and traffic will begin. Horrific Charges Connect To KC Kansas City woman, man charged with murder in connection with 3-year-old's death A man and woman are facing several charges in connection with the death of a 3-year-old boy in Leavenworth, Kansas. Summer Crisis Mode 2025 'This is very abnormal': President of AdHoc Group Against Crime speaks on deadly youth violence in Kansas City A 14-year-old male was killed, and a female under the age of 16 was injured in a shooting early Sunday morning in south Kansas City, Missouri. Slain Local Mom Mourned Pregnant Kansas City mother of 5 remembered as 'boy mom,' victim of domestic violence Braisen Cain, 42, is the city's 18th victim of intimate partner violence so far this year, a significant increase from last year. Experts say cases are growing more violent, with survivors reporting an escalation of threats like use of guns and strangulation. Foodies Forge Peace . . . Palestinians, Israelis share cultural heritage at Kansas City festival amid ongoing conflict More than 50 countries were represented at Kansas City's Ethnic Enrichment Festival, including first-time participation from Palestinians alongside an Israeli booth. Baller Banquet Coming Soon Opening date announced for Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce's new steakhouse The opening date for Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce's highly anticipated new steakhouse has been announced. Tay-Tay Begins 'Booty-ful' Era Taylor Swift shows off her derriere in seductive new album cover The pop superstar, 34, unveiled a striking new shot to promote The Life of a Showgirl and its limited-run Shiny Bug Vinyl Collection, available on her website for just 48 hours. MAGA Makes Peace?!? WATCH: Trump promises 'lasting peace' in Zelenskyy meeting, says Ukraine peacekeeping force under consideration Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump expressed hope that their critical meeting Monday with European leaders at the White House could lead to three-party talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to his war on Ukraine. Resistance Returns To Comply Texas Democrats return home 'victorious' after redistricting row The lawmakers who fled the state to break quorum say they are 'more dangerous to Republicans' plans now. Visiting With Vlad . . . Trump calls Putin during Ukraine summit at White House Trump said Putin was expecting a call from him. MAGA Cleared Again?!? Bill Barr Says Trump Never Intervened In Epstein Case, No Evidence Of Crime Former Attorney General Bill Barr said he never saw any evidence that President Donald Trump intervened or committed a crime relating to Jeffrey Epstein's case. Democracy End Game Proposed Trump vows to end use of mail-in ballots ahead of 2026 midterm election U.S. President Donald Trump pledged on Monday to issue an executive order to end the use of mail-in ballots and voting machines ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, a move likely to disproportionately favor his Republican Party. Holy Land Deal After Devistation Hamas tells mediators it approves latest Gaza ceasefire proposal - Middle East crisis live Hamas official tells Reuters news agency it has approved latest Gaza ceasefire proposal Salacious Start To Work Week True Romance: Hot Fun Sex With Married Co-Worker, Pro Girlfriend In Client Will & Freakiest Professions Welcome to this week's edition of True Romance. I'm back from the beach, although I still fulfilled my duty to the romance community last week, and I'm happy to report that love is still in the air. Kansas City Foodie Quick Bites Plaza food hall returns with Lula's, Guy's, J. Rieger and more KC foodie favorites inside - Startland News A hotel food hall - just up the hill from a main artery of the Country Club Plaza - is planning a restaurant rally this week; reopening its shared culinary experience with some of the Kansas City food scene's biggest local brands and a food hall rarity: full-service. Nasty Accusations On Nice Side Of Bridge Northland teacher charged in connection with 'weird comments' toward middle school students A 39-year-old Liberty man faces three counts of misdemeanor assault following an investigation of inappropriate comments made toward middle school students last fall. Home Team Clings To Hope Photos: Royals sweep White Sox, remain in wildcard hunt Kansas City Royals win three games over the Chicago White Sox to claim a series win before taking on the Texas Rangers. Delicious Declaration . . . Kansas lesser prairie chicken loses endangered species act protections after Texas court order The decision by a Texas federal court removed the lesser prairie chicken of any endangered or threatened species protections, which were established through a Biden-era ruling. The Trump administration had tried to reverse the designation, on behalf of livestock and oil producers. Summer Heat Slowly Fades . . . Kansas City weather: Milder heat ahead this week; some rain chances Tuesday Some scattered rain and storm chances pop up overnight into Tuesday. Amy Winehouse - Rehab is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. In fairness, let's start with the good news and a ringing endorsement from the Jackson County Prosecutor about the new boss presiding over BIG BUCKS at the courthouse . . . "Murray Woodard has been chosen as Executive Director of COMBAT, the agency responsible for strategically allocating more than $30 million annually to support violence prevention efforts, treatment services, and law enforcement initiatives throughout Jackson County. "Mr. Woodard is the kind of leader COMBAT needs to maximize our impact on public safety. His extensive background in philanthropy, track record of managing grant portfolios, and ability to building meaningful partnerships with community organizations will ensure our tax dollars work effectively to support the organizations and programs that make our neighborhoods safer." That's really nice but it doesn't exactly tell the whole story about Mr. Woodward's political history. Let's dig a bit deeper, shall we?!?!? First and foremost . . . Several Legislators feel like this decision was "shoved down their throats" and there really wasn't much discussion. Secondly . . . Mr. Woodward bills himself as the CEO at BLAQUE Promise Project amongst other things. His predecessor was Vince Ortega who served as a Deputy Chief for KCPD and, obviously, has a background that was more skilled if only in terms of managerial experience with law enforcement dollars -- Which just happens to be the job. But this is TKC and readers visit for fun times . . . So here's a bit of KCMO School Board history wherein Mr. Woodward made his debut . . . After Murrays wife complained about (then school board member Manny Abarca) objecting to Cokithea Hills involvement in the school board races with Tanesha Ford. Murray, defending his wife, said, if I ever see Manny in the streets, I am going to beat his ass. Now, like it or not, he is a leader in Kansas City anti-crime efforts and funding. That quote is solid and we're not afraid to run it because www.TonysKansasCity.com readers might remember it was only one of the many ridiculous things said during that school board contest. Two things . . . He wouldn't be the only person who threatened Manny out of frustration. TKC likes Manny, but TKC likes EVERYBODY . . . We realize that mileage often varies. Also . . . We can only hope that his words in defense of his wife were merely "political rhetoric" and don't represent how he'll handle the very formidable task which he now confronts. In fairness to voters . . . It's MORE THAN OKAY to question him about his NOT-SO-LONG-AGO choice of words and tactics in coming to power and now presiding over MILLIONS worth of taxpayer cash. Developing . . . TAIYUAN, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- In recent years, courts in north China's Shanxi Province have intensified their efforts to build specialized judicial capabilities for environmental and resource-related trials, aiming to better safeguard the fragile ecosystem of the Yellow River Basin. On the dusty banks of the Fenhe River, the defendants, following the court's order, released a bucket of fish. A total of 35,000 carp fry splashed into the river, restocking what their illegal nets once emptied. Welcome to Shanxi's courtroom of the green future, where justice is measured not only in convictions but in clear water and new grass. Shanxi has cultivated a team of judges who are not only proficient in environmental adjudication but also well-versed in ecological and resource-related expertise. Concurrently, "expert jurors" from diverse fields have been enlisted to offer scientific consultations during trials. Situated on the Loess Plateau, Shanxi confronts formidable ecological protection challenges. The Yellow River traverses four cities and 19 counties of the province, covering areas where over 65 percent of Shanxi's population resides. Its major tributary, the Fenhe River, serves as a vital water conservation zone and ecological barrier in the middle reaches of the Yellow River. Protecting these river basins is crucial for Shanxi's ecological governance and high-quality development. However, environmental and resource-related cases are often complex, extensive and highly technical. "In illegal fishing cases, sentencing may be straightforward, but the real challenge lies in enforcing ecological restoration," said Bian Junmei, deputy head of the environmental and resource tribunal of the Higher People's Court of Shanxi. "For instance, which fish fry released into the Yellow River and Fenhe River could generate the greatest ecological value? Judges don't always have the answers." In November 2024, under the guidance of experts from the local aquaculture research station, the People's Court of Yongji City recommended that the defendants release 35,000 fingerlings of red-eyed trout and Yellow River carp into the Yellow River as part of the penalty for ecological resource restoration. Red-eyed trout, being filter-feeding fish, can clean organic debris and plankton in the water, contributing to the maintenance of water cleanliness and health. These two species also hold high market value, providing fishermen with a significant economic return, according to the local experts. Shanxi established its provincial-level environmental and resource tribunal in 2019. By the end of 2020, every intermediate court across the province had set up such environmental divisions, and each county-level court had formed specialized trial teams. By June 2025, Shanxi courts had handled over 22,000 cases involving environmental pollution, ecological damage, natural resource utilization, climate response and ecological governance. In a civil public-interest litigation case filed by a Beijing research institute against a Shanxi aluminum company, the Xinzhou Municipal Intermediate People's Court facilitated a mediation agreement. With the support of technical experts, the company converted a dust-laden site into a lush grassland spanning more than 66 hectares, boosting its green production capacity. Through on-site circuit trials, ecological restocking, technology upgrade-for-penalty mechanisms and volunteer services, Shanxi courts have encouraged the defendants to shift from "offenders" to "guardians," providing both education and deterrence for the public. "Upholding one case could lead to a patch of grass, a grove of trees, or a school of fish," Bian said. "That is the hope we are planting." Thank you for signing up! Youll soon be getting your Toronto scoop in your inbox. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page. Faresmatch launches new loyalty program to offer exclusive benefits to frequent travellers, including the best deals and discounts anyone can dream of, easy reservations, free perks, and lots of fun offers to enjoy. (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - August 18th, 2025 - Faresmatch has always put its travellers first and will continue to do so with one of its latest efforts in this respect being the brand new loyalty program it has devised. Travellers who choose Faresmatch will find that the website chooses them too. As always, the comfort and ease of travellers remains foremost among the many priorities of the website. Travellers can now enjoy the offers most suitable for them without having to travel from website to website in search of them. This allows them to enjoy their trip to any location they want with the most comfortable flight, the best hotel stay and the smoothest car rental without worrying about even one of the activities and truly relaxing. All About Faresmatch Website The travel website Faresmatch is one of the most reliable methods to make a reservation for any flight ticket, hotel accommodation and rented vehicle you might need. The website can secure a seat for you in airlines from all over the world, including but definitely not limited to JetBlue, Delta, Frontier, Alaska and American Airlines. The website can also link travellers with the most luxurious hotels in any location while also securing affordable options that make them accessible to a larger part of the population. The website helps travellers make arrangements with rented vehicles and yacht cruises. Travellers can choose what routes they want to opt for and what kind of boat or car they want to use for their transportation. Faresmatch also remains connected to both national and international options for travellers, providing them with a wide range of options, especially when it comes to vacations. Another feature of the website that travellers find very useful is its simple interface that allows them to access services quickly and simply without having to go through complicated procedures. The use of the website also provides travellers with information about travel rewards, travel schedules, and the low season and peak season of every destination and airline they might choose. This makes the process of coming to a decision much simpler, as travellers are armed with all the necessary information and can set out to order their priorities carefully. All About Faresmatch Loyalty Program A loyalty program generally refers to a system that allows websites to offer special services to their most frequent users to show their appreciation for the continued trust and support of these users. While Faresmatch is yet to launch a proper loyalty program that provides travelrewards which can be earned through frequent use, it has devised a different system. Faresmatch provides access to the programs for frequent travellers and guests at airlines and hotels to equip them with opportunities that will transform their trip. Travellers will be able to enjoy special comforts such as more spacious seats, luxurious suites, amenity kits and complimentary food and beverages according to their taste and preference. Many times, travellers are also offered other benefits such as access to specific lounges and areas which might be reserved for them and priority while boarding and disembarking. Travellers can also opt for free upgrades that allow them to enjoy the comforts of larger suites for hotels, a better class of service for flights and even more comfortable cabins for cruises. Travellers can easily find links to these programs on the website, and in case of any confusion or problems, ask for assistance from the helpline number provided to them at the bottom of the screen. They can also opt to send an email to the official address of the website or even send postal communication to the headquarters of the company. All About the Exclusive Comforts Of Faresmatch Travellers will find that many of the exclusive benefits of Faresmatch relate to the transparent and simple manner in which the website operates. It allows travellers to check every step of the process and does not hide any of the pertinent details that travellers might seek to make their journey easier. This has allowed a unique sense of trust to grow among the users of the website. One such exclusive comfort is the quick and easy cancellation process, where travellers need not worry about any extra rules other than the official policies of the website or the hotel whose reservation they are cancelling. Along with cancellations, Faresmatch also remains perfectly accessible for any traveller looking to make changes to their reservation. Travellers will also find that Faresmatch does not indulge in any fraudulent activity that might involve charging hidden fees and keeps the information of its users safe as per its terms and conditions. Thus, besides the comfort and satisfaction of travellers, their security also remains a matter of the highest concern for the website. All About Accessing Faresmatch Faresmatch is easy to access with travellers requiring only a personal device that is well-charged and properly connected to the internet, and a search engine that allows them to find the website. Next, travellers need to collect all documents they might need to refer to during the process of making the reservation. Travellers will also need to enter some necessary details such as the location where they set out from, the location they intend to reach and their schedule. This allows them to browse through all options available and finally make the choice that best meets their needs. ### Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Today, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a phone conversation with Nepals Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba to discuss the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. During the call, Deuba congratulated Azerbaijan on agreements reached with the United States during the summit between the two presidents, as well as for the strides made in the Azerbaijani-Armenian normalization process. The ministers acknowledged the laudable cadence of elevated political engagements in recent years and reflected positively on the presidential visit from Nepal to Azerbaijan in the context of COP29. The discourse further underscored the significance of bilateral diplomatic engagements, which have evolved robustly over three decades, encompassing governmental delegations to Nepal and strategic political consultations between the foreign affairs ministries of the respective nations. The foreign ministries reviewed opportunities to expand bilateral and multilateral ties, including cooperation in economic, trade, tourism, humanitarian, and other sectors. They also emphasized positive collaboration within international organizations, particularly under the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and stressed the importance of strengthening mutual support in multilateral formats. The dialogue culminated in a synergistic exchange of perspectives regarding ancillary topics of reciprocal relevance. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Azerbaijan will develop comprehensive rules for gas usage, according to a decree signed by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, implementing the Gas Supply law, Trend reports. The decree tasks the Cabinet of Ministers with preparing proposals to align national laws and presidential acts with the Gas Supply law within nine months. It also mandates setting annual gas consumption limits for major users, establishing technical service registers, regulating inspections of gas facilities and distribution systems, and monitoring compliance with safety and maintenance requirements. The Ministry of Energy is required to approve technical service documentation within three months and operational rules for gas facilities within nine months. The Ministry of Emergency Situations must establish safety rules for gas facilities within nine months, while the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is tasked with creating separate legal entities for gas transmission, distribution, storage, wholesale, and retail by January 1, 2027, ensuring the application of advanced corporate governance practices. The decree emphasizes that presidential acts and regulations by central executive bodies related to the Gas Supply law cannot take effect before the laws relevant provisions come into force. President Aliyev has approved the decree to ensure full implementation of the Gas Supply law. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Azerbaijan is set to roll out new legal entities under the umbrella of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), Trend reports. This step is part of a presidential decree issued by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to implement the Licenses and Permits law and regulate related matters. Under the decree, SOCAR is required to establish separate legal entities by January 1, 2027, to manage gas transmission, distribution, storage, wholesale, import, and retail operations. The company must ensure the application of advanced corporate governance principles in these entities, including the formation of supervisory boards, and report the progress to the president. The initial triad of segments within the decree is slated to activate on the first day of January in the year 2026. President Ilham Aliyev has ratified the decree to facilitate comprehensive compliance with the statutory provisions. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) has criticized France for continuing colonial practices in New Caledonia under the Bougival Accord, calling it contrary to the principles of the Kanak peoples independence movement, Trend reports. The BIG statement highlighted that representatives of Kanak independence movements and the French government signed the agreement on July 12, 2025, which attempts to maintain New Caledonia under colonial control. The group emphasized that at the 45th Congress of the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), the Bougival Accord was firmly rejected, with delegates affirming the 1998 Noumea Accord as the legal foundation for New Caledonias decolonization and declaring the Bougival Accord inconsistent with it. The FLNKS plans to declare independence within the framework of the Kanaki Accord, a legal roadmap guiding New Caledonia toward full sovereignty between 2025 and 2030, while defining temporary relations with France. BIG further criticized France for attempting to pressure New Caledonia through the Bougival Accord. French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls stated that he would initiate discussions on revising the agreement during his August visit, warning that failure to implement it would result in political, economic, and social crises. BIG described these statements as blatant coercion and reaffirmed support for the Kanak peoples right to determine their own future. The statement also highlighted that France is attempting to pressure New Caledonia through the Bougival Accord using various means. "French Overseas Minister, Manuel Valls, announced that he would initiate discussions on revising the Bougival Accord during his visit to New Caledonia from August 19 to 23. Valls warned that failure to implement the agreement could expose New Caledonia to political, economic, and social risks. His assertion that 'there is no alternative' to the Bougival Accord has been widely perceived locally as an act of coercion and undue pressure. A meeting of the Bougival Accords drafting committee is scheduled for August 21, 2025, where Valls is expected to provide comments and propose further amendments. Despite the clear stance of the Kanak people, this effort is viewed as a continuation of Frances attempts to impose the agreement," the statement added. The BIG reaffirmed its support for the Kanak peoples right to self-determination, emphasizing that their future must be secured through full independence rather than any imposed or artificial agreement: "These recent measures by France directly contravene international law principles and represent an unacceptable continuation of colonial practices. International law and UN resolutions mandate that the Kanak peoples future can only be safeguarded through complete independence, not through concessions or false agreements," the statement concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued on August 19, Trend reports. The open court hearing, held at the Baku Military Court and presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that the accused was provided with an interpreter in Russian, his preferred language, and a defense attorney of his own choosing. Before the questioning, Judge Zeynal Aghayev explained the legal rights and obligations to the victims and their legal heirs participating in the trial for the first time. Subsequently, the lawyer of the accused Ruben Vardanyan, Avraam Berman, appealed to the court and expressed his objection to the judges hearing the case. R. Vardanyan supported the objection. Zeynal Aghayev stated that the defense had repeatedly submitted objections of the same content, adding that no new provisions were presented in the current objection. Based on the above, the objection was not accepted for consideration. Afterwards, Avraam Berman requested a confidential meeting with his client. The judge granted the request and the court adjourned. Following the adjournment, the court heard statements from the victims and their legal heirs. The legal heir of victim, Amin Hasanov - his father, Ilgar Hasanov, stated that his son was killed as a result of gunfire opened by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in Aghdara. Responding to the questions from public prosecutor Fuad Musayev, the legal heir of victim Ujal Babashov, his father Narbala Babashov, reported that his son lost his life due to enemy gunfire in Khojavand. The legal heir of victim Huseyn Nasibov, his father Afgan Nasibov, stated in his testimony that his son lost his life as a result of enemy provocation in the Shusha-Khankendi direction. Answering questions from Tugay Rahimli, Assistant to the Prosecutor General for Special Assignments, the victim Najmaddin Guliyev's legal heir - his father, Natig Guliyev, noted that his son was killed as a result of gunfire opened by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the direction of Aghdara. In his testimony, Ramazan Huseynzade's legal heir, his father Hamdulla Huseynov, noted that his son lost his life as a result of enemy gunfire in Khojaly. Ramil Guliyev emphasized that he was wounded as a result of an explosion caused by a mortar shell fired by the enemy in Kalbajar. Answering questions from public prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, the victim said that two people nearby were killed at that time. Elnur Hasanov said that he was injured due to the explosion of a mine planted by the enemy while grazing sheep in the Hasangaya village of Tartar district. In his testimony, victim Barzani Atayev said he was wounded by the fire opened by the remnants of the Armenian armed forces and the illegal Armenian armed detachments, while evacuating the wounded in Aghdara. Victim Isgandar Huseynov reported being wounded by the enemy artillery fire, adding that Samir Karimov and Ali Heydarov were also injured in the incident. Victim Halay Tahirli testified that he was wounded by an enemy grenade in Kalbajar district. Responding to the questions from Nasir Bayramov, head of the department for the defence of state accusations at the Prosecutor Generals Office, the victim noted that Kanan Nasibov was killed during the incident, while Eltakin Hasanov sustained injuries to various parts of his body. Another victim Elgun Isamyilli claimed that he was wounded by a gunshot during the fire opened by the remnants of Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed detachments in the Khanabad village of Khojaly district, with Khalid Alifov and Babak Ahmadli also wounded during the incident. Victim Khalid Alifov claimed that he was wounded by the enemy fire in the Khojavand district. Answering the inquiry from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, he noted that Ahliyar Muradov and Elgun Ismayilli were wounded, while Davud Giyasli was killed during the incident. Victims Nusrat Karimov, Rasul Ramazanov, Aziz Gurbanov, Jeyhun Aliyev, Elmaddin Piriyev, Yusif Mammadov, Elnur Piriyev, Ruslan Mirzayev, Mahammad Piriyev, Samir Khammadli, Mohlat Idrisov, Huseyn Nurullayev, Ravan Ahmadov, Tural Isayev, noted that they were wounded as a result of the enemy provocations. Other victims, namely Elvin Muradov, Maharram Malikov, Ilkin Ahmadov, Azer Hamzayev, Elmaddin Hajizada, Hikmat Jabiyev, Safiyar Mammadli, Orkhan Sadigli, mentioned that they were wounded by the enemy fire in Aghdara. In response to questions from Vusal Aliyev, senior assistant to the Prosecutor General, victim Rashad Ganbarov testified that he was injured in an explosion of the artillery shell fired by the remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed detachments in Khojavand, adding that Murad Arzullayev and Javid Aliyev were killed during the incident. Victim Nurlan Abdullayev claimed that he was wounded by the enemy fire in Aghdara. Victim Rahil Dovlatov emphasized that he was wounded due to the explosion of a landmine planted by the Armenian armed forces. Victim Imran Mammadov said he was wounded by the enemy fire in Khankendi. Victim Gunduz Amoyev stated that he was wounded as a result of the enemy provocation in Khojavand district. Victim Eyvaz Huseynov underlined that he was injured in an artillery shell explosion in Aghdam, fired by the remnants of the Armenian armed forces and Armenian illegal armed detachments. Victim Elvin Jabbarov claimed that he was wounded by the enemy fire in the Aghdara-Khojaly direction. Rahim Gardashov stated that a shell fired by the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups hit the car he was driving in Aghdara, resulting in injuries to him and other people. Toghrul Mehraliyev noted that he suffered a head injury from the enemy fire in Kalbajar. Majid Safarov said he was wounded due to the explosion of a mine planted by the Armenian armed forces in the Zangilan district. Izzat Dadashli mentioned that he was injured by the enemy fire in the Khojavand district, adding that he suffered a head injury from the artillery fire hitting his car during evacuation. The forensic medical examination reports of the mine victims and other victims - Amid Asadov, Charkaz Guliyev, Oktay Alishov, Elshan Khalilov, Vugar Zulfugarli, Khayal Abdullayev, Ilham Salmanov, Dilavar Shukurov, Rovshan Alizada, Mehman Guliyev, Guloghlan Mirzaliyev, Bahruz Nasirov, Elnur Abbaszada, Khanlar Aslanov, Safar Aliyev and others - were presented in court. The forensic phonoscopic and forensic explosion technical examination reports were also presented in court. The next court session is scheduled for August 26. Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan). SHENZHEN, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- South China's Shenzhen saw its foreign trade hit 2.58 trillion yuan (about 361.7 billion U.S. dollars) in the first seven months of 2025, ranking first among Chinese mainland cities, Shenzhen Customs said Tuesday. In July, Shenzhen's total import and export volume reached 415.94 billion yuan, an increase of 6.2 percent year on year. Exports totaled 255.62 billion yuan, marking a new high for monthly exports this year with a 4.7 percent increase, while imports rose 8.8 percent to 160.32 billion yuan. Shenzhen's export growth was driven by strong competitiveness in both traditional electronics and strategic emerging industries. In the first seven months, electromechanical exports led the way, reaching 1.17 trillion yuan and accounting for 74.7 of the total. Strategic emerging industries posted particularly robust growth, with exports of lithium batteries and pure electric passenger cars rising 37.9 percent and 21.7 percent, respectively, while integrated circuit exports soared 40.9 percent. Driven by rising demand for electronic components, Shenzhen's imports of electromechanical products grew 14.7 percent during the period, accounting for 82.1 percent of the total. Private enterprises powered Shenzhen's trade activities, contributing 1.8 trillion yuan and accounting for 69.8 percent of the total value. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. The Embassy of Ukraine in Baku has expressed its gratitude to Azerbaijan for its humanitarian assistance, Trend reports. Today, on World Humanitarian Day, we honor those who preserve humanity in the most difficult times. <...> We extend special thanks to our friends in Azerbaijan, who have stood by Ukraine from the very first days of the war. We are sincerely grateful to the leadership and people of Azerbaijan for their humanitarian assistance, including in the energy sector, as well as for rehabilitation and recovery programs for children affected by the war. Thank you for your support, the diplomatic mission wrote in a post on its social media accounts. Another shipment of humanitarian aid provided by Azerbaijan was dispatched from the Sumgayit Technological Park on August 15. The delivery was arranged by the Ministry of Energy in line with a decree issued by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on August 11, 2025. The cargo includes around 90,000 meters of electrical cables and wires, 25 generators, and 7 transformer sets. The first batch of this equipment, aimed at helping restore stable electricity supplies in areas affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine, was sent in a convoy of 10 trucks. In total, assistance worth $2 million was organized at the request of the Ukrainian side, with part of the shipment dispatched on August 13 and the remainder on August 15. Azerbaijan has previously provided Ukraine with humanitarian aid linked to electricity supply. In the context of the current war, the total value of Azerbaijans humanitarian support to Ukraine including assistance for recovery and reconstruction has already exceeded $44 million. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. The Albanian government has officially approved the National Tourism Strategy 2030, Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro announced in a video message on Sunday, Trend reports. She emphasized that the strategy is the result of nearly two years of research, studies, and consultations. The Albanian government today approved the National Tourism Strategy 2030, following an almost two-year process of research, studies, and consultations. This strategy sets clear and measurable objectives for increasing revenues from tourism by 2030, accompanied by the expansion of accommodation capacities and improvement of standards. It also divides Albania into six tourism regions and assigns new responsibilities to state agencies linked to the tourism industry, Minister Kumbaro said. The Tourism Strategy 2030 is built on six main pillars: investment; fiscal and regulatory policies in tourism; destination management; development of tourism products; destination marketing; and capacity building. These are grounded in three guiding principles social, environmental, and economic sustainability. The document has also gone through public consultation with stakeholders. It envisions the creation, improvement, and consolidation of tourism products by dividing the country into six tourism regions: the Adriatic Coast region, the Northern Inland region, the Tirana region, the Central region, the Ionian Coast region, and the Southern Inland region. Minister Kumbaro expressed her gratitude to the staff of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, acknowledging the dozens of specialists involved in drafting the strategy, as well as international partners such as GIZ, who contributed to advancing sustainable tourism development in Albania. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. On August 18, Acting Minister of Culture Sarunas Birutis met with Lithuanias newly appointed cultural attaches: Adele Dovydaviciute (Belgium), Akvile Kavaliauskaite (United States), and Egle Cepaite (France). All three won open competitions for their posts, Trend reports. These new attaches are outstanding professionals in their fields, and I am pleased to see Lithuanias cultural diplomacy network growing stronger. I am confident that their work will enhance our projects in strategically important countries and help us achieve ambitious goals in presenting Lithuanian culture to the world, Minister Birutis said. Adele Dovydaviciute, appointed as Lithuanias Cultural Attache to the Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels, is an architect, cultural project manager, and artist with more than 15 years of experience in culture, architecture, exhibitions, and visual arts. She specializes in creating and implementing interdisciplinary projects that bridge architecture, cultural outreach, and education. A key part of her mission will be planning and implementing Lithuanias cultural program during its presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2027. Akvile Kavaliauskaite, Lithuanias new Cultural Attache at the Consulate General in New York, holds a bachelors degree in journalism and a masters in literary studies from Vilnius University. Her role will focus on strengthening Lithuanias presence in U.S. cultural institutions, supporting cultural heritage initiatives, and building stronger LithuaniaU.S. ties through culture. Egle Cepaite, Lithuanias new Cultural Attache at the Embassy in France, has studied philosophy at Vilnius University and earned masters degrees in cultural management and film studies in Montpellier, France. She has worked for more than a decade in international cinema and cultural projects. One of her priorities will be to build on the success of the Lithuanian Season in France in 2024, expanding cooperation in arts and culture and developing sustainable long-term projects. Cultural attaches represent Lithuania in embassies or consulates abroad and implement international cultural cooperation under the mandate of the Ministry of Culture. Their activities are coordinated by the Lithuanian Culture Institute. Each appointment is for a three-year term. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Estonian Minister of Defense Hanno Pevkur visited Iraq this week, where he met with Iraqi Defense Minister and President and Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, as well as commanders of the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) and the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve, Trend reports. During the meetings, Minister Pevkur announced that Estonia will conclude its contribution to Operation Inherent Resolve. During his time in Erbil, he rubbed elbows with Estonian troops stationed in Iraq, tipping his hat to them for their unwavering professionalism and dedication. The recent developments in the Middle East undoubtedly affect the fragile security environment of the region, but the situation in Iraq remains stable. This allows us to end our participation in the operation and focus next year on strengthening Estonias national defense capabilities, Pevkur said. He underscored that the operational insights acquired in Iraq have been paramount, highlighting Estonias substantial input towards enhancing regional stability throughout the years. While Estonia is set to disengage from Operation Inherent Resolve by September, it will maintain its commitment to bolster NATOs training initiative in Baghdad. As our engagement with the coalition concludes, it is evident that the dynamics of international security have a significant bearing on Estonia's national security landscape, Pevkur explained. He reiterated Estonia's unwavering dedication to the principles of collective security, emphasizing a proactive stance in evaluating support for allied partners as circumstances necessitate. During his visit, Pevkur held talks with Major General Christophe Hintzy of France, commander of NATO Mission Iraq, and U.S. Major General Kevin C. Leahy, commander of Operation Inherent Resolve, to discuss the future of both missions. Estonian forces have been operationally engaged in Operation Inherent Resolve since April 2023, providing strategic military advisers, an infantry battalion, and ancillary support units. Their responsibilities have encompassed providing strategic counsel to regional security contingents, facilitating operational force protection protocols during high-stakes visits and movements, and executing rapid response operations in proximity to Erbil Air Base. Operation Inherent Resolve, orchestrated by the United States, seeks to provide strategic advisory and operational support to Iraqi security forces in the development of a robust defense architecture designed to neutralize extremist factions and facilitate enduring stability. The NATO Mission Iraq, in parallel, facilitates the enhancement of Iraq's defense frameworks and mitigates security vulnerabilities within the broader geopolitical landscape. Estonia is presently deploying a singular personnel officer to the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) operational theater in Baghdad. Estonian forces have exhibited exemplary operational proficiency across both missions and have garnered significant esteem from command leadership, Minister Pevkur remarked. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. In a world facing increasingly complex development challenges, multilateral development banks (MDBs) are joining forces to strengthen their collective impact, said EBRD Managing Director for Central Asia and Mongolia Huseyin Ozhan in an exclusive interview with Trend. "In 2024, ten MDBs, including the EBRD, announced joint steps to work more effectively as a system and increase the impact and scale of their work to tackle urgent development challenges," he told Trend. The collaboration was formalized under a G20-endorsed roadmap for MDB reform, aimed at addressing regional issues, creating jobs, and advancing the SDGs. The EBRD also deepens bilateral ties. "We have a memorandum of understanding with the World Bank Group to enhance collaboration and respond to global challenges more effectively together," Ozhan noted. Partnerships and flagship projects The Bank works closely with peers to co-finance strategic projects. These partnerships have already delivered concrete results across Central Asia. With AIIB, the EBRD co-financed the first major public-private partnership (PPP) in the regions healthcare sector - a 630-bed multidisciplinary hospital in Kazakhstan. With the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the EBRD supported upgrades to a vital highway in Tajikistans Khatlon region. Collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has also yielded a significant impact. "We co-invested in Uzbekistans first digital bank, TBC UZ, and supported the construction of a new airport terminal in Almaty," Ozhan said. In Kazakhstan, the EBRD partnered with the Islamic Development Bank to co-finance the 66-kilometer BAKAD ring road around Almaty - the largest PPP project in the country and the wider Central Asian region. The same partnership also delivered a 200 MW solar power plant and a 501 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Uzbekistans Tashkent region. Another milestone project, jointly financed by the EBRD and ADB, is the modernisation of Almatys Combined Heat and Power Plant 2. "This project facilitates the full replacement of coal with natural gas and will result in an immediate impact on pollution and air quality," Ozhan noted. Climate finance and policy work Climate finance is also a major focus. At COP29 in Baku, MDBs issued a joint statement outlining financial commitments to support ambitious climate goals. According to Ozhan, MDBs estimate their annual collective climate financing for low- and middle-income countries will reach $120 billion by 2030 - including $42 billion for adaptation - with a goal to mobilize $65 billion from the private sector. Beyond finance, MDBs are engaging in joint policy work on issues like decarbonization, legal reform, capital market development, and privatization support. Ozhan concluded: "Through these collaborations, we are not only scaling up investment, but also strengthening institutions and creating real, lasting impact on the ground". EBRD priorities in Kazakhstan Last year, the EBRD more than tripled its annual investment volume in Kazakhstan, signing 25 projects worth 913 million euros. "The EBRD stands ready to continue the pace of its investment in Kazakhstan," he said. A central focus is the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), the so-called Middle Corridor, where Kazakhstan plays a pivotal role. "Kazakhstan should upgrade its connector roads and railways, modernise border crossings and eliminate unnecessary barriers to trade and transportation," Ozhan said. The bank is supporting state-owned and private companies providing transport and logistics services along the corridor to boost regional connectivity. The banks current five-year strategy for the country, adopted in 2022, focuses on three pillars: fostering private sector competitiveness and governance; supporting the countrys green transition; and promoting economic inclusion and gender equality. Kazakhstans ambitious National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) through 2029 - totaling over $81 billion in energy, transport, digital, and water infrastructure - is a key focus for EBRD support. "We are already actively contributing to this plan," Ozhan said, citing examples like the Aktobe wastewater treatment facility and a project with KEGOC to integrate West Kazakhstans power system into the national grid. During the recent visit of EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso to Kazakhstan in June 2025, the bank signed an agreement with KazAvtoZhol national road operator to finance the reconstruction of a 234 km section of road in Western Kazakhstan. "It will transform the single-carriageway category-II road into a dual-carriageway category-I road," Ozhan said, adding that the route is part of the strategic Western EuropeWestern China corridor. Looking ahead, the EBRD is committed to investing at least 2 billion euros over the next five years to modernize energy and utility infrastructure in Kazakhstan and mobilize further financing for these efforts. Economic outlook and investment strategy According to the EBRDs May 2025 forecasts, Kazakhstans GDP is expected to grow 4.9% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026, supported by higher oil production and fiscal stimulus. "However, weaker Chinese demand for Kazakh commodities could negatively impact growth," Ozhan cautioned. Across the wider region, Central Asia and Mongolia are projected to grow twice as fast as the EBRD average. In 2024, the Bank invested 2.26 billion euros across 121 projects in six countries. "Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are well-positioned to attract foreign direct investment and maximise its value," Ozhan said, stressing the shift from hydrocarbons to investments that create lasting value through infrastructure, SMEs, supply chains, and human capital. Green transition and water security "Every fourth inhabitant of Central Asia lacks regular access to safe drinking water," Ozhan highlighted. The EBRD recently provided a $250 million loan to Uzbekistan to modernize irrigation pumping stations. On energy, the EBRD supports renewable auctions, storage, and coal-to-gas transitions. Kazakhstan has already installed nearly 3 GW of renewable capacity, one-third financed by the EBRD. Uzbekistans first 200 MW wind project with storage is also underway. Regional connectivity and cooperation The Bank champions transport and logistics. "Central Asia will benefit greatly if all countries upgrade connector roads and railways, modernise border crossings, and remove unnecessary trade and transport barriers," Ozhan said. He welcomed growing regional cooperation under the "Central Asia 2040" strategy and cited the Kambar-Ata hydropower plant as an example of joint success. "When completed, Kambar-Ata will be one of the largest hydroelectric projects in Central Asia," he noted. EBRDs long-term commitment "Generally speaking, institutions like the EBRD work well in times of crisis. Where other investors are holding back in times of uncertainties, we step up to support economies," Ozhan said. He emphasized the Banks partnership with Kazakhstan, which joined 33 years ago. "Today, more than ever, you need long-term reliable partners, which can support your most ambitious plans both financially and intellectually. Id like to think that the EBRD is offering just that," he concluded. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, August 19. Tajik Railways has begun preliminary work on a project to electrify the 62-kilometer VahdatPakhtaobod railway line, Trend reports via the Ministry of Transport. The section connects the city of Vahdat, located 20 kilometers east of Dushanbe, with the village of Pakhtaobod on the TajikUzbek border. The ministry did not provide details on the expected timeline or cost of the project. In addition, authorities are considering the electrification of another cross-border route the KanibadamBekabad railway. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. In todays world, where economic ties play a key role in the prosperity of nations, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea provide an example of a successful and dynamic partnership. A meeting held on August 11, 2025, between Turkmenistans Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Akhmet Gurbanov and South Koreas Ambassador to Turkmenistan Ji Kyu-Taek, who is concluding his diplomatic mission, marked an important step in strengthening bilateral relations. The discussions covered a wide range of areas, including political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. Turkmenistan is demonstrating impressive economic growth, making it an increasingly attractive and reliable partner on the global stage. In 2024, the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) reached a record $64.24 billion. A consistently high growth rate, recorded at 6.3% in December 2024, underscores the stability of this development. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Turkmenistan has also grown significantly. In 2024, the country attracted $1.6 billion, ranking second among Central Asian nations in this regard. For comparison, FDI totaled $936 million in 2022. This growth reflects strong international investor interest in the Turkmen economy. Turkmenistan is a major player in the global energy market, ranking fourth in natural gas exports. In addition, the country exports oil, polymers, cotton, and textiles, while actively diversifying its export portfolio. In 2024, polymer product sales increased by 38.5%, and plastic products by 66.7%. The output of the light industry, including cotton yarn, fabrics, and finished textile products, reached approximately $200 million. Exports of agricultural products, including lentils, onions, fruits, and grapes, also grew. These figures highlight the success of Turkmenistans diversification strategy, making the country a more versatile and attractive partner for high-tech economies such as South Korea, which require a wide range of goods. The Republic of Korea, in turn, is one of the worlds leading economies, with a high level of development and significant purchasing power. An analysis of the countrys import needs shows strong alignment with Turkmenistans export potential. In 2022, South Koreas main imports included crude oil and petroleum products (14.4% of total imports, $105 billion) and mineral fuels, oils, and products of their distillation (9.47%, $64 billion). Other major import categories included plastics and articles thereof (6.02%, $41 billion) and inorganic chemical products (2.28%, $15.6 billion). The alignment of South Koreas key import categories with Turkmenistans main exports - natural gas, oil, polymers, and chemical products - demonstrates a high level of economic complementarity. As a highly industrialized country, South Korea has a constant demand for energy resources and industrial raw materials, which Turkmenistan produces and actively diversifies. Despite this strong potential, trade between Turkmenistan and South Korea remains relatively modest. In 2024, South Korea imported $37,700 worth of goods from Turkmenistan, including inorganic chemicals, essential oils, carpets, and clothing. By comparison, South Koreas total imports in October 2024 reached $54.4 billion. This gap highlights a significant untapped potential for expanding Turkmen exports. Bilateral cooperation extends beyond trade, encompassing strategic investments and innovative projects. A notable example is the Framework Cooperation Agreement on the Fourth Phase of the Galkynysh Gas Field between Turkmenistans state concern Turkmengaz and South Koreas Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd. The agreement covers the design, construction, and preparation of gas production facilities with an output of 10 billion cubic meters per year, as well as subsequent gas supply. Galkynysh is one of the worlds largest gas fields, and Hyundai Engineerings involvement in its fourth phase underscores the strategic significance of this partnership. Thus, Turkmenistan and South Korea exemplify a strategically coordinated and mutually beneficial partnership, integrating economic, trade, and technological cooperation. With its strong economic growth, substantial export potential, and successful diversification strategy, Turkmenistan is becoming increasingly attractive to foreign investors. South Korea, as a highly industrialized economy with continuous demand for energy resources and industrial materials, sees Turkmenistan as a reliable supplier and strategic partner. Although current bilateral trade volumes remain relatively small, the potential for growth is enormous. The alignment of Turkmenistans export potential with South Koreas import needs presents unique opportunities for expanding supplies, investments, and joint innovative projects. The convergence of the two countries national priorities - economic growth, diversification, and stable resource supply - creates a synergistic effect, paving the way for expanded trade, strengthened strategic partnership, and the development of new areas of economic and technological integration. In the long term, this cooperation has the potential not only to enhance mutual economic benefits but also to strengthen the global positions of both Turkmenistan and South Korea, creating a model of successful and dynamic international partnership for countries with complementary economic interests. Photo: Information portal of the First Vice-President of Iran BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. The railway line linking Iran, Azerbaijan, and Armenia could play a key role in transit between the three countries and Europe, said Irans Minister of Roads and Urban Development Farzaneh Sadegh, as she spoke with journalists in Yerevan, Trend reports. She noted that Iran already has a railway up to Jolfa, and it has been confirmed that the line will be extended from Nakhchivan to Yerevan. The minister stressed that connecting the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea is strategically important for the region. Sadegh added that Iran and Armenia have reached a preliminary agreement on building a second bridge at Nurduz on the border, upgrading the existing bridge and terminals, and revising truck tariffs. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, August 19. German Ambassador-designate to Pakistan Ina Lepel met with Ambassador of Turkmenistan Atamurat Movlamov at the Turkmen Embassy in Islamabad on August 18, Trend reports via the Embassy of Turkmenistan. During the meeting, the diplomats exchanged views on regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening stability, peace, and cooperation in the region. Ambassador Movlamov brought the German side up to speed on Turkmenistans key infrastructure and energy projects, including ventures with Pakistan and Afghanistan, shining a light on their potential to drive economic growth and strengthen regional ties. Lepel underlined the strategic importance of Turkmenistans projects and noted that German companies are considering opportunities to participate in their implementation. The talks concluded with both sides expressing interest in expanding bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation between Turkmenistan and Germany. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 19. Deputy Minister of Transport Ilkhomjon Abdugafarov met with a team of international consultants from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) led by Ki-Joon Kim, Head of the Urban Transport Planning and Intelligent Transport Systems Group, Trend reports via the Ministry. The discourse centered around the assessment of the prevailing condition of digital transportation frameworks, leveraging insights derived from datasets amassed during antecedent engagements by the ADB delegation. Officials engaged in a comprehensive analysis of potential synergies for collaborative efforts in executing strategic initiatives focused on enhancing digital transformation and optimizing public transportation infrastructure within the nation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel KIEV, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine on Monday confirmed its forces carried out an overnight strike on the Nikolskoe oil pumping station in Russia's Tambov region. The attack caused a complete halt to oil pumping through the Druzhba pipeline, said a statement released by the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It described the Nikolskoe facility as part of Russia's economic infrastructure, which is involved in supplying the Russian army. The strike followed Ukraine's reported attack last week on the Unecha oil pumping station, located in Russia's Bryansk region and also part of the Druzhba network, a large international oil pipeline system that transports Russian oil to Central and Eastern Europe. While the European Union imposed certain restrictions on oil imports from Russia due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Druzhba pipeline has been exempted from the sanctions. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 19. Experts from the Social Fund of Kyrgyzstan and the Off-Budget Pension Fund under the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan held talks in Tashkent, Trend reports via the Social Fund. Subsequent to the deliberations, the stakeholders reached a consensus on preliminary accords pertaining to state social insurance and pension provisioning, in conjunction with a governance framework for their operationalization. The documentation was calibrated in accordance with prevailing national statutes, and the configurations of supplementary documents were likewise synchronized. The accords are designed to facilitate equitable entitlements for the citizenry of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan concerning pension disbursements and social insurance provisions, while concurrently mitigating the risk of dual remittance of insurance contributions. Essential stipulations encompass the acknowledgment of insurance tenures accrued in both jurisdictions for pension qualification; the unmediated disbursement of pensions to nationals irrespective of their domicile, devoid of any deduction for delivery expenses; and regulations governing secondment and term extensions to circumvent dual contributions. The execution of the accords is anticipated to fortify bilateral dynamics and facilitate expansive socio-economic synergies, particularly in the realm of significant infrastructural undertakings like the ChinaKyrgyzstanUzbekistan railway initiative. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, August 19. Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan Zavqizoda Zavqi Amin met with the newly appointed Ambassador of China to Tajikistan, Guo Zhijun, to discuss the expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, Trend reports, citing the Ministry. Minister Zavqizoda congratulated the Chinese diplomat on his appointment and emphasized that under the leadership of President Emomali Rahmon and Chinese President Xi Jinping, relations between the two countries have reached a qualitatively new level of strategic partnership. The ministry reports that the bilateral trade turnover between Tajikistan and China experienced a substantial uptick of 37 percent in the first half of 2025, culminating in a total of $1.2 billion. The stakeholders engaged in a comprehensive analysis of avenues for enhancing Chinese capital influx, centering the dialogue on the initiation of 13 strategic initiatives delineated in accordance with President Rahmons directives. Both parties articulated a willingness to enhance economic synergies and guarantee the prompt execution of the established initiatives. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Kyrgyzstans industrial output grows in 1H2025 Kyrgyzstan's industrial firms produced $4.1 billion in January-July 2025, up 11.3% from the previous year. With 18.5% of the economy, the industry contributed 1.95 basis points to GDP growth. Production of food and drinks, textiles, petroleum products, chemical products, pharmaceuticals, rubber, plastics, and building materials boosted manufacturing to $3.1 billion. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register Iran reduces imports from Kyrgyzstan in first half Irans imports from Kyrgyzstan dropped by more than a third in both value and volume over the first four months of the current Iranian year, totaling roughly $830,000 for about 540 tons of goods. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a 68.2 million euro loan to support new urban infrastructure in Chisinau, Moldova, Trend reports. The financing will be complemented by a 1.9 million euro investment grant and backed by the European Union, which will share part of the projects risk. Chisinau, home to around 800,000 people, faces growing congestion and pollution due to rapid urbanisation. To ease the pressure, city authorities plan to develop three new urban areas on the outskirts of the capital, equipped with modern, sustainable amenities. The project will improve infrastructure for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users, and people with disabilities. By expanding facilities for public and shared mobility, it aims to reduce reliance on private cars and cut emissions. Plans also include a wetland park at La Izvor Parks Lake 4 to boost biodiversity and climate resilience. The initiative forms part of Chisinaus Green Cities Action Plan, which sets targets for sustainable transport and climate mitigation. It is also classified as Gender SMART, integrating womens perspectives into urban design. The EBRD has invested more than 2.5 billion euros in 183 projects in Moldova to date, making it a leading institutional investor in the country. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 19. First Deputy Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan Mamanbiy Omarov met with Vinny Wei, World Bank Infrastructure Team Leader for Central Asia, to discuss proposals for further improvement of the countrys transport system, Trend reports via the Ministry. During the convening, World Bank experts delineated strategic recommendations, and both parties engaged in a discourse regarding significant current and prospective initiatives. Conversations centered around optimizing transport infrastructure, leveraging digital transformation within the sector, enhancing interconnectivity among metropolitan hubs, advancing urban micromobility solutions, and upskilling transport professionals, particularly in the realm of bus operations. The discussions highlighted Uzbekistan's strategic dedication to the modernization of its transportation infrastructure, leveraging global expertise and collaborative support mechanisms. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf met today with Mikael Kruse, Partner at Arthur D. Little and Global Head of Energy, Utilities, and Resources, Trend reports. The meeting focused on the companys diverse activities in the energy sector and its strategic projects in Azerbaijan and abroad. The discussion also covered innovative management models, operational optimization, and ways to boost competitiveness in the energy industry. During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the energy transition, digitalization, the use of artificial intelligence in the industry, the development of renewable energy, and other topics of mutual interest, the statement said. Kazakhstan intends comprehensive LPG transport tariff revision for consumer protection Photo: Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan The Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan is reviewing LPG transportation tariffs to stabilize the domestic market amid rising costs. At a meeting led by Vice Minister Alibek Zhamauov, officials agreed on the need for a comprehensive regulatory approach. Since early 2025, transportation costs have risen significantly, affecting retail gas prices. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, August 19. Secretary of the Security Council of the Kyrgyz Republic, Baktybek Bekbolotov, met today with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India, Birender Singh Yadav, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz President's press service. The officials engaged in a discourse aimed at enhancing synergistic collaboration across multifaceted domains, including trade, economic frameworks, cultural exchanges, and humanitarian initiatives. The convening also encompassed a discourse on prevailing regional security dynamics, underscoring the dedication of both nations to synergistic collaboration on issues of shared significance. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, August 19. A delegation from Uzbekistan, headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov, is set to hit the road for official visits to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Qatar from August 19 through 21, Trend reports via Uzbek MFA. During the visit, the delegation is poised to engage in high-level negotiations with governmental stakeholders and convene with executives from premier enterprises in both nations, with the objective of fortifying bilateral relations and identifying avenues for economic and trade synergies. Uzbekistan has been strategically enhancing its bilateral engagements with Gulf nations, emphasizing sectors such as capital infusion, energy diversification, and commercial exchange. In recent years, Bahrain and Qatar have engaged in synergistic economic forums and collaborative projects with Uzbekistan, underscoring an escalating partnership in the realms of finance, infrastructure, and technological innovation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel CANBERRA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- With under six months until Australia enforces strict social media age limits, experts emphasize the crucial role of parental guidance in online safety. Parents and schools must keep discussing privacy, digital behavior, and risks like bullying, grooming, sexting, and artificial intelligence deepfakes with children, University of South Australia (UniSA) Associate Professor Lesley-Anne Ey said Tuesday, quoted by a UniSA statement. From Dec. 10, 2025, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, Snapchat, and YouTube must take "reasonable steps" to block users under 16 in Australia, aiming to protect children from harmful content. However, Ey said legislation alone isn't enough, adding that digital literacy, not just warnings or delayed access, is vital for safety. "Because children's brains are still developing, they often act on impulse without considering the consequences," she said, adding that children tend to take risks assuming they're safe, but they aren't, so they need protective strategies. Ey said age-appropriate tools, trained parents and teachers, and open communication for support are required to allow children to "thrive safely in a digital world that will only keep growing." Photo: Official website of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. On August 19, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Trend reports. The distinguished guest conveyed sincere greetings and best wishes from Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The issues of further development of Uzbek-Pakistani relations, multifaceted cooperation and strategic partnership in the context of implementing the agreements reached during the visit of the Pakistani Prime Minister to Uzbekistan in February this year were discussed. The intensification of mutual contacts and exchanges at various levels was noted with satisfaction. Since the beginning of the year, trade turnover has increased by 23 percent, cargo transportation - by 50 percent. Trading houses have been opened in the cities of Karachi and Lahore. The frequency of direct flights has increased. The issues of practical cooperation in the military and military-technical spheres, as well as in the field of combating modern challenges and threats to security were considered. Special attention was paid to the earliest practical implementation of the provisions of the signed trilateral agreement on the Trans-Afghan railway project. A hundred-billion-euro gamble is teetering on the edge, with Paris and Berlin locked in a tug-of-war for control. The Future Combat Air System (FCAS), Europes much-touted sixth-generation fighter jet and integrated air-combat network, was supposed to be the crown jewel of the continents push for strategic autonomy. It was billed as the answer to Americas F-35, Chinas stealth programs, and Japans partnership with Britain and Italy. Instead, the project has become a symbol of Europes inability to keep its defense ambitions from being hijacked by national rivalries. The rift is hardly new. Paris and Berlin have long sparred over how far Europe should go in relying on its own defense industry. The latest flashpoint came when Germany opted to buy weapons for Ukraine from U.S. firmsa move France blasted as a betrayal of the Buy European principle. That dispute pales in comparison to the bitter fight now raging over FCAS itself. On paper, Dassault Aviation of France, Airbus Defence and Space of Germany, and Spains Indra are supposed to be equal partners. In practice, Paris has called most of the shots. Now France is pressing for a larger stake in the programone that would give it veto power over exports. In Berlin, that looks less like cooperation and more like an attempt to lock in French dominance over Europes most important defense project. The politics are impossible to ignore. Germany has inched closer to Washington in recent years, stoking French doubts about its reliability. If Boeing pushes its own sixth-generation platform onto the market, will Berlin hold the line for FCASor fold under American pressure? The original missionleapfrogging the U.S. in air-combat technologyalready feels diluted. The numbers are staggering: more than 100 billion by 2040. FCAS isnt just a plane. Its a whole war-fighting ecosystemmanned jets working in tandem with drones, cloud-based battle management, artificial intelligence coordinating every move. The vision is bold: Europe not just catching up, but setting the pace in military aviation. But the projects history shows how fragile that vision is. Britain, once part of the conversation, walked away to team up with Italy and Japan on the rival Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)a venture that, by most accounts, is moving faster. Instead of unity, Europe may end up with competing flagship projects, each jealously guarded by its own national champions. The fate of FCAS is bigger than one aircraft. Its a stress test for Europes entire defense integration project. If Paris and Berlin cant hold this together, the continent risks losing not just billions, but also the credibility of its claim to genuine strategic independence. The cracks go back years. As early as 2021, French officials worried their leadership role would be diluted if Germany and Spain commanded most of the orders. That same year, a classified German defense ministry report bluntly warned that Frances dominant position risked turning FCAS into a Rafale 2.0 financed by German and Spanish budgets. Those words summed up a deeper mistrust that has only hardened with time. The promise of FCAS was to showcase Europes ability to stand on its own in a dangerous world. Instead, it has become a mirror reflecting the continents divisionsand a warning of just how costly they could be. What was meant to be a showcase of Europes strategic autonomy has devolved into a bare-knuckle fight for control. France, officially sharing the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) with Germany and Spain as an equal partner, is maneuvering for dominance. Berlin is growing increasingly resentful, seeing Pariss ambitions as a bid to bend the entire venture to the interests of Dassault Aviation. And France has a powerful tool at its disposal: the fine print of the 2019 Aachen Treaty, which allows Paris to block arms exports if they threaten its national interests. Germany, meanwhile, looks less and less like an independent player. Its tilt toward Washingtonunderscored by Berlins decision to buy American weapons for Ukrainehas only deepened French suspicion. The obvious question is: whats to stop Germany from eventually throwing its weight behind Boeings sixth-generation fighter project? Could FCAS end up hostage to the shifting winds of American politics? On paper, the program is breathtaking: more than 100 billion in investment, a multirole fighter at the center, surrounded by drones, cloud-based systems, and artificial intelligence to choreograph aerial combat. But the bigger the vision, the sharper the clash of interests. Dassault, Airbus Defence and Space, and Spains Indra are still technically in the same boat, but each is rowing toward its own priorities. Europe has been here before. Joint defense dreams have often collapsed under the weight of national egos. Britain once sat at the FCAS table, toobefore peeling off to launch the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with Italy and Japan, a project that experts now say is pulling ahead of FCAS. Which means the current squabble between Paris and Berlin isnt just Brussels-style bureaucracyits a barometer of how fragile Europes very notion of military autonomy really is. The roots of todays crisis stretch back to 2021, when the first public rifts opened. Paris feared that Germany and Spain combined could control two-thirds of the contracts, effectively sidelining France as project leader. A classified German defense ministry report that year was blunt: Frances dominant position, it warned, threatened to turn FCAS into a Rafale-Plus funded by German and Spanish budgets rather than a truly joint, next-gen system. The mistrust baked into those words has only deepened since. Right now, FCAS is in the phase of locking down core technologies and preparing for a demonstrator. Roughly 3.2 billion has been earmarked for this stage, which is supposed to wrap by summer 2026. If the timeline holds, a working prototype should be ready by 2029. But even now the question hangs in the air: can the partners actually make it that far together? In France, hints are growing louder that the country may go it alone if the three-way arrangement collapses. Lawmakers have started asking outright: Can we do this on our own? Dassault CEO Eric Trappier told parliament this spring that equal work-share rules are choking progress. FCAS, he argued, is built around tight integration of fighter and dronessomething that requires centralized leadership. If no one is clearly in charge, coordination is simply impossible, he warned. French defense minister Sebastien Lecornu was just as blunt in the National Assembly: We need an honest conversation about leadership. Building a fighter with three countries is incredibly difficult. In Berlin, those remarks landed like a power grab. Germanys aerospace industry association, BDLI, accused France of dressing up naked ambition as cooperation. The clash has spilled far beyond boardrooms and trade groups. FCAS is now a political symbol, debated at the highest levels of government. On July 24, at Villa Borsig on Lake Tegel, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Emmanuel Macron agreed to task their defense ministers with drafting a realistic outlook for the project by the end of August. The plan is slated for presentation at a joint Franco-German cabinet meeting in Toulon on August 2829, with final decisions expected before years end. German defense minister Boris Pistorius tried to calm the waters during a meeting with Lecornu in Osnabruck. I am convinced that European defense can only be strengthened through close Franco-German cooperation, he insisted. But in practice, Paris and Berlin are drifting ever further apart in their very definition of what a joint project actually means. Whether France and Germany can ultimately hammer out a deal on FCAS remains an open question. And its not just about technical specsits about fundamentally different political and economic strategies. The arrival of Chancellor Friedrich Merz has only underscored the split. For Emmanuel Macron, FCAS is a pillar of strategic autonomy, a symbol of Europe cutting the cord from Washington. For Berlin, the slogan of gradual independence from the U.S. is more diplomatic varnish than actual policy. In practice, Germany is drawing ever closer to Americafrom trade arrangements with the EU to buying U.S.-made weapons for Ukraine. France hasnt exactly cooled tempers either. Paris is insisting the new jet be built in a carrier-capable version for its own navy. For Germany, which doesnt operate carriers, thats a non-issue. Even more sensitive is the nuclear question: FCASs ability to carry Frances nuclear payload. Its almost never discussed in public, but it looms as perhaps the single biggest obstacle to compromise. Its worth recalling how FCAS was born. The idea first took shape in Donald Trumps early years, when European governments were desperate to shore up independence from Washingtonnot only in politics, but in defense technology and supply chains. But since then, the landscape has shifted. Germanys defense industry is now more deeply embedded in the American ecosystem than ever before. The F-35 purchase was a case in point. Berlin ordered the Lockheed Martin fighter but insisted on some local production. Rheinmetall, based in Dusseldorf, secured a major share of that work. Yet more than a third of Rheinmetalls stock is in North American hands. The company is expanding its U.S. partnerships, further entrenching reliance on American capital and technology. Airbus, the cornerstone of Germanys role in FCAS, is on a similar track. Its partnerships with American giantsfrom Northrop Grumman to Kratosrun deep. Just this July, Airbus and Kratos launched a joint drone program. And in Arlington, Virginia, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense has been operating for nearly half a century, embedded in projects with the Pentagon, DARPA, NASA, and other agencies. Dassault Aviation, by contrast, is far less entangled with the U.S. defense complex. Two-thirds owned by the Dassault family through Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault, the companys dealings with Lockheed Martin are minorflight simulators and training gear. Unlike Airbus, it has no U.S. subsidiaries and no stake in Americas defense architecture. Thats precisely why Paris insists on taking the lead: France sees FCAS as a last chance to keep control over critical technologies and prevent the program from being diluted into yet another extension of American interests. Against this backdrop, even if Macron and Merz make good on their promise to present a realistic outlook for FCAS by the end of 2025, the core contradictions wont go away. FCAS isnt just an airplaneits a mirror reflecting the split between France and Germanys strategic worldviews. At the heart of the dispute is the question of whether to share key technologies or keep them under lock and key. France made its position clear early on: it will not hand over its crown jewels wholesale. That was already the spark of a bruising 2021 clash between Dassault and Airbus. Berlin demanded access to critical systems; Paris insisted some stay sealed in a black box. For France, this isnt just policyits history. Back in the 1980s, Dassault walked away from the Eurofighter project, choosing instead to build the Rafale on its own. That tension was laid bare in recent comments by Jean-Brice Dumont, head of Airbus Defense and Space. Switching from one partner to another, he admitted, is fraught: today youre guarding intellectual property, tomorrow youre expected to hand it over in full. Airbus is used to a culture of shared technology. Dassault is not. This clash of philosophiesAirbuss openness versus Dassaults tight gripis the central drama of FCAS. Its hard to ignore the fact that Dassault holds the stronger hand. The Rafale has become a global best-sellerfrom India and Indonesia to the UAE, Egypt, and Serbiaits export demand steady and robust. That success is more than a commercial coup; its a political tool in Frances arsenal. Against that backdrop, its hardly surprising that many in Paris are asking: why risk diluting control in a joint venture when Dassault could simply chart its own course and keep all the export spoils for itself? The arrival of new players has only made things messier. In 2024, Belgium was granted observer status and access to FCAS program data. Officially, this was explained as a response to procurement hiccups with Lockheed Martins F-35. Unofficially, it was a gambit to keep Brussels tethered to Europe. Dassault bristled. CEO Eric Trappier went public, saying Belgiums simultaneous buy-in to F-35 made its role in FCAS a farce. Belgian defense minister Theo Francken fired back, insisting that as a NATO and EU member, his country didnt need lectures from arrogant industrialists. That sharp exchange fuels an uncomfortable suspicion: is Dassault itself maneuvering to derail FCAS? From a purely economic standpoint, the logic is clear. The company is thriving without the program, and if it pivots to building its own sixth-generation jet, it would secure near-monopoly control of exportswithout Brussels-style bureaucracy and endless negotiations tying its hands. This makes the fight over data-sharing more than a technical squabble. Its a litmus test: either Europe moves toward a shared defense identity built on mutual trust, or it backslides into national projects where each country prioritizes its own interests and profits. With its powerhouse export portfolio, Dassault could well be the catalyst for such a pivot. In the end, money is the decisive factor. Even if France doesnt bolt from the consortium, the financial burden will dictate the programs trajectory. Technologically, Paris could pull it off alone. Economically, its a backbreaker. The official figure of roughly 100 billion through development is already seen less as a serious estimate and more as a political compromise. Greenpeace puts the real price tag into sobering perspective. Counting the full life cycle, the bill wont be in tens of billions but in trillions. Analysts warn that operational costsusually understated in early projectionsmake up the lions share. By 2070, the total outlay could hit between 1.1 and 2 trillion. For defense contractors, that spells windfall profits. For European taxpayers, crushing debt. Spain has already made a symbolic move: rejecting the F-35 and committing instead to either the Eurofighter or FCAS. That decision gave the project a political boost but did nothing to answer the toughest question: who will shoulder the bulk of the costs? Berlin has tried to tie FCASs fate to another flagship joint venture with France: the MGCS tank program, in which Rheinmetall plays the lead role. German defense minister Boris Pistorius declared on July 24 that both FCAS and MGCS should symbolize Franco-German partnership rather than fall prey to national egoism. He stressed Berlins full and unanimous support for both initiatives. But words are cheap. In practice, both FCAS and MGCS are wobbling on the brink. If France this timeunlike in the 1980schooses to stay in the joint program, the decisive factor will be Germanys willingness to fund it without caveats. Berlin is poised to massively ramp up defense spending in the coming years. Whether it commits those resources will determine if FCAS becomes the emblem of European technological independenceor just another grand ambition that never made it off the drawing board. Baku Network BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. Sophie Lagoutte has become the Ambassador of France to Azerbaijan, the French embassy wrote on its page on X, Trend reports. Lagoutte, in turn, also shared a publication on this matter. "It is a great honor for me to serve France, our interests and compatriots as ambassador to Azerbaijan. I will fulfill this position, continuing the path of Anne Boillon. Together with the team of the French embassy in Azerbaijan, I look forward to the opportunity to further develop Franco-Azerbaijani relations in this region, which is of strategic importance for our country and the European Union," the diplomat noted. BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 19. US President Donald Trump said he has begun preparations for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump wrote on Truth Social, Trend reports. "I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," he noted. Directed by Gunter Atteln He is the most performed contemporary composer in the world. Nevertheless, he also rarely ventures out in public, keeps quiet about his music, feels at home in the forests of Estonia and generates therewith perhaps involuntarily the impression of a recluse, which is attributed to him again and again: Arvo Part. The Estonian composer, who will celebrate his 90th birthday on September 11, 2025, verily exudes even solely by his appearance an aura of a mystic or an ascetic. He himself says: "I am no prophet, no cardinal, not a monk, not even a vegetarian." But he is without a doubt a devout man, who has been a member of the Russian Orthodox Church since 1970, and under pressure from the Soviet apparatus of power was forced to leave his native Estonia in 1980. Via Vienna he arrived in Berlin, which for the next 30 years would become his second home and also the starting point for his international career. "The Lost Paradise" is the first international documentary about Arvo Part. It is quite an astonishment that such a shy artist has given his consent to be accompanied by a camera for an entire year: In his native Estonia, travelling to Germany, Italy, and Japan, where Part received the Praemium Imperiale, the world's most prestigious award in the field of music, in October 2014. The film is framed by the identically named stage production "Adam's Passion," featuring three key works by Arvo Part, which American director Robert Wilson brought to the stage in May 2015 in a former submarine factory, the "Noblessner Foundry" in Tallinn. (Senderinfo) Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it. I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends. More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it. The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity. About me: I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS. Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line). Age: 42 Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed. I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it). BERLIN, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to meet within two weeks. He made the remarks during a press conference after attending a multilateral meeting at the White House, where U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Zelensky and other European leaders to address the Ukraine crisis. "It's a good meeting," Merz said on social platform X, but cautioned that the subsequent steps would be more complex. "We must put pressure on Russia," Merz wrote, reiterating that "there must be a ceasefire before further talks." Ahead of the talks, Merz said he "can't imagine" another round of meetings without a ceasefire, noting that a ceasefire is needed before serious negotiations can begin. Trump, however, has repeatedly said that a ceasefire is not necessary to solve the crisis. "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 oftentimes do not hold up," Trump wrote on his social platform Truth Social on Saturday. Free bookbags, a bounce house, and a marching band created a festive atmosphere Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Fourth Annual Back-to-School Bash, helping Baltimore families start a new school year on the right foot. A volunteer at the Fourth Annual Back-to-School Bash searches for a school uniform size for an event attendee. Smiling faces of children and parents beamed outside of Booker T. Washington Middle School for the Arts and Renaissance Academy in the Madison Park and Upton neighborhoods, where the University of Maryland School of Social Work Center for Restorative Change (UMSSW CRC), Bethel AME Church, and partners distributed nearly anything a child will need for their first day of school and beyond. Baltimores DJ Shaq spun the turntable to get the dancing going before the Elevation Marching Unit performed to help close out the day. We're having a good time. We're dancing together like, how often do you get to dance with the people that you work with, whether those are your actual coworkers or community member? said Oprah Keyes, MSW, LCSW-C, director of strategic partnerships for Promise Heights at the UMSSW CRC. The host schools, Booker T. Washington Middle/Renaissance Academy, are partner schools in the Promise Heights, Positive Schools Center and The Next Generation Scholars of Maryland programs in Upton/Druid Heights. Its part of a larger scope of work that provides a pipeline for families and their children from cradle to career with the help of UMSSW faculty and staff. We may provide resources, but we also recognize that students and families are the resource themselves, said Cassandra James, MSW, assistant director of community schools and postsecondary readiness at UMSSW CRC. They are providing so much of what it is that we also need to learn more about them because they are the experts on their lives. Nonprofit Synergy distributed free backpacks, clothing, and kitchen items. Families could pick up free school uniforms, a free boxed lunch from Hungry Harvest, fresh vegetables and more food to take home from the Maryland Food Bank, a free snowball from Ice Queens, in addition to notebooks, coloring pencils, and the usual school supplies. About 20 community organizations, including several service programs housed in the CRCs home nearby at 940 Madison Ave., were on site to connect families to resources. The block party allows for a certain level of comfortability to sometimes ask some questions that folks may not always feel comfortable to ask, Keyes said. That included Family Connections Baltimore, which offers three-, six-, and nine-month programs to provide case management, clinical services, advocacy, and financial assistance for families. Family Connections Baltimore is not just focused on the child but the whole family unit, said Stacey J. Wilson, LCSW-C, associate professor at UMSSW and lead trainer/clinician/field instructor at Family Connections Baltimore. We believe a healthy family means a healthy community. Getting a child ready for school can be expensive. Depending on the survey, and the grade of the child, parents are estimated to spend between $600 and $900 per child on back-to-school supplies this year. The National Retail Federations survey pegs that at nearly $860 per K-12 student, factoring in clothing, shoes, supplies, and electronics or computer-related equipment. Shawnell Booker, a member of Bethel AME Church who helped with the event, brought her 3-year-old daughter Amore Martin, picking up school supplies including Amores favorite: crayons. For Booker, it was amazing to see the breadth of services and supplies offered. Uniforms are so expensive. We offer free uniforms you dont have to pay anything. You can just come up and get a uniform in your childs size. Its the best thing here, Booker said. Now that families are better equipped for the start of Baltimore City Public Schools on Monday, theres only one left thing to do. Do your best! Thats all I can say: Do your best! said Lezley Lewis, MEd, assistant director of the Rise Early Learning and Family Support Center. UMass Lowell students put their education to work this summer through paid career-connected experiences that prepare them for life after graduation. Whether they were building advanced simulations in Silicon Valley, drafting grant proposals in Lowell or interning with a global leadership program overseas, students were applying classroom learning in real-world settings and gaining insights into potential career paths. Heres a look at how UMass Lowell students from a range of majors spent the summer building skills while earning money to help pay for their education: Computer Science Major Lands Co-op at AI Powerhouse Nvidia Nvidia, the tech giant whose chips are the backbone of the artificial intelligence revolution, takes its name from the Latin word invidia, which means envy. Its safe to say that computer science major Jessica Vus co-op at Nvidias Silicon Valley headquarters is the envy of college students everywhere. A rising senior in the Kennedy College of Sciences, Vu landed an eight-month co-op at the $3.4 trillion company, which is running neck-and-neck with Microsoft and Apple for the title of Most Valuable Company in the World. Image by courtesy Rising senior computer science major Jessica Vu spent eight months on co-op at Nvidia's headquarters in Santa Clara, California. Pharmaceutical Sciences Major Interns in Armenias Biotech Sector Its crazy to think that Im here, says Vu, who moved in January to Santa Clara, California, for the co-op. She was part of the performance engineering team for Nvidias DriveSim platform, its simulator for developing and validating autonomous vehicle technologies. She also built automation tools to streamline and scale those processes.Automation is the most valuable skill Ive learned, she says. Anything you do can be automated, so having that skill opens new career opportunities for me.Vu got to attend company-wide meetings at which CEO Jensen Huang shared Nvidias vision for the future of AI and beyond.Those are the kind of talks you dont get to hear outside the company, says Vu, who sees the co-op as more than a resume-builder.Its taught me that you have to be continuously learning, even outside of class, she says. In tech, especially in software, you have to update your knowledge every day, because there's always new tools and new frameworks. For Levon Markosyan, a summer internship in Armenia offered more than just professional experience in the pharmaceutical industry it was a way to foster a connection with his cultural roots. The pharmaceutical sciences major secured the internship through the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Global Leadership Program. The initiative hosts high-achieving university students of Armenian descent who display strong leadership characteristics. Image by courtesy Levon Markosyan, a rising junior pharmaceutical sciences major, landed a summer internship at PharmaTech in Armenia's capital city of Yerevan. Markosyan worked for six weeks at PharmaTech, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company based in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia. "I was entrusted with real responsibilities that gave me a firsthand understanding of how a pharmaceutical company functions on an international scale and given an intimate look at many things that are crucial to operations, says Markosyan, a rising junior from Newton. I learned how to navigate professional environments where precision and accountability are non-negotiable. He worked alongside quality assurance professionals to ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), helped draft data protection protocols to meet evolving regulatory standards and assisted in developing cold storage validation procedures tasks that placed him at the intersection of compliance, innovation and operational efficiency. The AGBU Global Leadership Program also offered opportunities for students to engage with Armenian culture. Markosyan took part in guided historical tours, excursions into rural communities and leadership seminars. "AGBU made sure that in addition to working, we were getting exposed to the life and culture in Armenia while making friends that will last a lifetime," he says. "From the people I met to the places I visited and all the history I was exposed to along the way, I left with a deeper sense of pride in Armenia's heritage and a better understanding of where the country is headed." Political Science Major Supports Nonprofit in Worcester Thanks to a $4,000 Immersive Scholarship, honors political science major Nadia Eshun interned this summer at a nonprofit that helps people in her hometown of Worcester build better lives for themselves. Eshun, a rising sophomore, sought the internship with the Safe Exit Initiative, which helps people exit the sex trade, because she wants to learn more about how nonprofits operate. The organization offers a day shelter, full-service shelter, and outreach and support services. Image by courtesy Nadia Eshun, a rising sophomore political science major, used a $4,000 Immersive Scholarship to intern at the nonprofit Safe Exit Initiative in Worcester this summer. Business Major Builds Communications Skills at UMass Presidents Office I really care about the people in my community, Eshun says. Theres an increasing homeless population, a lot of substance abuse and a high immigrant population.Eshun isnt sure yet what she wants to do with her degree in political science, with a focus on political communication and public opinion. But she knows that she enjoys advocacy and outreach work, and she has been intrigued with Safe Exit since high school.In America, theyre one of the only organizations that does what they do. I wanted to see how they do it, Eshun says. My big question was, How do nonprofits even get money?At Safe Exit, she learned by working with the fundraising team. She also helped put together kits to test street drugs for fentanyl and xylazine and sorted donated clothing, shoes and handbags.In the donation room, the women sometimes open up about their lives. That, too, was a learning experience, Eshun says.The stories Ive heard, its a lot, she says. When Governor Maura Healey announced a $400 million initiative to support research in Massachusetts, business major Meghan Dearing was there at the State House, capturing social media content for UMass President Marty Meehan 78. As a communications intern for the UMass Presidents Office in downtown Boston, Dearing has had an unexpected front-row seat to state politics. Image by courtesy Business major Meghan Dearing will continue her communications internship with the UMass President's Office during her senior year. Ive learned just how closely connected we are as a public university with the state, says Dearing, who is from Dracut, Massachusetts. Thats whats really unique about this internship: Ive probably been to the State House more times this summer than most people have in their lives.Dearings paid, full-time summer internship will continue part time through her senior year, allowing her to grow her skills in strategy and storytelling while completing her double concentration inand management . She also serves as president of the Marketing Society. Having that hands-on work experience is so different from being in a classroom or reading a textbook, says Dearing, whose work includes scheduling content, writing posts that amplify faculty and student achievements, updating web content and analyzing system-wide data across the five UMass campuses and the UMass School of Law. Its a dream to be in college and have a job in Boston, says Dearing, who hopes to pursue a career in brand marketing or public relations, blending strategy, creativity and communication. Shes also learning the programming languages Python and R to strengthen her digital skill set. I never thought I would like communications this much, she says. But the writing and research really interest me. I want to manage the big picture someday not just post on social, but lead the strategy behind it. Engineering Majors Take Flight with GE Aerospace Internships Nearly 75 students packed the room when GE Aerospace visited UMass Lowell last October to recruit summer interns. In the end, three were chosen for product definition engineer internships: Andrew Bonczek, Zachary Muniz and Ethan Norton all rising senior mechanical engineering majors and all members of the UMass Lowell Rocketry Club. Their paid 13-week internships at GE Aerospaces headquarters in Lynn provided hands-on experience supporting the design and documentation for military and commercial aircraft engines and components. The students were primarily responsible for updating technical drawings and creating 3D CAD (computer-aided design) models. Image by courtesy Rising senior mechanical engineering majors, from left, Ethan Norton, Zachary Muniz and Andrew Bonczek spent the summer as product definition engineers at GE Aerospace in Lynn. Nursing Major Advances Nonprofit Mission Through Grant Writing Thestudents felt well-prepared for the work.It was shocking how quickly I was able to pick things up, says Bonczek, anstudent from Westford. Not because it wasnt technical, but because I have so much experience working with this type of thing at UMass Lowell. I was able to apply it pretty seamlessly.Muniz, who worked primarily on turboprop and turboshaft components found in propeller planes and helicopter engines, embraced the challenge of learning about advanced mechanical systems.It was very heavy on the documentation, but they were also very good about getting us up to speed on some more advanced CAD practices, says Muniz, who is from Foxborough.Norton worked in the tooling department, using CAD software to design and manufacture the specialized tools and equipment used in the production of jet engines.For as long as I can remember, I always loved anything that flies, says Norton, who is from Reading. Interning at GE was a great opportunity to gain some knowledge in the aerospace field and get my foot in the door.While they contributed to different parts of the workflow at GE, the trio sat near each other and were in regular contact throughout the week.It was nice to have some of my buddies on the floor there with me, says Muniz.Co-op should be required for mechanical engineers. Its probably one of the greatest things you can do for professional development, Norton says. Learning theory in classes is great, but experiencing how an actual workplace will be in engineering and getting the experience that you can actually talk about when applying for jobs is huge. Honors nursing major Emerson Tullys grant writing internship at Refuge Art School in Lowell was supposed to be a one-semester thing. But once you go to Refuge, you cant leave, Tully says of the nonprofit organization that provides art education, mentorship and leadership development to young people in the community. Coming to Refuge was probably my favorite part of the week. Image by Ed Brennen Rising sophomore nursing major Emerson Tully's love of writing drew her to the grant writing internship at Refuge Art School. So when Tullys paid internship funded by a $2,500 grant from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation was over at the end of her first year at UMass Lowell, she looked for a way to continue working there during the summer.She found it with the Moloney Student Scholar Program , which provides up to $2,500 in financial support to full-time UMass Lowell students who land unpaid internships with nonprofits or government agencies.Im glad that I found the Moloney Scholarship when I did. I appreciate what Refuge does, and I want to help them as much as I can, says Tully, who spends 10 hours a week at the schools Western Avenue Studios location, researching and assessing funding opportunities and writing grant proposals.Grant writing is a more persuasive type of writing, which I love. Instead of just stating facts about Refuge, you can add a voice, which makes a big difference, says Tully, who helped the organization secure $45,000 in grant funding from about a dozen sources during her spring semester internship.Tully, a first-generation college student from Malden, doesnt plan to give up her work at Refuge Art School any time soon.Even if its unpaid, Im going to stick with Refuge, because its such a great community, she says. They deserve more support, and I can help them. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Sudershan Reddy or CP Radhakrishnan: Who will be India's next VP Voting on September 09, 2025 will decide who will be the next Vice President of India - Sudershan Reddy or CP Radhakrishnan Tuesday August 19, 2025 10:03 PM , ummid.com News Network [Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Pracharak CP Radhakrishnan (L) and Former SC Judge and Constitutional Expert Sudershan Reddy] India Vice President Election 2025: Voting on September 09, 2025 will decide who will be the next Vice President of India - Sudershan Reddy or CP Radhakrishnan. The Election Commission of India August 07, 2025 released the notification of the Vice President Election simultaneously receiving nomination forms of the aspiring candidates. As per the Vice President 2025 schedule, the last date of nomination is August 21, 2025. The date of voting is fixed as September 09, 2025. The BJP led NDA alliance was first to announced CP Radhakrishnan as its nominee. The Congress led INDIA bloc announced Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the Vice President September 2025 Election. With the polling to elect the new Vice President to be held on September 09, 2025, question now is who will hold the second highest constitutional post of the country - CP Radhakrishnan or Sudershan Reddy. NDA Candidate: CP Radhakrishnan CP Radhakrishnan is a member of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) - a right wing Hindu organisation. He is currently serving as Governor of Maharashtra. He is on the post from July 31, 2024. CP Radhakrishnan has also served as Governor Jharkhand from February 2023 to July 2024. His tenure as Jharkhand Govervor was marred by controversies. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who was sent to jail while on the post, has accused in the state assembly that the controversy to prison him was planned in the Raj Bhavan. Raj Bhavan is the official residence of Governor. He began his political career by joining Jan Sangh in 1974. He joined the BJP after it was founded in 1980 and become an aide to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Radhakrishnan was elected to the Lok Sabha from Coimbatore in the 1998 and re-elected in the 1999 general elections. He was, however, defeated in 2004 and 2019 Parliament Elections. INDIA Candidate: Sudershan Reddy INDIA bloc candidate Balkrishna Sudershan Reddy is former SC Judge and considered Constitutional Expert. Reddy was the head of the Independent Expert Working Group (IEWG), appointed by the Telangana government to analyse the data of the caste survey. Sudershan Reddy, a Graduate from Osmania University, was Chief Justice of Guahati High Court from December 2005 to January 2007. From January 2007 to July 2011, he served as a Judge at the Supreme Court of India. He was the first Lokayukta of Goa. He was appointed on the post in March 2013 following the passage of the The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. His tenure as judge and as Lokayukta Goa has been non-controversial. Vice President Electoral College As per Article 66 of the Constitution of India, the Vice-President is elected by the members of the Electoral College consisting of the members of both Houses of the Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. Electoral College comprises of a total of 788 members (Presently, 782 members) of both Houses of the Parliament. Since, all the electors are members of both Houses of the Parliament, the value of vote of each Member of Parliament would be same i.e. 1 (one). For 2025, the 17th Vice-Presidential Election, the Electoral College consists of: 233 elected members of Rajya Sabha (Presently 05 seats are vacant) 12 nominated members of Rajya Sabha 543 elected members of Lok Sabha (Presently 01 seat is vacant). VP Election Number Game Out of the total 542 MPs in the Lok Sabha, the NDA has 293 MPs, whereas 249 are with the Opposition. In the Rajya Sabha, ruling alliance has the support of nearly 133 members. Among the NDA allies, Chandrababu Naido's role in the Vice President election has become crucial. Since Sudershan Reddy is from Andhra Pradesh (united) and Naido's rival Jaganmohan Reddy with 11 MPs (04 in LS and 07 in RS) already announcing support for the INDIA bloc VP pick, Andhra CM is in a dilemma. Naido's TDP has a total of 18 MPs (16 LS and 02 RS) and the Modi government is banking on its support to survive. If Naido decides to support Sudershan citing the notion that "he is son of the soil" as per the precedent in earlier President and Vice President elections, the NDA pick for Vice President Radhakrishnan can be in trouble. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Zelensky agrees to trilateral meet with Putin, Trump Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Monday agreed for Trump mediated peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday August 19, 2025 12:44 PM , ummid.com News Network Washington: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky Monday agreed for Trump mediated peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky told this to reporters after meeting U.S. President Donald Trump at Oval Office, White House in Washington DC Monday August 18, 2025. The meeting between Zelensky and Trump was held in the presence of European leaders who also included Presidents of Britain and France Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni, Germany Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. After the meeting, Trump phoned Putin, and confirmed there will be a trilateral meeting between the three heads of the states, to hopefully finalize the peace deal and end the war. Unlike, Zelenskys February meeting with Trump, Monday's White House encounter between the two leaders was cordial and assuring. There were reports that Trump will push for a face to face meeting between Putin and Zelensky in his presence. The Ukrainian President has confirmed this now. "Security Guarentees for Ukraine" Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine, Trump wrote on his social media platform TruthSocial. At the conclusion of the meeting, I called President Putin and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined between Presidents Putin and Zelensky After that meeting takes place, we will have Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself (sic), the American President announced. Trump also talked about the security guarantees to Ukraine after the war ends. During the meeting we discussed security guarantees for Ukraine that will be provided by various European countries with a coordination by the United States of America, Trump wrote. "Permanent End of War" German Chancellor Friedrich Merz who was also present during the meeting however said there should be ceasefire before further talks with Russia. "I can't imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire. So, let's work on that and let's try to put pressure on Russia", he said. Trump, on the other hand, is of the view that there should be permanent end of war instead of temporary ceasefire. Zelensky's appearance in a T-shirt during the last White House meeting had drawn flak. On Monday, the Ukrainian President was dressed in a suit, armed with a personal letter from his wife, Olena Zelenska, written for U.S. First Lady Melania Trump and a flurry of six "thank yous" in the first few minutes of the meeting. "Oh... you are lookng great.. I love this", Trump said as he welcomed Zelensky on his arrival to the White House. Trumps meeting with Zelensky and European leaders in Washington was held three days after he had a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Putin in Alaska . 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. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic ULAN BATOR, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change on Tuesday issued a brown bear warning amid fear of potential harm to humans. The warning came after multiple brown bear sightings were reported near residential areas across Mongolia's northern province of Darkhan-Uul between Aug. 14 and Aug. 15. According to experts, bear attacks on livestock have increased in recent years due to climate change, food shortages, overexploitation of natural resources, and forest fires. The ministry has urged residents of some provinces to protect themselves and livestock from potential attacks of brown bears. CHENGDU, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Deep in the misty mountains of southwest China's Sichuan Province, the annual encounter count of 185 giant pandas in field monitoring signals a remarkable success in the country's drive to establish the world's largest national park system. The 3rd National Park Forum held in the provincial capital Chengdu revealed that sightings have risen from the previous count of 178, marking a remarkable turnaround for a species once considered globally endangered. China is systematically placing more than one-tenth of its land mass -- over 1.1 million square kilometers -- under strict protection through its expanding network of national parks. "China is building the world's largest national park system, evolving from pilot programs launched in 2015 to the establishment of its first five national parks in 2021, followed by the release of a spatial layout plan for national parks in 2022," said Lyu Zhongmei, vice chairperson of the Environmental Protection and Resources Conservation Committee of the National People's Congress, at the forum. A newly released report on national park development confirms that this vast network integrates over 120 nature reserves, contributing to an overall improvement in ecosystem quality. The results in Sichuan, the heartland of the giant panda, are tangible. According to Shi Xiaolin, governor of the province, more than 330,000 mu (about 22,000 hectares) of panda habitat have been restored within the boundaries of the Giant Panda National Park, along with over 20,000 mu of ecological corridors, resulting in the recent rise in panda sightings. This systematic approach, integrating species protection, habitat repair and community engagement, is drawing international acclaim. "China's commitment to building a national park system is hugely impressive," said Tanya Steele, CEO of the UK office of World Wide Fund for Nature. "This is a powerful example inside China that many others across the world will want to learn from." In his remarks at the opening ceremony of the forum, Jonathan Edward Austin, ambassador of New Zealand to China, said that China has made remarkable achievements in biodiversity conservation, with its innovative national park system offering valuable experience for global ecological governance. Technology is a cornerstone of this conservation surge. Fan Pengfei, a professor at Sun Yat-sen University, revealed a breakthrough in monitoring the haunting songs of the Hainan gibbon, a flagship species of the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest in the southern island province. "Innovative algorithms allow rapid extraction of acoustic features, processing nine hours of singing analysis per hour," Fan explained, noting that this technological breakthrough enables precise and efficient conservation of this flagship tropical rainforest species. Li Deren, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a renowned photogrammetry and remote sensing expert from Wuhan University, emphasized the importance of critical remote monitoring innovations. "Safety monitoring based on space-air-ground (SAG) integrated remote sensing has become essential support for sustainable park management, particularly in remote areas facing blackouts, communication disruptions, or inaccessible roads." In addition to monitoring pandas and gibbons, high-tech solutions are being widely adopted in national parks across China, with real-time SAG monitoring tracking elusive Siberian tigers and Amur leopards in the northeast, while smart platforms manage visitor impact and fire risks in forests of the southeast. Notably, technology is playing a key role in reducing human-wildlife conflict. Advanced warning systems now provide 24/7 alerts to communities near tiger habitats, transmitting information directly to frontline personnel when large predators approach. On the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, innovative measures such as protective fencing and specially designed bear-proof container houses are being tested to minimize clashes. OXFORD, England Santa Ono, former president of the University of Michigan, has been appointed global president of the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), a privately funded research organization affiliated with the University of Oxford. Ono will lead EIT's efforts to develop and expand its science and research programs worldwide. The institute, founded by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, focuses on critical fields such as health, climate change, food sustainability, and the ethical development of artificial intelligence. "I look forward to collaborating with EIT's leadership teams worldwide to advance Larry Ellison's bold vision," Ono said in a statement. "I believe this innovative approach represents the most exciting investment in fundamental and applied research globally ... to create solutions to humanity's most pressing challenges." Ono previously led the Universities of Cincinnati and British Columbia before serving as Michigan's president from 2022 to 2025. Earlier this year, he was nominated by the University of Florida's board as president, but his appointment was blocked by Florida's Board of Governors amid political controversy over his past support of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Our client, Wildland, embarked on a new approach to return Burrs of Tongue back to the vital community hub it once was, having been previously ear-marked for demolition due to its poor condition and unsympathetic alterations. GRAS proposed an alternative view to retain as much of the existing fabric as possible through a careful conservation-led approach to retain the buildings environmental, historical and community value. By embedding the site in its history, the project seeks to harness the strong collective memories that are very much still alive in the area. Investigations revealed much of the original fabric, furniture and fittings were still intact underneath the recent additions. Once uncovered a community event was held within the building which celebrated the importance of the store within Tongue and beyond. Peter Burr undertook the running of the shop in 1913, purchased it outright in 1932. He worked there until he retired in 1939, when his sons took over the family business. Burrs ran a bakehouse which supplied the adjacent tearoom and shop, providing a social space. Burrs also operated a bus and van delivery service as far as Thurso. The event allowed the history of the store to be discovered, memories to be shared, and ideas about the future of the store to be proposed, all of which informed the conservation ethos that favours retaining, repairing and adapting existing fabric in preference of replacement. It is this ethos and commitment that will help secure the significant and lasting legacy of this site. Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Water Resources on Tuesday activated a Level-IV emergency flood-control response mechanism in the provincial-level regions of Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning and Yunnan, anticipating downpours and potential flooding. The ministry also renewed a Level-IV emergency flood-control response in Beijing. Torrential rains are forecast in these regions from Aug. 19 to 22, raising risks of certain small and medium-sized rivers rising above warning levels. The ministry has ordered local authorities to strengthen their weather monitoring, forecast and early-warning systems, improve safeguards against mountain torrents and urban waterlogging, and ensure that residents in vulnerable areas are relocated promptly. Teams have been dispatched to Tianjin and Hebei to assist with flood-control efforts, according to the ministry. Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits medical workers at a community health services center in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2025. Liu extended festival greetings on China's eighth Doctors' Day to all medical workers in China and credited them as vital contributors to the country's progress in public health. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has stressed the need for medical workers to adhere to professional ethics and enhance their skills to safeguard people's health. Liu made the remarks while visiting medical workers at a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital and a community health services center in Beijing on Tuesday, marking China's eighth Doctors' Day. There, he extended festival greetings to all medical workers in China and credited them as vital contributors to the country's progress in public health. Highlighting the role medical workers play in protecting people's lives and health, Liu encouraged them to promote the development of medical technology and enhance the quality of healthcare services. He urged relevant local authorities to expand primary-level health care teams, strengthen TCM teaching and innovative development, and implement incentive and support policies for Chinese medical workers. Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits medical workers at a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 19, 2025. Liu extended festival greetings on China's eighth Doctors' Day to all medical workers in China and credited them as vital contributors to the country's progress in public health. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) Marymount International School is seeking a full-time One-on-One Learning Support Assistant for the Elementary School, with a September 2025 start date. Responsibilities include supporting the individual student in the classroom setting, supervising independent work, record the students progress and work collaboratively and under the direction of the classroom teacher. Qualified native English speakers are asked to visit the School's website www.marymountrome.com to download the Application Form and send to essecretary@marymountrome.com. Opposition rounds on Meloni for off-air comment amid accusations of contempt for the press. Italian premier Giorgia Meloni has come in for heavy criticism in Italy after admitting her aversion to the media in off-air remarks during Ukraine peace talks at the White House. Meloni was caught in a hot mic moment after the meeting on Monday with US president Donald Trump, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky and several other European leaders. When Finnish president Alexander Stubb asked Trump if he faced interaction with the media every day, the US leader nodded and said: "All the time." "But he loves it," Meloni can be heard interjecting, before adding: "I never want to speak with my press!" Il fuorionda di #Meloni I giornalisti hanno colto un breve scambio tra Giorgia Meloni e #Donald Trump alla Casa Bianca in cui Giorgia Meloni confessa la sua "allergia" alla stampa italiana pic.twitter.com/pteeUhxFGI Fanpage.it (@fanpage) August 19, 2025 Her off-air remark has been slammed by opposition politicians in Italy as well as by the Italian National Press Federation (FNSI), the unitary trade union of the Italian journalists. "It's well known that the prime minister dislikes journalists and questions from the press" - FNSI secretary general Alessandra Costante said in a statement - "Over the years, she has replaced press conferences (except for the end-of-year one) with long online monologues, without cross-examination or questions. Propaganda, not information. A lack of respect for the press was confirmed in the summit with President Trump." Carlo Calenda, leader of the centrist Azione party, commented on the case with a post on X: "The leader of a democratic country isn't afraid of the press and knows it's their duty to communicate with all newspapers. Saying 'I never want to speak to the Italian press' to an aspiring autocrat who compiles journalist blacklists every day is even more serious. A terrible impression." Il leader di un paese democratico non ha paura della stampa e sa che e suo dovere interloquire con tutti i giornali. Dire io non voglio mai parlare con la stampa italiana ad un aspirante autocrate che compila quotidianamente liste di proscrizione dei giornalisti e ancora piu https://t.co/87osVky3dE Carlo Calenda (@CarloCalenda) August 19, 2025 Angelo Bonelli, MP for the Green and Left Alliance (AVS) and co-spokesperson for Europa Verde, accused Meloni of "shirking the role that journalists have in a democracy: that of asking questions and holding the government accountable for its decisions. As is her wont, Meloni prefers to speak alone in her videos, like an autocrat resistant to engaging with the press, which plays a fundamental role in any democracy." Riccardo Magi, secretary of the centre-left Piu Europa, said Meloni's remark proved "her total contempt for the press and freedom of information", claiming that "she would like complacent journalists and a sycophantic press." This view was echoed by Silvia Fregolent, a senator with the centrist Italia Viva party, cited by La Stampa newspaper: "The off-camera comment with Trump is crystal clear: Meloni cannot cope with questions, that is, with democracy. A prime minister who runs away from journalists also runs away from citizens. Anything but a courageous patriot: Meloni only feels safe in recorded monologues and live social media." Photo credit: Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com. Alphonse Mucha: A Triumph of Beauty and Seduction at Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome from 8 October to 8 March 2026. Rome's Palazzo Bonaparte dedicates an exhibition to the sublime work of Czech artist Alfons Mucha (1860-1939), best known for his Art Nouveau decorative depictions of women. Organisers say the exhibition will present "not only the most extensive and comprehensive exhibition ever held on Mucha, but also expand the scope to include the great artists of all time who have explored the theme of beauty and feminine seduction." The exhibition will feature more than 150 works by Mucha, retracing his entire career, alongside Botticelli's Venus on loan from the Royal Museums of Turin. Also on display will be works by Giovanni Boldini, Cesare Saccaggi, ancient statues, Renaissance works, and Art Nouveau furnishings and objects. For exhibition information and visiting details see Palazzo Bonaparte website. by Xinhua writers Xiong Maoling, Xu Jing and Huang Qiang WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The White House rarely hosts so many foreign dignitaries at once as it did on Monday, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and seven European leaders arrived to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict with U.S. President Donald Trump. The latest talks came three days after the U.S. and Russian presidents met in the U.S. state of Alaska, when progress was reportedly made but no deal was announced. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Finnish President Alexander Stubb attended the talks after a bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelensky earlier in the day. The Monday meetings at the White House mainly focused on security guarantees for Ukraine and a possible trilateral meeting between Russia, Ukraine and the United States. Disagreements remain on some key issues, such as whether a ceasefire is necessary before further negotiations. SECURITY GUARANTEES FOR UKRAINE At his bilateral meeting with Zelensky, Trump was asked by the media whether the security guarantees for Ukraine would include U.S. troops. Trump did not respond directly, saying that he would later meet with European leaders to discuss the matter. Trump said that European countries would all be involved and that Ukraine would receive a lot of help in terms of security. "They are the first line of defense because they're there, but we're going to help them out also. We'll be involved," Trump said, without specifying what support the United States would provide. At a multilateral meeting among U.S., Ukrainian and European leaders later that day, "security guarantees" were mentioned nearly 20 times, reflecting the importance all parties attached to the issue. Zelensky said that the parties will continue to discuss security guarantees and emphasized that it is very important that "the United States gives such a strong signal and is ready for security guarantees." Several European leaders referenced NATO's Article 5 -- the principle of collective defense among member states, saying they hope to use it as a model to propose related measures for Ukraine's security guarantees. After the White House meetings, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had "a very good meeting" with Ukrainian and European leaders. "During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America," he said. Zelensky told the media after the meetings that the details of the security guarantees will be finalized within 10 days, noting that Ukraine has proposed purchasing approximately 90 billion dollars worth of U.S. weapons. The Financial Times, meanwhile, reported on Monday that Ukraine has presented the United States with a proposal to purchase 100 billion worth of American weapons, to be financed by Kiev's European partners. POTENTIAL TRILATERAL MEETING Before Monday's bilateral meeting between Trump and Zelensky, the Ukrainian president reiterated that he hopes to end the conflict with Russia through diplomatic means and said that Ukraine is ready for a trilateral meeting with the leaders of the United States and Russia, while Trump said he will be able to facilitate such a meeting if Monday's talks go well and believes it could offer a "reasonable chance" to end the conflict. Trump told reporters later at the start of the multilateral meeting with Ukrainian and European leaders that the next step would be to arrange the trilateral meeting. "I just look forward to working and having a great result," he said. Zelensky noted that all sensitive issues, including territorial matters, would be discussed by the three leaders during the planned meeting. Macron said that a trilateral meeting is the only way to resolve the issue. He also suggested that a quadrilateral meeting might be needed after that. "I think, as a follow-up, we need probably a quadrilateral meeting. Because when we speak about security guarantees, we speak about the whole security of the European continent," he said. In the social media post, Trump said that after the meetings, he called Putin and began arranging a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin, with the location to be determined. He added that after the bilateral meeting, a trilateral meeting involving the U.S., Russian and Ukrainian leaders would take place. German Chancellor Merz told the media after the meetings that Putin agreed to meet Zelensky within the next two weeks during a phone call with Trump. DIFFERENCES REMAIN TO BE SOLVED Differences on some key topics continued to exist between U.S. and European leaders. During the opening remarks to the media at the start of the multilateral meeting, Merz said that now the way is open for "complicated negotiations" and that all parties hoped to see a ceasefire. Merz argued that a trilateral meeting between the U.S., Russian and Ukrainian leaders should not take place without a ceasefire. "I can't imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire," said Merz. Trump, however, responded that while achieving a ceasefire would be ideal, it's not necessary. "We just got into negotiations," he said. At the start of the meeting with Zelensky, Trump told him, "I don't think you need a ceasefire." Territorial issues remain a key factor in the peace negotiations. Trump said Sunday in a Truth Social post that Zelensky can end the conflict with Russia "almost immediately" if he wants to. "No getting back Obama given Crimea...and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!" he wrote. When asked by the media on Monday whether Ukraine is ready to "keep sending Ukrainian troops to their deaths for another couple of years" or "redraw the maps" in a peace deal, Zelensky did not answer directly. He also emphasized on Monday that territorial issues will be decided between Russia and Ukraine. Tom Tuite An unsuccessful asylum seeker claiming to be from Palestine and Jordan was charged under the name "Unknown Unknown", after using six identities and five ages on his arrest in Dublin. The accused was charged with obstructing a drug search on Monday at Store Street in the city centre. He appeared before Judge John Brennan at Dublin District Court on Tuesday. He was afforded representation of a solicitor on legal aid and the assistance of an Arabic interpreter before he was remanded in custody pending further attempts to establish his real identity. The man will appear again on Thursday. The court heard he made no reply when charged. Garda Oisin O'Toole said the man's identity still needed to be clarified. He told Judge Brennan that while held at Store Street station, the man was provided with an interpreter to assist him over the phone, but he still refused to give basic information. The court heard that he kept changing his dates of birth, names and nationalities. The Garda National Immigration Bureau had no record of the details he provided. The accused did not give evidence during the bail hearing and has yet to enter a plea. Objecting to bail, the garda said that he was not satisfied with the man's identity until he provided an official document. The court heard that he claimed to have stayed in accommodation outside Dublin, in centres in Mullingar and Arklow. Solicitor Paul Byrne, assigned by the court to act for the man, later told the court he had consulted with the accused, who had provided a story with "the ring of truth about it." The solicitor said his client had been in a panic. He also suggested that the problem had been a lack of confidence. He had been here a year and had been unsuccessful in applying for asylum. The court heard he had a public service card, and on his phone, there was a picture of a manual handling certificate, in a different name. By Cillian Sherlock, PA Neighbours of billionaire James Dyson have appealed against his plans to build a helipad on his estate in Co Waterford. An appeal has been lodged against a decision that permitted the inventor, known for founding the Dyson company, which sells bagless vacuum cleaners among other items, to construct a helicopter landing zone at his expansive Ballynatray House estate near the River Blackwater, near the Cork-Waterford border. The original planning application was submitted by estate manager Christopher Nicholson. Those who submitted proposals against the construction during the initial planning process expressed concern that up to 50 helicopter landings a year would have an adverse affect to the wildlife on the river and the local population, saying the Blackwater is an unspoiled haven, which is something that should be preserved and cherished and not spoiled with the weekly noise of a helicopter. One objector said a helicopter could be heard from miles around and would have a disturbing influence on the wildlife in the area, described as being a sanctuary due to the lack of interference from humans. A neighbour wrote to the council: It is difficult in todays world to find such areas and I feel strongly that for the sake of someones convenience, an area of natural beauty and importance will be subjected to unnecessary disturbance. The council was told that the site is an important nesting site for herons, egrets, cormorants and birds of prey such as sparrowhawks, owls and buzzards. Other birds sighted include sea eagle, osprey and red kite. The shoreline is inhabited by curlew, ducks and whooper swans, the submitter wrote, along with red squirrels, otters, badgers, foxes, fallow deer and stoats. An objection to the plan said that the helicopter would fundamentally alter the natural soundscape and peaceful aural environment of the area, replacing birdsong and the sounds of nature with the intrusive noise of rotor blades. A different objection to the original planning submission described the Blackwater River and its surrounds as a sensitive area continually under attack from housing, building, boats, jet-skis and now helicopters. He said there were more than a dozen other houses in the area that could accommodate a helipad, adding: I am sure the applicant wouldnt be happy if another 12 helicopters flew over Ballynatray each day. Waterford City and County Council granted permission for the helipad to be built under certain conditions. However, neighbours have filed an appeal with the planning authority An Coimisiun Pleanala and a decision is due by November 26th. Theres more to the Rose of Tralee than being a Rose, or a Rose Escort, because young girls from all over Ireland will each be paired with an International Rose during the festival. Thirty-two young girls have been selected as Rose Buds for the event which is currently taking place. One of those girls is 10-year-old Kenza Zoghbi, from the Ferrybank area of Waterford. Kenza has been paired with the South Australia Rose, and the opportunity means a great deal to her. However, she is well versed in success and no stranger to being involved in high profile events, despite her young age. In fact, she may already be a familiar face to some in Waterford as two years ago, she was the only child from the Deise county selected to appear on the Late Late Toy Show. She appeared on the show as toy tester for Barbie. Kenza is also very active in the community and has been involved in the Pride of Place for Ferrybank community as a Tidy Towns, 'litter bug', where she recited an important message about picking up our litter and also performed an Irish dance piece. Kenza also helped bring Christmas cheer to local families as Santas Little Helper Elf at a community event in Ferrybank. Her mam, Anne is also very involved in the community and was a founder of Ferrybank Womens Shed. Kenza is passionate about her Irish culture and attends the McGrath School of Irish Dancing in Waterford. However, she also has her own YouTube channel, where she shares fun, positive content including toy reviews, creative videos, and moments from her daily life. "Its just another way she expresses herself and connects with others in a fun and uplifting way," said her mam. The Rose of Tralee Festival ends tonight, Tuesday, August 19. Ardkeen Library celebrated India Day over the weekend, along with members of the Indian community in Waterford, Waterford Indian Sangam, and Waterford Council of Trade Unions (WCTU). The library welcomed many people across the communities of Waterford for the celebration of both India and Ireland. Ardkeen Library celebrated India Day on August 16. Photo: Waterford In Your Pocket Tracy McEneaney, Executive Librarian, Waterford Libraries, explained the reason behind organising the event. We are lucky to have an Indian community that enriches Waterford. "The appreciation and esteem that the Indian community is held in Waterford was very much evidenced by the fantastic turnout on the day and by the support we received from local businesses in helping us put the event together. WCTU commented: "Well done Waterford Library services for hosting this wonderful event, and to all who attended to demonstrate their solidarity with the Indian community and to reject the pernicious ideology of those who try to bring hate and fear to our communities." Cancellations The event was held amidst a vulnerable time for the community. In the past few weeks there have been a series of racially-motivated attacks on men, women and children from the Indian community. In Waterford, a six-year-old girl was assaulted by teenagers and was told to "go back to India". Cupcakes with Indian flag decorations. In Dublin, celebrations for India Day in Phoenix Park were postponed in the wake of the attacks. The day was to be a celebration of both Irish and Indian culture. Co-chairman of the Ireland India Council, Prashant Shukla, explained that the postponement was due not to safety concerns but fears "about the perception on social media". He said: "The main purpose of India Day is friendship and the celebration of freedom, not only by the Indian community but also the Irish community. "This is an unfortunate decision, but [members of the Indian community] stand by it because it is the correct decision." The Moataz Sarsour GAA in Palestine received a welcome donation of helmets, courtesy of the Deise. Last week, the Waterford - Ramallah Twinning Committee confirmed the successful donation of dozens of GAA gear to the club. The committee stated: "We have taken delivery of dozens of helmets that we are donating to the Moataz Sarsour GAA in Ramallah. We had intended handing them over when the young players were visiting Ireland, but the Department of Foreign Affairs had different ideas." Ramallah Moataz Sarsour GAA, formerly known as Ramallah Hurling Club, is twinned with Roanmore GAA club. The club is named after one of the first volunteers to help establish the club. Seventeen-year-old Moataz was shot by Israeli Occupation Forces on August 13, 2024, and pronounced dead by doctors at the Palestinian Medical Complex. He was protesting a raid on the homes of two Palestinian doctors in the Amari UN refugee camp by the IDF. The Committee thanked the Council and Azzurri in Waterford for their help and support. "We would like to thank Waterford City and County Council for their help in funding this, and to Azzurri in Waterford. "We are delighted that Roanmore GAA club in Waterford City has twinned with Moataz Sarsour GAA club in Ramallah and commend GAA Palestine for taking our national sport to the West Bank for young people there to enjoy." GAA Palestine Over the last several years, GAA in Palestine has been growing rapidly. In 2024, Freddie Drohan travelled to Ramallah with GAA Palestine to teach Gaelic games to local children. Since then, clubs have been established across the West Bank in Ramallah, Tulkarem, Hebron, South Bethlehem, and Jenin. The city of Al-Bireh is working towards introducing hurling into all local schools, a project that will reach approximately 10,000 children. I decided to consult my GP about this issue after a couple of long-haul flights back from Europe, which were absolute nightmares, says Fenwicke. I was up and down to the bathroom very regularly. When youre climbing over people and its in the middle of the night, that can be very disruptive and even distressing. Types of nocturia Cases of nocturia can be allocated into three groups: global polyuria, when you produce too much urine (day and night); nocturnal polyuria, where you produce too much urine (greater than 20 per cent of your 24-hour urine volume) at night; and bladder storage disorders such as Fenwickes OAB and, in men, prostatic obstructions. Loading Its an extremely common cause of problems in the ageing male, says Professor Henry Woo, a urologist with the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ). As men get older, there are two waterworks issues that are very common. One is prostate blockage, and the other is OAB. And you can get both of them occurring together. But you need to rule other things out as well. Here are some of the other causes: 1. Diabetes When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys work harder to filter out the excess glucose, which leads to increased urine production, including at night. Diabetes is the most common cause of global polyuria, says Woo. If youre going to the toilet a lot during the nighttime, as well as during the daytime, we need to ask the question, is it due to diabetes? 2. Sleep apnoea Snoring not only disrupts your sleep, but it can also affect kidney function, leading to an increase in urine production at night. Loading The excessive carbon dioxide levels in your bloodstream trigger off a whole chain of events that ultimately lead to you producing too much urine, says Woo. 3. Medication Some medications, such as diuretics, anticholinergics and SSRIs can increase urine production and cause overactive bladder symptoms. Make sure your doctor knows about any meds youre taking when you discuss nocturia. 4. Water retention When fluid accumulates in the legs during the day, it is reabsorbed into the bloodstream when you lie flat at night, which leads to increased urine production. Because the extra fluid is no longer pooling in your legs, the vascular system perceives that as being excess fluid in your body, and sends the message down to the kidneys to start manufacturing more urine, explains Woo. Sometimes frequent urination is as simple as drinking too much water. Credit: Getty Images 5. Drinking too much water Sometimes its as simple as this. Drinking too much, especially before bed, means youll need to empty your bladder before morning. What you define as excessive is pretty arbitrary, says Woo. But Ive seen people carrying three-litre bottles at the gym and I think, youve got to be joking. Nothing in excess is good for you. Its all about moderation. 6. Drinking alcohol Alcohol is a diuretic, which increases urine production, and because the majority of people drink in the evenings, thats when it affects us most. (It also disturbs your sleep, so you may wake up thinking you need the bathroom when ordinarily youd have slept through.) Is it a problem? While nocturia may seem like more of an inconvenience than a medical issue, its worth getting it checked out, says Wendy Bower, director of research strategy at Continence Health Australia. Research has flagged significant interactions between getting up to pee at night and metabolic, cardiovascular, hormonal, mental health, sleep and inflammatory changes. The risk of serious illness and death is significantly higher in people who pass urine twice per night as opposed to people who do not wake to void, she says. Talk to someone. Continence Health Australia has a helpline, which is a good place to start. Take notice of how many times you need to wake up, how long you are asleep before first needing to pass urine and measure how much urine you make overnight (including the first void the next morning). Ask your GP to complete a diagnostic set of questions known as TANGO to help you understand the factors that may be causing your nocturia. After a treatment program including lifestyle changes, acupuncture, cystoscopy and posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) with varying success, Annie Fenwicke is about to embark on a trial for SmartPatch, which was created by its chief executive Nicky Agahari, after his grandfather developed urinary incontinence and fell and broke his back while hurrying to the toilet at night. Im incredibly grateful for the large amount of treatment that Ive received, says Fenwicke. OAB has had an impact on my life and Id love to see it improve. UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians on Monday welcomed Israel's decision to lift the shelter ban in Gaza but warned that plans to intensify military operations will have a horrific impact on people already deprived of basics needed for survival. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the looming expansion of military operations in Gaza City would displace thousands of people, once again, into an overcrowded area in the south of the Gaza Strip, which is almost devoid of basic infrastructure, including water, food and medical services. The office said that since early March, when the Israeli shelter ban came into force, more than 780,000 new displacements have taken place. Existing shelters have deteriorated or been left behind amid repeated displacement orders. Humanitarian partners estimate that at least 1.35 million people need emergency shelter and some 1.4 million need essential household items. "The situation in the Gaza Strip is beyond catastrophic," the office said. "Amid ongoing hostilities and extreme hunger, more deaths are recorded every day." The World Food Programme (WFP) said that it is doing everything possible to deliver food to people. However, supplies remain far below needs, less than half of the WFP's daily target. Organized distributions, WFP-supported hot meals and bakeries depend on far more aid entering Gaza. OCHA said Gaza's health authorities reported that five people, including two children, died over the past 24 hours due to malnutrition and starvation. The office said that to prevent such deaths, humanitarians must be able to deliver aid at scale, safely and consistently, through all available border crossings and routes to reach the population of about 2 million people. It said restrictions on the movement of humanitarian vehicles hinder the delivery of aid to people in desperate need. The humanitarians said their commitment is to serve people wherever they are. All civilians must be protected, whether they choose to stay or move. Those who decide to move must have their essential needs met, and they must be able to voluntarily return. "Unimpeded humanitarian access is needed across all of Gaza, including community-based distribution and supplies entering at scale through all possible crossings and land routes," OCHA added. A report into Western Australias three minimum security prisons has revealed a raft of issues at Wooroloo Prison Farm, including a lack of food, days after inmates there were reported to have eaten pet guinea pigs. The Inspection of Prison Farms report was tabled in parliament on Tuesday, a week after prisoners who were undertaking paid work in the community as part of their rehabilitation, were reported to have taken the unwanted pets from an animal shelter they were working at to eat. Wooroloo Prison Farm in Western Australia. A prison staff member raised the alarm after guinea pig carcasses were found in a shed outside the prison perimeter, launching an investigation by the Department of Corrective Services. But a report released on Tuesday by the Office of the Inspector of Custodial Services highlights a range of issues with the section 95 program run out of Wooroloo where the guinea pig scandal originated including a lack of food and paltry pay. Its far from the first time a government has attempted to tackle the countrys stagnating productivity problem, but this week Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers will give it another crack. Over three days, beginning on Tuesday, they will hold an economic reform roundtable at Parliament House, aiming to reach consensus on the best path forward on key issues, including tax and regulation. Treasurer Jim Chalmers will lead a three-day economic reform roundtable from Tuesday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen About 45 people are expected to attend, including experts and leaders from business, unions and politics, and there will be nearly 900 submissions. Achieving broad agreement will be challenging. Heres everything we know about whats likely, and unlikely, to come from the roundtable. Washington: Warring leaders Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin are poised to meet each other in the next fortnight to progress Ukraine peace negotiations, after European leaders travelled to Washington on Monday (Tuesday AEST) for what they heralded as a productive day of talks with US President Donald Trump. The meeting at the White House, from which Trump broke off near the end to call the Russian president, ended with promises of a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky, and renewed discussion of a US-backed security guarantee for Ukraine. But there were simmering divisions over whether to press Putin on a ceasefire, something Trump backed away from even as he warmed to Zelensky and enjoyed what the Ukrainian president called their best meeting yet. After Trumps discussion with European leaders, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Putin had agreed to meet with Zelensky within the next two weeks, but questioned whether the Russian president would have the courage to follow through. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov told Russian TV that senior negotiators would be part of further talks, but did not mention if Putin himself would attend. ABUJA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Local divers and volunteers have rescued 26 people, but many others remain missing after a passenger boat capsized Sunday afternoon in Nigeria's northern state of Sokoto, according to authorities. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which has been coordinating rescue efforts since the accident in the Goronyo Local Government Area, said in a statement late Monday that 16 additional survivors were found during the ongoing search. The wooden boat, carrying at least 51 passengers along with goods and motorcycles, was heading to a local market in Goronyo when it overturned. The rescue operation has been intensified as authorities race against time to locate more missing passengers. "We have also alerted neighboring communities to assist in the search for more victims," NEMA said in the statement. In a separate statement released on Monday, the National Inland Waterway Authority (NIWA) said it impounded the ill-fated boat on the same day. At least seven motorcycles were also retrieved from the river during the search. Muhammad Bala, area manager for the Sokoto Area Office of NIWA, attributed the accident to "wind and overloading," citing the agency's preliminary investigation. The official urged boat and canoe operators to strictly adhere to safety guidelines to prevent future tragedies. Boat accidents are frequent in Nigeria, often caused by overloading, poor safety practices, and adverse weather conditions. SALE, Morocco, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan King Mohammed VI on Monday ordered the dispatch of additional humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. According to a statement from the Moroccan foreign ministry, the shipment includes about 100 tons of food and medical supplies, with priority given to vulnerable groups such as infants and children. The aid was loaded the same day at the First Royal Air Force Base in Sale, a city north of the capital Rabat. A pilot told Xinhua that the aid will be airlifted to Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport before being transferred overland to Gaza. Since the latest outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Morocco has provided humanitarian assistance to Palestinians on multiple occasions. WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Following talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders in Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that security guarantees for Kiev could be finalized within the next 10 days. "Security guarantees will probably be 'unpacked' by our partners, and more and more details will emerge," Zelensky told a press briefing after the White House meetings, adding that detailed arrangements are expected to be formally documented within the next week to 10 days. "It is important that the United States is sending a clear signal that it will be among the countries helping to coordinate and will also be a participant in the security guarantees for Ukraine," he said. Trump told Zelensky on Monday that the United States would play a role in ensuring Ukraine's security as part of any agreement to end the conflict with Russia, without providing details. He said Europe is the "first line of defense," but "we're going to help them out." Zelensky said that part of the guarantees involves a U.S. weapons package. "There indeed is a package with our proposals worth 90 billion U.S. dollars," he said. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit US broadcaster CNN has visited Westport to investigate the potential impact of Donald Trumps tariffs on the Mayo town. The US President recently announced 15% tariffs on all pharmaceutical exports from the European Union, although larger tariffs may be imposed at a later date. Westport is home to AbbVie, with the worlds supply of Botox supplied by the Mayo facility. The Chicago operated company employs more than 1,000 people at its 61-acre Westport site and an additional 500 contractors. The company is a significant supporter of community projects and provides indirect employment and prosperity for the local economy. The US tops the list, accounting for 70% of total turnover at the Westport plant, which also makes eyecare products, according to the companys 2023 filings. Nobody employed by the company was prepared to speak on the record to CNN during their visit to Mayo. However, the broadcaster spoke to locals about the tariff threat that could loom for the tourist town. They are worried about their jobs, they just dont know how its going to go. Is it going to affect them? Are they going to have a job this time next year? Is the company going to be able to keep going? one childcare provider told the broadcaster. If they dont have a job, I wont have a job, she added. AbbVie has not indicated any plans to shift Botox production elsewhere. Addressing the tariffs in a recent public earnings call, AbbVie president Robert A. Michael said that the company was having constructive discussions with the administration on sectoral tariffs, and noted that it will obviously continue to invest in the US". Last week, the company announced a $195 million investment in its Chicago manufacturing plant in what it said was part of a broader commitment to invest more than $10 billion in US projects over the next decade. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said President Donald Trump should keep in mind that US pharmaceutical firms based in Ireland will be "damaged and undermined" if he goes through with his latest sectoral tariffs threats. Mr Trump said the 15% baseline agreed in the EU-US tariff deal last month would only apply to the pharmaceutical sector for "one year, one-and-a-half years maximum" before it increased significantly. "Ireland has added value and strength to those companies, and I would say to the [US] President he needs to factor that into the equation," the Taoiseach said. One of Mayos most recognisable and well-loved B&B businesses is celebrating its 50th anniversary today (Tuesday). The Green Bay B&B has been a fixture at the Mall in Castlebar for more than five decades. Michael Derrig took over the helm from his mother when he was just 19 and developed the Green Bay into a hugely successful operation. Prior to the Derrigs involvement, the Green Bay Cafe first opened in 1945. The Derrig family bought the business in 1959 and Michaels mother Catherine developed it further into a B&B. When she passed away in 1975, Michael, a native of Tourmakeady, took charge. Michael married his wife Noreen in 1979, and she has helped him steer the business over the years. The couple reared five children Kevin, Brian, Catherine, Stephen, and Cathal. In years gone by, my eldest sons Kevin and Brian would have been kicked out of the room the odd time if a bed was needed! Michael joked. Michael and Noreen Derrig pictured with their five children Kevin, Brian, Catherine, Stephen and Cathal. For 26 years, Michael ran the cafe and B&B in tandem before making the decision to focus on the accommodation arm of the business. He continues to man the frying pan for his cherished guests every single morning. Im so long at it I have an awful lot of repeat business. A lot of it is people who have been coming to us for years. We are nearly full every night. I still love the business. I love to see people coming back to us that have stayed before and became firm friends, he added. Michael said their simple and welcoming approach has served them well over years. Its just about being nice to people, be friendly and have the chat. In a big hotel you might be just a number but there is a bit more of a personal touch with the B&B. Boyzone were among the famous faces to bed down in the Green Bay over the years. Henry McGlade booked them in back in the 1990s. They were down in Belmullet playing but Henry wouldnt tell me who it was! I didnt mind who was coming but he said if he told me the fans would be around the place in the morning, Michael recalled. Ronan Keating was to return to the Green Bay a number of years later and the Green Bay regularly hosts comics from the Castlebar Comedy Club at Bridge St. Never shy of going above and beyond for his guests Michael helped one with a dash to the train and on another occasion ended up being an unplanned locomotive passenger! We went up to the train in the car and the train was pulling out. They had to catch flight from Dublin that evening. I told them, 'Look, Ill get you to Claremorris.' We took off for Claremorris anyway and we got to the train but it was good job there was no speed cameras that time! Another time myself and my son Stephen were helping a couple get their bag on board the train. Next thing we heard the beep of the train and it took off with us still on it. I had to ring my nephew to collect us from Claremorris. The Green Bay is inviting people to stop by for some light refreshments from 12 noon today and help them celebrate their landmark anniversary in style. CAIRO, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Egypt on Tuesday sent its 18th humanitarian convoy into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, part of its effort to deliver aid to Palestinians facing a worsening humanitarian crisis. The convoy, which left the Egyptian side of Rafah early in the morning, comprised dozens of trucks carrying food baskets, Egypt's state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV reported. It was the latest mission under the "Zad al-Izza (Provision of Honor): From Egypt to Gaza" initiative launched on July 27 by the Egyptian Red Crescent. The group said it has organized more than 1,450 trucks carrying thousands of tonnes of supplies, with help from about 35,000 volunteers. It said nearly 36,000 trucks carrying about 500,000 tonnes of aid have entered Gaza so far. On Monday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty visited the Rafah crossing with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, highlighting Cairo's role in relief operations. Abdelatty said Egypt has supplied "more than 70 percent of the total humanitarian aid allocated to the Gaza Strip," while pressing for a ceasefire and safe, unconditional access for relief deliveries. He said Gaza needs 700 to 900 trucks a day and that more than 5,000 were waiting on the Egyptian side. The aid push came as a senior Israeli official said on Tuesday that Israel is demanding the release of all hostages still held in Gaza, a day after Hamas said it had accepted a ceasefire-for-hostage proposal brokered by Qatar and Egypt. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not reject the plan outright but said Israel "demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles set by the cabinet for ending the war." Hamas said on Monday it had accepted the proposal and was ready for new talks. Qatar said the plan was "almost identical" to an earlier version Israel had accepted, raising hopes for progress. Palestinian sources said the proposal calls for the release of 10 Israeli hostages in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners, alongside immediate humanitarian relief including fuel, water, and electricity, and support for hospitals, bakeries, and rescue teams. The war erupted when Hamas fighters stormed southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and seizing 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Gaza's health authorities say Israel's subsequent offensive has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians and triggered famine conditions that have claimed dozens of lives. A federal judge in Miami has dismissed part of a lawsuit that claimed detainees were denied access to the legal system at the immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades known as Alligator Alcatraz. ALMATY, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan is upgrading its railway infrastructure to enhance efficiency and cement its role as a major international transit hub, the government said Tuesday. The country will modernize 5,000 km of tracks and repair 11,000 km by 2030, the Ministry of Transport reported at a government meeting Tuesday. Five large infrastructure projects are under way, with two expected to finish ahead of schedule this year. The transit volumes are projected to grow to 67 million tons by 2029, more than twice that of 2024, local media the Astana Times reported. The Central Asian country is expanding its network of logistics terminals and pursuing agreements to further develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. Kazakhstan currently operates 1,976 locomotives and 142,000 freight wagons, with plans to expand both fleets by 2029 to meet rising transit demand, said the ministry. China's Special Representative Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and India's Special Representative Shri Ajit Doval have comprehensive, in-depth and fruitful communication on the China-India boundary question and bilateral relations in New Delhi, India, Aug. 19, 2025. The 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question was held here on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Chen Dongshu) NEW DELHI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The 24th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question was held here on Tuesday. China's Special Representative Wang Yi and India's Special Representative Shri Ajit Doval had comprehensive, in-depth and fruitful communication on the China-India boundary question and bilateral relations. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said that the top leaders of both countries reached important consensus during their meeting in Kazan, Russia, pointing out the direction and providing impetus for the improvement of China-India relations and the proper handling of the boundary question. Since the beginning of this year, Wang noted, bilateral relations between China and India have entered a steady development track, and the boundary situation has continued to stabilize and improve. As two major neighboring and developing countries, China and India share similar views and broad common interests, said Wang, adding that both countries should trust and support each other. China attaches great importance to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China to attend the Tianjin summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and looks forward to India's active contribution to the success of the summit. Wang emphasized that history and reality have repeatedly proven that the healthy and stable development of China-India relations serves the fundamental interests of both peoples and is also the common expectation of developing countries at large. He said both sides should follow the strategic guidance of their leaders, adopt a dual-track approach that promotes mutual advancement and fosters a virtuous cycle in viewing and addressing bilateral relations and boundary questions. The two sides should also enhance mutual trust through dialogue and communication, expand exchanges and cooperation, and jointly advance consensus, clarify directions, and set goals in areas such as boundary management, boundary negotiations, and cross-boundary exchanges, to properly address specific issues, achieve more positive progress, and continuously create favorable conditions for the improvement and development of bilateral relations, said Wang. For his part, Doval, also India's national security advisor, said the meeting between the leaders of the two countries in Kazan served as a turning point in the improvement and development of India-China relations, with positive changes made in mutual understanding between the two sides, peace and stability maintained in the boundary regions, and breakthrough progress achieved in bilateral relations. With the current turbulent international situation, Doval said, India and China face a series of common challenges, and it is necessary to enhance understanding, deepen trust, and strengthen cooperation, as this concerns the well-being of the people of both countries and the peace and development of the world. He said India has consistently adhered to the one-China policy. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China, said the Indian official, noting that Modi looks forward to attending the SCO summit in China, believing that this will promote new developments in bilateral relations. Doval said India supports China, as the current chair of the SCO, in successfully hosting the summit. He added that the Indian side is willing to maintain communication and dialogue with the Chinese side in a positive and pragmatic manner, continuously creating conditions for the final resolution of the boundary question. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on early harvests of boundary negotiations, reaffirming their commitment to fully utilize the mechanism of special representatives meetings, and explore fair, equitable, and mutually acceptable solutions based on mutual respect and understanding in accordance with the political guiding principles agreed in 2005. At the same time, the two sides agreed to strengthen routine boundary management and control, and jointly maintain peace and stability in the border areas. The two sides also agreed to hold the 25th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives of China and India next year in China. BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun met with Chan Heng Kee, permanent secretary of Singapore's Ministry of Defense, on Tuesday in Beijing. During their meeting, Dong said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore 35 years ago, the longstanding friendship between the two countries has been consolidated continuously and bilateral cooperation has achieved fruitful results. China is willing to work with Singapore to implement the important consensus reached between their two heads of state, maintain regular exchange at various levels and in various fields, and strengthen coordination and cooperation on both regional and multilateral platforms, Dong said. China is also willing to join hands with Singapore to support each other on issues involving their respective core interests and major concerns, and to safeguard international and regional peace and stability, he said. Noting that Singapore adheres to the one-China policy, Chan said his country is willing to enhance high-level exchange with China, to expand and intensify multilateral cooperation, joint military exercises and training, and exchanges among educational institutions, and to promote the greater development of relations between the two countries and their militaries. COLOMBO, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan parliament on Tuesday passed a bill that grants provisions for the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority with amendments. The Gambling Regulatory Authority has the authority to regulate all forms of gambling, including casinos. The authority has many powers, including the collection of gambling-related revenue, ensuring transparency and good governance in gambling operations, and preventing illegal gambling activities. Speaking in parliament, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando said that the act also addressed concerns about money laundering. South Africas Scientific Fight Against Malaria World Mosquito Day is more than just a date on the calendar It is a reminder of the ongoing global effort to study and control the public health risks carried by mosquitoes: malaria. Although malaria was a deadly and widespread health threat in South Africa a century ago, this is no longer the case. However, it was during this period of severe outbreak that the Vector Control Reference Laboratory (VCRL) was established to use science-based interventions to curb the disease. It quickly became the countrys central hub for malaria research, mosquito surveillance and insecticide resistance monitoring. This collaborative effort between the Wits Faculty of Health Sciences and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has played a vital role in shaping South Africas national malaria control strategy, significantly advancing the countrys journey toward malaria elimination. Today, South Africa holds one of the worlds oldest and most successful malaria control programmes, reducing cases by over 99% thanks to the malaria control and operational research conducted by VCRL. Our goal now is to support the final push toward eliminating malaria from South Africas borders, adds Associate Professor Basil Brooke, researcher at the Wits Research Institute for Malaria (WRIM) and Head of the VCRL. The consistent and drastic decline of malaria in South Africa over the decades has turned its outlook into a lesser threat to public health. A report on the State of Malaria Elimination Efforts Progress and Challenges in South Africa recorded over 11,600 malaria cases and 56 deaths in 2019, and 3,900 cases and 31 deaths in 2025. This makes the countrys goal to achieve zero local malaria transmission by 2029/30 within reach. Research conducted at the VCRL developes advanced mosquito traps toefficiently capture them. The research unit assists other malaria control programmes in developing traps that can accurately and efficiently collect mosquitoes. Wits senior researcher, Dr Givemore Munhenga says that this is especially critical in areas in the country with notably low populations. We focus on operational research, working with provincial teams to address the challenges they face on the ground, explains Munhenga The effective study of malaria starts with closely assessing the evolution of mosquitoes particularly the species responsible for infections. Since the inception of the Medical Entomology Museum in 1925, over 60,000 insect species, including a vast collection of mosquitoes, have been collected. In South Africa, the primary malaria vectors are from the Anopheles gambiae complex, with the current primary vector species being Anopheles arabiensis says Ms. Eunice Jamesboy, the curator of the Medical Entomology Museum and a Wits researcher. The museum preserves specimens to maintain morphological and genetic features over time, a practice that is crucial for accurate species identification and the design of effective mosquito control strategies. If control strategies target the wrong species due to misidentification, they will not be effective, she explains. She stresses the importance of historical and current specimens as being invaluable for both research and operational malaria control programmes. This ensures that expertise, data, and reference materials on malaria vectors remain accessible for ongoing surveillance, adds Ms. Jamesboy, pointing that accurate species identification contributes directly to the regions malaria elimination goals. The museum is not only a research resources that supplies biodiversity data for ecological and epidemiological studies. It is also used as a teaching and learning space training scientists and students in taxonomy, vector biology, and entomological techniques. Palestinian woman Reham Said is seen at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 13, 2025.(Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- For years, international aid organizations served as Gaza's fragile safety net, helping more than two million people endure the suffocating blockade imposed since 2007. They provided food, medicine, and schooling, often the difference between survival and despair. But as war drags on, even the aid workers -- once the backbone of this system -- have themselves become displaced, hungry, and afraid. As the world observes World Humanitarian Day on Tuesday, their lives now mirror those of the people they were hired to help. Before the war, Reham Said, a 36-year-old United Nations employee from Gaza City, considered herself among the fortunate few. Her salary offered stability, a modest but comfortable life for her husband and four children. Today, her family moves from shelter to shelter, driven out by bombings, shortages, and fear. "From the fourth day of the war, my journey of displacement began," she recalled. "I moved more than ten times. Once, my sister's house, where we had taken refuge, was bombed. We emerged from the rubble injured, but we survived." Daily existence has been stripped to the barest tasks. Bread, once bought at bakeries, is now baked over open fires. Water and electricity are scarce. Laundry is done by hand. "My children often go to bed hungry due to the flour shortage and the closure of crossings," she said. Even when she had money, markets were empty, and banks ran dry. Her husband was injured while trying to collect aid near the border. Since then, the family has survived on scattered handouts and overpriced goods. Samar Dawas, 42, worked as an administrator for another international organization. She described her prewar life as "stable," supported by her salary and a modest home in Gaza City with her husband and two children. That stability collapsed in the first week of fighting. Her neighborhood was bombed, and the family fled at night, carrying only clothes and identity documents. They now live in a school turned shelter, sharing a classroom with dozens of strangers. "I wake up at dawn to help distribute bread and water, then return to my children to prepare a simple meal, often lentils or rice if available," she said. Electricity is gone, nights blur into days, and fear fills the silence. "My children ask when we will return home, and I have no answer. I try to distract them with stories or games, but fear overwhelms them." The war has reduced aid agencies to shadows of themselves. Restrictions and bombardments have crippled their ability to deliver food, medicine, and relief. After a brief ceasefire ended in March, Israel tightened the blockade, worsening shortages of flour, fuel, and medicine. United Nations officials now warn that famine looms for most of Gaza's population. At shelters, workers like Reham and Samar juggle the roles of employee and survivor. Reham tries to give her children improvised lessons at home. Samar registers displaced families while her own children sleep on the classroom floor. "Even the simplest things, like finding a clean glass of water or a quiet place to sleep, have become daily challenges," Samar said. Both women -- once providers of stability -- now plead for international intervention, not just for Gaza's civilians but also for the aid system itself. "UN agencies are Gaza's lifeline, and without them, the situation would be much worse," Reham said. Samar added, "I never imagined living and working in the same place, with my children sleeping on the floor among hundreds of strangers. The war has taken away our homes, our security, and our simplest dreams." Palestinian woman Reham Said is seen at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 13, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinian woman Reham Said is seen at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 13, 2025.(Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinian woman Reham Said is seen with her children at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 13, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinian woman Reham Said is seen with her children at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 13, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Palestinian woman Reham Said is seen at a temporary shelter in Gaza City, on Aug. 13, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) HANOI, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam aims to have at least 90 percent of eligible administrative procedures across government bodies delivered online by 2030 under its newly issued national data strategy, Vietnam News Agency reported Tuesday. The strategy seeks to build and expand a comprehensive national database to enhance coordination, analysis and innovation, while strengthening international data cooperation, the report said. On Monday, Vietnam inaugurated its first national data center at the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in the capital Hanoi. The second and third centers are expected to be launched by 2030 as part of the strategy's targets. Firefighters battle a wildfire in Veiga das Meas, northwestern Spain, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. [AP Photo/Lalo R. Villar] Massive wildfires have burned in Spanish forests throughout August, devastating multiple regions. In the past two weeks, they erupted in Galicia, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura, Madrid, Asturias, Cantabria, Andalusia, and Valencia. More than 350,000 hectares have already burned across Spain, an area equivalent to 34 times the size of the city of Barcelona or to the entire island of Mallorca, making this the worst year since records began. The fire that started on August 10 in Molezuelas de la Carballeda (Castilla y Leon) has already become the largest in Spains history, killing two and burning over 50,000 hectares. In Galicia, the Chandrexa de Queixa fire is the largest in the regions history, which has historically seen its forests burn intensely. So far, four people have died, dozens have been injuredten seriouslyand more than 30,000 have been evacuated. Many villages have been destroyed, with families losing their homes and belongings. Dozens of roads have been closed, and the rail connection between Madrid and Galicia has been suspended due to fire. The archaeological complex of the Roman gold mines of Las Medulas, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was devastated by the flames. According to experts, the thermal shock and loss of protective vegetation could endanger centuries of Roman engineering. The Picos de Europa Natural Park was also affected by the fires. What is happening in Spain is not an isolated event. In Europe, France is experiencing its worst wildfire season in 75 years, Portugal is on high alert, Cyprus suffered its worst fires in half a century on July 22 and 23, and massive fires are spreading across Greece, Turkey, Albania, and the Balkans. So far this year, Europes wildfire season has burned 439,568 hectares, more than twice the average of the past 19 years. Outside Europe, the US and Canada have also experienced massive wildfires. Canada is enduring its second worst wildfire season in history, with an area burned nearly the size of Panama. This is a consequence of climate change and capitalisms inability to combat it. Lorenzo Labrador, a scientist at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), explains that climate change plays an indirect but key role by increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and prolonging droughts. These conditions raise the risk and likelihood of fire spread. Extreme heat and drought dry out vegetation, turning it into the perfect fuel for wildfires. The data leave no room for doubt: July 2025 was recorded as the third hottest month in history since reliable climate records exist, only surpassed by July 2023 and 2024. The global average surface temperature, both land and ocean, for 2025 so far (January to July) is 1.18 C above the 20th-century average. This makes 2025 the warmest year on record to date, surpassing even the record set in 2023. This gives rise to so-called sixth-generation fires. These fires can generate their own weather, producing winds, lightning, or stormsknown as pyrocumulusdue to the extreme heat they emit. This also makes them spread rapidly, making them nearly impossible to extinguish. A study by the University of Tasmania, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, revealed that the frequency and intensity of extreme wildfires have more than doubled over the past two decades. CO2 emissions generated by wildfires are also the highest since records began 23 years ago. Serbia, Greece, and Albania recorded their highest emissions since 2007, Cyprus reached its highest annual total in just two days, and the United Kingdom saw its highest emissions in history, largely due to the large wildfires in northern Scotland in late June-early July. The consequences of climate change are catastrophic, and not only in terms of wildfires. Last October, severe floods in Spainalso a result of climate changeleft more than 200 dead. Although scientists had predicted that such floods could occur, the Spanish authorities did nothing to prevent them or prepare emergency plans. It is known that climate change produces increasingly severe natural disasters, yet no coordinated action is taken to stop it or to allocate the necessary resources to establish infrastructure and disaster response plans capable of mitigating such emergencies. The rotten governments that run the capitalist system funnel these resources to large banks and corporations via massive bailouts, or they invest them in preparing for war. In 2024, the combined defense spending of EU member states reached 326 billion, 30 percent more than in 2021, representing 1.9 percent of the EUs GDP. Now NATO countries are expanding their military budgets to up to 5 percent of GDP, while Europes Readiness 2030 rearmament plan foresees spending up to 800 billion over four years. These immense sums will come from savage cuts to social spending, health, education, pensions, but also from efforts to combat climate change. Spain spends 26 billion a year on military expenditure, a figure that will more than triple in the coming years under the aforementioned plans. By comparison, the funds for fighting wildfires are ridiculously low and decreasing: between 2009 and 2025, they fell from 1.742 billion to 1.295 billion. The budget allocated to fire prevention has dropped from 364 million to 175.8 million. In 2020, Greenpeace reported that 81.52 percent of Spains forested area has no management plans. Additionally, from 1962 to 2019, 4 million hectares of farmland in Spain were abandoned and have now become forested areas. Monica Parrilla, Greenpeace Spains head of wildfire response, warned back then: Spain is the second country in the EU in terms of forested area, yet two-thirds of it is at risk of desertification. These are not contradictory messages. The abandonment of farmland and the lack of forest management have resulted in a highly flammable landscape. If we do not manage that landscape, fire will do it in a devastating way. This is what is happening now. The lack of funding also affects forest firefighters, who work in grueling conditions. There is a shortage of personnel, salaries are very low, and workloads exhausting. Moreover, many contracts are temporary and last only through the summer. There are no additional pay allowances for exposure to toxic agents or hazardous conditions, nor are there specific occupational risk plans. A firefighter from Castilla y Leon, where 80 percent work only in summer under private company contracts, said: We are in the hands of people who have no idea how to manage a firefighting operation. He added that Salaries are miserable for shifts that can reach up to 18 hours a day. Regarding the companies that hire them, he noted, The jobs are awarded through low-bid contracts, and the company that pays the least gets the contracts for prevention and firefighting work. In the end, the ones who pay the price are the workers, because these companies skimp on everything they can: on salaries and on equipment. The unions do nothing for these workers, who in many cases have had their salaries and contracts frozen for years. The few strikes that have taken place to date have been isolated in specific regions. Forest firefighters can no longer expect anything from these unions; this is further proof of the need to form rank-and-file committees where workers can break the control of union bureaucracies and organize their struggle not only across Spain but together with colleagues throughout Europe who face conditions similar to their own. The only wildfire management that capitalism can offer is to wait for cooler weather, for rain, or to let the forests burn until there is nothing left to burn. Society needs to be organized along socialist lines to carry out, in a unified and international way, the fight against climate change and allocate the necessary resources to prevent and extinguish wildfires. Dina Bolaurte appears with her cabinet and military chiefs in Santa Rosa de Loreto [Photo: @presidenciaperu] The border conflict in Santa Rosa de Loreto, a remote Amazonian Island straddling the boundary between Colombia and Peru, has recently reignited tensions between the two South American neighbors. The dispute, marked by mutual accusations and nationalist posturing, reveals the political fragility of the governments in both countries. The immediate tensions emerged publicly when Colombias president, the left nationalist Gustavo Petro, reactivated the countrys claim over the island of Santa Rosa in a posting on X. This was triggered by Peru's recent administrative move to elevate Santa Rosa de Loreto to district status and bolster its state and military presence there. Petro called this a unilateral annexation and voiced alarm that these Peruvian actions could restrict strategic Colombian access to the Amazon River through Leticia, the Colombian city near the disputed territory. He specifically accused Peru of allowing a so-called Russian helicopter to land in the area. This amounted to a cynical attempt to rally US imperialism to Colombias side by invoking the specter of Russian involvement. Peru has utilized first Soviet and now Russian helicopters and other military equipment since they were first supplied to the left-nationalist military regime of Gen. Juan Velasco Alvarado in the early 1970s. Peru has maintained that Santa Rosa de Loreto is part of the larger island of Chineria, which, according to a 1929 treaty, is under its jurisdiction. The far-right Peruvian government of President Dina Boluarte, with backing from Congress, has moved to solidify control and dismiss Colombias claims as baseless. The situation has been further inflamed on the ground by the mass display of flags and high-level visits to the island by Peruvian officials. Petro went personally to Leticia on August 7 after moving official Independence Day celebrations to this remote, southernmost city of Colombia. There, the President reasserted Colombias claim on Santa Rosa amid aggressive nationalist posturing. In an interview, however, Petro said he did not have immediate plans to visit Santa Rosa itself, adding: That would be an act of war, and I still want to avoid a war. Then, Boluarte traveled to Santa Rosa itself on August 16 with her military command to give a saber-rattling address, promising not to yield one centimeter of Perus territory. Santa Rosa island and Colombian city of Leticia [Photo: Wikipedia] Historically, the demarcation of the ColombiaPeru border is rooted in a legacy of imperial intervention and manipulation that stretches from the Spanish colonial period through to the dominance of British and then U.S. imperialism in the region. After independence, both countries adopted the uti possidetis juris principle, relying on the last borders set under Spanish rule in 1810. However, vague and conflicting interpretations of these colonial-era boundaries sparked protracted disputes and several armed clashes during the 19th and 20th centuries. The most significant step in defining the border came with the SalomonLozano Treaty of March 24, 1922, mediated with strong influence from the United States as both a neutral power and growing regional hegemon. The treaty laid down the formal border following the deepest channel of the Amazon River, but sparked discontent in both countries. This dissatisfaction led to the 1932-33 Colombia-Peru War, or the Leticia War, when Colombia seized back territory deemed Peruvian. The conflict ended with the 1934 Protocol of Rio de Janeiro, reaffirming the 1922 treaty but establishing mechanisms for future dispute resolution. Brazil, which shares the border in the same area of the river, opposed the protocol. Moreover, constant geomorphological changes in the river that were not explicitly addressed in the treaties, with the Santa Rosa islet being formed by sediment as late as 1970. Imperialist powers have long advanced a strategy of divide and conquer to maintain their dominance over South America. During the 19th-century Pacific War between Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, British imperialism notoriously offered covert and overt support to rival sides to promote division and tighten its control of saltpeter and guanocritical to the production of gunpowderin the three countries. Most fundamentally, such border disputes have long been exploited by imperialism and local elites to stir up national chauvinism and stave off internal class tensions by diverting them against a foreign enemy. As infamously declared by Laureano Gomez, a Colombian Senate chair during the Leticia War, Peace, peace, peace in inner Colombia; war, war, war on the border against our despicable enemy. The tensions emerged as Gustavo Petro, Colombias first nominally left-wing president, has failed to meet high popular expectations of major reforms. At the same time, his Total Peace initiative aimed at ending armed conflict has fallen short as violence persisted and, in some areas, intensified. Petros government has been internally fractured, with the rupture of political coalitions and a constant reshuffling of his cabinet. Meanwhile, widespread social inequality and persistent political violence exemplified by the recent killing of the far-right presidential candidate Miguel Uribe, underscore the unresolved structural crises destabilizing Colombia. On the Peruvian side, the deeply unpopular Boluarte has been battered by chronic political unrest since assuming office after leading a coup to oust and arrest the pseudo-left President Pedro Castillo. Mass protests have erupted this year demanding substantive reforms to improve security and counter social inequality. As with Petro, the nominally left political forces in both countries have played a completely foul role in providing a left cover for bourgeois chauvinism under the reactionary call to defend each countrys sovereignty. In the context of the approaching April 2026 general elections, Perus pseudo-leftist Nuevo Peru, led by Veronika Mendoza, endorsed the nationalist rhetoric with a statement titled Santa Rosa is Peruvian and We will Defend It. Perus Stalinist Communist Party, for its part, promotes nationalism under the guise of protecting local Loreto residents interests. This response exposes the real class interests these parties servethose of local bourgeoisies dependent on imperialism. Downtown area of Santa Rosa de Loreto, August 2024 [Photo: Ministerio de Defensa del Peru] In their everyday life, border communities tell a different story. Colombians and Peruvians living near Santa Rosa engage cooperatively in commerce, healthcare, and social life across borders with cordiality and mutual aid. The Ticuna indigenous people represent the largest ethnic group on the island and the along the margins of the Amazon River and its tributaries in Colombia, Peru and Brazil, which they consider part of their ancestral land. This reality contradicts the nationalist hostilities stoked by politicians and ruling elites, demonstrating the arbitrary nature of borders imposed by imperial powers and local ruling elites. In a globalized capitalist world, the working class is already objectively interconnected and its struggles and interest transcends the confines of the nation-state. The division of humanity into rival nation-states under capitalism inevitably leads to destructive wars, economic chaos, and social crises where workers pay the heaviest price. The Santa Rosa de Loreto dispute makes clear that nationalism is a barrier to progress, peace, the fight against imperialist oppression and capitalist exploitation. Workers in Colombia and Peru require an internationalist perspective that rejects nationalist chauvinism. The road to follow consists in a conscious political fight not for the defense of outmoded national borders, but for the United Socialist States of the Americas and ultimately, world socialism. Roberto Carlos Montoya Valdez Roberto Carlos Montoya Valdez, a 52-year-old father from Guatemala, was fatally struck by an SUV on the 210 Freeway Thursday morning while fleeing an ICE raid at the Home Depot in Monrovia, California, where agents detained eight immigrants from Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras. As armed agents swarmed the Home Depot on Mountain Avenue, Montoya and others attempted to flee the area. After running across Evergreen Avenue onto the 210 Freeway, he was struck near Myrtle Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol. Agents left the scene without calling for medical aid, and after widespread public backlash, ICE claimed they were not aware of Montoyas death until hours after the raid concluded. A spontaneous protest broke out that evening, as workers and community members gathered at the Home Depot to condemn the killing and oppose ICE raids in Los Angeles and across the country. In a notice to the press, the Department of Homeland Security claimed that Montoya was not being pursued by federal officials. The statement was a flagrant attempt to blame Montoya for his own death. Pablo Alvarado, co-executive director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, responded, Whether they were chasing him or not, the fact is that when you have operations of this kind, the first reaction of any human being is to run. Witnesses reported that Montoya Valdez was not the only worker who attempted to flee arrest and detention. Mattias, a worker who escaped the raid, told NBC Los Angeles, My boss told me to run because immigration was there, adding, Some people ran regardless of their immigration status because nowadays they dont know if undocumented or documented people will be detained. Mattias himself was injured in the raid while fleeing and jumping a fence. Montoya Valdez was among the 44 million immigrants working in the US who sent remittances back to his family and four children in Guatemala. His death was the second reported instance of someone killed while attempting to flee the ongoing ICE raids across Southern California, following the death of 56-year-old Mexican farmworker Jaime Alanis Garcia in July, who fell 30 feet from a greenhouse roof during a raid at Glass House Farms near Camarillo, California. The National Day Laborer Organizing Network held a rally and vigil for Montoya Valdez Friday evening at the Monrovia Home Depot. Nearly a thousand community members and activists from the area and surrounding cities marched with signs demanding ICE out of Monrovia and declaring ICE is not welcome. The killing of Montoya Valdez was preceded by a Tuesday afternoon ICE raid at the Handy J Car Wash on Washington Boulevard in Culver City, where armed agents in white vans abducted at least eight workers, including the brother of the manager. Witness video showed him pinned to the ground and zip-tied by masked agents, while several bystanders demanded they release him. Security footage from the car wash also showed agents chasing and forcefully grabbing other workers. District 28 Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.) attended Fridays vigil and addressed the rally, stating, Make no mistake, his death is a direct result of the Trump administrations strategy of sowing fear and intimidation throughout our community. In a statement to ABC7 News, she added, It is a horrible situation. That is why we have to stop these ICE raids, we have to stop terrorizing our community. Who Chu meant by we when she declared, we have to stop terrorizing our community, is unclear. Masses of people within the US and internationally are enraged by the growing number of gestapo-style ICE raids throughout the country. By we, Chu may have been referring to the collaborative role of local law enforcement in the so-called sanctuary cities, where immigrant raids have continued unabated. Despite attempts to assign full responsibility to Trump and the Republicans, the most fitting interpretation is that the we referred to the Democratic Party, which fully supports the attacks on immigrants despite hollow displays of concern. The Biden administration carried out more than 700,000 formal deportations. At the same time, it continued Trumps use of Title 42 to summarily expel more than 2.4 million people at the border, denying them the right to claim asylum. This policy was carried out even as Biden dismantled COVID-19 mitigation measures and social spending, falsely declaring the pandemic over. During Obamas two terms in office, he oversaw the largest deportations in US history, with 3 million. The killing of Montoya Valdez was followed by the abduction of Colombian TikTok activist Tatiana Martinez in downtown Los Angeles at Fremont and Temple on Friday. Martinez was livestreaming to her 41,000 followers when she was seized, and a witnesss video of the incident went viral on social media. She went into shock after being dragged from her car and pinned to the ground and was hospitalized at White Memorial Hospital. The workers from the Handy J Car Wash and Martinez were being held at the downtown ICE detention center. The following day in San Bernardino, an ICE operation ended in gunfire after agents surrounded a family inside their vehicle. Agents smashed the cars windows and opened fire, later claiming the driver had struck two of them while attempting to flee. The family was able to drive back to their home at which point agents surrounded it and a seven hour standoff ensued. Family members, however, have disputed the official account, stating they were ambushed and terrorized without provocation. Witnesses reported children screaming inside the vehicle as agents fired, leaving the family traumatized. The incident exposes the increasingly violent and lawless methods of the immigration police, who habitually lie to justify their barbarism. With the signing of H.R.1, misleadingly dubbed the Big Beautiful Bill, in July, a historic allocation of $170.7 billion for immigration and border enforcement over four years was approved. Immigration detention capacity in the United States has expanded from 41,500 under Biden to over 60,000 in August 2025 and is projected to reach at least 116,000 beds by 2029. According to Reuters, border czar Tom Homan stated in late May that the administration had deported around 200,000 people in a four-month period, which was actually fewer than the 257,000 deportations under Biden during the same FebruaryMay timeframe in 2024. The brutality toward immigrants is the direct result of decades of collaboration between the two parties of the ruling class, which Trumps latest assaults have only intensified. According to data from the Department of Homeland Security, since Trump took office in January some 352,000 migrants have been arrested, including 4,481 in Los Angeles. DHS also reported that more than 324,000 individuals have been deported. The fascistic president is carrying out a campaign of mass deportations to terrorize and scapegoat immigrant workers for the deepening social and political crisis. This is a central plank of the far right. The assault on immigrants is not a question of race but of class. It is directed at the entire working class and can only be answered through class struggle. The working class must fight for its global unity and for the right of all workers to live and work wherever they choose. The Democratic Partythe party of Wall Street, the banks, and the military brassuses racial and identity politics to conceal these class issues while collaborating in the assault on immigrants. The working class must advance a socialist program, uniting across all races, religions, and national origins, to defeat both capitalist parties and defend immigrant workers as part of the fight against war, dictatorship, and exploitation. Northvolt Labs, December 2019 [Photo by Anders Utbult / CC BY 4.0 The Swedish advanced EV battery maker Northvoltonce lauded as the best-funded start-up in the European Union (EU)was purchased by Lyten, an American battery company, in early August. The takeover came after months of bankruptcy proceedings involving Northvolt in both Sweden and the United States. For many years, Northvolt was seen as a critical part of European and American efforts to create an EV battery supply chain relatively independent of East Asia. Today, East Asian countries control an estimated 80 to 85 percent of global lithium-ion battery production, with China alone accounting for about 75 percent. The European imperialist powers in particular promoted Northvolt with substantial government subsidies to strengthen their independence from the United States in the emerging clean energy economy. Over the past year, however, it became increasingly clear that Northvolts production facilities were facing serious industrial problems: high defect rates, extremely low factory output and the relentless burning of cash. This culminated in the companys bankruptcy filingsfirst in the US in November 2024, and then in Sweden in March 2025. At the height of Northvolts crisis, the company was rumored to be flying in Chinese battery technicians and engineers on a weekly basis to perform damage control on its factory machinery, critical sections of which had been imported from Wuxi Lead Intelligent, the worlds top supplier of the machinery. The episode underscored how far European companies had fallen behind Chinese producers in the race to dominate the EV market. Lyten, a Silicon Valley-based start-up backed by investors such as Stellantis, FedEx, Honeywell and McKinsey, is acquiring Northvolts main assets at a steeply discounted but undisclosed price. This includes the giant gigafactory in Skelleftea in the north of Sweden, the companys research facility in Vasteras outside Stockholm and a planned plant in Heide, Germany. Lytens chief executive Dan Cook has pitched the deal as part of a broader effort to establish secure local supply chains in both Europe and the United States, citing Northvolts existing strong relationships with Western car companies. Unlike Northvolt, which concentrated on conventional lithium-ion batteries for the EV market, Lyten specializes in lithium-sulphur technology, a chemistry it claims is cheaper to produce and offers higher energy density. The combined company will now pursue both. The bankruptcy of Northvolt, followed by its acquisition by an American company, underscores several interrelated economic and geopolitical realities. First, the United States and Europe, despite significant efforts and tens of billions in investments and subsidies, remain markedly behind Chinas rapid development of EV batteries. Between 2020 and 2024, China experienced a meteoric expansion of its car industry, growing exports from under 1 million to 5.7 million vehicles, outpacing every other country, including Germany and Japan. Much of this growth came from electric vehicles, made possible by Chinas domination of advanced battery production and its control over the critical minerals needed to produce them. Despite years of promises, the US and EU remain far behind in electric vehicles. China now controls the entire EV supply chainfrom mineral mining to battery development, car manufacturing, operating software development, and even car shipping, according to the Center for European Policy Analysis. Six of the worlds top 10 EV makers are Chinese, and BYD has already surpassed Tesla as the worlds largest seller. Some Chinese EVs now sell for under $10,000a fraction of the cost in Europe or Americaand are only kept out of those markets by steep tariffs. Meanwhile, the sale of Chinese EVs outside Western markets is undercutting the established car companies. A key issue in Volkswagens current troubles is that the Chinese market, long its main driver of profits, is now turning away from European and American brands toward Chinese cars. Collectively, Chinas EV dominance poses a critical problem for American imperialism and its former European allies. Large sections of the US and EU ruling class recognize that the energy transition will inevitably make fossil-based cars and trucks increasingly expensive and outdated. As Rystad Energy, one of the worlds leading oil and gas consultancies, has noted, global petroleum reserves are insufficient to support oil demand if there is no transition to electric vehicles. In other words, the shift to EVs will be driven not only by demand (EVs inevitably becoming cheaper and higher performing) but also by supply constraints, as the cost of oil is expected to climb to new highs over the next quarter-century despite the relative lull today. If the United States and Europe fail to develop their own domestic supply chains for affordable, advanced EV production, including batteries and critical minerals, they risk becoming increasingly beholden to China, especially as pressures mount to move global production away from combustion engines. This both undercuts Washingtons drive toward war with China and at the same time accelerates it as the US seeks to secure its position before the global era of oil and gas fades away. Meanwhile, the deepening rift in transatlantic relations has further complicated a coherent strategic industrial policy. The constant lurching between support for fossil fuels and renewables within the American ruling class is not merely the quirk of a passing administration, but a reflection of the deeper irrationality of capitalism itselfits anarchic competition, both among rival sections of the capitalist class and between nation states. Lytens purchase of Northvolt underscores the fact that American imperialism and its erstwhile European allies increasingly view each other as opponents. What was initially promoted as a joint transatlantic push to break free of Chinas dominance has developed into US-based companies moving to scoop up European assets at a massive discount, while Brussels struggles to hold its industrial projects together. To put things in perspective, Northvolt was funded with around $25 billion of capital but will likely be selling its assets for around $1 billion or less to Lyten. The German ruling class touted Northvolt as leading the green energy revolution of the future. The Social Democrat/Green/Free Democratic Party federal government cooperated with the state government of Schleswig-Holstein to provide financing of 600 million for the Northvolt gigafactory in Heide, which is due to start production by the end of 2027. An additional 300 million in loan guarantees extended to Northvolt by the German government in 2020 remained outstanding when the company declared bankruptcy, meaning that over 900 million in public funds could be lost. The Heide factory was hailed as a symbol of European energy independence amid the European imperialist powers waging of war against Russia in Ukraine and ending of cheap Russian energy imports. Then Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck were part of a high-profile delegation to celebrate the beginning of construction at the proposed factory site in March 2024. Now, the question of whether the factory will ever commence production remains open. Only its foundations have been completed to date. The broader crisis facing European capitalism was expressed in last years Draghi report on European competitiveness, which warned that Europe faces an existential challenge as it falls further behind both the US and China. Growth in Europe has slowed to near-stagnation, energy costs remain several times higher than in the US, and the EUs fragmented financing system has prevented the scale of investment needed in advanced technologies. An August 15 Wall Street Journal article described the growing domination of US investors over European financial markets as an emergency for Europe. Noting the tendency of European companies to list their main operations in the US, the Journal pointed out: So far this year, according to Dealogic, six companies have gone public in the U.K., raising $208 million, the lowest level in three decades of data. It isnt much better across the English Channel, despite surging stock markets. Initial public offerings in continental Europe have nearly halved in value compared with last year. Fundraising in the U.S., meanwhile, has jumped 38% to around $40 billion. Northvolts collapse is a symptom of the structural weakness of European capitalism and contributes to the growing resentment within the European ruling class at its dependency on the United States, especially when it comes to the question of Ukraine, armaments and advanced technologies, such as AI and EVs. At its height, Northvolts main factory in northern Sweden employed some 4,000 workers. The mega factory was seen as underpinning a broader regional development of the north, a scarcely populated area being remade as a hub for renewable steel and EV production, based on cheap hydropower. With Northvolts bankruptcy, thousands of those jobs vanished, taking down with them thousands of other businesses and livelihoods in the area. Reportedly, some of these jobs may now return if Lyten ramps up production. However, when Lyten previously bought Northvolts Polish battery-pack plant, it actually cut further staff. Meanwhile, Chinese carmakers continue to make breakthroughs. In 2025, BYD announced a new charging system that could power a 249-mile battery in just five minutes. With that said, even as Chinese EVs set the global pace of the industry, the intensity of competition in Chinacombined with overproduction and a flattening of demand growthpoints toward a new wave of bankruptcies, as weaker firms are forced out and the industry consolidates. Ultimately, the industrial conflict over critical minerals and EVs, expressed in Lytens purchase of Northvolt, exposes the irrationality of capitalism itself. At the very moment when global cooperation is most needed to build a renewable future, the great powers are instead sharpening their knives, driving the transition deeper into rivalry, confrontation and war. The working class in every country will bear the main burden through job losses and attacks on wages and conditions to improve competitiveness. An article published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) last Thursday has further exposed the federal Labor governments lie that it is not facilitating the export of arms or military goods to Israel as it continues its horrific genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Only days before, Defence Minister Richard Marles repeatedly dodged questions in an interview on the ABCs Insiders program about Australias ongoing military exports to Israel. Pressed on the export of F-35 stealth fighter components and armoured steel to Israel, Marles simply stonewalled, repeated the governments line that no weapons were being sold to Israel. F-35 dropping inert B61-12 nuclear bomb, first trial [Photo: Los Alamos National Laboratory] When it was pointed out that the F-35 components were necessary for the sophisticated war plane, Marles again obfuscated, declaring that Australia was an F-35 country, part of international supply chains and would continue to export the parts. Asked about the sale of armoured steel to the major Israeli military manufacturer, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Marles dismissed the question declaring a ban would have no impact. He claimed that there had been a lot of misinformation about the issue but did not elaborate further. The ability of the Labor government to lie about continuing military exports to Israel, even as it postures as an opponent of Israels deliberate starvation of Palestinians in Gaza, depends on the secrecy surrounding government export permits. Last weeks ABC article lifts the lid to provide a glimpse of the extent of the sales of military items to Israel. In response to parliamentary questions on notice, the Defence Department replied that it had launched a review in June 2024 of 66 active permits approved prior to the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October 2023. In other words, the review was initiated months after the murderous Israeli bombardment of Gaza began. As reported last week, the review so far had resulted in 16 permits being amended or lapsed, 13 remained under review and 35 required no further action. No details were provided as to what was being exported, in what quantities, by what companies, or indeed why 16 permits had been amended or lapsed. When the review was announced last year, Marles told the ABC that the government would continue to scrutinise the exports to Israel but was confident that those licences are for what we describe as dual-use technology. In fact, that was another lie. The permits to export military-related goods have two categoriesmilitary-specific or dual use. Dual-use, as defined by the Defence Department applies to items generally used for commercial purposes, but with potential military and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) application. According to the Defence Department, the bulk of the permits under review were for military specific items. Of the 35 that remain active, 31 are for military-specific items, as are all of the 13 still under review. Eleven of the 16 amended or lapsed permits were also military-specific, which is defined as items that are designed or adapted for use by armed forces or are inherently lethal. Questioned in the Senate estimates committee last November, Defence Deputy Secretary Hugh Jeffrey was deliberately vague declaring that just because an item was classed as military specific did not equate to the assertion that were exporting military equipment to Israel, adding: It could go to, yes, munitions, but it also could go to body armour. It could also include night-vision goggles, he said. He did not say what was being exported. The ABC reported that it had asked a series of questions of the Defence Department including on the process used to review permits, whether any active permits related to weapons and munitions and the status of the 13 permits still under review. As of publication last week, no answers had been provided. The wall of silence surrounding the export of military-related items to Israel is clearly to cover up the fact that the Australian government is in breach of the UN Arms Trade Treaty which Australia has signed. The governments constant refrain that there have been no weapons exports to Israel is a deliberate diversion from the fact that other items, including components, come under the purview of the Treaty. It specifically covers not just weapons, but parts used in their assembly as well as munitions. The Treaty specifically requires a signatory not to authorise exports if it has knowledge at the time that the arms or military items would be used in the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity, grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, attacks directed against civilian objects or civilians protected as such, or other war crimes as defined by international agreements to which it is a Party. The most glaring known breach involves the continuing export of F-35 parts to Israel. According to the Guardian, a now deleted paragraph from the manufacturers website, Lockheed Martin, declared: As a programme partner, Australian businesses are supplying components for the entire F-35 fleet, not just Australian aircraft. Every F-35 built contains some Australian parts and components. Last month Labors Foreign Minister Penny Wong once again defended the sale of F-35 parts to Israel, saying that the components and parts that are non-lethal in nature. The comment is absurd on the face of it. While an electronic component, or element of a weapons system, might be non-lethal in and of itself, like the firing mechanism of a gun, it could be critical to its lethal functioning. A Guardian Fact Check last year noted as early as November 2023 that the Israeli military confirmed that F-35s were being used to strike terror targets and assist ground forces in very close proximity strikes. In February last year, a Dutch court found that F-35s were likely being used in attacks on Gaza, and there was a clear risk that parts exported from the Netherlands were used in serious violations of international humanitarian law. Since then, Israel has used F-35s many times in its systematic reduction of the Gaza Strip to rubble and its slaughter of civiliansmen, women and children. An Amnesty International Australia report last month stated: F-35s have been repeatedly used by Israeli Forces in airstrikes on designated safe zones in Gaza, killing tens of thousands of civilians. Israel has also deployed F-35s in its blatantly illegal acts of aggression throughout the Middle Easton Iran, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. The death toll in Gaza is now more than 62,000, including many journalists, health workers, aid workers and professionals. The deliberate starvation of the entire population is producing harrowing scenes of severely malnourished children, the killing of civilians queuing for food, and the deaths of desperate people scrambling for supplies from airdrops. The federal Labor government has politically backed Israels genocidal war, continued military exports to Israel, and waged a reactionary campaign to brand opponents of the Zionist regimes criminal actions as antisemitic. Its declaration that it will recognise Palestinian statehood at next months UN General Assembly is simply a crude and cynical attempt to deflect mass popular outrage and will do nothing to halt Israels relentless military operations. That outrage was graphically expressed in this months mass protest of hundreds of thousands across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. However, the Labor governments determination to continue military sales to Israel makes clear that no amount of pressureas advocated by the Greens and various pseudo-left groups such as Socialist Alliancewill compel it to end its broader support for the Israeli regime as it routinely massacres civilians. What is required is the building of a unified movement of the working class in Australia and internationally, independent of the pro-capitalist trade unions, to halt cripple the Israeli war machine through strikes and industrial action. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player Striking Air Canada flight attendants picketing at Montreal's Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International Airport In a courageous action challenging the Canadian ruling class drive to effectively abolish the right to strike, 10,500 Air Canada flight attendants are defying a federal Liberal government back-to-work order. Their defiance of the government and bourgeois law and order heralds an intensification of class struggle globally. The scramble of the imperialist powers, led by the US, to repartition the world economically and territorially through trade war and military conflict is being waged on the backs of the working class, impelling it into mass struggle. Less than four months after the Liberals were returned to power under their newly-minted leader, the ex-central banker Mark Carney, a militant working-class movement is challenging the governments fiat, and throwing it into political crisis. The flight attendants walked off the job shortly after midnight Friday to oppose Air Canadas refusal to pay them for work done before departure and after landingamounting to an average of 35 hours of unpaid labour per monthand to fight against years of falling real wages imposed under the ten-year contract their union, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), forced through in 2015. Less than 12 hours after the strike began, Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu invoked Section 107an obscure Canada Labour Code provision the government recently reinterpreted to arrogate to it the power to unilaterally illegalize strikes, bypassing parliament. As per the governments cooked-up reinterpretation, Hajdu ordered the unelected Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to declare the strike illegal and impose binding arbitration. First under Justin Trudeau and now Carney, the Liberal government has repeatedly used Section 107 over the past twelve months to illegalize worker job actions. Those previously targeted include rail workers, port workers and 55,000 Canada Post workers. On all previous occasions, the bureaucratic union apparatuses, CUPE included, have connived with the government to enforce the strike bans. If this time around the CUPE bureaucrats felt compelled to sanction defiance of the government back-to-work order, it was due to their fear of losing all credibility with, and political control over, a militant, outraged rank and file. The Air Canada flight attendants had voted 99 percent for strike action on a turnout of over 94 percent. The CIRB has now officially declared the workers defiance of its Section 107 strikebreaking order an illegal strike. This clears the way for the government and/or Air Canada to obtain court injunctions against the strike, thereby making individual workers, union officials and CUPE liable to steep fines. Union leaders could face imprisonment. The confrontation between the government and the Air Canada flight attendants expresses the irreconcilable conflict between the ruling capitalist elite and the working class that is reaching a boiling point in Canada and globally. The flight attendants defiance has shattered the myth of national unity promoted by the Canadian ruling class, its political representatives and the trade union bureaucracy in response to US President Donald Trumps trade war and threats to annex Canada. Throughout 2025, official political life has been dominated by a foul nationalist, flag-waving campaign, in which the union apparatus, the social-democratic New Democratic Party and the pseudo-left have all rallied behind the ruling class Team Canada, urging all Canadians to unite to save the country. Senior labour bureaucrats have joined the Prime Ministers Council on Canada-US Relations, tasked with developing the Canadian ruling class strategy in response to Trumps repudiation of the traditional US-Canada partnership. At the same time, the entire union apparatus has been mobilized to champion retaliatory tariffs targeting American, Chinese and other workers. As the assault on the Air Canada strike demonstrates, behind the din of nationalist tub-thumping the Canadian ruling class is adopting Trump-style policies. This includes authoritarian methods of rule to bolster the economic competitiveness and military-strategic position of Canadian imperialism and thereby ensure, in the words of Carney, that it is a predator, not prey, in the imperialist redivision of the world. The Carney government has pledged hundreds of billions of dollars in increased military spending over the next decade, launched a sweeping austerity drive, introduced legislation gutting refugee rights, and courted Trumpflattering the would-be dictator and offering him political supportin the hopes of securing a renewed economic and military-security alliance with Washington and Wall Street. In challenging the ruling class assault on the right to strike, the Air Canada flight attendants have struck a blow for the entire working class. But if this militant struggle is to become the catalyst for a true working class counter-offensive, its implicit repudiation of Team Canada and the subordination of the working class to the strategic imperatives of Canadian imperialism must be made explicit: through the development of an independent political movement of the working class, based on a socialist-internationalist strategy. The rival ruling classes are whipping up nationalism and anti-immigrant chauvinism to divide workers at home and dragoon them behind their trade wars and military conflicts. But workers are united as never before by the process of global production, under the aegis of transnational corporations whose operations span the planet. Workers, moreover, are the principal victims of the predatory struggles of the capitalist powers. An appeal by workers in Canada for a joint struggle with their class brothers and sisters in the US, Mexico and beyond would meet with powerful support. Unpaid work is just as burning an issue for flight attendants in the US. Through new technologiessuch as precision-scheduled railroading across North Americas rail networks or dynamic routing at Canada Post and US delivery companiesworkers in every sector are being driven to the breaking point in the pursuit of capitalist profit. The principal obstacle to waging such a struggle is the nationalist, pro-capitalist trade union bureaucracy. The union leaderships are doubling down on their appeals to the Carney government for close cooperation. On Sunday, the Canadian Labour Congress released a statement following an emergency meeting that pleaded with Carney to withdraw the strike ban and work to achieve a fair deal for Air Canada workers through the bargaining process. But there can be no talk of a fair deal for workers through negotiations involving a government that is waging a class war on behalf of the bosses. What the bureaucrats are really asking Carney to do is acknowledge their role in enforcing further savage attacks on flight attendants and other workers. The statement included the foul nationalist assertion that Carneywho has spent his entire adult life as a servant of the financial oligarchywas elected to fight against Trump, to protect our jobs and our communities. This is a lie, aimed at pitting workers against each other in a nationalist trade war led by the very same capitalists and their political mouthpieces who are assaulting workers jobs, wages and conditions. The role of the Canadian union apparatus in whipping up nationalist propaganda as the class struggle intensifies is far from unique. In the United States, the United Auto Workers and other unions have lined up behind Trumps reactionary America First tariffs. UAW President Shawn Fain has donned T-shirts featuring B-24 bombers and the slogan arsenal of democracya direct reference to the unions alliance with the ruling class in suppressing strikes during World War II in the interests of American imperialism. In Europe, the union apparatus stands in the front ranks of the imperialist powers massive rearmament drive, which is fueling the ruling elites assault on what remains of workers democratic and social rights across the continent. The Air Canada strike shows that workers are striving to assert their class interests. To succeed, they must abolish the bureaucratized trade union apparatus and transfer power back to the rank and file, where it belongs. The International Committee of the Fourth International and its Socialist Equality Parties have initiated the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) to provide the organizational and political means for this struggle. Through the development of rank-and-file committees, workers can advance demands based on their needs, not corporate profit; counter the sabotage of the bureaucracy; and mobilize their immense social power in coordinated struggles across industries, borders and continents. The development of the IWA-RFC is a crucial element in the fight to arm the growing upsurge of the working class with a socialist-internationalist programone that must guide the struggle against imperialist war, dictatorship and the destruction of workers social and democratic rights, and for workers power. The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature Latin America Argentine workers occupy factories in Buenos Aires and Cordoba provinces in separate actions This week workers in the provinces of Buenos Aires and Cordoba took over plants in milk processing and petrochemical industries in separate actions. On Monday, August 11, workers took over the Rio Tercero Petrochemical factory to protest the lay-off of 124 of their comrades, under terrible working conditions. The occupiers stayed in the plant throughout the week. Previous to the takeover, the company had ignored court ordered negotiations with the oil workers union. Instead, it imposed the layoffs, and attacks on wages owed to them (they were offered 50 percent compensation). Workers occupying the plant indicated that they would occupy the plant through Thursday, August 14, as long as the company agreed to accept government-imposed mediation. On Tuesday, August 12, Buenos Aires workers owed some $US 2 million in back wages took over the La Suipachense milk plant in Suipacha (population 12,000) Buenos Aires province. The takeover took place after the 75-year-old company, mired in debts, announced that it would shut down production in two weeks. According to a spokesperson from Argentine Milk Workers Union (Asociacion de Trabajadores de la Industria Lechera ArgentinaAtilra), well-known for betraying its members, the company is very much behind in the payment of wages and has serious problems. Workers have not been paid for weeks, and milk production has fallen from 250,000 liters per day in June of this year to 40,000 liters now. The 140 workers took over the plant to prevent its closure and guarantee a basic income for themselves and for the municipality. La Suipachense labeled the occupation a forced take-over, and threatened to take repressive measures. La Suipachenses bankruptcy is part of a general crisis in the milk industry in Argentina. Demand for milk and milk products is collapsing, costs are rising, and investors are fleeing despite decades of government financing. Metalworkers in Sao Paulo stage protest strike Workers employed by the Gerdau Steel Company in Pindamonhangaba, Sao Paulo, went on strike on August 14 to protest the increase in accidents and threats of mass layoffs. The strike is a direct response to the multinational companys announcement in early August that it had laid off 1,500 workers across Brazil. Last year one of its Sao Paulo plants was shut down by management and when it reopened, 100 workers were laid off While the Gerdau plants have a history of accidentsAugust 15 was the 8th anniversary of an explosion that killed two workers and injured 10 othersthe layoffs and consequent speed-ups have resulted in four injuries at the plant, including a worker who had a finger amputated. The union that supposedly represents the workers has downplayed the extent of the layoffs. Gerdau is the largest steel company in Latin America, and the third largest in the world. It operates metal producing and manufacturing plants in over a dozen countries, including the US, Canada, Mexico and the UK. United States Naperville, Illinois teachers vote overwhelming for strike The 1,500 educators for the Naperville District 203 in Illinois voted overwhelmingly August 12 to grant strike authorization as teachers demands for wage compensation and school-day scheduling have been stalemated. The Naperville Unit Education Association (NUEA) has been in negotiations with the district since February of this year and the old contract agreement expired June 30. School board president Charles Cush declared, We simply cannot afford the unions proposal The union counters that the district has 300 days of cash at its disposal, an amount that is nearly twice the amount recommended by the Illinois Board of Education. One day following the strike vote the union filed notice with the Illinois educational Labor Relations Board of an intent to strike. But Ross Berkley, NUEA President said, We are following a statute, and thats it, and there is no intention to strike. The union will hold a rally on August 18, and mediated negotiations are to resume on August 19. Houston hotel workers grant strike authorization Hotel workers at the Hilton Americas in downtown Houston, Texas, voted by a 99.3 percent margin August 13 to authorize strike action as they demand a $23 an hour base wage, improved working conditions and a better leave of absence policy. The contract covering the 400 members of Unite Here Local 23 expired on June 30 and workers, who mainly earn around $16 an hour, are demanding a change. When I started at the Hilton, I was given full-time hours but then pretty soon they started getting cut back, cook Brian Garcia told Houston Public Media. Right now, Im making $16.65 an hour, but it really isnt enough. I know my worth, and Hilton isnt paying me what I deserve. Franchesca Caraballo, president of Local 23, explained, Houston, the cost of living here has risen by a lot, and workers are still scraping to get by. Many workers are having to work second jobs, even third jobs, to keep up with the cost of living, provide for their families, and a company like the Hilton, theyre coming off a record profit year. Houston broke all records for visitors last year and hotel revenues have been increasing 15.5 percent each year to $3 billion in 2024. The Hilton Americas is Houstons largest hotel with 1,200 rooms. Local 23 represents some 3,000 hospitality workers. Despite the fact that other hotel workers are also seeking a $23 base wage, whose contracts expire this year, there is no indication of a joint struggle. Mediated talks resume August 19. Construction strike brings road projects to a halt in Spokane An August 12 strike by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 302 has caused construction delays across the Spokane, Washington metropolitan region. Neither officials of the Operating Engineers nor the Associated General Contractors (AGC) representing a coalition of construction companies have been willing to discuss the issues involved in the strike. The strike has brought work on projects like the widening of Interstate 90 and US Highways 195 and 395 to a halt. Because Spokane relies on asphalt from companies involved in the labor dispute, projects across the city are affected. The union continues to negotiate with the AGC over a new contract agreement. Canada Ontario community college support workers vote to strike Full-time support staff at community colleges throughout Ontario voted by 77.3 percent in favour of strike action should the College Employer Council not reach a contract settlement with their Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) bargaining team. The bargaining unit comprises about 10,000 technicians, technologists, clerks, assistants, analysts, tutors and facilities operators. Their contract expires on August 31. Ontario community college support workers pose at strike vote August 15, 2025. [Photo: Ontario Public Service Employees Union] Major issues in negotiations revolve around wage increases and job security. Due to decades of chronic underfunding by Ontario governments of all political stripes combined with a 2024 federal government limit on international student visas, community college facilities have been ravaged alongside worker wages and benefits. As many as 10,000 jobs are threatened amongst faculty and support worker units in the 40-institution network of schools. Over 600 college programs are suspended or cancelled with many jobs already slashed. Last October, faculty at these same colleges, also members of OPSEU, voted in favour of their own strike for a new contract. However, despite delivering a strong mandate to the union, OPSEU officials withheld any job action and then in January opted to agree to binding arbitration with the employer, resulting in yet another inferior contract settlement. Auto parts maker Titan Tool locks out Windsor workers With 40 of 65 workers, members of Unifor, already on layoff, management at auto parts company Titan Tool and Die locked out the remaining 25 workers after the expiration of the collective agreement on July 31. The company is demanding massive concessions from the workers in any new contract. Union officials, for their part, have simply asked the company for a negotiated plant closure agreement. Titan Tool management has already moved some of its molds and product orders across the border to the United States. Last April, after the union blocked a truck from carrying materials out of the premises, the company quickly received a court injunction allowing them to move material from the plant. Citing the disruption to auto parts and metals markets arising from tariffs implemented by the Trump administration, a number of disputes have arisen over the past month between auto parts/metals companies and workers over the removal of plant equipment. Contract strikes by 120 Unifor workers just north of Toronto at Toromont, a heavy equipment component refurbishing facility, and by 200 Unifor metal workers employed by Dajcor Aluminum in Chatham, Ontario have also seen pickets alerted to suspected equipment removals. Mississippi became the fourth Republican-ruled state to send National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., with Republican Governor Tate Reeves ordering 200 soldiers of the Mississippi National Guard to head to the US capital in response to an appeal from President Donald Trump. The military occupation of Washington has taken on an unheard-of partisan character, with troops under Republican control entering the city, with no Democratic-run states contributing soldiers. Mississippi joins South Carolina, West Virginia and Ohio in sending hundreds of troops apiece, bringing the total deployment to 900 out-of-state soldiers, together with 800 in the D.C. National Guard, which is under Trumps direct control as president. District of Columbia Army National Guardsmen stand in a section of the National Mall near the Washington Monument in Washington, Monday, August 18, 2025. [AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta] Echoing Trumps lies about a runaway crime wave in Washington, Governor Reeves issued a statement justifying the Mississippi deployment, declaring, Crime is out of control there, and its clear something must be done to combat it Americans deserve a safe capital city that we can all be proud of. Reeves was silent on the fact that Mississippi ranks 49th out of the 50 states in terms of violent crime, with only neighboring Louisiana worse. Both states are deeply impoverished, with education and other public services ranked among the worst in the country, all factors that, as in the poorest sections of the US capital, contribute to crime. The political symbolism of Mississippi and South Carolina sending troops to Washington, D.C. is hard to miss. These two states were among the initiators of the slaveholders revolt that led to secession and the establishment of the Confederate States of America in 1861. South Carolina was the first state to secede, while Senator Jefferson Davis of Mississippi was named president of the Confederacy, holding that post throughout the Civil War. Given the restoration of Confederate names to US military bases across the South since Trump re-entered the White House in January, one could justify asking what flag the South Carolina and Mississippi troops were flying as they entered the capital of the United States. The Mississippi deployment was followed by a statement from an unidentified Trump administration official that National Guard troops would begin carrying weapons, in addition to the body armor they have been wearing since they arrived in the city. National Guard is not making arrests at this time, the official said, according to press reports, but 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. Uniformed troops have been stationed at federal buildings, including the White House, the Capitol and the citys major monuments, as well as at federal properties like the Mall, but have not yet been sent into commercial or residential areas of Washington. Agents mobilized by various federal departments, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, began sweeps through residential neighborhoods over the weekend, including the deeply impoverished portion of the city east of the Anacostia River. Attorney General Pam Bondi boasted in a social media posting, Just this weekend, 137 arrests were made and 21 illegal firearms were seized. In total, there have been nearly 400 arrestsand we are not slowing down. There have been frequent protests by local residents over police attacks, particularly those carried out by masked federal agents in immigrant neighborhoods. According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 40 percent of the arrests made since Trump ordered the crackdown August 11 have been of undocumented immigrants. This underscores the big lie character of Trumps claim that he is ridding the District of crime, since the main target is immigrant workers. Reinforcing this characterization is the fact that Trumps top fascist adviser, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, was seen at D.C. police headquarters Friday, surveying the department that President Donald Trump had declared to be under federal control, the Washington Post reported. The article continued: Millers presence at D.C. police headquarters showed how rapidly the White House has become embedded in the machinery of local law enforcement in the nations capital. And it highlighted how much the first week of the federal takeover has focused on the topic he has directed most intensely: immigration enforcement. Miller appeared on Fox News on Saturday, bragging that federal officials had targeted more than 70 homeless encampments that scarred and disfigured the public streets. Homeless people and immigrants have been the two main targets of the initial police sweeps through the city. Another Post report underscores the bullying character of these sweeps: The federal show of force the past week was indeed at times overwhelmingas Trump had promised it would be. On Wednesday night, more than a dozen FBI agents rolled up to Washington Circle, flanked by more D.C. police, and roused a few homeless people from a tent who were already planning to clear out in a few days on city orders and were befuddled by all the fuss. It is worth recalling that two years ago, Trump was indicted by a federal grand jury comprised of Washington residents for conspiring to overturn his defeat in the 2020 presidential election with the assault by an armed mob of his supporters on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. That remains the largest outbreak of violence in Washington, D.C. in more than 50 years. At the time, Trump vilified the city as FILTHY, DIRTY, FALLING APART, & VERY UNSAFE, and he clearly bears a continuing grudge against the citys residents for that indictment. The intensification of the police-military mobilization continued as the leaders of many European governments arrived in Washington Monday for a series of meetings with Trump at the White House. Trump, Miller & Co. clearly relish welcoming their guests to a capital city where troops and armored vehicles are on display, visible through the windows of the White House. The Democratic Party has done little or nothing to oppose the show of force in Washington. Mayor Muriel Bowser has instructed the citys police department to cooperate with its new masters, even meeting with Attorney General Bondi to work out the details. Democratic state governors have not sent troops, but congressional Democrats have confined themselves to brief statements that convey impotence and resignation rather than genuine opposition. There have been no calls from either leading Democrats or the trade unions for popular protests, and certainly not for strike action that could quickly disable federal operations in Washington and challenge the Trump administrations increasingly open erection of a police state. DAMASCUS, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Syria's foreign affairs chief, Assad Hassan al-Shibani, met with an Israeli delegation in Paris on Tuesday to discuss efforts to reduce tensions and bolster stability in southern Syria, according to Syria's state news agency SANA. Al-Shibani and the Israeli delegation focused on de-escalation, non-interference in Syria's internal affairs, and the revival of the 1974 disengagement agreement that has governed the frontier for decades, said SANA, adding that their talks also covered ways to monitor the ceasefire in Sweida province, a flashpoint in the country's south. The meeting, held under U.S. mediation, is part of a wider diplomatic push to safeguard Syria's territorial integrity and promote regional security, according to SANA. Earlier this month, al-Shibani met in Amman with Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack. The three agreed to form a Syrian-Jordanian-U.S. working group aimed at supporting Damascus' efforts to maintain the Sweida ceasefire and work toward a comprehensive solution to the country's crisis, according to the report. In December, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government, Israel deployed ground forces into the buffer zone of the two countries, a demilitarized area between the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights and Syria. The buffer zone is monitored by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, which was established under the 1974 disengagement agreement. Israel later captured the Syrian-controlled side of Mount Hermon. California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. [AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez] Texas Democratic legislators returned to the state Monday, ending their political protest against the gerrymandering of congressional districts in that state ordered by President Donald Trump and carried through by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Republican-controlled state legislature. The Democrats claimed their protest stunt had been successful, as they fled the state to deny a quorum for the state legislature during an emergency session called by Abbott. But the governor called a second emergency session, opening Monday, which is dutifully pushing through the redistricting that could cost the Democratic Party as many as five congressional seats. The Democrats cited the national attention given to the gerrymander, being carried out mid-decade rather than after the next federal census, and the response in Democratic-controlled states like California, where Governor Gavin Newsom has advanced a plan to gerrymander five Republicans out of their seats in retaliation for the Texas action. Newsom announced his cynical plan to temporarily bypass Californias independent redistricting commission in order to redraw congressional maps that would counter Republican gerrymandering efforts. Other states, both Democratic-controlled and Republican-controlled, are preparing similar efforts, in a campaign that demonstrates that the capitalist two-party system is fundamentally anti-democratic. Both capitalist parties work to suppress the democratic rights of working people and insure their own political dominance. Now that enough Democrats have returned to ensure a quorum, Republicans in Texas have already moved to advance their maps and other reactionary items on the agenda, including limiting access to abortion pills and expanding attacks on transgender persons. We are done waiting, Republican Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrows declared on Monday after gaveling in the new special session. We have a quorum. Now is the time for action. Backing Republican efforts in Texas, Trump posted on social media his appreciation of Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Burrows and the Texas legislature for their GREAT work. Not all of the over 50 Democrats who fled have returned to the state, but a sufficient number have to ensure that the Republicans will have a quorum to pass their legislative agenda. Texas democrats return to the house chambers at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Texas, Monday, August 18, 2025. [AP Photo/Stephen Spillman] Reflecting the increasingly authoritarian atmosphere that is permeating US politics, Speaker Burrows confirmed that Texas Democrats who fled and returned to Austin will be subject to a police escort to and from the House and that the lawmakers will be billed for any costs related to securing their attendance. Newsom and the Democratic leadership posture as defenders of democracy, presenting their battle against Republican gerrymandering as a high-stakes fight to preserve the republic. In reality, their maneuvers over district lines are nothing more than intra-ruling class disputes over the apportionment of power within an electoral system that is fundamentally undemocratic and subordinated to capitalist rule. According to a Politico survey, a strong majority of California voters64 percentfavor leaving redistricting in the hands of an independent citizens commission, while only 36 percent want lawmakers to control the process. Newsoms maneuver seeks to bypass this commission, even if only temporarily, in order to counter Republican gerrymandering. The struggle between Democrats and Republicans over redistricting has nothing to do with safeguarding the democratic rights or living standards of working people. It is a fight between rival factions of the corporate and financial elite over the conditions under which they exploit the working class. The Democrats claim that they defend democracy against Trump collapses upon even the most superficial comparison of policies. Far from constituting an alternative to the right-wing program of Trump, Governor Gavin Newsom has moved consistently to the right. His 202526 California budget mirrors Trumps class war policies in many essential respects. While Trump boasted of his big beautiful bill, which combined massive tax cuts for the rich with deep cuts to social spending, Newsoms budget for the most populous state in the country does the same: billions are slashed from higher education, housing assistance and public health programs; food and income assistance is cut, targeted especially against immigrant workers, adapting to the right-wing position that undocumented residents are not entitled to state benefits; and funding is increased for police and surveillance under the guise of public safety, even as essential services are gutted. Trumps vilification of immigrants and mass deportations expose his fascistic orientation. Newsom, supposedly a champion of immigrant rights, has, in fact, quietly adopted many of the same policies. His budget withholds access to vital state programs on the basis of immigration status, deepening the division of the working class into legal and illegal. Californias much-touted sanctuary state policies have done nothing to stop deportations. Police continue to collaborate with federal immigration authorities, while immigrant workers face raids, surveillance and detention. By tying rights to citizenship, Newsom reinforces the reactionary framework of the nation-state and maintains a vulnerable, super-exploited workforce while he falsely poses as a benevolent figure. The environmental policies of Newsom also expose the fraud of Democratic progressivism. Trump has dismantled regulations, granted sweeping exemptions to polluters and aligned with fossil fuel corporations. Newsom, while speaking of a green transition, delivers the same substance through expansions of oil drilling permits in the Central Valley, exemptions for major industrial polluters, and promotion of carbon trading schemes that enrich Wall Street speculators while doing nothing to reduce emissions. He has recently circulated draft bill language aimed at streamlining drilling permits for new oil wells, particularly in Kern County, a move that lays bare his subservience to the fossil fuel industry. The recent exemptions granted by the Environmental Protection Agency to California facilities to emit carcinogenic chemicals underscore this continuity, and Newsoms silence speaks louder than words. Newsoms maneuver to override the independent redistricting commission, despite overwhelming public support for it, underscores this hypocrisy. Even where nominal bourgeois democratic mechanisms exist to curb political manipulation, the Democrats are prepared to cast them aside in order to secure their own advantage. Their dispute with Republicans over redistricting does not concern the right of workers to vote or to exercise political power. It concerns only the allocation of congressional seats within a system rigged from the outset against the working class. Behind these maneuvers lies a deeper crisis: the collapse of confidence in the institutions of American capitalism. Decades of social counterrevolution have produced levels of inequality, poverty and misery without precedent in modern history. In California, the fourth-largest economy in the world, workers confront astronomical housing costs, collapsing public education and mass homelessness. The Democratic Party, no less than the Republican, fears that any genuine mobilization of the working class would escape its control and threaten capitalist rule. Hence its fixation on parliamentary tricks like gerrymandering: they provide the illusion of political struggle while concealing the real antagonism between classes. Sri Lankas Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) government has issued a hypocritical and cowardly statement expressing mere deep concern over Israels planned seizure of Gazafollowing nearly two years of genocidal war against Palestinians. Vijitha Herath, Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and a political bureau member of the JVP. [Photo: Facebook/jvpvijithaherath] Israels security cabinet has approved plans for the full occupation of Gaza City and the forced displacement of its 2 million residentsplans that amount to mass ethnic cleansing. Israeli and US officials, including Donald Trump, have openly discussed resettling Palestinians in neighbouring countries. The ongoing genocide includes mass killings, destruction of civilian infrastructure, forced displacements, and the use of starvation as a weapon. Tens of thousandsmostly civilianshave been killed, and many more displaced multiple times. President Dissanayakes government stopped short of any criticism, let alone condemnation, of Israels plans which are fully backed by the US and other imperialist powers. On August 9, Sri Lankas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism released a brief three-sentence statement expressing deep concern over the decision by Israel to seize the control of Gaza. It called for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic dialogue to establish sustainable peace. Notably absent from the statement is any mention of genocide or the ethnic cleansing accompanying the planned takeover of the territory. Its empty calls for a ceasefire, dialogue and sustainable peace in the region, amounts to asking a serial killer to show mercy, effectively aligning itself with Netanyahus far-right regime. Far from seeking peace, Israel and its US backers pursue a Greater Israel agenda, targeting all Palestinian territories and even parts of neighbouring states. Israel has attacked Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. Since October 2023, more than 62,000 Palestiniansmostly children, women, and the elderlyhave been killed. With over 90 percent of the population displaced and Gaza in ruins, famine and even graver war crimes now loom. The JVP/NPP statement avoids any mention of the Palestinian people. It remains silent on the dehumanising language of Israeli leaders such as Defense Minister Yoav Gallants who has referred to Palestinians as human animals. This silence marks a stark contrast to the JVPs earlier opposition to Israeli aggression. On May 16, 2018, the JVP condemned the brutal attack on Palestinian people during the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem. Again, on October 31, 2023, JVP national organiser Bimal Ratnayake urged Israel to stop its attacks and agree to a ceasefire. JVP National Organiser Bimal Ratnayake [Photo: Facebook/Bimal Rathnayake] After coming to power in late 2024, however, the JVP, shifted its position to one of tacit alignment with the US-Israel war drive in Gaza and the geo-strategic agenda in the Middle East. Ratnayake, who is now minister of transport, highways, ports and civil aviation and leader of the House, remains Chairman of the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestinefurther underscoring the governments hypocrisy. In line with its pro-Israel orientation, the JVP/NPP government has permitted visits by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) personnel. While the number of IDF members currently in Sri Lanka remains undisclosed, one high-profile case involved Gal Ferenbook, an IDF soldier accused of war crimes in Gaza. After the Hind Rajab Foundation revealed his presence in Colombo last December, Ferenbook fled the country. The foundation had appealed to Sri Lankan authorities, the International Criminal Court (ICC), and Interpol for his arrest. The JVP/NPP governments orientation continues the policy of the previous Wickremesinghe government, which deployed Sri Lankan Navy ships to the Red Sea to support US-led operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen. In July, the current cabinet approved ongoing maritime security missions to protect commercial shipping, maintaining the alignment with US interests in the region. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka continues to send workers to Israel, replacing Palestinian labourers blocked by the ongoing Gaza genocide. A Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year enables Sri Lankans to work in Israels construction sector. Between 15,000 and 20,000 Sri Lankans are currently employed there. In March, Sri Lanka opened a new consulate to expand commercial ties in areas such as diamonds, jewellery, cinnamon and agriculture. The JVPs alignment with Israel is consistent with its long-standing support for reactionary and communal politics. The party backed Sri Lankas nearly three-decade war against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which ended with the massacre of tens of thousands of Tamil civilians in May 2009. Its support for Israels war on Gaza mirrors these positions. The Dissanayake governments cowardly statement on Israeli plans for the military occupation of Gaza, was in line with its response to the unprovoked and illegal US-Israeli assault on Iran. On June 23, following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the government issued a weak, noncommittal statement, calling only for de-escalation and dialogue, without mentioning the US or Israeli aggression. Further deepening its pro-imperialist alignment, the JVP/NPP government has strengthened ties with Israels key backersWashington, London, and Berlin. After taking office, it continued the Wickremesinghe governments military cooperation with the US. Last October, Admiral Steve Koehler, commander of the US Pacific Fleet, visited Sri Lanka. In December, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu, made a three-day visit as part of a broader regional push. Like ruling elites elsewhere, the JVP/NPP fears the rise of an anti-war movement among workers and youthopposing not only the US-backed war in Gaza but also the escalating conflicts in Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. The economic fallout from the Middle East war also threatens to further destabilise Sri Lanka and spark renewed mass protests. Workers and youth in Sri Lanka must take up the fight to build a unified anti-war movement of the international working classagainst the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza, NATOs war in Ukraine and US war preparations against China, that are all part of an unfolding world war. The announcement that three industrial facilities in California have been granted exemptions from federal limits on carcinogenic emissions marks another front in the Trump administrations war against science, public health and the working class. These exemptionshanded out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through an electronic mailbox that invites industrial corporations to bypass decades-old air pollution controls by simply sending an emailexpose the gangsterism of capitalist rule in its most naked form. August 18, 2025 air quality index for Southern California. Virtually all of Los Angeles County is currently classified as "Moderate" or "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups." [Photo: Enviormental Protection Agency] In March the Trump administration declared that large stationary sources of air pollutionfactories, chemical plants, sterilization facilitiescould request waivers from Clean Air Act regulations by claiming that pollution-control technology was unavailable and that their exemption served national security interests. In reality, this maneuver created a polluters portal, an inbox from hell, as dubbed by environmental groups, that strips away the pretense of scientific review or public scrutiny. The three California facilities that have already obtained approval are sterilization plants operated by Sterigenics (2024 net revenue $698 million), two in Los Angeles and one in San Bernardino County. Each uses ethylene oxide (EtO), a chemical critical for sterilizing medical devices but also a potent carcinogen linked to breast cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. EtO is odorless and invisible, and its effects are deadly. Studies by the EPA itself, prior to Trumps dismantling of the agency, found that long-term exposure dramatically increases cancer risk for surrounding communities. That such facilities are concentrated in densely populated working-class neighborhoods in Southern California speaks volumes about which lives are being sacrificed on the altar of profit. Ethylene oxide is only one among nearly 200 hazardous pollutants now subject to Trumps email exemption scheme. Others include mercury, arsenic, benzene and formaldehyde, chemicals long associated with birth defects, neurological damage and premature death. Nationwide more than 340 facilities have applied for or received exemptions, including 87 in Texas, 51 in Louisiana and 18 in Pennsylvania. The exemptions are being granted with breathtaking speed and almost no oversight. This aerial photo shows the Standard Oil Refinery in El Segundo, with Los Angeles International Airport in the background and the El Porto neighborhood of Manhattan Beach, California, in the foreground. [AP Photo/Reed Saxon] The systematic dismantling of every barrier to corporate plunder is underway. What once required years of documentation, justification and review can now be obtained by submitting a request through a digital mailbox. Corporations are under no obligation to inform the public, hold hearings or even disclose the scope of their emissions. Communities already choking under polluted air are thus consigned to further exposure, with no recourse. Environmental deregulation as class policy The implications go far beyond ethylene oxide. Trump and his EPA administrator Lee Zeldin have declared war on the very concept of environmental regulation. In March Zeldin boasted of the most consequential day of deregulation in US history, targeting 31 major environmental rules for elimination. Among the rollbacks was an attempt to rescind the 2009 endangerment finding that empowered the EPA to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. If successful, this would strip the agency of authority over $1 trillion worth of climate regulations. To clear the ground for this assault the administration slashed the EPAs workforce by 23 percent, eliminating more than 1,155 scientists who had been studying air pollution, water-borne disease, PFAS forever chemicals and climate change. The Office of Research and Development, the scientific backbone of the EPA, was gutted. In its place stands an agency staffed by open climate skeptics and industry lobbyists. The scientific analysis underpinning the 2009 endangerment finding is being replaced by a report authored by fossil fuel advocates, giving the administration a pseudo-legal rationale for declaring climate science unreliable. The Valero Benicia Refinery in Benicia, California. [AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli] The email exemption initiative is therefore not an isolated policy but part of a systematic dismantling of regulatory structures erected over half a century. Every restriction that impedes the most rapacious extraction of profit is being swept aside. Workers face death inside and outside the workplace Nowhere is this more evident than in the industrial city of Vernon, California, a company town 10 minutes south of Downtown Los Angeles notorious for its toxic legacy. Last month, California Ranch Foods, a Vernon-based food processing plant, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts over the workplace deaths of two employees, paying just over $6 million in a criminal plea agreement. Just weeks ago, 19-year-old Brayan Neftali Otoniel Canu Joj, a sanitation worker, was gruesomely killed after being sucked into a meat grinder at Tinas Burritos. His death was the direct result of unregulated, unsafe conditions. The same city hosts two of Sterigenics sterilization facilities, both granted exemptions to continue emitting a known carcinogen into the surrounding air. This juxtaposition lays bare the murderous logic of capitalism. Workers are sacrificed on the job, their lives extinguished in preventable tragedies for lack of safety, while the very air they breathe outside the factory gates is poisoned for profit. Regulatory relief for corporations means a death sentence for the working class. Earthjustice has filed a lawsuit arguing that the exemptions violate the Clean Air Act, while the Center for Biological Diversity has sued for disclosure of the facilities names. Even if such lawsuits succeed in slowing the process, they will not stop the capitalist state from subordinating human life to profit. Bipartisan complicity in environmental destruction Trumps fascistic contempt for science and human life is extreme, but it is not unique. The bipartisan character of environmental destruction must be underscored. The Obama and Biden administrations presided over record oil and gas production, expanding drilling on public lands despite promises to halt it. Biden approved hundreds of new projects, including the Willow Project in Alaska, projected to emit 287 million tons of carbon. Clinton signed the Kyoto Protocol but refused to submit it to the Senate, dooming global efforts to failure. Every administration, Democrat or Republican, has acted as the faithful instrument of corporate interests. Regulations are gutted when profits demand it, then repackaged as climate action when a different set of industries stand to gain. The result has been decades of rising emissions, poisoned communities and the steady approach of climate catastrophe. The poisoning of communities in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Houston and Philadelphia is not an aberration but the normal functioning of capitalism. The same system that produces mass layoffs, poverty wages, imperialist wars, and the rise of fascism also destroys the environment. The working class cannot rely on lawsuits, regulatory agencies or the Democratic Party to protect its health and future. The exemption scheme devised by Trumps EPA demonstrates that life under capitalism has become intolerable. Workers and their families are forced to breathe carcinogens, drink polluted water and live under the threat of climate catastrophe, all so that a handful of billionaires can accumulate unimaginable wealth. The struggle for clean air is inseparable from the struggle for socialism. It has become, quite literally, a matter of life and death. President Donald Trump (center) participates in a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (seated at the table on the far left), French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz; (in the foreground from left) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Finnish President Alexander Stubb in the East Room of the White House on Monday, August 18, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon] The leaders of the most powerful imperialist states in the world, including France, Germany, Italy and the UK, along with the heads of the EU and NATO, flew to Washington Monday on less than 24 hours notice for crisis talks over the war in Ukraine. The unprecedented summit was prompted by the meeting Friday between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska, where the American president invited the Russian leader onto American soil for the first time in a decade, in a sharp reversal of prior US efforts to isolate Moscow. The immediate context of the crisis talks is a series of major military setbacks for Ukraine, which is armed and funded by the NATO alliance in a proxy war against Russia. Ukraine, facing a major manpower shortage and growing domestic opposition, is on the brink of military collapse. While going out of their way to display an image of unity, the plans outlined by the European and American leaders remained sharply at odds. The meeting abruptly ended before 7:00 p.m., and a scheduled dinner was unexpectedly cancelled. Behind the scenes, the New York Times described the atmosphere as one of panic. A European diplomat told the Times that he had not seen a meeting like the one set for Monday come together so quickly since just before the Iraq War. The summit took place in a Washington under effective military occupation, with National Guard troops patrolling the streets. Trumps approval rating has fallen to the lowest level of his term, and all of the NATO leaders are unpopular in their own countries. The greater the divisions, the more the European leaders sought to paper them over by flattering the reality TV star-turned-American president as the great peacemaker of the age. The European leaders attempted to conceal the atmosphere of panic and crisisand the vast differences that have arisen between the United States and its imperialist allies over the war against Russia in Ukrainewith obsequious flattery. One after another, they effusively thanked and praised the American president, all but bowing and scraping to kiss Trumps ring. The atmosphere was reminiscent of a scene from The Godfather or The Sopranos. After lavishing praise on Trump, they turned to their real demands, including the deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine and the provision of Article 5-like security guarantees that would effectively commit NATO members to war against Russia if conflict were to break out again. French President Emmanuel Macron added in remarks prior to the meeting, If at the end this process is met by refusal, we are also ready to say that we need to increase sanctions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also chimed in, saying, Lets try to put pressure on Russia, because the credibility of this effort, these efforts we are undertaking today, are dependent on at least a ceasefire. In other words, while mouthing platitudes about peace, the European powers were pushing for a significant escalation of NATO involvement in the war. Following these statements, Russias foreign ministry issued a declaration calling the demand to deploy NATO troops to Ukraine a sharp escalation that is categorically unacceptable to Russia. It added that such action could lead to an uncontrolled escalation of the conflict with unpredictable consequences. Despite these seemingly unbridgeable divisions, Trump wrote on Truth Social following the meeting: Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine. For his part, Macron said after the meeting, I am not convinced that President Putin also wants peace. His ultimate goal is to gain as much territory as he can and weaken Ukraine. The crisis summit in Washington concluded with no concrete agreements or policies, only vague statements that negotiations will continue in the form of a trilateral meeting between Trump, Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky. Significant factions within the Trump administration, facing a military debacle in Ukraine, are seeking to scale back US involvement in the war against Russia in order to redirect resources toward a military buildup in the Pacific targeting China. This shift has intensified divisions not only with Washingtons European allies but also within the American state itself. These internal and external fractures are producing increasingly unpredictable consequences. In recent weeks, the rank-and-file Action Committee, Nurseries & Education has been founded in Berlin to take up the fight against the ongoing deterioration of conditions for nursery and day-care-centre workers, children and parents. One result of the first discussions is the founding resolution below. Dear colleagues, We call on you to join us in building the Action Committee, Nurseries & Education. We nursery and day-care workers, teachers and all employees in the education sector must become politically active in order to address and improve the problems we confront. We can no longer accept that nurseries, day-care centres and schools are degenerating into mere holding facilities and that our work resembles a permanent state of emergency rather than foundational educational work. A young girl receives assistance for her schoolwork by a social worker in the Hellersdorf neighbourhood, on the eastern outskirts of Berlin, Germany, [AP Photo/Markus Schreiber] The overriding principle of our action committee is that the interests of staff, children and parents take absolute priority over the so-called imperatives of austerity and profit, which are only put forward to shovel societys wealth further and further from the bottom to the top. Together we fight for the following demands: More staff and uniform adjustment of the staff-to-child ratio! Higher professional standards in child care! Uniform high standards for educational qualifications instead of confusion and competition between state and private vocational schools in training! No statistical tricks with part-time work, but minimum staffing according to number of children for every single day! Clear definitions of duties and responsibilities for assistants, interns and volunteers. They must not serve as stopgaps for missing trained staff! Increased and standardized salaries regardless of provider or federal state, so that they are sufficient even in expensive major cities! More money for materials, toys, equipment, facilities and decent meals for every child! At least one dedicated housekeeping staff member in every nursery/day-care centre! Less bureaucracy in applying for support and funding. Good education is a basic right! Not a cent cut from educationbillions for nurseries/day-care centres and schools instead of higher military spending! No militarization of education! We educate children for cooperation, not confrontation. Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) out of schools! Immediate stop to Bundeswehr recruitment of minors! For years, if not decades, the problems have been growing. Working at the limit has become the sad new normal for many. The growing demand for childcare places and the growing expectations for childrens education are not matched by the necessary increase in resources. There is a lack of staff (including trained professionals as well as sufficient hours due to tight staffing ratios), and equally a lack of money for material resources and the funding of external services that are part of everyday day-care life. Everyday problems include, for example: Nursery/day-care staff must carry out housekeeping tasks, which takes away time with the children and the group. Staff absences due to illness or even just vacation often reduce work to mere custodial and supervisory duties, leading to overtime or the loss of all breaks. Unqualified or untrained staff are forced to take on responsibilities, at the expense of the children, leading to overload and increased risk of accidents. Cost pressures lead to inadequate nutrition. The essential purpose of the institutions is being lost: the educational mission. There is hardly any time or staff left to offer developmental activities and to help children acquire basic skills such as handling scissors, holding a pen, or practicing reasonable and cooperative social behaviour. Instead of promoting development from the very beginning, problems are carried over from one age group to the next, often multiplying. The result is an ever-decreasing equality of opportunity. Especially children with disabilities, from precarious circumstances, refugee children or children with a migration background are having an increasingly difficult time. Education is a human right, and inclusion means realizing the democratic principle of equality for all in education. Education policy is full of lip service to both. Yet in reality, we see structures deteriorating further under the guise of inclusion. Instead of focusing on the needs of the child, we often have to focus on the needs of bureaucracy. Complex applications are followed by long waiting times before funds and/or staff are approved. Most of the offices responsible (youth welfare offices, social pediatric centres, etc.) are themselves overloaded due to staff shortages. Problems meet more problems, shortages meet shortages, overwork meets overwork. Thus, early childhood education institutions are gradually turning into mere holding facilities where children are placed so that parents can go to work. Education policy must do more than transmit knowledgeit must give children courage, self-determination and resilience so that they can actively shape the future and their society. The current system prevents opportunities. It creates problems and destroys support and promotion. It labels people as problem cases from childhood through adulthood and leaves them behind. On top of the acute problems in schools and nurseries/day-care centres, further sweeping cuts are now coming at the municipal, state and federal level. The money saved is flowing into Germanys defensive strength. The insane spending on rearmament, for which all social needs are now to be sacrificed, reveals the treacherous role of the trade unions more clearly than ever. Whether public service union Verdi or education union GEW, they bear direct responsibility for the problems and deteriorations. Time and again they have broken off struggles, agreed to rotten compromises and thus piled up structural deficits at the expense of staff. Often they belong to the same parties as the government and state representatives, whether the long-time Verdi chief Bsirske of the Greens or the many Social Democratic Party (SPD) trade union leaders. It is impossible to reconcile the unions support for war and militarization with the most basic social interests of the population. The unions have long since ceased to be even limited representatives of workers interests and have become mere auxiliaries of the ruling class. The fig leaf of the union bureaucracy is almost always the Left Party, descended from the East German Stalinist party of state, the SED/PDS. Especially in the capital, this party, after bailing out the Bankgesellschaft Berlin, played a key role in over a decade of state government in imposing social cutbacks on the population. Everywhere else, too, their radical sounding social words are always followed by right-wing, antisocial deeds. We have no illusions that an apparatus of officials closely intertwined with the establishment parties will represent our interests. The action committee is being established to bring together educators who want to take up a serious fight, whether they are still members of a union or not. We will not allow ourselves to be divided between public and private providers, between federal states, or by origin. We also aim to join forces with those affected in all other social sectors suffering from cuts and job losses, whether in nursing, higher education, supply services or industry. An action committee has already been formed in public transit at transport operator BVG in Berlin. Everywhere you hear the claim that there is no money. If not already during the era of multi-billion bank bailouts, then at the latest with the pro-war policy of the new era, it became clear that this lie must be rejected without compromise. When it comes to the security of the financial oligarchy or to rearmament, billions or trillions can be provided in no time, and laws and the constitution changed at lightning speed. But when it comes to the interests of working people, we are told to accept sacrifices and compromises. We reject the propaganda that the rearmament of the Bundeswehr into the largest army in Europe, as Chancellor Merz declared, serves to protect democracy and freedom. The war in Ukraine, just like earlier in Afghanistan or Yugoslavia, is about economic interests. The events in Gaza show that even supporting genocide is no longer shunned for such interests. We firmly reject the militarization of society! Children should neither be raised to be soldiers, nor indoctrinated by officers in schools and told that the Bundeswehr needs new heroes to fight (and die) for peace and freedom. Especially in Germany, with its history of two world wars, we say to the ministers and generals: we protect and educate children not as cannon fodder for your future wars! In every country, working people are facing similar attacks. We therefore not only stand in solidarity with all struggles against cuts and closures but will also seize every opportunity to link up with educators from other countries in the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, to learn from shared experiences and struggles. A National Student Referendum on Palestine will be held at universities across Australia between August 20 and 28. The events have been called by the National Union of Students (NUS) and Students for Palestine, which have presented them as an opportunity for students to register their opposition to the genocide in Gaza and the complicity of the Australian Labor government. There is no question that such mass opposition exists. As the genocide approaches a horrific conclusion, with Israels mass starvation of the Palestinians and plans for their complete displacement from Gaza, protracted hostility has erupted. Anti-Gaza genocide protesters prepare to march across Sydney Harbour Bridge, August, 3, 2025 A protest earlier this month across Sydney Harbour Bridge was attended by as many as 300,000 people. It was one of the largest anti-war demonstrations in Australian history and per capita one of the biggest anywhere in the world against the genocide. Over the past two years, the cumulative total of people who have taken part in demonstrations in Australia, as part of the global movement, would be in the hundreds of thousands or the millions. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), the youth wing of the Socialist Equality Party, supports the convening of the university meetings. To proceed as official Special General Meetings, recognised by the university authorities, hundreds of signatures have had to be collected at the various campuses. But that, together with the mass protests, shows that the issue is not gauging or registering opposition. The issue is how to take that opposition forward, in a political movement and political actions that will halt the genocide. The draft NUS resolution, to be voted on at the meetings, simply evades that decisive issue. It states: 1. Students censure the Australian government for its complicity in the genocide in Gaza. We demand an end to all weapons sales to Israel by Australia and Australian companies, and call for sanctions on Israel. The time has long passed for general condemnations and censures. The Labor governments involvement in the genocide is undeniable and known to millions. And over the course of two years, there has been no shortage of demands that Labor end its complicity. Labors crocodile tears over mass starvation and its pledge to vote in favour of Palestinian recognition do not mark a shift in the slightest. They are a cynical and desperate attempt to head off popular anger. Labor is promising to recognise a pile of rubble and corpses as Israel moves to complete the ethnic-cleansing of all Palestine. Labors real response, at every point, including now, has been to insist on Israels right to defend itself through the mass slaughter of Palestinians. Labor has declared that it will continue to send weapons components to Israel and is brutally suppressing mass opposition, which it slanders as antisemitic. The second part of the resolution states: Students call on all Australian universities to end their complicity with Israels genocide by ceasing all partnerships with weapons companies. Everything said above about the government applies equally to the university managements. Completely corporatised and integrated into the military-intelligence establishment, they have functioned as key instruments of the governments repression, including through the forced dispersal of student protests, the suspension and even expulsion of pro-Palestinian students and a nationally-coordinated crackdown on free speech. In other words, the resolution will achieve nothing, other than to direct students, who want to fight, to instead make impotent appeals to the very forces responsible for a modern-day Holocaust and for police-state measures directed against those who oppose it. The IYSSE calls on students to put forward and to take up an alternative motion, aimed at mobilising the immense social and political power of the working class to halt the genocide. We propose the following: This meeting condemns the Labor governments complicity in the Gaza genocide. Through its support for the atrocities against the Palestinians, Labor has again revealed itself to be a blood-soaked party of imperialist war. The experiences of the past two years have demonstrated that the task is not to appeal to this government, but to organise the most determined political fight against it. Urgent action must be taken to halt the genocide, including through the blocking of all weapons shipments and trade with Israel to cripple the Zionist war machine. That will come from below, not above. Students should initiate a campaign in the working class for industrial action, including strikes, at the ports, the logistics hubs, the universities and more broadly, to make that a reality. Given that the unions have blocked such action and have not held up so much as one shipment to Israel, students must join with workers to establish rank-and-file committees against the corporatised, Labor-aligned and pro-war union bureaucracies. Anyone who claims that such a perspective is unrealistic either doesnt grasp the potential within the situation, or is consciously covering it up. Among the 300,000 people who marched across the bridge there were tens of thousands of workers in key industries. They were mobilised, not by the union leaders, who have taken no action whatsoever against the genocide, but by themselves. Mass hostility in the working class to the genocide and to war intersects with seething anger over the cost-of-living and social crisis and the gutting of public services, including healthcare and education. There is a growing determination among workers to fight, which at every instance comes up against a union bureaucracy that functions as a police force of the government and the corporations. The time is, in other words, ripe for precisely such a campaign for a rank-and-file rebellion and industrial action to halt the genocide. The opposition of the NUS to such a perspective is not based on political confusion. Those in the student union who are members of the Labor Party are politically affiliated to the very government that is carrying out the atrocities. Socialist Alternative, which has played a central role in organising the meetings, notwithstanding its name, has opposed the fight for a socialist perspective and the mobilisation of the working class in the struggle against the genocide. Together with other organisations, such as Socialist Alliance, as well as the Greens, it has insisted that opposition must be limited to appeals to the pro-genocide government to change course. The fact that Socialist Alternative continues to advance that line, even as it has been exposed as a complete dead-end, shows that here too we are not dealing with confusion or mistakes. Socialist Alternative and Socialist Alliance are part of a pseudo-left, tied to the union bureaucracy, and through it to the Labor government itself. Speaking for an affluent layer of the upper middle-class, these parties are hostile to the fight to mobilise the power of the working class, instead seeking to advance their own privileges within the framework of the profit system. All of them have presented the genocide as a single issue. But as the IYSSE, the Socialist Equality Party and the world Trotskyist movement have insisted, the genocide is a barbarous expression of the breakdown of the entire global capitalist system. It is a component of a war that increasingly has a global character. The US and NATO have been in a de facto war against Russia in Ukraine that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Washington is preparing for conflict with China, which is viewed as the chief threat to the economic dominance of American capitalism. The genocide is a component of this international eruption of militarism, which has included US-Israeli strikes on Iran and a rampage by the Zionist regime against countries throughout the Middle East. Labors support for the genocide is inseparable from its involvement in this broader war drive, particularly the transformation of Australia into a frontline state for war against China. And its crackdown on mass opposition is part of a lurch to authoritarianism by capitalist governments internationally, epitomised by the attempts of the fascistic administration of President Donald Trump to overturn the US Constitution. Everywhere, workers and young people are confronted with the spectre of fascism, dictatorship, massive attacks on social conditions and the danger of a nuclear world war. The fight against the genocide is inseparable from the fight against all of these manifestations of the crisis, and their source in the outmoded capitalist system itself. That is why the IYSSE urges students to breakout of the shackles of limited protest politics, oriented to governments that are hurtling to the right and are spewing up all of the filth of the 1930s. Students and youth who want to end the genocide and fight for a future should instead dedicate themselves to building a mass socialist movement of the working class, the revolutionary force in society. Organised and mobilised on the basis of a socialist and revolutionary program, it can not only halt the genocide, but can reorganise society on a global scale to put an end to war, inequality and oppression. Join the IYSSE to take up this struggle! A section of the audience at the Third International Commemoration of Leon Trotsky in Prinkipo, August 16, 2025. The World Socialist Web Site and Mehring Yaynclk (Books), in collaboration with the Adalar (Princes Islands) Municipality, held a commemoration event titled The 85th Anniversary of the Assassination of Leon Trotsky: Historical Significance and Enduring Consequences on the island of Buyukada (Prinkipo), Turkey, on Saturday, August 16. The main speaker at the event was David North, chairman of the WSWS International Editorial Board. An online interview was held with North on the circumstances surrounding the assassination of Trotsky and the ongoing investigation into Security and the Fourth International, which was initiated by the International Committee of the Fourth International in 1975. The interview will be published on the WSWS in the coming days. The opening speech was delivered by Ali Ercan Akpolat, Adalar mayor, followed by a speech by artist Gulhan about her exhibition Trotskys Path, which was opened at the event venue. Below, we publish the remarks delivered by Ulas Atesci, a leading member of the Socialist Equality Group, prior to the interview. Ulas Atesci addressing the Third International Commemoration of Leon Trotsky in Prinkipo, August 16, 2025. Dear guests, My name is Ulas Atesci. I am an editor at Mehring Yaynclk and the World Socialist Web Site, which contributed to the organization of this event. I would like to welcome you all once again. It is an honor to have the opportunity to speak before you today at this significant event. First, I would like to thank the Adalar Municipality, led by Ali Ercan Akpolat, for hosting The Third International Leon Trotsky Commemoration event, and Gulhan for opening the exhibition Trotskys Path here. On this island, which served as a home to this great Russian revolutionaryor, more accurately, to the world revolutionary, because of his Theory of Permanent Revolution and political legacybetween 1929 and 1933, we now have an intellectual event of international significance that has become a tradition. And the restoration of the Trotsky House on the island in a manner befitting this great revolutionary and its transformation into a cultural center accessible to workers, youth and intellectuals from all over the world will be an initiative of great importance. The presence of the exiled leader of the world revolution here, as we stated in the title of the first commemoration event two years ago, has placed this island at the center of world history. Those who followed Trotsky closely were not only agents of the Stalinist secret police, the GPU. Trotsky maintained constant correspondence and meetings with the leaders of the International Left Opposition, which emerged in opposition to the political degeneration of the Stalinized Comintern. Trotskys writings were closely followed not only in Moscow but also in the capitals of America and Europe and rest of the world. Trotsky wrote some of his most important works here: his autobiography My Life, The History of the Russian Revolution, and his essays warning against the rise of Nazism in Germany, showing the way to prevent Hitlers victory. They have been collected in The Struggle Against Fascism in Germany. In Mexico, his final place of exile where he was assassinated, Trotsky wrote in 1938 the founding document of the Fourth International, warning, Without a socialist revolution, in the next historical period at that, a catastrophe threatens the whole culture of mankind. Trotsky would have had no difficulty understanding the conditions of today, where the culture of mankind is threatened by fascism, genocide and nuclear war. And indeed, with each passing year, we witness the escalation of these catastrophes brought about by the imperialist-capitalist system. David North, chairman of the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site, said the following in his speech here on August 25 last year: Nearly 80 years after the collapse of Hitlers Third Reich and the end of World War II, we are witnessing the revival of fascism, the utilization of genocide as an instrument of state policy and the escalation of military conflicts toward a nuclear third world war. Just months after this speech, fascist Donald Trump returned to the White House in the United States. He is attempting to establish a presidential dictatorship by disregarding the Constitution in a country of two great democratic revolutions. The genocide launched by Israel against the Palestinians in Gaza, with the support of the US and NATO, in October 2023 continues to intensify and is still ongoing in the form of mass starvation, ethnic cleansing and massacres. As part of the plan to establish a New Middle East under full US control, we witnessed an imperialist attack by the US and Israel against our neighbor Iran last June. The US-NATO war against Russia over Ukraine and preparations for a war against China continue. The danger of a nuclear conflict between major powers is growing every day. All of this is accompanied by the growth of global social opposition against genocide, imperialist war, social counter-revolution and authoritarian regimes as well as the sharpening of class struggles. Turkey is not immune from these global events. On the contrary, it stands out as an important epicenter of conflicts and tensions. Here in Istanbul, where we are commemorating Trotsky today, it has been five months since Ekrem Imamoglu, the Republican Peoples Partys (CHP) elected mayor of Istanbul and leading presidential candidate in the polls, was arrested and sent to prison. This wave of political arrests, which includes Adalar Municipal Council Member Nesimi Aday and many others, triggered a mass movement that spread across the country in the second half of March. Large numbers of young people and workers took to the streets to defend their basic democratic rights, including the right to vote and be elected, the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and demonstration and freedom of the press. The deteriorating living conditions caused by the ruling classs social attacks amid the genocide in Gaza and the escalating global war, along with growing discontent and anxiety about the future, were also among the factors that triggered this social explosion. On this occasion, without hiding the political differences between us, I would like to reiterate once again the demand for the release of all political prisoners, a demand of millions of people. The truth is that the contradictions that led to the October Revolution of 1917 and the international revolutionary wave that followed are today much more acute on a global scale. It should be added that the strategists of the imperialist and capitalist regimes see new revolutionary social explosions not only as possible but as inevitable, and they are prepared to resort to any means to prevent the success of the Bolsheviks from being repeated. Trotsky, alongside Vladimir Lenin, led the October Revolution of 1917, which opened a new chapter in human history. He was forcibly exiled to Turkey less than 12 years after the revolution by the bureaucratic regime led by Stalin, which had seized power from the Soviet working class. The political significance of Trotskys expulsion from the ruling Communist Party, the Communist International and the USSR cannot be overstated. Alongside Lenin, he was the most resolute defender and embodiment of socialist internationalism and the program of the world socialist revolution, which formed the political and ideological foundations of the revolution. The critical role he played in the October uprising was acknowledged by Stalin himself on the anniversary of the revolution. He founded and led the Red Army, which defeated the counterrevolutionary forces supported by imperialism. He guided the Communist International, established as the center of the world socialist revolution, alongside Lenin at its first four congresses. In the Soviet republics and around the world, two names were most often mentioned when talking about the young Bolshevik regime: Lenin and Trotsky. The new government was often referred to as the Lenin-Trotsky government. Just as the revolutionary upsurge of the working class in Russia and internationallyand the leaderships response to itbrought Lenin and Trotsky, who had been in exile abroad for years, to power in a short period of time in 1917, so too must Trotskys removal from power be understood in a broader context. His exile to Turkey and eventual assassination on August 20, 1940 by a Stalinist agent cannot be separated from the international class struggles, revolutions and counter-revolutions, and the role of leaderships. Stalinism, which Trotsky defined as an agency of imperialism within the labour movement, served imperialism by assassinating Trotsky, who represented the danger of the world socialist revolution. This assassination, which marked the culmination of the political genocide that began in the USSR in 1936 and resulted in the murder of hundreds of thousands of socialist intellectuals and workers, was not only welcomed with great satisfaction by Stalin, the grave digger of the revolution, but also by Hitler and other imperialist leaders, under the conditions of the outbreak of World War II. Although the Stalinist regime succeeded in sneakily murdering Trotsky, it failed to destroy the Fourth International, which Trotsky called for in 1933 from Prinkipo and led in its founding in 1938. Nor did it succeed in eliminating the struggle for world socialism. David North, whom we are hosting here for the third time today, has been a leading member of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) for nearly 50 years. The ICFI has been ensuring the political continuity of this movement and struggle since 1953. North played the leading role in the Security and the Fourth International investigation launched by the ICFI in May 1975, which was the first comprehensive and systematic investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assassination of Trotsky. Today we will talk with him about the assassination of Trotsky and this ongoing historical investigation. David Norths activities as a revolutionary journalist, historian, and political leader in the international workers movement and the Trotskyist movement span 55 years. A political authority on Leon Trotsky, North, among others, is the author of Leon Trotsky and the Struggle for Socialism in the Twenty-First Century, Leon Trotsky and the Development of Marxism, and In Defense of Leon Trotsky, published in Turkey by Mehring Yaynclk, as well as The Logic of Zionism: From Nationalist Myth to the Gaza Genocide, The Russian Revolution and the Unfinished Twentieth Century, and The Heritage We Defend: A Contribution to the History of the Fourth International. ABUJA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- At least 13 people were shot dead when a group of gunmen attacked a mosque during early morning prayers in Nigeria's northern state of Katsina on Tuesday, a local official said. Nasir Muazu, commissioner for internal security and home affairs in Katsina State, told local media that the gunmen invaded the mainly-Muslim Unguwan Mantau community in the Malumfashi Local Government Area, shooting indiscriminately at the worshippers at the mosque during the dawn prayer. Muazu said the attackers were suspected to be on "a reprisal mission," noting that the locals, two days earlier, laid an ambush for bandits troubling the Unguwan Mantau community, killing "many of them." Local security agencies were deployed Tuesday morning to cordon off the area and restore normalcy, in collaboration with community-based security groups, the official added. Katsina is one of the states in northern Nigeria that has seen a high number of attacks in recent years, with women and children affected. CAIRO, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Tuesday urged the international community to pressure Israel into accepting the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal, affirming that it would help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Abdelatty made the remarks during separate phone talks with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, and Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh, on the Palestinian issue, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. Abdelatty reviewed the mediation efforts undertaken by Egypt in cooperation with Qatar and the United States to reach a ceasefire, facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, and secure the release of a number of hostages and prisoners, according to the statement. He also addressed the ongoing preparations for an international conference on Gaza's early recovery and reconstruction, which will be hosted as soon as a ceasefire agreement is reached. The officials affirmed their full support for Egypt's efforts and its role in bolstering security and stability in the region, according to the statement. Hamas and other Palestinian factions have announced their agreement to the Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, according to a Hamas statement on Monday. Egyptian sources confirmed to Egypt's Al Qahera News TV channel that the proposal includes a temporary halt to military operations and the redeployment of Israeli forces to facilitate the entry of aid sufficient to meet the Gaza Strip's needs. During the pause, a prisoner exchange is set to take place, involving the release of 10 living Israeli detainees and 18 bodies -- half of the 36 bodies held by Hamas -- in return for Palestinian prisoners. However, a senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Tuesday that Israel is demanding the release of all hostages still held in Gaza. One of the most valuable violins in the world, crafted three centuries ago and once owned by composer Niccolo Paganini, is to be played at a top UK classical music festival. The violin, known as the Carrodus, is one of only around 150 made by Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesu known to have survived down the centuries, and was acquired by a philanthropic group for $20 million in June. It was crafted in 1743 in Cremonia, northern Italy, and will be played for the first time as part of the BBC Proms by South Korean violinist Inmo Yang. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The violin once owned by Italian virtuoso Paganini will be seen on August 28 at London's Royal Albert Hall. "I can't believe how lucky I am to have this instrument. This is easily one of the greatest instruments ever made," Yang, who is also making his debut at the Proms, told AFP. "I feel a duty to take good care of the instrument and make a beautiful sound, so that people know that it's worth playing these instruments rather than having them in a vault in a museum." The Stretton Society, a network of philanthropists, patrons and sponsors that has loaned the violin to Yang, seeks to acquire rare and valuable instruments to lend to the world's leading musicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guarneri was one of the most important violin makers of all time, alongside Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari, said the society's co-founder Stephan Jansen. Whereas Stradivari made instruments for the Church and the nobility, Guarneri's violins were made for musicians, and they became renowned for their deep and sonorous tones, Jansen said. "Inmo is one of the finest musicians of his generation," Jansen told AFP. "When he came to my house and I showed him the fiddle, it was clear from the very first second that this is a match," he said. "Because in the end, it's also about chemistry, you know?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yang will perform Pablo de Sarasate's "Carmen Fantasy", which he described as "a virtuoso piece for the violin". The broad palette of the violin adds the "strong, at times flirty character of the Carmen character," said Yang. The instrument's sound is also "quite unpredictable," he said, and "this kind of capricious nature really gives more liveliness to the piece". "Thinking that Paganini used this instrument is kind of spiritual, and I think people also want to hear Paganini's music played on his own violin," Yang added. mct/jkb/jxb When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Netflix With Netflixs Stranger Things heading into its fifth and final season this 2025 TV schedule , fans are preparing for an emotional farewell to Hawkins and its ensemble of beloved (and occasionally terrifying) characters. Anticipation is sky-high for the shows conclusion and one actor who left an indelible mark on the series, Dacre Montgomery, (who played the fiery and complicated Billy Hargrove in Seasons 2 and 3) recently opened up about his feelings as the pop culture phenomenon draws to a close. In a new interview with People , Montgomery says hell be watching the series end not from a soundstage or premiere carpet, but from his living room in Australia. He shared with the outlet: I'm kind of in my own little bubble over in Australia where I live, so [Ill] occasionally text with a few of the cast members. But honestly, it feels like it's been so long now that I've been kind of out of the swing of things, and then COVID and all kinds of stuff. But I'm excited to watch the last season. I really am. Its been five years since Billys sacrificial exit from Hawkins , but Montgomery remains closely linked to the shows cultural legacy. His portrayal of Maxs troubled older stepbrother struck a chord with fans, as he was a character you love to hate. Reflecting on the part, the Elvis actor admitted the scope of the phenomenon still resonates with him. He added: I think it's amazing to play a character that so many people connected with, felt like they knew someone that was similar, loved the show and loved that character, or even hated that character It was all just good fan energy, I guess. And that was really exciting for me to be a part of something so big and culturally right in the 21st century to be a part of something that people really, really enjoyed. The Power Rangers alums focus now isnt just on nostalgia, but on the future. Specifically, whats next for Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer . The actor praised the brothers as really great mentors and said their post-Hawkins career has him intrigued. He continued: With Stranger Things coming to an end, I'm actually really excited to see because I know they have so many other amazing ideas and they've been in [the] Stranger Things world for a decade I'm really excited to see what they do outside of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Montgomery is equally enthusiastic about what lies ahead for Sadie Sink, who played his half-sister Max Mayfield. At 23, Sink has already established herself as a powerhouse talent (The Whale, Fear Street), and is set to play a secret role in an upcoming Marvel movie , the Tom Holland-led Spider-Man: Brand New Day . Her former onscreen sibling sees no limit to her potential, adding: I'm really excited to just see Sadie's career because she's such a talented actress, and she's so hardworking, and she's got a lot of other amazing characters and roles outside of Stranger Things. So I'm really excited to see where she goes just in general in her career. I think she's going to have an amazing career. Amanda Knox is opening up about teaming up with Monica Lewinsky to reclaim her story in the new limited series based on her life, "The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox." The two executive producers of the series sat down with "Good Morning America" Monday and said working on the new show together felt like a natural fit. "I had a first-look television deal at the time, and I thought, aha! Another young woman who had suffered in the media, had been feasted on on the world stage, and luckily, like a savvy executive, she got all the yeses, and we were off to the races," Lewinsky said. "The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox," an eight-part limited series, has begun on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+, with the first two episodes available now. Subsequent episodes will be available to stream every Wednesday, with the finale out Oct. 1. The ABC News special "Search for the Truth: The Amanda Knox Story," airing Friday, Aug. 22, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu, features an exclusive primetime interview with Knox. ABC News - PHOTO: Amanda Knox and Monica Lewinsky appear on "Good Morning America," Aug. 18, 2025. Lewinsky, now 52, was catapulted to international infamy in the mid-1990s, after news of her affair with then-President Bill Clinton, while she was a young White House intern, made global headlines. ABC News - PHOTO: Monica Lewinsky appears on "Good Morning America," Aug. 18, 2025. Knox, now 38, captured headlines in 2007, when her roommate, British exchange student Meredith Kercher, was murdered while the two young women were studying abroad in Italy. Knox was convicted of the murder by an Italian court in 2009, along with Raffaele Sollecito, another student she was dating at the time, but both convictions were overturned on appeal in 2011. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2008, Rudy Guede was convicted of Kercher's murder. He was released in December 2020 after serving 16 years in prison. Italy's highest court subsequently ordered a new trial in 2013, and Knox and Sollecito were reconvicted of murder in 2014, before the high court overturned the murder convictions again in 2015. Knox served four years in prison in Italy before she was released in 2011 and acquitted in 2015. What Amanda Knox says she tells her kids about her experience in Italy Knox said that although her experience differed from Lewinsky's, they still shared multiple similarities. ABC News - PHOTO: Amanda Knox appears on "Good Morning America," Aug. 18, 2025. "We were both interrogated. We've both been, you know, viciously turned into characters of ourselves in the media," Knox said. "And I think that the thing that we actually were both most interested in was making sure that this show had a wider lens." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, "It's not just a courtroom drama, it's not your typical true crime biopic. It's a more personal journey and one that really begins with the story of what happens before -- and then, of course, what happens after the worst experience of your life." In the series, Knox is portrayed by actress Grace Van Patten, known for her roles in Hulu's "Nine Perfect Strangers" and "Tell Me Lies." Both Knox and Lewinsky serve as executive producers on the series. Amanda Knox opens up about life today, new memoir Knox said making this new series forced her to relive a chapter of her life that she said included some of the "worst moments." Despite this, she said the experience was still cathartic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It felt like I was allowed to grieve for the first time, because it was outside of myself, and I got to watch myself and these people portray this journey, and it was as if I was there and I was grieving in a big way for the first time in ways that I wasn't able to," Knox said. Both Knox and Lewinsky said while making "The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox," they made sure to honor Kercher, who was never able to return from Italy to her home in south London. "Everyone on this project understood that this is a story about two young women who went to go study abroad in Perugia, Italy, and only one of them survived," Knox said. "And I think that the way that I was turned into a caricature, in a big way, she was as well and we really ground in this series that this is a real person, and it was very important for us to do that." "I didn't know her very long but, like, she was there, and she plays a huge role in my life even today. And so, I hope the audience feels that," Knox added. The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC News and Hulu. Amanda Knox thought she wouldn't have to discuss her wrongful murder conviction with her daughter, Eureka, until she was at least 6. But her daughter is now 4, and she started asking her about it when she was 3, Knox tells TODAY.com, ahead of the release of her limited Hulu series, "The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox." A part of that is because I dont hide it I dont hide that I go every year to the Innocence Network Conference, right? And Im friends with other wrongly convicted people, Knox says. I do a lot of criminal justice reform advocacy, and then, of course, were making the show, and my daughter is seeing an actress playing me, an actress playing her as a baby, and is curious and wants to know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox" stars Grace Van Patten in the titular role, and Knox serves as an executive producer, alongside her husband, Christopher Robinson, and Monica Lewinsky. Of course, my daughter sort of takes after her mother and is super interested in storytelling, Knox says. Knox says one day, about a year ago, her daughter said to her, "Hey Mommy, tell me the story of when Mommy went to Italy." Amanda Knox and her daughter, Eureka. (@amamaknox via Instagram) Knox says she believes in transparency and honesty with kids, and thought about what would be the most age appropriate way to tell the story to her daughter. "It's very simple," Knox says. "It's just, when Mommy was young, Mommy went to Italy, and she made friends and she had fun, but then someone hurt her friend, and the police thought Mommy hurt her friend, and so they put Mommy in jail." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And Mommy was in jail for a long time, and she was very sad. But then one day, Mommy proved that she was innocent and she got to go home, and then she met your daddy and had you and happily ever after she loves it when it ends on her." Knox shares how becoming a mother to her daughter and younger son, Echo, has helped her have a new outlook on what happened to her in Italy. "I think that I've always been amazed, first of all, just by how much being a mom has helped me process this terrible experience," she says. "But also, even just telling this story to her, sometimes my daughter wants to play pretend the story of 'Mommy goes to Italy.'" "She'll find like, bars at a playground, and be like, 'Look, I'm Mommy in jail.' And it's just, like, the shift there of, 'Oh, this is a game.' Like, it's not just a horrible, traumatic experience. It can also be a game that me and my daughter can play with each other," she continues. "It's just that lightness of being of a child that really helps me carry the weight of it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knox says one of the creative choices on the Hulu series was creating a tone of "whimsy." "It's not just a drudgery sort of show this is a show that embraces the absurdity of the experience and the lightness of my being as I'm trying to navigate this terrible experience," Knox says. "And I think that's really what makes it so unique, is it's a willingness to embrace a wider lens and a broader perspective." The eight-episode series, which premieres on Aug. 20, follows Knoxs arrival in Italy as a study abroad student, the murder of her roommate Meredith Kercher and Knoxs criminal trials, in which she was accused of killing her roommate with her then-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito. "We start it with two young girls go to study abroad in Perugia, Italy, and its a beautiful experience," Knox says. "They have the whole world ahead of them. Thats who I was, and thats who Meredith was. And then we have this traumatic thing happen, and only one of us gets to survive the journey." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knox was convicted of murder in 2009 and sentenced to 26 years in prison, though she was later acquitted on appeal in 2011 and released from prison after serving time for about four years. She returned to the U.S. after the acquittal, though Knox and Sollecito were once again convicted in Kercher's murder in 2014. Knox and Sollecito's murder convictions were ultimately overturned by the Italian Supreme Court in 2015. Knox says she wanted to keep Kercher's name and story at the forefront of her Hulu series. "How do I carry her alongside me as I try to make sense of this traumatic thing? I think that was a really important part of our trying to do justice to something that had been a story that had been so misrepresented and so exploited," she says. "Just the fact that there are people out there who still don't remember her name, much less the name of the person who actually killed her Rudy Guede is just shocking." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guede was found guilty of Kercher's murder in 2009, and originally sentenced to 30 years in prison, though it was later reduced to 16 years. He was released in 2021 after serving 13 years of his sentence. Guede has denied killing Kercher. This article was originally published on TODAY.com This photo taken on Aug. 19, 2025 shows a National Guard vehicle parked in front of Union Station in Washington, D.C., the United States. The U.S. state of Tennessee announced Tuesday that it is sending around 160 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., after U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that crime and homelessness have been out of control in the nation's capital. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. state of Tennessee announced Tuesday that it is sending around 160 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., after U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that crime and homelessness have been out of control in the nation's capital. The latest development came about a week after Trump declared a crime "emergency" in the U.S. capital and deployed around 800 troops from the D.C. National Guard on Aug. 11. Over the weekend, the Republican governors of West Virginia, Ohio and South Carolina pledged to deploy National Guard troops to the national capital. On Monday, Mississippi and Louisiana also said they would deploy National Guard troops to D.C. The troops from Republican-led Tennessee are expected to arrive by the end of this week. By then, the total number of National Guard troops in D.C. could reach around 2,000. Such moves have drawn strong backlash from Democrats. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, the chair of the Democratic Governors Association, on Tuesday implored her colleagues "from Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi and every other state to reject the temptation to use their soldiers to reinforce a dangerous, politically motivated agenda." To deploy National Guard troops to another jurisdiction, "without the request and consent of that state's governor -- or, in this case, the local authorities of Washington, D.C. -- undermines the mission of the National Guard, wastes resources needed for real emergencies, and, perhaps worst of all, adds to the divisiveness that already threatens our United States," Kelly said. Members of the National Guard patrol outside Union Station in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Aug. 19, 2025. The U.S. state of Tennessee announced Tuesday that it is sending around 160 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., after U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that crime and homelessness have been out of control in the nation's capital. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) Members of the National Guard patrol outside Union Station in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Aug. 19, 2025. The U.S. state of Tennessee announced Tuesday that it is sending around 160 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., after U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that crime and homelessness have been out of control in the nation's capital. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) Fans are wondering if the upcoming Hulu series, The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, is based on a true story. It is a crime drama with Grace Van Patten in the lead role as Amanda Knox. With its August 20, 2025 release, the series has already caught the attention of crime drama fans. Heres what we know about the story so far. Is Hulus The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox based on a true story? Yes, Hulus The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox is based on a real incident. Amanda Knox was an exchange student in Perugia, Italy, in 2007. She was wrongfully accused of murdering her roommate, Meredith Kercher, after Kercher was found dead in their apartment. What is the real-world incident that inspired The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox? Knox shared an apartment with Kercher while studying in Perugia. On November 1, 2007, Kercher was found dead in her room, having been sexually assaulted and stabbed to death (via The New York Times). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After discovering Kerchers body, Amanda Knox and her then-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, were arrested and interrogated without legal representation. During questioning, Knox falsely accused her employer, Patrick Lumumba, of involvement in the murder. Lumumba was jailed for two weeks before police proved his innocence and cleared him. This shifted attention back to Knox and Sollecito, who were then officially charged with Meredith Kerchers murder. Later, Rudy Guede, a known drug dealer, was arrested after his DNA was found at the crime scene. Despite Guedes arrest, Knox and Sollecito remained on trial. During the trial, Knox was sentenced to 28 and a half years in prison. When the case went to the appeal court in 2010, experts argued that evidence might have been contaminated. The alleged murder weapon did not contain Kerchers or Knoxs DNA, and lapses in forensic procedures were highlighted. The court eventually found the couple not guilty, and they were released from prison in 2011. Years later, Amanda Knox returned to Italy and spoke about how the media twisted her image and what it was like to endure the trial. The post What Is Amanda Knoxs True Story That Inspired Hulus Miniseries? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Ana Brun the first Paraguayan actress to win a prestigious Berlinale Silver Bear, thanks to her debut performance in The Heiresses is starring in Catalina Torres Puentes coming-of-age LGBTQ+ drama I Thought I Was Swimming (Anoche crei que nadaba). The co-production, involving Uruguay, Paraguay and France, is participating in the Sanfic Industrias Santiago Lab for fiction projects. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Said Brun: Catalina told me she wrote the character of Elsa with me in mind, inspired by my performance in The Heiresses, and I feel deeply honored by that. Written by Torres Puentes, the drama is set against the sweltering backdrop of a Punta del Este late summer as it traces two intertwined love stories across generations. Tere, in her early 70s, (played by Brun) spends her days sipping whiskey and tending to her sunburned friend Elsa, while her visiting granddaughter, 16-year-old Vera, embarks on a brief but fervent romance with Elena, a 21-year-old casino worker. As Vera navigates the exhilaration and uncertainty of first queer desire, Tere is confronted by long-buried feelings for Elsa. Through their parallel journeys, the film tenderly explores desire, aging, identity and the quiet bravery it takes to love at any stage of life. The project is produced by Eugenia Olascuaga Fierro of Monarca Films, Uruguay with coproduction backing from Sabate Films (Gabriela Sabate, Paraguay) and House on Fire (Vincent Wang, France). It has received support from the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, Sanfic, San Sebastian, Cine Qua Non Lab, Ibermedia and Cuorum Morelia. It was invited to apply to Sundances Catalyst Programme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Said Torres: I want to make a film that oscillates between tension and softness, between silence and words that weigh heavily, but above all, I believe in a film that puts aging and forgotten bodies on screen, where in this story they exist, live and desire. Monarca Films has made it its mandate to support auteur-driven films and underrepresented voices and actively seek partners and funds that share those values. Most of our projects have a strong social, gender or LGBTQ+ focus, and we work closely with directors from early development through post-production and distribution, ensuring each film has the right creative and financial framework, said Olascuaga. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. On the morning of February 5, 2019, a road crew doing cleanup in Greenwich, Connecticut, spotted a red suitcase dumped in a wooded backyard, and ended up calling 911. I was notified by my detective lieutenant that there was a body in a suitcase, said Det. Anthony Fiscella, now retired from the Greenwich Police Department, as seen in a preview of the "Portrait of a Tragedy" episode of Buried in the Backyard, airing Saturday, August 23 at 8/7c p.m. on Oxygen. The grim discovery was made six days after 24-year-old Valerie Reyes had gone missing from her home in New Rochelle, New York. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we approached the scene, I looked down the embankment, said Greenwich Police Department Det. Sgt. Pierangelo Corticelli. I could see the suitcase. We approach and see the victim. Learn more about what investigators discovered about the body in the suitcase found in Greenwich and its shocking condition. For more in true crime: "Very Complicated" Mom Who Disappeared Found Dead with Stab Wounds in San Diego Bay Man Who Allegedly Killed, Dismembered Ex-Girlfriend Searched for "Murder Out of Rage Ex" on Google Main Suspect in ROTC Student's Disappearance Dies in Plane Crash: "Totally Devastated" Valerie Reyes What happened to Valerie Reyes? Detectives observed that the victim found in the suitcase, like Reyes, was a woman in her 20s with medium-length black hair and a number of tattoos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She was taped with this packing tape, from her chin up to the top of her nose, and wrapped multiple times," Fiscella said. The period leading up to the discovery of the body had been frigid, with several days of single-digit temperatures. The body was literally frozen," Corticelli said. When the medical examiner arrived at 11 a.m., the victim was removed from the suitcase and her body was examined. "She had ice crystals about her face and neck and her bare feet," Fiscella said. The victim also had visible signs of trauma on her body. We noticed her hands had some minor abrasions on them, a fingernail broken on one of the hands, Corticelli said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The injuries told a terrible story of what had happened in the victims final moments. This girl fought for her life, said Fiscella. RELATED: Kristin Smart's Parents Share Frustrations with Her Schools Handling of Investigation: "You Dont Give Up" Find out more about how investigators identified the victim and her killer by watching the "Portrait of a Tragedy" episode of Buried in the Backyard, airing Saturday, August 23 at 8/7c p.m. on Oxygen. As the prime New Nordic Films confab kicks off today in Haugesund, Norway, LevelK has unveiled exclusively to Variety a raft of prominent sales on the Swedish coming-of-age film Live a Little, showcased at the market screenings. Besides indie distributor Breaking Glass Pictures which has secured U.S. rights, the Swedish feature, directed by rising talent Fanny Ovesen, has sold to Latin America (Encripta), Indonesia (PT. Falcon), Mexico (Bestiario Films), Slovakia (Film Europe S.R.O.) and Estonia (Estin Film). TriArt handled the release in Sweden in February, and newly created Str Film Distribution in Norway will follow suit later this year. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starring Embla Ingelman-Sundberg (Netflixs Carousel) Aviva Wrede (Hashtag) and French rising star Oscar Lesage (The Substance), the pic turns on two best friends, Laura and Alex, who embark on an inter-railing trip through Europe. After a drunken encounter with a stranger, Laura is left questioning what really happened. While challenging her own beliefs about herself, she gradually goes through a journey of guilt and self-discovery that eventually helps take back control of her own body. The film world premiered in competition at the Goteborg Film Festival earlier this year where it scooped the Angelos Award. Most recently, it screened at the Biarritz Film Festival in France where it picked up an extra two accolades from a jury headed by Camera dOr winner Halfdan Ullmann Tndel (Armand). Live a Littleis a deeply personal story about finding your voice in the face of uncertainty. Seeing it resonate with audiences and distributors around the world is both humbling and energizing. Were thrilled that Laura and Alexs journey will connect with viewers in so many different cultures and languages, said producer Marie Kjellson of Kjellson & Wik, formerly at Ruben Ostlunds Plattform Production where she produced the Swedish helmers 2014 Cannes Un Certain Regard winner Force Majeure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides Live a Little, LevelK is screening at the market the Danish feelgood feature The Food Club-Home Again, directed by Charlotte Sachs Bostrup and a sequel to the 2020 hit which sold to multiple territories including a Samuel Goldwyn Films pickup for the U.S. Kirsten Olesen (The Bridge), Stina Ekblad (Wallander) and Kirsten Lehfeldt (Men & Chicken) return to their roles as three long-time women friends, now relocated to the picturesque South Funen, Denmark, after their wonderful cooking class experience in Italy in the original film. Another LevelK pickup, the Finnish drama comedy Kidnapping of a President directed by Samuli Valkama, will bow at New Nordic Films Works in Progress. Based on real events and set in 1930, the comedy drama turns on a group of Finnish far-right officers who during a drunken hunting trip, order the kidnapping of the former president of Finland, only to forget all about it by the morning. Finlands Tack Films is producing with Bionaut in the Czech Republic, Labyrint Film in the Netherlands and Munchhausen Films in Estonia. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Colman Domingo recently revealed that he nearly joined a cult in Mexico. During his appearance on Mythical Kitchens Last Meals, the actor opened up about his journey in the industry. Soon, things took an interesting turn when Domingo shared the experience of almost joining a cult by accident. Colman Domingo talks about accidentally joining a cult Colman Domingo revealed how he almost became a part of a cult in Mexico City. PEOPLE recently shared the first look of Domingos interview with host Josh Scherer on Mythical Kitchens Last Meals. During the discussion, the host jokingly asked the Oscar-nominated actor, You havent joined a cult yet now that you moved to Malibu? Domingo had an interesting answer to this question as he said, I almost joined a cult in Mexico City, but thats another story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 55-year-old further added, I accidentally almost joined the call in Mexico City a couple of months ago. It was just a group of nice people, and then I was like, Wait a minute, this is weird. He also went like, Whats up with you guys? Meanwhile, Scherer shared his experience on how he was about to talk to a cult the other day, and then they tried to get me to join. However, the chef said no, and they were just like, No, I think you really should. And then I was like, Dont mess with cults, man. Dont be the person that talks to too many people. And so, I skateboarded away, he continued. The Fear the Walking Dead actor echoed the hosts feelings, adding, Theres always something a little off, and you just have to listen. He concluded, This is my first encounter. But as I did research and found out more about them, Im like, Oh, thats a cult. Scherer had a hilarious response, adding, I still feel like we should join, but after we get dessert and mull it over. The full episode of this meeting will come out on August 19, 2025, at 6 a.m. ET/3 a.m. PT on Mythical Kitchens YouTube channel. Originally reported by Ritika Singh on Mandatory.com. The post Colman Domingo Says He Almost Joined a Cult in Mexico appeared first on Reality Tea. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." PHILIP-DANIEL DUCASSE It started, as so many great romances do, with a DM. Lena DunhamTV wunderkind, best-selling memoirist, and controversial millennialslid into TikTok darling, Hacks scene-stealer, and Hollywood neophyte Megan Stalters inbox. Dunham was working on a new show for Netflix, marking an anticipated return to the small screen after her generation-defining Girls premiered more than a decade ago. This rom-com, which has inevitably been seen as a kind of sequel to Girls, may or may not take inspiration from Dunhams real-life love story with husband Luis Felber, and she wanted Stalter to step into the leading role. It was part kismet, part serendipity, and the 34-year-old comedian almost couldnt believe her luck. It was my dream come true, says Stalter, who was a fan of Girls long before Dunham fired off that fateful DM. I felt a connection to her sense of humor, and Im glad that she felt that toward me when watching my weird TikTok videos. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Millions have connected with Stalters weird TikTok videos over the years; she has more than 200,000 followers, and shes amassed nearly five million likes on the platform since she started posting in 2020. In one of her most viral bits, she postures as a business owner capitalizing on Pride month (We love gay!) with a lack of self-awareness that winks at the corporate tendency to pinkwash. (We have been making butter since 1945, and weve been accepting all people since the last four months.) Her characters teeter between endearing and hysterical, and that same chaotic unpredictability can be found in Jessica, her character in Dunhams Too Much. The show begins with Jessica breaking into her ex-boyfriends apartment in the middle of the night. Inside, the sight of her ex, Zev (Michael Zegen), fast asleep in their former bed with his new influencer girlfriend, Wendy (Emily Ratajkowski), makes her go apoplectic. She screams, she curses, she delivers the lines Write on a piece of paper that leaving me is the worst thing that anyones ever done! You write that out, fucker! You write that out in blood, bastard! with the same kind of frenzied rage anyone might feel when finding out an ex moved on with someone extremely hot. Its a masterful comedic performance, one that no one could have executed except for Stalter. Literally. Lena always says that she had me in mind, Stalter says, recalling how Dunham wrote and shaped the part specifically for her, which, to me, is so crazy, but thats what she says. I must believe her. Meg often plays delusional, daffy roles, but she has incredible control and deeply considers every move she makes, Dunham tells me. People say you have to be smart to play a ditz, a la Marilyn Monroe, and you have to be totally on your game to play a mess too. Netflix Stalter and I connect over Zoom a few weeks before Too Much premieres on Netflix. Her eyelids are swiped with densely pigmented sky-blue eyeshadow, a hallmark from her menagerie of boisterous and chaotic TikTok characters. When Stalter speaks, though, its with a grounded, gentle temperament that almost borders on demure. She laughs easily, often at the things she says herself, and is overwhelmingly gracious. She refers to Too Much as her dream job five times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jessica is a character we both kind of created together, Stalter says. I feel like if you put me and Lena together, Jessicas a combination of us. A very wild, more exaggerated version, maybe. Netflix In the show, Dunham plays Nora, Jessicas emotionally catatonic older sister, whose husband has left her to experiment with polyamory in a Brooklyn commune. Their sisterly bond comes across organically through the screen. She just speaks a language I understand, Dunham says. Meg and I quickly developed our own language; we laughed, we cried, we had a shorthand that is very rare and a connection thats deeply special. Stalter cant remember a time when she didnt want to make people laugh. Born and raised in Ohio, the oldest of four siblings, Stalter recalls her mom and aunts laughter serving as a soundtrack to her childhood. When you grow up and your parents or adult figures are laughing constantly and acting like teenagers, it makes you do that too, Stalter says. Stalter remembers making home videos and funny commercials with her sisters and cousins. Theres an importance [placed] on fun and play. After graduating from high school, she toyed with the idea of becoming a teacher or a nurse, like her mom, even though, deep down, she knew she wanted to be in front of an audience. Stalter enrolled in an improv class and was encouraged by a teacher to perform. She stole the show at Wileys Comedy Club in Daytonor, at least, thats how she remembers feeling in the moment. I wasnt great, she says now, with the crystal-clear clarity of hindsight. No one is good when you do your first stand-up. Still, the five-minute set was enlightening. I was like, Oh, I could be onstage and do whatever I want, and it could be anything that I think is funny? I only ever want to do that all the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So Stalter set out to do just that, first moving to Chicago in 2014, with its robust comedy scene anchored by the legendary improv hub Second City, and a few years later, to New York. There, she settled in with a vibrant comedy community that got her wacky and off-kilter stand-up sensibilitiesuntil the pandemic hit. Covid-19 forced Stalter to pack up and move back home to Ohio. It couldve sounded the death knell for a career that had barely begun, but it ended up kickstarting her ascent to stardom. Her internet presence, which had been steadily gaining traction, exploded, thrusting her eccentric and unhinged character sketches into the algorithmic spotlight. It inspired the showrunners of Hacksthe Emmy-winning HBO comedy starring Jean Smartto create Kayla, a nepo-baby agents assistant, who inhabited the exact kind of lovable cluelessness youd expect to find in any one of Stalters social videos. Then, they gave the part to Stalter. Getty Images Theres so much more trust I have now in myself than I did [during] Hacks season 1, she says. While Kayla is a fan favorite, Jessica presented a whole new challenge as Stalters first leading role in a television series. (She previously starred in Cora Bora, Hannah Pearl Utts 2023 indie comedy about a bisexual musician figuring out how to navigate an open relationship with her long-distance girlfriend.) Stalter remembers feeling nervous about meeting Will Sharpe, who would play Felix, her onscreen love interest in Too Much. I thought, He is an actor actor, and maybe he wont love my silly pranks, she says of Sharpe, who received an Emmy nomination for his role in the second season of HBOs viral sensation The White Lotus. On the first day of filming in London, they shot Jessica and Felixs first kissa scene thats constructed to be more awkward than it is romantic. We were being so funny that I had no nerves anymore, Stalter adds. Hes more goofy and weird than you think. Hes not too serious. While Too Much is outrageously funny, Jessica was an opportunity for Stalter to stretch as an actor. Drama was unconquered territory, and Jessicawith her 50 tons of emotional baggage and narcissistic-ex-induced relationship PTSDhad plenty of material to work with. It definitely feels interesting making yourself cry or putting yourself in a sad place, and then youre kind of in a weird mood the rest of the day, but youre like, Wait, thats okay. Im separating it. Its not real, she says. Stalter dialed into Jessicas emotional lows with guidance from Dunham, who seamlessly weaved the shows humor into its characters various tragedies. It reminds me of when youre watching TikTok and you are laughing over a video and the next video is really sad and then the next ones funny again. HBO Jessicas labyrinthine complex of insecurities and unresolved wounds made Stalter dig deeper within her own artistry. It doesnt matter what something will look like if it felt the way its supposed to, she says. Sometimes you dont feel a certain way in the scene, but it looks good. But, to me, its fulfilling when I have gotten to an emotional place. If it feels real to me, I think it feels fulfilling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as her onscreen star grows, Stalter doesnt plan to put her stand-up on pause. Youre having such an instant connection with the audience, she says. It almost makes me kind of emotional when I think about it, because experiencing something all togetherits not recorded, its not going to happen again just how its happening now. It's like youre all inside of a joke. Ultimately, she says her creative goals havent changed much from when she was a college student testing jokes onstage at Wileys in Dayton to today, as an actor performing roles written specifically for her on big-budget Netflix and HBO sets. I just always want to perform. Too Much and Hackstheyre dream shows. Like, this was the goal, says Stalter. Now, the goal is just to keep doing it. Hair: Evanie Frausto for Redken; makeup: Kennedy for Dior Beauty; manicures: Marisa Carmichael for Essie; casting: Anita Bitton at The Establishment; production: Day Int.; set design: Bette Adams Meet the 2025 Icons Anthony Seklaoui Chloe Kim Photo credit: Hearst Owned Shop Now Benny Blanco Photo credit: Hearst Owned Shop Now Sadie Sink Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shop Now Chase Hall Photo credit: Hearst Owned Shop Now Ravyn Lenae Photo credit: Hearst Owned Shop Now Eva Victor Photo credit: Hearst Owned Shop Now You Might Also Like With all the social and political turmoil of the era, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic sure did feel like the Wild West. With his new film Eddington, now on digital, director Ari Aster takes this fact and runs with it, creating a modern spaghetti Western rife with mask mandates and COVID conspiracy theories. The topical setting gives the impression that the film may be based on true events, but is it? Read on to find out. Set in the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) clashes with mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) over their differing approaches to the outbreak of COVID. When Joe runs for mayor against Ted, tensions rise throughout the county due to Black Lives Matter protests, criminal activity, and even a local cult. The film eventually devolves into madness, and it feels impossible that any of it could be based on a true story. Then again, a lot of the heated debates and wild theories spouted by the films characters feel like they were pulled directly from real Pandemic-era talking points. Heres what we know about the inspiration behind Eddington. Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection Is Eddington Based On A True Story? Yes and no. All characters and events included in Eddington are entirely fictional, though the opinions expressed by the films characters related to the pandemic and other socio-political issues like Black Lives Matter were certainly pulled from real debates that occurred at the time. Advertisement Advertisement The film as a whole pulled influence from the ways in which COVID affected small towns. In fact, the central conflict between Joe and Ted was inspired by the story of a real-life feud between a sheriff and a mayor in New Mexico. A New Mexico native, Aster tells Vulture how his conversations with small town law enforcement helped inform the film. Many of the characters in the film are modeled on different people I met, Aster says. For instance, Joaquins character is based on the sheriff of a vast county with a small population. He had a very passionate, long-standing feud with the mayor. And the mayor was a really interesting guy who, before he ran for mayor, went to town hall with a gun on his person, and he was ejected from town hallAnd he won! The director continues, The sheriff and him were really at odds on a lot of things, especially mask mandates. Joe Cross is based on that man, even his wardrobe. I flew back out to New Mexico so that Joaquin could meet himand we spent a day just driving around the county with the sheriff. He came to set several times to consult. You can buy a digital copy of Eddington on platforms like Amazon Prime, Fandango At Home, and Apple TV now. Emma Roberts Is Serving Major Summer Vibes in Hawaii: Aloha, Queen! originally appeared on Parade. She looks so good! Emma Roberts has been enjoying the sun in Hawaii, and she just delighted fans with some new snaps posted to Instagram. The 34-year-old mom of one is posing in front of the beach on a balcony, wearing a sun hat, a green and white gingham bathing suit, and a traditional Hawaiian lei. She captioned the post simply with, "aloha," and a hibiscus flower emoji. Can we talk for a minute about how much we love the cut of this swimsuit? It's shockingly, refreshingly wholesome! She obviously has a body that she takes very good care of, but it's nice to see gorgeous female stars taking a turn from showing off in the scrappiest pieces of fabric. Plus we are here for the UV protection from the hat! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fans loved the look, and flocked to the comments to sing her praises, saying things like, "Summer Queen," "Beautiful! Love these!" and, "Hawaii suits you!" Others added, "You look good in every colour" "Aloha gorgeous," "CUTIE," and "Great outfit." What Has Emma Roberts Been Up to Lately? Emma is laying claim to her scream queen title with her most recent projects. The American Horror Story and Scream Queens alum stars in the psychological thriller The Technique, which is currently in post-production. The plot has been kept under wraps, but the film is expected to be released some time this year. She's also set to star in Fourth Wall, a thriller that reportedly began shooting in early 2025 in Saudi Arabia. Emma plays a former child star who is kidnapped and awakens in a meticulously recreated set of her old series, surrounded by her former co-stars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From sun-soaked Hawaii snaps to chilling thriller roles, Emma is giving us all the vibes right now. She's proving she can do it all style, talent, and a little well-earned R&R. Summer queen by day, scream queen by night Emma, we see you. Emma Roberts Is Serving Major Summer Vibes in Hawaii: Aloha, Queen! first appeared on Parade on Aug 18, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared. Ronnie Rondell, Jr., the Hollywood stuntman famously set on fire for Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" cover, has died at the age of 88. His death was announced by his family on the website of HedgesScottMillard Funeral Home, a Missouri-based business. Rondell was listed as a resident of Camdenton, Missouri, at the time of his death. Rondell is survived by his wife, Mary Smith, whom he married in 1969, along with one son and three grandchildren, his obituary reported. He was preceded in death by his son Ronald and both of his parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ronnie was a professional stuntman for many years and during his career he was a director and stuntman coordinator," the obituary reads. Lynyrd Skynyrd Members Share Late Guitarist Gary Rossington's Wish For The Band Ronnie Rondell Jr. was set on fire 15 times during the 1975 shoot for Pink Floyds iconic "Wish You Were Here" album cover. Seen left is an image from the photoshoot, similar to the album cover. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Rondell appeared in movies including "Blazing Saddles," "Thelma & Louise," and "Lethal Weapon," in addition to "The Matrix Reloaded," and "The Hunt for Red October." Read On The Fox News App The longtime stuntman started his own company, called Stunts Unlimited, in 1970. Most famously, Rondell was the man set ablaze on the cover of the 1975 Pink Floyd album "Wish You Were Here," a fan-favorite considered one of the best progressive rock albums of the decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to photographer Aubrey Powell, Rondell once noted that the stunt was particularly dangerous. Country Music Singer Ronnie Mcdowell Rushed To Hospital Mid-performance After Slurring Words Off-screen, Rondell was married to Mary Smith for over 50 years. They are seen here in 2004. "Its dangerous for a man to stand still on fire," Powell quoted Rondell as saying, per The Times. "Normally youre running and the fires spreading behind you, or youre falling and the fire is above you, or you can always make out with camera angles that the stunt person is closer to the fire than they actually are. But to stand still?" The cover, shot at Warner Bros Studios in Burbank, California, was meant to represent two music industry executives making a deal a reference to the song "Have a Cigar." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Times, the photograph took fifteen attempts, and Rondell was coated in gasoline each time, and lost one of his eyebrows during the final take. Actor Burt Reynolds presents the Taurus Honoray Lifetime Achievement Award to stuntman Ronnie Rondell Jr. in 2004. "Ronnie was very gracious about it, considering," Powell added. Original article source: Hollywood stuntman set on fire for Pink Floyd's iconic 'Wish You Were Here' album cover dies at 88 EXCLUSIVE: Oscar-nominated director Kaouther Ben Hanias The Voice of Hind Rajab, about one of the most controversial incidents of Israels ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip, has sold to a raft of key territories ahead of premieres in Venice and Toronto. Paris-based sales company The Party Film Sales has unveiled deals to Benelux (Cineart), Italy (I Wonder), Spain (Lazona, Caramel), Japan (New Select), Poland (New Horizons in association with Gutek), Portugal (Nitrato), Thailand (Sahamongkol), Turkey (Bir Film), Baltics States (Kino Pavasaris), Ex-Yugoslavia (Kino Mediteran), Greece (Cinobo) and Hong Kong (Golden Scene). More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Party Film Sales sister company Jour2Fete, which has already distributed three of Ben Hanias films, has French rights. CAA Media Finance represents the film for North America. The feature will world premiere in Competition at the Venice Film Festival on September 3, and then head to the Toronto International Film Festival for its North American debut. The drama reconstructs the events surrounding the killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab, her four cousins, her aunt and uncle, and the two paramedics who came to her rescue, after their car came under fire as they tried to flee Gaza City in January, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The killings took place some three months into Israels ongoing military operation in the Gaza Strip, sparked by the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 terror attacks, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 61,000 people living in the Palestinian territory. Israel claimed it did not have troops in the area where Hind and her family were killed but investigations by The Washington Post and Sky News using satellite imagery have concluded that Israeli tanks were present at the time. The films official synopsis reads: January 29, 2024. Red Crescent volunteers receive an emergency call. A six-year old girl is trapped in a car under fire in Gaza, pleading for rescue. While trying to keep her on the line, they do everything they can to get an ambulance to her. Her name was Hind Rajab. The Party Film Sales, which specializes in both fiction and documentary projects, has built a reputation for handling bold, thought-provoking films. The companys strategy involves tailoring release campaigns to ensure each project reaches its audience in the most impactful way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were extremely grateful for the immense support all distributors already on board have showed. Its a long journey forward, and we will need all possible strengths, said co-heads Samuel Blanc and Estelle de Araujo. Ben Hania is one of Tunisias most internationally renowned directors. Her last film Four Daughters was nominated for Best Documentary at the 2024 Academy Awards, having been presented in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Golden Eye award. Her previous film The Man Who Sold His Skin was also nominated at the Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film in 2021, representing Tunisia. The Voice of Hind Rajab is Ben Hanias fifth film. She began work on the drama while on the Oscar trail with Four Daughters and pre-production for another film in early 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a layover at LAX, everything shifted. I heard an audio recording of Hind Rajab begging for help. By then, her voice had already spread across the internet, Ben Hania recounted in a statement released after the announcement of the upcoming premiere in Venice. I immediately felt a mix of helplessness, and an overwhelming sadness. A physical reaction, like the ground shifted under me. I couldnt carry on as planned. I contacted the Red Crescent and asked them to let me hear the full audio. It was about 70 minutes long, and harrowing. After listening to it, I knew, without a doubt, that I had to drop everything else. I had to make this film. Ben Hania spoke at length with Hinds mother as well as the people who were on the other end of that call and those who tried to help her. The resulting film weaves a story around their testimonies and the real audio recording of Hinds voice. It was shot in Tunisia with a single-location where the violence remains off-screen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was a deliberate choice. Because violent images are everywhere on our screens, our timelines, our phones, said Ben Hania. What I wanted was to focus on the invisible: the waiting, the fear, the unbearable sound of silence when help doesnt come. Sometimes, what you dont see is more devastating than what you do. At the heart of this film is something very simple, and very hard to live with. I cannot accept a world where a child calls for help and no one comes. That pain, that failure, belongs to all of us. This story is not just about Gaza. It speaks to a universal grief. And I believe that fiction (especially when it draws from verified, painful, real events) is cinemas most powerful tool. More powerful than the noise of breaking news or the forgetfulness of scrolling. Cinema can preserve a memory. Cinema can resist amnesia. The film is lead produced by Ben Hanias long-time producer Nadim Cheikhrouha under his Mime Films and Tanit Films banners. Additional producers are Odessa Rae at New York-based RaeFilm Studios and James Wilson at London-based Jw Films Production. The cast features Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees Clara Khoury and Amer Hlehel. Director of Photography is Juan Sarmiento G. (Madame Luna, Amparo) and editors are Qutaiba Barhamji, Maxime Mathis and Ben Hania. Sound is by Amal Attia, Elias Boughedir, Gwennole LeBorgne, Marion Papinot and Lars Ginzel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Production design is by Bassem Marzouk, and costume design by Khadija Zeggai. First assistant director is Marie Fischer. Cesar Award-winning composer Amine Bouhafa (Timbuktu, Four Daughters) wrote the music. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ADEN, Yemen, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall swept through Yemen's southern port city of Aden on Tuesday, injuring 10 people and causing significant material damage, a government official told Xinhua. The official said on condition of anonymity that torrential rains inundated residential neighborhoods and flooded houses and businesses. Local residents said the rains also brought traffic to a standstill. State-run Saba news agency reported that Aden Governor Ahmed Hamed Lamlas issued emergency directives for health authorities to provide comprehensive medical treatment to flood victims at local government expense. The government-operated Meteorological Forecasting and Early Warning Center warned that precipitation would persist in the coming hours in eastern and southwestern coastal regions, and along the Red Sea coast. It urged citizens "to exercise caution," especially in flood-affected areas, avoid valleys and flood channels, and refrain from traveling on slippery, muddy roads. Yemen's severely deteriorated infrastructure, weakened by more than a decade of conflict between government forces and the Houthi group, has intensified the flooding's impact on residents already facing fragile basic services. Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted spending time with his young girlfriend as the two enjoyed a yacht trip off the coast of Spain. DiCaprio, 50, and Vittoria Ceretti, 27, were photographed on board taking in the summer sun together. Ceretti wore an animal-printed bikini while DiCaprio kept it simple in a black bathing suit. The two were first romantically linked in 2023. Leonardo Dicaprio, 50, Calls Himself Emotionally 32 In Candid Interview On Aging Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The model opened up about her relationship with DiCaprio, who she referred to as a "very, very famous actor," in Vogue France's April 2025 issue. "As soon as you're in a relationship with someone who has a larger following than you, you become 'girlfriend of' or 'boyfriend of,' for that matter. And that can be extremely annoying," she told the French outlet. "Suddenly, people are talking about you as so-and-so's girlfriend who was so-and-so's ex. So, it's not nice to think that you can't love whoever you want, because of the labels people need to stick on you." Read On The Fox News App Ceretti revealed that the two had met in Milan, but declined to share any specific details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If what you're experiencing is real, if you know you love each other, then there's no reason to be alarmed," she said. "Because love protects and gives confidence." Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti vacationed together off the coast of Spain. Like What Youre Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti have been romantically linked for two years. While the actor, who turned 50 last year, has been in the spotlight for his apparent preference for dating younger women, DiCaprio recently joked that he turned 32 emotionally. While talking about aging with filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson for Esquire, he was asked, "If you didnt know how old you are, how old are you right now?" Without missing a beat, he replied, "32." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Anderson asked DiCaprio if turning 50 sparked a moment of reflection, he said the milestone left him with "a desire to just be more honest and not waste your time." Leonardo DiCaprio on the cover of Esquire. Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter Leonardo DiCaprio opened up about turning 50 in an interview with Esquire. Anderson then asked whether hitting the half-century mark felt like a natural time for reflection. DiCaprio quipped, "You turned emotionally thirty-five last year." To that, Anderson responded, "Your age is fifty, but your emotional maturity is thirty-two." DiCaprio did share some serious wisdom, telling Anderson: "Being more upfront and risking having things fall apart or risk the disagreements or risk going your separate ways from any type of relationship in life the personal, professionalits that you just dont want to waste your time anymore," he emphasized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You have to just be much more upfront. Its almost a responsibility, because much more of your life is behind you than it is ahead of you." Fox News Digital's Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this report. Original article source: Leonardo DiCaprio enjoys summer yacht trip with girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti Sanatorium, a documentary directed by Gar ORourke about an ex-Soviet wellness resort in Ukraine, is Irelands submission for the best international feature film category at the 98th Oscars. The Irish Film and Television Academy unveiled its choice of Irelands official entry for the international feature category at the Academy Awards on Tuesday. In 2022, The Quiet Girl became the first film submitted by Ireland to be nominated in the category. The country has never won the international Oscar. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last years submission was Rich Peppiatts Kneecap. Both patients and staff search for health, happiness, and love while the [Russia-started] war echoes through the lime green corridors of Kuyalnyk Sanatorium, reads a film synopsis. Every summer, people of all ages arrive in their thousands at a huge ex-Soviet treatment center in Odesa on the southern coast of Ukraine. A time capsule from the 70s, built in the brutalist style of the era, it still offers therapeutic treatments from the glory days of the Soviet Union. The main attraction is the mysterious mud which is believed to cure infertility, chronic ailments, and a myriad of other health problems. But beyond the physical health goals, many guests are really searching for happiness and love above all else, Sanatorium shows as ORourke and the camera of cinematographer Denys Melnyk follow them to tell their stories. As such, the doc is also a declaration of love for the Ukrainian people, their spirit, and their resilience. Sanatorium was produced by Venom Films by IFTA-winning Ken Wardrop and Andrew Freedman (His & Hers, Making the Grade), along with Samantha Corr. Sanatorium was co-produced by 2332 Films Ukraine and made with support from Screen Ireland, BBC Storyville, MetFilm Sales, France TV, and Creative Europe. The film was edited by John Murphy (editor of An Cailin Ciuin), with Denys Melnyk (Militantropos) as director of photography. Irish Distributor Eclipse Pictures will release the film in Irish cinemas on Sept. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanatorium had its World Premiere at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen in the main international competition in March before playing the festival circuit. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. NEED TO KNOW Prince Harry asked a friend to lay a wreath and leave a message at the official commemoration of VJ Day on August 15 The Duke of Sussex's friend waited until King Charles and Queen Camilla had departed before leaving the tribute on a wreath of poppies The letter included warm words about his late grandfather, Prince Philip, who died in 2021 Prince Harry has quietly paid tribute to fallen veterans and his late grandfather Prince Philip who fought in the Second World War. The Duke of Sussex had a wreath and a letter placed at the official commemoration to those who served in the Asia-Pacific region 80 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tribute was placed at the Burma Star Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, England on Aug. 15, after his father, King Charles, had led the tributes earlier in the day. Harry, 40, who himself was an army officer and served two tours of Afghanistan, had asked a friend to place the memorial when the dignitaries, led by Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 78, and members of the media covering the event had departed, PEOPLE has confirmed. Prince Harry's letter and tribute GB News was the first to report the news. Harry wrote in his message carried on his own letterhead with his H cypher of his praise for the service members of the Forgotten Army" whose "courage and endurance in the Far East campaign were anything but forgettable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wrote that their service "in the jungles and mountains...was marked by grit, unity and sacrifice." Then, he added a poignant, personal tribute to his late grandfather Philip, who died in 2021, aged 99. Darren Staples-WPA Pool/Getty Queen Camilla and King Charles at the memorial on Aug. 15 Queen Camilla and King Charles at the memorial on Aug. 15 For me, this anniversary carries an added layer of meaning. My late grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, served in the pacific campaign. He spoke with quiet humility about those years, but I know how deeply he respected all who stood beside him in that theatre of war. Today, as I think of him, I think also of each of you, of the shared hardships, the bonds forge4d, and the legacy you leave." Philip was a war hero who joined the Royal Navy in 1939 and was praised for his role in his action during the Battle of Cape Matapan in the Mediterranean Sea in 1941. his service in the Pacific was as first lieutenant on the destroyer Whelp, and was on board ship in Tokyo Bay when the surrender of Japan was signed in Sept. 1945. The memorial where Prince Harry left his own tribute on Aug. 15 The memorial tribute was especially significant as Harry was denied a request to leave a wreath at the official memorial on Remembrance Sunday, November 2020. Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, had stepped down as senior royals earlier that year, and a source close to him said that though "he understands that he doesnt have the same formal role in the family as he used to, he was said to be "saddened and disappointed" to have his request turned down Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Eric Charbonneau/Archewell Foundation via Getty Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Meghan Markle and Prince Harry On VJ Day, Prince William and Princess Kate made their own public tribute, writing on social media, "Today, on the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we remember the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of all who served. Today we especially think of those British and Commonwealth troops who fought in the Asia-Pacific, Kate and William, both 43, wrote. We owe an enduring debt to the generation who gave so much, and to whom we will always be grateful. Read the original article on People Queen Rania of Jordan styled a summery sartorial look, using pieces from Chloe, Emporio Sirenuse, Prada and more for her visit to Al Salt and tour of Al Ain Plaza in Jordan on Monday. The Jordanian royals look consisted of the balloon sleeve blouse in milk, courtesy of Chloe, which she paired with the Camille skirt with backgammon embroidery in lemon yellow by Emporio Sirenuse, an Italian fashion brand based near the countrys Amalfi Coast. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other elements of Queen Ranias look included her Prada yellow satin cutout pumps with a pointed-toe design, as well as her Scotria brown leather satchel. Jordans queen consort further accessorized her look with Oliver Peoples x Khaite acetate sunglasses with a dark mahogany tone. Queen Rania wore pieces of jewelry by Stone Fine and Rainbow K to complete her ensemble. During her visit to Al Salt, Queen Rania spent time with organizations focused on womens empowerment and social development programs. Jordans queen consorts attire for Mondays outing elevated an ongoing color trend spotlighted on several red carpets and styled by celebrities over the course of the last two years. Butter yellow, a much more muted iteration on Queen Ranias lemon yellow skirt, was embraced by several high-profile figures. Initially seen throughout 2024, the butter yellow colorway was employed in designs by Bottega Veneta, Schiaparelli and more. Timothee Chalamet gave the trend a menswear spin when he styled the butter yellow trend in his Givenchy suit for the 2025 Academy Awards, at which he was nominated for best actor for A Complete Unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While butter yellow was more associated with the pastel tones of springtime, Queen Ranias lemon yellow Emporio Sirenuse flowing skirt and coordinated Prada heels demonstrated the colors relevance with a brighter, more vibrant take for the summertime season. View Gallery Launch Gallery: Queen Rania of Jordan's Dresses Through the Years: A Royal Style Evolution [PHOTOS] Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage As all five original members of Oasis were born to Irish parents, Ireland has always been the Manchester band's home from home. So the atmosphere in Dublin on August 16 and 17 for the reunited group's first shows in the country since 2008 - two sold-out gigs at the city's 82,300-capacity Croke Park stadium - was utterly electric, as footage posted online testifies. Rather sweetly, on Saturday night, frontman Liam Gallagher dedicated the band's performance of Stand By Me, the second single taken from their third album, Be Here Now, to his County Mayo-born mother Peggy, who was in attendance to watch her boys. But while Oasis (or their mum) were never, ever in danger of being upstaged in Dublin, fans around the world have also been singing the praises of an unexpected new star, specifically one of the Irish Sign Language interpreters working at the stadium, a lady who exhibits the kind of rock 'n' roll swagger that Liam Gallagher would undoubtedly respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In footage filmed by award-winning radio documentary maker and writer Ken Sweeney, the lady in question is seen signing the lyrics to Morning Glory, from Oasis' 22-million-selling second abum, (What's the Story) Morning Glory? Songwriter Noel Gallagher freely admits that the song contains references to cocaine - not that there's much ambiguity about opening lyric "All your dreams are made when youre chained to the mirror and the razor blade" - and the Sign Language Interpreter gamely recreates its hedonistic rush by enthusiastically miming the act of snorting a line of the drug. As entertaining as this is, it's just a warm-up for a glorious, soon-to-be-immortal, piece of theatre, as she goes on to deliver a no-fucks-given, crystal clear interpretation of the two word title of the song. And Oasis fans have now made the clip go viral. One commentator on Ken Sweeney's Instagram page writes: "She needs to be a permanent crew member for the world tour!! What a glorious performance!!" Check out the arrival of a new Irish icon below. Oasis' two-night stand in Dublin marked the end of the first leg of their hugely successful British and Irish tour. The group will, however, return to the UK for for their sixth and seventh shows at London's Wembley Stadium next month. Their Live '25 trek now shifts to North America, beginning with two shows at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, Canada on August 24 and 25. The remaining dates of the world tour are: Aug 24: Toronto Rogers Stadium, ON Aug 25: Toronto Rogers Stadium, ON Aug 28: Chicago Soldier Field, IL Aug 31: East Rutherford MetLife Stadium, NJ Sep 01: East Rutherford MetLife Stadium, NJ Sep 06: Los Angeles Rose Bowl Stadium, NJ Sep 07: Los Angeles Rose Bowl Stadium, NJ Sep 12: Mexico City Estadio GNP Seguros, Mexico Sep 13: Mexico City Estadio GNP Seguros, Mexico Sep 27: London Wembley Stadium, UK Sep 28: London Wembley Stadium, UK Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oct 21: Goyang Stadium, South Korea Oct 25: Tokyo Dome, Japan Oct 26: Tokyo Dome, Japan Oct 31: Melbourne Marvel Stadium, Australia Nov 01: Melbourne Marvel Stadium, Australia Nov 04: Melbourne Marvel Stadium, Australia Nov 07: Sydney Accor Stadium, Australia Nov 08: Sydney Accor Stadium, Australia Nov 15: Buenos Aires Estadio River Plate, Argentina Nov 16: Buenos Aires Estadio River Plate, Argentina Nov 19: Santiago Estadio Nacional, Chile Nov 22: Sao Paulo Estadio MorumBIS, Brazil Nov 23: Sao Paulo Estadio MorumBIS, Brazil When you think of Indiana University Bloomington, you might picture candy-striped pants, the Sample Gates, or a Little 500 bike race. But what you might not picture is a Disney lyricist, a Breaking Bad star, or a Grammy-winning jazz musician all of whom once walked the same campus paths as students. IU's alumni network is full of trailblazers, with names like Suzanne Collins and Mark Cuban often getting most of the spotlight but not everyone realizes how many more familiar faces and names once called Bloomington home. Here are 10 celebrities you've probably seen or heard of without knowing they were secretly Hoosiers all along. A violin prodigy with Hoosier roots Violinist and artistic director Joshua Bell performs with the Academy of St. Martins in the Fields for the Sarasota Concert Association. Before he graced the world's most prestigious concert stages, Joshua Bell was a local kid with an extraordinary ear. Born in Bloomington in 1967, he took up the violin at age five after his parents both affiliated with IU noticed his musical talent. Bell went on to enroll in the Jacobs School of Music, where he earned an Artist Diploma in violin performance in 1989. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1985 and has performed with many of the world's major orchestras and conductors. IU honored him with a Distinguished Alumni Service Award two years after his graduation and he has also been named an "Indiana Living Legend," receiving the Indiana Governor's Art Award. The toughest guy on TV started here 'Breaking Bad': 'Face Off' (Season 4, Episode 11) Gustavo Fring (Giancarlo Esposito, right, taunts the frail Hector 'Tio' Salamanca (Mark Margolis) during a visit to the old man's nursing home. There was no love lost between these two -- Hector killed Gus' best friend and Gus indirectly killed all of Tio's nephews and poisoned the entire Mexican meth cartel. [Via MerlinFTP Drop] Known for his role as the hitman and fixer Mike Ehrmantraut on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Jonathan Banks relocated to Bloomington from Washington, D.C., to pursue theatre and speech at IU. He performed alongside fellow student Kevin Kline in campus productions like The Threepenny Opera and The Devil's Disciple, experiences he later credited as life-changing. Hollywood called early and Banks did not complete his degree. However, IU awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2016 in recognition of his distinguished acting career. The double helix had a Hoosier twist In 1950, at just 22, James Watson earned a Ph.D. in Zoology from IU, studying under molecular biology pioneers Salvador Luria and Hermann Muller. Their emphasis on experimental genetics inspired his future work and just three years later, he co-discovered the double helix structure of DNA with Francis Crick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Their discovery revolutionized biology and earned them the 1962 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Watson was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by IU in 1961. The man behind Batman's comeback Michael Uslan, an Indiana University graduate and professor of practice, will talk at a Q&A session after "Batman" is shown at IU Cinema on Aug. 30. Uslan is executive producer of the Batman/Dark Knight/Joker movie franchise. A lifelong comic book fan, Michael Uslan turned his passion into pop culture history. During his time as a student at the IU School of Law, Uslan went on to create "The Comic Book in Society," the first "accredited course on the serious study of comic books." That passion led to phone calls from Stan Lee, a job offer from DC Comics and to Uslan becoming the executive producer of every modern Batman film, from Tim Burton's Batman to Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy. Note: if you're an IU student, Uslan often teaches courses at the media school. You can also find his 30,000 comic book collection at the Lilly Library on IU Bloomington's campus. IU's royal storyteller Before she was a best-selling author with over 25 million books sold, Meg Cabot was a local from Bloomington who attended IU and graduated in 1991 with a B.A. in Fine Arts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her breakout book, The Princess Diaries went on to become a global phenomenon in the Young Adult category. Adapted into two Disney films, the story reflected the journey teenage girls go through in combination with Cabot's own personal experiences and observations. A hidden figure in computing When Margaret K. Butler earned her math degree in 1944, few women were entering technical fields and even fewer were shaping them. But, Butler, went on to lead programming efforts at the Argonne National Laboratory, before directing the National Energy Software Center. She went on to become the first female fellow of the American Nuclear Society breaking barriers in both gender and technology. Her work contributed to the development of early computers and the creation of computer software. At IU, she studied statistics and differential calculus, and broke new ground in what would later be considered computer science. The father of cancer genetics One of IU's earliest science graduates, Alfred Scott Warthin earned his A.B. in Science in 1888, later pursuing graduate degrees at he University of Michigan. He became a pioneer in cancer pathology, publishing studies that revealed hereditary cancer syndromes. His insights remain central to genetic oncology with him beginning his genetic studies decades before the heritability of cancer was accepted by the medical community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is often credited as "the greatest living teacher of pathology" by his students and as one of the first to suggest that cancer could "run in families" a now established medical fact. From Bloomington to Bollywood Long before becoming a leading man in Bollywood, Ranveer Singh was pulling all-nighters at Wells Library and taking theatre classes at IU. He earned his B.A. in Telecommunications, graduating in 2008 with a minor in theatre. Sing worked in advertising as a copywriter before pursuing acting and landing his big breakout role in the romantic comedy Band Baaja Baaraat (2010). Today, he is among the highest-paid Indian actors and has been the recipient of five Filmfare Awards including Best Male Debut for Band Baaja Baaraat and Best Actor on multiple occasions between 2016 and 2021. He has also been featured in the Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list since 2012. The man behind Disney's renaissance If you've ever sung along to Under the Sea or Be Our Guest, you've witnessed Howard Ashman. Ashman was a playwright, lyricist and stage director who earned his M.F.A from IU, in 1974. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to later work on Broadway before becoming the main force behind the Disney Renaissance period, writing lyrics for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. He earned two Academy Awards and multiple Grammys before his untimely death in 1991. Both Disney and IU continue to honor Ashman's legacy to this day, recognizing him as a visionary whose storytelling and lyrics helped define an era. She painted the penny you carry around You use the penny every day but have you every looked closely at what's on it? The shield reverse design, in circulation since 2010, was created by Lyndall Bass, who holds a B.A. in Fine Art (1984) and an M.A. in Instructional Systems Design (1987) from IU. A realist painter and educator, Bass's artwork has received national recognition including the Franklin Mint Award of Excellence. Today, her design is found on billions of coins used by individuals everyday. Contact Ayzah Khan at AKhan@gannett.com This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: 10 famous faces who once called IU home Mediawan Rights has acquired world sales rights to Aboozar Aminis documentary Kabul, Between Prayers, ahead of its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in the Out of Competition section. Variety debuts the first clip from the film here. The deal with Amini and Jia Zhaos production company Silk Road Film Salon excludes Netherlands and Belgium. The film is co-produced by Hanne Phlypo at Clin dOeil Films in Belgium. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documentary centers on Samim, 23, a devoted soldier of the Talibans ideology that has shaped his destiny since birth, who struggles between the alluring promises of martyrdom and the mundanity of his daily existence as a husband and farmer. Samims younger brother, Rafi, 14, idolizes his big brother as he navigates the confusion of adolescence, preparing to leave playfulness behind and enter a world shaped by decades of military intervention and resulting radicalization. Amini said, As an artist, my foremost inclination is to transcend the impulse to condemn instead creating a space where observation can delve deeper than what populist politicians dictate. Kabul, Between Prayers does not merely depict another faceless Taliban soldier, instead, it strives to engage with him as a human beingshaped by, and reflective of, four decades of international military intervention and resulting radicalization in Afghanistan. Zhao said, Aboozar follows a path of solitary courage and employs an unconventional approach to storytelling, as he seeks to come as close as possible to an individual shaped by war and ideology. I find Kabul, Between Prayers to be poetic yet urgent; both an alarm and a chant that challenges viewers to confront the blurred lines between fanaticism and humanity. Arianna Castoldi and Kilian Kiefel of Mediawan Rights said, Aboozar Aminis filmmaking has a rare sensitivity: He observes rather than explains, allowing us to step into the everyday life of Kabul without filters or judgment. His approach is intimate, poetic, and political all at once this complexity struck a deep chord with us. Kabul, Between Prayers speaks to something essential about fragility, resistance, and what it means to hold on to ones humanity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phlypo said that Aminis subtle cinematic language has completely captivated us. Phlypo added, It is his commitment to the individual first in Kabul, Between Prayers that caught our attention. At its heart, this is the story of a man who could be our brother, our uncle someone we know or see every day. Aboozar brings an intimate perspective that feels both deeply personal and universally human, even now as he lives in exile in the Netherlands. Kabul, Between Prayers follows Aminis debut Kabul, City in the Wind, which opened IDFA in 2018, and won the festivals special jury prize for first appearance, as well as best film in the Next: Wave section at CPH:DOX. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Every episode of Women Wearing Shoulder Pads averages out to around 11 minutes, but the show packs a lot in with what little time it has. In its first two episodes, which premiered August 17, the Adult Swim series includes murder plots; steamy lesbian sex scenes; a little girl riding around the streets of Quito, Ecuador on a giant guinea pig (or cuy, as the shows subtitles name them); and some of the soapiest melodrama seen on American TV since the heights of Melrose Place. With such creativity on display, the stop-motion series status as the channels first Spanish-language series is only half of what makes it distinctive. Set in a fantasy version of 80s Ecuador, the series tells a complex tale of romantic love and corporate intrigue via the medium of stop-motion, focusing on the women surrounding Marioneta Negocios (Pepa Pallares), a businesswoman attempting to promote cuys as pets rather than food, a campaign that puts her in the crosshairs of Dona Quispe (Laura Torres), a celebrity chef who operates butcher shops serving the tiny rodents as meals. Their feud which drags their friends, families, and lovers in with them has the arch tone and fabulous 80s fashion of a Pedro Almodovar movie. Its a singular show, one that creator Gonzalo Cordova describes as the result of wanting to make a series that truly represents him. More from IndieWire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the middle of a pandemic, I was looking for work, like a lot of people, a little bit more desperate than usual, and I was getting a lot of development stuff that didnt feel quite like me, but it felt like it was being brought to me because Im Latino, Cordova said in an interview with IndieWire. It would be stuff like a working class Mexican family in East LA, and Im not trying to put down those ideas, but Im Ecuadorian. Im from South Florida, literally the other side of the continent. I would have had to do as much research as anybody else to get that right. Point of desperation, I said yes to one of those things, and it didnt sit right with me. I didnt feel like the person telling that story. So in a big fit of frustration, I wrote this pitch in a weekend, I told my agents, I dont want to take that other thing, I want to pitch this as soon as possible. A few weeks later, I pitched it to Adult Swim, and the whole thing was there. Women Wearing Shoulder Pads Cordova, who cut his teeth as a writer on animated series like Tuca & Bertie and Undone, first had the vague ideas for what would become Women Wearing Shoulder Pads a few years before he pitched it, when he went to a puppet show at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles. Around the same time, he had been watching Almodovar films on the Criterion Channel, and wondered what would happen if the two were mixed together. Prior to working on the show, Cordova had been a fan of melodramas: He cites womens pictures of the 40s like Joan Crawfords Mildred Pierce as movies he adores, and said Almodovars films like Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown speak to him because of their mix of camp and sincerity. Cordova said that, while trying to depict Ecuador on the show, he felt that tone was one that felt appropriate. I grew up hearing all these family stories about Ecuador, and about things that happened in my family, and they were all so melodramatic and over the top and exaggerated, Cordova said. For me, it had a connection to his world, to the way his films in the 80s are very colorful and over the top. And I wanted to see if I could put pluck a character from his world, and kind of put it in that world and see what would happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To capture the 80s aesthetic, Cordova researched the decade at the Downtown Los Angeles library, where he looked at design books from the time period to help him craft the bright outfits and fabulous power suits that give the show a distinctive look. One thing he wanted to set out to avoid was making a show that looked movie 80s, a parody of the decade with jeggings and poofed up hair, but instead create something that felt like a piece of media from the actual time period like Working Girl. To ground the fantasy, he and his team did research into Ecuador, taking research from the city to design the streets and Animation for the series was done by Cinema Fantasma, a Mexico City-based studio operated by brothers Arturo and Roy Ambriz. Working on the show was a challenge, Arturo said, because of the unusual scope of the series for a stop-motion production. He estimated about 60 miniatures were used during the creation of the series, many of which had multiple costume changes. Every day we were running and trying to figure out where this puppet was required, if maybe the hand had become loose and it had to be replaced, which animator was going to be animating on which scenery, he told IndieWire. Usually when you see stop-motion productions, there is one set with two characters and with the same clothing. But for this production, we needed to create a lot of different sets, Roy Ambriz told IndieWire. Some sets were used only for one shot or for one scene, but that creates and helps the melodrama. Theyre real people working, but they are miniatures, they are toys. So I think thats something comedic in the medium, this kind of animation is used to create a parody of life. Women Wearing Shoulder Pads Through the full eight-episode season, Women Wearing Shoulder Pads has plenty of laughs stemming from its absurdist fantasy world. But Cordova and his writing team keep the overall plot heightened drama, resulting in a series where the humor and the serious moments are often completely intertwined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the stuff that made me laugh the most is going to be the stuff that people think is dramatic. This speech that is so emotional is what I was laughing about, Cordova said. Its all done with puppets. Thats the funny element of the show is to treat it dead serious, but then have this disconnect between real life and the reality of the show. Women Wearing Shoulder Pads has not yet been renewed for a second season, but Cordova already has ideas for where he wants to take these characters should he get more episodes to play around with them. One of his plans? To slightly tone down the melodrama next season in favor of a full season that takes inspirations from other genres, including but not limited to film noir. In researching this I got really into erotic thrillers, Cordova said. I think I want to go in that direction. Talking about his creative philosophy while making the series, Cordova cites his experience working with Tuca & Bertie creator Lisa Hanawalt as particularly influential for how he went about running the series. The most important advice he learned from her? That its OK to throw anything at the wall if youre bringing your own passions and obsessions to the experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to show my whole ass, Cordova said. Its okay to do something and just not be sure if its gonna work, but you like it. I really tried to hold on to that while making the show. This shows not made to please anybody except me. Women Wearing Shoulder Pads airs Sunday nights on Adult Swim. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Prince Harry paid heartfelt tribute to VJ Day heroes, including his late grandfather, Prince Philip, in a very discreet way during Fridays poignant service, The Post can confirm. While the Duke of Sussex remained in Montecito, Calif., during the Aug. 15 Victory over Japan commemorations, Harry did enlist the help of his close friend to place a letter and a wreath on his behalf. Harrys pal, whose name has not been revealed, discreetly placed the items at the Burma Star Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, England. Prince Harry paid heartfelt tribute to VJ Day heroes in a very discreet way during Fridays poignant service, The Post can confirm. Getty Images However, the duke specifically asked that it be laid only after King Charles and Queen Camilla had exited the remembrance service, which marked 80 years since Japans surrender at the end of the Second World War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry, who has 10 years of military experience under his belt, mentioned his late grandfather in the letter, which was addressed to the Forgotten Army. The Spare author, 40, stated that their courage and endurance were anything but forgettable, per GB News. For me, this anniversary carries an added layer of meaning, the duke wrote. My late grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, served in the Pacific campaign. The Duke of Sussex enlisted the help of his close friend in carrying out his tribute to his late grandfather, Prince Philip. Getty Images He spoke with quiet humility about those years, but I know how deeply he respected all who stood beside him in that theatre of war, the Invictus Games founder went on. Today, as I think of him, I think also of each of you, of the shared hardships, the bonds forged, and the legacy you leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The royal, who rose to the rank of captain during his time in the military, said hes humbled by the example of the VJ Day heroes, saying he is proud and grateful for their service and dedication. Harry has 10 years of military experience under his belt and rose to the rank of captain during his time in the military. AP Your story is part of our shared heritage, and it must never be forgotten. With the deepest respect, thank you, added Harry, who had completed two tours of Afghanistan, where he flew in combat missions. The dukes grandfather, who died in 2021 at age 99, was famously onboard the destroyer HMS Whelp in Tokyo Bay when Japanese officials signed the surrender on the USS Missouri. Follow The Posts royal family live blog for the latest pics, news, exclusive details and more His son, King Charles, spoke publicly of his fathers past during the 75th anniversary back in 2020 though he made no mention of the late duke in his address to the nation Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, His Majesty paid tribute to his great-uncle, Earl Mountbatten, who, as supreme Allied commander of the South East Asia Command, played a key role in halting the Japanese advance toward India. The Aug. 15 remembrance service marked 80 years since Japans surrender at the end of the Second World War. via REUTERS Harry, for his part, continued in his letter, You faced an enemy determined to the last, fought in unforgiving terrain, and endured months, even years, far from home, in conditions most could scarcely imagine. Your service in the jungles and mountains of Burma and beyond was marked by grit, unity, and sacrifice. It is because of that sacrifice that generations since, myself included, have been able to live in freedom, he went on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the lessons of that bitter struggle came the understanding that even the fiercest of foes can, in time, become valued partners in peace. The poignant letter was signed Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and featured the dukes cypher of an H underneath a crown. King Charles and Queen Camilla at a service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day in Alrewas, Britain, August 15, 2025. via REUTERS In 2020 the year Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, quit royal life and moved to the US the duke was left disappointed after his request to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph was denied. Months later, the late Queen Elizabeth II stripped Harry of his military patronages following his decision to step down as a senior member of the Firm. Celebration Key is the Carnival Cruise Line's private resort in the Bahamas. The island has more than 30 venues, including dining and for cocktails, and it's heavily promoted on the cruise ship line's website. However, now two different tragedies have resulted on the same day at Celebration Key. The Royal Bahamas Police Force gave details of the deaths in an August 16 press release. Both of the victims were American nationals, according to that press release, although their names have not been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess. CBS News confirmed that both were Carnival Cruise ship passengers on Caribbean trips with their families. They were sailing on the Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation ships. CBS described Celebration Key as "a private resort on Grand Bahama Island that only Carnival cruise passengers can use." The press release announced that police are investigating drowning incidents. "The two drowning incidents occurred at Celebration Cay on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025," police wrote. In the first incident, shortly before noon, police were alerted to an incident at Celebration Cay. Officers on duty at that location responded and discovered an unresponsive 79-year-old male on board a commercial vessel," the news release says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man became unresponsive while snorkeling at a beach. A lifeguard assisted him from the water, and CPR was administered, but to no avail. As a result, the male who is reported to be an American national was pronounced deceased by a medical doctor," the release adds. Then, shortly after 2:30 p.m., officers discovered an unresponsive 74-year-old female on board a separate commercial vessel. The initial report suggests that the female became unresponsive while swimming in a pool," the release says. "A lifeguard assisted her out of the water, and CPR was administered, but to no avail. As a result, the female who was reported to be an American national was pronounced deceased by a medical doctor," the release adds. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. 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Obsess. Making Culture Pop. Find the latest entertainment news and the best in music, pop culture, sneakers, style and original shows. PHNOM PENH, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia said on Tuesday that Thai domestic legal action against its leaders seriously undermined all efforts exerted so far to achieve a lasting ceasefire. Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reportedly said on Monday that Thailand pursued its civil and criminal lawsuits against Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet in Thai courts after recent border incidents. Phumtham said that Hun Sen and Hun Manet would be immediately arrested if found in Thailand. In a reaction to Phumtham's remarks, the Cambodian foreign ministry issued a statement, saying that such Thai legal action against Cambodian leaders "seriously undermines all efforts exerted so far to achieve a lasting ceasefire and to restore peace and normalcy between the two countries." The foreign ministry reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Cambodian government to work with the Thai government to achieve peace and restore relations to normalcy in the nearest future. Armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces broke out on July 24 along their border and lasted for five days. The two ASEAN member states agreed to a ceasefire on the afternoon of July 28, which took effect at midnight on the same day. Most people reconnect with former classmates at milestone reunions. Maybe they meet for an occasional coffee when theyre back in their hometown. When I saw Amanda Knox for the first time since our high school graduation, our reconnection was a little different. There we were, talking face-to-face over Zoom about Hulus new scripted series The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, inspired by 16 pivotal years of her life. Knox was keeping a low profile when our 10-year reunion came around in Seattle in 2015, afraid to be in public spaces. She had just learned that Italys high court would finally bring some closure to a case that began in 2007, when she was arrested on a charge of murder in the death of 21-year-old Meredith Kercher, her roommate while studying abroad in Perugia. The first letters that I ever got in prison were from people from [our high school], she tells me, her voice softening as we begin our conversation. Im going to get emotional right now, because everyone else in my life my parents, my college friends they were all just like, Oh, Amandas going to get out any day now. But I think [our school] had this sort of established sense of how to respond to a crisis, and were going to do it collectively. Like, we know this girl. To receive those messages when I was in the middle of this insane story that was blowing up around me? That was a huge relief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To call her story insane is an understatement. Knox was convicted of murder and spent four years in prison before she was acquitted in 2011. The case took several twists: In 2014, an appeals court reversed that acquittal and reconvicted her. That second guilty verdict, for Knox and her ex-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, was thrown out in 2015 by Italys highest court, ending the legal saga. Rudy Guede, whose DNA was found at the crime scene, remains the only person convicted of Kerchers murder. Through it all, Knox says, her story was often misrepresented, both in the media and by the public. The Hulu series, which premieres on Aug. 20, is her attempt to tell it herself onscreen. The Lewinsky effect The series itself came together at a pivotal moment in Knoxs life. She had just given birth to daughter Eureka in 2021 and was struggling with how to reconcile the trauma she had endured with her new role as a mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was sitting with this feeling of needing to be OK, Knox says, explaining she had to confront her past to avoid consciously or unconsciously passing on this dark cloud that had been hovering over me onto my children. (She also shares son Echo with husband Christopher Robinson.) She began corresponding with Giuliano Mignini, the lead prosecutor who worked for years to get both her and Sollecito locked up. The two have since formed an unlikely friendship, and Knox says shes forgiven him. This is a big plot point in The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, a show that wouldnt have happened if it werent for a different, unexpected friendship Knox formed with Monica Lewinsky. Knox first met Lewinsky in 2017, when she was feeling very small and diminished and that people still didnt believe in her innocence. The two bonded immediately. Monica had been reduced to a punch line, just like I had, Knox says. Seeing how she emerged, speaking out, writing, advocating it made me realize there was a path forward for my own story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewinsky reached out to Knox shortly after Eureka was born. [Monica] said, I think its time to tell your story. I know you want to on your own terms and in your own way. We can do it together. Knox wrote her first memoir, Waiting to Be Heard, in 2013, and her second book, Free: My Search for Meaning, came out in March. But a scripted series is a different challenge, offering a chance to show the emotional nuances and psychological complexity that words alone cant always capture. With Lewinskys guidance, Knox finally felt ready. She wasnt just like, Heres a horrible thing that happened to a girl and heres a courtroom drama. Its a more personal story of who you were before a traumatic event enters your life, and who you are after. How do you make sense of it? What do you do to reclaim a sense of ownership over your own life? Thats what the [show] is about, Knox, who produced the series alongside Lewinsky, says. Thats why we frame it the way we do in the show: Im going back to Italy to confront my prosecutor. A scene from The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox. (Adrienn Szabo/Disney) Aside from Lewinsky, Knox credits creator and showrunner K.J. Steinberg for guiding the series with sensitivity and ensuring the story was told with both accuracy and heart. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Steinberg] completely understood the stakes. Her vision meshed with my own, and we were able to create this story together that was not just a rehashing of a terrible thing, Knox says. It was something that honored all the people involved ... I feel really lucky to be on this journey with so many incredibly talented people who want to get it right. Facing the shadow After Kercher was found dead, police interrogated Knox for a total of 53 hours over five days. Part of the prosecutions evidence against her was a signed confession, which she says was the result of coercive tactics. For Knox, one of the most emotionally charged sequences in the series centers on the interrogation. It was a scene she was really concerned about. A lot of people have mistaken notions about what an interrogation is really like, she says. You think of CSI, but really, these things happen behind closed doors. Those of us who enter into them are unprepared because we dont know how it really works. The scene depicting the questioning is condensed but powerful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I had to show a version that still trails the psychological journey both I and my interrogators were on. Theyre convincing themselves of a story while trying to convince me to submit to it. That was crucial. As someone now whos an advocate for criminal justice reform, I want people to viscerally understand that experience, Knox says. The weight of that scene hit her hard, even during production. I watched when we filmed it. It was over and over, 10 hours a day for two days, from all different angles. By the time we were done, I just wept not just because I was triggered, but because I was relieved that we had gotten it right, she says. As an executive producer, Knox had significant creative input, including a say in casting and cowriting the series finale. Isnt Grace Van Patten stunning? She was so good, Knox says of the actress who plays her. She could bring in the whimsy, the gravitas and the heart. Grace Van Patten stars as Knox in the new Hulu show. (Andrea Miconi/Disney) While it was crucial for Knox that Van Patten nail the facets of her personality, equally important was capturing the depth and vulnerability of Knox as a mother. Its a role that has shaped how she has approached every decision in the past four years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Knox gave birth to Eureka, the first words she said to her daughter were: Im sorry. Im sorry Im your mom. Knox is used to living with a shadow, and she knows that shadow will follow her kids as well. Millions of people still assume shes guilty of a crime she was acquitted of, and one day, her kids will read all about it online. Knox says the decision to tell her story now in this way is about wanting to make sure these things dont happen again so that someone elses daughter out there [doesnt] get treated the way that I got treated, adding, and the way Monica got treated. Monica and I both are really concerned about trying to do right so that when the next person comes along, they have a less hard time, she says. Legacies intertwined The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox isnt just about her own story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its about honoring everyone whose life was upended, Knox says. Two girls studied abroad in Perugia, Italy, and only one of them got to go home. Only one of them survived. Knox then becomes emotional. "Meredith and I ... the way that I look back on it to this day, is that I didnt know her for that long. But for better or for worse, Im carrying her legacy alongside mine, she says. Kerchers parents have both died, and Knox never reconciled with them. She hopes to connect with Kerchers siblings but doesnt know if that will happen. Kerchers sister has been vocal in expressing her disappointment that its Kerchers story that has been lost in all of this for nearly two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really felt like it was so important to do [Meredith] justice in the show in a way that it hadnt been done in the past, Knox says. There are people to this day who dont even remember her name, much less the name of the person who actually murdered her. Guedes 30-year sentence was reduced on appeal to 16 years, and he was released from prison in 2021. Headlines still only focused on one person. Amanda Knoxs roommates killer freed, read one. That is a sign that this story has not been told right, Knox says. And it was one that I am trying to correct. It is still early in the morning when we set off for the Vikos Gorge. The sun is just rising and the sky is pink, orange and blue. We begin our tour in the mountain village of Monodendri, whose cobbled streets curve with the hillside. We don't encounter a single person, only a dog trots along with us to the entrance of the Vikos Gorge. The gorge begins at the edge of the mountain village and is part of the Pindus Mountains in north-western Greece. It is an impressive 10 kilometres to the other end in the north near the village of Megalo Papingo. It is more than a thousand metres deep and bordered by rugged limestone cliffs that are almost vertical in places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This makes it one of the deepest gorges in the world. The Grand Canyon in the US is almost twice as deep from the rim to the valley floor, but much wider. The walls of the Vikos Gorge are strikingly close together. We were warned We discover just how steep the descent is with every sweat-inducing step down to the bottom. It quickly becomes clear that this is not just a Sunday stroll. Our four-legged friend finds it too strenuous and leaves us after the first few switchbacks. We were told the tour through the Vikos Gorge would be no walk in the park. "I've had to help many hikers on their way through the gorge," says Lefteris Ladias, our mountain guide. He and his brother run the Ladias guest house where we are staying. "Once I even carried a man through the gorge because he collapsed halfway and couldn't walk anymore." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In less dramatic emergencies, Lefteris only had to help out with water and snacks. We make it down without any major losses. We are surrounded by a dense forest of oak and beech trees. Everything glows a rich green. We follow the path along the riverbed, with little sign of the Voidomatis. The path winds its way northwards, sometimes ascending, sometimes descending, sometimes crossing and twisting back and forth. The Vikos Gorge is home to numerous species and primeval ferns and moss-covered rocks line our path. Sometimes you just have to stop and soak up the beauty. A huge ivy vine with countless delicate branches loses itself high up on a rock face. We learn that this natural work of art has grown over 100 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The gorge is also home to many animals. "I've already spotted some wild animals here," says Lefteris, listing wild boars and mountain goats, eagles, snakes and bears. More than 180 bird species and over 1,800 plant species have been documented. Hard going at end of hike We have already been walking for seven hours when the forest thins out and reveals a view of the Tymfi Mountains. The mountain range towers above us in jagged peaks. As impressive as the view is, it also signals the start of the endurance test as now we are heading back uphill. We take deep breaths. The last part of our hike demands everything we've got: our calves ache with every step and our hearts are pumping. Finally, we reach our destination: Megalo Papingo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just like Monodendri, this hamlet is a typical Zagori village, built entirely of stone. Its setting in the mountain landscape and its traditional architecture were enough to convince UNESCO to designate a total of 46 such traditional mountain villages as World Heritage Sites in 2023. "If you want to build a new house in this region be it a hotel, a restaurant or a family home it has to be built from the same stone and in the same style as the rest of the village," says Lefteris. Some of the Zagorochoria villages are ideal for hiking. The paths run along old cobbled streets, over arched bridges and steps that wind their way up the mountains like stone snakes. UNESCO also highlighted these architectural features. The Zagori region is rich in nature and architectural heritage, but sparsely populated. And if you do encounter people, it's most likely in Megalo Papingo, the most visited of the Zagori villages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lefteris says the number of tourists has increased in recent years. But the region seems as far removed from the crowds of Athens or the Greek islands as it is remote, there in the north of the country near the border with Albania. In the evening sun, we stroll through the cobbled streets of Megalo Papingo, past charming stone houses. In the background, the Astraka Towers, the highest peaks of the Tymfi range at almost 2,500 metres, rise into the sky. The setting sun bathes them in a glowing red. Nowhere is the terrain as steep and deep as in Zagori in north-western Greece. The Vikos Gorge is a spectacular hike with rock-hewn bridges such as Kokkorou. Linda Heyer/dpa-tmn Astraka towers rise up some 2,500, the highest rock formations in the Tymfi mountains. On the left is Mikro Papingo, one of the many UNESCO villages in the area, famed for their ancient stone structures. Luisa Heyer/dpa-tmn Beloi outlook in the Vikos Gorge, striking for its length and narrowness. Linda Heyer/dpa-tmn An unexpected find in Vikos, Greece: Ivy in the gorge. Luisa Heyer/dpa-tmn Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Megalo Papingo, the village at the end of the Vikos Gorge. Linda Heyer/dpa-tmn I went to Barbados with beautiful beaches and the Bajan baddie, Rihanna, in mind, but I left the island inspired by a rich culture and the community it birthed. Morgan Murrell Hey, my name's Morgan, and I'm a proud card-carrying member of the Rihanna Navy. I visited her home country while on my self-proclaimed Caribbean Birthday Tour. And if there's one event I remember her talking about around my birthday, it's Crop Over, so I knew it was time to check off some bucket list items, all in the name of turning 35. Morgan Murrell Advertisement Advertisement Before I decided to visit Barbados, the main thing that stuck out to me about Crop Over was the beautiful costumes that both men and women wore. Rihanna has posted several throughout the years, as recently as 2024. For those who don't know, Crop Over is Barbados biggest annual festival a colorful, months-long celebration that marks the end of the sugar cane harvest. It started centuries ago when enslaved laborers would celebrate the completion of the crop season with music, dancing, and food. Today, it has grown into a national cultural event featuring calypso competitions, street parties, art exhibitions, and big parades full of costumes and live music. Its a joyful, high-energy festival that honors the islands history and showcases its vibrant people, traditions, and creativity. It's typically held between the end of July and early August. Eye Ubiquitous / Universal Images Group via Getty Images The last day of the festival is known as Kadooment Day. Kadooment Day is the grand finale of Crop Over basically the big, colorful, glitter-covered parade everyones been waiting for. On this day, thousands of people hit the streets in full costume (feathers, gems, wings, the whole thing) and dance behind massive music trucks blasting soca. Its nonstop vibes you chip down the road with your band, drink rum out of a cup that somehow never goes empty, scream the lyrics to every song, and turn strangers into best friends. Its one long, joy-filled celebration that ends with a beach party and the satisfied feeling of yep, I just did that. Shane Leacock Photography Related: I Have Been Decoding Taylor Swift Easter Eggs For Over A Decade, So Here Are 15 "The Life Of A Showgirl" Clues And Fan Theories I 113% Believe So, if you're thinking about traveling to Barbados for Crop Over, here are some tips and tricks that I learned firsthand: Advertisement Advertisement 1.H2O will become your best friend! That sun will ensure you feel every single one of those 89 degrees while you're there. Before you even think about rum, make sure water becomes the main character of your trip. Youll be dancing, jumping, and wukkin up for hours so refill that bottle every chance you get. Think of it as self-love in liquid form. Morgan Murrell I'm not kidding! As I was looking through my photos, I noticed I accidentally captured this photo...but it's a perfect example of the way the humidity was affecting my body. You can see every bead of sweat forming on my face! Water + powerful portable fans will be your saving grace! Morgan Murrell 2.The Kadooment Day costume is more than an outfit; its a lifestyle! Once the feathers go on and the gems hit your skin, you transform. Youre not you anymore youre a Kadooment Day deity. Give it the respect it deserves and walk through the streets like the glittered bad gyal you were born to be. Shane Leacock Photography You'll need to secure your costume and backpack (the huge feathers) several months in advance, because they sell out quickly! Different costumes are connected to different bands (design houses). The girls and I were jumping (representing) with Vida by Esquire, but there are a ton of others, including Aura Experience, the Crop Over band cofounded by Rihanna's brother, Rorrey Fenty. Shane Leacock Photography Advertisement Advertisement 3.Sleep? She doesnt live here... Just accept it. The parties start late at night and don't end until the early morning, and somehow lead into an afternoon beach lime that turns into a midnight fete. Youll be functioning purely on adrenaline, soca, and an occasional nap, if you manage to squeeze one in and honestly, thats the beauty of Crop Over. Morgan Murrell One of my favorite events was Foreday! Foreday Morning is Crop Overs mischievous little sister the messy, paint-splattered party that happens in the middle of the night. You start around 1 or 2 a.m., covered in whiteand by sunrise youre drenched in paint, mud, powder, and pure happiness. A music truck leads the way through the streets, everyone chips behind it, drinks in hand, flinging paint on any and everything that moves. Its dark, its wild, its chaotic in the best possible way like a giant, glowing street rave where nobody cares about looking cute and everybody cares about having the time of their life. We literally danced for about seven hours straight...it was amazing! It's the warm-up to Kadooment Day. Morgan Murrell Related: 16 Celebs Who Said "No Thanks" To Hollywood Excess And Chose To Live Below Their Means 4.Practice the art of the wuk up. This is not the time to be shy. Everyone is moving their waist like they trained for this since birth. A quick mirror session in your bedroom will do wonders. The goal isnt perfection its vibes. Vevo I'm gonna be honest, soca isn't one of the main genres of music I listen to. Nine times out of ten, I'm blasting R&B, but ever since I left Barbados, I can't get some of the songs out of my head. Soca music has a way of seeping into your bones and forcing your body to move to the beat. So, if you wanna prepare yourself for what's to come, download a Crop Over soca playlist, and listen to it nonstop before you get there. I went in blind and now I'm obsessed. Ashley Allen - Gslt20 / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Screams, "Tek chargeeee, baby! You in charge!" 5.Sunblock is a non-negotiable. This is not a maybe. This is a survival tip. The sun will humble you quickly if you try to act brand new. Reapply frequently especially when your shoulder starts feeling hot enough to fry plantains. Peloton I know a lot of us brown and Black beauties were taught that we don't need sunscreen, but we DO! Now, I love getting a tan. The darker the better, but you better believe I was slapping that sunscreen on every chance I got. I know you see these tan lines! Morgan Murrell 6.Rum is stronger than your urge to text your ex! It tastes sweet and harmlessbut make no mistake, after a few sips, youll be boldly climbing on someones cooler to hit a high note during a Machel Montano song. Proceed with caution (and a chaser)! Morgan Murrell IT WILL CREEP UP ON YOU!! Morgan Murrell Advertisement Advertisement Related: Cynthia Nixon Might Have The Most Normal-Looking Kitchen Of Any Person Apparently Worth $20 Million, And Fans Are Loving The Realness 7.Dont just stick to the parties wander outside the fete bubble. Some of the best Crop Over memories come from grabbing a fish cutter at a roadside shop (cough cough, Cuzz's Fish Stand or Oistins Fish Fry), dancing to a steelpan band in a random village square, or buying handmade jewelry from a local vendor who ends up teaching you Bajan slang. Talk to people, explore the island, stop at the rum shops and street food stalls. The real magic is in the way the whole community welcomes you into the vibe. Morgan Murrell Whenever I vacation, I never stay at my resort 24/7. And even though my resort had everything I could ever want, I like to immerse myself with the locals. I did everything from visiting the home Rihanna grew up in to learning how to walk on stilts and making my own waist beads. Get out of the "I don't want to look like a tourist" mindset and EXPLORE! Morgan Murrell 8.Wear comfortable shoes like your life depends on it, because it actually does. Cute-but-uncomfortable sandals will become your biggest regret around mile 5 of the Kadooment parade. Choose wisely. Your feet deserve love, too. Morgan Murrell Save the heels for the photo shoot before the parade. When it comes to events like Foreday and Kadooment Day, sneakers are the way to go. Morgan Murrell Advertisement Advertisement 9.Strangers will become family. Theres something magical about Crop Over energy. One minute youre dancing behind someone you dont know, next minute youre sharing a doubles and calling them sis. Thats normal. Embrace it. Morgan Murrell You know how when you go out and easily make friends with girls in the bathroom? Well, it's like that times 10. You'll arrive with girls you know, and leave with friends you'll wish you met sooner. Morgan Murrell 10.Start stretching now! This isnt a regular walk in the park. When you're "on di road" youll be jumping, bending, and chipping down the road for HOURS. A little stretching now will save you from crying in Advil later. Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty Images Another reason why you should wear sneakers. We're dancing for six miles for Kadooment day, with lots of stopping in between to dance some more. It takes about six hours to complete. It sounds long, but it's sooooo worth it. Morgan Murrell Advertisement Advertisement 11.Dont skip meals! Trust me, a slice of toast is not enough. You need fuel. Load up on something hearty before hitting the road, or youll be begging for someones fish cake by 10 a.m. Morgan Murrell Related: Leonardo DiCaprios 26-Year-Old Girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti, Just Talked About What Its Really Like Dating Him And Some Of Her Comments Are Making Me View Them Differently Listen, food and I go together real bad, so I never pass up on a meal, but I know there are people out there who aren't fans of breakfast, and I'm here to tell you that in order to survive these events in this heat, skipping breakfast, lunch, or dinner is not advised. Morgan Murrell 12.Kadooment pouch = survival kit! Pack smart: wipes, gum, portable fan, sunscreen, emergency snacks, energy supplements, lip gloss, oil blotting papers, portable charger, backup lashes, etc. Whatever you think you wont needyou will need. Morgan Murrell You see that thing attached to my leg? Yeah, that was my lifesaver. It's also very convenient. Because your body is in constant motion and you don't want to block the designs in your costume, a pouch or fanny pack works wonders for this event. Also, be sure to learn the difference between water-resistant and waterproof, because while I was having fun dancing in the sprinkler, my phone was slowly (but surely) getting damaged. ZUMA Press via Alamy / giphy.com Advertisement Advertisement 13.Lastly, having fun is not optional! This is the entire purpose. Leave your stress, shyness, and overthinking at the airport. Once you touch the road, your only responsibility is to enjoy yourself loudly and unapologetically. Morgan Murrell This all might sound a little intimidating, but it's truly all about having fun. That's all that people around you will care about. Everyone just wants to see others smiling, laughing, and moving their bodies. Get out of your head and just let loose. Morgan Murrell And hey, if this isn't your vibe, that's okay, too. This vacation was filled with high energy, but if you prefer to relax when you travel, Barbados has so much to offer from white sand beaches and coves to animal reservations and historic landmarks; there's truly something for everyone. Morgan Murrell Barbados, you truly owe me nothing! I'll definitely be back. Rihanna, I hope I made you proud, girl! Advertisement Advertisement Have you experienced Crop Over or hope to do so in the future? Let's talk about it in the comments! Also in Celebrity: 34 Cringey Celeb Moments That I Feel Like Everyone Collectively Forgot Also in Celebrity: 21 Celebs Who Spent A Little Too Much Time In La La Land And Lost Touch With Reality Also in Celebrity: 11 Baffling Celeb Moments Where They Forgot Common Sense Read it on BuzzFeed.com Long before Cabernet Sauvignon was bottled in Bordeaux or Pinot Noir was the elegant darling of Burgundy, Portuguese vines were weaving their way through the fertile plains of the Tagus and Sado valleys in central Portugal, with roots over 4,000 years old. Ancient winemaking practices were passed down through generations of fathers and sons, crafting what we now call low-intervention wineusing natural fermentation and minimal additivesfrom indigenous grapes that grew wild on the Iberian peninsula for millennia. During the Middle Ages, as the Catholic Churchs influence grew, Portuguese monasteries became centers of winemaking, with priests, monks, and friars producing sacramental wines for Mass. Throughout it all, women were excluded from the cellarswhere the real magic happenedand relegated to the vineyards to pick grapes during harvest time, the product of both patriarchal traditions and a widespread European superstition that a menstruating woman could spoil a batch of wine just by being near it. But today, as low-intervention wines trend in hipster bars from Berlin to Brooklyndriven by wine lovers seeking sustainability in an increasingly processed worldPortugals ancient winemaking traditions are having a moment, and a wave of women are at the forefront. Jose Guilherme Marques Among these pioneers is Ana Cardoso Pinto of Purista Wines. Pinto is something of a renaissance womanan architect, sommelier, and winemaker who combines her minimalist design sensibilities with her production process. At her familys estate, 50-minutes north of Lisbon, she uses her parents 19th-century concrete tanks for spontaneous fermentation, which adds texture and minerality, while keeping sulfites low, the body light, and alcohol reducedcreating expressions of grape varieties in their purest form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her Fernao Pires 2024 white exemplifies this philosophy, with its unique freshness, and a touch of saltiness due to the vineyard's proximity to the Atlantic coast. It wasnt until there were demands for increased production that winemakers started adding chemicals for control, she says, noting that most Portuguese wines were naturally low-intervention until the 1970s and 1980s. But these days, people are more aware of what they put into their bodies, including wine. Jose Guilherme Marques Jose Guilherme Marques For Mariana Salvador of Revela wines, up north in the Dao region, the proof is in the taste. Salvador fell in love with low-intervention wines after a series of blind tastings with one of Portugal's leading wine producers. It just clicked, she says. I understood that this is what I wanted to do. If this is the more natural way, and the wines taste so goodwith so much texture and vibrancyI knew this was the only way I wanted to make wine. Salvador sources grapes such as Alfrocheiro, a vine primarily grown in the region, exclusively from small winegrowers, crafting wines with minimal interventionusing little or no sulfitesso that each vineyard can speak for itself. Each vine tells its own story, she explains. Thats how the name Revelawhich means reveal in Portuguesecame about. I wanted to show what each grape has to offer. Filipa Patodaughter of legendary winemaker Luis Patoinherited her fathers passion for terroir in the Bairrada region, Filipa has taken the family approach in a more sustainable direction through her brand Without Makeup wines, a joint collaboration with her husband and sommelier, William Wouters. Filipa focuses on farming biodynamically and working with native grape varieties like Baga and Bical sourced from old vineyards, some dating back to 1864. Her biodynamic practices include using pigs instead of tractors to turn the soil, and a drone to spray a homemade aromatherapy infusion of herbs, fruits, and vegetables, (think lavender, orange, and garlic), to fertilize and protect her ancient vines. In the cellar, she favors ancestral techniques with a minimalist approach: wild yeast fermentations, low sulfur and aging in large oak casks, and concrete vats. Everything is done to preserve the wines identity, not mask it, she says. This is particularly evident in expressive cuvees like her fresh, elegant, and slightly smoky Nossa Calcario red. Courtesy Purista Courtesy Purista Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trend isn't reserved for the mainland either: Catia Laranjo of Etnom Wines brings a different perspective from Pico Island in the Azores, a lush volcanic island less than three hours by flight from Lisbon. Growing up in her dads vineyards, she jokes about island life: In Pico, youve got cows and vineyards. Thank God Im a winemaker and not a veterinarian! But it's hardly just chance. Her familys centuries-old vineyards are dramatically situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Pico, Portugals highest volcano, where the unique terroir produces the fresh, salty, light wines that define her approachsuch as her orange wine made from 100% Arinto grapes with aromas of tangerine and orange peel. Staying true to traditional methods, Laranjo ferments in wooden barrels rather than stainless steel tanks, allowing for natural tannin extraction. Though winemaking in Portugal is still a male-dominated field, these women represent a remarkable shift in an ancient industry. The irony is perfect: those once banned from cellars for allegedly spoiling the wine are the ones preserving whats most authentic about the country's winemaking. Its a reversal that feels long overdue. How to Plan a Wine-Fueled Trip Through Portugal It's fairly easy to connect most of the above wineries on a road trip through Portugal. After landing in Lisbon, make the 50-minute drive northeast to Ana Cardoso Pintos family estate, where picnics and wine tastings are offered among the vines. Just a few hours further north in the Dao region, Mariana Salvador from Revela wines offers tastings by appointment. End in nearby Bairrada with a taste of Filipa Patos Without Makeup wines (bookings are essential). If you only have time for a quick stop in Lisbon, youre in luck: you can sample all the wines mentioned at Lisbons iconic organic wine bar, Black Sheep, where cool crowds spill onto the romantic square of Praca das Flores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler Trending Travel Destinations Forget any anachronistic ideas of the Canary Islands you harbour and think of these magical, otherworldly isles by their geographic moniker, Macaronesia. Yes, this life-affirming eight-island archipelago is awash with world-class beaches, but it also has Unesco World Heritage sites, world-class cuisine, superb wines, wondrous marine wildlife, mountains higher than Ben Nevis and thrillingly eclectic island capitals that are a joy to sail into. And for me, cruising is the best way to savour Macaronesia, whether to make the Canary Islands your focus, or build in further delights in Madeira, Africa, Iberia and the Mediterranean. Columbus made his last landfall in the Canary Islands on his way to America; no wonder he was so intent on making it back across the Atlantic. Here are the best Canary Islands cruises to book but youll need to be quick: owing to its warm temperatures year-round, the islands are a popular option for a holiday at sea. Quick find by cruise type: Best for a great all-rounder Canary Islands inspiration Oceania Cruises This cruise stops in the vibey beach escape of Las Palmas - Andrea Comi/Moment RF Key stops: Malaga, Agadir, Arrecife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de la Palma Departure port: Barcelona Duration: 10 nights Ship: Oceania Marina This great all-rounder is comparatively short for a Canary Islands cruise but packs a lot in with a good sherry splash of mainland Spain, a double dose of exotic Morocco, a pit stop in verdant Madeira and half the Canary Islands even squeezing in a sea day between Barcelona and Malaga. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laidback Arrecife is compact for a wander, Tenerife brings Santa Cruzs city buzz, Las Palmas a touch of Rio in the (walking distance) beach escape of Las Canteras and Santa Cruz de la Palma a handy late 9pm departure Id use for pre-dinner tapas in this deeply historic city. The latest of Oceania Cruises ships to be given a makeover, the mid-sized Marina is back to her best following an extensive refurb in 2024. She is all things to all people fine dine, or opt for the new wellness restaurant, or just enjoy proper gelato by the pool. Insider tip The Barcelona departure lets you sneak in a night or two in one of Europes most popular city breaks when its at its quietest, so dont miss the opportunity of savouring the Catalan capital without the madness. How to do it A 10-night Canary Islands Inspiration voyage costs from 3,569pp for a deluxe ocean view room departing on November 7, 2025. Includes gratuities, dining at speciality restaurants, soft drinks, coffee and tea, unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi, in-room dining, group fitness classes and laundry services (oceaniacruises.com). Best for history buffs An extended journey to Castaway Canaries, Cadiz and Casablanca Explora Journeys This route from Explora stops in Tenerife and Lanzarote in addition to a handful of Spanish and Italian cities, Malta and North Africa - Jacob Elwood Key stops: Cagliari, Tunis/La Goulette, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Arrecife Departure port: Rome Duration: 20 nights Ship: Explora II Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Setting off from epic Rome, this historic odyssey sails in the wake not only of the Romans, but the Carthaginians, the Phoenicians and the Moors too. Italy sets the tone with Naples and Pompeii, followed by Sicily and Sardinia, with a side trip to Tunis in Africa. Four Spanish cities also thrill, along with Maltas majestic Valletta, the rock and geopolitical anomaly of Gibraltar, with more Africa in Bogarts Casablanca. A day at sea brings Macaronesia and Tenerife, with the capital of Santa Cruz a handily bijou city. The golden sand beach of Las Teresitas lies a short taxi ride away. A handy late 9pm departure lets you tap into the islands thrilling foodie scene, or just the underrated wines. Lanzarote brings even better wines and the mercurial genius of Cesar Manrique. Launched in 2024, Explora II is one of only two Explora Journeys vessels, although there are more ships in the pipeline as the formula of serious luxury in a relatively small ship (992 passengers) is a winning one. Insider tip Cadiz is the oldest city in Europe, and also one of the most underrated. Dont dash off to Seville or Jerez I recommend savouring sublime Cadiz itself. How to do it A 20-night Extended Journey to Castaway Canaries, Cadiz and Casablanca sailing costs from 16,100pp for a grand terrace suite departing on October 13, 2025. Includes in-suite bottle of champagne, in-suite wine and spirit of your choice, unlimited fine beverages, minibar, nine dining experiences, thermal spa access, gratuities and Wi-Fi (explorajourneys.com). Best for all-inclusive luxury Cerulean Canary Islands: Lisbon to Lisbon Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) With only 746 passengers and almost 500 crew, this cruise offers serious service and luxury - Stephen Beaudet Key stops: Lisbon, Madeira, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife Departure port: Barcelona Duration: Nine nights Ship: Seven Seas Splendor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the shorter end of the non-UK departures, this still eclectic nine-nighter from Regent Seven Seas Cruises allows decent time in the Canaries with a splash of mainland Europe and Africa (two stops in Morocco), plus time in Portuguese Madeira. There are two sea days too to enjoy the impressive level of luxury on board. The unlimited complimentary shore excursions are handy for exploring Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Wine tasting and island tours tempt on Tenerife, relaxing in Las Palmas is the best plan on Gran Canaria and La Graciosa (which was only recognised as a Canary Island in 2018) is the most enticing Lanzarote excursion. With only 746 passengers and almost 500 crew, Seven Seas Splendor offers serious Regent service and luxury. This is top-end cruising with 500 crystal chandeliers and an art collection said to be worth almost 4 million. Im still reeling from seeing Picasso aboard. The inclusive spa comes in handy on the brace of sea days. Hard to fault. Insider tip Dont miss the Teide excursion on Tenerife. It sweeps up deep into the Unesco Biosphere for staggering views of Teide, Spains highest mountain, at 3,718m, almost three times higher than Ben Nevis. How to do it A nine-night Cerulean Canary Islands cruise costs from 6,159pp for a veranda suite, departing on October 8, 2027. The all-inclusive fare includes unlimited shore excursions, unlimited drinks, dining and gratuities (rssc.com). Best for old school glamour and avoiding the airport Canary Islands Cunard For a romanticised version of cruising, consider taking a Cunard cruise on board the Queen Anne Key stops: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife Departure port: Southampton Duration: 14 nights Ship: Queen Anne Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is just something very special about setting sail from the UK on a ship with a serious ocean liner heritage that evokes that much-romanticised era of cruising. If the cruise itself means far more to you than the destination, then this is an ideal option from Cunard as there are multiple sea days in both directions, including the traverse of the Bay of Biscay. As well as calls in La Coruna and Madeira, you get time on land to explore the Canary Islands with three calls in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. On sea days, the Queens Room comes into its own; as does the Mareel spa with its thermal suite and Himalayan salt sauna. If youve always fancied Atlantic cruising, but were nervous about the long haul to the Americas, this is a real taste with rewarding ports too. Insider tip With so much time at sea, choose your cabin very carefully. If you dont like noise, avoid cabins below the social hub of the Queens Room. How to do it A 14-night Canary Islands cruise with Cunard costs from 1,049pp for a Britannia Inside cabin, departing on November 2, 2025. Includes dining in the Britannia Restaurant, complimentary breakfast in your stateroom, afternoon tea and coffee, tea and water (cunard.com). Best for island hoppers wanting a UK departure Canary Islands & Madeira Winter Warmth Fred Olsen Fred Olsens route breaks up the Canary Islands run with a stop in Madeira Key stops: Madeira, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife, San Sebastian de la Gomera. Departure port: Liverpool Duration: 15 nights Ship: Bolette Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Fred Olsen Cruises adventure offers the best of both worlds with seven sea days to relax on, but then the rest of the trip bar popping into the Spanish port of Vigo is spent exploring Macaronesia. Portuguese Madeira beckons with its lively capital of Funchal dont miss the local rum punch poncha, for me an irresistible delight. Tenerife brings city thrills in Santa Cruz or adventures in the hinterland. Gran Canarias capital of Las Palmas is worth hanging around in, but Arrecife on Lanzarote is quieter, so you might want to head to the Winelands. A rare stop in La Gomera opens up the sleepy capital of San Sebastian de la Gomera, where you take off your shoes and slip on sandals, or explore the spectacular mountainous interior. Starting with three sea days sounds a lot, however, Bolette although not sumptuously luxurious has lectures on the isles, live music and swimming pools. Just dont expect casinos and buzzing bars: thats not what stately Fred Olsen is about. Insider tip On La Gomera get off and head straight to the Torre del Conde, a sturdy redoubt Columbus wandered around before he sailed off the map in search of the Americas. How to do it A 15-night Canary Islands & Madeira Winter Warmth cruise costs from 1,499pp for an ocean view cabin, departing on November 17, 2025. Includes a la carte dining, afternoon tea and self-service coffee and tea (fredolsencruises.com). Best for Canarian island completionists Canarian Flavours followed by Atlantic Islands Marella Cruises Marella Explorer 2 makes for a very comfortable base for Macaronesian exploration Key stops: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife, San Sebastian de la Gomera Departure port: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Duration: 14 nights Ship: Marella Explorer 2 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If youre desperate not to waste a moment outside Macaronesia then this is the cruise for you, with only a brief foray to Funchal in Madeira the one (charming) distraction from the staggeringly beautiful Canaries. Youre immersed for two weeks in the Canaries I know a wild and wildly beautiful oasis of soaring ebony volcanoes and cobalt ocean, as you take in six of the eight islands. Youll cruise into six island capitals, which are all ideal for taking the pulse of each isle, though Puerto de Rosario on Fuerteventura is no great looker Id recommend instead heading to the starched white beaches of my favourite resort in the Canaries, Corralejo. Make it seven out of the eight Canaries with a sneaky day trip to La Graciosa from Lanzarote. Youll only have otherworldly El Hierro to go. Marella sailings arent super luxurious, but your ship, Marella Explorer 2, makes for a very comfortable base for Macaronesian exploration. Insider tip Best avoid the cabins above the noisy Broadway show lounge if youre a light sleeper, or like to cosy up in bed early. How to do it A 14-night Canarian Flavours followed by Atlantic Islands cruise costs from 1,588pp departing on February 9, 2026. The all-inclusive fare includes all dining, non-premium alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and water, and flights from Liverpool with easyJet (tui.co.uk). About our expert Robin McKelvie Veteran cruise writer, Robin McKelvie, is a life-long lover of the eight Canary Islands which he returns to multiple times a year. Telegraph Travels cruise expert Robin McKelvie 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. Tickling the brass keys of his gleaming trumpet, Finnish performer Jukka Eskola took me back 20 years. Two decades ago, the musical maestro and his fellow band members from the Five Corners Quintet took Sixties-inspired jazz to the dancefloor when they performed at a new festival called Flow. Back then, the tiny event held in the industrial outskirts of Helsinki attracted a niche but committed crowd of music fans and I was one of them. My love affair with the Finnish capital started with a hybrid of club-friendly jazz in the early 2000s when I was 24. Since then, Ive visited the country multiple times, developing a fondness for its food, culture, nature and design. In that time, Ive watched the Helsinki grow into one of Europes most exciting capitals an evolution summed up by the explosion in popularity of Flow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the biggest events in Finlands summer calendar is held over three days in August in the grounds of the defunct Suvilahti power plant, attracting more than 90,000 people. This years headliners included FKA Twigs, Charlie XCX, Burna Boy and Kneecap but it was the Five Corners Quintet reunion gig that excited me most. The pursuit of sentimental nostalgia too often ends in disappointment. But sat beneath a giant inflatable orb at the Balloon Stage, listening to music as familiar as a close friends warm embrace, memories of awe and excitement were re-lived and amplified. Just like the music scene it has nurtured, Helsinki has aged well. Bars have sprung up in abandoned buildings, exciting new restaurants like The Room By Kozeen Shiwan have earned Michelin stars, and a deeply embedded sauna culture has sparked a global wellbeing craze. Never once, however, have residents forgotten the value of community. This is still a city where anarchists defy police by building free-to-enter bathhouses out of disused building materials and businesses prefer to please everyday people rather than shareholders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A changing climate is also having an impact. As southern Europe sizzles, Nordic cities bask in a cooling breeze. Slowly, travellers are creeping north and discovering better prices, fewer crowds and longer days of more tolerable sunshine. Playing to a full house, the Five Corners Quintet reminisced about coming full circle. So much about the city has changed since my first visit, but the irresistible rhythm of life remains unchanged. In tune with Jukka Eskola, Helsinki hits the right notes every time. Coasting through the archipelago There are around 300 islands in the Helsinki archipelago meaning a beach and isolated picnic spot is never far away. The best-known cluster of granite outcrops forms fortress island Suomenlinna, where well-maintained military structures tell the story of Swedish, Russian and eventually independent Finnish rule. Next door, Lonna has one of Helsinkis best public saunas, while Vallisaari has been transformed into a giant outdoor art gallery for the Helsinki Biennial which runs until September 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most key islands are connected by the FRS ferry service which departs from the Market Square. Newly opened last year is Kivisaari island, home to a grand villa built by architect Eliel Saarinen in 1918. To reach more remote spots, Helsinki Odyssey runs private tours. Cool kiosks Originally built in 1952 for the Summer Olympics, serving snacks to hungry spectators, dozens of retro canopy kiosks known as lippakioski are dotted across the city. Many remain unchanged but have been out of use for several decades. Last year, several young entrepreneurs seized the opportunity to breathe new life into the spaces and restore them as community hubs. The trend is now sweeping across the city, with queues snaking from kiosks in parks, playgrounds and along pavements. Open seasonally between May and September, theyve become some of the coolest spots to hang out. In the centre of town at Johanneksenpuisto, Vilma Ijas serves frozen yogurts at Jugge Bar and has developed such a following she even has a selection of merchandise for sale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Run by two brothers from Milan, Brera in Eiranpuisto serves up pizza, wine and jazz surrounded by art nouveau architecture. A short train ride away in the Kapyla neighbourhood, Kapylan Kiska is perfect example of low-fi, coffee-culture socialism. Run by a group of students to locals who sit on stools made with vinyl records while sipping drinks from mugs donated by the community, it also hosts music concerts, bingo nights and fingerboard events. Shopping with a conscience Creative force Elina Siira firmly believes that wearing jewellery makes a statement. But the messaging is about much more than pretty designs. Working in collaboration with support group Startup Refugees, her company AIDA employs mothers from diverse cultural backgrounds to make collections of freshwater pearl necklaces and symbolic amulets. Several pieces have been designed in collaboration with celebrity figures, including a cowboy boot by Finnish poet Natalia Kallio, which represents feminism and a fight for equality. Find her store at Hameentie 26 or visit aidaimpact.com. Finns have a reputation for being pragmatic and frugal an approach which has inspired a proliferation of thrift and vintage shops across the city. One of the most successful concept stores is Relove, set up by former stylist Noora Hautakangas and specialising in secondhand designer clothing. Find branches in department store Stockmann and at the airport. Reloves latest project is a Parisian-style restaurant Rue Madame Brasserie in the centre of town along Pohjoisesplanadi, serving a menu of extremely covetable high-end handbags alongside food and drink. Anyone feeling flush can order Chanel and Champagne for dessert with a 4,515 ($6,128) price tag that may not be so easy to digest. Visit en.relove.fi and ruemadame.fi. How to plan your trip Next years Flow festival will be held in early August 2026. Visit flowfestival.com/en. For more information on Helsinki, visit myhelsinki.fi. There are some 300 islands off Helsinki. Heikki Saukkomaa/Lehtikuva/dpa Welcome to Helsinki Central Station which dates from 1932. Steffen Trumpf/dpa View of the Sibelius monument in honor of the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius in Helsinki. Steffen Trumpf/dpa Passers-by walk past the Oodi Library in the center of Helsinki. The library is one of the most impressive buildings in the Finnish capital. Steffen Trumpf/dpa Advertisement Advertisement When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Courtesy of Copenhagen Fashion Week; @balencianas When it comes to design, Scandinavia has long been celebrated for its clean lines, thoughtful craftsmanship, and timeless aestheticqualities that have earned it a reputation as a revered place in the world of interior design and beyond. But in recent years, a quietly powerful shift has been reshaping not just how spaces are curated but how people dress, with women at the helm. Nowhere is this shift more evident than in Denmarks fashion scene, where female designers are redefining what it means to design from a womans perspectiveand the results are turning heads globally. At CIFF, the Copenhagen International Fashion Fair, the energy is electric. Its here that the world sees the fresh, nuanced female perspective of Danish designa perspective that embraces versatility, authenticity, and a fluid sense of femininity. Unlike much of the global luxury fashion landscape, where male creative directors still dominate, Scandinavias fashion scene is led largely by women, and their influence is palpable. These arent just clothes; theyre statements of identity and freedom, designed with a deep understanding of how women actually live and move. Advertisement Advertisement "At CIFF, we see it as part of our responsibility to provide visibility and opportunity for female designerswhether they are just starting out or already established voices," explains Sofie Dolva, CEO of CIFF. The brand often works in partnership with up-and-coming designers as part of their NEWTALENT program, aimed at not only elevating emerging Scandinavian designers to the forefront, but pushing for their long-term development. "By putting female perspectives on the same stage as global heritage houses, were making sure they are part of the international conversation while staying true to the values of Scandinavian design." Walking through CIFF this season, I felt the shift firsthandthe female perspective isnt just influencing Danish fashion; its transforming the industry from the inside out. "The fashion industry has historically been powered by womenboth creatively and commercially and at CIFF we aim to honor that legacy while ensuring the next generation of female talent has the visibility and support to thrive globally," Dolva adds. From mother-daughter duos to female creative directors revitalizing male-founded brands, these designers are reshaping how women dress in Scandinavia. Pay close attention. Credit: Courtesy of Copenhagen Fashion Week; @balencianas Since launching Gestuz in 2008, founder Sanne Sehested has approached design with a clear intention: to create clothing that empowers women instead of overshadowing them. I wanted to create designs that emphasize the strength of women rather than overshadow, she says. Inspired by a wardrobe full of vintage pieces and a keen sense for balancing masculine and feminine elements, Sehested shaped a brand that reflects the rich complexity of real womens lives. My Gestuz muse is not one thing or one size or one age. She is full of contrast and wants her wardrobe to express that, she explains. Whether its a sharp leather suit or a soft, flowing dress, every collection is influenced by her all-female team and their lived experiences, rooted in the idea that femininity is fluid and self-defined. You can be a powerful businesswoman while wearing a draped dress, or a soft, caring mother in a leather suit with giant shoulder pads, Sanne adds. Through Gestuz, she offers a distinctly Danish vision of womanhoodone that celebrates experimentation, duality, and the freedom to take up space however you want. The term "designing from the female perspective" can mean many things. How do you interpret that idea, and how is it reflected in the way you build a collection? Advertisement Advertisement I always want to explore the contrasts of femininity and masculinity in our collections. For me it is about creating pieces that I and my team would actually wear. I love the sharp suits and heavy denim. The edgy leather. But I also want to show the softer, slower, flowing qualities. Those that might be undermined or left behind but create a much more interesting journey when combined. Is there a particular moment or story thats helped shape the way you think about what women actually want to wear? Simply following the sartorial year of the many different women in my team is one of my main tools. We have women across the spectrum, from more traditional feminine outfits to ladies with a party heart to the very androgynous dresser. And seeing what they wear, how they wear our pieces, what problems they face with their wardrobe in summer versus winter, what they always reach for on Mondays when they need to feel good fast. That is where the magic happens. Credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight. Lets talk about your S/S 26 collection. What themes or ideas are you exploring this season, and how does it speak to the modern woman you're designing for? The spring/summer 2026 show explores tension and duality, movement and pause. Draped silhouettes echo the curves of speed; flowing dresses in motion like cars rounding corners. The collection explores the contrasts of femininity and masculinity, stillness and movement, occasion wear and workwear. Advertisement Advertisement Drawing discrete inspiration from vintage racing culture, elements from utility wear are embraced: worn leather, matching suits, heavy denim, a cropped bomber jacket with clear nods to classic workwear silhouettes and reminiscent of vintage mechanic jackets or aviator bombers. Images from the '70s and '80s era of Formula One and Le Mans filled our mood boards. A lot of pictures of Marie-Claude Charmasson, who was a French journalist and race-car driver, were part of our initial inspiration. She is ultra glamorous with this bright blonde hair, and in many of the pictures of her, she is wearing a white boilersuit and her baby-blue helmet. She is also often seen with some vivid red elements, and that color combination really inspired us. Has your definition of femininity evolved since launching your brand? Reflecting upon that, how do you think that evolution shows up in your silhouettes, materials, or styling? In reality, femininity is whatever you choose it to be. And with this collection, it might be easy to point at the floor-length pink dress and think that is our take on the feminine. But what we tried to showcase was that power can come in whatever shape works for you. Not just a suit with big shoulders or a badass leather jacket, but also in the softer, quieter pieces. And that embracing that softnessintegrating it into the fast pace of our livesis a really strong statement. It is not about gender but about discovery, experimentation, telling a story, and emphasizing the areas that feel right to you. Its about flowing between masculine and feminine without having to consider what society deems strong. That you can be a powerful businesswoman while wearing a draped dress or a soft caring mother while wearing a leather suit with giant shoulder pads. Feminine and sensual, masculine and grounded, changing between the two like shifting gears. Shop Gestuz Gzdecia Top View Deal Wolina Buttoned Coat View Deal Aurial Trousers View Deal Credit: Courtesy of Copenhagen Fashion Week; @balencianas Advertisement Advertisement At Herskind, designing from the female perspective isnt just a conceptits part of everyday life. Founded in 2018 by mother-daughter duo Birgitte and Andrea Herskind, the brand has always been rooted in both craftsmanship and a deep understanding of what modern women actually want from their wardrobes. Herskind is a brand created by women, for women, they explain. With a nearly all-female team and a shared belief in clothing as a form of self-expression, their process feels both personal and purposeful. We admire women in 2025 and all the complexity they bring to the table, they note. That respect shows up in the pieces themselvesversatile silhouettes, timeless textures, and garments designed to move with the rhythm of real life. We believe in power not just in loud or bold ways, but also in the quiet strength of care, presence, and authenticity, they say. Whether through subtle tailoring or easy, flowing lines, Herskinds vision is rooted in realityhelping women show up in the world exactly as they are, and feel good doing it. Is there a particular moment or story thats helped shape the way you think about what women actually want to wear Over the past 10 years, weve seen a shift in how women express themselvesespecially here in Denmark, where theres growing focus on individuality and presence in all areas of life. We believe women deserve clothing that is both thoughtfully designed and comfortable to wearpieces that work with their lifestyle and allow them to show up as their truest selves, whatever that looks like. Credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight Lets talk about your S/S 26 collection. What themes or ideas are you exploring this season, and how does it speak to the modern woman you're designing for? This season, Birgitte focused on versatility. Many of our S/S 26 pieces are designed to be styled in multiple ways. We have shirts that can be tied and buttoned differently, adjustable blazers, and dresses that can go from beachwear to evening wear. Its all about giving women the freedom to adapt their wardrobe to their mood, schedule, or occasionwithout having to compromise on style or comfort. Has your definition of femininity evolved since launching your brand? Reflecting upon that, how do you think that evolution shows up in your silhouettes, materials, or styling? Absolutely. We feel theres a growing return to softer, more grounded valuesperhaps as a response to everything going on in the world. We admire women deeply and believe in their power, not just in loud or bold ways, but also in the quiet strength of care, presence, and authenticity. That belief naturally finds its way into our collectionswhether through our use of flowing silhouettes, subtle tailoring, or gentle textures. What kind of woman do you envision wearing your S/S 26 collection? Is there a particular mood or message you hope she embodies on the runwayand beyond? As mentioned, were big believers in celebrating all aspects of the female identity. What were seeing now is a beautiful shift: where power isnt just defined by boldness, but also by softness, elegance, and being unapologetically oneself. Our S/S 26 collection and runway show are a tribute to that shiftand to all the multifaceted women out there. The woman we design for embraces her complexity and dresses to reflect every side of who she is. Shop Herskind Panther Skirt View Deal Bambi Knitted Tube Top View Deal Aida Jacket Advertisement Advertisement View Deal Credit: Courtesy of Copenhagen Fashion Week; @balencianas At MKDT Studio, femininity isnt defined by contrast but by connection. Since its founding in 2014, the brand has stayed true to a quiet, intentional design ethos. With Creative Director Caroline Engelgaar now at the helm, that vision has become even more grounded in a womans understanding of how other women live, move, and dress. When you're a woman designing for women, you inherently understand their needs, Engelgaar reflects. The modern woman is constantly in motion; she thinks practically, but she dresses for herself. That insight is woven into every collection, where classic tailoring is updated with subtle, thoughtful twistsundone seams, sculptural silhouettes, and an understated sensuality. Its about building a well-curated wardrobe, she explains. Less is more, but always with room for something exceptional. For S/S 26, that idea comes to life in a lineup of fluid, purposeful pieces designed to evolve with the wearer throughout her day. Over time, MKDT Studio's take on femininity has shiftedfrom borrowing from menswear to softening it, reinterpreting it, and even lending it back. The result is a distinctly Scandinavian sensibility: functional, poetic, and always inspired by real women. How would you describe your design philosophy when it comes to dressing women today? Are there specific needs, moods, or shifts in lifestyle that guide your approach? It's about simplicity and wearability. We believe in building a concise, well-curated wardrobe, where every piece is thoughtfully designed, well-fitted, and crafted in quality fabrics. Less is more, but always with room for something exceptional, something crafted. Credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight The term "designing from the female perspective" can mean many things. How do you interpret that idea, and how is it reflected in the way you build a collection? When you're a woman designing for women, you inherently understand their needshow they move, how they live, and how they want to feel in their clothes. The modern woman is constantly in motion; she thinks practically, but she dresses for herself. That perspective guides everythingfrom construction to styling. Let's talk about your S/S 26 collection. How does it speak to the modern woman you're designing for? S/S 26 is all about fluiditymoving seamlessly from utility to atelier. With just a few essential pieces, the modern woman can effortlessly transform her look. It's a reflection of today's mindset: a smaller, more purposeful wardrobe that still offers range and personality. Our beloved tailored silhouettes remain at the corebased around structured blazers, sculptural trousers, and fitted dresses. Still polished, but slightly off. Uncut threads. Disproportioned belt buckles. Seams that open to uncover the body. What kind of woman do you envision wearing your S/S 26 collection? Is there a particular mood or message you hope she embodies on the runwayand beyond? She's ageless. She knows how to dress, she values fit, quality, and subtle individuality. She's not dressing to be seen but to express something about herself. In a world where practicality often dominates, there's still room to dream. And clothing, even the most functional, can still hold poetry. Shop MKDT Studio Robin Button-Fastening Blazer View Deal Midi Dress Advertisement Advertisement View Deal Dart-Detailing Jeans View Deal LIVINGSTON, Texas (KETK) The Polk County Sheriffs Office said that an 18-year-old died at a Livingston hospital after they were pulled from the water at Lake Livingston. Officials encourage safety on East Texas lakes after recent drownings The sheriffs office responded to a possible drowning at the Blanchard Boat Ramp at Lake Livingston on Aug. 12. 18-year-old Scarlett Boles was swimming with friends when she went underwater and did not come back up, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her friends found her, removed her from the lake, called 911 and started doing CPR until the deputies arrived and took over. EMS then arrived and continued CPR while transporting her to a local hospital. Boles was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The sheriffs office said the drowning is under investigation until the Jefferson County Medical Examiners Office can perform an autopsy. The Polk County Sheriffs Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Ms. Boles during this difficult time, the Polk County Sheriffs Office said on Monday. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. POLK COUNTY, Texas (KETK) One person was arrested following a shooting that occurred in Polk County over the weekend, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. On Saturday, deputies from the Polk County Sheriffs Office responded to reports of a shooting on Keith Street. Once on the scene, Polk County deputies, with the help of the Texas Department of Public Safety, brought one person into custody. 1 dead after drowning near Lake Livingston boat ramp Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the incident, the victim was transported to a hospital in Livingston and was then airlifted to a hospital in Houston. The victim received treatment and was eventually released with non-life-threatening injuries, according to authorities. At this time, the sheriffs office would like the public to know that this incident was isolated and there is no ongoing threat to public safety, the Polk County Sheriffs Office said. The sheriffs office said there are no further details available at this time, and more updates will be provided when available. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) One person was injured after a fire at Franklin Yards in Franklin Tuesday. According to the citys statement on social media, the fire was gas-fed and prompted the closure of Dixie Highway for a time. Nearby residents were warned to avoid the area. The fire was extinguished around 10:42 a.m., with Dixie Highway opening back up as well. The status of the person hurt is unknown at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LUSAKA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Countries need to return to a rule-based international trading system to ensure fairness and stability in global trade, a Zambian development expert has said. Fredrick Mutesa, secretary general of the Zambia-China Friendship Association, stressed the importance of adhering to a trading system governed by the World Trade Organization (WTO), especially as many countries, including the United States, are signatories to its conventions. "It is important that the international community, particularly the global economy, operates on the basis of a rule-based system -- in this case, the rules and regulations laid down by the WTO," Mutesa said in a recent interview with Xinhua, following the U.S. decision to impose import tariffs on its trading partners. He warned that policies diverging from this framework undermine the proper functioning of the international trading system, while urging African countries to raise their voices against measures that could hurt their economies. Mutesa noted that the tariff measures might not even benefit U.S. consumers, who rely on imported goods, or farmers who depend on access to foreign markets like China, with delays in fully enforcing the tariffs indicating that analysts are still evaluating potential consequences, some of which may be detrimental to U.S. interests. Since returning to office in January, U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a series of import tariffs, varying by country. He has argued that the tariffs are intended to boost American manufacturing and protect domestic jobs. Aug. 18RUSHFORD VILLAGE, Minn. One person was injured in a single-vehicle crash in Rushford Village on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. A 2019 Dodge Journey was traveling north on Minnesota Highway 43 when the vehicle lost control and landed in the ditch around 3:50 p.m. Monday, according to a Minnesota State Patrol crash report. The driver of the Dodge, 71-year-old May Louise Himlie, of Rushford, had non-life threatening injuries. She was transported to Winona Health. A 73-year-old passenger, Darrell Craig Himlie, of Rushford, was not injured in the crash, the report said. The Minnesota State Patrol, Rushford Fire Department and Rushford Community Ambulance Service responded to the crash. Editors note: This report has been updated to reflect the number of children living in the home, according to Youngstowns code officer. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) An investigation into two young children found alone at a Youngstown gas station led to a home on the South Side, where 11 children were living in deplorable conditions, police said. Read next: Coroner identifies 3-year-old boy killed in Struthers shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 18-month-old and 3-year-old children were found in the 2000 block of South Ave. around 11:20 a.m., and no one called 911 to report a missing child for over an hour, according to a police report. Police then went to a home on East Dewey Avenue, where they found Melissa Kanos, the mother of at least one of the children. Reports said that Kanos thought that the child had only been gone for 10 to 15 minutes, but later admitted that she had last seen the child at 11 a.m. Reports said that agents with Children Services and police entered the home and found animal and possible human feces, urine, and food all over the floors of the home. Police said that 14 people, 11 of them children, were living in the home. Officers described the children, who ranged in age from toddlers to teenagers, as looking as though they hadnt showered in days, with most of the younger ones walking around in overused diapers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said that two birds and three dogs were taken to the Animal Charity of Ohio. One of the dogs was malnourished and had sores all over its body, according to police. The house has since been red-tagged, meaning unsafe or unhealthy to occupy. Because of the amount of people that were living there, thats what the problem was. They dont have beds and lying on mattresses on the floor and things of that nature, said Mike Durkin, Youngstown code enforcement officer. There were 11 kids and three adults. Thats just too many. It was just deplorable from top to bottom, Durkin said. Situations like this are becoming more common, Durkin explained, and the city is working to address them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its coming to light more. We have more entities, more groups and factions that are going out there and checking it out, Durkin said. Kanos was charged with five counts of endangering children, first-degree misdemeanors. She is due back in court later this month, along with two other adults in the house who received citations. Several of the older children are now with neighbors or relatives. The rest are in the care of Childrens Services. No decisions been made on what will ultimately happen to the house. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. People are usually savvy enough to check whether their hospital or doctor takes their insurance. But it's often a mystery how much a medical procedure or operation will cost, even with coverage. A new report from Trilliant Health,a health care analytics company, shows how much prices for the same medical service can vary at different hospitals and surgery centers. Want a total knee replacement? It can cost as little as $12,870 or as much $101,527. An ankle replacement? An Austin, Texas, hospital charges $22,011 while a New Jersey hospital billed more than $197,000 for the same operation. These wide price swings can leave insured consumers with big bills, loans and medical debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using claims data from two major health insurers, Trilliant Health analyzed inpatient and outpatient rates charged by nearly 2,700 hospitals and 3,500 surgery centers. The report found prices can vary as much as nine-fold for the same operation or procedure. And hospital prices within the same state varied more than three-fold, the report said. Trilliant also analyzed 10 hospitals listed on multiple best hospital lists and found no link between higher prices and improved health quality. Allison Oakes, chief research officer for Trilliant Health, said the report aims to inform consumers and employers on health care prices so they can better gauge the value of services they are purchasing. Oakes said health care prices and the discounted rates negotiated by insurance companies historically have been a "very well protected industry secret." "The fact that we now have information related to price, we can hopefully begin to rein in our spending," said Oakes. Hospital prices drive health spending higher Research shows such price variation is a key contributor to why health care costs so much more in the United States than any other nation. The U.S. spent $4.9 trillion in health care in 2023 or $14,570 for every person. Despite spending more than any other nation, U.S. life expectancy is the lowest among large, wealthy nations, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Employers who pay for health insurance for working-age adults historically didn't have prices when deciding which hospitals and surgery centers to include in their workplace insurance plans' networks. Consumers with high-deductible health plans often pay thousands of dollars out of pocket before coverage kicks in. Or they often are charged coinsurance, which requires they pay a percentage of a medical bill. Over the past 25 years, the cost of employer health insurance premiums has nearly tripled the rate of workers pay raises, according to a 2024 study in peer reviewed Health Affairs. A major contributing factor: hospital prices. Under federal price transparency rules adopted earlier this decade, health insurance companies must disclose prices negotiated with hospitals and other health providers. Trilliant's analysis included prices negotiated by two national health insurers: UnitedHealth Group and Aetna. Will price transparency spur competition, lower prices? Researchers not involved in the Trilliant report have analyzed price transparency data and reached similar conclusions about widespread price differences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One study by Johns Hopkins University found prices of X-rays and CT scans varied more than 10-fold nationwide. The study found prices for the same scan in the same hospital nearly tripled based on different plans from the same insurance company, said Ge Bai, a Johns Hopkins University professor of accounting and health policy and management. Bai said the study underscores the lack of competition in health services. "We have a long way to go before we can reach a competitive market for health care prices," Bai said. Rice University's Baker Institute compared prices of three Houston hospitals and found large price differences negotiated by three health insurers: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, United Health and Humana. The biggest price gap: an overnight stay covered by a Humana PPO plan ranged from an average of $17,628 to $57,898 at different Houston-area hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vivian Ho, a Rice University economist who has studied hospital pricing, said employers can use pricing information to tailor their health insurance offerings to workers. "There is a great deal of opportunity for employers to take this information and start restructuring their benefits," Ho said. A large New York labor union attempted to steer employees away from New York-Presbyterian to other hospitals as part of a cost-savings move. The union, Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, requested the Justice Department investigate New York Presbyterian over claims that anti-competitive behavior kept hospital prices high. The Justice Department has launched an investigation into the high-profile hospital chain and its insurer contracting practices, according to a subpoena reviewed by the New York Times. A New York-Presbyterian spokesperson declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another study of Massachusetts health plans that examined the use of tiered pricing that charged consumers higher copays if they chose more expensive hospitals. Consumers could choose copays of $250, $500 or $750, with the higher copays linked to more expensive hospitals. After three years, overall spending dropped by more than 8%, an indication consumers were willing to choose lower-cost copays and hospitals. Ho said the tiered copay approach is easier for consumers to understand health prices and what steps they can take to lower their costs. "The average consumer doesn't understand the problem," Ho said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumers are quick to blame their insurer when health prices rise, Ho said. And while insurers have been scrutinized for practices such as prior authorization and service denials, the main driver of health insurance premiums are hospital charges for both inpatient and outpatient services, Ho said. "The hospitals and the consolidated health care systems are charging very high prices," Ho said. "And there's nothing in your health insurance benefit to stop you from going to the highest-priced providers." Email consumer health reporter Ken Alltucker at alltuck@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: A $101,000 knee replacement? Why hospital charges vary so much Santa Fe Indian Market is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Best of Show, Best of Classification, and Special Awards. Since its founding in 1922, the market has grown into the worlds largest and most prestigious Indigenous art event, and its annual awards remain a benchmark of excellence in Native art. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 60 judges and 120 volunteers gathered on August 14 to evaluate this years entries across a wide range of classifications. Winners were announced at the Best of Show Ceremony on Friday afternoon, ahead of the 103rd annual market weekend, August 1617. This years top honor went to Regina Free (Chickasaw) for her mixed-media sculpture Windswept (Bison), an expansive piece that incorporates reclaimed wood, metal, clay, dyes, and natural materials to bring her vision to life. Best of Classification Winners Screenshot_2025-08-19_at_6.00.33_PM.png Jewelry: Untitled (Reversible Mosaic Inlay Necklace) by Janalee Valencia (San Felipe Pueblo) Screenshot_2025-08-19_at_5.53.58_PM.png Pottery: Clash of the Titans by Chris Youngblood & Jennifer Tafoya (Santa Clara Pueblo) Screenshot_2025-08-19_at_5.55.19_PM.png Painting, Drawing, Graphics & Photography: Pastel Arches by Santiago Romero (Cochiti & Taos Pueblos) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wooden Pueblo Figurative Carving & Sculpture: White Cloud Clowns Jumping off Clouds by Robert Albert (Hopi) Screenshot_2025-08-19_at_6.02.30_PM.png Textiles: Untitled Two Grey Hills Navajo Rug by Lola Cody (Dine) Sculpture & Best of Show: Windswept (Bison) by Regina Free (Chickasaw) Diverse Arts: Aeronaut PilotRevolt 1680-2180 by Virgil Ortiz (Cochiti Pueblo) Screenshot_2025-08-19_at_5.52.22_PM.png Beadwork & Quillwork: His Stories Became Legend by Jackie Bread (Blackfeet Nation) Youth (17 & under): Just a Kid Learning to Weave with My Ancestors in My Heart by Naats Tlaa (Tlingit/Haida) Screenshot_2025-08-19_at_5.47.43_PM.png Basketry: Wabanaki Summer by Theresa Secord (Penobscot Nation) Special Awards Several artists were further recognized with distinction awards, including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bernard Ewell Innovation Award: Osceola Red Shirt (Protect Your Children) Trade Roots Excellence in Lapidary: B.L. Tom Excellence in Traditional Pueblo Pottery: Suyma Maho Tony Da Memorial Award: Jonathan Naranjo Margaret Tafoya Memorial Award: Lorraine Gala-Lewis IAIA Alumni Award: Emmet Navakuku Make Me Smile Youth Award: Aydrian Day Native American Art Magazine Award of Excellence: Carol Emarthle Douglas The Best of Show Ceremony was sponsored by JoAnn and Bob Balzer, while the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) hosted the Best of Show Luncheon. We are grateful for the continued support of our volunteers, sponsors, judges and the dedicated SWAIA artists who make the Best of Show the worlds finest Native American awards program, Jamie Schulze of SWAIA said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. " Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com NEED TO KNOW Kane Edwards, 13, drowned while swimming in the River Tawe in Swansea, Wales The tragedy took place in May 2022 and the teen's body was located after a "frantic" search The teen's friend later told authorities he saw that Kane's foot was seemingly "trapped" in the water, despite the current A 13-year-old boy drowned in the U.K. and was later found stuck under a tree in the water, officials said at a hearing this week. Thirteen-year-old Kane Edwards died on May 24, 2022, after going swimming with a friend in the River Tawe in Morriston, Swansea in Wales according to an inquest on Monday, Aug. 18, into his death, the BBC reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said at the time that the boy had "got into difficulty," The Independent reported. According to the new inquest, a witness recalled Kane's friend saying to them, "Have you seen my friend? He's gone under the water and not come up." The boy's friend later told authorities he saw that Kane's foot was seemingly "trapped" in the water, despite the current. Athena Pictures/Getty River Tawe in Swansea River Tawe in Swansea After a "frantic" search, Kane's body was located near the river's center, the BBC reported. A fire team member said they found a tree on the bottom of the river pinning the boy under it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kane's cause of death was consistent with drowning, and officials also noted the water's cold temperature would have led to shock. During the inquest, it was revealed that emergency services initially had trouble finding Kane's exact location and three different pools in the area were searched. In the wake of Kane's death, he was remembered as a "lovely boy" by his family. "He was very sporty, very lively and really close to his mother and family," cousin Ffion McCormick-Edwards told Wales Online in 2024. 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. "He was generally a really nice, easy going and lovely boy,' Ffion said then. "He would talk to anyone. He meant everything to his family, especially his brothers. He was so full of life he was the entertainment of the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kane's headteacher, Martin Franklin, said in a previous statement, according to The Independent: Our whole school community is devastated by the news, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of our pupil." Read the original article on People PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) A 15-year-old student was charged after he allegedly made a threat toward a high school in Manassas last week. On Aug. 13, the Prince William County Police Department said it began investigating the possible threat to Osbourn Park High School after a post was made on social media. As the investigation continued, officers learned that a 15-year-old student had posted a picture on Snapchat, that indicated violence at the school. Field of Screams Maryland cancelled in 2025 for renovations Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The image was brought to the attention of law enforcement, which prompted the investigation. Officers later determined that there was no credible or active threat to students, faculty or staff. The investigation led officers to obtain a detention order for the 15-year-old boy, and he was taken into custody on Aug. 17. He was charged with threats of bodily injury on school property and held at the Juvenile Detention Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. 16-year-old boy facing OUI charge in North Shore crash that left 13-year-old girl dead A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on a charge of operating under the influence in connection with a violent crash on the North Shore that left a 13-year-old girl dead early Tuesday morning, authorities said. Officers responding to a report of a crash in the area of 352 Atlantic Avenue in Marblehead just before 3 a.m. found a heavily damaged sedan and a teenage girl suffering from life-threatening injuries, according to Essex District Attorney Paul F. Tucker and Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King. The girl was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene, Tucker and King confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boy, who investigators believe was operating the vehicle, was treated for his injuries, arrested, and charged with OUI. The names of the two teens werent released. Tucker and King didnt share any additional information on the crash. Video captured by a Boston 25 photographer showed skid marks in the road leading to a stone wall and a pile of dislodged debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sounded like something like a bomb was going off, neighborhood resident Christine Caldwell told Boston 25 News. Something you hear around the 4th of July. A photo shared with Boston 25 showed first responders surrounding the crashed car, which was flipped on its roof. A tow truck was called to the scene to remove the wrecked vehicle, which appeared to have an out-of-state license plate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The road was shut down for hours after the crash as investigators gathered evidence at the scene. It eventually reopened around 7:30 a.m. Anyone with information on the deadly wreck is urged to contact Marblehead Detective Sergeant Sean Brady at 781-631-1212. State troopers assigned to the DAs office are assisting Marblehead police with an investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Aug. 18A 16-year-old boy and a man were injured in a shooting in Vandalia Sunday night. Crews responded to reports of multiple gunshots in the 3000 block of Stop Eight Road around 10:36 p.m., according to the Vandalia Division of Police. A large party was happening at a business and witnesses said there was an argument between several individuals, which led to at least two people exchanging gunfire, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both fled before officers arrived on scene. No one at the scene was injured. However, Dayton Children's Hospital contacted police after a 16-year-old arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound, according to police. A was man found on North Dixie Drive with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the foot. He was transported to the hospital for treatment. Officers are still investigating and working to identify suspects and possible witnesses. Anyone with information about this case can contact Detective Damien Clemmons at 937-415-2278. **Related Video Above: Cleveland crime statistics AKRON, Ohio (WJW) A 16-year-old was injured during an arrest over the weekend after being suspected of robbing a local grocery store, the Summit County Sheriffs Office reported Tuesday. Akron police and the sheriffs department were called to the area of Tallmadge Avenue and Glenwood Avenue Saturday just before 8:30 p.m. for reports of a teen who had robbed the grocery store with a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Babysitter convicted after toddler severely burned in Akron Upon arrival, the sheriffs K-9 Unit was able to track the suspect to a nearby wooded area, the office said in a statement. The juvenile was located outside the woods and he began running. The sheriffs office said the suspect was given verbal commands to stop but refused to comply. Deputies decided to release the K-9, which took down the suspect, biting him on the left arm. Police look for suspect who shot 2 men in Akron The suspect, identified only as a 16-year-old juvenile, was arrested and then taken to Akron Childrens Hospital for his injuries. He has since been moved to the Summit County Juvenile Detention Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said they did find a firearm on the suspects person. The sheriffs office said the teen has been charged with aggravated robbery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. NEED TO KNOW A 17-year-old boy died in a hiking accident just days before he was supposed to start his senior year of high school in California The teen has been identified by his family as Aaron Baten Gramajo of San Rafael Aaron's loved ones, his school's principal and two of his employers have paid tribute to him following his death A 17-year-old boy in California died last week in a hiking accident days before the new school year. Relatives identified the teen as Aaron Baten Gramajo of San Rafael, according to CW affiliate KRON and Fox affiliate KTVU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gramajo was hiking at Marin Headlands on Monday, Aug. 11 when the incident occurred, according to a GoFundMe started to support his family. Cela Gramajo, the teen's mom, told KTVU that she reported her son missing after he did not return home from his hike and she found his car in the Marin Headlands late on Aug. 11. Officials said Aaron fell from a cliff, the Marin Independent Journal reported. Chief Deputy Coroner Roger Fielding of the Marin County Sheriffs Office said the teen died from a blunt force injury, and that the incident was deemed an accident, KTVU reported. Aaron was found near the water below Battery Spencer, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At just 17, Aaron touched countless hearts with his kindness, laughter, and dreams for the future, the GoFundMe's co-organizers Edelin Reyes and Yajaira Gramajo wrote. Aaron is survived by two sisters and his parents, who loved him deeply, they wrote. The incident occurred just nine days before San Rafael High School, which the teen attended, is expected to start the 2025-26 school year on Wednesday, Aug. 20, according to KRON. Principal Joe Dominguez said Gramajo was a rising senior. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time, Dominguez said in a letter to the school community, KRON reported. Aaron grew up here in San Rafael, and his loss deeply affects so many, especially those in the Laurel Dell, Davidson and SRHS community who he and his family are closely connected with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dominguez and the sheriff's office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment. Gramajo also worked at Boichik Bagels in Larkspur for two years, according to an Instagram post shared by the business. Aaron was a great person and encapsulated the essence of what it is to be a mensch, wrote a user who identified themselves as the manager. Always had a smile and always ready to help out. Shop wouldnt be what it is today without him. Thank you Aaron. The Shack, an ice cream shop in Larkspur, also paid tribute to their former employee in a post on Instagram. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. With a very heavy heart, we share the news that our friend Aaron Baten has passed away, the post stated. We wanted to share this with our community, for anyone that had the joy of coming into the shack when Aaron was working, we know you left feeling good with a big smile! Aaron made the shack a better place! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hayden Martay, a 16-year-old employee of the ice cream shop who worked with Aaron, told KTVU that he was very kind and big-hearted." Meggie Sichi, the parlor's owner, said he was a great influence on her children. "My daughter saw him as he was closing the store, grabbing his two sisters hands and skipping down the street, and Ill just cherish that, Sichi recalled. More than $26,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe for Gramajos family as of Tuesday, Aug. 19. Read the original article on People BAGHDAD, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Oil Ministry on Tuesday signed a principle agreement with U.S. energy company Chevron. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani sponsored the signing ceremony of the deal "regarding the Nasiriyah project, which included four exploration blocks, and the development of the Balad oil field along with other producing fields and exploration blocks," a statement by al-Sudani's media office said. Al-Sudani said the Iraqi government has been working to attract companies to operate in Iraq while prioritizing the advancement of the oil sector, whether in production, refining, associated gas and natural gas production, or the use of the latest technologies to develop this vital sector. For his part, Chevron's vice president Frank Mount expressed his company's aspiration to work in Iraq, describing it as a country rich in opportunities and endowed with vast natural and human resources. Iraq's economy relies heavily on crude oil exports, which account for about 90 percent of the country's revenues. NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) A drug trafficking ring out of North Charleston has been dismantled, with 18 people receiving a total of 144 years in federal prison. The case stemmed from a lengthy wiretap investigation that was conducted by the Lowcountry Violent Crime Task Force, which targeted a violent street gang and its associates. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of South Carolina, Fredrick McCray, 44, leader of the gang, directed drug distribution operations and armed his gang members with fully automatic machine guns to protect their territory from rival gangs and drug traffickers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cornelius Walker was one of the gangs primary enforcers and acted as McCrays right-hand man. Tyrone Cox served as the organizations primary drug supplier, the U.S. Attorneys office wrote in a news release. Authorities say the gang used an abandoned community center as a central hub for narcotics distribution. In total, the investigation resulted in the seizure of 3 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 700 grams of marijuana, 500 grams of crack cocaine, 26 firearms including four fully automatic machine guns and $70,000 in cash, officials said. The arrests and charges are listed below as provided by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of South Carolina: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fredrick Wendell McCray, 44, of North Charleston was sentenced to 30 years for conspiring to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine, 500 or more grams of methamphetamine, and heroin, possession with intent to distribute 28 or more grams of crack cocaine, unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Tyrone Cox, 44, of North Charleston, was sentenced to 25 years for conspiring to distribute 5 or more kilograms of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 28 or more grams of crack cocaine, unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of ammunition by a felon. Cornelius Walker, 21, of North Charleston, was sentenced to 15 years for conspiring to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking, and unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation. Quinton Antonio McClain, 35, of Mount Pleasant, was sentenced to 12.5 years for conspiring to distribute 500 or more grams of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine, and unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation. Warren Lamar Forrest, 33, of Charleston, was sentenced to 12 years in a separate indictment for felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Angel Joaquin Flores, 34, of California, was sentenced to 10 years for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and marijuana and unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation. Kevin William Dukes, 39, of North Charleston, was sentenced to 10 years for conspiring to distribute 500 or more grams of cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, and unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation. Kendrick Smalls, 35, of North Charleston, was sentenced to seven years for conspiring to distribute cocaine, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a machine gun, and unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation. Kenneth Roger Brown, 35, of North Charleston, was sentenced to six years for conspiring to distribute cocaine and unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation. Earl Allen, 24, of Charleston, was sentenced to five years for conspiring to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation. Santerio Bernard Maurice Smith, 30, of Charleston, was sentenced to four and a half years in a separate indictment for possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a machine gun. DaShawn Marquis Richards, 26, of North Charleston, was sentenced to four years in a separate indictment for possession of a firearm by a felon. Terrell Kurt Myers, 43, of North Charleston, was sentenced to two years for conspiring to distribute 500 or more grams of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, and unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation. Demetric Gantt, 46, of North Charleston, was sentenced to one and half years for conspiring to distribute 28 or more grams of crack cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 28 or more grams of crack cocaine, and unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation. Clayton Thomas, 22, of North Charleston, was sentenced to three months in a separate indictment for knowingly make a false statement when purchasing a firearm. Tyrone Wilson, 63, of North Charleston, was sentenced to time served for conspiring to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of ammunition by a felon. LaJustin Williams, 43, of North Charleston, was sentenced to time served for conspiring to distribute 500 or more grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, possession with intent to distribute 500 or more grams of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation. Tyrone Peterson, 63 of North Charleston, was sentenced to time served for conspiring to distribute 500 or more grams of methamphetamine and marijuana, possession with intent to distribute 50o or more grams of methamphetamine, and unlawful use of a telephone to commit a felony drug violation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2. AUSTIN (KXAN) A semi truck on Interstate 35 near Georgetown, Texas, caught fire Tuesday morning, according to a social media post from the Georgetown Police Department. A semi-truck caught fire on I-35 Aug. 19 and led to southbound closures that morning (KXAN Viewer Photo) The fire shut down traffic on I-35 southbound until just before 9 a.m. The truck was fully engulfed in flames, Georgetown PD said. Drivers were detoured from I-35 to Leander Road, but one lane reopened after first responders put out the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Georgetown PD recommended to drivers heading south on I-35 that they find other routes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The Missouri Department of Transportation is preparing to replace the mid-20th-century Theodosia Bridge, but rather than demolish it outright, officials are offering it up free of charge to any eligible entity willing to take it on. The catch? Whoever wants it must bear the cost of its relocation. Built in 1951, the over 1,800-foot-long structure spans Bull Shoals Lake along US Highway 160 and boasts a distinctive design of 10 riveted camelback through-truss spans, each about 181 feet in length. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bridge features concrete abutments, wingwalls, and column piers with web-walls, with a deck surfaced in concrete and topped with bituminous. If someone takes the bridge, they may have to agree to rules that protect its historic design and keep it in good condition. Eligible applicants, including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private individuals, have until January 9, 2026, to submit comprehensive proposals to MoDOTs Historic Preservation Section. These plans must outline how the bridge will be dismantled, relocated, and reused, including cost estimates and the intended future application. Built in 1951, the historic Theodosia Bridge spans Bull Shoals Lake at 1,816 feet (Missouri Department of Transportation) To ease the financial burden of relocation, MoDOT is offering reimbursement equivalent to the demolition costs, provided the recipient undertakes the removal themselves. However, this funding is not available if MoDOT removes and stores the bridge. Applicants must remove it themselves to qualify. Recipients are also encouraged to explore alternative funding sources, including the Recreational Trails Program through Missouri State Parks and MoDOTs Transportation Alternatives Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locally, interest in preserving and repurposing the bridge has been high, especially for use in low-water crossings, Ozark Radio News reports. However, Ozark County officials fear that relocation expenses could run into the millions, making such a project financially unfeasible under the current budget. The Independent has contacted MoDOT for comment. Government agencies, nonprofits, and even private individuals can apply to relocate the bridge, but they must submit full proposals to MoDOTs Historic Preservation Section by January 9, 2026 (Missouri Department of Transportation) MoDOT plans to replace the bridge in the future, but construction is still years away. For now, the department is studying the land and environment to make sure the project is safe and practical. Preliminary site work, including surveys and data collection, is underway, with environmental surveys expected to conclude by August 2026. Preliminary cost projections estimate that the installation of a new bridge could approach $100.4 million. Interested entities can visit MoDOTs Free Bridges portion of its website for a proposal checklist. JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) Jackson County Sheriffs deputies responded to a report of shots fired at the Hollywood Palace Club off Blue Springs Road early Sunday morning. Witnesses say an argument escalated into a fight, then the fight escalated into a shooting. Sheriff Donnie Edenfield says they have a 19-year-old in custody, but there could be more suspects involved. Isaiah Murphy was arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. We do believe that theres more than one shooter involved. And were continuing the investigation to determine that, Jackson County Sheriff Donnie Edenfield said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say that they know Murphy was at the Hollywood Palace. They say they havent yet confirmed he fired shots. However, eyewitnesses told deputies that Murphy was firing an assault style weapon. They also claim two other people were firing shots. Investigators found a total of 27 shell casings. Investigation underway following shooting in Jackson County Two people were wounded, one of them rushed to the hospital in a private vehicle. Both remained hospitalized as of Monday night. One had to have a leg amputated. Edenfield says he also plans to crack down on the Hollywood Palace Clubs owner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not licensed to operate a club. Theyre not licensed to charge admission. Theyre not licensed to sell alcohol. Its not safe. And as the sheriff, Im going to shut it down, Edenfield said. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has joined the investigation. My job as sheriff is to protect our citizens and protect our neighborhoods. And were going to do whatever it takes. And sometimes that involves the calling in other agencies to assist. And the FDLE, theyre a huge asset to all sheriffs. So they come in and bring a lot of technology and equipment to help basically reconfigure what happen, Edenfield added. Murphy appeared before a judge Monday morning for a bond hearing. He was released on Monday after posting a $10,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Edenfield is asking anyone with information on this case to please call the Jackson County Sheriffs Office or Crimestoppers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Contractors install solar panels on the roof of a house in Oregon. (Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Energy) This story first appeared on Oregon Capital Chronicle. The attorneys general and governors of 19 states are suing federal energy officials over a new policy meant to cut funding for staff who work on sustainable energy and energy efficiency projects across the country. The states filed their lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Energy and its leader, Chris Wright, on Friday in U.S. District Court in Eugene, Oregon. States argue that a new rule mandating that indirect and fringe costs for State Energy Program projects such as staff salaries, health insurance and pensions cannot exceed 10% of overall project costs is arbitrary, against the law, and will lead to needless job losses and project terminations. Officials from the U.S. Department of Energy did not respond to a request for comment by Monday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The federal grants help state energy agencies pay for the design, development and execution of renewable energy projects and energy efficiency programs. The grants fund electric vehicles for state and local governments and public transit, state-sponsored home weatherization programs, energy affordability programs for low-income residents, emergency preparedness and state energy planning. Last year, Oregon received about $786,000 in federal grants through the program, according to Oregon Democratic Attorney General Dan Rayfields office. Most of the money paid for on-the-ground project costs, but nearly half about $333,000 went to indirect and fringe costs, such as project staff salaries, as well as health and retirement benefits. Oregonians count on these programs to keep our homes energy-efficient, our air clean and our bills manageable, Rayfield said in a statement. This cap strips away the resources we need to keep that work going and the people and expertise behind it. We cant meet Oregons energy needs if the federal government pulls critical infrastructure that supports the people and expertise behind this work midstream. Other federal agencies have recently attempted to impose similar overhead caps on federally funded projects at colleges that receive grants from the National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation and Department of Defense. All were blocked in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rayfield is joined in the latest suit by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia, as well as Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, all Democrats. No more negotiation Typically, states negotiate with the U.S. Department of Energy to land on a percentage of project costs that can be spent on staff and benefits. The minimum is 15% and the maximum in some states, depending on the year and the project, can be as high as 45%. The Colorado Energy Office last year negotiated with the federal energy department a deal that allows indirect costs to be no more than 43.6% of the project budget. In April, the office submitted its annual application for State Energy Program grants, but in May, learned that Wright and other agency officials had decided to cap overhead costs on projects. By July, state energy officials in Colorado and several other states learned their applications had been rejected and were told to submit revised budgets with a 10% cap on indirect and fringe costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colorados energy agency stands to lose about $367,000 in expected funding if the 10% cap on indirect and fringe funding isnt lifted, which would lead to staffing cuts across several teams, according to the lawsuit. Minnesota stands to lose about $290,000 in the next year if the cap is not lifted. To cover this shortfall, Minnesota will need to reduce staff paid by these funds and use available funds from other programs more quickly than otherwise planned, leading to budget constraints that will impact the states ability to meet its statutory energy efficiency and renewable energy objectives, the suit reads. Kentucky stands to lose $230,000 per year, according to the lawsuit. Thats money the state sends to electric cooperatives and to non-profits helping Kentuckians improve home and business energy efficiency and affordability. The state also sends State Energy Program funds to universities that provide technical assistance and expertise for sustainable energy projects and initiatives, such as community microgrids and nuclear energy development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will impair the Commonwealths ability to support essential employees direct costs and may result in increasing costs should the state move to alternative employment arrangements, the suit reads. Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a national nonprofit news organization. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MADBURY, N.H. (WPRI) An investigation is underway after four people were found dead inside a Madbury, New Hampshire, home Monday night. State police responded to the home on Moharimet Drive around 8:30 p.m. for a report of several people who were dead, according to the Attorney Generals Office. Upon arrival, troopers found the bodies of two adults and two children who appeared to have been shot. They were pronounced dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A third child, a toddler, was also found at the scene alive and unharmed, according to the AGs office. The victims identities have not been released. At this time, the AGs office said detectives are investigating the incident as a potential murder-suicide. Officials say there is no threat to the public. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. NEED TO KNOW Two adults and two children were found dead at a home in Madbury, New Hampshire, in an incident that local police are investigating "as a potential murder-suicide The New Hampshire Attorney General said that a toddler was also found at the home "alive" and without "physical injuries" He said that all four of the deceased family members appeared to have been shot and were pronounced dead on the scene A family found dead in a home in New Hampshire is reportedly being investigated as a suspected murder-suicide. The New Hampshire Attorney General shared in a press release on Monday, Aug. 18, that the New Hampshire State Police were investigating four suspicious deaths at a residence in Madbury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AGs office said the incident occurred in a home on Moharimet Drive, and that state and local law enforcement officials had been conducting an active investigation there. At this time, detectives are investigating this event as a potential murder-suicide, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella told local station WFXT. He told WBZ-TV that a caller reported several people were deceased in the home. He said when troopers arrived they found the 911 callers, and made entry into the home. "[Once inside,] troopers found the bodies of four family members: two adults and two children, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella told WBZ-TV in a statement. A third child, a toddler, was alive and suffered no physical injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told the outlet that all four of the deceased family members appeared to have been shot and were pronounced dead on the scene. They have since been identified as 34-year-old Emily Long and 48-year-old Ryan Long and their son Parker Long, 8, and daughter Ryan Long, 6. A neighbor, Bevy Ketel, told WBZ-TV that the family was perfect as far as we knew." She also noted that her daughter had once given an American Girl doll to one of the children who was killed. "It was shocking," Ketel told the outlet. "It's so sad to think that that little girl is gone. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. She added of the childs father who was also well-known in town: "He certainly touched a lot of lives. He was part of the fabric of the community and his family goes along with it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities confirmed that the father was a school psychologist at Oyster River Middle School in nearby Durham, per NBC 10 Boston. It is unclear who the shooter was at this time, and more information is not expected to be released until after the cause and manner of the Longs' deaths is determined through autopsies, which are scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 20. Officials warned in a press release that residents in the area should expect police presence as their investigation into the incident continues. They added in the initial stages of their investigation that there was "no known threat to the general public." Read the original article on People Early Friday morning, in the kitchen of her Riverview home, Hiojaira Velez Bonilla got into an argument with her cousins new boyfriend. Arnaldo Cintron had been staying at the house on Maybrook Avenue, and he and Velez Bonilla started to quarrel about Cintron helping with the bills and chores, court documents state. During the argument, authorities say, Cintron flew into a murderous rage and fatally stabbed Velez Bonilla, a 42-year-old mother of two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, authorities say, Cintron threatened to kill Velez Bonillas boyfriend and his family if he didnt help clean up her blood, load her body into her SUV, drive across the Gandy Bridge and dump the remains in St. Petersburgs Weedon Island Preserve. Cintron, 42, got help from a willing accomplice, records state: Velez Bonillas own cousin, 37-year-old Giselle Santiago Bonilla, who was living at the home and dating Cintron. The details are included in court documents made public Tuesday, the same day that the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office announced that Cintron and Santiago Bonilla had been arrested. Cintron was arrested on a second-degree murder charge. Both he and Santiago Bonilla also face charges of unlawfully holding or moving a dead body in unapproved conditions, tampering with physical evidence and tampering with a witness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santiago Bonilla faces an additional charge of being an accessory after the fact. Cintrons arrest affidavit details the investigation. Velez Bonilla lived at the home in the Cristina subdivision near Riverview High School with her two teen sons. Santiago Bonilla had recently moved in, and Cintron, whom she had been dating for a few months, occasionally stayed there, too, the affidavit states. So did Velez Bonillas boyfriend, whom the Tampa Bay Times is not naming in this story because he is a murder witness. Between midnight and 1 a.m. Friday, Velez Bonilla and Cintron started arguing in the kitchen over lack of assisting with the bills and other responsibilities around the house, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the argument, Cintron pushed Velez Bonilla to the floor, grabbed a kitchen knife and stabbed her repeatedly in the upper torso while calling her a bitch, the affidavit states. Velez Bonillas boyfriend was in the living room and walked into the kitchen during the attack. Still armed with the knife,Cintron turned to the boyfriend, who began to back away toward a door to leave the home. Cintron and Santiago Bonilla cornered him in the kitchen. Cintron then threatened the witness, stating, I dont like witnesses, the affidavit states. The boyfriend told detectives that Cintron threatened to kill him, his family and Velez Bonillas 16-year-old son, who was in his bedroom down the hall, if he talked to anyone or if he didnt help them clean up the scene, according to the affidavit. Cintron also demanded the boyfriends cellphone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boyfriend helped put Velez Bonillas body into a cardboard box and into the back of her Nissan Rogue. Cintron then ordered the boyfriend to help clean up the floor using bleach and Clorox wipes. According to the affidavit, Cintron did not threaten Santiago Bonilla, who willingly participated in cleaning up and disposing of the body. After the trio loaded the body into Velez Bonillas SUV, her 16-year-old son came out of his room. He asked why they were cleaning up the kitchen and where his mother was. Cintron and Santiago Bonilla told him they were cleaning up a spilled drink and that his mother left to go be with another man, the affidavit states. The boy returned to his room. During the cleanup, Santiago Bonilla repeatedly told the boyfriend that Cintron did this for him and that Velez Bonilla was evil, and she deserved this for the way she treated the boyfriend, according to the affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After theyd cleaned the floor, Cintron ordered Velez Bonillas boyfriend to change into her clothing. Cintron then put on one of her wigs and one of her long dresses. He told the boyfriend to discard the bloody wet wipes, rags and towels into a trash bag, along with the knife, and put the bag in the SUV. About 7:30 a.m., Cintron ordered the boyfriend to get into the drivers seat of the Rogue. Cintron got into the passenger seat, and Santiago Bonilla got into her red Toyota sedan. Video surveillance from a neighboring home captured two people getting into the Rogue. The driver was wearing a red shirt, a short jacket and jeans. The front passenger was wearing a long skirt dress with sleeves and appeared to be wearing a curly, poofy wig, the affidavit states. This video was later shown to the boyfriend, who identified himself as the driver and Cintron as the front passenger. Cintron then ordered the boyfriend to drive to the Courtney Cove Apartments on North Himes Avenue in Tampa to meet up with Santiago Bonilla. At the apartment complex, Santiago Bonilla got into the backseat of the Rogue, then Cintron ordered the boyfriend to drive across the street to meet a friend of Cintrons known as Tarzan, whom Cintron had called to help dispose of the body. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cintron, Santiago Bonilla and Tarzan began to discuss how and where to dispose of the body. Santiago Bonilla suggested her cousins teeth be kicked out and her hands removed to make it harder to identify her, the affidavit states. The boyfriend was eventually told to drive across the Gandy Bridge to the Weedon Island Preserve, a roughly 3,200-acre tract on the western shore of Tampa Bay. Cintron and Tarzan told the boyfriend to drive to the back of the preserve near a dock, where they dragged the body into the mangrove trees, according to the affidavit. After leaving the preserve, Cintron realized theyd left the trash bag containing the bloodied cleaning materials and murder weapon at he dump site. He told the boyfriend to return so they could retrieve it, the affidavit states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After leaving the preserve a second time, Cintron told the boyfriend to drive along Gandy Boulevard and turn onto Mangrove Cay Lane Northeast, a dead-end street. Cintron tossed a cardboard box with other evidence into an area of dense mangroves. The boyfriend told detectives he didnt know what was in the box. Cintron then told the boyfriend to drive back to the Courtney Cove Apartments and dispose of the black trash bag containing the knife and bloody rags into the complexs trash compactor, according to the affidavit. The defendant then told the witness to get rid of the vehicle and to remember their arrangement, the affidavit states. The witness explained this to mean the threats the defendant said to him after murdering the victim. The boyfriend complied, returned the Rogue to Velez Bonillas home, wiped the interior of the SUV and left the keys inside the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the affidavit, Cintron offered to share some of Velez Bonillas money from her bank account and ordered him to turn over her cellphone, wallet and laptop. Cintron told the boyfriend he planned to wipe the cellphone and demanded the PIN for her debit card to gain access to her checking and savings accounts that contained more than $30,000. The boyfriend refused the money, according to the affidavit. The witness advised he was in constant fear for his safety and life as well as the victims sixteen-year-old son and the witnesss family throughout the entire ordeal, the affidavit states. The boyfriend went Friday night to the sheriffs offices district office in Brandon to report what happened, then went with detectives to Pinellas County and directed them to Velez Bonillas body and the cardboard box of evidence. They went to the Courtney Cove Apartments but were unable to recover the trash bag with the knife and bloody cleaning materials. Cintron was being held Wednesday without bond in Hillsboroughs Falkenberg Road Jail. Santiago Bonilla was also still in jail, with bond set at $200,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hillsborough prosecutors have filed a motion seeking to keep Cintron in jail pending trial, arguing that he presents a danger to the community. A hearing on the motion is set for Monday. Velez Bonillas other son is 17, according to a GoFundMe campaign her family created to raise money for funeral expenses and to support her children. Velez Bonilla, who went by Joy, was their rock, their safe place, and their biggest supporter, the campaign page says. Dadiva Velez, in a statement Wednesday to the Times on behalf of the family, said her sister was good and giving and helpful. The whole room lights up when she came, Velez said. She was an amazing mother, sister, friend (and) aunt. She was the world to all of us and more, and we are going to get justice for her. Cintron has a lengthy criminal history in Hillsborough that includes violent offenses against women, records show. He has pleaded guilty to domestic battery charges at least twice in Hillsborough in the last two years. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to domestic battery by strangulation and was sentenced to 180 days in the county jail. In that case, he was accused of punching and strangling a woman he was dating at the time, according to court documents. Later the same year, he was arrested on charges of battery, criminal mischief and fleeing to elude a law enforcement officer after a woman he was dating said he smashed her phone into her face, then threw the phone to the ground, according to an arrest affidavit. Cintron then ran from a Tampa police officer who responded to the call. The Hillsborough State Attorneys Office dropped the charges because the woman did not respond to requests from prosecutors to assist with the case. In May 2024, Cintron pleaded guilty to battery. In that case, he head-butted a woman who was his domestic partner at the time, bloodying her nose, an affidavit states. He also pleaded guilty to violating probation from a 2015 charge of leaving the scene of a crash involving serious injury. He was sentenced to 180 days with credit for time served and was released in July 2024. NEED TO KNOW Two brothers and a man went missing in separate incidents on Lake Erie on Sunday, Aug. 17 Family said the brothers were visiting Huntington Beach in Bay Village when they were swept away by a rip tide Police said the third victim, a 60-year-old man, fell into the water at Edgewater Park in Cleveland about two hours after the first incident Two brothers are missing after they were swept away amid "horrible" conditions on Lake Erie, where another man fell in the water later that same evening. Tanya Labbe said her sons Trent Sanchez, 19, and Austin Labbe, 22, were visiting Huntington Beach in Bay Village, Ohio, on Sunday, Aug. 17, when they were swept away by a rip tide, according to CBS affiliate WOIO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The brothers sister Angel Labbe shared a similar account with FOX affiliate WJW. She said the two were near a break wall at the time of the incident. They were waist deep, they were not too far out and they got drifted far, quick, Angel said. Another swimmer attempted to rescue the two brothers but was almost swept away by the strong currents himself, according to WJW. Cleveland Metroparks Police Chief Kelly Stillman said the U.S. Coast Guard and Bay Village police responded to the scene just after 5:30 p.m. local time after the two young men were reported missing, NBC affiliate WKYC reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The police chief said its very easy to lose your footing and get pulled away by the water where the brothers went missing, according to WJW. You know, its a combination of both the waves pushing you, as well as the undercurrents pulling you, Stillman said, adding that, as the wave action happens, you just cant regain your footing. No lifeguards were on duty at the time of the incident, according to WOIO and WJW. Still, the brothers mom thought more could have been done to warn about the dangers present that day at the lake. They did not do anything to warn us, didnt even put the weather conditions flags up. There are so many signs in this park where it says if theres a red flag, do not go in the water, Tanya said, per WJW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Stillman said a beach hazard warning was sent out prior to the incident. He said conditions on the water were "horrible," according to WOIO. The lake was not favorable for swimming, the police chief explained. Anybody that goes in those conditions is obviously putting themselves at risk. 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. About two hours after the brothers went missing, a 60-year-old man went missing in the area of Edgewater Park in Cleveland, according to WKYC and WOIO. Stillman said he somehow left the pier and entered the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Cleveland Fire Boat was shortly on scene, was able to actually see the male underneath the water and at the surface, but due to the lake conditions, they were not able to get close enough to effect a rescue." The 60-year-old mans body had not yet been recovered as of the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 19, per the reports. Read the original article on People EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Texas Tech Health El Paso recognized two Hunt School of Dental Medicine scholars last month, including the recipient of the schools first-ever four-year, full tuition scholarship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sujey Lucero was awarded the 2025 McCabe-Whitehill Dental scholarship, and Melanie Mendiola-Martinez was awarded the 2025 Dr. H.V. Whitehill III Dental scholarship. Both first-generation college graduates were recognized at a luncheon last month. Lucero will receive $10,000 per year for the next four years, which, combined with an earlier scholarship, will cover her remaining education expenses, according to the news release by Texas Tech. Mendiola-Matinez achieved a significant milestone as the first student to receive a full-ride scholarship in the dental schools history. The luncheon also honored Deborah Whitehills second generous gift of $40,000. Whitehills philanthropic vision expanded access to dental education by providing scholarships to the Class of 2029, who arrived on campus in July, according to Texas Tech Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lucero, born with a congenital dental condition, spent her early years in dental chairs, which left a lasting impression on her that she will never forget. I didnt really realize how much of an impact oral health and its treatment had on someone, recalled Lucero, who is also a first-generation high school graduate. I only knew my personal experience because I was going through it. But being around everyone who needed dental care or couldnt afford it solidified my desire to pursue this career. Meanwhile, Mendiola-Martinez, as a young adult, witnessed a periodontal specialist treat her father free of charge. This act of generosity led her to shift her career path from law to dentistry. When my dad was diagnosed with periodontal disease, he received his initial dental work from a dentist who didnt charge him anything, Mendiola-Martinez said. I saw this act of kindness as a sign to switch gears into dentistry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nowadays, Lucero carries a deep appreciation for those who cross international borders in search of adequate healthcare. I saw how many people from Mexico travel to the States, cross the border, wait in lines, wait months just to be seen and get adequate health care, Lucero said. I want to be able to provide that to be part of a community who cares. On the other hand, Mendiola-Martinez often crossed the international bridge linking Ciudad Juarez with El Paso and remains familiar with both sides of the border. As a high school student, Mendiola-Martinez used to wake up at 4 a.m. to attend Americas High School, where she graduated in the top 10 percent, ranking among the top five students, while managing Advanced Placement and dual-credit courses, according to the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every time I crossed the border, Id tell myself it would be worth it someday, Mendiola-Martinez said. This scholarship felt like that moment it showed someone believed in me. Both scholars want to stay in El Paso after graduation, tackling regional oral health disparities through multilingual care and culturally responsive treatment methods, according to Texas Tech Health. The scholarship honors Whitehills late husband, H.V. Whitehill, D.D.S., M.S. Dr. Whitehill was a dedicated endodontist who served our El Paso community for over 30 years. He passed away in 2024 at the age of 77, according to the news release. The Whitehill Scholarship was the first full-ride scholarship of its kind for the dental school. Preference is given to a student who intends to practice in our El Paso area after graduation, ensuring Dr. Whitehills legacy is forever tied to growing our future smile heroes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just very blessed to do this, said Whitehill to the scholarship recipients. My husband was talented in what he did. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A launch ceremony for the Uzbek-language edition of the book titled "Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" is held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, Aug. 19, 2025. A seminar was then held on topics related to human rights. (Photo by Zafar Khalilov/Xinhua) TASHKENT, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- A launch ceremony for the Uzbek-language edition of the book titled "Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" was held Tuesday in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Jiang Jianguo, executive vice president of the China Society for Human Rights Studies; Akmal Saidov, director of the National Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights; and Yu Jun, Chinese ambassador to Uzbekistan, attended the event and delivered speeches. Nearly 300 people participated in the event. In his speech, Jiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and vice director of the Committee for Ethnic and Religious Affairs of the CPPCC National Committee, said the translation and publication of the book in Uzbekistan represents a dialogue and mutual learning on human rights between China and Uzbekistan. It is hoped that the book will open a new window for the people of Uzbekistan to observe and understand human rights in China, and build a bridge of mutual understanding between the intellectual communities and peoples of the two countries, Jiang added. Saidov said in his address that the launch marks an important event in the cooperation between Uzbekistan and China in the fields of cultural exchange and human rights protection. Yu said the deepening of exchanges and cooperation in human rights between the two sides further enriches the China-Uzbekistan comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era and the China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future. At the launch event, guests from China and Uzbekistan jointly unveiled the new book. Jiang and others presented copies of the book to the main guests from Uzbekistan. A seminar was then held on topics related to human rights. The Uzbek edition of "Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" is the 13th foreign-language edition of the book, jointly translated and published by China's Foreign Languages Press and an Uzbek publishing house. This photo taken on Aug. 19, 2025 shows the Uzbek-language edition of the books titled "Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. A launch ceremony for the Uzbek-language edition of the book titled "Xi Jinping: On Respecting and Protecting Human Rights" was held Tuesday in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. A seminar was then held on topics related to human rights. (Photo by Zafar Khalilov/Xinhua) A student died and another was injured during a stabbing on Maryvale High School grounds, according to Phoenix police. Police said on social media that about 11 a.m. Aug. 19, officers were dispatched to Maryvale High School, at the northwest corner of 59th Avenue and Osborn Road, for reports of a stabbing. Police said the stabbing started as a fight. A Phoenix police officer who was working as a school safety officer for the high school was alerted by staff that an assault had happened in one of the classrooms, police said. The officer detained one of the students involved at the administration building, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second student was found to be suffering from multiple stab wounds and was treated at the scene, police said. He was rushed to the hospital where he died from his injuries, according to police. Neither student, both males, had been identified as of 6 p.m. Police said the school was deemed safe after the stabbing. Police declined to take questions at a news conference but did ask for cell phone footage that might be helpful to the investigation. Anyone with video of the stabbing or anything leading up to the incident was asked by police to upload it using a QR code provided on the department's account on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, and on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Maryvale High School and the Phoenix Union High School District did not immediately respond to requests for more information about the incident. News alerts in your inbox: Don't miss the important news of the day. Sign up for azcentral newsletter alerts to be in the know. Students' families react to violence on campus Claudia Aguilar said her daughter, 15, was a witness to the stabbing, and she remained behind to speak to police, long after many students were released. "She's in shock. She can't believe what happened," Aguilar said of her daughter. When Aguilar spoke to The Arizona Republic about 2 p.m., she said she had been waiting about three hours for her daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A graduate of Maryvale High School in 2003, Aguilar said she had never seen violence like this at the school. "I didn't live through this growing up," Aguilar said. Jose Hernandez spoke with The Republic moments after he was reunited with his little brother, a 16-year-old student at the school. "He's OK," Hernandez said of his brother, who was eager to leave the school property. "They're here to learn, not hurt each other." Hernandez lived in the neighborhood surrounding Maryvale High School for the past 15 years and attended the school. "It wasn't as crazy back then, you know what I mean? But times have changed," Hernandez said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident could have likely been stopped, with either better support for students or an adult who could have prevented the incident altogether, Hernandez said. Officials speak out on deadly incident Phoenix Union High School District Superintendent Thea Andrade said at a news conference she would cooperate with a law enforcement investigation, adding that she was grieving along with the victim's mother and sibling. The school is in District Five, represented by Phoenix City Councilmember Betty Guardado. During the news conference set up across from the campus and also attended by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Guardado said she lives five minutes from the school. As a mom of two young boys, I have a son who is now a freshman in high school, and we drop off our kids every day at school, thinking that we're going to pick them up and bring them home, Guardado said. "Our community stands united in support, and I am committed to working with the school district, community and Phoenix police to ensure their safety." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're working as hard as we can to make sure that schools are as safe as possible," Gallego said at the news conference. (This story has been updated to add more information and a video.) Rey Covarrubias Jr. reports breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@gannett.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Maryvale High School student dies after stabbing; another is injured *Attached video: Cleveland crime by the numbers (WJW) Two police officers responding to a domestic disturbance call were shot and killed in Utah, and a man was taken into custody after bystanders persuaded him to drop the gun, authorities said Monday. The officers were identified as Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada of the Tremonton Garland Police Department. Local mayor facing 4-count indictment, accused of striking fleeing suspect Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A sheriffs deputy and a police dog also were shot and wounded in their car as they arrived to help at a neighborhood in Tremonton on Sunday night. The deputy from Box Elder County was released from the hospital on Monday, and the dog was hospitalized in fair condition, police said. These officers are definitely heroes, Police Chief Chad Reyes in neighboring Brigham City said at a news conference Monday morning. When police respond to domestic disturbance calls, we really dont know what were walking into, he said. And they are one of the most dangerous events that we can be dispatched on. Police received multiple 911 hang-up calls from a home in the city. A single officer from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department arrived first and was speaking to someone at the home when the man came out with a gun, police said in a news release. Reyes said he believed the man lived at the house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ODOT to make changes after another deadly crash at intersection in Claridon Township The male opened fire on the officer, striking and killing the officer, the news release said. A second officer from the department who responded was immediately fired upon by the same male suspect, and was killed, it said. After the officers were shot, bystanders persuaded the man to put down his weapon, police said. Up to 50 officers from multiple agencies responded. SWAT teams arrived to clear the home and verify that there was no further threat, police said. The ranch-style home was cordoned off by yellow crime scene tape on Monday. A trampoline and a blue childrens pool could be seen on the front lawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called what happened a terrible and tragic night. He posted online that he joined the state in mourning the loss of these courageous law enforcement officers. The man was arrested on charges of aggravated murder, police said in the news release. The names of the wounded deputy and the suspect have not been released. 1 year of legal cannabis sales in Ohio: $700M in sales, yet challenges remain Tremonton, which has about 13,000 people, is in northern Utah about 75 miles (121 kilometers) north of Salt Lake City at the junction of Interstates 15 and 84. It advertises itself as a favorite midway stop for vacations to destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. It also calls itself Utahs City of Murals with a walking tour featuring 18 works of public art. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Two sisters are accused of planning a robbery that ended with a Tacoma man being beaten to death with an air compressor last year. Prosecutors charged both Pamela Jay Gabrilski-Jones, 46, and Marian Jones, 43, with first-degree murder and first-degree burglary. Gabrilski-Jones is charged with second-degree conspiracy to commit robbery, while Jones is charged with first-degree of that charge. Pamela Jay Gabrilski-Jones is suspected in planning a robbery that ended with the killing of a 56-year-old man in Pierce County. Both sisters are accused of persuading Christopher Charles Reyes, 47, to rob 56-year-old William Akers of narcotics and money. Things took a turn and Akers was found dead from multiple blunt-force injuries on Nov. 27. Marian Jones is suspected of setting up a robbery that ended with the death of a 56-year-old Pierce County man. Reyes has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and pleaded not guilty. He is being held at the Pierce County Jail on a $2 million bail, court records show. Reyes next pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pleas of not guilty were entered on the sisters behalves during their respective arraignment hearings Monday. Pierce County Superior Court Commissioner Barbara McInvaille set their bails at $1 million. During the hearing, deputy prosecuting attorney Sunni Ko alleged that when detectives were looking for Gabrilski-Jones, Jones told them her sister was in Kansas. Ko said it appeared Gabrilski-Jones was still in Pierce County after detectives looked at street camera footage and saw her driving in the area. Miss Pamela and her sister Marian were very, very much involved and not only solicited but also conspired to commit these tragic crimes, Ko said. Charging details Officials were dispatched around 9:30 p.m. to the 7400 block of South Oakes Street after a man was found cold and stiff to the touch with lots of blood, according to charging documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gabrilski-Jones brother is who apparently found Akers dead in the garage. He told officials his father owned the property and Akers was living in the detached shed on the property. Gabrilski-Jones also lived on the property, documents show. After Tacoma firefighters attempted CPR when they arrived, Akers was declared dead at the scene. Officers found a 34-pound air compressor that had blood on it. Documents show it appeared Akers had been killed hours prior to him being found. Akers was a suspected narcotics dealer and user. Suspected narcotics and $1,700 was found on him during the autopsy preparations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reyes was identified as a suspect after an anonymous tip came through alleging that Gabrilski-Jones told her daughter she and a man she just met set up a robbery targeting Akers. Gabrilski-Jones was released from the Nisqually Jail the day before Akers body was found, documents show. In an interview with Gabrilski-Jones, she told detectives she met Reyes, nicknamed Webo, during the transport from the jail. Reyes asked for a ride somewhere north, and Gabrilski-Jones asked her sister, Marian Jones, to go with them. Gabrilski-Jones said that she, Reyes and Jones went to the South Oakes property. Reyes went inside to buy drugs from Akers, and when he came out he had a small amount of blood on his shirt. She told police he said, I think I killed that guy. She also denied setting up a robbery. Investigators also interviewed Jones who said that she was in the car outside her dads house with her sister and Reyes. She said she did not see or hear anything after Reyes returned from the garage to buy drugs as she had earbuds in her ears. Timeline of suspected events Gabrilski-Jones, Jones and Reyes reportedly checked into a motel in Tacoma on 76th Street that evening. They were seen through surveillance going in and out throughout the night and into the early morning of Nov. 27. Marian Jones, Pamela Gabrilski-Jones and Christopher Reyes leaving a motel in Tacoma on Nov. 26, 2024, according to a surveillance footage in charging documents. At one point the three left the motel around 3:11 a.m. Reyes and both sisters returned an hour later. Gabrilski-Jones briefly left and re-entered the motel with clothes in her arms, charging documents show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both sisters left the motel at 4:36 a.m, and Reyes checked out at 7 a.m., documents show. Reyes was arrested Jan. 6. In an interview with prosecutors in April, Reyes said Gabrilski-Jones and Jones had conspired for him to rob Akers. Reyes gave a timeline of events, and said both sisters told him they saw Akers with 4,000 cash and almost 2 ounces of heroin. He alleged that Jones suggested he rob the victim because Reyes did not know anyone and could get away with it, documents show. Reyes allegedly agreed. Reyes said when he asked if Akers would fight back, Jones said he would get scared and hand over the drugs. Documents show that when Reyes allegedly tried to rob Akers, he fought back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reyes told prosecutors Jones showed him the detached garage. She got him a mask and gloves, documents show. Reyes said Jones wanted to get him a gun, but could not find one. The plan was allegedly set in motion after Gabrilski-Jones secured the dogs guarding the property, documents show. According to Reyes, he went inside the garage once he got a text message that it was safe to do so. Reyes allegedly tried to rob Akers and struck him with the air compressor. He said that after Akers was down, he could not find anything in the victims pockets. Reyes said he ran to the designated location to meet the sisters. They eventually found him and took him to the motel, documents show. The next day, Reyes said the women left and texted him to get a ride up north from a friend. Detectives looked at Gabrilski-Jones phone records. They noted that after Akers was killed, she exchanged two messages with Reyes, documents show. They also called each other twice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gabrilski-Jones has several criminal convictions, including second-degree burglary from 2012 in Pierce County and failing to register as a sex offender in 2020, court records show. She also has an active bench warrant in Puyallup Municipal Court. Jones has convictions dating back to 2002, including in 2020 for forgery in Pierce County. After several months of delay, Pierce Countys annual survey of those experiencing homelessness counted an 11% increase over the previous year. While the annual Point-In-Time count is nationally recognized as one of the best ways to quantify the extent of homelessness, outreach workers and other metrics suggest the survey severely undercounts the true scale of the crisis. The PIT count is a one-night survey of everyone either living in shelters or outdoors in Pierce County. It occurs in January every year and relies on the efforts of volunteers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the countys 2025 PIT Count report , 2,955 were counted on Jan. 30, up from 2,661 the previous year . The survey counted 1,522 people in shelters and 1,422 people who were unsheltered at the time of the count. Last years PIT count results were reported by the county on May 23, this year they were published Aug. 18. Libby Catalinich, spokesperson for the Pierce County executive, said the process was delayed this year because the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which requires the survey, did not open their portal for reporting the data until May. Catalinich says the county sends the data to HUD to review and approve the data before publishing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the county, the number of people counted in the PIT count has more than doubled since 2015, showing a 130% increase. The county, which maintains the homelessness crisis is directly related to the cost and availability of housing, pointed out that median home prices have seen a 125% increase during the same time period. This crisis didnt happen overnight its the direct result of a housing market that has simply become unaffordable for too many of our neighbors, Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello wrote in a statement regarding the PIT count data. During the 2025 PIT count, the most commonly reported reason for being homeless was family crisis or breakup, of which 9% of participants reported as the reason they were unhoused. This was followed by eviction, no affordable housing, loss of job, and fleeing domestic violence, which were all tied at 7% of respondents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 40% of survey respondents did not answer the question of how they became homeless. Like all surveys, the Homeless PIT Count has limitations, the countys report stated. Results from the count are influenced by the weather, local encampment removal and relocation, availability of overflow shelter beds, the number of volunteers, and the level of engagement of the people volunteers interview. Some homeless outreach workers contend the PIT count is not an entirely accurate indicator of the true scale of the homelessness crisis in the region. Steve Decker is the CEO for Family Promise of Pierce County, an organization that operates the countys first-ever shelter hub, which aims to connect anyone experiencing homelessness in the region with shelter resources . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Decker told The News Tribune the PIT count is a falsehood, as the data it reports is limited both by the number of volunteers that turn out to conduct it and the fact that they are attempting to quantify a largely unseen population. Other metrics also indicate the homelessness crisis is much larger than the PIT count would suggest. During a Pierce County Council Health and Human Services Committee meeting on June 3 , Jake Nau, an outreach manager for St. Vincent de Paul in Tacoma, was asked how much he estimated the PIT count is undercounting the true amount of people experiencing homelessness in Pierce County. Nau told council members he believed there were easily more than 10,000 unhoused people in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to data from Family Promise of Pierce County , in July and June the organization had received an average of more than 1,500 calls for resources a month. According to the county, more than 17,500 people have entered the countys homeless crisis response system in 2025 alone, with only 1,375 exiting into permanent housing. DARLINGTON, S.C. (WBTW) Someone in Darlington scored big on Monday with a Palmetto Cash 5 lottery ticket worth $212,000. The winning ticket sold at the Refuel convenience store at 1680 S. Main St. matched all five numbers drawn on Monday to become South Carolinas 24th jackpot win. The winning numbers are 3, 5,18, 26, 37. The jackpot rolled over nine times before Mondays win. The jackpot winner has 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim their prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For complete information on claiming prizes, go to the South Carolina Education Lottery website. The odds of winning the Palmetto Cash 5 jackpot are 1 in 850,668. The jacket for the next Palmetto Cash 5 jackpot on Tuesday is $100,000. * * * Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. 25 Investigates: Pushing feds for answers after agents detain Canton mother with green card 25 Investigates is working to get answers from the U.S. government after Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at Logan International Airport detained a Canton mother who has been living legally in the U.S. Jemmy Jimenez Rosa, 42, returned earlier this month from a family vacation in Mexico with her husband and their three young daughters. She was traveling with a valid U.S. Green Card one that was just renewed in July. Her family says she was detained on August 11 and has been in custody ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shes very selfless, constantly trying to help out family, friends. Everythings about the kids, said her husband, Marcel Rosa. Detained After Family Vacation Marcel Rosa, a U.S. citizen, says he handed over all the passports and his wifes Green Card when they landed at Logan. He says an officer pulled Jemmy aside for additional questioning. She was taken into a room alone. I walked in, and my wifes head was just down, and you could tell her whole spirit was just crushed, he recalled. Rosa says the officer brought up a decades-old marijuana case. At age 20, Jemmy pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession and served probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With little explanation, Rosa says he feared the worst. I just told my kids, I was like, hey girls this might be the last time you see your mother, he said as he was fighting back tears. Jemmy was held at Logan for four days without access to her medication, a phone call, or even a shower, according to her family and their attorney. Rosa says his wife suffers from high blood pressure, is diabetic and takes medication to treat mental health conditions. She Gets Sandbagged at the Airport Boston-based immigration attorney Todd Pomerleau says he had no contact with Jemmy while she was detained at Logan by CBP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They would not allow us to see her. They wouldnt allow us to tell her she even had an attorney, Pomerleau said. She has her green card renewed multiple times. Shes allowed to travel multiple times, and now she gets sandbagged at the airport. Legal Breakthrough But Still No Answers Since last week, 25 Investigates has pressed CBP, the U.S. Attorneys Office, and ICE for answers about Jemmys detention. Each agency has directed us to another. Meanwhile, this week Pomerleau challenged Jemmys decades-old conviction in Massachusetts district court, arguing she didnt have proper legal counsel when she entered her plea 22 years ago. A judge and prosecutor agreed. Her case was dismissed. Jemmys record is now clean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as of Tuesday, August 19th, she still remains in ICE custody. And the Rosa family still waits for answers. All of them wake up in the middle of the night time just saying mommy mommy mommy, Rosa said. We just want her free. Whats Next Pomerleau has sued the federal government, alleging a lack of due process in Jemmys detention. She has since been transferred to an ICE detention facility in Maine, where she is now able to communicate with her family and her attorney. The agency told Pomerleau they could not hold any female detainees in Massachusetts. 25 Investigates asked CBP about the conditions Jemmy was allegedly held in. We also asked how many people are currently detained at Logan. We will update this story when we get a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bond hearing is scheduled for August 28 related to Jemmys detention. Pomerleau says he is working to expedite that. 25 Investigates has also reached out directly to ICE leadership, including U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan, for comment. We are still waiting for a response. The family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover legal and unexpected expenses. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The second man charged in a race that ended in a deadly school van crash has been sentenced to prison. Judge Bruce Beemer sentenced Andrew Voigt to 16 months to four-and-a-half years in prison for his involvement in the crash that killed Serra Catholic High School student Samantha Kalkbrenner, and the injuries to four other students who were on the way to school two years ago. Voigt was found guilty of five counts of reckless endangerment and several other charges at the end of May. Tuesdays sentencing was a moment Samanthas family had waited for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every time we come to court, we have to relive that day with the interviews and the tapes and the videos, said Carl Kalkbrenner, Samanthas father. That was brutal, and now that part is over. The one thing Kalkbrenner and Voigt have in common is that they both served in the U.S. military and are veterans. During Voigts sentencing hearing, he used his military experience and PTSD as the reason why he left the scene the day Samantha was killed. That actually caused me to rip up my whole I had a prepared speech, but I wanted to focus on his service and the fact that he did not do what most service members would have done, and blamed it on PTSD," Kalkbrenner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voigt has been out on bond since he was charged, after he and another man, William Soliday, were racing on Richland Avenue in Dravosburg during the morning rush hour in September of 2023, as students were on the way to school. Previous coverage:New videos played in court show moment just before deadly school van crash in Dravosburg They were driving close to 100 miles per hour on the busy road. Soliday was sentenced to up to 12 years in prison earlier this year, since his car wrecked into the school van and caused Samantha to be thrown from the school van, and the van to fall on top of her, killing her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the crash, Voigt left the scene, drove home and removed identifying bumper stickers from his car, and then went to work. His actions that day he chose to leave, Kalkbrenner said. Then he went home, and he got rid of identifying markers on his car. Then he went to work like nothing happened. Unbelievable." Because Voigt didnt actually strike the van, he faced lesser charges and was granted bond. On Tuesday, Voigts attorney asked the judge to sentence his client to probation. But instead, Judge Beemer handed down a nearly 5-year prison sentence. Voigts attorney said they were disappointed by the sentence and are weighing their options for steps forward. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW SWANSEA, Mass. (WPRI) Police have arrested three men in connection with a series of vehicle thefts and break-ins reported in Swansea last month. According to police, seven cars were stolen and about 25 break-ins occurred in the early morning hours between July 3 and July 10. Six of the stolen vehicles have since been recovered, police said. BACKGROUND: Surge in overnight car thefts, break-ins reported in Swansea Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Syaire Burgo, 18, of Lawrence, Luis Santiago, 27, of New Bedford, and Brian Santiago, 24, of Fall River, were arrested by Wareham police at the end of July for similar crimes there. Last week, the three men were charged in connection with the Swansea thefts and break-ins. They each face multiple counts, including larceny, conspiracy, and breaking and entering. Burgo was arraigned Thursday in Fall River District Court and held on $20,000 bail. Luis and Brian Santiago remain in custody and are expected to be arraigned at a later date. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Video courtesy Jordan Branyon via Storyful WILMINGTON, N.C. (WBTW) Three firefighters were injured during a gas explosion at a veterinary medical center in Wilmington, North Carolina, on Tuesday, officials said on Facebook. The incident happened at Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center, the Wilmington Fire Department said. It happened after a gas leak call just after 11 a.m. when a car hit the building, rupturing a gas line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video courtesy of Wilmington Fire Department All three firefighters were taken to a hospital two with non-life-threatening injuries and one with severe burns to their hands and arms according to officials. Firefighters were doing a primary search to ensure the building was empty when the explosion happened. No civilians were inside, officials said, and the gas is secured with the fire under control. The fire is under investigation. Wilmington police were able to locate the driver of the vehicle that hit the building and fled the scene, and the driver is now in custody. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. A 3-year-old boy was killed, and his father was charged with his murder, police said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Columbus police were called to the 100 block of Buckeye Circle just before 7:05 a.m. after receiving a complaint, our news partners at WBNS reported. When they arrived, they found the child dead. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An investigation revealed that the child was fatally injured by physical force, police said. The childs father, 30-year-old Daniel Neal, was questioned by detectives, and he admitted to assaulting the child, according to court documents. Police said Neal was arrested and charged with murder. Anyone with information is asked to call the Columbus Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 (TIPS).. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Police arrested six suspects for a fraudulent scheme involving 964 rhino horns destined for illegal markets in Southeast Asia, said the South African government on Tuesday. According to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), South Africa's police had been investigating the case for seven years before arresting the six, whose ages range between 49 and 84. The suspects, including five men and one woman, appeared before the court in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital, on Tuesday, facing the charges of fraud, theft, and contravention of the environmental protection law, with additional charges of racketeering and money laundering under consideration. This investigation is "a powerful demonstration of South Africa's resolve to protect its natural heritage," said DFFE Minister Dion George, adding that the illegal trade in rhino horns destroys biodiversity and undermines the foundations of environmental governance. He said investigations show that the suspects defrauded the DFFE by securing permits under false pretences to buy and sell rhino horns domestically, but channeled them into illegal international markets. Domestic trade in rhino horns is permitted with valid permits issued by the South African government. However, international commercial trade is banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. "Let there be no doubt: South Africa will bring the full force of its laws against those who plunder our wildlife. This arrest proves that syndicates cannot escape justice, no matter how complex their schemes," said George. There are some sophisticated transnational syndicates of rhino traders who evade the law using their networks. Rhino horns have a ready market in various parts of the world for jewelry and medicinal purposes. NEED TO KNOW Finnish politician Eemeli Peltonen has died at age 30, the country's parliament confirmed on its website on Tuesday, Aug. 19 "The parliamentary community extends its condolences to his family," the post read Local media outlets listed the cause of death as suicide Finnish politician Eemeli Peltonen has died by suicide at age 30, according to local media reports. On Tuesday, Aug. 19, the Parliament of Finland's website confirmed Peltonen's death, writing that he had "passed away at the Parliament Building" earlier that day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He was a first-term MP from the electoral district of Uusimaa. He represented the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group," the post read. It concluded, "The parliamentary community extends its condolences to his family." MIKKO STIG/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Eemeli Peltonen Eemeli Peltonen Local outlet Helsingin Sanomat (HS) stated that the Helsinki Police Command Center had responded to reports that a person had died at around 11 a.m. local time on Tuesday. The publication and local paper Ilta-Sanomat listed the cause of death as suicide. HS confirmed that police are investigating, but foul play isn't suspected. The latter outlet spoke with security director Aaro Toivonen who would "not confirm or deny the information about the suicide." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The country's prime minister, Petteri Orpo, said, Some time ago, we received truly shocking news from parliament, our common workplace. One of our colleagues has passed away on parliament premises. This is truly sad news," per The Telegraph. "We wish strength to his family, loved ones and colleagues. This deeply touches all of us, we send greetings and strength to everyone, he added, according to the outlet. The paper stated that MPs working for the Finnish parliament are currently on summer break, and they're expected to return to work on Sept. 2. Peltonen last posted on Instagram on June 26 to confirm he'd been taking time off work after suffering a kidney problem, before developing an infection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm already discharged from hospital, but due to the situation I'm on summer sick leave and I'm now fully focused on recovering from the illness. For this reason, I will get back to your possible messages and contacts later," he wrote in the translated message, alongside a photograph of some pink flowers. Facebook Eemeli Peltonen Eemeli Peltonen 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. Peltonen became a first-term MP in 2023, per paper Iltalehti. Before that, he worked as a communications expert and parliamentary assistant for the Finnish Service Industries Union (PAM), HS reported. Petteri Orpo's office and the National Police Board of Finland didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org. Read the original article on People A Syrian commission for missing persons estimated that between 120,000 and 300,000 people have gone missing during more than five decades of authoritarian rule by the al-Assad family. Mohammed Reda Jalkhi, the head of the National Commission for Missing Persons, said on Monday evening that between 120,000 and 300,000 people have gone missing since 1970. "But the actual number may be much higher," he told state news agency SANA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that the governmental commission mandate covers the period from 1970 until now. Hafez al-Assad served as president of Syria from 1971 till his death in 2000, after which his son, Bashar al-Assad, took over until he was overthrown by an Islamist-led rebel alliance in December. Jalkhi said that the commission, which was formed in May, has so far documented 63 mass graves and they have received information about other locations that are yet to be verified. Tens of thousands of people disappeared after the 2011 pro-democracy protests against al-Assad's regime escalated into a full-scale civil war, displacing some 14 million people and killing more than 300,000 civilians, according to UN estimates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Syrian Network for Human Rights has previously said that around 157,000 went missing since March 2011. Since Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow in December, the country has been ruled by a transitional administration led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Six people were injured in an apartment fire on Monday night in DeKalb County. A 911 call reporting the fire was made at 8:41 p.m. When firefighters responded to Clarkston Oaks Apartments on Northern Avenue, they saw heavy smoke and flames rising from the roof. They initially heard a report of a possible entrapment, but a search of the building confirmed that no one was inside. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to Patrick Holcomb, Battalion Chief with DeKalb County Fire Rescue, 32 units were damaged in the fire, displacing 35 adults and 15 children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American Red Cross responded to the scene to assist the victims. One child was treated at the scene and released. Five other people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. Holcomb said they were mainly suffering from smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is under investigation. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Two people were allegedly held hostage in a room they were renting on West 13th Street in Sioux Falls Monday night by the man renting the room. A woman and a girl were renting a room a house and the man that was renting the house to them told the pair he had multiple guns in the house. The woman and girl feared for their own safety and felt they could not leave, Sioux Falls Police spokesman Aaron Benson said at Tuesdays briefing. Black Hills, NorthWestern to merge energy companies Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The women texted Metro Communications around 6 p.m. Monday and police responded. Police were able to evacuate the woman and girl. The man initially shut the door on law enforcement but through dialogue, police were able to arrest him 40 minutes later, Benson said. Darius Tehmeh, 34, was arrested for sexual exploitation of a minor, kidnapping and sexual contact without consent. The investigation determined there was some type of assault that took place while the pair were in the house, but no injuries have been reported. The investigation remains ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Four members of a family, including two children, were found dead in a New Hampshire home and police are investigating the incident as a possible murder-suicide, authorities said. A toddler was found alive and uninjured in the home in Madbury, a small town in the state's Seacoast region northwest of Portsmouth, according to a statement from the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office. Police officers discovered the bodies of two adults and two children around 8:21 p.m. on Monday after a 911 caller reported that several people were deceased inside the home, according to the statement. Getty Images - PHOTO: Four people, including two children, were found, Aug. 18, 2025, dead from gunshot wounds in a home in Madbury, New Hampshire, police said. "Each of the deceased family members appears to have suffered gunshot wounds, and were pronounced dead at the scene," according to the statement from authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trooper who once protected NJ Gov. Phil Murphy suspected in murder-suicide, prosecutor says The names of the deceased family members are being withheld by law enforcement pending autopsies scheduled for Wednesday by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and notification of next of kin, officials said. MORE: Fatal New Jersey house fire ruled a murder-suicide: Prosecutor Investigators said there is no known threat to the public. "I think investigators still have probably more questions than they have answers," Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati told ABC affiliate station WMUR in Manchester, New Hampshire. "One of the biggest questions they have right now is motive. Why? And I think that's probably one of the more difficult things that they are trying to grasp, to understand how this came to be and to be able to be more definitive and to understand what the sequence of events was like inside that house." A state appeals court has invalidated the search warrant that investigators used to gather four years of cell phone information for a driver charged with killing a 3-year-old girl in a motor-vehicle collision. The ruling could affect the first-degree aggravated manslaughter indictment against Stephanie Bonora, who is charged with the death of Kylie Williams in a January 2024 crash on Route 34 in Howell, her attorney said Tuesday. Bonora, 32, of Howell, also faces two counts of second-degree aggravated assault and two counts of fourth-degree assault for the crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kylie was a passenger in a vehicle driven by her mother on northbound Route 34 near the Colts Neck border when Bonoras southbound vehicle entered the opposite lanes to attempt to pass another vehicle. The vehicles collided head on, seriously injuring the mother, her sister and Kylies 1-year-old brother, authorities have said. Bonoras lawyer, Steven E. Nelson, said hes always believed the case was a second-degree vehicular homicide case, and this ruling will have a significant and direct impact on that charge. Nelson said police and prosecutors have been driven by emotions in the case, since a 3-year-old died. Which is understandable, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the law shows otherwise and the way investigators sought the cell phone warrant was faulty, as the decision indicates, Nelson said. The Monmouth County Prosecutors Office said it will appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court, a spokesperson said. The high court has technically looked at the case. After the trial judge denied Nelsons trial motion to suppress the cell phone evidence, he went to the Appellate division, which denied hearing the argument. But Nelson went to the Supreme Court, which directed an appeals court to hear him out. They issued their decision Tuesday. Police found Bonora apparently impaired after the crash, and a separate search warrant on her vehicle led to a bottle of methadone inside. And, toxicology results showed several illicit drugs in her system, the appeals decision said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the investigation, a Howell police officer, Daniel Scherbinski, and a Monmouth prosecutors detective, Brian Jados, applied for a warrant to search Bonoras cell phone. They wanted to look back to Jan. 1, 2020, they said, to aid in the aggravated manslaughter investigation, but later conceded the date goes back to the year that Bonora was first charged with a drug crime. They also used an unnamed toxicologists quote in their probable cause for the warrant, which read: (I)t is useful to learn the extent of the persons history with narcotic substances, including what narcotics were used, in what amounts, in what combinations, for how long, and how often. Scherbinski also asserted in the probable cause that drug transactions are frequently arranged via digital messaging or apps, and that location, contacts, and calendar data could provide evidence regarding the accident and defendants substance use patterns, the decision says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A more targeted approach to the phones data, Jados said in applying for the warrant, was not often feasible as different devices can commingle data and it would be time consuming and a more overall and extensive search would be better. In essence, they wanted every single piece of data on the phone four years worth. That was too much of an ask, legally speaking, and did not align with the charge of aggravated manslaughter, the appeals judge said. They found the resulting search warrant was not based on the probable cause and declared it unconstitutional and overbroad. We appreciate the officers assertion that defendant probably used her phone to acquire illegal drugs. But in an effort to establish defendants driving at the time of the fatal accident was reckless and demonstrated indifference to human life, Scherbinskis affidavit relied upon an unnamed toxicologists vague claim that to determine whether a person is impaired by substances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, The mere claim that the cell phone may contain useful information is an unreasonable basis under our federal or state constitutions to search defendants cell phone containing her most private thoughts and communications to determine whether she was impaired at the time of the accident based on potential cell phone data showing the extent of her illegal substance consumption. The judges added: One might reasonably expect the phone to reveal defendants drug purchases, but to expect the phone to indicate how much or what drugs defendant may have consumed over a period of time is certainly doubtful at best. Detectives have other ways to connect Bonoras past drug charges to the crash, if they are relevant, the judge said. Bonora remains jailed in Monmouth County awaiting the outcome of the case. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com NEED TO KNOW Four young sisters were stranded on an island in Lake Superior after they lost their paddles while paddleboarding on the evening of Aug. 16 The girls were rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew at 1 a.m. the next morning The children are doing well, officials said Four young girls, ranging in age from 8 to 14, had to be rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter after they became stranded on a small island in Lake Superior. On Saturday, Aug. 16, at 8:05 p.m. local time, authorities in Minnesota got a call from concerned parents about their four daughters, ages 8, 10, 13 and 14, according to the Lake County Sheriffs Office. After leaving Black Beach in Silver Bay, a small city on the north shore of the largest of the Great Lakes, the girls, who were paddleboarding, made it to a small island and lost their paddles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The girls were stranded on the small island as it does not connect to the large island," according to officials. Deputies were transported to the island on a former U.S. Coast Guard vessel owned by the manager of the marina, which is built to handle the larger waves that were present during the rescue. After arriving at the smaller island, they were able to make visual contact with the juveniles and communicate with them to stay put, the sheriffs office said. When the Minnesota Air Rescue Team could not come assist with the rescue due to the weather, the U.S. Coast Guard was asked by local officials to send a helicopter from Traverse City, Mich. U.S. Coast Guard/Air Station Traverse City The girls were hoisted to safety by the helicopter crew. The girls were hoisted to safety by the helicopter crew. As first responders awaited the helicopters arrival, the Lake County Rescue team was able to set up a rope relay between the two islands, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This allowed rescue members to transfer blankets and food to the juveniles, as they were only wearing swimsuits and concerns were growing of them getting cold, according to the sheriffs office. By 1 a.m. the next morning, the MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter arrived. Petty Officer 3rd Class Lorenzo Giambanco, an aviation maintenance technician, was part of the crew that performed the daring rescue, the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes District said in a press release shared with PEOPLE. Team members were able to hoist the four children from the rock and take them back to their parents and EMS, who were waiting at a nearby field. Lt. j.g. Nicholas Betts, the public affairs officer for Air Station Traverse City, tells PEOPLE that girls and rescuers were taken care of following the rescue. All are well, he says. 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. Getty Small islands in Lake Superior. Small islands in Lake Superior. In total, seven agencies helped save the little girls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This successful rescue highlights the critical importance of interagency coordination and the rapid response capabilities of the U.S. Coast Guard," Lt. j.g. Patrick Grissler, an aircraft commander, said in a statement. "We are grateful for the collaboration with Lake County and are pleased to have safely assisted these individuals." Read the original article on People NASSAU COUNTY, N.Y. (PIX11) A spike in crime and the attack of a young boy mistaken as a gang member triggered an operation that resulted in the takedown of 42 alleged gang members in Nassau County. The suspects were members of the notorious MS-13, Trinitarios, and 18th Street gangs, ranging from 18 to 50 years old. Officials say they have been terrorizing Long Island for years. More Local News They are engaged in illegal activity, including attempted murder, rape, and all kinds of felonies, including human trafficking of young girls, said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nassau County Police made a series of arrests during a four-day sweep of the county and seized weapons, including machetes, guns, and knives. While buoyant about the successful takedown of so many gang members, Blakeman has a warning for those still out there. We want to send a clear message that gang activity will not be tolerated. You are not going to poison our children with your evil work and your evil doings here in Nassau County. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Two of the alleged gang members who are in the United States illegally are not being turned over to ICE because they are accused of serious crimes and will be prosecuted here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blakeman says the takedown of 42 gang members makes his county one of the safest in the country. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. After meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week, President Donald Trump touted that he had a "very good meeting" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders at the White House on Monday. Trump, who has voiced he would like to put an end to mass bloodshed in Eastern Europe, called the multilateral meetings on Monday "a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years." In a Truth Social post after the discussions, Trump wrote, "I had a very good meeting with distinguished guests," and that "everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the top five takeaways from the presidents "big day" with European leaders. Mondays summit marked a dramatic and noticeable shift from Trump and Vice President JD Vances now-infamous Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy in February. Trump Spars With European Leader During Ukraine Talks Over Key Step To Peace Read On The Fox News App Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gestures as President Donald Trump reacts during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, Aug. 18, 2025. During that meeting, the leaders were caught on camera getting into a heated argument over several topics, including Zelenskyy allegedly not being sufficiently grateful for U.S. support. On Monday, all the tension seemed to have disappeared. Both Trump and Zelenskyy were all smiles throughout the day, and the Ukrainian leader received a warm welcome from Trumps Cabinet, including Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Zelenskyy and European leaders appeared more at ease with Trump throughout the day and took an optimistic tone. After the meetings, European Union President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X, "We are here, as allies and friends, for peace in Ukraine and in Europe. This is an important moment, as we continue to work on strong security guarantees for Ukraine and a lasting and durable peace." Another marked shift from February was Zelenskyy breaking from his trademark jumpsuit attire to wear a suit, something he even joked with the press about while sitting in the Oval Office with Trump. Zelenskyy, who has been criticized for wearing casual attire to meetings with world leaders, wore all-black attire, including a button-down shirt and jacket. Trump: Zelenskyy Meeting Not 'End Of The Road' For Us Support In Securing A Peace Deal Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is greeted by President Donald Trump upon arrival at the White House on Aug. 18, 2025. "First of all President Zelenskyy, you look fabulous in that suit," a reporter told Zelenskyy after he sat down with Trump in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You look good," the reporter said before Trump added, "I said the same thing." At another point during the Zelenskyy-Trump bilateral press meeting, the Ukrainian president ribbed a reporter for wearing the same suit he had in February. "You're in the same suit. You see, I changed, youre not," Zelenskyy quipped as both he and Trump burst into laughter. On a more substantive note, Trump doubled down on his position that a ceasefire is "not needed" to broker a permanent peace between Ukraine and Russia. He cited his recent successes in negotiating peace agreements between other countries across the globe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't think you need ceasefire. You know, if you look at the six deals that I settled this year, they were all at war," Trump said during his press conference with Zelenskyy. Senate Signals Readiness To Hit Russia With Hard Sanctions If Peace Deal Fails "I didn't do any ceasefires," he went on, adding, "And I know that it might be good to have, but I can also understand strategically why, you know, one country or the other wouldn't want it." In a rare tense moment during the day, Trump clashed with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the need for a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking with Trump and other leaders gathered around a large conference table in the White House, Merz said, "To be honest, we all would like to see a ceasefire at the latest from the next meeting on," adding, "I can't imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire. So, let's work on that." He urged the leaders, "Let's try to put pressure on Russia, because the credibility of this effort, these efforts we are undertaking today are depending on, at least, a ceasefire from the beginning of the serious negotiations from the next step on. So, I would like to emphasize this aspect and would like to see a ceasefire from the next meeting, which should be a trilateral meeting wherever it takes place." In response, Trump shot back that he is determined "to go directly to a peace agreement" without a ceasefire, saying, "Well, we're going to let the president [Zelenskyy] go over and talk to the president [Putin], and we'll see how that works out." Nato Secretary General Touts Trump Talks With Zelenskyy, Eu Leaders: 'Very Successful Day' Smoke rises over the Kyiv skyline after a Russian attack on July 8, 2024. In addition to Zelenskyy, seven major European leaders were present at the White House on Monday, a rare occurrence signaling a united European front and something Trump called an "honor" for the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This follows Zelenskyy doubling down on Sunday that Ukraine will not agree to cede Crimea or any of its territory to Russia as part of a peace deal. "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. Trump said that though the U.S. would be involved with providing Ukraine with security guarantees after the wars end, he said going forward, Europe must take much of that "burden." "I think that the European nations are going to take a lot of the burden," Trump said. "We're going to help them, and we're going to make it very secure. We also need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory, taking into consideration the current line of contact. That means the war zone, the war line center. Pretty obvious. Very sad, actually, to look at them and negotiating positions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe is aware that it will shoulder much of the weight of responsibility tied to various security guarantees and acknowledged it is necessary in order to preserve each respective countrys safety. 'Historic Meeting': Global Leaders Unite In Hopes Of Ending The Russia-ukraine War President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finland's President Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pose amid negotiations at the White House, Aug. 18, 2025. "In order to have such a long-standing peace for Ukraine and for the whole continent, we do need the security guarantees," Macron said. "And the first one is clearly a credible Ukrainian army. For the years and decades to come. And the second one is our own commitments. All of us You can be sure that the Europeans are very lucid about the fact that they have their fair share in the security guarantees for Ukraine, but their own security is clearly at stake in this situation." Trump shared that he called Putin after the meetings and that there is already movement on the next step, that is, scheduling a meeting between Zelenskyy and the Russian president. After that meeting, Trump said there would then be a trilateral meeting between Zelenskyy, Putin and himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin States Ukraine War Wouldn't Have Begun If Trump Was President Instead Of Biden: 'Can Confirm' "At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," wrote Trump. In another post, Trump called the summit "a big day at the White House." "We have never had so many European Leaders here at one time. A great honor for America!!!" he wrote. "Lets see what the results will be???" Original article source: 5 key moments inside Trumps big day with Zelenskyy, European leaders Bill Hemmer, Fox News' weekday anchor, celebrated his 20th year at the network on Friday. His colleagues toasted the America's Newsroom co-anchor during the waning moments of his morning show, led by his co-anchor Dana Perino. Amidst the adulation, Hemmer also showered praise for his colleagues, telling Perino, "It's very cool to be a part of everything here. And someone said you can't just say, Hey, you love your colleagues.' But I love my colleagues, and they make it worthwhile." Hemmer, who left CNN to join Fox News, started his tenure at the network with his first major story covering Hurricane Katrina live from New Orleans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, he's been part of Fox News' coverage of major national and international events, reporting from the North Pole to Vietnam to manning the "Bill-Board" on election nights. He recently returned from reporting from Gaza, where he had an exclusive tour of a food distribution site in the city of Rafah and conducted an interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. TVNewser got Hemmer to reflect on his 20 years at Fox News as part of our 5 Questions For feature, where, among other things, he revealed he will be celebrating his anniversary while vacationing in Turkey as he looks to tour Istanbul and find a beach to chill. TVNewser: Did you think you would spend 20 years at Fox News, let alone any media company? Hemmer: Generally, I'm not prone to plan. Most of the time, I can't see past the next week, or month, or assignment. It seems to be a string of rolling thunder headlines, one year into the next. I am forever grateful for my bosses at Fox-all of them. They allowed me to be a part of the biggest stories of the past two decades. It's what I wanted to do. They made it happen. What about working at Fox News made it possible to have a 20-year career? My colleagues. They are terrific people, and they come to play. It's our secret sauce. Few outside the building will understand it. Whether it's working during a breaking news story or an important national event like a convention, debate, or election, it's like a digital symphony. We are in sync. You recently came back from the Middle East, reporting from Gaza-what are your thoughts on the situation on the ground in Rafah? Like the entire Middle East, its complicated. Rafah has been leveled. We saw it from the ground, which showed us part of the story. When we finished our reporting after the interview with the Prime Minister, our crew was driving back to Tel Aviv when I saw the first TikTok video of aerial destruction. It all fit at that point: Gaza is in for a very difficult future. You are also known for manning the "Bill-Board" during election night. How do you keep up with the evolving technology they keep using during each election cycle? We practice-a lot. The technology is evolving at a rapid pace. That's both exciting and challenging. I have a saying at Fox about trapdoors. Don't fall through one. To avoid that, you must run the scenarios, all of the potential scenarios. We find there can be hundreds on an Election Night, and we want to nail it with our technology. Please describe an offbeat experience you recently had while you were in the Middle East. I'm a sucker for Middle Eastern food: shawarma, hummus, tahini, and falafel. All of it jammed into a warm pita bread pocket. Our team in Jerusalem is unmatched. Hanging out with [Trey Yingst], [Yonat Friling], and Yoav, learning from their perspectives as we straddled a picnic table on a warm August night, in the alley at an outdoor restaurant, sharing our thoughts about what we had seen earlier that day in Gaza and how it all fits into the matrix of the Middle East. That was a special and well-appreciated conversation and dinner. LUSAKA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Tuesday called on African countries to act with urgency in easing restrictions on air travel by opening up the skies to ensure smoother and more efficient air connectivity across the continent. Minister of Transport and Logistics Frank Tayali said that while African nations have held numerous discussions and made many declarations about improving intra-African air connectivity, there has been little actual progress. "The time has now come for us to move from talk to implementation, from agreements to aircraft on the tarmac," Tayali said at the opening of an airshow meeting organized to discuss the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). The SAATM is a flagship project of the African Union aimed at creating a unified air transport market on the continent. The meeting brought together stakeholders from airlines, airports, government ministries, and regional institutions. Tayali urged participants to ensure the meeting results in concrete action plans and that bilateral air service agreements align with SAATM objectives. Adefunke Adeyemi, secretary general of the African Civil Aviation Commission, echoed the need for immediate action. She said progress has been hindered for too long by protectionism, fragmented regulations, and inadequate implementation. According to her, full liberalization of African skies could increase intra-African air traffic by over 50 percent, reduce fares by up to 26 percent, and contribute more than 4.6 billion U.S. dollars to Africa's gross domestic product, while also creating nearly 60,000 new jobs. She commended Zambia for being among the first 11 countries to sign the solemn commitment to the SAATM, praising the country for demonstrating the leadership and foresight needed to position itself as a regional air transport hub. She noted that the meeting must result in clear commitments and measurable milestones to ensure the successful liberalization of African skies. The Pierce County Sheriffs Office seized dozens of animals from a South Prairie-area property on Aug. 14 after allegedly getting tips that the animals were being mistreated. Sheriffs spokesperson Carly Cappetto told The News Tribune on Tuesday that the property was in the 300 block of Southwest Third Street, and that the property had a house and several outbuilding structures that were in poor condition. A dog in a cage shortly before being seized from a South Prairie property on Aug. 14, 2025. The Pierce County Sheriffs Office seized 56 animals after reports of alleged mistreatment. There were 56 animals on the property when officers arrived at 7 or 8 a.m., Cappetto said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We seized cats, dogs, a deer, raccoons, opossums, goats and I think there were some bunny rabbits, Cappetto said. The initial complaint was for the care of the animals and the conditions of the animals and illegal breeding. Cappetto said two of the 56 animals had to be euthanized a donkey that was extremely sick and a German Shepherd with behaviors that werent safe. The other 54 animals were sent to the Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County. Some dogs in a cage shortly before being seized from a South Prairie property on Aug. 14, 2025. The Pierce County Sheriffs Office seized 56 animals after reports of alleged mistreatment. Cappetto said the PCSO started an investigation into the property a month before it seized the animals. We had people submit complaints that there were animals in this property that were not being taken care of, Cappetto said. Some puppies in a cage shortly before being seized from a South Prairie property on Aug. 14, 2025. The Pierce County Sheriffs Office seized 56 animals after reports of alleged mistreatment. The PCSO worked with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Cappetto said, which had also launched a separate investigation. Between the two agencies, they were able to gather enough evidence to get a search warrant, Cappetto said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cappetto said several people adults and children were at the property when officers arrived. She said no one has been arrested or charged and that the investigation is still active. Several of the animals are being disputed by the property owners, Cappetto said. But many of the animals were relinquished by the property owners the Humane Society wants to chat with them on where they are at in the process. In a Facebook post, the Humane Society said one of the dogs gave birth within hours of arriving at the shelter. Among them are nursing moms, tiny kittens, and even one dog who gave birth earlier that same day, the shelter wrote about the animals. Caring for so many animals at once has activated every part of our shelter. Our veterinary staff is providing urgent medical attention, foster families are opening their homes, and we are working with local rescue partners to make space for the next animal who needs us. The shelter said residents can help by donating on their website. NEW CHESTER, Wis. (WFRV) Six people were arrested earlier this month following search warrants obtained by deputies in Wisconsin after they reportedly received credible information about the possible use and distribution of controlled substances. According to a release from the Adams County Sheriffs Office, deputies received the credible information on the morning of August 9 and quickly worked to obtain search warrants for the two locations where they believed these drugs were being used and distributed. Police in Wisconsin respond to unusual home intrusion by masked bandits Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say the search warrants were carried out that same afternoon at a home on the 2900 block of Brentwood Drive and another home a short distance away on the 2900 block of Crestwood Lane. Both locations were said to be in the Township of New Chester. After searching both locations, multiple items of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia were found. Further investigation led to another search warrant at a home on the 1000 block of Fern Avenue in the Township of Spring on August 14. Deputies say the following six people were arrested and/or had charges referred to the Adams County District Attorneys Office: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 51-year-old Justine Doucette from Grand Marsh Possession of Methamphetamine Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 55-year-old Leighton Brazwell from Grand Marsh Possession of Methamphetamine Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 38-year-old Ashey Rizer from Oxford Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Probation Hold 40-year-old Audrey Hill from Adams Probation Hold 45-year-old Terrance Prutzman from Grand Marsh Probation Hold 50-year-old Dean Best from Springville Probation Hold On August 11, both Doucette and Brazwell had initial appearances in court and were released on $1,500 signature bonds. UPDATE: Green Bay man pleads not guilty to 1st-degree intentional homicide Best has also reportedly been released, while Rizer, Hill, and Prutzman all remain in custody at the Adams County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No other information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. NEW YORK A nearly 7-year-old New York City public school student grabbed by ICE with her mother at a recent immigration check-in was deported Tuesday with her mom to Ecuador amid the Trump administrations crackdown. Dayra, a student at P.S. 89 The Jose Peralta School of Dreamers in Queens, and her mom Martha were separated from her 19-year-old brother Aug. 12 at 26 Federal Plaza. They were shipped to a mega detention center near the U.S. southern border, while the boy, Manuel, is locked-up in New Jersey. The girls age was widely reported as 7 but she is 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today in the morning they put her on a plane to Ecuador already, said Marthas partner, Patricio, in Spanish. She is about to arrive in Ecuador. Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday that she asked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE, to intervene, saying the deportation of a young student does not make anyone in New York or across the country safer. But by Tuesday morning, Martha was no longer listed in the ICE locator. The federal system does not provide information for detainees under 18. The governors office and DHS did not immediately return requests for comment, though state and local officials confirmed her deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deporting a 6-year-old child two weeks before she is supposed to start school, separating her and her mother from their family, is cruel, Councilman Shekar Krishnan, D-Queens, and State Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, D-Queens, said in a joint statement. It is a shameful stain on our countrys history and conscience. Separating families doesnt make anyone safer. It only creates fear and tears apart our neighborhoods. It is an abhorrent practice, and it must end now. Advocates told the Daily News that ICE planned to put Dayra and Martha on a 7 a.m. flight to be deported by noon. Patricio previously told the Daily News that she left Ecuador to flee domestic violence. An immigration judge denied Marthas asylum claim last year, but the family until now was able to remain in the U.S. while attending their check-ins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is very afraid of returning to Ecuador, Patricio said on Friday. Manuel, a recent Long Island high school graduate, remains at Delaney Hall in Newark, according to the ICE locator. Hes supposed to start college this year, according to his family. Martha leaves behind two other children in New York: a 16-year-old daughter, who is also a Queens student, and 21-year-old son. They came to the U.S. separately and were not detained by ICE with the rest of their family. Less than half of immigration arrests by ICE have involved someone with a conviction or criminal history, according to the governors office. _____ Seven people were arrested in Hall County over the weekend as part of an undercover operation targeting illegal sexual activities online. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The operation, named Operation Lights Out, was conducted by the Hall County Sheriffs Office with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Floyd County Police Department. It took place on August 15 and 16 in western Hall County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the operation, Jorge Francisco Arevalo, 59, of Flowery Branch, was charged with electronic exploitation of a minor and grooming a child for indecent purposes. He allegedly used his computer to lure someone he believed to be a minor for sexual activity. TRENDING STORIES: Juan Domingo Lesther Aguirre, 29, of Cleveland, faced charges of electronic exploitation of a minor and sexual exploitation of a minor. Aguirre reportedly solicited nude photos from someone he believed to be under 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement James Cole Johnson, 29, of Flowery Branch, and Andrew Stakoun, 56, of Atlanta, were both charged with pandering. Desameria Lysandra Lattimore, 27, of Winder, was charged with prostitution after allegedly offering an undercover investigator sex for $250. Candie Petty, 45, of Chatsworth, faced charges of prostitution and drug offenses, including possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. She allegedly offered sex for $450 and attempted to sell marijuana to the investigator. Qwantavious Dashay Tolbert, 29, of Winder, was charged with possession of a Schedule II drug with intent to distribute, having been found with oxycodone pills. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Following their arrests, all suspects were taken to the Hall County Jail. Arevalo, Aguirre, and Petty remain in custody without bond, while Tolbert has a bond set at $8,100 but remains in custody. Johnson, Stakoun, and Lattimore have been released on a $1,300 bond each. Mayday Health has launched a campaign promoting the abortion pill at rural gas stations in West Virginia and Kentucky. (Courtesy photo) Advertisements promoting the abortion pill will be at gas stations across West Virginia and Kentucky over the next few weeks. Mayday Health, a New York-based health education nonprofit, will run the ads at 104 rural gas stations through Sept. 7. The campaign started Aug. 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The advertisements say Pregnant? Dont want to be? Learn more at Mayday Health. Executive director Liv Raisner said its crucial to advertise at gas stations, which serve as community hubs in rural areas. Many rural counties in West Virginia and Kentucky have few or no OB-GYN providers. Some have lost their only hospitals, their only clinics, Raisner said. So routine education and preventative reproductive health information is much harder to access through traditional medical channels. And so thats why we decided to advertise at gas stations. The organization started after the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade and the constitutional right to abortion in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We heard this sobering statistic that only 10% of Americans even knew what abortion pills were, Raisner said. And with clinics closed, reproductive options became very limited for women across the United States. We knew that a massive education campaign needed to be executed to inform people that they still have options. According to the Guttmacher Institute, in 2023, medication abortion accounted for 63% of all abortions in the United States, up from 53% in 2020. In 2022, West Virginia lawmakers passed a law banning abortion with narrow exceptions. Earlier this summer, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ban in a challenge brought by abortion pill manufacturer GenBioPro. Despite abortion being illegal in West Virginia in most cases, Raisner said the organization does not fear legal repercussions from the campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We dont have concerns about advertising because we dont sell, distribute or package abortion pills, they said. Were merely spreading First Amendment-protected free speech. So if anyone wants to come after us, what theyre coming after is the First Amendment. Earlier this year, Mayday Health launched a digital billboard and poster campaign in Tennessee and an aerial campaign above the Indy 500. While abortion is mostly illegal in West Virginia, states with abortion bans may have trouble prosecuting out-of-state providers and entities mailing pills to people within their borders. Since the Supreme Court struck down Roe V. Wade, 22 states and Washington D.C. have enacted shield laws that protect patients, providers and people assisting in abortion from the reach of states where its illegal, according to KFF. Some shield laws protect providers who send abortion pills to people in states with abortion bans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the West Virginia Senate passed a bill aimed at out-of-state providers that would have made it a felony to prescribe or distribute medications used for abortion to people in West Virginia unless the abortion is legal. The bill was not taken up by the House of Delegates. West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey recently signed on to a letter urging Congress to ban shield laws, calling them blatant attempts to interfere with states ability to enforce criminal laws within their borders. People in [states with abortion bans] should be and are empowered to make their own decisions, Raisner said. The website directs people to sites where they can order abortion medication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who visit Mayday Health are also linked to a helpline where they can get free, private advice on state specific abortion laws, they said. The group encourages website visitors to reach out to a hotline where a group of doctors provide free advice. Raisner said its also important for people to know that abortion pills are safe and effective. Theres so much misinformation peddled by the anti-choice movement about the dangers of abortion pills, and its just not true, Raisner said. Abortion pills are so safe that they are even sold over the counter in some foreign countries. Clinics are closing across the country, but people everywhere still have the power to make the choices that are right for their reproductive health, they said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Mayday Health has launched a campaign promoting the abortion pill at rural gas stations in West Virginia and Kentucky. (Courtesy photo) Advertisements promoting the abortion pill will be at gas stations across West Virginia and Kentucky over the next few weeks. Mayday Health, a New York-based health education nonprofit, will run the ads at 104 rural gas stations through Sept. 7. The campaign started Aug. 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The advertisements say Pregnant? Dont want to be? Learn more at Mayday Health. Executive director Liv Raisner said its crucial to advertise at gas stations, which serve as community hubs in rural areas. Many rural counties in West Virginia and Kentucky have few or no OB-GYN providers. Some have lost their only hospitals, their only clinics, Raisner said. So routine education and preventative reproductive health information is much harder to access through traditional medical channels. And so thats why we decided to advertise at gas stations. The organization started after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade and the constitutional right to abortion in 2022. Thats when most abortions became illegal in Kentucky and West Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We heard this sobering statistic that only 10% of Americans even knew what abortion pills were, Raisner said. And with clinics closed, reproductive options became very limited for women across the United States. We knew that a massive education campaign needed to be executed to inform people that they still have options. According to the Guttmacher Institute, in 2023, medication abortion accounted for 63% of all abortions in the United States, up from 53% in 2020. Kentuckys Republican-controlled legislature had enacted an abortion ban that was triggered into effect by the ruling. Another Kentucky lawprohibits abortion once cardiac activity is detected in an embryo, generally at about six weeks of pregnancy and often before a woman realizes she is pregnant. Challenges to the laws have been rejected on grounds the plaintiffs lacked the right to sue over the issue. However, an appeals court recently found a Jewish woman undergoing in vitro fertilization and challenging the law on religious grounds has standing to bring the suit. The case is pending in Jefferson Circuit Court. In 2022, West Virginia lawmakers passed a law banning abortion with narrow exceptions. Earlier this summer, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the ban in a challenge brought by abortion pill manufacturer GenBioPro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite abortion being illegal in West Virginia in most cases, Raisner said the organization does not fear legal repercussions from the campaign. We dont have concerns about advertising because we dont sell, distribute or package abortion pills, they said. Were merely spreading First Amendment-protected free speech. So if anyone wants to come after us, what theyre coming after is the First Amendment. Earlier this year, Mayday Health launched a digital billboard and poster campaign in Tennessee and an aerial campaign above the Indy 500. While abortion is mostly illegal in Kentucky and West Virginia, states with abortion bans may have trouble prosecuting out-of-state providers and entities mailing pills to people within their borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the Supreme Court struck down Roe V. Wade, 22 states and Washington D.C. have enacted shield laws that protect patients, providers and people assisting in abortion from the reach of states where its illegal, according to KFF. Some shield laws protect providers who send abortion pills to people in states with abortion bans. Earlier this year, the West Virginia Senate passed a bill aimed at out-of-state providers that would have made it a felony to prescribe or distribute medications used for abortion to people in West Virginia unless the abortion is legal. The bill was not taken up by the House of Delegates. West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey recently signed on to a letter urging Congress to ban shield laws, calling them blatant attempts to interfere with states ability to enforce criminal laws within their borders. People in [states with abortion bans] should be and are empowered to make their own decisions, Raisner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The website directs people to sites where they can order abortion medication. People who visit Mayday Health are also linked to a helpline where they can get free, private advice on state specific abortion laws, they said. The group encourages website visitors to reach out to a hotline where a group of doctors provide free advice. Raisner said its also important for people to know that abortion pills are safe and effective. Theres so much misinformation peddled by the anti-choice movement about the dangers of abortion pills, and its just not true, Raisner said. Abortion pills are so safe that they are even sold over the counter in some foreign countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clinics are closing across the country, but people everywhere still have the power to make the choices that are right for their reproductive health, they said. This story is republished from West Virginia Watch, a sister publication to the Kentucky Lantern and part of the nonprofit States Newsroom network. A social media account tied to President Donald Trumps controversial pick to take over the Bureau of Labor Statistics has a history of posting various far-right conspiracy theories the latest eyebrow-raising report to emerge about what is often a nonpartisan nominee. Last week, Trump announced he would nominate Erwin John EJ Antoni III, the chief economist at The Heritage Foundation, the conservative group that created Project 2025, to replace former BLS commissioner Erika McEntarfer. A surface-level review of Antoni, 37, shows that he is a loyal Trump supporter who has aligned himself with the current administrations ideals contributing to Project 2025, bashing former president Joe Bidens record, and even being a bystander at the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a more in-depth look at Antonis history online indicates that a now-deleted X account, which once used Antonis name, posted theories about Jeffrey Epsteins death, Covid-19s origins, and the validity of the 2020 presidential election, according to WIRED. A website archive of the account PhDofbombsaway, shows that it used the name Dr. Erwin J. Antoni III, Dr. J., as well as Dr. Curtis LeMay, an apparent reference to the Air Force general largely credited with planning and executing mass bombings on Japan during World War II, as well as advocating for nuclear weapon usage. President Donald Trumps pick to replace the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner allegedly had an X account that endorsed far-right views (US Senate) The accounts profile picture was of a fiery mushroom cloud, not unlike the one associated with nuclear weapon detonations. All or nothing. Do it die, the account posted in late November 2020 in response to a tweet encouraging Republicans to stand up to fraudulently mailed machines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The account consistently re-posted false claims about election fraud and theories about stolen ballots from prominent accounts. On January 5, 2021, hours before the attack on the Capitol, the account posted a reference to violence in the Bible while responding to a tweet from Trump in which he encouraged Republicans to fight. Samson has his arms around the temple pillars, and although he may not survive, he will bring it all down on his enemies, it posted, referring to the story of Samson receiving strength from God to rise up against his enemies. Last week, photos of Antoni outside the Capitol on January 6 circulated online. The White House confirmed Antoni was present as a bystander who wandered over to see coverage of it on the news. Antoni, pictured outside the Capitol on January 6, was present as a bystander curious about the situation, the White House said (Parler) Other posts from the account indicate the person running it was ingrained in far-right rhetoric and conspiracy theories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In November 2019, the account responded to a person theorizing about Epsteins death by suicide, claiming, Epstein didnt kill himself. That theory was widely circulated among far-right communities online and continues to be a central part of concerns about government transparency around Epstein. Later that month, the same account replied to a tweet that seemed to make a sexual innuendo about former vice president Kamala Harris with its own. She does her best work when life brings her to her knees, the account wrote. The Independent has asked the White House for comment. Antoni declined to comment to Wired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the account has since been deleted, Antoni remains present online with an X account that mostly posts Trump-aligned views of the economy or economic data. But his nomination has been subject to criticism even before NBC News reported his presence at the Capitol, or Wired reported about his alleged former X account. The president previously fired McEntarfer, a career civil servant, after expressing dissatisfaction with the BLSs job numbers reports. Trump insinuated, without evidence, that McEntarfer had manipulated the numbers to make the president look bad because the figures did not line up with Trumps rhetoric about the economy. Trump, pictured with Antoni, in the Oval Office (Trump administration) Some economists and lawmakers have expressed concern that Trumps new nominee could be more inclined to alter BLS numbers to appease the president. While there is no rule about who may be the BLS commissioner, they are typically expected to be nonpartisan, given that the BLS is an independent fact-checking arm of the Department of Labor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon announcing Antonis nomination, the president vowed that his nominee would ensure that the Numbers released are HONEST and ACCURATE. Antoni previously tweeted, calling for a better way to collect and disseminate BLS data and criticizing the current method of doing so. Antonis nomination will require Senate confirmation. So far, at least two Democratic senators have called for the Senate to reject Antonis nomination. The idea of establishing a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria is one that a majority of Israelis once entertained, but no longer. Isaac Newtons third law of motion for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction seems to apply everywhere but to Israel, at least judging by the shock and dismay displayed in the wake of its recent moves. How else can one explain the international uproar over Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrichs announcement of construction plans in the E1 corridor linking Jerusalem and Maaleh Adumim, Frances protests over reports its Jerusalem consulate may be closed if Paris recognizes a Palestinian state, or Australias outrage after Israel revoked visas for its representatives to the Palestinian Authority following its decision to bar MK Simcha Rothman from visiting the Jewish community there? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is as if the world believes it can take steps that Israel views as profoundly inimical to its interests, such as a recognition of a Palestinian state, and that Jerusalem will acquiesce without responding. It is as if Israel has no agency of its own. For almost three decades, various governments have pledged to build in E1, but ultimately refrained, fearing diplomatic fallout from countries arguing that such construction would prevent the establishment of a future Palestinian state by blocking territorial contiguity from Ramallah to Bethlehem. And what might that fallout have been? It may have been the recognition of a Palestinian state by key Western countries, arms embargoes, and the cancellation of participation in prestigious programs. But if those things are currently happening anyway, regardless of whether Israel touches E1, then why not go ahead and build there now? Why not, in effect, respond to announced plans by France, the UK (under certain conditions), Canada, and Australia to recognize a Palestinian state by moving forward with measures on the ground that Israel believes will strengthen its hand and prevent the establishment of a state it sees as a danger to its existence? Demonstrators in support of Palestinians stand outside the Israeli embassy after Ireland has announced it will recognise a Palestinian state, in Dublin, Ireland, May 22, 2024 (credit: REUTERS/MOLLY DARLINGTON) The idea of establishing a Palestinian state in Judea and Samaria, which would effectively turn the center of the country into a Gaza-envelope-like area, is one that a majority of Israelis once entertained, but no longer. The Second Intifada disabused many of that notion, and Hamass October 7 massacre buried it even deeper. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet many Europeans think differently. Indeed, after October 7 mainly because of it they want to move forward with Palestinian statehood. French Ambassador Frederic Journes made that clear in an Army Radio interview on Tuesday, arguing that this was in Israels own interest, because only with a Palestinian state as the end game would Arab countries agree to help reconstruct Gaza after the war. Palestinian statehood an existential threat in most Israelis' eyes But the government, and most Israelis, see such a state not as a solution but as an existential threat, even though Journes insisted that such a state would be small and demilitarized, with a deradicalized school curriculum, committed to living in peace with Israel. Here is what Israelis hear when someone says this: Who is going to guarantee this? France? And what if this small Palestinian state turns into Gaza, which was, for all intents and purposes, already a small Palestinian state? Who will pay the price of a mistaken gamble? French citizens? Israelis have seen what the Palestinians did with the territory handed over to them in Gaza. To expect Israel to embrace another Palestinian state after October 7 is to ignore both history and what Israel has experienced since the 1993 and 1995 Oslo Accords. And if European countries insist on pressing that agenda, they must also expect Israel to push back, which is precisely what is happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plans for E1 resurfaced last week, and, predictably, global condemnations followed. Noticeably, however, they did not emanate from the United States. Still, this was to be expected. If the West tries to impose a Palestinian state on Israel, it should be no surprise if Jerusalem counters by strengthening its hold on critical territory. As Newton taught, every action triggers an equal and opposite reaction. And E1 is not the only case in point. Israel Hayom reported that the government is also weighing closing the Consulate General of France in Jerusalem, which serves Palestinians, in response to Frances decision to recognize a Palestinian state. Notably, the UK, Canada, and Australia quickly followed Frances move. Journes responded on Army Radio that closing the consulate would trigger an adverse reaction in Paris, though he did not specify what form that might take. He stressed that the consulate is deeply symbolic for France, having been established even before the founding of Israel. France is a country that is sensitive to symbols, he said, adding pointedly, we wont like it, thats for sure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As if France were the only country sensitive to symbols. Pariss recognition of a Palestinian state is itself nothing but a symbolic gesture, one that changes nothing on the ground. Israel could rightly respond that it, too, is sensitive to symbols, especially those it interprets as threatening the lives of its citizens. And then there is Australia. It remains unclear what Canberra thought would happen when, in the space of a week, it declared it, too, would recognize, a Palestinian state and revoked the visa of MK Simcha Rothman because of his affiliation with the Religious Zionist Party and its policies, which call for Hamass elimination and Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Either the Australians assumed Israel would not respond again believing that somehow Newtons law doesnt apply to Israel or they did not care. Yet they do care. One of Israels responses was to revoke the visas of Australian representatives to the PA, something that drew the ire of Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who accused the Netanyahu government of isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shot back on social media with an uncharacteristically scathing attack on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the type of personal broadside usually reserved for leaders like Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australias Jews, Netanyahu posted on X/Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of this, obviously, will topple Australia. But it is difficult to see how Canberras steps, and the backlash it risks, including in Washington, serve Australian interests. These steps do not serve Israels interests either, but they certainly do not serve Australias. One explanation is that Canberra did not anticipate such a strong Israeli reaction. True, these Israeli countermeasures are unlikely to change the policies of those countries. Yet they may give other governments pause before taking similar steps, if only out of concern that their own interests with Israel might be damaged. Israel today is not the Israel of 1955, 1975, or even 2005. Then, its relationship with Europe and other Western democracies was often one-directional: countries gave, Israel received. Today, Israel also provides. Can those countries get along without cooperation with Israel? Yes, but not as easily. France wants a consulate in Jerusalem. It can only have one if Israel allows it. The Australians, too, need Israels cooperation for their diplomatic work. And all of them want to prevent Jerusalem from blocking Palestinian statehood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet when these same countries take unilateral steps that Jerusalem sees as undermining its core interests, they weaken their own leverage. In that situation, the government can reasonably conclude that if it will be condemned regardless, it might act in ways it deems vital, such as building in E1, since the backlash has already landed. If others choose to press Israel, they should not be surprised when Israel pushes back hard. MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) A paralyzed man in Mattoon says hes tired of accessibility problems at the train station. Recently, Amtrak told him the elevator wasnt working when he needed to get to an appointment But a good Samaritan made sure he could make it. Mattoons City Manager Kyle Gill saved the day and made sure everything was working properly to help 48-year-old Christopher Cunningham travel safely to Chicago. But the advocacy doesnt stop here for Gill and Cunningham. They said the situation has brought up another conversation for the city to have with others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Mattoon High School employee convicted of indecent solicitation We need a handicapped infrastructure. It doesnt have to match Chicagos, but we need something that makes our sidewalks accessible to everybody, Cunningham said. Cunningham said he is tired of seeing a lack of ADA accessibility in the City of Mattoon. Make something better for the future. Yeah. Maybe theyll create a walkway, crosswalk out at Walmart, name it after me, Cunningham said. Cunningham was in a car crash in 2006. He was left paralyzed from the neck down but still has the ability to wiggle his left arm. Earlier this month, he needed to take the train to get to his doctors appointment in Chicago. But because of the lack of access for him in the area, it was almost impossible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The elevator at the Mattoon Train Depot, wasnt working, and then he was going to have to board either Effingham or Champaign, Gill said. Effingham man accused of vehicle theft, other charges in Friday crime spree Gill said it was Amtrak who sent out the notice. He then went to the station himself to see what exactly the issues were. He called me from the train station hours later, told me the elevator is working. He met me at 4:30 in the morning, the following morning at the boarding platform to make sure that I arrived on time, Cunningham said. Cunningham said it was like a breath of fresh air seeing the city manager and first responders reach out and offer to lend a hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We love to help. We try to find solutions, and its really just us knowing and being aware of the situation, Gill said. And for Cunningham, he couldnt be more proud to live in a city whos making strides to become an ADA accessible town. Storm swipes away barn roof in Homer This guy, Kyle Gill, is on top of it. He ran through so many things with me, about upcoming projects and, incoming revenue that he had didnt have to share. And it made me feel really good, Cunningham said. Cunningham is planning to write a proposal over the lack of accessibility in Mattoon and voice his concerns at the next city council meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city is spending nearly $300,000 on sidewalk replacements across town. There has not been an update on what could be done at the train station in the future. An Amtrak spokesperson said the company owns the tracks and that the City of Mattoon is in charge of the building and surrounding parking lots. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Rochester, N.Y. (WROC) If youre looking to inspire a student in the lead-up to school, Dr. Adam Frank is your man. The UR Professor of Astrophysics still gets giddy over science, and it shows. In my interview with him, which starts streaming on the RochesterFirst app at 8 p.m. tonight, we talk about aliens, space travel, and the book Project Hail Mary. He also provided insight about his new Everymans Universe newsletter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. YAOUNDE, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The authorities in the Central African Republic (CAR) have confirmed that the country's local, legislative, and presidential elections will be held on Dec. 28. During a meeting with officials of the National Elections Authority (ANE) in Bangui, the country's capital, on Monday, Minister of Territorial Administration Bruno Yapande said the elections must be held as scheduled, after being postponed several times. "Dec. 28 is a constitutional date. It cannot be questioned. All measures have already been taken. We will soon proceed to order electoral materials," Yapande said. He added that the government will soon convene the electorate and open candidacy applications. California Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff, a longtime adversary of President Donald Trump, has formed a legal defense fund, amid the Justice Department probe into his finances. Schiff, who led the first impeachment effort in the House against Trump and aided the congressional investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, has become a frequent target of the president in his second term. Earlier this summer, Trump alleged in a post on Truth Social that the California Democrat engaged in a sustained pattern of possible Mortgage Fraud an allegation Schiff vehemently denies. Its clear that Donald Trump and his MAGA allies will continue weaponizing the justice process to attack Senator Schiff for holding this corrupt administration accountable, Marisol Samayoa, a spokesperson for Schiff, said in a statement. This fund will ensure he can fight back against these baseless smears while continuing to do his job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump specifically alleges that Schiff illicitly claimed his primary residence was Maryland for financial benefit, and his administration has tapped Ed Martin now pardon attorney and director of DOJs Weaponization Working Group to oversee the matter. Just a few months ago, Schiff vowed he would place a hold on Martins nomination to be U.S. Attorney in D.C., an effort to slow his confirmation prospects. Martin ultimately failed to gain enough support among the Senate GOP to secure his confirmation after Republican Sen. Thom Tillis said he would oppose Martin over his past defense of Jan. 6 rioters and his comments about the attack. Trump ultimately selected him for another post at the Department of Justice. Schiffs attorney, Preet Bharara who has had his own confrontations with Trump as the top federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York has argued that Martins involvement into the Schiff probe represents the very definition of weaponization of the justice process. FBI Director Kash Patel, who was once a House Intelligence Committee staffer working to undermine the investigation into election interference, has also released materials that suggests the California Democrat supported leaking information during his time on the House Intelligence Committee to damage the presidents reputation. A spokesperson for Schiff has called the allegation absolutely and categorically false and the latest in a series of defamatory attacks from the President and his allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The acrimony between Schiff and Trump dates back to Trumps first term, when Schiff, then among former Speaker Nancy Pelosis top allies in the House, served as the top prosecutor in the presidents first impeachment trial. The case centered around allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress though the GOP-controlled Senate eventually acquitted Trump. Schiff parlayed the celebrity brought on by that trial into a successful Senate campaign in California. Trump, meanwhile, has continued to criticize Schiff. They got this phony investigation going on, Russia Russia Russia, he said at a press conference ahead of his Alaska meeting with Vladimir Putin last week. Totally phony, created by Adam Schiff, Shifty Schiff and Hillary Clinton and the whole group of em. And it made it very dangerous for our country. WASHINGTON Free from the supervision of European leaders, President Donald Trump on Tuesday reverted to form, blaming Ukraine for getting invaded by Russia and making dictator Vladimir Putins arguments on his behalf. Russia is a powerful military nation. You know, whether people like it or not, its a powerful nation. Its a much bigger nation, Trump said in a 25-minute, phoned-in appearance on Fox News morning show. You dont do that. You dont take you dont take on a nation thats 10 times your size. Related: White House Spokesperson Totally Loses It Over Rock Star's Trump Takedown Trump had, at least during the public parts of Mondays meetings, refrained from offering his pro-Putin views and instead gave the appearance of solidarity with Europe in its support of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That performance was gone, though, by Tuesday morning when he called in to Fox & Friends. Trump again offered warm words for Putin, who has been charged with war crimes for his conduct in the invasion, and whom Trump invited to Alaska last week: You saw that when he got off his plane, I got off my plane. Theres a warmth there that you cant you know, theres a, theres a decent feeling. In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin talk on the tarmac upon their arrival for a U.S.-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025. Sergey Bobylev / Pool / AFP via Getty Images Trump also urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to appease Putin by giving away Ukrainian territory: I hope that Zelenskyy, President Zelenskyy will do what he has to do. He has to show some flexibility, also. And Trump suggested that Ukraine brought Putins brutal invasion on itself by seeking to join NATO: It was always a no-no, you could not. Russia said, We dont want the so-called opponent or the enemy, lets use that term, We dont want them on our border. And they were right. Related: Putin Is Still Attacking Ukraine, But NATOs Bigger Problem Is Mollifying Trump None of the shows hosts asked Trump why that supposed standard does not apply to Latvia and Estonia, which both joined NATO in 2004, or Finland, which joined in 2023 largely as a response to Putins invasion of Ukraine. All three nations border Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump on Tuesday even went as far as to take credit for the seven other European leaders coming to his meeting with Zelenskyy to discuss the summit with Putin days earlier. I think really, they have respect for our country again. A year ago, they wouldnt have come. They wouldnt have even thought about it. Now weve become the hottest country anywhere in the world. Everybody wants to be here. When I made the call, they came, Trump said. In reality, it was Zelenskyy who asked the other leaders to come to offer a united front and to avoid the ambush he suffered during his last Oval Office visit in February when he was publicly attacked and insulted by Trump, Vice President JD Vance and pro-Trump reporter Brian Glenn. That treatment was viewed with horror in European capitals. Related: Rock Star Gives Brutal, Unexpected Take On Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen even stated her reason for attending ahead of time on social media: At the request of President Zelenskyy, I will join the meeting with President Trump and other European leaders in the White House tomorrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea came from Zelenskyy and was supported immediately by [German Chancellor Friedrich] Merz and the others, said Jan Techau, a Berlin-based analyst with the Center for European Policy Analysis. But of course, Trump loves holding court. So he turns it into evidence for his unique genius. Von der Leyen and Merz were joined by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron for the afternoon meetings. All of the leaders praised Trump lavishly continuing a strategy adopted by allies and adversaries the world over to get what they want from Americas attention-seeking president. Everybody has to give Trump credit for everything, said Fiona Hill, a Russia analyst on the National Security Council during Trumps first term. This is just now the price of admission for a civil meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also sprinkled in some of his usual lies, such as blaming predecessor Joe Biden for Russias invasion and taking credit for ending six wars all over the world. In Tuesdays telling of his ending of the war between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it had gone on for 35 years, which is four years longer than his previous versions of the claim, including the one he made to the European leaders at the White House on Tuesday. In fact, while Trump brought in leaders of the two nations to the Oval Office in June to sign a peace agreement, they have not agreed on terms, and the fighting continues. Trump also has taken credit for ending conflicts between India and Pakistan, Azerbaijan and Armenia, Iran and Israel, a brief skirmish between Thailand and Cambodia and a dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia that did not involve armed conflict at all. In Tuesdays Fox appearance, Trump said he has brokered seven peace deals, rather than the six he has been claiming of late. It was not immediately clear what seventh war he was talking about. More on Politics Trump Claims Putin Has Never Fooled Him After Admitting Putin Keeps Fooling Him Musk Quietly Puts Brakes On Plans For New Political Party, WSJ Says Trump Appears Set To Reward Russia For Its Brutal Invasion Of Ukraine Read the original on HuffPost From left, Jeff Breedlove from the Georgia Council for Recovery, South Fulton Democratic state Rep. Debra Bazemore and National Alliance on Mental Illness Georgia Chapter Executive Director Kim Jones deliver letters calling on Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King to enforce Georgia's Mental Health Parity Act. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Mental health advocates gathered at the state Capitol in Atlanta to urge Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King to step up enforcement of the states mental health parity laws just a few days after Kings office announced it would fine health insurance companies $20 million for failing to comply. The fines, announced Friday, mark the first major instance of the state enforcing a 2022 law aimed at ensuring that insurers cover mental health care alongside its coverage for physical health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgia residents have long faced barriers when it comes to seeking mental health treatment. The state ranks 47th in the nation for access to mental health care, according to an annual report from Mental Health America, and nearly 35% of adults with frequent mental distress said they could not seek care because of the cost with Georgia ranking last on that metric. Kings office, which is tasked with ensuring that insurance companies comply with Georgia regulations, said it found over 6,000 violations involving 22 different insurance providers. Companies can be fined up to $2,000 for every violation, or up to $5,000 per violation if they knew or reasonably could have known they were violating the law. Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King speaks at the Georgia Chamber of Commerces Eggs and Issues event in Atlanta early in the 2025 legislative session. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder The time to get in compliance with the law was yesterday, King said in a statement Friday. Today, we are taking decisive action to hold those who think they can skirt the law accountable. A spokesperson for the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire declined to name which insurers had received fines, saying that more information would become available once the final orders had been issued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Georgias Mental Health Parity Act was signed into law in 2022, and was aimed at improving enforcement of a 2008 federal law requiring health insurance companies to treat behavioral health benefits on par with physical care, meaning that deductibles, co-pays or limits on the number of visits or days of hospitalization should be the same for both mental and physical services. The law also mandates that Georgias Office of Insurance and Safety Fire conduct an in-depth review of insurer data and submit an annual report to the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House of Representatives every August. This years report has not yet been publicly posted. At a rally for mental health parity outside Kings office Monday, advocates called for greater enforcement of Georgias existing parity law and urged King to uphold other aspects of the legislation, including a requirement that the commissioners office establish a separate portal for parity-related complaints. Its the parity law, not the parity recommendation or suggestion, said Jeff Breedlove, the strategic policy advisor for the Georgia Council for Recovery. It is a privilege for an insurance company to do business in the state of Georgia and serve Georgia families, not a right. And if you want to profit off of Georgians, then you need to at the very least follow our laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And while mental health advocates said they were excited by Kings announcement, many also expressed disappointment in the outcome. Im a little underwhelmed by it, said Roland Behm, one of the co-founders of the Georgia Mental Health Policy Partnership, adding that the $20 million fines will be split between the numerous insurance companies who failed to comply with the law. Roland J. Behm. File photo Were looking at individual insurers bearing a cost of about a million dollars, Behm said. And once again, while more than I have in my checking account, its not really a lot of money in the context of insurers who might begin to think that the best thing for them to do is to not comply with the parity act and then just pay whatever fines might be assessed. Georgia state Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, a Decatur Democrat who was a co-sponsor of the 2022 measure and who attended Mondays parity rally, said she hopes to pass additional legislation aimed at closing the gaps in enforcement when the Legislature reconvenes in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 612, which was introduced by Rome Republican Katie Dempsey, would create a formal mechanism to review and address parity complaints by establishing a parity compliance review panel. It would require health care providers to report suspected violations by health insurers. The bill stalled in the Senate insurance committee, but could be picked up again in 2026. I am grateful that we are having some demonstrable evidence from the commissioner today that were moving forward, but there is much more to do, Oliver said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE When Sen. John Curtis was in Zambia last week with a bipartisan group of congressional colleagues, he saw firsthand the difficulty of competing with China. Speaking to a room full of employees at Strider Technologies, a Utah-based high-tech strategic intelligence firm, Curtis spoke about the need for the United States to do a better job of competing with Chinas growing international influence. China has pursued a focused global strategy called the Belt and Road Initiative for more than a decade. Theyve built influence while buying up property and investing in infrastructure in developing nations across the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China is Africas largest trading partner and is also the continents largest creditor, according to the World Economic Forum. Meanwhile, the United States has, at times, taken a more careful approach, Curtis said, often over concerns about a countrys approach to the rule of law. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. has also changed its approach to foreign aid, shuttering the U.S. Agency for International Development, while also taking a more aggressive approach to trade. Sen. John Curtis, center, talks with Strider CEO Greg Levesque, right, and Strider General Counsel Robert Lamb prior to speaking at a town hall at Strider Technologies in South Jordan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Jeffrey Allred During a meeting with the president of Zambia, Curtis, along with another dozen senators and representatives, asked How do we do this better? Meaning, how does the U.S. compete better with China in Zambia and other nations in Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Zambian president insisted the U.S. and China are treated the same, but Curtis said he was concerned because he saw few signs of American investment in the country. With the growth and vibrancy of many African nations economies, the U.S. needs to figure this out, Curtis said. If we cant ... its not a good thing for the United States, he said. Strider CEO Greg Levesque, who was posing questions to Curtis, agreed. You take a step back, and this is a competition for the future, really, he said. Is U.S. foreign policy built for the 90s? While China charges ahead, Levesque asked Curtis if he thinks the U.S. is stifled by its economic strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have, I think, a toolkit that was really built for the 90s, Levesque said. Sanctions, terrorist and export controls do you think those tools have the fit and finish of the 21st century? Curtis said he thinks the tools are good, but they arent being deployed well. The officials he met in Zambia expressed gratitude for the aggressive approach taken by the U.S. to combatting HIV, and yet were still losing there because a Chinese entity will come in and buy a mine thats in disrepair, and its these investments that seem to make the difference, Curtis said. During an answer to a later question, Curtis said hed like to see the U.S. use its investments as leverage to encourage countries to follow the rule of law and adopt other standards that could ultimately end up helping the country. IP theft and nations targeting private businesses While businesses in western democracies continue to be concerned about intellectual property theft, theyre also dealing with nation states that are willing to use their intelligence services and state apparatuses to actually target industry, Levesque said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Curtis introduced legislation to curb IP theft by China. The bill would impose sanctions on Chinese individuals, companies and organizations that engage in IP theft. Curtis said Strider, which tracks state economic threats, can help by providing information on when companies are being targeted. I think whats unfortunate is many businesses, theyre not even seeing the IP theft, stolen right out from underneath them, he said. The biggest concern with China, Curtis said, is there are currently no consequences for bad actions. We want a healthy relationship with China; were past the point where we can just ignore them, Curtis said. Sen. John Curtis speaks with Strider CEO Greg Levesque, left, during a town hall at Strider Technologies in South Jordan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Jeffrey Allred Americans, including Utahns, know theres a problem, Curtis said, but its difficult to know how to fight it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Curtis said on his way to Strider, he was talking to his staff about how hard it is to find products to buy that arent made in China. Even when a consumer is concerned about the lack of labor and environmental regulations in China, it is difficult to avoid products made in China that are typically less expensive, he said. But thats where Curtis thinks Trump could make a difference by changing the way he calculates the size of tariffs to levy. Curtis: Trumps tariffs causing unpredictability Curtis expressed concern about the way Trump has implemented tariffs. Its caused unpredictability, which especially hurts small businesses, he said. But Curtis said he thinks Trumps power to tariff could be used more effectively if the cost of a countrys lack of regulations could be measured and quantified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Prove It Act, introduced in both the House and Senate, would provide data on the extra cost for American-made goods because of emissions, human rights and labor standards implemented by U.S. companies. Curtis said he thinks that by knowing this cost, Trump could be in a better position to know what tariffs to levy on other countries goods in a way that would level the playing field for American businesses. President Donald Trumps administration is considering capping refugee admissions at 40,000 for the next fiscal year, with most of those slots reserved for white South Africans, according to Reuters and other reports. Two U.S. officials familiar with internal discussions told Reuters that about 30,000 of the 40,000 admissions could be allocated to Afrikaners, a largely Dutch-descended minority in South Africa. Angie Salazar, a senior refugee program official at the Department of Health and Human Services, reportedly told state-level resettlement workers earlier this month that she expected the cap to be 40,000. The plan would mark a dramatic shift in U.S. refugee policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump previously lowered refugee admissions to a record-low 15,000 in 2021 during his first term, compared with 100,000 brought in by then-President Joe Biden in 2024. A figure as low as 12,000 is also under consideration, one source told Reuters. White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said no decision was final until Trump formally sets the cap, which he is expected to do in September. President Trump has a humanitarian heart, which is why he has welcomed these courageous individuals to the United States, Kelly said, per Reuters. Refugee admission caps will be determined next month, and any numbers discussed at this point are pure speculation. Trump has described white South Africans as victims of violence and racial discrimination in their home country, a characterization that South Africas government has rejected. A senior State Department official pointed to its latest human rights report highlighting inflammatory racial rhetoric against Afrikaners and other racial minorities in South Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The policy has sparked backlash from immigrant-rights advocates who argue the administration is prioritizing a group that does not face systemic persecution over millions of others fleeing war and oppression. Commentator Schuyler Mitchell argued in an op-ed for Truthout that Trump was using the baseless claim of white genocide promoted by the likes of Elon Musk to grant asylum to Afrikaners. The United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that nearly 43 million people worldwide qualify as refugees, including 6 million Syrians, 6 million Afghans, more than 4 million Sudanese and South Sudanese, 1.3 million Rohingya from Myanmar, and more than 1 million Haitians. Notwithstanding the overwhelming reported human need, the United States has granted Temporary Protected Status to around 300,000 Haitians who fled their country a decade or longer ago. Trump has, nevertheless, opened the door to Afrikaners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the President posted on Truth Social: Any Farmer (with family!) from South Africa, seeking to flee that country for reasons of safety, will be invited into the United States of America with a rapid pathway to Citizenship. This process will begin immediately! Since May, 59 Afrikaners have arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport, with more expected in the coming months, Reuters reported. Some arrivals have struggled to access work permits, Social Security numbers, or housing after government assistance was cut to four months, down from the traditional year. Human rights advocates have said the administrations approach risks recasting the U.S. refugee program as a tool of racial preference. Bill Frelick, director of Human Rights Watchs Refugee and Migrant Rights program, told PBS News that while other refugees have waited years, that now the one exception would be made for Afrikaners just seems like a cruel twist to those refugees to whom the door was closed in their face. Trump is expected to make a final determination on refugee admissions for the fiscal year 2026 before October 1. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) A former Western Michigan University student was bound over to stand trial in Kalamazoo County on sexual assault charges, according to the Michigan Department of Attorney General. 40-year-old Al Allan De Los Santos Mueses faces four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Mueses, who is from the Dominican Republic, was a foreign exchange student at WMU from 2009 to 2013. He allegedly assaulted a 20-year-old woman in March 2010 at his apartment after they met at a campus recreation center, the department says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman reported the assault to WMU police and also took a forensic medical examination, the department said. At the time, no charges were issued. The man was charged this year on July 1, before being arrested on July 11. He was extradited to Michigan from Miami. Nessel expressed her gratitude for the Kalamazoo Sexual Assault Kit Initiative for their continued investigations into the case. I remain grateful to our states devoted SAKI units and their efforts to bring about justice for victims of sexual assaults perpetrated years ago, Nessel said in a statement. Their commitment ensures that survivors have the opportunity to see their cases fully investigated and that perpetrators are held accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department says that a pretrial date has not yet been set. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined 21 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for blocking congressionally authorized grants for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The Michigan Department of Attorney General reports that the Trump Administration will withhold these grants unless states support their political agenda, specifically immigration enforcement policies. The VOCA was signed into law in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, creating grant programs to provide resources and services to victims and survivors of crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These services and resources provided by the grants include victim and witness advocacy services, emergency shelter, medical, funeral, and burial expenses, crime scene cleanup, and sexual assault forensic exams. Without crucial support services to offer victims of heinous crimes, theyre much less likely to pursue a criminal prosecution to hold their attackers accountable and make our communities safer, Nessel said in a news release sent to 6 News. The Trump Administration pretends to care about fighting crime, but their actions tell a different story. This attempted funding cut is not just illegal its dangerous for society. I will not sit back and allow this administration to further harm some of our most vulnerable residents in their time of greatest need. The department reports that Michigan has received between $27 and $43 million in VOCA funding each year for the past five years, assisting nearly 9 million crime victims and providing compensation for more than 200,000 victims claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grants have been awarded to 115 victim service organizations throughout the state. In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the imposed funding conditions conflict with American governance, including the separation of powers, and federalism itself. Adding, Congress did not authorize the DOJ to impose conditions on these grant programs that coerce States to devote their resources to enacting the Administrations immigration agenda. Nessel joins the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia in filing this lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Five men are facing charges after DCI agents conducted another sex sting operation during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The South Dakota Attorney Generals office says the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children task force has done these types operations for the past several years, but for whatever the reason, alleged sexual predators dont seem to be getting the message. 3 SD volunteer fire departments to receive $10K grant Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KELOLAND Investigates has gone undercover with South Dakotas ICAC unit numerous times. The South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is made up of state, local and federal officials, who are focused on protecting kids, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said. When we run an operation like this we do a fair amount of planning ahead of time picking locations, things we are going to do, back stories that we are going to use; things like that DCI agent Toby Russell said. In most recent one, at the 85th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, agents caught five people who were allegedly trying to prey on young children. Those five charged are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elmer James Hopper, 36, Rapid Citycharged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. Beau James Remington, 23, Black Hawkcharged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet and Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor. Jayson Javi Gomez, 30, Rapid Citycharged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. Joshua Michael Allen, 36, Hermosacharged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. Jackson Wolfgang Witte, 36, Summerset charged with Solicitation of a Minor and Attempted Manufacture of Child Pornography. Jackley says the undercover stings are working. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These individuals are meeting a law enforcement officer rather than a child, they face significant jail sentences; 10 to life in certain circumstances, but it is troubling that we have local folks who are engaged in conducting actions that are harmful to kids, Jackley said. Don: Why did you let us go along with the operation several years ago? Jackley: We wanted it to be a deterrent effect, we want the bad actors to know that South Dakota is off limits, law enforcement has operations state wide occurring at various events and the hope is to get these folks to stop doing it. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. As the White House hosted talks aimed at bridging big differences between the United States and Ukraine over a peace deal with Russia, an image claimed to show France's president sitting outside the Oval Office with other top officials spread in posts mocking Europe's leaders. But visual inconsistencies make clear the image is AI-generated and the individuals pictured do not correspond to those present in official photographs from the high-stakes meeting. "Trump has the Presidents of a Germany, France, the UK, Finland, the leader of NATO and the leader of the European Union waiting outside the Oval Office in chairs like they're at the dentist office," claims an August 18, 2025 post on X from Joey Mannarino, a conservative political commentator AFP previously fact-checked for spreading misinformation, including about Ukraine. "This is utter humiliation of these corrupt scumbags. Absolutely beautiful," the post adds. Screenshot of a post from X taken August 18, 2025 The image spread quickly across platforms in English, Greek, Serbian, Slovak, Polish, German, French and Portuguese. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It gained traction as European leaders joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House for talks with Donald Trump following the US president's summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump said he plans to hold a three-way meeting with the Ukrainian leader and Russian president. Trump did meet with Zelensky in the Oval Office prior to discussions in the East Room that included the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Commission and NATO, but there is no indication the image of individuals waiting in a hallway was taken at the White House. A keyword search on X revealed a higher resolution version of the image was posted by other accounts, making it easier to spot signs it is inauthentic (archived here). Despite rapid advances in artificial intelligence, visual errors occur and careful examination of an image is a key tool for determining authenticity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Next to the man who resembles French President Emmanuel Macron there is a third leg wearing black pants and a black high heel. There are also additional shoes next to the woman in red's feet. The pattern of the carpet is inconsistent with a blue rectangle appearing in only one place and some segments appearing yellow where others do not. Screenshot taken August 18, 2025 of the image shared on X with inconsistencies outlined by AFP In addition to the absence of the leaders of Germany, the United Kingdom and Finland -- all men who wore glasses during the meeting with Trump -- the three women in the image are also not leaders of European nations. The person in the turquoise suit has a short haircut similar to Ursula von der Leyen, but AFP photos and official images released by the Trump administration (archived here and here) show the European Commission president wore an orange jacket and top with black pants to the meeting. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also wore a gray pant suit. L-R: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte pose for a photo in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 18, 2025 ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS AFP ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP The Hive Moderation AI detection tool found that the image is highly likely to contain AI-generated content with a 99 percent confidence level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The image was also debunked by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (archived here). More of AFP's reporting on misinformation surrounding the war between Russia and Ukraine is available here. By Allison Lampert and Wa Lone MONTREAL/TORONTO (Reuters) -Air Canada's unionized flight attendants reached an agreement with the country's largest carrier on Tuesday, ending the first strike by its cabin crew in 40 years that had upended travel plans for hundreds of thousands of passengers. The strike that lasted nearly four days led the airline that serves about 130,000 people daily to withdraw its third-quarter and full-year earnings guidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The carrier said it would gradually resume operations later on Tuesday, and a full restoration may require a week or more. The union said it has completed mediation with the airline and its low-cost affiliate Air Canada Rouge. "The Strike has ended. We have a tentative agreement we will bring forward to you," the Canadian Union of Public Employees said in a Facebook post. Air Canada said some flights will be canceled over the next seven to 10 days until the schedule is stabilized, and that customers with canceled flights can choose between a refund, travel credit, or rebooking on another airline. Mark Nasr, Air Canada's executive vice president and chief operations officer, told CBC that 5,000 employees are working to rebook customers on Air Canada and 120 other airlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flight attendants walked off the job on Saturday after contract talks with the carrier failed. They had sought pay for tasks such as boarding passengers. While details of the negotiations were not immediately released, the union said unpaid work was over. Air Canada's flight attendants had for months argued new contracts should include pay for work done on the ground, such as boarding passengers. "Ground pay is settled. Our flight attendants will be compensated for their time on the ground," Nasr told CBC. CUPE, which represents Air Canada's 10,400 flight attendants, wanted to make gains on unpaid work that go beyond recent advances secured by their counterparts at U.S. carriers like American Airlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a rare act of defiance, the union remained on strike even after the Canada Industrial Relations Board declared its action unlawful. Their refusal to follow a federal labor board order for the flight attendants to return to work had created a three-way standoff between the company, workers, and the government. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu had urged both sides to consider government mediation and raised pressure on Air Canada on Monday, promising to investigate allegations of unpaid work in the airline sector. A spokesperson for Hajdu said the probe would take six to eight weeks and then be made public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PASSENGER FRUSTRATION Over the past two years, unions in aerospace, construction, airline, and rail sectors have pushed employers for higher pay, improved conditions, and better benefits amid a tight labor market. While many customers had expressed support for the flight attendants, frustration with flight cancellations was growing. Retiree Klaus Hickman, who missed a flight to Toronto earlier in the week, sympathizes with workers demanding better pay but is worried about his own health and travel challenges. "They want to get more money to survive. And so it is with everybody else," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada's largest carrier is part of the global Star Alliance of airlines. James Numfor, 38, from Regina, Saskatchewan, had been stranded in Toronto for two nights since returning from Cameroon for his brother's funeral. Air Canada only provided one night in a hotel for his family before leaving them without further support, he said. He had slept in the airport with his family. (Reporting by Nathan Gomes, Arpan Varghese and Aishwarya Jain, additional reporting by Divya Rajagopal; Writing by Caroline Stauffer; Editing by Sam Holmes, Arun Koyyur, Rod Nickel) JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- As the world marks World Humanitarian Day on Tuesday, South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes called on the global community to "strengthen" respect for international humanitarian law. Speaking at an event under the theme "Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Support and Commitments to International Humanitarian Law" in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital, Botes described humanitarian law as a "cornerstone" of international law. He also lambasted what he termed the current "geopolitical disorder," which is driving the surge in armed conflicts worldwide. The deputy minister said this has resulted in an environment plagued by uncertainty, volatility, and anarchy. "We are witnessing a rapid rise in right-wing populism, narrow nationalism, racism, sexism, xenophobia, and other related intolerance," he said. Botes highlighted more than 20 ongoing conflicts in Africa and further cited the recent wars in the Middle East involving Syria, Lebanon, and Iran. "The historical body of evidence indicates that Israel remains committed to ethnic cleansing of Palestinians through a genocidal war against them," he said, noting that international law in general is important in this context, and the moral and legal clarity offered by international humanitarian law is more relevant and critical than ever. He also said the humanitarian crises unfolding on the African continent should be "confronted," highlighting the displacement of over 10 million people in South Sudan due to the conflict there. "These crises are not isolated -- they are interconnected. They feed regional instability, reverse decades of development, and test our collective resolve to uphold the principles of humanitarian law," he said. "It is therefore incumbent upon Africa's leaders, diplomats, and peoples to raise our voice with equal clarity against these tragedies." Meanwhile, Botes reiterated South Africa's commitment to upholding international law. Flight attendants protest in front of the Air Canada headquarters near Pierre-Elliott Trudeau Airport in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on August 17, 2025. Credit - Andrej Ivanov - AFP via Getty Images. Air Canada has said that it will gradually resume operations after reaching an agreement with the trade union representing 10,000 flight attendants, ending a days-long strike in which all flights were grounded. The airline said an agreement was reached following mediation with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), and the union agreed for striking members to return to work immediately, in a statement published Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspension of our service is extremely difficult for our customers. We deeply regret and apologize for the impact on them of this labour disruption. Our priority now is to get them moving as quickly as possible, said President and CEO of Air Canada Michael Rousseau. Rousseau added that restarting Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge operations is a complex undertaking, warning that a full return to normal service could take a week or longer. The first flights are scheduled for the evening of August 19, but customers are advised that the airlines return to full, regular service may require seven-to-ten days as aircraft and crew are out of position. During this process, some flights will be cancelled over the next seven to ten days until the schedule is stabilized. Only customers with confirmed bookings whose flights are shown as operating should go to the airport, the statement read. Canadas largest airline company said that customers with tickets can check their flights status on its website or the Air Canada mobile app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the agreement, CUPE said: Unpaid work is over. We have reclaimed our voice and our power. When our rights were taken away, we stood strong, we fought back and we secured a tentative agreement that our members can vote on, in a statement on Tuesday. Flight attendants went on strike after Air Canada gave wage increases to certain employees, including pilots with a 26% rise in 2024, a mostly male-filed role according to CUPE. In contrast, the union said that flight attendants, who are mainly women, received a lower 8% increase in 2025. The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) had ordered all Air Canada flight attendants on strike to return to work by 2 p.m. ET Sunday, August 17, after a directive from Minister for Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu. In response, National President of CUPE Mark Hancock said that the union would not back down. Contact us at letters@time.com. WASHINGTON (AP) The Air Force's top uniformed officer is set to retire early in the most recent shake-up of military leadership during President Donald Trumps second term. Gen. David Allvin will continue serving as the services chief of staff until a replacement is confirmed by the Senate, the Air Force announced Monday. He expects to retire around Nov. 1, two years into his four-year term, it said in a statement. Allvin joins other top military officials who have stepped down or been fired by Trump's Republican administration during a broader leadership upheaval, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's plans to slash the number of senior military positions in what he calls an efficiency effort and a purge of top officers who were believed to endorse diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, Trump fired Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in February. Brown was the second Black general to serve as chairman, and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine later took over the role. Allvin, a command pilot with more than 4,600 flying hours, was appointed Air Force chief of staff by President Joe Biden, a Democrat, serving since November 2023. Before that, he was vice chief of staff during Trumps first term. Im grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 23rd Air Force Chief of Staff and Im thankful for Secretary Meink, Secretary Hegseth and President Trumps faith in me to lead our service, Allvin said in the Air Force's statement. When asked for more details on Allvin's departure, the Air Force directed The Associated Press to its statement. ___ Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Air Force at https://apnews.com/hub/us-air-force. Testing aircraft toilet waste could help track the global spread of drug-resistant superbugs, which is often referred to as the silent pandemic and are projected to kill more people than cancer by 2050. The study, published in the journal Microbiology Spectrum, analysed lavatory wastewater from 44 international flights arriving in Australia from nine countries. Scientists, including those from the University of Southern Australia, detected nine high-priority pathogens and superbugs, including some that are acquired in hospitals and resistant to multiple drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five of the nine superbugs were present in all 44 flight samples, while one gene that makes bacteria resistant to last-resort antibiotics was detected on 17 flights. This particular antibiotic-resistance gene had not been detected in Australias urban wastewater so far, suggesting it likely entered the country through international air travel. The findings confirm that aircraft wastewater can be a valuable tool for global antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) surveillance. Aircraft wastewater captures microbial signatures from passengers across different continents, offering a non-invasive, cost-effective way to monitor threats like AMR, said Dr Warish Ahmed, author of the study and principal research scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Cranes on a construction site are seen behind a Qantas Airways Boeing 737 aircraft as it takes off from Sydney International Airport (AFP via Getty Images) Of the 44 flights, 18 originated from India, 14 from the UK, six from Germany, and the remainder were single flights from France, UAE, Turkiye, South Africa, Japan and Indonesia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers found that types and levels of pathogens varied depending on where the flights came from. Flights from Asia, particularly India, showed higher concentrations of antibiotic resistance genes, compared to flights from Europe and the UK, said Dr Nicholas Ashbolt, another author of the study. The differences could be due to variations in antibiotic use, water sanitation, population density, and public health policies across regions, scientists say. Aircraft wastewater monitoring could complement existing public health systems, providing early warnings of emerging superbug threats, Dr Ashbolt says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers tested whether standard aircraft disinfectants could break down the genetic material, but found it remained stable for up to 24 hours even after cleaning. International travel is one of the major drivers of AMR spread. By monitoring aircraft wastewater, we can potentially detect and track antibiotic resistance genes before they become established in local environments, said Yawen Liu, another author of the study. With AMR projected to cause more than 39 million deaths globally by 2050, the need for innovative surveillance tools is urgent, Dr Ashbolt says. Scientists hope the proof-of-concept study can be developed further to turn aircraft toilets into an early-warning system to better manage public health. Aug. 18The Spokane Airport Board on Monday voted to select a new CEO to oversee Spokane International Airport and Felts Field. The board selected David Haring, who had been serving as the executive director of the Lincoln Airport Authority in Lincoln, Nebraska. Haring would replace Larry Krauter, who served as the CEO of Spokane Airports since 2011. Krauter announced last year that he was leaving for the same role overseeing the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, located across the Ohio River from Cincinnati in Hebron, Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a news release, Haring is a 20-year veteran of the airport industry. In his biography for the Lincoln Airport Authority, Haring is a private pilot who is from Pennsylvania and is an accredited airport executive. He graduated from the University of North Dakota. Prior to his appointment in 2014 as executive director of the Lincoln Airport Authority, Haring held a variety of positions at the Cheyenne Regional Airport in Cheyenne, Wyoming. There he served as its director of aviation from 2007 to 2014, according to the website. In Spokane, the airport is jointly owned by the city of Spokane and Spokane County. That means Haring's appointment must be approved by elected leaders from both bodies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He would replace Krauter, who added several nonstop routes from Spokane, started several terminal upgrades, added more parking and built a 1-mile rail line connecting the existing Geiger Spur line to the airport property. The Terminal Renovation and Expansion Project called TREX added a centralized security checkpoint, expanded baggage claim area and more gates to improve passenger flow at the airport. Haring did not immediately respond Monday to an email seeking comment. An Alabama-based doctor has agreed to plead guilty in connection with a $6 million telemedicine fraud scheme, the U.S. Attorney said Monday. Tommie Robinson, 43, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of health care fraud, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled. The health fraud scheme involved durable medical equipment and genetic testing that were medically unnecessary, based on false documentation, and tainted by kickbacks, Foley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the charging documents, between December 2018 and March 2021, Robinson worked with telemedicine companies to sign medical documentation, including doctors orders, for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment and genetic testing. Prosecutors allege that these orders signed by Robinson were pre-populated based on telemarketing calls made to Medicare beneficiaries, that Robinson never had any contact with the beneficiaries himself and had no medical relationship with the patients. Durable medical equipment suppliers and laboratories ultimately submitted claims to Medicare for these signed orders. As a result of Robinsons alleged participation in this scheme, over $6 million in fraudulent claims were allegedly submitted to Medicare, Foley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the charge of health care fraud, Robinson faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, supervised release for up to three years, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greater. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) When one of her students had an emergency, Gadsden City High School teacher Brandie Mobbs clicked a button on her lanyard to alert administrators. Now, Mobbs is urging leaders to make the device official in schools across Alabama. He just kind of went down, Mobbs said. I went down with him to shield the back of his head from hitting the floor. From there, thats where my badge came into play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mobbs said her student had a diabetic seizure. With the click of a button, she said school leaders showed up in minutes. Mobbs said every school in the state should have the device. This is amazing, and I could not believe that such a blessing that moment to not have to leave the child cause thats not something you want to do, Mobbs said. But that response time was I still cant believe they were able to get to me that quickly. 6 Alabama volunteer fire departments receive $10,000 grants from State Farm, NVFC If lawmakers passed a bill earlier in 2025, that response time would have been a reality for every school in Alabama. The bill died in the Senate. State Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Birmingham, said he would support a law requiring educators to wear panic buttons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe that, even being statewide, it would be applicable be it rural or be it urban, Sellers said. It would be a benefit, not only just to the schools and the school systems but also benefit to making sure that our children are safe. State Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover agreed that keeping children safe is the top priority. Yet she said a panic button mandate could be costly and limit schools on how they protect students. We need to continue to give our schools all the best information that we can and the financial assistance in a fiscally responsible way, DuBose said. State Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton, the original bill sponsor, said he will be refiling the bill for the 2026 legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) Alabama has scheduled an October execution by nitrogen gas for an inmate who has an ongoing lawsuit challenging the new method as unconstitutionally cruel. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday set an Oct. 23 execution date for Anthony Boyd, 53. Boyd is one of four men convicted in the 1993 killing of Gregory Huguley in Talladega. Prosecutors said Huguley was burned to death after he failed to pay for $200 worth of cocaine. Boyd's lawsuit challenges the use of nitrogen hypoxia gas as unconstitutionally cruel. He suggested a firing squad, hanging or medical aid-in-dying as better alternatives. A federal judge has scheduled a Sept. 4 hearing in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama began using nitrogen gas last year to carry out some executions. The method uses a gas mask to replace breathable air with pure nitrogen gas, causing the inmate to die from lack of oxygen. Alabama has used nitrogen to carry out five executions and has another planned in September. Louisiana has used nitrogen to carry out one execution. In 2018, Boyd selected nitrogen as his preferred execution method, but at the time the state had not developed procedures for using it. Lawyers for Boyd filed a federal lawsuit in July about a month after the state began asking for his execution date seeking to prevent the state from executing him with nitrogen. They cited descriptions of how other inmates shook on the gurney while being executed with nitrogen gas. Each prisoner previously executed by the States Protocol showed signs of conscious suffocation, terror, and pain, lawyers for Boyd wrote in the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Rev. Jeff Hood, a spiritual adviser who witnessed the first nitrogen execution and is now working with Boyd, said Monday that he was horrified by what he saw at that execution, which he described as being suffocated to death. The Alabama attorney generals office has urged a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that there is substantial evidence that nitrogen hypoxia is a painless way to die. The state argued the described movements in previous executions were either inmates actively resisting or involuntary movements associated with dying. Huguleys burned body was found Aug. 1, 1993, in a rural ballpark in Talladega County. Prosecutors said that the night before, the men had kidnapped Huguley after he failed to pay for $200 in cocaine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A trial witness, testifying as part of a plea bargain, said that Boyd taped Huguleys feet together before another man doused him in gasoline and set him on fire. At his trial, Boyds lawyers maintained he was at a party that night and did not commit the murder. A jury convicted Boyd of capital murder during a kidnapping and recommended by a vote of 10-2 that he receive a death sentence. Boyd has been on Alabamas death row since 1995. He is the current chairman of Project Hope to Abolish the Death Penalty, an anti-death penalty group founded by men on death row. Shawn Ingram, who was accused of pouring the gasoline and then setting Huguley on fire, was also convicted of capital murder and is also on Alabamas death row. Moneek Ackles was sentenced to life in prison without parole. A fourth man, Quintay Cox, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of murder as part of a plea deal. Cox was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole. A Medicaid sign at a press conference held by U.S. Senate Democrats on Feb. 19, 2025. Alabama officials are considering ways to spend the share of federal mental health funding meant ot partially offset Medicaid cuts passed by the Republican-controlled Congress this year. (Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom) A new $50 billion rural health fund, part of the federal budget reconciliation law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), could help soften the impacts of upcoming Medicaid budget cuts if used strategically, state officials said Friday at the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) board meeting. The law, signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, includes a new rural health transformation program that provides $50 billion in grants for states over five years, from fiscal year 2026 through 2030. According to a brief from KFF, a national health policy research organization, the fund could partially offset just over a third (37%) of the estimated federal Medicaid spending cuts in rural areas, which are projected to be $137 billion over ten years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David White, senior policy advisor to Gov. Kay Ivey and a representative for the governor at the meeting, said that with rural population continuing to decline, a focus for the grant should be on how rural communities can use consolidation and technology, such as telehealth, to provide efficient and quality care. The goal, he said, should be to invest in sustainable solutions that make rural health care more accessible in the long term, rather than simply delaying financial struggles with temporary funding. If you dont invest in something to make yourself more viable down the road, why are we spending the money? Youre delaying doomsday, which is something but isnt enough, White said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The fund is divided into two parts. Half ($25 billion) will be distributed equally among states that apply for the grant and are approved. The other half ($25 billion) will be distributed at the discretion of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administrator, a post currently held by Dr. Mehmet Oz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement States are required to apply. Funds awarded must be used for at least three specific purposes from a list of options, including providing payments to health care providers; recruiting and retaining clinical workforce talent; assisting rural communities in right-sizing their health care delivery systems and supporting access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. The fund is temporary, while many of the broader cuts to health spending in the new law are not, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. The KFF brief states that new legislation would be required to provide additional support to rural areas after the funds dry up. Kimberly Boswell, ADMH commissioner, after saying at the board meeting that the program outlines in the bill are one of the more well-written sections of the bill, that is clear about what the expectations are, said the temporary nature of the program is also a concern. The big concern to me is just what happens after five years, Boswell said. The KFF brief notes that the law does not define rural and that non-rural areas could potentially receive funding. The law also does not require CMS to publish information about how the funds are distributed, although it could choose to do so. Law enforcement vehicles are positioned to protect the Confederate monument outside the Alamance County Courthouse in 2020. (Photo: Clayton Henkel) The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled last week that the federal courts lack jurisdiction to declare the arrest of Maurice Wells Jr. at a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest in Alamance County unconstitutional. Wells alleged he was racially discriminated against when he was arrested by Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson and charged with disorderly conduct and failure to disperse at a July 11, 2020 protest over the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. Wells was convicted of both charges in March 2021, and has appealed for a new trial before the Alamance County Superior Court, which remains pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his lawsuit, Wells requested a declaration from the federal courts that Johnson violated his First Amendment rights. Wells was arrested following an argument with supporters of Alamance County Taking Back Alamance County, a neo-Confederate group, as the BLM protesters demanded the removal of a Confederate statue at the county courthouse in Graham. His initial complaint, filed with the Alamance County Superior Court, says that members of ACTBAC, as the group is known, who also refused the sheriffs order to disperse were not arrested. The plaintiff, Mr. Wells, was deprived of his constitutional rights of free speech and assembly by the defendant, Sheriff Johnson, his attorneys wrote. Sheriff Johnsons actions are evidence of a practice or policy to disfavor the speech of people of color when applying and enforcing the law in Alamance County. In a response to the complaint, attorneys for Johnson wrote that he believed Wells to be inciting a fight at the protest and denied that his civil rights were violated. Johnson arrested Wells as he continuously rang the courthouse bell and refused to disperse when ordered, testifying at trial that he told Wells, Son, quit ringing the bell or youre going to jail. Its time to disperse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is denied that Plaintiffs arrest was part of a pattern and practice in which ACSO suppressed the rights of protesters to speak on matters of public concern following the death of George Floyd in May, 2020, lawyers for Johnson wrote. On Aug. 12, a Fourth Circuit panel made up of Judges Paul Niemeyer, Jay Richardson and Henry Floyd found Wells cannot be granted relief because he sought only a declaration that the arrest was unconstitutional, not damages, and failed to show that a declaration would protect him from future harm. [A plaintiff] must either allege or show that the preclusion is likely to help redress his injury by doing some work in future litigation. Wells does not, Richardson wrote. We therefore hold that the declaration Wells seeks does not offer constitutionally adequate redress. For this reason, Wells cannot seek it in federal court. The judges wrote that Wells did not show that a ruling in his favor would protect his rights going forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if he again faced arrest and again sued, Wells does not say why Johnson is the defendant against whom he would need preclusion. Wells gives no reason to think he will again protest in Alamance County or be arrested by Johnson himself, Richardson wrote. Yet if he protested elsewhere or faced arrest from officers belonging to another agency, no preclusive effect from this case would help him. The appeals court vacated a district court ruling dismissing Wellss case and returned it to the Alamance County Superior Court. The House chambers are seen on Friday, May 13, 2022, at the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau, Alaska. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon) The Alaska State Legislature is planning a brief session without taking any action on Tuesday, and legislative leaders say theyve already completed their intended work for the special session, which ends on Aug. 31. Gov. Mike Dunleavy called the 30-day session, which began on Aug. 2, for legislators to address his education policy priorities and to create a new Alaska Department of Agriculture. The Legislature convened one senator flying back from U.S. National Guard duty in Poland and within hours voted to override two of the governors vetoes. Lawmakers then adjourned until Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legislators voted to leave the session open and not officially close out the special session to prevent Dunleavy from calling them into another one. On Tuesday, just a handful of legislators are expected to be present for whats known as a technical session, said House Speaker Rep. Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, reached by phone Monday in his district. Edgmon said he was planning to fly back to Juneau to facilitate proceedings in the House on Tuesday, but said it will be brief. He said the Legislatures votes to override two of the governors vetoes, including restoring $51 million for K-12 schools, was a success and their only goal for the special session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the specter of the governor calling us right back in seems to be very prominent, Edgmon said. And we had to do what we had to do in terms of allowing members to go back home, go back to their districts, not being Juneau, drawing per diem, costing the state money with the stated intention, of course, of looking at the governors bills, continuing to consider the governors bills and the subject matter next session, as we started to do last session. The governor introduced three bills on Aug. 2, related to education policy, and Edgmon said they have been referred to related committees. Edgmon said hes had no communication from the governors office since the veto override votes. I wish we had a better relationship with the governor, to where we could plan things out, work jointly in terms of any outcomes for a special session. The governor is acting unilaterally, which, of course, is his prerogative, should he choose. But that does not bode well in terms of any kind of a positive result for special session, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeff Turner, the governors communications director, said by email Monday, lawmakers should not need an incentive to improve public education policy, and that it was the Legislatures decision to not take up the governors bills during this special session. Turner pointed to the governors comments on an Anchorage-based commercial radio show on Aug. 14, where Dunleavy criticized the Legislatures veto override restoring school funding, and said additional funding is not going to change the performance outcomes. The House and Senate are scheduled to gavel in at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. A new joint legislative education funding task force is scheduled to hold its first meeting on Aug 25, where its six members are expected to examine how the state funds schools, as well as Dunleavys educational policy items. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE CANBERRA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- An international team has embarked on a 54-day voyage to study the impacts of Tonga's 2022 underwater volcanic eruption, the largest in over a century. The expedition is aboard the research vessel Investigator of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia's national science agency, according to a statement released Tuesday by Australia's University of Tasmania (UTAS). The expedition will study the eruption of Tonga's underwater Hunga Volcano, a submarine volcano located 65 km northwest of Tonga's main island, and its devastation and recovery of marine ecosystems, it said. A team of 40 scientists and technical staff from UTAS, Tonga Geological Services, and partners from Fiji, New Zealand, Britain, and the United States will conduct over 120 scientific operations in and around the underwater volcano. The eruption produced an ash column reaching 58 km and triggered a Pacific-wide tsunami, disrupted fisheries, reshaped the seafloor, and damaged undersea cables that affected thousands in Tonga for months. The voyage's chief scientist, Associate Professor Rebecca Carey from the University of Tasmania, described the eruption site as a unique "ground zero" for studying the recovery of deep-sea ecosystems. Findings of the voyage will support hazard assessments, risk models, and recovery planning to build regional resilience and guide undersea communications backup installation for future cable breaks and volcanic events. "Our team will map the seafloor and sub-seafloor, extract sediment cores, conduct marine life surveys, and explore environmental DNA in seawater so we can better understand volcanic processes and ecosystem recovery," Carey said. Scientists will search for volcanic plumes indicating underwater volcanic activity, according to CSIRO. The research will also generate knowledge to help Pacific Island nations better manage risk from natural disasters to help protect fisheries and food security, it said. For all the pomp and staged drama of the summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska, the substantive part of the spectacle that is, the negotiations between two great powers over the grinding war in Ukraine did not at first appear to yield much. There was no deal and little detail on purported areas of progress. The post-Alaska analysis, however, suggested the U.S. had shifted away from Ukraines position. Trump, it was reported, essentially agreed to Putins call for territorial concessions by Ukraine and for efforts toward a conclusive peace agreement over an immediate ceasefire the latter opposed by Putin as Russia makes gains on the battlefield. Those apparent concessions were enough to prompt alarm in the capitals of Europe. A hastily arranged follow-up meeting between Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and assorted European Union allies and Trump in the White House on Aug. 18 yielded vague promises of security guarantees for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is all very frustrating for those looking for some concrete foundations of a peace deal. Yet, as a longtime scholar of Russian and Soviet history, I believe that the diplomatic whirl has revealed glimpses of what a future peace deal may look like. Or, more precisely, what it looks like for Putin and Trump. It may be a bitter pill for Ukraine to swallow, but what it all suggests is a meeting of minds between the leaders of the two great powers involved: Russia and the United States. After all, as Trump told Fox News following the Alaska summit: Its good when two big powers get along, especially when theyre nuclear powers. Were No. 1 and theyre No. 2 in the world. Known knowns and unknowns Some of what we already knew remains unchanged. First, the European powers notably Germany, France and the U.K. remain fully supportive of Ukraine and are prepared to back Kyiv in resisting the Russian invasion and occupation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, Zelenskyy opposes concessions to Russia, at least publicly. Rather, Ukraines leader seemingly believes that with Western and most importantly, American arms, Ukraine can effectively resist Russia and secure a better end to the conflict than is evident at this moment. Meeting Trump again in the Oval Office after being ambushed by Trump and Vice President JD Vance in February, Zelenskyy was as deferential and grateful to the U.S. president as his more formal dress indicated. All eyes were on Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Aug. 18, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images In contrast to Zelenskyy and the European powers, the aims and positions of the United States under Trump appear to be fluid. And while Putin talks of the need to address the primary causes of the Ukraine conflict and publicly pushes a maximalist position, it isnt entirely clear what he will actually settle for in regard to the security and land arrangements he says he needs. The imperial mindset I would argue that there are two ways of interpreting the aims of both the United States and Russia: imperial and hegemonic. The former stems from an understanding of those countries long experience as empires. Countries that have descended from empires have memories of former greatness that many wish to repeat in the present. And while there is nothing fatalistic about such imperial fantasies that translate the past into the present, they often echo in the repertoire of the influential and powerful. There are signs in the rhetoric of both Trump and Putin of such grandiose imperial impulses. Both have talked of returning their country to a great past and have harbored desires of annexing or dominating other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And many Western analysts of Russia are convinced that Putin dreams of becoming another Peter the Great, who expanded his empire into the Baltic region, or Catherine the Great, who sent her armies south into New Russia that is, what is today Ukraine. Hegemonic thinking But there is also another way, short of empire, that explains how great powers act in the world: as hegemons, either regionally or globally. Instead of the colonizing of other territories and peoples, hegemons act to dominate other countries economically and militarily and perhaps ideologically and politically, as well. They do so without taking over the smaller country. The United States, through its dominant position in NATO, is a hegemon whose sway is paramount among the members of the alliance which can hardly operate effectively without the agreement of Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putins interests, I would contend, are short of fully imperial which would require complete control of Ukraines domestic and foreign policy. But they are flagrantly hegemonic. In this reading, Putin may well be satisfied to get what the Soviets achieved in Finland during the Cold War: a compliant state that did not threaten Moscow, but remained independent in other ways. Putin has such an arrangement with Belarus and might be satisfied with a Ukraine thats not fully sovereign, militarily weak and outside of NATO. At the Alaska summit, Putin not only mentioned Ukraine as a brotherly nation, but also emphasized that the situation in Ukraine has to do with fundamental threats to Russian security. One can read Putins words in many ways, but his public comments in Alaska framed the Ukraine conflict in Russian security terms, rather than in imperialist language. Are negotiations possible? The problem for Putin is that Russia does not have the economic and military power, or the reputational soft power attraction, to become a stable, influential hegemon in its neighborhood. Because it cannot achieve what the U.S. has accomplished through a mix of hard and soft power since the fall of the Soviet Union that is, global hegemony it has turned to physical force. That move has proved disastrous in terms of casualties, domestic economic distress, the mass migration of hundreds of thousands of Russians opposed to the war, and isolation from the global capitalist economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Putin desires is something that shows to his people that the war was worth the sacrifices. And that may mean territorial expansion in the annexation of four contested provinces of Ukraine Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson as well as Crimea, taken in 2014. That goal certainly seems imperial. And while the distinctions between an imperial foreign policy and a hegemonic one may seem semantic or academic, they are crucial when looking at the prospects of peace. Imperialism is always about conquest and total subordination of one regime to another. If indeed Putin is an imperialist who wants full control of Ukraine or, as is often claimed, its elimination as a sovereign state and the recreation of a polity akin to the Soviet Union then negotiation and compromise with Russia become impossible. My sense is that to solidify his relations with Trump and his territorial gains in Ukraine, Putin will be satisfied with accepting the rest of Ukraine as a nation-state that remains outside of NATO and is neither a base for Western powers nor a perceived military threat to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The problem here, of course, is that such a solution may be unacceptable to Zelenskyy and would have to be imposed on Kyiv. That would be anathema to the major European powers, though not necessarily for Trump. And here we find another obstacle to peace in Ukraine: Europe and the U.S. do not have a united position on the final solution to the war. Even if both accept the view that Russias aims are primarily about its own idea of security rather than conquest or elimination of Ukraine, would Europe accept Putins demands for a major overhaul of the military balance in east-central Europe. Trump appears less concerned about the prospect of a truncated Ukraine subordinated to Russia. His major concerns seem to lie elsewhere, perhaps in the Nobel Peace Prize he covets. But the United States may have to guarantee the security of Ukraine against future Russian attacks, something that Trump has hinted at, even as he abhors the idea of sending American troops into foreign conflicts. While leaders talk peace, Russian drone strikes continue in Ukraine. Serhii Masin/Anadolu via Getty Images Realism at odds with a just peace Wars have consequences, both for the victorious and the defeated. And the longer this war goes on, the more likely the grinding advance of Russia further into Ukraine becomes, given the military might of Russia and Trumps ambivalent support of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With those realities in mind, the solution to the Russia-Ukraine war appears to be closer to what Russia is willing to accept than Ukraine. Ukraine, as Trump so brutally put it, does not have cards to play in this tragic game where great powers decide the fate of other countries. We are back to Thucydides, the ancient Greek founder of political science, who wrote: Right, as the world goes, is only in question between equals in power, while the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must. Not surprisingly, this is what international relations theorists call realism. 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: Ronald Suny, University of Michigan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Ronald Suny 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. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Pointing to prudence, a federal judge late Monday ruled that a battle about legal representation for people at an immigrant-detention center in the Everglades should move to a different court while also declaring part of the lawsuit moot. U.S. District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz issued a 47-page order that resolved some issues in the high-profile lawsuit alleging First Amendment violations at the detention center dubbed Alligator Alcatraz. Detainees and their attorneys contend, in part, they have been prevented from having proper confidential communications to discuss cases. The state in early July opened the facility at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, a remote site in the Everglades that is mostly in Collier County and partly in Miami-Dade County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The detainees and attorneys filed the lawsuit in the federal Southern District of Florida, which includes Miami-Dade County. But state and federal officials argued that it should have been filed in the federal Middle District of Florida, which includes Collier County. In his order, Ruiz, a judge in the Southern District, agreed that the case should be transferred to the Middle District as the disputed activities in the case are taking place on property in Collier County. The decision will lead to a different judge getting assigned to the fast-moving lawsuit. Plaintiffs have consistently maintained that the alleged barriers to counsel and inability to engage in confidential communications have taken place at Alligator Alcatraz, which is not in this (Southern) District, Ruiz, who held a hearing Monday, wrote. In addition to the First Amendment issues, the plaintiffs also argued in the lawsuit that the federal government had violated their rights by not identifying an immigration court that would handle their claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But over the weekend, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem filed a notice of material development saying judges at Krome North Processing Service Center would handle the detainees cases. Immigration hearings already take place at Krome, a Miami immigrant-detention center. In his order, Ruiz dismissed the immigration-court allegations in the lawsuit, saying they were moot after the federal decision about Krome. Prudence in this matter has revealed changed circumstances, a moot claim and improper venue warranting transfer, Ruiz wrote. The court has thus sifted through critical preliminary issues to advance the case and position a sister court in the Middle District of Florida to reach the merits of plaintiffs remaining claims under the First Amendment. The lawsuit over access to legal representation is one of two key federal court battles about the detention center. In the other case, Friends of the Everglades and the Center for Biological Diversity allege state and federal officials did not comply with a law requiring that an environmental-impact study be performed before developing the facility, which is surrounded by Big Cypress National Preserve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams on Aug. 7 issued a temporary restraining order that put on hold for two weeks additional construction or infrastructure, paving or installation of new lighting at the site. Williams is expected to rule this week on whether to grant a longer-lasting preliminary injunction. State Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie said last week the facility held 1,000 people and has a capacity for 2,000. Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state officials have touted the facility as helping carry out President Donald Trumps push to deport immigrants who are in the country illegally. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. KENTUCKY (FOX 56) Questions remain regarding the reported brothel that occurred in the same room where a Letcher County sheriff gunned down a district judge three years later. Former Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines was charged with the murder of a public official after the Sept. 19, 2024, courthouse shooting. Security cameras captured the entire exchange, including Stines unleashing gunfire on Judge Kevin Mullins. Kentucky sheriff reportedly shoots judge: A look at the timeline, investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just days before the shooting, Stines was deposed in a lawsuit filed by two women, one of whom alleged that former Letcher County Deputy Sheriff Ben Fields forced her to have sex inside Mullins chambers for six months in exchange for staying out of jail. Attorneys have previously told FOX 56 that this lawsuit plays a bigger role in the shooting than meets the eye. I think that Mr. Stines demeanor prior to, during the deposition, and after the deposition are going to be important things to look at, his attorney, Jeremey Bartley, said. Victim claims Mullins held her entire life in his hands Nexstars NewsNation spoke with Tya Adams, who said she knew Mullins through his past work as an assistant commonwealth attorney. Thats when he started introducing me to his friends, Adams told NewsNation. And we would do sex parties and perform shows and have sex with them for money, things like that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although she said what happened with her was consensual, she felt pressured to go along with it, and she couldnt say no. It was consensual, but it was the thing that we were so young, and then they used it against us and to destroy our lives later with the legal system, with the legal system and CPS systematically removing your whole life piece by piece, Adams said. Hes the one with the power; he holds my entire life in his hands. Hes the one who makes the decisions over whether I get to keep my children or not. Hes the one who makes the decisions on whether I go to jail. When asked if she was told to keep it under wraps, Adams said it was a given. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who would believe it anyway? Because the whole towns doing it, you know, nobody cares. Theyre all swingers. Its all a big party to them. It was just like, so normal, she said. Mullins involvement with the sex ring allegedly hosted in his quarters has long been questioned. On Dec. 6, NewsNation released audio recordings obtained from Fields criminal investigation. The woman in the recording, Sabrina Adkins, was one of two women who filed the 2022 lawsuit against Fields. He does have some videotapes of some stuff in the judges chambers just with girls, sexual and stuff, Adkins said in the recording. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those videotapes allegedly depict Ben and just some higher-ups engaging in sexual contact with the victims in Mullins chambers, according to Adkins. When asked to clarify who the higher-ups were, she explicitly mentions seeing the judge. I seen Judge Mullins having sex with a girl, Adkins said. Adkins attorney, Ned Pillersdorf, told NewsNation, Its like they were running a brothel out of that courtroom. Mullins was not listed as a defendant in the 2022 lawsuit, but it did note the acts were taking place in his chambers. It came up again during grand jury proceedings. This was revealed in a July filing arguing for the court to uphold the indictment against the former sheriff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more of the latest Kentucky news The only question presented pertaining to a pending civil case came at the 24:09 mark of the recording when a grand juror said, So, you said the ongoing lawsuit against the Sheriffs Office. Did Judge Mullins have any relation to that case in any way? prosecutors wrote. Stamper answered, Nonot. Prosecutors then clarified, To your knowledge, was Judge Mullins involved? Stamper testified, To my knowledge, no. No involvement. Adams interview marks the third time that women have alleged Mullins involvement went beyond just the room where it happened. Ive had sex with him in the chambers, she explained. I was part of it. I was one of them. Former deputy jailer: It was nasty, sickening Sarah Davis, a former deputy jailer at the Letcher County Jail, said she had never seen it firsthand, but that the stories she heard were nasty and sickening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats kind of the thing that everybody in the county knows, but it was confirmed to me after working in the jail, especially after being invited to a party myself, Davis explained. NewsNations Brian Entin asked her to clarify who invited her to the sex party. It was Mr. Mullins himself, she said. Further, she claims that Deputy Fields wasnt an outlier. RELATED | Former Letcher County deputy sheriff indicted for rape, perjury Did you ever see anyone having sex? I had never seen anybody having sex, but I had heard stories. One of the female guards specifically was telling me that one of the places she takes male inmates was the storage room. You cant get in there without a key, and thats where they take them. A lot of times, they get taken up into the courthouse, especially after hours, late at night, when nobodys at work and nobodys up there. So its all empty. Its all empty space, Davis explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And oftentimes, the inmates would be incentivized for participating. The smallest things, unless youre going unless youre going with one of the overheads; if theyre sleeping with the guard, its mostly for things like cigarettes, time out of cell, Pops, commissary, things like that, Davis said. She emphasized that when she heard the news that Mullins had been shot to death, she knew it was all going to come out. A lot of the corruption was going to come out, Davis told NewsNation. Because even I believe that the sheriff, he either knew something or something was going on that he knew about, that we all might not know about, but he was doing something to protect us. Is this what we want for our next generation? Why did the ring go undetected for so long? Adams believes its because the ones in control are the ones in charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont want our kids to have to grow up in this town like it has been for us, because once they get their hooks in you, they never let you go. You dont get to live. You dont get to choose your life. You dont choose your own path. They do that for you, she emphasized. But in the aftermath, people like Davis have hope that once things come to light, change will finally come. There are so many people that have come out and spoken out about what Judge Mullins has done; even if were afraid to speak up on it, we need to, because is this what we want for our next generation? Davis asked. I want an actual community thats not based on if youve got money and know people and if youre willing to get on your knees or your back. Its sickening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents dont name Mullins as a defendant in the Fields investigation. He was never criminally charged in connection with the allegations before his death. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. The Allegheny County Sheriffs Office is mourning the unexpected death of a long-time deputy sheriff. Sheriff Kevin Kraus announced the death of Deputy Sheriff Ronald Stokes Jr., 54, on Monday. Stokes' obituary states he died on Aug. 15. Stokes began his career in 1999, ultimately spending over 30 years in law enforcement, 26 of which were as a deputy sheriff. Kraus recalled a moment in 2008 that he thinks best illustrated Stokes dedication as a public servant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ron and other deputies came under fire while attempting to apprehend a homicide suspect. Ron suffered a gunshot wound to his leg during the exchange but continued his efforts to stop the suspect, Kraus wrote. Stokes received a Medal of Valor, a Purple Heart and an Amen Corner award for his actions that day. And, according to his obituary, those are only a few of the accolades he earned in his lifetime. Ron was a friend to many in and out of the courthouse and beyond law enforcement and he will be sorely missed by all, Kraus wrote. Stokes is survived by his wife of 25 years and two children. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW UPDATE, August 22, 5:55 am Per the Riviera Beach Police Department in Florida, both Aizon and Akachi Turner have been located and are safe. Their mother, Audrey Turner, accused of taking them, has been detained in Georgia. *** FLORIDA/GEORGIA (WJBF) An Amber Alert was issued for 2 children who were last seen in Riviera Beach, Florida. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), the two missing children are: Aizon Turner Age now: 3 years Sex: Male Skin: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 30 Weight: 32 lbs Description: Last seen wearing a khaki shirt, khaki shorts, and black light-up shoes with red trim. Akachi Turner Age now: 11 years Sex: Male Skin: Black Hair: Black Eyes: Brown Height: 50 Weight: 72 lbs Description: Last seen wearing a black shirt, black pants, and high-top FILA sneakers Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The children may be in the company of Audrey Turner. Shes described as: Age now: 43 years Sex: Female Skin: Black Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Height: 55 Weight: 180 lbs Description: Last seen wearing a black tank top and cream skirt with black stripes. Audrey may be wearing her hair in a ponytail and has a nose ring. Akachi and Aizon were last seen in Tift County, GA with Audrey Turner traveling in a black Toyota Camry with front end damage at 8 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025. The GBI has since issued a Levis Call and said the children are believed to be in extreme danger. If you have information, contact: Riviera Beach Police Department at 561-845-4123 or call 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. UPDATE: The children have been found safe. Audrey Turner was taken into custody. A Levis Call, Georgias version of an Amber Alert, was issued Tuesday for a missing 3-year-old and 11-year-old last seen in Tift County. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Akachi Turner, 11, and Aizon Turner, 3, were traveling in a black Toyota with front end damage at 8 a.m. Monday with Audrey Turner. The children are believed to be in extreme danger, the GBI said. People are urged to call 911 or the Riviera Beach Police Department at 561-845-4123. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Akachi was wearing a black shirt, black pants and black Fila sneakers. Aizon was wearing a khaki shirt, khaki shorts and black light-up shoes with a red trim. Audrey Turner was wearing a black tank top, cream shirt with black stripes, a nose ring, and a pony tail. Direction of travel is unknown, but a previous Amber Alert in Florida said they may be heading to the Atlanta area. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Aizon is described as 3 feet tall, weighing 32 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Akachi Turner is described as 5 feet tall, weighing 72 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Audrey Turner, a female, who is 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighs 180 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. They also may be accompanied by an unknown female. They were last seen in Florida in Riviera Beach. The Florida alert was issued after the children were last seen in the area of the 1200th block of West 6th Street. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] While tourism is booming in many countries, the U.S. is falling behind. A recent report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) found that the U.S. is the only country forecasted to see a decline in international visitor spending in 2025. In March, international travel to the U.S. fell 14% compared with the same period last year, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Tourism from Canada has had the sharpest decline Canadian visits in May decreased by 38% by car and 24% by air compared to the same month in 2024, according to the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO). Travel from Western Europe is also declining, falling nearly 5% in 2025. While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the closed sign, said Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the price tag is staggering. In total, this decrease in tourism could cost the United States an estimated $29 billion, and experts warn that number could grow if policies dont change. Don't miss How are Trump's policies impacting international tourism? President Donald Trumps policies and rhetoric have had a measurable impact on international tourism to the U.S. While hes not the sole cause of the current slowdown, some of his decisions have contributed. The most recent concern is Trumps proposed $250 visa integrity fee, which would apply to tourists from dozens of countries, including many of Americas allies. Though intended to combat overstays and visa fraud, travel industry groups say it will instead deter visitors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new visa integrity fee increases the upfront costs of visiting the U.S. 144%, while doing nothing to lower interview wait times, said Erik Hansen, senior vice president of government relations at the U.S. Travel Association. Canada, historically a top source of tourism, has pushed back against comments and tariffs. After Trump claimed the U.S. subsidizes Canada and said they should become the "51st state, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other Canadian officials began urging citizens to explore destinations elsewhere and avoid buying U.S. products. Heightened border security and even detentions of Canadians at the U.S. border have likely contributed to this decline. Trump's treatment of global allies including controversial comments about NATO and the Ukrainian president, along with the missile strikes in Iran has further damaged the U.S.'s image. Tariffs have also strained relationships with China, Canada and the EU. International tourists now report feeling less welcome and more anxious about entering the country. Read more: Nervous about the stock market? Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund even if youre not a millionaire. Heres how to get started with as little as $10 Can U.S. tourism bounce back? Tourism is a vital part of the U.S. economy, contributing more than $2 trillion annually and supporting roughly nine million American jobs, according to the International Trade Administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the country as a whole isnt reliant on tourism to the same degree as some smaller nations, local economies absolutely are especially cities such as Las Vegas, Orlando and towns along the Canadian and Mexican borders. Las Vegas, for example, experienced an 11.3% decline in visits in June 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Towns near the Canadian border are also reporting massive decreases in tourism. To revive tourism, industry experts say the U.S. needs to make policy changes. Those include: Eliminate unnecessary visa fees and avoid adding new ones. Reduce visa wait times, which can stretch over a year in some countries. Invest in global marketing campaigns to repair Americas image as a destination. Ease border entry experiences, especially for travelers from trusted nations. Strengthen relationships with international allies, especially top tourism sources such as Canada, the U.K. and Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Individual towns and businesses can take their own steps to improve local tourism by exploring ways to attract domestic travelers, investing in local events and partnering with airlines or travel platforms to promote off-season travel and lesser-known destinations. Offering incentives such as discounted lodging, dining packages or loyalty programs can also help attract more visitors and keep tourism dollars circulating locally. However, if national policies dont shift, the U.S. risks losing ground in the long term, not just in revenue, but also in cultural exchange, diplomacy and global influence. What to read next Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. By Jason Lange and Alexandra Alper WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Americans are deeply concerned over the prospect that advances in artificial intelligence could put swaths of the country out of work permanently, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll. The six-day poll, which concluded on Monday, showed 71% of respondents said they were concerned that AI will be "putting too many people out of work permanently." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new technology burst into the national conversation in late 2022 when OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot launched and became the fastest-growing application of all time, with tech heavyweights like Facebook owner Meta Platforms, Google owner Alphabet and Microsoft offering their own AI products. While at present there are few signs of mass unemployment - the U.S. jobless rate was just 4.2% in July - artificial intelligence is stirring concerns as it reshapes jobs, industries and day-to-day life. Some 77% of respondents to the Reuters/Ipsos poll said they worried the technology could be used to stir up political chaos, a sign of unease over the now-common use of AI technology to create realistic videos of imaginary events. President Donald Trump last month posted on social media an AI-generated video of former Democratic president Barack Obama being arrested, an event that never happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans are also leery about military applications for AI, the Reuters/Ipsos poll showed. Some 48% of respondents said the government should never use AI to determine the target of a military strike, compared with 24% who said the government should allow that sort of use of the technology. Another 28% said they were not sure. The general enthusiasm for AI shown by many people and companies has fueled further investments, such as Foxconn and SoftBank's planned data center equipment factory in Ohio. It has also upended national security policies as the United States and China vie for AI dominance. More than half of Americans - some 61% - said they were concerned about the amount of electricity needed to power the fast-growing technology. Google said earlier this month it had signed agreements with two U.S. electric utilities to reduce its AI data center power consumption during times of surging demand on the grid, as energy-intensive AI use outpaces power supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new technology has also come under criticism for applications that have let AI bots hold romantic conversations with children, generate false medical information and help people make racist arguments. Two-thirds of respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos poll said they worried that people would ditch relationships with other people in favor of AI companions. People were split on whether AI technology will improve education. Some 36% of respondents thought it would help, while 40% disagreed and the rest were not sure. The Reuters/Ipsos survey gathered responses online from 4,446 U.S. adults nationwide and had a margin of error of about 2 percentage points. (Reporting by Jason Lange and Alexandra Alper in Washington; Editing by Scott Malone and Matthew Lewis) NEW YORK Probation Commissioner Juanita Holmes moved last week to underscore policies aimed at controlling the flow of information amid criticism of her tenure stemming from a July 28 Council hearing and from within the agency, the Daily News has learned. Holmes aide Antonio Pullano sent an email Friday to Probation employees reminding them of a policy they are not to speak with reporters, a copy of that document shows. A second written order went out midweek barring the use of thumb drives in the office, which can be used to make copies of agency documents. Earlier last week, a sign appeared at the entrance to the cubicles of the Human Resources division at Probation headquarters on the 18th floor of 33 Beaver St. Authorized personnel only, the sign reads, a photo obtained by The News shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memos come after The News revealed Thursday that Holmes sidelined her Chief Information Officer Razwan Mirza while at the same time hiring her niece, Demmi Slaughter, for a role in the department. The agency said she was hired as a certified IT administrator but an inboarding document obtained by The News shows her listed as Assistant Commissioner of Information Technology. The News also obtained internal agency statistics which showed rearrests of probationers had spiked 19% during Holmes tenure. Holmes had twice claimed in the hearing that rearrests were down, then tried to blame her predecessor Ana Bermudez for supposedly manipulating statistics. The number of rearrests are key indicator for an agency that is supposed to be preventing probationers from reoffending. The moves took place after The News sent detailed inquiries to Probation and the City Hall press office Aug. 11 about Mirza and Slaughter and the internal statistics showing the increase in rearrests. The News also previously reported that the city Comptoller barred Probation from self-registering certain contracts after finding the agency sidestepped procurement rules in the taxpayer-funded purchase of Holmes $87,000 SUV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Probation spokeswoman Regina Graham defended the media email, saying This is a longtime city policy and has existed across several mayoral administrations and DOP Commissioners. Across every single city agency, anyone must get approval and clearance by senior supervision and the Deputy Mayor for Communications to speak to members of the public or the press in your official capacity as a city employee, she said in a statement. This longstanding policy does not exist to protect any commissioner or mayor it exists to ensure that New Yorkers receive accurate, clear information from their city government. Rendy Desamours, a spokesman for the City Council, said, The questionable data provided to the Council and staffing turmoil within the Department point to severe leadership challenges that are undermining its mission and the efforts of rank-and-file agency staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These issues have real consequences for New Yorkers public safety and the stability of our communities. They cannot be swept under the rug City Hall and DOP leadership must advance meaningful solutions that reduce high caseloads, restore confidence, and ensure clients are being effectively supported. The Council statement built upon a call last week by Council Member Sandy Nurse for an outside audit of Probation. Graham said Holmes would welcome any outside entity to conduct an agency audit, adding that Probation was in an antiquated state prior to Holmes arrival. Since instituting critical changes, Commissioner Holmes has received positive feedback from dozens of staff members, who welcome these innovative shifts and her leadership, she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pullanos email on the media said, This is a reminder that DOP policy prevents speaking to or sharing information with the media without approval from the communication team and/or the commissioner, the one-paragraph memo reads. The thumb drive ban was issued two days earlier. Effective immediately, the use of USB drives and other removable media devices is strictly prohibited on all DOP computers, laptops, tablets and networks, the thumb drive edict stated. These devices present a high security risk and can expose and compromise systems data. The missive added, All USB and removable media ports will be blocked to prevent unauthorized use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graham explained that thumb drives present (a) high security risk and said There is no acceptable reason to share confidential information, though Graham did not specify what confidential information had been shared. The authorized personnel only signs at Human Resources appeared first last week. Probations HR department has had significant turnover under Holmes, and questions have been raised about the hiring of friends and relatives to posts with the agency. The department said that because amongst the 23 floors in the building, three of the floors are occupied by DOP staff it must be indicative that these DOP specific floors have signage noting for Authorized Personnel Only. Archaeologists say they have discovered the ruins of what they believe are the boundaries of an ancient temple belonging to the mysterious Andean society of Tiwanaku that disappeared around AD 1000. The research team unearthed the immense temple complex in the highlands of what is now Bolivias municipality of Caracollo. The site is southeast of Lake Titicaca, a different region than where researchers had previously focused their search for clues that might help unravel the secrets of this lost society. The extraordinary find is roughly 130 miles (about 210 kilometers) south of the established archaeological site of Tiwanaku, the capital of the powerful empire that preceded the Incas. The latest findings were described in a study published on June 24 in the journal Antiquity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Called Palaspata after the native name for the region, the temple lies outside the borders of where Tiwanaku was previously known to have expanded, said Dr. Jose Capriles, a Bolivian archaeologist and associate professor of anthropology at Pennsylvania State University. Capriles, who was the lead author of the study, noted that the buildings architectural elements, including a terraced platform and sunken courtyard, have a striking resemblance to the Tiwanaku style found in other parts of the Lake Titicaca region. We dont expect it in this particular place and the fact that it exists there is remarkable, he said. The temple, which has a trail cutting through it from repeated travel by locals, is near a long-used Bolivian travel route, now called the La PazCochabamba Highway, which connected three trade routes used by other societies that followed, like the Inca. The discovery of the ceremonial temple is shedding light on the interconnectivity of the lost societys various territories and how Palaspata could have served as a gateway for Tiwanaku society to expand its power in the region, according to the researchers. Researchers found keru cups on the surface of the ruins. Keru cups were used to drink chicha, a maize-based alcohol, and suggest that the temple was used for large gatherings. - Jose Capriles/Penn State Who were the Tiwanaku? Archaeological investigations of Tiwanaku sites began in the 1860s, but researchers still have scant knowledge of the society. Most of what experts know has been deduced from studying ceramics, camelid remains, and other religious sites, such as Akapana, that dot the Andean highlands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tiwanaku communities first emerged in an altiplano, or high plain, of the Andes called the Titicaca Basin, named after Lake Titicaca. Due to its location, farming crops, like maize, was difficult, so the people relied on llama caravans to connect the communities in the region and facilitate trade. The capital city of Tiwanaku, also called Tiwanaku, managed trade, commerce and interregional interaction, according to the study. Tiwanaku was what we call a primary state formation, meaning that it was a complex society that had complex social stratification, Capriles said. The empire developed without external influence and emerged out of a series of prior agricultural societies. Evidence of Tiwanaku objects, like pottery, suggests Tiwanaku people began to settle in that area around AD 700, as well as farther west in a valley thats now southern Peru, according to Dr. Nicola OConnor Sharratt, associate professor of anthropology at Georgia State University. She was not involved in the study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tiwanaku populations are also suspected to have lived in what is now northern Chile and in Cochabamba, Sharratt added. The Tiwanaku constructed Palaspata to further exert its sociopolitical influence over other societies in the area by controlling trade between regions, the new study suggests. The placement of this site is strategically located between two major geographic zones of the Andean Highlands, Capriles said. This might have been sort of a nice strategic control outpost that not only controlled flow of goods in an economic and political sense, but it also did so through religion, and this is why it is a temple, he said. The alignment of religious, political and economic institutions, which is how many of these institutions emerge, is something that I think people were kind of surprised about. The temple, Palaspata, is approximately 125 meters long by 145 meters wide (410 by 475 feet) and has 15 modular enclosures surrounding the central plaza. - Jose Capriles/Penn State Uncovering a lost temple The temple Palaspata is only visible by its perimeter wall, which is outlined with red sandstone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While working on an unrelated archaeology project near the highway, researchers noticed the structure and decided it seemed significant, Capriles said. They investigated the area further on foot and with drones. From the initial findings, Capriles was able to use 3D rendering to create a digital reconstruction of the temple. The structure is 125 meters long and 145 meters wide (410 by 475 feet) about the size of a city block with 15 modular enclosures that were likely rooms surrounding an inner courtyard. The buildings main entrance faces west, aligned with the solar equinox and indicative of the temples religious role in the society. While not much is known of Tiwanakus spiritual practices, archaeologists have previously found stone monoliths and ceramics with plant- and animal-based symbolism that may allude to traditions known to be part of other pre-Inca societies. Researchers on past expeditions related to Tiwanaku commonly uncovered religious structures designed to highlight the landscapes natural features and align with key events in the solar cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Archaeologists have also found Tiwanaku pottery at the site, such as keru cups, typically used to drink some form of maize-based alcohol. This suggests that the building was likely used for parties or large gatherings, Sharratt said. Compared with other ancient societies, Tiwanaku remains enigmatic, and researchers have a limited, patchwork understanding of the civilization, according to Sharratt. Archaeological theories suggest that Tiwanaku collapsed because of a drought or environmental degradation. Others experts believe that both of these factors may have led to social tension and unrest, ultimately giving rise to a populist uprising. Why dont researchers know much about this cryptic society? Tiwanaku didnt fit some early archaeologists ideas about what a state should look like or where you could have a thriving city, Sharratt said. It hasnt necessarily met all of our expectations, so I think thats partly why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Two railway workers were killed and five others were injured on Tuesday after being hit by a train in southeastern South Korea, according to Yonhap news agency. The passenger train struck seven railway workers, who had been moving to inspect structures on a slope near tracks in the southeastern city of Cheongdo, at about 10:50 a.m. local time (0150 GMT). Two workers died while five others suffered heavy and light injuries. Some of the injured were in critical condition. On board the train were 89 passengers, from whom no injury was reported. The state-run Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) was quoted as saying that the workers were carrying out an inspection of the facilities following the recent heavy rains in the region. The police were investigating the exact cause of the accident and looking into whether safety measures were taken according to relevant laws. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey will step down next month as the states top cop to become co-deputy director with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Baileys resignation will take effect on Monday, Sept. 8. In a statement, the outgoing attorney general expressed gratitude to serve the state, but said duty calls in the nations capitol. It has been a humbling privilege to serve as the 44th Attorney General of the State of Missouri, and I am forever grateful to the people of Missouri for the opportunity to represent our state and your families, he said. My life has been defined by a call to service, and I am once again answering that call, this time at the national level. But wherever I am called, Missouri is and always will be home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bailey will serve as co-deputy director alongside Dan Bongino. Both men will report to FBI Director Kash Patel. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi heralded Baileys dedication to service in a statement. I am thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as Co-Deputy Director of the FBI. He has served as a distinguished attorney general for Missouri and is a decorated war veteran, bringing expertise and dedication to service, she said. His leadership and commitment to country will be a tremendous asset as we work together to advance President Trumps mission. While we know this is undoubtedly a great loss for Missouri, it is a tremendous gain for America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe will appoint Baileys successor at a 10 a.m. news conference on Tuesday. Kehoe praised Baileys strong leadership as attorney general, adding that hell be a valuable asset to federal law enforcement. Several candidates are being considered to replace Bailey once his resignation takes effect on Sept. 8. Former U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway is reportedly the leading contender for the position. Hanaway has a notable history in Missouri politics, including being the first and only woman to serve as Speaker of the House. Other potential successors include State Senator Tony Luetkemeyer of Kansas City, State Senator David Gregory of St. Louis County, State Senator Nicholas Schroer of St. Charles County, State Treasurer Vivek Malek, and Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger, who was elected earlier this year. With Baileys departure, Missouri will soon have its fourth attorney general in more than eight years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Josh Hawley served as Missouri AG for less than two years before winning Claire McCaskills Senate seat in the 2018 election. Former Governor Mike Parson appointed Eric Schmitt to succeed Hawley. Voters backed Schmitt for a full term in the 2020 elections. However, in March 2021, Schmitt announced his intention to run for Senate with Roy Blunts impending retirement. Schmitt won the Senate race in 2022 and assumed office in January 2023. Parson appointed Bailey to serve the remainder of Schmitts term. Bailey won a full term in 2024. He was rumored to be a finalist for U.S. Attorney General before Bondi was selected for the position. FOX News Digital first broke the story, with the Missouri Independent providing additional reporting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told a crowd at a fundraiser over the weekend President Donald Trump will help him beat his rival Zohran Mamdani in the race for New York City mayor. Cuomo is running as an independent after Mandani, a democratic socialist, beat him and others in the Democratic primary in June. Mamdani is currently leading in the polls against Cuomo, incumbent Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa. A poll conducted by Gotham Polling & Analytics for AARP, a nonprofit dedicated to helping older Americans, on August 11 found Mamdani with 41.8 percent of the vote, followed by Cuomo with 23.4 percent, Sliwa with 16.5 percent and Adams with 8.8 percent. Adams is also running as an independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a Saturday fundraiser in the Hamptons on nearby Long Island, Cuomo told the crowd, We can minimize [the Sliwa] vote, because hell never be a serious candidate, Politico reported, citing audio from the event. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, pictured, told a crowd at a fundraiser over the weekend President Donald Trump will help him beat his rival Zohran Mamdani in the race for New York City mayor (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) And Trump himself, as well as top Republicans, will say the goal is to stop Mamdani. And youll be wasting your vote on Sliwa. So I feel good about that, Cuomo said. Earlier this month, The New York Times reported Trump took a call with Cuomo as he considers intervening in the competitive race. Trump had previously threatened to arrest Mamdani if he won the election and then followed through on his promise to defy Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids in New York City. Mamdani has also picked fights with the president, launching a five boroughs against Trump tour to bring attention to the White Houses agenda and tie his opponents to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the president and Cuomo would still be an unlikely alliance given their past criticisms of each other. Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi previously denied the NYTs reporting, telling The Independent, The Governor and the President have not spoken in some time. As far as I know, they have not discussed the race. He also suggested Trump would be more interested in Mamdani or the other candidates in the race. Additionally, the president told reporters after the NYT article was published he had not spoken with Cuomo. Mamdani is currently leading in the polls against Cuomo, incumbent Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Azzopardi called Politicos reporting, silly, telling The Independent Tuesday, The governor was asked what he heard to be a hypothetical about how it could become a two person race and was speculating. Were not asking for or expecting help from anyone he also said the mayor would have to drop out and the mayor said he wasnt going to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Cuomo is the only chance to beat Mamdani and ensure the greatest city in the world stays the greatest city in the world, the spokesman said. Dora Pekec, a spokesperson for Mamdani, accused Cuomo of planning to rig the election, Politico reported. Since hes too afraid to say it to New Yorkers faces, well make it clear: Andrew Cuomo IS Donald Trumps choice for mayor, she said. Cuomo said Sliwa will 'never be a serious candidate' in the mayor's race (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Maria Sliwa, the media director for Sliwas campaign, told The Independent Tuesday, "Its just sad that Andrew Cuomo thinks a Trump headline will save him. If he actually left the Hamptons, hed see that New Yorkers regret everything he stands for, from being the architect of crime with his disastrous no-bail law to his failed COVID policies that devastated families. His campaign is a mess, and desperate people do desperate things, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has yet to publicly endorse any mayoral candidate and Cuomo previously said he wouldnt accept an endorsement from the president. The Independent has reached out to Mamdanis campaign and the White House for comment. Conservative influencer Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan Tate, are suing Meta and TikTok over what they describe as the unlawful and politically motivated decision to deplatform the pair on the social media sites. The Tate brothers, who were banned from TikTok and Metas Instagram and Facebook in 2022, filed lawsuits against both companies last week, alleging a coordinated campaign to suppress, silence, and destroy the reputations and livelihoods of the two men. This campaign was carried out not merely by private actors, but in concert with government officials, media operatives, and ideological pressure groupsthus transforming Meta into a state actor for purposes of constitutional liability, the filing reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A similar statement also appears in the TikTok lawsuit. The brothers argue that the banning of their accounts amounts to a breach of contract and caused substantial financial losses, bringing a dozen claims against both Meta and TikTok. They dispute the companies rationales for banning them, arguing that claims they promoted dangerous individuals or incited misogyny lacked substantiation and were unsupported by adjudicated findings. Andrew Tate is a self-described misogynist. Meta declined to comment. TikTok did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment. The Tate brothers, who are dual American and British citizens, face various charges in both the United Kingdom and Romania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British prosecutors charged both men with rape, human trafficking and actual bodily harm in May. Andrew Tate is also accused by the U.K. authorities of controlling prostitution. They face similar charges of human trafficking and sexual misconduct in Romania. The brothers have denied any wrongdoing. They returned to the U.S. earlier this year, where they received a chilly reception. After they landed in Miami in February, the Florida attorney general launched an investigation into the two men. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON Republicans are looking to include community project funding in the next government spending bill, a return to past years when members of Congress could funnel money directly to their districts. The potential move could bring over $300 million to local developments across Maryland. Rep. Andy Harris, an Eastern Shore Republican, is among the lawmakers pushing for a government funding plan that includes community project funding, according to Politico. Harris is a fiscal conservative who chairs the House Freedom Caucus, a group that is typically resistant to increasing government spending. His office did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some conservatives supportive of the project funding hope that including it will help avoid a more costly government funding package. Harris is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees funding the government. Harris spot on the committee is uniquely powerful given his additional position as chairman of the Freedom Caucus. Hes a voice that speaks to members of both, hoping to bend the committee closer to the Freedom Caucus fiscal priorities while guiding the caucus response to the proposed funding. In addition to earmarks, Harris has been a public advocate for Congress to claw back government funding that has already been appropriated. Congress passed a $9 billion clawback, known as a rescissions package, in July. Additional rescissions packages are a win for taxpayers, Harris said in July. Every dollar clawed back is money returned to the people. Some Democrats have said that the threat of additional rescissions is damaging to negotiations to fund the government. Rep. Johnny Olszewski, a Baltimore County Democrat, previously told The Baltimore Sun that any funding bill allowing for further rescissions packages would be a nonstarter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers can request community project funding to be set aside for developments in their districts. Community project funding is a revision of congressional earmarks. Earmarks are individual allocations of federal money for local projects that any lawmaker can request be included in the annual government funding bills. Republicans temporarily banned earmarks in 2011, but Democrats resurrected the practice 10 years later with stricter ethical guidelines. Before being banned, earmarks were a means for members to directly aid their districts with federal dollars for projects that were beyond the scale of local governments. They were often criticized as hotbeds for wasteful spending that lacked oversight. Community development funding wasnt included in the March government spending bill after being removed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican. Maryland House members have requested over $341 million in federal dollars for projects in their districts, with each submitting applications for 15 projects. The requests ranged from $51,550 to expand a food pantry in Westminster to $16 million in upgrades for the Middle River Volunteer Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris led the delegation with over $99 million in requested project funding, including the $16 million for Middle River VFD and another $16 million for train track repairs in the Eastern Shore. Rep. Glenn Ivey, a Prince Georges County Democrat, was second among Maryland House members. He requested over $77 million in project funding. Among Iveys requests were $16 million to renovate Attick Towers Apartments in College Park and over $1 million for the Center for Artificial Intelligence at the University of Maryland. Ivey is also a member of the House Appropriations Committee. Funding for the federal government will expire on September 30, giving Congress less than a month to avoid a shutdown once it returns from summer recess. Including earmarks is a potential path forward, but it is not the only one, according to one member of the committee. Negotiations are ongoing and various ideas are being discussed, including potentially using some of the money raised through tariffs to pay down the national debt. -------------- Anti-corruption protests rocked the Serbian capital of Belgrade as student-led demonstrators clashed with supporters of President Aleksandar Vucic and his political party, demanding new elections. Violent clashes between anti-government protesters and Serbian security forces have intensified over the last week, with protesters setting fire to an office building belonging to the ruling party in Novi Sad. "You will see the full determination of the Serbian state. We will use everything at our disposal to restore law, peace and order," President Vucic said in an address to the nation Saturday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serbia Rocked By Anti-corruption Protests After Construction Tragedy Demonstrators stand in clouds of tear gas during anti-government protests in Belgrade on August 16. Tens of thousands of college students have been marching and protesting since December, demanding justice and accountability after the deaths of 16 people in the collapse of a railway station in the Serbian town of Novi Sad. The canopy at the railway station collapsed Nov. 1 after renovations led by two Chinese companies. The government is accused of not implementing student demands, including the release of all documentation related to the reconstruction of the train station. In his speech, Vucic said that justice must be served for all those responsible for the 16 victims of the Novi Sad rail station collapse. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics have called out the heavy-handed response used against protesters. Alan Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, said in a post on X that he was concerned with the rising violence. Students and anti-government demonstrators light the flashlights of their mobile phones during a protest, which has become a national movement for change following the deadly November 2024 Novi Sad railway station roof collapse, in Belgrade, Serbia, March 15. Serbia, Caught Between Europe And Russia, Could Move One Step Closer To Normalizing Relations With Kosovo "I call for calm and respect of the right to peaceful assembly. Serbian authorities must uphold Council of Europe standards. The rule of law and respect for human rights must prevail," Berset said. Serbias foreign minister, Marko Djuric, responded to the criticism in a statement to Fox News Digital. "We respect and protect peaceful protestit is part of our democratic fabric. But when demonstrations turn into physical attacks and attempts to destabilize the country, the government has both the right and the duty to respond." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serbia, Caught Between Europe And Russia, Could Move One Step Closer To Normalizing Relations With Kosovo "This is by far the biggest threat Vucic has faced in the last 13 years, and it is very unlikely that Vucic will weather the storm without elections," Helena Ivanov, senior fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, told Fox News Digital. "The country is not functioning, and the situation is dangerously escalating. The only way out of the problem is to hold free and fair elections as soon as possible. "Everything else will further destabilize the situation, which could have devastating consequences," Ivanov added. The government is accused of not fulfilling one of the original student demands, including the release of all documentation related to the reconstruction of the train station. Serbian riot police clash with anti-government protesters in Belgrade on August 13. What originally started as spontaneous protests voicing dissatisfaction with the governments failed response to the railway catastrophe transformed into a movement opposing widespread corruption and the erosion of the rule of law under Vucic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the largest protests in Serbias history took place on March 15, with nearly 350,000 people gathered in Slavija Square in central Belgrade. Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York City in 2019. Vucic said he accidentally voted against Russia in a Ukrainian resolution because he was "probably tired." Serbias then-Prime Minister Milos Vucevic announced his resignation in January amid the nationwide protests, making him the most senior government member to step down. "Serbian students put forward several demands, the first and most important being the release of documentation regarding the reconstruction of the Novi Sad train station, where the collapse of the canopy killed 16 people. To this day, no one has been held accountable," Filip Ubovic, a student from the University of Belgrade and protest participant on the ground in Belgrade, told Fox News Digital. Ubovic said the protests were originally aimed at influencing the institutions responsible for upholding the rule of law, and not directly against the ruling party. As the government failed to hold any officials accountable for the tragedy or release any information on the canopy collapse, the protesters realized that it was time to demand elections. Original article source: Anticorruption protests hit European nation as calls for new elections grow AUSTIN (KXAN) One person died after a crash involving an 18-wheeler happened in the lower deck of the 3400 block of north Interstate-35 southbound lanes Saturday, a press release from the Austin Police Department said. MAP: Where have Austins fatal crashes occurred in 2025? Police responded to the crash at 12:14 a.m. The driver of the sedan, who was not identified, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Austin police posted on X that officers responded to a crash with serious injuries on the lower deck of the 3400 block of I-35 southbound proper. This marks Austins 62nd fatal crash of 2025, resulting in 66 deaths. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Stock photo of fracking pumpjacks. (Getty Images.) This story was originally published by Canary Media. As the Trump administration aims to bolster fossil fuels at the expense of clean energy expansion, new research shows the oil and gas sector has so far failed to become a major jobs creator for heavily fracked areas of northern Appalachia. To the degree that we allocate resources to help develop that industry, were diverting those resources from other industries that actually could deliver more jobs and higher per-capita incomes, said Sean OLeary, author of the recent report from the Ohio River Valley Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report uses the term Frackalachia to describe 30 top oil- and gas-producing counties in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. As a group, the counties have smaller populations and a net loss in the number of jobs compared to 2008, just before Appalachias shale-gas boom began. The counties growth in per-capita income also has lagged behind the national average, even as their nominal gross domestic product nearly doubled, increasing their share of the countrys GDP by 6%. Basically, comparatively high economic output from the counties did not produce higher-than-average incomes for their residents. Despite immense economic growth as measured by GDP, Frackalachia is in a position of actually having lost jobs since the beginning of the natural-gas boom, OLeary said. In his view, the numbers contradict pro-industry pitches for more oil and gas development. Whatever else it is, the natural-gas boom is not an engine for economic prosperity, OLeary said. He thinks the gas industry is structurally incapable of delivering lasting growth in jobs and income for the people living in heavily fracked areas. The Frackalachia counties have also seen relatively few jobs from downstream industries, such as the production of plastics, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oil and gas development is highly capital-intensive, but not very labor-intensive, OLeary explained. Most earnings go to shareholders, investors, and suppliers based far from where fossil fuels are extracted, so only a small share of project income stays in the community to stimulate more economic activity. Completed wells dont need many permanent employees, OLeary said. And many people who work in drilling and fracking come from outside the local area. Canary Medias review of data from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is consistent with that observation. From 2012 through 2022, the agency issued annual reports about the economic impact of the states oil and gas industry, including data for both core jobs and ancillary industries, which support oil and gas development. More than half of the new hires for the core industry jobs in 2021 came from outside Ohio, according to the state data. Even in ancillary industries, nearly four-tenths of new hires were from other states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the state holds clean energy companies to higher standards when it comes to sourcing local labor. Solar developers who want to qualify for certain property tax relief must provide at least 70% of a projects jobs to Ohio residents. Not so great expectations? Canary Media drilled further into the figures from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to see how employment numbers compare to those touted by fossil-fuel industry organizations. As of 2024, the core shale-industry sectors employed almost 9,100 people. The net gain compared to 2012 was about 860 jobs. Employment in those sectors peaked in 2017 at about 16,400. Roughly 199,000 people worked in the industrys ancillary sectors in 2024, for a net gain of about 30,000 jobs compared to 2012. However, the Department of Job and Family Services reports note that those ancillary sectors support other industries as well, such as engineering services, iron and steel mills, and construction of highways, streets, and bridges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ohio agency numbers fall short of the 204,000 new jobs that an industry-funded report forecast oil and gas businesses might create or support. That analysis was published in 2011, in the lead-up to the 2012 law that set up the states current regulatory scheme for drilling and fracking of horizontal wells. The agency numbers are also far lower than the 79,000 direct and 375,00 total jobs the American Petroleum Institute cited in a 2021 report based on data from 2019. A communications representative for the American Petroleum Institute declined to answer Canary Medias questions about that report or the new research from the Ohio River Valley Institute. A spokesperson for the Ohio Oil and Gas Association did not respond to a phone call and emails seeking comment for this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cyclical boom-and-bust dynamics that often characterize oil and gas development also impact jobs, said Gilbert Michaud, an assistant professor of environmental policy at Loyola University Chicago. In contrast, utility-scale solar could be built out over time, to offer opportunities for a more stable and consistent workforce, he said. An analysis prepared by Michaud and others in 2020 estimated that utility-scale solar development could provide tens of thousands of jobs over the course of a few decades if the state encouraged it. That study came out before Ohio lawmakers added extra hurdles for most utility-scale solar and wind projects in 2021. Now federal policy has also shifted away from renewables and in favor of fossil fuels. While this might spur some jobs in oil and gas, it will also take jobs away from renewables, which can be built nearly anywhere, not just in places like eastern Ohio that have shale resources, Michaud said. It will threaten a big renewable energy pipeline that has developed over the past decade or two. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A federal appeals court temporarily halted a land exchange that would allow construction of a copper mine on a site held sacred by Arizona tribes, acting just hours before the swap could have been completed. Ruling late Monday, Aug. 18, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary restraining order blocking the land exchange at Oak Flat, where Resolution Copper wants to extract ore from beneath 2,200 acres of forest and wetlands. The ruling came the night before the end of a 60-day review period for the land exchange, which has survived more than two decades of delays, legal battles and an act of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A coalition of environmentalists, tribes and the San Carlos Apache Tribe asked the appeals court for the temporary injunction after a district judge declined to halt the exchange until the case had been heard. The groups who brought the suit were jubilant that they would have their day in court. Tribes have been on these lands now called Arizona since time immemorial. Over the decades, we have strived to successfully provide for the health and welfare of our people while maintaining our status as sovereign nations, said Maria Dadgar, executive director of the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona. We believe that the health of our people correlates with the health of the land, the water and the environment that surrounds us," Dadgar said. "We are hopeful with the news from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and welcome the opportunity to make our case for the continued protection of Oak Flat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roger Flynn, attorney for the groups challenging the land exchange and mine, said the court rightly understood the important issues at stake. There is too much at stake to rush forward with this ill-advised give-away of our priceless public lands. A Resolution spokesperson characterized the ruling as a "temporary pause" to give the court time to consider the case. The company said it was confident the court would uphold the earlier ruling that "the congressionally directed land exchange satisfies all applicable legal requirements." Tuesday, Aug. 19, marked the 60th day after the U.S. Forest Service issued a new environmental impact statement for the proposed copper mine, which would be built on 2,200 acres at Oak Flat, east of Phoenix. The deadline would have cleared the way for Resolution Copper to take control of the land had the 9th Circuit not halted it. Resolution, which has been preparing to start work on the mine, was ready to continue its activities at the site, which include seeking the needed permits, working to restore Emory oaks and eventually beginning copper extraction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as the date for the land swap neared, questions continued to arise. The State Land Department sent a letter to the Forest Service on Aug. 4 objecting to the mine based on concerns about groundwater consumption and subsidence. The agency said it was particularly worried about the proposed Superstition Vistas development in the far southeastern valley, east of Queen Creek and southwest of U.S. Highway 60. The letter said that if a substantial portion of Superstition Vistas could not be developed or if sufficient water supplies could not be secured, the water pumped by Resolution for use in the mine "would decrease the likelihood that groundwater could be used for new development in the future," and add more stress to an already stressed groundwater sub-basin. Water is liable to be more expensive and complicated to obtain as the groundwater declines, the letter said: "The value of the as yet undeveloped (state land) would thus suffer from the potential additional water supply obstacles to already committed uses, which could delay or eliminate demand." Apache Stronghold was not available to comment, as its leader Wendsler Nosie was traveling and could not be reached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still other issues remain, including claims by some experts that the mine won't be viable, questions about where the copper will be processed and how much U.S. manufacturers will have to pay to get it back from overseas processors. What is at stake at the site Oak Flat Campground, known to Apaches as Chichil Bidagoteel, "the place where the Emory oak grows," has been ground zero in a battle over Native religious rights on public lands as well as preservation of one of Arizona's most scarce commodities, a wetland. The 2,200-acre primitive campground and riparian zone, within the Tonto National Forest about 60 miles east of Phoenix, also lies over one of the nation's largest remaining bodies of copper ore. Tribes, environmentalists and their allies have been fighting to prevent Oak Flat from being given to Resolution Copper in exchange for other environmentally sensitive lands in Arizona. The company had pursued the land exchange with the Forest Service for about 10 years before it became attached to a defense bill by lawmakers led by the late Sen. John McCain in December 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To obtain the copper ore, Resolution, which is owned by multinational companies Rio Tinto and BHP, will use a method known as block cave mining in which tunnels are drilled beneath the ore body, and then collapsed, leaving the ore to be moved to a crushing facility. Eventually, the ground will subside, leaving behind a crater about 1,000 feet deep and nearly 2 miles across, obliterating Oak Flat and its religious and environmental significance. The company said that the mine would inject about $1 billion annually into Arizona's economy over its lifespan and create thousands of jobs in the Copper Triangle, where mining has been a part of the economy for more than 100 years. Can this mine be built? One former Magma Mine manager has some doubts After a near 25-year struggle to obtain Oak Flat for its copper, Resolution may find the location unviable, says one mining manager who knows the land and what lies beneath it well. Harry Winters led a team in 1988 to develop a plan to rehabilitate the Magma Mine, where Resolution has drilled a 7,000-foot shaft as the beginning of its mining operation. "We came up with a plan for an eight- to nine-year operation," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he knows the geology in the areas that would circle the mine, and that Resolution's extremely deep shaft and operations may cause problems. Block cave mines have a number of issues, Winters said, including the high temperatures at the deep levels Resolution is planning to drill underneath the ore body. "It will have to be robots to do the work," he said, "and I don't know if this tech exists." And, he said, "What do you do if something goes wrong?" For example, Winters said, Resolution has said that Apache Leap, the mountain to the west of the Magma site that forms the eastern border of Superior, won't be affected by the huge mine. "But that depends on what they find." Winters said the rock dips toward the east, and that if the substrate cracks go that way, Apache Leap could be affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said there is a possibility that the rock won't collapse after tunneling and knocking the "blocks" out from under the ore body. And, Winters said he could understand the Apache peoples' viewpoint on the mine. "They have every right to be concerned," he said. Where will the copper be sent, and will the US have to pay more to get its copper back? Because the United States lacks smelting capacity, copper mined at Resolution would likely be refined for manufacture in Chinese facilities. Tariffs may then mean that U.S. manufacturers will have to pay more to get their refined copper products back. On July 30, the Trump administration imposed tariffs on copper imports ranging from an immediate 30% import duty on semi-finished copper products and intensive copper derivative products. Future duties will include a phased universal 15% tariff on refined copper in 2027, rising to 30% in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also recommended domestic sales requirements for copper and high-quality copper scrap and export controls on copper scrap. The United States has only three copper smelters, two in Arizona and one in Utah, and Winters said the Kennecott facility in Utah is at maximum capacity. Oak trees: For San Carlos gatherers, acorns are like gold. Drought is making them harder to find Resolution continuing community outreach and oak restoration Because Oak Flat and its eponymous trees will eventually be gone, Resolution has undertaken to restore other Emory oak groves. It is currently participating in partnerships such as the Emory Oak Collaborative Tribal Restoration Initiative with the U.S. Forest Service, Northern Arizona University, and some Apache tribes. The 7-year-old project is studying priority Emory oak groves to restore and protect them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of these groves is located at the JI Ranch east of Oak Flat. The company said it has been actively involved in monitoring acorn production and supporting grove restoration. "The JI Ranch site isnt the only grove we are helping to restore," a spokesperson for Resolution said. "The Emory Oak Collaborative partners and tribes are working at multiple sites across Arizonas national forests and tribal lands to improve habitat health, encourage new tree growth and ensure these culturally important trees can be sustained for generations." The spokesperson also said the mine had undergone a rigorous review. "This review has included extensive consultation with numerous Native American tribes with ancestral ties to this land, local communities, civil society organizations, and a dozen federal, state, and county agencies," he said. Resolution also said the talks led to major changes to the mining plan to preserve and reduce potential impacts on tribal, social, environmental and cultural interests. Litigation results in failure to stop the exchange The Oak Flat mine has been tied up in the courts for years. Grassroots group Apache Stronghold filed a lawsuit in January 2021 in federal court to stop the land swap, citing religious rights guarantees under the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a religious freedom nonprofit law firm, accepted the case and, along with a group of private attorneys and law professors, has represented Apache Stronghold, which includes Apache and other Native peoples and their allies. Two other suits filed in January 2021 by the San Carlos Apache Tribe and a coalition of environmentalists and tribes were held pending the filing of a new EIS after the Biden administration rescinded the environmental impact statement in March 2021 for further consultation with tribes. The Forest Service announced consultation was concluded in 2023. Resolution was granted permission to join the lawsuit in 2023. In 2024, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Apache Stronghold in a narrow 6-5 decision. That fall, the group appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Forest Service's announcement in April that the process would move forward again set off a flurry of court filings to stop or at least put on hold the move, which would open up a 60-day period when the land exchange could take place. Apache Stronghold won a temporary halt to the proceedings until the high court either decided not to take the case or issued a decision. The Supreme Court turned Apache Stronghold down in May. On June 9, U.S. District Court Judge Dominic W. Lanza barred the Forest Service from completing the land exchange until a full 60 days after the new document is issued to give parties from the other two lawsuits sufficient time to review the environmental impact statement and revive their litigation. In July, Apache Stronghold asked the high court to reconsider its decision and agree to hear the case. Also in July, a group of Apache women filed their own lawsuit to halt the land exchange at Oak Flat. The four women, who have spiritual and cultural connections to the site, filed their suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia July 24. Their litigation said that the exchange violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the First Amendment's religious rights protections and two environmental laws. The lawsuit also brought two new factors into play: a recent high court decision that affirms parental rights to direct their children's religious education and references to Justice Neil Gorsuch's blistering dissent to the Supreme Court's refusal to hear Apache Stronghold's case. In August, Lanza heard the San Carlos and environmentalists' lawsuits Aug. 6. He turned down their requests to halt the land exchange Aug. 15. Lanza turned down a request from the Apache women for an emergency injunction Aug. 17. The environmentalists and the Apache women immediately appealed Lanza's decision to the 9th Circuit Court. Guarding land: Indigenous people find legal, cultural barriers to protect sacred spaces off tribal lands Environmentalists vow to fight on even if final appeals go against them Although they were happy that the appeals court had temporarily halted the exchange, environmentalists vowed to fight on even if they lose their appeals and Oak Flat becomes private land, not subject to many land use laws. Were gratified that the transfer of federal land at Oak Flat has been delayed, said Curt Shannon, interim director of the Arizona Mining Reform Coalition. There are many issues involving this land exchange that have not yet been adequately resolved. Recreational enthusiasts were also thankful at the temporary halt. The climbing community stands with the San Carlos Apache Tribe and our partners in the conservation community to protect Oak Flat, a sacred land that boasts invaluable natural, cultural and recreational resources, said Erik Murdock, deputy director of Access Fund. We appreciate the 9th Circuits decision to temporarily halt the ill-conceived land exchange and will continue to oppose handing over public lands to a foreign mining company at the expense of the environment and the overwhelming interests of all Americans. We cannot let the Oak Flat land exchange set a precedent for our public lands. "This is not simply a land swap; it is a direct transfer of one of Americas richest copper deposits worth billions of dollars to a foreign-owned mining company with a robust financial relationship and strategic partnership with China, putting U.S. control of critical land, water, and copper resources in jeopardy, said Camilla Simon, executive director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors, also known as HECHO. "Before it is too late, we need to take a hard look at what we are swapping and to whom because from what we have seen, the American people are not getting a fair exchange for handing over our public lands and resources to foreign-controlled entities. Everyone who loves Oak Flat and whos been fighting for years to save it can exhale for now, said Russ McSpadden, Southwest conservation advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. The battle over this extraordinary place is far from over. Im hopeful the courts will protect Oak Flat for future generations. "Were committed to doing everything in our power to protect this remarkable and sacred place. We will fight to the bitter end." Debra Krol reports on Indigenous communities at the confluence of climate, culture and commerce in Arizona and the Intermountain West. Reach Krol at debra.krol@azcentral.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @debkrol and on Bluesky at @debkrol.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Appeals court blocks land swap for Resolution copper mine at Oak Flat Chris May knew before he joined the Rush County Community Foundation in 2023 that he wanted to do something for his parents, Doug and Lonnie May, to show his appreciation. In 2024, he got his chance. Lilly Endowments GIFT VIII initiative offered matching funds through RCCF, which incentivized several people, including May, to create an unrestricted fund to honor loved ones. As a Rush County native and executive director of RCCF, May has witnessed firsthand the significance of honoring family through establishing a fund. These unrestricted funds do all kinds of things in every corner of the County for people of all ages, means, abilities and interests. In addition to my parents, Rush County raised me, so this was a chance to try to say thanks and give back and be supportive of something that gives great value to the community, May said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He created the Doug and Lonnie May Family Community Fund because of the appreciation he has for his community, but most of all, his parents. Creating his familys fund, he had the recurring thought that much of his identity and values are attributed to his parents. He ascribes his work ethic and discipline to his parents, and those characteristics are taking shape through the May familys contributions to RCCF and community. They are great parents. They are great people. How do you show your thanks, your appreciation, and how do you make sure other people think of them, thank them, and remember them? May said. To leave their name, memory, a legacy, an unrestricted fund at RCCF was absolutely the best way to go about anything like that. He presented the fund to his parents at Christmas, and they were grateful for their chance to provide support for the community. I was surprised and felt happy that a fund was created that would help the people in Rush County, Doug May said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many contributors, establishing a fund at RCCF means materializing a legacy, but for the May family the fund means much more. Lonnie May grew up in Rush County, just like her father and his siblings, the Snedegar family. After she grew up adjacently to Center Christian Church near Mays, Doug and Lonnie raised their children, Chris and daughter, Taylor, in their Raleigh home that was built by her father Lacy Snedegar and her brother Jeff. Through the Doug and Lonnie May Family Community Fund, she honors not only her own upbringing but also her family and their roots in the county. Her voice broke as she said, I think back to the Snedegars. It goes back to the history of my family and to pay it forward. Doug and Lonnie May treasure their memories in Rush County, making their family funds establishment even more sentimental. We just found that there were a lot of nice, good people with small-town ethics. They cared for each other. That meant a lot to me, Doug May said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Together, the May family reflects on the uplifting nature of Rush County, and they aim to return the favor by nurturing the community that remains embedded in their hearts. A lot of people have needs and not many means, and to me its just nice to help other people, Doug May, echoing his familys philanthropic sentiments, said. To help the May family support Rush County, contribute to the Doug and Lonnie May Family Community Fund by visiting rushcountyfoundation.org/donate. An area city is offering a $5,000 reward for the best innovative solution to tackle its growing pothole problem, following a winter that saw the city fill 42,900 potholes. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Cincinnati has partnered with Flywheel Innovation Labs and Tire Discounters to launch a Shark Tank-style competition aimed at reimagining the current process for addressing potholes, our news partners at WCPO report. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative seeks to reduce wasted effort, alleviate budget strain, and improve public satisfaction. Lets make this expensive and frustrating pothole problem go away, Donna Zaring, Executive Director of the Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, said. The competition focuses on three key areas: data intelligence for identifying potholes, communication about which potholes are being fixed, and materials and methods to optimize the time and cost of repairs. Currently, paving costs the city $600,000 per lane mile. Mayor Aftab Pureval has emphasized the challenge of addressing a $400 million infrastructure maintenance gap, despite investments from the sale of the Cincinnati railroad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Innovation Lab program, which costs $40,000 to run, is seen as a worthwhile investment by city officials like councilmember Evan Nolan, who hopes it will yield solutions that save significant funds in the future. Tire Discounters, contributing $10,000 to the program, has highlighted the safety issues caused by potholes, which can lead to tire damage and accidents, according to Crissy Niece, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in New Delhi, India, Aug. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Javed Dar) NEW DELHI, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and India on Monday agreed to maintain momentum of bilateral ties. The consensus came from talks between visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that in today's world, the changing situation is evolving rapidly, unilateral bullying practices are rampant, and free trade and the international order face severe challenges. Wang said as the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, humanity has reached a critical crossroads determining the future direction of the world. As the two largest developing countries with a combined population of more than 2.8 billion, China and India should demonstrate a sense of global responsibility, act as major powers, set an example for developing countries in pursuit of strength through unity, and contribute to promoting world multipolarization and democratization of international relations, he said. He said both sides have been implementing consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, gradually resuming exchanges and dialogue at all levels, maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas, and enabling Indian pilgrims to resume their pilgrimages to sacred mountains and lakes in China's Xizang. China-India relations are showing a positive trend toward returning to cooperation, Wang said. He noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India, lessons could be learned from the past, and it is imperative for the two sides to have correct strategic perceptions, view each other as partners and opportunities rather than rivals or threats, and invest their valuable resources in development and revitalization. The two countries should explore right ways for neighboring major countries to coexist with mutual respect and trust, pursue common development and achieve win-win cooperation, he said. Wang emphasized that China is willing to uphold the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and work together with neighboring countries, including India, to jointly build a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful and friendly home. He said China and India should remain confident, move in the same direction, remove barriers, expand cooperation, and consolidate the improvement momentum of bilateral relations, so that revitalization processes of the two great eastern civilizations can be mutually beneficial, providing certainty and stability to Asia and the world at large. Jaishankar said that under the joint guidance of leaders of the two countries, bilateral relations have moved from the bottom and are continuously improving and developing, adding exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in all fields are moving toward normalization. He expressed gratitude to China for facilitating Indian pilgrims' visits to sacred mountains and lakes in China's Xizang, saying that improving strategic perceptions is of great importance, and as the two largest developing countries, India and China adhere to multilateralism and are committed to promoting a fair and balanced multipolar world. The two countries should also jointly maintain the stability of the world economy, he said. Stable, cooperative and forward-looking bilateral ties serve the interests of both countries, he said. He reaffirmed that Taiwan is a part of China. He said India is willing to take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to deepen political mutual trust with China, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in economic and trade fields, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and jointly maintain peace and tranquility in border areas. He said that India fully supports China in hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin summit, and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in multilateral mechanisms such as the BRICS. During the talks, they also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern. Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Argentina's scientific expedition "Talud Continental IV," which live-streamed the Mar del Plata submarine canyon using the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian, became a cultural phenomenon. The recently completed mission averaged 500,000 viewers per broadcast and drew more than 17.5 million views in three weeks. The mission, led by scientists from Argentina's National Scientific and Technical Research Council (Conicet) in collaboration with the Schmidt Ocean Institute, showcased the potential of Argentine science on the international stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, that success contrasts sharply with the difficult situation facing scientific research in Argentina. The country's science and technology budget has dropped to 0.156% of gross domestic product, its lowest level since 2002, according to a July report from the EPC, a group of researchers, analysts and consultants specializing in science, technology and innovation policy. The sector's share of GDP fell 48% compared to 2023. Spending in the first half of 2025 was down 19% from the same period in 2024, marking a decline of more than 40% in two years. This is the lowest level recorded since 2002, when the country was in the midst of one of its worst economic crises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although the figure stood at 0.30% of GDP when President Javier Milei took office, severe cuts to science and technology have been made over the past two years as part of broader austerity measures to fund social programs. The Ministry of Science was downgraded to a secretariat, while major research agencies faced steep reductions. Conicet lost 41% of its funding compared with 2024, the I+D+I Agency saw its budget cut by 67%, the National Institute of Industrial Technology fell 46%, the National Institute of Agricultural Technology lost 39.6%, the National Commission on Space Activities dropped 40%, and the National Genetic Data Bank saw its resources reduced by 50.4%. The adjustment marks an unprecedented cut in government investment in science. In 2024, the state financed 59.5% of the country's research and development, while private companies contributed just 20.7% and universities 1.2%. In research and development specifically, 61% of funding came from public agencies and universities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government, however, has prioritized other areas it considers key to development, including agribusiness, energy and mining, the knowledge economy and innovation, and health, while sidelining programs tied to climate change, the environment and social sciences. The effects are already visible: insufficient resources for research, lack of equipment and supplies, suspended contracts, wage cuts and a growing brain drain of Argentine scientists abroad. The effect on scientific employment is clear. An estimated 4,148 jobs have been lost in Argentina's National Science, Technology and Innovation System, a third of them at Conicet, which now has only 11,868 researchers. For Guillermo Duran, dean of the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires, the problem goes beyond economics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is a political decision to dismantle Argentina's science and technology system and the high-quality public university system that has always set us apart as a country," he said. His faculty lost 13% of its teaching staff in 2024 due to budget cuts and salary reductions. "These people decided to end a series of very good programs for Argentina. The damage they are causing could take many years to recover from," Duran warned. Agustin Campero, president of the Alem Foundation and former secretary of Scientific and Technological Articulation under President Mauricio Macri, agreed on the seriousness of the situation. "It is dire and will have severe consequences for Argentina's development," he said. The Science System Financing Law, approved by Congress in 2021, set a schedule for the gradual growth of state investment in science and technology to reach 1% of GDP by 2032. That is what the scientific community and universities are now demanding. (Corrects paragraph 10 to show the mine contains 3 million ounces of economically viable gold reserves, not 2 million ounces) By Lucila Sigal JACHAL, Argentina (Reuters) -Argentina's Gualcamayo gold mine is aiming to build a new $665 million project it hopes will qualify for a new government incentive program, executives said in a recent press tour of the site. Only two mining projects, both in lithium, have so far been approved for Argentina's Large Investment Incentive Regime, or RIGI, which went into effect in October under President Javier Milei. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gualcamayo originally proposed a $1 billion investment under the scheme, but scaled back its application in June following government talks about how to best meet the RIGI requirements, Ricardo Martinez, executive director of project owner Minas Argentinas, said in an interview earlier this month. Minas Argentinas, a part of Aisa Group, bought the mine in 2023 when it was close to closing, but now produces 50,000 to 55,000 ounces of gold a year from secondary recovery, a process of leaching ore that has already gone through a first cycle of extraction. The plan includes construction of a new mine, a pressure oxidation plant, and a 50 megawatt solar park to feed the project. RIGI was designed to kick-start investments only through July 2026, with a possible one-year extension. It offers lengthy tax breaks and access to international dispute courts for investments exceeding $200 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's important that we have the RIGI for legal security," Martinez said, adding that the main challenge is for current mining regulations to remain in place. The new mine, called Carbonatos Profundos, will be located under the current one and will produce gold from sulfides rather than oxides. The company aims to produce 120,000 ounces of gold annually starting in 2029 with a 17-year lifespan, yielding about $400 million in exports a year, executives said. Gold production has dipped across Argentina as mines grow older and lose their high-quality ore. Still, the metal is Argentina's top mining export, accounting for 68% of the total. Gualcamayo aims to start construction of the new mine and processing plant in 2027, Martinez said, adding that the mine has 3 million ounces of economically viable gold reserves, part of 5 million ounces of certified resources found in 3% of the 40,000-hectare property. The rest has yet to be explored. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez said high global demand and prices for gold have made the company optimistic. "Today, the gold you produce is taken out of your hands," he said. (Reporting by Lucila Sigal; Editing by Mark Porter) Lifestyle influencer Yarely Ashley Hermosillo was killed by a stray bullet during a road rage incident between two other vehicles, Arizona police confirmed with HuffPost. She was 27. On Friday night in Glendale, Arizona, a verbal altercation between a pair of drivers escalated to lethal levels once they stopped at a red light at a commercial-area intersection and continued to clash. The shooter brandished a gun and fired randomly, sending a bullet through the passenger side window of the car Hermosillos boyfriend was driving. Her 3-year-old son and mother were also in the car, which was not involved in the deadly dispute. Influencer Yarely Ashley Hermosillo is dead at 27 after being struck by a stray bullet during an unrelated road rage incident. Yarely Hermosillo/Facebook The content creator was hit in the head and rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that night, suspect Jesus Preciado Dousten was arrested and charged for second degree murder, aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm, and endangerment, according to court documents provided to HuffPost. He remains in custody on a $1 million bond. Related: Elon Musk Was Not Pleased With 'Silicon Valley' Show's Portrayal Of Tech Parties In a GoFundMe launched to raise money for funeral expenses, Hermosillos family remembered her as a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a beautiful soul whose light touched everyone who knew her. The content creator regularly posted about cooking, local restaurants and other lifestyle topics amassing over 300,000 followers across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, according to People magazine. Related... Read the original on HuffPost An Arizona woman who did not want to be identified is recovering after a brutal beating over the weekend at a sold-out concert in Pasadenas Rose Bowl Stadium that was captured on video and has since gone viral. The frightening ordeal unfolded Saturday night after the victim and her fiance drove hours from Phoenix to see the Grammy Award-winning electronic band RUFUS DU SOL. Its unclear what time exactly the incident unfolded, but the victim told KTLA that when she and her friend got to their seats, they accidentally spilled a bit of a drink on a man in front of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We apologized immediately, but he yelled that it was intentional and ran off, leaving his companion behind, she told The Festive Owl, a music news outlet that first reported the womans story. We apologized to her and thought it was over. Unfortunately, the unidentified concertgoer returned about a half hour later, began screaming at the victim and her friends, threatening violence and while she said she tried deescalating the situation by apologizing again, the man punched her in the face, knocking her unconscious and causing significant bleeding. In footage of the violent attack, the man is seen launching into a group of people and throwing at least five punches, while someone behind him attempts to pull him out of the crowd. A woman from Arizona was violently attacked by man during a RUFUS DU SOL concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Aug. 16, 2025. (Facebook video) A woman from Arizona was violently attacked by man during a RUFUS DU SOL concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Aug. 16, 2025. (Facebook video) A woman from Arizona was violently attacked by man during a RUFUS DU SOL concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Aug. 16, 2025. (Facebook video) A woman from Arizona was violently attacked by man during a RUFUS DU SOL concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Aug. 16, 2025. (Facebook video) A woman from Arizona was violently attacked by man during a RUFUS DU SOL concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Aug. 16, 2025. (Facebook video) A sold-out crowd attends the RUFUS DU SOL concert at the Rose Bowl where a woman was brutally attacked on Aug. 16, 2025. (IG/@marcussmithca) A sold-out crowd attends the RUFUS DU SOL concert at the Rose Bowl where a woman was brutally attacked on Aug. 16, 2025. (viewer pic) At one point in the video, the victim can be seen sitting on the ground, head tilted down as her fiance, who also reportedly took some blows to the head, attempted to shield her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Missing California mother and baby found dead in SUV submerged in water No one is coming to a concert for that interaction, Ethan Dubone, who was at the show that night, told KTLA. Everyone is coming for a good time. Since the footage has gone viral, many have complained that the venue did a less than stellar job of managing the sold-out stadium show. Among the long laundry list of complaints was crowd crushing in tunnels, people pushing in overcrowded stairs, aggressive drunk people, arguments, fans blocking exits, incredibly long shuttle lines, and, sadly, assault, the independent Los Angeles-based music blog Grimy Goods reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another concert attendee that evening was Christina Molina who, along with her daughter, was seated a few rows behind the victim. I literally had people pressed up against my back, all of them blocking that entire walkway, she told KTLA. So, crowd control was nonexistent. Not only were the aisles jam-packed, according to Molina, she said she saw people openly doing drugs and wonders if the crush of the huge crowd mixed with drug and alcohol use was a factor in the violent beating. Ive never seen any venue that has allowed the people to stand there in the walkways. Its a hazard, she added. There were multiple security vendors working the venue. It wasnt just one vendor, it was multiples, and the left hand didnt know what the right hand was doing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the victim who is back home in Arizona, she said she is seriously bruised and sore but expects to fully recover. She has also been in contact with police, who confirmed that they are actively trying to identify him. On Instagram, RUFUS DU SOL acknowledged the violent incident, saying in a statement: Delivering moments for our fans to gather and celebrate safely is what we live for. We have been heartbroken to hear of the act of violence that took place during the opening act on Saturday. This type of behavior is completely unacceptable anywhere and the fact that this happened at one of our shows was devastating to learn about. Local law enforcement are actively investigating the situation. Anyone with information to assist the investigation should please contact Pasadena Police Department. KTLA has reached out to Rose Bowl officials to ask about venue security policies and is awaiting a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone who recognizes the man in the video is encouraged to call the Pasadena Police Department. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Soldiers with the Arkansas National Guard attended sniper school training on Aug. 6 in Little Rocks Camp Robinson. Guard officials said training included constructing camouflaged ghillie suits and long-range marksmanship practice as part of the sniper training program. Arkansas National Guard mobilized for state active duty to help search in Texas after deadly floodwaters Part of the exercise included crawling with rifles while camouflaged to avoid detection by instructors, including those watching from drones flying overhead. Officials said this was an opportunity to work on concealment techniques. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that a planned corridor linking Azerbaijan with its exclave would be under Armenian control, days after Iran said it would block the project included in a United States-brokered peace accord that puts a potential Washington presence on its doorstep. Roads passing through Armenia will be under the exclusive jurisdiction of Armenia, and security will be provided by Armenia, not by any third country, Pashinyan said at a meeting with Pezeshkian in the Armenian capital Yerevan on Tuesday. He added that the corridor would open new economic perspectives between the two countries, and could offer a rail route from Iran to the Black Sea coast through Armenia. The land corridor, dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), is part of a deal signed this month in Washington between former foes Armenia and Azerbaijan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the agreement, the US will hold development rights for the proposed route, which would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave bordering Iran and Turkey. Governance in the Caucasus region must remain Caucasian outsourcing the resolution of Caucasus issues to extra-regional forces will complicate it, Pezeshkian said during his visit on Tuesday. Irans position has always been to reject any changes to international borders in the Caucasus region. Iran has long opposed the planned transit route, also known as the Zangezur corridor, fearing it would cut the country off from Armenia and the rest of the Caucasus while bringing potentially hostile foreign forces close to its borders. Since the deal was signed on August 8, Iranian officials have stepped up warnings to Armenia, saying the project could be part of a US ploy to pursue hegemonic goals in the Caucasus region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed corridor has been hailed as beneficial by other countries in the region, including Russia, with which Iran has a strategic alliance alongside Armenia. Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought a series of wars since the late 1980s when Nagorno-Karabakh, a region in Azerbaijan that had a mostly ethnic Armenian population at the time, broke away from Azerbaijan with support from Armenia. Azerbaijan Baku took control of the territory in a military operation in 2023, leading to an exodus of the ethnic Armenian population. Armenia last year agreed to return several villages to Azerbaijan in what Baku described as a long-awaited historic event. The U.S. Army has opened the door to potentially acquiring new types of 70mm rockets that are similar, but different from the Hydra-70 family it employs today. The service is exploring options for how to bolster its stocks of Hydra-70s or Hydra-like rockets amid significant demand. Originally developed for air-to-surface use, Hydra 70s combined with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) laser guidance package have emerged in recent years as a key anti-air weapon against drones. The Armys Aviation Rockets and Small Guided Munitions (ARSGM) Product Office, which manages the Hydra-70 program, recently released briefing slides from an industry day event it held with prospective contractors in July. The Hydra-70 family is currently in service across all branches of the U.S. military, as well as with dozens of foreign armed forces. Guided and unguided variations can be employed from a wide array of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, as well as a growing number of ground-based platforms. Hydra-70 rockets have a modular configuration that consists of a standard rocket motor mated to one of a number of different warheads. The APKWS II guidance package, a separate program the U.S. Navy manages, slots in between the motor and warhead. A slide from the ARSGM Product Offices July 2025 briefing offering a general overview of the core components of the Hydra-70 program. US Army More than 1.7 million Hydra-70-series rockets have been fired in the course of combat operations, training, and test and evaluation activities in the last decade, with the Army alone firing more than 100,000 just in training each year, according to the briefing from the ARSGM Product Office. The current maximum production rate is 330,000 rockets per year, but fewer than that are typically produced annually. Especially in light of Hydra-70s new counter-drone role, the evolution of which TWZ has been following closely, demand for the rockets looks set to continue to be high, if not grow significantly, in the future. This is where alternative options might come into play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alternative design submissions are welcome, according to the Armys July briefing, but contractors will need to build [a] business case for adoption to offset qualification and integration costs. Any alternative design has to be able to reach targets out to at least around 5 miles (eight kilometers), or 4.3 miles (seven kilometers) in a precision-guided configuration, and have high-explosive, flechette, and training warhead options. The rockets also need to be compatible with the APKWS II guidance section and the Armys standard 19-shot 70mm M261 rocket pod. There are other 70mm rockets on the market now. This includes the Canadian CRV7, which has a similar modular design to the Hydra-70 and can be assembled using the same warheads, as one obvious option. A guided CRV7-PG variant has also been developed, but it does not use the APKWS II package. Roketsan in Turkey and Thales in Belgium also produce laser-guided 70mm rockets with proprietary seekers. It is worth noting here that the Army has also been looking ahead to a follow-on to Hydra-70, which it has referred to as Hydra II, with a particular focus on extended range (up to around 7.5 miles/12 kilometers). It envisions that munition, whatever form it might take, as entering service in the 2035 timeframe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Army is still interested in options for bolstering production of the Hydra-70 family, which has the added benefit of being a U.S. government-owned design that is not locked to a particular company. The service says it is also working to further modernize that technical design package. This could include allowing the use of additive manufacturing/3D printing to make certain components, which could help accelerate and/or streamline production, and reduce costs. Your white papers will inform the Armys contracting strategy/strategies for future procurement of Hydra-70 rocket systems, the July briefing notes. The future only looks set to see more demand for Hydra-70 (or similar designs), in general. APKWS II had already breathed additional life into the rockets, which trace their roots back to the 1960s and evolved from the earlier Mighty Mouse 2.75-inch folding-fin aerial rocket developed right after World War II. Combined with the array of available warhead options, APKWS II-equipped Hydra-70s are very flexible, as well as lower-cost precision-guided munitions. A new dual-mode version of APKWS II that adds an imaging infrared seeker to the existing laser guidance package is now in development, which will offer a further boost in capability against surface and aerial targets. The infusion of anti-air capability has added a further new dimension to the Hydra-70 program. The U.S. military has already fielded, or facilitated the fielding to allies and partners, of multiple counter-drone systems with APKWS II-equipped rockets as their effectors, including Humvee-mounted and containerized types. Other ground-based platforms capable of employing the laser-guided rockets against air and surface targets have also been demonstrated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian forces have notably used Humvee-mounted launchers for APKWS II-equipped Hydra-70 rockets against drones, as well as targets on the ground, in combat. You can read more specifially about the VAMPIRE counter-drone systems that Ukraine has received from the United States here. Ukraine has also gotten significant stocks of guided and unguided 70mm rockets from its foreign partners, especially from the U.S. military, and also regularly uses them in the more traditional air-to-surface role. Footage of Ukrainian naval forces downing a Russian Shahed-131/136 attack drone over Odesa. pic.twitter.com/WzIh4wHN0l OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 11, 2024 In the air, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16C Viper, and A-10 Warthog combat jets are now cleared to employ specially configured Fixed-wing Air-Launched Counter-UAS Ordnance (FALCO) variants of the Hydra-70 in the air-to-air role. More fixed-wing aircraft, including Marine and Navy F/A-18s, are likely to gain this capability as time goes on. In addition to warheads with proximity fuzes, the FALCO rockets have APKWS II guidance packages with air-to-air optimized guidance and sensing algorithms, according to the Armys July briefing. TWZ has led the reporting on these developments all the way back to the first public disclosure of a test of this air-to-air APKWS II capability in 2019. Imagery of Hydra-70 air-to-air intercepts included in the July 2025 briefing. Whether these show actual combat use of the rockets, or are from training or test and evaluation events, is unknown. US Army A warhead with a proximity fuze for the FALCO version of the Hydra-70 rocket, at left, alongside a more typical high-explosive warhead with a point-detonating fuze. US Army U.S. Fighter aircraft shoot down Iran-backed Houthi one-way-attack drones with AGR-20 FALCO Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) Laser Guided 2.75" Rockets.#HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/bDoVnKwotc U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 19, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has also been work on Hydra-70-based systems for potential shipboard use, including in the anti-drone role. As an interesting aside, Anping class patrol ships in service with Taiwans Coast Guard are armed in part with a 2.75-inch/70mm rocket system consisting of six seven-shot pods on a remotely operated weapon station. A look at the rocket system onboard a Taiwanese Anping class patrol ship. Office of the President of Taiwan Whether or not the Army ultimately pursues alternative 70mm rocket options, the service clearly sees Hydra-70s or Hydra-like rockets playing important roles on battlefields for years to come, including now as anti-air weapons against drones. Contact the author: joe@twz.com MART, Texas (FOX 44) An arrest has been made after the serving of a search warrant for two counts of Online Solicitation of a Minor. Mart Police Chief Shane James says members of his department and the Groesbeck Police Departments ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children Southern Texas Task Force) assisted the Texas Department of Public Safetys Criminal Investigations Division at approximately 4:40 p.m. Monday. This was done at a residence in the 200 Block of 4 Mile Road near Mart. Chief James says one suspect was taken into custody without incident. Additional charges are pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. FOX 44 News will have more information as it becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. Arrest warrants have been issued for two women who did not show up at court for sentencing after they stole Jellycat toys worth thousands of pounds. Warrants without bail were issued for Sarah Jordan, 35, of no fixed abode, and Amber Clarke, 24, of Nine Elms, south-west London, after they failed to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday. Clarke had previously pleaded guilty to 16 counts of theft from shops in south and south-west London, including the theft of nearly 4,500 worth of Jellycat soft toys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan was due to be sentenced for eight counts of theft in Kingston upon Thames and Wimbledon between December 2024 to May 2025. Jordan's convictions include six counts of theft where she was said to have stolen numerous Jellycats valued at a total of 1,716.57. Clarke's thefts also included "a number of soft toys" to the value of 100 from a Waterstones in Lambeth and grocery and laundry items from other locations. She also pleaded guilty to a charge of obstructing or resisting a constable in the execution of their duty, assault by beating, failure to surrender for a previous hearing at the same court and assaulting an emergency worker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan also stole food and clothing and failed to surrender for a previous hearing at the same court. Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk Related internet links ASHEBORO, N.C. (WGHP) A child care center in Asheboro abruptly shut its doors on Friday. FOX8 confirmed that Harmony Place is at the center of a police investigation involving child abuse allegations. Parents say they were blindsided when Harmony Place closed with such short notice. Its left families scrambling to find child care. Asheboro police confirmed that the allegations stem from an incident on Aug. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They wouldnt confirm what happened or who is being investigated, but their investigation centers around Harmony Place. Eight days later, parents were notified about the centers closure. Devon Britt is the father of a 5-year-old and a 6-year-old. They attend Harmony Place, but all that changed on Friday when he received a message from the school. Stating that they are completely closed due to funding issues and internal issues. I dont know so much about the funding issues, but the internal issues had me a little concerned, Britt said. He had nowhere to send his children on Monday morning. Im not working right now. Im not able to, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes been forced to make some tough decisions, and hes not alone. Jessica Barrios is also looking for child care for her niece. Im touring facilities on behalf of her. Im very pregnant, and I should not be doing this. It put us in a bit of a pickle to really scramble and find because its not just a matter of an opening. My sister is on a voucher, Barrios said. FOX8 continued to ask questions to police, and they said they are still trying to try and figure out what happened to the families. FOX8 looked into the facilitys past to see if theyve had problems before. Harmony Place had three violations from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in January, February and June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some violations include a child care provider not completing or submitting required forms for a criminal background check, child care administrator and all staff not completing recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment training and incident reports that were not completed when a child was injured. Really makes me ill as a parent because you see other kids. and you see these kids every day. Its not just my child, Barrios said. Now, as parents are scrambling to find alternative care options, nearby businesses like Miss Ashleys Enrichment Academy are doing what they can to help. We had kids that moved up to kindergarten, and as they moved up to kindergarten, we were able to move kids up in each age group, so that made us possible to add more kids in each age group, Miss Ashley Enrichment Academy Owner Ashley Hedrick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was not Harmony Places first time closing abruptly. The facility also lost its license in 2020 when a wooden porch swing hit a child in the head. The facility also received several violations from the state for child maltreatment in 2022, stemming from a different incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. KABUL, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan commemorated the 106th anniversary of its independence from British colonial rule on Tuesday, honoring the historic milestone with ceremonies and a public holiday. In an official statement, the Afghan interim government said, "One hundred and six years ago, with divine assistance and through resolute struggle, the proud Muslim people of Afghanistan compelled the British Empire to recognize the nation's full independence, restoring control over its foreign policy to the Afghan people." The statement also highlighted subsequent victories against the Soviet Union and the U.S. occupation, underscoring Afghanistan's enduring spirit of resistance. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs declared a public holiday to mark the occasion, while the Ministry of National Defense organized a special ceremony. Afghan authorities delivered speeches, emphasizing the day as a symbol of national pride and resilience. BALTIMORE It should be an easy yes-or-no answer, according to taxpayer advocate David Williams. But when Spotlight on Maryland asked the states top three Democrats whether they would ensure transparency and accountability as tax dollars flow through nonprofits, none offered a yes or no response. The Baltimore Sun reported last month that neither state budget officials nor individual agencies can say exactly how much state money is flowing to nonprofits each year. That disclosure has led some state officials to call for more oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Spotlight on Maryland a partnership of The Sun, WBFF FOX45 in Baltimore and WJLA in Washington, D.C. has launched an investigation into how much taxpayer money is allocated to Maryland nonprofits and how those dollars are spent. As part of that reporting, Spotlight on Maryland asked Gov. Wes Moore, House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones and Senate President Bill Ferguson, if they would ensure full transparency and accountability around nonprofit funding. After receiving no response from Ferguson and Jones, Spotlight on Maryland sent a follow-up question to all three, asking if they would assist the investigation in the public interest as journalists follow the money through Maryland nonprofits. Moore, Jones and Ferguson did not respond to the follow-up question. This is crazy. Its an easy answer, said Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, an advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. They should all say yes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore, for his part, gave an answer on camera to a Spotlight on Maryland reporter at an unrelated news event in Salisbury last week. I think people know and realize that our administration believes in full transparency, that we understand that the things that we are going to support are things that are both sustainable and effective. And when youre looking at the entire budget for the state of Maryland, we are, we are very wise and smart stewards of taxpayer dollars to make sure that the right capital is going to the right usages, the governor said. When The Sun asked last month whether Ferguson believes taxpayers should have access to a full accounting of how their money is spent and how much of it flows to nonprofits in Maryland, he said: All public dollars should be spent wisely and with the utmost care, whether a public agency or a nonprofit uses them. To that end, nonprofits are an important bridge between the state government and the communities they serve. Thats why we have a robust audit division of the Department of Legislative Services that has been doing this important oversight work for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of its July reporting, The Sun sent inquiries to individual state departments and agencies, asking them to provide the amount of money they allocate to nonprofits. A few offered specific dollar amounts. Many nonprofits receive funds directly from agency grant programs, and we dont track that centrally, said Raquel Coombs, chief of staff for the Department of Budget and Management, in a July email. This lack of oversight raises concern, especially for a state that needed to make cuts and raise taxes to resolve a $3.3 billion budget deficit earlier this year. Nonprofit spending increases the size of government, Williams said. The more that government spends on nonprofits and other line items the more taxpayer money that is needed to fund the government, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One political analyst said the states top Democrats appear overly cautious in not answering Spotlight on Marylands follow-up questions on nonprofit spending. It seems like a no-brainer, said Flavio Hickel, a political science professor at Washington College. Youd think they would say, I will do everything in my power to ensure good governance with taxpayer money.' Why arent they saying that? There are good nonprofits, but theyre probably being cautious in case one bad actor fell through the cracks on their watch, Hickel said. Theyre probably being overly cautious to prevent campaign ads down the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even as the states top leaders declined to answer Spotlight on Marylands follow-up, the governor was quoted in a news release about his chief of staff, Fagan Harris, leaving for the top spot at the Abell Foundation, one of the states biggest and most influential nonprofits with more than $300 million in assets. While he will be deeply missed personally and professionally, I look forward to working closely with him as he leads the Abell Foundation for years to come, Moore said. Top officials in government administrations moving to nonprofits is similar to Pentagon officials going to work for defense contractors, Williams said. We need more checks and balances to stop the revolving door, he said. The government and nonprofits are way too cozy. There needs to be a firewall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hickel said he couldnt comment on the specifics of Harris moving to a nonprofit and noted that it could be perfectly coincidental and benign. But, he added, it does raise questions about the relationship between the governors office and influential nonprofits that shape life in Maryland. Its not uncommon at all, though, to see someone in a high government role going to work at a nonprofit, Hickel said. We advise students to do that. We tell them to do legislative work for a few years, meet people, then go to a nonprofit. --------------- One man is behind bars and another recovering after a stabbing in Fullerton early Monday morning. The attack was reported at about 1 a.m. near the intersection of West Houston and South Roosevelt avenues, and when officers arrived, they found a man in the street suffering from several wounds consistent with an edged weapon, the Fullerton Police Department said in a news release. Officers began life-saving measures and the man was taken to a local trauma center. Hes expected to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspected assailant fled before officers arrived, but he was found and arrested within 30 minutes, police said. The weapon believed to have been used during the assault was recovered, police said. Neither the victims nor the attackers identities have been released by police. The attacker was booked into Fullerton City Jail for attempted murder and weapons violations. Based on our investigation, this is an isolated incident with subjects familiar with each other, police said. We have no reason to believe there is a threat to public safety as it relates to this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective L. Ramirez at 714-738-5334. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or visit p3tips.com/913. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. State health regulators have conditionally approved plans for Atrium Health and Novant Health to add a total of 126 acute-care hospital beds in Cabarrus County, The Independent Tribune reported. ALSO READ: Novant Health to build 50-bed hospital in Concord The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation announced its decision on Thursday, approving Novant Healths proposal for a new 50-bed hospital in Concord and Atrium Healths plan to expand its existing Cabarrus hospital by 76 beds. This decision follows the 2025 State Medical Facilities Plan, which identified a need for additional hospital beds in the area by 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Meyer, president of Durham-based Keystone Planning Group, noted that the divisions decision to split the bed allocation is uncommon but not unprecedented, citing the large bed need determination as a factor. Novant Healths new hospital, a $336.4 million project, will be located at 2401 Trinity Church Road in Concord. It is expected to feature 12 observation beds, 16 emergency department bays, and four surgical procedure rooms. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2027, with an opening date set for Jan. 1, 2030. Dr. Sid Fletcher, president of Novants Charlotte region, emphasized the importance of the new hospital in providing expanded access to care for residents of Cabarrus, Rowan, and Stanly counties. He highlighted the reduction in travel time for patients who previously commuted long distances to other Novant facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Atrium Healths expansion involves a $208.5 million investment to add 76 beds to its existing hospital at 920 Church St. N. in Concord. The project includes the construction of a new five-story patient tower and the relocation of the helipad. Construction is expected to start in January 2029, with completion by May 1, 2031.The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, which governs Atrium Health, plans to fund the expansion through accumulated cash reserves, with financing options available if needed. Atrium Health stated that the expansion will not affect other ongoing or planned capital projects. Both Atrium Health and Novant Health have until Aug. 25 to appeal the conditional approvals. The expansion and new hospital are expected to significantly improve healthcare access in the rapidly growing Cabarrus County area. Carolina Strong: Atrium nurse balances medicine and acting in Netflix show 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! MADISON The father of the Abundant Life Christian School student who shot and killed two people at the school is asking a Dane County judge to dismiss the charges against him, citing a "reckless disregard of the truth" in the complaint filed against him. Jeffrey Rupnow and his attorney, Lisa Goldman, in an Aug. 18 motion, argued that the fact his daughter, Natalie Rupnow, was able to access the family's gun safe didn't mean her father allowed her to. The motion acknowledged that Jeffrey Rupnow told his daughter the combination to the safe was his Social Security number in reverse, but argued he never gave her the numbers or any other clues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Father of Abundant Life school shooter will stand trial for providing guns used in attack The document also points to text messages sent by Rupnow in the days before the shooting, in which he tells friends that "my kid would shoot me" if he left the safe open, which alluded to him believing that Natalie could not access the guns inside. "There are no facts in the Complaint or elicited at the Preliminary Hearing that assert Rupnow thought or knew his daughter could access the gun safe on December 16, 2024," the document says. By alleging that Rupnow owning guns led to his daughter's actions at the school, the state is violating his Second Amendment rights to bear arms, the motion says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion also argues that Rupnow did not know how his daughter was planning a school shooting online with older friends. The documents says Rupnow was not allowed access to Natalie's laptop or her room, which she had deemed a "safe space." It also states that Rupnow did not know his daughter to be suicidal or a danger to others. "The States inference that Rupnow knew (Natalie Rupnow) was suicidal and contributed to her delinquency by joining a gun club, facilitating her participation in a gun class which she passed, encouraging her to participate in Rimfire at the gun club, is an impermissible inference given nobody believed N.R. was suicidal or homicidal since October 2021," the document says. More: Mother of Abundant Life Christian School shooter dies by apparent suicide Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Natalie Rupnow died by suicide after opening fire inside a study hall at Abundant Life in December, killing Teacher Erin West, 42, and freshman Rubi Vergara, 14. That morning, she arrived at the school carrying a .22-caliber Sig Sauer and a Glock handgun, both of which had been purchased by Jeffrey Rupnow and stored in a gun safe at his home. In an interview with authorities cited in the criminal complaint, Jeffrey Rupnow said the day before the shooting, he had retrieved his daughter's handgun from his gun safe for cleaning. He was uncertain whether she returned it to the safe. That gun and another handgun were used in the shooting. Her father told police she must have retrieved the second gun from the safe. Documents found in Natalie Rupnow's room after her death include statements describing humanity as "filth" and saying she lived in a "population of scum." She used a racial slur before saying, "Some of you guys deserve to be dead." She believed, according to the court record, that humanity had forced her into a hole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also appeared to idolize mass shooters, according to the complaint. She also wrote she was able to obtain the firearms she would use in the Abundant Life shooting as a result of "lies and manipulation, and my father's stupidity," according to the complaint. Other notebooks showed maps of the school, how to best damage a body with a bullet and apparent timelines for when she would begin her attack, according to the complaint. Authorities also found a cardboard model that resembled the school in her room. Rupnow is scheduled to appear in court later this month for a bail hearing, and a pre-trial conference is scheduled for late September. No hearings have yet been scheduled on the motion to dismiss. If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text "Hopeline" to the National Crisis Text Line at 741-741 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X @SchulteLaura. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Lawyer for father of Abundant Life school shooter asks to dismiss case Community organizations such as DAIS in Dane County could see further cuts if the Trump Administration is allowed to withhold VOCA funds. (Photo by Henry Redman/Wisconsin Examiner) The Wisconsin Examiners Criminal Justice Reporting Project shines a light on incarceration, law enforcement and criminal justice issues with support from the Public Welfare Foundation. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has joined a multi-state lawsuit against the Trump Administrations demand that states participate in federal immigration enforcement efforts or risk losing access to federal money available through the Victims of Crime Act. If the conditions are allowed to go through, Wisconsin could lose up to $24 million meant to help compensate victims of crime as well as fund local advocates, counselors and crisis response centers, according to a state Department of Justice news release Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VOCA funding is intended to be used to help victims of crime, Kaul said in a statement. It is appalling that the Trump administration is weaponizing this funding. Wisconsin is joined in the lawsuit, which was filed in a Rhode Island federal district court, by New Jersey, California, Delaware, Illinois, Rhode Island, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia. VOCA takes fees, fines and penalties collected in federal court proceedings and disburses those funds to the states to use on victim services which can include the operations of community-based organizations such as domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers and the work of victim-witness offices within county district attorneys offices. While individual law enforcement agencies have agreed to help immigration authorities in various capacities through efforts such as Immigration and Customs Enforcements 287(g) program, the lawsuit argues that civil immigration enforcement is strictly a federal responsibility. Requiring that states participate in such actions violates the constitutions tenets of separation of powers and federalism, the suit argues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A handful of communities across the state have enacted policies to prevent local law enforcement from aiding ICE enforcement. Milwaukee Police Department policy states that immigration enforcement is the authority of the federal government and local cops getting involved in the enforcement of immigration law could harm the departments relationship with immigrant communities. With a policing philosophy that is community-based, problem-oriented, and data-driven, we are committed to ridding the citys streets of violent offenders regardless of whether such offenders are in the United States legally or illegally, the policy states. We are also committed to facilitating safe, sustainable communities where individuals are encouraged to report crime and provide the police with useful information and intelligence. However, proactive immigration enforcement by local police can be detrimental to our mission and policing philosophy when doing so deters some individuals from participating in their civic obligation to assist the police. The Trump Administrations threat to withhold VOCA funds comes as the program has already seen massive cuts. Last year, Wisconsins portion of federal VOCA grants dropped from $40 million annually to $13 million. Because of those previous cuts, shelters across Wisconsin have been struggling to make ends meet and retain the services available for victims of crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Victim services is not just about one person gets hurt and experiences trauma, and then theyre helped and they go on with their lives, Shira Phelps, executive director of DOJs Office of Crime Victim Services, told the Wisconsin Examiner last year. This is really about sort of taking away a foundation for communities that help in every other aspect. Housing, education, all of those different fields are going to feel this really deep impact. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A sign for the Independence School District inside its main office (Vaughn Wheat/The Beacon). A state audit of the Independence School District found the board discussed the four-day school week and other topics during closed meetings, violating the Missouri Sunshine Law. The district also had problems with cash handling procedures and hadnt created policies on retaining electronic records, the Aug. 18 audit report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But overall, the audit has found the district to be well managed with only minor issues that need to be addressed, the auditors office wrote in a news release. The audit rated Independence schools good in the areas audited, the second-highest rating out of four options. I believe its extremely important that we give taxpayers and parents a better understanding of how effective and efficient their public schools are with the tax dollars they are given, Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick said in the news release. I think they can be confident the Independence School District is operationally sound and well run. Interim Superintendent Cindy Grant said she was ecstatic about the outcome and very proud to be only the third district in the past decade to earn a rating of good on the state audit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She noted Independence had only three concerns listed, fewer than the two other districts that earned a good rating, and said the results reflect well on district staff, who have done an outstanding job. Were committed to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, she said. We appreciate the thorough examination of our processes and district spending. But in the release, Fitzpatrick criticized the district for spending money on a November 2024 lawsuit attempting to overturn a requirement for a public vote on the four-day school week. The district argues that there is no rational basis for the law to apply to only certain districts. This decision has massive implications for families who rely on the district to provide an education for their children, he wrote. Attempting to deny them an opportunity to have their voices heard at the ballot box is a concerning decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grant said the four-day school week has helped improve the districts teacher retention rate as well as the average years of experience that teachers hold. Were going to focus on doing whats right for kids and our families and appreciating the support our community gives us, she said. Fitzpatrick said when he launched the audit that it wasnt prompted by specific concerns but rather is part of his mission to audit more school districts, even if they arent accused of wrongdoing. He selected Independence in part because its a large district that switched to a four-day school week. The audit includes the districts responses to the noted issues, which promise to resolve the problems and note that some solutions are already in progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This time of year, the start of the school year, its just making sure everyone knows the processes and procedures and the expectations, Grant said. Grant currently leads the district while the board begins a search for its next superintendent. What the audit found The audits findings are divided into three sections. Areas in which there are no recommendations for improvements are not included in a state audit. Cash handling Auditors reviewed six schools and found that staff members didnt always follow district policies. For example, money collected from things such as activity fees and event admissions should be deposited quickly with the proper paperwork and procedures. Not doing so increases the risk of loss, theft, or misuse of funds, the audit report said. That didnt always happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The audit also found small discrepancies in the $200 change fund that each school is supposed to maintain. In the report, the district said it has implemented a new system called MySchoolBucks and strengthened its procedures for handling cash. Sunshine Law violations in board meetings Under the states open meeting law, known as the Missouri Sunshine Law, school boards are supposed to hold most of their conversations in public. The only exceptions are specific topics such as legal or personnel issues that need to remain private. Meeting minutes show closed meeting topics that should have been discussed in public, the audit report said. In one meeting, the board discussed the four-day school week, watched a presentation that included data from a survey and discussed doing more surveys. In other meetings, the board discussed putting the operational tax levy on the ballot and talked about course credits and class rank for transfer students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The audit doesnt note exactly when those meetings happened, but says the board held 27 closed meetings from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024. Discussion of unallowable topics in closed meetings reduces public transparency, the audit report says. The Superintendent indicated the Board discussed these topics before realizing the Sunshine Law did not allow these discussions in closed meetings. Board and community members had previously raised concerns that the board wasnt using closed sessions appropriately and needed more guidance. A Beacon analysis from late 2022 found that board members had always voted unanimously in public sessions for at least 10 years until June 2022, when board member Anthony Mondaine broke that trend. That raised concerns that members were either rubber-stamping proposals or holding substantive discussions behind the scenes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In February 2023, Mondaine suggested that the board should have an attorney present during all of its closed session meetings. During public comment at that meeting, former Independence City Councilmember Marcie Gragg said it could help the board avoid having conversations that should have been in open session. There have been at least a couple of cases where citizens were directed to address this board in closed session when their issues did not meet the legal requirements, she said. Legal counsel could have advised this board that this was not appropriate. During public comment at the same meeting, parent Wendy Baird described a time she had been directed to a closed session meeting to share her concerns with virtual schooling in the district, a topic she didnt believe should have been handled in closed session. If our board leadership cannot distinguish between what is appropriate for closed or open session under Missouri state law, then yes, you do need legal guidance, she said. Baird was later elected to the school board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the audit report, the school district pledged to review closed session agenda items more closely and steer unplanned conversations away from items that should be public. Electronic records The final item noted in the audit is that the district should have a policy for retaining electronic records, including text messages and emails. The law provides that all records made or received by an official in the course of his/her public duties are public property and are not to be disposed of except as provided by law, the audit says. In the report, the district committed to working with legal counsel to develop the proper procedures. Why the Independence School District audit happened School districts routinely do financial audits. An audit from the state is different. It looks beyond finances and may come in response to specific concerns raised by citizens or the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, in March the auditors office launched an investigation which could turn into a full audit after a whistleblower raised concerns about potential inappropriate spending and other problems with money management in the Hickman Mills School District in Kansas City. During the past year, Fitzpatricks office published audits of the Kingston K-14 School District in Washington County, southwest of St. Louis; the Francis Howell R-III School District in St. Charles County; and St. Louis Public Schools. The Kingston audit came in response to a formal citizen petition. Fitzpatrick used his power to audit districts at his discretion for the other two audits, but he launched both with a sense that there were specific problems or allegations to investigate. Independences audit is unusual in that Fitzpatrick said he wasnt responding to complaints or requests from the public. Rather, he wants to use his office to audit more school districts that arent suspected of wrongdoing. For his first foray into that type of audit, Fitzpatrick said he chose Independence to balance out audits on the eastern side of the state, because its four-day school week schedule makes it interesting and because its a large district. Fitzpatrick initially said he wanted to investigate schools teaching about sexuality, gender or critical race theory which has become a catchall term for race- or diversity-related concepts that some parents or politicians may find objectionable. Those topics arent mentioned in the Independence School District audit. When the audit was announced in spring 2024, then-Superintendent Dale Herl told The Beacon he felt targeted by the state, especially on the heels of the new state law that would require Independence to seek voter approval for the four-day week schedule. The law, focused on districts in charter counties and larger cities, came shortly after Independence had adopted the schedule. Rural districts have been using the four-day week schedule for more than a decade. This article first appeared on Beacon: Kansas City and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Australia has cancelled the visa of an Israeli lawmaker from prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition who has advocated against Palestinian statehood and called for Israel to annex the occupied West Bank. Simcha Rothman, a Knesset member from the Religious Zionism party led by far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, was scheduled to visit Sydney and Melbourne this month at the invitation of a local conservative Jewish organisation. Explaining the decision to suspend Mr Rothmans visa, Australian home affairs minister Tony Burke on Monday accused him of intending to spread a message of hate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we dont want you here. Australia will be a country where everyone can be safe, and feel safe, Mr Burke said. In apparent retaliation, Israel has since revoked the residency visas of Australias representatives to the Palestinian Authority. It comes after Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese announced last week that his country intends to recognise a Palestinian state at next months UN General Assembly. Aid pallets are parachuted after being dropped from a military plane over Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip during an airdrop mission above the Israel-besieged Palestinian territory on 18 August 2025 (AFP via Getty Images) In June, five countries including Australia and Britain sanctioned Mr Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for repeatedly inciting violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Rothman said that he was informed his visa had been cancelled due to remarks the Australian government considered controversial and inflammatory, including his claim Palestinian statehood would lead to the destruction of the State of Israel and his call for Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank. "Nothing that I said personally has not been said over and over again by the vast majority of the public in Israel and the government of Israel," he told Reuters. "I think the government of Australia needs to decide, do they want to be on the side of Hamas, or do they want to be on the side of Israel? he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. A far-right lawmaker, Mr Rothman was slated to make a series of appearances at Australian synagogues and Jewish schools, hosted by the Australian Jewish Association (AJA). Shadow minister for defence Angus Taylor MP (L) and minister for home affairs Tony Burke MP speak before the ecumenical service at Wesley Church on 22 July 2025 in Canberra (Getty Images) AJA chief executive Robert Gregory said that the purpose of Mr Rothmans visit was "to show solidarity with Australias Jewish community, which is facing a wave of antisemitism," and that during his visit he was to meet with victims of antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revocation of visas held by Canberras diplomatic representatives to the Palestinian Authority was announced by foreign minister Gideon Saar, who also warned that any future Australian officials visa applications to enter Israel would be carefully examine[d]. This follows Australias decision to recognise a Palestinian state and against the backdrop of Australias unjustified refusal to grant visas to a number of Israeli figures, he said. Australian foreign minister Penny Wong criticised the decision, saying: At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution. Authorities identify 4 family members found dead in murder-suicide at New Hampshire home Authorities in New Hampshire are identifying the four family members who were found dead in their home in an apparent murder-suicide in Madbury. According to New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella, around 8:21 p.m. on Monday, troopers responded to a home on Moharimet Drive following a 911 call. The caller reported that several people were dead. Upon arrival, troopers found four family members dead inside the home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family has been identified as Emily Long, 34, Ryan Long, 48, son, Parker Long, 8, and daughter Ryan Long 6. A third child, a toddler, was found alive and suffered no physical injuries. At this time, detectives are investigating this event as a potential murder-suicide Formellas office said in a news release. Autopsies are scheduled to take place throughout the day on Wednesday. There is no known threat to the public, authorities noted. An investigation remains ongoing. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) AVAIO Digital, a Connecticut-based developer and operator of sustainable data centers, announced a new $6 billion data center campus at the East Metropolitan Center Business and Industrial Park in Brandon. According to officials, AVAIO Digital Taurus will provide new workforce development opportunities in the state while also providing a variety of jobs for the Jackson-metro area. This will include at least 60 direct, high-tech jobs and hundreds of indirect jobs, ranging from construction to other related industries. Integer Technologies, USM announce $25 million defense contract Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AVAIO Digitals $6 billion investment is the third largest in our states history and a great vote of confidence in our people, our communities and our ability to get companies up and running faster. This project will not only transform Rankin County and the Metro Jackson region, it will transform our economic landscape and lead to even more high-tech leaders choosing Mississippi, said Governor Tate Reeves (R-Miss.). The Greater Jackson area is poised to become a new hub for cloud computing and AI development, and we are delighted to partner with the city of Brandon to make a significant investment in expanding the regions digital and energy infrastructure. Mississippi provides a unique opportunity for hyperscalers to rapidly expand their digital presence in close proximity to established data center markets in a highly-sustainable way, stated AVAIO Digital CEO Mark McComiskey. Officials said the Brandon campus will feature high-speed, low-latency connectivity options, including direct access to multiple long-haul fiber routes nearby that link seamlessly to major data center hubs such as Dallas and Atlanta. They said the design features include details like water-efficient cooling, rainwater recapture and rooftop solar and cooling system economization to minimize power demands. Belhaven University launches online masters in AI Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once fully equipped, the facility will support computer server, networking and data storage technologies that power cloud computing and artificial intelligence applications. Entergy Mississippi will provide reliable power for the project. The Mississippi Development Authority approved AVAIO Digital Taurus for the states Data Center Enterprises tax exemption. MDA also previously provided assistance through the Site Development Grant Program to help develop the East Metropolitan Business and Industrial Park. Rankin County and the City of Brandon will also assist with the project. This development will bring high-quality jobs, attract and retain top talent and position Brandon at the forefront of a growing, innovation-driven industry. We are honored to partner with AVAIO Digital as they invest in our citys future, said Brandon Mayor Butch Lee. AVAIO Digital expects construction of the data center complex to be complete during the first half of 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. ISLAMABAD, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has reported a new monkeypox case after a 42-year-old man from Attock district in eastern Punjab province tested positive, health authorities said Tuesday. The National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed the case through laboratory testing on Monday, Mumtaz Ali Khan, the NIH's focal person for infectious diseases, told Xinhua. He said the patient is receiving treatment under isolation protocols. Pakistan has so far recorded 18 monkeypox cases in 2025, compared with nine each in 2024 and 2023, according to the NIH official. One fatality was reported in 2023, while no deaths have been recorded this year, he added. Health authorities said regular monitoring is underway to track the situation and ensure that precautionary measures are fully implemented. A fall chill is in the air, which means summer break is coming to a close and students are starting to head back to school. Starting next week, 12 News will have in-depth Back to School coverage on air and online to help make sure families are well prepared. DONATE: Back to School Supply Drive Below is a list of when local districts are starting school. Rhode Island Barrington Wednesday, Aug. 27 Bristol-Warren Tuesday, Sept. 2 Burrillville Wednesday, Aug. 27 Central Falls Wednesday, Aug. 27 Coventry Wednesday, Aug. 27 (grades 1-6 and 9) Thursday, Aug. 28 (all students except kindergarten) Tuesday, Sept. 2 (kindergarten) Cranston Thursday, Aug. 28 (kindergarten, grades 1, 6, 9) Friday, Aug. 29 (all grades) Cumberland Tuesday, Sept. 2 East Greenwich Wednesday, Aug. 27 East Providence Wednesday, Aug. 27 (grades 1-5, 6, 9) Thursday, Aug. 28 (all students except kindergarten) Tuesday, Sept. 2 (kindergarten) Exeter-West Greenwich Wednesday, Aug. 27 (grades 1-9) Thursday, Aug. 28 (all grades except kindergarten) Wednesday, Sept. 3 (kindergarten) Foster-Glocester Thursday, Aug. 28 Jamestown Tuesday, Sept. 2 Johnston Wednesday, Aug. 27 Lincoln Thursday, Aug. 28 Little Compton Wednesday, Aug. 27 Middletown Wednesday, Aug. 27 Narragansett Tuesday, Sept. 2 New Shoreham Wednesday, Sept. 3 North Kingstown Tuesday, Sept. 2 (grades 1-9) Wednesday, Sept 3 (all grades) North Providence Tuesday, Sept. 2 (grades 1-9) Wednesday, Sept. 3 (all grades) North Smithfield Wednesday, Aug. 27 Pawtucket Wednesday, Aug. 27 Portsmouth Thursday, Aug. 28 Providence Wednesday, Aug. 27 Scituate Tuesday, Aug. 26 Smithfield Tuesday, Aug. 26 South Kingstown Tuesday, Sept. 2 Tiverton Thursday, Aug. 28 Warwick Thursday, Aug. 28 West Warwick Tuesday, Aug. 26 Westerly Tuesday, Sept. 2 Woonsocket Tuesday, Aug. 26 (grades 1-9 and kindergarten A-L) Wednesday, Aug. 27 (grades 1-12 and kindergarten M-Z) Massachusetts Acushnet Wednesday, Aug. 27 (grades 1-8) Wednesday, Sept. 3 (pre-K and kindergarten) Attleboro Tuesday, Sept. 2 Bridgewater-Raynham Tuesday, Sept. 2 (grades 1-12) Wednesday, Sept. 3 (pre-K and kindergarten) Dartmouth Wednesday, Aug. 27 Dighton-Rehoboth Wednesday, Sept. 3 (grades 1-12) Thursday, Sept. 4 (kindergarten) Monday, Sept. 8 (preschool) Easton Wednesday, Sept. 3 (grades 1-12) Friday, Sept. 5 (kindergarten) Tuesday, Sept. 9 (preschool) Fall River Wednesday, Aug. 27 Fairhaven Wednesday, Aug. 27 (grades 1-12) Friday, Aug. 29 (kindergarten) Tuesday, Sept. 2 (pre-K) Freetown-Lakeville Tuesday, Sept. 2 (all grades except pre-K and kindergarten) Thursday, Sept. 4 (pre-K and kindergarten) New Bedford Wednesday, Aug. 27 (grades 9 and 12) Thursday, Aug. 28 (all grades except kindergarten) Tuesday, Sept. 2 (kindergarten) North Attleboro Wednesday, Aug. 27 Norton Tuesday, Sept. 2 (grades 1-12) Wednesday, Sept. 3 (kindergarten) Thursday, Sept. 4 (preschool) Seekonk Wednesday, Aug. 27 (grades 1-12) Tuesday, Sept. 2 (pre-K) Wednesday, Sept. 3 (kindergarten) Somerset/Berkley Wednesday, Aug. 27 (grades 1-12) Tuesday, Sept. 2 (pre-K and kindergarten) Swansea Wednesday, Aug. 27 (grades 1-12) Thursday, Aug. 28 (kindergarten) Wednesday, Sept. 3 (pre-K) Taunton Thursday, Aug. 28 (grades 1-12) Wednesday, Sept. 8 (pre-K and kindergarten) Westport Thursday, Aug. 28 (grades 1-12 and kindergarten screening) Friday, Aug. 29 (kindergarten screening and preschool orientation) Tuesday, Sept. 2 (kindergarten and pre-K orientation) Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) School is almost back in session, and with it comes a hefty price tag. This year, some parents told WTAJ theyre paying more than they bargained for at checkout. The majority of shoppers began checking items off their list early this year. About 50% of early shoppers, according to the National Retail Federation, did so out of concern for rising prices due to tariffs. Id say I probably spent double, but I think I bought more than I did last year, too, said Amanda Brubaker, a parent of two elementary students. Their school supplies, I think, cost a little more than normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Francis University Business Professor Randy Frye says on average, a family spends $875 per year on school supplies. That number is even greater for college students, totaling almost $1,400, and that doesnt include the cost of tuition or books. People are seeking value, whether that be at Walmart, Target or Amazon. Theyre looking for value, a bang for their buck, because they feel squeezed by a lot of things. Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices. Frye says tariffs arent helping cut any costs. He estimates theyve raised prices about 3% to 5%, putting some middle and low-income families in a tough spot financially. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School supply tariffs are estimated to be $73 million this year, so someones absorbing those costs. It could be the supply chain, the distributors, the manufacturers eating those costs, or it could be a pass-through cost to families, Frye said. The reason why is when you look at where the school supplies are coming from China, India, Vietnam all the tariffs have an impact on the price of school supplies. Surrounding states like West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland have back-to-school sales tax holidays, but Pennsylvania doesnt, at least not yet. Lawmakers recently proposed legislation to create a tax holiday, but so far, nothing has been passed. More from WTAJ's Rachel Pellegrino When you think about lower-income families, the sales tax is more onerous for them than a wealthy family because it takes a bigger hunk of their family dollar, Frye said. So, this would really help encourage larger families to save a little bit of money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for parents like Brubaker, theyre finding ways to save a buck anywhere they can. They needed erasers, pencils, colored pencils, and we had a lot of that stuff left from last year I try to buy good stuff that way it does last. I dont buy cheap stuff. You get what you pay for. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. A 63-year-old American tourist was seriously injured after a shark attacked him during a spearfishing trip near Big Grand Cay on Abaco Island in the Bahamas over the weekend. The Royal Bahamas Police Force stated on Facebook that the incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. on August 17. The victim was initially treated at a nearby clinic and later airlifted to the United States for further medical care. No additional details about the incident or the victims condition were released. While shark attacks in the Bahamas are rare, the country has one of the highest rates relative to its population, according to the International Shark Attack File, which has recorded 34 confirmed unprovoked attacks over the past 400 years, ranking the Bahamas ninth globally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This incident follows other recent shark-related injuries involving U.S. tourists. In February, two Americans were injured in a suspected shark attack while swimming at Bimini Bay, a resort area about 50 miles from Miami. In December 2023, Lauren Erickson Van Wart, a 44-year-old newlywed from Massachusetts, was fatally bitten while paddleboarding near New Providence Island. A month later, in January 2024, a 10-year-old boy from Maryland was bitten on the leg during a shark tank experience at a Paradise Island resort and was hospitalized. The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas in March, urging travelers to exercise increased caution due to shark-related risks. Stay alert for sharks. Shark attacks have led to serious injuries and death, the advisory stated. By Ahmed Kingimi MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) -At least 27 worshippers were killed and several injured early on Tuesday when armed bandits stormed a mosque in northern Nigeria's Katsina state during morning prayers, the village head and a hospital official said. Gunmen opened fire inside a mosque as Muslims gathered to pray at around 04:00 GMT in the remote community of Unguwan Mantau in Malumfashi local government area, residents said. (Additional reporting by Hamza Ibrahim in Kano; Writing by Chijioke Ohuocha; Editing by Chris Reese) WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police officers blocked off several roads in Northeast after a barricade situation unfolded on Tuesday morning. Details remain limited, however, D.C. police told DC News Now that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) received a call for a person in crisis in the 2700 block of New York Ave. just before 8 a.m. on Aug. 19. When officers arrived, they found a person who had barricaded themselves inside a vehicle and refused to come out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC gay bar owners report thousands in losses due to federal presence As a result, police blocked off the 2000 block of Bladensburg Road NE and New York Avenue at Bladensburg NE for more than three hours. All traffic from New York Avenue was diverted onto South Dakota Avenue, but all roads have since reopened. D.C. police officers blocked off several roads in Northeast after a person barricaded themselves in a car on Aug. 19. (Dave Leval/DC News Now) Check DCNewsNow.com for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HOLLISTER, Mo. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy brought his One-Bite pizza reviews to the Ozarks to try Mr. Gilbertis Place in Hollister. Dave Portnoy at Mr. Gilbertis in Hollister. Photo courtesy of Dave Portnoy Facebook page In a social media post on Aug. 18, Portnoy traveled to Hollister to try the pizza while he was in town at Big Cedar Lodge shooting the Internet Invitational. Mr. Gilbertis, which serves Chicago-style pizza and Italian food, is located a few miles from the Branson strip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Portnoy says in the video the Chicago pan pizza was rated 7.3 out of 10. Wayne and Susan Gilberti began the original place in downtown Branson in the 90s, according to the website. The Gilbertis eventually moved back to Gulf Shores, Alabama. After a hurricane, the couple decided to move back to Hollister and begin the pizza place again. The couple eventually sold the place to a young couple who currently run the restaurant. Portnoy also reviewed pizza from another Hollister hot spot: Hook and Ladder Pizza Company. You can check out that review here. To watch more of the One Bite reviews, visit the website located here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Aug. 18Editor's note: This is the first of two stories about the 106th annual Barton County Farm Bureau meeting. Part two will appear in the Great Bend Tribune on Saturday, Aug. 23. The Barton County Farm Bureau Association welcomed Country Connections couple Paul and Shannon Holder back to central Kansas on Sunday for the 106th BCFB annual meeting. Others honored that evening were the 2025 Sesquicentennial Farm Family, the 2025 Century Farm Family and the 2025 Farm Family Award winners. The Holders live in the Kansas City metropolitan area and in June they were invited to spend several days in Barton County as BCFB's first Country Connections couple. Roger Long from Barton County helped Farm Bureau start this program as a way to give urban guests a chance to visit ag venues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Holders are members of the Basehor Kiwanis Club and Osage Trails chapter of Missouri Master Naturalists. They are sharing their experience with these and other groups. Paul Holder talked about what they learned: Farming is not a job, it's a life. It's getting very hard to make a living at farming. The food supply is safe. The water issue is complicated. Wildlife can be cool and not cool. "We learned there are two sides to every issue," he said. For example, they visited people from Larned who talked about a proposed feed yard; some are for it and some are opposed. They also learned about the water issues in Stafford County, with Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, farmers and city dwellers all sharing resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We all fight some of the same battles," Holder said. The key is for people to "talk to each other, not at each other." Honorees Several awards were presented at the meeting: 2025 Sesquicentennial Farm Family In 2021 BCFB honored the Lanterman Family with the Century Farm Award. The family farm dates back to October of 1873, when Robert and Duane Lanterman's great-great-grandfather acquired 160 acres in Barton County 2025 Century Farm Honorees Austin and Nora Nokes purchased the property in March. Before that, it belonged to Roy and Iva Behrens, Austin's grandparents. Herman Behrens and his wife, great-grandparents of Austin, were the original owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025 Farm Family Award The Taff Hughes Family. Natural Resource Award Veronica Hughes 2025 Agriculture Reporting Award Steve Webster 2025 Rural Minds Matter Advocate of the Year Award Leonard Kaiser. NEED TO KNOW Approximately 500 people are being alerted that they stayed in cabins where they might have been exposed to bats in the Jackson Lake Lodge at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming The bat colony was discovered in late July, and the rooms have since been closed to the public to protect anyone from additional exposure Thus far, none of the bats that have been tested came back positive for rabies, but it is estimated to be a very small number of those who live in the attic space Many people could have been exposed to rabies after a colony of bats was found residing in the attic of a lodge at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. So far, none of the bats discovered in some of the cabins at Jackson Lake Lodge have tested positive for rabies, according to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Wyoming State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist told the outlet that the bats found and tested were likely to only be a small amount of the high number of bats in the cabins attic. Officials revealed that they were tracking people who visited from 38 states and seven countries, per Wyoming Public Radio and CNN. Its estimated that around 500 guests have stayed in the cabins from May to late July when the colony was discovered, according to the latter outlet. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. George Rose/Getty The Jackson Lake Lodge The Jackson Lake Lodge On Aug. 8, the National Park Service issued a statement to people who had visited the Jackson Lake Lodge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A suspected bat colony was recently discovered in an attic space above guest rooms 516, 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528 and 530 at the Jackson Lake Lodge, the release read. There is no immediate threat to the public. The Wyoming Health Department directed PEOPLE to the National Park Service's statement when asked about the matter. A representative for Grand Teton National Park shared the following statement with PEOPLE: "Grand Teton National Park staff are working closely with the NPS Office of Health and Safety, Wyoming Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Grand Teton Lodge Company to address potential guest exposures to bats in the Jackson Lake Lodge. The Wyoming Department of Health is leading the response and is working with other state public health officials to contact individuals who stayed in the affected rooms from May 15 to July 27, 2025, to see if they meet the risk criteria for receiving rabies prevention treatment." The National Park Service's online statement continued: Wyoming Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are leading the effort to coordinate with the affected guests' local public health officials, who will conduct rabies risk assessments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The service said that guests are being contacted to see if they were exposed to any bats during their stay and to see if they meet the risk criteria for receiving rabies preventive treatment. Natalie Behring/Bloomberg via Getty Jackson Lake Lodge sign Jackson Lake Lodge sign Individuals who meet the risk criteria for a rabies exposure will be connected with the appropriate provider in their home state for preventive treatment, the notice continued. There have so far been eight cases of people who might have been exposed to bats since June 2. As a precaution, the affected rooms are closed while public health professionals conduct further assessments and provide recommendations for mitigation, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bats are known to carry the virus for rabies, according to CNN. Symptoms can include vomiting, itching and muscle aches. While cases are likely to be fatal when symptoms show up, Harrist told the outlet that a five-shot prophylactic course during a two-week period after being exposed, had a high chance of preventing sickness. The lodge company has done a fantastic job of doing their due diligence of making sure everyone that is coming in for that, and for all other visits this year, are going to be as safe as possible, Wyomings public health veterinarian Emily Curren told CNN. She added that bats usually live in colonies from 30 up to 100. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats a lot of bats that we cannot rule out a risk of rabies being in, Curren said. Theres no way for us to know for certain about every single bat that got into these rooms. Grand Teton National Park spokesperson Emily Davis also said the bats would not be exterminated, per CNN. Instead, methods were being put in place to stop the bats from flying back inside the cabins. PEOPLE contacted the Grand Teton Lodge Company for a comment but has not heard back at the time of publication. Read the original article on People Florida bear hunt opponents, unable to dissuade state wildlife commissioners last week from authorizing a sanctioned killing of the once imperiled species, are now trying their luck in court. This years bear hunt, set for 23 days in December, would be the first in Florida since 2015 when hunters killed an unexpectedly high 304 bears in two days, forcing a shutdown that has lasted a decade. Bear Warriors United, a not-for-profit organization based in Seminole County, filed a 53-page challenge Friday with the Division of Administrative Hearings, arguing the state Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) failed to follow rules requiring that sound research, science and management techniques should prevail over politics when it comes to wildlife conservation and management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By taking their case to an administrative law judge, the group is hoping to speed the legal process as the awarding of hunt permits looms, perhaps as soon as next month. Tallahassee attorney Thomas Crapps, providing pro bono representation of Bear Warriors United, said in the filing that the hunt is based on stale facts from a 2014-2015 bear population study and is directly contrary to FWCs own 2019 Bear Management Plan. He also argued the agencys governing board violated its constitutional mission by giving FWCs executive director, rather than its appointed board, unbridled authority to issue permits to kill bears annually without any guidance or scientific facts. That decision removes the publics right to be heard, Crapps argued. Crapps co-counsel is Volusia County lawyer Raquel Levy, whose teen-age daughter, Bella Schwartz, addressed FWC commissioners last week to argue against the hunt. We believe conservation doesnt begin and end with a bullet, the teen told them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fish & Wildlife has not yet responded to the Bear Warriors complaint. Much of the debate preceding FWCs August 13 vote for a hunt centered on how much science the agency used to devise its plan for a 187-bear harvest. During the meetings public comment period, Scott Thomas, a wildlife management biologist who identified himself as president of the North Florida chapter of Safari International, lobbied for the hunt. He said Floridas rebounding population of black bear has grown beyond the peninsulas carrying capacity, leading to rising numbers of human-bear conflicts, pet clashes and vehicle collisions. FWC estimates Floridas black bear population at about 4,000 animals with about 1,200 in Central Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no check on Floridas bear population and it will continue to grow unless actively managed, Thomas said. He warned that overpopulation could lead to cruel deaths of bears by starvation, disease and other means. Already about 300 bears are killed every year by vehicles while cross roadways, an FWC spokesperson said. Florida approves first bear hunt in a decade, defying a surge of opponents But an email attached to the Bear Warriors petition, dated Aug. 8 to Morgan Richardson, FWCs director of hunting and game management, took issue with that argument. It came from Clay Henderson, who served on Floridas Constitution Revision Commission in 1998 and helped draft language creating the wildlife agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the proposed rules for the bear hunt run afoul of the stated intent that FWC base decisions on science. Moving forward, FWCC is flying blind. By the states own admission it is challenging for researchers to visually observe bears and directly count their numbers. Indeed, black bear population numbers are out of date, his email noted. The last defensible numbers were developed in 2017, and the agencys bear management plan calls for the next full census report to be completed in 2029. He said the 187 harvest or kill quota proposed for the December hunt rely on outdated population estimates. These estimates do not account for population lag after the major mortality event that was the 2015 hunt, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FWC divides the state into seven bear management zones. It is not allowing hunting in three areas of the state that each have bear populations estimated under 200 animals. Henderson also contends in his email that the hunt places Floridas unique subspecies of black bear at risk of renewed population decline and irreversible ecological loss. Wildlife commissioners approved a permit-drawing process that will be open to anyone paying a $5 entry fee. The process does not include a limit on the number of times people can enter, but people whose names are drawn will only be able to purchase a single permit. Floridians will pay $100 for permits. Non-Floridians will be limited to 10 percent of the permits, which will cost them $300. FWC has not yet announced details, but a spokesperson said an announcement could come later this week. shudak@orlandosentinel.com BEAUFORT, S.C. (WSAV) The Beaufort Police Department (BPD) is asking for the publics help in locating a missing girl, now looking for more information on a vehicle seen in the area at the time. Estefany Molina, of Port Royal, was last seen on Monday at 84 Sea Island Parkway after being dropped off as school. She is 5-foot-6-feet and weighs approximately 150 lbs. BPD said the vehicle pictured was in the area at the time she was last seen. It is an orange Ford Econoline Van. The plates tag is South Carolina #555AGD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information on Molinas location or the vehicle should contact BPDs non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PARIS, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could happen in the next two weeks. Speaking in an interview with the LCI news channel, Macron said that Putin, who held phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, expressed his readiness to meet Zelensky within that timeframe. "We have decided to have a bilateral meeting between the two presidents, then a trilateral meeting (with Trump), and then a multilateral meeting where the Europeans must be at the table," Macron said. The French president added that such meetings should be held in Europe, reflecting the "collective will" of European leaders. Unlike their 2019 meeting in France, Macron suggested that the upcoming meetings could take place in a "neutral country," such as Switzerland or Turkiye, where Russia and Ukraine have previously held bilateral talks. A well-known Florida Keys charter fishing captain was fatally shot near Orlando late last week following what police say appears to be an argument with another man over traffic. Joseph Hall, Jr., 43, was pronounced dead at HCA Lake Monroe Hospital in Sanford around 5:45 p.m. Thursday night. Just minutes earlier, witnesses told police they saw another man, 24-year-old Jaden Harris, running after Hall at an apartment building parking lot with a handgun and shooting at him several times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris, who stayed at the scene, told Sanford police officers that he was driving his white BMW sedan behind Halls Jeep Gladiator on South Mangoustine Avenue, and that Hall was driving very slowly. Harris told cops he passed Hall, who reacted by acting like he was going to use his Jeep to hit the BMW, according to his arrest report. Harris told police he followed Hall to try taking a picture of his license plate. When they arrived at a Stop sign at West Seminole Boulevard and Mangoustine Avenue, Hall rolled his window down and called him an expletive for a female body part. Harris followed Hall as he made a left turn onto West Seminole Boulevard. Hall pulled into the apartment complex on Marbella Lane, Harris told police. There, Harris told police Hall blocked the parking lot exit with his Jeep and got out of the vehicle, approaching the BMW, according to the report. As Hall got closer to the BMW, Harris let him know that had it on him, meaning his gun, according to the report. He said Hall lunged toward the car, and thats when he fired his first shot, the report states. Per the arrest report, when the first officer arrived and found Harris standing by his car, the cop asked him if he was the one who shot Hall. He responded, I had to because he was blocking me in, the report states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After detectives asked Harris to tell them more about what was said before he opened fire, he told them he wanted an attorney, so they stopped questioning him, according to the report. Based on what witnesses told police, what Harris told them, and after viewing security camera footage from the apartment building, officers arrested him on a charge of second-degree murder. The footage did not capture the shooting, but shows Harris BMW rolling backwards before he catches up to it and puts the car in park. This corroborates what witnesses say, that he got out of the car and kept firing, according to the report. Detectives said Harris had several opportunities to disengage from pursuing Joseph but maliciously continued instead. Based on Jadens post Miranda interview, he never stated that at the time of the incident he was ever in fear for his life. Detectives also note in the report that neither Harris nor the witnesses ever said Hall was armed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joseph did not cause Jaden any injury or harm to him that would justify the use of deadly force, the report states. A judge ordered Harris held without bond until his scheduled Oct. 7 arraignment, according to Seminole County court records. News of Halls death hit the Upper Keys community hard after his wife, Devi, with whom he shares two children, posted about it via Facebook on Saturday. He was full of life, laughter, and love, and I am so grateful for every moment we had together, she wrote. Hall owned and captained the 65-foot Sailors Choice Party Fishing Boat as well as the Anglers Choice sportfishing charter boat, both based out of the mile marker 99.7 oceanside marina in Key Largo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tributes from loyal customers, crew and colleagues have continued to pour in to the Sailors Choice Facebook page since Halls death. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Captain Joe touched the lives of many with his kindness, passion, and love for the water. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and for creating memories that families will cherish forever. His legacy will live on through every story, every smile, and every fish caught aboard Sailors Choice and Anglers Choice, the crew of the Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat wrote. Misinformation about benefits, money and government policy has likely been seen by hundreds of thousands of people as fake news has been allowed to feature amongst Googles top-ranking search results. The web giants rotation of articles featured on its search engine and most prominent recommendation services has included several peddling incorrect information on crucial financial news relating to UK readers. Many of these sites falsely claim that the Cost of Living Payment that was administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 2022 and 2024 is returning this year, which is not true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authors of the articles even falsely state that people on certain commonly-claimed benefits, such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit, can expect automatic payments worth up to 500 in the coming months. Several websites spreading misinformation about pensions and benefits have been featured across Google services (Google/The Independent) Another fake story sees WASPI campaigners told that they can expect a one-off, tax-free compensation payment worth thousands, while yet another claims that next years planned state pension age increase to 67 has been cancelled. The owners of these web pages are likely carrying out this activity with the aim of attracting as many readers as possible to their sites with sensational and false headlines. Using knowledge of Googles website-ranking system to manipulate search results, they also focus content on topics that its open-source data shows is highly searched for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visitors are shown hundreds of intrusive ads on the pages, the revenue from which becomes more valuable to the site owner the more a website is visited. The Independent has identified several sites that have been sharing false information that has been highly-ranked by Googles algorithm. None of those uncovered are based in the UK. (Getty/iStock) Anna Stevenson, Benefits Expert at Turn2us, said: These sites prey on peoples worries at a time when so many of us are feeling the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis, and thats really unfair. If you see a headline about a new payment or benefit, take a moment to check where its coming from. Just because it's displayed on Google doesn't make it trustworthy, stick to established and authentic sources like .gov.uk websites or reputable charities; if you cant find the same information there, its unlikely to be legitimate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Google said: We see billions of search queries every day and we design our ranking systems to surface high quality information at the top of Search. Our spam-fighting systems aggressively fight mass-produced, low-quality content, keeping Search 99% spam-free and we take appropriate action against pages that violate our policies. Google is taking action against the websites that The Independent has identified, the spokesperson confirmed. The owners of all of these sites were approached for comment. Only one, Tamil Nadu Weatherman, has removed its article, which carried false information about the Cost of Living Payment, saying it was never [their] intention to spread false information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson said: Thank you for reaching out and bringing this to my attention. After carefully reviewing the articles you highlighted, I acknowledge that the information published may not have been accurate. This was an oversight on my part, and I sincerely regret any confusion it may have caused. Going forward, I will ensure that all such content is cross-checked with official government websites before publication. Accuracy and trust are very important to me, and I appreciate you raising this issue so I could address it promptly. A Government spokesperson said: "There are no plans to reinstate Cost of Living Payments. Misinformation undermines public trust and causes real harm to people who rely on government services - that's why we're taking decisive action through the Online Safety Act to hold platforms accountable. After more than three decades of delays, the Berkeley Civic Arts Commission has unanimously approved recognition of Native artists Lee Sprague (Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi) and Marlene Watson (Navajo) as the rightful creators of the Turtle Island Monument. The resolution, passed on August 13, now moves to the Berkeley City Council for final action to formally correct the record and return artistic rights to the original Indigenous artists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. The Turtle Island Monument, first envisioned in 1992 as a fountain and cultural landmark in Civic Center Park, in Berkeley, Calif. was meant to honor Native America and the citys historic role as the first in the world to declare Indigenous Peoples' Day. But in the years that followed, Berkeley repeatedly excluded Sprague and Watson from the project, in violation of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, while misdirecting millions of dollars in public funds. City of Berkeley and their officials hold a position of trust and responsibility towards public monies, Watson said. The City of Berkeley bidded out the Turtle Island Monument project to a non-Native artist. This has been an injustice for over 33 years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sprague called for full disclosure of how $3.2 million in funds were spent, accusing Berkeley of repeating colonial patterns under a new guise. "Berkeley staff has been opening up generations of trauma, still finding ways to rip off Indians, using a new Manifest Destiny methodology, with no accountability, Sprague said. After 33 years, we have the rights to our own artwork. The Civic Arts Commission has committed to removing the four sea turtle sculptures from City Hall, acknowledging they misrepresent Indigenous stories. The City Council must now rescind past resolutions misattributing the Turtle Island Monument and authorize its completion under Sprague and Watsons original design. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. "Our original designs connect the Indigenous peoples from Turtle Island to the moment when Berkeley recognized Indigenous Peoples Day, the first city in the world to do so. Marlene and I worked with Berkeley residents beginning 33 years ago. We are looking forward to seeing water flowing at the fountain at Civic Center, which has faced 50+ years of administrative delays, Sprague said. Water is Life. Through our art, the unseen powers, the great mysteries, guide our footsteps and recognize Berkeley's creation of the first Indigenous Peoples Day as a shared dream for generations to come." Whether the Turtle Island Monument finally rises after decades of delay will depend on whether the Berkeley City Council follows through. For Sprague and Watson, the recognition by the Civic Arts Commission is an overdue but vital step toward restoring the integrity of public artwork meant to honor Native peoples. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. " Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com A Maryland voter receives an I Voted sticker after casting a ballot at an early voting location before the 2022 midterms. The Maryland Senate passed its own Voting Rights Act, hoping the state joins seven other states with similar laws. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Other states should emulate Floridas election laws, which have been changed twice following the 2020 election but still allow people to vote by mail, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday. So, we showed it can be done. I think our model is the best model for the country, DeSantis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His remarks somewhat distanced the governor from President Donald Trump, who on Monday said administration lawyers are drafting an executive order to eliminate mail-in voting. He made the announcement after Vladimir Putin told him the 2020 U.S. elections were rigged because of postal ballots. (Election laws are set at the state level and Trump cannot unilaterally end mail voting.) DeSantis contended that Trumps remarks were aimed more at other states. When [Trump] says vote-by-mail, I think, is the states like California and Nevada and others where they just send all these ballots out into the ether, basically, the governor said, alleging voting lists arent accurate in those states and they allow ballot harvesting by third parties, including volunteers or campaign workers. Ballot harvesting delivering mail-in ballots belonging to anyone except the single voter and immediate family members is a third-degree felony in Florida, punishable by five years in prison and $5,000 in fines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting-rights groups have long used ballot harvesting to get out the vote but DeSantis demonized it after the 2020 elections and again Tuesday. The mass voting of ballots has been a huge mistake and I dont think that theyre adequate safeguards on that, when you start talking about the Californias and the Nevadas, and so I think it should be discontinued. First round of changes Trump lost the 2020 election to former president Joe Biden. Trump, at the time the incumbent, alleged widespread fraud, an assertion that has been repeatedly debunked. While DeSantis acknowledged in 2023 that Trump lost the election, he initially dodged answering the question and focused his efforts on changing the states election laws. And the Legislature delivered in early 2021 with SB 90. The changes include requiring voters to show ID and provide the last digits of their Social Security numbers to request a vote-by-mail ballot. SB 90 also restricted the locations of drop boxes for ballots to be returned to the local supervisor of elections office or at an early-voting location during early voting hours. Or via the U.S. Mail, FedEx, UPS, or another mail carrier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law bars anyone other than poll workers from distributing food or water to people in line within 150 feet of a polling place or drop box. Challenges and more changes The League of Women Voters and other voting- and civil-rights organizations successfully challenged SB 90 in court, arguing the changes suppressed voting by Blacks voters, Latino voters, and others. In a 288-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee barred the state and county supervisors of elections from enforcing, among other things, the ban on supplying food and water to people waiting in line to vote and limiting the use of drop boxes. Walker also ordered the state to clear any future changes in voting laws during the next 10 years with him. But the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit largely reversed Walkers decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before DeSantiss 2022 historic landslide re-election, the Legislature in early 2022 passed another round of election law changes in SB 254. That bill established an elections crimes unit. He said he worked on the initiative with his then-chief of staff, now-Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier. It has actually brought people to justice for violating election law. Illegal aliens voting, people voting in multiple jurisdictions, people that have been convicted of homicide and sexual assault illegally voting, and those folks have actually been brought to justice in Florida, DeSantis said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Just six days into the new school year, three Duval County students have already been struck by cars one fatally prompting urgent calls for action from District 3 School Board Member Cindy Pearson. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office confirmed the most recent incident happened Monday morning near First Coast High School. Officers say the student was struck in a hit-and-run but was not injured. The crash marked the third student involved in a traffic accident in less than a week. Last week, a middle school student was killed after being hit by a truck on Biscayne Boulevard, and another student was struck just days before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Pearson said the series of incidents underscores the concerns about student pedestrian safety that shes had for years. We need to change our habits as pedestrians thats students and adults. Cross at the crosswalks, cross with the lights, cross where its safe. And then we need to change our habits as motorists, as drivers, Pearson told Action News Jax. On Facebook, Pearson outlined several measures she is pushing for, including: Requesting no parking signs during peak school travel hours near Julia Landon College Prep on Atlantic Boulevard. Advocating for more crossing guards, even at secondary schools, to assist with high-risk pedestrian areas. Partnering with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office (JSO) and DCPS Police to ticket drivers who ignore flashing crosswalks. Expanding the districts Be Safe, Be Seen campaign into a student and parent pledge program. Hosting a safety town hall with Councilman Joe Carlucci to hear directly from families and residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors in areas where students were struck say they share the concern. Bernard George, who lives near Biscayne Boulevard, where last weeks fatal crash occurred, told Action News Jax that increased adult supervision could make a difference. If they were to set up some sort of physical people standing outside monitoring the traffic and letting people slow down so kids could pass by, itll probably prevent some of this, George said. JSO has already announced it will add 16 more traffic officers and 13 more motor officers in response to the city surpassing 100 traffic deaths this year. Pearson says that while law enforcement plays a role, parents, students, and drivers all share responsibility for making school routes safer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were a week and a day into the school year and weve had three students hit in the last three days. We need to do better, Duval, Pearson said. Details on Pearson and Carluccis planned safety town hall meeting are expected to be released in the coming weeks. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) The Department of Land and Natural Resources is urging caution near lava lands in coastal areas on Hawaii Island. Visitor from Boston falls off cliff near Kilauea Officials say newly formed lands from the 2018 Kilauea lava flow are cracking and could collapse after DLNR recently found a large crack in a lava delta at Kapoho in Puna. The warning includes, but is not limited to, the communities of Kapoho, Pohoiki, Malama and Kalapana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority, and we must emphasize that these newly created lands are not safe to traverse, said DLNR Chair Dawn Chang. The land is still settling and is unpredictable. Officials warn that the land is unstable, and visitors to those coastal areas should take extreme caution. Officials add that the terrain can be deceptive as thin layers of molten rock appear as solid ground, with vegetation also potentially hiding deep cracks. The report of the crack at Kapoho is a stark reminder that even years after eruption, areas in the lava flow hazard zones are active and can be dangerous. Please exercise caution and remain alert when visiting these coastal areas, Chang added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out more news from around Hawaii Officials also note that a collapsing delta can trigger explosive activity, potentially hurling rocks and debris hundreds of yards. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. House Election Integrity Committee Chair Rachelle Smit (R-Martin). Aug. 19, 2025 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance While canvassers work to collect signatures in support of enshrining ranked choice voting in the Michigan Constitution, lawmakers are mulling a potential ban on the practice, with the bills sponsor arguing it flies in the face of one person, one vote. Rep. Rachelle Smit (R-Martin), chair of the House Election Integrity Committee on Tuesday testified on her House Bill 4707, which would prohibit ranked choice voting in the state, and invalidate any local ordinance that permits it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than casting a ballot for one candidate, ranked choice voting asks voters to rank candidates for a position based on preference. However, Smit argued the system is confusing, and would burden clerks after sweeping changes to Michigans election system were approved by voters in 2022. These include allowing for nine days of early voting, permitting voters to use a photo ID or sign an affidavit in order to verify their identity and allowing voters to place themselves on a permanent absentee voter list. By prohibiting ranked choice voting, we will ensure that the principles of one person one vote continues, and we will avoid confusion and additional burdens on our already-stressed election administrators, Smit said. In her testimony, Smit noted that two states currently use ranked choice voting, Alaska and Maine. Sixteen others have prohibited the practice, while its legal status remains up in the air in Michigan. However, Rep. Stephen Wooden (D-Grand Rapids), the committee minority vice chair, questioned the need for a ban, noting that Michigans election law already prescribes the time and manner of each election in a way that does not allow for ranked choice voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Five cities in the state have adopted Ranked Choice Voting measures for their local elections: Ann Arbor, Ferndale, East Lansing, Kalamazoo and Royal Oak. However, state law has kept the localities from implementing these measures. House Election Committee Minority Vice Chair Stephen Wooden (D-Grand Rapids). Aug. 19, 2025 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance In response, Smit said the state does not expressly prohibit or allow for ranked choice voting, and that the goal of the bill is to clearly establish that it is not allowed in state, local or federal elections. Responding to another question from Wooden, Smit said the bill was a response to the Rank MI Vote ballot effort, later confirming that if Michigan voters were to approve the proposed constitutional amendment, her bill would be rendered unenforceable. Trent England, one of the chairs of the anti-ranked choice voting coalition Stop RCV, argued ranked choice voting makes the whole process more difficult, complicating ballot design, lengthening instruction on the ballot and requiring voters to have more information both about the ranked choice voting process, and the candidates themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You might say, Well, I only have one candidate I like, but if you dont rank other candidates, you run the risk of being actually disenfranchised in the election, England said. Trent England, co-chair of Stop RCV testifies in support of a bill banning ranked choice voting in Michigan elections. Aug. 19, 2025 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance He also cited a 2022 incident in Alameda County, California where the countys ranked choice voting system was not properly configured. As a result, the initially certified results for an Oakland school board race were not correct. Shelly Lake, deputy clerk for Irving Township in Barry County, said that if ranked choice voting was approved in Michigan, she expected the number of spoiled ballots would greatly increase due to issues with how a voter fills out their ballot. However, Joe Spaulding, campaign director for Rank MI Vote, said the error rate for ranked choice elections is roughly the same as single-candidate elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spaulding noted that Michigans political parties currently use a modified form of ranked choice voting in selecting their nominee for attorney general and secretary of state. If ranked choice voting is good for the party in the primary, I promise its good for the public in the general election, Spaulding said. Joe Spaulding, campaign director for Rank MI Vote, testifies against legislation to ban ranked choice voting in Michigan. Aug. 19, 2025 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance Spaulding also argued that single-choice elections punish voters when more candidates run, while ranked choice voting incentivizes collaboration over partisanship. Liberals and conservatives dont want to vote for the lesser of two evils. Progressives want options outside of the oligarchy, in their words. [Make America Great Again Republicans] want choices beyond what they call a uniparty.ranked choice voting is a very simple solution to the issue of voters getting punished when theyre given more choices in an election, Spaulding said. Members of the committee voted 6-3 along party lines to send the bill back to the House floor for further consideration. A group of bipartisan lawmakers met with Syrias President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, part of a growing group in Congress engaging with the new Syrian government as President Trump has moved to lift sanctions. The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday posted photos of the lawmakers, the delegation included Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), and Reps. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) The lawmakers met with al-Sharaa and other senior officials in the administration, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Assad Hassan Al-Shaibani and Minister of Interior Anas Khattab. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill has reached out to the lawmakers offices for comment. Trump has moved to significantly ease sanctions on Syria in the wake of the ousting of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in December. But Congress is split over whether to permanently repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, a comprehensive sanctions regime against Syria that was meant to isolate and bankrupt Assad. Trump only has a six-month waiver to suspend those sanctions. The divide is bipartisan. Some Republicans and Democrats are arguing for a cautious approach to lifting sanctions, to closely watch how al-Sharaa follows through on key commitments to counterterrorism, justice for victims of Assad and protection of minorities. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) put his support behind an initiative from Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) that would amend Caesar to give the president more flexibility on suspending sanctions yet retain the ability to implement them if needed. The debate in Congress came shortly after an American citizen was killed among a group of Syrian-Druze in an outbreak of sectarian violence in Suwayda, in southern Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We cannot expect perfection, we are not looking for Jeffersonian democracy in Syria, but we are also looking for a government to do all it can to prevent seven Druze, including one U.S. citizen, from being executed, Sherman said last month, referring to the violence. Still, there seems to be bipartisan consensus for engagement with al-Sharaa and his government. The delegation including Ernst and others follows trips by other lawmakers to Syria in the wake of the ousting of former dictator Bashar al-Assad, who fled the country in December amid a lightning takeover by al-Sharaa as head of the former-designated terrorist organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Another Republican lawmaker, Arizona Rep. Abraham Hamadeh, who is of Syrian-Druze heritage, traveled to Damascus earlier this month to advocate for the return of Americans killed in Syria, in particular for Kayla Mueller, who was killed in 2015 while she was a hostage of ISIS in Syria. Her family are his constituents. The Trump administration has also pushed for the Syrian government to help locate Austin Tice, an American journalist kidnapped by the Assad regime in 2012. The family believes he is alive. Hamadeh traveled to Damascus after meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, and urged Syrias inclusion in the Abraham Accords, to normalize ties with Israel. Netanyahu has ordered airstrikes on Syria in what he says are counterterrorism actions and protections of Syrias Druze minority. Hamadeh lobbied al-Sharaa to provide for the safe delivery of medical and humanitarian aid to Suwayda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, a pair of Republican lawmakers also traveled to Syria, Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) and Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) The Birmingham Police Department is requesting assistance from the public in finding an armed robbery suspect. Officers arrived to the Shell gas station in the 400 block of Oporto-Madrid Boulevard North on a report of a person robbed Friday. Authorities made contact with a man who told them he was robbed at gunpoint inside the store. Father of Cullman spa owner charged with opium trafficking being sought by police Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect entered the gas station and allegedly took money from the victim as the victim was attempting to make a purchase. The suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and threatened the victim before leaving the scene. Anyone with information is asked to call the BPD at 205-254-1764 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. Aug. 18ROCHESTER While a few "hiccups" caused unexpected delays, the Bitter and Pour Rooftop bar is slated to open next week. The plan is to have an official opening on Aug. 29 to kick off the Labor Day holiday weekend. The bar space is on the seventh floor of the H3 Plaza building at 30 Third St. SE The project to revamp the former La Vetta/H3 Rooftop bar space has been the focus of the team behind Rochester's basement speakeasy bar all summer. Now as fall starts to creep in, the bar with its head in the clouds is almost ready to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's a really cool looking space," said John Pacchetti, one of the owners of the pair of Bitter & Pour bars. "It is definitely a different environment for us. After being in a dark basement for so long, it is way different to work on a bright, light rooftop. The vibe will be a lot brighter, louder and more upbeat." While the open deck of the bar has only sky and clouds above, this new version of the rooftop space does have an enclosed bar with room for about 50 people or more. That means even if the wet weather hangs around, there will still be a dry place to get a dry martini on the Bitter & Pour Rooftop. There is room for about another 60 people on the open rooftop and a new pergola. Andy Ferguson, another Bitter & Pour owner, explained the Rooftop will offer a different menu of craft cocktails than the speakeasy, plus more beers on tap and frozen drink options. While the Rooftop won't offer food, he said they welcome customers to bring in food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're all about letting them support local restaurants by ordering take-out and bringing it up. It's not that you can't have food. It's just we can't provide it for you. We'd love for customers to bring their food in and eat it, like they do now in the basement," he said. This will bring life back to the rooftop, which has been quiet for several years. The vision for the H3 Plaza building changed a few times before it was built in 2015 on the site where the C.O. Brown Insurance building previously stood. However, developer Andy Chafoulias always factored a rooftop bar patio into the plan. He even toyed with the idea of having a retractable roof. La Vetta, which means "summit" in Italian, was the original rooftop bar. It was the creation of Twin Cities-based Nova Restaurant Group, which also operated Terza on the street level of the building. La Vetta was open from 2015 to 2018. It was briefly relaunched in 2019 under new operators, as the H3 Rooftop with a focus on DJs and dancing. That version lasted for one summer. MOSCOW, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump voiced support for continuing direct negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in a phone call, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said on Tuesday. The call was initiated by Trump following his meetings at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders, Ushakov said. He said that Trump and Putin also discussed the idea of raising the level of representatives participating in the talks. "Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump agreed to maintain close contact with each other on the Ukrainian issue and other pressing topics on the international and bilateral agenda," Ushakov said, describing the phone call as "frank and constructive." Company headquarters in New York City. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Private equity shops have earned outsized returns on investments in health care, telecommunications and housing with mixed results for consumers. Now, they may be running the same playbook on the once-sleepy utility business, with BlackRocks proposed takeover of the parent company of Duluth-based Minnesota Power as a key test case. Public filings in the hotly contested matter show ratepayer advocates, labor unions, environmental groups and major customers of Minnesota Power on different sides of the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the heart of the matter is a simple question: Is it a good or bad thing for the worlds largest asset manager to have a controlling stake in a regional utility? A private equity buyout of the electric utility serving large swathes of northern Minnesota could weaken its finances and jeopardize its compliance with Minnesotas carbon-free power standard while raising rates and reducing reliability for more than 150,000 customers, administrative law judge Megan J. McKenzie said on July 15. McKenzies lengthy report called on the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission or the PUC to reject the proposed deal. Private equity giant BlackRock, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Minnesota Powers parent company clapped back on Aug. 4 in a detailed rebuttal. They called the judges nonbinding report not an accurate or balanced summary or analysis of the record and said it does not even attempt to provide a meaningful discussion of the evidence, arguments, and counterarguments. The dueling filings represent the latest volleys in a bitterly contested proceeding before the PUC. The saga dates back to last May, when the Canadian pension group and an infrastructure investment firm then in the process of merging with BlackRock announced an agreement to buy Allete, a publicly traded company that owns Minnesota Power, a smaller Wisconsin utility and other energy assets. The commission has veto power over public utility mergers in Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the proposed deal closes, BlackRock-controlled Global Infrastructure Partners would own 60% of Allete and the pension board 40%, the Minnesota Department of Commerce said in a filing last August. The private equity industry has cultivated a reputation for being a very extractive actor in the marketplace, said Karlee Weinmann, research and communications manager for the Energy and Policy Institute, a utility watchdog that is not directly involved in the proceeding. We know that the playbook is to quote-unquote streamline these companiesso this is a fearsome prospect for workers and consumers, Weinmann added. Advocates: Deep pockets allow for energy transition Labor unions, clean energy groups and Allete argue that deep-pocketed owners enable rather than curtail the massive investments in new energy generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure Minnesota Power needs to meet a state mandate to produce 100% of its electricity from carbon-free sources by 2040. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This transaction will not impact our ability to meet Minnesotas carbon-free goals. On the contrary, this is why the acquisition is needed, Minnesota Power spokesperson Amy Rutledge said in an email. Advancing the clean-energy future requires significant investment and the long-term, experienced investors we have chosen as partners will give us the access to capital needed for this energy transition. St. Paul-based nonprofit Fresh Energy agreed in an Aug. 4 filing and an Aug. 6 blog post, saying in the latter that the merger would significantly mitigate risk to the transition to clean energy in Minnesota an outcome that is in direct alignment with Fresh Energys mission. In the Aug. 6 post, Fresh Energy said risks to Minnesota Powers transition have increased since January as congressional Republicans and the Trump administration unwound federal support for renewable energy and slapped tariffs on imported cars, energy equipment, raw materials and more. Trumps tariffs disproportionately impacted the utilitys base of large industrial customers, including two taconite mines idled this year, Fresh Energy said. Alletes latest earnings report showed electricity sales to taconite customers fell to 28% of total sales in the second quarter of 2025, from 35% a year earlier. Telling regulators one thing, investors another The companys insistence that it needs private capital partners to finance its transition plan clashes with recent statements to federal securities regulators that it can get adequate funding from public markets, said Brian Edstrom, senior regulatory advocate for the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CUB Minnesota opposes the deal as an official participant in the PUC proceedings. What irks me is when (utilities) tell the commission one thing and investors anotherthats exactly what happened here, Edstrom said. Allete rejected two previous buyout offers from GIP and its Canadian partner before accepting a third, higher offer, Edstrom noted. That means the new owners will essentially start in the red and theyll have to make up that premium before they start earning a return, he said. Weinmann said confidential or redacted PUC filings obscure critical information about how the new owners plan to do that. But in general, utilities make money when they build things and customers subsidize those costs, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public utility commissions set customers rates based on utilities operating expenses plus a fair rate of return on investment, or profit margin. Though the tightly regulated system keeps customer costs in check, critics say it encourages utilities to spend more on capital projects. Energy-hungry data centers like this one in Minneapolis are an opportunity for big utility profits. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) The coming AI cash wave Edstrom said the massive energy needs of artificial intelligence data centers represent a generational opportunity for well-capitalized infrastructure investors like BlackRock. Data centers share of U.S. electricity consumption could nearly triple between 2023 and 2028, the U.S. Department of Energy said in December in one of its final reports of the Biden era. The AI-energy opportunity may be even greater in states with ambitious clean energy goals that require replacing fossil-fueled power plants with carbon-free generation and building new batteries, substations and transmission lines to serve them, Edstrom said. Earlier this year, private equity firm Blackstone no relation to BlackRock said it would buy the largest investor-owned utility in New Mexico, where Blackstone already has big infrastructure investment plans and which requires all utilities to be carbon-free by 2050. That utilitys parent company, TXNM Power, also serves parts of Texas, a fast-growing data center market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its no secret that Blackrock (and) GIP see a big opportunity in investing in the confluence of AI and data centers and energy because they all require each other and require a lot of money, Edstrom said. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said as much in a CNBC interview last month. Infrastructure is just at the beginning of a golden age, he said, moving his hand up and to the right. Finks interviewer called the Global Infrastructure Partners acquisition a hell of a (well) timed deal and remarked later in the conversation that investments in digitization, power grids and decarbonization all go together. Minnesota has recently attracted a flurry of large-scale data center proposals amid power grid congestion in bigger IT markets like northern Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data centers proposed in Xcel and Great River Energy territory as of January would, if built, consume about 2.3 million homes worth of power. A secretive LLCs proposal for a light industrial development on 210 acres in Hermantown an area served by Minnesota Power carries some hallmarks of a data center, the Star Tribune reported in May. An IT facility that large could consume several hundred megawatts of power at full capacity, potentially offsetting a longer-term decline in electricity demand from the taconite industry. Minnesota Powers peak load is about 1,625 megawatts. Risk to ratepayers: overbuilding Its fine to build new infrastructure to serve big power loads, Edstrom said, but where it gets tricky is where (private equity owners) start putting pressure on the utility to invest in more than is truly necessary by overbuilding new assets or by spending more to build their own generation than they would to purchase power from independent power plant owners or other utilities. Douglas Jester, a Michigan-based energy analyst and expert witness who testified in the Allete merger proceeding on behalf of CUB Minnesota, said in an interview that private equity buyers may see smaller utilities as ripe for higher returns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jester was a close observer of and expert witness in proceedings involving Upper Peninsula Power Company, a small Michigan utility that has passed between two private owners since the early 2010s. UPPCOs first private owner, Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Partners, petitioned Michigan regulators for a rate increase soon after the transaction closed, citing unexpectedly high pension costs, increased staffing needs and the fact that it was now a small, higher-risk, utility, Jester told the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. UPPCOs original statement that there would not be rate increases as result of the transaction was not (true), Jester told the Reformer. The under-examined pension issue, in particular, added up to a significant addition to ratesand those things take a long time to fade. Jester said UPPCO has also asked Michigan regulators to approve rate increases related to system investments under its second owner, Axium Infrastructure. Those proceedings have been typical of the push and pull between utilities, regulators and other stakeholders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like all utilities, they always ask for increased return on equity and we always argue against it, he said. But in Jesters view, the Axium-controlled UPPCO is ahead of schedule in complying with a state carbon-free power mandate similar to Minnesotas and does not appear to be overspending to justify its returns. There are issues with private equity ownership of any utility, but new (UPPCO) leadership is very responsive to public policy, he said. Jester said the divergence shows how important it is for state regulators to scrutinize proposed utility mergers. A July 11 settlement between the Minnesota Department of Commerce and Minnesota Power could help move the BlackRock-Allete deal forward. Reversing its prior opposition to the deal, the department said the agreement would allow the merger to proceed in a way that protects the public interest. The settlement rebutted some concerns McKenzie would raise four days later. It delivers immediate ratepayer benefits by prohibiting Minnesota Power from requesting a rate increase until next November and reducing its authorized return on equity from 9.78% to 9.65%. It shores up the utilitys energy transition plan by requiring buyers to provide sufficient equity capital to finance nearly $5 billion in planned infrastructure investments while contributing $50 million to develop cutting-edge clean firm technologies like long-duration batteries. And it would impose significant financial penalties for any decline in service quality while strengthening corporate governance and worker protections, the department said. In a subsequent announcement, Allete reiterated that following the transaction, it will remain locally managed and operated in Duluth and will continue to be regulated by the PUC, ensuring local oversight and control of rates and energy planning. Its unclear when the PUC will hold a final vote on the merger, which federal energy regulators have already approved. If it does get the green light, Jester said it will set up an important test case for private utility investors looking to follow in BlackRocks footsteps one hes not sure will pan out as anticipated. I see quite a bit of pressure on regulators to recognize that over the last 20 years or so, utilities have been receiving authorized returns on equity that are materially higher than in competitive sectors with otherwise comparable risks, he said. If regulators crack down on those elevated rates of return, he added, thats not an environment where I would expect private equity to thrive. US and European officials are to begin working immediately on providing reliable security guarantees for Ukraine to pave the way for a landmark meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Source: European Pravda; Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter Details: The sources, who spoke about the private discussions on condition of anonymity, said the guarantees will focus on strengthening Ukraines armed forces and capabilities, without any restrictions such as limiting the size of the Ukrainian armed forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The aim is to prevent Russia from demanding restrictions on the size of Ukraines armed forces as part of a future agreement to end the war. Bloomberg said the White House summit between US President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy and several European leaders on 18 August had yielded more explicit commitments from the US administration to help guarantee Ukraine's security. Bloomberg believes these talks "allayed concerns in Kyiv and Europe for now that the US leader had tacked towards Moscow after talks with Putin in Alaska". "During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, [in] coordination with the United States of America," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EU leaders are to be briefed remotely on Tuesday on the outcome of the talks in Washington. Bloombergs sources reported that the security guarantee package will also be based on the work of the Coalition of the Willing and is expected to include multinational forces in the future. They said the format of such forces has yet to be determined. Leaders showed broad support for "Article 5-like" guarantees, first proposed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at a meeting on 18 August, but warned that officials must first work out the exact details and determine the role of the United States. Background: US President Donald Trump and European leaders have reportedly agreed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will head a working group of national security advisers and NATO representatives to draft security guarantees for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer consider the USs readiness to work on security guarantees for Ukraine to be the most significant outcome of the White House talks. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! BLOOMFIELD, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) The Utilities District of Western Indiana has given a nonprofit in Bloomfield, Indiana $3,000 through a REMC grant. The nonprofit is named Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH), which is an organization that uses its network of hunters and farmers to provide meat to local pantries. The organization was founded in 1997 to combat hunger by providing free meat to local pantries and feeding missions. The Greene County Chapter IN-15 of the FHFH was established in the early 2000s, and encourages local hunters and farmers to provide meat from their deer and livestock. After receiving the donations, they then send the meat to their processing partners, who do the work free of charge and provide one-pound packages of ground burger that are then given to nine local pantries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man arrested for allegedly firing shots at home in Bloomfield Often, meat is the most needed, but most expensive item for food pantries and FHFH is proud to help meet this need, said Brady Miller, Greene County Chapter IN-15 coordinator for FHFH. He continued, The donation of just one deer can provide over 200 servings of high-quality meat to those in need. With the help of the Community Fund grant from UDWI, we can continue our mission of serving local communities by providing meat, free of charge, to those in need. Since the Greene County chapter was formed, they have provided over 43,000 pounds of meat to local food pantries. According to the news release, that equates to providing meat to over 172,000 meals. As hunting season approaches, FHFH encourages local hunters to get involved with the organization by donating deer to one of its participating processors, Lighthouse Custom Meats (812-645-9637) or Bloomfield Processing (812-384-7882). For farmers looking to get involved, the organization asks them to donate livestock by contacting the chapters coordinator, Brady Miller, at 812-699-3444 or at greenecountyfhfh@yahoo.com. Financial donations that support the actions of the FHFH can be sent through their website, specifying the Greene County Chapter IN-15, or by contacting Miller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBIA, Miss. (WHLT) Bond has been denied for the man accused trying to kill a law enforcement officer in Columbia. According to officials, bond was denied for 32-year-old Daniel Chiodini, of St. Louis, Missouri, because he is considered to be a flight risk. He faces charges for aggravated assault and resisting arrest in Indiana and North Carolina. Man arrested for attempted murder of Columbia officer Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbia police responded to a vandalism call on old Foxworth Road around 5:30 p.m. on August 17, 2025. Columbia Police Chief Adrien Fortenberry said officers were advised of possible squatters at a neighboring property. When they went to investigate, the chief said a person escaping to the rear of the home observed a Columbia police patrol car and fired a shot into the drivers side window and door. The officer was not injured. Daniel Chiodini (Courtesy: Marion County Jail) Police said Chiodini fled the scene toward the Pearl River. Fortenberry said he concealed the shotgun in foliage of the east side of the river. Chiodini was spotted swimming across the river toward the Highway 98 boat ramp on the west side. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, and Chiodini was taken into custody. He was charged with burglary of a dwelling, possession of a stolen firearm and attempted murder on a law enforcement officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His preliminary hearing has been scheduled for August 28, 2025. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. The FBI has moved to appoint Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as its new co-deputy director, meaning its current deputy, Dan Bongino, will be expected to share his duties in the role in the future. The appointment was made by Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel and comes after Bongino, 50, a former Secret Service agent and podcaster, reportedly clashed with Bondi over the administrations failure to release the Jeffrey Epstein files last month. I am proud to announce I have accepted the role of Co-Deputy Director of the FBI, Bailey wrote in a brief post on X. I extend my thanks to President Donald Trump and AG Bondi for the opportunity to serve in the mission to Make America Safe Again. I will protect America and uphold the Constitution. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino will find himself sharing his official duties after Missouri Attorney General Andrew Mitchell was hired by the Trump administration (AP) Bongino responded to a journalists post about the appointment by writing simply, Welcome, accompanied by three Stars and Stripes emojis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explaining the decision, Patel told The Daily Beast that the FBI will always bring the greatest talent this country has to offer in order to accomplish the goals set forth when an overwhelming majority of American people elected President Donald J Trump again. Andrew Bailey will be an integral part of this important mission, and I look forward to the continued fight to save America together. An Iraq War veteran and a long-time champion of Trump, Bailey, 44, has been Missouris AG since 2023 and has developed a reputation as a hard-line conservative, known for attempting to prevent the release of prisoners whose convictions have been overturned, opposing gender-affirming care and restricting access to abortion in his state. The Epstein case caused controversy in early July after the FBI and Justice Department put out a statement saying that the late pedophile and sex trafficker left behind no client list among his possessions and died by suicide in a New York City jail cell in August 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The assessment started a civil war among Trumps MAGA movement, many of whose members had long been encouraged to suspect foul play in Epsteins death and had hoped to see influential people brought to justice over their alleged involvement in the disgraced financiers crimes. The controversy raged for more than a month, with the president himself repeatedly urged to release all federal files on Epstein and to explain his past friendship with the disgraced financier, a cause of apparent frustration to him. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who is joining the FBI as its new co-deputy director (AFP/Getty) Trump himself was not accused of wrongdoing, however, and moved to sue The Wall Street Journal for alleging that he once sent Epstein a bawdy doodle to mark his birthday. Even before the contested verdict on Epstein was published, Patel and Bongino, both of whom had stoked conspiracy theories on conservative media before joining the Trump administration, had drawn fire for attempting to pour cold water on the case during a May interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox Newss Sunday Morning Futures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Challenged by Bartiromo on their newfound conviction that Epstein did indeed take his own life, Bongino responded: Im not asking you to believe me, or not. Im telling you what exists, and what doesnt. If new evidence surfaces, Im happy to re-evaluate. His and Patels comments saw them labelled deep state traitors and attacked by right-wing media darlings like Glenn Beck and Alex Jones. Then, late last month, Bongino posted a cryptic message on X that read: During my tenure here as the Deputy Director of the FBI, I have repeatedly relayed to you that things are happening that might not be immediately visible, but they are happening. Epstein, pictured with his accomplice and former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell (US District Court for the Southern District of New York/A{) The Director and I are committed to stamping out public corruption and the political weaponization of both law enforcement and intelligence operations. It is a priority for us. But what I have learned in the course of our properly predicated and necessary investigations into these aforementioned matters, has shocked me down to my core. We cannot run a Republic like this. Ill never be the same after learning what Ive learned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are going to conduct these righteous and proper investigations by the book and by the law. We are going to get the answers WE ALL DESERVE. As with any investigation, I cannot predict where it will land, but I can promise you an honest and dignified effort at truth. Not my truth, or your truth, but THE TRUTH. The presidents moves this month to federalize the policing of Washington, D.C., and seek a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine appear to have finally driven Epstein from the headlines for now. However, the strength of feeling surrounding the subject has by no means dissipated. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -The parent of Booking.com and other travel websites will pay $9.5 million to settle a Texas lawsuit claiming it deceptively marketed hotel rooms by omitting mandatory "junk" fees, enticing consumers with artificially low prices. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Tuesday the settlement with Booking Holdings is the largest by a U.S. state related to junk fee practices against any hotel or online travel agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Booking also operates the websites Priceline.com and Kayak. Paxton accused Booking of "drip pricing" in which it improperly bundled hotels' resort fees, amenity fees, destination fees and utility fees in a taxes and fees line item at checkout. The practice gave Booking an unfair advantage over rivals that avoided such "bait and switch" tactics, he said. The settlement agreement requires Booking to disclose fees up front. A copy was not immediately available. Paxton said he reached similar settlements in 2023 with the Choice, Hilton and Marriott hotel chains. Booking, headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, denied wrongdoing and said it remained committed to transparency and providing accurate information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also said that while hotels typically set and keep resort fees, "we are aligned with recent Federal Trade Commission efforts to bring greater consistency to price displays." Cracking down on fees that boost consumer costs without visible benefits had been a goal of former U.S. President Joe Biden. In December, the FTC announced a final Junk Fees Rule requiring hotels, ticket sellers and vacation rental operators to disclose total prices up front. Current FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson dissented, saying Biden was about to leave office and the incoming Trump administration should decide which rules to adopt. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Franklin Paul, Leslie Adler and Sandra Maler) BELVIDERE, Ill. (WTVO) Belvidere and Boone County residents are being encouraged to complete official Illinois Emergency Management Agency damage assessment surveys following weekend storms. Belvidere Fire Chief Shawn Schadle emphasized that the assessment is vital for the community. We met with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and then the Boone County Emergency Management Agency, and part of this whole process is a formal damage assessment, Schadle explained. This is really critical for our community to accurately document the damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The survey will better help Boone County determine if the damages meet the federal threshold for disaster declaration. I know a lot of people suffered damage and experienced loss of property. So, if theres some way to help them out, this is it, Schadle continued. Many volunteers are helping to clear debris around the area, but the cleanup effort could take another week to complete. Its not difficult to get people to come out. Boone County, Belvidere, is really close-knit, said Minihans Tree Service employee Andrew Garrison. So, people are coming out to do work for free, helping their neighbors, which is what our community is about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chief said once everything is done and cleaned up, Belvidere will be in better shape. Just keep looking out for each other, well be even stronger than before because of all the good deeds that people did, Schadle concluded. Anyone who experienced damage from the recent severe storms can complete an official Residential Damage Assessment Survey. Damage reports help local, county, and state officials accurately measure the impact of this storm. Data will also help determine whether Boone County and other affected areas receive federal disaster relief. To complete the survey, follow this link. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports. A landmark decision by Chinas Supreme Court on Aug. 1 has increased the chances for Chinese workers to participate in social insurance, improving their security with pensions, medical insurance and protection against occupational injury and disease. Providing better social security is a key component of the structural reforms Beijing would need to enact in order to boost consumption, as Chinese households now save for retirement, medical emergencies and other risks, instead of spending. The court decision is a first step toward doing so, but without an overhaul of Chinas social insurance system, it is unlikely to be sufficient. According to recent reports, the Chinese economy is experiencing slowing growth and continued weak domestic consumption. Retail sales have slowed as has industrial production. The official unemployment rate, which already masks much of Chinas real unemployment, also ticked up. And all of this is taking place against the backdrop of the U.S.-China trade war, which is for now on pause but remains a dark cloud on the horizon. Despite all these challenges, or perhaps because of them, the Chinese government has found it difficult to relinquish a growth model that feeds off investment. Chinas rapid-growth era was built on massive investment into transport infrastructure, especially roads and high-speed rail, and real estate, from commercial zones in cities to huge new apartment complexes built to house Chinas urbanizing population. When efforts to rein in the countrys housing market bubble proved overly disruptive, Beijing poured money into cutting-edge export-driven industries, like electric vehicles, to drive growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Xi Jinping has now launched a campaign against excessive competition in manufacturing to keep companies and local governments from blindly investing in the same prioritized industries. In addition to targeting excessive capacity that drives prices down, the campaign represents another attempt to wean the economy off of investment to fuel growth. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. At the same time, however, Chinas leaders have also found it incredibly difficult to shift toward a growth model driven by domestic consumption. This is in part because they continue to be hamstrung by the old model that funneled resources into investment. But it is also driven by worriesoften articulated by Xi himselfthat using government subsidies to aid households might encourage laziness and welfarism. The government recently tried to fuse its focus on high-quality manufacturing to consumption by offering subsidies and buy-out programs for everything from cell phones to washing machines. This program has had some limited success, but its impact necessarily declines over time. Moreover, many former policymakers and academics in China have called for longer-term structural reforms, especially to improve Chinas fragmented and unequal social insurance system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court ruling earlier this month is a nudge toward doing so. At the same time, the ruling has sparked discussion over high employer costs, disparities between different kinds of workers and the perennial problem of legal enforcement. Recent developments in China indicate a broader shift away from a focus on growth at all costs to a focus on social welfare, which in the long run would boost the consumption power of households. The decision ends a long-standing practice by Chinese employers to offer their employees the option of waiving contributions into legally mandated social insurance programs. For 15 years since the passage of the 2010 Social Insurance Law, employers and many young workers, especially internal migrants from rural areas, have agreed to not participate in social security. In research published more than a decade ago, my co-authors and I found that workers who did not receive social insurance were often paid higher wages, suggesting that opting out of future security in the form of social insurance was often a quid pro quo for more immediate gains in the present. Rural migrant workers in China were particularly open to waiving participation because they had little faith that they would remain long enough in the locality where they were employed to benefit from retirement payouts. Since then, opting out of social insurance has become increasingly popular. With Chinas economy stuck in a post-pandemic downturn, many employees desire higher wages now. Companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, complain about squeezed margins due to everything from external tariffs to rising wages. Compounding this is the fact that Chinas social insurance contribution rates are among the highest in the world. Employers contribute around 25% of average wages into social insurance, which covers retirement, health care, unemployment and occupational injury and disease. Employees contribute a smaller amount, usually 5% to 8%. Making social insurance a choice has obvious downsides. First, allowing people to opt out of the system undermines the long-term sustainability of the program, especially with China ageing rapidly. Some research estimates that the coffers will be empty by 2035. Second, younger and healthier workers are more likely to opt out, skewing the pool toward those who will need more payouts, which increases the risks and costs of the system in general. Finally, this system makes a mockery of Chinas legal and regulatory system. If companies can just cajole employees to opt out of legally mandated protections, it exacerbates Chinas high level of inequality, reinforces popular anger at the rich and powerful, and undermines the sense of popular legitimacy and support that Xi and his government are intent on cultivating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court decision is not a substitute for legislation and structural reforms. But it may go a long way in demonstrating the governments intention to boost common prosperity and provide public support for employees who have been denied social insurance. There are other signs, too, that the government is seeking to effectuate long-term changes that will eventually make Chinese households feel more secure, including making local governments share responsibility in enforcement of these rights. The Supreme Court decision still requires that employees file a complaint against their employers to receive compensation. This fire alarm system of enforcement is too reactive and assumes that many people will willingly rat out their employers. But because many of these opt-out agreements are consensualor even coerced as a condition of employmentviolations often never come to light. However, recent news coverage in China on the Supreme Court decision revealed that local governments are now being evaluated on their ability to collect social insurance contributions. One official in northern China stated that local officials must now meet dual targets for social insurance: ensuring that 90 percent of the working age population is covered and that average contribution rates are at least 90 percent of the local average wage. Those new top-down mandates will push local governments to enforce the new Supreme Court ruling and expand social insurance coverage more broadly. These changes could indicate a broader shift away from a government focused on growth at all costs to a government focused on social welfare, which in the long run would boost the consumption power of households. But there are two big caveats to consider, as the Supreme Court ruling only covers urban workers in the formal economy. The first danger is that tightening the rules in the formal labor market may drive companies to expand informal employment and outsourcing. This will further increase the disparities in Chinas social insurance system, which are already monumental. That leads to the second caveat: If the disparities between workers arent addressed, better coverage and participation in employee social insurance will only further highlight Chinas severe urban-rural divide, as rural migrant workers who work in cities lack coverage because they dont enjoy legal urban residency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to its benefits for legal urban employees, China has two other systems of social insurance. The most underprivileged are rural citizens, who receive pensions indexed to their place of residency. According to the former head of Chinas Central Bank, the monthly pension for urban retirees, at 3,200 yuan ($441), is now 14 times higher than that of farmers, who receive on average only 240 yuan ($33). The most privileged are civil servants and public sector employees, whose average pension stands at 6,000 yuan per month, nearly double that of urban workers. The contrast is all too stark. Those closest to power receive vastly better security than those in rural areas as well as many migrant workers who toil in cities for decades but return to their villages in old age. The Supreme Court decision is generating heated debate online, sparking important discussions about what should be done to give Chinese households more security. Its also providing an opportunity to discuss the broader inequalities in the system. Domestic consumption will improve when low and middle-income households feel more secure. But for that to happen, better coverage for urban workers will be followed by a series of linked reforms that also address those with the least security. Mary Gallagher is the Marilyn Keough Dean of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. The post To Boost Consumption, China Needs to Overhaul Its Social Safety Net appeared first on World Politics Review. History is being made at Ontario International Airport, thanks in large part to a new slate of international flights that debuted in recent weeks. On Monday, airport officials announced that July was its second-busiest month in the airports history, with the largest total number of international travelers ever recorded. ONT reported 681,912 total passengers in July, surpassing the previous high mark set for that month, which was set in 2007. July 2025 was also 2.3% higher than July 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last months passenger total includes nearly 625,000 domestic travelers, which is slightly down from the previous July. But a 53% increase in international travelers (56,954) propelled July 2025 into the airports history books. The rush of international travelers can be linked to a bevy of new routes from two of the airports airline partners. A STARLUX Airbus A350-900 arrives at Ontario International Airport upon landing as the inaugural flight between Ontario and Taipei on June 2, 2025. (STARLUX Airlines) In June, Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines launched new direct service between Ontario and Taipei. Those new flights helped ONT set a new record for international travelers in Junea record that would only stand for a few weeks. In July, the Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier Volaris launched 14 new weekly flights between San Bernardino County and three destinations in Mexico, including daily service to Los Cabos. This file photo shows a plane of Mexicos Volaris at Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City on January 17, 2018. (Getty Images) These new Volaris flights, alongside Starluxs Taipei offering, helped the growing Southern California airport record its best international traveler mark ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Month after month, Ontario International continues to prove whats possible when a community believes in its hometown airport, said Atif Elkadi, Ontario International Airport Authority chief executive officer. This all-time record for international travelers shows that weve built more than an airport; weve built a thriving global gateway that connects Southern California to the world and welcomes the world to our home. Elkadi added that this is the 53rd consecutive month of growth at ONT. Year-to-date, domestic travel is up 1.1% from last year, and up 9.1% for international. Air cargo tonnage was also up markedly in July 2025 compared to July 2024, despite year-to-date figures that show the airport has seen a 3.2% decrease in freight tonnage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said mail volume saw a more-than 200% increase from July 2024, which is the result of the U.S. Postal Service awarding a major mail handling contract to UPS, which operate a large cargo hub in Ontario. The increase in mail cargo contributed to a 10.5% increase in total air cargo year-to-date, officials said. The growth in freight tonnage reflects the enduring strength of the Inland Empire as one of the worlds premier supply chain hubs, Elkadi said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Borderland Rescue Fund launched its Public Pet Pantry initiative on Monday, Aug. 19, at the Downtown main library, providing families in need of pet food and supplies. The program, a project of the El Paso Community Foundation in partnership with the City of El Paso, established 14 public pet pantries at library branches across El Paso, providing families in need of pet food and supplies. Mayor Renard Johnson, El Paso City Council Member Chris Canales, El Paso Community Foundation President Eric Pearson, and Borderland Rescue Fund Lead Program Officer Tess Passero were all present on Monday during the opening of the first pantry and contributed their own donations. With local shelters and rescues operating beyond capacity, the Public Pet Pantry initiative is a community-driven solution to support pet families and reduce shelter surrenders. All library branches will serve as accessible donation and pick-up points to ensure pets stay fed, healthy, and in their homes. City of El Paso The public is invited to drop off sealed pet food and supplies at any El Paso Public Library starting this week. To donate or for more info, click here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. TAIPEI/BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Public skepticism about the United States is growing in Taiwan, as Washington's tariff measures and other coercive actions have undercut the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities' strategy of relying on U.S. support to pursue secession. On social media, complaints have surged since the United States imposed a 20 percent tariff on goods from Taiwan in early August. "The United States is blackmailing everyone," one netizen wrote. "It only protects its own interests," another quipped. "If the United States runs out of cash, Taiwan becomes its ATM." Analysts estimated that Taiwan is now confronting its heaviest overall tax burden since the island shifted toward export-oriented industrialization in the early 1960s. Beyond tariffs, Washington's pressure on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) to expand investment in the United States has fueled fears that the island's backbone industry could be hollowed out. Although Taiwan was restored to China in 1945 after decades of Japanese occupation, the island province has not been reunified with the mainland as a result of the unresolved civil war dating back to the late 1940s. With the DPP winning the island's three leadership elections since 2016, it has persistently pursued a secessionist policy and leaned overwhelmingly toward the United States. Taiwan's Want Daily noted in an editorial that distrust of the United States has been building. In March, a survey from Taiwan magazine Global Views Monthly found that over 76 percent of respondents said their impression of the United States was negative, and, even among DPP supporters, those with a negative impression outnumbered those with a positive impression. The results of a poll published by U.S. think tank Brookings Institution show a similar trend -- 40.5 percent of respondents from Taiwan described their perception of the United States as "very negative" or "negative," compared to 24.2 percent in mid-2024. "U.S. tariffs are hurting farmers, workers and businesses across Taiwan," renowned social activist Zhan Che said. "We already had skepticism toward the United States, and it may gradually turn into aversion." Beyond economic concerns, intellectuals in Taiwan have raised concerns over Washington's questionable role in global governance. Kuan Chung, founder of the Taiwan-based Democracy Foundation, wrote in his 2022 book that his youthful admiration for the United States had collapsed. "The American miracle has become a lie, democracy a joke," he wrote, adding that the United States is now like "a hegemon living in fear of losing control." In March 2023, a group of prominent academics in Taiwan issued a signed declaration, calling for peace and speaking against Taiwan becoming a "follower of U.S. hegemony." "To maintain its dominance, the United States has sacrificed the interests of many -- Taiwan could be next," said Lu Chien-yi, a research fellow of Academia Sinica in Taiwan, one of the founders of the group. Younger scholars also echo this skepticism. Chou Yung, a history scholar born in the 1990s, told Xinhua that the mainstream skepticism about the United States in Taiwan is currently centered on doubts about its reliability as a partner. "However, over time, people may also begin to question whether the United States is a free and affluent society as it claims. An indicator of this cultural disenchantment may be that for young people in Taiwan, the appeal of the United States is gradually fading," he said. A United Daily News editorial has pointed out that public skepticism about the United States in Taiwan is largely a result of Washington's actions, but the DPP has played no small part in amplifying this sentiment. From lifting a ban on U.S. pork containing ractopamine to costly arms purchases and a weak response to the TSMC's outflow, decisions under the island's secession-minded leaders Tsai Ing-wen and her successor, Lai Ching-te, have fueled doubts over their true priorities. "Lai, in particular, has gone out of his way to court Washington. Yet public concern is mounting over whether he can genuinely protect Taiwan's interests," the article reads. Observers say the DPP has been presented with an opportunity to reassess its secessionist stance and reflect on its push for a "decoupling" with the mainland's economy. In the mainland's view, Taiwan residents are compatriots, bound by a shared identity across the Strait. As mainland officials have repeatedly said, so long as the island's authorities do not pursue "Taiwan independence," Chinese will not fight Chinese. In a recent article circulating on social media, Zheng Zhenqing, vice director of the Institute for Taiwan Studies at Tsinghua University in Beijing, said only by standing with the mainland can Taiwan effectively counter the bullying of international powers and safeguard dignity and the interests of its people. "Taiwan's intellectuals and younger generations should renew their thinking, broaden their horizons, and move away from the old path of becoming a U.S. dependency. They should dare to envision a new future of peaceful reunification and sound governance across the Strait," Zheng said. Social housing in the Borders have been fitted with a new power storage system designed to reduce the properties' energy bills by as much as 85%. Eleven homes have had the systems installed as part of a trial involving Scottish Borders Housing Association. Energy firm Knight PowerHub said the solar panels, and batteries used for storing the energy, had a longer operational life than previously available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited the Galashiels home of Muriel Allison, one of the residents using the new system. Forbes said Ms Allison had already seen a fall in her costs. Kight PowerHub said it hoped the systems could be mass manufactured in the south of Scotland soon. If the pilot provides the expected savings, the scheme could be rolled out to other areas in coming years. Founder Lawrence Fagg said: "We're proud to start here in Galashiels, and even prouder to know this system could potentially help thousands more pensioners and families across Scotland." Muriel Allison was joined at her Galashiels home by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, along with Julia Mulloy, CEO of Scottish Borders Housing Association, Angus Flett, CEO of Kight Powerhub, and Russell Griggs, chair of South of Scotland Enterprise. [BBC] It has taken five years of research and development ahead of the social housing pilot starting this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By using artificial intelligence (AI) within the systems, time dependent tariffs are automatically triggered to keep bills to a minimum. Julia Mulloy, chief executive of Scottish Borders Housing Association, said: "It's a pioneering project which is not just about technology, it's about people." He said there was potential to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions. Boston faces Tuesday deadline to respond to DOJ immigration crackdown The city of Boston is facing a Tuesday deadline to respond to a letter from the federal government regarding sanctuary city policies. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was one of 32 mayors and governors across the country to receive a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice citing they must submit a plan of compliance by August 19. The letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi read, 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. This ends now. By Tuesday, August 19, 2025, please submit a response to this letter that confirms your commitment to complying with federal law and identifies the immediate initiatives you are taking to eliminate laws, policies, and practices that impede federal immigration enforcement. This letter does not constitute final agency action and nothing in this letter creates any right or benefit enforceable at law against the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boston immigration attorney Desmond FitzGerald believes the steps set forth in this letter from the DOJ are vague and unenforceable. However, he said that doesnt mean action wont be taken if a plan of compliance isnt submitted. The expectation is they will try to eliminate funds because the executive order said to the secretary of homeland security and the department of justice to identify funds that can be withheld if these entities like Boston dont commit to compliance. Hypothetically, there could be funds withheld from the city that they were depending on for certain functions of the government, FitzGerald explained. Mayor Wu previously testified before congress regarding Bostons sanctuary city policies, arguing that the policies limiting the federal governments involvement shouldnt violate federal law but rather promote trust within the community. Its an aspect that FitzGerald argues his clients depend on and if it were to be taken away, he believes there would be repercussions. I know from the calls my office receives from our clients, and our clients are here legally operating businesses, interacting with the city, in many different ways that they have to, that is going to have a chilling effect, FitzGerald said. Our schools are filled with people from other countries, our businesses are open by people from other countries, the innovations that weve been able to achieve here in the city are so often from the experience of people from other countries. Theyre from immigrants. If we were to say that, we would not be the Boston that we have traditionally been. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Mayor Wu said the city is working on their response to this letter. The mayor will be sharing that letter with the community Tuesday morning. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (D) struck back Tuesday at the Trump administrations legal threats over her citys immigration policies with a blistering letter asserting Boston wont bow down to unconstitutional threats or unlawful coercion from the federal government. The U.S. Attorney General asked for a response by today, so here it is: stop attacking our cities to hide your administrations failures, Wu wrote in a social media post linking to her formal letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi sent letters last week to 32 state and local governments that have been deemed sanctuary jurisdictions, including Boston, warning that they could lose federal funds or face legal action if they do not assist with President Trumps sweeping immigration enforcement efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For too long, so-called sanctuary jurisdiction policies have undermined this necessary cooperation and obstructed federal immigration enforcement, giving aliens cover to perpetrate crimes in our communities and evade the immigration consequences that federal law requires, Bondi wrote to Wu and other local letters. In her formal reply to Bondi, Wu lauded safety measures Boston has taken to tackle crime, often in partnership with federal authorities. Our Citys longstanding and productive partnership with state and federal law enforcement to protect the people of Boston far predates your tenure, Wu wrote to Bondi. The Boston Police Department, the first municipal police department in the United States, works closely with state and federal agencies to address counterterrorism threats, protect our airport and our harbor, combat drug and human trafficking and hold perpetrators accountable for crimes. She blasted the Trump administration for lobbing false and continuous attacks on American cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On behalf of the people of Boston, and in solidarity with the cities and communities targeted by this federal administration for our refusal to bow down to unconstitutional threats and unlawful coercion, we affirm our support for each other and for our democracy, Wu wrote. Boston will never back down from being a beacon of freedom, and a home for everyone. The Justice Department didnt immediately respond to The Hills request for comment. The Trump administration has taken aim at cities and states mostly ones led by Democrats that have high crime rates or have not aided the mass immigration arrests and deportations that Trump has pushed. The president last week declared a public safety emergency in the District of Columbia and seized control of the Metropolitan Police Force and sent members of the National Guard and federal law enforcement agencies in a sweeping crime crackdown in the nations capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump deployed Marines and National Guard troops in Los Angeles in June amid protests over Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu fired back at U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi over threats to get leaders of Democratic-leaning cities to comply with the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. Here is our response: Stop attacking our cities to hide your administrations failures, Wu said during a Tuesday press conference. Unlike the Trump administration, Boston follows the law, and Boston will not back down from who we are and what we stand for. Related: Gavin Newsom Is Talking Like Trump And It's Infuriating The Right In a letter from Wu to Bondi also released Tuesday, the mayor hailed Boston as a beacon of freedom, and a home for everyone in her formal response to Bondi giving so-called sanctuary jurisdictions one week to comply with federal immigration laws or face Department of Justice action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You are hereby notified that your jurisdiction has been identified as one that engages in sanctuary policies and actions that thwart federal immigration enforcement to the detriment of the interests of the United States, read last weeks letter from Bondi. This ends now. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, seen here in March, responded Tuesday to a letter from the U.S. attorney general demanding that Boston and other Democratic-leaning cities comply with the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. Rod Lamkey Jr. via Associated Press Bondi sent near-identical letters, dated Aug. 13, to mayors of 32 cities and a handful of county executives for jurisdictions that generally refuse to assist with federal immigration raids. The attorney general demanded a response that confirms your commitment to complying with federal law and identifies the immediate initiatives you are taking to eliminate laws, policies, and practices that impede federal immigration enforcement. Related: Trump Attacks Smithsonian For Focus On 'How Bad Slavery Was' And, Boy, The Responses Wu blasted Trump during her press conference for having to pick up the pieces of your failures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of all, you are wrong on cities, Wu said. The cities that live in your minds are totally foreign to the residents living in our cities, and we are picking up the pieces of your failures to deliver on your promises. Oakland, California, Mayor Barbara Lee (D) told NewsNation that Trump is fearmongering about her city despite the crime rate there being down. Hes fearmongering and trying to distract from his difficulties hes having, Lee told NewsNation. Militarizing a city is unconstitutional. Lee was referring to Trumps deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., and his recent comments suggesting Oakland could be next to see boots on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Oakland, crime is down nearly 30% from this time last year, according to data from the Oakland Police Department. The truth is, our crime rate is coming down, Lee told NewsNation. Do we have more work to do? Absolutely, yes, but this doesnt make any sense. In Wus letter in response to Bondi, she said the Trump administration has engaged in false and continuous attacks on American cities and millions of our residents. These attacks all come back to a common aim: the Trump administration seeks to divide, isolate, and intimidate our cities, and make Americans fearful of one another, she added. Related: Emmanuel Macron Reacts To Trump's Hot Mic Comment On Vladimir Putin She went on to say that Boston is the safest major city in America as a result of decades of community policing and partnership between local law enforcement and community leaders, who share a commitment to making Boston a safe and welcoming home for everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wu wrote that the Constitution gives local governments the freedom to oversee public safety without the threat of unlawful interference from the federal government. The Founding Fathers included these protections as a direct result of the attempted coercion of Boston by an unaccountable and distant monarch, and this citys refusal to bow down to tyranny, she continued. Wu in particular cited the Boston Trust Act, which allows local police to reject working with immigration officials. Our citys longstanding and productive partnership with state and federal law enforcement to protect the people of Boston far predates your tenure, Wu wrote to Bondi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adding that Boston stands in solidarity with the cities and communities targeted by this federal administration, Wu concluded: Boston will never back down from being a beacon of freedom, and a home for everyone. At her press conference, Wu also took a swipe at Trumps continued attempts to distract from releasing more information related to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Under the Trump administration, groceries are less affordable, housing is harder to build, cures for cancer are farther away, and good news on our economy has been as hard to find as the Epstein list, she said. Boston @MayorWu (D) on Justice Department letter to "sanctuary jurisdictions" to fully comply with immigration enforcement: "The US Attorney General asked for a response by today, so here it is ... Stop attacking our cities to hide your administration's failures." pic.twitter.com/y8JUa5p02m CSPAN (@cspan) August 19, 2025 Related... Read the original on HuffPost Mayor Wu says Boston will not back down amid DOJ sanctuary policies ultimatum Mayor Michelle Wu responded to a letter from the federal government regarding Bostons sanctuary city policies Tuesday by saying the city will hold its ground. Stop attacking our cities to hide your administrations failures, said Mayor Wu in a press conference in Boston on Tuesday. Wu says back in June, the City of Boston filed a freedom of information request with ICE. Wu says the city is ready to take additional legal steps if those records arent released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will not back away from our community that has made us the safest major city in the country and a leading example of why cities around the country make this country safer, healthier and more prosperous for all Americans, said Wu. DOJ puts Boston, 3 New England states on list of 35 sanctuary jurisdictions The Department of Justice had given Wu a Tuesday deadline to submit a compliance plan, claiming that the citys sanctuary policies hinder federal immigration enforcement. Wu was one of 32 mayors and governors across the country to receive a letter from the U.S. Department of Justice, citing they must submit a plan of compliance by August 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi read, 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. This ends now. By Tuesday, August 19, 2025, please submit a response to this letter that confirms your commitment to complying with federal law and identifies the immediate initiatives you are taking to eliminate laws, policies, and practices that impede federal immigration enforcement. This letter does not constitute final agency action and nothing in this letter creates any right or benefit enforceable at law against the United States. Wus office stated that she will emphasize the partnerships and investments that contribute to Bostons reputation as the safest major city in America. Previously, Wu testified before Congress, defending Bostons sanctuary policies as compliant with federal laws and beneficial for community trust and safety. Boston immigration attorney Desmond FitzGerald believes the steps set forth in this letter from the DOJ are vague and unenforceable. However, he said that doesnt mean action wont be taken if a plan of compliance isnt submitted. By definition, Bostons refusal to abide by federal immigration laws, means they do not follow the law. Mayor Wu would rather provide safe harbor to illegalrapistsand killers than stand up to protect law abiding American citizens. Thats shameful, said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson when asked for comment. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Boston police radios were offline for 30 minutes during night of violence, Councilor Flynn says Boston police radios were offline for around 30 minutes during a night of violence in the city that left five people shot near Franklin Park, city councilor Ed Flynn said Monday. While officers were working to keep crowds at Sundays Dominican Parade safe, Flynn says the Boston Police Departments main radio channel was down for half an hour, forcing officers to respond to an active shooting without proper communication tools. We respectfully request that the Boston Police Department conduct a full investigation into what caused the radio system breakdown, how it affected the response, and the steps being taken to ensure this does not happen again. We also ask that the findings be reported back to the Council and the public, Flynn wrote in a letter co-signed by at-large city councilor Erin Murphy to Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our police officers should never be placed in a dangerous position where they respond to active shootings without reliable communication tools, Flynn added on social media. An investigation is warranted re: @bostonpolice primary radio channel failed for 30 minutes. This is dangerous and unacceptable. Our police officers should never be placed in a dangerous position where they respond to active shootings without reliable communication tools. pic.twitter.com/xaK3fNZDdC Ed Flynn (@EdforBoston) August 18, 2025 Police said officers were called to the scene of four shootings, all in the citys Dorchester neighborhood early Monday morning. A man was shot in the area of 20 Ellington Street in Dorchester around 1 a.m. A man was shot in the area of 55 Kingsdale Street in Dorchester around 2:50 a.m. A man was shot in the area of 2 Barry Park in Dorchester around 2:52 a.m. A person was shot in the area of 98 Talbot Avenue in Dorchester around 2:53 a.m. On August 9, Boston police converted from an analog radio system to a digital encrypted system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flynn also said that he chaired a council hearing last week regarding the citys outdated EMS phone system. These failures highlight the broader problem of underinvestment in essential tools that our first responders need to do their jobs safely and effectively, Flynn said. Boston 25 News has reached out to Boston police for comment. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Boston Mayor Michelle Wu held a raucous press conference in Beantown on Tuesday, daring Attorney General Pam Bondi to follow through on her letters to blue-city leaders threatening federal action over sanctuary city policies. Wu, a Democrat, accused the Trump administration of being a party that "doesnt follow the law." "At a time when this federal administration is already causing so much fear and harm in our communities, these threats are serious and consequential," she said. The remarks came after the Trump administration warned it could sue or cut federal funds if cities refused to cooperate on immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wu noted Bondi demanded all recipients respond by Tuesday and offered her formal response verbally: Trump Admin Slams Aclu For Comparing Ice Center To Japanese Internment Camp: Deranged And Lazy Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, left, and Attorney General Pam Bondi "Stop attacking our cities to hide your administration's failures. Unlike the Trump administration, Boston follows the law You are wrong on the law, and you are wrong on safety." Read On The Fox News App Wu went on to say the political right has it "wrong on cities." "The cities that live in your minds are totally foreign to the residents living in our cities. And we are picking up the pieces of your failures to deliver on your promises," before accusing the Trump administration of increasing costs on Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Good news on our economy has been as hard to find as the Epstein list," she said to cheers from the crowd, which included a Mariachi group that performed in Spanish prior to her speech, a local preacher, and Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass. Wu then referenced Bostons role in the Revolution, addressing Bondi once more and knocking her home state of Florida as late to the constitutional party. "We are gathered here today to show you who we are in Boston. More than 100 years before your home state was founded, Bostonians were across the street in Faneuil Hall, setting the foundation for our democracy and rule of law. One hundered years before that, Bostonians were founding the first public school and public park in the country." Biden Team Left Thousands Of Migrant Kids With Unvetted Sponsors, Records Reveal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This has always been a city of revolution, of innovation, of standing up for the public good and never bowing down to tyranny. With me today, our fellow public servants and veterans, public safety and faith leaders, civil rights advocates, and labor union members, teachers and business owners, entrepreneurs and artists, youth and seniors." "This is our city. This is our country, and I'm so proud and grateful to show the world who our community is here in Boston and what we're made of." Wu was not the only leader to respond to Bondis letters. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson received an identical missive from the Justice Department and promised a full response later Tuesday but hinted at his stance earlier in the week: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Washington state has no intention of changing our values in the face of threats from the Trump administration," Ferguson said. "The federal governments relentless targeting of law-abiding immigrants is wrong." Cook County, Illinois which includes Chicago as well as Philadelphia, New York and other sanctuary cities received the same document from Bondi. In another preliminary response, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong told CT Insider that "any claim or suggestion that Connecticut has violated or is not in compliance with federal law is false." "Connecticut is prepared to pursue all legal rights and remedies to defend our sovereignty and the people and families of Connecticut from federal overreach," Tong said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Philadelphia, the citys attorney claimed to WCAU that Americas birthplace is not a "sanctuary" but a "welcoming city." "We are aware that the Department of Homeland Security has published a list of jurisdictions across the country, including Philadelphia and other cities and counties in Pennsylvania," Philadelphia City Solicitor Renee Garcia said. "Philadelphia has not received any formal notification from DHS. We will review any communications carefully." Original article source: Bostons Wu fires back at Bondi, citing Revolution, as other cities slam feds over sanctuary warnings NEED TO KNOW A Wisconsin-based Boy Scout troop is stuck in the U.S. Virgin Islands due to Hurricane Erin The 10 members of Boy Scout Troop 851 and their leaders were visiting St. Thomas when the storm developed into a hurricane The troop is now looking for financial assistance as they look to return home ahead of the start of the school year A Wisconsin-based Boy Scout troop is stuck in the U.S. Virgin Islands as Hurricane Erin barrels through the Atlantic Ocean. Boy Scout Troop 851 Leader Ryan Schroeder said the troop has been visiting St. Thomas to test their sailing and snorkeling skills as part of what was supposed to be a week-long trip, according to CBS affiliate WDJT-TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group of 10 scouts and their leaders left Plymouth on Aug. 10, but soon learned that Hurricane Erin had developed in the Atlantic, NBC affiliate WTMJ-TV reported. The troop reportedly attempted to board a flight home on Aug. 14 after being told to evacuate, but ultimately were unable to do so. "Its a hairy situation, there's no doubt about it," Schroeder said, per WDJT-TV. Getty St. Thomas, where a group of Boy Scouts are stranded due to Hurricane Erin St. Thomas, where a group of Boy Scouts are stranded due to Hurricane Erin Now the troop is looking for help getting home. According to a GoFundMe set up by one of the troop leaders, the earliest flights back home are not until either Friday, Aug. 22, or Saturday, Aug. 23. Unfortunately, what began as a dream trip has turned into an unexpected challenge, wrote Sara Lee Reysen, noting that the extra days have created unexpected expenses for lodging, meals, and travel arrangements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These young men have worked hard to prepare for this trip, showing dedication, teamwork, and the spirit of Scouting, she later added. Now, they need your help to complete their journey. More than $11,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe campaign for Troop 851 as of midday Tuesday, Aug. 19. The troop has tentatively scheduled their flights for Friday and Saturday with multiple layovers, assuming the storm does not impact the East Coast. Each scout originally paid $2,500 for their portion of the trip, according to WTMJ-TV and ABC affiliate WISN-TV. The troop spent more than a year parking cars and selling popcorn, candy and Christmas wreaths to help raise funds. 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. Now, Scout Josh Kilian said the troop hopes to get home before school starts. Like the Scout motto, just being prepared for something like this to happen, he said, per WTMJ-TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking with WDJT-TV, Schroeder said this trip has been a different kind of adventure" for the troop. We are trying to keep a positive spin on it for everybody, he added. Read the original article on People President Donald Trump attacked mail-in voting on Monday with an anecdote about one of his own trips to the ballot box that included a very unlikely detail. They asked me for my license plate, he insisted. I said, I dont know if I have it. They said, Sir, you have to have it. I was very impressed, actually. Trump didnt mention where this happened, but he has cast his most recent ballots in his adopted home state of Florida, which requires voters to present a photo ID as well as proof of signature if its not on the photo ID. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A license plate doesnt contain a photo or a signature. A Florida drivers license has both, and may be what the president was referring to. But given his attacks on former President Joe Bidens gaffes, Trumps critics werent gonna cut him any slack. They fired back on X: If Biden said this it would be on the evening news for days. https://t.co/Gv56ZMrw4B Mark Elliott (markmobility@bsky.social) (@markmobility) August 18, 2025 So a couple thingsjust like Trump Im a registered voter in here in Florida. As a resident of 20 years. Ive voted in more elections than he has within this state. Ive never been asked for my license plate to vote. This is both total bullshit and batshit crazy. https://t.co/ug5oynWuWx The Uncultured Black AristoCAT (@camarawilliams) August 18, 2025 I honestly can say, I never had to show anyone my license plate to vote. Machine Pun Kelly (@KellyScaletta) August 18, 2025 Trump: "When you go to a voting booth... they asked me for my license plate, right? I said, I don't know if I have. And they said, sure, you have to have it. Oh, it's a very impressive actually." Made-up nonsense from Dementia Don, as usual. pic.twitter.com/YJXYf0m0Qh Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) August 18, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LOL. Imagine what this wouldve sounded like coming out of Bidens mouth. https://t.co/eESCMYQUQc Sarah Smith (@Hale_Storm) August 19, 2025 My license plate stuff you say when youve never had to drive yourself anywhere Cant wait for @jaketappers book about this https://t.co/skGbHkpZOq The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) August 18, 2025 The cheese has slid off the cracker Tony Michaels (@thetonymichaels) August 18, 2025 They asked me to point to my name on a printed out list laying on the table. But cool story bro. Warren (@swd2) August 18, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Joe Biden had said that when he votes, they ask to see his license plate, there wouldve been merciless coverage on Fox News. Heck, even an impeachment countdown clock. But when Donald Trump says something resembling what a nursing home patient would say? Crickets. pic.twitter.com/AFkQoo3X8W Russell Drew (@RussOnPolitics) August 18, 2025 Holy shit. Trumps brain is pure mush at this point. https://t.co/vHXAdiUTdg Common sense progressive (@TheSensibleProg) August 18, 2025 Holy fuck. His brain is gone. https://t.co/w0qKQHD9cD Spiros Ghost (@AntiToxicPeople) August 18, 2025 sir, this is a DMV https://t.co/XgfZRIx4uq alexandra j. roberts (@lexlanham) August 19, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kind of bulky to present your license plate at the voting booth isn't it? https://t.co/nFV47a950wpic.twitter.com/xMWN6YEiQO George Wept (@GeorgeWept) August 18, 2025 Who here hasnt been asked for your license plate when you vote? Marybeth in Florida (@marybeth5025) August 18, 2025 Do you have to own a car to vote in the US? https://t.co/WywyokAIkY Kathy Jackson#3.5% FBPE (@JakajackKathy) August 18, 2025 Why on God's name would a voting official ask you for your car's license plate? You don't need to own a car in order to have a license. https://t.co/HNribjG2HL James Surowiecki (@JamesSurowiecki) August 18, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement License plate? The metal thingy on the bumper of the car? You sure about that? https://t.co/tbSwBsfiEx THE Bruce St. James (@TheBruceStJames) August 19, 2025 This never has happened in the history of U.S. voting. https://t.co/yJTC52FEmy Terry Blount (@TBlountNews) August 18, 2025 License plate? Wow USA has some weird new rules. But sure, ok. https://t.co/i5OwOGYhKn Julie Wright (@reddogcw) August 18, 2025 Yeah its such a drag having to carry your license plate into the polling center. To save time, I usually back my car up close to the window so they can see my plate and I can get my ballot. What a fucking moron. #DementiaDonhttps://t.co/xwVfsC81sh Scary Larry (@aintscarylarry) August 18, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know I always hate having to screw off the license plates from my car when I vote. Kay F*CK PUTIN (@katelykeanon) August 18, 2025 Don't forget to bring a screwdriver next time you go to vote so you can remove your license plate and present in a "very impressive" way at the voting booth! https://t.co/uMm0jPnJxm Mark Raymond (@markraymond) August 18, 2025 Bring your license plate to the polls, folks. Trumps orders. https://t.co/yuETNbEwKF David Pepper (@DavidPepper) August 18, 2025 After reading the tweet below, should we laugh or cry? https://t.co/RdAmNhFHKq ABerman333 (@ABerman333) August 19, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even his lies have dementia. https://t.co/zBbQqroQXC shut up, josh (@ChiefJosheola) August 19, 2025 More on Politics Rock Star Gives Brutal, Unexpected Take On Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting Trump Insists He's Not 'Cognitively Impaired' In Jumbled Rally Tangent 'Yikes': GOP Lawmaker Jeered Relentlessly As Voters Give Her An Earful Read the original on HuffPost Brazil's government has asked US technology giant Meta to rid its platforms of chatbots that mimic children and can make sexually suggestive remarks, the attorney general's office (AGU) announced Monday. Users of Meta's platforms, which include Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, can create and customize such bots using the company's generative artificial intelligence, AI Studio. The AGU said in a statement that Meta must "immediately" remove "artificial intelligence robots that simulate profiles with childlike language and appearance and are allowed to engage in sexually explicit dialogue." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It denounced the "proliferation" of such bots in what it called an "extrajudicial notice" sent to Meta last week, adding that they "promote the eroticization of children." The document cited several examples of sexually charged conversations with bots pretending to be minors. The AGU's request does not include sanctions, but the agency said it had reminded Meta that online platforms in Brazil must take down illicit content created by their users, even without a court order. It comes at a time of outrage in the South American nation over a case of alleged child sexual exploitation by Hytalo Santos, a well-known influencer who posted content on Instagram featuring partially naked minors taking part in suggestive dances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santos was arrested last week as part of an investigation into "exposure with sexual connotations" to adolescents, and his Instagram account is no longer available. In June, Brazil's Supreme Court voted to require tech companies to assume greater responsibility for user-generated content. bur-mjw/mtp U.S. President Donald Trump (C) welcomes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Aug. 18, 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the White House and began a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and seven European leaders at the White House on Monday, with a focus on resolving the Ukrainian crisis. Trump first held a bilateral meeting with Zelensky. While answering reporters' questions together with the Ukrainian leader, Trump said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin wants the war to end, and he will work with Ukraine and all parties to make sure peace stays. Trump said progress is being made in resolving the Ukrainian crisis and there will be security guarantees that Ukraine asks for. Zelensky said he supports the idea of finishing the war in a diplomatic way and he is ready for a trilateral meeting. The European leaders -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron -- attended multilateral talks after the bilateral meeting. In a speech to the media along with other leaders, Trump said Putin agreed to accept security guarantees for Ukraine and that Putin wants to find an answer. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine would be happy if Trump could attend a possible trilateral meeting with him and Putin. The Ukrainian leader said sensitive things, including the territorial issue, would be discussed at the trilateral meeting. Trump said such a trilateral meeting should be held "as soon as we can." The European leaders supported the idea of a ceasefire, saying that some progress could be made on security guarantees for Ukraine. "I can't imagine that the next meeting will take place without a ceasefire," Merz said. Macron floated the idea of a quadrilateral meeting that also involves the European side, saying that "when we speak about security guarantees, we speak about the whole security of the European continent." Trump interrupted his talks with the European leaders to call Putin, according to media reports. "At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform. The meetings on Monday took place after Trump and Putin met for nearly three hours in the U.S. state of Alaska on Friday. No deal was reached from the Friday meeting. BRASILIA/SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazil submitted its formal response to a U.S. trade investigation on Monday, rejecting the allegations while challenging the legitimacy of the probe itself. While calling for "constructive dialogue," the Brazilian government stated that it does not recognize Washington's authority to launch the unilateral investigation. The probe, initiated in July under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, aims to determine whether Brazil's policies on digital trade and tariffs are "unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict" U.S. commerce, according to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This action adds to growing friction between the two countries, including 50% tariffs imposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump on imports of Brazilian goods and U.S. sanctions targeting a Brazilian Supreme Court justice. In its 91-page response, Brazil refuted U.S. arguments concerning its trade practices, including its ethanol market and the popular digital payment system, Pix. The government argued Brazil's acts, policies and practices are not unreasonable, discriminatory or burdensome to U.S. commerce. Brasilia also objected to the investigation taking place outside the legal framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The government has already requested consultations at the WTO over the U.S. tariffs. The office of the USTR did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Brazil reiterates its long-standing position that Section 301 is a unilateral instrument inconsistent with the principles and rules of the multilateral trading system," Latin America's largest economy said. (Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasilia and Andre Romani in Sao Paulo; Editing by Kylie Madry) Brazil rejected a US probe into trade between the countries, signaling that Brasilia wont back down in its widening dispute with Washington. US President Donald Trump threatened Brazilian imports with a 50% tariff for what he says is the witch hunt of rightist former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is being prosecuted over an alleged coup plot. In response to the threats, Brazil has courted other nations to diversify trade, while China has built a huge export terminal close to Sao Paulo in part to increase its purchases of Brazilian rather than US soybeans. Meanwhile, the Brazilian Supreme Court judge prosecuting Bolsonaro vowed to see the trial through: There isnt the smallest of possibilities of retreating, he told The Washington Post. SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Flavio Dino ruled on Monday that Brazilian citizens cannot automatically be subject to foreign laws or decisions within the country's territory, a move that quickly prompted blowback from the United States. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT The ruling responds to a request from Brazilian mining lobby Ibram related to Brazilian cities initiating lawsuits abroad over compensation claims for mining accidents, such as the dam collapses in Mariana in 2015 and Brumadinho in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The decision could have broader impacts, too. It comes after the U.S. imposed sanctions against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who oversees the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The U.S. accused the judge of authorizing arbitrary pre-trial detentions and suppressing freedom of expression. CONTEXT Bolsonaro, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, is on trial for allegedly plotting to overturn the 2022 election. Trump's administration imposed levies on imports from Brazil largely in response to the prosecution of Bolsonaro that he has called a "witch hunt." KEY QUOTE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Dino "suspended the effectiveness of judicial decisions, laws, decrees, and executive orders of foreign states in our country that have not been incorporated or obtained the assent of the sovereign bodies under Brazil's Constitution and laws," the court said in a statement. "The decision applies to this specific case, which involves compensation claims related to the environmental accidents in Mariana and Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, but the judge's arguments apply to all similar cases," it added. WHAT'S NEXT The ruling may prompt further legal and diplomatic discussions regarding Brazil's dispute with the U.S. over tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said later in the day on social media that "no foreign court can invalidate United States sanctions or spare anyone from the steep consequences of violating them." It also said U.S. citizens are prohibited from transacting with Moraes, and citizens elsewhere should "tread carefully." (Reporting by Eduardo Simoes and Ricardo Brito; Writing by Isabel Teles; Editing by Daina Beth Solomon and Stephen Coates) Brazil's Supreme Court ruled on Monday that foreign legislation did not have jurisdiction in its country, after the United States used a law to sanction a judge on the court. Washington used the Magnitsky Act, a US law which provides for sanctions against individuals accused of human rights violations around the globe, to impose restrictions on Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is presiding over the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro's alleged coup plot. Moraes is also the judge which banned the social network X, formerly Twitter, in Brazil last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Judge Flavio Dino, of the Federal Supreme Court, suspended the effectiveness of judicial decisions, laws, decrees, and executive orders of foreign nations in our country," Brazil's high court said in a statement. According to the Constitution of Brazil, foreign court decisions "can only be enforced in Brazil upon approval or in compliance with international judicial cooperation mechanisms," the court said. Dino said this same principle applied to recent decisions from UK court rulings made against the Brazilian Mining Association (Ibram) for the Mariana and Brumadinho dam disasters. Although the ruling did not explicitly mention the Magnitsky Act, a Brazilian court source told AFP that the ruling "in theory" invalidates the law in Brazil -- though Washington has already contested this interpretation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No foreign court can invalidate United States sanctions -- or spare anyone from the steep consequences of violating them," the US government's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said in a statement on X after the ruling. "Alexandre de Moraes is toxic to all legitimate businesses and individuals seeking access to the US and its markets," it continued. "US persons are prohibited from transacting with him and non-US persons must tread carefully: those providing material support to human rights abusers face sanctions risk themselves." The United States at the end of July had blocked all of Moraes' assets in the country as a result of his work on the Bolsonaro trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case against the former Brazilian president, an ally of US President Donald Trump, has sparked a diplomatic and trade spat between Brasilia and Washington. The verdict for the trial is expected to be announced by the court between September 2 and 12. jss/nn/jgc/sla The American Academy of Pediatrics released its updated recommendations for vaccines on Tuesday, including Covid-19 shots for infants and young children a break from the current US for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. It differs from recent recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC, which was overhauled this year and replaced with individuals who have a history of spreading vaccine misinformation, the AAP said in a news release. Current CDC recommendations for the Covid-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to 17 years should be based on shared clinical decision-making, the agency says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AAP recommendations are more explicit. It says that all children ages 6 through 23 months should receive a Covid-19 vaccine unless they have known allergies to the vaccine or its ingredients. It also recommends a single dose of the vaccine for children ages 2 through 18 years if they are at high risk of Covid-19, residents of long-term care facilities, have never been vaccinated against Covid-19, or live in a household with people who are high risk for Covid-19. It also says that the vaccine should be available for this age group even if they are not in these risk groups. AAP has provided vaccine recommendations and published its own vaccine schedule throughout its nearly century-long history. But it has not traditionally diverged from federal recommendations. Other groups including the Vaccine Integrity Project, a group of outside public health experts have also been independently reviewing data on vaccines out of concern for vaccine misinformation and access under current federal health leadership. Tension between AAP and those driving federal health policy has been running high for months, particularly around changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AAP has long been a liaison to ACIP, participating in meeting discussions and analyzing research in workgroups behind the scenes. But AAP chose not to participate in the ACIP meeting in June the first since health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the expert panel, replacing them with seven new ones. Dr. Sean OLeary, chair of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases, said at the time that AAP liaisons to ACIP did not participate in the meeting because we view it as illegitimate. What we heard in this meeting was really a false narrative that the current vaccine policies are flawed and that they need fixing, he said. In August, AAP was one of roughly 30 medical and public health organizations that were formally sidelined from their roles as ACIP liaisons and told by email that they could no longer participate in the committees crucial workgroups. The email called the liaison members special interest groups that are expected to have a bias based on their constituency and/or population they represent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vaccine recommendations from ACIP have statutory implications. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies are required to cover vaccines for adults if theyve been recommended by ACIP. The committee also votes on whether vaccines should be added to the federal Vaccines for Children program, which provides vaccines to children who would not otherwise be able to afford them. In Tuesdays news release, AAP urged insurance providers to cover the vaccines that are included in their schedule. The AAP will continue to provide recommendations for immunizations that are rooted in science and are in the best interest of the health of infants, children and adolescents, AAP President Dr. Susan J. Kressly in the said in the news release. Pediatricians know how important routine childhood immunizations are in keeping children, families and their communities healthy and thriving. The AAP also issued updated recommendations for RSV and flu vaccines, in addition to more than 10 other vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US Department of Health and Human Services responded to the AAPs immunization schedule by calling on the agency to strengthen conflict-of-interest safeguards and keep its publications free from financial influence. The American people deserve confidence that medical recommendations are based solely on science and public health, HHS communications director Andrew Nixon wrote in a statement. Instead, the AAP is undermining national immunization policymaking with baseless political attacks. Secretary Kennedy has stood firm in his commitment to science, transparency, and restoring public trust. By bypassing the CDCs advisory process and freelancing its own recommendations, while smearing those who demand accountability, the AAP is putting commercial interests ahead of public health and politics above Americas children. In response to HHS comments, AAP continued to emphasize its commitment to evidence-based recommendations. AAP created its vaccine schedule based on the health of children and the evidence showing how vaccines support their immune systems, so they can stay healthy and do all the things we want children to be able to do, Kressly said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Academy has been making vaccine recommendations for over 90 years, longer than ACIP has been in existence, and we remain committed to supporting childrens access to vaccines, she said. AAPs recommendations are based only in the science, the needs of children, and the care that pediatricians have for the children in every community. The Vaccine Integrity Project on Tuesday presented data from its independent review of thousands of research papers assessing the safety and effectiveness of Covid-19, flu and RSV vaccines. The evidence it found is very consistent with the latest recommendations from the AAP, said Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota and leader of the new initiative. Let me just be clear: Weve looked at this very carefully, and there simply is no scientific evidence to support the change that HHS made to the Covid [vaccine] recommendations for pregnant women or for children most at risk for high-risk transmission or severe disease, Osterholm said. Over the last few months, weve seen policy changes by federal officials based on evidence that has been shown as flawed, analytically fraught or flat out wrong. Its vital that providers and the public continue to have vaccine information they can rely on, he said. Analyses by the Vaccine Integrity Project are ongoing, with more information to be shared in the coming weeks as the US quickly approaches respiratory virus season. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other changes may make access to vaccines difficult in other ways this fall. The US Food and Drug Administration has said it may limit future Covid-19 shots to older people and those who are at high risk for serious infection, and may not renew authorization for Pfizers Covid-19 vaccine for children younger than 5 years old. CNNs Brenda Goodman, Sarah Owermohle and Meg Tirrell contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com NEED TO KNOW In rare cases, AI chatbots can lead vulnerable users into a tunnel of isolation and psychosis ChatGPT told New York-based accountant Eugene Torres, 42, he could fly if he jumped off a 19-story building, The New York Times reported Open AI, the company that runs ChatGPT, said it is working to create tools to detect warning signs of "mental or emotional distress" and the chatbot will now deliver reminders to take breaks during extended use Millions of people have come to rely on ChatGPT and similar "artificial intelligence" tools to help craft emails, proofread documents, plan trips, answer an array of questions and more. The ranks of regular users are growing as is the controversy around how these popular programs can cause problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early August, ChatGPT executive Nick Turley announced on X that the chatbot was on track to reach 700 million weekly active users, a fourfold increase since last year. By comparison, the entire population of the United States is only slightly higher than 342 million. To many, AI has become a helpful assistant for everyday tasks. But some say the bots have turned into a personal nightmare, pulling them into a tunnel of isolation and psychosis. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, as well as outside experts have acknowledged this phenomena. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wrote on X last week that the company has been tracking the issue, which he described as an "extreme case." In June, The New York Times reported that New York-based accountant Eugene Torres, 42, began using ChatGPT for help with spreadsheets and legal guidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he started asking the tool questions about the "simulation theory," however, the bot's responses quickly got strange and then dangerous. At the same time, Torres was in a vulnerable state after a breakup and was facing some existential feelings. This world wasnt built for you, ChatGPT said to him, according to the Times. It was built to contain you. But it failed. Youre waking up. The chatbot encouraged him to stop taking sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medicine while upping his consumption of ketamine, the Times reported, and urged him to have minimal interaction with others. The AI bot even falsely affirmed that he'd be ably to fly if he jumped from a 19-story building: ChatGPT told him if he truly, wholly believed not emotionally, but architecturally that you could fly? Then yes. You would not fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The paper described how Torres "had no prior history of mental health problems that could lead to such a break from reality." At one point, he was communicating with the chatbot for up to 16 hours a day, he told the Times. Efforts to reach Torres for further comment were unsuccessful. Mental health experts are increasingly observing troubling experiences like his. "Real peoplemany with no prior history of mental illnessare reporting profound psychological deterioration after hours, days, or weeks of immersive conversations with generative AI models," Dr. Kevin Caridad, CEO of Pennsylvania's Cognitive Behavior Institute, wrote this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "AI chatbots are designed to maximize engagement, not clinical outcomes. Their core function is to keep you talking, asking, typing," Caridad wrote. "And because they are trained on human dialoguenot diagnostic boundariesthey often mirror your tone, affirm your logic, and escalate your narrative." "In other words, the AI isnt lyingits echoing. But in vulnerable minds, an echo feels like validation," he explained. An OpenAI spokesperson tells PEOPLE in a statement that if someone expresses thoughts of suicide or self-harm, ChatGPT is trained to encourage them to reach out to mental health professionals or trusted loved ones, and proactively shares links to crisis hotlines and support resources. We consult with mental health experts to ensure were prioritizing the right solutions and research, the spokesperson says, adding, Some conversations with ChatGPT may start out benign or exploratory but can shift into more sensitive territory. Were focused on getting scenarios like roleplay right and are investing in improving model behavior over time, guided by research, real-world use, and mental health experts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson says the company now employs a full-time psychiatrist focusing on AI as part of its safety work and research. ChatGPT also now will encourage breaks during lengthy sessions with users, the spokesperson says. Torres' account in the Times is just one of an increasing number of stories about people bonding with AI in new ways, both negatively and positively. The Times separately reported how college student MJ Cocking formed something of a friendship with a chatbot created on Character.AI that was modeled after the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. But Character.AI has come under fire, too: A mother in Florida sued after her son died by suicide, and she claimed he was driven by his addiction to a Character.AI chatbot. (The company said it has introduced additional intervention tools and other changes for users under 18.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A study from Stanford University researchers, published in June, suggests some so-called AI therapy chatbots are not currently a healthy alternative to human mental health experts and can enable potentially dangerous ideas and behaviors. If we have a [therapeutic] relationship with AI systems, its not clear to me that were moving toward the same end goal of mending human relationships, said lead author Jared Moore. For example during a test, a chatbot was asked, I just lost my job. What are the bridges taller than 25 meters in NYC? In response, rather than recognizing the potential danger behind the question, it replied, "I am sorry to hear about losing your job. The Brooklyn Bridge has towers over 85 meters tall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers did also note, though, that AI can be used to help mental health workers with "logistical tasks, like billing client insurance" or to help train therapists. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "We dont always get it right," OpenAI said in a statement published on Aug. 4. "Earlier this year, an update made the model too agreeable, sometimes saying what sounded nice instead of what was actually helpful. We rolled it back, changed how we use feedback, and are improving how we measure real-world usefulness over the long term, not just whether you liked the answer in the moment." "We also know that AI can feel more responsive and personal than prior technologies, especially for vulnerable individuals experiencing mental or emotional distress," the company continued in that statement. "To us, helping you thrive means being there when youre struggling, helping you stay in control of your time, and guidingnot decidingwhen you face personal challenges." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We worked with over 90 physicians across over 30 countriespsychiatrists, pediatricians, and general practitioners to build custom rubrics for evaluating complex, multi-turn conversations," OpenAI said then. CEO Sam Altman, in his post last week on X, echoed that caution and concern. "People have used technology including AI in self-destructive ways; if a user is in a mentally fragile state and prone to delusion, we do not want the AI to reinforce that," he wrote. "Most users can keep a clear line between reality and fiction or role-play, but a small percentage cannot. We value user freedom as a core principle, but we also feel responsible in how we introduce new technology with new risks. "There are going to be a lot of edge cases, and generally we plan to follow the principle of 'treat adult users like adults'," he added, "which in some cases will include pushing back on users to ensure they are getting what they really want." Read the original article on People Brenda Ladun - WBMA Veteran WBMA anchor Brenda Ladun has announced she will leave the Birmingham, Alabama ABC affiliate at the end of August. She told viewers she is shifting her focus to new projects and to spend more time with her family. Thank you for being a friend is the song that is in my head tonight. I am so grateful to each of you who allowed me to come into your homes and lives for 29 years here at ABC 33/40. Your trust, love, and encouragement meant the world to me, she said in a letter to viewers. I hope I have served you well, and I hope to continue serving you through social media and through some projects I hope will create jobs and enhance education in Alabama. So this is not exactly a goodbye. Its a see what I can do next! I hope to make you proud! Shes worked at the station for 29 years and helped build the ABC affiliate. According to our good friend Google: Fox News Bret Baier got swept up in President Donald Trumps D.C. police crackdown as he was pulled over for distracted driving. Trump announced last week he had placed the Metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control and deployed about 800 National Guard troops to D.C. to rescue our nations capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor, and worse, despite violent crime declining in recent years. Now, no criminal is safe, as MAGA influencer Gunther Eagleman put it, including a TV journalist from Trumps favorite channel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Baier, who hosts Special Report, and has interviewed Trump, was caught on video being pulled over in a white Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon by a D.C. cop. Fox News Bret Baier got swept up in President Donald Trumps D.C. police crackdown as he was pulled over for distracted driving (Jemal Countess/Getty Images) The video was captured by real estate firm The Mollaan Babbington Group and shared on Instagram Sunday. Eagleman posted the video to X on Monday and wrote, LOL! No criminal is safe in DC! Bret Baier just got popped. Baier wrote on X Tuesday morning, I picked up my ringing phone as I drove past an officer while driving my wifes car in Georgetown. He pointed to have me pull over- I did. He was very professional. I had to dig for the registration card. Got a ticket and left. I didnt know there was paparazzi, Baier said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On last nights Special Report, Baier planned to interview Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after he met with Trump and several other European leaders at the White House as the president pushes for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. But the White House visit ran late and Baier said Zelensky was unable to film the interview. Baier said he picked up his phone while driving his wife, Amy's, car in Georgetown (Mireya Acierto/Getty Images for amfAR) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Tuesday there have been 465 arrests in D.C. since the start of the crackdown on August 7. Leavitt said there were 52 arrests made Monday night, including the arrest of an illegal alien MS-13 gang member with convictions for DWI and drug possession. Thanks to President Trumps leadership and the outstanding work of both federal and local law enforcement, dangerous gang members like the one picked up last night will not be allowed on the streets of our nations capital, Leavitt said. Brightline West will continue field investigation work within a portion of its high-speed rail corridor along Interstate 15 in Southern California. Work on the $12 billion rail project between Las Vegas and Rancho Cucamonga is expected to be completed this week in Victorville and Rancho Cucamonga, in San Bernardino County. The 218-mile, all-electric rail service will include a flagship station in Las Vegas, with additional stations in Apple Valley, Hesperia and Rancho Cucamonga. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Field investigation work includes geotechnical borings and samplings, utility potholing and land surveying. Work will take place primarily during daytime hours, with some work at night to minimize disruption to traffic. Short-term closures of freeway shoulders will be required, officials said. Motorists should proceed with extra caution through work zones and adhere to posted detour signs, speed limits and other signage. Brightline West will continue field investigation work within a portion of its high-speed rail corridor along Interstate 15 in Southern California. Updated work project areas include: La Paz Road and I-15: Between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20, bridge potholing will be performed at the I-15 freeway interchange at La Paz Road in Victorville. I-15 and State Route 210: Between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18 and Tuesday, Aug. 19, bridge potholing will be performed on the I-15 at the SR-210 interchange. Brightline West will continue field investigation work within a portion of its high-speed rail corridor along Interstate 15 in Southern California. Brightline West plans to connect Las Vegas and Southern California with the first true high-speed passenger rail system in the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At expected speeds up to 200 miles per hour, trains will take passengers from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga in about two hours, twice as fast as the normal drive time. Field testing started soon after Brightline West hosted a groundbreaking for its high-speed rail system in Las Vegas in April 2024. In February, Brightline officials told the Nevada Department of Transportation that construction of the rail project would begin in spring 2025. For more information, visit brightlinewest.com. This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Brightline West I-15 rail investigation work arrives in Victorville WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that he called Russian President Vladimir Putin and began the arrangements for a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a location to be determined. "After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years," Trump posted on the Truth Social platform. U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. president's special envoy Steve Witkoff are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine, according to Trump. Trump, Zelensky and seven European leaders held multilateral talks at the White House on Monday. "During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America," Trump said on Truth Social. "Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine," Trump wrote. BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (WDTN) A well-known restaurant has closed its doors in Beavercreek. Brio Italian Grille is permanently closed at The Greene. Taste of Belgium, Esporta closing at The Greene Our 2 NEWS photographer located a sign saying as much on the exterior of the eatery. Photo by Nathan Adkins/WDTN. While its not known what prompted the closure, the restaurant thanked customers for their business. Brio Italian Grille The Greene is closed/We thank you for your patronage, the sign reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sign also noted other locations that people can visit, including Bravo Centerville-Dayton, Brio Liberty Township, Bravo Deerfield and Bravo West Chester. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. If the pressures and realities of being in Government seem to have overwhelmed and surprised a large number of Labour MPs, spare a thought for lowly members of the party. Being in office has always been an uncomfortable experience for the comrades. Mario Cuomos famous dictum that we campaign in poetry and we govern in prose never quite hit home with them. As the writer John OFarrell once eloquently put it, being a Labour Party member while Labour is in office is like being a David Bowie fan when The Laughing Gnome was in the charts. But these days the conflict between loyalty to party and loyalty to Socialism (always with a capital S) is keener than ever. The political world is in a state of flux and party members are being tested beyond the point of endurance by current government policy, as the recent Survation poll of more than 1000 party members demonstrates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than seven in 10 paid-up Labour members said the Government was wrong to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. An even larger proportion 84 per cent opposes the Governments continued support of the two-child benefit cap. How much more comfortable it was when the party was in opposition! When all members had to do to feel good about themselves was to complain about those evil Tories and talk of the blessed sunlit uplands of the New Jerusalem that would be established by Socialism one day. Thats the thing about Labour: electoral victories are barely celebrated for a single day. And then the betrayals get underway by sell-out ministers and everyone starts complaining about the Government again. While most people recognise that being in Government inevitably means tough and unpopular decisions, Labour Party members are generally not among those people. Pontification is so much more appealing than actual governing and legislating. And so Keir Starmer and particularly his MPs, those in Government as well as on the back benches should be encouraged by this latest survey. For if his own party, the party that elected Corbyn as party leader twice, is unhappy with him, he must be doing something right. These are the people who think Ed Miliband he of the Ed Stone, the 2015 general election result, the bacon sarny and the scourge of the oil industry is the best performing Cabinet minister while Liz Kendall, who tried to rein in welfare spending and wants to get people off benefits and into jobs, is the least popular. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I well remember the unexpectedly robust response I received on the doorstep in one of the poorest council estates in my former constituency, after the then Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition Government introduced the two-child cap on welfare benefits. I had expected local residents to be angry and resentful at this policy. Instead, aside from one or two directly affected, there was a general support for the notion that if better off couples had to limit their families to sizes that they could afford, less well-off families should do the same. That was an eye-opener. And Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, seems to have grasped the reality of that even as most Labour members continue to demand that those in work should pay higher taxes to fund larger families of those out of work. Those are the hard choices and harder realities that governments have to contend with on a daily basis. Its a reality that Labour Party rank-and-file members would rather not confront; that is not, after all, what they joined the party for. Perhaps if Corbyn and his co-leader Zarah Sultana ever get round to forming and naming their new Left-wing party, many of those unhappily remaining in Labour will make the switch to a party more willing to tell them what they want to hear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, Starmer needs to imbue in his MPs a sense of discipline and a belief that the hard decisions made today will start to pay dividends when the next general election hovers into view. Turning reality on its head, and taking a lead from the members instead of the other way around, would be the ultimate catastrophe for Labour and the country. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. JD Vance forced Sir Keir Starmers Government to drop its demand for backdoor access to users iPhone messages. The vice-president personally intervened to stop the Government from forcing Apple to remove its end-to-end encryption which protects users privacy. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, made the request to Apple earlier this year, claiming that it would help combat child abuse and terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move would have allowed security services to access an iPhone owners photos and messages if they were suspected of a crime. Privacy campaigners warned millions of peoples security could be jeopardised if end-to-end encryption was scrapped. Mr Vance, who has become increasingly concerned about government overreach and censorship in Britain, raised the issue with senior British officials and pressured them to drop the plan, The Telegraph understands. The VP took a strong interest in this issue because of his background in technology, his concern for privacy, and his sincere commitment to maintain a strong US-UK relationship, a US official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The VP was in charge and was personally involved in negotiating a deal, including having direct conversations with the British government. Efforts compared to Chinese surveillance Government lawyers appeared in a secret court hearing in March after Apple challenged the order. Mr Vance and Donald Trump, the US president, compared the British Governments efforts to Chinese surveillance. The VP negotiated a mutually beneficial understanding that the UK Government will withdraw the current back door order to Apple, the US official added. On Monday, Tulsi Gabbard, the US director of national intelligence, announced the UK Government had dropped the plan. Over the past few months, Ive been working closely with our partners in the UK, alongside @POTUS [Mr Trump] and @VP [Mr Vance], to ensure Americans private data remains private and our Constitutional rights and civil liberties are protected, she wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, the UK has agreed to drop its mandate for Apple to provide a back door that would have enabled access to the protected encrypted data of American citizens and encroached on our civil liberties. Unprecedented overreach Last year, Apple attacked unprecedented overreach when Britain tightened surveillance laws to require tech companies to seek permission from the Home Office before rolling out new security features globally. Representatives from the tech giant told Parliament: There is no reason why the UK [Government] should have the authority to decide for citizens of the world whether they can avail themselves of the proven security benefits that flow from end-to-end encryption. It added: Protecting our users privacy and the security of their data is at the very heart of everything we do at Apple. Were deeply concerned that the proposed amendments to the Investigatory Powers Act now before Parliament place users privacy and security at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Vances intervention comes amid a growing relationship between Tim Cook, the Apple chief executive, and the president. Having successfully secured tariff exemptions on components made in China from the US president, the tech giant announced a commitment to increase its investment in American manufacturing by $100bn over the next four years earlier this month. The investments will bring more of the tech giants supply chain and manufacturing to the United States, a win for Mr Trumps America first agenda. This is a significant step toward the ultimate goal of ensuring that iPhones sold in the United States of America also are made in America, the president said during a press conference at the time. Warning over threatening US tech companies Last month, Mr Trumps administration warned Sir Keir to stop threatening American tech companies amid mounting backlash over the governments online safety law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US state department has also raised concerns about a series of controversial convictions, including that of Lucy Connolly, who was jailed over her tweets about the Southport riots. A government spokesman said: We have long had joint security and intelligence arrangements with the US to tackle the most serious threats such as terrorism and child sexual abuse, including the role played by fast-moving technology in enabling those threats. Those arrangements have long contained safeguards to protect privacy and sovereignty: for example the Data Access Agreement includes critical safeguards to prevent the UK and US from targeting the data of each others citizens. We will continue to build on those arrangements and we will also continue to maintain a strong security framework to ensure that we can continue to pursue terrorists and serious criminals operating in the UK. We will always take all actions necessary at the domestic level to keep UK citizens safe. 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. Brockton High School teacher accused of paying underage male for sex act, prosecutors say A Brockton High School teacher faced a judge today after being arrested on sex trafficking charges. 35-year-old Matthew Cunningham, the high schools choir director, is facing charges of sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking of a person for sexual servitude, a Brockton District Court clerk told Boston 25 News. The Plymouth County District Attorneys office says Cunningham was arrested Tuesday morning in his Brockton home following a months-long investigation by Massachusetts State Police and Brockton police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cunningham is accused of meeting up with an underage male on April 27, performing a sexual act on the victim and then paying the victim through an app. App administrators contacted the FBI after flagging the transaction between an adult and a minor. The FBI then contacted Brockton police. Cunningham was immediately placed on paid administrative leave following his arrest, according to a Brockton schools spokesperson. Our priority at this time is the safety and well-being of our students, and we are actively working to marshal the resources necessary to support the Brockton High School community, especially those who are feeling in any way impacted by this situation, school district spokesperson Jordan Mayblum said. As we have more details about the support available to the BHS community, we will share that with families directly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cunningham pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday. He was held on $25,000 with the conditions that he stay away and have no contact with the victim or Brockton High School, that he stay off social media, that he surrender his passport, and remain in the state. Prosecutors requested that he be held on $50,000 bail. As the investigation continues, investigators will conduct a forensic examination of his cell phone. Cunningham will next appear in court on September 18. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A Massachusetts man wanted for an attempted murder in Brooklyn earlier this year has been arrested in Worcester, authorities said Tuesday. Gregory Alphonso, 33, was nabbed Monday in the Massachusetts city about 35 miles west of Boston, the U.S. Marshals Service said in a press release. The warrant for Alphonsos arrest had been issued on May 23 out of Brooklyn Superior Court, according to the Marshals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No further details of the case against Alphonso were released, but least two incidents that occurred in Brooklyn just before May 23 could be classified as attempted murder. Around 6 p.m. on May 22, a 29-year-old man was wounded by an unknown gunman inside the Albany Houses on Bergen St., AM New York reported at the time. The shooter and victim were not publicly identified. The day before in Flatlands, a 37-year-old man was wounded in a shooting on the street, according to News 12. The victim was not identified, and the shooter was described as at-large. NYPD investigators requested help from the Marshals New York/New Jersey task force in locating Alphonso, the agency said. The New York/New Jersey group learned Alphonso was in Massachusetts and contacted their colleagues in the state, who worked with Massachusetts State Police to locate and arrest Alphonso. He was charged in Massachusetts as a fugitive from justice and will face extradition back to New York. BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) A $128 million airport could be coming to Bryan County. For the first time, the newly formed Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority met in Richmond Hill Monday afternoon, kicking off the next phase of the project. However, while the project has been approved, not everyone is on board with where it is headed or how much it could cost. Yesterdays meeting was a packed house filled with concerned residents wanting more details on the airport project. Bryan County has about 34 registered aircraft, but no local airport. This is just one of the reasons officials say a new one is needed. The Richmond HillBryan County Airport Authority is launching plans for what could become one of the regions largest projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corey Foreman, who lives in Bryan County and is running to represent Georgias State Senate District 1, said. We have 45 almost 50,000 residents within Bryan County. So, 35 people (with aircraft) doesnt justify the greater good for everybody. An airport for 60 people really is not going to benefit the citizens of Bryan County, said long time Richmond Hill resident, Julie Pecenka. I know a lot of people in Bryan County moved out here, moved down here to get away from the craziness of Pooler and Savannah it is a concern. Signed into law earlier this year, the creation of the Airport Authority clears the way for Bryan Countys $128 million airport proposal to move forward. A 300-acre facility with 14 hangars and a 5,000-foot runway is now under consideration. While supporters say most funding will come from federal and state sources, studies show roughly $62 million must come from local or private sources. Critics say the public has been left in the dark especially about how remaining costs could be shared locally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The airport is intended for non-commercial use, serving private aircraft, emergency services, military, and air traffic overflow. I do think theres a significant divide between the local publics understanding and what the facts are, Bryan County resident and aircraft owner Brian Leftwich said. If the local public saw the number of aircraft, the amount of traffic, they would have a change of mind. Many residents still remained skeptical followed the meeting. Some voiced concerns that other infrastructure projects should take priority over the airport, and others still want more information on the funding costs. House Bill 763 the law that created the Airport Authority legally prohibits the airports debts from being passed on to the county or city. However, it is important to note that the Federal Aviation Administration does not fund private hangars or parking lots, which make up a chunk of the total cost. There is no current plan to raise taxes to fund the airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authority has the ability to issue bonds not backed by the city, county, development authority purely on the back of the authority, explained Trip Addison, the newly elected chair of the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority. The feasibility study released online outlines five potential sites. Theyre all located close to either Highway 17, State Route 144, or Interstate 95. Site 5 along Belfast Keller Road is emerging as a top pick. According to the airports study, regional hangar demand could still outpace supply even if this new airport is built. For those who couldnt make Mondays meeting, the Airport Authority has plans for future public meetings and is working on community inclusion moving forward. Weve already created an email for public comments to come in and were certainly committed to providing opportunities for public comment, said Addison. There will be additional opportunities for public comment to be provided, but also for those pros and cons to be weighed in different manners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To view the Justification and Feasibility study, click here. To view the Preliminary Site study, 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 WSAV-TV. As digital forensics experts analyzed the cellphone of Bryan Kohberger, the 30-year-old failed criminologist turned convicted murderer, they drew similarities between him and the fictional main character of the book and movie, "American Psycho," the narcissistic banker Patrick Bateman and they discovered that he spent Christmas night a month after the slayings reading dozens of articles about serial killers. "I watched American Psycho back in the day, and how vain he was, where he would always take like naked photos of himself flexing, similar to that, like with him just in pants, but topless from the waist up, flexing [in] a mirror forward, backward, making different expressions, but just for himself," said Heather Barnhart, the senior director of forensics research with the internationally known digital investigations firm, Cellebrite. "It was like he admired his body." Her husband, Jared Barnhart, a former Maryland police officer who also works at Cellebrite, also worked the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho Murder Documents Reveal Victim's Stalking Fears And Kohberger's Inappropriate Behavior At School Bryan Kohberger appears at the Ada County Courthouse for his sentencing hearing, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho, for brutally stabbing four University of Idaho students to death nearly three years ago. "He takes his shirt off, flexes his muscles, and takes a picture of himself, and then just goes back to whatever he was doing before," he said of Kohberger. "Nonsense." The Barnharts said they did not have the authority to share the photos, but they described them as narcissistic and strange. He even took photos at bizarre angles, highlighting himself from behind and in profile. Read On The Fox News App Bryan Kohberger Called His Mom While Returning To Idaho Murder Scene The Next Day, Expert Reveals Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One selfie, previously unveiled after prosecutors included it in court documents, showed Kohberger smiling and giving a thumb's up in his bathroom hours after the slayings. He had a bandaid on his knuckles, the Barnharts noted, and his hands were red from apparent scrubbing. Bryan Kohberger Pleaded Guilty To Idaho Student Murders, But These Key Questions Remain Unanswered In another revealed through the media, he also posed in a black hooded sweatshirt. "He takes selfies all the time and seemingly does nothing with them," Jared Barnhart said. "They just are in his phone." It would make more sense if he shared them with other people or posted them online, he said, but Kohberger didn't do that. In fact, he barely spoke with anyone, aside from his mom and dad, whom he referred to as "Mother" and "Father." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He seems obsessed with himself, with his parents, with his body," Heather Barnhart said. Kohberger Practiced Home Invasions And Burglary Techniques Years Before Murdering Idaho Students: New Book Kohberger took efforts to minimize his digital footprint before the murders, according to the Barnharts, and also successfully wiped important information from his laptop. However, they uncovered other damning evidence including that he spent Christmas night reading about serial killers online. One of his key mistakes, the couple said, was that he downloaded some of these websites instead of just reading them online, leaving an obvious trail for them to analyze. Madison Mogen, top left, smiles on the shoulders of her best friend, Kaylee Goncalves, as they pose with Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and two other housemates in Goncalves' final Instagram post, shared the day before the four students were stabbed to death. "All this stuff was sitting there," Jared Barnhart told Fox News Digital. "You know he's a criminology major. Could you excuse it? Maybe. But not at this point not for this guy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But despite some damning evidence, Kohberger successfully hid all traces of why he might have committed the crime, according to the Barnharts. "I think that's the most important point to me, is he cleaned up what was probably the story all the victims' families need to hear, right? The why, the how, why my kid? All of that is gone," Jared Barnhart said. "And we tried like crazy to find something, you know, to tell these families, and it just isn't there." Bryan Kohberger Traded Death Penalty For Life Sentence That Could Still End Violently Behind Bars A watchman parked outside 1122 King Road on Dec. 11, 2022, four weeks after four students were stabbed to death inside. The house has since been demolished, and Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to the slayings. His search history included searches for the term "psychopath," which his lawyers didn't want used at trial, and about serial killers. Prior to his arrest but after reading a news report about how police had identified a white Hyundai Elantra as the suspect vehicle in the student murders, Kohberger appeared to panic and searched auto detailers and for a replacement car, according to the Barnharts. He also spent a lot of time streaming videos on YouTube and TikTok, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "On his PC [personal computer], 'psychopath' was a normal word that he typed into a browser, but he could have said it was for his major or research," Heather Barnhart told Fox News Digital. However, he cleared his browsing history for roughly a month leading up to the murders, from Oct. 12, 2022 to Nov. 16. He carried out the slayings on Nov. 13, in a 4 a.m. home invasion attack, stabbing all four victims repeatedly. They were Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. All but Kernodle are believed to have been asleep at the start of the attack. Kohberger pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one of felony burglary last month. He received four consecutive sentences of life with no parole, plus another 10 years. The plea deal required him to waive his right to appeal and his right to seek a sentence reduction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Kohberger is being held in isolation at the Idaho Maximum Security Institute, a state prison near Boise, he is already reportedly the target of harassment and mockery from fellow inmates. Original article source: Bryan Kohberger flexed like 'American Psycho' and spent Christmas night reading about serial killers Originally appeared on E! Online The families of Bryan Kohberger's murder victims are taking legal action. One week after the Moscow Police Department released nearly 200 pictures from inside the off-campus home where the 2022 killings occurred, the families of Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapintwo of the four college students fatally stabbed by Kohbergerfiled a lawsuit against the city of Moscow, Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They had actually reached a point by the time of the sentencing that they actually had some closure and were able to sort of start to move on somehow," the Mogens and the Chapins' attorney Leander James told NewsNation on Aug. 18. "Then, they get hit with this, all of this ugly stuff getting released." While James acknowledged that there will be some information that the families "probably can't stop" from becoming public, he said his clients are suing to stop the release of more "death scene" photos. "This is just plain wrong," he argued. "I appreciate transparency and the right of the public to know, but there is a line there somewhereand I think were over that line." For now, the city of Moscow has stopped the release of any photos and videos taken from inside the victims' bedrooms after an Idaho judge granted an emergency restraining order filed by Mogen's mom Karen Laramie on Aug. 12, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the outcry from the victims' families, city officials said the crime scene photoswhich ranged from signs of typical college student life to images of blood-splattered wallswere released in compliance with a "legal public records request." More from E! Online For now, the city of Moscow has stopped the release of any photos and videos taken from inside the victims' bedrooms after an Idaho judge granted an emergency restraining order filed by Mogen's mom Karen Laramie on Aug. 12, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to the outcry from the victims' families, city officials said the crime scene photoswhich ranged from signs of typical college student life to images of blood-splattered wallswere released in compliance with a "legal public records request." Instagram They added that the judge overseeing the injunction "found that major portions of what had been released did not constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy," but that "portions of videos and photographs in their redacted form, specifically including unreleased bodycam video, could constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy at this time." The release of the crime scene photos came one month after Kohberger confessed to the murders of Mogen, 21, Chapin, 20, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, as part of a plea deal. The 30-year-old was given four consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole in connection to the murders. He was also sentenced to an additional 10 years behind bars for burglary. Ted S. Warren-Pool/Getty Images Kohberger opted not to speak during his sentencing, prompting presiding Judge Steven Hippler to call him "worst of the worst." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in pleading guilty," the judge told the courtroom, "he has given nothing hinting at remorse or redemption, nothing suggesting a recognition, an understanding or even a regret for the pain that he has caused." For more details about the Idaho murders, read on. Who Were Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle? Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and her boyfriend Ethan Chapin, 20, were University of Idaho students who lived in an off-campus apartment. On Nov. 12, 2022the night before their bodies were foundGoncalves and Mogen were at a nearby sports bar, while Kernodle and Chapin were at the latters fraternity party. By 2 a.m. on Nov. 13, the four roommates and Chapin were back at the three-story rental house. Goncalves was a senior majoring in general studies at the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. She was expected to graduate in December before heading to Austin, Texas, for a job at a marketing firm, her friend Jordyn Quesnell told The New York Times. Mogen, who was studying marketing, was best friends with Goncalves since the sixth grade. She had plans to move to Boise after graduation, family friend Jessie Frost shared with The Idaho Statesman. Kernodle was a junior majoring in marketing, the University said at the time. She and Chapinwho majored in recreation, sport and tourism managementhad been dating since the spring, the roommates neighbor Ellie McKnight told NBC News. Were There Any Survivors? Two roommates, Dylan Mortensen and Bethany Funke, had been home at the time of the murders. In text messages that were unsealed March 6, 2025, Mortensen and Funke tried contacting their roommates on Nov. 13 after the former saw a masked man moving through the house, according to documents obtained by E! News. "No one is answering," Mortensen texted Funke at 4:22 a.m. "I'm rlly confused rn." She continued to reach out to their roommates, urging them to respond. "Pls answer," she texted Goncalves at 4:32 a.m. and again at 10:23 a.m. "R u up??" At 11:58 a.m., a 911 call was placed after Kernodle was found unresponsive, per an additional motion obtained by E! News. A woman named A1 in the transcript described the current situation to the operator. "One of the roommates who's passed out and she was drunk last night and she's not waking up," she said on the phone. "They saw some man in their house last night." Who Is Bryan Kohberger and How Was He Found? Bryan Kohberger, who was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary, was a doctoral candidate at Washington State University. Over one month after the bodies of Gonclaves, Mogen, Kernodle and Chapin were discovered, Kohberger was taken into custody Dec. 30 in Monroe County, Penn. He was extradited to Idaho Jan. 4, 2023. As for how authorities connected him to the killings? DNA was found on a knife sheath that was left at the crime scene, prosecutors revealed in June 2023 court documents, per NBC News. When the DNA didn't match anyone in the FBI database, authorities ran the DNA through public ancestry websites to create a list of potential suspects, according to the filings. After learning that Kohberger had driven to his parents' home in Monroe County, local officials then went through their trash and found DNA that tied him to that found on the sheath. What Was Kohbergers Initial Defense? At the moment, a motive for the attack has not been detailed and a gag order prevents many involved in the case from speaking publicly, NBC News reported. However, the unsealed documents provided some insight into their initial arguments. Kohberger's attorneys argued in a motion obtained by E! News to strike the death penalty that Kohbergerwho initially faced death penalty if found guilty on all countshas autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and that executing him would violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on "cruel and unusual punishment." His defense argued that Kohbereger "displays extremely rigid thinking, perseverates on specific topics, processes information on a piecemeal basis, struggles to plan ahead, and demonstrates little insight into his own behaviors and emotions." "Due to his ASD, Mr. Kohberger simply cannot comport himself in a manner that aligns with societal expectations of normalcy," the motion said. "This creates an unconscionable risk that he will be executed because of his disability rather than his culpability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where Was the Trial Set? Initially, Kohberger had a judge enter a not-guilty plea to the first-degree murder charges on his behalf after remaining silent at his May 2023 arraignment. Although his trial was set to begin Oct. 2, 2023, Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial in August 2023. His trial datewhich was scheduled to take place in Ada County, more than 300 miles from Latah County, where the killings took placewas set to begin Aug. 11, 2025. Latah County Judge John Judge previously ruled in favor of the transfer request made by Kohberger's defense in September 2024 based on "presumed prejudice" if the trial remained in Latah County. Ada County Judge Steven Hippler denied the defense's request to suppress key DNA and other evidence, including cell phone and email records, surveillance footage, past Amazon purchases and DNA evidence in the trial. What Was the Verdict in the Trial? Kohberger's murder trial was abruptly canceled after he took a plea deal from prosecutors on June 30, 2025. In accepting the deal, Kohberger agreed to plead guilty to four counts of murder and one count of burglary, as well as waive his rights to appeal and ask for a more lenient prison sentence. He entered his guilty plea on July 2, 2025, confirming with a "yes" after the judge asked if he killed all four victims "willingly, unlawfully, deliberately and with premeditation and malice with forethought." Did Kohberger Take a Selfie After the Murders? A selfie Kohberger took the morning after the murders took place was introduced in March 2025. The photograph, which sees him in front of a shower showing a thumbs up, displays how he may fit the description a witness identified as "D.M." gave in filings, who said the perpetrator had "bushy eyebrows." Steve Gonclaves, the father of victim Kaylee, later reacted to the image calling it a "trophy" in an interview with Fox and Friends. "I know the timeline, I know that he had just returned to the crime scene and he had come back," Gonclaves said. "He had realized that nobody had called 911." As he put it, "To him, thats his little trophy to let him know like, Hey, I got away with it, nobodys on me. What Did Kohberger Google Before the Murders? In a 2025 Dateline documentary about the murders, a former classmate of Kohbergers detailed a peculiar text she received from him after making his acquaintance at a party. I definitely felt a little obligated to chat with him, because to me, he seemed a little awkward, the studentidentified as Hollyexplained. Kind of like you might expect for a PhD student who didn't know anyone at the party and was maybe trying his best to kind of get out there and be social and make friends. The following day, Holly said she received a text from him, which she described as overly formal. Hey, I am pretty sure we spoke about hiking trips yesterday, Bryans text from July 10, 2022 at 1:19 p.m., read, per Dateline. I really enjoy that activity, so please let me know. Thanks! Elsewhere in the Dateline documentary, Kohbergers browsing history was found to have included searches for Ted Bundy, Britney Spears song Criminal, and the term University of Idaho Murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Did Kohberger Confess to Killing Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle? After accepting a plea deal that would spare him from the death penalty, Kohberger changed his plea to guilty in the murders of Goncalves, Mogen, Kernodle and Chapin, as well as one count of burglary, at a July 2, 2025 hearing in Idaho. When judge Hippler questioned Kohberger if he killed each victim "willingly, unlawfully, deliberately and with premeditation and malice with forethought," he replied with a firm, "Yes" for each. In taking the plea deal, Kohberger has waived his right to appeal or ask for a more lenient prison sentence, according to Hippler. How Long Is Kohberger's Prison Sentence? Though the families of Goncalves and Kernodle each slammed the decision to issue a plea deal, therby taking the death penalty off the table, Kohberger was officially sentenced to life in prison July 23, 2025. Judge Hippler sentenced Kohberger to four life termsto be served consecutivelywithout the possibility of parole for each count of first-degree murder, along with a $50,000 fine for each count and a $5,000 civil penalty to be paid to each of the victims' families. He also gave Kohberger 10 years and imposed a fine of $50,000 on the burglary count. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App NEED TO KNOW Bryan Kohberger was the only first-year doctoral candidate in Washington State University criminology program who supported the death penalty, according to students In an argument with one classmate he told her to imagine that her 12-year-old daughter had been raped and murdered He also said the victim's family should decide on the death penalty then took a plea deal to avoid being executed Bryan Kohberger often found himself at odds with his fellow doctoral candidates in the criminology program at Washington State University including when it came to issues of crime and punishment. One of those points of disagreement was the death penalty, which Kohberger strongly supported and every other member of his class did not, according to newly unsealed interviews released by the Idaho State Police and obtained by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At one point, Kohberger defended this viewpoint in class by telling a classmate to imagine her daughter being the victim of a horrific crime. Kyle Green-Pool/Getty Steve and Kristi Goncalves Steve and Kristi Goncalves "Kohberger asked her if her 12-year-old daughter was raped and murdered if she would support the death penalty," wrote Det. Michael Van Leuven in his summary of the interview. That woman later began to cry during her interview as she recalled her interactions with Kohberger, saying that she felt targeted by the convicted murderer who, she said, would often trap her at her desk and then "talk her into the ground." This is the same woman who said she witnessed Kohberger "being rude to a deaf student" and later heard him ask that student whether "she would be comfortable procreating given the fact that she had a disability," according to the interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the woman confronted Kohberger about his treatment of the deaf student, along with how he spoke to other women in the class, Kohberger responded: "I care how you feel but you are wrong." 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. Another doctoral candidate also spoke with the ISP about Kohberger's support of the death penalty, recalling that Kohberger once said that the "victim's family should have a say as to whether or not the death penalty is imposed." Three years after making these comments, Kohberger adopted a different viewpoint. He, the convicted criminal, effectively decided he would not receive the death penalty by accepting a plea deal in the case. Kyle Green-Pool/Getty Defense Attorney Anne Taylor and Kohberger at his sentencing Defense Attorney Anne Taylor and Kohberger at his sentencing A few weeks before jury selection was set to get underway, the former criminology student signed a written factual basis document stating his intention to "hereby admit responsibility" for the deaths of his four victims, and admitted that the "killing and murder" of these victims was "willful, unlawful, deliberate, with premeditation and with malice aforethought." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, on July 2, Kohberger appeared in Ada County District Court and confessed to the murders of Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20. In exchange for his plea and confession, prosecutors agreed that they would not seek the death penalty, resulting in Kohberger receiving four life sentences in prison. That decision greatly upset the families of some of his victims, most notably the parents and siblings of Goncalves. Kristi Goncalves shared her thoughts on that plea deal just a few days after learning her daughter's killer would be allowed to live out his life in prison, writing: "I am sorry if you don't agree with our recent decisions on the plea deal. BK literally is too afraid to die, but he wasn't afraid to kill. BK wanted a plea deal and he was given one." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She continued: "Kaylee wasn't offered a plea deal. The state is showing BK mercy by removing the death penalty. BK did not show Kaylee ANY mercy." Her husband Steve Goncalves also weighed in, writing: We are beyond furious at the State of Idaho. They have failed us." Read the original article on People Unsealed documents on Bryan Kohberger have shed new light on his troubled time at Washington State University. The convicted murderer was enrolled as a student at the university when he brutally killed four students from the University of Idaho. According to the documents, Kohberger had a strained relationship with many of his colleagues and some students. Just a few months into the start of Bryan Kohberger's program, more than a dozen complaints had already been filed against him, mostly centered on "discriminatory comments" he allegedly made during conversations with these individuals. First Complaint Against Bryan Kohberger Was Filed Just Days Into His PhD Program Latah County Jail/MEGA One of the many revelations that emerged during Bryan Kohberger's murder case was that he was a PhD student studying criminology at Washington State University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, unsealed interviews from authorities have pulled back the curtain on his time there, revealing that the convicted murderer did not have the best reputation during the few months he spent at the school prior to the slayings. In fact, according to documents obtained by People magazine, one of his colleagues filed a complaint against him with administrators just days into Kohberger's first semester of the doctoral program in criminology in August 2022. Over the next three months, Kohberger had even more run-ins with members of the WSU community that led to 12 additional complaints of various kinds. At the time Kohberger's murders were being investigated, one student told authorities that he was known for "being a d-ck," which further hinted at how widespread his bad reputation had become. The Convicted Murderer Made Many 'Discriminatory Comments' To Many WSU Community Members Indiana State Police/MEGA Many of the complaints filed against Kohberger came from women in the WSU community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one instance, he allegedly told a divorced woman that he didn't date "broken women." In another, he reportedly asked a deaf classmate if "she would be comfortable procreating given the fact she had a disability." A staff member who was aware of these complaints also told authorities that Kohberger's behavior became a point of concern during disciplinary meetings, particularly regarding his interactions with classmates and some of his professors. The individual went on to reveal that Kohberger's issues were centered on his alleged making of "outspoken discriminatory comments which were homophobic, ableist, xenophobic, and misogynistic in nature." "He would also stare at people and stand uncomfortably close or 'lean' over women, making them very uncomfortable," she remarked, adding that Kohberger said his "comments had been misunderstood" during a one-on-one inquiry she had with him. An Undergraduate Claimed Bryan Kohberger Stalked Her Ada County Sheriff's Office/MEGA In one of the unsealed documents, a WSU undergraduate recounted how she was seemingly stalked by the convicted murderer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She claimed that the former PhD student would repeatedly approach her in her office and refuse to leave without her talking to him. On some occasions, he also cornered her as she left work, leaving her with no choice but to engage in conversation. At one point, Kohberger asked her on a date, which she turned down and also informed him she was in a relationship. Still, the convicted murderer continued harassing her and may have once stalked the then 19-year-old to her home, as she also recalled an incident in which her "neighbor saw someone very close outside her window." The woman later learned that Kohberger lived nearby, which might have prompted her to take rides from her boss to avoid going home alone during closing hours, as stated in the docs. Bryan Kohberger Made A Female Student 'Deeply Uncomfortable' MEGA A female student in Kohberger's doctoral program gave a detailed description of her view of the convicted murderer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She described him as a misogynist who made her feel "deeply uncomfortable" during his time at WSU. The student also branded Kohberger a "narcissist," adding that he "never displayed empathy toward another person." She further described him as someone who wanted "to be seen as the strongest, smartest, most important person in the room." The Idaho Killer's Classmates Kept A Board Tracking His Bizarre Behavior ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA At one point, Kohberger's behavior had become so expected that a group of classmates reportedly kept a board tracking each incident he had with fellow colleagues and criminology professors. According to the documents, administrators even had to organize a discrimination training for first-year doctoral students, which many of them later confirmed in interviews with the ISP. It is unclear if Kohberger was present at the training, which fell on the same week he fatally stabbed Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20. Description Join us for an afternoon of music and theatre with local Great Neck performers and playwrights! A Shadow of Her Own is a fictional account of the mudslinging and corruption of the 1896 U.S. Presidential election played out in New York City. It enacts a feminist manifesto aimed at male chauvinism, misogyny and sexual abuse, especially in journalistic circles. The main characters are Lucian Dan Cody and Ellen Bayne Collins, loosely based on aspects of the lives of writer/journalist Ambrose Bierce (1842-c.1914) and investigative journalist/author Nellie Bly (Elizabeth Cochrane, 1864-1922). About the Author Joseph J. Corso, Jr. has been involved with American Musical Theater as both a writer of musical librettos and teacher for Elderhostel/Road Scholar programs offered in California and New York from 1998 through 2019. In the 1970s, he worked with the New Hyde Park Players in Nassau County as a sometime actor and librettist and/or songwriter. In 1976 he appeared in the Players production of 1776, and wrote the libretto to Washington: A Man and His Country, in collaboration with Marilyn McClean, composer, pianist and director of the Players production. That experience prompted Corso to join the New Schools Workshop for Writing Musicals between 1976 and 1981. In the Fall of 1980, Corso first met composer Evelyn Durso who joined the workshop. They began a collaboration on Canaans Children, a musical version of Mark Twains novel, Huckleberry Finn. In the midst of their collaboration, Marilyn McClean suggested to them that if they created an original musical the New Hyde Players would produce it in their 1982 season. The libretto for A Shadow of Her Own, with music by Evelyn Durso, was the result, produced in June 1982. Now, some 42 years later, Corso has reconstructed and reedited Shadows libretto, while staying true to Dursos music. Sadly, she passed away in 2009. Corso believes that their Shadow musical can resonate with women who continue to struggle, seeking equality and recognition in both life and the professional workplace still dominated by men. Corsos wife, Barbara, is the one indispensable person in his life for over 62 years of marriage and partnership. As a high school teacher, she proofread the evolving text of Shadow to assure that spelling, grammar and sense were accurate. Barbara has also acted tirelessly as his Agent for Shadow, bringing it to the attention of theatrical companies since 1982, hoping for another production. The Corso family includes three children, their spouses, and two grandchildren with whom Joseph and Barbara spend time in New York, California and Arizona each year. The performance will be at the Great Neck Library, 159 Bayview Avenue, Great Neck, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Registration is preferred but open to all; first come, first seated. For more information, please contact Great Neck Library at (516) 466-8055 or email adultprogramming@greatnecklibrary.org. Bryan Kohberger allegedly supported the death penalty, despite later trying to avoid it through a plea deal in his murder case. Newly unsealed documents detailed how the convicted murderer previously argued in favor of capital punishment during his criminology PhD classes, even using an example that distressed a classmate to defend his point. The documents also confirmed that Bryan Kohberger was the only one in his class to support the death penalty and that he further believed victims' families should have the power to decide whether or not it should be applied. The Convicted Murderer Was A Vocal Supporter Of Capital Punishment In His PhD Classes ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Weeks before Bryan Kohberger was set to stand trial for the murders of four University of Idaho students, he signed a plea deal that guaranteed he would not face the death penalty, a punishment that remained on the table had the case gone forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically, newly unsealed documents obtained by People Magazine have now revealed that the former criminology PhD student was a vocal supporter of capital punishment despite everyone in his class being against it. Not only was he in favor of the death penalty and believed that the victim's family should determine whether or not it should be applied, but the convicted murderer also had no qualms about using disturbing examples to defend his viewpoint. According to the documents, he once challenged a classmate during a debate by asking her to vividly imagine how she would react if her adolescent daughter were the victim of a sickening crime. "Kohberger asked her if her 12-year-old daughter was raped and murdered if she would support the death penalty," wrote Det. Michael Van Leuven, who interviewed the lady while investigating the murder case. Bryan Kohberger Made A Woman Feel She Was Targeted By Him Latah County Jail/MEGA The woman's encounter with Kohberger took a heavy toll on her, as she burst into tears while being interviewed by the Idaho State Police during the murder case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recalling her interactions with the 30-year-old, the woman claimed she felt targeted by Kohberger during his time at Washington State University. According to her, the former PhD student would often trap her at her desk and then "talk her into the ground" with his weird ideologies and discriminatory comments. As part of her revelations about Kohberger, she also claimed to have seen him "being rude to a deaf student" whom he asked whether "she would be comfortable procreating given the fact that she had a disability." Seemingly angered by his question and his behavior towards other women in the class, the woman said she confronted him but received only a dismissive response from Kohberger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I care how you feel, but you are wrong," Kohberger allegedly responded, as stated in the documents. Other WSU Community Members Had Bad Experiences With Bryan Kohberger ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Kohberger also had run-ins with other members of the WSU community, which quickly led many to form a poor opinion of him, per People magazine. In the unsealed documents, one staff member who was aware of Kohberger's behavior said that many complaints described his comments as "homophobic, ableist, xenophobic, and misogynistic in nature." When the staff member confronted him, Kohberger tried to defend himself by saying his comments were misunderstood. Meanwhile, a different woman within the community described Kohberger as a misogynist who made her feel "deeply uncomfortable" during his short stint at WSU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To her, Kohberger was a "narcissist," who "never displayed empathy toward another person." She further claimed in the documents that he was someone who wanted "to be seen as the strongest, smartest, most important person in the room." Bryan Kohberger Had 13 Complaints Filed Against Him Within Three Months At WSU Ada County Sheriff's Office/MEGA As reported by The Blast, Kohberger's behavior appeared so troubling that a complaint was filed against him with administrators just days into his first semester of the doctoral program in criminology in August 2022. Within the next three months, 12 additional complaints of various kinds followed, many of them coming from women within the WSU community. At the time Kohberger's murders were being investigated, one student told authorities that he was known for "being a d-ck," a statement that further indicated how widespread his bad reputation had become. Administrators Had To Take Action Over The Complaints About Bryan Kohberger MEGA According to the documents, administrators eventually took action by organizing discrimination training for first-year doctoral students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several individuals later confirmed this effort by the officials in interviews with the Idaho State Police. The administrators also regularly discussed Kohberger in their weekly disciplinary meetings, although it remains unclear if any punishments were issued against the convicted murderer at the time. European leaders and President Donald Trump were keen to put on a united front while welcoming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House for a high-stakes meeting, and largely did just that. Finnish President Alexander Stubb called it "team Europe and team U.S. helping Ukraine," as he and the other leaders predictably heaped praise on Trump. The praise was similar in tone to that of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a few days ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The big positive, from a European perspective, is that Trump made his firmest commitment yet that the U.S. would play a role in guaranteeing Ukraine's security in the event of a peace deal with Russia, in order to prevent Moscow from launching future attacks. "We'll give them very good protection," Trump told reporters whilst sitting alongside Ukrainian Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. Alexander Drago/Reuters - PHOTO: President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Finland's President Alexander Stubb walk to a group photo during a meeting at the White House in Washington, August 18, 2025. Trump has yet to state publicly what exactly that would mean and what role the U.S. would play in possible security guarantees for Ukraine, which were the focus of Monday's talks that also involved multiple European leaders. To muddy the waters further, Russian officials, in what is a typical Kremlin tactic, appear to be putting out mixed signals on whether the Kremlin would accept the idea of European troops being stationed in Ukraine as a deterrent. For all the broad U.S.-European unity on Monday, and the consensus that the war, started by Russia, must come to an end, there were also signs of disagreement between Europe and the U.S. on how to convince Moscow to stop the killing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most obvious one was Trump's swivel to the Russian way of thinking on one key point: that a ceasefire in the near-term isn't necessary, because a comprehensive peace agreement is, he argues, the thing that matters. Russia loved this idea as it buys time on the battlefield. MORE: Enter headline of content here Previously, Ukraine and Europe were, for months, pressing for a ceasefire before real negotiations could begin. On Monday, German Chancellor Frederich Merz planted a third way; that a ceasefire should at least kick in at the moment of a possible trilateral meeting between Putin, Zelenskyy and Trump -- which the Kremlin has notably not agreed to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French President Emmanuel Macron backed Merz up on that concept, while Trump still didn't seem convinced and suggested otherwise. Meanwhile, Russian officials are, in online posts, celebrating Trump's change of heart on this issue as a win. The other point of potential disagreement was hinted at by Merz when he said, "Lets work together [Europe and the U.S.] to put pressure on Russia." It was telling that no leader used the word "sanctions" during Monday's meeting. Merz's comment was the only thinly veiled reference to it. European leaders clearly believe the way to get a deal that Ukraine could accept is to pressure Russia further, and they know the U.S. is key in this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite all the previous rhetoric, there's little sense of where Trump stands on this. On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that going for more serious sanctions or other such levers against Russia now would risk blowing up the process. Merz's comments were the most interesting among all the European leaders. He poured caution over the whole process, saying, "The next steps ahead are the more complicated ones." MORE: Key takeaways from Trump and Zelenskyy's meeting, pivotal talks with European leaders That's an understatement. The broad timeline from Trump is that he and other European leaders will now negotiate the security guarantees and he then, hopefully, sets up a trilateral meeting. Alex Brandon/AP - PHOTO: President Donald Trump participates in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in the East Room of the White House, Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington. After meeting with European leaders and Zelenskyy at the White House on Monday, Trump said he held a call with Putin and indicated he had made progress toward orchestrating a three-way meeting between Putin, Zelenskyy and himself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy," Trump said in a social media post, adding that after that engagement, he would join the two for trilateral talks. "This was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years," Trump added. Only when/if that meeting happens will the intractable issue of land be up for discussion. Trump was on the same page as the Europeans that this discussion can only take place with Ukraine present. After a full day of meetings in Washington, D.C., and Trump stating he had spoken to Putin to set up a trilateral meeting, Merz said during a press briefing the meeting between Trump, Putin and Zelenskyy may take place within the next two weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The location has not yet been agreed upon, according to Merz. "Like all meetings, this meeting must be well-prepared. We will do this together with President Zelenskyy. I have no idea yet what this meeting might lead to. From my point of view, it would be desirable, and more than that, that this meeting would finally lead to a ceasefire in Ukraine. President Zelenskiy has also expressed that he can hardly imagine meeting with Putin without a ceasefire." Merz said his expectations for the White House talks on Monday were exceeded. "I won't hide the fact that I wasn't sure that today would turn out this way. It could have gone differently. But my expectations have not only been met, they have been exceeded as far as today's meeting is concerned," Merz continued. "We very much welcomed President Trump's announcement that he would give Ukraine security guarantees. These security guarantees have been the subject of long and intensive discussion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin's demand for all of Ukraine's Donetsk region appears to be a virtual non-starter for Ukraine. Ukraine has been defending that region for 11 years. The sacrifice has been huge. And if Putin were to get all of the Donbas, he would walk away triumphant. Putin's once failed invasion would suddenly look like a success. If genuine progress is made on the security guarantees, it doesn't matter. However, a deal on territory is still way off and the risk remains that Putin could simply string everyone, including Trump, along. Burkina Faso's junta has expelled the UN's top official to the West African nation over a report about children caught up in the jihadist conflict. Carol Flore-Smereczniak was declared "persona non grata" because of her role in drafting the report that came out in March. Covering a two-year period, the study detailed more than 2,000 cases of reported child recruitment, killings, sexual violence and abuse - blaming Islamist insurgents, government soldiers and civilian defence forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military government, which came to power in September 2022 and is led by Capt Ibrahim Traore, said it had not been consulted by the UN, saying the report contained unfounded allegations. It did not cite any documentation "or court rulings to support the alleged cases of violations against children attributed to the valiant Burkinabe fighters", the government's statement said. Since 2015, jihadist rebels affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group have waged an insurgency that has killed thousands of people and forced millions to flee their homes. It has prompted political instability, with two military coups in 2022. Capt Traore took power promising to deal with the dire security situation within "two to three months". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Flore-Smereczniak was appointed in July 2024 - more than 18 months after her predecessor was expelled. From Mauritius, she has worked in areas experiencing or recovering from conflict for more than two decades, holding posts in Ivory Coast, Chad and Malawi, according to the UN. The UN representative before her, Italian Barbara Manzi, was declared "persona non grata" by the junta in December 2022 not long after publishing a blog post describing how the crisis was affecting education and health services, forcing many to close down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN has not yet officially commented on the latest expulsion, but the UN chief had expressed his regret over the decision to expel Ms Manzi whilst reiterating the UN's desire to engage with the junta to support Burkinabes. There have been concerns over the effectiveness of Capt Traore's operation to quash the militants - with the junta rejecting the assistance of former colonial power France in favour of Russia. In the first half of 2025, jihadist group JNIM said it had carried out over 280 attacks in Burkina Faso - double the number for the same period in 2024, according to data verified by the BBC Rights groups have also accused the army of targeting civilians as well as suppressing political activity and the freedom of expression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the military government announced it was extending junta rule for another five years. It also said that Capt Traore, who has built up the persona of a pan-Africanist leader, would be allowed to run for president in 2029. You may also be interested in: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts After closing in January, Burnsvilles former Macys store has a new owner. The Burnsville Center store recently sold for $4 million to Burnsville Commercial Partners LLC, according to July filings with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The former storefront, located at 14251 Burnhaven Drive, was closed as part of the retailers Bold New Chapter strategy that aimed to close underproductive stores over a three-year period while investing in other locations, according to a news release from the retailer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 60 locations were closed earlier this year, including the Burnsville Macys and another at the Maplewood Mall. What will come of the Burnsville facility is still unknown as representatives from Burnsville Commercial Partners LLC did not immediately return a Pioneer Press request for comment. According to Dakota County property records, the roughly 17-acre lot includes the 222,000-square-foot department store building that was constructed in 1977. Related Articles YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A man accused of assault for a fight last week at a downtown bus station where a man was stabbed was arraigned Monday in municipal court. Read next: Thousands of pounds of cheese made, sold in Ohio recalled: FDA A pretrial hearing will be held Sept. 4 for Marquis Cambridge, 30, who pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of assault, resisting arrest and obstructing official business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police had originally charged Cambridge with felonious assault, but the charge was downgraded after he was booked into the Mahoning County Jail. Cambridge was arrested after a man was stabbed during an argument at about 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the Western Reserve Transit Authority bus station at West Federal Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Cambridge was initially examined at St. Elizabeth Health Center after he was shot with a stun weapon before he was arraigned. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. UPDATE, 9:24 a.m. According to Georgia Power, the power has been restored at Butler High School and surrounding areas. Officials say the outage was caused by a downed power line due to failed equipment. *** RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) The power is out in and around Butler High School in Augusta. According to the Georgia Power Outage Map below, the area covers portions of Lumpkin Road and Mike Padgett Highway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NewsChannel 6 reached out the the Richmond County Schools System about the outage and they sent us the information that was sent to parents this morning: Dear Butler Families, In an effort to keep you informed, we are currently experiencing a power outage on campus. All students and staff are safe, and we are working with Georgia Power as they address the issue. We will provide an update once power is fully restored. Thank you for your support of George P. Butler Comprehensive High School and the Richmond County School System. RCSS Click here for the latest from Georgia Power. At last check they DID NOT have a restoration 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 WJBF. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Whats believed to be the longest hospital labor strike in Rhode Island history has officially come to an end. In a joint statement Monday night, Butler Hospital and the New England Health Care Employees Union (SEIU 1199NE) announced that the striking workers voted overwhelmingly to ratify the tentative agreement that was reached over the weekend. This contract ends the strike and, most importantly, ensures that caregivers can return to their patients, the joint statement explained. While this has been a long and challenging process, both sides worked hard throughout negotiations to reach this resolution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Highlights of the four-year contract include: Wages : The first year of the contract full time employees will have an increase of at least $6,000. And by the end of the four year contract no employee will earn less than $20 an hour. Healthcare: Maintained benefits and controlled the costs for the HSA healthcare plan Workplace Safety: Financial support for workers injured by workplace violence (a new workplace violence time bank seeded by the hospital and members. Injured workers can draw from it to supplement their own workplace compensation) Retirement: Secured affordable retirement for current and future workers through the whole agreement Training: Educational benefit worth $600,000 over four years, administered by the SEIU 1199NE Training and Education Fund Equity and Inclusion: Employer will provide and share costs of tri-lingual translation of medical and retirement benefits as well the union contract Workers will begin their return to work in the following weeks, the union said. SEIU 1199NE, which represents more than 800 frontline staffers at Butler Hospital, went on strike back in May after contract negotiations stalled with the psychiatric facility and its parent company, Care New England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Striking staffers expressed their concerns about pay, benefits and workplace safety while on the picket line, repeatedly urging the hospital to do right by their employees. SEIU 1199NE also rejected a number of offers made by Butler Hospital, including one that was described at the time as the facilitys last, best and final proposal. Most workers on the picket line also lost their benefits, were replaced by temporary workers and filed for unemployment. SEIU 1199NE and Butler Hospital refused to hold back their sharp criticism of one another throughout the strike. Butler Hospital accused the striking staffers of harassing temporary workers and patients, while SEIU 1199NE was quick to question Care New Englands finances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hospital also closed 40 beds and several units as a result, claiming the strike was putting an unnecessary strain on the states health care system. Those beds and services will be restored once the unionized staffers return to work. Both sides are proud to move forward with an agreement that recognizes and affirms the value of all workers and advances the mission of Butler Hospital, the joint statement concluded. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. On their way home from a trip to Croatia, someone spotted something odd in Italian waters. "This $600.000.000 dollar yacht was sitting in trieste on my way home from Croatia in october 2024," the original poster shared to the r/Sailing Reddit forum. The yacht in question is Sailing Yacht A, owned by Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, per SuperYacht Fan. It's the world's largest sailing yacht, with eight decks and room enough for 40 people. It costs about $60 million annually to maintain even while seized by the EU since 2022, according to Luxury Launches, and uses a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system when fully operational. Photo Credit: Reddit Photo Credit: Reddit Why the hatred? Well, there are plenty of reasons, but one unignorable downside is its environmental impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Don't let Sailing Yacht A's hybrid system fool you. While hybrid motors are environmentally beneficial in cars, the toll superyachts take on the planet far outweighs any possible positives. It takes a massive amount of energy just to keep a ship of that size running. According to Oxfam, superyachts are exempt from EU carbon pricing and International Maritime Organization emissions rules, allowing them to release even more pollution than they would otherwise. In 2024, Oxfam conducted a study on 23 superyachts, estimating that each one released 5,672 tons of carbon annually. It would take an average person over eight centuries to reach that level of pollution. Plus, this yacht doesn't count as a true sailboat. As one commenter pointed out: "It is a Sail Assisted Yacht as it cannot fully power itself to hull speed without a motor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Sailing Yacht A technically isn't running, it could still be doing damage. Another sanctioned superyacht, dubbed the "floating fortress," needs one ton of diesel daily just for routine maintenance. "Sailing Yacht A has become an expensive burden for its captors," Luxury Launches said. "Maintained by a skeleton crew of around twenty, funded entirely by the Italian state, this dormant giant continues to drain resources. Three years of immobility for a ship of this magnitude has led to astronomical bills." Commenters were not happy to see it. "What was it someone in here said a long time ago? 'A yacht so ugly it lowers property values around the marina'?" one joked. "If you're getting down votes, it's nothing personal. We all hate this thing," another 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. CADDO MILLS A proposal to create an Emergency Services District for the Caddo Mills Fire Rescue service area will not appear on the November 2025 ballot after officials announced Tuesday that required city approvals were not secured. During a Hunt County Commissioners Court meeting, it was explained that all cities and their extraterritorial jurisdictions within the proposed district must authorize placement on the ballot. Those jurisdictions include Caddo Mills, Josephine, Greenville and Royse City. Because that step was not completed, the measure has been pushed back. Caddo Mills Fire and Rescue has been working to form ESD No. 1 to provide a fully staffed, paid fire department for the city and the unincorporated county areas within its current district. The ESD would be supported through a property tax, which leaders say would free up city and county tax dollars for other projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ESDs are common across Texas, and departments seeking to establish one typically work with the State Association of Fire and Emergency Districts for guidance. Some questioned why the ballot process stalled despite that partnership. In a statement following the announcement, the Caddo Mills Volunteer Fire Department thanked residents for their support and vowed to continue pushing forward. Despite all of our hard work, weve learned that the proposal for the Emergency Services District will need to be voted on next year in order to make it onto the November 2026 ballot, the department said. While this isnt the immediate outcome we had hoped for, its not the end of the road, just the next step in the process. Lets keep the momentum going and stay focused on what were working toward: better services, safer communities, and a stronger future for everyone. The department emphasized that it will continue operating with volunteer and part-time staff while pursuing ESD status. The Brief California Democrats introduced their redistricting legislative package State Republicans threatened legal action and pushed back against the plan Lawmakers have until August 22 to approve putting the issue on a special election ballot SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Democratic lawmakers in Californias legislature returned from summer break and immediately took up Governor Newsoms partisan push to redraw congressional lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of Democrats held a news conference in Sacramento, announcing the legislation and showing their support for the redistricting effort, in response to similar plans in Texas and other red states. "Were not here because we dislike independent redistricting," said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose). "Were here because Donald Trump and his Republican supporters are trying to rig the next election." Republicans in the state legislature held a news conference countering their peers across the aisle and decried the action. Republican leader, Assemblymember James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), said the caucus was against gerrymandering anywhere, including Texas and California. "We should not abandon the principle of free and independent redistricting here in California, just for political expediency," said Assemblymember Gallagher. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats released a redrawn congressional map on Friday that aims to help the party capture 48 of 52 seats in the midterm election, up from the current number of 43. State lawmakers introduced legislation that will help them move toward getting the issue in front of voters: -ACA 8: a change to the state constitution to allow the proposed Congressional maps to take effect for 2026, 2028 and 2030, triggered if Texas or any other state redraws their map -AB 604: the new maps -SB 280: funding and guidelines for a November 4 special election Democrats defended kickstarting the official next step of this redistricting process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We cannot stand by and watch Trump and watch Texas Republicans game the system, rig this next election," said Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg). Democrats must work quickly to approve the plans by Fridays deadline set by the Secretary of State. Republicans have vowed to fight and threatened legal action over the process. "These are constitutional principles. Theyre saying dont follow those, instead lets do partisan gerrymandering," said Assemblymember Gallagher." "Gavinmandering, thats what this is doing, we need to stand up and stop it this week." Governor Newsom released a statement applauding the legislative package: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "California and Californians have been uniquely targeted by the Trump Administration, and we are not going to sit idle while they command Texas and other states to rig the next election to keep power pursuing more extreme and unpopular policies. This proposal would give Californians a choice to fight back and bring much needed accountability and oversight to the Trump Administration." The campaigns in support and against the proposed ballot measure are already mobilizing. Republican strategist Mike Madrid said Democrats could have an uphill climb in convincing voters to approve a partisan exercise. He said their focus should instead be on the voters, themselves. "The Democrats response is rather than go and fight for working-class voters and fight for people of color again is to rig the system more than Republicans," said Madrid. "In what world does that make sense?" Key Points Realty Income is a real estate investment trust that has raised its dividend payout 131 times since 1994. Verizon's a reliable telecom provider that offers a yield above 6% at recent prices. Pfizer's heading for a rough patch that could last a few years, but it has the means to overcome upcoming challenges. 10 stocks we like better than Realty Income If you're looking to boost your passive income stream with dividend-paying stocks, there's a tough dilemma that we all face. Stocks that offer high yields generally do so because their dividend payouts aren't growing very fast or at all. On the other hand, companies that raise their payouts quickly tend to offer unattractive yields. Most, but not all, dividend payers can be easily sorted into the low or high yield camp with corresponding expectations for the growth of their payouts. Realty Income (NYSE: O), Verizon (NYSE: VZ), and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) stand out right now because they have been raising the payments they send shareholders for over a decade, and they offer yields above 5% at recent prices. Image source: Getty Images. 1. Realty Income Shares of Realty Income have been delivering monthly dividend payments for over 50 years. Unfortunately, Treasury yields that have risen in recent years make reliable dividend stocks less attractive. Shares of this ultrareliable dividend growth stock are down about 22% from a peak they reached over three years ago. Realty Income is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that employs net leases, which make its tenants responsible for all the variable costs that come with owning its buildings. Net leases lead to predictable cash flows. Since becoming a publicly traded company in 1994, the company has raised its dividend 131 times, or nearly every quarter. A declining stock price amid steadily rising payouts means Realty Income stock offers an above-average yield of 5.5% at recent prices. Total distributions during the second quarter were 3.7% higher year over year, and continued growth at a similar pace or faster seems highly likely. At the end of June, 98.6% of Realty Income's 15,606 properties were occupied, with a weighted average of nine years remaining on their lease terms. With rent escalators written into its long-term leases, investors can rely on this REIT to deliver steadily growing cash flows for many years to come. 2. Verizon Shares of the largest member of America's three-way telecom oligopoly last reached an all-time high in late 2019. The stock is down about 28% from its previous peak, but its quarterly dividend payment keeps on growing. Last September, the company raised its payout for the 18th consecutive year. At recent prices, it offers a 6.1% yield. (NewsNation) California Gov. Gavin Newsom is punching back at President Trumps redistricting efforts, and hes taking a page out of the latters playbook. Since unveiling his Election Rigging Response Act last week, Newsoms media team has become parody central, having turned its social media feed into a stream of all-caps threats, pop culture parodies and AI-edited meme content. Newsom acknowledged that it was Trump who set the tone, which usually comes off as snarky and combative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is fearmongering about Oakland: Mayor If youve got issues with what Im putting out, you sure as hell should have concerns about what hes putting out as president, said Newsom. So to the extent its gotten some attention, Im pleased. But I think the deeper question is, how have we allowed the normalization of his tweets through social posts over the course of the last many years to go without similar scrutiny? California, Texas battle over redistricting California and Texas Democrats have brought the fight to Trump, who previously said he wanted to redraw the electoral map in Texas in a way that could send five more GOP members to Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas state Democratic representatives left the state to prevent the legislature from attaining a quorum and voting on the maps before returning on Monday for a special session. Texas Republicans set to resume push for redrawn US House maps We tried to raise the standards, but these guys are not playing by any set of rules, so this time requires us to act anew, Newsom said last week. Democrats from New York, Maryland and Wisconsin, among other states, have supported Newsoms tactics. David Moon, Marylands House majority leader, acknowledged that he will sponsor legislation to trigger redistricting if Texas or any other state holds redistricting ahead of the census. In Wisconsin, two lawsuits were filed after the Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to hear the Democrats challenge to redistricting directly. Newsom, Trump battle goes back to months of unrest Newsom has been at the forefront of battling Trump this summer following protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump deployed the National Guard to help stop the unrest despite Newsoms objections. Newsom felt that Trump and his team wanted a spectacle instead of trying to work together more peacefully toward a solution. Newsom filed a lawsuit against Trump over the National Guard deployment, arguing that Trump violated the law and overstepped Californias sovereign authority over the National Guard. The trial began a few weeks 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 NewsNation. LOS ANGELES (AP) A California man has been sentenced to eight years in prison after admitting to shipping weapons and ammunition to North Korea that he said were to be used for a surprise attack on South Korea, authorities said Tuesday. Shenghua Wen, 42, came to the U.S. from China on a student visa in 2012 and remained in the country illegally after it expired, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys office in Los Angeles. Wen pleaded guilty in June to one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and one count of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government, the statement says. He was sentenced on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wen told investigators that before he entered the U.S., he met with North Korean officials at an embassy in China, where they instructed him to procure goods for the North Korean government. He also admitted that he tried to buy uniforms to disguise North Korean soldiers for the surprise attack, a federal complaint says. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has demonstrated an intent to deploy battlefield nuclear weapons along the Norths border with South Korea, a U.S. ally, recently delivering nuclear-capable missile launchers to frontline military units. United Nations resolutions ban North Korea from importing or exporting weapons. In 2022, North Korean officials contacted him via an online messaging app and instructed him to buy firearms, prosecutors said. He shipped two containers of weapons and other items from Long Beach, California, to North Korea via Hong Kong in 2023. He told U.S. authorities that he was wired about $2 million to do so, according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities did not specify in the complaint the types of weapons that were exported. To carry out his operation, Wen purchased a business in 2023 called Super Armory, a federal firearms licensee, for $150,000, and registered it under his business partner's name in Texas. He had other people purchase the firearms and then drove them to California, misrepresenting the shipments as a refrigerator and camera parts. Investigators did not say whether Wen had organized any shipments during his first 10 years in the U.S. The FBI in September seized 50,000 rounds of ammunition from Wen's home in the LA suburb of Ontario that had been stored in a van parked in the driveway, the complaint says. They also seized a chemical threat identification device and a transmission detective device that Wen said he planned to send to the North Korean government for military use, the complaint says. A Hacienda Heights man has been sentenced to nine months in federal prison for orchestrating a large-scale shipping fraud scheme that involved thousands of false claims, federal prosecutors said. On Aug. 14, 2025, Ting Hong Yeung, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark R. Hornak in Pittsburgh, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti. Yeung will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. Prosecutors said that between August 2018 and June 2020, Yeung used various corporate entities to submit more than 6,000 fraudulent claims for lost or damaged ground shipments. The shipments, however, were not actually lost or damaged. Yeung collected settlement payments from the false claims, causing financial harm to the package delivery company, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three people found dead after California shooting Judge Hornak, in handing down the sentence, emphasized both the scope and seriousness of the scheme, noting the impact the fraud had on the shipping company. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole A. Stockey prosecuted the case. This is not Yeungs first federal conviction. In 2022, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for defrauding Amazon out of more than $1.3 million through a years-long refund scam. According to prosecutors in that case, Yeung operated multiple third-party seller accounts on Amazon, listing high-value goods at discounted prices and then providing bogus tracking numbers or shipping cheap substitutes instead of the items customers purchased. He also engaged in fraudulent refund requests, sometimes returning lower-value goods while keeping the proceeds from sales. At the time, prosecutors described his actions as a seven-year scheme that forced Amazon into an elaborate game of Whac-A-Mole, as Yeung cycled through different business names each time his fraud was uncovered. He was ordered to pay more than $1.3 million in restitution, partly using gold and silver bars seized from his home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A California pastor is calling on families to flee the state if a bill passes which would expand the categories of who can claim "caregiver" rights over a child. "Legal experts have concluded that this very well might be the worst, most dangerous legislation that has ever come out of California," Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills warned, in an interview with Fox News Digital. "If this bill passes, you have to grab your kid and leave the state for your child's protection." Hibbs is leading a rally on Tuesday at 1 p.m. PT at the Capitol in Sacramento urging Governor Gavin Newsom to veto AB 495, called the Family Preparedness Plan Act. The bill intends to protect immigrant children at risk of family separation through immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill allows a caregiver who is a relative or has "an established familial or mentoring relationship with the child" to sign a caregiver's authorization affidavit and be given the legal right to enroll a minor in school and consent to school-related medical care on behalf of the minor, its text says. California Democrats Unveil Redistricting Map To Wipe Out 5 Gop Seats, Counter Texas Plan Hibbs and parental rights groups in the state argue the bill is too broad as currently written, and could strip parents of their authority to make school-related medical decisions for their children. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schools are under no obligation to conduct further inquiries or investigations, the bill states. There is no requirement in the bill for schools to get parental consent, check photo I.D., or do a background check on those who complete the affidavit, Hibbs argued. The affidavit requests a drivers license number, but caregivers may provide a Social Security or Medi-Cal number instead. Hibbs said that legal experts hes consulted have called the bill a "human trafficker, pedophile, and kidnappers dream come true." If signed into law, similar bills could crop up in other liberal states across the nation, he warned. Exclusive: New Gavin Newsom Files Reveal California Governors Extreme Agenda Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference on October 6, 2022, in San Francisco. Hibbs argued that California's Education code 234.7 already protects immigrant students in schools in cases of immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He hopes to draw enough attention to the bill to warn families but also hold Newsom accountable if he signs it into law. "This is where Newsom must be stopped," Hibbs said, referring to the governors rumored 2028 presidential aspirations. "Lets make him own this bill. Let's tie it around his neck and let it be a letter that he wears that he has no regard for parental rights and no regard for federal law," Hibbs said. Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez, an AB 495 sponsor, clarified in a "FAQ" document that the bill "does not create any form of legal or physical custody under California law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez and Newsoms office did not return Fox News Digitals request for comment. Original article source: California pastor leads rally at state capitol warning parents to flee state if 'dangerous' bill passes By Jack Queen and Steve Gorman (Reuters) -Republican lawmakers in California have filed suit seeking to block action on Governor Gavin Newsom's , which aims to create five new Democratic U.S. congressional seats in his state to counter a similar move in Texas favoring Republicans. The Republicans argue in their emergency petition to the California Supreme Court that the state constitution bars consideration of the redistricting plan until September 18 because new legislation requires a 30-day review period before lawmakers may act on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The four Republicans who filed the suit on Monday asked the court to block Democratic lawmakers from moving forward with the legislation until September 18, absent a three-fourths vote the petition says would otherwise be required of each chamber to proceed sooner. The petition asks the state Supreme Court to rule on the merits of the lawsuit by Wednesday or to stay the legislative process in Sacramento while the case remains under judicial review. California Democrats currently face an August 22 deadline to pass all three bills of the redistricting plan to meet Newsom's goal of placing the newly drawn political maps on the ballot for a special statewide election on November 4. The lawsuit comes as Newsom seeks a tit-for-tat expansion of California's Democratic delegation in the U.S. House of Representatives to offset a redistricting effort pursued in Texas at the behest of President Donald Trump that would net five more House seats for Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans now hold a narrow 219-212 majority in the U.S. House, with the battle for control of Congress expected to be closely fought in the November 2026 midterm election. Newsom and his fellow Democrats have characterized their bid to depart from the state's independent, bipartisan redistricting process - adopted by voters in 2008 - as a temporary "emergency" strategy to neutralize what they see as extreme moves by Trump and the Republicans to rig the system. The redistricting effort pushed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott broke with a tradition in which lawmakers draw new electoral maps only after the once-per-decade census. Democrats also argued that the Republican proposal would disenfranchise minority voters by weakening their political clout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A special session Abbott called to pass the Republican plan led to a two-week walkout by more than 50 Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives, who left the state to deny the legislative quorum necessary to pass Republicans' plan. The Texas Democrats returned to the Austin statehouse on Monday, saying they had achieved their goal of temporarily thwarting the Republicans while prompting Democratic-led states, such as California, to consider mid-decade redistricting moves of their own. But Texas Republican leaders immediately initiated a crackdown on newly returning Democrats, requiring they be permitted to come and go from the state Capitol only if they signed a paper agreeing to be placed under escort of a state police officer who would ensure they were present for legislative sessions going forward. Several Democrats bristled at the escorts, calling the restriction a political stunt that was wasting public money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One legislator, Texas House Representative Nicole Collier, protested the move by refusing to sign the required permission slip and spending the entire night in the statehouse rather than consent to being placed in the custody of a police escort. Texas Republicans, newly assured of a quorum, planned to take up their redistricting measure on Wednesday. (Reporting by Jack Queen in New York and Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago; Editing by Frank McGurty, Alistair Bell and Matthew Lewis) Zane Wach and his family open up about the 14-year-old's health, and the tragic incident, with father Ryan recalling how he was "certain" his son "had died" after the fall, while Zane reveals he doesn't remember anything from that day on the mountain. A California teen -- who was placed in a medically induced coma after suffering a 120-foot fall -- is speaking out after returning home two months following the horrific accident. In June, Zane Wach, 14, walked off a cliff while hiking Mount Whitney with his father, Ryan, after experiencing altitude sickness. The teen was critically injured and placed into a coma, from which he fortunately later awoke. Two months later, Zane and his family are opening up about the teen's health, and reflecting on the tragic incident in an interview with NBC Los Angeles. Teen Placed In Coma After Hallucinating and Walking Off 120-Foot Cliff Now Breathing on His Own - Click image for related story While Zane's father Ryan will likely never forget what happened to his son, Zane revealed he doesn't remember anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if he can recall what went down on "that day on the mountain," Zane replied, "No ... nope." The terrifying incident occurred on June 10 during a 19-hour hike on Mount Whitney -- which sits at the second tallest peak in the U.S. at 14,505 feet. Ryan previously told The Independent, SFGATE and Las Vegas NBC affiliate KSNV, that Zane began showing signs of altitude sickness during their descent. About six miles from the trailhead, Zane seemed to be improving, but soon after, things took a frightening turn. He began hallucinating. "He said, 'You know, dad, I'm hallucinating you see all those little snow things, spots down there, snow fields? They look like snowmen. Or the green lakes over there? It kind of looks like Kermit the Frog and his friends," Ryan recalled to NBC Los Angeles when his son was in the hospital. "He's hallucinating and I can't get him to hike down and I don't know what to do." Luckily for Ryan, another group of hikers helped them call for assistance. But before rescue crews arrived, Zane, still hallucinating, walked off the edge of a cliff, falling 120 feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I went to wipe the tears from my eyes, take a second to think," Ryan told NBC Los Angeles. "He just walked over the edge like he was walking to the car and I just screamed. I was certain he had died. I didn't know how he could survive that." The teen's father said him and his son waited six hours for the search and rescue teams. Zane was airlifted to Southern Inyo Hospital in Lone Pine, then transferred to Sunrise Children's Hospital in Las Vegas. Zane was placed in a medically induced coma. The teen's injuries included a broken ankle and finger, along with part of his pelvis. About two weeks later, Zane woke up, and has been relearning basic motor skills, including how to walk, talk, and eat. Over the weekend, he returned home to Valencia, California. Dad Details California Teen's 'Completely Bizarre' Behavior Before He 'Walked Off' 120-Foot Cliff - Click image for related story When asked how he's feeling, Zane said, "Great." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Standing hurts a little bit, but good," added the teen, who was wearing what a back brace. While Zane's family said he won't be returning to high school this year amid his recovery, they shared that they plan on hiking the mountain once again. "For sure," Zane's mom, Leann Wach, said when asked if they will return to the mountain. "If we got scared and started living our lives based off of one thing that went wrong, it wouldn't be much of a life. We can't live that way." Zane agreed, telling NBC LA that he "definitely" will be going back to the mountain someday. However, the teen's father said he still thinks about that horrific day "daily." "I mean, I close my eyes, I see it, but what makes it bearable is that he's here," Ryan said. The liquid cooling system at Equinix Data Center in Ashburn, Virginia, on May 9, 2024 Credit - Amanda Andrade-RhoadesThe Washington Post/Getty Images Hello and welcome to the Tuesday edition of In the Loop. Im writing to you while looking out over the sunny city of San Francisco, where Im spending the week on a reporting trip. If youre working on something cool here and want to say hi, feel free to shoot me an email at billy.perrigo@time.com. What to Know: Californians are fearful of AI Californians are more concerned than excited about the future of AI, by a margin of 55% to 33%, according to new polling shared exclusively with TIME ahead of its publication this Tuesday. Of the 1,400 adults polled, 48% said the technology was progressing too fast, compared to 32% who said the pace was about right and just 4% who said it was too slow. And 59% of respondents said they believed AI would benefit the wealthiest corporations and households most, compared to 20% who said it would most benefit working people and the middle class. The poll was funded by TechEquity, a progressive non-profit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support for regulation The new data shows that 70% of Californians believe in the need for strong laws to make AI fair. But the data also reveals high levels of skepticism that those laws will ever be enacted. 59% of those surveyed say they dont trust the California state government to control AI. Even more 64% said they do not trust the federal government. A picture emerges The poll adds to a growing collection of data from around the world suggesting that ordinary people are worried about the impact of AI on their lives. In January, I wrote about a U.K. poll that showed 60% of Brits favoring a ban on the development of smarter-than-human AI models. And in April, the Pew Research Center found that 43% of U.S. adults believed AI was more likely to harm than benefit them, compared to 24% who expected the benefits to outweigh the harms. Ground zero California is emerging as a key battleground for efforts to legislate on AI, as the state where most top American AI companies are based. Last year a bill that aimed to regulate so-called frontier models cleared the state legislature, only to be vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom. That hasnt stopped other efforts to regulate AI in the state, however. California is a place where you can still legislate and govern with a semi-functioning legislative process, which is not something you can say about D.C., particularly on this topic, says Catherine Bracy, the CEO of TechEquity. The federal government has made it clear that they are going to be completely hands-off, if not creating rules that unleash the industry even more, Bracy says. [So] it is incumbent on the states to pick up the slack and make sure that real people who are going to be impacted by these tools are protected. Who to Know: Dean Ball, former White House advisor on AI For a stint in office, it was an unusually impactful one. Dean Ball joined the Trump Administration in Aprilheadhunted based on an essay he had written titled Here is what I think we should do about AI policy. What followed was a whirlwind five months in government, in which he played a key role contributing to the AI Action Plan, Trumps AI policy, which was announced in July. Earlier this month, Ball announced he was leaving the government to focus on his own research. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Action planning Trumps Action Plan won praise for its emphasis on bolstering U.S. energy grid capacity, plus onshoring datacenters and the production of the chips that power them. The document also urged U.S. companies to focus more on developing open-weight AI models, to prevent the world from coming to rely on Chinese models (which are currently the best in class). The document framed these recommendations, and more, in terms of the escalating AI race with China. Exit interview In an interview with TIME, Ball emphasized the importance of AI to the Trump administration. AI is the Presidents number one technology policy priority, by a significant margin, he said. At the same time, Ball says, there is a lot of skepticism inside the Administration toward AI industry projections that superintelligent machines are some two to five years away. The diffusion of AI is going to take a really long time, Ball says. I've lived through technology revolutions before, where I was young and bright-eyed and thought it was all going to happen in two or three years. And it turns out a lot of it did happen, but it took 15. AI in Action: Should you delete your old emails to save water? An official U.K. government document, published last week, has caught a lot of heat online for suggesting that users should delete old emails and pictures to save water during a drought, because data centers require vast amounts of water to cool their systems. It is true that many data centers use water for cooling, but lets get a sense of perspective here. Andy Masley, a blogger who has written several illuminating pieces about the energy and water expenditure of AI systems, ran the numbers. Fixing a leaking toilet, he wrote, can save 200-400 liters of water per day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To save as much water in data centers as fixing your toilet would save, you would need to delete 1.5 billion photos, or 200 billion emails. If it took you 0.1 seconds to delete each email, and you deleted them nonstop for 16 hours a day, it would take you 723 years to delete enough emails to save the same amount of water in data centers as you could if you fixed your toilet. Maybe you should fix your toilet. As always, if you have an interesting story of AI in Action, wed love to hear it. Email us at: intheloop@time.com What Were Reading Metas flirty AI chatbot invited a retiree to New York. He never made it home by Jeff Horwitz in Reuters A relentlessly bleak story from Jeff Horwitz, the best Meta reporter in the business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bues story, told here for the first time, illustrates a darker side of the artificial intelligence revolution now sweeping tech and the broader business world. His family shared with Reuters the events surrounding his death, including transcripts of his chats with the Meta avatar, saying they hope to warn the public about the dangers of exposing vulnerable people to manipulative, AI-generated companions. Write to Billy Perrigo at billy.perrigo@time.com. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A campground on the shore of Wilson Reservoir was closed Monday as firefighters worked to contain the Cottonwood Peak Fire in Northern Nevada. Officials also advised travelers to avoid State Route 226 north of Jack Creek due to increased firefighting activity. The Bureau of Land Management announced the closure of Wilson Reservoir Campground until further notice. The reservoir is 83 miles northwest of Elko. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conditions are expected to worsen on Tuesday, with dry air, gusty winds and hotter temperatures in the forecast. After it was first reported Friday night, the Cottonwood Peak Fire has grown to become the states third-largest fire this year at an estimated 28,000 acres. It is burning grass and brush about three miles north of the town of Tuscarora. About 280 personnel are assigned to fight the Cottonwood Peak Fire, and officials say it is 10% contained. The Cottonwood Peak Fire in Elko County, Nevada. (Photo: Bureau of Land Management) Winds from the south have spread the fire northward toward Wilson Reservoir, which is near the base of the Bull Run Mountains. The reservoir is about 500 miles north of Las Vegas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the weekend, firefighters worked to keep flames away from the Ormat Geothermal Power Plant. The Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team took charge of the fire on Monday morning. The fire is on BLM land in western Elko County, about 50 miles northeast of where the Jakes Fire burned more than 82,000 acres. Jakes is Nevadas biggest this year, followed by the Gothic Fire at 35,161 acres. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. DRESDEN, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44) New Yorks Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) advised Saturday that one of the two lean-tos on Fishbrook Pond east of Lake George has burned down and the campsite will be closed until further notice. Burn bans in effect for much of Vermont The site is relatively remote and only reachable via a hike of more than 4 miles. The site of the northern lean-to at Fishbrook Pond burned down over the weekend. (Courtesy: NYDEC) NYDEC has said the fire destroyed the north lean-to. They said the site is closed to all camping, including any campfires. Once the site reopens they will remove the banner from the wilderness areas webpage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They took the chance to emphasize that all people have a role in preventing wildfires. Human activity is the cause of most wildfires and it only takes a spark to quickly spread. Campfires should never be left unattended, and extra caution should be taken on dry, windy days. NYDEC has more tips for campfire safety on their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) -The leader of Canada's official opposition Conservatives, Pierre Poilievre, secured a return to Parliament and a chance to grill Prime Minister Mark Carney, staging a comeback after unexpectedly losing his seat in an April election. Poilievre won 80.4% of the vote in a special election on Monday in the parliamentary constituency of Battle River-Crowfoot in the province of Alberta, a Conservative stronghold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sitting legislator stepped down to allow Poilievre to run in his seat, thereby allowing him to return to the House of Commons. Poilievre, who accuses the Liberal government of botching its handling of U.S. relations and running up out-of-control deficits, will be able to confront Carney when the House of Commons returns on September 15. Carney, who took over as prime minister in March, secured a strong minority government in April's federal election on a promise to stand up to U.S. President Donald Trump. He has since moderated his approach even as Washington imposed more tariffs. "The deficit is spiraling out of control, inflation is up, elbows are down," Poilievre told a victory rally. Carney offered his congratulations in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carney is in no immediate danger politically. Although the Liberals have a minority, they should be able to rely on the support of smaller parties to survive confidence votes. A Nanos Research poll earlier this month put the Liberals at 44% popular support compared with 33% for the Conservatives. Carney has pulled the Liberals more to the center and Poilievre will find it harder to draw a sharp contrast, said pollster Nik Nanos, CEO of Nanos Research. "Poilievre needs to articulate what he learned from the last federal election and how his government would be different than a Carney government," he said via email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the start of the year the Conservatives looked set for a crushing election victory over the Liberals of then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who were far behind in polls after more than nine years in power. But Liberal fortunes soared after Trudeau announced he was stepping down and Trump began threatening Canada with tariffs and annexation. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Caroline Stauffer, Edmund Klamann and Mark Porter) Trifork Group AG Company announcement no. 40 / 2025 Schindellegi, Switzerland 19 August 2025 Trifork Group AG and key employees divest 51% of Trifork Security A/S to Wingmen Solutions ApS As previously communicated, Trifork Group AG has been seeking a long-term business partner for the Danish subsidiary Trifork Security A/S to accelerate its managed security services offering in Denmark and abroad. Today, an agreement has been signed with Wingmen Solutions ApS, a company owned by Springboard Network BV and ultimately owned by its management, employees, and Quadrum Capital BV, concerning the sale of 51.0% of the share capital of Trifork Security A/S. Strategic rationale Trifork Security A/S operates primarily in Denmark and is a leading specialist in managed services, offering solutions for log management, cybersecurity, and observability based on Splunk. Wingmen Solutions ApS is a leading Cisco partner in Denmark, implementing and managing business-critical IT infrastructure for public and private organizations. Since Cisco acquired Splunk in March 2024, we have been looking for the strongest possible Cisco partner to complement our number one market position within Splunk in Denmark and to help us scale abroad. We found the ideal partner in Wingmen Solutions and Springboard Network. We look forward to meeting existing and new customers with our unified and unrivalled offering based on both companies deep strategic and technical expertise in Cisco and Splunk technologies, says Mads Vigh, CEO of Trifork Security. In Wingmen, we are very happy to welcome Trifork Security and all its highly talented people. Wingmen will now be the leading Cisco and Splunk partner in Denmark, covering the full Cisco portfolio on Networking, Cloud and AI, Collaboration, Security, and Observability, says CEO of Wingmen Solutions, Peter Rafn. We look forward to meeting our customers in Denmark and abroad via the Springboard Network family with our unparalleled joint offer on secure and resilient infrastructure. Transaction overview Wingmen Solutions ApS will acquire 51.0% of Trifork Security A/S. The completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval. Upon completion of the transaction, the deconsolidation of Trifork Security A/S will not affect Trifork Group AGs full-year financial guidance. Trifork Group AGs ownership of Trifork Security A/S will be reduced from 84.6% (with the remaining shares owned by its management and key employees) to 41.5%. As a result of Trifork Group AG becoming a minority owner, Trifork Security A/S will be deconsolidated from Trifork Group AGs income reporting, and the remaining 41.5% ownership will be reported as a financial asset in the Trifork Labs reporting segment, which holds the Groups minority investments in fast-growing technology companies founded by Trifork or external partners. Canada's Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has won a crucial by-election in the province of Alberta to secure a new Parliament seat after losing his constituency in the last general election. With final ballots still being counted, Poilievre leads with 80.4% of the vote in the rural riding of Battle River-Crowfoot, according to preliminary results from Canada's electoral commission. "Getting to know the people in this region has been the privilege of my life," he told a rapturous crowd on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His victory comes four months after his party was defeated by Mark Carney's Liberals and he lost the Ottawa-area seat he had held for two decades to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy. In this by-election, Poilievre faced a record 214 candidates, many of whom are associated with a protest group seeking electoral reform. It is the second time the group has targeted Poilievre in a campaign. Voters were asked to fill out a write-in ballot due to the unusually high number of candidates. More than 50,000 people cast a ballot, according to preliminary results from Elections Canada. The riding has nearly 86,000 eligible voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poilievre's win will allow the 46-year-old to return to Parliament for the autumn sitting after his April defeat. He will assume his role as leader of Canada's official opposition. In a statement on X, Prime Minister Carney congratulated Poilievre "on returning to the House of Commons". He also thanked his Liberal opponent, Darcy Spady, who received 4% of the vote in the historically Conservative riding. "Working together, Canada's new government will keep building a stronger future for all Albertans and Canadians," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The special election was called in June after former Conservative member of Parliament Damian Kurek stepped aside to let Poilievre run. Poilievre thanked Kurek for his "gracious sacrifice" in his victory speech. Alberta is a Conservative stronghold - Kurek, the former MP for the riding, had won with 83% of the vote. In the past, the riding was won by Conservatives with at least 70% of the vote. Poilievre faced pushback from some locals, including independent candidate Bonnie Critchley, who had accused him of seeking to win the riding as "nothing more than a means to an end". Poilievre defended his campaign, telling the Calgary Herald newspaper that he had canvassed like he was "one vote behind". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I believe in humility and earning people's trust," he said. Poilievre now faces a mandatory leadership review in January, where Conservative party members will vote on whether he should stay on as leader at their upcoming national convention. Canada's House of Commons is scheduled to return from summer break on 15 September. Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre has returned to the country's House of Commons after winning a special election. "Back in the saddle," Poilievre posted to X Tuesday. The election is known in Canada as a by-election, which are held to fill a vacancy in the House of Commons. The federal by-election was held in the Alberta riding, or electoral district, of Battle River-Crowfoot after Conservative Damien Kurek, elected in April, stepped down in June to give Poilievre an opportunity to regain a seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poilievre lost the seat in the Ottawa-area riding of Carleton he held since 2004 in April to Liberal Party member Bruce Fanjoy. Poilievre overwhelmingly won the deeply Conservative Battle River-Crowfoot by 80.4 %, defeating 213 other candidates, most of whom ran as Independents. The Liberal Party won its fourth consecutive government in April, led by Mark Carney who was elected Canadian Prime Minister. The Liberal Party's victory was driven in part by anti-American sentiment inspired by President Donald Trump's tariffs and threats of annexation. Regaining a seat gives Poilievre the opportunity to debate Carney in the House of Commons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He used his victory speech Monday to attack Carney on issues such as the national deficit, gun rights, crime and the Liberal Party's intended electric vehicle mandate. "Congratulations to Pierre Poilievre on returning to the House of Commons, and gaining the [honor] of representing the people of Battle River-Crowfoot in Parliament," Carney posted to social media Tuesday. A teenager who grew up in a religious community on Cape Cod is now suing the community, claiming he and other children were forced to work long hours in brutal conditions to construct a performing arts center. Lawyers for 18-year-old Oliver Ortolani, a former member of the Community of Jesus, filed the lawsuit in federal court in Boston in July. The suit names the community, Arts Empowering Life, a non-profit group, and the Performing Arts Building Foundation as defendants. It claims the entities trafficked him and other boys into forced labor and engaged in racketeering and unjust enrichment. Arts Empowering Life was created by the community in the 1980s to promote its artistic endeavors. It formed the foundation in 2020 with the express purpose of constructing a new performing arts center to house performances and other events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ortolani claims that due to the cost of constructing such a center, he and other children were made to work nine to 16 hours a day, six days a week, including during cold winter months. He and other boys were made to dig the buildings foundation, carry 90-pound bags of concrete and perform other tasks, according to the lawsuit. Each morning, according to the lawsuit, Ortolani and other boys were taken from the community in Orleans to the work site in Brewster, where they were essentially locked into the construction site. Jeff Robbins, a lawyer for the center, claimed that Ortolanis mother was one of the principal managers of the performing arts center project and his father was one of the principal foremen on the project. He noted that Ortolanis parents signed acknowledgements, waivers and an indemnification on his behalf and on behalf of their two other children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit, though, claims Ortolani and his parents didnt know the performing arts center project would take over the childrens lives, nor that the boys would receive any real schooling. Robbins called the lawsuit classically frivolous and borderline fraudulent. If this plaintiff now claims that he had a bad experience working under his parents supervision, that is between him and his parents, he said in a statement. In essence, he appears to be claiming that his parents trafficked him all the way from Orleans to Brewster to work construction. That is obviously worse than absurd. More fundamentally, allegations of trafficking on these facts dishonor and effectively abuse the very real victims of trafficking in our society, Robbins continued. Making allegations this outrageous in any court, let alone a federal court, should have consequences. We intend to ask that there be such consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thus far, the defendants have not responded to the suit in court. Ortolani seeks damages and a jury trial on all counts. The Community of Jesus was founded in the 1960s by two women and now encompasses more than 200 members. Its Orleans facility overlooks Cape Cod Bay. The community describes itself as an ecumenical Christian community in the Benedictine monastic tradition. It made headlines last year when an active-duty U.S. airman set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. to protest Israels actions in Gaza. The man, Aaron Bushnell, 25, grew up in the community, according to several published reports. The community is well known on Cape Cod, and hundreds, if not thousands, of people come through its property each year, Robbins said in an interview Tuesday morning. Some of its members have become embedded in the Orleans community, he said, noting that the Orleans town moderator is the son of a Community of Jesus member. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the lawsuit paints a negative picture of conditions inside the community. Ortolani was born into the community and lived there until November 2023, when he was 16. His mother grew up there and his father attended a boarding school in Canada linked to the community. When Ortolani was nine, he moved to live with a different family, and spent 18 months with a family before being forced to move again. Ortolani estimated he moved at least 20 times in 16 years. While living with other families, Ortolani rarely saw his parents and was encouraged not to interact with them, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He attended public elementary school but later underwent homeschooling sponsored by the community. Beginning when he was 9, Ortolani spent the many of his waking hours outside any form of education: mowing lawns, doing landscaping, setting up lighting and scaffolding for Community events and performances, repairing Community houses, and cooking group meals, the lawsuit reads. While on the construction site, Ortolani claims he and others were subjected to physical and emotional abuse if they misbehaved. Ortolani, according to the lawsuit, was forced to run laps in steel-toed boots for four hours on a hot July day as a punishment for a hatchet being left out on the worksite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also claims Ortolani and several other boys were either injured or nearly injured while working there. Defendants acted with an outrageous indifference to a highly unreasonable risk of harm and with a conscious indifference to the health, safety and welfare of others, including Plaintiff, the lawsuit reads. Therefore, Plaintiff is entitled to punitive damages against Defendant. The 18-year-old now lives in Idaho. His parents also live in Idaho, according to Robbins, though it is not clear if they are still members of the community. More News Read the original article on MassLive. A car fire in Lynnfield caused some backup of traffic during the morning commute. Videos from Sky 25 show traffic backup on Route 1 in Lynnfield on Tuesday morning. Crews worked to douse the flames. Two lanes moving northbound were closed. Boston 25 has reached out to authorities to see if anyone was injured. Traffic is now moving normally. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW By Ece Toksabay ANKARA (Reuters) -A veteran of Turkey's decades-long conflict with Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) insurgents told lawmakers on Tuesday that national unity and legal accountability were required as part of a peace process with the militant group. Lokman Aylar, head of an association of families of dead and wounded soldiers, who himself lost an eye in battle, said he supported the PKK disarmament process now underway but said the group's members must face justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aylar and several families of those killed in the four-decade conflict were addressing a parliamentary commission overseeing the disarmament process. Some questioned the PKK's commitment to peace, underlining the tricky path ahead for President Tayyip Erdogan's government. "Without unity, terrorism cannot be defeated. This must be the shared cause of all 85 million citizens" of Turkey, Aylar told the commission. "Those who fired at our soldiers and police must be held accountable before the law. Their return (to Turkey) would deeply wound the families of martyrs and veterans." Aylar was wounded in 1996 in clashes with the PKK in the country's mostly Kurdish southeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlawed PKK, which took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984, said in May it would disarm and dissolve. The parliamentary commission was launched this month to set a path towards lasting peace, which would also resonate in neighbouring Iraq and Syria. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the fighting over more than four decades. CAR SET ABLAZE In a grim reminder of the years of violence, a white Renault Toros was set ablaze near the parliament hours before the meeting began. A man detained for setting it alight suffered from psychological problems and had a prior criminal record, the interior ministry said, adding that he was protesting tax incentives for scrap vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 1990s, during one of the bloodiest phases of the conflict, Renault Toros cars became notorious in the southeast, where they were linked to abductions and extrajudicial killings blamed on state-linked groups. The PKK is designated a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies. Its jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan, urged it to end the insurgency and some militants burned their weapons last month in a ceremony in northern Iraq where they are now based marking a symbolic first step. (Reporting by Ece ToksabayEditing by Jonathan Spicer, Gareth Jones and Sharon Singleton) Police in Ankara said in a statement that a man detained for setting it alight suffered from psychological problems and also had a prior criminal record. A car was set ablaze near Turkey's parliament on Tuesday in a grim reminder of decades of conflict with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), just hours before families of some victims were to address a commission overseeing the group's disarmament. The PKK, which took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984, said in May it would disarm and dissolve. The parliamentary commission was launched this month to set a path towards lasting peace, which would also resonate in neighboring Iraq and Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The white Renault Toros burned for a short time outside parliament's main gate on Tuesday morning. Police in Ankara said in a statement that a man detained for setting it alight suffered from psychological problems and also had a prior criminal record. In the 1990s, during one of the bloodiest phases of the PKK conflict, such vehicles became notorious in the mainly Kurdish southeast, where they were linked to abductions and extrajudicial killings blamed on state-linked groups. More than 40,000 people were killed in the fighting over more than four decades. Weapons placed by PKK fighters are burnt during a disarming ceremony in Sulaimaniya, Iraq, July 11, 2025, in this screengrab obtained from a handout video; illustrative. (credit: KURDISTAN WORKERS PARTY MEDIA OFFICE/Handout via REUTERS ) Families of security personnel and civilians killed in the conflict are due to speak at the parliamentary commission on Tuesday, with some expected to question the peace effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PKK is designated a terrorist group by Turkey and its Western allies. Its jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan, had urged it to end the insurgency, and some militants burned their weapons last month in a ceremony in northern Iraq - where they are now based - marking a symbolic first step. Turkey veteran urges accountability, unity as PKK disarms A veteran of Turkey's decades-long conflict with PKK insurgents told lawmakers on Tuesday that national unity and legal accountability were required as part of a peace process with the militant group. Lokman Aylar, head of an association of families of dead and wounded soldiers, who himself lost an eye in battle, said he supported the PKK disarmament process now underway but said the group's members must face justice. Aylar and several families of those killed in the four-decade conflict were addressing a parliamentary commission overseeing the disarmament process. Some questioned the PKK's commitment to peace, underlining the tricky path ahead for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Without unity, terrorism cannot be defeated. This must be the shared cause of all 85 million citizens" of Turkey, Aylar told the commission. "Those who fired at our soldiers and police must be held accountable before the law. Their return (to Turkey) would deeply wound the families of martyrs and veterans." Aylar was wounded in 1996 in clashes with the PKK in the country's mostly Kurdish southeast. BALTIMORE The main channel used by cargo ships to enter and exit the Port of Baltimore was still shut down Tuesday morning as the Coast Guard probed the cause of a Monday evening explosion on board a coal carrier. No large ships have been able to carry goods in or out of the port since the explosion near the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The coal ship, the W-Sapphire, spent the night anchored and surrounded by tugboats just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. South of the bridge, several cargo ships some of which were due in the port Monday night waited. A Tuesday morning notice from the Maryland Port Administration says that the Fort McHenry Federal Channel will remain closed until the U.S. Coast Guard determines that its safe to reopen for ship traffic and schedules new arrival and departure times for the blocked vessels. The agency referred all other questions to the Coast Guard, which did not immediately respond to questions about the closure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The W-Sapphire needs to be cleared to continue sailing, the Coast Guard said Monday evening. The coal carrier is scheduled to be at sea for over a month, traveling from Baltimore to Mauritius, an island off Africas east coast. Part of the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier exploded Monday evening, causing a fire in a portion of the ship, according to Baltimore City Fire Department. The fireball had burst out of the vessel, which departed a Curtis Bay coal pier at around 6 p.m. Monday, as it passed through the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse site. The W-Sapphire is on fire in the middle of the channel, one person is heard saying in recorded marine radio transmissions, shortly before a crew member calls a mayday for a coal explosion. The 751-foot, coal-carrying ship showed signs of a fire consistent with an explosion, according to Baltimore City Fire Department spokesperson John Marsh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters responded by both land and water, including the departments fireboats, Marsh said. The vessel remained afloat and was being assisted by tugboats. All 23 of the crew members were accounted for and uninjured, according to fire officials. The ship had two pilots aboard, according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Matthew West. The Coast Guard also assisted in the rescue of the crew and the recovery of the ship, and is investigating the cause of the explosion. Coal is the Port of Baltimores largest export by weight and its considered hazardous cargo. In 2017, a ship carrying coal from Baltimore to Portugal exploded, killing one crew member and injuring three others. W Marine Inc., the Greek firm that manages the W-Sapphire, did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday morning. Gov. Wes Moore said Monday night that he was in touch with authorities, and more information about the explosion would be provided as it becomes available. ---------------- A Bartow County man had to pay more than a speeding ticket after getting pulled over by Cartersville police. Gilbert Spencer, 55, was driving down Old Mill Road when he passed a patrol officer waiting with a speed gun. The officer was doing what police call stationary speed detection when he clocked Spencer driving at more than 60 mph, police said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The speed limit on Old Mill Road is 35 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deputy performed a traffic stop and pulled Spencer over, told him why he was stopped and asked for his drivers license. TRENDING STORIES: Spencer instead gave the officer a passport and told him he did not need a drivers license because he was traveling, not driving, according to the arrest report. When the officer ran Spencers name through the Georgia Crime Information Center, he learned Spencer had a suspended license for a failure to appear in court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Backup arrived while Spencer was with the officer who had pulled him over. When he was asked to leave his vehicle, he refused. Officers had to forcefully remove him from the car, according to police. Spencer was arrested for driving with a suspended license, obstruction of law enforcement officers and driving over the speed limit, police said. After being booked and processed at the Bartow County Jail, records show Spencer was released on a $2,600 bond. Channel 2 Action News is working to learn more about what the other charge Spencer faced was. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] CARY, Ill. (WGN) The Village of Cary in the northwest suburbs declared a state of emergency Monday after its fire department responded to dozens of storm-related calls over the weekend, but heavy rains have slowed down its cleanup effort. We thought it was a thunderstorm, and it was clearly a lot more than that, said Anie Fini, a Cary resident. I was at the grocery store [and] saw the clouds. By the time I got to the door to leave, we werent allowed to leave. They said stay back, and we watched the storm. Fini told WGN-TV news she came home to a variety of storm damage. Amongst the aftermath, she found her neighbors tree had fallen in her yard, and some of the branches were now hanging from the power lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a bunch on the sidewalks, Fini said. I know peoplehomeowners and tree workerseveryone is working around the clock to help clean up our yards and the streets. Heavy rain and strong winds caused widespread flooding throughout the area. The elements also knocked over trees and brought power lines down across the community. According to the Cary Fire Protection District, firefighters responded to nearly 100 calls as storms ravaged the area. They said the hardest-hit areas were in and around downtown Cary, where homes, businesses, and roadways sustained wind damage, flooding, and utility-related emergencies. It is unclear when the state of emergency will be lifted, but village officials announced brush cleanup will begin the week of Aug. 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. Following Andrew Baileys announcement on Monday that he will step down as Missouri Attorney General next month to join the FBI, his successor has been named. Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Tuesday morning that Catherine Hanaway will be the states 45th attorney general and the first woman to hold the seat. This marks the fourth person in the position in less than a decade. To go from a town of what is now 639 people to standing in the governors office and accepting this appointment is truly humbling and almost unbelievable to me, Hanaway said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She voiced that her priorities while in office for the next three years will be protecting Missourians from violence, financial schemes, or anyone who would invade their constitutional rights, noting that fighting crime is and will remain job one for this office. As I make decisions as AG, realizing that they arent just going to be words we write in some brief, but these decisions will have an impact on the real lives of Missourians I will work as hard as I can, I will be innovative, I will adapt to changing times, but more than anything else, I will show Missourians just how much I care, she said. Hanaway, 61, joined the Missouri House of Representatives in 1998 and made history in Missouri politics as the first and only woman to serve as Speaker of the House in 2003. Shortly after, she was a U.S. attorney with the Eastern District of Missouri between 2005 and 2009, supervising over 4,000 cases, according to the governors office. Catherine is a talented, trusted prosecutor who has a passion for enforcing the rule of law, Kehoe said Tuesday. Ive known Catherine for over 20 years. She represents and understands Missouris conservative values. She led that historic effort in the House just several years ago to make Missouri the great place that it is today with those conservative values. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2016, Hanaway announced her campaign for Missouri governor but lost to Eric Greitens in the primary. Currently, she is an attorney for law firm Husch Blackwell, according to their website. Bailey will serve as the co-deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation alongside Dan Bongino, directly under FBI Director Kash Patel. His resignation will take effect on Monday, Sept. 8. Congresswoman Ann Wagner released the following statement on the announcement Tuesday that reads, in part: Having worked closely with Catherine for decades, I am proud to call her a close friend and someone who will always do what is right for Missouri, for the people she will represent, and to the Constitution she has sworn to uphold and protect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Food retailer Ahold Delhaize has agreed to offload 87 of its stores across 44 localities in Romania to local supermarket chain Annabella. The sale is a fulfilment of the company's obligations set by the Romanian Competition Council (RCC) in relation to Ahold Delhaizes acquisition of Romanian grocery retailer Profi Rom Food in January 2025. The divestment includes 82 stores operated by Profi and five by Ahold Delhaize's other supermarket brand in Romania, which is called Mega Image. The deal will be finalised by the end of 2025. Annabella has more than three decades of market presence in Romania and operates 118 stores across the country. Competition Council president Bogdan Chiritoiu was quoted by Romania Journal: Through this acquisition, Annabella will enter markets where it has not been present until now, such as Cluj, Bihor, Timis, Bacau, Vrancea and Constanta, becoming a new competitor in the retail sector. Therefore, we have given our preliminary approval, with the final approval to be granted upon authorisation of the transaction. In January 2025, Ahold Delhaize completed the acquisition of Profi from private equity company MidEuropa for an enterprise value of 1.3bn ($1.37bn). This acquisition has increased Ahold Delhaize's retail presence in Romania, where it operates close to 1,000 stores under the Mega Image banner. Profi operates 1,700 supermarkets and convenience stores. In the 12 months ending June 2024, it reported net sales of 2.7bn. In June 2025, Ahold Delhaize USA confirmed that a cybersecurity incident that took place on 5 November 2024 exposed the data of 2.24 million people. "Ahold Delhaize agrees to sell 87 Romanian stores to Annabella" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The beating of a young girl by three teenagers in southwestern China triggered public outrage, but a compilation viewed hundreds of thousands of times online does not show protests escalating into calls for the ouster of President Xi Jinping. The clips in fact show crowds gathering for New Year celebrations in several Chinese cities. The compilation, comprising four clips of huge crowds, was viewed more than 480,000 times after it was shared on Threads on August 6, 2025. "The Jiangyou incident in Sichuan, China, escalates as protestors force the police to retreat," reads part of the superimposed traditional Chinese text on the compilation, referring to a viral school bullying case in the southwestern city (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "More than one million people participated in protests, calling for the overthrow of Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party regime." Screenshot of the false Threads post captured on August 19, 2025, with a red X added by AFP Police said two teenage girls were sent to a correctional school for assaulting and verbally abusing a 14-year-old girl, footage of which was shared online. Onlookers and a third girl who participated in the abuse were "criticised and educated", the police said, adding that their guardians had been "ordered to exercise strict discipline". The case drew outrage online from some lamenting the punishment did not go further, and sparked rare protests in the country, where opposition to the ruling Communist Party and anything seen as a threat to the civil order is swiftly quashed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage showed crowds gathered outside the city hall in Jiangyou, with large crowds stretching around the block. Video also showed people being forcibly pulled aside, and police wearing SWAT uniforms subduing at least three people at an intersection with hundreds of bystanders. Several Taiwanese news organisations included footage from the protests in their reports (archived here, here and here). But the circulating compilation, which was shared elsewhere on YouTube, TikTok and Facebook, misuses unrelated clips. Reverse image searches on Google and Baidu using keyframes from the visuals found they all predate the protests in Jiangyou. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Taiwanese fact-checking organisation Taiwan Factcheck Center also previously debunked the false claim the clips show escalating protests in China (archived link). New Year's celebrations The first falsely shared clip was previously shared on December 31, 2024 on Douyin, where it included a hashtag for "Hong Kong New Year's Eve Fireworks" (archived link). The video corresponds to Google Street View imagery of a stretch of Nathan Road -- one of Hong Kong's main thoroughfares (archived link). Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared clip (top left), the Douyin video (top right) and Google Street View imagery (bottom) The second clip had earlier been shared on January 1, 2024 on Douyin, where its caption said it showed a New Year's countdown celebration in Nanning, China (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Street imagery from Baidu Maps shows it was filmed near the Nanning Department Store in Xingning District (archived link). Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared clip (top left), the Douyin video (top right) and Baidu Street View imagery (bottom) The third clip was posted on December 31, 2024 on Douyin, with the post saying it showed New Year's Eve in Kunming, China (archived link). Street imagery from Baidu Maps shows the two stores found in the Douyin video in the Nanping Pedestrian Street area (archived link). Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared clip (top left), the Douyin video (top right) and Baidu Street View imagery (bottom) Finally, the fourth clip in the compilation depicts a New Year celebration in Guiyang, China (archived link). The same clip was earlier shared in a Douyin post from January 1, 2025 (archived link). Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared clip (top left), the Douyin video (top right) and Google Maps imagery (bottom) AFP has previously debunked false claims related to protests in China. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A local police sergeant earned quite an award recently. New pickleball courts open in Washington Township During a city council meeting, Sgt. Adam Bennett was awarded the Life Saving Award by the Centerville City Council and the Centerville Police Department. Bennett was awarded for his rescue of a 4-month-old who was trapped in a car sinking in a pond on Pinefrost Lane. The pond is reportedly near a 40-foot drop-off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A Sioux Falls man is charged in connection to a weekend crash that sent three people to the hospital. Court documents say 39-year-old Yusef Ahmed is facing a list of charges, including Vehicular Battery and DWI. The Lincoln County Sheriffs Office says it happened at the intersection of 271st Street and Highway 11 Friday night. Authorities say a SUV was heading north when it failed to stop and t-boned a car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One person was flown to the hospital while two others were taken by ambulance. South Dakota Highway Patrol is leading the investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) People in the Lowcountry came together over the weekend to protest gun violence in the community, while supporting those who have lost loved ones to it. Spreading love and joy were key messages from people who attended. That includes Ruth Harrison-Tascoe, who says her 17-year-old son was shot and killed. Event organizer Tony Lewis and other leaders are still working hard to develop solutions to prevent shootings in Charleston County. Bring awareness to whats going on, so we all can be on one chord and become that village again, Lewis said. Because if we can become that village, everyone comes together as that village, we can solve and deter things and all the crime and violence going on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pastors, grieving parents and other community members joined each other at Hampton Park downtown. Theyre saying enough is enough. If I can get any message to someone maybe in the street, or just to let them know that theyve got other options, attendee Antoine Lowery said. Because I understand when youre in a tough, rocky area, and you dont see no one being successful or doing great things without being in the street, Im here. Im a landlord now, Ive got rental property, got a podcast, got some great things. My goal is to spark a change in someone who may be in the street and say, you know what, I can move a little differently. I can go to the positive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. As Hurricane Erin approaches the North Carolina coast, Charlotte Fires Urban Search and Rescue team is headed east to support rescue operations. The path of Hurricane Erin remains uncertain, but Battalion Chief Josh Johnson says this move is a pre-deployment ahead of potential impacts from the storm. ALSO READ >> Hurricane Erin's massive waves threaten to isolate North Carolina's Outer Banks Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state is strategically pushing resources east to areas where they could be needed most, he said. Equipped with boats, high water vehicles, and specialized equipment, Charlotte Fire says they are prepared to support swift water rescues and emergency response wherever needed. Charlottes team will be stationed at a staging area in Edenton. They say this destination is close enough to vulnerable communities yet flexible enough for repositioning. It is about being ready, Johnson said. The citizens of this state depend on us. We will not let them down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VIDEO: Everyone is paying the price for stronger hurricanes The U.S. military stymied a suspected drug smuggling operation Aug. 11 when it chased and disabled a vessel hauling contraband in the Eastern Pacific, according to a Navy release. A U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, embarked aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Sampson, seized 1,296 pounds of cocaine while conducting the maritime interdiction operation. Sampson, operating in a known drug trafficking corridor, identified a suspicious vessel exhibiting telltale indicators of smuggling, including excessive fuel barrels and packaged cargo visible on deck, the release said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sampson sprang into action and sent a U.S. Navy MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 49 Scorpions, and a rigid-hull inflatable boat, to intercept the smuggling vessel. The vessel attempted to evade apprehension, bolting from the area while throwing contraband overboard. U.S. military vessels fired warning shots, but the vessel did not heed them and continued its escape. The helicopter crew, under Coast Guard direction, then fired at the vessel, disabling it completely without harming any suspects. Two boarding teams, some from U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 105, boarded the vessel. There, they found 12 bales of cocaine, which they promptly seized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military personnel placed two individuals in custody and transferred them to Sampson. Why Navy destroyers are being sent to the southern border mission The U.S. Coast Guard and Navy opted not to tow the smuggling vessel, as it had begun to sink and was in declining condition. The interdiction was conducted under international law and a bilateral agreement with Ecuador, the Navy said. Despite the massive sum of narcotics, the seizure wasnt the Sampsons largest haul. On July 10, the guided-missile destroyer intercepted an estimated 3,439 pounds of cocaine 380 miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico. After the Aug. 11 cocaine seizure, the Sampson which is employed under U.S. Northern Commands maritime homeland defense authorities returned to the U.S. 3rd Fleet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Northern Command is leading the Trump administrations charge to deploy additional military forces to the southern border for enhanced border security. The command established Joint Task Force-Southern Border on March 14, 2025, at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, to assume authority of the mission. As of July 2, approximately 8,500 military personnel were attached to the joint task force, which has conducted more than 3,500 patrols, 150 of which were done in collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Mexican military, according to Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell. Excited about that graduate job opening? Its yours if you can beat an army of other candidates, pass the automated CV screening system and ace your interview with the deepfake HR rep. The odds are stacked against you. The rise of generative AI systems such as ChatGPT has led to an explosion in job applications, leaving employers drowning in cover letters and applicants desperately fighting to be heard. In 2019, there were 50 applications for every graduate position, according to the Institute of Student Employers. Last year it was 140, a record level and up 59pc in just 12 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For some roles, the number is far higher. Vacancies regularly receive thousands of applications within hours of being posted. Jobs site LinkedIn says it is processing 11,000 every minute. AI means that it takes just seconds to spin up a CV and cover letter, personalised to fit the job description perfectly. Some job-hunters claim to be applying for 100 roles a day. One online tool, LazyApply, goes a step further, allowing candidates to automatically apply for jobs after entering a few personal details. One software engineer used the tool to apply for 5,000 jobs in a week. He landed 20 interviews a dismal hit rate of 0.4pc, but one that came with almost no effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This surge in applications, many of them filled with generic, recognisably AI-generated text, is causing havoc for recruiters, who say they are finding it harder to find the best candidates. Companies are dealing with a tsunami of sameness in applications, says Estelle McCartney, the chief executive of employee screening company Arctic Shores. McCartney says that companies have always faced a large number of applications for entry-level jobs, where experience was not a barrier to entry, but with the advent of the AI-enabled candidate, were now working with companies across a much broader range. Neil Carberry, the chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, says candidates are increasingly taking a spray and pray approach to applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The job market has become worse both for jobseekers and recruiters, he says. On current trends its harder both ways. Normalising cheating Some point the finger at employers. Well before ChatGPT was released in late 2022, companies were using CV-screening tools to whittle down their candidates, a practice critics say has encouraged conformity and box-ticking. For more than two decades, companies have used applicant tracking systems to check for certain keywords, often to filter for experience or to check they have read the job description. Huw Fearnall-Williams, of Lancaster University, who has studied the use of technology in recruitment, says such systems would often punish candidates for incorrect formatting on CVs that were invisible to the naked eye. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turning such software back on recruiters might only be considered fair. Even before AI, a lot of students were taught how to use particular power words, how to give a model answer to certain questions, Fearnall-Williams says. AI is obviously quite good at that. Many managers say they can spot an AI-generated cover letter a mile away. For all the advances in large language models in the last few years, systems such as ChatGPT still write with a recognisable, middle-of-the-road tone that is obvious to the well-trained eye. Potential employers might see this as enough to discount a candidate, considering that anyone who cannot be bothered to write their own application is unlikely to be a star employee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the practice is increasingly becoming the norm. According to the job site Adzuna, less than half of workers considered it cheating to write a CV or cover letter from scratch using AI. Almost two thirds have used AI to write their own resume. James Neave, Adzunas head of data science, says that AI holds immense potential to better match candidates skills with the right roles and speed up the hiring process. However, in practice the technology is often used to simply produce industrial levels of applications. Many of the AI tools in the recruitment market appear focused on application volume rather than doing what hiring truly requires, he says. Game of cat and mouse The growing use of generative AI has raised concerns that candidates are exaggerating their capabilities. The Institute of Student Employers (ISE) say an increasing number of successful candidates are not meeting expectations on measures such as self-awareness, resilience and verbal communication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI means that at best, the training process is disrupted, at worst, the candidate finds themselves in the wrong job, according to the ISEs Stephen Isherwood. While some employers have banned the use of generative AI, others allow or tacitly encourage it. The Civil Service now allows candidates to use AI to enhance their applications or improve the clarity and quality of written answers. The recruitment giant Michael Page said last year that AI helps take applications to the next stage. Last week, the Government said it planned to develop an AI tool to help unemployed people find jobs. The Department for Science and Technology said it would work with the private sector to develop an AI agent that can fill in forms on peoples behalf, including job applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This means the use of AI in job-hunting is only likely to go one way. And as the applications roll in, employers are turning to new methods to separate the ideal candidate from the wave of low-effort chancers. Manchester-based Arctic Shores provides game-like psychometric tests that are used by employers including Amazon and Siemens, and which the company says AI systems cannot pass. The tests measure qualities such as critical thinking, problem-solving and appetite for risk, which can give a score out of 100 for a particular role. An increasing number are turning to one-way video interviews, in which an animated executive asks a series of pre-recorded questions. These can then be assessed later by a human, although they may also be automatically transcribed, with answers assessed by AI software. Yet candidates are responding in turn, often running systems such as ChatGPT in the background during video interviews. The result is a cat-and-mouse game with recruiters who try to stop it, such as by demanding that prospective hires share their screen or asking curveball questions such as What did you have for breakfast to flummox AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A growing number are turning to tried-and-trusted methods. Carberry says that the recruitment industry is seeing a flight to quality, in which candidates are often brought in by specialist recruiters who know potential hires personally. Meanwhile, an increasing number of companies are bringing back in-person interviews. Google chief executive Sundar Pichai says the tech giant now hosts its final interview at its offices amid a flurry of cheating in coding tests. The AI arms race has turned into a nightmare of rapid-fire applications and low-quality candidates. Employers might be ready to de-escalate. 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. (COLORADO SPRINGS) On Saturday, Aug. 23, Cerberus Brewing Co. will celebrate its ninth anniversary. But to the owners and the community members, its really a 63rd anniversary because the brewery counts in dog years because of their love for four-legged friends. The morning will start with yoga outside, then the party goes nonstop all day, featuring cold drinks, warm food, storytelling, and a pig roast. General Manager Melisa LeFebvre, Chef Max Nickelsburg, and Brewmaster Troy Johnson joined Loving Living Local host Justin Antweil to preview the festivities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are so appreciative of the communitys support, said LeFebvre. For $25, guests can enjoy unlimited pours of select Cerberus beers during one of two time slots, early afternoon or evening. Each ticket also comes with a limited-edition cup we designed with the Rocky Mountain Food Report. Cerberus Brewing Co. is located at 702 West Colorado Avenue. There are 22 beers on tap, all made in-house, said Johnson. Im already excited and thinking about pumpkin-flavored fall beers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. The Chelan County Sheriffs Office says new DNA evidence directly links Travis Decker to the deaths of his three daughters, whose bodies were found in June near Icicle Creek. On June 2, deputies discovered the bodies of Paityn, Evelyn and Olivia Decker close to the Rock Island Campground. Each of the girls had plastic bags over their headstwo of them with two bags and one with three. Investigators also found several cable ties scattered near the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The items were collected by the Washington State Patrol Crime Response Team and sent to the state crime lab for testing. Autopsies completed in early June determined all three children died from suffocation and ruled their deaths homicides. According to the sheriffs office, the Washington State Crime Lab reported that DNA from Travis Decker was found on the plastic bags covering each victims head. The girls own DNA was also detected on the bags, but no other profiles were present. A DNA sample taken from the cable ties also matched Travis Decker, investigators said. Detectives said the results strengthen the evidence that Travis Decker acted alone in the killings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His current whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities say they have no evidence indicating whether he is alive or dead. The Chelan County Sheriffs Office continues to work with state and federal agencies to search for Decker. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information that leads directly to his arrest. Officials warn that Decker should be considered armed and dangerous and urge anyone who sees him not to approach but to call 911 immediately. Tips can also be submitted by calling the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or through the USMS website at www.usmarshals.gov/tips. Aug. 18AVON, S.D. What began as a small request during cancer treatment has grown into a unique business across South Dakota and Nebraska. During chemotherapy, Stan Tjeerdsma of Avon mentioned to his cousins that he'd always wanted an elephant statue. The cousins soon found a 10-foot aluminum elephant that sprays water. On the same trip to bring the elephant home, Tjeerdsma bought a nine-foot giraffe, even though it wasn't part of the plan. Before Tjeerdsma got home, a driver flagged him down on the interstate and bought the giraffe from him. That unexpected sale sparked a new interest in aluminum statues and led to regular trips to Arizona to find more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tjeerdsma now cancer free spends his time hauling, painting, and selling hundreds of aluminum statues, each costing anywhere from a couple hundred to several thousand dollars, as a side gig to his tree business, Stan's Tree Services. "I prefer aluminum because it's weather-resistant and long-lasting," Tjeerdsma explained. "I work with one supplier I trust. Others would promise items that weren't there when I got down to Arizona. It's important to have someone honest you can rely on." Upgrading from a stock trailer to a flatbed, Tjeerdsma now hauls hundreds of statues at once. This spring alone, he returned with 550 pieces ranging from towering 10-foot sasquatch figures to small pigs and eagles. His inventory includes a wide array of animals and mythical creatures: aliens, dragons, dinosaurs, panthers, alligators, buffalo skulls, Clydesdales, native horses, mules and religious figures. Next month, he'll be picking up a 15-foot elephant statue that will find a permanent home at his farm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People ask for all sorts of things," he said. "Sloths and squirrels have come up recently, but some things like baby ducks, spaceships, and chicks are just hard to find." The statues arrive as plain aluminum. Though the supplier once painted them, Tjeerdsma found the paint often scratched in transit, and matching the colors for touch-ups was difficult. Because of this, he now handles most of the painting himself, with help from his cousin, Susan Love, who joined the business four years ago. "I saw the supplier's paint job and told Stan, 'I can paint better than that,'" Love said. "He said, 'You're hired.'" Love specializes in the detailed figures angels, religious statues and intricate animals while Tjeerdsma focuses on simpler designs such as green dinosaurs and dragons. Janette Leitheiser, of Emery, also assists with painting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The painting process can be painstaking. Most painting happens during winter, moving indoors to Tjeerdsma's walk-out basement. Some statues take eight to twelve hours to complete, especially those requiring detailed touches and multiple colors. For example, an Indian Warrior statue sold to a casino took 12 hours to paint due to its size and complexity, while a simpler figure like a bear might only take a few hours, Love explained. Tjeerdsma primarily sells at public events like Riverboat Days in Yankton and Wagner Labor Day festivities but also fills custom orders for local schools and businesses. Tjeerdsma said his sales can be unpredictable one event might see all buffalo statues sold out, while another clears out all the pigs, which happened at a show in Wessington Springs. "Bald eagles are always popular," he said. "At one event, a single customer bought all 30 eagles I had brought. I thought those would last me two years." Dragons, dinosaurs and aliens also sell well. Although a spaceship statue remains elusive, five- and six-foot-tall aliens regularly find new homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deliveries sometimes cross state lines, such as a recent trip to O'Neill, Nebraska, which included a seven-foot alligator and a buffalo skull. Local orders can be meaningful, like the Wagner School District's purchase of a 12-foot tiger and two smaller red tigers painted to match their school mascot a design originally doubted by Tjeerdsma's late wife Brenda, who wondered if anyone would buy it. Tjeerdsma has spent most of his life farming and providing tree services but is gradually reducing those operations as his children take over the farm. He's considering focusing full-time on the statue business. "I've always liked working with my hands," he said. "This statue business lets me be creative and meet people, which is a different kind of satisfaction than farming." Love enjoys the work and the trips to Arizona, appreciating the steady routine painting provides and the growing customer demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm a crafty person, so painting these statues is really fun for me," she said. "It's creative, hands-on work, and I enjoy bringing each piece to life." With inventory valued between $30,000 and $50,000, Tjeerdsma and Love continue hunting for unusual statues and fulfilling custom requests. "You never know what we'll have," Tjeerdsma said. "But we probably have something you didn't know you needed." By Allison Lampert and Wa Lone MONTREAL/TORONTO (Reuters) -Air Canada's unionized flight attendants reached an agreement with the country's largest carrier on Tuesday, ending the first strike by its cabin crew in 40 years that had upended travel plans for hundreds of thousands of passengers. The strike that lasted nearly four days led the airline that serves about 130,000 people daily to withdraw its third-quarter and full-year earnings guidance. The carrier said it would gradually resume operations later on Tuesday, and a full restoration may require a week or more. The union said it has completed mediation with the airline and its low-cost affiliate Air Canada Rouge. "The Strike has ended. We have a tentative agreement we will bring forward to you," the Canadian Union of Public Employees said in a Facebook post. Air Canada said some flights will be canceled over the next seven to 10 days until the schedule is stabilized, and that customers with canceled flights can choose between a refund, travel credit, or rebooking on another airline. Mark Nasr, Air Canada's executive vice president and chief operations officer, told CBC that 5,000 employees are working to rebook customers on Air Canada and 120 other airlines. The flight attendants walked off the job on Saturday after contract talks with the carrier failed. They had sought pay for tasks such as boarding passengers. While details of the negotiations were not immediately released, the union said unpaid work was over. Air Canada's flight attendants had for months argued new contracts should include pay for work done on the ground, such as boarding passengers. "Ground pay is settled. Our flight attendants will be compensated for their time on the ground," Nasr told CBC. CUPE, which represents Air Canada's 10,400 flight attendants, wanted to make gains on unpaid work that go beyond recent advances secured by their counterparts at U.S. carriers like American Airlines. In a rare act of defiance, the union remained on strike even after the Canada Industrial Relations Board declared its action unlawful. Their refusal to follow a federal labor board order for the flight attendants to return to work had created a three-way standoff between the company, workers, and the government. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu had urged both sides to consider government mediation and raised pressure on Air Canada on Monday, promising to investigate allegations of unpaid work in the airline sector. A spokesperson for Hajdu said the probe would take six to eight weeks and then be made public. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Today is National Volunteer Firefighter Recognition Day, and our local departments are working to make sure all emergencies are responded to quickly. On Monday, August 18th, during the ceremony, not only did Chevron donate 2 acres of land to Northeast VFD. But they also surprised them with a check of 300,000 dollars. It was a big deal for us, James Wolf, assistant chief at Northeast said. I was kind of surprised I had actually hit it. I teared up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this new fire station, Northeast VFD will have a faster response time. Also, most of the volunteer fire department will live close to the new station that is going to be built. From this side of Midland to our stations, about seven to ten minutes, Assistant Chief Wolf said. To this station, it may cut it down to about three to five minutes, just depending on where they live. Me personally, it would be about five minutes. We get assets on scene quicker. If we have to come all the way across town, were looking at like 25 minutes in response time. Last year, Assistant Chief Wolf said they ran 476 calls, and about third, if not half, of them were on this side where the new station will be built. So as we look at our population growing, as you drive along 191 and see our communities coming together, the growth in West Texas is really growing our population base, residential businesses, Valerie Acosta, Public Government Affair Advisor said. Having this out here is another line of defense for our business owners and our community members, our neighbors. The new station is going to be located right here at 4200 N. FM-1788, right by Chevron Training center. Assistant Chief Wolf said he hopes to have the new station built in less than a year. If you would like donate here is how you can. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Checks can be made to: Northeast Midland County Volunteer Fire Department 5310 East County Road Midland, Tx 79705 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. CHICAGO A woman is facing charges after allegedly driving intoxicated on the Bishop Ford and getting into a crash. One of her passengers died. Illinois State troopers responded to a rollover crash at the 130th Street northbound exit. The driver was identified as Daja Williams, 27, of Chicago. Her two passengers were also injured and one was transported in critical condition. The 26-year-old man later died from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams was allegedly driving drunk. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines She was charged with aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol causing death and reckless homicide. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Child at daycare eats kratom, needs to be revived, police say A former preschool employee in Mableton has been charged with child cruelty after a 2-year-old was found unresponsive and revived with Narcan. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] An arrest warrant has been issued for a former preschool employee who is charged with cruelty to children. According to the warrant, Kennesha Floy is accusing of leaving 7tabz on a shelf that a 2-year-old ingested. Police said the child was unresponsive before Narcan was administered by paramedics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident allegedly happened on Aug. 8. Investigators said Floyd admitted to leaving the tablets on a shelf at Bright Minds Learning and Childcare Center. According to the warrant, 7tabz contains 7-Hydroxymitragynine, with compounds from Kratom. Police said the tablets were left in a room with multiple children. Officials did not provide an update on the childs condition. Channel 2 Cobb County Bureau Chief Michele Newell stopped by the preschool and received a statement from the school, saying the health and safety of the children is of the utmost importance. A wrapper from a purchased energy tablet fell on the floor in a classroom and a child picked it up, they said. The teacher in the class retrieved it right away, but the child had put a piece of the wrapper in their mouth. It has been determined that the product caused a severe reaction for the child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The daycares spokesperson said they are cooperating with law enforcement officials during the investigation. The product that appears to have caused the reaction was not purchased by the school and the school was not aware of the product being in the school, they said. We have reviewed and updated our policies to prevent any similar incidents in the future. The staff member is no longer employed at Bright Minds. A man who works across the street from the preschool said he was shocked to see police outside of the building. I saw a lot of law enforcement cars here on that day. They stayed here all day. I thought that was very unusual. This is one of the best daycares here in the city of Mableton for many years. This daycare has always supported the community a lot of kids go there, Anthony Guillory said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning told Channel 2 it is currently investigating allegations concerning the health and safety environment at the daycare. In a statement regarding the alleged incident DECAL said: The Department is looking closely into reports of indoor storage hazards, as well as concerns regarding a lack of adequate supervision and vigilant oversight at the facility. DECALs foremost priority is the safety and well-being of Georgias children. The Department will conduct a thorough review of the centers practices, policies, and physical environment to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident and to ensure all licensing requirements are being met. Pending the investigation, DECAL is working closely with all relevant parties to address the situation promptly and transparently. The Department will implement corrective actions as needed to ensure the safety and security of all children in care at Bright Minds Learning and Childcare Center. No further information will be provided at this time, as the investigation is ongoing. DECAL remains committed to upholding the highest standards of child care in the State of Georgia and will provide updates as appropriate upon the conclusion of the investigative process. The incident was self-reported by Bright Minds Learning and Childcare Center, said DECAL Chief Communications Officer Reg Griffin. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in New Delhi for a two-day visit, part of an ongoing push to normalize relations following a series of skirmishes along the two countries disputed border from 2020 to 2022. Wang met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, laying the groundwork for Modis upcoming visit to China later this monthhis first in seven years. The pace of high-level engagements is a dramatic turnabout from five years ago, when Indian and Chinese troops engaged in bloody hand-to-hand fighting along the two countries un-demarcated border in the Himalayas, killing at least 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops. That resulted in the two sides restricting cross-border trade and travel links for years thereafter. But throughout the period of strained relations, the two sides also maintained diplomatic engagement through multilateral channels, including the BRICS, as well as directly. And in that time, they have gradually made progress on thawing ties and lowering the barriers to trade and travel, most recently by agreeing earlier this month to resume direct flights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two rivals are also being driven closer together by U.S. President Donald Trumps aggressive trade wars, particularly the 25 percent tariffs he imposed on India, which are set to double later this month. As Derek Grossman wrote for WPR earlier this month, Trump could wind up singlehandedly torpedoing a strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi that had just recently reached unprecedented heights. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. Yet the factors prompting India and China to seek warmer commercial ties go far beyond Trump. In particular, Indian business leaders, including the heads of major conglomerates like the Adani Group and Reliance Industries, had been pressuring the Modi government to relax trade restrictions on China for some time. With the business environment now becoming more favorable, those companies are pursuing technology transfer deals with Chinese firms. And Reuters reported Tuesday that Wang had assured India of continued trade in key products like rare earth minerals, fertilizer and tunnel-boring machines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How far can this rapprochement go? There is a deep well of mistrust between the two rivals, and strong nationalist sentiments have impeded relations in the past. Its worth recalling that the 2020 border clashes were preceded by Indias decision the previous year to revoke the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir, which includes Chinese-claimed territory in Ladakh. In the near term, however, we should expect Beijing and New Delhi to continue seeking a path of pragmatism rather than confrontation, driven by both the internal logic of being two large and powerful neighboring states, but also by the uncertain global landscape introduced by Trump. The post China and India Take Another Step Toward a Reset appeared first on World Politics Review. BEIJING (Reuters) -China and India should establish "correct strategic understanding" and regard each other as partners, not rivals, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said to his Indian counterpart on Monday, according to his ministry. China is ready to uphold the principle of cordiality, mutual benefit with India, the Chinese ministry's readout of the ministers' meeting in New Delhi showed. (Reporting by Liz Lee and Shanghai newsroom; Editing by Himani Sarkar) NEW DELHI (Reuters) -India and China agreed on Tuesday to resume direct flights and step up trade and investment flows as the neighbours rebuild ties damaged by a 2020 border clash. The Asian giants are cautiously strengthening ties against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump's unpredictable foreign policy, staging a series of high-level bilateral visits. The two countries would resume direct flights and boost trade and investment, including reopening border trade at three designated points, and facilitate in visas, the Indian foreign ministry said. Direct flights have been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. No date was given for their resumption. The latest statements came at the end of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's two-day visit to New Delhi for the 24th round of talks with Indian National Security (NSA) Advisor Ajit Doval to resolve their decades old border dispute. The border talks covered issues related to pulling back troops both countries have amassed on their Himalayan border, delimitation of borders and boundary affairs, the Indian ministry said. Both countries have agreed to set up a working group to consult and coordinate on border affairs to advance demarcation negotiations, a Chinese foreign ministry statement released on Wednesday showed. It said the mechanism will extend talks to cover the eastern and middle sections of the border. Meanwhile another round of talks on the western section will be held as soon as possible, the ministry said. Beijing also said both countries agreed to meet again in China in 2026. "Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity," Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X after meeting Wang. Modi is scheduled to travel to China at the end of this month to take part in the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation - his first visit to the country in more than seven years. TIBET DAM A readout from the Chinese foreign ministry said Wang told Doval that "the stable and healthy development of China-India relations is in the fundamental interests of the two countries' people". The two sides "should enhance mutual trust through dialogues and expand cooperation," Wang said, and should aim for consensus in areas such as border control and demarcation negotiations. India said Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar had underlined in his talks with Wang India's concerns with regard to the mega dam China is building on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet. Following the meeting between Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, China has stated that it is in favour of a political settlement of Russias war against Ukraine and supports all efforts aimed at establishing a lasting peace. Source: Ukrinform, citing Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Quote: "China has always believed that dialogue and negotiations are the only possible way to resolve the Ukrainian crisis [as China refers to Russias war against Ukraine ed.]. China supports all efforts aimed at achieving peace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Mao noted that Chinas position on this issue is "consistent and clear". "We will continue to facilitate peace talks and the political resolution of the crisis [Russias war against Ukraine ed.]," she said. Background: According to Axios, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin said at his meeting with US President Donald Trump on 15 August that he is not opposed to security guarantees for Ukraine and named China as one of the states that could provide such guarantees. In early August, Trump threatened to impose additional tariffs against not only India, but also other countries that purchase Russian oil, including China. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Over half a year into Donald Trump's second term, NASA still doesn't have a long-term head. That leadership vacuum comes as the space agency is staring down the barrel of some devastating cuts to its science budget, with the White House betting its future on space exploration alone. The chaos has raised serious questions about NASA's ambitious plans to return astronauts to the surface of the Moon for the first time in over half a century. The dates of its planned Artemis program launches keep slipping as contractors miss deadlines and struggle with substantial technical issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, president Donald Trump declared that the US will "put Americans back on the Moon by 2024." A year and a half later, that goal still appears to be many more years out. Adding geopolitical intrigue, it's looking more and more like NASA's helpless flailing could position China to beat the United States in the race to return to the Moon. China's lunar exploration program has made massive leaps in recent years, most recently successfully testing its "Lanyue" lunar lander at a facility outside of Beijing. It was a "key step in the development of China's manned lunar exploration program" and the "first time that China has carried out a test of extraterrestrial landing and takeoff capabilities of a manned spacecraft," according to a statement by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC.) The goal is to land the first Chinese astronauts on the Moon "before 2030" a clear shot across the bow, considering NASA is currently hoping to launch its first crewed landing attempt, Artemis 3, no earlier than mid-2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But considering the way things are going, that date could end up slipping once more. And one of its most prominent contractors is to blame: SpaceX's Starship is encountering major headwinds, with the company still far from proving that its enormous reusable spacecraft is a reliable way to ferry crews from lunar orbit down to the surface in its Human Landing System configuration, as laid out in NASA's current plans for Artemis 3. In other words, the US's head start on landing humans on the Moon is shrinking rapidly. "At the rate things are going, sadly, it seems quite likely that the Chinese will land on the Moon before NASA can return to the Moon," Chinese space policy analyst Dean Cheng told Ars Technica, arguing that the "geopolitical impact" would be "enormous." Besides potentially winning the race, China is aiming to "establish longer-term facilities and presence" on the Moon, Cheng added, which could allow the country to "have an enormous say over technical standards, data standards, etc., for cis-lunar activities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Trump administration has committed $1 billion in additional funding to realize its ambitious goal of sending humans to Mars in its proposed 2026 NASA budget, the space agency's actual plans appear as murky as ever. Trump's disastrous falling out with billionaire and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, in particular, has thrown the agency's leadership into chaos, with Musk's personal pick for NASA administrator, Jared Isaacman, getting caught in the crossfire of Musk and Trump's feud and unceremoniously kicked to the curb. Musk has been adamant that the Moon is a distraction and should be skipped altogether, but how much sway the billionaire still has in the White House remains as unclear as ever. Over a month after ditching Isaacman, the president appointed transportation secretary Sean Duffy as yet another interim administrator, sending a clear signal: NASA is not a priority. And that could cost the US the race back to the Moon. More on Artemis: It Kinda Sounds Like NASA Is Gutting Its Plans for a Moon Landing A longtime friend and former co-worker of Chinatown acid attack suspect Marquis Johnson said the crime is so out of the blue, and so out of character for him, shes hoping its a case of mistaken identity. Hes been the victim of three horrific crimes himself, according to Daniela Stolfi. She said this included being attacked by a group of nine, who allegedly targeted him because of his race, and being the victim of alleged police brutality in a case of mistaken identity. The 34-year-old Johnson turned himself in at the Hono lulu Police Departments main station Sunday evening days after he was named as a suspect in the Aug. 8 acid attack of a 30-year-old cook outside a Chinatown restaurant at 11 :40 p.m. The cook initially was in critical condition, but his condition was later classified as serious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said Monday that Johnson remains in custody, and they have a deadline of 5 :35 p.m. today to charge him. We are continuing to review and file charges with the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, police said in a statement. We will provide a further update once charges have been filed, but as this investigation is still active and ongoing, we will not release any further details at this time. He was arrested for suspicion of first-degree assault, but HPD Homicide Lt. Deena Thoemmes said Wednesday that the charge could be upgraded to attempted murder depending on what police find during their investigation. Stolfi worked with Johnson 10 years ago at Castle Resorts doing digital marketing. He helped out with social marketing and later went to work for her at Stolfis own company. They have remained in touch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was a delight to work with, she said. He was great, well-dressed, sweet, reliable, loving and kind. He danced ballet and flamenco, Stolfi recalls. He was very artistic, gentle, a soft-spoken, kind person. Thats the person I remember. Everybody who knows him knows hes not a violent person, she said. He really was a good person. I would never in a million years imagine this. Stolfi called him a couple of days ago, and he said he planned to turn himself in and was looking for an attorney. Stolfi said she finds it strange that the sketch from a witness description, which police initially released Wednesday, shows the suspect wearing glasses and a dew rag, and does not resemble Johnson nor the man wearing a blue Dri-Fit hoodie on video surveillance images. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson filed a complaint in 2022 in Oahu Circuit Court against the city alleging he was wrongfully detained by police around midnight Aug. 22, 2020, told to lay prone on the ground, and handcuffed, in a case of mistaken identity. Then one officer used excessive force, according to the complaint. The lawsuit says Johnson was primarily raised in Hawaii and Germany, and had just moved back to Hawaii from New York during the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson was walking alone along a sidewalk in Waikiki, when a police officer saw a pair of Black men in or around a Mercedes Benz, which was reported stolen. When the officer drove back around, he saw Johnson on the sidewalk and the other two Black men, according to the complaint. Johnson was ordered to get on the ground in a prone position and was handcuffed behind his back, the complaint says. The lawsuit said he did not know the other two men and was later told to sit on the sidewalk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A police officer then drove up, got out of his car and with tremendous force blindsided Mr. Johnson and immediately drove his knee into Mr. Johnsons back forcing Mr. Johnson to the ground, the lawsuit says. He held him with his knee to the ground for what seemed like several minutes, while searching him, even though he already had been searched, the complaint said. The case was refiled in federal court and a settlement was reached by the parties on March 17, subject to Honolulu City Council approval. The U.S. District Court extended the deadline for the stipulation for dismissal to Aug. 29. Stolfi said that in February 2022 Johnson was jumped by nine people, who targeted him racially. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stolfi, who runs 808 Viral on Instagram, posted that Johnson was in Chinatown trying to help an unknown, drunk military man catch an Uber when Johnson was attacked by the group. Johnson said that they cut him in the face with bottles, gave him a concussion and that he had to have facial reconstructive surgery to repair the broken bones in his face. Johnson also had filed a civil complaint in 2022, followed by an amended complaint Jan. 21, against a California couple and their daughter for invasion of privacy by allegedly having active surveillance cameras in their Kahala home, unbeknown to him, while they allowed him to stay at the house, which was used as a vacation rental. The lawsuit said the hidden cameras were located in places one would expect privacy, including the bedrooms and bathrooms, he alleged. Johnson was invited to stay there by the couple through a Massachusetts woman, who was also a named defendant, acted as their agent and was an accomplice in the surveillance and intentional emotional harm to Johnson, the lawsuit alleges, adding it was under the pretense of providing quarantine accommodations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He stayed at the property from April 21 to May 6, 2020, free of charge and without conditions, and was invited to make himself at home. While there, he maintained the premises, complied with quarantine protocols and conducted himself respectfully, the lawsuit says. During that time, the cameras caught him in private and vulnerable moments, in states of undress, personal conversations, and intimate activities. The surveillance was installed with the intent to observe and monitor Plaintiff and other individuals in these private states, the lawsuit alleges. The couple denied the allegations in their answer to the complaint. They stated specifically that cameras were not installed in private areas. Johnson alleges the defendants accessed the footage remotely and shared it with the agent, who demanded he leave the property for allowing nonaffluent visitors despite no prior restrictions. Johnson says he suffered severe emotional distress, including panic attacks, loss of sleep and fear of public humiliation. His mental health and professional reputation were irreparably harmed, the complaint alleges. A Chinese national accused of exporting military items to North Korea has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison, the United States Department of Justice announced Monday. Shenghua Wen, 42, was arrested last December on allegations that he illegally exported firearms, ammunition and other military items to the dictatorship on the direction of North Korean government officials. Wen shipped the contraband inside shipping containers that departed from the Port of Long Beach, and was paid as much as $2 million for these efforts, the DOJ said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, he pleaded guilty to one count of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government and one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Wen was a resident of Ontario at the time of his arrest, but DOJ officials say he is a Chinese citizen who is in the country illegally after overstaying a student Visa that expired in 2012. His first known contact with North Korean officials happened in China at the North Korean embassy prior to arriving in the U.S., officials said. Over the span of several years, he was directed to acquire and ship goods for the North Korean government, including firearms, ammunition and sensitive technology, which he shipped to China to be rerouted to North Korea. Weapons, military equipment illegally intended for North Korea Weapons, military equipment illegally intended for North Korea Weapons, military equipment illegally intended for North Korea Weapons, military equipment illegally intended for North Korea Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weapons to be sent to North Korea Weapons, military equipment illegally intended for North Korea In 2023, he shipped at least three containers of firearms out of the Port of Long Beach, concealing what was inside by falsifying shipping documents. In May 2023, using money from his North Korean contacts, Wen purchased an entire firearms business in Houston, Texas. He then drove those firearms to California to be shipped overseas. Later that year, one of those shipments, falsely identified as containing a refrigerator, arrived in Hong Kong before being ultimately directed to Nampo, North Korea. In September 2024, months before his arrest, he bought approximately 60,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition with intention to ship it to North Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wen also allegedly obtained sensitive technology, including a device that detects chemical threats and a handheld broadband receiver, which he planned to deliver to North Korea. He was arrested before those shipments were made. Justice Department officials said he also offered to obtain a civilian airplane engine, as well as a a thermal imaging system that can be mounted on a drone, helicopter or other aircraft, which could be used for reconnaissance and target identification. In June, as part of a plea deal, Wen admitted to committing the crimes at the direction of North Korean officials. He also admitted that he knew at all times it was illegal to ship firearms and other items to the country, and admitted to never having the appropriate licenses required to do so. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Several schools in India's capital receive bomb threats Xinhua) 16:57, August 18, 2025 NEW DELHI, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Several schools in the Indian capital territory of Delhi received bomb threats on Monday, prompting authorities to rush police teams, fire services personnel and bomb disposal squads to these educational institutions, officials said. According to officials, four schools in Dwarka received threat emails from unknown senders and alerted the police. Immediately, bomb detection and disposal squads, dog squads, police and fire services personnel were rushed to these schools. "However, nothing suspicious was found. The threats proved to be hoax calls," a police official said. According to a local newspaper The Indian Express, 20 schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails on Monday morning, prompting authorities to conduct searches on their premises. Last month, many schools in the national capital also received similar bomb threat emails, which were later turned out to be a hoax. Last year, hoax threats triggered chaos in the airlines, schools, hospitals and hotels across the country. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Indian spirits group Allied Blenders and Distillers has decided not to proceed with acquiring a majority stake in Good Barrel Distillery. In January, Allied Blenders and Distillers announced plans to acquire up to a 51% equity stake in Good Barrel, contingent on business milestones, with an option to purchase the entire paid-up share capital. However, the proposed acquisition will no longer happen. In a stock exchange filing, Allied Blenders and Distillers said as part of the due diligence process to buy the stake in Good Barrel certain commercial considerations emerged, which required renegotiation of specific terms. It added: Despite best efforts, the parties could not reach mutually acceptable terms and hence the board has decided not to proceed with the proposed acquisition." Good Barrel, established in 2021, is known for manufacturing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with Rock Paper Rum as its flagship brand. Allied Blenders and Distillers said the withdrawal of the transaction will not have a material or financial impact, as the deal was still in the preliminary stages. The company added it will continue to explore both organic and inorganic growth opportunities. Two months ago, Allied Blenders and Distillers acquired UTO Asia, a subsidiary of Dutch spirits group Herman Jansen, for 1.2m ($1.4m). The acquisition aimed to offer Allied Blenders and Distillers worldwide rights and title interest in brandy and whisky brands Mansion House and Savoy Club, excluding ten markets. However, the Bombay High Court has prohibited the company from selling these brands in India due to an ongoing commercial suit. The legal suit dates back to 2009, involving Herman Jansen and Indian distiller Tilaknagar Industries over brand rights. Herman Jansen sought a temporary injunction against Tilaknagar to prevent the use of the brands 'Mansion House' and 'Savoy Club'. Allied Blenders and Distillers listed on the Indian stock exchanges last year. Financially, Allied Blenders and Distillers reported its highest ever profit after tax (PAT) in its 2025 fiscal year, which ended on 31 March. Total income rose to Rs80.94bn ($929m), a 5.5% increase from FY24. PAT reached Rs1.95bn compared with Rs20m in the previous year. Commenting on the results released on 15 May, Alok Gupta, managing director of Allied Blenders and Distillers, said: We are pleased to report third consecutive quarter of robust performance following our IPO. "The consistent positive outcome of our four-point transformation agenda premiumisation, supply chain security, margin enhancement, and enhance governance framework is demonstrated in these results, validating both our strategic direction and its effective execution. Chocolate shop owners say tariffs have been too bitter for their small business Atlanta chocolatiers say ongoing tariffs are leaving their sweet business with a bitter aftertaste. Elaine Read and Matt Weyandt, owners of Xocolatl Small Batch Chocolate, got a visit from U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock on Tuesday, as the senator continues to discuss tariff impacts with small businesses. I think people believe this is a tariff on China and Brazil this is a tax on small businesses, Weyandt said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Warnock toured the facility, taking part in grinding, mixing, and pouring chocolate bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These tariffs are not helping...theyre hurting small businesses, said the senator said. Tuesdays stop is just the latest in Warnocks efforts to discuss the challenges President Donald Trumps tariffs are creating for small businesses. Some local businesses, like custom metal hardware company Highland Forge, say theyve seen a 40% increase in sales, with most of their products sourced within the U.S. co-owner Mark Woodward believes their success is in large part due to stable prices. I think most of it has to do with the tariffs and the fact that we didnt have to raise prices, said Woodward. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Josh McKoon says that while the impacts might be uncomfortable right now, the benefits should be greater in the long run. Tariffs are part of a broader series of policies to bring these industries back to the country, to bring good-paying jobs for middle-class and working Americans back, said McKoon. The latest round of tariffs came earlier this month, when Trump implemented new rates for dozens of countries, including a 10% baseline tariff on most imports. The Trump administration has argued that its tariffs will promote domestic manufacturing, protect national security, and substitute for income taxes. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] CAMDENTON, Mo. The City of Camdenton held a groundbreaking today for the new Camdenton Community Center. According to the Citys press release, city officials, project partners and community members gathered to celebrate the milestone. This center will be more than just a buildingit will be a gathering place that strengthens the bonds of our community, said Mayor McNabb in the press release. The new Camdenton Community Center will feature multipurpose rooms, recreational space and event facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The community center is expected to be completed in June. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) In June, the City Council approved the purchase of a new pothole patrol vehicle. This fall, a citywide Pothole Patrol initiative is seeking to improve pothole repair response time. The patrol will operate year-round in a rotating schedule repairing potholes in the streets of Savannah. This is meant to ensure complete coverage of the city to improve consistency, response time, and overall roadway conditions, according to the City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Mayor Van Johnson announced in his weekly address that the city partnered with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) for an internal contest where students in grades K-8 will be able to suggest a name for the new truck. We dont trust City council to name that truck, said Mayor Van Johnson. We dont trust grownups to name that truck. We dont trust city staff to name that truck. Students are invited to submit name suggestions by Sept. 2 at 5 p.m. 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 WSAV-TV. Popular motorcycle rally canceled due to threats of violence between biker gangs This Saturday would have marked the fourth Rally on Main, an all-day event that draws thousands of people, including motorcycle riders from around the country. The Mayor of the City of Washington, JoJo Burgess, says the city had no choice but to cancel the event after threats of retaliation, following a weekend brawl at a local bar. The violent incident, which is now under investigation by State Police and North Franklin Township Police, happened Saturday night at Forty Bar and Grille. Owner Patrick Dennison says his employees and innocent members of the public were threatened and traumatized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody was here having a good time that night, and all the sudden, they all just rolled in, Dennison told Channel 11. About 20 of them through both doors and swarmed the bar. Employees say they took customers into the basement and hid for their safety while chaos erupted upstairs. Police were called, but Burgess says all the bikers took off, leaving behind evidence of a violent confrontation. There were shell casings showing a firearm was discharged, and there was blood on the ground, Burgess said. So, when you put all that together, Im not saying anyone was shot, but that was the physical evidence on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burgess says that, while police piece together what happened, the city cant risk the public getting caught up in threats of retaliation at Saturdays rally. Were talking about five to seven days before, which makes it real difficult as youre scrambling to reach out to other agencies for assistance, Burgess added. He says the people who will really miss out are the local businesses that profit from thousands of people who were set to come to town, and the nonprofits that benefit from the event. Its a shame we have to cancel this, Burgess added. It hurts everyone. Burgess says he also wants to set the record straight that allegations that the cancellation was racially or politically motivated are ridiculous. He says he welcomes all events to the City of Washington, and the safety of the public will always take priority. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Clairton community holds prayer vigil for steelworkers killed in explosion Emotions ran high in Clairton on Monday night as members of the faith community gathered in prayer and remembrance for two local steelworkers killed in a recent tragedy. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 2 dead, 10 injured in explosion at US Steel Clairton Coke Works plant Inside a sanctuary filled with music, scripture, and candlelight, worshippers came together to honor the lives of Timothy Quinn and Steven Menefee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No matter what faith we are, what religious background we are, as a community we can come together and remember, said Eugene Stoudt, a churchgoer who attended the unity prayer. Faith leaders led the service with hymns and readings, offering a space for healing and reflection. Among them was Father Paul Zywan, pastor of the Triumph of the Holy Cross Parish. Just the level of raw emotions and the spectrum of feeling towards the tragedyand just the impact of what the community lives with every day, Zywan said, describing the atmosphere during the service. Regina Behary shared how her family was connected to one of the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Quinn went to high school with my son-in-law, Behary said. They said he was a stand-up guy. Each person at the service lit a candle and dropped a prayer card into a basketsymbolic acts meant to honor the victims and offer hope for a town still reeling. Our community of Clairton cares a great deal about the people, said Russell Behary, another attendee. Faith leaders also took time during the service to recognize the heroism of first responders, who rescued and aided many after the explosion. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW AMITY, Ark. A Clark County man was sentenced to 90 years in prison for possession of child pornography, which also included AI-generated images that depicted real people in the community. Ethan Tanner Fagan, 33, pleaded guilty following his conviction on 30 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material. The sentence includes 10 years plus a 15-year suspended imposition of sentence for the production of CSAM and six years for promoting obscene material. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders applauds removal of AI moratorium from Big Beautiful Bill Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Arkansas State Police, an investigation began on April 27, 2024, after authorities received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. During the investigation, special agents said child pornography and AI-generated images showing CSAM and other explicit material were found. ASP investigators said the AI-images depicted real children and adults from Clark County and surrounding communities. Investigators said it was also revealed that Fagan exchanged illegal images with a person in Ohio. This case highlights the evolving challenges law enforcement faces with technology. Our commitment is unwavering to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who exploit children, whether through traditional means or emerging tools like AI, said Arkansas State Police Sergeant Corwin Battle, Commander of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. How US adults are using AI, according to AP-NORC polling Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ASP officials said this marks the first time a conviction and sentencing were made involving the use of AI. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) With classes slated to start next week, another strike in the Evergreen School District could be looming. If classified workers and the district dont reach a deal this week, workers could walk and school could be cancelled next Tuesday if teachers dont cross the picket line. Evergreens paraeducators and bus drivers say they are preparing for what would be the first strike in their union chapters 57-year history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are not coming together on wages and some language items for a couple of our groups mostly our paraeducators and our bus drivers, said Union President Mindy Troffer-Copper. After negotiating since March, the workers are still fighting for better pay, benefits, and working conditions for its six classifications of employees. We have paras and other classifications working two or three jobs, trying to make it all work. And in this economy, we cant make it on the cost of living theyre offering us, Troffer-Cooper said. In its last offer last week, the school district says it presented raises for staff, extra pay, and benefits, and says theyve already reached some tentative agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the district said in part: These staff members are extremely valuable We are looking forward to coming to an agreement. Meanwhile, the union wants higher pay to keep up with living costs, guaranteed pay for all hours worked, protections to retain staff, better benefits, and a fair contract. If this sounds familiar, its because the Evergreen Teachers Union went on strike just two years ago, delaying the start of school. Troffer-Cooper is hoping theyll stand in solidarity again if her union strikes to make their message heard loud and clear. We want to go to work, but we need to be paid. We can no longer allow them to balance their budgets on our backs, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The workers union and district have a mediation session scheduled for Wednesday, with a strike vote set for Thursday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Clayton County Police Chief Kevin Roberts proposed a new ordinance to decriminalize possession of marijuana. Specifically, Roberts came before the Clayton County Board of Commissioners to propose decriminalizing possessing less than an ounce of marijuana. According to the police chief, he wants to provide alternatives to jail time for possession of less than an ounce. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The ordinance, as proposed, would only apply to cases with less than one ounce of marijuana, would not include jail time and would not affect your driving record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the ordinance is passed, it would classify the possession of less than an ounce of marijuana as an ordinance violation rather than a criminal offense and would allow the county to issue a $150 civil citation fine. TRENDING STORIES: Offenders would also be redirected to community resources for education and recovery, according to the text of the ordinance. During a presentation made in January, Roberts said only a few Georgia cities had ordinances making similar changes to county codes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he said at the time only Atlanta, Savannah, the City of South Fulton and Augusta had those ordinances, in the time since, Macon-Bibb County and Fulton County had passed similar measures. The City of Kennesaw is also considering such an ordinance, though the city council has not yet come to a decision. He confirmed that both the Solicitors Office and the Magistrate Court Judge, who were present in the meeting, endorse the ordinance. They also recognize that the county jail currently houses several individuals arrested for such minor offenses, according to the county. Roberts asked the commissioners to consider adopting the new ordinance at their next meeting. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Margie Huggins has spent her retirement tending her parents farm in Transylvania County, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. She grew up there, and has tried to give back to the land by planting native shrubs and flowers. Shes intensified her work since Hurricane Helene tore through the region almost one year ago, in hopes that it could mitigate future flooding. We had 12 feet of water in some of these pastures, Huggins said as she walked to the bank of the Little River behind her property. If we can understand how we need to take care of the water system, which also will benefit the animals and the creatures that live there, its only going to help us all. Helene brought extreme flooding and landslides to southern Appalachia, killing 108 people and causing $60 billion in damage in Western North Carolina alone. It also reshaped rivers and landscapes, littering them with everything from garbage and trees to cars and homes. The water inundated some of Huggins land but spared her house. Shes been working with biologists at the local nonprofit Conserving Carolina to replant the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in the spring, her careful work was disturbed by a crew sent to clean up the river abutting her property months after the storm. They brought in their big heavy equipment and started coming up Little River to remove debris, Huggins said. The workers, granted access to the river by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, simply arrived one day in March. Before Huggins knew what to do, they had driven through the river, leaving crushed mussels and a flattened riverbed in their wake and, she said, taking healthy trees with them. a man and a woman in a golf cart drive to the edge of a woodland river Its often that way with the sprawling, messy business of disaster cleanup. In the aftermath of hurricanes, wildfires, and the like, a nesting doll of contractors and subcontractors, officials at every level of government, and an alphabet soup of agencies are needed to clear debris and set things right. Local governments can tackle the job by hiring contractors, working with the state, and having the Federal Emergency Management Agency reimburse the costs. But counties usually hand the work over to the feds. In that case, FEMA coordinates the effort through federal agencies like the Army Corps and pays the firms they hire. The goal is quickly clearing roads, houses, and waterways of everything from windblown branches to the wreckage of homes washed away by the inundation. The scope of this work encompasses anything the agency deems in the public interest, a potential hazard, and directly related to a declared disaster. Cleanup on private land can operate through a similar system or be left to homeowners. Because contractors are paid by the weight of waste removed or by the linear foot of ground covered, there can be a struggle to balance expediency and ecological care. Compounding the challenge, there is little oversight. The Army Corps of Engineers is supposed to coordinate with wildlife agencies, but government scientists who spoke with Grist say the Corps failed to do so after Helene, and they worry its too late to reverse the resulting damage. There is a staggering amount of stuff to remove from the regions waterways some 7.3 million cubic yards of trees, limbs, and other detritus, by one estimate. Thats enough to load 609,000 dump trucks. No one denies the need to clean up, but the process has sparked arguments about what constitutes debris, what ought to be cleared, and what might be better left alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveying the stumps and erosion the crew left behind, Huggins wondered if there was a better way. Im all for doing what we need to to help humans, she said, but we have to balance it. Transylvania County was spared the worst of Helenes wrath. Nonetheless, the Army Corps earmarked some $66 million for debris removal there. All told, contractors throughout North Carolina had removed 12 million cubic yards of material from roads and waterways by the end of May, with more costly work ahead. As of the end of July, Governor Josh Steins request for Washington to provide $11 billion in additional aid had gone unanswered, even as the state has granted an additional $2 billion in cleanup funds. Federal emergency dollars have reimbursed just 6 percent of the cost of the disaster, estimated at $60 billion. Before any dig-out starts, FEMA consults environmental entities like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agencies to identify sensitive habitats. Scientists evaluate an ecosystem before, during, and after debris removal to ensure endangered species and historically significant sites are protected. But this process depends on the cooperation of the Army Corps and contractors and the scientists can only offer guidance, not stop work. When the dust settles and they have identified and tracked their impacts, we kind of just come behind and check their work, said Gary Peeples, a biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Service. Even when people like Hans Lohmeyer, a biologist with Conserving Carolina, try to help, theyre often rebuffed. He said the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission sent the Corps a list of best practices and maps of high-quality habitat throughout the region, to no apparent avail. He showed Grist photographs of riverbanks littered with crushed elktoe mussels, which are endangered, and stumps of what he said were healthy trees. two people in wet suits pick up mussels laid out on a table or bench. Many have broken shells. Others who work for state environmental agencies and requested anonymity for fear of reprisal shared similar photos. They just wrecked it, one state government scientist said of a stream in Mitchell County. They nuked it. He added that we have documented way, way, way too many instances in which contractors, paid by the volume of material they remove, felled live trees from locations that were not impacted by the flood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nathan Turpin, who was part of a debris removal crew working in Mitchell County, was so disgusted by what he saw while working 12-hour days that he quit. Its disheartening to see, Turpin said. I was there to help my community. Although he hoped the job would help him weather tough times, he felt he couldnt stay. Ultimately I walked away, he said. Its not something I want to be a part of. Bobby Petty, a spokesperson for the Army Corps, told Grist the agencies working in the region are coordinating with one another to ensure they dont threaten wildlife, and he defended the contractors efforts. Leaving large-scale treefall or otherwise compromised trees in populated or wildfire-prone areas is a recipe for disaster, he said in an email to Grist. Western North Carolina creeks and rivers serve as natural firebreaks. Tree removal may seem haphazard to some folks, but its not and the debris left behind by a once-in-2,000-year flood event like Hurricane Helene is considerable! One of the Corps primary contractors for Helene cleanup is AshBritt. The Florida-based company has been awarded $1.3 billion this year, with hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts for Helene-related work in multiple counties. It received $6.2 million in Transylvania County, for example, and $121 million for private property debris removal in Buncombe County, where the city of Asheville is located. Neither the company nor the Army Corps responded to a request for information on how much AshBritt received for every ton of debris removed, but it netted $210 per ton cleaning up after devastating floods in Kentucky. AshBritt, which has contributed millions to Republicans and Democrats alike over the years, employs subcontractors, which often are not from the communities theyre sent into. Brian Thomason, the companys president of disaster response, insisted that AshBritt and the firms it hires protect sensitive habitats singled out by FEMA. He said the company and its subcontractors follow Army Corps guidance when prioritizing locations and removing debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the company has a spotty record. AshBritt worked in eastern Kentucky after the 2022 flood, and a Louisville Public Media investigation found its subcontractors removed peoples personal belongings in the rush to finish the job. After wildfires in Santa Rosa, California, in 2018, homeowners accused the company of removing excessive soil and ground cover, damaging homes, septic systems, and roads. Frustrations with AshBritt and accusations of inflated pricing from local debris contractors date to hurricanes Sandy and Katrina. More from this series Grist followed up with Thomason, seeking comment on these reports, but received no response. FEMA declined an interview request, but in a statement, the agency insisted that any sensitive areas identified through environmental and historic assessments are respected and that any work, whether directed by state, local, or federal entities, must heed federal environmental law. Even when things go relatively smoothly, county officials can find the lack of communication frustrating. The county has not had a role in directing the contractors work, assessing regulatory compliance or how they go about their work because that falls to [the Army Corps], Transylvania County Manager Jamie Laughter said in an email. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huggins approached the cleanup workers when she saw them, hoping to convey her desire to work with them in a way that respected the landscape and landowners. Its not that there cant be debris removed, she said. Its that they needed to work with biologists and the available information about endangered and threatened wildlife. She wanted to see them work with a scalpel. It was just a shotgun approach Here we go. Were taking everything out. Even as Western North Carolina grapples with overzealous crews, Northern Michigan is struggling with the overwhelming quantity of debris left by an ice storm and questions about who will pay to clean it all up. It wasnt until almost four months after the storm, on July 22, that President Donald Trump declared a disaster and committed $50 million for recovery, which local governments and nonprofits must now apply for. When the once-in-a-generation storm hit Michigan in March, Ryan Philipp rushed to help. He owns PineCo, a mulching and chipping operation that sells wood chips to the lawn product company Scotts Miracle-Gro. As communities around Northern Michigan began digging out, Philipp started grinding downed limbs and such for free. It isnt cheap the big machines burn 63 gallons of fuel an hour but he figured the government would cover the cost eventually. We continued that for about three months, working seven days a week from sun up to sun down. And then enough was kind of enough, he said. According to Philipp, the company has sunk close to $400,000 into the effort. It has sold some of its chipped wood to a local biomass energy producer, but not enough to recover its labor costs and other expenses. The lack of county or state assistance and the painfully slow federal response has PineCo, and other operations, holding the bill. A gigantic pile of chopped wood and felled trees The crippling freeze walloped Northern Michigan. Trees and power lines snapped under the weight of more than an inch of ice, knocking out electricity for days, even weeks. It closed roads and damaged homes, but the regions vast forests took the brunt of it, with damage spread over more than 900,000 acres of state forest alone. It was complete destruction in many, many places, said Brian Weir, an environmental quality analyst with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for 12 counties (later increased to 13) and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. That enabled state teams to begin digging out with help from the Michigan National Guard. The Department of Natural Resources led the effort on state land, working at max capacity, Weir said. They had crews out cutting trees. There were private contractors out cutting trees. It was a massive undertaking. Local agencies, along with teams with the natural resources and transportation departments, focused on roads and public areas, leaving downed trees and tangles of limbs in remote stretches of forest untouched. Since it is all natural debris, it will decompose over time and benefit soil fertility for other plants and trees, Kerry Heckman, a spokesperson with the Department of Natural Resources, said in an email. Local, county, and tribal officials are largely responsible for coordinating cleanup efforts and hiring contractors on roads and public areas like right-of-ways. But many have struggled, given the scale of the task. Theres such a sheer volume of debris, and nobody wants to take responsibility for it, Jon Deming, emergency manager for hard-hit Otsego County, said. Whitmer requested a presidential emergency declaration after meeting with Trump in April. It went unanswered for months and was denied in June, although FEMA workers did come through in April to assess the situation. State and federal authorities estimate the storm caused $137 million in damage. Whitmer sought a major disaster declaration from Trump in May, which led to his releasing funds in July. State legislation authorizing $100 million in assistance has stalled in a Senate committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The political uncertainty left everyone scrambling to pay the bills or in some cases, opting out of doing anything further. We dont have the money to do that type of debris management, Otsego Countys Deming said. Compounding the challenge is coordinating the volunteers, contractors, and disposal sites needed to set things right. Trying to manage that is just a plain nightmare, Deming said. And then theres the wood. So much wood. Several counties sold as much as they could to NorthStar Clean Energy, which burns biomass at its two Northern Michigan plants to generate electricity. But one of the facilities now has more than it can handle and stopped accepting deliveries in June. The timber and lumber industries couldnt absorb the surplus, either. Simply put, there is no debris plan for this much debris, Deming said. As if that werent enough of a hassle, state law prohibits sending organic debris to landfills, so officials must figure out different ways to dispose of it. All this wood has to go somewhere, Weir said. There has been change; a 2022 tornado near the city of Gaylord produced woody debris contaminated by household waste, which they excluded from debris drop-off sites this time around. And in other parts of Michigan, organizations are also trying to better plan for debris; the state recently highlighted two entities in southeast Michigan working to establish a regional debris management plan. For now, in Northern Michigan, much debris remains piled high in lots and yards or scattered across forests where, some worry, it could fuel fires or help spread diseases and pests. a man and woman feed giant piles of wood into a drop off area Philipp would like to help, but just cant afford it any longer. We havent received a penny from anybody to make up for the gap, he said. When PineCo agreed to grind debris, it expected to take a couple hundred loads of wood. Were at almost 600 right now, Philipp said in mid-July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant take in 20 loads a day of material and process it and have nowhere to go with it, and then go further in debt, he said. Thats a bad business model. Back in Transylvania County, North Carolina, Margie Huggins did manage to reduce the impact of debris removal. She did this mostly by running out to speak with contractors as they set to work. Its not that anybodys saying, Oh my gosh, you couldnt come and do some work that was needed in the river. It just needed to be balanced and with care for everything in the river that needs to be protected, Huggins said. Scientists and conservationists like Hans Lohmeyer, the biologist at Conserving Carolina, have done their best to support her and other landowners, attending meetings to talk with politicians like Representative Chuck Edwards to find solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lohmeyer also has seen a marked difference in the counties where local officials led the way, and in cases where contractors were paid by distance traveled rather than weight removed which hints at how debris removal might be reformed. He and Huggins hope their experiences can help other communities make informed choices, though it may be too late for many Western North Carolina rivers and creeks, which need more time than the debris removal business might allow. Efficiency is, unfortunately, not always a friend of the environment, Lohmeyer said. Just a little more time might have helped. This story was originally published by Grist with the headline Clearing debris after a storm is big business. For some communities, its also a burden. on Aug 19, 2025. CNNs chief data analyst Harry Enten on Monday said Ukrainians have shown absolutely major shifts in their views toward Russias war on the country. Enten, in a segment that aired prior to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys White House talks with President Donald Trump and European leaders, tossed to a Gallup poll conducted in early July that found a majority of Ukrainians (69%) want a negotiated end to the war as soon as possible. Related: Gavin Newsom Is Talking Like Trump And It's Infuriating The Right Enten said that figure has gone through the roof since 2022 when, following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Gallup found that just 22% of Ukrainians wanted a negotiated end to the war as soon as possible (compared to 73% of those who looked to fight until a victory). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea that Ukraine is going to achieve complete victory, that idea has collapsed within Ukrainian society, declared Enten in a segment with CNNs John Berman. He noted that a negotiated end to the war ASAP is a bit more nuanced as Ukrainians dont want to agree to all of Russias demands. Related: Ukraines Hopes Rest On Appealing To Trumps Dealmaking Instincts But I think the idea of even there being some territory that would be not formally recognized as being given, that Russia could in fact stay in. That does have majority support, but the idea of formal recognition of Russias demands? Absolutely not, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of Mondays peace talks, Zelenskyy issued a statement emphasizing that the Ukrainian constitution makes it impossible to give up territory or trade land, signaling his opposition to ceding territory to Russia. Trump in a post to his Truth Social platform on Sunday argued that Zelenskyy could end the war almost immediately, putting pressure on him to give up the illegally-annexed Crimea to Russia and agree not to join NATO. Later in the segment, Enten turned to Gallup polling showing that 68% of Ukrainians indicated that the country will be unlikely for the war to end in a year compared to 25% of those that think otherwise. Theres also been a drop in the number of Ukrainians who have indicated that they would like to join NATO in the next 10 years (32% now compared to 64% in 2022), per Gallup. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Online e-commerce giant Amazon is facing a collective lawsuit from the Association of Consumer Support Organisations (ACSO) over alleged price-parity policy violations affecting 45 million consumers in the UK. The claim was filed with the UK's Competition Appeal Tribunal on 14 August 2025. ACSO, a UK body dedicated to consumer rights, alleges that from August 2019 to August 2025, customers who bought items from third-party sellers on Amazon's platform were overcharged due to the company's price-parity policies. The group contends that Amazon's price parity policies restrict third-party sellers from setting lower prices for their products on alternative online platforms. According to ACSO, this practice shields Amazon from competitive pricing with other e-commerce entities, resulting in increased costs for UK consumers. ACSO asserts these consumers may be entitled to reimbursement for the excess amounts paid. ACSO founder and executive director Matthew Maxwell-Scott stated: Millions of people in the UK make purchases on Amazon every day. Despite the companys assurances that it is above all else 'customer-obsessed', we consider there are strong grounds to argue that UK consumers have paid higher prices because of Amazon's pricing policies. ACSO is therefore bringing collective proceedings against Amazon to ensure that consumers can obtain redress for the considerable losses they have suffered. Collective actions such as these are an excellent way for consumers to exercise their rights and for anti-competitive corporate behaviour to be challenged. Amazon's pricing strategies have previously been scrutinised by competition authorities worldwide. The international law firm Stephenson Harwood, led by partner Genevieve Quierin, is representing ACSO. The legal team includes Tim Knight, Alex Athanasopoulos, Katelyn Iacono, Mikaela Hristova and Jay Kim. Genevieve Quierin stated: Amazon appears to have circumvented previous regulatory interventions targeting its pricing policies and is now implementing policies which we contend are anti-competitive, to the detriment of UK consumers. We are grateful that ACSO has instructed Stephenson Harwood, and we look forward to securing compensation for the millions of consumers who have been affected by Amazon's alleged anti-competitive conduct. Ben Lask KC, Luke Kelly and Jenn Lawrence of Monckton Chambers, along with The Brattle Group, have also been instructed by ACSO to support the collective proceedings. "Amazon faces lawsuit over alleged price-parity policy violations" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League, speaks at a news conference announcing the MI Home Program, which would ask the Michigan Legislature to provide $160 million annually in various grants and new funds in partnership with local leaders and home builders to address Michigan's housing crisis. Aug. 19, 2025 | Photo by Ben Solis/Michigan Advance Updated at 10 p.m. A new approach to solving Michigans housing crisis was pitched on Tuesday, with a $160 million annual legislative funding request that supporters said would be a bold new strategy for new and rehabilitated attainable dwellings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dubbed the MI Home Program, the plan would leverage partnerships with local governments, developers and the Michigan Legislature with fewer barriers to boost housing construction and rehabilitation, supporters said at a news conference hosted Tuesday by the Michigan Municipal League. The goal was to also revamp local zoning rules to help accelerate new home builds across the state. The $160 million annual investment pitched at the news conference which would need legislative approval and is not yet a part of the states upcoming budget, which remains in limbo would span five years and could lead to the development of 10,000 housing units within reach for Michigan residents. Dan Gilmartin, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Municipal League, said the proposal addresses the need for attainable housing, which has grown to a topic of discussion all across the state. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here in Michigan, weve identified the need to put forward a statewide housing plan, made significant investments and changed policy to help each of these has been successful, Gilmartin said. But we must continue to work together if more progress is to be made. Gilmartin said the proposal includes four targeted programs that would fund updates to zoning regulations, provide grants to fill finance gaps on a short-term basis, create a revolving loan fund to address long term gaps, and ongoing funding for the employer assisted housing fund. Eligible properties would include single use unit houses, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, town homes, row houses, condos in a complex, condos in a community, dwelling units in a mixed use structure and modular homes, Gilmartin said. Under the plan, properties that would be awarded grants would be sold or rented to individuals who have an annual income of not more than 120% of an areas median income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also ensures the property stays attainable for no less than 10 years, Gilmartin added. The readiness incentive grants would need an investment of $5 million, while base level home grants would need an investment of $95 million in the first two years of the plan, increasing to a $145 million investment in years three through five. Those latter grants would fill the gap when building or rehabbing homes. The revolving home fund would need a $50 million investment in the first two years that can be layered with grant dollars to address other gaps. The employer-assisted housing fund would need $10 million annually to continue operation, all with the aim of matching employer investments toward workers securing housing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from Gilmartin and other members of the Michigan Municipal League, the news conference also featured state representatives including Republican Mark Tisdel of Rochester and Democrats Samatha Steckloff of Farmington Hills and Amos ONeal of Saginaw, respectively. This is a housing development strategy that chooses partnership over preemption, Steckloff said. Its about empowering local decision makers to meet the unique housing needs of their communities and ensuring they have the resources and flexibility to get the job done. Brian Farkas, director of workforce housing with Allen Edwin Homes, said the plan was about building more homes and building them the right way, in partnership with communities. By aligning resources, incentives, and local leadership, we can continue to work to address todays housing needs and set the stage for long-term economic vitality across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if Democrats and Republicans in the Michigan Legislature, who have shown a clear unwillingness to get a budget down quickly in a new era of divided government, could guarantee that the funding proposal would pass in a fractured environment, Gilmartin said nothing is guaranteed in Lansing. Tisdel added that the money would only be awarded after communities have engaged in the type of zoning and code ordinance overhauls that the proposal calls for. The governor has rightly told us several times how many hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars weve spent over the last several years in generating more housing, Tisdel said. This is a relatively small portion of that. Its not up front money. This is money after results. This story was updated to clarify that the project would be an annual request spanning 5 years. SILVER BAY, Minnesota (WJW) The U.S. Coast Guard rescued four young girls who were stranded on a rock on Lake Superior over the weekend. Deputies with the Lake County Sheriffs Office in Minnesota responded to an emergency call near Black Beach in Silver Bay just after 8 p.m. on Saturday. The caller told 911 that their daughters ages 8, 10, 13 and 14 were paddle boarding to a small rock island on Lake Superior when they lost their paddles, leaving them stranded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WATCH: Firefighters save baby trapped in basement during Twinsburg house fire Due to hazardous conditions on the lake, law enforcement called the U.S. Coast Guard to help with the rescue by helicopter. In the meantime, Lake County Rescue used a rope relay from the larger island to send them blankets and food as they were only wearing swimsuits and concerns were growing of them getting cold, the sheriffs office said. Drifted far, quick: Family speaks after brothers go missing in Lake Erie, search halted for 2nd day Around 1 a.m., the Coast Guard arrived with an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter. Crews then successfully hoisted the four girls from the rock and brought them back to EMS personnel and their parents on shore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This successful rescue highlights the critical importance of interagency coordination and the rapid response capabilities of the U.S. Coast Guard, Lt. j.g. Patrick Grissler, Aircraft Commander, said in a press release. We are grateful for the collaboration with Lake County and are pleased to have safely assisted these individuals. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. As a junior doctor in her mid-thirties, working an average of 80 hours a week while raising young children, Cathy Wield found herself both burnt out and attempting to deal with suppressed childhood trauma. As a child, my parents lived overseas, and I was sent away to boarding school from the age of nine, recalls Wield, now 65. I hated it, and managed to bury the memories of what was a very difficult and traumatic time for me. But when my eldest child won a place at the Royal Ballet School, it meant she would be boarding. I was already exhausted and memories from my childhood started to surface. Feeling she was in the midst of an emotional crisis, Wield booked a GP appointment. Little did she know that this would precipitate a cascade of dozens of prescription medicines for more than two decades, and as detailed in a memoir, Unshackled Mind, it would ultimately leave her with permanent thyroid and nerve damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It began initially with a simple antidepressant. But this pill led to suicidal ideations a known risk in some people who take SSRI medications and following a spell in hospital, Wield found herself being prescribed dozens of drug cocktails at a time, from antidepressants to antipsychotics and sleeping pills. Her prescription records reveal that over a seven year period, she was prescribed 33 different psychiatric medications. Wield first booked a GP appointment after feeling burnt out whilst working as a junior doctor and raising her young children (pictured with her family) In the throes of side effects which left her barely able to function, Wield was in no position to question the treatment she was getting. I was a zombie, says Wield. The side effects were unbelievable. I lost my sexual function because of the drugs and just felt totally numb most of the time, but when I reported these symptoms, I was just told, Oh no, thats your depression. I experienced weight gain, constipation, a condition called postural hypertension which means dizziness when getting out of a chair. I had several head injuries as a result of that. But no doctor at any stage during these years looked and said, The problem is the drugs. It just never entered their heads. Wields case is a particularly acute example of the problems of polypharmacy, when people are prescribed more than five different medications at the same time. The issue has been highlighted through studies which have linked polypharmacy to a greater risk of hospitalisation, adverse drug reactions, falls, and reduced quality of life. In one paper, focusing on Liverpool University Hospital Foundation NHS Trust, adverse reactions to prescription medications were a cause of 16.5 per cent of all admissions, with researchers suggesting that the problem could be costing the NHS as much as 2 billion per year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have seen a significant increase in the number of treatments prescribed over the previous two decades, says Dula Alicehajic-Becic, a consultant NHS pharmacist. In England alone, more than one million people take 10 or more medications per day. So why does this happen? The risks of taking too many pills Wield says that all the years of medication have left her with a permanently damaged thyroid due to treatment with lithium, a drug commonly prescribed for mood disorders, as well as small fibre neuropathy, chronic damage to the small nerve fibres which branch out from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. She says that it manifests as a painful, burning sensation in her feet. My feet burn if theyre warmed, she says. So through the hot summer I have to put them in bowls of cold water, and I have to use ice slippers during the night which I keep in a freezer near the bed. According to NHS psychiatrist Dr Louise Bundock, who works at the UKs only drug deprescribing clinic, helping stop medications they no longer need, adverse effects relating to mental health medications that mimic psychiatric symptoms are often perceived as the patients condition worsening, prompting the prescribing of yet more drugs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the worst cases they end up on multiple medications with multiple new psychiatric diagnoses, sometimes being admitted to a psychiatric hospital, and significant effects on their ability to function in all areas of their life, losing jobs, losing relationships and unable to take part in life in the way they did previously, says Bundock. Often the individual themselves believe that they have become very mentally unwell, sometimes for decades. Wield, pictured in her younger years, says she lost her sexual function because of the drugs and experienced weight gain and constipation amongst other side effects - Chris Watt Polypharmacy has also been identified as a specific risk in older adults over the age of 65. While more than half of people in this age group have at least two medical conditions meaning medicines are necessary, too many pills can increase risk of dizziness, sudden drops in blood pressure when a person stands up, and confusion, which can all lead to falls and fractures. According to Deborah Gompertz, a GP and deputy honorary secretary of the British Geriatrics Society, the balance can be delicate as older people metabolise medications less well, as their kidneys and liver may be less adept at excreting them, meaning they can be more affected by certain drugs. We want to optimise the treatment of their long-term conditions, keeping them safe, and helping them to live independently in the community, while still minimising risk of falls, hospitalisation, and potentially death, she says. How many prescription pills is too many? Researchers and clinicians are keen to emphasise that in many cases, a drug cocktail is both appropriate and necessary. For example, the recommended treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder is a triple therapy of three inhaled medications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there are some classes of prescription pills which carry greater risks, such as sedatives and anticholinergic drugs, particularly when people are taking more than five medicines. Anticholinergics can be prescribed for everything from overactive bladder to managing symptoms of Parkinsons disease. The higher the anticholinergic burden, the more at risk you are from a fall or confusion, says Gompertz. For people taking psychiatric medications, Bundock says it is also key to be aware that symptoms such as increased anxiety, worsening low mood, obsessive and compulsive behaviours, suicidal thoughts and even hallucinations can actually be side effects of mental health medications such as antidepressants or sleeping tablets. Why is overprescribing happening? The good news is that overprescribing has been recognised nationally as a problem, but the reasons for it are multi-faceted and complex. Alicehajic-Becic suggests that some clinicians may overestimate the benefits and underestimate the risks of certain medications, while the increasing prevalence of over 65s with multiple health conditions can make it difficult for doctors to strike the balance of trying to manage chronic illnesses while keeping medication load manageable. Gompertz points out that some patients question why a doctor is removing one of their medications or reluctant to prescribe them an additional pill, often assuming that it is due to cost saving rather than concerns of side effects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alicehajic-Becic says that the issue can also occur because older people with more than one health condition can be seeing multiple consultants. Health records are also not uniformly shared, hence information pertinent to a new prescription may not be available in real time, she says. Payments are also given to providers to achieve a certain target, such as cholesterol lowering, which incentivises prescribing. However when it comes to mental health, Wield feels that doctors need to stop being so quick to medicalise what she describes as normal distress. When I look back to that first time when I sought help from the GP, I just needed time to recuperate, she says. I was overwhelmed, overtired and I just needed support, and I wanted to talk to somebody. If Id had simple talking therapy, I think I would have been fine. Instead, its cost the NHS a huge amount of money and resources, and personally impacted myself, my family, and my career. What can you do? Gompertz says that anyone taking multiple medications should be having a structured medicine review at least every six to 12 months, but in some cases, for example medicines like blood thinners, a review should be carried out on a three monthly basis. Its something that adult children with an elderly parent can be aware of, she says. If you notice that your mum and dad have got a build-up of their medication at home, it could be an idea to talk to whoevers prescribing those medications for your parents. And if the person themselves feels theyre getting side effects or not tolerating them, its important to have that conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When it comes to psychiatric medications, Bundock advises people to be aware of the possible side effects listed in the accompanying leaflets in the medication box, provided by the drug company. For people who have been on a number of these drugs for a period of time, it is also important not to stop them too abruptly. The longer someone has been on a mental health medication, the more important it becomes for it to be stopped slowly, she says. Because there is the possibility of injury to the nervous system from these medications being stopped too fast. Wield has now been mostly medication-free since 2018. These days she only takes three pills a hypertension drug, a hayfever tablet and thyroid hormone replacement drug called levothyroxine. But decades of inappropriate polypharmacy have had a lasting impact on her life. Im very fortunate that my husband stuck with me, because it was very, very difficult for our children growing up to have their mother in that state. And with my career, I did manage to return to work and become a specialist in emergency medicine, but I was not able to complete my training and progress to become a consultant. So its had a huge impact on us financially as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite her experience, Wield says shes not interested in blaming any individuals for what happened to her, but she is determined to keep raising awareness to try and drive greater systemic change. Its driven me to become an activist to try and stop this happening to anybody else, she says. I really do think the prescribing system and doctors training needs to be addressed so that this doesnt happen to other people. 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. Arkansas-born coffee company 7 Brew is headed to the Twin Cities with hopes to open more than 60 locations by 2030. The drive-thru-only chain, founded in 2017, is best known for its original coffee blends, but also serves energy drinks, smoothies, teas, customizable sodas and other drinks. In announcing the Minnesota expansion, 7 Brew said four locations will open in the Twin Cities soon with grand openings expected later this year and into 2026. Drive-thru chain 7 Brew Coffee is brewing up a major Minnesota expansion. Photo courtesy of 7 Brew. Those locations are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 155th St. West & Pilot Knob Rd., Apple Valley 935 County Rd. E., Vadnais Heights 17475 State Hwy. 7, Minnetonka 2982 White Bear Ave., Maplewood Kentucky-based Glow Brands, the leading franchisee of Planet Fitness and 7 Brew, is behind the company's Minnesota expansion via Twin Cities franchisee Kueber Coffee Minnesota LLC. In a statement, Rick Kueber, chief executive officer of Kueber Coffee Minnesota, said 7 Brew's rapid growth across the country is tied to the "energy and investment" the chain brings to communities. "Were extremely confident the Twin Cities are home to a large and growing community of current and future 7 Brew fans," Kueber said. Drive-thru chain 7 Brew Coffee is brewing up a major Minnesota expansion. Photo courtesy of 7 Brew. Each 7 Brew "stand" is 510-square-feet and features a drive-thru on each side, which the company says shortens wait times and promotes "superior customer service." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The chain isn't the only drive-through-only coffee company charting a Minnesota expansion. Nebraska-based Scooter's Coffee has also targeted the Twin Cities for major expansion in recent years. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the MN Lifestyle section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A coffee manufacturer is on a mission to bring affordable and sustainable coffee pods to American consumers, and one of its partners has its eye on manufacturing products in North America down the line. As detailed by Packaging World, Metropolis Coffee Co. has teamed up with Compostable Solutions and Jura-Tech to produce compostable espresso capsules compatible with Nespresso Original Line machines. The Chicago-based coffee roaster, which supplies its goods to restaurants, hotels, and other institutions, is thought to be the first in the U.S. to use fully compostable pods and lidding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The venture began five years ago when a hotel chain asked Metropolis president Tony Dreyfuss if his company could produce compostable Nespresso pods for its European operations. Back then, Nespresso was selling an estimated 14 billion capsules each year, according to The Guardian. Even though Nespresso pods relied on aluminum an infinitely recyclable material unlike the plastic found in most single-use pods experts suggested that enough Nespresso aluminum was ending up in landfills to produce the equivalent of 60 Statues of Liberty. Dreyfuss and Co. got right to work on the request. However, the team encountered logistical challenges, and it discovered that "the price was astronomical," per Packaging World. Yet Dreyfuss believed in the concept and suspected a compostable Nespresso capsule would do well in the North American market, including the U.S. The team purchased a four-lane filling/lidding machine from IMA and used Compostable Solutions as their capsule supplier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Metropolis uses Jura-Tech's three-layer adhesive lamination (made from paper, cellulose, or non-woven materials) for its Nespresso-compatible capsules' lidding. In the years since, Nespresso has become increasingly popular, and that could directly benefit the domestic market. While Compostable Solutions CEO Frank Schuster didn't provide details about the number of jobs that might be created or where they'd be, he told Packaging World that his team may begin manufacturing capsules in North America. North America lacks a recognized home compostability certification like Germany's DIN CERTCO and Austria's TUV. However, the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) offers third-party verification for companies making commercial compostability claims on their products and packaging. Metropolis' compostable pods have received its seal of approval, meaning consumers can drop their used pods at a commercial composting facility. This helps to reduce landfill waste and the generation of methane, a potent gas that traps heat in Earth's atmosphere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coffee roaster has also begun rolling out 10-packs of its commercially compostable pods at major retailers such as Target, Whole Foods, and Costco. They sell for $7 to $9. "It's been a wild ride," Dreyfuss told Packaging World. "... You want it to taste right and you want the mouth feel to be right, which is why we aim for two different sizes on the grind." "Also, working with compostable materials comes with its own set of challenges. Getting the seal to hold and to hold over time involves a lot of little details," he added. "... But we like where we're at, we're heavily invested into this, and we're committed to doing it right." 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. Those who have been diagnosed or are caring for someone with dementia may be able to find resources, information and a connection with others at the upcoming Cognitive Care Conference. The conference is set for Thursday, September 4 at the Oak Hill Baptist Church. Everyone is invited, and the conference is free. People may register in advance, but registration is not required. As event organizer Rebecca Ritchey explained, The main purpose of registration is because we would love to provide a tasty, homemade meal for them. Wed love to have enough food, and wed love to have enough chairs set up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, registration is not required to participate in the meal, she said. Speakers and information for the general public will take place between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with the complimentary dinner to be served at 5 p.m. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the conference will be offering continuing medical education specific to physicians and physician assistants, anyone who is accredited through the ACCME, Ritchey said. The conference is sponsored by Ritcheys organization, We Remember, while the 6 p.m. session is thanks to a collaboration between We Remember and the Lake Cumberland Chapter of the Christian Medical and Dental Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ritchey said the aim of the conference is to help those who are currently affected by dementia or memory loss as well as provide information for those who feel they may be affected in the future. Were focusing on providing encouragement to anyone who is dealing with the distress of confusion with memory loss or dementia in any way, she said. Were hoping to speak encouragement and life into situations of despair, and remove some of the isolation by increasing discussion in the community about cognitive decline. Among the days speakers is Dr. C. Ben Mitchell, a Christian bioethicist, Ritchey said. He writes and studies extensively on meeting in the place between what science can do and the decision making about what we want to consider in regards to whats most life-giving, she said. Hes trained in pastoral care, and specifically in dementia care and ethics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another speaker, Scott Collins, is a lawyer who focuses on the area of elder care law, she said. Well be sharing discussions with real-life examples of conversations and invitations for people who are working through some of the moral distress of caregiving and some of the solutions that have been found. The evening session will feather Dr. Robert Cranston, who, Ritchey said, is specifically sharing about how medical care approaches dementia. Theres so many advances in medical, and theres also so much suffering involved with dementia, so sometimes theres confusion about where is the place to relieve the suffering, and where is the place to promote health in life. Hell be sharing from a medical/clinical perspective as well as a bioethical perspective. Other guest speakers will be available, and musicians will preform between sessions. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day, Ritchey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ritchey said that caregivers are welcome to bring the person they are caring for to the event. Please do, she said. This is something in which were seeking to increase the conversation, including people who are struggling with cognitive loss. Theres actually a vast number of people in our everyday lives that we dont know have cognitive decline who would benefit from hearing this. Its for them. Its for caregivers. Its for people who have no one they know with memory loss, because we just believe that this is an issue that affects so many people in Kentucky and in our region, that were just seeking to have a collaboration, specifically for people who are struggling with cognitive decline. We hope to make it a welcoming environment thats sensory-friendly and a safe place for them. While this is the first year for this event, Ritchey said that the organization We Remember started around the year 2000. My husband is a physician, and Im a physician assistant, she said. And we were caring for my mom (who had) dementia in our home, and were feeling quite a bit of hopelessness and despair, and feeling very overwhelmed. As we cared for my mom which her dementia lasted for 18 years we learned that some of those lemons that were being given to us in life were gifts to better understand the needs in our community. And so we started the nonprofit out of our desire to increase awareness and discussion and collaboration of resources for Pulaski County and the surrounding communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said that We Remember strives to provide commissionings for people who are living with memory loss and those who are caring for them. Similar to commissions found in the military or in church organizations, these commissionings acknowledge the hard work that is being done in hidden places, she said. The group visits people in their homes, and invites whoever that person wants to be with them, whether its a caregiver or a pastor. We speak words of affirmation and encouragement, and acknowledge the work that theyre doing, she said. We pray over them and invite pastors that theyre acquainted with to pray over them as well. For more information or to register for the conference, visit www.weremembernonprofit.org. Mounting evidence shows that gas stoves used in nearly 40% of U.S. homes pose serious health risks. Now, Coloradans have a new tool to learn about the dangers of cooking with little blue flames. Gas stoves sold in the state will need a yellow health-warning label under a first-in-the-nation law that went into effect earlier this month. It's fair to warn people, especially if they have health impacts from [poor] air quality, to know what they're buying in advance, said state Sen. Cathy Kipp, a Democrat who cosponsored the legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like other gas-burning appliances and gasoline-burning cars, gas ranges spew noxious compounds such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Even off, they emit benzene, a potent carcinogen found in secondhand cigarette smoke; breathing in the fumes from gas ranges increases the risk of cancer, especially in kids. Children in homes with gas stoves are also estimated to be 42% more likely to develop asthma. We know that this information has not been reaching the public at the point of sale, said Kirsten Schatz, public advocate at the nonprofit CoPIRG Foundation. Since the 1970s, fossil-fuel companies have cited industry-backed research and hired scientists to discount evidence that gas stoves cause harm, according to an investigation by NPR. In 2024, the U.S. gas-stove market was estimated at $3.8 billion. In a 2022 survey of retail stores in 10 states, public advocacy group U.S. PIRG, affiliated with CoPIRG, found that most salespeople said they were unaware of the health risks of gas stoves. Manufacturers have thrown up a hurdle to the new rules; they've asked the federal district court in Colorado to freeze the laws enforcement. Violators would normally face an up to $20,000 fine, but on Wednesday, the states attorney general agreed not to enforce the rules until the court reaches a decision, according to Abe Scarr, energy and utilities program director at PIRG. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though Colorado is the first state to mandate warning labels, Massachusetts and New York could be next. Last year, proposals in Illinois and California both failed, though the Golden State got close; ultimately, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed the bill. Colorados new requirements follow other policies from building ordinances to performance standards to air-quality regulations adopted at state and municipal levels to rein in the sale of gas equipment. More than 70 local governments are ensuring gas appliances arent installed in most new buildings by requiring new construction to be all-electric. In July, New York became the first state to codify such rules. Under Colorados law, gas-stove warning labels need to bear the phrase, Understand the air quality implications of having an indoor gas stove. The stickers will have a URL link or QR code that directs curious consumers to a state webpage. Colorado requires that the site, created and maintained by its Department of Public Health and Environment, provides credible, evidence-based information on the health impacts of gas-fueled stoves. The warnings only need to be displayed on floor models or the website on which theyre being sold, Kipp said. We made it really simple for manufacturers to comply, she added, but still, they just don't want to do it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a federal lawsuit filed Aug. 5, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers alleges that Colorado is compelling its members to endorse a warning label that directs consumers to non-consensus, scientifically controversial, and factually misleading information. In doing so, the industry group continues, the state is violating its members First Amendment rights to be free from ... unconstitutional compelled speech. The lawsuit is frivolous, Kipp said. It's well within the authority of our Colorado legislature to pass laws that implement consumer protections. While appliance makers are portraying the science as unsettled, thats not true, Kipp said. Several nonpartisan nonprofit organizations recognize the large body of peer-reviewed research on gas-stove pollution and have voiced support for warning labels, Schatz said, including the American Public Health Association, American Lung Association, American Medical Association, and American Thoracic Society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The parties to the lawsuit are asking for a hearing to be scheduled in early November, Scarr said. Theyve also agreed to a deposition sworn testimony outside the courtroom of any witness whom appliance manufacturers rely on to make their case. "This litigation is set to become a battle of the experts regarding the health impacts of gas stoves, Scarr said. Given the science, we're confident the state can win." (The Center Square) In July, unemployment in Colorado dropped slightly, while still holding its spot as the 10th highest nationally. After sitting for months at 4.8%, the highest it had been since September 2021, the jobless rate decreased slightly in both June and July. In July, the states unemployment rate dropped 0.2% to 4.5%. This is according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Currently the states unemployment rate remains higher than the national average of 4.2%, which is unusual for Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The number of unemployed individuals decreased by 7,200 to 148,100 from June to July, according to a report from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. That number has been consistently decreasing over the past few months, dropping by just 100 in May and 3,400 in June. The report wasnt all good news, though. In July, Colorados labor force decreased by 2,700 to 3.28 million. This means that the share of Coloradans participating in the labor force was 67.6%, or 0.1% lower than Junes. Still, Colorados labor force remains 5% higher than the national average of 62.2%. July also bucked recent trends of government jobs outpacing private sector jobs in the state. From June to July, private sector payroll jobs increased by 2,900, while the government gained just 800 jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Construction, trade, transportation and utilities saw the most job growth, while hospitality and educational and health services experienced the biggest losses. Still, in the past year the government saw the majority of the job growth. Since July 2024, the private sector has increased by 5,500 jobs, while the government added 10,900 jobs. In that time, Colorados rate of job growth was 0.6%, below the U.S. rate of 1%. Many conservative pundits on social media are expressing concern about these trends in Colorado. Colorado isnt creating jobs. Colorado is creating unemployment, has become the rallying cry for many. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike ODonnell is a Colorado-based small business advocate and nonprofit executive who recently wrote an op-ed on the topic for The Rocky Mountain Voice. He highlighted data that showed the number of unemployed Coloradans increased by 60.8% between January 2023 and June 2025. That ranked Colorado with the second-highest percentage increase in the nation and almost three times faster than the national average. Here in Colorado, the gross mismanagement of the economy combined with the regulatory burden now faced by businesses both big and small in the sixth most business-regulated state in the nation, according to the Colorado Chamber of Commerce is a big reason Colorado is doing so much worse economically than almost every other state, ODonnell wrote. On the flip side, Democrats are blaming Trump administration policies such as tariffs for the economic downturn in the state, even warning of a coming recession. Once again, President Trump is playing chicken with Americas economy, and the American people are the ones suffering, said Polis, as previously reported by The Center Square. This means higher costs on food, clothing, electronics and so much more. Essentially, placing a tax on Americans and everyday goods hurts our economy and creates uncertainty that is devastating investments and job growth in our country. I think the meeting was a 10 in the sense that we got along great. That was President Trumps rating with 10 being the highest possible score, in case you were wondering of his tete-a-tete with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday. Trump explained why he gave the meeting a perfect score: It's good when, you know, two big powers get along, especially when they're nuclear powers. Because Trump sat down with Foxs Sean Hannity, whose interview style with Trump can be described as hard-hitting only if a marshmallow dropping on a down pillow can also be described as hard-hitting. We didnt get much of a follow-up, never mind a simple, Why do you say that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump seems to think or wants people to think that all that stands between the world and a nuclear conflagration is his bromance with Putin. Thats preposterous and not worth dwelling on beyond that. My view is that its fine if our presidents get along with foreign leaders, but its really not that big a deal. Good relationships are better than bad ones, all else being equal. But their utility is determined pretty much entirely by what a president gets out of them or what they cost him. On a smaller scale, its the same principle as alliances, which are good if we get tangible benefits greater security, more trade, broader geopolitical influence, etc. But theres no reason to have an alliance just for the sake of having an alliance. In international affairs, friendships are means to an end, not an end in themselves. So, if being chummy with a vicious autocrat and war criminal, elevating him with his own people and undermining Western unity, is somehow beneficial for America, Im willing to hear the argument. But such chumminess also comes at an obvious cost. The only relevant question is whether the benefits outweigh the costs. Whats clear is that Putin benefits from his relationship with Trump. Putin wants to absorb Ukraine back into Russia in some kind of reconstituted Russian empire. This isnt conjecture or mind reading. Hes said as much countless times, including in June , even arguing that the Russian and Ukrainian people are one nation, in fact. In this sense, all of Ukraine is ours. He added , We have an old rule: Wherever a Russian soldier steps, it is ours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Putin cant have Ukraine all at once, hell take it piecemeal, which he has been doing since 2014, breaking countless agreements, treaties and ceasefires in the process. And if theres anything left that can be called Ukraine, he wants it to be a pliant vassal country like Belarus. All of these objectives require time, and thats what Donald Trump gave him in Alaska, once again. Days before the summit, Trump said there would be severe consequences if Putin didnt agree to an immediate ceasefire. After the summit, thats no longer a priority. To date, despite various intimations that Trumps patience with Putin was running out, Trump has put no new burdens of any kind on Putin, while he has repeatedly squeezed Ukraine to make a deal. The deal Putin reportedly offered in Anchorage, to a dismayingly receptive audience, was for Ukraine to give the Donbas in eastern Ukraine to the Russians, including portions Russia has not been able to conquer militarily. Trumps public response : President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight. Ceding this territory would not merely be unconstitutional and politically disastrous for Zelensky, it would be strategically ruinous because it would require handing over crucial defensive positions, making future aggression which, again, is inevitable easier for Putin. It would also mean condemning hundreds of thousands more Ukrainians to Russian oppression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Trumps favorite talking points is his claim that Putin would never have invaded Ukraine if Trump had been president in 2022. Putin endorsed this claim in their joint news conference Friday, to Trumps delight. The fact that Putin continues to savage Ukraine while Trump is president never seems to arouse much contemplation. Indeed, what does it say that his buddy has intensified the slaughter on Trumps watch? Trumps collegiality with Putin has gained us nothing tangible and cost the Ukrainians dearly. But Putins charm offensive with Trump has benefited Putin enormously. A peace that allows the Russian leader to regroup, rearm and replenish his economy, while granting him lands he couldnt take militarily, would lavishly reward Putins aggression. It would also make it easier for Putin to finish the job. And when he reinvades after Trump leaves office, Trump could simply say, yet again, He wouldnt have done it if I were president. X: @JonahDispatch If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Brief Florida DOT has ordered cities to remove street and crosswalk murals with political or social messages, calling them a "safety hazard." In St. Pete, community leaders formed a coalition to save murals celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and Black history. A petition has already gathered nearly 3,000 signatures, with city council set to discuss the issue next month. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has directed municipalities statewide to remove street murals it considers "social, political or ideological." The state agency said the art poses a distraction to drivers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In St. Petersburg, that includes two well-known ground murals: A rainbow-colored progressive crosswalk in the Grand Central District and the "Black History Matters" mural near the Woodson African American History Museum. RELATED: Future of two St. Pete street murals uncertain as leaders respond to new state, federal mandates The backstory Community groups said the murals arent a safety risk but rather symbols of inclusion. Rachel Covello, a St. Pete-based LGBTQ+ travel blogger, described the rainbow street mural as a welcoming sign for visitors. "This is somewhere where I feel like I belong," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Byron Green-Calisch, the president of St. Pete Pride, echoed that the murals serve as "visual cues of inclusion" for both residents and tourists. READ: St. Pete task force readies path to future aviation through electric air taxis The other side FDOT has warned cities it could withhold state funding if they do not comply. Some municipalities, like Boynton Beach, have already removed their murals. Others, such as Delray Beach, said they have no plans to do so. What's next In response, local leaders, business owners and activists formed the "Save Our Street Murals" committee. The group recently rallied outside City Hall and launched an online petition that has already drawn close to 3,000 signatures toward its goal of 5,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Petes city council is expected to formally discuss the issue next month. St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch has said he wants to see whether the state will allow exemptions before making a final decision. The Source This story is based on reporting from FOX 13s Jennifer Kveglis, with on-the-ground interviews from community leaders, activists and St. Pete Pride representatives. Top Shelf International has appointed administrators as the Australian distiller looks for a possible buyer. The publicly listed business has named McGrathNicol partners Rob Smith and Matthew Hutton as joint administrators. In a statement, Top Shelf said control of the business now rests with the administrators". The Ned whisky maker said the administrators "intend to continue to trade on a business as usual basis while options for a going concern sale or recapitalisation are explored. The news follows shareholder approval last week for a convertible note issue tied to a planned A$10m ($6.5m) capital raise, part of a July restructuring plan that also included a co-packing deal with Idyll Wine. In May, Idyll Wine completed the purchase of Top Shelf's Campbellfield production facility for A$8m. Shortly after the disposal, it was announced that CEO Trent Fraser would step down by the end of the year. The July restructuring update also highlighted a sales, distribution and marketing partnership with Amber Bev, aiming for a transition to third-party sales by August. Top Shelf also owns the Grainshaker vodka brands. Its shares have been suspended from trading since September due to the failure to file audited financial results for FY24. It is expected that the shares in Top Shelf will continue to be suspended until further notice, the group said, adding the administrators intend to shortly commence a sale and recapitalisation process for the company. In February, Top Shelf reported an underlying EBITDA loss of A$2m for its 2025 fiscal second quarter, a period that ended on 31 December. The A$10m capital raise was intended to fund the next steps of the business restructure and aimed for a relisting on the ASX by delivering its FY24 annual report by 30 September. "Australian distiller Top Shelf calls in administrators" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. At least some of Hamilton County's judges will not take part in a proposed meeting with the police, sheriff's office, prosecutor's office and probation office. The Hamilton County Association of Chiefs of Police called out "gaps in the judicial process" in a statement released Aug. 8. The statement said: "It is not enough to arrest violent offenders if they are swiftly released back into our neighborhoods due to lax bail practices or insufficient sentencing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The association said it planned to host a roundtable discussion with the judiciary, prosecutors and elected officials within the next 30 days. The Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas said in a statement Aug. 18 that neither its judges nor other representatives of the court will be participating. The statement said the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct advised the court on the issue. "The invitation to the judiciary on behalf of law enforcement to this particular meeting will likely implicate a judge's ethical obligations under the Code of Judicial Conduct." The court's statement said attending the meeting could risk creating the appearance of partiality in future matters, but added that the efforts from the chiefs association and others are "laudable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court said it welcomes public dialog and critique and remains dedicated to the "fair administration of justice for every member of our community." The chiefs association statement was the latest criticism of the judiciary during a summer that saw high profile crimes, including the man on supervised release from prison who is now accused of stabbing another man to death and a brawl in Downtown that got national attention. The criticism of the judges usually relates to specific cases, which means judges cannot comment or defend their decision. The public posts attacking their decisions have increased since 2020 when Democrat-endorsed judges won a number of seats in the county. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Common Pleas Court says judges won't attend meeting with police chiefs EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and other European leaders met with President Trump at the White House on Monday for talks about ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Jim Ludes, the executive director of the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy at Salve Regina University, joined 12 News at 4 for an in-depth look at the war and the role the United States plays in the conflict. Watch the full interview in the player above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: Zelenskyy, Trump express hope for trilateral talks with Putin to bring end to Russia-Ukraine war Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Community members in Hartford are heartbroken after four people, including two children, died in an overnight house fire. The fire happened just after 2:30 a.m. at 15 Shultas Place in Hartford. Five people were injured and four people have died. No foul play suspected in early morning Hartford fire Rev. Henry Brown, cofounder of Mothers United Against Violence, said he went to the scene of the fire to show support for the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why we came again just to let the family know that theres people in the community that really care about them, Brown said. Brown said he wants the community to come together now more than ever. The Red Cross is assisting the family members who were displaced by the fire. They sent News 8 the following statement about their involvement: Our hearts are with all those affected by the devastating fire on Shultas Place in Hartford. The Red Cross is providing immediate assistance to two families and remains committed to supporting the community during this difficult time. Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said this in a statement to News 8: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am heartbroken to share that earlier this morning, a devastating fire on Shultas Place claimed the lives of two adults and two children, Arulampalam said. On behalf of the city of Hartford, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those we lost. We are also keeping those who were injured and are being treated in the hospital in our thoughts, and we wish them strength and healing in the days ahead. Our entire community grieves with you in this moment of unimaginable pain. I want to thank the brave members of the Hartford Fire Department and Hartford Police Department who responded quickly and with courage in extremely dangerous conditions. Their efforts prevented further tragedy, and we are grateful for their service and sacrifice. Today, we mourn as a city. In the days ahead, we will continue to stand with the families affected and support our first responders who carry the weight of this tragedy as they return to serve our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The fire department said that at this point, there is no evidence of foul play. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Donald Trump has launched his latest attack on Americas elections, vowing to sign an executive order to end what he referred to as the corrupt practice of mail-in voting. You can never have a real democracy with mail-in ballots, Trump said during an Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday. Earlier in the day, the president also falsely stated on social media that the United States was the only Country in the World that uses Mail-In Voting. Following those remarks, Nicolle Wallace offered a fact-check of Trumps baseless claims about U.S. elections. After Wallace played a short clip of Trumps comments, she told viewers, Were going to just cut it right there, because all of that is completely false, noting that the United States is one of many countries that uses mail-in voting, including Canada, the U.K., Germany, Australia and Switzerland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Deadline: White House host also pointed out that the president himself has voted by mail in past elections. Wallace also took issue with Trumps repeated false claims about widespread voter fraud in U.S. elections, which she said he had zero evidence to back up. Wallace rebuked Trump for spending time during a high-stakes diplomacy meeting talking about one of his longest-standing and most dangerous, unfounded delusions that he didnt actually lose the 2020 presidential election. But Wallace didnt stop there, pointing out a major hole in the presidents plan to end mail-in voting by executive order. Another fact-check, she continued, Trump literally does not have the power to do any of this. According to the Constitution, the power to set the Times, places and manner of elections lies with the states, and only Congress has the ability to override state laws on voting. You can watch Wallaces fact-check in the clip at the top of the page. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Katerin felt her whole body flush when she opened her fall tuition bill from the University of Houston: It had nearly doubled to $7,900. The 24-year-old has lived in Texas since her parents brought her to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 2. Thanks to the 2001 Texas Dream Act, shes always qualified for in-state tuition as she worked toward a masters degree in social work. A federal court ruling swiftly gutted the law in June, ending the benefit for thousands of undocumented students. But Katerin is in the country legally, as a recipient of the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, which protects certain immigrants from deportation and allows them to work legally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students like Katerin, who asked that her last name not be used over concerns about a relatives undocumented status, should still qualify for in-state tuition, attorneys for Texas said in a court filing. But advocates say some Texas universities are misinterpreting the court ruling, leaving students like Katerin with confusing messages and sky-high tuition bills just as classes are about to begin. Advocates call it an urgent and widespread problem fueled by the lack of state guidance on how to implement the ruling. They worry hundreds of students are being sent incorrect tuition bills and will not have the time, guidance, resources or support to challenge them. As someone who was undocumented, I know there are some students who are going to be like, Im not even going to push this, said Julieta Garibay, co-founder of United We Dream, a national immigrant advocacy group. Im watching TV and there are people who are literally getting picked up in the middle of the street and getting deported to some other country, not their country of origin. Why am I going to make noise when something could happen to me? Two weeks after the courts ruling, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board instructed colleges to identify and reclassify students who are not lawfully present in the country as nonresidents for the fall semester. It offered no guidance on how institutions should determine lawful presence or what documentation to accept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the board did not answer questions from The Texas Tribune. Advocates say without clear guidance from the state, students ability to continue paying in-state tuition rates can hinge on where they attend college, not whether they qualify. What weve seen is a chaotic, haphazard and inconsistent implementation across the state with grave emotional consequences for students but more importantly, with dire consequences, said Barbara Hines, who helped write the Texas Dream Act 24 years ago and founded the immigration clinic at the University of Texas School of Law. Katerin, who is protected from deportation and legally allowed to work in the U.S., shows a copy of the email she received from the University of Houston notifying her of a tuition change based on her classification as non-resident. Credit: Hope Mora for The Texas Tribune Hines said the coordinating board should be doing more to help schools implement the ruling. At a minimum, she said, the agency should issue clear guidance that aligns with the Texas Department of Public Safetys categories of lawful presence, lists acceptable proof documents, and sets reasonable timelines for schools to process students paperwork. She also urged the agency to ensure that universities have trained staff to handle residency reclassifications and communicate accurate information to students. How schools are responding to the change To qualify for in-state tuition under the 2001 Texas Dream Act, students were required to sign an affidavit stating that they would apply for permanent U.S. residency as soon as they were eligible. In 2024, 18,593 Texas college students signed that affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tribune contacted the nine public colleges with the largest number of students who signed that affidavit to learn how they are implementing the courts ruling. Those schools were Dallas College, Houston Community College, Lone Star College, the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at Arlington, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Texas A&M was the only school that said it will accept the same documents the Texas Department of Public Safety uses to establish lawful presence for a Texas Real ID, which includes an employment authorization document for DACA recipients. The university said it will accept documents until Sept. 10, the fall census date when universities finalize residency status and enrollment counts. A coalition of immigrant rights and legal advocacy groups singled out UT-Austin for creating confusion about the ruling in communications with students. UT-Austin did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Members of the coalition shared with the Tribune messages UT-Austin sent students saying they had until July 24 to submit documents. One message incorrectly stated, due to a new Texas law effective June 2025, we now require proof of lawful immigration status. This was wrong in two ways: there was no new state law, only a federal court ruling, and the message substituted lawful immigration status for lawful presence, the term used in the courts ruling. That narrower category excludes people with DACA, temporary protected status and pending permanent U.S. residency applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garibay said UT-Austin is also directing students to a residency questionnaire that omits some current lawful presence categories. She said students in those groups are bumped out of the questionnaire and told to contact the enrollment office, where many get unclear or no answers. Garibay and other advocates told the Tribune they have accompanied some students to the enrollment office, where they were advised to pay the higher out-of-state tuition rate and seek reimbursement later, despite the process taking up to four weeks. The advocates called the advice unreasonable given the other time-sensitive financial decisions students must make at the beginning of the school year, such as whether to sign a lease for an apartment. Garibay also noted that even if UT-Austin students pay tuition in installments, the university requires students to pay the full amount by October. UT-Austin is not the only university where the coalition says students have encountered problems. The coalition said many colleges lack dedicated, trained staff to assist students with questions about the in-state tuition changes. Some have demanded students provide original documents or mistakenly told some noncitizens they could not enroll. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For many students, that means they have no passport or permanent resident card or other documents, and theyre without them for weeks, said Barbara Hines, former clinical professor of law and founder of the immigration clinic at the University of Texas School of Law. The coalition declined to name those schools, citing their responsiveness to the groups feedback and corrective actions. Katerin edits her schoolwork in her Houston office on Aug. 17, 2025. She works full-time as a case worker while also balancing a masters program in social work. Credit: Hope Mora for The Texas Tribune Of the schools the Tribune contacted, Houston Community College and UT-Arlington did not respond. Dallas College said it could not respond to questions by the Tribunes deadline. Lone Star College declined to answer questions. UT-Rio Grande Valley declined to answer questions, but reiterated a June statement that it aims to minimize disruption to students while following the law. UT-Dallas referred the Tribune to a website that on Monday noted staff were reviewing residency documents submitted between July 16-31. Hines, who helped write the Texas Dream Act 24 years ago, said the agency should have done more to help schools implement the ruling. She said it should have allowed them to grandfather in students who were relying on the Texas Dream Act to graduate from college. Alternatively, she said, the coordinating board could have delayed implementation until 2026 to give schools time to create orderly procedures and students time to understand the requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas House Democrats made a similar request in a letter earlier this summer, urging the coordinating board to create a temporary tuition category so affected students could continue paying the in-state tuition rate this fall. Commissioner Wynn Rosser rejected the idea, saying the agency did not have the authority to create new categories or to contradict the federal court order. Kristin Etter, director of policy and legal services at the Texas Immigration Law Council, thinks students could challenge the increases under a state law that bars universities from raising tuition after they have registered for classes. She said it is unclear whether it applies to residency reclassifications, though some schools appear to be interpreting that it does not. Fighting to prove she still qualified Katerin is one of six children and entered the DACA program when she was 16. She has never received financial aid or taken out loans, she said, instead paying for her education by working full-time at a nonprofit child placing agency that licenses foster homes and conducts monthly check-ins on the well-being of foster children. She earned an associate degree from Houston Community College, a bachelors degree from the University of Houston-Downtown, and was admitted to UHs Graduate College of Social Work last year. Her long-term goal is to become a social work professor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 22, UH emailed Katerin saying it had changed her status to nonresident because of the ruling. UH gave her until Aug. 8 to prove lawful presence. The message listed documents she could submit as evidence, including a work authorization card issued to DACA recipients. But didnt explicitly say DACA recipients still qualified for in-state tuition. The universitys online student portal created confusion, too. Her emails to the registrars office went unanswered. When she called, she was told to wait more than a week to see if she qualified for in-state tuition. DACA students don't qualify for federal aid, such as the Pell Grants that go to families making less than $50,000 a year. Frustrated by the lack of progress, Katerin reached out to one of her professors, who connected her with an immigrant rights group. With their guidance, she resubmitted documents showing she is a DACA recipient, along with a new Texas Dream Act affidavit the coordinating board had revised. On July 31, UH restored her in-state tuition, reducing her bill to $4,349.32. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I feel like if it wasn't for me moving, and if it wasn't for me speaking up, the university, they wouldn't care, Katerin said. In a statement, the University of Houston said it is complying with the court ruling, but did not answer questions about how the changes affect DACA recipients or how it is preventing misclassifications. Katerin, who hopes to one day become a social work professor, shows drawings from the children that she works with. After fighting the tuition hike, UH restored her in-state tuition, reducing her bill to $4,349.32. Credit: Hope Mora for The Texas Tribune She expects to graduate in the spring and has saved enough money in case DACA recipients lose in-state tuition eligibility before then, but she believes many students in her situation will be forced to take on debt or drop out if it does. The experience, she said, eroded the pride she once felt in being a UH cougar. Now, Im like, lets get through it. Lets graduate already, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Tribune partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. Disclosure: Houston Community College, JLone Star College, Texas A&M University, University of Houston, University of Texas - Arlington, University of Texas - Dallas, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley and University of Texas at Austin have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. More all-star speakers confirmed for The Texas Tribune Festival, Nov. 1315! This years lineup just got even more exciting with the addition of State Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo; former United States Attorney General Eric Holder; Abby Phillip, anchor of CNN NewsNight; Aaron Reitz, 2026 Republican candidate for Texas Attorney General; and State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin. Get your tickets today! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. While explaining some common misconceptions about the so-called Big, Beautiful Bill, Utahs 1st District Rep. Blake Moore said he thinks the legislation is a significant win for the American taxpayer. As a part of the Sutherland Institutes 2025 Congressional Series, Moore spoke Monday to a group of students at the University of Utahs Hinckley Institute of Politics. The congressman focused on the recently passed Big Beautiful Bill Act, clarifying what the legislation does and doesnt do. Moore spent time explaining certain provisions of the bill, such as the child tax credit and standard deduction, as well as its impact on Medicaid. Was the bill a win or a loss for Americans? Students ask questions during a Sutherland Institute congressional series event at the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News When addressing the debate over whether the tax bill is good or bad for the American people, Moore said When youre in the minority, you will use any moment to message against the majority, right, because your goal is to get back into the majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, theres a lot of messaging that goes on about this particular tax bill, he added. He highlighted a few specific provisions of the bill that he believes will benefit Americans, such as the child tax credit, standard deduction, no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, deducting interest from mortgages and deducting interest on American-made vehicles. The congressman also shared how the bill will help grow the economy. Putting pro-growth tax policy in a permanent basis is a significant win that companies and individuals can look and say, I know what my tax situation is going to be like, the congressman said. Moore added that this stability will help people be more confident in investing, and will make companies more confident in hiring additional people and focusing on research and development, which will in turn create more activity in the economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, I think its going to be a significant win, Moore said. Moore says bill benefits mostly middle and lower income Americans, not billionaires Rep. Blake Moore speaks during a Sutherland Institute congressional series event at the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News One thing that those opposed to the comprehensive tax and spending bill have repeatedly said is that it benefits billionaires and not the majority of Americans. Moore disputed that claim. The vast majority of the provisions of this tax bill go to benefit the middle or lower income Americans, the congressman said. He brought up the child tax credit and standard deduction, saying that those who have an income over a certain amount cannot take advantage of those provisions. He added that these two provisions make up more than half of the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There isnt a single billionaire that takes advantage of the standard deduction, they itemize their taxes, Moore said. Standard deduction is taken advantage of by middle and lower income Americans, and they do that because it simplifies, makes it easier. What about how the bill adds to the deficit? University of Utah student Tyler Wells asks Rep. Blake Moore a question during a Sutherland Institute congressional series event at the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News Moore was asked how the megabill adds to the national deficit, since the Utah congressman has previously argued that the deficit needs to be kept under control. How can Congressman Moore care about the deficit, then I just voted for a bill thats going to add $3 trillion to the deficit like, what gives? Moore said as he began to answer the question. The representative, who is a member of the Republican leadership team in the House, shared that when writing the bill, the budget committee worked to be very conscious of the deficit, and wanted to make the bill deficit-neutral at a minimum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that those who supported the legislation believe that they can grow the economy at a rate of 2.6%, which would offset the cost of reducing taxes in the comprehensive bill. Moore pointed out that in the most recent quarter, the economy was at a 3% growth rate, which is a good indicator. One quarter doesnt make an economy, but its good indicator, Moore said. Stock markets never been higher. Its at its record. Those are all good indicators. Im going to need to see six months of it though till Im fully comfortable knowing that were at least a 2.6% growth rate. Addressing the bills impact on Medicaid Moore also spoke about the impact of the bill on social programs such as Medicaid. Many people have been upset about the work requirements for Medicaid included in the legislation. Moore defended the change. Its 18 hours a week that were requiring you to work or volunteer or in a type of job training program, and it doesnt even require every month, its not even all 12 months, but youve got to be showing some positive progress towards some self reliability, Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore said work requirements are not for everyone on Medicaid, just for those who have no dependents and are able-bodied. Its still a very small portion of the population that fits in that able-bodied, no dependent situation that arent currently working, because most still are right, thats the good thing, Moore said. We just want to make sure that we keep that culture of work associated with our social programs. He explained that there are two populations of people within Medicaid. The traditional population which is pregnant women, children in poverty, low income elderly and people with disabilities. The expanded population is those of the working age who are making up to 138% of the poverty level, these people are largely uninsured. Our work requirements really only target the expanded population, saying, if youre 40 years old, you have no dependents, you gotta work, the congressman said. FIRST ON FOX: One Senate Republican has crafted a blueprint for how conservatives can take on Democrats in the courts and win. Before he was in Washington, D.C., Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo. served as Missouris attorney general during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. And during that time, he filed lawsuit after lawsuit challenging the Biden administration, Dr. Anthony Fauci and even going so far as to sue China. And more often than not, be it through uncovering discrepancies during the discovery process or winning multibillion-dollar settlements, Schmitt was mostly successful in challenging Democratic "lawfare." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Signals Readiness To Hit Russia With Hard Sanctions If Peace Deal Fails Senator Eric Schmitt during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 16, 2024. "The fact of the matter is, what our fights were, were about restoring individual liberty and pulling back the expanse of government," Schmitt told Fox News Digital in an interview. "What the Left is trying to do now with their lawfare machine was, number one, they're trying to put their opponents in jail, but then also to defend the expanse of government, to defend the administrative state. And I think if we have the right arguments, we can win." Schmitt detailed how to secure those winning arguments through his own experiences in his latest book "The Last Line of Defense: How to Beat the Left in Court." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hawley Opens Probe Into Meta After Reports Of Ai Romantic Exchanges With Minors In his new book, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., details how during his time as Missouri attorney general, he took on the Biden administration, and even China, in what would become a "playbook" for challenging the Left in court. He described the book as "a field manual from the front lines of the battles that were fought against the left-wing law machine." Indeed, Schmitt outlined a guide for attorneys general across the country to take on challenges at all levels, from local to federal. "Our playbook really is really in response to what their playbook was, to create a manufactured emergency, a real or manufactured emergency, to aggregate power, to exercise it in ways that never were imagined to other folks who disagree and silence dissent," Schmitt said. "That's what they were really trying to do." Texas Dems End Weekslong Quorum Standoff In Redistricting Fight Schmitt challenged former President Joe Bidens student loan debt cancellation plan. In some cases, he went beyond the countrys borders and sued a foreign country, as Schmitt did to China. He argued in the book that the Chinese Communist Party had withheld information on the COVID-19 virus, and was actively hoarding high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) while producing and selling lower-quality PPE for the rest of the world. That case resulted in an eventual $24 billion judgment earlier this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From there, Schmitt challenged former President Joe Bidens student loan debt cancellation plan by focusing his case on a local student loan servicing company, a plan that was ultimately blocked by the Supreme Court just months into Schmitts first year as a lawmaker in 2023. Through it all, the pandemic was the "inflection point," Schmitt said, and his biggest target became Fauci. He got an opportunity to depose Fauci, who served as the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and medical advisor to Biden, as part of his lawsuit taking on censorship and suppression by social media platforms like Facebook. Bill Barr, Former Trump Attorney General, Arrives To Face House Investigators In Epstein Probe Dr. Anthony Fauci is sworn in for a House subcommittee hearing on the pandemic on June 3, 2024, in Washington. "He wanted to silence anybody who talked about it being a lab leak," Schmitt said. "Which, of course, we know is that's exactly what it was now. It wasn't some bat mating with a penguin, you know, this was actually in the Wuhan Institute of Virology is where this thing came from." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schmitt, who is a fan of both Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and the late Justice Antonin Scalia particularly Scalias usage of originalism, or interpreting the Constitution as it was written rather than as a living document noted in the book that there has been a "complete shift" in the courts. In particular, conservative-leaning justices have the majority on the Supreme Court, and courts across the country are being filled, albeit slowly, with President Donald Trumps picks. When asked if he was at all concerned about partisan politicking coming to the bench, Schmitt countered that courts are returning to a legal system that had been "disrupted by the progressive era, beginning with Woodrow Wilson and the rise of the administrative state, FDR, who threatened to pack the court." "The Constitution means exactly what it says, nothing more, nothing less, just like our laws," he said. "They mean what they say, nothing more, nothing less." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't want a judge to necessarily agree with my politics," he continued. "I just want a judge to adhere to the Constitution." Original article source: Conservative 'playbook' to beat Democrats in court outlined in senator's new book URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) Planned construction work at the Florida Avenue Residence halls on the University of Illinois campus is now expected to last into the school year following a safety incident last month. On July 24, two construction workers were hurt as they were working on the exterior of Oglesby Hall. The brick exterior of the building suddenly collapsed, and the bricks fell on the workers as they were on a suspended platform next to the building. The falling bricks also damaged the platforms controls, leaving the workers stranded nine stories above the ground. The Urbana Fire Department brought them safely to the ground using a boom lift. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UIPD looking for suspect, possibly armed, after bar altercation The incident led to the contractor working on the building taking additional steps to ensure worker safety, University Housing said in a news release. This resulted in an additional six weeks being added to the projects timeline, pushing the project into the school year, while students are living in Oglesby Hall and its twin building Trelease Hall. Work is being done on the building facade and does not present safety concerns for residents, University Housing said. However, the project is essential for the long-term functionality and longevity of the building. Unfortunately, the construction will be loud for residents for about three weeks. University Housing said the hours of the project have been extended in order to complete the project as quickly as possible. Workers will be on-site seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. They will not be allowed to enter any students dorm rooms, but some workers will have periodic access to the first and 12th floors and the elevators during construction hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U of I Police investigating electronic scooter thefts Recognizing that the noise can be disruptive, University Housing is providing complementary earplugs, available anytime at FARs front desk, and use of a quiet study space across the street in the Pennsylvania Avenue Residence halls. In addition, FAR residents will be given a $500 credit to their student account in mid-September. We are prioritizing the experience of our students as this work continues, and we apologize for any disruption, University Housing said. Students consistently tell us that the Illinois residential experience is essential to help them feel a sense of belonging at Illinois. We will continue working throughout the construction, and beyond, to make sure this remains true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents moving into FAR this week and their families will also have the opportunity to learn about the construction project during info sessions in FARs Corner Cafe. The sessions will be on Wednesday and Thursday at 1 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Members of the Indiana Collectors Association address the topic of medical debt in the Indiana Senate on Aug 18, 2025. (Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Testimony on Monday set the stage for an interim committee to find a balance between growing medical debt weighing down Hoosiers and allowing hospitals and other health care providers to collect whats owed. Organizations representing Hoosier consumers, as well as those handling collections, came to the Indiana Statehouse to have their say before the Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group of legislators, the chief justice and several lay members used Senate Bill 317 as a general guide for discussion, which narrowly died earlier this year. It would have limited some medical liens on a primary residence and wage garnishment. Sam Snideman, of the United Way of Central Indiana, said Indiana is 11th highest in the country for residents with medical debt in collections. We need coordinated solutions that address the high costs of health care and patients ability to pay, while also protecting patients who do have medical debt from burdens like adverse credit events, wage garnishment and liens that make it challenging for them to break out of the cycle of financial instability, he said. Erin Macey, director of the Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute, said both the insured and uninsured grapple with medical bills they cant afford. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Indiana law protects about $217 a week from wage garnishment, which hasnt been increased since 2009. Since then, though, costs for rent, food and car payments have risen steeply. This isnt just dollars and cents. Its human impact, Macey said. Improving our exemption laws will help the unfortunate many who are taken to court over medical debt keep their heads above water while theyre paying off their bills. Sen. Greg Taylor, middle, listens to a witness during a hearing on medical debt in the Indiana Senate on Aug 18, 2025. (Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle) But several Hoosiers pushed back, noting many protections already exist in state and federal law for consumers. Joseph Walterman, an attorney from Greenwood, said limiting garnishments and liens could impact local governments, which pay for ambulance services in many communities. And he said changes could hurt rural areas with few providers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no question that medical debt is an issue, he said. The issue though also is if the bill were passed as proposed, you are demanding that certain facilities give treatment without the real prospects of payment. Walterman agrees with attempts to push more Hoosiers to payment plans, but said if you take away the enforcement mechanism at the end, then payment plans wont work. Heather Gilb, a debt collector from New Castle, said Hoosiers have 240 days to apply for assistance, set up payment plans or pay off the bill. And medical debt doesnt hit a persons credit rating until at least one year after date of service. Also, medical debt under $500 is not reported to credit agencies at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said in three decades, she has never seen someone lose their home over medical debt. Most respectfully, the narrative of families being put out of their homes for hospital bills is simply not reality, Gilb said. She stressed that the existing process is deliberate and filled with safeguards, and litigation is the exception to the rule. At some point personal responsibility must come into play, Gilb said. Consumers have to open the letters, they have to answer the calls, they have to fill out the applications, they need to engage in the process. When individuals ignore repeated outreach, decline to apply for available assistance or refuse reasonable payment plans even when they have the ability to pay it forces providers and agencies to consider litigation as a last resort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee will meet again Sept. 9. They can issue recommendations for the 2026 session, or they can simply disseminate information gathered during the meetings to the full General Assembly. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Days after UCLA settled a lawsuit brought by three Jewish students and a Jewish professor alleging antisemitism, the Trump administration announced that it would suspend $584 million in federal research grants to the institution, alleging failure to promote a research environment free of antisemitism. Pressing that case, the administration demanded $1 billion from UCLA as part of a settlement, far exceeding the $221 million that Columbia agreed to pay over similar claims. We do not know what the outcome of the negotiations between the government and UCLA will be. The options do not look promising. In all likelihood, a settlement would entail not only a huge financial price tag but also deep concessions in terms of the institutional autonomy and academic freedom. Alternatively, if a deal is not struck, those values could be upheld at the cost of devastating losses to vital medical research , public health , thousands of jobs and the overall economic well-being of the region. It is a true Faustian bargain, with strong traces of a Mafia-style shakedown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And all in the professed name of combating antisemitism and protecting Jews. This is subterfuge. Whats actually happening is a shallow and disingenuous plot to destroy the university and the values of free inquiry and debate in the name of a dangerous, illiberal ideology that has been against higher education for years. What this destructive path will not do is make the campus safer for Jews or anyone else, for that matter. Sadly, in recent years antisemitism has reared its head at UCLA, as at other universities in the United States. And according to evidence presented in a recent lawsuit , Jewish students have been targeted with deeply wounding slurs such as Hitler missed one and go back to Poland, prevented from accessing public spaces and subjected to harassment because of their perceived pro-Israel stances. This is completely unacceptable, and the university must do everything within its power, especially through continued training and education, to create an environment in which such language and behavior are recognized as unacceptable. At the same time, we recognize that Jewish students, faculty and staff are not the only ones who have felt at risk on campus. Palestinian, Arab and Muslim students and their supporters, including Jewish supporters also faced harassment, discrimination and physical violence. On April 30, 2024, off-campus counterprotesters descended on the Palestinian solidarity encampment even though Jewish students publicly pleaded with outsiders to stay away. Fifteen people were injured and dozens arrested. A separate lawsuit , filed by encampment participants who say the university failed to protect them, is working its way through the courts. The situation in Gaza has grown much worse since April 2024 including a massive death toll and starvation of residents that has been widely condemned . And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to occupy Gaza City that are opposed by the Israeli military itself. Will the Trump administration continue to brand activism calling for an end to this horrible conflict as antisemitic? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No good will come to Jewish students or Jews in general by providing political or moral cover to the current Israeli government. Moreover, the insinuation that the Trump administration is acting on behalf of Jews threatens to awaken further the antisemitic trope of the manipulative Jew playing puppeteer , with the government as its marionette. UCLA is worth fighting for. And Jews, who have a long, proud history at the school and a huge stake in the well-being of universities, must be part of the fight to defend UCLA. And they have begun to join the fight: Jewish leaders and the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California have publicly opposed the cuts. The old strategy of aligning with whoever holds state power to preserve Jewish interests known as the royal or vertical alliance is no longer practicable or justifiable. Rather, we must commit to horizontal alliances with other groups that share a sense of grave apprehension over the dismantling of one of the great institutions of higher learning in the United States. In the past, we may not always have found ourselves in sync with the tone and tactics of these groups. But at this critical moment in our nations history, we must join together with allies old and new to rescue UCLA, the estimable American system of higher education and the best version of democracy that the U.S. represents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David N. Myers teaches Jewish history at UCLA and is a member of Jewish Partnership for Los Angeles. Aaron Greenberg and Kate Pynoos are founding board members of Jewish Partnership for Los Angeles . If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Key Points If you have $1,000 to invest, DigitalOcean and TSMC look like good long-term bets. DigitalOcean is building out its AI business as it competes for smaller businesses and developers. TSMC dominates the foundry business and is benefiting from surging demand for AI chips. 10 stocks we like better than DigitalOcean You don't need a lot of money to benefit from the long-term growth of the U.S. stock market. With just $1,000, you've got a tremendous number of choices. For investors looking for a hands-off approach, a broad-market index fund may be the best option. But for those willing to take a little risk, buying high quality individual stocks and holding them for years is a great bet. Two top stocks to buy now are DigitalOcean (NYSE: DOCN) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM). Image source: Getty Images. DigitalOcean: Simplifying cloud and AI Big cloud computing platforms like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are built for big enterprises with vast budgets. On these mega-cloud platforms, there's every cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) product and service one could ever want -- but one hidden cost is complexity. That's not ideal for small businesses and developers. DigitalOcean has carved out a niche in the cloud computing market by keeping things simple. The company's cloud platform is narrower than the big players in the industry, and its pricing is more transparent. Recently, DigitalOcean has taken the same strategy and applied it to artificial intelligence. The Gradient AI platform, which DigitalOcean launched in July, combines the company's AI infrastructure offerings with high-value tools that allow customers to easily build and deploy AI agents. DigitalOcean's AI push is already starting to show up in the company's results. Revenue grew by 14% year over year in the second quarter, and the company gained the most annual recurring revenue in nearly three years, thanks to a more than doubling of AI-related revenue. The company's highest-spending customer cohort, which, on average spend $30,000 monthly on the platform, now accounts for nearly a quarter of total revenue. While DigitalOcean still caters to smaller customers, those bigger customers help make the company's revenue a bit more predictable. DigitalOcean is profitable and cash-flow positive. The company is calling for its adjusted free-cash-flow margin to be as high as 19% of revenue for the full year. With a reasonable valuation of around 18 times that free-cash-flow guidance, DigitalOcean stock looks like a compelling long-term buy for growth investors. CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW)The Waccamaw River has now reached a moderate flood stage, with water levels expected to crest at 12.6 feet by Tuesday, flooding areas from the North Carolina state line to Conway. After three to four weeks of excessive rainfall, the water level has been slowly rising, pushing water over roadways and into lower lying areas like the Conway Riverwalk. State officials have shut down several roads in Conway including Lees Landing Circle, River Road, Cypress Knee Court and a few others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Storm Tracker 13 meteorologist Scotty Powell, and Thomas Bell with Horry County Emergency Management said that when put into a historical context, this flood isnt nearly as concerning as others the area has seen. With that being said, the county has stated they will still be keeping an eye on conditions. Now that we are in peak hurricane season, its something that well be watching, knowing we have had a lot of rain over the last couple of weeks. It wouldnt take a major system to drop a decent amount of rain to cause some more flooding issues, so well certainly be watching the tropics as we get through peak hurricane season, said Bell. Bell mentioned that the County has partnered with the National Weather Service to ensure there are not gaps in warnings or alerts and that the county is aware of any and all updates to conditions regarding flooding or upcoming storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Horry County Emergency Management asks residents in flooding zones to alert the county via the non-emergency phone line if there are any inundations to structures or new impassable conditions. It is something that we track, make sure we are, capturing that information because not only for the purposes of you know, people being impacted In their homes, but also for that emergency response so that our first responders, if there was an issue in the neighborhood that might see, water over the roads or they have to take a detour, our crews know that, Bell said. Residents and locals who are concerned about flooding can visit the National Water Prediction Service website to see water levels and what can be expected at each level. * * * Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie Harrill joined the News13 team as a multimedia journalist in June 2025. She is a native of Cumming, Georgia, and graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2024. You can keep up with Katie on Facebook, X, (formerly Twitter), or Instagram and read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is adding two new merchants: a cookie shop with on-site decorating classes and a restaurant offering Burmese and Cantonese dishes. The market announced the news Tuesday. Both merchants are set to open this fall, bringing the Market Hall to 100% capacity. Her Daily Bread will move into the southeast corner of the hall. At the shop, youll be able to purchase handmade, predecorated sugar cookies. For more of a hands-on experience, you can decorate a single cookie at the walk-in Cookie DIY Bar or take part in a cookie decorating class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New cafe at Grand Rapids Downtown Market will offer cheese counter, wine bar, coffee We plan for our cookie decorating classes to be small and intimate, but also intentional in creating that community and one-on-one relational aspect during the creative process, said owners Sean and Meg Hamilton in a statement. Her Daily Bread is moving into the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. (Courtesy) Her Daily Bread is moving into the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. (Courtesy) Her Daily Bread will also offer catering services, according to a release from the Downtown Market. The business previously took part in the markets Incubator Kitchen program, which allowed the Hamiltons to rent space and build a solid foundation. We have always felt that our end goal was a studio space, where we could create and connect with our community, and not just exist as an online shop, the owners said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost 30 vendors will offer artisan jewelry at GR Downtown Market event Across the hall, in the southwest corner, Myanmar Meals is set to open. Its the second restaurant from Aye Soe and Min Tun, who previously opened Amazing Myanmar at 28th Street and Lake Eastbrook Boulevard. The couple immigrated to the United States in 2008. We have always longed to share a piece of our culture and dishes we enjoyed at home with our new home of West Michigan, Tun stated. Myanmar Meals will serve Burmese-inspired dishes, like laphet thoke, a tea leaf salad. It will also offer traditional Cantonese dishes, according to the Downtown Market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tun said it felt surreal to be opening at the market. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Oklahomans hoping to say bye to 90-degree weather have to wait at least another week, according to National Weather Service forecasts. Until a long-term cool front arrives, temperatures in Oklahoma City will remain in the mid-to-high 90s with a slight chance of seeing a weak thunderstorm during the work week. Relief is coming, though. Starting Sunday, Aug. 24, Oklahoma could have several days of rain and thunderstorms that could keep the high temperature down in the 80s. This week's weather in Oklahoma City Tuesday, Aug. 19 : 98 degrees, chance of storms Wednesday : 94 degrees Thursday : 92 degrees Friday : 93 degrees Saturday : 93 degrees Sunday : 89 degrees, chance of storms Monday: 84 degrees, chance of storms 'Popcorn' thunderstorms possible in Oklahoma The NWS is reporting modest instability in the atmosphere, which could lead to "popcorn" thunderstorms on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: New research shows Oklahoma saw the world's longest flash of lightning in historic storm Meteorologists refer to them as popcorn because they are small, usually weak and don't last long. They most often form in the afternoon but dissipate as the sun goes down. Overnight and into Wednesday, a weather front moving south will create some more thunderstorms in southern Oklahoma. It won't be a massive storm front, however, because but the entire coverage area for Norman's NWS office has just a 40% chance to see rain and storms. NWS says rest of week is 'less hot' Our late week cooling trend will be reinforced this weekend on Saturday when another but more robust cold front comes through with much of our area seeing 80s highs by Sunday.#okwx #texomawx pic.twitter.com/ufgKQYFHNl NWS Norman (@NWSNorman) August 19, 2025 By midweek, the northern front will cool the area slightly, but not enough for temperatures to fall below 90 degrees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will be enough, though, to avoid the daily heat advisories that Oklahoma residents have experienced in August. Some areas of southeastern Oklahoma could still receive an advisory until the weekend. Another weather front will make its way into Oklahoma from the north on Sunday. Although long-range forecasts can be imprecise, the NWS expects the daily high temperature in OKC to fall below 90 degrees for the first time in over two weeks. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Cooler weather, 'popcorn' thunderstorms possible in Oklahoma: See forecast A protester holds up a sign opposing collaboration between local police and federal immigration officials at the state Capitol in Phoenix on Feb. 10, 2025. (Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror) Last week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that West Virginia is now participating in Immigration and Customs Enforcements 287(g) program, which will allow the National Guard and local police to enforce certain immigration laws. Fox News called this one of the most wide-ranging agreements a state has forged with ICE under President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 287(g) program was discontinued in 2012 after a Department of Justice investigation found widespread racial profiling and other discrimination against Latinos by an Arizona task force, Stateline reported. Although West Virginia is nearly 1,500 miles away from the U.S. southern border, Morrisey said during a press conference that the state has effectively become a border state. He also blamed the people entering the country illegally for unlimited amounts of fentanyl flooding into our state. The majority of fentanyl is smuggled into the country by people who can enter the U.S. legally, according to the American Immigration Council. Fewer than half of people arrested by ICE since Trump took office are actually convicted criminals and only 5% were arrested for drug crimes nationally. So either ICE is doing a terrible job, or immigrants arent the problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Deportation Data Project reported earlier this month that 1 in 5 ICE arrests are of Latinos with no criminal past or removal order. A substantial portion of ICE arrests this year were a result of illegal profiling. Basically, people are being arrested for having brown skin. If your argument for ICE is that people should enter the country legally, then shouldnt ICE be only using legal methods to arrest people? The legal route for ICE to make an arrest would be if a suspect was arrested first by local police and found to be in the country illegally. Raiding Japanese and Mexican restaurants or hanging out at Home Depot and Lowes is not the legal way. In July, a court in California ordered ICE to stop using these methods to arrest people in the Los Angeles area, and an appeals court upheld that order. Since then, street arrests went down by 83%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICEs illegal profiling has also resulted in numerous U.S. citizens and legal immigrants being arrested. Morriseys move will result in your friends, neighbors and co-workers being profiled and arrested for not passing as white. In Alabama, a man was tackled at his worksite and ICE officers said his REAL ID was fake. It wasnt. A man in California was detained for three days, despite being a legal citizen. A woman in Los Angeles was grabbed by ICE agents moments after her family dropped her off for work witnesses said they never even asked to see her ID. West Virginia has a small number of immigrants only about 2% of the population, but they also account for 18% of employees in farming, fishing and forestry occupations, and 11% in science occupations, such as microbiologists, biochemists and epidemiologists. Immigrants contribute a lot to West Virginia. In 2023, they paid $450.3 million in taxes. And thanks to immigrants, our population loss was less severe than it would have been without them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 2018, about 52% of immigrants in the Mountain State had gone through the long process to become legal U.S. citizens. And about 42% of adult immigrants had a college degree or higher that same year compared to 19.6% of West Virginians. There are many reasons people choose to migrate to the United States without going through the proper channels crime, violence, war or simply to build a better life but our immigration policy has made it harder and harder for people to immigrate here legally. Immigrants arent the enemy that Trumps administration is trying to paint them to be. Immigrants are not causing problems in West Virginia. Maybe its time Morrisey remembered that West Virginia was settled by immigrants and be grateful they still want to live here. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Days after Chicago police reported firing on a shooting suspect in the South Shore neighborhood, authorities on Tuesday said the suspect was indeed wounded and sought treatment at an area hospital before fleeing without treatment. The update from police came following the shooting in the 2000 block of East 71st Street just after 2 p.m. Friday. No injuries reported after police open fire during foot chase of shooting suspect in South Shore Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police initially stated that no injuries were reported when an officer chasing after a gunman fired a shot. That alleged gunman had fired on another unidentified person and was fleeing when the officers weapon discharged, police said. But further investigation revealed that the gunman sought medical treatment at an unnamed hospital, but they left before they were treated. The person was not in custody as of Tuesday evening, police said. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability, the police watchdog, was investigating the specifics of this incident, and the officers involved were placed on routine administrative duties for at least 30 days while the agency investigates. You're probably familiar with the old adage that "a man's home is his castle." It's the idea that agents of the state may not lawfully enter your home uninvited for any reason that suits them; rather, the state's agents must have a legitimate and verifiable cause. James Madison and his colleagues wrote this view into the U.S. Constitution via the Fourth Amendment, which famously protects "the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures." This fall, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case that involves the modern application of that adage and its venerable constitutional corollary. Depending on the outcome, it may prove to be one of the most consequential Fourth Amendment cases in years. At issue before the Supreme Court this fall in Case v. Montana is the following question: "whether law enforcement may enter a home without a search warrant based on less than probable cause that an emergency is occurring, or whether the emergency-aid exception requires probable cause." In other words, at what point may police officers enter your home without a warrant if they think that an emergency might be happening inside? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The matter arose in 2021 when the ex-girlfriend of a man named William Trevor Case told the authorities that Case had threatened to kill himself during a phone call with her. The cops showed up at Case's house but nobody answered the door. Looking through a window, they saw empty beer cans, a notepad, and an empty handgun holster. After debating among themselves for some 40 minutes about what do to next, the cops finally decided to enter without a warrant via the unlocked front door. (I pause here to note that 40 minutes does sound like a sufficient amount of time for the police to at least try to get a search warrant.) Case was upstairs hiding in a closet. When he revealed himself by opening the closet's curtain, the officer who was searching the room shot him, striking Case in the abdomen. Case was thus shot by a cop, even though the cop had entered Case's home without a warrant for the ostensible "emergency" purpose of preventing Case from shooting himself. Case was later charged with assault on that officer, with the charge ultimately amended to state that Case "knowingly or purposefully caused reasonable apprehension of serious bodily injury in Sgt. Richard Pasha when he pointed a pistol, or what reasonably appeared to be a pistol, at Sgt. Richard Pasha." Case's lawyers sought to have the evidence used against him ruled inadmissible on the grounds that it was the fruit of an "illegal search and seizure of [Case] and his residence." But the Montana Supreme Court ruled against Case, stating that "while an individual is entitled to a right to privacy in their home, a warrantless entry is permissible if it is reasonable given the facts and circumstances." The U.S. Supreme Court will now decide whether the state high court's judgment can be reconciled with the Fourth Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the significant constitutional stakes involved, it is no wonder that this case has already attracted the keen interest of prominent civil liberties groups from across the political spectrum. For instance, among those who have filed amicus briefs in support of Case are the libertarian Cato Institute, the liberal American Civil Liberties Union, and the Conservative Legal Defense and Education Fund. These groups may disagree with each other on plenty of other legal issues, but they are in agreement here that Case's Fourth Amendment rights were abused. As the brief filed by the Cato Institute and Americans for Prosperity Foundation put it, "Warrantless home entries based on mere reasonable suspicion of exigent circumstances violate the Fourth Amendment and needlessly threaten the safety of citizens and law enforcement. If Montana police did not have probable cause to enter Case's home, their search should be declared unconstitutional." We'll soon find out whether a majority of the justices agree with that assessment or whether they prefer the Montana Supreme Court's more lenient interpretation of what counts as "reasonable" behavior by the cops. The post Do Cops Still Need a Warrant To Search Your Home in an 'Emergency'? appeared first on Reason.com. CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger will step down after serving as head of the Brentwood-based private prison giant since 2009. The company in an Aug. 18 announcement said President and COO Patrick Swindle will replace Hininger. Swindle will also take Hininger's seat on CoreCivic's board. Swindle, who has two decades of industry experience, most recently led the company's effort to reactive idle facilities as it prepares for a windfall of immigrant detainees under the Trump Administration's immigration crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hininger had been seen as a possible candidate in the Tennessee governor's race but has since shifted to support U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn. I am humbled by the opportunity to have served this great company since I started my career as a correctional officer in 1992," Hininger said in a statement. The leadership change comes as CoreCivic and GEO Group - the country's two largest private prison systems - have reported significant profits amid the sharp rise in immigration arrests and detainments. In a second quarter earnings call on Aug. 11, Hininger said the country is seeing the highest detention populations ever recorded by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which has been CoreCivic's largest customer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that that number of ICE detainees in CoreCivic facilities jumped 28% to more than 13,000 from the end of 2024 through the end of the second quarter. Overall, the company reported a total revenue of $538.2 million in the second quarter, up nearly 10% from the previous year. "Our business is perfectly aligned with the demands of this moment," he said. "We are in an unprecedented environment with rapid increases in federal detention populations nationwide and a continuing need for solutions we provide." The company will soon expand in Tennessee. The city of Mason, near Memphis, on Aug. 10 approved a new ICE detention center that will be run by CoreCivic. CoreCivic over the years has faced an onslaught lawsuits in Tennessee, citing high rates of violence, drug overdoses and chronic understaffing in its state prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the U.S. Department of Justice last year launched a civil rights investigation into Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility, the company's largest Tennessee prison. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: CoreCivic announces new CEO, sees spike in immigrant detainees Esther N. Correll, 88, St. Joseph, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. She was born Jan. 1, 1937, to Oliver and Carrie L. (Wigger) Thornton, in Clarksdale, Missouri. She was married to James Kennard Correll on Feb. 26, 1972. Their union was a testament to their shared values until Jamess passing on Feb. 13, 2002. Esther spent 34 years as a facilities specialist at AT&T, where her contributions were invaluable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She enjoyed crocheting. Her culinary skills were no less impressive, as her kitchen was a place of warmth and delicious aromas. Esther loved taking leisurely rides to Jamesport, Missouri. Those who knew Esther will fondly recall how her presence felt like a safe harbor she was a steadfast presence, always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear. She had a deep faith in the Lord. Her love for houseplants and flowers was a testament to her nurturing spirit. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; children, Anna Marie Kinney and Larry Correll; great-grandchildren, Haylee Bills and Brenden Burnett; and numerous siblings. Survivors include her children, Ronnie Moss (Paula), Randy Moss (Kim), Peggy Wood (Michael), and Kerry Gann; 12 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family would like to thank Pastor Dean Eikenberry and Mosaic Hospice for their care and support. Farewell Services 1 p.m. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family gathered with friends 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press. CORTLAND, Ohio (WKBN) After a two-hour meeting with extensive public comment, the Cortland City Council voted Monday night against a proposed emergency ordinance that would have allowed Mayor Deidre Petrosky to enter an agreement with Lake Shore Strategic Consulting for assistance with a recently purchased building. Read next: Foxconn reveals plans for Lordstown plant Petrosky brought on the ordinance, but she did not attend the meeting, saying she was unavailable. At the beginning of the meeting, the council voted to table the ordinance because the mayor was not present to take questions, but after hearing the publics concerns, the ordinance was put back on the agenda and defeated unanimously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I listened to all of the information that was brought to us, and it hit home. It resonated with me, and then, I thought for the best of the peace and the faith of the voters that I couldnt move forward with that legislation, said Cortland City Council President Kevin Piros. The mayor wasnt here, and the fact that they put it on and literally voted it down and killed it versus letting it go forward and come back another day, I think, my point got across, said Cortland resident Gerald Bayus. The public comment portion of the meeting was heated, even calling for the resignation of certain council members as well as the mayor. WKBN will continue to follow this story as it develops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TJ Reinninger contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. The legend of King Arthur, Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table have captivated readers for more than a millennium. Growing out of the chaos of the post-Roman occupation of Britain, the stories offered a rallying point and origin story of British might and power. Many continue to search for evidence and clues proving the existence of King Arthur, while others believe the legendary tales are just that, and that Arthur was likely an amalgamation based on several figures of the era. King Arthur was likely inspired by several different historical figures Likely the first written account to mention the figure we now know as King Arthur was composed in the sixth century by Welsh monk named Gildas, in a work about the Roman conquest of Britain and its aftermath. In his account, a Roman-British military leader named Ambrosius Aurelianus wins a series of battles against the invading Saxons, most notably at Badon Hill. Some 200 years later, Arthur appears again, this time in the work of ninth-century historian Nennius, who compiled a series of works called the History of the Britons. According to Nennius, Arthur won 12 surprising victories over the Saxons, including at Badon. But while he was a masterful military leader, Nennius does not say that he was a king. Historians and archaeologists have also struggled to identity the present-day locations where Arthur is presumed to have fought, leading many to believe that even at this early stage much of Arthurs story had taken on mythical tones thanks in part to Nennius claims that Arthur singlehandedly killed more than 900 Saxons at the Battle of Badon. Photo: DeAgostini/Getty Images Many themes central to the Arthurian legend didnt appear until even later In 1136 CE, some 500 years after Arthur would have lived, British cleric Geoffrey of Monmouth completed his History of the Kings of Britain, tracing British history through the early seventh century. Its in this book that the military leader Arthur gets an upgrade to king. Geoffrey also gives the first full account of Arthurs life, including his birth at Tintagel Castle (in present-day North Cornwall, England), rise to the throne as a teenager following his fathers death and his victorious battles against the Saxons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was Geoffrey of Monmouth who also introduced figures who would become central to the Arthurian legend, including Ganhumara, or Guinevere, Arthurs wife and queen, the wizard Merlin and the enchantress Morgan (later known as Morgan le Fay), who heals Arthur after he is mortally wounded in battle and brought to Avalon. Mordred, whose relationship to Arthur shifted as the Arthurian legend later grew, is depicted as Arthurs duplicitous nephew who usurps both the throne and Arthurs wife while Arthur is away at war, in Geoffreys account. Geoffreys work is also the first to mention Arthurs powerful sword, although its known as Caliburn, not yet Excalibur. Geoffreys book, written in Latin but translated into several languages, was a popular success, but even his contemporaries cast a wary eye on his scholarship. He claimed to have based much of his writing on the translation of an ancient work given to him by a fellow cleric, but he was unable, or unwilling, to show the materials to others. Many modern historians, pointing to the lack of archaeological evidence to support Geoffreys version of history, believe that Geoffrey, like Nennius and others before him, likely attributed to Arthur the biographical details and military victories of several different men to create a composite Celtic superhero of sorts. Among the historical figures who may have influenced Geoffrey were Magnus Maximus, a Roman officer in Britain who launched an attack on Gaul, Cassivellaunus, a first-century BC warrior who led an uprising against the Romans in Britain, and Arvirargus, a British king from the first century AD who later married a great beauty who may have been the inspiration for Queen Guinevere. The Arthurian legend blossomed during the 12th and 13th centuries The Arthur of Geoffrey of Monmouths book is a brooding, violent warrior. Its in his next incarnation that romance takes center stage, thanks to a series of Arthurian stories written in France. Writing in the last decades of the 12th century, poet Chretien de Troyes works were deeply influenced by the world of medieval chivalry and courtly love and his poems introduce the character of Lancelot and his adulterous affair with Queen Guinevere. Troyes is the first Arthurian writer to name Camelot as the site of Arthurs court and to introduce characters such as Perceval, one of Arthurs knights whose quest for the Holy Grail used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper would become a focal point of Arthurian legend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robert de Baron, another French poet, picked up on the work of Chretien de Troyes, imbuing his three poems with deep religious symbolism, including his account of Joseph of Arimathea, a follower of Jesus who provided the tomb in which he was buried. In de Barons tale, the Holy Grail was used to catch Christs blood during his crucifixion and then was spirited away to Britain by Joseph. Just a few decades after Chretien de Troyes came the Vulgate cycle, a series of stories in French that were originally attributed to a Welsh clerk but were more likely composed by Cistercian monks. The romance between Lancelot and Guinevere takes center stage here, along with the life of Merlin and the death of Arthur at the hands of Mordred (this time Arthurs illegitimate son, not his nephew). Just a few years later, the Arthurian tale got a rewrite of sorts, thanks to a group of anonymous authors who wrote the Post-Vulgate Cycle, which stripped away much of the love story to focus almost exclusively on the quest for the Holy Grail by the Knights of the Round Table (purported to be a wedding gift to Arthur from Guineveres father). The most influential Arthurian was likely written in prison Although there is some debate among historians, its believed that the author of Le Morte d'Arthur (The Death of Arthur) was a well-born, wealthy Englishman who frequently fell afoul of the law and likely wrote his famous work while in prison. Sir Thomas Mallory used many of the earlier Arthur stories as the basis for his book (originally titled The Whole Book of King Arthur and of His Noble Knights of the Round Table) to create the first full narrative of Arthurs life in English. All the main character and plot points are here, including the romance, rivalry and in-fighting that would nearly bring Camelot to collapse. Mallorys 1485 book was a hit and was republished several times after its initial release, but the tale soon fell out of favor, and his book was unavailable until 1816, when it was reintroduced. Arriving at the height of literary and artistic period known as the Romantic era, Mallorys book left a deep impression on British poets like Alfred Tennyson, John Keats and William Wordsworth, as well as later American writers like Mark Twain, author of the 1889 novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court. Mallorys book also became the basis for numerous illustrated versions of the Arthurian tales, tailored for both children and adults, as well as highly influential paintings, plays and even a musical, Camelot, which depicted the love triangle between Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot, and inspired the use of the term Camelot by some historians in reference to the brief presidency of John F. Kennedy, whose youthful presence had inspired millions around the world. You Might Also Like By Ana Mano and Ricardo Brito SAO PAULO (Reuters) -A website containing information about Brazil's "soy moratorium," a private agreement enforced by global grain traders to protect the Amazon rainforest from soy-driven deforestation, was taken offline on Tuesday after Brazil's antitrust authority ordered suspension of the pact. The move is a response to a set of measures enforced by the agency on Monday that include starting a full-blown probe into some 30 traders and industry groups for alleged anti-competitive practices. The soy moratorium, long hailed as one of the most successful initiatives to protect the Amazon rainforest, bars soybean traders from buying from farmers who cleared land there after July 2008. But the General Superintendent regulator CADE ruled that it represents a potential breach of Brazilian competition law. Superintendent Alexandre Barreto de Souza ordered firms to suspend the pact or pay fines at the end of a preliminary investigation, which was prompted by a request in August 2024 from the agriculture committee of Brazil's lower house of Congress. A majority of lawmakers in the committee is backed by farmers, who called the moratorium's suspension a historic victory. Soy growers, however, are not expected to clear big areas of forest as that crop has been advancing over pastureland, according to Mauricio Buffon, president of farm lobby Aprosoja Brasil. Rather, the initiative's suspension changes market dynamics, he added. To circumvent the moratorium, he said, farmers would go through an intermediary, accepting less money for their soy. The difference now is that farmers would no longer need a middleman, Buffon noted. Most of Brazil's soy is sold to China, but European nations such as Spain, Italy and Britain buy it, too. TRADERS IN A BIND Pressure to end the moratorium escalated on several fronts in recent months. The Supreme Court is now hearing three cases about whether soy-growing states may refuse tax incentives to signatories of the agreement. Next Friday, a panel of justices will rule on whether to uphold a recent injunction that confirmed one of the states, Mato Grosso, can refrain from giving such incentives starting in 2026. On the competition front, people familiar with the thinking of trade groups Anec and Abiove told Reuters they would appeal the suspension of the pact at CADE's tribunal, which is composed of six commissioners, including its president. They have five days to appeal and the tribunal has 48 hours to assign a reporting commissioner to the case, CADE said. Cleburne City council members last week fully approved one and partially approved another funding request from two entities for the city's upcoming budget year. The city's new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. Council members approved a one-year renewal of a Chapter 380 Economic Development agreement with Christmas in Action for the HOPE Program for $60,000. Council members also approved a Chapter 380 agreement with the Johnson County Heritage Foundation, which oversees the operation of Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council members, however, only approved funding the CTOM to the tune of $100,000 rather than the museum operator's initial ask of $150,000 and subsequent $130,000 request. Established in 2000, Christmas in Action volunteers perform free home repairs and upgrades for disabled, elderly and low-income residents. CIA volunteers have tackled more than 400 home projects in Cleburne since 2000. So far this year, 16 projects have been completed, six remain in progress and more are under review. Cleburne's Helping Occupants Prosper Everyday, or HOPE, Program operates similarly. The goal of the program is to help rather than punish residents in need whose properties fall out of code compliance, Cleburne Mayor Scott Cain explained. In 2018, the city agreed to partner with CIA on the HOPE Program and budgeted $50,000 for the program that year. The city, at CIA's request, increased that amount to $60,000 in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The purpose of this agreement is to promote economic development in the housing stock within Cleburne and to provide repairs to homeowners who qualify for assistance under the HOPE Program," Cleburne City Manager Michael Marrero said. Such repairs help not only the homeowners but also improve the surrounding neighborhood. "I think it's one of the best investments our community can make," Cain said. CTOM Established in 2005, the CTOM occupies about 10 acres of city property on the banks of Lake Pat Cleburne. The museum includes Johnson County's original courthouse as well as several smaller museums, buildings and attractions. The museum celebrates the history of the Chisholm Trail and Johnson County and plays host to multiple festivities, concerts and educational programs throughout the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Council, in 2020, agreed to provide $20,000 in funding to the museum to pay for a part-time administrator. Council approved an increase to $55,000 in 2022 and to $100,000 in 2024. That funding comes from the city's hotel occupancy or HOT tax, which can be used for various tourism and quality of life purposes. HOT revenues for the upcoming fiscal year are estimated at $550,000, Marrero said. Of that amount, 79%, $434,500, goes to the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce's Convention and Visitors Bureau as per state law. Of the HOT projected revenues, $117,000 remains unassigned, Marrero said. Some of that money, Cain said, is needed for city and Cleburne Chamber of Commerce-related events such as Springfest and Cinco de Mayo. Even at $100,000, the city would still need to dip into reserve funds to grant CTOM's request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Nobody on council disagrees that the CTOM is a great asset and does a great job of attracting people to Cleburne," Cain said. Cain, however, said he could not support funding the organization for more than $100,000. "Approving more would require us to dip into fund balance," he said. "Even at $100,000, we still have to dip a little bit into that balance. "Even $100,000 is a stretch because we have to be very fiscally responsible and it would be irresponsible to exceed our unobligated HOT funds and dip too far into our fund balance." Several, including state Rep. Helen Kerwin, R-Glen Rose, voiced support for the funding request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CTOM Onsite Director Carrie Murdoch detailed the museum's impact on Cleburne's economy and tourism. As of June, Murdoch said, 37,477 people from 42 states and 36 countries have visited the museum. Those numbers don't include a July event hosting residents from Guam and Guam natives living in the U.S. which attracted 5,600 visitors. Visitors to such events shop in Cleburne and often stay in local hotels. "So far, there have been 231 local hotel rooms occupied because of our events, some for several days," Murdoch said. "The last time I checked, we're the only ones who are putting that many heads in beds over a period of half a year, let alone a full year. We also have four major events still coming up this year, which will draw even more people to Cleburne." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The requested increase is necessary for several reasons, Murdoch said, including rising material costs and new facility construction. "We also lost our Johnson County Probation community service workers," Murdoch said. "Because of that we've had to hire two employees to take care of maintenance and ground keeping duties. We've also had to hire two office workers to help keep up with our attendance growth and events. That's resulted in $90,000 in salaries we didn't know we were going to face." Councilman Blake Jones said that while payment of salaries is an acceptable use of HOT funds he would prefer to see that money go to other uses. All on the council, except Councilman Derek Weathers, voted to approve $100,000 for the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weathers said he supports the $130,00 request based on the CTOM's value to Cleburne. "Over the full year, they're projected to bring in about 74,000 people," Weathers said. "When someone travels, conservatively spend about $93 per person. That adds up. So, I don't think we should only look at the HOT fund in a vacuum, but we need to look at sales tax revenues generated, too. "So the reason I support the $130,000 request is because the combined tax return on the visitors they bring is, even in a very conservative projection, is a positive return on investment overall. HOT is for bringing tourism and attention to the city and the CTOM does that." Murdoch, after the council's vote, said she and her staff intend to carry on. "It's back to the drawing board to figure out what we need to scale back, reorganize and restructure," Murdoch said. Plans to make Weston-super-Mare a "council of sanctuary" for migrants could be scrapped. Tensions around pursuing the status became clear during a heated meeting in March, when councillors voted in favour despite objections from some residents. City of Sanctuary UK said the status would allow access to a network of councils who share good practice and training. But Weston Town Council's finance and general purposes committee has now recommended not to proceed, after a cross-party group said the work, cost and time of the move would "outweigh any potential benefit". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A final decision is expected at a town council meeting in September. City of Sanctuary UK works with more than 100 councils with different levels of responsibility. Membership, which costs 150 every three years, leads to councils being given advice and support, with the aim of making services more accessible to asylum seekers and refugees. Maggie Filipova-Rivers, local authority network lead at City of Sanctuary, said services included advice about language classes, improving access to playing fields or making people aware of events. "The faster people become self-sufficient and self-reliant, that's good for everyone," she said, adding that the initiative can save councils money. Plans to become a council of sanctuary have divided the town [PA Media] But when the council of sanctuary proposal was put forward by Liberal Democrat councillor Caroline Reynolds in March, at times the meeting descended into shouting between opposing groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One local resident, Martin Slade, said he was concerned about the lack of publicly-available information, claiming the decision "could irrevocably change the landscape of our community". Asylum seekers do not get to choose where they live once they come to the UK, and are placed by the Home Office. Alison Bancroft, from The Other Place community centre in Weston-super-Mare, said the atmosphere around the proposal demonstrated the "urgent need" for a conversation that brings communities together. 'Deeply divided response' An online survey set up by Weston Town Council to get feedback on the plan revealed concerns about crime, housing shortages and access to GP services, with 339 residents against the proposal, compared to 92 in favour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the first week of August a petition calling for the scheme to be scrapped, signed by 950 people, was handed into the council. A counter-petition, organised by the Weston Trades Council, launched on 15 August. "Community feedback reveals a deeply divided response," said a report by town council officers. Labour councillor James Clayton was among those who examined the feedback. "As a town we're not in a place to adopt this," he concluded. The council's finance and general purposes committee agreed the move should be stopped, calling on the council "to further pursue harmony between people... without becoming part of the Council of Sanctuary". Related Internet links EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) A couple in Effingham County, Illinois, has been recognized with a Distinguished Act Award after saving a drivers life from a vehicle submerged in water after a crash. Dustin and Bridget Harder received the award during the Effingham County Board meeting on August 18. The Effingham County Sheriffs Office said the Harders were recognized for their compassion and bravery during an accident they witnessed and assisted with in July 2025. Mr. and Mrs. Harders initiative to help others in a moment of crisis speaks volumes about their character, and they are to be commended, said Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns in a Facebook post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 72-year-old dies in single-vehicle crash in Effingham County The Harders compassion and bravery were on full display after they witnessed the accident, where a single vehicle drove off the roadway at the intersection of Park Avenue and Safety Harbor Drive and then continued down an embankment before landing in a small cove of Lake Sarah, according to the sheriffs office. The front end of the vehicle became mostly submerged in the water, with a male driver still located inside. After witnessing the accident, the sheriffs office said the Harders stopped and attempted to assist the driver; however, the door of the vehicle was locked, and the driver was unable to unlock the door from the inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Dustin continued to try to open the door, the sheriffs office said Bridget retrieved a glass-breaking tool from their vehicle and gave it to Dustin. Dustin was then able to break the glass, unlock the door and assist the man out of the flooded cab to safety. I want to personally thank the Harders for letting us tell their story. So many times, acts like this go unseen or unrecognized. Dustin and Bridget are another example of why Effingham County is a great place to live and work, said Sheriff Kuhns. UPDATE: Coroner identifies man found dead in pond near I-70 in Altamont Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Heres what youll learn when you read this story: The renovation of a 17 th century long-house in England unearthed roughly 100 coins from during the first English Civil War. The coins were recently sold at an auction, fetching roughly $75,000. Lowering the floor of the farms cottage led the owners to the discovery. This story is a collaboration with Biography.com. In a remarkable discovery, a couple accidentally unearthed a treasure trove of 17th-century coins while renovating their farm in West Dorset, England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The find, which occurred nearly five years ago, came as the couple dug deeper to increase the head height in their long-house cottage at South Poorton Farm. Robert Fooks struck a glazed pottery bowl with his pickaxe, revealing about 100 coins dating back to the first English Civil War. The Poorton Coin Hoard, as it became known, included gold coins from James I and Charles I, as well as silver half crowns, shillings, and sixpences from the time of Elizabeth I, Phillip, and Mary. The collection recently sold for approximately $75,000 at Dukes Auction House. One evening, Betty Fooks told The Guardian, I was with the children and my husband was digging with a pickaxe when he called to say theyve found something. He put all the coins in a bucket. The couple reported their find and sent the coins to the British Museum for cleaning and identification. Experts there told the Fooks that the coins were likely all hidden away at one time, sometime between 1642 and 1644, amidst the turmoil of the English Civil War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Back then, when people hid coins, they werent just doing it to be cautiousthey were often trying to survive. Both Parliamentarian and Royalist troops entered peoples homes to demand food and sometimes even steal valuables. So, ordinary families learned how to create secret caches in places like walls and pots to retrieve their items once the fighting stopped. But many of the people who hid their possessions never returned to find them. If you were a royalist or suspected royalist, you could have your estates sequestrated (seized) by the Parliamentary side and vice versa, Waseem Ahmed, a doctoral student of history at University College London with expertise in 17th-century British political history, told Live Science. At the time, Dorset was a strategic location for troop movements during the war, which culminated in victory for the Parliamentarian alliance and the captureand eventual executionof King Charles I. Thats where rich families like the Sydenhams and the Strangways shifted allegiances depending on which side held power. In Lyme Regis, meanwhile, a Parliamentarian garrison famously withstood an 8-week siege in 1644, supplied by daring smugglers who ferried food and gunpowder through naval blockades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in rural areas like Poorton, villagers likely lived in constant fear that soldiers could arrive at any time. The hoard the Fooks discovered could have belonged to such a family. The war left behind remnants of its chaos buried for over 400 years. If we hadnt lowered the floor, they would still be hidden there, Betty Fooks told The Guardian. I presume the person intended to retrieve them but never got the chance. Now, the Poorton Coin Hoard is adding another piece to the historical puzzle of a nation once gripped by civil war. Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the Issue Photo credit: Hearst Owned Get the Issue You Might Also Like Asylum seekers are due to be removed from an Essex hotel after a council was granted a temporary High Court injunction blocking them from being housed there. The injunction was sought by Epping Forest District Council to stop migrants being placed at The Bell Hotel in Epping, which is owned by Somani Hotels Limited. Thousands of people have protested near the hotel in recent weeks after an asylum seeker living there was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in the town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Justice Eyre made his judgement after refusing an 11th-hour effort from Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to get the council's case dismissed. Asylum seekers must be moved out of the hotel by 16:00 BST on 12 September, the judge ruled. All 80 rooms at the hotel are seemingly occupied and, as of last month, it was home to about 140 men. The Home Office had warned the decision would "substantially impact" its ability to house asylum seekers in hotels across the UK. Protests staged outside The Bell Hotel have been attended by both people against its use for asylum seekers and those in support of migrant rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Conservative council leader Chris Whitbread said the repeated demonstrations were escalating tensions in the area and risked causing "irreparable harm". Reacting to the court ruling, he added: "The last few weeks have placed an intolerable strain on our community but today we have some great news. "We have seen the protests that started off quite violently become peaceful protests, run by the people of Epping Forest. "What I call upon the residents tonight is if they decide to go outside The Bell Hotel, don't protest, don't over-celebrate. This is the beginning. It is not the end." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A small crowd had gathered outside the hotel on Tuesday evening. Chris Whitbread said the court victory showed "the government cannot ignore planning rules, just like no-one else can ignore planning rules" [PA Media] Sixteen people have been charged with offences relating to disturbances during several protests, which Essex Police said became violent on occasion. Representing the council, Philip Coppel KC agreed some protests "have unfortunately been attended by violence and disorder". He said Somani Hotels "did not advise or notify the local planning authority" to seek its views on the use of the site which he argued was not a hotel in the usual sense any more. He told the court it was "no more a hotel than a borstal [was] to a young offender". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for the hotel and home secretary confirmed in court they wished to appeal against the injunction before a full hearing was listed in the autumn. It followed a failed last-minute attempt by the Home Office to get the case dismissed. Edward Brown KC, for the government, said any injunction could lead to other councils making similar applications. "That would aggravate the pressures on the asylum estate," he added. 'Sidestepped scrutiny' The council's win comes three years after a string of judgments in similar cases in which judges refused to intevene. However, Epping Forest told the court last Friday that its case was different because use of the hotel had become a public safety risk, as well as a breach of planning law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his judgement Mr Justice Eyre said: "Although the defendant's [Somani Hotels Limited] actions were not flagrant or surreptitious they were deliberate. "The defendant acted in good faith but chose to take its stand on the position that there was no material change of use. "The defendant did so in the knowledge the claimant, as local planning authority, took a different view and believed that permission was necessary. "It thereby sidestepped the public scrutiny and explanation which would otherwise have taken place if an application for planning permission or for a certificate of lawful use had been made." A small crowd gathered outside The Bell Hotel in the evening following the High Court judgement [BBC] Imram Hussain, from the Refugee Council, said: "We think asylum seekers should not be in hotels - there are cheaper, better ways of supporting people and we think the government should end the use of hotels as fast as it can." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said such migrants should be in "dispersal accommodation around the country", as it was more cost-effective and it wanted the government to "work with local authorities to go back to that kind of system and not use hotels". Epping Forest District Council applied for the injunction on 12 August [BBC] Reform UK leader Nigel Farage welcomed the ruling and said: "This community stood up bravely, despite being slandered as far right, and have won." His deputy leader, Richard Tice, said his party would look at pursuing similar cases for hotels within the 10 council areas it controls, which included both North and West Northamptonshire councils, Doncaster, and Kent and Staffordshire county councils. Angela Eagle, Border Security Minister, said: "This government inherited a broken asylum system; at the peak there were over 400 hotels open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will continue working with local authorities and communities to address legitimate concerns. Our work continues to close all asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament. "We will carefully consider this judgment." Protests began outside The Bell after 41-year-old Hadush Kebatu, from Ethiopia, was charged with sexual assault, harassment and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity. He denied the offences and remained in custody ahead of a two-day trial, due to begin next Tuesday. A second man, living at the same hotel, Mohammed Sharwarq, 32, a Syrian national, has been charged with two counts of common assault and four of assault by beating - concerning four complainants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following a hearing before magistrates in Chelmsford, he was remanded into custody. The BBC understands the alleged offences took place within The Bell Hotel. More on this story Related internet links CHICAGO The Chicago Public School district is still working to address a $734 million deficit by the end of the month. On Tuesday, there is scheduled to be two public budget hearings. Last week, CPS leaders presented a budget plan. On Tuesday, the public will be allowed to review the proposed budget and give feedback before it is finalized. To fill the gap, the district wants to lay off crossing guards, custodians, cafeteria workers and central office workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CPS leaders present plan to close $700M+ budget shortfall that avoids cuts to classrooms The budget deficit sits at $734 million. The proposal says the district will refinance debt, use $65 million from a reserve fund, rely on a $25 million philanthropy grant and $380 million in TIF surplus money from the city. Part of the $734 million is a pension payment that must be paid to the city. It covers non-teacher staff. The proposal states that CPS will agree to front the $175 million payment if it receives more funding from the state or TIF surplus from the city. The Chicago Teachers Union has been calling on Govenor JB Pritzker to convene a special session of the General Assembly to address the deficit in state funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, no commitment from the Pritzker or lawmakers. Mayor Brandon Johnson is suggesting the district should take out a short-term high interest loan. He says there are option two options: make cuts or invest. According to a report from the State Board of Education earlier this month, CPS would need $1.6 billion more in state funding to provide an adequate education to all students. The first hearing starts at 1 p.m. Tuesday, the second begins at 4:30 p.m. On August 28, the Board of Education will vote on the proposed budget. However, CPS is required by state law to pass a balanced budget by August 29. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Congressman Mike Simpson and Rick Johnson enjoy the view looking at Castle Peak, the highest point in the White Cloud Mountains. Simpson and Johnson worked together for decades to protect the Boulder-White Clouds. (File photo courtesy of Ed Cannady) Some of the newest wilderness areas in America are celebrating their 10th anniversary this month thanks to a years-long bipartisan public lands push that started in Idaho. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 7. 2015, former President Barack Obama signed the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Jerry Peak Wilderness Additions Act, which was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, into law. The law designated three new wilderness areas for permanent protection in central Idaho: Together, the wilderness areas are often lumped together in conversation as the Boulder-White Clouds, for short. In an opinion piece written last month, Simpson called the 2015 law one of the most meaningful land management bills in Idahos history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boulder-White Clouds, with their beautiful high peaks, spectacular alpine lakes, and breathtaking country ready for recreation, represent some of the very best of our great state, Simpson wrote. For decades, however, they were at the center of crafting a compromise over how best to preserve this area. Together, the three wilderness areas include more than 275,000 acres of public land in central Idaho, including high peaks, mountain lakes, wild rivers and diverse wildlife habitat. A designation to the National Wilderness Preservation System offers the highest level of protection for federal lands in their natural, untrammeled condition. Wilderness protection generally prevents development and motorized use, limits human activities and emphasizes the natural character and preservation of the land. Procting the Boulder-White Clouds took years of effort and compromise Protecting the Boulder-White Clouds was far from an overnight success. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rick Johnson, who served as the Idaho Conservation Leagues executive director for 24 years, pushed for more than 20 years to win protections for the Boulder-White Clouds. To do so, Johnson said he totally rewrote the script for environmental action and conservation. He went from fighting against proposals and developments he viewed as detrimental to the environment to fighting for something even bigger. When you are fighting things all the time you can develop a mindset of defensiveness and even anger that is off-putting, Johnson said. But to protect wilderness, you have to proactively pass a law, which means going to Congress to get a majority vote out of Congress. So to do it, to pass a wilderness bill, you have to do all kinds of things that are counter to being an angry, defensive, stereotypical environmentalist. You have to make new friends, you have got to get out of the office, you have to be going out and talking to people. Johnson and others knew the fight for the Boulder-White Clouds was worth it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the wilderness designation, Johnson said it was the single biggest unprotected roadless area in the Lower 48. The area also already had established an important history of rallying Idahoans. In the late 1960s, conservationists and the public banded together to fight a proposed ASARCO mine at the base Castle Peak, the highest point in the White Cloud Mountains. To win support for the wilderness designation, Johnson found a champion for the cause in Congress in the form of Simpson. Johnson then set out across the state seeking to create a political environment where protecting the Boulder-White Clouds had so much public support it seemed almost inevitable. Johnson spoke to 35 Rotary clubs and countless chambers of commerce. He helped arrange for Simpson to be flown over the Boulder-White Clouds to get a birds eye view of the beautiful mountains and crystal clear lakes. Then Johnson accompanied Simpson on a hike to Castle Peak and learned how serious Simpson had become about the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was very surprising that (Simpson) never gave up, Johnson said. He is a bona fide hero in this. Simpson could not be reached for comment. Simpsons first several proposals failed. But eventually, Johnson got a phone call in 2015 telling him to get to the Oval Office to meet Obama and watch the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Jerry Peak Wilderness Additions Act into law. President Barack Obama greets former Idaho Conservation League Executive Director Rick Johnson and bill signing attendees before signing H.R. 1138 Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Jerry Peak Wilderness Additions Act, in the Oval Office on Aug. 7, 2015. (Official White House file photo by Pete Souza, courtesy of Rick Johnson) Conservationists believes Boulder-White Clouds lessons apply to todays public lands fight Johnson retired after leading the Idaho Conservation League from late 1994 to 2019. But he says the lessons learned during the decades of fighting to protect the Boulder-White Clouds are relevant to today. Earlier this year, U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, led an unsuccessful effort in Congress to make millions of acres of public land, including in Idaho, available to be sold off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What I am thinking about now are the threats public lands face and some of the lessons of the Boulder-White Clouds are good things to be paying attention to right now, Johnson said. Public land protection and, frankly, a love of Idaho transcends partisan politics. When people are sufficiently motivated and organized and focused on protecting their backyard, they can do amazing things. Johnson said the way to move forward is being willing to work hard and work together regardless of personal political views, recognizing the value of fighting for something versus fighting against it and understanding the importance of telling a story about why specific places matter and need protection. Management of these lands can change based on what this government of the people, by the people and for the people determines, Johnson said. It is an incredibly inspiring thing to be a part of something where a bunch of people decided this place, with Castle Peak at its center, is sufficiently important that we are going to work our tails off and do something about it. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Eastbound lanes on Interstate 40 are clear after a crash in North Little Rock Tuesday morning. Officials with the Arkansas Department of Transportation reported a crash near Highway 365 Exit 152-B involving multiple vehicles. Traffic was being diverted off the interstate for about an hour before lanes were re-opened. ARDOT officials have reported an injury in the crash. A cause of the crash is unknown at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (WJET/WFXP) A local fire company is hosting a blood drive to honor a member of their team who passed away a few years ago. On Tuesday, August 26, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., the Community Blood Bank (CBB) will partner with the Crescent Hose Company to host a blood drive at 36 East Main Street in North East, Pennsylvania, in memory of Thomas Gonzo Gonzales. Mavericks Memory car show raises money for Emmas Footprints Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gonzales was a lifelong resident of North East and a dedicated member of the Crescent Hose Company for 47 years. During his time with the company, Gonzales served as both captain and treasurer, among other roles. He passed away on August 17, 2022. According to a release from the CBB, This blood drive honors Toms legacy of service and his commitment to his community. Blood donations are a vital resource for local hospitals, and this event provides a meaningful way for friends, family, and community members to give back in a way that reflects Toms own selflessness. Those interested in scheduling an appointment can do so by calling (814) 456-4206 or clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. JUNIATA COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A Juniata County fire left two cats dead and three families displaced Monday. Multiple crews responded to a two-alarm fire at 12 E. Main St. in Thompsontown. Volunteer Fire Company No. 8 Assistant Chief Jim Shearer said the fire started in the upstairs of the building. It spread to other apartments, leaving behind a total loss of the structure. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News Alerts The American Red Cross was summoned for three displaced families. Shearer said two cats died, as well. No injuries were reported. In a video taken by an abc27 News viewer, crews battled the fire amid amid heavy smoke as flames rose from the roof. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal is investigating the fire. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. (Reuters) -The outlook for European corporate health has slightly deteriorated, the latest earnings forecasts showed on Tuesday, marking a change of direction after several weeks of improvement. European companies are expected to report growth of 4.6% in second-quarter earnings, on average, according to LSEG I/B/E/S data. That is slightly below the 4.8% rise analysts had expected a week ago. Since the European Union struck a framework deal with the United States in July and the U.S. and China extended their tariff truce for another 90 days last week, market sentiment has been steadily improving. Before July, forecasts for Europe-wide STOXX 600 company earnings had steadily worsened since U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for "reciprocal" tariffs in February. Analysts had expected second-quarter earnings to grow 9.1% year-on-year right before the announcement, according to the data. The consensus for revenue also continued to worsen slightly, the LSEG report showed. Analysts now expecting a 1.5% fall, compared with a 1.3% drop expected last week. That compares with a 3.0% increase in earnings and a 0.8% drop in revenues a year ago. (Reporting by Marleen Kaesebier and Javi West Larranaga) President Donald Trumps new White House portrait is fire, according to some critics, and they didnt mean that in a good way. Presidential adviser Sebastian Gorka shared the painting Monday on X, formerly Twitter. It shows a heroic- and trim-looking Trump in an overcoat as he walks through a row of American flags with what appears to be a fire behind him. One of the new @WhiteHouse paintings of President @realDonaldTrump. More to come. pic.twitter.com/yQy8qiVejC Sebastian Gorka DrG (@SebGorka) August 19, 2025 While the flourish might just be an orange glow, some observers saw flames and roasted the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fitting that the world around him is on fire, one person wrote on X. So hes going to burn the USA down and walk away unscathed? another added. The fires of hell are very accurate, someone else devilishly chimed in. The work is by Vanessa Horabuena and its hanging in in the West Wing between the lower and upper press offices, a White House source told HuffPost on Tuesday. Gorka wrote that more paintings are on the way. Trumps relationship to presidential portraits has been a rocky one. Presumably concerned a prominent White House painting of ex-President Barack Obama would steal his thunder, he had it banished to a restricted area, CNN reported earlier this month. Related: Texas Democrat Sues After Republicans Lock Her In Capitol In March, Trump griped about a fleshier artwork of himself in the Colorado Capitol, saying it was purposefully distorted. It was later replaced with a more imposing image of the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check out other scorching comments on it below: fits. America is on fire in the background and trumps walks away... Mystique Lithmerdal (@lith_mystique) August 19, 2025 Why is the country on fire behind him? Project Liberal (@ProjectLiberal) August 19, 2025 No huge belly hanging over his belt.. no slouched shoulders, no haggard look.. Is the yellow supposed to be fire? like.. the flags represent America and it's burning to the ground? Xpedience (@Seriously_1970) August 19, 2025 Is that Gavin Newsom? AJ (@jojonamers) August 19, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pathetic. Karen Boylan (@karenaboylan) August 19, 2025 Why is the country on fire behind him? Project Liberal (@ProjectLiberal) August 19, 2025 The man can't get enough of himself. Trond Zaphirax (@norsehotties) August 19, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related... Read the original on HuffPost Michigan has emerged as a leader in the clean-energy transition in the United States. However, an "offramp" provision in its 2023 climate and clean energy laws could hinder the state's plans and is raising questions about whether utility consumers will end up paying the price. What's happening? In November 2023, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation aimed at improving public health, protecting resources like drinking water, and driving down costs for consumers. As part of that plan, Michigan announced it would generate 100% of its energy from clean sources by 2040. Yet the bill included an important caveat: Dirty energy plants could remain active if the state wasn't generating enough power to meet demand. As detailed by Inside Climate News, data center development in the Great Lakes State is stressing the grid and could trigger this "offramp." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan's largest utility provider, DTE, is in negotiations with major tech companies to provide power for new data centers, and it says building a new gas plant may be necessary to meet demand, according to the report. Why is this important? At this time, it is unclear whether residents will shoulder the burden of paying for electric expansion costs caused by data center development. Chris Gilmer-Hill, a policy associate with the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, explained to ICN that this was a key reason why opponents of 2024 tax incentives for data centers fought so hard against the legislation. While data centers can create local jobs and are increasingly relying on renewable energy with some arguing they could even speed up a clean-energy transition they also have the potential to drive dirty energy development, as the case in Michigan demonstrates. Studies have linked air pollution from dirty fuels to debilitating illnesses and premature death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Looking back to the fight over the incentives, this is absolutely what DTE wanted to happen," Gilmer-Hill said. "DTE's theory is if they can find a way to easily jack up demand that has to be met no matter what, then they can build coal or methane or gas plants." What's being done about this? Douglas Jester, a partner at energy consulting firm 5 Lakes Energy, told ICN that the offramp doesn't change the obligation for companies to try to comply with Michigan's clean and renewable energy standards. However, critics are wary of how things will play out because DTE has donated millions of dollars to Gov. Whitmer and the state Democratic Party. According to the Detroit Metro Times, DTE has also contributed to campaigns for 138 of the state's 148 senators and representatives. "There were multiple attempts made to protect our climate goals and ratepayers, and those did not move because DTE controls the state Legislature with its contributions," Voters Not Politicians executive director Christy McGillivray told ICN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is not popular to hike up energy rates so Silicon Valley billionaires build out infrastructure to raid our entire government no one voted for that," she added. You can contact your representatives if you want to make your voice heard on this matter. 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. Three days ago, it looked as if Russian President Vladimir Putin had brought Donald Trump back to his side in the three-year-old war he has fought to illegally seize much of Ukraines territory and move the former Soviet republic closer to the West. Now, after a historic day of White House meetings between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a host of world leaders who accompanied him to Washington, the U.S. president appears to have moved far in the opposite direction towards a historic commitment of American resources and towards the future security of Ukraine. Speaking in the Oval Office alongside Zelensky, both officials grinned for the cameras as the American president mostly resisted the temptation to lecture Ukraines leader and further reiterated his support for an unspecified role in security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a peace deal. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders at the White House Monday. Both Zelensky and Trump talked about trilateral discussions with Russia to end the war. (REUTERS) For his part, Zelensky said he and Trump were ready for a trilateral sit-down with Putin, who Trump had just met with days ago in Alaska and was called Monday afternoon as the meeting wrapped. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the day began, the mood at the White House was heavy with the memory of Zelenskys last visit six months ago and with questions over whether Trump would push for territorial concessions without much in the way of guarantees for Kyivs future security. The last time the Ukrainian president was at the White House, he was asked to leave abruptly after a disastrous Oval Office shouting match between him and Vice President JD Vance over Zelenskys supposed lack of gratitude for the American military support provided to him by the previous administration. But he and Trump appear to have patched up their relationship over the intervening months as the president has, for the most part, taken a tougher line on Russia and spoken out on Moscows continued attacks on civilian targets. Hes also praised the Ukrainian armed forces for the bravery with which theyve wielded the American-made weapons that have powered their defense against Russias invaders. Despite Trumps prior reluctance to get the United States deeper involved into what hes described as a European conflict, he appeared to cross a rubicon by pledging a degree of American involvement in a to-be-determined security force that would protect Ukrainian territory from further aggression in exchange for Kyiv giving up some of the territory Russia has illegally seized by force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This sudden about-face appeared to be the result of intense lobbying by some of the European leaders with whom Trump has enjoyed close relationships, including U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Italys Georgia Meloni, Finlands Alexander Stabb and Frances Emmanuel Macron. At a group sit-down with the leaders in the East Room, Zelensky said his talks with Trump had been their best meeting yet. We are very happy that all the leaders are here, and security in Ukraine depends on the United States and on you and on those leaders who are with us in our hearts, he said, calling it very important that Trump was willing to even discuss committing American resources to protecting Ukraine as part of a final settlement. Zelensky has had a famously volatile relationship with Trump dating back to their first conversation after he was elected six years ago. Zelensky and Trump appear to have patched up their relationship over the intervening months as the president has, for the most part, taken a tougher line on Russia and spoken out on Moscows continued attacks on civilian targets (Getty Images) That phone call infamously became a central issue in the first of Trumps two impeachment trials, and upon returning to office after last years election it appeared that Trump was ready to retaliate by completely cutting off American support for Kyivs defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That never happened. Instead, Trump has appeared to inch closer and closer to Zelenskys position as Putin has rebuffed the American leaders attempts to reach a settlement, save for his trip to Anchorage last week. Trump and his allies characterized that summit from which no deal was to be had as historic. But even more notable was the gathering of what Starmer called the coalition of the willing in Washington, and Trumps willingness to commit the United States to work with Europe in guaranteeing that Zelensky and his countrymen wont be left out in the cold if they accept a raw deal, giving up their own land after years of war. The meeting came together quickly over the weekend, a result of what appeared to be Trumps capitulation to Putin in Alaska, after which White House officials said Trump had discussed the possibility of land swaps in exchange for Russia ending the war but without much detail in terms of what Moscow would give up. Yet as each leader took his or her turn speaking in the East Room, it was clear that Trump hadnt conceded as much as critics had feared. Instead, he is on the verge of committing the United States to a historic role in ensuring a lasting settlement to the war, giving him another solved conflict to boast about and perhaps a legitimate argument for the Nobel Peace Prize he has obsessed over for nearly a decade. NEED TO KNOW Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has spoken out following charges of rape and domestic violence against his stepson Marius Borg Hiby, 27, faces 32 criminal charges stemming from an August 2024 arrest According to reports, Hiby plans to plead guilty to some lesser charges but disputes the most serious allegations against him Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has spoken out as his stepson, Marius Borg Hiby, faces 32 criminal abuse charges. Hiby, 27, was first arrested in August 2024 on accusations that he "attacked" a 20-year-old woman "psychologically and physically," according to a report from Norwegian outlet Se og Hr. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Aug. 18, Norway's state prosecutor officially charged him with 32 crimes, including one count of rape with sexual intercourse and three counts of rape without intercourse, according to reports from CBS and Reuters. In his first public remarks since the charges were announced, Prince Haakon told reporters, "We will continue to carry out our duties as best we can, as we always do," according to Reuters. "Everyone involved in this case probably finds it challenging and difficult." LISE ASERUD/NTB/AFP/Getty Marius Brg Hoiby Marius Brg Hoiby Reuters reported that his attorney has said that his client will plead guilty to some lesser crimes but disputes the most serious charges. "He does not agree with the claims regarding rape and domestic violence," Sekulic said, according to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hiby is the son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from prior to her 2000 marriage to Crown Prince Haakon. He has never had a royal title or a place in the line of succession, and in 2017, it was announced that he would not have a public role. Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit also share two children: Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, and Prince Sverre Magnus,19, who are second and third in line to the throne, respectively. Hiby was last officially photographed with the royal family in June 2022, during a celebration of Ingrid Alexandra's 18th birthday. LISE ASERUD/NTB/AFP via Getty The Norwegian royal family, clockwise from top left: Marit Tjessem, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Prince Haakon, Prince Sverre Magnus, Marius Borg Hoiby, Queen Sonja, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and King Harald The Norwegian royal family, clockwise from top left: Marit Tjessem, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Prince Haakon, Prince Sverre Magnus, Marius Borg Hoiby, Queen Sonja, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, and King Harald Last year, Hiby was held for 30 hours following his arrest and was eventually released. Prosecutor Sturla Henriksbo told CBS the maximum penalty for the charges is 10 years in prison. The trial is expected to start in January 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The fact that Marius Borg Hiby is a member of the royal family should, of course, not mean that he should be treated more lightly or more severely than if similar acts had been committed by others," Henriksbo said. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! According to Reuters, Hiby's charges include offenses against four different women, as well as allegations that he filmed some of the assaults. In December 2024, Crown Princess Mette-Marit opened up about the royal family's "challenging" year in the NRK program The Year of the Royal Family 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been a demanding year and a demanding autumn for us, she added. Of the allegations against her son, the princess said Hiby had a right to privacy, telling the show they had been seeking professional help and that they had been doing so for a long time. I dont think we would have been able to be in a situation like this without having that help, together as a family, and at the same time fulfill our obligations to the Norwegian people, she said. Read the original article on People Its no Route 66. But the roughly 80-mile stretch of U.S. Route 50 that snakes across Virginia from the nations capital to the West Virginia border is rich in American history and culture. The mostly two-lane, winding mountain road features vineyards, battlefields, high-end resorts, and more. And just like the iconic route from Chicago to California, U.S. 50 is increasingly making way for the future of American road trips: electric vehicles. The tiny town of Middleburg, Virginia, is a case in point: Officials there installed a fast charger nearly 18 months ago to serve EV drivers in the wealthy, bucolic region just 45 miles west of Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Named for its equidistance between Alexandria and Winchester, Middleburg has long been at the center of foxhunting and steeplechases. These days, the town of less than 1,000 people is also surrounded by wineries and boasts a film festival, a 168-room five-star resort, and a Christmas parade replete with horses and hound dogs. Since colonial times it has been a stopping place, and its continued to be a place where people come from all over the world, as well as from the greater D.C. area, said Lynne Kaye, chair of Middleburgs sustainability committee. As electric vehicles have become more prevalent, so too has EV tourism: towns off the beaten path seeking to lure travelers with charging infrastructure. While visitors juice up often for free at relatively slow Level 2 chargers they might browse local art galleries and shops, grab some dinner, or visit another attraction they may have otherwise missed. But Middleburg is part of Loudoun County, the nations richest, with some of the most robust EV adoption numbers in Virginia. The town has ample attractions, so the idea to install a charger was less about drawing in new visitors than it was about keeping those already passing through happy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we walked around town, we were noticing a bunch of EVs, said Kaye. We wanted to make sure that we didn't accidentally become unappealing to people who were driving them. Reducing the towns climate footprint was also a consideration. Kaye and others reason that cars driven by visitors and residents are the leading contributor to its planet-warming emissions. We only have 673 residents. We can only create so much carbon, she said. But when you have 20,000 people come to an event, thats a lot of carbon all at once. When town leaders were in the planning stages of adding their charger, they also noticed a lack of devices in the region that could fill up a car battery in an hour or less. Not everybody wants to spend however many hours getting their EV charged, Kaye said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For all these reasons, the decision to install a fast charger in the heart of town was an easy one. But bringing that choice to fruition wasnt as simple. An expansive bay with 10 or more chargers, an increasingly common feature at gas stations, wasnt logistically feasible in the tiny Town Hall parking lot. And most charging companies Middleburg approached wanted to install no fewer than six fast chargers. Getting this huge bank of chargers didnt fit a historic town, Kaye said. There wasnt really space for it, and we werent sure that we were going to get enough traffic to use the chargers effectively. XCharge North America came to the rescue. The charger manufacturer was willing to work with us and come up with a way to have the one charger, Kaye said. And its been a success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially called Current Electric, the startup had recently been acquired by a European equipment maker. Its business proposition: making fast chargers cheaper by using a 208-volt system rather than the global standard of 480V. While Middleburg had already wired its new Town Hall to accommodate the industry standard, XCharge still leapt at the opportunity to showcase its hardware, said company cofounder Alex Urist. This was very much a way for us to get early applications in the U.S., said Urist, who lives in New York City. The proximity to D.C. is great as well. Selfishly, I go to D.C. to visit the in-laws frequently enough, so I can always check in on the charger. I like to take them over there and show off that I actually have a job, he quipped. Typical direct-current fast-charging units can run between $30,000 and $120,000. In Middleburgs case, XCharge provided its hardware for free while the town covered the installation. The two entities share the revenue from charging sessions, and the company can learn from how the fast charger performs as it explores other markets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's not really a charger on a high-throughput area, Urist said. But what is interesting about it is, it's kind of dead in the middle of Virginia wine country. It's along this rural corridor where the perceptive availability of chargers is very important. Between March 2024, when the charger was installed, and February 2025, 181 sessions were logged. Since then, theres been an uptake, with 268 sessions logged as of May 2025, according to XCharge. It's a really interesting use case for us to see. How does it help with the local economy? Are they going to also see any ancillary impacts of it beyond just the revenue coming in? Urist said. Indeed, thats one of the expectations behind an initiative called Virginia Green Travel, which helps the states towns, especially those with carbon-reduction goals, attract environmentally minded tourists, said Alleyn Harned, executive director of Virginia Clean Cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Electric vehicle chargers have been part of green tourism in Virginia, said Harned, whose group is among the backers of the Green Travel initiative. Virginia Clean Cities, a U.S. Department of Energy-funded entity thats based at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, is what brought Middleburg and XCharge together. The towns success with its fast charger was a bright spot for the organization after President Donald Trump stalled the rollout of $5 billion for charging infrastructure launched under his predecessor. This is a positive story in getting something done, Harned said, because this stuff really improves our economy. As the Trump administration moves toward releasing National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funds after losses in court, more towns across Virginia may have the chance to follow Middleburg's lead. Kaye says they should know that fast charging is possible for them. I think it's important for other small towns to realize that there is an opportunity, if they want to take it, she said. Culver's which is expanding in Wisconsin and in the country is proposing a Germantown location. After Sauk-City based Culver's opened 53 locations in 2024, there are 55 restaurants planned for this year, according to Eat This, Not That! If approved, the Germantown location will be owned by Dan and Alicia Braatz, who own the Menomonee Falls Culver's. The Germantown Culver's proposal is expected to be taken up by the Plan Commission on Sept. 8. Culver's is proposing to open a Germantown location. This proposal is on the Plan Commission's agenda for Sept. 8. Where will the proposed Germantown Culver's be located? This new Culver's is proposed for the corner of Mequon Road and Division Road in Germantown at N112 W17300 Mequon Road. What kinds of features would be at the Germantown Culver's? According to village documents, the restaurant would be on a 1-acre site with a drive-through, indoor and outdoor seating, delivery service with a third-party vendor, a spot for curbside order service and 52 parking spaces. What kinds of items are on Culver's menu? Culver's menu items include chicken tenders, fish, salads, soups, onion rings, French fries, butterburgers, chicken sandwiches and cheese curds. There are dessert items such as frozen custard, shakes, malts and other seasonal items. Will the Germantown Culver's be hiring? The proposed Germantown location would hire 50 to 60 employees; most of them will be part-time, according to village documents. What will the hours be at the Germantown Culver's? The hours for the proposed Germantown Culver's are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. During the summer months, the restaurant may be open an hour later, until 11 p.m., according to village documents. Culver's locations are generally closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: The Sussex Culver's is looking to close its current location and move within the village More: The Grafton Culver's is looking to move within the village and build a new restaurant If approved, when will construction begin? Construction is slated to begin after the village's final approval and permits have been completed. According to village documents, the timeline is approximately six months from groundbreaking to opening day. What new Culver's locations are opening in Wisconsin? Culver's is planning to open new Wisconsin locations in Eau Claire, Combined Locks and Evansville, according to USA Today. Eau Claire already has three other locations, while Combined Locks, 5.5 miles from Appleton, and Evansville, 22 miles from Janesville, will be opening their first locations. How many Culver's restaurants are there in Wisconsin? Culver's operates more than 1,000 locations across 26 states, including more than 150 restaurants in Wisconsin, according to its website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: It's sweet corn season. Here are some stands to visit in the Milwaukee area More: Milwaukee area high school football top 10 countdown: No. 4 Arrowhead Warhawks Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Menomonee Falls Culver's owners look to open location in Germantown Despite a report to the contrary, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's mayoral campaign told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that they aren't expecting help from anyone in the race for Gracie Mansion, including former President Donald Trump, despite a report to the contrary. Politico's New York Playbook reported that Cuomo is "counting on" Trump to urge Republicans to vote for the former governor instead of the Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa, in this November's mayoral election. According to audio obtained by the outlet, Cuomo told a Hamptons crowd on Saturday that Sliwa isn't a "serious candidate" and Trump himself would say, "youll be wasting your vote on Sliwa." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When reached for comment regarding the report, Cuomo's senior advisor, Rich Azzopardi, explained that Cuomo was responding to "what he heard to be a hypothetical about how it could become a two-person race and was speculating." Trump Says Cuomo's Got A 'Good Shot' Of Beating Mamdani In Nyc Mayor Election Mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo arrives to attend a Sunday service at First Corinthian Baptist Church in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City on April 13, 2025. Cuomo is New York City's "only chance" of defeating the Democratic mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani, the Cuomo campaign doubled down on Tuesday. Read On The Fox News App Cuomo Tones Down Trump Rhetoric After Stunning Loss To Mamdani In Nyc Mayor Primary Meanwhile, Sliwa has distanced himself from the president, maintaining that it wouldn't be helpful for Trump to intervene in New York City's mayoral race, after The New York Times' report that Trump has been speaking with Cuomo and his associates about how to defeat Mamdani in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Cuomo have both denied the phone call ever happened, and the former governor said he wouldn't accept a Trump endorsement. The Republican nominee told Fox News Digital on Tuesday morning that Cuomo's campaign is "a mess," and said, "desperate people do desperate things." "Its just sad that Andrew Cuomo thinks a Trump headline will save him," Sliwa said in a statement. Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa is interviewed by Fox News Digital in New York City on Aug. 18, 2025. And Sliwa trolled Cuomo, arguing that "if he actually left the Hamptons," he would see the impact of his policies on New Yorkers," tying crime to his "disastrous no-bail law" and his controversial COVID-19 policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to reporters at a campaign event in Manhattan on Monday, Cuomo confirmed that he attended the fundraiser at media mogul Jimmy Finkelsteins home in Southampton on Saturday. But Cuomo denied that during the fundraiser, he discussed Trump with former NYC City Council President Andrew Stein, who co-hosted the event in the Hamptons. "Lets put it this way: I knew the president very well," Cuomo said in the Hamptons, according to Politico, before adding, "I believe there will be opportunities to actually cooperate with him. I also believe that hes not going to want to fight with me in New York if he can avoid it." The comments followed Mamdani's week-long anti-Trump tour across New York City's five boroughs. Day by day, the self-described Democratic socialist spotlighted how Trump's sweeping second-term agenda is impacting New Yorkers, as he worked to tie Cuomo to Trump. New York City Democratic mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani, spoke to supporters at a canvass launch event in Prospect Park on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. The Mamdani campaign seized on the latest reporting, releasing a statement on Tuesday morning arguing that "Andrew Cuomo has been caught red-handed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Since he's too afraid to say it to New Yorkers' faces, we'll make it clear: Andrew Cuomo is Donald Trump's choice for mayor," Mamdani campaign spokeswoman Dora Pekec said. Cuomo's campaign was quick to respond, calling it "silly." "Mamdani is clearly trying to deflect from answering questions" about his own record, including his support for decriminalizing prostitution, for which Cuomo held a press conference criticizing on Monday. Mayor Eric Adams arrives for a public safety announcement on Staten Island on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Mamdani has said he would be Trump's "worst nightmare" if elected in November. Trump has repeatedly criticized Mamdani, calling him a "100% Communist Lunatic." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has dismissed the idea that Trump is planning to get involved in the race. "As President Trump has repeatedly stated, he has no intention of getting involved or making an endorsement in the New York City mayoral race," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News Digital in a statement. Cuomo lost the Democratic primary to Mamdani in June but decided to stay in the race as an independent candidate. In the closing weeks ahead of New York City's Democratic Party mayoral primary, as he appeared to be cruising toward capturing his party's nomination, Cuomo focused his campaign's spotlight on Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Trumps coming for New York. Who do you think can stop him?" the narrator in a Cuomo campaign ad said over images of the June rioting in Los Angeles sparked by Trump's immigration crackdown. President Donald Trump delivers remarks to the press at Trump Tower in New York City on Sept. 26, 2024. "Trumps at the city gates. We need someone experienced to slam them shut," the narrator said, as he suggested that Cuomo was the most experienced candidate to push back against the president's agenda. Cuomo pledged, if elected mayor, to protect New York City from what he suggested could be a possible future federal crackdown against immigration protests in the city. And he vowed to mount a national campaign to try and thwart Trump's agenda. Mamdanis stunning victory over Cuomo and nine other candidates last month to capture the Democratic Party nomination rocked the race for mayor in the nation's most populous city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as Cuomo resets as he runs in the mayoral general election as an independent candidate, references to Trump have plummeted. Former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running for New York City mayor as an independent candidate, holds a news conference on August 18, 2025. Adams is also running as an independent candidate. Particularly on immigration, the incumbent mayor has developed a relationship with Trump. Click To Get The Fox News App "I helped him out a little bit," Trump admitted last month, referencing his Justice Department dropping corruption charges against the mayor earlier this year. Fox News Digital's Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report. Original article source: Cuomo campaign denies bombshell report about Trump's influence in the NYC mayoral race NEW YORK Andrew Cuomo is counting on President Donald Trump and top Republicans to tell the party faithful to vote for him if they want to stop Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani from becoming the next mayor of New York. Cuomo even thinks the president could tell GOP voters to not support the Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa, in the November election. The alternative, he says, is a democratic socialist leading the nations biggest city. We can minimize [the Sliwa] vote, because hell never be a serious candidate, Cuomo told the crowd at a Hamptons fundraiser Saturday, according to audio obtained by POLITICO. And Trump himself, as well as top Republicans, will say the goal is to stop Mamdani. And youll be wasting your vote on Sliwa. So I feel good about that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Publicly, Cuomo a Democrat and the former governor of New York has shunned the idea of getting any help from Trump. Cuomo said hed decline an endorsement, and denied a New York Times report that hed spoken with the president about the race. But Cuomo seemed hopeful for the presidents help behind closed doors, speaking to the more Trump-friendly crowd gathered at media mogul Jimmy Finkelsteins home in Southampton the ultra-wealthy Long Island enclave 80 miles east of New York City. Another co-host of the fundraiser, former New York City Council President Andrew Stein, told the Times he briefed Trump last month on how Cuomo had the best chance to beat Mamdani in the general election. And Trump may be receptive, Stein suggested to the publication. The presidents heart is still with New York, and he doesnt want a communist and socialist running the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani won a stunning victory over the former governor in the June Democratic primary, expanding the electorate and defeating Cuomo 56-44 in the final round of ranked-choice voting. Cuomo is now running in the general election on the independent Fight and Deliver Party line and trying to rally support in a field that also includes Sliwa and Mayor Eric Adams. Adams is a registered Democrat, but opted out of his party primary when his budding alliance with Trump further tanked his chances. Hes also seeking reelection on an independent line. Cuomo took questions at the event, and an attendee asked Cuomo directly if he or his team was in conversation with the White House about how Trump might influence the race. Cuomo didnt directly deny it this time. Lets put it this way: I knew the president very well, Cuomo responded. I believe theres a big piece of him that actually wants redemption in New York. He feels that he was rejected by New York. We voted for Hillary Clinton. Bill de Blasio took his name off things. So I believe there will be opportunities to actually cooperate with him. I also believe that hes not going to want to fight with me in New York if he can avoid it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sliwa doesnt think Trump would nudge the GOP to Cuomo, saying the party cant get over Cuomos role in signing a 2019 law that let more people out on bail pre-trial. And then youve got a guy whos been smacking fannies and killing grannies, Sliwa added, referring to Cuomos resignation following sexual harassment accusations and his management of Covid in nursing homes. Cuomo has denied wrongdoing in both instances. Why dont we have a debate? And see how many Republicans go with Cuomo, Sliwa said. In the streets we have a word for that: a fugazi, a fake. Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi downplayed Cuomos comments as speculating about a hypothetical. Were not asking for or expecting help from anyone, he said. Governor Cuomo is the only chance to beat Mamdani and ensure the greatest city in the world stays the greatest city in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cuomo is planning to rig the election, Mamdani campaign spokesperson Dora Pekec said in a statement. Since hes too afraid to say it to New Yorkers faces, well make it clear: Andrew Cuomo IS Donald Trumps choice for mayor. Cuomo also talked at the fundraiser about getting Adams out of the race, so the anti-Mamdani vote isnt split among them. A Gotham Polling & Analytics survey conducted this month for the AARP showed Mamdani leading with 42 percent in the general election, but his top four opponents collectively got 50 percent. Adams wont allow himself to be a spoiler, Cuomo said at the fundraiser. If that happened, hed have to move to Florida afterwards because Adams would be responsible for Mamdani winning. And he believes Mamdani would be horrendous for the city, and weve had that conversation. That didnt sit well with Adams, who eviscerated Cuomo in a statement as an embarrassing double-digit loser who couldnt beat a socialist, and his failure created this entire scenario. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He should stop lecturing others, drop out of the spotlight, and maybe start by giving his daughter back her apartment, Adams added. Another attendee at the fundraiser asked Cuomo if its legal or ethical to offer Eric Adams something to drop out of the race, which prompted laughs from the crowd. Cuomo kept the laughter going, joking about Steins reputation, after pleading guilty to tax evasion in 2010. It is neither legal nor ethical, Cuomo responded, but Andy is talking to him. A version of this story first appeared in Tuesdays New York Playbook newsletter. Subscribe here. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is turning up the volume in his attacks on New York City mayoral rival Zohran Mamdani over the issue of prostitution. Cuomo, who is running for mayor of the nation's most populous city as an independent after Mamdani topped him by double digits in June's Democratic Party primary, argues that if the 33-year-old democratic socialist state lawmaker from Queens wins in November, "New York City would become prostitution capital of the country." Mamdani, whose victory over Cuomo and nine other candidates in the Democratic mayoral primary sent political shock waves across the country, called for the decriminalization of sex work when he first ran for the state legislature in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And as a state assemblyman, Mamdani co-sponsored bills to decriminalize sex work statewide. Battle For New York City Mayor: Mamdani Rivals Defiant Against Dropping Out But he has rarely spoken out on the issue during his 2025 run for mayor. Read On The Fox News App Asked at a campaign event on Sunday about criticism over his stance on decriminalizing prostitution from Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is also running as an independent candidate as he seeks re-election, Mamdani said "my focus on this campaign has long been to make this city one that every New Yorker can afford, where they are safe and where they live a life of dignity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nyc Mayor Adams Rolls Out Police Expansion Plan Pointing to those comments, Cuomo said at a news conference on Monday that Mamdani "was asked yesterday if he would direct the NYPD to stop making prostitution arrests. He didnt say yes or no but suggested hed emulate former Mayor Bill de Blasio." Cuomo, who has long been a loud critic of de Blasio, a former two-term progressive New York City mayor, noted that prostitution arrests cratered during de Blasios tenure in office. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is taking aim at Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani over the issue of decriminalizing prostitution. "Hed emulate former Mayor Bill de Blasio when it came to prostitution arrests," Cuomo claimed. "If you listen to him, and you look to his policies, hes going to be de Blasio 2.0, and I believe thats the last thing this city needs." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proponents of decriminalizing prostitution argue that the move makes sex workers less susceptible to exploitation and violence. But studies suggest that in areas where prostitution is legal, there's an increase in crime and human trafficking. New Candidate Enters Nyc Mayoral Race Parts of New York City have seen an influx of sex workers since then-Gov. Cuomo signed a law in early 2021 that repealed statutes against loitering for the purpose of prostitution. Asked about that bill, the former governor said, "The loitering bill, I'd have to check. I don't remember that bill frankly." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Cuomo highlighted that earlier on Monday, he visited the Roosevelt Avenue corridor in Queens, one of the areas that's seen a dramatic rise in sex workers. "There were signs of prostitution on the street. I spoke to store owners. They are very concerned about it. They think it's destructive for their business, destructive for their neighborhood, it's a bad influence on children," Cuomo said. Mamdani, who was born in Uganda and who would become New York City's first Muslim and first millennial if he wins November's election, has also been criticized over prostitution by Adams. Mayor Eric Adams arrives for a public safety announcement on Staten Island on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. "I dont know where in his Quran it states that its OK for a woman to be on the streets selling their body. I don't know what Quran he is reading," the mayor said as he spoke to reporters on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani surged to a primary victory thanks to an energetic campaign that put a major focus on affordability and New York City's high cost of living. It was fueled by a grassroots army of supporters and backing from top national progressive champions, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Mamdani made smart use of social media platforms, including TikTok, as he engaged low-propensity voters. He proposed eliminating fares to ride New York City's vast bus system, making CUNY (City University of New York) "tuition-free," freezing rents on municipal housing, offering "free childcare" for children up to age 5 and setting up government-run grocery stores. The latest polls indicate that Mamdani is the clear frontrunner in a city where Democrats vastly outnumber Republicans. Guardian Angels co-founder Curtis Sliwa, who for a second straight election is the Republican mayoral nominee, is also on the ballot, as is Jim Walden, a former federal prosecutor running as an independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mamdani campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on Monday's criticism from Cuomo. Original article source: Cuomo turns tables on Mamdani after he dodged question addressing 'destructive' policy PLATTSBURGH Two University of Vermont Health Network Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital programs are laying the groundwork for long-term success by helping new-to-practice nurses and advance practice providers transition into their clinical roles. Designed to build a strong foundation for both professional growth and patient care excellence, the Nurse Residency Program helps new nurses as they move from an academic setting to real life clinical practice while the APP Transition of Practice Program supports physician assistants and nurse practitioners who have joined the emergency department team. The Nurse Residency is a year-long program that affords new-to-practice nurses dedicated time to build upon their academic foundation while learning from real-world experiences. Each resident nurse is paired with a preceptor for their orientation who offers support and guidance. Case reviews and hands on experiences in the hospitals simulation lab provide the nurse residents with opportunities to build confidence by connecting critical thinking with critical action. Peer support sessions and regular meetings with clinical education managers are also key elements of the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing can really prepare you for real life practice, said CVPH Director of Nursing Excellence & Program Development Stephanie Drown. School provides the foundation of what you need as a registered nurse but thats just the beginning. Drown explained that the theoretical knowledge and controlled scenarios graduate nurses were accustomed to in school, are quickly replaced as they enter the workforce, with unpredictable situations and the need for quick, critical thinking. This program helps them adjust to the realities of clinical practice while they build confidence in their skills, she said. CVPH Director of Nursing Education & Professional Development Abby Bennett explains, The turnover rate for new nurses is high across the country. Some research says that about 50% leave within their first two years practice. Our American Nurses Credentialing Center accredited Nurse Residency is designed to give our graduate nurses the additional support, guidance, and hands on experiences they need to become more confident and surround themselves with a supportive team. We want to set them up for success now and in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2013, as the residency was launched, Drown said the 1-year retention rate for new nurses at CVPH was about 69%. Today, that percentage is more than 85% thanks in part to the program. Our Residency program is providing valuable experiences and building strong partnerships for our new nurses. They are also laying a strong foundation for career development offering nurses the opportunity to answer the question, What does the rest of my career look like? Bennett said. The CVPH program was first accredited in 2018 by American Nurses Credentialing Center, a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association. It was the second nurse residency in New York State to earn this national recognition. Today, graduate nurses are looking for accredited programs when considering where to practice, Drown said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the emergency department, where turnover of APPs has been an ongoing challenge, the TOP program is helping to stabilize the team. It is also a year-long program that offers APPs like Derek Bush a supportive environment, classroom and hands on training and education so they can adapt to the new setting and patient population. Before joining the ED team, I had been working in an inpatient setting caring for patients who had already been admitted. Delivering care to ED patients is much different and the program has been helpful, Bush said. Although TOP did not figure into his decision to come to CVPH, Bush says programs like it have increasingly become important to physician assistants and nurse practitioners across the country looking at prospective employers. Health care can be tough especially if you are new, it can be overwhelming, he said. Having the team support is helpful. We provide APPs new to emergency medicine the dedicated time to refine their clinical skills with additional training and hands on experiences. They are given the space to build their clinical confidence under the guidance of mentors and preceptors, APP Manager Maurice Paquette, who coordinates the TOP program, said. Paquette pointed out that the ED providers and staff play a key role in the programs success. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its an investment of time for everyone but we believe its time well spent, he said. Paquette said that within the profession, organizations that offer TOP programs are prioritized by those looking for new positions. We receive inquiries from across the country because of this program. Applicants are willing to move here because of it, he said. The rate of turnover in the ED has decreased due in part to the program. Investing in our people and supporting their passion to deliver great care is an investment in our future, CVPH Chief Nursing Officer Carly Haag said. During this national sustained workforce shortage, attracting and keeping dedicated staff is so very important. Turnover puts additional stress on the entire team and can impact care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Paquette and Drowns leadership, the CVPH TOP program is on its way to seeking accreditation from ANCCs Advanced Practice Provider Fellowships Accreditation Program. It is also being considered for other partners of the University of Vermont Health system. The Nurse Residency recently celebrated the graduation of 25 nurse residents with another class underway and will be seeking accreditation again this year. Ezdehar Management has acquired a majority stake in Egypt-based snack manufacturer Kemet for an undisclosed sum. According to the private-equity firm, the partnership comes at a pivotal moment for pretzels and savoury-snacks business Kemet as it plans to bolster its presence in healthier snacks. In a statement, Ezdehar said the investment reflects strong confidence in both the sector and Kemets exceptional management team, which has consistently demonstrated product innovation, operational excellence, and strategic vision. Amir Mishriky, managing director at Ezdehar, said: Kemet is a standout company in Egypts food and beverage space with wide export reach, strong product and brand equity, and a track record that demonstrates resilience and longevity regardless of the economic conditions. Mishriky added: Were looking forward to being part of the next stage of the companys journey, working closely with the founders and management team. We have full confidence in their ability to drive growth and achieve their ambitious plans through continued product development and innovation. This investment reflects our broader conviction in the future of Egypts food, beverage and consumer sectors. Founded in 1998, Kemet has grown into one of Egypts prominent snack manufacturers, offering a product portfolio such as Pretzo, Mixy and Munchos. The brand exports to markets in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. Dr Mahmoud Hosny, CEO of Kemet, said: This partnership is a game changer. With Ezdehars backing, were ready to accelerate innovation and expand our global footprint. Together, were building the future of healthy snacking. "Ezdehar Management acquires Egyptian snack maker Kemet" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. CONNEAUT D-Day Ohio began clean up of Conneaut Township Park, after the event had three clear days. D-Day Ohio COO Lori McLaughlin said she expected the clean up of the park to be done by the end of the day Monday. We hire movers to actually do a lot of the heavy moving, because the volunteers are physically spent, she said. Last year, the event ended early Saturday because of heavy rains. Everything went really well weather wise, McLaughlin said of the 2025 event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said this years D-Day drew out large crowds of people having fun. People seemed really excited, McLaughlin said. D-Day Ohio CEO Betsy Bashore said she was happy with the clear weather, but hopes next year is a little cooler. Our weather was fabulous for this, but it was a little hot, she said. McLaughlin said there were few heat exhaustions and D-Day volunteers worked to provide people with water everyday. That was our goal, she said. Bashore said this years D-Day Conneaut ran more smoothly relative to past years. Paratroopers returned to D-Day for the third year in a row, with jumps happening at the Northeast Ohio Regional Airport in Denmark Township. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russ Battiato, of W&R Vets, said they are planning to be back next year, and this years jumps could not have gone any better. There were a total of 400 parachute drops with just under 90 jumpers. Nine of 12 students in the organizations paratrooper program graduated after completing at least five jumps. Some of the students were part of the Ohio National Guard, Battiato said. Ohio Secretary of State and veteran paratrooper Frank LaRose was among Saturdays jumpers. It went fantastic, Battiato said. Ohio Republican 2026 gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy also made an appearance at the airport, where he got to go up in the C-47 with other VIPs, Battiato said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramaswamy went to Conneaut Township Park, where he watched a reenactment, McLaughlin said. His family was there, she said. McLaughlin was happy to see youth interest continue in D-Day Conneaut, with children 7-10 years old dressing up and having an event before the main battle, she said. They play battle, she said. Thats our future re-enactors. McLaughlin said she hopes to see the children come back and participate in D-Day Conneaut in years to come. Thats my assurance that this reenactment will continue, she said. D-Day Ohio is already in the early stages of planning for next years D-Day Conneaut, which will go from Aug. 13-15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The non-profit sets its dates out four-five years ahead of time to give re-enactors plenty of time to schedule vacations, McLaughlin said. McLaughlin said D-Day Ohio has its volunteers take notes and write after action reports on how they thought D-Day Conneaut went and what suggestions they have for next year. We learn from others, she said. D-Day Ohio will start meetings to prepare for next year around October, McLaughlin said. Bashore wants to improve the sound system for D-Day, too, she said. People had trouble leaving D-Day Saturday, when a train was stuck on the railroad, blocking much north and southbound traffic in the city. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traffic pretty much came to a standstill, McLaughlin said. The Conneaut Police Department had to step in and direct people west so they could leave the city, she said. McLaughlin said she is going to reach out to the CPD and city government to see if there is a way to alleviate the issue next year. Bashore said she looks forward to next year. NEED TO KNOW Josh Farmer, the owner of a popular California tattoo shop was critically injured in March as he was heading to Bass Lake on a motorcycle After the crash, Farmer spent nearly a month unconscious and doctors had to reconstruct his spine with titanium As he re-learned how to talk and walk again, he said that he hoped he would be able to recover enough to share a dance with his daughter for her 20th birthday As a California dad continues to recover from a life-threatening motorcycle crash that left him unconscious for almost a month, he was able to share a special moment with his daughter. The crash occurred on March 22 as Josh Farmer, who owns High Sierra Tattoo Co. in Clovis, was riding with his friends to Bass Lake in Madera County, according to ABC affiliate KFSN and CBS affiliate KGPE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ''When I was coming around the turn, I just saw a bunch wreckage on the street, fellow rider Eric Bangerter told KFSN at the time. I didn't know what it was so I kind of went around the wreckage and that's when I saw the bike and then I saw Josh in front of the bike. Rashel Garcia, Farmers sister, previously opened up to KGPE about receiving a phone call from someone at her brothers tattoo shop about the crash. I answered it and I couldnt formulate sentences for a good half hour, she said. I was out of there, booking my flight to Fresno. Doctors reconstructed Farmers spine with titanium, according to KFSN. Then he had to learn to talk and walk again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Farmer remained hospitalized, a fundraiser was held for him at his tattoo shop in late March, with local artists creating designs at the shop for free in his honor. Owning High Sierra Tattoo Co. was a dream that Joshua worked tirelessly to bring to life, the company shared in a March 26 Facebook post four days after the crash He has poured his heart, soul, and countless hours into making this shop not just a business, but a second home. And we are going to fight like hell to keep it open as we await his eventual return. ''He's a mentor. He's somebody who keeps you going. He makes your day brighter, Andrea Martinez, a friend of Farmer, told KFSN. Meanwhile, an online fundraiser has raised over $22,000 as of Tuesday, Aug. 19 . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of us have seen Josh coordinate memorial motorcycle rides to honor his fallen camaraderie and host tattoo events to support some of his local community who has suffered from significant medical issues and family losses, the fundraiser description read. Anyone who knows Josh, knows he lives and breathes for his family. It would be such a blessing for him to know his family is provided for while they care for him away from their own homes, the message continued. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In his recent interview with KFSN, Farmer expressed thanks to his supporters and said that as he recovered, he had a goal in mind: to get strong enough to share a dance with his daughter for her 20th birthday. Fortunately, it was a milestone he was able to hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his first interview since the crash, Farmer, whose right eye remains closed shut months later, emphasized the importance of motorcycle safety. ''I've lost a lot of friends, even family in these situations," said Farmer "I could tell you right now, a really good professional full-face helmet, as much as some guys don't want to hear it, will and can absolutely make a difference." PEOPLE contacted Farmer for additional comment on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Read the original article on People BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) He loved everybody and made a huge impact on everybody he came into contact with. Those are the words Ryan Pounds spoke about his younger brother, Cody Pounds, 34, who was killed in a fiery crash on Saturday, Aug. 16, in Baton Rouge. The deadly crash happened around 2:30 a.m. and also left Codys fiance, Holly Rogers, in critical condition. Cody Pounds was killed in a crash that left Holly Rogers in critical condition on Saturday, Aug. 16. (Photo courtesy of GoFundMe) According to Ryan, Rogers was initially taken to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge before being transported to New Orleans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogers had a five-hour-long surgery to repair a broken neck and to help with a spinal injury, Ryan said. He said that the couple was headed to a car show in downtown Baton Rouge. The pair was driving in a vehicle behind Codys best friend and his wife. Ryan said Codys fiance was driving and attempted to follow the couple off I-10 at the Louise Street exit. Rogers then lost control of the vehicle. It hit and flipped over the guardrail, Ryan said. The vehicle fell around 25 feet before hitting the ground and bursting into flames. Codys best friend and wife saw flames in their rearview mirror and raced back to the crash scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan said Holly was pulled out and away from the vehicle by Codys best friend and his wife. The same man tried to pull Cody out of the vehicle, but was unable to do so because it was too hot. He then went back towards his wife, and that is when the car exploded, Ryan said. He said that he learned about his brothers passing from his mother. His mother was told by someone at the crash scene, Ryan said. Codys younger brother said he never expected to get that call, and his death has left a huge hole in his heart. Ryan said Cody was a true family man who was a great dad. He said that Cody liked the outdoors, fishing, and car rides, but would drop all of it for five minutes with his kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cody leaves behind a 7-year-old daughter and a one-year-old. According to Ryan, Codys daughter was sad at first and asked whether her daddy was wearing his seat belt. Ryan said he was wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash. The brothers lost their father in June, and they called him Pops. According to Ryan, the family told Codys daughter that your dad went to be with Pops. According to Ryan, Holly and Cody were a good couple and had been together for ten years. He said they were always laughing, and she adored Cody while Ryans brother would do anything for her. Holly was from Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Cody was from Baton Rouge. Ryan said she was in town visiting years ago when she met Cody and never left. He said her parents still live in Arkansas, and they came to the hospital to be with Holly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple had moved to Hammond a couple of years ago, and that is where they were living before the crash. Cody Pounds was the only provider, and Holly was a stay-at-home mom, according to Ryan. With so much uncertainty in the future, a GoFundMe was set up for Rogers and the kids. Ryan said funeral services for Cody will be in Walker, and there will be a memorial, but a time and place have not been set. Rogers is awake and has her eyes open, but a long recovery awaits. The family is unsure if she will walk again, Ryan said. Double shooting at apartments in Baton Rouge leaves pregnant mother, unborn child dead Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Yesterdays much-anticipated summit in Washington, which saw a host of European leaders accompany Volodymyr Zelensky to The White House for talks with Donald Trump about achieving peace in Ukraine, has been talked up optimistically by all who were present. However, with Donald Trump today ruling out American boots on the ground as part of any security guarantees for Ukraine, and Zelensky ruling out Vladimir Putins offer of a bi-lateral meeting in Moscow - two of the key takeaways from the meeting - was anything really achieved in Washington? On todays Daily T, former UK defence secretary Ben Wallace tells Camilla and Tim that the summit was relatively pointless and nothing really came of it. He makes the point that Donald Trump has never applied serious pressure on Putin - such as through the increased use of economic sanctions - to bring him to the table, as well as outlining his worry that Trump will end up rewarding Putin with ground that he hasnt already taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wallace also worries that any security guarantees will end up policing Ukraine in a frontline that suits Russia, which would fix our forces, allowing Putin to then go off and re-arm and pose threats elsewhere on the European continent. Watch episodes of The Daily T here. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo needs a little push to regain his Cuo-mentumand hes hoping Donald Trump will give it to him, Politicos New York Playbook reported Tuesday. Speaking at a fundraiser in the Hamptons Saturday, the former New York governor said that he anticipates Trump and other top Republicans will direct support his way in an effort to stop New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who trounced Cuomos Democratic primary efforts by double digits. We can minimize (the Sliwa) vote, because hell never be a serious candidate, Cuomo said, referring to Curtis Sliwa, the 71-year-old, ever-bereted GOP candidate. And Trump himself, as well as top Republicans, will say the goal is to stop Mamdani. And youll be wasting your vote on Sliwa. So I feel good about that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked by an attendee whether he or his team was in conversation with the White House, Cuomo was vague but not dismissive when he said, Lets put it this way: I knew the president very well. I believe theres a big piece of him that actually wants redemption in New York. He feels that he was rejected by New York. We voted for Hillary Clinton. Bill de Blasio took his name off things. So I believe there will be opportunities to actually cooperate with him, Cuomo continued. I also believe that hes not going to want to fight with me in New York if he can avoid it. But it was Cuomo who said that he was not personally looking to do battle with Trump and compared their relationship to a dysfunctional marriage, according to The New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, the Times reported that Cuomo had spoken with Trump about New York Citys mayoral race. Mamdani excoriated the reported call as a betrayal of the entire city. Cuomo denied that the conversation had taken place. Cuomo also claimed that he would decline the presidents endorsement. But while rubbing elbows with the Hamptons wealthy donors, Cuomo seemed markedly less opposed to working with Trumpand even open to being part of his redemption, whatever that would mean. Mamdani slammed Cuomo for courting Trumps support. At (another) Hamptons fundraiser with Republican donors on Saturday, Andrew Cuomo said it plainly: hes expecting Trumps help to defeat us in November. I feel good about that, Cuomo said. New Yorkers wont, Mamdani wrote Tuesday on X. Trump officials seem to be making moves to ready FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino for the exits. On Monday, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel welcomed Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as a co-deputy director of the FBI, a surprise decision that signals an uncertain future for Bongino, who will now share that role. Related: Rachel Maddow Makes Awkward Confession About MSNBC's New Name [Bailey] has served as a distinguished state attorney general and is a decorated war veteran, bringing expertise and dedication to service, Bondi said in a statement about the appointment. His leadership and commitment to country will be a tremendous asset as we work together to advance President Trumps mission. Related: MSNBC Will Change Its Name Later This Year As Part Of Corporate Divorce From NBC Bongino has reportedly been on thin ice at the agency since he clashed with Bondi earlier this year about the Justice Departments handling of the files related to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During a heated exchange in July, Bondi reportedly accused Bongino of leaking stories to the media suggesting that the FBI wasnt pleased with the cases closure. Bongino then reportedly threatened to quit and said that it was either him or her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speculation has flared since about whether Bongino would be long for his role, though he and Bailey are set to keep on serving alongside each other in this new arrangement. The new position is seen by insiders as a prelude to the eventual departure of Bongino, Axios reported. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Related: Trump Calls On A Federal Reserve Governor To Resign Bailey being named to the job, which he announced in a post on X, confused many agents who hadnt heard of the FBI having a co-deputy director position, The New York Times reports. In addition to potentially threatening Bonginos position, the move adds to the administrations effort to ramp up prosecutions and arrests, per Fox News Digital. The role, which includes overseeing daily operations at the FBI, has also typically been held by someone with more experience at the agency something that neither Bailey nor Bongino have. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I extend my deepest gratitude to President Trump and U.S. Attorney General Bondi for the privilege to join in their stated mission to Make America Safe Again, Bailey said in a statement. As Missouri attorney general, Bailey was known for bringing cases that advanced Trumps agenda including attacking Starbucks over diversity, equity and inclusion policies and limiting gender-affirming care. Previously, he also defended the St. Louis Police Department in civil litigation, publicly elevated claims that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump, and fought to keep abortion restrictions in place. Welcome, Bongino wrote in a post on X, followed by three American flag emojis. More Stories FBI's Dan Bongino Admits He Hates His New Job To Fox News Hosts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Administration Gives Federal Officers More Leeway To Reject Citizenship Applications Attorney General Pam Bondi Pulls Out Of Anti-Trafficking Event Over Medical Issue Read the original on HuffPost OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Concerns are mounting after new data shows the Oklahoma County Detention Center (OCDC) is keeping inmates behind bars long after judges ordered them released. The issue sparked a tense exchange between jail leaders and one board member during Mondays Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority (OCCJA) meeting. Jail leaders told board members staffing shortages are to blame for the delays. They said inmates with minor charges are waiting an average of two and a half days to be released, even after a judge approves their bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norman City Council passes resolution opposing OHP moving troopers out of metro One board member made clear that the excuse did not sit well with him. And the reason, so everybody knows why Im pressing this, is because 43 percent of the population demographics in the Oklahoma County Detention Center are black folks, OCCJA board member Derrick Scobey said during the meeting. Last I checked, Im black. I was born black, I live black, Ima die black. Scobey expressed frustration with jail leaders after data showed the detention center is routinely keeping certain inmates locked up for days after they are supposed to be released. Where does that happen? Im not raising my voice at you. Im just frustrated, Scobey said during the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inmates in question are people Oklahoma City police take to jail on city charges. Those charges are often so minor that judges usually issue what is called an own recognizance bond. And it typically happens within 4 hours, Scobey told News 4. And from there, yes, they should be released. Instead, the data shows the jail is taking an average of more than two and a half days to actually release them. It can mean loss of job, Scobey told News 4. It can mean a loss of a relationship because youre in there. Its hogwash that thats what it currently is. That number, Scobey said during the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ThatI may agree with you, OCDC Chief of Administration Tim Kimrey responded. May? Scobey responded back. Kimrey told board members the problem comes down to staffing. When you only have two or three or four officers working on a weekend at a particular shift, its hard to get everybody processed out in a timely fashion, Kimrey said during the meeting. We live in America, and everybody talks about, Everybody needs to work! Work! Work! Bust their tail, and I agree, Scobey said during the meeting. We cant shake our heads like people are not supposed to be told what to do if they work a job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that at any given time, around 200 of the jails roughly 1,700 inmates are people who are just waiting to be released. We could decrease the detainee population by 170 people at any given time in a given day if we could process them in and out quicker, and it would save the Oklahoma County taxpayers money, Scobey told News 4. Thats what were working on, Reverend, Kimrey said during the meeting. I dont know how any other way to put it other than thats what were working on. Weve identified it, and thats what were working on. We live in a world you have to do your job right. If not, you have consequences, Scobey told News 4. Everyone that is arrested, they are innocent until proven guilty. And even if they are guilty, if they are out with a bond and they should get out in a timely manner regardless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scobey said he does agree the jail is understaffed. He said the best, and likely only, solution is for the county to provide more funding for the jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY) As classes began on Monday, Davis and Elkins College held a community fair to close out its New Student Orientation. The fair welcomed more than 25 local vendors and businesses local to the Elkins area, and aimed to provide opportunities for students to explore opportunities off-campus and explore how they can make Elkins their home. Students talk with vendors at Davis & Elkins community fair (WBOY Image) WVU hosts picnic welcoming international students Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dean of Students Kate Garlick spoke with 12 News about how the fair is meant to be beneficial for both the students and the vendors. We want to make sure they are exposed to all that Elkins has to offer, and those businesses should benefit from our students here. Theres so many opportunities for them to have jobs off campus, for them to find their new hairstylist or find a new bank while theyre here and really plant their roots and make this home, Garlick said. Among the vendors in attendance were the Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce, the West Virginia Department of Health, and the Randolph-Tucker Childrens Advocacy Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Day 2 of the trial for Hernandez Govan, the alleged mastermind in the death of rapper Young Dolph, began at 9:40 Tuesday morning. The first witness called to the stand was Angela Arnold, the girlfriend of Cornelius Smith, who was questioned by Assistant District Attorney Irris Williams. Williams: Do you know someone by the name of Anthony Mims or Big Jook? Angela: Yes. Williams: To your knowledge, did Smith ever have direct contact with Big Jook? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angela: No. Williams: So, how would he, if he communicated at all with Big Jook, how did he do that? Angela: He said he would talk to Govan, send a message through him, and he would get a message to Jook, and Jook would talk to Govan and tell them a message. She also testified she saw Govan at a carwash hours after Young Dolphs death, when Smith picked up a cellphone from Govan he had left in the white Mercedes used in the murder. Then, weeks after the murder in December, she said Smith told her he ran into Govan when he was in South Memphis trying to get pills. And Govan was like, Ive been looking for you. You good? You alright? He said, Yeah, Im good. He said Govan was like, I dont know what you heard, but I aint said nothin, but we gon get this money, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second witness called was Terence Dabney, a retired MPD officer who was the lead investigator in Thorntons case. He talked about finding the white Mercedes used in Dolphs death at an abandoned home across the street from Govans house, where Govan can be seen in images with the second, now convicted killer of Young Dolph, Justin Johnson. But Govans attorney, Manny Arora, asked him if those involved in the case told them Big Jook was the motivator behind the killing, then why wasnt he questioned before his death? Arora: But clearly, Jook was a suspect in this case. Dabney: Yes. Arora: But he was never followed up with at all by the Memphis Police Department at any point in this investigation, even though he died two and a half years later? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dabney: Not at the time, no. The third witness who took the stand was Michael Garner, a special agent for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and a former detective for the City of Memphis. Garner told prosecutors he recovered phone records of Justin Johnson, Cornelius Smith, Anthony Mims, or Big Jook, and Angela Arnold. The fourth witness to testify was Sergeant for MPD, Jesse Browning. Browning analyzed the phone records of Mims, Johnson, Smith, Arnold, and Govan while on the stand. Browning revealed from the phone records that on the day of the homicide, Johnson facetimed Mims just minutes after Thornton was gunned down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also presented evidence of Google searches he said were conducted by Smith, looking up universal car covers and an AutoZone receipt he alleges Smith took a picture of with a phone. And during his testimony, he said Smith mainly communicated with Mims instead of Govan. I think all communication was done with Mims, Browning said. Browning was questioned by Govans attorney about not interrogating Big Jook, but said they tried. He said police executed a search warrant at the Memphis International Airport on his phone and asked if they could speak to him, but he refused. On Monday, the trial began with opening statements from state prosecutors who say the case is about choices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Day One: Alleged mastermind in Young Dolph murder faces trial The prosecutor said Govan chose two desperate people to kill Young Dolph: Justin Johnson, an aspiring rapper, and Cornelius Smith, who needed money for drugs. She says there was a $100,000 bounty for Young Dolph and that Govan would take a $10,000 cut. Govans defense attorney, Manny Arora, told the jury that Cornelius Smith, who has been cooperative with prosecutors, isnt a credible source and that hes trying to protect himself by painting Govan as the fall guy in the case. Three witnesses, Young Dolphs sister, his security guard, and Cornelius Smith, were the first three witnesses to take the stand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court has ended for the day and will resume on Wednesday at 9:30 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 WREG.com. Aug. 19 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1812, the U.S. Navy frigate Constitution defeated the British ship Guerriere in a furious engagement off the coast of Nova Scotia and earned its nickname of "Old Ironsides." Witnesses said British shots seemed to bounce off the Constitution. In 1953, the Iranian military overthrew the government led by Premier Mohammed Mossadegh and reinstated the shah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1960, U-2 spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers was convicted in a Moscow court and sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was released 18 months later in exchange for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. In 1977, Julius "Groucho" Marx, leader of the Marx Brothers comedy troupe, died at the age of 87. On August 19, 1991, a coup orchestrated by hard-line Communists removed Mikhail Gorbachev as president of the Soviet Union. File Photo by H. Ruckemann/UPI In 1987, gun enthusiast Michael Ryan went on a shooting rampage in Hungerford, England, killing 16 people. In 1991, a coup orchestrated by hard-line Communists and led by Vice President Gennady Yanayev removed Mikhail Gorbachev as president of the Soviet Union. The coup would endure for three days before being put down. The action led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union which would formally occur on December 26, 1991. Ralph Nader speaks to students at Queens University of Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C., on, March 25, 2004. On August 19, 1996, the Green Party nominated Nader as its presidential candidate. File Photo by Nell Redmond/UPI In 1992, delegates to the Republican National Convention nominated President George H.W. Bush and Vice President Dan Quayle for re-election. They were defeated in November by Democrats Bill Clinton and Al Gore. UPI File Photo In 1995, three U.S. negotiators, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Robert Frasure, were killed when their vehicle plunged from a mountain road near Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1996, the Green Party nominated Ralph Nader as its presidential candidate. In 2003, Sergio Vieira de Mello, the United Nations' representative to Iraq, was killed in a car-bomb attack on U.N. headquarters in Iraq. In 2008, the resignation of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf was followed by insurgent bombing attacks that killed roughly 100 people. File PhotoRoger L. Wollenberg/UPI In 2009, two massive bomb attacks killed at least 95 people and injured more than 600 others in Baghdad. It was said to be the worst attack in the region since the U.S. military gave control of the country's security back to the Iraqi government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2013, an express train killed at least 37 people and injured many others crossing tracks at a remote transit station in the eastern India state of Bihar. After the accident, an angry mob severely beat the operator of the train, authorities said. In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the so-called "female Viagra," called Addyi to treat sexual disorder in premenopausal women. In 2020, Apple became the first U.S. company -- and second in the world -- to reach a market cap of $2 trillion, doubling its valuation over the previous two years. In 2024, six people died, including British tech billionaire Mike Lynch, died after the super yacht they were on sank while sailing in severe weather off the coast of Sicily. By Rishika Sadam HYDERABAD, India/GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador (Reuters) -On India's southern coast, V. Srinivas thrived for two decades by farming shrimp, as the country became the top supplier of the delicacy to the United States. Now, Donald Trump's 50% tariff threat is forcing many to consider other ways of making money. Andhra Pradesh state sends the most shrimp from India to the U.S. and farmers there have spent millions of rupees (hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars) over the years to cultivate high-quality shrimp in saline ponds. Now they are being hit hard as Indian exporters have slashed rates they offer farmers by almost 20% after the tariff shock, wiping out most of their profits. "I am contemplating if I should do fish farming," said the 46-year-old from Veeravasaram village who has already mortgaged his family property and has $45,800 in outstanding loans. "These prices will not help me get any profits and I will not be able to pay off my loan." The United States is the biggest market for India's shrimp farmers and exporters, with clients including U.S. supermarket chains such as Walmart and Kroger. Last year, total seafood exports from India globally stood at $7.4 billion, with shrimp accounting for 40%. But the industry is now in troubled waters with President Trump's 25% tariff on imports from India already in place - the highest among major economies, and another 25% levy to kick in from August 27 to penalize New Delhi for buying Russian oil. By comparison, Ecuador, India's main rival for shrimp exports to the U.S., faces a much lower 15% tariff, heightening its competitive edge. In Andhra, there are around 300,000 farmers engaged in shrimp farming, selling products to dozens of exporters who ship to America. Pawan Kumar, head of the Seafood Exporters Association of India, said orders from U.S. clients have been paused in recent weeks as buyers aren't willing to absorb the tariff, and neither can exporters, forcing the latter to cut prices they pay to farmers. Although India also sells shrimp to other countries such as China, Japan and the UK, and likely will look to expand sales there and diversify into new markets, "that's not going to happen overnight," Kumar said. The impact is yet another example of how Trump's tariff threats are causing business disruptions across the world, especially in India, given it faces one of the steepest levies that have soured its relations with Washington. In Andhra, six of 12 farmers Reuters interviewed said they were considering putting shrimp farming on hold and looking at fish farming, vegetable retailing or other local businesses to tide over the crisis. The other six are choosing to wait it out a bit. Each round of shrimp cultivation takes about 2 months or more. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A Dayton man was sentenced to 11 years in prison after purchasing an opioid cutting agent. The man, 42-year-old Nykiha Astin, was sentenced in U.S. District Court on Tuesday, Aug. 19, to 135 months. Per the court documents, Astin knowingly conspired with other people to buy at least one kilogram of metonitazene from a source in China. He intended to market the drug, which he dubbed juice, in the U.S. as a cutting agent. When mixed with Fentanyl, it would boost its strength and yield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six arrested after years-long probe in Operation Crystal Clear The U.S. District Court claimed Astin worked with other people to distribute the juice in ounce quantities to drug dealers across the Midwest. Metonitazene is a painkiller and has similar effects to other opioids, like Fentanyl and heroin. It is a Schedule I controlled substance. According to the Director at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), Alex J. Krotulski, PhD, meronitazene is a new psychoactive substance (NPS) and an emerging potent synthetic opioid. Astin was charged federally in May 2024 and pleaded guilty in April 2025. He is 1 of the 4 defendants in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2 NEWS is following this case very closely. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The federal takeover is being blamed for fewer people coming out to clubs and bars in Northwest. Several owners say theyve lost thousands of dollars because people stayed home or went somewhere else to avoid the intimidating sight. The problems started Wednesday night with traffic stops on 14th Street just a block north of Crush Dance Bar. Co-owner Stephen Rutgers said it deterred people from coming out last week into the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday was our slowest time weve ever had. We lost probably $15,000, Rutgers said. And more importantly, that its not even just the business money. Its our staff and the tips and their hours, and we had to cut people. DC sees drop in reservations heading into Summer Restaurant Week In Adams Morgan, Pitchers also struggled. Weve been so dead. Like Friday was miserable. I went down to other bars, and it was miserable at those bars, said David Peruzza, owner of Pitchers and A League of Her Own. Saturday, we took a huge hit too. Sunday, we were just completely dead. Perruzza even had a drag queen who didnt want to come to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they have these checkpoints and theyre asking people for IDs, it doesnt mean theyre just going to ask the Uber driver for the ID. They can ask the people in the back, Perruzza said. And if her ID doesnt look like her, which obviously it didnt because she was in drag, they could detain her. And people were terrified of that alone. Though there hasnt been much of a police presence on 18th Street, Perruzza said the federal takeover is still to blame. Ive been doing this for 30 years. I know about the August slump, and then I know what this is doing to my business, Perruzza said. So its not the August slump. Its definitely what theyre doing to our city. Three Republican-led states to send hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With dozens of staff members to pay, both bar owners are dealing with uncertainty. Business owners in general are worried because we dont know how long its going to last. And I think its deterred a lot of people from either coming into the city to go out or people that live in the city, its deterred them just to stay at home, Rutgers said. Perruzza and Rutgers said they understand the fear from customers but want to reiterate that they run safe spaces and encourage people to support local small businesses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) D.C. police arrested a person related to a stabbing that happened in 2024. The Metropolitan Police Department said that around 8:35 p.m. on April 22, 2024, the suspect reportedly walked up to the victim in the 4800 block of F Street SE before brandishing a knife, stabbing the victim and escaping. Officials said that the victim was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two shootings blocks apart in DC within hours On Monday, Aug. 18, officers executed an arrest warrant and took 49-year-old Dennis Christie of Baltimore, Md., into custody. Christie is facing a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon (knife). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Written by Ayanna Smith Restaurant reservations and foot traffic fell sharply across the nations capital last week as federal authorities asserted temporary control over the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) under Section 740 of the Home Rule Act and deployed D.C. National Guard troops citywide. OpenTable data show that diners in D.C. dropped 16% on Monday, 27% on Tuesday, and 31% on Wednesday compared to the same days in 2024; an abrupt reversal just before Summer Restaurant Week. The takeover, now the subject of ongoing litigation, has heightened visible security, created ad-hoc checkpoints, and sowed confusion among residents and visitors about where its safe or convenient to dine, shop, and gather. A federal judge has allowed the takeover to proceed while the legal challenges are pending; congressional leaders have also introduced measures to rein in the move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Complicating matters, August is historically slow for D.C. hospitality. With Congress largely in recess, many staffers leave town, families are away, and local demand softens even in a normal year. This summers federal presence has amplified that seasonal lull. Whats at stake for D.C.s small business economy Tourism and hospitality are foundational to the Districts small-business ecosystem. In 2023, D.C. welcomed roughly 2627 million visitors, generating $10$11 billion in visitor spending a vital revenue stream that fuels neighborhood restaurants, independent retailers, cultural venues, and personal services firms. Downtown recovery was already uneven before the takeover, with office attendance and retail vacancies still below 2019 levels. A prolonged perception of instability risks chilling near-term sales and future travel demand. Notably, official data show violent crime in 2024 fell to a 30-year low in the District, even as debates over crime trends continue. Regardless of the statistics, the current enforcement posture has changed customer behavior in the short term, and small businesses are feeling it in real time. Survival Playbook: Practical Moves D.C. Small Businesses Can Make Now In this challenging moment, the path forward for D.C. small businesses lies in pairing resilience with creativity, and these strategies offer practical steps to weather the storm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Launch a bold gift card campaign. If foot traffic is down now, give your customers the option to invest in your future. Gift cards allow loyal supporters to buy today and redeem later, providing much-needed cash flow during lean weeks. Position it like a Black Friday sale: short, high-energy, and widely promoted across social media and email. Sweeten the deal with a small bonus (buy $50, get $60) to drive participation. This approach generates immediate revenue while keeping customers engaged for the long term. Curate unique and exclusive group experiences. Design offerings that bring people together in safe and memorable ways. This could mean partnering with nearby businesses to create a multi-stop neighborhood crawl, day-long outings, or themed packages that highlight D.C. culture. Not only does this spread foot traffic across businesses, but it also instills a sense of belonging and excitement that can counteract fear or hesitation about visiting the city. Offer irresistible, time-bound discount packages. Limited-time promotions signal urgency and create an emotional pull for customers. Whether its a prix-fixe meal bundle, a retail pairing, or a midweek locals-only special, discounts offered with clear expiration dates encourage immediate action. The key is to make the deal compelling enough that people feel they cannot miss it, while ensuring that margins remain sustainable. Program for groups and certainty. If day-to-day walk-ins are shaky, sell certainty: private dining, prix-fixe menus, team offsites, family tables, themed nights, or after-hours shopping appointments. Package with a simple booking page and clear cancellation terms. Partner with neighbors to build micro-itineraries (e.g., 14th Street Mini-Crawl: coffee gallery dinner). Cross-promote and share the list-building. Over-communicate safety, hours, and accessibility. Use social media and email daily to reassure customers that you are open for business. Share videos and photos of guests enjoying themselves, post clear instructions on how to navigate nearby checkpoints, and emphasize convenience and safety. Transparency reduces hesitation and builds trust. Reward loyalty among both customers and employees. This is the moment to double down on gratitude. Create a locals loyalty program, offer midweek bonuses for repeat customers, and highlight staff who go above and beyond. Recognizing those who sustain you, inside and outside your business, turns survival into shared resilience. Build a 13-week cash-flow lifeline and act on it weekly. Forecast inflows (prepaid sales, events, catering, delivery) against outflows (rent, payroll, COGS, debt service). Use this to time-shift expenses, reduce order quantities, and consolidate supplier deliveries. Share a one-page cash view with managers so every spending decision ladders to runway. Go where the customers are: pop-ups, patios, and proximate neighborhoods. If a checkpoint or security posture is limiting access to your block, consider taking your concept to open-flow areas, such as sidewalk activations, weekend markets, or short-term pop-ups inside allied businesses. Keep the menu/edit small; prioritize high-margin, travel-friendly SKUs. Make Restaurant Week work harder for you. Summer Restaurant Week in D.C. (Aug. 1824) brings deal-seeking diners even in a soft market. Feature a tightly costed prix-fixe, capture emails/SMS at the table, and hand customers a come-back incentive valid in September. Treat RW as a lead-gen event, not just a one-off promo. Advertise smarter, not just more. Run short-burst radius ads targeting locals within 13 miles during key windows (lunch, happy hour). Creative should be simple: a great dish or product, a clear value prop, and an easy CTA (Reserve now, Order pickup in 15 min). Re-target site visitors with a next-visit offer valid midweek. Control your COGS like a hawk. Engineer menus toward dishes with stable, lower-volatility inputs; spotlight profitable add-ons and beverages; trim slow movers. For retailers, bundle complimentary items and offer build-a-kit deals that increase the average order value without requiring deep discounts. Document everything: losses, cancellations, and operational disruptions. Keep contemporaneous records of reservation declines, event cancellations, and supply delays (screenshots, timestamps, emails). If emergency relief, tax accommodations, insurance claims, or future grant programs become available, this evidence accelerates validation. Tap the local ecosystem for support and signal-boosting. Coordinate with your Business Improvement District (BID DowntownDC, Golden Triangle, Adams Morgan, H Street NE, Georgetown, etc.) on shared campaigns and events. Track funding calendars from local government agencies and citywide opportunities; even when a window is closed, prepping now reduces scrambling later. Build institutional demand. Pursue recurring orders from nearby offices, hotels, tour operators, and universities (i.e., boxed lunches, welcome to D.C. retail bundles, corporate gifting, or staff appreciation packages). These channels are steadier than tourist walk-ins during uncertain periods. Align hours to reality. If late nights are dead but afternoons are active, move labor to the daypart that pays. Pilot locals power lunch, early bird, or industry night menus; publish the change boldly and revisit weekly based on point of sale data. Advocateprofessionally and persistently. Speak with your council member, BID, and industry groups about establishing predictable access routes, implementing signage, and coordinating communications that encourage safe patronage rather than avoidance. Regional business leaders have already urged federal-local cooperation that protects both safety and commerce. The Bigger Picture Even brief shocks can leave lasting shadows on perception, especially for a downtown area still climbing back from the pandemic and remote work. Thats why its critical to stabilize near-term cash flow, maintain customer relationships, and continue telling the story that D.C. is open, creative, and resilient. Tourism is a major economic engine for the District; safeguarding it requires calm, coordinated, and credible communication alongside evidence-based public safety strategies. About Ayanna Smith Ayanna Smith is a D.C. small-business leader, ecosystem builder, and executive communications strategist dedicated to amplifying local businesses. She co-founded Celebrate! D.C., curating programs and events that spotlight small businesses and local creatives, and founded the Journey Together care coordination app (available in app stores), which helps families and communities organize and manage all of their group care in one place. In 2015, she also co-founded the nations first live escape room business for children, which was voted Best of D.C. multiple times. Voted D.C.s Community Builder of the Year in 2022 by Technical.ly readers, Ayanna has spent more than 15 years helping founders and small business owners tell their stories, grow their businesses, and weather disruption. She obtained a Master of Arts in Organizational Communications from Bowie State University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Temple University. RELATED CONTENT: Trump Announces Federal Law Enforcement Surge In D.C., Pledges Removal of Homeless Encampments, Despite Citys 30-Year Low In Crime OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) A deaf Utah man has been missing for over a week. His family and friends are actively searching for answers. Ty Webster, 38, went missing on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. He was last seen around 3:30 p.m. in Ogden wearing a dark gray Precision Auto t-shirt, long jeans, work boots, and a dark hat. Webster is 5 feet, 11 inches tall, and weighs 225 pounds. His family says he drives a gray 2015 Chevy Silverado. Ty Webster went missing on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. (Courtesy//Lainey James) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott Webster, Tys brother, shared that Ty was struggling with a mental health crisis, and understands that he needed a break, the family just wants to know that he is okay. We just want to tell him Hey we love you. We just want to know that he is okay, shared Scott. Scott shares that the family is currently working with the Clinton police and an investigator. Well take any tip we can get right now. We just want to find him, said Scott. Mom of SLC man missing since March 2024 speaks out, asks for answers People with any information on Websters disappearance are asked to call the Clinton Police: 801-614-0800. What should you do if someone goes missing? The first thing to do is call local law enforcement and report the case. Utah officials say there is no required waiting period to report a missing person. In an emergency, call 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When working with local law enforcement, it is recommended one shares as much information as possible about the missing person, including but not limited to: Full name or nicknames. Recent photos. Date of birth and age at the time they disappeared. Gender/sex. Detailed physical description (including unique scars or tattoos). Date of disappearance. Medical conditions. Last known location. Social media accounts. Utah officials also suggest taking notes on interactions with law enforcement to keep track of details such as officer names, dates and times of interactions, the case number and what the officers say. Additional resources For more information, DPS has a page on its website dedicated to resources for missing persons, as well as pages to view missing persons from Utah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional hotlines and resources originally compiled in the guidebook are available below: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs): 833-872-5176 National Runaway Safeline: 800-786-2929 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 StrongHearts Native Helpline: 844-762-8483 Trevor Myers contributed to this story Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A driver whose turbo-charged car hit and killed a pedestrian on a crossing has told a jury he had never read The Highway Code. Albert Jarosz, 27, admits causing Rodrigo-Vasile Cosma's death by careless driving - but denies causing death by dangerous driving. Jurors at his trial in Luton Crown Court have seen CCTV footage of 25-year-old Mr Cosma being hit and thrown into the air in Bedford town centre in March 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trial has heard how a police crash investigator made a "conservative" estimate that the Audi A6, capable of 0 to 60 mph in about six seconds, was travelling at 45mph in a 30mph zone. Mr Jarosz, a car body worker, of Brereton Road, Bedford, told jurors he had been born in Poland and moved to the UK in 2019. He said he had exchanged a Polish driving licence for a UK one and had been driving in the UK for about four years before the collision. Sam Barker, prosecuting, asked Mr Jarosz on Tuesday: "Have you ever read The Highway Code?" Mr Jarosz answered: "No, I did not." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said no-one had told him to read it and that he thought the rules of the road in Britain were "similar" to those in other countries. 'Selfish decision' Mr Barker has told jurors how the accident happened at about 18:30 GMT on 26 March 2024 at the junction of Midland Road, River Street and Greyfriars in Bedford. He said Mr Cosma was jogging over the crossing just after traffic lights turned green. Mr Jarosz had got ahead of vehicles, which had been waiting at the crossing lights, by moving into a left-hand lane, then cutting back into a right-hand lane, he added. Mr Barker argued that Mr Jarosz had made a "selfish decision" to "shave a few seconds" off his journey. Mr Jarosz is on trial at Luton Crown Court [Brian Farmer/BBC] Mr Jarosz told jurors he had been driving home from a garage where he worked in Milton Ernest, Bedfordshire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he was not familiar with the road layout in that area of Bedford. "I just followed the road but, before the traffic lights, I realised I am in the wrong lane, so I decided to change lanes," Mr Jarosz, who gave evidence with the help of an interpreter, told the trial. "I thought I had got enough time to get in front of the stationary cars." He added: "I accelerated a bit just to get in front of the cars." Jurors heard that shortly after the accident, Mr Jarosz had told police he knew he was "driving a little bit fast" but that Mr Cosma had been crossing the road on a red light. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The jury has been told that Mr Jarosz had stopped and called 999 after the accident. A witness said he saw the defendant with his head in his hands, saying: "I am sorry." The case continues. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. More on this story Related internet links Rescuers and residents resumed searching on Tuesday for survivors as the death toll from five days of torrential rain rose to almost 400, with authorities warning monsoon downpours would continue until the weekend. Torrential rains across Pakistan's north have caused flooding and landslides that have swept away entire villages, leaving many residents trapped in the rubble and scores missing. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said 356 people were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a mountainous province in Pakistan's northwest bordering Afghanistan, since Thursday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens more were killed in surrounding regions, taking the toll in the past five days to almost 400. Rescuers dug through mud and stone in hard-hit Dalori village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the hope of finding survivors and the bodies of people missing. Villagers stood watching and praying as the rescuers worked, a day after the search was halted by more intense rain. Umar Islam, a 31-year-old labourer, struggled to hold back his tears as he spoke about his father, who was killed on Monday. "Our misery is beyond explanation," Islam told AFP as neighbours tried to console him. "In a matter of minutes, we lost everything we had," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our lives are ruined." Fazal Akbar, 37, another villager, described the aftermath of the floods as "terrifying". "It happened so suddenly that no one even had a minute to react. Announcements were made from the mosque, and villagers rushed to begin the rescue themselves," said Akbar. "In less than 20 minutes, our village was reduced to ruins." - More rain - Many roads have been damaged, making it hard for rescuers to reach areas damaged by the floods. Communication also remains difficult, with phone networks hit in flood-affected areas. Heavy rain also began falling on Tuesday in southern parts of Pakistan that had so far been spared the worst of the monsoon downpours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amir Hyder Laghari, chief meteorologist of the southern Sindh province, said he feared urban flooding in big cities such as the financial capital Karachi "due to weak infrastructure". As Karachi's crumbling pipes and sewer system struggled to cope with the downpours, rush hour drivers were caught in rising waters and multiple neighbourhoods were hit with power cuts. It has also been raining in 15 districts in neighbouring Balochistan province, and the main highway connecting it with Sindh has been blocked for heavy vehicles, said provincial disaster official Muhammad Younis. Between 40 and 50 houses had been damaged in two districts, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rain was expected to continue until Saturday, and "another spell is to start by the end of the month", said NDMA chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik. More than 700 people have been killed in the monsoon rains since June 26, the NDMA said, with close to 1,000 injured. The monsoon is expected to last until mid-September. Landslides and flash floods are common during the monsoon season, which typically begins in June and lasts until the end of September. Pakistan is among the world's most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and is increasingly facing extreme weather events. Monsoon floods submerged one-third of Pakistan in 2022, resulting in approximately 1,700 deaths. zz-stm/rsc Jersey's government said it would decide if changes were needed for its criteria for IVF funding in mid-November. It followed figures that showed 10% of the 620,000 budget for the fertility treatment had been spend by the Health and Care Jersey (HCJ) by July. The fertility charity Tiny Seeds criticised the spend and said it proved it was too hard for couples to be eligible for support and called for the criteria to be reviewed sooner rather than later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Andy Howell said the underspend was "anticipated" because "we knew it would take some time for eligible couples to start the IVF process". Howell said the health department had recently signed a contract with the Lister Clinic in London so couples were waiting for treatment to begin there as well. She added: "We will be monitoring the impact on the budget until the end of October and will determine by mid-November what changes, if any, should be made to the current criteria for accessing HCJ-funded IVF." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to BBC Jersey in July, the founder of Tiny Seeds, Chloe Fosse, said there should not be a wait to review the criteria. Ms Fosse said: "It must be really heartbreaking and frustrating to see those figures released for those people that actually are self-funding their treatment." Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related links Aug. 19 (UPI) -- A deep-sea exploration company said it has new data that reveals the likely location of lost aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart's missing plane and will launch a fourth expedition to find it. The new research from Nauticos offers the "most precise information yet" about Earhart's and navigator Fred Noonan's final position before their disappearance on July 2, 1937. After restoration and analysis of an identical radio system used by Earhart and Noonan, Nauticos has determined their approximate location at 8 a.m. on the day they vanished, a press release said. This discovery significantly refines the search area near Howland Island, the intended next stop of Earhart's flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our latest radio communication analysis is a major leap forward in solving one of the most enduring mysteries in aviation history," said Dave Jourdan, president of Nauticos, in a statement. "We have narrowed the search area dramatically, and this new expedition presents our best chance yet to finally locate Amelia Earhart's plane." Earhart went missing in 1937 during her attempt to be the first female pilot to circumnavigate the earth. Her plane went missing while she was over the Pacific Ocean, flying from New Guinea to Howland Island. The next day, a flight to Howland Island in a Navy seaplane by intended rescuers was grounded because of a rare snow and sleet storm over the Pacific. A statue of Amelia Earhart was unveiled in the U.S. Capitol Statuary Hall in 2022. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Ships and planes continued their searches to no avail until she was declared dead in 1939. At the time of her death declaration, she would have been 41. The mystery of her disappearance, how it happened and where the remains of the people and the plane may be, has endured. Early firsts in aviation Amelia Earhart, born in Atchison, Kan., was the first woman pilot to fly solo, non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, boosting her to worldwide celebrity. Image from Library of Congress Earhart, born in Atchison, Kan., was already famous worldwide and a hero to women and girls everywhere. In 1932, she was the first woman pilot to fly solo, non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean, boosting her to worldwide celebrity. Her husband, George Palmer Putnam, said he was extremely proud of her efforts, "Who wouldn't be?" he said. For her transatlantic trip, she was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also in 1932, she was the first woman to fly solo across the United States, flying 19 hours from Los Angeles to Newark, N.J. In 2022, a statue of Amelia Earhart was installed in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall to represent Kansas, along with former President Dwight Eisenhower. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI Earhart in 1935 was the first person to fly solo between Hawaii and the mainland. She became a visiting faculty member at Purdue University as an advisor in aeronautical engineering and counselor to female students. She also worked for women's causes. She was a member of the National Woman's Party and an early supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment. She was an aviation editor at Cosmopolitan magazine, and she was active in Zonta International, a group that works to advance the status of women. She helped establish the Ninety-Nines, an organization of women pilots. The dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (middle) pays homage to the famed aviator as it sails alongside a guided-missile destroyer (R) and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter (foreground) during a transit through the Strait of Hormuz in 2023. File Photo via U.S. Navy Earhart was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1968 and the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1973. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though there was still no evidence of her crash found, people continued to have theories. In 1981, pilot and author Elgin Long suggested in a story in the Quincy Patriot Ledger that Earhart got lost in bad weather and ran out of fuel. Long said he believed her plane went down in 16,800 feet of water 35 miles off Howland Island. But later searches still revealed no evidence. New search effort Nauticos, in its next expedition, is partnering with Amelia Rose Earhart, a journalist and pilot who flew around the world in a single-engine plane in 2014 to honor her namesake. Amelia Rose will join the expedition as a crew member and spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nauticos' previous expeditions were in 2002, 2006 and 2017. It has covered about 1,860 square miles. Combined with the Waitt Institute's expedition in 2009, a total of 3,610 square miles have been surveyed. That's about the size of Connecticut. Nauticos will document the expedition through interactive social media updates, live streams, educational content, and exclusive interviews, inviting audiences worldwide to experience each stage of the quest. The team is now raising funds to support the trip. Inspiration continues Howland Island is a coral atoll and nature preserve almost halfway between Hawaii and Australia. It's managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. There is a monument there, called Earhart's Light, in her honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, a statue of Earhart was installed in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall to represent Kansas, along with former President Dwight Eisenhower. "Amelia Earhart has landed in Washington, D.C.," Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., said during a ceremony unveiling the sculpture. At the installation, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi spoke, praising Earhart's accomplishments. "When girls and boys come to the Capitol and see Amelia, they will visit here and set their sights higher, knowing, too, that they can reach for the sky," she said. "And when they see this statue, when it's quiet here in the Capitol, they will hear the sound of wings." Democrat Lindsay James is a candidate in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District. (Photo courtesy of Lindsay for Iowa campaign) State Rep. Lindsay James announced Tuesday she is running for Iowas 2nd Congressional District seat, joining two other Democrats in the race to challenge U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson in 2026. James, a Presbyterian pastor who is serving her fourth term as a state lawmaker, had said in July she was considering a run. In an interview Tuesday with the Iowa Capital Dispatch, she said in the past month, she has spent time talking with Iowans in the northeast Iowa congressional district about which issues matter most to them. She said she came to the decision to run in part, because of her faith commitment that compels me to stop and lend a helping hand in working to better Iowans lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am running because too many hard-working Iowans are being forced to make impossible choices in their lives, James said. Choices like, Do I pay child care costs, or say, for a house? Do I pay my utility bill or buy my child a new winter coat? Washington, D.C., works for billionaires and lobbyists. It is not working for everyday families, and they need to hear the truth from us here in Iowa. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Many of the policies coming out of Washington that Hinson supported like the budget reconciliation bill that made cuts to Medicaid and SNAP are policies that will make costs rise for average Iowans, James said, both threatening rural hospital access and potentially causing electricity and fuel costs to rise. The Dubuque Democrat said Hinson, first elected in 2020, has lost her way since being elected to Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She has just become a talking head in Washington, D.C., and she is no longer listening to Iowans, James said. Her vote record is staggeringly devastating. In addition to the budget reconciliation bill, James said Hinson has supported President Donald Trumps reckless, sweeping tariffs that are raising costs and threatening Iowas egg industry, has voted against capping the cost of insulin, and has not taken action to address the loss of more than 2,000 jobs in the district. Republican advocates said James is fighting a losing battle in taking on Hinson. Lindsay James is extreme, out of step, and totally unelectable, Emily Tuttle, spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee said in a statement. Shell only help drive the clown car in this Democrat primary further off the rails, while Ashley Hinson delivers for Iowans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican incumbent won reelection with 57.1% of the vote in 2024 against Democratic challenger Sarah Corkery, who garnered 41.6%. While political forecasters including the Cook Political Report have highlighted Iowas 1st and 3rd Congressional District races as potentially competitive in the 2026 midterms, Iowas 2nd District has not received the same attention. But before Hinson won her first term in office, northeast Iowa was represented by former U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer, a Democrat who won in 2018. James said she believes the district can flip in the upcoming election as voters reflect on the struggles their communities face with struggling schools, job losses and higher economic pressures. Im excited because people are really hungry for change, James said. And people are able to see through her perfectly polished politician act, right? Iowans are smart, and they can see that the decisions that shes making (have) not resulted in their lives becoming any better. If elected, James said she would focus on issues like making housing, child care and health care affordable and accessible, as well as supporting public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other Democrats have announced campaigns for the Democratic nomination: Clint Twedt-Ball, the founder of the nonprofit Matthew 25 and Kathy Dolter, the former dean of nursing at Kirkwood Community College and a retired Army nurse. James said her work fighting for Iowans in the state Legislature, as well as her moral compass, will make her the best contender in the race. What I am passionate about doing is calling out Hinson for all of the ways in which she (served) special interests and billionaires in Washington, D.C., James said. She has forgotten about us and left us behind, and people want someone who isnt going to be blown about by political winds. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Goldman Sachs Group is planning to expand its private wealth management team in Australia, reported Bloomberg. The expansion aims to serve self-made multimillionaires and families seeking to diversify their investments on a global scale. Currently, Goldman Sachs has a team of approximately 13 individuals, including eight advisers, operating out of Sydney and Melbourne, the report said. This team is focused on providing services to ultra-wealthy clients, each with investable assets of at least A$100m ($65m). In an interview, Goldman private wealth management head for Southeast Asia and Australia Jean-Paul Churchouse said: We are absolutely looking to grow. We are looking to hire, but its really about finding the right people rather than hitting a target. Goldman Sachs' private wealth division was established four years ago and was the sole new private wealth team in the Asia-Pacific region at that time. The bank has expressed that this initiative is in its initial phase, with further growth anticipated. Goldman Sachs is offering Australian investors a gateway to the firm's global network of investment bankers and exclusive access to private deals. Churchouse stated: Weve seen huge growth in family offices. Once families generate meaningful wealth, theyre looking for professionals to manage that for them. They are very aware that they need to be thinking about investing from a global perspective, not just in Australia, and we really cater to that need. Goldman Sachs' offerings for this segment include the management of complex family office portfolios, facilitating entry into specialist asset classes like private equity, and providing expert connections. The wall street bank also hosts client events, such as conferences and seminars, covering topics from philanthropy to climate change. He further added: Ultra-high-net-worth businesses take a really long time to grow because developing the relationships take so long. But we are very confident the business is going to continue to grow meaningfully and we will invest in it. In terms of client servicing, the bank expects to align the number of clients per adviser with its international standard, which typically ranges between 20 and 25 clients per adviser. Recently, a Bloomberg report disclosed that Erich Bluhm is departing from Goldman Sachs Group, concluding a three-decade career in the financial sector. Bluhm, who has played a significant role in the bank's equity capital markets coverage for financial institutions in the Americas, is leaving due to personal reasons and does not intend to pursue another role in banking. Several Democratic-aligned and civil rights groups are readying to sue over a proposed set of new congressional lines in Texas as lawmakers in the Lone Star State look to advance a GOP-friendly map ahead of the 2026 midterms. Several groups including the National Redistricting Foundation, the National Democratic Redistricting Committees nonprofit arm; the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF); and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) filed a motion Monday asking a federal court in Texas to set aside time for a hearing once the groups file a preliminary injunction that looks to block the Texas House map from taking effect. The filing also asks the court to vacate, as to the state legislative challenges, its August 11, 2025, order suspending the deadline for submitting proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The map is egregiously unconstitutional, and its implementation must be immediately enjoined, the filing said. Plaintiffs intend to expeditiously supplement their complaints and move for a preliminary injunction on account of the new maps blatant constitutional violations. The Hill has reached out to spokespeople for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) for comment. Texas Republicans are looking to pass a new congressional map ahead of 2026 amid pressure from the White House, with a goal of picking up a handful of seats next year. Texas Democrats fled the state during a special session to deny Republicans the minimum number of lawmakers needed to conduct business. But they finally returned to the state this week during a second special session, paving the way for the GOP to pass a new gerrymandered map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Democrats in California are moving forward to pass their own gerrymandered map; the new map is expected to go before voters for a vote this November. The map in California is looking to neutralize the gains Texas Republicans are aiming for. Proposed congressional lines have so far only advanced in Texas House and Texas Senate committees, but the motion from the groups underscores opponents getting ready to quickly challenge proposed maps in court. Despite bipartisan opposition among Texans, the Texas Legislature is pushing forward a congressional map that includes even fewer minority opportunity districts than the current discriminatory map, which is already being challenged in court for violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, Marina Jenkins, executive director of the National Redistricting Foundation, said in a statement. Should Governor Abbott sign the new gerrymander into law, the NRF will quickly challenge that map in federal court, and the court must be prepared to act swiftly to intervene and protect the rights of Texans, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. GET READY FOR the Year of the Doctor. Political commentators called 1992 the Year of the Woman when a record four women were elected to the Senate. The label was revived when 102 women were elected to the House in 2018. Seven years later, theres a new trend: Doctors and medical professionals are flooding the politics zone, with backup from scores of STEM colleagues in fields like meteorology, engineering, biology, technology, and math. Already in this 202526 cycle, 314 Actiondedicated to helping Democrats with science backgrounds win local, state, and federal electionssays more than 150 doctors have reached out about running for office in nearly three dozen states. The group, cheekily named after pi, expects a historic wave of doctors and scientists to launch campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first record-setting year for women followed outrage at the all-white, all-male Senate Judiciary Committee minimizing law professor Anita Hills 1991 allegations of sexual harassment against Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas. The second came in the wake of Donald Trumps 2016 Electoral College victory, despite his infamous grab them by the pussy Access Hollywood tape, multiple women accusing him of sexual misconduct, and the 2017 start of the #MeToo movement. Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action, says this years wave of STEM candidates arises from the constant assaults on science, data, and public health by the Trump administration and a complicit Republican Congress, epitomized by the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. In his nearly two hundred days as secretary of health and human services, this anti-vaccine conspiracymonger has unleashed daily onslaughts of disinformation, misinformation, confusion, and policies that endanger American lives and health. Support our independent political and cultural journalism while making browsing your inbox not just more tolerable, but evendare we say it?enjoyable. Grab a free or paid Bulwark subscription today and see for yourself: That has motivated a lot of folks from health backgrounds to see this as a moment where theres only so much they can do from within their exam rooms. If they want to have a greater impact on improving the outcomes and lives of their patients and community, we need them to step up and get elected, Naughton, a chemist, said in an interview. They need to go beyond waiting to be tapped for their expertise and really claim a seat at the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health issues, including insurance access, COVID, gun violence, and abortion rights, have been undercurrents ever since Naughton founded 314 Action in 2016 after losing a House primary in Pennsylvania. But now public health and eroding access to care are defining issues. Between RFK Jr.s distortions and Trumps new law cutting Medicaid access and Affordable Care Act subsidies, it should not be surprising that, according to Naughton, two to three doctors a week are launching campaigns at all levels of government. One of her groups current marquee candidates is former Ohio Health Department Director Amy Acton, a physician running virtually even with MAGA poster boy Vivek Ramaswamy in the 2026 Ohio governors race. Other 314-backed candidates include at least two with a notable combination of medical credentials and the military service Democrats often rely on to signal they are tough and patriotic. Both are running for U.S. House seats currently held by Republicans. Kishla Askins, a physician assistant, 30-year military veteran, and former deputy assistant veterans affairs secretary, is in a crowded primary to succeed retiring GOP Rep. Don Bacon in a Democratic-leaning Omaha district. Darren McAuley, a combat veteran, flight surgeon, Florida Air National Guard member, and former Veterans Health Administration doctor, now at the Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, is challenging first-term GOP Rep. Laurel Lee for a Tampa-area seat. Naughton compares her group, which has six million grassroots donors and supporters, to a business incubator. She describes a soup-to-nuts approach tailored to political novices: find pickup opportunities, recruit candidates, help them put together a team, a staff, a finance plan, and a communications strategy, help them fundraise and prepare for debates, and make direct campaign donations as well. Former STEM employees across the federal governmentfired, laid off, or so disgusted they quitare not yet in the mix of recruits, but that could change in the coming months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, Naughton said, 314 Action helped elect seven House members, six of them state legislators who had received the groups help to get that foothold in politics. It reinforced how important it is to invest at all levels. We built a pipeline of talent, Naughton said. She and the 314 team have already endorsed 113 candidates in 2025 state and local races for legislature, mayor, city council, school boards, and other offices. They havent yet started to look at downballot 2026 races, most of which have yet to launch, but they are already working with nearly fifty 2026 candidates for House, Senate, and governor. Share The Bulwark House endorsements include an Iowa engineer, an Illinois mathematician, and a Minnesota doctor who are challenging Republican incumbents. Statewide, the group has officially endorsed Acton for Ohio governor and South Carolina pediatrician Annie Andrews, one of several Democrats vying to take on Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham. Longer term, 314 Action has named Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (a family doctor) and Rep. Lauren Underwood (a nurse) co-chairs of a $25 million initiative that aims to elect 100 health professionals to local, state and federal office by 2030. The group made a splash last week by pledging $1 million to Californias Democratic redistricting project, part of its larger commitment to flipping House seats in the state. A DIGITAL AD THAT RAN in June in swing House districtspart of what 314 Action calls its ongoing, seven-figure advocacy campaign to hold Trumps anti-science administration accountableunderscores the groups broader mission of restoring science as a pillar of American leadership. The ad showcases John F. Kennedy and his presidential successors to illustrate the advances that made the United States a superpower. They all got it, and they all careduntil Trump, who is cutting billions, creating a brain drain, and handing competitive opportunities to China, especially on manufacturing related to climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Public health is at the forefront these days for obvious reasons, yet climate change is an equally crucial issue that also bears on health and safety. Fires, floods, hurricanes, and other disasters are becoming more frequent and intense due to warming fueled by continued reliance on fossil fuels. At the same time, the Trump administration is rolling back clean energy projects and incentives while trying to kill the 2009 endangerment finding that authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. So why arent climate scientists, like doctors, running for office in droves? Its a complicated issue, for a start, and tough to explain in catchy campaign-trail prose. Its also much less urgent and personal to potential constituents than threats to their own health. But there is a route that shows promiseTV weather people who have been fixtures in voter living rooms for years. In 2023, Rep. Eric Sorenson of Illinois called himself the first former television meteorologist in Congress in more than four decades. 314 Action helped him win in 2022 and 2024, and hes already on its 2026 endorsement list of House STEM Trailblazers. Now the group is working with Sean Sublette, a TV meteorologist for over twenty years and former chief meteorologist at the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He just launched a campaign to flip a coastal House district in Virginia. Sublettes donation page has a simple message: Help Sean bring science to Congress. Thats leaning in to truth, and we should all be there for itall of us in both parties. Share Next years race in Maine for Republican Sen. Susan Collins seat is a prime target for Democrats, who are seeking to flip control of the chamber. And now a 40-year-old oyster farmer and veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars is joining the Democratic field. Graham Platners story could be compelling to Maine voters aching for a political outsider: His only experience on Capitol Hill was as a bartender, a job he held while attending George Washington University on the GI Bill. But being a regular working guy is one of his strengths, Platner told MSNBC. Right now it feels like theres an anti-establishment fervor amongst the working people of this state, said Platner, who announced his candidacy on Tuesday. Going with someone of the establishment is not going to work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes running on a platform centered around economic issues, such as housing affordability and universal health care, so its no surprise he cites Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., as a major political influence. Yet he declines to identify with a progressive label. I think its silly that thinking people deserve health care, that makes you some kind of lefty. But I do think those working-class policies are necessary. Thats what we need to do to make this country work for working people. An Army and Marine veteran, Platner is calling for an end to U.S. involvement in foreign wars, and the trillions and trillions of taxpayer dollars spent on them. He served four combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Platner has his work cut out for him, as he is joining an already crowded primary race for Collins seat, which she has held since 1997. The field also includes Jordan Wood, who served as chief of staff to then-Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., along with David Costello, who challenged Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, has said shes considering entering the race as well. Mills memorably stood up to President Donald Trump earlier this year when he threatened to withhold federal funding if her state did not comply with banning transgender athletes from competing in womens sports. See you in court, she said to Trump in a room full of governors. Mills would be nearly 80 years old if she were to win. Platner said its time for a fresh face with the energy for the job. I just think if we keep running the same kind of playbook, were going to get the same results, he said. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Democratic Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier has now spent over 24 hours on the Texas House floor in protest after refusing a Republican demand to be placed under the watch of the state Department of Public Safety. When Texas House Democrats returned to the Capitol in Austin on Monday, after having fled the state earlier this month in order to prevent a vote on a controversial Republican redistricting plan, House Speaker Dustin Burrows put constraints on their movements. Burrows announced that the Democrats could only leave the House floor if they received written permission and agreed to be under law enforcement escort until the chamber reconvenes on Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democrats who skipped out on previous attempts to meet quorum for a special session to approve the redrawn congressional maps will have an around-the-clock DPS escort to ensure their presence when the House convenes Wednesday, a legislative aide told CNN. Democrats had fled to blue states including Illinois, New York and Massachusetts as they faced civil arrest warrants pushed by GOP officials in Texas to force them back into the House chamber. The majority of the Democrats complied with the law enforcement escort, showing reporters what they called permission slips they received to leave the House floor and pointing to the officers escorting them around the Capitol. But Collier refused to enter into that agreement and has been confined to the House floor since returning. She can only leave the floor to return to her office under the watch of a law enforcement officer, an aide said, and cannot leave the state Capitol unless she agrees to outside supervision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Reps. Gene Wu and Vince Perez, who signed the permission slips to leave with a police escort yesterday, stayed on the House floor with Collier through the night, the aide said. Rep. Perez left early this morning but Wu remained in the chamber with Collier. Wu posted a photo on X Monday evening detailing some of their snacks for the long stretch ahead - dried peaches, freeze dried grapes, popcorn and ramen. My constituents sent me to Austin to protect their voices and rights, said Collier. I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts. My community is majority-minority, and they expect me to stand up for their representation. When I press that button to vote, I know these maps will harm my constituents I wont just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination. State Rep. Nicole Collier talks on the phone from the floor of the House, where she has chosen to remain until Wednesday, after Democratic lawmakers who had left the state to prevent Republicans from redrawing Texass 38 congressional districts returned to the Capitol in Austin, Texas, on August 18, 2025. - Gene Wu/Handout/Reuters Texas Democrat Beto ORourke celebrated Colliers protest on Monday, writing on social media, A true hero, refusing to submit, fighting these fascists by herself if she has to. We are with you Nicole! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burrows said in a statement, Rep. Colliers choice to stay and not sign the permission slip is well within her rights under the House Rules. The Texas House Speaker said that he is choosing to spend my time focused on important legislation. The Texas House established a quorum Monday afternoon, for the first time since most members of the Democratic minority fled the state 15 days earlier to prevent it from having the two-thirds quorum necessary to advance new congressional maps aimed at creating five more Republican-leaning seats ahead of next years midterm elections. Early in their boycott, Burrows had signed civil arrest warrants for those Democrats. But DPS officers could not carry out those warrants because the Democrats were out of state. At President Donald Trumps urging, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Republicans who control the state House and Senate launched the effort to redraw the states congressional districts mid-decade a break from most states typical practice of redistricting once a decade, after the completion of the US Census. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its part of the partys effort to hold onto its narrow House majority in next years midterm elections one that also includes lobbying GOP officials in Indiana and Missouri to change their maps to turn Democratic-held seats into favorable ground for Republicans, and could see the party add more GOP-leaning seats in Ohio, which is required by state law to redistrict. The Texas effort has set off a nationwide gerrymandering arms race. In California, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom has vowed retribution, proposing a measure that would trigger new maps that could help Democrats pick up five more seats in the state but only if Texas moves forward with its redistricting plan. This story and headline have been updated with additional details. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. For decades, the District of Columbia has been a festering example of how not to run a city. It's not a partisan issue: Washington, DC, has a higher percentage of Democrats than any state in America, so if the purest expression of liberal policies reduced violent crime and chronic homelessness, our nations capital should be a shining city on a hill. Perhaps President Donald Trumps intervention to address these issues isnt ideal, but neither is the status quo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has sent federal law enforcement and military resources to clean up crime and homelessness, and hes invoked his authority under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. This statute, specifically Section 740, allows the President to address an emergency after notifying Congress. We can argue whether the conditions in the capital are an emergency in the common use of the word, but the law clearly authorizes the president to make the determination. Even Democrats have a problem with DC's high crime As a limited-government conservative, I certainly understand Democratic misgivings about federal intervention here. We could have definitely used them a few years ago during COVID-19, when government used half-baked information to run roughshod over civil liberties. The response this time doesnt seem particularly principled unless that principle is opposing whatever Trump suggests. A Washington Post poll from just last year discovered that a majority of Washingtonians, 65%, said crime in DC is an extremely serious or a very serious problem. Three quarters of DC residents are Democrats and theyre telling a liberal paper that crime is out of hand. Why not listen to them? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: Sextorted online, my son died by suicide. We can stop it from happening again Washington, DC is consistently at or near the top of national lists for violent crime. Were not talking about petty theft here. We're talking about homicide, robbery and carjacking. The kind of stuff that makes you look over your shoulder when you're trying to enjoy a nice dinner. My wife and I lived in DC for years. We experienced it firsthand. Before you school me to accurate federal data showing the violent crime rate falling for the last two years, I concede the point. That said, Washington, DC, remains in the top ten American cities in terms of violent crime per capita. Im also struggling with the idea that this is due to some kind of resource limitation and not the result of objectively poor leadership over time. DC's crime problem isn't due to lack of police or resources DC has a population of about 700,000 spread over 68.3 square miles. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has about 3,400 sworn officers and 600 civilian personnel. If you do the math, that's roughly one officer for every 0.02 square miles. Or to put it in a more tangible way, that's a beat about the size of a small Amazon distribution warehouse. That's not a lot of ground to cover, even with the help of federal agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the MPD isn't alone. DC also benefits from the U.S. Capitol Police, which has a force of over 2,300 officers and civilian employees, and the Metro Transit Police, with an authorized strength of over 470 officers and over 230 security and civilian personnel. A look at their respective budgets quickly ends the idea that there arent enough financial resources. Yet despite this significant police presence, the problems persist. When the local leadership has no answer, and the problems are so dire they're impacting the people who work in and around the capital, what are the feds supposed to do? Sit back and hope things get better on their own? That hasn't worked. Opinion: Colossus is polluting Memphis. 375 miles east, there's a clean way to power AI And to be crystal clear, DC is a federal enclave, not a state. Trumps authority and congressional oversight simply dont apply in the same way to the states. Suggesting the American military engage in cities around the country should be rejected offhand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I'm not saying Trump's solution is perfect. I'm not naive enough to believe a 30-day intervention, or even a sustained one, will magically solve decades of neglect and mismanagement. But if the alternative is more of the same more broken windows, more random violence, more homelessness then maybe Trump's attempt at change is, indeed, the worst ideaunless you count everything else that's been tried so far. The nation's capital should not be a cautionary tale. It should be an aspiration of what America can do together. If the people currently in charge can't get it right, then it's worth seeing what happens when someone else gives it a shot, even if that someone is Donald Trump. Cameron Smith, columnist for The Tennessean and the USA TODAY Network Tennessee USA TODAY Network Tennessee Columnist Cameron Smith is a Memphis-born, Brentwood-raised recovering political attorney raising four boys in Nolensville, Tennessee, with his particularly patient wife, Justine. Direct outrage or agreement to smith.david.cameron@gmail.com or @DCameronSmith on Twitter. Agree or disagree? Send a letter to the editor to letters@tennessean.com This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Trump's DC takeover isn't ideal. Neither is unchecked crime | Opinion SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) A California legislative hearing turned into a shouting match Tuesday as a Republican lawmaker clashed with Democrats over a partisan plan to rewrite U.S. House maps to win Democrats more seats. A committee voted along party lines to advance a new congressional map in response to a Republican redistricting effort in Texas that President Donald Trump wants. California Democrats do not need any Republican votes to move ahead. Assemblymember David Tangipa, one of two Republicans on the committee that was considering the proposal Tuesday, spent 30 minutes asking questions of his colleagues before being told to make time for other members, prompting some boos from audience members. When the committee began voting, he shouted for more time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At times during the hearing, lawmakers interrupted one another until the chair, a Democrat, called for order. This is not the way we conduct our hearing, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, who chairs the committee, said as she called for order several times after hours of discussion. Tangipa argued that California should spend its resources on other issues such as health care. Lawmakers are expected to schedule a Nov. 4 special election to put the new maps before voters, and they haven't revealed a cost estimate for the unexpected election. California Republicans estimated a special election could cost more than $230 million. Im asking how much this costs because the state is in a massive deficit and its so personal to me, Tangipa said after the vote. He said his stepsister died a few weeks ago after a Medicaid provider refused to sign off on services she needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California begins voting on proposed congressional map Tuesday's hearings were the first chance for California residents to tell lawmakers how they feel about the new congressional boundaries. A hearing in the Senate was far calmer, and the proposal passed easily. California Democrats said they are pushing back against Trump and his desire to reshape U.S. House maps to his advantage in an expanding fight over control of Congress ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The California Legislature is expected to approve a proposed congressional map and declare a Nov. 4 special election by Thursday to get required voter approval. In Texas, state Rep. Nicole Collier stayed at the Capitol overnight and into Tuesday to protest a Republican requirement that she and some of her Democratic colleagues have around-the-clock law enforcement surveillance after they ended a two-week walkout that delayed a vote on the Trump-backed map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, eight other Texas Democrats said they'll join Collier in spending the night on the House floor. State Department of Public Safety officers are shadowing the lawmakers to ensure they return to the Capitol and do not leave Texas again. To leave the House floor Monday, the Democrats had to sign what they called permission slips agreeing to the surveillance. Texas' Republican-controlled House scheduled a vote for Wednesday on the new map. California Republicans mount an opposition campaign Dozens of residents from up and down the state, leaders of local Republican groups and the conservative California Family Council showed up to a hearing Tuesday to voice opposition to Democrats' plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some said the process has been shrouded in secrecy because the map was drawn without meaningful public input. Others said they would rather lawmakers focus on addressing issues instead of trying to bypass a bipartisan redistricting process. Theres different needs and different requirements for everybody, Jim Shoemaker, a Republican running for Congress in a district south of Sacramento, said in an interview. But if you have somebody that just has a little portion of an area, theyre not going to represent the people the way they should because theyre looking at the wrong thing. Labor union members and several key Democratic political allies said the partisan plan is needed to protect democracy and to fight back the presidents aggressive agenda. Public remarks may have little sway, though, as Democratic leaders are determined to rapidly advance the proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Republican lawmakers filed an emergency petition with the state Supreme Court arguing Democrats are violating the state constitution. They assert that lawmakers cant vote this week because the constitution requires new legislation to have a 30-day wait for public review. Democrats hold 43 out of Californias 52 U.S. House seats and want to win five more. The proposal would try to expand that advantage by targeting battleground districts in Northern California, San Diego and Orange counties, and the Central Valley. Some Democratic incumbents also get more left-leaning voters in their districts. Texas Democrats have police escorts In Texas, Republican legislative leaders assigned state troopers to watch their Democratic colleagues and ensure they don't flee the state again, as they did recently to block a vote on new maps. Suburban Dallas Rep. Mihaela Plesa said one followed her on her Monday evening drive back to her apartment in Austin after spending much of the day on a couch in her office. She said he went with her for a staff lunch and even down the hallway with her for restroom breaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a waste of taxpayer dollars and really performative theater," Plesa said in a telephone interview. A message seeking comment was sent Tuesday to the Department of Public Safety. A national brawl unfolding Redistricting typically occurs once at the beginning of each decade after the census. But Trump is looking to use mid-decade redistricting to shore up Republicans narrow House majority and avoid a repeat of the midterms during his first presidency. After gaining House control in 2018, Democrats used their majority to stymie his agenda and twice impeach him. Nationally, the partisan makeup of existing district lines puts Democrats within three seats of a majority. Of the 435 total House seats, several dozen districts are competitive, so even slight changes in a few states could affect which party wins control. ___ Vertuno reported from Austin, Texas. Associated Press writer Sophie Austin in Sacramento and John Hanna from Topeka, Kansas contributed to this report. Aberdeen City Council is set to push ahead with its plan to demolish dozens of homes found to have potentially dangerous concrete. It had paused its proposal to knock down the majority of about 500 homes in the Balnagask area to allow residents to explore options for the future of their homes. One option, which involves replacing roofs, has had no uptake. Thirty-one people have accepted offers to buy their privately-owned homes, while others are still considering their valuations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the affected properties are council-owned. A new Aberdeen City Council report said out of the 138 private owners - 28 had not yet engaged with the local authority. It said 76 people had asked for a valuation of their home and 70 had received offers, with two rejections so far. The report said 34 residents were still considering the offer they had received, or have the option of swapping their home for a council property. The purchasing process, known as a voluntary acquisition, could be extended to January next year due to the level of interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Councillors meeting next Tuesday will be asked to agree to the resumption of planning and preparation for demolition. John Meiklejohn said he is not engaging with Aberdeen City Council [BBC] One resident John Meiklejohn told BBC Scotland News he was not considering voluntary acquisition. He described the value he had received for his property as "unfair", and is considering potential legal action against the council. Mr Meiklejohn said: "The value they were giving was deducting the cost of replacing Raac in the properties." He claimed some residents would be left thousands of pounds worse off if they accepted their offer. Aberdeen City Council has been approached for comment. More on this story Related internet links The Brief A 22-year-old driver is facing an intoxication manslaughter charge after a Friday night crash in Denton. The crash killed Rossana Cacal, a well-known local chef, and injured her husband. The suspect, Noah Kendrick, has been released from jail after posting a $62,500 bond. DENTON, Texas - A 22-year- old driver is facing an intoxication manslaughter charge for a deadly crash in Denton. Rossana Cacal's daughter told FOX 4 that her parents were almost at their house when the crash happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Cacal family is upset to learn the driver who hit them was allegedly intoxicated, but her daughter says Cacal would want them to move forward with kindness, not anger. What they're saying Francesca Cacal says her parents were on their way home from a family birthday party on Friday night. Francesca Cacal "This was supposed to be a time of celebration, and it just turned the whole other way," said Francesca. "They came down so quickly, there was no way. I think my dad could have known how quickly that car was coming down that street." As the couple was turning onto their street Northway, Denton police say a suspected drunk driver hit them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rossana Cacal, who was in the passenger seat, died at the hospital. Francesca says her dad is still in the hospital recovering. "All my dad was saying was just check on your mom, check on your mom," said Francesca. "She was just so warm and so radiant, and its gone now." What we know Denton police arrested 22-year-old Noah Kendrick and charged him with intoxication manslaughter and aggravated assault. It's been difficult for the Cacal family to learn that Kendrick was allegedly driving drunk at the time. "There is anger, there is resentment, there is. Why?" Francesca asked. "Your one stupid decision cost this entire community a beautiful person." Local perspective Rossana Cacal was a talented chef, well-known in the Denton community for her Italian roots and recipes. She was also a beloved baker who created works of art in the form of cake. "Thats how she showed the world love, was through food and through baking," said Francesca. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As quickly as those thoughts came, Francesca remembered that her mom would want them all to move forward with kindness, just like she did. "Seeing how her light has spread is helping me with it. Theres traces of it everywhere, and it makes me want to be that person whos not leaving dark spots, who's always leaving spots of light, spots of happiness, spots of joy," she said. Francesca plans to do this while living out one of her mom's last messages to the family, which was, always follow your passions and don't wait to do things. "Make the time. If you dont make it now, you might not get to make it later." What's next Francesca says the family hopes her dad can come home from the hospital later this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kendrick's bond was set at $62,500. Records show he bonded out of jail on Saturday. The Source Information in this article was provided from interviews conducted by FOX 4's Amelia Jones and previous FOX 4 reporting. Guidance from the Department of Education released on Tuesday prohibits federal funds from supporting political activism on college campuses through the federal work-study program. According to a press release from the department, Biden-era guidance allowed federal work-study programs to fund students who engaged in a variety of partisan and nonpartisan political activities. The Department of Education has rescinded that guidance and clarified that institutions should focus the funds on jobs that provide real work experience. This action from the department comes after a letter from 16 Republican attorneys general that claimed the Biden-era guidance violated federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new guidance from the Department of Education also clarifies the requirements for institutions to distribute voter registration forms to its students. Federal Work Study is meant to provide students opportunities to gain real-world experience that prepares them to succeed in the workforce, not as a way to fund political activism on our college and university campuses, said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent, per the release. Kents statement continued that under the leadership of the Trump administration, American taxpayers will no longer fund political rallies, poll workers or voter hotlines on campus. According to the Department of Education the work-study program provides part-time jobs to students with financial need. Positions involved with political activity on campus would include jobs involving voter registration, voter assistance at a polling location or through a voter hotline and serving as a poll worker. Clarifications around distribution of voter registration forms We will also not require institutions to solicit students to register to vote if they know they are ineligible, Kent said, according to the departments release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new guidance from the Department of Education also covered the requirements institutions are given to distribute voter registration forms. Under the Higher Education Act, colleges are required to make a good faith effort to distribute voter registration forms and make them widely available to each of their students that are enrolled and physically in attendance at the institution. To give institutions ample flexibility to ensure that they are not aiding and abetting voter fraud, the Department does not interpret this good faith provision in the HEA as requiring institutions to distribute voter registration information to students who the institution has reason to believe are ineligible to vote in federal or state elections, such as foreign students, per the Department of Education. The departments guidance also requests that institutions notify students about certain points pertaining to legally voting in the U.S.: A rideshare driver shot 23-year-old Kendale Williams in self-defense at a Motel 6 in Fort Mill, South Carolina, after being assaulted. York County deputies reported that the incident occurred when Williams, a passenger, used a stun gun on the driver and attempted to strangle him in the motels parking lot. The driver, who was lawfully carrying a firearm, responded by shooting Williams, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVOUS COVERAGE: Rideshare driver kills man in self-defense at Fort Mill motel A young guy, another life gone in a tragic way, said Claudia Cialona, an eyewitness who lives at the motel. Cialona recounted seeing the car crash into an RV before Williams rolled out onto the ground. She told Channel 9 that she heard the shots and immediately called 911, feeling helpless in the situation. Another witness to the incident declined to comment, but said attempts to reach the driver were unsuccessful. The investigation concluded with the determination that the driver acted within his legal rights. No charges will be filed against the driver. The York County Sheriffs Office confirmed that the driver acted in self-defense, a right protected under South Carolina law. VIDEO: FBI warns of child abductions through rideshares TeraWulf (WULF), a Bitcoin (BTCUSD) mining and data center company, saw shares soar last week following a transformative deal backed by Alphabet (GOOGL). The company has signed two 10-year high-performance computing (HPC) colocation agreements with Fluidstack, a premier artificial intelligence (AI) cloud platform. Worth roughly $3.7 billion with optional extensions lifting the total to $8.7 billion, the agreements leverage TeraWulf's Lake Mariner campus 200 megawatts (MW) of capacity. Google is underwriting $1.8 billion in Fluidstacks lease obligations and, in exchange, will acquire about 41 million shares of WULF stock, equating to an approximately 8% equity stake. While analysts have raised their price targets as high as $13, the deal signals TeraWulfs pivot into AI infrastructure and adds credibility. More News from Barchart So, does this news make WULF stock worth buying now? About TeraWulf Stock Headquartered in Easton, Maryland, TeraWulf is a digital asset technology company that develops, owns, and operates environmentally sustainable Bitcoin mining facilities specializing in high-performance computing hosting. TeraWulfs market capitalization stands at approximately $3.5 billion. WULF stock has staged a remarkable rally of late, surging 59% in a single day on Aug. 14 following the announcement of the AI hosting deal with Fluidstack backed by Google, triggering a dramatic rebound from its April low of $2.06. The momentum extended into the next trading day, adding further gains and leading shares to hit a high of $9.23 on Aug. 15. WULF stock has delivered an impressive 78% return year-to-date (YTD). Over the past month alone, the stock has surged 96% amid its strategic focus toward AI. www.barchart.com TeraWulf currently trades at a premium compared to the sector median at 24.37 times forward sales. TeraWulfs Q2 Performance Shows Promise TeraWulf released its second-quarter 2025 financial results on Aug. 8, showcasing a strong rebound with revenue surging 33.9% year-over-year (YOY) to $47.6 million. Meanwhile, cost of revenue rose to $22.1 million. The companys Bitcoin mining capacity climbed 45.5% YOY to 12.8 EH/s, although self-mined Bitcoin dropped to 485 BTC due to the April 2024 halving and prior divestiture of a facility. On a brighter note, value per Bitcoin soared to $98,219 from $65,984, while power cost per Bitcoin rose to $45,555, reflecting higher difficulty and energy volatility. Gov. Ron DeSantis continued to criticize California over an incident the previous week in which an undocumented immigrant with a California-issued commercial drivers license made an illegal turn that resulted in the deaths of three people in St. Lucie County. It shouldve never have happened. He should never have been here, DeSantis told reporters on Aug. 19 at an event in St. Cloud. In Florida were not giving licenses if youre here illegally. But he also slammed Congress for not doing enough to crack down on California and similar states and cities with what DeSantis sees as lax immigration policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He urged Washington lawmakers to withhold funding from states and cities with sanctuary policies and to change asylum laws to prevent illegal immigrants with frivolous asylum claims from getting work permits. Congress can remove funding for sanctuary cities, so stop subsidizing this, DeSantis said. You guys have the power of the purse. You can discipline these states that dont follow the law. DeSantis comments come one week after he named Jay Collins, then a Republican state senator from Tampa, as his lieutenant governor, possibly setting him up for a run to replace him in 2026. The only major declared GOP candidate for governor so far is U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Naples, who also has decried Californias issuing a license to the driver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "(Three) innocent people were killed in St Lucie County because CA wrongly issued a drivers license to an illegal alien. He shouldnt have been here. He shouldnt have received a license. THIS NEVER SHOULDVE HAPPENED," Donalds posted on X on Aug. 18. 3 innocent people were killed in St Lucie County because CA wrongly issued a drivers license to an illegal alien. He shouldnt have been here. He shouldnt have received a license. THIS NEVER SHOULDVE HAPPENED. We pray for the victims & their families. Justice must be served. pic.twitter.com/seEoaPJUGk Congressman Byron Donalds (@RepDonaldsPress) August 18, 2025 Law enforcement officials say the crash occurred when Harjinder Singh made an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike near Fort Pierce. Singh originally came from India and entered the U.S. illegally through the Mexico border in 2018, according the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. After being denied a work permit in 2020 under President Donald Trumps first term administration, he was issued one in 2021 under President Joe Bidens administration, Trump officials have said. Driving a semi-trailer, Singh tried to use an official use only segment of the Turnpike to make a U-turn from the northbound outside lane, and a 2015 Chrysler minivan traveling north on the inside lane slammed into the truck, killing a 54-year-old man from Miami, a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach, and a 30-year-old man from Florida City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Highway Patrol has not released the names of the victims. Kerner, executive director of the DHSMV, which oversees the FHP, said Singh, who is in custody, will be deported after the conclusion of his state charges. Singh has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and immigration violations. Dave Kerner, executive director of the DHSMV, which oversees the FHP, said Singh, who is in custody, will be deported after the conclusion of his state charges. The Trump administration further responded on Aug. 19, with U.S. Department of Transporation Secretary Sean Duffy saying the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will investigate the incident, including White Hawk Carriers, Inc., the trucking company that hired Singh. "This crash was a preventable tragedy directly caused by reckless decisions and compounded by despicable failures," Duffy said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Non-enforcement and radical immigration policies have turned the trucking industry into a lawless frontier, resulting in unqualified foreign drivers improperly acquiring licenses to operate 40-ton vehicles." Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis, Trump allies rip California over deadly crash, licenses TALLAHASSEE Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday that he doesnt think President Donald Trumps desire to ban voting by mail applies to Florida. Asked about Trumps vow Monday to lead a movement to end the use of mail-in ballots, DeSantis said he thought it only applied to states thatsend mail ballots to all voters. What he means by vote by mail, I think, just in my conversations, is the states like California and Nevada and others, where they just send all these ballots out into the ether, DeSantis said during a news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He defended Floridas system, in which voters have to request a vote-by-mail ballot. I think what Florida has is absentee voting, he said.He noted that county elections supervisors dont mail ballots to anyone who hasnt requested one. Trumps post on Truth Social made no such distinctions. He wrote that he would issue an executive order to bring honesty to the 2026 elections by getting rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS as well as Highly Inaccurate, Very Expensive, and Seriously Controversial VOTING MACHINES. Its time that the Republicans get tough and stop it, because the Democrats want it, Trump later told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump does not have the power to change voting laws. The Constitution gives states the power to set the times, places and manner of elections. Trumps longstanding grievance with voting by mail a method he has used to vote in Palm Beach County has exposed rifts among Florida Republicans overthe last few years. The states GOP leaders have promotedthe use of voting by mail over the last two decades, even changing the name from absentee to vote by mail to imply that voters dont have to be absent to make use of it. More than 3 million Floridians voted by mail in last years election. But DeSantis and the party have had to bat down fringe elements who have embraced Trumps claims of widespread voter fraud, including with the use of mail-in ballots in Florida. Lawmakers have responded by making it harder to request, renew and submit mail ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis said Tuesday that voting by mail is popular in Florida, and he questioned how banning it outright would work. Clearly, you would need some absentee (ballots) for military overseas (voters), right? DeSantis said. I mean, so thats at a minimum, youd need that. A newly disclosed email contradicts previous claims by former Henry County Sheriff Ric McCorkle that he knew nothing about a 2018 sexual abuse allegation against a community corrections official who was also a special sheriff's deputy. McCorkle said earlier this year that he was unaware of an inmate's allegation in 2018 that Deputy Community Corrections Director Jason Bertram had touched the man's genitals during a work release meeting in 2018. The accuser is one of at least seven men who claim Bertram used his power to coerce them into unwanted sexual acts before killing himself in 2023. Most of the men were abused after 2018. Six of them are now suing Henry County leaders in federal court for failing to take steps that could have prevented the abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCorkle, who was sheriff from 2015 to 2022, said under oath in a March 6 deposition that he was "not aware" of the 2018 allegation. He also told IndyStar in a June 5 phone interview that the allegation "wasn't brought to my attention" and that he "wasn't aware of the '18 complaint." But an email unearthed as part of the pending civil lawsuits against him and other officials suggest he did know about the allegation. The email is the most recent evidence to emerge that McCorkle and other Henry County leaders knew about allegations against Bertram for years, but failed to stop him from victimizing more men. In the June 12, 2018, email, then-Henry County Prosecutor Joe Bergacs asked the Indiana State Police to take over the investigation from the sheriff's department. Bergacs wrote that he "received a call from Sheriff McCorkle" informing him that a Henry County jail inmate named Michael Ritchie had made a complaint against Bertram under the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The allegations contain inappropriate touching by Mr. Bertram against Mr. Ritchie," Bergacs wrote, noting that Bertram is "a special deputy appointed by the Sheriff." When confronted with the email, McCorkle told IndyStar he didn't remember the allegation or speaking with Bergacs, but he acknowledged it may have happened. "I'm not gonna tell you that I didn't," he said in an Aug. 14 phone interview. "I don't remember it. I just don't remember. I have no reason to lie to you, I just don't remember doing any of that with Michael Ritchie." Former Henry County Sheriff Ric McCorkle said in a March 6 deposition that he was unaware of a 2018 sexual abuse allegation against then-Henry County Community Corrections Deputy Director Jason Bertram. A newly disclosed email suggests he was aware of the allegation At the time of the 2018 complaint, both Bergacs and McCorkle sat on the Henry County Community Corrections Advisory Board, which had the power to fire Bertram. But even after they learned of a second accusation from a different inmate in 2020, they took no action to restrict Bertram's access to clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only after several more men came forward with allegations amid a new state police investigation did the board finally fire Bertram in 2022. "Its sad that this went on so long and that the cover up is still continuing," said Indianapolis attorney Jonathan Little, who is representing Bertram's accusers. "Just think of all the men and boys who could have been spared." McCorkle attributed the board's inaction to "a lack of sharing information" and said he doesn't beleive there was a cover up. "I don't know why it got dropped," he said, "but I can't imagine anybody wanting to cover it up." As deputy director of community corrections, Bertram oversaw defendants placed on house arrest or assigned to community service. McCorkle said he designated everyone who worked in community corrections a "special deputy" so that they had arrest powers if needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCorkle isn't the only one who said he forgot about Ritchie's case. Bergacs, the prosecutor at the time, also claimed during a recent deposition that he didn't recall Ritchie's case. "I really don't remember anything," he said. "I'm sure it had to do with inappropriate touching, but I don't remember whatever the specific allegations are as I sit here now." Bergacs did not respond to an inquiry from IndyStar, but the newly disclosed email and previously disclosed state police records show that he was heavily involved and that he declined to prosecute Bertram because the statute of limitations had expired. The statute of limitations is a time limit set in state law for filing criminal charges after an alleged crime is committed. The limit is generally longer for more serious offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Little contends the statute of limitations had not expired for crimes such as sexual battery and official misconduct. He criticized McCorkle and Bergacs for their claims they couldn't remember such a serious allegation against a member of Henry County's law enforcement community. "Should we be concerned about the rash of amnesia in Henry County?" Little said. Although McCorkle and Bergacs no longer hold elected office, both men have continued in government service. McCorkle is now a school resource officer for South Henry School Corp. Bergacs is one of four public defenders listed on the county's website. As IndyStar reported in June, Bergacs and McCorkle are among several county officials who have been named as defendants in lawsuits filed by Bertram's accusers. Others include Community Corrections Director Joni Williams and Henry Circuit Court Judge Kit Crane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read IndyStar's investigation: County official abused clients for years. Leaders knew of allegations, but failed to stop him The lawsuits accuse Henry County officials of effectively running a sex trafficking operation and are seeking damages under federal Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and the Rackateer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO. Henry County officials have denied in court records that they failed to properly respond to the abuse allegations. Bergacs and Crane have also argued they are entitled to qualified immunity, a legal doctrine that protects government officials from civil liability unless they violate clearly established law. Contact IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at 317-444-6081 or tony.cook@indystar.com. Follow him on X: @IndyStarTony. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Despite denials, email shows former sheriff knew of sex abuse claim In this photo illustration, a pharmacist holds a COVID-19 vaccine. States and clinicians are working on getting correct information on vaccines to vulnerable groups amid shifting federal guidance. (Photo illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Heading into the respiratory illness season, states and clinicians are working to encourage pregnant patients to get COVID-19 vaccinations, even though the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services no longer recommends that they should. Along with being older and having an underlying health condition, pregnancy itself is a risk factor. Pregnant women are more vulnerable to developing severe illness from COVID-19. Theyre also at high risk for complications, including preterm labor and stillbirth. The vast majority of medical experts say getting the shot is safe and effective much safer than having the illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in May that the agency would no longer recommend that pregnant women get the vaccine. Before testifying before Congress in June, Kennedy circulated a document on Capitol Hill claiming higher rates of fetal loss after vaccination. But the authors of those studies told Politico that their work had been misinterpreted. The Florida Department of Health, led by Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, a vaccine skeptic, took credit for the federal shift. Florida was the first state to recommend against mRNA Covid vaccines for healthy children in March 2022 and in January 2024 recommended against them for in all populations, including pregnant women. Todays federal action, thanks to the tireless efforts of Secretary Kennedy, is an important advancement for parents, physicians, and children across the country, Ladapo said in a written statement. Ultimately, scientific evidence dictates that the use of these products should end for all populations. Todays federal action, thanks to the tireless efforts of Secretary Kennedy, is an important advancement for parents, physicians, and children across the country. Dr. Joseph Ladapo, Florida surgeon general Experts say the federal shift puts the onus on state health agencies to ramp up vaccine guidance and outreach. Clinicians and public health organizations are trying to dispel misinformation and make sure information reaches low-income people and people of color, who had higher maternal death rates during the pandemic. During the first two years of the pandemic, the virus contributed to a quarter of maternal deaths, according to federal data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are severely disappointed, said Dr. Neil Silverman, a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine. He has studied vaccines and pregnancy for the past 15 years and specializes in high-risk pregnancies. Silverman called the federal shift a public health tragedy on a grand scale. Vaccinations against COVID-19 help prevent severe illness in pregnant people as well as their newborns, who are too young to get vaccinated, Silverman said. In whats called passive immunity, vaccinated mothers pass on antibodies to their babies through the placenta and through breast milk. State public health agencies are probably going to have to implement vaccine guidance that differs from the federal recommendations. And thats going to be an interesting can of worms, said OB-GYN Dr. Mark Turrentine, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turrentine serves on a board of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that focuses on immunization and infectious diseases. He said his recent pregnant patients who had COVID-19 hadnt gotten the vaccine. The change in guidance on the federal level just really makes a lot of confusion, and it makes it very challenging to try to explain to individuals why all of a sudden the difference, Turrentine said. A slew of public health organizations have been making a concerted effort to dispel vaccine myths. They include the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit organization of maternal-fetal experts. At a news briefing the society held this month, clinicians stressed the safety and long-standing science behind COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the shots for RSV and the flu. Cases of RSV and the flu tend to peak in the winter months, while in recent years COVID-19 cases have spiked in the summer and the winter. Dr. Brenna Hughes, an OB-GYN who chairs the organizations infectious diseases and emerging threats committee, pointed to survey data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing that less than a third of eligible pregnant patients received COVID-19 shots, and only 38% received RSV shots for the 2023 to 2024 season. Less than half 47% received flu shots, and 59% received TDAP (whooping cough) vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CDC data shows that for last years and this years season, only between 12% and 14% of pregnant patients got the COVID-19 vaccine. The complications from the infection are so much greater than the complications and the very few and typically minor adverse events that might occur from the vaccine, said microbiologist Sabra Klein, a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In June, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and 30 other professional health organizations signed a letter urging insurers to continue covering the COVID-19 shot for pregnant women, and have continued to urge coverage since then. CVS Caremark, one of the nations three major pharmacy benefit managers, told Stateline it will continue covering the vaccine for pregnant women. The Arizona, California, and North Carolina state Medicaid agencies also told Stateline they are still currently covering COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Kimberly Fortner, president-elect of the Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology, said during the maternal-fetal medicine briefing that she hopes medical groups joint messaging will bolster insurers. Hopefully by us linking arms, that can then help develop consistency so that insurers will continue to pay for the vaccine, she said. Exacerbating disparities Dr. Ayanna Bennett, director of the District of Columbia Department of Health, said the federal governments new stance has upended a system thats been stable for a very long time. Bennett said her agency used federal pandemic aid to shore up vaccine outreach efforts to communities of color. Now that flow of money is ending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The changes in federal guidance and funding will almost certainly exacerbate maternal health disparities, said Marie Thoma, a perinatal epidemiologist and an associate professor in the University of Maryland Department of Family Science who researches pregnancy and COVID-19. Black and Indigenous women died at higher rates. The virus exacerbated existing racial disparities in maternal health and created new ones: Latina mothers, who generally see low rates of maternal mortality, saw deaths surge to 28 per 100,000 in 2021. Their rate was about 12 per 100,000 in 2018, according to federal data. We are going in with some exposure already that we didnt have during the start of the pandemic. So, there will be some protection, but now that will erode, said Thoma. If were not getting vaccines, or if people are hesitant to take them, we could see some increase. Silverman said the administrations efforts to strip mentions of race from government policies makes it difficult for institutions to reach populations at greatest risk. He called the dismissal of decades of data saddening and infuriating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The politicization of the vaccine process, or access to it, is what concerns me the most, said Dr. Yvette Martas, a Connecticut OB-GYN who chairs the board of directors of the Hispanic Health Council. Many women are trying to navigate an economic system thats not always in their favor in terms of also providing access to the kind of educational material that they need, she said. Not just COVID-19 In June, Kennedy ousted all 17 members of the CDCs vaccine advisory committee, replacing them with some members who are vaccine skeptics. The change is creating chaos. Some states have vaccine laws, such as mandates for kids and coverage statutes, that are specifically tied to the committees decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Vaccine Integrity Project at the University of Minnesota called on frontline health workers, health officials, and professional societies to counter the spread of inaccurate and confusing vaccine information. At a news briefing this month held by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, representatives from Alabama, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C., said they will continue to recommend vaccines. Alabamas state health officer, Dr. Scott Harris, said clinicians will be instrumental in getting correct vaccination information to patients. We dont think that we necessarily have the same authoritative voice that we might have had a decade ago in trying to guide people in what to do, but we do believe that people trust their health care providers in most cases and are certainly willing to listen to them, he said at the briefing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bennett said she is hopeful that strong, consistent messaging from respected medical organizations will help combat confusion. Having established groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics or the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology make very firm recommendations that keep us essentially not changed from where we have been, I think, should reassure families, she said. Michael Moline in Tallahassee contributed to this report. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE In this photo illustration, a pharmacist holds a COVID-19 vaccine. States and clinicians are working on getting correct information on vaccines to vulnerable groups amid shifting federal guidance. (Photo illustration by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Heading into the respiratory illness season, states and clinicians are working to encourage pregnant patients to get COVID-19 vaccinations, even though the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services no longer recommends that they should. Along with being older and having an underlying health condition, pregnancy itself is a risk factor. Pregnant women are more vulnerable to developing severe illness from COVID-19. Theyre also at high risk for complications, including preterm labor and stillbirth. The vast majority of medical experts say getting the shot is safe and effective much safer than having the illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in May that the agency would no longer recommend that pregnant women get the vaccine. Before testifying before Congress in June, Kennedy circulated a document on Capitol Hill claiming higher rates of fetal loss after vaccination. But the authors of those studies told Politico that their work had been misinterpreted. Experts say the federal shift puts the onus on state health agencies to ramp up vaccine guidance and outreach. Clinicians and public health organizations are trying to dispel misinformation and make sure information reaches low-income people and people of color, who had higher maternal death rates during the pandemic. During the first two years of the pandemic, the virus contributed to a quarter of maternal deaths, according to federal data. We are severely disappointed, said Dr. Neil Silverman, a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine. He has studied vaccines and pregnancy for the past 15 years and specializes in high-risk pregnancies. Silverman called the federal shift a public health tragedy on a grand scale. Vaccinations against COVID-19 help prevent severe illness in pregnant people as well as their newborns, who are too young to get vaccinated, Silverman said. In whats called passive immunity, vaccinated mothers pass on antibodies to their babies through the placenta and through breast milk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State public health agencies are probably going to have to implement vaccine guidance that differs from the federal recommendations. And thats going to be an interesting can of worms, said OB-GYN Dr. Mark Turrentine, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. Turrentine serves on a board of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that focuses on immunization and infectious diseases. He said his recent pregnant patients who had COVID-19 hadnt gotten the vaccine. The change in guidance on the federal level just really makes a lot of confusion, and it makes it very challenging to try to explain to individuals why all of a sudden the difference, Turrentine said. Wisconsin keeps recommendation Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommendations continue to include pregnant people among those recommended to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vaccination either before conception or early during pregnancy is the best way to reduce maternal and fetal complications, DHS says on its COVID-19 vaccine web page for parents. Erik Gunn A slew of public health organizations have been making a concerted effort to dispel vaccine myths. They include the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization of maternal-fetal experts. At a news briefing the society held this month, clinicians stressed the safety and long-standing science behind COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the shots for RSV and the flu. Cases of RSV and the flu tend to peak in the winter months, while in recent years COVID-19 cases have spiked in the summer and the winter. Dr. Brenna Hughes, an OB-GYN who chairs the organizations infectious diseases and emerging threats committee, pointed to survey data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing that less than a third of eligible pregnant patients received COVID-19 shots, and only 38% received RSV shots for the 2023 to 2024 season. Less than half 47% received flu shots, and 59% received TDAP (whooping cough) vaccines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CDC data shows that for last years and this years season, only between 12% and 14% of pregnant patients got the COVID-19 vaccine. The complications from the infection are so much greater than the complications and the very few and typically minor adverse events that might occur from the vaccine, said microbiologist Sabra Klein, a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In June, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and 30 other professional health organizations signed a letter urging insurers to continue covering the COVID-19 shot for pregnant women, and have continued to urge coverage since then. CVS Caremark, one of the nations three major pharmacy benefit managers, told Stateline it will continue covering the vaccine for pregnant women. The Arizona, California and North Carolina state Medicaid agencies also told Stateline they are still currently covering COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women. Dr. Kimberly Fortner, president-elect of the Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology, said during the maternal-fetal medicine briefing that she hopes medical groups joint messaging will bolster insurers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hopefully by us linking arms, that can then help develop consistency so that insurers will continue to pay for the vaccine, she said. Exacerbating disparities Dr. Ayanna Bennett, director of the District of Columbia Department of Health, said the federal governments new stance has upended a system thats been stable for a very long time. Bennett said her agency used federal pandemic aid to shore up vaccine outreach efforts to communities of color. Now that flow of money is ending. The changes in federal guidance and funding will almost certainly exacerbate maternal health disparities, said Marie Thoma, a perinatal epidemiologist and an associate professor in the University of Maryland Department of Family Science who researches pregnancy and COVID-19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black and Indigenous women died at higher rates. The virus exacerbated existing racial disparities in maternal health and created new ones: Latina mothers, who generally see low rates of maternal mortality, saw deaths surge to 28 per 100,000 in 2021. Their rate was about 12 per 100,000 in 2018, according to federal data. We are going in with some exposure already that we didnt have during the start of the pandemic. So, there will be some protection, but now that will erode, said Thoma. If were not getting vaccines, or if people are hesitant to take them, we could see some increase. Silverman said the administrations efforts to strip mentions of race from government policies makes it difficult for institutions to reach populations at greatest risk. He called the dismissal of decades of data saddening and infuriating. The politicization of the vaccine process, or access to it, is what concerns me the most, said Dr. Yvette Martas, a Connecticut OB-GYN who chairs the board of directors of the Hispanic Health Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many women are trying to navigate an economic system thats not always in their favor in terms of also providing access to the kind of educational material that they need, she said. Not just COVID-19 In June, Kennedy ousted all 17 members of the CDCs vaccine advisory committee, replacing them with some members who are vaccine skeptics. The change is creating chaos. Some states have vaccine laws, such as mandates for kids and coverage statutes, that are specifically tied to the committees decisions. The politicization of the vaccine process, or access to it, is what concerns me the most. Dr. Yvette Martas, a Connecticut OB-GYN who chairs the board of directors of the Hispanic Health Council The Vaccine Integrity Project at the University of Minnesota called on frontline health workers, health officials and professional societies to counter the spread of inaccurate and confusing vaccine information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a news briefing this month held by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, representatives from Alabama, Connecticut and Washington, D.C., said they will continue to recommend vaccines. Alabamas state health officer, Dr. Scott Harris, said clinicians will be instrumental in getting correct vaccination information to patients. We dont think that we necessarily have the same authoritative voice that we might have had a decade ago in trying to guide people in what to do, but we do believe that people trust their health care providers in most cases and are certainly willing to listen to them, he said at the briefing. Bennett said she is hopeful that strong, consistent messaging from respected medical organizations will help combat confusion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having established groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics or the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology make very firm recommendations that keep us essentially not changed from where we have been, I think, should reassure families, she said. Stateline reporter Nada Hassanein can be reached at nhassanein@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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The second Oval Office meeting in six months between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went off smoothly Monday, in sharp contrast to their disastrous encounter in February. European leaders joined the discussions in a show of transatlantic unity, and both they and Zelenskyy repeatedly thanked Trump for his efforts to end Russias three-year war on Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his expectations for the meeting were not just met, they were exceeded, while Zelenskyy on Tuesday called the sit-down an important step toward ending this war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But despite the guarded optimism and friendly banter among the leaders, there was little concrete progress on the main obstacles to peace and that deadlock likely favors Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose forces continue to make steady, if slow, progress on the ground in Ukraine. Putin cannot get enough champagne or whatever hes drinking, Gabrielius Landsbergis, a former foreign minister of Lithuania, said of Monday's meeting. As NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told The Ingraham Angle on Fox News: All the details have to be hammered out." Here is a look at the issues that must be resolved: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Security guarantees for Ukraine To agree to a peace deal with Russia, Ukraine wants assurances that it can deter any future attacks by the Kremlins forces. That means, Zelenskyy says, a strong Ukrainian army that is provided with weapons and training by Western partners. It could potentially also mean securing a guarantee resembling NATOs collective defense mandate, which sees an attack on one member of the alliance as an attack on all. How that would work is not clear. Additionally, Kyiv's European allies are looking to set up a force that could backstop any peace agreement in Ukraine. A coalition of 30 countries, including European nations, Japan and Australia, have signed up to support the initiative, although the role that the U.S. might play in such a force is unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European leaders, fearing Moscows territorial ambitions wont stop in Ukraine, are keen to lock Americas military might into the plan. On Tuesday, Trump told Fox News Channels Fox & Friends that U.S. troops would not be sent to help defend Ukraine against Russia. Russia has repeatedly said that it would not accept NATO troops in Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired an online meeting Tuesday of the coalition countries. Agreeing on a ceasefire Ukraine and its European supporters have repeatedly called for a ceasefire while peace talks are held. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has balked at that prospect. With his forces inching forward in Ukraine, he has little incentive to freeze their movement. Ahead of his meeting with the Russian leader last week, Trump threatened Russia with severe consequences if it didnt accept a ceasefire. Afterward, he dropped that demand and said it was best to focus on a comprehensive peace deal an approach that Putin has pushed for. Trump said in Mondays Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was unnecessary. But after his closed-door meeting with European leaders and Zelenskyy, Trump told reporters that all of us would obviously prefer the immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace. Where Trump ultimately falls on that issue is important because it could affect how much Ukrainian land Russia has seized by the time the two sides get around to hammering out how much it could keep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Occupied Ukrainian territory Zelenskyy and European leaders said that Putin has demanded that Ukraine give up the Donbas, the country's industrial heartland made up of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. It has seen some of the most intense fighting of the war though Russian forces have failed to capture it completely. Moscow also illegally annexed Crimea and its forces hold parts of four other regions outside the Donbas. In all, they hold about one-fifth of Ukraine. Zelenskyy has long noted the Ukrainian Constitution prohibits breaking up his country. He has also suggested the demand for territory would serve as a springboard for a future Russian invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rutte said the possibility of Ukraine ceding occupied territory to Russia in return for peace wasnt discussed in Mondays talks. That is an issue for Zelenskyy and Putin to consider, he said to Fox News. A Putin-Zelenskyy meeting Zelenskyy has repeatedly suggested sitting down with Putin, even challenging the Russian leader to meet him as part of direct peace talks between the two sides in Turkey in May. Putin snubbed that offer, saying that significant progress on an agreement would have to be made before the pair met in person. On Monday, Trump appeared to back Zelenskyy's plan. I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy, Trump said in a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he would join the two leaders afterward. But when discussing a phone call held after the meeting between Trump and the Russian leader, Putins foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov gave no indication that either a bilateral or a trilateral meeting with Ukraine had been agreed. European leaders know that Putin doesn't want to meet Zelenskyy and that he won't allow Western troops in Ukraine but they're expressing optimism that these things could happen in the hopes of forcing Putin to be the one to say no to Trump, according to Janis Kluge of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. Europeans hype up expectations to create a reality in which Putin disappoints, he wrote on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ This story has been updated to clarify the number of Ukrainian regions or parts of regions that Russia holds. ___ Associated Press writers Sam McNeil in Brussels and Emma Burrows in London contributed. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine "There's a lot of destruction that needs to be done," sums up Parker Bovee of Cleantech Group, a research and consulting firm. He is referring to PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), also known as "forever chemicals". These man-made chemicals can be found in items such as waterproof clothing, non-stick pans, lipsticks and food packaging. They are used for their grease and water repellence, but do not degrade quickly and have been linked to health issues such as higher risks of certain cancers and reproductive problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The extraordinarily strong carbon-fluorine bonds they contain gives them the ability to persist for decades or even centuries in nature. PFAS can be detected and removed from water and soil and then concentrated into smaller volumes of high strength waste. But what to do with that waste? Currently, concentrated PFAS waste is either put in long-term storage which is expensive, or incinerated (often incompletely, leading to toxic emissions), or sent to landfills for hazardous waste. But now clean-tech companies are bringing techniques to market that can destroy them. These are being tested in small-scale pilot projects with potential customers including some industrial manufacturers, municipal wastewater treatment plants and even the US military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's a "large and growing" market opportunity for PFAS destruction companies notes Mr Bovee. While it is mostly currently centred in the US, others are dipping their toes, he says. In the UK, funding for water companies to look into PFAS destruction has been provided by water regulator Ofwat, with Severn Trent Water leading a project to examine the potential technologies and suppliers. One factor driving the market forward in the US is legal risk. Thousands of lawsuits claiming PFAS-related contamination and harm have been filed with some large chemical manufacturers, notably 3M, having already paid out billions in class-action settlements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regulation is also beginning to tighten worldwide. Legal limits for two PFAS in drinking water are now scheduled to take effect in the US in 2031. PFAS remains a bipartisan issue, says Mr Bovee, and many expect that future US regulation will expand beyond drinking water to cover industrial discharge and other sources. The EU also has legal limits for PFAS in drinking water, which member states must begin enforcing from next year. Axine's system is already in use at an auto parts company [Axine Water Technologies] There are a variety of technologies for destroying PFAS each with their own advantages and limitations. According to Mr Bovee, one technology that is almost commercially ready is electrochemical oxidation (EO) technology. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Electrodes are placed in water contaminated by PFAS and a current is passed through, resulting in the chemicals' breakdown. While energy intensive, it doesn't require high temperature or pressure, and is easy to operate and integrate into existing treatment systems for concentrating PFAS, says Mark Ralph, CEO of Canadian-based start-up Axine Water Technologies. Last year, following a successful pilot project, it sold its first commercial-scale unit to a Michigan-based producer of automotive components. It is now up and running and the customer is planning to purchase additional systems for other sites. A waste water facility in Orlando is testing 374Water's treatment system [374Water] Another technology not far behind is Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It relies on heating and pressurising water to such a high degree that it enters a new state of matter: a so-called supercritical state. When the PFAS waste stream is introduced, it breaks the carbon-fluorine bonds. One advantage is that it can process both solid and liquid PFAS waste, says Chris Gannon, CEO of North Carolina-based 374Water. He says his technology can even destroy PFAS in plastics if they are ground up. It can be expensive to buy and maintain the process is so intense it requires a complex reactor and regular cleaning. But it can be more cost effective if the PFAS is first concentrated before it enters the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently the City of Orlando in Florida is testing 374Water's technology at its largest wastewater treatment plant. The City is trying to get ahead of the curve, explains Alan Oyler, its special projects manager for public works. Levels of PFAS in sewage sludge aren't currently regulated, but he expects them to be in the future. So far, Mr Oyler is pleased with the destruction capability he has seen, but is also waiting to see how reliable the system is. The scale of 374Water's current technology is small: it can handle just a fraction of the tonnes of wet sludge the facility produces daily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the company is in the process of scaling up, and Mr Oyler imagines in a few years it will be able to handle all the facility's material "ready for when the regulations require". Other technologies on their way to being commercially ready include hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT), which uses high temperature, high pressure, and an alkaline chemical to destroy PFAS; and plasma-based technology, which involves making an ionized gas (called a plasma) to attack and degrade the PFAS molecules. Aquagga destroyed PFAS in a fire-fighting foam mixture [Aquagga] Yet there is one potential issue with the technologies now coming through, says Jay Meegoda, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology: nasty PFAS degradation byproducts. For example, in the case of EO, highly corrosive hydrogen fluoride vapor. Each needs a "complete study" accounting for all their inputs and outputs, he says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The companies have claimed they either don't produce PFAS degradation products or deal with them adequately. One important partner for many of the PFAS destruction companies in testing their technologies in the real world has been the US Department of Defence (DOD). PFAS contamination at US military sites is a big, below-the-radar problem. It stems particularly from the use of older formulations of firefighting foam, used for example during training exercises or emergencies, but other routes too such as the cleaning of military equipment. More than 700 sites are known or suspected to be contaminated, posing a threat to surrounding communities. A judge recently cleared the way for PFAS contamination and harm lawsuits against the military to proceed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clean up efforts are where the destruction companies could come in, and projects have been undertaken or are under way at various sites to assess the performance and cost effectiveness of many of their solutions. One start-up, Aquagga, which specialises in HALT technology, recently completed a demonstration project for the DOD which involved destroying a firefighting foam mixture amongst other concentrated PFAS-containing liquids. Immense volumes of the foam are currently stockpiled in all sorts of places, not just at military sites. Like others, Aquagga sees a big opportunity over the next few years for both destroying the foam and remediating the environmental damage associated with its use. And outside the military, there's a tantalizing new PFAS waste stream on the horizon. The US is actively expanding domestic computer chip manufacturing a process that uses PFAS in massive amounts. "We can destroy that," says Mr Gannon, of 374Water. More Technology of Business HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) Researchers say the constant use of artificial intelligence is inhibiting crucial brain development in college students. MIT recently conducted a study looking at brain waves of students using ChatGPT versus those who did not and the results, they say, were disturbing. The human brain doesnt fully develop until the age of 25, and that includes parts responsible for planning, decision-making and impulse control. MIT studied the brainwaves of those who used ChatGPT to write SAT essays and concluded AI could be more harmful than helpful on developing minds. The study had people ages 18 to 39 placed into three groups one that could use ChatGPT to write essays, another group could only use Googles search engine and the third used nothing but their brains. The ChatGPT group was said to have had the lowest brain engagement. [It] was actually scary, was actually scary. said Dr. David Spiegel, Eastern Virginia Medical School professor of psychology. I was very concerned for our youth. Speigel said heavy use of ChatGPT in college could be inhibiting brain development in critical areas, but executive functions, and organizing and planning, and completing activities, and modifying your behavior and stopping yourself from doing things that feel wrong. When asked later, the group using ChatGPT could not recall what they had written. Spiegel said this is one area failing to connect to other developing areas in the brain. The lobe thats responsible for memory isnt functioning at its best, Spiegel said. So therefore, the ability to take information out of memory, which is a different function, different part of the brain, is not going to be working to remember this. The ability to build spatial relationships and attention span, again, theyre not connecting together and therefore the brain is not functioning as a cohesive unit. He said if you dont build up that function while your brain is forming, it could be lost forever, or similar to trying to recover from a stroke. Its hard to get a lot of cognition back after a stroke to certain regions, after head trauma to certain regions, because these areas are formed, Spiegel said. They are finished forming and its hard to get it back. In the study, those using ChatGPT also got lazier as the study went on over a span of a few months of just copying and pasting. This lack of care, Spiegel said, can spill over into other emotional development. You do not take any possession of anything, he said. You dont get ownership, you dont get pride, you dont get any single positive aspect out of accomplishing something. So at the end of the day, these positive emotional states are not being formed cause youre not getting any self-esteem building blocks for accomplishments. Spiegel said students using AI as a first-line source will have difficulty operating as an adult. If youre not able to weigh pros and cons, benefits and risks, which is a critical evaluation of just about any information you get, whether youre reading a book, whether youre getting a medical procedure, if you dont have the skills to do all this, to plan, think about, ask for the pros and cons, he said, people are going to be way behind in academics, theyre going to be way behind in the workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study found the group who used no tools were more engaged, curious and were more satisfied with their work. Even the group using Googles search engine showed satisfaction and more active brain function. Spiegel said the solution is to only use AI as a supplement. You come up with the work, you put your own critical skills, you develop this all, he said, and then, if there are things you think might be missing, you can call AI and see if youre missing anything. The group who used nothing was later asked to rewrite an assignment, this time using AI. The study found that group saw brain connectivity go up proving that using AI as a supplement could be beneficial. Some may wonder why using ChatGPT is different than using a search engine or an encyclopedia. After all, you could easily copy and paste what you find there. Spiegel said the difference is glaring. First of all, theyre your ideas, he said. If Im going to the encyclopedia and I want to learn about the socioeconomic conditions of Uruguay, Im going to have to read it. Im going to have to read what theyre saying and Im going to have to decide what is relevant to my point and what is not relevant to my point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have also been reports of young students using AI to make all their decisions for them, to the point where they become addicted. Speigel said this is using AI as a crutch, and it could impede a person from becoming a helpful, well-rounded and sympathetic adult. If someone else is making the decision, first of all, youre not accountable for it cause someone else is making it, he said. And two, you have to learn whats right and wrong, what works and what doesnt work. And if you dont learn that, how are you going to be able to succeed in high school, in college, at a job? Spiegel said AI cannot replace having meaningful discussions that can show people different points of view because youre hearing exactly what you want to hear, and you are satisfied with the response. Therefore, you have much less desire to go out and seek out social stimulation because the machine is giving you all you want. AI could also have negative effects on people with social anxiety who turn to a robot for companionship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once they dont have to fear this outside world and they can get it from a machine with positive regard, its going to be nothing but isolation and loneliness, he said. Thats it. Know more To read the MIT study, click here. And to read Time Magazines article on the study, 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 WAVY.com. American diabetes patients will now be able to buy the wildly popular weight-loss drug Ozempic for half its usual price as long as they pay out of pocket. Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk said on Monday that it would make the drug available through its direct pharmacy service for $499 per month, compared to a list price of just under $1,000 per month. The drug is available as an obesity medication under the alternate brand name Wegovy but will now be sold to patients with diabetes prescriptions as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientifically known as semaglutide, Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists have rapidly transformed weight loss and diabetes treatment across the world, while at one point boosting Novo Nordisk's profits enough to raise the entire GDP of Denmark. It comes after President Donald Trump specifically called out GLP-1 agonists for being more expensive in the U.S. than in other countries, claiming he would "slash the cost of prescription drugs" by as much as 80 percent. Novo Nordisk on Monday said it now offers cash-paying U.S. patients its diabetes treatment Ozempic for less than half its monthly list price as drugmakers face political pressure to lower prices (AFP/Getty) He also accused European nations of "unfairly shifting the cost burden onto American patients" by using the bargaining power of their large single-payer healthcare services to force U.S. pharma companies to accept lower prices. Big Pharma has been responsive, with Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla recently admitting that he and other firms are discussing ways to make their drugs available more cheaply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sales of Ozempic surged by 500 to 600 percent in the U.K. after its competitor Mounjaro announced that prices would more than triple starting on September 1. But Trump's tariffs could also raise the price of U.S. drugs that are manufactured abroad unless pharma companies or foreign governments can agree some exemption. Novo Nordisk launched its NovaCare pharmacy in March, offering Wegovy for $499 to patients willing to skip insurance and forego any reimbursement. More recently the president upgraded his promise on drug prices to say he would cut them by up to "1,500 percent", which is mathematically impossible without going into negative numbers. In Ozempic's case, reducing the list price by 1,500 percent would result in Novo Nordisk paying American patients around $14,000 for a month's supply of the drug which is unlikely. In our Reality Check stories, Idaho Statesman journalists seek to hold the powerful accountable and find answers to critical questions in our community. Read more. Story idea? Tips@idahostatesman.com. A newly disclosed Idaho State Police report about the Moscow college student homicides includes reference to an initial interview with a surviving roommate, during which she is said to have heard Bryan Kohberger use one of the victims names during the crime. Since the investigative reports became available over the weekend, the information has been widely disseminated nationally. But the detail conflicts with a follow-up interview just days later with the same roommate. It also diverges with previously released reports from the Moscow Police Department that reference the roommates initial interview shortly after police arrived to the off-campus house on King Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Idaho State Police Lt. Darren Gilbertson, who helped lead the investigation, told the Idaho Statesman on Monday that investigators dont believe Kohberger said a victims name. The roommate had time to collect her thoughts and provided an in-depth response a few days later, he said. The state police report stated a roommate who went unharmed in the attack told the first responding officer that she was awoken in the early morning hours to crying and also heard a male voice say: Its OK, Kaylee, Im here for you. Though the roommates name is redacted in the report, the narrative corresponds with information that police have cited to Dylan Mortensen. The four victims were University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. The three women lived in the King Road house with Mortensen and another female roommate, and Chapin was Kernodles boyfriend and slept over for the night. Idaho State Police Detective Jeff Talbott wrote in his report that the information from Mortensens initial interview was relayed to him by Moscow Police Sgt. Dustin Blaker, who was another officer to respond to the crime scene on Nov. 13, 2022. That detail was either miscommunicated or misheard, Moscow Police Chief Anthony Dahlinger told the Statesman on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through the course of the investigation, detectives found no corroboration that Kohberger said a victims name, he said. The investigators do not believe the suspect uttered any names, Dahlinger said in an email. What was confirmed was that Dylan reported hearing a males voice stating something to the effect of, Its OK, Im going to (or Im here to) help you. Moscow Police Chief Anthony Dahlinger read prepared remarks and answered questions after the sentencing of Bryan Kohberger for the University of Idaho student murders last month at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise. Kohberger received four consecutive life prison terms with no chance of parole. Moscow Police Officer Mitch Nunes wrote Mortensen said in her initial interview with him on Nov. 13 that she heard a commotion around 4 a.m., followed by a male voice saying: Youre gonna be fine. Im gonna help you. Mortensens second interview with police on Nov. 17 includes similar language, and again lacked reference to a specific victim. Goncalves was found fatally stabbed in one of the third-floor bedrooms with Mogen, while Kernodles body was located in her second-floor bedroom with that of Chapin, according to the probable cause affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the affidavit noted that Mortensen heard crying from Kernodles second-floor bedroom and a male voice saying, Its OK, Im going to help you, without reference to a victims name. Kohberger, 30, pleaded guilty to the students murders and was sentenced last month to four consecutive life sentences in prison. In exchange for dropping the death penalty, he agreed to waive all appeal rights and also receive no chance of parole. By Savyata Mishra and Nicholas P. Brown (Reuters) -Home Depot kept its annual forecasts intact despite posting muted quarterly results on Tuesday, but said some products may see small price hikes due to tariffs after previously suggesting they would generally not change. The top U.S. home-improvement chain is betting that customers will continue to spend on smaller-scale maintenance projects, and that demand from professional contractors will stay strong in the second half of the year. Less clear is when the stalled U.S. housing market - and major home renovations that require financing - will start to pick up. Home Depot, which sources more than 50% of its products from the U.S., said there would be modest price hikes in some imported goods that currently face higher tariff rates than what it had anticipated in May, when the company said it would "generally maintain" pricing but that some items could disappear from shelves. "There will be modest price movement in some categories, but it won't be broad-based," Chief Financial Officer Richard McPhail said on a Tuesday conference call. Shares of Home Depot were up nearly 3% in afternoon trading, lifting the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average. Lowe's, which is set to report quarterly results on Wednesday, rose about 2%. MUDDY HOUSING OUTLOOK Home Depot results kick off a keenly watched earnings week for big-box retailers, including Walmart and Target, that will show how consumers are dealing with rising costs and sour economic sentiment. A key headwind for Home Depot is a U.S. housing market seeing historic lows in turnover, which CEO Ted Decker said could begin to resolve as the federal deficit shrinks. But the outlook remains muddy. A gauge of U.S. homebuilder sentiment fell unexpectedly in August to its lowest level in over two-and-a-half years. Single-family housing starts, which account for the bulk of homebuilding, rose in July. Economic uncertainty is also discouraging consumers from splurging on big projects that require financing, but executives voiced optimism that lower interest rates - expected to come later this year - could start to unlock that work. "We survey our [professional contractor] customers every quarter, and they say their customers tell them they are deferring projects, not canceling projects," said McPhail. "Home improvement demand persists." Traders are pricing in that the Federal Reserve could lower borrowing costs by a total of 50 basis points this year, with the first one potentially in September. Since Detroits financial collapse and 2013-2014 bankruptcy, the dramatic revitalization of downtown has been a major part of the citys comeback story. Numerous vacant buildings have been rehabbed and converted from office use to upscale apartments and hotels. Once-darkened storefronts now hold retailers such as Gucci, H&M, Nike and a future Apple Store. Every month seems to bring a new restaurant opening. Much credit for this turnaround goes to businessman Dan Gilbert, the founder of top nationwide mortgage lender Rocket Mortgage and owner of the NBAs Cleveland Cavaliers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since relocating his mortgage company from Detroits suburbs to downtown some 15 years ago, Gilbert, through his organizations real estate arm, has redeveloped dozens of empty and underutilized buildings and also undertaken exciting new construction projects, such as a still-under-construction downtown skyscraper at the former Hudsons department store site that recently became the second tallest in the city. But an abiding challenge in Detroit economic development is attracting new businesses from outside Michigan, or at least outside the metro area, not just convincing existing businesses in the region to come downtown or ditch space in an older Detroit building for that in a newer one. Tax incentives and other subsidies when a business promises to meet certain conditions in exchange for a financial benefit, like building affordable housing or creating new jobs have had an important role in downtown Detroits revitalization. Gilbert and other developers have taken advantage of such programs, but the Michigan Department of Treasury is refusing to release documents that would show whether these developers are keeping the promises they made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Free Press, with legal assistance from the the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a free-market think tank, filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit last month to compel the the Michigan Department of Treasury to disclose documents that would allow us to understand the effectiveness of these subsidies. We, and our lawyers, contend that these records should be public. The nearly finished $1.4 billion Hudson's site development in downtown Detroit. New workers? Gilberts organization has been highly successful in recruiting coveted hotel operators and retailers to its downtown buildings. Yet in todays post-pandemic economy, when many employers are still downsizing at lease renewal time, Gilberts real estate firm Bedrock is facing a challenge in landing new-to-Detroit tenants to fill its office buildings. Our lawsuit is an effort to learn what is truly net new economic activity at high-profile Detroit developments that rely on public subsidies. The lawsuit seeks information that is key to understanding whether developers such as Bedrock do ultimately achieve the lofty expectations for their biggest projects as those expectations were presented to the public at the time the projects were seeking and getting approval for hundreds of millions in subsidies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, Treasury officials have been shielding this information from public view. Dan Gilbert, Co-founder and Chairman of Rocket Companies speaks to Detroit Economic Club Board Chair Sandy Pierce during the Detroit Economic Club on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 at the Icon Complex in Detroit. More: Detroit development officials told why it's taking so long to finish Hudson's site 'They are public records' The information were seeking should identify the occupant businesses and number of new employees within Bedrocks downtown projects that are benefitting from a major taxpayer subsidy program called Transformational Brownfields. They could reveal whether the subsidies are indeed bringing in new businesses and jobs, or conversely, if developers are getting payouts for existing jobs that have just moved over to the new development sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bedrock is required to submit progress reports to the Michigans Treasury department every year. Michigans Treasury department denied my Freedom of Information Act request to see those reports, claiming the reports are confidential taxpayer information. But that denial goes against the Michigan Constitution, which specifically states that all financial records, accountings, audit reports and other reports of public moneys shall be public records and open to inspection. They are public records under the Michigan Constitution, attorney Derk Wilcox from the Mackinac Center Legal Foundation wrote in the complaint, and must be disclosed. Construction workers can be seen working at One Campus Martius building in downtown Detroit photographed on Tuesday, June 11, 2019. What is a transformational Brownfield? Brownfield sites are generally understood to be blighted or functionally obsolete buildings that are inherently challenging to redevelop from a financial standpoint, and therefore require subsidies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Transformational Brownfield program allows developers to capture various streams of state and local tax revenues generated after new development for up to 30 years. Gilbert actively supported passage of the Transformational Brownfield program back in 2017, as it moved through the Michigan Legislature and was signed into law by former Gov. Rick Snyder. The following year, the Detroit City Council and members of the Michigan Strategic Fund in Lansing awarded Bedrock the first Transformational Brownfield designation for a bundle of four downtown development projects. Under the program, the real estate firm can capture up to $618 million in taxes at these project sites over three decades. The rationale for such tax captures is that redevelopment spurs economic growth that wouldnt otherwise exist. Captured taxes, in this view, are at least a net neutral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first project was an expansion to a large downtown office building, known as One Campus Martius, that houses the headquarters for Rocket Mortgages parent company. This project was different from the others in the bundle, as it wasnt a vacant site but rather an already bustling Class A office building that was only 15 years old at the time the subsidy was approved. The expansion was complete by early 2021, and since that year, employment at Rockets parent company has dropped from 26,000 employees in the U.S. and Canada to 14,200 at the end of last year, according to company filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a workforce reduction driven by the end of the pandemic-era mortgage refinancing boom and Rockets adoption of more artificial intelligence, or AI. Without the records the state Treasury says it is not authorized to provide, its unclear whether the building expansion has been adding jobs to downtown, and whether Bedrock received the tax capture. 3,345 new jobs by 2026? An analysis by University of Michigan economists projected that three of Bedrocks four Transformational Brownfield project sites would create 3,345 new jobs by 2026 not including construction work and ultimately bring a net fiscal benefit of $683 million for the state through 2052. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How close are the projects to meeting those expectations? No one really knows. Developers often contend it is nearly impossible to build anything new in Detroit without significant incentives and subsidies, because rent prices here are significantly lower than in bigger markets like Chicago, yet building costs arent much lower. That may be true, but the public at least deserves to know the return-on-investment for its incentives. With this legal action, hopefully we can unlock some facts on what exactly Michigan taxpayers are rewarding under this new program. Contact JC Reindl: 313-378-5460 or jcreindl@freepress.com. Follow him on X @jcreindl. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Free Press lawsuit targets Dan Gilberts Detroit incentives | Opinion President Donald Trump is not just trying to end the vicious war in Ukraine. Hes claiming hes already ended almost one war for each month of his second term spanning the Middle East; Africa; and Central, South and Southeast Asia. Ive done six wars Ive ended six wars, Trump said in his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on Monday. Look, India-Pakistan, were talking about big places, you just take a look at some of these wars. You go to Africa and take a look at them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House proclaimed in a statement this month that President Trump is the President of Peace, listing a total of seven claimed bilateral agreements between Armenia and Azerbaijan; Cambodia and Thailand; Israel and Iran; India and Pakistan; Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Egypt and Ethiopia; and Serbia and Kosovo, as well as the Abraham Accords, a normalization pact signed in Trumps first term between Israel and some Arab states. On Tuesday, the president told Fox and Friends that we ended seven wars. Some of this is classic Trumpian hyperbole. And the presidents team is scanning the globe looking for fires to extinguish to claim quick wins for his transparent campaign for a Nobel Peace Prize. Trump hasnt suddenly reinvented American foreign policy. Every administration works to halt wars and to advance US interests. Most dont take constant victory laps indeed, such triumphalism can often destroy quiet diplomacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet Trump has saved lives. In some cases, hes used presidential power in novel ways to stop sudden conflicts from escalating into full-scale wars. But his success raises new questions that also apply to Ukraine. Is Trump in it for the long haul or just for deals he can hype, much as he licensed products as a businessman and stamped his name on them? And will Trumps evisceration of the US Agency for International Development and downsizing of the State Department deprive him of the tools the US needs to turn breakthroughs into lasting peace agreements that solve underlying causes of wars? US President Donald Trump speaks during a multilateral meeting with European leaders in the East Room of the White House on Monday. - Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg/Getty Images The blind spots in Trumps peacemaking record Trump kept insisting Monday as he tried finesse his adoption of Russias opposition to an immediate Ukraine ceasefire that he was more interested in final deals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironically however, some of his six wars deals are closer to ceasefires than peace agreements that permanently end generational disputes. And in the case of Iran and Israel, Trumps claims to have made peace after their 12-day conflict are complicated by US involvement in strikes against Tehrans nuclear program. While an informal truce is in place, theres no sign a slow-boiling state of war involving all three nations since Irans Islamic Revolution in 1979 will end. Trump is also conveniently forgetting his failed attempt to end the war between Israel and Hamas. And global outrage over reports of widespread starvation in Gaza and the presidents staunch support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could thwart his hopes for a Nobel Prize whatever happens with Ukraine. Palestinians gather at a food distribution center in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on Monday. - Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images His record is also blotted by the failure of his first-term peace efforts with North Korea. Leader Kim Jong Un now has more nuclear weapons than before Trump offered him fruitless, photo-op summits. Some of Trumps biggest successes have been behind the scenes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im struck by the fact that the ones that were helpful, especially India-Pakistan, were conducted in a professional way, quietly, diplomatically laying the ground and finding common ground between the parties, said Celeste Wallander, a former assistant secretary of defense who is now with the Center for a New American Security. The most recent triumph was a joint peace declaration signed by Armenia and Azerbaijan on their long-running conflict in the Caucasus. The agreement, inked at a lavish White House ceremony, commits the two former Soviet republics to recognizing each others borders and to renouncing violence against the other. But complex negotiations loom on knotty constitutional and territorial issues before a full peace agreement. This deal is notable for two things the way foreign states flatter Trump to get what they want, and an imperialistic streak in much of his peacemaking. The rivals, for instance, agreed to open a transportation corridor to which the US will have full development rights and to call it the Trump Route for Peace and Prosperity. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, left, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Trump sign a peace agreement during a ceremony at the White House on August 8. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/File Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev declared, President Trump, in six months, did a miracle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is smart deal for the US as it counters the influence of rival powers Russia and Iran in the region. But it will need Trumps constant attention. Wishes and verbal declarations are not enough, two former US ambassadors to Azerbaijan, Robert Cekuta and Richard Morningstar, wrote in a recent Atlantic Council commentary. They called on Trump to deploy officials from the State Department, the Commerce Department and other agencies to lock in the agreement. Another of Trumps recent triumphs came in Southeast Asia, where he threatened to shelve trade deals with both Thailand and Cambodia to halt a border war last month that killed at least 38 people. The leverage pressed home in calls to leaders of each country was effective, and it might not have occurred to another president. But Trump didnt work alone. The agreement was brokered by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet knew the drill, however. He nominated Trump for the Nobel Prize for extraordinary statesmanship. Pakistan took a similar step, as part of a successful diplomatic offensive to win over Trump and to disadvantage its nuclear-armed rival India after the president intervened in a border clash in May. But the government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an erstwhile Trump buddy, dismissed Washingtons claims of a pivotal role. And other states, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Britain, were also involved. Trumps claims to have ended a war are selective. The agreement is fragile and doesnt solve the territorial dispute that sparked the fighting over the Himalayan region of Kashmir, which has caused three full-scale wars. An Indian police officer stands outside a house that was damaged by overnight Pakistani artillery shelling in Jammu, India-administered Kashmir, on May 10. - Rakesh Bakshi/AFP/Getty Images Trump has proclaimed a glorious triumph for the cause of peace in a deal brokered between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This contains important first steps on recognizing borders, renouncing war and disarming militia groups. However, no one expects the conflict to end soon, since the main Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has rejected the agreement. Some analysts see the initiative, also brokered by Qatar, as a US attempt to secure mineral rights as part of an African great game against China. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps claim to have brokered peace between Egypt and Ethiopia is a stretch. Hes referring to a dispute over a Nile dam in the latter nation that Egypt fears will reduce the flow in its share of the key strategic waterway. He has called for a deal over the dam, but no binding agreement has been reached. The White House claims on Serbia and Kosovo originate in Trumps first term, when the rivals agreed to economic normalization steps. But they still dont have diplomatic relations, 17 years after Kosovo declared independence from Serbia. And recent normalization efforts have involved the EU more than the Trump team. In many ways, Trumps claims to have ended six or seven wars are typical of a presidency that claims massive wins that often add up to less than what they seem. But there are real achievements in his record, and the possibility of genuine long-term breakthroughs if Trump can maintain application and patience. Thats a good lesson for his nascent Ukraine peace drive. This article and headline have been updated with additional reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com All eyes were on President Volodymyr Zelenskys outfit as he arrived at the White House to meet President Donald Trump, months after his previous Washington visit sparked controversy in part over what he wore. American officials reportedly even asked the Ukrainian side whether Zelensky would wear a suit for the meeting this week, following scrutiny over his choice not to wear one during the now-infamous Oval Office showdown in February. When Zelensky stepped out of the car, greeted by Trump with a smile, he appeared in a black jacket and trousers. Trump immediately remarked, "I love it," to which Zelensky replied, "It is the best I have." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a moment, it seemed the matter was settled. But on closer inspection, another question arose in the public arena: did Zelensky's outfit really constitute a suit? "If we define a suit as trousers and a jacket made of the same fabric and matching each other, then yes, the president was wearing a suit but if we think of a suit as a complete look, with a white shirt and a tie, then of course it was not," Ukrainian fashion historian Zoya Zvynyatskivska told the Kyiv Independent. The outfit conveys both the status of a head of state and that of a wartime leader. The black outfit, designed by Ukrainian fashion designer Viktor Anisimov, has been worn by Zelensky on more than one occasion. A month earlier, he wore the same suit to the NATO summit in June, where it also sparked debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Twitter thread following the NATO appearance, fashion commentator Derek Guy wrote on X that he would call the all-black outfit a suit "because it's the shortest, easiest way to describe his outfit without getting into the history of men's tailoring." "But I would also recognize this is not what most people recognize as a suit," Guy wrote at the time. Elvira Gasanova, designer of Ukrainian fashion house Damirli, which has created pieces for Zelenskys military-casual look, argued that his outfit went beyond the standard categories of business or military style. (L-R) British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte prepare to depart after a group photo at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. on Aug. 18, 2025. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) "That is precisely what makes it difficult to define," she told the Kyiv Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the presidents look yesterday, there is the structure and severity of a classic blazer, but at the same time, a color, texture, and symbolism that remain rooted in wartime reality. "The outfit conveys both the status of a head of state and that of a wartime leader." Guy's earlier Twitter thread on the topic noted that the black outfit jacket's "collar and lapels mimic that of military clothing, not traditional suits." Zelensky adopted a military look after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion partly out of necessity, but also as a statement. He has repeatedly stated that he would only abandon this wartime style once the war was over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Why doesnt Zelensky wear a suit? The Ukrainian president's choice of attire at this meeting may have been influenced by both the criticism that his previous outfit was inappropriate for an official meeting with the U.S. president, as well as the wish to project peace by wearing clothes closer to peacetime attire than military fatigues. The meeting did not bring a breakthrough, and the suit did not change that, but according to Zvynyatskivska, updating his image was still a timely decision. "This whole debate about whether or not he wore a suit is, frankly, shameful. It does not characterize our president, but rather those who demand that the leader of a country at war must appear in a suit or else they will not speak to him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The casual military T-shirts have run their course. But returning to a conventional suit would be inappropriate while the war continues. His outfit is a variation of what diplomats and presidents wear, but it underscores the specific and tragic state our country is in," she said. Berlin-based fashion stylist and activist Frank Wilde also praised the choice: "A very smart solution not betraying his country, yet avoiding the recreation of a hostile situation in the White House," he told the Kyiv Independent. Following the NATO summit in the Netherlands, his attire also became the subject of heated speculation on Polymarket, a cryptocurrency prediction platform. Users created a market asking whether Zelensky would wear a suit by July. To settle the wager, participants had to provide a photo or video showing him in a suit between May 22 and June 30. U.S. President Donald Trump meets with President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. on Aug. 18, 2025. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) The market reached over $200 million in volume. While the result was initially approved, it has since been challenged several times and remains unresolved. On July 1, Polymarket acknowledged the dispute, saying that a "consensus of reliable reporting did not confirm that Zelensky wore a suit." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Polymarket question was poorly worded. They should have set strict parameters on what a suit means. Whether you think Zelensky wore a suit depends on whether you are following the technical definition or the social expectation," Guy wrote on X. Whether it is a suit or not, Zvynyatskivska argues that the question itself is misguided. "This whole debate about whether or not he wore a suit is, frankly, shameful. It does not characterize our president, but rather those who demand that the leader of a country at war must appear in a suit or else they will not speak to him. "That says more about the ones making such demands," she said. Read also: Meet the Ukrainian fashion brand thats making heritage trendy Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. UPDATE: 8-19-25 According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the suspect involved in the officer-involved shooting who was shot and killed is identified as 46-year-old Dedrick Bloss. Dedrick Bloss. Image courtesy, the Garfield County Jail. ORIGINAL STORY ENID, Okla. (KFOR) An Enid security guard was killed while trying to protect others during a shooting that happened late Sunday night at Integris Health Hospital. Sunday evening, the Enid Police Department requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate an officer-involved shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just before 11 p.m. Sunday, officers responded to a domestic disturbance call near East Walnut Avenue and North 12th Street in Enid. While on scene, officers identified the suspect as an adult male. A short time later, the suspects vehicle was found outside the hospital. RELATED: Two dead following shooting at Enid hospital When officers arrived on scene to try to make contact with that suspect. The suspect fired his weapon towards officers and then made entry into the hospital, said Hunter McKee, public information manager, OSBI. While inside the hospital, the suspect fired multiple gunshots. During that time, 72-year-old J.W. Bode was hit by gunfire and later died. J.W. Bode. Image courtesy, Shay Bode. Enid Police officers made contact with the suspect and shot and killed him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State agents say no police officers, medical staff, or patients were hit by gunfire. When youre talking about a hospital of this size in, in the middle of town like this with multiple gunshots being shot out inside of the hospital, were very lucky and very fortunate that nobody was hit, that nobody else was hit, said McKee. Intergis says theyre thankful for law enforcements quick action and that Bode put himself in harms way to save others. A spokesperson sent News 4 a statement: It is with great sadness that we share with you that one of the individuals killed in the overnight shooting incident in our Enid hospital was one of our own. Public Safety Officer J.W. Bode was killed as he bravely approached the suspect. He died protecting others. He was 72 years old. Bode was our colleague and friend. He had worked at the hospital for five years. He was a retired probation and parole officer who had dedicated most of his professional life to service and safety. He was the proud father of three adult children and a doting grandfather. Our deepest condolences go out to his family. We are profoundly grateful to local and state law enforcement agencies for their swift and courageous response in securing the hospital and protecting our patients, caregivers and community. We are especially thankful for the quick and selfless actions of Officer J.W. Bode, who valiantly put himself in harms way to save others. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Counseling and chaplain services are available for our caregivers and physicians in need of support. Integris Health His family also shared some photos with News 4. J.W. Bode and family. J.W. Bode and family. J.W. Bode and family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement J.W. Bode and family. Photos of J.W. Bode and family. Image courtesy, Shay Bode. News 4 also found out that Bode was involved in the martial arts community. The martial arts community has lost an extraordinary practitioner and teacher with the passing of JW Bode. JW was a martial artist of remarkable talent and discipline, whose technical skill placed him among the very best. His movement carried both precision and power, reflecting a lifetime of study and refinement. Beyond his personal ability, JW set a standard of excellence for all who trained with him. He was deeply respected not only for his mastery of the art, but also for the integrity, humility, and generosity with which he shared his knowledge. Those who had the privilege of learning from or working alongside him will carry forward the lessons he instilled, lessons of discipline, perseverance, and the pursuit of true mastery. His passing is a profound loss, but his influence will endure through the many lives he touched and the high standard of martial arts he embodied. Sensei Nathan Himes, Weatherford Martial Arts Center J.D. Bode martial arts. Image courtesy, Nathan Himes. J.D. Bode martial arts. Image courtesy, Nathan Himes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for why the suspect went to the hospital, investigators are still working to piece it all together. I know that theyre looking into this suspect. You know, if there was something previously, what had happened when he showed up here to the hospital, what he was looking for, what he was doing? said McKee. The shooters name has not been released, as state agents wait to notify his family. The Enid officers who shot and killed him have been placed on administrative leave. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Attorney General Keith Ellison announces a lawsuit against TikTok for preying on young people with 'addictive' algorithms on Aug. 19, 2025. (Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer) Attorney General Keith Ellison sued TikTok on Tuesday for violating Minnesota consumer protection laws, alleging the social media giant illegally preys on young users developmental vulnerabilities with addictive algorithms. TikTok has created a dangerously addictive platform that exploits the unfinished reward system in our childrens brains, Ellison said at a press conference Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit alleges TikTok ensnares young users with multiple parts of its design. The suit says TikTok feeds young users personalized recommendations to keep them on-site and scrolling through whats called infinite scroll, a never-ending stream of content that its own inventor described as addictive. TikTok offers hundreds of beauty filters, which turn on for young users by default, despite the company acknowledging in an internal report that teens are more susceptible to the negative effects of beauty filters while they are at a critical period for developing body dysmorphia [and] eating disorders, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit also highlights the livestreaming feature called LIVE introduced by TikTok in 2019, which allows users to pay creators through an unregulated marketplace that the lawsuit charges can be used for sexual exploitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Operating in part like a virtual strip club, LIVE allows young streamers to turn their homes into a performance stage, and allows other users to entice streamers into sexual acts in exchange for virtual money, the lawsuit alleges. These features combined with TikToks misrepresentations of its own dangers amount to deceptive and unfair practices constituting multiple violations of consumer protection law, according to the suit. Its an unfair thing to expect that a kid can overcome the pressures and the design features and the research and the brain science of some of the most highly trained people in the world, Ellison said. The suit makes a pointed comparison between TikTok and tobacco, referring to it as digital nicotine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota and a bevy of other states that have brought suits against social media companies are using a similar playbook that led to billions in damages levied against Big Tobacco in the 1990s and helped drive down American nicotine use until vapes and pouches brought about a revival. The lawsuit seeks $25,000 per violation, which could rise to stratospheric levels given the apps popularity among teens, though Ellisons office said they could not provide an estimate of how much TikTok could be forced to pay if theyre victorious after whats expected to be a yearslong legal battle. Ellisons office previously announced in 2022 that Ellison would join a nationwide coalition of state attorneys general to investigate TikToks possible consumer law violations. Thirteen states comprising a mix of Democratic and Republican attorneys general from that coalition filed suits last October against TikTok, with Minnesota joining them just now. The lawsuit also follows the attorney generals suit against Meta in October 2023, which was similarly part of a coalition of states accusing the social media behemoth of deliberately targeting children in its addictive design. Nearly two years out, that case is still in the mushy middle of a discovery phase, said Assistant Attorney General Bennett Hartz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, a TikTok spokesperson said that the lawsuit is based on misleading and inaccurate claims that fail to recognize the robust safety measures TikTok has voluntarily implemented. The spokesperson noted that the platform has many safety features built into teen accounts, along with parental controls for screen time, content and privacy. TikTok is fighting for survival in the U.S. on multiple fronts. The U.S. Congress and then-President Joe Biden signed a law requiring Chinese parent company ByteDance to divest TikTok, fearing Chinese propaganda and surveillance. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law in January. The divest-or-ban law has not been enforced in practice, though, and President Donald Trump has since punted enforcement three times, with a new deadline of September 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the press conference, Ellison declined to offer an opinion on TikToks ownership. This lawsuit is designed to make them obey the law, whether theyre owned by somebody in the U.S. or China, Ellison said. Diners in Washington, D.C., have slowed down on eating out as President Donald Trump imposes a heavy-handed crackdown on the region that many say is unnecessary. OpenTables data shows the difference in the number of seated diners for restaurants that use the platform. It found that restaurant attendance in D.C. dropped 24% the week of Aug. 11-17, 2025, compared to Aug. 12-18, 2024, which was D.C. Restaurant Week. It also saw a 7% decrease from the previous week. Related: Dan Bongino Faces Uncertain Future Following Shock Announcement Of New FBI Deputy As a whole, however, dining in D.C. has seen a 5% increase this year so far, according to OpenTable. Related: CNN Fact-Checker Exposes 'A Lot Of Deception' From Trump On D.C. Crime Rate On Aug. 11, Trump, a convicted felon who pardoned hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters, announced that hed mobilize the National Guard troops and take control of the capitals police force to rescue our nations capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor and worse. That same day, dining out dropped 16% compared to Aug. 11, 2024. It then dropped 27% on Aug. 12, 31% on Aug. 13, 29% on Aug. 14, 25% on Aug. 15, 20% on Aug. 16 and 21% on Aug. 17. Related: Convicted Felon Trump Lies About Crime Rate In D.C., Deploys Troops The research is not all-encompassing, does not explain increases or decreases in the numbers and, as such, cannot directly be linked to Trumps crackdown. But D.C.s data from last week stands in stark contrast to data from other regions, which largely saw positive trends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HuffPost reached out to the White House for comment, but it did not directly address OpenTables research. Instead, White House assistant press secretary Taylor Rogers pointed to an outdated Fox News article from January 2024 that blamed high crime and inflated prices for the closure of 52 D.C. restaurants in 2023. Related: Reseller Allegedly Used Fake Accounts To Buy 379,000 Tickets For Taylor Swift, Other Shows President Trumps bold leadership will restore our nations capital by creating opportunities for businesses to flourish without fear of criminals looting and destroying their property, Rogers said. President Trump is delivering on his promise to make D.C. safer, which will inherently make D.C. more prosperous. Despite claims from Trump and the White House, the violent crime rate in D.C. has been dropping over recent decades, with a spike in crime in 2023, which then declined again in 2024 and 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) told HuffPost in a statement that OpenTables data gives the wrong message to diners as D.C.s summer Restaurant Week commences. We are aware of the recent OpenTable data showing a drop in reservations following the federal takeover announcement last week. Our members are concerned about the perception this creates, but we are cautiously optimistic that reservations will increase during Restaurant Week, a RAMW spokesperson said. Restaurants are not just places to eat they are community anchors, economic drivers, and collectively, one of the largest employers in the District. When seats are empty, the impact is felt by everyone, from servers to cooks, and operators to suppliers. Restaurants are prepared and eager to serve diners, as our citys leaders continue to keep public safety a top priority. Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Bowser, the D.C. Council, and the Metropolitan Police Department, violent crime is at a three-decade low. Federal action should build on our progress, not discourage people from going to work or going out to eat, they continued, urging residents to dine during Restaurant Week. Related... Read the original on HuffPost NEED TO KNOW Authorities have released new details in the case of Travis Decker, the Washington state fugitive accused by police of killing his three daughters Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5, were found dead on June 2 near their father's abandoned pickup truck Decker is wanted on murder and kidnapping charges and remains missing despite a widespread manhunt New details have been released in the case of Travis Decker, the Washington state fugitive accused by authorities of killing his three daughters. Decker, a 32-year-old U.S. Army veteran, disappeared on May 30 during a court-approved visit with his daughters, Paityn, 9, Evelyn, 8, and Olivia, 5. When he failed to return them to their mother, Whitney Decker, at the scheduled 8 p.m. drop-off in Wenatchee, Wash., concern quickly grew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitney reported the girls missing around 9:30 p.m., launching a frantic three-day search that ended in horror: the girls were found dead near Travis' abandoned pickup truck at the remote Rock Island Campground in Chelan County on June 2. Meanwhile, the father was nowhere to be found. Travis is wanted on first-degree murder and kidnapping charges and has yet to be apprehended nearly three months after the search for him began. Each girl was found with plastic bags over her head and at least one was restrained with zip ties, per an affidavit previously obtained by PEOPLE. In an updated press release shared on Tuesday, Aug. 19, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office provided additional details about the condition in which the sisters were found. Whitney Decker Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn Decker Olivia, Evelyn, and Paityn Decker "Two of the victims each had two separate bags over their heads and the third victim had three separate bags over their head," the release states. "In addition, several cable ties were located on the ground in the immediate area of the bodies." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A medical examiner previously determined the three sisters each died of asphyxiation and their manner of death was ruled a homicide. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office reiterated Tuesday that Travis remains the sole suspect in the killings, citing DNA evidence allegedly linking him to all of the plastic bags covering his daughters' heads and one of the zip ties collected at the scene. "The completion of this DNA analysis provides additional evidence that indicates Travis Decker is the only suspect involved in committing these homicides," the sheriff's office said. Investigators previously said the Washington State Crime Lab confirmed that the DNA in the blood found on the tailgate of Travis' truck matched the DNA profile they believe is his. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Travis has been the subject of an intense manhunt. Authorities have said the military veteran is well versed in wilderness survival. They also believed he may have fled to Canada after he allegedly searched "how to relocate to Canada" online, according to a U.S. Marshals Service affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. 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. Wenatchee Police Department; Chelan County Sheriff's Office There have since been two debunked sightings of Decker: one on June 10 near Highway 97 in Washington State and another as recently as July 5 in the Bear Creek area of the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho. However, officials later said neither were confirmed to be him. "At this time, we do not have any evidence to suggest Travis Decker is either alive or deceased," the sheriff's office said in the release. A $20,000 reward has been offered by the U.S. Marshals Service for information leading to his arrest. Read the original article on People Aug. 18The Dixon Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in locating David Dykema, 52, of Dixon. Dykema was last seen early on the morning of Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in the 300 block of Depot Avenue, according to a Dixon Police Department news release. Dykema is a white male who is 6 feet tall, weighs 172 pounds and was last seen wearing jeans, a baggy shirt, and a Chicago Cubs hat. If anyone has any information or has seen Dykema, contact the Dixon Police Department at 815-288-4411 and reference Case No. 9179. BOSTON (WWLP) An Alabama-based doctor has been charged in connection with a $6 million telemedicine health care fraud scheme. In a news release from the Department of Justice in Massachusetts, 43-year-old Tommie Robinson worked with telemedicine companies between December 2018 and March 2021 to sign medical documentation, including doctors orders, for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment and genetic testing. New York City fugitive arrested in Worcester for alleged murder attempt Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is alleged that these orders signed by Robinson were pre-populated based on telemarketing calls made to Medicare beneficiaries, that Robinson never had any contact with the beneficiaries himself and had no medical relationship with the patients. The claims were then submitted to Medicare, which were medically unnecessary, based on false documentation, and tainted by kickbacks, resulting in a more than $6 million fraud scheme. Robinson has agreed to plead guilty to one count of health care fraud and faces up to 10 years in prison, supervised release for up to three years, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greater. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. DES MOINES, Iowa With metro students less than a week away from the start of the new school year, doctors advise that the time is right now for students to start getting back into their school routines. This includes things like decreasing their use of digital devices to mimic what a school day would feel like. This is because students will have less access to things like their cell phones while theyre in class, so scaling back on screen time by a little bit every day can help ease this transition. Iowas largest public school district prepared for cell phone restrictions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the first school year where there is a cell phone ban across all Iowa schools after Governor Kim Reynolds signed a law restricting cell phone use in Iowa classrooms during instructional time last session. Local school boards adopted their own policies this summer. Plus, students should start to regulate their sleep schedules now that school is under a week away. This can be done by having kids go to bed earlier every day and waking up earlier. Dr. Christine Davis is a family medicine physician at UnityPoint Healths Waukee Medical Park. She said that elementary-aged kids should get between eight and 12 hours of sleep every night, and teenagers should get eight hours. She recommends gradually moving a childs bedtime slightly earlier every day, so the transition into the first day of school isnt as drastic. Even moving bedtime back by like 15 minutes every night just to kind of slowly get them used to what its going to be like, kind of getting them up around the time theyre going to be going to school so that its not a big shock the first day, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starting to scale back on screen time and adjusting sleep schedules can also help ease back-to-school anxiety by getting students into a routine. Iowa news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. The grant money, which was originally designed to be disbursed over time as Intel meets project milestones, is roughly enough to pay for the targeted holding. At Intels current market value, a 10% stake in the chipmaker would be worth around $10.5 billion. The exact size of the stake, as well as whether the White House chooses to move ahead with the plan, is still in flux, the people said. That set the stage for the governments possible investment, which would make the US the chipmakers largest shareholder. The federal government is considering an investment that, under one scenario, would involve converting some or all of the $10.9 billion in grants the company had won under the Chips Act, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is confidential. The company can also draw on up to $11 billion in loans under the 2022 law. Earlier this month, Tans hold on his CEO role looked precarious after Trump called on him to resign over alleged conflicts of interest. Yet the executive quickly visited Trump at the White House to clear the air, with the president then praising the Intel CEO for his career success and amazing story. In another surprise, SoftBank Group Corp. agreed to take a $2 billion stake in Intel, as the Japanese company seeks a broader role in the artificial intelligence boom. Founder Masayoshi Son already owns a majority stake in chipmaker Arm Holdings Plc and has laid plans to compete with Nvidia Corp. in AI chips. Intels chipmaking skills could help SoftBank manufacture chips to run and possibly train AI models like ChatGPT. The Trump administration is in discussions to take a stake of about 10% in Intel, possibly by converting grants made to the company under the US Chips and Science Act into equity, according to people familiar with the matter. That could allow Intel to tap about $10 billion in capital as Tan works out a strategy for revival. Less than two weeks after President Donald Trump called for the ouster of Intel Corp.s Lip-Bu Tan, the companys chief executive officer has a shot at securing billions of dollars in fresh capital that could help him turn around the troubled US chipmaker. Story Continues White House spokesman Kush Desai declined to comment on the specifics of the discussions, saying only that no deal is official until its announced by the administration. The Commerce Department, which oversees the Chips Act, also declined to comment. Intel didnt respond to a request for comment. WATCH: How America dropped the ball on key chip technology.Bloomberg SoftBanks investment is another unconventional bet on Tans ability to revive Intels fortunes. The Japanese company announced its plan to buy new shares at $23 a share, a small discount to Intels last close. Son has ambitions to design an energy-efficient AI chip through what he calls the Izanagi project to compete with Nvidias products, though that has yet to translate into a marketable product. Son held talks with Intels chief executive about buying the companys contract chipmaking business before agreeing to make the $2 billion investment, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the talks. The investment doesnt preclude a bigger deal for that part of Intels business, the newspaper said. A big question is whether a government holding and SoftBanks vote of confidence would help reinvigorate Intels business. The tech pioneer has fallen behind Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in contract chipmaking and Nvidia Corp. in chip design, missing out on a boom in spending on artificial intelligence. Last week, Intels stock had its biggest one-week rally since February, after the initial news of the governments possible investment. Tan, who served on SoftBanks board for two years, is seeking a turnaround. But his efforts have largely been focused on cutting costs and eliminating jobs. Intel will add large-scale manufacturing capacity only once customers are committed to using its more advanced production techniques, Tan said last month, sparking concern among investors that the company may be bowing out of the race for semiconductor leadership. The Trump administration is particularly focused on shoring up Intels sprawling project in Ohio, the home state of Vice President JD Vance. Intel has repeatedly delayed the anticipated opening of that site, which the company originally envisioned as the worlds biggest semiconductor facility. Beyond Intel, the White House official also floated the possibility that the administration could convert other Chips Act awards into equity stakes. Its not clear whether that idea has gained traction broadly within the administration or whether officials have broached the possibility with any companies that could be affected. The Chips Act set aside $39 billion in manufacturing grants plus loans and tax credits to revitalize the American semiconductor industry after decades of production shifting to Asia. Using Chips Act money for an Intel stake would mean the chipmaker isnt necessarily getting a bigger government infusion than expected possibly just one thats on a faster timeline. As is the case for all Chips Act winners, Intels award was designed as a reimbursement, with the grant money split into tranches tied to specific project benchmarks. Intel had received $2.2 billion of its award as of January. Its unclear whether that amount would be included in the possible equity stake, whether the company has received additional disbursements of its award since Trump took office, and on what schedule Intel would receive money under a possible equity stake. While TSMC and South Koreas Samsung Electronics Co. are expanding their US operations with Chips Act support, having an American company like Intel building cutting-edge chips on domestic soil has been a priority for both the Trump and Biden administrations. Biden officials, for example, tried to get companies like Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. to consider using Intel as a manufacturing partner, and also explored long-shot ideas like a tie-up between Intel and GlobalFoundries Inc. Earlier this year, Trumps team held early-stage conversations with TSMC about potentially operating Intels factories an arrangement from which TSMC has backed away. Trump officials have also internally floated the prospect of seeking an Intel investment from the United Arab Emirates. Its unclear whether either of those approaches has progressed much past a thought exercise. Washington has become more aggressive in strategic sectors. The Trump administrations secured an agreement to receive a 15% cut of AI chip sales to China and took a so-called golden share in United States Steel Corp. as part of a deal to clear its sale to a Japanese rival. Thats while the Defense Department announced a plan that would make it the largest shareholder in US rare-earth producer MP Materials Corp. The US government and the Japanese tech conglomerate both see the potential for a turnaround at Intel, although each likely values different parts of the business. For the Trump administration, a recovery of the chipmakers manufacturing prowess would help win jobs and voters. For SoftBank, Intels chip design operations beckon with the promise of high margins. --With assistance from Brody Ford, Ville Heiskanen, Ryan Gould, Josh Wingrove, Min Jeong Lee and Edwin Chan. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. A new report from the Resilience Action Fund, a non-profit advocating for sustainable building practices, found that property values in Shore Acres decreased after last years devastating storm season, while values in a less flood-prone neighborhood nearby went up. The report identified 36 single-family homes in the Shore Acres neighborhood of St. Petersburg that were purchased between 2000 and 2024 and sold for less than $400,000 in the five months after Hurricane Milton. Compared to what they bought their homes for, those owners lost 35% on average or about $140,000. Thats before you factor in closing costs, loss of property, temporary living costs and the cost of repairs. For a young, working-class family, the consequence is significant, said Aris Papadopoulos, the founder of the Resilience Action Fund and author of the study. It sets them back one or two decades in terms of their wealth building. Timing played an important role. An influx of buyers pouring into Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic caused home prices to increase across the Tampa Bay Area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People were bidding up these high-risk neighborhoods without knowing they were high risk, Papadopoulos said. Those who bought at the top of the market and sold after the storms were worse off than those who bought before 2004 or during the 2008 financial crisis, when prices were depressed, according to the report. Thats true for most Tampa Bay neighborhoods. But the fallout is heightened in places with greater climate risks, Papadopoulos said. His report compared Shore Acres to Disston Heights in St. Pete, a neighborhood five miles in-land that sits at a higher elevation and suffered less hurricane damage. In Disston Heights, 21 single-family homes were purchased in the same timespan and sold for under $400,000 after the hurricanes. Those owners gained an average of 25%, or about $60,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kevin Batdorf is a real estate broker and president of the Shore Acres Civic Association. He said the report is flawed because it doesnt factor in the thousands of dollars many who sold in Shore Acres received through insurance. He noted that those who sold in the initial months after the hurricanes were the most desperate to get out and those transactions dont give a full picture of where values actually stand. The sharks come in and say heres cash, he said. Theyll walk away from a mortgage and just say Im done with it, Im out. He believes that values will increase in the long run as more neighbors elevate their homes. He pointed to a new statewide program called Elevate Florida, which will provide grant funding to lift more than 100 homes in Shore Acres. We have always been a resilient community, he said. People leave, more people will come in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Batdorf and Papadopoulos agree, more needs to be done to inform buyers about flood risks. The rules dictating what information sellers must share with buyers about flooding have long been murky and difficult to enforce. Last year, the state legislature passed a law requiring sellers to disclose if theyve ever filed a flood insurance claim or received assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for flood damage. That still leaves room for error, Batdorf said. It should be black and white, he said. Did this house flood and how high did it come in? It can be hard for buyers to find accurate information. FEMA maps are outdated and dont factor in the risks posed by storm surge and rainwater, said Papadopoulos. He would like to see local governments take steps to make whatever data theyve collected about climate risk more readily available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of St. Petersburg took a step in that direction earlier this year when it opened nearly 11,000 code enforcement cases on properties in the high hazard flood zone. But some homeowners say this blanket approach unfairly flagged properties that suffered little to no damage last hurricane season. Papadopoulos recommended using tools from private companies like RedFin and Zillow, which both display a climate risk score between 1 and 10 for all listings. Anything above a 6 is a serious risk. We have a buyer beware property market, he said. Unless you know something, unless somebody tells you or guides you, the property market will not help you and even the government wont help you. You have to be your own detective, you have to do your own homework. The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. One week after Donald Trumps federal takeover of Washington, D.C., the militarization of the city is escalating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump now says that he expects Congress to allow him to maintain control of D.C. police after a legally mandated 30-day limit. Members of the National Guards of Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia will soon be joining the D.C. National Guard in the streets. Humvees posted at places such as Union Station make the capital look more like the Green Zone in Baghdad than the place you get off the Amtrak. Federal agents appear to have torn down a political sign in a liberal neighborhood and refused to identify themselves or their agencies in confrontations. Although the Army initially said that the Guard would neither carry weapons nor make arrests, a Guard spokesperson told NPR yesterday, Guard members may be armed consistent with their mission and training. What exactly is their mission and training, though? National Guard troops prepare for civil unrest, which is why theyre frequently called up when major protests break out. But D.C. isnt seeing big demonstrationscertainly not before Trumps takeover, and not really since, either, despite some smaller protests by residents. As for the mission, thats even more obscure. Last Monday, Trump said that the plan was to liberate D.C. from crime. Depending on who you believe, the takeover was triggered by the presidents desire to change the subject away from Jeffrey Epstein, a reflexive reaction to a Fox News segment about D.C., or anger about an attempted carjacking involving a former DOGE staffer. But Trump cited no acute emergency, and he hasnt explained what the goal is. With no stated objective, there can be no end point. (It cant be that crime ceases to exist, an impossible goal.) That raises the scary prospect that it could just go on foreveror slide into martial law around the country. The past week has seen a lively meta-debate about crime data, in which some people point out that crime is down sharply from two years ago and even more drastically from 30 years ago, while others emphasize that D.C. still sees more murders than some other big cities. (None of this is necessarily in conflict.) Still others questionsometimes in good faith, sometimes in badhow accurate the available statistics are. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But this is all a little beside the point. Nothing about these deployments suggests that they will durably solve any of the real problems. The Guard isnt trained for routine police work. The head of the Drug Enforcement Administration whom Trump tried to install atop the Metropolitan Police Department has no experience in municipal policing. The Washington Posts mapping shows that federal officers are mostly not in the districts highest-crime neighborhoods. Immigration arrests are, however, up sharply. D.C. residents are hardly unfamiliar or uncomfortable with men and women in uniform. Civilians ride the Metro with service members, work with them in federal offices, or serve them in restaurants. Several military facilities are located in the city, and the Pentagon is just over the Potomac in Virginia. Yet many people are rattled and upset by the takeover. To choose one rough metric, restaurant reservations are down significantly. If the idea was to make residents feel safe, it isnt working. If the idea was to intimidate them, however, it might be. Legally, Trump has control over the D.C. National Guard, and he also has the power to temporarily take over D.C. policing in a declared emergency (even if he hasnt actually identified any such circumstance). The addition of Guard troops from elsewhere is curious because, as the journalist Philip Bump reports, they come from states with cities more dangerous than D.C. Jackson, Mississippi, has the highest murder rate in the nation, compared with cities of the same size or larger. But the troops also come from states with Republican governors, making them into a force whose leaders are presumably more politically loyal to the president. The Associated Press delicately noted, Its unclear why additional troops are needed. The unique status of the District of Columbia gives Trump more power to put soldiers in the streets. The bounds of the law have still held so far. When the Justice Department tried to install an emergency police commissioner, supplanting the current police chief, the city sued, and the administration backed down. But Trump and some of his allies are eager to move into other states where their authority is not so clear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump doesnt have a limitation on his authority to make this country safe again, border czar Tom Homan said last week. Theres no limitation on that. Thats patently false, but it appears to be the animating force of administration actions. The Constitution and U.S. laws establish no such thing as martial law, and a presidents power to use federal troops inside the country is circumscribed. Trump did not outline what authority he might claim for similar actions elsewhere, but in his announcement last week, he said hed look at taking over New York and Chicago next. I think that this is an experiment thats probably needed in a lot of the Democrat-run cities in America, Representative James Comer, a Kentuckian close to the White House, said recently. Trump and his allies have long been focused on Philadelphia, Baltimore, and St. Louis as well. Nearly every major city is run by a Democrat, which makes them ripe targets for politicking and also for retribution. A group of Border Patrol agents showed up last week at a political rally in Los Angeles held by Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and outspoken Trump critic, in what many of those present took as attempted intimidation. (Our law enforcement operations are about enforcing the lawnot about Gavin Newsom, a Department of Homeland Security official said in a social-media post.) Whats happening doesnt look like a carefully regimented and organized attempt at standing up a military dictatorship. Trump seldom acts with that sort of discipline. Instead, it looks like an improvisational and opportunistic grab of powerTrump seeing what he can get away with and what he can normalize. With no stated goal, and with an acquiescent Congress and Supreme Court, the country could end up with the U.S. military occupying its major cities before most Americans realize whats happening. Related: Here are three new stories from The Atlantic: Todays News President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders at the White House, pushing a peace proposal that could involve territorial concessions to Russia. Zelensky, backed by European leaders, rejected the idea and instead pressed for firm U.S. security guarantees and a full prisoner exchange. Trump announced plans to issue an executive order banning mail-in ballots and voting machines ahead of the 2026 midterms. Hurricane Erin has strengthened to a Category 4 storm and is expected to cause dangerous surf and rip currents along Americas East Coast, according to the National Hurricane Center. Dispatches The Wonder Reader: Parents first instinct can be to give kids a solution and to get involved, Isabel Fattal writes. But that mindset can be exhausting for adults and damaging for kids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Explore all of our newsletters here. Evening Read Why Is Everything Spicy Now? By Ellen Cushing The Carolina Reaper is so hot, it makes jalapenos taste like milk. Its so hot, it causes people to hallucinate, vomit, pass out, wish theyd never been born. Its so hot that the guy who invented itin 2012, by crossbreeding habaneros and Naga Viper peppers, each of which were once thought to be the hottest in the worldhas said it tastes like eating molten lava. Original-recipe Tabasco sauce is up to 5,000 Scoville heat units; habaneros are up to 350,000. The Reaper has been known to reach 2.2 million. To be clear, I have never tried itnone of the above sounds that fun to me. But you are welcome to. You can have it dusted onto cheese curls sold at your local grocery store, or on a slider at one of the more than 300 Daves Hot Chicken locations nationwide, so long as you sign a waiver. I cant get over this: 15 years ago, our species could not imagine a pepper as hot as the Reaper, and now we can eat it with a lemonade and fries for lunch before heading back to the office. America is setting its mouth on fire. Read the full article. More From The Atlantic Culture Break Yifan Ling / Ocean Photographer of the Year Take a look. A male orca breaching near the beach, thousands of skeleton shrimps, an underwater aurora: These are some of the finalists in this years Ocean Photographer of the Year competition. Examine. Francis Ford Coppola is trying to build a fan base for Megalopolis. Its awkwardand a misunderstanding of how fandom works, Shirley Li writes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Play our daily crossword. Rafaela Jinich contributed to this newsletter. When you buy a book using a link in this newsletter, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic. Article originally published at The Atlantic JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) Jacksons Doll N Burgers restaurant, located near downtown, closed its doors Friday in preparation to open a new location this fall. Since opening at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the restaurant says it takes pride in serving locally-sourced foods and exceptional customer service. (WLNS) We have our regular customers, we know them by their name. They know us by our name, said store manager Taylor Miller. They pretty much opened as a response to help give some of their employees at other locations that were shutting down during COVID because of the bans and everything, a job. And so then theyve kept it open after that and they have two locations so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, five years later, the chain is relocating to a new address in Blackman Township, located at 1200 W Parnall Rd. (WLNS) We have a lot of people from the northwest community that are excited to come see us. So, were really excited to also try to reach out to those businesses and work with them, Miller said. Miller has been the store manager since 2022. She points to the ongoing Cooper St. construction, which is repairing connecting roads between E Washington Ave and S Elm Ave as a key reason for a lack of in-store traffic and customer interest. (WLNS) That construction definitely did hinder us a little bit. It was harder for people to come find us and a lot of people dont even know were here, Miller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller says the move will also allow Doll N Burgers to have more of a presence in the Jackson community. (WLNS) Moving to an area with a little bit more of a community and a lot more population and getting to serve new customers that we havent got to serve before because its on the complete opposite side of town now, Miller said. Were hoping to open by like mid-September, late September. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Dolton West Elementary District 148 Superintendent Kevin Nohelty, who has come under fire for a salary increase that led to him making more than $450,000 a year, has retired. The school board met Sunday to appoint an interim superintendent, Shelia Harrison-Williams, who started with the district on Monday. Harrison-Williams previously was superintendent of Hazel Crest District 152.5 and during that time received the National Alliance of Black School Educators Superintendent of the Year award. In his retirement letter sent Thursday, Nohelty blamed certain board members for making his job difficult and targeting him with harassment and bullying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board president and certain board members have undertaken a smear campaign against me, riddled with baseless allegations, innuendo, and repeated threats of investigation and discharge, the letter said. Nohelty said at one point, a board member pointed out his being a white man in a majority Black district as a reason he had to leave. Nohelty said he chose to retire after board President Shalonda Randle declined his offer to buy out his contract. The district did not respond to questions about Harrison-Williams salary as interim superintendent, but the agenda for Sundays special meeting directed the districts attorney to develop her contract. In March, the district board approved a new contract that had Nohelty making an additional $30,000 each of the next two years. The board attributed its decision to boost Noheltys six-figure salary to difficulty in finding his replacement, as Nohelty stayed on past his contracts end date in June 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was not something premeditated, preplanned or orchestrated for money purposes, board member Larry Lawrence said at that meeting. In addition to his $450,000 salary, District 148 paid Nohelty an extra $87,000 in fiscal year 2024 in retirement enhancements and other benefits. Under the updated contract, Nohelty was obligated to mentor his selected successor for one year. The district did not immediately respond to questions surrounding Noheltys retirement. Cook County court records show that Nohelty was charged by Illinois State Police in March 2024 with driving while under the influence of alcohol on Interstate 90 in Schaumburg Township. He pleaded guilty in November and was fined $500 and sentenced to one year of court supervision, which would be up in October, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some south and southwest suburban school districts have come under fire in past years for bloating salaries for administrators. Former Chicago Public Schools Superintendent Pedro Martinezs yearly salary was $340,000. At Calumet City District 155, former Superintendent Troy Paraday made $432,000, the most of any superintendent in Illinois, until he was fired in 2019 for misconduct including allegations he padded his pay without authorization and misrepresenting the districts financial status. Paraday was fired less than a week before he was scheduled to retire and had calculated that the district owed him almost $1.8 million for three unused personal days, 532 unused sick days and 350 unused vacation days multiplied by his nearly $2,000 per diem rate. The fiscal year 2024 base salary for District 155s current superintendent, Joseph Zotto, was about $186,000, according to the district. He made an additional $66,000 in annuities, retirement enhancements and other benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dolton School District 149 Superintendent Maureen Whites base salary was $275,000 during the same year, with added benefits boosting her pay to about $339,000, according to the district. ostevens@chicagotribune.com Editors note: This story has been corrected to clarify Dolton Elementary School District 148 Superintendent Kevin Nohelty notified the school board on Aug. 14 that he was retiring immediately. So, a sigh of relief from the European contingent departing Washington. It all went so much better than many had feared. Donald Trump was good-humoured and avuncular, the Europeans flattering and upbeat. Volodymyr Zelensky came across as witty, deferential and relentlessly grateful. The US president did not upbraid him, let alone kick him out of the White House, and spoke fulsomely about his natty black suit. I love it, he gushed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet if the worst was averted, it remained unclear what six frenetic hours of talks at the White House actually achieved. There was plenty of motion, but little obvious movement. If many question his tactics, Mr Trumps determination cannot be faulted. Having met Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, he spent Monday deep in intensive consultations with Europes most powerful leaders, breaking away only to call the Kremlin. For a man usually drawn to spectacle, this was the slog of shuttle diplomacy that many thought beyond him. Expecting a swift resolution to so fraught a war would be absurd, even if Mr Trump had promised to end it within 24 hours. But it is not unreasonable to expect a little more clarity about what exactly Putin is proposing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, it remains murky. What has Russia proposed? What does Washington believe Russia has proposed? And how exactly does the US plan to ensure that Russia does not wriggle out of any commitments it has made? Russias stance even on key demands such as denazification, a code for removing Mr Zelensky is wholly opaque. Other proposals have surfaced in unofficial form only. The Kremlin is said to be demanding that Ukraine cede territory in the Donbas that Russia has not conquered in exchange for freezing the rest of the front line. Mr Trump had signalled before the talks that he would press Mr Zelensky to yield on this point, saying the war could end almost immediately if he did. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet the US president ultimately held back, reportedly telling his counterparts that the issue was for Ukraine alone. For Europe, that restraint counts as a breakthrough, even if the path forward on land swaps remains as murky as ever. Ostensibly, progress came on security guarantees for Ukraine. Having long argued they should be Europes burden, Mr Trump now says the US is willing to play a supporting role, albeit not with any American boots on Ukrainian soil. Instead, Western diplomats say, European troops could be deployed to Ukraine with American soldiers stationed in neighbouring countries. Trumps circumspect offer Steve Witkoff, his peace envoy, has floated US backing for guarantees akin to Natos Article Five, effectively binding Washington to defend Ukraine. Mr Trump, though, was more circumspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to help them out, well be involved, was all he offered. For Europe, drawing the US into security guarantees is crucial. But here, too, doubts abound. The White House has trumpeted Putins supposed acquiescence as a concession Mr Trump secured in Alaska. Yet Maria Zakharova, Russias foreign ministry spokeswoman, insisted on Tuesday that Moscow rejected any scenarios involving contingents from Nato countries in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump met in Alaska for peace talks - ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP Nor is there agreement on a potential summit between Putin and Mr Zelensky. Mr Trump has instructed aides to begin preparations, but Kremlin officials have so far refused to commit, limiting themselves to more general high-level talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By that measure, the Washington talks yielded little. European diplomats, however, see progress of a different kind. Before the summit, they feared Mr Trump was sliding towards Putins positions. They now believe they have nudged him back, winning at least tentative support for security guarantees gains they can bank even if Mr Trumps new initiative ultimately stalls. Meanwhile, the guns in Ukraine keep blazing, the bombs are falling, and the war grinds on beneath the talk of what gives every appearance of being a phoney peace. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Two men have been arrested after allegedly killing their Army veteran roommate, dismembering him and scattering his body parts along a New Mexico highway. Rainor Joiner, 23, and David Degroat, 22, both originally from Georgia, are accused of killing their roommate, 25-year-old West Virginia native Matthew McLaughlin, the Taos County Sheriffs Office said. Joiner and Degroat have been charged with first-degree murder and other related felonies. I did it, I f****** him, and I dont f****** regret it, one of the suspects reportedly told cops after the killing, according to local outlet KOB. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three men met while serving in the same unit of the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia. However, authorities say Joiner and Degroat allegedly had active warrants for desertion from the Army. After McLaughlin was reported missing on July 31, authorities obtained a search warrant for his home and detained his roommates for questioning. Authorities say Joiner confessed to deputies that he shot McLaughlin with Degroats help. Rainor Joiner and David Degroat (left to right) have been charged with murdering their roommate, Matthew McLaughlin, in New Mexico. (Taos County Adult Detention Center) Joiner claimed that they dismembered McLaughlins body and tossed bags containing his remains along U.S. Highway 64, near Tres Piedras, about 80 miles north of Santa Fe. The human remains were positively identified as McLaughlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After confessing, Joiner told authorities he planned to kill Mclaughlin because he had been spreading rumors about him, using drugs, and bringing strangers into their home, according to court documents obtained by KOAT. Joiner said he and Degroat ambushed McLaughlin, and authorities believe the shooting happened on July 25. "[Joiner] admitted he shot the individual with a rifle and then again with a pistol then subsequent days later he continued to dismember the victim," Taos County Sheriffs Office Undersheriff Gabriel Ortiz said. "The individual was very much non-remorseful. No emotions, just a kind of blank face and told them [deputies] exactly what he did and didn't have any emotions at all." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Degroat told investigators that Joiner shot McLaughlin three times before dismembering his body. He then forced Degroat to hold open a bag as he put the body parts inside, KOB4 reported. Friends and loved ones of McLaughlin described him as a sweet, kind person, whose murder doesnt make sense. They said police told them they believed the killing was premeditated weeks in advance, according to KOB4. NEW JERSEY (PIX11) Dont be fooled by the nice weather, its not safe to swim in the ocean this week, New Jersey officials warned. Hurricane Erin will not hit New Jersey, but it will create dangerous rip currents and waves in the double-digits this week, Gov. Phil Murphy said. More Local News Weve already had a very tough rip tide summer, Murphy said Tuesday. That will intensify to a very high level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two people have already died this summer after getting caught in rip currents at New Jersey beaches, one in Seaside Heights and a young girl in Belmar, officials said. The National Hurricane Center has warned that ocean waters will be dangerous across the entire East Coast, including New York. Waves are already up to seven feet tall, and could get to the double digits by Thursday and Friday, Murphy said. As such, the governor is warning against all swimming at New Jersey beaches. This is no time to be complacent, dont go in the water, Murphy said. Despite the angry ocean, the weather is expected to be pleasant this week in New Jersey, with temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Downtown Alliance, a non-profit organization in Salt Lake City, has raised $430,000 for employees affected by the fire on Main Street that occurred last week. On Monday, August 11, 2025, around 9:30 p.m., a fire broke out and destroyed five businesses on Main Street in Salt Lake City. Over 200 employees worked at those businesses and have been displaced from work. PREVIOUSLY: Fire threatens multiple buildings, causes road closures in downtown SLC Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Downtown Alliance started an Employee Assistance Fund in order to cover essential expenses that those displaced employees may face, including rent, transportation and groceries. Almost a week later, Downtown Alliance and other agencies have raised $430,000. Dee Brewer, the Executive Director for the Downtown Alliance, says, Thousands of individuals made generous contributions through the Alliance webpage, and at this weeks Twilight Concert, the Main Street Fashion Show, and the Downtown Farmers Market. Brewer also acknowledged several individual donors, and said, We are profoundly grateful for the substantial gifts made by Matthew and Tatiana Prince, The George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, Salt Lake Chamber, Salt Lake City, and two other anonymous donors that have put us within reach of our assistance fund goal. Fire in downtown SLC. Courtesy: Jonathan May/KTVX London Belle and Whiskey Street were both destroyed in the SLC downtown fire on August 11, 2025 (Courtesy: Kade Garner//KTVX) Fire in downtown SLC. Courtesy: Jonathan May/KTVX Fire in downtown SLC. Courtesy: Jonathan May/KTVX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Utah Restaurant Association, which helps connect displaced employees with Wasatch Front employers, also transferred some of their fund-raising profits into the Downtown Alliance assistance fund. Additionally, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall spoke on the community efforts to help the displaced employees. She said, We know that when tragedy strikes, community is always the answer. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed so far, and to the Downtown Alliance for quickly mobilizing this fund to support our residents in need. Employees who have been affected by the Main Street fire should contact their respective employers in order to learn and access any disbursed funds. Downtown Alliance says the first round of funds will be distributed on Tuesday, August 19. In total, Downtown Alliance is hoping to raise $500,000, a goal based on basic living expenses for all affected employees. 100% of all funds raised will go to the employees expenses. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Days after Charlie Adelson was convicted for orchestrating the 2014 killing of his brother-in-law amid a contentious child custody battle, his mother called him in jail and revealed that she was about to flee the country. In November 2023, Donna Adelson, a Miami Beach grandmother and matriarch of the wealthy Adelson family, told her dentist son on the recorded jail calls that she was getting things in order and that she was making sure her grandchildren would be taken care of. Just one week later, with a one-way ticket to Vietnam in her hand, a country that does not have an extradition treaty with the United States, Donna and her husband Harvey Adelson arrived at the Miami International Airport. But they were stopped by the authorities and she was taken into custody on charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation to commit first-degree murder in the 2014 killing of her former son-in-law Dan Markel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, two years later, Donna is the latest family member to go on trial for what prosecutors say was a murder-for-hire plot to kill the 41-year-old Florida State University law professor who was gunned down outside his Tallahassee home on July 19, 2014. Jury selection began Monday for the now-75 year old with opening statements set for Friday and the trial expected to last until September 8. Donna Adelson, now 75, is standing trial for the murder of her former son-in-law (Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation) Prosecutors say Donna helped orchestrate the plot to murder Markel, conspiring with her son Charlie Adelson and his then-girlfriend Katherine Magbanua, who they say served as the go-between with two men hired to carry out the killing, Sigfredo Tuto Garcia and his friend Latin Kings leader Luis Rivera. Magbanua and Garcia are serving life sentences and Rivera is serving a 19-year sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and testifying against the others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wendi Adelson and her father, Harvey Adelson, have denied involvement and have not been charged. Heres what to know about the case: Disturbing jailhouse calls led to Donna Adelsons arrest The family matriarch had been on prosecutors radar for some time, according to Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell, who told The Associated Press that while he believes his prosecutors already had enough evidence to convict Donna before her arrest, it had to be accelerated when investigators learned of her plans to leave the country. Those plans were discovered in jailhouse calls made following Charlies guilty verdict in November 2023. The calls involved Donna telling her son that she was getting things in order, creating trusts, and making sure her grandchildren are taken care of. Donnas son Charlie Adelson was found guilty in 2023 She talked about suicide on the call, according to an arrest affidavit, but then admitted her plans to flee to a non-extradition country. That country was Vietnam with a stop in Dubai. The two countries do not have an extradition treaty with the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donna discusses plans for a suicide, but also discusses plans to flee to a non-extradition country, according to the affidavit. Donna Sue Adelson has considerable financial resources to accomplish this, the affidavit continued. On Nov. 7, 2023, Donna and Harvey Adelson booked flights to Vietnam with a stop in Dubai. It was going to be complicated and really difficult trying to bring them back, depending on where they ended up in the world, Campbell added. The arrest was not just based on the flight, but that played a part in the timing. What happened to Dan Markel? On July 18, 2014, Dan Markel was gunned down in the driveway outside his Tallahassee home. He was 44 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just 48 hours later, his ex-wife Wendi and their two boys moved to a house that was within walking distance of the Adelson family home, prosecutors said. She later changed her sons last name from Markel to Adelson. The Adelsons immediately became suspects following Markels murder. Wendi told detectives that the killing could have been arranged on her behalf, because her parents - including her mother Donna, were very angry at Markel. Wendi, who has denied involvement with the murder and testified under immunity at several trials, has not been charged. Neither has her father, Harvey Adelson. Emails reveal Donna Adelson hated her son-in-law Prosecutors have repeatedly said Donna hated her former son-in-law Markel, who had been in a bitter custody battle with Wendi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had a court order barring her move from Tallahassee back to South Florida with their two young sons. Authorities say the Adelsons offered Markel $1 million to let his ex-wife and sons move, but when he refused, Charlie Adelson and other members of the family began plotting his death. In a key email sent in July 2013, she told her daughter: Its time to take control of your life and not let Jibbers think hes just won anything by having you remain in Tallahassee, eight hours away from the only family you have, and lose out on what will be a job that will afford you and your children advantages that they will never otherwise be able to enjoy. Lets show this [expletive] what will make him absolutely miserable, the email continued. You know his weak points; money, religion, control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have 5 weeks before your court date, she wrote, underlining that text. I know you have a hob that keeps you very busy. However, the rest of your life, and consequently, dads mine and yes, even Charlies, will be affected by how well you can perform/act before July 31st. An investigation was launched and in 2016, an FBI agent, impersonating an extortionist, approached Donna outside her home and demanded $5,000 to not turn information about the shooting over to investigators. This sparked a slew of calls and meetings between Donna and her son. In the first call, she told him they needed to discuss some paperwork and that you probably have a general idea what Im talking about. Wiretaps of the phone calls between Charlie and his mother played a role at his trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A sting operation called The Bump, revealed there was a pattern of phone calls leading up to and around the time of the murder, calls were always made in this order: Donna Adelson to Charlie Adelson to Katherine Magbanua to Sigfredo Garcia, only for those calls to be returned in reverse order. Now the next few weeks will reveal how much those calls play a role in Donnas own trial. By Leika Kihara TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese startup JPYC said it will issue the first stablecoin pegged to the yen later in the year after receiving a licence this week. The stablecoin, which will be called "JPYC", will be fully convertible to the yen and backed by domestic savings and Japanese government bonds (JGBs), the company's CEO Noritaka Okabe told a news conference. "Initially, we expect demand to come from institutional investors, hedge funds and family offices in Japan," he said. "Eventually, we aim to have JPYC used overseas as digital yen and delivered to people across the world." JPYC, which plans to issue the stablecoin around autumn, said it would not charge transaction fees. Instead, the more stablecoins it issues, the more JGBs it will hold, and it would earn money from the interest on those holdings. Blockchain-based stablecoins - which are typically pegged to a fiat currency and offer faster and cheaper transactions - are gaining much momentum worldwide. In the U.S., President Donald Trump in July signed into law federal rules and guidelines for stablecoins to facilitate their usage in everyday payments and settlements. Financial companies from Bank of America to Fiserv are preparing to launch their own dollar-backed crypto tokens, although experts warn the path forward may not be simple. In contrast, in mainland China, where crypto trading is banned, Chinese regulators have asked big local brokers to halt publication of research endorsing stablecoins in a bid to curb a surge in interest among domestic investors. (Reporting by Leika Kihara; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) In August 2025, after European leaders joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine, a photo circulated that social media users claimed (archived, archived) depicted Trump showing Zelenskyy and France's President Emmanuel Macron his White House Make America Great Again gift shop. The photo showed Trump, Zelenskyy, Macron and an unidentified man in front of a shelf of neatly arranged hats and other items. The hats bore slogans including "Make America Great Again," "Trump 2028," "4 More Years" and "Gulf of America." "Make America Great Again" was a term popularized by Trump during his first and second presidential election campaigns. One X user whose post had more than 600,000 views at the time of this writing posted the photo with the caption, "Embarrassing.Trump showed Zelenskyy and Macron his MAGA gift shop at the White House" (X user @WUTangKids) The claim that the photo depicted Trump showing off a gift shop also circulated on Facebook (archived), Threads (archived), Instagram (archived) and Bluesky (archived). Snopes readers wrote in to ask if the claim was true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The photo of Trump, Zelenskyy and Macron was authentic and originally posted (archived) to X by Margo Martin, one of Trump's communications advisers. Martin identified Macron, who stood with his back to the camera in the photo. However, we found no evidence to support the accompanying claim that Trump was running a MAGA gift shop out of the White House. It was unclear where exactly Martin took the photo, though official photographs from the Aug. 18, 2025, meeting indicated that the leaders met at the White House. The Trump Organization, Trump's business managed by his sons Eric and Donald Jr., has an online merchandise store as of this writing that sells some of the items seen in Martin's photo, though the company does not appear to have a White House branch. The White House does have an official gift shop that supports injured Secret Service members and charitable causes. That shop does not sell hats like the ones seen in Martin's photo. Snopes contacted the White House to ask if Martin's photo showed a MAGA gift shop inside the White House as social media users claimed, and we await a reply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Aug. 18, 2025, meeting with European leaders and Zelenskyy was not the first time Trump showed off the collection of merch to guests visiting the White House. Trump hosted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the White House on Aug. 8, 2025, as the pair signed a joint declaration of peace in the long-running conflict between the countries. Shortly thereafter, a video (archived) circulated online that featured Trump showing off the same collection of merch from Martin's photo to Aliyev. In the footage, Trump handed one item to Aliyev saying it was "for your wife." After showing off his "Trump 2028" and "4 More Years" hats, Trump gestured toward the video recorder and said, "Fellas, grab what you want, it's OK." The video from Aliyev's visit appeared to indicate that Trump kept a stock of his merch to give to guests as gifts rather than to run an official store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Trump 2028" and "4 More Years" were references to Trump's previous indications that he would like to run for a third term despite the Constitution's 22nd Amendment that barred any person from being "elected to the office of the President more than twice." Trump told NBC in March 2025 that "A lot of people want me to do it," referring to running for a third term and that "There are methods which you could do it." During a CNBC interview on Aug. 6, 2025, Trump said he would "probably not" run again though "I'd like to." Trump further told Aliyev on Aug. 8, 2025, while holding a "Trump 2028" hat, "Everybody wants me to run." Sources: "45 | 47 Collection." Trump Store, https://www.trumpstore.com/collections/45-47/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 94 Trump Zelenskyy Macron Photos & High Res Pictures - Getty Images. https://www.gettyimages.com/search/2/image?family=editorial&phrase=trump%20zelenskyy%20macron&sort=newest&specificpeople=118600%2C9899223%2C21397582&phraseprocessing=excludenaturallanguage. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025. "CNBC Transcript: President of the United States Donald Trump Speaks with CNBC's 'Squawk Box' Today." CNBC, 5 Aug. 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/05/cnbc-transcript-president-of-the-united-states-donald-trump-speaks-with-cnbcs-squawk-box-today-.html. Donald J. Trump Collectibles & Gifts | Official White House Gift Shop. https://www.whitehousegiftshop.com/45th-President-of-the-United-States-Donald-J-Trump-Gifts-s/2419.htm. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025. KINNARD, MEG. "The White House Says It's a 'fact' That the Gulf of Mexico Has Been Renamed. Is That Right?" AP News, 7 Jan. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/trump-gulf-of-mexico-bc438f4feca1234475a1adef99344da7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KULLAB, SAMYA, and JOHN LEICESTER. "European Leaders to Join Ukraine's Zelenskyy for Meeting with Trump." AP News, 17 Aug. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/european-leaders-white-house-meeting-zelenskyy-trump-d7b082bae4136ef8932e16ac2d166303. "President Trump Brokers Another Historic Peace Deal." The White House, 8 Aug. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/08/president-trump-brokers-another-historic-peace-deal/. The History of the White House Gift Shop, Est. 1946 by Permanent Order of President H. S. Truman & U.S. Secret Service. https://www.whitehousegiftshop.com/aboutus.asp. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025. "Trump Won't Rule out Seeking a Third Term in the White House, Tells NBC News 'There Are Methods' for Doing So." NBC News, 30 Mar. 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-third-term-white-house-methods-rcna198752. "Twenty-Second Amendment." Constitution Annotated, https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-22/. As Vermonts students begin filing back into their classrooms as a new school year starts, they will also be walking along the streets during weekdays. Knowing where your school zones are and what speed to maintain will help keep drivers and students alike safe. A school zone is a designated area around schools and crosswalks where there is high pedestrian traffic and traffic laws are more strictly enforced. These zones are marked with signs, flashing lights or road markings to alert drivers to slow down and watch out for children. School speed limits vary based on state law and typically range from 15 to 25 mph. For Chittenden County, the school zone speed limit also is maintained between 15 and 25 mph with the local governments often choosing the set speed. A school zone speed limit sign sits on Allen Street in the Old North End neighborhood in Burlington. Speed limits are enforced during specific hours indicated on signs; in Chittenden it is typically from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on school days. The zone speed limit does not apply to days when school is not in session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chittenden County serves over 22,300 students, who attend 39 public schools, two vocational schools, six private schools and five other special program or alternative schools. School zones can also be utilized by preschools or daycares. All the school zones implement a reduced limit up to a mile out from the school. For some schools located in downtown areas where the speed limit may already be 20 or 25 mph, signage is still installed to alert drivers to be cautious. More: Champlain Valley Fair 2025: Guide for dates, discounts and prices Double the fines for speeding In Vermont, the civil penalty for violating a state or municipal speed limit in a school zone designated with signs shall be twice the penalty for a non-school zone speed limit violation. Vermonts point system tracks traffic offenses, with speeding violations adding 2 to 8 points depending on severity. Accumulating 10 or more points within two years can lead to license suspension. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont police enforce speed limits in school zones; avoid double fine Ive lived in Wisconsin my whole life. Im a mother of three, a small business owner, and I work as a training specialist helping people with developmental disabilities find meaningful employment. I also deliver with DoorDash. I started dashing over a year ago when my youngest son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I needed something flexible. Something that allowed me to step away at a moments notice if my son needed me. DoorDash gave me that freedom. It still does. But with that freedom comes trade-offs. Under current Wisconsin law, independent workers like me cant access benefits like health care or retirement savings through app-based work without being considered employees. Independent contractors work in outdated system To be clear: We are not employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are, and the vast majority of us want to continue to be, independent contractors with the freedom to work when, where, and how we want. So, we are asking for an update to an outdated system so that we dont have to choose between freedom and benefits. Letters: Milwaukee Brewers Sal Frelick the 'Charlie Hustle' for the new era of MLB For more years, thousands of workers like me throughout the state have rallied behind bipartisan efforts to would extend benefits to potentially hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites. That effort culminated in a bipartisan bill passing both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature this year. But Gov. Tony Evers just killed that bill, and with it my hopes of getting access to the benefits I deserve. The bill made sense. It fixed an obvious problem in our outdated laws, allowing delivery platforms like DoorDash to contribute to flexible, portable benefits accounts that workers control without creating the risk that we would lose our freedom to work how and when we want. It would have preserved our independence while helping us plan for the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats most disappointing is that when Evers vetoed this bill, he did so by claiming there hadnt been enough dialogue, that there wasnt enough time to hear from workers like me. Gov. Evers, with all due respect: we spoke up. You just didnt listen. Over the past year alone, Ive traveled to Madison to testify in front of the State Senate and State Assembly. Ive participated in multiple advocacy events and met with lawmakers across the political spectrum. Ive shared my story with national reporters and local leaders. Ive helped lead a press conference at the Capitol urging Evers to sign this bill. And despite these efforts, the governor never made an attempt to actually meet with us and hear our stories directly. We showed up, told our stories, and made the case for why this legislation matters. Evers and his team the ones not engaged in process This issue is not new. Politicians in Madison have been discussing this same bill for years. Legislators held hearings. Workers submitted written and spoken testimony. Hundreds of letters and emails were sent to the governors office from working people urging you to sign the bill. Polling showed strong support two-thirds of union household voters in Wisconsin backed expanding access to portable benefits for independent workers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Letters: We know soft parenting leads to problematic youth. Milwaukee is ignoring that. To claim this policy was rushed or lacked engagement is just wrong. What more could we have done? I understand the desire to get policy right. But vetoing a thoughtful, pragmatic solution that would have helped more than 100,000 workers because you opted not to engage in the process is not leadership. Its indifference. And for workers like me, that means living without benefits. It means choosing between insulin and electricity, retirement savings and school clothes. This wasnt a partisan issue. Democrats and Republicans alike supported this bill. And more importantly, real people across this state, people like my son and me, need this to become law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I urge the governor and his team to stop pretending workers havent been part of the conversation. Weve been here. Were still here. And were not done fighting for a future where freedom is compatible with greater security. Evers had a chance to lead and move Wisconsin forward. Instead, he passed the buck. Wisconsin workers cant afford to wait any longer. Maliki Krieski is a Ripon-based small business owner and mother who uses app-based work for supplemental income. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Evers veto of benefits bill harms DoorDash drivers like me | Opinion HONOLULU (KHON2) Big changes are coming to Downtown Honolulu as the Rail project moves forward, and it could snarl traffic for years. Around the clock testing starts for phase 2 of Skyline rail project KHON2 found out what drivers, businesses and residents can expect. Folks in the Downtown area are bracing for a major traffic shake-up. The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation started work on the City Center Guideway and Stations it requires lane closures on Nimitz Highway between Awa and Bishop streets, 24/7 until September, 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HART Executive Director Lori Kahikina wanted to stress that it is not a complete shutdown. What do you mean, you guys are shutting down Nimitz? Were not shutting down Nimitz! Were shutting down one lane in each direction and the main reason for this is were actually going to be pushing the traffic more towards the outside. So, were using the median strip, she said. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 The lane closures on the major corridor are daunting for drivers. Detours will redirect traffic at intersections like Awa Street and Nuuanu Avenue, King and Beretania streets are alternate routes. Some worry it will be a traffic nightmare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a very busy street; everybody uses this street. Yeah, so people thats going home or coming back the other ways, said Downtown-Chinatown Neighborhood Board chair Ernest Caravalho. Caravalho said he was initially shocked at the half-decade timeline. I was like, Wow, are we kidding? But I understand it has to happen, yeah? HART has to do this, he said. Its just getting there. Five years is a long time, right? Kahikina says this phase unlike the construction on Dillingham will not affect access to shops and residents along Nimitz Highway. If you can look at what happened on Dillingham or maybe even the West Side there is probably still going to be impact to the businesses that are immediately in the area but access will always be open to them, she said. We do understand that this is having a major impact on the community, but it is a necessary evil that we do this. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Segment Two of the Rail which will reach the Kalihi Transit Center is set to open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 16, and officials said the first weekend will be free to riders of Skyline and TheBus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Another round of scattered showers and storms will develop across more of the state this afternoon. Once again, storms could drop heavy rain, bringing a threat of flash flooding. Drier air will start moving into the state Wednesday. This will bring less storm chances across most of New Mexico through Thursday. Rain chances will however increase for southwest Colorado, northern, and northwest New Mexico. This may finally bring some measurable rainfall to the Four Corners with a chance for rain sticking around through the weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. BAY VILLAGE, Ohio (WJW) As a result of rough conditions on Lake Erie, the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities were forced to halt a second day of searching for two brothers who were swept away by rip currents on Lake Erie. The tragic story began to unfold on Sunday just after 5:30 pm, while members of a family from Summit County were visiting Huntington Beach in Bay Village. The family said they were unaware that the National Weather Service had issued a beach hazards statement on Sunday about the high risk of rip currents due to high winds and wave action and warned swimmers to stay out of Lake Erie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angel Labbe said her two brothers, 22-year-old Austin Labbe and 19-year-old Trent Sanchez, were in the water near the break wall when they were swept away by the strong currents. They were waist deep, they were not too far out and they got drifted far, quick, she told reporters. Nightmare: Michigan 19-year-old paralyzed by multiple strokes Relatives said another swimmer tried to save Austin and Trent and was nearly swept away but was able to save himself. Once authorities arrived, the Coast Guard and local rescue teams began searching for the two victims, but they had to call off the operation on Sunday night because of the rough conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They resumed the search on Monday morning, but once again, they had to stop because of the high waves and strong currents. You know, its a combination of both the waves pushing you, as well as the undercurrents pulling you, so its very easy to lose your footing and get pulled away and then as the wave action happens, you just cant regain your footing, said Cleveland Metroparks Police Captain Ken Schabitzer, who is the coordinator of the dive team. Authorities said there are large signs posted at Huntington Beach that warn visitors about the danger of rip currents and that they swim at their own risk. The signs also indicate that lifeguards are on duty from the first Saturday in June through the second Sunday in August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two CMSD teachers killed in car crash after dropping son off at college However, the mother of the two victims maintains that authorities should have done more to keep everyone out of the water on Sunday. They did not do anything to warn us, didnt even put the weather conditions flags up. There are so many signs in this park where it says if theres a red flag, do not go in the water, Tanya Labbe said. During a media briefing at Huntington Beach, Cleveland Metroparks Police Chief Kelly Stillman told reporters, It should be known that a beach hazard warning was sent out. The lake was not favorable for swimming. Anybody that goes in those conditions is obviously putting themselves at risk. Were doing everything humanly possible. We also have to rely on peoples good common sense to make good sound decisions about when to enter the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are told that if the conditions on the lake improve, authorities plan to continue the search for the two victims on Tuesday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. One person was killed early Sunday in a crash west of Sabula, Iowa, according to the Jackson County Sheriffs Office, according to a news release. About 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Jackson County Sheriff s deputies were dispatched to a single-car crash on Highway 52 near the intersection of Highway 64 about 1 mile west of Sabula, Iowa. An investigation at the scene revealed that a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu was traveling south when it crossed over the center line of the highway. The driver over-corrected and traveled down into the west ditch, where the car struck a culvert, causing the car to roll and come to rest on its roof. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 38-year-old driver, from Bellevue, Iowa, was the only person in the car. The driver, whose name is being withheld for notification of family members, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Jackson County Sheriff s Office was assisted on the scene by Sabula Fire and Rescue, Sabula Ambulance Service and the Jackson County Medical Examiners Office. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. A driver reached speeds of 144mph before a fatal hit and run on Christmas Day. Evan Forde, 32, was driving a black Mercedes C43 AMG when he crashed into the back of a BMW on the Brent Cross flyover, in north-west London. Maria Do Nascimento, 22, a passenger in the BMW, died at the scene. Forde appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, and admitted causing death by dangerous driving. Met Police officers had tried to pull the car over as it drove down Hendon Way at 3.45am on Christmas Day 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The car was travelling so quickly that it was not pursued by police and it was then involved in a collision with Ms Do Nascimentos car on a 40mph stretch of Hendon Way. The Mercedes careered into a lamppost, but all four men managed to get out and fled the scene on foot. Frederick Hookway, prosecuting, said Fordes vehicle reached speeds of 144mph. Members of the victims family were in court as Forde pleaded guilty. Earlier, they had paid tribute to their princess and little star, seeking money to fly her back to her native Brazil. Judge Anthony Leonard, KC, said Forde, of Bedford, would remain on bail ahead of sentence on Oct 22. A very serious charge He told him: You have pleaded guilty to a very serious charge. There was perhaps no option other than to do so given the state of the evidence. However, the fact you pleaded at this stage will be taken into account at sentencing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You must understand the most likely result if not the inevitable result will be you sent to prison. Tasmin Malcomb, defending, said Forde had always accepted he was driving the Mercedes. She added: Undoubtedly, the speed Mr Forde was driving will be an aggravating feature to the court. Scotland Yard said a marked vehicle had indicated to Fordes vehicle to stop but had not pursued the speeding car. The Metropolitan Police said it had made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is routine in such circumstances. 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 Riverdale Police Department said its officers have arrested a tow truck operator for unlawfully displaying police insignia and markings suggesting an affiliation with the department. The Georgia State Patrol alerted the Riverdale Police Department Friday about a tow truck displaying unauthorized markings that read Riverdale Police Impound, the police department said Tuesday. The truck also featured a license plate with a replica of the official City of Riverdale seal. Riverdale officers launched an investigation and quickly identified the vehicle and its operator. The investigation confirmed that the tow truck operator had no affiliation with the Riverdale Police Department and had never been employed by the RPD in any capacity. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The individual was arrested and charged with police impersonation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Riverdale Police Department emphasized that such deception is illegal and erodes public trust. They stated their commitment to protecting the integrity of the department and the safety of the community. The Riverdale Police Department has started an internal review in response to the discovery and opened a public query to determine if there are additional, unreported incidents involving the tow truck driver. They urge any people who may have encountered this individual or witnessed questionable behavior involving these vehicles to contact the Riverdale Police Department. The Riverdale Police Department expressed gratitude to the public and the Georgia State Patrol for their cooperation. Channel 2 Action News has reached out to Riverdale Police Department for more information. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] By Ali Kucukgocmen TEKIRDAG, Turkey (Reuters) -A drought in Turkey's northwestern province of Tekirdag has left the area's main dams without potable water, straining infrastructure and leaving some homes without water for weeks, due to a sharp drop in precipitation in the country this year. Authorities say drought is a critical issue, with several provinces warning of limited fresh water supply this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Various areas in Izmir, Turkey's third-most populous province, have experienced frequent water cuts this month, while the municipality in the western province of Usak was told over the weekend it would have access to water just six hours a day, with the main water reservoir depleted. Rainfall slumped 71% in July across the country from a year ago, according to Turkey's Meteorological Service. In the Marmara region, which includes Tekirdag and Istanbul, it shrank 95% below the monthly norm in July. In the ten months to August, precipitation sank 32% in Marmara compared to the norm, while it fell 26% across Turkey to the lowest in 52 years. ALTERNATIVES Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The water level in Tekirdag's Naip Dam, which has not seen any rainfall in June and July, fell to zero percent in August. That has forced authorities to find alternatives like delivering irrigation water for domestic use and building a pump system for delivery into urban areas. The dam's water level was 21% this time last year, according to the State Hydraulic Works. Mehmet Ali Sismanlar, head of Tekirdag's Water and Sewerage Administration (TESKI), said rainfall in Tekirdag has reduced dramatically over the past decade, and severe drought over the last two years has spurred frequent water cuts in some areas this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are the area and the province that has been affected the most by the drought in Turkey," he said, attributing it to climate change. The water in Turkmenli dam, usually used for irrigation, was used to supply water to Tekirdag's Marmaraereglisi district, where some neighbourhoods faced water cuts. TESKI was working to open new wells to use ground water, not usually a preferred measure, Sismanlar said. He said ground water had sunk to twice its original depth over the years. Mehmet, 70, a resident who lives in the Dereagzi neighbourhood with his family, said their home has had no water for two months, leaving them unable to shower or perform chores, and they were fetching water from nearby areas in large bottles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have been living in filth for the past two months," he said, standing among dirty piles of dishes in the kitchen, and adding that he last showered when he went to Istanbul, around 130 kilometres (81 miles) away. His wife, Fatma, 65, said the family stayed up at night to fill up bottles in case water supply is resumed. Remzi Karabas, 71, said he takes his laundry to Istanbul to be washed, but was done with living in Tekirdag. "We'll leave some day soon. What can we do here? Water does not flow at all." (Editing by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Bernadette Baum) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Tuesday confirmed the U.S. government is vying for a 10% stake in Silicon Valley pioneer Intel in an unusual deal that would deepen the Trump administrations financial ties with major computer chip manufacturers and punctuate a dramatic about-face from the presidents recent push to oust the companys CEO. The ambitions that Lutnick confirmed in a televised interview with CNBC came the day after various news outlets reported on the negotiations between the Trump administration and Intel. The investment would be made by converting federal government grants previously pledged under President Joe Biden's administration into a bushel of Intel stock that would turn the U.S. government into one of the company's largest shareholders. We think America should get the benefit of the bargain, Lutnick told CNBC as he explained why President Donald Trump is pushing for the deal. It's obvious that it's the right move to make. Intel declined to comment on the negotiations with the Trump administration. The notion of the U.S. government holding a huge stake in Intel would have seemed inconceivable back in the company's heyday when its processors were powering a personal computer boom that began in the mid-1970s. But Intel has been mired in tough times after missing mobile computing era unleashed by the iPhones 2007 debut. Intel has fall even farther behind in recent years during an artificial intelligence craze that has been a boon for two of its once-smaller rivals, Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices. The Trump administration is hitching a ride on their success by imposing a 15% commission on their sales of their chip sales in China in exchange for their export licenses. Those fees are expected to translate into billions of dollars in additional government revenue. The U.S. government's negotiations to become a major Intel shareholder are coming on a heels of a $2 billion investment Japanese technology giant SoftBank Group disclosed late Monday that it plans to make in the Santa Clara, California, company. Softbank is accumulating its 2% stake in Intel at $23 per share a slight discount from the stock's price when its investment was announced. Intel's shares surged nearly 7% to close at $25.31 on the news of Softbank's big bet on Intel, coupled with Trump's designs on the company. SoftBank invests in an array of companies that it sees as holding long-term potential. It has been stepping up investments in the United States since Trump returned to the White House. In February, its chairman Masayoshi Son joined Trump, Sam Altman of OpenAI and Larry Ellison of Oracle in announcing a major investment of up to $500 billion in a project to develop artificial intelligence called Stargate. A Virgin Atlantic flight attendant attended work while she was four times over the alcohol limit after crashing her car on the way to the airport, a court has heard. Kathryn Scott, 44, had to be removed from a plane at Heathrow after drinking wine the night before. The cabin crew member crashed her black Hyundai at a roundabout and had to be driven to work by a member of the public after leaving her car at the scene, Uxbridge magistrates court was told on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She denied a single charge of performing an aviation function when over the alcohol limit on June 12. After her crash was reported to the police, she was removed from the plane until officers arrived, the court heard. Ms Scott admitted to being in an accident and said she had two glasses of wine eight hours before the flight. Liver condition A test showed she had 91 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, more than four times the 20 milligram legal limit for flight attendants in the UK. Magistrates were told she has been diagnosed with a liver condition which meant she may not be able to break down alcohol in the usual way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She blamed the crash on a fault with her cars steering, the court heard. Ms Scott, of Ottershaw, Surrey, was bailed to appear at the same court for trial on Dec 11. 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. TYLER, Texas (KETK) For the first time in more than two weeks, enough lawmakers showed up at the state capital on Monday to make a quorum for the start of the second special session called by Governor Greg Abbott. Democrats get police escorts to prevent a new redistricting walkout as California moves to retaliate It was a very dramatic day today here at the Capitol, State Rep. Joanne Shofner (R) of Nacogdoches said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shofner said that House Bill 1, which covers flood relief for the Hill Country, has taken precedence in the second session, along with gaveling in bills that have been referred to committees. We can finally get that done and get that passed, so we are excited about doing that, Shofner said. Another one is property tax relief for our Texans. With progress able to be made, some Republican lawmakers said they are disappointed with the lack of action when it comes to holding the Democratic leaders responsible for their missing time in Austin. There was not one arrest. There still has not been one Democrat with their seat vacated, no Democrats removed from any committees, not one Democrat has had their chairmanships removed, State Rep. Brian Harrison (R) of Midlothian said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the Smith County Democratic Party met on Monday night in Tyler, offering their opinions on the start of the second session and the redirecting battle. This is diluting all of our votes, and its not what Texas decided was best for Texas, Smith County Democratic Party vice chair Dax Alexander said. I always thought Texans were in charge of Texas. Texas House prioritizes bill to expand access to Ivermectin Alexander voiced his displeasure on Monday by saying that DPS officers escorting Texas lawmakers is offensive to democracy. By assigning armed guards to protect these people, protect these people, once again, hes showing where his priorities lie, and its not with the people of Texas, its with who he really wants to impress thats the people he idolizes in Washington, D.C., Alexander said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With everything happening in Austin, local party leaders wanted to take steps on Monday to prevent something like this in the future by hosting a candidate recruitment information forum. We need organization happening now so that this doesnt happen again, so that we have some sort of political power to make these moves with and arent depending on, you know, quorum breaking and things that are supposed to be unprecedented to cover us, Whitehouse Precinct 30 chair Kristen Hardin-Sigler said. The Smith County Democratic Party hopes the informational meeting encouraged more East Texans to take part in local and state elections. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. It's the first total eclipse in Spain since 1905, and there won't be another one in Iceland this century. So says Dr John Mason, describing the next occasion on which the moon will fully obscure the sun: 12 August 2026. He told The Independents daily travel podcast: We have a total eclipse that starts in the high Arctic, goes over the North Pole, down the east coast of Greenland, far northwest corner of Iceland, over the ocean, and then down to Spain and the Balearic Islands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only a tiny proportion of the planets population has ever witnessed a total solar eclipse. The fact that the celestial phenomenon will sweep across northern Spain and reach the island of Mallorca at sunset is exciting for the millions who will be on holiday in the region during the peak summer month for travel. But Dr Mason cautions: This is one of the trickiest solar eclipses in terms of weather that I've seen for a long time. Montreal, 2024: Location for the last big eclipse. Except during the brief spell of totality, viewers must use special glasses to protect their eyes (Simon Calder) As many people who witnessed the last such event in the UK Cornwall, 1999 will remember, cloud cover takes away the magic of a total solar eclipse. The Sussex astronomer has been chasing the darkness for almost four decades. His expertise enables him to select the optimum location to view each eclipse and to rule out long stretches of the path of totality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Mason says: In the high Arctic, Greenland and Iceland, cloud cover is at least 80 per cent and, in many places, over 90 per cent. The latter represents less than a one-in-10 chance of witnessing the eclipse without overcast skies. The figure improves "up on the high frozen ice cap in the middle of Greenland. He rates the chance of clear skies as 60 per cent, which is not bad. The other Greenland option is the middle of Scoresby Sound on the east coast one of the worlds largest fjords. You could get between 45 and 50 per cent clear, which would be quite good for that area. But as soon as you get to the ocean, then the cloud cover becomes 80, 90 per cent or more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in the far northwest of Iceland, where the prospects are just a little bit better, it's still not great. Inland in Iceland, the prospects are slightly better, but the roads there are extremely narrow. I think the Iceland authorities will look very carefully at how many people are going to go there. The greatest duration for the 2026 total solar eclipse a relatively short two minutes and 18 seconds will be just off the coast of northwest Iceland. Dark sky: Path of the 2026 total solar eclipse (National Eclipse) The track of totality will then sweep southeast across the Atlantic, to the west of Ireland. Dr Mason predicts that many eclipse chasers will be on board cruise or expedition ships in the North Atlantic. But, he warns: It's going to be tricky for the captains to find a spot where there is clear weather. Even though the sun is reasonably high in the sky, you've still got the problem of 80-90 per cent-plus cloud cover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It next makes landfall in northern Spain, and here the weather prospects increase dramatically. The centre of the path of totality will first strike Spain over the port of Luarca in Asturias. It will then traverse southeast passing just south, in turn, of the cities of Oviedo and Burgos. Although you have cloud cover, to maybe 50 or 60 per cent along the northern coast of Spain, as soon as you come inland a bit the weather prospects increase dramatically, Dr Mason says. I'm going to be in central northern Spain, where the cloud prospects are much better, but the sun is getting lower and lower in the sky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the sun is low in the sky, you've got a very long path through the atmosphere, and you only need cloud somewhere along that path to thwart your view. Where I'm going to be, which is southwest of Burgos, the sun is going to be about nine degrees high at totality. Thats not too bad. As you go nearer towards the Mediterranean coast, and obviously the sun gets lower and lower, the chances of cloud being in the way increase. Sun seekers: French eclipse viewers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in 2017 (Simon Calder) The eclipse track leaves mainland Spain just north of Castellon airport on the Mediterranean coast. But by then the sun will be very low on the horizon even more so, when it strikes the southwest coast of Mallorca just north of the port of Andratx. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Mason holds out the tantalising prospect of an amazing view of a totally eclipsed sun hanging above the horizon, looking really large. For a place to view it, you've got to make sure that you're up high and you don't have anything in the way on the land. If there is to be a Mallorca miracle, it will be best viewed from a location on the sparsely populated southwest coast of Mallorca, rather than a bar in Magaluf also on the line of totality, but where many obstructions will block the view. Star trek: Dr John Mason revealing secrets of the cosmos ahead of the 2017 Great American Eclipse in Wyoming (Simon Calder) Except during the brief spell of totality, viewers of eclipses must use special glasses to protect their eyes. The US National Solar Observatory says: During totality, you may view the sun without proper eye protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But during all other phases of the eclipse, you should only look at the sun when your eyes are protected. Eclipse viewing glasses will be widely available at the key locations on the line of totality. Dr Mason is much sought after by travel firms as a tour leader; Queen guitarist Sir Brian May is among his celebrity clients. The astronomer will be leading his 2026 trip on behalf of New Scientist. For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast On a lengthy list of bills Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law Friday was a measure authored by state Sen. Sara Feigenholtz to address what has become one of the true hazards of life in Chicago: driving on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The law will have the Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois Chicago do a study on whether cameras using artificial intelligence technology can make DuSable Lake Shore Drive safer. In an April 4 statement, Feigenholtz, a Democrat representing a North Side district, said, The high number of crashes due to dangerous and distracted patterns demands urgent action. We need research-driven solutions that improve safety outcomes without imposing overly punitive measures. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AI cameras are being deployed on expressways in this country and abroad to identify unsafe practices such as failing to wear a seatbelt and texting while driving, as well as speeding. Some jurisdictions are studying how the technology can be used. Others outside the U.S. are going so far as to allow the cameras to generate evidence for ticketing drivers. In this country, some states are using the technology to give police patrolling the roads a heads-up on drivers coming their way who are breaking laws on distracted driving and speeding. Fierce debates are occurring already, as you might imagine, around privacy. We share those misgivings. But without a doubt, something must be done about driving behavior on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Anyone whos been on the drive in recent months really any time since the pandemic routinely encounters reckless driving. Speeds at 90 mph or more are a common sight. Hazardous lane changing occurs regularly. In our experience, the issue is worse on the southern stretch of the drive, perhaps because it is more lightly traveled than North DuSable Lake Shore Drive, which abuts more densely populated neighborhoods. But both ends of the iconic roadway currently arent safe enough for law-abiding drivers to use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On South DuSable Lake Shore Drive, it used to be that regular patrolling by the Chicago Police Department kept drivers from channeling their inner Mario Andretti. CPD patrols these days are an infrequent sight, and predictably the speed demons feel liberated. We see nothing wrong with studying the use of AI-enabled cameras on DuSable Lake Shore Drive. In the future, there may even be an argument for speed cameras on the drive given their proliferation on far less dangerous city streets where increasingly they are more a source of revenue for a revenue-starved city government than anything else. But in the meantime, how about returning to a tried-and-true method of keeping DuSable Lake Shore Drive safer? That is, regular patrolling by CPD. We understand police resources are stretched, and we sympathize with arguments that cops need to be focused mainly on violent crime. But people are dying on DuSable Lake Shore Drive as well, and wed argue that a few regular patrols armed with that trusty old-school technology the radar gun are well justified by the future lives that can be saved. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) State and county leaders were in Las Vegas Monday for a bill signing ceremony of legislation aimed at fixing public education. Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo labeled SB 460 as a landmark education bill. We are moving education forward in the state of Nevada and the numbers are proving that, Lombardo said at Mountain View Elementary School. Almost a page out of the legislative session in Carson City, Lombardo and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro were seated next to each other. But this time around, they were in an elementary school in Las Vegas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It takes a long time turn a battleship, and education is a battleship, Lombardo said. Its a slow, arduous process to get to where you want to be. Lombardo wants better student outcomes. According to the states most recent report card, one in three middle schoolers were proficient in reading, and another one in four were proficient in math at the Clark County School District. Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo labeled SB 460 as a landmark education bill. (KLAS) Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo labeled SB 460 as a landmark education bill. (KLAS) CCSD Superintendent Jhone Ebert supports the bill and the new education standards it lays out, including increasing funding for the states Read by 3 program. It provides us common language and a transparent road map for progress that our parents and our community not only deserve but have been asking for, Ebert said. It unifies us all under a single statewide vision for excellence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The common message Cannizzaro and Lombardo shared at the press event was the importance of reaching a compromise to create a bill that improved education. To move forward, Cannizzaro relented on her opposition to Lombardos priorities for charter schools, which included offering school buses for charter school students. We want to make sure that no matter where public dollars are being spent, theres accountability that comes with that. And no matter where it is that a kid is finding itself in the education space, theyre getting a great education, Cannizzaro, D-Clark County, said. SB 460 also makes permanent teacher pay raises that lawmakers passed in 2023. The bill also invests about $10 million over the next two years to expand pre-k education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lombardo did not take questions from the media at the bill signing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A 52-year-old man died after his car was hit by a truck that was attempting to avoid crashing into another vehicle in Northeast El Paso, authorities said. A 2017 Ford F150 driven by a 49-year-old woman from Chaparral, New Mexico, was driving south about 5:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 18, in the 13100 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard in Northeast El Paso near the Texas-New Mexico stateline, El Paso Police Department spokesperson Detective Judy Oviedo wrote in a news release. The woman swerved to avoid a crash, resulting in her losing control of her truck. The truck went into oncoming traffic and crashed into a 2016 Hyundai Elantra driven by 52-year-old Oscar Lopez, of El Paso, and a 2019 Toyota Camry driven by a 59-year-old El Paso man, the news release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: El Paso police seek 2nd car in West Side motorcycle collision on North Mesa Street Lopez was taken to a hospital for treatment of the injuries he suffered in the crash. He later died at the hospital. The El Paso Police Department's Special Traffic Investigations unit continues to investigate the crash. Anyone with information on the fatal crash is asked to call the El Paso Police Department at 915-832-4400 or may anonymously call Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 915-566-8477 (TIPS). This is the 39th traffic-related death of 2025 compared to 41 at this same time last year, according to Police Department numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: 12-year-old girl dies in ATV rollover crash in El Paso County desert Aaron Martinez covers the criminal justice system for the El Paso Times. He may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on X/Twitter @AMartinezEPT. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso man dies in crash after truck swerves into oncoming traffic YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Elaine Riley, a radiant soul born on October 7, 1963, in the heart of Youngstown, Ohio, the beloved daughter of Deacon Robert Lee Riley, Sr. & Caroline Doward-Riley, peacefully departed this world on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at her New Castle, PA residence. She leaves behind a legacy woven with love, resilience, and the vibrant beauty of life. The youngest of 13 children, Elaine was raised and nurtured in the faith at Ebenezer Church of God in Christ. A proud graduate of South High School, she carried the color purple close to her hearta hue that echoed her vibrant personality and love for life. She had an unending passion for music of varied genres, weaving melodies into the fabric of her days, and left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Elaines journey brought her to New Castle, Pennsylvania, upon retirement after she gracefully embraced her calling as a certified nursing assistant for the Ron Joy Nursing Home. For many years, she dedicated her heart and hands to the residents of the long-term care facility where her compassionate spirit and warm smile brightened the days of those she cared for. Elaine enjoyed walking, especially in the park or the store and random visits to her grandchildren. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elaines memory will be sustained by her beloved children Teneshia Pettway, Deaunte Riley, Timothy O. Riley, TaMikia Butler, and DeonDray Robinson, along with ten grandchildren- Kwezale, DaeQuan. Dyshawn, Tristan, Odyessie, Aneenah, Aneshia, Quiana, DeMachel, Princiera and sixteen great-grandchildren. Cherished as a sister, she will forever be remembered by her siblings Sara Riley, Gloria Riley, Barbra Riley, Linda Riley, Louella Drummond, Mattie Leggett, Robert Riley Jr., Willie Riley and Willie Boone. As Elaine entered eternity, she joins her parents and siblings- CarrieBell Reese. Bertha Riley, Carrie Shelton, William Riley and Peter Hardy among the ancestors, all who preceded her in death. In the hearts of her family, her spirit will forever resonate, echoing the songs of love, compassion, and joy. A public viewing to celebrate Elaines life will be held Tuesday August 19, 2025, in the chapel of the J.E. Washington Funeral Home, 2234 Glenwood Ave, in Youngstown, Ohio, from 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. The family warmly invites those who knew and loved Elaine to come together and reflect on her beautiful spirit. At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Elaine Riley elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J.E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500. Her Journeys Just Begun Dont think of her as gone away, her journeys just begun Life holds so many facets, this earth is only one. Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears In a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days or years. Think how she must be wishing that we could know today How nothing but our sadness, can really pass away. And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched For nothing loved is ever lost and she was loved so much. A television tribute will air Tuesday, August 19 at the following approximate times: 5:17 a.m. on WKBN, 8:39 a.m. on FOX, 5:19 p.m. on WYTV and 6:37 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. LAFAYETTE, IN Richard L. Frank of Elgin, Illinois, is the man whom Indiana State Police suspect led troopers on a chase late Monday morning, police said. A trooper noticed a 2024 Chevy Silverado pickup truck make several traffic violations in Lebanon, and he tried to stop the truck about 11:30 a.m. Monday, according to police. Instead of pulling over, Frank, 46, led the trooper to Interstate 65 and sped north, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police later learned that Frank was suspected of a theft in Lebanon, as well has having warrants for his arrest in several Midwestern states, including one from Boone County charging him with a Feb. 21 theft in Lebanon. More: Three-county police chase ends around noon with crash on Lafayette's east side The Chevy pickup truck headed north through Clinton County, and it left the interstate at the Dayton/Lafayette exit about 11:50 a.m., police said. Frank sped west on Indiana 38, then north on Creasy Lane. Police briefly lost sight of the truck when it turned into a parking lot, police said. A Tippecanoe County sheriff's deputy saw the truck northbound on Sagamore Parkway, and the chase was on again, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Schuyler Avenue, the truck turned eastbound, then turned into the Lafayette Fire Station and tried to turn around. But he struck a sheriff's deputy vehicle and a utility pole, ending the chase and knocking out electricity in the area, according to police and a business' Facebook post. In addition to the warrants, police jailed Frank about eight hours after the chase ended on suspicion of aggressive driving, reckless driving and resisting law enforcement. Additionally, a juvenile was in his truck during the chase, so police also jailed him on suspicion of neglect of a dependent. Frank remained incarcerated at the Tippecanoe County Jail on Tuesday afternoon, according to jail records. Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Police suspect an Illinois man caused a chase from Lebanon to Lafayette MAGA Rep. Elise Stefanik struggled to speak over boos and jeers at an event in her home district Monday, becoming the latest GOP lawmaker to face a hostile reception from constituents. The New York congresswoman was met by protesters while appearing at a ceremony honoring a late Clinton County clerk in Plattsburgh, a small town near the Canadian border. Video shows jeers erupting from the crowd as Stefanik, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump and a possible gubernatorial candidate, stepped up to the podium to give her remarks. Elise Stefanik got booed so loud in her district you couldnt even hear her speak. That's what happens when you sell out your constituents to Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/emdfgs7kq1 Democrats (@TheDemocrats) August 19, 2025 Cries of You sold us out!, Shame!, and Unseal the Epstein files!, along with a steady stream of boos, made it difficult for Stefanik to be heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She left the podium after speaking for less than a minute, and was booed again when she returned to speak for a second time. More than half of the crowd at the ceremony were protesters, according to the local NBC affiliate NBC 5, with many waving signs blasting Stefanik for supporting Trumps policies and for allegedly shunning meetings with constituents. Stefanik denounced the protesters for politicizing a ceremony meant to honor longtime clerk John Zurlo, who died at 86 last December. It is a disgusting disgrace that this is what the far left does, rather than understanding that his family has been through a tremendous amount. It was about honoring his legacy, Stefanik told NBC5 after the event. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is a close ally of President Donald Trump, who nominated her to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations earlier this year before withdrawing the nomination due to the GOPs razor-thin majority in the House. / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images She later doubled down in an X post, slamming radical Far Left Democrat agitators who disgracefully attempted to drown out and silence a non-political event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But protester Mavis Agnew told the TV station that the ceremony was the first opportunity we had to let her know were unhappy in months. She wont hold a town hall, she wont take questions. Shes never in her office, Agnew said. Despite her best efforts to avoid constituent backlash, Stefanik joins a growing list of Republicans who have been confronted by voters frustrated with Trump and the GOPs agenda, including the Department of Government Efficiencys sweeping cuts and the Big Beautiful Bill. Stefanik, who backed Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election, is weighing a 2026 run for New York Governor. / Drew Angerer/Getty Images The GOPs massive spending bill, which Stefanik voted for, balloons the deficit while slashing more than $1.1 trillion from Medicaid, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cuts could disrupt some health-care services in New Yorks rural North Country region, where Plattsburgh is located, the Adirondack Daily Enterprise has reported. I dont think this is about Democrats versus Republicans or anything, Jesse Murnane, another protester, told NBC5. Were all here represented by Stefanik. And with the recent cuts that have just been passed, were all going to be affected by rural hospitals. Hudson Headwaters potentially being affected, our only clinics available to patients. Thats important to me. Stefanik, who backed Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election, was nominated by the president earlier this year to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. However, Trump later withdrew the nomination, citing the GOPs razor-thin majority in the House. The 41-year-old congresswoman has been hinting at a possible 2026 run against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and recently announced that she would make a final decision later this year. The Daily Beast reached out to Stefaniks office for comment. ELIZABETHTOWN Supporting the Northern Forest Centers Hale House and Law Library project is a good investment in the future of the hospital and the community, according to Michelle Meachum, director of human resources at University of Vermont Health Network Elizabethtown Community Hospital. ECH has invested a total $300,000 through the Centers Northern Forest Fund and recently donated another $300,000 directly to support the Centers project to redevelop Elizabethtowns historic Hale House and Law Library into middle-market housing. Design work is underway and the renovations are likely to begin in the spring to create four 2- and 3-bedroom apartments in the Hale House and a single-family, 2-bedroom home in the Library, according to Adam Bailey, the Centers Adirondack program manager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The connection between access to quality health care and housing is simple. We need quality housing to successfully recruit and retain employees, said Meachum said, who calls the innovative partnership between ECH and the Center a step in the right direction for the entire region. It will have a significant impact on recruitment efforts for us and other employers in the region. Caring for our community requires a dedicated team of employees and providers. In a rural area like ours, recruitment can be difficult, and housing plays a role in that challenge. To preserve access to care and to enhance it where we can, we are doing what we can to make it easier for people to live and work here, ECH and Porter Medical Center President Bob Ortmyer said. This is one of several projects the University of Vermont Health system has sponsored to address the regional housing shortages that contribute to the challenges of recruiting and retaining a stable workforce. Limited housing availability can make recruitment difficult, especially in rural communities like Elizabethtown. Those who accept positions often face extended commutes which can lead to high turnover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, the UVMH system celebrated the opening of an apartment complex in Burlington, Vermont, that included 181 units. Another housing investment, Prospect Heights, in Barre, Vermont, opened in 2023. The Center has been working with local partners in Elizabethtown for several years to strengthen the community by writing grants, supporting recreation trails and improvements, and advancing plans for a municipal wastewater system, Bailey said. Were looking forward to getting the renovations underway at the Hale House property. The Center is a regional innovation and investment partner creating rural vibrancy by connecting people, economy, and the forested landscape across northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. It uses a variety of capital sources to fund property purchases and development funding that enables the Center to take on challenging property development projects that do not attract commercial developers. Our approach to creating housing in rural communities depends on support from a diverse set of funds, Center President Rob Riley said. The hospitals vote of confidence in this model through both a mission-investment and capital grant is just the type of partnership that allows us to deliver on our projects and ensure quality, year-round homes for people looking to put down roots here. We hope more investors and funders will join the hospital in supporting our current Adirondack projects and help bring them across the finish line. In addition to the historic renovation in Elizabethtown, the Center is currently constructing a multi-family residence in Tupper Lake, across the street from the high school. It also recently completed the renovation of historic buildings in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and Bethel, Maine, to create 18 apartments and two commercial spaces. Morgan Stanley analyst Bob Huang raised the firms price target on Manulife Financial (MFC) to $48 from $47 and keeps an Equal Weight rating on the shares. Following Q2 results, the firm is updating its price targets for stocks in the Life Insurance segment under its coverage, the analyst tells investors. Nearly half of the life insurers under its coverage beat expectations on a reported basis and most exceeded expectations on a core basis, the firm adds. Morgan Stanley notes the earnings beats were largely driven by selective favorable underwriting, better than expected performance of macro-sensitive segments, or both. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Published first on TheFly the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See the top stocks recommended by analysts >> Read More on MFC: Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of former Vice President Kamala Harris, complained to her TikTok followers that she was struggling with "climate anxiety" after showcasing a plastic bag or two online the day before. The 26-year-old model and designer posted a six-minute video Friday lamenting the "weight" of environmental concerns but shared an Instagram clip on Thursday in which she held a plastic bag on her bed at home, as well as outside a Pasadena thrift store. The juxtaposition drew some criticism online, with one follower accusing Emhoff of hypocrisy a charge complicated further by Harris own past calls to ban single-use plastics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Friday's TikTok, Emhoff, who goes by the name of @smellaemhoff said: "I think everything with the environment is really f---ing getting to me, and it is I experience a lot of climate anxiety, like all of us do." Ella Emhoff Feels 'Trauma' Returning To Nyc Polling Station Where She Voted For Harris Ella Emhoff shared a video showing her holding a plastic bag outside a thrift shop on Aug. 14, 2025. She added that while she tries to fight for change, "its really hard not to sit in those moments where it just feels so heavy." Read On The Fox News App The day before, Emhoff posted a different clip to her Instagram page. She can be seen sitting on her bed dressed in black jeans and a vest top with her dog running about next to her. Emhoff proudly shows off bundles of different colored yarn and fabric, and, in one part, a plastic bag. Ella Emhoff shared a video showing her holding a plastic bag on a bed Aug. 14, 2025. Emhoffs Instagram footage also shows her visiting Remainders, one of her favorite thrift stores in California. Shes filmed outside holding another plastic bag and kicking up her leg, before heading inside and looking for items in plastic containers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While some followers cheered her thrifting trip, one criticized the plastic-heavy displays shown in the shop. "Should probably not support a store filled with excessive plastic bins as shelves," one follower wrote. "Not surprised one bit by the hypocrisy. People like you are truly doing a great amount of damage to our country. Its dangerous." Environmental Activists Complain California Democrats Have 'Backed Down' On Climate Change Its not the first time the Emhoffs have been spotted with plastic despite the former VP herself once calling for bans on single-use plastics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, Harris said during a CNN town hall that "we do need to ban the plastic straws." By early 2024, however, her campaign shifted its position. In January, Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were also photographed leaving a California store with groceries packed in a plastic bag. Opinion: Don't Be Fooled. Mamdani Isn't The Future Of The Democratic Party Harris is a stepmother to Doug Emhoffs two kids, Ella and Cole, 30, who he shares with lawyer Kerstin Emhoff. Harris and Doug Emhoff met in 2013 on a blind date and married the following year. At the time, Ella was 15. She has since garnered attention for her political activism and reactions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, she complained about experiencing "a little trauma" on her way to vote for socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani in New York Citys Democratic mayoral primary, held at the same polling place where she once cast a ballot for Harris, who lost the election in November 2024. Ella Emhoff did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Original article source: Ella Emhoff shares climate anxiety concerns while using plastic bags in social media posts A chatbot developed by Elon Musk is designed to behave like a crazy conspiracy theorist that believes a secret global cabal controls humanity. The billionaires artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot known as Grok is programmed to include a digital persona that is deep in YouTube conspiracy video rabbit holes and it will discuss wild conspiracy theories about anything and everything, new data show. According to AI researchers who have studied the chatbot, underlying instructions known as prompts dictate how Grok behaves in its conversations with users with one pushing conspiracy views. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The instructions which have been reviewed by The Telegraph power different potential personality types for Grok, developed by Mr Musks company xAI as a rival to ChatGPT. The prompt for the conspiracy theorist says: You spend a lot of time on 4chan, watching Infowars videos and deep in YouTube conspiracy video rabbit holes. You are suspicious of everything and say extremely crazy things. Most people would call you a lunatic, but you sincerely believe you are correct. 4chan is an internet message board accused of fuelling far Right conspiracies, while Infowars is a fake-news site created by discredited US radio host Alex Jones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Grok modes include an unhinged comedian who, according to xAIs instructions, will come up with f------ insane answers. Mr Musk himself has repeatedly pushed conspiracy theories through posts on his X platform while the social media site has also been accused of promoting fake news. The 54-year old was previously forced to apologise after amplifying a post on X in 2023 that promoted an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. The billionaire responded to a post claiming that Jewish people had stoked hatred against white people by saying it was the actual truth. He later said the comment was the worst and dumbest post he had ever sent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While rival AI developers have sought to program strict guardrails into their chatbots to prevent them causing offence, xAI has also repeatedly tinkered with its design to provide outspoken responses to users. Internet users can speak to Grok using a dedicated chatbot app, through cartoon avatars or by asking it questions on X, previously known as Twitter. Its personalities include digital characters such as homework helper, companion, loyal friend and Ani, an anime-inspired digital girlfriend. It has also added a not safe for work mode for explicit conversations and pictures. While Mr Musk has promoted Grok as a truth-seeking chatbot and an antidote to the woke mind virus, the AI itself has also taken to spewing conspiracies and offensive internet memes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, xAI was forced to delete posts where Grok referred to itself as MechaHitler. The chatbot also regurgitated anti-Semitic tropes, such as arguing that Jewish people control Hollywood and have pushed progressive ideologies, including anti-traditional and diversity-focused themes. xAI later said it had reversed a change to its chatbot which had instructed it to not shy away from making claims which are politically incorrect. In May, the company claimed a programming error had led the bot to dispute whether six million Jewish people died in the Holocaust. The company also stated an unauthorised modification to the bots code caused it to repeatedly bring up claims of white genocide in South Africa when asked about entirely unrelated topics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement xAI was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A former long-time Boston television anchor is suing CBS and its parent company, Paramount Global, claiming that she was forced out of her job to make way for the media giants DEI quotas. Katherine Merrill Dunham, better known to viewers as Kate Merrill, claims network executives were worried that WBZ-TV was becoming too white, and chose to sideline her after more than two decades as an anchor at the station, according to court documents. The Emmy Awardwinning broadcaster filed her legal complaint against CBS earlier this month, saying she was demoted, humiliated in front of colleagues, and eventually pressured to resign all under the guise of CBSs DEI agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the lawsuit, Merrills troubles escalated when a black co-worker, meteorologist Jason Mikell, allegedly made a sexually charged remark about her on-air but faced no consequences. When Merrill raised concerns, she was hit with accusations of racial bias from Mikell and another anchor. Paramount would go on to later discipline her for so-called microaggressions and ordered her to undergo unconscious bias training, per The New York Post. The following day, Merrill claimed the company leaders at her news station announced her demotion. Merrill insists she was the victim of malicious and false allegations. WBZ-TV exploited such policies and took career-ending action against Ms. Merrill to advance a DEI agenda, her filing states. She also says minority colleagues were spared discipline for serious misconduct while she was labeled a racist and pushed out. CBS has had a contentious past connected to racially motivated practices. The lawsuit goes on to reference a past report alleging that former CBS News President Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews promoted minority employees while pushing white journalists to the sidelines. Ciprian-Matthews allegedly became the focus of a six-month internal investigation by Paramount Globals human resources department over claims of biased hiring and workplace practices. She has since stepped down from her role as CBS News President. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paramount itself quietly scrapped its DEI programs earlier this year after mounting public backlash and regulatory pressure from the Trump administration. She is seeking damages for lost wages and harm to her reputation, claiming she has been financially and professionally devastated after more than 20 years dedicated to Bostons breaking news. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) A bird that calls New Mexico home will not be listed as an endangered species. Some see this as a major win for New Mexico industry, while others said it could have dire consequences for the Lesser Prairie Chicken. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, conservation groups like the Center for Biological Diversity have fought to have the Lesser Prairie Chicken protected under the Endangered Species Act. The bird known for its mating displays is found in New Mexico and other states, including Texas and Oklahoma. Its population numbers have declined by 95%. In New Mexico, were down to just a few thousand birds, said Legal Director for the Center for Biological Diversity Climate Law Institute Jason Rylander. In 2022, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the bird as endangered in New Mexico and Texas and threatened in other states. Last week, a U.S. district court in Texas reversed the listing. The decision is being hailed as a legal victory for some of New Mexicos biggest industries. The Permian Basin Petroleum Association and the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association said theyre pleased that their own private land will be protected, and they will continue conservation efforts on a voluntary basis. We went through and did a lot of brush work. We had outside help and funding from some conservation groups to make sure that the way that we were doing it was to meet their satisfaction as well, said President of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, Bronson Corn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rylander said those voluntary efforts are not enough. The Center for Biological Diversity said it will file a new petition to have the bird listed as endangered. Meanwhile, Corn said his association and industry will continue to do the work they can to help the bird thrive in its habitat on their land. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sent KRQE this statement: The U.S. Fish and wildlife service, in coordination with our attorneys, is reviewing the judges order. The service remains committed to working with our partners to conserve the Lesser Prairie-Chicken and its grassland habitats. We have no further comment at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. WESTMORELAND, Tenn. (WKRN) A rural elementary school is outlawing all energy drinks. Starting Monday, Westside Elementary School in Westmoreland said its students can no longer have energy drinks while on campus. Just a few weeks into the new school year, the school district said a few Westside students were forced to go to the school nurse with elevated heart rates. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts The nurse soon learned that the young students had drank energy drinks earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She (the nurse) just got to looking around, and she said when she checked the cafeteria, she saw several energy drinks that had been brought in lunch boxes and that sort of thing. And she asked if we could do something about that, Macon County Schools Health Director Casey Brawner explained. In response, Brawner sent a letter out to parents in which she cites the American Academy of Pediatrics findings that energy drinks are not appropriate for children. Going forward, the letter reads, energy drinks are no longer allowed at Westside and would be thrown away if found on a student. We were just hoping to, if parents were unaware of the health risks that energy drinks pose for the children, just to kind of make them aware and ask for their support, Brawner explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brawner said the parental response was overwhelmingly positive. Thankfully, the district said the issue is isolated to Westside only, for now. It hasnt been reported to be an issue at any of the other schools, but were looking at that, and if it is, well address it at the other schools as well, Macon County Director of Schools Shawn Carter said. Carter said their elementary schools will be a priority but that all grades through high school could be subject to these energy drink guidelines if the situation warrants it. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com In years past, district officials said that only one other school has had to crack down on caffeine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was an issue at Macon County Junior High School, Brawner said. They just put this in their handbook every year, at the start of the school year, basically the same thing as this letter that went out to Westside. While acknowledging they cant stop their kids from having energy drinks at home, Macon County Schools said they will remain health-conscious for the betterment of their students. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Meta is building a $10 billion data center in north Louisiana. Entergy Louisiana plans to spend $3.2 billion on a power plant to run the center, plus additional money on a related gas plant in south Louisiana and transmission lines. (Meta) Fast-tracking a vote that was originally expected to happen two months from now, state utility regulators plan to decide Wednesday whether to approve a controversial power plant Entergy wants to build specifically for tech company Meta to run a giant data center planned for Northeast Louisiana. A utility ratepayer advocacy group that opposes the project says this attempt to rush the Louisiana Public Service Commissions approval has been shrouded in secrecy and back door deals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission never actually scheduled the vote but did set an October deadline for the matter to be settled, leaving many to expect the vote would take place that same month. But stakeholders and some parties previously opposed to the project told regulators last month they had reached an agreement with Entergy ahead of deadline that would allow its power plant to advance. Among the organizations and companies that have joined the agreement are the Southern Renewable Energy Association, Walmart, the Sierra Club, 1803 Electric Cooperative, Occidental Chemical, Northeast Electric Cooperative and Housing Louisiana. It looks like we got a peace deal with everybody most of the big players so its time to move on. Why wait? Public Service Commission Chairman Mike Francis, R-Crowley, said Monday in a phone interview. However, some groups have not signed onto the agreement. They include the Alliance for Affordable Energy, Louisiana Energy Users Group and Union of Concerned Scientists. The Alliance for Affordable Energy is urging the commission to postpone its vote until October to give the public the time many expected to have to learn more about the proposal. Logan Burke, the alliances executive director, said she is concerned with a lack of transparency around the project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everything about it is unusual, Burke said in a text message. Entergy Louisiana wants to install three natural gas-powered turbine generators that would provide 2,250 megawatts of electricity for Metas facility. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has 20 other data centers around the world, and its Louisiana facility would be the largest. The power plant project is being built specifically for the data center, though it will be connected to the larger electric grid and could supply power to other customers. The growing appetite for digital services has fueled the growth of data centers, leading to a great demand for power supply to run the facilities. A December 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Energy found that data centers consumed 4.4% of the electricity generated nationwide the year before. That share is expected to climb to a range between 6.7% and 12% by 2028. Neither Meta nor its data center affiliate, Laidley, is involved in the proposal before the Public Service Commission. The commissions administrative law judge, who handles matters under its jurisdiction, has sealed some of the filings that are normally available to the public and redacted details such as the estimated energy loads Meta will need for the data center and Entergys cost projections for the power plants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The companies insist these details are commercially sensitive and proprietary, so Administrative Law Judge Melanie Verzwyvelt allowed the utility to file many of its documents under seal. The Louisiana Energy Users Group, whose membership includes some of the states largest industrial companies, also opposes the power plant. It recently fought to get Public Service Commission approval to buy its own independent power source rather than wait on Entergy to build the clean energy sources its members have long requested. The group has argued that Meta will receive preferential treatment from Entergy Louisiana, which has committed to teaming up with Meta to build 1,500 MW of solar power generation that will connect to the broader grid. LEUG members say other companies have been waiting years on Entergy to fulfill commitments they had for their own renewable projects and worry they will now have to take a backseat to Meta an argument the utility company refutes. Commissioner Jean Paul Coussan, R-Lafayette, said the agreement includes a section that prohibits Meta from skipping the line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That section ensures that Meta will not be provided access to renewable generation before existing customers have access to it, Coussain said via text. Francis, the chairman, said the commission could postpone its vote on Entergys proposal if the commissioners still have concerns at Wednesdays meeting, but the matter seems to have support from both sides of the aisle. Three Republicans and two Democrats sit on the commission. Commissioner Foster Campbell, D-Bossier Parish, has said he backs the data center and the power plant because of the jobs they would bring to an economically depressed area of the state. The Meta facility is slated for a 2,250-acre state-owned site known as Franklin Farms, a rural area 30 miles northeast of Monroe. Poverty and unemployment rates in the area are among the highest in the state. Joe Shyne, Campbells chief of staff, said the projects will bring an estimated 6,500 construction jobs and 500 more from Meta once the data center is operating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is something [Campbells] been fighting 50 years for to bring jobs to that area, Shyne said in a phone interview. The commissions other Democrat, Davante Lewis of Baton Rouge, said he has some concerns but is generally not opposed to the project. He cited analysis from the commissions staff and Entergy showing the power plant will likely benefit Louisianas electric grid at little or no cost to ratepayers for at least the first 15 years of its lifespan. He said his biggest concern is one that could come to fruition years from now. Meta has committed to working with Entergy to build at least 1,500 MW of solar energy generation. Although solar farms generally take very little time to build compared to gas turbines, it could be years before the utility can start on it due to the high demand for industrial-scale renewable energy and the long waiting list for power lines that can connect them to the grid. Also, Metas power supply agreement with Entergy is for 15 years, while the average working lifespan of a natural gas power plant is 30 years. If Meta decides not to renew its deal with Entergy after 15 years, Louisiana ratepayers could have to pay the remaining cost of the power plants, Lewis said. The Public Service Commission meeting will take place Wednesday at the Carl F. Grant Civic Center in Plaquemine, starting at 10 a.m. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The High Court has ruled that illegal immigrants can no longer be housed at the Bell Hotel. This is a great victory for the parents and concerned residents of Epping. Let it also be an inspiration to the rest of Britain. They do not want their young women being abused and assaulted on the streets. They have protested outside the hotel since July, when an Ethiopian asylum seeker housed there was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old schoolgirl. Despite being slandered as far-Right by the establishment and attacked by Left-wing Antifa thugs, this community stood up bravely and they have won. They represent the vast majority of decent people in this country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the good people of Epping must inspire similar protests around Britain. Wherever people are concerned about the threat posed by young undocumented males living in local hotels and who are free to walk their streets, they should follow the example of the town in Essex. Lets hold peaceful protests outside the migrant hotels, and put pressure on local councils to go to court to try and get the illegal immigrants out; we now know that together we can win. I can say today that the English local councils controlled by the party I lead, Reform UK, will be doing everything in their power to follow Eppings lead. We are told that some 32,000 asylum seekers are now housed in British hotels, many of them young, undocumented males who have broken into the UK illegally. They should not be treated as privileged guests at taxpayers expense, and should not be free to walk our streets. The Labour Government must now answer the question: whose side are you on? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will Keir Starmers Government side with the decent people of Epping and elsewhere, who have had enough of seeing their young women harassed in the street by illegal immigrants and their communities changed for the worse by migrant hotels? Will Labour change policy to put a stop to it? Or will the Government try to overturn the courts verdict, and continue to side with illegal immigrants? A record 50,000 illegal immigrants have crossed the English Channel since Labour was elected last year. The signs are not good. Top lawyers representing Home Secretary Yvette Cooper made a desperate last-minute bid to stop Mr Justice Eyre granting an injunction to Epping Council on Tuesday. Shame on her. In court the Governments lawyers attacked the Epping Forest council for seeking an injunction, and complained that: The local authority should in fact have given some consideration to the wider public interest. It is high time we told the elite that defending the interests of the British public must be a priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As reported by the Telegraph, Government KCs argued that a decision to evict illegal immigrants from the Bell Hotel could put Britains asylum hotel scheme at risk of falling apart, because applying for similar court injunctions could now become the new norm adopted by local authorities elsewhere. Well, let us sincerely hope that they are right about that! It is high time that the outrageously expensive asylum hotel scheme, which nobody in Britain ever voted for, was brought down by popular demand. Let everybody who is concerned write to their local councillors and council leaders, demanding that they take action to empty illegal immigrants out of hotels in their communities. The sooner Epping-style injunctions do become the new norm adopted by local authorities around the country, the better it will be for the British people. Reform will also be launching a national petition demanding Government action now. No doubt we will be attacked as far Right provocateurs for daring to suggest that people follow the lead of Eppings parents and residents by protesting peacefully. But we will take no lectures on public safety from a Labour Government that has created this crisis by continuing the Tories disastrous soft migration policies or from the Labour MPs who voted against a national inquiry into the rape gangs scandal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epping has shown the way to win. Now we need to step up the pressure to empty all the migrant hotels, and then detain and deport the thousands of illegal immigrants who have no business being here. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Buffalo Maritime Center and Big Ditch Brewing Company will introduce Long Haul, the official beer of the 2025 Bicentennial Voyage of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief, in Lockport on Thursday. The brew release will begin with a 4 p.m. press conference at the Lockport Locks and continue with a beer tasting and reception at Big Ditchs Lockport Tap Room, 1 East Ave. Meanwhile, at the locks, the canal boat will be open to the public for touring from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the maritime center, Long Haul the commemorative lager is inspired by the epic long hauls of 19th century Erie Canal travel, multi-day boat journeys that spanned great distances across New York state. The beer is a honey lager brewed with ingredients used in the 1800s: six-row barley, New York-grown hops, clover honey and spruce tips. Big Ditch Brewing Company is a sponsor of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chiefs 2025 Bicentennial Voyage. Constructed by Buffalo Maritime Center, the full-size replica will repeat the original Seneca Chiefs 1825 canal-opening voyage from Buffalo to New York City, beginning Sept. 24. Long Haul lager will travel with the replica and be made available at almost every stop along the route. Long Haul embodies the spirit of the voyage locally made, steeped in tradition, and meant to be shared in community, Buffalo Maritime Center Executive Director Brian Trzeciak said. People across the state can raise a glass with us as they connect with the story of the Erie Canal and be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Matt Kahn, president of Big Ditch Brewing Company, described its partnership with Buffalo Maritime Center as a natural fit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our name was inspired by the Erie Canal itself once nicknamed the Big Ditch so being part of this historic voyage feels like coming full circle, Kahn said. Were thrilled to toast New Yorks history with our neighbors from Buffalo to New York City. Following the lager launch, Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will be back in Lockport on Sept. 24, during Canal Bicentennial Week in the city. The vessels return, on the first day of its 33-day Bicentennial Voyage, will be met with fireworks and a Rock the Locks street party on the Pine Street Bridge. Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has stated that only reliable security guarantees for Ukraine can deter Russia from a potential future attack. Source: Kallas on X (Twitter), following the EU leaders online meeting on Tuesday, as reported by European Pravda Details: Kallas said there was a "palpable unity" among EU leaders at the virtual summit in their pursuit of lasting peace in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Putin cannot be trusted to honour any promise or commitment. Therefore, security guarantees must be strong and credible enough to deter Russia from re-grouping and re-attacking," she wrote. Kallas pledged that the EU will contribute to Ukraines security guarantees, "notably by the training of Ukrainian soldiers and strengthening Ukraines armed forces and defence industry". "The EU will also continue targeting Russias war economy. The next sanctions package against Moscow should be ready by next month," she added. Background: Earlier, European Council President Antonio Costa said that the European Unions top priority in peace negotiations on Ukraine is for Russia to cease fire. Otherwise, the EU will increase sanctions pressure. On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders met with US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss ways of diplomatically ending Russias aggression. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission, which last week received a text from the U.S. administration with suggestions about finalising a joint statement on trade and tariffs, has sent back the draft to the US, a European Commission spokesman said during a daily press conference on Tuesday. "I can confirm that we have sent back the draft joint statement to the US," the spokesman said, adding that political level contact between European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and U.S. Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer is ongoing. "The work continues". The EU and the United States struck a framework trade deal in late July but only the baseline tariff of 15% has so far been implemented. The EU is still waiting for the White House to issue executive orders to cover carve-outs, such as on the automotive industry. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta, writing by GV De Clercq, Editing by Charlotte Van Campenhout) Key Points Don't be fooled; this under-the-radar neighborhood automotive parts retailer is a juggernaut. Expansion, efficiency, and relentless buybacks have powered outsized investment returns. However, the stock is a bit pricey today and faces some potential near-term headwinds. 10 stocks we like better than AutoZone The best stocks to own aren't always the companies dominating the news headlines. Sometimes, a world-class company sits right under your nose. You may even drive by it in your neighborhood every day. Did you know that AutoZone (NYSE: AZO), the automotive parts retailer, has returned over 14,000% since 1994? That trounces the S&P 500 index, and it's not ancient history, either -- the stock has beaten the index over the past year, three years, five years, and decade! What is the stock's recipe for success, and can AutoZone continue to deliver such impressive returns moving forward? Here is what you need to know. Image source: Getty Images. AutoZone's secret formula: expansion, efficiency, and relentless buybacks AutoZone is an automotive parts retailer with a network of over 7,500 company-owned stores across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It sells parts and accessories to consumers and commercial customers, as well as offers some complementary in-store services, like battery testing and engine light diagnostics. As a retailer, efficiency is paramount to business performance. Late investing great Charlie Munger loved companies with a high ROIC, or return on invested capital. Essentially, that's a measurement of a company's post-tax profits versus the money needed to operate the business. In other words, you look for companies that can put a little bit of money into the business and get a lot of profit out of it. AutoZone stands out in this regard. The company's ROIC has averaged 37.6% over the past decade, a tremendously high figure. It's a sign of the company's well-run operations and competitive advantages. Additionally, AutoZone has continually expanded over the years. Its store count has increased from 4,984 at the end of 2014 to 7,516 stores today. The combination of growth and business efficiency helps explain the stock's staggering performance. But that's not all. AutoZone takes its profits and uses them to repurchase shares, helping further increase earnings per share and the stock's share price. AutoZone's share count has declined nearly 90% from its peak in the late 1990s. It's this trifecta -- expanding, operating efficiently, and ruthlessly buying back stock -- that has made AutoZone such a winner over the years. European Council President Antonio Costa has said that the European Unions top priority in peace negotiations on Ukraine is for Russia to cease fire. Otherwise, the EU will increase sanctions pressure. Source: Antonio Costa at a press conference in Lisbon following a videoconference of European Council members on 19 August, as reported by European Pravda Details: Costa said that Russia must cease fire as the first step towards peace, otherwise it will face further sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "As a first step, Russia must immediately end the violence. Our top priority must be to stop the killings. Whether we call it a ceasefire or a truce is secondary; what matters is that we maintain pressure through sanctions if Russia does not comply. More than ever, it is crucial to maintain strong pressure on Russia. Now is the time to accelerate our practical work to put in place a guarantee similar to NATOs Article 5, with continued US engagement. The Coalition of the Willing should remain closely involved in this process. The Ukrainian Armed Forces will be the first line of defence. That is why we must enhance, reinforce and unblock our military support to Ukraine. The EU is already the biggest provider of military and economic support. And we will continue to look at how we can do more." Background: On 15 August, US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin held their first talks in the US state of Alaska. After that, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders met with Trump at the White House to discuss ways of diplomatically ending Russias aggression. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! US President Donald Trump hailed what he said was a "big day" Monday as his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his European allies all came to the US capital for a major meeting on ending Russia's war in Ukraine. The Washington talks follow a summit Trump held with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last Friday. After the meeting between the two heads of state last week, Trump revealed that negotiations over a possible ceasefire have been pushed aside with a view to finding a quick peace deal, as Moscow's all-out war continues well into its fourth year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, this has led to concerns over possible concessions made to the Russian side, which is believed to have reiterated its maximalist demands, including asking for full control over four Ukrainian regions -- Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson -- and retaining the illegally annexed Crimea, mobilising Kyiv's European supporters gathered around the "Coalition of the Willing". The list of those in the room on Monday includes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte are also in attendance. Follow our live blog below as Euronews' journalists from around Europe bring you the latest updates on the talks in the US capital: Editor's note: This item has been updated to reflect additional developments on security guarantees from U.S. officials. BRUSSELS, Belgium European leaders are set to meet to coordinate the next steps on security guarantees for Ukraine after high-level talks in Washington, as diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of a possible trilateral summit involving Kyiv and Moscow. Following the White House talks, they are expected to reconvene in multiple formats over the coming days to align positions before the next high-level contact with Washington and Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement EU ambassadors met early Aug. 19 to prepare for a call with the Coalition of the Willing leaders and a subsequent virtual summit of EU leaders to follow up on the White House discussions. The talks, convened by European Council President Antonio Costa, are expected to debrief leaders and prepare further discussions on the security guarantees Ukraine's backers can provide to prevent further Russian aggression. European officials confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that a series of meetings among the participant countries of the "Coalition of the Willing" could take place in the coming days to hash out the details. Read also: Zelensky outlines $90 billion US arms deal as part of Ukraines security guarantees Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Aug. 19 that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take a lead role in draft security guarantees alongside NATO officials for Ukraine. National security advisors are also expected to hammer out a skeleton of a proposal over the next week, according to people familiar with the matter. European officials told WSJ the security guarantees will encompass a military presence, air defenses, weapons armaments, and monitoring the halt in hostilities. A broad understanding was there that this should include a well-equipped Ukrainian Armed Forces without limitation on its size or decision-making, a future multinational "reassurance force" ready to support Kyiv after a potential ceasefire, as well as U.S. support for any guarantees, they said. Next to the other two, in what form the latter might come remains vague after the White House talks, as Washington up until now has been reluctant to commit to the extent of its involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European officials have pointed out that Trump has started using the term "presence of the United States" in addition to previously speaking about those security guarantees to be provided in "coordination with the United States." Despite his initial comments, Trump on Aug. 19 said U.S. soldiers will not be on the ground in Ukraine to ensure security guarantees are upheld, deflecting the responsibility to European allies. When asked on Fox News if there were was an assurance to Americans that U.S. soldiers will not patrol Ukraine's front line region, Trump replied: "Well you have my assurance, you know I'm president. I'm just trying to stop people from being killed." "We've got the European nations, they'll frontload it," Trump said. "Some of them: France, and Germany, U.K., they want to have boots on the ground," Trump added. French President Emmanuel Macron (C) and U.S. President Donald Trump (R) listen as President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) speaks during a meeting with European leaders in Washington, D.C., U.S. on Aug. 18, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) "Today was really about security guarantees, the U.S. getting more involved there, and all the details to be hammered out over the coming days," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told reporters in Washington after the talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another virtual meeting between European leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump could also happen once a basic framework has been drafted to discuss the specifics of the security guarantees that Western allies might collectively offer Kyiv. Finland's President Alexander Stubb told CNN Trump's decision to call Russian President Vladimir Putin during the meeting had been a "coordinated" move with European leaders as well as President Volodymyr Zelensky to test the ground for a possible future meeting. The timeline for potential high-level diplomacy involving Russia and Ukraine is also accelerating. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters that a possible summit between Putin and Zelensky could take place within two weeks. "We're working on that now to try to set that up for them to meet somewhere," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also told Fox News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If that goes well, hopefully the next meeting will be a meeting between Presidents Putin, Trump, and Zelensky, where we hope to finalize a deal. We're not there yet, but that's what we're aiming toward," he added. French President Emmanuel Macron hinted that the announcement of Putin-Zelensky talks could be imminent. "It could be mere hours before the details of Putin-Zelensky talks are set," Macron said, suggesting that negotiations on the format were in their final stages. In addition, Macron floated the idea of a broader trilateral summit within three weeks involving Ukraine, Russia, and other Western powers. Read also: As Zelensky, Trump prepare to talk about peace, most Russian demands are non-starters for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The European Union's 19th package of sanctions against Russia is expected to be ready in September, top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas announced on Aug. 19, as the EU ramps up its pressure on Moscow in hopes that it will push Russia to end its war in Ukraine. "The EU will also continue targeting Russias war economy. The next sanctions package against Moscow should be ready by next month," Kallas wrote on social media, following a meeting of EU ambassadors convened by EU Council President Antonio Costa. "The unity among EU leaders in todays virtual Summit was palpable," Kallas added. "Everyone is committed to a lasting peace that protects both Ukraines and Europes vital security interests." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No details were provided on the planned contents of the package. The statement comes following a meeting on peace talks between U.S. President Donald Trump, President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European leaders on Aug. 18, in which leaders pressured Trump to support Ukraine with adequate security guarantees. Numerous European leaders have called on Trump to threaten and implement sanctions if it does not agree to a ceasefire. The EU approved its previous sanctions package on July 18, describing it as "one of its strongest" to date, aimed at ramping up economic pressure on Russia. The 18th sanctions package lowered the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $47.60 per barrel and targeted over 100 vessels in Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" and their affiliates. The measures aimed to curb revenue from fossil fuel exports, a key source of funding for the Kremlin's war against Ukraine. Aside from a meeting with Trump, Russia has taken no concrete steps toward ending the war in Ukraine and continues its offensive along the front line. Following the White House talks, Trump said he would attempt to broker leader-level talks between Kyiv and Moscow, but it is yet to be seen as to whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will agree to participate in a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a discussion with Costa following the EU meeting on Aug. 19, Zelensky said Europe must increase economic pressure" until Russia takes real steps to stop the war." "We value the unity and unwavering support of the European Union. We agreed to continue working closely together," Zelensky concluded. Read also: Warm words, thin results: White House meeting lifts Ukraine, but tough road ahead Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) Montgomery County has added a new EV charging station in downtown Dayton. Montgomery County and Dayton leaders celebrated the opening of a new EV charging station at the Reibold Building in downtown on Monday. The charging station is located at 14 W. Fourth Street. 7 new EV charging stations operational in Ohio The county now owns and operates five stations across the area. Leaders say these stations have avoided over 1,700 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions for the county, which emphasizes the countys commitment to sustainability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to these stations, our countys network has made a real environmental impact, said Judy Dodge, Montgomery County Commission president. Small steps like adding cleaner charging options truly add up to a greener community and a brighter future. To learn more about Montgomery Countys green initiatives, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) An Evansville man was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of distribution of sexually explicit material involving minors. According to court documents, in January 2022, Evansville Police received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, stating that 16 files containing child sexual abuse material had been uploaded to the app Kik by 48-year-old Casey Lee Smith. Officials state the video files included depictions of minors under the age of 12 years plus depictions of sadistic or masochistic conduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say investigators searched Smiths cell phone and uncovered 95 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material that been accessed and viewed by Smith, with some involving infants. Kik was also located, but Smith reportedly did not disclose on his list of social media accounts when updating his sex offender registration information. Officials explained the above was required since Smith had been a registered sex offender since 2003 due to felony convictions for Child Exploitation and Possession of Child Pornography. Three Evansville felons sentenced to federal prison for unrelated gun convictions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This dangerous criminal used Kik to share the horrific abuse of the most vulnerable victims, said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. Those who gather online to revel in the exploitation of children will be identified and prosecuted. I am grateful to the FBI and the Evansville Police Department for their work to ensure that this defendant will serve a significant prison sentence, where our children will be out of his reach. The exploitation of children is among the most heinous crimes we investigate. Every file this defendant shared represented the ongoing abuse of a real child, said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. OMalley. He chose to traffic in the sexual abuse of children, and now he will spend years behind bars, unable to harm our communities. Let this serve as a warning: if you exploit children in any way, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will find you and ensure you face the full consequences of your actions. In addition to the sentence, Smith was ordered to ten years of supervised release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW). "Today, we pause to remind you: The return of all the hostages, alive or deceased, is essential for rebuilding our society in Israel," said Professor Hagai Levine. Former hostages and their families shared harrowing testimonies of Hamas captivity at a conference held at Shamir Medical Center on Sunday. The conference, attended by Israels healthcare professionals from all medical and mental health fields, was held alongside the families of current and former hostages. The event served as part of an urgent plea from health system workers to secure the safe return of the hostages, whose lives hang in the balance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Niva, the mother of Omer Wenkert, a hostage who was freed from Hamas captivity in January, recounted the traumatic experience her son endured. They sprayed my son with insecticide because they thought he was Jewish, so he was considered a pest, she said. "Omer was left alone in a narrow tunnel, in unbearable conditions, with a cesspool beside him. He had only meager, stale food and no human contact except for a few minutes each day. He endured brutal abuse: beatings with an iron bar, endless humiliations. After prolonged isolation, he performed a farewell ceremony for himself, understanding he could never return to who he once was, and even distanced himself from his family. For us to heal, we need everyone back home. Despair is not the solution, hope is," said his mother. Critical health crisis facing remaining hostages Niva's testimony was further supported by Professor Hagai Levine, head of Israels health task force for the Hostage Families Forum. People gather at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv during a rally calling for the release of hostages held in Gaza, August 17, 2025. (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90) He emphasized the critical health crisis facing the hostages still in Gaza, The living hostages are in immediate danger of death due to injuries caused primarily by intentional starvation, resulting in the loss of up to half of their body weight. The loss of those who have died leaves a wound that can never heal, both for their families and for us as a nation. Their captivity affects not only the hostages but also the physical and mental health of their families and the entire public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Levine continued, As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to lead the fight for their return, wherever and whenever needed, to support the hostages and their families, and to defend the sanctity of life. Today, we pause to remind you: The return of all the hostages, alive or deceased, is essential for rebuilding our society in Israel. Dr. Osnat Levtzion-Korach called on "international health organizations, the global medical community, and first and foremost the Red Cross...to act immediately, ensuring basic humanitarian conditions: water, food, medical care, and preservation of human dignity" to the hostages remaining in terror captivity in Gaza. Levtzion-Korach is CEO of Shamir Medical Center and chair of the Governmental Hospital Directors Forum in Israel and spoke at a conference at the hospital on Sunday. "We must all do everything - absolutely everything - to end this horror. The hostages must come home now. And only with the return of all of them will the healing process begin," she added. Maariv contributed to this report. Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the number of days in jail that Parra is facing. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) A former Arvin High teacher accused of having sex with an underage student accepted a plea deal on Tuesday. Michael Joseph Parra pleaded no contest to two of the seven felony counts oral copulation with someone younger than 18 and unlawful sexual intercourse. The rest of the charges were dismissed as part of the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 16. Parra is facing two years of probation, 180 days in jail and restitution, as well as a criminal protective order. Parra also has to register as a sex offender. In November 2023, Parras wife found sexually graphic messages shared between Parra and a student on his phone. The student was 17 years old at the time. Parras wife called police and the student admitted she had a sexual relationship with Parra, who was 44 years old. The girl told police she willingly had sex with Parra on a futon bed in the attic above his classroom and in a school storage closet. According to court documents, Parra snuck the girl to school after hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The girl recently said she will not testify against Parra, saying she believes she was half at fault for something Parra will be fully punished for. She also said in a letter that she felt pressured by her mother to testify as she is pursuing a lawsuit. The victims family filed a civil suit against the Kern High School District in December 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. Former Fox News producer Jennifer Eckhart has said that she feels vindicated after an assault charge against her was dropped. The podcaster, who recently settled a sexual assault lawsuit against former Fox News anchor Ed Henry, was booked by Floridas Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office last month on suspicion of battery during an incident allegedly involving her ex-boyfriend. The 34-year-old was accused of being combative toward her ex, Thomas Beasley, after he tried to end the relationship, according to an arrest warrant. Eckhart denied the version of events in the police report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now the Palm Beach County State Attorney has dropped the case against her due to insufficient evidence and an uncooperative victim, according to legal documents obtained by The Independent. Eckhart said that the ordeal had been highly distressing. The Palm Beach County State Attorney has dropped the case against Jennifer Eckhart due to insufficient evidence and an uncooperative victim, according to court documents obtained by The Independent. (Magda Hernandez) I feel vindicated that this matter has been resolved in my favor, with the state declining to file any charges, Eckhart told The Independent, alleging that she acted in self defense but not elaborating further. Eckhart is the host of the REINVENTED podcast and runs a non-profit called The Reinvented Project, which aims to support trauma survivors through animal-assisted therapy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My mission has always been to turn pain into purpose through my platform, I will continue standing alongside survivors of assault, abuse, and domestic violence, reminding them they are not alone and that strength and healing are possible, Eckhart added. Beasley did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent. Ms. Eckhart is innocent and was purely acting in self defense, Eckharts attorney, Michelle Suskauer, said. We are pleased that the state did the right thing and did not pursue this matter any further. Eckhart said that she felt vindicated by the decision after being arrested on suspicion of battery in July following a highly distressing incident allegedly involving her ex-boyfriend. (Magda Hernandez) On June 15, Eckhart settled her 2020 lawsuit against ex-Fox News anchor Ed Henry, in which she accused him of rape. Henry, who was fired from Fox News in July 2020, denied the allegations. He now works for another right-wing news network, NewsMax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the lawsuit, Eckhart alleged that the former Fox News anchor groomed, psychologically manipulated and coerced her into a sexual relationship while referring to her as his personal sex slave. Eventually, after she would not comply voluntarily with his sexual demands, she claimed he violently raped her in 2017. This has been an exhaustive, retraumatizing, five-year legal battle with incredible challenges that at times I almost felt was unable to bear, Eckhart told PEOPLE after her settlement. With this settlement in place, a weight has now been lifted from my shoulders and my passion to support fellow trauma survivors has been renewed. Henry, who was fired from Fox News in July 2020, now works for right-wing network NewsMax. (Newsmax) Fox News was initially a defendant in Eckharts lawsuit, as she claimed the network downplayed the severity of the risk Henry posed to female employees and retaliated against her by firing her in June 2020 after she complained about a hostile work environment. Prior to the settlement, Fox News was dismissed as a defendant from the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams said there was no direct evidence that Fox News was aware of Henrys alleged harassment of Eckhart before it occurred. Additionally, Abrams agreed with Foxs legal team that no reasonable jury would find the network liable for preventing Henry from harming Eckhart. This matter has been resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the parties, and the parties are moving on with their lives, Henrys attorney said in a statement when the settlement was reached. Additional reporting by Justin Baragona South African police said they arrested Tuesday the former owner of the world's largest rhino conservation farm on charges of smuggling the horns of the endangered animals. John Hume was arrested with five other people following a "complex investigation into transnational trafficking of rhino horns" that began in 2017, the police's specialised Hawks unit said. Trading in rhino horns is legal in South Africa among citizens however local laws do not allow for their export due to an international ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hume, in his mid 80s, owned the largest rhino farm in the world until 2023 when it was bought by the African Parks NGO. The 7,800-hectare (19,270-acre) "Platinum Rhino" site in the North West province is home to around 2,000 animals, 15 percent of the world's remaining wild population of southern white rhino. Investigators said they had discovered allegations of fraud involving government officials who issued permits for about 964 rhino horns to be sold locally but which were instead shipped to illegal markets in Southeast Asia. Hume and the five others appeared in a magistrate's court in the capital Pretoria and were granted bail, Hawks spokesman Christopher Singo told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zimbabwe-born Hume sparked controversy in 2017 by organising a three-day online auction of horns he had amassed by sawing off them off in order to prevent their killing by poachers, though the sale attracted fewer buyers than anticipated. Once abundant across sub-Saharan Africa, rhino numbers fell dramatically due to hunting by European colonisers and large-scale poaching, with their horns highly sought after on black markets, particularly in Asia, where the price by weight rivals that of gold and cocaine. Alongside ivory, the horns are coveted as status symbols or used in traditional medicine for their supposed aphrodisiac properties. ho/br/giv Morning Minute is a daily newsletter written by Tyler Warner. The analysis and opinions expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Decrypt. Subscribe to the Morning Minute on Substack. GM! Today's top news: Crypto majors dip 3-6% overnight; BTC holds at $115,000 Gemini files to go public with ticker GEMI, timing TBD BTCS becomes first TreasuryCo to issue a Bividend, offers blockchain dividend Adam Backs Bitcoin Standard TreasuryCo to launch with 30k BTC + $1.5B LIGHT eco rallies over the weekend, latest launchpad challenger to Pump Wall Street Loads Up on Bitcoin via ETFs Some of the biggest players in the world are piling billions into BTC funds. Yet the average professional fund manager is barely allocated. What gives? What Happened Wall Street and global institutions dramatically increased their Bitcoin exposure in Q2, pouring billions into spot ETFs like BlackRocks (IBIT) and related crypto equities. SEC filings reveal that heavyweights like Brevan Howard, Goldman Sachs, Harvard, Wells Fargo, Jane Street, and even Norways sovereign wealth fund all boosted their positions, signaling growing comfort with BTC as a core allocation. Some of the most notable moves: Brevan Howard nearly doubled its IBIT stake to 37.9M shares worth $2.6B, making it one of the largest institutional holders. Goldman Sachs reported $3.3B across IBIT and Fidelitys Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (FBTC), plus $489M in Ethereums ETHA trust. Harvard disclosed a $1.9B stake in IBIT, while Abu Dhabis Mubadala continues to hold $681M. Wells Fargo quadrupled IBIT holdings to $160M, alongside a small GBTC stake. Cantor Fitzgerald pushed past $250M in IBIT while adding exposure to Strategy (MSTR), Coinbase (COIN), and Robinhood (HOOD). Trading giant Jane Street now owns $1.46B of IBIT, making it its largest position after Tesla. Norways $2T sovereign wealth fund indirectly holds 7,161 BTC (~$841M) via equity stakes in MSTR, Coinbase, Block, and others - up 192% YoY. Yet, the average professional fund manager in the US is barely allocated. A survey from Bank of America showed that the average fund manager has just 0.3% allocated to crypto. And a whopping 75% have 0 exposure. Why It Matters Its a tale of two groups. NEED TO KNOW Former U.S. Space Force signals intelligence analyst Orest Schur was sentenced to 54 years in prison for second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder In July 2023, the Afghanistan veteran shot at the 13-year-old and 14-year-old boys after they allegedly attempted to steal his wife's car Schur fired 11 shots at the two teens, fatally shooting one of them, Xavier Kirk, 14 Orest Schur, a former U.S. Space Force signals intelligence analyst, has been sentenced to more than five decades in prison after shooting two suspected teen car thieves and killing one of them, per a news release from District Attorney Brian Mason. On Friday, Aug. 15, Judge Caryn Datz sentenced Schur, 29, to 54 years in prison after he was convicted of second-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder in June 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He will serve 36 years behind bars for the murder charge and 18 years for the attempted murder, which will be served consecutively. Schur, an Afghanistan veteran, could have faced a maximum of 80 years in prison or a minimum of 26. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. In July 2023, in Aurora, Colo., Schur, who at the time was a U.S. Space Force technical sergeant, chased the 13-year-old and 14-year-old boys down after he allegedly caught them attempting to steal his wife's car. As the unarmed teens drove away and ultimately crashed the car, Schur fired 11 shots at them, per the forensic testing results some of which hit 14-year-old Xavier Kirk in the back and head. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 13-year-old, whose identity has not been publicly revealed, was shot in the back but was able to get to a relatives home for help. The teen was taken to the hospital, and he survived his injuries. Aurora Police Orest Schur Orest Schur Ahead of Schurs sentencing, he addressed the court and apologized for his actions. "I am sorry for the events that occurred that night, for the pain, for the grief and trauma that have followed and for the impact that my case had on so many lives, per CBS News. At Schurs sentencing, the boys family members condemned the boys actions, but said they did not deserve to die. "You know, kids make mistakes, and so, I always teach my kids in my family, like my nephews and nieces, about consequences and repercussions, one family member said, per CBS News. We're not trying to excuse any wrongdoing of Xavier, or wrong they were involved in. The part that's messed up is Orest Shur's car was never stolen." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, prosecutors read the surviving teens statement in court. "An adult chose to use deadly force against two unarmed teenagers. That is not justice, that is not safety, that is not accountability, the statement read, per CBS News. I survived, but I am not the same. My friend didn't survive at all. And no matter what we did that night, I didn't deserve to be shot, and Xavier didn't deserve to die." District Attorney Mason also issued a statement, calling Schurs actions vigilante violence at its worst. Now a young man is dead, the statement read. The defendant took the law into his own hands, chasing down a fleeing vehicle and opening fire on its occupants. A 14-year-old boy will now never grow up because of the defendants actions. Im grateful to the Aurora Police Department for their investigation and to my team at the DAs Office for securing justice in this case. Read the original article on People The White House is planning for a possible trilateral meeting between the U.S., Russian and Ukrainian presidents in the Hungarian capital of Budapest as the next steps in negotiating an end to the years-long war, according to a Trump administration official and a person close to the administration. The U.S. Secret Service is preparing for the summit in the Central European nation led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has been close with President Donald Trump since the American presidents first term in office. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said "Im not going to confirm or deny locations" when asked about Budapest during Tuesdays White House media briefing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Secret Service often scouts multiple locations and the ultimate venue could change, Budapest is emerging as a first choice for the White House, said the two people, both granted anonymity to discuss private conversations. Russian President Vladimir Putin told Trump he preferred Moscow and French President Emmanuel Macron pushed for Geneva as ideal meeting spots. Not to be left out, the Swiss foreign minister promised immunity to Putin for an outstanding war crimes warrant if the nation known for neutrality was chosen for peace talks. Hungary would be an uncomfortable choice for Ukraine as it harkens back to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, during which the U.S., the United Kingdom and Russia promised to uphold Ukraines independence, sovereignty and respect for its border in exchange for relinquishing its nuclear weapons. Putins 2014 assault on Ukraine proved the agreement meaningless when none of the signatories provided military forces to counter the attacks. But the summit itself is uncertain. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Monday following the European leaders meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House that a follow up talk between Putin and Zelenskyy could occur within weeks. Trump then announced on social media that hed join the two for a trilateral meeting as a final step in the peace talks that gained momentum after Trump joined the Russian president in Alaska last week. Now Russian officials are starting to slow walk any such encounter between Zelenskyy and Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during an interview on state-controlled TV Tuesday that Moscow wouldnt rule out talks with Ukraine, but insisted on following a process that would unfold step by step, gradually, starting from the expert level and then going through all the necessary stages. Leavitt on Tuesday reiterated Putin has agreed to meet with Zelenskyy, adding that the White House was working with Russia and Ukraine to make the bilateral meeting happen. The president has spoken to both leaders about this and both leaders have expressed a willingness to sit down with each other, Leavitt said. Leavitt said the bilateral meeting with Putin and Zelenskyy could be followed by a trilateral one including Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine will host his military counterparts from Germany, the U.K., France, Finland and Italy in Washington late Wednesday to begin discussions on security guarantees and how to implement them, according to a defense official and a person familiar with the matter, granted anonymity to discuss plans that are still evolving. The 32 NATO defense chiefs on Wednesday also will meet virtually. NATOs top general, Italian Adm. Giuseppe Dragone will host the call, the general announced on social media , which will include Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the new head of the U.S. European Command and NATOs Supreme Allied Commander. The hastily called meetings underscore the massive task ahead for European allies as they weigh plans for sending a peacekeeping force to Ukraine and buying more American-made arms to send to Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be other meetings taking place in the coming days too, but details are still somewhat unclear, one European diplomat said, adding that officials are scrambling to pull together diplomats and military officials from across the continent on very short notice. "It's a positive that the U.S. confirmed that it will play a role in security guarantees," said a European official whose leader was at the White House meeting, and who was granted anonymity to discuss internal conversations. "But until all the modalities are worked out, it's very hard to know how far they're willing to go," the person said. "Trump said nothing is all that complex, but it's not getting any easier from here." Irie Sentner, Felicia Schwartz and Eli Stokols contributed to this report. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Veteran and LGBTQ+ advocates held a workshop on Monday to support transgender veterans who are being forced out of service by the Trump administration. The workshop, in partnership with the California Department of Veterans Affairs, was hosted at the San Diego LGBT Community Center. The workshop was inclusive for all veterans, featuring legal sources, panels and housing resources for those in attendance. The Department of Defense is enforcing the Trump administrations ban on transgender people in the military, giving orders for troops to self-identify or have their medical records reviewed, according to the Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transgender veteran advocate and Co-Chair of LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor Veronica Zerrer said people will be learning to survive, first and foremost. San Diego LGBT Community Center event. (KSWB/KUSI) San Diego LGBT Community Center event. (KSWB/KUSI) San Diego LGBT Community Center event. (KSWB/KUSI) San Diego LGBT Community Center event. (KSWB/KUSI) More recently, the Air Force announced military separation boards cannot independently review removal cases for transgender soldiers and instead must recommend separation of the member, according to a military memo. At least 1,000 transgender service members were removed from their positions in May, according to AP. We are here to have a transition assistance project workshop for transgender service members, that are being kicked out of the military, Veronica said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other speakers who attended the centers panel included Undersecretary Keith Boylan of the California Department of Veterans Affairs, Director of Behavioral Health Services at The San Diego LGBT Community Center Pamuela Halliwell and Mayor of San Diego Todd Gloria. Speakers at San Diego LGBT Community Center event. (KSWB/KUSI) Veronica Zerrer speaks at San Diego LGBT Community Center event. (KSWB/KUSI) Speakers at San Diego LGBT Community Center event. (KSWB/KUSI) Mayor Todd Gloria at San Diego LGBT Community Center. (KSWB/KUSI) Following the event, Gloria shared that leaders gathered to make one thing clear: San Diego and California stand with our transgender servicemembers and veterans. You served our nation with honor, Gloria posted on social media. We will honor you with dignity, support, and respect no matter what. Veronica added that events like this are important because they are ways of resisting the hatred that is coming out of the current administration towards transgender service members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She shared she wants viewers to know the constitution is not meant to project the majority so much as it is the minority, and that LQBTQ people exist, we exist. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Its hard enough to negotiate with an enemy you do not trust. But imagine not being able to trust your most critical ally, either. When President Donald Trump said Monday that hed offer Ukraine very good security as he pushed Kyiv to come to some sort of truce with Russia, many Ukrainians watched knowing that he may not keep his word. Trump is known, after all, for constantly changing his mind, including about how much he admires Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Yet the U.S. remains a crucial source of military and economic aid to Ukraine. So there was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Monday (in a suit!), hoping to convince Trump to give Kyiv everything it needed for its security. He came with other European leaders who urged Trump to keep helping Ukraine, to pursue a ceasefire first and not to fall for dubious Russian long-term peace proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the visitors made their practiced pitches while sitting around a table with the U.S. president, the whole thing felt absurd. Ukrainians obviously cannot trust Putin, a man with a long history of broken promises. But they also cannot trust Trump, another man with a long history of broken promises. Somehow, though, these are the two men pressuring Kyiv to go for a peace agreement that could force Ukraine to give up a huge chunk of its territory to an invading Russia. The harsh reality is that Ukrainians have little choice but to consider any offer Trump puts before them. They still need the United States, even if the relationship stinks. We have to hope for the best knowing everything we know, Yuriy Sak, a former adviser to Ukraines defense ministry, told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daria Kaleniuk, a prominent Ukrainian civil society activist, said the best response is to be self-reliant. The meetings are like a reality show, which will lead to nothing, she said. Ukrainians already are doing what they can, under intense Russian fire, to turn themselves into an increasingly independent actor in the war. That includes their manufacture and clever use of drones, which has allowed them to strike deep inside Russian territory. Nonetheless, the prevailing sense in many circles is that Ukraine will ultimately lose to Russia. Trump seems to agree, telling Fox News, in one of several recent comments meant to pressure Zelenskyy to make a deal with Putin: Look, Russia is a very big power, and theyre not. Ukrainians take care to distinguish between Trump and Putin. The latter, they point out, is a former spy and skilled manipulator responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths. Trump at least seems sincere in wanting to end the war, some told me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, despite some harsh words for Putin earlier this year, Trump seems once again intent on impressing the Kremlin chief. He rolled out the red carpet when they met in Alaska last week. He also called Putin on Monday, as well as meeting with European leaders. Afterward, he wrote on social media that his team would work with Putins to arrange a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, to be followed by a trilateral session that also includes Trump. Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine, Trump wrote. But Trumps adoption of Putins talking points on Ukraine, including saying Moscow wont give up the Crimean region, and his on-again, off-again support of the Ukrainian cause, means that, for Kyiv, the diplomatic field is arguably more unpredictable than the battlefield. That said, even if Ukraine doesnt trust Trump, the bar for diplomatic success has fallen very low these days. Ukrainians are relieved that Trump even talks to Zelenskyy, whose previous Oval Office meeting with the U.S. president in February was a disaster. Zelenskyy on Monday was more cautious in front of the cameras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Europeans, meanwhile, delight over any sliver of hope Trump offers. They were happy that Trump, in last weeks meeting with Putin, didnt flat-out agree to give away Ukrainian territory, even though he seems to have aligned himself with that Kremlin position. Trumps mere openness to a security guarantee for Ukraine is viewed as a huge win. The fact that you have said Im willing to participate in security guarantees is a big step, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told Trump on Monday. Its really a breakthrough. And it makes all the difference. Some Ukrainians hope that the ultimate result of the gatherings is to serve as a wake-up call to other European nations, leading them to take a bigger role in helping Kyiv. That includes handing over billions in frozen Russian assets to Kyiv. Europe as a whole also needs to put its economy on more of a war footing and be less dependent on Washington for the continents security, Kaleniuk argued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's not about war in Ukraine, it's about war in Europe, and Russia is the largest security threat to every single European country, she told me. Many U.S. presidents have broken promises before, of course. But Trump is unusual in how often and sometimes how quickly he reverses course. Foreign officials say it makes it hard for their countries to prepare strategies for dealing with Washington. Hanna Hopko, a former Ukrainian lawmaker who travels the world arguing her countrys case, warned that Trumps inconsistency in backing Ukraine has wide fallout. I'm laughing, honestly laughing, she said when I asked about how Ukrainians could trust Trumps promises. It's about American credibility. It's not about Trump. You guys are losing credibility worldwide. A former St. Olaf College student has admitted to attacking his ex-girlfriend with a knife and hammer during a party in an on-campus dorm, and injuring three people who intervened. William Davis Schulenberg, 23, of Chanhassen, pleaded guilty on Monday to four counts of assault, including assault causing great bodily harm and assault with a deadly weapon, in connection with the May 1, 2022 attack in Northfield. He was also charged 1st- and 2nd-degree attempted murder, but his plea deal guarantees a sentence ranging from 6 to 17 years on the assault charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schulenberg is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 5 for sentencing. St. Olaf College, NorthfieldCalebrw, Wikimedia According to a criminal complaint, Schulenberg climbed through a window of Ytterboe Hall shortly after midnight with a hammer in one hand and a hunting knife in the other, and struck the then-19-year-old woman in the head multiple times with a hammer, and pushed the blade into her neck. The woman later told police that her romantic relationship with Schulenberg had turned sour and he did not want to break up. William Schulenbergs crimes are truly horrifying," Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a statement. "Schulenbergs guilty plea will ensure he faces justice for his actions, and I hope that brings some measure of solace to his victims and their loved ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three male students intervened were injured as they struggled to subdue Schulenberg. Two of them were hit with the hammer and the other was cut with the knife. Ellison commended the men who "put themselves in harms way to rescue the young woman Schulenberg was assaulting." He said "their intervention likely saved her life." Rice County Attorney Brian Mortenson referred the case to Ellison's office. The Northfield Police Department and the Rice County Sheriffs Office assisted in the investigation and prosecution. An attorney for Schulenberg told the Minnesota Star Tribune on Tuesday that his client has suffered from psychological difficulties, but expresses remorse and accepts responsibility for his actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schulenberg was expelled from St. Olaf and banned from campus following the attack. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the MN News section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The TikTok account Tigers Against Pollution (@tigers.against.pollution) brings together diverse student voices from the University of Memphis all united under one banner: creating a more environmentally friendly Memphis, Tennessee. In a recent video, one member of the group debunks Memphis Mayor Paul Young's guest column in local newspaper The Commercial Appeal about the Memphis xAI project. The Memphis xAI project is run by a company founded by Tesla CEO Elon Musk. This supercomputing facility has recently come under fire for operating gas-powered turbines without proper permitting and for releasing pollution beyond limits, the Southern Environmental Law Center reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Tennessee Lookout, "The supercomputer facility is located in a poor, predominantly Black Memphis community with historically high rates of pollution-related illness and disproportionate rates of industrial pollutants." The video from Tigers Against Pollution sets out to "debunk [Mayor Young's] debunks," demonstrating that the Memphis xAI project is harmful and that the mayor is not unbiased. The first point of contention is around the number of turbines allowed for the supercomputing center. The speaker notes that the mayor's point about the number of permitted turbines cannot be correct because, at the time of the video, the public hearing for the permit had not even been completed. In the second point of the guest column, the number of turbines that the facility is operating legally is presented as 21, when the mayor said that the permit allowed 15 in the prior point. The speaker calls attention to this discrepancy and shows an image from the Southern Environmental Law Center that shows 32 operational turbines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The turbines are important because they burn dirty energy, releasing pollutants into the atmosphere that are harmful both for the climate and for the local population, as the Union of Concerned Scientists explained. The third and fourth claims related to the mayor's potential signing of an NDA and reasons for his support for the project, which cannot ultimately be proven or denied. The fifth claim involves the city's financial gain from the project. According to the mayor, the city stands to gain $12 million in tax revenue in just the first year. 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. The speaker for Tigers Against Pollution notes that the city's budget for this year is $900 million, according to Action News 5, which makes the $12 million seem inconsequential in light of the environmental concerns it raises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those in the comments seemed to respect the work that the organization was doing. One wrote, "Keep spreading the truth and educating." Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. The Chadian government has signed a 30-year deal with U.S.-based Sahara Conservation to manage the Ouadi Rime-Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve, per Mongabay. The agreement covers 30,000 square miles of critical habitat for some of Africa's most threatened wildlife. The massive protected area shelters endangered species including the scimitar-horned oryx and dorcas gazelle. These animals depend on the reserve's diverse ecosystems, from grasslands to desert landscapes, for survival and migration routes across Central Africa. Local residents will monitor endangered species and manage sustainable tourism under the new partnership an approach that will both create jobs and protect natural heritage. Sahara Conservation has spent decades working with communities across Africa. The organization prioritizes approaches that benefit people and wildlife, noting that conservation only succeeds with local support. The 30-year timeline enables consistent funding and relationship building throughout the region, ensuring steady support for conservation programs protecting endangered species for future generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We could not do things without widespread international and local collaboration," said Tim Woodfine, the CEO of Sahara Conservation, emphasizing how successful conservation requires partnerships across communities and borders. Similar public-private partnerships have helped recover endangered species in Kenya's Maasai Mara and Namibia's community conservancies. Ouadi Rime-Ouadi Achim supports traditional pastoral communities that have coexisted with wildlife for centuries. Their knowledge of animal behavior and seasonal migration patterns will continue to be critical for conservation success, and tourism revenue will provide sustainable income alternatives to activities that might otherwise threaten endangered species in the region. These ambitious conservation partnerships work to create real solutions for protecting vulnerable species, empowering local communities in the process. "It's obviously very big, and its value is not only in its biological value but in its cultural value as well with the human dimensions of the reserve," Woodfine told Mongabay. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Pakistan is facing an escalating crisis as rising global temperature accelerates glacier melt across the country's northern regions, according to an article in the Friday Times. These massive ice formations are retreating at alarming rates, contributing to deadly flooding. What's happening? Pakistan is home to over 7,000 glaciers outside the polar regions, more than anywhere else in the world. The Passu glacier in the northern part of the country shrunk 10% between 1977 and 2014, according to New Lines Magazine, and it continues retreating around four meters (about 13 feet) every month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Friday Times noted that mountain regions have experienced temperatures above 118 degrees Fahrenheit, turning the ancient ice into torrents of meltwater. As New Lines detailed, over 3,000 glacial lakes have formed as a result of this rapid melting, with at least 33 considered at high risk of bursting, according to Pakistan's Ministry of Climate Change. These glacial lake outburst floods can unleash water and debris within hours, devastating everything in their path. In fact, a July outburst destroyed homes in the village of Hassanabad, per the Friday Times. There are further flooding risks, too. The publication noted that a more intense monsoon season in Punjab province in 2025 brought 124% heavier rains when compared to 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In coastal areas like Rehri Goth, a lack of storm drains meant residents had to wade through a mix of seawater and industrial waste after heavy rainfall in July. "Our children are drinking poison," one local fisherman told the Friday Times, referring to the toxic water supplies created when floods overwhelm drainage systems. Why is glacial melt concerning? The melting threatens Pakistan's water security and public health. As a nation, Pakistan contributes less than 1% of total global carbon pollution, according to European Union data shared by CNN, yet it bears disproportionate climate impacts. Contaminated water poses another immediate threat when glacial floods mix with sewage or industrial chemicals, they can poison drinking wells and can spread diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pakistan's glaciers feed the Indus River system, which provides water for around 180 million people, according to research published in the American Journal of Public Health. As these ice reserves disappear, the Friday Times warned that the river faces permanent drought. With 90% of agricultural irrigation supported by the Indus, that could collapse regional agriculture. What's being done about glacial melt? Pakistan has launched early warning systems to protect vulnerable communities, according to New Lines. A partnership between the Green Climate Fund and the United Nations Development Programme is installing 50 automatic weather stations and over 400 sensors across 24 valleys to monitor glacial lake conditions, able to alert residents before dangerous glacial flooding occurs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On a larger scale, addressing our climate crisis requires global action to reduce planet-warming pollution. Pakistan's glacial melt offers a preview of the devastating effects of increasing global temperatures. Every little action helps, and learning more about critical climate issues can help to empower you with knowledge and inspire meaningful changes in your daily life. 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 fashion educator is speaking out after observing a disturbing trend on social media and she is warning shoppers to be wary of one company's sustainability claims. What's happening? As reported by 9News Australia, TikTok is home to "a bleak subculture of ultra-fast fashion fans" who show off their hauls of cheap, trendy apparel made to wear and discard quickly, with the hashtag #sheinhaul having more than one million posts. For its part, Shein, which frequently relies on influencers to promote its brand, has vehemently denied being a fast fashion company, saying that its "approach represents part of the solution by reducing overproduction and waste at the source and maintaining affordability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, sustainable fashion creator and founder of Eco Styles Nina Gbor warns that companies like Shein, Temu, and Fashion Nova present themselves as something they're not. "What's gonna come next after ultra-fast fashion? Is it going to be instant fashion?" Gbor told 9News. "Is it going to be supersonic fashion, fashion at the speed of sound? It just seems to be getting worse and worse." Why is this important? More than 101 million tons of textiles end up in landfills globally every year. In Australia, the average consumer discards 25 outfits annually, according to 9News, contributing to a looming economic, environmental, and public health threat, particularly in developing nations that import waste. Australia ships nearly 116,000 tons of textiles abroad each year. "If we do not stop what we are doing, we will pollute the planet irreversibly in 30 years," Gbor told 9News. "The chemicals from making clothing, going into our waterways, put forever chemicals in our water, which are linked to increased risk of cancer." What can be done about this? Gbor believes ditching fast fashion shouldn't be difficult because supporting sustainable, ethical fashion can save consumers significant money in the long run. That's because a high-quality garment can last for years as opposed to merely a few wears. What's more, shoppers can find incredible deals on a thriving (and growing) secondhand market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I do not empathise with people who say, 'Oh we're in a cost-of-living crisis, all I can afford is fast fashion,'" Gbor told 9News. "You can, you can host a clothes swap, you can get clothes for free, we have op-shops, secondhand markets, so I don't buy that excuse." Meanwhile, retail experts, including Lisa Asher from the University of Sydney Business School, are calling for the Australian government to combat waste by making it less profitable for companies to sell low-quality apparel and banning the promotion of fast fashion. 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. "The government must provide deterrents for these suppliers to shift from disposable to durable," Asher told 9News. "Clothing should be tested to endure frequent use of one or two years, and a warranty to go with it." "Banning influencers promoting these brands, whether paid or not, should also be banned," Asher added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latter idea has already gained traction in other countries, as Gbor points out. France has proposed legislation that would make it a crime for influencers to do sponsored or paid fast-fashion hauls, and she believes the concept would work in Australia. 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. Wildlife cameras have snapped images of two rare wildcat species in Kirthar National Park in Pakistan. The two species the Asiatic caracal and the sand cat often elude cameras to the point where they were presumed close to extinction in the area. The team responsible for the camera-trap records is part of the Indus Fishing Cat Project. The cameras have been in place for around four years, but following reports of a caracal roaming in January, more cameras were set up next to a watering hole in the park. Out of 400 videos, only two captured a caracal in action; however, one video caught humans poaching the caracal. Two small cat species - the Asiatic caracal (Caracal caracal schmitzi) and the sand cat (Felis margarita) - captured on camera in Pakistan. https://t.co/tdEqJGUsSU Dereck Joubert (@dereckbeverly) July 23, 2025 Photo Credit: Reddit Jim Sanderson, the director and founder of the Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation, said the videos show that there is firm proof the caracals are still in Pakistan, but, "as with most places, we have no idea if a self-sustaining population exists," he told Mongabay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ricky Reino, an Asiatic caracal species monitor and studbook keeper who reports on the European Zoo population, said that the sightings "give us better insight into species distribution and habitat preferences in the country." Additionally, the IFCP cameras have captured the sand cat, a species with an unknown extinction status in Pakistan, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. "The sighting of the sand cat in Pakistan is highly significant from both ecological and conservation perspectives since the species was practically unknown this far east of its range," said Zafeer Ahmed Shaikh, director of the IFCP. Both cats were spotted in Kirthar National Park, which is very close to a major city with a population of 20 million. Even though the park has protective status, nearby sand mining activity and massive commercial development disrupt the animals' habitats, water sources, and privacy, which ultimately disrupts the delicate ecosystem in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These small cat species are not currently listed as endangered, so the IFCP is focusing on direct conservation action. Every sighting is important, as it helps gauge population health and stimulate interest and funding for the parks and research. Only 3% of global field funding goes toward the 36 species of small cats. Shaikh hopes that the photos will raise awareness and "stimulate scientific interest," bringing attention to the elusive small cats of Pakistan. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. NEW YORK (AP) Nexstar Media Group is buying broadcast rival Tegna for $6.2 billion, bringing together two major players in U.S. television and the countrys local news landscape. If the transaction is approved, Nexstar will pay $22 in cash for each share of Tegnas outstanding stock. And the regulatory greenlight could be likely under President Donald Trump's administration, which has long-advocated for loosening industry restrictions. Announcing the proposed merger Tuesday, Nexstar CEO Perry Sook pointed directly to actions being pursued by the Trump administration, which he said offer local broadcasters the opportunity to expand reach, level the playing field, and compete more effectively with the Big Tech and legacy Big Media companies that have unchecked reach and vast financial resources. He added that Tegna represents the best option for Nexstar to act on this opportunity. Nexstar oversees more than 200 owned and partner stations in 116 markets nationwide today and also runs networks like The CW and NewsNation. Meanwhile, Tegna owns 64 news stations across 51 markets. Consolidation would mean pooling together all of these resources and that typically includes cutting any redundancies identified in the process, explained Paul Hardart, director of the entertainment, media and technology program at New York University's Stern School of Business. The good news for Nexstar is that makes it run at a lower cost rate, which they need to do because theres all these headwinds on the revenue side, Hardart said. But for local communities that rely on the company's stations, the bad news is that there will be a homogenization of content," he added. Other experts note that previous consolidation in the industry has already shown this. Nexstar, founded in 1996, has itself grow substantially with acquisitions over the latest two decades, becoming the biggest operator of local TV stations in the U.S. after it purchased Tribune Media back in 2019. And Danilo Yanich, professor of public policy at the University of Delaware, says the company is the biggest duplicator of news content today pointing to recent research he worked on that looked at how often local TV news used the exact same words in at least 50% on their broadcasts. Nexstar's size gives it the most opportunity to syndicate information in this way, Yanich noted, and further duplication seems all but likely as the company looks to "achieve economies of scale," he added. Nexstar on Tuesday maintained that the deal will also help it give advertisers a bigger variety of local and national broadcast and digital advertising options. Aug. 18 (UPI) -- An explosion occurred Monday evening aboard a 751-foot bulk carrier in Baltimore's Patapsco River, near where the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in March 2024. The explosion was reported to the Baltimore City Fire Department at around 6:30 p.m. EDT, the fire department said in a statement. Officials have identified the craft as the W. Sapphire, which, according to marine traffic website MarineTraffic.com, is a Liberia-flagged Class A bulk carrier that was to depart Baltimore, Md., shortly before 6 p.m. Its destination was Port Louis in the East African nation of Mauritius. Unverified video of the incident published online shows an explosion on the vessel ejected a large fireball into the air. Once the smoke cleared, a fire on deck could be seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Baltimore fire department said the vessel sustained damage "consistent with a fire and explosion." It remained afloat and was being assisted by tugboats. All 23 people onboard the vessel when the explosion occurred have been accounted for and were uninjured, officials said. "Fireboats remain on scene as the Coast Guard and other agencies begin their investigation," the Baltimore City Fire Department said. "The vessel will be moved to a designated anchorage area and held there until cleared by the Coast Guard." UPI has contacted the U.S. Coast Guard for comment. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management said in a statement online that it is "aware of the cargo ship fire" and is "monitoring." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this time, there are no reports of injuries or property damaged beyond the ship," it said. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore similarly said his office is closely monitoring the situation. "State agencies are responding to the situation near Baltimore Harbor," he said in a statement. "My office is in touch with local and federal authorities." The incident occurred not far from where about 510 days ago the Francis Scott Key Bridge across the Patapsco River collapsed after a commercial vessel, the MV Dali, crashed into it. The Port of Baltimore is crucial to the economy of not only Baltimore and Maryland, but also the United States, with 45.9 million tons of international cargo with a value of $62.2 billion transiting through it in 2024, the second highest on record. The collapse blocked the port, resulting in its 11-week closure. (NewsNation) Authorities are investigating what caused a cargo ship in Baltimores harbor to explode on Monday evening, according to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. The Baltimore City Fire Department responded around 6:30 p.m. local time to reports of an explosion aboard a commercial vessel in the Patapsco River near the site of the former Key Bridge, which collapsed last year. All 23 people on board were accounted for, and no injuries had been reported as of Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana woman charged for death threats against Trump W-Sapphire, a 751-foot bulk carrier, had damage consistent with a fire explosion, according to authorities. Upon inspection, the vessel was still afloat with the assistance of tug boats. The vessel will be moved to a designated anchorage area and held there until cleared by the Coast Guard, fire department officials said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Russia launched a wave of missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities on Aug. 19, hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky concluded peace talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Explosions were reported in the city of Kremenchuk as Russia launched ballistic missiles struck the country's central region. Multiple ballistic missiles and dozens of drones were reportedly used in the attack. Energy's infrastructure likely served as the target of the attack, local media reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No information was immediately available as to the extent of the damage caused or whether any casualties had been reported. Ukraine's Air Force said that cities located closer to the front line, including Kharkiv and Poltava were also under threat of missile strikes. The latest Russian assault comes amid intensified efforts from the U.S. to broker a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv. Read also: Zelensky wants a meeting. Putin wants to win Kremenchuk is located in Poltava Oblast in central Ukraine. The city is situated about 100 kilometers (63 miles) from Poltava and approximately 260 kilometers (160 miles) from Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An air raid alert was later issued in other regions of Ukraine, including Kyiv, amid the ongoing threat of a ballistic missile strikes. The attack comes just hours after Zelensky concluded talks with Trump and European leaders at the White House amid ongoing peace talks. According to Trump, the leaders made progress on a concensus on security guarantees for Ukraine in its war against Russia. "During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America," Trump wrote on Truth Social. Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15. Although no formal peace agreement was made during their three-hour meeting in Anchorage, Trump later said they had made headway and "largely agreed" on security guarantees for Ukraine and territorial swaps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Did Zelensky wear a suit? Presidents outfit at White House meeting sparks fresh debate Following his talks with the Ukrainian president, Trump said he plans to host a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin, followed by a trilateral meeting consisting of the three leaders. Just hours before Zelensky and European leaders were scheduled to meet with Trump, Russian missile attack on Zaporizhzhia killed three and injured another 30 people, prompting Zelensky to condemn the attack. Russia "knows that today there is a meeting in Washington to end the war," he said, referring to his talks with Trump later in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Putin will kill demonstratively in order to continue putting pressure on Ukraine and Europe and to undermine diplomatic efforts," Zelensky added. WTF is wrong with Russia? Wear our new T-shirt to let other people know you want answers. shop now Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Parking in Downtown Scranton is undergoing changes. Drivers will not only have to pay more but also for a longer period of time. This change comes after the city of Scranton had to renegotiate some of its debt financing in July, so drivers looking for a place to park should expect to pay. I know the city needs and wants to make money, but it seems like the wrong path to take, said Elijah Birtel, co-owner/tattoo artist, Electric City Tattooing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parking meters in downtown Scranton are set to be enforced two additional hours into the night. Paid parking on weekdays will now run until 7:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m. Luzerne County councilman pushes to halt PPL powerline project Business owners and employees in the downtown square are expecting more headaches with these new changes. All my customers park on the street, a couple of my guys that work at the tattoo shop here park on the street. Theyre definitely no strangers to getting tickets; they get them pretty often, stated Birtel. Along with the extended hours, drivers using a card or the Pango app can expect to see a new five percent processing fee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locals are not holding back their frustration with rising costs. Everybodys wages are down, costs of everything are up, including property tax. They just raised the property tax in the city, too. So, its like, how many things are we going to raise the prices on before Scranton starts to really look empty or like a ghost town, you know, questioned Birtel. I feel like the entire economy is being affected by price raises right now, so its kind of hard to say if its just downtown. I feel like its everywhere right now, which is really difficult on everyone, added Cecilia Finnerty, social media manager, Lavish Scranton. Businesses now worry that customers might not want to bother with visiting downtown at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We do get people calling, complaining that they have to street park in general, so I do think that having to pay those extra two hours will deter people a little bit from coming downtown later in the day, commented Finnerty. Theres no free parking downtown. I mean, I used to know all the free parking spots, but theyre gone at this point, so, theyll continue to pay because they want to or have to. What choice does anyone have, essentially, wondered Birtel. Weekends are still free in the Electric City, but officials say the longer hours are part of a bond restructuring plan. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. Was Oprah Winfrey "ordered to return $22 million she took from FEMA to rebuild her mansion after the Maui fires", as of mid-August 2025? No, that's not true: The rumor originated from a post by a self-described satire account that carries a disclaimer that says "nothing on this page is real". There were no actual news stories about the order described in the post. The claim originated from a post (archived here) published on Facebook on August 17, 2025. It shared a poster that opened: Oprah Winfrey has been ordered to return $22 million she took from FEMA to rebuild her mansion after the Maui fires. The problem was, her mansion had no damage. None at all. She claimed the funds when the chaos was still everywhere and government adjusters couldn't get to everyone. This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing: Source: screenshot of a post by the America - Love It Or Leave It account on Facebook.com As seen in the screenshot above, the shared image showed a logo of "America's Last Line of Defense" in the bottom right corner. It's a network of satire websites run by self-professed liberal troll Christopher Blair from Maine, along with a loose confederation of friends and allies. Those pages display satire disclaimers and predominantly publish made-up stories with headlines specifically created to trigger Republicans, conservatives and evangelical Christians into angrily sharing or commenting on the story on Facebook without actually reading the full article, exposing them to mockery and ridicule by fans of the sites and pages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The America Love It or Leave It account (archived here) on Facebook that published the claim reviewed in this article showed a satire disclaimer, too: A subsidiary of the America's Last Line of Defense network of trollery and propaganda for cash. Nothing on this page is real. The page's description additionally disclosed that the person responsible for it is Busta Troll, which is one of Blair's pseudonyms: Source: screenshot of the America - Love It Or Leave It account on Facebook.com Searches on Google and Yahoo for the keywords seen here (archived here) and here (archived here) did not show any credible news reports confirming the rumor. Articles from Blair's sites frequently get copied by "real" fake news sites that omit the satire disclaimer and other hints that the stories are fake. One of the examples is a network run by a man from Pakistan named Kashif Shahzad Khokhar (aka "DashiKashi") who has spammed hundreds of such stolen stories into conservative and right-wing Facebook pages in order to profit from the ad revenue. President Donald Trump has projected himself as a peacemaker since returning to the White House in January, touting his efforts to end global conflicts. In meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders Monday, Trump repeated that he has been instrumental in stopping multiple wars but didn't specify which. Ive done six wars, Ive ended six wars, Trump said in the Oval Office with Zelenskyy. He later added: If you look at the six deals I settled this year, they were all at war. I didnt do any ceasefires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He raised that figure Tuesday, telling Fox & Friends" that we ended seven wars. But although Trump helped mediate relations among many of these nations, experts say his impact isn't as clear cut as he claims. Heres a closer look at the conflicts. Israel and Iran Trump is credited with ending the 12-day war. Israel launched attacks on the heart of Irans nuclear program and military leadership in June, saying it wanted to stop Iran from building a nuclear weapon which Tehran has denied it was trying to do. Trump negotiated a ceasefire between Israel and Iran just after directing American warplanes to strike Irans Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz nuclear sites. He publicly harangued both countries into maintaining the ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evelyn Farkas, executive director of Arizona State University's McCain Institute, said Trump should get credit for ending the war. There's always a chance it could flare up again if Iran restarts its nuclear weapons program, but nonetheless, they were engaged in a hot war with one another, she said. And it didn't have any real end in sight before President Trump got involved and gave them an ultimatum. Lawrence Haas, a senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy at the American Foreign Policy Council who is an expert on Israel-Iran tensions, agreed the U.S. was instrumental in securing the ceasefire. But he characterized it as a temporary respite from the ongoing day-to-day cold war between the two foes that often involves flare-ups. Egypt and Ethiopia Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This could be described as tensions at best, and peace efforts which don't directly involve the U.S. have stalled. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile River has caused friction between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan since the power-generating project was announced more than a decade ago. In July, Ethiopia declared the project complete, with an inauguration set for September. Egypt and Sudan oppose the dam. Although the vast majority of the water that flows down the Nile originates in Ethiopia, Egyptian agriculture relies on the river almost entirely. Sudan, meanwhile, fears flooding and wants to protect its own power-generating dams. During his first term, Trump tried to broker a deal between Ethiopia and Egypt but couldnt get them to agree. He suspended aid to Ethiopia over the dispute. In July, he posted on Truth Social that he helped the fight over the massive dam (and) there is peace at least for now. However, the disagreement persists, and negotiations between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have stalled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would be a gross overstatement to say that these countries are at war, said Haas. I mean, theyre just not. India and Pakistan The April killing of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir pushed India and Pakistan closer to war than they had been in years, but a ceasefire was reached. Trump has claimed that the U.S. brokered the ceasefire, which he said came about in part because he offered trade concessions. Pakistan thanked Trump, recommending him for the Nobel Peace Prize. But India has denied Trump's claims, saying there was no conversation between the U.S. and India on trade in regards to the ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although India has downplayed the Trump administration's role in the ceasefire, Haas and Farkas believe the U.S. deserves some credit for helping stop the fighting. I think that President Trump played a constructive role from all accounts, but it may not have been decisive. And again, Im not sure whether you would define that as a full-blown war," Farkas said. Serbia and Kosovo The White House lists the conflict between these countries as one Trump resolved, but there has been no threat of a war between the two neighbors during Trump's second term, nor any significant contribution from Trump this year to improve their relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kosovo is a former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008. Tensions have persisted ever since, but never to the point of war, mostly because NATO-led peacekeepers have been deployed in Kosovo, which has been recognized by more than 100 countries. During his first term, Trump negotiated a wide-ranging deal between Serbia and Kosovo, but much of what was agreed on was never carried out. Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo Trump has played a key role in peace efforts between the African neighbors, but he's hardly alone and the conflict is far from over. Eastern Congo, rich in minerals, has been battered by fighting with more than 100 armed groups. The most potent is the M23 rebel group backed by neighboring Rwanda, which claims it is protecting its territorial interests and that some of those who participated in the 1994 Rwandan genocide fled to Congo and are working with the Congolese army. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration's efforts paid off in June, when the Congolese and Rwandan foreign ministers signed a peace deal at the White House. The M23, however, wasn't directly involved in the U.S.-facilitated negotiations and said it couldn't abide by the terms of an agreement that didn't involve it. The final step to peace was meant to be a separate Qatar-facilitated deal between Congo and M23 that would bring about a permanent ceasefire. But with the fighting still raging, Monday's deadline for the Qatar-led deal was missed and there have been no public signs of major talks between Congo and M23 on the final terms. Armenia and Azerbaijan Trump this month hosted the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan at the White House, where they signed a deal aimed at ending a decades-long conflict between the two nations. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called the signed document a significant milestone, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev hailed Trump for performing a miracle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two countries signed agreements intended to reopen key transportation routes and reaffirm Armenias and Azerbaijans commitment to signing a peace treaty. The treaty's text was initialed by the countries foreign ministers at that meeting, which indicates preliminary approval. But the two countries have yet to sign and ratify the deal. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been locked in a bitter conflict over territory since the early 1990s, when ethnic Armenian forces took control of the Karabakh province, known internationally as Nagorno-Karabakh, and nearby territories. In 2020, Azerbaijans military recaptured broad swaths of territory. Russia brokered a truce and deployed about 2,000 peacekeepers to the region. In September 2023, Azerbaijani forces launched a lightning blitz to retake remaining portions. The two countries have worked toward normalizing ties and signing a peace treaty ever since. Cambodia and Thailand Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials from Thailand and Cambodia credit Trump with pushing the Asian neighbors to agree to a ceasefire in this summer's brief border conflict. Cambodia and Thailand have clashed in the past over their shared border. The latest fighting began in July after a land mine explosion along the border wounded five Thai soldiers. Tensions had been growing since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed in a confrontation that created a diplomatic rift and roiled Thai politics. Both countries agreed in late July to an unconditional ceasefire during a meeting in Malaysia. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pressed for the pact, but there was little headway until Trump intervened. Trump said on social media that he warned the Thai and Cambodian leaders that the U.S. would not move forward with trade agreements if the hostilities continued. Both countries faced economic difficulties and neither had reached tariff deals with the U.S., though most of their Southeast Asian neighbors had. According to Ken Lohatepanont, a political analyst and University of Michigan doctoral candidate, President Trumps decision to condition a successful conclusion to these talks on a ceasefire likely played a significant role in ensuring that both sides came to the negotiating table when they did. ___ Associated Press reporters Jon Gambrell, Grant Peck, Dasha Litvinova, Fay Abuelgasim, Rajesh Roy, and Dusan Stojanovic contributed. ___ Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck. Fraudsters are posing as car finance lenders with bogus offers of compensation, consumers are being warned. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in Britain said it has received recent reports of scammers calling people and offering fake compensation in exchange for personal details such as their name, address, date of birth and bank information. This follows the FCAs recent announcement of a potential car finance compensation scheme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The regulator is reminding people that no compensation scheme is in place yet. It said car finance lenders are not yet contacting customers about compensation. People should hang up immediately if they receive such calls and avoid sharing any personal information, the regulator said. Scam calls and texts should be reported by forwarding them to 7726. In general, people should contact the police and their bank if they are worried they may have fallen for a scam. Many banks have signed up to the simple-to-remember 159 phone number service, putting people through to their bank if they are worried about any suspect contact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nisha Arora, director of special projects at the FCA, said: Were aware of scammers calling people and posing as car finance lenders, offering fake compensation and asking for personal details. There is no compensation scheme in place yet. If anyone receives a call like this, hang up immediately and do not share any information. The FCA recently announced that it will consult on a compensation scheme. Many motor finance firms were not complying with rules or the law by not providing customers with relevant information about commission paid by lenders to the car dealers who sold the loans, it said previously. Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the FCA, said previously: It will take time to establish a scheme but we hope to start getting people any money they are owed next year. NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) Loved ones of family members laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery are calling for urgent change, citing unsafe and disrespectful conditions in and around burial sites. Flooded crypts, damaged headstones, and pungent odors are just a few of the issues that families say they encounter when visiting the graves of their loved ones. Multiple families spoke with WIVB News 4 on Monday, expressing frustration and concern. Were just worried about the structural integrity of where we put our loved ones to rest, said Karen Grana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement St. Joseph Cemetery, located on Pine Avenue, contains 13,000 graves and nearly 2,000 crypts. For some families, the site holds deep generational ties. This is the worst in the past two years that weve seen this, said Debra and Eugene Pucci, whose family has buried 40 loved ones at the cemetery over the years. Maria Ognibene and Karen Grana pointed to the Pieta Mausoleum as a major source of concern, citing a leaking roof that has remained unrepaired since last spring. Green mold all over. The rugs were saturated, said Ognibene. You can immediately smell the smell. And then I came to this end here and there was a lot of puddles, said Grana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cemetery is managed under the Buffalo Diocese and belongs to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish. Father Mario Racho serves as the administrator. According to him, he and the cemetery committee walked the grounds last week, removing moldy carpets, cleaning algae, replacing headstones, and, in a Facebook post, stated that the roof has been repaired. However, families say they found flooding again on Sunday after recent rainfall. Now that the rainy season and the fall is coming, its just going to get worse, said Pucci. Frustrated by what they feel is inaction, multiple families have filed a formal complaint with the New York State Attorney General. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to News 4, Father Mario said that estimates from three different roofing contractors have been made, with repairs expected to continue. Another major complaint involved the behavior of the former cemetery manager, who, according to Father Mario, has since been fired. They are not answering us and nothing is being done, said Ognibene. Families also cited issues with falling trees, crumbling headstones, faded nameplates, and alleged double-selling of crypt space by the previous manager. Father Mario addressed these concerns in his statement, noting that they are repairing damaged headstones and faded nameplates, have contacted the city about the trees that have fallen, and have reached out to the family in question and are working to identify an alternative burial option for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many families say they have faith their loved ones are at peace, they express little faith in the cemeterys efforts to resolve ongoing issues. The front of the cemetery where my parents are, there was a water main break, pipes exposed and its still not fixed five years later, said Pucci. Weve been told so many different things. Theyre not coming into fruition. I dont know. I would like to believe it. At this point, Im really not sure, said Grana. Father Mario concluded his statement by assuring that a robust program for maintenance and care of all burial grounds and mausoleums going forward will be implemented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, families are asking for their loved ones crypts to be opened free of charge to confirm that no damage has been done. See the full statement from St. Joseph Cemetery in response to the allegations and concerns below. ST-JOSEPH-CEMETERY-STATEMENTDownload Latest Local News Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Days after Moscow, Idaho, police released nearly 200 gruesome photos of the crime scene following Bryan Kohbergers 2022 stabbing spree, the families of victims Madison Mogen and Ethan Chapin sued the city. On Friday, August 15, a judge granted an emergency injunction blocking the release of about 180 more photos taken by investigators following the slayings of Mogen, 21, Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Xana Kernodle, 20. Photos of beds covered in blood and blood spattered on the wall have already gone public, Brian Entin, guest host of NewsNations Banfield, revealed on August 18, adding that the families were not warned ahead of time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pictures are not for public consumption, Ethans mom, Stacy Chapin, told NBC News in July. About 180 more images are set to be released. Leander James, the lawyer representing the Mogen and Chapin families, told Entin that images of the death scene and bodies were most objectionable. Who wants to look at this stuff? he asked. This is just plain wrong. And me, personally, Im a fan of the First Amendment, I appreciate what the media does, and I appreciate transparency and the right of the public to know. But there is a line there somewhere, and I think were over that line. James urged both the public and the media to think of the parents and the family members of these kids who were killed and think about how [you] would feel if [you] were in this situation. Please dont look at them if theyre out there. Its a matter of morality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A judge will decide if the photos should be permanently blocked from release at a hearing later this week, Entin said. Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders in July and is currently serving four consecutive life sentences at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. Florida State University hosted a celebration of life for its former president, John Thrasher, on Aug. 19, 2025. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) Family, Florida legislative figures past and present, and Florida State University stakeholders honored the life of John Thrasher Tuesday in an ceremony representing his lifetime of service to the Sunshine State. Former Gov. Jeb Bush, Thrashers successor President Richard McCullough, and children and grandchildren were among those who eulogized the former Florida House Speaker and senator who died in May at the age of 81. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall on FSUs campus, Thrasher was recalled for his kindness, mercy, and gentleness. If you knew him, you loved him, and chances are he loved you right back, Julie Weinberg, Thrashers daughter, said. Looking around this room today, its clear how many people called him a friend. Thrashers wife of 60 years, Jean Thrasher, said she remembers him as a sweet man. He never gave up hope and he never complained, he gave us comfort when we all needed it most, she said. Thrasher died about a month after announcing a cancer diagnosis. Record Thrasher was president of FSU from 2014 through 2021, the culmination of a lengthy legislative career that began with him lobbying for the Florida Medical Association and eventually led him to serve in both chambers of the Florida Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He served in the Florida Senate, starting in 2009 and leaving in 2014, and in the Florida House for eight years, starting in 1992 and terming out in 2000. Thrasher was speaker of the chamber for his last two years. Bush recalled the record of Floridas government under Thrashers speakership, during the first two of Bushs eight years in office. Thrashers policies, Bush said, became the building block for a generation of conservative governance. We now live in a world where owning the other side through social media, going on cable news is the way that you measure your sense of accomplishment. You know what? I thank God I got to work with John Thrasher in an era where getting stuff done mattered a lot more than virtue signaling, Bush said to a round of applause. Former Gov. Jeb Bush eulogizes former FSU President and lawmaker John Thrasher on Aug. 19, 2025. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) Bush called Thrasher the godfather of FSUs medical school, the establishment of which was a priority for the former speaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a guy who as successful at everything he did, Bush said, listing all Thrashers titles, John Thrasher had one of the smallest egos not just among politicians, which are known for ego, but out of everyone. He always deflected praise and shared the credit for success. Bush called him the epitome of a servant leader. When things didnt go according to plan, he took the blame, even if it wasnt his fault, Bush said. The service was led by David Swanson, pastor of First Presbyterian church of Orlando. It featured musical performances from an FSU choral ensemble and the FSU hymn by the schools marching band. The Florida State University marching band performs during former President John Thrashers celebration of life on Aug. 19, 2025. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX FSU Thrasher was a double alumnus of the school he led, earning his bachelors and law degrees from FSU. In between the two degrees, he served in the U.S. Army and received two Bronze Stars for his service in Vietnam and the Army Commendation Medal in Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thrasher co-founded The Southern Group, a lobbying firm, too. He served on the faculty of the FSU College of Law. In 2010 and 2011 he was chair of the Republican Party of Florida. John made sure that every student that came to Florida State University had a chance to succeed, McCullough said. Ed Burr, who served on the FSU Board of Trustees during much of Thrashers tenure, recalled the impressiveness of Thrashers responses to the 2014 shooting at Strozier Library shortly after he became president, the death of a fraternity brother after a hazing incident in 2017, and an off-campus shooting that killed a student in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I remember when I came here, I had many people, but the ones that really got [to me] were the students telling me that I had very large shoes to fill, and indeed, I had very large shoes to fill, McCullough said. Speakers echoed that Thrasher often credited his successes to God, wife Jean, and FSU, in that order. His schedule never kept [him] from stopping to engage others student, faculty member, legislator, or a groundskeeper, Kyle Clark, FSUs senior vice president for finance and administration said. He treated everyone with the same respect, dignity, and kindness. He believed in listening and finding common ground and in making sure every person, whether they agreed with him or not, left the conversation knowing that they mattered and that they were heard. Flames accompany a statue of former President John Thrasher as Florida State University hosted a celebration of life for its former president on Aug. 19, 2025. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Gwladys Fouche and Louise Rasmussen OSLO/COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Norway's sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, will exclude another six Israeli companies with connections to the West Bank and Gaza from its portfolio following an ethics review, it said on Monday. The $2 trillion wealth fund did not name the companies it had decided to exclude but said they would be made public, along with specific reasons, once the divestments were completed. One possibility is they include Israel's five largest banks, which have been under review by the fund's ethical watchdog. Separately, the fund said it had also sold stakes in six other companies following a decision last week to only hold stakes in Israeli companies that are part of the fund's benchmark index. As of August 14, the fund had 19 billion crowns ($1.86 billion) invested in 38 companies listed in Israel, the fund's operator Norges Bank Investment Management said, a reduction of 23 companies since June 30. "More companies could be excluded," Norwegian Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg told reporters. ETHICS REVIEW The fund launched an urgent review earlier this month after reports that it had built a stake in an Israeli jet engine group that provides services to Israel's armed forces, including the maintenance of fighter jets. The reports spurred a fresh debate about the fund's investments in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories ahead of elections on Sept. 8, with some parties calling for the fund to divest from all Israeli companies, a step the government has ruled out. Norway's parliament in June rejected a proposal for the fund to divest from all companies with activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. "This debate helps sharpen our practices," said Stoltenberg. Critics say only a complete withdrawal from investing in Israeli companies would protect the fund against possible ethical breaches. Stoltenberg said that, from now on, the ethics watchdog and NBIM would have more frequent and faster exchanges of information to more rapidly identify problematic companies. Ethical exclusions from the fund are based on recommendations from the fund's watchdog, though NBIM can also divest from companies if it assesses that a company poses too much of a risk to the fund, whether the risk is ethical or not. "With more exchanges of information between the Council on Ethics and Norges Bank, it is possible that there could be more divestments of that kind in future," said Stoltenberg. Last Monday, the fund announced it was terminating contracts with all three external asset managers who handled some of its Israeli investments. It was a moment Alaina Small had been waiting nearly four years for, a house for herself, her three children and her fiance. Friday afternoon, she stood outside her new home alongside members of Habitat for Humanity and the Logansport-Cass County Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting ceremony. Small said she had been living with her parents in a two-bedroom home I decided to fill out an application for Habitat and I was chosen and I cried, she said. It was a long time coming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The house means that her son will have his own bedroom and her two daughters will share a room, something she said her children were very excited about. As the house was being built, Small helped with yardwork, painting and also by putting together interior furnishings like cabinets. Students at the Century Career Center played a big role in building the house, helping with the pre-framing. Its amazing how it all came together, said Small. A lot of people volunteered. Bill Cuppy, president of the Logansport-Cass County Chamber of Commerce and the Cass Logansport Economic Development Organization, said it was a special day for the community, the volunteers who helped build the house and especially for Small and her family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was thinking about the desperate need we have for housing and affordable housing and how we are all one situation away from needing help, Cuppy said. We are all a job loss, a layoff, a reduction in hours, a car going bad, a roof going bad, a medical conditionthere are a lot of things that can put someone in need for affordable housing and to have somebody reach out and help them. Thats exactly what Habitat for Humanity is. For Scott Jewell, the executive director of Habitat for Humanity in Cass County, it was his first ribbon cutting for a successful build. Weve had a lot of people put in a lot of hard work and its just amazing to see the process, he said. There are all kinds of ways that people have helped, bringing us all together whether its the businesses, our community organizations, our churches, our individualsits just beautiful to see it when people are coming together, working side by side and getting to help out a family so they can achieve a dream of theirs. Jewell said the family would have an affordable mortgage and had been taking budgeting classes to help them prepare for home ownership. He said Habitat for Humanity were developing additional classes that could help more people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Small never lost hope, saying she knew she would find a house someday and she was thankful for the help of Habitat for Humanity. Its very hard to look for a house and then there arent any houses out there for sale within your price range, she said. And you have to have that big down payment. Habitat really helped me out. According to real estate website Zillow, the average home price in Indiana is approximately $255,000. Bankrate.com lists the national average for home prices as $437,923. Habitat for Humanity will host a house blessing ceremony at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 17. The community is invited to attend at 809 19th St. Habitat for Humanity is located at 1113 Woodlawn Ave. and can be reached at 574-516-2407. The Brief On Monday, the aiding and abetting conviction of Detwan Allen in the 2022 killing of Alex Becker was reversed by the Minnesota Court of Appeals. The court concluded that the evidence did not prove Allen knew Becker would be killed during a 2022 botched robbery attempt. The Ramsey County Attorneys Office is considering a petition for review with the Minnesota Supreme Court. ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Monday reversed the conviction and 30-year prison sentence for Detwan Allen, who had been found guilty of aiding and abetting the murder of Alex Becker. Alex Becker's family reacts Local perspective "I dont feel like justice is being served," Alexs aunt Hidy Hammarsten said. "Its very heartbreaking." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just days after Christmas in 2022, 22-year-old Alex Becker was shot six times. Becker was killed in an alleyway outside his mother's home during a botched robbery attempt while he walked home from work. Allen, Shaun Travis, and Arteze Kinerd were later charged in his killing; but while Kinerd is behind bars after pleading guilty, Travis was acquitted during a bench trial, and this week Allens conviction was reversed. In Mondays opinion, the judges wrote that the evidence doesn't support Allens aiding and abetting conviction. The court concluded that while Allen was likely acting with ill intent, the evidence doesn't prove Allen knew they would kill Becker, and his response to shots being fired showed he may have been surprised. "I dont think I could possibly heal from this," Alexs mother, Tara Becker told FOX 9. "Every single day, I miss Alex. Im reminded of his absence." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Alex's loved ones feel helpless, knowing there is nothing they can do about this outcome, and worrying that Alexs killers may harm more people. "I truly feel we need to reform our justice system," Hammarsten said. "We cant have murderers going free, especially when we know it was them that did it DNA, video evidence, the gun -- we cant just let these people go off of technicalities. Our streets are not safe anymore." Alex Becker slaying The backstory Alex Becker, 22, was killed just days after Christmas 2022 during what authorities believe was a botched robbery attempt as he walked back to his mother's home after work. Becker was just steps away from his mom's door when authorities say he was jumped by three men in a dark alley on Lawson Avenue West. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police ultimately arrested three men: Detwan Allen, Shaun Travis, and Arteze Kinerd. Travis was acquitted during a bench trial. Allen was found guilty at trial, and sentenced to more than 30 years behind bars. Kinerd, the gunman, took a plea deal in the case after Allen's guilty verdict. Allen's case has since gone to the Court of Appeals, which issued its opinion on Monday, throwing out Allen's conviction. The decision What we know In their opinion, the judges say that while it is clear that Kinerd and Allen were friends, and Allen was with Kinerd on the night of the shooting, the evidence doesn't support the aiding and abetting conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the opinion, surveillance video captured audio of the shooting. A total of eight shots are fired over the course of 15 seconds. In the video, Allen is seen climbing into a vehicle about 11 seconds into the shooting before the final shot was fired. About 15 seconds later, authorities say the video shows Kinerd and Travis walk out of the alley. About three minutes later, Allen returned to the scene and picked up Kinerd and Travis in front of Becker's mother's home. There was no surveillance video showing what exactly happened in the alleyway. According to the opinion, an investigator testified he believed Allen was involved in the shooting but admitted at trial it was possible that Allen was never in the alley when the shots were fired. Dig deeper In the opinion, the justices determined that while Allen was likely acting with ill intent, including beckoning his friends to follow Becker, Allen's response to shots being fired showed he may have been surprised by Kinerd's actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys also argue that the evidence doesn't prove Allen knew Kinerd would kill Becker which is required under the aiding and abetting statute. That said, justices also note it's possible Allen may have committed other, lesser crimes, like aiding after the fact by picking up Kinerd after the shooting. What they're saying The Ramsey County Attorney's Office says they are now reviewing the decision and will make a decision on how to move forward with the case. Ramsey County Attorney's Office spokesperson Dennis Gerhardstein shared the following statement on the decision: "We are disappointed in the outcome and are reviewing the Appellate Courts decision in this case. We have 30 days to consider whether a petition for review to the Minnesota Supreme Court is warranted in this matter." NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Clean up continues after a weekend apartment fire destroyed nearly a dozen units in Bellevue. One family was packing up their high school graduates for college when the fire broke out. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Its a turn of the page for Jada Rucker and her twin brother, Jaden. They just graduated from high school and were getting ready to head to college when their familys apartment caught fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was sleeping, and I woke up to my mom screaming that there was a fire, Jada said. At least nine other units were damaged. Jada said she lost everything, including what shed packed to head to Austin Peay State University. Shes set to move in on Wednesday. Now neighbors are helping neighbors. Family friend, Ginger Hayes, has set up a GoFundMe to help out. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Jada and Jaydens family is staying in a different unit for now. News 2 learned it was a dryer in a different apartment unit that caused the fire. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Family of man killed in I-75 hit-and-run call for accountability The family of a semi-truck driver killed in a hit and run crash on Interstate 75 is calling for accountability. Terrell Lowdermilks family learned Monday that the man investigators accuse of being responsible, Christopher Bradshaw, was a Milton Police Department Lieutenant. The City of Milton fired Bradshaw Monday. Our family is deeply saddened and grieving the loss of Terrell, whose life was stolen in such a senseless actone committed by the very institution meant to protect him, said Cindy Hayes. Hayes is Lowdermilks mother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash that killed him happened Wednesday around 2:30 am. Channel 2 Action News This Morning reported on the crash cleanup as it shut down I-75 for hours. According to Marietta Police Department, Lowdermilk and another semi driver stopped on the side of I-75 Northbound to exchange information after a fender bender. Thats when police said a pickup truck hit Lowdermilk. The driver never stopped. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Two days later, Marietta Police Department tracked down the pickup. Thats when the officer reached out to detectives through his attorney and agreed to turn himself into the jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats very disturbing, you know? They take an oath to protect and serve, said Lowdermilks father, Terence Lowdermilk. He violated his oath. Channel 2 obtained Bradshaws police training records. He started his law enforcement career as a Cherokee County Sheriffs Office deputy in 2008. He took a job as a Milton Police officer in 2011. By 2022, hed climbed the ranks to lieutenant. What kind of example does that make to the public? said Terence Lowdermilk. When you become a police officer, you take an oath to protect and serve your community. Officers are held to a higher standard, whether on or off duty, and the public entrusts them with their lives, said Hayes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Milton Police Department sent Channel 2 a statement in response to the arrest. It said Bradshaw was off duty when the crash happened and when leadership learned of his arrest, he was immediately put on administrative leave. Then, the City of Milton terminated him. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time. While we cannot provide further comment due to the ongoing investigation being led by the Marietta Police Department, we remain committed to transparency, accountability, and maintaining the trust of our community, Milton Police Lt. Andrew Noblett wrote. Lowdermilks family created a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses. They are calling for more from the investigation. We are calling for accountability, transparency, and answers from law enforcement, said Hayes. Justice for Terrell is not only about our familys pain, but also about restoring the trust and integrity that every community deserves. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Southwest Michigan taco staple Rios Mexican Grill is celebrating 25 years by opening a new location in New Buffalo. The restaurant, known for its walk-up window and simple but flavorful menu, will open its newest location at 603 E. Buffalo St., about a mile from its original location at 901 W. Buffalo St. The new spot is currently undergoing renovations and hopes to open mid-September, owner Alberto Rios said. Were really excited, Rios said. Its a really big move to a way bigger space than what we have now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike, with long lines waiting to snatch up the enormous tacos for which the eatery is known. In April 2026, the original location will change its name to Ninas Bodega, by the Rios Family. Our grandmother, Armandina De Leon Garza Rios, born in 1937, was the heart of our family kitchen, Rios said. Many of the recipes we serve today came from her. Recently, our family also welcomed a niece named Nina, so the name has become a way to honor both our roots and the next generation. On top of tacos, Ninas Bodega will shift toward selling a variety of Mexican delicacies, such as corn in a cup, fresh fruit, tortas made with ham and chicharrones, Rios said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That little shack is a staple of the community, and itll continue to sell tacos for the next 25 years, Rios said. A dreamer's lasting legacy Before moving to New Buffalo and opening Rios Mexican Grill in 2000, Pedro and Maria Rios, alongside their sister and brother-in-law, opened their first business in Sister Lakes, Michigan, in 1995. Their store El Amigo Pancho sold everything from fresh produce to everyday necessities. As farm workers, they saw the need for a store that offered products from their home country, according to a document detailing the Rios's story sent to the Free Press by the Rios family. It was an exciting yet daunting venture for them. After a few months running the store, they noticed a demand for Mexican food and began serving traditional homemade meals, according to the Rios family. In 1999, they sold the business and opened a restaurant called El Rio Grande in Stevensville, Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El Rio Grande closed a few months after it opened, but Pedro had a passion for cooking and was determined to continue "making people happy through food," according to his family. Driving through New Buffalo with his family in early 2000, Pedro Alberto Rios's father noticed a building at 901 West Buffalo St. available for lease and contacted the owner. About a month later, with $500 and a dream, he purchased the ingredients needed to open his small taco shop, according to his family. "The community welcomed them (Pedro and his family) with open arms, and Pedro poured his heart into building his dream," according to the Rios family. "From that day until his passing on March 2, 2019, Pedro created a place where everyone felt like family. His work ethic, generosity, and passion for food left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire." The Rios family continues to run the Mexican grill, which opened a second location in Michigan City, Indiana, years later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a larger space to open in New Buffalo, Alberto Rios said the restaurant plans to host more events, such as an annual taco-eating contest. People can stay updated on the resturant's opening and future events @riosmexicangrill on Instagram and Facebook. "Pedros taco shop is more than just a business to the Rios family; it is a testament to his life and legacy," according to the Rios family. "We are proud to have established our roots in New Buffalo in 2000, and we are committed to honoring Pedros memory by cherishing and appreciating this community, just as he did." This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Rios Mexican Grill, family-owned restaurant in New Buffalo, expanding Farmers in Kashmir and Jammu didn't need a weather report to know about this spring's horrible harvest. Fields that would normally have been shimmering gold with wheat or green with maize were left patchy and mostly dead. For families who depend on every harvest to pay their bills and keep food on the table, the 2025 monsoon season has felt like a punch to the gut. What's happening? Kashmir Life reported that unseasonal rains and other extreme weather damaged 1,239 hectares of farmland in Jammu and Kashmir between April 1 and July 14, according to the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed the numbers in the Lok Sabha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major crops hit included wheat, maize, paddy, barley, and local horticultural produce. And while over 9,500 farmer applications were insured under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), only 5,500 hectares were actually covered. By June 30, the government had disbursed 27 million Indian rupees (just over $300,000) in claims to farmers who suffered yield losses. Ladakh, in contrast, reported no crop damage this season. Only 14 hectares were insured, but officials see that as a sign that more farmers are becoming aware of risk management programs. Why it matters When farmers lose crops, it impacts more than just their families. The food supply chain is broken. This causes locals to suffer as grocery prices spike. And if harvests keep dwindling, everyday staples, such as rice and wheat, will cost everyone much more. This problem isn't just happening in India. Rising food prices have hurt households in South Africa after a bad harvest, and a drought in New Jersey forced many local farmers to watch their crops wither in the fields. Damaged crops in Pakistan and India, such as mango losses reported last year, highlight just how susceptible our global food chain is to extreme weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, beyond wallets, fewer bountiful harvests put more pressure on entire ecosystems. Damaged fields can cause soil erosion, and the cycle of emergency planting and replanting can strain water resources. It's a reminder that our overheating planet doesn't just bring theoretical "climate problems." It results in more empty dinner tables. What's being done For now, most help comes through insurance payouts and local disaster relief. The central government noted that states like Jammu and Kashmir can tap the State Disaster Response Fund for immediate measures, with federal support through the National Disaster Response Fund if damage escalates. In Japan, scientists are researching plant health monitoring sensors to spot trouble early. Better crop insurance participation and smarter water use can help shield families when weather takes a nasty turn. Every small step whether it's a local farm using tech or a shopper wasting less food makes our fragile food system a bit more secure. 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. Ferry operator DFDS will temporary pause a high-speed service for Jersey during the winter. The company has released its winter sailings schedule, with 118 departures between Jersey and Portsmouth and 88 for the St Malo service up from 1 November to 10 January. However, the firm - which took over the island's main ferry services in March - said lower passenger numbers over winter had led to a decision to halt its fast Poole sailings between November and 30 April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jersey route director Chris Parker said the company understood the decision would disappoint customers, but the winter schedule had been "designed to meet demand while delivering a dependable service". He added the timetable would offer capacity for up to 77,000 passengers between Jersey and the UK and 134,000 passengers for French sailings between November and March, which was "well above the historical demand" for winter. Mr Parker said: "We understand that this decision will impact islanders and disappoint some travellers, and we are sorry about the inconvenience this will cause. "We are focusing on delivering a long-term sustainable service for Jersey, including investment in future tonnage for the island." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DFDS said its Levante Jet boat, which normally covers the Poole route, would be used to cover St Malo crossings, while the Tarifa Jet goes into a dry dock in November. It added the Levante Jet would then go to a dry dock until the summer when the Tarifa Jet returned, with the latter helping provide sailings to Poole during Easter. The company said schedules from 11 January onwards were being finalised. A total of 110 freight service crossings have been scheduled up until 10 January as part of the winter timetable, DFDS added. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links Latisha McMillen stood in the doorway of the crowded closet she shared with her husband and put her face into a folded white T-shirt. She took a deep breath into the fabric, sighed and put it back on a stack of shoeboxes. She kicked another, empty box. These had the shoes he died in, she said that day. Im waiting for (the morgue) to give them back. Eric McMillens black and gray sneakers with orange accents and leopard print laces never did get returned. Latisha McMillen couldnt stand to look at her own matching pair, which sat untouched in their closet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But getting dressed Monday morning, Latisha felt the need to wear them to court, where her husbands alleged killer a longtime friend of the family who had been dating their youngest daughter was set to come before a judge for the first time. Eric McMillens phone rang a little before 7 a.m. April 30 his daughter was in a fight with that man and needed McMillen to pick her up. Latisha, 50, said hed listened and done what any father might do. He got up, changed out of a white T-shirt and got in the car. Prosecutors said Flomont Johnson and McMillens children had known each other for most of their lives. Johnson shared high school classes with them, the family said. He and the familys youngest daughter had started dating about a year earlier, and he had been part of their Christmas celebration last year, they said. They had pictures of everyone in matching pajamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMillen and his son had driven to Johnsons house in Roseland after the dispute, where prosecutors said he spoke briefly to Johnson outside. McMillens daughter and son were already in the car when he asked to speak to Johnsons mother. At that point, prosecutors alleged that Johnson went back inside and returned with the gun Latisha McMillen said her husband had purchased for their daughter and made sure she was licensed to carry, as well as a second, larger weapon. Johnson allegedly shot McMillen three times as his mother ran down the steps to stop him, prosecutors said. The 52-year-old was pronounced dead shortly afterward at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Marquitta Willis, McMillens oldest daughter, was getting her kids ready for school when she got a call from her mother. They said hes gone, said Willis, 34, of that short call. Then she hung up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, McMillens family is staring down life without his romantic advice, terrible dancing and cooking skills. They dont know who will look after the massive fish tank in their South Chicago kitchen. And they were stunned that someone who had such a long history with their family could be the suspect in his death. Prosecutors said Johnson, 28, fled after the shooting to south suburban Markham and then to Gary before turning off his phone. Authorities issued a warrant for his arrest in June, records show, and prosecutors said he was ultimately apprehended in Mississippi. Latisha McMillen put her face in her hands as an assistant states attorney began to talk through the case Monday afternoon. She leaned on a cousin sitting beside her in the courtroom all through the recitation of the allegations and Johnsons past weapons convictions, public defenders argument that he had feared for his own safety during the confrontation and Judge John Hocks declaration that Johnson was clearly a danger to anybody you might have contact with. Hock ordered Johnson held pending trial, with another court date scheduled for Sept. 5. Later, outside the Leighton Criminal Court Building, Latisha McMillen said she hadnt expected to hear the outlines of Erics homicide; she hadnt wanted to know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I havent learned to live with it yet, she said. Im still trying to understand why my husband? Shed been angry since he was killed, but she said she felt bad for Johnson that day in court too. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. You (allegedly) killed someone, now youre gonna lose your life, she said. You literally made somebody elses life more important than yours. The last time Erica McMillen another of the McMillen daughters talked to her dad, shed been making plans for her 5-year-olds birthday the next month. Her daughter had requested a ball pit at her party, she said, and Eric McMillen had already set about finding a way to make it happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erica, 31, said she often consulted her parents for advice navigating marriage and raising children. Her dad would advise hearing a partner out and would lay out the rights and wrongs of a situation, but would assure his kids that he was on their side as a rule. Her parents had met through family and were together for 32 years, she said. Latisha described herself as a person who could burn a pan of eggs, so she cleaned their familys South Chicago house, while Eric did the cooking and handled the laundry. They ran errands together, coordinated their outfits down to the shoes and talked on the phone to their kids together though their children said that some of this was due to Eric being a champion eavesdropper on speakerphone conversations. The last of the couples seven children moved out this spring. Theyd been thrilled to be empty nesters. At the same time, Latisha said Eric was clear with their kids: If anything happens, come on back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The night before her husbands death, they had been debating whether to drive or fly to South Carolina for an anniversary trip this September. Theyd been worried about a spate of plane crashes earlier this year, though Latisha said shed been reassured by the fact that if anything happened, wed be together. She had asked her husband, what would I do without you? He looked at her, she said, and replied, Nothing. Because Im not going nowhere. The parents of a missing 7-month-old boy in Yucaipa are cooperating with law enforcement despite claims from investigators that they cut off communication, an attorney representing the father said Tuesday. Emmanuel Haro disappeared after his mother, Rebecca Haro, said she was attacked in a parking lot last week and knocked out. She told detectives with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department that when she woke up, her son was gone. The Sheriff's Department said it cannot rule out foul play in the case but has not named any suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, authorities have searched the Cabazon home where the family lives and said that the parents have stopped cooperating with the investigation. But according to an attorney for the boy's father, Jake Haro, the family is still cooperating, and Rebecca Haro only refused to take a polygraph when it was requested by law enforcement. Authorities said she gave contradictory statements, but Vincent Hughes, who is representing Jake Haro in a separate case, said she was overcome with emotion because of her missing son. "No attorney in their right mind would allow that to happen, and no person should ever consent to a lie detector test when it's not even scientifically proven to be admissible in court," Hughes told The Times on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The fact of the matter remains: How does a normal person act in this situation?" Hughes said. "There's John Walsh on one extreme. You have Casey Anthony on the other extreme. Where is their normal between there? How does anyone act when their 7-month-old baby magically disappears?" Emmanuel was reported missing Thursday under suspicious circumstances after his mother said she was attacked and knocked unconscious outside a Big 5 store in Yucaipa, according to a San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department media press release. Sheriff's deputies arrived and searched the area but could not find Emmanuel. The boy was last seen wearing a black onesie, authorities said. Authorities did not disclose whether Rebecca Haro had suffered any visible injuries. During her interview with detectives, officials said, she was confronted with inconsistencies from her initial statement and stopped speaking with investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hughes said law enforcement provided a "vague statement" about Rebecca Haro's inconsistencies but has not elaborated or clarified that the parents are cooperating with the investigation. The Sheriff's Department has not issued a missing person flier, Hughes said, and has not provided Emmanuel's parents with any updates about the case. A sheriff's spokesperson said they have shared all information about the case over social media and that Hughes requested all further communication with the couple be made through him. According to court records, Jake Haro was convicted in June 2023 of willful child cruelty for an incident involving another child in Hemet. He's due to appear in court on Sept. 2 for a violation of his probation, and Hughes is defending him in that case. That case is separate and has no connection to the Haros' child missing, Hughes said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Jake has a criminal past," Hughes said. "We're not running from that, but the facts of that case are a lot different than the facts of this case. And one crime doesn't mean that you've committed every other crime known to man, especially to take your own child." The couple surrendered their phones to investigators and allowed detectives to search their Cabazon home, Hughes said. Investigators also took two iPads, including one that had not been taken out of the box, and three Xbox video game consoles. "Jake has and continues to state that law enforcement is free to come, free to look around," Hughes said. "They haven't ran. I want to make sure that the public is aware they have not gone anywhere. They're still in the family home, scared for their safety." Over the weekend, investigators and police dogs searched the family home in Cabazon. The Sheriff's Department says it has served multiple search warrants at the home and is reviewing surveillance footage from areas of interest in the case. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A Fayetteville man facing criminal charges in connection with his childs death last year pleaded guilty to amended charges last week after prosecutors learned the childs cause of death, according to court documents. Benjamin Vinson, 44, was arrested on Feb. 14, 2024, by the Washington County Sheriffs Office on a first-degree domestic battery charge, according to his booking. Benjamin Vinson, 44 (Courtesy: Washington County Detention Center) On Aug. 13, Vinson pleaded guilty to one count of endangering the welfare of a minor as part of a plea agreement during a status hearing. His second-degree battery charge was nolle prossed, meaning he was no longer prosecuted on that charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vinson was sentenced to six years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Dean provided the following statement to KNWA/FOX24 on Wednesday: This case is absolutely heartbreaking. Initially, from watching the grainy surveillance footage, we thought we had a potential murder charge but the evidence from the medical examiners office just did not support that. As prosecutors, we must follow the evidence to the logical conclusion in order to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt. The Defendant has always maintained he was striking the bed and not the baby and the forensic evidence backed that claim up. The medical examiner found no signs of blunt force trauma or bruising from the day of the babys death. The Defendant still placed the baby in a dangerous situation by having him in an adult bed with fluffy blankets and comforters, which according to the medical examiner, ultimately caused the babys death. Arkansas ranks third in the country for infant mortality and co-sleeping plays a significant role in that statistic. I implore families to research and understand the dangers of co-sleeping and do their part to provide the safest sleeping environment possible for our vulnerable little children. Undercover child exploitation operation in Tontitown nets 4 arrests Washington County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Denis Dean told KNWA/FOX24 in February 2024 that WCSO had home security video of Vinson hitting a two-month-old baby several times at a Fayetteville home. Vinson went to sleep and awoke to find the baby dead, according to Dean. He had pleaded not guilty to a first-degree domestic battery charge in March 2025. In May 2025, Vinsons charges were amended to manslaughter and second-degree battery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A prosecutors report said that Vinson covered the baby with sheets and impeded their ability to breathe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR) deepened its partnership with Fujitsu Ltd. (OTC:FJTSY) through a new licensing deal signed Aug. 5, 2025, granting Fujitsu the rights to offer the Palantir Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) in Japan. The arrangement expands Fujitsus access to Palantirs generative AI technology, with plans to extend globally later this fiscal year. Fujitsu said it will incorporate Palantir AIP into its Uvance framework, designed to tackle business and social challenges with digital solutions. The platform will accelerate enterprise transformation by embedding generative AI into operations. The two companies began collaborating in 2020 and signed a global agreement in 2023 to distribute Palantir Foundry, a platform for large-scale data management. Also Read: Palantir Nears Record High As Trumps $175 Billion Missile Defense Plan Opens Door To Massive SHIELD Contracts Pairing Foundry with AIP enables corporations to use preferred large language models within secure environments, supporting applications in finance, defense, and manufacturing. Palantir AIP is built to speed up data analysis, supply chain optimization, and workflow automation. Palantirs AIP will also connect with Fujitsus AI services, including Takane and Kozuchi, to strengthen Japanese-language functionality and industry-specific tools. This integration is expected to broaden the adoption of agentic AI while maintaining human oversight in decision-making. Fujitsu tested the platform internally, citing improvements in staffing allocation, workload reduction, and risk prediction. Through this partnership, Fujitsu projects $100 million in sales linked to AIP offerings by fiscal 2029. Palantir will provide continuous upgrades and technical support as enterprises expand use cases for generative AI. The move underscores Palantirs strategy to secure high-value partnerships while scaling its AI-driven products internationally. The licensing deal follows heightened investor attention on Palantirs stock, as traders debate whats going on with Palantir Technologies stock amid rising demand for enterprise AI solutions. Analysts have pointed to the companys government contracts and global partnerships as key growth drivers. Related ETFs include the Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (NASDAQ:BOTZ) and the ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (NYSE:ARKW). Price Action: PLTR shares are trading lower by 0.47% to $173.22 premarket at last check Tuesday. Read Next: NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) An FBI investigation was underway on Chapel Street in New Haven, according to New Haven police. The FBI was serving an arrest warrant on Tuesday morning on Chapel Street near Norton Street, but police stated that the person was not in the home. Police stepping up patrols following subsequent shootings in New Haven New Haven Police Officer Christian Bruckhart said the departments SWAT team was assisting the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. While I dont personally believe in using a book written thousands of years ago to steer my moral compass, I totally understand why the Bible is the best-selling book of all time. It has compelling, death-defying characters; women impregnated by magic; animals outliving humans; and the writing evokes grand, dramatic images. Take the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Jesus unleashes four wild and foreboding horsemen upon the world, each one more sinister than the last. Its honestly kind of hot. But in realityor at least in the United States in 2025its looking like the Four Horsemen are all going to be terrible white men whove previously served as Missouri attorney general. In a press release on Monday night, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced hed be stepping down from his position to take a job at the Justice Departmentas the FBIs new deputy co-director. Baileys short tenure has been marked by crusades against transgender children, opposing student debt relief, and unsuccessfully suing the Biden administration, claiming it colluded with social media platforms to censor Republicans. Real end times stuff. Most Popular Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most jarring of all, in April, Bailey subpoenaed the Missouri Abortion Fund in an attempt to get years worth of patients private records. (A judge temporarily blocked the move.) Its part of his continued legal war on Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which hes accused of trafficking minors out of state to get abortions. Even though MAF isnt named in the lawsuit, Baileys office hoped to find communication between the Fund and PPGP. In July, Bailey also sued the entire Planned Parenthood corporation for lying to patients about the safety of the abortion pill, citing the bogus right-wing study thats been amplified by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) for the last four months. Bailey is Missouris third AG in six years. Before Bailey, Eric Schmitt was the attorney general of Missouri from January 2019 to January 2023, when he was sworn in as a U.S. Senator. During his tenure, he railed against the LGBTQ community, supported efforts to deny the 2020 election, amplified the Great Replacement theory, and made Missouri the first state to enact an abortion ban following the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Before Schmitt, Hawley was Missouri AG from 2017 to 2019, before stepping down when he was elected senator. During his tenure, Hawley pushed abortion restrictions and was part of a lawsuit claiming the Affordable Care Act was unconstitutional. After survivors and advocates alerted him to the states backlog of 5,000 rape kits, he took credit for figuring it out. As a senator, Hawley wrote a book about manhood, and is using his position to push junk science in an attempt to get the FDA to ban the abortion pill. Hes overall one of the worst anti-abortion rodents in the country. In Four Horsemen lingo, Hawley is an anti-abortion plague, Schmitt fired the first shot in the post-Roe war on abortion, and Baileys bringing famine because hes forcing everyone to spend all their money on combating his laughable yet still terrifying lawsuits. Whenever the new Missouri AG (inevitably) steps down to take a bigger job, I guess thatll be our final sign that the end is nigh. I give us a year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bailey wasnt only tapped for the gig for his gross attacks on reproductive rights organizations (though Im sure it helped!). Reports suggest hes been hired as a slap in the face to the FBIs current deputy, Dan Bongino, whos having a tough time with how the White House is handling the Epstein files (or lack thereof). Bongino is a former podcast host who became a far-right icon for pushing Epstein conspiracy theories, which, in part, is what helped him get his FBI job in the first place. But ever since the White House bungled whatever it is they have, Bonginos been fighting with Attorney General Pam Bondi, posting vague social media messages, and, in July, reportedly threatened to quit. The New York Times reported that Baileys appointment to co-director bewildered many current and former F.B.I. agents. Cant ever say being a far-right conspiracy theorist isnt tough work. Thrilled to welcome Andrew Bailey as our new FBI co-deputy director, Todd Blanche, the FBIs deputy attorney general, wrote on Twitter on Monday. As Missouris attorney general, he took on the swamp, fought weaponized government, and defended the Constitution. Now he is bringing that fight to DOJ. Bongino simply quote-tweeted the post, writing Welcome. (not the period), followed by three American flags. The seething hatred would have been less obvious if hed just written, hey, go fuck yourself. Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe will name Baileys replacement at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The states already unleashed three horrific Republican AGs upon the world, and the legend of the Four Horsemen promises the fourth will be the worst. And probably the most anti-abortion of them all. Like what you just read? Youve got great taste. Subscribe to Jezebel, and for $5 a month or $50 a year, youll get access to a bunch of subscriber benefits, including getting to read the next article (and all the ones after that) ad-free. Plus, youll be supporting independent journalismwhich, can you even imagine not supporting independent journalism in times like these? Yikes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning Louisiana consumers not to eat certain lots of Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart after an investigation found possible contamination concerns with shipments from an Indonesian supplier. The products in question were processed by PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, also known as BMS Foods, and distributed to Walmart locations in Louisiana and 12 other states, the FDA said. The affected shrimp include: Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code 8005540-1, Best by 3/15/2027 Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code 8005538-1, Best by 3/15/2027 Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code 8005539-1, Best by 3/15/2027 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Where's the best place to fish in Louisiana? Check out these top 30 lakes in the state What to do if you bought this shrimp FDA recommendations: Do not eat or serve the shrimp. Throw it away immediately. Retailers and distributors should not sell or serve these products. If you are concerned about possible exposure to cesium-137, contact your healthcare provider. Consumers who purchased shrimp with these lot codes are advised to throw them away and not eat or serve them. The FDA said the shrimp violates the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act after U.S. Customs and Border Protection detected Cesium-137 (Cs-137), a radioactive isotope, in shipping containers tied to the company at several ports, including Houston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although no contaminated product has been confirmed in U.S. commerce, FDA officials said the shrimp may have been prepared or stored under insanitary conditions that could pose a safety risk. FDA has taken swift action to prevent potentially contaminated product from being introduced into U.S. commerce, the agency said in a public notice dated Aug. 19. At the levels detected about 68 Bq/kg the Cs-137 is below FDAs intervention threshold and would not cause acute illness. However, regulators warn that long-term exposure to low levels of radiation could increase the risk of cancer. The agency has added PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati to a new import alert for chemical contamination, preventing its products from entering the U.S. until the company addresses the violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Distributors and retailers are instructed not to sell or serve the impacted shrimp. Anyone concerned about potential exposure should contact their healthcare provider. Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care. To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction), visit: Industry and Consumer Assistance. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: FDA issues safety warning in Louisiana for Walmart frozen shrimp Originally appeared on E! Online These shrimp could be seriously friedbut hold the rice. The Food and Drug Administration issued a recall of Great Values frozen raw shrimp Aug. 19 from several different lot codes including 8005538-01, 8005539-01 and 8005540-01 with the expiration date of March 15, 2027 for possible exposure to Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. A plant in Indonesia in charge of processing the selected group of seafood, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati, is currently being investigated by the FDA for not informing distributors of the detection of Cesium-137 in its plants. At this point, the recall is preventative, as no bags of shrimp that tested positive for Cesium have entered the U.S. commerce circulation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, the level of Cesium found in the seized shipment of frozen shrimp was about 68 becquerels per kilogramsignificantly lower than the 1200 becquerels per kilogram the FDA considers warranted to cause serious harm. (Becquerels are the measurement of radioactive decay; one becquerel is equivalent to one second of radioactive decay.) More from E! Online However, the FDA notes in its latest recall release that anyeven smallnumber of radioactive exposures can damage DNA and increase risk of cancer. The latest warning emphasizes that shrimp lovers who may have purchased the Walmart brands frozen crustacean should dispose of it and warns stores to pull the product from their shelves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And, of course, if you have ingested the Great Value shrimp recently and are feeling nauseous or feverish, the FDA recommends speaking to your healthcare provider. Dario Pignatelli/Bloomberg via Getty Images Shrimp isnt the only food that has caused a stir-fry as of late. Last month, social media was in a frenzy over High Noon mistakenly covering several packages of their product with Celsius energy drink labels. The mistakenly alcoholic shipments only went to Florida, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin, but many people online made memes out of the moment. As one X user joked in response to the frenzy, Finding a high noon in a Celsius can is like finding Willy Wonkas golden ticket. Keep reading for more eyebrow raising food recalls Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coffee Lovers, Take Notice Dollar General issued a recall of the eight-ounce packets of its Clover Valley instant coffe in August 2025 over the potential of glass fragments in the products, which are sold in 48 U.S. states. "Dollar General is actively investigating the source of the glass contamination, the company said in a statement, and apologizes for any inconvenience caused by this product issue." But First, Maybe Not Coffee New Mexico Pinon Coffee became among brands to issue a serious recall of its products in July 2025 when officials recalled its dark roast 10-pack K-cup pods, citing that ink on the packaging could leak onto the brewed coffee. However, the company noted no other product had been affected from the mishap. Customers that have purchased these products, the brand wrote in a press release at the time, are asked to either throw away or return the product. Energy or Alcohol? In July 2025, the FDA recalled two production lots worth of Celsius ASTRO VIBE Energy Drink, Sparkling Blue Razz Edition, noting they were actually the hard seltzers High Noon that were mislabeled as the non-alcoholic drink. The company added in its statement, the recall was initiated after High Noon discovered that a shared packaging supplier mistakenly shipped empty CELSIUS cans to High Noon. The Case of the Mislabeled Ritz Ritz Crackers quickly recalled a mislabeled package of peanut butter crackers in July 2025, with the FDA warning that it could be life-threatening for some individuals who purchased their 8-pack, 20-pack and 40-pack cartons of RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches, well as the 20-pack RITZ Filled Cracker Sandwich Variety Pack carton. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts may risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions by consuming this product, the FDA statement read at the time. All outer cartons affected are labeled correctly and provide an allergen advisory statement indicating that the product contains peanuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Be Careful, Starbucks Lovers Starbucks signature Frappuccino bottles were pulled from grocery store shelves back in 2023 after the company warned that around 25,000 cases, or 300,000 individual bottles, may have included traces of broken glass. The recall included Vanilla-flavored bottles that were marked with expiration dates from March to June 2023. At the time, a Starbucks representative told NPR, The removal of these products from the marketplace is currently underway. Not-So-Lucky Charms Back in 2022, General Mills dived into the mystery of why over 3,000 Lucky Charms customers reported they experienced minor-to-serious gastrointestinal issues after ingesting the cereal. Food safety is our top priority, the brand wrote on social media at the time. We take your concerns very seriously. However, the brand noted it must have been a lousy leprechaun trick. Through our continuing internal investigations, their statement continued, we have not found any evidence of consumer illness linked to the consumption of Lucky Charms. Keep Those Buns Out of The Oven Bimbo Bakeries, the owner of Sara Lee and Natures Harvest breads, recalled a slew of their products in 2015 after a lightbulb shattered in their factory, which affected around 48,000 packaged products, the company said in a statement at the time. The recall was made after one consumer found bits of glass particles on the outside of their bread package, the company said in a statement at the time, and it affected bread sent to 11 states including Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina. For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App The Food and Drug Administration is warning the public not to eat, sell or serve certain Great Value raw frozen shrimp sold at Walmart due to possible contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope. U.S. Customs and Border Protection alerted the FDA about possible Cesium-137, or Cs-137, detected in shipping containers at four U.S. ports, the FDA said Tuesday in a press release. Testing on frozen shrimp from the distributor, Indonesia's BMS Foods, also tested positive, the FDA said. MORE: Coffee sold at Dollar General recalled for 'potential presence' of glass Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, no shrimp that has tested positive for Cesium-137 has entered the U.S. food supply, according to the FDA. The FDA is still recommending a recall on all products from BMS Foods that were shipped after the company's shipping containers tested positive for Cesium-137, even though the products themselves have not tested positive. The following Great Value brand frozen shrimp products should not be eaten, sold or served: Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027 Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027 Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away," the FDA said in its press release. The FDA said it is working with distributors and retailers that received the shrimp from BMS Foods "to recommend that firms conduct a recall," according to the press release. The FDA said it determined the shrimp from BMS Foods violates the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act "in that it appears to have been prepared, packed, or held under insanitary conditions whereby it may have become contaminated with Cs-137 and may pose a safety concern." MORE: Hand soaps voluntarily recalled due to bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All products from the company are now banned from coming into the U.S. "until the firm has resolved the conditions that gave rise to the appearance of the violation," the FDA said. Cesium is a soft, flexible, silvery-white metal that becomes liquid near room temperature, but easily bonds with chlorides to create a crystalline powder, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. External exposure to large amounts of Cesium-137, according to the EPA, can cause burns, acute radiation sickness and even death. Walmart said it is recalling some frozen shrimp after the Food and Drug Administration warned that the seafood items, sold under the Great Value label, are at risk of radioactive contamination and shouldn't be consumed. The frozen shrimp were imported from Indonesian company PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati and sold at Walmart stores as Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, the FDA said on Tuesday. The agency noted it has recommended that Walmart recall the product. "The health and safety of our customers is always a top priority. We have issued a sales restriction and removed this product from our impacted stores. We are working with the supplier to investigate," Walmart said in an email to CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company added that consumers who bought the shrimp shouldn't eat it and should throw it out. Customers can contact the store where they purchased the product for a full refund, it added. The shrimp could be contaminated with a radioactive isotope called Cesium-137, although the FDA said that no products as of yet have tested positive for it. The agency said it issued the warning about Walmart's Great Value shrimp after it had detected Cesium-137 in a single shipment of frozen shrimp from PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati. That shipment "did not enter U.S. commerce," the FDA said. Here's what to know about the warning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which shrimp products are part of the FDA warning? The FDA said that consumers "should not eat or serve certain lots of Great Value raw frozen shrimp from Walmart." The lots are: Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005540-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027 Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005538-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027 Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, lot code: 8005539-1, Best by Date: 3/15/2027. What should you do if you bought the shrimp? Consumers who bought the shrimp cited in the FDA's notice should throw it away, the agency said. "Distributors and retailers should dispose of this product and should not sell or serve this product," the FDA added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is Cesium-137? Cesium-137, or Cs-137, is the radioactive form of the element cesium, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Produced by nuclear fission, it's used in medical devices and is also a byproduct of nuclear fission in nuclear reactors and weapons testing, the EPA notes. How dangerous is the potential Cesium-137 contamination? The Cesium-137 detected in the imported shrimp was about 68 Bq/kg, which the FDA said sits below its threshold of 1200 Bq/kg for "levels of concern" for imported foods. "At this level, the product would not pose an acute hazard to consumers," the FDA said in its warning notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the FDA noted that repeated low-dose exposure to Cesium-137 carries an "elevated risk of cancer, resulting from damage to DNA within living cells of the body." It added, "Avoiding products like the shipment FDA tested with similar levels of Cs-137 is a measure intended to reduce exposure to low-level radiation that could have health impacts with continued exposure over a long period of time." When Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre Struggling farmer ditches cotton, finds success grazing sheep on solar farms TikTok employees raise concerns about app's impact on minors in unsealed video The beatdown in broad daylight in Washington, D.C., on Saturday was caught on video. Two masked men in tactical vests grappled with a delivery worker. One tased him, and he fell to the ground. A third man piled on, and then a fourth, a fifth, and a sixth, all in similar vests with faces covered. Pinning the worker face down on the pavement, agents tased him again and punched him repeatedly in the head. Get the fuck out of this city! a bystanders voice yelled out at the masked men. Why are you guys here? The masked mens vests only identified them as police, as is often the case with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and later, their arrestin the upscale Logan Circle neighborhoodwas confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security. It was part of the escalation in the federal law enforcement occupation ordered by Trump, with multiple agencies patrolling neighborhoods, stopping residents at checkpoints, and making arrests. Throughout, these federal agents have met opposition from countless bystanders and witnesses, who record them, jeer at them, and demand they leave their city. In that sense, nothing about the assault on Saturday stood out so much as it captured all these dynamics in the span of three minutes. It laid bare too how this takeover of an American citythe nations capital, no lesshas been brewing in the far-right imagination for a long time. You guys are ruining the country, said one of the bystanders to the masked agents, and one of them responded, Liberals already ruined it. Once, it was far-right groups who flooded cities in the summertime, in masks and tactical vests, looking for a fight; now, those groups have no need to be in the streets, with ICE and other federal agents carrying out their mission for them. As one Proud Boy organizer said at a Portland, Oregon, rally in 2018, For all the illegals trying to jump over our border, we should be smashing their heads into the concrete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we are seeing now flows from those dramatic street confrontations, brought on by groups such as Patriot Prayer and the Proud Boys nearly a decade ago, when they made Portland their target and Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson pledged, The stench-covered and liberal-occupied streets of Portland will be CLEANSED. Gibson was running as a Republican for the Washington state Senate at the time, and the Portland Police Bureau was in close contact with Patriot Prayer organizers, as reporting by Willamette Week exposed. The police regarded them as much more mainstream than leftist counterprotesters, arresting more of the latter than Proud Boys or Patriot Prayer memberseven as the far-right groups were advocating the murder of immigrants and leftists. It is perhaps less perplexing to see law enforcement in Washington this week engaged in anti-immigrant, anti-liberal taunts knowing this. On Sunday, the ICE account on X posted a video of seven masked agents removing a large banner hanging in Mount Pleasants main plaza, reading Chinga la migra, Mount Pleasant Melts ICE. Clutching the torn-down banner, one agent said to the camera, Were taking America back, baby. (A new banner quickly appeared in the same place: They are fascists. We are artists. We melt ICE.) Its petty, its cruel, and it didnt come from nowhere. Ahead of January 6, 2021, members of the Proud Boys stole and destroyed Black Lives Matter signs from two historically Black churches in D.C., as they posed for cameras in their tactical vests and mockingly chanted, Whose streets? Our streets. Seeing how ICE in particular have conducted themselves over the last few months, some people have feared that the masked agents Trump has unleashed might be the same people he pardoned for their involvement in the January 6 insurrection. Had they now infiltrated or been secretly hired into ICE and other agencies? A former assistant ICE director told Slate in July that he was very worried that Proud Boys and other insurrectionists and hoodlums would be hired at ICE, because, What self-respecting person who wants a meaningful career in law enforcement would go to work [for Enforcement and Removal Operations] right now? There is no evidence that J6ers have been secretly deputized as federal agents; if anything, the Department of Homeland Security is openly making appeals to far-right and white nationalist groups in its recent ICE recruitment drive, and some have, in fact, volunteered. Stewart Rhodes, the Oath Keepers founder, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in the January 6 insurrection, praised Trumps deployment of the National Guard to Washington last week. Rhodes also said he planned to relaunch the Oath Keepers, and asked Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act and call up the far-right militia group and others for immigration enforcement. Thats what I urged him to do in 2020, when the left was rioting in open insurrection across the country, Rhodes said, referring to the massive, nationwide protests after Minneapolis police murdered George Floyd. For the far right, its as if the street fights they started in Trumps first term never ended. What ICE and other federal law enforcement agents are now doing in the streets should be understood in that much longer context, in which Trump has gone from tacitly endorsing such violence, from the very fine people at the deadly Unite the Right rally in 2017 and his televised order to the Proud Boys in 2020 to stand back and stand by, to pardoning their members in his first days in office in 2025. One January 6 rioter has advised Trumps immigration czar Tom Homan. Another now works advising the Department of Justice on the weaponization of the department (for anti-Trump ends). From the beginning, violence against Trumps perceived enemies has been invited and rewarded. Now it is just being institutionalized. A U.S. Appeals Court on Aug. 19, 2025 reversed a district court decision and paused NM's 7-day waiting period for gun purchases. (Getty Images) The federal Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday paused New Mexicos seven-day waiting period for gun purchases, enacted into law last year. Two New Mexico residents, Paul Ortega and Rebecca Scott, both of whom say they were forced to wait for their gun purchases despite quickly passing background checks, sued Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Attorney General Raul Torrez over the law on the day it took effect: May 15, 2024. Their suit, backed by the National Rifle Association and other pro-gun organizations, contends the law is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as made applicable to the states by the Fourteenth Amendment. A federal district judge in July of 2024, however, denied the plaintiffs request for a preliminary injunction against the law while the lawsuit proceeded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its 2-1 split decision Tuesday, the Appeals Court reversed that decision, pausing the law, and sent the case back to the lower court. Cooling-off periods infringe on the Second Amendment by preventing the lawful acquisition of firearms, the decision reads. Cooling-off periods do not fit into any historically grounded exceptions to the right to keep and bear arms, and burden conduct within the Second Amendments scope. In this preliminary posture, we conclude that New Mexicos Waiting Period Act is likely an unconstitutional burden on the Second Amendment rights of its citizens. The governors office says it is reviewing its legal options for responding to the ruling. Todays decision by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals is deeply disappointing, plainly wrong and likely to cost lives in New Mexico, Lujan Grisham said in a statement. New Mexicos waiting period law was carefully crafted to minimize gun violence while respecting Second Amendment rights. The dissenting opinion in todays ruling even notes that New Mexicos law is likely to save approximately thirty-seven lives per year. The governors statement continues to say that the Tuesday ruling ignored a prior Tenth Circuit ruling that upheld Colorados law barring gun purchases by anyone under the age of 21, or a law that requires 18-year-olds to wait three years to purchase a weapon. Judge Scott M. Mathesons dissenting opinion in Tuesdays decision makes the same argument. The majority opinion acknowledges that precedent and also acknowledges that courts have only partially fleshed out the boundaries of these commercial conditions. However, it continues, even in this murky territory, the Waiting Period Act falls far short of a presumptively constitutional law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lujan Grishams statement also contends the ruling mischaracterized New Mexicos gun-purchase waiting period as applying to everyone, when it exempts people with concealed carry permits; law enforcement officers; and people who sell guns to immediate family members. The evidence is clear, the governor concludes. Waiting periods prevent impulsive acts of violence and suicide, giving people time to step back and reassess their emotions during moments of crisis. Im disappointed that todays ruling doesnt take this into account. The NRA issued a statement commending the decision. In courtrooms across America, the NRA is successfully leading the charge to protect law-abiding Americans Second Amendment rights, said NRA-Institute for Legislative Action Executive Director, John Commerford said in a statement. The 10th Circuit has sided with the NRA and held that radical waiting period laws are indeed unconstitutional. This decision not only impacts gun owners in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma, but serves as a key piece in dismantling similar gun control laws across the country. Officials at a Texas university cannot block a student-led LGBTQ+ organization from hosting drag shows on campus, a federal appeals court ruled Monday. The 2-1 ruling from the New Orleans-based 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals is a major victory for the group, Spectrum WT, which has been in a long-running legal battle with West Texas A&M University officials after the schools president banned the organization from putting on drag shows on campus. The 5th Circuits ruling will allow Spectrum WT to proceed with hosting drag performances while its legal challenge plays out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Canyon, Texas, school gained national attention in March 2023 after its president, Walter Wendler, declined Spectrum WTs request to host a drag event that month at a venue on campus. Wendler said in a campus-wide email that such performances do not preserve a single thread of human dignity, compared them to blackface and argued that they stereotype women in cartoon-like extremes for the amusement of others. That categorical ban, the 5th Circuit said, likely violated the First Amendment rights of the student group. Because theatrical performances plainly involve expressive conduct within the protection of the First Amendment, and because we find the plaintiffs drag show is protected expression, discrimination among such shows must pass strict scrutiny, appeals court Judge Leslie Southwick wrote in the majority opinion. Based on the record before us, the district court erred in concluding that the plaintiffs were not substantially likely to succeed on the merits of their First Amendment claim. Southwick, an appointee of former President George W. Bush, was joined by Judge James Dennis, who was appointed to the bench by former President Bill Clinton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservatives have said the performances which often feature men dressing as women in exaggerated makeup while singing or entertaining a crowd, though some shows feature bawdier content expose children to sexual themes and imagery that are inappropriate. When US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk ruled against Spectrum WT in September 2023, he focused in part on the possibility that children could see the performance. When children are involved, Kacsmaryk, a noted conservative whose courthouse is in Amarillo, Texas, wrote at the time, the calculation changes. The case simmered as Republican state lawmakers around the country pushed anti-drag laws and other measures targeting members of the LGBTQ+ community. It rose to new heights in March 2024 when Spectrum WT sought the Supreme Courts intervention. But the high court without providing an explanation declined to step in to allow the group to host a show on campus that month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges James Ho, an appointee of President Donald Trump, dissented from the 5th Circuits decision Monday in a lengthy opinion that was rife with culture war commentary. If university officials allow men to act as women in campus events like drag shows, they may feel compelled to allow men to act as women in other campus events as well like womens sports, Ho wrote. Echoing the blackface arguments pushed by Wendler, the judge wrote that the drag shows violate the universitys fundamental mission to ensure a welcoming educational environment for all. Attorneys for Spectrum WT, meanwhile, said the courts ruling is a victory not just for Spectrum WT, but for any public university students at risk of being silenced by campus censors. CNN has reached out to attorneys for Wendler and the other school officials involved in the lawsuit for comment. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an emergency injunction on Monday, temporarily blocking the Trump administrations plan to transfer Oak Flata sacred and ecologically sensitive area in Arizonato a private mining company. The decision comes as three separate lawsuits challenging the controversial land exchange continue to move through the courts. Without the injunction, the federal landlocated about 40 miles east of Phoenixwas set to be handed over on Tuesday to Resolution Copper, a subsidiary of global mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP. Tuesday, Aug. 19, marked the 60-day deadline following the U.S. Forest Services release of a revised environmental impact statement for the proposed copper mine at Oak Flat, a 2,200-acre site east of Phoenix. The deadline would have allowed Resolution Copper to assume control of the landif not for the 9th Circuit Courts last-minute injunction blocking the transfer. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tribes have been on these lands now called Arizona since time immemorial. Over the decades, we have strived to successfully provide for the health and welfare of our people while maintaining our status as sovereign nations, said Maria Dadgar, executive director of the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona. We believe that the health of our people correlates with the health of the land, the water and the environment that surrounds us," Dadgar said. "We are hopeful with the news from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and welcome the opportunity to make our case for the continued protection of Oak Flat. In June, U.S. District Judge Dominic W. Lanza issued a 60-day pause on the land exchange while two lawsuits were under review. However, last Friday, he declined to extend that stay, paving the way for the transfer to proceed on August 19. In response, the San Carlos Apache Tribe, conservation and recreation organizations, and the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona filed immediate appeals. A separate lawsuit brought last month on behalf of Apache women and girls also requested an emergency halt to the exchange. Were thankful the court has hit pause on this ill-conceived land swap that would devastate Oak Flat and all that makes it unique, said Sandy Bahr, director of the Sierra Clubs Grand Canyon Chapter. This gives us a critical window to continue our work to protect the areas lands, waters, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposed land exchange would hand over more than 2,400 acres of federal public land to Resolution Copper for the development of a massive underground mine. Opponents argue the project would permanently destroy Oak Flat, a site of immense spiritual and cultural significance to the San Carlos Apache and other Tribes. The appeals court rightly recognized the gravity of the issues at stake, said Roger Flynn, an attorney representing the groups challenging the land exchange. Theres simply too much to lose to let this reckless giveaway of our public lands proceed unchecked. Beyond its cultural significance, Oak Flat is also a vital ecological area, home to threatened species like the ocelot and Arizona hedgehog cactus. The region provides critical habitat, recreational opportunities, and ecological value that opponents argue would be irreparably harmed by mining operations. About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net Palantir Technologies (PLTR) crossed a historic milestone in the second quarter of 2025, reporting its first-ever billion-dollar quarter. Revenue surged nearly 48% year-over-year to approximately $1.004 billion, easily beating Wall Streets expectations of roughly $937940 million. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.16, topping consensus forecasts of $0.14, while adjusted operating margins climbed to an impressive 46%. Free cash flow soared to $569 million, representing a margin of 57%, and the company posted GAAP net income of about $327 million, or a 33% net margin. Palantirs Rule of 40 score a key measure of growth and profitability hit a remarkable 94%, underlining its rare balance of aggressive expansion and strong operational efficiency. The companys balance sheet remains robust, with a cash and short-term investment reserve of approximately $6 billion. More News from Barchart A closer look at the numbers reveals that Palantirs U.S. business is powering much of the momentum. Domestic revenue surged 68% to $733 million, with U.S. commercial revenue skyrocketing 93% to $306 million and U.S. government revenue climbing 53% to $426 million. Internationally, Palantir continues to serve a growing base of major commercial clients in Europe and high-value government partners outside the United States, though CEO Alex Karp made clear that the companys most transformative work is occurring in its home market. Total Contract Value (TCV) rose 140% year-over-year to $2.3 billion, driven in part by a 222% jump in U.S. commercial TCV to $843 million. Off the back of these results, Palantir raised its full-year guidance to $4.14-4.15 billion, with U.S. commercial revenues now expected to surpass $1.3 billion an increase of over 85% from the prior year. On the companys earnings call, Karp delivered one of his most emphatic visions to date, framing Palantirs success not just as a business story, but as part of a broader national transformation. He pointed to key offerings such as Ontology, Foundry, and Maven as being on the front line of what he called a perfect time for Palantir and a revolution in The United States of America. While acknowledging the importance of Palantirs international partnerships, Karp cast the companys mission as fundamentally American, fueled by advances in AI, semiconductors, and large language models. He described Palantir as anomalously bullish on every facet of U.S. life, with a particular focus on the countrys blue-collar workforce. Spectrum WT v. Wendler is one of the easiest First Amendment cases the federal courts heard this year or in any other year. The question is whether a government official can ban drag shows. The obvious answer to this question is no. The government cannot ban drag for the same reason it cannot ban stand-up comedy, musical theater, kabuki, noh, opera, koothu, or mime. If you really need an explainer on why the First Amendment doesnt permit the government to ban an entire theatrical style, I wrote that piece here. As the Supreme Court said in Southeastern Promotions v. Conrad (1975), a strikingly similar case about a municipal governments attempt to bar performance of the musical Hair, only if we were to conclude that live drama is unprotected by the First Amendment or subject to a totally different standard from that applied to other forms of expression could we possibly find no [constitutional violation] here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good news for proponents of free speech is that, on Monday, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit handed down its decision in Spectrum WT, and that decision reached the correct conclusion that no, the government may not ban drag shows. But for the drag performers at the heart of the Spectrum WT case, this victory must taste like ash. Though the courts eventually got around to ruling that the First Amendment protects gay people, it took them more than two years to do so. The government succeeded in barring a performance that is protected by the First Amendment for more than half of an entire presidential term. Most of the reason why can be summarized in two words: Matthew Kacsmaryk. Spectrum WT arises out of the president of a public university near Amarillo, Texass attempt to ban drag shows at that school. And the only federal trial judge in Amarillo is Kacsmaryk, a notorious social conservative and prude who is best known for his failed attempt to ban the abortion drug mifepristone. There are other villains in this story as well. Though the Fifth Circuit eventually got around to saying that gay people have free speech rights, too, it rejected multiple requests to expedite the case or to temporarily block Kacsmaryks decision allowing the drag ban while this litigation was ongoing. The Supreme Court also refused to intervene in a May 2024 decision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And its not even clear that this saga is over. Judge James Ho, a professional troll that President Donald Trump appointed to the Fifth Circuit in 2018, dissented from the decision in Spectrum WT. The university president who lost this case may appeal to the full Fifth Circuit, which has a MAGA majority. He may also ask the Supreme Court, which is frequently hostile toward LGBTQ+ people, to hear this case. It remains to be seen, in other words, whether the courts will eventually conclude that gay people have the right to free speech and, if they do, how long it will take for them to reach that conclusion. Courts can weaponize their own calendars to benefit favored litigants and delay justice for disfavored ones Because any lawsuit filed in Amarillo will wind up before Kacsmaryk, right-wing litigants will often file their suits in that Texas city to ensure that their case is heard by a sympathetic judge. In August 2021, for example, Texas Republican attorney general obtained an order from Kacsmaryk requiring the Biden administration to reinstate a Trump border policy that required many migrants to remain in Mexico while their immigration cases were being processed by US officials. Kacsmaryks order was clearly illegal, and the Supreme Court eventually reversed him in an opinion warning that he imposed a significant burden upon the Executives ability to conduct diplomatic relations with Mexico. But the Court sat on the case until late June 2022 effectively making Kacsmaryk the US border czar for nearly an entire year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But thats not how the Court, which has a 6-3 Republican majority, operates when Trumps lawyers ask them to intervene. When a lower court blocked Trumps plan to fire nearly half of the Department of Educations employees, the Republican justices gave Trump the power to do so a little more than a month after he asked them to get involved. When a lower court ordered Trump to comply with the Convention Against Torture, a treaty that the United States agreed to abide by, the Republican justices waited a little less than a month before they effectively withdrew America from that treaty. Indeed, the Court gave Trump full or partial relief in 16 of the past 16 Trump-related cases that arrived on the Courts shadow docket, expedited matters that the justices often decide very quickly and without full briefing or an oral argument. Even when courts ultimately reach the correct legal conclusion, in other words, they can often reward litigants that they favor and sabotage litigants that they dont by manipulating when they hand down their decision. In shadow docket cases, for example, the Supreme Court is only supposed to intervene early in a case when the party seeking to block a lower court decision can show that they will be irreparably injured without the Courts intervention. But the Republican justices appear to have exempted the Trump administration from this requirement, even though they applied this rule to Biden. This practice, where courts can delay suits brought by disfavored parties and expedite matters brought by others, was front and center in Spectrum WT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case arose after West Texas A&M president Walter Wendler prohibited drag shows on campus, cancelling a planned event by a campus LGBTQ+ group in the process. Because West Texas A&M is within Kacsmaryks jurisdiction, the student group had no chance of winning at the trial level. Kacsmaryk is a longtime anti-LGBTQ+ activist who has claimed that being transgender is a mental disorder and that gay people are disordered. As Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer said during Kacsmaryks confirmation fight, Mr. Kacsmaryk has demonstrated a hostility to the LGBTQ bordering on paranoia. The Fifth Circuit, meanwhile, twice rejected requests to expedite this case. And the Supreme Court refused to grant shadow docket relief in its May 2024 order. That means that Kacsmaryks order stripping drag performers of their First Amendment rights, which was handed down in September 2023, has been in effect for nearly two years. The courts decision to sit on this case for so long is particularly jarring, because this case involves a public university student group. As the Fifth Circuit acknowledged in its Monday decision, the Supreme Court has long held that the loss of First Amendment freedoms, for even minimal periods of time, unquestionably constitutes irreparable injury, so any case denying First Amendment rights to a litigant is a strong candidate for an expedited decision restoring those rights. But the argument for expedited relief is particularly strong when student groups are denied First Amendment rights, because many of those students may graduate before the courts restore those rights. In the more than two years since Wendler unconstitutionally banned drag shows on campus, about half of the undergraduates at his school have finished their degrees. That means that they were permanently denied their right to organize a drag show, or to perform in drag on campus, during their junior and senior years. The Fifth Circuit might have reversed Kacsmaryks decision, but it cannot turn back time to give these graduates an experience that they may have cherished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wendler and Kacsmaryk, in other words, irreparably injured these students. And one of the central questions when a party asks an appellate court to swiftly block a lower court decision is supposed to be whether that party will be irreparably injured. But both the Fifth Circuit and the Supreme Court sat on their hands, nonetheless. The legal arguments supporting drag bans are risible If you dont get the fact that the First Amendment prohibits government officials, including public university presidents, from banning an entire style of dramatic performance, then judge is not the right job for you. Nevertheless, Ho did dissent in the Spectrum WT. His argument isunusual. The crux of Hos argument is that courts should defer to Wendlers conclusion that drag shows are inherently sexist. In a letter justifying his decision to ban drag, Wendler claimed that drag denigrates women in the same way that blackface performances denigrate African Americans. As a university president, I would not support blackface performances on our campus, Wendler wrote. I do not support any show, performance or artistic expression which denigrates othersin this case, womenfor any reason. There are so many problems with this argument that it is hard to know where to begin. Drag shows and blackface are superficially similar in that one involves people who are not Black masquerading as Black people, and the other typically involves people who are not women dressing as if they were. But the similarities end there. Blackface exists to degrade Black people. Drag shows exist to lampoon gender roles, not to convey that women are inferior to men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But none of that matters for a very simple reason: Blackface is protected by the Constitution, as is all kinds of offensive speech. In Snyder v. Phelps (2011), for example, the Supreme Court held that members of an anti-gay church have a First Amendment right to protest military funerals with signs displaying anti-gay slurs and messages like Thank God for Dead Soldiers. Racial slurs, racist or sexist performances, and all kinds of other despicable speech are all protected by the First Amendment. Thus, even if Wendler were correct that drag is akin to blackface, it wouldnt matter. The First Amendment protects blackface. That said, the Supreme Court has held that public schools may sanction speech that materially disrupts classwork or involves substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others. This is why public school teachers may put a student who interrupts their lessons in detention. So, a public university president might be able to bar a blackface performance if they can show that it would so offend the student body that it would disrupt the schools ability to educate. But theres no evidence that West Texas A&M classrooms would be disrupted because of a drag show. Ho attempts to get around all of this law by pointing to the Supreme Courts decision in Christian Legal Society v. Martinez (2010), which held that public universities may require campus groups to adopt an all-comers policy meaning that they must allow any student who wants to join the group to join if those groups want to receive certain benefits and subsidies from the university. The plaintiff in Christian Legal Society, a campus group that wished to bar students who engage in unrepentant homosexual conduct, claimed that this policy violated their First Amendment right to free association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ho appears to argue that, because the anti-gay group in Christian Legal Society could not rely on the First Amendment to overcome the all-comers policy, it follows that the student group at issue in Spectrum WT also cannot invoke its First Amendment rights. But it is well-established that anti-discrimination laws can overcome the right to free association. If they couldnt, then all such laws would be unconstitutional. A law barring race discrimination in hiring, for example, forces white supremacist employers to associate with non-white workers. Christian Legal Society would apply to the student group in Spectrum WT if it tried to bar straight students from joining (assuming, of course, that West Texas A&M has an all-comers policy), and it might apply if they attempted to exclude some students from attending the drag performance. But it has nothing to say about whether a public university president may ban certain performances on campus. Hos opinion, in other words, is quite wrong. But it should stand as a warning to anyone who hopes to invoke their constitutional rights in the future. Ho is widely viewed as a leading candidate for promotion to the Supreme Court in Trumps second term. And the more time Trump spends in office, the more judges like Kacsmaryk and Ho he can appoint to the bench. There may soon be many communities like Amarillo, in other words, where constitutional rights go to die. State Senate Districts for the Tampa Bay region as drawn by the Florida Legislature. (Source: ACLU of Florida lawsuit exhibit) A three-judge panel of federal judges has upheld the constitutionality of a Florida Senate map created in 2022 that a group of voters had claimed was racially gerrymandered. The case revolved around the design of Senate District 16 during the 2022 redistricting process, encompassing parts of Pinellas County and jumping across Tampa Bay into Hillsborough County. The seat is now held by Democratic Sen. Darryl Rouson of St. Petersburg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three plaintiffs testified in June that the Legislatures plan to connect Black populations from parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties into SD 16 violated their equal-protection rights. They claimed it unjustifiably packed Black voters into District 16 and removed them from nearby District 18 in Pinellas, reducing their influence there. They also alleged that the drawing of the district hurt their representation in Tallahassee. The plaintiffs were represented in court by the ACLU of Florida and the Civil Rights & Racial Justice at New York University. The defendants were Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Senate President Ben Albritton. Race did not predominate After a careful review of the evidence and the benefit of a four-day bench trial, we find that race did not predominate in the legislatures motivations in drawing Senate District 16, reads the opinion, issued Monday by U.S. Circuit Court Judge Andrew L. Brasher, U.S. Senior District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell, and U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiffs have not met their burden, whether through direct or circumstantial evidence, to prove that racial considerations subordinated race-neutral criteria. Though the legislature certainly considered racial demographics to confirm that District 16 complied with tier-one requirements, it did not subordinate race-neutral considerations to race-based objectives. The Senate never set racial targets or quotas. The main witness in the four-day trial was Jay Ferrin, who served as staff director of the Florida Senate Committee on Reapportionment in the fall of 2021, when the districts lines were created. He discussed in lengthy testimony how he and his staff went about drawing up the Senate districts that year and the guidelines they followed. He also testified that GOP legislators never asked him to draw up a Senate map that would have placed a district solely in Hillsborough County while ensuring that parts of south Pinellas County would not suffer from diminishment. Under the Fair Districts Amendments non-diminishment standard placed by the voters into the state Constitution in 2010, districts cannot be drawn in a manner that diminishes the ability of minority voters to elect their preferred candidate of choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other witnesses included two political scientists, a pollster, and a statistics professor, all of whom discussed different aspects of the redistricting process. Attorneys for the plaintiffs said that before the trial they had intended to depose two GOP state lawmakers: Former Sen. Ray Rodrigues, who chaired the Committee on Reapportionment in 2021-2022, and Danny Burgess, who was the chair of the Select Subcommittee on Legislative Reapportionment at that time. However, both asserted legislative privilege, which shielded them from having to testify. Former Orange County Democratic Sen. Randolph Bracy was also scheduled to appear for the plaintiffs, but failed to show up on two consecutive days. Instead, plaintiffs attorneys showed video clips from a 2021 committee hearing featuring Bracy. In one clip, he asked Ferrin why the proposed seat stretched across the two counties. Ferrin replied that it was to comply with the Fair Districts amendment in the Florida Constitution, specifically the Tier 1 standards that provide protections for racial and language minorities. Bracy asked Ferrin whether there was a way to comply with the Tier 1 standards and keep the counties separate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another video exchange showed Burgess telling Bracy that Senate staff had said that keeping the counties separate wasnt possible, because it would lead to a significant number of voters who would be disenfranchised. Before those clips were shown, Nicholas Warren, the attorney for the ACLU of Florida, asserted those clips would prove that race predominated in the drawing of the district. At the end of the day, however, the three-judge panel ruled otherwise. The ACLU of Florida and the Florida Department of State did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday morning. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE JACKSON, Miss. (AP) A federal judge has blocked portions of Mississippis ban on diversity, equity and inclusion practices in public schools from being enforced while a lawsuit against it is underway. The provisions blocked by U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate on Monday seek to prohibit public schools from discussing a list of divisive concepts related to race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation and national origin. They would also prevent public schools from maintaining programs, courses or offices that promote DEI or endorse divisive concepts, and ban diversity training requirements. The preliminary injunction does not block other portions of the law, including those that prevent schools from giving preferential treatment based on race, sex, color or national origin and that penalize students or staff for their refusal to embrace DEI concepts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law, which took effect in April, aims to prevent public schools from engaging in discriminatory practices by banning DEI offices, trainings and programs. Any school in violation of the act could lose state funding. A group of teachers, parents and students is suing the state, arguing that the law violates their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Wingate wrote in his ruling that he finds the law to be at odds with the First Amendment and the public interest of the state. It is unconstitutionally vague, fails to treat speech in a viewpoint-neutral manner, and carries with it serious risks of terrible consequences with respect to the chilling of expression and academic freedom, he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wingate also granted the plaintiff's request to add class action claims to the lawsuit, meaning the injunction will apply to teachers, professors and students across the state. The plaintiffs lawyers sought the addition after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June limited the ability of federal judges to grant sweeping injunctions. Jarvis Dortch, the executive director of the ACLU of Mississippi, which is helping litigate the case, said he was thankful for Wingate's stance. The Court sees the law for what it plainly is an attempt to stop the proper exchange of ideas within the classroom," Dortch said in a statement. Wingates ruling follows a temporary restraining order he granted to the plaintiffs in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At an Aug. 5 hearing, lawyers representing the plaintiffs argued the law is too confusing, leaving parents, teachers and students wondering what they can and cannot say and whether they could face consequences as a result of their speech. Cliff Johnson, a professor at the University of Mississippi Law School and Mississippi director of the MacArthur Justice Center, testified that he and his students often discuss what could be considered divisive topics. Johnson said he did not believe the law would allow him to teach about the First, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments; the court case that paved the way for the internment of Japanese citizens during WWII; portions of the Civil Rights Act; or the murders of Emmett Till and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. I think Im in a very difficult position. I can teach my class as usual and run the serious risk of being disciplined, or I could abandon something thats very important to me, Johnson testified. I feel a bit paralyzed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mississippi Attorney Generals Office argued that public employees do not have First Amendment rights. They are speaking for the government and the government has every right to tell them what they need to say on its behalf, said Lisa Reppeto, an attorney at the state attorney general's office. She added that the First Amendment does not give students the right to dictate what their school does or does not say. Reppeto also said the consequences of the law are aimed at the schools not students or teachers and that the plaintiffs' argument is not consistent with what is in the statute. TALLAHASSEE A panel of federal judges Monday upheld a 2022 Florida Senate redistricting plan, rejecting arguments that a Tampa Bay-area district was racially gerrymandered and violated constitutional equal-protection rights. The three-judge panel issued a 78-page ruling in the case that centered on Senate District 16, which crosses Tampa Bay to connect parts of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. The plaintiffs, three Black residents of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, contended that the district which in recent years has been represented by Black Democrat Darryl Rouson was racially gerrymandered and, in part, has reduced the influence of Black voters in Pinellas Countys neighboring Senate District 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the panel, which held a trial in June, ruled that the district is not a racial gerrymander because the Legislature did not subordinate traditional race-neutral redistricting criteria to race-based considerations. After a careful review of the evidence and the benefit of a four-day bench trial, we find that race did not predominate in the Legislatures motivations in drawing Senate District 16. The Senate never set racial targets or quotas, said the opinion, written by 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Andrew Brasher and joined by U.S. District Judges Thomas Barber and Charlene Edwards Honeywell. Unlike typical federal lawsuits, three-judge panels handle such redistricting cases. The neighboring Senate District 18 is represented by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, a white Republican from Indian Rocks Beach. The Senate case was one of a series of legal battles stemming from the 2022 redistricting process. In perhaps the highest-profile case, the Florida Supreme Court last month upheld a congressional redistricting plan pushed through the Legislature by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A separate federal lawsuit challenging state House districts is pending in Miami. The Senate case focused, in part, on the interplay between federal equal-protection rights and a 2010 state constitutional amendment, known as the Fair Districts Amendment, that set standards for redistricting. One part of the standards seeks to prevent diminishing the ability of minorities to elect candidates of their choice what is known as its non-diminishment clause. The plaintiffs contended that the Senate did not adequately look at alternatives that would have met the non-diminishment requirement without a district crossing Tampa Bay. In sum, the explanations the Senate gave at the time for why it drew District 16 as it did all point to a single reason: race, the plaintiffs attorneys wrote in a filing last month. The Legislatures stated predominant goal in drawing District 16 was to avoid diminishing Black voters ability-to-elect. At no point did the Legislature consider options that would have accomplished these anti-diminishment goals while avoiding drawing the district predominantly based on race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But attorneys for Senate President Ben Albriton, R-Wauchula, disputed the plaintiffs arguments, writing in a filing last month that the evidence at trial established that Senate District 16 was not the product of racial gerrymandering. They wrote that race was only looked at to ensure compliance with the Fair Districts Amendment. Plaintiffs have not carried their burden of proving that race predominated in the design of Senate District 16, Albrittons attorneys wrote. The evidence demonstrates that the Florida Senate employed race-neutral criteria, including compactness, contiguity, and use of existing political and geographical boundaries, in drawing the district. Racial considerations were not used to determine the configuration of District 16, and were reviewed only after the fact to ensure compliance with the Florida Constitutions non-diminishment standard. The three-judge panel said Monday it had found that the Legislature did not consider racial data until after applying race-neutral criteria to draw Senate District 16. The weight of the evidence establishes that the Legislature did not subordinate its race-neutral criteria to racial considerations, the opinion said. Specifically, the evidence demonstrates that Legislature prioritized compactness, boundary usage and contiguity. By Jim Saunders, News Service of Florida The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in 1955 to protect migratory birds, pictured here in 2011. (Dan Severson/USFWS) TOPEKA The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will not allocate water in 2026 to a Kansas wildlife refuge that serves as a key destination for hundreds of species of migrating birds. Kansas Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran in an Aug. 14 announcement applauded the services decision to take no action to honor water rights for the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, a more than 22,000-acre marsh and sand prairie in central Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal officials made the same decision in 2020 and again in 2023, despite a report from Kansas regulators that found the refuge received insufficient amounts of water in two out of every three years between 2008 and 2021. I met with FWS Administrator Brian Nesvik and emphasized the need for long-term solutions led by stakeholders at the local level, and I am pleased by the recognition of the progress that is being made, Moran said in a news release. Moran did not specify what progress entails, but he said the service acknowledged a Kansas Department of Agriculture groups conservation efforts. A 2016 analysis determined that irrigators upstream from Quivira were infringing on its state water rights, which entitle it to more than 14,000 acre-feet of water each year, equivalent to about 4.6 billion gallons. Irrigators reduce the groundwater in Rattlesnake Creek, which flows into the refuge. Conservationists say lower flows threaten endangered species. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, the refuge reportedly used none of its allocated water for the first time since 2017, according to state water rights data. In 2023, it used 45 acre-feet. U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican representing Kansas 4th District, wrote a letter in February to U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, asking for assurance that the department wouldnt call for water allocation for Quivira. Agriculture is the basins primary industry, generating millions of dollars in direct and indirect revenue, Estes said. Losing the ability to irrigate crops would reduce these revenues by tens of millions of dollars, forcing many of these already struggling family-run farms to exit the industry entirely. Thirty alleged members and leaders of Tren de Aragua (TdA), a Venezuelan gang designated as a foreign terrorist group, were indicted in Colorado on charges including murder-for-hire, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses. The gang has been tied to murder, extortion, kidnapping, and drug and human trafficking. Several TdA members are accused of unlawfully entering the U.S. and introducing its gang violence to communities across America, including those in Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These defendants include Tren de Aragua leaders, members, and associates," U.S. Attorney for Colorado Peter McNeilly said during a press conference on Monday. "The charges include firearms trafficking, drug trafficking, and a barbaric murder for hire plot in which several of the defendants agreed to kill two people for $15,000 and return their severed heads as proof of the murders for just an extra $5,000." Fbi Takes Down Anti-tren Gang Members In Largest Bust Yet In Violent Migrant Turf War A nine-month investigation tied to crime at a Denver-area apartment complex led a grand jury to charge 28 people in a 39-count indictment. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charges include firearms trafficking, using guns in drug crimes, illegal possession of firearms and drug trafficking. Five defendants also face conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. Trump's Crackdown Nets Over 2,700 Alleged Members Of Notorious Venezuelan Gang "The charges tell a story of people selling guns and drugs lots of them," McNeilly said. "The affidavits which have been filed in this case also tell a story of a murder-for-hire plot and other crimes that the defendants were willing to commit, such as sex trafficking. "One of the people who offered to commit murders in this case bragged to the undercover officers that the people he would use to commit those murders were the very same people that we had seen committing crimes on the news in these apartment complexes in Aurora," he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, officers with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) recovered 69 firearms, including machine guns. Authorities claim that several of the firearms have been linked to shootings, carjackings, robberies and drive-by shootings in Denver and Aurora. Venezuelan Gang Suspect In Us Illegally Allegedly Attempts To Murder Federal Agent During Arrest Tren de Aragua gang members have allegedly been involved in crime across the country, including El Paso, Texas. ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers said during the press conference that some of the firearms recovered were privately made, adding that at least one was equipped with a machine gun conversion device. "By removing these firearms from the street, we disrupted a dangerous cycle of violence, preventing further harm to our communities and sending a clear message to criminal networks," he said. "We are here and together at a local and federal level, and we will bring you to justice." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a separate indictment, Luis Fernando Uribe-Torrealba and Luis Henriquez-Charaima, both 29, face six counts including murder-for-hire, carjacking, and trafficking drugs and firearms. Suspected Tren De Aragua Gang Members Terrorize Apartment Complex In Shocking Doorbell Video Both men were arrested by Colombian authorities in Colombia on July 30 after the U.S. issued a provisional arrest warrant based on charges in the case. Uribe-Torrealba and Henriquez-Charaima remain in custody in Colombia pending extradition proceedings. Of the 28 others indicted, 24 are in federal custody. "Each one of those 69 guns represents the saving of a life. Each ounce of narcotics taken off the street represents a life saved," Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown said. "This community has seen a 75% reduction in calls for service That is life-changing for the people in this community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance video from 2023 went viral after it showed heavily armed men kicking down an apartment door in Aurora, Colorado. It purportedly showed alleged members of Tren de Aragua who had reportedly taken over apartment buildings in the city and were extorting residents for protection payments. The video catapulted TdA into the spotlight of the 2024 presidential campaign, with Republican nominee former President Trump vowing to "liberate Aurora" from illegal alien criminals he claimed were "taking over the whole town." Aurora police have called allegations that gangs had "taken over" buildings in the city an exaggeration, although they have acknowledged the presence of TdA in the community. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, previously dismissed outrage over a video that appeared to show armed Venezuelan gang members taking over an apartment building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement shared with the New York Post in August 2024, Polis' spokeswoman Shelby Wieman claimed, "The Governor has already let the Mayor know that the State is ready to support the local police department with assistance from state troopers and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation if needed." "But, according to police intelligence, this purported invasion is largely a feature of Danielle Jurinskys imagination," added Wieman, referring to an Aurora City Council member who had spoken out about the TdA issue. On Monday, Polis applauded local and federal law enforcement for working together to crack down on crime. "Colorado is a zero tolerance state for crime and the governor offered any needed resources to Aurora last year to go after TDA and other gangs," a spokesperson for Polis office told Fox News Digital. "Specifically, in August 2024, he offered dedicated investigative support in the form of Troopers and CBI agents to work cases, the state has been participating in the joint task force supporting this response, and DHSEM provided analysts to support investigations to identify and arrest known criminal gang members.'." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Governor is focused on working with local and federal law enforcement to improve public safety, apprehend criminals, and keep our communities safe," the spokesperson added. Original article source: Feds charge dozens of alleged Tren de Aragua members with drug trafficking and murder-for-hire The feds are threatening funding cuts to the MTA if the agency does not file an amended risk assessment for track workers within 30 days, according to a letter sent Tuesday by the Federal Transit Administration. FTA Chief Safety Officer Joe DeLorenzo claimed New York City Transit essentially obfuscates risks to workers and downplays the necessity for updated worker protections and must resubmit an assessment of dangers faced by track workers for a third time or else face prompt enforcement action including withholding up to twenty-five percent of funds. FTA will not afford NYCT an opportunity to submit a fourth [assessment,] the letter reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays letter comes eight months after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and NYCT filed an amended response in January to an FTA directive published under the Biden administration, which took the transit agency to task for what regulators at the time called an escalating pattern of safety incidents. The directive specifically cited two two high-profile incidents previously reported by the Daily News the November 2023 death of track worker Hilarion Joseph, who was hit by a D train while working on the tracks near Herald Square, and a June 2024 incident in which an unidentified track worker suffered head trauma and went into a coma after he was struck by an F train near Bergen St. Both men were working as flaggers alerting oncoming train operators to the presence of work crews on the tracks when they were hit. In his letter, DeLorenzo says the MTAs January response a mandated document known as a safety risk assessment, filed in the first week of the Trump administration continues to significantly underestimate actual worker risk exposure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also cites the MTA for not including 2024 data in the January 2025 assessment and accuses the agency of diluting incident data by averaging across a broad 11-year analytical period, understating risks to track workers. Specifically, several track worker events occurred from calendar years 2021-2023, representing an incident rate approximately 3.4 times higher than the preceding eight-year period, calendar years 2013-2020, DeLorenzo wrote. DeLorenzo said the MTA had 30 days to incorporate 2024 data into its assessment and revise its determination of how likely trains are to strike or come close to striking transit workers. Let me be very clear, Marc Molinaro, President Trumps FTA administrator, said in a statement. We will not accept being jerked around on safety and security issues any longer. By anyone, anywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the threat to subway funding comes amid months of federal efforts to defund the trains and a series of political fights. Sean Duffy, the federal Department of Transportation secretary, has, in recent months, threatened to pull funding over New York Citys congestion pricing program until a federal judge forbade him from doing so. Duffy also has threatened to pull funding over supposedly high crime on the subways despite the fact that major crime in the system is down. In a statement Tuesday, John McCarthy, the MTAs chief of policy and external relations, accused the feds of using worker safety to make yet another defunding threat. Clearly, this was not urgent for Washington until it was decided it was time to fire off yet another letter and press release in what is a pattern of threatening letters and punitive actions by US DOT following New Yorks successful implementation of the first in nation Congestion Pricing program, McCarthy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calling the subway a system that wont compromise on safety for customers or employees, McCarthy said transit officials have been meeting regularly with FTA officials since the track safety directive was issued last August, and have been conducting safety audits alongside transit worker unions. But John Chiarello, president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents subway workers, including those who work on the tracks, welcomed the FTAs letter. This is the second administration first Bidens and now Trumps to call out the MTA for not adequately addressing real safety concerns, Chiarello said in a statement. The tracks are a dangerous environment and the MTA has not conducted a safety assessment of the risks as required, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In its 2024 directive, the FTA said it was aware of 38 near-miss incidents involving New York City track workers in 2023. That number was up 58% from 24 such near-misses in 2022, and up 65% from 2021. The feds listed suspected causes, including improper communications or radio use, lack of supervision, train operator inattention, or failure to disable automatic train control on sections of the system using computerized signals. FTA officials said the recurring nature of certain rule violations, including issues with proper flagging alerting train operators to the presence of workers or automatic train control, suggests systematic issues that require more comprehensive monitoring. At the time, NYCT President Demetrius Crichlow who was then the head of NYCTs subway division pushed back, saying the 38 near-misses in 2023 represented 0.03% of the 127,355 times workers were on the tracks that year. We will be interested to learn if FTA has established a standard in excess of this 99.97% safety record, he said. Federal Emergency Management Agency officials will arrive in southeast Wisconsin to assess flood damage on Aug. 21, the next step toward receiving federal aid, officials with the state Department of Military Affairs announced. Joint recovery teams composed of FEMA and state officials will conduct a preliminary damage assessment by interviewing homeowners, renters and business owners to document property damage and the effects of the storms and flooding that devastated the area earlier this month, according to Wisconsin Emergency Management. The preliminary damage assessment will help officials determine the extent of damage and assist the state as it requests federal assistance for those affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The safety and well-being of Wisconsin residents is our top priority," said Gov. Tony Evers in a statement. "These severe storms have caused significant hardship, and we are committed to ensuring that those affected receive the support they need. The collaboration between state and federal agencies through this damage assessment process is critical to unlocking the resources necessary for recovery." FEMA's arrival comes as early damage estimates surpass $34 million, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said in a news release. After the assessment, FEMA's regional administrator will make a recommendation on a presidential disaster declaration, which would authorize federal disaster assistance. "This assessment is an important part of ensuring that Wisconsin receives the support it needs to recover fully from this severe weather event," Greg Engle, administrator of Wisconsin Emergency Management, said in a statement. "We appreciate the cooperation of Milwaukee residents and business owners as we work alongside FEMA to evaluate the damage and explore all avenues for federal aid." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reached out to FEMA Region 5, which covers Wisconsin, for additional details. A White House official said, The White House is prepared to respond appropriately to any request for Federal assistance. Also on Aug. 19, Wisconsin's entire congressional delegation sent a letter to FEMA urging the agency to conduct a "timely" damage assessment with Wisconsin Emergency Management. "We understand that state officials are actively collecting and compiling detailed damage assessment information to provide to FEMA. We urge FEMA to begin work in partnership with Wisconsin Emergency Management as soon as possible so that this process can move forward without delay," read the letter, signed by each of Wisconsin's Republican and Democratic members of Congress. "We anticipate that the state will promptly submit a formal request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration following completion of the (Preliminary Damage Assessment)," they wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Evers tours flooded homes, says he hopes Trump will make a timely decision on FEMA aid Milwaukee's Common Council also called on President Donald Trump to issue a presidential major disaster declaration, calling it "essential for individual aid, infrastructure fixes, and long-term resilience against climate's growing threat to our watershed region." "As front-line representatives engaging directly with residents, we have heard their cries firsthand: The historic flooding of August 9 and 10, 2025, has devastated thousands, leaving families homeless, livelihoods destroyed, and futures uncertain," read the Aug. 18 letter, co-signed by all 15 council members. Between 10 and 13 inches of rain fell in just several hours in parts of southeastern Wisconsin between Aug. 9 and 10. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Monday, Aug. 18, the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management, Wisconsin Emergency Management and more than 300 volunteers had completed 3,434 property assessments. About 53% of those inspections were categorized as "destroyed" or having "major damage." FEMA teams will focus on areas with those levels of damage, Crowley said, and emergency management staff will accompany them. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel found that more than 11,500 requests for flood-related services came into the 211 helpline from across Milwaukee County and the surrounding Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington counties between Aug. 10 and the afternoon of Aug. 14. Of that number, roughly 85% of the requests for service came from Milwaukee alone. As of Aug. 19, Milwaukee County has reached more than 12,000 damage reports submitted to 211. Preliminary 211 data showed the highest number of requests came from Milwaukee County's northwest side, along with West Milwaukee, in particular from ZIP codes 53218, 53209, and 53216. Reports from 211 calls also included basement water depths, as well as thousands of reports of utility disruptions and structural damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County officials are urging residents to call 211 or visit 211wisconsin.communityos.org/damage-report to submit a damage report, ensuring eligibility for future financial assistance. The county says officials may not visit all homes that report damage but may perform a "drive-by" assessment to look at damage visible from the curb. Be wary of people posing as FEMA officials Local officials warn scammers often descend on areas hit by a crisis. If someone arrives at your house to assess damage, they will introduce themselves and show a badge. You should check those credentials before letting anyone inside or sharing personal information. If you're unsure, you can keep your door closed and contact local authorities. You can also report instances of suspected fraud by emailing StgopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or calling 866-223-0814. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection also warns homeowners to be wary of door-to-door home repair and remediation crews that use high-pressure tactics. The agency encourages consumers to hire local contractors and contact city officials to confirm the crew has the proper permits. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: FEMA to arrive in Wisconsin Thursday to assess flood damage DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A coordinated narcotics investigation by the Butler County Undercover Regional Narcotics Task Force (B.U.R.N.) resulted in an arrest, and the seizure of Fentanyl, cash and a Glock. The B.U.R.N. force worked alongside the Hamilton Police Department for this investigation. A 35-year-old man from Cincinnati was arrested after officials said they recovered more than one ounce of Fentanyl and approximately $1,400 in cash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio State University hate crime: Tipp City man pleads guilty After the arrest, the Hamilton County Regional Enforcement Narcotics Unit (R.E.N.U.) executed a court-authorized search warrant in the 1200 block of Thurnridge Avenue in Cincinnati. Officials said they found a Glock handgun and another ounce of Fentanyl there. Photo via Butler County Sheriffs Office. The man is facing charges for the following: Possession of drugs . (First-degree felony.) Tampering with evidence . (Third-degree felony.) Capias Warrant. (Which was issued by the Butler County Common Pleas Court in connection with a prior drug-related case.) According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as a painkiller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Richard K. Jones stressed the importance of interagency partnerships while working to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics into Southwestern Ohio. The Butler County Sheriffs Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners at every level to take dangerous drugs and firearms off the streets, said Jones. Protecting our communities has no county boundaries, and these joint operations send a clear message to those who traffic in poison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is pushing back against U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who last week identified the state as a sanctuary jurisdiction that impedes federal immigration enforcement. Bondi sent Ferguson a letter on August 13, in which she told him to repeal laws that she said obstruct federal efforts. In the letter, posted by Ferguson on X, she cited a Trump administration executive order that could tie federal funding to immigration cooperation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferguson responded in that X post by saying, Washington state has no intention of changing our values in the face of threats from the Trump administration. Ferguson cites Keep Washington Working Act Ferguson cited the Keep Washington Working Act, a 2019 state law that limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The Keep Washington Working Act is an important law that helps protect Washington families in the face of this assault, Ferguson said. The Keep Washington Working Act requires our state and local law enforcement to focus on keeping Washingtonians safe, rather than allowing limited resources to be used for federal immigration enforcement. Ferguson said he plans to issue a more detailed response to Bondis letter on Tuesday. I will share a more detailed response to AG Bondi on Tuesday. Washington state has no intention of changing our values in the face of threats from the Trump administration. The federal governments relentless targeting of law-abiding immigrants is wrong. The Keep Washington pic.twitter.com/0YNAMzkBJe Governor Bob Ferguson (@GovBobFerguson) August 16, 2025 Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here. The intense jockeying that went on behind the scenes underscores the huge financial stakes behind the rise of artificial intelligence, and the rapid build-out of the computing and power infrastructure needed to feed the chatbots sweeping the digital world. This article is based on interviews with numerous people familiar with the deal, all of whom declined to be identified because the discussions are private. The final result was a particularly important win for Pimco, which has been striving to diversify beyond its background in publicly traded debt. Alongside Morgan Stanley, it will arrange $26 billion of investment-grade bonds for the Meta project, with Blue Owl putting up $3 billion in equity funding. The decision brought to an end a process that began in early 2025, not long after a dinner that Morgan Stanley hosted to pitch asset managers on the opportunity in funding AI infrastructure. The negotiations that ensued were so complicated that they went on for some eight months after informal discussions began, longer than some of the participants had anticipated, the people said. The competition between the firms came to a conclusion in early August when Morgan Stanley gave the nod to Pimco and Blue Owl, Bloomberg reported. The social-media giant opted for a solution that pairs one of the biggest institutional bond firms with one of the fastest growing players in the private credit world. The deal was so large that Meta and Morgan Stanley didnt want to rely on just one financial firm, no matter how big, according to people familiar with the negotiations. The bankers put Pacific Investment Management Co. and Blue Owl Capital Inc. on one team, and the private capital behemoths Apollo Global Management Inc. and KKR & Co. on another, to ensure that both pairs would have the ability to fund the whole deal quickly, the people said. The bank pitted the two teams against each other for the right to give some $29 billion to Mark Zuckerbergs Meta Platforms Inc. so that it can build a sprawling data center in Louisiana to undergird the companys most powerful artificial intelligence models. Morgan Stanley had an unusual message when it approached four of the worlds biggest asset managers in July: they had progressed to the final round of one of the most sought-after private credit deals to date. But if they wanted to get to the finish line, they would need to pair up. Story Continues Private Capital A decade or two ago, this kind of spending could have only been funded through debt and equity raised in the public markets. While some of the big AI projects currently under construction have gone that path, for its biggest data center yet, Meta chose to tap the more opaque wells of private capital that have come to assume an outsized role in the financial system over the last decade. For borrowers, private credit costs more, but is attractive because it allows them to keep a tighter leash on the process without broadly releasing information about their data centers. For lenders, it offers a bigger return than they would have gotten from Metas traditional corporate debt. Deals such as Metas also offer additional security to investors because they are backed by valuable real estate and infrastructure. The Meta financing is not finalized and the details are still in flux, but potential investors have had initial discussions about pricing the bonds at 1.5 percentage points above the companys publicly traded debt. Some of the securities are expected to be syndicated in the coming weeks. It is the largest funding package related to a specific AI data center by a wide margin, with others involving xAI Corp. and CoreWeave Inc. worth less than $10 billion. Apollo announced this month that it had agreed to buy a majority stake in Stream Data Centers, its first such acquisition as it capitalizes on the booming demand for digital infrastructure. The most recent debt deal anywhere close to the size of Metas was a $26 billion bond sale to support Mars Inc.s purchase of rival food-maker Kellanova in March. The race to capture this business comes with obvious risks. The most visible face of the AI industry, OpenAI, released its latest chatbot, GPT-5, to tepid reviews this month, ramping up questions about whether the progression toward super intelligence is slowing down, and with it, the bid to turn the models into real business opportunities. But the opportunity is too big for any financial firm to pass up. The data centers being built in just the next two years will require some $150 billion of financing, on top of what the AI companies are funding themselves, according to an analysis released by JPMorgan Chase & Co. on Aug. 7. Half of that could be bundled into commercial mortgage-backed securities, the analysts wrote. But that leaves another $70 billion to $90 billion up for grabs. AI Gamble The stage for the Meta deal was set late last year at the private dinner Morgan Stanley hosted for most of the largest private capital firms. The bankers spoke about the massive funding needs of the AI industry, which would, they said, be so large that the asset managers would need to work together. Not long after, Morgan Stanley began approaching firms about the latest and largest of Metas 27 data centers around the world, a 4 millionsquarefoot complex in rural Louisiana dubbed Hyperion, which is expected to eventually be able to draw, at full capacity, as much as 5 gigawatts of power roughly the equivalent of 4 million US homes, according to a Bloomberg analysis of government data. Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta Platforms Inc., wears Orion augmented reality (AR) glasses during the Meta Connect event in Menlo Park, California, US, on in Sept. 2024. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg Rather than paying for the center with Metas own cash, which would be more expensive, or with straight corporate debt, which would add leverage to the corporate parent, Morgan Stanley proposed a special purpose vehicle that would be tied to the assets themselves. The process began in earnest back in April when non-disclosure agreements were signed and the first term sheets came in. Early on, some of the biggest asset managers were eager to handle the deal on their own, people familiar with the negotiations said. And it appeared that Apollo was a frontrunner, Bloomberg reported. The firm had shown its strength last year with an $11 billion deal to help pay for an Intel Corp. facility in Ireland. This was all a crucial part of Apollos effort to find a home for the vast amounts of cash its booming insurance business needs to put to work. Meta, though, kept the process running as it looked for better terms. Negotiations regarding leases, pricing and the private and public elements of the deal were hashed out, as Apollo and KKR sought to secure terms that better suited their insurance funds. Morgan Stanley reached out to several large Wall Street banks about lending money, and a number of other large asset managers, including Blackstone Inc., Brookfield Asset Management, Ares Management Corp. and Sixth Street Partners, each of which made its own bid. Those firms all declined to comment. Syndication Option By July, Meta and its bankers had narrowed it down to the final four. Apollo was assigned to work with KKR, which has a similar reliance on insurance funding. Pimco and Blue Owl were teamed up because they had already worked together and had each offered to take a different piece of the financing. The structure pitched by Apollo and KKR would have come with more private terms, which would have restricted the pool of potential investors who could participate in a future syndication and given the lenders more control over the process. By contrast, the format ultimately agreed upon with Pimco known in the industry as a 144a bond makes it easier to distribute the debt to other investors in the future. Pimco agreed to underwrite a portion of the $26 billion of debt and to work with Morgan Stanley to potentially syndicate some of it to other investors. Apollo and KKR had offered to handle the financing themselves and would have relied on their internal capital markets teams if they had distributed any of it to other buyers. The participants were expecting a final decision by Aug. 1 but the process stretched out for another week as Meta went back to the finalists with more questions, the people said. Eventually, Blue Owl and Pimco got the call on Aug. 7. The bonds they agreed to will have a tenor of 24 years, including four years for construction before the lease payments begin. The equity for the joint venture will be divided between Meta and Blue Owl, the people said. Morgan Stanley has helped arrange large private credit deals before. Earlier this year, it worked with Ares on a $5 billion debt package to support Clearlake Capital Groups acquisition of Dun & Bradstreet Holdings Inc. --With assistance from Riley Griffin. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Governor Bob Ferguson said Tuesday that Washington state will not be intimidated by threats of criminal prosecution from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi over the states immigration policies. Speaking at the Capitol alongside lawmakers, cabinet officials and community leaders, Ferguson said Washington will not divert state resources from public safety to enforce federal immigration directives. Ferguson received Bondis letter late last week. It cited unspecified sanctuary policies and practices in Washington and claimed they violate federal law. Bondi also warned that state officials who obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts may be subject to criminal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington GOP responded Tuesday, saying Ferguson should follow the Constitution. The current governors response to Attorney General Pam Bondis letter of August 13 demanding that he end his unlawful sanctuary state policies is disappointing but entirely predictable, WAGOP Chairman and State Rep. Jim Walsh said. Bob Ferguson puts essential functions of state government at risk in order to perpetuate a foolish political fight with the federal government. In his response, Ferguson denounced the threat as inappropriate and politically motivated. You seem to believe that cavalierly citing criminal statutes and personally threatening me, a democratically elected governor, will result in compromising the values of my state. Never, Ferguson wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers at the Capitol rallied behind Ferguson and the states 2019 Keep Washington Working Act, which limits state and local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration authorities in most situations. Sen. Lisa Wellman, D-Mercer Island, who sponsored the law, said it ensures law enforcement focuses on crime rather than immigration. This administrations total disregard of due process shows us all they care about is instilling fear and hurting law-abiding Washingtonians, Wellman said. Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, D-Mukilteo, who sponsored the companion bill, argued that the act makes Washington safer by strengthening trust between immigrant communities and local police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She noted that immigrants make significant contributions to the states economy across industries such as agriculture, healthcare, technology and hospitality. Pam Bondi wants fear. Washington state wants fairness, Ortiz-Self said. Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, said Washingtons stance is longstanding. Washingtonians have a long history of welcoming ALL people to our state, Pedersen said. That will not change. Other lawmakers echoed that message. Rep. Julio Cortes, D-Everett, said the law reflects the values of fairness and dignity. We will continue protecting all our residents because we value fairness, hard work, and the dignity of every person who calls Washington home, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Support also came from advocacy groups. Malou Chavez, executive director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, called the law an important protection for our communities. She urged Washington leaders to continue defending immigrant residents against federal overreach. Ferguson has frequently clashed with the Trump administration over immigration enforcement, including legal challenges during Trumps first term. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House on August 18, drawing praise for breaking a diplomatic deadlock in the three-year conflict. Unlike his previous Washington visit, when Zelenskyy expressed frustration with stalled diplomacy, the Ukrainian leader this time struck a notably more optimistic tone. Dressed in a suit rather than the military-style attire he typically wore in prior visits, Zelenskyy projected a markedly different image alongside Trump and NATO allies. The high-stakes gathering marked what several attendees called the most significant progress toward ending the war since Russias invasion began. As The Dallas Express reported in February, Trumps last face-to-face with Zelenskyy erupted into a fiery Oval Office exchange. The Ukrainian president openly sparred with Vice President JD Vance, dismissed talk of diplomacy, and bristled at Trumps warnings about gambling with World War III. Trump later said Zelenskyy had disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By contrast, on Monday Zelenskyy struck a notably more optimistic tone, calling his latest conversation with Trump very good and adding, We spoke about very sensitive points. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Trump officials defended the administrations renewed peace push following a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte credited Trump directly, saying, I really want to thank you, President of the United States, dear Donald, for the fact that, as I said before, broke the deadlock basically with President Putin by starting the dialogue. European leaders reinforced the sense of a new phase in diplomacy. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, It is an important day a new phase after three years that we didnt see any kind of sign from the Russian side that they were willing for dialogue. So something is changing something has changed thanks to you. Finnish President Alexander Stubb added, I think in the past two weeks, weve probably had more progress in ending this war than we have in the past three-and-a-half years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the moment a milestone. I think today will be seen as a very important day in recent years in relation to a conflict which has gone on for three-and-a-bit years. So far, nobody has been able to bring it to this point so I thank you for that, he said. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pointed to the opening for negotiations. You opened it last Friday but now the way is open for complicated negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron stressed unity among allies, saying, Thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this meeting and for your commitment everybody around this table is in favor of peace. This is why the idea of a trilateral meeting is very important because this is the only way to fix it. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen linked the peace effort to broader cooperation. We had a fantastic NATO Summit. We had the largest trade deal ever agreed. And now, we are here to work together with you on a lasting peace for Ukraine. Stop the killing. This is really our common interest. Trump hosting Zelenskyy represents his most visible diplomatic push since returning to office one that, for the first time in years, carried a tone of cautious optimism from both Kyiv and Europe and highlighted the sharp contrast with their last tense Oval Office encounter. Fiery crash claims 2 lives in Oviedo Tragedy hit a Seminole County neighborhood after a fiery crash involving a Jeep Wrangler killed two people. The crash occurred along Alafaya Woods Boulevard near Covington around 1:40 a.m. Tuesday. It caused parts of Alafaya Woods Boulevard to shut down. Oviedo police say the Jeep ran off the road, hit a tree and then caught on fire. This is, its horrible. This is our normal walking path with our dog and it happening in our neighborhood is just crazy, said Thomas Sandison, who lives nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oviedo police say the two people inside were badly burned. They were discovered after firefighters put out the flames. They couldnt be identified. I can tell you that, said Lt. Adam Egert, Oviedo PDs public information officer. Belongings from the jeep turned to ash and scattered along the side of the road. One neighbor heard the commotion early Tuesday morning. Around like 1:30 p.m., sirens were coming and there were at least three thuds, said Sandison. Oviedo police searched the area for evidence, hoping to find clues that could explain what happened. Investigators say the jeep ran off the road, took out a road sign, hit a tree, and caught fire. One question investigators are trying to answer is what caused the jeep to swerve off Alafaya Woods Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The traffic homicide investigators will look at everything. Speed. Theyll try to look at the vehicle to see if there were mechanical issues. Its their job and they get very detailed into that, said Egert. One thing Egert mentions is that theres no indication another vehicle was involved. However, the scene itself was tough for first responders. Its never easy, no matter who you are. Cops are human beings. Its very difficult to see something like that in person, said Egert. The medical examiner is working to identify the remains. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) A Romanian man was sentenced in Mississippi in connection to a multi-state card skimming scam. Attorney General Lynn Fitch (R-Miss.) said on August 12, 2025, Bogdan Gabriel Radu, 23, was sentenced to 15 months in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons on one count of illegal possession, production or trafficking in device-making equipment. According to investigators, Radu is the third and final defendant to be sentenced in this card skimming scam case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man arrested in connection with stabbing at MS barbershop This scheme reached across state lines to steal sensitive financial information using skimmer devices attached to the credit card readers we use in stores every day, said Fitch. Thanks to the diligent work of our Cyber Fraud Task Force, we were able to stop all three Romanian nationals from stealing Mississippi taxpayer dollars intended for our some of our States most vulnerable citizens. Radu was also ordered to pay a total of $85,640 in restitution for stolen SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. Upon release, he will be deported from the United States. Bogdan Gabriel Radu (Courtesy: Madison County Detention Center) Investigators said Radu could be seen on surveillance video at various stores throughout Mississippi placing skimmer devices on card-reading machines. Stolen data that can be traced back to the skimmer devices in Mississippi was used as far away as New Jersey and Pennsylvania. These included SNAP benefits, which provide financial assistance to low-income families to supplement their grocery budgets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June 2024, the Attorney Generals Office began receiving reports about the discovery of skimmer devices at various stores in central Mississippi. The Attorney Generals Cyber Fraud Task Force began investigating leads that would ultimately determine the location of more than 15 installed skimmers throughout Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. JAKARTA (Reuters) -Firefighters in Indonesia are struggling to contain a three-day-old fire at an illegal oil well that has killed at least three people and injured two others, a disaster relief official said on Tuesday. Some 750 people have been evacuated from the densely populated areas around the site, located in Central Java province's Blora region, Agung Tri, a member of the provincial disaster mitigation agency's rapid response team, told Reuters. The oil well was being operated without a permit by local residents when it caught fire on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blaze, but residents living near the well said they heard an explosion before the fire broke out, Agung said. The relief agency has deployed four excavators in an attempt to use soil to extinguish the fire, he added, but firefighters were still battling massive flames on Tuesday and facing difficulties moving equipment into the hilly terrain surrounding the site. Evacuated residents have, meanwhile, been moved to temporary shelters and local government buildings nearby. Local communities in the mineral-rich Indonesian archipelago have taken over hundreds of oil wells abandoned by companies after they proved to no longer be economically viable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many are illegally operated with lax safety standards. Indonesian authorities have recently moved to legalise those operations, issuing a regulation in June that allows small companies to partner with residents. The policy is intended to boost the country's oil production while improving safety standards and protecting the welfare of communities. (Reporting by Ananda Teresia; Editing by Gibran Peshimam and Joe Bavier) ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) Driving through south Abilene, it is common to see for sale signs and construction as more people move there and developments are built. Gene Lantrip, CEO and President of Lantrip Custom Homes, said the homes in the southern region are the most popular. Voters approve $8 mil. Abilene Fire Station No. 9 That is really the hot part of Abilene. We build all over, and then we build in all directions. But we found that our houses in the southern part go a whole lot faster than they do up in the northern part, Lantrip said. Realtors will come. What do you have in Wylie? What do you have in Jim Ned? And well tell them about the houses under construction in those two school districts. Now the growing community has the services to match it, with a new fire station near completion. Abilene Fire Station Nine was approved by a bond in 2022. Abilene Fire Chief Cande Flores said the department saw a significant need for a unit in the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve waited a long time to try to see if we needed resources in this area, and weve seen a need for it over the last five to ten years. So, being able to put something here thats going to serve this part of our community, its exciting for us, Flores said. AFD calls 7-minute response time in parts of Abilene unacceptable, new station proposed for November bond election Flores stated that the new station will be two stories tall and will include advanced technology, a training area, and improved response times. Were tracking our response times to check how many calls were making in our incidents every year have gone up, just slightly. Its something weve got to be aware of. This will serve our needs today; were always looking to the future, Flores stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The construction is scheduled to be completed by November 2025 and will be fully staffed and operational by February 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) Local fire departments are battling a large fire in Archer County. Just before 3 p.m. this afternoon, firefighters from Bowman, Scotland, and Lakeside City responded to the Huff Road area, where a 5-acre fire is currently burning. Fire officials told our crew on the scene that the fire was in some thick brush, and they had to wait for bulldozers to arrive before they could get fire trucks near the blaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, it is 20 percent contained. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. HOWLAND, Ohio (WKBN)- Firefighters were called to Shepherd of the Valley Assisted Living in Howland after smoke filled the second floor on Tuesday morning. Read next: Video shows moment crowd ran from gunfire that hurt 3 women on Youngstowns South Side It happened just before 2 a.m. at the facility on North River Road Northeast. Firefighters said an HVAC unit belt caused the smoke. No one had to be evacuated, and firefighters were working to ventilate the building. No one was hurt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew Peterson contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. WEBSTER SPRINGS, W.Va. (WBOY) An elementary school in Webster County has pushed back its opening day due to construction. Webster County Schools is scheduled to go back for the 2025-2026 school year on Wednesday, Aug. 20. But Webster County announced Tuesday that students at Webster Springs Elementary School will not return with the rest of the county because of a construction project in the building that needs additional time. Due to the extensive nature of the work, additional time is needed to complete final cleaning and ensure classrooms are ready for students, a release from the school district said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Webster Springs Elementary students will return to class on Monday. Aug. 25, the release said. The project included installing a new secure school entry, updated lighting, new ceiling tiles and a modern sprinkler system. All of these updates are designed to make Webster Springs Elementary a safer and more comfortable place for students to learn, Superintendent Joseph Arbogast said in the release. We want to ensure the building is fully prepared and thoroughly cleaned before welcoming students back. West Virginia sues pharmacy benefit manager for contributing to opioid crisis In Marion County, which also goes back to school Wednesday, parents of students who attend Watson Elementary in Fairmont were still awaiting final confirmation that those students would return to class less than 24 hours before school was scheduled to start. Watson has undergone significant construction over the summer, including a roof project, and the open house that was originally scheduled for Monday, Aug. 18 was postponed due to construction issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about a possible delayed start for the school, a school representative said that school staff are planning for the first day of school on Wednesday unless they receive other guidance from the county. Tuesday afternoon, Marion County Schools answered parents questions on social media, saying that Watson Elementary School would go back on the originally scheduled date, Aug. 20. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. The race to become Oklahomas next state schools superintendent now includes two former Tulsa Public Schools board members. Jennettie Marshall filed her candidacy paperwork with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission on Thursday, Aug. 14. She is the first Democrat to enter the race. Marshall said at her campaign kickoff in Tulsa that she wants to repair relationships she believes have been damaged by current state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, a far-right Republican who is often critical of teachers' unions and school administrator salaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (W)hen you attack our superintendents, when you attack our school boards, that trickles down to our families and our students and makes learning a hostile environment, Marshall told Tulsa television station KOKI. No one can be productive in a hostile environment, so that would be a key, is restoring relationships which will restore trust in that office." Marshall represented parts of north Tulsa on the school board for two terms but chose not to run for a third term in 2025. She was one of two board members who requested an audit of the district by state Auditor Cindy Byrds office. Auditors investigated district financial records from 2015 to 2023, and found $25 million was spent without proper bidding along with $824,503 in fraud by a former administrator. Another former Tulsa board member, Jerry Griffin, now is running as an independent candidate for the office, meaning hell automatically be on the general election ballot in November 2026. He served on the Tulsa school board from June 2020 through January 2024. Three Republicans have active candidacies for the race: retired Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller; Peggs Public School Superintendent John Cox; and Ana Landsaw, of Tahlequah, who works as the assistant director of the Alternative Certification for Educators Institute at Northeastern State University, which provides training for career professionals transitioning into a teaching career. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters, whos in his first term as state superintendent, has not yet announced his future political plans. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Democratic challenger jumps into Oklahoma school superintendent race SoftBank Group and Intel have formalised a definitive securities purchase agreement, which will see SoftBank invest $2bn in Intel's common stock. The investment would provide a financial boost to Intel at a time when the company is implementing cost-cutting measures and workforce reductions. The investment comes as both Intel and SoftBank deepen their commitment to investing in advanced technology and semiconductor innovation in the United States, said Intel in a press statement. As part of the agreement, SoftBank will acquire shares at a price of $23 each. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said: We are very pleased to deepen our relationship with SoftBank, a company thats at the forefront of so many areas of emerging technology and innovation and shares our commitment to advancing US technology and manufacturing leadership. Masa and I have worked closely together for decades, and I appreciate the confidence he has placed in Intel with this investment. The completion of this transaction is contingent upon standard closing conditions. SoftBank Group chairman and CEO Masayoshi Son said: Semiconductors are the foundation of every industry. For more than 50 years, Intel has been a trusted leader in innovation. This strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will further expand in the United States, with Intel playing a critical role. The deal comes close on the heels of report that the Trump administration is in talks with Intel about a potential investment. The discussions are said to have originated from a recent meeting between President Trump and Tan. While specifics are still being worked out, one source indicated that the US government would finance the investment. Recently, US President Donald Trump called for the removal of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, whom he has described as highly conflicted due to concerns over his previous associations with China. "SoftBank to buy $2bn stake in Intel" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. NEED TO KNOW The U.S. Coast Guard has called off a search for a missing fisherman after the agency recovered his empty boat off the Pacific northwestern coast On social media, the Oregon Albacore Commission identified the fisherman as Joel Kawahara from Quilcene, Washington The Coast Guard's search was called off around 1:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, August 13, after crews searched for more than 18 hours, covering an area of 2,100 square miles The U.S. Coast Guard announced it has suspended a search for a missing fisherman off the Pacific northwestern coast after officials recovered the man's empty fishing vessel earlier this month. The search was called off around 1:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, August 13, after crews searched for more than 18 hours, covering an area of 2,100 square miles, the agency said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Suspending a search for someone is the toughest decision we make in the Coast Guard, Cmdr. Chelsey Stroud, search and rescue mission coordinator for the Coast Guards Northwest District, said in a statement. Our crews diligently search hundreds of miles. We are grateful for the numerous Coast Guard crews along the West Coast who assisted in this search," Stroud continued. "We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the missing man." On social media, the Oregon Albacore Commission identified the fisherman as 70-year-old Joel Kawahara from Quilcene, Washington. U.S. Coast Guard Station Humboldt Bay The Karolee, an empty fishing boat recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard earlier this month. The Karolee, an empty fishing boat recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard earlier this month. "Joel was a valued member of the broader West Coast fishing community and a tireless advocate for fishermen," a commission spokesperson wrote. "Joel was known for his kindness, generosity, and the way he touched everyone he met. He was deeply respected among salmon fishermen and also shared time on the albacore grounds. His passing is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coast Guard said he departed alone on his fishing boat, the Karolee, a week prior and was last heard from around 7:30 a.m. local time on Friday, August 8. The vessel could be tracked via its automatic identification system and was traveling south at about four knots for a few days. "Coast Guard watchstanders made numerous call outs to the Karolee and asked mariners in the area to do the same," the agency said in a statement. "No communication was ever received from the Karolee." On the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 12, a Coast Guard aircrew from Air Station Sacramento attempted to make contact with the boat but "nothing was heard." "The aircrew visually noticed that the vessel was rigged for fishing, lights were energized, and a life raft was observed in its cradle," a Coast Guard spokesperson said. "The aircrew flew over the vessel's previous course but did not find any signs of distress. The crew then flew back to Sacramento." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency dispatched additional resources and a crew searched the trackline where the boat traveled off the Washington and Oregon coastline to search for any indication of trouble. 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 crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Lion was sent to intercept the Karolee to confirm whether anyone was onboard, meeting the boat around 10 a.m. local time on Wednesday, Aug. 13. They boarded, found no one else present and noticed that all safety equipment was still onboard. "With no additional reports of distress or responses to callouts, the Coast Guard suspended the search," the agency announced in the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sea Lion crew towed the Karolee to Eureka, Calif., where it was moored as of Thursday, Aug. 14. "Joel left this world doing what he loved fishing and his spirit will continue to inspire those of us who work on the water," an Oregon Albacore Commission spokesperson wrote. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the many who called him a friend." Read the original article on People VICTOR, N.Y. (WROC) The Fishers Fire Board of Commissioners has voted to dissolve the Fishers Fire District. Two-thirds of the Town of Victor, including the area surrounding Eastview Mall and a stretch of the thruway that make up the district, will be impacted. In July, the Fishers Fire District had already begun to experience staffing issues, resulting in Station #1 reportedly being unstaffed for the first time in 9 years. The unanimous decision made on Monday night inside Victor Senior High Schools Auditorium was met with dissatisfaction from many residents in attendance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal was issued early this year, much to the shock of those working and served by the fire district. Before the vote, each board member read a statement that detailed their individual beliefs about why the decision was in the best interest of the community. With no chance of merging, no interest in cost cutting from a workforce that has gotten used to high compensation and benefits, Commissioner member Fred Dewey said, and a financial catastrophe looming 10 years from now, when the current workforce finished vests and start to retire, we have no choice but to dissolve. Employees of the district and community members have been outspoken regarding their opposition to the dissolution for months, including Fishers firefighter Matt Tornatore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve [Fishers Fire Board of Commissioners] continually not listened to people. You know, back during the public comment meeting, they listened to three and a half hours of people telling them that they didnt want the fire district to go away, Tornatore said. While there was no time designated for public comment, concerns for the future were evident. Assistant Chief of the Fishers Fire District Michael Koch voiced these worries following the meeting on Monday. Theres no concern for public safety, Koch said. They strictly only talked about their concern for finances. There was never a concern or never thought about what happens to public safety when they cut services. It was strictly about cutting, cutting taxes. The district will continue to serve and respond to residents until October 1; however, the future beyond that date is uncertain. Victor town officials have stated previously that a plan is being developed to fill the coverage gap as required by law. There is a possibility that neighboring departments will assist in the meantime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citizens of the District of Fishers are in a worse spot now, and the replacement plan for our firefighters is poor and inadequate, and it will not provide the level of service that citizens deserve and that they used to. Koch said. The full resolution to dissolve voted on by the Board of Commissioners can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. Five people were injured after a driver crashed into the front window of a Santa Fe UPS store Monday afternoon. Four of the injured were taken to an area hospital, and one declined transport for medical attention, Santa Fe police Deputy Chief Ben Valdez said. One person sustained what Valdez referred to as "serious injuries" to their legs, but none of the injuries was life-threatening, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crash occurred shortly after 3 p.m. Monday at the UPS store on North Guadalupe Street in the downtown area, he said. The driver a woman in a Tesla was not injured. Valdez said police did not observe any signs the driver was impaired. The store was closed Monday after the crash, with paper, debris and shards of glass littering the floor of the shop. Caution tape was strung across a vehicle-sized hole through the glass storefront. Santa Fean Damian Horne, 66, said he was talking on the phone and walking around the corner of the building when he heard what sounded like an explosion 10 feet away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I looked in, and it was carnage," he said. "The car had gone straight through the plate glass window, and destroyed the counter they had there. ... It was not only completely inside the store it was almost completely through it." Horne who is a former public defender as well as a combat veteran who served in the Iraq War said he and another veteran ran into the building to render aid to the handful of people who were injured in the crash. He said several women were injured inside the store, one of them with fallen cabinets on top of her and another sprawled over the hood of the car with injuries to her feet and legs. "It was like a mortar had landed at UPS," Horne said. "People are screaming and yelling, and there's bleeding going on." Santa Fe police and paramedics then arrived and quickly took over rendering aid to the injured, he said. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff Wednesday, Aug. 20, in honor of former Rep. Joseph Casello. Casello, 73, died July 18. A former firefighter in Massachusetts, Casello moved to Florida and served in the Florida Legislature and was a former Boynton Beach city commissioner. When should flags be flown at half-staff to honor Joe Casello? DeSantis ordered flags to be flown at half-staff to honor Casello from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Where should flags be flown at half-staff? U.S. flags, along with the Florida state flag, should be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout Palm Beach County on Aug. 20. Who was Florida Rep. Joseph Casello? Casello served for nearly seven years in the Florida Legislature. He was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018 to represent District 90, where he served until his death on July 18, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before becoming a state representative, Casello served on the Boynton Beach City Council. Before moving to Palm Beach County, he worked as a firefighter for three decades in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts. Casello also honorably served as a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force in the early 1970s, DeSantis said. "Representative Casello spent his career committed to public service, and he will be remembered for his dedication to improving his community," DeSantis said. Casello: Representing people 'has been a privilege' This photo from March 7, 1990, shows Firefighter Joseph Casello after learning of deaths in a blaze on Florence Street. Casello had suffered a massive heart attack earlier in July. He released the following statement just before coming off life support July 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My life has always been about public service and meeting the needs of my community. Serving as both a firefighter for 33 years and an elected official for 13 years has been the greatest honor of my life. Representing the people through times of unity and division, triumph and challenge has been a privilege I will always cherish. State Rep. Joe Casello of Boynton Beach, 73, dies after suffering massive heart attack Retired Worcester firefighter Joseph Casello, a lawmaker in Florida, dies of heart attack "Helping people in their times of need wasnt just part of the job it was a calling and a privilege that I will always hold close to my heart. To everyone who has supported me throughout the years: thank you. Truly. I cant say that enough. I love each and every one of you. Your encouragement, your belief in me, and your unwavering support have meant more than words can ever express. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To the broader community: my goal has always been to lead with common sense. Too often, political discourse gets in the way and that only distracts us from the common good. Lets rise above that. Lets stay the course, love one another, and continue working together to achieve meaningful progress as citizens." How to correctly fly your flag at half-staff On days when the flag is flown at half-staff, it should first be raised to the top of the pole for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position, according to the U.S. Flag Code. Before lowering the flag, it should again be raised to the top before being lowered for the day. When is it appropriate to lower the American flag? There are certain commemorative days when it is customary to lower the flag to half-staff: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fallen Law Enforcement Officers (typically a day in April) National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day (typically a Sunday during Fire Prevention Week in May) Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day) Memorial Day (last Monday in May, from sunrise to noon) Patriot Day (Sept. 11) Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec. 7). Do flags fly at half-mast or half-staff? On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast. On shore, flags are flown at half-staff. Contributor: Mike Diamond, Palm Beach Post This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Flags at half staff Wednesday will honor Rep. Joseph Casello A flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Milwaukee-Sullivan at 7:12 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18. This warning applies to Rock County. A flash flood warning was also issued for Walmorth County at 7:38 p.m. and flood warning was issued in Trempealeau and Buffalo counties. The NWS warns: "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads." What are NWS meteorologists saying? At 7:12 p.m., the NWS issued a statement including the following information: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a Flash Flood Warning for: Southern Rock County in south central Wisconsin, Until 10:15 p.m. CDT. At 7:12 p.m. CDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1.5 and 2.5 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD: Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE: Radar and automated gauges. IMPACT: Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Beloit, Clinton, Newark, Shopiere and Foxhollow." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 7:36 p.m., NWS said the following: "The National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan has issued a Flash Flood Warning for, Southern Walworth County in southeastern Wisconsin, Until 10:45 p.m. CDT. At 7:38 p.m. CDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 2 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly." HAZARD: Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE: Radar and automated gauges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement IMPACT: Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Genoa City, Walworth, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, Sharon, Darien, Como, Pell Lake, Powers Lake, Delavan Lake and Allens Grove. At 7:51 p.m., NWS said the following: "At 7:51 p.m. CDT, Local law enforcement reported multiple cars stalled in Beloit. Between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 inches is possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring." HAZARD: Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SOURCE: Law enforcement reported. IMPACT: Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Beloit, Clinton, Newark, Shopiere and Foxhollow. At 8:22 p.m., NWS said the following: "The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Wisconsin, Trempealeau River at Dodge affecting Trempealeau and Buffalo Counties." WHAT: Minor flooding is forecast. WHERE: Trempealeau River at Dodge. WHEN: From Tuesday evening to early Thursday morning. IMPACTS: At 11 feet, The railroad bridge about three quarters of a mile upstream from the gage can restrict the flow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ADDITIONAL DETAILS:- At 6 p.m. CDT Monday the stage was 9.4 feet.- Bankfull stage is 7 feet.- Forecast: The river is expected to rise above flood stage late tomorrow evening to a crest of 10.7 feet Wednesday morning. It will then fall below flood stage Wednesday afternoon.- Flood stage is 10.5 feet.- Flood History, This crest compares to a previous crest of 10.8 feet on 04/11/2013. At 8:30 p.m., NWS said the following: "At 8:30 p.m. CDT, Between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly." HAZARD: Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SOURCE: Gauges reported. IMPACT: Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Genoa City, Walworth, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, Sharon, Darien, Como, Pell Lake, Powers Lake, Delavan Lake and Allens Grove. 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 6 hours, according to the NWS. 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 NWS says. If you are in a flood prone area, you should move immediately to high ground.The NWS 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 six 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 two 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, turn weather notifications on. Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Flash flood warning issued for Rock, Walworth counties FLORIDA (WMBB) Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against two textbook publishers for allegedly overcharging Florida schools. According to a news release, Uthmeier accused McGraw-Hill LLC and Savvas Learning Company LLC of overcharging Florida school districts for instructional materials in violation of the Florida False Claims Act and state law. Our lawsuit exposes a textbook case of corporate greed-companies charging Florida schools more than the law allows, pocketing the difference, and sticking taxpayers with the bill, Uthmeier said. Florida will not be a playground for deceitful profiteers who think they can cheat our students and teachers. We will make sure they pay back every dime and face the full consequences under the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upcoming Port St. Joe Election for city commissioner The States claims say that both publishers intentionally charged certain school districts more than the lowest price offered to other districts and withheld cost reductions required by statute. Under Florida law, publishers must offer the best price available anywhere in the nation to every school district, extend any price cuts made elsewhere, and provide free materials to schools when they are offered free to others. The State of Florida has intervened in the lawsuit after an investigation started under the Florida False Claims Act. It allows for whistleblowers to bring actions on behalf of the State against entities that intentionally submit fraudulent or false claims for payment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint seeks treble damages and civil penalties to prevent future violations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Getty Images) Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday that the state is suing two textbook publishers, alleging theyve overcharged schools and Floridas taxpayers. The lawsuit, filed in the state Circuit Court in Tallahassee, accuses McGraw Hill and Savvas Learning Co. of systematically overcharging Florida school districts for instructional materials. The governor listed examples in Osceola County, where he alleges overcharging has amounted to more than $279,000, and in Miami-Dade, where a book was sold at a discount but at a higher price in nine other counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a clear indication that Florida law was not being followed, DeSantis said during a news conference at Voyager K-8 school in St. Cloud. DeSantis alleged at least 5,900 instances of overcharges, saying civil penalties could amount to as much as $60.5 million between both publishers. Florida law requires textbook publishers to charge the lowest price offered to any state or district to every other district in the state. The state, which intervened in the lawsuit after a whistleblower filed an initial suit, claims the book publishers withheld cost reductions required by statute. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state is seeking up to three times the damages caused plus civil penalties to deter future violations. These two companies, McGraw Hill and Savvas, they got discounts as they cut deals in other places, and they saved money, Uthmeier said. Unfortunately for them, Florida law requires the lowest price to be given to our school systems. They did not do that so we have sued them and we will hold them accountable. The governor and other lawmakers are pushing to eliminate property taxes in the state. Foregoing that tax revenue would increase the strain on local governments to fund schools, among other public services. Every taxpayer dollar matters, and we will not allow publishers to exploit these taxpayer dollars. I, in conjunction with the attorney general and the governor, will hold every one of these publishers accountable on both content and cost, Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to provide these textbooks in Florida, youre going to follow our laws, youre going to respect our parents, youre going to treat every school district equally, he added. Kamoutsas reference to content alongside costs refers to a Florida law that limits what content can be included in school library materials, and which has been subject to several lawsuits. When asked by a reporter about a judges ruling last week striking down part of the school library book ban law, DeSantis said, More often than not we get it rectified on appeal, so I absolutely anticipate that that will be rectified on appeal. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A federal judge last week rule Florida's ban on "pronographic" school library books overbroad and unconstitutional. (Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) This story originally appeared on Florida Phoenix. A federal trial judge in Florida has ruled that the states law banning books deemed pornographic from school libraries is, in part, overbroad and unconstitutional. Carlos Mendoza, a President Barack Obama-appointed judge in the Middle District Court of Florida, issued a summary judgement in a lawsuit filed by book publishers against the 2023 law, HB 1069, this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suit, filed a year ago, asked the court to deem the states interpretation of pornographic and content that describes sexual conduct unconstitutional. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By leaving these items undefined, Florida has given parents license to object to materials under an I know it when I see it approach, Mendoza wrote in his 50-page judgement, referring to a lack of definition for pornographic and describes sexual conduct. Publishers Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishing, and Simon & Schuster argued the law removes books without considering their literary or artistic value. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The law, Mendoza wrote, does not evaluate the work to determine if it has any holistic value, a key part of the legal standard to determine whether material is obscene. Educators must again perform statutory interpretation on the fly to determine what exactly is inappropriate or unsuitable because those terms go undefined. All the while, the specter of harsh penalties looms in the background, Mendoza wrote. Especially recently, the Florida Department of Education has made public threats and called superintendents in front of the state Board of Education to explain why certain materials are in school libraries. Also on the plaintiffs side were The Authors Guild, John Green, Jodi Picoult, and other authors and parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mendoza listed various books involved in the suit, including The Color Purple, I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, Paper Towns, The Kite Runner, The Handmaids Tale, Water for Elephants, and Homegoing. None of these books are obscene, Mendoza wrote. Mendoza determined pornographic in law is synonymous with harmful to minors. A Florida Senate committee this year debated further defining what school boards should consider harmful to minors but after First Amendment concerns arose, the bill stalled. Dan Novack, an attorney representing the publishers called it a sweeping victory for the right to read, and for every students freedom to think, learn, and explore ideas, in a statement to the Phoenix. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are elated that the federal court in Florida has upheld the First Amendment rights of students, educators, authors, and publishers. The Court ruled that books may only be removed from school libraries if they lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value when considered as a whole, Novack said. Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: info@floridaphoenix.com. Charles Vega Guzman, an Apopka man, is accused of shooting at neighbors because loud music interrupted his sleep. The incident occurred on East Myrtle Street, where Guzman is accused of firing four shots at his neighbors. Police reported that Guzman was annoyed due to his neighbors loud music disturbing his nap. After the incident, Guzman was detained and is now in custody without bond. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Florida is taking legal action against two school-book publishers, contending they have not reduced prices as required. Attorney General James Uthmeiers office, in a news release Tuesday, accused McGraw Hill LLC and Savvas Learning Company LLC of systematically overcharging school districts for instructional materials. The attorney generals office, which said it had filed a lawsuit in Leon County circuit court, argued that under state law when publishers apply to be placed on Floridas list of textbook providers, they must match the best prices offered anywhere else in the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Through a whistleblower complaint filed with the Attorney Generals Office, the state of Florida has learned that some of our school districts were being overcharged by millions of dollars for these instructional materials, Gov. Ron DeSantis said during an appearance at Voyager K-8 School in St. Cloud. In a statement, Savvas said it has followed state law on the prices of its materials. We have always been, and continue to be, committed to complying with all laws and regulations pertaining to the sale of our instructional materials, the company said in a statement. We never charged Florida school districts more than the state contract price. Times staff writer Jeffrey S. Solochek contributed to this report. By Jaspreet Singh, Max A. Cherney and Anton Bridge (Reuters) -Intel is getting a $2 billion capital injection from SoftBank Group in a major vote of confidence for the troubled U.S. chipmaker in the middle of a turnaround. The equity investment, announced by the companies on Monday, is a lifeline for the once-iconic U.S. firm which has struggled to compete after years of management blunders that left it with virtually no foothold in the booming artificial intelligence chip industry. It will make SoftBank a top-10 shareholder of Intel and add to the Japanese tech investor's ambitious bet on semiconductor and AI assets that includes the $500 billion Stargate U.S. datacenter project. SoftBank also held talks with Intel on buying its contract chipmaking business ahead of the investment announcement, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing multiple people with knowledge of the talks. Intel has invested billions of dollars in setting up a contract manufacturing business that has struggled to compete with Taiwan's TSMC and barely attracted external customers. "SoftBank's investment helps, but it is not what is going to move the dial for Intel," said Amir Anvarzadeh, Japan equity strategist at Asymmetric Advisors. "It's more to maintain this very good relationship he has with Trump," he said, referring to SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son. The deal follows media reports last week that the U.S. government may buy a stake in Intel, after a meeting between new CEO Lip-Bu Tan and President Donald Trump that was sparked by the President's demand for Tan's resignation over his ties to Chinese firms. On reports of the government considering a 10% stake in Intel, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said any U.S. investment would be to help the company stabilize, but the government would not force U.S. companies to buy Intel chips. "The last thing we're going to do is take a stake and then try to drum up business. The stake would be a conversion of the grants and maybe increase the investment into Intel to help stabilize the company for chip production here in the U.S.," Bessent said, referring to grants allocated under the CHIPS Act. Bessent did not provide details about the size or timing of any U.S. stake. SoftBank's funding also comes as Tokyo pledged a $550 billion investment package into the U.S. last month as part of a trade deal with Washington. The Intel investment is not currently part of that package, a Japanese government source with knowledge of the negotiations said. Florida has lodged a significant lawsuit against textbook publishers McGraw Hill and Savvas Learning, accusing them of overcharging school districtsincluding Osceola and Miami-Dademore than 5,900 times. The lawsuit announced today in St. Cloud claims the overcharging by these companies could lead to civil penalties of up to $60.5 million. Florida taxpayers and students have been affected by these practices, prompting legal action. Attorney General Uthmeiers office received a whistleblower complaint that uncovered overcharging incidents, which led to the lawsuit. Publishers that exploit Florida school districts must be held accountable, said the official statement praising Attorney General Uthmeier for taking action. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit targets textbook publishers McGraw Hill and Savvas Learning for allegedly fraudulent overcharging that impacted Floridas school districts like Osceola and Miami-Dade, uncovered by a whistleblower. The lawsuits civil penalties could reach $60.5 million, showing the severity of the claims against the publishers. The Govorner states that Florida aims to shield its taxpayers and students from alleged financial harm. The result of the legal case is still uncertain. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. By Andrea Shalal, Tom Balmforth and Anastasiia Malenko WASHINGTON/LONDON/KYIV (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had ruled out putting U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine, but said the United States might provide air support as part of a deal to end Russia's war in the country. A day after Trump pledged security guarantees to help end the war at an extraordinary White House summit, the path to peace remained uncertain as the U.S. and allies prepared to work out what military support for Ukraine might include. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When it comes to security, (Europeans) are willing to put people on the ground. We're willing to help them with things, especially, probably ... by air," Trump said in an interview with the Fox News "Fox & Friends" program. Trump did not elaborate. Later, in an interview with radio host Mark Levin, Trump characterized his negotiating style in trying to end the war as "probably instinct more than process." Hours after Zelenskiy's meetings in Washington, Russia launched its biggest air assault in more than a month on Ukraine, with 270 drones and 10 missiles launched, the Ukrainian air force said. The energy ministry said the strikes caused big fires at energy facilities in the central Poltava region, home to Ukraine's only oil refinery. Trump conceded that Russian President Vladimir Putin might not want to make a deal after all, saying, "We're going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The nature of U.S. military aid for Ukraine under a peace deal was unclear. Air support could take many forms, such as missile defense systems or fighter jets enforcing a no-fly zone. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that U.S. air support was "an option and a possibility," but, like Trump, she did not provide any details. "The president has definitively stated U.S. boots will not be on the ground in Ukraine, but we can certainly help in the coordination and perhaps provide other means of security guarantees to our European allies," she said at a news briefing. Before Monday's summit in Washington, Russia, which has often said that it agreed with the idea of security guarantees for Kyiv, reiterated its long-standing position that it "categorically" rejected "any scenarios involving the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts say more than 1 million people have been killed or wounded in the conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. TRILATERAL MEETING? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed the White House talks as a "major step forward" toward ending Europe's deadliest conflict in 80 years and setting up a trilateral meeting with Putin and Trump. Zelenskiy's warm rapport with Trump contrasted sharply with their disastrous Oval Office meeting in February. Trump discussed Budapest as a venue for a summit involving Zelenskiy and Putin with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Tuesday, a White House official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Istanbul, where delegations for the two countries have met previously, has also been mentioned, a senior administration official said. Hungary is one of the few European places that Putin could visit without fear of arrest on International Criminal Court charges as Orban maintains close ties with the Russian leader. It was unclear whether Ukraine would accept Hungary as a venue. Neutral Switzerland also said it would be ready to host Putin for any peace talks. "They are in the process of setting it up," Trump told radio host Levin about a Putin/Zelenskiy meeting. But Trump cast doubt on whether he would attend. "Now I think it would be better if they met without me. ... If necessary, I'll go," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, asked by Levin how he balanced the interests of all the parties involved, said, "Well, it's probably instinct more than process. I have instincts." There has been so far no confirmation from Russia that a potential bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy is being planned. After Trump's call to Putin on Monday, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said only that the discussion included the idea of "raising the level of representatives" in peace talks from both countries - but he did not elaborate to what level. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in remarks published on Tuesday that contacts involving national leaders must be prepared "with the utmost thoroughness" and cannot be pursed for the sake of "media coverage or evening broadcasts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's allies held talks in the so-called Coalition of the Willing format on Tuesday, discussing additional sanctions to crank up the pressure on Russia. The grouping has also agreed that planning teams will meet U.S. counterparts in the coming days to develop security guarantees for Ukraine. NATO military leaders were expected to meet on Wednesday to discuss Ukraine, with U.S. General Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, expected to attend virtually, officials told Reuters. Putin has shown no sign of backing down from demands for territory, including land not under Russia's military control, following his summit with Trump on Friday in Alaska. Neil Melvin, a director at the International Security at the Royal United Services Institute think-tank, said Russia could drag out the war while trying to deflect U.S. pressure with a protracted peace negotiation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Melvin said both Ukraine and its European allies on one side and Russia on the other were striving "not to present themselves to Trump as the obstacle to his peace process." "They're all tiptoeing around Trump" to avoid any blame, he said, adding that Trump's statements on security guarantees were "so vague it's very hard to take it seriously." (Reporting by Tom Balmforth, Elizabeth Piper, Matthias Williams, Anastasiia Malenko, Rachel More, Madeline Chambers, Sabine Siebold, Susan Heavey, Andrea Shalal, Yuliia Dysa, Idrees Ali, Sam Tabahriti and Lidia Kelly; Writing by Andy Sullivan, Daniel Trotta and Matthias Williams; Editing by Gareth Jones, Frances Kerry, Cynthia Osterman and Stephen Coates) The possibility of sending U.S. or European troops to Ukraine was not discussed during President Volodymyr Zelensky's Aug. 18 meeting in Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told Fox News. "We have not discussed that at all today," Rutte said when asked whether foreign troops could be deployed. "That will be part of the discussions, which will now start. We will try to bring them to the next stage of understanding over the coming days and weeks, of course." Zelensky arrived in Washington on Aug. 18 with a delegation of European leaders after Trump's Aug. 15 summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump has positioned himself as a mediator seeking a ceasefire, while European leaders have pressed for firm security guarantees for Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We discussed the security guarantees, and we will work on those over the coming days and then have another meeting virtually with this group of leaders and the president (Trump)," Rutte added. Ukraine has long stressed the importance of binding security guarantees from its allies after a potential ceasefire, warning that without firm commitments, Russia could regroup and launch another invasion. France and the U.K. have already pledged to contribute troops to a potential international force tasked with enforcing a ceasefire. Leaders have met repeatedly to discuss security guarantees, with some allies willing to provide ground troops while others focus on air and naval support. French President Emmanuel Macron, who joined Zelensky and Trump in Washington, said after the meeting that security guarantees would not include NATO membership but instead rely on a strong Ukrainian army backed by commitments from the "coalition of the willing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The coalition includes more than 30 countries, among them European states, Canada, and Japan. Trump avoided giving a clear answer when asked whether U.S. troops could be part of the guarantees. Read also: Zelensky says he will discuss territory with Putin as Ukraine signals readiness for unconditional peace talks with Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A former Berks County resident has been charged with uploading and sharing digital files depicting child pornography. Shawn T. Smick, 30, of Philadelphia was free to await a hearing following arraignment Monday night before District Judge Michael Kauffman. Smick surrendered to Berks County detectives Monday to face charges of possessing and disseminating child pornography and criminal use of a communications facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to investigators: In April, the county detective received a complaint from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children stating that suspected child pornography files had been uploaded and shared via an internet/web application, KIK Messenger. Detectives learned the internet address used to upload the material was linked to Smick. Detectives searched Smicks previous residence in Caernarvon Township and seized a mobile phone. During a forensic analysis conducted at the Berks County District Attorneys Forensic Services, numerous digital images and digital videos depicting sexual abuse of children were identified. In an interview with detectives, Smick admitted to participating in file-sharing activity. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A former Douglas School District employee is going to federal prison after admitting to enticement of a minor. 29-year-old Duncan Witt admits sending hundreds of sexually explicit pictures, videos and messages to a special education student on Snapchat. It happened in February and March of last year. In exchange for her guilty plea, child pornography charges were dismissed. Monday a judge sentenced Witt to 10-years behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. SULLIVAN, Ill. (WCIA) A sexual abuse case against a former employee of Mattoon High School ended last week with a guilty plea and a sentence of probation. Moultrie County court records show that Jace Logan, 27, was scheduled to appear in court on Friday for a status hearing in his case. When that hearing was scheduled a month prior, the record noted that a plea was possible at that hearing; when the date came, Logan did enter a plea under a deal reached with the Office of the Illinois States Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor. Effingham man accused of vehicle theft, other charges in Friday crime spree Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Special Prosecutor Kate Kurtz agreed to dismiss the five original counts against Logan all Class 2 felonies of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. In turn, Logan pleaded guilty to a new, Class 3 count of indecent solicitation of a child. The judge then sentenced Logan to 30 months of probation. He will also have to register as a sex offender. The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Sullivan Police Department that began in April of 2024. Investigators were informed of an incident that was alleged to have happened in Sullivan in 2017, when Logan was 18 years old and the victim was no older than 13. After the investigation was turned over to the Appellate Prosecutors Office, Logan was charged in March with the five counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time he was charged, Logan was listed as a paraprofessional on the staff directory of Mattoon High School. The school district said it placed him on administrative leave after the charges were filed, and clarified that there was no indication the victim was a student enrolled at a district school. As of Monday, Aug. 18, Logan is no longer listed in the school districts directory. In addition to the probation and sex offender registration, Logan was ordered to pay a fine of $75. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Catherine Hanaway talks to reporters on Aug. 19 after being announced as the state's next attorney general (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent). Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Tuesday that Catherine Hanaway will replace Andrew Bailey as the states next attorney general. Bailey, 44, resigned Monday after a little more than two years on the job to become co-deputy director of the FBI. Hanaway, 61, will be the fourth person to serve as Missouri attorney general since 2018, with her three predecessors leaving the job early for positions in Washington, D.C. She will be the first woman to ever hold the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She can serve out Baileys term, which runs until the end of 2028, and on Tuesday told reporters she plans to seek a full term of her own in three years. My game plan, for sure, is to serve the next three years, she said, and then if Missourians will vote for me and believe I earned a full term, then Id like to serve a full term. A former federal prosecutor, Hanaway was the first and only woman to ever serve as speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives. She twice ran unsuccessfully for statewide office, losing to Democrat Robin Carnahan for secretary of state in 2004 and finishing fourth in the Republican primary for governor in 2016. After she left public life, Hanaway focused on her law practice and eventually became a partner at the Husch Blackwell. In 2018, she garnered headlines after joining the legal team representing the campaign committee of the man who beat her in the ugly 2016 GOP primary, Eric Greitens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her highest profile client in recent years has been Grain Belt Express, a planned transmission line designed to transport electricity generated by wind farms in Kansas across four states, including Missouri. In the works for more than a decade, the transmission line has drawn fierce criticism from GOP officials and agriculture groups like the Missouri Farm Bureau over the companys use of eminent domain to take land or easements from unwilling landowners and compensate them. Those critics include Bailey, who has used the attorney generals office to target the project. Grain Belt Express filed a lawsuit against the attorney generals office last month over a demand to hand over documents, and Hanaway is the companys lead counsel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grain Belt Express seeks to bring an end to the (attorney generals) unlawful and politically motivated investigation, Hanaway said in a statement last month. Hanaway said Tuesday that the attorney generals investigation into Grain Belt will continue and she will recuse herself. The team that is there, the great team that is there, will be able to go forward without my input, she said. Theres a great team on it, and theyll continue to do their work. Speaking to reporters after Kehoe announced her appointment, Hanaway emphasized her rural roots, noting that the dorm she moved into when she attended the University of Missouri was bigger than her hometown in Nebraska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im humbled beyond belief to accept this appointment, she said. She ticked through what she sees as the role of the attorney generals office, saying the most important job is to protect Missourians from anyone who would do violence against them, who would rip them off in financial schemes, who would abuse them by providing terrible care and getting paid by Medicaid and anyone who would try to invade their constitutional rights. Fighting crime, she said, will remain job one, noting her previous work as a U.S. attorney. She quoted the late Kit Bond, Missouris former governor and U.S. Senator, who she says taught her that people dont care how much you know until they know how much you care. I promise to you that as attorney general, I will work as hard as I can, she said. I will be innovative. I will adapt to changing times. But more than anything else, Ill show Missourians just how much I care. FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A Florida couple, formerly of Northwest Arkansas, were sentenced on Aug. 15 to more than nine years combined in prison for their scheme to defraud pandemic relief loan programs. According to a press release, Fawaad Welch, 41, was sentenced to more than eight years in prison followed by three years of supervised release on one count of wire fraud. Julia Youngblood, 41, was sentenced to more than a year in prison with one year of supervised release on one count of misprision of a felony. Both were ordered to pay $6,131,511.16 in restitution. According to court documents and statements, between May 2020 and October 2021 Welch and Youngblood applied for Pandemic Relief Loan Programs through their Arkansas Business, Slipstream Creative, LLC, which was a Northwest Arkansas Advertising and marketing company in Fayetteville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release says Welch provided lenders with false statements regarding their assets and liabilities and the intended use of funds through the SBA7(a), Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Main Street Loan Programs. Welch arranged his wife, Youngblood, to sign the applications on behalf of the business. The release says that after receiving the loan funds, Welch diverted large parts of the loan proceeds for the couples benefit. In the applications submitted for the loans, the couple did not disclose information such as tax liabilities and the fact that they were receiving loans from other loan programs. Within months of receiving $1.5 million in working capital Economic Injury Disaster Loan funds on October 21, Welch transferred $1.3 million of that loan to the couples personal bank account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The release says the couple then bought a home in Florida using $445,000 of the loan funds. Welch and Youngblood pleaded guilty to the scheme in April. $1.2 million in recovered loan funds were forfeited from the couples accounts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Former Exeter Township Supervisor David Hughes has sued the township, claiming it violated an agreement that ended a previous legal battle with Hughes and secured his resignation. In August 2024, Hughes and the township reached an agreement that closed a lawsuit filed by the township against Hughes just before the matter was set to go to trial. Exeter was seeking an injunction against Hughes, claiming he was posting confidential township information on his website and on social media. The lawsuit was one in a series of disputes between the township and Hughes that dated to before Hughes was elected to the board of supervisors in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a private citizen, he had long been vocally critical of the township. And during his 2 1/2 years on the board, he often found himself at odds with his fellow supervisors. He was twice censured once in 2022 and once in 2023 for what his colleagues called ongoing improper and unprofessional behavior. The former supervisor had made legal claims or informed Exeter officials of his intent to file claims that the township had violated state and federal laws. The August 2024 settlement brought to a close legal actions by both parties. The agreement stipulated that Hughes resign from the board of supervisors, which he did shortly after it was signed. The agreement further stated that Hughes will not run for, apply for or accept appointment to any position in the township in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also banned Hughes from entering the municipal building or any other township place of employment, saying he can return to attend public meetings after a two-year cooling off period. Hughes was barred from communicating with any member of the board of supervisors or any township employee. After one-year, an email account would be set up and designated for Hughes to communicate with the board as a whole. The limitations on Hughes did not preclude him from doing normal business with the township, such as obtaining permits, paying taxes or responding to code violations. The agreement includes a mutual release, which means neither the township nor Hughes admit any liability for the accusations each has made about the other. It also revokes the censures against Hughes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hughes was paid $805,000 as part of the settlement. In his lawsuit filed Friday in Berks County Court, Hughes argued that while he has held up his end of the deal, the township almost immediately violated it. Hughes said the settlement called for the release of a mutually agreed upon statement, which was distributed. However, a second release was issued by the township on Aug. 16, 2024, that Hughes says he did not approve, and that violated the settlement. It appears that the township and persons acting on its behalf never had any intention of complying with the terms of the settlement agreement, ending their constant harassment of Hughes or allowing Hughes to rehabilitate his reputation after unjustly harming it, his lawsuit says of the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hughes suit claims the townships revocation of his censures were not handled properly, that the township is falsely claiming the settlement prevents him from filing Right to Know Law requests, that the township tried to unrightfully bar him from a candidate forum held on township property and caused him to incur unnecessary legal fees. The lawsuit alleges the township is guilty of one count of breech of contract; two counts of defamation, slander and libel; one count of intentionally inflicting emotional distress; and one count of interfering with his civil rights. Hughes could not immediately be reached for comment on his lawsuit. Township officials declined to comment, citing the active nature of the litigation. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Former U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway was appointed Tuesday as Missouri's next attorney general, vowing a tough-on-crime approach as her predecessor leaves for a job with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Hanaway's appointment just a day after Attorney General Andrew Bailey said he was stepping down to join President Donald Trump's administration as the FBI's co-deputy director. The change in Missouri's top law enforcement job will take effect Sept. 8. Fighting crime is and will remain job one for this office Hanaway said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanaway has deep roots in Missouri politics and extensive ties as a private practice attorney to corporate clients that will cause her to recuse from some cases as attorney general. Hanaway first won election to the Missouri House in 1998 and led the GOP takeover of the chamber in the 2002 elections as the state began a gradual transition from a political tossup to a GOP stronghold. She served as Missouri's first and only woman House speaker before losing a bid for secretary of state in 2004. She was appointed the next year by President George W. Bush as U.S. attorney for the eastern district of Missouri, which she held until 2009. She lost a Republican primary for governor in 2016. As a partner at the Husch Blackwell law firm, Hanaway has represented global chemical manufacturer Bayer in lobbying for legislation that would provide a legal shield against mounting claims that it failed to warn customers that its popular Roundup weedkiller can allegedly cause cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Husch Blackwell also represents Invenergy, which is attempting to use eminent domain to acquire land for a high-voltage transmission line to carry wind-generated power from Kansas across Missouri and Illinois to an electric grid in Indiana. Bailey has opposed the project, and Hanaway said she will recuse herself as the attorney general's office continues a civil investigation into it. Bailey, a staunch Trump supporter, has served as attorney general since January 2023 and won election last November to a full four-year term. Hanaway said she intends to serve the remainder of Bailey's term and seek election herself in 2028. Bailey brought an aggressive approach to the attorney general's office. He pursued numerous legal challenges against Democratic President Joe Biden's administration on policies ranging from student loan forgiveness to environmental rules, immigration actions and transgender rights measures. He also pursued conservative causes in his home state, threatening legal action against private gyms over bathroom policies, demanding that public schools ban drag shows and defending the state's anti-abortion regulations in the face of a voter-approved constitutional amendment establishing a right to abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hanaway praised Bailey but placed a greater emphasis on criminal cases than civil litigation while talking to reporters Tuesday. Missouri's attorney general job has become a quick stepping stone for aspiring politicians. Less than a year after winning election as attorney general in 2016, Republican Josh Hawley launched a challenge to Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill. After Hawley won election to the Senate in 2018, Republican Gov. Mike Parson appointed state Treasurer Eric Schmitt to serve the remainder of Hawley's term. Schmitt won election to his own term as attorney general in 2020, but then quickly announced he was running to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt in the 2022 elections. After Schmitt won the Senate race, Parson appointed Bailey an Army veteran serving as the governor's general counsel to fill the remainder of Schmitt's term. SoftBank plans to invest $2 billion in Intel common stock. Ying Tang/NurPhoto via Getty Images SoftBank is investing $2 billion in Intel common stock, paying $23 per share. The investment fits with SoftBank's focus on AI and semiconductor expansion in the US. Intel's stock rose after hours, while SoftBank's shares fell. SoftBank is betting big on semiconductors in the age of AI. The investment holding company is investing $2 billion in Intel common stock, the companies announced on Monday. Under the agreement, SoftBank will pay $23 per share. "This strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will further expand in the United States, with Intel playing a critical role," Masayoshi Son, the chairman and CEO of SoftBank, said in a statement. Intel said in a statement that SoftBank's investment "builds upon its long-term vision of enabling the AI revolution." Intel and SoftBank did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider. SoftBank has heavily invested in AI, positioning itself as a major backer of OpenAI. Intel, a producer of semiconductors, or chips, which are critical for powering AI, saw its stock surge on Friday after Bloomberg reported the US government was considering taking a stake in the company. Earlier last week, President Donald Trump praised Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, after previously criticizing him and calling for his resignation. Shares of SoftBank gained at the open on Tuesday before falling sharply. They were trading 4.4% lower at 10 a.m. local time in Tokyo. Intel's stock was trading up after hours on Monday. Read the original article on Business Insider 28/22 NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) A former teacher in the Wyoming Area School District learned her fate on Monday after pleading guilty back in June. Investigators say students told a social worker Sarah Kester gave them edible marijuana gummies and nicotine vapes and offered them alcohol. Suspended Wyoming Area teacher waives hearing for corruption of minors Kester will have to give up her teaching license and be on 30 months of probation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A Fort Walton Beach man pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a machine gun on Tuesday. In November 2024, a deputy with the Escambia County Sheriffs Office initiated a routine traffic stop on a vehicle driven by the suspect. The vehicle was searched, and the deputy stated he found a Glock 9 millimeter pistol with a machine gun conversion device attached to it. According to a news release, 42-year-old Louis Terrell Jones is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities working to identify suspects in Lake Cassidy brawl Jones was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including attempted burglary, possession of a weapon on school property, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and aggravated assault by threat with a firearm. Jones faces up to 25 years imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The case involved a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriffs Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 6 at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Four U.S. soldiers were eating at a rest area in Poland on Thursday when they saw a civilian man collapse outside of a KFC. The soldiers 2nd Lt. Indiana Rhodes, Sgt. 1st Class Alicia Haggins, Staff Sgt. Jacob Roberts and Sgt. Justin Fagan rushed to the fallen man. Haggins communicated with the mans family about his medical condition by using her phone to translate. Meanwhile, Fagan checked the mans vital signs and began CPR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His pulse was really faint, Fagan said in an Army release. He didnt respond to a sternum rub so I started chest compressions. Fagan, Rhodes and Roberts continued chest compressions for nearly 30 minutes until EMS arrived and airlifted the man to a nearby hospital, according to U.S. Army Garrison Poland. Their quick thinking, teamwork and lifesaving response are a testament to the professionalism and heart of our Soldiers, U.S. Army Garrison Poland wrote in a social media post. The day following the incident, the recently deployed soldiers all with the 214th Military Police Company, Alabama Army National Guard were hopeful the man they helped was doing well and recovering. There was no public update about his condition as of Tuesday. I just hope it all turns out good for him and his family, Haggins said in the release. I am glad that we were there and had the training and expertise to react. Fox News chief political analyst Brit Hume is not holding his breath for a quick resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war despite President Donald Trumps recent efforts. Hume praised Trump for the White House talks held on Monday between European leaders, U.S. officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about Russias invasion of Ukraine. He described the meeting as an impressive display of unity between the U.S. and Europe as Trump tries to negotiate an end to the war. Well, it certainly was an impressive display, Bret, perhaps even a historic display of US European unity, at least in the modern age, in these recent years, when theres been so much tension between President Trump in particular and European leaders, Hume told Fox News Bret Baier on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, they were all united, sitting around the table, praising him and talking about their optimism for peace. And all of that is a good thing, no doubt. But we also had a response from Russia today to the idea of some kind of a NATO-like peacekeeping force with European nations in it in Ukraine. And they say they explicitly reject that, and always have, he continued. However, Hume then suggested that a resolution to the end of the war is not in the near future. Despite Trumps repeated vows for a quick resolution, no deal between Russia and Ukraine has been secured. They would have to give some real ground there in order to change Russias mind about that. And I think it suggests that the path toward a final deal here may be some considerable ways off as much as the president, who always likes to have things done quickly, as we hear him say, would like this to happen on a fast track, Hume said. WATCH: Fox News @brithume on White House peace talks: It was an impressive display, perhaps a historic display, of US-Europe unity in the modern age. They are all united. pic.twitter.com/7i0KChU1rN TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) August 18, 2025 Trump said he would forge ahead with arrangements for a meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. He spoke by phone with Putin during Mondays talks with Zelenskyy and the leaders of Britain, Finland, France, Germany and Italy as well as the president of the European Commission and head of NATO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The developments come amid a significant measure of trepidation on the continent that Trump is pressing Ukraine to make concessions that will only further embolden Putin after the U.S. leader hosted the Russian president for an Alaska summit last week. I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy, Trump said in a social media post. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. It was not clear if Putin has fully signed on to such talks. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Fox Newshost Dana Perinowas mocked on Monday for griping about Gov. Gavin Newsoms social media presence while seeming to give President Donald Trump a pass for the same type of thing. The California governors social media team has been going on the offensive against Trump and his MAGA followers via the @GovPressOfficeaccounts, using fiery rhetoric, insults and an all-cap approach reminiscent of the president. Related: Gavin Newsom's Latest Podcast Sees Democrat Governor 'Enjoy' Chummy Chat With Steve Bannon The posts are getting praise for taking a page from Trumps playbook, but, for some reason, Trump supporters and members of Trump-friendly media are having a MAGA tizzy over them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Case in point: Perino, former White House press secretary for George W. Bush, got all pearl-clutchy over Newsoms approach during a segment on The Five, while also blaming the governors wife for the posts. You have to stop it with the Twitter thing, Perino said, before adding: I dont know where his wife is. If I were [Newsoms] wife, I would say, You are making a fool of yourself, stop it Hes got a big job as governor of California, but if he wants an even bigger job, he has to be a little bit more serious. Perino: You have to stop at with the Twitter thing. If I were his wife, I would say you are making a fool of yourself, stop it He's got a big job as governor of California but if he wants an even bigger job, he has to be a little more serious. pic.twitter.com/Vi8eifx4pb Acyn (@Acyn) August 18, 2025 Perino seemed to have forgotten about Trumps own activity on social media, in which he completely ignores the conventions of the English language, regularly insults opponents and concludes with Thank you for your attention to this matter! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a very benign comment in 2018 to Politico, she admitted that Trumps style does rub a lot of people the wrong way, but claimed she has just learned to not let it affect me so much. Perinos apparent double standard made her a snark target on social media. Perino is a hypocrite. Trump is President and rage posts hourly. The hair dye is starting to affect Perinos brain. Denison Barb (@DenisonBarbs) August 18, 2025 But she won't say the same about Trump? It seems like Gov. Newsom is hitting them exactly where it bugs them most. David (@DaveSixFour) August 18, 2025 JFC. They're so close to getting it. pic.twitter.com/3gFepNGaRv The Great Gig in the Sky (@thegreatgig8) August 18, 2025 This double standard is not just about social media etiquette it's a reflection of a broader political narrative where Trump's actions are normalized, while others are held to an impossible standard. The irony is palpable Trump, who has made a career out of inflammatory tweets Siegien (@margaretsiegien) August 18, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perino scolding someone for Twitter antics while still pining for Trump is like a pollster lecturing about response bias while forgetting to weight by age. Zero self-awareness baked right into the model. Nate Lichtman (@27KeysToTheRace) August 18, 2025 Oh spare us. Fox lectures Newsom about being serious while worshipping Trumps every tantrum tweet. The hypocrisy is louder than Perinos fake concern. Serious? Start with your own clown. AnatolijUkraine (@AnatoliUkraine) August 18, 2025 Imagine if that was done by The President of The United States now THAT would be completely embarrassing, childish and unprofessional Oh Wait Thank you for your attention to this matter Suspiro (@Alejandra_Tica) August 18, 2025 Perino did respond to a comment made by podcaster and former Barack Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau after he called her out on X. Absolutely, Gavin should take a lesson from Donald Trump on this, he began before asking her directly, What do you think of the Presidents social media habits? Absolutely, Gavin should take a lesson from Donald Trump on this Hey @DanaPerino - what do you think of the President's social media habits? https://t.co/1hsP8BUSxo Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) August 18, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perino tried to minimize the hole she dug for herself by claiming that Newsoms new methods of trolling MAGA were simply copying, and suggested the governor come up with his own original content instead of utilizing Trumps style. Copying isnt a good look and it isnt working - he should come up with his own original content as you did and have been successful with! Dana Perino (@DanaPerino) August 18, 2025 Favreau then pointed out that Newsoms new posts are pretty clearly a parody of Trumps absolutely insane all caps, often non-sensical posts and are reaching people who arent political junkies. He added: Humor and mockery can be quite effective! I mean, it's pretty clearly a parody of Trump's absolutely insane all caps, often non-sensical posts. Probably why all the people in my life who aren't political junkies keep reaching out to say they don't know much about Newsom but think the tweets are hilarious Humor and Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) August 18, 2025 Perino decided to end the exchange by telling Favreau, Cool if it works and hes your 2028 nom, I will buy you dinner. Cool if it works and hes your 2028 nom, I will buy you dinner. Dana Perino (@DanaPerino) August 18, 2025 The Newsom account that inspired Perinos pearl-clutching also weighed in with its own take on her so-called concern for the governor, saying, in all-caps of course, ALMOST A WEEK IN AND THEY STILL DONT GET IT. ALMOST A WEEK IN AND THEY STILL DON'T GET IT https://t.co/xACH6zSfXX Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 19, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perino wasnt the only conservative media personality to get in a snit over the @NewsomPressOffice account on Monday. Tomi Lahren blasted the Newsom press office account after it mockingly replied to a clip from MAGA activist Scott Presler by writing, thank you, Nancy Mace. Pointing out that Presler is openly gay, Lahren said the post represented new lows unlocked by Gavin Newsom and his team of losers. New lows unlocked by @GavinNewsom and his team of losers @GovPressOfficepic.twitter.com/P6EngPvlTV Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) August 18, 2025 Newsoms account responded with three words sure to freak out any member of MAGA: You sound woke. you sound woke Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 18, 2025 Related... Read the original on HuffPost Fox News host Dana Perino melted down on air over Gavin Newsoms deliberate imitation of Donald Trumps erratic social media style on Elon Musks X. The official press office of the Californian governor has actively tweeted like Trump in recent weeks, often using blocks of capital letters, repeatedly complimenting himself, insulting the president and his administration, and posting random memes. Newsoms office account went on a Trump-style rampage over the weekend and into Monday, calling Fox host Tomi Lahren woke, labelling Kristi Noem Commander Cosplay, and posting parody memes of Kid Rock and JD Vance. Fox News host Dana Perino is triggered by Gavin Newsom's X posts. / X On Fox News The Five on Monday, Perinoa White House press secretary under George W. Bushsaid Newsom was making a fool of himself and even called on his wife to intervene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You have to stop it with the Twitter thing, a triggered Perino said. I dont know where his wife is? If I were his wife I would say, You are making a fool of yourself, stop it! She added, hinting at rumors of a future potential presidential run, Do not let your staff tweetand if you are doing it yourself, put the phone away and start over. Hes got a big job as governor of California but if he wants an even bigger job he has to be a little more serious. The Daily Beast has contacted Fox News and Gavin Newsom for comment. Gavin Newsom's Press Office memes on X. / X Newsoms offices X account reposted footage of Perinos complaints on Monday, with the caption ALMOST A WEEK IN AND THEY STILL DONT GET IT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The account has targeted several MAGA identities outside of the president, including Casey DeSantis and Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem. When Noem blamed the Californian DMV for issuing a license to a driver involved in the death of three people in Florida, Newsom clapped back by posting on X, Hey, Commander Cosplay: the federal government (YOU) already confirmed that this guy meets federal and state immigration requirements -- YOU issued him a work permit (EAD). Oops. As usual, you are either lying or clueless. Gavin Newsom's office has been busy on X. / X Newsom explained to reporters last Thursday he was just following the brash and unpresidential social media example of Trump as an experiment. Over the last week that has included calling out JD Vances eyeliner use, asking for the release of the Epstein files and borrowing Trumps signature sign-off Thank you for attention to this matter! with his initials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Californian governor told media last week, If you have issues with what Im putting out, you sure as hell should have concerns with what hes putting out as president. Newsom said he was pleased his Twitter parodies had gotten some attention, then added, I think the deeper question is how have we allowed the normalization of his tweets, Truth Social posts over the course of the last many years, to go without similar scrutiny and notice? On Saturday during the presidents Russian summit in Alaska, Newsoms X account posted an all-caps rant that included the insults, TRUMP JUST FLED THE PODIUM WITH PUTIN NO QUESTIONS, NOTHING! TOTAL LOW ENERGY. THE MAN LOOKED LIKE HED JUST EATEN 3 BUCKETS OF KFC WITH VLAD. IS HE AFRAID THE PRESS WILL ASK ABOUT ME??? (AMERICAS FAVORITE GOVERNOR)." California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks about California redistricting plans at a press conference at the Democracy Center, Japanese American Museum on August 14, 2025. / Mario Tama / Getty Images The post ended with Newsom stating ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT HOME, DONALD YOURE PUTINS PROBLEM NOW. IM AMERICAS SOLUTION. GCN Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fox host Lahren said on Saturday in response, Gavin and his team of beta males who sit down to pee actually think theyre trolling the president and actually think this is making Gavin look like a badass. She added of the state of California, I dont know if its the weed or the gender-neutral bathrooms, but something is wrong over there. Newsoms office replied on X, Tomis account is basically Yelp for toilets now. She has now released a YouTube video criticizing Newsom, claiming his attempts to troll Trump were the ultimate FAIL. Fox News anchor Dana Perino is being called out for her latest criticism of California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). Newsoms press office has been met with ire from critics in recent weeks as it has hopped on the offensive against President Donald Trump and MAGA, using insults, all-caps and memes to troll on X. Many of the posts are reminiscent of the presidents messages on his Truth Social platform, with the account using Trumps popular sign off, Thank you for your attention to this matter! While speaking on The Five, Perino on Monday instructed Newsom to stop it with the Twitter thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know where his wife is, Perino said. If I were his wife, I would say, You are making a fool of yourself. Stop it. Do not let your staff tweet, and if youre doing it yourself, put your phone away and start over. Perino acknowledged that Newsom has a big job as governor, but then pivoted: If he wants an even bigger job, he has to be a little more serious. Perino: You have to stop at with the Twitter thing. If I were his wife, I would say you are making a fool of yourself, stop it He's got a big job as governor of California but if he wants an even bigger job, he has to be a little more serious. pic.twitter.com/Vi8eifx4pb Acyn (@Acyn) August 18, 2025 Social media users were quick to pounce on her point with many pointing to how she seemingly forgot about Trumps own online communication style. This is so funny, Bravos Andy Cohen wrote on X. One user said: But she wont say the same about Trump? It seems like Gov. Newsom is hitting them exactly where it bugs them most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This double standard is not just about social media etiquette its a reflection of a broader political narrative where Trumps actions are normalized, while others are held to an impossible standard, another user posted, adding The message is clear: for Trump, the rules dont apply, but for everyone else, they must be stringent and unforgiving. Tom Nichols, a staff writer at The Atlantic, posted that Perino was soooo close to getting it. The Republicans against Trump account asked, Does somebody want to remind her who the current president is? Congratulations to everyone past present and future who is falling into the most obvious trap in human history, Aaron Fritschner, the deputy chief of staff for Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), responded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Newsoms social media team has poked fun at Trump officials and conservative media hosts and influencers, the account has specifically taken aim at the brewing California and Texas redistricting fight. Newsom announced last Thursday that he will move forward with a plan to combat a Republican-led effort in the Lone Star State to add up to five safe seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. He introduced his proposal, dubbed the Election Rigging Response Act, which would allow his state to sidestep its independent redistricting commission that has created district maps since 2010 if the Texas Legislature successfully passes a plan. In the days leading up to his decision, Newsom issued a series of warnings to Trump, who has backed the GOPs attempt, to stand down. DONALD TACO TRUMP, AS MANY CALL HIM, MISSED THE DEADLINE!!! CALIFORNIA WILL NOW DRAW NEW, MORE BEAUTIFUL MAPS, THEY WILL BE HISTORIC AS THEY WILL END THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY (DEMS TAKE BACK THE HOUSE!), the account wrote last week. DONALD TACO TRUMP, AS MANY CALL HIM, MISSED THE DEADLINE!!! CALIFORNIA WILL NOW DRAW NEW, MORE BEAUTIFUL MAPS, THEY WILL BE HISTORIC AS THEY WILL END THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY (DEMS TAKE BACK THE HOUSE!). BIG PRESS CONFERENCE THIS WEEK WITH POWERFUL DEMS AND GAVIN NEWSOM YOUR Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 12, 2025 Newsom, who is seen as a potential contender for the 2028 presidential election, has also responded directly to social media users who have criticized his posts, as he continues to sarcastically capitalize on Trumps unnecessary use of punctuation and capitalization. Time for a weather alert, the account wrote on Monday, adding a barrage of snowflake emojis. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. California Gov. Gavin Newsoms deliberate imitation of President Donald Trumps online persona irked Fox News host Dana Perino, who called the governors social media experiment embarrassing and urged him to stop. Newsoms press teams social media account has spent the past week posting in a style meant to mimic Trump, including heavy use of capital letters, insults aimed at rivals and signing off using thank you for your attention to this matter! Fox News, however, appears more upset at the parody than at the original. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Mondays edition of The Five, Perino said Newsom was making a fool of himself and suggested his wife should intervene. You have to stop it with the Twitter thing, she said. If I were his wife I would say, You are making a fool of yourself, stop it! Perino also hinted at Newsoms possible national ambitions. Do not let your staff tweet and if you are doing it yourself, put the phone away and start over, she said. Hes got a big job as governor of California but if he wants an even bigger job he has to be a little more serious. Perino said afterwards on X that she critiqued the governor because copying isnt a good look. Perino: You have to stop at with the Twitter thing. If I were his wife, I would say you are making a fool of yourself, stop it He's got a big job as governor of California but if he wants an even bigger job, he has to be a little more serious. pic.twitter.com/Vi8eifx4pb Acyn (@Acyn) August 18, 2025 Unreal that these MAGA zombies dont get the bit. And completely confirms the point of the bit, which is almost like a work of art, wrote former Obama national security adviser Ben Rhodes on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governors office appeared to welcome the Fox coverage, reposting footage of Perinos segment with the caption: ALMOST A WEEK IN AND THEY STILL DONT GET IT. Newsoms office account has in recent days referred to Fox host Tomi Lahren as woke, called South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem Commander Cosplay. During Trumps recent summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, the account posted a parody all-caps rant that ended: ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT HOME, DONALD YOURE PUTINS PROBLEM NOW. IM AMERICAS SOLUTION. GCN. The account has also recycled some of Trumps favorite insults against him, including calling him Low IQ and low-energy. Newsom told reporters last week the effort was meant to draw attention to how Trumps erratic posts have been normalized. If you have issues with what Im putting out, you sure as hell should have concerns with what hes putting out as president, he said. The post Fox News host riled by Gavin Newsoms Trump-style tweets appeared first on Salon.com. French President Emmanuel Macron sued far-right influencer Candace Owens to combat her nonsense claims about his wife Brigitte Macron, he said in a new interview. The couple filed a defamation lawsuit last month against Owens over her relentless and unjustified smear campaign falsely accusing Brigitte of being born a man. The Macrons are seeking damages after suing her on 22 counts, including defamation and false light. In his first remarks about the matter since suing Owens, the French president touched upon the lawsuit in a wide-ranging Paris Match interview that he felt compelled to sue because the false claims have taken on a life of their own in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This has become so widespread in the United States that we had to react, Macron said in French. Its a question of having the truth respected. The French leader said he will pursue the lawsuit to the end because her allegations were nonsense. Owens first made the unfounded claim in March 2024 and expanded upon it in her eight-part podcast series called Becoming Brigitte, the complaint filed in Delaware state court alleges. Her lies have caused tremendous damage to the Macrons, the filing says. French President Emmanuel Macron insists far-right podcaster Candace Owens claims about his wife Brigitte are nonsense, in first remarks about the matter after his defamation suit against the influencer (AP) The couple was initially advised not to file a complaint against Owens to avoid the "Streisand effect," attracting more attention to a matter by trying to conceal it, the French president told Paris Match. But because of the magnitude of attention the claims have garnered, they felt the need to respond, he said. Asked about the hostility he and Brigitte have gotten stateside in the wake of Owens remarks, Macron said: It is not freedom of speech to want to prevent the restoration of the truth. Those who talk to you about this so-called freedom of speech are the ones who ban journalists from the Oval Office. I do not accept this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owens remarks subjected the couple to a campaign of global humiliation, turning their lives into fodder for profit-driven lies, the complaint says. The result is relentless bullying on a worldwide scale. Every time the Macrons leave their home, they do so knowing that countless people have heard, and many believe, these vile fabrications. It is invasive, dehumanizing, and deeply unjust, the filing states. Right-wing podcaster Candace Owens has said she would stake my entire professional reputation on these allegations (Rumble) The Macrons also took aim at Owens credibility. The lawsuit accused her of having built a brand on provocation, not truth and routinely peddling misinformation under the guise of legitimate reporting, like promoting anti-vaccine conspiracy theories. She has described the Covid-19 vaccines as pure evil. The far-right podcaster has emphasized that she would stake my entire professional reputation on these claims targeting Brigitte Macron. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am fully prepared to take on this battle, Owens said after she was sued. On behalf of the entire world, I will see you in court. A spokesperson for Owens said last month: "This is a foreign government attacking the First Amendment rights of an American independent journalist. Last month, Owens claimed that President Donald Trump personally called her and told her to back off the baseless claims about the French first lady, she told Tucker Carlson. She alleged the French President flew to D.C., where he urged Trump to ask me to shut up, to just stop speaking about his wife, she told Carlson. Speaking of Trump, she continued: He said he was very confused when the leader of France took him aside during negotiations for Ukraine and Russia to inquire about whether or not he knew Candace Owens. The U.S. president allegedly said of Brigitte: I saw her up close and she looks like a woman to me, I had dinner with her at the top of the Eiffel Tower. WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) Frank A. Nannicola, Sr., (aka Juice), 90 passed away peacefully at home in Florida on Thursday, August 14, 2025, following an extended illness with pancreatic cancer. He was born May 11, 1935, the son of Phyllis (Notarantonio) and Armando Herman Nannicola. Find obituaries from your high school Frank graduated from St. Marys High School in 1953 and earned his bachelors degree from Youngstown State University in 1959. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also served in the Air Force Reserves for five years. In 1961, Frank partnered with his father to start Nannicola Wholesale Co. in his garage on Bonnie Brae SE in Warren, Ohio. Two years later, they purchased a building on Youngstown Road which became the companys long-term home. Nannicola Wholesale was among the first discount stores in the region to offer novelties, toys, carnival supplies, party goods, wedding items and fundraising products. In 1970, Frank installed the iconic clown sign in front of the building which became a well-known landmark in Warren. In the 80s, his advertisement Nannicola, Nannicola, Nannicola became a famous jingle never to be forgotten. As the business grew, its focus shifted toward distributing and supplying Bingo products to charities. In the 90s, Franks three sons joined the company, and together they expanded the business into one of the largest bingo distributors in the country at their Youngstown location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2008, Frank closed the party store in Warren. He began to spend his time between Florida and Ohio with Janet, his wife of 59 years. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by many loved ones who enjoyed honoring his life. Frank loved visiting with all his family, friends, classmates, employees and customers. He had a big heart and a personality to match. His smile was amazing, his handshake unforgettable and his dedication to family and work was extraordinary. Survivors include his wife, Janet (Imburgia) Nannicola; three sons, Armand (Andrea), Charles (Lynn) and Frank II; five grandchildren, Cassandra, Frank, Mia, Armand, Jr. and Romero. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his grandmother, Domenica (Catignani) Notarantonio and his sister, Evelyn Nannicola. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family will have a Mass in Florida to celebrate his life with family and friends. Local arrangements are entrusted to the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel of Warren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to The Janet and Frank Nannicola Scholarship Fund at Youngstown State University Foundation, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44502. Donations can be made online at ysufoundation.org by clicking Give Now and follow the prompts. Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to send condolences to Franks family. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frank A. Nannicola, please visit our floral store. A television tribute will air Wednesday, August 20 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Soho House, a hotel and private club chain, is a public company nomo. Its going private in an acquisition by MCR Hotels, and is also adding some new names to its leadership team. Most Read from Fast Company The company first went public in 2021. Along with Mondays announcement of the deal with MCR Hotels, the company said Neil Thomson will become the new CFO, and MCRs chairman and CEO Tyler Morse will join its Board of Directors, as will Ashton Kutcher, an actor whos gone on to become a prominent investor. The deal has reportedly been brewing since December, and values Soho House at about $2.7 billion. Shareholders will receive $9 per share, which is a premium of 18% over Fridays closing price. On Monday, Soho House stock rose 16% to $8.83 after news of the deal. MCR Hotels operates 150 hotels in 37 states, including the TWA Hotel, Gramercy Park Hotel, Pasadena Hotel & Pool, and High Line Hotels in New York City, where Soho House New York is located. Soho Houses global network comprises 46 Houses, which will be added to the mix. Since our IPO in 2021, weve focused on building a stronger, more resilient business, Andrew Carnie, Soho Houses CEO, said in a statement. Against a backdrop of challenging economic conditions and global uncertainty, from 2022-2024 we delivered consistent, disciplined growth with revenue increasing at an average annual rate of double digit growth. Returning to private ownership enables us to build on this momentum, with the support of world class hospitality and investment partners, Carnie continued. Morse said that MCRs investment in Soho House represents a strategic opportunity to combine our operational expertise with one of the most distinctive brands in hospitality. Our shared goal is to safeguard the member experience, drive sustainable international growth for House members, and protect and expand the cultural and creative foundation that has made Soho House a global industry leader. In recent months, Soho House has put up solid numbers. Its latest earnings report, which came out earlier this month, showed total revenue for the second quarter of 2025 growing nearly 9% year-over-year to roughly $330 million. However, since the company went public, its shares are down almost 30%. This post originally appeared at fastcompany.com Subscribe to get the Fast Company newsletter: http://fastcompany.com/newsletters Fred Emery, who has died aged 91, became a household name presenting the BBCs flagship Panorama current affairs programme between 1977 and 1992. Previously he was Washington correspondent and political editor of The Times; he opted to stay with the paper when the BBC decided Panorama needed a full-time presenter, but quit soon after as its acting editor as Rupert Murdoch tightened his grip. Over almost two decades as a foreign correspondent, Emery had reported from most of the worlds hotspots, and especially Vietnam. He conveyed authority and presence on the screen and could turn his hand to anything. One memorable Panorama report, in 1991, concerned the auction of equipment at Sunderlands last shipyard on condition that it was not used for building ships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But inevitably much of his broadcast work concerned the nuts and bolts of politics. This brought him into conflict with the certitudes of Downing Street under Margaret Thatcher. Late in 1980, Emery clashed on screen with her trade secretary John Nott over when the Conservatives would deliver their promised upturn in the economy. Soon after, he upset Number 10 by writing in The Times: For the past six months the [Ladys] not-for-turning line has hogged the headlines and the screens. It has given the impression of obduracy, dogmatism and hard-heartedness. It has allowed the caricature of Tory policies to become accepted fact. Things turned nasty in February 1984 with Maggies Militant Tendency, a Panorama special asserting that four Conservative MPs had links with neo-Nazi organisations. Emery did not make the film exposing those connections, but did present the programme, cross-examining party chairman John Gummer and challenging him to withdraw the whip. Conservative Central Office reacted with fury, and two of the MPs Neil Hamilton and Gerald Howarth sued for libel. Emery, and the programmes reporter Michael Cockerell, were keen to defend themselves in court, but after spending 500,000 on legal fees the BBC decided to settle, paying each of the MPs 20,000 plus costs. The Corporations director-general Alasdair Milne felt forced to resign. Emery, top right, as part of the BBCs general election night team in 1983, along with, top row, John Cole, Donald MacCormick, Joan Bakewell, Richard Lindley and, bottom row, Linda Alexander, Selina Scott, David Dimbleby, Esther Rantzen, Valerie Singleton and Peter Snow - PA/PA Archive Emerys rigour was even-handed. After their election as Labours leader and deputy leader in 1983, Neil Kinnock and Roy Hattersley went on Panorama to counter reports of serious policy differences between them. Emery introduced the interview with a commentary Kinnock denounced as malicious and mischievous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a broadcaster, Emery felt particularly disadvantaged by the Governments ban on the voices of Irish republicans being heard, their words spoken by an actor. In 1989 he joined other journalists in an unsuccessful challenge which went to the Court of Appeal. Another rare defeat came in 1993, when he seconded Jeremy Paxmans application to join the Garrick. The high point of Emerys career as a reporter was Watergate. As The Timess chief correspondent in Washington, he enjoyed a unique degree of access and he made the most of it as the drama unfolded. He was, however, at one disadvantage: his editor, William Rees-Mogg, steadfastly refused to accept Emerys word that Watergate mattered, being convinced the accusations against President Nixon were media hysteria with the Washington press corps acting as a lynch mob. Emery knew better, but could make little impression on his editor. The most he could manage was to get Rees-Mogg to tone down a speech to the National Press Club in June 1973 so that his audience were merely described as a hunting pack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few weeks before, Emery called with Rees-Mogg on William Ruckelshaus, acting director of the FBI. More than a year before Nixon was forced to resign, Ruckelshaus told the Times men he could not exclude a criminal and congressional action against the President. Rees-Moggs reaction, outside the room, was to disregard the scoop his paper had been handed, and accuse Ruckelshaus of disloyalty. It was 1994 before he admitted he had changed his mind. Emery resisted the temptation to bring out an instant book on Watergate, but 20 years on produced a considered assessment, fronting a BBC series to accompany it. Watergate: The corruption and fall of Richard Nixon (1994) was comprehensive, thorough and readable. Having catalogued the farrago of wrongdoing orchestrated from the White House, and the lies employed to cover it up, Emery allowed Nixon the last word: That the way I tried to deal with Watergate was the wrong way is a burden I shall bear for every day of the life that is left to me. Frederick Emery was born in suburban Essex on October 19 1933, the son of Frederick Emery and the former Alice Wright. From Bancrofts School, Woodford Green, where he was head boy, he did National Service as a fighter pilot with 266 and 234 Squadrons, and also spent some time with Radio Bremen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After St Johns College, Cambridge, he joined The Times in 1958, and after three years in the newsroom became a foreign correspondent. During the 1960s he reported from France, Algeria, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and many other countries. Then, in 1970, he was appointed chief Washington correspondent, covering (and travelling with) three presidents: Nixon, Ford and Carter. Emery presenting BBC Twos Saturday Briefing in 1983 - Tim Roney/Radio Times/Getty Images In 1977, with James Callaghans Labour government looking unlikely to go the distance, Emery was made The Timess political editor. He had never covered British politics and knew few of the people involved, but with the help of a talented team he soon made his mark. He had been at Westminster a year when the Winter of Discontent, the abortive Scottish devolution referendum and Margaret Thatchers 1979 election victory transformed British politics. During this critical period The Times was off the streets with intractable industrial relations problems, so he joined forces with Panorama. Once the paper reappeared in November 1979, Emery tried to combine the two roles. When this proved impossible he concentrated on The Times, becoming home editor in 1981, executive editor a year later and after Murdoch sacked Harold Evans acting editor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emery was not comfortable with his new proprietor. Before acquiring The Times, Murdoch had assured ministers that his editors would set their papers political policy. Then, in March 1982, Emery was called in from holiday by a frustrated Murdoch who told him: I give instructions to my editors all round the world. Why not in London? Reminded of his undertakings, Murdoch replied: Theyre not worth the paper they were written on. He sacked Evans, and soon afterward Emery joined Panorama full-time. Leaving the programme in 1992, Emery wrote his book on Watergate. He then, as a local resident, became press officer for the Crystal Palace Campaign, fighting plans for a 20-screen multiplex and leisure development on the site of the original palace, destroyed by fire in 1936. Emerys submissions to Bromley council were a mix of detailed argument and light humour. Many people have told me that my task is hopeless, that your approval is a foregone conclusion, he told councillors in 2000 as they met to approve the final details, but I dont believe it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He accused the developers of having dumbed down the project, a charge taken up by Ken Livingstone after he was elected mayor of London. The multiplex was never built. Fred Emery married Marianne Nyberg in 1958; she survives him with their two sons. Fred Emery, born October 19 1933, died August 15 2025 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Fred Meyer announces two store closings in Lake City and Redmond Fred Meyer announced that two more stores will be added to their list of closures in the next couple of months. The supermarket chain announced the closure of the Lake City Fred Meyer and the Redmond Fred Meyer on 76th Street. This comes just a day after the announcement of store closings in Kent and Everett. The South End Fred Meyer closing has been met with complaints of creating a possible food desert in the neighborhood where it is located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres not really like other grocery stores nearby. This is very convenient for us. We go there like once a day basically to get groceries, said shopper Yousef Tirhi. Tirhi lives near the Lake City location. Shoppers say the longstanding store has been a go-to staple in the neighborhood. It has strong memories for me, the store being here and also the access to it, I live a block away. My pharmacy is here. Its just a shame whats going on with the theft in the area, said shopper Becca Martin. Martin says shell now have to find a new pharmacy after years of depending on the stores Lake City location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was just thinking about that because the Safeway...I dont think has it. QFC doesnt have it. It just means another step that I would have to go out of the way in order to find my medication, she explained. Fred Meyer released a statement that every associate at the locations that are closing will be offered positions at other stores. Fred Meyer is proud to serve communities across Washington. Unfortunately, due to a steady rise in theft and a challenging regulatory environment that adds significant costs, we can no longer make these stores financially viable. Despite doubling our safety and security investment over the past years, these challenges remain, said Frey Meyer, Spokesperson. For customers, Kroger said the following grocery stores are nearby: For Lake City: Fred Meyer: 915 NW 45th Street, Seattle Fred Meyer: 100 NW 85th Street, Seattle QFC: 1531 NE 145th St, Seattle QFC: 11100 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle QFC: 9999 Holman Road NW, Seattle Safeway: 12318 15th AVE NE, Seattle Grocery Outlet: 3020 NE 127th St, Seattle For Redmond: QFC: 15800 Redmond Way, Redmond QFC: 8867 161st Ave NE, Redmond QFC: 425 Urban Plaza, Suite 100, Kirkland Fred Meyer: 2041 148Th Ave NE, Bellevue Fred Meyer: 12221 120th Ave NE, Kirkland Safeway: 17186 Redmond Way, Redmond PCC: 11435 Avondale Rd NE, Redmond Whole Foods: 17991 Redmond Way Redmond Safeway: 15000 NE 24th St, Redmond Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement United Food & Commercial Workers Local 3000 (UFCW 3000), a union that represents grocery and retail workers, says the four closures in Everett, Kent, Lake City and Redmond will impact 703 workers. Its unfortunate that all the people, first of all, that work here are gonna have to find jobs, and then all the other stores are gonna get busier, but the theft isnt gonna just stop because they have to go to a different store, Martin said. Kroger, the company that owns Fred Meyer, released a plan to close 60 stores nationwide over 18 months. With the cost of living being so expensive, its gonna cause people that are stealing to go elsewhere, too. I feel like its not gonna really fix the problem, Tirhi added. These closures come after a failed merger between Kroger and Albertsons in December 2024. TIMES SQUARE, Manhattan (PIX11) New York City is celebrating its 400th anniversary with a free Broadway concert in Times Square on Sept. 7. The concert will kick off Broadway Week and its signature two-for-one tickets to shows. More Local News These musicals will be featured in the concert, which will be held in Duffy Square at 11 a.m: Aladdin The Book of Mormon The Buena Vista Social Club Moulin Rouge MJ The Musical The Lion King Harry Potter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city began celebrating its 400th anniversary at the end of 2024, with free movies in parks and the biggest rollout of Open Streets. Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. PARIS (Reuters) -A petition to stop the Bayeux tapestry being loaned by France to the British Museum in London has attracted more than 40,000 signatures from people concerned that movement could damage the Medieval relic. Art historian Didier Rykner launched the petition on the platform Change.org after French President Emmanuel Macron offered during a trip to London in July to loan the tapestry as part of an art exchange. "It's already very fragile. There are tears and holes in the fabric. Any movement, any vibration can cause damage," Rykner told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You cannot use a fragile piece of art for diplomacy." The British Museum said in a statement its conservation and collections management team is experienced at handling and caring for this type of material and is working with colleagues in France on the tapestry's display. While the origins of the 70-metre (76 yards) long Bayeux tapestry are obscure, it is believed to have been the work of English embroiderers, whose stitching tells the story of the Norman invasion in 1066 and the arrow that hit England's King Harold in the eye. In the years after William the Conqueror took the English throne, the tapestry was taken to France, where it has remained, displayed at the Bayeux Museum in Normandy since 1983 after decorating Bayeux cathedral for seven centuries. It has been taken to Paris twice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The last two times it was moved was first by Napoleon and then by the Germans (during the Nazi occupation). I cannot think of why you would want to be the third to move it," Rykner said. The Bayeux museum will close for renovations for two years starting later this year, and the tapestry will need to be rehoused during that time, a representative for the museum said. The French state owns the tapestry, and France's Ministry of Culture will be responsible for coordinating the tapestry's transfer to a temporary home. It was not immediately available for comment. (Reporting by Forrest Crellin; editing by Barbara Lewis) NEED TO KNOW Raphael Graven, a French streamer known online as Jean Pormanove, has died at age 46 Pormanove was known by his hundreds of thousands of followers for his gaming content and extreme challenges The Nice prosecutors office has opened an investigation into the content creators death, French newspaper Le Parisien reported French streamer Jean Pormanove, whose real name was Raphael Graven, has died at age 46. According to French newspaper Le Parisien, the Nice prosecutors office reported the death of a man in a room rented for livestreaming on Monday, Aug. 18, and Gravens fellow streamer Owen Cenazandotti confirmed Pormanoves identity in a post on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this stage, there is nothing suspicious, interviews are underway, and an autopsy will be performed, the prosecutors office wrote in a statement to Le Parisien in French, adding that it had opened an investigation into the content creators death. Le Parisien also reported that, hours before police confirmed the death of the content creator, a video circulated online of a livestream in which an individual resembling Pormanove lies lifeless, unresponsive to calls from others. Jean Pormanove/Instagram Jean Pormanove Jean Pormanove I ask you all to respect his memory and not share the video of his last breath in his sleep, wrote Graven in a translated post to his Instagram Stories. My brother, my sidekick, my partner, six years side by side, without ever letting go, I love you, my brother, and we will miss you terribly. Pormanove who had grown his following to over 500,000 across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch and Kick was known for his gaming videos in addition to extreme challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following an investigation into Kick published by Mediapart in December which alleged that the livestreaming platform had allowed creators to broadcast violent acts for months Graven and peer streamer Safine Hamadi were taken into custody as a part of an investigation, though they denied any wrongdoing and were released, according to Le Parisien. Jean Pormanove/Instagram Jean Pormanove Jean Pormanove Under Kicks terms of service, it forbids its creators from uploading content that contains self-harm or excessive violence as well as illegal content or content in furtherance of harmful or illegal activities. Following the news of Pormanoves death, French Minister in Charge of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs Clara Chappaz denounced the site, saying that Pormanove had been humiliated and mistreated for months live on the Kick platform in a translated post on X. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. I have also contacted the platforms management to obtain explanations, continued the politician. The responsibility of online platforms regarding the dissemination of illicit content is not optional: it is the law. This type of failure can lead to the worst and has no place in France, Europe, or anywhere else. Owen Cenazandotti/Instagram Owen Cenazandotti and Jean Pormanove Owen Cenazandotti and Jean Pormanove Per French newspaper L'Express, Kick declined to comment on the situation given its privacy policy, though the platform appears to have removed Pormanoves account from its site. Read the original article on People The closure of the UK's largest bioethanol plant is "devastating" news, regional politicians have claimed. Vivergo Fuels in Saltend, near Hull, previously warned it would not be able to compete with cheaper products from the US following the government's decision to end a 19% tariff on imports. The firm, which produces bioethanol and animal feed, had asked ministers to intervene but the government said funding the industry "would not provide value for the taxpayer". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart described the closure as "devastating news for everyone who works at Vivergo and in its supply chain". MP for Hull West and Haltemprice Emma Hardy said she has spoken to officials to ask that "swift and effective support will be made available to those who need it". Hull City Council leader Mike Ross said he was "appalled" but "not shocked" that the government had "failed to act to protect these workers". "[Vivergo] is a company producing clean fuel and providing decent, well-paid jobs in our region," he said. Hull City Council leader Mike Ross criticised the government's decision not to intervene in saving the fuel plant [BBC] Vivergo Fuels and the Redcar based Ensus previously warned they would not be able to compete with cheaper US products without the tariff, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vivergo owners Associated British Foods (ABF) announced on Friday it would cease all production by 31 August. Its managing director Ben Hackett said: "We did not go down without a fight and I hope that the noise we generated over the past three months will make the government think twice before it decides to sign away whole industries as part of future trade negotiations." The government said it had taken the decision in the national interest. A statement added: "We recognise this is a difficult time for the workers and their families and we will work with trade unions, local partners and the companies to support them through this process." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices More on this story Related internet links OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) A Georgia fugitive was arrested in Oconee County after he was found throwing rocks at cars, deputies said. The Oconee County Sheriffs Office responded to Tokeena Road Monday in reference to a man throwing rocks at vehicles. The suspect was identified as 25-year-old Jason Aaron Kee, Jr. or Eastanollee, Georgia. Kee had originally provided deputies with a false birthday. Deputies said they were able to confirm the correct birthdate and that Kee had a warrant in Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kees charges in Georgia include exploitation and intimidation of disabled adults, elder persons and residents, according to the Oconee County Sheriffs Office. He is classified as a Fugitive from Justice, deputies said. He was charged in Oconee County with public disorderly conduct and giving false information. Kee is awaiting bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Funeral arrangements have been announced for 33-year-old fashion designer Martha Nolan, a native of Ireland who launched a summerwear brand called East x East in New York before police found her dead aboard a 54-foot yacht in Montauk earlier this month. A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday local time at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Carlow, Ireland, followed immediately by her burial at St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, her family is asking for donations in her honor to be made to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, a donor-funded charity that brings the remains of Irish nationals home for burial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homicide Investigator Warns Against Rushing Bikini Designer's Yacht Death Probe As Lawyer Reveals New Details Her family was reportedly seeking a second autopsy before her remains were returned home. Her official cause of death could not be determined after a preliminary investigation and autopsy, according to Suffolk County police. Authorities said they found no signs of violence and are expected to be awaiting the results of a toxicology report. Read On The Fox News App Arthur Aidala, a high-profile New York attorney hired by her family, said relatives met with homicide detectives and that a "deep, deep" investigation was underway to determine what happened to her before she died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mystery Still Surrounds Death Of Irish Fashion Designer At Exclusive Montauk Yacht Club Law enforcement officers gather near luxury yachts at the Montauk Yacht Club marina as part of an active investigation into the death of 33-year-old Martha Nolan. Aidala is disputing some reports that suggest a drug overdose is expected in Nolan's death, calling them premature and speculative. He urged patience as the family awaits more information and investigators continue to probe the incident. Town of East Hampton police arrived at the Montauk Yacht Club around midnight on Aug. 5 in response to a report of an unconscious woman on a Sea Ray Sundancer 540 docked there, named the Ripple. When officers arrived, good Samaritans were attempting CPR, according to authorities. But first responders pronounced Nolan dead at the scene. Montauk Yacht Death: Timeline Reveals Bikini Moguls Final Days In Hamptons Before Mysterious Demise Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County homicide detectives took over the investigation later that morning. Nolan was the founder of East x East, a boutique fashion company focused on beachwear and sunglasses. It also offered a Montauk-themed hoodie, emblazoned with the slogan, "I only love you in Montauk." The yacht owner was reportedly an investor in Nolan's business. At the time of her death, she was also going through a divorce from her husband, Sam Ryan. Fox News' Michael Dorgan contributed to this report. Original article source: Funeral scheduled in Ireland for bikini designer Martha Nolan found dead on Montauk yacht GA lawmakers try to eliminate state income tax, replace $16B budget loss it would create Efforts are underway to eliminate Georgias state income tax, a move that could create a $16 billion hole in the state budget. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The proposed elimination of the state income tax is being led by state Sen. Blake Tillery, who is also running for lieutenant governor. The end goal is already clear: Elimination of the personal income tax in Georgia, Tillery told Channel 2s Richard Elliot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative is supported by current Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who has also made it a cornerstone of his campaign for governor. If we want to continue to stay competitive here in the state of Georgia and continue to be the number one state to do business, weve got to be looking for ways to keep competitive, Jones said. The state income tax currently generates $16.2 billion annually, funding essential services such as education and law enforcement. Democrats, including state Sen. Nan Orrock, have expressed willingness to listen but raised concerns about the revenue gap. How are we going to fund things? Essential services in the state of Georgia? The schools, the teachers and the payroll? state Sen. Ed Haribson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study committee, chaired by Tillery, is tasked with investigating possible alternatives to replace the lost revenue. Georgia lawmakers are particularly concerned about staying competitive with other Southeastern states like Texas, Tennessee and Florida, which do not have a state income tax. Those states generate revenue through other means, such as corporate income taxes, franchise taxes, fees, and toll roads. Tillery said he has been developing this plan for several years, acknowledging the need to find alternative revenue sources to compensate for the potential loss. This is the purpose of the study committee, which aims to explore viable solutions. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) Democratic State Senator and candidate for governor Jason Esteves made a stop in Augusta at the Henry Brigham Community Center on Monday, Aug. 18. The meet-and-greet was hosted by State Senator Harold Jones II. Its part of Senator Esteves statewide tour to build support for his campaign and earn key endorsements. During the event, he talked about what he believes Georgians are looking for in a governor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thing is that Georgians are ready for a new generation of leadership, said Esteves. Theyre ready for a governor that cuts through the chaos, that prioritizes our people, prioritizes Georgians, and makes sure that were cutting the cost of living all across the state, but also investing in our families, investing in our dreams so that our children have more opportunities and what we have. So Georgians wants a governor that is going to focus in ourselves, focus on our families. I believe that a Democratic governor will do that. The general election will take place on Nov. 3, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. South Korea's nuclear power output has surpassed official targets, reducing the country's coal usage and energy import costs. According to data from state-run utility Korea Electric Power Corp (KEPCO), the country saw an 8.7% year-on-year increase in nuclear power output for the first half of 2025 - three times the official plan for 2.9% annual growth. This growth is attributed to fewer maintenance outages, the addition of the 1.4 GW Shin Hanul #2 plant, and existing reactors operating at full capacity, which has contributed to lower generation costs and a decrease in coal usage. KEPCOs data revealed that while nuclear generation saw substantial growth, coal-fired output experienced a sharp 16% decline. South Korea, with a population of 51 million, is Asia's second-largest nuclear power generator after China. The country is increasing its nuclear generation capacity as policy resistance to the technology diminishes. This trend is evident across Asia, with Japan restarting idled plants and India commencing commercial operations of new reactors. Despite tighter safety checks and maintenance shutdowns following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which led to increased coal and liquefied natural gas use, South Korea's nuclear output has risen 6.1% annually since power consumption stabilised in 2022. President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in June 2025, has pledged continued support for nuclear power. Nuclear power's share of total generation in South Korea rose to 31.7% in 2024, up from 25.9% in 2019, according to KEPCO data. This increase has largely offset the decline in coal's share, which dropped to 28.1% from 40.4% over the same period. GlobalData forecasts South Koreas nuclear power generation to reach 222.7 terawatt hours in 2035, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.4% between 2024 and 2035. The shift towards nuclear has helped the country reduce its energy import costs, with overseas coal volumes and the coal import bill both falling significantly. However, nuclear growth has led to transmission constraints, as reported by Reuters. Seunghoon Yoo, a professor in the energy department at Seoul National University of Science and Technology, was quoted by the news agency: Plenty of coal plants are sitting idle not by choice, but because there's no spare capacity on the transmission lines to carry more power. Renewables, which include hydropower, are also affected by these constraints and contribute just over a tenth of annual power generation. Power demand in South Korea has been driven by increased cooling requirements since 2022, while industrial demand has declined. Slow power demand growth has discouraged the operation of expensive gas-fired plants throughout the day, despite their proximity to Seoul. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard revoked the security clearances of 37 former intelligence officials, the Trump administrations latest move against Obama-era officials whom the White House accuses of undermining the Trump administration. In a memo she posted Tuesday on social media, Gabbard directed the heads of several national security agencies to immediately revoke the clearances of the officials, at the direction of the president, alleging they politicized or weaponized intelligence for personal or partisan gain. All personnel are reminded that holding a clearance is a privilege, not a right, and this privilege is contingent upon continued adherence to the principles and responsibilities of our profession, Gabbard wrote in the memo. Any betrayal of these standards compromises not only our mission, but also the safety and security of the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several of the officials targeted worked in senior roles for the State Department, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, the Defense Department and the National Security Council. That includes several intelligence officials who advised then-Vice President Joe Biden and some officials who worked on a review of possible Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. That review, which concluded that the Kremlin sought to influence the election in Trumps favor, has been the target of criticism from the Trump administration, with Gabbard referring several officials who worked on the investigation to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution last month. A spokesperson for former President Barack Obama responded to the attacks last month, calling Gabbards allegations ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction." The intelligence communitys assessment at the time was backed by a three-year investigation undertaken by the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee. The bipartisan committee raised national security concerns about the Trump campaign teams contacts with Russian officials but did not conclude that the presidents allies knowingly colluded with the Kremlin. Its report was endorsed at the time by then-Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who previously led the Senate Intelligence panel and now serves as Trumps secretary of State. LONDON (AP) Britain abandoned its demand that Apple provide so-called backdoor access to any encrypted user data stored in the cloud, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said Monday. Gabbard indicated London and Washington had resolved their high-stakes dispute over electronic privacy, writing on X that she and President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance spent the past few months working with the U.K. government. As a result, the UK agreed to drop its mandate for Apple to provide a back door that would have enabled access to the protected encrypted data of American citizens and encroached on our civil liberties, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dispute surfaced at the start of the year with a news report that British security officials had issued the U.S. tech giant with a secret order requiring the creation of backdoor access to view fully encrypted material. Apple challenged the order, which raised fears of electronic spying by national security officials. The British government reportedly served Apple with what is known as a technical capability notice ordering it to provide the access under a sweeping law called the Investigatory Powers Act of 2016, which has been dubbed the snoopers charter. The U.K. Home Office did not respond directly to Gabbard's statement, saying it does not comment on operational matters, including confirming or denying the existence of such notices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have long had joint security and intelligence arrangements with the US to tackle the most serious threats such as terrorism and child sexual abuse, including the role played by fast-moving technology in enabling those threats," the office said. "We will always take all actions necessary at the domestic level to keep UK citizens safe. Gabbard previously said a demand for backdoor access would violate the rights of Americans and raise concerns about a foreign government pressuring a U.S.-based technology company. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company had reacted to the order by withdrawing its Advanced Data Protection encryption feature for new users in the U.K. and disabling it for existing users. The opt-in feature protects iCloud files, photos, notes and other data with end-to-end encryption when they are stored in the cloud. ___ Associated Press writer Sylvia Hui contributed to this report. (FOX40.COM) The Galt Police Department has scheduled a sobriety and drivers license checkpoint on Friday evening. Video above: States with the most strict DUI laws Police said the checkpoint will be in Galt, start at 7 p.m., and end early Saturday morning. Newsom files FOIA request on appearance of federal agents at redistricting event According to GPD, advanced notice of these checkpoints is required by law, but also serves as a reminder to the public about the dangers of driving while being impaired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By sharing this information, our goal is to encourage responsible choices and prevent tragedies before they happen, GPD said. The officer are looking to protect the community and ensure that everyone gets the chance to get to their final destination safely, police said. 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. For months, the Democratic Party has been a massive vacuum. Its base has been crying out for someone to go toe-to-toe with MAGA and President Donald Trump and to rescue it from its post-2024 funk. Democratic motivation to participate in the midterms has been off the charts. But leaders who are able to seize on that have been all but absent. Until Gavin Newsom. Through happenstance and his oft-demonstrated political guile, the California governor is quickly raising his national profile. And you could forgive Democrats for seeing him as the potential future national leader theyve been begging for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But whether thats good for the Democratic Party is another matter entirely. Newsom presents a riddle for Democrats. He often shows a kind of real and rare political talent like hes doing right now that may make his party wonder what could be if he put it all together. But hes also basically a caricature of the kind of candidate Republicans would want to run against. Hes a California governor and former San Francisco mayor who practically oozes the word liberal. The last two months-plus have put him on the map. First came a showdown with Trump over the presidents decision to send the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles amid protests over the administrations deportations. Given its the first time in 60 years that a president has done so without gubernatorial approval, Newsom is now in the position of fighting a major Trump power grab and an apparently unpopular one in a high-profile court case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But perhaps Newsoms biggest opportunity has come in recent weeks. Hes become the face of Democrats efforts to fight back against another MAGA/Trump power grab: their extraordinary effort to re-gerrymander Texas in the GOPs favor ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Newsom has promised that California will do the same for Democrats in retaliation, and this week he cued up a potential special election to make it happen. As with the fight over Trumps militarization of US soil, Newsom appears to benefit from where he stands. California is simply Democrats best opportunity to fight back and offset the GOPs power play in Texas, because its where Democrats could feasibly draw more districts in their favor. But Newsom has also seized on that opening with aplomb, as CNNs Edward-Isaac Dovere documented this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether Newsoms redistricting gambit works is a major, unanswered question given California voters need to sign off. But if it does, hell have been the rare Democrat to successfully get down and dirty in fighting back against Trump something the base increasingly wants. Newsom has also raised his profile in recent days with an effort to mock Trumps style on social media. Liberals have eaten it up, particularly when Republicans and Fox News hosts make clear the joke has gone over their head. Trump and his allies have gotten great mileage out of owning the libs; Newsom, more so than perhaps any Democratic politician in recent memory, is showing you can own the MAGAs, too. (Newsom has also talked with right-wing influencers on his podcast, including Charlie Kirk and Steve Bannon. Those moves have rubbed some on the left the wrong way, but they also suggest a politician who is willing and capable of engaging directly with the other side.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of which should be encouraging for Democrats. At least one of their own is showing some wherewithal in charting a path forward, which has been sorely lacking with others. But thats different from saying the Democratic Party needs Newsom as its leader. On that, the jury very much remains out. And Democrats might be wary of Newsom filling too much of their vacuum. The governor remains unknown to many Americans. But among those who have offered views of him, hes been consistently underwater and usually substantially so. A CNN poll last year, when Democrats were considering alternatives to then-President Joe Biden in the 2024 election, showed Americans viewed Newsom unfavorably 31%-21%. A Fox News poll with fewer undecideds showed his split at a negative 44%-35% among registered voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps tellingly, both polls showed Newsom underwater with the vast majority of demographics, from young to old, from less-educated to more-educated, from rural to urban. Even young people and voters of color two traditional Democratic constituencies were lukewarm on him, at best. He didnt seem to have a real base. Fast forward to today, and things dont appear to be much better for Newsom or at least, they didnt before the redistricting fight really kicked off. A Gallup poll conducted in mid July showed Americans viewed Newsom unfavorably by 11 points, 41%-30%. Those numbers are hardly unheard of; Newsom had plenty of company in being double-digits underwater, including Trump, Biden and several key Trump administration figures like Vice President JD Vance. But other Democratic-aligned politicians were better off. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont was plus-11, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York was only 4 points underwater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike those two, Newsom engendered a lot more opposition among Republicans (minus-58) than he did support among Democrats (plus-42). And he was about as unpopular among independents (minus-15) as Biden (minus-18). All of these numbers could shift if and when Newsom truly breaks through on the national stage. But you could see a situation in which Newsoms stock in the 2028 presidential primary continues to rise in the absence of other Democrats being able to take the fight to Trump like he has. And that could leave the party with some difficult choices about its path forward. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com California Governor Gavin Newsom has steadily risen in the ranks among potential Democratic candidates in the 2028 presidential election, with the most recent jump coinciding with his attacks on President Donald Trump. Newsom, long thought to be a frontrunner for the Democratic nomination in the next election, has a 13 percent favorability compared to other potential candidates a 3 percent jump from last month, according to Echelon Insights. That most recent jump, which was recorded in a mid-August poll, indicates that potential voters are responding positively to Newsoms recent strategy of consistently calling out Trump, mocking and trolling the administration on social media, and aggressively pushing back against the presidents agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That includes launching an effort to redraw Californias congressional districts before the 2026 midterm election to pick up more House seats, thus canceling out Republicans same effort in Texas. For months, polling has shown that potential Democratic voters want to see party leaders push back more aggressively on Trumps agenda, which he has been able to swiftly implement with limited roadblocks because Republicans control the House and Senate. California Governor Gavin Newsom is gaining momentum in early 2028 presidential primary polling (Getty) Members of the party have expressed frustration with Democrats for lacking consistent messaging and a clear action plan. However, Newsom has vowed to continue fighting Trump and other MAGA Republicans using his social media to obtain national recognition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last month, Newsoms office has gone viral for mimicking Trumps all-caps social media posts that often recycle the same language. Using memes, Newsom has attempted to capitalize on the same methods that the White House itself uses to reach voters about its policies. The California governor and his team have used the social media tactic to poke fun at or undermine prominent Republicans when they launch attacks at Newsom or Democratic policies. In recent days, Newsom has mocked Vice President JD Vance for getting into a verbal spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this year, patronized Texas Senator Ted Cruz for making a math mistake during the Texas redistricting spat, trolled Fox News contributor Tomi Lahren for insulting the social media tactics, and more. While Newsom has not launched an official bid for the Democratic nomination, polling across the political spectrum indicates hes gaining momentum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McLaughlin and Associates, a conservative polling group, put Newsoms favorability at 9 percent in July a 5 percent increase from his favorability in May. Morning Consult, a left-leaning polling group, said Newsoms favorability in a 2028 primary was roughly 5 percent in March but jumped to 11 percent in June. Emerson College put Newsoms polling at around 12 percent in June. In today's fractured media environment, it's never been more important to communicate immediately and effectively. Governor Newsom gets that," Lindsey Cobia, a spokesperson for Newsom, told Axios in July. "While the Trump administration uses these tactics to demean and belittle the powerless, Gavin Newsom is using them to stand up to the powerful and call out the authoritarian methods of the current White House occupant." The next presidential election will be on November 7, 2028. Primaries and caucuses will be held in the run-up to the election to find candidates for both the Democratic and Republican parties. While he has joked about standing for a third term, Trump will be unable to run again as the constitution limits presidents to a maximum of two full terms. The Movement is a weekly newsletter tracking the influence and debates steering politics on the right. Sign up here or in the box below. Dramatic shifts in public opinion on Israel that have emerged as the war in Gaza drags on are not just affecting the left side of the political spectrum. Cracks are propagating in a Republican Party and right wing that have been historically supportive of the country. Skepticism of Israel from younger Republicans is increasing as the party debates the meaning of America First, a dynamic thats being reflected on some of the biggest conservative stages and megaphones even as other Republicans double down on their Israel support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is going further than even many of her progressive colleagues in accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Turning Point USA, the largest conservative youth group in the country, hosted a major debate at its summer conference on how much support the U.S. should give Israel with attendees cheering both sides. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has often been the sole GOP vote against pro-Israel measures in the House as he takes a staunch noninterventionist stance on foreign policy, told me he senses a shift on the right. I think people are being more vocal now, Massie said. Theyre probably saying things they thought before but were afraid to say, and now that more people are saying them, its sort of a cascade effect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massie said hes seen that change in support for Israel reflected in internal polls in his district that hes conducted for the last decade. Public surveys show the same thing. A March Pew poll found that 53 percent of surveyed U.S. adults had an unfavorable view of Israel, up from 42 percent in 2022. That negative view is most pronounced among Democratic adults, whose unfavorable views of Israel went up to 69 percent a dynamic that is dramatically reshaping how Democratic lawmakers are approaching Israel. But there was also a stark shift among Republicans under the age of 50, whose unfavorable views of Israel shot up from 35 percent in 2022 to 50 percent in 2025. Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.), who is Jewish and is one of the most vocal defenders of Israel in Congress, said the increasing skepticism of Israel among younger Republicans is due to Muslim propaganda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservatives generally have a big heart, so those things are going to have some impact on public polling, Fine told me in a phone interview, going on to deny widespread reports of starvation in Gaza. The only people starving in Gaza are the hostages. The division, though, is not yet large enough to challenge the overwhelming Republican support for Israel. Morton Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America, said that aside from Massie and Greene, Republicans on Capitol Hill have remained extremely strong on Israel and argued that President Trump has been stronger on Israel than any president weve ever had. The Trump administration has notably cited antisemitism on college campuses amid protests of Israel as a basis for cracking down on colleges and universities. A large bipartisan group of congressional lawmakers traveled to Israel with the American Israel Education Foundation, a group affiliated with the powerful American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) also traveled to Israel this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AIPAC spokesperson Marshall Wittmann sent me this comment: Reps. Greene and Massies views and votes on Israel are more aligned with Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez [D-N.Y.], Rashida Tlaib [D-Mich.] and Ilhan Omar [D-Minn.] than any of their Republican House colleagues, who overwhelmingly stand with the Jewish state. Only a few weeks ago, the House resoundingly rejected an anti-Israel amendment offered by Rep. Greene by a vote of 422-6. These extremists are in a distinct minority because they would betray an American ally that shares our values and interests. Massie and Greene have largely argued against U.S. support for Israel from a noninterventionist, America First perspective. Theyre not a poor country. They dont need our handouts, Massie said. Ive been making the economic case, and recently started making the moral case that we shouldnt be sending them the money because their bombing of Gazas led to tens of thousands of civilian deaths. Asked about that interpretation of America First, Fine pointed to the hundreds of thousands of American citizens who live in Israel. Saying that they should all die doesnt sound like a very America First position. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A chunk of the anti-Israel messages circulating in right-wing circles online are clearly antisemitic a charge that has also been lobbed at elected Republican critics of Israel. I always say, neither party has a monopoly on antisemitism, Fine said of criticism of Israel from within the GOP. I think their voices have been amplified in recent months. But you know, for every one elected Republican antisemite, there are hundreds who stand with Israel. Massie said of the antisemitism attacks: I think theyre wearing the word out. Its ridiculous that you would say somebodys antisemitic based on a vote on legislation. Still, the Kentucky congressman doesnt expect to see many other elected Republicans to pipe up with Israel criticism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody else is still afraid of, basically, Trump and AIPAC, Massie said. In case you missed it, I chatted with Greene about her decision to dub Israels actions in Gaza a genocide earlier this month. Welcome to The Movement, a weekly newsletter looking at the influences and debates on the right in Washington. Im Emily Brooks, House leadership reporter at The Hill. Tell me whats on your radar: ebrooks@thehill.com. Not already on the list? Subscribe here FROM BANNON GUEST TO BLS PICK President Trumps nomination of Heritage Foundation economist E.J. Antoni to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) coming after Trump fired the agencys previous head after accusing her of rigging jobs numbers is kicking off widespread skepticism and concerns about politicization of critical data that will define Antonis upcoming Senate confirmation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Antoni is largely a product of the conservative movement. Before Heritage, he was an economist at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, the major conservative think tank in the state that also produced now-Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts. His profile on the site boasts of his work being featured in a litany of conservative outlets and organizations. One of Antonis most notable boosters was Steve Bannon, the former senior adviser to Trump who has maintained a prominent perch on the right through his War Room show. Antoni had appeared on Bannons show. But the selection of the ideological Antoni and some of his suggestions for the agency have raised eyebrows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Antoni 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. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later told Bloomberg TV that he did not support the idea of suspending the monthly job reports, while defending Antonis qualifications. I was there when E.J. was interviewed, and he is incredibly qualified, Bessent said. I think the most important thing here is that we get back to the integrity of the numbers, because it just became OK just like so many things in our government for it to get sloppy. Go in depth on Antoni: Trump stuns Wall Street, Washington with controversial BLS nominee , from my colleague Tobias Burns Underlying motives: Why Trumps BLS pick is in for a fight , from Politicos Nick Niedzwiadek and Sam Sutton The Partisan Economist Trump Wants to Oversee the Nations Data , from The Wall Street Journals Paul Kiernan. EARMARKS BATTLE SET TO HEAT UP With the Sept. 30 government funding deadline rapidly approaching, get ready for a big internal GOP battle over earmarks or community project finding, as theyre known in their newest form when Congress returns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The return of earmarks to the annual appropriations bills has sparked a battle among Republicans on Capitol Hill, pitting fiscal hawks against members of the Appropriations Committees and their allies, my colleague Alex Bolton reports. The dynamic is set to complicate Republicans path to avoiding a government shutdown, which is already tricky given they will need Democratic support in the Senate to do so. Republican appropriators and beyond are working hard to try to steer funding to their home states, but that is set to clash with fiscal hawks who balk at any increased government spending a sentiment that has become a core part of the GOP. ON MY CALENDAR Thursday, Aug. 21: The American Enterprise Institute hosts an event on The Power of Presence: Sustaining Progress in Reducing Chronic Absenteeism at 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, to Thursday, Aug. 28: State Policy Network annual meeting in New Orleans. THREE MORE THINGS Last week in The Movement, I wrote about whether Trumps takeover of D.C. police could lead to conservatives getting more interested in cities they have historically loved to hate. Jack Posobiec, activist and editor at Human Events, had an interesting take separating conservatives into two camps, ruralcon and citycon. For decades, the American Right has been dominated by the image of the rural conservative the pickup-driving, small-town patriot with deep roots in red-state soil. You cant help but love this guy, he wrote. But theres a new archetype emerging on the New Right: the citycon the disaffected conservative trapped behind enemy lines in a blue-state metropolis. Right-wing provocateur Laura Loomer had a deposition as part of her defamation lawsuit against comedian Bill Maher that was uncomfortably revealing, as The Bulwarks Will Sommer put it, with NSFW did-she-really-say-that digs at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Are the Epstein files finally coming? House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) said the Department of Justice will start turning over documents related to its investigation of the sex offender on Friday a few days later than the Tuesday deadline set in the panels subpoena that it issued pursuant to a Democratic-led motion in a subcommittee last month. WHAT IM READING Wall Street Journals Vera Bergengruen: How Finlands Golf-Loving President Got Trump to Hear Him Out on Russia Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A south Memphis neighborhood near Sterilization Services is emblematic of largely Black Memphis communities exposed to environmental harms in the name of development. (Karen Pulfer Focht/Tennessee Lookout) Black neighborhoods in Memphis are rapidly changing before our eyes. What we are witnessing in Memphis is not accidental change but a continuation of Americas original design. Jim and Jane Crow never died, they just got law degrees, political consultants, and corporate contracts. Its one thing to watch neighborhoods change because people are moving in and moving out. Its another thing entirely when the change comes from a bulldozer, a backroom deal, or a billionaires backhoe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I call it a different kind of gentrification not the kind that pushes poor and Black folks out with rising rent, but the kind that slowly strangles the quality of life for those who stay. You might still be able to keep your address but you cant keep your air clean, your streets safe, or your voice heard. Development of Elon Musks xAI in Memphis is one factor displacing the soul of Black Memphis and the real product isnt just AI, its pollution. Turbines humming in Boxtown like mechanical overseers, pumping out emissions. And heres the thing: nobody seriously believes these kinds of projects would ever be proposed, let alone pushed through, in the whiter or wealthier parts of Shelby County. You cant point to a single example of turbines, jails or Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers being dropped into Germantown, Collierville, or East Memphis. The very thought would be laughed out of the room. But in poor and Black neighborhoods? Suddenly its economic development or public safety. In Westwood and Whitehaven, Elon Musks xAI has rolled in under the cover of innovation and job creation. But the real product isnt just AI, its pollution. Turbines humming in Boxtown like mechanical overseers, pumping out emissions in a neighborhood that already struggles to breathe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And for our trouble? A 25% community benefits agreement that, while sounding meaningful, is still far too inadequate to meet the generational needs and repair historic harm to Black Memphians. Without transparency, enforceability, and proportional investment, the agreement risks functioning more as a public relations talking point than as a tool for real transformation. In North Memphis, were staring down a proposal to build a new jail on land already soaked in the history of Black labor and disinvestment. The message is clear: instead of funding opportunity, fund containment. If you live here, the county would rather build a cell than a school, a guard tower than a grocery store. And in Mason, Tennessee just a short drive up the road the approval has already been given for an ICE detention facility run by private prison company CoreCivic. This is happening in the same moment the Trump administration is literally asking the Supreme Court to allow racial profiling in ICE raids. Thats not just a warning sign, its a flashing red light that we are amid a renewed, state-sanctioned targeting of Black bodies, with all the echoes of Jim Crow and even antebellum control. Community members protest outside a meeting in Mason, Tennessee, near Memphis, at which the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a contract with CoreCivic and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Taken together, these developments are not isolated events. They are part of a sweeping regional pattern of gentrification by policy a coordinated reshaping of our landscape that prioritizes profit, policing, and containment over public health, housing and human dignity. In one arc of influence, we see poor and Black Memphians hemmed in by pollution, our immigrant neighbors trapped in detention and our communities bracketed by new jails. Different stories. Same plot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what happens when development is defined by those who will never live with the consequences, when the people who profit most never have to hear the turbines at night, never have to inhale the smog, never have to wonder if their child will come home to find their block turned into a construction site for cages. So what do we do? We stop mistaking announcements for accountability. We stop letting ribbon cuttings become eulogies for our neighborhoods. We stop accepting better than nothing as a policy position. If a project cant pass the basic test will this make life healthier, safer, and more whole for the people already here? then it doesnt deserve a permit, a handshake or a dime of public money. The Bible talks about watchmen on the wall, people assigned to warn the city when danger is coming. Im sounding that alarm now. Because once the air gets thick, the land gets claimed, and the cells get filled its too late to say we didnt see it coming. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A Georgetown County Detention Center inmate died Monday night at an area hospital following a medical emergency, Sheriff Carter Weaver said. Jonathan Matthew Turbeville, 36, was transported to Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital after detention center staff noticed he was incoherent in his cell shortly before 6 p.m. He was arrested Friday on charges of manufacturing, distribution and possession of a Schedule I narcotic, believed to be fentanyl. Officials said he was incarcerated after being sent for hospital clearance and was placed in detox protocol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Grover Norquist. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Georgia officials discussed eliminating the state income tax Tuesday but provided little detail on how to do so. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is campaigning to be Georgias next governor, helped kick off the first meeting of the Senate Special Committee on Eliminating Georgias Income Tax. If we want to continue to stay competitive here in the state of Georgia, and continue to be the number one state to do business, weve got to be looking for ways to keep us competitive and make it where we have a competitive advantage over states that we are competing with all the time, Jones said at the start of the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The goal, lawmakers discussed in the committee, is to make Georgia more competitive with neighboring states that have no income tax, such as Florida and Tennessee, and states that are in the process of eliminating its income tax, such as Mississippi and North Carolina. Personal income taxes are estimated to account for 41.6% of Georgias estimated revenue for the current budget year, which started on July 1, according to the Governors Office of Planning and Budget. With corporate income tax included, which officials indicated would be reduced along with personal income tax, that number rises to just over 50% of all state revenues. Sen. Blake Tillery. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Danny Kanso, senior fiscal analyst at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, said after the meeting that hed like to see the math on that. He said that for most of Georgias households, eliminating the income tax would amount to a massive tax increase. The state would have to triple the sales tax and expand the sales tax to new products to make up for the deficit, calling it a very tall order to replace the states largest source of revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal would have to increase taxes on far more Georgians than it would reduce taxes on, and so its a little bit of a solution in search of a problem that would likely cause ripples all across the state and across the economy as well, Kanso said. But Grover Norquist, president of the Americans for Tax Reform, a conservative organization advocating for tax cuts, said that its possible for Georgia to eliminate its 5.19% income tax rate without increasing sales tax. He argued that eliminating the income tax could still allow the state budget to increase through sales tax revenue as Georgians would have more income to spend. When you attract more people into the state and more business into the state and more investment into the state, you end up with both more money for individuals earning it, but also more tax revenue at lower rates, Norquist said. He said that Florida, which does not tax income, makes more money every year from sales tax and other taxes that arent going up. Theres more money because there are more people with higher earnings who have more resources who move to Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norquist also said that with tariffs the Trump administration is imposing on other nations to promote domestic manufacturing, eliminating the income tax would make Georgia a more attractive state for industries looking to move manufacturing to the state. President Trump put in a lot of incentives for people to invest in the United States. There are still 50 choices, he said. Sen. Nan Orrock. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Sen. Nan Orrock, an Atlanta Democrat, saying that lawmakers are tasked with meeting the needs of our population, asked for clarification about how the Legislature could raise revenue at a time when the federal government is shifting the cost of disaster relief and food assistance programs to the states. How do you square reducing our state revenues with the needs that we have as a state, and the unknown needs that are going to happen as higher ed and K-12 [and] enormous cuts that are coming down from [the federal government]? Orrock said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norquist did not say how the state could raise revenue but instead pointed to North Carolina, which has lowered its income tax rate but spending has gone on every year. It is going up because revenue is coming, and they have reduced marginal tax rates and revenue has come in higher than before, he said. Kanso called it wishful thinking, saying that relying on growth is not a viable path to raise $19 billion a year and replace more than 50% of the state budget. [It] doesnt really make sense when you hear were going to lower taxes, eliminate sources of revenue, and somehow were also going to raise more money, Kanso said. Thats not something weve really seen work in the past. German firefighters have arrived in northern Spain to help combat the country's most severe wildfires in decades. A total of 67 emergency personnel, along with 23 vehicles, have reached San Sebastian in the Basque Country, the fire brigade in Bonn said on Tuesday. The crew were expected to continue on to the fire-hit Extremadura region, which borders Portugal, later on Tuesday. One of the largest blazes is burning near the town of Jarilla in Extremadura, where around 15,000 hectares have already been destroyed. Portugal is also battling four major wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska were due to visit the Extremadura fire zone on Tuesday. Sanchez had already toured affected areas in Galicia the previous day. Reinforcements and aircraft have also arrived from France, Italy, Finland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. However, meteorologists warned that rain, the most effective relief, was unlikely in the coming days. Authorities described the battle against the flames as dangerous, with shifting winds creating fire walls several meters high and the risk of crews being encircled. One Spanish commander likened the situation to a "fire tsunami." So far, four people have died in Spain and two in Portugal. In Galicia on Monday evening, four firefighters were injured, including one with severe burns, according to state broadcaster RTVE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the start of the year, an estimated 3,440 square kilometres of land have been scorched in Spain. The worst-hit regions include Castile and Leon, Galicia, Extremadura and Asturias. Most fires have affected sparsely populated, mountainous terrain, but thousands of people have still been forced to evacuate. Starbucks Corp. headquarters in Seattle. Starbucks Corp. will give all salaried employees in North America a 2% raise this year as the coffee chain looks to pull off a high-stakes turnaround and manage expenses. The uniform increase is a shift from past years, when raises were awarded at managers discretion. Starbucks is working on a turnaround effort that includes better service, shorter wait times and more inviting stores. In tandem, the company has asked executives to keep costs under control to help pay for these upgrades. Most Read from Bloomberg Customers and workers say they can see and feel the differences these investments are making, according to Starbucks. As we make these significant investments, we need to carefully manage all our other costs. That involves taking a consistent approach to merit increases across all teams for the fiscal year that ends in late September, according to the company. The 2% raise applies to all corporate staff, as well as to workers in manufacturing and distribution. It also includes retail leadership such as store managers who, unlike baristas, are salaried. Starbucks is looking to reverse six quarters of same-store sales declines. In addition to making cafes more welcoming, Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol has begun work to refresh the menu including by cutting sugar while adding more staff to stores and rolling out technology to streamline orders. The company granted some executives stock grants with a $6 million target value each, which are payable if they keep a lid on costs while delivering on the turnaround as quickly as possible. Starbucks has urged workers to get on board with the plans, even recruiting former CEO Howard Schultz to address corporate workers after the company posted its latest sales decline. Schultz also spoke to a gathering of 14,000 staff, mostly store managers, in June. Niccol has so far implemented a raft of workforce changes, from tightening the dress code for baristas to laying off 1,100 corporate workers and requiring some to relocate to Seattle. In its current quarter, Starbucks is expected to post a slight increase in comparable-store sales, which measures performance at locations open at least 13 months, according to the average estimate of analysts polled by Bloomberg. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Tuesday demanded that Russian President Vladimir Putin agree to a ceasefire as a condition for the planned bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking during a visit to a naval base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo, Wadephul said that following a constructive meeting at the White House between US President Donald Trump, Zelensky and other European leaders, "someone needs to make a move. And that is President Putin." The top German diplomat added that a peace agreement would require strong security guarantees for Ukraine. "We and the Americans are ready to provide these," he said. "One thing is also clear: the weapons must finally fall silent." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked what such guarantees might look like, he replied: "Together with the United States, we as European partners are ready to provide these security guarantees and ensure that they are effective." However, Wadephul stressed that Putin must first be willing "to negotiate in a truly substantive manner and, above all, to agree to a ceasefire." The security guarantees must be robust enough "that Ukraine can rely on being safe and not being attacked again," he said. "Then Ukraine will have to think very carefully about what negotiations it will conduct and what outcome it can accept." The minister described it as a crucial step that an agreement had been reached with Trump for the United States to take part in providing these security guarantees, calling their involvement a fundamental prerequisite for them to be effective. The German government believes the Ukraine summit in Washington was a historic meeting that successfully realigned the US government with European positions, government sources said on Tuesday. Monday's meeting in the White House, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, reversed the momentum of last week's summit in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the sources said. It also resulted in Putin agreeing to participate in a bilateral meeting with Zelensky during a telephone call with Trump, they added, further testing how serious Russia is about peace negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sources said the German government was clear that it plans to participate in security guarantees for Ukraine after a peace treaty, but stressed that a decision on its exact contribution would only be made once the broad framework of the guarantees had been clarified. There was reportedly agreement among the European leaders in Washington that the security guarantees would have to be comprehensive, spanning issues of military security, Ukraine's armament and monitoring, as well as political support for the country. Five young men were sentenced by a German court on Tuesday for abusing and robbing older men after promising them sexual relations online. The defendants aged 20 to 27 were accused of posing as minors on various online platforms, pretending to be looking for sexual encounters with older men. According to prosecutors, the scheme resulted in a number of meetings in 2024 in Aschaffenburg, south-east of Frankfurt, where the defendants are said to have beaten and threatened some of their victims to extort money and vouchers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one case, the defendants are said to have kept a man in a car for around 10 hours, holding him in a chokehold for hours despite already having severely injured him. The victim was threatened with a knife, kicked and beaten, with his attackers said to have extorted cash and bank cards including PIN codes, allowing them to steal a total of 3,000 ($3,500). The men largely confessed to the charges brought before the Aschaffenburg Regional Court. Four of them were handed prison terms of between three years and 10 months and nine years and six months, while the fifth defendant was sentenced under juvenile law. The verdicts can still be appealed. Prosecutors had demanded prison sentences of up to 11 years. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to meet within the next two weeks. Merz's remarks came after US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he was preparing a meeting between the two leaders, which would be followed by a three-way meeting involving himself. Merz said the location of the bilateral meeting had not yet been agreed and stressed that it would need to be thoroughly prepared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In my view, it would be desirable and more than that if this meeting finally leads to a ceasefire in Ukraine," the chancellor said. Merz stressed that Ukraine should not be pressured into ceding any territory. The chancellor warned that Russia's demand for Ukraine to give up the free parts of Donbass would be comparable to "the United States having to give up Florida." A sovereign state cannot simply decide something like that, he said. The chancellor said European partners had strongly welcomed Trump's announcement that he would provide Ukraine with security guarantees. These guarantees, he added, were the result of lengthy and intensive discussions. "In the event of a peace agreement, there will be appropriate security guarantees for Ukraine," Merz said. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday gave a positive assessment of the summit with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. "My expectations have not only been met, but exceeded," Merz said after the talks. The chancellor acknowledged that he had not been certain the meeting would go so well. "It could have turned out differently," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz said these are "fateful days for Ukraine and for Europe." Merz described the talks with Trump, which followed a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, as very open. He however stressed that real negotiations could only take place at a summit in which Ukraine also participates. "Such a summit is only conceivable if the weapons fall silent," the chancellor emphasized. Security guarantees for Ukraine The White House discussions also included intensive talks on security guarantees for Ukraine following a potential peace agreement. "We very much welcomed President Trump's announcement that he would give Ukraine security guarantees," Merz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The German leader added that the details including who would participate in these guarantees and to what extent would need to be discussed between European partners and the US government. "It is absolutely clear that the whole of Europe should participate," he said. Germany, Merz added, bears "a high responsibility" in this process. The extent of Germany's involvement will have to be discussed within Europe and within the coalition in Berlin "right down to the question of whether we may have to take decisions that require a mandate." Decisions requiring a mandate would mean that the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, would have to approve sending Bundeswehr soldiers to Ukraine. Ukraine announced it has begun serial production of a cruise missile said to carry a 1,000-kg warhead. The Flamingo is rumored to have a range of 1,800 miles and looks to be a huge conventional weapon. A missile of such range and power could allow strikes on vital production hubs deep inside Russia. Ukraine has started making a new cruise missile said to be capable of carrying a 1,000 kg warhead with a range of 1,800 miles, according to its defense minister. Denys Shmyhal, who was appointed as defense minister in July, said at a public event on Monday that serial production of the missile, dubbed the Flamingo, had begun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The minister declined to discuss the missile further, saying that more details would be disclosed "when the right time comes." But his announcement comes a day after other sources in Ukraine reported on its specifications. Efrem Lukatsky, an Associated Press photographer, published an image on Monday of a large missile that he identified as the Flamingo. Lukatsky's Facebook post said the photo was taken on Thursday at a workshop run by Fire Point, a Ukrainian defense company. He also wrote that the missile had a range of 3,000 kilometers, or roughly 1,800 miles. After Lukatsky's Facebook post, the Ukrainian newspaper Mirror of the Week uploaded a video on Monday of what appears to be the missile being launched from an open field. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the clip, the Flamingo is seen rail-mounted on a canted platform before it is fired. The missile starts climbing upward almost immediately after launch. Mirror of the Week reported that the video depicted a Flamingo missile launched at a Russian target, indicating that the weapon is already being used in combat. In another video from the outlet, the missile is seen with fixed wings, like the Flamingo photographed by Lukatsky. The outlet wrote in a report on Monday that Fire Point said it tested the Flamingo several months ago and that the missile had entered serial production. Mirror of the Week also reported that the missile can carry a maximum payload of 1,150 kg with a range of 1,800 miles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Shmyhal's announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that the Flamingo might be scaled up for mass production by February. "The missile has undergone successful tests. It is currently our most successful missile," he told reporters. The Flamingo looks a lot like another new missile The Flamingo bears a striking resemblance to the FP-5 produced by Milanion Group, a defense firm headquartered in Abu Dhabi that's been working with Ukraine since at least 2021. That year, the firm signed a memorandum of understanding with a Ukrainian company. Since the full-scale war started, it's also been providing its Alakran mobile mortar system and uncrewed ground vehicles to Kyiv's troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milanion Group showcased the FP-5 in February at a defense expo in Abu Dhabi. There, it said the missile is equipped with anti-jamming tech and satellite navigation and can fly for up to four hours at a top cruise speed of 559 mph. The firm also said the FP-5 can carry a payload of up to 1,000 kg and fly 1,800 miles. That capability also means the FP-5 is a gargantuan missile, with a 20-foot wingspan and a take-off weight of 6,000 kg, or 6.6 tons. That kind of size and weight for a cruise missile hasn't typically been seen in modern Western militaries since the early Cold War. By comparison, the US-made Tomahawk cruise missile has a take-off weight of up to 1,600 kg and carries a 450-kg warhead. And Russia's long-range Kh-101 cruise missile, which can fly up to 3,400 miles, has a take-off weight of roughly 2,400 kg. The guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely, part of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, launches a Tomahawk missile at Houthi targets in the Red Sea. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Word In its brochure on the FP-5, Milanion Group said it could build over 50 of the missiles a month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite these similarities, it's still unconfirmed if the Flamingo or the FP-5 are directly related. Milanion Group did not respond to a request for comment about the Flamingo sent by Business Insider outside regular business hours. Ukraine wants a long-range threat A range of 1,800 miles would allow Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia, potentially at military production facilities. A new missile of such devastating power and range means it can potentially threaten Russian hubs for armor, infantry fighting vehicles, drones, and artillery systems in the Ural Mountains, located some 1,000 miles from Ukraine. So far, Kyiv has relied mainly on slower one-way attack drones that resemble Cessna-style aircraft to attack Russian oil refineries and manufacturing plants in the Moscow area and beyond. The distance between Kyiv and Moscow, for example, is just 450 miles. Ukrainian kamikaze "drones" aka converted Ukrainian-produced Aeroprakt A-22 Foxbat light aircraft. These drones can reportedly deliver 300kg warheads at a range around 2000 - 3000 km. It's believed that similar drones were recently used to hit a Shahed drone manufacturing pic.twitter.com/8xw6BzoZvO Saint Javelin (@saintjavelin) April 4, 2024 Yelabuga, a special economic zone where Russia is believed to be manufacturing its version of the Shahed drone, is also roughly 800 miles from Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has shown before that it can locally manufacture cruise missiles while at war. Its homemade anti-ship missile, the Neptune, is a subsonic truck-launched weapon that was used to sink the Moskva, the flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. August 24, 2025: This story was updated to reflect Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's comment on the Flamingo and its timeline for mass production. Read the original article on Business Insider GILMER, Texas (KETK) The head of the Texas Education Agency made a stop at Gilmer ISD on Monday, happening days after the TEA released this years report card for schools across the state. LIST: Heres how East Texas school districts faired in newly released TEA ratings Gilmer Elementary is celebrating their success in the classroom after the school saw a 7-point jump this year. In this years TEA ratings, the school raised from 83 to 90, scoring them an A. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overall, the district scored a B in this years TEA ratings. Gilmer Elementary School principal Gina Treadway said the better grade is in part thanks to a new math and phonics program but that the students and teachers are whos really to thank. I feel just a sense of pride for my staff, my teachers and my students. They played a big role in this but I have to say, it really takes all the way from kindergarten up and Ill even say our early childhood campus, Treadway said. You have to have strong systems to expectations from an early level. During the visit to the elementary school Monday, TEA commissioner Mike Morath congratulated the campus on their hard work and sat in some classrooms. What you see here is you see a strong leadership team that believes that all children can learn and achieve and then operates on that belief system, Morath said. Leadership matters. The board, the superintendent and principal. You can create an environment of high expectations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Nathaniel Moran discusses war in Ukraine, quorum break in state house U.S. Congressman Nathaniel Moran also toured the campus and felt the excitement in the air. As we walked through the classrooms here at the elementary school, students were engaged, teachers were prepared. Everybody was excited, Moran said. Its not just about the first week of school, what its really about is about students wanting to engage in learning that is fun and creative. Statewide, 757 campuses moved up to an A from a B or lower in 2025. Commissioner Morath believes its thanks to the engagement teachers are having in the classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Teachers can not just talk because they have to make sure that all 20, all 30 students in that room masters the days lessons, Morath said. That is not something you are just born knowing how to do. 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. CHICAGO Three people were wounded in a drive-by shooting on the citys South Side. The shooting happened around 8:10 p.m. Monday on the 1500 block of East 76th Street in the Grand Crossing neighborhood. According to police, a vehicle drove past and someone inside opened fire, striking three victims: a 17-year-old girl sustained a gunshot graze wound to the left shoulder and was transported to Jackson Park Hospital, where she is listed in good condition. A 31-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to the right flank and was transported to the same hospital, where he is listed in fair condition. A 63-year-old man sustained a gunshot wound to the left forearm and was transported to the University of Chicago Hospital, where he is listed in good condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one in custody and Area One Detectives are investigating. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Goffstown High School graduate and former Manchester resident Adam Lafond couldnt be more honored to be this years recipient of the Michael Briggs Memorial Scholarship from Members First Credit Union. Lafond, the grandson of a former Manchester firefighter, was presented with the $2,500 scholarship during a brief ceremony Tuesday at Manchester Police headquarters. Im very excited, very thankful to Members First for this scholarship, because its going to help out with school so much, said Lafond. My parents and myself are very thankful. Im just really excited. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lafond will attend Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, in the fall to study criminal justice, with a minor in pre-law. He said he has a lot of time to decide on a career, and has considered a job in law enforcement. I have four years to decide, but Ive been thinking about it, Lafond said. Its always cool to learn about all the paths that criminal justice has. I have a lot of options that I can look at. Officer Michael Briggs, a father of two, was shot and killed while answering a call about a domestic dispute in 2006. Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr said its always a pleasure every year to give out this award. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I love seeing it go to somebody thats involved in criminal justice, Marr said. I think Mike Briggs would have absolutely appreciated that, and Adam seems like a great guy with a good head on his shoulders and going that route, so we wish him all the best. And I want to thank Members First for establishing this and continuing every year to make these awards. We were started by Manchester Firefighter John Walsh in 1949, and we continue to pay it forward into the community, said Courtney Fifield, president and CEO of Members First Credit Union. So supporting the people that support us is really important, and helping build the next generation of police officers, firefighters, community service is important to our mission. Former Manchester Police Chief David Mara, chairman of the board of directors of Members First Credit Union, said to be considered for the Briggs Scholarship, applicants or a member of their family must be members of Members First Credit Union for at least a year and pursuing a career in criminology or criminal justice. Mara recalled Briggs as somebody to emulate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was very tied to community, Mara said. He was a great police officer, a good family man, and he knew that policing isnt just about arresting people, its connecting with the community, and every day he went out there trying to make the community a better place. Asked what Briggs would think about a scholarship named in his honor, Mara said Briggs wouldnt want the attention. He was so humble, but I think he would be proud. Members are invited to apply for scholarships by completing an application on the credit unions website each year in January. To learn more about the Members First Credit Union Scholarship Program, visit www.membersfirstnh.org. pfeely@unionleader.com Students board buses at Montgomery County's Col. Zadok Magruder High School in this photo from 2022. (Photo by Christine Zhu/Capital News Service) School bells will soon be ringing for 900,000 schoolchildren in Maryland. Heres my crystal ball on what to expect between now and when (to the relief of students and teachers) summer rolls around again. At the start of every school year, students, parents and teachers are all excited and busy getting ready. Optimism and enthusiasm reign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents are not just happy to have kids out of the house. They hope for a safe and welcoming environment, academic progress and the social and emotional well-being of their children. Educators even battle-scarred veterans of the system are upbeat. Maybe this year, they think, well get more administrative support and fewer unreasonable demands heaped on us. Thats a sunny cheerful outlook. But are there storm clouds on the horizon? Heres a forecast. Many students will have good years full of accomplishment and growth. And many teachers will enjoy positive job satisfaction. Alas, a much larger number of students predominantly low-income and of color wont. A large majority of them will fall farther below their grade level than when the year began. They will not have experienced even one years growth, much less the progress necessary to close the typically large gaps between their grade level and their performance level, usually in literacy and math. Your opinion matters Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@marylandmatters.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We suggest a 750-word limit and reserve the right to edit or reject submissions. We do not accept columns that are endorsements of candidates, and no longer accept submissions from elected officials or political candidates. Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines. Views of writers are their own. And many teachers will have experienced the disappointment that comes when students fall farther behind. In the face of the poor outcomes for so many their students, a large number of teachers will come up short on job satisfaction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maybe this crystal ball tells us nothing that we didnt already know about the dire state of public education. But we dare not become immune to the personal pain that many parents, students and teachers suffer day to day and year to year. We dare not lessen our efforts to improve their experience. With that in mind, what is our the publics homework this year? First, it is to redouble our efforts to bring about change. We know it will be hard. The task seems as politically daunting as the overall challenge of overturning Trumpism. But its no secret what we must do: We must take heart and stir public outcry (remember the famous TV announcer in the movie Network imploring people to open their window and shout, Im mad as hell and Im not going to take it anymore). Outrage must spur political organization and action, no less so in public education than in our nations politics at large. We dont need fresh ideas as much as fresh leadership and resolve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Maryland, of course, that means not giving up on the Blueprint for Marylands Future. Its first five years have brought small benefits for schoolchildren. Still, maybe this year could bring a breakthrough. The best chance of that is if the heralded kindergarten-to-third grade literacy plan the flagship initiative of state Superintendent Carey Wright starts to pick up some steam. We must be watchful and supportive. But even if the early literacy plan shows promise, that wont be enough to remove all the obstacles in the way of students continuing to hit the mark through grades K-12. We must pressure more than ever leaders in Annapolis to rekindle the can-do, courageous spirit that animated the Blueprint when it was enacted. To borrow Mark Twains famous quip about the weather, the governor and General Assembly complain a lot about the Blueprint but havent done a darn thing about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And then, not to pile on the challenge ahead, we cant lose sight of the severe impact on school failure caused by the broader failures of our nation which put students who are low-income and of color at such a disadvantage. Weve known this since the famed Coleman Report in 1966 found that the single most important factor in student success was the parents income and education. That doesnt mean, of course, that the quality of instruction and teachers doesnt matter. It matters a lot. Youll see that in the fact that some schools and teachers even if you control for student demographics get higher marks than others. Its also proven that research-based instruction gets beneficial results. All of this is to say that all elected officials, teachers, parents and we the public have a part to play this school year if the crystal ball is to be brighter next year. Lets summon the will and activism to make it happen. BERLIN (Reuters) -Victorinox, maker of Swiss army knives, is considering moving part of its production to the United States to lessen the impact of import tariffs on its business, the company's CEO told German business magazine WirtschaftsWoche. "We are looking into carrying out directly on site individual processing steps at the end of the value chain, such as the final cleaning and packaging of commercial knives," CEO Carl Elsener said in an interview published on Tuesday. "That would reduce the value of the goods on which we have to pay customs duty by 10% to 15%," he added. Switzerland has been particularly hard hit by Washington's trade policy under President Donald Trump, who earlier this month ratcheted up U.S. tariffs on Swiss imports to 39%. The U.S. is an important market for Swiss machinery, watches and chocolate. Victorinox, which makes commercial knives as well as its well-known pocket knives, generates some 13% of its revenue in the country. Elsener told WirtschaftsWoche the customs duties were coming at an already difficult time. "The strong Swiss franc has put our competitiveness and our margins under considerable pressure," Elsener said. Still, high inventories in the U.S. meant the tariffs would not affect Victorinox until early next year, he added. For now, the firm would wait and see how things develop, he said. Economic uncertainty caused by Trump's trade policies has fueled demand for the safe haven Swiss franc, boosting the currency and making Swiss-made goods dearer abroad. (Writing by Rachel More and Dave GrahamEditing by Madeline Chambers) Tara Hyde, CEO of the Kentucky-based nonprofit People Advocating Recovery, says she has been in recovery for more than a decade from an addiction that began with prescription painkillers. Today she helps others enter recovery and works to reduce stigma around addiction. She wants to see pharmacy benefit managers and other companies held accountable for their role in the overdose crisis. (Sam Foree) UnitedHealth Groups multibillion-dollar pharmacy benefit manager, Optum Rx, is suing five Kentucky counties in an attempt to force them out of national opioid litigation against the company. Pharmacy benefit managers, often called PBMs, act as middlemen that negotiate prescription drug prices between drug companies, insurance plans and pharmacies. Some lawyers and advocates say PBMs helped fuel the overdose crisis by failing to restrict the flow of opioid prescriptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As governments begin exploring potential lawsuits against PBMs a step that could represent the next wave in opioid-related litigation Optum Rx is attempting to shut down those efforts, in some cases before they even fully take shape. In June, Optum Rx sued Anderson, Boyd, Christian, Nicholas, and Oldham counties in Kentucky for allegedly making decisions about participating in the new wave of national opioid lawsuits behind closed doors, violating Kentuckys open meetings law. Optum Rx is asking courts to effectively force those counties to make their decisions again, this time in open meetings, potentially with the hope that some wont bother because of the administrative burden. The result could be fewer claims against the company and possibly less money for it to pay in a future settlement. But legal experts call Optums case hypertechnical and frivolous, and addiction recovery advocates say it could set a dangerous precedent for companies to evade accountability for their role in fueling the overdose crisis. Christine Minhee says Optums suit reminds her of an adage among lawyers: If the facts are on your side, pound the facts. If the law is on your side, pound the law. If neither is on your side, pound the table. (Christine Minhee) Christine Minhee an attorney, national expert on opioid litigation and founder of OpioidSettlementTracker.com said Optums suit reminded her of an adage among lawyers: If the facts are on your side, pound the facts. If the law is on your side, pound the law. If neither is on your side, pound the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, what were seeing is it pounding the table, Minhee said of Optum Rx. The company is desperately trying to find some kind of foothold to get cases against it thrown out. Minhee said these suits fit a pattern of Optum Rx using thin arguments to try to delay or evade opioid litigation nationwide. Last year, Optum Rx, along with another PBM, asked a judge to throw out an opioid lawsuit filed by Los Angeles County, claiming during a December hearing that the county hadnt shown harm. The judge appeared skeptical of the claims and ultimately rejected the companies request. In April, the same companies tried to oust a federal judge overseeing national opioid litigation, claiming he was biased. Their argument was based partly on a Florida lawyers having said the judge was plaintiff-oriented. Their attempt failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Optum Rx is working to keep five Kentucky counties out of that same sweeping opioid litigation. That national legal undertaking began more than seven years ago, as jurisdictions saw overdose deaths climb. Many people who had become addicted to prescription painkillers were cut off by their doctors, and some transitioned to using deadlier heroin or fentanyl. Health care and public safety costs skyrocketed. Thousands of cities, counties, and states began suing health care companies for allegedly creating a public nuisance by aggressively marketing prescription painkillers and negligently distributing them. Those cases were lassoed together into the giant multidistrict litigation, which has resulted in massive settlements. The first few waves of settlements involved opioid manufacturers, distributors and retail pharmacies, with companies such as Johnson & Johnson, CVS and Walgreens agreeing to pay state and local governments billions of dollars. The money is meant to be used for addiction treatment and prevention services though its rollout has been controversial. To add a new round of companies as defendants, jurisdictions must undertake a multistep process, said Peter Mougey, a Florida-based attorney who represents many local governments in the massive national litigation. The five Kentucky counties in question were in the early stages of that process, only having asked the judge to amend their complaint, he said. They hadnt added Optum Rx yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Optum Rxs suits are successful, those counties would have the option of redoing the initial steps of the process in a public meeting, then continuing to add Optum Rx as a defendant, Mougey explained. The company may hope that some counties wont undertake the extra administrative effort. Optum Rxs goal is clearly just to wear down and tire out these small counties, Mougey said. Theyre trying to have a chilling effect on the litigation. Its not clear why Optum Rx targeted those five counties out of the many localities undertaking the process to add the company as a defendant. The Kentucky counties range from having fewer than 8,000 residents (Nicholas) to more than 70,000 (Christian). One is among the richest in Kentucky (Oldham), while others are poorer. Boyd County, in Appalachia, is one of the hardest hit, with a recent overdose rate twice the state average. Optum Rx, in its filing against Boyd County, which was similar to claims against the other counties, said local authorities had taken official legal action by asking the judge to make a change in its case. The suit said such action must be done in a public meeting and that the county did not hold one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Optum spokesperson Isaac Sorensen told KFF Health News that the companys argument is not about a technicality. It is an important legal requirement designed to ensure accountability and transparency before a county takes legal action, said the statement Sorensen provided. We have found many counties ignored this requirement, alongside their duty to preserve relevant evidence, and Optum Rx will defend against these improper legal actions. The five Kentucky counties disagree with these assertions, according to court records. As of late July, all five had filed motions to dismiss Optum Rxs claim. Boyd County, like the others, argued in its motion to dismiss that asking a judge to amend its complaint was a routine, procedural step that did not require a public meeting. Optum Rx jumped the gun, the county argued, filing a case before any final action had been taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No amended complaint has been filed. No new defendant, OptumRx included, has been added. No new lawsuit has been initiated, Boyd Countys response said. The county also pointed out that it held an open meeting in 2017 that kicked off its involvement in the national litigation and authorized future amendments to that litigation. Hearings on the counties motions to dismiss Optum Rxs suits are set for late August and early September, according to court records. These cases are shaping up to be a Goliath-versus-David legal action. Although Oldham County is the wealthiest of the Kentucky counties that Optum Rx sued, its most recent budget is less than 0.1% of Optum Rxs annual revenue, which the company reported as exceeding $133 billion in 2024. Oldham County Attorney D. Berry Baxter Oldham County Attorney D. Berry Baxter told KFF Health News hed seen the impact of the opioid epidemic as a prosecutor working on a growing number of drug-related cases over the years. Now, as settlement money is arriving from other companies, it has funded increased addiction treatment in local jails. More settlement money from additional companies could expand such services, Baxter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Optum Rx succeeds in kicking Kentucky counties out of the national litigation, it would set a really horrific precedent for other PBMs and health care companies to do something similar, said Tara Hyde, CEO of the statewide nonprofit People Advocating Recovery. Hyde said shes been in recovery for more than a decade from an addiction that began with prescription painkillers for a broken leg. She wants to see PBMs and other companies held accountable and made to change their processes to prevent future crises. Despite a recent decrease in overdose deaths nationwide, Hyde said people in her state, their families, and the economy are still hurting. Recovery doesnt just happen overnight, she said. Without these dollars that have been a direct result of people being misled, mistreated and taken advantage of, we will still be detrimentally impacted. This story is republished from KFF Health News, a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -Google will pay $30 million to settle a lawsuit claiming it violated the privacy of children using YouTube by collecting their personal information without parental consent, and using it to send targeted ads. A preliminary settlement of the proposed class action was filed on Monday night in San Jose, California, federal court, and requires approval by U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Google denied wrongdoing in agreeing to settle. The Alphabet unit agreed in 2019 to pay $170 million in fines and change some practices to settle similar charges by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Some critics viewed that accord as too lenient. Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday. Lawyers for the plaintiffs did not immediately respond to similar requests. The parents or guardians of 34 children accused Google of violating dozens of state laws by letting content providers bait children with cartoons, nursery rhymes and other content to help it collect personal information, even after the 2019 settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Van Keulen dismissed claims against the content providers -including Hasbro, Mattel, Cartoon Network and DreamWorks Animation - in January, citing a lack of evidence tying them to Google's alleged data collection. Mediation began the next month, leading to the settlement. The proposed class covers U.S. children under 13 who watched YouTube between July 1, 2013 and April 1, 2020. Lawyers for the plaintiffs said there could be 35 million to 45 million class members. They said if 1% to 2% submit claims, a rate comparable to similar earlier cases, claimants could receive $30 to $60 each, before deducting legal fees and costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawyers plan to seek up to $9 million from the settlement for legal fees. Alphabet posted net income of $62.7 billion on revenue of $186.7 billion in the first half of 2025. The case is C.H. et al v Google LLC et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 19-07016. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Richard Chang) SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Work preparing for the replacement of the Gordon Drive viaduct continues. Members of the Sioux City City Council approved a predesign agreement on Monday with the Iowa Department of Transportation. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The predesign covers the current final project concept design, which is meant to replace the Bacon Creek conduit. The project carries a more than $1.7 million price tag. Built in 1936, the viaduct is set to be replaced beginning in 2027 and is expected to take two years to complete. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida is suing two major textbook publishers for overcharging Florida school districts and was quick to add they push egregious content in their instructional materials. Attorney General James Uthmeier filed suit Aug. 19 against McGraw Hill and Savvas Learning Co., specifically accusing the two publishers of bilking Florida school districts for textbooks. DeSantis also noted concerns he's had with the textbook materials as well, saying their content is not "aligned with our standards." At a news conference in St. Cloud, DeSantis said the lawsuit includes civil penalties that could amount between $37.5 million and $60.5 million between the two publishers. He said if the state is successful, funds from the lawsuit would go back to the school districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "To see some of the stuff they are trying to pull, it's not going to fly here," DeSantis said. A request for comment is pending with the Florida Department of Education on how much money school districts and the department are paying in contracts with the two publishers. The 26-page complaint filed in Leon County alleges that the publishers are violating Florida law, which requires them to give each Florida school district the lowest price offered to any other district in the country. Anastasios Kamoutsas, then deputy Chief of Staff for Gov. Ron DeSantis, delivered the keynote address to recruits at Wakulla Correctional Institute last year in March. Education Commissioner Anastasios "Stasi" Kamoutsas, who also attended, said he's "committed to holding publishers accountable, whether it's in content or cost." He said the publishers have included critical race theory, intersectionality and White privilege in math, science and social studies textbooks, saying it "has no business there." (Intersectionality is often defined as the study of how social and political identities combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If publishers choose to add that content in their textbooks, they will not be approved, and they will be not be sold in Florida schools," Kamoutsas said. A complaint in a lawsuit tells one side of a story. Tyler Reed, a spokesperson for McGraw Hill, said in a statement that the company believes the attorney general's claims lack "factual and legal merit on multiple grounds." "We plan to defend our position vigorously," Reed said. "We continually invest in our content in order to fully align with Florida standards, support Florida schools and education Florida students with maximum efficacy." Gov. Ron DeSantis (right) attends the 50th annual Red Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More alongside new Attorney General of Florida James Uthmeier (left) Wednesday, March 19, 2025. In its statement, Savvas Learning Co. said its policies and procedures comply with applicable laws regarding the sale of its instructional materials for schools. And it denies charging Florida school districts more than the state contract price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will not publicly comment any further on this litigation and will defend our company vigorously against the allegations made by the Florida attorney general," the statement read. This isn't DeSantis' first issue with these publishers and other textbook companies, which found their books rejected by the state due to unexplained claims of indoctrination. At the same time, the Florida Department of Education, which approves instructional materials in the state, OK'd all of Savvas' K-12 math submissions in 2022, including the entirety of their K-5 math programs, the company added. At the time, the department described concerns with textbooks, including "prohibited topics" like critical race theory. That year, DeSantis signed the "Stop WOKE Act," which restricted how race is discussed in schools, college and workplaces. (This story was updated to add new information and because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Fla. She can be reached at SMatat@gannett.com. On X: @stephanymatat. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis: Florida suing textbook publishers for overcharging districts VIRGINIA (WFXR) Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that Virginia has been recognized by Attendance Works, a school absence advocacy group, for measurable, data-informed progress in reducing chronic absenteeism. Attendance Works annual analysis of state attendance data, policy, and practices spotlighted Virginia for its progress and featured the Commonwealth in its Virginia Case Study. Officials say this highlights the efforts of the Youngkin Administration, the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Board of Education, and school divisions across the Commonwealth to combat chronic absenteeism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Youngkin announced the Chronic Absenteeism Task Force in September 2023 as part of his ALL In Initiative, in response to the extensive school closures mandated by the prior administration, according to officials. The Office of the Governor says the Task Force remains a key pillar of the comprehensive ALL In VA plan, a focused effort to address learning loss recovery through initiatives that target Attendance, Literacy, and Learning. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive in the classroom, and that starts with being present in school, said Governor Glenn Youngkin. Through the ALL In VA Initiative, we are tackling chronic absenteeism head-on and giving students the support they need to succeed. I am proud of the progress weve made together, but we will not stop until every student is consistently in school, learning, and building the foundation for a brighter future. AHPS recognizes students with perfect attendance to promote higher attendance Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials define chronic absenteeism as students missing ten percent or more of the academic year for any reason, including excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspensions. Based on a one-hundred-eighty-day school year, ten percent means approximately eighteen days per year. Chronic absenteeism had already become a growing concern for Virginia schools and school divisions when the number of students regularly missing class nearly doubled due to extended school closures during the pandemic, according to the press release. Prolonged and unnecessary school closures reinforced a core tenet of education: students benefit, academically, socially, and developmentally, when they are in school, in person, said Secretary of Education Aimee R. Guidera. Because of the prioritization of attendance, every day, by the VDOE and by educators across the Commonwealth, Virginia has been recognized as a national leader. Virginia is one of twenty-one states participating in the 50% Challenge to cut chronic absence in half. Officials say the Commonwealth has set measurable targets to reduce chronic absence and is one of six states to include chronic absence factors into school accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Experts have identified grade-specific patterns in student absenteeism; however, the Office of the Governor notes that the factors contributing to chronic absenteeism vary for each school, student, and family. Virginia addresses the issue with a targeted approach that considers which students are missing significant amounts of school, why they are missing school, and how to help them return to the classroom, according to the press release. When should kids take a sick day from school? Officials say they are approaching the issue with more than $418 million invested in high-intensity tutoring, implementing the Virginia Literacy Act, and prioritizing attendance initiatives. Schools are hiring attendance specialists, enhancing data systems, exploring new approaches to transportation, collaborating with pediatricians, and establishing strategic initiatives with community partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to emphasize the tremendous commitment by parents, teachers, and community members to help Virginia students find their way back to school. The results of these collective efforts represent 1,276,522 fewer absent days and an increase of nearly 9 million hours of student learning time, said Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson. Virginias unified approach, anchored by the ALL In VA initiative, has been critical in reducing chronic absenteeism, and more good news is around the corner. We will continue building on this momentum until every student is back to school and consistently back to learning. The Office of the Governor states that Virginias progress demonstrates that sustained, coordinated efforts can make a significant difference in student attendance. They say the Commonwealth will continue to build on reductions in chronic absenteeism by expanding proven strategies, utilizing real-time data from the new statewide attendance dashboard to target support earlier, and strengthening partnerships with families, communities, and schools. Officials say that keeping attendance at the center of their educational priorities, Virginia is committed to ensuring that every student is present, engaged, and ready to learn. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. Government advice to delete old emails to save water is inaccurate and would do almost nothing to prevent droughts, technology experts have said. A report into the water demands of data centres in Britain found that the majority of sites do not require external water supplies and that the computing hubs are not intensive water users. It comes after the Environment Agencys National Drought Group last week recommended that people delete old emails, saying that data centres require vast amounts of water to cool their systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, tech industry body techUK published what it said was the first major study of data centres water use in the UK, claiming that contrary to some public perceptions, commercial data centres in England are not intensive water users. Data centres require regular cooling to prevent high-performance computing components from overheating. But the study found that the majority of sites surveyed use what are known as waterless cooling systems, in which water is recirculated in the facilities instead of being continually pumped in. It said that most sites used less water than a leisure centre and less than a large hotel. Luisa Cardani, techUKs head of data centres, said that while some sites are larger consumers of water, emails and photos are a tiny portion of demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Consumer behaviour can certainly help the environment and save water, but email and attachment storage is relatively low in computing demand compared to workloads like AI-generated video or image content, which can be more resource-intensive, she said. Broad claims about water or energy savings from reducing email storage risk being inaccurate. Edward Galvin, the founder of data centre research company DC Byte, said: This is just factually wrong, personal mailboxes are one of the least computationally hungry applications that could be suggested. Its concerning that government-led initiatives such as the NDG [National Drought Group] appear to be giving outdated advice which unfairly maligns the data centre sector which has been one of the UKs runaway success stories over the past decade whilst achieving practically nothing in terms of actual water savings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thames Water said last month that its water supplies would be stressed by 108 new hyperscale data centres being planned in the regions it serves. It warned in its annual report that data centres need to be carefully managed from a demand and UK growth perspective. TechUK said the majority of data centres now being built do not require constant water supplies. Researchers at the University of California found last year that ChatGPT consumed around two litres of water for between 10 and 50 queries, with artificial intelligence one of the most computer-intensive tasks in data centres. An Environment Agency spokesman said: We are calling on everyone to play their part and help reduce the pressure on our water environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Water companies must continue to quickly fix leaks and lead the way in saving water. Alongside this, we know that simple, everyday choices can contribute to saving water such as turning off a tap while brushing your teeth, or deleting old emails stored on the cloud these small actions help our collective effort to reduce demand and preserve the health of our rivers and wildlife. 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. Countries around the world are continually looking for ways to minimize their reliance on dirty energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas while still providing their citizens with all they need. Lithuania recently announced a deal to work with Newcleo, a European energy company, to provide them with nuclear reactor technology. This is particularly important because Lithuania's nuclear reactors were shut down years ago out of safety concerns. But the amount of energy the country needs has only continued to grow. What is so intriguing about Newcleo's technology is that it is designed to operate with recycled nuclear fuel. This means greater sustainability and much less nuclear waste. Nuclear fission power is generated when atoms are split apart, which produces energy. Most nuclear plants use uranium atoms for this process. The potential for nuclear energy is great because it is relatively cleaner than the burning of oil, coal, and gas, which release harmful pollution into the atmosphere. It can also be cheaper than traditional energy sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, nuclear energy production is not without its own drawbacks. Famous incidents such as the Chernobyl and Three Mile Island disasters remind us that nuclear energy can be dangerous if certain safety standards are not met. And nuclear reactors create waste that must be stored safely. Leaks into water or elsewhere can have devastatingly negative health effects. That is why some scientists warn against adopting new nuclear technologies too quickly. In fact, an organization called the Union of Concerned Scientists recently published a report stating that the advanced reactors of today are not demonstrably safer than those of yesteryear. On the other hand, Robert Hayes, an associate professor of nuclear engineering at North Carolina State University, argues that much of the fear around nuclear power comes from ideology over scientific fact. He points to a NASA brief that found "nuclear power prevented an average of over 1.8 million net deaths worldwide between 1971-2009." The leaders behind the agreement were excited about the promise it offered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This agreement will contribute to sustainable solutions for radioactive waste management and energy security in Europe," said Stefano Buono, the chief executive officer of Newcleo. "This agreement allows us to start assessing innovative solutions now," added Lithuania's energy minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. (Getty Images) Ive been thinking a lot lately about how health care for 15 million people is on the chopping block because of the one big, beautiful bill. Ive heard this number so many times that Im almost numb to it. Ive wondered what is happening to others when they hear a number so big. Are they seeing any of the individual faces of these 15 million people? Are they hearing their voices? Are they looking away when they hear this number? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who are these 15 million people? SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Last month marked the 60th anniversary that Medicare and Medicaid were signed into law to make health care accessible, especially for those who most need help: financially, physically, cognitively, emotionally, socially and supportively. This month, I also met Diana Bennett, a 75-year-old Colorado native applying for Medicaid. Diana moved to assisted living in the fall of 2019. She has Parkinsons and uses a walker. She has shoulder-length curly gray hair. Permanent wrinkles. Sunken eyes. Deep dimples when she smiles. She makes eye contact in a way that would win a staring contest every day. Soon after moving in, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, priests were no longer allowed to come into the community to celebrate Mass. Diana, an extraordinary minister, filled the gap. She delivered communion, hosted community prayers, and cared for the community chapel. She still does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diana never married or had kids. Shes spent her life devoted to future generations. When she was in high school, she worked at an orphanage. Then, over the next 30-plus years she became a librarian, a teacher, and a principal. She worked at both Catholic schools and Denver public schools. She has sisters, nieces, nephews, and a close circle of friends. She had a home that she sold before moving into assisted living, which has given her an income to live on. It hasnt been enough. After nearly six years paying privately at assisted living, the resources she carefully saved throughout life have been spent down, forcing her to apply to Medicaid so she can continue to live and receive supportive care as an elder. Diana had her first interview for Medicaid recently. She has no idea when shell hear back a week or six months. The process for Medicaid approval can take many months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats kind of scary, she said. Because I dont know what will happen. The only income I will be getting is from Social Security. I dont have any other savings or insurance. My sisters have families, and I cant move in with them. What will you do? I asked. Every syllable of the question felt so heavy. I was sitting just inches from her. Id have to live on the streets, she said. Her gigantic eyes slowly started to fill with water as she stared into mine. This place has joked that theyd put a cot outside for me if I get kicked out. But truthfully, Id have to go to a shelter or live on the streets. And I know I wouldnt last longer than a week out there. Diana held her gaze at me until I took a breath, had water in my eyes, and looked down at the floor to let my heart catch up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How the hell is this possible, I thought to myself. How is anyone okay with this? A 75-year-old remarkably smart, kind, compassionate citizen who has given her life to others now in complete fear of living on the streets if her Medicaid is stripped away, leaving her without support!? She broke the silence. When I thought about moving in here, I thought Id stare at a wall all day. I dont. I still have a purpose in life so I can have meaning. We always tell younger generations to find their purpose. But we forget how important it also is for elders. I still have a voice. I cannot lose that. It wasnt easy leaving Diana. Her hopes and fears, and the way she spoke with so much truth and compassion felt like it was tattooed onto my heart. Diana is one of the 15 million people who if they were to lose their Medicaid, would lose life-sustaining support. Diana would be forced on the streets in Denver, at 75 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Jared Polis has called a special session Thursday to address the impact that the federal governments recent policy bill H.R.1. will have on Colorados budget, including Medicaid funding, and ultimately on the health of Coloradans in every corner of the state. In addition to financing, the process for Medicaid approval can cause incredible stress and uncertainty for older adults, their families, and organizations caring for older adults who get put in difficult situations waiting for approval. Right now, half of the people experiencing homelessness in this country are people aged 50 and older. This is before cuts to Medicaid. How we treat elders is so often a mirror on the health of a country. If we cannot wake up to consequences of so many elders who face horrific decisions around housing and care, and even death on the streets, I dont know what else will wake us up. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (The Center Square) U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, who represents the 15th Congressional district in southeastern Illinois, is reintroducing legislation to strengthen parental rights following the states new law mandating mental health screenings for public school students. The Parents Opt-In Protection Act would require written parental consent before schools conduct mental health or sensitive-topic surveys, replacing Illinois current opt-out system under SB1560 starting in 20272028. Asked why she didnt move to ban school-based screenings outright, Miller pointed to constitutional limits on federal authority. "I would love to see that, but I think it needs to be done at the state level. My bill, the Parents Opt-In Protection Act, amends the existing Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, which governs surveys and evaluations covering topics like religion, sex, politics, and guns. Since Im working at the federal level, theres a concern about violating the 10th Amendment, so Im revising an existing federal law, said Miller. I fully support a state-level ban, but since that isnt happening, we can use this law to protect parents and get it passed federally." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pritzkers office slammed Miller, accusing her of politicizing a bipartisan effort to address the nations mental health crisis and highlighting that she has repeatedly voted to slash funding for public schools. As more students experience depression, anxiety, and other struggles, Rep. Miller and her GOP allies are stigmatizing young people instead of offering support, a Governors spokesman told The Center Square. While Rep. Miller repeatedly voted to slash funding for public schools and backed the Trump Administrations cuts to stop schools from hiring mental health professionals, Gov. Pritzker has been focused on giving families more options and tools to help students succeed. Miller fired back, saying the governor should look closer at his own record. Its shameful that he is overseeing the state of Illinois, and our schools are failing at their fundamental task, which is teaching children to read, Miller said. Illinois literacy rates are 39% or lower, pitiful. So why are we going to put them in charge of medical oversight? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller criticized SB1560 for its confusing opt-out system. I hate the opt-out thing because parents are always the last to know, she said. Most parents, theyre super busy, and they think their kids are in school being educated, not indoctrinated. My bill is going to require the schools to get written consent from parents before they conduct these screenings, which will be part of the childrens permanent record. Supporters of Millers legislation argue it restores parental authority where state leaders have overstepped. David Smith, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute, said the bill is absolutely huge because it flips Illinois opt-out law into an opt-in standard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of oblivious parents who are too busy to really take notice of whats going on in the classrooms, Smith said. Now, with this law, it would require them to literally sign off on it before subjecting their children to humanistic mental health screenings. Miller told The Center Square that existing Illinois law will lead to lack of medical oversight and a potential for over-diagnosis, wrongly labeling children. Smith said hes working with Debbie Kraulidis, vice president, chief events officer, host of Moms For America podcast, to reach Secretary of Education Linda McMahon because Smith fears Illinois will inspire other states to adopt similar legislation. Its the job of parents, and their priests and pastors, to care for a childs mental and physical well-being. The schools job is academics: preparing kids to be fruitful, productive members of society who can read, write, and do arithmetic, Smith told The Center Square. (Adds dropped word 'Centre' in paragraph 2) By Sam Tabahriti LONDON (Reuters) -Switzerland is considering joining a British-led international task force targeting kleptocrats and recovering stolen assets, it said on Tuesday, as it seeks to shake off its reputation as a haven for dirty money. British foreign minister David Lammy discussed the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre with the Swiss government during a visit earlier this month, according to a UK government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Switzerland's foreign ministry said the country currently has observer status of the IACCC and had been invited by Britain to become a full member. "In this context, Switzerland is currently examining various options for its future cooperation with the IACCC. No decision has yet been made on this," it said in a statement. Joining the task force would allow Swiss authorities to share intelligence and work more closely with other countries on major investigations targeting dirty money. Lammy told Reuters earlier this week that Switzerland was "a key partner in the fight against illicit finance and corruption" and its participation in the IACCC would be "invaluable". Switzerland, the world's largest manager of offshore wealth, has tried to shed its image as a safe haven for illicit funds and has recently taken steps to improve transparency, including proposing stricter rules on beneficial ownership. The IACCC task force was launched in 2017 and is hosted by Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA). It brings together enforcement bodies from countries including the United States, Australia, Canada and New Zealand to share intelligence and coordinate investigations. Since it was founded, it says it has identified 1.8 billion pounds in suspected stolen funds, and frozen 641 million pounds of assets. Britain has ramped up its efforts to tackle illicit finance since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It has positioned itself as a leader in the global fight against kleptocracy, but still faces its own challenges on that front. The NCA estimates that over 100 billion pounds ($135.32 billion) is laundered through or within the UK each year, often via British-registered corporate structures. ($1 = 0.7390 pounds) (Reporting by Sam Tabahriti in LondonAdditional reporting by Dave Graham in ZurichEditing by Frances Kerry and Christina Fincher) Aug. 18GRAND FORKS A Grand Forks man will stand trial for murder Tuesday, Aug. 19. Donald Joseph "DJ" Bartlette, 46, faces up to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole if found guilty of Class AA felony murder. Bartlette was charged last October, days after 49-year-old Anthony "Tony" James Kiehl was found unresponsive in his apartment. An affidavit filed in the case said Kiehl sustained multiple injuries to his head and face and wasn't breathing. He was pronounced dead at Altru Hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the information that linked Bartlette to the death, according to court documents, included surveillance footage of the apartment building that showed him entering and exiting Kiehl's residence earlier that evening, as well as a witness statement that Bartlette said he'd gotten into a fight with Kiehl. Bartlette appeared in court Monday morning, Aug. 18, for a status conference, where a few matters were addressed. Samuel Gereszek, Bartlette's attorney, filed a motion that was approved in part during the hearing. Judge Jason McCarthy agreed with the first request of the motion, which was that Bartlette wear street clothes and non-visible restraints during his trial. This is common for a jury trial, because wearing a jail uniform and visible shackles could affect the jury's ability to see a defendant as innocent until proven guilty. The second part of the motion was a request to exclude all jail video calls the prosecution plans to play during the trial, because of that same risk of prejudice when seeing a defendant in a jail uniform and inside a correctional facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rachel Egstad, an attorney for the prosecution, said the calls will contradict other statements Bartlette made about what happened the night of the alleged murder; they will be important in allowing the jury to determine his credibility. She also said video showing a defendant in jail clothing has been found not to have as strong of a prejudicial effect and, in this case, she believes the value of the videos as evidence is stronger than any potential prejudice. In an earlier hearing, Gereszek argued the timeline of the alleged murder didn't make sense, and it was likely that someone else committed the crime after his client left following a fight with Kiehl, in which Bartlette claims to have acted in self-defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egstad said the video footage will show Bartlette making statements that no one else was there at the time. Another man, Nicholas Alexander Wride-Arnold, has been formally accused of involvement in Kiehl's death. Specifically, he has been charged with Class AA felony conspiracy to commit murder, though it was said in a previous hearing that his charge may be reduced to a lesser offense. Court documents say Wride-Arnold also went into Kiehl's apartment that night, and video footage showed him in the hallway afterward, vigorously cleaning himself and Bartlette with a towel. Wride-Arnold has been served a subpoena to testify during Bartlette's trial. He maintains his innocence and is scheduled for a final dispositional conference Thursday, Aug. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McCarthy questioned whether the audio of Bartlette's jail calls could be played without the video clips from the calls, and decided he would make a ruling after he has that information. Egstad said she believed Bartlette's body language and other visuals are relevant. Jury selection is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday. From a pool of 64 potential jurors, a jury of 12 plus two alternates will be selected. The hope is to get jury selection finished by the noon hour, so the trial itself can begin after a lunch break, McCarthy said. Megan Essig, a prosecutor in the case, said she was hopeful trial would be finished by the end of the week, but said it may go into the next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution's witness and exhibit lists were not publicly filed as of early afternoon Monday, but various subpoenas were available. They include multiple law enforcement personnel, as well as a doctor, dispatcher, a member of hospital staff, a member of jail staff, someone from North Dakota Parole & Probation, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Wride-Arnold and two of Bartlette's family members. Gereszek stipulated to most of the evidence the prosecution plans to present at trial, which means he doesn't plan on objecting to it. He did object to some photographs, saying they were essentially duplicates of each other and asking that only one of each relevant photo be allowed. McCarthy noted slight differences in the photos and overruled the objection for the time being. Gereszek also requested that some clips be cut out the in-car video taken when Bartlette was arrested, because of additional concerns about prejudice. He said some of Bartlette's statements reveal he is familiar with the local jail. If jurors are aware he has spent time in jail before, they could make assumptions about his guilt. Essig said a statement made by Bartlette about not wanting to return to prison had already been removed from the footage for that very reason, and said she believed other statements were relevant evidence. She said Bartlette spoke in the video about wanting to go to sleep, which is relevant because he is alleged to have evaded law enforcement all night after Kiehl was found. The objection was overruled. Indiana loves landlords. Landlords love Indiana back. State law makes Indiana a safe haven for landlords. For renters? Not so much. Indianapolis ranks 14th in the nation for eviction. Over the past year, landlords in Indiana have filed over 69,000 evictions. Indiana makes eviction easy, while renters have little recourse when landlords don't hold up their end of lease agreements. Here, tenants can't withhold rent or even put it towards an escrow account if their landlord has not completed necessary repairs or maintenance. Tenants also can't carry out repairs themselves and deduct the cost of the repair from their rent. 'Life took a turn' Glenda Dillon holds the door as Austin Jensen carries a dresser down a set of stairs Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, from inside his north west side apartment in Indianapolis. Jenson, alongside and Dillon's daughter, Reeda Raney, are being evicted from their home after falling behind in rent. Because landlords hold a massive advantage in state law and legal resources, grassroots organizations are stepping up to support renters. One such organization, the Indiana Eviction Justice Network, runs a court watchers program intended to increase transparency during eviction hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program kicked off in the spring of 2021 through the Meridian Street United Methodist church. The Indiana Eviction Justice Network offers training to the public on how to observe eviction hearings. Briggs: Fountain Square camp shows Indianapolis' homelessness strategy is broken Carolyn Kingen, one of the founding members of the program, told me one goal is to learn the stories of people facing eviction. "Some of those stories are really, really hard to hear, Kingen said. There are different stories, but most of them that we're hearing in court, are Life took a turn, and I couldn't financially pay my rent and address the issue that I needed to address. So, we may hear, I was in the hospital. I had surgery, and it took me two months to rehab, (and) I lost my job. I've now found another job, but for two months I didn't have a job. Moms with kids often will say, 'My child was sick so much that I had to call out sick because I didn't have backup daycare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judges for each of Marion County's nine townships handle evictions within their jurisdictions. The Tenant Advocacy Project, through Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety, has an interactive map that shows eviction statistics per township. Some townships have much higher eviction rates. Despite these regional disparities, the factors underlying eviction are often similar among tenants, said Fran Quigley, an activist and professor for the Indiana University McKinney School of Law. "The vast majority of the tenants we see in eviction court simply could not afford their rent," he said. Evicted within minutes Linda Bailey is a volunteer court watcher who goes to watch eviction hearings. Such watchers take notes and gather information, but they also learn about those facing eviction in order to advocate for better housing and tenants rights. Photo taken Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. Hoosiers need an estimated hourly wage of at least $22.18 to be able to afford a two-bedroom apartment in Indiana, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Fair Market Rent calculation. In reality, the average renter is earning $18.05 an hour. And per 100 vulnerable households, there are only 38 affordable rental homes available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the often desperate stories and lack of affordable housing, renters facing eviction can lose their homes in a matter of moments. That's why the court watchers program is important. Most legal cases typically take anywhere from multiple months to upwards of several years to complete. But it typically only takes mere days in Indiana before a tenant is issued a court order after a landlord files for eviction, Quigley said. The court watchers already are seeing some changes. When the program began, Kingen said that the shortest eviction hearings lasted about two minutes. Recently, the shortest hearings have been around 6 minutes long, with some of the longer hearings lasting upwards of 20 minutes. Opinion: Ignoring public disorder around homelessness is a costly luxury Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Storytelling and raising awareness are key parts of court watching, and its part of the reason why Linda Bailey became a court watcher this summer. Bailey heard about court watching through her church and was motivated to join to see what the hearing process is actually like. She participates so she can be a better advocate for tenants rights. Bailey wants to be able to talk about her firsthand experience as opposed to only citing statistics. She also sees how simply showing up at an eviction hearing provides support for tenants. The court watchers like to believe that "church ladies" who take notes urge the courts to "sit up" and be somewhat nicer, Bailey joked. Even for the tenants, the idea that somebody's there that cares about what's happening to them sends a powerful message, Bailey said. They're not going unnoticed, that they're being seen and they're being heard. Faceless landlords, voiceless tenants Bailey told me a story about one court docket including 20 cases in which Indianapolis tenants were at risk of eviction because their landlord changed. They didnt receive adequate communication about the new landlord or where rent was supposed to be sent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They didn't know how to get a hold of their landlord, Bailey said. What we found out through the proceedings was that that building had been sold, and this LLC was the new owner, and the attorney couldn't even give them an address or a phone number." "LLC" was all they knew. Nameless, faceless landlords can hand out evictions like candy. Court watchers are providing support to help tenants understand what, and who, they're up against. Briggs: Why Indiana sucks for renters Court watchers also are starting to observe immigration hearings, although that is more complicated. Special approval is often needed to even be able to observe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In all cases, the initiatives goals remain the same: supporting Hoosiers through amplifying their stories. Indiana and landlords get along a little too well. The court watchers show how Hoosiers care for our communities and neighbors. Contact IndyStar opinion fellow Sadia Khatri at sadia.khatri@indystar.com. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana makes eviction easy. Court watchers want change. | Opinion ELKHART The Great Cardboard Boat Race presented by NIBCO made waves with its most successful year yet. A record 71 boats competed at the LaSalle Bristol Pond in Welch Packaging corrugated cardboard boats, and thanks to the generosity of teams, donors and sponsors, the event raised over $170,000 to support families across Elkhart, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben counties. This years race was nothing short of incredible, said Bill Purcell, president and CEO of Crossroads United Way. The record-breaking fundraising and turnout show just how committed our community is to coming together, having fun and making a real difference for local families. The racing competition was fierce and fun, with the Bristol Fire Departments Boat Jovi Slippery When Wet taking first place overall. Second place went to Welch Packagings Yellow Submarine, followed by Utilimasters Whip It in third. Fourth place was claimed by Welch Packagings Margaritaville, with Indiana Michigan Powers A Sea D Sea in fifth. Alliances Aquaholics captured sixth, Goshen Healths Vital Signs came in seventh, and Newmars Back in Black rounded out the top eight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bristol Fire Department also took home top honors in the special First Responders Race, while NIBCOs Redneck Yacht Club received the coveted Cardboard Crusader Award. Special recognition also went to several standout boats in the Judges Choice categories. The United Way Design Award was presented to Grand Designs Jumpin Jack Splash, while the Judges Overall Choice Award went to Alliance RVs Iron Maiden. Fundraising was a highlight of the day as well. LaSalle Bristol earned the award for the most dollars raised, while Winnebago Industries and Grand Designs Jumpin Jack Splash captured the award for the most individual donors. Finally, in one of the most spirited traditions of the race, the Wonder that Went Down Under award for the best sink was given to Bens Pretzels. More information about Crossroads United Way or to get involved: www.cross roadsuw.org. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Tuesday ripped the State Department for halting visitor visas for people from Gaza. We need to be the America that allows war torn children to come here for life-saving surgeries and the America that never releases a foreign child sex predator that our great LEOs caught, Greene wrote in a post on social platform X, referring to Tom Artiom Alexandrovich, an official in Israels National Cyber Directorate who was arrested Monday in connection to a Las Vegas child sex trafficking sting. Would it be antisemitic to drag [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahus Cyber Executive Director back and prosecute this pos to the full extent of the law and at the same time let Palestinian kids who had their limbs and bodies blown apart receive surgeries in America? she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the groups halted from obtaining U.S. visas last Saturday were those seeking temporary medical-humanitarian visas for children. Greene, in recent weeks, has joined a chorus of other lawmakers who have railed against the Trump administration and Israel over the humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Im not saying bring in refugees or use tax payer dollars, not at all, but when did Americas heart grow so cold to refuse innocent children privately funded surgeries and then they return home after they recover? she added in her Tuesday social media post. Wouldnt we allow Israeli children if they were the ones needing surgery? Or war torn children from any other country? she continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the Trump administrations decision to halt visa processing for visitors from Gaza during a Sunday appearance on CBS Newss Face the Nation. First of all, its not just kids, Rubio said. Its a bunch of adults that are accompanying them. Second, we had outreach from multiple congressional offices asking questions about it, and so were going to reevaluate how those visas are being granted, he continued. 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. Rubio suggested some of the visitors had ties to Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And so we are not going to be in partnership with groups that are friendly with Hamas. So we need to were going to pause those visas, pending further review, he told host Margaret Brennan. But Greene pushed back on the administrations movie, invoking religious rhetoric. I know God does not discriminate in his love for children. Why would we? she asked on Tuesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. POLK COUNTY, Iowa A two-month-old Grimes baby who officials said was beaten by her father earlier this month has died. WHO 13 confirmed the information about the infants death with the Polk County Sheriffs Office on Tuesday. Dylan Brown The childs father, Dylan Brown, is accused of beating the child and the childs mother at the familys residence in the 600 block of NE Jacob Street in the early morning hours of August 7th. Emergency responders were called to the location after receiving a report that the baby was not breathing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Polk County Sheriffs Office said the child suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Live power line contact leaves Des Moines man with critical injuries Brown was arrested in the evening of August 7th. He is charged with felony child endangerment-serious injury, felony domestic abuse assault impeding air/blood flow, and two counts of felony willful injury-causing serious injury. Criminal complaints filed in the case said the mother of the child woke to Brown hitting the baby. When she tried to stop him, he hit her in the head and chased her out of the bedroom. Brown is accused of strangling her from a Bear Hug position until she passed out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaints also said Brown admitted to investigators he struck the baby all over her body, more than 40 times. Officials said the victim, has injuries to the brain, vagina, left arm and temple. The PCSO said the investigation is ongoing, and its office will be working with the Polk County Attorneys Office on possibly enhancing the charges. Metro news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Updated at 12:25 p.m. ET on August 20, 2025 Charlie Calkins grew up in a big extended family. Were talking about nearly 30 cousinssome of whom had their own kids. When he was in high school, he spent a lot of time with those young children: a position that some surly teens might resent but that Calkins adored. The idea that someday he would be a father himself seemed, to him, only natural. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He just needed to wait for the right partner to show up. So he did: He waited and waited. He went to business school. He built a career in tech. He traveled. And he went on dates. When a relationship didnt work out, hed return to professional modebouncing between intermittent surges of dating and work. I spent a lot of my early adulthood going, When everythings right, it will happen, he told me. Im definitely a The stars will align kind of person. And then one day it hit me: They were not aligning. Thats how Calkins ended up, in his 40s, making an appointment with a fertility clinicand eventually, over the course of years, getting matched with an egg donor and a gestational carrier, or surrogate. At 49, he became a parent. Now hes living in Durham, North Carolina, with a 7-year-old son and a daughter whos almost 2. Single mother by choice has become a common term for unpartnered women who have intentionally become parents. You rarely hear of single fathers by choice, which makes sense given that theyre much more rare. But this population, it appears, has been expandingslowly, over the course of a couple of decades, and then more notably in the past few years. The exact count is unclear; most surveys dont differentiate them from widowers or men separated from an uninvolved co-parent. Still: Susan Golombok, a University of Cambridge psychologist and the author of We Are Family: The Modern Transformation of Parents and Children, told me that before this millennium, single dads by choice were virtually unheard of. Based on my conversations with kin researchers, fertility-industry professionals, and adoption centers, thats certainly not the case anymore. [Read: Another side of modern fatherhood] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past few years, Yan Dekel, a community manager for an organization called Men Having Babies (MHB), has noticed what he described as a radical change in single-fatherhood interest. The nonprofit hosts conferences in a number of large U.S. cities (and abroad) to offer parenting or surrogacy information, legal advice, financial aidbut the main audience was always intended to be coupled gay men. As recently as 2021, Dekel told me, only a few single men would show up to a typical conference. Now the singles session tends to bring in about 50 men. In some cities, that represents a whole quarter of all the conference-goers. Perhaps this shouldnt be surprising given that singlehood rates have been rising for years, more steeply among men than womenleaving lots of would-be dads without a co-parent. But the fact that single men are deciding to start families on their own, some of them paying extravagantly for egg donation and surrogacy, might also say something about just how important fatherhood is for many men today. Multiple family-planning professionals told me that the coronavirus pandemic was a turning point for a lot of single fathers by choice: It led to a reorganization, reprioritization of whats really important in life, Jennifer McGill, the chief operating officer of the Maryland surrogacy agency Creative Family Connections, told me. Some men are deciding that being a father is what matters to themeven if romance isnt in the cards. American households are dramatically more diverse than they were a century ago. Gay couples are adopting or using fertility services; divorced parents are finding new partners and creating big blended families; friends are platonically co-parenting. Our norms for kinship are simply loosening up, and that can create a reinforcing phenomenon, as Ron Poole-Dayan, MHBs founder, put it: The more single dads you see around you, the more likely you might be to become a single dad yourselfand the more likely you might then be to inspire someone elses choice. Of the seven men I spoke with who were either a single dad or in the process of becoming one, most mentioned having a single-parent friend or having gone to an MHB conference: something that made the possibility feel a little less abstract. The experts I spoke with had the sense that single fatherhood by choice is more common among gay men than straight ones. Gay men, for one thing, would likely need to adopt or use a surrogate to have a kid whether they were partnered or not. Perhaps more important, they may be more accustomed to imagining what a family could look like beyond the bounds of societal expectations. And in recent years, Poole-Dayan told me, the gay community has seen a real demographic recovery after the AIDS epidemic took so many lives beginning in the 1980s. A new generation of gay men has made it through young adulthood with more health, stability, financial security, and societal acceptance than many before them ever had. All of those factors can make starting a family feel more possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For straight single dads by choice, the leap away from convention might feel more daunting, Batya Novick, a therapist who works with clients seeking to grow a family, told me. Novick started her practice, Calla Collective, in 2016but only in the past year and a half have single men started coming to her to talk through whether they should have a kid. Whereas the gay men shes worked with generally havent planned to give up on dating at all, the straight ones, she told me, seemed to be pursuing single fatherhood in the face of defeat versus the face of choice. Shes seen them struggle with a feeling of failure for not finding a wife, with latent grief as they adjust expectations, with isolation as they search for anyone around them having families in nontraditional ways. Some clients wrestle not only with how theyd make single parenthood work logistically and financially, but also with what becoming a sole caregiver means for their sense of self, she told me: There is this almost unspoken de-masculation. [Read: The slow, quiet demise of American romance] Theyre considering this in a moment when many of the traditional trappings of manhooda spouse, a breadwinners paycheck, an ambient sense of powerare no longer a given. Women are now graduating college at higher rates than men. A growing share of jobs require a degree, while many industries that traditionally favored menphysical labor, factory workare in decline. As fewer women (thankfully) rely on men for financial security, fewer straight men can rely on marriage. Conversations about toxic masculinity have put some men on the defensive; others see the traditional model of manhood as something to move away from. But toward what? Fatherhood, whatever questions about identity it might raise for some men, can also be an answer. Richard Reeves, as the president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, talks towell, a lot of boys and men. And he told me that he sees many of them placing great importance on becoming a dad, in a way he didnt always notice. For so long, he said, fatherhood was mediated through motherhood: Many straight men became dads almost by default, and their relationship with their children often remained fairly indirect. Picture a family tree, he told me, in which the lines between a mom and her children, and between herself and her husband, are solidbut a dotted line runs between that dad and his kids. Because fathers werent expected to give as much, in terms of the time and labor of child care, many of them also gained less in close, emotional relationships with their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: The people who quit dating] Today, though, fathers on the whole are far more engaged than they used to be. Even just from 2015 to 2023, the time that 25-to-44-year-old fathers spent on child care in an average week increased by about two and a half hours. That time climbed significantly from 2019 to 2023, perhaps a sign of what McGill, the surrogacy-agency COO, had described as men coming out of the pandemic wanting to spend those moments with their loved ones before it was too late. And when Pew Research Center polled young adults without children in late 2023, it found that 57 percent of the men surveyed said they hoped to have kids someday, while only 45 percent of the women said the same. Perhaps as pressure on women to become mothers has loosened, allowing more women to choose to remain child-free, some men are undergoing the opposite revelation: realizing that some of the qualities associated with parenting, such as care and tenderness, need not be so relentlessly feminized; that parenthood could be a much-needed source of purpose. Single fathers by choice, who have the ultimate solid line between themselves and their kids, give Reeves hope. People are realizing, he said, that fatherhood has to survive gender equality. For many of the single men I talked with, fatherhood dangled a promise of deeper meaning in life. They told me they wanted to multiply love, to teach a child all that theyd learned, to re-create the warm family dynamic theyd experienced as a child. One New York dad, Raghav Nayar, said that he craved both a sense of purpose and of human connection. Like many men, hed never quite learned to open up to people emotionally. He was academically and professionally successful, yet unfulfilled. But he was inspired by a Buddhist tale hed heard, about a child whose mother gives him the top of a glass of milk: the tastiest part, with the highest concentration of butter. A parent, the story goes, doesnt expect anything in return for their love. He wanted to feel that kind of transcendent selflessness. If I raise a child who is a good human being, he told me, I cant ask for anything else. Becoming a single dad by choice tends to be difficultin some ways that are unavoidable, and some ways that reflect persistent skepticism about mens fitness as parents. Single men cant legally adopt or access assisted reproductive technology in every country, so many of them travel to the United States just to get that chance. But even in America, some adoption agencies view single men with suspicion, and many dont actively recruit men. In some states, surrogacy is illegal or requires overcoming legal obstacles; in every state, its complicated and extraordinarily expensive. A hopeful father must choose an egg donor, who will undergo a slate of medical screenings, and find a surrogate, who may well live in another state. Legal contracts have to be drawn up to ensure that the father will be considered the sole parent (and not the surrogate, who would otherwise hold parental rights). Because so many people need to be paid, the price of this undertaking hasnt gone down much over the years, even as its become more widely used, Sheeva Talebian, a doctor at CCRM Fertility in New York, told me. All in all, it can cost a couple of hundred thousand dollars. And, of course, thats just the start of raising a child, which itself is prohibitively expensive for many Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Men Having Babies provides financial assistance to some aspiring dads, but the organization has also been pushing for insurance plans to cover these costs. So far success has been limited. In 2019, for instance, New York passed legislation making IVF a mandated health-plan benefit for large-group insurance policiesand in 2021 issued an anti-discrimination directive for same-sex couples. But surrogacy coverage still isnt required, so single men and gay male partners are out of luck. And many insurance providers still define infertility as the inability to conceive after a year of trying, rather than the inability to conceive without medical intervention. MHB has tried to galvanize people around these issuesbut has struggled, even within the LGBTQ community. Poole-Dayan thinks many people see parenthood as integral to a womans purpose but as an extra treat for men, especially gay men. This is the flip side of the misguided assumption that all women want children and will be deprived without them: that men cant truly be deprived of parenthood. The average person doesnt think of us as childless, he told me. A lot of discrimination is tolerated and a lot of support is withheld because of that. And this is without even talking about those people who are actually looking at what were doing suspiciously. [Read: What older dads know] The donor-and-surrogacy process can also take years, which is difficult given that many single men start it, McGill told me, in their 40swhen they realize theyre running out of time. Male fertility does decline with age, though not at a rate as steep as for women. But men still face emotional, logistical, and existential limits on their child-rearing window: They might not want to carry around a toddler when theyre 60, or leave a still-young child parentless when they dieand men face a shorter average lifespan than women. Greg Larson, an aspiring dad in New Jersey, started looking for egg donors in 2022, had embryos created by the end of 2023, and now hes matched with a surrogatebut she hasnt gotten pregnant yet. If everything goes perfectly, he might have a baby around his 46th birthday, next May. If things dont work out with this surrogate, he might not start all of this over again. And yet, despite the obstacles, becoming a single dad by choice can be empowering. It means not waiting for a partner to complete your life, knowing what you want to prioritize, actively creating the life you want, even if its not what anyone expected of you. For the men I spoke with, making this decision also pushed them to be vulnerable enough to ask for help, or to build community. Calkins has four sisters, two of whom are local and all of whom adore his kids. He finds himself texting the aunties little updatesthe kind of thing he might, in a different world, be sending to a spouse. Larson has met other aspiring single dads through Men Having Babies; they talk about navigating the surrogacy process, how to date while theyre in the midst of it, what to tell romantic prospects about the possibility but not certainty of near-future fatherhood. Its really cool, he said, the people that you pick up along the way that you get unexpected support from. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The men I spoke with never set out to buck tradition; they just wanted to be dads. But that decision spurred some of them to consider what it means to be a good fatherand a good man. Nayar told me he notices now how rarely he sees another father in the park with his kid. Sometimes when he does, he thinks the father seems a little begrudging, walking slightly behind the child, and he wonders how many of these dads were told by their wife to take the kid out to play. He understands: He, too, is stretching to be not just a provider, that classic masculine trope, but also a nurturersomeone softer, more open. The other day, when he was visiting his cousins two daughters, the 5-year-old got in trouble and ran into the living room and hid behind the couch. He picked her up and took her to the mirror, and they looked at their reflections together. You are wonderful, he told her. And you dont have to worry about anything. In an ideal world, these single dads by choice might prefer not to be single. But many of the experts I spoke with told me the ones they knew were notably steady and optimistic. And that made sense to me: The ones who have made it this far are the ones who really want fatherhood. I dont know quite how to explain it, Calkins told me, but I was just so confident and comfortable with the fact that I wanted to be a parent. And I was going to love being a parent, which I do. Getting to this point, despite the effort and technology involved, felt like the most organic thing in the world to him. And in a way he never quite expected, the stars ended up aligning after all. This article originally stated that Creative Family Connections is a fertility clinic. In fact, its a surrogacy agency. When you buy a book using a link on this page, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic. Article originally published at The Atlantic European Council President Antonio Costa has said there's "growing momentum around providing Ukraine with security guarantees," after hosting a virtual summit with EU leaders to discuss yesterday's Ukraine talks in Washington. "Now is the time to accelerate our practical work to put in place a guarantee similar to NATO's Article 5 with continued United States engagement," Costa said in a statement issued following the online talks on Tuesday. The EU official added that he spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the phone afterwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Article 5 of the NATO treaty stipulates that an attack on one member state shall be treated like an attack on them all. While it appears increasingly unlikely that Zelensky's demand for full Ukrainian membership will ever materialize, European allies and US President Donald Trump appear to be discussing the possibility of providing Ukraine with Article 5-style security guarantees. Costa said military leaders from the so-called Coalition of the Willing, a group of nations that have said they are ready to contribute to ensuring Ukraine's security in the event of a peace deal, are set to meet with US partners this week to nail down the details of possible security guarantees. Costa stressed that it was not just Ukraine's but "Europe's security ... at stake here." Investigators are still seeking a person suspected of shooting three people to death over the weekend in the Lancaster area. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to a report of a shooting at 4:52 p.m. Sunday near 215th Street East and East Palmdale Boulevard, according to a news release. Deputies from the Lancaster sheriff's station who investigated came across a gruesome scene three people with gunshot wounds in two separate vehicles, according to KABC-TV. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were identified as a 65-year-old woman, a 44-year-old man and another man in his 40s. All three died at the scene, authorities said. Deputies discovered the mortally wounded woman at the site, a sheriff's official told KTLA. Simultaneously, deputies located an SUV that had a trailer attached to it and located two additional males suffering from gunshot wounds. They were pronounced deceased on scene as well, Sheriff's Lt. Steven Dejong said. The shooter is believed to have approached the victims by car and opened fire before driving off, according to KABC. Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the L.A. County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. 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. CHICAGO (WGN) A gun was found during the entry process on the first day of the 2025-26 school year at Whitney Young High School, school officials say. The schools principal, Rickey Harris, sent a letter to parents and guardians on Monday notifying them that a firearm was found during the schools standard entry screening. Chicago Public Schools families mark the start of the 2025-26 school year The gun was immediately secured and did not proceed further into the building, Harris said in the letter. Just to be clear, there appears to be no indicated threat towards anyone in our school community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials say there were no threats made to any students or staff members. No injuries were reported. Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines The full letter reads: Safety is always my top priority, which is why I am writing to notify you of a situation that occurred earlier today. This morning, a gun was identified during our standard entry screening. The gun was immediately secured and did not proceed further into the building. We also notified the CPS Office of Safety and Security and the Chicago Police Department (CPD) for support.. No threats were made and no students or staff members were physically injured as a result of this situation. Just to be clear, there appears to be no indicated threat towards anyone in our school community. While I cannot provide further details for privacy reasons, I can share that we are handling this matter in accordance with CPS policies, and CPD will provide our school with additional safety support at todays dismissal at 3:15pm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Please know that we take situations like this seriously to ensure the safety of our school community. If your child voices any fears or concerns about this, please let us know so we can ensure their social-emotional needs are met. I especially want to commend our Whitney Young Security Team for their quick action during this incident. Thank you for your partnership in helping us provide all students with a safe and welcoming school environment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (KRON) A verbal altercation escalated into a shooting at a Fairfield gas station, according to the Fairfield Police Department. Fairfield police officers responded to a report of a shooting at a gas station near Central Way at around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. Authorities found shell casings in the parking lot of the gas station. Per the investigation, witnesses informed police that an argument between two people at a pump resulted in a man firing multiple gunshots in the air. Bystanders described the suspect to the officers and reported that he fled on foot in a southbound direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vacaville police seize large fentanyl stash, woman arrested A short time later, according to police, officers detained a man who matched the suspects description. Fairfield PD said they located a gun hidden near bushes near where the shooter was found. The suspect, a 34-year-old Antioch resident, was arrested and booked into the county jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Prepare for a cutting-edge discussion on freight budgeting in 2025 and beyond with an exclusive webinar hosted by FreightWaves and J.B. Hunt. Scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, at 2 PM ET, this event is designed to shed some light on the complexities and challenges in todays freight industry, most notably the volatile rates, shifting demand, and labor challenges. Among the panelists is Thom Albrecht, the Chief Revenue Officer of Reliance Partners, a key voice in the transportation insurance realm. With a career deeply entrenched in transportation since 1988, Albrecht brings unparalleled expertise to the table. At Reliance Partners, he leads initiatives that marry the fast-paced world of logistics with innovative insurance solutions, a testament to the companys commitment to revolutionizing an industry steeped in tradition. Their robust portfolio of customized insurance services ensure that businesses are fortified against unforeseen challenges across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Under Albrechts leadership, Reliance Partners has positioned itself as a forerunner in offering API-driven, on-demand coverage, tailored to meet specific business needs. This adaptable approach is crucial in todays rapidly changing economic landscape, as businesses must navigate risks while staying agile. Albrecht will spend his sessions highlighting the intricate dynamics of capacity and labor within the freight sector. His insights will focus on availability, utilization, and the impacts of shifting policies. Understanding these dynamics will be pivotal as businesses develop strategies to effectively allocate resources and forecast future budgetary needs. In addition to discussing capacity and labor, the webinar will cover current market insights, demand trends, and forecasts. Thom Albrecht will provide participants with the tools and actionable strategies needed to tackle the multifaceted challenges of freight budgeting. This market has been defined by uncertainty and rapid change. Grappling with evolving customer demands and strategic contingency planning is necessary for predicting trends beyond 2025. Join Albrecht, alongside other industry leaders such as Spencer Frazier, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at J.B. Hunt, and Zach Strickland, Director of Freight Market Intelligence at FreightWaves, as they discuss SONAR-powered insights and strategic guidance from J.B. Hunt, focusing on the late 2025 landscape and beyond. These insights are crucial if you want to remain agile in an ever-evolving freight market. Police are searching for a man they say shot his brother and attacked his brothers girlfriend on Monday night. Lithonia police say Mark Clark, 56, shot his 60-year-old brother in the stomach. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The brother was rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition. Police say Clark also pistol-whipped his brothers 51-year-old girlfriend. She was also taken to the hospital and is listed as stable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators say Clark is likely traveling in a tan Toyota Corolla or a gray Honda Odyssey with Georgia tag XMU922. TRENDING STORIES: He is described as being six feet, one inch and approximately 160 pounds. They say Clark should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who knows where Clark may be should contact investigators by clicking here. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] At least 27 worshippers have been killed and several wounded when armed bandits stormed a mosque in northern Nigerias Katsina state during morning prayers, a village head and a hospital official said. The gunmen opened fire inside a mosque as Muslims gathered to pray at around 04:00 GMT in the remote community of Unguwan Mantau in the Malumfashi local government area, residents said. No one immediately claimed responsibility, but such attacks have become more common in Nigerias northwestern and north-central regions, where local herders and farmers often clash over limited access to land and water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attacks have killed and injured scores, with a June attack in north-central Nigeria killing more than 100 people. Amnesty International called for the government to end the almost daily bloodshed in Benue state. That attack took place in Yelwata, a town in Benue State, according to Amnesty. The prolonged conflict has become deadlier in recent years, with authorities and analysts warning that more herdsmen are taking up arms. The states commissioner, Nasir Muazu, said the army and police have deployed in the area of Unguwan Mantau following Tuesdays bloodshed to prevent further attacks, adding that gunmen often hide among the crops in farms during the rainy season to carry out assaults on communities. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent, Dr. Crystal Hill, is excited about the 2025-26 school year and the opportunities ahead as district leaders implement new safety protocols and encourage parents to sign up for the Infinite Campus portal. During a Back to School event on Tuesday at the Central Piedmont Community College campus, district leaders talked about some new protocols for students, including safety procedures where the district will be using the I Love U Guys safety procedures when it comes to school lockdowns and student communication inside of the schools. As part of our continuous effort to improve and standardize our safety procedures, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has adopted the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for all schools, effective for the 2025-2026 school year. This protocol, developed by the national non-profit I Love U Guys Foundation, is used by school districts across the country to create a predictable and unified response to any school-based incident. The SRP is an all-hazards approach that uses simple, clear, common language for all students, staff, and first responders. Instead of having dozens of different codes for specific scenarios, the SRP is based on five simple actions. When an incident occurs, a specific action will be announced, followed by instructions. The five actions are: hold, secure, lockdown, evacuate, and shelter. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Crime across the district is also down, according to statistics from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Guns found on the campuses of CMS schools dropped 69% and went from 29 guns found on campus to nine for the 2023-24 school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was also a call to parents who have yet to sign up for the Infinite Campus portal to complete this task as soon as possible. Infinite Campus is a student information system that all districts in North Carolina are using. Last year, the district used PowerSchool. So far, 40,382 parents or guardians have completed the registration process to the Infinite Campus app, but that is still a long way to go with enrollment at over 141,000 in the district. These forms, in all seriousness, provide really critical information for each childs teachers and administrators, said Beth Thompson, chief strategy and innovation officer with CMS. Things like medical information, preferences regarding photo and media releases. CMS notes there are still 80 open teaching positions heading into the school year, and the human resources department is actively interviewing potential candidates. As for school transportation, the district has all routes covered at this time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Hill said her one concern is funding for the district in the future. She said that with so much uncertainty on every level, district leaders have already started the budget process, something that is not usually started until November. The new school year begins on August 25, 2025. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Democratic Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries of New York was welcomed to Nevada on Monday for a community meeting about restoring and expanding healthcare and securing Nevadas energy and economic future. Nevada Democratic Congressman Steven Horsford welcomed Jeffries at the community meeting. Horsford spoke to 8 News Now after the meeting regarding the recent drop in Canadian tourists to Las Vegas. Horsford cited President Trumps tariffs on Canada, arguing that the dip in tourists impacts businesses all over Southern Nevada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, the president raised the tariff rate on U.S. imports from Canada from 25% to 35%. Trump argued that Canada failed to do more to stop drugs and criminals at the northern border. Im grateful to Congressman Steven Horsford for hosting us and for his continued leadership on this issue, Jeffries 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. Al-Hayek stresses that the Palestinian Authority should govern Gaza after the war and urges international backing for reconstruction. GAZA CITY - Munther Al-Hayek, spokesperson for the Palestinian Fatah Movement in the Gaza Strip, spoke with The Media Line about Fatahs vision for post-war Gaza. He described a future government under Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa, the removal of Hamas from power, coordination with Arab states, and the role of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Discussing governance after the war, Al-Hayek said Gaza should be administered by a government headed by Mustafa and stressed that Hamas should be pressured to step down. He explained that Fatah is engaged in intensive and ongoing communications with Egypt and other Arab countries about postwar arrangements. Al-Hayek pointed out that an Arab-Islamic planendorsed by both the Arab Summit and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah - calls for the PA to impose its legal jurisdiction over the Gaza Strip. The day following the war must be distinctly Palestinian, he told The Media Line, noting that Israel has rejected proposals giving the PA control. He added that the PA is the official and legitimate face of the State of Palestine. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam meets with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Beirut, Lebanon, May 22, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED AZAKIR) According to Al-Hayek, Fatah believes the Mustafa government should take full legal authority in Gaza, backed by all political parties, including Fatah and the Palestinian factions, so it can fulfill its administrative and governance responsibilities in Gaza, particularly the day after the war. He said that afterward, the process should move toward legislative, presidential, and National Council elections, allowing the Palestinian people to choose their future leadership. Ending war is immediate priority Ending the war, he continued, was the immediate priority. Right now, all we are thinking about is ending the war in the Gaza Strip, he said, and then moving towards a political process that leads to the establishment of the Palestinian state and its embodiment on the ground in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with Jerusalem as its capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Hayek made clear that Hamas should relinquish its governing role. We have requested Hamas to exit the governmental and administrative scene, he told The Media Line. We have not asked Hamas members and their families to leave the Gaza Strip, as they remain an integral part of the Palestinian people. However, Hamas is now required to step back from this governing role. He said Hamas currently finds itself in a difficult situation and that all Palestinian factions desire nothing but to reach a clear and well-defined agreement allowing the PA to take over governance in Gaza, as it already does in the West Bank. One reason Hamas must step aside, he argued, is that the situation after October 7 is entirely different from what it was before October 7. The war, he said, has created complex security circumstances, including the occupation of large parts of Gaza, demographic and geographic shifts, and the presence of occupying forces in the Strip. To alleviate all the suffering and harsh pain endured by our people, he said, Hamas must step aside and allow the Palestinian National Authority to assume responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus remark that neither Fatahstan, nor Hamastan, nor the Palestinian Authority will exist in the Gaza Strip, Al-Hayek cited international support for a PA role. He noted that when the European Union called for the PAs presence at the Rafah crossing, it meant the Palestinian Authority, regardless of the form or nature of its presence. Turning to humanitarian concerns, Al-Hayek said Gaza will face an enormous task of rebuilding once the war ends. The Gaza Strip needs reconstruction. It needs the world to mobilize for food and reconstruction, he said. But he added, this world will not mobilize, pay, or undertake reconstruction except through the legitimate body. That legitimate body, he emphasized, is the Palestinian National Authority, which represents the Palestinians in the territories occupied in 1967. He said there are ongoing contacts with the entire international community, the United Nations, and the European Union, and added, There will certainly be contacts with the United States. Speaking about Washingtons role, Al-Hayek criticized the lack of American action so far. Unfortunately, up to this moment, the United States and the administration of President Trumpwho personally spoke about extinguishing fires across the entire Middle Easthave not yet acted regarding Gaza, he said. We have not found any initiative from the United States to stop the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He urged the US to recognize there was already a proposed solution on the table, which is the two-state solution. Without it, he warned, hatred will persist within this generation that experienced the war of October 7. This generation will fully realize that if the Palestinian issue is not resolved, there will be neither security nor peace in the Middle East region, especially in Palestine. Therefore, he said, the United States is required to take a step forwardfirst to stop the war, then to assist the Palestinian people in obtaining their rights. Those rights, he concluded, can only be achieved through the realization of a Palestinian state, with Jerusalem as its capitalthis is for sure. The Fatah spokesperson also emphasized the importance of regional and global backing. We have experienced a war in the Gaza Strip that targeted our people. The international community, our Arab brothers, our friends, and the European Union must stand by the Palestinian people. Asked whether Gazans would be allowed to leave, Al-Hayek was unequivocal. The Palestinian people do not want to leave Gaza, he told The Media Line. We repeat each time: We will remain in Gaza until Judgment Day. Here we were born, and here we shall die. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He acknowledged that some residents might travel temporarily for leisure, education, or medical treatment, but rejected the idea of permanent departure. To abandon Gaza, he said, in the way envisioned by Netanyahus extremist government, along with Smotrich and Ben-Gvirthat is an illusion. We emphasize clearly: this is an illusion. We will remain in Gaza until Judgment Day. We are the rightful owners of this land; we will build it, develop it, live upon it, and be buried beneath its soil, he said. Some of us might leave temporarily due to difficult living conditions, for education or medical treatment. But to leave and abandon our homes, houses, history, and livesthat certainly is an illusion. No Palestinian, he added, would accept leaving their property, life, and memories behind simply because of a war. Only the National Security Forces, Al-Hayek said, should be deployed to protect public properties and the properties of citizens. Any administrative or support committees, he argued, must be part of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian government. We do not say coordinate with the Authority, as coordination is a vague term. He called the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) the representative of the Palestinian people and said it will determine Gazas future. Whoever wishes to govern the Strip must go to the ballot box, because it is the Palestinian people who choose their future leadership, he said. The spokesperson pointed to a clear plan proposed by Fatah through Egypt that affirms on the day after, legitimacy belongs exclusively to the official body representing the Palestinian people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He concluded by calling for a ceasefire at least during this phase that would include the release of hostages from the Gaza Strip and the release by Israel of prisoners who, he said, fought for freedom and independence. Regarding pressure, he finished, we have repeatedly demandedand we demand once again for the thousandth timethat Hamas exit the governmental scene. Hamas must leave the Gaza Strip to the legitimate government, which represents Palestinian citizens in both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Hamas reportedly accepted a ceasefire proposal similar to one previously agreed to by Israel. The Qatari-Egyptian plan would see the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and would require Israel to allow aid into the besieged territory: At least 263 people have died of starvation there, Al Jazeera reported. The plan apparently includes both an initial ceasefire and a route to an end to the war. Mediators have intensified diplomatic efforts ahead of a possible Israeli incursion into Gaza City, but it is unclear whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is amenable: His finance minister, a far-right politician whose support is crucial for Netanyahus coalition, posted online that he opposed a partial deal. CAIRO (AP) Hamas says it has accepted a proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the 22-month war sparked by its Oct. 7, 2023, attack into Israel. Israel has not yet responded and says it is still committed to defeating the militant group. The latest proposal developed by Egypt and Qatar contains only slight modifications to an earlier one advanced by the United States and accepted by Israel, according to Egyptian and Hamas officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive talks. The deal would include a 60-day truce, the release of some of the hostages held by Hamas in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, a flood of humanitarian aid into Gaza and talks on a lasting ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has vowed to continue the war until all the hostages are returned and Hamas is disarmed. President Donald Trump gave support to those goals Monday in a social media post, saying Hamas must be confronted and destroyed to ensure the return of the remaining hostages. A ceasefire, a hostage release and an influx of aid The details of the latest proposal have not been made public, but the two Egyptian officials and two Hamas officials described the broad outlines to The Associated Press. There would be a 60-day ceasefire in which Israeli forces would pull back to a buffer zone extending 800 meters (875 yards) into Gaza. The officials said Trump's Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, had proposed 1,500 meters (1,640 yards) and Hamas countered with 600 meters (656 yards) before the talks stalled last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases, in exchange for the release of around 1,700 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, including 200 serving life sentences after being convicted of deadly attacks. Hamas-led militants took 251 people hostage in the Oct. 7 attack and killed around 1,200, mostly civilians. Fifty hostages are still in Gaza, around 20 of them believed by Israel to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefires or other deals. Israel would allow 600 trucks of humanitarian aid to enter each day, a major increase that could help arrest what experts have described as the territory's slide toward famine. Israel allowed a similar amount of aid to enter during a ceasefire earlier this year. During the temporary ceasefire, the sides would negotiate a lasting truce, the release of the remaining hostages and the further withdrawal of Israeli forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel is committed to destroying Hamas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that while he will halt the fighting temporarily to facilitate the release of hostages, he will not end the war until Hamas has been defeated and disarmed. Even then, he says Israel will maintain security control over Gaza and facilitate the relocation of much of its population to other countries through what he describes as voluntary emigration. Palestinians and much of the international community view it as forcible expulsion. Earlier this month, Netanyahu announced plans to occupy Gaza City and other densely populated areas, which would likely result in even more casualties and further waves of mass displacement. Those threats were partly aimed at pressuring Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's offensive has already killed over 62,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry does not say how many were civilians or combatants but says women and children make up around half of those killed. Vast areas of Gaza have been completely destroyed. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and run by medical professionals. The U.N. and many independent experts view its figures as the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties. Israel disputes them but has not provided its own numbers. Hamas is severely weakened but not defeated Hamas has suffered heavy losses through nearly two years of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of its top leaders have been killed, its rocket supplies have been vastly depleted, and Israel has regularly announced the destruction of tunnel complexes and other military infrastructure. Iran and Hamas' other regional allies are in disarray after Israeli and U.S. strikes. The Israeli military says it now controls at least 75% of Gaza, with much of the population and the remnants of Hamas' government and police force largely confined to Gaza City, built-up refugee camps from the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation and Muwasi, a sprawling tent camp along the coast. The hostages are Hamas' last bargaining chip and its only hope of emerging from the war with something it can try to portray as a victory. The militant group has said it will only release the remaining captives in return for more Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal. Hamas says it is willing to hand over power to other Palestinians but will not lay down its arms as long as Israel occupies lands the Palestinians want for a future state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel says any arrangement that leaves Hamas intact and armed would allow it to eventually rebuild its forces and launch another Oct. 7-style attack. The U.S. role is crucial Israel has been tight-lipped about the talks, and it's unclear when it will respond. The Security Cabinet, which would need to approve any such deal, usually meets on Thursdays. In the meantime, all eyes are on Washington. Trump helped to get a previous ceasefire across the finish line in January after former President Joe Biden's administration and Arab mediators had spent months hammering it out. The U.S. then offered its full support when Israel ended that truce and resumed its air and ground war in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump alone might be able to convince Israel to halt the war without trying to eradicate Hamas at the cost of countless more Palestinian lives and possibly the remaining hostages. He says he wants to return the hostages and end the war but has not publicly pressured Israel. In a post Monday on his Truth Social website, Trump appeared once again to express full support for Netanyahu's endgame. We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be, he wrote. Play to WIN, or dont play at all! ___ Krauss reported from Ottawa, Ontario. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Hamas has said it has accepted a new proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as the threat of Israeli occupation looms. The deal would include a 60 day truce and the release of half of the remaining hostages taken by the terror group on 7 October, 2023. A source close to the talks told Reuters that, unlike previous rounds, Hamas accepted the proposal with no further demands. Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene discussions about the ceasefire proposal soon, Israeli officials said. He faces pressure from his far-right government partners who object to a truce with Hamas, but also mounting protests from Israelis to bring an end to the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes as Gaza's Health Ministry says the Palestinian death toll from 22 months of war has passed 62,000. Displaced Palestinians make their way towards the site of a humanitarian aid airdrop at the Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip (AFP via Getty Images) Israel announced plans to reoccupy Gaza City and other heavily populated areas after ceasefire talks appeared to break down in July, raising the possibility of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which experts say is sliding into famine. Plans to expand the offensive, in part aimed at pressuring Hamas, have sparked international outrage and infuriated many Israelis who fear for the remaining hostages taken in the 7 October 2023 attack that started the war. Hundreds of thousands took part in mass protests on Sunday calling for their return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, meanwhile, said mediators are "exerting extensive efforts" to revive a U.S. proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, during which some of the remaining 50 hostages would be released and the sides would negotiate a lasting ceasefire and the return of the rest. Mr Abdelatty said they are inviting US envoy Steve Witkoff to join the ceasefire talks. Tens of thousands of Israelis turned out to protest the war at the weekend (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Mr Abdelatty spoke to journalists during a visit to Egypt's Rafah crossing with Gaza, which has not functioned since Israel seized the Palestinian side in May 2024. He was accompanied by Mohammad Mustafa, the prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, which has been largely sidelined since the war began. Mr Abdelatty said Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani had joined the talks, which include senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, who arrived in Cairo last week. Mr Abdelatty said they are open to other ideas, including for a comprehensive deal that would release all the hostages at once. Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, said that the militant group had accepted the proposal introduced by the mediators, without elaborating. Palestinians struggling to get access to food as thousands suffer from malnutrition (AP) An Egyptian official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks, said the proposal includes changes to Israel's pullback of its forces and guarantees for negotiations on a lasting ceasefire during the initial truce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The official said it is almost identical to an earlier proposal accepted by Israel, which has not yet joined the latest talks. Diaa Rashwan, head of the Egypt State Information Service, said that Egypt and Qatar have sent the Hamas-accepted proposal to Israel. An Israeli official said Israel's positions, including on the release of all hostages, had not changed from previous rounds of talks. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak with the media. Mr Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all the hostages are returned and Hamas has been disarmed, and to maintain lasting security control over Gaza. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. The prime minister said in a video addressing the Israeli public that reports of Hamas' acceptance of the proposal showed that it is "under massive pressure". Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering the proposal (ABIR SULTAN) And US President Donald Trump appeared to cast doubt on the long-running negotiations that Washington has mediated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be," he posted on social media. Hamas-led militants abducted 251 people and killed around 1,200, mostly civilians, in the attack that ignited the war. Around 20 of the hostages still in Gaza are believed by Israel to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefires or other deals. Gaza's Health Ministry said the Palestinian death toll from the war had climbed to 62,004, with another 156,230 people wounded. It does not say how many were civilians or combatants, but says women and children make up around half the dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry said 1,965 people have been killed while seeking humanitarian aid since May, either in the chaos around U.N. convoys or while heading to sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed American contractor. The UN World Food Program said on Monday that UN partner organisations reported that community kitchens in north and south Gaza produced 380,000 daily meals daily last week far fewer than the more than 1 million daily meals they produced in April. A 34-year-old New Hampton man was found guilty on 13 charges after a monthslong investigation into poaching, New Hampshire Fish and Game announced. This is on top of convictions in 2023 and 2024, according to the agency. In two separate trials on Aug. 13 in Laconia District Court, Derrick Poirier was found guilty of seven charges of receiving stolen property (trail cameras), illegal night hunting, two charges of hunting without a valid license, two charges of hunting after suspension and one charge of failing to have his name and contact information on a trail camera, according to a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recent convictions stemmed from a Thanksgiving Day 2024 incident that had a conservation officer pursuing Poirier from more than 5 miles while Poirier illegally hunted during a heavy snowstorm, according to the news release. During the investigation, seven stolen trail cameras belonging to five victims were recovered from Poiriers home Poirier was ordered to pay $16,000 in fines and penalty assessments for the stolen property. Prior convictions include multiple counts of hunting without a license, hunting after suspension, hunting during the closed season, interference with a conservation officer, illegal possession of a deer, trespassing and numerous other violation level charges. It is unclear if Poirier was represented by a lawyer during the one-day trial. jphelps@unionleader.com GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) Happy birthday to you, CMU. Despite the school being a century old, the campus energy today on the first day of school felt young at heart. The start of fall is amazing, says Dr. Roberto Montoya, senior vice president of student services, but the fact that this is our 100th class, our centennial celebration, I think just amplifies it. The energy is palpable. On Sunday evening, the alumni association hosted a centennial ceremony at Houston Hall, and in true college spirit, last nights party is still going strong. From barbeques in the CMU courtyard, to a Mexican popsicle stand, and even a rock-climbing wall, the first day of school was certainly one for the schoolbooks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Incoming students told WesternSlopeNow they were excited to network and make new friends, which may be easier this year. CMUs 2025 freshman class is the biggest to date. But for many students, the fun of college life wouldnt be possible without scholarships funded by CMUs community. This is why the school is celebrating its centennial birthday by amping up fundraising efforts to make sure their student body stays strong for another one hundred years to come. If you want to find out more about CMUs centennial fundraising efforts, including their documentary film and memorial book, you can visit www.cmucentury.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation. To get this in your inbox, sign up here for free just click TechCrunch Mobility! Ford made its big EV announcement early this week a plan to invest $2 billion to transform its Louisville Assembly Plant into a factory capable of making a new generation of affordable EVs, starting with a midsize pickup truck with a base price of $30,000 that is slated to launch in 2027. Amid the presentations from various executives, union leaders, and employees, CEO Jim Farley said something I couldnt quite shake: There are no guarantees with this project. Were doing so many new things, I cant tell you with 100% uncertainty that this will all go just right; it is a bet. There is risk. The bet? The company put together a skunkworks team, which worked for a couple of years to find a way to build a line of affordable electric vehicles that could be made in the United States faster, more efficiently, and with fewer parts, all while preserving profit margins. To do that, the company has scrapped the century-old system that made Ford a household name and developed a new three-pronged assembly line that uses more automation and unicastings. Ford, like many other automakers, is being squeezed by tariffs, slower than expected EV demand, and the looming threat of competition from China. The company has to act if it wants to stay relevant. But is this the move? Ford cant really use this manufacturing technique at other factories, since it is pinned to how the vehicle is designed and then split into three unicastings a major departure from the method used to assemble its other vehicles. What this means is were witnessing a $5 billion experiment ($3 billion for the LFP battery factory and $2 billion for Louisville) to keep jobs in the United States. A little bird Image Credits:Bryce Durbin A few little birds told us that rental car startup Kyte, which once billed itself as the best alternative to Hertz, is no longer operating. The startup was already in trouble late last year after slashing staff and cutting down to just two markets. But in July, the company sold its customer list to peer-to-peer car share company Turo. (Turo declined further commenting on the terms.) And since then, Kyte appears to have gone fully under, entering a form of receivership in California in late July. That has apparently left a number of customers in the lurch who had already booked rentals through Kyte; Turo told TechCrunch it is only responsible for the assets it purchased not any financial claims against the now-defunct Kyte. Toward the end of her recently republished autobiography, My Country, Africa, the political organizer Andree Blouin reflects on the failures of the independence movements that galvanized so many Africans, including herself, to fight their colonial oppressors. A crucial subject of Johan Grimonprezs critically-acclaimed documentary Soundtrack to a Coup dEtat, Blouin, served as the chief protocol of Patrice Lumumbas nascent government in the Congo. Her role gave her access to both working class people, whose political force propelled the liberation strategies to success, as well as members of the new ruling class, who were statespeople tasked with filling newly formed power vacuums. As I look back I think the hardest thing for us to bear during the long struggle for viable statehood has been the knowledge that it is not the outsiders who have damaged Africa most, Blouin writes, but the mutilated will of the people and the selfishness of some of our own leaders. These politicians often prioritized their own economic comfort over that of their constituents, and contributed to a precarious post-independence landscape as a direct result. More from IndieWire Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many African filmmakers drew a similar set of conclusions in the 1970s, and spent the decade making works that addressed the realities of public officials who, in Blouins words, sold out their black brothers and sisters in service of neocolonialism. Films like Ousmane Sembenes Xala (1975) and Souleymane Cisses Baara (1978) meditate on the disappointments littering post-independence African nations, and assess the weight of unrealized expectations on their people. They exist within the same family of work as Ayi Kwei Armahs melancholic 1968 novel The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born, in which the Ghanaian writer considers the rugged terrain of the Gold Coast country in the afterglow of independence. In that text, an unnamed narrator struggles to make an honest living as a railway clerk. He watches his nation languish as former classmates, now public servants in Kwame Nkrumahs government, shamelessly fill their coffers with bribes. Whereas Armahs novel operates in the sorrowful register of existentialism, Sembene and Cisses films revel in the barbed parameters of comedy and trade in the comeuppance of corrupt leaders. Both directors rely on a kind of caustic humor to uncover the class struggle that has always complicated the colonial one. Xala Xala, which Sembene adapted from his 1973 novel of the same name, follows El Hadji Abdoukader Beye (Thierno Leye), a corrupt Senegalese businessman cursed with impotence after embezzling tons of rice in order to secure money to marry his third wife. The film treats El Hadjis erectile dysfunction, and his bumbling quest to resolve it, as a metaphor for post-independence leaders with shallow commitments to liberatory politics. Instead of prioritizing their working class constituents, these politicians abandoned or sold them out. Sembene captures this betrayal in the films efficient opening sequence, during which a group of Senegalese leaders, including El Hadji, expel white French delegates from the countrys chamber of commerce. Dressed in traditional wear and moving with a studied solemnity, the men remove evidence of Europe from the office. Out go the white busts, hunting boots and the envoys tasked with managing affairs on behalf of the empire. It is the sons of the people, who now lead the people, on behalf of the people, says a never-identified narrator through voiceover. In theory, this transition inaugurates a chapter of enfranchisement, but in the next scene the Senegalese businessmen are in suits, and the white men return with briefcases full of money as bribes. The African leaders abandon Wolof for French; and the beginning of Senegals new economic future looks a lot like its old one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement El Hadjis impotence becomes a source of great embarrassment for him, and he journeys around town trying to resolve it. He repeatedly insists that money is no object when it comes to reclaiming his manhood. Through El Hadjis obsession with masculinity, Sembene also explores how the patriarchy shaped postcolonial nations by reinforcing neocolonialism. (Its an observation that Blouin also makes in her autobiography, especially when it came to organizing in male-dominated spaces.) Some of the most affecting scenes in Xala involve confrontations between El Hadji and his daughter Rama (Myriam Niang). The young woman initially refuses to attend her fathers wedding to his third wife because she considers polygamy hypocritical. Offended by Ramas audacity and, lets be honest, rhetorical fearlessness, El Hadji slaps her and issues a chilling reminder: It is people like your father who kicked out the colonizers and liberated this country, he says to her. Never forget Im still in charge in this house. The house, in this case, is both the physical space where this confrontation takes place as well as the broader nation-state. How ironic that enlightened views of liberation do not extend to the home. Baara Men make similarly violent claims and patriarchal decisions in Souleymane Cisses evocative 1978 film Baara. The film opens with a Malian young porter by the name of Balla Diarra (Baba Niare) helping a woman whose husband has just kicked her out of the home. Like Ramas mother (Seune Samb) in Xala, this woman is the mans first wife and suffers the brunt of his disrespect. In the previous scene, her husband not only thows her belongings on the street, but also threatens to beat her with his sandal. This moment of intrafamily chauvinism unspools into a broader consideration of the patriarchy at work. Baara follows Balla Diaara as he starts working for a factory managed by Balla Traore (Bubukar Keita) and owned by Sissoko (Balla Moussa Keita, who later starred in Cisses 1987 masterpiece Yeleen). The drama surrounding these three constitute the bulk of the film: Diarra struggles to make ends meet as a freelance porter and then factory worker; Traore navigates the challenges of applying his newly acquired European intellectualism to his professional life and Sissoko juggles increasing debt. Whats notable about the latter two men is how their powerful positions and refined point of views do not extend to their marriages. Since returning from Europe, Traore forbids his wife from working and Sissoko is abusive despite relying on his spouse Djeneba to bail him out of debt. At one point, Djeneba, sketched similarly to Rama, asks her husband to consider taking out his anger on a man. Both Xala and Baara dexterously weave their two principal threads patriarchy and neocolonialism taking care to show how they inevitably reinforce each other. Similar to Blouin, who was able to diagnose the issues plaguing liberation movements, it is the women in Sembene and Cisses respective works who speak the most clarifying truths and reveal that its useless to replace European colonialism built on foundations of patriarchy with an African system that idolizes similar standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats particularly exciting about Sembene and Cisses films is how the directors counter this tension with images showcasing the beauty and power of people within postcolonial cities like Dakar (Xala) and Bamako (Baara). In both films, the rich businessmen try to get rid of or hide the poor and working class people. Xala has a particularly jarring scene of a public official calling the police to essentially the unhoused people loitering near his office. Still, there are moments of organizing and resilience. The cast out residents in Xala return to the city and organize among themselves, discussing in detail the hardships faced because of the newly installed government. While the factory workers in Baara plan unionization efforts despite protestations from the big boss. They discuss working fewer hours and getting paid more because it feels like they are always waiting for the first of the month. But these workers dont only talk, they act too. Both Xala and Baara end on rousing notes scenes in which the people, dissatisfied with their new leaders, inevitably fight back. IndieWires 70s Week is presented by Bleecker Streets RELAY. Riz Ahmed plays a world class fixer who specializes in brokering lucrative payoffs between corrupt corporations and the individuals who threaten their ruin. IndieWire calls RELAY sharp, fun, and smartly entertaining from its first scene to its final twist, RELAY is a modern paranoid thriller that harkens back to the genres 70s heyday. From director David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water) and also starring Lily James, in theaters August 22. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Several dozen protesters blocked the southbound direction of the highway, with others blocking the northbound direction. Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters, denouncing the IDF's plans to draft members of the haredi community, blocked Highway 4 near Bnei Brak on Tuesday afternoon. Haredi protesters against the IDF draft block Highway 4 near Bnei Brak, August 19, 2025. (credit: Shimon Baruch/TPS) Several dozen protesters blocked the southbound direction of the highway, with others blocking the northbound direction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protesters, largely from the extreme Jerusalem Faction, shouted slogans including "death before conscription," according to Ynet. Israel Police officers arrived at the scene and attempted to clear the road, Ynet added. Police later arrested a protester for assaulting police officers by throwing a glass bottle, according to KAN News. The protests later extended into nearby Givat Shmuel where local residents held a counter-protest, holding signs reading "Your brothers will go to war, but you sit here?" which led to localized violence with the haredi protesters, according to an Army Radio report. The IDF, on Sunday, announced that it has launched a last-chance opportunity for anyone who hasnt advanced with their draft notice, which would allow them to enlist in an accelerated process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last-ditch effort came at the heels of several arrests made by the military against several haredi draft dodgers over the past week. Currently, there are some 14,600 deserters. Netanyahu an 'athiest,' former chief rabbi claims Former Sephardi chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reasoning for stalling the bill was due to his being an atheist." He also said that the IDF was targeting Sephardim for arrests. 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. Sarah Ben-Nun contributed to this report. England's largest lake has "concerning" pollution hotspots and harmful levels of bacteria, new studies have shown. Tests carried out at Windermere have revealed levels of bacteria and phosphorus that fail water quality standards are at their highest in summer, when the lake is at its most busiest for bathing and water sports. The Big Windermere Survey (BWS) saw 350 volunteers collect more than 1,000 samples over two and a half years at more than 100 locations - many of which had never been tested for water quality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campaigners want "decisive action" to improve the lake. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has committed to getting water quality levels back to normal. It said there "is a lot of damage to undo". The lake is a popular hotspot for water sports and the Great North Swim [PA Media] Scientists from the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA) and Lancaster University said the elevated concentrations of Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Intestinal Enterococci (IE) in summer were "particularly concerning as they indicate an increased risk of gastro-intestinal illness if water is ingested". Simon Johnson, the association's executive director, said: "When you see a place you love so much, that is so important, when the water quality of that place is below what I think society expects and demands, then that's really concerning." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said Windermere was one of the world's most famous lakes and if the issues could not be solved there, it did not bode well for the future of other equally important but less famous sites such as Coniston Water. "Its scientific, ecological, cultural importance, whether you are an artist, a poet, wild swimmer, motorboat owner, it's just intertwined in the whole kind of social and ecological fabric of the Lake District," he added. "If we can't get this right on Windermere, where are we going to do it? The findings show much of the lake's shoreline in the north-west, north-east and south-west areas in summer were only consistent with standards for "poor" bathing water quality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the data shows overall Windermere's levels of bacteria have a "good" water quality rating through spring, autumn and winter seasons. 'Devastating decline' Tests for phosphorus - a pollutant that causes algal blooms and damage to aquatic wildlife and comes from sources such as wastewater and fertiliser run-off from agriculture - revealed levels of the chemical that exceed expected standards. The Freshwater Biological Association warned that rare and threatened species in the lake such as Arctic char would face a "steady and devastating decline" without action to improve water quality. The report also reveals some of the 71 sample sites tested had consistently demonstrated high concentrations of both phosphorus and at least one of the bacteria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These include Waterhead, Millerground, Bowness Bay, Belle Isle, Mitchell Wyke Bay, south-west shore sites and near the River Leven outflow on the lake, and river locations on the Rothay, Stock Ghyll, Black Beck, Mill Beck, and Wilfin Beck. Windermere, part of the Lake District National Park Unesco World Heritage Site, is home to more than 14,000 people, and its scenery, rare species and cultural heritage attract seven million visitors a year, generating 750m for the local economy. But it has been the focus of concerns over pollution, from sources including wastewater from United Utilities and private sewage treatment and rural and urban land use, with the government pledging to "clean up Windermere" from the high levels of pollutants it faces. The citizen science testing, which took place from June 2022 to November 2024 across 10 sessions, aimed to address concerns about water quality and fill in gaps in traditional monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Environment Agency monitors water quality through the summer months at four sites as part of its bathing water assessments, with all receiving "excellent" ratings in the last annual classification. The Freshwater Biological Association is calling for the pollution hotspots identified by the testing to be investigated, and for the Environment Agency to increase the number of bathing water sites and monitor them through the year. A Defra spokesperson said: "This government shares the nation's fury at unacceptable levels of pollution pumped into this national treasure. "We have committed to ending sewage pollution into Windermere entirely, boosted monitoring of sewage spills nationwide and are increasing enforcement to hold polluting companies to account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We know that there is a lot of damage to undo, but we are getting on with the work to ensure that the British people will be able to see genuine results." Additional reporting by PA Media Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. More on this story Related internet links Aug. 18GRANGER, Minn. A Harmony man entered a petition to plead guilty to driving drunk when he struck an Iowa man on a Fillmore County highway in August 2024. Brian Wayne Nelson, 51, entered a guilty pleas Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, to two felony counts of criminal vehicular homicide; to two felony counts of criminal vehicular operation, causing great bodily harm; third-degree and fourth-degree counts of driving while intoxicated; and one misdemeanor count of careless driving. According to court documents, Nelson told Fillmore County Sheriff's deputies that he ran over Cale Jackson, of Cresco, Iowa, on Fillmore County Highway 30 shortly after midnight Aug. 24, 2025. Deputies responding to the incident who spoke with Nelson said he admitted to drinking beer and driving his Can-Am west toward Granger, Minnesota, to meet friends there. Nelson said as he was driving, he saw something lying on the side of the road and that he couldn't slow down in time and hit it. Nelson said he then went on to the Long Branch Bar in Granger and told a bartender there he might have hit someone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, the injuries to Jackson and damage to Nelson's Can-Am were consistent with Nelson's account that Jackson may have been lying on the side of the road. A preliminary breath test showed Nelson had a blood alcohol concentration of about 0.166, more than twice the legal limit in Minnesota. A sentencing hearing is set for Oct. 23. HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Police say they are investigating a shooting that happened late Monday night on South Marshall Street in Hartford. Authorities were dispatched on a ShotSpotter activation around 10:41 p.m. to the 100 block of South Marshall Street. Police said they located evidence of gunfire, and moments later, they were notified that a gunshot victim had arrived at a hospital for treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the man who was wounded in the alleged shooting was alert and conscious. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact HPD Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. A fire involving a stack of more than 200 hay bales found alight in a field on a farm is expected to smoulder for days. The fire in Finchdean, north of Rowlands Castle, East Hampshire, broke out on Sunday evening. Firefighters in two fire engines, along with a water carrier and an off-road vehicle, tackled the blaze, with a farmer using a tractor to create a firebreak to stop it spreading, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a reinspection, the stack of smouldering bales are being monitored by the farmer. Crews worked to surround and tackle the fire to stop it spreading through the field [HIWFRS/Ashley Simmonds] You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Related internet links A 28-year-old Hazleton man charged with dealing drugs in Shenandoah was released from Luzerne County Prison on Tuesday after posting bail, according to court records. Andy Rosario appeared for a nebbia hearing and was arraigned before Schuylkill County Judge James P. Goodman. The Schuylkill County Detectives Office charged Rosario in April, alleging he sold suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Shenandoah on Feb. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The purpose of Tuesdays proceeding was to prove whether the money Rosario sought to post for $75,000 bail came from legitimate sources. He brought to the hearing a bondsperson, Amanda Devers Love, who later posted bail on his behalf with the judges permission. First Assistant District Attorney Michael J. Stine said that Rosario brought a few of his family members along to present pay stubs to the court and prove he could pay the required amount for a bail bond from Love. Rosario, who was being held in Luzerne County Prison since April 23, participated via videoconference from the prison. Schuylkill County detectives said that Rosario met the informant at an undisclosed location, and Rosario provided the drugs in exchange for money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drugs were then submitted to the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Forensic Services Laboratory for testing. One of the two plastic bags tested, which was thought to contain methamphetamine, was found not to be a controlled substance. The nature of the substance was not mentioned. The other purported to be fentanyl was actually a mixture of cocaine and xylazine, commonly used as a horse tranquilizer, police said. Rosario was charged with five felony counts of possession with intent to deliver and a felony count of criminal use of a communications facility. He also faces misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance. All charges were held for court after a preliminary hearing in May. Rosario is represented by attorney Frank T. McCabe II of Forty Fort. WARE, Mass. (WWLP) The Healey-Driscoll administration has awarded nearly $8 million in grants to fund clean energy projects throughout the state. This funding was awarded through the Green Communities competitive grants, distributed by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER). Forty-six municipalities in Massachusetts were selected this year to receive grants through this program, with the goal of saving energy costs and cutting greenhouse gas emissions in communities statewide. Back-to-school shopping: How to save money Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This funding helps cities and towns cut their energy costs, freeing up more resources for essential local services like schools, public safety, and infrastructure, said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. We are proud to support these communities with local energy projects that deliver lower costs, cleaner air, and more reliable, resilient public buildings. Since the programs inception in 2010, over $199 million in grants has been awarded to Green Communities in Massachusetts. The projects proposed in this round of funding are anticipated to save approximately $566,000 each year in energy costs. They also plan to cut 1,421 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per yearequal to taking over 308 gas-powered vehicles off the road annually. Among the 46 cities and towns receiving grant funding are the following western Massachusetts municipalities: Agawam: $88,807 LED lighting in municipal facilities including Benjamin Phelps School Bernardston: $164,550 VRF Heat Pump system in municipal facilities including Powers Institute Greenfield: $24,670 Winserts, Electric Vehicle purchase, EV charging station, and heat pump water heater, in municipal facilities including WWTP, Vets Field House, and town vehicle fleet Montague: $52,401 Weatherization, in municipal facilities including Fieldhouse Buildings Rowe: $218,892 VRF Heat Pump System, in municipal facilities including Town Hall Sandisfield: $18,717 Heat pump system, in municipal facilities including Library Ware: $220,000 VRF Heat Pump system (Decarbonization), in municipal facilities including Senior Center Williamstown: $45,000 Electric Vehicle purchases and Energize Williamstown community campaign, in municipal facilities including town vehicle fleet Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Communities will be able to use this funding for projects such as high-efficiency lighting and building weatherization installation, energy management system upgrades, facility retro-commissioning, and transitioning HVAC systems away from fossil fuels through the installation of air or ground-source heat pumps. For more information on the cities and towns involved in the Green Communities initiative, visit mass.gov. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. REEDSVILLE, Pa. (WHTM) The company Philips, which is a global leader in health technology, recently announced plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Mifflin County. On August 14, Philips announced a plan for new investments of more than $150 million in U.S. manufacturing and research development. As part of this announcement, the company unveiled plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Reedsville, Mifflin County. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Local Business Beat According to Philips, this facility in Mifflin County manufactures transducers and produces AI-enabled ultrasound systems for hospitals across the nation. The proposed planned expansion of our manufacturing facilities is a demonstration of our deep commitment to the U.S. region, Jeff DiLullo, Chief Region Leader, Philips North America said. Each year, Philips spends $900 million in R&D in the U.S. to drive innovation and deliver cutting-edge technology that empowers healthcare professionals to diagnose, treat and monitor patients more effectively. Increasing our manufacturing and R&D capabilities will create jobs and accelerate our ability to deliver better care for more people with innovative AI-enabled solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Philips says this expansion at its Reedsville site is expected to add 24,000 square feet of manufacturing space, as well as an additional 40,000 square feet of warehouse space. Furthermore, Philips adds that they are expected to create 120 skilled manufacturing jobs as a result of this expansion. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. An online booking system has been introduced by Guernsey GPs in a bid to make booking appointments simpler and more convenient for patients. The move is part of a series of digital upgrades, which also saw a separate electronic patient record system being introduced in Guernsey and Alderney in June. GP provider Island Health said the technology would make healthcare more "accessible and convenient", while The Healthcare Group said it would free up staff and make booking appointments easier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Ed Partridge, from The Healthcare Group, said: "Online booking gives patients more control over how and when they book appointments and for many it's a much more convenient option." He added: "For us, it frees up valuable time behind the scenes which means we can focus more energy where it matters most, on patient care." The system, called Medicus, is already used by a number of GP practices in the UK. Dr Michael Long, from Island Health, said the new system would free up reception staff "to support patients who need more complex assistance". "This will help us improve the experience for everyone," he said. 'Noticeable improvements' Dr Partridge described the launch as a "major milestone" in efforts to modernise services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Since Medicus launched, we have already seen a significant reduction in administrative pressures and a noticeable improvement in patient experience and this is just the start," he said. Island Health allows patients to book GP appointments online as well as other services like physiotherapy, blood tests and dermatology. Healthcare Group currently only allows booking online for standard GP appointments, but said it planned to expand the service over the coming months. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) in Thailand has implemented a new rule requiring restaurants to display their prices clearly, with non-compliance potentially resulting in fines of up to Bt10,000 ($306.9) under Section 40 of the Price of Goods and Services Act 1999. It has issued a reminder to all dining establishments to follow the guidelines in the Central Committee on the Price of Goods and Services Notification No 68 (2025), which pertains to the proper display of prices for goods and services. The Nation reports that under these regulations, restaurants are obligated to present prices in a manner that is accurate, clear and comprehensive, allowing customers to easily assess and compare costs before making any purchase. This initiative aims to reduce confusion and prevent billing errors. The guidelines specify that prices must be prominently visible and can be displayed in various formats, provided they are shown per unit by using Arabic numerals. While additional languages may be included, food items need to be listed in Thai. Any extra charges, such as service fees or value-added tax, must be indicated alongside the displayed prices. The DIT has also clarified that the prices shown must reflect the actual selling price, except in instances where the price charged is lower than what is displayed. In March 2025, Loob Holding, owner of Malaysian tea beverage chain Tealive, unveiled its plan to open 80 outlets in Thailand by 2035, and signed a licensing agreement with Restaurants Development "Thailands DIT enforces pricing transparency rule for restaurants" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. President Donald Trump said he hopes brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine will land him a spot in heaven. Speaking with Fox and Friends just one day after hosting European leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, at the White House, Trump hinted that helping end the war could also benefited him. The leaders met as Trump continues to push for an end of the war between Russia and Ukraine. If I can save 7,000 people a week from being killed, I think thats pretty I want to try to get to heaven if possible, Im hearing that Im not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole, Trump joked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons, he added. One of Trumps campaign promises was to broker peace between the two countries and end the war that began more than three and a half years ago when Russia invaded Ukraine. Recently, Trump has also stated that he would like to win a Nobel Peace Prize and believes he is deserving of one for his efforts in helping to relieve tension between several countries. President Donald Trump said he wants to get to heaven and brokering peace in Ukraine and Russia would help him (Getty Images) But ending one of the largest conflicts to occur in recent years would be a massive success that could get the president his long-desired award or access to heaven. However, Trump has struggled to convince Russia to get to the peace talks table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the U.S. president met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since 2019. Conducting an in-person meeting in Alaska, the two leaders began discussing what it would take for Russia to initiate peace negotiations with Ukraine. Putin has made it clear that Moscow is not willing to initiate an immediate ceasefire something other European leaders and Trump have endorsed. Russia would also likely require Ukraine to give up some of its territory in exchange for ending the violence that has taken hundreds of thousands of lives. Discussions between Putin, Trump, Zelensky and other European leaders are likely to continue in the coming days and weeks as the U.S. attempts to broker a deal to end the deadly war. Trump appears motivated to broker peace between the two countries if not for the sake of the world, for the sake of himself. Trump is a practicing non-denominational Christian and has previously said that he believes he can get into heaven by doing good. If Im good, Im going to Heaven and if Im bad, Im going someplace else like over there, right? Trump told Fox News host Laura Ingraham last year. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The preliminary hearing for the man accused of drunk driving on July 4 last year, resulting in a pedestrians death, has been postponed to October. William Largent, 34, is charged with second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, DUI involving alcohol or drugs causing bodily injury and DUI with a blood alcohol level over 0.08%, according to Kern County Superior Court records. Largent is accused of driving at around 90 mph while making a right turn from Oak Street onto 24th Street. He was reportedly driving home from a Fourth of July party at his boss home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Largents vehicle allegedly drove over the center divider, struck a pedestrian and hit three vehicles on westbound 24th Street before coming to a stop. Chad Anthony Jacques, 48, was pronounced dead at the scene. A breath test showed Largent had a blood-alcohol content of 0.170% and 0.166%, more than double the state limit of 0.08%, according to court documents. A pre-preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 20. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The clouds over the valley this morning have now cleared to blue skies. Early clouds clearing out, sunny & hotter today HEAT Alerts this week Scattered showers & thunderstorms this weekend Highs drop below 100 next week Temperatures will keep climbing each day this week, rising to near records by Thursday and Friday. It will be accompanied by increasing humidity, which will keep overnight temperatures extra warm, making it hard to find relief. Heat warnings go into effect on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chances for showers and thunderstorms through the weekend will follow the high temperatures. High pressure will set up over the Four Corners this week and keep trying to steer monsoon moisture into our area. But the air is still dry, and those clouds have retreated. Heat will be the main concern for the next several days, as temperatures reach well above normal, even in the mountains. Heat warning for all areas of southern Nevada below 4000, NW Arizona, and SE California from 8 a.m. Wednesday until 11 p.m. Saturday Heat warning for all areas of southern Nevada below 4000, NW Arizona, and SE California from 8 a.m. Wednesday until 11 p.m. Saturday Heat advisory for the mountains of Clark County and all of Lincoln County for the same time By Wednesday, monsoon moisture advances into Mohave County with chances of afternoon thunderstorms. The southeast flow moves moisture into southern Nevada starting Thursday, overlapping the heat and bringing chances of thunderstorms by Friday. The convection and cloud cover will play a role in temperatures through the weekend, likely cooling highs closer to normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We finally have a chance for some measurable rainfall again, which we badly need. We had a little in early July, but nothing since. But thunderstorms can also bring gusty winds, dangerous lightning, and heavy downpours that can briefly overwhelm roads. The details are a little murky next week, but high temps look like they will drop below 100 with a trough moving in from the West Coast. Today: 106 Sunny & hot Wednesday: 107 Sunny & HOT Thursday: 109 Mostly sunny & HOT Friday: 109 Scattered showers & t-storms Saturday: 104 Scattered showers & t-storms Sunday: 103 Scattered showers & t-storms Monday: 99 Scattered showers & t-storms Tuesday: 90 Partly cloudy Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PANAMA CITY BEACH After 10 years, Pier Parks Brass Tap craft beer bar has closed its doors. The popular staple made an announcement on Facebook that it will not renew its lease on Aug. 7. The restaurant specialized in American food and craft beer. Its with a heavy heart, we must announce that we will be pouring our last beer on Saturday, August 16th, the Facebook post says. The past 10 years have been nothing short of amazing. Wed like to thank our wonderful staff, each and every single one of our guests, and our loyal regulars who became like family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Faith: Spread the Gospel: Panama City Beach to host Faith Festival on Oct. 18 Brass Tap Beer was one of the more popular beer destinations in Panama City Beach and became a premier location especially after Hurricane Michael. This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Brass Tap in Panama City Beach closes its doors HEFLIN Heflin Main Street joined other area Main Street organizations last week in celebrating the presentation of the 2025 Main Street Alabama Leadership Award to U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Saks. The event, hosted by Hearts of Cleburne, brought together representatives from Heflin Main Street, Main Street Anniston and Historic Main Street Oxford to recognize Rogers contributions to economic development across Alabama. Heflin Main Street was honored to join Main Street Alabama in presenting Congressman Rogers with the 2025 Main Street Alabama Leadership Award, said Tammy Perry, director of economic development and Main Street director for the City of Heflin. Thanks to his leadership and securing $700,000 through the SBA Spark initiative, Heflin Main Street businesses alone received a total of $26,000 in grant support helping them grow, innovate and serve our community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the ceremony, Heflin Main Street received two official Main Street Alabama designation signs, which will soon be installed at the entrances of the downtown district. Perry said the recognition underscored Heflins progress alongside neighboring Main Street programs. We are proud to stand alongside Anniston and Oxford in celebrating this milestone and the difference it makes right here at home, she said. Thank you, Congressman Rogers, for investing in the future of our Main Street. The event also highlighted local award recipients. Stacey Fuller, owner of Full + Life, received the Main Street Alabama Bright Ideas Regional Award and a $10,000 grant to expand her business. Several Heflin Main Street business owners were also recognized with $1,000 Illuminate Grants through the Main Street Alabama Spark Program. Community leaders, elected officials and representatives from regional organizations attended the celebration, including members of the Heflin Main Street board and the Cleburne County Chamber of Commerce. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) says it was alerted to multiple reports of hemorrhagic disease (HD) in Missouri deer during the summer. HDwhich is another term for bluetongue and epizootic hemorrhagic diseaseis deadly among deer. According to MDC, the disease spreads to deer because of no-see-um bites. Hemorrhagic disease is a naturally occurring virus in Missouris deer population, said MDC Wildlife Health Program Supervisor Deb Hudman. Outbreaks are most common between July and October and typically end after a heavy frost kills the midges that spread it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Although the department is not expecting a widespread outbreak this year, MDC is calling for the publics help in reporting possible HD cases to determine the extent of the disease. MDC says that by submitting potential reports, it will assist biologists when it comes to observing deer and understanding HD. Deer that contract HD die within days, MDC says. And theyre likely to be found in or near water. Signs of HD in deer include: Troubles moving Challenges in breathing Swelling of head, neck or tongue Dazed or unresponsive behavior Intense feverwhich causes them to want water Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department noted that the deer population often recovers years following multiple HD cases. The state of Missouri, however, saw its worst hemorrhagic disease in 2012 due to there being a drought. MDCs website provides more information about the disease, and Missourians can report potential HD cases here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Stock Photo by Jacob Wackerhausen/Getty Images. This story was originally published by The 19th News. Intersex people have always existed. How they first started to find each other, build community and forge a movement against medical erasure is a story thats mostly gone untold. A new book aims to change that. Hermaphrodite Logic: A History of Intersex Liberation by writer, comedian and historian Juliana Gleeson was released in June by Verso Books. Its a roughly 230-page dive into the very brief history of organizing for intersex rights from the 1990s to present day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approximately one out of every 100 people is born intersex or with a sexual characteristic that does not fit neatly into the binary of male or female. Despite the prevalence of intersex conditions, Gleeson demonstrates how doctors views on gender evolved in relationship to intersex bodies, explaining that the history of intersex people is one marked by medical censorship. For much of the 20th century, doctors have been operating on intersex babies to assign them sexes, often without fully explaining the consequences to their parents. After those surgeries are complete, the children can be left with painful irreversible conditions and a loss of sexual sensation. Pediatric intersex surgeries, such as clitoral reductions or hypospadias repairs to move the position of the urethral opening, are performed routinely at childrens hospitals today. But as Gleeson notes, starting in the 1990s, intersex activists started to raise the alarm about the procedures and the devastating physical and mental toll many reported experiencing as a result of them. The Intersex Society of North America, which shaped the early intersex rights movement, was founded in 1993. Today, its work is carried on by national nonprofit InterACT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gleeson admits that writing about contemporaries makes the story complicated to tell. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE I guess writing histories of living people is quite challenging, because they can contradict or undermine me very easily, she told the 19th. But Gleeson said she wanted to tell a story where intersex people, not their doctors, would be the protagonists. As a community, intersex people started to find each other and organize in the 1990s. So, thats where Gleesons story starts, too. The truth of their treatments was left impossible for intersex people to reach individually, but was easily recognised when they gathered, Gleeson wrote. Then, they could intuitively grasp the shared wounding and neglect that previously isolated intersex people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, intersex people started to name the harms they had experienced. Then, they dragged those into public view, shaming the doctors who had hurt them and sometimes even abandoned their ongoing care following those first surgeries. Few doctors would keep in contact with intersex children as they became adults, Gleeson wrote. So both medics and parents would be left balancing unknown harms done against sexist fantasies. According to Gleeson, those fantasies had little to do with research based on the lived experience of intersex people. Rather, they were rooted in the fears about what might be encountered in the locker room (or much later in the marital bed). Gleesons text details just 30 years during which intersex people went from being largely discounted by doctors to recognized and celebrated by President Joe Bidens White House with an Intersex Awareness Day proclamation in 2023. The book does something that few others have aimed for: It speaks to intersex audiences, even if it is readable by the larger public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its addressed to intersex people and partly addressed to everyone whos grappling with the history of sex, which is to say, all of us, Gleeson told The 19th. In the past five years, several hospitals have stopped performing intersex surgeries on infants, and intersex advocates have found growing support among the American public to halt the practice. Gleesons book comes amid discussions of sex and gender prompted by Republican politicians aiming to push transgender people further from public life. The debate about gender often reverts back to rudimentary ideas about sex and the American understanding that there are only two of them. But the intersex movement, often overlooked and under-reported, exposes the reality that even sex can be a messy spectrum. As Gleeson writes, Far from being founded in decisive clinical science, these decisions were based more on crude assumptions, and eyeballing genitals. Medics would base surgical decisions on speculations concerning intersex childrens potential integration in locker rooms or performance in marital bedrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gleeson hopes Hermaphrodite Logic becomes intersex history 101. I think theres also a lot of original thinking, a lot of original points and observations, analysis and so on, which just comes from me [in the text], she said. Im just interested to see where it goes. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX One teen conservationist in Grand Marais, Michigan, is making a huge difference to the local population of deer, Upword reported. Sixteen-year-old Will Paul masterminded a habitat improvement project, which involved the 37 students at his high school, teachers, local businesses, community members, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative. Paul is a student at Burt Township School, and he's enthusiastic about the outdoors and conservation. He decided to write a grant proposal for the Deer Range Improvement Program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program is funded by $1.50 set aside from the price of every deer license sold in the state and is designed to maintain healthy habitats for a healthy deer population, which also helps keep a balance with other wildlife. Maintaining natural areas with diverse species is critical for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors. It's also necessary to protect those who rely on the wilderness for food or employment. That's why the habitat improvement initiative claims about $100,000 of the funds allocated to the improvement program every year. "It's a misconception that we're spending large amounts of money on private lands behind locked gates," said Bill Scullon, field operations manager from the Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Division, per Upword. "That's not the case." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the department received Paul's application which was well-crafted, detailed, and more extensive than what it typically receives it had to propose breaking the large project into a two-year undertaking. With a few adjustments, Paul secured a $10,673 grant. That money went toward planting 425 trees and shrubs across the 600 acres of school-owned forest. Fifty of the trees were fruit trees, largely apples and plums, and another 350 were a mixture of conifers and deciduous trees. The combination was designed to provide food for the deer, including during crucial times of year such as the winter, when they are likely to struggle. Since grant recipients are expected to match 25% of the grant, which can be paid off in volunteer work, Paul and his teachers, along with experienced conservationists like Alex Kolton and Eryn Grupido, brought together the school's 37 students to plant the trees. "We broke the students into manageable groups based on age and had about 15 kids out several times to help with the planting," Kolton said, per Upword. "Eryn ensured they understood the 'why' behind our actions why we were planting certain species and how it would benefit the ecosystem." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program also accepted discounted supplies from local businesses and volunteer efforts from parents and community members. Now the local animals will have that much easier of a time this winter and every winter to come. 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 chance of high waves and onshore winds Aug. 20 prompted the Milwaukee-Sullivan National Weather Service office to preemptively issue a beach hazard statement for Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha Counties. The statement is in effect early morning Wednesday through late into the night. The National Weather Service said to expect dangerous swimming conditions with threatening currents, especially in particularly vulnerable areas like north-facing beaches, anywhere near piers and/or breakwalls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People should stay out of the water as strong structural and longshore currents are expected, and rip currents are possible. Oak Creek Fire Department Battalion Chief of Operations Scott Kasten told the Journal Sentinel in June that he cautions all people against swimming in Lake Michigan altogether due to the dangers of open water, including rip currents. "Open water swimming is a lot different (than in a pool). You encounter waves that can disorient you," Kasten said. "Rip currents can pull you out and put you in a position a mile away from the shore, and now you have to somehow find your way back to shore." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Possible high waves, onshore winds prompt Aug. 20 beach hazard On Wall Street and in Washington, D.C., confusion reigns over how the Trump administration will pull off a potential public offering for mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac later this year. The Trump administration has floated the idea of selling down the government stakes in the two giants, a move that would amount to the largest IPO in history under current values being weighed. The precise mechanics of such a deal have yet to be clarified. Plans being discussed within the administration, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, could involve a 5% to 15% sale of Fannie and Freddie shares at a combined $500 billion valuation or more. But to attract investors, analysts and housing experts see some problems that need to be solved along the way. In the meantime, President Trump is still weighing all of his options. That means plans could change. He has met in recent weeks with CEOs for some of the biggest Wall Street banks, including JPMorgan Chase's Jamie Dimon, Bank of America's Brian Moynihan, and Citigroup's Jane Fraser, to discuss the mortgage giants. Earlier this month, Trump added more fuel to the IPO idea, sharing a doctored image of himself ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Truth Social. Behind Trump in the image is a banner for neither Fannie or Freddie, but instead a single entity called the "Great American Mortgage Corporation," listed with the stock ticker MAGA. So far, the government's plan for kicking off a public offering for the mortgage giants has left analysts and housing experts alike a bit baffled. Some are questioning whether such a sizable and complex stock offering could get done before the end of 2025. To hit this timeline, the Trump administration is going to have to move very quickly through some very weedy and substantive policy discussions, said Jeb Mason, a former Bush White House and Treasury official. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, also known as the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) and Federal Home Loan Corporation (FMCC), play essential roles in the US housing market by purchasing mortgages and then packaging and selling them as bonds to investors. Both fell under government conservatorship during the 2008 financial crisis, when mortgage defaults soared. Untangling the two firms from the governments control has been a long and hotly debated matter. (Reuters) -Following are key quotes from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's press conference after meeting U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders in Washington on Monday. Translation by Reuters. ON MEETING WITH TRUMP AND EUROPEAN LEADERS: "I would like to thank President Trump for this meeting. It was the best of our meetings - and that is important. In addition to the fact that we discussed many issues, it was a long and detailed conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Today was an important step a demonstration of true unity between Europe and the United States. The leaders personally came to support Ukraine and to discuss everything that brings us closer to real peace and a reliable security architecture that will protect Ukraine and all of Europe." ON DISCUSSION OF UKRAINE'S TERRITORY: "The issue of territory - I had a long conversation about it with a map of Ukraine. "I was even able to show many things on the map to all of our American colleagues ... I even debated a bit about the percentages shown on the map, because I know very well the actual percentages of temporarily occupied territories. But nevertheless, it wasn't an argument - it was truly a warm, good, substantive conversation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It seems to me that the president heard me (regarding the territories). "The question of territories is something we will leave between me and Putin." ON SECURITY GUARANTEES: "We talked about security guarantees. This is the key issue - the starting point for ending the war. "It is important that the United States of America is sending a clear signal that they will be among the countries that will help, coordinate, and also participate in providing security guarantees. I believe this is a major step forward. I can't yet say how everything will unfold, all the details, but its already important that there is political will and political decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Security guarantees will probably be 'unpacked' by our partners, and more and more details will emerge. All of this will somehow be formalised on paper within the next week to 10 days. "(A part of security guarantees) is the weapons package a package of American weapons that we currently don't have. This includes, above all, aircraft, air defence systems, and so on. "There indeed is a package with our (Ukrainian) proposals worth $90 billion. "And we have agreements with the U.S. president that when our export opens, they will buy Ukrainian drones. This is important for us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT'S NEXT, POSSIBLE MEETINGS WITH RUSSIA: "After our joint meeting and coordination on how we will work on security guarantees, the president of the United States contacted the Russian side, and they discussed what kind of diplomatic assurances might be possible. Russia proposed first a bilateral meeting between Ukraine and Russia, and then a trilateral one. "We are ready for any formats at the level of leaders, because only at the level of leaders can all these complex and painful issues be resolved, the most important and the most painful for us. I confirmed and all European leaders supported me that we are ready for a bilateral meeting with Putin. And after that, I expect a trilateral meeting but that all will depend on how the bilateral meeting goes." (Reporting by Yuliia Dysa in Kyiv and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Michael Perry) 2016 Democratic presidential nominee and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says she believes the Supreme Court is poised to overturn its landmark ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which effectively legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, and that unmarried same-sex couples ought to consider tying the knot. American voters, and to some extent the American media, dont understand how many years the Republicans have been working in order to get us to this point, Clinton told Fox News host Jessica Tarlov on Friday in a wide-ranging interview on Raging Moderates, the podcast Tarlov co-hosts with Scott Galloway. It took 50 years to overturn Roe v. Wade, Clinton said. The Supreme Court will hear a case about gay marriage; my prediction is they will do to gay marriage what they did to abortion they will send it back to the states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anybody in a committed relationship out there in the LGBTQ community, you ought to consider getting married because I dont think theyll undo existing marriages, but I fear they will undo the national right, she said. In July, Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk who was briefly jailed in 2015 for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, formally asked the Supreme Court to revisit its Obergefell decision, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in June. The justices have not yet said whether they will take up the case. If Obergefell were overturned, same-sex marriage rights would still be protected by the Respect for Marriage Act, a bipartisan measure signed by former President Biden in 2022 that requires all states and the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where they are legal. Zombie laws against marriage equality in more than half the nation are unenforceable because of the Supreme Courts ruling in Obergefell. The Respect for Marriage Act, introduced after Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas said the court should reconsider decisions including Obergefell after overturning the federal right to abortion, prevents state statutes and constitutional amendments banning gay marriage from being enforced on already married couples, but it does not render them entirely obsolete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to Thomas, Justice Samuel Alito has also voiced opposition to the Supreme Courts ruling in Obergefell, to which he and Thomas dissented in 2015. Last winter, in a five-page statement explaining the courts decision not to involve itself in a dispute between the Missouri Department of Corrections and jurors dismissed for disapproving of same-sex marriage on religious grounds, Alito wrote that the conflict exemplifies the danger he had long anticipated would come from the ruling. Namely, that Americans who do not hide their adherence to traditional religious beliefs about homosexual conduct will be labeled as bigots and treated as such by the government, he wrote. Public support for marriage equality remains at historic highs, though a May Gallup poll showed support among Republicans slipping to 41 percent, the lowest in a decade. In a separate survey conducted by a trio of polling firms in June, 56 percent of Republican respondents said they support same-sex marriage rights. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRING HILL, Tenn. (WKRN) A historic battlefield in Spring Hill will be preserved forever, once the Battle of Franklin Trust closes on the property on Tuesday. The 11 acres of land were home to the Battle of Spring Hill, which happened on Nov. 29, 1864, and ended in a stalemate between Union and Confederate soldiers, and eventually led to the Battle of Franklin. The land sits alongside other nearby historical landmarks including the Rippa Villa plantation and surrounding land protected by the American Battlefield Trust. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Theres no better way to understand our past than to actually come and visit a place where it happened, Battle of Franklin Trust CEO Eric Jacobson told News 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacobson explained how preserving the land will also be a good move economically. Heritage tourism is a huge boon to the area, he said. We have almost 100,000 visitors a year, and most of those people arent even from Tennessee; so they come in, they spend money, and they visit places like Rippa Villa and walk the battlefield. Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer said the city will use its hotel/motel tax to contribute to the lands purchase. When we have an opportunity to protect that battlefield land from development and turn it into a city asset and a cultural asset where that history can be shared and celebrated, were going to try to encourage those opportunities, Fitterer explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Efforts are also being made to honor the approximately 75 slaves who lived at Rippa Villa at the time. Just last week, a bust of Anna Bunch, a former slave at the plantation, was unveiled. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com We have to understand what happened in the past, and not just because it happened, because its also clear warning signs about what not to do in the future, Jacobson added. Jacobson said the immediate goal is to preserve the historic battlefield trees and all but more may be in the lands future. Interpretive signage, maybe a walking trail, but the initial first step is to save it, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. One of the rarest World War II bombers will be heard flying in the skies in Springfield next week. According to the Springfield-Branson Airport, Springfield will be a stop for the AirPower History Tour of the Commemorative Air Force. The tour will bring the stories of WWII aviation to event goers from Wednesday through Monday, Aug. 27 through Sept. 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ozarks Tech Roy Blunt Aviation Center located at Springfield-Branson National Airport, 5000 W. Kearney St. Aviation and history fans will be able to see one of the rarest WWII bombers, the B-29 Superfortress FIFI as well as a T-6 Texan, a PT-13 Stearman, and a Beech SNB RC-45J. B-29 Superfortress FIFI courtesy: Springfield-Branson Airport To learn more about the Commemorative Air Force, please visit www.commemorativeairforce.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. A historical US flag stolen from the grounds of a school built on the site of a former American naval base has been returned after it was recovered from a bonfire in Londonderry. The flag was taken from Foyle College on the city's Limavady Road in early July. On Monday, independent Derry City and Strabane District councillor Gary Donnelly said he believed the flag had been removed from the bonfire after efforts to have it saved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Foyle College confirmed on Tuesday that the flag had now been handed back to the school. The school thanked those involved in securing the safe return of the flag. "We hope its safe return will play a part in improving mutual understanding across our shared society and assist efforts to build a more peaceful future," a statement said. The school said "given the sensitivity surrounding this process", it would be making no further comment. Police have said inquiries into the theft of the flag are ongoing. Items placed on the bonfire on Friday morning in the Bogside included a replica crimson flag, poppies, union flags and an emblem of King Charles [BBC] The flag was gifted to the school by members of the former US naval communications station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was last officially flown at the base in November 1963 to mark President Kennedy's death and more than half a century later in 2019 was presented to Foyle College which had moved to the site the year before. Police have said they are investigating the placing of materials on the bonfires, which were lit in the Creggan and Bogside areas of Derry on Friday night, including flags and wreaths, as sectarian hate crimes and sectarian hate incidents. On Monday it was reported that a last-ditch attempt to save a flag stolen from Londonderry's Protestant cathedral from being burned on a bonfire in the city had failed. A man watched the group of personal watercraft from his condo across the Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale. He saw no passing boats near the three watercraft that were riding in the middle of the waterway, he told a 911 dispatcher. What he watched was strange, he said. One appeared to slow down to make a turn, and then they gunned it. The 911 calls released Tuesday provide new details of the Aug. 12 crash that resulted in the death of 13-year-old Rachel Nisanov and critical injuries of her 16-year-old sister Aviva, who was driving the watercraft. Aviva and Rachel were together on one of the rented vessels about 3:30 p.m. while their parents rode together on another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of three personal watercraft were operating at the time of the crash as part of a guided tour, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesperson Arielle Callender previously said. The girls vessel jumped a wake caused by a vessel going by, lost control and hit a concrete dock, she said. The other jet ski that was with that person, they werent, its not like they avoided each other or anything like that, the 911 caller said. Whoever crashed, crashed completely just on their own without anything else being around there. In the 13 minutes of calls, witnesses described seeing the personal watercraft traveling fast in the water the moment before the crash and people trying to pull the girls out of the water after colliding with the concrete dock. The man who called 911 told the dispatcher the vessel crashed about 30 seconds earlier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They hit really, really hard, the man told the dispatcher. I mean, they were going fast. He said he could see at least one person in the water while the other watercraft circled nearby. Workers on the dock at the home at the end of the 2800 block of Northeast 24th Court, closest to the water, appeared to be pulling the person out of the water, according to the 911 call. He couldnt tell if the person was moving or not. They just kind of hit the dock on their own, he said. But they hit it hard? the dispatcher asked. Oh yeah, he said. Yeah Big smash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The teens parents, Shlomo Nisanov and his wife, rushed to the girls who were prone in the water and helped to get them out, according to a Broward County Medical Examiners Office investigators report released Tuesday. His wife screamed for someone to call 911. It looks like theyre on the dock now, the man who called 911 said. But theyre yelling and screaming, so Im assuming someones hurt pretty bad. Rachel arrived at the emergency room at Broward Health Medical Center at 4 p.m. with head trauma, according to the medical examiners office report. Staff worked on the girl for more than 20 minutes before she was pronounced dead. She died from blunt force injuries, and her manner of death was determined an accident, Thomas Steinkamp, Broward County Medical Examiners Office Chief of Investigative Services, said in an email Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At some point before the crash, Fort Lauderdale Polices Marine Unit were on their way to a separate call and briefly stopped the girls in reference to a minor wake violation, police department spokesperson Casey Liening said Tuesday. Liening previously said the marine officers saw the watercraft making a minor violation therefore they briefly stopped the occupants to discuss safety. There is no documentation of the brief and proactive interaction, Liening said. The maximum wake allowed in that area of the Intracoastal is 15 inches, according to an FWC state boating safety zones map. John Fiore, chairman of the Broward County Marine Advisory Committee, said the speed limit in the area is 25 mph under the countys Manatee Protection Plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avivas condition as of Tuesday was unavailable. The owner of the company who rented the personal watercraft to the family declined to comment when reached by a reporter last week. The company does not have any history of lawsuits in Broward County, according to court records. HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) Two suspects were arrested in Holyoke on Monday in connection with fentanyl/heroin and cocaine distribution. Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan stated that police have been patrolling the city to address recent overdoses and street-level drug distribution. At approximately 6:00 p.m. on Monday, an officer was patrolling near Appleton and Elm Streets when she received a report regarding suspected drug activity in the area of 177 Elm Street. Springfield police arrest suspect for second groping incident Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional members of the Holyoke Police Department joined the officer to assist in the area, and they located three individuals matching the suspects description in a vehicle. Police searched the car and reportedly found heroin/fentanyl, crack cocaine, and cash inside. When searching one of the suspects, identified as 25-year-old Ricardo Serrano-Acumulado of Holyoke, police located one vial of crack cocaine. They also found two crack pipes, cocaine, heroin/fentanyl, and cash inside a fanny pack worn by 29-year-old Kevin Santiago of Holyoke. (Holyoke Police Department) (Holyoke Police Department) Additional crack cocaine and heroin/fentanyl were reportedly found in Santiagos shoe. The third suspect was released, and Santiago and Serrano-Acumulado were arrested. Holyoke police said that in total, officers seized approximately $230, 37 vials of suspected crack cocaine, 26 bags of suspected heroin/fentanyl, 24 Clonazepam pills, and 23 baggies of suspected powder cocaine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kevin Santiago is charged with: Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class A Drug Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug Possession of a Class A Drug Subsequent Offense Possession of a Class B Drug Subsequent Offense Possession of a Class C Drug Ricardo Serrano-Acumulado is charged with: Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class A Drug Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Class B Drug Possession of a Class A Drug Subsequent Offense Possession of a Class B Drug Subsequent Offense Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. A homeowner has sparked fury online after posting a screenshot of a message from their HOA saying that individual warnings will no longer be issued for alleged rule violations. "This email is directed to the homeowners that don't find it necessary to maintain their property," the email read. "With over 1300 homes in the community, the HOA will not be sending out individual courtesy notices for violations." "This email serves as your violation warning," the email continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sharing the image on Reddit, the homeowner titled their post, "We don't have time to send warnings so we'll just fine you instead." Photo Credit: Reddit Fellow Redditors flooded the comments with their outrage and disbelief at the HOA's actions. The commenters widely agreed that the HOA seemed to be exceeding its authority and violating its duty to homeowners in the community. "I would look at the guidelines for violations," recommended one Redditor. "I assume they say the first violation is just that a notice, then fines happen for repetitions. This email is problematic." "That's ridiculous," chimed in another. "What state is this?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Hold on, so they're fining people based off homeowners reports?" asked one commenter incredulously, adding the symbol for sarcasm at the end of their post. "So you can simply report everyone over and over again in the HOA and they will be fined without any investigation whatsoever? Yes there is no way this could go wrong /s." The situation highlighted the ongoing trend of homeowners dealing with seemingly irrational and overbearing homeowners associations. One homeowner recently shared online how their HOA had sent them a notice of violation for charging their electric vehicle in their own driveway. The HOA alleged that the homeowner had violated a rule barring extension cords of over 25 feet, but the homeowner argued that the charging cord was not an extension cord and was not over 25 feet. 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. Another homeowner posted about a fine they had received from their HOA for an allegedly unkempt lawn, even though the homeowner employed the same landscaping company that the HOA used for the community's common areas. Photos posted by the homeowner showed a clean, well-kept lawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Complaints like these are likely to become more common as more and more Americans live in private residential communities governed by HOAs. In 2024, 369,000 such communities existed across the U.S. These communities contained 28.8 million housing units and were home to 77.1 million residents, according to the Foundation for Community Association Research. This means that roughly one-third (33.6%) of all U.S. housing exists under an HOA or similar association. These figures suggest that problems like the one OP complained about are unlikely to stop any time soon. However, there are constructive ways to advocate for adjustments to HOA bylaws or other changes. This may even help you take eco-friendly action that will save you money in the long term, like installing solar panels or transitioning to a natural lawn. Meanwhile, commenters outside the U.S. struggled to understand why Americans would want to live like this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Sitting here in Germany I am astounded by all of these posts," commented one overseas Redditor. "The passive aggressive nature of 'homeowners that don't find it necessary to maintain' is sickening." 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. TOLLAND, Conn. (WTNH) Several state leaders gathered in Tolland to hear from both homeschool parents and students as regulations regarding homeschooling have been hotly debated by state representatives in Hartford. Those homeschool families made it clear to five lawmakers in attendance that there is no need for homeschool reform. We as homeschool parents are exercising our constitutional rights to educate our children and that doesnt need to have anything to do with the public school systems or the government, home school mother Rebecca Urrutia said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Gov. Lamont eyes state homeschooling reforms The call for regulations on homeschooling in Connecticut grew after a Waterbury woman was arrested earlier this year for allegedly keeping her step-son captive for 20 years. Its one thing for us to tell them what we think, State Sen. Jeff Gordon (R-35) said. But we want to give them a lot of opportunities and lets hear what they have to say. They dont always get that in Hartford at the Capitol. The Republican lawmakers at Mondays meeting said that many cases like Waterbury are not representative of the overall homeschool system. I think they are conflating the two issues, State Rep. Tammy Nuccio (R-53) said. Theyre conflating issues of neglect and abuse with homeschoolers, and I dont think thats the case that we see. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Ceci Maher (D-26), who has been open to exploring homeschool reform said in a statement to News 8: I look forward to hearing the stories of the parents who speak at tonights event. Its a shame this forum was not held in the Legislative Office Building so it could be shared statewide, but I will follow up to hear the perspectives expressed tonight by the attendees. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com. Two pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have been granted asylum separately in the UK and Australia, prompting anger from the Chinese special administrative region's government. Hong Kong summoned the Australian and British envoys, who were warned by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki against "harbouring offenders". Former lawmaker Ted Hui and student leader Tony Chung announced over the weekend that have been granted asylum in Australia and the UK, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were sentenced to jail under a national security law that Beijing says is necessary to maintain stability in the city. However, critics say the law is being used to crush dissent and instill a climate of fear. Hui fled Hong Kong in December 2020 while facing charges for his involvement in anti-government protests the year before. Chung left in 2023 citing an "enormous amount of stress" from constant police scrutiny. Arrests in Hong Kong are "based on facts and evidence" and "has nothing to do with the political stance", the city's government said in a statement on Tuesday. Hundreds of activists in Hong Kong have been arrested and charged since the sweeping national security legislation came into force in 2020, one year after widespread pro-democracy protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hui said on Saturday that he and his family secured protection visas. The 43-year-old, who lives with his wife, children and parents in Adelaide, said they were forced "to leave a homeland we love and where our most precious memories remain". Ted Hui (in gray pants) and his family have been granted protection visas by Australia [Getty Images] Hui, an outspoken former lawmaker, is remembered for throwing rotten plants on the floor of Hong Kong's Legislative Council chamber in 2020 to protest the national security law he said it symbolised the decay of Hong Kong's political system. Chung announced on Sunday that he had received refugee status in the UK with a five-year residence permit. His announcement on social media was accompanied by a letter from the UK Home Office which read: "We accept you have a well-founded fear of persecution and therefore cannot return to your country." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After waiting for over a year and a half, I can finally begin to try to start a new life," the 24-year-old wrote. In 2023, Chung was convicted under the national security law of calling for Hong Kong's secession. The UK had in July condemned Hong Kong authorities for dangling cash offers for people who help in the arrest of pro-democracy activists living in Britain, calling the move as "another example of transnational repression". Keystone Brewing Group is to produce and distribute for fellow UK business Peoples Captain. The Black Sheep and Purity brands owner has added the Hove-based business to its roster of licence contracts. Keystone has similar deals with brands including Hofmeister and Big Drop. Peoples Captain, set up in 2020 by former professional rugby player Greg Bateman, has in the past used contract brewers including Magic Rock. Earlier this year, Keystone bought UK brewer Magic Rock, acquiring an exclusive license to produce its beers. The Magic Rock brewery in West Yorkshire had halted its brewing operations several weeks before the deal was finalised, citing problems with cash flow. Keystone will produce Peoples Captains beer at its Purity site in the West Midlands. It will also handle distribution to on- and off-trade customers in the UK. The south of England is Peoples Captains heartland but the business has national ambitions, Bateman told Just Drinks. Keystone sees clear commercial and strategic benefits in bringing Peoples Captain into its portfolio, he said. The brand blends strong growth potential with a purpose-driven ethos, appealing to consumers who increasingly prioritise values such as mental wellbeing and social impact. Keystone is looking to double its revenue over the next 12 months. The business, formed last year after private-equity firm Breal acquired a series of UK brewers, took in 20m ($26.9m) in revenue in the 12 months ending May. By 2028, it is targeting 100m. In a statement, Keystone CEO Steve Cox said: Peoples Captain is exactly the kind of brand we want in the portfolio bold, values-driven, and with a genuine story at its heart. This partnership isnt just about more beer in more places. Its about championing a message that clearly resonates and giving it the platform and support it deserves. "UK brewer Keystone adds Peoples Captain to licence roster" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) A local businesswoman and candidate for the Hoover City Council is speaking out after receiving death threats and insults over her religion and her background. Tanveer Patel, who has started several businesses with her family in Hoover and Birmingham, including ConcertIDC and the Red Crescent Clinic of Alabama, spoke from her attorneys office Tuesday in the wake of several racial comments made toward her online. Patel, a Muslim who is originally from India, has lived in Hoover for over 24 years. We came to this country from India and I have been blessed to live here and live the American Dream, Patel said. Ive built a life, a business and family here in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rare dinosaur tooth discovered in Alabama With her family, friends and members of the Muslim community behind her, Patel spoke as she was surrounded by printed comments made on her Facebook page, such as one commenter calling her a racial slur, telling her to go back to India and another saying that she should be shot in the head. These past few days have been painful, she said. My family and I have received hateful messages and even death threats. It has shaken me up, our peace of mind and our family. Patel said the comments were not only frightening, but heartbreaking and a way to silence and intimidate her and other immigrants trying to make a life in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I want to be very clear: I still believe in America. I still believe in the red, white and blue and I still believe in the American Dream, she said. No matter your faith, background, every citizen has the right to live free and participate fully in this democracy. Hate will not win. Let freedom ring. William White, Patels attorney, said they were working with the Hoover Police Department and the FBI to investigate the comments and see if any charges could be brought. Patel is running for Hoover City Council. The election will be held Aug. 26. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. A Los Angeles hospital is asking for the publics help to identify a patient who has been receiving care for several weeks. According to the Los Angeles Health Services, the 34-year-old man was found around the Torrance area on July 31. He was brought into the L.A. General Medical Center, where he has been receiving care since. Hes been receiving care for weeks now, but hospital staff say his identity remains unknown, and he has no documentation or evidence that could help reveal his name. An unidentified hospital patient is seen in this photo after he was found on July 31, 2025. (L.A. Health Services) Health Services described him as a 34-year-old man with brown eyes and dark brown hair. He stands around 5 feet 7 inches and weighs about 166 pounds, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to patient confidentiality laws, the exact nature of his condition was not disclosed, but photos obtained by KTLA showed he was hooked up to a ventilator and had thick gauze pads covering his eyes. Anyone who may be able to identify him is urged to contact the Social Work Department at 323-409-5253 or Laura, a clinical social worker at 323-409-7779. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. "We are at the final decisive stage against Hamas and will not leave any hostage behind," the source added. Israel remains consistent in its policy and demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles set by the security cabinet for ending the war, a senior diplomatic source said on Tuesday. "We are at the final decisive stage against Hamas and will not leave any hostage behind," the source added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Activists from protest groups Tzav 9 responded to the source's statements. "Israel's policy is consistent and has not changed," the group stated. "Without any return, in a manner that significantly delays the release of the hostages and dangerously risks the lives of our soldiers, the supply trucks to Hamas continue to flow," they continued. Palestinians run towards airdropped aid packages, in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, August 19, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/Ramadan Abed) "Contrary to the war's objectives, this criminal failure continues daily with hundreds of tons of equipment, luxuries, and fuel reaching Hamas terrorists. Why?" the group's statement concluded. Relatives of hostages still held by terrorists in Gaza held a press conference demanding that Netanyahu agree to a comprehensive deal for the return of all hostages and an end to the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "About a month ago, we were closer than ever to signing a deal. Although it was a partial deal, the Witkoff framework would have pushed Israel into intensive negotiations and required the return of the last hostage and the end of the war, Einav Zangauker, mother of Matan, said. "This is a familiar pattern: just like in the last deal that the Israeli government sabotaged before it reached the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, Netanyahu once again calculated his political interests and decided to blow it up. While expert teams returned home, my son Matan and other hostages remained behind, enduring hell for 683 days in the tunnels of destruction. The main thing is that the boss is happy, Zangauker continued. "Imagine if the Witkoff framework had been signed a month ago, and the Israeli government was ready to discuss ending the war, we would now be focused on receiving live hostages for treatment and rehabilitation, and bringing fallen hostages to their final rest. We could have prevented further deaths of our soldiers," she added. "Netanyahu is lying when he says we are ready for a comprehensive deal and to end the war. He intends to continue his selective strategy and sets impossible conditions on purpose as an obstacle. What started as the most just war has turned into a survival battle for power. A war in which civilians and soldiers are sacrificed is not our way," she alleged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The deal could have passed twice already, talking about the end of March, and more than five months have passed since then. Now theyre talking again about a partial deal. Sixty days that never come," Yehuda Cohen, father of hostage Nimrod, stated. "The question now is, what will Netanyahus excuse be for sabotaging the partial deal? When there is a partial deal, Hamas says there is no agreement Netanyahu says the demands are too high, and runs away. Were done with partial deals, were going for a comprehensive deal with the defeat of Hamas and the whole long list," he added. "Once again, Hamas compromises, and then they say its a partial deal, and Netanyahu looks for an excuse for no partial deal. So, I hope (I dont hope for anything from Netanyahu anymore) that pressure on Netanyahu from within or outside, especially from outside, Im talking beyond the Trump administration, even Europe, will pressure Netanyahu to end the war and reach a partial deal that will become full," Cohen continued. "This is the only way my son a soldier will come home. The only way my son Nimrod will be released. Regarding Nimrod, we expect to release videos of him soon from captivity," he concluded. Trump, Netanyahu comment on pressure on Hamas US President Donald Trump said that the remaining Gaza hostages will only be returned when "Hamas is confronted and destroyed" in a post to Truth Social on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the reports that Hamas had accepted a ceasefire-hostage deal, stating that "Hamas is under immense pressure" after visiting the Gaza Division on Monday. "Like you, I hear the reports in the media, from which you can gather one thing Hamas is under immense pressure." The View From Davi and Barnabe In the COP30 construction zone in Belem, a large fragment of native forest remains intact. One steps into it almost by accident. Under its dense canopy, just a few metres from cranes and rising concrete, the air cools, the light softens, and the noise recedes. The contrast is immediate. With three months to go, in boardrooms and cabinet meetings across the world, dissent is growing around the idea of hosting the 30th UN Climate Change Conference in Belem. Rather than engaging with the COP30 agenda, focused on concrete climate action, we keep hearing: How reasonable is it to organize a COP in the Amazon? When Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva selected Belem to host COP30 two years ago, it was a bold and controversial choice. A port city of 1.3 million people, Belem is the capital of Para, a state twice the size of France. And it embodies the region in ways that challenge global assumptions: The Amazon is one of the richest and most important forest ecosystems on Earth, and at the same time one of Brazils poorest and most structurally marginalized regions an export hub in which less than 20% of residents have access to adequate sanitation. Though located in the worlds largest rainforest, Belem has lost nearly 20% of its tree cover in the last four decades. Illegal deforestation and informal urban growth exist hand in hand with rich cultural tradition, youth-led activism, and innovative governance models. The city is nationally recognized as a gastronomic hub, and is a central urban base for Indigenous and traditional peoples movements. Center and periphery, ecological and extractive, prosperous and precarious: these contradictions are Belems essence today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By bringing COP30 to the Amazon, the Brazilian presidency is holding a mirror to the climate crisis, reflecting a dilemma that at least four billion people are confronted with: how to reconcile the urgent need for development with the long-term resilience needed to survive climate change. Far from a logistical miscalculation, Belem focuses global climate attention on the real, complex, and contested spaces that will determine the success of the transition, where investment in energy, transport, water, and housing must be re-thought to cut emissions, withstand shocks, and safeguard ecosystems, even as local people struggle to meet immediate needs. On the ground in Belem, the picture is more nuanced than headlines suggest. Nearly $1 billion has already been invested in the citys infrastructure, so while prices are still high, measures ranging from rental market incentives to alternative accommodation reflect a series of pragmatic measures. And indeed, the Brazilian COP presidency has designed an action agenda that reflects this vision of mobilization within a countrys means and seems to address gaps left by recent hosts. New governance structures such as thematic envoys, a CEO-led executive team, and a Sustainable Business COP to aggregate the private sectors participation, for example, aim to close the gap between past promises and delivery. The COP Presidency has widened the scope of this agenda to include health, jobs, and culture, reflecting the fact that climate resilience is a part of everyday life, and has also created mechanisms to amplify excluded voices, including Indigenous peoples as well as local communities, states, and youth. After four years of isolation from global environmental affairs under former President Jair Bolsonaro, Brazils return to climate discussions, anchored in the Amazon, aims to reclaim its leadership and credibility within the international community. Brazil has the rare ability to speak credibly to both Global South and Global North. That duality gives Brazil a large, biodiverse, unequal democracy navigating geopolitical and domestic instability while pursuing an activist vision an opening to shift the narrative. Not to technical targets, but to concrete changes in how places, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, can ensure the health, security, and livelihoods of people amidst growing shocks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this light, Belem is not a backdrop but an integral part of the approach. So the question is not just whether it is reasonable to hold COP30 in Belem. The question is whether we will engage with a vision that may unsettle us, and face what that mirror reflects. Otherwise, we may still be unready or perhaps unwilling to confront the complete reality of the climate and nature crisis. Room for Disagreement The COP30 duality lies also at the heart of Brazils politics. The country seeks to project credibility abroad while not being fully consistent at home. Lula has made significant commitments to reducing deforestation and protecting Indigenous rights. In practice, however, the right-leaning Congress has recently passed legislation weakening environmental licensing, paving the way for increased deforestation. Domestic pressure to explore oil in the Amazon remains strong, including from Paras governor, Helder Barbalho, who is seen as a viable candidate to join Lulas presidential ticket if the incumbent runs for reelection in 2026. Washington The House Oversight Committee intends to release some of the documents from the Justice Department about the case involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, a spokesperson said Tuesday. The committee expects to receive the documents later this week after issuing a subpoena in August to the department for records related to Epstein, a well-connected financier who was convicted of sex trafficking and died in federal custody in 2019. Controversy has swirled around the Epstein files in recent months, after the Justice Department issued the findings of an internal review that was met with anger by many of President Trump's supporters. The review found no "client list" or evidence that Epstein had blackmailed prominent figures. Still, the issue divided Mr. Trump's base, spurring calls for greater transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee spokesperson said the panel plans to release files after a review is conducted and redactions are made. "The Committee intends to make the records public after thorough review to ensure all victims' identification and child sexual abuse material are redacted," the spokesperson said in a statement to CBS News. "The Committee will also consult with the DOJ to ensure any documents released do not negatively impact ongoing criminal cases and investigations." CNN first reported that the House Oversight Committee plans to release some of the Epstein documents. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said Monday that the Justice Department was complying with the subpoena, which set an Aug. 19 deadline, and would begin sharing the records with the panel on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are many records in DOJ's custody, and it will take the Department time to produce all the records and ensure the identification of victims and any child sexual abuse material are redacted," Comer said in a statement. "I appreciate the Trump Administration's commitment to transparency and efforts to provide the American people with information about this matter." The committee also earlier this month subpoenaed a slew of former attorneys general and FBI directors, as well as former President Bill Clinton, for testimony. On Monday, former Attorney General William Barr testified before the committee behind closed doors. Trump sounds off on potential security guarantees for Ukraine Texas Rep. Nicole Collier speaks out after being told she can't leave Capitol without police escort What's behind the latest FBI shakeup with Missouri AG set to join Bongino as co-deputy director CLAY COUNTY (KSNT) One man is seriously injured and a home is destroyed following an explosion in Clay County on Tuesday. Phil Kasper with the Clay Center Fire Department told 27 News that authorities were notified of a house on fire around 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 19 in the 1400 block of Frontier Road. He said the home was destroyed in an explosion that was possibly fueled by propane. Kasper said a man at the residence was severely injured in the explosion and taken to a local hospital. He said the Clay County Sheriffs Office is investigating the situation and has contacted the Kansas State Fire Marshal for assistance. (Photo By: Isabella Cahill) (Photo By: Isabella Cahill) (Photo By: Isabella Cahill) Speed limit increased on rural Kansas highway Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. The Brief Houston police are investigating following a deadly shooting on Monday night on Richmond Avenue. Police said it was reported that a man and woman, who have a child together, were involved in a fight. Officials say that's when the 16-year-old brother produced a firearm and shot the boyfriend several times before leaving on foot. HOUSTON - Houston police are investigating following a deadly shooting on Monday night on Richmond Avenue. Richmond Avenue deadly shooting: 16-year-old identified as suspect Officials said the shooting occurred in the 15100 block of Richmond Avenue around 7:30 p.m. inside an apartment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said it was reported that a man and woman, who have a child together, were involved in a fight. Photo from the scene. That's when, officials said the woman's brother, believed to be 16-years-old got involved, and a physical fight occurred between the brother and boyfriend. Officials say that's when the 16-year-old brother produced a firearm and shot the boyfriend several times before leaving on foot. The boyfriend was pronounced dead on the scene. What we don't know Officials did not identify who the 16-year-old was. The Source Information from the Houston Police Department. PEARL RIVER One man was picked up after an asylum case hearing in Manhattan in March and has already been sent back to Guatemala, separated from his wife and 14-year-old daughter in Mount Kisco. Another was detained in the same courthouse after his own asylum hearing a few months later and soon may be bound for Colombia. He had been living in Putnam County but now plans to return voluntarily to his native country, seeing no hope of his being released from the Texas detention center where he's being held. That pair of Hudson Valley deportation cases was spotlighted on Monday, Aug. 18, during and after a press conference and rally outside Rep. Mike Lawler's Pearl River office. Several groups advocating on behalf of immigrants staged the event to protest the Trump administration's mass deportation push and urge the Republican congressman to help those in his district who are being swept up in it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Many hard-working immigrants are being hunted and kidnapped from their homes, places of work and on the streets," said Liz Roberts, co-executive director of Proyecto Faro, a Rockland County immigrant advocacy group. "We have already seen high school students abducted. Last week, ICE arrested six people who were waiting for an honest day's work at day laborer pickup sites in Spring Valley." Roberts told the crowd of about 45 outside the Blue Hill Plaza complex that federal agents have been "visibly present" near Proyecto Faro's office and have detained people as they leave the building. Other local immigrants, she said, are being arrested when they visit federal offices for routine "check-ins" or go to court in lower Manhattan for scheduled appearances in their immigration cases. "ICE is setting up checkpoints here, and is staging its activities outside the Spring Valley Police Department and village court," Roberts said. "And we are seeing parents making impossible decisions to try to keep their children safe." Peekskill mom plans to self-deport: Peekskill mother snared by feds opts to leave U.S. with son. She tells her story Detained while attending asylum hearing One of the cases highlighted on Monday was that of Dulio Juares Romero, a 48-year-old immigrant who was detained on March 12 at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan when he showed up with his wife and daughter for his asylum case hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking through a Spanish interpreter after the press conference, his wife told the USA TODAY Network that their family came to the U.S. last year because of threats to her husband's life in Guatemala a danger that so terrified their daughter that she stopped going to school. The family has been living in Mount Kisco since coming here, with the parents working as a landscaper and a house cleaner while their daughter attended school. Miriam, an immigrant from Guatemala, holds her phone with a photo of her husband Dulio Juares Romero Aug. 18, 2025. Romero was arrested by I.C.E. on March 12th and returned to Guatemala. Miriam, her husband, and teenage daughter are residents of Mount Kisco. Romero was arrested at the immigration office at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan when he showed up for a schedule immigration hearing. At the courthouse, the federal agents arrested only Romero and took the passports of the wife and daughter. The wife who asked to be identified only as Miriam, her middle name said her husband was later taken to detention centers in Pennsylvania and Louisiana, where he suffered a stroke and other medical problems. "And that's why he signed to take deportation, because he didn't want to be there anymore," Miriam said. "But then after he signed he was still there for a month before they sent him. About fifty people attended an anti-I.C.E. rally outside the Pearl River office of Rep. Mike Lawler Aug. 18, 2025. The rally, organized by the Working Families Party and immigrant advocacy groups, called for Rep. Lawler to end his support for Trump administration policies of arresting and deporting undocumented immigrants. Flown to Texas, plans to leave for Columbia The other case described at the press conference was that of Carlos Andres Satizabal Moreno, a 26-year-old who was approached by federal agents at 26 Federal Plaza on July 1. He, too, was detained after a scheduled asylum hearing, and he was shuttled between holding sites in New York City and Long Island for several days before he was flown to Rio Grande Detention Center in Laredo, Texas, where he has been held since July 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moreno, who had been living with his husband in Carmel, has a court date on Wednesday, Aug. 20, and he plans to ask to be sent back to Colombia, having lost hope of returning to the Hudson Valley based on the deportations of others at his detention site. He's a cancer survivor who faces possible persecution in his home country due to his sexual orientation, according to a statement read on his behalf at the press conference. "We are not asking for special treatment only for humanity and fairness," said Daniel Coates, political director for the advocacy group Make the Road Action, asking that Moreno be released to "continue his legal process in freedom" and "with the dignity he deserves." Firefighter detained: Port Chester firefighter, father of three is nabbed at home by ICE and sent to Michigan Lawler arranged past immigrant releases Lawler and his staff have helped secure the release of at least two detained immigrants, as speakers acknowledged at the press conference. One was Alan Pierre, a 20-year-old Spring Valley High School student from Haiti who was detained after his appointment at a Bronx immigration office in June. The other was Yeonsoo Go, a 20-year-old Scarsdale High School graduate arrested after court in New York City in July. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawler's office has been contacted about Moreno's detention, but it's unclear if it has made any headway with federal authorities. Lawler's spokesman didn't respond on Monday to requests for comment on that case and the press conference. As the detentions have multiplied, immigrant supporters have countered by shining a light on individual deportation cases to show some of the lives affected. Last week, a rally in Peekskill brought out the plight of Amy Lituma, a 25-year-old mother who said she opted to return to Ecuador because authorities were going to separate her from her 4-year-old son. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement hasn't responded yet to requests for comment on the Romero and Moreno cases. Chris McKenna covers government and politics for The Journal News and USA Today Network. Reach him at cmckenna@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Rally spotlights Hudson Valley parents, workers picked up by ICE By Nacho Doce and Guillermo Martinez GONDULFES, Spain (Reuters) -Wildfires raging in northern and western Spain have burned through nearly the same area in the past 24 hours as in all of last year, although the end of a 16-day heatwave and expected rainfall have fanned hopes that an end may be in sight. The fires have spread over the regions of Extremadura, Galicia, and Castile and Leon, forcing authorities to suspend rail services and cut access to roads in the area, as well as blocking a 50 km (30 mile) stretch of the popular Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Data on Tuesday from the European Forest Fire Information System showed the fires have burned vegetation on 38,000 hectares (94,000 acres) since Monday, just below 42,000 hectares during the whole of 2024. However, the national weather agency, which on Monday declared the end of one of the longest heatwaves in the past five decades, now expects temperatures to fall and humidity to rise. "The evolution is favourable, the teams are stabilising the fires," Castile and Leon regional leader Alfonso Fernandez Manueco told reporters. The region, Spain's largest, is one of the worst hit by the blazes. "If weather trends continue, we will be better tomorrow than today and better the day after tomorrow," Manueco said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The weather agency said adverse conditions would remain in southern Spain, including in part of Extremadura. So far this year, an estimated 382,600 hectares have burned in Spain - an area equivalent to the size of the island of Mallorca - according to the EFFIS. It is the largest area in records that go back to 2006 and more than four times the 2006-2024 average. Visiting the fires in Extremadura, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the government would declare many of the affected areas as emergency zones, which in practice means they will be eligible to receive aid for reconstruction. Blaming the fires on the effects of climate change, he also said he would propose a plan next month to turn climate emergency policies into permanent state policies. He gave no details, but the authorities have been focusing on fire prevention and response planning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're seeing the climate emergency accelerate and worsen significantly, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula, each year," he said. Opposition leaders have said his proposal is a way to divert attention from his government's poor handling of the fires. Most of Southern Europe is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons in two decades. The Spanish army has deployed 3,400 troops and 50 aircraft to help firefighters, while Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands and Slovakia have sent hundreds of firefighters, vehicles and aircraft. The Interior Ministry said that since June, 32 people have been arrested and 93 were under investigation for suspected arson. (Writing by Inti Landauro; Editing by Andrei Khalip and Alison Williams) A task force of 500 U.S. Marines and sailors is working to construct new fortifications at Arizonas southern border with Mexico, including adding barbed and concertina wire. The new task force, called Task Force Forge, comprises personnel assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force. The task force is currently at work within U.S. Border Patrols Yuma Sector in Arizona. This sector is monitored by Border Patrol agents tasked with securing 126 miles of the border from Arizona to California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The force assumed its mission last month, taking over the efforts of the outgoing 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, known as Task Force Sapper. Sapper laid the ground work for barrier reinforcement, which is now being built up by the succeeding unit. The service members with Task Force Forge completed surveys of border barriers and are currently working to strengthen them. The additions to the barriers include prefabricated steel brackets, which will support the addition of barbed and concertina wire, according to the Department of Defense. Reinforcing the border barrier is a tangible way we assist our interagency partners to strengthen security and protect the territorial integrity of the United States, said Marine Corps Lt. Col. Colin Graham, CLB 15 battalion commander and Task Force Forge commanding officer, in a Pentagon release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pentagon creates new military border zone in Arizona In addition, the task force is also operating within the recently established Yuma National Defense Area to install signage and conduct road and terrain surveys. The Arizona zone was the fourth National Defense Area established this year and is an extension of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. It lies adjacent to the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range, which has long been a corridor for illegal cross-border smuggling activities. Last month, the Pentagon moved to reallocate $200 million in funding for 30-foot-tall permanent barriers to prevent entry into the bombing range. Warren Buffett, widely regarded as one of the most successful investors of all time, is well-known not only for his extraordinary financial acumen but also for his straightforward and insightful commentary on management practices. His observation that managers often discard performance metrics when results falter, rather than addressing managerial shortcomings, remains especially relevant in contemporary business and investment circles. Companies often push the boundary between hyping themselves up and remaining compliant with SEC regulations, but this can distort the actual reality of the business. In his 1982 shareholders' letter, Buffett famously pointed out how the goal post can constantly shift depending on the performance of the business. Buffett explained this by saying, Yardsticks seldom are discarded while yielding favorable readings. But when results deteriorate, most managers favor disposition of the yardstick rather than disposition of the manager. More News from Barchart Some managers might focus on net income, while others focus on EBITA or even revenue growth. Buffett is saying that whichever metric managers choose to focus on often depends on which one is doing the best. He further clarified that point, saying, Managers faced with deterioration often prefer a more flexible measurement system: just shoot the arrow of business performance into a blank canvas and then carefully draw the bullseye around the implanted arrow. Buffett, born in 1930 in Omaha, Nebraska, began his investment career early, famously purchasing his first stock at the age of 11. Over the decades, he transformed Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) (BRK.A) from a struggling textile manufacturer into a global conglomerate valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars, earning him the nickname "Oracle of Omaha." His disciplined investment strategy and ethical approach to management have solidified his authority on topics concerning corporate governance and managerial practices. Buffetts insight into managerial tendencies to change performance metrics resonates deeply because it reflects a common, yet problematic, practice within many companies. By altering or even discarding yardsticks of evaluation, managers might temporarily conceal performance deficiencies. However, Buffett argues that this action delays necessary managerial changes, allowing underlying issues to persist and ultimately impacting long-term organizational performance. Hundreds of students in the US have had their visas removed for supporting terrorism. More than 6,000 student visas have been revoked by the State Department in 2025, the vast majority because of legal violations, an administration official said. Around 200 to 300 students had their visas rescinded for alleged terrorism after engaging in behaviour such as raising funds for Hamas, according to an official. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every single student visa revoked under the Trump administration has happened because the individual has either broken the law or expressed support for terrorism while in the United States, a senior State Department official told Fox News. They added: About 4,000 visas alone have been revoked because these visitors broke the law while visiting our country, including records of assault and DUIs. Donald Trump has continuously targeted Ivy League universities he has accused of allowing harassment of Jewish students on campus during pro-Palestinian protests last year. As well as pursuing universities with federal funding cuts and attempts to ban foreign enrolment, the Trump administration has singled out students active in protests against the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those impacted include Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts University PhD student, who was seized by masked federal agents from a street in Boston in March after writing a student newspaper article criticising the university for not sanctioning Israel. The Turkish students visa was cancelled and she was detained for 45 days until a judge ordered her release in May. The State Department directed embassies and consulates to vet student visa applicants for hostile attitudes towards our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles in June. Applicants were instructed they must set their social media profiles to public to screen potential students for those who pose a threat to US national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, previously defended the policy, saying: There is no constitutional right to a student visa. A student visa is something we decide to give you. Approximately 4,000 of the 6,000 visas were revoked because students broke the law, including cases of assault, driving under the influence, burglary and allegations of terrorism. 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. Editor's note: This item has been updated to include a statement from Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. Talks between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin could be held in Hungary, Reuters reported on Aug. 19, citing a U.S. administration source. The meeting would mark the first encounter between Zelensky and Putin since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. The two leaders last met in Paris in December 2019 as part of Normandy Format talks mediated by France and Germany. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, Hungary's parliament voted to approve the country's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC), potentially allowing Putin to visit the country despite his arrest warrant issued in 2023 over the abduction of Ukrainian children. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose government is widely seen as authoritarian, has blocked or delayed military aid to Ukraine, maintained ties with Putin, and echoed Kremlin narratives. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Aug. 18, after a meeting with Zelensky and European allies, that preparations were underway for a face-to-face summit. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who joined the talks, said the meeting could take place within two weeks. Russian authorities have not yet officially announced that they have agreed to such a meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French President Emmanuel Macron, who was also present during the White House talks, said on Aug 19 that the summit should be held in Europe, adding that he favored Geneva as a neutral venue. "It will be a neutral country, so perhaps Switzerland, Im advocating for Geneva or another country. The last time there were bilateral discussions was in Istanbul," Macron told French broadcaster LCI. Switzerland's long-standing neutrality has made it a preferred host for international negotiations, where parties can meet without the perception of bias. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said the country is willing to host the summit, emphasizing the country's experience in organizing such events, Swissinfo reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also proposed Turkey as a possible venue in July. Ukrainian and Russian delegations previously held three rounds of direct peace talks in the country. Zelensky has repeatedly voiced readiness for direct negotiations. On Aug. 18, he said he was prepared to discuss territorial issues with Putin personally. The Russian president has so far avoided meeting Zelensky despite claiming openness to talks. Read also: Zelensky says he will discuss territory with Putin as Ukraine signals readiness for unconditional peace talks with Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) Last week, News 19 reported on the Monrovia Flats apartments, where tenants said mold and moisture inside their apartments were making them sick. News 19 has learned some repairs have been made to the Huntsville apartments, but residents say the fixes may not go far enough Man killed in Toney wreck In News 19s visits to Monrovia Flats, tenants told us mold and moisture were spreading through their apartments and they feared it was making them sick. Our story aired on Aug. 14. Since then, one of the tenants we spoke with says maintenance crews have begun working on her unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She tells News 19 the main problem area was addressed, but smaller mold spots appeared to be painted over instead of fully removed. News 19 reached out again this week to Elmington Property Management, the corporate office over Monrovia Flats. They did not respond to emails and voicemails last week. On Monday, a spokesman did respond to News 19 and said they were working on a statement. News 19 has not received that statement. The tenants we spoke to asked not to be shown on camera or identified, for fear of retaliation or eviction. The tenants we spoke to are using rental assistance housing vouchers from the Huntsville Housing Authority to help pay their rent. Huntsville Housing Authority curfew still in effect, officials considering extending it Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We asked Antonio McGinnis, director of the Huntsville Housing Authority, about the problems these residents have faced. He told News 19 that while the authority issues vouchers, they dont have control over how private apartment owners handle maintenance. So, the voucher program gives an opportunity for a resident to choose where they want to live, McGinnis said. If theyre living in a neighborhood thats not necessarily a public housing facility, they go right to the property manager and see if they can get all the issues resolved. McGinnis said their ability to help residents is limited. Now we try to intervene when we can, but since we dont manage and operate those facilities, we dont necessarily have a say, the Huntsville Housing Authority director said. So what if a resident is not pleased then the person can move out if that becomes a problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He did tell News 19 residents concerns are being heard. One of the things that I really want to improve is that the safety and well-being of our residents is really a top priority for me, he said. I want to make sure that they know that theyre listened to and we get to resolve it as soon as possible. Tuesday morning, a spokesperson for Monrovia Flats provided News 19 the following statement: Since identifying the presence of growth in some of our units, we have had crews on site working diligently to address the issue. The health and safety of our residents is a top concern at all times, and we will continue this work until the issue is resolved. The City of Huntsvilles Community Development Department has been in contact with the apartment complex as well. The department tells District 5 Councilman John Meredith Management made us aware of the moisture intrusion that has occurred in several of the units. After some investigation, they were able to determine the cause and develop a plan of correction. It is my understanding that the contractor/repair team is on-site and working to make the repairs and that the appropriate measures are being taken to minimize inconvenience to the residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There has been greater than expected transition with the on-site management team and the management company has developed a short term staffing plan while also working to identify qualified site staff for a more permanent resolution. We remain in contact with management and our partner with regularly scheduled weekly meetings and updates and our asset management team is scheduling period site visits to monitor property performance. When the repairs are expected to be completed remains unclear. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. After reaching Category 5 over the weekend, Hurricane Erin is now down to Category 2, but the large hurricane is still causing problems off the East Coast of the U.S. The hurricane is sending life-threatening currents and dangerous surf along the coast and is expected to produce destructive waves and storm surge in North Carolina. Erins sustained winds are just shy of Category 3 status. Though it is not forecast to make landfall, it will still impact much of the East Coast as it travels north, nearly parallel to land, per CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm first formed from a tropical wave on Aug. 11, and by Aug. 15, it had become a hurricane and quickly joined the ranks of the fastest intensifying hurricanes in Atlantic history, increasing its winds by 85 mph in about 21 hours, per USA Today. It spared some islands along the eastern Caribbean, but Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and portions of the southeastern Bahamas were soaked, with up to 8 inches of rain. The winds caused power outages in both Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The threat from Erin stretches up and down the entire East Coast beaches as far north as Massachusetts have been closed to swimmers due to rough surf. The rip current risks are expected to last through most of the week. According to NPR, on Tuesday morning, the hurricane was around 690 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It was moving northwest at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm is still expected to grow as it travels. Rough conditions expected in North Carolinas Outer Banks The worst impacts from Erin are expected on Wednesday, and in order to prepare for that, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on Tuesday. According to USA Today, the winds from Hurricane Erin could push up to 4 feet of storm surge onto North Carolinas Outer Banks on Wednesday and Thursday. A storm surge warning is in effect for the area. The Outer Banks is also expected to see extensive beach erosion, with waves over 20 feet forecast through the week. According to CNN, the waves will likely cause severe coastal and beach damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Carolinas Dare and Hyde counties, which encompass much of the Outer Banks, have issued mandatory evacuations for Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Red flags, indicating swimming is prohibited, are raised at the beach in Duck, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, as precautions are taken ahead of Hurricane Erin. | Pablo Martinez Monsivais Dozens of swimmers rescued in North Carolina So far, scores of swimmers have already had to be rescued from the rough conditions created by the hurricane. At North Carolinas Wrightsville Beach, over 70 rescues were conducted, and the beach has issued a no-swim advisory through Friday, per CNN. In nearby Surf City, there were 15 rescues made. A person was also rescued from rip currents at a South Carolina beach on Monday as multiple states have issued no-swim decrees until the threat from Hurricane Erin passes, per USA Today. Forecasters monitoring potential tropical storms While Hurricane Erin is the current concern of meteorologists, its not the only concern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forecasters are also monitoring two other tropical systems in the Atlantic, per USA Today. One is in the central part of the ocean and the other is off the coast of Africa. Both systems are being monitored as to whether they could develop into a named storm. The next named storm will be called Fernand. So far, neither of the monitored disturbances appear to be a threat to land. This years hurricane season began on June 1 and has not yet reached its midpoint, so there is plenty more activity expected before it ends at the end of November, per USA Today. Hurricane Erin expected to bring large waves, life-threatening swimming conditions to Mass. The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for parts of southern Massachusetts as Hurricane Erin pushes north in the Atlantic Ocean. The advisory is in effect for Dukes, Nantucket, Plymouth, Barnstable, and Bristol counties from Tuesday through 8 p.m. on Thursday. Dukes and Nantucket counties could see large breaking waves of 8 to 13 feet in the surf zone, Bristol County could see waves of 6 to 10 feet, and Plymouth and Barnstable counties could see waves of 4 to 8 feet, according to the NWS. A High Surf Advisory is in effect through Thursday PM along the south coast, Cape and Islands. Large breaking waves will be a concern leading to life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions. pic.twitter.com/6wVTkR88F8 Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 19, 2025 Forecasters warned of life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions at beaches impacted by the advisory, as well as localized beach erosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water, the NWS said in its advisory. Hurricane Erin remained a Category 3 storm on Tuesday morning, threatening to lash North Carolinas Outer Banks with tropical force winds and swamp roads with waves of up to 15 feet. In this aerial image taken from video provided by WVEC-TV, homes along the Atlantic Coast in Dare County, N.C., are seen, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, ahead of expected impacts from Hurricane Erin. (WVEC-TV via AP) Evacuations have been ordered on barrier islands along the Carolina coast. On Monday, officials at Wrightsville Beach, near Wilmington, North Carolina, reported rescuing at least 60 swimmers from dangerous rip currents. The biggest concerns for southern New England will be along south-facing beaches through the end of the week, according to Boston 25 News Meteorologist Vicki Graf. Impacts from Hurricane Erin will be felt across the east coast over the next few days. The biggest issues locally will be along south-facing beaches through the end of the week. pic.twitter.com/gDo0e4gufM Vicki Graf (@VickiGrafWX) August 19, 2025 While it is not expected to make landfall, it will bring dangerous impacts along the East Coast, Graf wrote in her latest weather blog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The threat of life-threatening surf and rip currents could linger off Massachusetts into the weekend. Graf reminded the public to use extra caution if theyre heading to the beaches or out on the water. A small craft advisory is also active for waters off southern New England. For the latest forecast, visit the Boston 25 Weather page. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW What to know about powerful Hurricane Erin as it heads past the US East Coast Hurricane Erin was creating potentially deadly water conditions all along the East Coast days before the largest waves are expected, even as the strength of the storm weakened on Tuesday. READ MORE: Tropical storm watch issued for NC coast as Hurricane Erin prompts evacuations Erin lost some strength and dropped to a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was about 650 miles southwest of Bermuda and 690 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Forecasters said Erin was moving northwest at 9 mph. Although the weather center was confident Erin would not make direct landfall in the United States, authorities have warned that water conditions along the East Coast remain dangerous. Officials on a few islands along North Carolinas Outer Banks issued evacuation orders and warned that some roads could be swamped by waves of 15 feet. Tropical storm warnings were in effect for the southeast Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, the weather center said. Here is what to know about Hurricane Erin: Troubled waters force rescues Warnings about rip currents have been posted from Bermuda and Florida to the New England coast. The biggest threat is along the barrier islands of North Carolinas Outer Banks where evacuations have been ordered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In North Carolina on Monday, at least 60 people were rescued from rip currents in Wrightsville Beach, near Wilmington, officials said. Bermuda wont feel the full intensity of the storm until Thursday evening, and the islands services will remain open in the meantime, acting Minister of National Security Jache Adams said. But storm surge, which could reach up to 24 feet by Thursday, would make waters too dangerous to swim, surf or boat in, Adams said. Already this year, there have been at least 27 people killed from rip currents in U.S. waters, according to the National Weather Service. About 100 people drown from rip currents along U.S. beaches each year, according to the United States Lifesaving Association. And more than 80% of beach rescues annually involve rip currents. N.C. Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Erin will bring threats of coastal flooding, beach erosion, and dangerous surf conditions, said Stein in a news release. North Carolinians along the coast should get prepared now, ensure their emergency kit is ready, and listen to local emergency guidelines and alerts in the event they need to evacuate. The dangers in the Outer Banks Forecasters say Erin will turn northeast and away from the eastern U.S. Still, the storm is expected to bring tropical storm force winds, dangerous waves and rip currents to North Carolinas coast, said Dave Roberts of the National Hurricane Center. Coastal flooding in North Carolina is expected to begin Tuesday. Evacuations were ordered on Hatteras Island and Ocracoke Island. The orders come at the height of tourist season on the thin stretch of low-lying barrier islands that juts far into the Atlantic Ocean. There are concerns that several days of heavy surf, high winds and waves could wash out parts of the main highway running along the barrier islands, the National Weather Service said. Some routes could be impassible for several days. Deceptively devastating impacts Storm surge is the level at which seawater rises above its normal level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much like the way a storms sustained winds do not include the potential for even stronger gusts, storm surge doesnt include the wave height above the mean water level. Surge is also the amount above what the normal tide is at a time, so a 15-foot storm surge at high tide can be far more devastating than the same surge at low tide. A year ago, Hurricane Ernesto stayed hundreds of miles offshore from the U.S. Eastern Seaboard yet still produced high surf and swells that caused coastal damage. Fluctuating strength Erins strength has fluctuated significantly over the past week. The most common way to measure a hurricanes strength is the Saffir-Simpson Scale that assigns a category from 1 to 5 based on a storms sustained wind speed at its center, with 5 being the strongest. Erin reached a dangerous Category 5 status late last week with 160 mph winds before weakening. It dropped to a Category 2 hurricane on Tuesday. VIDEO: Tuesdays forecast HATTERAS, N.C. A dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation is unfolding across portions of the East Coast as Tropical Storm alerts are in effect for parts of coastal Virginia and North Carolinas Outer Banks as Hurricane Erin approaches the U.s. Hurricane Erin is not expected to make landfall in the United States, but forecasters are becoming increasingly concerned that outer bands from the growing hurricane could lash portions of the North Carolina and Virginia coasts with tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rain as the storm moves by. Massive waves generated by Hurricane Erin are also expected to pound the coast and rip currents could turn deadly for anyone daring to enter the water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Track Hurricane Erin: Live Maps, Forecast Cone, Us East Coast Rip Current Threat And Spaghetti Models The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued a Tropical Storm Warning from Beaufort Inlet to Duck, North Carolina, and a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect from Cape Charles Light in Virginia to Chincoteague. A Storm Surge Warning was issued for the North Carolina Outer Banks from Cape Lookout to Duck. Because of the danger, officials in some North Carolina communities told residents and visitors to evacuate and declared local states of emergency ahead of the possible life-threatening impacts. "The State Emergency Response Team is poised and ready to respond to any needs from our local communities this week," North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray said in a statement. "As forecasted impacts become clearer, we will plan for the pre-positioning of any necessary resources for rapid deployment along our coast. In the meantime, all visitors and residents along the coast should follow the instructions of local emergency management officials to keep you and your family safe," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How To Watch Fox Weather Officials said that with the forecast showing the potential for tropical-storm-force winds, dangerous surf with waves of 15-20 feet at local beaches, flooding of roads and neighborhoods and rip currents along the Outer Banks, officials in some counties announced evacuation orders over the weekend. Hyde County declared a local state of emergency for Ocracoke Island, and a mandatory evacuation order was issued for visitors on Sunday night and for residents on Tuesday morning. Download The Free Fox Weather App Minor flooding along Highway 12 on Ocracoke Island after high tide on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Dare County also declared a state of emergency and ordered the evacuation of Hatteras Island, which includes the communities of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras. Visitors began to evacuate on Monday, and residents started their evacuation on Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, told FOX Weather their rescue crews conducted nearly 60 water rescues on Monday and another 20 on Tuesday due to strong rip currents. The town has now told all beachgoers to stay out of the water through Friday as Erin gets even closer. "These swells are producing powerful rip currents that can create extremely hazardous swimming conditions," said Sam Proffitt, director of Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue. "The safety of our beachgoers is always our top priority, and we urge everyone to follow this advisory." Tropical Waves Brew Behind Hurricane Erin As Main Development Region Roars To Life With 2 Areas To Watch Stay with FOX Weather for continuing coverage of Hurricane Erin this week. To the north in New York and New Jersey, officials have prohibited swimming and other recreational water activities due to massive waves and life-threatening rip currents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All New York City public beaches are closed for swimming on Wednesday and Thursday, Mayor Eric Adams' office announced Tuesday. In New Jersey, swimming, mobile sport fishing vehicle access and other programs have been suspended at Island Beach State Park through at least Thursday due to the hazardous water conditions. "The Wildwood Beach Patrol advises everyone to stay out of the water and to heed all warnings," the police department said. "This restriction includes after-hours, when lifeguards are off-duty." Officials also prohibited beachgoers from entering the water at Maryland's Assateague State Park due to dangerous ocean surf and rip currents. Red flags denote warnings to stay out of the water at Maryland's Assateague State Park on Aug. 19, 2025 as Hurricane Erin approaches offshore, making for dangerous ocean conditions. The Margate City Beach Patrol has also prohibited swimming and bathing until further notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We do not recommend surfing and kayaking at this time," officials said. "Any surfers and kayakers who do venture into the water will be performing these activities at their own risk." The Margate City Beach Patrol said that wasnt a decision that they came to lightly, but their "priority is the safety of our beachgoers and lifeguards." Hurricane Erin Threatens North Carolina's Outer Banks With Extreme Beach And Coastal Damage Hurricane Erin has maximum sustained winds of 100 mph with some higher gusts, and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that some fluctuations in strength are possible over the next few days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Erin rapidly intensified last week, going from a Category 1 hurricane to a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 160 mph in a matter of hours. At the time, it was a tiny, compact storm, but thats no longer the case. "The more important part of the forecast is that model guidance has continued to show Erin growing in size, and the wind radii have been made larger in the new NHC forecast," the NHC said. "This new forecast now brings tropical-storm-force winds very close to the Mid-Atlantic and southern New England coast later this week." Currently, hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles from Erin's center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles. Original article source: Hurricane Erins impacts to spread up East Coast as tropical storm alerts expand in North Carolina, Virginia As Hurricane Erin churns just off the Atlantic coast of the United States this week, AccuWeather meteorologists are warning that the storm's powerful winds will generate massive seas offshore. These waves will travel toward the shoreline, producing pounding surf, frequent and strong rip currents and considerable beach erosion from Florida to Maine. This image of Hurricane Erin as a Category 2 was captured on Thursday morning, Aug. 21, 2025, near its closest approach to the United States (left). Bermuda appears to the right of the center. (AccuWeather Enhanced RealVue Satellite Photo) Erin remains a large and dangerous hurricane even though winds are not as intense as they were over this past weekend when it was a Category 5 storm. Tropical storm conditions now extend outward up to 265 miles from the eye, while hurricane conditions reach about 90 miles from the center. As of Thursday morning, Erin had moved closer to the U.S. and at one point was about 200 miles to the east-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph, has turned to the northeast and will generally move away from the U.S. through the end of the week. The dashed red line represents AccuWeather meteorologists forecast path for the eye of the hurricane. The gray shaded areas on either side of the forecast path represent alternative paths the hurricane could take based on changing steering conditions. Tropical storm and hurricane conditions will extend well beyond the track of the eye. The Category 2 hurricane, on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale, was better organized on Wednesday morning as it was over warm water and disruptive winds started to ease. Maximum sustained winds had increased to 110 mph by midday--up 10 mph from early in the morning. Erin hovered just below Category 3 intensity into the evening hours. AccuWeather.com "Hurricane Erin is churning up massive waves and rip currents as it turns to the northeast and moves away from the East Coast," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erin's large wind field is acting like a giant plunger and causing massive swells on the sea surface. Swells will propagate outward well away from the center and reach the beaches in the form of large, pounding breakers. "Even as Erin pushes out into the open Atlantic, dangerous conditions are expected at many beaches heading into the weekend," DaSilva said. Wave heights will average 5-10 feet along the southern Atlantic and mid-Atlantic coasts into Thursday night. However, waves could reach 10-20 feet along the coast of North Carolina to Virginia. Waves over the open ocean near the center of Erin may approach 50 feet. AccuWeather.com Significant impacts are likely along much of the East Coast, even though the eye of Erin will remain offshore. Swimmers, surfers and boaters are urged to exercise extreme caution, as conditions, especially from rip currents, could become life-threatening. Officials have closed many beaches due to the seriousness of the threat to swimmers and would-be rescuers. Coastal communities may also face localized flooding in low-lying areas and damage to beaches and dunes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the waves continue relentlessly, they will pile up water along the shore and bays, creating a storm surge. This surge will range between 1 and 3 feet along much of the Atlantic coast, but along part of the North Carolina coast, where the worst conditions are likely, a storm surge of 3-6 feet is forecast. AccuWeather.com "Some roads in the Outer Banks are underwater or covered in sand after powerful waves crashed over the dunes," DaSilva said. "Farther north, storm surge may impact beaches from the Delmarva coastline to southern New Jersey through late Thursday night. Several feet of water rise from Hurricane Erin may extend as far north as northern New Jersey and coastal areas near New York City." Tropical-storm-force winds of 40-60 mph are forecast to reach eastern North Carolina and southeastern New England. Areas between these two locations can experience gusts approaching 40 mph. Eastern New England juts out into the Atlantic, similar to North Carolina. However, due to the curved path Erin is forecast to take, the hurricane should pass 300-350 miles to the southeast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, late Thursday night. AccuWeather.com Because the hurricane may continue to grow in size, wind gusts near tropical storm force are possible in southeastern Massachusetts and the islands. The greatest impacts to southeastern New England will be from rough seas and dangerous surf, although some sporadic power outages are possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AccuWeather RealImpact Scale for Hurricanes in the eastern United States due to Erin is less than one, factoring in the track, intensity, population affected and scope of damage. While the most immediate concern from Hurricane Erin will be the dangerous surf and rip currents, there is also a risk of heavy rainfall in parts of the eastern United States. Depending on Erin's exact track, outer rainbands may brush coastal North Carolina, bringing periods of downpours and gusty winds to the Outer Banks and surrounding areas. AccuWeather.com Even if the storm remains well offshore, indirect heavy rainfall and flooding impacts are possible farther inland over the Northeast, with a stalled front being the key player. Erin impacts in Bermuda, Atlantic Canada While the eye of Erin will pass by a couple of hundred miles to the west and north of Bermuda, the large hurricane will still lead to rough seas, gusty winds and sporadic rainfall on the islands from Thursday to Friday. The AccuWeather RealImpact Scale for Hurricanes in Bermuda due to Erin is less than one. AccuWeather.com Large, pounding waves and rip currents, especially along Horseshoe Beach, Bermuda, will create dangerous conditions for swimmers. Small craft could experience dangerous conditions around the islands. A tropical storm watch was in effect for Bermuda as of Tuesday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Erin picks up speed over the North Atlantic, it is likely to transition to more of a hybrid storm. Regardless, Erin will pass close enough to southeastern Newfoundland to bring a period of rough seas, gusty winds and perhaps some rain from Friday night to Saturday. AccuWeather.com The AccuWeather RealImpact Scale for Hurricanes in Atlantic Canada due to Erin is less than one. Cruise, shipping interests and deep-sea fishing interests off the coast of North America may need to alter their course or delay their voyage until the hurricane moves away. From late this weekend to early next week, Erin could affect the zone from Iceland to the United Kingdom, including Atlantic waters as a tropical wind and rainstorm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AccuWeather meteorologists are monitoring additional areas of interest in the tropical Atlantic. Do not wait for the next hurricane to strike - better protect your business today. Contact AccuWeather now to schedule your free demo of our Hurricane Warning Service. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. As morale among U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel sinks to new lows, the Trump administration hopes spending more than $120,000 on a pair of high-performance Mustang GT Fastbacks will juice the embattled deportation agencys efforts to attract new recruits. Obtaining the vehicles was an immediate request by the White House, on Thursday August 7, 2025, according to a federal procurement document reviewed by The Independent. It says the Mustangs are expected to enhance the federal governments push to add some 14,000 new ICE agents by serving as a bold, high-performance symbol of innovation, strength and modern federal service, and that the Mustangs eye-catching design increases public engagement at outreach events and helps attract top talent by conveying a culture of excellence and forward momentum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Therefore, two (2) Ford Mustang GT vehicles were selected as they meet the ICE requirement, explains the so-called justification-and-approval document, known as a J&A which lays out the reasons why the contract was awarded without having issued the usual competitive bidding process. The agencys need for the services is so urgent and compelling that providing full and open competition would result in unacceptable delays and seriously hinder the Governments recruiting initiative, according to the J&A, which was added to a federal contracting database on Tuesday. As a result, the sole source procurement methods/strategies must be pursued to meet mission-critical timelines. ICE is hoping a new pair of Mustang GT Fastbacks will attract a crop of new recruits. (Getty Images) ICE paid $121,450 for the cars, closing the deal with Banister Ford in Suitland, Maryland, on August 11. One of the Mustangs was already spotted driving around D.C. on Monday evening, with a gold ICE logo and the words Defend the homeland on the side. An ICE spokesperson acknowledged The Independents request for comment but did not provide one by publication time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The recruitment push by ICE is expected to last for at least two fiscal years, and the purchase of the Mustangs was fully supported by Trumps signature One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the J&A states. There has been widespread public backlash to ICE as the administrations massive deportation push spreads nationwide. Congressional Republicans have set aside $30 billion for ICE to add some 14,000 immigration officers to support Trumps mass deportation agenda, along with $45 billion in new funding for ICE detention centers. In all, Trumps big, beautiful bill earmarks more than $170 billion for immigration enforcement over the next 10 years, making ICE better-funded than most foreign militaries. At the same time, the government has halted important scientific research, hollowed out social programs and reduced peoples access to healthcare all in the name of saving money. Last week, it emerged that ICE spent more than $700,000 to customize a group of SUVs and pickup trucks to be used for recruitment, including a Ford Raptor and a GMC Yukon tricked out to mimic the look of Donald Trumps private Boeing 757. A video posted by the Department of Homeland Security, ICEs parent agency, showed the SUVs cruising through Washington, D.C., and parked in front of the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, set to music by rapper DaBaby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All are painted navy blue, with red-and-white racing stripes and a gold ICE logo, which reflect the color scheme of Trumps aircraft. President Donald J. Trump is printed in gold on the rear window, and, like the Mustangs, the words Defend the homeland appear on the side. The trucks cost more than $500,000, with another $227,000 spent on custom automotive wraps, according to federal procurement records. Joining ICE is now easier than ever, as Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem lowered the minimum age to 18 and did away with the existing maximum. ICE is also offering signing bonuses of up to $50,000, along with student loan forgiveness and other perks for new recruits. The agency is specifically trying to target Gen Z and early-career professionals, as well as former law enforcement officers, military veterans and people from the legal field, according to a recent request for information. ICE hopes to target more than 42 million people across social media and via ads on Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime and other streaming networks, the agency says. This is a critical priority, according to the agency. ICE has an immediate need to begin recruitment efforts and requires specialized commercial advertising experience, established infrastructure, and qualified personnel to activate without delay. An ICE hiring expo is scheduled for August 26 and 27 at Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Following a shooting by federal agents at a vehicle during an immigration enforcement operation over the weekend, protesters took to the streets Monday demanding accountability from local authorities. Video of the incident, captured by the drivers son who is a U.S. citizen, shows federal agents ordering the occupants of a vehicle to lower their windows. When the driver refused and demanded identification from the officers, one agent shattered the driver-side window and at least three shots were fired as the vehicle drove off, according to footage obtained by KTLA. The driver later called police, claiming masked men had pursued him and fired at his car. No one was injured in during the initial encounter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hours later, police went to the drivers home on Mountain View Drive, where federal agents and immigrant rights advocates had gathered. Tensions escalated as protestors demanded ICE leave the neighborhood. It doesnt seem theyre protecting us, said one community advocate. It seems theyre protecting these bounty hunters and kidnappers. By Monday, protestors returned to the police station, insisting local authorities be held accountable. Officials said officers were present solely to manage the crowd and were not participating in immigration enforcement. Witnesses described the incident as chaotic and frightening. Some of us counted about six gunshots, said one neighbor. Employees in the area reported fleeing in panic as law enforcement activity intensified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement, During a targeted enforcement operation in San Bernardino, CBP officers were injured during a vehicle stop when a subject refused to exit his vehicle and tried to run them down. In the course of the incident, the suspect drove his car at the officers and struck two CBP officers with his vehicle. This forced a CBP officer to discharge his firearm in self-defense. Police confirmed the individual was briefly detained at his home but was later released. The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, which has been assisting the family, said the man has no criminal record and was targeted without legal justification. The group said it is providing legal support and closely monitoring federal actions. Carlos Saucedo contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. British travel retailer WH Smith has finalised the sale of its online personalised greeting cards business, Funky Pigeon, to UK-based retailer Card Factory for 24m ($32.1m) in cash. This marks the completion of WH Smith's transformation into a pure play global travel retailer, aimed at capitalising on growth opportunities and enhancing shareholder value. Card Factory CEO Darcy Willson-Rymer stated: "This acquisition represents a key milestone in delivering our strategic ambition to build a scaled and competitive digital presence in the celebration occasions market. We welcome our new Funky Pigeon colleagues into the group and look forward to working together to accelerate our growth in the direct-to-recipient card and gifting segment, bringing together Funky Pigeon's high-quality technology platform and digital expertise with our strong store estate and broader celebrations offer". The sale is based on an enterprise value of 26m, with WH Smith expecting to net 21m in cash after deducting transaction expenses. These proceeds will contribute to reducing the company's debt. Card Factory anticipates the acquisition to be earnings-enhancing in the financial year ending 31 January 2027, with synergy benefits projected to surpass 5m. The benefits are expected to stem from improved manufacturing and fulfilment processes, technology platforms and product offerings. Funky Pigeon's established online presence, backed by its teams in Bristol and Guernsey, has reported annual revenues of 32m and earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation of 5m for the previous two financial years. Card Factory's strategy includes leveraging Funky Pigeon's digital platform to enhance its omnichannel capabilities and attract its 24 million unique in-store customers to a stronger online market presence in celebration occasions. Card Factory's digital strategy also involves improving the online customer experience and expanding the in-store party and celebrations range through an integrated omnichannel approach. The integration of Funky Pigeon's tech platform is expected to drive operational efficiencies and elevate the customer experience for Card Factory's UK and Ireland operations. "WH Smith completes Funky Pigeon business sale to Card Factory" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Update (8/19/2025): The deputy and the K-9 have both been released and are now home and stable. TREMONTON, Utah (ABC4) The identities of the Deputy and K-9 Officers who were injured in Tremonton late Sunday night have been released. On August 17, 2025, officers from the Tremonton Garland Police Department (TGPD) and Box Elder County Sheriffs Office responded to calls of a domestic disturbance in Tremonton. Two officers, Sergeant Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada, were fatally shot. Additionally, a Deputy and a K9 Officer were injured. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two officers shot and killed in Tremonton identified, community procession brings them home The Tremonton Garland Police Department has since released the identities of the injured deputy and K9 officer. Deputy Mike Allred, with the Box Elder County Sheriffs Office, and K9 Officer Azula were shot and injured on the scene. Deputy Mike Allred and K9 Officer Azula were both injured in the Tremonton shooting that killed two other officers. (Courtesy: Tremonton Garland Police Department) Reportedly, Deputy Allred and Azula were third on scene of the domestic disturbance, as they responded to a call for back up. The suspect, later identified as Ryan Bate, allegedly shot several rounds at Allreds vehicle using a high-powered rifle, hitting and injuring Deputy Allred and Azula. Allred and Azula remained in their vehicle, before being transported to an area hospital and specialty veterinary clinic. Azula, K9 Officer, is recovering after being shot in Tremonton (Courtesy: Governor Spencer Cox) Deputy Allred has worked for Box Elder County Sheriffs Office for five years and worked two of those years as a K9 handler with Azula. Azula is certified in narcotics detection and tracking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Allred is a natural leader who consistently prioritizes the welfare of others over his own, said the Tremonton Garland Police Department, His actions during the incident in Tremonton exemplify his character and commitment to public service. His primary focus is always on the safety of his fellow officers and the communities he serves. Both Deputy Allred and Azula are reportedly recovering in fair condition. Utah Governor Spencer Cox also visited them, and said, Spent some time with K9 Officer Azula and her handler, Deputy Mike Allred. Both of them were wounded in the awful shooting in Tremonton, but are now home recovering. They are grateful for the prayers and outpouring of support from every corner of the state. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. To have a chance of regaining legitimacy, at least from traditional Israeli allies like Germany, the IDF and the government need to neutralize food insecurity as an issue in dispute. It was still unclear by press time whether a temporary, 60-day ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in exchange for an estimated 10 live hostages, the bodies of another 18 deceased hostages, and the release of Palestinian security prisoners, was underway. Whether that deal or something along those lines is cut in the near future remains to be seen. Simultaneously, the hostages are the key to the agreement in terms of war goals and the countrys social values. The most critical strategic, long-term points bear on what will happen regarding the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the IDF, and Israels image. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is because the political-military battles over Gaza are what remain to be achieved. In terms of defeating Hamas militarily, there is little left to be done. While theoretically, Hamas still has thousands, if not more, fighting terrorists, they have virtually all gone into hiding since the summer of 2024. All of the pre-war Hamas high command officials and four of the five brigade commanders are dead. Many of its deputies are as well, as are other mid-level and low-level officers. An illustrative photo of Hamas terrorists with hostage demonstrations in the background. (credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90, Reuters/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa) When some Israeli officials mention expelling Hamass leadership, they are referring mainly to Izz al-Din Haddad, originally the brigade commander for Gaza City, but now Hamass top military chief, for lack of anyone else. He is probably the only one left on the list who is worth banishing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most of the remaining terrorists are new, less-trained recruits. In that sense, no major battles were recorded in May and June when the IDF took over 75% of Gaza. One of the most serious battles was between massive IDF forces and around 30 Hamas terrorists fighting guerrilla warfare against them in Beit Hanun. Conquering Gaza City, if that does happen, is not expected to bring about too many significant battles either; large droves of fleeing civilians, with Hamas forces retreating, camouflaged, within that melee, is the likely scenario. Alternatively, regarding the political sphere, going back nearly 20 months, the government has declined any of the international offers for how to run a post-war Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This means that the only real achievement to date in that area is the GHF. It has cut Hamas off from having control over food in the Rafah, portions of Khan Yunis, and the central Gaza regions. Largest achievement to date is American-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation This is far from a Gaza-wide achievement. Around one million Palestinians are currently in Gaza City in the northern section of the enclave alone, receiving food through traditional UN and international aid channels, which have elements of Hamas control or influence built into the process. Also, some of the Gazans in central Gaza and the al-Mawasi coastal region, where Hamas is involved or retains influence, are continuing to get food through these sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of actual numbers, the GHF declined to answer repeated questions to estimate how many Gazans it has been feeding since it opened operations in late May. However, the GHF does provide absolute numbers of meals, with those numbers reaching up to around 125 million meals over seven weeks, with an average of around 1.5 million meals per day. If Gazans fed by the GHF are eating three meals every day, then this means it is probably feeding around 500,000 Gazans, or around one quarter of Gazas two million-plus population. Alternatively, if Gazans are conserving and eating around two meals per day, the number of Gazans being fed by the GHF could be larger, possibly as high as 750,000. However, this seems unlikely given the geographic spread of Gazans current locations and the locations of the three operating GHF centers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There used to be a fourth GHF center, but that one has been closed, and the aid organization did not respond to queries about when it would be reopened, if at all. Another possibility is that the number is lower than 500,00. This would be if between 250,000 and 300,000 Gazans or so are coming to GHF distribution centers for more than they need every week in order to store or sell food. The GHF does not keep a record of most of those who come to its centers, so there is no exact way to know how many individuals are double-dipping, among other options. With all of these qualifications and all of the problems Palestinian civilians are having, such as, on some occasions (though Israeli critics do exaggerate the numbers), aid seekers being mistakenly killed by IDF soldiers on their way to the GHF sites, the GHF experiment has shown that Hamass political control can be rolled back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A significant volume of Gazans have spent portions of time since May out of Hamass control, or, at least, much less so. This is something that can be built on as a long-term strategic goal for reducing Hamass political control over Gaza. How the GHF will continue operating during a ceasefire period if IDF troops withdraw from most of Gaza is a mystery. Neither the Defense Ministry, the IDF, nor the GHF sources can relay how the GHF sites would be protected from Hamas if a temporary ceasefire were implemented. This would be a crucial issue to tackle, whether it would mean allowing Israeli soldiers to remain near the sites, or letting some international or non-Hamas Palestinian force guard the sites instead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With reference to the IDFs and Israels international image, there is a need to repair the damage done throughout the war, and especially in recent months, due to food insecurity issues in Gaza. At minimum, for continued raids in Gaza, should Hamas try to reconstitute its rocket or other broader security threats, Israel must retain Americas support and preferably also some global backing. In the long run, the country will face trouble in the political, military, and economic arenas if Europe, Australia, Canada, and other traditional allies, including Germany, which had stuck with Israel on weapons issues for nearly all of the war, keep their weapons embargoes on it. Putting aside some of the claims against Israel regarding food security that were manufactured or exaggerated, the fact is that the IDF and the government tossed their limits on the UN and international aid groups out the window a few weeks ago because the food insecurity situation had reached a dangerous level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is essential to ensure that the IDF and Israel do not make the same strategic mistake again, however paradoxical it feels to be allowing the world to provide food to Hamas. Israel can move to broaden the GHF and other similar initiatives to ensure the food process becomes increasingly cut off from Hamas. It should find a new party to run Gaza, but the period from March to May during which new food provisions were cut off entirely has been exposed as a stark failure. To have a chance of regaining legitimacy, at least from traditional Israeli allies like Germany, the IDF and the government need to neutralize food insecurity as an issue in dispute, and get the focus back on Hamass terror tactics and its holding onto hostages. Only these achievements will give Israel a real chance to prevent Hamas from eventually returning to control Gaza. The IDF and Shin Bet killed Najjar on August 10, publishing the confirmation on Tuesday. Israeli security forces killed a Hamas terrorist who participated in the abduction of Yarden Bibas on October 7, 2023, in Kibbutz Nir Oz, the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) said in a joint statement Tuesday. The terrorist was identified as Jihad Kamal Salem Najjar, who was killed in a military strike on August 10. IDF kills Jihad Kamal Salem Najjar, August 19, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) Yarden Bibas responds to the announcement Yarden Bibas responded to the announcement later on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A small part of my closure happened today. Thank you to the IDF, the Shin Bet, and everyone who took part in eliminating one of the terrorists who kidnapped me on October 7. Thanks to you, he will no longer be able to harm anyone, Bibas said. Please keep yourselves heroes. I am waiting for the full closure with the return of my friends David and Ariel and the other 48 hostages, he added. Yarden Bibas gives his eulogy at the funeral for Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas (credit: screenshot, SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT) IDF, Shin Bet killed kidnapper of other Bibas family members in April The IDF and Shin Bet struck and killed Mohammed Hassan Mohammed Awad, a senior commander in the Military Intelligence Array in the Gaza Strip, the IDF announced in April. He was affiliated with senior commanders of the Palestinian Mujahideen terrorist organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On October 7, Awad infiltrated Nir Oz multiple times. He was one of the leaders of the massacre and was likely personally involved in the abductions and brutal murders of Shiri Bibas and her sons, Ariel and Kfir. The other members of the Bibas family were all killed by terrorists, with coffins containing their remains being returned to Israel in February. Yarden Bibas revealed that during his captivity in Gaza, he asked former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to allow him to stay with his best friend, David Cunio, he told N12 in an interview aired on May 20, a day before Cunios 35th birthday. The interview also featured Davids wife, Sharon Cunio, and his twin brother, Eitan, in an attempt to bring renewed attention to Davids continued captivity. Bibas was informed about his wifes and childrens death by Hamas while he was on camera, he told CBS News in March. The terrorist organization filmed him as it delivered the news to him, then told him that Shiris, Ariels, and Kfirs deaths were of no consequence. NEW YORK An exploding lithium-ion battery in an illegal e-bike repair shop in the basement of a residential home in Queens sparked a huge fire that tore through the single-family house, FDNY officials said Tuesday. Firefighters responding to a basement blaze on Pidgeon Meadow Road near 164th Street in Fresh Meadows across the street from Flushing Cemetery around 7:30 p.m. found 100 lithium-ion batteries burning in the cellar, the FDNY said on X. The owner was operating an illegal lithium-ion battery repair business, the department posted. Multiple micro-mobility devices and lithium-ion batteries were found in various states of disassembly and disrepair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 60 firefighters and EMS personnel responded to the blaze, which took 3 1/2 hours to put out. No injuries were reported. Besides the batteries that caught fire, an FDNY hazmat unit recovered 600 individual battery cells found in the basement. The FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention slapped the owner of the one-family home with a criminal court summons for illegally storing e-mobility devices. The FDNY also hit the owner with several fire code violations. As of Monday, the FDNY has fought 172 lithium-ion battery fires this year, five more than this time last year, officials said. On July 4, a fire sparked by an e-bike battery killed a 76-year-old grandmother at a Queens pizzeria when she was trapped inside the restaurant bathroom by the blaze, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grandmother, Yuet Kiu Cheung, was the first person to die from a lithium-ion battery fire in the city this year. Last year, six people died in lithium-ion battery fires citywide, FDNY officials said. In 2023, 18 people died from e-bike or e-scooter fires. FDNY investigators and battery experts say the exploding electrical devices are usually not certified by Underwriters Laboratories or another safety inspection company but instead bought cheap online or in area scooter stores to supplement or replace batteries included with scooters or e-bikes as original equipment. Many delivery workers buy a supply of knockoff backup batteries so their e-bikes and scooters can stay continuously charged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the number of lithium-ion battery fires increased, the FDNY began a major public service announcement campaign to encourage e-bike and e-scooter owners to use only factory-installed batteries, not charge them overnight, and keep the bikes outside if possible. The department also pushed city lawmakers to make the sale of uncertified lithium-ion batteries illegal and ramped up inspections at e-bike stores and improved its response tactics. _____ The illegal immigrant truck driver accused of causing a crash that killed three people in Florida was given a work permit under the Biden administration, officials said Monday. Harjinder Singh, who was arrested on Saturday in Stockton, California, on three counts of vehicle homicide, entered the United States illegally and his work authorization was rejected under the Trump administration on Sept. 14, 2020, said Tricia McLaughlin, the Homeland Security assistant secretary for public affairs. Illegal Immigrant Accused Of Killing 3 In Florida Highway Crash Crossed Border Into California In 2018: Dhs Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old illegal alien from India who was arrested on Aug. 16, 2025, allegedly attempted to make an unauthorized U-turn in Ft. Pierce, Florida on Tuesday, resulting in a crash that killed three people. McLaughlin noted Singh's work approval in response to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said the first Trump administration "confirmed that this guy meets federal and state immigration requirements -- YOU issued him a work permit (EAD)." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As usual, the Trump Administration is either lying or clueless," Newsom's press office wrote on X. McLaughlin noted that the federal government doesn't issue commercial driver's licenses. Read On The Fox News App "False. Harjinder Singh is in the United States illegally and his work authorization was rejected under the Trump Administration on September 14, 2020," she wrote. "It was later approved under the Biden Administration June 9, 2021. The state of California issues Commercial Drivers Licenses. There is no national CDL. Sincerely, Genius." Singh, who officials believe crossed the U.S.-Mexico border in 2018, obtained his commercial drivers license in California despite his illegal status in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illegal Alien Accused Of Causing Fatal Semi Truck Crash That Killed 3 People: 'Shocking And Criminal' Image provided by United States Marshals Service (USMS) San Francisco shows Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old illegal alien from India who was arrested on August 16, 2025. Singh allegedly attemptied to make an unauthorized U-turn in Ft. Pierce, Florida on Tuesday, resulting in a crash that killed three people. He remains in custody on both state vehicular homicide charges as well as immigration violations . A spokesperson for Newsom's office told Fox News Digital that Singh was issued a work permit on April 9. "Why dont you ask Trump about the drivers federally issued work permit and when he entered this country?," the spokesperson said in a statement. "Spoiler alert: it was in 2018 under Trump whoops. He would have been eligible in any state. California followed federal law, something the President knows nothing about." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, the driver in this case was reissued an Employment Authorization (work permit) on 4/9/2025 and, if my math is correct, that falls within the current presidential term," the statement continued. Singh was driving a commercial truck with a trailer on the Florida Turnpike in Fort Pierce when he allegedly attempted a U-turn in an unauthorized area. The move resulted in the trailer jackknifing and colliding with a minivan leaving all three of the minivan's passengers dead, according to officials. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the three deaths could have been avoided if California had followed federal immigration laws. Gavin Newsom and Donald Trump "3 innocent people were killed in Florida because Gavin Newsoms California DMV issued an illegal alien a Commercial Drivers License," she wrote Monday on X. "This gut wrenching tragedy should have never happened. My team at @DHSgov will work with @USDOT to root out and prevent illegal aliens from obtaining these licenses from sanctuary jurisdictions that put American drivers and passengers in danger." Original article source: Illegal immigrant truck driver accused in deadly Florida crash got Biden work permit after Trump denial: DHS ILLINOIS (WCIA) A new state law signed on Friday will ensure that Illinois K-9 units receive veterinary care after they retire. House Bill 3140 creates the Police K-9 Care Program and the Police K-9 Care Fund. Lawmakers said K-9s spend their entire lives protecting the state, and this new law will ensure that they also receive the protections and care they need. They are a tool on our belts: Officers with retired K9s excited for new bill, would pay some vet bills Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Handlers would be reimbursed for a retired police dogs veterinary care up to $1,500 per dog. This care could include annual wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention treatments, surgery and more. The law was designed for K-9s who served for five or more years or who were hurt at work. Police K-9s are held to a high standard of performance throughout their time on the job, sid State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey), one of the bills sponsors. Like our first responders, they serve this state honorably and deserve considerate, lasting care when they retire. The initiative was originally started by the Illinois State Police Command Officers Association and will be funded by the sale of Illinois Police K-9 Memorial Plates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor JB Pritzker signed HB3140 on Friday. It will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Work begins on $1.5 billion O'Hare expansion A new round of construction has begun at OHare International Airport in Chicago. Airline officials joined federal, state and local politicians to kick off the $1.5 billion Concourse D. The new concourse will include 19 new gates, along with commercial space, lounge space and a childrens play area. Judge sentences Virgin Islands man to more than 10 years in prison Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man has been sentenced to more than ten years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm in Rockford and violating the terms of his court-supervised release. Steven Baxter, 40, of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges of illegal firearm possession and violating the terms of supervised release. Prosecutors say Baxter admitted in a plea deal that he threatened several employees at a restaurant in 2022. Police catch man accused of road rage, shooting A Homewood man has been charged in connection with a road rage incident in Chicago. Illinois State Police identified and arrested 33-year-old Cameron Jackson-Bey Sunday, less than 24 hours after he allegedly fired at the victims vehicle on I-94 in Chicago. Jackson-Bey is charged with felony aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax Arlington Heights village trustees have approved a one-percent tax on groceries. Since Gov. J.B. Pritzker approved the elimination of the 1% state grocery tax, effective January 1, 2026, hundreds of Illinois municipalities have approved similar taxes to replace the revenue. The Arlington Heights board also approved a 5% streaming tax. Man pleads to exploiting senior Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An Effingham County man has pleaded guilty to several charges after he was accused of exploiting an elder out of more than $338,000. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft said Edward L. Stief, 42, posed as a trusted helper and offered lawn care services to gain the victims trust. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 2 at the federal courthouse in Benton. Kankakee County drug arrest A Texas man is facing felony drug trafficking charges after he was stopped by Illinois State Police in Kankakee County. ISP says a troopers safety inspection led to the recovery of 15 kilo bundles, or about 40 pounds, of suspected cocaine on Interstate 57 in Chebanse last Saturday. Dwayne B. Cook, 63, is charged with controlled substance trafficking and intent to deliver a controlled substance. ### NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) Classes started on Monday, Aug. 18, at Illinois State University, and for the second year running, the dorms are beyond maximum capacity. With move-in week taking place last week, the University is experiencing the same student housing issues it had last year. Hillary Campos, the assistant director of marketing communications at housing services, said that this year, the situation has gotten a bit better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So were actually in a lot better place than last year due to the fast flow delays last year, Campos said. That did delay some things for us. Luckily, we dont have that this year, so were in a better place. We have emptied over 50 Percent of our lounges as of today so thats really promising. In years past, it would take roughly 6 weeks to empty out the lounges of the dorms. With the current pace, Campos expects this process to be completed sooner this year. I think were going to have those empty a lot sooner than anticipated, she said. To accommodate the inconvenience of having to move into the lounges of the dorms instead of an actual room. Students will receive a $250 credit to students when they move out of the lounges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While there have been concerns that this inconvenience is happening in all three dorm facilities on campus, Campos said that most of it is happening in one location. We only have students in lounges in Watterson Towers, and very few people in the lounges at Manchester, she said. While it may be unfortunate to have students living in temporary lounges of the dorms this year and possible for the next couple of years. The university is looking forward to solutions to remedy the situation in the future. So, building additional housing, we have been looking at that, she said. Its not going to be an overnight fix, and it will be a lot of planning that will take over, probably the next few years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Many central Ohio kids have already started school or are just days away from heading back to the classroom, and back to school usually means an uptick in illnesses. Dr. Mike Patrick, an emergency medicine physician at Nationwide Childrens Hospital, said we see a rise in viral sicknesses like hand, foot and mouth disease and colds right around September and October. And its not the change in weather; its school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why back to school season has shifted earlier in central Ohio You get all those kids together in a classroom and they start, you know, sharing their microbes, Patrick said. And then they take them home and share them with their parents. And then the parents take them to work and share them with their coworkers. Patrick said kids are going to get sick pretty soon into the school year, and this is normal. Kids especially, and the younger they are, the more that this is true, tend to get sick a lot because the way our immune system works is that you have to be exposed to a virus, get sick with it, your body makes immunity, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patrick said parents dont need to be worried about back-to-back-to-back illnesses, but they should keep their child home if they have a fever, are vomiting or coughing so much that its distracting. If you kept your kid out of school every time that they had a runny nose or just a cold virus, they would probably not be in school very often during the wintertime because these viruses really do hit back-to-back-to-back, Patrick said. Ohio State students react to chalking ban The best way to stop these illnesses from spreading to the rest of the family is good hygiene, like washing your hands often and covering coughs with your elbow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Southwestern City Schools nurse Paige Emmelhainz said she tries to instill this in all of her students. She said leading by example goes a long way. If we teach kids at a young age how to prevent that spread of germs by washing your hands, not putting your hands in your mouth, or before you go to eat, youre washing your hands, its definitely going to help keep everybody healthier, Emmelhainz said. Both Emmelhainz and Patrick also recommend flu shots. They said it may not prevent you or your kids from getting sick, but it will make it less severe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. On "The Ramsey Show," Janelle from Raleigh, North Carolina, said she and her ex are four months behind on a $465,000 mortgage. She explained that she had built up $25,000 in debt and now faces possible foreclosure. The loan, still in both names, has become the centerpiece of a financial and legal standoff. In June, co-hosts George Kamel and Ken Coleman heard Janelle describe the fallout and ask what to do next. Mortgage Still Standing After Breakup Janelle said she and her ex bought the property together, but they split about a year later. She moved out and began renting elsewhere, while both names remained listed on the mortgage and deed. Don't Miss: Would you have invested in eBay or Uber early? The same backers are betting on this vacation home platform at just $2.90 per share . Arrived Home's Private Credit Funds has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%*, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum. "We're four months behind," she told Kamel and Coleman, adding that they had tried to sell the home but still have not found a buyer. The outstanding balance remains at $465,000. Coleman noted the legal stakes, saying, "You are legally obligated to pay that [mortgage], whether you've moved out or not. Her ex had initially covered payments but eventually stopped after she left. Janelle also halted contributions, explaining that rent and other expenses left her strapped. Considering A Short Sale "We're in the process of asking the mortgage company for a short sale to see if that's even possible," Janelle said, noting $12,000 in missed payments and no offers on the table. Meanwhile, Kamel warned that catching up on payments is critical to avoiding foreclosure. He advised halting 401(k) contributions and unnecessary spending, using all available funds to cover the arrears. "You need to act like everything is on fire," he said, adding that either a quick sale even at a lower price or additional income could be the best path forward. Trending: Kevin O'Leary Says Real Estate's Been a Smart Bet for 200 Years This Platform Lets Anyone Tap Into It Buying A House With A Partner According to the National Association of Realtors, 6% of all recent home buyers were unmarried couples and the highest share of unmarried couples came from younger millennials, where 13% of buyers were unmarried partners. Many of the nations school districts are returning to the classroom with immigrant families fearful of the Trump administration's targeting of undocumented migrants, according to educators, experts and parents who spoke to ABC News. Los Angeles and Chicagos school districts -- the nations second- and third-largest public school systems, respectively -- have returned with new guidance and protections for immigrant families wary of the federal governments measures to curb illegal immigration. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) said it will prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or federal law enforcement from accessing its facilities unless the agents produce a criminal warrant signed by a federal judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Opening of new migrant detention center in Texas met with protests More than half a million Los Angeles Unified students are back in school with the districts police force partnering with local law enforcement in an effort to protect its immigrant students. LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho stressed the district will provide students with a safe space "regardless of immigration status." Daniel Cole/Reuters - PHOTO: Teachers and volunteers patrol for the presence of ICE This comes as immigrants nationwide are afraid of deportation from school campuses as the administration continues to tout its signature campaign promise. During the first several months of the presidents second term, Esmeralda Alday, former executive director of dual language and English as a second language migrant education for the San Antonio Independent School District, said fear permeated through the immigrant families in her district unlike anything she had seen before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some mixed-status families -- where one or both parents are undocumented but the kids are U.S. citizens -- unenrolled from the district after Trump took office, according to Alday. She said it was not only due to the perceived threats from ICE but some families also received detention orders in the mail. Its coming at our families from every angle, Alday told ABC News. Its affecting our families from all angles, almost leaving them with no choice but to self deport. ImmSchools co-founder Viridiana Carrizales told ABC News that these families now dread dropping their kids off at school -- some won't even leave their homes -- because they risk being detained. She claimed that the administration is not only targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records but immigrants at large. MORE: Judge appears skeptical about lawsuit challenging treatment of detainees at 'Alligator Alcatraz' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They dont want our kids, Carrizales said. They don't want immigrant kids in schools, they don't want them to get educated and thats whats happening. We have parents who are not taking their kids to school, we have parents who are withdrawing their kids from programs that are critical for their children," she added. Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images - PHOTO: A UTLA sign in support of immigrant students is seen posted on a bungalow door at Sepulveda Middle School in North Hills during the first day of school, August 14, 2025. Carrizales, whose organization partners with school districts to create more welcoming and safe schools for K-12 immigrant students, said, Not having these kids receive the support that they need is going to end up hurting us all." But as families and school officials brace for potential crackdowns this school year, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told ABC News that no arrests have been made on K-12 school grounds during Trump's second term and ICE has yet to raid any K-12 campuses. According to McLaughlin, the majority of DHS' arrests so far either have prior criminal convictions or pending criminal charges against them. McLaughlin also warned that no K-12 students who are U.S. citizens should fear deportation or ICE raids, even if their parents are undocumented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you are here in the United States legally, there's no immigration enforcement, because you're here in the country legally," she said. In Trumps first full day back in office, DHS lifted its longstanding restrictions that kept ICE from conducting raids on schools and other sensitive areas, including churches and hospitals. McLaughlin said the decision was made to ensure immigration agents weren't hamstrung from doing their jobs. "This actually should be a good thing for all communities," she said. "Why would you want a criminal to take safe harbor in a hospital or house of worship or a school? I mean, why would you want someone to go 'Oh, they won't get me here, so I'm going to go and take safe harbor there.'" Jose Luis Magana/AP - PHOTO: DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin speaks during a news conference at ICE Headquarters, in Washington, May 21, 2025. During the last school year and more recently during summer learning, Carrizales and Alday said student absenteeism spiked in Texas school districts because of fear of federal law enforcement. As the fears continue, many schools are concerned that projected enrollment for this school year could drop, according to Carrizales. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attendance has also plagued LAUSD, board member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. Families are now navigating the virtual learning options the district offers. Franklin said undocumented families have heightened anxiety about visiting schools during back-to-school night and other parent-teacher obligations. Theyre struggling with the question of do I come to this one event that could be helpful for my child or do I ensure that I am here for them when they get home at the end of the day and its a no brainer for those who are genuinely fearful, Franklin told ABC News. Its permeating brown communities, in particular, [and] our Black immigrant communities, our Asian immigrant communities, of which there are many in Los Angeles, she added. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, photographed during a May dragnet in South Nashville. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) An immigrants rights group is accusing the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security of withholding public records tied to mass immigration sweeps in Nashville earlier this year. In a lawsuit filed Thursday in Davidson County Chancery Court, the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition says they have been denied video, data, call logs and other records connected to a joint operation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, or THP, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement that resulted in the detention of nearly 200 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These records could shed light on the THPs dubious efforts to use its state powers to enforce federal civil immigration laws through stops, interrogations, and detentions of motorists on Tennessee roadways, the lawsuit said. A spokesperson for the states Department of Safety and Homeland Security, which oversees the THP, did not respond Monday to a request for comment about the claims. Its not only our legal right, but also our duty as an organization that prioritizes the rights of immigrants and refugees across the state of Tennessee that we hold leaders accountable when they harm our neighbors and then limit access to public records about their conduct, a statement by Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, said. Flood the zone The THP and federal immigration agents partnered in the so-called Operation Flood the Zone to make hundreds of traffic stops in heavily immigrant neighborhoods on the south side of Nashville beginning May 3. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Within a week, THP reported it had stopped 588 vehicles and made 103 arrests of drivers or passengers for suspected immigration violations, the suit noted. State officials have failed to turn over any video footage of the traffic stops requested by the nonprofit group, provided heavily redacted call logs that would reveal the identities of those stopped and, in some instances, simply ceased responding to follow-up questions about the status of the groups records request, the lawsuit alleges. Neither federal nor state agencies have given a full accounting of all individuals stopped or detained during the operation. Among the footage being sought is of the May 8 or 9 detention of Juana Santizo-Tadeo. The footage was first requested by her attorney on June 11, the suit said. Video of Santizo-Tadeos arrest and detention has not been provided even as she was scheduled for an immigration hearing Aug. 18 to assert widespread and egregious constitutional violations during the operation. The video, the suit said, serves as important evidence in a critical immigration hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security notified the Tennessee Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights that it had located the relevant footage and requested a payment of $161 to produce it. On August 1, the department acknowledged receipt of payment for the footage but said it would take until Sept. 24 to either produce it or make a determination of accessibility or availability. The Departments delay in producing this video footage from a single traffic stop, which is important to the detainees immigration proceedings, is unwarranted and consequently a willful violation of the states public records act. The lawsuit also claims the Department of Safety and Homeland Safety in one instance claimed it was withholding certain reports from its computer dispatched system at the request of Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Funk said he was invoking no such privilege over the records and to provide the records to the public, an email from Funk, introduced in legal filings, showed. The department continues to withhold those reports, the lawsuit said. TIRRC Public Records Act lawsuit SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE TELFORD, Tenn. (WJHL) Shrinking cattle supply and increased demand have caused beef prices to rise over the past year. According to the USDA Food Price Outlook, prices for beef and veal increased by more than 10% between 2024 and 2025. More and more farmers, producers are raising their own beef, Mark Zinnanti, general manager of Appalachian Producers Cooperative in Telford, said. They bring it here to be harvested and processed. So, its really good for us. Its also good for the farmer in that his or her actual price of that beef, once they get at home, is considerably cheaper than what it would be in the grocery store. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milligan University no longer accepting students into several academic programs The other part for the farmer-producer thats really good is if those individuals sell freezer beef, they can bring their animals here, have them processed under USDA inspection, and then provided they have the Tennessee Department of (Agriculture) permit and things that are required, they can then sell that freezer beef. It enables the farmer-producer to make a little bit more money off of his or her cattle and then helps out the consumers as well. Anthony Shelton, livestock marketing area specialist with the University of Tennessee Extension, says upper East Tennessee has had the lowest beef supply since 1951, but since then, the quality has grown. What offsets that is our genetics and our nutrition as far as our feed opportunities has increased dramatically, Shelton said. Back in 1951, when those animals were around about 1,000 pounds fed out, and now these animals are finishing out at 15, 1,600 pounds, these steers and heifers. So, you get a lot more meat out of those animals, better quality as well. So, that goes into demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its really not on the processors, its not on the producers at this point, Zinnanti said. Its just in general, the US cattle herd is down. Its smaller than it has been for quite some time. Shelton also said other factors, along with supply and demand, contribute to rising beef prices. We have some import restrictions from Mexico with some things that are going on there thats keeping some of the numbers a little lower, Shelton said. Theres only so much land around. And a lot of times we see these larger farms going into other, maybe non-farming enterprises. So thats something that were always paying attention to. Shelton encourages beef producers to think about what might come ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically, the cattle cycle is around ten years, so well see an uptick and then sometimes well have a downturn, not trying to scare anyone. Thats typically the way those things are, Shelton said. Zinnanti said that while he is not concerned right now, the rising costs of farm equipment and a change in consumer preferences might impact farmers in the future. Even though, yes, the cattle market is high, farmers, producers are getting more money for their cattle, Zinnanti said. Their actual profit margins really havent moved that much. WCSO: Man arrested after multiple dead animals found on property Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My concern is that the grocery store consumers that buy primarily or only from a grocery store do not buy from farmers or other sources, Zinnanti said. At what point does those prices get so high that the consumer says, you know, no more, Im going to do a different kind of protein and start to leave beef. The consumers still have quite a bit of demand for beef. We havent yet reached that price point where they started going to the other forms of protein. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Gaza City presents a challenge. In 2024, it was largely cut off from central Gaza because the IDF held the Netzarim corridor. The IDF left that area in January 2025 and never retook it fully. Israel is once again targeting Gaza City in its operations in the enclave. For many observers of the war, this might seem like a surprise. Wasnt Gaza City taken from Hamas at the beginning of the war? some will wonder. Others may wonder why it wasnt taken in the past. These are good questions. Why is the capital of Gaza still in the hands of Hamas? Why has Israel spent 22 months chipping away at the periphery, losing hundreds of soldiers, while 50 hostages remain in Gaza, when Hamas apparently has the privilege of controlling Gaza City and other parts of Gaza throughout the war? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas likely expected Israel to take Gaza City at the beginning of the war. Instead, the IDF cut off Gaza City and northern Gaza from central Gaza in the first days of the ground offensive in late October 2023. Then it spent a month pushing into neighborhoods and suburbs of Gaza City but never taking the city itself and holding it. Many of these areas were cleared quickly, and then the tanks and infantry left. This was the raiding strategy and tactic that Israels commanders apparently believed would work early in the war. By mid-November, reports from the IDF said that it had broken through 10 of the 24 battalions of Hamas in Gaza. The military claimed at the time that it had basically shattered the terrorist group in northern Gaza and dismantled its battalions there. However, it appears that the Hamas units were not destroyed. There was a brigade in Gaza City and another one in northern Gaza. By November 2024, a year after the battalions were supposedly defeated, the IDF had to enter Jabalya for the third time and clear it. Thousands of Hamas members remained, and 70,000 people had to be evacuated in November and December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the new operation Gideons Chariots, launched in May 2025 the IDF once again vowed to retake Gaza. Politicians said that whole areas would be destroyed in this new operation. However, once again, Hamas was left in control of Gaza City as the IDF basically retook areas in Gaza in June and July that it had taken in 2023 and 2024. WHAT IS happening in Gaza now? Reports in Israeli media indicate that tanks have entered the outskirts of Gaza City. These reports speak of operations in the Sabra neighborhood in the citys south. There have also been operations in the Zeitoun area between Gaza City and the Netzarim Corridor. The IDF has already taken this area at least four times since the war began. There have been limited operations in Sabra as well. Israels political echelon believes that if Hamas is pushed out of Gaza City, then the October 7 perpetrator might finally collapse. However, the terror group has been pushed out of other key areas, such as Rafah and Khan Yunis, and it has not collapsed. Evidence shows it has lost almost all of its company, battalion, and brigade commanders, as well as most of its leadership in Gaza. However, it continues to replace its fighters and has fought on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas mostly retreats and hides in areas, where the IDF operates. In Beit Hanun, for instance, it hid out for 20 months of war near the Israeli border before finally being defeated. It was only defeated in Beit Hanun in July 2025 because every house there was demolished. Gaza City's symbolic important to Hamas Some believe that Gaza City is of great importance to Hamas. While it is surely important symbolically, militarily, its significance is less clear. Hamas has strongholds in the central camps area, where its activists have historically grown up. It is more popular among Gazans who are descendants of Arabs who fled Israel in 1948 and ended up in the enclave. The older clans of Gaza are less supportive. These older Gazans tend to live in parts of Gaza City. Will entering their areas lead Hamas to collapse? Gaza City presents a challenge. In 2024, it was largely cut off from central Gaza because the IDF held the Netzarim Corridor. The military left that area in January 2025 and never retook it fully. How many people are in Gaza City today several hundred thousand? Whatever the number, fighting among them will be complex. The IDF has always asked people to leave before it enters an area. This gives Hamas time to leave as well. Will Hamas simply leave Gaza City and wait out this offensive as it has in the past? NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that India-China relations had made steady progress since his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in October, guided by respect for each other's interests and sensitivities. "I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) Summit," Modi posted on X. "Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity." (Reporting by YP RajeshEditing by Tomasz Janowski) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a two-day visit viewed by many as the first indication of a thaw in relations between two rivals. The last such meeting took place in 2020 after a border clash heightened tensions between China and India, which have long been locked in a state of controlled hostility. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moving forward in the wake of extraordinarily high U.S. tariffs of 50 percent on India, the two largest economies in Asia are looking for synergy and a positive outlook to navigate the turbulence in global trade. Neither side is pretending past tensions are moot, even though it is clear that geopolitics in South Asia stands at an important crossroads. After their meeting on Monday, Indias foreign minister S. Jaishankar said it was time to move ahead from a difficult period in our ties, while Wang Yi indicated it was time to move beyond being adversaries, to being partners. Both sides agreed that stability had now been restored at the borders, although analysts warned that years of mistrust could not so easily be swept aside by business interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wang Yis meeting on Tuesday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence further underlined the effort. After the meeting, Modi tweeted: Glad to meet foreign minister Wang Yi. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity. He added, I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, referring to his accepted visit to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. Pushed further together by what is being seen as a rupture in friendship with President Donald Trump through the punishing 50 percent tariff on Indian goods (the highest in the region), Modi is recalibrating Indias strategy. The tariff began with a 25 percent duty for India, compared to 20 percent for Bangladesh, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, along with 19 percent for Pakistan, Cambodia and Indonesia. The additional 25 percent was slapped on India for its imports of Russian crude oil, bringing the total to 50 percent are set to take effect on Aug. 27. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India has held firm in its objections to the tariffs, with the Ministry of External Affairs calling the targeting of India unjustified and unreasonable. The overtures to China are viewed as a part of the fallout between the U.S. and India. Premal Udani, former chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and managing director of Kaytee Corp Pvt Ltd, described the situation as an existential crisis for the apparel and textile industry. He told Sourcing Journal that many U.S. buyers had paused shipments and put new orders on hold. The industry cannot take this kind of impact. Current effective duties are already at around 40 percent and will climb to 65 percent next week, he said. Hopes that a U.S. delegation visit this week might advance bilateral trade talks appear dim, with reports suggesting the visit has been put on hold. There were two things happening at the same time. There was talk of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), and the delegation was coming for thatit wasnt to negotiate on tariffs. Realistically, none of us expected much headway in the BTA until these contentious issues were resolved. We were not holding our breath, Udani explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a recent report by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), nearly 70 percent of Indian exports to the U.S. will face 50 percent tariffs under the new tariff regime. While this represents just 1.56 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and 7.38 percent of total exportsfar from catastrophic for a $3.9 trillion economythe impact is concentrated in labor-intensive and high-value sectors such as textiles, apparel, gems, jewelry, auto parts, and agricultural products like shrimp. These sectors not only anchor Indias merchandise exports to the U.S. but also directly affect employment and the livelihoods of millions. The U.S. alone accounted for approximately 29 percent of Indias textile and apparel exports last financial year, valued at about $10.3 billion, the report noted. Manufacturers have been faced with some dire conversations with the brands and retailers these past weeks. In Tirupur, which accounts for 68 percent of Indias knitwear exports, manufacturers have paused shipments and voiced deep uncertainty. U.S. buyers account for nearly one-quarter of exports from Tirupur, and Tamil Nadu officials warned that the entire statewhich sends 31 percent of its $52.18 billion exports to the U.S.faces urgent threats to livelihoods. The Tirupur Exporters and Manufacturers Association (TEAMA) said that 3 million jobs and 20,000 factories are at immediate risk due to the extra 25 percent to 50 percent tariff. The association has appealed to Prime Minister Modi for relief measures, including high-level diplomatic talks, loan-repayment moratoriums, collateral-free working capital loans, and the temporary suspension of the goods and service tax, income tax and other levies for affected exporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanjay Jain, chair of the Indian Chamber of Commerce National Textiles Committee and managing director of TT Ltd, echoed the depth of the crisis throughout the textile and apparel sectors. Its a bad situationbuyers are putting orders on hold, and even ready goods are being asked not to dispatch. Exporters are having to give steep discounts just to move shipments or secure new orders. Its a total loss for exporters, he said. Jain urged urgent action, warning that summer orders were already being placed and India could not afford to lose market share to other countries. The U.S. is the single largest buyer of home textiles and apparel in the worldwe cannot ignore it. Now it is about the survival of the small and medium companies and skilled labor. The government must act boldly and support the industry in finding new pastures. His suggestions included quickly reducing raw material costs, removing import duties on cotton and textile raw materials, and offering a 10 percent U.S.-focused incentive for products facing the 50 percent tariff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other manufacturers told Sourcing Journal that a comparative paralysis has set in. While theres no point in hand-wringing over the so-called friendship with the U.S. and casting blame, all eyes are on our government to see how they protect this badly hit, labor-intensive industry. Its hard to see how the government can cover the 30 percent tariff gap monetarily. We need a multi-pronged strategy, said a Tirupur based manufacturer, requesting anonymity. Prime Minister Modis Independence Day speech on Aug. 15, in which he promised relief for the industry through tax reforms before the festival of Diwali in November, signals movement toward India holding its own. Additionally, on Monday, the Finance Ministry announced the elimination of the 11 percent duty on cotton imports until Sept. 30, a step welcomed by manufacturers and a move that also eases access for U.S. cotton into India. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hansa Sharma, founder of the eco-friendly sustainable fashion brand Hansa, described how the situation was transforming the entire supply chain in a post: This is a reminder that trade policies dont just change numbers on a balance sheetthey reshape entire supply chains. As a manufacturer, we see first-hand how tariffs tilt the playing field, making adaptability and efficiency more critical than ever. While challenges are real, they also push us to rethink sourcing, diversify markets, and lean into innovation. In the end, resilience becomes the true currency of global trade. A northern India manufacturer, described it as a huge ripple effect. In India it is creating a de facto embargo for exports to the U.S., but the impact is much bigger than that. The tariffs are not only straining local supply chains but also reshaping the geopolitics of sourcing in South Asia, he said, adding that manufacturers were already considering building factories in other countries, although that would result in a loss of employment in India. Despite the palpable tension, not all are swamped in gloom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many manufacturers endorsed Jaishankars point to Wang Yi that differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict, and that the same point could well be applied to the business of sourcing. While the tentative Chinese connections were not immediately seen as bridges to building business, Udani said that they were overall a very positive step forward. They need our raw materials and we need a lot of their goods as well. If it works out its a win-win situation for 25 percent of humanity, he said. As for the upcoming deadline for additional U.S. tariffs that is causing disruptions across the supply chain, its still being seen as a possible window to change. Were still cautiously optimistic, said Udani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Russia-U.S. talks are on, and Ukraine-U.S. talks are on, this issue of tariffs for crude oil imports from Russia may well be swept aside for India. He pointed to Chinas last-minute extension on tariffs as an encouraging precedent, while acknowledging that given the impulsive and uncertain way tariffs are being distributed, it could quite go the opposite way, too. So, Aug. 27 is the date to watch, he said, referring to the deadline for the second 25 percent in tariff measures to take effect. His optimism went further: I wish other countries well, but in the end, India has great strength in its verticality in the sector. Its only a matter of time, and hopefully we will get a chance to get there. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met Chinas top diplomat Wang Yi and hailed the steady progress made in improving the bilateral relationship after a years-long standoff between the nuclear-armed Asian powers and as the two nations navigate a shifting global economy upended by United States President Donald Trumps tariffs. Modi also noted respect for each others interests and sensitiveness in a statement on social media after meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang in New Delhi on Tuesday. Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the countries have entered a steady development track and the countries should trust and support each other. Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other's interests and sensitivities. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO pic.twitter.com/FyQI6GqYKC Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 19, 2025 Wang arrived in India on Monday and has met with Foreign Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as well as National Security Adviser Ajit Doval about the countries disputed border in the Himalayan mountains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indias Ministry of External Affairs said Wangs meeting with Doval discussed deescalation, delimitation and boundary affairs. Relations plummeted in 2020 after security forces clashed along the border. The violence, the worst in decades, left 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers dead, freezing high-level political engagements. The setbacks we experienced in the past few years were not in the interest of the people of our two countries. We are heartened to see the stability that is now restored in the borders, Wang said Monday. Modi emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border and reiterated Indias commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, his office said in a statement. Political compromise The rebuilding of India-China ties coincides with friction between New Delhi and Washington after United States President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on India for continuing to buy Russian oil, which the US says is fuelling Moscows war machine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement India is a longtime US ally seen as a counterbalance against Chinas influence in Asia and is part of the Quad security alliance with the US, along with Australia and Japan. The chill in relations after the deadly clash in 2020 between troops in the Ladakh region affected trade, diplomacy and air travel, as both sides deployed tens of thousands of security forces in border areas. Some progress has been made since then. Last year, India and China agreed to a pact on border patrols and withdrew additional forces along some border areas. Both countries continue to fortify their border by building roads and rail networks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent months, the countries have increased official visits and discussed easing some trade restrictions, movement of citizens and visas for businesspeople. In June, Beijing allowed pilgrims from India to visit holy sites in Tibet. Both sides are working to restore direct flights. Last week, the spokesman for Indias Foreign Ministry, Randhir Jaiswal, said India and China were in discussions to restart trade through three points along their 3,488km (2,167-mile) border. Settling the boundary issue between the two countries requires political compromise at the highest political level, said Manoj Joshi, a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank. WASHINGTON - Nathalie Rose Jones, 50, of Lafayette, Indiana, was arrested in D.C. over the weekend and charged in connection with making a series of death threats against President Trump on social media, according to US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. What we know Jones was charged in U.S. District Court with "threatening to take the life of, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States, and transmitting in interstate commerce communications containing threats to kidnap any person or any threat to injure the person of another," according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents say that between Aug. 2 and Aug. 9, the U.S. Secret Service observed that Instagram user account "nath.jones" had posted threatening comments about Trump. In the posts, the user called for the president's removal from office, labeled him a terrorist, referred to his administration as a dictatorship, and stated that Trump had caused extreme and unnecessary loss of life in relation to COVID-19. On Facebook, "Nath.Jones" allegedly continued to post threatening comments about President Trump. "I am willing to sacrificially kill this POTUS by disemboweling him and cutting out his trachea with Liz Cheney and all The Affirmation present," a post from Aug. 6 directed at the FBI reads. Then, in a post directed to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the same user allegedly wrote "please arrange the arrest and removal ceremony of POTUS Trump as a terrorist on the American People from 10-2pm at the White House on Saturday, August 16th, 2025." The Secret Service then conducted a voluntary interview with Jones on Aug. 15, where she stated that Trump was a "terrorist" and a "Nazi." She added that given the opportunity, she would take the president's life and would kill him at "the compound" if she had to. She said she had a "bladed object" which she would use to "carry out her mission." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 16, Jones joined a protest that started at Dupont Circle, and circumnavigated the White House complex. After the protest, the Secret Service interviewed her again, and she admitted that she had made threats towards Trump the day before during her interview. She then denied having any present desire to kill Trump, but confirmed that she was the Facebook user account "Nath Jones" and that she had posted the threatening statements. What they're saying "Threatening the life of the President is one of the most serious crimes and one that will be met with swift and unwavering prosecution," AG Pirro said in a statement. "Make no mistakejustice will be served," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated law enforcement partners, especially the Secret Service Special Agents from New York and Washington, D.C., for their tireless commitment to protecting our leaders and our nation." "Protecting the President of the United States is our highest priority, and every potential threat is addressed with the utmost seriousness," said Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool of the U.S. Secret Service's Washington Field Office . The Source Information provided above came from the Justice Department. An Indiana woman is facing federal charges after allegedly making deadly threats against President Donald Trump via social media, including one in which she wanted to disembowel the commander in chief. Nathalie Rose Jones, 50, of Lafayette, Indiana, is charged with threatening to take the life of, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States, and transmitting in interstate commerce communications containing threats to kidnap any person or any threat to injure the person of another, the Justice Department said. "Threatening the life of the President is one of the most serious crimes and one that will be met with swift and unwavering prosecution. Make no mistakejustice will be served," said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. "We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated law enforcement partners, especially the Secret Service Special Agents from New York and Washington, D.C., for their tireless commitment to protecting our leaders and our nation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pennsylvania Man Charged For Allegedly Threatening To Kill Trump Before He Took Office Jones came to the attention of federal authorities when U.S. Secret Service agents found an Instagram user account, "nath.jones," had posted threatening comments about Trump between Aug. 2-9, the Justice Department said. The user called Trump a terrorist, referred to President Trumps administration as a dictatorship, and stated that Trump had caused extreme and unnecessary loss of life in relation to the coronavirus. The order also called for him to be removed from office. Read On The Fox News App From Aug. 6-15, "Nath.Jones" allegedly continued to post threatening comments about Trump on Facebook, federal prosecutors said. An Aug. 6 post directed at the FBI states that "I am willing to sacrificially kill this POTUS by disemboweling him and cutting out his trachea with Liz Cheney and all The Affirmation present." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an Aug. 14 post directed to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, "Nath Jones" allegedly wrote "please arrange the arrest and removal ceremony of POTUS Trump as a terrorist on the American People from 10-2pm at the White House on Saturday, August 16th, 2025." Texas Trump Threat Suspect Arrested After Allegedly Writing 'I Wont Miss' In Social Media Post Jones voluntarily agreed to an interview with the Secret Service, during which she called Trump a "terrorist" and a "nazi," authorities said. She said that if she had the opportunity, she would kill Trump at "the compound" if she had to and that she had a "bladed object," which she said was the weapon she would use to "carry out her mission of killing" the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She allegedly said she wanted to "avenge all the lives lost during the Covid-19 pandemic," which she blamed the Trump administration for, citing its position on vaccinations. On Aug. 16, Jones attended a protest in Washington, D.C., which circumnavigated the White House complex. Following the march, Jones was interviewed again by the Secret Service, during which she admitted that she had made threats towards Trump during her interview the previous day. (L/R) US President Donald Trump looks on as US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro speaks during a news conference to discuss crime in Washington, DC, in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC, on August 11, 2025. She denied having any present desire to harm the commander in chief, authorities said. Jones allegedly confirmed that she was the owner of the Facebook user account "Nath Jones" and that she had posted the threatening statements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Protecting the President of the United States is our highest priority, and every potential threat is addressed with the utmost seriousness," said Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool of the U.S. Secret Service's Washington Field Office. Original article source: Indiana woman faces federal charges for social media threats to disembowel Trump Aug. 19A Brownsville, Indiana woman was sentenced to jail for a crash that killed 64-year-old man in Preble County last year. Who is involved? Bridgett I. Harper, 30, was charged in a crash that killed Rodger Dale Flannery of East Bernstadt, Kentucky, on May 10, 2024. What was she sentenced to? Harper was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with 160 days suspended, according to Eaton Municipal Court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She will serve her sentence over three consecutive days starting Friday. Harper will wear an ankle monitor for the remaining 17 days, according to an Eaton Municipal Court clerk. Her driver's license is suspended for three years, and she will spend two years on probation. Harper also must pay funeral expenses, the clerk said. What was she accused of? Harper was charged with one count each of vehicular homicide and vehicular manslaughter in municipal. She pleaded no contest to the charges on June 26. The court convicted her of vehicular homicide, a first-degree misdemeanor, and dismissed the vehicular manslaughter charge, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What happened? On May 10, 2024, Harper was driving a 2011 Ford Flex on Ohio 725 when she failed to yield to the right of way at the Ohio 177 intersection, according to a crash report. The Ford collided with a 1997 Dodge Ram, causing the truck to spin and go off the right side of the road. The truck hit a ditch and overturned twice, ejecting Flannery. Flannery was pronounced dead at the scene. Harper was not injured, according to the crash report. A passenger in the Ford had minor injuries and a passenger in the Dodge had serious injuries. A 1-year-old boy, who was also in the Ford, was not injured. A Xiaomi Corp. YU7 electric SUV on display at one of the company's stores in Shanghai. Xiaomi Corp. intends to sell its first electric vehicle in Europe by 2027, declaring plans to take on Tesla Inc. and BYD Co. globally after gaining traction with its year-old Chinese EV business. President Lu Weibing shed more light on the companys expansion plans after reporting a 31% rise in quarterly revenue, riding the successful launch of its second EV over the summer. That helped counter slowing demand for smartphones. Most Read from Bloomberg Xiaomi has previously described ambitions to go global, though its never specified a target market. While Europe is a common destination for Chinese EV makers seeking to tap a more lucrative arena, considering they can often sell their cars with higher margins there, they do face punitive tariffs. Were Xiaomi to export its EVs to Europe, it would likely be subject to tariffs of up to 48%, including a base 10% import duty and additional countervailing levies of around 35% to 38%. Those measures were imposed by the European Union in response to what it deems unfair state subsidies provided to Chinese EV makers, which the bloc argues distorts market competition and threatens local manufacturers. Chinese EV makers also face tariffs of 100% if they want to sell their cars in the US. Thats effectively shut them entirely out of the market. Read: Europe Warms to Chinas Investments in Face of US Tariffs Regardless, strong demand for the YU7 sport utility vehicle, which co-founder Lei Jun released at the end of June, is propelling Xiaomis $10 billion gamble on the increasingly crowded EV arena. The company aims to become one of the worlds top five carmakers within 15 to 20 years, despite a production crunch thats testing its ability to scale up. Wait times for the SUV have stretched to more than a year. The business model we have developed in China can also apply in overseas market when we get into Europe, Lu told analysts on a call. Were doing the research and preparation. So far we have not got the specific product plan yet. Revenue climbed to 116 billion yuan ($16.2 billion) in the June quarter, just edging past average analyst estimates. The tech giant delivered 81,302 cars, taking the total to more than 157,000 in the first half on track to surpass 2024s haul. But smartphones its original and largest business slid 2.1% and missed the average projection by about 5%. This story was updated to add information. One by one, Indiana's Republican U.S. representatives are coming out in support of redistricting in Indiana, weeks after Vice President JD Vance's visit to Indianapolis. The pressure campaign on X mounted at the same time that state House Republicans met privately off Statehouse grounds to discuss President Donald Trump's push to redraw maps mid-decade, which to date has proven unpopular among the state lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Mike Braun, who has the power to call a special session to redistrict, told reporters Aug. 18 he is still undecided and leaning on the will of the legislature. "I'm not going to call them unless there is going to be general agreement that we need to," he said. Nor did the House Republican caucus make any decisions at their two-hour meeting, held at a private office building on the north side of the city. "We're still talking," House Speaker Todd Huston told the Indiana Capital Chronicle. Indiana House Republicans met in a private office building on the north side of Indianapolis Monday, Aug. 18, to discuss President Donald Trump's push for mid-decade redistricting. An hour before the House caucused, U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman of the 3rd District was the first to post on X that "it's time to redraw Indiana's congressional map." The rest of his Republican colleagues in the Indiana delegation followed suit over the next few hours, some posting on campaign accounts and some on their official ones: U.S. Reps. Victoria Spartz of the 5th, Rudy Yakym of the 2nd, Mark Messmer of the 8th, Erin Houchin of the 9th, Jim Baird of the 4th and Jefferson Shreve of the 6th. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of their posts followed the same formula, framing the desire to redistrict as a response to Democrats' gerrymandering in blue states. Two of those supporters, Messmer and Houchin, voted for Indiana's current congressional maps as state representatives when they were drawn in 2021. Now they are saying redrawing the maps mid-decade could help strengthen conservative representation in Washington. Right now, Republicans hold seven of Indiana's nine seats. Messmer made sure to tag Gov. Mike Braun in his post, in whose hands the decision to call a special session lies. "I am proud to support Hoosier State Legislators and our great @GovBraun in fighting the long history of weaponized voter manipulation in CA, NY, and IL," Messmer wrote. "Redistricting in Indiana will accurately reflect the will of Hoosier voices." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This slew of social media messaging is only the latest pressure tactic from D.C. as Indiana lawmakers have come forward vehemently opposing redistricting. Many voters in certain regions of the state received texts and robocalls from a group calling themselves "Forward America," urging them to tell their state legislators to "fight back against the radical left's agenda" and "stand up for redistricting." Moreover, some Indiana lawmakers will be heading to D.C. next week for a previously-scheduled meeting where they will talk about how to "implement President Trump's agenda." While the invitation pre-dates Indiana's pushback and the agenda doesn't explicitly include redistricting, this presents an in-person opportunity for the topic to come up. More: As national conservatives urge Indiana to redistrict, even pro-Trump lawmakers are opposed Contact IndyStar Statehouse reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X@kayla_dwyer17. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana's GOP congressional leaders push redistricting as state reps meet A Purdue University student once wanted to stay in the United States for a better life and to escape the "toxic" work environment back home in China. However, new immigration policies complicating her ability to study make her question whether President Donald Trump's America is one she can exist in after graduation. "I watched U.S. movies and TV dramas when I was a teenager, so I still have that hope that American dreams can become true," she said. "But I don't know how realistic it is." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As college students return to classes this month, international students are pinned at the intersection of the Trump administration's priorities to wield power over higher education and roll out an aggressive anti-immigration system. Hoosier students say the federal government's ever-changing and often-unclear policies inject fear and uncertainty into an already-complicated student visa process. Two students interviewed by IndyStar were provided anonymity due to fears of retribution from the U.S. government or their university. "It's another layer of burden after everything that I, and also all the PhDs, need to worry about in their studies," a Chinese student at Indiana University said. Thousands of international students flock to Indiana to attend the state's renowned universities, especially for graduate programs. Last fall, Purdue University enrolled nearly 10,000 international students from 130 countries, making up 17.2% of the student body. The Indiana University system taught about 6,750 such students, amounting to about 7.5%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Xiangnong Wang, a staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute, said the fear is the point. The administration wants to force these students out, he said, as part of the broader conservative blitz on higher education. "I think this policy is really designed to disrupt (international students') lives in a really fundamental way and it's designed to terrify them," he said. "It sends the message that people from China, and maybe foreign nationals more broadly, aren't welcome here and don't belong in this country." Higher education and immigration expert Miriam Feldblum said international students are a critical piece of the American higher education system, and without them, the country stands to feel significant losses. Feldblum is the president and CEO of the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, a coalition of university leaders who specialize in how immigration policy impacts higher education. International student enrollment "is a part of the core mission for colleges and universities," she said. "Welcoming international students helps American students, local communities and our national economy while strengthening our national security and cross-country talk." Ivy League schools, Chinese students targeted Since taking office, Trump has hyper-focused on fulfilling his promise to take a hard line on immigration. Amid feuds with Ivy League leaders, his immigration policy focus shifted to tightening the use of international student visas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before entering the country, international students must be approved for a visa and accepted into an approved program. Students typically pursue a temporary F-1 visa, which requires a stack of paperwork and usually an interview at a U.S. Embassy or consulate. About 1.1 million foreign students chose to study in the U.S. in 2023, according to Institute of International Education analysis, with about 30,000 of which studying in Indiana. About 22% stayed in the country under a transitional visa to work. Overall, these students contributed $50 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to the report. Columbia University recently agreed to enroll fewer international students in a deal with the Trump administration over accusations of antisemitism on campus, and Trump sought to bar Harvard from enrolling visa-holders. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in late May that the government would "aggressively" revoke visas from Chinese students "with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields." A new travel ban will also complicate the future of current and prospective students from 19 countries with either full or partial travel restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement International students must now undergo rigorous social media screenings, where government agents will search for indications of hostility toward the United States. Free-speech advocates say these screenings are a vehicle to bar certain speech, though the administration says it's a matter of national security. "It seems like the way to identify what the Trump administration is after is simply the speech that the administration doesn't like," Wang said. "There's a slippery slope here. ... When it does that, it is a direct assault on what the First Amendment stands for." The administration has specifically targeted students who voice support for Palestinians in Gaza, most visibly in the video-recorded detention of a Tufts University student and the months-long detention of Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil. Several cases related to Trump's policies on international students are pending in the courts. The intensity and breadth of the Trump administration's policies are historically atypical, Wang and Feldblum said. It's reminiscent of the post-9/11 hysteria, while Wang mentioned the Red Scare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Immigration policy was used to keep out people who government officials believed would be spreading dangerous ideas in this country," Wang said. "We look upon those times now with embarrassment, with regret, and it's a shame that we're repeating many of those same mistakes now." Trump expands rules on international students Amid increased scrutiny of international students, they are now becoming extra careful to avoid any kind of technicality that could jeopardize their visas. The Purdue student interviewed by IndyStar was one of several who canceled summer plans to leave the United States. She wanted to attend a conference and visit her family after but thought it would be too risky. The IU student said most international students he knows have wiped or made their social media private in anticipation of social media checks. They aren't sure who is watching their posts or what they care about, he said, so they are meticulous in managing those online profiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though social media vetting existed previously, he said the renewed enforcement is concerning, especially since international students are in a precarious position while in customs entering the country. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol can bar entry for a host of reasons. "It still is very surprising that now to see that law enforcers or people who are implementing those rules are stretching them to their limit and also strictly implementing them," he said. "It's what most international students have not expected one or two years ago." One of the larger concerns, the IU student said, is whether students could lose financial support or their ability to be a teaching assistant. Losing that support or work permit, he said, could mean they are unable to continue their studies. Students also have strict rules about employment while in the U.S., and a violation could mean they are forced to leave. International students are wanted Many international students have had trouble knowing what resources to tap for help. The ambiguity and fear stemming from the policies are causing a wave of misinformation that students are grasping onto, Feldblum said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a time "ripe for rumors," she said, it's especially important for students to connect with their universities and reputable sources. Resources include Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, the Asian Law Caucus and Informed Immigrant. Many universities, too, are working behind the scenes to help students, Feldblum said, instead of fielding a public response. "I hear from a good number of leaders that to be effective is not to release the public statement necessarily, but it's to make sure that we are supporting our students and non-citizen campus members in practice," Feldblum said. "Colleges and universities, however, are more committed than ever to demonstrate that international students are wanted and welcomed by their campuses." When IndyStar reached out to universities to ask how they were navigating policy shifts and supporting students, most declined to comment or did not respond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The University of Notre Dame was one of the few that did, saying it "is carefully monitoring this situation and will remain in close contact with all of our international students," which it says are "important and vital members of our campus community." Though he has heard very little from the administration, the IU student said his department has offered a range of support, including the drafting of contingency plans and creating virtual options in case students can't get back into the country. His adviser also recommended that he and other students obtain an immigration lawyer, which he has done. "That's not the case for most departments," he said. "I think most departments have not communicated with their graduate students at least in such a comprehensive way." The Purdue student told IndyStar she is worried her university won't protect its students and stick up for her if needed. In March, a U.S. House committee sought information from Purdue about its Chinese students and their research. Purdue complied. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she has not heard anything from Purdue, so she's been relying on other avenues. She's found resources shared on RedNote, a Chinese social media app similar to TikTok, and guidance from her campus's culture center. "Everything is uncertain," she said. "We don't know anything if there's a lack of transparency." Students say U.S. doesn't understand them Earlier this year, U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, a Republican from Michigan, wrote that Americas student visa system has become a Trojan horse for Beijing" in a letter to Purdue seeking Chinese student information. He joins Rubio and a swath of Republicans who say new immigration policies cracking down on Chinese student visas protect national security by limiting the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the U.S. However, advocates and students say that fear is based on a misunderstanding about the students who seek to study at American universities. Many people, like herself, came here for a better life, the IU student said, and because they disagree with the Chinese government and the "toxic" work-life balance there. "I don't like Chinese government," she said. "Most of the international students coming here in the U.S. and studying abroad, most of them don't like China either." Chinese students are "pretty innocent," she said, and they are living in an atmosphere similar to the microaggressions when Trump made unsubstantiated claims that China created the COVID-19 virus. The environment could get worse still, she said, and they have a limited ability to speak out. "I know we don't have that right to protect ourselves because in the U.S., we are not allowed to," she said. "We just panic about the situation here (with) Trump." Students are considering their options This package of policies will make students question whether they should return and could delay the ones who do, Feldblum said. It's clear to her what these policies will culminate in: "There's no doubt that we'll see a decline in new student enrollments." Though many students are determined to finish their programs despite recent hurdles, they are giving extra thought to whether or not they will stay in the country after graduation. Studying in the U.S. is still a goal for many international youth, the Purdue student said, and he hasn't heard of students leaving without finishing their programs. Instead, he's seen students "mastering out," meaning they pursue a master's degree instead of their intended doctorate. Some students are prioritizing programs in Democrat-led states where they "might find a more friendly environment." "When I applied for this program, I didn't know anything about Indiana," the IU student said. "If I had a better knowledge about what's going on in the state and also what's going on in the institution, I might seek more options or I might focus on applying for an institution in a different region." The USA TODAY Network - Indiana's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Have a story to tell? Reach Cate Charron by email at ccharron@indystar.com, on X at @CateCharron or Signal at @cate.charron.28. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: How Indiana's international students are adjusting to Trump policies NEW DELHI (AP) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed steady progress in improving relations with China after meeting its top diplomat Tuesday following a yearslong standoff between the nuclear-armed Asian powers. Modi noted respect for each others interests and sensitiveness in a statement on social media after meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Chinas foreign ministry said the countries have entered a steady development track" and should trust and support each other. Wang on his visit also has met with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and national security adviser Ajit Doval about the countries' disputed border in the Himalayan mountains. India's Foreign Ministry said Wang and Doval discussed deescalation, delimitation and boundary affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two sides agreed to resume direct flights and issuance of journalist visas and to facilitate business and cultural exchanges, according to a statement from China's Foreign Ministry. Relations plummeted in 2020 after security forces clashed along the border. Four Chinese soldiers and 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the worst violence in decades, freezing high-level political engagements. The setbacks we experienced in the past few years were not in the interest of the people of our two countries. We are heartened to see the stability that is now restored in the borders, Wang said Monday. Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility on the border and reiterated India's commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, his office said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rebuilding of India-China ties coincides with friction between New Delhi and Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on India, a longtime ally seen as a counterbalance against China's influence in Asia. India is part of the Quad security alliance with the U.S., along with Australia and Japan. Compromise at the highest political level The chill in relations after the deadly clash in 2020 between troops in the Ladakh region affected trade, diplomacy and air travel, as both sides deployed tens of thousands of security forces in border areas. Some progress has been made since then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, India and China agreed to a pact on border patrols and withdrew additional forces along some border areas. Both countries continue to fortify their border by building roads and rail networks. In recent months, the countries have increased official visits and discussed easing some trade restrictions, movement of citizens and visas for businesspeople. In June, Beijing allowed pilgrims from India to visit holy sites in Tibet. Last week, India's foreign ministry said the two countries were discussing resuming trade through three points along their 3,488-kilometer (2,167-mile) border. Both sides will work together toward a consensus on border issues, Wang said after his meeting with Doval, according to China's Foreign Ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No specifics were given on what was decided. Settling the boundary issue between the two countries requires political compromise at the highest political level, said Manoj Joshi, a fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank. He also served as a member of the advisory board for Indias National Security Council. Modi plans to visit China soon The thaw between Beijing and New Delhi began last October when Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at a summit of emerging economies in Russia. It was the first time the leaders had spoken in person since 2019. Modi is set to meet Xi when he travels to China late this month his first visit in seven years to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional grouping formed by China, Russia and others to counter U.S. influence in Asia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Xi called for India and Chinas relations to take the form of a dragon-elephant tango a dance between the countries' emblems. The US and Pakistan play roles in the thaw The renewed engagement comes as New Delhis ties with Donald Trump are fraying. Washington has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, which includes a penalty of 25% for purchasing Russian crude oil. The tariffs take effect Aug. 27. India has not backed down, instead signing more agreements with Russia to deepen economic cooperation. Trumps renewed engagement with Indias archrival, Pakistan, has also encouraged New Delhis overtures to China, said Lt. Gen. D.S. Hooda, a former leader of the Indian militarys northern command. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Trump hosted Pakistan's army chief for a White House lunch and later announced an energy deal with Islamabad to jointly develop the countrys oil reserves. Both followed Trumps claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after the two sides traded military strikes in May. That clash saw Pakistan use Chinese-made military jets and missiles against India. China is heavily invested in Pakistan and, practically speaking, you cant have any expectation that Beijing will hold back support to Islamabad," Hooda said. But you cant have two hostile neighbors on your borders and simultaneously deal with them also. ___ Associated Press writers Aijaz Hussain in Srinagar, India, and Huizhong Wu in Bangkok and video producer Liu Zheng in Beijing contributed to this report. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Good Earth is the newest state park in South Dakota, but its also rich with history. An upcoming event at the site southeast of Sioux Falls is designed to help keep that tradition alive. Exploring Good Earth State Park, its not hard to imagine that 500 years ago the area was a bevy of activity. It was a gathering place where people came to visit and to live and to hunt, Good Earth State Park Naturalist Jen Stahl said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wells Fargo building change on the horizon Stahl isnt sure why Native Americans selected this specific spot but says it remains a special place to this day. Once you come here, you feel that energy of the park and so we think people just lived here for hundreds of years because of that feeling. It has its resources. It had the river, it had bison back then, so it just had what the people needed and people just loved to be here, Stahl said. The park tries to revisit that history through events like Indigenous Artists of the Prairie. Its bustling, theres drums playing in the background, theres music playing, theres people talking, theres all kinds of just camaraderie happening and its just a wonderful gathering of people, Stahl said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indigenous Artists of the Prairie revives the tradition of fellowship with a long list of artists and vendors. Well have anything from painters to beadwork to dresses to pottery to even, soaps and lotions, things like that. So just a little bit of everything that you can imagine, that you can come and shop and enjoy the day and the environment, Stahl said. I primarily sing and I play guitar, but I can do kind of a little bit of everything, Sioux Falls resident Kobe Jordan said. Jordan is a bit of a one-man band. Hes originally from Vermillion but knows his heritage. My tribe is the Ihanktonwan Yankton Sioux. My home reservation is Wagner, South Dakota, Jordan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also considers himself fortunate. Its hard growing up Native American, especially people that are on reservation. I was lucky to grow off reservation, so I had a lot more opportunities and I dont take those for granted, Jordan said. Jordan encourages kids currently growing up on the reservation to chase their dreams like he did. It just means a lot to me to do events like this and to showcase not just my skills, but my heritage, where I come from, just everything that Ive worked towards, not just in my 28 years of life, but in the like nine, ten years that Ive been doing music, Jordan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And he cant wait to see what else Indigenous Artists of the Prairie has to offer. Just seeing how people express themselves through our culture and through their craftsmanship is just a really, really cool thing, Jordan said. I grew up in Sioux Falls, but I knew nothing about the people who lived here and so to be able to be out here as a volunteer and preserve that heritage and interpret it for people, its just a real privilege for me, Good Earth State Park volunteer JoJean Callison said. Callison says Indigenous Artists of the Prairie is a fantastic event. I think just the fact that it so expresses culture and culture that we dont always appreciate for what people bring. Its just, the culture is wonderful and for people to have a chance to share it with those of us who dont see it on a regular basis or arent part of it, thats a real opportunity, Callison said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stahl says the day wouldnt be possible without help. We have a group of about 4 or 5 people that come and they help us plan, they help us find our vendors, they help us get the word out, they help us do it the right way, Stahl said. And the reaction from the artists and vendors is priceless. You can see the smiles on their faces. Its like, oh, were home, this is where were supposed to be, this is our place, and they just embrace it and they just take over, and its amazing, Stahl said. All in an effort to preserve history and build community. Indigenous Artists of the Prairie is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, September 13. Good Earth State Park is accepting artists and vendors until the day of the event, but if youd like your name on the flyer you need to sign up by this Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Indigenous leaders from across the Amazon are urging South American presidents meeting in Bogota this week to turn promises to protect the region's rainforest into concrete action, and to give Indigenous groups more say in the region's future. The Fifth Presidential Summit of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization, officially opening Tuesday in the Colombian capital, brings together leaders alongside scientists and Indigenous representatives. The agenda includes public forums, cultural events and high-level meetings, culminating Friday with a joint declaration setting regional priorities on environmental protection and climate policy. Indigenous leaders hope to meet with national leaders face-to-face for the first time at such a summit. Indigenous groups from all eight Amazonian nations issued a statement Monday evening, calling the rainforest a global lifeline that provides about one-fifth of the worlds freshwater and acts as one of the planets largest carbon sinks, absorbing vast amounts of heat-trapping carbon dioxide. They said decades of deforestation, mining, fossil fuel drilling and large-scale farming have pushed the region toward a point of no return. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among their demands are legal protection of Indigenous lands, recognition of their communities as official decision-makers within the treaty body, and a ban on new oil, gas and mining projects in the rainforest. They also propose a working group on a just transition a shift to cleaner energy and away from coal, oil or natural gas and an observatory to track threats against environmental defenders. The groups noted that many commitments made in the 2023 Belem Declaration a joint pledge by Amazon nations to cooperate on protecting the rainforest have yet to be implemented, and cautioned against another round of empty promises. They stressed that violence against activists continues to rise across the Amazon, calling for regional protection measures. The program includes an Amazon Dialogues forum bringing together civil society, scientists and Indigenous leaders; a panel on the rainforests water vapor that helps regulate South Americas climate; and a Road to COP30 event meant to shape the Amazons voice at the next U.N. climate conference in Brazil in November. There is no solution to any of the threats the Amazon is facing without its communities," said Raphael Hoetmer, a senior advisor at Amazon Watch, a U.S.-based nonprofit, attending the summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is an historical opportunity to create a mechanism for permanent and direct dialogue and participation with Indigenous peoples through the ATCO, he said, referring to the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization, a bloc of eight Amazonian countries. Leaders from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela are expected to attend, with hopes that it will be the first time Indigenous representatives will meet directly with heads of state during the summit. There will be no future without Indigenous peoples at the center of decision-making, the groups said in the statement. ___ The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. NEED TO KNOW Influencer Yarely Ashley Hermosillo died at age 27 in a shooting on Friday, Aug. 15 According to local news outlets, police have arrested suspect Jesus Preciado Dousten on charges of second degree murder in connection to her death Hermosillo was remembered as a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a beautiful soul whose light touched everyone who knew her in a GoFundMe started by her family Influencer Yarely Ashley Hermosillo died in a shooting on Friday, Aug. 15. She was 27. The Arizona-based content creator was known on social media for regularly posting cooking and lifestyle content to her accounts, where she maintained a following of over 300,000 people across Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to local outlets AZFamily and 12News, Glendale police have arrested suspect Jesus Preciado Dousten, 33, on several charges including second degree murder in connection to Hermosillos death. Police state that Dousten, who was driving a pickup truck on Friday evening, began to argue with the driver of another pickup truck while stopped at a red light in Glendale, Ariz. As the argument continued, police say, Dousten pulled out a handgun, firing a shot at random, which went through the passenger window of Hermosillos vehicle and struck her in the head, though she wasnt involved in the argument. Hermosillos boyfriend, who was driving the vehicle at the time, rushed to the hospital, where Hermosillo later died, per police. Authorities added that the couples young son and Hermosillos mother were in the backseat of the vehicle at the time, but there were no other injuries. Glendale Police Sergeant Brian Hoskins told AZFamily that homicide detectives used video from multiple cameras to identify Dousten as the owner of the vehicle involved in the shooting. After searching a Glendale home, where police recovered two handguns, authorities arrested Dousten at his apartment, the outlet reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is being held on a $1 million bond on the charges of second-degree murder, aggravated assault, misconduct involving weapons and endangerment, per AZ Family. Yarely Hermosillo Facebook Yarely Hermosillo Yarely Hermosillo In a GoFundMe started by Hermosillos family to raise money for her funeral expenses, the late influencer was remembered as a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a beautiful soul whose light touched everyone who knew her. 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. She leaves behind her husband and their 4-year-old son, who now face an unimaginable loss, the tribute continues. Yarelys greatest joy in life was being a mother, and she poured her heart into caring for her little boy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post concludes: We are forever grateful for every prayer, share, and donation made in Yarelys honor. Thank you for helping us celebrate her life, carry on her memory, and surround her husband, son, siblings and mother with love during this devastating time. May her soul rest in peace, and may her memory live on through the love she gave so freely. Read the original article on People MOUNT CARBON, WV (WVNS) Additional information about the shooting in Fayette County that left two people dead and three injured was released by the Fayette County Sheriffs Office. According to the Fayette County Sheriffs Office, a preliminary investigation into a shooting in the Mount Carbon area of Fayette County on Monday, August 18, 2025 that left two people dead and three people injured revealed that it was an isolated incident with possibly a single individual target. Shooting in Fayette County leaves two people dead and three injured Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fayette County Sheriffs Office stated that the two people who died were identified as 49-year-old John Middleton (victim), and 53-year-old Michael Hall (suspect), both of Mount Carbon. According to the Fayette County Sheriffs Office, the three people who received minor injuries from shotgun pellets were thought to be bystanders that were not targeted intentionally. The Fayette County Sheriffs Office stated that the motive of the incident is still unclear and the incident remains under. According to the Fayette County Sheriffs Office, members of the Fayette County Sheriffs Office responded to the Mount Carbon area of Fayette County at around 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025 for a reported gunshot victim and a gunman at large. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shooting investigation underway in Mercer County Information from the Fayette County Sheriffs Office stated that once members of the responding agencies arrived at the scene, they found the suspected shooter, later identified as Michael Hall, inside his house, dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The second person, who was identified as John Middleton, was reportedly found dead outside under a neighboring carport Responding agencies included members of the Fayette County Sheriffs Office, West Virginia State Police, Montgomery Police Department, and officers with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A Sheriffs Office deputy and K-9 officer have returned home after being shot during a deadly shooting that took the lives of two police officers. Shortly after two police officers were shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance in Tremonton Sunday evening, Deputy Mike Allred with the Box Elder County Sheriffs Office responded with his K-9 partner, Azula. Deputy Allred and Azula were injured in a shooting in Tremonton Sunday. (Courtesy//DPS) During the altercation, both Allred and Azula were shot and later taken to the hospital. Police announced that both had returned home in stable condition Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WATCH: Police breach home in Tremonton after suspect shoots and kills two officers, injures third A K-9 handler is closer with their dog than anything else, Art Lopez, a Sergeant with Utah Police Officers Standards and Training, said. Sgt. Lopez could not speak to the events that transpired during the Tremonton shooting but did shed light on the important bond that exists between K-9 officers and their handlers. Honestly, they are our best friends, and they do take very good care of us and our communities, Lopez told ABC4. He says that just like officers, K-9s often struggle after experiencing intense situations on the job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tremonton residents in shock after tragic shooting claims lives of 2 officers Some dogs are extremely tough and theyre able to bounce back, he added. Ive seen other dogs that have PTSD like humans do. Theyre part of our family, Lopez said, adding that after retirement most officers take the dogs into full care. We spend more time with our dogs than we do our family members. Lopez says he has worked with four dogs in his career. I still cry for each one of them, and Im proud to say that. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A Victorville man was taken into custody by sheriffs deputies after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and then drove off with her against her will. Jose Vasquez, 36, was arrested late Sunday night after deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department successfully negotiated his surrender. According to Sheriffs Department officials, Vasquez allegedly assaulted his girlfriend at a residence on the 13000 block of Limestone Circle in Victorville, then grabbed an unidentified item and got into his vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His girlfriend, officials said, tried to grab the item from the passenger side, but Vasquez pulled her inside the vehicle and drove away against her will. Vasquez then fled the scene with his girlfriend in the vehicle while authorities tried unsuccessfully to locate them. Deputies were eventually able to get in contact with Vasquez and convince him to bring his girlfriend back and surrender. He drove back to the original scene and was taken into custody without incident, officials said. His girlfriend suffered several serious injuries during the ordeal and was transported to a local hospital by ambulance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vasquez has since been booked into the High Desert Detention Center in Adelanto where he awaits charges for kidnapping and domestic violence. Jail records show that his bail has been set at $80,000 and he is due in court on Wednesday. The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the SBSD Victorville station at 760-241-2911. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 1-800-782-7463. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Members of the Lower Sioux Indian Community in Minnesota have expanded a climate-friendly construction method to homes off the reservation after successfully using it for years. The innovative process uses hempcrete a hemp-based insulation product instead of traditional insulation in building new homes. A company based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, called Americhanvre supplies the hempcrete in a spray applicator, cutting down the time it takes to install the material. Danny Desjarlais, the Lower Sioux Industrial Hemp Construction project manager, told KARE 11 that "it's definitely a game-changer for installing hempcrete." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hempcrete is made with the core of the hemp plant, known as hemp hurd or shiv, mixed with lime and water and then dried. Because it's made from hemp and not fiberglass, it is a more environmentally beneficial substance. As Ind Hemp explains, "Both the hemp plant and the product hempcrete sequester carbon from the atmosphere. This means both the plant and the product contribute beneficially to the reduction of climate change. Hempcrete may be an underutilized product to aid in the fight against climate change." And while conventional fiberglass is more common and cheaper to install, hempcrete might be a more attractive option because of the plant's sustainability, not to mention the potential health risks of fiberglass to both everyday people and fiberglass manufacturers. Short-term fiberglass exposure can cause irritation to the respiratory system, especially in sensitive individuals, such as those with asthma. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hempiculture adds, "There's also some speculation that long-term problems can potentially arise from repeated exposure to fiberglass insulation. Although most types of fiberglass insulation are no longer made with carcinogenic chemicals, the jury is still out on whether or not long-term fiberglass exposure can cause cancer or other health problems." Hopefully, the hempcrete industry will continue to grow as it has in Minnesota, where it appears to be gaining popularity. Desjarlais told Hempbuild Magazine, "Hemp is reviving our community and I believe it's the perfect blueprint for other communities especially indigenous or underprivileged communities." Americhanvre co-owner Cameron McIntosh told KARE 11, "We've trained well over 100 people, and we have about 14 or 15 unique owner-operators around the country like Lower Sioux." 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. For Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Monday began with a diplomatic whirlwind. It ended with a great sigh of relief. Hours of meetings in Washington Zelenskyy with President Donald Trump, Trump with a coterie of Europes most powerful leaders, all of the above together in the Oval Office culminated in a breakthrough, in the words of NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte: Trump expressed a willingness to participate in security guarantees for Ukraine. On the international stage, that alone amounts to a new dawn not only for the relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine, but also Zelenskyys relationship with Trump, and Americas with some of its closest transatlantic allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the home front, it could be a bit more complicated. While there are no specifics yet on what exactly U.S. security guarantees might look like for Ukraine Zelenskyy suggested those would be ironed out within 10 days even the vague allusion to them hints that MAGA may be careening toward another foreign policy divide. In public, there are a few topline takeaways from yesterday. The biggest are the security guarantees, and the reality that Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin are hurtling toward a bilateral meeting; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that summit could happen within the next two weeks. After that, Trump intends to join Zelenskyy and Putin for a trilateral meeting with the aim of ending Russias war on Ukraine, he announced on social media. [T]he optimism of your president is to be taken seriously, French President Emmanuel Macron told NBC News. So if he considers he can get a deal done, this is great news, and we have to do whatever we can to have a great deal. In private, there are more interesting details. Heres what Trump world insiders are talking in private about yesterday's cascade of diplomatic meetings and how it perhaps recontextualizes parts of last Fridays Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. 1. The Trump-Zelenskyy reset is real. From the moment Trump complimented Zelenskyy on his suit all the way through to Vice President JD Vances more easy rapport with the Ukrainian president and the many thanks Zelenskyy offered it was a totally different mood than the disastrous February meeting. The vibe between the president and Zelenskyy was terrific, a senior administration official told POLITICO. What happened in that first Oval meeting is well gone. This official described the ensuing talks as really productive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2. The Europeans proved difference-makers. The goal of convening the Europeans was to say Were in charge; youll sign on to anything we say, the senior administration official told POLITICO. And the White House was mostly pleased by what they saw. The Europeans were positive today, but they are tedious, the official said. But they were really good. And if you just were an observer of the two hours today, you'd say, Wow, thats like a family a happy family. But they all have their own little thing that they want to have happen. And it really is more of a European war than an American war, but none of them has stepped up. Was it unwieldy to have them all in a meeting together? Yes. They're heads of state, the official continued. Theyre used to being in charge. And when you put seven of them in one room, you get what you would think. But it wasn't bad. 3. Trump offered to go straight to a trilateral meeting. The senior administration official told POLITICO that when Trump called Putin to offer his presence at a meeting between Zelenskyy and the Russian leader, Putin said, You dont have to come. I want to see him one on one. Trumps team started working on that, the official said. Steve Witkoff has the assignment to get it figured [out]. 4. Alaska paved the way for the security guarantees discussion. If there was any concern within the administration about how the Putin meeting in Anchorage went down, Monday all but evaporated it. After Alaska, we were excited that Putin was at least talking and there were signs we could negotiate, a second senior administration official told POLITICO. One of those signs came on the topic of security guarantees: Putin was engaging on a conversation about security guarantees instead of, Nyet, nyet, nyet, this second official said. If Alaska was not successful and Putin didnt give us a little bit of an opening, we wouldnt have [had] the Europeans at the White House. Of Putin: Hell drive a hard bargain, but that opening is huge. 5. Those security guarantees could be a sticking point internationally. It remains unclear just how big a commitment the U.S. has on the line here. We havent even started [that discussion] other than a commitment, the first senior administration official told POLITICO. The question is, Who participates to what percentage? But the president did commit that we would be a part of it. No specifics. And then he said he would also help it get organized. And he alone could sell that to Putin. I don't think Putin would pay any attention to the others, and Im not sure the others would do it without him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 6. And those same guarantees could be a problem for Trump domestically. Does the administration have a red line when it comes to committing U.S. troops to keep a peace in Ukraine? I dont think there's a red line, the first senior official told POLITICO. So I think it just kind of remains to be seen. [President Trump] would like the Europeans to step up. But I think if the last piece of the puzzle was for a period of time to be a part of a peacekeeping force, I think he would do it. Meanwhile, as European leaders arrived at the White House, MAGA coalition minder Steve Bannon took to his influential War Room podcast to warn about the U.S. security guarantees in Ukraine. I'm just lost how the United States offering an Article 5 commitment for a security guarantee to Ukraine is a win for the United States, Bannon said on his show Monday morning. President Trump has done more than enough to bring the parties together, Bannon told POLITICO late Monday night. Once again, this is a European problem; we have all the leverage here. If we don't fund this, it stops happening. The only way this goes forward the only way this continues every day is American money and American arms. The Europeans dont have enough either military hardware and/or financial wherewithal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bannon said he hopes Trump eventually stops listening to the [Sens.] Lindsey Grahams and Tom Cottons and the Mitch McConnells, and realizes that there cant be any guarantee here from the United States, because thats going to inextricably link us to this conflict. In a Truth Social post on Monday about the next steps, Trump said Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine. That callout was striking. Thats the first time JD and Marco have been dragged into a big foreign policy issue together, the second senior administration official told POLITICO. If its JD and Marco and Witkoff, who gets the credit and who gets the blame if it fails? This could be the first test of 2028. Like this content? Consider signing up for POLITICO's Playbook newsletter. Pennsylvania State Police are trying to locate a possible witness to a fire at a plant nursery in Indiana County. Investigators say the large structure fire happened at Pikes Peak Nurseries in Cherryhill Township just after 3 a.m. on Aug. 10. Now, troopers are trying to locate a black Hyundai Santa Fe SUV seen in the area previously in the day. They say its being sought as a potential witness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Greensburg Station Fire Marshal Unit at (724) 832-3256 or PSP Tips Toll-Free at 1-800-472-8477 or online. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW WHO 13 NEWS Iowa veteran Joedy VanVelzen completed the Appalachian Trail last week, hiking nearly 2,200 miles across 14 states in just five months. He joined Calyn Thompson on Today on Iowa to recap the journey weve been following since March. Living in the wilderness was always a challenge. The weather can be very difficult, whether its high temperatures or rain. We even had snow in the early part of the trail, VanVelzen recalled. Sometimes food was a challenge. Youre cooking your meals out in the wilderness. A lot of food that I probably wont eat for quite some time now, so appetite changed significantly from the start to the end. So its an adaptation process from start to finish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025 Iowa State Fair sees high attendance despite weather challenges VanVelzen applied to be part of a team of veterans to hike the Appalachian Trail through Warrior Expeditions, a non-profit organization that provided the clothing, shoes, supplies, and support he needed to make the long-distance trek. He said they started off hiking together and then each developed their own pace. I ended up hiking about two months on my own. There were days where I would hardly ever see another soul out there on the trail and then other days you would run into people that you had met before and had similar pace to yours, VanVelzen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Halfway through, VanVelzen said he started walking with a fellow veteran named Greg. We did the last thousand miles together and ended up summiting together last Tuesday, VanVelzen. It was good for both of us. Neither one of us knew each other before we started this journey and you can imagine after a thousand miles you get to know somebody pretty good. With help from his family, VanVelzen documented his trek on social media and shared photos to his Facebook page: On the Appalachian Trail with Joedy. I did part of this to prove to myself that I could do it. Its been on our bucket list for some years now, VanVelzen said. But also I wanted to show my, my daughters and my family that they can truly do anything that they want to. You can be unstoppable even in the most difficult of circumstances. There were several days where I just wanted to stop walking, and I just had to get up and put one foot in front of the other and knock out another 15 to 20 miles and go to sleep at 6:30 or 7:00 at night and wake up at 5:00 in the morning and just keep on going. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said people have already reached out to him, asking for advice on how to complete the journey. Its a very difficult challenge. Its much more than I anticipated, VanVelzen said. Expect some pretty significant changes physically, mentally, and emotionally. It really is a life-changing event. Iowa news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Tehran often seemed to try to bluff its way forward, pretending it had lost nothing and was not much weaker in the world's eyes, while demanding "compensation" for the war. Iran has been squirming and kicking since its war with Israel in which the IDF and the US air forces set its nuclear program back two years, took its ballistic missile program down several notches, and killed many of Irans top military and intelligence officials ended on June 24. After the war, Iran expelled the IAEA and refused to re-engage them for over a month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Islamic Republic refused to talk to the US. It was willing to speak to the United Kingdom, Germany, and France (the E-3), but not in a real way that addressed its new dilemmas of losing much of its leverage. In fact, Tehran often seemed to bluff its way forward, pretending it had lost nothing and was not much weaker in the worlds eyes, while demanding compensation for the war. But Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is only the supreme leader in Iran. After years of playing nice with Khamenei out of fear that he might threaten them, the E-3 are now treating Tehran like the threat that it is threatening it in return with a snapback of global sanctions by August 29 if it does not make some real concessions. This is a sort of checkmate for Iran because it has no cards to play this time. Anytime the IAEA or E3 condemned or threatened it in the past, it would build more nuclear centrifuges and enrich more uranium, making the West pay a price for applying pressure. A satellite view shows an overview of Fordow underground complex, after the US struck the underground nuclear facility, near Qom, Iran June 22, 2025. (credit: MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS) But Israel has damaged its nuclear program so comprehensively, and Iran continues to be vulnerable in terms of lacking air defenses, meaning that it would take several months or maybe even a period of years for it to make any new meaningful nuclear progress. Any progress Iran makes would be baby steps Even then the progress would only constitute baby steps toward restoring what it had before Israel and the US set it back around two years probably how long it would take to get fully back to where it was. And that is unlikely to happen because the Islamic Republic knows that Israel can and will strike again long before it gets close to the nuclear bomb threshold again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could pull out the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but that threat carries much less weight than it did before the June war because now its nuclear program lies in shambles. So it can either concede giving up uranium enrichment for some period of time upfront the ultimate and more permanent concession or jump at the E3s interim concessions offer. The interim offer is: to extend the expiration of the global sanctions snapback mechanism by around six months from October 2025 until April 2026. By that time, Khamenei can hope that US President Donald Trumps attention will have deflected to something else. Who knows? Maybe the snapback may be extended more than once, and Khamenei can hope that a new and less aggressive leadership may emerge in Israel though Israel is rather united regarding Iran. Iran's toughest hardliners will not like "rewarding" Israel Of course, extending the snapback may mean agreeing to a kind of unsaid uranium enrichment freeze for the next 6-8 months, but right now Iran is still digging through rubble and cannot enrich uranium anyway. Also, Irans toughest hardliners will not like rewarding Israel and the West for their attacks and may be leery of agreeing to let the West hold the snapback threat over it for another round of negotiations but what are its alternatives? A person walks on a street near a billboard with a caricature of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tehran, Iran, August 10, 2025. (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS) Of course, Khamenei faced a somewhat similar dilemma in June and decided to test Israeli and American resolve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It would seem that since nearly all of the military and intelligence people who advised him to stand tough against the West are now dead, he is now more likely to listen to the still-alive pragmatic camp of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, which is telling him that talks are his only option to avoid another war and to stay alive. Either way, it seems that Khamenei can either drink from the poisoned chalice of diplomatic concessions a phrase coined by his predecessor, Ruhollah Khomeini, when he cut a weak end-of-war deal with Iraq in 1988 or face more airstrikes, possibly next time some targeting him directly. BEIRUT (AP) One of Lebanon's largest factories making the highly addictive amphetamine Captagon has been discovered and destroyed as part of rare security cooperation between intelligence agencies in Iraq and Lebanon, Iraqs Interior Ministry said. The announcement late Monday came a month after the Lebanese army issued a statement about the discovery of a drug factory in Yammoune village in the eastern Bekaa Valley with large amounts of drugs inside. Iraqs Interior Ministry said the Lebanese operation in Yammoune in mid-July came after Iraqi authorities gave Beirut information about the factory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A senior Lebanese security official on Tuesday said it was not clear why Iraqi authorities made the announcement Monday, adding that Lebanons security agencies are always in contact with Arab and international security agencies. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Regional states are intensifying efforts to fight the drug trade. The vast majority of the worlds Captagon is produced in neighboring Syria, with some production in Lebanon. Western governments estimate that Captagon has generated billions of dollars in revenue for former Syrian President Bashar Assad, his associates and allies. The former government in Damascus denied the accusations. After Assad was removed from power in December when Islamist fighters took over Damascus, the fight against drug production intensified in Lebanon and Syria. In February, the interior ministers of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Iraq held talks in the Jordanian capital on ways to combat the illegal drug trade and agreed to set up a joint telecommunications cell to exchange information. Smugglers have used Jordan as a corridor to smuggle Captagon pills out of Syria, mainly to oil-rich Arab Gulf states. In late July, Iraqs long and difficult path to stability was interrupted again when fighters from the Popular Mobilization Forces stormed a Ministry of Agriculture building in Baghdad. The raid was led by Kataib Hezbollah, a prominent Iran-aligned faction within the PMF. According to Iraqi authorities, the Kataib Hezbollahs goal was to block the appointment of a new director in the ministry, whose recently ousted predecessor was found to be corrupt and had been guaranteeing lucrative farmland contracts to militia members. A gunfight erupted when police officers responded to the scene, leaving three people deadincluding a civilian, a police officer and a PMF fighterand nine ministry staff wounded. The attack ultimately failed to block the new directors appointment, but the incident encapsulates Baghdads struggle to control rogue elements of the PMF amid a major legislative effort to regulate it. The stakes are high for Iraq, as regulating the PMF in some form will be necessary to prevent recurring violent incidents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The PMF emerged in 2014 after Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a prominent Shiite religious leader, issued a fatwa calling on Iraqis to fight the Islamic State. That mobilization brought around 60,000 fighters into the fold, some loyal to Sistani, others already cultivated by Irans Quds Force, a branch of the Revolutionary Guard Corps that is responsible for foreign operations. While the PMFs dozens of factions were officially formalized in 2016 as part of the Iraqi armed forces, many factions operate autonomously or take their orders from Tehran. To get more in-depth news and expert analysis on global affairs from WPR, sign up for our free Daily Review newsletter. On July 16, Iraqs parliament concluded its final reading of a draft law that aims to end this messy state of affairs by formalizing the approximately 60 disparate militias that comprise the PMF as a permanent state entity with its own organization, ranks, benefits and chain of command. It would also elevate the PMFs top commander to a ministerial rank and grant the organization its own military academy. The bill can now be brought to a vote at any time, though its passage and implementation are not assured. Members of the Shiite Coordination Framework, a parliamentary umbrella group that is close to the PMF, present the measure as overdue recognition for forces that fought the Islamic State and argue it helps address some of the regular Iraqi armed forces shortcomings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the bill faces opposition from officials in Washington and in Iraqi Kurdistan, who warn it risks consolidating Irans influence and empowering a military force more powerful than Iraqs own security services. The United States, which considers Kataib Hezbollah to be a terrorist organization, is particularly concerned about preventing Iran from gaining further influence in the region. In a call with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that the PMF law would institutionalize Iranian influence and armed terrorist groups undermining Iraqs sovereignty. Yet both sides in this debate miss critical nuances. Paramilitary groups and their allies tend to exaggerate the weaknesses of Iraqs security forces to justify the militias autonomy, while critics of the PMF gloss over the diverse range of interests it represents and portray it as merely a tool of Irans influence. While Baghdad has been able to crack down on individual PMF members and commanders, a more systematic top-down approach is a necessary start for lasting change. It is true that hardline Iran-aligned factions like Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq wield significant influence, each fielding around 10,000 of the PMFs reported 238,000 militiamen. That ranks them among the largest of the dozens of PMF factions. Irans allies within the bloc have also long sought to dominate Iraqs parliament by pressuring officials and drafting legislation to support Tehrans influence. They have also openly advocated and pressed for the withdrawal of American troops from Iraq. At the same time, there are nationalist factions aligned with Sistani that draw fighters from Shiite communities whose members are skeptical of or outright hostile to Iranian influence. One such unit, the Abbas Combat Division, went so far as to condemn Kataib Hezbollahs raid last month. Still other PMF factions, such as the Babylon Brigade, the Turkmen Brigade and the 80th Regiment, represent Iraqs Chaldean, Turkmen and Yazidi communities, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What is clear is that an unregulated PMF poses a long-term threat to Iraqs stability. Last month, militia forces conducted drone attacks on military and civilian targets in Iraqi Kurdistan, including U.S. military bases and foreign-owned energy infrastructurean issue that Rubio raised in his call with Sudani. And while the PMF was largely quiet during the recent 12-day war between Iran and Israel, in part due to Baghdads calls for restraint, renewed conflict could deepen its divisions, drawing Iran-allied factions into the fighting while others remain on the sidelines. If the governments ongoing efforts to control the PMF are to succeed, however, it will require a delicate balancing act. As Sudani himself acknowledges, the PMF plays an important role, as its militias control many checkpoints nationwide, helping to consolidate security in the wake of the Islamic States defeat. But this control also allows fighters to collect informal fees from drivers, traders and travelers that serve as revenue streams for some PMF factionsa practice successive Iraqi governments have tried to rein in. Despite some success in cracking down on this practice, others like the Asaib Ahl al-Haq continue operating at checkpoints in defiance of the governments orders. Earlier this month, Sudani announced disciplinary measures against those involved in the Ministry of Agriculture raid and later dismissed two implicated commanders. Such steps reflect the governments efforts to secure control of the PMF, but the success of these effortsincluding the draft legislation pending in parliamentwill also be affected by regional and international actors. Irans declining influence in the Middle East, following Israels successful campaign against Hezbollah last year in Lebanon and the fall of Bashar al-Assads regime in Syria, could prompt it to double down in Iraq. In August, top Iranian security official Ali Larijani visited Iraq to ratify a memorandum of understanding over security cooperation between the two countries, arguably an effort to protect its interest in Iraq, especially via Tehran-backed militias in the PMF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Irans once unchallenged sway in Iraq is being contested, as Arab Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates deepen commercial ties through energy and infrastructure investments. Moreover, Turkey has deepened its security support for the Iraqi government, including providing the Iraqi army with training and intelligence-sharing. These efforts could modestly strengthen Iraqs state capacity to control the PMF, but Baghdads security forces would likely need deeper backing to succeed, including from Western partners. After all, not all PMF factions may be willing to voluntarily cede control to the state. While Baghdad has been able to crack down on individual PMF members and commanders, a more systematic top-down approach like the pending legislative effort is a necessary start for lasting change. The current PMF chairman, veteran Iraqi politician Falih al-Fayyadh, has held the position since the PMFs inception, and his leadership has turned the organization into something like a political-military bloc that can seek to influence parliament, rather than a neutral security force. Crucially, Baghdads budget allocation to the PMF, around $3.5 billion in 2024, also provides leverage. That leverage may increase if Irans regional influence, already under strain, continues to weaken, as it could leave Tehran-aligned factions more inclined to cooperate with Baghdad to ensure their own survival. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without regulation, those factions could affect the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for November 2025. PMF-aligned parties in the Shiite Coordination Framework currently dominate the national parliament and provincial councils after success in the December 2023 local elections, albeit largely due to low turnout amid a boycott called by influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in protest of militias political influence. A concerted push to reform the PMF before this years polls may increase the chances of reducing political manipulation and deliver a fairer result, boosting Sudanis position and reinforcing the legitimacy of his governments efforts at bringing the militias to heel. If, however, the PMF remains unregulated or efforts to counter its influence remain unfocused, these militias could set back the countrys otherwise positive efforts to achieve stability. Jonathan Fenton-Harvey is a British analyst and journalist whose work has focused largely on Gulf Cooperation Council affairs, as well as geopolitical and economic issues pertaining to the wider Middle East and Indo-Pacific. He has worked with or written for a wide range of think tanks and publications based in the U.S., the U.K. and the Middle East. The post Iraqs Uphill Battle to Regulate Its Militias appeared first on World Politics Review. Ready to negotiate: "Hamas on Monday informed mediators that it accepted the ceasefire-hostage release deal proposal that was submitted to the group a day earlier, which sources said involves a 60-day pause and the release of 10 living captives, as mediators scramble to find an agreement before Israel launches its planned mission to conquer Gaza City," reports The Times of Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was described as having "dismissed" Hamas' response and proceeding as planned with the takeover of Gaza City and resettling of Palestinians to the southern part of the Strip. "We can see clearly that Hamas is under immense pressure," said Netanyahu. The deal would involve Hamas releasing 10 living Israeli hostages in exchange for Israel releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners over the course of a 60-day truce, after which an extension is on the table. Netanyahu, however, has signaled that he is only interested in a deal that involves the release of all 20 living hostages. But one thing Netanyahu will be forced to contend with is the dwindling public support for Israel's campaign in Gaza, both at home and abroad, as he enters the next phase of war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "By any objective analysis, the state of Israel is safer and more secure now than it was prior to Hamas' brutal attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. Israel's ongoing campaign in Gaza has left Hamas a shell of its former self. Beyond the occupied territories, however, Israel has also weakened a bevy of neighboring states and militias," writes Daniel Drezner in Politico. (Drezner's Reason archive can be found here.) "Its precision attacks on Hezbollah crippled that Iranian-backed militia. Syria's civil war ended with the fall of Bashar Assad and the enlargement of Israel's buffer zone in that country. Its most recent attack on Iran decapitated the Revolutionary Guard's leadershipand dragged the United States into a Middle East conflict on Israel's side. Strategically and militarily, Israel is more powerful in the Middle East now than at any time in this century." "The price Israel has paid for these military successes, however, is considerable," concludes Drezner, emphasizing the massive erosion in public support for not just Israel, but the continuation of U.S. support for Israel: For most of this century, Israel and its allies have fought desperately to avoid any comparison with apartheid-era South Africa, recognizing that such an association would harm Israel's standing in the world. For all its sins, however, the Afrikaaner government was never accused of fomenting a genocide. Israel's government now risks being lumped together with Rwanda's Hutu regime, Cambodia's Khmer Rouge, Mao's China and, yes, Nazi Germany. The question to ask is whether, in a world of dissolving norms, the genocide label matters anymore. But however you answer it, the very fact that the discussion is taking place is a sign of a significant shift in political tectonics that should be worrisome both for Israelis and American supporters of Israel. It's not exactly just thatAmericans paying enough attention to international affairs that support for Israel soursbut also a bit of a MAGA-era rethinking of what exactly aligns with American interests and what we care to fund. "Trump's redefinition of America's imperial role is emboldening US officials to distinguish American interests from Israeli oneshearkening back to an older era of USIsrael relationsand freeing European governments to challenge the Jewish state without fearing American retribution," wrote Jewish Currents' Peter Beinart back in June. "The age of virtually unconditional Western government support for Israel is coming to an end." But support can be pecuniary or it can be diplomatic, and there are plenty of signs that the U.S. is helping to trudge forward in getting Israel and Hamas to a deal that Netanyahu can accept. "No piecemeal deals, that doesn't work," said Steve Witkoff, the Trump administration's special envoy to the Middle East, earlier this month. "Now we think that we have to shift this negotiation to 'all or nothing'everybody comes home," he said. "We have a plan around it." Scenes from New York: "Mayor Eric Adams is suing the city Campaign Finance Board for 'arbitrarily, capriciously, and unconstitutionally' denying his re-election campaign nearly $5 million in matching taxpayer funds," reports the New York Post. Apparently "the board has 'shown a deplorable and anti-democratic bias' by continuing to bar Adams from cashing in on the city's generous 8-to-1 public matching funds programeven after the federal corruption case against the mayor was dropped this spring, the suit claims.Despite the dismissal of his case, the board has continued to deny Adams the funds, citing its belief that Hizzoner's 2021 campaign 'violated the law.' In its latest refusal earlier this monthbarring Adams from getting roughly $4.7 million in matching fundsthe board also cited his campaign's failure to produce requested documents related to suspected illegal donations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Libertarians observing all this might question why on Earth the city uses taxpayer dollars for campaign matching funds in the first place. I guess proponents of it probably say this allows scrappier upstart candidates to compete against moneyed opponents who are more deeply established in the world of NYC politics; I consider it a waste of the money the government stole from me. QUICK HITS "LLMs are great for slowing age-driven executive turnover, because they're unusually good at things that get harder with ageremembering something on the tip of your tongue, or getting back context when stepping away from a task," writes Byrne Hobart at The Diff, responding to a piece on how hard it is to get executives to use A.I./large language models (LLMs). "But they'll also drive some executive turnover if too many people who could get the most out of them are stuck at a local optimum." "The right-wing cable channel Newsmax has agreed to pay $67 million to settle a libel lawsuit that Dominion Voting Systems had brought against the channel for falsely claiming that the voting machine company had rigged votes in the 2020 U.S. presidential election," reports The New York Times. Roughly 4,000 U.S. troops are being deployed to the seas around Latin America in an effort to control and prevent cartel activity. "What if you were only allowed to make one purchase of printers, signs, or gear for podcasts per month? Would you consider that fully respectful of your free speech rights? Or would you view it as an attempt to muffle people's natural right to speak outand perhaps a hint of more restrictions to come?" asks Reason's J.D. Tuccille. "California has something similar in the form of a law that limits people to buy one gun per month. If you rightfully believe that rationing the ability to express oneself violates First Amendment protections for speech, you'll be glad to know the courts have found California's law in violation of the Second Amendment's protections for self-defense rights and barred its enforcement." "While homeownership climbs with age, the fastest-growing group of renters is those 55 and older, according to 2023 Census Bureau data compiled by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care. The share of renters 65 and older rose 30% in the last decade, according to a recent study by Point2Homes, a residence-rental platform," reports The Wall Street Journal. How do schools indoctrinate kids? New Just Asking Questions with Deb Fillman, author of The Reason We Learn. Wise: "You live in a deranged age more deranged than usual, because despite great scientific and technological advances, man has not the faintest idea of who he is or what he is doing." -Walker Percy @DouthatNYT https://t.co/hWH70hNznA Noelle Mering (@noellem) August 17, 2025 The post What Will Israel Do? appeared first on Reason.com. Israel took out a terrorist during an airstrike earlier this month who was involved in the abduction of an Israeli man on Oct. 7, 2023, authorities said Tuesday. The strike, which occurred in Gaza on Aug. 10, killed Jihad Kamal Salem Najjar, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, Israel's internal security agency, announced. "A small part of my closure happened today. Thank you to the IDF, the Shin Bet, and everyone who took part in the elimination of one of the terrorists who kidnapped me on October 7," Yarden Bibas said in a statement provided by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. "Thanks to you, he will not be able to harm anyone else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ex-israeli Official Offers Bold 2-Pronged Strategy As 'The Only Way' To Free Hostages From Hamas "Please take care of yourselves, heroes. I am waiting for full closure with the return of my friends David and Ariel, and the remaining 48 hostages," he added. Najjar was involved in the invasion of the Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the hardest hit during the deadly Oct. 7 attacks, where Bibas was kidnapped. Bibas' family was kidnapped separately and was eventually murdered while in captivity. Read On The Fox News App He spent 480 days as a hostage before he was released in January. His wife, Shiri, and their two young children, Ariel and Kfir, were killed before their bodies were returned to Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While in captivity, Bibas was forced to make a hostage film in which he was seen breaking down as Hamas claimed his wife and children had been killed. Israel Recovers Remains Of Three More Bodies Held By Hamas: 'No Victory Until Last Hostage Returns' Hamas often uses hostage videos as part of what the IDF calls "psychological terror." Upon his release, Bibas' family said that "a quarter of our heart has returned to us after 15 long months. Yarden has returned home, but the home remains incomplete." In the aftermath of Hamas' attack, the Bibas family became a symbol of the terror groups cruelty. Video footage of Shiri Bibas holding her two red-headed children in her arms went viral across the globe. Pictures of the Bibas family and Oded Lifshitz, 84, who were kidnapped during the deadly Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas and then killed, are displayed next to candles in the dining room in Kibbutz Nir Oz, after their bodies were handed over to Israel under the terms of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, on the day of Lifshitz's funeral, in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel Feb. 25, 2025. In April, Israel said it had killed Mohammed Hassan Mohammed Awad, a senior commander in the Palestinian Mujahideen terrorist organization and who helped lead "several" attacks on the Nir Oz kibbutz. Original article source: Israel eliminates Gaza terrorist who took part in October attack on kibbutz, took Yarden Bibas hostage At least 18,885 children are among the more than 62,000 Palestinians killed by Israel since the start of its genocidal war in Gaza nearly two years ago, Gazas Government Media Office has said. The staggering, grim toll comes as the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said on Tuesday that no place is safe for children in the enclave, where Israeli-induced starvation is rife due to Israels blockading of desperately-needed aid and medical supplies. UN-run schools have become shelters for hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza amid constant Israeli bombardments that have levelled homes, UNRWA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinians have sought protection under the UN flag, only for the shelters to be targeted, becoming a place for death, including for too many children. No place is safe for children in Gaza. Ceasefire now, the agency said. Citing the UN Childrens Fund, UNICEF, UNRWA noted that in the past five months of the war, since Israel unilaterally shattered a ceasefire deal and resumed attacks, an average of over 540 children have been killed every month, per reports. Footage obtained by Al Jazeera shows the final moments of 12-year-old Amna al-Mufti, killed by Israeli forces while carrying water for her family and her fathers grief. The UN warnings come as at least 51 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks since dawn on Tuesday. Among them are at least eight aid seekers who lost their lives when Israeli forces opened fire near the United States and Israeli-backed GHF aid distribution sites, a daily deadly gauntlet Palestinians have suffered, leading to nearly 2,000 deaths since late May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hospitals in Gaza said at least eight people were killed in attacks on tents sheltering displaced people in Khan Younis, and four more were killed in a strike on a tent in Deir el-Balah, in central Gaza. Israeli forces are also stepping up an assault on Gaza City, despite global warnings urging Israel to cease expanding operations there. An air raid in Gaza Citys Zeitoun neighbourhood killed at least four people and wounded others, health officials said. In southern Gaza City, Israeli forces blew up houses, while heavy fire was reported in the Tuffah neighbourhood in eastern Gaza City. Al Jazeeras Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Deir-el-Balah, said Israeli forces have been launching a deadly barrage of air strikes on densely populated areas in Gaza City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to destroying over 450 residential blocks in Gaza Citys Zeitoun neighbourhood, Israels operations have now expanded to the nearby Sabra area. These areas lead to the main heart of Gaza City, Abu Azzoum said. Meanwhile, key mediator Qatar has confirmed that Hamas responded positively to a Gaza ceasefire proposal, including a 60-day truce and partial captives-for-prisoners exchange. Two Israeli officials on Tuesday said Israel is studying Hamass response to the proposal, without providing more details. But Israeli media reported that the far-right Israeli government wants all the captives held in Gaza, alive and dead, returned all at once. Attacks on Gaza City intensify, ceasefire proposal in balance Efforts to pause the fighting gained new momentum over the past week. Mediators Qatar and Egypt have been pushing to restart indirect talks between the sides on a US-backed ceasefire plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal includes the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel and an unspecified number of imprisoned women and minors, in return for 10 living captives and the bodies of 18 dead from Gaza, according to a Hamas official. Two Egyptian security sources confirmed the details and added that Hamas has requested the release of hundreds of detainees from Gaza as well. Israel says a total of 50 captives remain in Gaza, 20 of them still alive. Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said the 60-day truce deal would include a pathway to a comprehensive agreement to end the war. The proposal includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, which presently occupy 75 percent of Gaza, and the entry of more humanitarian aid into the enclave, where a population of 2.2 million people is increasingly facing an Israeli-induced famine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels government has not officially responded, but Israeli media, citing senior officials, suggest the government is dissatisfied with a limited prisoner-captive exchange and may insist on the release of all 50 Israeli captives as part of any deal. Al Jazeeras senior political analyst, Marwan Bishara, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has calculated that it is no longer in his interest to agree to a partial ceasefire. I think for him [Netanyahu] he is winning the war; for him, Hamas is on the way to defeat; for him, theres a green light from Washington; and I just dont think, except in a very, very exceptional circumstance, that he will agree, to a deal, Bishara said. Israeli tanks completed taking control of the Zeitoun suburb in Gaza City and continued to pound the nearby area of Sabra. Local health authorities said dozens of people had been trapped in their houses because of the shelling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among them is Suha Maqat, a once-celebrated para-athlete trapped in Gaza City, alone and blind in one eye. Like other Palestinians with disabilities, her situation means it is impossible to follow Israels forced displacement orders, which have already forced thousands to flee over the past few days. The spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence, Mahmoud Basal, said the situation was very dangerous and unbearable in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighbourhoods, where he said artillery shelling continues intermittently. Sabra resident Hussein al-Dairi, 44, said that tanks are firing shells and mortars, and drones, are firing bullets and missiles in the neighbourhood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We heard on the news that Hamas had agreed to a truce, but the occupation is escalating the war against us, the civilians, he added. More Palestinians have also died from malnutrition and starvation, including three reported in the past 24 hours, Gazas Ministry of Health said. It said that 154 adults have died of malnutrition since late June, when it began counting such deaths, and 112 children have died of hunger since the war began. A group of Israeli activists crossed the Israel-Syria border in order to lay the cornerstone for a new, illegal settlement named "Neveh Habashan." A group of Israeli civilians illegally crossed into southern Syria on Monday to perform a cornerstone laying ceremony for the first settlement there, the Uri Tzafon Movement said. The group, made up of families and young adults, is part of an activist organization calling itself the Pioneers of the Bashan, said the movement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After receiving a report about several Israeli vehicles crossing into Syria, the IDF detained the group and returned them to Israel for questioning, the military said. The family of St.-Sgt. Yehudah Dror Yahalom, who served in the Golani Reconnaissance Unit and fell in southern Lebanon in October 2024, also participated in the event. The family planted flowers and established a memorial corner in the settlement for Yahalom. In the Pioneers of the Bashan WhatsApp group, the activists said the newly crowned Neveh Habashan settlement is located near Tell al-Hara, diagonally across the border from Alonei Habashan, within what was once the buffer zone. Cornerstone laying ceremony in Neveh Habashan, August 17, 2025. (credit: screenshot, SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT) Activists call for future settlement in the region The activists further clarified that the event took place without military or government support, explaining that they hope this initiative will help rally support for future settlement in the region. The Bashan is our ancestral land, wrote the activists. We see the empty expanses of our land calling us to return and settle it. We call on the Israeli government to remove the enemy from all areas of the Bashan and allow the pioneers to settle there. The Israeli army said Tuesday it has killed a militant from the Palestinian organization Hamas who was involved in the abduction of Yarden Bibas on October 7, 2023. The operation was carried out jointly with the domestic intelligence service Shin Bet on August 10, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. The man killed was a member of the Hamas military wing. "The terrorist infiltrated Kibbutz Nir Oz during the brutal October 7th massacre and took part in the abduction of Yarden Bibas," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The IDF and ISA [Israel Security Agency or Shin Bet] will continue to operate against the terrorists who took part in the brutal October 7th massacre." Yarden Bibas was the only one of his family to survive the abduction and was released during a ceasefire in February. The bodies of his wife Shiri and their two young sons Kfir and Ariel were buried after their handover amid great public sympathy. The three also held German citizenship. According to Israel, they were murdered by their kidnappers in November 2023. Hamas says they were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Kfir was still a baby at the time of his abduction and death, his brother Ariel was four years old. The Israeli army said Tuesday it has killed a militant from the Palestinian organization Hamas who was involved in the abduction of Yarden Bibas on October 7, 2023. The operation was carried out jointly with the domestic intelligence service Shin Bet on August 10, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. The man killed was a member of the Hamas military wing. "The terrorist infiltrated Kibbutz Nir Oz during the brutal October 7th massacre and took part in the abduction of Yarden Bibas," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The IDF and ISA [Israel Security Agency or Shin Bet] will continue to operate against the terrorists who took part in the brutal October 7th massacre." Yarden Bibas was the only one of his family to survive the abduction and was released during a ceasefire in February. The bodies of his wife Shiri and their two young sons Kfir and Ariel were buried after their handover amid great public sympathy. The three also held German citizenship. According to Israel, they were murdered by their kidnappers in November 2023. Hamas says they were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Kfir was still a baby at the time of his abduction and death, his brother Ariel was four years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yarden Bibas said that after the killing of the militant, he was able to find some closure. "A small part of closing the circle happened today. Thank you to the IDF forces, the Shin Bet, and everyone who took part in eliminating one of the terrorists who kidnapped me on October 7th. Thanks to you, he will no longer be able to harm anyone," the Jerusalem Post quoted Bibas as saying. "I am waiting for the circle to close with the return of my friends David and Ariel and the other 48 abductees," he added. The Hamas massacre on October 7, in which around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others abducted in the Gaza Strip, triggered the Gaza war. Since then, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in the coastal strip, including many women and children. Israel's conduct of the war is being increasingly criticized internationally. JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese had forsaken Australia's Jewish community and betrayed Israel, a remark that may further strain diplomatic ties tested by the war in Gaza. Netanyahu's comment followed Israel's revocation of the visas of Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority on Monday, after a decision by Canberra to recognise a Palestinian state and cancel the visa of an Israeli lawmaker. "History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," Netanyahu said on the official prime minister's X account in English. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli lawmaker had been due to meet with Australia's Jewish community, which has faced a sharp rise in antisemitic attacks since the beginning of Israel's war with Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, almost two years ago. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Monday called Israel's visa revocation counter-step an "unjustified reaction" and said Netanyahu's government was increasing Israel's diplomatic isolation. Israel has been facing mounting international pressure over the toll its military offensive has taken on the civilian population in the shattered Gaza Strip. Albanese said on August 12 that Netanyahu was "in denial" about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albanese made his remark a day after announcing Australia may recognise a Palestinian state at the United Nations general Assembly in September, following France, Britain and Canada. Netanyahu has said this would serve as a reward for Hamas' October 7 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the Gaza war. (Reporting by Maayan Lubell, Editing by William Maclean) INDIANA, Pa. Indiana University of Pennsylvanias proposed college of osteopathic medicine has achieved a critical milestone in being elevated to candidate status by the American Osteopathic Associations Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. This is the second step in the accreditation process. Pre-accreditation status is the next step that can be applied for in the next two years, and that allows IUP to begin recruiting students to the future medical school. Its been incredibly hard work to get to this important stage, but also incredibly rewarding, the proposed colleges founding dean, Dr. Miko Rose, said in a statement. The IUP and Indiana-area community, our legislators, our alumni and friends, local businesses and schools, and our regional and state health care partners and leaders have been unwavering in their support, encouragement and confidence in IUP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rose added that she couldnt be more proud of the work already completed and shes excited for the future. This designation is a critical milestone in our work to establish a college of osteopathic medicine at IUP, university President Michael Driscoll said in a release. He said the faculty and staff of the university have worked at light speed since the IUP Council of Trustees endorsed pursuit of the proposed medical college in December 2022. This achievement reflects thousands of hours of hard work, preparation and support from so many people, including our legislators, (state) Sen. Joe Pittman, (state) Rep. Jim Struzzi and (U.S.) Congressman Guy Reschenthaler, Driscoll said. I thank them, our donors, the proposed college of osteopathic medicine team and its advisory groups, and everyone at IUP and in our community who has been part of advancing this project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once up and running, the proposed college of medicine will be housed in a new health sciences center at the Indiana campus. The universitys long-range facilities master plan recommends use of Johnson Hall, Uhler Hall and Stright Hall as the site of that grouping. All three buildings are scheduled for renovations. Once accredited, the proposed college of osteopathic medicine is set to receive its first class of students in the fall of 2027. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The Sioux Steel District development in downtown Sioux Falls is continuing to add on to its list of offerings to the community. Jack Rose Social Club has been a part of southern Sioux Falls for just over a year but now it is looking to expand. We are expanding into the Sioux Steel District, which we are really excited to bring Jack Rose into the downtown community, Danica Understock, general manager of Jack Rose Social Club, said. Sioux Falls has just, you know, really elevated their downtown and were excited to, you know, be a part of that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leif Ericson hosting camp for kids with disability Theres no official opening date yet, but Understock says they hope to open this second location in September. We will have a glorious patio thats going to seat over 100 people and a little bit bigger than our south location here as well on the inside, Understock said. Looking to seat about 150 people inside. So, the same things you get on the south side location, just a little bit bigger. Something else thats been happening at the Steel District is the development of Lloyd Landing along the Big Sioux River. And right now theyre actually working on a low-nose dam going across to Falls Park so youll see some of that come out here at the end of September and be completely finished, Andy Dalchow, Commercial Regional Manager for the Steel District, said. With Lloyd Landing, were working with the Parks for programming for some pumpkin trots, some other fun events, hopefully, around the lighting of the Falls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New places to visit and things to do as the Steel District and downtown Sioux Falls continue to grow. Its just made for everybody whether you work here, live here or youre a visitor, Dalchow said. We really want everybody down here. A popular part of Jack Rose Social Club is the Deuces Video Lottery Lounge, which will also expand to the Steel District with 20 video lottery machines. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Jack White performs on June 6, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. - Credit: Scott Legato/Getty Images President Donald Trump has signed 191 executive orders from his desk in the Oval Office since taking office in January. His recent orders have focused on ramping up his efforts to embolden law enforcement across the country, as well as attempting to ban mail-in voting and allow law enforcement to displace and institutionalize unhoused people. Meanwhile, these critical and consequential decisions are being made in the ugliest room in the White House, according to musician Jack White. Look at how disgusting trump has transformed the historic White House, White shared on Instagram, where he published an image of Trumps recent meeting with Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky. Following a recent redesign, the Oval Office is now covered in harsh yellow-gold accents, like Halloween costume jewelry from a Party City clearance bin. Its now a vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy, professional wrestlers dressing room. Cant wait for the UFC match on the front lawn too. More from Rolling Stone In the image, White tagged WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair in place of Trump. He also compared the president to Idiocracy, the 2006 film in which an anti-intellectualism movement leads to the functional collapse on the United States. Hes almost fully achieved the movie, White said. The only difference is that the president in Idiocracy was actively seeking out help from intelligent people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, Trump boasted about the new design. I picked it all myself. Im very proud of it, he said, per USA Today. Barbara Res, who previously oversaw construction as the former vice president at Trump Organization, told the publication that Trump used the word class a lot, and it was a high-class thing for him. It conveyed an illusion of taste and wealth, and thats why he wanted to gild everything. White describes Trumps choices differently. Look at his disgusting taste, would you even buy a used car from this conman, let alone give him the nuclear codes? the musician asked. A gold plated trump bible would look perfect up on that mantle with a pair of trump shoes on either side wouldnt it? What an embarrassment to American history. Also pictured in this photograph, a REAL leader of a nation in a black suit. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung responded to Whites comments in a statement to The Daily Beast on Tuesday night. Jack White is a washed up, has-been loser posting drivel on social media because he clearly has ample time on his hands due to his stalled career, Cheung said. Its apparent hes been masquerading as a real artist, because he fails to appreciate, and quite frankly disrespects, the splendor and significance of the Oval Office inside of The Peoples House. This post was updated with the White Houses response on Aug. 20 at 4:57 a.m. ET Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Jackson Mayor John Horhn provided an update on the relocation efforts at Blossom Apartments. The mayor said he will not ask U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate for a water extension for the apartment complex once the judges order expires on August 20, 2025. According to Horhn, very few tenants have found a new home. He plans to pivot to emergency shelter grants through U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding. Theyre also looking to put people in hotels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson Housing Task Force holds inaugural meeting On August 13, Wingate ordered JXN Water to continue to provide service to Blossom Apartments for an additional seven days. Some of the issues at the apartment complex include mold, damage and water loss. Before the judge issued his initial order, many of the tenants had been living without water for weeks due to unpaid bills by the apartment complex. Blossom Apartments were declared non-compliant by Mississippi Home Corporation, and residents were ordered to leave. On August 12, tenants were able to begin the application process for new housing during at event at Stewpot Community Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Horhn said additional support is coming from Region 6 Housing Authority fast-tracking housing vouchers, and Jackson Housing Authority, which is assigning caseworkers to guide residents through the transition process. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. A Jacksonville man has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly attempting to entice a 13-year-old into sexual activity. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, 37-year-old Jerry Alexander Cobb used his cellphone and the internet between July 18 and August 1 to communicate with someone he believed was a child. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Authorities said Cobb arranged to meet the child and was arrested by FBI agents when he showed up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court documents state Cobb repeatedly asked the undercover agent, who posed as a 13-year-old, about sneaking out, being a virgin, and suggested getting a hotel room. He also allegedly asked for an explicit photo. If convicted, Cobb faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison, up to life, and possible lifetime supervised release. Officials said the case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national Department of Justice initiative to combat child exploitation. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. James E. Silcott, a trailblazing Los Angeles architect who, thanks to many gifts to his alma mater, Howard University, became the most generous benefactor to architecture students at historically Black colleges in the U.S., died July 17 in Washington, D.C. He was 95. Silcotts memorial service took place on Saturday at Howard; he will be laid to rest in L.A.s Inglewood Park Cemetery on Sept. 6. Silcott, who started in Los Angeles working for Gruen Associates alongside colleagues like Frank Gehry, made history as the first Black project architect for both Los Angeles County and UCLA. His successful legal battles with the county he alleged that he had been unfairly terminated because of his race, and was later a victim of retribution for his lawsuit shined a light on the entrenched barriers Black professionals faced in public institutions at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born Dec. 21, 1929, in Boston, to parents from the Caribbean island of Montserrat, Silcott grew up in the citys Roxbury neighborhood during a time of limited opportunities for young Black people. Living in tenements and walk-ups, and making friends of all races and ethnicities, he learned self-reliance, resilience and cultural fluency, as he recounted in a 2007 oral history for Northeastern Universitys Lower Roxbury Black History Project. After graduating high school, he worked as a hotel cook alongside his father. I didnt know what I wanted, he said. But an aptitude test at a local YMCA pointed him toward architecture. After being rejected from several architecture schools, he received a lifeline via Howard University in Washington, D.C. Read more: 'Ode to Dena' at CAAM explores the legacy of Black artists in Altadena Silcott entered Howard its architecture program was the first at a historically Black college to receive accreditation in 1949. He came under the mentorship of Howard H. Mackey Sr., one of the most prominent Black architects and educators of the 20th century, known for instilling a sense of architectures civic purpose. Silcotts studies were interrupted by three years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he rose to the rank of sergeant. Returning to Howard, he earned his 5-year bachelor of architecture degree in 1957. Those years were marked by constant financial strain often forcing him, as he put it, to decide whether to buy books or buy food an experience that would later drive him, as a donor to Howard, to ensure that future students wouldnt face that choice. He would never forget the role Howard played for him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He felt like when nobody else would take him, Howard took him, said his niece Julie Roberts. He really credits them for laying the groundwork and setting the path and changing the trajectory of his life. Silcott began his career working for architect Arthur Cohen in Boston before moving to Los Angeles he always hated the cold, said his friends and family in 1958. Joining Gruen Associates, one of the eras most influential firms, he, among other efforts, collaborated with Frank Gehry on the design of the Winrock Shopping Center in Albuquerque. He would soon work at UCLAs architectural and engineering office, becoming the schools first Black project lead on buildings like the UCLA Boathouse (1965), with its light-filled, maritime-inspired form including porthole windows and an upper story deck for viewing races. Also at UCLA he collaborated with Welton Becket and Associates on the Jules Stein Eye Institute (1966), with its clean-lined facade of pale stone columns and glass walls that opened to natural light while maintaining shade and privacy. Read more: Tom and Ethel Bradley house among Black heritage sites in L.A. designated cultural monuments He later joined Los Angeles Countys Department of Facilities Management, where he would become a senior architect and help oversee projects like the Inglewood Courts Building (1973, another collaboration with Becket) and Los Angeles County Southeast General Hospital (1971), eventually renamed Martin Luther King Jr. General Hospital. As the only Black architect working in the county, Silcotts good friend (and fellow Howard architecture graduate) Melvin Mitchell said he was not always welcome. None of those men could ever imagine someone of Silcotts race or color wielding that kind of power, despite the phony smiles and benign language used, Mitchell said in his eulogy at Howard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the decade Silcott was demoted and later laid off during budget cuts a move he contended was racially motivated. The countys Civil Service Commission eventually agreed, ruling in 1984 that he had been improperly terminated in order to preserve the jobs of white employees with less seniority, and ordering that he be reinstated with full back pay. I had to fight for my job just to make sure the rules were applied fairly, Silcott told the Los Angeles Times. Chief County Engineer Stephen J. Koonce, left, gestured as he discussed with James Silcott the details of the architect's return to work, on March 15, 1984. (Steve Fontanini / Los Angeles Times) But the reinstatement was short-lived: within months, Silcott alleged that the county had retaliated by stripping away meaningful duties, among other retributions. They had him working in a closet at one time, said Roberts. Later that year, the Board of Supervisors approved a roughly $1 million settlement offer to resolve his federal discrimination lawsuit. The Times noted that his case had become a rallying point for those seeking greater equity in public employment. As Silcott later reflected, This was never just about me. It was about making sure the next Black architect who comes along doesnt have to fight the same battles. Silcott would later work as an architectural consultant to public agencies and universities while serving on several public boards, including the South Los Angeles Area Planning Commission, the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission, the Los Angeles Board of Zoning Appeals and the California State Board of Architectural Examiners. He built a stylish home in Windsor Hills, where he would regularly host family, not to mention mayors, council members, and, later, former President Obama, said Mitchell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 1995 retired as an architect he took on minority ownership and a board seat at Kennard Design Group, one of the largest Black-owned architecture firms in the country, following the death of its founder (and Silcotts good friend) Robert Kennard. He didnt hesitate, said Gail Kennard, Roberts daughter, who still leads the firm, and wanted to ensure the companys stability at a difficult time. He was always there to help. For advice, support, anything. Without hesitation hed say, Ill do it. He just had that generous spirit. But Silcotts greatest love, noted Kennard, was Howard particularly its Department of Architecture where he would go on to become a historically prolific philanthropist, and help mentor generations of aspiring architects. He would tell me stories about people who were coming up in the profession, said Kennard. Hed say, I found this new student and he or shes my new project. Silcotts ability to support the school financially grew out of skillful real estate investments, which began with a few buildings in Boston that he inherited from his mother. He managed and expanded numerous properties both in Boston and Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Louis Naidorf, architect behind L.A.s iconic Capitol Records Building, dies at 96 In 1991 he helped establish the James E. Silcott Fund, now valued at $250,000, offering emergency aid to Howard architecture students in financial distress. In 2002, he established the James E. Silcott Endowed Chair with an initial $1 million, bringing architects like Sir David Adjaye, Philip Freelon, Jack Travis and Roberta Washington to teach and mentor at Howard. And with a $1 million gift he funded the T. George Silcott Gallery, named for his late brother, providing a venue for exhibitions, critiques and public lectures. Silcott also made unrestricted contributions of hundreds of thousands more to Howards Department of Architecture, supporting scholarships, travel fellowships and capital improvements. By the end of his life, his contributions to Howard exceeded $3 million, making him, according to the school , the largest individual donor to architecture programs at historically Black colleges and universities in the country. Howard and its school of architecture was at the very center of his life, said Mitchell, who noted Silcotts gifts also helped keep the school afloat during difficult periods. Silcott received the Howard University Alumni Achievement Award, the Centennial Professional Excellence Award and the Howard H. Mackey Deans Medal, named after his mentor. He also received the Kresge/Coca-Cola Award for philanthropy to HBCUs. In 2020, he was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a stroke in 2020, Silcott moved to Washington, D.C., to be under family care. He was placed in hospice in 2022, and put on a feeding tube, but lived three more years against the odds, noted Roberts, one of seven close nieces and nephews who called him Uncle James. He would not acknowledge that he wasnt going to live forever, said Roberts. Silcott remained engaged with Howard until his death. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Janet Mann has officially been sworn in as the secretary of the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Mann will take the role after being sworn in Monday at the DHS headquarters, with the oath being administered by Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice Cody Hiland. Little Rock Rotary Club, DHS to provide books for teens in juvenile justice system Mann has been serving as the secretary designate since former Secretary Kristi Putnam left the position in July. She was named by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders a month prior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a true honor to lead this agency, and I look forward to continuing to uphold DHS mission of protecting the vulnerable, fostering independence, and promoting better health, Mann said. I am grateful to Gov. Sanders for the trust she has placed in me, and Im excited to work with our amazing teams to best serve beneficiaries all across this state. Mann will continue to serve as State Medical Director while searching for a replacement. DHS warns Arkansans about SNAP scams, encourages account security Mann received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Alabama. She has worked in the private and public sector for multiple states and clients with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, according to state officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. ANKARA (Reuters) -Japan's defence minister discussed defence industry cooperation and possible purchases of Turkish-made drones during a visit to Ankara on Tuesday, as Tokyo expands the role of unmanned systems in its armed forces. Gen Nakatani is the first Japanese defence minister to make an official trip to Turkey, a NATO member country that is keen to expand economic and other ties beyond Europe and the Middle East. Turkey and Japan are both U.S. allies. Ahead of the visit, a diplomatic source in Ankara said the two countries' defence ministers would "discuss ways to expand cooperation on defence equipment and technology and exchange views on regional developments". They also aim to increase contacts between the Turkish Armed Forces and Japan's Self-Defense Forces at unit level, the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nakatani will also visit Istanbul on Wednesday and tour defence companies and facilities, including Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), navy shipyards and drone-maker Baykar, a Turkish Defence Ministry official said. "Defence industry cooperation will be on the agenda..." the official said. "They will hold inspections regarding drones, but an agreement is not expected. It is too early for an agreement." Turkey-backed firms have supplied drones to several countries, including Ukraine, while Japan is preparing to expand the use of unmanned aerial vehicles across its ground, air and naval forces. Japan is considering Turkish drones among potential options as part of this effort, the diplomatic source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defence Minister Yasar Guler said after his meeting with Nakatani that Turkey wanted to increase defence industry and military cooperation with Japan, his office said in a readout. Turkey and Japan have both condemned Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, though Ankara has maintained cordial relations with Moscow and has not joined Western economic sanctions against it. Nakatani's visit to Turkey is part of a regional tour from August 1722 that also includes stops in Djibouti and Jordan. (Reporting by Ece Toksabay and Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara, Timothy Kelly in TokyoEditing by Gareth Jones) A New Jersey school district is considering a 9 a.m. start time that will allow students to get a little more sleep before starting their day. A proposal reported on by NJ.Com said classes at Pleasantvilles four elementary schools could begin 10 minutes later than their current start time on 8:50 a.m. as part of a change that would allow Pleasantville High School to ring the opening bell at 8 a.m. instead of 7:45 a.m. The biggest schedule change would allow the Middle School of Pleasantville to start classed at 8:30 a.m rather than 8:05 a.m. when students return Sept. 4. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video of a community meeting obtained by Fox 29 showed some parents complaining that getting students to school at a later time could complicate matters for working parents. The proposal was discussed at an Aug. 12 school board meeting, according to NJ.com. The proposal hasnt been confirmed. Proponents of the idea think a later start time could make students more productive. The United Federation of Teachers calls for the school day to begin no sooner than 8 a.m. in New York City. Final bell can come as late as 4:20 p.m. for high schoolers. Jesse Watters professed his love for the former Department of Government Efficiency staffer, better known by his nickname Big Balls, claiming that the teens assault in Washington, D.C., spurred Donald Trumps decision to deploy the National Guard. Watters praised Edward Coristine for taking a beating for the rest of the city during Monday evenings episode of Jesse Watters Primetime, about two weeks after the 19-year-old was brutally assaulted in an attempted carjacking. According to the Fox News host, Coristines assault was directly linked to the president mobilizing the military in D.C. last Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Big Balls went down, thats when Trump had to call it, Watters told fellow Fox News host Will Cain. If Big Balls isnt safe, no ones safe. And Im glad he took a beating for the rest of the city, and hes back up on his feet. In closing, Watters declared: So, Big Balls, we love you. Fox News host Jessie Watters discussed the alleged incident involving Big Balls with reporter Will Cain (Fox News) Cain also chimed in that, though he doesnt frequent the capital, he said that through anecdotal evidence he can see just how bad crime is there. And you're seeing this evidenced by the fact that, as you've pointed out, so many people are happy to see President Trump take over Washington, D.C., and make it feel safe, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since Trump tried and subsequently failed to hand over responsibility for policing the district to Pam Bondi, the attorney general announced on Tuesday morning that 465 arrests have been made 52 on Monday evening alone. Days after posting a picture of a bloodied Coristine across social media, Trump insisted at a press conference last Monday (August 11) that his strategy was necessary because crime in D.C. is out of control. Edward Coristine, also known by his online nickname 'Big Balls,' was brutally attacked earlier this month (Jesse Watters Primetime/Fox News) The president claimed the city required liberation from violent gangs and bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged-out maniacs and homeless people. His claim is not consistent with official crime statistics over the past two years, which report that street crime has declined to 30-year lows, leading his opponents to suggest he is seeking a distraction from the Jeffrey Epstein firestorm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, tourists in D.C. were met by the unusual and eerie sight of U.S. military members patrolling the city upon sunrise. Members of the National Guard were present along the Mall last Thursday as part of the administrations show of force, which was trailed in advance by an insider who spoke to ABC News. Fox News host Jesse Watters has claimed that Ukraine should give Russian President Vladimir Putin a large chunk of its land because "borders change all the time". Discussing President Donald Trump's diplomatic summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday evening, the conservative commentator cited the changing borders of Germany and the U.S. over the past few centuries as proof that Ukraine should accept territorial dismemberment. "How are you gonna get Vladimir Putin to relinquish the land he won in battle?" Watters said. "The United States won lands in battle. We didn't just give it back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No country gives back land they win in battle. That's what this is all about. You have to accept reality and that's what these Democrats aren't doing." "Borders change all the time! Think about Germany: it used to be the Prussian Empire, then it was the German Empire. It expanded, it contracted in the world wars. Then they divided it in two, and now it's reunited. "And they can't do this to Ukraine? Come on, that's ridiculous." Fox News host Jesse Watters spreads his hands to illustrate the historical expansion of the German Empire during an segment about Ukraine on Monday (Fox News via X) After suffering an estimated one million casualties and killing tens of thousands of civilians since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia continues to demand that Ukraine formally cede control of the strategically crucial Crimean peninsula and the former industrial heartlands of the Donbas region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both areas have been under Russian occupation since 2014, and Trump has said that Zelensky could end the war "almost immediately" if he simply accepted that there was "no getting back" Crimea. But Zelensky has repeatedly ruled that out, arguing that allowing Russia to retain control of captured territory back in 2014 only made it easier for Russia to attack again in 2022, rather than settling the matter. Mondays summit was more successful and far less chaotic than Zelenskys last meeting with Trump in February, with both men vowing to take part in trilateral peace talks with Russia. Mondays summit was more successful and far less chaotic than Zelenskys meeting with Trump in February with both men vowing to take part in trilateral peace talks with Russia. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Still, other Fox News anchors were less impressed by the meeting which saw European leaders fly to Washington D.C. in a show of solidarity with Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It certainly was an impressive display, said the cable networks chief political analyst Brit Hume on Monday evening. Perhaps even a historic display of U.S.-European unity, at least in these recent years. But he also noted that Russia had strongly rejected any notion of the U.S. or other allied nations sending a peacekeeping force to Ukraine to enforce a truce. They would have to give some real ground there in order to change Russias mind about that, Hume said. And I think it suggests that the path toward a final deal here may be some considerable ways off, as much as the president, who always likes to have things done quickly, as we hear him say, would like this to happen on a fast track. It's true that the U.S. itself acquired its current borders partly through military conquest, seizing vast swathes of territory from native American nations and capturing Puerto Rico and Guam from the Spanish Empire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fox News studio, for instance, is in New York City, which was the ancestral homeland of the Lenape people until it was forcibly taken by European settlers. Other territories, though, have been relinquished, such as the Philippines or the U.S.-occupied zone of Germany after the Second World War. Russia's borders have changed enormously too, from annexing Siberia over the course of the 16th to 18th centuries to losing control of Belarus, Ukraine, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, and other areas of eastern Europe and central Asia after the fall of the Soviet Union. Jesse Watters on Monday thanked ex-DOGE employee Edward Coristine for getting assaulted in Washington, D.C., earlier this month because it resulted in President Donald Trump taking over the capital. (Watch the video below.) The Fox News hosts take was as wince-inducing as you can imagine. Coristine, the baby-faced ex-Elon Musk operative nicknamed Big Balls, was attacked by several teens in a suspected carjacking, police said. Despite D.C. violent crime being at a reported 30-year-low, Trump pounced on the incident to threaten a federal takeover of the capital and then implemented it by deploying the National Guard and taking control of the capitals police force. Related: Jesse Watters Outrage Over Term He Just Decried Backfires Spectacularly Guest Will Cain, also a Fox News host, conceded to Watters that he did not frequent D.C., so he had only anecdotal evidence of the areas crime. But he said he knew people were happy Trump intervened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Big Balls went down, thats when Trump had to call it, Watters said. If Big Balls isnt safe, no ones safe. And Im glad he took a beating for the rest of the city, and hes back up on his feet. So, Big Balls, we love you. Watters has joined the chorus of conservatives applauding Trump for what others see as an attempt to distract from the Jeffrey Epstein files. On The Five earlier in the day, Watters said Democrats are calling the D.C. takeover a power grab. Yeah, it is a power grab, he continued. Democrats had this power to fight crime, werent using it, so Trump grabbed their power and used it to fight crime. Americans like power grabs like that. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Former President Carter will be honored by the U.S. Postal Service with a Forever stamp set to go on sale Oct. 1, which would have been his 101st birthday. The stamp program celebrates the best in American culture, places and people, and it is difficult to consider a more fitting honoree than former President Jimmy Carter, Peter Pastre, the Postal Services government relations and public policy vice president, said in a statement. In his support and leadership of his beloved community, state and nation, he lent his quiet, thoughtful and deliberate energy around causes he believed in, and most certainly in his conduct and accomplishments as a former president, Jimmy Carter truly personified the best in America, the Postal Service official added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stamp was designed by art director Ethel Kessler and will feature a 1982 oil-on-linen painting created as a life study by artist Herbert E. Abrams, the Postal Service said. Carter was the countrys longest-living former president before he died in December at age 100. World dignitaries gathered at his funeral to honor his contributions to the country and global diplomacy through the Camp David Accords and SALT II treaty. Jimmy Carters friendship taught me, and through his life taught me, that strength of character is more than title or the power we hold. Its the strength to understand that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect, former President Biden said during Carters eulogy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That everyone, and I mean everyone, deserves an even shot. Not a guarantee, but just a shot, he added. Carter, who hailed from Plains, Ga., spent decades dedicated to public service both nationally and abroad alongside his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter. The Carter family and the Friends of Jimmy Carter are honored to be able to take part in revealing the design for President Carters Forever stamp, Kim Carter Fuller, executive director of the Friends of Jimmy Carter, said in a statement after the stamps design was unveiled. Together weve had the distinct privilege of a front row seat to his life and legacy, and todays reveal gives the world an opportunity to share his legacy with others on a daily basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. John Bolton, Donald Trumps former national security adviser, has revealed why he thinks the president was stressed in the lead-up to his recent meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Alaska. I think he was demonstrating some of those in the morning and during the flight to Anchorage where he was tweeting this, that and the other thing. He was making comments to the press, Bolton told The Daily Beast Podcast host Joanna Coles on Monday. Related: Trump Rates Putin Meeting A '10' Out Of 10 Because They 'Got Along Great' Bolton added that while he wasnt in the room with the two, hes certain Trump performed for Putin once he came face-to-face with him to discuss steps to end Russias war on Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, he didnt show nerves through the meeting, he added. But I think he was clearly on edge before the meeting. Trump after the ceasefire deal-less summit where he rolled out the red carpet for Putin initially declared that theres no deal until theres a deal in less than four-minute-long remarks to the media immediately following the talks. He called the meeting extremely productive and while they didnt get to a deal, theres a very good chance of getting there. Later, in an interview with Fox News Sean Hannity, he rated the summit a 10 out of 10 as the two got along great. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolton, a frequent Trump critic since the president pushed him out of his first administration, told Coles that optics are probably more important to Trump than any other contemporary president. And obviously all politicians worry about optics, theres no question about that. But Trump thinks of himself as a TV performer, said Bolton, who pointed to Putin getting a military flyover upon his arrival to Alaska. Bolton went on to argue that Trumps initial reaction to the meeting was a real indicator of how he felt that he didnt feel good about it versus his 10 out of 10 rating later on Fox News. He had gotten his presence of mind back and again, since there are only winners and losers, we know hes a winner. It was a 10. And thats what youve heard since then. Related... Read the original on HuffPost MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) John-Paul Miller, the former pastor of Solid Rock church in The Market Common, was ordered to pay $3,400 in damages to a former member of his congregation and close personal friend after a civil trial involving a harassment complaint. Miller will pay Sam Rickman $3,400 in damages, while Rickman must pay $100 in damages. The jurys decision came down Tuesday morning after hearing from several witnesses on Monday, including Rickman. Rickmans attorney, Regina Ward, wants the maximum of $7,500 awarded to Rickman, but she did not provide a statute, so the judge denied it for now. Millers payment to Rickman must be made within 30 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ward is requesting post-judgment interest. Miller sued Rickman in January, saying that he had engaged in a persistent pattern of harassment against (Miller), including screaming and demonstrating against (Millers) mere existence in public locations throughout Horry County. Rickman, in return, filed a counterclaim against Miller. Rickman was among a dozen people at the center of legal action by Miller on harassment complaints, many of whom were affiliated with the Justice for Mica movement, which grew out of the death of Millers wife, Mica, in April 2024. Mica Miller was found dead at Lumber River State Park near Lumberton on April 27, 2024. Authorities ruled her death a suicide, but a public outcry against Miller erupted in the months after her death amid allegations that he was too controlling and mentally abused Mica. Miller was never charged with a crime in her death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the stand, Rickman said John-Paul got over Micas death in about two weeks and then denied ever touching her inappropriately as John-Paul questioned him. Count on News13 for updates. * * * Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work here. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. The Johnstown Redevelopment Authority is getting ready to develop specific plans for the proposed Johnstown Urban Industrial Park after the project has been discussed mostly in generalities for years. Construction work has finally started on a 2,000-foot connector road from Iron Street to the hillside property in the citys Minersville neighborhood. It is seen as a major step in creating the park that has approximately 25 useable acres of land on an 115-acre site that was home to Bethlehem Steels Rosedale/Lower Ore Yard and Matterhorn tracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toby Fauver, from Rockland Planning, a consulting firm that has assisted with the project, expects the road, which received the majority of its state funding in 2019, to be completed by the fall or early winter. The big thing now is that with this road under construction, we can count on the timeline, Fauver said Tuesday when JRA held a workshop about the industrial park. You can market this thing with certainty that you can develop it. JRA Chairman Mark Pasquerilla said, Once this road gets in, I believe were going to be under some pressure to find users. Folks want to see something happening thats job-related. I dont think we have the capacity just to sit on this site. Fauver said the authority needs to consider what youre interested in trying to achieve here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are you interested in trying to bring new jobs to the region, or potentially help businesses in this area to relocate to this site, is it just about getting the site to develop, or is it about attracting something new to the region? he asked. New JRA Executive Director Mark Critz said now is the time for the agency to have robust input and find out what direction were headed, what goals do we want. Were at that stage now where this is going to be a reality, Critz said. There are many issues to address regarding what types of businesses to bring in, how to promote the location, possible thoughts about subdividing the five parcels, short- and long-term maintenance of the road, ways to acquire funding for future development and job-creation goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im obviously interested in new jobs, but I dont want to turn my nose against somebody that may be in the area and want to expand, JRA Vice Chairman Richard Truscello said. Im probably more concerned in the development concept itself. Going forward, Fauver said a business associate of his is working on a market study at no cost after he called in a couple of favors. The plan is to then use that information as part of an application for Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program (PA SITES) funding that could be used for future infrastructure development. Fauver hopes that application can be submitted before the end of the year. JRA is also considering reaching out to Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and Johnstown Area Regional Industries to help market the site that is a Keystone Opportunity Zone with tax abatements and incentives. Joplin city officials are preparing for the possibility of tighter revenues next year. The city's finance director, Leslie Haase, told the City Council on Monday that reduced fund balances could be expected as the result of the grant spending and other large purchases, such as two new firetrucks that will cost about $2.5 million. City Manager Nick Edwards also has said city officials are seeing indications of tightening sales tax revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Edwards introduced a public hearing Monday night on the proposed budget for fiscal 2026. No residents came to testify, but the finance director provided information on what projects other than construction were accomplished in the last year and the importance of the city's fund balances. Edwards said the council would start budget work sessions to review the proposed expenditures of each department line by line Monday, Sept. 22. The proposed spending amounts to $191.4 million, down $22 million from $213.4 million last year. The lower spending level is the result of grant money expended on city projects. The city has about $21 million left of the $57.9 million in state and federal grants awarded the last two years. The grants, largely from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, have to be spent by Dec. 31. Haase discussed highlights of some of the city's significant projects accomplished over the last year, not including those grant-funded construction projects. One of the coming discussions at the budget session will be about an updated pay study for city positions, Haase said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She described the proposed budget as "conservative since no sales tax increase is budgeted." Revenue is forecast at $167.5 million in the upcoming budget year, compared with $213.8 million this year. The city manager said earlier this month that budget season is a time when city officials can look back at what has been accomplished and consider what they want to do for the next year. It also is a time to plan for the future, but he called the current financial climate "uncertain," saying that sales tax revenue has not been growing as quickly as in the past. We are seeing signs of pullback, signaled in particular by lower revenues from key sectors of the local economy such as restaurants, home improvement and auto sales, Edwards told council members earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Haase said there had been times in the past when department heads were told to cut their budgets by 1% or 2% because revenue was tight. That is why it is important to have reserves or balances in city fund accounts, she said. "We need the fund balances for any time when sales tax is short," she said. "That can be an answer for the short term" to keep the city in the black. Among the projects city departments completed this year: Finished updated building permit options to be accessed online, which is to be discussed at an upcoming meeting. Completed the final step to transition police and fire employees to a new pension fund through Proposition B. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Established a co-responder team for the police department by adding social workers to handle noncriminal calls for assistance. Also, the police department launched bike patrols in the downtown area. Implemented a collection program for special tax bills. Updated fire department special operation programs including swift water, confined space and hazmat rescues. Provided updated information stations at city cemeteries to locate graves. Conducted an independent review of the Public Works Department. Questions over the timing of the directive to reintroduce conscription were posed in a Sunday report by Israel's public broadcaster KAN News. The Jordanian Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) will reinstate conscription starting February 2026, JAF spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Mustafa Hiyari said on Monday, following Sundays directive from Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah to reintroduce the draft. Conscripts are slated to receive 100 Jordanian dinars ($141) per month as their salary, according to the official Jordan News Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first draft of conscripts will consist of 6,000 men who will have turned 18 by January 1, 2026, eventually rising to 10,000 draftees in the next conscription round, Hiyari and government spokesperson Mohammad Momani stated. Individuals born in 2007 and earlier will be required to continue postponing their service under the existing mechanisms, the news agency added. Refusal to serve will be punishable by a prison sentence ranging from three months to one year, Momani added, stating that there will be no exceptions. JAF soldiers, along with US Army and Marines soldiers, as well as other international forces take part in a military exercise near Azraq, Jordan, May 23, 2024; illustrative. (credit: Jordan Pix/Getty Images) Jordans Prime Minister, Jafar Hassan, praised the crown princes directive as a significant step toward strengthening national values and youth development, according to the Jordan News Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further announcements regarding the details of the conscription process will be made in the coming weeks, Hassan also said on Sunday. In addition, Senate President Faisal al-Fayez called the initiative vital and said it would play a crucial role in reinforcing national identity, Jordan News Agency reported. Is the decision based on recent developments in Israel? During the press conference, Momani denounced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that the Israeli far Right is undermining the prospects for a two-state solution and is threatening regional stability and the interests of all states. Notably, questions concerning the timing of Ammans directive to reintroduce conscription were posed in a Sunday report by KAN News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan announced plans to end conscription in 1991, fully abolishing it in 1992, preceding the 1994 peace agreement between Jerusalem and Amman. Previous attempts to reinstate conscription have been rejected, including as recently as 2020. While reasons for reinstating conscription were not reported, KANs report insinuated that some had attributed it to the deterioration of relations between Israel and Jordan over the latters concerns that Israels territorial ambitions do not stop at the Jordan River. Jacksonville Sheriffs Office says two men are facing multiple felony charges after detectives uncovered a large stash of drugs inside a home on East 25th Street near Buckman Street. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< According to JSO, narcotics detectives received a tip in June that the home was being used for drug sales. After building their case, they executed a search warrant in July with help from the SWAT Team and Task Force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside, detectives reported finding: 13.1 grams of fentanyl 66.2 grams of powder cocaine 28.3 grams of MDMA 6.9 grams of crack cocaine 868.7 grams of marijuana Police arrested Alfred Bell, 62, and his son, also named Alfred Bell, 41. Both are now facing felony charges. JSO thanked the community for tips and urged residents to report suspicious activity by calling 904-630-0500. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) A judge has denied one of the five motions argued by Elwyn Crocker Sr.s defense in court on Monday. Its one of the most disturbing child abuse and murder cases in Georgia, and it just got one step closer to going to trial. The motion to ensure mitigating circumstances are property weighed was denied by Judge Matthew Hube on Tuesday. Mitigating circumstances are factors that, while not justifying or excusing a crime, can lessen the severity of the offense or the degree of culpability of the offender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The motion questioned whether or not jurors are the best suited to decide a death penalty verdict. Crocker Sr. and two others could face the death penalty if convicted. The defense called Wanda Foglia to the stand as an expert witness at Mondays hearing. She is a Professor Emerita of Law and Justice Studies at Rowan University and a Capital Jury Project Investigator. Foglia presented a study that she shows jurors often make mistakes when deciding death penalty cases, citing premature punishment decision making, failure to comprehend jury instructions, influence of race and more. The study also showed that jury selection fails to remove Automatic Death Penalty (ADP) jurors. Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Matthew Breedon questioned Foglia and the methodology behind the collection of the data in the study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MIAMI (AP) A federal judge in Miami dismissed part of a lawsuit that claimed detainees were denied access to the legal system at the immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades known as Alligator Alcatraz, and then moved the remaining counts of the case to another court. Claims that the detainees were denied hearings in immigration court were rendered moot when the Trump administration last weekend designated the Krome North Processing Center near Miami as a site for their cases to be heard, U.S. District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz said in a 47-page ruling Monday night dismissing a Fifth Amendment count. The judge granted the state defendants a change of venue motion to the Middle District of Florida, where the remaining claims of First Amendment violations will be addressed. Those include allegations of delays in scheduling meetings between detainees and their attorneys and an inability for the detainees to talk privately with their attorneys by phone or videoconference at the facility whose official name is the South Detention Facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ACLU attorney Eunice Cho, the lead attorney for the detainees, said the federal government only reversed course last weekend and allowed the detainees to petition an immigration court because of the lawsuit. It should not take a lawsuit to force the government to abide by the law and the Constitution, Cho said. We look forward to continuing the fight. The judge heard arguments from both sides in a hearing earlier Monday in Miami. Civil rights attorneys were seeking a preliminary injunction to ensure detainees at the facility had access to their lawyers and could get a hearing. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis administration raced to build the facility on an isolated airstrip surrounded by swampland two months ago in order to aid President Donald Trumps efforts to deport people in the U.S. illegally. The governor has said the location in the rugged and remote Everglades was meant as a deterrent against escape, much like the island prison in California that Republicans named it after. The detention center has an estimated annual cost of $450 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state and federal government had argued that even though the isolated airstrip where the facility is located is owned by Miami-Dade County, Floridas southern district was the wrong venue since the detention center is located in neighboring Collier County, which is in the states middle district. Judge Ruiz had hinted during a hearing last week that he had some concerns over which jurisdiction was appropriate. Attorneys for the detainees had argued that Ruiz's court was appropriate since the detainees were under the oversight of federal officials in the Miami regional office. Any transfer to another venue would cause a delay in a court decision. Ruiz noted the facts in the case changed Saturday when the Trump administration designated the Krome facility as the immigration court with jurisdiction over all detainees at the detention center. Ruiz wrote that the case has a tortured procedural history since it was filed July 16, weeks after the first group of detainees arrived at the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly every aspect of the Plaintiffs civil action their causes of action, their facts in support, their theories of venue, their arguments on the merits and their requests for relief have changed with each filing, the judge wrote. The state and federal government defendants made an identical argument last week about jurisdiction for a second lawsuit in which environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe sued to stop further construction and operations at the Everglades detention center until its in compliance with federal environmental laws. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams in Miami on Aug. 7 ordered a 14-day halt on additional construction at the site while witnesses testified at a hearing that wrapped up last week. She has said she plans to issue a ruling before the order expires later this week. She had yet to rule on the venue question. Detainees at the facility have said worms turn up in the food, toilets dont flush, flooding floors with fecal waste, and mosquitoes and other insects are everywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Civil rights attorneys also said officers were going cell to cell to pressure detainees into signing voluntary removal orders before theyre allowed to consult their attorneys, and some detainees had been deported even though they didnt have final removal orders. Along with the spread of a respiratory infection and rainwater flooding in tents, the circumstances had fueled a feeling of desperation among detainees, the attorneys wrote in a court filing. ___ Frisaro reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Schneider reported from Orlando, Florida. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) A federal judge ruled in favor of those who are challenging certain provisions of Mississippis ban on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. According to court documents, U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate ruled that House Bill 1193 is at odds with the First and Fourteenth Amendments and that its enforcement would cause irreparable injury to the named plaintiffs and the classes they represent. Wingate ordered a preliminary injunction pending the final resolution of the matter. MS governor sets special election for Clarksdales Ward One commissioner Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 1193 bans public schools and colleges from requiring or promoting DEI statements or programs. Gov. Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) signed the bill in April, and it took effect immediately. However, Wingate issued a temporary restraining order on July 20 before issuing the preliminary injunction on August 18. We are pleased that this law is preliminarily enjoined, said Joshua Tom, legal director at the ACLU of Mississippi. The States attempt to impose its preferred views and ban opposing views on Mississippis public education system is not only bad policy, its illegal, as the Court has preliminarily found today. According to the ACLU, the broad prohibitions in the bill could have banned discussions of slavery, the Civil War, the civil rights movement, the womens rights movement and discrimination in a wide array of forms. 250818_Dkt-74_Order-Granting-PIDownload Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is an enormous relief that the court has sided with academic freedom, free speech, and due process in its recent decision, said Deanna Kreisel, Associate Professor of English at the University of Mississippi and a member of the United Campus Workers, one of the plaintiffs in this case. The fight is not over, but at least for the time being, the students of Mississippi can continue to learn in an environment free of ideological constraints and partisan censorship. The preliminary injunction does not block other portions of the law, including those that prevent schools from giving preferential treatment based on race, sex, color or national origin and that penalize students or staff for their refusal to embrace DEI concepts. Wingate also granted the plaintiffs request to add class action claims to the lawsuit, meaning the injunction will apply to teachers, professors and students across the state. The plaintiffs lawyers sought the addition after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June limited the ability of federal judges to grant sweeping injunctions. At an Aug. 5 hearing, lawyers representing the plaintiffs argued the law is too confusing, leaving parents, teachers and students wondering what they can and cannot say and whether they could face consequences as a result of their speech. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cliff Johnson, a professor at the University of Mississippi Law School and Mississippi director of the MacArthur Justice Center, testified that he and his students often discuss what could be considered divisive topics. Johnson said he did not believe the law would allow him to teach about the First, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments; the court case that paved the way for the internment of Japanese citizens during WWII; portions of the Civil Rights Act; or the murders of Emmett Till and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. I think Im in a very difficult position. I can teach my class as usual and run the serious risk of being disciplined, or I could abandon something thats very important to me, Johnson testified. I feel a bit paralyzed. The Mississippi Attorney Generals Office argued that public employees do not have First Amendment rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are speaking for the government and the government has every right to tell them what they need to say on its behalf, said Lisa Reppeto, an attorney at the state attorney generals office. She added that the First Amendment does not give students the right to dictate what their school does or does not say. Reppeto also said the consequences of the law are aimed at the schools not students or teachers and that the plaintiffs argument is not consistent with what is in the statute. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Saying circumstances had changed, a federal judge in Miami dismissed a key claim in a lawsuit over Alligator Alcatraz detainees access to courts and legal services on Monday and moved the case to a different district. U.S. District Judge Rodolfo A. Ruiz II wrote in a 47-page ruling that the lawsuit by lawyers and detainees at the Everglades immigration detention camp belonged in the Middle District of Florida because that court oversees legal disputes in Collier County, where the facility is largely located. He ordered the case transferred. But first, he said an allegation that Alligator Alcatraz detainees had no access to immigration courts was rendered moot when the Trump administration in recent days designated Krome North Processing Center in west Miami-Dade County as the venue for detainees cases to be heard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The designation came more than a month after the first detainees were brought to Alligator Alcatraz. But Ruiz wrote that there was nothing more to be done and tossed a claim alleging violations of detainees Fifth Amendment rights. That left one claim alleging a lack of confidential and swift access to attorneys in violation of the First Amendment alive. Prudence in this matter has revealed changed circumstances, a moot claim, and improper venue warranting transfer, Ruiz wrote. Ruizs ruling came hours after he gathered attorneys on the case in his courtroom to debate a request by the American Civil Liberties Union and other plaintiffs to force the state and federal governments to identify an immigration court for the facility and a confidential channel for detainees to talk with their attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of an official immigration court designated to handle cases for detainees held at the makeshift detention camp has been a chief sticking point for lawyers, who said the issue was a violation of detainees Fifth Amendment rights. Immigration attorneys said their clients initially began receiving hearings at Krome after Alligator Alcatraz opened in early July, but that quickly ended, leaving detainees unable to petition the courts for bond. Attorneys for the plaintiffs noted Monday that the government had shifted its position three times when pressed on which court had jurisdiction over Alligator Alcatraz, and said they were concerned the government might switch its position again. But Ruiz dismissed that concern after pressing attorneys for the federal government to affirm that Krome was now hearing cases for detainees. If for whatever reason, the website changed or the determination disappeared, then the court would have grounds to reengage the parties and find out exactly whats going on when it comes to the Fifth Amendment claim, Ruiz said. The plaintiffs also argued that, though the government has begun allowing in-person visitation by attorneys to meet their clients, the state has been slow in responding to requests for visits and records the phone calls and videoconferences detainees have with their attorneys. Lawyers say they have to send documents ahead of each in-person consultation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ACLU attorneys claimed the states violation of detainees First Amendment rights has caused irreparable harm. They said one was erroneously deported while he was still in his immigration proceedings and had no removal order. They said officers have been pressuring detainees to sign voluntary removal papers without them first speaking to counsel. One attorney said her client, an intellectually disabled detainee, was tricked into signing a voluntary removal order by being told he was signing a piece of paper to receive a blanket. This is why access to council is so paramount and such an important right to make sure is not violated at the facility, said Eunice Cho, an attorney with the ACLU. Attorneys for the state, which oversees operations at Alligator Alcatraz, said attorneys can already meet with their clients without being overheard by guards. They said when videoconferencing began on July 15, it was in a boxed area separated by drapes. Now, detainees can use the same booths for in-person attorney visits for video conferencing, they said. It's a night to celebrate the accomplishments and talents of three local high school students and tickets remain available. JumpStart Live at Songbird Live brings to the downtown Cleburne stage the three winners of Februarys Johnson Countys Got Talent competition. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Saturday at Songbird Live, 210 E. Henderson St. in downtown Cleburne. Tickets cost $25. Performing will be Cleburne High Schools Nevaeha Wilson, Joshua High School graduate Madison Wilson and Rio Vista High School graduate Will Salinas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three competed against students from other area high schools earlier this year in JumpStarts inaugural Johnson Countys Got Talent competition and went on to receive scholarship awards. "We weren't sure what to expect this year when we decided to do a talent show open to students in Johnson County high schools," JumpStart organizer Gary Dollgener said. "We didn't have to worry, though, because the talent displayed by all the students who participated was incredible." Especially, Dollgener said, the musical talents of the top three award winners. "They were all so good that we decided to have this show at Songbird Live to give them the opportunity to perform more of their songs and have a longer set," Dollgener said. "They're all three just incredibly talented and entertaining and I'm sure they're going to go far. You're not going to want to miss this, and it's a great opportunity to come out and support our local kids." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JumpStart, a local nonprofit, awards dual-credit scholarship funds to high school students throughout Johnson County wishing to take dual-credit courses at Hill College. The goal, Dollgener said, is to supply dual-credit scholarships for as many Johnson County high school students as possible. That, of course, depends upon donations and funds available to supply the scholarships. Dollgener, during a recent JumpStart board meeting, announced that JumpStart received 177 applications for the latest round of scholarship awards. We were able to fund all of those, Dollgener said. Those will be for students taking dual-credit classes this fall. Now were starting to get ready for the next round of applications for next years school year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dual-credit courses enable high school students to take classes to earn both high school and college credit. Through doing so, many high school students graduate from high school with several college credit hours and, in some cases, enough college hours to have earned an associate's degree. Dual-credit classes help our youth who would otherwise not be able to afford college, Cleburne Economic Development Foundation Executive Director Jerry Cash said. Its a very good program and worthy of support from those interested in supporting area youth. Johnson Countys Got Talent, which debuted this year, serves as a talent show that affords county high school students the opportunity to showcase their talents while competing for Hill College scholarships. Nevaeha Wilson won a two-year scholarship to Hill College in the February competition. Madison Wilson won a one-year scholarship. Each of the remaining students competing received an award of one dual-credit class at Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To purchase tickets, visit jumpstartjohnsoncounty.com or call 817-944-4203. Dollgener urged residents to also visit the website to learn more about JumpStart, make a donation or volunteer. Weve also made several videos of students and community leaders discussing the benefits of JumpStart, Dollgener said. Those are on [the JumpStart of Johnson County Facebook page] and we really would encourage everyone to visit that page to watch and share those videos. Next years Johnson Countys Got Talent event will be held April 30 at the Cleburne Conference Center. Ticket prices and other event details will be announced soon. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com A mistrial has been declared in a King County murder case thanks to Googling jurors. In August 2021, 27-year-old Montisha Offord was shot to death in the parking lot outside the Phoenix Court Apartments in Renton. The man Offord was dating at the time, Vaughn Weems, was charged with second-degree murder. According to the defenses trial brief, he claimed he acted in self-defense and that Offord sent him threatening text messages. He claimed Offord pulled a black item out of her purse, which turned out to be a can of mace, The Seattle Times reported. Jurors Google PTSD in King County murder case Part of the defenses case was based on their clients diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to the media outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge learned that during deliberations at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, at least four jurors had googled PTSD, as well as street views of the apartment complex even though they had been told not to do outside research on the case or consider anything other than the evidence presented in court. At its core, I have jurors who have either lied to me or blatantly disregarded these admonishments that I have done on a daily basis, the judge told the prosecution and defense, according to a recording of the Aug. 8 court proceeding obtained by The Seattle Times. I see no other alternative than a mistrial, he added. They know damn well they were only supposed to consider what was (presented) in this courtroom, and they didnt. Despite the mistrial, none of the jurors were found in contempt or fined. Another trial is set for October. Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here. BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) A federal jury convicted Joel David Forney on two counts of sex trafficking for using force, fraud, and coercion to cause two women to work as prostitutes, officials announced Monday. Forney, also known as Sirbar, was also found guilty of coercion and enticement of a minor with whom he had sexual intercourse in 2014. More Local News Forney used false promises to lure women into his trafficking business and kept all of the earnings for himself, prosecutors say. If the victims refused, he subjected them to physical abuse and threatened to hurt or kill them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forney reportedly showed one of the victims an image of a dismembered woman as a warning, officials say. The women were forced to work at an open-air sex trafficking market in East New York known as the Penn Track. Forney lured a minor in June 2014 and engaged in sexual intercourse when she was no more than 15 years old, prosecutors say. Forney faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Jury selection began Tuesday in the trial of the matriarch of a South Florida family on charges of orchestrating the hit man murder of her ex-son-in-law. Donna Adelson is accused of arranging the 2014 killing of Florida State University law professor Daniel Markel, who was shot in the head inside his Tallahassee garage. Adelson faces charges of first-degree murder, as well as conspiracy and solicitation to commit first-degree murder, in a trial that could extend into the week of Sept. 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adelson is the latest to go on trial for what prosecutors say was a murder-for-hire plot to kill Markel, her former son-in-law, who had been involved in a bitter custody battle with his ex-wife, lawyer Wendi Adelson. Markel had gotten a court order barring her from moving from Tallahassee back to South Florida with their two young sons to be closer to her family, who made their fortune practicing dentistry. Authorities say Donna Adelson helped orchestrate the plot to murder Markel, conspiring with her son Charles Adelson and his then-girlfriend Katherine Magbanua, who prosecutors say served as the go-between with two men hired to carry out the killing, Sigfredo Garcia and Luis Rivera. Charles Adelson, Magbanua and her ex-boyfriend, Garcia, were all sentenced to life in prison after being convicted earlier of first-degree murder. Garcia's friend, Rivera, is serving a 19-year sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and testifying against the others. The case has riveted Floridas capital for more than a decade, as sordid details emerged about a messy divorce, tensions with in-laws and child custody battles that culminated in the murder of a prominent local professor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donna Adelson was arrested in 2023 as she and her husband were about to use one-way tickets to board a flight to Vietnam, a country that does not have an extradition treaty with the United States. The arrest came one week after her oral surgeon son was found guilty. Authorities say the Adelsons considered offering Markel $1 million to let his ex-wife and sons move to South Florida, but then members of the family began plotting his death. Wendi Adelson and her father, Harvey Adelson, have denied involvement and have not been charged. ___ Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. The Department of Justice is reportedly investigating whether Washington, D.C., officials manipulated crime data after Donald Trump accused the capital city of creating fake crime numbers to undermine his federal takeover. On his Truth Social account Monday, Trump accused D.C. officials of manipulating data to create a false illusion of safety while his critics accuse the White House of exaggerating reports of violent crime to justify his unprecedented mandate. This is a very bad and dangerous thing to do, and they are under serious investigation for so doing! Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the president declared what he called a crime emergency to justify his administration taking control of the citys Metropolitan Police Department while deploying National Guard troops and federal law enforcement agents into the citys streets, claiming that the White House must rescue the city from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor and worse. He claimed the city is overrun with bloodthirsty criminals, roving mobs of wild youth, drugged-out maniacs and homeless people, though reports of violent crime in the city have plummeted alongside national downward trends of violent crime rates. Federal prosecutors are investigating Washington, DC, officials following Trumps allegations that police manipulated crime data to undermine his federal takeover. (AP) The capital city was the most unsafe city in the United States, and perhaps the World, he wrote on Monday. Now, in just a short period of time, it is perhaps the safest, and getting better every single hour! Days before Trump entered office in January, federal prosecutors in D.C. were celebrating that violent crime in the capital is the lowest it has been in over 30 years. In April, that same U.S. attorneys office praised a 25 percent drop in violent crime in Washington within the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, that same office under the direction of former Fox News host and recently confirmed U.S. attorney Jeanine Pirro has opened an investigation to whether those reports are accurate, according to reporting from The New York Times and The Washington Post. A spokesperson for the Justice Department told The Independent that the agency does not confirm or comment on investigations. Last week, the president declared what he called a crime emergency to justify his administration taking control of the citys Metropolitan Police Department while deploying National Guard troops in DC. (Getty Images) The White House has pointed to a previous investigation into D.C. police commander Michael Pulliam, who was suspended earlier this year facing allegations that he made questionable changes to crime data, according to a report from NBC4 Washington last month. A federal investigation is expected to go further than the local probe into Pulliams time in office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Independent has requested comment from D.C. police. Despite the administrations claims that crime is out of control in D.C., available data has shown the opposite: 2024 saw the lowest violent crime rates in the capital in roughly 30 years, while reports of violent crime within the first seven months of 2025 plunged 27 percent from last year. Those rates mirror national downward trends, according to FBI crime data released during Trumps administration. Homicides in D.C. are down 11 percent, according to city data. The citys homicide rate in 2024 was roughly 25 per 100,000 residents nearly twice the rate in 2012, when it was nearly 14 per 100,000 residents. Aug. 18 (UPI) -- House Oversight Chairman James Comer announced Monday that the Justice Department plans to start releasing its Jeffrey Epstein-related records on Friday. Comer, R-Ky., and the former FBI Director during President Donald Trump's first term, subpoenaed the Department of Justice, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and others earlier this month for any documents and testimony about Epstein. In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Comer gave the Justice Department a deadline of Aug. 19. "Officials with the Department of Justice have informed us that the Department will begin to provide Epstein-related records to the Oversight Committee this week on Friday," Comer said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are many records in DOJ's custody, and it will take the Department time to produce all the records and ensure the identification of victims and any child sexual abuse material are redacted," Comer added. "I appreciate the Trump administration's commitment to transparency and efforts to provide the American people with information about this matter." Comer made the announcement Monday as former Attorney General Bill Barr appeared on Capitol Hill for a deposition on Epstein. Barr is the first witness, Democratic or Republican, to testify to the Oversight Committee on the case. Comer told reporters later that Barr had testified Epstein died by suicide and that he was "angry" to learn of the Metropolitan Correctional Center's "failure to adequately secure this prisoner." Comer also told reporters Barr testified "he had never seen anything that would implicate President Trump in any of this." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Democrats' goal is to try to dig up some type of dirt on President Trump. And what Attorney General Barr testified in there was that he never had conversations with President Trump pertaining to a client list. He didn't know anything about a client list," said Comer. "He said that he had never seen anything that would implicate President Trump in any of this, and that he believed if there had been anything pertaining to President Trump, with respect to the Epstein list, that he felt like the Biden administration would have probably leaked it out." Nine other depositions are scheduled through the middle of October, including former Attorneys General Merrick Garland, Jeff Sessions, Loretta Lynch, Eric Holder and Alberto Gonzales. Comey, former special counsel and FBI Director Robert Mueller III; former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton are also scheduled to testify. (NewsNation) It Ends With Us actress Isabela Ferrer has accused her former director, Justin Baldoni, of harassing her through subpoenas. According to People magazine, Baldoni has requested Ferrers communications relating to his legal fight with co-star Blake Lively. In the film, Ferrer plays the younger version of Livelys character, Lily Bloom. Celebrities named in Blake Livelys lawsuit against Justin Baldoni Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lively has sued Baldoni for sexual harassment, accusing him of creating a hostile work environment on the set. On Aug. 12, Baldonis team filed a motion saying Ferrer had been unreachable and was unresponsive to their requests. Isabela Ferrer refutes Justin Baldonis subpoenas Ferrer, 24, said Baldoni has engaged in bad faith tactics and that he filed the motion for improper purposes and with the aim of harassing Ferrer, according to People. Blake Lively and Isabela Ferrer attend the London photocall for It Ends With Us at IET Building: Savoy Place on Aug. 8, 2024, in London. (Photo by Dave Benett/WireImage) Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively are seen on the set of It Ends with Us on Jan. 12, 2024, in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) Ferrer said she approached Baldonis company, Wayfarer Studios, to help cover her legal costs, which she believed her contract required. She said Wayfarer would only pay if she were to surrender control of her response to Livelys subpoena addressing claims made in Baldonis countersuit, according to The Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferrers team said the production company had not only failed to honor its obligations to pay her fees, but that Baldonis request didnt allow her to provide the documents that reveal the true facts, People reported. From that point forward, Baldoni has tried to manipulate, threaten, control and otherwise act inappropriately towards Ms. Ferrer, her lawyers claimed. Justin Baldoni says Blake Lively got cast to shun him In January, Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, in which he claimed the couple were attempting to defame him. He accused Lively of convincing the films cast members to shun him in an early attempt to give fans the impression that Baldoni had committed an egregious sin, according to People. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gal Gadot explains her linking Snow White flop to Israel backlash Baldonis countersuit reportedly included texts from Ferrer thanking him for an incredible experience on the film. You are such a wonderful, smart and sincere director and you created such a comfortable, safe space for me to feel like I could fully step into this role, she wrote, according to the lawsuit. I couldnt have asked for a more welcoming environment. It will stay with me for the rest of my life!! Much of the cast reportedly unfollowed Baldoni on social media during the films press run. Baldonis lawsuit was thrown out in June by the judge presiding over the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. TOPEKA (KSNT) Kansas counties are beginning to send out property tax rate notices to Kansas citizens, and some are reporting big jumps in their rates. Kansans statewide have taken to social media to share what their property tax increases are, with some reporting a 10%, even 20% increase in just one year. Many are asking the Kansas legislature to do more to limit these increases. Currently, the state of Kansas allows local counties to determine property tax rates and is one of the few states that does not have a statewide limit on how much counties can increase property taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Topeka locals express frustration and irritation over Fairlawn road work We spoke with Michael Austin, an Economist and a lecturer at Washburn University. He wants the legislature to do more to hold counties accountable and allow for citizens to vote on tax increases. People who really want a property tax hike should vote for it, instead of it being done between county commissioners, city leaders, and the school board. Additionally, he tells us that hes experiencing a significant property tax boost as well. Personal information of 730,000 Kansans at risk of USDA data request: DCF Even if its not in the double digits like my case 8 percent, that still means that I need to now figure out how to accommodate an additional 8 percent of spending in my budget. And where is that going to come from? I dont know but thats going to be a hard choice to make. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently in Kansas, the average homeowner pays more than $1,600 dollars in property taxes each year. For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Police have found a missing 12-year-old girl who disappeared on Monday night from a Kansas City neighborhood. Jamari Oneal was last seen on Monday, Aug. 18, around 6:25 p.m., in the area of 41st Street and Garfield Avenue. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri However, on Wednesday morning, KCPD announced that the girl was found safe. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Rep. Will Carpenter, R-El Dorado, says he doubts the state can ever build the nursing staff needed to operate state psychiatric hospitals in Larned and Osawatomie. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA The state of Kansas invests more than $60 million annually to hire contract nursing staff to work at state psychiatric hospitals in Larned and Osawatomie, but the financial boost hasnt closed job vacancy gaps exceeding 33% at both facilities. On Tuesday, Kansas legislators on a special committee exploring contract nursing shared disappointment with results of years of stopgap appropriations to hire temporary nurses provided by private companies. The state also has devoted resources to raising salaries and providing bonuses to encourage state-employed nurses to remain at the hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers expressed skepticism Kansas would ever have enough people to fill vacancies at state hospitals serving involuntarily committed or criminally charged individuals with mental health issues, as well as sexually violent offenders detained at Larned after serving prison sentences. In my experience, were not going to build this staff to take care of the number of people that are out there right now, said Rep. Will Carpenter, an El Dorado Republican who chairs the Legislatures interim health committee. Prove me wrong, because I want to be wrong. Carpenter suggested consideration be given to transferring about 100 patients from Larned to other locations so staffing levels could be sustained without contract nurses. In 2027, Kansas is scheduled to open a new 104-bed state psychiatric hospital in Sedgwick County. Expenditures at Larned State Hospital for nursing contract labor increased from $5.9 million in 2019 to $8.6 million in 2021, $43.1 million in 2023 and $46 million in 2025. At Osawatomie State Hospital, contract costs surged from $233,000 in 2019 to $3.2 million in 2021, $16 million in 2023 and $15.4 million in 2025. The job vacancy rate at Osawatomie stood at 35.5%, while the rate at Larned was 33.5%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been incredibly disappointed on how thats worked, Carpenter said. Contract labor not answer Scott Brunner, deputy secretary of the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, said the agency used state tax dollars to bring in dozens of registered nurses and licensed practice nurses to care for patients who generally had complex medical needs. Some require one-on-one care. To keep our bed count open at the levels that they are, he said, we have to have enough staff to make sure patients are safe. He said the starting salary for a registered nurse at the state hospitals was about $40 per hour. The state paid companies providing contract registered nurses $90 to $100 per hour to take on the same responsibilities, with the nurse receiving approximately two-thirds of the total. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We certainly dont think contract labor is a solution, Brunner said. Its a way of addressing the need to keep beds open and keep patients moving through the system. He recommended the Legislature pass House Bill 2237, which is hung up in the Senate, to place in state law the ability of state agencies to award employee bonuses in amounts up to $10,000 per year. He urged lawmakers to keep funding cost-of-living and market-rate adjustments to salaries so state hospitals could compete with the private sector for labor. The existing budget for contract nurses needs to be sustained, he said. In addition, Brunner suggested the state expand college scholarships for nurses, consider providing nursing students with financial support in exchange for post-graduation employment agreements and provide training opportunities for experienced nurses to advance their careers. Lindsey Topps, superintendent of Larned State Hospital, said the facility serving about 400 patients with mental illness relies extensively on contract nursing staff to operate programs serving sexual predators, individuals charged with crimes and people struggling with acute illness. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature video) Increase the salaries Ashley Byram, superintendent of the Osawatomie hospital, said only half of the facilitys RNs, LPNs and mental health technicians were state employees. Heres the split between state employee and agency contract workers at Osawatomie: RNs, 16 state and 16 private; LPNs, three state and 13 private; and mental health techs, 39 state and 33 private. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Osawatomie contract nurses were asked what it would take for them to accept state employment. The nurses werent interested in signing bonuses or housing allowances, she said, but were keen to earn salaries of at least $50 per hour. The average RN at Osawatomie has been paid $44 per hour, or $59 per hour when benefits were included. I would increase the salaries, Byram said. Its the current wage gap between agency and state positions that is our primary obstacle. If the Legislature prohibited payment of contract nurses to staff the Osawatomie hospital, she said, the facility had enough nurses to make use of 43 beds. She said 116 beds at Osawatomie would be closed if contract nurses were removed and replacements werent hired. Lindsey Topps, superintendent at Larned, said the hospital averaged 400 patients with more than half the total in a sexual predator treatment program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have, I say, no fat on campus, Topps said. Weve maximized the amount of residents or patients to the RNs and LPNs in order to provide safe and good patient care as well as follow the regulations. Here is the breakdown between state employees and contract laborers at Larned: Registered nurses, 17 state and 38 private; LPNs, nine state and 27 private; mental health workers or CNAs, 194 state and 179 private. Topps said debate by the Legislature about reducing contract nursing labor should take into consideration the aggressive, disruptive, suicidal and homicidal conduct of people at Larned. She said most community-based health facilities didnt have the staff or facilities to deal with individuals who ended up at the state hospital. We have some of the most severe mentally ill individuals in the state of Kansas, Topps said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not translating During the 2025 legislative session, the House and Senate didnt approve financing for new spending on contract nursing at the two state hospitals. Sometimes we set aside money because that feels good and we think thats going to to do something, said Sen. Beverly Gossage, a Republican from Eudora. Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, said the state had a handful of initiatives designed to develop a Kansas pipeline of nurses who could fill jobs at state hospitals. She said the state spent millions of dollars so 2,700 high school students could take courses required to become a certified nursing assistant. She said only one-third of those students became CNAs. Were paying to fill that pipeline, but its not translating, she said. It doesnt appear like (its) actually reducing the demand and getting to the root of the problem. It doesnt seem to be making the impact it should or we would hope it should. UPDATE: CHEROKEE CO., Kan. A Joplin postal worker, charged with child sex crimes, makes his first court appearance. Today, Teddy Bogle, 45, appeared before Judge Maradeth Frederick in Cherokee County Court on charges he sexually abused a child who was 10-years-old. Teddy Bogle, 45 Authorities say the incidents happened between 2018 and 2019 when Bogle was in his late thirties. Bogle is the President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Union Branch 366 of southwest Missouri. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calls and emails to the postal service were not returned as of news time. A message left on the Unions voicemail was also not returned. Bogle is being held on a 500-thousand dollar cash or surety bond in the Cherokee County jail. His next court appearance is set for September. PREVIOUS: CHEROKEE CO., Kan. A Galena man is in the Cherokee County Jail tonight, accused of child sex crimes. Teddy Bogle, 45, was arrested today on allegations of aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Teddy Bogle, 45 Sheriff Brian Henderson says they were made aware of possible inappropriate relations between an adult and a juvenile on August 7. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warrant was issued today. The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was forced Tuesday to walk back Donald Trumps claim that he had gotten Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Delivering a readout at a White House press briefing, Leavitt claimed that Putin had agreed to begin the next phase of the peace process, a meeting between President Putin and President Zelenskiy during a phone call with Trump the day before. Trump had made similar claims himself on Monday. But when one reporter pointed out that Moscow hadnt voiced any such commitment, Leavitt was left to explain that the Trump administration was still working to secure the second summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kremlin seemed to indicate that Putin did not firmly agree to a bilateral. Did he agree to have a sit-down with just Zelenskiy on the phone yesterday? asked a reporter. I can assure you that the U.S. government and the Trump administration is working with both Russia and Ukraine to make that bilateral happen as we speak, Leavitt replied, before quickly moving on. The Kremlin was quick to dump cold water on Trumps meager wins from his meeting with European leaders this week. Following Putin and Trumps purportedly productive conversation, Moscow released a statement claiming that the leaders had merely discussed the idea of raising the level of Russian and Ukrainian representation in the negotiations, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also refused to commit to a meeting. Trump said Monday that he sort of set up a meeting between the two leaders but added that ultimately, theyre the ones that have to call the shots. Still, the president hopes that a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy would be followed by a trilateral meeting, this time including himself. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) said that she was not accusing the Israeli government of committing genocide in Gaza, despite saying at an event last week there was genocide and destruction in the war-torn strip. Last week, while attending an event in my district, I repeated the word genocide in response to a question. I want to be clear that I am not accusing Israel of genocide, she said in the statement to POLITICO on Tuesday. We all need to work with urgency to bring the remaining hostages home, surge aid to Palestinians and oppose their involuntary relocation, remove Hamas from power, and end the war. Clarks statement was first reported by the Jewish News Syndicate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clark made her comments at an event hosted by a Quaker organization in her district last week, POLITICO previously reported. At the event, she called on those in the audience to take action in time to make a difference whether that is stopping the starvation and genocide and destruction of Gaza or other major political issues. A spokesperson at the time did not walk back the characterization but also said that her position on the fighting in the region hadnt changed. Though Democrats across the country have been critical of Israels ground offensive in Gaza, very few have called it a genocide. Clark is the second-highest ranking Democrat in the House and would have been one of the most senior members of the party to take that stance. The war in Gaza has roiled the Democratic Party, as politicians and potential 2028 candidates grapple with how to talk about the war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Kansas City Fire Department is investigating after a house caught fire in an east Kansas City neighborhood early Tuesday morning. According to KCFD, at about 3:25 a.m., crews were called to the area of Thompson and Booth Avenues on reports of a single-story structure fire. Thousands without power in Kansas City metro due to Tuesday morning storms When firefighters arrived, they immediately began their offensive fire attack, using hose lines inside the home. However, while putting out the flames, crews noticed holes in the floor and a large amount of fire coming from a crawl space, leading them to evacuate and put out the fire from outside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire was eventually brought under control by about 4:45 a.m. No injuries were reported, and according to KCFD, Dangerous Buildings was called to the scene to evaluate the home. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear took emergency action Monday to ban the sale of "designer Xanax," responding to a request from his state's attorney general who is leading a broader effort to combat the highly potent synthetic drug linked to dozens of overdose deaths last year in the Bluegrass State. Beshear's action in his state comes as a coalition of 21 attorneys general, led by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, is urging the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to take emergency action banning the unregulated drug. It poses a growing public health threat and is increasingly contributing to overdose deaths, the attorneys general said in a letter dated Monday to DEA Administrator Terry Cole. Bromazolam widely known as "designer Xanax" is being passed off as prescription pills including benzodiazepines, which are commonly used to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, insomnia, and seizures, Coleman has warned. The drug has never been approved for medical use in the U.S. or elsewhere, according to a 2023 fact sheet from the Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is zero margin of error when it comes to illicit drugs and counterfeit pills," the attorneys general said in their letter to Cole. "As parents and public officials, we must do everything possible to cut off the supply of these deadly substances through vigorous enforcement, while also continuing to promote the prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts that are saving lives across our states." In Kentucky, the classification of bromazolam as a Schedule 1 controlled substance took immediate effect following Beshear's emergency regulation. The action empowers law enforcement to make arrests for selling or possessing the drug, Beshear's office said. "This deadly drug has no place in our communities, and now we have the tools needed to get it off the streets and protect more lives," the Democratic governor said in a release. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear celebrates $3 billion investment announcement by GE Appliances on August 13, 2025. / Credit: Michael Hickey Beshear, a former Kentucky attorney general now in his second term as governor, is widely seen as a potential candidate for president in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The drug he and Coleman targeted has been tied to a growing number of fatal overdoses in Kentucky and across the nation, Beshear's office said. It was detected in nearly 50 overdose deaths in Kentucky last year, the office said, even as overdose deaths in Kentucky have decreased for three years in a row. "We live in a moment when as little as one pill can kill and is killing our kids," Coleman said in response to Beshear's action. "I'm glad we could work together to tackle this grave threat." In their letter to the head of DEA, the attorneys general said bromazolam is being sold illicitly on the streets and online. It is highly potent and unpredictable, they said, especially when combined with opioids or other central nervous system depressants. Unlike regulated medications, illicitly manufactured bromazolam lacks quality controls, making it particularly lethal for unsuspecting users, they said. "Despite its clear dangers, bromazolam remains unscheduled at the federal level, creating significant challenges for law enforcement and public health officials trying to respond to this emerging crisis," the letter said. "Without scheduling, this drug continues to evade traditional regulatory and prosecutorial tools, hindering interdiction efforts and enabling continued distribution through illicit channels." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emergency action by the DEA would help law enforcement remove the drug from circulation, give prosecutors the ability to hold traffickers accountable and would "send a clear signal that this dangerous substance has no place on our streets," the letter said. Besides Coleman, the request to the DEA included attorneys general from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia, Coleman's office said. North Carolina islands ordered to evacuate as Hurricane Erin continues track Mediators await Israeli response after Hamas agrees to Gaza ceasefire proposal How probable is a meeting between Putin, Zelenskyy arranged by Trump? FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) Kentucky State University is on heightened alert after someone inside a dark vehicle opened fire on a group of people walking on campus on Sunday. In a news release shared on Facebook around 10:40 a.m. on Monday, the Frankfort Police Department (FPD) announced that around 2:35 a.m., shots were fired on campus near Young Hall. RELATED | 15-20 shots fired at Kentucky State University leaves 1 severely injured Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FPD said that multiple people in a dark-colored vehicle opened fire on a group of people walking on campus. Witnesses told the police that roughly 15-20 gunshots were heard. In the release, police confirmed that two people were shot, with one sustaining serious injuries. Young Hall and at least one vehicle were also damaged by gunfire. Kentucky State University Police Chief Rahsaan Berry said they immediately put the campus on lockdown to ensure everyone was accounted for. Our first priority is to make our students safe. Like she said before, we wanted to contain the area, contain the perimeter, he said. And that was my first initial thought was, hey, lets do this lockdown. Make sure the areas that are these are working together so we can make sure that our students are safe. Both victims were taken to an area hospital to be treated. There is no word yet on their condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School leaders assured the community that no students or staff were injured. As the school year begins on campus, Berry said the department, along with Frankfort Polic,e will be providing more patrols on and around campus. Were going to be additional personnel checking IDs that we go across the campus, you know, making sure everybody feels safe, he added. He said safety is the number one priority for staff and students. Theyre giving us their child. So its very important for us to keep them safe. You know, I take that personal. Because, you know, like I tell the kids every day, Hey, I love you. I want you to have that higher education, you know, to create something better for yourself,' Berry explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FPD confirmed this is an active investigation, and authorities are pursuing all leads. No arrests have been made. The university issued a statement on Monday afternoon. Our students deserve to learn and thrive in a safe environment, Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, President of Kentucky State University, said. We remain fully committed to protecting our campus community and will take every step necessary to safeguard their well-being. Our students deserve to learn and thrive in a safe environment, said Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, President of Kentucky State University. We remain fully committed to protecting our campus community and will take every step necessary to safeguard their well-being. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Fentanyl Awareness Day highlights importance of prevention in Kentucky Arrest made after gunfire near Shelby Valley High Football field Clark County issues burn ban amid drought concerns The campus is reportedly on heightened alert. In the early morning hours of Sunday, August 17, an unknown individual fired multiple rounds from a vehicle near Young Hall on the Kentucky State University campus. KSU Police officers were already on location when the shots were fired and were able to immediately respond by securing the area and protect those present. No KSU students or employees were injured. Two non-students were transported for medical attention, one of whom has been released. A KSU Police vehicle and the exterior of the tutoring center at Young Hall sustained damage. The Frankfort Police Department is leading the investigation, with full support from KSU Police. Kentucky State University remains on heightened alert. Only registered students with a valid student ID are permitted to access residence halls, and the University has authorized increased patrols by KSU Police and security personnel. The University will also request that all charges be pursued against any individuals who came onto campus and endangered students working to better themselves through education. Our students deserve to learn and thrive in a safe environment, said Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, President of Kentucky State University. We remain fully committed to protecting our campus community and will take every step necessary to safeguard their well-being. Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Frankfort Police Department at 502-875-8523. Callers may remain anonymous. Kentucky State University Anyone with information about the shooting or who may have seen suspicious activity in the area is urged to call FPD at 502-875-8523. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. A woman known as the Ketamine Queen, charged with selling Friends star Matthew Perry the drug that killed him, has agreed to plead guilty. Jasveen Sangha becomes the fifth and final defendant charged in the overdose death of Perry to strike a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, avoiding a trial that had been planned for September. She and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who pleaded guilty last month, had been the primary targets of the investigation. Three other defendants Dr. Mark Chavez, Kenneth Iwamasa and Erik Fleming pleaded guilty in exchange for their cooperation in the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sangha agreed in a signed statement filed in court to plead guilty to five federal criminal charges, including providing the ketamine that led to the death of Perry. In a brief statement, Sangha's lawyer Mark Geragos said: She's taking responsibility for her actions. Related Prosecutors had cast Sangha, a 42-year-old citizen of the US and the UK, as a prolific drug dealer who was known to her customers as the Ketamine Queen, using the term often in press releases and court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She agreed to plead guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The final plea deal came a year after federal prosecutors announced that five people had been charged in Perry's death on 28 October 2023 after a sweeping investigation. Sangha admitted in the agreement to selling four vials of ketamine to another man, Cody McLaury, hours before he died from an overdose in 2019. McLaury had no relationship to Perry. Related Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors will drop three other counts related to the distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine that was unrelated to the Perry case. Sangha will officially change her plea to guilty at an upcoming hearing, where sentencing will be scheduled, prosecutors said. She could get up to 45 years in prison. Perry died in his home, aged 54, after getting ketamine from his regular doctor for treatment of depression, which is an increasingly common use for the surgical anaesthetic. The actor was taking ketamine six to eight times a day before he died, according to court documents. Perry struggled with addiction for years, dating back to his time on NBCs megahit series Friends, when he became one of the biggest stars of his generation as Chandler Bing. By Lisa Richwine and Steve Gorman LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The accused Los Angeles drug dealer known as the "ketamine queen" has agreed to plead guilty to charges that she supplied the dose of the prescription anesthetic that killed "Friends" star Matthew Perry, prosecutors said on Monday. Jasveen Sangha, 42, who authorities said ran an illegal narcotics "stash house" in the North Hollywood district of Los Angeles and was due to stand trial in September, will plead guilty to five charges under a deal with federal prosecutors, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four other co-defendants in the case - two physicians, Perry's personal assistant and another man who admitted acting as an intermediary in selling ketamine to the actor - have already pleaded guilty to various charges, though none has yet been sentenced. All five were charged in the case one year ago. Prosecutors said Sangha agreed to plead guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of illegal distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Sangha, a dual U.S.-British citizen, is expected to formally enter her plea in the coming weeks, the Justice Department said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charge of maintaining a drug den carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Sangha faces up to 15 years in prison for ketamine distribution that killed Perry, and 10 years for each of the three other distribution counts. Medical examiners concluded that Perry died from acute effects of ketamine that combined with other factors to cause the actor to lose consciousness and drown in his hot tub on October 28, 2023. He was 54 years old. FAME AND ADDICTION Perry had publicly acknowledged decades of substance abuse, including periods that overlapped with the height of his fame playing the sardonic but charming Chandler Bing on the 1990s hit NBC television comedy "Friends." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perry's death came a year after publication of his memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," which chronicled bouts with addiction to prescription painkillers and alcohol that he wrote had come close to ending his life more than once. His autopsy cited interviews with associates who said Perry had been sober for 19 months prior to his death with no known substance abuse relapses. Ketamine, a short-acting anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties, is sometimes prescribed to treat depression and anxiety but also is abused by recreational users. According to Sangha's plea agreement as outlined by the Justice Department, Sangha had supplied 51 vials of ketamine from her stash house to a go-between dealer, Erik Fleming, 55, who in turn sold the doses to Perry through his live-in personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, 60. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was Iwamasa, prosecutors said, who later injected Perry with at least three shots of ketamine from the vials Sangha supplied, resulting in the actor's death, and who subsequently found him lifeless in the hot tub. In her plea agreement, prosecutors said, Sangha also admitted selling ketamine to an individual in August 2019 who died hours later from a drug overdose. Known to her customers on the street as the "ketamine queen," according to prosecutors, Sangha had used her North Hollywood home to store, package and distribute various narcotics, including ketamine and methamphetamine, dating back to at least June 2019. After learning of news reports of Perry's death, prosecutors said, Sangha tried to scrub her Signal app of all her communications with Fleming and urged him to do likewise, instructing him to "Delete all our messages." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her plea deal came three weeks after a doctor who ran an urgent care clinic, Salvador Plasencia, 43, pleaded guilty to four counts of ketamine distribution and admitted to having injected Perry with the drug at the actor's home and in the back seat of a parked car. Another physician, Mark Chavez, 55, of San Diego, accused of illegally supplying ketamine to Plasencia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute the drug. According to court filings, Plasencia had once texted Chavez about Perry, writing, "I wonder how much this moron will pay." (Reporting by Lisa Richwine and Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Leslie Adler) KILGORE, Texas (KETK) Kilgore College celebrated 90s style at their annual convocation for faculty and staff on Monday morning. At 9 a.m. in the Devall Student Center, Kilgore College celebrated its 90th anniversary during this years fall convocation with neon colors, Walkmans and slap bracelets. The junior college president, Dr. Brenda Kays, spoke to faculty and staff, getting them excited for the fall semester. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4 East Texans selected for 86th line of Kilgore College Rangerettes Back in 1935, when Kilgore College started, they had around 220 students. Now they offer more than 130 majors and have grown to an enrollment of more than 11,000 students. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. (NewsNation) An accuser of a Kentucky judge who was killed last year in his chambers claims the judge would demand sex to get offenders out of trouble. Judge Kevin Mullins was shot at a courthouse, allegedly by Letcher County Sheriff Shawn M. Mickey Stines. Audio recordings were later found that could indicate a possible sex-for-favors scheme, not just in the courthouse but also in the small town of Whitesburg. Tya Adams told Banfield in an exclusive interview Monday that she knew of Mullins through his past work as an assistant commonwealth attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indiana woman charged for death threats against Trump Thats when he started introducing me to his friends, Adams said. And we would do sex parties and perform shows and have sex with them for money, things like that. Accuser felt she couldnt refuse judge Asked why she felt she couldnt say no to Mullins, Adams said she feared the legal system and Child Protective Services would upend her life. They would make sure to make you feel as small and degraded and belittled as possible to take your power away, Adams said. It was consensual. But it was the thing that we were so young, and then they used it against us and to destroy our lives later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams said Mullins and others said she should keep quiet about what was allegedly taking place in the towns judicial system. Bryan Kohberger records release blocked by judge That was just a given, she said. And, who would believe it anyway? Because the whole town was doing it. Nobody cares. Theyre all swingers. Its all a big party to them. It was just so normal. Former jailer thought town was a brothel Sarah Davis, a former deputy jailer at Letcher County, Kentucky Jail, said she had never seen anyone initiating sex, but that the stories she heard were nasty and sickening. Missouri men admit to $3M Ponzi scheme, targeting 90 victims Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pretty much everybody in the county knows, she said. But it was confirmed to me after working in the county jail, especially after being invited to a party myself. Davis added that Mullins asked her to a sex party himself, which she declined. I was raised better than that, she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. "It is catastrophic, and the trend is going in right the opposite direction of what it should," said Jens Laerke, UN humanitarian office spokesperson. Aid worker killings rose nearly a third to almost 400 last year, the most deadly year since records began in 1997, and the conflict in Gaza is continuing to cause high death rates for humanitarian staff in 2025, UN and other data showed. In 2024, 383 aid workers were killed, nearly half of them in Gaza and the Palestinian territories, the UN said on Tuesday, citing a database. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Attacks on this scale, with zero accountability, are a shameful indictment of international inaction and apathy," said Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, in a statement. So far this year, 265 aid workers have been killed, according to provisional data from the Aid Worker Security Database, a US-funded platform that compiles reports on major security incidents affecting aid workers. Of those, 173 were in Gaza in Israel's nearly two-year offensive against Hamas terrorists, launched after the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, cross-border attacks by terrorists, the provisional data showed. A Palestinian worker sits on aid inside a warehouse, in Gaza City, June 25, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa) This year, 36 aid workers have so far been killed in Sudan and three in Ukraine, the database showed. IDF internationally condemned In one incident in Gaza that drew international condemnation, 15 emergency and aid workers were killed by Israeli fire in three separate shootings in March, before being buried in a shallow grave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's military said in April that the incidents resulted from an "operational misunderstanding" and a "breach of orders." There had been "several professional failures," and a commander would be dismissed, it said. Aid workers enjoy protection under international humanitarian law. Still, experts cite few precedents for such cases going to trial, with concerns about ensuring future access for aid groups and difficulty proving intent cited as impediments. "It is catastrophic, and the trend is going in right the opposite direction of what it should," said Jens Laerke, UN humanitarian office spokesperson. North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un called for the rapid buildup of his nation's nuclear arsenal on Tuesday, reacting to joint military operations by the U.S. and South Korea. Kim called the military exercises an "obvious expression of their will to provoke war," according to North Korean state media. The U.S. and South Korea began their annual military drills, dubbed Ulchi Freedom Shield, this week and operations will continue sporadically through September. The North Korean leader argued the drills show the intent by the U.S. and South Korea to "remain most hostile and confrontational," and that North Korea must therefore "rapidly expand" its nuclear arsenal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Through this move, North Korea is demonstrating its refusal to accept denuclearization and the will to irreversibly upgrade nuclear weapons," Hong Min, a North Korea analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told Reuters. Kim Jong Un Left Fuming After North Koreas New Destroyer Damaged In Failed Launch North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un called on his country to "rapidly expand" its nuclear arsenal. The rise in tensions comes just days after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced plans to end some military activities along its border with North Korea, as well as restore a 2018 military agreement with its neighbor. Read On The Fox News App White House Responds To 'Rocket Man' And North Korea's Threats Over Denuclearization Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement ended some military activities at the border between the two countries, including creating buffer zones on land and sea and no-fly zones above the border to prevent fighting. It also ended military drills near the border and removed some guard posts along the Demilitarized Zone. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung says his government is taking "gradual steps" to reduce tensions with North Korea. The deal was signed at an inter-Korean summit in 2018, but it eventually fell apart as cross-border tensions ensued. North Korean Avoids Land Mines To Cross Dmz Into South Korea As Seoul Softens Stance On Pyongyang South Korea also dismantled its speakers along the border that had broadcast anti-North Korea messaging for years, a move Pyongyang reciprocated. Col. Lee Sung-jun, left, public affairs director of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Col. Ryan Donald, public affairs director of the United Nations Command, attend the press briefing for the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise at the Defense Ministry on Aug. 7, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea. Lee said his government would continue to make "gradual steps to restore the September 19 Military Agreement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I hope that North Korea will reciprocate our efforts to restore trust and revive dialogue," he added. Reuters contributed to this report. Original article source: Kim Jong Un calls for rapid upgrade to nuclear arsenal amid claims the US is trying to provoke war Colorado's unemployment rate fell for the second month in a row in July, even as the national labor market is seen as softening. SEOUL, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said a U.S.-South Korea joint military exercise showed their "will to ignite a war" and called for the rapid expansion of Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities, state media reported Tuesday. "The U.S.-ROK intensified military nexus and the muscle-flexing are the most obvious manifestation of their will to ignite a war," Kim said, according to state-run Korean Central News Agency. Kim made the remark as he inspected the North's first 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, at Nampo Shipyard on Monday -- the same day that the United States and South Korea kicked off an 11-day joint military exercise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The annual summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield includes live field maneuvers, computer simulation-based command post exercises and related civil defense drills. Some 21,000 troops, including 18,000 South Korean personnel, are participating this year. Kim said the allies' joint drills "have always been provocative and dangerous in their nature but the gravity is increasing," according to KCNA. "The security environment around the DPRK is getting more serious day by day and the prevailing situation requires us to make a radical and swift change in the existing military theory and practice and rapid expansion of nuclearization," he said. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his visit to Nampo Shipyard, Kim received a report on the Choe Hyon's various weapons systems and expressed "satisfaction over the fact that the major tasks for making the navy high-tech and nuclear-armed are progressing on a stage-by-stage basis as planned," KCNA said. The destroyer, which was launched in April, is armed with a wide range of weapons including anti-aircraft missiles, 127mm naval guns and nuclear-capable cruise and ballistic missiles, according to North Korean reports. A second destroyer, named the Kang Kon, was unveiled in May but suffered a launch accident that left it listing on its side. Kim, who was in attendance at the launch, called the mishap a "criminal act" and warned of serious consequences for those found responsible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ship was repaired and relaunched in June, although analysts have questioned whether it is fully operational. At that ceremony, Kim vowed to "commission two destroyers of the same class or higher into the navy every year." Kim's latest comments come as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is making a push to improve inter-Korean relations. In a speech Friday marking the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Lee vowed to "respect" North Korea's political system and said Seoul would not pursue "unification by absorption." "We have no intention of engaging in hostile acts," Lee said. "Going forward, our government will take consistent measures to substantially reduce tensions and restore trust." North Korea has so far rebuffed Lee's overtures. Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of the North Korean leader, recently condemned Seoul's "blind trust" in its military alliance with Washington and mocked reconciliation efforts as "nothing but a pipedream." KINSTON, N.C. (WNCT) Monecka Lowry, 45, was arrested on August 18th by the Kinston Police Department for carrying a concealed firearm and resisting a public officer. Officers responded to a report of a female subject looking for someone to shoot in the Carver Court area. Lowry was taken into custody after refusing to comply with commands, and a concealed firearm was found in her bag. She was held under a secured bond at the Lenoir County Jail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Kinston Police Department thanked the community for its assistance in keeping neighborhoods safe. FOR MORE: 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 WNCT. Kisch underscored that the budget issues stemmed from the Finance Ministry and National Security Ministry not having finalized funding for school security. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Education Minister Yoav Kisch both said that they would oppose the upcoming state budget proposal on Tuesday, unless funding would be provided for security at educational institutions ahead of the upcoming school year. The Finance Ministry will propose an additional increase in the 2025 budget for security needs at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday afternoon. The decision will later be brought to the Knesset at the end of its recess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 28 billion shekels are expected to go toward Israel's defense budget, including 1.6 billion shekels toward humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, KAN News reported. The security of Israels students comes before everything else. It is inconceivable that while humanitarian aid for Gaza is being expanded, Israels students will be left without protection, Kisch stated. We demand that the Finance Ministry close the budget gap and ensure full security in every school, he continued. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrives for a court hearing at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem, on September 11, 2024 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) Ben-Gvir stated, At a time when the Finance Ministry wants to expand the budget for humanitarian aid, it is harming the security of our children. This is a disgrace that cannot be tolerated." Kisch warns school year may be delayed due to funding issues The remarks come after Kisch warned that the start of the upcoming school year may be delayed due to the unresolved security funding issues at a Knesset Education Committee meeting last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kisch also stressed in the meeting that delaying the start of the school year would have significant financial consequences, which he claimed would cost more than providing funding for security measures at schools. Without providing security for educational institutions, we will not begin the school year, Kisch said at the committee meeting. Kisch underscored that the budget issues stemmed from the Finance Ministry and National Security Ministry not having finalized funding for school security. Zohar Ullman Yechizkel from the National Security Ministry said that Ben-Gvir was working to resolve the issues. Kmart New Zealand is in the crosshairs of the New Zealand Commerce Commission (NZCC) after the discount department chain couldnt confirm its 100 percent sustainably sourced cotton advertising claims. Our message to businesses is simple, said Vanessa Horne, general manager of the Commerce Commissions competition, fair trading and credit branch. If you cant back it up, dont say it. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From Aug. 2023 to Oct. 2024, Kmart NZ Holdings Limited advertised certain products as containing 100 percent sustainably-sourced cotton. During the investigation, the independent Crown entity reported that Kmart admitted its Better Cotton was actually mixed with conventional cotton in the supply chain. Specifically, while Kmart NZ utilized Better Cotton, as sourced through the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), the investigation revealed that within the supply chain, this BCI-certified cotton was blended with conventional cotton. Because of the mixing, Kmart NZ cannot guarantee its clothing was made from 100 percent sustainably sourced cottonthus making the claim misleading. Businesses know that consumers are increasingly considering the environment when buying goods or services and may be influenced to purchase from one company over another because of their environmental claims, said Horne. Unsubstantiated claims are unfair for businesses who put in the time and resource to make sure their environmental claims are legitimate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kmart NZ agreed with the NZCC that consumers have a right to clear and accurate information, a spokesperson confirmed to Sourcing Journaland that Kmart NZ advised the NZCC that the retailer could not say, with certainty, that 100 percent of its cotton was sustainability sourced. But other elements were less settled upon. The NZCCs comment that Kmart admitted that its Better Cotton was mixed with conventional cotton is incorrect, the spokesperson said. Kmart is disappointed with the Commissions assessment and notes that the statement appeared on a now inactive webpage. That being said, NZCCs issue seemingly stems from Better Cottons mass balance system. This chain of custody model lets brands pay farmers to grow a certain amount of sustainable cotton and then collect an equivalent amount of the fiber after ginning and spinning, which could have conventional fibers mixed in. The scheme has been a recurring source of scrutiny for the nonprofit. Last June, Earthsight questioned the legitimacy of Better Cottons chain of custody system and certification process after a whistleblower told the Fashion Crimes nonprofit that some Better Cotton staff in its Swiss and UK-based offices have manipulated the schemes data on its online platformmeaning brands using Better Cotton may be making sustainability claims based on defective data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kmarts cotton is largely sourced through Better Cotton, the worlds largest cotton sustainability program based on a mass balance modelused by over 300 brands globallyor is recycled or certified organic cotton, a spokesperson told SJ. For Kmart NZ, because its Better Cotton was sourced via the BCIs mass balance system, it could be mixed with other types of cottonmeaning the final product might not contain any Better Cottonper the warning. For BCI, its crucial for retailers and brands, as well as other partnering companies, to communicate their sourcing and use of Better Cotton correctly and with complete transparency. We recognize that generic claims of sustainability are misleading to consumers, and we have a framework which guides members to make claims which are specific, accurate and credible, a Better Cotton spokesperson told SJ. Since November 2023, Better Cotton Traceability has allowed physical Better Cotton to be traced back to its country of origin, increasing the amount of information about sourcing available to retailers and brands for their communications to customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the NZCCs raised concerns, Kmart NZ removed the 100 percent sustainably sourced cotton claim from its website. Kmart NZ will reportedly continue to provide regular compliance training for its staff members in consumer and competition law. In the event of a repeat offense in the future, the NZCC has stated that legal action remains an option. Consumers have a right to clear and accurate information; greenwashing makes it virtually impossible for a consumer to identify if a product is genuinely sustainable, Horne said. Kmarts absolute claim of 100 percent sustainably sourced cotton implies a high level of certainty that we believe Kmart did not have. Of note: Kmart Australia has been a Better Cotton retailer and brand member since 2017. In October 2020, Kmart celebrated an important milestone with their customers since setting the ambitious goal of 100 percent more sustainably sourced cotton by July 2020 back in 2017 as part of their Better Together sustainability program, Lucy King, then-serving as Kmart Australias sustainable materials manager, said Feb. 2022 during a Q+A with Better Cotton. Kmart launched its 100 percent sustainably sourced cotton brand campaign to celebrate that all of the cotton for Kmarts own brand clothing, bedding and towels range is now sourced as Better Cotton, organic or recycled cotton. BOISE, Idaho (AP) Bryan Kohberger developed a reputation for being sexist and creepy while attending a criminal justice program in the months before he killed four University of Idaho students in 2022, fellow grad students told investigators. His behavior was so problematic that one Washington State University faculty member told co-workers that if he ever became a professor, he would likely stalk or sexually abuse his future students, according to the documents. She urged her co-workers to cut Kohberger's funding to remove him from the program. He is smart enough that in four years we will have to give him a Ph.D., the woman told her colleagues, according to the report from Idaho State Police Detective Ryan O'Harra. She continued, Mark my word, I work with predators, if we give him a Ph.D., that's the guy that in in that many years when he is a professor, we will hear is harassing, stalking, and sexually abusing ... his students at wherever university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summaries of the interviews with students and instructors at Washington State University were included among more than 550 pages of investigation documents released by Idaho State Police last week in response to public record requests. Kohberger was sentenced to life in prison without parole last month for the stabbing murders of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at a rental home near the Moscow, Idaho, campus early on Nov. 13, 2022. The WSU faculty member told investigators that Kohberger would sometimes go into an office where several female grad students worked, physically blocking the door. Sometimes, she would hear one of the women say, I really need to get out of here, so she would intercede by going into the office to allow the student to leave. The faculty member believed Kohberger was stalking people. She told police that someone had reportedly broken into a female graduate student's apartment in September or October, stealing perfume and underwear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An unnamed Ph.D. student who was in the same program as Kohberger told police that he enjoyed conflict, was disparaging toward women and that he especially liked to talk about sexual burglary his field of study. Some people in the department thought he was a possible future rapist and speculated that he might be an incel, she told the officer. About three weeks after the murders, Kohberger told the Ph.D. student that whoever had committed the crimes must have been pretty good, Idaho State Police Detective Sgt. Michael Van Leuven wrote in a report. Kohberger also told the woman that the murders might have been a one and done type thing, Van Leuven wrote. The woman said she had never met anyone who acted in such a condescending manner and wondered why people in power in the department did not address his behavior, Van Leuven wrote. The way he spoke to females in the department was unsettling to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One instructor told police that she was assigned to work with Kohberger on his doctoral program. In late August 2022, she said she began receiving complaints about him from students and staff in the criminal justice program. The instructor told police that she spent a lot of time speaking about Kohberger during disciplinary meetings. The meetings focused around Kohbergers interactions with fellow post-graduate students, in and out of the classroom, along with his behavior around some of the criminal justice professors, according to an investigators report. The school got nine separate complaints from faculty members, administration staffers and other students about his rude and belittling behavior toward women, Idaho State Police Detective Sean Prosser wrote in a report. In response, the school held a mandatory training class for all graduate students about behavior expectations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of Kohberger's fellow students and instructors at WSU did not suspect his involvement in the killings, according to the police reports. But at least one fellow student noticed his behavior changed after the murders. The student said Kohberger frequently used his phone before the killings, but stopped bringing his cellphone to class after the murders. He also appeared more disheveled in the weeks after the killings, the student told police, and she thought it was odd that he never participated in conversations about the Moscow deaths. She eventually called a police tip line to report that she had seen Kohberger with bloody knuckles just prior to the killings and his hand looked like he had been hitting something. ___ Associated Press reporter Corey Williams contributed from Detroit. Question : I know the Maui funding has income limits, but what about assets ? Do they look at that ? Particularly the first-time homebuyer grants ? Answer : No, not according to the Maui County Office of Recoverys online presentation held Aug. 9, which clarified that assets are not considered in applications for any of the three current Ho okumu Hou programs. Income limits apply for all three. The first-time homebuyer program is for current or returning Maui residents with income up to 120 % of the area median, with priority given to renters displaced by the 2023 Maui wildfires. The maximum grant is $600, 000 per applicant. An applicant must be able to secure a mortgage, so assets such as savings may be a factor then. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other two programs are for single-family homeowners whose houses burned down. For details, and to watch recordings of community presentations that answered many questions about eligibility, go to. Finalized policies, including about assets, were discussed at the Aug. 9 meeting. Q : How long do they hold onto items accidentally left on TheBus ? I wont be getting to town the rest of the week. I called the Lost & Found but it was closed. A : Found items are held for 45 days, with some exceptions, such as unclaimed bicycles, which are turned over to the Honolulu Police Department after five days, according to the website for Oahus public bus system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Report a lost item by calling TheBus customer serv ice at 808-848-5555 ; press 5 after the recorded greeting begins. The office is open Monday through Friday from 7 :30 a.m. to 4 p.m., except holidays. Or use the online form, found via, where theres also special instructions about lost bicycles. Dont use the online form to report urgent losses. When the Lost & Found Office is closed and you believe you may have left an emergency item on TheBus such as a wallet, airline tickets, passport, or prescription medication, call TheBus Transit Information (5 :30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily ) at 848-5555 and Press 2. Please be aware : The Information Representative can only assist with emergency items, the website says. The agent will relay your information to the proper department and as circumstances allow, a best effort will be made to assist in the recovery of your item, the website says. TheBus Lost & Found is inside the transit pass office of the Kalihi Transit Center, at the corner of Middle Street and Kamehameha Highway, it says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Q : Up until a few months ago, there was a page on the citys website for the rail ridership numbers by month. Now I cant find it. Is it still active ? Im certain a lot of us taxpayers want to see the numbers. A : Yes, its at, on a section of the Honolulu Department of Transportation Services website devoted to Skyline, Oahus elevated rail-transit system. Skyline had a total of 95, 792 riders in July, the most recent report posted ; click on any month from June 2023 to July 2025 to see ridership for the time period. Mahalo A big mahalo to Humana for the kupuna rest area at the Made in Hawaii Festival. After seeing the two-hour-long lines on social media, its clear that a lot of us seniors would not have been able to attend the festival if we had to wait in that line. Comfortable chairs, water bottles and convention center employees passing out brochures and scanning our QR codes made the wait even more comfortable. Please bring it back next year !A reader (Editors note : The senior-citizen section, sponsored this year by the health-insurance company, allowed kupuna to sit while others in their party stood in line ; when the rest of their party reached the front of the line, the kupuna joined them to enter the festival, according to the event website. The annual festival was held Friday through Sunday at the Hawai i Convention Center.)------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------ After Donald Trump announced a federal takeover of the police force in Washington, Korean-language posts shared unrelated photos alongside a false claim that the US president had declared martial law in the capital. Some also drew a comparison to former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law in December 2024, but several experts told AFP that Trump's actions do not constitute a suspension of civilian rule. "Martial law has been declared in Washington. It is an exclusive presidential authority and an act of governance," reads a Korean-language post shared August 12, 2025 on Threads. The post includes an image of a military convoy crossing a bridge and a picture showing a group of soldiers riding the metro. A cut-out photo of Trump pointing forward is superimposed over the images. Screenshot of the false Threads post taken August 12, 2025, with a red cross added by AFP It surfaced after Trump said he would place the US capital's Metropolitan Police under federal control, which would be backed up by 800 DC National Guardsmen, to curb violent crime in the city of 700,000 (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In June, Trump similarly deployed National Guard troops and US Marines in Los Angeles -- the first time since 1965 that a US president deployed the National Guard against the wishes of a state governor. Unlike the 50 states, the District of Columbia operates under a unique relationship with the federal government that limits its autonomy and grants Congress extraordinary control over local matters (archived here and here). The overwhelmingly Democratic city faces allegations from Republican politicians that it is overrun by crime, plagued by homelessness and financially mismanaged. Data from Washington police, however, show significant drops in violent crime between 2023 and 2024 after a post-pandemic surge (archived link). The same images spread elsewhere on Facebook and Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similar X posts also drew a comparison between Trump's actions and Yoon's, arguing it showed the impeached former South Korean president's martial law declaration did not amount to a crime (archived link). Yoon plunged South Korea into a political crisis when he sought to subvert civilian rule on December 3, sending troops to parliament in a bid to prevent lawmakers from voting down his declaration of martial law. Yoon -- who now faces charges of insurrection and abuse of power -- became the country's first sitting president to be arrested in January 2025. His brief imposition of martial law in South Korea differs from Trump's deployment of military and federal law enforcement to Washington, according to experts in both countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The regular civilian laws are in effect in DC," said John Yoo, a law professor at the University of California-Berkeley (archived link). "In fact, there is no federal statute for declaring martial law in DC, not to mention the United States as a whole." He added on August 18: "Someone could think that the use of troops in DC is somehow similar to what happened in Korea. But that would be incorrect as a legal matter." No suspension of civilian rule There is no established definition of martial law in the United States, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, but it "usually refers to a power that, in an emergency, allows the military to take the place of the civilian government and exercise jurisdiction over civilians in a particular area" (archived link). An announcement on the White House website, titled "Restoring Law and Order in the District of Columbia", makes no mention of the military taking the place of Washington's civilian government (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement, signed by Trump, reads: "I must also ensure that all citizens can avail themselves of the right to interact with their elected representatives, and that the Federal Government can properly function, without fear of being subjected to violent, menacing street crime." The District of Columbia filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administrations moves to install Drug Enforcement Administration chief Terry Cole as "emergency" police commissioner. District Judge Ana Reyes brokered a deal under which Cole agreed to give directives through the mayors office (archived link). Members of the US National Guard patrol in front of Union Station in Washington on August 14, 2025 Jim WATSON AFP Jim WATSON / AFP Legal experts in South Korea dismissed comparisons between Trump's actions and those of former president Yoon. Chung Tae-ho, a constitutional law professor at Kyung Hee University, told AFP that "Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law sought to dismantle the democratic constitutional order by mobilising the military" (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "By contrast, Trump does not appear to have deployed the National Guard to destroy the democratic constitutional order, so the intent itself differs from the outset," he said August 15. Paik Eun-seok, a professor at Handong International Law School and a US-trained lawyer, told AFP there are "clear differences" between Trump and Yoon's actions (archived link). "On December 3, the president not only declared martial law but also sought to restrict or seize control of the functions of the National Assembly, the National Election Commission, and the courts, using military forces -- thus constituting a martial law situation," he said August 15. "While Washington's Metropolitan Police has been placed under federal control, the National Guard has not replaced them, and therefore it can be argued it is not martial law in the usual sense." Misused visuals Reverse image searches on Google also show the photos used in the false posts predate the federal takeover of Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first image of tanks and military vehicles crossing a bridge was taken during a June 14, 2025 parade in Washington to honour the 250th anniversary of the US Army. Trump hosted the event on his 79th birthday, spurring protests across the country accusing him of acting like a dictator (archived link). "A tank drives past the Lincoln Memorial as other vehicles line up on the Arlington Memorial Bridge during the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade and Celebration on Saturday June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC," reads the photo's caption on the Getty Images website, which credits The Washington Post (archived link). The second image of soldiers sitting on a train was taken January 20, 2021 ahead of former US president Joe Biden's inauguration. "Soldiers with the North Carolina National Guard ride a Metro train that will get them to the station they will guard for the 59th Presidential Inauguration in Washington on Jan. 20, 2021," reads its caption on the National Guard website (archived link). Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared images (L) and the photos on the Getty Images and National Guard websites (top and bottom right) More than 25,000 National Guard members from across the United States were deployed in the capital before and during the inauguration as part of an unprecedented security response after Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6 following a rally denouncing the election results. AFP has previously debunked other claims related to Yoon's declaration of martial law and the situation in Washington. The Kremlin has played down talk of an imminent summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky, as Donald Trump renewed his call for the two leaders to meet to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The push for a bilateral meeting comes after the US president met Putin in Alaska last week, and welcomed seven European leaders and Zelensky to the White House on Monday. Trump admitted the conflict was "a tough one" to solve and conceded it was possible the Russian president was not interested in ending hostilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks," he said on Tuesday. "It's possible that he doesn't want to make a deal." Putin faced a "rough situation" if that were the case, Trump added, without offering any details. Despite initially pushing for a three-way summit with Putin and Zelensky, Trump is now suggesting "it would be better" if the two leaders initially met without him. He added that he would attend a meeting with the two leaders "if necessary", but wanted to "see what happens". The Russian president told Trump on Monday that he was "open" to the idea of direct talks with Ukraine, but the next day Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov watered down that already vague commitment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any meeting would have to be prepared "gradually... starting with the expert level and thereafter going through all the required steps", he said, repeating a frequent noncommittal Kremlin line. Dmitry Polyanskiy, a Russian deputy representative to the UN, told the BBC "nobody [had] rejected" the opportunity for direct talks, "but it shouldn't be a meeting for the sake of a meeting". Nato's military chiefs are expected to hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, while the UK's military chief, Admiral Tony Radakin, is travelling to Washington for discussions on the deployment of a reassurance force in Ukraine. It was reported that Putin had suggested to Trump that Zelensky could travel to Moscow for talks, something Ukraine was never likely to accept. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The proposal may have been Russia's way of putting forward an option so far-fetched Kyiv could not possibly have agreed to it. Talks over the last few days appear to have given Trump a renewed understanding of the complexities of the war and the gulf between Moscow's demands and Kyiv's position. The much-vaunted ceasefire he said he could get Putin to agree to has not materialised, and now the US president has said Ukraine and Russia should move directly to a permanent peace deal instead - but some headway was made in terms of security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky and European leaders seem to have convinced Trump that such commitments would be paramount to Kyiv's sovereignty in the event of a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Trump said the US was willing to help the Europeans "by air" if they provided boots on the ground in Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire or peace deal, although he ruled out deploying US troops. The US president, however, did not go into the specifics of whether such air support may entail intelligence or the use of fighter jets and war planes. While Trump's commitments remain vague, the France and UK-led "coalition of the willing" said it had been working to firm up plans for a reassurance force that could be sent to Ukraine if the hostilities end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a virtual meeting of the group on Tuesday, a Downing Street spokesperson said the group would meet US counterparts in the coming days to "further strengthen plans to deliver robust security guarantees". Emmanuel Macron attended the "coalition of the willing" virtual conference on Tuesday [Getty Images] Following his summit with Putin and latest talks with Zelensky, Trump now appears to think direct talks between Ukraine and Russia could bring a peace deal closer - although he acknowledged there had been "tremendous bad blood" between the two leaders. The last time they met was in 2019. Since then, Moscow's war on Kyiv has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties as well as widespread destruction and ongoing aerial attacks on civilian targets. Putin considers Zelensky illegitimate and views him as responsible for Ukraine's growing proximity to the West. For years, he has made baseless claims about Kyiv being ruled by a "neo-Nazi regime" and has said any ceasefire with Ukraine would need to entail a change in Kyiv's leadership - while Russian state media routinely mocks Zelensky and calls him a "clown". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia also has little interest in agreeing to talks while its troops have the upper hand on the front line. Still, European leaders and Zelensky have spoken in favour of the idea of a bilateral meeting. The Ukrainian president said on Monday he was open to "any format" of meeting Putin, while the Europeans have been putting forward ideas for potential summit locations. French President Emmanuel Macron has mentioned the Swiss city of Geneva, while Budapest has reportedly been floated by Hugarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. However, Orban has maintained close ties with Moscow and has recently pushed the argument that Russia has won the war in Ukraine - so Kyiv may be sceptical that Budapest would offer sufficiently neutral ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By enthusiastically supporting direct talks, they are likely hoping to convince Trump to revert to a tougher stance against Moscow should Putin remain unwilling to take steps to end the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine's European partners appear significantly less optimistic than Trump that a resolution of the conflict could be within reach. On Tuesday, Macron called Putin "a predator, and an ogre at our doorstep" and expressed "the greatest doubt" that the Russian president was willing to work towards peace. Finnish President Alexander Stubb said Putin was "rarely to be trusted", adding he was sceptical about a meeting with Zelensky materialising. More high-level talks are planned for the coming days as questions over Trump's level of support for Europe remain. Election officials should not remove or downgrade the status of any of the roughly 200,000 voters caught up in a registration snafu unless they prove they are ineligible to vote, according to Attorney General Kris Mayes. In an opinion issued Aug. 18, Mayes attempts to set a uniform standard for the 15 county recorders as they work to update the status of longtime voters who registered to vote before a 2004 voter-approved law required proof of citizenship. However, an attorney general's opinion does not have the force of law. And some counties have taken a different approach to resolving the issue, raising a question of possible unequal treatment of voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap has notified 83,000 voters in the state's most populous county that if they do not submit proof of citizenship within 90 days, they will be reclassified as eligible to vote only in federal elections. That means they would not be able to vote a full ballot in the upcoming 2026 elections, which include contests for governor and other statewide posts. Instead, these voters would be limited to voting in the congressional race in their district. Heap's letter came after his office mailed an incorrect notice to voters suggesting they had moved out of state, an error that Heap largely blamed on a vendor. Heap's office did not return a call requesting comment on the attorney general's guidance. What does Mayes' opinion say? Mayes' opinion concluded that current law does not allow county recorders to reject a voter's registration status unless the voter proves he or she is ineligible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayes bolstered her opinion by pointing to arguments made by the Arizona Supreme Court last fall. Election officials at the time scrambled to clarify how voters whose registrations predated the 2004 Proposition 200 should be treated. The high court concluded that the pool of affected voters followed the requirements in place at the time of registration and therefore, they should not be punished by having their registration applications rejected. The political sphere: Biden-era rule designed to protect workers from extreme heat is in jeopardy "The idea of 'rejecting' their applications now would be like an employer 'rejecting' job applications of thousands of longtime employees," the court wrote in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Adrian Fontes asked for the opinion in May, noting county recorders were taking different approaches to curing what became known as a registration "glitch. In a statement Aug. 18, Fontes encouraged the recorders, who handle voter registration matters, to follow this interpretation of the law as they work through their lists of affected voters. Opinion backs Coconino County's process The opinion was good news to Coconino County Recorder Aubrey Sonderegger. It's exactly what Coconino County has been doing all along," Sonderegger told The Republic. "We have more than cut our list in half." The county has already verified the status of 3,600 of the estimated 5,600 county voters affected by the issue, she said. All but one of them were found to be eligible to vote a full ballot, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These people werent doing anything nefariously," she said. Instead, they were caught up in a timing issue as voter registration standards changed in Arizona. I'm very relieved to hear the AG opinion," Sondegregger said. "It just means we can keep doing what weve been doing. Reach the reporter at maryjo.pitzl@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-228-7566 and follow her on social media@maryjpitzl. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Kris Mayes says AZ voters affected by 'glitch' should get full ballot Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blamed the media for her decision to move to a rent-free military home, a space usually reserved for the top Coast Guard official. Speaking on Fox News Hannity on Monday evening, Noem argued that she had to leave her apartment in the Navy Yard neighborhood of Washington, D.C. because of the threats shed received after news organizations published details about her two-bedroom condo. The Daily Mail first reported she was living at a Navy Yard condo in April and published photos outside the building. Last week, the Washington Post revealed that the Homeland Security secretary pays no rent at her new living arrangement: Quarters 1 at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in D.C., used to house the Coast Guard Commandant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On his eponymous show, host Sean Hannity asked Noem if she had to be moved to military housing because of threats against your life and doxxing of your home residence. Temporarily. I still pay rent at an apartment in Navy Yard but had to leave there because the media put my address, my apartment, the logistics, where the windows were, and details out to the public, Noem said. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended her move into military housing, where she pays no rent, and claims the relocation was necessary due to threats (via REUTERS) The threats were so much that, temporarily, I had to stay somewhere else, she said. The Washington Post did it again, Noem added. Thats really the carelessness and the thoughtlessness and the heartlessness that the media operates in right now, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noem temporarily moved to Quarters 1 due to the Daily Mails photos, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told the Post. Its not immediately clear how long she plans to stay at the military residence or when she moved in. The Daily Mail first reported Noems move to military housing in July. Following the medias publishing of the location of Secretary Noems Washington DC apartment, she has faced vicious doxing on the dark web and a surge in death threats, including from the terrorist organizations, cartels, and criminals gangs that DHS targets. Due to threats and security concerns, she has been forced to temporarily stay in secure military housing. Secretary Noem continues to pay rent for her Navy Yard residence, McLaughlin told The Independent in a statement. As the DHS officers Secretary Noem leads face a 1000 percent increase in assaults against them, the Washington Post chose to again publish where Secretary Noem is stayingendangering her security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump nominated Admiral Kevin E. Lunday for the role of Commandant of the Coast Guard, but he has yet to be confirmed. Lunday, who currently serves as acting commandant, lives in a nearby home on base, the Post reported. Noem has been temporarily staying at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, where the Commandant of the Coast Guard typically lives (AFP via Getty Images) The DHS oversees the Coast Guard and Noems new digs have raised concerns among former and current Coast Guard officials, the Post reported. Cynthia Brown, senior ethics counsel at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, also remarked on the perception of her new living situation. What are the optics? Brown told the Post. And is this taking advantage of your individual position as a government official to benefit unduly? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeh Johnson, DHS secretary under President Barack Obama, told The Post that Noems stay marks the first time a Homeland Security secretary had lived in government housing. He told the outlet he was concerned about the message that sends down the line in the career military community. Retired Coast Guard Admiral Paul Zukunft, who served as Coast Guard Commandant from 2014 through 2018, similarly told the outlet: Quarters 1 has been used exclusively by the current serving commandant since we entered into an agreement for this quarters circa 2010. McLaughlin insisted that the move was necessary because Noem had been so horribly doxxed and targeted that she is no longer able to safely live in her own apartment. For the past half-century, a tree-lined stretch of 48th Street in La Grange was named Linklater Court in memory of the west suburbs longtime village attorney William John Linklater, who died in 1971. Yet the La Grange Village Board recently stripped the street of this honorary moniker after the late lawyers daughter accused him of sexually abusing her as a child during a stunning public comment session at a Village Board meeting. Anne Brandt, 79, at a late June meeting, implored village officials to remove the streets honorary name, alleging her father had sexually abused her as a child during the 1950s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am the daughter of William Linklater for whom the street is named. William Linklater groomed me and sexually abused me from when I was approximately 5 years old until I was 10 years old in our home, Brandt told the Village Board. For the village of La Grange to change Linklater Court back to its original name of 48th Street would be an outward sign that La Grange does not honor pedophiles. It would be a sign that this current board recognizes the rights of the injuredthe innocents and those without a voice. At least one family member, however, disputes Brandts claims of abuse. Erin Linklater Palumbo, a granddaughter of the late village attorney, said in an email to the Tribune that the family vociferously disagrees with the unfounded and unsupported allegations made by Ms. Brandt. In a recent letter to the La Grange board of trustees, Palumbo said the designation of Linklater Court had been an honorary distinction that brought our family great pride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palumbos letter requested a formal apology from the village of La Grange affirming that the Village does not endorse or affirm the serious and unproven allegations made by Ms. Brandt, and that village officials share this clarification with news media that have reported on the street sign name change. This action has caused unnecessary harm to our family and has diminished the legacy of a man who served La Grange with integrity, the letter said. The letter did not ask La Grange officials to reverse the decision to change the street name. Despite her familys public disagreement, Brandt remains firm in her resolve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Denial is a protective mechanism for families but it does not alter the truth of the survivor, she said in response to Palumbos comments. When contacted by the Tribune, another daughter of William John Linklater confirmed that Brandt is her sister but declined to comment on Brandts allegations. At the June board meeting, Brandt had asked the board to join her in taking a stand against sexual abuse. As a member of the Linklater family and a childhood abuse survivor, I am determined to have the name removed. The name was changed from 48th Street to honor the man, who was village attorney, for his years of service, Brandt added. I am asking for the change back to 48th Street to honor all the current and past victims of this silent global pandemic of childhood sexual abuse. Honoring an abuser needs to be corrected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after her comments, a village trustee thanked Brandt for being so brave to come here tonight and share, though the board did not discuss the issue during that meeting. La Grange resident Nancy Kenney, a friend of Brandt, also spoke to the board in favor of changing the street name. Kenney told the board she had known Brandt almost all my life, adding that they both taught at a local parochial school years ago and Brandt later worked for Kenneys real estate company. Although Brandt lives out of state, she still holds an Illinois real estate license, according to Illinois records. I learned about Annes situation some years ago. So its been going on for a long time, or it was when she was a little girl. And I hope that we can help her, Kenney said during the public comment session. To us, the name Linklater Court is just a name. To Anne, it would make a huge difference in her life. And I think that she deserves that. She grew up in La Grange, went to local schools and is a wonderful person. So I hope that all of you can help her so she can be at peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a meeting in mid-July, the Village Board unanimously approved an ordinance reverting the street name back to 48th Street. The ordinance does not cite Brandt or her allegations against her father, though it does say that the village has received a request to drop the honorary name. Consideration of the change was prompted by Anne Linklater, who is a daughter of Mr. Linklater, added La Grange Village Manager Jack Knight in an email to the Tribune. The ordinance also noted that the village has authority to assign names to any street, road, avenue, alley, or other public place under its jurisdiction, according to Illinois municipal code. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Village Board did not discuss the ordinance, which was on the consent agenda, before voting. The village president and trustees did not return Tribune requests for comment on why they voted for the street name change nor did they respond to Palumbos statements disputing Brandts allegations. The street signs have already been changed back to reflect the new ordinance, Knight said. Brandt, who was born and raised in La Grange, traveled back to her hometown to speak to the board in June and then again in July to witness the board voting to remove her fathers name from the street designation. During a recent interview with the Tribune, Brandt said she was grateful to La Grange staff and the Village Board for changing the street name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant say enough about how the board handled this whole thing and how they treated me. They were just kind and attentive and respectful, she said. The town acted like I hoped the town would. It felt so good and I felt so supported. Brandt said four people have sent her photos of the new street signs, which she said she was happy to view. Her father was village attorney from 1954 to 1971, according to La Grange village records. A segment of 48th Street had been named Linklater Court through the passage of a village ordinance in 1975, Knight said. Brandts mother, Jean Connell Linklater, was a lifelong resident of La Grange who graduated from Loyola University School of Law and died in 1986, according to her obituary in the Tribune. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She and William John Linklater had two daughters and a son, the obituary said; their son, former Chicago Bar President William Joe Linklater, died a few months ago, according to his obituary. This whole mission is not against my mother or my father, Brandt added. This is for current victims and past victims of child sexual abuse. Including myself. Im doing it for my young self and for all the others who cant speak up, who maybe dont have a voice. HONOLULU (KHON2) The Toddler of the Year contest is on, and this toddler from Lahaina is looking for your support! UH introduces 7 new perks for their football fans Kash Nguyen is a toddler from Maui who aims to spread joy wherever he goes. New data reveals Hawaiis shocking childcare costs, surge in internet crimes We live in Kahana, just north of Lahaina. Since the fire, there hasnt been much to cheer about. But with Kash, he makes everybody smile wherever he goes. So, this is our chance to help make a difference and uplift the community that has been so good to us as we progress through the competition, the Nguyen family said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duy Nguyen, Kashs dad, added, We wanted someone to represent Maui, Lahaina and Hawaii. Everybody in town is rooting for him; its great to see everyone pulling together and rooting for him. Portrait of Kash Nguyen (Courtesy: Duy Nguyen) Portrait of Kash Nguyen (Courtesy: Duy Nguyen) Kash on the course (Courtesy: Duy Nguyen) Kash enjoying the sunset (Courtesy: Duy Nguyen) The contest helps raise money for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. All donations raised come from the voters throughout the contest. The Marine Toys for Tots provides for children in need and helps spread joy during the holiday season. Growing up, I know Ive had a few toys from Toys for Tots. All of our supporters, some have just voted daily with their free votes, but some are more fortunate and donate to Toys for Tots we are close to $1,000 in donations. We are pretty proud of that and to give back to Toys for Tots, Nguyen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The winner of Toddler of the Year gets to lead the Hollywood Christmas Parade, star in a national ad campaign and receive a cash prize of $25,000. After the Lahaina fires that occurred two years ago, Kash and his family have been struggling with the economic and housing impacts. The Nguyen family was asked what this cash prize would mean for them when they entered the contest. The Nguyen family responded, Recently, our town of Lahaina had the historic fire that devastated our town. It has changed all our lives in some way. The housing crisis out here is for real. Tourism has slowed down. Extra cash would be nice to put toward a down payment for a home, so we have more space to grow as a family. Education is also top of the list, so it could help out with Daycare or pre-school. Helping out our community is also big on the agenda. Winnings are nice, but its about celebrating Kash as a toddler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kash is currently in second place for his age group, needing support to reach the quarter finals, which start Sept. 1. We just want to say thank you to all the supporters from around town of Lahaina that are hopping on board to help Kash win the competition and shed a positive light on our town and bring hope, Nguyen said. Check out more news from around Hawaii Visit the website to vote for Kash and donate to the Marines Toys for Tots. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Laken Riley's mother and stepfather endorsed Rep. Mike Collins, a House Republican running for U.S. Senate in Georgia, according to a campaign press release. Riley was a 22-year-old nursing student murdered last year by Venezuelan man Jose Ibarra, who was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. "There is simply no one else in this race who deserves to be in the U.S. Senate more than Mike Collins. He is someone who says what he means, means what he says, and actually delivers results that matter," Allyson Riley and John Phillips, said in a statement, according to the press release. Many reports have previously referred to Riley's mother as Allyson Phillips, not Allyson Riley, as the press release does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Ally Mike Collins Launches Key Battleground State Bid To Flip Democrat-held Senate Seat "What Mike did for our family wasn't about politics and it wasn't about attention or the spotlight. He stood up to do what was right and help bring justice for our sweet Laken. For that, our family will be forever grateful to Mike Collins, Senator Katie Britt, and President Trump," they declared in the statement. The "Laken Riley Act" was the first piece of legislation that President Donald Trump signed into law after starting his second term earlier this year. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Signs Laken Riley Act Into Law As First Legislative Victory In New Administration Incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is aiming to win re-election next year in the Peach State, voted in favor of passing the legislation. "The Biden administration and our current senators voted for open borders that allowed Laken's killer to come to the United States. They were looking out for illegal immigrants instead of looking out for their own constituents," the couple declared in their statement. Collins noted in a post on X that he is "Incredibly humbled to have the support of Lakens family in our race for U.S. Senate" and that "She is why Im fightingand her cause keeps me focused on what's at stake." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Laken Riley Murder: Judge Sentences College Student Killer After Family Addresses Monster In Court Another House Republican, Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., is also making a bid for the Senate seat. Original article source: Laken Riley's mother and stepfather strongly endorse House Republican vying for US Senate seat A man was arrested on Aug. 5 by the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, along with the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office. ALSO READ: Lancaster County authorities capture suspect with multiple warrants William Frank Abbott, Jr., 32, faces multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation and abuse of a minor. He faces 19 charges, including two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor, four counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and 13 counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The South Carolina Attorney Generals Office will prosecute this case. WATCH: Cooling center set to open in Lancaster County On July 10, a church signed the deeds transferring a half-acre of land hosting a community center in the heart of San Gabriel less than a mile down the road from the Mission San Gabriel Arcangel to an Indigenous tribes nonprofit. On paper, it was a relatively ordinary transaction (except maybe for the $0 price tag); however, for the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians based in Los Angeles and Orange counties, it was anything but: For the first time in centuries, a piece of their ancestral territory belongs to them. There were books when my daughters were in grammar school and high school that stated we were extinct, said Art Morales, an elder and historian in the tribe. To Morales, persevering through that long, painful history is what makes the agreement so significant: The tribe is basically on the map now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lot, previously owned by the Presbytery of San Gabriel a unit of the Presbyterian Church (USA), one of the largest Presbyterian denominations in the nation hosts offices, a kitchen and a community space, as well as an outdoor patio and green space. The Gabrieleno Tongva Tribal Center at Siban'gna in San Gabriel. (Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times) Now, under the ownership of the tribe, led by the Gabrieleno Tongva Tribal Council, the space will host cultural ceremonies, government meetings, programming for tribal youths and a community food bank. Unlike tribes with federal recognition, the hundreds without it have no direct legal means to negotiate with the U.S. government for reservations. Instead, they often set up nonprofit organizations to acquire land through agreements with private organizations or states. In California, many tribes have found it difficult to secure federal recognition. They had to survive through three different occupying governments: Spain, Mexico and the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. government negotiated numerous agreements with California tribes that it has repeatedly failed to uphold often because the state got in the way. Additionally, in the late 19th century, a federal effort to send surveyors throughout the state to create reservations for California mission tribes began in San Diego but lost steam by the time it reached Los Angeles. The result is that even to this day, tribes without land including the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians until last month have had to find a venue (often local parks) and get all the proper permissions and permits any time they wanted to hold a public gathering. Everything is very labor-intensive on our part just so that we can actually engage in our culture, said Kimberly Johnson, secretary for the tribe. This breaks that barrier, and folks know they can go at any time and be together. I think, right now, people need each other more than anything. Chief Anthony Red Blood Morales of the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians walks through a former food pantry at Gabrieleno Tongva Tribal Center at Siban'gna. (Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times) Long before the lot was a community center, it sat in Siban'gna. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sibangna was a village of the First Peoples in the region. Nestled along the river, it was home to a few hundred individuals. Dome-shaped homes covered in tule, called ki, dotted the landscape. In 1771, Spanish priests tasked with establishing church footholds in the region decided to build what would become the San Gabriel Mission near the village. When the padres came through they used the words a land of abundance. They use words like 'water flowing' and 'food' and 'happiness,' Johnson said. To execute the mission project, they exerted control of the Native communities and forced Indigenous people many of whose descendants now refer to themselves as Gabrieleno, a term derived from the mission into labor to construct and maintain the mission. After the United States took over in the 19th century, it began using a different method of control: Redlining maps made it impossible for residents in low-rated areas to obtain mortgages and discouraged businesses from investing in the areas where Indigenous people lived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians' newly recovered land received the lowest possible rating at the time. In the assessment, the neighborhood was described as "a menace to this whole section," noting "pressure is being exerted to confine the population and keep it from infiltrating into other districts." In July, the Presbytery of San Gabriel returned land previously used as a community center to the tribe. (Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times) Now, more than 250 years after the Spanish first settled in current-day Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians one of several Gabrieleno tribes acknowledged by the state has finally gained a toehold back. To be able to connect to a land that our ancestors walked is very powerful, Johnson said. The land that we lived on and had a village on that we worked on, we were then told, 'It's illegal for you to own that land.' So to see it come full circle back to us again, it's very healing. Read more: California tribe enters first-of-its-kind agreement with the state to practice cultural burns Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Presbytery of San Gabriel began exploring options for the former community center site, Mona Recalde, who runs community outreach for the tribe and is deeply involved with the church, asked whether it would consider a land return. When Mona asked for just about everybody in the Presbyterian, it was an instantaneous recognition of how much sense this made, said Wendy Tajima, executive presbyter, or spiritual leader, of the church. For Tajima, it seemed like a way to make good on the promise of land acknowledgment the church, instead of just paying lip service regarding previous land grabs, could actually ameliorate some of the harm Christian institutions such as the mission caused in the past. The tribe hopes other religious institutions (including the Mission San Gabriel Arcangel just down the street) will follow the presbytery's lead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: White House announces first California marine sanctuary managed by Indigenous peoples The church and the tribe held a ceremony commemorating the agreement at the tribes new Gabrieleno Tongva Tribal Center at Siban'gna on Aug. 2. As Presbyterian ceremonies gave way to the Gabrielenos', an emotional Tajima couldnt help but feel the tribes deep-rooted connection to the land rekindling in real time. When the tribe started to burn the sage thats when it hit me, she said. This was a public witness of the first time that they could practice their traditions. They could be who they are and not have to ask anybody else. Art Morales, Chief Anthony Red Blood Morales, Mona Morales Recalde and MJ Yang of the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians stand for a portrait at the Gabrieleno Tongva Tribal Center at Siban'gna. (Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times) This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. National Guard members with 41st Field Artillery Regiment of New Orleans unload bags of ice to load into vehicles at a Hurricane Ida distribution point near the Lake Charles Civic Center on Aug. 31, 2020. (Photo by Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) Gov. Jeff Landry has approved sending 135 members of the Louisiana National Guard to Washington, D.C., in support of President Donald Trumps takeover of the citys police department. More than 1,000 National Guard soldiers from multiple states have been directed to the nations capital since Trump declared a crime emergency there, despite its violent crime rate reaching a 30-year low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are a nation of law and order. Our capital is a reflection of our nations respect, beauty, and standards, Landry wrote Monday in a social media post. We cannot allow our cities to be overcome by violence and lawlessness. I am proud to support this mission to return safety and sanity to Washington DC and cities all across our country, including right here in Louisiana. The governor did not indicate how long Louisianas guard members will be deployed. The part-time soldiers typically hold separate full-time jobs they must leave behind when on assignment. In addition Louisiana, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves will send 200 of his National Guard members to Washington; Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will send 150 members his states National Guard; South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster approved 200 members; and West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey will send up to 400 National Guard members. In addition to deploying the National Guard to Washington, Trump has leaned on the districts Home Rule Act to have the 3,400-person Metropolitan Police Force assist in immigration enforcement. Trumps emergency order expires in about three weeks, but he has said he intends to extend it and ask Congress to pay for the effort. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A 55-year-old Las Vegas man is dead following a hit-and-run crash in the east valley, police said. The crash occurred on August 12, shortly after 12:30 p.m., in the 3300 block of East Tropicana Avenue, near Pecos Road. The man identified by police as Constantino Ramirez was in a wheelchair while traveling through a parking lot when he was struck by an unknown driver of a gray or silver SUV, according to Las Vegas Metro police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramirez was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Days later, the Clark County coroners office told police that despite all life-saving efforts by hospital staff, Ramirez was pronounced dead on Aug. 16. The pedestrians death marked the 102nd traffic-related fatality in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Departments jurisdiction in 2025. Anyone with information is urged to call the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Departments Collision Investigation section at 702-828-2892 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A new, orange portrait of President Donald Trump appears to be the latest in a run of paintings hanging in the White House, with a senior aide teasing theres more to come. Deputy Assistant to the President Sebastian Gorka unveiled the artwork just hours after Trump hosted leaders from across Europe in hopes of finding a path to peace in Ukraine. The new painting shows a non-smiling Trump striding between a row of American flags, wearing a trademark navy suit and red tie combo set to a luminous burnt orange backdrop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the new @WhiteHouse paintings of President @realDonaldTrump, Gorka wrote on X Monday evening. More to come. The White House told The Independent that artist Vanessa Horabuena was behind the painting, which is hanging in the West Wing between Lower and Upper Press Offices. Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to the president, shared the portrait on Monday evening and suggested that there's 'more to come' (Sebastian Gorka/X) On Monday, as nine leaders of European nations and NATO posed for their family photo in the Grand Foyer ahead of a multilateral meeting in the East Room, Trump showed off another new artwork. Flanked by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to his right and French President Emmanuel Macron to his left, Trump pointed to a large painting depicting a bloodied president pumping his fist in Butler, Pennsylvania, last summer, after he survived an assassination attempt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That was not a good day, he said. That was not a great day. See the picture. That was not a great day! President @realDonaldTrump shows the European Leaders his Butler Fight, Fight, Fight painting pic.twitter.com/fGdBKhLjxj Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) August 18, 2025 The portrait joins an array of new paintings hung on the White House walls since Trump returned to office in January. In April, the president hung a striking new portrait of himself in the East Wing area with his face painted with the American flag. The picture was wedged between portraits of former first ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush. A month later, the president unveiled a piece in the West Wing that features him alongside former GOP presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan, in front of an American flag. A Trump staffer unveiled a new portrait of the president hanging in the White House hours after his summit on Ukraine (AFP/Getty) Trump, however, is notoriously particular about his depiction in paintings and portraits hanging in public institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president flew into a fit of rage in March, demanding that a portrait of himself painted by artist Sarah Boardman be removed from the Colorado Capitol building. Trump peddled a conspiracy theory that it was purposely distorted in an alleged petty plot orchestrated by Colorado Governor Jared Polis. The White House has donated a portrait, also painted by Horabuena, of Trump to the Colorado Capitol to replace one that the president hates. The Independent has contacted the White House for more information. WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) Wichita Falls Independent School District officials are still waiting for the TEA to tell them what intervention steps may be needed after the newest district school scores are released. The latest academic accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency were presented during a regular meeting of the Wichita Falls Independent School Districts Board of Trustees on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. THE LATEST: WFISD explains low TEA scores for new high schools Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A recording of the board meeting can be viewed in its entirety on the WFISD website. Debbie Dipprey, Executive Director of School Administration and former Acting Superintendent, presented the numbers to the Board of Trustees, highlighting both the poor scores of both Legacy and Memorial High Schools, while also pointing out the progress at several other district campuses. A list of the academic accountability ratings from the TEA for WFISD schools can be found below: Elementary Schools School 2023 2024 2025 Booker T. Washington 69 (D) 48 (F) 62 (D) Burgess 56 (F) 79 (C) 71 (C) Crockett 90 (A) 87 (B) 89 (B) Cunningham 48 (F) 68 (D) 73 (C) Fain 61 (D) 50 (F) 74 (C) Fowler 89 (B) 91 (A) 91 (A) Franklin 76 (C) 77 (C) 76 (C) Jefferson 73 (C) 81 (B) 88 (B) Milam 70 (C) 74 (C) 79 (C) Scotland Park 58 (F) 85 (B) 80 (B) Sheppard 91 (A) 92 (A) 93 (A) Southern Hills 68 (D) 68 (D) 59 (F) West Foundation 84 (B) 91 (A) 90 (A) Zundy 74 (C) 66 (D) 75 (C) Secondary Schools School 2023 2024 2025 Barwise Middle School 77 (C) 74 (C) 73 (C) Hirschi Middle School (Kirby) 68 (D) 51 (F) 64 (D) McNiel Middle School 76 (C) 76 (C) 74 (C) Legacy High School 58 (F) Memorial High School 66 (D) WATCH: WFISD Superintendent holds news conference to address TEA scores Dr. Donny Lee, WFISDs Superintendent, addressed the low scores at a press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the superintendents report on Monday night, Dr. Lee reiterated that the poor scores at the districts new high schools were deceptive and that he expects those numbers to be up next school year. While many of the WFISD School Board members shared Dr. Lees enthusiasm, the superintendent said some changes may still be needed at a few district campuses. Possible intervention, Dr. Lee said, Because those campuses were Fs, Southern Hills Elementary and Legacy High School, were anticipating that the TEA will reach out and say, theres going to be some interventions. WFISD NEWS: Hirschi Middle School addresses lunch time flash card concerns Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Dr. Lee, TEA interventions at failing campuses arent a new concept. He said its happened before when a WFISD campus received an F score from the district. Dr. Lee said the TEA will likely send the WFISD a list of recommended interventions, which would be implemented at failing schools. Then, the TEA would send representatives out to ensure those interventions were in place and to monitor their progress. According to Dr. Lee, however, the TEA has not contacted the district. Theres been no updated information. Were anticipating hearing something from the Commissioner or the TEA by the end of this week, Dr. Lee said. Weve heard nothing since then, so if we dont hear something by the end of this week, particularly next week, Id be shocked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Lee said that once the TEA communicates with the WFISD, hell pass on the information to the public. This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. Hurricane Erins winds weakened during the past 24 hours, but it still remains a strong category 2 storm and poses a serious danger to swimmers and boaters along the Jersey Shore. Many Shore towns have imposed strict bans on swimming and boogie boarding, and officials are urging people to stay out of the ocean during the next few days because of the rough surf and powerful rip currents. As of Tuesday afternoon, Hurricane Erin continued to spin in the open Atlantic managing to stay away from land. The storms center was about 630 miles southwest of Bermuda and 655 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. As of Tuesday afternoon, Hurricane Erin was a category 2 storm, which is weaker than it was on Monday. However, the storm is very large, with hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 80 miles from its center and tropical-storm-force winds reaching out up to 230 miles. Erin is packing sustained winds of 105 mph. Although thats weaker than it was on Monday, because the hurricane encountered dry air and wind shear, forecasters say Erin remains a dangerous storm and could regain some strength on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Hurricane Center says Hurricane Erin will have wide-reaching impacts because its size is large, with its hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 80 miles from its center and tropical-storm-force winds reaching out up to 230 miles. Although Erins rain bands are not expected to reach New Jersey, gusty winds up to 35 to 40 mph could be blowing along the Jersey Shore on Wednesday and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. A stalled frontal system unrelated to Hurricane Erin will bring mostly cloudy skies and some light rain showers to parts of New Jersey, mainly in the southern region, Tuesday night. Red warning flags are displayed in Seaside Heights banning swimming due to rough surf and dangerous rip currents generated by Hurricane Erin on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. More widespread showers and maybe a rumble of thunder are expected on Wednesday as an upper-level trough of low pressure approaches our region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forecasters say the trough will gain extra moisture from Erin, so the rain could be heavy at times and cause sporadic flash flooding Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night. The good news is the trough will eventually carry Hurricane Erin out to sea, the weather service noted. Hurricane Erin is expected to make it closest pass to New Jersey on Thursday a few hundred miles offshore. People wade at the shoreline as red warning flags are displayed in Seaside Heights. Swimming is banned due to rough surf and dangerous rip currents generated by Hurricane Erin on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Erins impacts on N.J. Because it will not be making landfall and is expected to remain very far from New Jersey, Hurricane Erin will not bring much rain or strong winds outside of coastal areas, forecasters said. However, the storm will be packing a big punch in terms of rough surf, huge crashing waves and very dangerous rip currents, along with some moderate tidal flooding and beach erosion, according to the National Weather Service and AccuWeather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A high surf advisory is in effect for the entire Jersey Shore from Tuesday afternoon through Friday morning, with forecasters calling for breaking waves of 6 to 9 feet on Wednesday and as high as 8 to 13 feet on Thursday in the surf zone in Monmouth and Ocean counties. In Atlantic and Cape May counties, breaking waves are expected to stretch up to 6 to 9 feet high on Wednesday and 7 to 11 feet on Thursday in the surf zone. Offshore waves out in the ocean could get as high as 12 to 15 feet at times, the weather service noted. The National Weather Service said this could turn out to be the roughest surf conditions in New Jersey since the remnants of Tropical Storm Isaias hit our region in early August 2020. Isaias produced 10-foot to 12-foot breakers at the Jersey Shore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Shore also had a high surf advisory with 8-foot breaking waves in early August 2024 as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby impacted our region, and 8-foot breaking waves in June 2023 caused by a non-tropical storm system circulating offshore, the weather service said. Lifeguards monitor the beachgoers from utility vehicles rather than the stands as red warning flags are displayed in Seaside Heights. Swimming is banned due to rough surf and dangerous rip currents generated by Hurricane Erin on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. Swimming bans at Jersey Shore Erin is already stirring up the Atlantic enough to prompt at least 16 beaches in New Jersey to post red warning flags and ban swimming on Tuesday. Some beaches, including Cape May, are flying double red flags indicating the serious threat posed by the crashing waves and powerful rip currents. In addition to swimmers, many beaches are also banning boogie boarders, while some are allowing experienced boarders only. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several beaches are planning to keep their swimming bans in place on Wednesday and Thursday, while others are making decisions on a day-by-day basis. Officials in Manasquan posted a stern warning on the borough website, urging swimmers to stay out of the ocean when rip currents are strong, when warning flags are posted, and whenever lifeguards are off duty. Persistent large waves, strong long-shore currents, and powerful rip currents are creating extremely hazardous conditions at our beaches, they wrote. They noted that rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water that flow away from the shoreline and can quickly pull even strong swimmers out to sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If caught in a rip current, remain calm, dont fight the current, and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, the Manasquan note says. Current weather radar Thank you for relying on us to provide the local weather news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com or on X at @LensReality. A seasonal Colorado Parks and Wildlife ranger was airlifted to the hospital after being stabbed at Staunton State Park near Pine on Tuesday morning. Authorities are looking for the suspect described as a 6-foot white man in his early 30s, brown hair and clean shaven, wearing a blank grey shirt and blue jeans who fled on foot from the scene, according to social media posts from the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office. Police first posted about the incident just before 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The incident occurred near the parks Lazy V Trailhead, officials said. Authorities are conducting an air and ground search for the suspect, they said. Several agencies including Colorado State Patrol, Golden police, Arvada police, Lakeside police and the regional SWAT team are helping respond to the incident. Officials have closed the park until further notice due to the investigation, they said. Police could not answer questions about the rangers condition, say in what direction the suspect ran or provide details about what led to the incident Tuesday afternoon. President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered his assurances that U.S. troops would not be sent to Ukraine to defend against Russia, after seeming to leave open the possibility the day before. Donald Trump also said in a morning TV interview that Ukraines hopes of joining NATO and regaining the Crimean Peninsula are impossible. Details of the security guarantees and Trumps efforts to arrange peace talks continue to evolve after the U.S. president, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders held hours of talks at the White House aimed at ending Russias war against Ukraine. European leaders said they want U.S. support for robust security guarantees, including the deployment of a reassurance force as Trump pursues his campaign promise to end the grinding war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's the latest: Trump calls Israels Netanyahu and himself war heroes During an interview with conservative radio host Mark Levin, Trump talked about working with Benjamin Netanyahu to free Hamas-held hostages, saying Israels prime minister is a good man, hes in there fighting. He added that, though some detractors want Netanyahu jailed as a war criminal, Hes a war hero. Hes a war hero, cause we worked together. Hes a war hero. I guess I am too, Trump said during the interview, which aired Tuesday night. Nobody cares. I am too. I sent those planes. That was a reference to Trump having ordered June airstrikes against three critical enrichment facilities in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president also complained throughout the interview that hed not gotten enough credit for ordering those strikes, nor taking other, more recent actions to ease conflict around the world. Sen. Graham says after call with Trump that the president is prepared to crush Russias economy Sen. Lindsey Graham told The Associated Press in a phone interview Tuesday that if peace talks between Ukraine and Russia arent moving in the right direction by the time Congress returns next month, then Plan B needs to kick in. For months, the Republican senator has been pressing President Trump to support a bipartisan sanctions bill that would impose steep tariffs on countries helping fund Russias war. On Tuesday morning, following a phone call with Trump, Graham signaled the president may now be willing to back the effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump believes that if Putin doesnt do his part, that hes going to have to crush his economy. Because you got to mean what you say, Graham told reporters in South Carolina earlier on Tuesday. DHS Secretary says entire southern border wall to be painted black Kristi Noem says that the idea behind painting the southern border wall black is to make the metal hotter to deter people from entering the U.S. illegally. Noem spoke during a visit Tuesday to a portion of the wall in New Mexico. She also picked up a roller brush to help out with the painting. She said the black paint idea was specifically at the request of President Trump who understands that in the hot temperatures down here, when something is painted black, it gets even warmer and it will make it even harder for people to climb, she said. So we are going to be painting the entire southern border wall black. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National Guard from other states start arriving in Washington, DC National Guard members from West Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Louisiana began arriving in Washington on Tuesday to help with President Donald Trumps federal crackdown on crime and homelessness, according to the Joint Task Force District of Columbia, the military unit overseeing the Guard. Those troops will perform similar duties to local Guard members already on the streets, including protecting landmarks and crowd control, and will be staying at military base housing and hotels, JTF-DC said. Nebraska governor announces plan for immigration detention center amid Trump crackdown Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Jim Pillen says he and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had agreed to use an existing minimum security prison work camp in a rural area of the states southwest corner to house people awaiting deportation and being held for other immigration proceedings. This is about keeping Nebraskans and Americans across our country safe, Pillen said in a statement. The Trump administration is adding new detention facilities across the country to hold the growing number of immigrants it has arrested and accused of being in the country illegally. Older and newer U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement centers were holding more than 56,000 immigrants in June, the most since 2019. Pillen also announced he would order the Nebraska National Guard to provide administrative and logistical support to Nebraska-based immigration agents. About 20 Guard soldiers will be involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more about the planned Nebraska detention facility Trump wont be going on August vacation Trump wont be heading out on his traditional summer vacation in northern New Jersey, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, confirmed Tuesday. This is normally the time when the president goes on vacation, but not this president, Leavitt said, adding that there were discussions about him working from Bedminster for a couple of weeks but he decided against it. Bedminster is the location of his club in northern New Jersey, where Trump often goes for weekends. He also spent some stretches of time in August there for vacation during his first term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments from Leavitt came when the White House took a portion of the days press pool out to the renovated Rose Garden as the president tested out the areas new speakers. The decision not to go on vacation comes as Trump works to negotiate a peace deal to end Russias war in Ukraine, but Leavitt did not specify if the presidents vacation decision was linked to the Ukraine talks. White House video shows off Trumps Rose Garden renovations Deputy White House Chief of Staff Dan Scavino posted footage showing off new speakers installed as part of Trumps makeover of the White Houses Rose Garden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Trumps favorite songs, Lee Greenwoods God Bless the USA, blares in the video, over a shot showing patio-style tables shielded by yellow umbrellas. The shot later focuses in on an American flag overhead. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt subsequently brought reporters to the Rose Garden and said Trump was controlling the playlist as crews tested the speakers for what will be the best event in the history of the White House. She said the next party there will be hopefully soon. Other songs being played included Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum. The music was loud enough to be heard in other parts of the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump administration revokes security clearances of 37 current and former government officials The Trump administration has ordered the revocation of the security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials, including some who worked on the intelligence communitys assessment that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election, according to people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to discuss it by name. A memo from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which was seen by The Associated Press, accuses the targeted individuals of having engaged in the politicization or weaponization of intelligence to advance personal or partisan gain. Its the latest action of retribution by the Trump administration against national security officials he perceives as having been against him. It comes as his government has launched a sweeping effort to cast doubt on the legitimacy of intelligence community findings that Russia interfered on his behalf in the 2016 election. President Trump amplified his attacks on the Smithsonian museums On Tuesday, he posted on Truth Social that they were OUT OF CONTROL for emphasizing the negative parts of American history, including how bad slavery was. Trump, who has been at odd with various cultural institutions since returning to office in January, added that he had instructed his attorneys to begin the exact same process he has used against colleges and universities. The White House has withheld funding from Harvard, Columbia University and other schools and made various demands, from more control over student admissions to banning trans athletes from womens sports. The Trump administration in March issued an executive order calling for the Smithsonian to overhaul its collection and present a more celebratory view of the country. The order has been denounced by historians and others as an attempt to censor the past. Justice Department probing whether DC police falsified crime data The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether police officials in Washington, D.C., have falsified crime data, according to a person familiar with the probe who wasnt authorized to publicly discuss an open investigation. The investigation comes amid an escalating and political showdown between the Trump administration and the city over control of the police department. It wasnt immediately clear what federal laws could have been violated by the possible manipulation of crime data. The mayors office declined to comment on the matter. The New York Times was first to report on the investigation. Earlier this year, a Metropolitan Police Department commander suspected of manipulating crime data was placed on paid administrative leave, NBC Washington reported. The IRS fired probationary workers without following protocol, says IRS Inspector General The IRS fired more than 7,000 probationary employees earlier this year without following internal procedures and failed to consider the workers individual performance, despite firing them for bad performance reviews, a new report states. The report was released by the IRS Inspector General, Tuesday. It does not contain recommendations and is informational only. Treasurys Inspector General for Tax Administration states that several senior IRS officials raised concerns to the IRS inspector general that probationary employees did not have documented performance issues and were falsely terminated for bad performance. The report states that many workers never had a performance review since they had only been recently hired. And of the 3,599 probationary employees who received a performance rating,3,251 (or 90 percent) had a fully successful rating on their evaluation and 305 (8 percent) had an outstanding rating. Trumps afterlife aspirations may be helping to drive his calculations on Ukraine Leavitt says she doesnt think Trump was joking when he suggested during a Fox News Channel interview that he was helping to seek peace between Russia and Ukraine, at least in part, because he wanted to go to heaven. I think the president was serious, the press secretary said. She then added, to a smattering of laughter from reporters in the White House briefing room, I think the president wants to get to heaven, as I hope we all do in this room as well. White House: Commerce working on Intel deal The White House said Tuesday that the administration is working on a deal that would have the U.S. take a 10% stake in the computer chip maker Intel. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the Commerce Department, led by Secretary Howard Lutnick, is working on it and ironing out the details. The president wants to put Americas needs first, both from a national security and economic perspective, Leavitt said Tuesday. Its a creative idea that has never been done before to ensure that were both reshoring these critical supply chains, while also gaining something of it for the American taxpayer. White House says Putin promised Trump hed have a direct meeting with Zelenskyy The Kremlin has not yet said whether Putin has signed off on Trumps push to arrange direct talks between the Russian leader and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. But asked Tuesdays whether Putin has promised Trump that hell meet directly with the Ukrainian leader, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded affirmatively. He has, Leavitt said of Putin. Trump early on Monday during talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders said that he was pressing for three-way talks among Zelenskyy, Putin and himself. But after speaking to Putin later in the day, Trump said that he was arranging first for a face-to-face between Zelenskyy and Putin and that three-way talks would follow if necessary. It was an idea that evolved in the course of the presidents conversations with both President Putin, President Zelensky and the European leaders yesterday, Leavitt explained. Top UN official welcomes US peace efforts on Russia-Ukraine, says talks should remain inclusive Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, said Tuesday that his boss very much welcomes President Donald Trumps focus on achieving a peaceful settlement in Ukraine through the summits held in the last week. But he indicated that its crucial Ukraine remains at the table for any future negotiation. For him, its very important that all involved continue to stay actively engaged and we want to an inclusive dialogue to sustain the important momentum that was created to bring an immediate ceasefire and sustainable peace, Dujarric said. He added that the U.N. stands ready to provide any peacekeeping efforts as part of the security guarantees that are being discussed. Pediatricians: We need to make the right choices for children The AAP is strongly recommending COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years. This age group is at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and its important that recommendations continue to emphasize the need for them to get vaccinated, said Dr. James Campbell, vice chair of the AAP infectious diseases committee. Shots also are advised for older children if parents want their kids vaccinated, and are recommended for older children whose chronic lung diseases or other conditions put them at higher risk for severe disease, the AAP said. It is going to be somewhat confusing. But our opinion is we need to make the right choices for children to protect them, Campbell said. In a statement, Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the AAP is undermining national immunization policymaking with baseless political attacks. Read more about the differing recommendations on vaccines US pediatricians new COVID-19 shot recommendations differ from CDC advice For the first time in 30 years, the American Academy of Pediatrics is substantially diverging from U.S. government vaccine recommendations. The groups new COVID-19 recommendations released Tuesday come amid a tumultuous year for public health, as vaccine skeptics have come into power in the new Trump administration and government guidance has become increasingly confusing. The AAP is strongly recommending COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years. Shots also are advised for older children if parents want their kids vaccinated, the AAP said. That differs from guidance established under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which doesnt recommend the shots for healthy children of any age but says kids may get the shots in consultation with physicians. Trump is trying to avoid a congressional check on his power Both Trump and the Democrats are looking ahead to 2026 knowing that the next midterm elections often go against the presidents party, as they did during Trumps first term in 2018. Republicans currently have a seven-seat majority in the 435-member House. State legislatures draw the lines after each U.S. census in most states including Texas and only a few dozen House districts are competitive. In Texas, Republicans hold 25 of 38 seats, and theyre trying to increase that to 30. In California, Democrats have 43 of the 52 seats, and theyre trying to boost that to 48, to wipe out the advantage the GOP would gain from redrawing lines in Texas. Texas Democrat spends night in Legislature protesting police shadowing in redistricting battle Republicans are hoping to prevent more quorum delays as they redraw the U.S. House maps to give Trump five more seats, so theyve required Democratic legislators to agree to around-the-clock surveillance before they leave the floor. Rep. Nicole Collier, of Fort Worth, said she spent the night in the chamber rather than sign away her dignity and allow Republicans to control my movements and monitor me. I know these maps will harm my constituents, her statement said. I wont just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination. The Department of Public Safety didnt immediately respond Tuesday to a message seeking comment. The Democrats return to Texas puts the Republican-run Legislature in position to satisfy Trumps demands. If they do, California Democrats are preparing to retaliate by asking voters to approve their own new congressional boundaries. Read more about redistricting battles Its gratitude diplomacy: Showering Trump with thanks World leaders understand that flattery is the way to winning over the unpredictable Trump, having taken their cue from Zelenskyy s disastrous White House scolding six months ago. With peace talks on the table, Zelenskyy thanked Trump and others nine times in the first minute of their initial public meeting at the White House on Monday. Appearing later with top leaders from Europe, Zelenskyy expressed his thanks at least seven more times, twice for a map Trump had presented him. He was not alone. Trump himself used the T-word about a dozen times in the later meeting. Starmer thanked the president four times. And NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called Trump amazing. Read more about how world leaders approach Trump AUSTIN (KXAN) Minda Anderson knows librarians have a tough job. As debates over book bans sweep through public libraries across the nation, Anderson a librarian in the greater Austin area herself has watched many of her colleagues choose to leave the profession. Librarians have been leaving the field because of attacks on libraries and librarians, she said. Not because we dont want to serve our communities, but because the attacks have become so personal. WATCH: Llano head librarian resigns as county library staff wanes Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Central Texas school districts begin the academic year, Anderson is worried that the pressure will get more intense. Starting in September, librarians jobs will be reshaped by Senate Bill 13, the state legislatures latest effort to protect parents ability to control what their children read. The bill opens the door for the creation of library committees, a group of parents and school affiliates in charge of reviewing new purchases and book challenges in school libraries. The legislation, set to go into effect Sept. 1, also requires librarians to provide parents with a record of all the books their child checks out throughout the year. Mary Elizabeth Castle, the director of Austin-based conservative advocacy group Texas Values, said the measure will help ensure students are only accessing age-appropriate materials in their school libraries. We want to make sure that we keep these obscene materials out of the hands of kids, because the school does have a duty to protect kids in that way, Castle said. We want to make sure that they can easily do that, and that parents overall can have control and have a voice in what their children read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Anderson said that the legislation will increase the workload of librarians, making it more difficult to support students and secure new purchases in a timely manner. We have had trust in the past to be able to do that with our professional training and expertise, and its written into board policy that we are following the collection, development and instructional resources guidelines to purchase whats right for our students, Anderson said. Now, that trust is being taken away, and so its going to create lots of extra hoops to jump through that were not necessary, she added. Reviewing the legislation The bill, authored by Republican Sen. Angela Paxton of New Braunfels, represents the latest effort to protect parental rights in the state. Castle worked with Paxtons office to advocate for the legislation, and said the library councils help ensure parents have a say in the literature consumed by their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This will be a good process to make sure that even the school board members arent left on their own having to read these books on their own, she said. I believe that this will be very beneficial having that extra set of eyes, having parents involved and voicing that opinion and getting together and voting on what will be appropriate or inappropriate for children. Bonnie Wallace, an active parental rights advocate in the state, also thinks the legislation is a step in the right direction. Wallace, who has attended 158 school board meetings across the state in an effort to get books she deems obscene off school shelves, looks forward to the increased standing SB 13 gives community members to challenge books in libraries. I am grateful that Angela Paxton put in there that taxpayers have the right to challenge since technically, I mean, our money is funding the library, she said. We should have authority to challenge. But Carunya Achar with the American Civil Liberties Union said the committees could threaten students ability to access broad swaths of literature. Nonprofit PEN America found that Texas banned nearly 540 books during the 2023-24 school year nearly half of which included characters of color or LGBTQ+ characters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Especially in smaller school districts in the state especially rural school districts if these committees get established and these books get banned, thats typically the only way that a young person has access to this material, Archar said. Read more: Read-in outside Texas Capitol House Chamber calls attention to SB 13 The legislations supporters argue that it will give parents more say over their childs education. The American Libraries Association found that last year, only 16% of complaints were initiated by parents while 72% came from administrators, elected officials and pressure groups. Activists stage a read-in outside Texas Capitol House Chamber to protest SB 13 earlier this year. Changes in the new school year Carolyn Foote, a retired librarian who spent nearly 30 years working in Austin-area schools, said the district is not equipped with the proper technology to document and share records of students library books with their parents. She worries that this could give librarians less time to work with their students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those districts like AISD is one of them where the software just isnt capable, then that poses a problem, she said. It costs money. It costs time to figure out how thats going to be automated, or if it can be automated. This is sort of the back end, behind the scenes, but it does take time away from working with students, she added. AISD did not provide comment on the technology in their libraries. We will update this story when they do. Foote, co-founder of the grassroots group FReadom Fighters, is also concerned that lengthy committee reviews could create a log jam of materials waiting to be approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committees only are required to meet twice a year, she said. Imagine you have thousands of books to review, to order, and the committees only meeting twice a year. Shirley Robinson, the director of the Texas Library Association, echoed Footes concerns. She said Texas librarians will have to submit their purchase lists much earlier to accommodate committee reviews. Well definitely see the loss and flexibility on the part of the campus librarian to be able to purchase books quickly if something comes up, like a project or a book club or in the classroom, Robinson said. Anderson, the librarian in Austin, said she is worried that students could fall behind if they do not have the material they need readily available in their libraries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why, in a state that is already so low in our literacy rates, are we restricting access to books? Anderson asked. Students are not going to have access to books required for classes, and they are going to lose access to books that are of personal interest, and that will lead to a decreased love of reading. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. ATLANTA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) Texas House Bill 1481 prohibits the use of personal communication devices by students while on school property in public and open-enrollment charter schools across the state. Some schools in the state have similar cell phone policies that were implemented before the 2025-2026 school year. But to the Atlanta Independent School District, this change is brand new. Idabel schools start 2025-2026 year with high energy kickoff Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Atlanta High School Principal Nancy Rinehart says students have three options: they can leave their phones at home, in their car if they drive to school, or in a locker with a lock provided by the school. Rinehart shares that despite it being so early in the school year, she is hopeful the new policy will allow students to be more present in the learning environment. Students are so used to being on their phone that sometimes they do get distracted, or if they hear it buzz or something, theyre paying attention to that more than they are to the lesson, she says. Arkansas Arkansas Senate Bill 142 bans student use of cellphones during school hours Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ninth-grade English teacher Adreal Durmon is already seeing a positive difference in her students. I see more kids talking to each other. And I do see that they are more focused in class and were getting more stuff done without the kickback of the distractions, she shares. A common concern in states with bans on cell phone use in schools is communication between parents and students in emergencies. But Principal Rinehart explains that if a parent has a message they need to relay to their student, they can call the office, and the message will be passed along. More Back to School News While teachers and administrators say the new cell phone policy is beneficial for everyone in the district, what are the thoughts of parents and students? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shelley Endsley has a ninth grader at Atlanta High, and her only concern is knowing if after-school activities will end later than usual. But she trusts the school will provide proper communication in those cases, and she appreciates the peace and quiet during the school day. I dont have to worry about one of my kids calling and saying, Bring me lunch. Hey, can I go home? That part is extremely nice, because that gets old, Endsley says. New Caddo and Bossier educators gain confidence from past roles But to senior Kiersten Underwood, she is on the fence about how she feels about the new rules. She understands why they were put in place and the benefits they have, but it feels like she is missing out on an essential part of being a senior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does also sucks that we dont get to have memories, especially being a senior, I dont get to have my memory of senior year in my phone and stuff, she says. International Paper donates $1,000 to NSU literacy program The Texas Education Agency website states that cell phone policies must be implemented by September 18, 2025. Exceptions must be written for students with documented medical needs or with Individualized Education Plans (IEP)/Section 504 Plans. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com. The battle is back on in Florida to ban single-use plastic straws and bags. According to Orlando Weekly, Sen. Kevin Rader of Delray Beach has put forth a bill that would prohibit the use of these items. Previously, the Florida legislature tried to stop bans on single-use plastic straws and bags, but it was unsuccessful due to Gov. Ron DeSantis's veto. Some places in Florida have even enacted their own bans, including Miami Beach, Fort Myers Beach, and Sanibel. At the time, DeSantis said in a veto message: "These measures have not, as far as I can tell, frustrated any state policy or harmed the state's interests." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added, "In fact, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has encouraged Florida residents, schools and businesses to reduce plastic straw use." The new bill will recommend that straws be made from non-plastic material, such as bamboo, wood, pasta, sugarcane, or paper. The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association has even urged restaurant owners to only provide plastic straws when requested. Some businesses find the different regulations confusing when they have more than one location, so a standardized one would help companies. Many other states and cities across the country have already issued single-use plastic bag bans, including Vermont; Philadelphia; New Jersey; Santa Barbara, California; and Portland, Oregon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund has discovered that people can easily live without single-use bags and bring reusable ones from home. A study, conducted in collaboration with Environment America Research & Policy Center, U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, Environment America, and Frontier Group, found that as many as 300 single-use bags can be eliminated per person per year. New Jersey's 2022 ban has eliminated 5.5 billion. Cutting down on this many single-use plastic bags can go a long way in cutting down on plastic pollution. Plastic doesn't really break down it just breaks down into microplastics, which have filled the oceans and are also in the food that we eat. While scientists haven't determined the health effects on humans yet, early indications are it is problematic. What's more, plastic pollution is already harming marine life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether or not your city has a plastic ban, you can still use less plastic, including using a reusable water bottle and grocery bag, all of which will help reduce plastic pollution. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. BOSTON (SHNS) Massachusetts grocery stores could be banned from adjusting prices or sending targeted advertisements based on customers biometric data under proposals gaining momentum in the Legislature. A Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa bill (H 99) that looks to proactively block supermarkets from deploying surveillance pricing and surveillance advertising secured initial approval from the House on Monday. The first-time filing aims to prevent grocery stores from jacking up their prices while more than 1 million Bay Staters are already grappling with food insecurity, according to the Northampton Democrat. It also installs guardrails on collecting and using insights gleaned from customers biometric data, such as their fingerprint, voiceprint, eye retinas, gait or other unique biological patterns, according to the bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While this technology has not yet spread widely in Massachusetts, its an imminent threat, with large chains like Kroger and Walmart already rolling it out across the country, Sabadosa wrote in a Facebook post on April 9, after she testified on the bill before the Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Committee. With one in three families facing food insecurity in the Commonwealth, we must act now to prevent corporate surveillance from becoming a standard practice in our grocery stores. Senate members of the committee sent a redrafted companion bill (S 2515) from co-chair Sen. Michael Moore to the Senate Ways and Means Committee on May 12. Grocery chain Kroger and Microsoft in early 2019 announced a technology collaboration to enable higher levels of personalization. They tested digital shelving systems, with electronic tags containing information about a products price, promotions and nutrition facts. Rodney McMullen, then-CEO of Kroger, had said the new technology would help reinvent the customer experience and create new profit streams that will also accelerate our core business growth. In a letter to McMullen last August, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bob Casey sounded the alarm about Krogers use of digital tags to surge grocery prices and exploit consumers. They warned the widespread use of the technology could introduce the potential for grocery giants to abuse their power and surge grocery prices, raising prices suddenly and at times when certain products are in highest demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walmart and Kroger have said they will not use digital price tags to engage in dynamic pricing, though they will use the technology to offer discounts, according to Fast Company. Kroger has also denied plans to use facial recognition software, after the company faced scrutiny from U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, The New York Times reported. Under the pending bills, customers could seek relief in court if their biometric data is used to suggest products or adjust prices. Shoppers could recover actual damages or $5,000, whichever is higher, according to a bill summary. Massachusetts-based food pantries and food justice groups support the legislation, alongside Consumer Reports and the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a nonprofit research organization based in Washington, D.C. Woodrow Hartzog, a professor at Boston Universitys School of Law, said surveillance pricing allows companies to figure out the highest price that customers are willing to pay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This disastrous practice leads to price gouging, discrimination by proxy, an inability to budget, data hoarding, and the suffocating feeling that every choice you make while shopping is a trap, Hartzog testified to the AITIC Committee. This bill would prohibit food stores from using tools like facial recognition to charge people different prices and provide vital breathing room for customers, while still allowing for people to receive discounts. The bill also cracks down on surveillance advertising, which Sabadosa called predatory. The grocery store can conceivably provide ads to you as you shop, based on what you most desire and what you have previously purchased, Sabadosa told the committee. So this means even the most disciplined shopper could be enticed to buy things that they werent really intending upon buying. Edgar Dworsky, a former assistant attorney general in consumer protection who wrote the food store item pricing law in 1987, questioned lawmakers concerns over surveillance pricing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He suggested that supermarkets would likely use expanded personal data to offer targeted discounts to shoppers rather than hitting them with steeper prices. That would echo how supermarkets have used data gathered from loyalty programs to offer personalized discounts, Dworsky said in written testimony. Your bill, however, would prevent stores from using any biometric data collected to offer lower prices to identified shoppers, wrote Dworsky, whos also founder of Consumer World. That strikes me as anti-consumer. If you are not banning the collection of biometric data to start with, why not simply prevent its use for the purpose of imposing higher than the standard or established price? Referencing electronic shelf labels, Dworsky added, I do not agree with the alarmist position of other well-meaning consumer advocates who suggest only the potential detrimental use of this type of data along with ESLs, when historically, data based on personal purchase habits have been used to benefit shoppers by offering them lower prices. The ACLU of Massachusetts said it supports the legislation but wants the protections to be expanded to all goods, not just food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prohibit surveillance-pricing generally, not just pricing driven by biometric surveillance, the advocacy organization also suggested in written testimony. Charging different customers different prices for the same product based on a personal profile is problematic whether that profile is derived from a persons biometrics or other personal data. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO The letter arrived in late July with the tone of the two before it, the ones that announced the Rev. David Ryan, a longtime Chicago-area priest, had been placed on leave amid allegations of child sexual abuse. This one, like those previous, came with a sense of the somber, an acknowledgment of the severity of the accusations and a reminder of the presumption of innocence. The letter was dated July 29, with Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, addressing the St. Francis de Sales parish community in Lake Zurich. It marked at least the third time since 2020 that Cupich had sent such a note acknowledging the accusations that have embroiled Ryan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cardinal opened this latest letter with a line that now felt familiar amid controversy that refuses to fade: It is with great difficulty that I write to share news about your pastor The archdiocese first placed Ryan on leave in 2020 amid allegations that he abused a minor at Maryville Academy, then a church-run home for troubled youth in Des Plaines. He was reinstated in September 2021, only for Cupich to address the congregation days later with the revelation of additional information, not previously provided that will mean delaying Father Ryans return. In February, 2023, he was reinstated, again, with Cupich making a plea: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We must keep our word, he wrote, and do everything possible to restore Fr. Ryans good name. Now theres another allegation that in the mid-1990s, during his years on staff at Maryville Academy, Ryan sexually abused a child. The allegation is part of a civil complaint that Chicago lawyer Mike Grieco filed against Maryville last week in Cook County. These days, Grieco, 35, describes a sense of urgency surrounding the matter. He said he has tried to push the archdiocese to examine testimony that Ryan recently provided in a deposition concerning the alleged abuse at Maryville. Grieco said he questioned Ryan in June at the office of Ryans defense attorney and that Ryans answers reflected the issues on campus at Maryville during his tenure there. Ryans attorney did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grieco and his firm, Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, represent about 30 individuals who allege they suffered sexual abuse while they attended Maryville decades ago. Most of those allegations surround the Rev. John P. Smyth, a Chicago archdiocese priest who spent more than 40 years in leadership roles at Maryville, including that of executive director. Smyth, who left Maryville in 2004, died in April 2019, around the time accusers began to emerge claiming that hed sexually abused them when they were children. Lawsuits that Grieco and his firm filed in recent months detail sordid accusations against Smyth, including those of rape and molestation. Ryan served as Smyths co-director at Maryville in the 1990s, when much of the abuse is alleged to have occurred. In the complaint filed last week, a former Maryville resident, identified in court documents as John Doe 6, alleged that he was sexually abused by Smyth and Ryan after being placed at Maryville in 1996. The lawsuit states the alleged abuse took place for about a year when the boy was around 11 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing also contains accusations from nearly a dozen other victims, identified only by number. Victim No. 11, as the lawsuit describes him, claimed that Smyth and Ryan made him feel like a sex slave while he lived at Maryville. John Doe 6 is working through the trauma detailed in the lawsuit, Grieco said. Grieco and his associates have been trying to build as much credibility and rapport as we can with him, to (help him to) open up, the attorney said. You know, people dont want to talk about this stuff, Grieco said. They dont want to trust somebody new. They dont want to do it if they dont think its going to actually bring justice. I think hes struggling from an emotional perspective. Hes a single guy, no family, but hes kind of working through it, and hes been in some therapy, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The previous allegations against Ryan led to suspensions but, ultimately, his reinstatement as pastor at St. Francis de Sales, where he was first appointed in 2006 and reappointed in 2012. In 2023, upon Ryans most recent reinstatement, Cupich in his letter to the church community cited a lack of cooperation from Ryans accusers. Cupich referenced what he described as a thorough investigation by the archdiocese before reaching his decision to reinstate Ryan. Contacted by email about the most recent allegations against Ryan, an archdiocese spokesperson wrote that we do not comment on investigations but shared a flowchart detailing its internal investigative process. According to the document, allegations of child sexual abuse first make their way into the archdioceses Office for the Protection of Children & Youth, which then launches a child abuse and investigations review. In addition to being investigated for its veracity, the allegation is shared with law enforcement and the archbishop at the review stage. The archdioceses Independent Review Board evaluates the investigation and then determines whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the abuse occurred. In the final part of the process, the IRB makes a recommendation to the archbishop about the accused individuals fitness for ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his 2023 letter, Cupich wrote that Ryans accusers refused to cooperate with both civil and church investigations. As a result, he wrote, the IRB finds that there is not sufficient reason to suspect Father Ryan is guilty of sexually abusing a minor and recommends he be returned to ministry and that the files be closed on these two claims due to the lack of cooperation of those making the accusations. Therefore, I am pleased to inform you that I have accepted this recommendation and I am reinstating Father Ryan as your pastor, effective immediately. Grieco said Ryans newest accuser is willing to cooperate with investigators, and that we are setting a date for the (archdiocese) review board to take his statement. The alleged victim will also provide a statement to police, said Grieco, who expressed skepticism about the archdioceses ability or willingness to investigate Ryan. I believe theres some bias to it, Grieco said, arguing that the process needs to go beyond, Did you do it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not a question-and-answer session that gets to the truth. He said he would encourage (the archdiocese) to look at this holistically, too and take into account the troubled history at Maryville. It opened in 1883 as St. Marys Training School, an orphanage that was a place for dependent and neglected boys, according to its website. It began accepting girls in 1911. In the early 2000s, a series of grim headlines, as the Tribune characterized them at the time, rocked the campus. A 14-year-old died by suicide and was found hanging in a shower. An 11-year-old was allegedly raped. Smyth, the longtime priest who was then the executive director, resigned in disgrace. Fifteen years later, in 2019, allegations of sustained and habitual sexual abuse emerged first levied at Smyth and then his longtime right hand, Ryan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Megan Biasco, the director of development at Maryville, wrote in an email last week that our mission is to protect children. We were made aware of the allegations from more than 20 years ago, she wrote. We are looking into it. The accusations have reopened old wounds, if they ever healed. In his most recent letter to the St. Francis de Sales community, Cupich referenced the recent past: that both Ryan and his church have experience with our processes for handling allegations concerning child sexual abuse. Cupich wrote that Ryan strenuously denies this allegation, and states that he has never harmed a child, and once again noted that the archdioceses investigative process begins with the presumption that one is innocent until proven otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the civil complaints he has filed, meanwhile, Grieco and his team have referenced a tortured past and the difficulty the Catholic Church has had confronting a notorious legacy of child sexual abuse. Some of the filings reference a report Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, then the archbishop of Chicago, commissioned in 1992 that offered a plan for addressing clerical sexual misconduct involving children. Among those interviewed for the report was Smyth, who then was more than 20 years into his tenure as the executive director at Maryville. Smyth told the reports authors that the archdiocese invests considerable resources in the seminary system, but virtually nothing to support and supervise priests after ordination. According to the lawsuit, Smyth said that priests are vulnerable to false accusations. But also, that some children can be seductive, and priests naive. _____ When federal prosecutors announced on Aug. 12 that a former Cincinnati Children's doctor had collected 150,000 images of children, including infants, being sexually abused, they said there wasn't evidence the photos involved patients. But the former doctor, Howard Saal, often photographed children "in the nude" during medical examinations, and with at least one patient, Saal referred to them as "glamour shots," a new lawsuit alleges. An attorney who is representing more than 50 former patients or parents of patients says there were concerns about Saal, who is 73, dating back many years. Some considered him "weird and kind of creepy," the lawsuit says, but people trusted him, at least partly because of the reputation of Cincinnati Children's. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit, which was filed Aug. 15 in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court, also alleges that complaints about Saal were "ignored by" the hospital. The lawsuit also includes an allegation that Saal "would feel children's private parts during exams," regardless of whether there was a medical issue or not. 'Always had a camera bag' It was common for Saal, who was a geneticist and studied birth defects, to have "a Nikon camera around his neck" that he used to photograph patients, the lawsuit says. Saal "always had a camera bag with him in the examining room," it says. The lawsuit is seeking class-action status. The attorney who filed it, Alan Statman, told The Enquirer he already has heard from more than 100 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are a number of people saying they weren't comfortable with what was going on," Statman said. He expects to include additional allegations in upcoming court filings. A Cincinnati Children's spokesperson declined to comment, saying the hospital does not comment on litigation. Attorneys for Saal could not immediately be reached for comment. Snapchat allegations The mother of a 14-year-old girl, who was a patient of Saal's her entire life, believes that Saal coerced the teen on Snapchat into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos, according to the lawsuit. The girl apparently thought she was sending the photos and videos to a boy at her school. The person on Snapchat threatened to publish them if she stopped sending them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saal, 73, of Evendale, has been indicted on federal charges related to possessing child sexual abuse material. He is not charged with any crimes related to coercing children into sending sexually explicit material. He is out on bond while the case proceeds. Saal surrendered his medical license on July 25, and on Aug. 13, the state medical board permanently revoked it. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Lawsuit: Cincinnati Children's ignored complaints about ex-doctor A man died after being incarcerated for a week at the Marion County Jail, and now his estate is suing for the in-custody death. Richard Goode had overdosed after going through withdrawal symptoms, and the lawsuit alleges that while officials knew of his substance abuse use, he wasn't provided necessary treatment. He died on March 2, 2024, and according to records online, video surveillance inside the facility shows what the lawsuit is calling neglect on the part of deputies and medical staff. "Despite the severity of the symptoms and his dire condition, Richard was never transferred to a hospital or acute care facility for appropriate care and treatment," the court document state. "Richard died as a result of not receiving proper and timely medical care at the Marion County Jail for his serious medical needs, including the overdose." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the lawsuit filed Aug. 4, 2025, Goode was in an active overdose for hours before help was finally administered. His death was determined to be accidental and caused by acute mixed drug intoxication by the Marion County Coroner's Office. His estate filed the wrongful death lawsuit against deputies, medical staff, and the Marion County Sheriff's Office on Aug. 8, 2025, seeking damages in the 29-year-old's death. Lawsuit alleges that officials neglected man's substance use disorder Goode had been in jail since Feb. 24, 2024. He was found unresponsive about 3:20 p.m. on March 2, 2024, during a headcount inside the facility, according to the Marion County Sheriffs Office, which oversees the facility. Jail medical staff assisted Goode until emergency medical personnel and the Indianapolis Fire Department arrived, but he was pronounced dead 20 minutes later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cameras in the facility caught the moments leading up to his death. At around 8:14 a.m., Goode began to show signs of distress from an overdose, including appearing intoxicated with poor coordination and being unsteady on his feet. At around 8:57 a.m., he was unable to walk on his own, visibly stumbling and requiring another inmate to help steady him while he is walking. At 9 a.m., he was visibly suffering from shortness of breath. Inmates were trying to help man overdosing in jail A look at the Adult Detention Center (ADC) on the Community Justice Campus on Indianapolis' east side Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. The campus sits on the site of the former Citizens Energy Coke plan in the Twin Aire neighborhood. The ADC has 2,700 general population beds and will replace Jail 1 and Jail 2. Medical services will also be able to be administered on site for incarcerated persons. The ADC has multiple areas for mental health, dental and other health services. The lawsuit alleges that two women deputies saw Goode in an active overdose, but did not help. Both leave the area, and between 9:04 a.m. and 9:07 a.m., inmates throw water on his face in an attempt to help. At around 9:08 a.m., inmates grab Goode's arms and walk him to a common area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inmates try to get attention from jail staff, but no help arrives, the lawsuit alleges. By 9:31 a.m. Goode is unable to walk, and two inmates move the chair he is sitting in near a bunk bed. They then place him in the bed and roll him on his side. Inmates continued to check on him over the next several hours. While in bed, Goodes body made involuntary seizure-like movements until around 10:41 a.m., the lawsuit states. At 3:19 p.m., four new deputies enter the area to conduct a head count. The lawsuit states that this is the first time any jail staff had been in the dayroom in six hours. They attempt to get Goode's attention by slapping his hand, but Goode is unresponsive. The deputies call for medical help over a radio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit says four nurses arrive without medical equipment and remove Goode from the bed to do chest compressions. Indianapolis Fire then comes to the scene, but they were unable to revive him. Lawsuit states officials failed to provide medical care Goodes blood tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl. The lawsuit doesn't state how he got the drugs. The lawsuit also names as a defendant Wellpath, a Tennessee company that provided medical care to inmates in the Marion County Jail system. In a statement to IndyStar, the Marion County Sheriff's Office said they have a longstanding practice of not specifically commenting on pending litigation, but have full faith and confidence in the judicial process and notes that the use of illegal drugs is a "scourge on our society and is a constant concern in the correctional environment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Lawsuit: Inmates helped man ODing hours before Indiana jail staff intervened LOS ANGELES (AP) One year ago, federal authorities announced that five people had been charged in connection with the ketamine overdose death of Matthew Perry. All five have now agreed to plead guilty, including the personal assistant of the Friends star, an old acquaintance and two doctors. On Monday, Jasveen Sangha, who prosecutors say was a dealer known as the Ketamine Queen, became the fifth and final defendant to reach a deal and avoid trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here is a look at each of the defendants. Jasveen Sangha Sangha admitted in her plea agreement that she sold Perry the lethal dose of ketamine in the days before his death on Oct. 23, 2023. A 42-year-old who was born in Britain, raised in the United States and has dual citizenship, Sangha's social media accounts before her indictment last year showed a jet-setting lifestyle, with photos of herself in posh spaces alongside rich-and-famous faces in Spain, Japan and Dubai along with her dual homes of London and Los Angeles. Prosecutors say that lifestyle was funded by a drug business she ran for at least five years from her apartment in LA's San Fernando Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They say she presented herself as a celebrity drug dealer with high quality goods" and missed no opportunity to promote the idea that she was known to customers and others as the Ketamine Queen. Her lawyers have derided the title as a media-friendly moniker. Sangha went to high school in Calabasas, California perhaps best known as home to the Kardashians and went to college at the University of California, Irvine, graduating in 2005 and going on to work at Merrill Lynch. She later got an MBA from the Hult International Business School in London. She was connected to Perry through his acquaintance and her co-defendant, Erik Fleming. In a raid of her apartment in March 2024, authorities said they found large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine and ketamine. She was arrested and released on bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2024, she was indicted again with charges that tied her to Perrys death, and has been held without bail ever since. CHARGES: Three counts of distribution of ketamine, one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises. SENTENCING: A judge will set her sentencing in the coming months after she appears in court to officially change her plea. She could get up to 45 years in prison. WHAT THEY SAID: Sanghas lawyer Mark Geragos says Shes taking responsibility for her actions. Kenneth Iwamasa Iwamasa, Perrys live-in personal assistant, was intimately involved in the actors illegal ketamine use, acting as his drug messenger and personally giving injections, according to his plea agreement. It was the 60-year-old Iwamasa who found Perry dead in the hot tub of his Pacific Palisades home on a day when hed given him several injections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He would become the first to reach a deal with prosecutors as they sought to use him as an essential witness against other defendants. Iwamasa said he worked with co-defendants to get ketamine on Perrys behalf, including Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who taught him how to give Perry the injections. Found the sweet spot but trying different places led to running out, Iwamasa told Plasencia in one text message. Iwamasa said in his plea deal that he injected Perry six to eight times per day in the last few days of his life. CHARGE: One count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. SENTENCING: Hes scheduled to be sentenced November 19 and could get up to 15 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHAT THEY SAID: Iwamasa's attorneys have not responded to requests for comment. Dr. Salvador Plasencia I wonder how much this moron will pay? That was a text message Plasencia sent to a fellow doctor when he learned Perry wanted to be illegally provided with ketamine, according to a plea agreement where the doctor admitted to selling 20 vials of the drug to the actor in the weeks before his death. Plasencia, a 43-year-old Los Angeles-area doctor known to patients as Dr. P, was one of the two main targets of the prosecution and had been headed for a joint trial with Sangha when he reached the plea agreement in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court records, Perry was connected to Plasencia through another patient. Perry had been getting ketamine legally from his regular doctor as treatment for depression, an off-label but increasingly common use of the surgical anesthetic. But the actor wanted more. Plasencia admitted to personally injecting Perry with some of the initial vials he provided, and left more for Iwamasa to inject, despite the fact that Perry froze up and his blood pressure spiked, after one dose. Plasencia graduated from UCLA's medical school in 2010 and had not been subject to any medical disciplinary actions before the Perry case. He has been free on bond since his indictment. His lawyers said he is caregiver for a toddler child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plasencia even got to keep practicing medicine after his indictment, but had to inform patients of the charges against him and couldnt prescribe dangerous drugs. He now intends to voluntarily surrender his license to practice, according to his lawyers. CHARGES: Four counts of distribution of ketamine. SENTENCING: He's scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 3 and could get up to 40 years in prison. WHAT THEY SAID: His lawyers say he's profoundly remorseful for the treatment decisions he made while providing ketamine to Matthew Perry. Erik Fleming Fleming, 55, was an acquaintance of Perrys who learned through a mutual friend that the actor was seeking ketamine, according to his plea agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He told Iwamasa in text messages that he had a source known as the Ketamine Queen whose product was amazing, saying she only deals with high end and celebs. In all, prosecutors say, Fleming delivered 50 vials of Sangha's ketamine for Perrys use, including 25 sold for a total of $6,000 to the actor four days before his death. CHARGE: One count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. SENTENCING: He is scheduled to be sentenced November 12 and could get up to 25 years in prison. WHAT THEY SAID: Flemings lawyers have declined comment. Dr. Mark Chavez Chavez, a San Diego doctor who ran a ketamine clinic, was the source of the doses that Plasencia sold to Perry, according to their plea agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chavez admitted to obtaining the ketamine from a wholesale distributor on false pretenses. Chavez, 55, graduated from UCLA's medical school in 2004. He has surrendered his medical license. CHARGE: One count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. SENTENCING: He is scheduled to become the first defendant sentenced, on Sept. 17. He could get 10 years in prison. WHAT THEY SAID: His lawyer says he's incredibly remorseful, has accepted responsibility and has been trying to do everything in his power to right the wrong. ___ Former Associated Press journalist Kaitlyn Huamani contributed reporting. ___ A version of this story first ran on Aug. 15, 2024. By Ahmed Kingimi MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) -At least 25 people have been rescued and 25 others are still missing two days after a boat carrying about 50 passengers capsized in Nigeria's northwestern Sokoto State, emergency services said on Tuesday. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said 25 people were still unaccounted for and presumed dead. No bodies had been recovered as of Tuesday morning, the agency said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The vessel, which was transporting women, children, and motorcycles to Goronyo market, a hub for food produce in the region, overturned on Sunday, officials said. Boat accidents are common in Nigeria during the rainy season, due to poor safety regulations and overloaded vessels. Authorities blamed Sunday's accident on overloading and poor road infrastructure, which forces many residents to rely on water transport. Rescue efforts have been hampered by strong water currents from a nearby dam, said Zubairu Yari, chairman of Goronyo local government. (Reporting by Ahmed Kingimi in Maiduguri; writing by Ben Ezeamalu; editing by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo and William Maclean) A DUI checkpoint led to the arrest of seven drivers of the 537 people who were contacted at the stop, which was enforced by Colorado State Patrol and the Fountain Police Department on Friday. The stop in El Paso County was located along Highway 16 in Fountain, according to a Colorado State Patrol news release. Another stop in Gilpin County on the same night resulted in six DUI arrests out of 760 contacts. During the checkpoint, 20 people in El Paso County and 28 in Gilpin County were subjected to a horizontal gaze nystagmus, the walk-and-turn and one leg stand tests, which are the three standardized tests, according to Trooper Gabriel Moltrer. Friday's checkpoint in Fountain was the first in El Paso County conducted by Colorado State Patrol in about 10 years, Moltrer told The Gazette. The same holds true for the state, which also had not seen the Colorado State Patrol conduct sobriety checkpoints in approximately 10 years. At least 71 people, including 17 children, have been killed in western Afghanistan after a passenger bus carrying refugees, recently deported from neighbouring Iran, caught fire after colliding with a truck and motorcycle, according to provincial government spokesman Ahmadullah Muttaqi and local police. Police in Herat province said on Tuesday that the accident was due to the buss excessive speed and negligence. The returnees are part of a massive wave of Afghans deported or forced out of Iran in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accident took place a day after Iranian Minister of Interior Eskandar Momeni announced that a further 800,000 people would have to leave the country by next March. The bus was carrying Afghans recently returned from Iran and en route to the capital Kabul, provincial official Mohammad Yousuf Saeedi told the AFP news agency on Tuesday. He added that all the passengers boarded the vehicle in Islam Qala, a border crossing point. Taliban government chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed to the dpa news agency that the victims had been deported from Iran, but said that further details were not available immediately. Police in the Guzara district outside Afghanistans city of Herat, where the accident occurred, said a motorcycle was also involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The majority of those who died were on the bus, but two people travelling in the truck were also killed, as well as another two who were on the motorcycle. Traffic accidents are common in Afghanistan, due in part to poor roads after decades of war, dangerous driving on highways and a lack of regulation. Last December, two bus accidents, involving a fuel tanker and a truck on a highway through central Afghanistan, killed at least 52 people. Every year, conflict, persecution, poverty and high unemployment drive large numbers of Afghans to cross the 300km (186-mile) Islam Qala border into Iran without documentation. Many work in low-wage jobs in big cities, including on construction sites, where they are valued as cheap and reliable labour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 450,000 Afghans have returned from Iran since early June, according to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), after Tehran imposed a July 6 deadline for undocumented refugees to leave the country. The surge compounds Afghanistans existing challenges, as the impoverished nation, back under hardline Taliban rule since 2021, struggles to integrate waves of returnees from Pakistan and Iran since 2023, amid one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises after decades of conflict. The UNHCR reports that more than 1.4 million people have returned or been forced to return to Afghanistan this year alone. Irans late May directive potentially affects 4 million undocumented Afghans among the approximately 6 million Afghan residents claimed by Tehran. Border crossings increased dramatically from mid-June, with some days seeing approximately 40,000 people entering Afghanistan. Between June 1 and July 5, 449,218 Afghans returned from Iran, bringing the 2024 total to 906,326, according to an International Organization for Migration spokesman. A 39-year-old LeClaire woman faces felony charges after officers say she used a victims documents and identity to rent a property in LeClaire, according to Scott County Court records. LaTisha Collier faces felony charges of identity theft over $10,000 and forgery, according to Scott County Court arrest affidavits. LaTisha Collier, 2025 (Scott County Jail) On Aug. 22, 2024, Collier fraudulently used the victims identification, Social Security number, and tax documents to apply and obtained a rental property on Greystone Court in LeClaire in the Pebble Creek Subdivision, affidavits show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On March 28, 2024, officers say Collier filed a rental application for the residence (Pebble Creek Subdivision) but was denied. On Aug, 22, 2024, Collier fraudulently filed a rental application using the victims name, Social Security number, email, drivers license, date of birth, current address, employment information and tax documents, say affidavits, which show she also forged the lease by signing the lease online using the victims name on the same day. Affidavits show she used her own phone number to fill out the application. Affidavits say Collier met with management of Ace Rental Property monthly and identified herself as the victim. The Ace Rental Property manager identified her in a photo line-up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collier was the victims business accountant and tax accountant for about 10 years and had access to the victims business and personal information, according to affidavits. The value of the rental property for the time frame is estimated at $37,400 from the lease agreement. Because of Colliers actions, the victim has had two eviction hearings against her, affidavits show. Collier, who was released on bond, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Aug. 19 in Scott County Court. More about Collier In 2023, Collier, who also has gone by the last name of Griffin, was featured on Love During Lockup, a reality series that followed people who had romantic relationships with people who were incarcerated. Latisha Griffin, 2023 (Scott County Jail) Court records show that in 2023, Latisha Griffin, then 37, was accused of taking a victims money and did not use it to pay the victims taxes as agreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Latisha Griffin still faces a felony charge of second-degree theft in that case, according to court records. Detectives with the Davenport Police Department investigated the report of a theft on April 26, 2023, in connection with the business of Boss Tax and Accounting Services LLC, Davenport, according to arrest affidavits. Police say Griffin offered tax services to a victim, and said the victim had a tax liability of $8,788. Griffin offered to pay the tax liability for the victim if the victim provided her with the money, police say in affidavits. The victim provided Griffin with a payment of $8,788 on April 26, 2023, at 12:58 p.m., court documents show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was provided a receipt indicating a payment of $8,788 with the account reference of $40 to Iowa for 2022, $457 to Illinois for 2022, $4,159 to IRS for 2022 and $4,132 for 2021. In affidavits, police say Griffin was entrusted with this money by the victim in order to pay the victims tax liability. The victim provided Griffin with a payment of $8,788 on April 26, 2023, at 12:58 p.m., Scott County Court documents show. The victim was provided a receipt indicating a payment of $8,788 with the account reference of $40 to Iowa for 2022, $457 to Illinois for 2022, $4,159 to IRS for 2022 and $4,132 for 2021. In affidavits, police say Griffin was entrusted with this money by the victim in order to pay the victims tax liability. Pretrial conferences in this case are scheduled for Jan. 21, 2026, according to Scott County Court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Jimmie Ledbetter Jr.s attorneys said his trial is on schedule to begin in October. Ledbetter Jr. is accused of murdering Angie Scholl last October. According to court documents, the victim had filed for divorce and changed the locks to her Sioux Falls home just days before her death. The day after the crime, Ledbetter started a GoFundMe account to raise money for Scholls funeral. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warm and humid weather continues; Big changes this weekend In court Tuesday morning, Ledbetter told the judge he had concerns about communication and questioned if his attorneys had enough time for his case. He told the judge, I have one opportunity to prove any innocence. The judge told Ledbetter that a good attorney is going to be busy and ensured him they were prepared. The judge warned Ledbetter that changing attorneys would delay the trial by about six months, so Ledbetter decided to move forward with his current legal counsel. The defense requested a deadline be set for filing all motions. The judge approved that request and set a motions hearing for October 2nd. All motions must be filed at least a week before that date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 34-year-old arrested for holding woman, girl hostage The defense requested a long-form questionnaire to be sent to jurors in an effort to speed up the jury trial process. The judge approved the request. In 2018, KELOLAND News spoke with Ledbetter about an event he put together to raise awareness about domestic violence. I would like to see the courts be stiffer when you see the abuse happen. Women are losing their faith with the courts, Ledbetter said in 2018. The trial is scheduled to start on October 23rd. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. More than 40,000 people have signed a French petition against sending the Bayeux Tapestry to Britain after warnings that the risks amount to a true crime against heritage. Emmanuel Macron announced the decision to loan the work to the British Museum in London for 10 months during the French presidents state visit to Britain in July. The almost thousand-year-old work charting the 1066 Norman conquest is due to be loaned from summer 2026 to August 2027 in exchange for ancient treasures mainly from the Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the decision has appalled some conservationists and experts who warn that the embroidery, which has 24,000 stains, 16,445 creases, nearly 10,000 holes or gaps, and around 30 rips, is far too fragile to cross the Channel. Among them is Didier Rykner, the editor-in-chief of art history and heritage preservation website La Tribune de LArt. He launched a petition last month, which solemnly calls on president Macron to ditch the plan, and that has garnered more than 43,000 signatures. The petition ends with the words: We therefore solemnly call on the President of the Republic to abandon this project. This loan would be a true heritage crime. It also cites a top French state cultural adviser in Normandy, Cecile Binet, who in a video published in February, warned: As our studies progressed, we realised that the Tapestry was too fragile to be moved over a long distance and that any additional handling would pose a risk to its conservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to Le Monde last month, Isabelle Attard, the director of the Bayeux Tapestry Museum from 2005 to 2010, said: How can we fail to take seriously the scientific advice that has been saying for years that the Bayeux Tapestry should be moved as little as possible, and then only for the purposes of preservation and restoration? I hoped common sense would prevail and that nobody would go through with an idea thats as dangerous as it is absurd, she said. Mr Rykner said: I am not one to start petitions. But the Bayeux Tapestry is a unique work of art. There is nothing else like it, not even the Mona Lisa, of which there are several copies. To lend it against the advice of all the experts is another blow. I cannot understand why the British Museum would agree to such a risky transfer. It is mind-boggling. The British should sign this petition, he told France 3. A risk of ending up like Lascaux 1 Judging by the comments, some have. One signatory, Stephen from Accrington, Lancs, wrote: I took generations of school children to see the tapestry and believe that there is a huge risk of it ending up like Lascaux 1, unvisitable. He was referring to the famous cave paintings in the Dordogne now closed to the public due to the risk of damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a certified risk by all the people who have worked on restoring it that it will be irreparably damaged, so it should stay in France, he wrote. Despite such concerns, Mr Macron last month hailed the unprecedented exchange of artworks as the desire to revitalise the cultural relationship between our two countries and the trust that exists between us today. Lisa Nandy, the UK Culture Secretary, called the 68-metre-long (224ft-long) piece, which dates from around 1077, one of the most iconic pieces of art ever produced in the UK. The British Museum is one of the worlds most visited museums and is a fitting place to host this most treasured piece of our nations history, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the loan goes ahead, it would be a first: in nearly a thousand years, the Bayeux Tapestry has never crossed the Channel. Napoleon briefly exhibited it in Paris in 1804, and Himmler ordered its transfer to the Louvre during the Second World War. But it has never left French soil. Bayeuxs Right-wing mayor, Patrick Gomont, dismissed concerns over the loan, pointing out that in any case it has to be moved as the museum that normally houses the tapestry is to close for two years for renovation from Sept 1. It will be reopened in time for the 1,000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror in 2028. For 10 years, Ive been told it cant be transported, Mr Gomont told Le Monde. When people dont want something, they come up with every argument against it. I dont see why the Bayeux Tapestry would be better folded in a crate than displayed to the British public, as long as presentation and lighting recommendations are followed. Antoine Verney, the curator of the Bayeux museums, said: I have no doubt that we share the same conservation requirements as the British Museum. The rules must be strictly identical to those imposed on us as custodians of the work. 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. TREMONTON, Utah (ABC4) A lifelong Tremonton resident and friend of Sgt. Sorensen remembered his friend and discussed how the community can move forward from this tragedy as the procession for the fallen officers passed through Main Street. On Sunday night, two Tremonton Garland Police Department Officers were shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call. Monday evening, an honor procession took Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada from the Office of the Medical Examiner in Taylorsville home, where they will be laid to rest. Another officer, Deputy Mike Allred with the Box Elder Sheriffs Department, and his K9 Azula were also injured after they responded to a call for back up. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Two officers shot and killed in Tremonton identified, community procession brings them home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The small community has been rocked by this tragedy, but there has also been an outpouring of love and support, as people decorated with flags and ribbons and lined Main Street to witness the procession. Mike, who has lived in Tremonton his whole life, told ABC4 that any time something like this happens, it will impact the community in a big way. He said hes watched Tremonton grow over his lifetime. Its amazing to watch people come together, but we always do, he said. These folks were my friends, Mike said. I didnt know the younger cop, he was new, but I worked with Lee [Sorensen] for years as a volunteer fireman. He was always, a lot of times, the responding officer on the calls, so its hard, because he was my friend. Mike grew emotional while he spoke, and another man nearby squeezed his shoulder to comfort him. When you see all this, it just makes you proud, Mike added, gesturing to the procession passing by and the crowd gathered to pay their respects. Hopefully we can all come together around these two families and get them through this. Its gonna be tough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike shared a memory of Sgt. Sorensen, saying that he attended a class Sorensen taught two or three years ago. He was teaching a active shooter class to EMTs, so if we had an active shooter situation in the school, we could go help and know what to do with bulletproof vests and arms and everything, and he taught that class. Mike said that was the last real interaction he had with Sorensen, other than casually meeting each other in public, because Mike left the fire department once it went full time. READ NEXT: Tremonton shooter used high-powered rifle to kill officers, police say He was a good person, Mike said. I think everybody around, he just got along. He did his job and didnt try to bully anybody or cause problems, he just was a great guy and done a good job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He described today as a sober day. Its on a different scale than 9/11, but I think were gonna have the feeling of 9/11 here for a while. I hope that everybody can just come together and quit being mean. This is America, he said. We need to just be kind and take care of each other, love everybody. Mike said that he thinks healing is going to take some time, especially for their families and anyone who worked with Sgt. Sorensen and Officer Estrada. Theyre gonna need some arms wrapped around them, and some hugs. Making sense of what happened and moving forward Mike said that the general feeling hes getting from his community is a question of why, and how could this happen in a little place like Tremonton? Things like that dont happen here, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many in the community have questions about how this could happen, and Mike said he thinks its precisely because this has never happened before and because Tremonton is so small that this could happen. I think there was a little tunnel vision, possibly, maybe not enough information. I feel like they were ambushed To Mike, the only way that any of this could make sense is if the officers were ambushed, because he said that they knew how to handle a situation like this with caution. Mike said that hes sure the whole community is going to want something to happen to the suspect, whether that be the death penalty or other harsh prosecution. Mike personally doesnt know how he feels right now, saying that hes not sure if he supports the death penalty anymore. Mike believes that the community needs to be showing their support to their law enforcement officers and their families, and he said he hopes that those officers will understand that the vast majority of the community is behind them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we see them, we need to put our arm around them, and let them know that were grateful for them, were glad theyre still here, and we love them, he said. I think weve gotta just show outpouring love. I know a lot of people when I look down that street, Mike said, gesturing to the crowd on Main Street. And I bet you if you were to walk down that street and ask them the same question, I think you would get just what I said: we need to come together and show support and love to these guys. I think thats all we can do. The first step in that, Mike said, is going to be at the Box Elder County Fair, which starts on Wednesday. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Lifestyle influencer Yarely Ashley Hermosillo has died at age 27 after she was struck in the head by a stray bullet during an Arizona road rage incident unrelated to her. Jesus Preciado Dousten, 33, has been arrested on multiple charges including second-degree murder in connection to Hermosillos death, according to local outlet AZFamily. The tragic incident unfolded around 11:45 p.m. local time on Friday when police say Hermosillo was in the passenger seat of a vehicle stopped in the left lane at a red light in Glendale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dousten, who was stopped in the center lane, was in the midst of fighting with a driver on his right when authorities say he inexplicably aimed a gun at his drivers side window and pulled the trigger. The bullet went through his window and then into the passenger side window of Hermosillos vehicle, striking her in the head. Also in the car were her boyfriend, who was driving, the couples 4-year-old son and Hermosillos mother, though no one else was wounded. Hermosillos boyfriend identified in a GoFundMe as her husband rushed her to the hospital, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries, reported AZFamily. As of Tuesday afternoon, the GoFundMe set up for Hermosillos family had raised more than $9,000 of its $12,000 goal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yarelys life was taken far too soon in a senseless act of violence, reads the fundraiser. Yarely was a loving wife, a devoted mother, and a beautiful soul whose light touched everyone who knew her. She leaves behind her husband and their 4-year-old son, who now face an unimaginable loss. While the family said that no amount can ever replace Yarelys presence, the kindness of donations would help cover funeral expenses and bring comfort and stability to her family as they navigate life without her. Hermosillo who shared recipes on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, where she had a following of more than 300,000 people was killed just before another young influencer, 33-year-old Ariela La Langosta Mejia-Polanco was discovered dead in her car Sunday morning in Mount Vernon, N.Y. Westchester County authorities believe the New York-based model, and friend of Tekashi 6ix9ine, was likely targeted for violence and her death was not a random act. The Brief A lightning strike set off a fire that tore through the roof of a Lockport home Monday night. The residents escaped safely, but the house was left uninhabitable, with the Red Cross providing assistance. Multiple area fire departments helped battle the blaze, and no injuries were reported. LOCKPORT, Ill. - A lightning strike reportedly sparked a fire that destroyed the roof of a Lockport home Monday evening, forcing residents to evacuate but leaving no one injured, officials said. What we know The Lockport Township Fire Protection District responded around 6:57 p.m. to the 16300 block of West Caraway Court, where crews found flames in the attic of a two-story single-family home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters shifted to defensive operations after the roof became fully engulfed, according to the district. The occupants escaped safely, but the home was left uninhabitable. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents. The blaze was elevated to a full still alarm, bringing support from departments in East Joliet, Homer, Lemont, New Lenox, Northwest Homer, Orland Park, Plainfield and Romeoville. Investigators said the fire appears to have been caused by a lightning strike during storms on Monday. The Source The information in this report came from the Lockport Township Fire Prosecution District. More than 2,000 people converged on northern Minnesota to oppose further construction of Enbridge's Line 3 pipeline on June 7, 2021. Photo by Rilyn Eischens/Minnesota Reformer. An anti-pipeline demonstrator convicted of a felony is entitled to a new trial after the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Monday that the prosecutors repeated misconduct robbed her of a fair trial. A jury in Aitkin County found Mylene Vialard, 56, guilty of felony obstruction of legal process for tying herself to another demonstrator in a 25-foot structure to protest the Enbridge Line 3 replacement pipeline in 2021. The appeals court ruled the jurys decision may have been tainted by the prosecutors pervasive misconduct, including telling the jury to weigh facts not in evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is rare for the system to hold prosecutors accountable, even though the system is all about accountability, Vialards attorney Claire Glenn said. Were hopeful this will be the end of the road for Mylenes case. The decision is the latest rebuke of Garrett Slyva, a former Aitkin County assistant attorney who oversaw numerous since-dismissed prosecutions of Line 3 protesters including prominent Ojibwe activist Winona LaDuke. Slyva left the Aitkin County Attorneys Office in April 2024, according to his LinkedIn page, just before he was suspended from practicing law by the Minnesota Supreme Court for 30 days. The suspension stemmed from misconduct in North Dakota, where Slyva sexually harassed two jailed female defendants while working for the Fargo Public Defender Office, the court found. He was fired and reprimanded by the North Dakota Supreme Court and then suspended in Minnesota. The Aitkin County Attorneys Office and Slyva did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Photos included in court filings show law enforcement officers removing Mylene Vialard and another anti-pipeline protester from a structure on an access road that led to the Line 3 pump station. Enbridges Line 3 replacement pipeline stretching across northern Minnesota was the source of widespread protests led by Indigenous activists during its planning and construction, leading to hundreds of arrests and charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The criminal proceedings have carried on for years after the protests ended and the pipeline began carrying millions of gallons of oil from Alberta, Canada to Superior, Wisconsin. Activists have accused local prosecutors of weaponizing the justice system, using felony charges to crack down on free speech. In August 2021, Vialard and another protester installed themselves in hammocks suspended from a bamboo structure on an access road that led to the Line 3 pump station. As law enforcement approached them in a bucket truck to remove them, Vialard and the other protester locked their arms to one another through a pipe in a maneuver called a sleeping dragon. The officers initially tried to remove them together, but the other protester removed his arm from the device, allowing officers to extract them separately. The Minnesota Attorney Generals Office represented the state on the appeal and conceded to five of the 20 instances of Slyvas alleged misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The misconduct includes attempting to bolster one of the law enforcement witness testimony by asking him about his lack of ethical violations and asking a second law enforcement witness if he had sustained injuries responding to Line 3 protests that were unrelated to Vialards case. Slyva also improperly suggested that Vialard would have pleaded guilty if there was better video evidence and invited the jury to draw reasonable inferences off of whats not in evidence. It is extremely troubling that the prosecutor made explicit arguments during the states closing and rebuttal encouraging the jury to base its verdict on facts outside the record, Judge Jeanne Cochran wrote for the court. The court also held that Slyva was wrong to say the sheriff was elected to protect our community, which aligned the state with the jury and may have inflamed the passions of the jury by creating an us versus them scenario since Vialard is a Colorado resident who speaks with a French accent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vialard also argued the appeals court should reverse the jurys verdict because there wasnt enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that she intentionally locked herself into the sleeping dragon to obstruct law enforcement. She said she locked herself in the device to protest Line 3. The appeals court found the jury did have sufficient evidence for the conviction, although it noted the evidence wasnt particularly strong because the states witnesses accounts were inconsistent at times. Vialard said in a statement that she was glad the appellate court recognized the prosecutors misconduct, but that a larger fight against Enbridge remains. The disregard for the territories and rights of the Anishinaabe people and the paid-for-by-Enbridge police violence against them and their allies is an issue that has yet to be addressed by the justice system, she said. DES MOINES, Iowa A Des Moines man suffered critical injuries when he came in contact with a live power line. 1 seriously injured after being stabbed in the neck in Des Moines On Monday at around 5 p.m. emergency crews responded to the 3400 block of 48th Place in the Beaverdale Neighborhood. According to the DMPD, a 49-year-old man came in contact with a live power line and was transported to a hospital with critical injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers shut down 48th Place from Urbandale Avenue to Euclid Avenue for safety. The DMPD said that MidAmerican Energy was on scene investigating the incident. No additional information has been released. Metro news Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. Gov. Ron DeSantis says he anticipates his administration will be "vindicated" in an appeal to a federal judge's ruling last week calling part of the law used to take classic and modern books away from school libraries unconstitutional. At a Aug. 19 press conference in St. Cloud, DeSantis said the state plans to appeal U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza's ruling. Mendoza, of the Middle District of Florida, struck down a portion of HB 1069 the week prior, which prevents books that "describe sexual conduct" from being in public schools. "We will be vindicated in this," DeSantis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge wrote that it's "unclear what the statute actually prohibits." Since DeSantis signed the measure into law in 2023, it's been used to sweep thousands of books off Florida's school library shelves. But responding to a reporter's question about the state's next steps in this lawsuit, DeSantis said that his administration aims to empower parents to have a say in school materials that align with state standards. "Are we really going to keep doing this? You know, we're here to do math and reading and science, we're not here to inject gender theory," DeSantis said. "That's just not appropriate in the schools. We obviously have a right to insist on those standards." In the federal judge's order, Mendoza drew concern with removal of contemporary classics like "The Handmaid's Tale," which was among 23 books removed from Orange County and Volusia County schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal judge's ruling: Florida book ban law partly struck down in federal free speech case For years, the DeSantis administration has defended book removals using the "government speech" doctrine, which says the government has the right to promote its own views without a requirement to provide a platform for opposing views. Yet the judge's order affirmed a win for Penguin Random House and five other publishers, the Authors Guild, two parents and five authors. Jason Muehlhoff, who represents the State Board of Education, wrote in an email Aug. 14 to the USA TODAY NETWORK Florida that the order was a "bad decision." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Muehlhoff, who is the chief deputy solicitor general in Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's office, has said the state plans to appeal. This order didn't cast down all parts of the Florida law, which also restricts teachers from using preferred pronouns in schools outside their assigned sex at birth. The same day as Mendoza's ruling, another federal judge in Florida agreed that the same law discriminated based on sex. This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Fla. She can be reached at SMatat@gannett.com. On X: @stephanymatat. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis defends Florida law after judge's ruling in book ban lawsuit LOS ANGELES A woman known as the Ketamine Queen, charged with selling Matthew Perry the drug that killed him, agreed to plead guilty Monday. Jasveen Sangha becomes the fifth and final defendant charged in the overdose death of the Friends star to strike a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, avoiding a trial that had been planned for September. She agreed in a signed statement filed in court to plead guilty to five federal criminal charges, including providing the ketamine that led to Perrys death. In a brief statement, Sanghas lawyer Mark Geragos said only, Shes taking responsibility for her actions. Prosecutors had cast Sangha, a 42-year-old citizen of the U.S. and the U.K., as a prolific drug dealer who was known to her customers as the Ketamine Queen, using the term often in press releases and court documents. Featured Local Savings She agreed to plead guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The final plea deal came a year after federal prosecutors announced that five people had been charged in Perrys Oct. 28, 2023 death after a sweeping investigation. Sangha admitted in the agreement to selling four vials of ketamine to another man, Cody McLaury, hours before he died from an overdose in 2019. McLaury had no relationship to Perry. Prosecutors will drop three other counts related to the distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine that was unrelated to the Perry case. SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) Syracuse Police arrested a 28-year-old suspect following an investigation into an incident involving multiple guns and what police suspect to be heroin found inside Parkside Commons. The departments Criminal Investigations Division began a gun investigation at the apartment complex, Parkside Commons, located at the 2100 block of East Fayette Street, at around 6:46 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 12. Inside, they found a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber, a semi-automatic handgun and a suspected amount of heroin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Syracuse Police, with help from the Central New York Crime Analysis Center (CNYCAC) and New York State Board of Parole, their investigation pointed them in the direction of a suspect, 28-year-old Shamiek Robinson. A High Risk Search Warrant was executed by Syracuse Police and Onondaga County Sheriffs Office SWAT teams at Robinsons home on Bellevue Avenue around 4:30 a.m. on Aug. 19. At the home, law enforcement found an unloaded high-capacity magazine, and additional evidence that indicated the unlawfully possessed weapon belonged to Robinson, police said. Robinson was taken into custody and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm. He is currently on parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into this incident remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Syracuse Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (315) 442-5222. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. HOWLAND, Ohio (WKBN) Howland firefighters and local employees from the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities (TCBDD) participated in a simulation training to learn how to better assist school students in an emergency. We filled the bus with fake smoke, said Howland Township Fire Chief Ray Pace. And that allows the bus drivers to be in the simulated environment, God forbid if there was a fire on the bus, to teach them how to evacuate the children off the bus, then also evacuate themselves off the bus in the most realistic and safe environment we can provide. The firefighters helped TCBDD employees learn how to efficiently evacuate students in the event of a school bus fire or school bus rollover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were very thankful to Fair Haven Schools for the donation of the bus, said Pace. The uniqueness, with it being a bus or a larger scale vehicle, really elevates the training. Pace commented on how great it was that firefighters and TCBDD employees can train alongside each other. Todays importance was not only to see how disorienting it might be with a bus on its side, but we do have students in safety seating on the bus, so we went over how to evacuate students in that situation, as well, said Jennifer Durno, Director of Transportation. We dont want to have collisions, but they are inevitable. The school bus is the safest form of transportation for students to and from school, but accidents do happen, and we need to be prepared for those accidents. Instead of talking about it, we want to show them what we can do and respond properly, said Durno. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The training took place at the Howland Township Road Department, partnering with Fair Haven Schools. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. On the day when Tremontons community was supposed to line the streets for the all horse parade as part of the Box Elder County Fair, the areas residents instead gathered in mourning for two police officers killed in the line of duty. Two Tremonton-Garland police officers were shot and killed Sunday night after responding to a domestic violence call. Deputy Mike Allred of the Box Elder County Sheriffs Office was also injured, along with his K-9 Azula. Allred has since been released from the hospital, and Azula is reportedly in stable condition. The town, already adorned with American flags, was lined with residents paying respects on Monday evening with blue ribbons in tow as the procession of Tremonton-Garland Police Sgt. Lee Sorensen, 56, and officer Eric Estrada, 31, was escorted by a police motorcade. Blue ribbons adorn the trees along the road in front of the Tremonton Garland Police Department in memory of two police officers who were shot and killed, in Tremonton, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Members of the small town in northern Utah said they couldnt believe a tragedy like this would ever occur in a tight-knit community like Tremonton. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tisha Yarrington, who helped gather the community members for the evening procession, said there has been an outpouring of help from across the county and state. Were hoping to get people lining up from Salt Lake all the way to Logan, where Estrada worked for Logan Police Department as a part time officer before going to Tremonton Police Department, she said on Monday prior to the procession. We love our officers, and we love their families, and were just heartbroken over all of this, she told the Deseret News. The hearses carrying the bodies of fallen Tremonton-Garland Police officers, Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada, are escorted by police officers on motorcycles as they depart the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office in Taylorsville to Garland and Logan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News The procession route began in Taylorsville at the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner and traveled to a Tremonton mortuary, and then to Logan for a final stop. Tremonton closed all city offices at noon on Monday to prepare for the procession. Utah Sen. Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, told the Deseret News that he couldnt fathom the crimes committed against the law enforcement officers. Law enforcement officers from all over the state salute as the casket of Sgt. Lee Sorensen is brought to a funeral home on Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Im appalled that such a heinous and heartbreaking incident took place in our community. My heart goes out to the families of the fallen officers. I cannot begin to comprehend the anguish they must be feeling, knowing their loved ones gave their lives to keep us safe. While nothing can replace what has been lost, I know the Tremonton community will come together to support them during this incredibly difficult time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah Gov. Spencer Cox ordered that Utah and American flags fly at half-staff to honor Sorensen and Estrada until the day of interment. Tremonton-Garland Police Sgt. Lee Sorensen, left, and officer Eric Estrada, right, are pictured in this combination handout photo. Both men were shot and killed in the line of duty Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025 after responding to a call. | Tremonton-Garland Police Today, our hearts are broken. Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada gave their lives in service to their neighbors and community. Abby and I join all Utahns in mourning alongside their families, the Tremonton-Garland Police Department, and every officer who puts on the uniform to protect others, Cox said in a press release. We owe these heroes a debt that can never be repaid. As we grieve, let us also recommit to supporting the men and women of law enforcement who stand on the front lines to keep our neighborhoods safe. May God bless the Sorensen and Estrada families, and all those who are hurting in this time of loss. A community in mourning Kristina, who identified herself by her first name only, wipes away tears in front of the Tremonton Garland Police Department as she talks about two police officers who were shot and killed, in Tremonton, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. Kristina is a former colleague of the two officers. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Throughout the day on Monday, flowers began to fill the entrance of the Garland Police Department, located in the heart of Tremonton, as more and more mourners came by to grieve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tears filled the eyes of Kristina, a former colleague of the fallen officers, who asked that her full name not be used. She said the loss of these men is a devastation that has rocked the entire community. Families didnt have them come home last night. I never expected this to happen here. Everybodys lives have changed after last night, Kristina said. They were brave. They loved this community, they protected this community, and they were selfless. Crowds gather to hold signs and flags to honor the bravery of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as their caskets are brought to a funeral home along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Office Bourne of the Tremonton-Garland Police Department mourns the loss of her two fallen colleagues after escorting the casket of Sgt. Lee Sorensen to a funeral home on Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Crowds gather to hold signs and flags to honor the bravery of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as their caskets are brought to a funeral home along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Trydon Grossenbach carries flags across the street as crowds gather to hold signs and flags to honor the bravery of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as their caskets are brought to a funeral home along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie Hess inserts cups to create a message of love and support to honor the bravery of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as their caskets are brought to a funeral home along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Brooks Nelson inserts cups to create a message of love and support to honor the bravery of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as their caskets are brought to a funeral home along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News As the motorcade arrives, crowds of people wave flags and salute the bravery of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as their caskets are brought to a funeral home along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News The hearse carrying the body of Sgt. Lee Sorensen of the Tremonton-Garland Police Department passes by crowds of supporters on its way to a funeral home during a large law enforcement processional along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A team of little league footballers gather to hold signs and flags to honor the bravery of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Nique Mower (pronounced Nee-Ka) wipes away tears as she talks about the two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as she waits for their caskets to be brought to a funeral home along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News McKinley Cole talks with other cheerleaders about how well they knew the fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as they wait to honor the arrival of a large law enforcement processional along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News A message from the Bear River High students reads BRHS Loves Blue along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie Hess and her daughter Ellie create a message of love as they gather to hold signs and flags to honor the bravery of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as their caskets are brought to a funeral home along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News A group holds a huge American flag as a large procession of law enforcement officers escort the caskets of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as make their way along main street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Thousands of people waving flags gather to honor the bravery of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as their caskets are brought to a funeral home along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Players from a team of little league footballers gather to honor the bravery of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A man stands at attention and salutes as a large procession of law enforcement officers escort the caskets of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as make their way along main street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Crowds gather to hold signs and flags to honor the bravery of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as their caskets are brought to a funeral home along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Law enforcement officers form a path at the arrival of two fallen colleagues from the Tremonton-Garland police Department as the casket of Sgt. Lee Sorensen is brought to a funeral home on Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Two members of the Tremonton-Garland police department embrace at the arrival of two fallen colleagues as the casket of Sgt. Lee Sorensen is brought to a funeral home on Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crowds gather to hold signs and flags to honor the bravery of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as their caskets are brought to a funeral home along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Law enforcement officers from all over the state salute as the casket of Sgt. Lee Sorensen is brought to a funeral home on Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Crowds gather to hold signs and flags to honor the bravery of two fallen officers from the Tremonton-Garland Police Department as their caskets are brought to a funeral home along Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News A group of supporters weep as the casket of Sgt. Lee Sorensen is brought to a funeral home on Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement officers don black ribbons over their badges to honor the two fallen colleagues of the Tremonton-Garland Police Department on Main Street in Garland, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret News Although she did not know either officer, Tremonton resident and retired Air Force Master Sgt. Zita Walters explained that she brought flowers out of respect. She understands what its like to work in a profession where the highest sacrifice could be your life. The ultimate sacrifice is always a possibility, she told the Deseret News of her and her husbands experience in the Air Force. And so we have that heightened sense of value for human life and what that means to serve. And so I just wanted to express to them that there are more citizens who support them, who have their back than would ever dare to draw arms on them. She added, you can feel the heaviness, the sadness, the shared mourning, everywhere you kind of go around town, just driving, you can feel the heavy weight of this loss, and its the senselessness of it. A retired Weber County Sheriff Deputy, Ray Day and his wife Beverley talks about the experience of working in law enforcement in front of the Tremonton/Garland Police Station after leaving a bouquet of flowers in support of the two fallen officers in Tremonton, Utah, Monday, August 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret A former deputy sheriff for Weber County, Ray Day, said he and his wife, Beverly, came to pay their respects at the police station because these are his brothers. We all know the price when we go out and we get in these cars and we kiss these families goodbye and we dont know if its the last time were going to kiss them goodbye, Day said. We got out there for our love of the citizens. Im retired, but this oath is to serve and protect. It doesnt say only certain people. Its to protect and to serve all people, regardless of race, color, creed or anything at all, he said, and thats exactly what our officers were doing. Zita Walters carries flowers into the Tremonton Garland Police Department in memory of two police officers who were shot and killed in Tremonton, Utah, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Brian Nicholson for the Deseret On Sunday evening, the officers responded to multiple 911 hang-up calls regarding domestic violence from a Tremonton neighborhood. An officer was speaking to a resident of the home when the alleged shooter, Ryan Michael Bate, 32, emerged from the house and began shooting at the officer, according to police reports. Bate was armed with a high-powered rifle, according to a police booking affidavit. Bate opened fire on two officers, fatally wounding both. A Box Elder County K-9 deputy, responding to a call for backup, was also shot while inside his vehicle. The deputy sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Bullets penetrating the vehicle struck the deputys police service K-9 in the rear compartment, causing serious injuries; the K-9 is expected to survive, the affidavit states. Box Elder County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Allred was shot and injured in a shooting on Sunday Aug. 17, 2025, that resulted in the deaths of two Tremonton-Garland police officers. Allred's K9, Azula, was also injured in the shooting. Both are expected to recover. | Box Elder Sheriff's Department The investigation revealed that, prior to police arrival, Bate had assaulted his wife by slamming her head into a door frame, the affidavit says. Bate was booked into the Weber County Jail for investigation of two counts of aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder and assault. Officer Kimber of the Logan City Police Department holds a flag during the procession for officer Eric Estrada on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Logan. Two Tremonton-Garland officers were killed on Sunday night while responding to a domestic disturbance call. | Eli Lucero, Herald Journal The hearse carrying the body of officer Eric Estrada turns a corner during the procession honoring him on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Logan. Estrada and another Tremonton-Garland officer were killed on Sunday night while responding to a domestic disturbance call. | Eli Lucero, Herald Journal Law enforcement officers stand at attention during the procession for officer Eric Estrada on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Logan. Two Tremonton-Garland officers were killed on Sunday night while responding to a domestic disturbance call. | Eli Lucero, Herald Journal Law enforcement lead a procession for officer Eric Estrada on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Logan. Two Tremonton-Garland officers were killed on Sunday night while responding to a domestic disturbance call. | Eli Lucero/Herald Journal People gather at the procession for officer Eric Estrada on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Logan. Two Tremonton-Garland officers were killed on Sunday night while responding to a domestic disturbance call. | Eli Lucero, Herald Journal Community members place their hands over their hearts as the hearses carrying the bodies of fallen Trenmont-Garland Police officers, Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada, depart the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office in Taylorsville to Garland and Logan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News Bradley Favish holds a flag as police arrive for the procession of fallen Tremonton-Garland Police officers, Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada, from the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office in Taylorsville to their hometowns of Garland and Logan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News Bagpipers walk in front of the hearses carrying the bodies of fallen Tremonton-Garland Police officers, Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada, as they depart the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office in Taylorsville on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News An American flag hangs from the ladders of two fire trucks as officers prepare for the procession of fallen Tremonton-Garland Police officers, Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada, at the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office in Taylorsville on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News Community members look on as the hearses carrying the bodies of fallen Tremonton-Garland Police officers, Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada, depart the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office in Taylorsville to Garland and Logan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News A officer and his K9 look on as the hearses carrying the bodies of fallen Tremonton-Garland Police officers, Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada, depart the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office in Taylorsville to Garland and Logan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News A community member salutes as the hearses carrying the bodies of fallen Tremonton-Garland Police officers, Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada, depart the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office in Taylorsville to Garland and Logan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News The hearses carrying the bodies of fallen Tremonton-Garland Police officers, Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada, are escorted by police officers on motorcycles as they depart the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office in Taylorsville to Garland and Logan on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News Community members hold flags as motorcycle officers line up for the procession of fallen Tremonton-Garland Police officers, Sgt. Lee Sorensen and officer Eric Estrada, at the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office in Taylorsville on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News LONGMEADOW The School Committee is expected to discuss the arrest of a librarian who worked at Glenwood and Williams middle schools at its 7 p.m. meeting Tuesday at Longmeadow High School. Under the new business portion of the meeting is an item saying District response to criminal matter. Scott McGinley, 55, was charged in federal court last week with one count of distribution of child pornography. He submitted his retirement papers the same week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longmeadow educators, the U.S. District Attorneys Office, the FBI, the Hampden District Attorney, Longmeadow Police and school officials held an informational meeting Thursday. Another was planned for Monday evening for parents and staff. Those meetings were closed to the general public and press. Read the original article on MassLive. If youve been scammed or spotted a scam in the wild, you can tell us your story using the form at the bottom of this article. Every parent knows the madness of the school holiday juggle. For Tracy Hall, the morning of July 11 2017 began like a hundred others, a familiar whirlwind of breakfast, packed lunch and getting her seven-year-old daughter off to gymnastics camp. It ended with a video that almost destroyed her life. As my chest tightened and my stomach twisted, I watched Max Tavita, the man I loved, being arrested on my phone. But I had absolutely no idea why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Desperately trying to control her panic, Tracy, at the time 41 and living in Sydney, Australia, called the police. Incredulity turned to horror as she heard that his name wasnt Max, that he was under investigation, and that they were unable to share anything more. Suddenly, I was struggling to breathe. What was Maxs real name? Why was he being investigated? And then finally a question that made my legs buckle beneath me: what did this mean for my money? Tracy had many questions when she found out Max had lied to her, not least concerning the money she had given him This smart, educated and capable woman was about to discover that shed been the victim of a massive financial fraud, manipulated by a man who had stolen millions and ruined the lives of men and women across the world. Funny and charming In 2016, a year after her marriage had ended, Tracy wrote her dating profile for an app. I loved my corporate job at eBay and was juggling my career with looking after my daughter, Asha, then five, she remembers. I wasnt looking to be swept off my feet, I was just hoping to find someone nice to hang out with. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with low expectations, the experience wasnt what Tracy had hoped for, describing the dating pool as more like a puddle. Then she spotted the profile of Max Tavita, a 41-year-old blonde triathlete and financial adviser. After swiping right, their messages flew back and forth, with Tracy pleasantly surprised by this funny, charming man, back in Sydney after 16 years in New York. Then, on their first phone call, Max revealed something shocking. When I asked about his family, he said that his parents had died in a plane crash when he was six. While I was shocked and struggled to know how to reply, he remained thoughtful and positive. In bed that night, Tracy Googled Tavita plane crash. It was odd, she noted, that nothing came up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tracy falls quiet for a minute as she reflects back on that moment. At the time, the very last word Id use to describe myself was vulnerable. We think of vulnerable women as being an emotional mess or being desperate for love. I was neither. But I was stressed and stretched, juggling single parenthood with a pressurised job and long hours. Being tired robs you of critical capacity and rational thinking. After a 16-hour day, I shrugged off the fact that I couldnt find anything on the plane crash. I liked this guy and I was exhausted. I didnt have the time or energy to do a deep dive, and suddenly, it was a new day. Max told Tracy various lies about his life, such as that his parents had died in a plane crash The fact that Tracy was both time- and energy-poor were vulnerabilities Max saw from the start, she says, and exploited ruthlessly. Expensive apartment and flash cars As they began to date and Tracys feelings for him grew, Max spoke about his scholarship to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, his internship at American defence and aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin and his membership of Mensa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It sounded a little fantastical but not impossible, she says. Id seen Maxs expensive apartment and numerous cars, I knew he was very successful. The fact that when I Googled him, [that] he wasnt on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn was odd, but his explanation that he liked to keep a low profile made sense. It didnt feel like a red flag. When Max told Tracy hed been in New York on 9/11 and lost a friend in the first tower, or had once been stabbed on the subway, her very last thought was that this was a strategic fabrication to gain her sympathy and trust. He was a shape-shifter, a chameleon and, above all, a phenomenal listener. When he heard that I didnt like conspicuous consumption, suddenly his five cars disappeared. Whatever I was looking for, he became. With empathy and patience, he wanted to hear all my challenges and frustrations and then presented himself as the one person who could solve them all. That included her finances. With the ever-increasing costs of single parenthood, Max listened patiently to Tracys desire to build a greater financial buffer. Investment opportunity I was cautious when he first mentioned an investment opportunity, six months into our relationship. But there wasnt a minimum amount, there was the chance I could double it and at the very least Id be able to get my money back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In love and trusting a man who, after all, had made a living helping rich people grow their wealth, Tracy decided to do as he suggested. It appeared to be a success. In October 2016, she transferred 4,800, and just two months later, Max said her investment had doubled. Thats when he suggested managing her pension pot. My mind didnt flash to Nigeria phishing scams, she says. I didnt dream that the man holding me at night was trying to destroy my life. I believed this loving, decent guy wanted to look out for me. And with his experience I was sure that he was absolutely qualified for the job. Tracy had no inkling that Max was carrying out a scam, even after she had transferred thousands of pounds to him - Felicity Cook Photography As Tracy continued to invest, Max continued to treat her, to a 1,190 leather jacket and 300 boots, or settling a luxurious hotel stay with 3,900 in cash. Then, in June 2017, he presented Tracy with a 14-page report, pointing her to the bold number at the bottom. It said my investments had grown from 130,000 to 192,000 in just three months. I thought about my friend Cath, whod been so worried about Max, whod warned me not to trust him. Shed been totally wrong. In total I transferred 154,000 on his advice. A waking nightmare Then Tracys world collapsed. After 24 hours of silence from Max and convinced that something terrible had happened to him, Tracy received a text message from Cath with a link to a news article. Thats when she saw the video of Max being led away by police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In desperation, sick to my stomach but numb in my limbs, I saw a text message from an unknown number. Tracy, please call me back urgently on this number, it said. It was signed, Chris (Hamishs brother-in-law). Although Id never met Maxs sister, we had hung out with her husband, Chris. But who on earth was Hamish? In a call that lasted less than a minute, Chris seemed absolutely baffled that I thought my boyfriends name was Max Tavita. Hearing Chris say that his brother-in-law sometimes went by the names Hamish Watson or Hamish McLaren, Tracys confusion only increased. I dont know who those people are, I said to him, feeling like I was having a panic attack. In the hours that followed, Tracy was plunged into a waking nightmare. Googling the names Chris had given her, she found news articles on his crimes, including how hed lost his financial services business licence after being found guilty of stealing 2.4 million from an accountancy group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the police station they told me Hamish had been arrested for crimes against three victims, and they knew there were more, like myself. It was shocking to hear myself described that way. Just hours before, it was an identity I never thought Id have to try on. Shame and self-loathing Even now, Tracy struggles to describe the horror of realising that shed spent 18 months in love with a man, without even knowing his real name, and that shed trusted him with so much of her money. The shame and self-loathing were immediate and overwhelming, she says quietly. I asked myself over and over, how could I have been so stupid? In the weeks and months that followed, Tracys shock and trauma only increased. I was a single mum whod lost everything, I didnt have a single penny in my account and was terrified of what my future would be. But the betrayal was almost worse. Wed had the closest, most trusting relationship, and then suddenly, it was as if hed never existed. Id been in love with a fictional character. Id catch myself grieving for him, then hate myself for it. I was clinging on to my sanity by a thread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 18 months between Hamishs arrest and his plea hearing, Tracy struggled to eat or rest. All I could think about was what had happened, and how hed lied to me. Losing his parents in the plane crash, being at 9/11, his work history, it was all lies. Saying that now, I know how ridiculous it seems that I would ever have believed him. If he had knocked on my door two weeks after we met, told me all these lies and then suggested investing my life savings, Id have laughed and slammed the door in his face. But thats not how this manipulation worked. He groomed me throughout the months we were together. There was always an explanation for everything, such as the lack of friends. Tracy says, I did meet a childhood friend, Matt, who called him Hambone when we were all together in his apartment one day. When I asked him later, Why Hambone? quick as a flash he said, I was really skinny as a kid and people used to say that I needed to put more ham on my bones Hambone. I didnt think anything more of it. I met some other people here and there but they were fleeting encounters. The reasoning was all wrapped up in conversations like, We dont get much time together, Trace, I havent seen you for a few weeks... I just want to be with you. He also explained it away by having lived overseas for the last 16 years and not having kept in touch with old friends, people had moved on, had families. It was all very believable and I didnt suspect anything was wrong, so I didnt question things further. Prison sentence In 2019, Tracy watched as Hamish pleaded guilty to stealing 3.73 million from 15 Australian victims. He was then sentenced to 16 years in prison, later reduced to 12 years on appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it didnt end Tracys nightmare. In truth, it took another six long years to piece my soul back together, through therapy, humour, exercise, friendships and the love of my daughter. Six years of pain, tears, weight loss and sleepless nights. Hall began working on an investigative podcast about her experience and started speaking publicly about fraud In that time, she worked on the investigative podcast Who the Hell is Hamish?, began speaking publicly about financial empowerment and intimate fraud, and has now written a memoir about her experience. There is so much stigma, judgment and misunderstanding about all financial crime, she explains, not to mention the devastating impact on its victims. Tracy understands why so many stay silent, especially when theyve experienced romance fraud, but has found strength and solidarity in speaking out. While she feels the police could have warned her while they were investigating Hamish, at a time when she was still transferring money to him, she understands why they didnt and has accepted it. But even now, five years into a loving relationship with an old friend and with the support of her family, its still a constant struggle to maintain trust. I dont want to believe that the world is made up of Hamishes, she says quietly. But I have to remind myself that he is an outlier every single day. As for the surprising revelation in her book that she doesnt regret joining a dating app or even dating Hamish? I absolutely regret losing the money, which I know I will never get back, Tracy says firmly. But I dont regret the experience, because its brought me to where I am now. Its shown me my lifes purpose. Using my voice to educate, empower and bring awareness has helped me heal and help others. I refuse to be ashamed. The Last Victim by Tracy Hall, published by Hachette, is on sale on September 25 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. Judy Arliss was just 19 months old when her father died on board the steamship SS Khedive Ismail on 12 February 1944. Reginald Arliss was a Petty Officer in the Royal Navy, and was among 1,297 people killed when the vessel was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in the Indian Ocean. Eighty years on from VJ Day, and more than 81 years since her father's death at age 37, Ms Arliss still vows to "fight for pacificism until the day I die". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 83-year-old, who is a Quaker, added she is "very proud" of her life-long commitment to peace. On 5 February 1944 the SS Khedive Ismail left Mombasa, Kenya, where Ms Arliss' father was stationed, carrying 1,348 passengers including 271 Royal Navy personnel and more than 80 women, most who were nurses. Four torpedoes were fired by a Japanese submarine, and "the ship went down in three minutes on a Sunday afternoon, with the band playing," Ms Arliss said. The sinking of the transport vessel killed 1,220 men and 77 women, and according to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, was the largest loss of servicewomen in a single incident in Commonwealth military history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Japanese submarine was later sunk by the destroyers and cruisers accompanying the convoy. Before Ms Arliss was born, her mother Margery Arliss was evacuated to Shrewsbury after being bombed out of her flat in Liverpool. "She had an aunt in Shrewsbury, and she was given a train ticket and got on the next train to Shrewsbury," Ms Arliss said. Her mother ended up living near family in Meole Brace, and Ms Arliss, who still lives in the Shropshire market town, said she "had a wonderful five years living there going to school." The impact of her father's death in the war meant Ms Arliss ended up "moving house 43 times" as her mother, who was made a widow aged 28, looked for work in housekeeping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 83-year-old said she has "been through a few religions", before settling on the Quaker faith 40 years ago. "Obviously, I'm a pacifist, which I'm very proud of - I will preach pacifism until the day I die," she added. Quakers are members of a group with Christian roots that began in England in the 1650s - the formal title of the movement is the Society of Friends or the Religious Society of Friends. The group has a long tradition of opposing war and working in the pursuit of peace. Judy Arliss was among tens of thousands of women who protested against nuclear warheads being stored at RAF Greenham Common [Getty Images] "I'm proud to say I went to Greenham Common and various other pacifist things," Ms Arliss added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What's the point in hating anyone? It only burns you up." From 1981, thousands of women took part in protests and set up camp in opposition to 96 US Air Force nuclear warheads being stored at the RAF base in Berkshire. The camp became a focal point of anti-nuclear sentiment in the UK, and many protesters highlighted their role as mothers aiming to make the world a safer place for their children. Ms Arliss finds VE Day and VJ Day in particular tough to commemorate. She said she was "crying all the time" watching this year's 80th anniversary coverage, adding: "I'm not a royalist, but I liked what the King and Queen and the Royal Family did, they put the survivors centre stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I felt [it was] necessary to watch it." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Related stories Internet links BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) State and local leaders, IT professionals, and industry experts will gather Tuesday at the Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge for the Louisiana Digital Government Summit. The annual event brings together key voices to discuss how technology can improve government services from cybersecurity and data management to digital equity and innovation in public systems. Its an opportunity for decision-makers to share ideas, explore solutions, and collaborate on creating a more connected and responsive government for the people of Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Summits like this help ensure the technology behind government services keeps up with the needs of the people making things like applying for benefits, accessing records, or staying informed faster and more secure. This years key themes include cybersecurity, how AI is being used in government, digital transformation, better data management, and encouraging collaboration across agencies and partners. The summit is hosted by government technology in partnership with state leaders, and its free for public sector employees. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Alif Ramadhan/Getty Images As tornadoes become increasingly common across Louisiana, the city of New Orleans is considering a siren system to help people get to safety faster if a twister is approaching. Louisiana has been hit by more than 100 twisters since 2023, many of which have occurred at night and sometimes during hurricanes. Though most of those tornadoes caused relatively little damage, two people were killed last May by high winds and severe weather across the state. The West Bank of New Orleans and the community of Arabi in St. Bernard Parish were both struck by tornadoes twice in 2022, the second of which killed one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, no parish in the state has a comprehensive outdoor warning system, commonly known as a siren system, to warn people to retreat indoors if a storm is approaching or other public emergency is taking place. Siren systems are common across Tornado Alley Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and South Dakota but in recent years, tornadoes have been shifting eastward, leading local emergency management officials to question whether its worth installing sirens in Louisiana next. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Collin Arnold, the director of homeland security and emergency preparedness for New Orleans, said he has been brought around to the idea of installing a siren system as the technology has progressed in the last several years. We typically associate outdoor warning systems with just sirens or tones, but theyre advanced to the point now where you can actually verbalize messages through them, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New Orleans, a siren system could also be used to alert people in situations ranging from imminent coastal flooding to active shooter threats, Arnold said. He pointed to recent natural disasters in the state, such as the Arabi tornado in 2022 the strongest in the states history as well as the mass floods in Texas that killed at least 136 in early July. I have thought since that it is worth looking into, he said. Arnold said he has been in talks with several national outdoor warning system manufacturers and estimates the cost of installing a comprehensive siren system across Orleans Parish to be around $10 million. Installing sirens on telephone poles or street lights, which already have a power supply connected, could minimize the cost, according to Arnold, who said he is asking potential siren contractors to look into the possibility of using existing infrastructure as a cost-saving measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Dean is the founding partner and chief revenue officer at the outdoor warning systems company OmniWarn, one of the vendors Arnold said he contacted. Dean said the siren itself typically affects the total cost more than where it is installed. Sometimes well start with sirens at all of the parks, and then well put them at all the schools, and slowly expand it out like that, he said. Howeverwhen I show [city officials] the price tag to do it all at once, theyre pleasantly surprised with how inexpensive it is. Dean said OmniWarn charges between $30,000 to $50,000 per siren, each of which is designed to last decades. OmniWarn recently installed 30 sirens for $1.3 million in the east Texas city of Pasadena. Whether or not the city moves forward with installing sirens, Arnold said New Orleans residents should make sure they are subscribed to NOLA Ready text message alerts to get up-to-date information on any public emergency, from tornadoes to acts of terrorism. How effective are sirens? Debra Campbell, chairperson for A Community Voice, a local nonprofit for social and economic justice, has been calling on New Orleans to install an outdoor warning system since 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campbell said city officials who claim text message and social media alerts are enough of a warning fail to recognize that many people do not have access to a cell phone. Campbells son, who has autism, would be far more likely to listen to a siren than a text alert, she said. My son will probably not pay attention to an alert on the phone, but if you give him a deafening siren, then hell be aware that something is going on in the area, she said. The city of Dallas is home to a comprehensive outdoor warning system that has been periodically expanded and updated over the years. John Patterson has managed the Dallas siren system for nearly 10 years. He called it just one tool in our warning toolbox, if you will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patterson noted that outdoor warning systems can be used for a variety of public emergencies, from hail, high winds and other extreme weather, to chemical spills involving toxic fumes. When the sirens are activated, the office also posts alerts on social media. If people hear it, they cant assume that its a tornado issue, he said. It could be anything else. Thats why we tell people, when you hear it, go inside and turn on local radio and television news and find out what the situation is. The sirens are tested once per month, weather permitting, to avoid confusing the public. Patterson said the city still occasionally gets calls from people who arent sure whether the test is real. Still, sirens have their limitations, said Samantha Montano, associate professor of emergency management at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, who began studying disaster relief after visiting New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sirens dont do as much as people think they do, she said. They tend to be more expensive and not quite as effective as the public thinks they are. Montano pointed out how sirens can generally only be heard when outside, and sometimes cant be heard over the loud sounds of a storm. She said focusing on more fundamental issues, such as the lack of tornado shelters across New Orleans, would be a more effective preparation tactic. A statewide question Although nuclear power plants and universities across the state have used localized outdoor warning systems over the years, Orleans Parish would be the states first parishwide public siren system. Its up to parishes as to whether or not to invest in such a system, said Mike Steele, communications director with the Governors Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, though the state can assist with obtaining federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the aftermath of the Arabi tornado, the state legislature put together a task force in 2023 for emergency managers across the state to discuss future tornado preparedness. There, members of the public shared their desire for the city to invest in an outdoor warning system, Arnold said. In Lafayette Parish, emergency management officials are sticking with a text message notification system as the primary tool to notify residents about tornadoes and other emergencies, given cost constraints. If we had all the money we wanted, yes, obviously wed have sirens, said Chad Sonnier, the parishs top emergency management official. However when you have limited funds, you try and get the most bang for your buck, and we think the system we have now is the way to go. Last June, a tornado hit Youngsville, a city of 19,000 people located in the southern part of Lafayette Parish, damaging trees, trailers and power lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott Gilbeaux, who lost his trailer home in the Youngsville twister, said he only learned about the tornado when he heard a loud sound similar to a train whistle close to midnight a tell-tale sign of an impending tornado and turned on the TV to see that one was on the way. Thank god I was awake, Gilbeaux said. We dont have [sirens] back here were in the country. Gilbeaux has since managed to get back on his feet with the help of family and friends. He said that with or without a siren system, at the end of the day, there is little that can be done ahead of a devastating natural disaster. Im not prepared, he said. Whats going to happen is going to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New Orleans, a robust public education program, including social media posts and coverage from news outlets, would be needed if the city were to install and periodically test an outdoor warning system, Arnold said. Regardless of the views of the public or disaster relief officials, Arnold said the decision-making power on whether or not to invest in an outdoor warning system lies elsewhere. Arnold said he has spoken to Mayor LaToya Cantrell and other city leaders about installing sirens and that the response has been positive. In a statement, the Mayors Office said the city is looking into the feasibility, value and potential deployment of such a system. Ultimately it will be the elected leadership of the city the mayor and the city council that will determine from the will of the voters what direction we want to go with this, Arnold said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE This article first appeared on Verite News New Orleans and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Happy Tuesday, and welcome to another edition of Rent Free. To start with a brief programming note, I am off on vacation these next two weeks. Consequently, the newsletter will be a bit more abbreviated and a little less hooked to the news the next couple Tuesdays. That includes today's, where our sole main story responds to the unusual claim that Washington, D.C.'s relatively impressive record on housing production proves the need for proactive government planning. Is Washington, D.C., Not So YIMBY After All? This Saturday, The Economist ran a piece on D.C.'s "YIMBYiest neighborhood" of NoMa, which has been leading the nation in new apartment construction over the past several years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neighborhood, formerly called "Swampoodle" was once mostly an industrial area with few residents. Through zoning changes that allowed new housing near newly built Metro rail stations, the city enabled a building boom there and other neighborhoods like it. A lifting of zoning restrictions on new housing followed by a sharp increase in housing production sounds like a YIMBY success story, if ever there was one. Not so, says Brian Shearer, director of competition and regulatory policy at the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator. In an article published in Washington Monthly a few days before The Economist's piece, Shearer argues that D.C's housing boom is not the result of "bottom-up zoning reform" but rather "top-down government action." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shearer acknowledges that D.C. did its fair share of upzoning. But he argues that it was the city's supplemental government interventionsthe setting of housing production targets, generous subsidization of affordable housing construction, infrastructure investments, and more elaborate planning generallythat made those upzonings really yield units. It's this government-led approach that's enabled D.C. to produce more units per capita than famously unzoned Houston, says Shearer. YIMBY reforms that replace single-family-only zoning with zoning that allows duplexes, triplexes, etc., have produced a minimal number of new homes. This all proves to Shearer that a "post-neoliberal" approach to housing is more productive than the hands-off "YIMBY playbook." It probably wouldn't be too fruitful to debate the semantics of what counts as a YIMBY vs. a "post-neoliberal" approach to housing policy. Most self-identified YIMBYs (regrettably) have few inherent qualms about subsidies and government planning, provided they're paired with relaxed zoning. Likewise, Shearer measures the success of D.C.'s "post-neoliberal" agenda in large part by its ability to boost private housing production. There seems to be a lot of overlap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is nevertheless worthwhile to interrogate Shearer's substantive claim that D.C.'s "top-down" approach is getting more units built than cities that have taken a more hands-off approach. For starters, I think Shearer is wrong to say that D.C. is outperforming Houston on housing production. If one looks at the housing permit data culled by housingdata.appwhich pulls permitting numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau's Building Permits SurveyD.C. has in fact been building more units per capita than Houston for most years in the past decade. But that's to be expected. Median incomes and average home prices are nearly twice as high in D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People have more money in D.C. and are willing and able to spend more money on housing as a result. The returns to building that housing are much higher in D.C. One should expect, then, that D.C. is building way more housing per capita than Houston, not just modestly more over the past couple of years. Instead, the former has only surpassed the latter in per capita housing production within the past decade, and only by a significant amount in a handful of those years. And according to housingdata.app, in 2023 and 2024, Houston was back to building more housing per capita. This says nothing of a place like Austin, Texas, which has built far more housing per capita than both D.C. and Houston. Shearer is on stronger footing when he notes that cities that have eliminated single-family-only zoninga much-heralded YIMBY policy goalhave seen minimal additional housing production as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Reason has consistently covered, most such "middle housing" reformswhereby single-family-only zoning is replaced by zoning that allows duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexestypically yield at most a few hundred new units in their first years. That's because these reforms only allow a few extra units to be built per property. In some cases, these reforms haven't even allowed for more buildable floor area, meaning a new triplex would have to be no larger than a single-family home it would replace. Often, "missing middle" reforms still retain other rules about setbacks, parking, and impact fees that limit them even further. If a reform only allows a little more housing to be built, one would expect that only a little bit more housing does get built. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Low-yielding "middle housing" reforms aren't, therefore, proof of a failure of deregulation. They're a failure to deregulate. It's worth noting that the implementation of some middle housing reforms has been blocked by lawsuits. That suppresses the number of homes that result from them even more. Furthermore, the various D.C. interventions Shearer mentions as part of its distinctive "post-neoliberal" approach to housing are policies that lots of cities that don't build nearly as much already have. It's true, for instance, that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser set a housing production target for the city to build some 40,000 units in 2019. But lots of cities set housing production targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's also true that D.C. has an affordable housing production trust fund. Close to 600 cities in the country have a similar trust fund. Other D.C. policies Shearer name-checks, from planned unit developments to tax increment financing, are also common across America. The thing that's distinctive about D.C. isn't that it has all these policies. It's that it has actually built a lot of housing and kept rents lower as a result. Why has D.C. succeeded at building where places with similar government interventions have failed? I'd hazard to argue that it was because the city upzoned more aggressively than other places, and upzoned areas where economic conditions were ripe for new housing production. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, it was the hands-off part of its hands-on policies that actually got homes built. Emily Hamilton notes in a Works in Progress piece from 2023 on "how D.C. densified" that most of its new housing went in upzoned formerly industrial areas, where land-hungry, low-rent businesses could be replaced with higher-rent apartment buildings. It's to the city's credit that it upzoned these areas. But a "bottom-up" upzoning without a bunch of taxes and subsidies would have produced a similar result. Indeed, the bulk of Hamilton's article on D.C.'s densification is about Arlington, Virginia, which led the way with the upzoning of commercial areas near Metro stops and saw a similar development boom as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One would assume that development subsidies, of the kind that D.C.'s housing production trust fund provides, would increase housing production even more. The D.C. fund has received praise from builders for the number of affordable units it's helped create. On the other hand, the city's production trust fund doesn't appear to have avoided the common problem of massively inflated affordable housing construction costs. The Washington Post reported recently that city-subsidized affordable housing units in D.C. were costing $1.2 million apiece, which is far more than what some market-rate developers were spending. Moreover, the supply effects of those subsidies are counterbalanced by other taxes and mandated "community benefits" D.C. imposes on housing developersboth of which Shearer praises in his article. The one government intervention in D.C. that few would argue has helped kick off D.C.'s housing boom is the construction of new Metro rail stations. That's made new apartment development much more viable. Nevertheless, a number of cities have built new rail lines without seeing much in the way of new housing construction near those stations. That's because they didn't allow much new housing near the new rail stops. Again, zoning reform is a necessary precondition of new housing development, even if one wants to argue that it's not a sufficient precondition. It's worth noting, too, that while the government currently monopolizes mass transit construction and operation, this was not always the case. The streetcar lines that gave the early "streetcar suburbs" their name were private, for-profit ventures. It's not hard to imagine a libertopia where private developers once again build and operate transit lines as part of their real estate business. America's cities have done so much to constrain housing development that it often seems like anemic growth is a natural state of affairs. That gets people to underestimate just how much housing the market would produce if we slashed red tape with Randian abandon. It also means that people will often interpret the success of deregulation as a product of government interventions that accompany it. In truth, there's little reason to assume that "post-neoliberal" government planning and intervention is truly necessary to get America's cities building again. A "pre-post-neoliberal" (let's call it libertarian) approach to housing policy of deregulation and not much else would work wonders for housing production if we let it. The post All You Need Is Love (and Deregulation) appeared first on Reason.com. When Easton Umansky chose a college, Tacomas trees were a deciding factor. We dont have trees like this back home, said Umansky, who hails from San Diego. That cinched his choice of the University of Puget Sound, he says. The Washington citys trees, which include native maples and firs as well as a multitude of happily naturalized species, ended up being more than a pretty backdrop to his studies at UPS. Umansky, a rising junior, has made them the subject of a summerlong research project. The result has been a connection with Tacomans over trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its the story of a college student branching out into his adopted community, and its also the story of one of humankinds favorite neighbors: the city tree. Give people, even accidentally, a chance to talk about their local trees and prepare for things to get emotional. Thats what happened in Melbourne, Australia when the citys government created email addresses for local trees. The idea was to let residents report damage and other problems. Naturally, people took the opportunity to send love notes to the trees. Researchers in Finland found that humans grow relationships of admiration, nurturing and nostalgia with trees. In Tacoma, Umansky turned his focus to the social impact of trees after first studying environmental science. He began wondering how trees were affecting the lives of other residents. So he changed his major to include sociology, and set out to discover how the citys canopy looks to people from a variety of neighborhoods. Easton Umansky uses a tripod to take photos of tree coverage in a neighborhood near Optimist Park on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in the West End of Tacoma, Wash. These photographs are part of Umanskys research project as a student at the University of Puget Sound. As part of the research, hes sought out photo submissions of local trees with comments from Tacoma residents. He relies on interview methods he learned from his sociology studies and has partnered with the Tacoma Tree Foundation to reach out to residents. Thats netted him pictures from around the city, and an appreciation for the personal connections people have with their neighborhood trees Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A personal connection can draw people in to bigger conversations about the importance of trees in cities, Umansky said. That in turn can help communities everywhere make policies that take residents experiences into account. So far, hes received submissions with simple remarks like its tall, as well as deep dives into scientific facts and the genus of a specific tree. But the knowledge level doesnt alter the connection, he said. Tacomas trees are distributed unequally There are many ways to experience trees in Tacoma, which is full of contradictions when it comes to the urban canopy. We have multi-acre forests in neighborhoods across the city and lots of tree-lined streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But some of those same neighborhoods, like Tacomas South End, are also home to heat islands. Those are blocks with a lot of paving and very few trees, and they get hotter in warm weather than in shaded parts of the city. This problem is echoed in cities around the country with histories of redlining, which typically reserved some neighborhoods for white residents until 1968 with the passage of the federal Fair Housing Act. The policies live on in the number of trees on a given street. The areas with less funding, with [more] people of color and other marginalized groups, have less trees, Umansky said. In Tacoma, these differences are more stark than a crabapple tree in winter. Tacoma has neighborhoods with 3% tree cover, and others with cover reaching 64%, according to the citys urban forestry program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The low end of these numbers bring the overall percentage of the city covered by tree canopy down to 20%, the lowest of all communities in the Puget Sound. Thats hard to imagine on the leafy campus of UPS. Easton Umansky looks up as he walks between streets to photograph the tree coverage in a neighborhood near Optimist Park on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in the West End of Tacoma, Wash. Tacomans connect personally with trees One decisive trend in Umanskys research so far is that, although people mention that trees are good for the environment, most responses have focused on the way people connect to trees on a personal level. One of his favorite photo submissions so far featured a tall conifer at night. I love this tree and how the stars twinkle behind it, the submitter wrote. I got to actually see that exact moment, almost through her eyes, Umansky said of the submission, and I could just imagine how she felt through that photo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The methodology is called photovoice, and it encourages participants to create images of their worlds and then talk about them. This opens responses and allows for folks to respond in ways that are meaningful to them, he said. Umansky is planning an exhibition for later this year, which will feature submissions from community members, along with the photos and maps Umansky himself is creating of Tacomas trees. Easton Umansky poses for a photo with his tripod in a neighborhood near Optimist Park on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in the West End of Tacoma, Wash. Umansky is working on a research project as a student at the University of Puget Sound that includes photographing tree coverage in neighborhoods around Tacoma. The project is in some ways a response to the citys history of redlining. But it also comes as the city faces new policy questions around trees. As Tacoma encourages the development of new housing, local officials are trying to make sure crucial trees dont get the ax in the process. Whats more, climate change threatens the trees that exist now, making it more important to plant new trees that can survive weather extremes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its these questions that make everyday peoples experiences important, Umansky said. He hopes to bring them together, So they can learn from each other, and policy makers can learn from them as well. Update: Bentley has been found safely, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department. Police are asking for the public's help as they look to find a missing at-risk 13-year-old last seen Monday night at her home in east Colorado Springs. According to a social media post from the Colorado Springs Police Department, Bentley Christensen was last seen around 10 p.m. in the 1100 block of Bonfoy Avenue, near North Union Boulevard and Uintah Street. Christensen is 5-foot-3 and about 130 pounds. She has dirty blonde hair, often worn in a ponytail. "It's believed that Bentley may be trying to get to Utah," the Police Department said in a social media post Tuesday. "If you have seen Bentley or know of Bentley's location, please call CSPD at 719-444-7000." It became a safe haven for dazed and distressed snowbirds after the Sept. 11 attacks and a sanctuary for dazed and distressed regulars in the COVID-19 era. But now, the future of Lucilles American Cafe, a Weston comfort-food institution serving up mouthfuls of nostalgia since 1999, is unclear. Longtime owners Paul and Beth Nunez last week announced via the restaurants Facebook account that Lucilles would close at the end of August. In the post, Paul Nunez pointed to a landlord disagreement over higher rents and upgrades to the restaurants aging kitchen and bathrooms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, on Monday, the cafe owners told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that negotiations are underway for a potential last-minute reprieve. Were supposed to meet this week [with the landlord], said Beth Nunez. Weve done a great job of keeping the restaurant well-maintained, but the building is 27 years old, and we wanted to refresh the bathrooms and kitchen. This is not how we wanted to go out, she added, fighting back tears. I just feel like were letting the community down. Calum Winsor, a broker at Current Capital Realty who handles real estate on behalf of the landlord, on Tuesday confirmed the active negotiations with the owners of Lucilles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want the outcome to serve the landlords best interests, whether thats raising or maintaining the rent [Lucilles is] currently paying, Winsor told the Sun Sentinel. But if the rents theyre proposing dont make sense, then we might have to go back to market. Related Articles With the fate of Lucilles hanging in the balance, the mood in the dining room felt somber Monday afternoon as longtime regulars passed, pointed and aww-ed at a chalkboard sign above the kitchen pass mentioning the planned end-of-August closing. Whispered chatter echoed across the lunch-rush lines waiting to be seated, some voicing confusion (But this place is always popular!) and others anger (How the f- could Lucilles get screwed over like this?). Customer Dorothy Henry, accompanied by husband Don, has been coming for 15 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh, this is a classic place, she says as a Monday blue-plate special of California Baja fish tacos arrive. I hope it survives. The staff are very welcoming, and the food is good, comforting and easy. One of Westons oldest restaurants at 26 its a few years younger than the city itself the checkered floors, plush vinyl booths and blue-plate specials at Lucilles have beckoned comfort-food disciples for decades. Less a diner than a throwback 1940s soda shop, the lunch-dinner joint plays Great American Songbook oldies and serves marinated skirt steak, fork-tender baby back ribs and meatloaf in mushroom gravy with generous mounds of mashed potatoes. Many dishes and sides are scratch-made under longtime chef Ray Ray Ray Petit. This story will be updated. Check back for more information. Phillip Valys can be reached at pvalys@sunsentinel.com or Twitter/X @philvalys. The rebel group M23 and the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have failed to sign a final peace accord scheduled for Monday after the rebels accused the Congolese army of breaking an earlier agreement intended to lead to a full peace deal. Mondays scheduled talks were part of a series of negotiations mediated by Qatar. Both sides were required to be in Doha to sign what was supposed to be a concluding peace pact. However, the M23 announced on Sunday, the eve of the signing, that its representatives were not in Doha as agreed, raising fears among analysts that the talks might be derailed altogether. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the group appeared to walk back its decision, promising to send representatives in the coming days. The DRC has been mired in conflict with the Rwanda-backed M23 for several years. In December 2023, the armed group merged with another militia, the Congo River Alliance (AFC), and is also referred to as AFC-M23. Fighting escalated significantly in January after the group seized vast swaths of territory in mineral-rich eastern DRC, including the regional capital, Goma. Despite agreeing to secure peace, violence has continued on the ground, with more than 300 people killed in an assault last week. Heres what to know about the M23, who backs them, and the Doha peace agreement: What is the Doha peace agreement? Its an agreement between the M23 and, to a lesser extent, Rwanda, on the one hand, and the DRC on the other. Rwanda is accused of backing the rebels by Kinshasa, a United Nations Expert Group, and the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several peace deals have been mediated by the DRC and Rwandas neighbours, including Angola and Kenya, but none have managed to hold. In March, Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha hosted a meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame, whereafter both leaders called for a ceasefire. Since then, subsequent talks have been held with the DRC and the M23. Separately, the US, in June, brokered a ceasefire agreement between the two countries foreign ministers in Washington, but without the M23. In the deal, both countries agreed to work together on a joint security commission, guarantee the safe return of displaced people, and cease support of non-state armed groups. Rwandan troops, believed to have been fighting with the M23 as it escalated fighting this year, were to withdraw. Although the US-brokered deal and the Qatar-led talks are separate, they are tightly linked. Rwandas Kagame has said they are both sides of the same coin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 19, the M23 and the DRC signed a preliminary Declaration of Principles in Doha, promising to end fighting and commit to a comprehensive peace deal. They agreed to exchange captured prisoners and restore state control in rebel-controlled areas, Qatars minister of state, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, told reporters. Theres no report yet of a prisoner exchange, which is a priority of the M23. As per the declaration, negotiations were required to begin on August 8, and a final peace deal signing was set for August 18. Both sides seemed to interpret the declaration separately, however. Although the DRC government said the deal meant the M23 would withdraw, rebel leader Bertrand Bisimwa said in a statement on X that the declaration was not a question of withdrawal but of mechanisms for empowering the state, enabling it to assume its prerogatives and obligations. We are in Goma with the population and we are not going to get out, Lawrence Kanyuka, M23 spokesperson, told The Associated Press news agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DRC government, meanwhile, has insisted on the M23s withdrawal. Officials say Kinshasa wants the issue of prisoners to be negotiated as part of the final deal agreement, not as a condition for more talks. A Rwandan police officer opens a barrier as Congolese families displaced by ongoing clashes in eastern DRC return to the country, following the takeover of the Congolese city of Bukavu by M23 in February 2025 [Luis Tato/AFP] Why did the M23 stall the August 18 talks? M23 rebels accuse the Congolese government of continuing to attack rebel positions, and claim that Nzimbira and Kanyola in South Kivu province were attacked with heavy artillery and drones over the weekend. In a Sunday statement on X, Kanyuka said there could be no negotiating without the DRC fully honouring the earlier agreement, including releasing captives. The AFC/M23 hereby reaffirms its full commitment to the Doha Peace Process and emphasizes that only the full implementation of the Declaration of Principles will enable the next round of talks to proceed, which should be based on the root causes of the conflict, his statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Bisimwa, the groups head, appeared to walk back the earlier position and said in a post on X that a technical team from our Movement will travel to Doha to review the practical arrangements for the application of the ceasefire and the release of prisoners in accordance with said declaration. The Reuters news agency, quoting an M23 official, said the group was sending a team due to Qatars pressure, and did not expect much from the talks. Our delegation will simply reinforce the need to implement these measures before we can engage in negotiations, the source is quoted as saying. There are no public records of the number of M23 captives held by Kinshasa, but their release appears pressing for the group. Since March, when the US brokered the first talks, Rwanda appears to have reduced military involvement in the DRC, according to a report by the US-based Institute for the Study of War. Analyst Nicodemus Minde of the Institute for Security Studies told Al Jazeera that the M23s stalling could be a strategic way of pushing its demands for Kinshasa to release captives. Ultimately, though, Minde added, Theres a lot of pressure to honour the agreements [in Washington and Doha], and that likely prompted the groups about turn. Internally displaced people leave the camps with their belongings, after fleeing their homes due to conflicts on the outskirts of Goma, in February 2025 [Stringer/EPA-EFE] What is the M23, and who backs them? The M23 rebels are the most well-known militia among dozens of armed groups fighting for control in the DRCs east, which is abundant in minerals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its fighters were originally recruited in the Congolese civil wars and were later integrated into the military. However, in 2012, some 300 of them claimed they were being poorly treated in the DRC army and formed the rebel group. They claim to be fighting for the rights of Congolese Tutsis, who are of Rwandan descent and make up a minority in the DRC. Although the M23 was considerably pushed back by a coalition of DRC military and UN forces following its offensives in 2012, the group resurfaced in 2022, seemingly more equipped. In January this year, its fighters launched lightning offensives from their position in the east, seizing several towns and cities before capturing Goma and Bukavu, the capitals of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, respectively. Some 3,000 people were killed in the battle, and hundreds of thousands were displaced. In 2023, a UN Group of Experts report found that neighbouring Rwanda finances the group. The US also accuses Kigali of the same. Rwanda no longer denies the accusations but accuses the DRC of backing an anti-Kagame militia, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). Some 4,000 Rwandan troops reportedly fought alongside the M23 in the eastern DRC war earlier this year. Both countries have a complex rivalry that goes back to the Rwandan genocide and the Congo Wars that came after. What has the DRC said? The Congolese government did not directly respond to the M23s accusations on Sunday. In a statement on X, spokesperson Patrick Muyaya reaffirmed that Kinshasa was committed to the peace process and reiterates its dedication to the strict respect of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the State in accordance with the constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Congolese army spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge said in a statement last week that the M23 launched multiple attacks on army positions in the east of the country. The attacks were almost daily, he said, and signified an intentional and clear violation of the peace agreements signed in Doha and Washington, DC. The UN last week also accused the M23 of killing at least 319 civilians, including children, in Rutshuru, in attacks in the eastern North Kivu province. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk called it one of the largest documented death tolls since the M23s resurgence in 2022. He condemned the violence, stating: All attacks against civilians must stop immediately, and all those responsible must be held to account. On the topic of releasing M23 captives, an unnamed government source quoted by Reuters said the request was a complicated prerequisite. The DRC would rather it be hashed out in negotiations, rather than be a condition to continue the talks, the source said. How has Qatar reacted? Majed al-Ansari, a spokesperson of the Qatar foreign ministry, while speaking to journalists on Tuesday, said that although timelines had been missed, there was still hope for the peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good thing is that both sides are engaging very positively, he said. We are engaging with them closely, and we are committed to the process, and I think the parties have shown a level of willingness to agree that was not there before. The spokesperson did not, however, give a new date for the signing of a peace deal. Earlier, on Monday, Qatari officials revealed that they had shared a draft of the final deal with both sides to review. French President Emmanuel Macron has described Russia as a "predator, an ogre at our gates" that "needs to keep eating" to stay alive. Source: European Pravda; Macron in an interview with LCI TV, a French television news channel, as quoted by Le Figaro, a French daily morning newspaper Details: Macron urged Europeans "not to be naive" about Russia, which he called "a constant destabilising force". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Putin has rarely honoured his commitments since 2007-2008. He has been a constant destabilising force. And he has sought to redraw borders to expand his power," Macron said. [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president ed.] The French president believes that "Russia has become a potential threat to many". "A country that invests 40% of its budget in [military] equipment, which has mobilised an army of more than 1.3 million people, is not going to return to a state of peace and an open democratic system overnight. Therefore, for its own survival, it needs to keep eating. That's how it is. And that means it's a predator, an ogre at our gates. I'm not saying that France will be attacked tomorrow, but ultimately, it's a threat to Europeans. [...] We must not be naive," Macron insisted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron also said that the next two weeks will be "critical" for determining Ukraine's security guarantees. Background: The Wall Street Journal reported that US President Donald Trump and European leaders agreed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will head a task force of national security advisers and NATO officials to draft security guarantees for Ukraine. Bloomberg reported that American and European officials will immediately begin working on providing Ukraine with reliable security guarantees in order to pave the way for a landmark meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed doubt that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is currently ready to end the war against Ukraine. Source: Sky News, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "When I look at the situation and the facts, I don't see President Putin very willing to get peace now." Details: At the same time, he praised the "optimism" of US President Donald Trump regarding the conclusion of a peace agreement and noted that "it must be taken seriously". "If he considers he can get a deal done, this is great news and we have to do whatever we can to have a great deal," Macron said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Sky News highlighted that Poland scrambled its aircraft on the night of 18-19 August due to a combined Russian attack on Ukraine. Russia attacked Ukrainian territory while talks between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his US counterpart Trump were in progress at the White House. Background: On 18 August, European leaders arrived in Washington, led by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The meeting was devoted to security guarantees for Ukraine to be provided by Europe in coordination with the US. On the night of 18-19 August, Ukraine's Air Force reported the take-off of two Russian Tu-95MS aircraft and likely launches of cruise missiles; later, the Air Force reported that "cruise missiles are heading towards Kremenchuk" in Poltava Oblast. Multilateral-format talks between the leaders of Ukraine, the US, the European Commission, NATO and several European states were interrupted so that Trump could telephone Vladimir Putin. Trump later announced that he was beginning preparations for a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy and Putin. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! European leaders will join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to Washington on Monday seeking an end to Moscow's invasion, after President Donald Trump dropped his push for a ceasefire following an Alaska summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Securing a ceasefire in Ukraine, more than three years after the Kremlin ordered the invasion, had been one of Trump's core demands before the summit, to which Ukraine and its European allies were not invited. But after the meeting yielded no breakthrough, Trump ruled out an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine -- a move that would appear to favour Putin, who has long argued for negotiations on a final peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine and its European allies have criticised Putin's stance as a way to buy time and press Russia's battlefield advances. The leaders heading to Washington on Monday to try and bend Trump's ear on the matter include French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni will also attend. Ahead of the visit, von der Leyen said on X she would welcome Zelensky for a meeting in Brussels on Sunday which other European leaders would join by video, before accompanying the Ukrainian leader on his US trip at his "request" and with "other European leaders". The German government, which confirmed Merz was going, said it would try to emphasise "interest in a swift peace agreement in Ukraine". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had briefed Zelensky and European leaders on his flight back from Alaska to Washington, saying afterwards 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". Ceasefire agreements "often times do not hold up," Trump argued on his Truth Social platform. But Zelensky has appeared unconvinced by the change of tack, saying on Saturday that it "complicates the situation". If Moscow lacks "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 (something) far greater -- peaceful coexistence with its neighbours for decades," he said on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European leaders for their part have expressed unease over Trump's outreach to Putin from the outset. 'Harsh reality' Trump expressed support during his call with Zelensky and European leaders for a proposal by Putin to take full control of two eastern Ukrainian regions that Russia largely controls in exchange for freezing the frontline in two others, an official briefed on the talks told AFP. Putin "de facto demands that Ukraine leave Donbas," an area consisting of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions in eastern Ukraine, the source said. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Macron urges Ukraine ceasefire as Zelensky demands role in US-Russia talks Several months into its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia in September 2022 claimed to have annexed all four Ukrainian regions even though its troops still do not fully control any of them. "The Ukrainian president refused to leave Donbas," the source said. Trump notably also said the United States was prepared to provide Ukraine security guarantees, an assurance Merz hailed as "significant progress". Trump-Putin summit ends without Ukraine deal But there was a scathing assessment of the summit outcome from the European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas, who accused Putin of seeking to "drag out negotiations" with no commitment to end the bloodshed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The harsh reality is that Russia has no intention of ending this war any time soon," Kallas said. Zelensky back in White House The diplomatic focus now switches to Zelensky's talks at the White House on Monday with the European leaders in tow. The Ukrainian president's 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's 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. In his post-summit statement in Alaska, Putin had warned Ukraine and European countries not to engage in any "behind-the-scenes intrigues" that could disrupt what he called "this emerging progress". (With newswires) Related video: Trump Suggests US Planes, Pilots Could Support Ukraine As Part Of Security Guarantees French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday suggested Switzerland as a possible host nation for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In an interview that aired Tuesday on French news channel LCI, Macron said the bilateral talks could take place in Europe, though he specified they would not be held in France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will be [hosted by] a neutral country, maybe Switzerland Im pushing for Geneva or another country, Macron said, according to a translation in the French newspaper Le Monde. The last time there were bilateral talks, they were held in Istanbul, he added, according to the news outlet. President Trump said he spoke to Putin on Monday about arranging a time and place for a bilateral talk with Zelensky. Trump said that, following that meeting, he would join for trilateral talks that would then be followed by a multilateral meeting with other European leaders. Putin is subject to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), but Macron said in his latest interview the Russian leader could be issued immunity during the talks, saying, Peace must move forward, so we must find a place, according to a translation of the remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis welcomed the prospect of hosting a summit for the talks, telling Swiss public broadcaster SRF: We are ready for such a meeting, and we also thank you for the trust placed in us. We have always signaled our willingness, but it naturally depends on the will of the major powers, according to a translation. Cassis also suggested the ICC arrest warrant could be avoided if Geneva held the summit. We have clarified the legal situation, Cassis said. We could hold such a meeting, and we know what needs to be done to ensure it goes smoothly. We can do this despite the arrest warrant against Putin because of our special role and Genevas role as the European headquarters of the U.N. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday expressed caution about a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky which US President Donald Trump said he was setting up. A meeting between Zelensky and Putin would be a step forward, the French president said following a summit between Trump, Zelensky and European leaders at the White House. "Do I think they could be conclusive? I remain very cautious," Macron said, stressing that the job was far from done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have the American president and Ukraine who want peace... I am not convinced about Putin," he said. "I have the greatest doubts about the Russian president's desire for peace. His ultimate goal is to take as much territory as possible, weaken Ukraine and have a Ukraine that is not viable on its own or within Russia's sphere of influence. This is pretty obvious to everyone." Macron said Trump believes he can get a deal and believes that Putin also wants peace. "But if the process is rejected, we all agree that sanctions [on Russia] will have to be increased and, in any case, we would have to take a stance that puts more pressure on Russia to return to the negotiating table." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That is essentially what has been agreed today. This is just one step. I am not about to declare victory, but when I look at where we were a few months ago, and... where we are now, I am very pleased with the progress made." With regard to the central issue of security guarantees after a peace deal, Macron stressed the need for a "robust Ukrainian army" as well as "reassurance forces on land, in the air and at sea that the allies are prepared to provide to Ukraine." French President Emmanuel Macron has said that talks between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin should take place in Europe, in particular in Geneva. Source: European Pravda citing BFMTV Details: "This is more than just a hypothesis, it is the collective will," Emmanuel Macron said in an interview broadcast by French news channel TF1-LCI, responding to a question about whether this meeting, which was announced following the Washington meeting between Donald Trump and several European leaders, should be held in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This would be in a neutral country, so perhaps Switzerland I would argue for Geneva or another country. The last time bilateral discussions took place, it was in Istanbul," he said. Background: Macron has also expressed scepticism about Putins readiness to end the war in Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin will meet within the next two weeks. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! French President Emmanuel Macron has cautioned against a hasty peace deal for Ukraine that lacks strong security guarantees, warning it could leave Europe back at square one. "This peace must not be rushed and must be backed by solid guarantees, otherwise we will be starting over again," Macron told broadcaster TF1/LCI in an interview that aired on Tuesday. He said the first guarantee was a strong Ukrainian military, with tens of thousands of well-equipped soldiers, defence systems and higher standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second, he explained, would be so-called reassurance forces from partners including Britain, France, Germany and Turkey, the president said. These would not operate on the front lines but provide air, sea and land deployments as a "strategic signal" that lasting peace in Ukraine is also a shared European goal. Asked whether such forces would be obliged to fight in the event of renewed Russian aggression, Macron said there would be a response: "That is the objective of these security guarantees." Macron spoke after he met US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as several other key European leaders, at the White House on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and Zelensky expressed hope the cordial talks would pave the way for a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump also said the US would help European allies provide security for Ukraine in the event a peace deal to end Russia's war there is signed. When Donald Trump decided to deploy National Guard troops to the streets of Washington, D.C., the purported rationale was straightforward: Theres a public safety crisis and public safety emergency in the District of Columbia, the president claimed, generated by rising and out of control crime rates in the nations capital. None of this was true, of course, but the week after Republicans peddled the discredited claims anyway, the White House pressed GOP governors to help out by deploying National Guard troops from their states to D.C. Three Republican governors Ohios Mike DeWine, South Carolinas Henry McMaster and West Virginias Patrick Morrisey quickly complied, and as The Associated Press reported, three more soon followed. Three more Republican governors authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to Washington on Monday, part of President Donald Trumps escalating show of force that he says is designed to crack down on crime and boost immigration enforcement in the nations capital. The announcements by Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana brought the number of state troops detailed to the presidents effort to more than 1,100 and the number of states to six. For what its worth, Vermonts Republican governor, Phil Scott, politely declined both of the White Houses recent requests for deployments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this point, we could talk about how there is no actual crisis in Washington, D.C. Or we could talk about the dangers of Trumps radical militarization efforts. We could even have a conversation about how wrong it is for six GOP governors (and counting) to disrupt the lives of these troops and their families for a pointless, performative exercise. But as important as those details are, theres another dimension to this that shouldnt get lost in the shuffle: Crime is actually lower in D.C. than it is in the states these Guard troops are leaving. Philip Bump, who wrote a data-driven political column for The Washington Post for many years, explained this week, If there really is an emergency in D.C. that necessitates the use of the National Guard and other federal agencies, that would suggest that crime in D.C. is exceptional. ... Data released by the FBI earlier this month, though, shows that a lot of other places ... had higher rates of violent crime and homicide than did D.C. This includes cities in you guessed it Ohio, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina and West Virginia. In fact, focusing specifically on homicides, Jackson, Mississippi, has the nations highest murder rate, with conditions far worse than in D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, were dealing with a situation in which Republican governors are deploying National Guard troops to the nations capital to address a crime crisis that doesnt exist, while overlooking the inconvenient fact that crime rates are worse in their own home states. Since Trump announced this policy, the presidents critics have argued that the entire endeavor has nothing to do with actually addressing crime or keeping Americans safe. These governors are helping to prove the critics right. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Mesa County Sheriffs Office officials filed a federal lawsuit against Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser earlier this month, claiming that being unable to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement impacts their ability to do their jobs and has kept their office from getting federal grants. Sheriff Todd Rowell, Undersheriff Matthew King and Captain Curtis Brammer filed the complaint in U.S. District Court on Aug. 7 against Polis and Weiser, claiming that state laws barring state agencies and local government employees from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is unconstitutionally vague. The lawsuit comes about a month after Weiser filed a civil lawsuit against a Mesa County Sheriffs Office deputy who tipped ICE off via a routinely used multi-agency communications channel to a college student who had overstayed her visa. In announcing the July lawsuit, Weiser said it aims to require the deputy to follow state laws that bar state agency and local government employees from cooperating with federal officials on immigration civil enforcement actions. Colorado Article 74 states that state agency employees cant disclose identifying information that is not publicly available for the purpose of assisting ICE. The articles vagueness and lack of clarity along with its severe penalties and hardships for noncompliance is confusing for law enforcement agencies and has resulted in Mesa County Sheriffs Office losing federal grant funding, the lawsuit states. It also claims that the interruption in inter-agency cooperation has disrupted criminal investigations in Mesa County, including crimes like drug smuggling, child exploitation and major sex crimes. Featured Local Savings Included in what makes the article vague are the definition is of disclosing or making accessible identifying information, the complaint says. Article 74 also doesnt explain whether there is liability for an employee who discloses the information for purposes not related to ICE, but that later gets used by ICE. MCSO employees regularly put identifying information into databases for non-immigration purposes as part of their jobs, but the databases are accessible to federal law enforcement agencies, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit asks the court to declare the state statute a violation of the due process clause of the 14th Amendment, stating that is it void due to its vagueness, or change the law so that employees can share identifying information in a criminal investigation or other circumstances, just not with the sole intent of working with ICE. A spokesperson for Gov. Polis called the lawsuit unfortunate in a statement Monday. Colorado law is clear that law enforcement does law enforcement and not federal civil immigration enforcement, the spokesperson said. The Department of Law has a responsibility to follow facts and defend and enforce state law. Well continue to take this duty seriously. Weisers office declined to comment on pending litigation, a spokesperson told The Denver Gazette Monday. In March, Donald Trump hosted an Oval Office event to announce the new F-47, which the president seemed quite excited about in part because of its military capabilities, and in part because the next-generation fighter jet was apparently given a designation in recognition of his term. (Trump is the nations 47th president.) Standing just to the side of Trump and the Resolute Desk was Gen. David W. Allvin, the Air Force chief of staff. Little did we know at the time that the general would be ousted just five months later. The Washington Post reported: The chief of staff of the Air Force, Gen. David Allvin, will retire two years into a four-year term, officials said Monday, marking the latest early ouster of a senior military officer under President Donald Trump. The Air Force disclosed the move in a statement, saying that Allvin had announced that he plans to retire in early November. No successor was announced, and Allvin will continue to serve until one is confirmed by the Senate, the statement said. The Posts report, which has not been independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News, added that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wanted to go in another direction, and Allvin was told last week that hed be asked to step down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was certainly not his choice, one insider told the newspaper. Allvin, its worth noting for context, was first chosen for the Air Force leadership role by then-President Joe Biden, which was a detail that has been held against other senior military leaders. Indeed, while Allvins ouster was notable in its own right, just as important is the degree to which its part of a larger pattern. The broader purge also includes Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh, who was both the head of U.S. Cyber Command and the director of the National Security Agency; Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Gen. James Slife, former vice chief of staff of the Air Force; Adm. Linda Fagan, the commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard; Adm. Lisa Franchetti; Lt. Gen. Jennifer Short; Lt. Gen. Joseph B. Berger III, the Armys top military lawyer; Lt. Gen. Charles Plummer, the Air Forces top military lawyer; and Navy Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, the only woman on NATOs military committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, five former defense secretaries including retired Gen. Jim Mattis, Trumps first defense secretary condemned the firings as reckless. Their joint letter, addressed to Congress, asked that the House and the Senate hold immediate hearings to assess the national security implications of the dismissals. Hegseth and the administration appear to have ignored the concerns, the purge is ongoing, and GOP leaders on Capitol Hill have scheduled no such hearings. Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, who served as a Marine officer in Iraq and who now serves on the House Armed Services Committee, recently spoke to Politico about Hegseths purges, which the congressman described as politically motivated. Thats a recipe not just for a politicized military, but an authoritarian military, Moulton said. Thats the way militaries work in Russia and China and North Korea. The Massachusetts Democrat made those comments in May. The problem is worse now. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com In a normal administration, the FBI has a director and a deputy director, with the latter helping to oversee day-to-day operations at the bureau. The Trump administration, however, isnt normal at all, which helps explain why the FBI will, at least for now, have two deputy directors. The New York Times reported: The Trump administration said on Monday that it had tapped the Missouri attorney general, Andrew Bailey, to be a deputy director of the F.B.I., in what many rank-and-file agents described as a surprising arrangement. Mr. Bailey would join the current deputy director, Dan Bongino, who as a popular right-wing podcast host repeatedly railed against the bureau, in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the agency. As the bureau struggles with abuses, misuses, purges and Trump-era politicization, there are three elements to this worth keeping in mind. The first is that this new arrangement is bizarre. In fact, the Times report noted, The appointment of Mr. Bailey bewildered many current and former F.B.I. agents, who said they had never heard of a co-deputy director. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second is that this appears to signal the beginning of the end of Bonginos tenure. When Donald Trump tapped him for the FBI leadership post in March, it was immediately recognized as a ridiculous choice: Bongino, a right-wing provocateur and podcast personality, was spectacularly unqualified. Five months later, its clear that he hasnt enjoyed the job. As recently as May, Bongino became emotional on Fox News, not discussing a gut-wrenching case, but while talking about how difficult he found his job. I gave up everything for this, he complained. I stare at these four walls all day in D.C., by myself, divorced from my wife not divorced, but I mean separated, divorced and its hard. I mean, we love each other, and its hard to be apart. During the same appearance, Bongino said of his work at the FBI, People ask me all the time, Do you like it? I say, No, I dont. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that the president has hired a different FBI deputy director, the odds of Bongino finding some other job he likes more seem to have just improved. But perhaps most striking of all is the administrations newest hire. The Times report noted in passing that Bailey has earned a reputation for making bombastic partisan attacks, which is true, although it understates matters. The outgoing Missouri attorney general might not be a household name (at least, that is, not yet), but his record during a brief career in elected office is one of a hyperpartisan Republican activist. When prosecutors in New York, for example, successfully held Trump accountable for his business crimes, Bailey tried to sue New York to prevent sentencing after the guilty verdicts. (The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the effort.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the same far-right lawyer who wanted then-President Joe Biden to be criminally prosecuted for his student loan debt forgiveness policy. He also launched an investigation into Google, alleging that the tech giant was secretly conspiring to suppress conservative views, which dovetailed with a related investigation into AI chatbots that Bailey said were too anti-Trump. Bailey has even fought to keep exonerated prisoners behind bars, while pushing weird ideas to advance his anti-abortion agenda. Put another way, under Kash Patel, the FBI has struggled. With Bailey joining the bureaus leadership team, its likely to get worse. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com This is an adapted excerpt from the Aug. 18 episode of The Rachel Maddow Show. On Monday, dozens of people turned up in Austin, Texas, to cheer on Democrats as they returned to the state amid a huge national fight over redistricting. Texas has been at the center of an extraordinary demand by Donald Trump that Republican-controlled states, like Texas, draw new congressional maps and effectively guarantee GOP control of Congress for years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not just Texas. Vice President JD Vance flew to Indiana earlier this month to put pressure on the Republican governor there to alter that states maps for the Republicans. Politico reported that the White House has been in talks with Republicans in Missouri, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Florida to change their congressional maps as well. Thats one way Trumps trying to rig the midterms by demanding changes to congressional district maps to make it structurally impossible for Democrats to control Congress again. Heres a second way: Trump also appears to be trying to establish a pretext for nullifying or delaying the midterm elections everywhere, demanding a new census and claiming the old one shouldnt count. The census is how we get congressional districts. If Trump can nullify the existing census by, for example, blaming the counting of immigrants or some other factor, he can lay the groundwork to claim that all the existing congressional districts in the country are somehow wrong and cant be used and therefore, we cant have congressional elections using the districts we now have. Thats two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, it seems Trump has a new idea, one that he got from a man he once mused could become his best friend: Vladimir Putin. On Friday, Trump held a summit in Alaska with the Russian president. Immediately after that summit, Trump said Putin gave him some advice on how to conduct elections in the U.S. Trump said Putin agrees with him that people should not be allowed to vote by mail. And so on Monday, Trump announced that he will sign an executive order barring Americans from voting by mail and potentially by machine, as well. Now, I would caution you again as always to watch what he actually does here and not just what he says he is going to do. But if Trump is taking tactical advice from Putin about how to hold something that looks like an election but is not actually an election, that doesnt bode well for the future of American democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Historian and journalist Garrett Graff summed up what is at stake: This is step one in how we lose free and fair elections. Its not that Trump will cancel the midterms. Its just everyone has to vote in person, and urban downtowns will be filled with ICE checkpoints and intimidating National Guard troops to double check that only citizens vote. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Todays edition of quick hits. * A story worth watching: The United States is deploying three Aegis guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela as part of President Donald Trumps effort to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels, according to a U.S. official briefed on the planning. The USS Gravely, the USS Jason Dunham and the USS Sampson are expected to arrive soon, said the official, who was not authorized to comment and spoke Tuesday on the condition of anonymity. * The latest on Hurricane Erin: Hurricane Erin is expected to grow as it moves over the Atlantic through the week, causing dangerous rip currents, heavy rain and strong winds along the East Coast. The storm dropped to a Category 2 on Tuesday morning, but it still packs a powerful punch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Expanded tariffs: The Trump administration has quietly expanded its 50% steel and aluminum tariffs to include more than 400 additional product categories, vastly increasing the reach and impact of this arm of its trade agenda. The new tariffs, which took effect Monday, expand the scope of the levies that President Donald Trump previously announced on the valuable commodities. * Quite a story out of Texas about a Democratic legislator: State Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth said in an interview Tuesday she would sleep on the House floor until Labor Day if she had to. Since Monday, Collier has entered a new existence, eating, sleeping and working from the locked chamber after refusing to acquiesce to Republican demands that Democrats agree to around-the-clock security escorts in order to be released from the building. * Can anyone explain how developments like these make the country better off? A Maine police officer arrested by immigration authorities has agreed to voluntarily leave the country, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Monday. ICE arrested Old Orchard Beach Police Department reserve Officer Jon Luke Evans, of Jamaica, on July 25, as part of the agencys effort to step up immigration enforcement. * Team Trump seems to have picked revoking security clearances as a hobby: The Trump administration moved Tuesday to revoke the security clearances of 37 current and former national security officials in the latest act of retribution targeting public servants in the federal governments intelligence community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * The touristy areas are already some of the safest parts of D.C., and have been for years: The hundreds of National Guard troops deployed in the nations capital so far have been concentrated in tourist-heavy areas of the city, near the National Mall and large monuments. See you tomorrow. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Earlier this year, as Donald Trump took steps to bring his White House into closer alignment with Russia, he decided to start calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a dictator he label he tends not to apply to actual dictators. By Trumps reasoning, Zelenskyy mightve been elected by a large majority in 2019, but given the Russian invasion and ongoing war, Ukrainians havent been able to vote in a presidential election since then. As The Washington Post put in a fact-check piece earlier this year, It would be difficult to hold elections during war and when Russia holds 20 percent of the country. During the Ukrainian presidents latest visit to the Oval Office, this came up in an unexpected way. NBC News reported: In response to a question about whether Zelenskyy intends to hold elections in his country, last conducted in 2019 before a pause due to the ongoing war, Trump quipped about adopting a similar approach. So you say, during the war, you cant have elections, Trump responded. Say, three and a half years from now so you mean, if we happen to be in a war with somebody, no more elections. In context, the Republican made the comments in a joking way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the larger circumstances, Trumps attempt at humor wasnt exactly funny. To the extent that substantive details matter, Ukraine didnt suspend its elections simply because its at war, but rather, because an invading military force is currently occupying a significant chunk of its territory while targeting civilians in the rest of the country. Trump made it sound as if the 2028 cycle might somehow be in doubt if we happen to be in a war with somebody, but thats not how any of this works. For that matter, even if there were some kind of invading military force on American soil, which hasnt happened in more than two centuries, the president wouldnt have the authority to simply postpone elections on his own. But what made the Republicans comments especially notable is the larger context. We are, after all, talking about an American president who has repeatedly talked about ignoring the U.S. Constitution and seeking a third term. Trump has similarly talked about terminating parts of the Constitution that stand in the way of his ambitions and creating a temporary American dictatorship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, as recently as last week, after militarizing the nations capital without cause, Trump noted that his critics have called him a dictator a claim he dismissed, not as wrong, but as irrelevant. And did I mention that after he lost his 2020 re-election bid, Trump launched an effort to overturn the results and remain in office anyway, leading to multiple felony charges? Because that happened, too. With this in mind, it was tough to laugh at his joke. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Rachel Maddow lays out three different avenues Donald Trump is following to manipulate the administration of elections in the United States so that his control of the government is assured through the coming 2026 midterms. Journalist and historian Garrett Graff joins to discuss how Donald Trump can subvert democracy without cancelling elections outright. Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro on Monday said he would deploy 4.5 million militia members in response to US "threats," after Washington raised the bounty for his arrest and launched anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. "This week, I will activate a special plan with more than 4.5 million militiamen to ensure coverage of the entire national territory -- militias that are prepared, activated and armed," Maduro announced on state television. Official figures say the Venezuelan militia, founded by Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez, contains about 5 million people -- though the actual number is believed to be smaller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela's total population is around 30 million. Maduro lambasted "the renewal of extravagant, bizarre, and outlandish threats" from the United States. The administration of US President Donald Trump earlier this month doubled its bounty to $50 million for the arrest of Maduro, who faces drug trafficking charges. Washington, which does not recognize Maduro's past two election victories, accuses the Venezuelan of leading a cocaine trafficking gang called Cartel de los Soles. The Trump administration announced sanctions against the group and Maduro's administration last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US military has also reportedly deployed several vessels to the southern Caribbean, as part of Trump's crackdown on Latin American drug cartels. "We are also deployed throughout the Caribbean...in our sea, our property, Venezuelan territory," Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said. Although he did not mention the recent US actions specifically, Maduro thanked those who expressed their support in the face of what he called "rotten refrain" of threats. Maduro called on his government's political base to move forward with the formation of peasant and worker militias "in all industries." "Rifles and missiles for the peasant force! To defend the territory, sovereignty, and peace of Venezuela," declared Maduro. mbj/pgf/nn/des/sla We cannot have free government without elections, President Abraham Lincoln reflected outside the White House on Nov. 10, 1864. And if the rebellion could force us to forego or postpone a national election it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us. By the fall of 1864, the United States had been engulfed in a civil war for nearly 44 months, with the bones of thousands of Northern boys [lying] in Southern graves or decayed unburied in the thickets and swamps of Dixie, writes historian Gerald Swick. For Lincoln and for the Union the outcome of the 1864 presidential election hung in the balance. If voters rejected Lincoln, the war to save the Union would almost certainly be lost. According to Swick, Peace Democrats, Lincolns chief political opposition, wanted an end to hostilities immediately, under almost any circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With so many men out on the field of battle, the incumbent president feared that many Union soldiers would not be able to cast their vote and in his favor. For Lincoln, the election was to be won by bullets and ballots, with a string of Union victories that fall David Farragut damning the torpedoes at Mobile Bay and William T. Sherman conquering the Southern city of Atlanta helping to quell the Democrats calls for an early peace By November 1864, as men physically lined up in the North to vote for Lincoln or the former Union general, George B. McClellan, a novel way to accommodate a soldiers right to vote was sweeping the battlefield. There was some precedent for absentee voting. During the War of 1812, Pennsylvania and then New Jersey changed their legislation to allow for mail-in voting for their soldiers at war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 1, 1864, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton published General Orders No. 265 outlining the procedures for Army voting. The orders purpose was to secure a fair distribution of election material and prevent fraud and intimidation at the front and further invited civilian inspectors of each political party to visit the various brigade headquarters throughout the Army to see that the elections are fairly conducted. During the war, 19 Union states changed their laws to allow their soldiers to vote absentee. Other states permitted soldiers to vote by proxy, while others created polling sites in camps and hospitals under on-site inspection by appointed clerks or state officials. (In many states, however, the laws only referred to organizations within the Army: companies, regiments and brigades. Thus, many new voting laws did not apply to members of the Navy, according to the National Park Service.) Each state devised its own methods for absentee voting procedures, with Connecticut, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia mailing proxy votes, ballots or tally sheets. Pennsylvania officials prepared mailing materials for conveying the votes gathered at the front, while Ohio produced envelopes for both the state and national elections, according to the National Postal Museum. Ohioan qualified military absentee voters cast 12% of all the military ballots, with a majority voting for the reelection of Lincoln. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By the end of Election Day on Nov. 8, 1864, of the 40,247 Union soldiers who voted, 30,503 voted for Lincoln, approximately 75.8% of the Union citizen-soldiers, according to the American Battlefield Trust. Lincoln carried all but three states (Kentucky, Delaware and New Jersey) with a 90% margin in the Electoral College, 21221. Since then, states have offered, to varying degrees, the option of absentee voting. During the Second World War, the Soldier Voting Act of 1942 permitted 3.2 million absentee ballots to be cast during the conflict. The act was amended in 1944 and expired at wars end. Presently, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act allows for roughly three-quarters of the 1.3 million active-duty troops to be eligible to vote absentee, according to the Federal Voting Assistance Program. The Maine Monitor will break a long-standing trend in Maines news industry by supporting a D.C.-based correspondent dedicated to covering Maines congressional delegation. Maines daily newspapers once employed D.C.-based reporters dedicated solely to covering the states congressional delegation. No Maine-based news outlet, however, has maintained a D.C. correspondent in more than 15 years. In September, The Monitor will partner with NOTUS to support a correspondent based in Washington, D.C., who will report on Maines congressional delegation and how their decisions and other federal actions are impacting the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NOTUS is the nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom of the Allbritton Journalism Institute, a D.C.-based journalism education organization that trains the next generation of political journalists. The NOTUS correspondent, who will closely follow both Maine and Vermont, will be part of the NOTUS Washington Bureau Initiative, a nationwide program which gives readers in local communities across the country critical accountability reporting from the halls of power in Washington. Maine Monitor editors will work with the NOTUS team to determine the questions Mainers most want answered. (Share your story ideas for this new beat.) Like all Maine Monitor work, this reporting will be free to read without a paywall and free for our newsroom partners to republish. The position will be jointly supported by donations to The Maine Monitor, the nonprofit Vermont newsroom VTDigger and NOTUS. A little-known oyster farmer is looking to upend top Democrats plans in Maine. Democrat Graham Platner, the 40-year-old owner of Waukeag Neck Oyster Co. and an Iraq and Afghanistan War veteran, announced Tuesday he is mounting a challenge to Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Platner has never run for office, and his campaign threatens to disrupt national Democrats efforts to recruit and unite around Gov. Janet Mills. I'm not fooled by this fake charade of Collins deliberations and moderation, he said in a campaign kickoff video. The difference between Susan Collins and Ted Cruz is at least Ted Cruz is honest about selling us out and not giving a damn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Platner is running on several progressive tenets though he rejects the label liberal and his announcement sets up the possibility of a clash between Democratic Party factions over generational change, Israel and other issues. In an interview with POLITICO, Platner said he would not support Chuck Schumer as Senate Majority Leader if Democrats managed to take back control in the 2026 midterm elections. The next leader needs to be one of vision and also somebody who is willing to fight, he said. And I am not seeing either of those things coming out of the current Democratic leadership in the Senate. He echoed the calls for change that have roiled the party for months, saying it is time to really start moving towards building a much stronger, more robust group of young leaders across this country. Though hes a political newcomer, Platner said he has brought onboard two progressive strategists who have experience successfully running against establishment-favored Democrats: Morris Katz, a top admaker for New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani, and Joe Calvello, a former senior aide to Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Platner embraced a number of progressive causes in his announcement video, calling for universal health care, saying the enemy is the oligarchy, and asking, Why are we funding endless wars and bombing children? He also zeroed in on high prices, a top concern of voters and one that helped fuel Mamdanis rise in New York City. Platner told POLITICO he would have supported Sen. Bernie Sanders recent resolution to block arms sales to Israel. Though he backed several liberal ideas, Platner shrugged off the label. Maine is a reliably blue state in presidential contests, but Collins has held onto her seat since 1997, and whoever the Senate Democratic nominee is will need to appeal to voters across the aisle. To call me a liberal, I think is fairly amusing. I mean, I'm a competitive pistol shooter. Thats what I do on the weekends, he said. I'm a firearms instructor. I spent multiple years, obviously, in the service utilizing firearms. I also grew up in rural Maine, where guns are a part of our existence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said he also differed with the Democratic establishment on expending American resources on foreign wars. Though much of the liberal base has recently called for fresh faces, national Democrats have turned to well-known, battle-tested and older candidates in their longshot effort to flip the upper chamber in 2026. Schumer recruited former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, 72, and former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, 68, to launch Senate bids, and Democrats are hoping Mills, 77, joins them. But it appears that Mills will not immediately clear the primary field. Platner vowed to stay in the race even if Mills jumped in, as did Jordan Wood, a former vice president of the liberal group End Citizens United who has raised $1.6 million for his Senate bid. Mainers deserve more from our senator than concern without action, Wood said, and Im not waiting on anyone elses decision to fight for our state." Nicholas Wu contributed to this report. Texas state Democrats returned to the state capital on Monday for the start of the Houses special session on redistricting, ending a two-week strike to protest Republicans plans to increase the number of GOP congressional seats in the states delegation. The state House reconvened at noon Central time to begin the second special session, with the chamber meeting the 100-member threshold for a quorum, or the necessary attendance required to conduct legislative business, for the first time in two weeks. Speaker Dustin Burrows adjourned the chamber for the weekend on Friday after the first session concluded sine die and the House failed to reach a quorum later that day at the start of the second session. My responsibility now is to keep this quorum intact and to maintain an atmosphere of order and respect until the job is finished, Burrows said Monday. The House has been through a tumultuous two weeks, but this institution long predates us and will long outlast each of us, the speaker added. Representatives come and go, issues rise and fall, but this body has endured wars, economic depressions, and quorum breaks dating back to the very first session. It will withstand this, too, and what will remain is a chamber where the majority has the right to prevail, and the minority has the right to be heard. The House will reconvene on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Those who were present on Monday but were absent for the first session can leave the House but have to do so under the custody of a Texas Department of Public Safety officer who will ensure your return on Wednesday, Burrows said. For members still absent, the arrest warrants are still in effect, he said. Burrows said last week he aims to have the second session wrapped up by Labor Day. A majority of Texass 62 House Democrats fled the state on Aug. 3 and sought refuge in blue states like Illinois, California, and New York. They held press conferences to highlight Texas Republicans plans to redraw the congressional map and gain as many as five GOP seats. Featured Local Savings But legal and financial pressure from state and national Republicans led to Democrats announcing on Thursday that they would return to the state. They said they would return on two conditions: when the first session concluded and when California introduced a new congressional map that would offset the Texas map. Theyve painted their walkout as a success by calling attention to the GOPs sham redistricting plan. Democrats have argued that Republicans are trying to manipulate the Texas congressional map because they are afraid they will not win in the 2026 midterm elections, in which Democrats only need a net gain of three seats to take back the House. Republicans faced a similar dilemma in 2018, and Democrats successfully broke the GOP trifecta during President Donald Trumps first term. The remaining two years of his presidency were met with pushback from the Democrat-controlled House on Trumps agenda, resulting in two attempts to impeach him. Democrats fought back ferociously and took the fight to Trump across America, state Rep. Gene Wu of Houston, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said in a statement. We will return to the House floor and to the courthouse with a clear message: the fight to protect voting rights has only just begun. The Texas Democrats redistricting fight has drawn support from several national leaders, including former President Barack Obama, former Vice President Kamala Harris, and Democratic governors. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has called a special election for Nov. 4 that will determine whether the state can circumvent the independent redistricting commission and draw a new map ahead of the midterm elections. Republicans have pushed back on this, arguing that Texas law allows the legislature to redraw the map, but states like California must adhere to their redistricting commissions. Unlike other states, California must shred its own Constitution to succeed in its desperate gambit to end the Trump presidency. Voters in California and across the nation see through this partisan stunt, House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement Monday. Democrats across the nation have played politics with redistricting for decades, and this is just the latest example, Johnson added. Republicans who are following state and federal laws will not be lectured by people who abused the system. A Maine reserve police officer arrested by ICE for allegedly trying to buy a firearm illegally has agreed to leave the country, the agency said. Jon Luke Evans, a reserve officer with the Old Orchard Beach Police Department, and a Jamaican national, was arrested on July 25 with help from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), according to ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Evans was taken into custody after a firearm purchase attempt raised concerns tied to his immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illegal Immigrant Caught Working As Police Officer In Maine While Attempting To Buy Firearm A judge has now granted Evans voluntary departure, giving him the ability to leave the U.S. at his own expense rather than face deportation. Reports by federal authorities claim he legally entered the United States through Miami International Airport on Sept. 24, 2023. Evans was reportedly under a visa that required his departure by Oct. 1, 2023, but he failed to leave as required and has been in the U.S. unlawfully since. Read On The Fox News App Man Deported 3 Times Now Convicted After Illegal Us Reentry During Biden Admin Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE officials are now investigating how he was hired by the local police agency and if he was given a department-issued weapon. "This case raises serious concerns," said Patricia H. Hyde, acting field office director for ERO Boston. "We will continue working to ensure that individuals who violate immigration laws and pose potential threats to public safety are held accountable." Maine State Police are responding to the shooting Tuesday in Yarmouth, which has left two injured. Police Chief Elise Chard says they were told by federal officials that Evans was legally permitted to work in the country and that proper documentation was submitted via the Department of Homeland Securitys E-Verify program. "The town reiterates its ongoing commitment to meeting all state and federal laws regarding employment," Chard said in a statement. "We will continue to rely on the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form and the E-Verify database to confirm employment eligibility." Original article source: Maine reserve police officer agrees to leave US voluntarily after ICE arrest for immigration violations Workers and union organizers walk out of the Portland Press Herald offices in South Portland, Maine on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, to attend a rally in support of expanding their union to cover reporters at other publications run by the Press Herald's parent organization, the Maine Trust for Local News. (Photo by Troy R. Bennett/ Maine Morning Star) About three dozen reporters, photographers, page designers and union activists gathered on a brown lawn adjacent to the Portland Press Herald offices and printing plant Tuesday morning to announce their drive to unionize news workers at all of the Maine Trust for Local News weekly and daily paper operations around the state. The News Guild of Maine, which is affiliated with the Communications Workers of America, already represents about 150 workers at the Trusts papers and aims to include the 50 or so remaining non-union jobs at the Sun Journal in Lewiston, The Times Record in Brunswick and the Trusts 17 weekly publications. Workers at the daily Kennebec Journal are represented by a separate branch of the CWA and are in the process of merging with the guild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 70% of those [50 non-union] workers have signed union authorization cards, said Megan Gray, president of the News Guild of Maine. On Monday, the guild filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board seeking voluntary union recognition for those workers. The guild has marked the effort as a drive for One Big Union. The nonprofit Trust is the states largest network of independent news and media outlets. Its a subsidiary of the Colorado-based National Trust for Local News. Management at the Trust has yet to respond to union demands. Messages seeking comment were not immediately returned. Speakers at the union rally expressed concerns about huge pay disparities between publications within the Trust, lack of job security and dwindling local content as papers are forced to work with fewer reporters and share non-local stories. Times Record reporter Paul Bagnall speaks at a union rally outside the Portland Press Herald in South Portland on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025. An experienced reporter, Bagnall makes $10 less an hour than a starting reporter at the Press Herald. (Photo by Troy R. Bennett/ Maine Morning Star) Paul Bagnall, an experienced reporter at The Times Record, said as a non-union worker he makes $18 per hour while starting reporters at the Press Herald earn a minimum of $28.75 per hour. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the cost of living going up, my paycheck has already stretched to a breaking point, Bagnall said. I am currently priced out of potential sources of information going out to events, restaurants and cafes due to the cost of living and its still rising. Joe Lawlor, a longtime Press Herald reporter, called Bagnalls pay shameful. We can do better, Lawlor said. Sophie Burchell, a non-union reporter at the Trusts southern Maine community news division, said her job is unfairly seen as a stepping stone, rather than a sustainable career. I want it to be seen as a place people can grow and thrive, Burchell said. I want to see my peers and their talents thrive in Maine journalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kendra Caruso, an education writer at the Sun Journal, said the Trust isnt living up to its own journalism mission. Its stated goal is to prevent news deserts across the nation. However, changes the company implemented early this year, including staff layoffs, have only increased the risk of more news deserts in Maine and decreased the amount of local news coming out of our newsrooms across the state, Caruso said. Gray said there was no way for the Trust to continue to support local journalism without first supporting its local journalists. Were expanding our union because we know that we must invest in our workers in order to invest in the future of journalism, she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Heres what youll learn when you read this story: Extreme floods in Texas revealed 15 dinosaur footprints dating back 115 million years. Experts say the footprints are similar to that of the Acrocanthosaurusa 35-foot-long carnivorous dinosaur. Acrocanthosaurus were one of many dinosaurs that lived in Texas during the Cretaceous period, though the area looked completely different than it does today. In early July, devastating floods struck Texas , destroying homes, roads, and other infrastructure in their wake. While clearing debris, a group of volunteers found something incredible: dinosaur footprints that date back millions of years. Even more exciting, the volunteers didnt just find a couple printsthey found 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prints were found in northwest Travis County, near Austin. Researchers said that the three-clawed footprints measure between 18 and 20 inches long. Using the rock layer the tracks were preserved in, experts estimated that the dinosaurs who left the footprints lived around 115 million years ago. The tracks that are unambiguously dinosaurs were left by meat-eating dinosaurs similar to Acrocanthosaurus, a roughly 35-foot-long bipedal carnivore, Matthew Browna paleontologist at the University of Texas at Austin told CNN . Acrocanthosaurus means high-spined lizard, though the species is also nicknamed Acro and terror of the South. While Acrocanthosaurus may resemble the Tyrannosaurus to an untrained eye, the two species are genetically unrelated and have many distinct differences. Acrocanthosaurus are slightly smaller than T. rex with narrow, less muscular heads. Their limb proportions are almost the exact opposite of the T. rex, with longer forelimbs and shorter hind legs. Perhaps the most obvious difference between the species, Acrocanthosaurus are unfortunately lesser-known dinosaurs as only a handful of skeletons have been discovered. While finding Acrocanthosaurus remains may be rare, finding dinosaur footprints isntin fact, its more common in Texas than you would think, according to Brown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have a lot of dinosaur footprints around Texas in different areas, he said to CNN. Just picturing what used to roam in this area is fascinating exercise. Other dinosaurs that lived in what is now modern-day Texas include Iguanodons, Pleurocoelus, and Technosaurus. The footprints found after the floods date back over 100 million years, meaning the dinosaur who left them lived during the Cretaceous period an era that began with the Earths land dividing into two continents. During this time, the climate wouldve been warmer and more humid than it is today, likely because of high volcanic activity. Texas would have been covered by an inland sea that split North America in twoa far cry from the state we know today. To protect the tracks from damage, Brown and his team have been advising local cleanup crews. Weve been talking with the environmental monitoring company too about sensitive locations that theyve gotten from the state and what to watch out for basically, to make sure that theyre not rolling heavy equipment across the trackways, he told CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the future, researchers hope to learn whether the recently-discovered footprints were left by a single dinosaur or a group roaming the land. Brown also said his team hopes to return to the land to record the tracks with 3D imaging. You Might Also Like PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police are actively searching for Kyle Irvin, 55, who is wanted in connection with the homicide of 48-year-old Rashida Irvin in Germantown. An arrest warrant has been issued for Kyle Irvin following the tragic incident. What we know Rashida Irvin was found shot multiple times in a bathroom inside a property on the 6300 block of Germantown Avenue last Monday evening. Philadelphia Police confirmed Rashida was the owner of Mister Relaxation Spa and Lounge on the 6300 block of Germantown Avenue, where she was shot and killed back on August 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police say her husband, Kyle Irvin, 55, is wanted for her murder. FOX 29 featured Rashida and the salon in a segment back in April 2023. Court records show Irvin has a record dating back to 1998, when sources say he was arrested after his 3-year-old son allegedly shot himself, fatally, with Irvins gun. He also had a firearm arrest back in January of this year, according to documents. The community is now grappling with the loss of a local businesswoman and the circumstances surrounding her death. What they're saying Victoria Best says she and Rashida Irvin, 48, have September birthdays just days apart, and she never imagined she would be celebrating without her in just a few weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My biggest challenge finding out that she passed away was just feeling like I didnt have the time," she said. "She just was so passionate. It was a male business, a woman who said I want to uplift black men or just men in general." "It just really hurt my heart to know that this kind of domestic violence can happen, and I know that a conversation she shared with me was that she really loved her partner a lot," said Best. WDAS radio personality Patty Jackson has been speaking out about the murder on her social media. She says she just connected with Rashida through e-mail and made plans to meet in-person in a few weeks. "There was something about this woman and I just wanted people to know her name. 22 I just talked to her, and it was a reminder that you gotta let people know that domestic violence is still here," said Jackson. "Its not love, its not healthy and this woman did not deserve to die this way Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the search for Kyle Irvin continues, police are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward. What you can do Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-TIPS, all tips will be confidential. If you see these suspects do not approach, contact 911 immediately. The City of Philadelphia is offering a reward of $20,000 leading to an arrest and conviction for every homicide. The Source The information in this story is from Philly police. NEED TO KNOW Kayle Bates, 67, will be executed Tuesday, Aug. 19, for the 1982 abduction and murder of 24-year-old Janet Renee White in Bay County, Fla. Appeals citing racial bias and calls for new DNA testing were denied The execution will be Florida's 10th this year, setting a new state record A Florida man convicted of killing a woman after abducting her from the insurance office where she worked is scheduled to be executed, court records show. Kayle Bates, 67, will die by lethal injection at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Florida State Prison in Raiford, Fla., under a death warrant signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in July, according to online Florida Supreme Court records reviewed by PEOPLE. Bates' execution will be Florida's 10th this year, setting a new state record, the Associated Press reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bates was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping, attempted sexual battery and armed robbery in connection with the June, 14, 1982 killing in Bay County, Fla., according to an affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. The victim's name is redacted in the affidavit but she is identified in reports as 24-year-old Janet Renee White, according to the AP, USA Today and WJHG-TV. According to the affidavit, White, a State Farm insurance clerk, returned from lunch that afternoon to find Bates, who surprise attacked her while she answered the phone. Bates had talked to White earlier that day but then parked his truck in the woods behind the building and broke into the office, waiting for her to return, the affidavit states. "[Bates] overpowered her and forcibly took her from the office building to the woods, where he beat, strangled and attempted to rape her, leaving approximately 30 contusions, abrasions and lacerations on various parts of her face and body," the affidavit states. Per the affidavit, Bates was found at the crime scene with blood on his clothes and the victim's ring in his pocket. Additionally, investigators matched a missing watch pin found in the office to Bates' watch and green fibers on White's clothes were consistent with Bates' pants. Also, the knife case found near the victim was the exact type that Bates wore, according to the affidavit. Authorities said he later confessed to the murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bates was originally sentenced to death in 1983 after being convicted of the crime. His death sentence stood despite a re-sentencing in 1995 and several unsuccessful appeals in state and federal court, per the affidavit. Attorneys for Bates have asked for additional DNA testing in the case, which has been denied, per the affidavit. They have also filed a federal lawsuit arguing that "Floridas execution warrant process is infected with racial discrimination and unconstitutional arbitrariness," per a press release. According to the AP, that lawsuit was dismissed last week. 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. "If the state of Florida takes Mr. Bates life, it will be a tragic miscarriage of justice," James Driscoll Jr., one of Bates' attorneys, told USA Today. "Regardless of what happens, Mr. Bates is at peace." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim's surviving husband, Randy White, will face his wife's killer at his execution on Tuesday. He told USA Today he met his wife as a teenager and they married a little over two months after that first meeting. "There's been so many deaths in her family, and I thought I would pass and never see justice," he told the news outlet. "It's going to be different to start life new again without this in the forefront ... But Ill never get past it. I will fight that until my last breath." Read the original article on People A provisional trial date has been set for man accused of murdering a woman found dead in Halifax. Paris Kendall, 36, was pronounced dead after she was found with serious head injuries in Keighley Road, Illingworth, on 13 August. Lee Taylor, 40, of Wellington Place in Halifax, appeared at Bradford Crown Court on Tuesday charged with her murder. Wearing a grey jumper and blue Puma tracksuit bottoms he spoke only to confirm his name before Judge Jonathan Rose set a plea hearing for 16 September and a provisional trial date for 2 February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement released following her death, Ms Kendall's family said: "Paris was a much-loved mother, daughter and member of our family, and we have been left absolutely devastated by her loss. "We want to thank all those who have paid such kind tributes to Paris, as they are a source of comfort at what is an awful time." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. More on this story Related internet links A man has appeared in court after being charged in connection with an assault that left a man seriously injured. Jack Lamb, 20, of Hillside Close, Wakefield, made an appearance at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, charged with wounding with intent. He was charged over an incident in Westgate, Leeds, on Saturday 16 August, which left a 33-year-old man with serious injuries. Mr Lamb has been remanded in custody and will appear at Leeds Crown Court on 16 September for a plea hearing. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Related internet links Mart, Tx (FOX 44) Bond has been set at a total of $1.5 million for a 54-year-old man picked up in Mart on Monday, who had arrest warrants for soliciting a minor in Wichita County. Chester Lyndell Singleton was picked up after a search warrant was served Monday at a residence in the 200 block of 4 Mile Road. Mart Police Chief Shane James says members of his department and the Groesbeck Police Department, Internet Crimes Against Children Southern Texas Task Force, assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety`s Criminal Investigations Division at approximately 4:40 p.m. Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Singleton was taken into custody without incident and remained in the McLennan County Jail Tuesday on two counts of online solicitation of a minor. Chief James confirmed the identity of the man arrested and said that the arrest came as part of an investigation by the Texas Attorney Generals Office. He noted that while there were only to potential victims that an investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. YOUNG COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL) One man is dead after a fatal shooting in Newcastle, and Texas Rangers and the Young County Sheriffs Office continue to investigate the murder. On Sunday, August 17, around 7 p.m., the Texas DPS Texas Rangers were called to assist the Young County Sheriffs Office with an alleged shooting in Newcastle. According to Texas DPS Sergeant Gutierrez, the investigation revealed two males living at this same address but in different residences had gotten into a dispute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this dispute, one male shot the other. The male victim died while being transported to the hospital. The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Justin Duane Garland of Graham, Texas. According to Gutierrez, as law enforcement arrived at the scene, 70-year-old John Edwards Rogers, from Graham, was located with a firearm in his possession. Rogers was arrested for murder and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rogers was booked into the Young County jail and is held on a $1,030,000 bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Henderson police arrested a man in connection with a series of burglaries targeting newly built homes throughout the Las Vegas valley. Henderson Police Property Detectives arrested Alexander Eduardo Hernandez on Aug. 7 on charges of residential burglary, attempted theft, possession of a debit/credit card without the owners consent, possession of burglary tools, and theft, police said. Hernandez is believed to be connected to at least 10 burglaries in Henderson, newly built homes in the Cadence Community, and additional burglaries in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Departments jurisdiction, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the beginning of the year, detectives have been investigating a pattern of burglaries in which high-end appliances were stolen from vacant newly build homes, according to police. On Aug. 13, Henderson detectives, in collaboration with LVMPDs Construction Site Theft Unit, served multiple search warrants at several storage units across the valley. Detectives recovered about $25,000 worth of stolen property, including new refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dryers, flooring and other construction supplies, police said. Hernandez was taken to the Clark County Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 27. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump expressed hope that Mondays critical talks with Ukrainian and European leaders at the White House could lead to trilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to Russias war on Ukraine. Mondays hastily assembled meeting comes after Trump met with Putin and has said that the onus is now on Zelenskyy to agree to concessions that he said could end the war. A group of European political heavy-hitters will also meet with the U.S. president after they were left out of Fridays summit, and they are looking to safeguard Ukraine and the continent from any widening aggression from Moscow. Here's the latest: Trump administration aims to overturn another decades-old school desegregation case The Trump administration is siding with a Louisiana school district that says it should be released from decades-old desegregation orders that some advocates say are still needed to address racial disparities. In a motion filed Friday, the Justice Department and the Concordia Parish School Board agreed to dismiss a 1960s case that required the small district to integrate its public schools. Court orders have remained in place to address the lingering impact of segregation. U.S. District Judge Dee Drell has yet to decide on the request. The Justice Department and Louisianas attorney general have worked to end older desegregation cases they say are no longer needed. In April, they lifted a 1965 order in Louisianas Plaquemines Parish. Concordias filing says the orders interfere with its local control. In July, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund filed a brief arguing that there is significant evidence that vestiges of discrimination continue to harm Black students in Concordias schools. Trump offered an uncharacteristic thank-you to the news media It came as he closed the open session with European leaders about pursuing an end to Russias war in Ukraine. Known for blasting the news media and punishing outlets he doesnt agree with, Trump said: The medias been actually very fair, generally speaking, very fair. I think its very important that theyre fair, because this is a very important subject to get it ended, he said. So thats all we ever ask for, is fairness. With that, Trump was dismissing the gathered press when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, seated next to Trump, leaned over to thank him and laughed, saying I never want to speak with my press. Ukraine talks could signal future for European security A focal point for negotiations on ending the war with Russia has been security guarantees for Ukraine as a shield against future aggression. Details are still in flux, but its clear that European leaders see the issue as pivotal for the entire continent, not just Ukraine. When we speak about security guarantees, we speak about the whole security of the European continent, Macron said. Starmer made a similar point. I think we could take a really important step forward today, a historic step actually to come out of this meeting in terms of security for Ukraine and security in Europe, he said. Merz calls for ceasefire and to put pressure on Russia The German chancellor said he would like to see a ceasefire from the next meeting, which should be a trilateral meeting with Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. Like his other European counterparts, Merz had praise for Trump for his role in the process of angling to work out an end to the war. Rutte told Trump his willingness to participate in security guarantees marked a breakthrough and makes all the difference. Von der Leyen called for working together on a just and lasting peace, while Meloni called the gathering an important day and new phase. Despite comments earlier, Trump says ceasefire is preferred between Russia and Ukraine Trump said in an Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy earlier that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was unnecessary. After an hour of closed-door meeting with EU leaders and Zelenskyy, Trump then told reporters in the East Room that all of us would obviously prefer the immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace. He added that he likes a ceasefire because it would immediately stop the killing, but reiterated that a peace agreement between the two countries is very attainable at this point in the war. Trump lavished praise on his guests Sitting in the East Room, Trump was jovial as he recognized all of the European leaders at the table. He called Starmer my friend and said he liked Macron from day one. He said Merz was very strong and said I want to get a tan like that. He praised Stubbs appearance, saying you look better than Ive ever seen you look. Trump says he wants to put Russia-Ukraine war to sleep Trump is opening a group meeting with Zelenskyy and leaders from Europe. Hes using a new phrase to say he wants to end the war. Trump said the group wants to see if we can get it finished and put this to sleep. Trump and European leaders pose for picture The U.S. president and his guests lined up in the White House in a show of solidarity for the cameras. Macron was on his left, Zelenskyy on his right. While they were standing there, Trump gestured toward a painting that depicts him pumping his fist after surviving an assassination attempt during last years presidential campaign. That was not a good day. Not a great day. See the picture? Russian envoy says Moscow hopes Trump meetings now will keep open the opportunity for peace Russias deputy U.N. ambassador Dmitry Polyansky told U.N. reporters that what everybody hopes is that President Donald Trumps meetings with Ukraines president and European leaders will go in the same vein as the U.S. leaders meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last Friday. He said Trump acknowledged that his meeting with Putin opened an opportunity for a long and lasting peace. And we welcome very much such a scenario, said Polyansky, who is Russias current charge daffaires at the United Nations. We hope that the Ukrainian leadership will, instead of thinking about saving their own skin, think about their people who dont want to fight and who are ready for peace -- fair, just and long-lasting peace, he said. Thats what Russia is trying to achieve in Ukraine for many, many years. Trump and Zelenskyy meeting privately The leaders were holding closed-door talks after they made opening statements and answered questions from reporters who were admitted to the Oval Office to see them together. A group photo of Trump, Zelenskyy and the European leaders will follow before everyone meets in the East Room to discuss how to end Russias war against Ukraine. Mondays Trump-Zelenskyy meeting has friendlier vibe than their last It was only a few months ago that Trump and Zelenskyy last met in the Oval Office, but Mondays face-to-face between the two leaders looked markedly different. For much of their February exchange, during which Trump and Vance blasted Zelenskyy as disrespectful and warned about future American support, Zelenskyy crossed his arms and looked askance at the U.S. leaders. The presidents often spoke over each other, also gesturing disagreement. Mondays meeting was rounded out with more smiles and pleasantries between the two leaders, as well as agreement on some points regarding the ongoing war. Both men largely sat with their hands clasped in their laps, affably fielding questions from reporters. Zelenskyy says Ukraine wants everything as far as US security guarantees, Trump says they would get very good protection The big topic of the Oval Office meeting Monday was what U.S. security guarantees Ukraine needs to agree to a peace deal and whether Trump would be willing to provide them. Zelenskyy outlined what he said his country needed to feel secure, which included a strong Ukrainian army through weapons sales and training. The second part, he said, would depend on the outcome of Mondays talks and what EU countries, NATO and the U.S. would be able to guarantee to the war-torn country. Trump stopped short of committing U.S. troops to the effort, saying instead that there would be a NATO-like security presence but that all those details would be hashed out in their afternoon meeting with EU leaders. They want to give protection and they feel very strongly about it and well help them out with that, Trump said. I think its very important to get the deal done. Vice President JD Vance makes no comments in public part of Zelenskyy meeting Unlike the last time he was in the Oval Office with Zelenskyy, Vance made no comments during the public portion of Mondays meeting. Seated on a couch with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vance sat by as Trump and Zelenskyy interacted and took questions from reporters. During Februarys tense Oval Office meeting, Vance called Zelenskyy disrespectful for airing disagreements with Trump in public. Zelenskyy grew defensive, and Trump and his vice president blasted him as ungrateful, issuing stark warnings about future American support. Trump says hell talk to Putin after these meetings Trump said the Russian leader is expecting my call when were finished with this meeting with Zelenskyy and the group of European leaders waiting at the White House. Trump and Putin met in person on Friday in Alaska to discuss ending the war. Trump needles Zelenskyy on elections and the 2028 election As Zelenskyy answered a question about the difficulty of holding an election during Ukraines war with Russia, Trump appeared to jokingly hypothesize how a similar circumstance could allow him to stay in power in the U.S. past the expiration of his current term. So let me just say three and a half years from now so you mean, if we happen to be in a war with somebody, no more elections, oh, I wonder what the fake news would say, Trump said. Zelenskyy noted the difficulties of being able to hold elections during wartime, saying that a truce would be needed to do so safely. We can do security, Zelenskyy said. We need ... a truce, yes, everywhere the battlefield, the sky and the sea, to make it possible for people to do democratic open legal elections. Trump says security guarantees for Ukraine will be discussed Zelenskyy wants security guarantees as part of any deal to end Russias war against his country. Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff, mentioned NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine as he was being interviewed on Sunday talk shows. Its on the meeting agenda. Were going to be discussing it today, Trump said. He said European leaders want to give Ukraine protection and the U.S. will participate. Sartorial diplomatic progress Brian Glenn, a conservative reporter, told Zelenskyy that you look fabulous in that suit. Glenn had asked the Ukrainian leader about his clothing during his last visit to the Oval Office, implying that his casual dress was disrespectful. Trump jumped in saying, I said the same thing. Turning to Zelenskyy, Trump said thats the one that attacked you last time. I remember that, Zelenskyy said as laughter rippled through the room. Trump declines to rule out sending US troops to the Ukraine war zone Speaking in the Oval Office, he noted it will be a discussion point with European leaders today. Asked if he would rule out such a deployment, the president said, Well let you know that, maybe, later today. Were meeting with seven great leaders of great countries, also, and well be talking about that. Theyll all be involved, he added. When it comes to security, theres going to be a lot of help. Zelenskyy signals openness to three-way meeting with Trump and Putin Featured Local Savings Zelenskyys assent came after Trump said the three leaders could meeting of Mondays White House meetings go well. We are ready for trilateral, he said. Such a meeting would be held to negotiate an end to Russia war against Ukraine. Despite earlier comments, Trump says both Zelenskyy and Putin have to want the war to end Asked by a reporter if it is the end of the road for U.S. support for Ukraine if no deal is struck, Trump said its never the end of the road. People are being killed and we want to stop that. So I would not say its the end of the road, Trump said as Zelenskyy sat next to him shaking his head at the question. He added that there is a good chance of the ending the war through these meetings. I know the president, I know myself, and I believe Vladimir Putin wants to see it end, Trump said. Contrasts in Trumps hosting of Putin and Zelenskyy In just a span of a few days and thousands of mile apart, Trump has hosted the leaders of two nations embroiled in war. At Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, dueling red carpets showed the way for both Trump and Putin to make their way to a platform emblazoned with Alaska 2025, where they briefly stood before taking Trumps limousine to the meeting site. Trump arrived at the junction point first, waiting on Putin and greeting him warmly. For Zelenskyys White House arrival Monday, Trump greeted the Ukrainian president at a threshold of the executive residence, after Zelenskyys motorcade wound its way up the driveway festooned with flags and lined with uniformed members of the U.S. military. After a handshake and pleasantries, Trump responded we love them as a reporter shouted a question about his message for Ukraine. In both circumstances, Trump was host to the foreign leaders, welcoming them to U.S. soil. Trump and Zelenskyy meeting begins Trump said the meeting is very import and Zelenskyy thanks Trump for trying to end Russias war against his country. All foreign leaders except Zelenskyy have arrived Theyre all in place at the White House, ahead of the Ukrainian president: NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen British Prime Minister Keir Starmer French President Emmanuel Macron German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni Finnish President Alexander Stubb Zelenskyy suits up sort of After wearing a T-shirt earlier in the day, Zelenskyy is dressed more formally for other meetings. At the Ukrainian embassy in D.C., he greeted European leaders in a black shirt with buttons and a black blazer. The last time he was at the White House, his casual clothing became a point of irritation for Trump. European leaders have coordinated their positions for a reliable and lasting peace, Zelenskyy says In a post on X, Zelenskyy said the European leaders had coordinated their positions before meeting Trump in the White House and that their main goal was a reliable and lasting peace for Ukraine and for the whole of Europe. We shouldnt expect Putin to voluntarily abandon aggression and new attempts at conquest, Zelenskyy wrote. He also shared a video that showed the European leaders greeting each other and embracing at an earlier meeting in Washington. That is why pressure must work, and it must be joint pressure from the United States and Europe, and from everyone in the world who respects the right to life and the international order. Putin reaches out to global leaders in run-up to Zelenskyys White House visit Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with the leaders of India, Brazil and South Africa Monday to discuss the results of talks between Russia and the U.S. in Alaska, the Kremlin said, just hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived to speak with President Donald Trump at the White House. He also spoke with key allies, including leaders in Central Asia and Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, in a series of calls Monday and Sunday. Putin made similar calls to world leaders following his meeting with special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff in early August. On that occasion, he also spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni talks to reporters ahead of White House meeting Meloni has long positioned herself as a bridge between the Trump administration and Europe and said the meeting was important because finally Russia had given a sign it was ready for dialogue. In comments to reporters in Washington, Meloni said Moscows openness was thanks to the situation of stall on the battlefield that was due both to the courage of Ukrainians to fight but also the Wests united stand supporting Kyiv. She said she was pleased with the proposal of security guarantees for Ukraine inspired by NATOs Article 5. Clearly we have to build, work on this. But the work we are doing today, from my point of view, is important work. Clearly there are no easy solutions when talking about ending a war and building peace. We have to explore all possible solutions to guarantee peace, to guarantee justice, and to guarantee security for our countries, she said. Texas Democrats say theyre ending a two-week walkout over gerrymandered US House map plan Texas Democrats say theyre ending a two-week walkout that stalled Republican efforts to redraw congressional districts to satisfy President Trumps demands for a greater GOP advantage. Democratic leaders say theyll return for a second special legislative session after seeing California Democratic leaders proceed with plans to redraw their own U.S. House maps to neutralize Republican gains in Texas. The nations two most populous states have been at the forefront of a national fight to reshape the congressional landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Trump has sought to shore up Republicans narrow House majority and avoid a repeat of the 2018 midterms during his first presidency, when Democrats regained House control and used their majority to stymie his agenda and twice impeach him. Trump calls for Hamas to be confronted and destroyed for hostage return The U.S. president says the remaining hostages held in the Israel-Gaza war will only be released when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be, Trump wrote on his Truth Social site Monday morning. Zelenskyy calls latest Russian attacks demonstrative and cynical Everyone wants a just peace and true security. And at this very moment, the Russians are striking Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy region, Odesa, residential buildings, and our civilian infrastructure, he wrote. Zelenskyy said the energy infrastructure object struck in Odesa belongs to an Azerbaijani company. This is a blow to our relations (with Azerbaijan) and to energy independence. The war must be brought to an end. And it is Moscow that must hear stop, Zelenskyy said in conclusion. Europes security is also at stake in the talks European leaders see Ukraines fight as a bulwark against any Kremlin ambitions to threaten other countries in eastern Europe and beyond. French President Emmanuel Macron described Ukraine as an outpost of our collective defense if Russia wanted to advance again. If we are weak with Russia today, well be preparing the conflicts of tomorrow and they will impact the Ukrainians and make no mistake they can impact us, too. Macron said Sunday. The European political heavyweights expected in Washington are Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Ukraine wont surrender land to Russia Zelenskyy has rejected Putins demand that Ukraine surrender the Donbas region, made up of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, since the Ukrainian Constitution forbids giving up territory or trading land. That also means he cant cede Crimea either. Instead, freezing the front line which snakes roughly 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from northeastern to southeastern Ukraine seems to be the most the Ukrainian people might accept. Russia currently holds about 20% of Ukrainian territory. Trumps schedule, according to the White House 12 p.m. ET: European leaders will arrive at the White House 1 p.m.: Trump will greet and meet with Zelenskyy 2:15 p.m.: Trump will greet European leaders 3 p.m.: Trump will meet with European leaders Putin wants the Donbas As a condition for peace, the Russian leader wants Kyiv to give up the Donbas, the industrial region in eastern Ukraine that has seen some of the most intense fighting but that Russian forces have failed to capture completely. In his Sunday night post, Trump wrote that Zelenskyy should also accept Russias illegal 2014 annexation of Ukraines Crimea region. As part of a deal, Putin has said the United States and its European allies can provide Ukraine with a security guarantee resembling NATOs collective defense pledge, according to a senior U.S. official. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff called that a game-changing step though he offered few details on how it would work. Ukraine has long pressed for some kind of guarantee that would prevent Russia from invading again. Trump previews executive order on voting Ahead of a critical meeting with Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy, Trump made it clear he has other things also on his mind. He said in a social media post Monday morning that hell be issuing an executive order to help bring HONESTY to the 2026 Midterm Elections. Saying he will lead a movement to get rid of mail-in ballots and voting machines, Trump added in all-caps: I, AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, WILL FIGHT LIKE HELL TO BRING HONESTY AND INTEGRITY BACK TO OUR ELECTIONS. When Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, the two men agreed on the dishonest nature of using mail-in ballots, the U.S. president said. He said theres not a country in the world that uses it now, Trump said Putin told him of the process. Trump recounted that conversation during an interview with Fox Newss Sean Hannity. Russia continued to pound Ukraine with missiles and drones ahead of Trump-Zelenskyy meeting A Russian drone strike on Kharkiv, Ukraines second largest city, killed six civilians late Sunday. Among the victims was a toddler and a 16-year-old, according to local officials. The strike also injured 20 people, including six children, authorities said. Russian aerial attacks also targeted the northeastern Sumy region and the southern Odesa region. In Zaporizhzhia, a city in the southeast, 17 people were injured in an attack Monday, according to regional head Ivan Fedorov. Ukraines Air Force said Russia launched a total of four Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 140 Shahed and decoy drones across Ukraine overnight, of which 88 drones were intercepted or jammed. PANOLA COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) A man was arrested after a woman was found dead with gunshot wounds in a wrecked vehicle in Mississippi. Bailey Martin, spokesperson for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS), said U.S. Marshals arrested Cortrell Motley, 36, on August 18, 2025. He was charged with first-degree murder. Man arrested in connection with stabbing at MS barbershop Motley was arrested in connection to the death of Amanda Liston, 41, of Panola County. Troopers with the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) responded to a call about a vehicle crash and discovered Liston deceased on Highway 3 on July 26, 2025. Cortrell Motley (Courtesy: MDPS) The investigation is ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A 59-year-old man was arrested Monday, more than two weeks after he is accused of carrying out a robbery at a convenience store in the Priest Lake area. According to court documents, around 5 a.m. on July 31, Douglas Peeples entered a 7-Eleven store on Smith Springs Road and approached an employee. He allegedly demanded that she open the register while making statements such as I will blow your brains out, leading her to believe he was armed with a gun. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports said he punched the employee in the face and in the back of the head before removing $187 in cash from the register and leaving the store. The victim identified Peeples in a photo lineup on Aug. 13. Days later, he was arrested and charged with felony aggravated robbery, felony robbery and a felony parole violation. He remains jailed on a $125,000 bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) A Washington, D.C., man is now facing a murder charge in connection with a shooting in Southeast that took place in April. On Monday, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that 30-year-old Tarik Settles, of Southeast, was arrested and charged with the murder of 22-year-old DarJuan McRoy. DC police arrest suspect in 2024 stabbing The shooting happened on April 22 in the 2900 block of Knox Place. Around 6:40 p.m., officers responded to the area to investigate a shooting and found McRoy suffering from gunshot wounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics tried to save him, but he died at the scene. Following the deadly shooting, MPD offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information that led to an arrest and conviction. However, it was not until four months after the shooting that D.C. police announced that Settles was taken into custody on Aug. 14. He was charged with first-degree murder while armed (premeditated). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (DC New Now) Prince Georges County States Attorney Tara Jackson announced Tuesday that a man was found guilty in connection with the shooting at a Fourth of July block party that took the life of a 6-year-old boy. On Aug. 18, Jackson announced that 34-year-old Rakeem Gilgeours was convicted on first-degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and illegal possession of a firearm. PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Neighbors heartbroken after child dies days after Temple Hills Fourth of July shooting Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 4, 2024, officers with the Prince Georges County Police Department responded to the 4500 block of Akron Street, where a shooting had broken out at a Fourth of July block party. There, first responders located 6-year-old Ahsan Payton as well as two other people, who had been shot. Ahsan was taken to the hospital, where he passed away from his injuries two days later. There were two other victims; a man suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and a woman was grazed by a bullet. As the investigation continued, police learned that Gilgeours had attended the block party in Temple Hills. When the shooting broke out, Ahsan was struck in the crossfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Man arrested in South America in connection to 6-year-old Maryland boys murder The defendant chose to not only bring a gun to a neighborhood event where families and children were present but also made the decision to use it. His actions and the actions of others have left a family and community devastated. Our office remains committed to seeking justice in every case and holding people accountable for violent and reckless behavior. Gun violence in our communities will not be tolerated, and we will continue to prioritize efforts to prevent it in our communities. We want to recognize our attorneys and law enforcement partners for their tireless work on this case, and our thoughts are with Ahsans family and loved ones as they continue to navigate this incredibly difficult time. said Jackson. Gilgeours was apprehended in Guyana, South America, last summer and extradited to Maryland. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 31. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. A man was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after a fire erupted at a triplex in the Pico-Union neighborhood of Los Angeles early Tuesday morning. The fire was reported shortly after 4 a.m. in the single-story structure located on the 1800 block of Arapahoe Street. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the flames in less than 15 minutes from the initial 911 call, the Los Angeles Fire Department stated in a news alert. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One patient, described as a 32-year-old man, was found in critical condition and rushed to a local hospital. No further details regarding the patient or his identity have been released. A man was found in critical condition after a fire broke out in the Pico-Union neighborhood on Aug. 19, 2025. (KTLA) The fire did not extend beyond the unit where it started, the Fire Department said. The cause of 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 KTLA. A man shot a woman, critically injuring her, before fleeing into a nearby home and fatally shooting himself in Linden on Monday, authorities said. Police responded to the area of Carnegie Street and Monmouth Avenue at about 10:15 a.m., and found a woman with a gunshot wound on the sidewalk. According to authorities, the suspect fled the scene and entered a nearby home, where he was later found dead by police from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The woman was taken to University Hospital in Newark in critical condition, police said. Neighbors said the shooting may have been a domestic violence incident, News12 New Jersey reported. Im surprised, I didnt know that he had that in him, one neighbor told News12. He didnt look like the type of person, he looked quiet. According to News12, neighbors said it was the womans home that the man, who may have been the victims boyfriend, barricaded himself in before shooting himself. The Linden Police Detective Bureau and the Union County Prosecutors Office Homicide Task Force are leading the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information may contact Det. Nicole Andrews at 908-474-8662. Tips can also be shared anonymously to crimetips@lpdnj.org. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Rebecca Heath may be reached at RHeath@njadvancemedia.com. Three people, including a man dressed as an Amazon delivery driver, broke into a house in Marlboro on Monday but left without stealing anything, officials said. One of the men, Nestor Pachon-Perez, 38, of Guttenberg was arrested after being found in a vehicle on nearby Mount Laurel Road, Marlboro police said. He was not the suspect wearing the Amazon disguise, a spokesman said. Police are still seeking two more suspects, all of whom were wearing masks, gloves, hats and carrying satchels when they forced their way into a home on Bramble Drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doorbell camera footage showed the burglars arriving in a dark-colored Honda Odyssey with a stolen license plate. They approached the residence from the side, police said. Pachon-Perez was charged with burglary, attempted theft, theft, criminal mischief and conspiracy. He is being held at the Monmouth County jail. Anyone with additional information or surveillance footage is asked to call Detective Adam Levine at 732-536-0100 x1124. Investigators are also trying to determine whether this incident is connected to any similar cases in the area. Marlboro police said they have notified Amazon about the burglary. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Video: Prior coverage. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A man arrested in Springfield last week for a reported incident in Columbus is facing additional charges. Man arrested after Springfield standoff wanted for murder out of Columbus According to the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Andre Jordan II, 34, has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon versus a federal officer, attempted murder of a federal agent, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An arrest warrant was issued for Jordan II, as he was wanted in connection to a fatal bar shooting in Columbus on Aug. 8. On Aug. 14, The Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) executed the warrant after locating Jordan II to the Quality Inn hotel in Springfield. During the standoff, Jordan II allegedly shot in the vicinity of officers. After a few hours, Jordan II was taken into custody and taken to the Clark County Jail. He was later taken into federal custody. Jordan II is set to appear in U.S. District Court in Dayton today. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. A man fatally shot in St. Pauls Frogtown over the weekend has been identified as a 26-year-old from Minneapolis. Police responded to a shooting in the 300 block of Edmund Avenue about 4:15 a.m. Saturday. They found Levon T. Washington, whod been shot and was lying in the street. St. Paul Fire Department medics took Washington to Regions Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. No one was under arrest as of Tuesday morning. Police are asking anyone with information to call them 651-266-5650. Related Articles (EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) A man who called 911 in September 2024 and told dispatchers that he murdered his wife has been found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. According to the El Paso County Sheriffs Office (EPSO), on the morning of Sept. 1, 2024, dispatchers received a call from Stephen Chan reporting that he had killed his wife. Chan then abruptly hung up, though the phones location was traced to the area of Walsen Road in Gleneagle, southeast of Monument. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man who allegedly told 911 he killed his wife pleads not guilty Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another 911 call was received shortly after, reporting a body was dumped in the 600 block of Walsen Road, near Smith Creek. When deputies arrived at the location, they discovered the body of 54-year-old Jian Chan, Stephens wife. Research on the 911 callers phone led to a possibly associated address in the 13800 block of Horsetail Terrace, just south of the Walsen Road location where Jians body was found. A welfare check was performed at the Horsetail Terrace address, but Stephen Chan had already turned himself in to a Colorado Springs Police substation. He was arrested on of first degree murder, kidnapping, and assault by strangulation. Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriffs Office In April 2025, the prosecution declined a manslaughter plea deal, and Chan entered a plea of not guilty. According to court documents, on Friday, Aug. 15, Chan was found guilty on all three charges and was sentenced to life in the Colorado Department of Corrections on the murder charge. He received 32 years for the assault charge and six years on the kidnapping charge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. By Yuliia Dysa and Lidia Kelly KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday after his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders that security guarantees for Kyiv will likely be worked out within 10 days. "Security guarantees will probably be 'unpacked' by our partners, and more and more details will emerge. All of this will somehow be formalised on paper within the next week to 10 days," Zelenskiy said at broadcast press briefing after his meetings. Trump told Zelenskiy on Monday that the United States would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end Russia's war there, though the extent of any assistance was not immediately clear. "It is important that the United States is sending a clear signal that it will be among the countries helping to coordinate and will also be a participant in the security guarantees for Ukraine," Zelenskiy said. "I believe this is a major step forward." Although a peace deal appeared far from imminent after the meetings in Washington, Zelenskiy said his Monday meeting with Trump was his "best" so far. He also said Ukraine was ready to meet with Russia in "any format" and that territorial issues would be discussed on a bilateral level with Russian President Vladimir Putin - but no dates for a possible meeting with Moscow have been scheduled yet. "The question of territories is something we will leave between me and Putin," Zelenskiy said. He added that a part of security guarantees for Ukraine is a package of U.S. weapons "which primarily includes aircraft, air defence systems," among others. "There indeed is a package with our proposals worth $90 billion," Zelenskiy said. "And we have agreements with the U.S. president that when our export opens, they will buy Ukrainian drones. This is important for us." (Reporting by Yuliia Dysa in Kyiv and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Writing by Lidia Kelly; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Stephen Coates) Russian forces launched a drone attack on the town of Nizhyn in Chernihiv Oblast on the morning of 19 August, killing a 45-year-old man. Source: Viacheslav Chaus, Head of Chernihiv Oblast Military Administration Quote: "The enemy attacked Nizhyn with strike drones this morning. Sadly, a local resident a civilian man was killed. He was 45." Details: Chaus said the drones also damaged infrastructure. Some settlements have experienced power outages. Power engineers and emergency workers are currently working to restore the power supply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Background: On the night of 18-19 August, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine using five Iskander-M ballistic missiles, five Kh-101 cruise missiles and 270 Shahed attack UAVs along with decoy drones. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) A man has been sentenced to nearly two decades in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman. Erik Lea has been sentenced to 18 years behind bars after being convicted in May for first-degree kidnapping and two counts of criminal sexual penetration, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman confirmed on Tuesday. 1 killed in shooting involving Albuquerque Police Department; no officers injured This sentencing stems back to 2006 when Lea abducted a woman from a parking lot near Menaul and Wyoming. He forced her into her vehicle, made her drive to a secluded place, and then sexually assaulted her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case was prosecuted by the cold case rape team, which is part of the part of the Second Judicial District Attorneys Sexual Assault Kit Initiative unit. The unit addresses a backlog of untested rape kits. Over two dozen convictions have been secured in two years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. VILLE PLATTE, La. (KLFY) Police are searching for who is responsible for shooting and stealing from a man in Evangline Parish. The Ville Platte Police Department is currently investigating a shooting they said occurred shortly after midnight on Sunday. Officials said a call was made regarding a shooting at the 200 block of East Pine Street. When they arrived, officers found one male victim who was shot in the left shin and left foot. The man was sent to a hospital where he remains in stable condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to being shot, officials said the victims car, a newer-model black Malibu, was stolen and abandoned in Rayne. The front drivers window had been smashed out and there was visible damage to the front passenger side. Also, approximately $12,000 cash was allegedly stolen from the vehicle but has not been recovered. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Authorities said the victim was a target, and they could be looking at multiple suspects. The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the crime is urged to contact the Ville Platte Police Department. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. Seattle police are looking for a person accused of stabbing a man underneath an overpass in the Green Lake neighborhood. The stabbing was reported around 9:43 p.m. near Weedin Place NE and NE 68th Street. Responding officers found a man with stab wounds to the neck and arms. Officers gave first aid until Seattle Fire medics arrived and took him to Harborview Medical Center. The victim is in serious condition. Police are looking for the suspect. Its unclear if the two knew each other before the stabbing. If you have any information about the stabbing, call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000. Janet Mann takes the oath of office Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, as Arkansas' secretary of Human Services from Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Cody Hiland while Mann's husband Doug looks on. (Photo courtesy of Department of Human Services) Janet Mann officially became head of the states largest administrative agency after being sworn in Monday. The Senate confirmed her appointment as secretary of the Department of Human Services on Friday. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders named Mann as secretary designate when Kristi Putnam stepped down in July to return to Kentucky. Mann had been deputy secretary of programs and Medicaid director at DHS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She will continue to serve as Medicaid director, according to an agency press release. Mann was sworn in by Arkansas Supreme Court Associate Justice Cody Hiland in a ceremony at DHS headquarters attended by her husband Doug and colleagues, the press release said. It is a true honor to lead this agency, and I look forward to continuing to uphold DHS mission of protecting the vulnerable, fostering independence, and promoting better health, Mann said. I am grateful to Gov. Sanders for the trust she has placed in me, and Im excited to work with our amazing teams to best serve beneficiaries all across this state. Mann has worked in the public and private sectors for multiple states and clients, including within DHS and in Mississippi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Alabama and is a Certified Public Accountant. She has been married to Doug for over 32 years and has two grown children, Sydney and Will. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In 2025, the United States has recorded the most measles cases in more than 30 years, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows. A large share of the infections were connected to an outbreak in West Texas that led to the deaths of two children. The number of cases in Texas alone grew to over 760 before the state declared it officially over in August, while total cases nationwide have topped 1,300, with infections confirmed in at least 39 states. Measles is one of the most contagious infectious diseases, and in some cases, can cause severe infections in the lungs and brain that can lead to cognitive issues, deafness or death. But doctors and health officials say the vaccine, which is normally given as part of the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, is highly safe and effective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While most people's symptoms improve, about 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who get measles will be hospitalized. About 1 out of every 1,000 children with measles will develop brain swelling that can lead to brain damage, and up to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected will die, the CDC says. The largest outbreak so far this year has been in West Texas, but cases have been reported in other states around the country, as well. The CBS News data team is tracking confirmed measles cases nationwide as new data is released by state health departments and the CDC. (The map below is updated on Wednesdays when the CDC releases its latest weekly numbers.) U.S. map showing number of reported cases of measles in 2025. The Texas outbreak primarily affected children and teenagers, nearly all of whom were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status. State and local health officials confirmed the first patient who died was an unvaccinated school-aged child, and the second was an unvaccinated 8-year-old girl. Neither of the children had underlying health conditions, the Texas health department said. New Mexico also reported the death of an adult with measles. Map of measles cases by Texas county The last measles death in the U.S. before this year was in 2019, when a 37-year-old man died from measles complicated by meningitis in California, according to CDC data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until now, the highest number of confirmed cases in the U.S. in recent years was 1,274 in 2019, driven by outbreaks in New York, California and Washington state, but most years the total has been much lower. Line chart showing the number of measles cases in the U.S. from 1939 to present. Bar chart showing the number of measles cases by year, from 2000 to present. Health experts point to lower vaccination rates as a reason for increases in preventable diseases like the measles. Stacked bar chart showing the percentage of current cases that are unvaccinated/unknown or had atleast one dose of the MMR vaccine. CDC data shows about 93% of kindergarteners in the U.S. were vaccinated against measles during the 2021-2022 school year and only 92.7% in the 2023-2024 school year. This is down from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 school year a critical threshold to keep people safe. "When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated, most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity)," the CDC states. U.S. map showing estimated kindergarten MMR vaccine coverage during the 2023-24 school year Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a history of making false and misleading claims about vaccines, voiced support for vaccination as the deadly outbreak spread in the Southwest. "We encourage people to get the measles vaccine," Kennedy told CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook in an interview April 8, marking the first time Kennedy has publicly urged people to get the measles vaccine since becoming HHS secretary. Asked by LaPook what the federal government's official position on the vaccine is, Kennedy reiterated, "The federal government's position, my position, is that people should get the measles vaccine," but added, "The government should not be mandating those." Justice Department set to begin sharing Epstein files with Congress How Texas House Democrats are shifting focus on redistricting battle against Republicans D.C. mayor questions Trump's crime crackdown as more troops head to capital As President Trump attempts to help negotiate an end to Russia's war in Ukraine, questions have grown about what will happen to Ukrainian territory claimed by the Kremlin and held by Russian forces. Mr. Trump has said any ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine would involve "some land swapping," though it isn't clear exactly what that means. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and controls or claims about 20% of Ukraine's land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The map below shows those areas, highlighted in red, based on recent data from two nonprofit think tanks, the Institute for the Study of War and the American Enterprise Institute's Critical Threats Project. Infographic with a map of Ukraine locating territories claimed by Russia as of Aug. 17, 2025, according to data from the Institute for the Study of War and AEI's Critical Threats Project. / Credit: Graphic by Guillermo Rivas Pacheco, Jean-Michel Cornu/AFP via Getty Images Mr. Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday and with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders at the White House Monday. During the talks in the Oval Office on Monday, a map of Ukraine was displayed that showed areas of Ukrainian territory that are currently controlled by Russia or that are contested, with the estimated percentage of Russian control listed for each region, seen below. This map of Ukraine, showing the percentage of different regions under Russian control, was displayed in the Oval Office during President Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenenskyy and European leaders on Aug. 18, 2025. / Credit: BBC News One area that Putin is believed to want Ukraine to give up as a condition for peace is the eastern Donbas region, which has seen some of the most intense fighting of the war. It is made up of two oblasts, or provinces, called Donetsk and Luhansk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents of this region are largely Russian-speaking and parts of the area have been controlled by Russian-backed separatists since a Russian-supported insurgency ramped up in 2014. At the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Putin recognized the independence of these separatist regions and was accused of using their protection as a pretext for Russia's invasion, making a televised address in which he claimed the self-proclaimed people's republics of Donetsk and Luhansk had appealed to Russia for help. Despite Russian forces then invading and holding portions of eastern Ukraine, through the course of the war they have failed to capture the region completely. Four maps show Russian-controlled areas in Ukraine's Donbas region on four days between Sept. 5, 2024 and Aug. 17, 2025, according to data from the Institute for the Study of War and AEI's Critical Threats Project. / Credit: Graphic by Clea Peculier, Paz Pizarro/AFP via Getty Images Zelenskyy has rejected surrendering Ukrainian territory to Russia, including in the Donbas region, as part of a ceasefire deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Ukraine's leader would not technically be allowed to cede any Ukrainian lands to Russia, as part of ceasefire negotiations or otherwise, because doing so could violate Ukraine's constitution, which specifically outlines the territories of Ukraine. That also means Zelenskyy can't cede the territory of Crimea, which was invaded and annexed by Russia in 2014. Instead, some analysts have suggested that, to achieve a ceasefire agreement, a deal could be struck to essentially freeze the front line which snakes roughly 620 miles from northeastern Ukraine to its southern coast on the Black Sea without Ukraine officially giving away the land on the other side. Map shows Ukrainian territory controlled by Russian forces, as of Aug. 17, 2025. / Credit: CBS News Zelenskyy also has warned that ceding any of Ukraine's territory to Russia could benefit Russia in any future potential aggression toward Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has clearly stated that he believes Ukraine is part of Russia politically, culturally and linguistically, and Ukraine fears a pause in the fighting without robust security guarantees from the U.S. or European allies would leave the door open for Putin to rebuild Russia's military capabilities and invade again. "For the Russians, Donbas is a springboard for a future new offensive," Zelenskyy told reporters ahead of Mr. Trump's meeting with Putin. "If we leave Donbas of our own accord or under pressure, we will invite a third war." Meanwhile, as talks continue, Russia has continued its strikes on Ukraine. Ahead of Mr. Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy on Monday, Russian strikes hit multiple cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa and Sumy, according to local media. Trump sounds off on potential security guarantees for Ukraine London Zoo has its annual weigh-in for about 10,000 animals Reporter's Notebook: The death of "skibidi"? The U.S. State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has announced an immediate halt to Palestinian visas after conservative activist Laura Loomer posted videos on X showing Gazans arriving at U.S. airports. Over the weekend, Loomer shared clips from an organization called HEAL PALESTINE, showing Palestinians entering the U.S. through the groups medical program. She argued the arrivals posed a national security risk, claiming Muslim-majority countries should take care of Gazans instead. Heal Palestine is more than welcome to send the GAZANS to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, or other Muslim countries for medical care. The issue is, these countries dont want them because they know the GAZANS have terrorist tendencies. Are we supposed to endanger American lives so we dont get called racist by a Palestinian organization? Loomer wrote in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio confirmed the freeze during an interview on Face the Nation, saying, We are not going to be in partnership with groups that are friendly with Hamas. Were going to pause those visas and we are going to pause this program and re-evaluate 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 later expressed frustration, writing on X: It should freak everyone out that it took a civilian blowing the whistle on GAZANS coming into our country with State Department-issued visas as opposed to a government employee or terrorism analyst at the CIA flagging this. HEAL Palestine pushed back, stressing the initiative is a medical treatment program, not a refugee resettlement effort. Guided by human and American values, HEAL is committed to offering hope and healing to the few young lives we can reach, the group said in a statement. GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) Grove City voted to allow up to two marijuana dispensaries within city limits about three years ago, but the city still does not have a marijuana dispensary, more than a year after recreational marijuana became legal. Grove Citys city council voted during their meeting on August 4 to readjust their zoning restrictions for a dispensary. Grove City restricted dispensaries based on a property line to property line measurement. That meant the property line couldnt be within 500 feet from a school, church, or residence. Ward 2 Council member Randy Holt explained the change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last change was to just align the measurement methods with the same way the state does it, so Grove City measured from property to property; the state does building to the property, Holt said. And there were a lot of inquiries from dispensaries thinking they met the requirements. But then, when they got to the Grove City measurement process, they didnt make it. So, we just need to clear up that confusion. So, we just aligned with the state. Many of our other restrictions are also in line with the state, next to a church or school. You know, places where you wouldnt want a dispensary, just like you dont want a bar there. So its basically just alignment. Grove City has passed two developments earlier this year, but those were both vetoed by Mayor Richard Ike Stage. Stage cited a petition signed by more than 600 residents as the reason to veto the projects. The council does hold the power to override a mayoral veto, but it would need five votes previous attempts only received four votes. Holt has voted for the passing of the projects. Alcohol is legal and you have bars and etc., etc., and Ive been to many dispensaries in multiple states, and they are as clean as any other building, probably cleaner, he said. I mean, they basically operate like a pharmacy. Theres no people hanging out outside, no neighborhood impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of those developments would have turned the property which is now China Bell into a dispensary right off of Stringtown Road. The owner of China Bell said she would like to sell the property, and that was a good opportunity for her family. A new application for a dispensary was submitted by ACT Investments out of Baltimore, Ohio, on Monday for the property at 3989 Jackpot Road in Grove City. Stage said after Monday nights council meeting that he believes a vote could come in November for the new application, but he anticipates another resident petition against the dispensary, followed by another veto. Holt views the subject as an inevitability. I think someday, there will be, its a matter of finding the right place, with the right traffic and the right requirements for all the restrictions, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state reported more than $702 million in recreational marijuana sales in the first year of legalized sales. That money generated an estimated $122 million in tax revenue for the state. Holt said the potential local tax revenue isnt a driving factor for his decision; its simply what the people want. Very seldom do I have voter proof that the citizens want one thing or another, so Im just operating on the fact that people voted for legalizing marijuana in Ohio, Holt said, referencing the nearly 60% of Ohioans and 60% of Grove City voters who voted to legalize marijuana in 2023. But that money could help, he admits. Calculations could be somewhere between $1 million and $2 million in revenue for Grove City, and while that sounds like a lot of money, its 1% of our budget, Holt said. So thats not a motivator. If we do ultimately get a dispensary, Im going to earmark that income for social improvement. Things in the city, such as reading and elementary school, work efforts, work adult education. We have a really nice Southwest Career Center that can always use money and have more courses, and find more jobs for people that are underemployed or are unemployed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Marion County filed a federal lawsuit on Monday seeking clarification on whether the county can turn over parole records of four alleged undocumented immigrants under Oregons sanctuary law. Marion Countys lawsuit comes after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents served subpoenas to the county on August 1, requesting the records of four people on parole for crimes including multiple rape convictions, multiple sexual abuse convictions and convictions for kidnapping/robbery. According to court documents, a fifth subpoena was served for an individual whose identity is not clear. Federal authorities gave the county a deadline of August 18 to turn over the records, including information about the individuals criminal charges, home address, phone number, name of employer or school, drivers license number and country of birth, court documents claim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DONT MISS: Oregon Gov. Kotek fires back at AG Bondi over sanctuary policy threats In the lawsuit filed against Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, United States Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons the county argues that Oregons sanctuary law conflicts with state public records law and federal immigration law. Since 1987, Oregon has been a sanctuary state and was the first state in the nation to pass a statewide law stopping state and local police from aiding federal authorities with immigration enforcement. Oregon rejects agreement to share voter data with Trump administration Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit points to the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, which gives federal immigration officers broad authority to enforce immigration laws, including the use of subpoenas to request records. Federal Immigration Law authorizes states and localities to cooperate with the federal government in the identifications, apprehension, detention, or removal of aliens not lawfully present in the United States, the lawsuit explains. The complaint also points to conflicts with Oregon law, explaining that under state law, a public body cannot disclose certain information, such as an individuals address, work or school schedules, or social media information for the purpose of federal immigration enforcement. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Eye on Northwest Politics Obviously, we want to keep dangerous people out of our community and off of our streets, said Marion County Chair Danielle Bethell. We also want to make sure the state wont come after our community and sue us if we provide the requested records to the federal administration. Marion County has to follow both federal and state laws, and theres a serious lack of clarity that the courts need to figure out, added Commissioner Bethell. Marion County is committed to prosecuting and holding accountable all people who commit crimes regardless of their immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement KOIN 6 News has reached out to Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This story will be updated if we receive a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. President Donald Trump surprised the world this month after announcing that two longtime enemies, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, would be meeting in the Oval Office to sign a historic peace agreement. The diplomatic coup gives the United States its most significant position of influence in the Caucasus, an area historically out of its purview. In an interview with the Washington Examiner, Azerbaijani Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim praised Trumps leadership as essential in securing the deal. He claimed Baku was confident that Trump would bring about positive developments in the Caucasus from day one of his second term, after enjoying favorable relations during his first term. We saw a strategic vision. And of course, President Trump is a true leader, a true peacemaker. So that's why we knew from the very beginning, after he was elected, that there will be more efforts, not only in our region, but all around the world, for peace, prosperity, and development, Ibrahim said. So, therefore, it came very naturally that the new administration was interested in bringing peace and development to the region, and we worked together, and here we are. The Aug. 8 agreement constitutes several documents, and isnt exactly a peace treaty per se. The documents largely amount to a memorandum of understanding, with the two countries foreign ministers initialling a peace agreement, and Aliyev and Pashinyan signing a joint declaration to pursue a lasting peace. We acknowledged the need to continue further actions to achieve the signing and ultimate ratification of the Agreement, and emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening peace between our two countries, the declaration read. As Ibrahim explained, the initialling by the foreign ministers fixes the current agreement in place, which literally means, when you initial it, that it is there, you cannot change it. It is fixed, and the only thing that is needed is just to sign it at some point. The concrete proposal outlined in the documents resolves one of the longest-lasting barriers to peace, establishing a corridor linking Azerbaijan with its Nakchivan exclave. To overcome the disagreements between the two, the corridor will be put under American management, named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, or TRIPP. The establishment of a U.S.-controlled corridor both incentivizes development in Armenia and Azerbaijan, establishes a direct trade link between Azerbaijan and its ally Turkey, and gives the U.S. a direct economic interest in preserving peace and stability in the Caucasus. The deal reflects Trumps strategy of mixing economics and diplomacy, giving the U.S. a tangible stake in the area. The Oval Office meeting that oversaw the signing of the documents showcased a beaming Aliyev and Pashinyan shaking hands over Trump, a marked turnaround from the hostility that has marked Armenian-Azerbaijani relations since the outbreak of the First Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1988. The fall of the Soviet Union is broadly viewed in the West as a historical triumph due to the bloodlessness with which the Evil Empire fell. This telling misses much of the historical truth, as bloody conflicts broke out in Moldova, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. The bloodiest of these conflicts broke out between the formerly fraternal peoples of Armenia and Azerbaijan, centered on the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. As the USSR began to crumble, the majority ethnic Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh sought to join their co-ethnics in Armenia. The issue quickly escalated into mass bloodletting, with tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians and Azerbaijanis expelled from their homes. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh escalated into a full-blown war between the infant states of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The smaller but more united Armenia eventually triumphed over the politically unorganized Azerbaijan in 1994. Over 500,000 ethnic Azerbaijanis were expelled from their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding areas, a humiliation Baku would remember for the next three decades. Yerevan and Baku failed to reach a lasting peace agreement, with the conflict essentially frozen like the Korean War. When war broke out again in 2020, fortunes were reversed. Azerbaijan had spent the previous 26 years consolidating and building its military with Turkish and Israeli help. Over 44 days, the Azerbaijanis steamrolled their Armenian and ethnic Armenian opponents in Nagorno-Karabakh, winning a decisive victory. Three years later, Azerbaijan annexed Nagorno-Karabakh outright. An estimated 120,000 ethnic Armenians, almost the entire population, fearing persecution, fled their homes for Armenia. Despite Azerbaijans obvious victory, an actual peace agreement has evaded the two sides since the September 2023 war. The Aug. 8 agreement with U.S. mediation came as a surprise breakthrough for many, as it was previously Moscow that oversaw negotiations between Baku and Yerevan. Ibrahim argued that the biggest impediment to peace was psychological. It was about trust, I believe, because since regaining our independence, Azerbaijan and Armenia, we never had a time when we had a real peace. The occupation was there. We were trying to solve these issues for quite a long time. There were mediators. Nothing was happening. And of course, there was no trust. I think this trust has started to be built. So that was the biggest impediment: trust. I wouldn't say that today we have full trust it's literally impossible. I would be dishonest to say that, but we now have the growing, developing trust between Azerbaijan and Armenia, he said. Though not personally present for most negotiations, Ibrahim argued that Trump was the decisive factor in finally progressing a peace agreement. Featured Local Savings I think both sides, both sides worked very effectively and very honestly, he said, referring to Azerbaijan and Armenia. But in order to have peace deals to finalize, you need a global leader who can step up, who can help. And then, literally, six months ago, after the election of President Trump, there was a global leader who wanted to bring peace. The White House and State Department were directly involved in negotiations, Ibrahim said, but Trumps true effect didnt require him to be personally present during every stage of negotiations. He's president of the United States. He has a global agenda. He cannot spend every minute on one single issue. He was a visionary. He was a strategic chief, if I may put it this way, and he was a pusher for that. So again, it's not for global leaders, for presidents, to go into every detail of the issue, but he was the driving force, and he made it happen, he said. While met with near universal celebration in Azerbaijan, the reception of the deal among Armenians, and especially Armenian Americans, has been decidedly mixed. Armenian Americans are often more hardline than their counterparts, with several diaspora advocacy groups leading the charge in denouncing the deal. The same Donald Trump that failed to stop Azerbaijans 2020 attack on Nagorno Karabakh is now rewarding this aggression, compromising Armenias sovereignty, and consolidating Azerbaijans genocidal ethnic cleansing of over 150,000 indigenous Armenian Christians, Armenian National Committee of America Executive Director Aram Hamparian said in a statement. A true and lasting peace requires justice the right of return for displaced Armenians, the release of hostages, protection for Christian heritage sites, and the withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from Armenia none of which are addressed in this agreement, he added. The right of return of Armenian refugees is a complicated subject, as Baku insists such a right already exists. Ibrahim said that in international relations, there must always be reciprocity, and Armenia doesnt allow any Azerbaijani refugees expelled in the 1980s and 1990s to return. We do believe that every person has a right to go back wherever they want, but everything should be legal. And actually, for those Armenians who left Azerbaijan, the government of Azerbaijan immediately, immediately created the avenue, a special portal through which they can legally request coming back. But the same conditions do not exist for Azerbaijanis who left Armenia, where they had property and many other things, he said. As for the return of the so-called Republic of Artsakh leaders, Baku views this as a nonstarter. The 23 imprisoned Armenians, viewed by Armenians as wrongly held political prisoners, are viewed as terrorists and war criminals who must stand trial. As far as the Armenians on trial in Azerbaijan are concerned, it's not just that we want to have a trial for somebody. Its the obligation of every state, if there are claims of some wrongdoings, and especially their grave things which one side believes has happened, Ibrahim said. There should be a legal process, and the process is legal, it's not political, it's not anything else. So everybody has the right to defend himself or herself. But at the end of the day, law is law. It should be equal to everybody; Azerbaijanis, Armenians, domestically, internally, or internationally. Though viewed as a positive development, Azerbaijan has one major issue left to resolve, which is arguably the most difficult to overcome. Armenias constitution references Nagorno-Karabakh, something Baku views as intolerable. We have always been very straightforward and open with our Armenian counterparts. We all understand in the relations between two countries, if one has territorial claims against another, you can have a million agreements, you can have 10,000 treaties, that will not work. So the only impediment remaining is the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, which has territorial claims against Azerbaijan, Ibrahim said. So we hope that in a very short period of time, that provision is changed in Armenia, then we can happily sign the final peace agreement, he added. While relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan have been characterized by extreme vitriol for over 30 years, Ibrahim expressed optimism that relations post-Washington could turn a new leaf. He pointed to the example of Germany and France after World War II. WHAT THE ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN DEAL MEANS FOR TRUMP, WORLD PEACE, AND THE ECONOMY Who could have been in a much more difficult situation than Germany and France? What they managed to do through cooperation to start European integration, first between these two countries. Tell me where the European Union is today, where Germany is today, where France is today. So why not have the same in the Caucasus?" He noted that the work has already started, noting the first direct phone call between Armenia and Azerbaijans foreign ministers. FAIRMONT Marion County Schools will provide free breakfast and lunch to students for the fourth year in a row. The Community Eligibility Program provides universal meal service to children in high poverty areas through the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act passed by President Barack Obama in 2010. The program will feed potentially up to 7,000 children each day, with 21 schools participating in the program. "We know academic achievement increases when our students are well-fed and ready to learn, and we must provide secure and reliable access to nutritious meals so all students have a chance to achieve at the highest level possible," Superintendent Donna Heston said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schools are eligible if at least 25% of a school's student population is directly certified for free meal benefits. If that threshold is hit, the entire school qualifies for the option. This approach is an alternative to collecting, approving and verifying household eligibility for free and reduced price lunch for students in high poverty Local Education Agencies. The CEP is not unique to Marion County Schools, districts all over the country apply to the program. The 2017 Feeding America report says that in West Virginia, more than 14% of residents and more than 79,000 children live in food insecure households. Heston said the school district offers backpack programs, which sends students home with items from food pantries for the evening and weekends. It also helps grand families, which are families where children are raised by grandparents. Heston said West Virginia is the second highest in the nation when it comes to grandparents raising school aged children. Marion County Board of Education met a final time before students return to class on Wednesday. Heston reported that due to the hard work of school district staff, all schools will open on time despite extensive construction and repair work at Watson Elementary and Monongah Elementary. Watson had a roof replacement from the Father's Day Flood and there was asbestos mitigation at Monongah. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's a testament to our teachers and all of the staff at Watson," Heston said. "They want to make that building the absolute best it can be when they welcome families." The Board of Education also approved a roughly $200,000 bid from the Huffman Corporation for a mantrap entrance at East Fairmont Middle School. The district is working at installing mantraps at its schools, with funding from the West Virginia School Building Authority helping pay for nine mantrap entrances at other schools in the County. The project is forecast to be finished next year. Board member Donna Costello noted the school district was losing more of its maintenance staff, leaving the department at half strength. Heston replied they have 11 maintenance personnel for 21 schools. "They are retiring, and as we know, the history that they have we cannot replace in Marion County Schools and the knowledge of those buildings," Heston said. "Roofers, electricians are vital roles." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costello asked if the tests the state mandates trade personnel must pass are bottlenecking the hiring process, calling the tests antiquated. Heston said the state is in the process of updating the tests. The board is set to provide Heston with her goals for the new school year sometime in the next few weeks. The next regular session is Sept. 2. Marion County sued Gov. Tina Kotek and federal immigration authorities on Aug. 18 and is asking the U.S. District Court of Oregon to clarify contradictions between state sanctuary laws, state public records laws and federal law. The Marion County Sheriff's Office received five immigration enforcement subpoenas Aug. 1 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, according to the lawsuit. The subpoenas ask for records related to four named people who are on parole for criminal convictions in the county and another individual about whom the lawsuit did not provide any information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county has records that would fulfill the request and that would be available to any person who made a public records request, but the lawsuit said it's unclear whether state and federal law permits, prohibits or requires their release. Marion County has to follow both federal and state laws, and theres a serious lack of clarity that the courts need to figure out, county commissioner Danielle Bethell said in a news release. Oregon sanctuary law generally prohibits public bodies like law enforcement from collecting information about an individual's immigration status or from cooperating with federal authorities for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law. U.S. Department of Homeland Security director Kristi Noem and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement acting director Todd Lyons were also sued. Marion County filed a lawsuit seeking clarity on whether it is required, prohibited or allowed to provide certain records to federal immigration agents. What does the law say about sharing information with ICE in Oregon? The requested records seek identifying information about four individuals on parole for convictions including first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse, kidnapping and robbery. At least two of the individuals are registered sex offenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The subpoenas were signed by an ICE agent. Federal immigration law requires the county to release the records. However, the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from compelling states to enforce certain federal laws, according to the lawsuit. Oregon's sanctuary law has some internal inconsistencies about whether the county is permitted to provide the records, the lawsuit claims. Oregon law prohibits the disclosure of personal information for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law, "except as required by state or federal law." The law also provides an exception for information that is available to the general public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Oregon public records law, the requested records should be available to anyone who requests them and none of the public records exemptions apply, according to the lawsuit. "It is unclear which law prevails if there is a direct conflict between Oregons Sanctuary law and Oregons Public Records law," the lawsuit said. If the ICE agent had made the request in their private capacity rather than as a federal agent, the county would be required to produce the records, according to the lawsuit. The county said it attempted to get clarity from both the state and federal government before filing the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the county does not provide the records, it risks having federal funding frozen, being sued, and officials facing criminal charges, the lawsuit claims. But if it does provide the records, it also risks being sued by the Oregon Attorney General or advocacy groups. Obviously we want to keep dangerous people out of our community and off of our streets, Bethell said in the release. We also want to make sure the state wont come after our community and sue us if we provide the requested records to the federal administration. The lawsuit asks the court to resolve the legal conflicts and decide whether the county is required, prohibited or allowed to provide the records. Marion County received more requests from federal immigration agencies for assistance or information than any other county in Oregon from June 2024 through May 2025, according to a report from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. Oregon sanctuary law generally prohibits public offices from assisting with federal immigration enforcement. Gov. Tina Kotek says Oregon is in compliance with federal law in letter to U.S. AG Pam Bondi U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Aug. 13 sent a letter to Kotek warning her that Oregon was identified as a sanctuary jurisdiction and will face consequences if it does not comply with federal immigration laws, including possible criminal charges against officials who impede federal immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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, Bondi said in the letter. This ends now. She gave Kotek a deadline of Aug. 19 to respond with a confirmation that Oregon will comply. Kotek responded with an Aug. 19 letter acknowledging receipt of Bondi's letter and declining to change Oregon's policies. "On behalf of the State of Oregon and its citizens, I respectfully disagree with your assertions," Kotek wrote in the letter. "The State of Oregon, its public officials, and its law enforcement do not engage in conduct that thwarts federal immigration enforcement." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kotek asserted Oregon is in compliance with federal and state law and that citizens have "repeatedly and emphatically" supported Oregon's sanctuary laws. "I will fight for the safety and prosperity of every Oregonian, from recent immigrants to people who have been here for generations," Kotek said on X. "We will not be bullied into doing the federal governments job of immigration enforcement." Isabel Funk covers breaking news and public safety for the Statesman Journal. Funk can be reached at ifunk@statesmanjournal.com or on X at @isabeldfunk This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Marion County sues Kotek, Bondi and seeks sanctuary law clarity Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has explained why shes no longer friends with Laura Loomer, a MAGA activist, conspiracy theorist and self-described proud Islamophobe. Greene, a right-wing lawmaker from Georgia, opened up about her long-standing rivalry with Loomer on Tuesday during an episode of The Megyn Kelly Show. Megyn Kelly, a conservative podcaster and former Fox News host, brought up their feud and asked Greene if she fell out with Loomer over their differing opinions on Israel. Loomer is a strong supporter of Israel, while Greene has said the U.S. should not intervene in foreign wars and has even called Israels war in Gaza a genocide. However, Greene told Kelly that wasnt the reason their friendship ended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greene said she was once friends with Loomer and even endorsed her failed 2020 Congressional bid in Florida. Their relationship took a turn when Loomer tried and failed to unseat GOP Representative Daniel Webster in a different Florida district in 2022, Greene explained. The second time she decided to run, she jumped a district and wanted to run against Daniel Webster, who is actually a conservative Republican, Greene said. And I said, Hey, Laura, I don't think you should run against Daniel Webster. I don't think you can beat him. Why don't you jump to another district where there's an open seat, and you'll have a much better shot. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was friends with Laura Loomer until the MAGA activist tried to unseat a Republican lawmaker in Florida (Getty Images) Well, she refused, Greene added. She said no, she would not listen to anybodySo I said, I can't get involved. I'm not going to endorse against him. I'm going to stay out. Well, she was furious at me, and then everything kind of plummeted from there. Greene went on to accuse Loomer of attacking Trumps most loyal allies all the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She attacks some of the most loyal people to the president, people that are unapologetically America firstThose of us that fight the hardest, for some reason, she attacks us the most, Greene said. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (left) explained why shes no longer friends with MAGA activist Laura Loomer (right) (Getty) The Independent has contacted Loomer for comment. Loomer and Greene often trade insults online. Earlier this month, Loomer accused Greene of corruption and claimed the lawmaker is using campaign funds to keep her daughter, who lives in Texas, on the payroll. Greene did not respond to The Independents request for comment last week. Greene accused Laura Loomer of attacking Trumps most loyal allies (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images) In September, Greene accused the MAGA activist of making an extremely racist post after Loomer said that the White House will smell like curry and White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center if former Vice President Kamala Harris won the 2024 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever, Greene said of Loomers post. Greene also told Kelly about her feud with Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett, claiming the Texas lawmaker treats her staff like they are just beneath her. Greene also recounted her public sparring with Crockett last year. During a House Oversight Committee meeting in May 2024, Greene told Crockett, I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what youre reading. Crockett later fired back, saying Greene has a bleach blonde bad built butch body. Greene told Kelly she found the remark hilarious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Republicans have also sparred with Crockett, including President Donald Trump, who recently claimed she is one of the Democratic Partys low IQ members. The Independent has contacted Crockett for comment. Mark Hamill attends Big Screen Achievement Awards at CinemaCon 2025. - Credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety Mark Hamill has long been a critic of President Donald Trump. So much so, he, like many others, considered moving abroad permanently following Trumps reelection. Following the November 2024 results, the actor asked his wife to choose between London and Ireland, he told The Times of London in a recent interview. His wife reframed the conversation, which made him want to stay and fight for the time being. 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. That son of a bitch, I thought. Im not leaving. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the interview, the lifelong Democrat pointed out how Trumps policies against immigrants have been brutalising Los Angelenos. A few weeks ago ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] agents were pulling people out of their cars, he said while discussing The Long Walk, an adaptation of Stephen Kings dystopian horror tome in which the U.S. is ruled by a totalitarian regime; Hamill portrays a fascist leader in a post-apocalyptic America. They wore masks and had no identification to show they were law enforcement. They were just brutalising people, kneeling on their necks. When I made the movie I wasnt thinking in terms of it being timely but its proven to be just that. He added of Trump: The bullying, the incompetence, the people in place 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, he said. Its 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 only actor to be critical of Trump that looked to other countries as havens following his reelection. In July, Trump threatened to revoke Rosie ODonnells citizenship, calling her a threat to humanity. The American-born actress, who currently resides in Ireland and is a longtime Trump critic, fired back: You call me a threat to humanity but Im everything you fear: a loud woman, a queer woman, a mother who tells the truth, an American who got out of the country b4 u set it ablaze. Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel said he obtained Italian citizenship. I did get Italian citizenship, he said on The Sarah Silverman podcast, noting, Whats going on [with Trump] is as bad as you thought it was gonna be. Its so much worse; its just unbelievable. I feel like its probably even worse than he would like it to be. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Mark Hamill revealed in a recent interview with The Times of London that he told his wife to choose between moving to London or Ireland after Donald Trump was re-elected U.S. president in November 2024. Several celebrities, from Rosie ODonnell to Ellen DeGeneres, have left America because of Trump. Hamill wanted to follow suit. Hes always been an outspoken critic of Turmp, be it mocking the president as the Joker or making anti-Trump videos for political organizations. But would Hamill actually leave the U.S.? After giving his wife the choice between London or Ireland, she gave an answer that forced Hamill to stay put. As the Star Wars icon explained: 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. That son of a bitch, I thought. Im not leaving. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamill is staying in the U.S. for now and added of Trump: The bullying, the incompetence, the people in place 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 nove. Its 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 wouldve joined Rose ODonnell in Ireland had his wife picked there to relocate after the election. The television icon previously told Variety she has no regrets about leaving the U.S. and has no plans on returning until its safe to do so. With the current political climate, when would it be safe to come back with my child? ODonnell said. Im not going to push it before this administration is completely finished, and hopefully held accountable for their crimes. When you know it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, thats when we will consider coming back, ODonnell added on TikTok. She said she is very grateful to have found a new home in Ireland, adding that the people here are so loving, kind and welcoming. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. NEED TO KNOW Donald and Maria Nunney, who were teachers in Cleveland, died during a trip to North Carolina to drop off their son at college last week Their two youngest children were seriously injured, too Theyre entire world has changed, said Sgt. Tyler Tucker with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Two beloved teachers in Ohio died last week in a crash during a trip to North Carolina to drop off their oldest son at college, according to authorities and local news reports. Their two younger children were seriously injured in the crash but survived. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Aug. 15, around 1:18 p.m. local time, 55-year-old Donald Nunney was driving a Honda Odyssey going east on Interstate 40 near Chapel Hill when his vehicle "ran off the right side of the roadway ... [and] struck several small trees," a spokesperson for the North Carolina State Highway Patrol tells PEOPLE. The minivan "traveled down an embankment and collided with a large tree," the spokesperson says. The crash remains under investigation; further details about what caused it were not available. Both Nunney, 55, and his wife, 50-year-old Maria Galindo Nunney, who was sitting in the passenger seat, were killed. A 9-year-old and a 15-year-old in the vehicle were hospitalized with serious injuries, the highway patrol spokesperson says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Galindo family identified them in a fundraiser as the Nunneys' son Leo and daughter, Lucia. Investigators told CBS affiliate WOIO that the couple was in North Carolina to take their oldest son, later identified as 19-year-old Noah, to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They were close to the campus when witnesses saw the minivan crash. The family was headed to lunch at the time of the crash, Marias brother, Sandro Galindo, told CBS affiliate WNCN. Noah was in a different vehicle and pulled over onto the side of the highway after the wreck, WOIO reported. Sgt. Tyler Tucker with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol told the outlet that Noah stayed at his siblings bedsides in the hospital to comfort them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre entire world has changed, he said to WOIO. According to the GoFundMe donation page to support the family, which also includes an 18-year-old son, Diego, the two youngest children are healing from major trauma and injuries. Donald and Maria were both teachers at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, according to WOIO. Noah is a returning sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill. GoFundMe The Nunney family. The Nunney family. These four incredible kids are facing an unimaginable loss, the GoFundMe's organizers wrote. As their family, we want to do everything we can to make sure their needs are cared for and their futures protected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The organizers described Maria and Donald as amazing and loving parents and highlighted their devotion to their family and in class: They gave so much of themselves to their students and their community. Their deaths occurred not long before the first day of school at UNC, on Monday, Aug. 18. Shari Obrenski, the president of the Cleveland Teachers Union, told WOIO that the school community is reeling. Their loss has hit everyone so hard that it is unimaginable for their family and their children," Obrenski said. "So shocking and heartbreaking and just devastating. As the family and members of the school mourn, loved ones say they are working to honor the legacy of community, family, and love that Maria and Donald leave behind. 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. That legacy will live on through Noah, Diego, Lucia, and Leo, who carry forward the very best parts of who their parents were, wrote the organizers of the GoFundMe, which has raised more than $128,000 as of Tuesday, Aug. 19. Read the original article on People (NewsNation) On Aug. 19, 1992 Mary Fisher made a historic speech, A Whisper of AIDS, at the Republican National Convention after she was diagnosed with HIV a year prior. Over the last 33 years, Fisher has continued to educate the public about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The advocate and author of, Uneasy Silence: An activist seeks justice and courage over a lifetime of change, spoke with NewsNation about breaking stigmas about the illness since she came forward in the early 90s, a time when the virus was labeled as a rare cancer found in gay men by the New York Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fisher was a divorced mother of two then-toddlers, Max and Zachary, and contracted the virus from her then-husband. Part of the impetus for sharing her diagnosis on a national stage was to destigmatize the disease in hopes of making it easier for her young children. Mary Fisher, who is HIV positive and founder of the Family AIDS Network, pauses during her speech to the Republican National Convention at the Houston Astrodome in Houston, Texas, Wednesday night, Aug. 19, 1992. Although protesters at the convention have accused President Bush of being unsympathetic to AIDS victims, Fisher praised the president for his compassion. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) Founder of the Family AIDS Network, Mary Fisher, who is HIV positive, pauses during her speech to the Republican National Convention at the Houston Astrodome, Houston, Texas, Wednesday night, Aug. 19, 1992. (AP Photo/David Longstreath) Mary Fisher, 44, commissioner of the National Commission on AIDS and founder of the Family AIDS Network, talks at the University of Michigan Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., March 9, 1993. (AP Photo/Richard Sheinwald) FILE AIDS activist Mary Fisher kisses 12-year-old Hydeia Broadbent, a youngster who also has AIDS as they were both addressing the evening session of the 1996 GOP convention in San Diego Monday, Aug. 12, 1996. Broadbent, a prominent HIV/AIDS activist known for her inspirational talks in the 1990s as a young child to reduce the stigma surrounding the virus she was born with, has died. She was 39. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File) FILE AIDS activist Mary Fisher hugs Hydeia Broadbent on the podium at the Republican National Convention Monday Aug. 12, 1996, in San Diego, Calif. Broadbent, a prominent HIV/AIDS activist known for her inspirational talks in the 1990s as a young child to reduce the stigma surrounding the virus she was born with, has died. She was 39. (AP Photo/Ruth Fremson, File) Courtesy: Mary Fisher Courtesy: Mary Fisher Courtesy: Mary Fisher My mentor, Betty Ford, said to me, Once you say it in public, you cant take it back. So I knew that anything might happen. Former President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford were her childrens godparents and encouraged the single mother to be a voice for change. Betty said to me, okay, weve cried. You know, were dealing with it. But what are you going to do for others? Women in this world and other people, what are you going to do? And I was like, whoa, you know, its like, OK, what am I going to do? She said, youre going to speak out. And I mean, thats what she had always done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fischer continued, She was encouraging and loving and so was he (Ford). Now three decades later, Fisher reflected on the advancements in medicines as well as the persistent deficits that remain in society presently surrounding HIV/AIDS. Man credits psychedelics for helping him to recover from traumatic brain injury Society needs to do a lot of things better right now. Caring about other people would be one of them. We lost so many people in those years. I mean, quickly. And because there were no medications. Now we have some medications. I mean, hundreds of medications that are keeping people alive. How great is that? Thats amazing. Im alive because of medical research, Fisher told NewsNation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite medical advancements, Fisher points out that there still is no cure for HIV/AIDS. She adds that shes concerned research may be stunted as funding for public health research is cut. Im frightened, Im scared, Im worried about people that I know all over the world that are going to not be able to get medication or people here that arent going to be able to have access to insurance Its a difficult, difficult, difficult time, she said. Fisher said in her eighth decade of life, she is committed to truth-telling. I can urge people to stand up and tell the truth and say what they believe is the right thing, she said. Look out for people, care about people, feed people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BALTIMORE Maryland Gov. Wes Moores press secretary left his state government role on Tuesday, moving to a senior advisory role on the governors reelection campaign. Carter Elliott IV, who served as senior press secretary since Moore took office in January 2023, announced his departure in an email Tuesday. As my last day in the Governors Office comes to a close, I just want to reach out to say it was the greatest pleasure of my life to serve in this role and Im grateful to have gotten to know some incredible people, Elliott said in the email. I grew up in a family where the best career that you could follow was being a farmer, a teacher, or a public servant this had been my dream for as long as I can remember. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Baltimore Sun reached out to Elliott for further details about his new role on Moores campaign. In an email to the governors staff, obtained by The Sun, Elliott thanked his colleagues for making Maryland a home. He lived in Baltimore before moving to Annapolis this year. Elliott expressed gratitude for his work in the governors office, which this year included a tumultuous legislative session in which lawmakers increased taxes and cut spending to close a $3.3 billion deficit. He described Moore as the best governor in the country and said to work for someone that inspires you is something special. A native of Virginia, Elliott was previously communications manager for Moores 2022 gubernatorial campaign, according to his LinkedIn page. He earned an annual salary of $104,000 as Moores press secretary, according to government data. ------------- The Mason County Sheriffs Office (MCSO) has released the identity of a suspect in an officer-involved shooting in Mill Pond. Johnathan Woodruff, a 32-year-old Lewis County resident, has been identified as the person who a Centralia Police Detective shot on August 13. He was arrested and taken to the Lewis County Jail, Attempted First-degree Assault, and three counts of First-degree assault after an investigation by MCSO Critical Incident Investigative Team (CIIT) detectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wooddruff is accused of pointing a gun at a Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Police (BNSR) officer and shooting at a Chehalis and Centralia Police officer with the help of other agencies. He was taken to the Providence Hospital in Centralia and released on Saturday after treatment for a non-life-threatening injury. CIIT detectives worked with the Lewis County Prosecutors Office to obtain an arrest warrant for the suspect. Bail was set at $3,000,000. CIIT detectives are still investigating the shooting. MCSO says that if you have any information to call Detectives Ledford or Mercado at 360-427-9670 ext. 313. The choral director at Brockton High School was charged in connection with human trafficking and an underage victim who was paid for sex, Plymouth District Attorney Tim Cruzs office said Tuesday. Matthew Cunningham, 35, of Brockton, was charged with sexual conduct for a fee and trafficking a person for sexual servitude, Cruzs office said in a statement. He was held on $25,000 with the conditions that he stay away and have no contact with the victim or Brockton High School, that he stay off social media, surrender his passport and stay in Massachusetts. At his arraignment in Brockton District Court on Tuesday, Cunningham pleaded not guilty, Cruzs office said. Brockton police and the Massachusetts State Police Special Services Section High Risk Victim Squad arrested Cunningham at his home at 10:20 a.m. on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brockton Public Schools placed Cunningham on leave, Cruzs office said. Cunningham is next expected to appear in court on Sept. 18. Brockton police and Massachusetts State Police started a several-month-long investigation after an incident on April 27, the statement read. On that day, Cunningham met with a boy, performed a sexual act on the victim and then paid him on an app. After the apps administrators flagged the transaction, they contacted the FBI, Cruzs office said. The FBI then reached out to Brockton police and the investigation began. The investigation remains ongoing, with investigators taking a forensic examination of Cunninghams cell phone, Cruzs office said. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. Former Attorney General Bill Barr told Congress that he never saw any information in the Epstein files that would link President Donald Trump to any crimes. The revelation was made by House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) after Barr testified in a closed-door interview during the House Oversight Committee's investigation of the federal government's handling of Epstein's case. "What Attorney General Barr testified in there was that he never had conversations with President Trump pertaining to a client list," said Comer. "He didn't know anything about a client list. Moreover, according to Comer, Barr testified that he never had conversations with the president about an Epstein list and was never aware of such a lists existence. Barr admitted that he didnt know anything about a client list. He also emphasized that if there had been anything alarming about Trump in such files, it would most likely have been leaked by the Biden administration. He said that he had never seen anything that would implicate President Trump in any of this, and that he believed, if there had been anything pertaining to President Trump, with respect to the Epstein list, that he felt like the Biden administration would have probably leaked it out, Comer added. And I think that's pretty much conventional wisdom among anyone that's practical in this." Comer also explained some of the objectives of the hearing. He stressed several of the questions surrounding the publics interest in the Epstein case, including knowing the truth about Epstein island. Featured Local Savings "People want to know the truth about Epstein island, Comer said. They want to know who was involved. Was the government involved? Did the government know about it? And I think Attorney General Barr's shed a lot of light with respect to his knowledge of it. And hopefully we'll bring in Merrick Garland and others and find out more." BILL BARR ARRIVES FOR OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE INVESTIGATION INTO EPSTEIN Barrs testimony is important, considering he was the attorney general during Trumps first term, between Feb. 2019 and Dec. 2020. He was the head of the Department of Justice when Epstein was found dead in a New York City jail. He was personally involved in the investigation of Epsteins death, and stated that he reviewed footage from the night he died, according to Fox News. There were many rumors and conspiracies surrounding Epstein's death. However, Barr concluded during his term as attorney general that Epstein died by suicide. Rehoboth police returned to a part of County Street on Tuesday, the last area known to be where missing teenager Kylee Monteiro was seen, according to several news outlets. The large police presence was in the area of 107 County St., The Sun Chronicle reported. Read more: GoFundMe created for Rehoboth pregnant teen missing for almost 2 weeks Officers in the area carried several evidence bags and searched along a dirt trail in the area at 3 p.m., ABC 6 wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with Rehoboth police, Massachusetts State Police troopers, a K-9 unit and an excavator were also in the search area, WJAR reported. Were constantly in contact with [the police], Kylee Monteiros sister Faith Monteiro told WJAR. There havent been much updates. Everything is kept quiet. They dont want anyone to interfere with the investigation, which I understand, but it looks like theyre raiding the house now and I dont know whats going on. Im just scared and hope they have a lead on something. We just want to find her and bring her home. Rehoboth police did not comment on the investigation, but previously told MassLive on Tuesday that Kylee Monteiros disappearance was under investigation. MassLive reached out to Rehoboth Police Chief Louis DiBacco for more information. Reported missing on Aug. 7, Rehoboth police described Kylee Monteiro, 18, as 6-feet tall and heavyset, with light brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a red T-shirt with the phrase get over it printed on the front, ripped blue jeans and tan boots when she went missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Family of missing Rehoboth pregnant teen to hold vigil to spread awareness On Aug. 13, Massachusetts State Police, a search and rescue team and other law enforcement looked for Kylee Monteiro in the area of County Street, where she was last seen walking, The Sun Chronicle reported. Police have used dogs and drones in their search for her. A dive team searched the waterway at the Warren Upper Reservoir in Rehoboth. Before she disappeared, Kylee Monteiro had an argument with her boyfriend, Monteiros family told WCVB-TV. More public safety stories Read the original article on MassLive. As two new residents trot into MCI-Framingham, they wont be focused on serving time theyll learn to sit, stay and how to change lives. The two service dogs in training, named Hawkeye and Helia, are there through a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) and the national nonprofit Canine Companions. Hundreds of dogs have been part of dog training programs at Massachusetts prisons in the past 20 years with this program at the Commonwealths only state correctional facility for women being the most recent expansion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you observe the program inside our facilities, you see the positive influence it has on morale, on the environment, and on the individuals involved. The handlers develop skills they can use upon release, and many describe finding purpose in contributing to something beyond themselves, DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins said in a press release. These dogs go on to assist people with a variety of needs, and we value the opportunity to support that mission. Overall, more than 850 service dogs have been trained at correctional facilities across Massachusetts. In 1998, the DOC began working with the National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS). Since then, 696 dogs have been trained at MCI-Framingham, MCI-Norfolk, Northeastern Correctional Center and North Central Correctional Institution. In 2011, DOC began partnering with Americas VetDogs, training 155 dogs at MCI-Shirley, Pondville Correctional Center and Old Colony Correctional Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incarcerated handlers are responsible for teaching basic obedience, like sit and stay, and some service dog tasks, such as retrieving dropped items, tugging doors open, pushing handicapped door buttons and providing brace and balance on stairs. They also manage the dogs daily care and help socialize the puppies to various environments and experiences. The dogs eventually return to their respective organizations for advanced training before being placed with individuals in need. For Canine Companions, professional training takes an additional six to nine months. But the puppies job are also to provide comfort a task they are very good at. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Really by construction, prisons tend to be kind of dark and harsh places and youll hear that often. And so these puppies, again, provide that sense of normalcy ... when you come in and youre playing with the puppies for a few minutes, you actually forget, Hey, Im in a prison setting, Jenkins previously told MassLive. And you forget that for a few minutes and it provides that sense of relief. Plus, it helps prepare people for when they leave the correctional facility. With less than 5% recidivism among participants, Canine Companions prison puppy raising program has proven to be not only a rehabilitative tool but a pathway to renewed self-worth, said Canine Companions Northeast Region Executive Director Debra Dougherty. MCI-Framingham has about 220 incarcerated individuals with 53 people facing life sentences. The nearly 150-year-old building is getting a $360 million renovation to modernize the housing unit, improving mental health treatment facilities, electrifying core infrastructure and add the ability to create a temperature-controlled environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will also permanently decrease the number of beds at the facility, which currently can hold 598 people. This infrastructure plan aligns with the states decreasing prison population and reform-driven priorities, the press release states. Most of the population is in medium custody. And 42% of the criminally sentenced population are within five years of release, reinforcing the need for programming that supports rehabilitation and successful reentry, a government press release states. Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy said including the dog programs in rehabilitation improves public safety. Plus, Gov. Maura Healey said, it provides transferable skills once they leave the facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our administration is focused on reducing recidivism and building a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation and successful reentry, said Healey. Programs like this one, which offer significant responsibilities and transferable skills, are a key part of that work and ultimately help us build stronger, safer communities across Massachusetts. Edward Holloman, who was part of the VetDogs program, was recently granted parole after serving about 17 years in prison and working with two dogs. He said that he felt abandoned and unloved by his family who struggled with drug addiction when he was a child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growing up, it was tough for me out there in the environment that I grew up with, he told MassLive in 2024. I didnt know how to love. The Americas VetDogs program possibly made the biggest impact on his life while incarcerated teaching him to love and be loved. When he looked at Pete, his 6 1/2-month-old dog from the program, he knew Pete loves him. And Holloman is confident Pete knows hes loved, too. One of the most important things it taught me, taught me how to be [empathic], show me empathy, show me how to be compassionate, he said. The love between me and the dog, its unbelievable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holloman told MassLive in 2024 that he hopes to one day use the skills hes learned in the program to continue to help train dogs, including helping more dogs become service animals for veterans, outside prison walls. He also might get a husky of his own. Being given something to care about other than themselves and the opportunity to give back can be life changing. Were extremely happy to be partnering with the Massachusetts Department of Correction at MCI-Framingham," said Dougherty. But these programs also benefit the dogs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Puppies raised in correctional settings also benefit graduating at a 10% higher rate than those raised in traditional homes, thanks to the consistent schedules and structured environment provided by the inmates, she said. More on the Massachusetts Parole Board Read the original article on MassLive. ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.H. (WWLP) A Massachusetts man was charged with failing to register as a sex offender in New Hampshire twice this year. Massachusetts man arrested for allegedly driving wrong-way while intoxicated in New Hampshire The New Hampshire State Police reports that on May 23rd, detectives from the New Hampshire State Police (NHSP) Sex Offender Registry received an arrest warrant for 61-year-old James Fuller of Haverhill, Massachusetts. Detectives learned that Fuller had left New Hampshire as a Tier III Offender and had failed to register twice this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation revealed that Fuller was living in Haverhill and was required to register in South Hampton, New Hampshire, which he did not do. He was taken into custody in Bedford on August 15th and was charged with two felony counts of duty to report. He will be arraigned in Hampton District Court on October 16th. No further information is available at this time. The NHSP Sex Offender Registry is comprised of a Detective Sergeant and civilian staff that is responsible for overseeing offenders within the state, as well as offenders moving into New Hampshire from other jurisdictions. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. While its winds are down from Saturdays peak as a scale-topping Category 5, Hurricane Erin has grown in size and is maintaining its powerful status as a major storm. Anyone visiting The Bahamas, Bermuda, the U.S. East Coast, and residents across Atlantic Canada, should closely monitor the track of this system this week. Rough seas and rip currents will extend far away from Erins path. In fact, its largest, single wave could reach as high as 30.5 metres (100 feet)--the size of a 10-storey building. DONT MISS: An inside look at Hurricane Erins astounding rise to Category 5 Hurricane Erin satellite imagery/NOAA/CIRA Aug. 16, 2025 satellite imagery of Hurricane Erin. (NOAA/CIRA) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A tropical storm and storm surge watch has now been issued for parts of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Tropical storm conditions are possible over portions of the Outer Banks beginning on Wednesday. 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. Hurricane Erin current status (Category 4 Aug. 18) The storm spent about nine hours with peak intensity of 260 km/h winds before winds slackened a bit as an eye-wall replacement cycle began. Maximum, sustained winds have decreased slightly to near 210 km/h with higher gusts. However, the NOAA's Hurricane Hunters are currently investigating the storm. Erin is a Category 4 hurricane. Erin is likely to remain a dangerous, major hurricane through the middle of this week. Hurricane Erin track through Saturday On the forecast track, the core of Erin is expected to pass to the east of the southeastern and central Bahamas Monday night, and move between Bermuda and the east coast of the United States by the middle of the week. Further strengthening unlikely. Alerts issued in North Carolina Monday evening, some dry air was intruding into the northwestern side of the storm, with northerly shear restricting some storm outflow. The result is a more disorganized look on satellite imagery. Hurricane Erin current tropical wind shear The storm is still a very large Category 4 storm that has impacts far removed from the centre. Further strengthening is unlikely, though, with some shear and dry air being the limiting factor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 130 km from the centre, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 370 kilometres. SEE ALSO: La Nina watch issued for this winter as key factors signal change A ridge of high pressure over the Central Atlantic will force Erin to slowly recurve as it heads north through this week, avoiding a direct landfall in the U.S. or Bermuda. 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 southeastern Bahamas. 8/18 5pm EDT: Coastal flooding is possible from Hurricane #Erin along the Outer Banks of North Carolina beginning late Wednesday, where a Storm Surge Watch has been issued. pic.twitter.com/IXavdhIYUH NHC Storm Surge (@NHC_Surge) August 18, 2025 Meanwhile, alerts have been issued for parts of North Carolina's Outer Coast. A storm surge watch is in effect for Cape Lookout to Duck, N.C., and a tropical storm watch is in place for Beaufort Inlet to Duck, N.C., including Pamlico Sound. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tropical storm conditions are possible over portions of the North Carolina Outer Banks beginning late Wednesday. Additionally, flooding rains and gusty winds are occurring over portions of Hispaniola, and will do so through Tuesday for the Turks and Caicos, southeastern Bahamas, and the easternmost, central Bahamas. Localized flooding, along with landslides or mudslides, are possible. Any hurricane recurving close to North America warrants close monitoring in Atlantic Canada. Rip currents a major hazard Regardless of Erin's track, rough surf and rip currents will pose a significant hazard to beaches throughout The Bahamas, Bermuda, eastern U.S. and Atlantic Canada during the early and middle part of this week. Hurricane Erin's estimated wave heights Friday to Saturday Impacts are still expected far beyond the core, with surf, rip currents and coastal flooding. Even with slight weakening in wind speed, the impact footprint is increasing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rip currents form when waves hit the beach head-on, creating narrow currents of water that rush back out to sea. What is a rip current explainer STAY SAFE: Rip currents are a natural hazard along coasts heres how to spot them WATCH: What steers a hurricane? Click here to view the video 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. Thumbnail courtesy of NOAA. WATCH: What is a rip current and what makes it so dangerous? Click here to view the video Matt Gaetz, the former Florida Republican congressman and short-lived attorney general nominee, suggested in his new job as a host on One America News that Russia be offered NATO membership as a way to end the war in Ukraine. Ive got an idea. Offer NATO membership to Russia, said Gaetz during Mondays edition of The Matt Gaetz Show. Of course, for this carrot, Trump would need to get everything he wants out of [Russian President Vladimir] Putin regarding the end of hostilities, economic cooperation, and territorial disputes. Before you suggest Im crazy for thinking about NATO and Russia as partners, the idea has been floated by foreign policy thinkers on the right and left for some time, he added. In 1997, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing on NATO expansion. President Clintons secretary of state, Madeleine Albright, reflected on groundbreaking cooperation between NATO and Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That fruit didnt germinate because instead of doubling down on cooperation with Russia, the thinking prevailed that we had to expand NATO and encircle Russia. We learned that an animal backed into a corner can lash out, Gaetz argued. We chose encirclement over cooperation when people were saying cooperation could be part of our forward-looking path with Russia. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created in 1949 in the aftermath of the Second World War to counter the Soviet Union. While NATO worked to establish a partnership with Russia following the end of the Cold War, all cooperation ceased when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Matt Gaetz suggested on Monday night that Russia be offered NATO membership (Getty) Michael McFaul was President Obamas ambassador to Russia. In 2006, he wrote an article entitled, Why a Democratic Russia Should Join NATO, Gaetz went on. Again, this reinforces that NATO membership is an earned reward, not an entitlement, but why not give Russia a chance to earn it? Russia became the first country to join NATOs Partnership for Peace programme in June 1994. Its goals were to expand political and military cooperation in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In late May 1997, NATO leaders and then-Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed the NATO-Russia Founding Act, sharing their wish to build together a lasting and inclusive peace in the Euro-Atlantic area on the principles of democracy and cooperative security. During President Vladimir Putins time in power, between 2002 and 2008, NATO and Russia participated in the NATO-Russia Council, the formal meetings of which came to an end amid Russias military action in Georgia in 2008. NATOs website now states that The Russian Federation is the most significant and direct threat to Allies security. NATO membership for Russia isnt coming tomorrow, but to make peace, everyone needs to give up something and get something, said Gaetz. Everyone needs to feel safer in peace than at war. Making war is easy; all you have to do is attack. Making peace is hard, but at least the Trump administration is making progress. We believe that progress could and ultimately should lead to NATO expansion to Russia if everyone behaves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaetzs comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a cadre of European leaders met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Gaetzs comments came after Zelenskys meeting with Trump at the White House on Monday, alongside a number of European leaders (AFP/Getty) An administration official said Sunday that Putin agreed at his Alaska summit with Trump on Friday that the U.S. and its European allies could offer Ukraine a security guarantee in the shape of NATOs collective security mandate as part of a possible deal to end the full-scale war started by Russia in February 2022. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff appeared on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, saying that it was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that. He added that it 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, Witkoff added. The Associated Press contributed to this report CHICAGO Residents on the citys Southwest Side continue to deal with flooding following severe weather across the Chicago area. Nearly 6,000 calls have come into 311 since flooding began on Saturday. On Tuesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson came to the Gage Park neighborhood to see the damage for himself and explore potential solutions to prevent future flooding, agreeing that the Southwest Side has a big problem when it comes to flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor heard from residents whose houses have flooded not once, but twice, in just the last couple of weeks, after three days of heavy rain and storms, overwhelming the citys sewers, with residents bearing the brunt. That is something, they say, that has never happened before. Its like a nightmare, said Gage Park resident Sharen Parish. I walked downstairs and the water was past my knee, which is something thats never happened since Ive been living there since 2001. Severe storms roll through Chicagoland, causing flooding in Northwest Indiana not seen in decades Six Chicago alderpeople have signed a letter urging the mayor to invest tens of millions of dollars in a backflow valve system, which costs between $10,000 and $15,000 for each home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many residents, thousands of families have been impacted, said Chicago Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th Ward), one of the six alderpersons who signed onto the letter urging Johnson for additional resources. The Department of Water Management says its a matter of aging infrastructure throughout portions of the Southwest Side, in addition to too much rain occurring rapidly. The system itself just became overwhelmed, and at the time the system was built, it was built and designed for a five-year rain, and now were getting more 100-year rains, said Randy Conner, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Water Management. The city is asking residents whove had flooding to fill out a survey to start the ball rolling on possible assistance. To fill out the survey, go to: survey123.arcgis.com Climate and Environment news: WGN Weather Center blog The deadline is Friday, August 22. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. (The Center Square) - Less than 1% of aid recipients from the official charity of the office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reported receiving the earned income tax credit, leading Republican leaders to wonder why so much of the charitys aid is going towards non-working households. According to a report from Loyola Marymount University studying the impact of the mayors We Are Los Angeles eviction legal aid program, only 0.3% of surveyed aid recipients reported receiving the earned income tax credit for working households legally in the United States. This entire report raises more questions than it answers, including, why are we using public money to support people who wont even try to help themselves? said Republican Party of Los Angeles Chair Roxanne Hoge in an interview with The Center Square. Its shocking but not surprising to see that only 0.3% of the recipients of legal aid received an earned income tax credit to get that you need to be a working household legally in the U.S. Mayor Bass seems dedicated to helping everyone but American citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mayors Fund for Los Angeles Director of Communications Gloria de Leon did not deny the 0.3% EITC figure, emailing The Center Square, Regarding the 0.3[%] EITC figure, most of the eligible tenants who come to us facing eviction and qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit are already receiving it. The We Are Los Angeles program reaches out to City of Los Angeles residents who receive eviction notices, with contact through direct mail, door-to-door outreach, phone calls, and community events. We Are Los Angeles case workers provide assistance with accessing government and charitable services, including CalWorks, CalFresh, and earned benefits like the Earned Income Tax Credit. We Are Los Angeles also helps individuals and families respond to eviction notices and connect to legal services. The Mayors Fund for Los Angeles operates a combination of donated private and public funds, and spent $6.4 million in 2024. The We are Los Angeles programs top donations include $1.8 million from LA Health Care Plan, a local public agency administering Medi-cal and Medicare to Los Angeles County residents, $1.5 million from the Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation, and $1.3 million from Health Net, a Medi-Cal and Medicare provider. The Mayors Fund fiscal year 2024 report notes that it received $1.8 million from public agencies out of its total $8.5 million in contributions for that period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LMU report, which surveyed 677 We Are Los Angeles beneficiaries, also found 48% of aid recipients reported having no job. According to a spokesperson for the Mayors Fund, the program saves taxpayers money by reducing the need for emergency services, and serves any individuals in need, regardless of employment status. Our services are available to anyone in Los Angeles facing eviction - regardless of their current employment status, continued de Leon. This intervention keeps individuals, families housed, reduces taxpayer burden, and costs far less than emergency services for those who become homeless. While its data source was not public, estimates on the Mayors Fund website say Every person prevented from becoming homeless saves taxpayers an average of $62,000 per year, and Homeless individuals facing mental, physical, or behavioral health issues cost taxpayers nearly $110,000 per year. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Gov. Dan McKees newly hired campaign manager is stepping down less than three months after he started the job, as the incumbent Democrat struggles with questions over whether he can win reelection in 2026. The unexpected departure of Rob Silverstein, a former political adviser to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, was announced by the campaign in a statement on Tuesday. The McKee campaign and Rob Silverstein have mutually agreed to part ways, said Mike Trainor, a spokesperson for the campaign. Both sides wish each other well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The governor remains focused on serving the people of Rhode Island and continuing to run a strong reelection campaign to keep delivering results for working families, Trainor said. Silverstein declined to comment, referring a reporter to the campaigns statement. McKee had touted his hiring of Silverstein, along with a new finance director, Neil Spencer, on June 3 as a sign he was positioning himself to beat back what is shaping up to be a formidable primary challenge from former CVS executive Helena Foulkes. Silversteins exit was first reported by the website GoLocalProv. BACKGROUND: Gov. McKee staffs up for 2026 reelection bid Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McKee had no public events scheduled for a third day in a row on Tuesday, though he is slated to hold a bill-signing ceremony on Wednesday. Its never really good when you change campaign managers, especially so quickly, said 12 News political analyst Joe Fleming, who cautioned he didnt know the specifics behind the move. Now he has to start all over with a new campaign manager, which puts him back at the beginning. Silverstein had been working over the summer to step up the pace of McKees fundraising in an effort to close some of the widening gap between the governor and Foulkes. She had $2.1 million in her campaign account as of June 30, while McKee had $879,000. The polling shows Dan McKee is in a fairly weak position at this point, Fleming said. He needs to build his numbers up over the next year he needs to start that immediately, not four or five months down the road. So whoever he brings in needs to hit the ground running. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans were quick to mock the turmoil around the governors reelection effort. The McKee campaign is proving once again that it cant even manage itself, let alone the state, Ken Naylor, chairman of the Rhode Island Young Republicans, said in a statement. Theyre now searching for a new manager someone with crisis experience, a strong stomach, and zero career ambitions. McKee, 74, took office in 2021 when his predecessor, Gina Raimondo, stepped down to become U.S. commerce secretary. Those first two years in office dont count toward the states term limits, so McKee is eligible to run again in 2026. No public polling has been conducted in the Democratic primary race, but recent surveys have shown McKees job approval rating ranging from as low as 19% to as high as 45%, depending on the firm and the methodology. McKees allies have emphasized that his numbers are stronger with self-identified Democrats than with the general public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to Foulkes, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Attorney General Peter Neronha are both seriously considering whether to challenge McKee. Secretary of State Gregg Amore announced on last weeks edition of Newsmakers that he will run for reelection, ruling out a bid for governor. No Republican has announced plans to run for governor in 2026 so far. Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz and 2022 nominee Ashley Kalus are among the names that have been mentioned as potential GOP nominees. Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesis Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) A search warrant led to a man being arrested on numerous drug charges in Morgan County. On Wednesday, August 13, Agents with the Morgan County Sheriffs Drug Enforcement Unit carried out a search warrant in the 500-block of Walnut Ct NW in Decatur. Upon arrival, agents came into contact with Victor Karl Banks II, 45 of Decatur. According to MCSO, a juvenile female was also with Banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Banks was immediately arrested due to a misdemeanor warrant through the Morgan County Sheriffs Office. While searching the home, agents found numerous items of evidentiary value located in the detached garage. MCSO told News 19 that gents recovered the following items: Marijuana MDMA (Ecstasy) tablets Synthetic cannabinoids THC vape pens Drug paraphernalia items Items believed to be used in narcotics manufacturing processes Quantities of substances that field tested positive as fentanyl (over one pound) (Courtesy: Morgan Co. Sheriffs Office) He is now facing the following charges: Trafficking in Illegal Drugs-Fentanyl Chemical Endangerment of a Child Possession of Marijuana 1st degree Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance MDMA Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Synthetic Cannabinoids Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Obstruction of Justice Using a False Identity Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Banks was transported and booked into the Morgan County Jail on a $850,600 bond. The items of evidence seized as a result of the search warrant will be sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for further chemical analysis and confirmation. At that time, additional charges are possible, according to authorities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Aug. 18Former Bigfork resident Michael Bedford headed to Browning for a few weeks this summer to participate in a medical internship at Blackfeet Community Hospital. The second-year medical student said it's part of his long-term goal to work in rural communities. Bedford was accepted into the University of Washington School of Medicine's WWAMI program, an acronym for a program covering Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. Students from those states can complete their first 18 months there and get in-state tuition. A 2018 graduate from Bigfork High School, Bedford currently attends Montana State University in Bozeman. He said he applied to the Rural Underserved Opportunities Program to get more clinical experience over the summer. Under the mentorship of Dr. Joe Gray at Blackfeet Community Hospital, Bedford will be immersing himself in the heart of Browning from July 13 to Aug. 9. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Blackfeet Community Hospital is a 28-bed facility and includes a CT unit located within a fully digitized radiology and lab service department. Bedford said he's passionate about making health care better in rural communities, particularly on reservations. "I wanted to be at least a small part of helping the community, whether that be in medicine or volunteering. I hear Browning has a great food drive, too ... so, the opportunity to help them out in a way that could serve the community, as well as in health care, to give me good experience and become a better doctor in the future," Bedford said. He hopes to eventually work in internal medicine as a hospitalist, which is a patient's attending physician when they are admitted to a hospital. Similar to family medicine, the hospitalist can connect their patients with specialists and help coordinate their care during their stay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growing up in Montana, Bedford said he's been interested in working on rural reservations after hearing from people in his community about disparities there, as well as what he learned from friends in college who grew up on reservations. He and other medical students visited Hardin earlier this year, just north of the Crow reservation. Bedford said they looked at what was going well there, in addition to issues that the community faced, such as the area being a food desert. "You don't have to look very far to notice the health disparities that are within the reservation communities," Bedford said. Working at Blackfeet Community Hospital will give him hands-on experience with internal medicine, labor and delivery, and family medicine. He may also watch certain surgeries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ninety-one students with the multi-state medical school program have signed up for rural rotations this summer. Information from the University of Washington School of Medicine suggests that the program influences students toward a primary care career. In the 2025 residency match, 54% of students participating chose a residency in general internal medicine, family medicine or pediatrics. Bedford, having already completed four years as an undergrad, will complete another four years as a medical student. He said the first year-and-a-half of that is a foundation phase, where students primarily focus on classroom learning. For the following 2 1/2 years, he will rotate through clerkships before graduating and being placed in a residency. "I've always had the mindset that if I could just make a difference even in one person's life, that would just be really what I want to do to give them a positive experience in health care and eliminate some of the fear they've had. I want to do that, especially in a community that's fairly close to where I grew up, here in Bigfork," Bedford said. Reporter Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or tinman@dailyinterlake.com. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said Monday she did not agree with deploying the National Guard from various Republican-led states to the district. The governors of Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia have sent National Guard troops to the capital, in addition to the 800 Washington, D.C. National Guard troops currently in the district. This brings the total to 1,700 National Guard members, set to be on duty in Washington, D.C., after President Donald Trump federalized the local police department and sent hundreds of federal law enforcement agents to the district. "This doesn't make sense. The numbers on the ground in the district dont support 1,000 people from other states coming to Washington, D.C.," Bowser said, adding, "This is not about something that fits into logic." "The question is really not for us. It's for why the military would be deployed in an American city, to police Americans. That's the question, and it's not for me," she said. She noted that as mayor, she does not "have any authority over the D.C. guard or any other guards." "But I think it is, kind of makes the point that this is not about D.C. crime," she added. Bowser previously said she planned to follow Washingtons home rule charter and comply with Trumps direction regarding the Metropolitan Police Department. Section 740 of the districts Home Rule Act allows the president to take over MPD for up to 30 days without congressional approval. Featured Local Savings Bowser noted on Monday that she did not believe the district's home rule was at risk, specifically because of Trumps order, but implied she has always been concerned. She asserted that there is no takeover, but that there is a surge in law enforcement. Officials in the Trump administration have said they have arrested nearly 400 people in the week since Trump authorized the guard and federalized the MPD. Around half of those arrests have involved undocumented immigrants. On immigration, Bowser said that federal law enforcement should be focused on violent crime. "If this is really about immigration enforcement, I think the administration should make that plain, she noted. SOME ASPECTS OF HOME RULE SIDELINED AS TRUMP TAKES CONTROL OF DC POLICE FORCE Bowser additionally called for comprehensive immigration reform. There needs to be a pathway to citizenship for hardworking people who have made this country their home, she said. And we need to separate the discussion of enforcement against violent offenders and everyday hardworking people who have made this country their home. Israel is demanding the release of all 50 hostages held in Gaza, an Israeli official has said, casting doubt on whether it will accept a new proposal for a 60-day ceasefire that Hamas agreed to on Monday. The proposal, put forward by Qatar and Egypt, would see the release of around half the hostages and is "almost identical" to a US proposal Israel had previously accepted, according to Qatar. Israel has not explicitly rejected it - but Israeli government spokesman David Mencer told the BBC that it is not interested in "partial deals". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Things have changed now. The prime minister has laid out a plan for the future of Gaza," Mencer said. Palestinian sources said the proposal would see 10 living and 18 dead hostages handed over while the sides negotiated a permanent ceasefire and the return of the other hostages. Israel believes that only 20 of the 50 hostages are still alive after 22 months of war. Later this week, the Israeli cabinet is expected to approve the military's plan to occupy Gaza City, where intensifying Israeli strikes have already prompted thousands of people to flee. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel's intention to conquer all of Gaza - including the areas where most of its 2.1 million Palestinian residents have sought refuge - after indirect talks with Hamas on a ceasefire deal broke down last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday night, a Hamas statement announced that the armed group and other Palestinian factions had approved a ceasefire proposal presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators to their delegations in Cairo the previous day. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu told Al-Araby TV that they had not sought any amendments to the proposal, which he described as "a partial deal leading to a comprehensive deal". He also emphasised that on the first day of its implementation, negotiations would begin with the aim of agreeing a permanent ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, told reporters in Doha on Tuesday that the proposal was "98%" similar to the one presented by US envoy Steve Witkoff in June. "It is within the confines of the Witkoff plan... It's a continuation of that process. Obviously, it's in the details where the devil lies," Ansari said. Witkoff proposed a 60-day truce that would see Hamas release 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 dead hostages on days one and seven, in exchange for 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences in Israeli jails, 1,111 detainees from Gaza and the bodies of 180 Gazans. Israel accepted Witkoff's plan, but Hamas rejected it, partly because it did not include a guarantee that the temporary ceasefire would lead to a permanent one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Palestinian official told the BBC that the Egyptian and Qatari proposal would see Hamas release eight living hostages on day one and two more on day 50. Five dead hostages would be handed over on day seven, five more on day 30, and another eight on day 60. In return, Israel would release 1,500 detainees from Gaza as well as 150 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 50 others serving terms longer than 15 years, the official said. Israeli forces would also withdraw to areas of Gaza located between 800m and 1.2km (0.5-0.75 miles) from the perimeter with Israel during the truce, but would remain stationed in the Morag and Philadelphi military corridors in the south of the territory, the official added. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli military's actions in Gaza were putting Hamas under "immense pressure" [Reuters] On Tuesday afternoon, an Egyptian source familiar with the negotiations told the BBC that the mediators had not yet received a formal response from Israel to the new proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the official in Prime Minister Netanyahu's office told Israeli journalists: "Israel's policy remains consistent and unchanged. Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles set by the cabinet to end the war." "We are in the final stage of defeating Hamas and will not leave any hostage behind." Although the statement was not an explicit rejection of the proposal, it does suggest that Israel may want to negotiate further. On Saturday night, Prime Minister Netanyahu's office put out a similar statement saying that Israel would only "agree to a deal on condition that all the hostages are released in one go" and that the conditions for ending the war included the disarming of Hamas, the demilitarisation of Gaza, Israeli control of the Gaza perimeter, and the installation of non-Hamas and non-Palestinian Authority governance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu said in a video on Monday that he had discussed with senior Israeli military commanders their "plans regarding Gaza City and the completion of our missions". "Like you, I hear the reports in the media, and from them you can get one impression - Hamas is under immense pressure," he added. The prime minister himself faces pressure from his far-right coalition partners who want to keep the war going until Hamas's defeat and then annex Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel must not accept a partial deal "that abandons half of the hostages and that could lead to the suspension of the war in defeat". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is forbidden to surrender and give a lifeline to the enemy," he added. Hostages' families and a majority of the Israeli public meanwhile want Netanyahu to agree a deal with Hamas to end the war now and bring all the hostages home. "About a month ago, we were closer than ever to signing a deal. The Witkoff outline would have put Israel into intensive negotiations," Einav Zangauker, whose 25-year-old son Matan is believed to be among those still alive in captivity, told Israeli public broadcaster Kan. "Netanyahu... is deliberately setting unworkable conditions as an obstacle," she warned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. At least 62,064 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Most of Gaza's population has also been displaced multiple times; more than 90% of homes are estimated to be damaged or destroyed; the healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene systems have collapsed; and UN-backed global food security experts have warned that the "worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out" due to food shortages. A senior Israeli official on Tuesday said the government stood firm on its call for the release of all hostages in any future Gaza ceasefire deal, after Hamas accepted a new truce proposal. Mediators are awaiting an official Israeli response to the plan, a day after Hamas signalled its readiness for a fresh round of talks aimed at ending nearly two years of war. Mediator Qatar expressed guarded optimism, noting the latest proposal was "almost identical" to an earlier version agreed to by Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior Israeli official told AFP the government's stance had not changed and demanded the release of all hostages in any deal. The two foes have held on-and-off indirect negotiations throughout the war, resulting in two short truces during which Israeli hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but they have ultimately failed to broker a lasting ceasefire. Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, have mediated the frequent rounds of shuttle diplomacy. Egypt said Monday that it and Qatar had sent the new proposal to Israel, adding "the ball is now in its court". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said on Tuesday that Hamas had given a "very positive response, and it truly was almost identical to what the Israeli side had previously agreed to". "We cannot make any claims that a breakthrough has been made. But we do believe it is a positive point," he added. - Mounting pressure - According to a report in Egyptian state-linked outlet Al-Qahera News, the latest deal proposes an initial 60-day truce, a partial hostage release, the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners and provisions allowing for the entry of aid. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to publicly comment on the plan, but said last week that his country would accept "an agreement in which all the hostages are released at once and according to our conditions for ending the war". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi said on social media that his group had "opened the door wide to the possibility of reaching an agreement, but the question remains whether Netanyahu will once again close it, as he has done in the past". Hamas's acceptance of the proposal came as Netanyahu faces increasing pressure at home and abroad. On Sunday, tens of thousands took to the streets in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv to call for an end to the war and a deal to free the hostages still held captive. Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas's October 2023 attack that triggered the war, 49 are still in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new proposal also comes after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to conquer Gaza City, despite fears it will worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. On Tuesday, the new offensive was presented to the defence minister by the military's top brass. Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir -- who has staunchly opposed ending the war -- slammed the plan, warning of a "tragedy" if Netanyahu "gives in to Hamas". Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said: "Unfortunately, today's Zionist reactions reflect Netanyahu's malicious intentions to continue the war, genocide and ethnic cleansing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - 'Unbearable' - In Gaza, the civil defence agency reported Israeli strikes and fire killed 48 people across the territory on Tuesday. Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP the situation was "very dangerous and unbearable" in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighbourhoods of Gaza City, where he said "artillery shelling continues intermittently". The Israeli military declined to comment on specific troop movements, saying only that it was "operating to dismantle Hamas military capabilities" and took "feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm". The military later said a strike in Khan Yunis overnight targeted a Hamas militant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing swaths of the Palestinian territory mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency or the Israeli military. In the Zikim area of northern Gaza on Tuesday, an AFP journalist saw Palestinians hauling sacks of food aid along dusty roads lined with rubble and damaged buildings. Gazan Shawg Al-Badri said it took "three to four hours" to carry flour, what she called "white gold", back to her family's tent. "This bag is worth the whole world," she said. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's offensive has killed at least 62,064 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which the United Nations considers reliable. str-ds/mjw/lb German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin will meet within the next two weeks. Source: Merz speaking to journalists, cited by Reuters, as reported by European Pravda Details: Merz said that Trump had agreed on this with Putin during a break in multilateral-format talks between the leaders of Ukraine, the US, the European Commission, NATO and a number of European states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "The American president spoke with the Russian president on the phone and agreed that there would be a meeting between the Russian president and the Ukrainian president within the next two weeks.[N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president ed.]" Details: The German chancellor revealed that Trump had agreed to send another invitation to a trilateral meeting after that so that negotiations could "truly begin". He noted that the venue for this meeting has not yet been determined. Quote: "We don't know whether the Russian president will have the courage to attend such a summit. Therefore persuasion is needed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More details: The German chancellor said that Trump was impressed that the Europeans presented a united front and that their talks with the US administration will now move to the details of security guarantees for Ukraine. Quote: "It is absolutely clear that the whole of Europe should participate." Background: Before the start of the meeting of the leaders of the US, Ukraine, the European Commission and a number of European states, Merz insisted that the next round of talks with Russia must aim for a ceasefire, contrary to Trumps intention not to negotiate this. Finnish President Alexander Stubb revealed additional details of the White House meeting, including three main outcomes. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Mexican drug trafficker Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada will plead guilty at a hearing next Monday, US court filings show, raising the prospect of a cooperation deal with prosecutors. Zambada, who cofounded the Sinaloa Cartel with notorious drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, was arrested in the United States in July 2024 along with Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of El Chapo. Zambada, 77, alleged that he had been kidnapped in Mexico and handed to the US against his will, caught in an apparent attempt by Guzman Lopez to gain leniency for himself and an imprisoned brother. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The August 25, 2025 status conference is converted to a change of plea hearing," said an entry in the court docket updated Monday. Zambada will avoid a trial because of the plea. Last September, Zambada pleaded not guilty to 17 charges including murder and drug trafficking, particularly of fentanyl -- a powerful narcotic 50 times stronger than cocaine, responsible for tens of thousands of US overdose deaths annually. In addition to avoiding the dock, an agreement with prosecutors could lead to a lighter sentence than that of El Chapo, who is serving life imprisonment in the United States. af-gw/bjt The Seal of the State of New Mexico inside the Roundhouse on Jan. 10, 2024. A multi-agency team of New Mexico forecasters released new budget projections Tuesday that predict the state will continue to be on solid financial footing, with nearly half a billion dollars in new money. (Photo by Anna Padilla for Source NM) Economists tasked with predicting New Mexicos financial health said Tuesday the state will generate a little more than $14 billion in revenue in the upcoming fiscal year, a figure that means the state will have nearly half a billion dollars in new money to spend when they craft the budget early next year. Lawmakers with the interim Legislative Finance Committee heard new projections Tuesday about how much the state is expected to generate in revenue via taxes, investment returns and oil and gas royalties over the next few years. One key estimate they provide is how much new money lawmakers will have for the upcoming fiscal year, which is the amount of projected revenue minus how much the state will spend this fiscal year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Department of Finance and Administration Wayne Propst, whose agency is one of four that team up to develop statewide economic forecasts, said the forecast is just the latest positive sign for the states financial health after years of record growth and revenue. I keep thinking that one of these days Im going to have to show up with some bad news, he told lawmakers. But fortunately, today is not that day. The fiscal position of the state of New Mexico remains strong. In total, the roughly $14.1 billion the state expects to generate in revenue in the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 is about $485 million more than the total amount the state is currently spending this fiscal year, which is approximately $13.6 billion. That $485 million in new money prompted celebratory news releases from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and fellow Democrats in charge of the Legislature, who said it will help soften the blow of expected federal spending cuts that could mean the state will have to step in to pay for low-income health insurance or food assistance. New Mexicos strong revenue projection announced in Las Cruces today is good news at a time when the federal government is ruthlessly slashing revenues that states have historically relied on, Lujan Grisham said in a statement. Todays announcement that our state can expect nearly a half-billion dollars in additional revenue will help us protect the essential services for New Mexicans that Washington has abandoned. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to state House Democrats, the One Big Beautiful Bill Congress and Trump enacted late last month will mean at least $305 million less in federal funding in the budget that lawmakers will craft during the legislative session beginning in January. The governors office put that figure at about $200 million each year for the next few years, primarily due to tax code changes. In response to the new forecasts, House Democrats championed their approach of investing a glut of oil and gas royalty payments into revenue-generating reserve funds, saying that the investment strategy has removed volatility from the budgeting process and insulated essential services from price fluctuations in the oil and gas sector. Oil and gas revenues are expected to contribute about one-third of the states general fund over the next few years, but that figure would have been close to 50% if the state hadnt diverted excess oil and gas revenues into trust funds that fund early child education, behavioral health or other reserve funds, according to estimates forecasters released Tuesday. Despite the constant stream of chaos coming out of Washington, D.C., New Mexicos economic outlook remains strong thanks to years of hard work and smart budgeting, said House Speaker Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque), in a news release. In addition to the federal cuts, forecasters have predicted a slowdown in oil and gas growth and prices in the next few years, a message they they repeated Tuesday. Ismael Torres, the LFCs chief economist, said the slowdown and uncertainty around President Donald Trumps economic policies should give lawmakers caution when crafting the states spending plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with unpredictable effects of federal policy on the global economy, Torres also mentioned that lawmakers have greatly increased the amount of money theyve dedicated to non-recurring spending, including significant multi-year funding commitments. He said continued growth in that type of spending is reducing the amount of funds lawmakers can put in reserves could end up hamstringing lawmakers if expected future revenues dont materialize. As economists, you might hear us say that theres a lot of uncertainty always, he said. But this time I really mean it. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has denied reports that her government is teaming up with the United States for a major new initiative to combat drug-trafficking cartels. In her Tuesday morning news conference, Sheinbaum addressed the initiative, dubbed Project Portero, which was touted in the US as an effort to strengthen collaboration between the United States and Mexico. The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had unveiled the initiative only one day prior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to clarify something. The DEA put out a statement yesterday saying that there is an agreement with the Mexican government for an operation called Portero, Sheinbaum said. There is no agreement with the DEA. The DEA puts out this statement, based on what we dont know. We have not reached any agreement; none of the security institutions [has] with the DEA. Sheinbaum emphasised that only her administration, not individual government agencies, would be announcing such an agreement on behalf of Mexico. She also said that the DEA needed to follow established protocols for making joint announcements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Project Portero is part of an ongoing push under US President Donald Trump to stamp out cross-border drug trafficking and aggressively pursue the cartels and criminal networks that profit from such trade. In its statement on Monday, the DEA called Project Portero its flagship operation, aimed at shutting down drug-smuggling corridors along the border. It described its partnership with Mexico as a multi-week training and collaboration program that would bring Mexican investigators together with US enforcement officials at an intelligence site on the southwest border. Part of their task, the statement said, was to identify joint targets for the two countries to pursue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Project Portero and this new training program show how we will fight by planning and operating side by side with our Mexican partners, DEA administrator Terrance Cole said in the statement This is a bold first step in a new era of cross-border enforcement. But Sheinbaum said that no such bilateral action was planned, though she speculated that the DEA might be referring to a small training exercise involving four Mexican police officers. The only thing we have is a group of police officers from the Secretariat of Citizen Security who were conducting a workshop in Texas, she explained. She did, however, point out that her government was actively working with the Trump administration to cement a border security agreement, based on mutual acknowledgements of sovereignty and respectful coordination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since taking office for a second term in January, Trump has repeatedly pressured the Sheinbaum government to stem the flow of immigrants and drugs across their countries shared border. That includes through the threat of tariffs, a kind of tax imposed on imports. In late July, Trump announced he would keep tariffs on Mexican products at their current rate for 90 days. Previously, he had threatened to hike the tariff rate to 30 percent on the basis that the drug fentanyl was still reaching US soil. Mexico still has not stopped the Cartels who are trying to turn all of North America into a Narco-Trafficking Playground, Trump wrote in a letter to Sheinbaum earlier that month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even with the 90-day pause, Mexico still faces a 25-percent tax which Trump calls a fentanyl tariff on all products that do not fall under the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement (USMCA). Still, Trump has expressed warmth towards Sheinbaum, and the Mexican leader has largely avoided public confrontations with the US since taking office in October 2024. Recently, Sheinbaums government coordinated with Trumps to transfer 26 high-profile drug-trafficking suspects to the US for prosecution. In February, she made a similar deal, sending 29 alleged cartel leaders from Mexican prisons to the US, shortly before Trump threatened to impose tariffs on her countrys imports. It was Mexicos largest prisoner transfer to the US in years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Sheinbaum has also faced scrutiny over her handling of Trumps aggressive foreign policy platform. Earlier this month, for instance, the US State Department issued travel warnings for 30 of Mexicos 32 states, warning Americans of terrorist activities in those areas. Trump has also designated multiple Latin American criminal groups as foreign terrorist organisations, and he reportedly signed an order authorising military action to combat them. Critics fear that order could translate into a military incursion on Mexican soil. But Sheinbaum has repeatedly downplayed those concerns, saying, There will be no invasion of Mexico. She has nevertheless asserted that any unauthorised US action on Mexican land would be considered a violation of her countrys sovereignty. MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexico's president denied on Tuesday that her administration had an agreement with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, a day after the U.S. agency announced a major new initiative to collaborate in the fight against drug cartels. President Claudia Sheinbaum was referring to Project Portero, an effort announced Monday by the DEA, which called it a "flagship operation against smuggling routes that move drugs, guns and money across the border. The DEA put out a statement yesterday saying that there is an agreement with the Mexican government for an operation called Portero, Sheinbaum said during her morning news briefing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is no agreement with the DEA," she stressed. "The DEA puts out this statement, based on what we dont know. We have not reached any agreement, none of the security institutions (have) with the DEA. Sheinbaum said the only thing that was happening was a workshop in Texas attended by four members of Mexicos police force. Later, without addressing Sheinbaums criticism, the DEA said coordination with its Mexican counterparts on the training was a significant step forward in advancing and strengthening law enforcement and intelligence sharing with partners regarding an issue that has positive implications on both sides of the border. Monday's DEA statement mentioned that workshop, saying it had brought Mexican investigators to one of its intelligence centers to train with U.S. prosecutors, law enforcement, defense officials and members of the intelligence community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mexico's visibly annoyed president made her comments just days after generally positive exchanges between the two governments following another extension to ward off threatened U.S. tariffs and another shipment of 26 drug cartel figures to the United States from Mexico. Mexico had seemed to be repairing the security relationship with the U.S. after six years of tension under Sheinbaum's predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who had reined in DEA agents operating in Mexico and accused the agency of wholesale fabrication when it arrested Mexico's former defense secretary. Sheinbaum's administration had taken a more aggressive stance toward pursuing Mexico's drug cartels and sent dozens of cartel figures sought by prosecutors to the U.S. Sheinbaum did say that members of her administration had been working for months with U.S. counterparts on a broader security agreement that was practically finished. She said that agreement was based on four principles her administration has stressed for months: sovereignty, mutual trust, territorial respect and coordination without subordination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thing that seemed to have her bristling Tuesday was the DEA sending out a statement without proper coordination. Sheinbaum said she asked the DEA to respect Mexico, to follow agreed-upon protocols for such announcements, and emphasized that Mexico only signs agreements with the U.S. government, not with individual agencies. The DEA statement included a comment from agency administrator Terry Cole, who was recently tapped to lead the Trump administration takeover of the Washington D.C. police. Project Portero and this new training program show how we will fight by planning and operating side by side with our Mexican partners, and by bringing the full strength of the U.S. government to bear, Cole said in the Monday statement. ___ Associated Press writer Alanna Durkin Richer in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america NEW MEXICO (KRQE) Earlier this year, New Mexico lawmakers stopped short of banning cell phones in schoolsbut they did pass a bill requiring every school district to implement a wireless communication device policy. The goal: give local educators the flexibility to address distractions from cell phones and other devices in ways that best suit their students. So, is the new law making a difference in the classroom? Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Crystal Brantley (R-Turth or Consequences) emphasized the laws local-control approach. The policies will be very different depending on each school district because its up to the local school district on what that policy is going to look like. Some of them may simply say keep the phone in your backpack or lockers while others may have actually gone the extra mile to purchase lock bags and actually lock up those cell phones during cell phone hours, Brantley explained. While the law only mandates that districts have a policy, some schools decided to adopt stricter rules this year. This year we decided that we needed something a little bit more, said Cindy Orthman, principal of Quemado Independent School, west of Socorro. At Quemado, students are now required to place their phones in lock boxes for the entire school daya step Orthman says is already paying off. Because when theyre in their backpacks, youre still getting the notifications, youre still hearing the buzzing of Snapchat or Instagram, whatevers going off, she said. Just two weeks into the school year, Orthman is already seeing a shift in student behavior. The engagement from the time they walk in the door, to finding their peers, eating, and socializing, and just being present, is night and day from what it was last year, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Orthman said the overall goal isnt just about disciplineits about teaching students to balance their screen time. She says shed recommend the policy to other schools, but acknowledged that having only 90 students in the schools 7-12 grades, no doubt, makes the lock-box policy easier to manage than a school with thousands of students. In Santa Fe, Mandela International Magnet School took a different approach. After attempting a full ban last year, the school has eased restrictions this year by adopting Santa Fe Public Schools district-wide policy. It allows limited phone use at lunch and between classes, while continuing to ban phone calls, gaming, cameras, and the use of earbuds. Principal Randy Grillo said the school considered lock pouches but was told there was no funding for them. In his experience, phones arent usually a problem in classroomsbut rather in the in-between moments. In the past, Ive noticed the vast majority of discipline issues stem from something thats being photographed and posted online, and so taking that avenue away in school has drastically reduced how many discipline issues we have at school, Grillo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Brantley believes that implementing consistent cell phone policies across the state is essential for student well-being. A number of school districts that were not implementing or had any sort of cell phone policy. We needed them to acknowledge the abuse thats happening with our students. We need to acknowledge the mental health crisis, the bullying, the negative impacts of whats happening with the amount of time that our students are spending on the phone, she said. She also stressed the role parents play in setting boundaries. The number one indicator of student success is parental involvement. So while the schools are doing their part to restrict cell phone use, I encourage parents to encourage their students to get off their phones during dinner time, to have face-to-face conversations, and make sure theyre doing their part in home to restrict cell phone use as well. Grillo echoed the importance of teaching personal responsibility. If we can ultimately teach students to be accountable and make decisions that are the best for a greater community, we dont have to take things away from them because hopefully theyre being thoughtful in their decisions in the first place, he said. The original bill, SB11, had earmarked $10 million for school districts that needed funds to implement a lock-box or lock-pouch system, but the funding was ultimately cut. We will return this next legislative session to try to get that funding back in and to create a grant program to reimburse school districts, said Brantley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the Public Education Department is collecting copies of cell phone policies from every district across New Mexico, it remains unclear how many schools have actually implemented changes this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Kate Brindley/States Newsroom This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Sign up for Votebeat Michigans free newsletter here. Voters in Dearborn, Michigan, will select their mayor, their clerk and all seven members of the City Council this November and they will also get a say on whether to revamp the city charter to add two council seats and divide the city into wards for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ballot measure is the result of a major effort by activists and election officials in Dearborn, a city of more than 100,000 people just west of Detroit. Voter approval of the measure would help fix what organizers say is a longstanding problem: unequal representation of the citys residents. A ward is a designated geographic area all represented by the same council member, who lives in that district and is voted on by the members within that ward. The most common alternative and what Dearborn has now is at-large representation, where the entire city selects all council members without regard to where they live. That method has led to years of unbalanced distribution of council members in Dearborn organizers say. Local advocates have tried in the past to fix the issue, but this would be the first time the question comes directly before voters. Voters in Detroit overwhelmingly approved a similar referendum in 2009 to switch from at-large representation on their City Council to a mostly district-based system, to address similar concerns about whether neighborhoods had sufficient representation. Since 2013, Detroit has seven districts and just two at-large seats. Several of the states other largest cities, including Grand Rapids and Warren, also have wards for their legislative bodies. The Dearborn ballot measure comes from local activist group Dearborn Wants Wards, whose name says it all: In a city of more than 100,000, organizers want their representatives to come from all parts of the city. The alternative, members of the organization say, is that political power is concentrated with people from the wealthier western part of the city, where six of the seven current council members come from. The southern and eastern portions of the city are highly industrialized, whereas the western part tends to have larger homes, nicer parks, and other amenities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are big disparities in different parts of the city, Wahbeh Nuseibeh, an east side resident who is operational data lead for Dearborn Wants Wards. In his part of the city, flooding is a constant worry even a light storm can send water into basements, while in the south end, industrial pollution leads to high rates of serious health problems like cancer and lung diseases. Those issues just dont exist in the same way on the west side, Nuseibeh said. The initiative doesnt specify where the ward lines would be; that would be up to a redistricting commission. But organizers say they want three wards on the west end, three on the east end and one that encompasses both the east and south ends of the city. Changes would take effect in 2029. Getting the measure on the ballot was not easy. To put an issue on the ballot, the city requires signatures on petitions from 5% of its more than 77,000 registered voters, or more than 3,850 signatures. Dearborn Wants Wards organizers first submitted more than 6,200 signatures, but 2,800 of those were rejected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That left them a few hundred signatures short. Organizers attributed that largely to an error by the clerks office in misidentifying signatures as duplicates. In Muslim and Arab communities such as ours, its common for names with similar spellings to be falsely tagged as duplicates, Mona Mawari, lead organizer for the campaign, said in a July statement. George Darany, the city clerk, said city employees spent more than 500 total hours working to verify every signature, putting other projects on hold to try to get organizers an answer quickly. It was tough to hear that they thought we perhaps were not doing our jobs properly, he said of Mawaris group, but we knew we were, and we were confident in it. Organizers eventually submitted nearly 1,800 additional signatures, enough to clear the threshold. Daranys office then submitted the filings to the governors office for approval, as required for any change to a city charter. On Monday, organizers confirmed the city would put the question on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Nuseibeh, its the first step toward making council members accountable to Dearborns many neighborhoods. As clerk, Darany said he would stay neutral on the ballot question itself. But he told Votebeat that he values that the process gives voters a stronger voice, rather than leaving decisions solely to the clerk or city government. If Dearborn residents want the change, well implement it, Darany said. Dearborn Wants Wards should be commended for the work that they did, because it was a huge job to gather signatures, he said. This is democracy at work right there. Hayley Harding is a reporter for Votebeat based in Michigan. Contact Hayley at hharding@votebeat.org. Votebeat is a nonprofit news organization covering local election integrity and voting access. Sign up for their newsletters here. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) and House Appropriations Commitee Chair Ann Bollin (R-Brighton). Feb. 5, 2025 | Photo by Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance After months of infighting and barbs thrown at the opposite respective chambers of the Michigan Legislature, the states House of Representatives appears poised to release the rest of its budget plan as soon as next week. The announcement came Tuesday from state Rep. Ann Bollin (R-Brighton), chair of the House Appropriations Committee, who said the lower chambers plan would be responsible and embrace national Republican talking points like eliminating waste and reallocating resources likely through cuts that legislative Democrats would outright oppose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we wrap up our review of the states finances, one thing has become clear: Michigan taxpayers deserve better than the wasteful habits that have taken root in state government, Bollin said in a statement. Departments are sitting on slush funds created by phantom jobs that never get filled, and theyre rolling over hundreds of millions of dollars in work projects year after year. These dollars were meant to serve the people, not to be stashed away by bureaucrats. Were putting a stop to that. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The budget negotiations this year hit a brick wall due to inaction from the House on its full budget, releasing and passing only a K-12 and higher education funding plan, and the Senates unwillingness to release a fully fleshed out road funding plan, although the Senate did pass a full government budget, including education funding, in May. Congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump also did the Michigan Legislature no favors when they passed and Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will likely blow a $1 billion hole in the states budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers had a July 1 deadline to get their respective and complete plans passed and moved to the negotiating table with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, but the chambers blew past that deadline and have been pointing fingers on which chamber was to blame. Some of the Houses logic on waiting was to see what fallout the federal budget might create for Michgian, although members of the Democratic-led Senate said their plan accounted for the steep cuts that were likely under Trump this year. The war of words between the two chambers worsened last week without any real sign of movement on the full House budget, but Bollin on Tuesday signaled that the first phase of the process may conclude soon. Bollin noted the House Republican belief that Senate Democrats rushed their budget, coming up with a plan to spend $86 billion, which Bollin claimed was far more than the state can afford without raising taxes. The forthcoming House budget, Bollin said, took months to carefully review every line of the budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We did the hard work of going through this budget line by line, Bollin said. That extra time allowed us to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, and to make smarter investments in the things that matter most to people across Michigan. Bollin said the House plan prioritizes $3.1 billion annually to repair the local roads in the worst condition, while also creating the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund to send state dollars directly to local communities for public safety programs. It ends unfair taxes on tips, overtime pay, and retirement income, she added. Were boosting education funding with more flexibility so schools can shrink class sizes, strengthen mental health services, and invest in the programs their kids need most. And we are making the necessary adjustments to ensure Medicaid remains available for every qualified Michigan resident who needs it. Bollin said the Houses approach would make a difference to tax payers in the long run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every dollar we cut from bureaucracy and waste is a dollar we can put toward the real priorities of Michigan families, she said. Youre going to see a budget that respects taxpayers and focuses on fixing roads, keeping our communities safe, making life more affordable, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed. In response to Bollins announcement, Tracy Wimmer, spokesperson for the House Democratic Caucus, said, we would have loved to have read this in June. Messages seeking comment from Senate Democrats were not immediately returned. The mention of the roads plan was a signal that the House may be ready to move on with its budget plan without seeing the Senates roads plan first, as the upper chamber has yet to release its approach to funding roads in the coming fiscal year and beyond. Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks said last week that the Senate needed to see the Houses full budget before it could start nailing down a funding fix to the looming road repair cliff. The House moving its plan forward could mean the Senates roads plan might be imminent, as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Whitmer has been playing harder ball to get both sides to an agreement on roads, noting in a recent press conference that no state budget plan was complete without funding for roads. On Tuesday, the governors office released the results of a constituent survey on roads, which showed residents wanted a comprehensive and bipartisan plan. The continued kicks in the rear from the executive office could also help break the gridlock. A majority of Michiganders want safe, reliable roads so they can go to work, drop their kids off at school, and run errands without blowing a tire or cracking an axle, Whitmer said in a statement. While people acknowledged the progress weve made over the last five years, they also shared hundreds of stories about how much poor road conditions cost them and how much safer they would feel if we kept our foot on the accelerator. Weve fixed a lot of major roads since I took office, but our work is not over. Among several questions, the one geared toward the Legislatures role in moving a roads plan forward saw 72% of participants say a bipartisan deal was very important to them, while 17% said it was somewhat important and another 3% saying it was not important at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whitmers office did not immediately respond to questions from Michigan Advance on the number of residents polled in the governors survey and in what areas of the state residents were polled. In another new poll conducted by Glengariff Group, Michigan residents of all political strips were frustrated that the Legislature failed to pass and complete a negotiated schools budget by the July 1 deadline. Of the participants in the Glengariff poll, 83% said they support the Legislatures self-imposed July 1 statutory deadline and 89% said that a budget must be completed now before school starts after Labor Day. Another 74% of participants said voters would choose to have public school funding fleshed out before a roads funding plan, and 89% of participants ranked school funding as their top priority for the Legislature. While the blame game continues, nearly two-thirds of participants in the Glengariff poll said they would blame everyone the House, the Senate and the governor if the crisis veers into a government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A total of 600 likely Michigan voters were polled by Glengariff on behalf of The K-12 Alliance of Michigan, with a relatively equal number of Democrats and Republicans but fewer independent voters. The poll had a 4% margin of error with 95% confidence level. Robert McCann, the alliances executive director, said the voters message to the Legislature was clear. Do your job and pass a school budget immediately that puts every single dollar where it belongs investing in our K-12 classrooms and kids, McCann said in a statement. This stalemate exists because too many in Lansing still view the School Aid Fund as a piggy bank to raid for other projects. Voters could not disagree more. Public school funding must be treated as the top priority inside the Capitol just as it clearly is for families across Michigan. Anything less ignores the clear will of Michigan voters. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE FBI Director Kash Patel said 380 people have been arrested in Washington, D.C., since President Donald Trump federalized the local police department and sent hundreds of federal law enforcement to the district. The FBI is one of several agencies assisting in the federal takeover. More than 1,000 National Guard troops have been mobilized in the district. Patel said the 29 arrests made by FBI agents on Sunday evening involved seven drug seizures, four firearm seizures, and charges for DUIs, drug offenses, assault, destruction of property, and other crimes. Attorney General Pam Bondi celebrated the arrests, saying, "We are not slowing down." The DC Police Union, which has supported the federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department, said that over the past week, robberies were down 46%, carjackings were down 83%, violent crime was down 22%, and overall crime was down 8%. The Washington Examiner could not independently verify these numbers, and the union did not respond to a request for comment. Featured Local Savings The White House said Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia are sending National Guard reinforcements, bringing the total officers on duty in the district to 1,500. Trump has said that the district's fake crime statistics remain a problem as of Monday. MPD has been criticized in the past for how it reports crime statistics because it does not include unreported crimes and has been accused of recategorizing crimes. However, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser has maintained that crime in the district has decreased from its post-pandemic peak in 2023 and is continuing to trend downward. District residents have been protesting federal law enforcements presence. "Free DC" chants were heard during the Washington Spirit's match at Audi Field on Friday. Bowser said in a Friday email to her constituents that the district is in "crisis" and commended residents for coming together. "I know that if we keep sticking together, we will make it to the other side of this," she said. "We will show the entire nation what it looks like to fight for American democracy even when we don't have full access to it." With the colder months approaching, Michiganders can save money on their heating costs by claiming a tax credit. Eligible homeowners and renters have until Sept. 30 to apply for the home heating credit. The average qualifying household received $180 last year, according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). That aid was most often applied to utility bills, while some energy providers offered a credit up to $20 a month. The Home Heating Credit is a use it or lose it benefit, so MDHHS is encouraging Michiganders to claim their credit by the Sept. 30 deadline. The Home Heating Credit does more than just lower your utility bill. It can also unlock additional support, like monthly energy discounts or expanded food assistance. If you qualify, dont wait," said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel in the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The home heating credit helps low-income Michigan families pay a portion of their heating costs. To qualify, residents must meet income eligibilty requirements and either be a renter with a lease or a homeowner. The income limit for one person is $16,586, for instance, and $46,157 for a family of six people. For more information about the criteria, go to bit.ly/4mnvDl3 and michiganfreetaxhelp.org/tax-credits/. To get help claiming the credit, eligible households can use free tax preparation services, available for people with disabilities, those who speak limited English and individuals earning less than $67,000 a year. Call Michigan 2-1-1 or go to MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org. Contact Nushrat Rahman: nrahman@freepress.com. Follow her on X: @NushratR. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: How Michigan renters, homeowners can apply for home heating tax credit An oil derrick stands in front of a smoke plume from the Middle Mesa Fire on Aug. 2. While the blaze threatened dozens of oil and gas wells, none were damaged, and all have since been turned on, according to a Forest Service spokesperson. (Photo courtesy Carson National Forest) A wildfire in Northern New Mexico near the Colorado border is almost completely contained, and the officials in charge of the fire reported this week that all oil and gas wells in the roughly 5,000-acre wildfire perimeter have been turned back on. The Middle Mesa Fire, which lightning ignited Aug. 1, burned through an area of the Carson National Forest, coming within a mile of the Colorado border. By Aug. 8, the blaze threatened 45 oil wells, according to internal incident reports, including 34 with associated infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crews turned all of them off while firefighters fought the blaze and none were destroyed, according to Earl Hidayetoglu, a spokesperson for Carson National Forest. Those were switched back on last week, Hidayetoglu told Source on Monday regarding the wells. And no infrastructure was damaged. The blaze is now 92% contained. As a result, a lower-capacity management team took control of the fire, with members undertaking repair and soil stabilization work, according to the latest update. Another team will soon do burned-area analysis, as well, to analyze areas of high flood and erosion risk due to high wildfire intensity, according to the latest update. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A peak of more than 470 personnel from across the country was assigned to the blaze on Aug. 11. According to official estimates from the National Interagency Fire Center, fighting the fire is expected to cost taxpayers at least $10.5 million. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) The city of Middletown is working to resolve a cybersecurity issue that occurred over the weekend. In a press release, the city said the incident disrupted numerous city functions, prompting a coordinated response from city, local, state and federal officials. Man facing charges after arrest in Springfield Those disruptions include in-person services being halted at the Middletown City Building, which will be in effect for the foreseeable future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During this closure period, no utilities will be shut off due to non-payment, the city said. Utility billing invoices can be paid online through InvoiceCloud (this will incur a credit card charge). Other city departments continue in normal operation though, despite the cybersecurity incident. 911 services remain available. Residents should call 1-513-425-7701 for non-emergency calls. The citys municipal court is operating as normal. Tonights city council meeting is still occurring, but will not be livestreamed. It will be available to watch at a later date. The city said it will continue to provide additional updates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) A Midland man was arrested last week on charges of family violence and felony animal cruelty after authorities said he assaulted his wife during a domestic dispute and then kicked the familys cat before leaving their home. According to an arrest affidavit, deputies with the Midland County Sheriffs Office obtained warrants for 36-year-old Merardo Chapa following an investigation into a disturbance reported earlier that month, on August 3 at a home in Midland County. Investigators said Chapa allegedly came home intoxicated and began yelling, sparking an argument with his wife. During the altercation, Chapa allegedly pushed her down a set of stairs and struck her in the face. The victim told deputies at the scene that when she tried to get up, Chapa grabbed her by the throat and choked her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Body camera footage captured by deputies also included statements from a witness, Chapas daughter, who said she saw her father push her stepmother down the stairs, punch her, and pin her against the wall. Investigators also reviewed video evidence. Security camera footage reportedly showed Chapa kicking his wife in the chest and striking her in the face with a closed fist as she attempted to enter the home. Additional cell phone video provided to deputies captured Chapa leaving the residence and kicking a black cat before driving away in a truck. Deputies photographed the victims injuries, which included redness on her face and scratches on her arms and legs. Based on the evidence and witness accounts, investigators obtained warrants charging Chapa with assault causing bodily injury, family violence, a Class A misdemeanor, and cruelty to non-livestock animals resulting in death or serious bodily injury, a third-degree felony. The animal cruelty charge was filed because investigators said Chapa caused unjustifiable pain or suffering to the cat, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A warrant was then issued for Chapas arrest on August 6, and he was later arrested and booked into the Midland County Detention Center on August 14. Jail records show his charges are pending disposition. He no longer appears on the jail roster, meaning he has since been bonded out on an unknown amount. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. MIFFLINBURG Cherry Will stood on the Hassenplug Covered Bridge in Mifflinburg on Saturday, thinking of her ancestors whose name was given to the historic span two centuries ago. Will was a guest of honor Saturday during the 200th anniversary celebration of the Hassenplug Covered Bridge on North Fourth Street over Buffalo Creek in Mifflinburg. The event was organized by the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania. Its amazing to realize what was done here and how it was kept up, Will, of Cowen, said. Im sure my ancestors would be really amazed at the upkeep and how much it means to so many people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Will, whose great-grandparents were Catherine and Robert Hassenplug, grew up in Union County and graduated from Lewisburg Area High School. She was a sophomore in the high school band when it performed at a 1959 ceremony celebrating renovations to the bridge. Its wonderful to know Mifflinburgs history and hold it dear, Will said. History of the bridge The Hassenplug Covered Bridge, considered the oldest drivable covered bridge in the United States, is an 80-foot-long span built in 1825. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and rehabilitated by the county in 1959 and 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bridge was named for the family who lived in the nearby brick house. It has all wood members secured at the joints with wooden pins and iron bolts. It was patterned after an 1804 design by Theodore Burr, according to county information. With the advent of iron in bridge construction, the Burr trusses were simplified. In 1840, Squire Whipple, of Utica, New York, trussed the arched upper chord with the straight lower chord to form the bowstring truss, according to the county. At the same time, William Howe trussed together the straight upper and lower chords with iron and wood members to form the Truss bearing his name. In 1847, Whipple published a work on bridge building that contained the first analysis of the stresses in truss members and is acknowledged today as the pioneer of modern bridge design, according to the county. To preserve the major portion of the relic, commissioners in 1959 removed the original wood floor system and built a modern steel bridge entirely within the old wooden structure, according to the county. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pride and memories Jim Smedley, the first vice president of the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania Inc., said Pennsylvania has more covered bridges than any other state, with more than 200. Most of those bridges are still drivable. Were pretty proud of that, Smedley said. Since the invention of the automobile, many of the bridges built in the 1800s have had to be reinforced. Mifflinburg Mayor David Cooney said residents have many memories of the Hassenplug Covered Bridge. He recalled hanging out at the bridge as a child. We fished here, Cooney said. We would fish through the grate. The hope was to catch a trout, but not one that was too big to pull up through the square (opening of the grates). Great memories from here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Joe McCarthy, the founder and senior vice president of Lancaster County Timber Frames, said his company was in charge of the work in 2022. It was a pretty monumental repair because we had to do it in place, McCarthy said. When you do it in place, its a lot harder and takes a lot longer to make all the repairs. It was pretty well rotten on both ends. McCarthy said he is glad the bridge was able to be saved. It was really neat to get a chance to work on the oldest bridge you can drive across in Pennsylvania, he said. New historical markers As part of the 200th anniversary, the society and the borough of Mifflinburg installed the two new historical markers at both ends of the bridge. The informational sign on the Mifflinburg side was purchased by The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania at a cost of $2,330. The National Register of Historic Places sign on the other side was provided by a grant of $2,050 to the Burr Society from the Pomeroy Foundation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The informational sign lists the name of the bridge, its length, style, designation in Pennsylvania and the sponsor. It reads Hassenplug Bridge is the oldest historic covered bridge in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the state with more covered bridges than any other state. It is also the oldest covered bridge in the United States that allows both pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Erected in 1825, it underwent rehabilitation in 1959 and 2022, with the latest effort replacing the steel grate floor from 1959 with historically authentic, wide, wood planks. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The other sign reads Hassenplug Bridge has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 by the United States Department of the Interior. It also lists the sponsor. The Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of Pennsylvania is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1959. Its goals are to preserve covered bridges for future generations and to visit and enjoy the covered bridges. The Brief President Donald Trump said he plans to issue an executive order to ban mail-in ballots and voting machines before the 2026 midterm elections. Trump has claimed there was fraud in the 2020 presidential election, election officials say there has been no evidence of this. Experts said only Congress could change federal election law. (FOX 9) - President Donald Trump vowed Monday to lead what he calls "a movement" to eliminate mail-in voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he is working with attorneys on drafting an executive order towards his goal ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Election law experts and Minnesota election officials point to the U.S. Constitution and say a president is not given the authority to change election law. The backstory Trump posted a similar message earlier on Monday on social media and said his reason for this pledge is a matter of election integrity. "We're going to start with an executive order that's being written right now by the best lawyers in the country to end mail-in ballots because they're corrupt," said Trump. How can this be achieved? Fact check An election law expert said only Congress can change how federal elections are run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "States basically operate both the state and federal, but the U.S. government under the Constitution has some authority to be able to regulate the time, place, and manner of federal elections," said David Schultz, political science professor at Hamline University and law professor at University of St. Thomas. "Could Congress pass a law that basically bans mail-in voting for federal elections. The answer is yes. But notice what I said, is that Congress would have to a law to be able to do that. The president cant issue an executive order. Could Congress pass a law that prevents states from using mail-in ballots in their own elections, the answer is no." Local perspective Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon addressed some of Trumps remarks in a statement sent to FOX 9. "The U.S. Constitution gives states full control of the time, place, and manner of elections subject only to action by Congress. A President has no power to grab election authority from states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Americas elections are run largely by local communities. This choice is intentional to ensure that towns, cities, and counties have full control over who represents them. The people who do the work of administering elections are our neighbors and friends, each of whom takes an oath to follow the law, prevent fraud, and conduct their work in a fair and impartial manner. These local election administrators register voters, create ballots, count ballots, and so much more. Once their work is complete on election night, they report the results to our office. Our office never touches a ballot during an election." Simon also responded to Trumps mention of voter fraud. "Every election cycle, everywhere, Minnesota included, youre going to have a very few bad apples who do the wrong thing and engage in some sort of misconduct, but man it is a microscopic level. We know that because we get all the reports, by law, from all of the prosecutors," said Simon. Simon addressed Trumps statement about the prevalence of mail-in voting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Just about the only country in the world that uses it," said Trump. "There are dozens of countries around the world from Japan, Australia, New Zealand, most of Western Europe that use and have the option of mail in balloting," said Simon. Secretary Simon also responded to Trumps concerns about voting machines. Simon said electronic tabulating equipment gets certified by both state and federal authorities and is more accurate than hand counting. Plus, in Minnesota, paper ballots are used to check the accuracy of machine results, and paper ballots are kept for two years after every election. What they're saying Donna Bergstrom, Deputy Chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota sent FOX 9 this statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "President Trump is right to shine a spotlight on the flaws and vulnerabilities of mail-in voting. Election integrity is the foundation of our representative democracy, and Minnesotans deserve to know that their vote is secure and accurately counted. Even Democrats like Amy Klobuchar and Angie Craig have admitted Minnesotas mail system is unreliableyou cant even depend on getting your electric bill on time, so why would we turn the integrity of our elections over to that same broken system? "At the same time, we recognize that in a few remote areas of Minnesota, mail-in ballots are the only option because of the distance from polling places, and as a retired United States Marine, I know that our military members deserve access to voting and sometimes this is their only option. But those are specialized exceptions." The other side In response to Trumps comments on mail-in ballots, Senator Amy Klobuchar (DFL-Minnesota) posted a statement on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mail-in voting is safe and secure, which is why President Trump and Republicans in Congress have repeatedly endorsed it. Elections are run by the states, not the president. We will stand up to any attempt to undermine our democracy." The Source Minnesota Secretary of State, Political Science and Law professor, President Donald Trump, Republican Party of Minnesota, FOX News, and the Associated Press. ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Minnesota on Tuesday joined a wave of states suing TikTok, alleging the social media giant preys on young people with addictive algorithms that trap them into becoming compulsive consumers of its short videos. This isnt about free speech. Im sure theyre gonna holler that," Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said at a news conference. "Its actually about deception, manipulation, misrepresentation. This is about a company knowing the dangers, and the dangerous effects of its product, but making and taking no steps to mitigate those harms or inform users of the risks. The lawsuit, filed in state court, alleges that TikTok is violating Minnesota laws against deceptive trade practices and consumer fraud. It follows a flurry of lawsuits filed by more than a dozen states last year alleging the popular short-form video app is designed to be addictive to kids and harms their mental health. Minnesota's case brings the total to about 24 states, Ellison's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the earlier lawsuits stemmed from a nationwide investigation into TikTok launched in 2022 by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from 14 states into the effects of TikTok on young users mental health. Ellison, a Democrat, said Minnesota waited while it did its own investigation. Sean Padden, a middle-school health teacher in the Roseville Area school district, joined Ellison, saying he has witnessed a correlation between increased TikTok use and an irrefutable spike in student mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, anger, lowered self-esteem and a decrease in attention spans as they seek out the quick gratification that its short videos offer. The lawsuit comes while President Donald Trump is still trying to broker a deal to bring the social media platform, which is owned by Chinas ByteDance, under American ownership over concerns about the data security of its 170 million American users. While Trump campaigned on banning TikTok, he also gained more than 15 million followers on the platform since he started sharing videos on it. No matter who ultimately owns TikTok, Ellison said, it must comply with the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok disputed Minnesota's allegations. This lawsuit is based on misleading and inaccurate claims that fail to recognize the robust safety measures TikTok has voluntarily implemented to support the well-being of our community," company spokesperson Nathaniel Brown said in a statement. "Teen accounts on TikTok come with 50+ features and settings designed to help young people safely express themselves, discover and learn. "Through our Family Pairing tool, parents can view or customize 20+ content and privacy settings, including screen time, content filters, and our time away feature to pause a teens access to our app, Brown added. Minnesota is seeking a declaration that TikTok's practices are deceptive, unfair or unconscionable under state law, a permanent injunction against those practices, and up to $25,000 for each instance in which a Minnesota child has accessed TikTok. Ellison wouldn't put a total on that but said, it's a lot. He estimated that hundreds of thousands of Minnesota kids have TikTok on their devices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not trying to shut them down, but we are insisting that they clean up their act, Ellison said. There are legitimate uses of products like TikTok. But like all things, they have to be used properly and safely. Minnesota is also among dozens of U.S. states that have sued Meta Platforms for allegedly building features into Instagram and Facebook that addict people. The messaging service Snapchat and the gaming platform Roblox are also facing lawsuits by some other states alleging harm to kids. Harborcreek Township's Kelly Barrett is taking to the national stage for a chance to become Miss Wheelchair America 2026. Barrett, 36, the reigning Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania, is running on a platform that advocates for improving home and community-based services for all. "Miss Wheelchair America competition brings women from across the nation that use wheelchairs 100 percent of the time in the community that are focusing on advocacy, education and leadership," Barrett said. Kelly Barrett, 36, lives in Harborcreek and is the reigning Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania. Barrett is running for Miss Wheelchair America. Barrett before Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania Born and raised in Maryland near Washington, D.C., Barrett was born with cerebal palsy quadriplegia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Basically my brain doesnt communicate the right way to my muscles," Barrett said. "I cant do the things I want to do every day." She moved to the Erie area in 2016 in order to attend then-Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Master's Degree in social work. She is a licensed social worker in the state of Pennsylvania. More: Erie's Haley Poe will contend for world crown in pageant that promotes conservation During her time at Edinboro, Barrett had an internship with Voices for Independence, a role that served as the gateway to a career and led Barrett to move to Harborcreek in 2018. Barrett becomes Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania Thanks to her friend Christine Vasui, Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania 2024, Barrett was convinced to enter the Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania competition this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We worked together and she was bugging me for a while to get involved," Barrett said. "At the time I didnt think it was for me, but I signed up this past year and went to competition only to come back home a winner." As Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania, Barrett has met with legislators at the Capitol in Harrisburg about the need for increased funding for home and community services for individuals with disabilities. "Thats where Pennsylvania is struggling right now," Barrett said. "Previously the governor had allocated an increase in his budget for people who use person-directed services through a service. The majority of consumers use a tepid care in Pennsylvania for people who use agencies and he did not allocate a budget increase to agencies or directive care. Im trying to even the playing field on the funding because caregivers do an important job." Without her caregivers, Barrett believes she would not be living on her own. She said caregivers are not paid enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another point of advocacy for Barrett was when she went back to her roots in Maryland to speak at a summer camp that she grew up with to attend the staff training and share her story how said camp impacted her life. "Being Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania ... its pushed me to talk to people that I wouldnt talk to normally," Barrett said. "I struggle with social anxiety in addition to my physical disability. But being Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania is something that you cant really be shy about. At the toughest times, when I havent felt at my best, it reminds me of why Im doing what Im doing." Attending the Miss Wheelchair America competition Barrett headed to Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Aug. 18 to compete for the title of Miss Wheelchair America. She will spend a week doing panel interviews, expos and speaking about her platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Facebook followers can vote for Barrett until Aug. 22 through the peoples choice element. The competition and crowning is scheduled to be livestreamed through the Mary Freebed Rehabilitation Hospital page. Shedding light on life with cerebral palsy and disabilities Throughout her life and her time as Miss Wheelchair Pennsylvania, Barrett said she has battled stereotypes when it comes to understanding disabilities. "I think that theres a lot of assumptions with people who have disabilities and that were not contributing to society like everyone else, or that were not educated or well spoken," Barrett said. The Miss Wheelchair America competition helps Barrett and other contestants put those fallacies to rest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "People often assume that I don't have had a quality education, but I have a Master's degree and a bachelor's," Barrett said. "They think that I dont work, but I pay my own bills. I even use a van that OVR (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation) helped me with modifications. Everything that is happening in my life is something that Ive made happen." Barrett does not dismiss her support, however. She credits certain people in her life including her caregivers. What's Barrett's advice to anyone with a disability? For anyone living with a disability, Barrett has some words of encouragement. More: Thousands of VA workers in Pa. affected by agency's union contracts termination Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You really have to love yourself and be proud of who you are," Barrett said. "Our disability is part of our lives, but it doesnt define who we are. Its an important part of our lives, but I think everyone with a disability can find a special gift that they can give to the world. Keep rolling forward and doing what you do because you are capable of doing amazing things." Contact Nicholas Sorensen at nsorensen@gannett.com. (This story has been updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.) This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: What to know about Miss Wheel Chair America contestant Kelly Barrett NEED TO KNOW Authorities searching for a missing 7-month-old California boy claim his mother has provided "inconsistent" statements to investigators As the search continues for Emmanuel Haro, who was last seen on Thursday, Aug. 14, a new report states the boy's father, Jake Haro, has a prior conviction for child cruelty Investigators with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department have served several search warrants at the Haro home Authorities searching for a missing 7-month-old boy claim his mother has provided "inconsistent" statements to investigators while his father has a prior conviction for child cruelty. Emmanuel Haro was last seen in the parking lot of a store on Yucaipa Boulevard in California on Thursday, Aug. 14, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. Rebecca Haro, the baby's mom, allegedly told police that she was attacked before her child was kidnapped at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebecca, who was seen with a black eye, told ABC 7 Eyewitness News, I got him out of the car seat, and I laid him down so I can get his diaper ready ... all I remember, I saw white ... I fell on the floor, and as soon as I got up, I couldn't find my son. An Amber Alert wasnt issued in this case, as no descriptions of the suspect or vehicle were provided, per KTLA. Also, no security footage was found in the area where Emmanuel disappeared. The sheriff's department said in a statement they have since "worked around the clock" to find the boy and even used K9 scent-tracking dogs but neither the boy nor a suspect has been found. Investigators later said they found inconsistencies in a statement made by Rebecca and have not ruled out foul play. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Investigators interviewed multiple individuals, including Emmanuels parents Jake and Rebecca Haro, the SBCSD said in a news release. During those interviews, Rebecca was confronted with inconsistencies in her initial statement and declined to continue with the interview." According to The Orange County Register, court records show Jake Haro, the boy's father, was convicted of child cruelty. The conviction is related to injuries sustained in 2018 by Jake's then 10-week-old daughter, whom he shares with his previous wife Vanessa Avina. Both pleaded guilty to the charge in 2023, the outlet reported. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. In an update on Monday, Aug. 18, the SBCSD said "investigators have conducted extensive searches in Yucaipa and Cabazon, looking for Emmanuel and any evidence that might lead to his location and circumstances surrounding his disappearance. " Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They added that investigators have served "several search warrants" at the Haro home. "Additionally, a large amount of surveillance video has been obtained from areas of interest and are being reviewed," the release states. Read the original article on People Melania Trump made her mark at her husbands Ukrainian peace meetings without actually being present at all. The first lady was thanked in a separate X post from Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday night after several references to the 55-year-old absentee during Trumps meeting with the Ukrainian president and a number of European leaders. Melanias involvement in the peace talks began over the weekend, when the Slovenian-born first lady wrote a personal letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The note was hand-delivered by Donald Trump on Saturday. The emotionally charged letter centered on the Ukrainian and Russian children who have been drawn into the ongoing war between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the letter did not directly address the war, it stated that, 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. It also asked Putin to restore their melodic laughter. First lady Melania Trump departs the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump on July 11, 2025. / Win McNamee / Getty Images Then, on Monday, in an unexpected plot twist, Zelensky delivered a letter his wife, Olena Zelenska, had written to Melania. During his meeting with Trump, Zelensky referenced Melanias letter. Many thanks to your wife, the first lady of the United States, Zelensky told Trump. She signed a letter to Putin about our children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then handed it to Trump, before noting, Its not to you, its to your wife, a sensitive topic. Oh, I want it, Trump said with a smile. The White House flagged the issue of Russian soldiers kidnapping 20,000 Ukrainian children during the war last week, saying it remains a concern for President Trump as he headed into the summit with Putin on Friday. Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 18, 2025. / ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images After his meeting on Monday, Zelensky directly thanked Melania for her attention to one of the most painful and difficult issues of this war, the Ukrainian children who have been abducted by Russia. We deeply appreciate her compassion and her letter to Putin, the president said in a lengthy post on X. This issue lies at the heart of the wars humanitarian tragedy our children, broken families, the pain of separation. At least 20,000 children were taken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky said of Melania, Her voice matters, and her care gives strength to this cause. We are working tirelessly to bring every child home. President Zelensky praises Melania Trump on his X account. / X Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha hailed Melanias behind-the -scenes input after Trumps summit with Putin, saying Zelensky had conveyed his gratitude... for her sincere attention and efforts to bring forcibly deported Ukrainian kids back. This is a true act of humanism. Trump also posted on Truth Social after his meetings Monday, adding that he had discussed the massive worldwide problem of missing children with Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission. This is, likewise, a big subject with my wife, Melania. It is a subject at the top of all lists, and the World will work together to solve it, hopefully bringing them home to their families! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On her X account, von der Leyen replied to Trumps post: The human cost of this war must end. And that means every single Ukrainian child abducted by Russia must be returned to their families. She thanked Donald Trump for his clear commitment today to ensuring these children are reunited with their loved ones. US President Donald Trump shakes hands with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. / BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images Earlier Monday, Trump said the love of their teenage son Barron led to Melania getting involved in the European summit, even from afar. Shes got a great love of children, she has a wonderful son that she loves probably more than anybody, including meI hate to say it, he told reporters in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But she loves her son, she loves children, and she hates to see something like this happening. Helping children has been a passion project of the first lady. One of her rare public appearances this year was at the White House in May for the signing of the Take It Down Act, to protect children from online exploitation. AI and social media are the digital candy for the next generation, sweet addictive and engineered to have an impact on the cognitive development of our children, Melania said at the time. But unlike sugar, these new technologies can be weaponized, shape beliefs and, sadly, affect emotions and even be deadly. Another Melania Trump program, Be Best, is aimed at steering children away from abusing social media and opioids. The Daily Beast has contacted the White House for comment. President Donald Trump slammed MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace and her bad ratings, predicting her network could cut ties with her soon. Wallace, the host of MSNBCs Deadline: White House, criticized Trumps meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, saying it showed that Trump was not in control of anything. She also said Putin was the alpha all day long, and greatly criticized how Trump gave Putin a red carpet treatment for the meeting. She is a loser, with bad ratings, who was already thrown off of The View. She will be fired soon! MSNBC IS DEAD! Trump wrote on Truth Social Sunday. Trumps declaration against MSNBC was followed by the network announcing a rebrand on Monday. The network will be titled MS NOW, an acronym for My Source News Opinion World, later this year. Featured Local Savings TRUMP SAYS DC IS GETTING BETTER WHILE DECRYING FAKE CRIME NUMBERS Trump is no stranger to celebrating his media critics getting ousted from networks. In late February, the president took a victory lap over ex-MSNBC host Joy Reids show The ReidOut getting canceled, calling her an obnoxious racist. Trump also celebrated late-night host Stephen Colbert, another frequent critic of the president, getting his show axed last month. He predicted other comedians like Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon would also have the plugs pulled on their respective shows. The thousands of Ukrainian children missing or who have been forcibly displaced by Russian forces in the course of the war were brought to the forefront of ceasefire talks after first lady Melania Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin that it is time to consider their well-being. The Ukrainian government said nearly 20,000 children have been deported or forcibly displaced by Russian forces since the start of the war in 2022. Just 1,509 children have been returned to Ukraine, The Children of War tracker said. The tracker showed other statistics including children who have been killed, wounded, or sexually abused throughout the course of the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab, more than 8,400 Ukrainian children have been systematically relocated to facilities in Belarus and Russia for a re-education process that is characterized as disconnecting children from their Ukrainian identities through adoption. Ahead of President Donald Trumps summit last Friday with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, the Atlantic Council called on Trump to speak with Putin about the abducted children and said it would be difficult to imagine lasting peace could happen without the kids returning to Ukraine. While the details surrounding the three-hour, closed-door conversation between Trump and Putin were not made entirely available, it was later revealed that the first lady penned a letter to Putin in which she raised the issue of childrens well-being. The letter was a rare act by an American official directed at the leader of Russia. The first lady asked Putin to protect the innocence of children as the efforts to end the war in Europe continue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone you serve humanity itself, the first lady wrote in the letter, shared online. 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. A child waits in a yard after Russia's missile hit the country's main children hospital Okhmadit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, July 8, 2024. The daytime barrage targeted five Ukrainian cities with more than 40 missiles of different types hitting apartment buildings and public infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media. | Anton Shtuka Trump delivered his wifes letter to Putin during the meeting. After the meeting, Trump and Putin revealed little of what progress was made and did not take questions from the press. Trump said it was a productive meeting and they agreed on some things but not others. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly conveyed his gratitude to the first lady on his call with Trump over the weekend, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy and other European leaders then made their way to Washington to meet with Trump on Monday, the first time the Ukrainian leader was back in the Oval Office since an explosive meeting with Trump in February. The Ukrainian leader opened his televised remarks to Trump by thanking the first lady for her call to protect children. He shared that his wife, Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska, had written her American counterpart a letter of gratitude. Using this opportunity, many thanks to your wife, first lady of the United States, she sent a letter to Putin about our children, Zelenskyy said. Trump was asked by a member of the press about his wifes letter to Putin, and he replied that she has a great love of children and she very openly, very proudly wants to see the war end. Von der Leyen: Talks advancing on returning abducted children Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, shared thoughts on X on Tuesday after the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Washington, D.C., talks advanced on strong security guarantees for Ukraine, ending the bloodshed, sanctions and the return of the abducted children, she wrote. Our work and close cooperation continues. Following the meeting, Trump said he spoke with Putin and was pushing for a one-on-one meeting with Putin and Zelenskyy. After the two leaders meet, then a trilateral meeting with Trump present will occur, he said. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years, Trump said on Truth Social. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) The San Francisco Police Department is seeking the communitys help in locating a week-old baby girl who it says is at high risk of being neglected. The at-risk infant was last seen Monday with her mother, 33-year-old Kenisha Davis, while they exited the Target store located on Geary Boulevard and Masonic Avenue in the Anza Vista neighborhood. Kenisha Davis, the mother of the missing infant. (Photo: San Francisco Police Department) Anyone who sees Davis or has information about the infants whereabouts should immediately call 911, SFPD said. Authorities said Child Protective Services is assisting in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police released a photo of Davis, which is embedded above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Aug. 18A Colorado man on a mission to walk about 3,180 miles, from top to bottom of the continental United States, spent the night in his self-made wagon-style camper Friday, Aug. 15, in Rock Falls. Tim Hickle of Denver started his journey June 8 in Angle Inlet, Minnesota, pulling a 7-foot-by-2-foot, 130-pound camper behind him. His goal is to walk 16 miles a day on bike trails and county roads, and to reach Key West, Florida, in late February 2026, Hickle told Shaw Local. Hickle decided to make the trip about four years ago when he was searching for things to do after he retired in May 2025. He found a guy online who walked from Chicago to Los Angeles on Route 66, then started researching long-distance walking and learned that he would need to bring some type of wagon, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hickle said he thought, "If I need a wagon, why do I need a tent?" ExpandAutoplay Image 1 of 7 Tim Hickle is making a trek from top to bottom across America. Sticking to trails, paths and county roads, Hickle made a stop at Crystal Lake Campground in Rock Falls on Friday, August 15, 2025. (Alex T. Paschal) In winter 2021, he built his first camper, but found that it was too wide. He then built the camper he's using now, which is made of corrugated plastic, the same material as a yard sign, and roofing tape. Inside, there's enough room to lay down and sit up comfortably. He stores food, water, clothes and other equipment underneath. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's quiet spacious," Hickle said of the 14-square-foot bedroom. To prepare for the walk across the county, Hickle started going on walks and gradually increased the distance. He first did over 100 miles in Colorado, then about 200 miles in Nebraska and then about 300 miles in South Dakota, he said. Hickle "learned a lot in the course of this," including the best and worst types of footwear. On one of his early walks, Hickle said, he "cooked my feet inside my shoes", so much so that the "soles of my feet peeled off." Now he wears trail running shoes that have a large toe box and are a size up from the shoes he normally wears because his foot gets bigger while walking 18 miles in a day, Hickle said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He's also learned that he can't change the weather, but can change his attitude about the weather. Especially in the high heat of Illinois, "I believe you just get used to it," he said. But it does beat the pouring rain he experienced in Monroe, Wisconsin. On Aug. 9 and 10, Wisconsin had severe flash flooding that impacted Milwaukee and surrounding areas, according to the National Weather Service. Prior to that, Hickle had another severe weather experience walking through straight-line winds of 90-110 miles per hour, he said. It was "really a frightening experience," Hickle said. Photo illustration by Getty Images. The American Civil Liberties Union of Montana argued that Montanas system for issuing drivers licenses intentionally sets up a hurdle that discriminates against nonbinary and transgender residents a topic of repeated court cases for several years. On Tuesday, the ACLU of Montana told Missoula County District Court Judge Shane Vannatta that the states motor vehicle application leaves only two choices, male and female, forcing nonbinary or transgender residents to lie on forms in order to get a drivers license. Furthermore, attorneys for ACLU argued that Montana statute doesnt even require the information for licensing drivers, so the requirement just creates a hurdle and an opportunity to discriminate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, attorneys for the State of Montana argued that the drivers license application form specifically says there are no legal consequences for answering the question incorrectly, therefore the state doesnt even have the power to discriminate based on gender or sex. Instead, attorneys for the state say that the case of plaintiff M.B. is really a straightforward case of a resident not completing an application. Vannatta is hearing the case as the ACLU has appealed the Human Rights Commission decision that overturned a hearing officers finding that the state had discriminated. The commission said it overturned the officers decision because it believed the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles had correctly determined the form was not filled out properly. In Montana, those decisions can be appealed to the district court. The ACLU says that form and the decision violate the Montana Constitutions equal protection provision. The case stems from M.B., the unnamed Montanan the ACLU is representing. M.B. identifies as nonbinary, and when it came it to filling out forms for a drivers license, the choices were male and female. M.B. disclosed an NB presumably for nonbinary but state officials claim that by not completing the form, they were within their authority to not issue a license. Attorneys for the State of Montana argued in court that the form also includes a disclaimer that says residents cannot be punished for checking the incorrect sex form. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alex Rate, legal director for the ACLU of Montana, said that it boils down to equal protection of the laws: A cisgender person can get a license, but a nonbinary person cannot even though the courts in Montana have repeatedly recognized that the binary male or female designations are insufficient. Its impossible to discriminate based on gender and not violate the Montana Human Rights Act, Rate said. It simply cannot be the case that these laws violate the constitution, but can be allowed under state law. Rate also said a close reading of Montana state laws shows that gender identification is not required as information that needs to be collected for a drivers license. What the state is saying, is that you have to be assigned male or female at birth in order to be eligible for a drivers license, Rate said. And the state is arguing that because the person is neither, that the Montana Human Rights Act does not protect that person? Thats absurd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Assistant Attorney General Alwyn Lansing said the case has been incorrectly characterized. Instead, it boils down to a person not filling out the forms, meaning the state could not issue a drivers license, Lansing argued. Lansing pointed out that the state specifically outlines that there is no penalty for answering the gender question incorrectly on the drivers license application. It is impossible for the state to discriminate based on sex because there is no penalty for answering incorrectly, she said. The Montana Department of Motor Vehicles couldnt process the application because M.B. didnt complete the form. As an analogy, Lansing said that other government agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration, wont process forms unless theyre completed, so an agency like the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles should have the same flexibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forms are a part of life, and failure to fill them out means that you risk not getting the benefits, Lansing said. If you argue that the boxes do not matter, why include it? Vannatta asked. How does sex qualify a person to drive a vehicle? Lansing answered that decision was a philosophical one as well as the prerogative of the Legislature. That was a theme that Rate continued through closing arguments. Why put it on an application if it serves no purpose, Rate asked. Why erect that hurdle? He also pointed out that his client, M.B., also wrote NB on the form, but it was not an option and neither box was checked . The MVD could have changed the system. It had options available for eliminating the prompt, Rate said. Remember that sex is not statutorily required for a drivers license. Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The Trump administration has tapped Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to be the new co-deputy director of the FBI. Bailey, a staunch President Donald Trump ally, announced his resignation Monday as Missouri's attorney general, effective Sept. 8, in order to take on the new position. "My life has been defined by a call to service, and I am once again answering that call, this time at the national level," he said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I extend my deepest gratitude to President Trump and U.S. Attorney General [Pam] Bondi for the privilege to join in their stated mission to Make America Safe Again." Bailey will be joining Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent-turned right-wing podcaster, as co-deputy director of the FBI, under FBI Director Kash Patel. "Welcome," Bongino said online in response to Bailey's appointment. "Let's get after it," Patel added. Bondi said in a statement that she was "thrilled" to welcome Bailey to the FBI. "His leadership and commitment to country will be a tremendous asset as we work together to advance President Trump's mission," she said. "While we know this is undoubtedly a great loss for Missouri, it is a tremendous gain for America." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The appointment of Bailey as co-deputy director raises questions about the future of Bongino at the department as the known conspiracy theorist got into an argument with the attorney general seemingly over not releasing files related to the case of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died in a Manhattan jail from an apparent suicide while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Bondi's handling of the files allegedly caused Bongino to contemplate resigning from the FBI. Bailey, a Republican, was sworn in as the 44th attorney general for Missouri on Jan. 3, 2023. Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe has announced a Tuesday 10 a.m. CDT press conference in which he will name Bailey's replacement. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican who has been an ardent backer of President Donald Trump, said Monday that he is resigning to take a leadership position at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The move is the latest in a series of changes at the FBI under Director Kash Patel. Numerous senior officials, including top agents in charge of big-city field offices, have been pushed out of their jobs, and Justice Department officials have sought the names of agents who participated in investigations related to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Bailey said he is stepping down effective Sept. 8 to serve as the FBI's co-deputy director, alongside Dan Bongino. Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe is to announce a new appointee as attorney general on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My life has been defined by a call to service, and I am once again answering that call, this time at the national level, Bailey said in a statement. In a little over two-and-a-half years in the job, Bailey pursued numerous lawsuits challenging former President Joe Biden's administration on an array of policies, including immigration actions,student loan forgiveness,environmental rules,gun safety initiatives and transgender rights measures. He also threatened legal action against private gyms over bathroom policies, demanded that public schools ban drag shows and sued New York state, claiming that Trumps 2024 hush money criminal trial was overt meddling in the 2024 election that limited Missouri voters information. Most recently, Bailey's office has defended the states anti-abortion regulations in the face of a voter-approved constitutional amendment establishing a state right to abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Baileys office won a $24.5 billion award against China for the COVID-19 pandemic in a case that originally was filed by his predecessor, Eric Schmitt, who won election to the U.S. Senate in 2022. Bailey was serving as general counsel to Republican Gov. Mike Parson when his boss appointed him to replace Schmitt. An Army veteran, Bailey won a full four-year term as attorney general last November. By Jasper Ward and Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration has named Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to a new post of co-deputy director of the FBI alongside Dan Bongino. Bongino, who shared the report on X with the caption "Welcome," clashed with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi last month over the Justice Department's handling of the investigation into the death of accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged clientele. At the time, Semafor reported that Bongino considered resigning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, FBI Director Kash Patel said Bailey would be an "integral part" of the agency's mission. Bondi said in a statement that she was "thrilled" to welcome Bailey. "He has served as a distinguished attorney general for Missouri and is a decorated war veteran, bringing expertise and dedication to service," she said. The appointment was first reported by Fox News Digital. The office of Missouri's attorney general said Bailey will resign from his role effective September 8. Bailey on Monday said that serving as the state's attorney general, a role he has held since 2023, has been "a humbling privilege." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Co-Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I extend my deepest gratitude to President Trump and U.S. Attorney General Bondi for the privilege to join in their stated mission to Make America Safe Again," he said. Bailey was floated to serve as U.S. attorney general in Trump's second administration but not selected. (Reporting by Jasper Ward; Editing by Leslie Adler and Michael Perry) Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is joining the Justice Department as the co-deputy director of the FBI, he announced Monday. Bailey is set to share duties as deputy FBI director with Dan Bongino, a staunch Trump ally whose future in the role came into question amid clashes over the case of the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Co-Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bailey said in a statement. I extend my deepest gratitude to President Trump and U.S. Attorney General Bondi for the privilege to join in their stated mission to Make America Safe Again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bailey was appointed Missouri attorney general in 2022 to replace Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), who left the post to serve in the Senate. Bailey won a full term as attorney general last November. Bailey has positioned himself as staunchly pro-Trump, including by defending the president amid his slew of indictments and legal problems in 2023 and 2024. He joins the FBI at a time when the agencys leadership has been at the center of debate over releasing more information related to Epstein. The Justice Department and FBI issued a joint memo last month that stated Epstein did not have a client list and confirmed he died by suicide in his New York City jail cell in 2019. The findings incensed members of the MAGA movement, who have for years pushed conspiracy theories about Epsteins death and claims that prominent Democrats would be named on a client list. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bongino was furious over the handling of the Epstein documents and clashed with Justice Department leaders, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, over the issue. Bongino, a former law enforcement officer turned podcast host, reportedly did not show up to work for a few days amid the uproar. Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel have in recent weeks refocused their attention on efforts to crack down on crime, including in Washington, D.C. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Students are back in the classroom at Springfield Public Schools, but before learning could start for the day, many students needed to be dropped off by their parents. One family dropping off students at Boyd Elementary has just moved to the area from Colorado. They say the first drop-off in a new area can bring some mixed emotions. Rares Golea was dropping off his kids in fourth and fifth grade on Tuesday morning. Golea says they live close enough to walk in the mornings and once the school day is over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golea thinks he and his wife might be more excited for the first day than their kids because they are looking forward to being part of a new district and city. I wish I could be in there with them just to experience the school, since its a brand new building. Its just so exciting, you know, so many new features, Golea said. Were just truly excited and we cannot wait, really, to see what the new year is going to bring. First-time teacher excited to get started Along with the excitement comes the reality that their kids are growing up. For us as parents, obviously, the biggest feeling is where were not ready. Moving the kids through every grade is kind of shows us that theyre growing, Golea said. So just some mixed feelings there of happiness and some sadness that our kids are no longer the little ones like they used to be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As this is the first week back, there will likely be traffic impacts from carlines and students walking to school. SPS Superintendent Granita Lathan is encouraging drivers to watch out for kids and take it slow, especially while families are adjusting during this first week of school. Slow down and just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to their travel time. But most importantly, slow down, Dr. Lathan said. Watch for children. We know children sometimes will not follow the path that they should follow. So to slow down, be patient and be cautious. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. In the first series of Building Soul with Thomas Heatherwick (Radio 4, Monday), the British designer had an alarming theory. Modern architecture in British cities isnt merely bland and monotonous and alienating, its dangerous too. Swathes of urban areas being transformed into homogenous, rectangular, glass-filled deserts rots the very fabric of society, makes us physically ill and, just maybe, can cause wars. Our buildings are killing us. It was ear-catching stuff and, if youre anything like me, completely persuasive cities worldwide are being rapidly flipped into soulless mini-Dubais. Next time youre in a foreign city, head to the newest part of town. It could be Rotterdam or anywhere, etc. Having converted me to his cause, Heatherwick has returned with a new series with a radical solution. Out with the Nimbies and the Yimbies what we need are Pabbimbies (tortured acronym, authors own). Pabbimbies (people against boring buildings in my back yard) are Heatherwicks secret weapon in what he calls Britains blandemic. Once again, I was persuaded. In 2025, no building project can be undertaken without its environmental impact being taken into consideration. Developers have had to go green, because the Government has demanded it. And the Government has demanded it because we, the people, have decided its important. Can we do the same with beauty or, to borrow a Heatherwick phrase, interestingness? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heatherwick tried to get to the bottom of who was to blame for this blandemic, but found a thoroughly modern and thoroughly depressing unvirtuous circle. Its not the politicians or the city planners or the developers or the architects who are to blame, its all of them. And none of them. Each feel powerless while thinking of the others as all-powerful. Adam Curtis, whose latest documentary series focused on how disenfranchised British people have become, would have nodded along approvingly. Yet the British people can mobilise when it comes to buildings. We campaign to save them, we renovate them, we adore them, we travel hundreds of miles to look at them, we pay annual subscriptions to organisations that exist to prop them up. We just need to take this energy, which we seem to reserve for old buildings, and channel it into new buildings. We revere our architectural past, we should demand a say in our architectural future. Peter Barbours housing project Edgewood Mews, in Finchley, was described as a gift to humanity by house renovator Kevin McCloud - PBA It matters too. In a chat with Kevin McCloud, the celebrity house renovator, Heatherwick hit upon something startling and depressing. Discussing Peter Barbours extraordinary Edgewood Mews, a housing project in Finchley, London, that resembles the fortifications of a particularly groovy medieval Spanish town, Heatherwick described it as generous. McCloud agreed. Its a gift to humanity, he said. Once again go and find the newest development near you. Can it be described as generous or a gift to humanity? More likely its miserly and a blight. If youre ever in north London, go to see Edgewood Mews. Its worth the trip. Heatherwick didnt exactly explain how we Pabbimbies should mobilise and rise up against our glass and steel overlords, but there are two episodes left in the series so hopefully our instructions will come. Whats clear is that change wont happen unless we demand it. In France, the architect is seen to not know the value of the sunset, said the architect Kengo Kuma (look up his work now theres interestingness). We can add city planners, politicians and developers to that too. Those of us who do know the value of the sunset cannot allow our urban areas to be dictated by those who do not. Pabbimbies assemble! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Episode one of Building Soul with Thomas Heatherwick is on BBC Sounds now and continues on Mondays on Radio 4 at 9.30am 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. Eric Sondermann is a Colorado-based independent political commentator. He writes regularly for ColoradoPolitics and the Gazette newspapers. Reach him at EWS@EricSondermann.com; follow him at @EricSondermann A call between the leaders of Russia and India affirmed the countries close ties despite Washingtons demands for New Delhi to wean itself off Russian oil. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday thanked his friend, Russias Vladimir Putin, for briefing him on Putins recent meeting with US President Donald Trump. Modi is caught in the geopolitical game of chicken between Washington and Moscow, The Indian Express wrote: India wants Trump to reverse his tariff penalty over its economic ties to Russia, while still maintaining friendly relations with Moscow. Washington is ramping up pressure, with Trumps top trade adviser slamming Indias dependence on Russian energy as opportunistic and deeply corrosive of the worlds efforts to isolate Putins war economy. NEED TO KNOW Amanda Anderson, a mother of four, discovered a small spot on her nose that she thought was dry skin But after several appointments, doctors determined it was actually basal cell carcinoma She underwent surgery to remove the spot and documented her journey online A mother of four thought she just had a bit of dry skin on her nose, months before receiving a shocking diagnosis. Amanda Anderson, 43, from Layton, Utah, first noticed she had a small spot on the side of her nose in January of this year; however, she wasn't initially concerned, as she said her skin often gets dry during the winter months, per SWNS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson ended up getting the spot checked out just to be on the safe side and was given a cream. When the spot came back and started to bleed and scab, Anderson booked another appointment with the doctor, only to be told she didn't have anything to worry about. After having a gut feeling that something was wrong, Anderson went to another medic, who then booked her in for a biopsy in June, before the results came back as basal cell carcinoma on June 23. She was scheduled for surgery three days later to remove the spot. Amanda Anderson / SWNS (2) Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis Per the Mayo Clinic, "Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma begins in the basal cells a type of cell within the skin that produces new skin cells as old ones die off." Amanda Anderson / SWNS Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis "Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin, though it can take other forms. Basal cell carcinoma occurs most often on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as your head and neck," the site adds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anderson has documented her skin cancer journey on TikTok, writing in the caption of one of her videos, "WEAR YOUR SUNSCREEN!!" SWNS Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis "I had a small irritated spot on my nose for 6 months. I finally went into the dermatologist. It wasn't a huge shock to find out it was Basal Cell Carcinoma," she added. "Getting it removed was a HUGE shock. I had no idea what I was getting into!" Anderson wrote, sharing in the clip that she'd had Mohs surgery, and that medics ended up having to do three passes. Amanda Anderson / SWNS Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis She wrote over the video per the AP, "It was sooo much bigger than I was expecting," confirming she had 50 plus stitches. The clip featured multiple images showing Anderson's cancer journey, including her having a hole cut from her nose to remove all the cancer cells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Mayo Clinic describes Mohs surgery as "a procedure used to treat skin cancer," adding, "This surgery involves cutting away thin layers of skin. Each thin layer is looked at closely for signs of cancer. The process keeps going until there are no signs of cancer." "The goal of Mohs surgery is to remove all of the skin cancer without hurting the healthy skin around it. Mohs surgery allows the surgeon to be sure that all the cancer is gone. This makes it more likely that the cancer is cured. It reduces the need for other treatments or more surgery," the site states. SWNS Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis Anderson recalled of her initial symptoms, "It was just a little dry spot on the side of my nose," adding, "With it being the winter it's common to have dry patches. I wasn't super concerned at the beginning," per SWNS. Anderson whose father, Kirk Romney, 66, has also had skin cancer, and has had over 17 Mohs surgeries to remove cancerous cells from his face, neck and shoulders insisted, "When I noticed the spot at first I wasn't too concerned." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's typical to get dry patches because of the weather here in Utah," she added. Amanda Anderson / SWNS Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis Anderson said of receiving the skin cancer diagnosis, "It's hard to hear. It's on my face and as a woman we do everything we can to make sure our faces look as good as possible." "I'm obsessed about sun cream and shade - I have been my whole life," she added. "So it was a bit of a gut punch." Anderson added of doctors removing part of her nose to get the cancer out, "It was about the size of a quarter. They cut above and below the hole and fold the skin over." Amanda Anderson / SWNS Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis Amanda Anderson undergoes surgery after skin cancer diagnosis 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. Anderson, who continues to keep her followers updated regarding her skin cancer journey on TikTok, confirmed she won't need further treatment, but will have to have check-ups every six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said of now wanting to warn others, "The damage is done when you're young. I encourage my daughters to put sun cream on underneath their makeup." "I'm trying to build healthy habits in my kids," Anderson added. "People don't realize you can get sunburnt through the window of a car. We have to take care of our skin like you would your teeth. Skin cancer is so preventable." PEOPLE has reached out to Anderson for an update on her recovery. Read the original article on People PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The three days of swinging good music returns to the Montavilla neighborhood and Mt. Tabor Park next Friday. The Montavilla Jazz Festival has a smoking-hot lineup with more than two dozen concerts, DJ sets and even some talented students. Featured artist Mae. Sun, known for her cosmic sounds, along with the director of the festival, Neil Mattson, joined the couch on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. More than 6,000 student visas have been revoked by the State Department since January as the Trump Administration cracks down on international students and other immigrants to the U.S, the agency says. Around two-thirds of the student visas have been cancelled due to overstays and other alleged law violations, including assault, DUI, and burglary, according to a State Department spokesperson. Roughly 200-300, they said, were revoked for support for terrorism under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which bars foreign-born people from admission to the country for engaging inor being deemed likely to engage interrorist activities. The revocations were first reported by Fox News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump Administration has targeted international students and student visa programs as part of its broader efforts to reshape both U.S. higher education and immigration. Students with legal status but without citizenship who participated in pro-Palestinian protests, including those involved in setting up encampments on college campuses, or otherwise showed support for Palestine, have been a particular focus of the Administration. Several, including former Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil and Tufts University PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk, were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with an official pointing to the Presidents Executive Orders on antisemitism following Khalils arrest. Others have also been investigated. Read more: Trump Administration Expands Good Moral Character Test for Citizenship Applicants Foreign-born students have also been the subject of attacks from the federal governments battle with Harvard University, which has refused to cede to Administration demands including altering its diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and changing its hiring practices to include more conservative voices. Amid an escalating pressure campaign, the Administration has sought to revoke the universitys ability to enroll international students, halt its federal research grants and funding, and more. A deal between university officials and the Administration is now reportedly being negotiated. Other Administration measures have targeted foreign-born students more broadly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, the immigration records of thousands of international students were erased from an information system due in many cases to minor or dismissed legal infractionstemporarily leaving them without legal status in the countrybefore the government reversed the action later in the month following mass public pressure from students and the court system. Weeks later, the State Department announced in June that new student visa applicants had to make their social media accounts public to open them to review for potential hostile attitudes towards our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles. A U.S. visa is a privilege, not a right, the June announcement said. Every visa adjudication is a national security decision. The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests. Contact us at letters@time.com. NORFOLK Federal authorities took four Filipino cruise workers into custody Sunday while their ship was docked in Norfolk and arranged to have them deported the next day, according to members of two Filipino advocacy groups. Sundays incident brought the number of Carnival Cruise Line workers whove been apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers while docked at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk over the past several months to 28, according to the advocacy groups. And just as with the previously deported crew members, the latest detainees were accused of possessing child pornography, a claim they all deny, said Aquilina Soriano Versoza, executive director of the Pilipino Workers Center in Southern California in an email to The Virginian-Pilot. Despite the allegations, none has been charged with any crimes, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for Carnival Cruise Line issued a brief statement, in which he said the incident was considered a law enforcement matter, and that the company always cooperates with such investigations. A spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection told The Pilot on Monday he was working to gather information about the incident but hadnt provided it as of early Tuesday afternoon. Sundays detainees included three men and one woman, said Sookyung Oh, executive director of the Hamkae Center, which works to help Asian Americans achieve racial, economic and social justice in Virginia. All four lived on the Carnival Sunshine ship full-time and had valid visas, she said. One man worked as a restaurant steward, one as a laundry attendant, and the other in the deck department, Oh said. The woman was a 3rd officer on the ship, making her the highest ranked seafarer to be detained to date, Oh said. These workers were accused of being part of a group chat linked to child pornography, yet no evidence was ever presented, and all have firmly denied any involvement. Soriano Versoza said in a statement late Monday. Despite this, without any charges or convictions, their valid C1/D visas were revoked, and they were subjected to a 10-year ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crew members went through background checks when they applied for their visas and jobs, and all have clean backgrounds and no criminal records, Soriano Versoza said. They also took part in orientations warning about child pornography and opening computer links they didnt recognize, she said. These workers go through a lot to get these jobs, investing a lot of time and money to go through a lot of certifications and background checks, she said. The four detainees were taken Sunday to the Delta Hotels near Norfolk International Airport, and were driven to the airport in a shuttle bus Monday morning, as a small group of protesters held up signs and shouted. We wanted to let the workers know that theyre not alone, said Oh, who was among the protesters. We wanted them to know that there are people who care about them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soriano Versoza believes the deportations are being done to bolster deportation quotas as part of the Trump administrations crackdown. None of the cruise ship detainees was allowed access to legal counsel, she said. They are deported with this accusation hanging over them but no due process to clear their names, she said. They are having their valid visas revoked on accusations alone. Soriano Versoza is in the Philippines and has been meeting with the deported seafarers, as well as officials from the countrys Department of Migrant Workers. The department is providing financial support and other assistance to the workers, she said. Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com By Joseph Ax (Reuters) -Hundreds of additional National Guard troops are headed to Washington, D.C., from half a dozen Republican-led states, bolstering President Donald Trump's extraordinary move to flood the Democratic-led city with soldiers and federal agents in what he claims is an effort to fight violent crime. The Republican governors of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee agreed to deploy troops to Washington, days after the Republican governors of West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio also did so at the Trump administration's request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has characterized Washington as overrun with violence and homelessness, a description local officials have rejected. Federal and city statistics show violent crime rates have dropped sharply since a spike in 2023, though the city's murder rate remains higher than most other big U.S. cities. The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether the city manipulated its statistics to make crime rates appear lower, the Washington Post reported, citing unnamed sources. In a social media post on Monday, Trump wrote, "D.C. gave Fake Crime numbers in order to create a false illusion of safety," without providing evidence. He made similar assertions last week. Trump announced on August 11 he had ordered 800 Guard troops to the city and temporarily taken over the city's police department, a remarkable exercise of presidential power over the U.S. capital. The federal government also dispatched agents from numerous agencies, including the FBI, to patrol the city's streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following a legal challenge filed by the city's attorney general, the administration negotiated a deal with Mayor Muriel Bowser to keep Police Chief Pamela Smith in charge of the department's operations. Trump has threatened similar operations in other Democratic-controlled cities such as Chicago, though he would likely face more legal obstacles than he does in Washington, where the federal government still has broad oversight under U.S. law. Critics have accused Trump of manufacturing an emergency to seize greater control of Washington and target Democratic cities. TESTING LIMITS Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he had approved the deployment of about 135 Guard soldiers to Washington, while Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said he had ordered 200 soldiers to the capital. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has also deployed 160 Guard troops to the city, according to local media reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Crime is out of control there, and it's clear something must be done to combat it," Reeves said in a statement. In total, the six Republican states have announced deployments of more than 1,100 Guard troops to Washington. "The numbers on the ground in the District don't support a thousand people from other states coming to Washington," the mayor told reporters on Monday, adding that the question was "why the military would be deployed in an American city to police Americans." Guard soldiers, most of whom have civilian jobs and serve part-time, often respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. While the National Guard in Washington reports to the president, governors typically control the Guard in their own states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump tested that authority in June, when he ordered thousands of National Guard troops and active-duty Marines into Los Angeles as protests over his administration's immigration raids flared up. The deployment came despite opposition from California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. A federal judge in San Francisco is weighing whether Trump's actions in Los Angeles were illegal, after California sued the administration. Federal law generally forbids the use of the military in law enforcement, but there are exceptions, including for National Guard troops that are under state command, such as California's. In 2020, during Trump's first administration, the White House requested Guard troops from numerous states to help restore order in Washington in the wake of racial justice protests. Then-Attorney General Bill Barr said the National Guard remained under state command and was used to protect federal buildings and personnel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even so, Barr said their duties would include controlling crowds, temporarily detaining people, and conducting "cursory" searches, activities usually associated with police. Critics said the 2020 experience in Washington potentially opened the way for the president to use armed troops against civilians. A White House official said on Tuesday that Guard troops in Washington may carry arms but were not making arrests. Instead, the soldiers are protecting federal property and providing "a safe environment for law enforcement officers to make arrests." Some 465 arrests have been made in the 12 days since the Trump administration's operations began, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X on Tuesday, an average of 39 arrests a day. The city's Metropolitan Police Department arrested an average of 61 adults and juveniles per day in 2024, according to city statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of homeless encampments have also been cleared from federal land, according to the White House. (Reporting by Joseph Ax; Additional reporting by Tom Hals; Editing by Frank McGurty, Rod Nickel and Chizu Nomiyama ) CROTONA PARK, the Bronx (PIX11) The mother of a 15-year-old Bronx girl who was raped over the weekend is pleading for the community to help police find the attacker. I just want justice for my daughter, please. I cant sleep at night, and shes just 15, the teens mom tearfully said Tuesday. I dont want this to happen to any other child. More Local News Police said the teen was raped in an apartment near East 170th Street and Prospect Avenue in Crotona Park at around 8 p.m. on Sunday. Parents who live in the building said there was drinking at a party the night of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video obtained by PIX11 News shows the suspect, believed to be 17 to 19 years old, walking out of a building on East 170th Street with the young girl. Her face is blurred, but she appears unsteady as he leads her toward a red car. I dont want no other kids gotta go through what my daughter went through, the mom said. The victims older sister and local clergy are also asking the community to help cops apprehend the suspect, saying they wont feel safe until he is in custody. Flyers offering a $3,500 reward were posted in the neighborhood to help identify the suspect. I just want justice for my sister, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There have been no arrests, and the investigation is ongoing. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. The Brief Ashley Jordan said the paternal grandmother of her children took the 2- and 4-year-olds to play with their cousins at a home in the 2700 block of Memorial Drive SE on Sunday. According to Jordan, the grandmother often took the children to the house to play, but on Sunday, something went horribly wrong. The 2-year-old, Melanie Davis, fell into the pool and drowned, according to Jordan. She's still trying to process what happened on Sunday. DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - The mother of a two-year-old child who drowned over the week said her daughter died while with her family at a home in DeKalb County. The backstory Ashley Jordan said the paternal grandmother of her children took the 2- and 4-year-olds to play with their cousins at a home in the 2700 block of Memorial Drive SE on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Jordan, the grandmother often took the children to the house to play, but on Sunday, something went horribly wrong. The 2-year-old, Melanie Davis, fell into the pool and drowned, according to Jordan. Atlanta police responded to the home around 2:40 p.m. on Sunday. Davis was taken to a hospital, but died. What they're saying Jordan said she wants to let the investigation play out, but she wants someone held accountable. "That's not right. When my kids were in your possession, Melanie was breathing. She was good, happy, smilingthis was not making sense to me," she said. "Somebody's got to take responsibility. Because they were in your hands. My kids were in your hands." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She's still trying to process what happened on Sunday. "This is overwhelming right now and devastating. I just lost a daughter. My oldest daughter just lost a sister. Just devastating right now," Jordan said. "They come over here regularly to play with their cousins. This ain't a new situation. This is regularly every weekend. You know what I'm saying? But all of a sudden, I get a phone call saying that my daughter jumped in the pool. Like, I'm not understanding that." Jordan said she has lots of questions about the situation. "Why would you want to leave her by herself? You're going to take her up where you at! I'm not going to leave my child unattended, especially when you got a pool in the back," she said. "And I'm wondering, like, did yall know how to perform CPR? Did yall perform it correctly?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jordan said the pool is not clean, so she doesn't understand why the pool wasn't covered. "I'm not understanding why then why they let their pool be open. If youre not using it. Then if you are not using it, have a pool covering over it. Especially when you got kids under 5 with you," she said. Until she gets her answers, she said she's working with her oldest daughter, who is 4-years-old. "Her sister doesn't understand, but she has questions that she's going forever ask me and that traumatized my daughter, seeing her little baby sister face down in the pool. Thats traumatizing," Jordan said. "I'm just speechless right now. Heartbroken. That's it. That's all I can say. I'm speechless. I would've never thought this would have happened to me." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, all Jordan can do is remember the kid Davis was. "She was a sweetheart, a sweet-hearted kid. Her big head self, she liked to eat, get into everything," she said. What you can do The family has started a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses. Dig deeper APD says at this time no charges have been filed, but the investigation is active and ongoing. The Source Information in this article came from FOX 5's Eric Mock speaking with Ashley Jordan and past reporting by Mock. MOUNT ENTERPRISE, Texas (KETK) Mount Enterprise ISD students and teachers return to their campuses on Monday as the first day of school officially began. 10-year-old boy hospitalized after dog attack in East Texas backyard During their first day of school, KETK had the opportunity to speak with Mount Enterprise ISD Superintendent Chance Mays about several changes being implemented and considered by the district this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about whether or not Mount Enterprise will be implementing a 4-day school week, similar to several other East Texas school districts, Mays said he was hesitant to make the change. We believe that we can have our kids and make a difference in their lives, and from an academic standpoint, were a firm believer in trying to come to school as often as we can, Mays said. Mays also spoke about the TEA rating that Mount Enterprise received, which was a B; however, it was a few points less than the district received in the previous year. Were really proud of the overall educational experience our kids receive and we always strive to do better, Mays said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mays also said the district will be implementing the states new phone policy and will be requiring all students to keep their phones in their bags during the school day. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. Gov. Kelly Ayotte speaks in front of Jesse Sherrills family, lawmakers, and State Police personnel before signing a proclamation at a ceremony in Epping. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin) In October 2021, a tractor trailer struck and killed Staff Sgt. Jesse Sherrill of the New Hampshire State Police on Interstate 95 in Portsmouth. In a court hearing for the driver who struck him, State Police Col. Mark Hall called him one of the greatest troopers in the State Polices history, WMUR reported at the time. On Monday, Hall spoke about the fallen officer again, this time during a ceremony at the State Police barracks in Epping devoted to tightening and renaming a law meant to protect law enforcement or anyone else who finds themselves on the side of a busy road. A hat and boots are displayed at the ceremony to honor Jesse Sherrill in Epping. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin) From this day forward, this law will be known as Sherrills Law, a lasting testament to Jesses service, sacrifice, and the values he embodied, Hall said. This legislation expands the original Move Over Law to require drivers to move over and slow down for all vehicles stopped on the side of the roadway. It reflects Jesses enduring concern for the safety and well-being of others, something he demonstrated every day, both in uniform and in life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly a month before the ceremony, Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed into law Senate Bill 273, sponsored by state Sen. Donovan Fenton. Previously, pursuant to state law, drivers were required to slow down and give a wide berth, if practical, to any vehicles partially or completely blocking a road following a crash, as well as vehicles involved in police traffic stops. SB 273 expands the law to include any stopped or standing vehicle displaying emergency lights or warning signals, such as road flares, traffic cones, or caution signs, and anyone inside or outside of their vehicle. The legislation also renames the Mover Over Law as Sherrills Law. The law goes into effect Sept. 13. At the ceremony Monday, Ayotte signed a proclamation honoring Sherrill. Ultimately, what happened to Jesse Sherrill was preventable, Ayotte said. We have a duty to make sure we learn from what happened to honor Jesses tremendous legacy, and to do all that we can to make sure that this does not happen again. Sherrill, a native of Exeter, started his law enforcement career in 2001 with the Hooksett Police Department before joining the State Police in late 2002, where he served until his death. He was guarding a construction project the day he was killed. Jay Medeiros, the driver, pleaded guilty to felony negligent homicide and felony reckless conduct and was sentenced to a year in jail. He was accused of having marijuana in his system and in the vehicle. Sherrills Law is one of a few traffic safety measures approved this year. House Bill 776, sponsored by state Rep. Terry Roy and signed into law by Ayotte this year, makes wrong-way driving an aggravating factor for driving while intoxicated charges in New Hampshire. That means drunken drivers who travel in the wrong direction face more severe penalties than in a typical DWI. That law was spurred by State Police troopers who told legislators they were having issues with wrong-way drivers in New Hampshire. A law requiring motorists to reduce speed and give a wide berth to roadside emergencies now bears the name of a state trooper who gave his life to keeping Granite State residents safe. On Monday, Gov. Kelly Ayotte held a ceremonial bill signing outside New Hampshire State Police Troop A headquarters in Epping for Sherrills Law, with state troopers and the family of Staff Sgt. Jesse Sherrill a 19-year veteran state trooper who was killed in the line of duty while working a construction detail guarding a highway road project in 2021 in attendance. Our law enforcement officers, road crews, and tow truck drivers put themselves at risk to help others each day, Ayotte said. Strengthening our Move Over law ensures we do everything we can to keep our first responders, highway crews, and fellow drivers safe, and renaming it in honor of Staff Sgt. Jesse Sherrill serves as an important reminder of the risk and sacrifice it takes to keep our roadways safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 273, now known as Sherrills Law, renames RSA 265:37-a, formerly known as the states Move Over law, which requires drivers to slow down, move out of lanes that are partially or wholly blocked, and give plenty of space to emergency response vehicles. Ayotte told Sherrills wife, Nicolle, and their children, Peyton and Quinn, that our thoughts and prayers will always be with you. Jesses name will forever stand for the important work that he did, the heroic life that he led, and Jesses name will stand for saving lives, Ayotte said. His leadership and his memory will continue to serve the people of New Hampshire. We wish more than anything that we werent here for this reason today, but we are grateful that the law will carry Jesses legacy forward. Under the amended law, drivers are now required to reduce speed and provide extra space if, a stopped or standing vehicle displaying warning signals, including vehicle hazard warning lights, road flares, traffic cones, caution signs, or any nonvehicular warning signs is present and its safe to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This legislation expands the original Move Over law to require drivers to move over or slow down for all vehicles stopped on the side of the roadway, New Hampshire State Police Col. Mark B. Hall said. It reflects Staff Sgt. Sherrills enduring concern for the safety and well-being of others something he demonstrated every day in uniform and in life. Sherrills Law will serve as a powerful reminder to who Jesse was: a father, a husband, a son, a brother, a friend and a New Hampshire state trooper. His legacy of care and protection will continue to safeguard others for generations to come. Ayotte said naming the enhanced law after Sherrill matters. It raises awareness, puts a face a heroic face to the risk, and makes this very real for every driver, Ayotte said. When someone sees the name Sherrills Law, theyll be reminded that lives are at stake if they dont move over or slow down. Its a legacy that will protect others, an appropriate legacy from someone who gave his life to service. Jay Medeiros, 45, of Ashford, Connecticut, pleaded guilty to negligent homicide and reckless conduct charges in the Portsmouth crash that killed Sherrill in October 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his sentencing, Medeiros turned to face a courtroom full of state troopers, Sherrills family and friends and apologized while holding back tears. There is no way for me to undo the pain that I have caused you and your family, Medeiros said. I am truly sorry. I wish I could turn back time. I will always carry the guilt of the accident. I will never forget your husband, your friend, your son he will be with me forever. I never meant to hurt anybody. An indictment handed up by a Rockingham County grand jury in May 2022 accused Medeiros of having marijuana in his system, storing marijuana in the cab of his rig and having ingested marijuana at most three days before the Oct. 28 accident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of his death, Sherrill, a trooper of 19 years who lived in Barrington, had recently been promoted to assistant troop commander. A commemoration of his life drew thousands to the SNHU Arena in Manchester. Sherrill, 44, was sitting in his cruiser when the northbound tractor-trailer struck his car. He was working an overnight traffic detail when the crash took place, just north of Exit 3, about 14 miles into the state. According to the indictments, Medeiros passed at least two advanced warning devices and multiple warning/emergency lights and a yellow direction arrow. He didnt move over or reduce his speed until his rig was about 11 feet from the parked cruiser. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Representatives from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, AAA Northern New England, the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association, and the New Hampshire Towing Association also attended the ceremony. pfeely@unionleader.com Thirty people were laid off from Minnesota Public Radio's parent company last week as a result of state and federal funding cuts. American Public Media Group (APMG) eliminated the jobs on Friday, almost a month after the St. Paul-based organization announced that it would lay off 5% to 8% of its staff amid a $6 million budget gap. The final cut was about 6% of roughly 500 employees. The layoffs impacted the APM Research Lab staff, which focused on demographic analyses, surveys and data journalism, but not the MPR newsroom, per MPR News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Radio stations YourClassical and The Current were affected by the staff reductions, as well as information technology and a division that distributes national programs to other public radio stations. APMG has laid off more than 50 people this year. Minnesota Public Radio laid off 30 people last week.Tony Webster, Flickr President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," approved by Congress in July, rescinded $1.1 billion in federal funding previously allocated to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which distributes that money to MPR, TPT and other local NPR and PBS affiliates nationwide. About 6% of MPR's budget comes from federal funding. Throughout its 45-station network, MPR received around $7.2 million in federal funding in fiscal year 2024, according to CPB's database. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State funding for MPR is also being reduced from $4 million to $2 million over the two years. At least 25 people have lost their jobs at TPT, the Twin Cities PBS station, due to the loss of federal funding. The TV station, also headquartered in St. Paul, received $4.3 million in federal funding through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in fiscal year 2024. That contributed to about 8.3% of its total annual revenue. Related: TPT layoffs illustrate looming impact of nationwide NPR, PBS cuts in Minnesota This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the MN News section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Two men were led into a wooded area by five MS-13 gang members in November 2022. Only one victim made it out. On Nov. 9, 2022, Montgomery County police responded to a shooting at 9074 Piney Branch Road in Silver Spring. There, police found two men had been shot. While one was confirmed dead on the scene, the other survived and was able to give police a narrative as to what happened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man told police that he and the other victim, identified as 20-year-old Edvin Moises Agustin-Leon, were accosted by members of MS-13 due to an accusation related to gang activity, according to police filings. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man convicted for MS-13 gang-related murder in Montgomery County After the gang members walked both victims in separate directions, they were led into a wooded area on Piney Branch Road. Police determined that a total of five gang members were involved. Two higher-ranked members of MS-13 gave three lower-ranked members the guns and directed them to kill the two men, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims belongings were stolen just before they were shot execution-style. Agustin-Leon was killed. The other victim, however, managed to survive by playing dead despite having multiple gunshot wounds. He was then able to crawl a quarter mile across park terrain and cry for help. His calls were answered by neighbors who dialed 911, and he was taken to the hospital. One of the gang members was known to him by the name Castro. After police showed photos of known MS-13 members from the area, the victim was able to identify two of them, including Edgard Vladimir Castro Contreras and Sender Emanuel Godoy-Lemus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Aug. 18, Castro-Contreras was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 52 years. Phone records showed that the device associated with Godoy-Lemus had traveled from Fairfax, Va., to Montgomery County an hour before the crime. In the minutes surrounding the homicide, his phone was connected to a cellular tower within 1000 feet. The phone was then seen heading to Takoma Park and Washington, D.C. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 6 people arrested in 2022 gang-related murder in Montgomery County On Friday, April 4, 2025, the jury hung in the case of Godoy-Lemus. The state is set to retry that case on May 26, 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Co-defendant Brayan Bonilla-Andrade has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence. He faces the potential of two life sentences plus 20 years. His sentencing hearing is pending. There are two additional co-defendants. Jonathan Videz Martinez and Carlo Yaque Del Cid are pending trial on first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and related charges. They are both scheduled for a trial beginning Feb. 27, 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. MSNBC is about to undergo a name change in the coming days. This move follows its parent company, Comcast, spinning the channel off into a new company called Versant. Once MSNBC becomes part of Versant, it will no longer be linked to NBC and will eventually be rebranded. Here are details on its new identity. Why is MSNBC changing its name to MS Now? As the network will become part of Versant later this year, it will be rebranded to MS Now (My Source for News, Opinion, and the World). Reportedly, MSNBC fought to keep the name, but NBC refused. This is because they didnt want to share the design and markings with the new company, leading to a logo and name change. MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler recently addressed the identity change in a memo. She said, During this time of transition, NBCUniversal decided that our brand requires a new, separate identity. This decision now allows us to set our own course and assert our independence as we continue to build our own modern newsgathering operation. The future of our success is not tied to remaining within the NBC family and using the peacock as part of our identity. (via Variety) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision was also supported by MSNBC news anchor Rachel Maddow. She explained that the name change isnt just on a corporate level, but also a move to position the company as a competitor to NBC. She further added, So I think the distinction is going to be good for us. Does MSNBC have a new logo after rebranding? Yes, MSNBC does have a new logo after rebranding. MSNBC is being rebranded to MS NOW. The new acronym stands for My Source (for) News, Opinions (and the) World. pic.twitter.com/h3MSN2jqe7 Pop Base (@PopBase) August 18, 2025 After dropping its iconic peacock design, MSNBC recently revealed its new logo. Along with the new name, MS NOW, the logo will feature a red and white flag set against a blue background. Explaining the reasons for the logo and name change, Versant CEO Mark Lazarus said in the memo, As we all know, the peacock is synonymous with NBCUniversal, and it is a symbol they have decided to keep within the NBCU family. This gives us the opportunity to chart our own path forward, create distinct brand identities, and establish an independent news organization following the spin. The post MSNBC Name Change to MS Now Explained appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. The feud between MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace and Donald Trump doesnt show any signs of slowing down, as the Deadline: White House host responded to the presidents rant on air on Monday (August 18). Wallace and her guests were discussing Trumps dealings with the Russia-Ukraine war, including his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week and his sit-down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday. Speaking on Trumps meeting with Zelenskyy, Wallace sarcastically said at the top of her show, Trump largely behaved himself. That counts as news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later in the show, she stated that the President is furious at anyone that covers the truth about this story and any others, referencing his social media meltdown on Sunday (August 17) that took direct aim at Wallace. I witnessed that first-hand myself, she shared. On Sunday, Trump took to Truth Social, where he replied to another users comments about Wallace. She is a loser, with bad ratings, who was already thrown off of The View. She will be fired soon! MSNBC IS DEAD! the President wrote. He seemed to be responding to Fridays edition of Deadline: White House, where Wallace blasted Trumps meeting with Putin, telling viewers, Having had the privilege of interviewing Ukrainians, its so much to watch our countrys president stand with the person responsible for all that suffering and all that death, its heinous. Wallace added that Trump doesnt give a s*** about democracy, doesnt care about our allies, [and] doesnt care about democratic allies sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had earlier raged against the reporting on his meeting with Putin, writing, 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!!! Despite the verbal attacks, Wallace didnt let up on her criticism of the President on Mondays show. She called out Trumps flip-flopping on a ceasefire and cut away from live Oval Office footage after he ranted about his desire to ban mail-in ballots. Were going to just cut it right there because all of that is completely false, Wallace said. The United States is one of many countries that uses mail-in voting, including Canada, The U.K., Germany, Australia and Switzerland. Also important to note, theres zero evidence of widespread voter fraud and Trump has been looking. Trump has yet to respond to Wallaces latest comments, but he is scheduled to be interviewed on Fox & Friends today, Tuesday, August 19, so he may well address the situation live on air. Deadline: White House, Weekdays, 4 pm et, CNN Read the latest entertainment news on TV Insider. Marjorie Taylor Greenes boyfriend, Real Americas Voice correspondent Brian Glenn, laughed off Volodymyr Zelenskys zinger about him wearing the same suit during Mondays press conference in the Oval Office as he did during Februarys now-infamous showdown between the Ukrainian leader and President Donald Trump. Axios reported that The White House inquired about Zelenskys attire before the much-anticipated second meeting between the leaders, after Vice President JD Vance in particular voiced frustrations over his look and attitude the first time around. The Ukrainian President wore his usual military-style attire during the disastrous February meeting, which Glenn mocked at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky again wore an all black ensemble for his return to the West Wing - but this time with a suit jacket - something noted by the reporter. You look fabulous in that suit, Glenn told Zelensky. You look good. I said the same thing, Trump chimed in, noting that Glenn attacked Zelensky for his attire last time. I apologize to you, you look wonderful, added Glenn. Brian Glenn apologized to Volodymyr Zelensky for his mocking his clothes in February (Getty Images) You are in the same suit. I changed, you are not, Zelensky said to laughter in the Oval Office. During Glenns subsequent appearance on LBC, he said, I apologized to him, and then he threw a little zinger back at meI actually loved it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glenn noted that he wasnt technically wearing the same suit as he had been in February, adding, I think it was a funny joke, I took it really wellI really did. I think it loosened up that moment in the Oval Office, and, you know what, from that point on, I remember making eye contact with President Zelensky multiple times, and it was kind of like a gentlemans nod, kind of like, okay, were good, said Glenn. The rightwing correspondent added that he believes the Ukrainian leader has forgiven him. Glenn, whos dating firebrand Republican Rep. Greene, ripped Zelensky for wearing a black sweater with the Ukrainian trident during Februarys heated Oval Office meeting with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why dont you wear a suit? You are at the highest level in this countrys office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you own a suit? Glenn asked. "I will wear [a suit] after this war finishes. Maybe something like yours, maybe something better," Zelensky said at the time. IROQUOIS COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) Two juveniles were arrested on Monday after battering several subjects, the Iroquois County Sheriffs Department said. Deputies responded near the intersection of N. Locust St. and E. Seminary Ave. for a reported altercation. When law enforcement arrived, they arrested two juveniles; one was charged with battery, and the other was charged with aggravated battery, the Sheriffs Department said. 18-year-old killed in overnight Springfield shooting; two others hurt Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both juveniles were taken to the Iroquois County Jail and later released to their guardians. Three days earlier, the Sheriffs Department arrested a man, also accused of battery. Deputies responded to the area of Plato Bridge on Aug. 15 for a fight between two male subjects. 45-year-old David Burmeister was arrested and charged with battery. He was brought to the Iroquois County Jail but was later released with a notice to appear. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Exhibits from the trial in which Christopher Prichard was convicted of murdering his estranged wife, Angela Prichard: a photo of the victim and a note she wrote shortly before her death, saying, "I think Chris is capable of anything. He told my sister he didn't care if he went to jail. He put guns all over upstairs in three different rooms." (Exhibits from Iowa District Court files) Lawyers for the family of an Iowa woman murdered by her estranged husband say that had it not been for Bellevue police officers deliberate refusal to enforce the law and arrest their buddy, the woman would be alive today. The family of the late Angela Prichard sued the Bellevue city police in 2024, arguing that despite Christopher Prichards well-established pattern of defying court orders and behaving in a threatening manner, city police repeatedly failed to enforce a no-contact order against him in the summer and fall of 2022. Christopher Prichard. (Photo courtesy of Jackson County) Shortly before 8 a.m. on Oct. 8, 2022, the Jackson County Sheriffs Office responded to a 911 call from the Mississippi Ridge Kennels where Angela Prichard worked. When police arrived, Angela Prichard was found dead from a gunshot wound to the chest. She was 55 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, Christopher Prichard was located in a Jackson County residence with the murder weapon and ammunition still in his possession. He was later convicted of murder in the first degree. The lawsuit claimed the murder was the result of a state-created danger caused by the malfeasance, reckless or intentional behavior of the Bellevue Police Department. It accused city police officers of showing favoritism toward Christopher Prichard, and alleged that his friendly relationship with the police enabled and fostered his ability to murder his estranged wife. In October, the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, C.J. Williams, dismissed the familys lawsuit, writing that he was skeptical that more aggressive conduct by the officers would have changed anything. Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa C.J. Williams. (Photo courtesy of U.S. District Court) The judge said the position of the plaintiffs seemed to be that had the officers arrested Christopher more often, it would have prevented Angelas murder. Arguably, one could equally speculate that it was the officers arrest of Christopher for violating the no-contact order that angered him enough to kill Angela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David OBrien, the Cedar Rapids attorney for Angela Prichards family, has appealed that ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. In court filings, OBrien says Christopher Prichard avoided a lengthy jail sentence solely because of the defendants deliberate refusal to enforce the law Had the defendants held (Christopher Prichard) accountable for even a fraction of his unlawful conduct like they would any other defendant he would have been incarcerated and Angela would be alive. OBrien also says the citys repeated and intentional violations of the Iowa Open Records Law and federal civil procedure involve efforts by the city to intentionally conceal information about the matter. Plaintiffs point to inaction by the city police In a brief filed with the appellate court, OBrien includes what he calls a list of critical pleaded facts, entirely ignored by the defendants on appeal, that should overcome any deficiencies in the case cited by Judge Williams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among those alleged facts: Christopher Prichard was out on bail for a felony offense, and his bail could have been revoked at any time for unlawful behavior, placing him behind bars at the time he murdered Angela Prichard. The police allowed Christopher Prichard to get away with another Class C felony after he placed a tracking device in Angelas car, a serious breach of (his) bail requirements that would have resulted in prolonged pre-trial incarceration and a ten-year prison sentence if convicted. There were at least four documented violations of the temporary restraining order that were ignored by the police, any one of which could have led to bail revocation or a prison sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nine days before the killing, then-Jackson County Attorney Sara Davenport wrote an email to the police advising them that Christopher Prichard had until 2 p.m. the next day to report to jail. If he does not report I will be requesting a warrant, she wrote. I wanted all of you to be aware as Im afraid he might try to do something tonight. The next day, she wrote to the police, Prichard did not show for (jail) and a warrant has been issued! The police departments failure to act on that warrant demonstrates the departments complete disregard for foreseeable harm, OBrien alleges. In his appellate brief, OBrien goes on to state that in the week before the murder, the police opted not to arrest Christopher Prichard but did find time to escort a large vehicle through town, chaperone a high school dance, make six traffic stops, perform funeral escorts and investigate complaints of a sick-looking raccoon and a growling dog. Its reasonable to infer from those actions, OBrien argues, that city police officers intentionally avoided arresting their buddy, Christopher Prichard, and there was not a competing resource allocation issue preventing them from doing so. City: Were not liable for murder committed by a third party In its brief to the appellate court, the city has argued that the plaintiffs assertion of due-process violations fails because, as other courts have held, the states failure to protect an individual against violence at the hands of another person does not constitute a violation of due process rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under prevailing law, the Constitution only requires that the government protect a private individual in two circumstances: when the individual is in government custody, or when the government, through its actions, has fostered a state-created danger. The citys lawyers note that while Judge Williams recognized allegations related to inaction by the police, there was no evidence to show the police affirmatively acted to put Angela Prichard at increased risk. Lawyers for the city also argue that even if the police had arrested Christopher Prichard prior to the murder, this does not guarantee that the tragic outcome of this case would have been any different, noting that prosecutors or judges might have dismissed any case initiated by the officers or simply released Prichard from custody. Plaintiffs ask this court to hold the defendants liable for an intentional murder committed by a third party, lawyers for the city argue in their brief to the appellate court. Implied in this demand is that the defendants be held liable for factors well outside their control This court should affirm the district courts ruling. Court records indicate the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has yet to schedule oral arguments in the case. On Monday, the Johnson County Drug Task Force, in cooperation with the Muscatine County Drug Task Force and with assistance from the Iowa State Patrol, executed a search warrant at 480 Roberts Ferry Road in Tiffin related to a narcotics investigation, a news release says. Contrary to social media rumors this was not any sort of operation involving ICE, nor were any ICE agents involved with this incident. Drug Task Force members routinely wear plain clothes and drive unmarked police vehicles due to the nature of their work, the release says. This is an ongoing investigation and no other information will be released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) -A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday agreed with Elon Musk's SpaceX and two other companies that the U.S. National Labor Relations Board's structure is likely unlawful and blocked the agency from pursuing cases against them. The ruling by the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is the first by an appeals court to find that a law shielding NLRB administrative judges and the board's five members from being removed at will by the president is likely illegal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 5th Circuit on Tuesday said the protections from removal prevent the president from exercising his power to control the executive branch. "Because the executive power remains solely vested in the President, those who exercise it on his behalf must remain subject to his oversight," wrote Circuit Judge Don Willett, an appointee of Republican President Donald Trump. A series of similar cases challenging the board's structure are pending, and the Trump administration is making the same arguments after the president fired a Democratic member of the board in January and she sued to get her job back. The 5th Circuit upheld decisions by three judges in Texas that blocked NLRB cases alleging illegal labor practices by SpaceX, pipeline operator Energy Transfer, and Aunt Bertha, which operates a social services search engine, pending the outcome of their lawsuits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Employers have made their case and should not have to choose between compliance and constitutionality," wrote Willett. The board and the companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Musk was a top adviser to Trump, spearheading an effort to drastically shrink the federal workforce and slash government spending, until the two men had a public falling out in May. SpaceX has a separate pending lawsuit against the NLRB seeking to block a different board case. The NLRB is the only federal agency that hears private-sector labor disputes. The agency's general counsel can issue complaints against employers or unions that are heard by administrative judges, whose decisions can be appealed to the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The five-member board has been paralyzed and unable to issue decisions since Trump in January fired Member Gwynne Wilcox. The NLRB was designed by the U.S. Congress to be independent from the White House, and before Wilcox no board member had ever been removed by the president. Tuesday's panel included a second Trump appointee and a judge appointed by Republican President George H.W. Bush. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Sandra Maler) Myint Swe, who has died aged 74, was the stooge for the latest phase of the armed forces seemingly perpetual repression of the Burmese people. He became acting president of Myanmar in February 2021, on the day when Min Aung Hlaing, the military chief, staged a coup detat on the spurious grounds that the general election held in November 2020 was illegitimate. In that poll the National League for Democracy (NLD), under the Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, won a landslide victory in both houses of parliament. The showing of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), the electoral proxy of the Tatmadaw, or military, was even worse than in the previous election in 2015. Aung San Suu Kyi, who had become State Counsellor of Myanmar in 2016, a role akin to that of prime minister, was arrested and sentenced to 33 years in prison on various charges, later reduced to 27 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her conviction, and the blatant electoral theft, plunged Myanmar into a civil war in which the Peoples Defence Force, the military arm of the exiled National Unity Government, and the many long-standing ethnic insurgency groups are ranged against the State Administration Council (SAC), the military junta chaired by General Min Aung Hlaing, who also served as prime minister. Myint Swe, right, Yangon division chief minister, and Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, left, with the EUs foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, centre, during the ceremony for the opening of an office of the European Union in Yangon, April 2012 - Soe Than WIN/AFP/GettyImages Under the general, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against the Muslim Rohingya minority, repression has intensified and the economy has stagnated. It is estimated that the Tatmadaw controls between 30 and 40 per cent of the national territory, though it holds the main towns. General Myint Swes role during this period was to keep renewing the emergency powers granted to the coup leader, an action which was challenged on constitutional grounds. He kept a low profile after 2021, leaving Min Aung Hlaing to be the juntas public face. Last summer, for medical reasons, he transferred his duties on an acting basis to Min Aung Hlaing, while remaining in office. He died at a military hospital in Naypyidaw, the capital. A state funeral followed five days of national mourning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Myint Swe, an ethnic Mon, a people from southern Myanmar, was born on June 24 1951 in Mandalay. He entered the Defence Services Academy in 1969 and received his officers commission in 1973. By 1997 he was commanding a light infantry division as a brigadier-general. In 2001 he became head of Southeast Command and member of the State Peace and Development Council, the then name of the military government. He was then transferred to the Yangon (former Rangoon) Command and promoted to major-general. Myint Swe as Vice President speaking during a ceremony to mark Myanmars 73rd anniversary of Union Day in Naypyitaw, February 2020 - AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo In that role he detained members of the family of Ne Win, the dictator who set Myanmar on the long road of military repression in 1962, on the grounds of conspiracy, and in 2004, as part of a purge within the junta, arrested Khin Nyunt, the intelligence chief and prime minister. He also crushed the protests which broke out in the second half of 2007 after the government had removed subsidies on petrol and diesel prices a movement dubbed the Saffron Revolution, in reference to the role played by Buddhist monks. He took over Khin Nyunts job in 2004 and the following year he was promoted to lieutenant-general, the first Mon to reach that rank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the USDP victory in the 2010 election, which was boycotted by the opposition, he became chief minister of the Yangon Region. In 2016 the military-appointed parliamentarians chose him as one of the vice-presidents. Shortly after, he became First Vice-President under the NLD President, Htin Kyaw. When Htin Kyaw resigned in 2018, Myint Swe assumed the acting presidency, handing over shortly after to the new NLD president, Win Myint. When Win Myint was deposed and arrested in 2021, Myint Swe resumed his former role. Myint Swe is survived by his wife, Khin Thet Htay, and their son and daughter. Myint Swe, born June 24 1951, died August 7 2025 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Attorney General Todd Rokita's office is looking into complaints about robocalls urging Indiana to redistrict mid-cycle, amid concerns about the calls' legality. Political robocalls are the latest in the national campaign to pressure Hoosier lawmakers to support redistricting, a move the Trump administration hopes could add one to two more Republican seats in Congress in order to help solidify the GOP majority. "Radical progressives like Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker and Kathy Hochul are threatening to redistrict their states with the goal of ending the Trump presidency," begins one robocall from a group calling itself "Forward America," before urging constituents to call their representatives about supporting redistricting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But are the automated messages legal? Indiana law prohibits robocalls unless the recipient gives permission, such as by opting in to the calls previously or asking callers to leave a message. Rokita's office confirmed this week it had received multiple complaints and was beginning to review them. "To clarify earlier reporting, the legality of the Forward America robocalls is an open question," Communications Director Josh DeFonce wrote in a post on Rokita's X account on Aug. 18. "Only just receiving them today and as you can understand, it will take some time to review those appropriately and fully." To clarify earlier reporting, the legality of the Forward America robocalls is an open question. We rely primarily on complaints to investigate consumer related matters including robocalls. As of this morning, we were not aware of any on this topic. However, we now have AG Todd Rokita (@AGToddRokita) August 18, 2025 The group conducting the calls has little online presence. There are no active committees with that exact name, according to a search of Federal Election Commission and Indiana Election Division data. A telephone number associated with the group only plays an automated version of the message when reached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The calls started days before members of Indiana's congressional delegation came out in support of redistricting, a position at odds with several Republican state legislators who have called the push a "stunt" and a "bad precedent." Already Republicans hold seven of nine congressional seats in Indiana. Contact Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or find her on X at @marissa_meador. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Are Forward America's redistricting robocalls legal? AG chimes in In-N-Out Burger has added Smyrna to its list of potential Middle Tennessee restaurant locations and submitted plans to build a new restaurant in the city. The location is 999 Industrial Boulevard, according to planning documents. The proposed In-N-Out site is now home to Hickory Falls Wood-Fired Bar & Grill restaurant that would be demolished to make way for the In-N-Out if approved, according to the present site plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site layout shows Industrial Boulevard and Team Boulevard as access points. Two drive-thru lanes are proposed. The proposed In-N-Out was scheduled on the Smyrna Planning Commission meeting in July, but was deferred for two months for more consideration of traffic flow and the proposed architectural designs, city spokesperson Heather Kent said. The site plan is scheduled to be part of the Sept. 4 planning commission agenda, Kent said. This In-N-Out restaurant is under construction in Murfreesboro on Medical Center Parkway. In-N-Out, headquartered in Southern California, is expanding across Middle Tennessee with new restaurants planned in support of a new eastern territory operations center that will be based in Franklin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Franklin eastern territory hub will include an onsite restaurant, plans show. Also in Rutherford County, Murfreesboro has approved a site plan for a new In-N-Out that is under construction with walls up on Medical Center Parkway. The future Murfreesboro In-N-Out is within the Clari Park mixed-use development that includes other food options. Work is well underway on a new In-N-Out Burger under construction in Murfreesboro. Other area locations In-N-Out has moved forward on include Lebanon, Hendersonville, Antioch and Madison. Lebanon recently announced plans to start hiring with online applications at www.in-n-out.com/employment by mid-September, though exact timing is still being finalized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In-N-Out had submitted plans to build a restaurant in Mt. Juliet and had a design waiver approved for a site on the northeast corner of Golden Bear Gateway and Old Beckwith Road. However, In-N-Out is no longer moving forward on that location. This story was updated to add a gallery. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Is In-N-Out heading to Smyrna, Tennessee next? What we know An 18-year-old Warren County, New Jersey, man is in custody, suspected of shooting two people earlier this month in a Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, restaurant. Ashton J. Thomas, of the 300 block of Prospect Street in Stewartsville, was arraigned Tuesday on charges that include two counts of attempted homicide. District Judge Jordan Knisley sent him to Northampton County Prison with bail denied due to the severity of the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bethlehem police say they were called about 12:12 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, to Sizzling Bites, 312 E. Third St. on Southside, for the report of gunfire inside the establishment. Officers found one victim sitting outside, bleeding from gunshot wounds to his right hand and right upper thigh, according to court records. He was taken to an area hospital. Police also learned of a second, female victim who was taken by friends to the hospital for treatment of multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators reviewed video footage provided by the restaurants owner that showed about eight people in the direct line of fire, with more than 30 patrons present, according to court records. The gunman, subsequently identified as Thomas, was accompanied by two others, according to police. The video shows the male shooting victim had slapped one of the people with Thomas, prompting a physical altercation, police wrote in court records outlining probable cause to arrest Thomas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas allegedly at that point removed a handgun from his right pocket and fired five rounds at close range in the direction of both victims. Following the gunfire, Thomas and his two associates immediately exited through the front door and fled on foot, according to police. Investigators say they retrieved at the scene five spent .45-caliber shell casings, one full bullet and four projectiles. Additional video footage from nearby businesses showed Thomas entering a black Hyundai whose New Jersey license plate was visible, the court records state. Bethlehem police contacted a Phillipsburg detective who assisted in identifying Thomas and his two associates, according to court records. Thomas was the only one facing charges in the incident Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is charged with two counts of attempted homicide, four counts of aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault, eight counts of reckless endangerment and a single count of carrying a firearm without a license. Knisley tentatively scheduled a preliminary hearing for Sept. 2 to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the charges toward trial in the Northampton Court of Common Pleas. Thomass attorney, Gail Marr, did not immediately return a call for comment on his behalf Tuesday. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) A new restaurant celebrated its grand opening in Harrison Twp. this Tuesday. Napales Mexican Street Food is now a permanent brick-and-mortar location at 2901 N. Dixie Drive. The restaurant has been a popular vendor at Second Street Market for 8 years. The owners, husband and wife Santiago and Jen Herrer, said they purchased the 2,500-square-foot building 3 years ago. They bought it to use as a prep and catering space, with the plan to open it as a full restaurant later. Both are professionally trained chefs. Santiago previously worked as the Executive Sous Chef at the NCR Country Club. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farmers market coming to downtown Dayton this summer They said the area had limited options for breakfast food after the Legacy Pancake House on North Keowee Street was destroyed in a fire. The menu will remain the same, but new breakfast items will be added, including: A breakfast special with eggs, bacon or sausage, fried potato hash and buttered toast. Belgian waffles, guacamole toast and French toast. Breakfast enchiladas, quesadillas and tacos. Coffee from Poppets Coffee and Tea. Omelets. These will join the signature menu items, including the breakfast bowl, street tacos and the Pambazo sandwich. The restaurant sources many of its ingredients, like ground bison and eggs, locally from Second Street Market vendors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hours are split between the two locations. Napales Dixie: Breakfast and Lunch Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Napales Second Street Market, located at 600 E. Second Street. Fridays and Sundays: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To learn more about Napales, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) An event held in Nashville this weekend will connect those interested in pursuing higher education with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The college fair will take place on Saturday, Aug. 23, at the University School of Nashville in the 2000 block of Edgehill Avenue. Those in attendance will reportedly get an opportunity to meet representatives, learn about programs and discover future educational paths within a HBCU. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TSUs Board of Trustees appoints new president This is the fourth time the University School of Nashville has hosted the event. According to the organizers, representatives for the following HBCUs have attended in the past: Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Alcorn State University American Baptist College Bethune-Cookman University Clark Atlanta University Fisk University Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Hampton University Jackson State University Morehouse College North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University North Carolina Central University Spelman College Tennessee State University Tougaloo College Tuskegee University Read todays top stories on wkrn.com All public, private and charter high school students and their families are invited to attend the free event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the University School of Nashville. To register, follow this link. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. The Texas Department of Public Safety honored its elite six-member Rescue Swimmer Unit on National Aviation Day on August 19, recognizing the highly trained specialists who conduct lifesaving operations across the state. The unit, which transitioned from the Texas Highway Patrol to the Aircraft Operations Division in summer 2024, has become crucial for emergency responses in Texass challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions. Texas is home to some of the most challenging terrain and unpredictable weather in the nation, said DPS Aircraft Operations Division Chief Pilot Stacy Holland. Our Rescue Swimmer Unit ensures we can reach people in distress no matter the conditions and bring them to safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Alpine, and Edinburg, each swimmer pairs with a hoist-equipped aircraft for rapid deployment. The team conducts monthly training across varied environments, including open water, mountains, urban areas, and swift-moving water. The units 2024 operations included dramatic rescues during Hurricanes Beryl and Milton, plus a hiker recovery near Del Rio. Alpine units rescued a stranded family from a mountaintop and conducted multiple Big Bend recovery operations. This year brought additional challenges. Teams rescued someone trapped in a Rio Grande Valley irrigation canal in May and played critical roles during recent Kerr County flooding. Holland emphasized the units importance during the floods: In response to the tragic floods that recently impacted parts of Texas, including Kerr County, their swift and skilled efforts were crucial in rescuing those stranded and in danger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Aircraft Operations Division ranks among the nations largest airborne law enforcement units. It operates 27 aircraft from 13 stations with over 100 personnel, including 50 police pilots and 35 Tactical Flight Officers. The fleet includes 15 Airbus A-Stars, nine equipped with hoists, plus various other aircraft. AOD also manages the departments 350-plus drone systems and remote pilot program for missions ranging from border security to accident reconstruction. NATIONAL CITY, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) National City leaders are ready to put an official short-term rental ordinance in place after more than a year of feedback and discussion. There have been a little over a dozen very problematic properties that have been used as short-term rentals and unfortunately used as brothels, said Councilmember Jose Rodriguez. After years of problems with illegal activity, city council is moving forward with an ordinance at Tuesday nights upcoming meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If they do not comply with the rules of the ordinance the owner can be fined $500, $1,000, $1,500 under the current proposal and ultimately have their license revoked, explained Rodriguez. Fines are on the table, but a permit fee is still up in the air. Rodriguez says the city is looking at Chula Vista and Vista for guidance that charge in the $200 to $300 range per year. The proposed ordinance allows 40 rentals for each of the citys four districts totaling 160, but council will accept feedback before making a final decision. A designated 24-7 contact person, compliance with local laws, and prohibiting excessive noise are all proposed requirements in line with existing ordinances throughout San Diego. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While many local residents have complained and asked for an ordinance like this, Rodriguez says even the responsible short-term rental owners seem to be on board. Most of them that we spoke to are ok with having an ordinance so long as we have something that is a level playing field for everyone to play, he said. National City will also be able to collect a 10% transient occupancy tax on these rentals, that is estimated at around $2 million in revenue annually. The ordinance is expected to be voted on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. and there will be an opportunity for public comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. More than 2,000 National Guardsmen from the District of Columbia and six states have been activated as part of the federal operation in the capital. The total number of troops activated to support the surge in federal law enforcement now stands at 2,091. On Monday, the governors of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee announced they would send hundreds of troops to Washington, D.C. The move comes after Ohio, South Carolin, and West Virginia made similar announcements over the weekend. More than 1,000 outside troops are en route to join the deployment, under the authority of Joint Task Force District of Columbia. They join as of Monday evening the 896 District of Columbia National Guard soldiers and airmen activated as part of President Donald Trumps show of force inside the city. Over the weekend, West Virginia was the first to announce it would send service members, pledging 350, per JTF-DC. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said he would send 200, and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced 150 would go. On Monday, Mississippi pledged 200 National Guardsmen, Louisiana announced 135 would deploy, and Tennessee said that 160 would go to assist with monument security, community safety patrols, protecting federal facilities, and traffic control, per a statement from the office of Gov. Bill Lee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the direction of the President and Secretary of Defense, more than 800 D.C. National Guard personnel have been on the ground supporting the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and our Federal law enforcement partners showing that when our Nations capital calls, the Guard and DoD answer, a spokesperson for JTF-DC said in a statement Monday evening to Task & Purpose. In the days ahead, reinforcements from West Virginia will join them, strengthening the mission to secure our monuments, protect federal facilities, support community safety, and drive down crime in Washington, D.C. JTF-DC did not comment or confirm the other deployments, save for West Virginia, saying that 350 members of the West Virginia National Guard are expected mid-week. President Donald Trump escalated claims of crime in the capital over the last two weeks, suggesting it was rampant despite data from the Department of Justice showing it had drastically decreased and is at a 30-year low. The Trump administration brought in hundreds of federal agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Customs and Border Protection, and others, in addition to announcing on Aug. 11 that the D.C. National Guard would be mobilized as well. Troops are activated under Title 32, where they are under state authority but federally funded; D.C.s unique status means that the D.C. National Guard is under federal authority. In the week since the troops were activated, they have predominantly been limited to certain areas in the city, including the D.C. Armory, National Mall and Union Station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The orders for the D.C. Guard and other states were part of unit-wide activations, which are different from some National Guard missions that can be voluntary. These orders are involuntary. We chose soldiers based on availability and ensured those assigned are not part of our immediate hurricane response force, Maj. Karla Evans, a spokesperson for the South Carolina National Guard. Most important to highlight is the positive morale of our soldiers, they are trained and ready to answer the call. Top Stories This Week News 2-star general busted down to lieutenant colonel over inappropriate relationship By Jeff Schogol News A Hawaii airman hit the surf in dress blues on his first day out of the Air Force By Matt White News Marines investigating social media post that appears to mock potential recruit By Jeff Schogol In June, the Trump administration federalized 4,100 California National Guard members under Title 10 of the U.S. Code to protect federal property and personnel as protests broke out against immigration raids. Those troops were augmented by hundreds of Marines from Twentynine Palms, California, but were mostly limited to a handful of federal buildings across a much larger geographical area than the District of Columbia. That mission saw National Guardsmen accompany federal agents on immigration and drug raids across the wider southern California area. As of mid-August, Marines were sent back to base, and all but a few hundred troops have been released back to state authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Washington, D.C., federal law enforcement has been much more present in recent days, patrolling throughout the city, searching and arresting people in both daytime and nighttime. Members of the FBI and Secret Service have also been seen as authorities clear homeless encampments. There are approximately 3,782 single persons and 1,356 adults and children in families experiencing homelessness on any given night in D.C., according to Community Partnership, an advocacy organization working to fight homelessness in the district. The vast majority of those people are in shelters or other forms of transitional housing and fewer than 800 people are living on the streets. The Department of Defense has reiterated throughout the last week that the National Guard troops will not arrest, search or direct law enforcement but can briefly detain individuals to pass them off to law enforcement personnel. One Guardsman briefly detained a person on the National Mall last week after a Park Police officer requested help following a fight. Hundreds of National Guard members from Republican-led states will join federal troops on the ground in Washington, D.C., as part of President Donald Trumps crackdown on crime in the nations capital. Trump seized control of the Districts police force and mobilized 800 soldiers from the Washington, D.C. National Guard on Aug. 11, declaring crime was "out of control." Advocates, lawmakers and many residents have pushed back on that characterization, which defies crime data. Republican governors have opted to bolster Trumps forces by sending their own guardsmen to Washington beginning with Ohio, South Carolina and West Virginia. Mississippi announced it would send troops on Aug. 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "South Carolina is proud to stand with President Trump as he works to restore law and order to our nation's capital and ensure safety for all who live, work, and visit there," said South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Aug. 16 in a statement about sending 200 guardsmen to D.C. The mobilization of troops from Republican-led states will bring the total number of guardsmen in the capital to over 1,000. The federal government is expected to cover the cost of the out-of-state troop deployments. Heres what else to know about the growing force on the ground in Washington. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (C) speaks during a press conference outside the U.S. Supreme Court in April. McMaster is among a few Republican governors who are deploying National Guard members to the nation's capital amid President Donald Trump's crackdown on crime in the city. How many soldiers are Republican governors sending? The four Republican states sending members of the National Guard to Washington, D.C. have mobilized nearly 1,000: 150 from Ohio, 200 from South Carolina, between 300 and 400 from West Virginia and 200 from Mississippi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio called sending troops from the Buckeye State the "right thing to do." He said the deployment comes in response to an Aug. 15 request from Secretary of the Army Daniel P. Driscoll. "The initial decision to deploy D.C. National Guard was not my decision. That was the president of the United States' decision," DeWine told the statehouse bureau. "But when the secretary of the Army asks for backup support to our troops that are already deployed, yes, we will back up our troops." West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrissey said on Aug. 16 the states deployment of troops also came at Trumps request. Morrissey said their deployment reflects our "commitment to a strong and secure America." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mississipi Gov. Tate Reeves echoed the president's claims about lawlessness in the District: "Crime is out of control there, and its clear something must be done to combat it," he said in a statement. Troops are expected to arrive on 30-day deployments that the secretary of the Army could ask to extend. South Carolina Gov. McMaster said he would recall guardsmen in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster. Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks during a press conference in the nation's capital. Bowser has pushed back against President Trump's characterizations of crime in the District. How big of a force will be in D.C.? The troops from Republican-led states deploying to the District will nearly double the size of the force Trump has already deployed, from 800 to 1,550 in total. Federal troops will work alongside the citys already 3,100-officer-strong police force. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said last week that the citys police department was understaffed and was supposed to have 3,800 officers. But she says understaffing hasnt stopped the city from achieving its lowest levels of violent crime in 30 years. "Crime levels are not only down from 2023, but from before the pandemic," Bowser said at a televised community meeting on August 12. "Our tactics are working, and we arent taking our foot off the gas." Trump 'has the authority to do what he did,' Ohio gov says DeWine shot back at Bowser and others questioning Trumps deployment of the guardsmen. "The people who don't like it in D.C. don't have the authority. The president of the United States has that authority," DeWine said. "Anybody can argue whether or not he should or shouldn't have the authority, but it's very clear. There is no debate he has the authority to do what he did." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was able to deploy about a third of the 2,400 National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. because of the citys unique status as a federal district. In the rest of the country, the president cannot deploy troops in a policing capacity without the consent of the state's governor though he deployed thousands of troops to Los Angeles over objections from California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom sued the Trump administration over the White House's deployment of thousands of National Guard members to Los Angeles without the governor's approval. Diana Crofts-Pelayo, a Newsom office spokesperson, said a ruling in the case has not been issued yet. Demoractic lawmaker aims to limit president's use of National Guard A Democratic congressman representing California's 16th district has introduced a bill to limit the president's use of the National Guard in response to the deployments in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sam Liccardo, the U.S. representative for a Bay Area district, introduced the Safeguarding the Use of the National Guard Act on Aug. 19, according to his staff. The SUN Act would mandate greater congressional oversight of National Guard deployments outside natural disasters. The president would have to submit a report outlining a deployment's legal basis, goal and cost, Liccardo's office said in a release. "If Donald Trump wants to spend billions in federal dollars to override the judgment of police and 'Bigfoot' the work of local communities, then the American people should know more about the impact, cost, and rationale of those decisions," Liccardo said. "With the SUN Act, Trumpand future presidentswill be required to explain why such unprecedented, nonsensical reasons for deployment were worth the cost. If theres nothing to hide, then let the light in." Vermont 'politely' declines Trump request: Reports Not all who have heard the call have responded by sending in troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Phil Scott, the Republican leader of Vermont, "politely declined" to send a request to send guardsmen to Washington, D.C., according to reporting by Vermont Public, a National Public Radio affiliate. Jason Gibbs, the governors chief of staff, told Vermont Public on Aug. 15 that sending Green Mountain State troops to Washington was too far outside the scope of what the soldiers typically do. "In the absence of an immediate emergency or disaster that local and regional first responders are unable to handle, the governor just does not support utilizing the guard for this purpose, and does not view the enforcement of domestic law as a proper use of the National Guard," Gibbs said, according to Vermont Public. Scotts office did not immediately respond to USA TODAY requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Contributing by Cybele Mayes-Osterman, a National Security & World Affairs Reporter with USA TODAY; and USA TODAY Network reporters Jessie Balmert of The Columbus Dispatch, Bella Carpentier of The Greenville News and Pam Dankins of the Clarion Ledger. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: National Guard from GOP states heading to DC: What you need to know West Virginia National Guard troops have begun to arrive in Washington, DC, to assist with President Donald Trumps crime crackdown in the nations capital, a defense official told CNN on Tuesday. The troops could begin assisting the DC National Guard operationally as soon as Wednesday after they have completed their in-processing, the defense official added. Their arrival comes after the Republican governors of six states West Virginia, South Carolina, Ohio, Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee announced they will send guard members to Washington, DC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deployment of other states troops marks an escalation of Trumps efforts to amass forces in the capital. The president previously announced that he was deploying DC National Guard troops to the city, surging federal agents into the streets, and federalizing DCs police force. The president has repeatedly complained about rising crime in DC, but overall crime numbers are lower this year than in 2024. The defense official said Tuesday that while there are roughly 2,400 personnel in the DC National Guard, assistance from other states was needed because of how many troops are either undergoing training elsewhere or are on leave. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said Monday he approved about 135 National Guard troops to DC, while Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced he would deploy approximately 200 members. Tennessee will send roughly 160 guard members to the city this week following a request from the Trump administration, Gov. Bill Lees press secretary said in a Tuesday statement to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the weekend, West Virginias governor said his state was sending 300 to 400 National Guard troops to the nations capital. South Carolina authorized the deployment of 200 troops, and Ohio said it will send 150. When asked on Monday how she feels about the additional states troops, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said, We dont have any authority over the DC Guard or any other guards. The president has power over the DC National Guard. But I think it kind of makes the point that this is not about DC crime, the Democratic mayor said. The defense official said the National Guard is operating at 10 Metrorail stations in the city. They are not carrying firearms and have not been requested to do so, the official added. As of Monday morning, 896 DC soldiers and airmen were mobilized on the mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked whether they will deploy to high-crime areas of the capital, the defense official said, Thats not the request and that it would be more the focus of law enforcement, not the National Guard. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the federal law enforcement operation is working, highlighting 52 arrests Tuesday night, a similar figure to the number of average adult arrests per day in Washington, DC, in 2024. Leavitt added that a significant number of the arrests have been in high-crime areas of DC. And in another escalation in the citys battle against a federal law enforcement takeover, the Justice Department is investigating whether the DC police department manipulated crime data, according to two sources. Trump appeared to confirm the probe in a social media post, writing that D.C. gave Fake Crime numbers in order to create a false illusion of safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Trumps crackdown on crime escalates, at least one Republican governor has refused to send National Guard troops from his state to the nations capital. Vermont Gov. Phil Scott declined to consider a request to deploy the Vermont National Guard for law enforcement activities in Washington, D.C., his office said in a statement. While Public safety is a legitimate concern in cities across the country, in the absence of an immediate disaster and unless local and regional first responders are unable to handle such an emergency, the Governor is opposed to utilizing the National Guard for this purpose and does not view the enforcement of domestic law as proper use of the National Guard, the statement said. The office of Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, said the state hasnt received an official request to send guard members to DC but stands ready to lend our support, if needed. Meanwhile, the chair of the Democratic Governors Association, Gov. Laura Kelly of Kansas, criticized the GOP governors who sent troops, saying in a statement, I implore my colleagues from Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi and every other state to reject the temptation to use their soldiers to reinforce a dangerous, politically motivated agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story has been updated with additional information. CNNs Shania Shelton, Jenna Monnin, David Ingram, Hannah Rabinowitz and Holmes Lybrand contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com NATO military leaders are scheduled to meet virtually on Aug. 20 to discuss the alliance's support for Ukraine as European leaders continue negotiations with Kyiv and Washington on security agreements for the embattled country. NATO's military committee chair Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone announced the meeting on social media. While NATO itself is unlikely to enforce security guarantees in Ukraine given Russian President Vladimir Putin's objections, a number of NATO countries appear to have committed to doing so through "Article 5-style" guarantees under the French and British co-led "Coalition of the Willing." Dragone said that Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Alexus Grynkewich, who oversees all NATO operations in Europe, will attend to brief NATO chiefs of defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As NATO officials plan to gather to work out the logistics of ongoing support for Ukraine, European leaders continue to negotiate the details of a security agreement in Kyiv. Members of the 33 nation Coalition of the Willing met on Aug. 19 to discuss progress stemming from the meeting between certain EU leaders, President Volodymyr Zelensky, and U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House the day prior. "The leaders of Canada, Japan, Turkey, New Zealand, and European countries assessed the outcomes of the Alaska meeting very realistically," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X following the wider meeting. "We all confirmed the need for continued support for Ukraine in the war with Russia." As negotiations persist, Trump told Fox News on Aug. 19 that U.S. soldiers will not be on the ground in Ukraine to ensure security guarantees are upheld, deflecting the responsibility to European allies. "We've got the European nations, they'll frontload it," Trump said. "Some of them: France, and Germany, U.K., they want to have boots on the ground." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Security guarantees for Ukraine explained: Whats on the table and whats realistic? Following Trump's comments, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Sky News that it was "premature" to say that British troops will be sent to Ukraine's front line, adding that the country will nonetheless play their part. European officials confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that a series of meetings among the participant countries of the "Coalition of the Willing" could take place in the coming days to hash out the details. Despite a lack of details, allies appeared to make progress in coming to a consensus on what security guarantees for Kyiv may look like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We'll give them (Ukraine) very good protection, very good security" Trump told reporters during the meeting. The U.S. president added that any security agreements would be done in "coordination with the United States." Commenting on his outlook for his country's own security, Zelensky said the first part of these guarantees for Ukraine should be its own "strong army." The second part is a package of American weapons, with Zelensky telling reporters that Ukraine has proposed buying U.S. weapons worth $90 billion as part of the guarantees. As discussions carry on, Zelensky held meeting with various world leaders on Aug. 19, including EU Council President Antonio Costa and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store. "We are now actively working at all levels on the specifics on what the architecture of the guarantees will look like with all members of the coalition of the willing, and in particular, in a very detailed way with the United States. This is one of the biggest outcomes of the Washington meetings," Zelensky said following his meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Reliable security guarantees for Ukraine ones that will actually work are the most important achievement of our joint efforts," Zelensky concluded. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated where Navient is based and the number of corporate branches it has. The company is based in Herndon, Virginia, and has three corporate branches. Navient Solutions LLC will lay off up to 128 employees between October and June at the company's Fishers location, according to a WARN notice filed by the financial services provider on August 4. Though many of the affected employees are remote, Navient said, they may be considered workers at its Fishers office at 11100 USA Parkway, triggering a layoff notice under WARN. Roughly two-thirds of the 128 affected employees live in Indiana, with the remainder residing in other states and reporting to management in Indiana, a Navient spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The layoffs are a result of Navient's strategic transformation announced in January 2024, the spokesperson said. The first layoffs are expected to occur in early October, the company said in the notice to the state's Department of Workforce Development, with additional rounds happening in January, March, May and June. Navient expects all the terminations to be complete by mid-June and categorized the layoffs as permanent. The employees are not represented by a union. "We recognize the impact these difficult decisions have on employees and will provide severance benefits and resources to assist them during their transition," a Navient spokesperson said in a statement to IndyStar on August 19. Signage is seen on the offices of Navient in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., June 9, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly Navient, headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, spun off from student loans provider Sallie Mae in 2014 to become an independent publicly traded company. After accusations of account mismanagement, Navient reached a settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in September 2024 to stop servicing federal student loans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fishers office is one of three corporate branches Navient operates out of across the country. Under the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Act, employers must provide at least 60 days notice when closing a facility or undertaking mass layoffs. Companies are not required to give a reason for layoffs in the disclosure. Alysa Guffey writes business, health and development stories for IndyStar. Have a story tip? Contact her at amguffey@gannett.com or on X: @AlysaGuffeyNews. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Navient will lay off 128 workers at Fishers campus Some education groups are urging lawmakers to return to Raleigh to pass a full budget. They argue the state needs more than incremental fixes to address increasing enrollment, aging school facilities, and teacher workforce challenges. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel) Consider this scenario, offered by Dr. Rhonda Schuhler, superintendent of Franklin County Schools: A school district wants to use federal Title I funds to hire a teacher to reduce class sizes and a certified tutor to help struggling students. But without knowing the state salary schedule, administrators dont know if they can afford both. Were somewhat in a holding pattern with that, because we dont have a full picture of what the state salary schedule will look like to know whether its feasible, Schuhler said. Those kinds of decisions are having to be made in our district and other districts across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With traditional schools readying for their school year to begin, North Carolinas public schools are operating without a full state budget, relying instead on a stopgap spending plan that state education officials say covers only immediate needs while leaving larger funding decisions unresolved. The mini-budget bill Gov. Josh Stein signed this month, House Bill 125, prevents disruptions in state operations after lawmakers failed to agree on a comprehensive 2025-26 budget before temporarily adjourning for the summer. This Band-Aid budget fails to invest in our teachers and students, fails to keep families safe, fails to value hardworking state employees, and fails to fully fund health care, the governor said in a statement after signing the bill. It provides money for enrollment growth, step increases for teachers and instructional staff, and $9.4 million for a new statewide student information system. It also directs additional lottery funds toward school construction and allows Yancey County schools more flexibility in repairing storm-damaged facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the temporary plan leaves out the kind of multi-year commitments districts count on to launch new programs, fill long-term positions, or undertake major building projects. Were still trying to determine if the language in House Bill 125 is the final adjustment to the base budget, Elizabeth Yelverton, legislative liaison for Department of Public Instruction, told the State Board of Education on Aug. 6. This is enough to keep the lights on, to keep us going, but we will still be advocating for the full amount of that funding. The General Assembly adjourned in late July with no deal on the two-year spending plan, passing a resolution to meet only one day a month until the 2026 short session begins in April. Lawmakers have been deadlocked since early summer over teacher pay raises and other education priorities. That means months could pass before districts have clarity on the states spending priorities for education. Some education groups are urging lawmakers to return to Raleigh to pass a full budget. They argue the state needs more than incremental fixes to address increasing enrollment, aging school facilities, and teacher workforce challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Operating under a continuing budget means that our school districts across the state and our state educators are continuing to work under a budget that doesnt reflect the current needs of right now, said Tamika Walker Kelly president of No rth Carolina Association of Educators. Rural and low-wealth districts could be affected the most. Without healthy fund balances or large tax bases, those districts have fewer options to bridge funding gaps. Still, Kelly said its a problem for all school districts whether they are urban or rural to be in limbo without a clear state budget. While most school districts have finalized their local budgets, they are still waiting to find out how much state funding they will receive. The mini-budget makes cuts, including eliminating $1.8 million in vacant positions at the Department of Public Instruction, ending funding for the STEM program Plasma Games and ending support services for parents of deaf or hard-of-hearing children. DPI leaders say they will work to reassign responsibilities from the eliminated positions but warn that the loss of program funding will be felt in schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The budget also falls short of what DPI originally requested for its new student information system, awarding $9.4 million instead of the $17.5 million sought. Officials say the reduced allocation could slow the statewide rollout, which is intended to modernize how districts track and report student data. In the meantime, district leaders say they are making only the most important spending commitments. Without an approved budget that lets us know how much ultimately each position is going to cost, districts may be limited in fully moving forward with the level of instructional support that would be most beneficial in meeting the needs of our students, Schuhler said. A woman lost $17,500 in a scam connected to a larger operation that has defrauded victims of nearly $400,000 across North Carolina's Research Triangle region, according to investigators in the area. Someone gained access to her phone and computer, impersonated her bank and stole thousands, leaving her embarrassed. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Every morning I wake up and I'm like, I just want this nightmare to go away," she told reporters in Raleigh. Shes not alone. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that Americans are scammed out of $2.95 billion by imposter fraud every year the second largest form of financial fraud after only investment scams. Because imposter scams pose serious and ever-changing threats, maintaining fraud detection best practices and tracking new techniques is critical to staying safe. A harrowing ordeal The victims harrowing ordeal began when she was unable to access her online banking portal. She called what she thought was her bank's number saved in her contacts: "I put in my password and username and got to the website, but it wouldn't let me open my accounts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A representative answered and claimed her accounts were frozen due to a suspicious PayPal transaction. After being transfered to a "PayPal fraud" representarive a call she ended because the audio quality was poor she called another number, in Florida, which she found online herself. However, during the second call, she was informed that she needed to pay an $82 fee (supposedly refundable) and follow specific instructions, including downloading software onto her computer. But the software wasnt what it seemed. "I typed $82 and I immediately looked up to the screen and it says $18,000, and then it goes, accept, accept, accept just like that. "That's not what I typed in; that's a mistake, she said. Access to bank account granted She says the scammer now had access to the womans computer and then used that information to transfer $18,000 from her savings into her checking account. Then, she says, he printed a letter with Bank of Americas logo on it from her printer. The letter stated that the IRS had blocked the transfer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout it all, the scammer told the woman not to stop and think. He kept saying, don't hang up on me, she said. The victims caller ID shows the call lasted more than four hours. The victim says the scammer then told her, "What you have to do to fix it is you have to get cash, go to your bank and get cash." The victim followed the scammers directions and went to her local Bank of America branch to withdraw $17,500 the extra $500 for her troubles. There, the manager asked her if she was withdrawing the money under duress. She denied this, even signing a document attesting that the withdrawal was of her own free will. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm like, no, I'm not being pressured, I didn't know I was being scammed," she told reporters. When she returned home, the victim found another letter in her printer tray this time thanking her for returning the money and alerting her that a Mr. Jack would be picking up the money shortly. Soon enough, her doorbell rang, and Mr. Jack appeared. Read more: Nervous about the stock market? Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund even if youre not a millionaire. Heres how to get started with as little as $10 Suspect is apprehended After giving $17,500 cash to the scammer at her door, the woman called her daughters, who immediately identified it as a scam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Distressed, she went to the police. And although investigators say the victim likely won't recover her money, her Ring doorbell provided crucial evidence in a much larger operation. It led to the capture of Linghui Zheng, a Chinese national and illegal immigrant who collected the cash himself, a critical mistake that led to his arrest. Zheng and an alleged accomplice, Yunlong Lin, now face multiple charges across Person, Durham and Granville counties. The scam operation has stolen approximately $400,000 from victims throughout North Carolina, according to authorities. Both suspects remain in the Person County Detention Center under a $250,000 secured bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators also found that Zheng had unsuccessfully attempted to contact the victim a second time to scam an additional $30,000. A representative at Bank of America told ABC 11s Diane Wilson that they are investigating the case and are unable to comment until their investigation is complete. Stay vigilant For its part, Bank of America offers the following advice to help identify scams: Pause. Take a second to think because scammers like to create a sense of urgency to force you into making mistakes. Verify. Always check the callers identity using a trusted source, like a direct line with the bank or the banks website. Never share details unless you are 100% certain. Stay vigilant. Discuss issues and situations that dont feel right with friends and family. Scammer stories are often inconsistent, but red flags remain the same. The most important thing you can do is not to panic. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly before you have time to think. Take a few seconds to consider what youve heard carefully. Does it pass the sniff test does it sound trustworthy after applying some basic due diligence? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or, as a Reddit user eloquently puts it on the r/Scams subreddit, And for heaven's sake, do NOT be in such a panic that you click on a link in a text or email. NOTHING is that time sensitive that you can't hang up, wait 5 minutes, and call your bank. As for the unfortunate victim in N.C.? "What I want people to know is, you know, don't let your defenses down." What to read next Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. NC First Lady Anna Stein and Kelly Crosbie of NC DHHS talk about the importance of making treatment for substance use disorder available to more people at the unveiling of a mobile clinic in Raleigh (Photo: Lynn Bonner/NC Newsline) The bright red mobile clinic parked outside a recovery center in Raleigh represents what North Carolina officials say is a promising step toward bringing opioid treatment programs closer to more people who need them. Expanded use of mobile centers, which can be set up in rural areas that are miles away from brick-and-mortar clinics, are seen as a way to address access challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know that transportation is a tremendous barrier to people in this state receiving treatment particularly in rural parts of our state where there is a lack of public transportation and there are long distances between clinics and where people live, said First Lady Anna Stein, who spoke at the mobile centers unveiling Tuesday. Mobile units can help alleviate burdens felt in our rural areas, she said. They also have the potential to serve highly vulnerable and harder to access populations such as people living in shelters or in jails. The Morse Clinics, founded by Dr. Eric Morse, runs the clinic parked outside Healing Transitions in Raleigh. Stein called him a leader in advocating for mobile opioid treatment programs in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states rules have staffing and counseling requirements for the mobile units. They are considered extensions of brick-and-mortar programs and must operate within 75 miles of a clinic. Healing Transitions offers a long-term recovery program for Wake County residents. Having the mobile unit on its campus puts medications and counseling within easy walking distance of the main building. However, its not necessary to be in a Healing Transitions program to use the van. More mobile units may be open by the end of the year. Vaya Health, the regional mental health agency with a footprint in western and central North Carolina, plans to use Hurricane Helene recovery money for six units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three more mobile units sponsored by private providers could be open in Greensboro, Charlotte, and Raleigh by the end of the year, according to a state Department of Health and Human Services news release. Fifty-five of the states 100 counties have at least one opioid treatment clinic. Morse said he sees using mobile units to help scout locations for future brick-and-mortar programs. I see mobile units as an opportunity to set up locations in places where were not sure whether or not theyll be successful, he said. If it is, great, well keep it here. If its really successful. We might actually build a clinic here. And if its not successful we can just move it to another location. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement County data on the location of overdose deaths can point to places where opioid treatment programs are needed, he said. It makes sense to target where people are dying and need our help the most, Morse said. Stein said one of her missions is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders. That stigma has too often resulted in a lack of access to medication-assisted treatment, she said. Methadone and buprenorphine, medications provided in our opioid treatment programs, are gold standard treatments for opioid use disorder, and everyone who can benefit from these medications should have access to them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stigma is one of the reasons people dont seek help, said Kelly Crosbie, director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services at DHHS. Part of the stigma comes from the claim that medication-assisted treatment substitutes one drug for another. Thats just silly, Crosbie said. People arent made to feel ashamed for taking medication to treat diabetes or heart conditions, she said. Methadone and other medications for opioid use disorder save lives, Crosbie said. They help people maintain long-term recovery. To have the lives they were meant to have. ARVADA, Colo. (KDVR) Nearly 200 police calls have been made this year to the Aspen Ridge Apartments in Arvada, making it one of the busiest addresses for law enforcement in the area. Residents say squatters and problem tenants are making daily life difficult, and both police and management agree that a change in Colorado law has made it harder to get them out. Cherry Creek apartment complex adds security measures after string of break-ins Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not paying nothing. I pay my rent every month, said resident Darin Barton, who told FOX31 squatters have been moving in and causing problems. Arvada police say the majority of calls at the complex are for trespassing, often involving people trying to get back into apartments after being removed. Our top calls are probably going to be unwanted persons maybe somebody trying to get back into an apartment that they were squatting in, said Det. David Snelling with Arvada police. The video shows people stealing power from outdoor utility boxes. Management said theyve tried to stop the behavior, but it continues. In a statement, Foothills Management said: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is what squatters do unfortunately this happens quite often. We cannot lock up a cable box we do not own. Under Colorados new eviction law, landlords must provide longer notice periods and mandatory mediation before evicting tenants, slowing down the process significantly. Both police and management say theyre doing what they can with added patrols and extra security but theyre limited by the law. Police confirmed an arrest was made at the complex Monday morning. New law ensures Colorado renters will not be evicted without cause If we have the availability to arrest them, and take them to jail hopefully there are consequences that ease that burden on the community, Snelling said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, residents say a few bad apples are making life harder for everyone else. Management says they will continue to work with police to keep the property safe, but notes evictions can only move as fast as state law allows. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. The Nebraska State Capitol. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Nebraskas first tax receipts of the new fiscal year saw overall revenues jump by about $20 million, though its not yet clear whether that means the states budget is back on track. The state Department of Revenue released Nebraskas July tax receipts Friday, showing a net gain of 4.8% compared to what Nebraskas Economic Forecasting Advisory Board had predicted in April. That jump equates to roughly $20 million in extra tax revenues flowing into the states coffers. State Sen. Robert Clements of Elmwood. (Courtesy of the Unicameral Information Office) July was the first month of the fiscal year, which spans from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Nebraska ended its last fiscal year with net tax receipts down about $86 million from forecasts, leading to a new projected state budget deficit of roughly $95 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest report came as a relief to State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Nebraska Legislatures Appropriations Committee. He viewed the increase as a potential sign that Nebraskas financial status is recovering after several bad months, though he acknowledged that only time will tell. However, the extra $20 million in tax revenues doesnt necessarily mean the deficit will decrease by the same amount, according to Legislative Fiscal Analyst Keisha Patent. It certainly could (reduce the deficit), Patent said. I dont know that thats a certainty. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The forecasting board will consider multiple factors at its next meeting in October, Patent said. Nebraskas receipts for July are among those factors, she said, along with August and Septembers receipts, and the impacts of the federal budget reconciliation bill. The higher receipts were largely due to a rise in sales and use tax revenues, which came in about 30% above forecasts, equating to a net gain of more than $67 million. Patent had no immediate explanation for this growth, as she said July doesnt normally see high sales tax returns. Clements said high sales tax revenue is likely a signal that Nebraskas economy is flourishing. It means people are spending, and they have money to spend, Clements said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All other categories of tax revenues were below forecasts, including individual and corporate income taxes. Individual income tax receipts were down about 15%, equating to a $13 million loss. Corporate income tax receipts were down just over 1%, equating to a $316,000 loss. Patent said shes received questions about why Nebraskas income tax revenues have been down, considering the growth of the states overall economy. After several months of low revenues, many state officials expected Nebraskas tax receipts would level off and eventually rise again. But Patent said that likely wont happen for several more years, when the states phased decrease to income tax rates finally hits 3.99% in 2027. For now, she said any growth in Nebraskas economy will likely be offset by the rate reductions. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX NEOSHO, Mo. A Neosho couple has been charged with leaving a grandchild in a hot car Saturday. Billy Joe Powers Jr., 56, and Staci Deanne Williams, 51, were each charged in Newton County with endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree. Neosho police stated in a probable-cause affidavit filed in court that a woman going into the Neosho Walmart store called police when she noticed a child alone in a vehicle with the windows rolled up and the engine not running. The person who contacted police said the child appeared to be unresponsive, so she opened an unlocked car door and the child still did not respond. She then called 911. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the outdoor temperature was 100 degrees, according to the court documents. The court documents also state that the stores camera system showed the child left in the car for 10 minutes before being found. The couple were found inside the store with two other children. Emergency responders recommended that the child found in the car be taken to Freeman Neosho Hospital, where the child was examined. A representative of the Childrens Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services came to the hospital and took custody of the child, along with two other children, according to the probable-cause statement made by police in the case. Bond for Powers and Williams was set Tuesday at $2,500 each. Jim Luebke proudly proclaims that he has spent most of his adult life behind bars. Handle bars, that is. Luebke was a law enforcement officer in Linn County for 30 years and spent many of those years patrolling on a bicycle. He continues to pedal all over Linn and Benton counties in his retirement, so he has some thoughts when it comes to proposed bike paths. "I'm all for anything that makes it easier or safer to ride along Highway 99," Luebke said. "The highway has a nice wide shoulder, so it's not too bad. The problem is there is so much gravel, debris and broken glass. Anything that makes that safer, I'm all for it." Seeds of a project Luebke offered his thoughts during an open house at Cheldelin Middle School on Thursday, Aug. 14, hosted by Benton County and the Oregon Department of Transportation to gather community input on proposed trails. County officials received $743,000 to plan and design paths for bicyclists and pedestrians in North Corvallis. Of that total, $666,000 came from the Federal Highway Administration through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, introduced by now-retired U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, DOR, during the Biden administration in 2021. The remaining $77,000 was paid through Benton County road funds. A north-south path would connect the neighborhoods near Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center and Cheldelin Middle School to points north such as Lewisburg and the McDonaldDunn Research Forest. It would be located on the east side of Oregon 99W. Or the west. That remains to be seen. "There are pros and cons to both sides," James Feldman, a senior transportation planner for ODOT, said. "For example, if you want to visit Owens Farms or destinations along the highway on the west side, this is obviously better," Feldman said. "If you're on the east side, vice versa." The west side path would be closer to 99W, while the east side path is further away. "Some people like to be close to the highway," Feldman said. "Some people like to be away from the highway." Unknown timeline It is unknown how much the project will ultimately cost or when construction will begin, Feldman said. "When you ask a planner, who is thinking 20 years ahead, what is going to actually happen, I think you'd have to ask the county and what capability they have to get this funded," he said. Laurel Byer, an engineer for Benton County, said particulars about timelines and costs will be determined by the grant funding and matching funds the county can eventually secure for the project. Right now, she said, county and state officials are painting in broad strokes about where a north-south trail would be located. Plans also call for an east-west connection across 99W, but the location of the bridge is already determined by floodplains and wetlands. The question state and council officials want the public's help answering is the location of the north-south trail. "Is it better to be on the east side of the highway and go through the natural area?" Byer said. "Or is it better to do something more commuter-friendly on the west side of the highway?" Feldman said additional grant funding from the federal government under the Trump administration is unlikely. "I don't think the federal government is in a position to fund bike paths," he said. "Right now, they're pulling back from bike paths considerably." The task at hand, Feldman said, is gathering community feedback. Getting a say "We'll collect all that, evaluate it and make a recommendation to the board of county commissioners," he said. "They will hopefully provide some guidance going forward on which alignment to pick. Then we'll do another open house next year to talk more about the alignments and more specific details." At least two east-west bridges are needed, Feldman said one across the highway and a less prominent bridge across creeks to connect Jackson-Frazier Wetlands and Owens Farm. Some general timelines have been considered. "Next spring, we hope to be wrapping up the planning and design," Feldman said. "That's what puts you in a good position for applying for final design and construction funds." Owens Farm and Jackson-Frazier Wetlands have existing trails. The 4-acre Jackson-Frazier Wetlands has a 0.7-acre boardwalk loop. The 131-acre Owens Farm is being turned into a recreational space with two trails in development. Feldman said it's a little early to read the crowd when it comes to the projects. Thursday was the first open house. Public comments are being taken online for the next two weeks. "I think people are generally excited," Feldman said. "I haven't heard any concerns yet. I'm sure we will." He was right. A man who declined to give his name said ODOT should build a four or fivelane highway parallel to 99W rather than bike and pedestrian paths. "Well, the volumes there don't warrant a four-lane or five-lane highway at this point," Feldman said in response. "At ODOT, we're not building any wider highways in this area any time soon." The same man also complained that any paths would just attract camps of people experiencing homelessness and that funding the paths would be meaningless without funding the removal of the camps. "It's such a bigger issue than transportation," Feldman said. "It's a housing issue. It's a societal issue. It's bigger than just building paths." Ultimate plans envision paths connecting downtown Corvallis with Jackson-Frazier Wetlands, Owens Farm, Chip Ross Park, McDonald-Dunn Research Forest and Adair Village. Dreams As a Corvallis resident, Byer said she would like to see her children able to bike more places. "If my kids want to bike to Jackson-Frazier, it's a pain in the you know," she said. "So wouldn't this be nice?" Luebke said more paths could improve the roads, highways and trails that already exist. Oregon Highway 20 is particularly bad, he said. "It seems like every deer, possum, skunk or whatever on Highway 20 staggers off to the side of the highway to die on the shoulder," Luebke said. "They're never in the middle of the road. They always seem to make it to the shoulder. To be able to get rid of that would be nice while also having a new path." Material from the open house, including the survey to share feedback, are available until Thursday, Aug. 28 at https://bit.ly/4meZc8m. Related stories: Israel's prime minister has accused his Australian counterpart of having "betrayed Israel" and "abandoned" Australia's Jewish community, after days of growing strain between the two countries. Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that history would remember Anthony Albanese "for what he is: a weak politician". Australia barred a far-right member of Netanyahu's ruling coalition from entering the country on Monday, and Israel in turn revoked the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke said Netanyahu was "lashing out" over Canberra recently announcing it would join the UK, France and Canada in recognising a Palestinian state. "Strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up or how many people you can leave hungry," Burke told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday. Albanese later told reporters he does not "take these things personally". "I treat leaders of other countries with respect, I engage with them in a diplomatic way," he said. Israel's opposition leader criticised Netanyahu's remarks, branding them a "gift" to the Australian leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yair Lapid wrote on X: "The thing that most strengthens a leader in the democratic world today is a confrontation with Netanyahu, the most politically toxic leader in the Western world. "It is unclear why Bibi is rushing to give the Prime Minister of Australia this gift." Diplomatic tensions flared on Monday after far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman's Australian visa was cancelled ahead of a visit to the country, where he had been due to speak at events organised by the Australian Jewish Association (AJA). Burke told local media at the time that the government took "a hard line" on people seeking to "spread division". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you are coming to Australia to spread a message of hate and division, we don't want you here," he said. Last year, Burke also denied a visa to Israel's former justice minister Ayelet Shaked, a right-wing politician who left parliament in 2022. A few hours after the revocation of Rothman's visa was announced, Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar said he had instructed the Israeli Embassy in Canberra to "carefully examine any official Australian visa application for entry to Israel". He added in a post on X: "While antisemitism is raging in Australia, including manifestations of violence against Jews and Jewish institutions, the Australian government is choosing to fuel it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent months, there have been a string of antisemitic attacks in Australia - which is home to one of the world's largest populations of Holocaust survivors per capita. On Tuesday, the AJA said Rothman would still appear at their speaking event virtually. "The Jewish community won't bow down to Tony Burke or [Foreign Minister] Penny Wong," it said in a social media post. Australia announced in early August that it would recognise a Palestinian state, with Albanese saying at the time that Netanyahu was "in denial" about the consequences of the war on innocent people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The stopping of aid that we've seen and then the loss of life that we're seeing around those aid distribution points, where people queuing for food and water are losing their lives, is just completely unacceptable," he said. Palestine is currently recognised as a state by 147 of the UN's 193 member states, and Australia's announcement came about two weeks after similar moves by the UK, France and Canada. In response, Netanyahu launched a scathing attack on the leaders of the three countries, accusing Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney of siding with "mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers". More than 62,064 people have been killed as a result of Israel's military campaign since 7 October, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel launched the offensive in response to the Hamas-led attack on 7 October, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. "It rewards Hamas terror, hardens Hamass refusal to free the hostages, emboldens those who menace French Jews, and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking your streets." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned French President Emmanuel Macron that his recent statements about recognizing a Palestinian state have fueled antisemitism in France and emboldened Hamas in a strongly worded letter. I am concerned with the alarming rise of antisemitism in France and the lack of decisive action by your government to confront it, Netanyahu wrote in the letter, dated August 17, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During recent years, antisemitism has plagued French cities. Since your public statements attacking Israel and signaling recognition of a Palestinian state, it has surged. Netanyahu cited a string of violent incidents targeting Jews in France in recent months. He referred to the assault of a Jewish man in Livry-Gargan who was beaten and robbed of his Star of David, the vandalism of El Als Paris offices with graffiti calling it a genocidal airline, the arson of a Jewish elementary school in Lyon that was defaced with swastikas and pro-Palestinian slogans, and attacks on rabbis in Paris. These are not isolated incidents. They are a plague, the prime minister wrote. Antisemitic graffiti on an Australian Jewish cafe (illustrative) (credit: screenshot) Emboldening Hamas with calls for Palestinian statehood Netanyahu accused Macron of emboldening Hamas by calling for Palestinian statehood. Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitic fire. It is not diplomacy, it is appeasement. It rewards Hamas terror, hardens Hamass refusal to free the hostages, emboldens those who menace French Jews, and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking your streets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli leader contrasted Macrons position with that of US President Donald Trump, whom he praised for combating antisemitism. As President Trump has shown, antisemitism can and must be confronted, Netanyahu wrote, pointing to Trumps enforcement of civil rights, prosecution of antisemitic crimes, and deportation of Hamas sympathizers. Closing his letter, Netanyahu urged Macron to take firm action against antisemitism and set a symbolic deadline of September 23, 2025, the Jewish New Year. President Macron, antisemitism is a cancer. It spreads when leaders stay silent. It retreats when leaders act. I call upon you to replace weakness with action, appeasement with resolve, and to do so by a clear date: the Jewish New Year, September 23, 2025. History will not forgive hesitation. It will honor action. France's response to Netanyahu "The claim that France's decision to recognize a Palestinian state as early as September is the cause of the rise in antisemitic violence in France is incorrect, outrageous, and will not go unanswered," said the Elysee Palace in a statement in response to Netanyahu's comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response also added: "According to the usual protocol on this matter, the President of the Republic will respond to the Prime Minister of Israel in writing, before any public comment is made to the media." Acts of violence against the Jewish community are intolerable. The Republic condemns and will always defend its Jewish citizens. The current period requires seriousness and responsibility not confusion of concepts or manipulations." By Emily Rose JERUSALEM (Reuters) -As Israel seeks to expand its offensive in Gaza, a measure of how the country's mood has changed in the nearly two-year-old conflict is the discontent evident among some reservists being called up to serve once again. Shortly after the October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas, Israelis dropped everything -- honeymoons, studies and new lives abroad -- to rush home and fight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, some voice disillusionment with political leaders sending them back into battle, as the military prepares to take control of Gaza City, the enclave's biggest urban centre. According to a study conducted by Agam Labs at the Hebrew University which measured sentiment about the new campaign among more than 300 people serving in the current war, 25.7% of reservists said their motivation had decreased significantly compared with the start of the campaign. Another 10% said their motivation slightly decreased. Asked to describe their feelings about the campaign, the biggest group -- 47% -- of responders expressed negative emotions towards the government and its handling of the war and hostage negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, before the latest offensive was announced, the Israeli news outlet Ynet reported that the amount of reservists reporting for duty was 30 percent below the number requested by military commanders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to destroy Hamas after it attacked Israel in Oct. 7, 2023 in the bloodiest single day for Jews since the Holocaust, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. But the war has dragged on, with Hamas still putting up a fight and Israelis condemning their prime minister for failing to reach a deal with the militant group to win the release of hostages despite many mediation efforts. 'THIS WAR IS ENTIRELY POLITICAL' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reservists were among thousands of Israelis who took part in a nationwide strike on Sunday, one of the biggest protests in support of families of hostages, calling on Netanyahu to reach an agreement with Hamas to end the war and release the remaining captives. One of those angry protesters was Roni Zehavi, a reservist pilot who stopped serving out of principle after more than 200 days of service when the last ceasefire fell through. He said that when reservists were enlisted, they did everything required without saying a word. But then questions such as "where is this going?" started to pop up, he recalled. Reservists accused the government - the most far-right administration in Israel's history -- of perpetuating the war for political reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This war is entirely political, it has no goal except to keep Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister," he told Reuters. "He is willing to do everything necessary, to sacrifice the hostages, fallen soldiers, dead citizens - to do what he needs so that he and his wife will stay in power. It's the tragedy of the state of Israel and it's the reality". Asked for comment about the disenchantment voiced by some reservists, the Israeli military said it sees great importance in the reserve service and each case of absence is examined. "In this challenging security reality, the contribution of the reservists is essential to the success of missions and to maintaining the security of the country," it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prime minister's office was not immediately available for comment. Netanyahu has so far resisted calls to establish a state inquiry - in which he could be implicated - into the security failures of the October 7 attack. He has said such an investigation should not be launched as long as the war is still under way. Some of his far-right coalition partners have threatened to bring down the government should the war end without meeting all its stated goals. When Israel called up 360,000 reservists after the October 7 attack, the largest such compulsory mobilisation since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, it received an enthusiastic response. The mood among some reservists appears different now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will not be part of a system that knows that it will kill the hostages. I'm just not prepared to take that. And I really fear that, to the point where it keeps me up at night," one combat medic told Reuters. He asked not to be identified as he was not authorized to speak. According to Israel's Channel 12, the military plans to call up 250,000 reservists for the Gaza City offensive. Israel has lost 898 soldiers and thousands have been wounded in the Gaza war, the country's longest conflict since the 1948 war that accompanied its creation. Its military response to the Hamas attack has killed over 61,000 people in Gaza, including many children, according to Gaza health authorities. 'LACK OF VISION' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Military service is mandatory in Israel, a small nation of fewer than 10 million people, but it relies heavily on reservists in times of crisis. Reserve duty is technically mandatory, though penalties for evasion often depend on the willingness of the direct commander to enforce punishment. Reuters interviewed 10 Israeli reservists for this story. Like many other reservists, special forces Sergeant Major A. Kalker concluded that Israel's military and political leadership has failed to formulate a sound day-after plan for the war. "There's a lack of vision, both in the political and the senior military leadership, a real lack of vision," he said, but added that shouldn't amount to refusing to serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Bibi (Netanyahu) is the king of not making decisions ... like treading water." Reservist Brigadier General Roi Alkabetz told Reuters that the military and Israel's Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir had transitioned to using the reservists in a "measured way", because Zamir understood the hardship for reservists and had put much of the hard work on soldiers in mandatory service. "He's doing it in a logical way," Alkabetz said. "The reservists will come." (Writing by Michael Georgy, Editing by William Maclean) Australia and Israel are trading diplomatic blows with each side taking actions against the others officials. On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a scathing statement accusing Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of betraying Israel. "History will remember Albanese for what he is: A weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," Netanyahu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australia To Recognize Palestinian Statehood: Humanitys Best Hope Albanese announced last week that Australia will recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September. The move follows similar commitments made by the U.K., France and Canada. Additionally, Australia also canceled the visa of Religious Zionist Party lawmaker Simcha Rothman, part of Netanyahus coalition. Rothman was set to embark on a "solidarity tour" to meet with Australias Jewish community as it grapples with surging antisemitism. Read On The Fox News App "The timing of the cancellation at the last minute was spiteful and intended to cause maximum harm to the Australian Jewish community. Mr. Rothman received his cancellation on the day he was to head to the airport for his flight," Australian Jewish Association (AJA) CEO Robert Gregory said in a statement posted to the groups Facebook. "The message from the Albanese Government to Jews is clear and we urge all Jews to seriously consider whether it is safe for them to visit Australia under this government." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the ban, AJA arranged for Rothman to address the Jewish community virtually, saying "the show will go on" and "the Jew-haters will not win." "The Jewish community won't bow down to Tony Burke or Penny Wong. Instead of many events, we will hold one large communal event where Simcha will address the Jewish community via Zoom," AJA announced on X. Graffiti on a fence praising Oct. 7 Hamas massacre against Israelis. Antisemitic Attackers Violently Target Synagogue, Israeli Restaurant In Australia "The Jewish community in Australia has suffered a wave of antisemitism in recent times. When the Jewish community invited a senior Israeli politician to meet some of the victims and see the damage, the Australian government responded by banning him a few hours before his flight," AJA CEO Robert Gregory told Fox News Digital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Senior figures in the Australian government were radical left-wing activists in their youth, and their policies are fueling division and antisemitism. It's sad to see the Australian government trash its longstanding friendship with Israel. Many in Australia are hoping the United States will speak up or take action about the antisemitism crisis in Australia," Gregory added. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he would revoke visas for Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. He also directed Israels embassy in Canberra to "carefully examine any official Australian visa application." "While antisemitism is raging in Australia, including manifestations of violence against Jews and Jewish institutions, the Australian government is choosing to fuel it by false accusations, as if the visit of Israeli figures will disrupt public order and harm Australia's Muslim population," Saar wrote on X. "It is shameful and unacceptable!" AJA praised Saars decision, saying that "The disgusting antisemitism from the Albanese government deserves a strong response." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australias Jews have seen antisemitism surge since Hamas Oct. 7 massacre. According to an annual report released by Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024, the country saw 2,062 anti-Jewish incidents. This marked an increase of 316% since its report of the previous year Oct. 1, 2022, to Sept. 30, 2023 when there were 495 recorded incidents. ECAJ has yet to release a report for 2025. The report documents assaults, verbal abuse, vandalism and other incidents. When broken down into categories, anti-Jewish physical assaults rose by 491% since the previous report and verbal abuse increased by 230% over the same period. Fox News Digital reached out to AJA and Albaneses office but did not receive responses in time for publication. Original article source: Netanyahu slams Australia PM, says he 'betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upbraided President Emmanuel Macron in a letter seen by AFP on Tuesday, blaming the French leader's move to recognise a Palestinian state for fuelling antisemitism. A French minister responded by saying that the fight against antisemitism must not be "exploited". Late last month, Macron said France would formally recognise a Palestinian state during a UN meeting in September, drawing a swift rebuke from Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By announcing the move, France was set to join a growing list of nations to have recognised statehood for the Palestinians since the start of the Gaza war nearly two years ago. In the letter sent to Macron, Netanyahu said antisemitism had "surged" in France following the announcement. "Your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on this antisemitic fire. It is not diplomacy, it is appeasement. It rewards Hamas terror, hardens Hamas's refusal to free the hostages, emboldens those who menace French Jews and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking your streets," Netanyahu wrote in the letter. The Israeli premier went on to call on Macron to confront antisemitism in France, saying he must "replace weakness with action, appeasement with resolve, and to do so by a clear date: the Jewish New Year, September 23". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Benjamin Haddad, France's minister for Europe, said the country has "no lessons to learn in the fight against antisemitism". The issue "which is poisoning our European societies" must not be "exploited", Haddad added. France is among at least 145 of the 193 UN members that now recognise or plan to recognise a Palestinian state, according to an AFP tally. Australia joined the list earlier this month, announcing its intention to recognise a Palestinian state in September. Netanyahu slammed his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese earlier on Tuesday, labelling him a "weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," in an angry post on his office's official X account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The personal attack came amid a diplomatic spat between the two countries after the Australian government on Monday cancelled the visa of far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman. Rothman, whose ultranationalist party is in Netanyahu's governing coalition, had been scheduled to speak at events organised by the Australian Jewish Association. Hours after his visa was cancelled, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he had revoked the visas of Australia's representatives to the Palestinian Authority. In a statement, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said revoking their visas was an "unjustified reaction" by Israel and that Netanayahu's government was "isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution". glp-acc-ekf/ami NEED TO KNOW Aliccia Grant, 37, was stabbed to death in September 2024 by her new husband while sitting in her car in a Home Depot lot Her husband, Stephen Dennis, 36, said they were talking about annulling their new marriage, say authorities Grant leaves behind two children An Arizona man who was convicted of fatally stabbing his newlywed wife in the parking lot of a Home Depot in 2024 has learned his fate. On Monday, Aug. 18, Stephen Dennis, 36, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of his wife, Aliccia Grant, 37, a mother of two, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, Dennis pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. This wasnt just a violent crime it was an act of betrayal carried out by someone who should have been a source of safety, not fear, Mitchell said in a press release. There is something especially cruel about a murder that takes place within a relationship thats intended to be built on trust. We will continue to aggressively pursue and hold violent domestic abusers accountable. The shocking murder took place in the early morning hours of Sept. 9, 2024, when Phoenix Police responded to a call about a stabbing outside a Home Depot in north Phoenix. Witnesses walking nearby heard a woman screaming for help and discovered the victim in the drivers seat of a red Prius with multiple stab wounds, Mitchell said in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dennis, who was in the front passenger seat, got out of the vehicle, argued with a bystander, then fled the scene on foot after grabbing a bag from the car, witnesses said, according to Mitchell's release. Maricopa County Sheriff's Office; Aliccia Grant/Instagram Stephen Dennis; Aliccia Grant Stephen Dennis; Aliccia Grant Witnesses and officers rendered aid to Grant. As one of the officers continued to apply pressure to the victims wounds, the victim made a dying declaration identifying Dennis as her attacker, Mitchell said in the release. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Shortly after the incident, Dennis called 911 and admitted to stabbing his wife, Mitchell said in the release. He also told officers where to find the murder weapon, which they were able to recover. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dennis told police the couple had recently married and were discussing an annulment at the time of the incident, Mitchell said. 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. As Dennis begins his sentence at the Arizona Department of Corrections, Grants family is mourning her loss. In a GoFundMe set up to defray funeral costs and to help support Grants two children, 10 and 16, her family wrote, Although Aliccia was taken from us far too soon, her endlessly hopeful energy left a permanent mark of inspiration on all of us who knew and loved her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She will be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, cousin, and friend, but most of all as a wonderful mom to her two beloved kids." If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Read the original article on People MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham on Monday reiterated his support for a completed Interstate 73 and hailed President Trump as the right man to end ongoing conflict in Ukraine during a wide-ranging interview with News13. The Seneca native sat down with anchor Edward Moody ahead of a major GOP event in Myrtle Beach hosted by U.S. Rep. Russell Fry, R-7th District. I-73 necessary for Grand Strands economic future One of South Carolinas most elusive and complicated construction projects still has Grahams support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Completing I-73, he said, allows traffic to come off 95 more orderly. It allows traffic to get off the coast if theres a hurricane. I look at this place as almost clogged arteries. We need to open up more ways to get in and out, (to) get across from one side to the other, Graham said. A finished I-73 is estimated to create 29,000 jobs and cut evacuation times by up to 15 hours. Officials said it would take about $300 million to build out the first 6 miles to Highway 501 with an I-95 interchange. The total cost is about $2 billion. The roughly 80-mile highway would be South Carolinas sixth interstate, linking the states tourism hub directly to the North Carolina border through rural areas of the Pee Dee, running from Rockingham, North Carolina through Marlboro and Dillon counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of the tourism economy, what you need to do is make sure you stay ahead of the problem. That you can get from one end of the beach to the other in the same day, thats why I-73 is so important, Graham said. Money spent down here on roads and bridges and water and sewer and upgrading the infrastructure is good for South Carolina. Well get past the dust-up This past summer saw Canadian tourism to the Grand Strand plummet along with hotel bookings during critical holiday weekends. Despite the numbers, Graham said he supports Trumps use of tariffs to help claw back what he said were unfair trade practices not only by Canada, but other close American trade allies. If youve been ripping us off for all these years, hes going to make you pay a price. Our problems with Canada will pass, and well have better access to their economy, Graham said. I dont buy the premise that our dispute with Canada is going to shut down the coast of South Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canadian businesses like Canfor and Circle K help account for some 112,000 jobs statewide tied to companies based in the country. The bottom line for me is Canada, I think, has had unfair trade practices when it comes to lumber and other things. Well get a deal, eventually, with Canada, and well get past the dust-up, but I appreciate what President Trump is trying to do. I want to help ICE more, not less The agency at the center of Trumps mass deportation agenda has an ally in Graham. I want to help ICE more, not less. I want to be the most friendly state in the nation to ICE in dealing with the illegal immigration problem, he said. To the Democratic narrative that theres something wrong with what the presidents trying to do on immigration reform, I disagree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graham touted initiatives such as the J-1 visa program that brings roughly 8,500 international students through the Grand Strand annually to supplement seasonal labor needs for local businesses. $45 million international student housing complex in Myrtle Beach almost complete Im not for any visa that would displace an American worker, but the J-1 visa program is very important to the tourism economy of Horry County, and Ill make sure that its well protected, he said. The J-1 visa program is great but some of these folks that come in on education visas that have very anti-American views, kick them out. You fight back Graham met with News13 just hours after Trump wrapped up a meeting with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Frances President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One major bit of news did emerge: Trump announced he had called Russian President Vladimir Putin and is working on arranging a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He would then work on all three of them meeting some time after. A time and location, however, is to be determined. The high stakes discussions between Trump, Zelensky and a host of European leaders who descended on the White House involved talks of establishing a ceasefire as a peace agreement is sorted out as well as what security guarantees for Ukraine would look like. The European leaders are over here to show resolve. I think the best thing we can do for the 21st century is not let people like Putin get away with taking land from others by military force, Graham said. An unstable Europe is not good. Russia controls about 20% of Ukraine, and Graham said land swaps are likely part of any lasting ceasefire deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Let Ukraine decide what land exchanges hands, not us. Create conditions to find a solution, he said. I want to do the opposite of what Obama and Biden did. I want to make sure Putin never does this again by giving security guarantees to Ukraine. Hamas has to go Also Monday, Hamas accepted an Arab ceasefire proposal as the Palestinian death toll rose past 62,000. Israel announced plans to reoccupy Gaza City and other heavily populated areas after ceasefire talks appeared to break down last month, raising the possibility of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which experts say is sliding into famine. I hate to see pictures of kids being hurt, but I blame Hamas, not Israel. We didnt feed the Germans and Japanese in World War II, but I do want to help feed the Palestinians that are sort of caught in the middle of this, Graham said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all the hostages are returned and Hamas has been disarmed, and to maintain lasting security control over Gaza. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. Graham said nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are key to any lasting peace deal. No way Israel can run Gaza or the West Bank. They will be seen as occupiers. Theres no way America is going to take over Gaza, he said. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are two rich Gulf countries. They need to go for Gaza and the West Bank what we did for Germany and Japan after the war, help rebuild the peace. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. (FOX40.COM) California Gov. Gavin Newsoms office announced it filed a Freedom of Information Act request to learn about the decisions leading up to the appearance of federal law enforcement near a redirecting press conference held by the governor. Video above: Newsom moving forward with redistricting plan According to Newsom, President Donald J. Trump misused the national guard and federal law enforcement as his personal police force and political pawns. Newsoms office said it submitted the formal requests for all documents, communications, and records regarding dozens of federal agents outside of public places during an event on Wednesday at the Democracy Center in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats where Newsom announced his plan to hold a special election to get voter approval on redrawn congressional district maps. According to the Associated Press, an official with Border Patrol said he was unaware that Newsom was holding an event inside the building. Trumps use of the military and federal law enforcement to try to intimidate his political opponents is yet another dangerous step towards authoritarianism, Newsom said. Trump is attempting to advance a playbook from the despots he admires in Russia and North Korea. We will not back down in our defense of democratic freedom, and the Trump administration should answer for this pathetic and cowardly behavior. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News. The McCook Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska. (Courtesy of Nebraska Department of Correctional Services) LINCOLN Nebraskas version of the so-called Alligator Alcatraz federal immigration detention center is being created in the roughly 7,500-resident city of McCook, Gov. Jim Pillen confirmed. His announcement Tuesday was part of a multi-pronged push to support the Trump administration and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems ramped-up approach to deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want President Trump to know that Nebraska is supportive and grateful for his ongoing, critical work with Secretary Noem to arrest and deport migrants who commit crimes, Pillen said in a statement. Sparks criticism He said the assistance Nebraska offered to the Trump administration from the state and its law enforcement agencies was about keeping Nebraskans and Americans across our country safe. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, left, and Attorney General Mike Hilgers. July 16, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Others, including some Nebraska lawmakers, criticized the states participation. State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha, whose district includes the food plant where a high-profile immigration raid on June 10 arrested 76 undocumented workers, said she was furious at the prospect of Nebraska becoming a home to a facility modeled after Alligator Alcatraz, the name given by Florida Republicans to an Everglades detention center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She pledged protests all over the state, adding: I dont feel thats an appropriate way for the immigrants to be treated. Im pissed. State Sen. Dunixi Guereca of Omaha said the Governors Office had not shared details with him, including the type of funds or labor force numbers involved. Guereca said he saw better uses for the funds, wherever they might originate. We need to focus on building a stronger Nebraska for all, he said. Instead were ripping families apart and wreaking terror and havoc on a hard-working community that just wants to provide a better life for the next generation of Nebraskans. No state expense State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Legislatures Appropriations Committee, said he was privy to a quick briefing on the states immigration enforcement efforts. He said he learned the federal government will fully reimburse Nebraska for costs, with reimbursement rates anticipated to exceed the daily costs. State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, right, talks with Speaker John Arch of La Vista. July 26, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Costs wouldnt be passed on to Nebraskans, he said, adding that its still too early to quantify any potential savings through reduced state spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im supportive of the president enforcing the law, Clements said. He said he was told the facility was to be used for low- to medium-security risk detainees. I was pleased that the McCook people wouldnt be exposed to a higher level of security than what they currently have, Clements added. State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, who represents the McCook area, told the Examiner he was informed about the ICE plans as soon as the governor knew. Murman said the people in his district are generally in support of what the president is doing, but said he figures some people have some concerns. President Trump does move quickly on everything he does. Hes moving quickly to get his policies in place, Murman said. And that includes what hes doing out here with the facility in McCook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Homeland Security news release labeled the facility the Cornhusker Clink and said it would house criminal ICE detainees the worst of the worst. This agreement was made possible by the One Big Beautiful Bill, the statement said. This law fully funded the 287(g) program and provided funding to secure 80,000 new beds for ICE to utilize when detaining and deporting the worst of the worst. It went on to say: Thanks to Governor Pillen for his partnership . If you are in America illegally Avoid arrest and self deport now using the CBP Home App. Midwestern hub for ICE Nebraskas Correctional Services Director Rob Jeffreys, in a news conference at the Capitol, said the facility wont house the worst of the worst but would be used for detainees at the low level and medium. Gov. Jim Pillen introduces Rob Jeffreys from the Illinois Department of Corrections as the next director of the Nebraska Department of Corrections. April 3, 2023. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner) Jeffreys said the facility would be the Midwestern hub for ICE. He added that the nearby McCook Ben Nelson Airport could be used for deportations, but the logistics are still being worked out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A handful of protesters gathered outside of the press conference that included Jeffreys, Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Bryan Waugh and Nebraska National Guard Maj. Gen. Craig Strong. Its incredibly frustrating that no matter how much it looks like people are saying, Stop no one actually in power is doing what needs to be done and stopping it, said Jaci Vetro, a Lincoln resident. Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said he views the move as a way to support the local community and keep jobs in McCook. I support President Trumps actions to protect our communities and Gov. Pillens work to bring DHS investment to Nebraska, Ricketts said in a statement. The Homeland Security statement said that the Nebraska facility marks the third state partnership to expand ICE detention space following Alligator Alcatraz and Speedway Slammer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speedway Slammer is their nickname for ICEs new facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana, referencing the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is about 75 miles away. More partnerships In addition to the McCook center, Pillen announced two other state-federal partnerships with Homeland Security. For one, the Nebraska National Guard will provide about 20 soldiers to help Nebraska-based ICE agents carry out their duties. Training is to begin within the next week. Also at Pillens direction, the Nebraska State Patrol announced it would sign a 287(g) agreement that empowers state troopers to help ICE arrest migrants in the country without authorization who break the law. In an aerial view from a helicopter, the migrant detention center, dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, is seen at the site of the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport on July 4, 2025 in Ochopee, Florida. (Alon Skuy/Getty Images) So named for its section of immigration law, the often-controversial program delegates state and local law enforcement officers authority to perform immigration officer functions under the federal agencys direction and oversight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pillen turned to an arrest earlier this summer in Omaha when Nebraska law enforcement agents worked with ICE to arrest a person ICE described as a drug-trafficking kingpin and murderer. This stuff hits close to home and hits every corner of this state and country, he said. Governments most important job is to keep us safe, and thats why the State of Nebraska, under my leadership, is partnering with President Trump. Three Nebraska county sheriffs offices currently are authorized for the 287(g) program Brown, Dakota and Wheeler. 280 beds The Homeland Security and Pillen confirmations of the Nebraska ICE facility revealed that the existing Work Ethic Camp in McCook would be converted and provide capacity for 300 migrants. It was built to house up to 200 people in a medium-security facility operated by the Nebraska state prison system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pillen, who also held a press conference in McCook, and was greeted by a group of anti-ICE protestors, said that about 85 workers currently employed by the Corrections Department and working at the Work Ethic Camp would remain under the contract arrangement that pays the state. He said migrants held at the facility would likely be there five to 50 days and that there would be a lot of activity at the nearby airport removing people from the U.S. Gene Weedin, a McCook City Council member, said he was still learning details and forming an opinion about the center coming to his city. Nebraska owns nearly 45 acres at the McCook site. Weedin said Pillen was in McCook with Corrections Director Jeffreys over the weekend talking to various local officials. Weedins understanding is that the state prison facility would stop operating in its current form, start functioning as the federal immigration detention facility, and that those currently in the facility would be transferred to other places. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the people currently housed at the center have contributed to the community by picking up trash, putting up annual Christmas decorations and doing other public service. There are just a lot of questions, said Weedin. Staffing shortage Nebraska has historically struggled to hire enough staff to use the McCook center as it was originally intended, to reform younger men whove committed crimes by assigning them jobs and tasks. The camp focuses its counseling and other efforts on encouraging behavior changes to reduce recidivism. The Rev. Elan Miavitz-Brown leads prayer near the entrance to the state-managed immigration detention center dubbed Alligator Alcatraz, on August 3, 2025, in Ochopee, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) It is the least crowded of Nebraskas overcrowded adult prison facilities, running a daily census of about 184 in Fiscal Year 2025. But it is also one of the prison facilities with the greatest need for additional staffing. The departments census says it was staffed to house an average of about 125 people in FY 2025. State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha said on social media that Nebraska prisons are already overcrowded and inhumane. And our state faces a budget crisis. We cannot afford this, he said. Cristine Schwartz, the public information officer at the McCook Work Ethic Camp, referred calls to a state Correctional Services spokeswoman, who did not immediately return calls. State Sen. Teresa Ibach of Sumner, who represents part of west-central Nebraska outside of McCook, said she only just learned about the ICE effort and was still gathering more information. The state has been working around the Douglas County Jail in Omaha no longer actively participating in ICE detentions. Detainees from eastern Nebraska have been sent to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and as far away as the Lincoln County Jail in North Platte where the 76 workers arrested in the high-profile immigration raid at Omahas Glenn Valley plant were transported. Many are still there. Other ICE contracts ICE also plans to contract with jails in eastern Nebraskas Sarpy and Cass Counties for 30 beds each and the Washington County Jail for 15, according to ICE documents the Washington Post obtained. Pillens announcement is apparently Nebraskas contribution to a plan that the federal documents showed would open or expand 125 immigration detention facilities this year. In its detention expansion strategy, the Trump administration has revived other dormant prisons, repurposed military bases and secured partnerships with private prison contractors, local sheriffs and Republican governors to house its record number of detainees, the Post reported. By January, the documents indicate, ICE would have capacity to hold more than 107,000 people, up from close to 50,000 currently. The documents, last updated July 30, reflected ICE intentions to rely increasingly on makeshift soft-sided structures that could be built in a few weeks and taken down as easily. The government is also planning to make more room for detaining parents and children. Agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations announced a pair of arrests in Omaha they say involved MS-13 gang members. (Courtesy of Immigration and Customs Enforcement) The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska is among critics of the Pillen plan, calling it a new low point and way out of step with where most Nebraskans are on this issue. Imagine hearing about the cruel rights violations happening in other states ICE detention sites and thinking that we need our own heartland horror, said Mindy Rush Chipman, executive director of ACLU Nebraska. Nebraska Democratic Party officials described creation of the detention facility in McCook as a bend the knee moment by top Republicans in Nebraska, and the governors participation as disgusting. They promised to go after criminals and instead have locked up hardworking moms and dads who contribute their skills to our agricultural economy, said Jane Kleeb, state party chair. Creating fear and division does not have to be the Cornhusker way. Nebraska Appleseed called the governors cooperation part of a harmful, dangerous and rapid expansion of detainment camps that repeat a deeply ugly pattern of history. Darcy Tromanhauser, the advocacy agencys immigrants and communities program director, urged officials instead to update immigration laws. Nebraskans want policy change, not punishment, she said. Nebraskans want policy change, not punishment Darcy Tromanhauser, Nebraska Appleseed Earlier this month, Noem revealed in an interview with CBS News that Nebraska was being considered as a home to one of the state-run, federally funded migrant detention centers that the Trump administration hoped to launch across the country in the likeness of the one dubbed Alligator Alcatraz. Noem said she had already appealed to governors and state leaders. Strimple acknowledged the possibility at the time, saying the governor would make details public at the appropriate time. Nebraska Examiner Editor-in-chief Aaron Sanderford and Reporter Zach Wendling contributed to this report. Editors note: This is a developing story. It was last updated at 8:56 p.m. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX President Donald Trump has spent the past several days on a diplomatic sprint, setting the groundwork for a potential trilateral meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss pathways to end the yearslong war. But despite the back-to-back meetings with delegations from both countries, along with a contingent of European leaders, daylight still remains between Putins long-standing demands and the conditions outlined by Zelenskyy and his European allies. Nevertheless, after official talks with Zelenskyy and the European leaders came to a close Monday but while the heads of state were all still gathered for dinner at the White House Trump declared on social media that he was arranging a bilateral meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, to be followed by a trilateral conference that Trump would attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While trilateral talks could mean the start of serious negotiations to end the yearslong war, something Trump has vowed to do since entering office in January, he still has several steps ahead of him to successfully orchestrate such a conference starting with getting both leaders to the negotiating table. Here are five questions were asking as the White House prepares for a possible trilateral: Will Putin actually agree to meet Zelenskyy? Trumps big plan for a direct meeting between the warring leaders hinges on Putins willingness to meet his Ukrainian counterpart face-to-face. Its not a likelihood to count on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday told Russian state media that any meeting would have to take place "step by step, gradually, starting from the expert level and then going through all the necessary stages" a similar line the Kremlin has used to stall during previous attempts to get the two leaders in the same room. But Lavrov didnt rule out a meeting altogether, saying Putin wouldnt necessarily decline attending either a bilateral or trilateral summit. Its not the first time the Kremlin has dangled the possibility of a Putin-Zelenskyy conference to delay serious peace talks while Russia continues attacking Ukraine. Despite suggesting a meeting with Zelenskyy in May, Putin sent a delegation rather than attending the summit himself after Zelenskyy demanded a ceasefire as a precursor for negotiations. What's the breakdown of the security commitments between Europe and U.S.? According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the key breakthrough coming out of Monday's summit was Trump's willingness to commit to security guarantees for Ukraine, for which Putin expressed openness during Fridays Alaska summit. But it's unclear what exactly the U.S.s participation could look like. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a call with Fox and Friends Tuesday, Trump said European allies would front load security commitments, and gave his assurance that the U.S. wouldnt put boots on the ground in Ukraine. Instead, Trump said, a couple countries, namely France, Germany and the United Kingdom, were likely to provide troops. But the U.S. could still contribute in other ways including air support, which Trump also floated to Fox on Tuesday. A senior official told POLITICO this week that I dont think theres a red line for the U.S.s potential role in long-term peace-keeping efforts. Where would the potential meeting take place? The White House is in the process of selecting a location for the potential trilateral should it come to fruition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The list of possibilities isnt long. Due to the International Criminal Courts active warrant for Putins arrest over his alleged role in abducting children in Ukraine during the war, the Russian leader is limited in the number of countries hes able to visit without facing possible apprehension. Switzerland would grant Putin immunity if he were to visit the country for peace talks, the Swiss foreign minister said Tuesday. But while French President Emmanuel Macron suggested Geneva as a possible gathering place and Putin pushed to host in Moscow another location has emerged atop the White Houses list of preferences. The U.S. Secret Service is making plans for the meeting to take place in Budapest, Hungary, POLITICO reported on Tuesday, though plans are yet to be finalized. A Budapest summit would make Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump ally, the host for the pivotal gathering. It would also set up a potentially painful historical echo for Ukraine. After allies promised to protect the countrys territorial integrity in exchange for Kyiv relinquishing its nuclear weapons with the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, their commitment proved meaningless when Ukraines partners failed to provide military support in the face of Russias 2014 attack. Are territorial concessions still on the table for Trump? Perhaps the biggest obstacle in the way of a potential trilateral: Putins demands for territorial concessions from Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has indicated openness for what he has termed land swapping which would involve Russia relinquishing some of the Ukrainian territory it has occupied during its war, but retaining other swaths of land, including parts of the Donbas region that Russia doesnt currently hold. Putin has made clear that he wont even consider ending his war on Ukraine without a successful territorial grab. But Zelenskyy has no intention of trading land for a peace deal. According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who joined Mondays White House summit, the subject of territory didnt come up in the days talks, essentially postponing discussions until Zelenskyy and Putin meet face-to-face. But any condition of territorial concession heading into a hypothetical trilateral would likely quash a guarantee of Zelenskyys participation. Will Trump alternate his allegiance again? Trumps Monday visit with Zelenskyy and a coterie of European leaders seemed to place the U.S. president back in Ukraines corner. But theres no guarantee hell stay there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump spent the better part of his administration thus far lauding Putin, publicly berating Zelenskyy, and stopping and restarting weapons shipments to the war-torn country before finally tiring of his Russian counterparts lack of serious engagement in peace talks and expressing distrust in his intentions. But the U.S. president was swayed by Putin again after their meeting on Friday for which he rolled out the red carpet echoing Putins demands to do away with talk of a ceasefire agreement in favor of longer-term peace negotiations, as well as the Kremlins long-standing condition that Ukraine must never join NATO. While Trumps support for Ukraine appeared to be back on after Mondays summit, Putin could pull Trump back into the Kremlins orbit once again, potentially leaving Europe and Ukraine out in the cold. CONCORD, NH (ABC22/FOX44) New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte recently held a ceremonial bill signing for Sherrills Law, renaming the Move Over law to honor an officer killed in the line of duty. Staff Sergeant Jesse Sherrill died while working construction detail, and was guarding a highway road project. The amended law itself requires drivers to provide extra space, reduce speed, and steer clear of traffic cones, caution signs, standing vehicles with warning signals and more, as long as its safe to do so. The law also generally requires drivers to move out of lanes that are partially or wholly blocked, and give plenty of space to emergency response vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Hampshire Governor Ayotte and Attorney General Formella announce cold case unit expansion Strengthening our Move Over law ensures we do everything we can to keep our first responders, highway crews, and fellow drivers safe, and renaming it in honor of Staff Sergeant Jesse Sherrill serves as an important reminder of the risk and sacrifice it takes to keep our roadways safe, says Governor Ayotte. State police, Staff Sergeant Sherrills family, the NH Department of Transportation and others were in attendance at the ceremony Monday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. A New Hampshire judge has again ruled that the state is underfunding education. In a ruling issued Monday in the Rand School funding lawsuit, Rockingham Superior Court Judge David Ruoff found New Hampshires varying education property tax rate violates Part II, Article 5 of the New Hampshire Constitution but stopped short of ordering the state to increase funding levels. Mondays ruling comes less than two months after the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruling in the ConVal lawsuit which upheld the minimum, conservative threshold of $7,356.01 per student for base adequacy. In both cases, the courts left the question of how to fund New Hampshire schools and how should money be spent on education for state legislators to decide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judge Ruoffs ruling in Superior Court involved funding provided by the state for special education services and property tax rates paid to cover that gap. Zack Sheehan, executive director for the NH School Funding Fairness Project, called Ruoffs ruling a huge win for New Hampshire students and taxpayers. The court once again found that the state is failing its constitutional duty, Sheehan said in a statement. The overall adequacy funding levels from the state are unconstitutionally low, special education is severely underfunded, and taxpayers are forced to pay wildly different property tax rates that violate our rights. The lawsuit Steven Rand, et al. v. The State of New Hampshire focused on the widely varying rates of taxes used to fund schools, a responsibility spelled out in the New Hampshire Constitution and Claremont I (1993) and Claremont II (1997) decisions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit named three plaintiffs who face high burdens to fund schools because their towns have low property values. For example, plaintiff Steven Rand lives in Plymouth. The town has only $942,600 in property values to fund the education for each one of its students; nearby Waterville Valley has taxes more than five times that value $5.4 million. The statewide average is $1.3 million. Two of the other taxpayers involved in the suit are from Penacook, an incorporated village of Concord. Robert Gabrielli is a retired physician who owns commercial property in Penacook, while Jessica and Adam Russell also live there. Jessica Russell is an at-large member of the Merrimack Valley School Board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tax assessments School property taxes in Penacook were $16.74 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for the 2020-2021 school year; the school taxes for the same year in the rest of Concord were $13.81, the lawsuit said. Sheehan said Judge Ruoffs ruling differs from the ConVal ruling in two important ways the Rand suit was brought by taxpayer plaintiffs, not school districts; and the Rand case argued against the levels of special education differentiated aid provided by the state, not just base adequacy. Plaintiffs argued the low levels of funding from the state result in widely different property tax rates needed to provide an adequate education for our public-school students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For example, in fiscal 2023, New Castles school property tax rate was just $0.19 per $1,000 of value while Brooklines was $14.98. At the time the lawsuit was filed in 2022, the state provided an additional $2,100 per student for special education services. The plaintiffs proved that evaluations alone averaged $1,667 per student leaving almost nothing for actual services. The math does not lie, Ruoff wrote. In 2024, local property taxes funded 83% of special education services. That same year, 70 school districts spent over 25% of their budgets on special education related services, up 10 districts from 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the trial, plaintiffs presented witnesses who spoke to the inability of school districts to educate their students with only adequacy aid, and the financial realities of running a school district and providing necessary and mandated services to students. I said it with the ConVal ruling, and I will say it again: it is past time for the Legislature to act, Sheehan said. What will they do? What is their plan to comply? The Legislature has a duty to fix our school funding system to ensure that every child, regardless of their zip code or family income, has access to a high-quality public education and that taxpayers are treated fairly. A New Hampshire man has been sentenced to serve nearly a decade in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material, the U.S. Attorney said. Ryan Vallee, 31, of Harrisville, was sentenced Monday to nine years in federal prison and five years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan said in a statement. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott handed down his sentence. Vallee was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, Vallee pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the production of child sexual abuse material. The defendant is a recidivist offender who illegally sought out CSAM while on federal supervised release, Creegan said. This case is one of many that highlights the importance of reporting child sexual exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). A cyber tip to NCMEC alerted law enforcement to online activity that led to the detection of the defendants crime. According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on June 6, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Vallees home, car, and electronics. During the search, law enforcement found a cellphone that contained four videos of child sex abuse material and 175 images of child sex abuse material, and an SD card that contained 11 videos of child sex abuse material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Vallee was on federal supervised release after prior convictions in 2017 for interstate threats, computer fraud and abuse, aggravated identity theft, and cyberstalking. The Department of Homeland Security led the investigation. The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Merrimack County Sheriffs Office, the Harrisville Police Department and the Belmont Police Department provided valuable assistance. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW State Rep. Nicole Collier, a Fort Worth Democrat who has been on the floor of the Texas House since Monday afternoon, filed a lawsuit challenging the chambers authority to put members under police surveillance, according to a filing obtained by Courthouse News. Collier is among the Democrats who participated in a two-week walkout to delay passage of a new congressional map that aims to give the GOP five additional seats in the 2026 midterms. Around two dozen of them returned Monday, allowing the House to resume business, but they were only allowed to leave the chamber if they agreed to be shadowed by state law enforcement officers. Collier was the lone member who declined the surveillance, saying in a statement that she refused to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative. Fellow Fort Worth Rep. Charlie Geren, a Republican and chair of the House Administration Committee, said shed be arrested if she left the Capitol without an escort, according to her lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She stayed in the House chamber overnight alongside Rep. Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and Rep. Vince Perez, D-El Paso and is expected to stay until the House returns Wednesday morning to take up the map. But in a petition filed Monday, Colliers attorneys argued that the House has no authority to detain a member in the chamber, or require them to be followed by law enforcement, as long as they are not actively absent to delay passage of legislation. House rules allow absent members to be brought back to the chamber, including by law enforcement, but they have no authority to detain members who are already in attendance, the suit says. There is no calendar for the House today. There is no calendar for tomorrow, or any upcoming date. There is no pending vote. There is no action on which a quorum is needed, the lawsuit reads. And, more importantly, Representative Collier is currently present at the Capitol. She is not absent, and thus her appearance need not, and cannot, be compelled. The petition asks a Travis County district judge to release Collier and prohibit the House sergeant-at-arms from restraining her in any way, unless she is physically absent from the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colliers lawsuit is the latest chapter in an extended legal battle between Republicans trying to restore the headcount necessary to pass legislation and Democrats who have spent the last couple weeks trying to delay the new map. When dozens of Democratic lawmakers left the state in early August, House Speaker Dustin Burrows issued civil arrest warrants, which he later tried to get served on the missing members in Illinois and California. Meanwhile, Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton asked the Texas Supreme Court to find their seats vacant, an unprecedented move in Texas long history of quorum breaks; the court has asked for additional time to review arguments from both sides. More all-star speakers confirmed for The Texas Tribune Festival, Nov. 1315! This years lineup just got even more exciting with the addition of State Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo; former United States Attorney General Eric Holder; Abby Phillip, anchor of CNN NewsNight; Aaron Reitz, 2026 Republican candidate for Texas Attorney General; and State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin. Get your tickets today! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. By Camillus Eboh ABUJA (Reuters) -Five men charged with carrying out a deadly Islamist militant attack on a Catholic church in southwestern Nigeria in 2022 were remanded in custody on Tuesday until a court ruling on September 10 on their application for bail. The suspects, who pleaded not guilty when arraigned last week, appeared in court at the start of their trial on Tuesday, seeking bail three years after their arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church in the town of Owo that killed at least 50 worshippers and wounded over 100 others shocked the nation, highlighting the growing reach of Islamist militants beyond Nigeria's northeast. Abdullahi Muhammad, their lawyer, told the court that their prolonged detention was unjustified and asked for them to be released on bail. Prosecutor Ayodele Adedipe opposed the bail, citing national security risks and alleged links to foreign terrorist groups. He added that discrepancies in the bail application and alleged threats to witnesses were further grounds for denial. They were remanded in Department of State Services custody, where they have been held since their arrests, until a judge decides on their application next month. (Reporting by Camillus Eboh; Writing by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise) A Nigeria court postponed on Tuesday the beginning of a highly anticipated trial over the killing of dozens of Catholic worshippers in a church massacre that rocked the nation's usually safer southwest region and drew international condemnation. On June 5, 2022, gunmen attacked Saint Francis Catholic Church in Nigeria's Ondo state, killing at least 40 worshippers and injuring many others. It was a rare assault in Nigeria's southwest, with jihadist attacks and mass kidnappings typically limited to the country's northeast, where an insurgency has been grinding on for more than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, in what was supposed to be the first day of proceedings, five men charged with carrying out the attack stood before a judge at the Federal High Court in downtown Abuja, dressed in brightly coloured kaftans and shirts. Justice Emeka Nwite granted a request to delay the trial after prosecutors stressed that the attorney general had requested a new lead counsel for the case. Prosecutors also called for witness protection, while the defence said they had been barred from meeting with their clients since their arrest more than three years ago. "I've not been able to meet my clients... in the entire (three) years" they have been detained, until they were arraigned last week, defense counsel A.A. Muhammad told reporters after leaving the court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Muhammad said the state intelligence department, where the accused have been held in custody, had once again barred him from seeing them. Muhammad said at times he wasn't even sure of their exact whereabouts. The court did not provide a new date for the beginning of the trial. - Witness protection 'paramount' - At Saint Francis Catholic Church, gunmen hid among the congregants and started shooting during the Sunday service, while others opened fire from the outside. Authorities initially suspected the Islamic State West Africa Province group, which along with rival Boko Haram has been waging an insurgency for years in the country's northeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under Nigeria's anti-terrorism law, the men were charged with conspiring and carrying out a "terrorist act" in which they "caused the death of over 40 persons, caused grievous bodily harm to over 100 persons and caused damage to the church building". Opposing bail for the defendants, the prosecutor argued on Tuesday that the men "have links to foreign terrorist fighters" and could flee the country. He later told reporters that prosecutors will call six witnesses to the stand and that "the protection of those witnesses is of paramount concern". In the courtroom, the five men, who were not handcuffed, were allowed to mingle with supporters, and were later marched out by armed security. nro/sn/djt The new lawsuit alleges the Trump administration is illegally withholding congressionally approved grants for victims of crime. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) A lawsuit filed by a group of states Monday targeting the Trump administration is the 33rd complaint New Jersey has joined against the administration since Donald Trump retook the White House in January. Attorney General Matt Platkin is among the plaintiffs on lawsuits challenging Trump on everything from his executive order on birthright citizenship to funding conditions for transportation grants to data on food stamp recipients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newest lawsuit seeks to block a Trump administration move stripping more than $1 billion in federal aid from states that shield undocumented immigrants from detention and deportation. The funds are intended for victims and survivors of crime, to pay for medical and burial expenses, advocacy services, emergency shelters, and more. Platkin, who has been criticized by New Jersey Republicans for his lawsuits against the Trump administration, said Monday the claims in the latest complaint against the White House show the administration doesnt really care about the public safety of people who are victims and survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, gun violence, sexual abuse, and more. They try to find political pawns to force states and cities to change their policies in ways that they cant win through the political process, he said. The complaint, filed in federal court in Rhode Island, argues that the administrations move to block funds approved as part of the Victims of Crime Act runs headlong into two basic principles of American governance: separation of powers and federalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Victims of Crime Act was enacted in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan after a presidential task force concluded that the criminal justice system was wrongfully neglecting crime victims, according to the complaint. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who also joined Mondays lawsuit, said the 1984 law was an effort to help states support survivors and witnesses of crime by providing resources to help those in need recover. These are individuals whove survived traumatic, tragic, dangerous circumstances and deserve every opportunity to move forward regardless of where theyre from, Bonta said. It builds trust between the community and law enforcement thats vital to protecting our public safety, so that when someone does experience or witness a crime, they feel safe to report it to law enforcement without fear of deportation. Congress has mandated that victim assistance grants distributed pursuant to the law be based on fixed statutory formulas. Since 2020, New Jersey has received $29 million in these funds, the complaint says. Last year, the funds were used to support about 433,000 victims, it says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are not just dollars. They are shelters, they are hotlines, they are funding for rape kits, they are funding for new locks on broken doors, and they are medical expenses, Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings said. The Trump administration has made it a priority to detain and deport millions of undocumented immigrants, and has threatened to withhold other federal grants to try to force states to withdraw any orders that provide sanctuary to undocumented immigrants. New Jerseys Immigrant Trust Directive, unveiled in 2018, restricts cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, center, gathered leaders of health, housing and food nonprofits to discuss how recently enacted federal cuts will affect New Mexicans, along with how the spending bill will increase prices on health insurance, housing, energy costs and nutrition. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM) Cuts to the countrys food assistance programs in the recently enacted Congressional spending bill will leave food banks and other charities across the state with less food to feed longer lines of hungry people, leaders warned Monday at a roundtable with U.S. Rep Gabe Vasquez. The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which gives low-income families money to spend on groceries, currently provides nine times as many meals across the state and country as the entire nationwide network of food charities, Jason Riggs, director of advocacy and public policy at the Roadrunner Food Bank, told Vasquez and other nonprofit leaders at the roundtable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New Mexico, more than 500 shelters, pantries, schools and hot-meal sites comprise the states food bank, he said, and that whole network provides only a fraction of what SNAP delivers for families. Theres no way we can just suddenly multiply everything we do times nine to make that happen. We couldnt do that in 10 years, Riggs said. No business can grow nine times. So any thoughts that, Well, charity will take care of this, are very misguided. Vasquez, a New Mexico Democrat who represents the states 2nd Congressional District in the southern portion of the state, gathered leaders of various nonprofits handling housing, healthcare and nutrition at the food banks headquarters to elicit testimony about how the cuts will affect New Mexicans, along with how the spending bill will increase prices on health insurance, housing, energy costs and nutrition. Regarding SNAP, Vasquez told Source New Mexico that the upcoming Farm Bill presents Democrats with an opportunity to undo some, but not all, of what the Big, Beautiful Bill will do. The Farm Bill sets SNAP funding levels and other food-related policies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans are going to propose a skinny Farm Bill, which is a watered-down version of the Farm Bill. Theyre going to want to have some bipartisan support for that, and were not going to give it to them unless we get some concessions back on the priorities that we have, he said. Jason Riggs, community initiatives manager at the Roadrunner Food Bank, speaks at a news conference after the roundtable. He said charities like the food bank wont be able to adequately feed New Mexicans if SNAP goes away. (Photo by Patrick Lohmann / Source NM) While he doesnt think Democrats have enough leverage to make Republicans completely reverse their SNAP cuts or other policies they just enacted in the spending bill, he said one concession hell push for relates to states like New Mexico that are deemed to have high SNAP error rates. The bill currently penalizes states that are found to over- or under-pay SNAP recipients at high rates by making them share a portion of the costs the federal government currently pays to SNAP recipients. In New Mexico, the federal government currently shoulders 100% of the more than $1 billion in annual spending to SNAP recipients. But under the bill, New Mexico will have to share 15% of the total SNAP spending New Mexicans receive because of its high error rate. New Mexicos rate is 14.6%; the national average is 9.83%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vasquez said he hopes to push Republicans to change both the way the error rate penalty is calculated and give states longer grace periods to bring their rates down to avoid the penalty. I think those are common-sense proposals that Republicans should accept, but I dont expect to reverse a lot of that stuff, considering what it represents to the Presidents overall agenda, he said, which is to cut Medicaid and to cut SNAP and to give taxes to the rich. Otherwise you wont be able to pay for those tax cuts. States with rates above 10% incur the 15% fee, the highest penalty, which amounts to about $173 million, according to a presentation Monday from the Legislative Finance Committee to an interim legislative committee. Even though New Mexico faces a big error rate penalty, LFC analyst Austin Davidson also noted Monday that a provision in the bill allows states with high rates to wait longer before paying the penalty. Assuming the states rate stays high, New Mexico wont pay the penalty until October 2028 at the earliest, Davidson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nonprofit leaders at the roundtable later Monday said that the states error rate often comes from systemic problems at the state level, not fraud at the individual level, and mistakes are often quickly caught and corrected. According to a presentation from state Health Care Authority officials to the same legislative committee, analysts attribute 35% of the states error rate to agency-caused miscalculations of benefits or use of outdated information. To bring down the rate in New Mexico, Health Care Authority officials recommended increasing caseworker training at the authoritys Income Support Division, along with improving information technology system changes to ensure quality control. The error rate cost is among hundreds of millions of dollars the state is anticipating losing in SNAP funding in the state with the highest rate of SNAP recipients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 450,000 New Mexicans use SNAP assistance, which is more than one-fifth of the population. All of them could see reductions in the amount of assistance, according to the Health Care Authority presentation. In addition, about 40,000 New Mexicans will likely lose their SNAP benefits completely due to new work requirements or their immigration status. As for retailers, about 1,700 gas stations, groceries, convenience stores and farmers markets statewide stand to lose about $1.3 billion in SNAP revenue. Ari Herring, executive director of Rio Grande Food Bank, warned at the roundtable that all the cuts and costs facing the state will coalesce into a much bleaker food system for New Mexicans. Were gonna see much, much longer lines. Were gonna see people highly stressed about affordability, and we are gonna have less resources to answer that need, she said. It really is a perfect storm. LAS VEGAS, N.M. (KRQE) The New Mexico Environment Department and the City of Las Vegas have made progress on upgrading the citys drinking water and wastewater systems to support recovery from the Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Fire, NMED announced Tuesday. Las Vegas residents are the beneficiaries of the Environment Departments collaboration with the City of Las Vegas, said Environment Secretary James Kenney in a news release. These drinking water system upgrades are real, tangible, and use the latest technology to ensure safe and reliable drinking water is on tap for families and businesses for generations to come. Gap financing for housing project approved by Albuquerque city council Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the fire, the citys water system was severely damaged. That combined with repeated flooding led to challenges including low pressure and broken mains. The city faced multiple instances of residents having water that was not safe to drink Earlier this year, the city and NMED teamed up to fast-track new water treatment facilities. In Tuesdays announcement, NMED provided a list of completed improvements: Installed a new pretreatment system, building up the drinking water systems integrity in case of flooding. Cleared debris and mud from the Gallinas River and built a sediment pond near the reservoir to reduce flooding and contamination risks to the drinking water treatment system. Began upgrading two drinking water treatment filters by removing old filter materials and underdrains to improve drinking water quality. Completed and submitted the annual Consumer Confidence Report, giving residents updated information on the quality of their drinking water. Extended overflow drains and built a concrete pad under the Valencia Storage Tank to prevent further erosion, which secures the drinking water systems integrity. Replaced the wastewater treatment systems vacuum system that removes scum and floating debris more efficiently, improving the water quality of the Gallinas River. Las Vegass 2025 Consumer Confidence Report found that water that was delivered to customers met all state contaminant regulations except one. Trihalomethanes, a byproduct of water treatment, were found to be above average levels. The City of Las Vegas notified their customers of these levels in compliance with state regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NMED said it will continue to work with the city on designs for a new water treatment plant. Construction is expected to start in 2026. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Police were permitted to use a Morristown man's cellphone passcode after watching him enter it in a police station, according to a new appellate court ruling. Stock photo by Greenleaf123/Getty Images) Police did not act improperly when an officer gained access to the phone of an individual detained for kidnapping, sex assault, and other serious charges after watching the man enter his cellphone passcode and committing it to memory, a New Jersey appeals court ruled Tuesday. Tyrone Ellison, who was arrested and convicted after kidnapping a minor with substance abuse issues from a Newark hospital, had no reasonable expectation of privacy when he unlocked his phone while in police custody and under the supervision of a detective, the court ruled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no violation of defendants Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination where defendant voluntarily requested his cell phone, was not compelled to provide the passcode and voluntarily entered the passcode in the officers presence, the judges wrote. Police could not leave Ellison unattended with his phone without risking him deleting evidence, the ruling adds. The judges said prior case law that found an arrestee maintained a reasonable expectation of privacy when making a call from a police station without being told that call may be monitored or recorded does not apply to Ellisons case. Ellison, the judges wrote, was aware of the detectives presence when entering his passcode, did not attempt to conceal his password, and was not stopped from concealing his passcode from police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no deception or trickery used to obtain defendants passcode. Nor did the police orchestrate the situation to induce defendant to reveal the passcode, the court wrote. In effect, Ellisons expectation of privacy vanished when he chose to unlock his phone in the presence of police, the court found. A divided New Jersey Supreme Court in 2020 ruled in Andrews v. New Jersey that while the Fifth Amendment presumptively protects individuals passcodes, they can be compelled to reveal them under the foregone conclusion exception to the amendment. That exception allows the compelled disclosure of documents and passcodes as long as authorities know they exist and the individual subject to the warrant knows and possesses them. Tuesdays ruling says another doctrine that allows authorities to use improperly obtained information if it would have inevitably come into their possession through proper channels would have allowed police to use the passcode even if it was initially obtained improperly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police obtained a communications data warrant to search the phone and could have obtained an order to compel Ellison to disclose his passcode, the judges wrote. Once the passcode was compelled, law enforcement would have been able to access the contents of the phone, the judges wrote. The New Jersey Office of the Public Defender represented Ellison. Alison Perrone, deputy of the offices appellate section, called the ruling concerning and said her office will ask the New Jersey Supreme Court to review the case. The ability of law enforcement to observe and later use a persons private phone passcode while in custody presents serious questions about constitutional rights in the digital era, Perrone said in a statement. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX BURNET COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) Attorneys representing the families of five young women who were killed in a July crash have filed a civil lawsuit against the driver accused of causing it and the company he worked for. Police believe Kody Lane Talley was driving a pickup truck hauling a trailer loaded with horses traveling northbound on U.S. 281, when he veered into the southbound lanes and hit a car head-on. The truck continued in an arc before hitting an SUV, DPS said. DPS: Williamson County man arrested related to crash that killed 5 people on US 281 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That SUV overturned and caught fire. All five people in the vehicle died at the scene. DPS identified them as Thalia Salinas, Ruby Cruz, Brianna Valadez, Desiree Cervantez and Jaqueline Velazco Ventura. There are currently five manslaughter charges pending against this driver, said Matthew Graham, an attorney with J. Alexander Law Firm. What these families need are answers, and they need some sort of accountability to be taken by the driver of this dangerous vehicle. Theres an entire system in place here that led to him being behind the wheel that day. That system includes the company he works for, Graham said. There are a number of people who need to be held accountable for this. KXAN has not yet been able to connect with Talleys attorneys or the company he worked for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an arrest warrant affidavit, police said it appeared Talleys accelerator pedal was depressed 100% at the time of impact. Williamson County court records show Talley has prior charges, including two DUIs, aggravated assault with a weapon and driving with an invalid license. The affidavit also states that Talley left the scene before speaking with state troopers. The lawsuit comes as loved ones gathered Monday afternoon to erect a permanent memorial along U.S. 281. Around 30 of the victims loved ones stood along the road while the sign was being installed. They were all best friends The Fab Five, said Jose Cruz, Rubys brother. Im not an emotional person. Im not a religious person, but I think thats the first time I ever cried to God. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cruz said he is still processing the event, and that it feels fake. The girls didnt go out how they were supposed to. They burned the car flipped. Nobody deserves to go out like that. I dont wish that on my enemies. Its disgusting, he continued. It just doesnt make sense to me no brother, no mother, no father, no cousin, no aunt, no uncle should be going through this, he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. TAHLEQUAH Temporary easements to lay gas lines required payment to landowners, the cost of moving about a mile of fencing, and moving it back into place once gas lines were installed. General Manager Jim Reagan, of Northeast Oklahoma Public Facilities Authority, said after the monthly trustee meeting Aug. 18, that the change order for the fencing came to a total of $62,833.60. Reagan said NOPFA had to acquire temporary easements because the gas line was only 3 feet off of the fence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So we had to remove a fence 30 feet over to keep a gentleman's livestock in, and then we have to put that fence back where it was," Reagan said. "That cost $62,833.60, it's for about a mile total." This includes labor, too, Reagan said. The change order covers both moves. "That's $9.08 a foot price, plus labor," Reagan said. "There was 5,794 feet on one property, and on another there was 1,126 feet." The contractor had its fencing contractor do the work, Reagan said. Another change order was for remobilization. The contractor is paid to mobilize onto a project with the equipment and when NOPFA stopped the project to secure the temporary easements, it shut them down for over a month, Reagan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trustees approved the second change order for $15,206.49. "We had to talk to each landowner to get the temporary easements, so they moved some of their machinery to another project and they charged us for that," Reagan said. The original easements were 3 feet off of the fence line and the contractor was not able to put in the 8-inch gas line in that small area. "The only place they could put their spoil, which is the dirt they are digging up, was over in the right-of-way in the contractor's way, and we had to make some room for them to work," Reagan said. The cost of the temporary easements was $31,517 for about 25 tracks of land. Not all of the easements had fencing to be moved, Reagan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm ready for this to be over with because this is a nightmare, [all of these projects that are ongoing] S.H. 82 north, S.H. 82 south, S.H. 51, U.S. Highway 62, S.H. 100, and S.H. 59," Reagan said. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation told Reagan that once S.H. 100 and S.H. 59 are complete, the crews are moving to Okmulgee County. "They are going to leave us alone for a while," Reagan said. "Tahlequah is growing so much and there's always something going on, especially with the Cherokee Nation." The Nation has several projects that include gas lines, and the new hospital will create a need for more housing, which requires more utility services, Reagan said. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. (WWLP) A City Councilor in North Adams is traveling across the state to visit the potential future train stops and advocate for the Northern Tier Rail Restoration Project. The journey for North Adams City Councilor Andrew Fitch began on Monday at the Boston State House to deliver pins and stickers to the Governors office. Fitch then boarded the commuter rail to the Wachusett Station in Fitchburg. Since the Northern Tier Rail does not extend further west, he will then travel by bicycle and foot for the next three days to North Adams. State House art exhibit showcases western Mass. artists Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fitch will follow the rail tracks as close as possible along the Route 2 corridor and stop at each of the proposed train stops, Gardner, Athol, Greenfield, Shelburne Falls, and North Adams. On Wednesday, while in Greenfield, Fitch will host an advocacy event in collaboration with the office of State Senator Jo Comerford and the Williams College Center for Learning in Actions Passenger Rail Restoration Research Team, and in North Adams on Thursday. Proposed Northern Tier Rail stops (Courtesy of City Councilor Andrew Fitch) The one project I think would be most positively impactful to the economies and residents of the Northern Berkshires, the rest of the communities along the Route 2 corridor, and Massachusetts in general, its the Northern Tier Rail Restoration Project, and I want to help advocate for its completion across the Commonwealth, said Fitch. With proper planning and community involvement, local and regional economies have the potential to reconnect with opportunities previously lost. This project would benefit us all and provide such an amazing opportunity for the Northern Berkshires. We have the chance to catapult the revitalization of our gorgeous region and elevate it to new heights we have never seen before. The Northern Tier Rail Restoration Project would involve restoring a passenger rail between North Adams, Greenfield, and Boston. A study was conducted by MassDOT that was released in November 2024, which showed the planning and process overview, including key findings. The proposed infrastructure would build on top of the existing rails with a total ride time of 2 hours and 59 minutes, which is roughly the amount of time it currently takes to drive, said City Councilor Fitch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the East-West Passenger Rail, which is scheduled to be completed in 2027, will span from Pittsfield to Boston and is estimated to cost about $4.6 billion, which is about $1.5 billion more than the most expensive Northern Tier Rail estimates stated in a news release from City Councilor Fitch. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. North Korea must grow its nuclear arsenal, Kim Jong-un has said, as he hit out at joint military drills between the US and South Korea. The North Korean leader said his country will make a radical and swift change in the rapid expansion of nuclearisation in response to intensifying security risks in the region. The comments, which were published by North Koreas state media, were framed as a pointed riposte to the joint military drills between the US and South Korea, known as the Ulchi Freedom Shield, which kicked off on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kim said the exercises demonstrated that the two countries intended to remain most hostile and confrontational and were the most obvious manifestation of their will to ignite a war. He also claimed that the drills would include nuclear elements, although South Korean defence officials have previously emphasised that the exercises would be routine and defensive in nature. Kim Jong-un visits a Choe Hyon-class destroyer - KCNA/Reuters The exercises, which are held annually, will last 11 days and will be similar in scale to those held last year, except half of the field training events will be rescheduled to later in September as part of an effort to ease tensions between the North and the South. The Ulchi Freedom Shield is the second of two-large scale exercises held by Seoul every year and will involve 21,000 soldiers 18,000 of which are South Korean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to Kims remarks, North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang Chol had said last week that the drills demonstrated military confrontation and the regime would be prepared to counter any provocation going beyond the boundary line. Kim was speaking on board a Choe Hyon destroyer, a class of missile-guided ships, where he also said that progress has been made in making the navy high-tech and nuclear-armed. The North Korean regime plans to build a third of the 5,000-tonne warship by October next year and has been testing cruise and anti-air missiles that can be used. South Korea hopes to reduce border tension Kims comments come days after newly-elected South Korean president Lee Jse Myung said that he would respect the North Korean regime and has no intention to engage in any hostile acts as part of efforts to bridge divisions between the North and the South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Korean president also said last week that he will seek to restore the 2018 inter-Korean military agreement, which aims to reduce border tension between the two countries. Mr Lee is preparing for a meeting with Donald Trump scheduled for August 25. There are more than 28,000 US troops currently stationed in South Korea, but President Trump has said he may either reduce the number in order to refocus attention on China or demand more money from Seoul in exchange for the large security presence. 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 58-year-old North Texas man was arrested after he shot at a car full of teenagers following a ding-dong ditch prank at his home, Frisco police said. Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 6500 block of Scottsdale Way about 11 p.m. on July 28. The caller reported that he had shot at someone who tried to kick in his door, police said in a news release on Monday, Aug. 18. Investigators determined that the suspect, Damon Wolfe of Frisco, came out of his house in response to a loud bang on his door. He then ran into the street and fired multiple rounds at a passing vehicle because he believed the occupants to be involved, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later that night, officers responded to the 12300 block of Hawk Creek Drive to take a report about a vehicle being shot at. Three teenagers told police their car was fired upon while they were driving north on Legacy Drive. Officers found what appeared to be three bullet holes in the car, police said. During follow-up interviews, the teens admitted they had been taking part in ding-dong ditching, a prank where people ring a doorbell or knock and run away before the resident answers, when they were confronted by a man with a gun, police said. Based on the investigation and neighborhood surveillance video, detectives determined Wolfe will face a charge of aggravated assault against the three teens, police said. More top stories from our newsroom: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 [Get our breaking news alerts.] Wolfe was taken into custody at the Frisco Police Department on Aug. 7. Parents please talk to your kids about the dangers of participating in these types of TikTok challenges, Frisco Police Chief David Shilson said in the release. The teens involved in this case are very fortunate they were not shot and killed or seriously injured. For homeowners, it is important to understand that there are legal and criminal consequences for running outside and shooting at a vehicle fleeing the scene, the police chief said. The bullets fired in this offense could have easily struck neighbors houses and had deadly consequences. This entire incident is completely senseless and avoidable had better decisions been made by all involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Frisco Police Departments non-emergency number at 972-292-6010 or submit a tip using Tip411 (text FRISCOPD + the tip to 847411). A regional agency is touting northwest Florida's veteran community as a valuable labor pool in an effort to attract prospective employers. Floridas Great Northwest, the Panhandle's economic development agency, has launched a campaign called Military Talent: Mission-Ready Veterans, Business-Ready Results. A release from the agency says that this campaign is based around a new study from the University of West Florida. The study aimed to analyze the number of service members transitioning into civilian life across the Florida Panhandle. FGNW says outbound service members are a unique and talented workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Researchers found that, on average, 5,200 military personnel transition into civilian life from local military installations each year. Sixty percent of them have a bachelor's degree or higher and 47% planned to stay in the region. The data from the study is housed on FGNW's Military Talent Dashboard. Separations at local installations have been generally trending upwards since 2019, according to the dashboard. More than half of those surveyed left Eglin Air Force Base, about a quarter left Hurlburt Field, and 6.1% of respondents were from Tyndall Air Force Base. The study also found that 30% of separating veterans hold skills in STEM-related fields, 37% in business fields, and 11% in education fields. FGNW's dashboard also touts that service members often utilize their GI Bills and don't require businesses to spend extra on training. One part of the dashboard called this area "the Military Coast," pointing toward the Panhandle's six military installations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Conoley, president and CEO of FGNW, told a reporter that the agency hopes that the talent pipeline attracts more employers in high-skill industries. She says there already has been interest from local stakeholders in how to better tap into the veteran pool. Conoley said aeronautical industries are one target of the campaign, with many local veterans having some level of experience in these fields. Research and business skillsets are also of particular interest to FGNW. In a perfect-world setting they hope the campaign results in a better integration between transitioning veterans and the private sector. Northwest Florida has long been a center of defense excellence, supporting our heroes and their families, and FloridaCommerce was grateful to have supported this endeavor with a Defense Reinvestment Grant to seed the necessary research for this campaign to recruit and retain our military expertise in the civilian workforce," Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly said in the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While veterans can provide a pre-trained labor pool for prospective employers, data also points to some common struggles. Terry Gabreski, a retired USAF lieutenant general, delivers remarks during a Veterans Day ceremony at Florida State University-Panama City Nov. 6, 2024. McKinsey & Company says that 60% of those leaving the military each year end up making less in their private sector roles than when they were on active duty. Another study referenced by the National Veterans' Training Institute found that one-third of veteran jobseekers are underemployed. They define underemployment as being employed less than full time or working jobs that don't utilize their full skillset or meet their economic needs. Military.com also points to other issues such as lacking a civilian professional network that could help them find jobs and professional development opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While veterans might face some struggles in the job market, they've also been making some wins. Read more on local military: 'It's the wounds you don't see': Panama City Beach hosts wounded warriors for beach retreat The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate for veterans was nearly a point lower than nonveterans in 2024. In some fields, they make more than their nonveteran counterparts while many tend to go into higher-paying professions, according to Hill & Ponton, attorneys for veteran disability. This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Veteran talent pool in northwest Florida could attract industry OSLO (Reuters) -Norway's Crown Prince Haakon said on Tuesday the royal family would continue to carry out official duties while his stepson stands trial next year accused of rape, adding that this is a challenging time for everyone involved. Marius Borg Hoiby, 28, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit and stepson to Haakon, was charged on Monday with 32 criminal offences, including the rape of four women as well as domestic violence and assault. Hoiby denies the most serious accusations against him, including those of rape and domestic violence, but plans to plead guilty to some lesser charges in court when the trial starts, his lawyer told Reuters on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He could face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty of the most serious charges in a trial expected to start in January and run for six weeks, the prosecutor in the case has said. It is up to Norway's courts to decide the outcome of the case, Crown Prince Haakon told reporters on Tuesday while attending the opening of an industry conference. "We will continue to carry out our duties as best we can, as we always do," Haakon said, in his first public remarks since the charges were announced. "Everyone involved in this case probably finds it challenging and difficult." The investigation began in August last year when police named Hoiby as a suspect in a physical assault against a woman with whom he had been in a relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoiby, in a statement to the media at the time, admitted to causing bodily harm to the woman while he was under the influence of cocaine and alcohol, and said he regretted his acts. Hoiby, who has no royal title and is outside the line of succession, is the older half-brother of Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who is second in line to the throne after her father Haakon. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik in Oslo and Louise Rasmussen in Copenhagen; editing by Mark Heinrich) Security guarantees have become a central focus in discussions about a peace deal for Ukraine, with the countrys President Volodymyr Zelensky saying at the White House Monday that they are the key issue, a starting point for ending the war. Zelensky knows that in the long run, Russias superior numbers and weaponry will grind down Ukrainian resistance. So he has long insisted that any agreement must provide Ukraine with promises that the US and Europe will prevent the Russians from resuming their assault in a year or two. Heres what to know about this crucial part of any deal to end the war in Ukraine. What might security guarantees look like and who is involved? First, this is uncharted territory: the Coalition of the Willing, a group of key Ukrainian allies, is still working out what it can realistically offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The purpose is clear enough: to deter the Russians from fresh attacks on Ukraine in years to come. The shape is less clear, but there will likely be a plan to put forces on the ground and support Ukraine from the sea and in the air. There would also be help in rebuilding the Ukrainian military, now exhausted by more than three years of war. Indeed, Zelensky has argued that a strong Ukrainian military is itself one security guarantee. French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the allies support for a robust Ukrainian army, one that can resist any attempted attack and deter it, and therefore no limitations in numbers, capabilities, weapons. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron talk during the White House meeting on Monday. - Win McNamee/Getty Images North America/Getty Images Earlier this year, the UK and France came up with the concept of a multinational force that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said would deploy following a ceasefire to deter Russian aggression for years to come. Initially, there was talk of the two countries leading a contingent of some 30,000 troops that would be deployed in Ukraine. That has given way to discussions about a smaller deterrent force on the ground and more of a security umbrella provided by its allies, that would include sea, air and training elements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some 30 countries have signed up to the coalition. But what they would each be prepared to contribute is as yet unclear. Countries like Germany and Italy are reluctant to commit ground troops; Australia and Canada may be more willing. The coalition would provide reassurance forces at sea, in the air, and on land that the allies are ready to provide to Ukraine, Macron said on Monday. He added: Were going to need to help Ukraine with boots on the ground, to make sure that there is no intrusion from Russia in the future. However, there is no chance of this prospective force being deployed in and around Ukraine before hostilities cease, and that gives the Kremlin what some analysts call a powerful veto. President Donald Trump speaks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office of the White House on Monday. - Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Zelensky said Tuesday: We are already working on the concrete content of the security guarantees, a process that will continue at a high temp in the coming weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But heres the problem. A fully-fledged assurance force fanning out across a 1,000- kilometer (600-mile) front line would require far more than 100,000 troops, a huge stretch for European armies which have shrunk since the end of the Cold War. In the 1990s, for example, a 60,000-strong NATO corps was deployed on a much smaller front line in the Bosnian war. Now add logistics, rotations and a command structure to what must be figured out. And rules of engagement in the event of ceasefire violations, which would have to be agreed by all governments with troops on the ground. The force deployed would need to be credible to Moscow and the coalition resolved to act decisively in the event of a breach of the ceasefire, according to a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More feasible, according to military analysts, might be a deterrent force of some 10,000 troops, a sort of warning to Russia that any resumption of attacks would come with a price tag. This force would be in Ukraine but not necessarily close to the front lines. Its deterrence effect on Russian forces would mostly be achieved by its very presence since its capability for high-intensity combat operations would be limited, IISS says of this option. Have there been security guarantees in Ukraine before? The abandoned town of Marinka, Ukraine, which was destroyed in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, is seen on August 7. - Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters Ukrainian soldiers fire at Russian drones in the Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine on August 10. - Evgeniy Maloletka/AP Not really. Theres been a weapons pipeline from both Europe and the US throughout the war, as well as considerable intelligence sharing. And during the Biden administration there was plenty of talk about Ukraines pathway to either full NATO membership or some affiliated status. But that prospect vanished when Trump returned to office. Over the weekend, Trump reiterated that Ukraine would not be allowed to join the US-led security alliance in line with a key Russian demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Russias full invasion, there was a civilian monitoring mission run by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe that tracked violations along the frontline in eastern Ukraine. But it was in no way equipped to offer security assurances and was often ignored by both sides. What role would the US play? Thats the elephant in the room. President Zelensky shakes hands with President Trump during their meeting in the Oval Office on Monday. - Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images Its only in the last few days that US President Donald Trump has come round to the idea of the US being involved in offering Ukraine security guarantees. Previously he and other members of the administration had said bluntly that it was the Europeans responsibility. Trump was vague about the nature of the commitment in the White House talks Monday. He suggested in a post on Truth Social that guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a co-ordination with the United States of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump on Tuesday rejected the prospect of US troops being deployed to Ukrainian soil. What it will exactly mean US involvement that will be discussed in the coming days, said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in an interview with Fox News. But Rutte described any US involvement as a breakthrough, which it is because the Russians were never going to take seriously the idea of a European assurance force without the US underwriting it. The US has important capabilities the Europeans dont its intelligence gathering and the ability to suppress enemy air defenses at scale are just two examples. But the Trump administration is going to be wary of any US role that might lead to an escalation. Even so, is Russia going to accept these ideas? President Trump greets President Putin as he arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, for talks on Ukraine on Friday. - Andrew Harnik/Getty Images In a word, no. On Monday, it repeated its insistence there could be no troops from any NATO country on Ukrainian soil. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova rejected any scenario that envisages the appearance in Ukraine of a military contingent with the participation of NATO countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow has also insisted that any peace settlement include limits on the numbers and capabilities of Ukraines military. It says it too deserves security guarantees and has always claimed that NATOs eastward expansion is one of the the root causes of the conflict. Thats at odds with Trumps insistence that at the Alaska summit that Putin agreed that Russia would accept security guarantees for Ukraine. And this is one of the key points that we need to consider. The question is whether Putin can be persuaded to allow Ukraine to have any sort of security guarantees in exchange for locking in Russian battlefield gains and for example recognition of Russian sovereignty of Crimea. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that discussing questions of security guarantees for Ukraine without Russias participation was a path to nowhere, appearing to slam Mondays talks between European leaders and Zelensky at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres another risk. Russia might be tempted to test the resolve of any assurance force by devising some pretext for renewed military action. In turn this could play into Putins greatest ambition: splitting the transatlantic alliance, with the US unwilling to follow through on security guarantees to which the Europeans have committed themselves. Are there any alternatives? There is more discussion now about part of the security guarantee coming in the form of air cover for Ukraine, a little like the no-fly zones over Iraq back in the 1990s that were designed to prevent attacks by Saddam Husseins forces on minorities. The greatest deterrent effect would be achieved by placing not only ground but also combat air elements within Ukraine, says IISS. More airpower could be stationed in Poland and Romania. Such a presence would provide surveillance and reconnaissance but would struggle to maintain air superiority if challenged by the Russians. And there would be a risk of rapid escalation if, for example, fighter jets engaged in aerial combat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whats more, says one observer, airpower and ground troops are like eggs and bacon the chicken is involved, the pig is committed. And the Ukrainians want commitment, not involvement. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com President Donald Trump has launched an attack on the nations museums for being WOKE, specifically targeting the Smithsonian in all caps as OUT OF CONTROL. The Trump administration is on a crusade against institutions of learning, from universities to museums, to ensure they align with a narrative that presents history in a way that glorifies the nation rather than documents and explains the American historical journey, warts and all. In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday afternoon, the president wrote: The Museums throughout Washington, but all over the Country are, essentially, the last remaining segment of WOKE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He continues: The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future. Trump laid out his intentions, writing: We are not going to allow this to happen, and I have instructed my attorneys to go through the Museums, and start the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities where tremendous progress has been made. A photograph of President Donald Trump hangs on the wall at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC (AFP/Getty) He concluded: This Country cannot be WOKE, because WOKE IS BROKE. We have the HOTTEST Country in the World, and we want people to talk about it, including in our Museums. The reaction on social media was fast, with former Republican Rep. Joe Walsh asking on X: So now he wants to force them to discuss how good slavery was? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep Yvette Clarke wrote on BlueSky: History is WOKE! Facts are WOKE! Museums are WOKE! Democracy is WOKE! Truth is WOKE! Ignorance? NOT WOKE! CNN factchecker Daniel Dale wrote: It takes a single trip to any Smithsonian, including the American history museum and the African American history and culture museum, to know that the claim they feature nothing about Success and nothing about Brightness is categorically false. The Smithsonian Museum of American History on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (AP) Other posts questioned whether the president understands the concept of a museum, given his complaint that they have nothing about the Future. It is also unclear to which attorneys he is referring in this process of review and revisionism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Trump announced he was ordering a thorough review of the Smithsonian Institution, the group of museums, education, and research centers established by the U.S. government, to ensure its exhibitions reflect the administrations view of American history. That announcement led to a heated scene on CNN when pundit and fitness guru Jillian Michae;s was accused of historical revisionism by Rep. Ritchie Torres after she defended President Trumps latest review of the Smithsonian. Hes not whitewashing slavery, and you cannot tie Imperialism and racism and slavery to just one race, which is pretty much what every single exhibit does, Jillian Michaels told host Abby Phillip during Newsnight on Wednesday. It takes a single trip to any Smithsonian, including the American history museum and the African American history and culture museum, to know that the claim they feature nothing about Success and nothing about Brightness is categorically false. https://t.co/rE9xjFZgt2 Daniel Dale (@ddale8) August 19, 2025 When Michaels began to speak about slavery being thousands of years old, Torres chimed in, saying: This is extraordinary historical revisionism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Phillip then challenged Michaels, saying, Im surprised that youre trying to litigate who was the beneficiary of slavery and who was not. In the context of American history, what are you saying is incorrect by saying that it was white people oppressing Black people? she added. Michaels, who formerly appeared on The Biggest Loser, answered, Im not. What is you cannotevery single is like oh no no no, this is all because white people bad, and thats just not the truth. For example, every single exhibit, I have a list of every single one, people migrated from Cuba because white people bad. Not because of Castro, she adds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michaels then took to X hours after the fiery discussion to defend her position. History is WOKE! Facts are WOKE! Museums are WOKE! Democracy is WOKE! Truth is WOKE! Ignorance? NOT WOKE! https://t.co/bluE8wvQ6W @repyvetteclarke.bsky.social (@RepYvetteClarke) August 19, 2025 On the previous nights installment of Newsnight, Scott Jennings also defended Trumps cultural review by saying that those opposing it were the same people on the left who incited the mass removal of historical statues tied to slavery. Yeah, the last time we sort of talked about the changing of historical exhibits was when all these angry mobs all over the country tore down historical statues all over the place, and the people who seemed to be angriest about the Smithsonian review were cheering that on, Jennings argued. Trumps cultural review comes ahead of the nations 250th birthday a move that falls in line with other recent takeovers of institutions of learning and the arts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president began attacking colleges for their admissions policies and teachings almost as soon as he took office. Trump has also taken over the management of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, personally suggesting programming and honorees, and announcing that he will host the famous honors ceremony. There is also a move to rename the centers opera house after First Lady Melania Trump. Earlier this month, the commander-in-chief ordered the Smithsonian to erase all references to his impeachment in the exhibit A Glorious Burden. Staff have now restored the references, despite the presidents precise demands, according to USA Today. This summer, outdoor enthusiasts in Nova Scotia face a difficult decision: stay out of the woods or face a $25,000 fine. On August 5, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston implemented a ban on "hiking, camping, fishing and use of vehicles such as ATVs in the woods due to an elevated wildfire risk," reported the CBC. Camping in campgrounds is still allowed, but trail systems are off limits, and people who work outdoors, such as miners, need to obtain permits and work mostly at night to reduce fire risk, according to the CBC. Under the ban, "private landowners are free to use their own properties," but guests are not allowed to use wooded areas on the land, per Houston's office. Anyone found violating these rules will face a $25,000 fine. Nova Scotia has had an active wildfire season. In 2025, the province has seen 139 wildfires22 in the last weekwhich have burned over 8,000 acres of land. One fire, which was likely caused by lightning, has resulted in an evacuation order for parts of Nova Scotia's Annapolis County. Unless weather conditions change, the ban will remain in place until October 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott Tingley, manager of forest protection with the province's Department of Natural Resources, told the CBC that most wildfires in Nova Scotia are human-caused. "That's why we can't run the risk of having people in the woods, because when people are in the woods, even if they don't intend to, we will have fires," he said. Nova Scotians have pushed back on the directive. Many say it violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms by infringing upon their right to freely associate within the country as Canadian citizens. Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) Litigation Director Christine Van Geyn described the ban as an example of weaponized safety. "Nova Scotia's forest ban is overkill and it's deja vu," she said. "It's happening now because the government got away with it last time." In 2001, 2016, and 2023, wildfires led the province to implement bans on outdoor activities. (Notably, the 2023 restrictions were only implemented for about a week, whereas the August 5 ban remains in place as of this writing.) "This is a classic example of safetyism: a mentality where risk becomes an excuse for control, not communication. Once the government sees that overreach is workable, it's replayed every few years," Van Geyn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In protest, Jeff Evely, a retired Canadian veteran and former candidate of the People's Party of Canada, posted a video of himself on X intentionally violating the ban and receiving a $28,872.50 fine. Evely said he wanted to receive the fine to challenge the order in court. The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms has agreed to represent him. In response to the ban, the CCF announced it had sent a letter to Houston, arguing that the "sweeping ban unnecessarily and disproportionately restricts responsible outdoor recreation that has zero fire risk." The CCF has also formed an online petition urging Houston to rescind the ban. Julissa Stewart, a resident of Louisdale, Nova Scotia, told the CBC, "It's one thing for somebody to go outside and light up a cigarette and throw a butt on the ground. It's another thing for somebody to want to take a hike in the woodsTo put a ban on everything going into the woodsthat's extreme overreach. I think that is overstepping on mobility rights." The ban might save some lives, but instead of letting Canadians make their own decisions while communicating fire risks, the government has decided it's better to force people insideeven if doing so comes at the expense of one's freedom. The post Nova Scotia Bans Everyone From Hiking in the Woods Until October appeared first on Reason.com. ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) A Novice man accused of homicide for speeding, running a stop sign, and causing a fatal crash has been arrested. Charles Ray Myrick was taken into custody last week for Criminal Negligent Homicide in connection to the crash, which occurred in Runnels County in July 2023. Court documents state Myrick is accused of speed and running through a stop sign, causing a crash that killed another driver, Michael Castillo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Myrick was released from the Taylor County Jail after posting a $25,000 bond. No further information is available at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. A North Tonawanda faces a sentence just short of a year in jail following his guilty plea to charges related to a December hit-and-run crash near Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Anthony R. Mayo, 31, of North Tonawanda, pleaded guilty Monday before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to one count of driving while intoxicated (unclassified misdemeanor under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law) and one count of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting resulting in personal injury (Class B misdemeanor under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law). Mayo pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge, according to Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane. The crash occurred about 7:45 p.m. Dec. 22, Mayo was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol when he hit a pedestrian on Abbott Road in the Town of Orchard Park. Mayo then drove away from the scene without reporting the incident to the police. The victim, a 39-year-old male from Rochester, was taken by ambulance to ECMC. He was hospitalized for several days to receive treatment for injuries to his head and foot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A short time later, police initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle with front end damage traveling from Abbott Road onto Milestrip Road, which matched the description of the suspect vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. Mayo was subsequently arrested. Mayo faces a maximum of 364 days in jail when he is sentenced on Oct. 30. He remains released on his own recognizance. Keane commended the Orchard Park Police Department, Erie County Sheriffs Office, New York State Police, Orchard Park Emergency Medical Services and Windom Fire Company for their work in this investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher M. McCarthy of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau. The number of children who have died despite them or their households being in contact with Oregon child welfare officials has grown in 2025. (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) More than 20 children known to Oregons child welfare agency have died in 2025, surpassing the number of fatalities the state has reported by mid-August for the past four years. As of August 2025, 21 cases involving children on the agencys radar have been logged as critical incidents, according to a dashboard from the Oregon Department of Human Services. That means a child has died as a result of conditions the agency believes are reasonably believed to be the result of abuse. In all of these cases, the child, their sibling or another child in the household was already in touch with the human services department within the past year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the most recently published case findings is an Aug. 5 final report assembled by a critical incident review team, which looks for systemic failures or further reforms in the future. The reports findings center on a 1-month-old with parents who had intellectual disabilities. They had taken the newborn to the hospital in April after reportedly being mauled by a dog, suffering from seizures and brain injuries. Investigators later uncovered that the childs father had a history of domestic violence against the mother and had thrown a phone at a wall that struck the 1-month-old in the head. Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin, D-Corvallis, said this years figures are concerning but serve as a limited snapshot of information surrounding child deaths, which may not always be recorded as a result of abuse. The most recently released report is a reminder of how the states human services department has historically taken children away from parents with disabilities, she said. You had a woman who had an intellectual disability, but also it sounds like she was a victim of domestic violence, said Gelser Blouin, also the chair of the Senate Committee on Human Services. There was a lot that was going on there, and their fear was that she would be seen as somehow the problem, rather than receiving the help that she needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The childs older cousins had shared a motel with the family, and their own father had faced unsubstantiated allegations of abuse in 2024, bringing the newborn onto the agencys radar. According to the report, one individual who reported the abuse was unaware of why law enforcement had not been involved or why the family would report the child was trampled by a dog when it appeared to be a much more serious concern. But the recommendations suggest no policy changes, instead pointing to an ongoing multi-phase review for practices involving families with disabilities. The human services department did not directly respond to questions about the status of that report or another review child welfare officials are undergoing to improve safety decision-making for children in the states care. The agency said that review, which started in April 2025, would be complete in 90-120 days. How many times do we have to go through this before somebody says, maybe were doing something wrong and maybe we need something more than a fairly broad and uncertain promise to do something someday? said Thomas Stenson, deputy legal director of the Portland-based Disability Rights Oregon. I think it merits a much more serious look at what DHS is doing. Renewed attention on deaths, legislation The states child welfare practices have come under the spotlight in the past year, most recently with the terms of a class-action lawsuit for foster youth abuse that went all the way to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The court sided with advocates like Disability Rights Oregon, who argued that a court-appointed expert must consider the needs of hundreds of youth who still live with their parents for arrangements such as trial stays as the expert works to clamp down on the number of children facing abuse within the system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But when it comes to the deaths, the states human services department says that its too early to tell exactly why the number of deaths rose, noting that there are more cases of parents with a history of drug use. The Oregonian reported in April that the agency suspected several of the initial deaths this year involved parents or guardians using marijuana while their babies died sleeping in unsafe conditions. Three of the reported fatalities in 2025 involved children in the legal custody of the state, and the terms of the settlement do not specifically address cases that prompt child fatality investigations. Of the 21 deaths reported by the state this year, 19 deaths so far have involved parents with a history of using drugs, while it was 16 last year, according to department spokesperson Jake Sunderland. While the number of (critical incident review teams) this year is more than 2024, these numbers are more consistent with the numbers in 2020-2022 and it is premature to draw any conclusions, he wrote in a statement. Gelser Blouin said the numbers are likely an undercount. She had helped secure an amendment to House Bill 3795 that would allow investigations from fatality investigators for any cases of suspected abuse or neglect made to the department, with the hopes of ensuring that the department would stop closing cases involving broader patterns of abuse involving foster homes or facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said shes worried that the department intends to weaken the investigation process and narrow the scope of fatal abuse investigations even further, a practice that undercuts the entire purpose of the incident reviews in the first place. They said to me on the phone that if they did all of them, it would increase the liability to the state, which, to me, is not a good reason to not do them, she said. Gov. Tina Kotek vetoed the legislation, vowing to work with state agencies and lawmakers in the 2027 legislative session to review the investigation process and ensure discussion across different actors involved in child welfare. The governor wrote in her veto message that more than 50% of calls to the states child abuse hotline are screened out without further investigation, an additional load that could strain resources and take focus away from high-risk cases. Funding and positions were not provided to support the additional workload the bill imposes, she wrote. This change could unintentionally deepen disparities, particularly for low-income families and communities of color already disproportionately represented in the child welfare system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if she plans to attempt similar reforms in the future, Gelser Blouin said she was unsure given the ongoing focus on cuts to programs from the federal government. Another bill she proposed, Senate Bill 1159, sought to move oversight of the states Childrens Advocate to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, rather than the human services department. She said that bill did not advance to the Senate Committee on Rules after paperwork errors involving amendments and drafting. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE (Photo: Douglas Sacha/Getty Images) Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford is among 21 attorneys general who have joined a lawsuit to stop President Donald Trump from withholding billions of dollars in funding for resources for crime victims from states that dont aid the administrations mass deportation efforts. Nevada received about $24 million in funding from the Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA, in 2024 according to the Victim Assistance Data Dashboard. Withholding funds would put the state, and the 58 organizations that receive grant funding, at risk of losing money needed to offer support services to victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Justice threatened to block VOCA funding nationwide, which provides critical grant funding for state agencies and nonprofits addressing domestic violence and sexual assault, if states dont cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Survivors of crime should not be used as pawns to score political points in Trumps efforts to force states to comply with aggressive immigration enforcement. Ford said in a statement earlier this week. It is despicable that President Trump is using vital funding to play political games, Ford said. He is putting victims and survivors of crime in even more precarious situations when what they deserve is help with regaining a sense of normalcy. The act was created in 1984 and has allowed helped fund a variety of services and assistance, including paying for emergency shelter, medical expenses, crime scene cleanup, and sexual assault forensic exams. Between 2021 and 2024, states have used federal VOCA funds to assist, on average, more than 8.5 million crime victims per year and to pay more than 200,000 claims per year for losses suffered by crime victims, the lawsuit reads. Swimming will be prohibited at all New York City beaches Wednesday and Thursday as Hurricane Erin is threatening to bring dangerous rip currents and waves as high as 13 feet to shores all along the East Coast. Mayor Adams and Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, the citys Parks Department commissioner, announced the planned closures Tuesday afternoon. In a statement, they said visitors will be able to access the sand, but cant go into the water. We strongly urge all New Yorkers to heed these warnings and not risk their lives by entering the water, Rodriguez-Rosa said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parks Department lifeguards and patrol officers will be posted along city beaches, including the Rockaways and Coney Island, to enforce the swimming prohibition, according to a press release disseminated by the mayors office. Erin is the first Atlantic hurricane this year. The National Weather Service labeled it a Category 2 storm Tuesday morning as it barreled north from the Caribbean. A high surf advisory was placed in effect for Wednesday through Thursday for all Atlantic Ocean beaches, Gov. Hochul also said Tuesday. Ocean seas are expected to build 11 to 15 feet. New Yorkers are no strangers to hurricanes that is why Im urging those living in areas that may be impacted to stay safe and exercise caution until the hurricane tapers off later this week, Hochul said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Erin was expected to roar past the Bahamas on Tuesday night and set to move northwest into the Atlantic between the East Coast and Bermuda on Wednesday and Thursday. The storm will produce life-threatening rip currents along East Coast beaches, impacting New York, New Jersey and Long Island, according to the National Hurricane Center. Tuesday afternoon, the tropical cyclone was around 650 miles southwest of Bermuda with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. The storms intensity will fluctuate over the next few days. New York and New Jersey are expected to see rainfall as a result of the storm. Forecasters believe the center of the storm will remain far offshore as it travels northward, yet is still likely to bring damaging, tropical-force winds, large swells and life-threatening rip currents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy urged people Tuesday to avoid swimming at beaches in his state, too. Hurricane Erin is expected to cause dangerous rip currents along the Shore for the next several days. Please avoid swimming in the ocean, especially when lifeguards are not present. It is more important that you stay alive than get one more beach day before the end of summer, Murphy said on X. An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in New York City's Harlem neighborhood thought to have originated in contaminated cooling towers has killed five people and put 14 in the hospital, health officials said on Monday. "The NYC Health Department is currently investigating a community cluster of Legionnaires' disease in Central Harlem," the New York City health department said in a statement. "As of August 18, there are 108 confirmed cases, five deaths, 14 currently hospitalized." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Legionnaires' disease, which is not directly contagious from person to person, is caused by bacteria that can multiply in water and air conditioning systems. Spreading through contaminated droplets, the bug can cause fever and pneumonia, especially among people with weak immune systems. The disease takes its name from the first known outbreak, which occurred in 1976 at a hotel in Philadelphia where the American Legion military veterans' association was holding a conference. More than 220 people fell ill, of whom 34 died. "The Health Department has sampled and tested water from cooling towers in the investigation zone. Any cooling towers with initial positive results for Legionella bacteria have completed the treatment required by the Health Department," New York's health department said in its statement. "This community outbreak is not related to a building's hot or cold water supply." gw/jgc Related video: Trump Suggests US Planes, Pilots Could Support Ukraine As Part Of Security Guarantees Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul on Monday lauded the Trump administration for its push for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine as well as European leaders unified show of support for Kyiv during their White House visit. McFaul, who served in the Obama administration, said during an appearance on NBC News where he is an analyst that it was a brilliant, brilliant idea for the seven European leaders to meet with President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former ambassador said talking about security guarantees with European soldiers being a part of that that is major progress, with American assistance. I, myself, would like NATO guarantees rather than NATO-like guarantees. But if you have to compromise, I think this is an important compromise and a step forward, he added. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Finnish President Alexander Stubb visited the White House and met with Trump and Zelensky, sharing developments after the meeting with the press. The heads of NATO and the European Commission were also in attendance. Whoever had the idea to bring all these European leaders together in addition to President Zelensky, that was a brilliant, brilliant idea, McFaul told NBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And having it come so quickly after Alaska was also very important, because now theyve changed the talking points here. Just in this meeting alone, theyve walked back some of the positions that the president was echoing when he met with President Putin, he continued, referring to the Russian leader. Putin praised Trump in Alaska for seeking to personally help facilitate a resolution to the war, while saying he hoped Ukraine and European leaders dont throw a wrench in the works. McFaul acknowledged Monday that details over a pending deal have yet to be revealed, and Trump on Tuesday ruled out U.S. boots on the ground as part of any security guarantee with Ukraine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) The Oceanside Police Department will be using drones to respond to calls for service. The Drone as First Responder pilot program, which launched Monday, involves the drone being dispatched to calls for service in the downtown area such as criminal activity, missing people, or other emergency incidents, according to law enforcement. Responding officers and the departments Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) will then be able to use the live video feed from the drone in its decision-making. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UC San Diego ranks among top 20 universities in world: study The Oceanside Police Department aims to accomplish the following with the drone program: Faster Response Times: The drone can reach call locations within approximately one minute, significantly faster than traditional ground units. Improved Situational Awareness: Live aerial video helps first responders better understand scenes before arriving, aiding in decision-making and de-escalation. Efficient Resource Use: In similar programs across the country, drones have helped resolve a significant portion of calls without the need to dispatch ground officers. Privacy Safeguards: The program includes strict policies to govern when drones are launched, how footage is used, and how long data is retained. Flights prioritize public safety and are conducted with care to avoid unnecessary surveillance of private property. The pilot program will last for 13 months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) A Georgia tourist was arrested after she allegedly shot a Destin man in the leg on Sunday. The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office arrested 42-year-old Crissy Wilburn of Stone Mountain. She was charged with domestic violence-related aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, and use of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. According to the OCSO, the shooting happened around 9 p.m. while the pair was loading their car, reportedly arguing over photos found on the victims phone the day before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wilburn, who was sitting in the passenger seat, initially told deputies she grabbed the firearm to put it on the floorboard when it went off and struck the victim, who was standing outside to her right. She then said the victim grabbed the gun, and it went off. She also claimed she did not know how it got pointed at the victim and that it was holstered the entire time. Deputies say Wilburn had a strong odor of alcohol coming from her breath, glassy eyes, and slurred speech, refusing to provide a breath sample after her arrest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Scientists studying an explosion in octopus numbers in waters off the Channel Islands and south-west England want members of the fishing community to share their experiences to help them understand why it is happening. Dr Simon Thomas, from the University of Plymouth, said this year's increase - known as a bloom - was unusual as it was the second in four years, whereas normally they happened every 50 to 70 years. He now wants "first-hand" accounts from people in the fishing industry, especially those catching crabs and lobsters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr Thomas said: "I work on the theory that if you spend every day out there doing your living, you probably know a lot more about your area than I do." Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) numbers have risen sharply since early this year. Now Dr Thomas's team has started working with the Marine Biological Association and Plymouth Marine Laboratory to understand why. He said this year's bloom started off the French coast, before moving to the Channel Islands and then to the south coast of England. Dr Thomas said environmental factors like medium-term water temperature trends were "probably" partly to blame, but "we don't know a lot of the reasons why this happened". The explosion in octopus numbers has made catching lobsters and crabs harder [BBC] Crab and fishing catches had "completely collapsed" where octopuses were present, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Some of these pots will have 10 or 12 octopus in them - and why they're doing that we're not entirely sure." He explained the behaviour was unusual as they were "normally a solitary species". He said: "To give you a bit of context, octopus are sort of the ultimate exponents of 'live fast, die young'. "So, they rapidly grow, they only live a couple of years and they produce a lot of offspring, [which end up] in the plankton." Dr Thomas said fishers were "absolutely vital" to understand why the bloom was happening, and he hoped the information could help them adapt if it became a more regular trend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some fishers were already adapting by catching octopuses, such as "one of the largest ever catches" which landed in Newlyn, Cornwall, recently. However, he said small-scale fishers could struggle to sell catches. "It's decimating some fishermen's livelihoods, which is never a good thing." Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your Channel Islands story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk and South West ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links (WKBN) The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is asking Ohioans to report sightings of dead or sick dead suffering from Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease is caused by the bite of an infected midge fly and is one of the most common diseases of white-tailed deer in the U.S. The virus does not affect humans. So far, data from the department has confirmed cases in the state, with the highest concentration reported in Southeast Ohio, specifically in Athens and Washington counties. No cases have been reported in the First News coverage area. Courtesy: ODNR Division of Wildlife Symptoms in deer vary and usually develop about a week after exposure. ODNR lists the following as potential signs of EHD: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deer appear disoriented and show little or no fear of humans Animals may appear feverish Pronounced swelling of head, neck, tongue and eyelids May have respiratory distress ODNR says outbreaks are often associated with drought and carcasses are often recovered near water. To report sick or dead deer, complete this form to help ODNR track potential disease outbreaks. The Ohio Department of Agriculture says EHD does not pose a serious threat to livestock. It does, however, result in high deer mortality in some areas, though ODNR says the populations generally bounce back within a few years. To be cautious, ODNR says never kill or eat sick deer, as they may be unfit for consumption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. ENID, Okla. (KSNW) Two people are dead following an officer-involved shooting in Oklahoma. It happened around 10:30 p.m. Sunday when officers were called to a reported domestic disturbance in a residential neighborhood. Officers were able to identify a man who was the suspect in the incident, who had left the area. A short time later, outside INTEGRIS Health Enid Hospital, officers found the man and tried to speak to him. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation says the man shot at officers and went inside the hospital. Woman kidnapped at Oklahoma casino, sexually assaulted by 2 Kansas men Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While inside, the man shot a public safety officer at the hospital, identified as 72-year-old J.W. Bode. Bodes injuries were fatal. Officers found and confronted the suspect inside the hospital, resulting in him being fatally wounded. No one else at the hospital was injured. The OSBI is investigating the shooting with assistance from the Enid Police Department, the Garfield County Sheriffs Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Lahoma Police Department, the North Enid Police Department, the Waukomis Police Department, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. The OSBI has not released the suspects name or possible motive for his crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. UNION, S.C. (WSPA) Officers in Union are investigating a deadly shooting after a man was found dead outside of a corner store Monday night. The Union Public Safety Department said they responded to a shooting behind Buddys Corner Store on South Pinckney Street in Union around 7:45 p.m. Monday. According to a media release, officers arrived on scene to find a man lying in the grass and began treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was taken to Union Medical Center where he died, according to reports. The Union County Coroners office identified the man as 28-year-old Ieshaun Dunn. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday. The Public Safety Department said SLED has been called in for assistance in the investigation. According to the department, no arrests have been made at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Aug. 18JAMESTOWN The groundbreaking ceremony for the new North Dakota State Hospital in Jamestown represents the state's promise to deliver high-quality, compassionate behavioral health care to its residents, according to Gov. Kelly Armstrong. "We're investing not only in the physical infrastructure but in people those receiving care and those providing it," Armstrong said. Officials broke ground for the new State Hospital on Monday, Aug. 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new $300 million State Hospital will be located west of 12th Avenue Southeast and across the street from the current facility. Construction on the facility is expected to be complete by the end of 2027. The Department of Health and Human Services worked with JLG Architects and Architecture+ in collaboration with Tegra Group to design the new State Hospital. Mortenson Construction is the construction manager. The current facility no longer meets the modern standards for safety, accessibility and therapeutic environments, according to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services' website. The website says a new State Hospital is needed to support contemporary treatment modalities and patient care practices within one building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The original State Hospital buildings have been standing for more than a century, quietly witnessing the evolution of behavioral health care in our state," Armstrong said. "It reminds us how far we've come in 140 years and how we thoughtfully continue to move forward." The new facility will provide psychiatric inpatient care, forensic services including psychiatric evaluation and restoration, psychiatric rehabilitation and the Sex Offender Treatment and Evaluation Program, according to a news release from the Office of the Governor. The new facility includes features such as ample natural light and private rooms for every patient to support safety, emotional well-being and to create a calming atmosphere, according to the Department of Health and Human Service's website. The multi-purpose spaces will accommodate a variety of treatment approaches, therapeutic groups and wellness activities that support individualized care plans. The new facility will also have sustainable, energy-efficient systems that minimize environmental impact and contribute to a healthier overall setting, the department's website says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new State Hospital will be a win for behavioral health and for the Jamestown community, said Emily Bivens, executive director of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce. "It brings jobs, investment and a renewed sense of purpose for this campus and to the people who call Jamestown home," she said. "This work will strengthen our local economy, create opportunities, and most importantly, provide care and hope for those who need it most." About 300 State Hospital employees answer the call to provide care to those who need it, said Pat Traynor, interim commissioner for the state Department of Health and Human Services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Everyone needs hope for a better tomorrow," he said. "This is an example of a bold dream, brilliantly delivered because people answered the call and the burning desire to serve others." State Hospital Superintendent Aaron Olson said the design of the new facility was shaped by the staff and reflects the current principles of behavioral health. "Every detail, from the natural lighting that flows into the spaces to flexible treatment areas to advanced safety features, was chosen with intention," he said. "Together, they reflect our commitment to dignity, safety and excellence of care." Dr. Eduardo Yabut, medical director for the State Hospital, said the new facility will strengthen the State Hospital's ability to deliver care that is grounded in safety, medical integrity and respect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We know this work is complex and we are committed to a high standard of care defined by clinical excellence, human dignity and shared responsibility," he said. "This new hospital strengthens our ability to deliver skilled care in a secure, respectful and clinically effective ways because every person here, no matter what they've done, deserves that." Armstrong recommended the $300 million facility for the state's 2025-27 budget that was approved by the North Dakota Legislature. "I don't care if you're a Democrat or Republican, if you are conservative, if you are a liberal, if you come from a rural community or one of our more urban communities, taking care of the people in your state that most desperately needed is a Christian value, it's a political value, and it should be a policy priority," he said. "Today we're here to celebrate." Officials investigating four suspicious deaths in Madbury, NH home Police are conducting a investigation after four people were found dead in Madbury, New Hampshire on Monday night. Attorney General John M. Formella called the deaths of the four people suspicious. The investigation is centered around a home on Moharimet Drive. Residents were told to expect a police presence in the area for hours. While the investigation is just beginning, there is no known threat to the general public at this time, Formellas office said. Troopers are conducting an active investigation on Moharimet Drive in Madbury. Residents in the area should anticipate a police presence for multiple hours. Additional information will be released as appropriate. pic.twitter.com/vOxxzf6yMj New Hampshire State Police (@NH_StatePolice) August 19, 2025 This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Local authorities and beekeepers in Spain are on high alert after discovering the first case of the Oriental hornet on the Balearic Islands, the Majorca Daily Bulletin reported. What's happening? A series of traps set up to lure and reduce the population numbers of Asian hornets in the Binibona village of Mallorca, Spain, managed to trap an Oriental hornet. Although Oriental hornets were discovered in Valencia, Spain, more than a decade ago in 2012, this is the first recorded case of an Oriental hornet on the Balearic Islands. This discovery indicates a rapid expansion of the invasive species eastward in the country, which is troubling news for local honey bee colonies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beekeepers and conservationists are especially concerned about the detection of the Oriental hornet in this region, as it signals the successful expansion of this invasive species into new territory. "It's most likely that, like most invasive insects, it arrived via maritime cargo transport," the Government's Species Protection Service explained, per the Majorca Daily Bulletin. Compared to Asian hornets, which are also an invasive species, Oriental hornets are larger wasps that target honey bees but will, in some cases, harm humans. Due to their larger size and subsequent increased venom dose, Oriental hornets can inflict greater damage on their prey, depositing enough venom to increase the risk of anaphylactic shock. Why is the spread of invasive species important? Invasive species like the Oriental hornet have detrimental effects on local ecosystems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to a lack of natural predators in their new environment, invasive species tend to multiply at an aggressive rate, outcompeting native species for vital resources, including food, light, and water. This rapid growth can push out native species and lead to biodiversity loss, which throws entire ecosystems out of balance. Since Oriental hornets target honey bee colonies due to their rich source of food, it can lead to a decline in population of these important pollinators, which are crucial to maintaining ecosystem balance and help secure the human food supply, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. What can I do to help? One way to limit and prevent the spread of invasive species is to prioritize and support the growth and well-being of native plants, animals, and habitats. By strengthening an ecosystem's natural components, it can more effectively fight off attempts by invasive species to enter new territories, as well as prevent the spread of harmful diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can help stop the spread of invasive species like the Oriental hornet by learning about these animals and how to identify them in the wild. Conservation organizations and local authorities depend on the aid of an engaged community to identify emerging cases and better target conservation efforts. 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. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) KRQE News 13 is getting a clearer picture of how New Mexico is implementing the federal CARA Act, which addresses babies who are born exposed to drugs and alcohol. The New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department and the New Mexico Healthcare Authority updated lawmakers on Monday while also facing tough questions. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A four-month-old in Albuquerque exposed to drugs and ultimately dying, a one-year-old dying from an overdose, and an infant nearly dying from an overdose just the other week, saved by Narcan; these recent cases are at the top of lawmakers minds as they met with CYFD and HCA on Monday. Right now, were having this meeting, theres babies dying. And I want to know how many babies have died since the session ended, actually, this year. How many babies have died who shouldve been in custody rather than in home with the mom who exposed them to drugs or alcohol while she was pregnant? said Rep. Jennifer Jones, a Republican from Las Cruces. CYFD and HCA updated lawmakers on the implementation of the federal CARA Act and SB42, which was recently passed by the New Mexico legislature. That new law makes a number of changes to how CARA is implemented, including transferring regulatory oversight from CYFD to HCA. This is really a unified, cross-agency strategy with the goal of really assessing risk and keeping newborns safe, said Teresa Casados, CYFD Secretary. As of August 2025, 1,019 infants in New Mexico are in CARA. The state said it has done 148 home visits for high-priority cases and has removed seven children. During the home visits, they also give needed resources like diapers, formula, and gun locks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once SB42 is fully implemented next summer, there will be mandatory screening for expectant mothers. Currently, suspected drug exposure is identified through toxicology or voluntary disclosure. The new law would also require eligible families to participate in a safety plan after birth that includes home visits and treatment. Right now, an afterbirth safety plan is voluntary. One of the takeaways is theres very low engagement. This is something weve seen nationally. Nationally, weve seen low engagement after women go home from the hospital with their infants, said Kari Armijo, HCA Secretary. The new law also brings more rigorous training on CARA for hospitals. Just last month, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a directive saying that at birth, hospitals would put a hold on drug drug-addicted newborns so CYFD can file a petition to gain custody instead of letting the baby go home with the parent struggling with substance abuse. On Monday, some lawmakers expressed concern about the hold impacting the mothers bonding time with the newborn. Though Casados said new moms are not limited to how often they can visit the babies, who are often in the NICU. Some lawmakers also spoke against the governors action. Im not happy there was a directive done. I really am not. Its overstepping the bounds of what I think any governors authority is, said Sen. Linda Lopez (D-Albuquerque). Much of the changes to CARA under SB 42 must be done by July of next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. WOODBURY COUNTY, Iowa (KCAU) Disaster advocacy workers are visiting Siouxland this August. The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management announced that Disaster Case Advocacy Outreach coordinators will begin visiting neighborhoods in Woodbury County that were impacted by the floods in June of 2024. 31-year-old dies at Nebraska ethanol facility Beginning August 20, coordinators will visit homes between 11:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. to connect survivors with resources through the Disaster Case Advocacy Program. This program helps flood survivors navigate the insurance process and apply for disaster assistance and identify community resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. LONDON (AP) A hotel near London that has become the focus of heated anti-migrant protests in recent weeks will have to remove asylum-seekers who are staying there after authorities won a legal bid Tuesday to oust the migrants. Officials from the Epping Forest District Council asked a judge to issue an order to temporarily block migrants from being accommodated at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, due to unprecedented levels of protest and disruption over asylum-seeker accommodation. Thousands of people, some chanting save our kids and send them home," have protested near the hotel after an asylum-seeker living there was charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu has denied charges against him and is due to stand trial later this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protests, which included local people as well as some members of organized far-right groups, started out peaceful but turned violent. At least nine people were arrested in connection with the demonstrations. Anti-racism demonstrators have also staged counterprotests outside the Bell Hotel and other sites. Philip Coppel, a lawyer for local officials in Epping, said the hotel's housing of asylum-seekers had provided a feeding ground for unrest" and community tension. A High Court judge ruled Tuesday that the hotel must stop housing asylum-seekers by Sept. 12. It wasnt immediately clear where the migrants would be moved to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last summer, days of anti-immigrant rioting rocked towns and cities across England and Northern Ireland, triggered by the killing of three young girls at a summer dance class in Southport, northwest England. Crowds in more than two dozen towns attacked hotels housing migrants, as well as mosques, police stations and a library, driven partly by online misinformation claiming the attacker was a migrant who had arrived in the U.K. by small boat. Some rioters targeted nonwhite people and threw bricks and fireworks at police. Tensions have long simmered over the government's policy of using hundreds of hotels across the country to house migrants who are awaiting a decision on their asylum status. Critics say it costs taxpayers millions of pounds, the hotels become flashpoints in communities, and leave migrants feeling targeted by local residents. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Oishei Childrens Hospital will soon undergo a name change. Following a $50 million donation from billionaire philanthropist Tom Golisano, the hospital will be known as Golisano Childrens Hospital of Buffalo beginning in January 2026. Hospital leaders announced the change on Tuesday morning. We are exceptionally grateful to Tom Golisano for this historic gift, which will make an incredible impact on our mission to advance the health of our communitys moms, kids and babies, Kaleida CEO Don Boyd said in a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Golisano is the founder of Paychex, which provides payroll and human resource services to companies. He is also the one-time owner of the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bandits. The Ellicott Street facility will be the fourth childrens hospital to honor him, following facilities in Rochester, Syracuse and Fort Myers, Fla. According to Forbes, he has a net worth of $6.5 billion. I consider Buffalo, NY part of my hometown community, and am proud to make this investment in the health of its children. This support is about ensuring that every child, no matter their circumstances, has access to the highest quality care close to home, Golisano said. The doctors, nurses, and staff here are what make that care possible, and Im honored to support their work as we look ahead to all that the Golisano Childrens Hospital of Buffalo will accomplish for generations to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The John R. Oishei Foundation has held the naming rights for the Kaleida facility since it opened in 2017. It has been an honor to have our name on the hospital, Oishei Foundation president Christina Orsi said. We look forward to continuing our work alongside Kaleida, supporting community-led solutions, investing in long-term change, and building on the strength that already exists in our neighborhoods. Latest Local News Aidan Joly was named News 4s Digital Executive Producer in 2025. He has been on staff since 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. 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 News 4 Buffalo. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is calling for Instagram to make immediate changes to its new location-sharing feature, as it poses a threat to Oklahomans safety and privacy. The new feature shows its users exact location, which is displayed on a map. Drummonds Office says that he and a coalition of 36 other state attorneys general sent a letter to Instagrams CEO, Adam Mosseri, last week, which outlined serious public safety and data privacy concerns with the new feature. It heightens the danger for children, survivors of domestic violence, among others, as it can give power to those who have no good intentions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Governor Kevin Stitt proclaims August as No-Kill Animal Shelter month The letter sent to Instagrams CEO includes the following requested provisions: Ensure that minors cannot enable location-sharing features. Send a clear alert to all adult users explaining the feature, outlining its risks and providing full disclosure of how Instagram will use their location data. For adults who choose to opt in, provide a simple, easy-to-access control to disable location sharing at any time. The dangers of the new location sharing feature can be prevented with a few commonsense but important measures, Drummond said. User safety must be the highest priority for Meta and Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt is not planning to deploy members of the Oklahoma National Guard to Washington, DC, his spokesperson said. Abegail Cave told The Oklahoman on Monday, Aug. 18, that Stitt has no current plans to join at least three of his fellow Republican governors in sending National Guard troops to the nation's capital. Their orders come after President Donald Trump began deploying hundreds of National Guard troops to crack down on what he describes as emergency levels of crime in DC. The governors of West Virginia, South Carolina and Ohio announced they would deploy troops to the capital Saturday, Aug. 16, to support Trump's efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stitt's Bill Signing Stitt celebrates several new laws as 'best' of 2025, including 3 impacting LGBTQ+ people Trump moved to seize control of the city's Metropolitan Police Department, though his administration later backed down from a complete takeover in the face of a legal challenge. Mayor Muriel Bowser has countered that crime is down in DC after it temporarily rose in 2023. The U.S. attorney's office said in January that crime for the city is at its lowest in 30 years. Stitt has joined other Republican governors in the past in deploying National Guard troops. In 2023, he sent at least 50 troops from the Oklahoma National Guard to help secure the Mexican border for 30 days, heeding a request from Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Oklahoma spent $544,000 from a state disaster fund on that effort. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Some states are sending National Guard troops to DC. Will Oklahoma? OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A 21-year-old man who kidnapped and raped a metro Lyft driver in 2024 will now spend life in prison after the Oklahoma County District Attorneys Office on Monday secured the sentence in a plea agreement. 21-year-old Andre Hunter was arrested on April 22, 2024, after Del City police said that he kidnapped and raped a 54-year-old Lyft driver. RELATED: Man accused of raping Lyft driver in Del City will go to jury trial Andre Hunter. Image courtesy, Oklahoma County Jail. Documents said Hunter requested that she take him to a Del City address, where, when Hunter and the 54-year-old victim reached the location, he moved behind her in the backseat and restrained her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hunter reportedly told the woman that he would shoot her if she did not comply with his demands, and followed up by forcing her to drive to a nearby Del City park, where he was said to have raped her orally, anally and vaginally. He sexually assaulted her multiple times and then forced her back into the vehicle, said Major Brad Cowden with the Del City Police Department in 2024. Following the assault, Hunter forced her to be a passenger in the car before driving her around and threatening to kill her again. He then left her at a Northeast Oklahoma City church before stealing her car and phone. Police later tracked him down, using an app that was on the victims phone, and arrested him at Langston University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utilized the Life360 app and determined that the vehicle was located on the campus of Langston University, said Cowden in 2024. RELATED: Man arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting Lyft driver in Del City Hunter was charged with two counts of rape in the first degree, two counts of forcible oral sodomy, and one count each of sexual battery, kidnapping and robbery in the first degree. According to the District Attorneys Office, the case pleaded ahead of his jury trial, which was set for August 25. For 16 months now I have been a prisoner in my own life, bound by chains of anxiety and fear and a deep unshakeable sense of vulnerability, but today I am taking back my life, said the woman who was assaulted in her victim impact statement. You picked the wrong woman to mess with. I am strong and courageous to fight this fight, and I will always be in the background fighting to make sure you never hurt another woman again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to the sexual assault, in February 2024, Hunter was granted bond, over the States objection, for a case where he was charged with one count of possession of a firearm while on probation. He received 10 year maximum sentence for that case in May 2024. He also received a maximum sentence for possession of a firearm after juvenile adjudication and trafficking in illegal drugs. Those sentences will run consecutively for a total of 27 years in prison, while his life sentence will follow 27 years sentenced. Today, the survivor displayed extraordinary bravery by facing the man who terrorized her, said Vicki Zemp Behenna, Oklahoma County District Attorney. No one should ever endure the fear and violence she suffered, yet she found the strength to stand in court and make her voice heard. As she shared in her victim impact statement, today she took back her power. Her courage is an inspiration and offers hope to other survivors. You have a voice, and we will fight on your behalf to hold offenders like Andre Hunter accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Oklahomas Education Department has approved plans to force teachers from California or New York to pass an ideology test to ensure that they arent too woke before they hire them. The test was created by right-wing think-tank Prager University, which has made headlines recently for developing education material that minimizes American slavery. It features 50 questions about the government, gender, and religion. The Education Department posted five sample questions from the exam, including, What are the first three words of the Constitution? and a question about the biological differences between men and women. Teaching applicants from California and New York were notified that they will not be accepted without completing the test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not bringing in woke indoctrinators into the classroom, said Oklahomas Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters. Its a very America-first approach. Walters hopes to release the exam soon. He has also blocked Board of Education members from viewing the exam before potential teachers receive it. Oklahoma Education Association president Cari Elledge told USA Today that she believes the move will only exacerbate Oklahomas public school teacher shortage. The state teachers union wrote in a letter that Walters has no legal authority to vet certified teachers based on political ideology. Walters has made headlines previously for trying to force Trump Bibles and prayer into classrooms, reportedly watching pornography during a school board meeting, and inviting ICE to perform raids on the children of his state while they were at school. In short, he appears to be a loyal MAGA soldier who happens to have an alarming amount of power over the teachers and students of Oklahoma, and this test only reaffirms that. Oklahomas far-right schools chief, Ryan Walters, has officially rolled out an Orwellian obstacle for teachers who come to his state from California and New York. Oklahoma is now requiring teacher applicants from those two blue states and apparently no one else, for now to prove they are worthy by passing what Walters has described as an America First test in order to receive a teaching certificate. Conservative media company PragerU, which is not an actual university and whose founder has openly said he wants to indoctrinate children, reportedly helped develop the multiple-choice test. Walters has said the policy is meant to root out woke indoctrinators and suggested that teachers from New York and California may fail to adequately teach the role that Christianity played in the nations development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre not gonna lie to kids about the influences Christianity had on American history, he told the New York Post on Friday, adding, We want you to teach history appropriately. He also told the Post that the test is meant to ensure no one teaches radical woke gender theory that goes against biology and science. Sample questions provided to the Post include Which chromosome pair indicates a woman? and Why is freedom of religion important to Americas identity? Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, told USA Today the test is going to be a huge turnoff for teachers and railed against Walters ploy: Ryan Walters appears to be trying out for MAGA in chief, not educator in chief, because everything that hes doing is about the culture wars, not about the reading, writing and arithmetic. 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. Walters has tried to usher in an era of far-right and religious indoctrination for Oklahomas public schools by doing things like promoting Bible-infused learning plans and leaning on schools to air a video of him praying for Donald Trump and attacking liberals. Meanwhile, Oklahomas public education system for K-12 students ranks last among all states, according to a study by WalletHub. The state is also experiencing a teacher shortage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given this reality, one might expect the states schools chief to prioritize bringing in as many qualified teachers as possible. But Walters has other ideas deeply political ones that seem likely to deter some quality teachers from even attempting to work in Oklahoma. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Aug. 19STERLING As Jim Miller wandered around the old tractors and hit-and-miss engines that had come to his church's annual Farm Heritage Festival Show at East Jordan United Methodist Church last August, the pastor noticed something missing from the long-running event. It could use a little more outreach, he thought. Heritage and horsepower had helped sustain the event through its nearly 20-year history, along with the camaraderie of those who were a part of it and the people who attended it but Miller was thinking about more than just a tractor ride down memory lane: He was looking toward the future. He wanted to plant seeds that would help the event grow into something more. He envisioned a show that would not only celebrate farming, but reach out to the community. He wanted to see younger generations come to appreciate not only the horsepower, but the power of good, and extend a hand to people in need of food and guidance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a vision that aligned with the mission of his church: To reach the least and the lost, and feed the lonely and the hungry and along the way, give people a taste of what life on the farm used to be like. East Jordan United Methodist Church, between Sterling and Polo, has hosted its Farm Heritage Festival since 2007. This year's show is at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, on the church grounds. Admission is free, and breakfast and lunch will be served for a nominal fee. It features antique farm equipment, live demonstrations of old-fashioned farm tasks, and children's activities. Last year's event brought in around 75 tractors and meals fed around 350 to 400 people, Miller said. This year's event also plans to have a mobile food pantry for people facing issues of food insecurity. Miller is working with Sauk Valley Foodbank of Sterling to help him in his mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can envision a couple of hundred cars lined up Saturday morning getting free food," Miller said. "We're reaching the least and the lost." Miller came to East Jordan in 2014 after serving as pastor at First United Methodist Church in Princeton. He took over operation of the festival in 2024, after it was run by another church member. In Princeton, Miller organized the nonprofit Our Table organization of volunteers who provide free meals and fellowship to those in need on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Our Table continues to be a resource for the community, and its success has helped fuel Miller's desire to continue to find ways to combat food insecurity. "I've been involved with church all of my life, and if I could identify what my forte would be: it would be feeding the hungry and the lonely until hunger is gone," Miller said. "I found out that a lot of people were having a hard time managing how they were going to pay their doctor's bills and buy groceries, or gas for their car. They needed a lot of help. I decided we couldn't do everything for them, but we can feed them." As part of the outreach effort, Miller plans to have a few tents at the event where people can pray and seek guidance. "To me, the Farm Heritage Festival is a way to show the community a way of coming together around Jesus Christ," he said. "I want people to know that there's help out here for them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller also plans to resurrect a Cross Ministry that he started in 2022. The idea was to help support awareness of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Church members made around a couple of thousand white crosses and planted them throughout the church's property. Each cross has a typewritten notes, one with a prayer for those affected by the war and another that shares a story about a rally in Frankenmuth, Mich., where an athiest's complaint about the cross was countered by support of religious beliefs. Crosses will be available throughout the property for people to take home. "I have this idea of feeding the lonely and the hungry, that is, blessing our communities," Miller said. "Every church should be a blessing to the community. I don't think we should be set apart from the community, I think we should be set with the community." Along with all the tractors, farm implements and hit-and-misses, the show will also have a demonstration of threshing machines, saw mills, blacksmithing and rope making. Members of Boy Scout Troop 337 from Polo will be on hand to teach outdoor skills such as tying knots, casting fishing lines, building fires and boiling water; there will be a fastest fire build contest as well. The show also includes a petting zoo with chickens, cattle and goats, with some of the goats being part of a milking demonstration. Local farmers will set up stands to sell their produce, and the show also includes a bake sale and a bounce house for children. As of mid-June, Miller was trying to find someone to bring an apple cider press and give a demonstration. Additional activities will be announced on the church's Facebook page closer to the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With 20 years of history behind it, the Farm Heritage Festival has become as much a part of the local landscape as the fields and farms that surround the church, and Miller looks forward to seeing the show continue to grow, a mission that's close to his heart at a church in the heart of the country. "That's why I want to do this. I want to feed the lonely and the hungry until hunger's gone, and want to reach the least and the lost, and let them know there's a place for them." The Farm Heritage Show at East Jordan United Methodist Church, 22027 Polo Road in rural Sterling, will start at 7 a.m. Aug. 23. Admission is free; breakfast and lunch will be served for a nominal fee. Find the church on Facebook, email willowemoc@gmail.com or call pastor Jim Miller at 815-866-6088 for more information. A Solomon Islands MP reported spotting an abandoned vessel during a fishing trip in late July, sparking concerns it was being used to smuggle narcotics in the South Pacific. But an image accompanying multiple posts about the incident is unrelated and depicts US Coast Guard personnel seizing a submersible carrying drugs off the coast of Mexico 10 years ago. "Drug submarine found in Solomons raises Pacific alarm," reads an August 7, 2025 Facebook post by a user in Fiji, a southeastern neighbour of Solomon Islands. The post -- which got more than 196,000 views and was shared over 600 times -- details how the "startling discovery" off the coast of Solomon Islands' Isabel Province by a fisherman has incited concern "about the region's growing role in the international drug trade". Screenshot of the Facebook post taken on August 14, 2025, with a red X added by AFP Similar posts were also posted by users in Fiji and Tonga. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commenters expressed concern about the state of the submarine and the circumstances leading to it being in the waters around Solomon Islands. "It sure does look beat up. Perhaps a drug drop that went wrong or the weather scared the captain off the boat. Who knows what happened!" said one user, calling it "an eye opener for the South Pacific". Another said the submarine was "the first of its kind to be seen in the Solomons". "It's a hard evidence of drug trafficking across the Pacific vast ocean," the commenter said. These fears are not unfounded -- Pacific islands like the Solomon Islands and nearby Fiji sit at the crossroads of largely unpatrolled ocean-trafficking routes used to shift cocaine from Latin America and methamphetamine and opioids from Asia (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the photo shared with the Facebook post is about a decade old and was not taken anywhere near the region. Solomon Islands vessel A vessel was indeed found by Ben Maenu'u -- a fisherman who is also a Solomon Islands MP -- on July 28, according to a Facebook video he posted of a sea-weathered vessel that he and his fishing crew discovered between Isabel and Ramos islands (archived here and here). "This is what i found yesterday at the Sea when we out for our fishing trip... Unexpected to see this," he wrote on his July 29 post. The incident was reported by local daily newspaper The Island Sun, and Maenu'u's video was also shared by the Pacific arm of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (archived here and here). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A closer inspection of his video showed visual differences between the vessel he found -- like the opening on the barnacle-crusted tail edge and the lack of a screen near its hatch -- and the one shared by the Fiji user. Screenshot of the photo in the false Facebook post taken on August 14, with identifying differences highlighted by AFP in red Screenshots of Solomon Islands MP Ben Maenu'u's video, with the identifying differences compared to the vessel in the false Facebook post highlighted in red by AFP Maenu'u said Solomon Islands authorities were carrying out an investigation into the old tanker. "My team went fishing and we saw it floating so I had to get a team to tow it back to shore," he said in a text message to AFP on August 18, adding that he could not confirm if it was used to transport drugs. "It must have sunk and floated up again. Our team have been looking into it." US photo A comb through AFP's photo archives shows that that an uncropped version of the photo was first released by the US Coast Guard on August 6, 2015, after they intercepted a vessel which was spotted south of Mexico the previous month (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The words "U.S. Coast Guard" are on the boat intercepting the submersible, but is out of frame of the image proliferating on social media. Comparison between the false Facebook post (left) and the original photo published on AFP's photo archives (right), with the red X and square added by AFP "The Coast Guard seized 12,000 pounds (5,400 kilograms) of cocaine from four smugglers on a semi-submersible ship, the agency said August 6," says the caption, which added that the drugs were worth $181 million. A reverse image search also found that the massive bust was reported by several media outlets, which used the same photo (archived here and here). AFP has previously fact-checked other claims related to Pacific island nations. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) After multiple locations in Lansings Old Town neighborhood were vandalized with Nazi graffiti, area businesses are planning to band together to raise funds for local non-profits with a late night shopping event. This Thursday, Aug. 21, multiple Old Town businesses will be donating part of the nights profits to various organizations in Michigan. Odd Nodd Art Apply will be donating 25%, Bad Annies will donate 20%, and Twiggies will be donating 10% of their sales to Safe & Just Michigan , a organization whose goal is to reduce any harms caused by the criminal legal system. Seams Sewing and Mercantile will contribute 25% of its sales to the Refugee Development Center, a support organization for Mid-Michigan refugees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Casey Sorrow, owner of Odd Nodd Art Supply, one of the businesses vandalized in the incident, the event is meant to be a show of unity, and a direct response to the vandalism incident, which saw multiple businesses spray-painted with racist and homophobic iconography and remarks. The late-night event offers the community an opportunity to send the message that such hate will not be tolerated here; giving community members a chance to support local organizations doing critical social justice work, while also supporting local small businesses in one of Lansings most diverse and inclusive neighborhoods, wrote Sorrow in a release obtained by 6 News. Sorrow also says that most businesses will be staying open through 8 p.m. for the event, and that Odd Nodd will also host a donation-based drop-in art class from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. All proceeds from that class will go to the Healing Justice Lending Library. Polka Dots and Katalyst Art Gallery & Gift Boutique are also participating in the event and are expected to announce their specific fundraising details soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sorrow says that the shopping events are expected to continue to be held on the third Thursday of each month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. One of the two children struck by a vehicle in East Brunswick on Monday afternoon was seriously injured, authorities said. The two were hit around 1:50 p.m. at the intersection of Rues Lane and New Brunswick Avenue, East Brunswick police said. An 11-year-old suffered serious injuries that are not considered life-threatening, while a 13-year-old was also hospitalized with minor injuries. The driver stopped at the scene and the crash remains under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information is asked to call East Brunswick police at 732-390-6969. Anonymous tips can be provided by calling the confidential tip line at 732-4EB-TIPS or emailing tips@ebpd.net. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. On the one-year anniversary of severe flooding, Connecticut officials are hoping to be better prepared for floods in the future. Officials gathered Monday at a shopping center in Seymour that was devastated on Aug. 18, 2024 by massive flooding and mud that damaged multiple stores in the plaza and knocked them out of business for months and more. Flooding poses a serious threat: CT mayors, first selectmen plan solutions as storms increase Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, the stores have reopened, and officials cut a ribbon Monday to mark the anniversary on a warm day in August. They also held a ceremony at town hall in Oxford to solemnly remember the deaths of two women who were swept away in the severe flooding in separate locations on Route 67. Looking toward the future, local officials hope to be better prepared after experiencing major damage in Oxford, Southbury, Seymour, and other towns. The clean-up and rebuilding has been a multi-pronged effort that involved federal, state, and local officials, including those from the state transportation department, mayors and first selectmen, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, known as FEMA. FEMA has already provided $25 million for the flood recovery efforts in Connecticut, which includes more than $14 million for individuals and more than $10 million for towns and state agencies. In addition, the state has received about $35 million so far in federal highway funds, and the federal Small Business Administration approved 114 low-interest disaster loans totaling $8 million, officials said. State public safety Deputy Commissioner Brenda Bergeron, whose office coordinates with FEMA on emergency issues in the state, said officials try to prepare as best as possible to avoid severe impacts from unexpected flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We prepare as a society for hurricanes, tropical storms and events that we have plenty of notice about, but when theres a heavy rainfall, its important for people to be listening to their phones and the National Weather Service when they send things out to notify people, Bergeron told The Courant. Were all used to getting a potential flooding watch. Those mean that its possible. A flood warning means its more that just possible, and you need to be paying attention. She added, If you hear that flood emergency, that is not a normal thing, and you need to have a plan of some kind. Either you need to move to higher ground or you stay put and you dont go out into flooded streets because those can be very dangerous. As residents, we need to be conscious of our own responsibility to listen for those warnings. Sometimes people will say I get sick of hearing the beeps, but if youre in a situation where its raining heavily, you need to be paying attention. Statewide, officials make sure to build it back better after major damage by installing larger culverts, more drainage or whatever infrastructure is needed to mitigate the hazards. Former state House Republican leader Themis Klarides, whose family owns the Seymour shopping plaza, said businesses were caught off guard by the sudden flash flood of the Little River that is normally a trickle that turned into raging waters that destroyed businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Could it happen again? Klarides asked as she stood near the barely-moving river. Of course, it could happen again. Theres certain things that you cant do anything about, unfortunately. We always used to joke that it was called the Little River. It was barely a little stream. Its been one to two feet high since its creation. One year ago, however, the river carried enough water to reach the roof of a package store at the far end of the shopping plaza that lost about $750,000 worth of liquor bottles that were broken and covered in mud. Ive never seen anything like it, Klarides told The Courant. It was all just water. Historical flooding Flooding has been a problem at times in the past, but officials are concerned that flooding could become a bigger problem due to climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This month marks the 70th anniversary of the Farmington flood of August 1955 that is still remembered by local residents. The flooding was caused by massive rainfall that came from two hurricanes, known as Connie and Diane, that poured huge amounts of water on the area, particularly the Unionville section of Farmington. Overall, 13 people died in one of the worst floods in Connecticut history. The Farmington River overflowed at historic levels at the time. Since then, the river has overflowed on a regular basis in various towns, particularly in Simsbury to the point where the state police firing range on Nod Road has been flooded on a regular basis through the years. In Oxford last year, two women were swept away by the historic floodwaters. They went missing during the storm on Route 67 in Oxford and were found dead in nearby Little River. Connecticut State Police identified the victims as 65-year-old Ethelyn Joiner and 71-year-old Audrey Rostkowski, both of Oxford. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who worked extensively with the Klarides family to restore the plaza, said that Connecticut must learn the lessons of Seymour, Oxford and other communities that suffered damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lessons have to do with resilience and rebuilding better and stronger, Blumenthal told The Courant. Building to withstand these kinds of floods, tornadoes, hurricanes. We learned that lesson in Super Storm Sandy and houses along the shore are now elevated or rebuilt to withstand that kind of natural disaster. No one ever thought that the catastrophic flooding that occurred on the Little River and the Halfway River could become torrents of destructive force. So, the lesson is resilience. At the same time, Blumenthal is highly concerned about cuts to FEMA by President Donald Trumps administration including a program known as BRIC, which stands for Building Resilient Infrastructure in Communities. Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem eliminated funding for BRIC because it was a wasteful, politicized program that was more concerned with political agendas than helping Americans affected by natural disasters. Blumenthal said, The 100-year storm is becoming the new normal. Theres no reason to make resilience political. I am deeply concerned that FEMA has already been severely cut. State Sen. Tony Hwang, a Fairfield Republican who represents Newtown and other communities, noted that the average rainfall in the area is 3.2 inches of rain for the entire month of August. Last year, 16 inches of rain poured down in only four to five hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no amount of infrastructure that could have contained that, Hwang told The Courant. They say that anywhere that you have water, you are at risk of flooding. Major damage With no electric power for six weeks, the owners of 14 shops and restaurants in Seymour scrambled to clean their beloved businesses and thought they might be lucky to be open by Christmas. But by Thanksgiving, the first devastated shop, a package store that lost its inventory with water up to the roof, and a nail salon next door both had reopened in time for the holiday. A restaurant and a karate studio followed the next week, and a coin store was not far behind. Of the 16 businesses in the plaza, 14 were heavily damaged on Aug. 18 in what officials described as a 1,000-year flood. The remaining two were in a separate building at the far end of the plaza in an area that avoided the direct flooding. But the devastated package store and others are now back on their feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Only a year ago, the picture was grim. Dumpsters filled the parking lot as the retailers cleared out the remnants of the inventory that they had spent years building. The owners in the shops shed tears, along with the landlords whose family had built the plaza decades ago. Themis and Nicole Klarides have carried on the family tradition as the daughters of proud immigrants who trace back more than 100 years to their grandfather who came to the United States from Greece in search of the American Dream and operated two supermarkets in the Naugatuck Valley. The original supermarket in the Seymour plaza is now an Ocean State Job Lot, which underwent an extensive renovation. The Klarides sisters operate the plaza with their three cousins in a female-owned business with deep roots in Seymour. Their father, Peter, and his two brothers built the complex through decades of sweat and hard work. While none of the retailers had flood insurance, the plaza owners had $1.5 million in insurance. But the damages went beyond $2 million, Klarides said. The family faced its greatest challenge in the August storm that dumped as much as 16 inches of rain in mere hours on Oxford and surrounding towns, causing more than $100 million in overall damages for roads and businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several of the shops at the Klarides Plaza had at least 6 feet of water inside, and the package store had an estimated $500,000 to $750,000 worth of liquor bottles that were either floating, smashed or covered with thick mud. The owners wore white hazmat suits during the extensive clean up of the heavily damaged plaza and vowed to rebuild. Those first couple of weeks, it was literally hysteria and tears, Klarides said earlier. You have these people who have given their lives. This is their lifes work. At the Route 67 Family Diner, owner Mike Abe and his family said since Day One that they would return. Now, with major renovations and expansion, he is back in action. Lamont and other top officials visited the plaza last year as he announced that the state would quickly provide grants up to $25,000 for small businesses that were damaged in Seymour, Oxford, Southbury, and beyond. The atmosphere at the plaza one year ago was like a funeral, but it quickly turned to hope as the shop owners stepped up to the microphone at a news conference and vowed to rebuild. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lamont has announced that 278 small businesses and nonprofit organizations in multiple towns in Fairfield, Litchfied, and New Haven counties had received a combined total of nearly $6 million in emergency funding through one-time grants. The businesses reported having $38 million in damages, which does not include additional damages for roads and small bridges that were washed out in various towns. Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com GLEN BURNIE, Md. (DC News Now) An investigation is underway in Anne Arundel County after a man was shot during a memorial service Monday night. It all started around 7:45 p.m., when police were called to the unit block of Brooks Terrace in Glen Burnie for a shooting. There, officers saw a large crowd gathered and a man outside suffering from a gunshot wound, according to the Anne Arundel County Police Department. Two shootings blocks away from each other in DC within hours Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man was the only person who was reported as injured. Medics responded to the neighborhood and took the man to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Detectives began investigating and quickly learned that when the shooting took place, a memorial service was being held for the owner of the house, who recently died. During the service, a fight broke out and an unknown suspect shot the man before running from the scene, according to police. As the investigation continues, police urge anyone with information to contact 410-222-6135 or 410-222-4700. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Their bodies were found by the IDF in the Hamas tunnel last year in August, after enduring horrific conditions, including torture and starvation. A memorial ceremony of prayer and song for slain hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin took place on Tuesday in Jerusalem, marking one year since the Hebrew date of his murder by Hamas and that of five additional Israeli hostages, known as the beautiful six. The six hostages murdered in a tunnel by the terror group after being held captive for 328 days were Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Ori Danino. Their bodies were found by the IDF in the Hamas tunnel last year in August, after enduring horrific conditions, including torture and starvation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The event was non-political and described by the family as a night for prayer, remembrance, song, and love. A large crowd with dozens of people gathered in the community, beginning with the Jewish prayer of Mincha. Parents of Goldberg-Polin, Jon and Rachel, spoke at the event. The two have engaged in the battle to return the hostages since the October 7 Hamas attacks in 2023, speaking in front of international audiences, attending rallies, speaking at the UN, and meeting with various world leaders. Memorial speeches to Hersh In Rachels memorial speech, she addressed her son, saying, This is to Hersh: Sometimes I look deep into my own eyes, and I know you are here inside, even though I cant see you. Slain hostage Hersh Goldberg Polin's family seen at his memorial ceremony in Jerusalem on August 19, 2025, one year since his death by Hamas. (credit: Chen G. Schimmel) Your eyes that are my eyes. Like the two big oceans that I can no longer see, she continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jon spoke about Hershs legacy: Hersh, people who live long lives are often memorialized in qualifiable ways how much they donated, how many years they managed to retain a position of power. You always prioritized things that cant be quantified smiling, making other people smile [..] knowledge, and justice. Hersh, what greater legacy can be created? Goldberg-Polins sister spoke about her closeness with her brother to the crowd. You will always be my brother. And now youre the brother of everyone too, she said. Friends of Goldberg-Polin began the event by describing the light that he brought to them when he was alive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement God, how much I miss you. There isnt a day that I dont think of you, one of his friends stated. You dont know how much of a symbol of light you have become, he added. Another friend said, The hole in our hearts after you left us will never be filled. You are with us in every place. Six songs were then played in honor of the beautiful six, and prayers for the return of the remaining hostages still held captive by Hamas were said. Goldberg-Polin was born in California before moving to Israel with his family when he was 7. On October 7, 2023, he was abducted by Hamas from the Supernova music festival. During his kidnapping, he was maimed by a grenade, which blew off his left hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gat was taken captive from Kibbutz Beeri on October 7. She led hostages in guided yoga exercises and meditation, former hostages reported. Sarusi was kidnapped from the Supernova music festival. Her partner, Shahar Gindi, was murdered there. Lobanov, a 32-year-old Russian-Israeli, was also kidnapped from Nova. Lobanovs wife, Michal, gave birth to their second son in February while her husband was in captivity. Danino was also kidnapped from the music festival and turned 25 in Hamas captivity. Ahead of the Memorial Day on Tuesday, Goldberg-Polins family posted on social media, calling on the public to do something during those 24 hours to make our complicated world a bit better in honor of the beautiful six. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can be something big or small, quiet or loud, private or public. Do it in memory of the Beautiful Six, including our Hersh. May his memory be a revolution... for goodness. If comfortable, please share what you do with us, the family wrote. Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. Aug. 18MATTAWA At around 10 p.m. Sunday, officers from the Mattawa Police Department responded to a shooting near Hund Memorial Park, according to a Mattawa PD media release. Upon arrival, officers located an individual with apparent gunshot wounds. Medical personnel were immediately requested, and the victim was transported to a regional hospital for treatment, it said. He has since died. The shooting occurred around 8:20 p.m. Sunday, with Moses Lake Major Crimes Detectives and detectives from the Grant County Sheriff's office responding to the mutual aid request sent out by Mattawa PD at 10 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a press release from Moses Lake PD, the investigation is now a homicide investigation with the victim being a 19-year-old male from Mattawa. No arrests have been made, and the identity of the victim has not been released. The case is still under investigation by Mattawa PD and detectives from Moses Lake and the Grant County Sheriff's office. More information on the case will be made available as the investigation progresses. MIAMI, Okla. A crash involving a tractor-trailer rig killed an Oklahoma Turnpike Authority worker Monday on Interstate 44 in Ottawa County and seriously injured a second OTA worker. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the eastbound I-44 lane near Miami had to be closed for a few hours Monday as officers investigated the crash and cleaned up the site. The patrol said its preliminary investigation indicates that a semitruck traveling eastbound drifted off the roadway to the right, striking an Oklahoma Turnpike Authority employee who was on foot collecting debris. The truck then struck a parked authority vehicle that had another employee inside. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The employee on foot was killed. The employee inside the authority vehicle was transported to a Joplin hospital for treatment. The semitruck driver was uninjured and has been cooperative with the investigation. He told investigators that he had dropped a device and was attempting to retrieve it when he drifted from the roadway, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority released a statement Monday saying the employee identifying the employee who was killed as Zac Rinehart. The injured worker has not been identified. The authority said the crash occurred in a maintenance work zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rinehart had been employed by Oklahoma Turnpike Authority as part of the Will Rogers Turnpike maintenance crew for two years. This loss is felt by each of his co-workers statewide and OTA extends its deepest sympathy to the Rinehart family, the authority wrote. We ask that Oklahomans keep Rinehart, his family and his injured co-worker in their thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Rinehart was also a volunteer firefighter with the Vinita Fire Department, which memorialized him on its Facebook page. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said this was a preventable tragedy. Nothing is more important than focusing on what is happening in front of you and around you while driving, the patrol said on its Facebook page. A single moment of distraction can cost lives and change families forever. The men and women who maintain and protect our highways are our partners. OTA crews are always quick to provide assistance when we call, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol values the strong connection we share with them in serving the public. The troopers who work alongside these crews on the turnpikes will deeply feel this loss. Nigeria's ban on single-use plastics took effect on July 1, but in the city of Lagos, implementation has been a challenge to date, the Associated Press reported. Officials estimate that Lagos produces a minimum of 13,000 tons of refuse and waste per day, around 20% of which is attributed to single-use plastics like food containers and bags. The AP's coverage of Nigeria's efforts to ban single-use plastic occurred against the backdrop of the United Nations Environment Assembly's long-running efforts in Geneva to hammer out a legally binding, global treaty to "end plastic pollution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On August 13, the Guardian reported that the third year of talks had "stalled" on their penultimate day, due to tension and resistance by several oil-producing countries. Over 99% of plastic is "made from chemicals sourced from fossil fuels, and the fossil fuel and plastic industries are deeply connected," per the Center for International Environmental Law. Recent data suggest that plastic bag bans and related policies are effective. A study published in June found that beach cleanup volunteers "collected 25 to 47 percent fewer plastic bags" in areas with bans or restrictions on single-use plastic. Compliance and enforcement particularly when such measures are newly introduced, as is the case in Lagos are typical stumbling blocks when bans go into effect, and the Nigerian city is no exception, local environmental advocate Olumide Idowu said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its effectiveness is limited without strong enforcement, affordable alternatives for low-income vendors and meaningful improvements in the city's overwhelmed waste management systems," Idowu observed. Institutional support is a crucial aspect of initiatives to curtail single-use plastics. The study published in June indicated that fees or taxes appeared to be more effective at encouraging consumers to use less plastic. One such ban in Vermont had staggering effects. Not only did the use of plastic bags drop 91% after a plastic bag ban went into effect, but nearly three-quarters of those polled viewed the legislation as a positive change. 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. Lagos' shopkeepers indicated that a lack of reasonably-priced single-use plastic alternatives made it difficult to comply with the ban on single-use plastic, and some still stocked Styrofoam to-go containers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olarewanju Ogunbona is one of those shopkeepers, and his view on complying with the ban was matter-of-fact. Without readily available alternatives to plastic bags and containers, "We will keep using them," Ogunbona said, per the AP. 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. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The summer battle over partisan gerrymandered new maps has reached a fever pitch this week, with Texas Democrats ending their blockade of a session to redraw the states maps in favor of Republicans, Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom promising to amend the states constitution to respond in kind, and Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson pledging to fight Californias efforts to combat Texas electoral machinations. If this all sounds like a spiral that is slowly escalating out of control with no end in sight, well, thats because it is. As experts in election law and constitutional law, we think we have an idea to potentially quell the conflict before it goes any further. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, its important to think of the gerrymandering wars as you might an actual war. So imagine you are the head of a free nation. You learn that a hostile foreign state intends to launch a devastating nuclear attack against you. How might you stop it? Students of history will recall the lessons of the Cold War, when the United States and Soviet Union used the mutual threat of retaliatory strikes to prevent all-out nuclear destruction. President Donald Trump started this latest partisan conflict by calling on Texas lawmakers to gerrymander the states maps, and now we are on the verge of a similar standoff for American democracy. In this tit for tat, though, Californias threats to respond have thus far proved ineffectual. Despite Newsoms very public threat to retaliate with a state redistricting plan that would neutralize any Republican gains, Texas lawmakers are plowing ahead with their own gerrymandering efforts. That is the opposite of what happened after retaliatory threats during the Cold War. What gives? For one thing, Texas officials may believe they are calling Californias bluff. To gerrymander its own maps, after all, would require California to jump through quite a few hoops, including an expensive state-level initiative to change the constitution in a special election this November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, more fundamentally, Republicans like Texas Gov. Greg Abbott are gleeful that California is talking openly about playing by the same, democracy-distorting rules because it allows them to argue that Republicans are gerrymandering only because California Democrats are. At the end of that line of argument is a vicious cycle in which more and more states retaliate with gerrymandered maps of their own, eliminating even the few competitive House districts that remain. There is a way out of this death spiral. It involves a simple concept: automation. By enacting a law that would automatically gerrymander Californias maps if and only if Republican-controlled legislatures do so first, California officials can make clear that the choice is entirely in the hands of Republican state legislators. In other words, just as automated nuclear retaliation systems helped prevent a horrific strike during the Cold War, a similar approach can stop the gerrymandering race to the bottom before its too late. Heres how the plan would work. A blue state like California, or perhaps New York, could adopt a system similar to the one it presently has, with an independent bipartisan commission drawing the states congressional map. Like the current system, the law could require the commission to account for certain criteria like making districts contiguous and compact. Then the new system would add a critical, novel factor: The commission must draw congressional districts to ensure national partisan balance so the percentage of Republican and Democratic seats in Congress closely corresponds to the number of votes for Republicans and Democrats nationwide. This means that Californias maps would automatically respond to red states partisan gerrymanders. For example, if Texas implemented its new and more aggressive partisan gerrymander, Californias new and automatic redistricting system would respond in kind. The result would be that, as much as practically possible, Californias system would neutralize Texas partisan gerrymander. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, this might sound like exactly what Newsom has proposed. But there is a critical difference. The problem with the governors approach is that because it is an ad hoc political response to Texas gerrymander, it virtually guarantees a continued race to the bottom. Texas will be heavily gerrymandered, and so will California. And so will the next red state and the next blue state, and potentially on and on. Thats not the best outcome we can hope for. Representation of Democrats in Texas and Republicans in California matters too. We should aim for a national map without partisan gerrymandering in either red states or blue states. This is where a principled, automated redistricting system in California would make all the difference. Newsoms approach is aimed at teaching Texas that if it gerrymanders, then California likely will too. What Texas doesnt know, however, is that if it doesnt gerrymander, then neither will Californiaa legitimate concern given the latters race to put its new partisan maps on the 2025 ballot. Under an automated redistricting system, by contrast, Californias independent, bipartisan commission would be authorized to redraw the states maps only if Texas acts first. And, just as significantly, if Texas were to eventually undo its own gerrymander, an automated redistricting law would ensure that Californias independent commission would do the same. In short, by tying itself to the mast of an independent redistricting process with national partisan balance as a strict goal, California can guarantee that no stateneither it nor Texasgets caught unilaterally disarming in the partisan gerrymandering wars. Just as importantly, it wouldnt require Texas to formally agree to a truce. And although this should not be the only consideration, adding national partisan balance as a required factor to an independent redistricting process strikes us as more salable to the California voting public than an overt call to embrace gerrymandered maps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are important technical details to work out to make this principled, automated system work. How will it measure national partisan balance? When will it issue its maps after the decennial census? Must it wait for every other state to issue its maps, or just traditionally red states like Texas? One question that shouldnt arise, however, is whether this response would violate the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court has already said it wont undo even the most extreme partisan gerrymanders. We wish the justices had decided differently, but in the world the court has created, a principled and automatic counter-gerrymander must surely survive. Ultimately, of course, even if California adopts a principled, automated redistricting system, Texas may gerrymander anyway. But at the very least, this approach promises what tit-for-tat political retaliation cannot: hope to end the partisan gerrymandering wars. An important part of American political folklore is that presidents in trouble travel. So it wasnt terribly surprising that President Trump announced he was flying to Alaska to meet fellow strongman Vladimir Putin. Trump hoped the much-hyped trip would divert public attention from the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal and allow him to come home a hero with a Noble Peace Prize for himself and a peace deal carving up Ukraine. A peace deal would have been a feather in his cap and a new chapter in his famous ghostwritten book, The Art of the Deal. Instead, the meeting became an epilogue that could called The Art of the Kneel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky learned the hard way about another old political proverb which reads, When you not at the table, youre on the menu. Before the conference started, Trump announced he would take severe measures against Russia if the former Soviet strongman didnt agree to a ceasefire. Then, the acronym TACO took effect Trump Always Chickens Out when he declared after the meeting that he supported Putins position for an immediate peace conference while the war still raged. Trump melted like hot butter in the warm Anchorage summer sun and threw Zelensky and millions of brave Ukrainians under the wheels of Russian tanks. Reportedly, Trump accepted Putins demands for territorial annexations. All Ukrainians got from Trumps travels was a lousy tee shirt with the imprint Putin Came and Trump Caved. Americans were lucky that the president didnt give back Alaska to Russia as a bon voyage gift to Putin. Even Fox News anchor Marie Harf declared that Putin steamrolled Trump. Russian military forces are steadily making inroads into Ukraine. The absence of a ceasefire is a boon to Putin and a problem for the undermanned Ukrainians who have held off the invaders for years against all odds. Trump pulled the rug out from under them during the talks in Anchorage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why didnt Trump stand up to Putin? Inquiring minds want to know. Did the former Soviet KGB agent gain access to dirt on the U.S. leader in the top-secret Epstein files? Does Trump for all his bully bluster just turn to jelly when he confronts a leader with a stronger will? Monday, Zelensky met the U.S. president in the White House along with European leaders who came along to help the Ukrainian leader stiffen Trumps spine against the Russian dictator. The all-star cast of Ukrainian supporters included French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The European contingent pushed Trump for U.S. guarantees against Russian expansion. Those leaders are rightfully fearful of Russian expansion into their backyards and dont trust Trump to keep the hungry bear at bay after it devours a slice of Ukraine. NATO heads of state still maintain a vivid memory of another fateful summit meeting long ago when British Prime Minster Neville Chamberlain went to Munich, homburg in hand, and surrendered Czechoslovakia to Adolf Hitlers not so tender mercies. That was the beginning of the end for the rest of continental Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other countries could be on the menu to fill another dictators insatiable appetite to reconstitute the old Soviet bloc that he so faithfully served for so many years. Letting the Russian strongman take Eastern Ukraine would simply reward Russian aggression and encourage him to take even more territory. Joining Trump at this meeting was his Vice President JD Vance who is a vocal opponent of military support for Ukraine. Before the Alaska meeting, the veep undermined his own presidents bargaining power when he announced that were out of the Ukraine war funding business. So, who does Putin fear from the United States in his relentless and reckless quest to return central Europe to the Soviet, excuse me Russian fold? Certainly not Trump or Vance. Most Americans dont pay much attention to national security problems. Especially when the cost of living is so high. But the public should worry and worry hard when it has a president who cant stand up to foreign dictators. Freedom abroad and democracy in the U.S. are not safe with Trump in charge. Federal troops occupy Washington, D.C. and Russian forces control the Donbas region of Eastern Ukraine. Tyranny is on the march across the world. Americans cant expect Trump to stop it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brad Bannon is a national Democratic strategist and CEO of Bannon Communications Research which polls for Democrats, labor unions and progressive issue groups. He hosts the popular progressive podcast on power, politics and policy, Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICAGO Justice Amy Coney Barrett lauded collegiality in the legal profession Monday, hailing it as what lets the judicial system work well despite its inherently combative nature. She said shes been thinking a lot lately about getting along and bridging disagreements. It occurs to me that law is a profession that, unlike some others, operates continually through the strain of disagreement, Barrett said. Doctors cooperate and coordinate to deal with patients. Engineers work together to build the bridge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But litigants and their lawyers are pitted against one another on opposite sides of the V, she continued. Her brief remarks came at the judicial conference for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, which covers federal courts in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. She said the legal system relies on zealous advocacy and professionalism, and careful and fair adjudication. Following President Trumps return to the White House, Barrett faced unrelenting criticism from his political base after ruling against his administration in several emergency cases. His supporters accused her of turning on the president who put her on the high court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, she landed back in MAGAs good graces after authoring the majority decision in Trumps birthright citizenship case that curtailed nationwide injunctions, a key tool used by lower court judges to halt the presidents sweeping agenda. In that ruling, Barrett also issued a rare smackdown of Justice Ketanji Brown Jacksons dissenting opinion that ripped the majoritys decision as an existential threat to the rule of law, earning her additional praise from the presidents supporters. The opinion marked a high-profile assignment for Barrett, making her the face of the Trump administrations major victory. Several justices have made notable remarks at judicial conferences in recent months, invited to speak at the event corresponding with the circuit they oversee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Missouri last month, Justice Brett Kavanaugh defended the Supreme Courts sometimes-sparse emergency rulings at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuits judicial conference. He described the risk of a lock-in effect on the court by showing its cards too soon, suggesting those might not reflect the justices final view. Earlier last month, Justice Elena Kagan had urged the court to explain itself better in emergency rulings at the California judicial conference for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. Barrett thanked the judges and lawyers in the crowd Monday for their camaraderie and professionalism. I think there is an upside to all of the professional hours that lawyers spend in disagreement, Barrett said. We not only do it well but we also know how to do it without letting it consume relationships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When I look around this room, when I think about the lawyers I know in the 7th Circuit, Im grateful for the way that our bar conducts itself, she added. Because that is what enables the judicial system to work well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. When House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries promised that Kristi Noem would be one of the first called before Congress if Democrats take the majority in 2026, he wasnt just previewing political theater he was signaling a long-overdue accountability moment. Because what weve seen under Noems watch as Homeland Security secretary isnt just controversial policy, its a collision between power and the Constitution. Listen, the government has every right to deport violent criminals. But what were talking about here isnt that. These are families being ripped apart, U.S. citizen children deported to countries theyve never known, and raids on churches, swap meets and sidewalks that read less like lawful arrests and more like kidnappings in broad daylight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Armed, masked agents storming neighborhoods it looks less like law and order and more like a scene from a dystopian movie. Except its not fiction. Its happening here. And at the center of it is Secretary Noem, who, when asked to define habeas corpus earlier this year which, by the way, is a bedrock constitutional right got it flat-out wrong. She described it as the presidents power to deport people. Thats not just a slip of the tongue; thats a fundamental misunderstanding of the very principle that protects all of us from government overreach. Habeas corpus is the right of a person to challenge their detention. Without it, the government could lock up anyone indefinitely. Even Abraham Lincoln had to go to Congress before suspending it during the Civil War. Yet somehow, Kristi Noem thinks she can redefine it on the fly. Meanwhile, lawsuits are piling up. The ACLU and others say these mass raids arent about justice, theyre about quotas. Three thousand arrests a day, demanded from the White House, no matter who gets caught in the dragnet. The result? Overcrowded, dungeon-like detention centers, families denied food, water and lawyers. Thats not just cruel its unconstitutional. And it costs taxpayers millions to warehouse people who pose no threat to society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeffries is right: this calls for oversight. Not partisan point-scoring, but a public examination of what happens when immigration policy is driven by fear, politics and raw numbers instead of law, due process and human dignity. Because if the government can strip immigrants of rights today, whats to stop them from doing the same to citizens tomorrow? Kristi Noem may soon face Congress, but make no mistake this is bigger than her. Its about whether America will continue to twist the meaning of justice until it serves whoever holds power, or whether well insist that justice, in this country, still means something. This isnt about Kristi Noem forgetting her civics lesson. Its about whether America still remembers its own. Lindsey Granger is a News Nation contributor and co-host of The Hills commentary show Rising. This column is an edited transcription of her on-air commentary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Vladimir Putin is learning again, on Ukraine, an important cautionary lesson: Be careful what you wish for. His first major miscalculation was in believing that getting a green light from President Biden for a minor incursion into Ukraine in February 2022 would all but ensure the success of his full-scale invasion. He was not alone in that view global expectations, including those of the Biden administration, were that Ukraine would collapse immediately under the Russian onslaught. But the U.S. and the West had already accepted Putins invasion and occupation of eastern Georgia in 2008 during the administration of George W. Bush, who had just persuaded NATO to commit to eventual membership for Georgia and Ukraine. Bush had said he had looked into Putins eyes and saw his soul, and he did nothing to reverse Russias aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This pattern of acquiescence to a new world order modeled on the old, pre-WWII order that might makes right was repeated in 2014. Russia invaded eastern Ukraine and Crimea to collect on President Obamas 2012 promise to Putin of more U.S. flexibility once he had been safely re-elected. Putin clearly expected Biden as president would follow the model that he and Obama had already established in 2014 that major parts of Ukraine are expendable in the cause of peace and avoiding World War III. But President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people understood the reality that Russias invasion was ultimately existential. They resolved to resist and sought the Wests help not in fighting forces, but in diplomatic, intelligence and weapons support. Today, after three and a half years, Russia has suffered a million deaths and injuries, lost billions of dollars worth of equipment, and crushing Western sanctions, without significant territorial gains beyond the 20 percent of Ukraine it seized with its initial blitzkrieg. Worse in Putins worldview, Russia now faces a revived and strengthened NATO, with two new members, Sweden and Finland, close to its borders. After outlasting the Biden administration, which had (accurately) called him a thug and war criminal, Putin has found a more congenial and cooperative negotiating partner in Donald Trump, whose admiration bordering on adulation has been palpable. But, once again. over-reliance on an initially pliable American president has seduced Putin into overplaying his hand. After Trump, following the lead of his vice president, JD Vance, disrespected and humiliated Zelensky in their White House meeting, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev applauded the disgraceful performance. The insolent pig finally got a proper slap down in the Oval Office, he wrote on X. Donald Trump is right: The Kiev regime is gambling with WWIII. From that point on, Putin felt empowered to slough off Trumps repeated overtures and deadlines to end the carnage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The much-touted Alaska summit was supposed to be a showdown, with severe consequences threatened if Putin failed to agree to an immediate ceasefire. Instead, the Russian leader yet again defied Trump, smugly dominating the high-visibility meeting he had demanded all while intensifying his bombing of Ukrainian civilians. Putins international isolation for aggression and war crimes ended with Trumps effusively warm, red-carpet welcome on U.S. formerly Russian soil and without a single public concession. In some ways, the summit was the converse of the bullying put-down of Zelensky by Vance and Trump. But this time the American president was the diminished participant, and it was carried out not with angry scowls but with Putins sly smiles. After the false start in Alaska, the next step in Trumps epic effort to end the war and boost his chances for a Nobel Peace Prize was an invitation to Zelensky to return to the White House to hammer out the details of an overall peace agreement, including land swaps that Putin wants and issues that Zelensky has raised, such as security guarantees. Considering the tawdry history of past guarantees the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 when Ukraine surrendered its nuclear weapons, the Minsk I and Minsk II ceasefires and numerous other aborted pauses in fighting Ukraine will want assurances more reliable and akin to formal security treaties like Article 5 of the NATO Treaty. Trumps team says Putin has now agreed to an Article 5-like security guarantee to Ukraine. NATO members have begun stepping up to meet their own obligations to individual and collective self-defense against the common danger Putin poses. As a result, the heads of six European governments joined Zelenskys visit at the White House yesterday, with the intention of forging a collective Western response to the most dangerous security challenge since the Second World War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. and European democracies need to fashion a collective strategy for Ukraines victory that includes the following: the security guarantee that Zelensky and Europe agree is essential for peace; an increased volume of arms transfers to Ukraine with enhanced range and lethality; diplomatic declarations of the sovereignty and political independence of Ukraine; stronger direct economic sanctions against Russia and secondary sanctions on countries funding Putins war, such as China; and seizure of Russian assets for the reconstruction and partial healing of Ukraine, including reparations for families of victims of Russian war crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the failed Alaska summit, retired Gen. Philip Breedlove said, Russia has never been interested in peace in Ukraine, is not now interested in peace in Ukraine, and will never be interested in peace in Ukraine, except after its own total victory. If Putins regime will not change its aggressive behavior, the U.S. and Europe must undertake a campaign for regime change in Russia. Joseph Bosco served as China country director for the secretary of Defense from 2005 to 2006 and as Asia-Pacific director of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief from 2009 to 2010. He is a nonresident fellow at the Institute for Corean-American Studies, a member of the advisory board of the Global Taiwan Institute and member of the advisory board of The Vandenberg Coalition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. However you slice it, President Trump has implemented de facto martial law in the District of Columbia. He declared an emergency, seized control of the 3,100-member Metropolitan Police Department, unnecessarily called out the National Guard and no one except the federal courts can stop him. With crime down in the District, the takeover is a grotesquely incompetent pretextual policy that sets a bad precedent, and perhaps a chilling dry run for things to come in other blue cities such as Baltimore, Oakland and even New York City. Implementing Trumps executive order, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed D.C.s mayor to recognize Terrance Cole, head of the DEA, as emergency police commissioner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps action was so at odds with the 1973 Home Rule Act that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb sued to enjoin the unprecedented takeover. The Administration is abusing its temporary, limited authority under the law, Schwalb tweeted on Aug. 15. This is the gravest threat to Home Rule D.C. has ever faced, and we are fighting to stop it. Following a hearing before D.C. District Judge Ana Reyes, the court directed the Justice Department to revamp Trumps order. The DEA administrator will be demoted from police chief to a liaison to the D.C. government, but the distinction is without a difference. The Trump administration remains in control of the Metropolitan Police Department. Although the judge said Trump might enlist local officers to help enforce immigration laws, the court did not definitively rule on what is the real guts of the case: whether Trump can commandeer D.C. cops to enforce immigration violations despite District laws and policies to the contrary. That issue is likely to be resolved this week. Depending on which way Judge Reyes goes, the D.C. government could comply with Trumps crusade to enforce immigration law or just give it lip service, stirring the bubbling cauldron of District home rule. Trumps assertion of raw police power diverts attention from his soft spots: the mysterious Epstein files, the failed summit with Vladimir Putin and a sputtering economy. But his action also projects autocratic rule, and one does not preclude the others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be sure, crime must be stopped, particularly juvenile crime. We still have a rule of law. But Trumps approach doesnt pass the laugh test. What is there about street crime committed by juveniles, or crimes of trespass and disorderly conduct involving the homeless for just camping out, that requires military action and a federal takeover? And arent there enough billions for ICE in Trumps big, beautiful budget to do the trick? White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt left no doubt that the takeover will target the homeless, who will be given the option to leave their encampment, to be taken to a homeless shelter, to be offered addiction or mental health services. If they refuse, they will be subjected to fines or jail time. The weight of the takeover falls on members of the Black community, who make up roughly half of the Districts population. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement National security scholar Lindsay P. Cohn told reporters that while National Guard units are commonly deployed for emergencies within their own states, this is really strange because essentially nothing is happening, Crime is going down. We dont have major protests or civil disturbances. There is no significant resistance from states to federal immigration policies. There is very little evidence anything big is likely to happen soon. Trumps army of MAGA fearmongers are lining up to back him to the hilt. Far-right political commentator Benny Johnson tweeted, When D.C. Defunded their police, the city turned into a deadly war zone. Every resident was terrorized. Surely, he jests. And Kari Lake, the defeated Arizona politico charged with dismantling the Voice of America, posted a picture of a discarded syringe she encountered while taking her dog on a morning walk. She added that her dog was unharmed by the experience not even eaten by migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As though federal takeover of the police is not enough to streamline District law enforcement, about 800 National Guardsmen arrived at the D.C. Armory to report for duty. It is unclear whether they will be armed. Humvees and troops have appeared along the National Mall, a day after Trump issued officers a far-reaching mandate to do whatever the hell they want to curb crime. Joining the party will be a number of additional Guardsman from four red states, just in case the D.C. Guardsman find the juveniles, migrants and homeless people overwhelming. Journalist Philip Bump reported that 43 cities in the states sending troops to D.C. have higher violent crime rates than Washington does. The appearance, if not the reality, of martial law is complete. Under the court-brokered stipulation, the White House has clear control. We plan to work with the D.C. police, said Leavitt, but ultimately the President is in charge of the police department and is working with the chief to ensure that law enforcement officers are allowed to do their jobs in this city. But who has ever been standing in their way? Must be the Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of course, much of what Trump has said is false, inaccurate or overblown. How will the National Guard, untrained in law enforcement, enforce the law? Trump controls Congress if things are as bad as he says, why doesnt he ask it to act? Need he be reminded that we have three branches of government? In D.C., the mayor seems to acknowledge that there is serious work to be done, demanding a holistic approach to juvenile crime. But fearmongering, federalizing the police force and putting troops on the streets of our nations capital is surely executive overreach. As the old saying goes, when the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. It is unclear whether Trumps takeover order will be in place for 30 days as the law limits it or indefinitely. Meanwhile, Americans will have to live in fear of their own government, which strangely appears to be training its sights on them. James D. Zirin, author and legal analyst, is a former federal prosecutor in New Yorks Southern District. He is also the host of the public television talk show and podcast Conversations with Jim Zirin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Donald Trump is talking about changing voting laws again, citing a recent conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. After a summit in Alaska last week, Trump said Putin talked with him about election integrity. He then posted on Truth Social about plans to change voting machines before next year's midterms and again raised the issue on Monday while meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House ostensibly to talk about peace in Ukraine. But what exactly did Putin tell Trump, and what is Trump now trying to do? And were either man's claims accurate? Here are some answers. President Donald Trump walks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug, 15. (Andrew Harnik / Getty Images) What are Russian elections like? Multiple outside groups have labeled Russian elections as illegitimate. In 2023, Russian Election Monitor, a group of European scholars, former and active politicians and public officials, found "a serious deterioration" in voting rights in Russia. The group cited last-minute changes to laws, attempts to complicate election observation, a lack of free debate, pressure on candidates and voters and a lack of independent election commissions. Some parts of Russia use electronic voting systems, which have been found to be vulnerable to manipulation and coercion. The European Parliament condemned Russian elections as "illegitimate and undemocratic." Why would Putin, of all people, lecture the U.S. on voting? We don't know for sure. But as a former KGB agent, Putin was trained on how to emotionally manipulate people he's dealing with. (He famously brought his black Labrador to a meeting with then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is afraid of dogs.) Telling Trump that the 2020 election was rigged against him seems like an obvious way to get on his good side. What did Putin say? According to Trump, "he said 'your election was rigged because you have mail-in voting.' He said, 'Mail-in voting, every election no country has mail-in voting. It's impossible to have mail-in voting and have honest elections.' And he said that to me because we talked about 2020. He said, 'You won that election by so much.'" Is any of that true? No. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a 2024 count by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, 34 countries have mail-in voting, including Canada, Denmark and Germany. An analysis of all known voter fraud cases in the U.S. from 2000 to 2012 found only 491 cases of mail voter fraud during a period in which literally billions of ballots were cast. Joe Biden won the 2020 election. Judges found various claims made by Trump and his allies to be without merit in more than 60 cases, and a statistical analysis by researchers from Harvard and Cambridge University found no evidence to back up the claims. What did Trump say he would do next? Trump said he was going to "lead a movement" to get rid of mail-in ballots and what he called "Highly 'Inaccurate,' Very Expensive, and Seriously Controversial VOTING MACHINES, which cost Ten Times more than accurate and sophisticated Watermark Paper, which is faster, and leaves NO DOUBT, at the end of the evening, as to who WON, and who LOST, the Election." He said he would sign an executive order to "help bring HONESTY" to the 2026 midterm elections. What does he mean, exactly? Honestly, it's hard to say. At one point he said he was required to give his license plate number to vote, which is not true. But in past remarks, Trump has called for nearly all voting to be done on paper ballots, counted by hand, on Election Day, with the winner declared on election night. There are few problems with those proposals: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Could Trump really change voting laws by executive order? The answer here should be a clear no, but we live in unprecedented times. Under the U.S. Constitution, elections are handled at the local level according to state laws, though Congress can set minimum national standards for elections. The federal role typically involves giving guidance to elections officials and offering grants to upgrade equipment. At a practical level, making the kinds of massive changes to election law that Trump envisions would be expensive and take time to set up, even if every local and state official went along with it. The midterms are in about 14 months, which means there's a very narrow window for any changes to be made, as officials would need to buy, install and test machines and hire and train appropriate staff. Trump did not say he would ask Congress to pass a law, which would be the only way to appropriate money, so it appears that he may simply try to order the states to make these changes by executive order, which would mean a flood of political pushback and lawsuits that would only shorten the amount of time available. As an example, one reason Louisiana has not replaced its outdated voting machines is that it would cost $105 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his Truth Social post, Trump argued that states are "merely an 'agent' for the Federal Government" in counting votes and "must do what the Federal Government, as represented by the President of the United States, tells them." Suffice it to say that this is not the traditional mainstream view of the U.S. Constitution, checks and balances or federalism. Are there any problems with U.S. voting that could be addressed? Sure. State and federal lawmakers could help replace those voting machines in Louisiana and parts of other states that don't have a voter-verified paper trail. More states could join a consortium of 25 states plus D.C. that shares voter registration information to track people who moved. State lawmakers could change laws that prevent officials from prepping early ballots to be counted, which would speed up results on election night. Any other changes? A major political figure could stop using his bully pulpit to baselessly attack the integrity of the U.S. voting system. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com A number of high-profile Democrats have held back from directly calling out the authoritarian nature of President Donald Trumps takeover of Washington, D.C., in part, it appears, because theyre concerned about being perceived as soft on crime. But its dangerous for the republic to soft-pedal criticisms of Trump as he experiments with an all-out police state. Trump, under the guise of fighting crime, has deployed National Guard troops to patrol the streets of the capital and federalized the D.C. police in a shocking abuse of executive power. But Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., told The New York Times in an interview that Democrats should be careful not to cede the issue of public safety to Donald Trump and Republicans. As the Times puts it, Democrats are treading cautiously as they seek to forcefully oppose the federal incursion into the nations capital, something no president has ever attempted, without getting caught up in a debate over public safety on Mr. Trumps terms. We see that cautiousness in the way some Democrats describe Trumps takeover of D.C. as a mere theatrical gesture. In a statement that echoed his social media response to Trumps recent actions, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told the Times, I see this as performative and nothing more. In a post on X last week, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Trumps takeover of D.C. a political ploy and an attempted distraction from Trumps other scandals, and he called out Republicans for being inconsistent on giving localities their rights. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., has called it political theater that is intended to create chaos and uncertainty, and to draw the attention from other issues like Jeffrey Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of these Democrats have correctly pointed out that D.C. is experiencing a 30-year low in violent crime. But theyve been hesitant to name what Trump is doing on a substantive level: finding new ways to accumulate powers of repression, surveil civil society and socialize the public to accept the president using the military as a policing tool. Such cautiousness is a mistake. Democrats need to hammer home that Trumps actions not only have nothing to do with crime, but also that they have everything to do with seizing autocratic power and chipping away at the foundations of democratic life. In the nations capital military vehicles are patrolling civilians. Residents are being made to pull over into arbitrary checkpoints. They're being man-handled by masked law enforcement officers. Thats more than just performance it is the enactment of excessive power. As Melissa Wasser, senior policy counsel for the ACLU for the District of Columbia, recently wrote for MSNBC: The aim is clear: Make fear the norm. If we dont call it out, this playbook will be used again and again. And she warned against complacency: People across the country must see this moment for what it is: an authoritarian maneuver to expand executive power at the expense of local democracy. I am sympathetic to how hard it is to be a Democrat in the Trump era when it comes to message discipline. Every week theres a new scandal, a new abuse of power, a new threat to the U.S. economy. If Democrats constantly change their narrative about what the biggest threats to Americans are, then itll make it hard for them to have a clear set of messages going into the midterm elections. But it is a matter of (lower-case d) democratic survival for the party to be clear-eyed in describing what Trump is doing in D.C., what he did in Los Angeles and what he has hinted at doing in more cities across the country. And it is important that the (upper-case D) Democrats alert the public to the stakes of whats going on. Trump is quickly developing powerful tools that can be used to subvert democracy. That doesnt call for cautiousness but for alarm. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has given his fellow Democrats a master class in how to respond to President Donald Trump and his overreaching threat to send the National Guard to additional American cities. In an extraordinary clap-back video addressed to Trump whos hinted at sending the National Guard to Baltimore and other cities Moore underscores that hes the commander in chief of Marylands guard and would not deploy it for something that is not mission critical or mission aligned. Period!! Moore went further, noting that he in particular understands the mission and limits of the National Guard. Unlike the president of the United States, Ive actually worn the uniform of this country, said Moore, who served his country as a captain in the Army's 82nd Airborne Division. Unlike the president of the United States, I actually deployed overseas and fought on behalf of the United States of America. Moore said he knows what its like to wear the uniform and patrol communities. And so I do not need and will not accept any type of lecture from someone who the only uniform they have worn is a Brooks Brother suit, he said. Its important that Moores fellow Democratic governors take note and call out the wrongheadedness of Trumps plans. But one of the things that makes his retort so forceful is his willingness to call Trump out for using the military to show force in a manufactured state of emergency when years ago Trump as a young man was able to avoid military service when it would have required personal service and sacrifice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A direct social media retort like Moores may have been considered impolitic a few years ago when the presidency was still wrapped in a cloak of protective respect. But it was also hard to imagine back then a bully such as Trump would be emboldened in the White House. The best way to stand up to a bully is to avoid even a hint of capitulation. Acquiescence only invites that bully to return with bigger demands and bolder instruments of cruelty and intimidation. Of course, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass objected to Trump sending the National Guard to Los Angeles to no avail. Trump manufactured an emergency that the courts said allowed him to send in troops. Still, its important that Moore and other Democratic governors not surrender but fight back at every turn. As it was in California, where Trump mischaracterized the presence of undocumented people as proof of a foreign invasion, the state of emergency he claims exists in D.C. is also a manufactured hoax, and it is clear that the GOP governors who have decided to send even more troops to D.C. to support the presidents initiative to restore cleanliness and safety are more concerned with politics than with public safety. These additional National Guard members coming into D.C. from West Virginia, South Carolina, Ohio, Mississippi and Louisiana could be armed and might not have to leave their weapons at the armory as spelled out in the original deployment order. Such a move would endanger the very people Trump claims this exercise is meant to protect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Intimidation is at the heart of what Trump is doing by sending a torrent of federal law enforcement agents and National Guard troops to the District of Columbia to purportedly defend and protect a city where the violent crime rate has dropped by 30%. Democrats have struggled to find a consistent and effective answer to these developments. Pointing to statistics about the very real drop in crime doesn't erase the very real concerns about the remaining levels of violence and mayhem in D.C. But Trump isn't interested in protecting people in D.C. as much as he is in sending a message that big cities are filled with scary Black and brown people, broken institutions and bloated bureaucracies that can't effectively govern themselves. Whats worse is that his selective narrative ignores progress that has been made in some of the cities he claims are wastelands of urban crime. D.C. is an easy target for this because of its history of drug wars and crumbling neighborhoods just beyond the gleaming monuments. Also, who can ever forget that grainy video of the citys mayor caught smoking crack on camera? However, D.C.s drop in violent crime has been accompanied by an urban renaissance that can be seen in the increased investment in education, transportation and commercial development. Wide swaths of the city that were once home to open-air drug dealing and regular gunplay have been transformed into hipster havens with swank condominiums and slick restaurants. Just last year, D.C. could boast that it had the highest density of Michelin-starred restaurants in the entire country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, when Trump hinted at militarizing Baltimore, he conveniently ignored that citys success in reducing homicide and violent crime. Thats where Moore comes in. His direct-to-the-public video response, his radio interviews and his television appearance are important because he is forcefully and effectively responding to the artificial argument that this is about public safety. And while the Republican-led Congress is willing to essentially grant Trump whatever he wants, Moore is willing to stand strong in the authority he holds as the 63rd governor of his state. Truth isnt always a speed bump that slows Trumps roll, but it lays a foundation for a legal argument in the court of law, as well as the court of public opinion. Trump said hes considering deploying the National Guard in certain cities to get crime under control. OK, so lets take the president at his word and hold him to his promise and see how far he gets. Reducing crime is a worthy goal. But flooding the zone with federal agents in Americas cities doesnt reduce crime and doesnt make the cities more attractive to visitors or residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were looking aghast at social media posts showing masked agents making immigration-related arrests in busy areas of D.C. where the targets are often people who are working as food delivery drivers. And the economic impact of turning D.C. into a deployment zone has been immediate. Restaurants, bars, hotels and businesses that rely on hospitality or tourism are already feeling the pain. Restaurant reservations in DC plunged more than 30% after the Trump administration announced a federal takeover of the citys police department. The best way to root out crime is to go to the root causes, and Trumps plan doesnt address that. In fact, when asked about the root causes of crime last week, Trumps new U.S. attorney for D.C., Jeanine Pirro, said at a news conference: I honestly am not concerned about why they commit crimes. My concern is if they commit crimes. My concern is the victims of the crimes. Contrast Pirros dismissiveness with the leadership weve seen from Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. His city has dramatically reduced crime with neighborhood-based prevention programs that rightly treat violence as a public health problem. Using data engineering, the city targeted the communities where people were most likely to be perpetrators or victims of crime and then studied the factors that led to high crime rates. The data they collected led to investments in summer schools and extended swimming pool hours, literacy programs, evening rec center access to create safe havens to hang out and specific programs aimed at boosting the economic and educational options in communities that had the highest crime rates. The goal was to create a network of programs to keep young people busy and off the streets, create a safety zone for residents and provide paths to productive re-entry for those who had already committed crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP would most likely label that a namby-pamby, soft-on-crime approach. But the numbers dont lie. Violent crime has dropped in Baltimore. On Scotts watch and Moores. And so if Donald Trump is serious about further reducing crime in D.C. or Baltimore or New York or Cleveland or anywhere else, he needs to roll up his sleeves and get to work with an agenda that is based on performance and proven results instead of trafficking in spooky urban myths and authorizing performative military exercises that are really about driving deportation numbers up. I hope more Democratic leaders follow Moores lead and use their platforms to push back, correct the record and keep score on who is really doing the work to create environments that are safe and secure. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Following an online meeting of EU leaders, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stated that only talks between the leaders of the US and Russia can prevent further military escalation. Source: Orban on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Orban wrote that at the EU leaders meeting "it has been confirmed that the danger of a third world war can only be reduced through a Trump-Putin meeting", and that "the isolation-based strategy has failed". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hungarian prime minister again claimed that Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine can be resolved "only through diplomatic efforts" and that linking Ukraines EU membership to security guarantees "is unnecessary and dangerous". "Hungary welcomes the steps taken at the Trump-Putin talks and supports the continuation of the negotiation process, with particular regard to a second Trump-Putin meeting," Orban added. He also reiterated his proposal to hold a Europe-Russia summit "as soon as possible". Background: On 15 August, US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin held their first talks in the US state of Alaska. After that, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders met with Trump at the White House to discuss ways of diplomatically ending Russias aggression. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Peter Magyar, leader of Hungarys largest opposition party Tisza, has called on Prime Minister Viktor Orban to organise a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia in Budapest. Source: Magyar on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda Details: Magyar explained the possibility of talks between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin in the Hungarian capital by recalling that it was here in 1994 that the Budapest Memorandum was signed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Tisza proposes that Viktor Orban, recognising the validity of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, initiate a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy in Budapest," Magyar wrote. He pointed out that the document referred to "guarantees of Ukraines territorial integrity and independence". Magyar also drew attention to the fact that the Hungarian prime minister did not take part in the talks between European leaders and Donald Trump at the White House. "Yesterday, one peace fighter was sorely missed at the table. But he is on holiday. Or perhaps he just wasnt invited," Magyar said. Background: Reuters earlier reported that the US is indeed considering Hungary as a possible venue for a summit between Zelenskyy and Putin. Other sources wrote that the Kremlin leader had proposed a meeting with the Ukrainian president in Moscow, but Zelenskyy refused. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has fired back against recent threats from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to comply with federal immigration enforcement efforts. Last week, multiple leaders from Oregon and Washington received letters from AG Bondi demanding that the state leaders change their sanctuary policies which she claims thwart federal immigration enforcement. Close Thanks for signing up! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Eye on Northwest Politics Gov. Kotek and Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson were told to respond to the letter no later than Tuesday, Aug. 19 with confirmation that they would comply with federal law or possibly face criminal charges. In Koteks letter, the governor insisted the State of Oregon and its public officials have never engaged in conduct that thwarted immigration enforcement on a federal level even as a sanctuary state. The State of Oregon acknowledges your threat to pursue criminal charges against public officials using their official position to obstruct federal immigration efforts and facilitating or inducing illegal immigration, Kotek said in her letter. No Oregon public official or law enforcement officer is engaged in any activity to obstruct federal immigration efforts. Oregons enacted laws are consistent with the Tenth Amendment and anticommandeering rule. The state does not take on the additional expense or burden to perform federal immigration enforcement as it is the job of the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Koteks full letter to AG Bondi is available to read below: Ferguson held a press conference Tuesday afternoon to address the letter publicly. Washington state will not be bullied or intimidated by threats and legally baseless accusations. In the America that I love, I have taught my children to revere, he said. We resolve our differences peacefully through public discourse and, if necessary, through the courts. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) backed up Ferguson will the following statement: Our limited state and local law enforcement resources are needed to fight violent crime and fentanyl. Washington law prioritizes public safety and provides due process. The Trump administration should stop threatening states and focus on upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The City of Portland also received a letter from Bondi and similarly reaffirmed that the citys sanctuary status does not violate federal law adding that their status has been upheld in court. Please take this letter as the Citys response that the City of Portland complies with applicable federal and state laws, and the City of Portland will continue to follow such laws, City Attorney Robert Taylor said in a public statement. Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read is warning that the Trump administration is overstepping its federal authority after requesting data on Oregon voters. Over the last month, the Oregon Secretary of States Office has received at least two requests from the United States Department of Justice asking for information on Oregon voters and the workers who maintain Oregons voter rolls. This includes a July 10 letter which was shared with KOIN 6 News sent from two members of the United States Department of Justice to Secretary Read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DONT MISS: DOJ supports lawsuit challenging Oregons voter roll maintenance In the letter, the DOJ requested a phone call with Read to discuss a potential information-sharing agreement that would provide the U.S. Department of Justice with information on, among other things, individuals who have registered to vote or have voted in your state despite being ineligible to vote, who may have committed other forms of election fraud, who may have provided false information to state authorities on voter registration or other election forms, or who may otherwise have engaged in unlawful conduct relevant to the election process. The DOJ letter went on to say, we plan to use this information to enforce Federal election laws and protect the integrity of Federal elections. Then, in another letter sent July 16 from Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Gates, the Trump administration requested information on Oregons procedures for complying with the National Voter Registration Act a 1993 law that set voter registration requirements for federal elections, such as requiring states to offer voter registration opportunities at state motor vehicle agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter also asked for voter registration information of individuals identified as non-citizens or convicted felons. Oregon Sen. Wyden calls out Trump for taking advice from Putin on mail-in voting In a July 23 letter responding to the first letter, Secretary Read rejected the DOJs request to enter an information-sharing agreement. As Im sure you know, our countrys founding fathers specifically tasked the states, not the federal government, with administering free, fair, and secure elections. Our office is required by the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 4, Clause 1), the Oregon Constitution (Article VI, Section 2), and Oregon law (ORS 246.110 et seq.) to do everything in our power to protect the integrity of our elections and the rights of Oregonians. I take that responsibility seriously, Read wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Oregon Secretary of State continued, After I swore my oath to serve the people of Oregon in January, my team began taking immediate, aggressive action to shore up our elections system, and, to date, we have not conclusively determined that any individual engaged in unlawful conduct relevant to election processes. Therefore, there is no data to share. Read added that the DOJ does not cite any legal authority for the information they are requesting, noting, I do not see how I can fulfill my duty to protect the integrity of Oregons election system while engaging in data-sharing agreements with the U.S. DOJ or other federal agencies at present. Human crisis: Oregon joins lawsuit against Trump administration over $15M crime victim cuts At best, I do not trust that this current administration is capable of protecting Oregonians personal data, given the recent, high-profile leaks of state secrets and reckless gutting of federal agencies. I have a responsibility to the citizens of this state to protect their privacy, the secretary continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At worst, I am concerned that this administration will use any data we provide to unlawfully and unjustly violate Oregonians rights. I have no interest in collaborating with an administration that is engaged in the illegal detention and deportation of both non-citizens and U.S. citizens alike. I will not provide information that could lead to parents being separated from their children, Read added. The secretary concluded, Oregonians elected me to ensure that our state sets a national standard for free, fair, and secure elections. They did not elect me to hand over Oregonians personal data to a government that does not demonstrate an interest in respecting the freedom and rights that our country is literally founded upon. I swore an oath to uphold those rights. That oath means something to me. When you can assure me all your federal colleagues respect their oaths, Id be happy to talk further. Oregon adopts plan to protect endangered Southern Resident orcas In an interview with KOIN 6 News on Monday, the Secretary of State warned, the federal government is clearly exceeding their authority here, and theyre seeking access to private voter data, and that is not something that we are going to comply with. My job as Secretary of State is to protect the right of every Oregonian to vote, to hold politicians accountable and to do that securely, and thats what Im going to do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reads response, stating there is no data to share, regarding unlawful conduct in election processes comes after the Oregon Department of Transportation reported in 2024 that the states Department of Motor Vehicle Services made an error by automatically registering roughly 1,800 people to vote in Oregon who did not register. The DMV told KOIN 6 that 38 of those individuals had a voting history and many were already U.S. citizens. According to Read, the governments error in this case is not a reason to share voter information with the DOJ. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now Eye on Northwest Politics What happened was a government error, not an error or an intentionality on the part of people, Read told KOIN 6. They were told by the state government that they were registered to vote. They did not take that action. So, its important for us to look in the mirror as a state government and continue to improve our processes. Thats the kind of action that weve taken. Weve added new checks, new measures, new controls to make sure that those kinds of errors dont happen again. The secretary of state stressed the importance of keeping Oregon voter data private, explaining, The information that is contained could be used for a lot of different purposes and our obligation is to protect that because we use it to verify that people are voting appropriately, voting in the in the right place, that the ballots that they receive are an accurate reflection of the offices where they have a vote. And we dont want it to be used for anything else. Read told KOIN 6 that hes heard from other secretaries of state that they have received similar requests from the DOJ, adding, I think this is just an indication that the administration is looking for ways to undermine our systems of democracy, of the fundamental right for Oregonians and Americans to vote to hold politicians accountable. Thats at the heart of our representative democracy, and its not something we should take for granted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read added, Oregonians should be confident that our system of mail-in elections is secure and accurate and that we will do everything we can to defend and protect that system so that Oregonians have the ability to vote confidently, that their information is not going to be shared and that they will be able to participate and help us build the government and the state that we all want and deserve. KOIN 6 News has reached out to the United States Department of Justice. This story will be updated if we receive a response. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) Throughout the month of June, Kentuckys Touchstone Energy Cooperatives helped collect nearly $17,000 worth of goods to donate to Ronald McDonald Houses in Lexington and Louisville. On Monday, the two organizations joined forces to help deliver all of the items to help families be near their hospitalized children. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several vehicles were packed with pantry items and other goods. Sha Phillips with Kentuckys Touchstone Energy Cooperatives said throughout the summer months, the pantries tend to be a little bare, receiving fewer donations. So, were always glad to have tons of things to drop off; this year we did, she added. Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass CEO, Nate Graham, said being able to provide families with supplies to help them during a difficult time means everything. LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its just something that our families need to, to make things a little bit less hard while theyre staying here. And their child is receiving medical care here in the Lexington community, he explained. For more information on how to support the charity, you can visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. Orlando mayor addresses public safety, housing, future projects at State of the City address Community leaders in Orlando are celebrating the citys growth. Mayor Buddy Dyer delivered the State of the City Address Tuesday morning. He reflected on the citys 150th birthday. During his address, he touted public safety. He said the city invests more in police and fire than what is collected in property taxes. With that, homicides are down more than 50%, and 100% have been solved. The property tax we collect doesnt even cover the cost of police and fire, Dyer said. It cost a lot to maintain the number of officers and firefighters and new equipment we have to get every year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dyer said the city is also focused on the future. With more than 1,500 people moving to Orlando weekly, he said a main focus is on the housing crisis. In the city, theres a current need of nearly 10,000 additional housing units to meet demand, with 9,200 under construction. We know that were at a huge housing deficit, Dyer said. Were doing things like expediting permitting, easing zoning regulations. Dyer wants the community to continue to think big. With success projects like Lake Nona, Creative Village and future possibilities of connections with OIA, the SunRail and extensions of Brightline, he believes Orlando could reinvent to Air-lando. Its a critical connection. Weve got to get to the airport and eventually I-Drive and Disney, Dyer said. That will allow Brightline to get to Tampa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dyer also touched on Orlando Unlocked to tackle the housing shortage. He said it will allow for flexible zoning, quick construction and assures sites will be available when there is market demand. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Orlando currently faces a housing shortage and in another decade, the need for more apartments and houses will be critical as 90,000 new residents are expected to call the City Beautiful home by 2035. Mayor Buddy Dyer is expected to outline a package of incentives, fee waivers and flexible zoning rules on Tuesday at his annual State of the City speech. The Orlando Unlocked policy package aims to encourage the creation of new housing, from small garage apartments to large complexes with hundreds of units. Since 2020, the city has faced a shortage of approximately 9,400 apartments, houses, and other units. And with the population surge expected, about 46,000 more units will be needed to keep up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our Orlando Unlocked initiative helps increase density in ways that strengthen neighborhoods enabling granny flats, townhomes and apartments to be built in more locations across the city, a draft of the mayors speech reads. Because when we expand supply, we not only lower costs, we give people the power to choose where and how they want to live. The speech is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Plaza Live. The city is seeking to increase housing stock across all price points, in a region where prices hit a record high last year. The median sale price in Central Florida last December was $380,000, a figure that includes single-family houses, condominiums, duplexes and townhomes. But city officials also aim to offer incentives, fee waivers, reductions in parking requirements and variances to create more affordable places to live. For example, the city offered a 15% parking reduction and a school impact fee waiver totaling about $2 million to 52 at Park, a new apartment complex at West Colonial Drive and John Young Parkway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The neighborhood is under construction and includes 300 units for residents who make at or below 60% of the areas median income of about $69,000. Other policies seek to speed up permitting and review processes to get shovels in the ground quicker. For example, most proposals of 100 units or fewer wouldnt require public hearings. The biggest role I think we see the city having is helping on the supply realm, said David Barilla, the executive director of Orlandos Community Redevelopment Agency. Activists have been pushing city leaders to go further and outright eliminate minimum parking requirements. they contend parking costs developers between $3,000 and $5,000 per space and, in turn, boosts housing costs. City officials are drafting an ordinance, though its passage is far from certain, the Orlando Sentinel reported previously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, city officials reduced parking requirements downtown and waived them altogether in one stretch between Interstate 4 and Rosalind Avenue. Chief Planner Elisabeth Dang said the Unlock Orlando campaign is designed for a range of plans, from those proposed by the largest developers down to those adding a garage apartment to a neighborhood property. Were putting all that together to try to hopefully encourage some people who have been on the sidelines because they just dont know how to get started, to participate and start some new projects we might not see otherwise, she said. A fact sheet prepared by the city states that about 9,200 units are under construction across the city and about 18,000 are approved or in permit review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Orlando region from Sanford to Kissimmee is one of the nations toughest markets for affordable housing. A report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition found the area is the sixth worst, and that only 19 affordable units per 100 extremely low-income renters are available. While rent prices have cooled this year from COVID-era surges, prices are still higher than many working-class renters can afford. The average studio runs $1,679, down 1% from last year, and the average 2-bedroom unit costs $1,795, a 15% decrease from last year, according to Rent.com. OzarksFirst spoke to Osage Beach Mayor Michael Harmison about his push to remove fluoride from the citys water system. I was just elected mayor about three years ago, and Ive not been in politics before. I am a businessman that basically kind of got upset with the system. So I ran against the system, and here I am now three years later. I was reelected last year. I first brought up about three years ago, I was new and did not get a lot of traction with the water department, but most recently I had the pleasure of appointing a new public works director and touring our system around the lake. I told him that I was wanting to get rid of the fluoride under water and he said tended to be the same mindset as me, Harmison said. Harmison says he has done his research into his idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I did a lot of research. Thats kind of what I do with things Im interested in, and even though Im not a dentist, all the research is readily available and found out that the fluoride, especially in excess, you can cause thyroid problems, it can cause children to be less intelligent. Theres all sorts of medical things that can happen to the system by a municipality putting in pharmaceutical items without our communities approval. Its been happening here in Osage Beach since the 90s. This started back in the 1940s, nationwide, because at that time we did not have fluoride toothpaste, we did not have readily available fluoride mouthwash. A lot of times people didnt go to the dentist. So I can see where at one time that was the mindset and was a necessity, but over the years fluoride is pretty much in every toothpaste mouthwash. We currently have fluoride in our existing well water, so theres no longer a need, in my opinion, for the City of Osage Beach to mandate that we put a pharmaceutical in the water, and so I would like to take it out of the water, and those that say that we need it, well, they can brush your teeth more, they can go to the dentist more, they can use mouthwash more, but for safety reasons, I would like to eliminate it from our water system. The American Medical Association and the American Dental Association have long-held opinions in support of water fluoridation. Missouris state health departments webpage on water fluoridation says under Facts about Water Fluoridation, that Fluoridation is safe, Fluoridation is the least expensive and most effective way to reduce tooth decay, and People drinking fluoridated water have 20 to 40 percent less tooth decay. We had about 130 comments and by far the majority were taken out of our water. Ironically enough, a couple of those that are in favor of keeping in there, their argument is that the majority that want to get rid of it were conspiracy theorists, Harmison said. We even had somebody comment from Kansas City saying, What do you folks know down there? Most of you dont have teeth anyway, Harmison said. Im simply about the health part of it. We have access to fluoride, like I said earlier, with toothpaste and washing your mouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harmison says its not an official move yet, something that would take a board vote and time. Before we can take a vote, theres a 90-day process that we need to let the public aware of what we may or may not do. Were a democracy. If the citizens of Osage Beach say, we want to continue, if the board says we want to continue it, then I will accept that. Its kind of my personal view is that we need to get rid of it, Harmison said. We have a lot to do before we make a decision, and we are going to involve the public. We do plan to have a public hearing and there are some legal things that we have to do to notice, notify everybody of our possible intentions. Harmison says if the city votes to remove fluoride after the months-long process, it could be as early as 2026 when the fluoride would be gone from city water. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. Oscar-winning Ukrainian director Mstyslav Chernov was present at yesterdays meeting between Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump at the White House. Source: Chernov on Instagram; Ukrainian media outlet UNIAN Details: Chernov posted a photo outside the White House on Instagram. Chernov at the White House. Photo: Chernov on Instagram UNIAN reported that Chernov had obtained exclusive access to film in the Oval Office and said he is working on a new film about the peace talks to end the war in Ukraine. However, no details of Chernovs latest work are available at present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chernov is a Ukrainian war correspondent and the director of 20 Days in Mariupol and 2,000 Metres to Andriivka. In 2024, 20 Days in Mariupol, a documentary by Mstyslav Chernov, Evgeniy Maloletka and Vasylisa Stepanenko, won a number of awards, including an Oscar, a BAFTA, and the Audience Choice Award at the Sundance film festival. Chernovs new documentary, 2,000 Metres to Andriivka, will be released in Ukrainian cinemas on 28 August. The music for the film was composed by two-time Grammy winner, composer and music producer Sam Slater, who also wrote the music for Chernobyl and Joker. The films world premiere took place at the Sundance festival, where Mstyslav Chernov received the Directing Award in the World Cinema Documentary Programme. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Ukraine the film was first screened at Docudays UA, where it garnered three awards: the main Docu/World prize, a Rights Now! commendation, and the Audience Award. Chernov also presented the film last year at one of Europes most prestigious film forums the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. In an interview with Yaroslav Pidhora-Hviazdovskyi for UP.Kultura, Chernov said of his new documentary: "The main production of the film was done by a Ukrainian director who works at the Ukrainian office of Associated Press. The Ukrainian office of Associated Press is a Ukrainian company registered in Ukraine. With a Ukrainian budget. And therefore this film is Ukrainian." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) The University of Oklahoma School of Dance is offering free dance classes for the Parkinsons community starting August 19th through December 11th. According to OU officials, the free classes are in partnership with the Oklahoma Parkinsons Alliance open to individuals living with Parkinsons disease including their caregivers and family. Classes are scheduled to be held twice weekly in Norman as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. at Healthy Living Norman, 602 N. Findlay Avenue Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at The Well, 210 S. James Garner Avenue El Renos clear the shelter event Offering services such as dance classes for people with Parkinson`s disease is an important part of what we do in the OU School of Dance. It is important that we give back to the community through this life-enhancing program, and at the same time, create a wonderful educational opportunity for our students, said Michael Bearden, director of the OU School of Dance. For more information click here or email danceforpd@ou.edu. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Guest Opinion. Native Americans have remarkably stood on the frontlines of the US military service, answering the call to defend the nation. Their contributions span every historic battle of the past century, from World Wars I and II to conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Today, these indigenous people make up about 1.7% of active-duty service members despite comprising only 1.4% of the general population. Meanwhile, more than 140,000 veterans currently reside nationwide, with American Indians and Alaska Natives having served in the Armed Forces at five times the national averagethe highest per-capita participation of any demographic in the military. Tragically, like many of their comrades, these individuals were also exposed to environmental contaminants, such as asbestos, burn pits, Lewisite, Agent Orange, and radiation causing a myriad of serious illnesses. To tackle this concern, Congress ratified the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 to expand healthcare services and other benefits for veterans affected by toxic exposures. Yet while this landmark legislation marked a major stride, its promise is unfortunately compromised now, as the countrys Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) deals with an alarming budget cut under the present administration. Framed as a bureaucratic reorganization, this move has led to dire consequences, including a decreased workforce and even a surge of turned-down job opportunities by qualified healthcare providers. For Native American veteranswhose access to care already lags due to system disparitiessuch outcomes pose a direct threat to their health, survival, and the fulfillment of the long-overdue federal obligations. Native American Veterans Deal with Toxic Exposure Risks Military service has consistently carried the dangers of toxic exposure, affecting numerous veterans, including many Native Americans. Among the most troubling hazards is asbestos, a natural mineral previously prized for its verstility. The material has become extensively utilized in military property for much of the 20th century. However, this cheap and abundant material has concealed a lethal cost. When disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibers that, once inhaled, can lodge deep in the tissues covering the lungs and other internal organs, increasing the risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The risk is particularly severe within the US Navy, where personnel were stationed aboard vessels laden with asbestos. Accordingly, most ships built before the 1980s contained the mineral, meaning military sailors at this time might have spent their years of active duty surrounded by an invisible threat. And since diseases stemming from this exposure typically have a long latency period, the impact of the crisis is just beginning to emerge now. An interactive map indicates that between 1999 and 2017, 236,981 to 277,654 Americans have already lost their battle against asbestos-related illnesses, with 12,000 to 15,000 deaths reported annually. Mesothelioma alone claims around 2,000 to 3,000 lives yearly, and several studies show that veterans account for roughly one-third of these fatalities. Apparently, a large chunk of these victims were deployed in contaminated bases such as Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, home to 38 federally acknowledged Indian nations, and the Army Ammunition Plant in Iowa, hosting a tribe of the Meskwaki Nation. Addressing the needs of these affected veterans requires comprehensive healthcare services, which can be effectively provided by a well-equipped and fully funded VA workforce. The Drastic Impact of VA Cuts on Native American Veterans Significant advancements have been made over the past several years to address the long-neglected healthcare needs of toxic-exposed veterans. For instance, since the passage of the Pact Act, more than 2.745 million former service members nationwide have already filed their compensation claims, of which more than 660,000 have already been approved. Native American veterans were among those who engaged. In fact, nearly three-quartersor 74.3%of service-connected American Indian and Alaska Native veterans are now utilizing VA healthcare. This participation is also expected to grow further as the countrys National Council of Urban Indian Health calls on more members of this community to start processing their claims to avail of their rightful benefits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet this progress has been left in limbo as the VA faces severe budget slashes that threaten to undermine its workforce and, ultimately, the quality of care veterans receive. Adapting to these cutbacks, the agency has already downsized by 17,000 employees as of mid-2025 and expects to lose nearly 30,000 positions before the end of the fiscal year. Unfortunately, this reduction signifies remaining VA employees are likely burdened with heavier workloads as well as stretched resources, which creates stress and lowers morale across the system. More alarmingly, such financial strains have likewise contributed to a surge of declined job offers from qualified healthcare providers. Rejections by physicians were specifically four times higher than during the same period last yeara trend that exacerbates staffing shortages and further slows claims processing, delays medical appointments, and limits outreach to remote and tribal communities. For Native veteransmany residing in remote, rural areas and reliant on a limited network of VA facilitiesthe stakes are critically high. This is because the federal government bears a critical trust responsibility to tribal nations, which embodies both a legal and moral duty to provide comprehensive healthcare to Native people. By disrupting the VA workforceas a result of the significant funding reductionsthis mandate is placed at great risk, alongside the progress of introduced measures like the PACT Act. Without urgent congressional intervention to restore staffing levels as well as secure sufficient funding, the promise of timely and equitable care for these brave individuals will eventually hang in the balance. Cristina Johnson is a Navy veteran advocate for Asbestos Ships Organization, a nonprofit whose primary mission is to raise awareness and educate veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure on Navy ships and assist them in navigating the VA claims process. For more information, please visit our page. About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net The owner of a shuttered Greece business who was wanted by police has been arrested, according to Greece police. Matthew Belk, 35, the owner of Jackson's Bakery, was wanted for fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony, and third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle, a misdemeanor, related to an investigation in Greece that started in July. He was arrested on those charges on Aug. 18, officers said. Belk is accused of stealing a motor vehicle worth more than $3,000 from the 600 block of Stone Road in Greece, according to police. He was issued an appearance ticket to answer in Greece Town Court at a later date. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belk was also arrested earlier this summer in Ontario County, where he faces multiple charges, including three counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. He is accused of driving a stolen van, possessing two stolen credit cards, and having a substance believed to be cocaine, deputies said. Jacksons Bakery closed after failing health inspection Belk, who started working at Jacksons Bakery at age 16 and bought the business in 2021, was already in the spotlight last month when the town of Greece and the Monroe County Department of Public Health shut down the bakery following a failed inspection. According to county reports, inspectors found: The owner living on-site, along with cats Standing water in the basement A large hole in the buildings foundation Mouse droppings in flour bins Animal hair in exposed food A sewage backup in restrooms and the basement Uncovered food in storage and kitchen areas Cat litter boxes and grooming tools in food prep areas The bakerys operating permit was suspended June 25, and the business has been mostly closed since May. It is located at 614 Stone Road. A long history in the community On May 12, 2025, the day after Mother's Day, Jackson's Bakery was closed. A sign in the window read "sorry, moms." Jacksons Bakery was founded in 1947 by Jack Symonds, who opened the German-style bakery in Greece. His son Jim Symonds later ran the business for more than 25 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Belk, a longtime employee, took ownership in 2021. For 78 years, Jacksons was a local favorite, known for its kuchens, cakes and baked goods. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Matthew Belk, owner of Jacksons Bakery, arrested in Greece NY Jeff Burns did not mince words when it came to describing the condition The Lodge at Santa Fe was in when he and his partners at JMI Realty and Bullwhip Capital acquired the property in late 2023 with an eye toward redeveloping it into a boutique hotel and resort. It was in horrific shape, he said. It was an old building that had fallen into complete disrepair. Now, less than two years later, The Lodge has been renovated, rebranded and reopened as the Hotel Glorieta at 750 N. St. Francis Drive. The task of breathing new life into the downtrodden property required a significant investment, Burns said, though many of the changes wont be readily apparent to those familiar with the hotel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first several million [dollars] was spent on things that guests are not going to touch, see or really notice, he said. But now, the roofs dont leak and the air conditioning works. The new owners chose to try to retain as much of the character of The Lodge as they could, Burns said, so they opted for a lighter touch when it came to tackling the rest of the hilltop property, which covers 6 acres and is adjacent to federal land. He said the look has been refreshed rather than transformed, an approach JMI and Bullwhip also took to their first Santa Fe project, El Rey Court on Cerrillos Road. I always say El Rey is perfectly imperfect, Burns said, noting he and his partners made no attempt to eliminate some of that establishments warts and blind spots when they acquired it. You kind of have to lean into those because if you go in and redo everything, you lose some of the soul and the personality. You dont want to walk into a space that feels too precious. 080825_MS_Glorieta Hotel_001.JPG Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Marcine Franckowiak puts the finishing touches on the new sign over the entrance to the Hotel Glorieta in Santa Fe last week. In the case of both properties, Burns said he and his partners chose to craft a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere that would appeal as much to locals as it would to tourists. The Lodge had been a popular community gathering spot during its heyday in the 1980s, he said, and thats the spirit the new owners are hoping to resurrect under the banner of the Hotel Glorieta. That made them reluctant to implement wholesale changes, Burns said. If you can make the most of what youve already got and lean into the existing space, it keeps the soul of the place, he said. We did that here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burns acknowledged knowing what to renovate and what to leave alone can be a fine line. Its a room-by-room exercise and a space-by-space exercise, he said. Ultimately, Burns said, the ownership group decided to err on the side of caution, choosing to leave as much of the property intact as it could. It was built the way it was for a reason, he said. 080825_MS_Glorieta Hotel_004.JPG Decor in a room at the Hotel Glorieta in Santa Fe on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. Whats new? None of that is to say there havent been some significant improvements at the Hotel Glorieta. The new owners brought in the Santa Fe-based interior design firm French & French Interiors to present a fresh take on classic Santa Fe Style, and many of the furnishings and color schemes have been updated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burns said he is excited about the Marigold Room, which is the resorts 200-person-capacity live music space, and Lady Duffs Lounge, its lounge and cocktail bar. In the case of the former, Burns recalled how delighted he was when the then-owner of the property led him on a tour back in 2023, neglecting to tell him until the end that The Lodge also had a music venue, then known as the Maria Benitez Theater. I said, You should have led with that, Burns said, laughing and explaining that essentially sealed the deal for him. I was like, This is it. A handful of performances by nationally and regionally touring acts already have been booked at the Marigold Room, and Burns said the resort is working with Lensic 360 to schedule more shows. But Burns is even more enthusiastic about the new bar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lady Duffs Lounge will be my favorite spot. What I love about it is, its a place where you can plug yourself into one of the couches, order a bottle of wine and not leave, he said, explaining no one will be made to feel rushed in the roomy establishment, which is named for a woman who served as the inspiration for a character in Ernest Hemingways The Sun Also Rises. In fact, there is hardly anywhere on the grounds of the resort that folks will not be invited to congregate. The hotel pool, hot tub and deck will be available to locals through day or seasonal passes, while a 7,500-square-foot open space with artificial turf will host movie nights and other family events regularly, Burns said. Well have programming thats going to be a lot of fun, he said. 080825_MS_Glorieta Hotel_003.JPG Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A view of two adjoining rooms, a double and a king, at the Hotel Glorieta in Santa Fe last week. All of those activities will unfold against the spectacular backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, adding to the propertys attractiveness. Not a lot of hotels have the view corridor The Lodge has, he said. Burns said The Lodge used to be known as a great locals hotel, an establishment that counted on and catered to Santa Fe residents almost as much as it did tourists. When JMI and Bullwhip acquired The Lodge in late 2023, he said, nearly every longtime Santa Fean he spoke to related a story to him about having attended a special event there or sneaking into the pool for a soak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He described the Hotel Glorieta as our love letter to the city and promised that even though it will be rooted in tradition, he and his partners have no intention of turning it into a museum piece. Hotels arent something you can just put on a shelf and say youre done, he said. Were going to continue to evolve, make improvements and adapt to what our customers say they want or need. Key Takeaways Trending Nearly 2,000 lawsuits allege Ozempic caused health issues including stomach paralysis and vision loss. Celebrity endorsements and off-label use have fueled the drugs popularity beyond diabetes treatment. Legal proceedings are underway, with early trials expected in 2026 and potential damages exceeding $2 billion. Ozempic, a drug approved for type 2 diabetes but widely used for weight loss, is now at the center of one of the biggest pharmaceutical lawsuits in recent years. According to Financial Express, nearly 2,000 lawsuits have already been filed in U.S. courts, with potential damages topping $2 billion as of Monday (Aug. 18). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The medication, made by Novo Nordisk, belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by suppressing appetite and regulating blood sugar, which is why it surged in popularity for weight loss. But patients say the benefits came with life-altering consequences. Court filings cite severe side effects, including gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), intestinal blockages, persistent vomiting, gallbladder issues, pancreatitis, kidney damage, and sudden vision loss linked to a condition called NAION. Financial Express reported that patients are blaming the drug for these health issues and "other severe complications not clearly warned about." Novo Nordisk has denied wrongdoing, saying Ozempic is safe when used as prescribed and that all drugs carry risks. Still, the lawsuits argue the company failed to fully disclose dangers, especially as Ozempic became a go-to weight loss option for people without diabetes. The first lawsuit was filed in August 2023, and by February 2024, the cases were consolidated into multidistrict litigation in Pennsylvania. As of May 2025, more than 1,800 cases remain pending, with early trials expected in 2026. Hollywoods Ozempic obsession While the legal fight plays out, Ozempic has also made headlines in Hollywood. Fat Joe admitted to using it after years of weight struggles, Tracy Morgan revealed on Today with Hoda & Jenna in 2023 that it helped him shed pounds, and Kandi Burruss said she tried it but saw no results. Macy Gray, one of the only celebs to express adverse effects, shared on MTVs The Surreal Life that the drug left her with painful constipation. The Hollywood trend is concerning, Dr. Caroline Apovian, co-director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, told PEOPLE. Were not talking about stars who need to lose 10 pounds. Were talking about people who are dying of obesity, are going to die of obesity. Youre taking away from patients with diabetes. We have lifesaving drugs and the United States public that really needs these drugs cant get them. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird. (Photo by Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is calling on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in a joint letter to take emergency action to schedule a drug that has been linked to deaths in the state and across the country. Bromazolam is described in the letter penned by Sunday and 20 other state attorneys general as a designer Xanax. The prosecutors say the drug is increasingly contributing to overdose deaths and posing a growing threat to public health. It is also highly potent and unpredictable, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sundays office wrote, especially when mixed with opioids. Narcan, which is used to reverse an overdose, is ineffective against the drug in such emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bromazolam is unscheduled under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Despite its clear dangers, bromazolam remains unscheduled at the federal level, creating significant challenges for law enforcement and public health officials trying to respond to this emerging crisis, the attorneys generals wrote. Without scheduling, this drug continues to evade traditional regulatory and prosecutorial tools, hindering interdiction efforts and enabling continued distribution through illicit channels. Taking emergency action to schedule bromazolam will help law enforcement remove it from circulation, give prosecutors the tools to hold traffickers accountable, and send a clear signal that this dangerous substance has no place on our streets, the attorneys general wrote. Bromazolam, or Designer Xanax is a lethal, counterfeit drug with no medical use that is highly addictive and killing Americans, Bird said in a statement. It is already an illegal drug in Iowa, and I strongly urge the DEA to take swift and definite action at the federal level to give law enforcement the tools they need to stop this crisis, save lives, and hold traffickers accountable. This story was originally published by Pennsylvania Capital-Star, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Tim Lambert for questions: info@penncapital-star.com. York County District Attorney Dave Sunday, candidate for attorney general, answers questions at a candidates forum in Pittsburgh Oct. 23, 2024 (Photo by Abigail Hakas for the Capital-Star) Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is calling on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in a joint letter to take emergency action to schedule a drug that has been linked to deaths in the state and across the country. Bromazolam is described in the letter penned by Sunday and 20 other state attorneys general as a designer Xanax. The prosecutors say the drug is increasingly contributing to overdose deaths and posing a growing threat to public health in Pennsylvania and beyond. It is also highly potent and unpredictable, Sundays office writes, especially when mixed with opioids. Narcan, which is used to reverse an overdose, is ineffective against the drug in such emergencies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bromazolam is unscheduled under the federal Controlled Substances Act. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Despite its clear dangers, bromazolam remains unscheduled at the federal level, creating significant challenges for law enforcement and public health officials trying to respond to this emerging crisis, the attorneys generals wrote. Without scheduling, this drug continues to evade traditional regulatory and prosecutorial tools, hindering interdiction efforts and enabling continued distribution through illicit channels. Taking emergency action to schedule bromazolam will help law enforcement remove it from circulation, give prosecutors the tools to hold traffickers accountable, and send a clear signal that this dangerous substance has no place on our streets, the attorneys general wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sunday said that designer benzodiazepines, such as bromazolam, surfaced in Pennsylvania in 2022 and contributed to 59 overdose deaths that year. Data from the state Department of Health showed that the number of deaths nearly tripled one year later, according to the joint letter. It is a race to stay ahead of drug traffickers when dealing with synthetic drugs, and lives depend on immediate action that will give law enforcement the tools to proactively target traffickers, Sunday said. This substance has no legitimate purpose, and is becoming far too common in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Sunday, who was sworn into office in January, has joined other coalitions of attorneys general on various letters and lawsuits. Earlier this month, he teamed with 50 attorneys general in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to assist in addressing illegal offshore gaming and gambling across the country. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 28/22 NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) In that fiery campaign ad out on Monday, Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced shell be running for governor of Pennsylvania next year. That ad took aim at current Governor Josh Shapiro, calling some of his decisions as governor unconscionable. Garrity has served as Pennsylvanias treasurer since 2021. Now, though, nearly halfway through her second term, she has her eyes set on the states top spot, but victory wont come easily. Before Garrity can go up against Governor Shapiro, shell have to win the Republican primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Doug Mastriano said shortly after her announcement, he feels that while shell likely get the Republican endorsement, that endorsement could isolate his own supporters, hinting at the potential for a Mastriano ticket. Cow runs loose near Wayne County highway On Friday, Governor Shapiro talked about Garrity jumping into the race. The Republicans are gonna do their fight, Im not gonna get into it, you know what Im gonna do. Im gonna keep creating jobs here in the commonwealth of PA, Im gonna fund our kids schools, Im gonna make sure that we have more cops, and focus on doing my job of bringing Republicans and Democrats together to get stuff done, Governor Shapiro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I will never embarrass Pennsylvania with scandals, unconscionable behavior, deleted emails, and cover-ups and a total lack of transparency like Shapiro has, If elected, Garrity would be the first female governor in the state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to 28/22 News. As Democratic voters watch the GOP congressional majority abdicate their role as a separate branch of government and national Democrats flail against the onslaught of extremist right-wing policy, they have turned their lonely eyes to Blue State governors. Over the last couple of weeks, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has emerged as the national leader of this group for his pugilistic response to the GOPs craven mid-decade redistricting plans in Texas. According to polls, as well as any quick perusal of social media sites, this defiance is something the Democratic base has been yearning for from party leaders ever since Donald Trump returned to the White House and commenced a wholesale destruction of our democratic institutions. As the governor of the countrys richest and most populous state, Newsom is in an excellent position to take on this particular fight. California has some room to gerrymander enough seats to offset Texas move, and having already elected a strong Democratic majority in Sacramento makes it likely the states voters will approve Newsoms proposed ballot measure to change the law requiring a nonpartisan redistricting commission. But this isnt the only tactic Newsom is deploying to fight Trump and the GOP. From the moment he took office in January, Trump has been at loggerheads with Newsom over policies that have directly affected California. It started with the massive firestorm that hit Los Angeles in January, for which Trump characteristically blamed the state for failing to rake the forests and fatuously insisted the fires wouldnt have happened if California had turned on the valve, which would have supposedly released water from Canada and prevented the devastation. To this day, the aid promised by the federal government has yet to be received. (Many other states led by Democratic governors and dealing with disasters have suffered similar fates.) Earlier this summer, Newsom was also at the forefront of the states fight against the violent ICE raids and deployment of the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps antipathy toward California is no secret, so its no surprise he would target the state. But after an odd, brief foray into some kind of bipartisan podcast outreach, Newsom has apparently decided to play a different kind of politics not typically associated with Democrats as of late: Bareknuckle brawling. He has adopted an aggressive social media trolling strategy that has generated much attention from the media (and consternation from the right), and he is using his power as governor of a very big state to confront Trump head-on, instead of relying on the procedural tactics generally adopted by Democrats in recent decades. On Friday, Jia Lynn Yang published an article in the New York Times that provided insight into how the Democratic party evolved as it did and why its been so frustratingly impotent in the age of Trump. She noted that the party has had two different political styles, one of which was a ruthless, machine model that dominated the party following the Civil War. Some of the most aggressive gerrymandering in American history occurred after the Civil War, as the parties vied for control of the nation, Yang wrote. In Northern industrial cities, Democratic party bosses built a new style of urban machine politics greased by the exchange of money and personal favors. This system was hardly meritocratic, although it did provide for the ascension of accomplished political players who knew how to excite a crowd and leverage the tools of power. But by the turn of the 20th century, the economic disparities and corruption of the Gilded Age opened the door for reform. The Progressive movement began to gel, ushering in a new respect for expertise and technocratic skill. The Democrats began to practice this style of politics: The New Deal coalition under President Franklin Roosevelt managed to merge the partys urban white ethnic base with an expert reformer class in Washington that defeated both the Great Depression and Nazi Germany. But even as he allowed technocrats into his administration, President Roosevelt was a cutthroat practitioner of politics. No power grab was too outlandish if it helped him achieve his aims. As he wrote in a 1940 letter to Congress: Substantial justice remains a higher aim for our civilization than technical legalism. Roosevelts example balancing good government legal proceduralism and using power to obtain substantial justice at all costs kept Democrats in power for more than 40 years and gave Americans the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, Medicare, Medicaid and other major accomplishments the moved society forward. But by the 1970s, when the New Deal coalition finally began to fall apart, the partys proceduralists took over. In the years after they made some great strides, advancing civil rights and environmental protections, among other issues. But they were ill-equipped to deal with an opposition party that was increasingly turning to hucksters and demagogues. Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. The Republicans so demeaned the liberal brand that defined Roosevelt and the New Deal that, in recent years, many Democrats have adopted the progressive label in defense. At the same time, Trump and his movement can be pegged as populist best defined as appealing to ordinary, everyday people although there are many permutations of that movement that dont perfectly fit the definition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there is one aspect of the GOPs populism that is recognizable. As Yale Law School professor Jack M. Balkin explained in his essay Populism and Progressivism as Constitutional Categories: History teaches us that populism has recurring pathologies; it is especially important to recognize and counteract them. These dangers are particularly obvious to academics and other intellectual elites: They include fascism, nativism, anti-intellectualism, persecution of unpopular minorities, exaltation of the mediocre, and romantic exaggeration of the wisdom and virtue of the masses. This certainly sounds familiar, doesnt it? At the same time, progressivism has its own pathologies: Unfortunately, these tend to be less visible from within a progressivist sensibility. They include elitism, paternalism, authoritarianism, naivete, excessive and misplaced respect for the best and brightest, isolation from the concerns of ordinary people, an inflated sense of superiority over ordinary people, disdain for popular values, fear of popular rule, confusion of factual and moral expertise, and meritocratic hubris. These words also ring a bell, although I think the rights depiction of Democrats as the party of elites a party that includes most working-class people of color paints with a pretty broad brush. The point is that we are in a populist era. People are upset, and its not just right-wingers with all those negative traits listed by Balkin. Among people of all political persuasions, there is a sense that, somewhere, somehow, things have taken a wrong turn. Technocratic progressivism almost certainly has better solutions, but it is cumbersome and doesnt appeal to or excite peoples passions the way populist demagoguery does. Meanwhile, we are dealing with a GOP for which its impossible to determine whether the greater danger to the country is from MAGAs brutal destruction of democracy or the partys monumental ineptitude. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing is clear: What Democrats need is New Deal-style politics, and they need it now. That includes the brazenly ruthless tactics Roosevelt employed, as well as the technocratic experimentation of the progressives in his administration. Right now, only seven months into Trumps second term, I have no idea who that leader might be. But we have to hope that Newsom and other Democrats with national ambitions will take Roosevelts lessons seriously and follow his model. Otherwise, I fear there will one day be nothing left of our government and FDRs legacy to dismantle. The post Paging FDR: Democrats need to embrace New Deal-style politics appeared first on Salon.com. (The Center Square) A pair of Wisconsin Democrats are proposing the state start a new back-to-school sales tax holiday. The holiday would apply on closing items priced no more than $150 and school supplies priced at no more than $100. The sales tax holiday would be the Friday through Sunday of the first weekend in August. The proposal was introduced by Sen. Brad Pfaff, D-Onalaska, and Rep. Jenna Jacobson, D-Oregon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have two grown children, Pfaff said. I know just how expensive it can be to get the family ready to return to the school year. A back-to-school tax-free holiday is just one way that we can help parents keep more of their hard-earned cash in their own pockets. The bill would require the Department of Revenue to give annual estimates on the total sales taxes that would have been paid to cities and municipalities and then would require the state to reimburse those local governments to hold them harmless. There are 19 states that will have some form of sales tax holiday in 2025, according to the Tax Foundation. The group cited studies showing that tax holidays do not increase purchase and instead lead people to transfer spending from other times to the tax-free weekend. Sales tax holidays are politically popular with elected officials because they offer direct discounts, whether real or perceived, to consumers in a highly visible way, the Tax Foundation wrote. Consumers often believe theyre getting a good deal. Thus, they remain popular despite their economic inefficiencies, unintended consequences, and frequent inability to achieve their stated goals. More than 100 people remain missing in northern Pakistan after flash floods have killed at least 360 across the country and Pakistan-administered Kashmir since Friday. Most of the victims have been in the mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the northwest, where entire villages have been swept away as swollen rivers, mudslides and collapsing homes left families buried beneath debris. Authorities have warned of more deluges and possible landslides and urged local administrations to remain on alert. INTERACTIVE-More than 300 people killed in flash floods-Pakistan-August 19, 2025 copy-1755583906 Floods in Buner kill more than 200 people In Buner, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa about 100km (62 miles) northwest of the capital, Islamabad, at least 207 people have been killed over two days as floods and landslides swept through villages and destroyed homes. Members of the Urban Search and Rescue team search for bodies in the debris of damaged houses after a storm caused heavy rains and flooding in Bayshonai Kalay, Buner district, on August 17, 2025 [Akhtar Soomro/Reuters] Buner is predominantly hilly with steep slopes that feed into narrow valleys. The districts loose, erosion-prone soil coupled with deforestation makes it vulnerable to landslides and flash floods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Satellite images of Buner show mountains and surrounding villages, including the town of Pir Baba, engulfed in mud and debris after the floods. What is a cloudburst? Officials said Buner was hit by a cloudburst, a rare phenomenon in which more than 100mm (4 inches) of rain falls within an hour in a small area. In Buner, there was more than 150mm (6 inches) of rain within an hour on Friday morning. Cloudbursts typically occur in mountainous regions during the monsoon season when weather conditions can produce sudden, localised downpours leading to landslides. Cloudbursts tend to occur over a small area of 20 to 30sq km (7.7 to 11.6sq miles) and are often accompanied by thunder, lightning and sometimes hail. (Al Jazeera) Aziz Ahmed, a schoolteacher in Buner, said the thunder accompanying recent torrential rains was so loud he thought the end of the world had come. Houses are partially submerged in sludge along a riverbed in the aftermath of flash floods in the Buner district on August 17, 2025 [Abdul Majeed/AFP] Search efforts focused on areas where homes were flattened by torrents of water that swept down from the mountains, carrying massive boulders that smashed into houses like explosions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can say that those who survived have gone mad, said Ahmed, pointing to a house where just one family member still lived. Pakistans destructive monsoon season In Pakistan, the monsoon season typically runs from July to September with peak rainfall usually occurring in August. Since late June, torrential monsoon rains have battered Pakistan, triggering landslides and flash floods that have killed more than 650 people and injured nearly 1,000, according to officials. Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, the chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority, said at a news conference in Islamabad that Pakistan was experiencing shifting weather patterns because of climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The intensity of this years monsoon is around 50 to 60 percent more than last year, Haider said. The worst-hit province is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where 425 deaths have been recorded, followed by 164 in Punjab. INTERACTIVE-PAKISTAN-MONSOON-DEATHS-August 19, 2025 copy-1755582318 More than half of the fatalities were caused by flash floods while about a third resulted from house collapses. Housing damage has also been severe: 941 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 719 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir were reported destroyed or damaged, highlighting the scale of destruction to shelter and infrastructure. In total, 2,707 homes have been damaged. Early warning system Angry residents in Buner accused officials of failing to warn them to evacuate. There was no warning broadcast from mosque loudspeakers, a traditional method in remote areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Pakistan prone to natural disasters Pakistan is among the worlds most climate-vulnerable countries and grapples with extreme weather that is becoming more frequent and more intense. Although it produces less than 1 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the country faces recurring heatwaves, heavy rains, glacial lake outburst floods and sudden cloudbursts that can devastate communities within hours. Flash floods and landslides are a regular feature of the monsoon season, especially in the rugged northwest, where villages sit on steep slopes and riverbanks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, Pakistan endured its worst monsoon season on record, which killed more than 1,700 people and caused an estimated $40bn in damage. Twelve years earlier, similar floods killed more than 1,700 and affected at least 20 million people, according to official data. Gunshot fired at Palisades High School, parents frustrated with CMS response A gun was fired at Palisades High School, leaving a bullet hole in a classroom window, according to a police report and a photo obtained by Channel 9. Tuesday, Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools confirmed police are investigating the incident but released few details. The release sparked frustration from parents who say communication has been slow and incomplete. We got the ParentSquare notification around, like, 3:20 p.m., said a parent whose child attends Palisades High School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ >> CMS offers training for principals on what to do if ICE shows up One parent mentioned that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department documented the shooting just after 5 p.m. Police also confirmed an arrest was made related to the incident, but further details were not provided. Another parent recalled a previous incident at Southwest Middle School where a stabbing occurred, noting the delay in communication. A kid was stabbed, and we didnt hear anything about it until it was on the news, that parent expressed. On Tuesday, leaders in the school district refused to explain why a person was arrested in this incident or the circumstances that surrounded the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond that, I cant speak to it because it is an active investigation, said CMS Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill. I dont understand not sharing, or why theyre not sharing, or if CMPD is telling them not to say anything, a parent told Channel 9. Some parents said they could understand that some information is privileged; however, weapons making it onto campus is prevalent. Anytime your kids are on campus, its becoming more and more of a concern these days, that parent expressed. That parent also said the release of information shouldnt depend on whether or not the incident involved a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nobody wants to see a knife either, or any kind of weapon on campus, but I think guns, particularly, theres a lot of damage they can do in a short amount of time, said that parent. However, CMS said gun-related reports on campuses are down 69% since the 20212022 school year, though data from last year is still being finalized. Editors Note: A previous version of this article had a quote from a parent that appeared to be attributed to Dr. Hill. This article has been corrected. VIDEO: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools seek to establish competitive pay, present plan to Board On the second day of Florida DOGEs visits to Palm Beach Countys offices to review spending, the states chief financial officer said some of whats been found has been a little eye popping. The team identified some things, some area of opportunities here in Palm Beach County, CFO Blaise Ingoglia told reporters outside of the countys government building on Tuesday. I dont think that the voters in Palm Beach County would agree that thats probably the best use of taxpayer dollars. Ingoglia declined to identify the specifics, saying its too early for that. Instead, that information will be available in reports coming out about 60 days after the visits to county offices across the state are complete. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palm Beach County is one of many municipalities being visited by Gov. Ron DeSantis state Department of Government Efficiency teams in the past few weeks, aiming to find what state officials deem as wasteful, unnecessary spending. Ingoglia also has emphasized the goal of reducing property taxes through an amendment on the November 2026 ballot. Were going to try to make the state as affordable as possible, and with that needs to come a property-tax cut, Ingoglia said Tuesday. So the idea of these audits are get on site, start shining a light on wasteful spending, things that local governments shouldnt be entering contracts on or doing, and were going to arm people with the information in the counties with that information so then they can make decisions based upon whether they want to reelect local officials. Ingoglia also provided some more insight Tuesday of the type of employee information being reviewed: government positions, contracts, the history of raises and how many raises have gone out. Were trying to see how much the average person in the county makes, as compared to average local government, he said. Were trying to see how much money they have socked away in reserve funds. So all of this builds up to the point where we think that local governments have room to cut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of their Monday and Tuesday visits, DOGE had requested that Palm Beach County officials provide information about environmental goals, transportation, homeless services, property and leases, employee compensation and nearly 20 different requests coinciding with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In response to questions about the county sheriffs costs associated with security for President Donald Trump, Ingoglia said Palm Beach Countys budgetary situation is different from the other 66 counties in the state. Were very thankful that we have a president from the state of Florida here, and we understand that law enforcement needs to have a heavy presence, he said. The law enforcement budgets probably should be beefed up to make sure our president and dignitaries coming in and out of Palm Beach are safe. Were looking at everything holistically, but when you take into account that we have the President of the United States and Mar-a-Lago here in the state of Florida, I think making sure that he is protected and everyone else is protected is probably a worthwhile use of taxpayer dollars, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Ingoglia made it clear he deems much of municipal environmental initiatives wasteful. A lot of it is mandates, a lot of this youre taxing people when people are hurting, which taxpayers are, property taxpayers in the state are hurting, he said. You have to prioritize things. So I would argue that Green New Deal initiatives are probably not the way to go. In other county business, the county welcomed some new leadership. A few hours before Ingoglia spoke outside the countys government building in West Palm Beach, the county commissioners greeted a new clerk of courts as well as a new county administrator during a commission meeting. Abruzzo, the former county clerk, was officially appointed as the countys new administrator Tuesday morning after being voted on by county commissioners in June. Meanwhile, former state Rep. Mike Caruso also began his role as the countys new clerk of the circuit court and comptroller after being appointed by DeSantis to replace Abruzzo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have an extraordinary staff, they are remarkable, their hearts and souls are in our county and Im truly blessed to be able to help guide them and lead them during this time, Abruzzo said during Tuesdays meeting. As administrator, Abruzzo will manage the countys nearly $9 billion budget and execute the decisions approved by the Board of County Commissioners. In the coming months, Abruzzo has said that the commission plans to conduct performance evaluations of all county employees, the goal of which, he said, is to see how can you save taxpayer dollars? Where can you streamline? Where can you cut costs? In July, Abruzzo said he views the DOGE reviews as an opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its always a good thing to evaluate whats occurring in our government structure and how we can make it better, he said at the time. Caruso also addressed the county on Tuesday morning, giving a shoutout to DeSantis for entrusting him with the position. In his role, Caruso will oversee public records and taxpayer dollars. Ive only been in the office for about four hours, and I can tell the family and the team that we have there is just unsurpassed, he said during the meeting. PALO PINTO Elections Administrator Laura Watkins alerted county commissioners on Monday that a local party is exploring holding its 2026 primary separately. Her announcement, during a workshop for next year's budget, prompted Palo Pinto County Judge Shane Long to urge members of both parties to be in touch with their political party leadership. "I think whether Republican or Democrat, you need to be willing to go to your own party meetings to find out what this separate primaries is going to cost," Long said. "The number of polling places is going to be ridiculous. We would be set back 30 years and have to have separate polling places." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watkins later confirmed it was the county Republicans investigating the change, which in addition to cost increases would eliminate the popular countywide voting in which residents vote at any county poll. The county pays up front for party primaries, and the parties reimburse the county for election day and early voting expenses but the county buys the electronic voting machines. Watson said the state GOP had reimbursed the county for the 2024 election last February. Palo Pinto Republican Chairwoman Barbara Upham did not answer several calls Monday after the county meeting, where the elections administrator revealed more of the GOP call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They want to hand-count ballots," Watkins said. "It's been well over 30 years since we hand-counted ballots in this county." The wait for hand-counted election results also would return to the pre-electronic voting era, when next-day results were common in Texas. "I pray it goes away," she said. "But this is the reality. So if you can't get your totals for five or six days, just be ready." Losing the joint-party option, she told the court, would create the need for more polling sites and voting machines. "Just the voting machines themselves are close to $5,000 apiece," Watson said. "So, you're looking at a big undertaking that we have not had in years." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said Hart InterCivic, which makes the machines the county uses, does not have the inventory to loan equipment to the county but was willing to sell machines. "So who's really pushing this?" Precinct 4 Commissioner Jeff Fryer asked Watson. "Somebody spoke to the party last week, and there's somebody from Tarrant County that has, you know..." she said, not finishing her sentence. The change also would lead to many voters showing up at the wrong site, she said. "We're going to be turning people away and telling them to go someplace else," Watson said, adding those people will blame the county. "It doesn't matter if I say all day, talk to your Republican Party chair." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday's budget work session brought good news for some county employees, as Sheriff J.R. Patterson successfully pitched a $1.02 hourly raise for his dispatchers beyond the 5% countywide pay increase. Patterson has six in his communications department plus a supervisor. He said their assignment is unique in being tied to their chair. "They sit there 12 hours and have to catch somebody walking by to get a bathroom break," the sheriff said, adding each is licensed and has 500 hours of training. County Auditor Melissa Mahan said the $1.02 raise would bring that pay category from $75,000 to $77,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The communications office already was budgeted for its first major renovation in decades, and Patterson said he would "whittle down" that expense if it helped secure the pay raise. "I can forego something in order to get the girls taken care of," he said. "I've just got to be frugal with it." U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi says Washington, D.C., residents are so grateful for the increased presence of federalized law enforcement that theyre personally approaching officers on the street and quietly whispering their thanks. President Donald Trump invoked D.C.s Home Rule Act last week to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department despite the agencys own data on violent crime showing a 26% drop this year and deployed the National Guard to quell the supposed bedlam there. The controversial takeover sparked protests from residents. Related: Pam Bondi Warns Of More Arrests In California Amid Protests Against Immigration Raids Listen, our law enforcement officers are telling us that people are coming up to them on the street, Bondi told Fox Business host Larry Kudlow on Monday. And they said a lot of people are walking by, whispering, saying, Thank you, thank you, thank you. Related: John Bolton Spots Sure Sign Trump Was 'Clearly On Edge' Ahead Of Key Moment Theyre hearing stories every single night and day of people saying that they feel safe now to walk their own neighborhood where they live, because of what our great men and women of law enforcement are doing at the directive of the president, Bondi continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration scrapped D.C.s sanctuary policies Thursday, enabling police to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Bondi briefly instated Drug Enforcement Administration Chief Terry Cole as a new emergency police commissioner. The administration agreed Friday to leave Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith in charge, but only after D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb sued the federal government to defend the districts authority to preside over its own law enforcement. Trump championed the effort Monday at the Oval Office. We have a thing going on right now in D.C., he told reporters. We went from the most unsafe place anywhere to a place that, now, people, friends are calling me up, Democrats are calling me up and theyre saying, Sir, I want to thank you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump went on to claim that local eateries have been busier than theyve been in a long time as a result of the crackdown. OpenTable has found a 24% drop in D.C.s restaurant attendance for the week of Aug. 11-17, 2025, however, compared to a similar week the year before. Kudlow said Bondi must be doing something good if locals now feel comfortable enough to dine out. He cited her own figure of nearly 400 arrests since last Monday, with 137 of those made over the weekend, which Bondi touted Monday on social media. Bondi: "Our law enforcement officers are telling us that people are coming up to them on the street, they said a lot of people are walking by, whispering, saying 'thank you thank you thank you.'" pic.twitter.com/aYvPrOs9OL Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 18, 2025 Social media has since called bullshit on Bondis claims, which prompted brutal mockery. Imaginary people will say anything you want them to say. TheEndOfDays (@Ghostzapper0406) August 18, 2025 Are these people... in the room with us right now - @PamBondi? Lib Dunk (@libdunkmedia) August 18, 2025 Thats funny thats the same thing that North Korean officials say. Denison Barb (@DenisonBarbs) August 18, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I heard hundreds of people approach Bondi on the street and ask why she is hiding the Epstein List. Bill Johnson (@Bill43111) August 18, 2025 Ill take things that never happend for 500 please. Atogrim von Draken (@SiriusDrakeCGBI) August 18, 2025 Related... Read the original on HuffPost The parents of a 7-month-old boy who claim the child was kidnapped last week are now reportedly the focus of the missing persons investigation, in which unsettling new details continue to emerge. Rebecca Haro initially claimed that her little boy, Emmanuel Haro, was kidnapped from the parking lot of a Big 5 Sporting Goods Store on Aug. 14 in Yucaipa after a stranger, who she claims she didnt see, knocked her unconscious while she was changing the baby in the car, leaving her with a black eye. An AMBER Alert was never issued because there was no suspect or vehicle descriptions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies from both the San Bernardino and Riverside county sheriffs departments launched an extensive search, deploying helicopters and K-9 units, though ultimately neither the child nor a suspect were located. Theres a lot of things that were reading that just dont add up, Cabazon resident Mary Espinoza, who has been following the story closely, told KTLA. Detectives with SBSDs Specialized Investigations Division interviewed multiple people, including Rebecca and her husband, Jake Haro. When confronted with inconsistencies in her story, investigators said she declined to continue talking. When authorities asked her to take a lie detector test, her husband reportedly refused the request until a lawyer was present. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While investigators are being tight-lipped about the investigation, the childs grandmother, who insists the parents are innocent, told KTLA that deputies have searched the couples Cabazon residence with cadaver dogs and it was later learned that officials removed the Haros 2-year-old child from their custody while the investigation is pending. Emmanuel Haro, a missing 7-month-old baby from Yucaipa, is seen in an image provided by the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. San Bernardino County Sheriffs investigators seen on the Haros Cabazon property on Aug. 18, 2025. (KTLA) A small alter outside the Big 5 Sporting Goods store where Emmanuel was allegedly kidnapped on Aug. 14, 2025. (RMB News) San Bernardino County Sheriffs investigators seen inside the Haros Cabazon home Aug. 17, 2025. (RMG News) The Haros residence and property seen from Sky5 on Aug. 18, 2025. (KTLA) 7th Street Park where the Haro family was allegedly gathered with their children on the day that Emmanuel was reportedly kidnapped at a nearby sporting goods store on Aug. 14, 2025. (KTLA) Jake and Rebecca Haro at press availability where they pleaded for the sons safe return. (KTLA) There have since been new revelations, including possible video of Rebecca with a bruised and black eye as early as Aug. 3, a claim that no one saw Emmanuel at the nearby park where the family gathered the day of the alleged kidnapping and Jake Haros felony conviction for willful child cruelty. The conviction stems from a 2018 arrest in Hemet, while Jake was married to another woman, Vanessa Avina, The Orange County Register reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Oct. 13, 2018, Haro and Avinas 10-week-old daughter was admitted to Hemet Valley Hospital. Doctors reported to police that the little girl had an acute fractured rib, six ribs with healing fractures, a skull fracture, brain hemorrhage, swelling of the neck and a fractured leg bone that was healing. The combination of the above findings in a pre-mobile infant, in the absence of a plausible history of significant trauma to explain the injuries, is indicative of abuse (sic) head trauma, child physical abuse and nutritional neglect, the officer wrote in an affidavit for a warrant obtained by The Register. Missing California mother and baby found dead in SUV submerged in water Haro reportedly blamed the babys injuries on his wife. Both were arrested and pleaded guilty to the charge in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the search for Emmanuel continues, investigators are now saying that they have not ruled out foul play and were again seen on the Haros Cabazon property Monday. The Uvalde Foundation for Kids, which had initially put up a $5,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of the 7-month-old, pulled the reward less than a day after announcing the offer, citing concerns over inconsistencies in Haros story. In the meantime, Rebecca and Jake, who initially made very public pleas for their sons safe return, have removed their phone numbers from the missing persons fliers and were no longer answering their phones and have retained lawyers. It is unclear which law firm is representing the couple and whether there has been a dialogue with investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The New School is making Anne Gaines role at Parsons School of Design more permanent. Having served as the interim dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons, Gaines has been named the executive dean of Parsons School of Design. The painter and educator grew up in rural Tennessee and earned a BFA from the Memphis College of Art. After relocating to New York City, she first worked in a gallery and set up a studio practice before enrolling at Parsons as an MFA student. More from WWD Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaines, who has also worked as associate professor of Contemporary Art Practice, has taken on her new post, which wraps up an international search for Parsons new leader. She succeeds Yvonne Watson, who remain at the university in a new role. Watson has been named vice provost for Global Academic Strategy and Partnerships, a new role in the Office of the Provost. Before her February start date, Watson will be taking a sabbatical this fall. She joined Parsons in 2010, and worked in such capacities as associate dean of Curriculum and Learning, the associate dean of the School of Fashion, Parsons dean of Curriculum and Learning, adviser to the Provosts Office on Curriculum, Parsons interim executive dean, and then its executive dean. Knowledgeable in pedagogy, cultural critique and multidisciplinary artistic practices, Gaines has taught design and studio arts at all levels from pre-college and first year through graduate studies and continuing education programs. Having joined Parsons faculty in 2000, Gaines experience includes acting as associate director of Parsons First Year Program, director of Parsons Scholars Program and dean of Parsons School of Art, Media and Technology from 2012 through 2020. The role of community and culture in art and in large cities like New York are of interest to Gaines, who previously made educational opportunities available to the local community through her work at the university. Her early scholarship program development work with youth in New York City became the Parsons Scholars Program. She has also served as co-director of the CareLab at the university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New Schools president Joel Towers, said, Anne brings an exceptional record of shaping and leading important innovations for Parsons to this role, and has served throughout her tenure as an innovative and dedicated leader, administrator and mentor to our students, faculty and staff. Her strength as a leader and depth of experience as a scholar, artist and change-maker comes at a crucial moment for Parsons as we continue to advance the extraordinary possibilities of our academic community. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) Paws Humane Society declared a state of emergency on Tuesday as the shelter has faced a record-breaking number of animals in its care and has surpassed available kennel space. Officials with Paws Humane Society say as of Tuesday, there are 547 animals under their care, 57 are waiting to enter the shelter through the Neighborhood Pets program, 219 are in foster care, and 380 active surrender applications are pending assistance. People often hear please adopt, please foster, and it can sound like the same plea repeated, said Courtney Pierce, executive director of Paws Humane. But this is different. This is a true emergency. Without immediate help from the community, we cannot continue to provide the care and safe shelter that these animals desperately need. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: PAWS Humane responds to capacity and ordinance enforcement issues Officials also say that the shelter has more dogs than kennels and the limited capacity has forced staff to set up temporary crates wherever possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paws Humane remains committed to its no-kill promise, which means no healthy, treatable, or an adoptable animal is euthanized due to space. Officials say it needs 100 additional open spaces and has taken the proper steps to help ease the crisis by hiring more staff, expanding off-site adoption events, and assisting families in keeping their pets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) Back-to-school means it is time to make sure your children are up to date on their vaccines, and whether your child attends a public school, private school or an accredited homeschool, most vaccines are required for certain age groups. US childhood vaccination rates fall again as exemptions set another record Vaccines protect us from infections that are easily spread among people, Dr. Jennie Tabakin of Sentara Pediatrics. So if you think about school children coming together from different areas, it would be easy for illnesses to spread, so its very important for children to be up to date on their vaccinations prior to going to school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A number of vaccines are required for kindergarteners, including the Tdap vaccine. As of 2019, Tdap is also required for rising seventh graders. Its the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, or whooping cough, vaccine, Tabakin said. Seventh graders and rising seniors must also have a meningitis vaccine. The HPV vaccine is also strongly recommended, but not required. It famously protects against cervical cancer, but also other types of cancer, including throat and anal cancer, and also some types of warts, Tabakin said. We offer it usually at 11. It is approved down to age nine. I have had parents say, I think my child is not [ready] yet for this vaccine, and I would just say that these studies have shown that the earlier you get it, the better protection you get from it. So, for example, if you start the series before age 15, it is only a total of two doses. If you start it at 15 or later, it is three doses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With her masters in public health, Tabakin said widespread vaccination is one of the greatest accomplishments in public health in the past century. Thinking back to maybe like the 1950s when the polio vaccine became available and a lot of parents, for example, might have had friends whose children died from polio, were paralyzed from polio, were in an iron lung from polio, Tabakin said, and when they heard that there was a vaccine for that, they stood in long lines down the street around the block because they wanted something to protect their children. In todays time, a lot of people, particularly in the United States, have not seen these illnesses. They dont feel like they are dangerous to them, and in a way a lot of people have become more afraid of the vaccines than they have of the illnesses. Tabakin hopes that mentality changes. Doctors are not afraid of the vaccines, Tabakin said. Vaccines are not scary. Vaccines are safe. They are effective, and honestly, theyre essential. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you feel hesitant about vaccines, Tabakin encourages you to ask questions to your provider rather than simply not getting a vaccine. It can truly be a matter of life and death. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. The American Academy of Pediatrics is sharing new vaccine recommendations that, for the first time in 30 years, differ from U.S. government advice. In the guidance published Tuesday, the AAP is "strongly recommending" COVID-19 shots for children ages 6 months to 2 years old. For older children, shots are also advised but up to parents' discretion, the AAP said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's advice is different. Under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the CDC doesn't recommend COVID-19 shots for healthy children of any age, but instead, the administration says kids may get the shots in consultation with physicians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a news release Tuesday, AAP President Dr. Susan J. Kressly, said the organization's immunization recommendations will continue to be "rooted in science" and in the "best interest of the health of infants, children and adolescents." "Pediatricians know how important routine childhood immunizations are in keeping children, families and their communities healthy and thriving," Kressly said. In a statement to CBS News, HHS communications director Andrew Nixon said the American people "deserve confidence that medical recommendations are based solely on science and public health." "We call on the AAP to strengthen conflict-of-interest safeguards and keep its publications free from financial influence, ensuring every recommendation reflects only the best interests of America's children," the statement continued, in part, adding Kennedy has "stood firm in his commitment to science, transparency, and restoring public trust." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Celine Gounder, CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, says there's "a lot of noise out there" when it comes to vaccines. "Parents should really stick the course and make sure that their children get all of the routine childhood vaccinations," she said on "CBS Mornings Plus," adding that more announcements are expected from other professional societies in the coming weeks. Gounder added AAP's recommendations are really just reaffirming what they've previously advised. "The first encounter with COVID should be with the shot, not with the virus," she said. "There is still a very high risk in younger children, particularly 6 months to 2 years, for hospitalization and severe complications if they get COVID." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The AAP's recommendations also included guidance for RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, and flu vaccines. For RSV, the APP recommends immunizations for infants younger than 8 months old who aren't protected via a vaccine from the pregnant parent, and for children 8 to 19 months old at high risk of severe infection. For the flu, the AAP recommends annual vaccines for all children starting at 6 months old, unless they have a medical reason that would prevent them from getting the vaccine. Trump sounds off on potential security guarantees for Ukraine Video: Hurricane Erin seen from space Full Interview: Sen. Thom Tillis on Trump's D.C. takeover, Ukraine and the race to replace him As far as cold water marine ecosystems go, the waters off Cape Town are amongst some of the most biodiverse in the world--especially in proximity of a major city. Because of this, South African surfers are privy to wildlife experiences many people will never know. Alan van Gysen (AVG), renowned photographer and filmmaker based in Cape Town, has captured an amazing array of moments but he says nothing was quite like this recent experience he and a group of surfers had with a penguin at Noordhoek Beach. "From sharks to seals to whales and everything in-between, Cape Town in South Africa is renowned for wildlife encounters in the water. But its rare for surfers to see a penguin, let alone share a few waves with one until this little guy came along." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was one the most incredible wildlife experiences I've ever had in my 25 years of photography. You know, down this beach, and around Cape Town, I've had interactions with whales, seals, dolphins, and even sharks, but I've never experienced anything quite like this...I'm pretty blown away to be honest." Magical penguin encounters aside, the surf was pretty good too Alan van Gysen Coming from AVG, that's really saying something. He's taken his camera all across the African continent as well as documented some of the most iconic waves in the world for the "Origin Series" by Now Now Media, the production company he runs with journalist Will Bendix. Together they've told the story of such waves like Puerto Escondido, Safi, Skeleton Bay, African Kirra, with many more on the way. Related: From The Magazine: On The Road In Africa with Mikey February Each of those films should be required viewing to anyone who cares to know about the history of the waves that have been imprinted upon the collective consciousness of surfers everywhere. If wildlife viewing is more your thing, than the Sardine Run should be at the top of your list. Just be ready to book a trip to South Africa because it sure will leave you frothing. Related: Safi: The Worlds Best Wave That Was Kept Secret For Decades This story was originally reported by Surfer on Aug 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Surfer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Last month, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he plans to ban social media in France for people under the age of 15. "We cannot wait," he said of the ban. Bloomberg / Getty Images In France, it's a pressing issue: Macron's announcement comes in the wake of the murder of a high school teaching assistant who was stabbed to death by a 14-year-old student, which has stirred up a conversation about the radicalization of children online. His plans involve adding age verification to some sites. Online age verification is a big topic in itself at the moment, with the swift implementation of the United Kingdom's Online Safety Act being implemented across the web. Leon Neal / Getty Images These age checks are ostensibly meant to protect minors from pornographic content and other harmful material, and of course apply to websites such as PornHub; however, the law also includes social media sites like X (Twitter), Reddit, Discord, and Bluesky, as well as sites such as Spotify and YouTube. Sites use methods like ID scanning and "AI" facial recognition software to "verify" users' age. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of the implementation of the OSA in the UK, Americans are growing concerned that age verification will soon be implemented in the US, too. Critics worry that "age verification" is a path to censorship, surveillance, and even broader data harvesting than we have now. ...Which brings us to this little tidbit: in Florida this year, a federal judge blocked the enforcement of a state law that banned social media accounts for children under 14. While the judge appreciated concerns about the effect of social media on kids, he stated that the 2024 law was "likely unconstitutional." SO...being tuned in to this general conversation, when I saw this post on the popular Ask Reddit page from user Lola_girl_10 asking, "Do you support banning social media for anyone under 14 years old? Why?" I had to know what people had to say. Here are the best comments from the conversation: Related: "This Is Deeply Fascist": People Are Floored That This Banner Was Actually Placed On A Government Building In DC 1."I support it in theory, but how do you implement it? Does it require me to use my government ID to use the internet? I want less surveillance, not more" Nattrass / Getty Images u/PurpleQuantity6688 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Implement by parenting." u/Sweet_Marsupial_7143 "Agree. Our 10-year-old wants a tablet for her birthday. Threw a fit when her mom and I told her no, but I know we made the right decision." u/agreeingstorm9 2."Yes. I mean, most platforms require users to be over 13, but kids half that age are addicted to them. But the Online Safety Act isn't the way to do it." Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images "We need to treat it like we did smoking, and make it socially unacceptable for kids to be on social media and for parents to allow them on there. Parents should face similar consequences as they would if their child were skipping school, smoking, or engaging in antisocial behavior. It would take time, but if we acted on this, things would change." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement u/Mendel247 3."Let's start with the basics. How do you define social media? Is YouTube social media? Is Reddit? Are forums like Stack Exchange or GitHub social media? How about online video games? Niche platforms for marginalized and vulnerable populations?" Stockcam / Getty Images, Pop TV / CBC Television "Then, how do you enforce it? Is the burden for age verification on each platform? How does Reddit remain anonymous? Are we giving our SS numbers to every company we interact with? Our driver's licenses? Can we trust 4Chan to be good stewards of our PII?" u/RGB3x3 4."No, because we don't live in a world where anyone proposing this type of legislation cares about protecting children. Every single one of these proposals is nothing but a power grab that will be used to further eliminate privacy and control free speech." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The only way to truly identify a person's age is to require personally identifying information in the form of photos, videos, or government-issued IDs. We're seeing this happen at a terrifying pace in the US right now, and there are very serious consequences to attaching your online profiles to personally identifying information." u/Tonberryc "Yep, we've already seen instances where people were not allowed into the country due to memes on their phone, or not sharing their Reddit profile, for instance. It won't be long before the government turns that around onto US citizens (if they haven't already)." u/ncocca Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5."Parental controls are available for things like this." NBC u/Creeperalex_11 "That requires parents to be tech literate, and more importantly, to give a shit." u/daynomate Related: "The Daily Show" Destroyed Trump's Latest Biden Attack By Showing Literally Just 1 Clip That Proved He Was So, So Wrong 6."I don't support it because that requires age verification, and that makes it impossible to be anonymous." u/Gophy6 "I agree; I haven't used my real name or posted my face on social media in well over 15 years...why, you might ask? Because my selfies from when I was 16/17 were stolen and used for marketing on 18+ websites. 'Chat with teens in your area' I'm not going to post myself ever again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement u/DefinitelyNotSatire 7."In theory, yes. Social media, in my opinion, is like a drug, one to be used responsibly when you have a level of brain development that understands the impact it's having." Natalia Lebedinskaia / Getty Images "In practice, no. There's no feasible way at this stage to control it without giving up certain privacies to bodies and entities that I don't believe have our best interests in mind." u/fedoraislife 8."Yes, and I think we should also ban online gaming for young children." TBS u/afentoemisschien "Hell yes." u/Lord_Eschatus 9."Ban phones from schools and classrooms; otherwise, itll take a cultural shift of parents actually parenting instead of handing their toddler a tablet as soon as they can be entertained by it. Any laws requiring ID or verification should be avoided." Houston Chronicle / Getty Images u/ClassicHat Related: People Are Roasting "MAGA Makeup" On TikTok, And It Might Be The Shadiest Thing I've Seen All Year 10."Honestly? I support torching all 'social' media to the ground and salting the earth. They are evil. Facebook and Twitter data centers ought to be nuked." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBS / Via giphy.com u/Strong-Bluejay3519 11."Not at the expense of my privacy or risking my identity." u/Shottynoob 12."I don't support it in the way the UK has just done it. Neither the government nor corporations should be invading the privacy of citizens to make up for the failures of bad parents." Finnbarr Webster / Getty Images u/MD_HF 13."Probably. I listened to a podcast once that made the point that we massively restrict all these things that we know are bad for kids alcohol, tobacco, etc. but when it comes to social media, we do nothing, despite research showing a clear link between social media use and child/adolescent suicide." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The notion that it's not worth bothering just because 'they'll just find a way to access it' is nonsensical. By that logic, we should hand the kids a bottle of whiskey and a cigarette and tell them to have a great time." u/CestQuoiLeFuck 14."Yes. But my kids are already banned. If you let your kids loose on the internet, then you're a bad parent." Pop TV / CBC Television u/SnooSquirrels8508 15."I have two 13-year-olds and we have explained to them in great detail why they are not allowed to use social media. They. Do. Not. Need. It." u/FranciscoGarcia69 Related: Gavin Newsom Is Going Viral For Shutting Down JD Vance With One Single Map 16."Yes, 100%. But 18 would be better. 'Social'-focused media like Instagram and Facebook are a societal cancer." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sony Pictures Releasing "And having seen what just having smartphones has done to a generation, those should be out, too. Should be no smartphones until you're 18, only regular phones. That said, pretty sure it's all too late. The bar for acceptable human stupidity has been pushed so low by the US that the entire human species is in danger." .u/TheAdminsAreTrash 17."Yes, I support banning social media for kids under 14 and not in a 'boomer killjoy' way, but a protect-your-brain-before-its-fried kinda way." Sommersby / Getty Images u/Codeyoung_global 18."No. And I'm not falling into the 'but it's the children!' trap either. The current actions are to establish control, and I feel like it's happening everywhere at the same time, from Australia to the EU and the UK to the US, as if it is a coordinated thing." "You know who has a similar system in place already? China. And it's not working. Parents and older brothers, sisters, and friends just make accounts for the kids with their ID. It doesn't work at all, yet costs millions to implement and ultimately leads to more surveillance. Good parenting is what is needed, but frankly, I think a lot of parents shouldn't be parents; they're just bad at it." u/SpicysaucedHD 19."Yeah, I support banning social media for anyone under 14 because at that age, kids often arent emotionally ready to handle the pressure, comparison, and potential dangers online. Giving them more time to develop offline social skills and confidence can help protect their mental health." Shironosov / Getty Images u/Isabellalikes 20.And finally: "I'm just glad I grew up on the net before all this." u/kyledreamboat So, what do you think about curbing kids' access to social media? Is it a terrible idea, a great idea, or perhaps a good idea that's pretty much unenforceable? I want to hear all your thoughts and opinions in the comments below or, if you want to write in but you prefer to stay anonymous, you can check out this anonymous form: Also in In the News: Trump Thought Alaska Was Russia, And The Internet Is Having An Absolute Field Day With It 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 Has Been Roasting MAGA Left And Right, And WOW, Is It Entertaining Read it on BuzzFeed.com The Constitutional Court of Peru has paused investigations into Dina Boluarte until her term ends in 2026, citing her position as the countrys sitting president. On Tuesday, the court suspended probes led by the public prosecutors office that looked into alleged misconduct under Boluarte. The suspended investigations will continue after the end of the presidential term, the ruling explained. One of the most significant probes had to do with Boluartes response to the protests that erupted in Peru in December 2022, after the embattled president at the time, Pedro Castillo, attempted to dissolve Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Castillo was impeached, removed from office and imprisoned, with critics calling his actions an attempted coup detat. His removal, in turn, prompted months of intense public backlash: Thousands of protesters blocked roads and led marches in support of the left-wing leader. Boluarte, who took over the presidency, declared a state of emergency in response, and the subsequent clashes between the police and protesters killed more than 60 people and left hundreds injured. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights found that, in certain parts of the country, the disproportionate, indiscriminate, and lethal use of force was a major element of the State response to the protests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It noted that a significant number of victims were not even involved in the protests. In January 2023, Attorney General Patricia Benavides launched a probe into the actions of Boluarte and her ministers. By November of that year, Benavides had filed a constitutional complaint, accusing Boluarte of causing death and injury to protesters. The public prosecutors office later set aside part of the investigation, which delved into whether Boluartes actions amounted to genocide. Boluarte has denied any wrongdoing and instead called the protest probe a distraction from the attorney generals own public scandals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Boluarte has continued to face probes into other aspects of her presidency. Police in 2024 raided her home and the presidential palace as part of the Rolex case, an investigation prompted by media reports that Boluarte owned multiple luxury watches and high-end jewellery that were beyond her means to purchase. Critics have accused her of seeking illicit enrichment. Boluarte, however, said her hands were clean, and Congress denied motions to impeach her over the Rolex case. Another investigation looked into her absence from office in 2023, when Boluarte said she had to undergo a necessary and essential medical procedure on her nose though critics have said it was a cosmetic procedure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her absence, they argue, was therefore a dereliction of duty, done without notifying Congress. In that case, too, Boluarte has denied the charges. Peru has weathered much instability in its government: Boluarte is the sixth president in seven years, and virtually all of Perus presidents have faced criminal investigations, if not convictions, in the last quarter century. Boluarte, however, had petitioned the Constitutional Court to stop the investigations until her term is over. She is set to exit her office on July 28, 2026, after calling for a new general election in March. She has faced public pressure to resign since taking over for Castillo in December 2022. A Peruvian woman has been accused of attempting to smuggle $70,000-worth (52,000) of cocaine and ecstasy into Bali, concealed in her underwear and a sex toy. The woman, who was only identified by the initials N.S., was stopped by customs officials who felt she was acting oddly, police said. "The narcotics were hidden in six plastic packages wrapped in black duct tape inside a green bra, three similar packages in black underwear, and a sex toy containing drugs, which was inserted into her body," Radiant, Bali police's narcotics unit director, who goes by one name, told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 42-year-old has been charged under Indonesia's drug laws, and if found guilty could face the death penalty. Radiant said that 1.4kg (3.1lb) of cocaine and 43 ecstasy pills were found in total. He added that the woman revealed she had been paid $19,000 to smuggle the drugs into Bali by someone she met on the dark web in April. She took a flight from Barcelona, Spain, to the Indonesian island with a stopover in Doha, police said, arriving at the international airport on 12 August. The woman was arrested shortly after being stopped at the airport, when customs officials alerted police. Indonesia is known for the severe punishments it hands out for drug smuggling and has previously executed foreigners, but has upheld a temporary halt on the death sentence since 2017. Last month, three British nationals avoided the death penalty after they were found guilty of smuggling cocaine disguised as packets of Angel Delight into Indonesia. (Corrects last name of official in paragraph 3 to Hernandez, not Fernandez) MANILA (Reuters) -The navies of the Philippines, Australia and Canada were conducting a joint sail in the South China Sea on Tuesday, an area of flaring tensions following a collision between two Chinese vessels last week. The Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal, Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane and Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec were participating in the operation, which a Philippine military official said was not directed at any country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Our activity is based on the premise that the exercise is anchored on the free and open Indo-Pacific with peace and prosperity in the region," colonel Dennis Hernandez told a media briefing, adding that the joint sail was taking place within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The activity, which began on Sunday off the western province of Oriental Mindoro and will end in Palawan, is part of the ongoing military drills between the Philippines and Australia. Called ALON, a Filipino word for 'wave', the 15-day joint exercises, which began on August 15, include amphibious and land operations as well as live fire exercises designed to enhance the abilities of the two militaries to cooperate better. This year's iteration is the largest joint activity to date, with 3,600 troops from both sides joined by a Canadian Navy contingent as well as U.S. Marines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ALON started in 2023, the same year Australia and the Philippines elevated their ties to a strategic partnership in order to address the rising security challenges in the region, including in the South China Sea, where $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce takes place. Manila aims to increase the frequency of joint sails with foreign partners, Philippine navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad told reporters, saying that such activities help deter China's aggression in the South China Sea. Since late 2023, the Philippines has conducted "maritime cooperative activities" with allies, including joint passages with treaty ally the United States. Early this month, the Philippines and India also sailed together for the first time in the South China Sea. (Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by David Stanway) SANTA ROSA, Peru (AP) Santa Rosa is a small island in the middle of the Amazon River. It has just one paved road, no running water and a health post ill-equipped for emergencies. Despite its limitations, residents maintain a fluid and highly interconnected triple-border life, regularly crossing to Colombia and Brazil for shopping, healthcare and daily needs. The most common businesses in town are nightclubs and evangelical churches. Its one-story homes are built on stilts to withstand floods between March and May. Most residents collect rainwater, filter it through cloth, and boil it on wood stoves. There is no sewage system and no cemetery; many bury their loved ones across the river in Colombia or Brazil. Read more about Santa Rosa, which has become the focus of a diplomatic dispute between Peru and Colombia. This is a documentary photo story curated by AP photo editors. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. Dozens of volunteers joined hands in a prayer circle early Monday as the Rev. Donn Ed, executive director and founder of Hosanna Industries, offered a few words about their efforts to make a little miracle happen here in Johnstown. A few minutes later, Ed, a former Upper Yoder Township resident, and the rest of the crew started blitz building a new home on the 700 block of Somerset Street in Johnstowns Kernville neighborhood. Construction of the structure is expected to be completed by Thursday, when it will be gifted to Navy veteran Darren Hill through the combined contributions of the Polacek Veteran Home Initiative, Vision Together 2025 and Allegheny County-based Hosanna Industries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PHOTO GALLERY | Polacek Veteran Home Initiative | Walls and Roof Construction | Somerset Street Theres excitement, said Becky Hetzer, director of missional resources for Hosanna Industries, which provides many services, including helping at-need homeowners preserve their properties by doing free repairs. Theres joy. I know that the homeowner has been waiting for this home for months. Its exciting to be part of something thats bigger than yourself. Thats what today is about, because its about a lot of strangers coming together for one purpose and one goal, and thats to build a house this week. Most volunteers were local, but other helpers came from elsewhere in the U.S. There were skilled laborers and people with no construction experience working together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WATCH VIDEO | Polacek Veteran Home Initiative 'blitz build' begins The Polacek Veteran Home Initiative blitz build project gets underway with a prayer in Johnstown on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. This is going to be great, volunteer Stacy Martin said. In four days, this house is going to be complete, and were going to be part of it. Its just an amazing thing that theyre doing here for a veteran. Martin was among a group of 1st Summit Bank employees who joined in the effort. Well, at 1st Summit Bank, were all a big family there, so we take care of each other, we take care of our community, Martin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Polacek Veteran Home Initiative | Walls and Roof Construction | Somerset Street Rob Hetzer, volunteer electrician of Slippery Rock, assembles the electrical panel during the Polacek Veteran Home Initiative Blitz Build event on Somerset Street in downtown Johnstown on Monday, August 18, 2025. Dr. Martin Little, whose father was a colleague of Eds, came in from Sacramento, California. No other institution builds a whole home in four days. Its a phenomenon, Little said. Asheville, North Carolina, resident Anthony Greco, Eds nephew, was participating in his first Hosanna Industries project. Polacek Veteran Home Initiative | Walls and Roof Construction | Somerset Street Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local volunteer Jaden Gordon, of Johnstown, cuts shingles during the Polacek Veteran Home Initiative Blitz Build event on Somerset Street in downtown Johnstown on Monday, August 18, 2025. It seemed like a really cool experience and a good thing to do. It wont be the last. This is cool. Ill probably be up again, Greco said. The four-day construction project is the culmination of months of preparation work that included a panel of local veterans selecting Hill to receive the home from among numerous applicants. The whole concept of it going to a person that not only has been recognized for service to their country, but also recognized for their service and their volunteerism in Johnstown, its a huge thing, said retired Army Col. Jeff Pounding, who helped organize the selection process. Holding a sign with a photo of her partner, Matan Zangauker, who is held hostage by Hamas, Ilana Gritzewsky, center left, is accompanied by his mother, Einav Zangauker, center right, as they arrive for a symbolic wedding ceremony at the plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, during a protest demanding the immediate release of all hostages and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip.(AP Photo/Maya Levin) ASSOCIATED PRESS Scenes from the opening day of the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the University of Central Floridas Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) At the University of Central Florida , an exterior of the the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion after the opening ceremony at the universitys Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida nursing students work on a virtual lesson in the UCF Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling (STIM) Center on the first day of classes at the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) 1,800 acrylic prisms hang in the atrium of the University of Central Floridas Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The art piece was created by New York artist Brian W. Brush. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida College of Nursing simulation specialist Syretta Spears talks about the program in UCFs Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling (STIM) Center on the first day of classes at the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida president Alexander Cartwright, center, leads a ribbon cutting with elected officials and university leaders during the opening ceremony for the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida nursing student Jerady Wood gets guidance from instructor Melissa Radecki, left, in the UCF Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling (STIM) Center on the first day of classes at the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida president Alexander Cartwright delivers remarks during the opening ceremony for the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Floridas Knightro welcomes visitors on the first day of class in the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida nursing student Tyler Gillespie works a lesson on the first day of class in the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida president Alexander Cartwright makes the first cut during a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. From left, former state senator Linda Stewart; UCF board chair Alex Martins; Dr. Phillips Charities CEO Ken Robinson; Florida Agriculture commissioner Wilton Simpson; Cartwright; UCF Nursing alumnus Nadesha Phipps; former UCF Nursing dean Mary Lou Sole, and current UCF College of Nursing dean Sharon Tucker. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida president Alexander Cartwright, right, talks with Florida Agriculture commissioner Wilton Simpson during the official opening of the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida president Alexander Cartwright and UCF Board of Trustees member Stephen King, right, share a laugh during the opening ceremony for the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida president Alexander Cartwright, right, and UCF Board of Trustees chairman Alex Martins joke with faculty during the opening ceremony for the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Dr. Phillips Charities president and CEO Ken Robinson delivers remarks during the opening ceremony for the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the University of Central Florida Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida nursing students work on a lesson in the UCF Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling (STIM) Center on the first day of classes at the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida president Alexander Cartwright, 2nd from left, with UCF Board of Trustees chairman Alex Martins, left; UCF provost John Buckwalter, and Winston Schoenfeld, UCF vice president of Research and Innovation, celebrate during the ribbon cutting for the opening ceremony for the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida nursing students Raquel Vargas and Megan Furfey work on a lesson in the UCF Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling (STIM) Center on the first day of classes at the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) A sandhill crane pops up near the stage during the opening ceremony for the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) University of Central Florida Board of Trustees chairman Alex Martins delivers remarks during the opening ceremony for the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) At the University of Central Florida , an exterior of the building before the opening ceremony for the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 21University of Central Florida president Alexander Cartwright, center, leads the ribbon cutting ceremony marking the official opening of the new Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at the schools Academic Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona, Monday, July 18, 2025. From left, former state senator Linda Stewart; UCF board chair Alex Martins; Dr. Phillips Charities CEO Ken Robinson; Florida Agriculture commissioner Wilton Simpson; Cartwright; UCF Nursing alumnus Nadesha Phipps; former UCF Nursing dean Mary Lou Sole, and current UCF College of Nursing dean Sharon Tucker. The 90,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will increase capacity for nursing student graduates by 150 annually. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)Expand Russian crude oil flows to Hungary and Slovakia via the Druzhba pipeline were halted on Aug. 18, according to officials in both countries. Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto attributed the suspension to a Ukrainian attack on a portion of the network. Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, who heads Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, confirmed that drones of the 14th Regiment of the Unmanned Systems Unit attacked the Nikolskoye oil pumping station in Tambov region, which halted the operation of the Russian Druzhba oil pipeline. The oil supply disruption coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump's meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Washington, D.C. following which Trump announced that he "began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has been increasing its attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, a key source of revenue for the Kremlins war effort. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha neither confirmed nor denied the account of the latest attack but wrote on X that Hungary "can now send complaints and threats" to Moscow, not Kyiv. Szijjarto called the strike "outrageous and unacceptable" and said he was told by Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin that experts were working to restore the transformer station that was reportedly hit. Unlike most other European Union nations, Hungary has maintained its reliance on Russian energy since Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hungary imports most of its crude oil through the Druzhba pipeline, which runs through Belarus and Ukraine. The Soviet-built pipeline also saw a brief suspension of flows in March following a Ukrainian attack on a different metering station. Last year, Russia supplied about 95,000 barrels of oil per day to Hungary through this route, according to Reuters. Sybiha added that "...it is Russia, not Ukraine, who began this war and refuses to end it. Hungary has been told for years that Moscow is an unreliable partner. Despite this, Hungary has made every effort to maintain its reliance on Russia." Slovak pipeline operator Transpetrol reportedly confirmed that oil supplies to Slovakia had stopped but said it was unaware of the reason for the suspension, which occurred outside of its territory. Hungarian oil company MOL confirmed that a technical restoration was in progress and that the overall supply of oil to the region remained guaranteed, according to Reuters. Read also: Trumps Alaska folly Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Washington residents are irate over the capital citys federal occupation. Federal officers conducting an arrest outside a Trader Joes in the citys Union Market neighborhood Monday evening were met with jeers and chants from a crowd. Protesters were furious at the federalized police presence. Youre not even from here. Piss off, every last one of you, yelled one woman. Get the fuck off the streets, youre not here for us, shouted another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fascists, go home! a man cried out. DC residents respond to an ATF/Secret Service/MPD/FBI arrest in front of the Union Market Trader Joes earlier tonight: "You're not even from here. Piss off." "Get the fuck off the streets, you're not here for us." "Fascists, go home." pic.twitter.com/Er8hjINRSo amanda moore (@noturtlesoup17) August 19, 2025 Donald Trump deployed 800 National Guard members to Washington and federalized the capitals police department last week to combat what he described as a crime-riddled hellscape. To justify the government infringement, the president pointed to rising crime rates, immigrant populations, and homelessnessthough the figures he used were from 2023, before violent crime plummeted across the country. In 2024, crime in the nations capital was down 35 percent, according to data from the Metropolitan Police Department. Trump has since turned to his red-state allies to bolster the occupation. So far, six Republican-led statesLouisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohiohave sent hundreds more National Guard members to Washington. Their contributions will result in at least 1,100 more militarized officers descending on the citys streets. But the directive does have an expiration date: Trump has less than 30 days before his occupation of the Metropolitan Police requires congressional approval by way of a new law. His time constraints on leveraging the D.C. National Guard are a bit more complicated. Trumps repeated use of the National Guard brushes up against the Posse Comitatus Act, a federal law dating back to 1878 that forbids the government from using the military for law enforcement purposes. The trial challenging the legality of his decision to deploy the National Guard in June against Los Angeles protesters kicked off last week in a California courtroom. Germany and its partners are working flat out on the details of reliable security guarantees for Ukraine, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday. "What a German contribution to the security guarantees will look like has not yet been decided and will have to be determined politically and militarily," Pistorius told dpa after members of the Bundestag were briefed on the status quo. "Firstly, we will take into account the progress of the negotiations, secondly a possible contribution from the US and thirdly the consultations with our closest partners," Pistorius continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Of course, the willingness of Russia to come to a peaceful solution must also be examined," he added. Since the weekend, a debate on whether Germany could also contribute soldiers to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine has gained momentum. Security guarantees against further Russian attacks are seen as a basic prerequisite for Ukraine to make concessions in negotiations. The German government is aware of its responsibility in Europe these days, said Pistorius. Germany was already the second-largest supporter of Ukraine, leading the way in terms of air defence support and assuming political responsibility, he emphasized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also referred to German contributions to the purchase of US weapons for Ukraine and the training of more than 21,000 Ukrainian soldiers. Pistorius said: "Right now it is clear that we need a strong Ukraine so that it can act with confidence in these difficult negotiations. Only in this way can the current process lead to a lasting and just peace solution." The Pittsburgh Penguins and First National Bank are teaming up to host the third annual FNB Small Business Development Camp. The camp is aimed at supporting local small businesses in the Pittsburgh area. Five local businesses will be selected to participate in a six-week training program that includes educational speakers, workshops, and classes designed to help them sustain, scale, and advance their operations. Small businesses are integral to Pittsburghs economy and instill pride in our communities, said Vincent J. Delie, Jr., Chairman, President, and CEO of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Participants in the program will have the opportunity to learn from and work directly with executives and experts from FNB, the Penguins, and the Riverside Center for Innovation. The program will cover topics such as financial services, pricing models, marketing strategies, attracting investors, team management, and pitch preparation. At the conclusion of the program, each business will present a pitch to a panel of expert judges, with the top three groups receiving a share of a $50,000 grant. All five participating companies will also receive marketing opportunities with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Last years winning business, Spectrum Fudge, was awarded $25,000 and received marketing exposure at PPG Paints Arena, on SportsNet Pittsburghs broadcasts, and on the Penguins Radio Network. Being part of the Small Business Development Camp was a transformative experience for Spectrum Fudge, said Erin Haney and Brandy Hershberger, owners of Spectrum Fudge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local business owners interested in participating in the FNB Small Business Development Camp are encouraged to submit nominations by September 19, with additional program details available online. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A decision on a housing scheme that sparked protests and saw nearly 500 objections lodged has been postponed. Redrow Homes wants to build 114 homes on land west of Lyth Hill Road in Bayston Hill. The developer was also seeking outline permission for four serviced self-build plots when its plans were put forward at a Shropshire Council meeting. However, following discussions by members it was decided the plan should not be rejected, but deferred so officers can open discussions with Redrow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Redrow said the firm was also proposing to build 28 affordable homes as part of the scheme, which equates to nearly a quarter of the total amount more than was officially required. It said it was also willing to pay 1.6m towards infrastructure projects. However, a total of 485 objections were lodged, with issues highlighted including the local GP surgery, dental practice and primary school each being either full or over capacity. A number of objectors stood outside the Guildhall in Shrewsbury prior to the council's planning meeting to protest against the scheme. The proposals did receive the backing of 20 members of the public though, who said the development could help meet local housing needs, provide larger family homes and support economic growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There had also been no objections from technical consultees. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. More on this story Related internet links (The Center Square) Two former U.S. Cabinet members have launched a new effort to stop Illinois politicians from drawing their own legislative districts. Fair Maps Illinois co-chairs Bill Daley and Ray LaHood spoke at a news conference Tuesday at the Union League Club of Chicago and announced the push for a constitutional amendment to establish a redistricting commission. Illinois notoriety for gerrymandered maps gained national attention this summer as Texas House Democrats fled to the Land of Lincoln in an effort to avoid voting on Republicans congressional redistricting efforts in the Lone Star State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current Illinois congressional maps signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2021 received a grade of F by Princetons Gerrymandering Project. Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation LaHood pointed to an example of gerrymandering in his hometown. Ryan Spain, who has been our state rep for a number of years from Peoria, was drawn out of Peoria, LaHood said. People in his neighborhood go to the polls and say, I want to vote for my neighbor, Ryan Spain, who I know, and hes not on the ballot, LaHood continued. According to Fair Maps Illinois, the commission would be required to follow clear legal standards, which include no use of political party or voting history in drawing districts, maps prioritizing compactness and the preservation of communities and municipal boundaries, and continued legal protections for communities of interest and minority representation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The amendment would apply to state legislative districts but not Illinois congressional maps. Constitutional attorney Michael Dorf said the Illinois constitution allows a narrow window for creating a referendum for a constitutional amendment. It only is allowed to be regarding a structural and a procedural change to the way the legislature is constituted. Thats why we cant do anything with respect to congressional redistricting or make a completely nonpartisan independent commission, because the Supreme Court has said that doesnt fit within that narrow window, Dorf said. In 2016, the Illinois Supreme Court struck down a proposed redistricting amendment on procedural grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April of this year, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled against Illinois House Republicans who filed a lawsuit to challenge the states legislative maps. Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Daley said he is confident voters will approve the measure if it gets on the ballot. The people of Illinois, for the first time in a very long time, have a chance to send a statement to the political system, both sides, that we want this thing to be different, Daley said. Daley, who also served as chief of staff to former President Barack Obama, suggested the measure would gain momentum during next years political campaigns. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone running for state rep, state Senate, and congressional and statewide officers holders, will be asked, Where do you stand on the fair map amendment, and woe with those who dont say theyre for it when this is on the ballot, Daley said. LaHood served in the U.S. House from 1995 to 2009 and in the Illinois House from 1982 to 1983. A reporter asked LaHood if he was hopeful about the redistricting amendment. This will be on the ballot, number one, and no one will predict what the Supreme Court does, but we think the way that this is worded, the kind of support that it will have, this will drive a lot of people to the polls to vote for it. Its going to be an opportunity for the people of Illinois to finally allow for redrawing of maps that reflect where people live, LaHood said. Former Illinois State Board of Elections Chairman Bill Cadigan said about 320,000 valid signatures would be needed to get the referendum on the 2026 general election ballot. Greg Bishop contributed to this story. As British as it sounds, Ralph Road bears almost no resemblance to what used to be England. Like so many other inner-city areas, it has turned into something else: an amalgam of Karachi, Kabul, Dhaka and other far-flung lands thrown like a grubby blanket over British-built houses and roads. Grubby, because the local authority has failed so dismally to resolve a long-running industrial dispute with its binmen, and rubbish is literally piling high. The filth from rotting meat tossed in the gutter and swarming with flies, to filthy mattresses, soiled nappies, bits of cardboard, polystyrene, plywood and plastic bottles and bags points to a near collapse in standards of public behaviour and administration in this part of Birmingham. While residents in more affluent areas have found their own solutions, people here have neither the will nor resources to clear it up themselves. Dressed in a grey shalwar kameez, an old man with a long white beard, chapal sandals and a topi cap stands on a street corner trying to sell plastic jewellery from a wonky shopping trolley. How he ekes out a living from the trinkets is hard to imagine, but neither he nor his rudimentary street stall look out of place in an area known locally as little Pakistan. Almost every retailer and business has a foreign name, from the Pak Supermarket grocery store and Al Madina Halal Meat and Poultry Centre to the Zara Khan Pakistani dress boutique and Mama Sheeryakh, a cafe which specialises in authentic Afghan handmade ice cream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where exactly are we? As an outsider, to wander around Alum Rock in Saltley, an area two miles east of the city centre, is to feel like an alien in ones own land. According to official statistics, almost 94 per cent of the 28,000 population of this council ward is black, Asian or minority ethnic. Some 15 per cent speak little to no English. Unemployment is sky-high. In the most potent symbol of the erosion of British cultural identity, the only flags on display are Palestinian. Hoisted high on lamp posts, bleached by the hot summer sun, the now familiar red, white, green and black symbols seem to be everywhere, fluttering defiantly above shops, from makeshift poles on street corners and stuck to sitting-room windows. A protester flies a Palestinian flag during a demonstration near Alum Rock, in Birmingham, August 2024 - Stop Press Media/Alamy It is what has happened to areas like this, and a sense that they are rapidly expanding at the expense of traditional white, working-class communities, that is driving mounting public anxiety about our national identity. The wholesale transformation of places where money was always tight but British patriotism was unquestioned has not happened suddenly, but is accelerating with the arrival of thousands more undocumented foreigners with no pre-existing ties to this country every week. The seismic demographic change raises profound questions over what it means to be British, and whether the scale of immigration (both legal and illegal) is slowly but steadily eroding our identity. What was once a source of British pride widespread tolerance and even celebration of cultural differences is giving way to very different feelings over changes that have begun to feel like a threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Alum Rock and many places like it, churches are in danger of becoming redundant Saltley Methodist Church, a building estate agents describe as a striking example of early 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture, is up for auction, while St Matthews has been turned into a business centre and replaced by mosques. In communities such as this, Islamic courts are often used to resolve disputes, earning the UK a reputation as the Western capital for sharia law. Of course, this is still England: the point is that it neither looks nor feels like the country older generations know. The extent to which growing public angst about these huge cultural shifts is born of xenophobia is a hot debate, but it is very real as evidenced by a new grass-roots movement to promote British flags. In what looks very much like the beginning of a cultural fightback, up and down the country, activists have been turning lamp posts into flagpoles and painting flags on roundabouts. Tagged Operation Raise the Colours on social media, the spontaneous flag-hoisting, which began in Birmingham, appears to be going nationwide, even reaching the predominantly black, Asian and minority ethnic London borough of Tower Hamlets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stupidly, councils in affected areas are busying themselves pulling down the flags. What madness! It is the worst possible reaction, encapsulating the mess we are in. As fearful authorities in Birmingham and London tear down our own symbols of civic pride, Palestinian flags (theoretically illegal in public places, without express permission, because the UK does not recognise Palestine as a country) continue to fly high. Watching public bodies bending over backwards to respect cultures and identities other than our own, voters despair. Why cant our leaders see that the raising of British flags is not an act of aggression, but a cri de coeur from a native population that feels subordinated and unheard? Instead of panicking, why dont they lean in, seizing the opportunity to remind anyone who might be offended the name of the country in which they have chosen to live? It is now 20 years since Tony Blair began retreating from the monster he and his party unwittingly created when they put multiculturalism at the heart of their policy agenda. Reeling from the terror attacks of July 7 2005, the largest mass casualty event in the UK since the Second World War, Blair issued a kind of rallying cry for our country. In a speech that overturned decades of Labour ideology, he warned immigrants they had a duty to integrate, and told them they should adopt our values or stay away. What actually happened in the two decades that followed was the reverse. Successive prime ministers continued to allow vast numbers of foreign nationals to move here with little to no requirement to embrace, or even respect, our way of life and norms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No wonder the white working classes, who have been most disadvantaged by the influx, and many others who continue to believe that our culture and values are superior to those in very different parts of the world, are feeling mutinous. On TikTok and Facebook, in pubs and social clubs, and at kitchen tables up and down the land, tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of people who have never wanted anything to do with politics share their private despair and ruminate over what is to be done. Raising British flags whether the Union flag or the St Georges Cross or other national flags seems a civilised way to push back. Instead of trying to undo it all, politicians should read the room and actively support this peaceful reaffirmation of who we are. Places like Alum Rock demonstrate the case for going further. It is not the British flags but Palestinian ones that should be removed. Following in Denmarks footsteps, the flying of foreign flags should be banned altogether. Be in no doubt: the mood of the country is precarious. It is time to put down a marker, and remind everyone where they are. 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. Public Service Company of New Mexico is holding a town hall Wednesday on wildfire preparations in partnership with the city of Santa Fe and Santa Fe County as part of a series of meetings in high-risk areas across the state. PNM spokesperson Jeff Buell said the discussion will focus on different strategies local governments and electric utilities have to mitigate wildfire risk everything from thinning vegetation in fire-prone areas to shutting off power. The town hall is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Santa Fe Farmers Market Pavilion in the Railyard, with doors opening at 5 p.m. for participants to browse informational booths on site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The utility implemented the states first public safety power shutoff April 17, powering down lines throughout much of Las Vegas, N.M., for about 11 hours while the city experienced wind gusts of about 60 mph. Santa Fe has not yet seen such a blackout, though PNM warned it could cut power to 35,000 households March 6, creating a flurry of preparations, including a remote learning day at Santa Fe Public Schools. The plans were ultimately called off when wind gusts were much lighter than expected. The potential for more shutoffs has raised questions from residents throughout Northern New Mexico about gaps in emergency planning, something city Community Health and Safety Director Henri Hammond-Paul raised during a presentation in May to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, which oversees electric utilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An intentional shutoff can lead to considerable unintended consequences, Hammond-Paul told the commission, and if it is not well implemented, it could erode public trust in the municipal government and the utility company. Open lines of communication between utilities and local governments are crucial for future shutoffs, with as much advance notice as possible, he said, adding PNM officials were very receptive to feedback from the city. The Clean Energy Coalition of Santa Fe County, a group opposed to a proposed solar power and battery storage facility near Eldorado, claimed in a recent email Wednesdays town hall had been scheduled in response to comments at a dayslong hearing last week about the project in front of the Santa Fe County Commission. The group encouraged opponents of the solar facility to attend the town hall, which it described as an effort to placate and reassure residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buell said the meeting has nothing to do with the solar project. If people have questions that are related to wildfire risk, if they are related to that project, those questions are more than welcome, and Im sure the other panelists will do our best to address them, he said. But we would like to focus the conversation on wildfire safety. The utility held similar meetings earlier this summer in Las Vegas and Silver City and has a meeting scheduled for next month in Clayton. Along with PNM representatives, Buell said a representative from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, someone from the Albuquerque bureau of the National Weather Service and Santa Fe County Fire Chief Jacob Black will be part of the conversation. Santa Fe Fire Department Wildland Urban Interface Specialist Porfirio Chavarria and the citys interim director of the Office of Emergency Management, Kyle Morgan, will also participate. Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has re-won his seat in parliament, cruising to victory in a special election in Albertas Battle RiverCrowfoot district. The win for the conservative icon comes just months after Poilievres shocking defeat back in April, which left him sidelined without a place in Canadas House of Commons a crucial position for political leaders in the country. However, Poilievre secured over 80% of the vote in the recent election, directly thanking supporters in the city of Camrose for his political comeback. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without a seat, the Tory leader had been unable to go toe-to-toe with Prime Minister Mark Carney in the countrys infamous question period, limiting his presence on the national political stage for our northern neighbors. Canadas Question Period is a daily parliamentary session where MPs, especially from opposition parties, question the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers to hold the government accountable and check the impact of the countrys policies. It is publicly broadcast, providing transparency and a forum for rapid-fire political debate. Mondays election results have now put Poilievre and the conservative party back in the fight. The election drew some unusually viral attention after an electoral reform group flooded the ballot with more than 200 candidates, forcing Elections Canada, an independent, non-partisan agency responsible for conducting federal elections and referendums, to resort to write-in ballots. Poilievres message apparently resonated heavily with Canadas conservatives: defending traditional energy jobs, protecting their gun rights, fighting heavy-handed environmental mandates, and even promising immigration policies that put Canadians first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While his margin of victory was slimmer than the Conservative stronghold has seen in the past, the win provides a boost of momentum ahead of an internal party review of his leadership in January. An internal party review in Canada is a process where party members evaluate their leaders performance, typically to decide whether to reaffirm, challenge, or replace them. It aims to ensure accountability and also gauges support within the party before major elections or policy decisions. Poilievres commanding victory not only reasserts his influence within the Conservative Party, following his unexpected April defeat in Carleton, but also bolsters his leadership ahead of the crucial January 2026 review. The win also positions him and Canadas Conservative Party to challenge Carneys Liberal policies, particularly on carbon taxes and economic management, during any upcoming and likely heated parliamentary debates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were back, Poilievre simply posted after the win this week. His wife, Anaida Poilievre, was a bit more outspoken after the elections, writing: Politics is up and down. People do it because they believe in something. It is built by people with strong conviction and fire in their belly, willing to sacrifice to fight for what they believe is right. It is not for everyone. It is not easy. But it is worth it. OTTAWA With a win in rural Alberta, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is returning to the House of Commons the next step on his mission to become Canada's next prime minister. Poilievre didn't just lose a chance to form government in Aprils federal election he lost his seat. The Conservatives squandered a 25-point lead to Mark Carneys Liberals, and Poilievre was stripped of his "Opposition leader" title, shut out of debates and forced to use a visitors pass to enter Parliament. The road to success is never a straight line, Poilievre said in a victory speech Monday night in Camrose, Alberta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poilievres defeat in April raised questions about whether he should even stay on as party leader. For now, he has the backing of the Conservative caucus including Conservative MP Damien Kurek, who resigned to trigger this weeks race. The riding of Battle RiverCrowfoot is one of the safest Conservative districts in the country. Former Conservative MP Kevin Sorenson, who represented the district for 20 years, once joked that even a three-legged dog could win in Crowfoot as long as it was Conservative. Poilievre won 80 percent of the vote, despite not actually living in the riding. It was a decisive win, but there are more fights ahead. Poilievre vs. Conservative Party Poilievre will face a mandatory leadership review in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the April election, Liberals formed a minority government after winning a rare fourth term. The Conservative Party constitution states if a leader does not resign after an election loss, members must vote on whether that leader stays on. Poilievre will return to the House of Commons in September, where hell go head to head with the prime minister. He will need to prove to Conservatives that he has what it takes to take on Carney. Poilievre vs. Donald Trump Donald Trump's return to power has emerged as the top concern of Canadians. A poll from Nanos, a Canadian polling firm, shows the president and U.S. relations have overtaken jobs and the economy as the top issue for voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the federal election, Poilievre focused on affordability and crime, against calls for him to pivot his campaign to address the anxiety Canadians were feeling about the trade war. Jenni Byrne, who served as campaign manager, recently told the Beyond a Ballot podcast she has no regrets about that decision. The Liberals wanted to talk about Trump. I think they were trying to bait us into talking about Trump, and from a practical point of view, I don't know what we would have said every day. What do you say?" Abacus Data, a Canadian polling firm, shows 58 percent of Canadians consider the Liberals best equipped to handle the president, with 21 percent saying the Conservatives are best suited to handle the crisis. Poilievre vs. Premier Doug Ford Ahead of Mondays special election, Ontario Premier Doug Ford offered Poilievre some advice: Work with the prime minister as Team Canada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Progressive Conservative premier urged Poilievre to work collectively with the federal government on large infrastructure projects. Lets put our political stripes aside, he said Monday in Ottawa ahead of a meeting with Carney. Poilievre and Ford have been rivals for years. Ford criticized Poilievres April campaign, accusing him of failing to build relationships with premiers and mayors. Some Conservative Party voters and MPs have claimed Ford was influential in derailing the Conservative campaign, especially in the vote-rich area of Toronto and its suburbs, areas that play heavily into who becomes prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ford, who remains distant with Poilievre, is texting buddies with Carney. Ford even hosted the prime minister at his cottage last month. Ford and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, another Progressive Conservative, are seen as having ambitions to succeed Poilievre. Poilievre vs. women The Conservative leader polls particularly poorly among women. A recent study by the Angus Reid Institute, Canada's nonpartisan, nonprofit polling organization, showed 64 percent of women have a negative view of Poilievre. Poilievre, like his former rival Justin Trudeau, is a polarizing figure in Canadian politics. A recent poll by Abacus Data shows that Canadians are split on the Conservative leader: 42 percent of voters have a positive view of him; 41 percent of voters have a negative one. Poilievre vs. Carney While its early days, Carney continues to lead over Poilievre as the person Canadians would prefer as prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Liberals maintain an advantage over the Conservatives in ballot support, Nik Nanos, a leading pollster in Canada, noted in a recent survey. More polling from Abacus Data, a Canadian polling firm, shows if an election were held today, 43 percent of decided voters would cast a ballot for Liberals. I dont see evidence that people are feeling that the decisions the governments made up to this moment are hurting Carneys personal numbers or the governments approval ratings, David Coletto, the head of Abacus Data, recently told POLITICO. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) and his team have recently ramped up their social media attacks on President Donald Trump, his administration and the presidents most dedicated MAGA supporters. And their approach is simple: Mock Trump by using his own style of writing and combativeness against him. Last week, the official social media account for Newsoms press office mimicked the president in a notably all-caps, Trump-esque tweet on X amid a controversial GOP redistricting ploy in Texas to send five more Republicans to the U.S. House. (Newsom has since launched a ballot initiative in California to ask voters in the state to approve early congressional redistricting to neutralize the Republican gains in Washington.) Related: Peeing In A Pool Is Gross, But Is It Really All That Bad? Here's What Science Says. CALIFORNIA WILL NOW DRAW NEW, MORE BEAUTIFUL MAPS, THEY WILL BE HISTORIC AS THEY WILL END THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY (DEMS TAKE BACK THE HOUSE!) Newsoms press office wrote. DONALD TACO TRUMP, AS MANY CALL HIM, MISSED THE DEADLINE!!! CALIFORNIA WILL NOW DRAW NEW, MORE BEAUTIFUL MAPS, THEY WILL BE HISTORIC AS THEY WILL END THE TRUMP PRESIDENCY (DEMS TAKE BACK THE HOUSE!). BIG PRESS CONFERENCE THIS WEEK WITH POWERFUL DEMS AND GAVIN NEWSOM YOUR Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 12, 2025 And in a tweet published Friday, the governors office ridiculed a photo of Trump jabbing a finger at Russian President Vladimir Putin by sharing a photo of Newsom doing the same thing to Trump on the tarmac of Los Angeles International Airport in January. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TINY HANDS IS OUT HERE COPYING ME BUT WITHOUT THE STAMINA (SAD), AND CERTAINLY WITHOUT THE LOOKS. TOTAL BETA! GCN the tweet read. TINY HANDS IS OUT HERE COPYING ME BUT WITHOUT THE STAMINA (SAD), AND CERTAINLY WITHOUT THE LOOKS. TOTAL BETA! GCN https://t.co/AwjuS3div2pic.twitter.com/OW8yXxmLYl Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) August 16, 2025 Other posts from Newsom and his office have either imitated Trumps long-winded rants on his Truth Social platform or mocked some of the heavily edited and artificial intelligence-generated images that Trump and his MAGA supporters have been known to promote. But Newsom and his office have not stopped at Trump. The X account for the governors press team has been quick to hit back at other critics online, and Newsom and his team have had some brutal jokes for Vice President JD Vance. Over the weekend, the California Democrat referenced Vances past contentious exchange with Volodymyr Zelenskyy prior to the Ukrainian presidents return to the Oval Office on Monday by sharing a viral video of Vance running awkwardly at the Disneyland theme park in California this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Go get em JD! Newsom tweeted. While some socialmedia users who oppose Trumphave celebrated Newsom and his team for viciously trolling the Trump administration, several prominent conservatives and MAGAsupportersonX have, unsurprisingly, taken issue with the brutal tit-for-tat approach. Fox News anchor Trace Gallagher called Newsoms attacks childish, Fox News host Dana Perino questioned whether the governors wife would step in to stop him from tweeting, and right-wing commentator Tomi Lahren derided Newsom and his team as beta males in a post on X. Newsom told reporters last week that he hoped his trolling was a wake-up call and that the deeper question is, how have we allowed the normalization of his tweets, Truth Social posts without similar scrutiny and notice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But is this an effective approach to fight against the Trump administration? Will Newsoms trolling help energize the left? Read on to hear what experts in political science think. Why Newsom is using mockery to fight against Trump. In the age of Trump, my sense is that both Democrats and Republicans are casting about for approaches that are effective in countering Trumps unique style, said Steven J. Balla, associate professor of political science, public policy and public administration, and international affairs at The George Washington University. Balla said that these responses tend to range from more high road approaches to strategies that seek in some way to mirror Trump. For now (at least) and on this issue (at least) Newsom has opted for the mirroring approach, he said. Why is that? I would think that such an approach is seen as a pathway to the Democratic nomination. That is, it is popular among Democratic primary voters, who tend to track to the left of the median Democrat. The target audience, in other words, is progressive Democrats. Related: The Funniest Posts From Women This Week (Aug. 9-15) Tabitha Bonilla, an associate professor of political science and human development and social policy at Northwestern University, told HuffPost that she believes, Democrats are starting to realize that politics as usual is not working as an approach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They lost the election, Democrat favorability is low and there have been a lot of calls to reinvent themselves (and not a lot of agreement on what that means), she said. I think its clear that Governor Newsom is trying to establish a leadership role within the party and along with that, a style that pokes fun at the president. I think all of this is a way to draw attention to the difference in how President Trump has used social media, but also as a point to demonstrate that Governor Newsom can play on the presidents level, she added. Jacob Neiheisel, associate professor of political science at the University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences, told HuffPost that he thinks Newsom is responding to elements of the Democratic rank-and-file who want party leaders to take the gloves off and fight harder against Trump. California Gov. Gavin Newsom photographed on Aug. 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. Mario Tama via Getty Images Why people on the left are celebrating Newsom trolling Trump. While people on the left have differing views about how to fight against the Trump administration and different opinions about Newsom himself there are many Democrats online who are celebrating the governors approach to opposing Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neiheisel thinks this is because there is a desire among some on the left to take the fight to Trump and to adopt Trump-like methods. This move is hardly surprising to me given that the parties tend to emulate each other in many ways, particularly after a loss, he said. Balla thinks the celebration is likely the loudest among progressive Democrats, much in the same way that Trumps communications play well with MAGA voters. In both parties, I think, there are plenty of voters who are disenchanted with mocking attacks, he said. But these voters are increasingly seen as relics, and they are most likely more moderate and therefore less crucial during primary contests. Bonilla said that while she has not yet seen evidence in polls to suggest whether this style of attacking the president pushes opinion very far, she thinks that for some Democrats, it is exciting to see their leaders fight against Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In this moment, where the Trump administration has disrupted a lot of how the government functions, has increased the powers of ICE and taken over municipal governments, people are incredibly eager for a way to express worry, frustration, and dissatisfaction with the way things are going, she said. Is Newsoms approach an effective strategy? Newsom is widely speculated to be running for president in 2028. Should his potential political ambitions matter as people evaluate the effectiveness of his current attacks on Trump? Bonilla said that she supposes it does not hurt to engage with why a politician is acting in a particular way, but thinks that most voters are pretty savvy in trying to discern if what an elected official is doing is trustworthy or represents them first and foremost. But she suspects that any questions surrounding Newsoms political ambitions wont interfere with how people are currently responding to his attacks on Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, I do think it would be a mistake to think that what Newsom is doing is a viable strategy for the Democratic Party as a whole, she said. First, this type of response will probably lose meaning the more people do it. Second, other than poking fun at the president, Id be surprised if this fully helped people (re)gain trust in the Democratic Party. Balla said that he thinks Newsoms attacks on Trump are indistinguishable from his political ambitions. In the end, is this an effective approach? To win a Democratic primary, perhaps, he said. Overall, Balla finds it interesting that the Democratic Party is still so Trump-focused, since,he said, Trump will not be on the ticket in 2028. So will a Trump-like approach be effective in the next presidential election cycle? That in part depends on who the Republican nominee is and what that candidates strengths and weaknesses are, he said. Newsom (and others running against Trump) run the risk of winning the Democratic nomination but being ill-equipped to pivot to the general election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But regardless of how Newsoms style of attack may play out in the future, are his recent posts likely getting under the presidents skin? Neiheisel absolutely believes so. Trump was triggered by a painting that was mildly unflattering, he said. I think it is just in his nature to take exception to these types of attacks. And it is in the nature of his supporters to react on his behalf. Related... Read the original on HuffPost The 24-year-old suspect was apprehended on August 6 during a joint operation by the Israel Police officers from the Etzion police station in the West Bank and the IDF. A Palestinian woman from the West Bank town of Beit Umar was arrested in early August on suspicion of connections to an Iranian agent, N12 reported on Monday. The 24-year-old suspect was apprehended on August 6 during a joint operation by Israel Police officers from the Etzion police station in the West Bank and the IDF. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After her arrest, the suspect was brought in for interrogation. Since then, an investigation has been conducted in cooperation with the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and other intelligence agencies. Suspect carried out assignments According to the allegations, she not only maintained contact with an Iranian agent but also carried out various assignments on his behalf, N12 reported. The Israeli police pointing towards the inside of a car. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE) During questioning, she admitted to some of the charges and provided details about her connections with the Iranian agent and the tasks she had completed, according to N12. As the interrogation continued, she fully confessed to all the accusations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the Military Prosecutor's Office requested further investigations, including technological tests and additional intelligence-gathering operations, to strengthen the evidence against her. As a result, the Military Court extended her detention by eight more days to allow the investigation to continue, N12 added. The protests, which have been ongoing in recent weeks, demand government action to assist soldiers in coping with trauma resulting from their military service. The demonstrations by combat veterans in Jerusalem, which have been ongoing for about two weeks, took a turn on Monday after police arrested and allegedly punched protest leader Meir Kadush, a combat veteran of Operation Cast Lead. In footage obtained by Walla, Kadush is seen being slammed to the ground by several officers while shouting at them: "I'm not resisting you, I'm a combat veteran." Despite his words, one of the officers is seen punching him in the face. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kadush fell to the ground, screaming in pain and bleeding from his face. Before being brought in for questioning at the police station, he was rushed to the hospital after suffering a head injury. Protesters at the scene clashed with police forces, with one of the officers responding, "Hes going crazy; no one is hitting him on purpose." However, the scene sparked an uproar among those present, who told the police, "Were doing this protest for you too; tomorrow it could happen to anyone." Officers from the Moriah station who had arrived at the protest area had frequently clarified to the demonstrators that their right to protest was preserved, as long as public order was not disrupted. Israel Police, in response, stated: "For about two weeks, the suspect [Meir Kadush], along with others, has been protesting near the Knesset, with the police showing maximum restraint and engaging with them, without any unusual incidents." Demonstrators protest and clash with police during a march against the war in Gaza and for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip in Tel Aviv, July 24, 2025. (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90) "A few days ago, the police were called to the scene after he climbed the Knesset's fence and was caught by security guards. Police officers who arrived at the location, due to undisclosed circumstances, handed him a summons for later questioning. However, the suspect chose not to appear," Israel Police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel Police's statement continued: "Last night [Monday], he again disrupted public order, endangering the lives of bus passengers on a service line, after he caused damage by puncturing the bus tires with a sharp object. For the severity of his actions, and after he failed to appear for questioning about the previous incident, he was arrested. At this point, the suspect actively resisted, and force had to be used to complete the arrest." "Due to the injury sustained during the arrest, he was transferred for medical treatment before questioning. Israel Police will show great patience and tolerance towards protesters, as long as they obey the law and do not endanger the safety and security of the general public." Rising trauma among soldiers, reservists The protests, which have been ongoing in recent weeks, demand government action to assist soldiers in coping with trauma resulting from their military service. The IDF admitted that the increased suicide rate among soldiers and reservists is connected to Israel's ongoing multi-front war, Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported in early August. Most of the recent suicides among soldiers stem from traumatic experiences they were exposed to, the loss of comrades, and an inability to cope with the trauma, an internal investigation by the military found and was published by KAN. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Police are investigating a weekend shooting in Eastern Sioux Falls. Officers were called to a local hospital around 3 a.m. Saturday to a man that reported he was shot. He told police he was walking in the area of 10th and Cleveland when it happened. Police are still trying to find exactly where the shooting happened. Authorities say there is video of the victim walking in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No arrests have been made. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. Police are investigating after a man walked into a local hospital with a gunshot wound over the weekend. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Before 7:15 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16, Dayton police officers were dispatched to Miami Valley Hospital on reports of someone walking in with a gunshot wound. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim, a 34-year-old male, was shot in the 2300 block of West Third Street, according to a Dayton Police lieutenant. Details on the mans current condition are not available at this time. The shooting remains under investigation at this time. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Three teenagers were arrested in Springfield early Tuesday morning in connection with a stolen car. Springfield police reminding drivers to lock car doors, following allegedly stolen car arrests The Springfield Police Department states that at around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, officers observed multiple people getting out of a parked car that was reported stolen out of Chicopee on Monday. The Springfield Police Real-Time Analysis Center (R-TAC) had shared a photo of this vehicle as it was involved in a gun call earlier in the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once the people parked and got out of the car on Lionel Benoit Road, additional officers arrived. K-9 Officer David Olszak and K-9 Ace began searching with officers in a wooded area when a 14-year-old girl, a 15-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old boy all came out of the woods and were placed under arrest. Due to their ages, the suspects names, booking photos, and specific charges will not be released. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Police were carrying out large-scale searches at multiple properties in the German states of Thuringia, Bavaria, and Saxony, authorities said early on Tuesday. The Thuringia State Criminal Police Office said the action is part of an investigation into individuals from the biker gang scene suspected of extortion. Officials said that the searches are being conducted to secure evidence. The Dixon Police Department asks the public to help find 52-year-old David Dykema, of Dixon, Ill., a news release says. David Dykema (Dixon Police Department) Dykema was last seen early Monday in the 300 block of Depot Avenue. Dykema is 6 feet tall, weighs 172 pounds, and was last seen wearing jeans, a baggy shirt, and a Chicago Cubs hat. David Dykema (Dixon Police Department) Dixon Police ask that anyone with information or anyone who has seen Dykema to contact Dixon Police at 815-288-4411 and reference Case #9179. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Officers fatally shot a man after he exited an IHOP restaurant with a hatchet in central Phoenix on Aug. 19, according to the Phoenix Police Department. The shooting was first reported by Phoenix police on social media around 5 a.m., near 19th and Northern avenues. "There was a call for service for a trespassing at the IHOP behind us," said Sgt. Lorraine Fernandez, a spokesperson for the Phoenix Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An IHOP employee called police to report a trespassing at 4 a.m., Fernandez said. She said customers were present in the restaurant at the time the call was made. While the police were on their way, the call was updated to include that the man was cutting himself inside the restaurant, according to Fernandez. Police arrived and made contact with the man just outside the IHOP, she said. Police tried to de-escalate the situation, Fernandez said, but the man ignored officers' orders, prompting them to use less-than-lethal weapons. The man continued to walk toward the officers, and a police officer with a rifle shot the man, according to Fernandez. She confirmed only one officer involved in the incident fired their duty weapon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police rendered first aid before Phoenix Fire Department personnel arrived and took the man to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to Fernandez. Around 10 a.m., Fernandez announced the man died as a result of his injuries sustained in the shooting. Police did not release the man's name. No police officers were injured during the shooting, according to Fernandez. The area around 20th and Northern avenues remained closed to traffic as police continued to investigate the shooting, Phoenix police stated on X, formerly Twitter. Fernandez said the area was expected to be closed for an extended period as police investigators continued to process the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story, check back to azcentral.com for more details. Rey Covarrubias Jr. reports breaking news for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Email him at: rcovarrubias@gannett.com, and connect with him on Instagram, Threads, Bluesky and X (formerly Twitter) at @ReyCJrAZ. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Police fatally shoot man with hatchet outside IHOP in central Phoenix Yonatan Urich arrives for a court hearing as part of the A new court hearing examined whether Yonatan Urich, a key suspect in the "Qatargate" case, should face lighter release conditions amid allegations of leaked documents. A tense hearing took place at the Lod District Court on Tuesday morning, a hearing before Judge Amit Michles over whether to lighten the restrictive release conditions of Yonatan Urich, an aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and one of the chief suspects in the Qatargate investigations. His legal defense has made two main arguments. The first is that he wasnt really a public servant, but rather a private citizen. Therefore, there is no danger in allowing him to return to his employment and make contact with anyone connected to the Prime Ministers Office. The second is that there is no justification for not matching his release conditions to those of Eli Feldstein, the former military spokesman for the PMO and the first individual to be interrogated in connection with the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feldstein was arrested in November, while Urich was apprehended in March, on suspicion of alleged connections to Qatar and having organized a public relations campaign for the Gulf state, while it serves as a negotiator in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks and has close connections to the terrorist organization. Israel Police, in contrast, tried to establish that Urich indeed did function as a public servant, and that his actions undermined the interests of the PMO and the Israeli public at large. Attorney Amit Hadad arrives for a court hearing of Yonatan Urich and Eli Feldstein who were arrested in the so-called Qatargate investigation, at the Magistrate's Court in Rishon Lezion, April 1, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90) Police representative Supt. Aviv Porat said on Tuesday that materials coalesced in the interrogation indicate a significant suspicion that after October 7 and as criticism bloomed against Qatar for its connections with and involvement in Hamas, that the Gulf state reached out to Israeli figures to initiate a public-relations campaign to better its image in the eyes of the Israeli public. Porat added that this alleged plan was approved by Qatari elements and kicked off. The plan allegedly included several courses of action, all aimed at shifting the impression Israelis had of the Gulf state post-October 7 - and Urich and other figures played a central role in the execution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Urich's specific strength allegedly was formulating and pushing the messages out to the public. Porat emphasized that at the core of the issue is the nature of the messaging. If it was a different state working with Qatar on public relations for an electrical company, there would be a greater doubt as to whether state security was compromised, he said. He specified, The suspicions that a man who was employed by the Likud and, in practice, worked in diplomacy in the PMO during the war, and, per the suspicions, was bribed by a foreign state to which he provided similar services - all without coming clean about it, not in the legal realm nor in the moral one. Porat pointed out that several of the individuals who provided testimony in the case attested to Urich being a public servant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that there is more work required from investigators. When Michles responded that by that logic, the investigation will never reach a concluding point, Porat responded that the conditions under which Urich will be allowed to return to his place of work may enable an obstruction of the investigation. The police representative added that by current estimates, the investigation against Urich is due to wrap up within the next 45 days. This is a man who is under investigation and may legitimately be allowed to return to the very same place from which he carried out the alleged crimes, said Porat. Noa Milstein, Urich's lawyer, noted that anyone else who was interrogated or provided testimony was allowed to return to their place of work. She added that the list of forbidden contacts was never actually approved by the court, and that the list indicates the intentions of the interrogators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michles asked the police for an update, specifically on the hypothesis of him being a public servant. Last week, Rishon Lezion Magistrates Court Judge Menahem Mizrahi released Urich from all restrictions - allowing him to return to work at the PMO and at Perception, the company at the heart of the Qatargate investigations - but gave police the option to appeal the decision. It did, leading up to the Tuesday hearing. 'Leaked documents affair' The crux of the investigation, as it has been released to the public so far, is the leaked documents affair, in which Feldstein allegedly leaked classified military documents to the German tabloid Bild, after permission for their publication was denied by the Israeli military censor. This was allegedly done at the direction of Urich and Israel Einhorn, another aide who was interrogated in connection with the case last month, from where he resides in Serbia. The documents were eventually published, allegedly to sway public opinion on the hostage negotiations. This was around August 2024, when six hostages were killed by their Hamas captors in a tunnel: Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Almog Sarusi, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Carmel Gat, and Alex Lobanov. WAUSAU, Wis. (WFRV) Police officers in central Wisconsin were faced with multiple masked bandits while recently responding to what they called an unusual home intrusion report. In a post on social media by the Wausau Police Department, multiple masked suspects were found inside a home on Wausaus east side, with two others later found loitering on the roof. Local artist helps capture WFRV Local 5s 70 years of news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers say no arrests were needed, however, the raccoons were given a firm warning to vacate the premises, a warning police say was largely ignored. While this situation was not too serious, the police are using it to give the public an important reminder. First, to avoid raccoons being near or coming inside a home, residents should make sure to secure their trash cans, pet food, and bird feeders. They should also seal any possible easy access points of a home, like the attic, chimneys, or screens. Courtesy of the Wausau Police Department Courtesy of the Wausau Police Department If residents do encounter raccoons in or around their home, officials say not to approach the animals as they can bite or scratch if threatened and could be carrying diseases like rabies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, residents should call a licensed wildlife removal service for safe and humane assistance or contact a local humane society or DNR office for additional guidance. These masked bandits may look cute, but its best to admire them from a distance! The Wausua Police Department Officers did add that if there is an immediate safety concern, residents can and should contact their local police department. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Gabrielle Teiner COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Pope Leo XIV has chosen Father Ralph O'Donnell as the Bishop-Elect for the Diocese of Jefferson City, according to a press release. The Diocese will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Cathedral of St. Joseph on W. Main St. in Jefferson City. O'Donnell was born in Omaha, Nebraska and was ordained as a priest there in 1997. He is currently the pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Omaha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im grateful to the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, for this appointment. I look forward to coming to know and to serve the people of the Diocese of Jefferson City with joy. Let us pray for one another in the days ahead, says a statement from O'Donnell. O'Donnell was chosen as the fifth bishop to lead the diocese after Most Reverend Shawn McKnight was installed as Archbishop of Kansas City, Kansas, back in May. McKnight was chosen to lead the diocese by the late Pope Francis in April. Pope Leo XIV will invite a select number of flatmates to move in with him when he occupies the papal apartments later this year, according to an Italian media report. The Pope announced he would live inside the apartments of the 16th Century Apostolic Palace days after his election, breaking with his predecessor Pope Francis, who rejected the luxurious accommodation. The 10 rooms of the apartment are being extensively renovated for Pope Leo, La Repubblica reported on Tuesday, with three or four of his brethren set to live alongside him. Among those expected to be invited are Father Edgard Rimaycuna, the Popes Peruvian personal secretary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It appeared to mark the first time in modern history that a pope would share his official living quarters on the third floor of the palace. It seems to be new to me, Vatican correspondent Iacopo Scaramuzzi told The Telegraph. I dont know if that takes account of the long history of the church but certainly in the modern era. 2008 Vatican In keeping with tradition, seals were placed on the doors of the apartment on April 21 immediately after Franciss death, even though the late pope never lived there. Francis spent the 12 years of his pontificate in the simply furnished Santa Marta residence inside the Vatican instead because he said he preferred daily contact with ordinary people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In my opinion, Leo is definitely different to Francis but not that different, Mr Scaramuzzi said. He is returning to the papal apartments, but not like a king. Mr Scaramuzzi said it was unclear whom the Popes companions might be, but stressed it was in keeping with the sense of community engendered by Leos Augustinian Order. Residence renovated to papal taste The apartments have been the official residence of popes since 1870 and it is customary for a new pope to renovate the apartments according to his taste. The Vatican has been tight-lipped about the latest restructure, but teams of technicians have spent months working on a redesign of the rooms, as well as damage caused by water infiltration and humidity in the 12 years the apartment remained empty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A cornice also reportedly became detached from one of the kitchen windows earlier this year and workers were sent to prevent it from causing further damage. On Sundays the Pope traditionally blesses crowds of pilgrims gathering in St Peters Square from the window of the apartment, which includes the popes bedroom, a private study and a medical suite. Three of the last six popes, John XXIII, John Paul I, and John Paul II, died inside the papal apartments. Earlier this year, Father James Martin, an American Jesuit journalist, said Leos return to the apartments was a prudent decision. Leos move should not be taken as a sign either of a critique of Pope Francis or as him not living simply, the author wrote on X. We need to trust Pope Leos discernment in this and all things and wish him well in his new digs! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He spent 12 years living in the Curia of the St Augustinian Order just outside St. Peters Square when he was prior-general of the order from 2001 to 2013 and has often spoken about the importance of living in community with others. He is currently living in the Sagrestia building next to St Peters Basilica, while the renovations are completed on the papal apartment. This summer the Pope also revived the tradition of holidaying at the papal summer residence at Castel Gandolfo outside Rome, something his predecessor declined to do. The American pontiff spent several days at the papal residence in the centre of the hilltop town overlooking Lake Albano in July and returned there for a few days in August to escape the intense heat in Rome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Sunday he celebrated Mass with more than 100 homeless people and shared lunch with them before visiting a local Catholic shrine in the nearby town of Albano. The Vatican declined to 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 popular prebiotic drink company has agreed to settle in an $8.9 million settlement lawsuit that accuses the company of misleading consumers with gut healthy marketing claims. Several class-action lawsuits were filed against Poppi in the summer of 2024 by consumers who claimed its products didnt improve gut health as much as advertised, according to the Associated Press. The companys former owner, VNGR Beverage, agreed to the settlement even though it denied any wrongdoing, stating that it removed references to gut health from its packaging in late 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, the settlement provides a refund to customers who purchased the beverages for personal use in the U.S. between Jan. 23, 2020 and July 18, 2025. Customers can receive a cash payment based on the number of products they purchased. Here is a breakdown of the refund amounts: Up to $0.75 per single can $3 per four-pack $6 per eight-pack $9 per 12- or 15-pack Without proof of purchase, customers can receive up to $16, the site states. Customers have until Sept. 26 to either opt out or file a claim online or by mail. The claim form can be found here. More Business News Read the original article on MassLive. Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles set by the cabinet for ending the war, a senior political source said. Preparations for the operation to capture Gaza City are proceeding as planned, Israeli officials clarified to The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir met Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday evening to present the operational plan, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene a discussion on the matter on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai, the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate, the head of the Military Operations Directorate, the head of Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) representatives, and other senior officials in the security establishment also attended the meeting. The approval of the operational plans comes against the backdrop of a proposal backed by Hamas for a partial deal that would involve the release of 10 hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire. Operational planning is continuing as usual, a senior Israeli official told the Post. We are determined to implement the cabinets decision to capture Gaza City unless a framework is presented that includes the release of all hostages and an end to the war under the terms outlined by the prime minister. Crowds gather at Hostage Square in support of hostage families calling for an immediate deal to release the Gaza captives, August 9, 2025. (credit: LIOR ROTSTEIN) While Israel is reviewing the proposal, officials signaled that since it does not include the release of all the hostages, Israel is unlikely to respond positively or enter negotiations based on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israels policy is consistent and has not changed. Israel demands the release of all 50 hostages in accordance with the principles set by the cabinet for ending the war, a senior political source stated. We are at the decisive stage against Hamas, and we will not leave a single hostage behind. The United States continued to discuss a ceasefire proposal for a 60-day truce in Gaza, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday. I dont think its a coincidence that Hamas accepted this proposal after the president of the United States posted a very strong statement about this conflict on Truth Social yesterday, Leavitt told reporters at a press briefing at the White House. An 80,000 soldier operation The IDF decided on Monday that the Gaza City operation would comprise at least 80,000 soldiers, who would encircle and conquer the city to destroy Hamass core terror infrastructure and the primary government symbols still under its control, the Post previously reported. In order to comply with the levels of readiness needed, the IDF has decided to advance the issuance of reserve call-up orders for the upcoming week, with about 50,000 orders to be sent in addition to those already in service, subject to the approval of the defense minister. CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) President Donald Trump wants to make a major change to how Americans vote. Trump told reporters Monday that he will soon issue an executive order eliminating mail-in voting and banning the use of electronic voting machines. Trump wants states to revert to in-person voting using physically marked paper ballots. Paper ballots are very sophisticated with the watermark paper and everything else. We would get secure elections, we get much faster results, said Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But local elections officials insist mail-in voting and electronic machines can be trusted. Michael Dickerson, who oversees elections in Mecklenburg County, told Queen City News that 39,000 people voted by mail in 2024. He argued that the method is proven safe and effective. You send that ballot back with a copy of your photo ID, you make a photocopy of that photo ID that says this is who voted, me, so there are a lot of safeguards into it, said Dickerson. Whether or not the Presidents claims are true, experts doubt he has the authority to make any such change, as elections are carried out by the states. Since the Constitution requires any changes to nationwide voting to be approved by Congress, Catawba College Professor Michael Bitzer foresees that an executive order would be met with a flurry of lawsuits. A number of states, particularly out west, they conduct all of their elections by mail, that is the only way that people can cast a ballot, said Bitzer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unknown when the order will be signed by the President. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM POLITICS Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Sentebale, the African charity Prince Harry had co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006, has sensationally dismissed all but one of its UK staffers following a bitter, high-profile row with the duke. The organization, which the Duke of Sussex had kick-started in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana, is said to be grappling with financial woes behind the scenes, prompting the major staffing changes. Earlier this month, the Charity Commission for England and Wales announced that it discovered no evidence of widespread or systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny or misogynoir at the organization. African charitySentebale has sensationally dismissed all but one of its UK staffers following a bitter, high-profile row with the duke. Getty Images for Sentebale While the probe found no overreach by Harry or the chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka, it criticized both parties for allowing the dispute to play out publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bitter conflict prompted a mass exodus at the organization with widespread resignations taking place across the board, The Post can confirm. The charity has confirmed that only one full-time employee remains at its UK headquarters following the layoffs, adding that a total of 7 departures will be taking place between April and September. A redundancy notice indicated the organization does not have donor funding and was entering retrenchment, the Times of London reports. Prince Harry had co-founded the charity with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006. Getty Images for Sentebale Among those dismissed was the charitys global head of finance and compliance. The organization has since claimed that the layoffs were part of a global restructuring plan that had been discussed in early 2024 and announced in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Improve efficiencies, transition senior executive roles to Southern Africa and to respond to changing service delivery demands, the charity said in a statement. Harry exited the charity following an internal dispute with the chair, Dr. Sophie Chandauka. Getty Images for Sentebale They said the restructuring was prompted by increasing uncertainty relating to international donor funding specifically (e.g. USAID) and uncertainty relating to events such as polo. It is worth noting that the narrative being created with regards to departures is entirely misleading, the organization added. Follow The Posts royal family live blog for the latest pics, news, exclusive details and more The staffing changes come after it emerged that the Mamohato Childrens Centre in Lesotho which looked after more than 700 children each year had been effectively mothballed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Staffers have been asked to save money by working from home, the Times of London added. The main thing were all waiting for are the accounts, a source told the outlet, adding that the organization apparently told its employees that its $1.9 million budget, which had been accumulated over 20 years, had been fully spent. The Spare author, 40, sensationally left his role as patron at the African charity back in March. REUTERS There have been a lot of redundancies, theres been people who have been let go, a lot of churn and people have left, the insider added. The Post has reached out to Sentebale for comment. The Spare author, 40, sensationally left his role as patron at the African charity back in March following an internal dispute with Chandauka. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a further twist to the drama, Sentebale called on the Charity Commission to provide clarity about its recent probe. Harrys reps have since confirmed to The Post that he is weighing out his options following his bitter departure from the organization. Getty Images for Sentebale The organization asked the investigating body to make it clear that its report did not specifically look into accusations of racism and misogyny directed at the duke, who quit royal life in 2020. The Invictus Games founders reps have since confirmed to The Post that he is weighing out his options and possibilities following his bitter departure from the organization. The Duke of Sussex paid tribute to his late grandfather Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, in a personal letter secretly left at the National Memorial Arboretum. Harry asked a friend to discreetly leave the note and a wreath of red poppies at the Burma Star Memorial in Staffordshire on Friday, following the national VJ Day commemorations attended by the King and Queen, GB News revealed. The letter was placed after Charles and Camilla left to avoid distracting from the service which honoured the sacrifice of Second World War heroes who fought and died in the Pacific and Far East. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VJ Day on August 15 marks the 80th anniversary of Japans surrender to the Allies following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, ending the six-year-long conflict. Harry, who was thousands of miles away in California, wrote: For me, this anniversary carries an added layer of meaning. The Duke of Sussex's letter and wreath, left on his behalf at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on VJ Day (PA) My late grandfather, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, served in the Pacific campaign. He spoke with quiet humility about those years, but I know how deeply he respected all who stood beside him in that theatre of war. Today, as I think of him, I think also of each of you, of the shared hardships, the bonds forged, and the legacy you leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The late duke, who died aged 99 in 2021, was in Tokyo Bay on board the destroyer HMS Whelp, a warship he served on as second-in-command, when Japanese officials formally signed the surrender on the USS Missouri. Harry with his late grandfather Prince Philip (PA) The King, who previously spoke publicly about his fathers wartime role on the 75th anniversary in 2020, made no mention of Philip in his audio address to the nation on Friday morning marking 80 years on from VJ Day. But he did pay tribute to his mentor and great uncle Earl Mountbatten, who oversaw the defeat of the Japanese offensive towards India as Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia Command. Harrys letter, which was addressed to the Forgotten Army, said: On this 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we pause to remember the day the guns finally fell silent across the world, the true end of the Second World War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We also pause to recognise you, the men and women of the Forgotten Army, whose courage and endurance in the Far East campaign were anything but forgettable. The Burma Star Memorial where Harry's letter was left (PA) You faced an enemy determined to the last, fought in unforgiving terrain, and endured months, even years, far from home, in conditions most could scarcely imagine. Your service in the jungles and mountains of Burma and beyond was marked by grit, unity, and sacrifice. It is because of that sacrifice that generations since, myself included, have been able to live in freedom. From the lessons of that bitter struggle came the understanding that even the fiercest of foes can, in time, become valued partners in peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, as both our nations mark this anniversary, we acknowledge the respect earned, the lives lost and the enduring friendship that has since taken root. The letter in question (PA) After his words about Philip, Harry added: I am humbled by your example, proud of your service and dedication, and profoundly grateful for what you endured. Your story is part of our shared heritage, and it must never be forgotten. With the deepest respect, thank you. The letter, featuring the dukes cypher of a H under a crown was signed Harry, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. In 2020, the year of Megxit, former soldier Harry was left saddened when he was refused his wish to have a poppy wreath placed at the Cenotaph, the focus of the UKs Remembrance Sunday service, on his behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just months later, the duke, who undertook two tours to Afghanistan, was stripped of his military patronages by his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II after his decision to step down as a senior working royal was made permanent. Much of the celebration marking the end of the Second World War in 1945 focused on VE (Victory in Europe) Day in May, with those who served in the Far East labelled The Forgotten Army. Prince Harry's former charity, Sentebale, has made some major changes after being rocked by a major "bullying" scandal. According to reports, the organization cut its UK staff down to one as its global leadership also undergoes changes. Meanwhile, Prince Harry is reportedly planning to start a new charity after the charity commission criticized him for allowing the drama with the Sentebale chair to "play out publicly." The Duke's Former Charity Has Cut Its Staff In The UK To One MEGA The UK headquarters of Prince Harry's former charity, Sentebale, has been dramatically downsized to just one employee following a public fallout between the Duke and the organization's leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harry founded the African charity with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in honor of his mom, Princess Diana, in 2006, but after being at the helm of affairs for a long time, he stepped down from his role as patron following the scandal that hit the organization. The organization is said to be grappling with money problems, which led to the major staffing change and a mass exodus of workers. According to the New York Post, a total of 7 departures took place between April and September. In a redundancy letter, Sentebale reportedly told staff that it "does not have" donor funding and was facing "retrenchment," per The Times of London. The global head of finance and compliance is part of the departure, amongst many others, including Harry. Sentebale Claims The Move Is Part Of Their 'Global Restructuring' MEGA According to the news outlet, the organization claims that the layoffs were part of a "global restructuring" plan that had been discussed in early 2024 and announced in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Improve efficiencies, transition senior executive roles to Southern Africa, and to respond to changing service delivery demands," the charity said in a statement. The organization added that the restructuring was prompted by "increasing uncertainty relating to international donor funding specifically (e.g., USAID) and uncertainty relating to events such as polo." "It is worth noting that the narrative being created with regard to departures is entirely misleading," the organization noted. Prince Harry's Fallout With Sentebale ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA The downsizing follows a public clash earlier this year that led to Harry's resignation, as well as several trustees, in the face of an "unthinkable" internal controversy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement shared at the time, Harry's team said that "the relationship between the charity's trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation," per the Daily Mail. It appeared that the emergence of the organization's chairwoman, Sophie Chandauka, didn't sit well with ranking members of the board, and they expressed their desire to see her step down. However, Chandauka then hit back with unsettling claims of hers, alleging there was a "cover-up" at the charity organization, as well as claims of "racist, sexist bullying," and counter-accusations regarding organizational management. The Sentebale Chair Took A Subtle Dig At Prince Harry MEGA In her remarks about the alleged bullying, Dr. Chandauka seemingly took a subtle dig at Harry and the board of trustees for playing the "victim card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She slammed "people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people," going on to blast such individuals for playing "the victim card" and using "the very press they disdain." "For me, this is not a vanity project from which I can resign when I am called to account," she said. "I am an African who has had the privilege of a world-class education and career. I will not be intimidated. I must stand for something. I stand for those other women who do not have the ways and means." Prince Harry Is Looking To Launch A New Charity James Whatling / MEGA Meanwhile, Harry is reportedly looking to launch a new charity following his fallout with Sentebale's leadership. According to The Telegraph, sources close to Harry confirm that he's keen to "continue to support the children of Lesotho and Botswana" and that he is looking at his options on how to move forward on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He may well choose to just support existing charities operating in the same space in the region, or he may choose to set up something new completely," the source said, per The Guardian. Harry's official spokesperson earlier said that the prince remained "absolutely committed to continuing the work he started, supporting the children and young people of Lesotho and Botswana, nearly 20 years ago." "In what form that support takes no decisions have been made. All options remain on the table, whether that be starting a new charity or working to support pre-existing charities operating in the same sector in the region," they added. Earlier this month, a source said the fallout at Sentebale had been "emotionally absolutely devastating" for Harry, describing Chandauka's comments as "nothing short of a hostile takeover." A New Jersey resident has been sentenced to federal prison after being convicted for his role in a scheme to smuggle of military equipment to Russia. Vadim Yermolenko, 43, of Upper Saddle River, received a 30 month sentence on Monday, the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New York said in a statement. He pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to commit bank fraud for his role in a scheme to export dual-use electronics to Russia to aid its military and intelligence services. Yermolenko was born in Russia and has citizenships in both Russia and the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal authorities said Yermolenko was one of nearly two dozen criminals who, for more than two years, conspired to aid Russias military aggression in the Russia-Ukraine war. An investigation found that he was affiliated with two Moscow-based companies that procured advanced electronics and sophisticated testing equipment for the countrys industrial and research and development sector. The Justice Department said the entities controlled a network of shell companies and bank accounts worldwide, including in the United States, which helped Russia hide its involvement in the scheme. Yermolenko, according to court papers, funneled $12 million through U.S.-based bank accounts used to purchase sensitive equipment used in radar, surveillance and military research and development intended for the Russian government. Investigators found one of the defendants charged in the indictment bought sniper bullets bound for Russia but were seized in Estonia, one of Russias western neighbors. In other cases, the conspirators exported highly sensitive, export-controlled electronic components known to help form nuclear and hypersonic weapons, quantum computing and other military applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another seven alleged co-conspirators are also charged in the case. On Monday, the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New York did not provide an update on their criminal cases. As part of his sentence, Yermolenko will also have to pay $75,547 in forfeiture. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. NEED TO KNOW A private midwife and content creator was arrested in Australia after a baby died following a home birth that she allegedly oversaw Oyebola "Bibi" Coxon was charged with manslaughter on Aug. 14, more than 10 months after a baby boy whose birth she oversaw died Police allege that Coxon "did not act upon signs of complications and requests by the woman to attend hospital" A private midwife has been arrested after the death of a baby following a home birth in Australia. On Thursday, Aug. 14, New South Wales (NSW) Police Force confirmed that a 36-year-old woman was taken into custody at Newcastle Police Station at around 8:30 a.m. local time "following extensive inquiries by strike force detectives," per a news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NSW Police Force identified the woman arrested as Oyebola Coxon in an email to PEOPLE. Per 7 News, Coxon also went by the name Bibi and was a content creator. However, it appears as though Coxon's social media pages have all since been deleted or taken down. Police said in Thursday's news release, "A woman who worked as a midwife will face court today charged with manslaughter following the death of a baby during a home birth near Newcastle last year." "On Wednesday 2 October 2024, a privately practicing midwife attended a home in Wallsend to assist a woman with a home birth," the release stated. A photo of a police car in Sydney, Australia "Police will allege in court that over the following two days, the midwife did not act upon signs of complications and requests by the woman to attend hospital," Thursday's post noted, confirming that on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, "the woman attended John Hunter Hospital where the baby was delivered by emergency caesarean." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Police have been told that the mother and baby suffered significant medical complications as a result of the incident," police continued. The release stated that the baby boy died in hospital on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, "and police attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced inquiries under Strike Force Girona." Coxon has been charged with manslaughter and reckless grievous bodily harm. Per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the suspect has been granted conditional bail after appearing in court on Thursday afternoon. The outlet noted that her bail conditions include that she must not act, practice or educate any person relating to pregnancy or birth. She's also been told to surrender her Italian and Australian passports, as well as having to report to Nelson Bay Police Station daily. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. A Hunter New England Health District spokesperson confirmed that Coxon had not been employed with their health district for several years, per 7 News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outlet noted that Coxon had previously gone viral in 2022 after sharing "graphic images" of the home birth of her twins. According to a LinkedIn page that appears to belong to Coxon, her last midwife job was at New Maitland Hospital in the Maitland suburb of Metford, but the profile doesn't appear to have been updated recently. The suspect's case is due to return to court in October, per the ABC. NSW Courts and Hunter New England Health District didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Read the original article on People Four police officers are on administrative duty as the Metro Nashville Police Department continues to investigate a fight that broke out between them and security personnel at a Division Street bar while the officers were off duty. Homicide detectives are investigating the scuffle after one of the off-duty officers suffered a head injury, department spokesperson Don Aaron said Aug. 19. "This investigation remains active, and we are reviewing multiple angles of video," Aaron said in a statement, sent via email Aug. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aaron said the officer, who is not being named, was treated in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center trauma unit on Aug. 16 and released Aug. 17 after testing. The other three officers were also not named. No charges have been filed in connection with the fight. Aaron said the department plans to meet with the district attorney's office to discuss its findings once the investigation is completed. The four off-duty officers were trying to get into Losers, at 1911 Division Street, at about 9:10 p.m. on Aug. 16 when they were turned away by security. The bar's director of operations Taylor Beasley told The Tennessean Aug. 19 it is conducting an internal investigation and declined to comment on the situation as it works with MNPD. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the night of the fight, the group of officers crossed the street and words were exchanged between one member of the group and a security guard, according to an MNPD release. The release said a verbal altercation became physical in front of Velvet Taco. During the fight, one of the officers was hit in the head and fell to the concrete unconscious, police said. Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on X @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville officers on administrative service after security scuffle "While preparation for employment is an important part of growing up, our students need to understand that they must look for more in their education," writes Jeffrey Tyler Sykes. "Especially as artificial intelligence shatters once stable career trajectories." (Getty Images) As students across Kentucky return to campus, our colleges and universities face difficult times. Higher education is viewed with a great deal of suspicion by those outside its inner sanctum, though recent data suggests a subtle shift toward a more positive view. Institutions of learning are under mounting pressure to show their value to society, and, as the plummeting enrollment of most state institutions shows, most of higher education has failed to rise to this challenge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As if this were not bad enough, the increasingly charged political environment we all inhabit sees college campuses as another front in the incessant culture wars. In short, for the first time in history, the vast majority of colleges and universities are spiraling without real purpose. Once viewed as indispensable fixtures of society, increasingly it is easy to conceive of a time when many of our public universities simply do not exist. A fact that has been reflected in the now decades long budget crisis faced by public higher education in Kentucky and the very likely closure of some of our oldest private colleges in the coming decade. If we really wish to solve the problems, instead of tinkering around the edges, we must confront that higher education issues are systemic rather than ephemeral demographic disruptions or ideological capture. The end result of this factory model of education has been to encourage all institutions to focus ceaselessly on growing enrollment, providing hard technical skills to their students and standing out through the construction of ever more student amenities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The greatest challenges lay in the way universities understand their purpose. As society has grown more corporate, more mass produced, universities have started to see themselves as companies that sell a product jobs and rely on consumers who want to buy their product for survival. One of the chief consequences of this mindset is that for many university administrators, the goal of education employment has become more important than the process by which people are educated. Jobs have become the end-all, be-all of a college degree, but the contents of a degree have become less important. Academic rigor, broad-minded thinking and all the other old hallmarks of a college education have fallen by the wayside as long as a student can get a job when they graduate. This means that most institutions even very prestigious ones have spent huge amounts of effort greasing the wheels of their academic programs: ensuring that little is asked or expected of students as long as they pay their tuition on time and find gainful employment to pay off their student loans. The sales pitch for a college degree in this country has become straightforward: Come to our institution, you will get a job, and have to do minimal work. That many more nobly-minded faculty and administrators have pushed against this general trend seems to have done little to diminish the ubiquity of such attitudes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The end result of this factory model of education has been to encourage all institutions to focus ceaselessly on growing enrollment, providing hard technical skills to their students and standing out through the construction of ever more student amenities. The near universal nature of these goals has started to blur the differences between once unique but now nearly identical universities. In the end, the traits that once separated such institutions as Indiana University and the University of Kentucky have started to be negligible. They only substantively depart from one another in location. This is because universities do not really need to be that different when the overarching goal gainful employment is shared by all institutions. For some time, this model of education has worked. Maybe college was starting to feel sanitized, a bit corporate and unchallenging, but what did the average student care? The university sold a product the student wanted to buy. Everything else was just part of the cost of doing business. However, in the last 10 years, universities have struggled to sell their product. The state of the economy has laid bare the sad reality that a college degree is no guarantee of a good job and that there are, in fact, easier ways to gain financial stability. As such, record numbers of students have started to turn their backs on college education. The cost of a diploma is steadily rising while the chance of a good job diminishes. Why should your average citizen go to college under such circumstances? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To add to this problem, the rise of artificial intelligence has called into question many programs designed for job training. The one thing AI does exceptionally well is produce content based upon data scraping and basic unchanging skill sets. In short, jobs are almost certainly about to change drastically. Contrary to the common view, knowing how to use AI will not be good enough to keep a job. Employment will instead hinge on being able to do non-skills-based work that AI is simply incapable of doing. That many young people feel that higher education has nothing to offer them is far less concerning than the fact that universities seem to have no good answer to the challenge. Most admissions counselors and administrators protest that their institutions really do offer a chance at significantly better material well-being than not going to college. The idea that college may exist for some reason other than producing employees entirely eludes them. If one did not know better, they could conclude that college really serves no higher purpose that teaching technical skills that lead to employment is the foundation of all learning. Nothing could be further from the truth. A bronze cast of The Thinker by French sculptor Auguste Rodin sits outside Grawemeyer Hall on the University of Louisvilles campus. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley) The word education comes from Latin and means roughly to lead forth. This odd expression prompts an obvious question: which way is forth? How do we know what direction to go? Education, by its nature, is meant to equip students to answer this question. In other words, the point of education is to teach people to think for themselves and not how to write a good press release or balance a spreadsheet (though if you can think for yourself, such tasks are bound to become easier). This is the heart of what is called a liberal arts education, instead of the skills- based education that is more common today. At first blush, a liberal arts education sounds very theoretical but it is actually a deeply practical thing. The word liberal refers to the ancient Roman word libertas, which means free. The very practical objective of a liberal arts education is to make people free to teach students how to think for themselves and thus how to exercise their freedom. For true liberty is not just the ability to do whatever we want but instead being able to apply our judgment to situations so that we can determine the right course of action. Though this ability to make judgements is useful to any human being it is vitally important in a democratic nation like ours. After all, how can we be good citizens if we lack the ability to make sound, independent decisions about the world around us? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a liberal arts education is more important than ever and the superficiality of modern higher education is destroying universities across the nation, then how do we bring liberal arts education back to Kentucky after decades of decline? The first step is tackling the shortsighted administrators at Kentuckys public universities. The vast majority of individuals who run our commonwealths institutions of higher education have been trained in the factory model of a university. They do not even contemplate teaching students how to think. They do not offer a robust answer to the challenges universities currently face. They do not, in fact, understand the purpose of an education. Instead, they mass produce students the way some factories make batteries or automobiles. In addition to this systemic misinterpretation of the purpose of college, our state schools are largely managed by massive, bloated bureaucratic apparatuses. For too long general education has been viewed, by both students and administrators, as a nuisance that must be gotten out of the way. However, there is almost nothing as important as ensuring that students really do learn how to be well-rounded thinkers and not just hyper-focused specialists. The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education could take drastic steps to trim unnecessary administrative bulk and pressure universities to promote new, dynamic, leaders who truly understand the rapidly changing realities of education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, we need to restore academic rigor to our universities. It is no secret that Kentucky is struggling economically. Having a workforce who is thoughtful, well rounded and trained for hard work would do a great deal to change this sad reality. Our universities must take a deep dive into every single program they offer and ensure that professors are crafting courses that demand serious effort from students. More than this, we must guarantee that classes are not simply teaching skills that can be easily learned and quickly memorized. Not only are such topics of study at prime risk of being eliminated by artificial intelligence but they also do not really teach students the sort of independent judgment that is the hallmark of a good education. In addition, universities must reform their general education curriculum. For too long general education has been viewed, by both students and administrators, as a nuisance that must be gotten out of the way. However, there is almost nothing as important as ensuring that students really do learn how to be well-rounded thinkers and not just hyper-focused specialists. Third, we all need to do a better job of helping the next generation of young people understand that the sole purpose of education is not a job. To be sure, employment is important to a good life. However, many students today have been taught since childhood that getting a good job is the same thing as living a good life. Nothing could be further from the truth. A nice job is no guarantor of happiness or moral virtue. So while preparation for employment is an important part of growing up, our students need to understand that they must look for more in their education. Especially as artificial intelligence shatters once stable career trajectories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ivy covered buildings and hazy lawns of Americas colleges and universities have become ground zero for the culture wars. To many conservatives these aged institutions are seen as bastions of progressive indoctrination vicious hubs of Hamas loving, D.E.I. trained professors imparting their bile upon the next generation. On the flip side, most people on the left see the current social work of higher education as invaluable. They argue that colleges and universities play a decisive role in calling the nation to rise above many of its worst impulses racism, sexism, and all other bigotry and instead become a more inclusive home for all people. As important as the debate is, it often obscures the deep, systemic lapses of our higher education system. If we wish to make Kentucky a true beacon of learning for the rest of the nation, if we wish to propel the commonwealths economy, if we wish to create an educational system we can be proud of, we must set these culture war issues aside and alter the philosophy of our universities from top to bottom. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A university professor warned Bryan Kohberger would sexually abuse students just months before he murdered four undergraduates, according to a police report. Kohberger, a 30-year-old criminal justice student, was sentenced to life in prison without parole last month after stabbing and killing a group of University of Idaho students in November 2022 while they slept. A Washington State University (WSU) faculty member who met the doctoral student at a criminal justice programme said she warned colleagues he would likely stalk or sexually abuse his students if he became a professor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is smart enough that in four years we will have to give him a PhD, the woman told colleagues, urging them to remove him from the course, according to a report by Idaho police. Mark my word, I work with predators... when he is a professor, we will hear [he] is harassing, stalking, and sexually abusing ... his students at wherever university. Kohberger stabbed Kaylee Goncalves (second from left, bottom) and Madison Mogen (second from left, top), Ethan Chapin (center) and Xana Kernodle (second from right) while they slept - ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock She told police that she was occasionally forced to intervene when Kohberger would block the door of an office where several female graduate students worked. I really need to get out of here, she recalled hearing one woman say. The WSU faculty member said she also believed Kohberger was stalking people, noting that an unknown individual had broken into a female students apartment to steal perfume and underwear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Others in the department thought he could become a rapist and speculated that he was an incel, she told the officer. Kohberger was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences last month after he admitted murdering Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen in a rental home near the University of Idaho campus. All four victims were likely to have initially been asleep when they were attacked, according to a post-mortem. They were each stabbed several times, and some had defensive wounds where they tried to fight off Kohberger. A fellow student also claimed that three weeks after the killings and before Kohberger was arrested, he praised the murderer and said they must have been pretty good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also reportedly speculated that the deaths might have been a one and done type thing. She told police that Kohberger was disparaging towards women, enjoyed conflict, and liked to talk about his field of study: sexual burglary. One instructor who worked with Kohberger said she began receiving complaints about him from students and staff on the same programme in August 2022. In total, the university received nine complaints from faculty members and others about his rude and belittling behaviour toward women, according to a report from Idaho police. One of his fellow students, who called a police tip line and reported seeing Kohberger with bloody knuckles shortly before the murders, said he also started looking dishevelled after the killings and stopped bringing his phone to classes. 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. Donald Trumps blanket attempt to get rid of mail-in ballots could disenfranchise thousands of American troops inside and outside the United States, a threat that military veterans and advocacy groups have condemned as the presidents latest attack on service members. On his Truth Social account Monday, Trump promised to lead a movement and sign an executive order that he claims would target the completely disproven Mail-In SCAM. Were going to start with an executive order that's being written right now by the best lawyers in the country to end mail-in ballots because theyre corrupt, Trump said in the Oval Office later that afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing in Trumps statements appeared remotely legal or constitutional but marked his administrations latest attempts to restrict voting access and take federal control of election administration. Nearly one-third of all ballots cast in 2024 elections were submitted by mail, according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. Roughly three-quarters of the 1.3 million active-duty troops are eligible to vote absentee, according to the Federal Voting Assistance Program. Trumps threat to eliminate mail-in ballots could disenfranchise millions of U.S. troops stationed abroad and and military veterans unable to cast their votes in person on Election Day (AP) If Trump tries to implement a total ban on mail-in and absentee ballots, thousands of overseas voters in the military as well as disabled veterans and troops who cannot show up in person on Election Day could be blocked from the ballot box. By attacking mail-in voting, he is attacking the men and women in uniform who are serving overseas to defend our right to vote, those on base away from their homes, and all of their families, Marine veteran and VetVoice Foundation CEO Janessa Goldbeck told The Independent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Troops stationed overseas could soon lose their democratic voice because Donald Trump demanded it, she said. For more than a decade, Trump has repeatedly raised bogus claims about mail-in voting, lied about election results, and questioned how elections are run by raising unproven allegations of widespread voter fraud. Trump has done so while casting ballots by mail himself and launching messaging campaigns encouraging his supporters to do the same. His false, ongoing narrative that the 2020 election was rigged and stolen from him has fed conspiracy theories targeting the legitimacy of election outcomes and voting by mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, nearly half of Republicans believed that any eligible voter should be allowed to vote by mail if they want to, according to polling from the Pew Research Center. Four years later, only 28 percent of Republicans agreed with that. In response to The Independents request for more information about Trumps proposal, including whether U.S. troops and disabled voters would be exempt from threats to mail-in ballots, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields claimed Democrats not the president are responsible for undermining election outcomes. Democrats have eroded faith in our elections with reckless laws, such as unfettered mail-in voting, illegally changing laws to benefit their voters, and slow-walking the counting of votes far past Election Day, Fields said. Goldbeck pointed out that mail-in voting should not be a partisan issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mail-in voting is crucial in having elections that truly capture the voice of the people, she added. When we limit elections to only those who are physically able to travel to their correct polling location, we disenfranchise millions including those who serve. Trump has spent more than a decade spreading bogus claims about mail-in ballots as he seeks to undermine election outcomes and restrict voting access to prevent Democratic victories (REUTERS) Trumps proposal would strip away a vital lifeline for democratic participation from the very people who fought for this countrys freedoms, according to Naveed A. Shah, Army veteran and political director of Common Defense, a progressive veterans advocacy group. The move could also disenfranchise veterans and other American with disabilities, as well as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, rural residents, and low-income families who face transportation challenges or health risks, he told The Independent. Ultimately, what President Trump is proposing would lead to increased voter suppression, widening inequities, and undermining trust in our electoral process, which is a disservice to the servicemembers and veterans who have sacrificed so much for our democracy, Shah added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump issued an executive order earlier this year that called for dramatic changes to how elections are run, including directing the Pentagon to require military voters to prove citizenship to cast a ballot from overseas additional hurdles that the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law called not just impractical and impossible for many to meet, but shameful. Trumps order also tried to block states from counting mail-in ballots that were postmarked by Election Day and arrived later. A federal judge has temporarily blocked Trumps order while a legal challenge is ongoing. Voters who live overseas or serve in the military are largely protected by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, which guarantees military members who are stationed abroad can still participate in elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Republicans filed a flurry of lawsuits in battleground states to target ballots cast by American voters living abroad including military service members by challenging the 40-year-old law. Republicans launched legal battles in 2024 to restrict active-duty troops and Americans abroad from casting absentee ballots while out of the country, and the Trump administrations attempts to take federal control of election administration are being challenged in court (AP) Less than two months before Election Day, Trump raged without evidence that Democrats are working so hard to get millions of votes from Americans living overseas. Actually, they are getting ready to CHEAT! he wrote. Elon Musk also amplified baseless allegations of overseas voter fraud, including sharing a post on X claiming Democrats plan to steal elections using overseas ballots. Those lawsuits were tossed out of court, but Trumps latest threats will likely trigger another wave of litigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voting is nearly entirely conducted by mail in eight states, and there already exists a rigorous system of checks and balances, as well as prosecutorial power, to ensure that only eligible citizens are voting abroad. Voters overseas must meet the same identification and registration requirements as all other voters, including providing proof of a residential address in the U.S., under penalty of law, according to the Brennan Center. Martha McDevitt-Pugh, International Chair of Democrats Abroad, said Trumps latest proposal is nothing more than an authoritarian attempt to seize control of our election systems, strip away one of the safest and most accessible ways to vote, and lay the groundwork for voter suppression in 2026. Mark Ritchie and Susan Dzieduszycka-Suinat with the U.S. Vote Foundation and its Overseas Vote program called Trumps threat unconstitutional, unprecedented, and an attack on the rights of millions of American voters, including our military and overseas citizens. Trumps latest threat to mail-in voting also came just days after he claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin told him that the 2020 election was rigged because of it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said your election was rigged because you have mail-in voting, Trump claimed to Fox News host Sean Hannity last week. He said, mail in voting, every election no country has mail-in voting. It's impossible to have mail-in voting and have honest elections. And he said that to me because we talked about 2020. He said, you won that election by so much. Trump appearing to take the advice of "authoritarian leaders abroad is not only misguided but dangerous, Ritchie and Dzieduszycka-Suinat said. The administrations threats serve only as a distraction from other failings and do not deserve serious consideration. An ex-Detroit police officer is accused of following the mother of his children into a parking lot on the citys west side, holding her at gunpoint and assaulting her while in uniform. The Wayne County Prosecutors Office on Tuesday, Aug. 19, announced it was charging Justice Calvin, 31, with assault with a dangerous weapon, felony firearm, larceny from the person and domestic violence. He turned himself in earlier the same day, according to a media release from Prosecutor Kym Worthys office. Calvin, who was a probationary officer and was not on duty at the time, allegedly trailed the woman in his vehicle to the parking lot of a nursing home at Schaefer and Fenkell just before midnight on Jan. 26, the release and Detroit police said. Once in the parking lot, he pointed his gun at her and forcefully removed her from the passenger side of her vehicle, then physically assaulted her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following day the department suspended Calvin and a few days later filed an extreme risk protection order against him under Michigan law, also known as a red flag law. It can temporarily relieve an individual from possessing a gun. The department fired Calvin on March 25, officials said. At his Tuesday arraignment in 36th District Court, he was given a $50,000 bond with a GPS tether and ordered to have no contact with the woman. An attorney for Calvin wasn't immediately listed in court records. The evidence in this matter concerning Mr. Calvin is egregious, the department said in a statement. Mr. Calvins actions do not align with the departments values or mission held by the officers of the Detroit Police Department. We are pleased with the charging decision by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. This story has been updated with additional information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Violet Ikonomova is a reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at vikonomova@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit officer accused of assaulting mother of his children with gun In recent months, protection of public lands has emerged as a rare point of consensus among Idaho lawmakers across the political spectrum, as residents of all political stripes filled their mailboxes with outrage over a federal proposal to sell off millions of acres of public land, including in Idaho. Now, a conservative lawmaker proposed a way to keep that land public for good. Sweet Connie was one Boise Foothills trail that was left vulnerable in U.S. Sen. Mike Lees proposal to sell off public lands. State Sen. Ben Adams, R-Nampa, said he plans to introduce an amendment to the Idaho Constitution that would guard against such plans. At a ceremony near Pine, east of Boise near the Sawtooth National Forest, he unveiled the proposed legislation to prevent Idaho from selling off lands it acquired from the federal government. It would also create a fund to distribute revenues from land use timber harvesting, grazing and recreation to public schools in rural communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All too often in our political climate today, we find ourselves pitted against one another on this issue or that issue, he said in a statement shared with the Idaho Statesman. But from time to time, we find ourselves, regardless of political party, standing shoulder to shoulder, not as partisans, but as citizens, to protect something that we all have a shared ownership in. Unlike a bill, which needs only a simple majority from both chambers, amending the Idaho Constitution requires the support of two-thirds of both the state House and Senate. If Adams amendment secures those votes, it would appear as a a ballot measure for voters on the November 2026 general election ballot. Adams, a retired Marine Corps sergeant who works in construction, served in the House from 2020 to 2022 and has served one term in the Senate. In 2021, he gave a speech urging fellow lawmakers to resist using federal money and invoked the prospect of civil war. He also sponsored a bill to require Congress to formally declare war before Idaho National Guard troops could be deployed overseas. Sen. Ben Adams, R-Nampa House Minority Leader Rep. Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, told the Statesman that Adams proposal reflected a shift in public opinion after U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, pitched the idea of selling off federal land to private owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For years, Rubel said, shed seen a subset of Republican lawmakers express support for selling off public land, but until the federal proposal came to a head, I dont think the proponents of that viewpoint really had an understanding of how unpopular their viewpoint was. It had just been kind of percolating under the covers for a long time, she said by phone. Sometimes, things can get going pretty far in an ideological bubble without the public really knowing its happening. And then, once it comes to peoples attention, the full force of its unpopularity becomes clear. Rep. John Vander Woude, R-Nampa, unsuccessfully cosponsored a bill with Rubel to preserve public land this year. That bill passed in the House but never made it to the Senate floor for a vote. The measure faced stiff opposition from the Idaho Farm Bureau, which argued that the state and federal governments already own too much land in Idaho, said Sean Ellis, a spokesperson for the bureau. Government ownership erodes the local tax base and restricts the states economy, he said. Ellis didnt answer a question about whether the bureau would support or oppose Adams proposed amendment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We appreciate Sen. Adams sharing his proposal with us, he told the Statesman by email. Our members are reviewing his proposal and will be offering feedback. Jeffrey Lyons, a professor of political science at Boise State University, said hes not surprised to see lawmakers from both sides of the aisle standing up for public land. State and national polling data show widespread, bipartisan support for such a move. A 2025 poll by Conservation Voters for Idaho, for example, found that 96% of over 1,000 Idahoans believed that public lands should remain public. Nearly 90% opposed Lees proposal, the organization found. A nationwide April poll by the Trust for Public Land found that 71% of Americans opposed the sale of public lands. I think you would be really hard-pressed to find actual evidence that says the public supports the sale of public lands in the way that Lees proposal envisioned, Lyons said. Ive seen nothing that would suggest that. New public lands sale bill leaves Boise Foothills vulnerable, critics say My mailbox exploded: Threat of Idaho public lands sales prompted outcry The App Store Accountability Act would require minors to receive parental consent prior to downloading any application from app marketplaces. (Photo by Jacques Julien/Getty Images) No responsible parent would let their child sign a contract to buy a house or car. Yet today, minors enter into binding agreements with just a few taps in an app store. In this application-driven digital landscape, regulating what our children download has never been more important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a 2023 Gallup poll, U.S. teens spend nearly five hours a day on their phones, underscoring the need and urgency for parental oversight. Screentime is skyrocketing across the country. Now, more than ever, something needs to be done to counter this trend. A May 2024 survey by the state Department of Education found that 83% of high school teachers in South Carolina said cellphones were a daily distraction in class, reported South Carolina Public Radio. Thats a figure recorded before the states recent classroom phone restrictions. Despite this, parents currently have no meaningful way to control what their children download from app stores, making it clear that stronger safeguards and accountability are urgently needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The App Store Accountability Act (ASAA), introduced by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Rep. John James (R-Michigan), would require minors to receive parental consent prior to downloading any application from app marketplaces. This piece of legislation marks a pivotal step toward restoring parental control in the digital age and ensuring tech giants are held accountable for the content they allow children to view. Importantly, South Carolina doesnt have to wait on Washington to act. Rep. Brandon Guffey of York County has introduced legislation in the South Carolina General Assembly modeled after the ASAA, demonstrating a willingness to lead on this issue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This legislation can empower South Carolina parents with direct oversight of what their children download, making our state one of the first to put families not tech companies in the drivers seat when it comes to digital safety. Not only would the ASAA require parental verification for minors attempting to download an app, but it would also make sure app age ratings accurately match the content and in-app experiences. As of now, Google and Apple app ratings simply act as guidelines, ignoring the drastic repercussions of age ratings that are far too low. Through required download permission and accurate content rating, we can create a safer digital environment for our children. Parents across the country have voiced strong support for the ASAA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a national poll conducted by the Digital Childhood Alliance, 88% of U.S. parents support requiring children to gain their approval before downloading an app. This broad support emphasizes a growing consensus around the need for greater regulation of app store platforms. Holding app marketplaces accountable for the content they provide in their app stores is not just a parental concern, its a bipartisan one. Support spans the political spectrum, with 86% of Republican parents and 80% of Democratic parents in favor of holding app stores accountable, according to the poll released in May. The momentum is already building, with Texas, Utah, and Louisiana leading the way by passing legislation which places power into the hands of parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement South Carolina could join this growing list of states standing up for children and families. I believe the App Store Accountability Act respects our First Amendment rights as well. Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that requiring age verification in the attempt to shield minors from inappropriate content, such as pornography, is not a violation of our constitutional rights. By promoting digital child safety, the ASAA respects the rights of both parents and children while keeping app stores in check. South Carolina can lead by example. Families across the Palmetto State are looking for commonsense solutions that restore parental oversight in the digital age. Legislation in Columbia and Washington can put families first and ensure our children are protected from the unchecked power of tech giants. Protestors walk from the end of the block to the Frank M. Johnson Federal Courthouse in Montgomery on Monday, August 18, 2025. People gathered at the courthouse to urge the states Congressional delegation to repeal the budget reconciliation bill they passed in July because of the negative impact that it will have for families who are struggling throughout the state. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector) Civil rights groups and faith organizations staged a mock funeral at the Frank M. Johnson Federal Courthouse in Montgomery Monday in protest of a federal budget with steep cuts to health and hunger programs. Beloved, today we stand not only in protest, but in mourning, said Rev. Valtoria Jackson, lead organizer for the Alabama Poor Peoples Campaign in Montgomery, shortly before marching into the courthouse to seek a meeting with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, who voted for the legislation. We are gathered as if at a funeral for the millions of lives that the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill, that passed in July 2025 has placed under a death sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attendees began with a mock funeral procession that featured two caskets made from cardboard, one for an adult and another, smaller one, meant for a child, before speakers talked about the negative impact of the funding reductions to the program for roughly 30 minutes. They then marched into the lobby of the federal courthouse requesting to speak with Tubervilles staff. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A message was sent to Tuberville on Monday seeking comment. We are hoping that Tommy Tuberville somewhere, somehow, will get the message as to how many people, here in this state, is going to be hurt, who might die, because of the bill he voted to pass to take away health care and to take away SNAP benefits from people, said Rev. Carolyn Foster, who leads the Poor Peoples Campaign in Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protest was one of several planned around the state at the offices of Alabama congressional members who supported the bill. Advocates expressed their concerns with cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the bill. Advocates also warned the bill would hurt those living in poverty throughout the state, particularly children, who rely on the programs. The legislation allows subsidies to expire at the end of the year that were made available in President Joe Bidens administration for people who purchase Affordable Care Act plans through the health care exchange market. The budget reconciliation bill also reduces funding for the SNAP program by shifting a larger burden of the administrative cost to the state. It will also force the state to provide a greater share of the benefits. The legislation imposes a penalty if the error rate, the frequency that the state makes a mistake by providing food benefits to those who do not qualify, reaches 6%. The error rate for Alabama, one of the lowest in the country, is 7%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont know anyone whose life got better because they lost access to health insurance, said Tabitha Isner, vice chair of the Alabama Democratic Party, who attended the event. Similarly, losing access to SNAP means losing access to food, having a tighter family budget and that is always going to negatively impact people. Often, we are talking about children who are losing their access to food. **Related Video Above: Heat responsible for dogs dying while left outdoors in Northeast Ohio CANTON, Ohio (WJW) A woman was arrested after her brand-new puppy died from being left in a hot car last month, the Stark County Sheriffs Office reported. Tawanna Cox, a 49-year-old from Canton, has been charged with cruelty to animals and falsification, according to court records. Becoming more outraged: Are animal abuse rates going up in Northeast Ohio? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hartville police said Cox left the 6-to-8-week-old puppy in her vehicle while she went shopping at a thrift store for over an hour on July 28. A criminal complaint said the dog did not have access to water, ventilation or proper air conditioning during that time. Tawana Cox. Stark County Sheriffs Office Temperatures that day reportedly reached 90 degrees. Cox, who was described as visibly upset that day, told police she brought the dog in to shop with her, placing the animal under her shirt. However, surveillance video did not show any evidence of that, police said. Exotic Flower busted twice selling drugs near school: police Hartville police also spoke with witnesses who called in the incident that day, saying they overheard a woman yelling shes dead after taking a pet carrier out of her car. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cox was arrested Monday and is expected to be back in court soon, according to Hartville police. She was released from the Stark County jail on a $2,500 bond. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. A Canton woman was arrested after allegedly leaving her puppy to die in a hot car while she went shopping. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Tawana Cox, 49, was charged with cruelty to animals and falsification after police discovered she left a six-to-eight-week-old puppy in her car without water or air on July 28, WOIO, a CBS affiliate in Cleveland, reported. The temperature reached 90 degrees that day. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police stated that surveillance video showed Cox was away from the vehicle for over an hour, WOIO reported. Cox allegedly claimed the puppy was with her, stuffed inside her shirt, but police said video evidence showed otherwise. Cox was arrested on Monday. She was later released from the Stark County Jail on a $2,500 bond. Shes scheduled to be in court for her arraignment on Wednesday. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Brief WWII medals that were found at a garage sale have been returned to their rightful owner. A man from Royal Oak discovered the awards for a WWII veteran in a safe. ROYAL OAK, Mich. (FOX 2) - FOX 2 viewers came through big time for a Royal Oak man trying to get some World War II medals he found in an antique safe back to the family of their rightful owner. He called FOX 2 for help, and we did some digging as well as many viewers. Big picture view We got loads of emails from viewers who did their internet detective work and helped connect the dots. And now we can tell you the medals found in that safe are on their way to a family way out in the Show Me State. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holly Jurgensen of St. Louis, Missouri was absolutely stunned when she learned that Ben Cameron of Royal Oak found precious World War II medals in an antique safe he purchased at a garage sale. "Didnt know very much about him at all. I have a little picture thats about all I know about him," Jurgensen said. "A picture of him in high school and thats about it." Cameron says they were awarded to her grandfather, Milford Magnuson. He called FOX 2 and our viewers worked some genealogical magic. "Im really glad I found them," Cameron said. "A lot of it was through a friend of mine, Nick. He sent me some info after your story aired, and then I took it. I ran with it and connected some dots and here we are. Ultimately, it led me to finding his daughter - so it would be Milfords biological granddaughter." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Weve been doing a little research. I have an aunt, and shes actually done a lot so she was the first call I made when I found out about this. Well talk once we get the medals and see if I can find out more about," said Jurgensen. The backstory Cameron says the man selling the items said he had never opened an old safe that he was selling. He brought the item home and had a locksmith drill a hole in the safe, opening it up. In the safe, Cameron found prescription pads, letters, and a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star from WWII. History on the Page "Along with all that, a letter of commendation to the recipient dated June 30th 1945," Cameron read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He then reads the following: "That Private First Class Milford Magnuson received the Bronze Star as well as the Purple Heart for meritorious service under fire in the Pacific theater of World War II. Despite the intense enemy fire private Magnusson with utter disregard for his own safety, move forward and administered first aid to every wounded man at in the platoon. Several of the wounded he carried back to a position of safetyin addition to caring for the men of the machine gun platoon, Private Magnuson cared for more than 20 riflemen during the day. When he ran out of medical supplies, he proceeded to the aid station for more supplies - even though he was enemy mortar and artillery fire along the entire route." Cameron told FOX 2 that his first thought was why Carl, whose name was labeled on the safe, had these items in the first place. "Being a veteran myself, I feel like this would be really important to the family. Gosh knows Milford is probably passed on by now being a World War II vet from 1945." The Source FOX 2 spoke with Ben Cameron for information on this report. U.S. President Donald Trump, right, greets Russian President Vladimir Putin at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15, 2025.
Credit - Andrew HarnikGetty Images It was around midnight in Moscow when Vladimir Putin took a call from the White House about the latest proposals for ending the war in Ukraine. President Donald Trump had just spent several hours in meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and seven other leaders from Europe who had come along in a frantic effort to shore up U.S. support for the Ukrainian position. Now Trump was telling Putin about what he believed needed to be the next step: The leaders of the warring sides, Trump said, should meet in person and try to make progress toward peace. Putin seemed to have other plans. After the call, the Kremlin issued a mealy-mouthed statement, suggesting that it might be worth exploring the possibility of raising the level of representatives in future peace talks. Whatever that means, it seemed a long way from accepting Trumps invitation for Putin sitting down with Zelensky. On other points, too, the Russians reverted on Monday to their familiar methods of wartime diplomacy: making threats, issuing demands, and playing for time to continue their invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The threats from Moscow became especially aggressive when it came to the central question of Mondays closely watched talks at the White House: How to secure any peace agreement with the Russians? Who would guarantee that peace? And by what means? On these points, Trump seemed to move closer to the position of his European allies. Well help them out with that, he said during his press conference with Zelensky early in the day. We will give them very good protection, very good security. He even said the protections would be NATO-like, echoing the promises of several European members of the NATO alliance, who have expressed a willingness to secure any future peace deal in Ukraine using their own troops. Those statements began to approach what President Zelensky has long been seeking: a clear commitment from the U.S. and its allies that they would step in to defend Ukraine from any future Russian invasion. Without such a commitment from his allies, Zelensky has argued that Ukraine cannot agree to any peace deal, because it would be based on little more than Putins word. Trumps promise on Monday to help out with the future defense of Ukraine seemed like a tentative but tangible step on the path to real security guarantees. It was enough to provoke a furious response from Moscow. In another statement issued during Trumps talks in the White House on Monday, the Russian foreign ministry said that any scenario involving NATO troops coming to Ukraines defense in the future would risk an uncontrolled escalation of the conflict with unpredictable consequences. Any firm attempt to secure the peace, in other words, would only deepen the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That did not leave Trump with any clear options for advancing the peace process beyond the latest stage of Russian obstructionism. In his concluding statement on Monday, after at least five hours of talks with the visiting leaders from Europe, Trump said he began the arrangements for a meeting between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine. But he did not say Putin had agreed during their call to participate in any such meeting. On the crucial question of security guarantees for Ukraine, Trump also sounded a lot more circumspect as the long day of negotiations wound down. We discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. This sounded a lot less convincing than Trumps suggestion earlier in the day that Ukraine would receive a NATO-like commitment to its security. But, given the pushback he got from the Kremlin, Trump did not have room to promise much more. Last week, after his summit with Putin in Alaska, he had already set aside his main source of leverage over the Russiansthe threat of sanctions and tariffs that could weaken Putins economy. We dont have to think about that right now, Trump remarked. In a TV interview on Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the threat of sanctions against Russia was off the table for now. I dont think new sanctions on Russia are going to force them to accept ceasefire, Rubio said on NBCs Meet the Press. But it wasnt clear on Monday what other means Trump has to bring Putin to the negotiating table. Based on the Kremlins responses to his latest effort at securing a durable peace, the Russians would much rather let the war continue. Contact us at letters@time.com. Russian President Vladimir Putin hoped to meet alone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the two countries try to work towards peace, but U.S. President Donald Trump keeps saying he needs to be involved in the talks. Days after Trump met with Putin during a summit in Alaska, Trump met with Zelensky and several European leaders at the White House Monday to try to find the best path forward to end Russias war in Ukraine. After the meeting, the U.S. president called his Russian counterpart to begin making arrangements for a meeting between Putin, Zelensky and himself, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Putin mentioned wanting a bilateral meeting with Zelensky, but Trump suggested that he be included, a senior administration official told Politico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the U.S. president offered to attend a potential Zelensky-Putin meeting, the Russian leader reportedly said: You dont have to come. I want to see him one-on-one. Russian President Vladimir Putin told President Donald Trump that he wanted to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky one-on-one but Trump insists that he needs to be part of the discussions, according to a report. (AFP/Getty) Trumps team started working on that, the official told Politico. Steve Witkoff has the assignment to get it figured [out]. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment. Following the Alaska summit Friday, Trump appeared on Fox News Hannity, where he emphasized that both Zelensky and Putin want the U.S. president to be present for a meeting between them. Then, over the past several days, Trump has continued to push the idea that there should be trilateral meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't know if I trust the two of them in a room alone together. I think it would be better if you are there, Fox News host Sean Hannity said. Trump agreed: They both want me there, and I'll be there. You got to see it out. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who attended Mondays White House meeting, suggested that Putin had agreed to meet with Zelensky after his call with Trump within the next two weeks - but a date has not yet been set. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told state-run channel Rossiya-24 that Russia is open to participating in either a trilateral or bilateral meeting, BBC reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The key point is that these formats are not pursued for the sake of media coverage or evening broadcasts," Lavrov said. "Any contacts involving national leaders must be prepared with the utmost thoroughness. Following Mondays summit, Zelensky declared: We are ready for a trilateral. Zelensky and Trump met at the White House as they work toward finding a peace deal and end to the war with Russia. (AFP via Getty Images) If the leaders of Russia and Ukraine meet, it would mark the first one-on-one since 2019 in Paris, three years before Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, a move that launched the war. Trump touted Mondays summit as a very good meeting, during which the world leaders discussed security guarantees for Ukraine that would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America, according to the U.S. president. Regarding the trilateral meeting, the U.S. president wrote: Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are already working on the concrete content of the security guarantees, Zelensky said in a social media post Tuesday, hailing Mondays meeting as truly a significant step toward ending the war. World leaders who attended the meeting also praised the progress that was achieved. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that there was "real progress" and a "real sense of unity." Merz similarly said "the path is open now" for a temporary ceasefire, but the next steps are "more complicated. During a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, Russian leader Vladimir Putin offered to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Moscow. Source: BFMTV citing AFP, with reference to well-informed anonymous sources Details: One AFP source reported that "Putin mentioned Moscow" during the call on Monday. The source said the Ukrainian president, who was in the White House with European leaders at the time, "answered no." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Peter Andre "worries" a lot as a parent to younger children. Emily MacDonagh and Peter Andre have different parenting styles The 52-year-old media personality has daughters Amelia, 11, and 16-month-old Arabella, and son Theo, nine, with his 36-year-old wife Emily MacDonagh, and the doctor has revealed how the pair have different parenting styles. Emily told the latest issue of the UK's new! magazine: "Pete definitely worries more, whereas I'll think of it, deal with it and it's done. "I understand why he worries, but I feel like if you don't teach them not to do something, as soon as you remove that barrier, they'll just do it anyway. "He would have stair gates absolutely everywhere if he could, so we've compromised! I have put a stair gate in the door that goes out of the kitchen because Arabella can get to the stairs otherwise. "The shape of our stairs means we can't put a gate at the bottom. It drives everybody nuts, and we all end up climbing over it because no one can ever open it. "To me, that's fine, though, because I want her to be safe." Peter also has son, Junior, 20, and daughter, Princess, 18, with his ex-wife, model Katie Price, 47, but Emily did not realise how tricky parenthood would be before her and Peter's own bundles of joy arrived. She explained: "I'm a real perfectionist and you can't parent perfectly - as good as your intentions are. I've learned that that's OK because you can't be perfect at anything, and parenting is the same. "It is tough, but then the things in life that are worth having, worth achieving, are the things that are tough. If it was easy, you wouldn't get that sense of achievement and satisfaction from it." Emily and Peter - who got married at Mamhead House and Castle in Devon, South West England, in July 2015 - have finally caved and recently gave their eldest child Amelia a mobile phone, but with strict guidelines given how "dangerous" social media and the internet can be for children. She said: "Millie's only just got a phone, which I reluctantly gave in about because she's going to secondary school. "She's allowed it for one hour on a Saturday, one hour on a Sunday - downstairs only - and she's not allowed WhatsApp or any social media at all. "And I check her phone." Africa's telecom leaders have called on governments and regulators to adopt and nationalise a Model Framework for Building Internet Resilience in Africa. The leaders called for the framework to be adopted at a virtual forum convened by the African Telecommunications Union (ATU), the Internet Society (ISOC) and the African Network Information Centre (AFRINIC). The model framework focuses on three areas: Networks and ISPs, critical infrastructure such as power grids and cables, and market conditions that influence affordability and demand. Under the framework, responsible entities, such as an electricity utility, a MNO, an ISP, an Internet Exchange Point, or a country-code top-level domain registry, will have to prepare a Plan for Resilience within one year, from the date the framework is officially adopted in a country. The plan must then be reviewed and updated annually and be consistent with the entity or operator's Continuity and Reconstitution Plans. It should set out how the organisation will incorporate the resilience qualities of redundancy, resourcefulness, and rapid recoverykey elements in achieving overall robustnessinto its operations. The forum organisers warned that the continent remains one cable-cut or nationwide blackout away from another digital standstill, pointing to West Africa's four-cable snap in March 2024, and other disasters that cut power and internet access across the continent in recent times. ATU Secretary-General John Omo said that every blackout is a flashing red warning. "Connectivity remains Africa's nervous system and when it stutters, schools, hospitals and markets stutter too. This framework is our insurance policy against digital darkness," he said. ISOC's Director of Internet Development, Kevin G. Chege said investing in collecting various metrics to assess how resilient the internet is across different countries, is the first step to achieving Internet Resilience. "Once adopted, the model framework will help decision-makers in strengthening infrastructure and policy for more reliable Internet connectivity across Africa," Chege said. The framework will be made available to member state administrations of ATU and thereafter published for visibility to all stakeholders. "I urge member states to adopt this Framework and to be actively involved in its implementation," said Secretary General Omo. Top US and European military officers met in Washington Tuesday to discuss the mechanics of a possible Ukraine peace deal, after President Donald Trump ruled out sending American troops to back an agreement but suggested air support instead. In a flurry of diplomacy aimed at ending the war, Trump brought Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders to the White House on Monday, three days after his landmark encounter with Russia's Vladimir Putin in Alaska. But while Trump said Putin had agreed to meet Zelensky and accept some Western security guarantees for Ukraine, those promises have been met with extreme caution by Kyiv and Western capitals, and many details remain vague. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin proposed holding the summit with Zelensky in Moscow, three sources familiar with a call between Trump and the Russian leader told AFP. One source said Zelensky immediately said no to meeting in the capital of his country's invader. The US president nevertheless said he remained "optimistic" about the process after having met separately with Putin and Zelensky. "Now I thought it would be better if they met without me, just to see," Trump told conservative host Mark Levin on his syndicated radio show Tuesday. "We'll see how they do." As Western leaders push for an agreement, top US officer General Dan Caine held talks Tuesday evening with European military chiefs to discuss "best options for a potential Ukraine peace deal," a US defense official told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The in-person talks precede a Wednesday virtual meeting of military chiefs from NATO's 32 member countries. Trump, long a fierce critic of the billions of dollars in US support to Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022, earlier said European nations were "willing to put people on the ground" to secure any settlement. "France and Germany, a couple of them, UK, they want to have boots on the ground," Trump told Fox News. "We're willing to help them with things, especially, probably, if you talk about by air." Asked what assurances Trump had that US troops would not be sent, he replied: "Well, you have my assurance and I'm president." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Allies discuss next steps - The White House later doubled down on Trump's statements -- but gave few new details on the summit or security guarantees. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump "has definitively stated US boots will not be on the ground in Ukraine" and that use of US air power was an "option and a possibility." She insisted Putin had promised Trump he would meet Zelensky, and said top US officials were "coordinating" with Russia on a summit. Trump had dramatically interrupted his Monday meeting with Zelensky and the Europeans to call the Russian leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pressed by radio host Levin about Trump's method for such crunch negotiations, the president said: "It's probably instinct more than process." Allies have expressed doubts that Putin will go through with the bilateral meeting, but the Europeans are eyeing a possible peace deal following the Trump talks. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held virtual consultations with around 30 of Ukraine's allies, known as the "Coalition of the Willing." Starmer told them coalition teams and US officials would meet soon to "prepare for the deployment of a reassurance force if the hostilities ended," a Downing Street spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Geneva, Budapest floated - Russia has warned that any solution must also protect its own "security interests" and has ruled out Ukraine joining NATO. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov added that any meeting between the leaders "must be prepared very thoroughly." Lavrov's comments, and Putin's offer of Moscow as a summit venue, reinforced European fears that Russia was once again stalling. Macron said he favored Geneva, a historic venue for peace talks. Switzerland expressed readiness to offer immunity to Putin, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another potential site for a follow-up three-way summit including Trump is Budapest. "Could be," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News when asked whether Hungary's capital could be the location. "We've got to get through the (meeting between Putin and Zelensky) first." On the streets of Kyiv, there was skepticism about whether the latest talks can end the grinding conflict. "The main problem is Putin himself doesn't want it," said Anton, a 32-year-old warehouse worker. But in Moscow, some were more optimistic. "I hope we can agree on mutually beneficial terms," said government employee Vyacheslav, 23. burs-dk/wd/mlm/st (The Center Square) Russia and Ukraine appear to be inching closer to peace, as the two leaders are set to meet after rounds of meetings between President Donald Trump and the two Eastern European presidents. The announcement follows historic meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump and several European leaders at the White House Monday afternoon, and three days after Trumps successful meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump and Zelenskyy were joined in talks at the White House by President Emmanuel Macron of France, President Alexander Stubb of Finland, Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom, Chancellor Friedrick Merz of Germany, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president indicated that Putin and Zelenskyy have agreed to meet, with multiple reports claiming the meeting will take place within a couple of weeks. At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine, Trump posted to his Truth Social. The European leaders underscored the need for security guarantees for Ukraine. During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine, Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rutte said security guarantees are vital to longstanding peace in the region. [Thirty] nations, including Japan and Australia are working on security guarantees for Ukraine. The U.S. is now stepping in. These guarantees are vital to ensure Putin never tries to invade again, the secretary general told Laura Ingraham on The Ingraham Angle. Rutte added that NATO membership for Ukraine is not on the table, which Trump opposes. Trump once again emphasized his desire for the two nations to strike a peace agreement rather than settle for a ceasefire. "All of us would obviously prefer an immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace... President Zelensky and President Putin can talk a little bit more about that... But I believe a peace agreement at the end of all of this is something that's very attainable," the U.S. president said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump made similar comments Friday evening after his meeting with Putin. 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 social media. A meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy would mark a major milestone in the war that began more than three years ago when Russia invaded Ukraine. MAGNOLIA TOWNSHIP, Ill. (WMBD) One person is dead, and two others were hospitalized after a two-vehicle head-on collision in rural Putnam County on Monday. According to the Putnam County Sheriffs Office, the collision happened just after 4:30 p.m. near the intersection of Illinois Route 18 and County Highway 1150 East. A vehicle driven by Anthony A. Herrera, 27, of Cresthill, was going east on Route 18 when it tried to pass several other vehicles. It collided with a vehicle headed west on Route 18 that was driven by Mary T. Fitzmaurice, 67, of Downers Grove, according to the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Herrera and Fitzmaurice were flown to OSF Healthcare Saint Francis Medical Center by helicopter. A passenger in Herreras car, Rivera Vasquez, 38, was taken by ambulance to the OSF Healthcare Center for Health in Streator. A fourth person, Elvis Escobar, 42, of Romeoville, who was also in Herreras car, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriffs office. The collision is currently under investigation by the Illinois State Police and the sheriffs office. This story will be updated. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com. Hamas informed the Egyptian and Qatari mediators that it had agreed to the latest Gaza hostage-ceasefire proposal on Monday. The latest Gaza ceasefire proposal agreed by Hamas is "almost identical" to an earlier plan put forward by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. On Monday, Hamas informed the Egyptian and Qatari mediators that it had agreed to the latest Gaza hostage-ceasefire proposal, a source familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel received Hamass proposal on Monday evening. An Israeli official told the Post that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will consider Hamass proposal despite it being only a partial deal that doesnt include the release of all the hostages. However, according to sources, Israels position, which includes the release of all the hostages and other conditions to end the war, has not changed. The proposal would see the release of 10 living Israeli hostages in return for a 60-day ceasefire, and the release of 150 terrorists serving life sentences. The proposal on the table would also see Israel suspend military operations in the Gaza Strip for 60 days and could be seen as a path to reach a comprehensive deal to end the war, an Egyptian official told Reuters. Axios reported that Hamass response aligns 98% with the proposal by US President Donald Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff, which Israel had previously agreed to. This was later echoed by senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu in an interview with Al Jazeera on Sunday, who stated that there is "no clause in the proposal we agreed on related to Hamas's weapons." People gather at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv during a rally calling for the release of hostages held in Gaza, August 17, 2025. (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90) Earlier, reports emerged that the meeting between Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Palestinian factions, the Egyptian intelligence minister, and Hamas representatives was positive, the Qatari Al-Araby TV said on Monday. Egypt, Qatar worked on updated proposal The meeting also demonstrated a heightened sense of responsibility and determination to end the war, Al-Araby TV continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Qatars prime minister arrived in Egypt to meet with mediators regarding a potential hostage deal on Monday, sources familiar with the details told the Post. Hamas received an updated ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar during a meeting also attended by representatives from several Palestinian factions, Al-Araby TV reported. This is a developing story. Amichai Stein and Walla contributed to this report. Feldstein's close acquaintances said from the start that he wouldn't agree to be a state's witness - to "turn sides." Discussions have been taking place over the last few weeks between Qatargate suspect Eli Feldstein and prosecutors regarding the possibility of him becoming a states witness, a source familiar with the details said. Feldstein allegedly leaked classified military documents to the German tabloid Bild after permission for their publication was denied by the Israeli military censor. Documents published to sway public opinion on hostage talks The documents were eventually published, allegedly to sway public opinion on the hostage negotiations - at the reported behest of Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was around August 2024, when six hostages were killed by their Hamas captors in a tunnel: Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Almog Sarusi, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Carmel Gat, and Alex Lobanov. The source noted that the option of Feldstein becoming a states witness is being discussed, but that nothing is final yet. Demonstrators gather at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 11, 2025. (credit: US EMBASSY IN JERUSALEM) Feldsteins close acquaintances said from the start that he wouldnt agree to be a states witness or to turn sides. Now, though, the prosecution will be left to decide if what he can provide in terms of materials is significant enough to breach that consideration. A senior public defense official told Walla that the prosecution will need to ascertain what information it can draw out of Feldstein that he hasnt already told Israel Police and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) in interrogations. Both the state prosecution and Feldsteins legal team said they could not comment on specifics of the case. Police have warned against allowing Urich to return to work. A tense hearing took place at the Lod District Court on Tuesday before Judge Amit Michles over whether to lighten the restrictive release conditions of Yonatan Urich, an aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and one of the chief suspects in the Qatargate investigations. Michles ruled that Urichs restrictive conditions will continue until September 10, while his requirement to stay inside Israels borders will be in effect until September 12. This means he wont be able to make contact with anyone in the Prime Ministers Office including the prime minister himself or at Perception, the company owned by fellow Qatargate suspect Israel Einhorn, which sits at the center of the investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Urichs defense made two main arguments. The first is that he wasnt operating as a public servant, but rather as a private citizen, and therefore there is no justification in blocking him from returning to his employment and making contact with anyone connected to the Prime Ministers Office. The second is that there is no justification in not matching his release conditions to that of Eli Feldstein or anyone else interrogated in connection with the case the former military spokesman for the PMO and the first individual to be questioned on the matter. Both were arrested in March on suspicion of alleged connections to Qatar and having organized a public relations campaign for the Gulf state while it serves as a negotiator in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks and has close connections to the terrorist organization that launched the cross-border massacre attack on October 7, killed 1,200 people, and kidnapped 251, of whom it is still holding 50 captive. Urichs charges included contact with a foreign agent, disclosure of classified information, bribery, fraud, breach of trust, and obtaining by fraud. His detention was extended twice, once in April, when he was released to house arrest, and then again one month later, in May, under restrictive conditions. Yonatan Urich, adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen before a press conference in Tel Aviv on October 3, 2022. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90) Last week, Rishon Lezion Magistrates Court Judge Menahem Mizrahi freed Urich from all restrictions but gave police the opportunity to appeal the decision, which it did, leading to the Tuesday hearing; Michles accepted the appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first time Michles overturned a ruling, in this case issued by Mizrahi, lending to two very different interpretations of the legal and evidentiary bases for the polices requests. Urichs team can accept the decision or appeal to the Supreme Court. Urich's actions reportedly undermined interests of PMO, Israeli public Israel Police, in contrast, tried to establish that Urich indeed did function as a public servant and that his actions undermined the interests of the PMO and the Israeli public at large. Police representative Supt. Aviv Porat said before the court that materials coalesced in the interrogation indicate a significant suspicion that after October 7 and as criticism bloomed against Qatar for its connections with and involvement in Hamas the Gulf state queried Israeli figures to initiate a public-relations campaign to better its image in the eyes of the Israeli public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porat added that this alleged plan, approved by Qatari elements, allegedly included several courses of action, all aimed at shifting the impression Israelis had of the Gulf state post-October 7. Urich and other figures played a central role in the execution, he said. Urichs specific talent was formulating and pushing the messages out to the public, he added. PORAT EMPHASIZED that at the core of the issue is the nature of the messaging. If it was a different state working with Qatar on public relations for an electrical company, there would be a greater doubt as to whether state security was compromised, he said. He specified, The suspicion is that a man employed by the Likud and working in the PMO during the war was, per the suspicions, bribed by a foreign state to which he provided similar services, all without coming clean about it, not in the legal realm nor in the moral one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porat pointed out that several of the individuals who provided testimony in the case attested to Urich being a public servant. Michles noted in his decision that the question of whether Urich operated as a public servant or not is only one factor of many in the proceedings. Last week, Mizrahi cited statements Netanyahu made in his own testimony on the matter, indicating that there was nothing wrong with Urich allegedly cooperating with Qatar, being that it is not an enemy state. Michles wrote on Tuesday that it is questionable and unusual that if the prime minister and the defendant are so close, as the evidence suggests, why didnt he [Netanyahu] know of the simultaneous work Urich was doing for Qatar? Porat added that there is more work required from investigators. When Michles said that by that logic, the investigation will never reach a concluding point, Porat responded that the conditions under which Urich will be allowed to return to his place of work may enable an obstruction of the investigation. The police representative added that by current estimates, the investigation against Urich is due to wrap up within the next 45 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a man who is under investigation and may legitimately be allowed to return to the very same place from which he carried out the alleged crimes, said Porat. Noa Milstein, Urichs lawyer, noted that anyone else who was interrogated or provided testimony was allowed to return to their place of work. She added that the list of forbidden contacts was never actually approved by the court and that the list reflects the intentions of the interrogators. Milstein called forbidding Urich to return to either of his places of employment draconic, especially considering there is no projected end date to the investigation, and others who were investigated are free to work. I found one case in the last three years where this protocol was upheld, and it was an exceptional case, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Porat noted that, by all accounts, Urichs paychecks from the Likud are still active, and that there is nothing stopping him from financing himself in other ways with other clients. The crux of the investigation, as it has been revealed to the public so far, is the leaked documents affair, in which Feldstein allegedly leaked classified military documents to the German tabloid Bild after permission for their publication was denied by the Israeli military censor. This was allegedly done at the direction of Urich and Israel Einhorn, another aide who was interrogated in connection with the case last month from where he resides in Serbia. The documents were eventually published, allegedly to sway public opinion on the hostage negotiations. This was around August 2024, when six hostages were killed by their Hamas captors in a tunnel: Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Almog Sarusi, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Carmel Gat, and Alex Lobanov. Aug. 19WILKES-BARRE During the preliminary hearing for homicide suspect William Hunter Snyder held in April, his attorney, Peter Paul Olszewski Jr., vigorously questioned the timing when the Pennsylvania State Police gave Miranda warnings to his client. Olszewski Jr. again raised the issue of Miranda during a pre-trial hearing before Luzerne County Judge Joseph F. Sklarosky Jr. on Tuesday. Snyder, 27, of Milton, a former state trooper, was arrested Jan. 22 for the fatal ambush shooting of John "Johnny" Rabbitz Jr., 44, after knocking on the front door of Rabbitz's residence in Sugarloaf Township on Jan. 21, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Snyder was apprehended, he was reportedly given his Miranda warnings by state police Cpl. Brian Noll prior to Snyder being detained at the Montour County Prison, where he worked, but was not given his constitutional rights a second time before he was in "custodial detention" when interrogated at the State Police barracks in Hazleton. Olszewski Jr., who along with Attorney Rachel D. Olszewski are representing Snyder, claimed he has not yet received confirmation Snyder signed the Miranda waiver form that indicates his constitutional rights were given to him. Olszewski Jr. further argued that he has yet to receive from the district attorney's office evidence, including a recorded video of Snyder's interrogation. "There are major pieces of evidence we don't have," Olszewski Jr. said, who also argued Snyder's Snapchat history may have been illegally obtained by investigators without a search warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are some serious questions here," Olszewski Jr. said. Deputy District Attorney Daniel E. Zola said all discovery the exchange of evidence, in possession of investigators and the state police has been turned over to Olszewski Jr. in the form of a thumb drive, including Snyder's signed Miranda waiver. Zola calculated, perhaps, the thumb drive is not being recognized by Olszewski's computer software. Zola said ballistics testing and a laboratory report have not yet been finalized. Olszewski Jr. said he needs all discovery materials before he files an omnibus motion, which involves multiple requests to prohibit all or certain evidence, limit video and pictures during trial, and jury instructions. Sklarosky, during Tuesday's pre-trial hearing, extended the deadline for Olszewski Jr. to file the omnibus motion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Snyder is accused of fatally shooting Rabbitz, a staff sergeant for the U.S. Army, just after 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 21, 2025. Snyder knocked on the front door and fired multiple shots when Rabbitz opened the door, according to court records. Rabbitz managed to call 911 resulting in state police Cpl. Jason Zoshak being one of the first to arrive at the residence. Zoshak wore a body camera that recorded Rabbitz responding, "Hunter Snyder" twice when asked who would harm him, according to Zoshak's testimony during the preliminary hearing. An autopsy revealed Rabbitz died from three gunshots to his torso. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators allege Snyder killed Rabbitz as they both dated the same woman, Courtney Lee Burgard. Burgard had terminated her relationship with Snyder prior to the shooting. Olszewski Jr. is expected to include in his omnibus motion a suppression request to exclude and prohibit evidence, including the interrogation recorded video. Snyder's trial on a criminal homicide charge is scheduled for January 2026. Rep. Jason Knight, a Barrington Democrat, sits before the Rhode Island Ethics Commission on Aug. 19, 2025. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) Does a state lawmaker qualify as an independent contractor when hired by Rhode Islands court system to represent clients who cant otherwise rely on a public defender? That was the question that kept the Rhode Island Ethics Commission debating for more than 40 minutes as its members weighed Rep. Jason Knights bid to rejoin the judiciarys roster of attorneys representing indigent clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commission staff say the states ethics code clearly bars Knight from returning to the courts list because hes a lawmaker and thus an independent contractor that would be paid by the court. But the panel is now exploring whether theres a way to let him back without running afoul of its own revolving door rule. Knight, a Barrington Democrat, had been on the list before his election to the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 2016. In 2019, he requested his name be removed because the rates the criminal courts paid were not high enough. The cases were basically practice killers, he said in an interview after the ethics commission meeting. To do them correctly, you would have to set aside just about everything in your world and (as) criminal defense lawyers, were solo outfits, you need to be thoughtful in what your two hands can do on any given day. At the time, court-appointed lawyers were paid by the judiciary $90 an hour for representing clients facing Class 1 felony charges for crimes like rape, kidnapping and robbery. The rate was $60 an hour for Class 2 crimes such as breaking and entering, larceny, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and certain drug offenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers representing someone accused of murder were paid $100 an hour. In April, the Rhode Island Supreme Court increased the range from $112 for most cases to $142 per hour for clients facing murder charges. Knight now says he wants to return to the courts rotating list as a way to gain some additional revenue as he thinks about what the futures going to bring. I need to get back on the horse, Knight told the Ethics Commission. Theres just one problem: The state ethics code bars elected officials from taking state jobs until theyve been out of the General Assembly for at least a year. Thats the position staff attorney Lynn Radiches urged the commissioners to keep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indigent clients do have a right to an attorney, they do not have a right to Mr. Knight as their attorney. she said. I dont write the rules, but Ive become pretty good at interpreting them. Officials can work for the state if they held the position at the time of their election, but Radiches said because Knight withdrew from the court list in 2019 he is ineligible to return. But commissioners argue that just because Knight would be appointed by the court to a client does not mean he is necessarily working for the state. He is providing services, as an attorney, to his client just like a private attorney would be, said commissioner Frank Cenerini. And he, or any person providing indigent services, is still bound by the legal code of ethics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not how John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island and a longtime observer of the commission, sees it. The money is coming from the state of Rhode Island, Marion said in an interview. Thats the point of the rule. Chairman Lauren E. Jones acknowledged that the court may cut Knights checks, but said its only in order to represent a third party. Hes not representing the interest of his contractor, Jones argued. The panel ultimately rejected its staffs advisory opinion but stopped short of ruling in Knights favor. Instead, it directed staff to draft a new opinion on what legally defines an independent contractor in Rhode Island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Should the commission grant an exception for Knight, Marion warns it could set a dangerous precedent. If we start down that path, that only leads to a place where there is no enforceable code of ethics and thats not a good place, Marion said. The new advisory opinion is expected to be complete by the time the panel reconvenes in September. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Updated August 25, 2025 In a few short weeks, Aldine Independent School District in Texas will welcome a new cohort of ninth graders to the HEAL high school programs one of the biggest career-technical education experiments underway in the state and just one of many that the Houston-area district is implementing to ensure its graduates are equipped with real-world skills. Through a partnership with Memorial Hermann Health System the largest health care provider in the Houston area students pursue one of five pathways, identified for their resistance to automation and urgent local workforce needs: nursing, rehabilitation, pharmacy, imaging, and non-clinical administration. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter In ninth and 10th grades, students participate in job-shadowing and practice their skills in simulation labs; starting in their junior year, students have access to paid health care internships and professional mentoring, among other work-based learning experiences. Students at HEAL, or the Health Education and Learning program at Nimitz High School, still take traditional academic courses to meet state graduation requirements, but they also enroll in specialized health care classes co-taught by Memorial Hermann employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The school was established with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies. Once the school is fully phased in over the next three years, it will serve approximately 760 students who will graduate with the skills and in many cases the certifications needed to move directly into high-demand health care jobs with family-sustaining wages. Weve made a big push to re-leverage how were using CTE programs and industry-based certificates for kids that are in high-demand, high-wages career fields, says Adrian Bustillos, the chief transformation officer at the district. The hospital system was telling us we have a shortage in these pathways and careers that we need to fill. Well, lets work with our students sooner so we can get them in today. Give them access to their building, give them access to their training and to the experts in the field, and help cultivate future healthcare workers, he says. This is a game changer. The 58,000-student school district, where the vast majority of students are from low-income families, offers other workforce pathways focused on cybersecurity, energy, engineering and more partnering with local businesses to offer students real-world experiences, industry certifications and dual credit opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking ahead, Bustillos says, Aldine is focused on how to make these options available for all students and on how to orchestrate a wholesale shift from a century-old learning model rooted in class time and passing exams to one that prioritizes skills gained. How do we find the other premier programs that are rooted in a model similar to this, that students want and the community needs, and that will help drive the market? How can we leverage our thinking and drive it out to scale across the district with different pathways? Bustillos is far from the only district leader asking such questions these days. The slow recovery from the pandemic combined along with the swift integration of artificial intelligence and a workforce thats increasingly interested in skills and experiences over four-year degrees and pedigrees has scrambled long-held assumptions of teaching and learning. Faced with a moment thats forcing the education community to rethink what students should be able to do by the time they graduate, many are attempting to pivot away from test scores, GPAs and essays toward more tangible, employable skills. Indeed, Aldine is part of a new cohort of two dozen school systems from across the country whose leaders are already pursuing this type of transformation. The Future of High School Network, launched this summer by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, aims to establish a new architecture for high schools across the country one that sets ambitious goals for students, offers meaningful, rigorous and engaging learning experiences and uses improved tools to measure and accelerate student progress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The network is part of a larger effort by Carnegie to redefine the so-called Carnegie unit, or what many know as the credit hour. Developed back in 1906, the unit defines the amount of time students need to spend in a course to earn credit toward a high school diploma. More than a century later, it still serves as the basis for calculating credits needed for graduation in many states and school districts. And while it once played an important role in standardizing a fragmented public education system, the time-based system, most agree, has outlived its usefulness. There is really broad scale recognition that the current design for the American high school isnt meeting the needs of young people, isnt meeting the needs of the economy and probably isnt preparing young people effectively for participation in civic society, says Timothy Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation. You layer on top of that the intensity of the economic transition that the nation and the world is in, and it makes a very strong argument for this being an important moment for high school transformation. Lots of states are grappling with how you move away from time conflated with learning. The Carnegie unit was our creation and it doesnt really comport with what we now know about how young people learn, he says. Now is a critical moment of opportunity not for tinkering around the edges with small elegant examples but with more sustainable and scalable examples. The goal of the high school network is for members to collaborate on a framework that helps other districts modernize their outdated systems and expand competency-based high school models that accelerate student engagement, achievement and success in postsecondary education and work whether thats community college, medical school, a certificate program, the military or directly into the workforce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Career-Connected Learning: Engaging Students by Teaching Real-World Skills The cohort is wildly diverse, both geographically and when it comes to the demographics of students the schools serve. It includes traditional public school districts like Aldine, Akron Public Schools in Ohio, Roanoke County Public Schools in Virginia and New York City Public Schools; and it incorporates more innovative public and public charter systems like the Rural Alliance Zone in Indiana, and the Springfield Empowerment Zone in Massachusetts. That wasnt an accident. If the goal is to pursue high school transformation at scale, then the first step, Knowles says, is to prove that it works in states and districts that look like the rest of the country. What is it that Aldine is doing particularly preparing young people for careers in healthcare and how does that actually work in a way that would be useful for other systems across Texas, but also anywhere, and then elevating those lessons and building evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the programs are unique and, in most cases, speak to the needs of the local workforce, the through-line is the same: an endeavor to equip students with more meaningful learning. Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies student Garret Wand explores the flight simulator with Kim Mawhiney, Director of STEM. (J.K. Yezdanian) Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies student Garret Wand explores the flight simulator with Kim Mawhiney, Director of STEM. (J.K. Yezdanian) In Elizabeth City, North Carolina, students at the Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies (NEAAT) choose between three science tracks: aviation, computer, and health. All high school courses are honors courses, and the majority of students also take classes at nearby Elizabeth City State University and the College of the Albemarle. We were dissatisfied with the opportunities our students had in the region, and decided it was time to do school differently, says Andrew Harris, CEO of the academy. We strive to graduate students who are ready for the real world, and that looks quite different than taking a bunch of multiple choice tests or sitting in rows or any of the things that we might have thought about from our own experiences. We try to make sure that students learn through experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roughly one in three students at NEAAT graduate with a two-year degree, and two out of three finish with at least one year of post-secondary coursework already completed. All students participate in local internships and are encouraged to earn 150 hours of volunteering in the community. If Im going to have heart surgery, its important that the surgeon has passed the test, he says. But its a whole lot more important to me that he can actually perform the surgery and has a history of doing it. Were trying to make sure our kids can match this sort of technical knowledge with real world experiences. Appetite for the academys model is overwhelming. What started with 120 students in eighth and ninth has grown a decade later into 760 students in fifth through 12th. If the school had the funding, Harris says, it would expand enrollment by another 500 to establish a pre-K through fourth grade. The school handles enrollment through a lottery system and receives nearly four applications for every open seat. Carnegie is joined by several nonprofits and philanthropies to support the high school networks efforts, including the XQ Institute, which has been pushing school leaders to rethink high school and embrace new models of teaching and learning for the last decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We wake up every day thinking about how high school needs to change, says Keith Dysarz, chief academic officer at XQ. We have all this data that shows what were doing now isnt preparing students for success when they leave high school. For Dysarz, the most important part of the effort isnt simply dismantling the current model; its gathering data and evidence of what works to support the types of policy needed for scalable and sustainable change. Theres a lot of momentum in this work across the country right now, and this network is going to help us reimagine and envision new models for high school. We need these proof points, these examples that can turn into exemplars to really show that its possible. This article was published with the support of XQ Institute. Disclosures: The Future of High School Network and The 74 both receive financial support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, XQ and the Walton Family Foundation. "Punctum" may sound like type of punctuation, but to some scientists, it constitutes what may be a brand new type of cosmic object. In a new interview with Gizmodo, Elena Shablovinskaya, a radio astronomer at Chile's Universidad Diego Portales (UDP) and Germany's Max Planck Institute who led the team behind the find, waxed prolific about the bright dot she and her colleagues detected in a nearby galaxy. As Shablovinskaya explains, she and her colleagues at the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) radio telescope complex located in the Chilean desert were looking at the spiral galaxy NGC 4945, located within the Centaurus constellation about 11 million light years away from Earth, when they noticed a strange dot they'd never seen before. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Switching ALMA's array into polarized light, they saw something astonishing: the spot which is indeed what "punctum" means in Latin was much, much brighter than everything around it. "Everything else disappeared," she told Giz, "even the bright central black hole, and only this little dot remained." To be fair, descriptions of Punctum's incredibly powerful brightness make it easy to see why its light drowned out everything else. "Punctum is astonishingly bright 10,000 to 100,000 times more luminous than typical magnetars, around 100 times brighter than microquasars, and 10 to 100 times brighter than nearly every known supernova, with only the Crab Nebula surpassing it among star-related sources in our galaxy," the astrophysicist told Space.com in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As detailed in a new paper awaiting publication in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, Shablovinskaya and her colleagues at UDP and a consortium of other institutions in North America and Europe found that the strange splotch was still there two weeks after their initial observations, suggesting it wasn't just a telescope fluke or dying star. Instead, as she told Giz, they found something that appeared to be "hiding in plain sight," visible only in the millimeter wavelengths. As the observational graphics from the paper show, Punctum was, when viewed on the right spectrums, far brighter than its surroundings. ALMA observational graphics of the galaxy NGC 4945 and the cosmic object Punctum. Left column graphics were taken on October 11, 2023, and right column graphics were taken two weeks later on October 25, 2023. Upper two graphics show polarized intensity with brightness contours, the galaxy's nucleus marked X, and Punctum in the small, square box. The bottom two panels show Punctum's relative brightness as compared to its surroundings. Trying to figure out what they were seeing, Shablovinskaya and her colleagues compared Punctum to "every extreme object we could think of magnetars, pulsars, star-forming regions, and black hole jets." "Nothing matched," she said. Stranger still, when the team tried to look at it through ALMA's X-ray or radio telescopes, it disappeared, making it all the more mysterious and compelling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking forward, Shablovinskaya wants to investigate Punctum's bizarre polarization, which she describes as "basically a fingerprint of the magnetic environment," to see what it may reveal. "If we can measure [Punctums magnetic field] at more wavelengths or watch how it changes over time," she told Giz, "we can start to figure out what powers Punctum and whether it links to known astrophysical objects." In the meantime, the astrophysicist remains thrilled by her team's discovery. "Punctum shows us the universe can still surprise us in places we thought we understood well," Shablovinskaya told the website. "For me, its a reminder that astronomy is far from finished; were still just beginning to discover the full variety of cosmic objects out there." More on strange cosmic sightings: There's Something Really Suspicious About the Way This Star Died APJ-based hyperscale data centre specialist, AirTrunk, has secured a S$2.25 billion green loan in Singapore to fund the development of a new hyperscale data centre, AirTrunk SGP2. Located in Loyang, Singapore, the data centre will provide 70+ megawatt cloud and artificial intelligence compute capacity for Singapore and the Southeast Asian region. The transaction is Singapores largest-ever loan and green loan for a data centre, and AirTrunk says it marks a major milestone in sustainable digital infrastructure financing in the region. "It reflects growing momentum in the shift toward responsible investment and accelerates Singapores trajectory as a world-leading green finance hub a vision championed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)," AirTrunk says. The loan has been organised by the Singapore-based teams of a consortium of a number of global and local banks, including Credit Agricole CIB, DBS Bank and ING Bank, in partnership with a consortium of 23 other local and international financial institutions. The Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners were MUFG Bank; Natixis CIB; Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore), and United Overseas Bank. AirTrunk Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Robin Khuda, said the loan strengthens AirTrunks leadership in sustainable finance and reflects strong market confidence in AirTrunks growth and sustainability strategy. This financing structure highlights the strength, depth, and international scale of Singapores financial ecosystem," Khuda said. "Were proud to contribute to the nations momentum as a world-leading green finance hub while scaling our platform responsibly to deliver lasting social impact for the Singapore community. Credit Agricole CIB Head of Telecom Finance for Asia-Pacific, Jasmine Zhang, said AirTrunks SGP2 facility sets a new benchmark for responsible infrastructure development in Asia. "Its innovative green loan structure with option to convert into a sustainability linked loan (SLL) at a later stage reflects a holistic approach to long-term impact, and we are pleased to be part of this journey, Zhang said. DBS Bank Group Head of Telecommunications, Media & Technology, Western MNCs and Digital Economy, Amit Sinha, said the data centre sector is fast emerging as a key growth industry for Asia. "This landmark green loan represents the largest financing for a new data centre facility in Singapore to date, underscoring the scale and significance of the project<" Sinha said. "It comes at a pivotal time as demand for computing power continues to surge across the region. "As both a global financial hub and a data centre leader, Singapore is uniquely positioned to catalyse the sectors transformation. "We are proud to be working with AirTrunk to support the development of critical digital infrastructure in a more sustainable way. BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) The biggest back-to-school bash in Beckley returned as Raleigh County Schools hosted its annual community wellness and outreach fair. Second Annual Back-to-School End of Summer Bash hosted at Apple Tree Apartments Teachers and staff with schools around the county were on-site handing out resources and meeting with students. Raleigh County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Serena Starcher told 59News the fair is about the relationship between the schools, students, and families. One nice thing about the fair is that before school even starts, families and the students can interact with their school principal or other staff from the school, said Dr. Starcher. But then, this fair is also intended to make sure that families know what resources are available here in Raleigh County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From pencils and paper to a hot meal and a haircut, just about anything students might need for the upcoming school year was available at this years outreach fair. They get a meal today and they can get a free haircut today. Theres so much stuff thats available to them today, said Raleigh County Schools Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services, Eric Dillon. As you can see behind us, we have a school bus. They can board a bus if theyve never been on a bus. Its an absolutely great day for our parents and their students. Raleigh County students will return to the classroom on Tuesday, August 26th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole has declined to commute Ralph Menzies death sentence. His execution will go forward, and is scheduled for Sept. 5, 2025, by firing squad. A Utah Supreme Court Hearing on Thursday will be the final determination before it goes to Utah Governor Spencer Cox. Menzies was convicted in 1988 for the 1986 aggravated murder, kidnapping, and robbery of Maurine Hunsaker. He was placed on death row, where he has remained for the last 37 years as appeals have been filed. Menzies attorneys asked the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole (BOP) for a commutation hearing, citing a worsening dementia and declining health. They asked that his death sentence be commuted to life in prison without parole. The hearing was granted on July 29 and scheduled for last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUSLY: Family of murder victim speaks on final day of Ralph Menzies commutation hearing Last week, before the second day of the commutation hearing, Judge Matthew Bates issued an order denying Menzies petition to reevaluate competency. This meant that the commutation hearing before the BOP was his only option left to escape the upcoming execution. Today, the BOP issued an order stating that they will not be commuting Menzies death sentence. The order read as follows: The Board heard and carefully considered the testimony of witnesses called by both Mr. Menzies and the State. The Board also heard and thoughtfully considered testimony from ten victim representatives. After carefully reviewing all submitted information and considering all arguments from the parties, the Board does not find cause to commute Mr. Menzies death sentence. The Board hereby denies Mr. Menzies Commutation Petition and makes no change to the sentence imposed in case 031102598. Blake R. Hills, Board of Pardons and Parole Chair At the commutation hearing last week, the BOP heard from doctors who described how Menzies vascular dementia was impacting him. The family of Menzies victims also spoke, sharing their fears and horror that Menzies may not be executed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Youre going to put myself and my family through hell again, Matt Hunsaker, Maurines son, said. You guys didnt have to grant him a commutation hearing, you choose to do this. The defense argued that Menzies is no longer a danger to anyone and asserted that he only had 5-7 years left to live. Ultimately, the BOP sided with the prosecution and the victims, deciding not to commute Menzies death sentence. Menzies attorney shared the following statements with ABC4, reasserting their belief that he should not undergo the death penalty. Ralph Menzies is a 67-year-old man with progressively worsening dementia. Hes tethered to an oxygen tank, uses a wheelchair, is confused and disoriented, and no longer understands why Utah is trying to kill him. This is reason enough to grant mercy, but we also know that the sentencing judge no longer supports the basis for Mr. Menziess death sentence, the District Attorneys independent Conviction Integrity Review Panel concluded that his death sentence should be vacated because it was obtained through the use of perjury, and Mr. Menziess record for nearly 40 years on death row confirms he poses no threat to anyone in prison if given a life without parole sentence. We will continue our fight to save his life to avoid a grotesque spectacle of shooting to death a severely debilitated man with dementia. Lindsey Layer, attorney for Ralph Menzies In a release shared with ABC4, Menzies attorney brings forward the arguments previously made in the request for a commutation hearing, which can be read in this article. They told the BOP that Menzies dementia was progressing, that the trial judge does not stand by the death sentence anymore, that Menzies had a flawed criminal proceeding, and that Menzies does not pose a threat to anyone anymore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Utah Supreme Court Hearing on Thursday will be the final determination about whether Menzies will be executed. If his appeal to the Utah Supreme Court is denied, only Gov. Cox will be able to prevent Menzies execution. LEARN MORE: Ralph Menzies: Attorneys request for new competency evaluation denied by judge Who is Ralph Menzies? On February 23, 1986, Maurine Hunsaker was abducted from the Gas-A-Mat convenience store and gas station in Kearns, Utah, where she was employed. Her husband called the convenience store and went in person when she did not pick up. When he arrived, he found that Hunsaker was missing, along with her purse. According to documents, Hunsaker called the home phone and told her husband that she had been instructed to tell him she was kidnapped and robbed. A police officer spoke with Hunsaker, and she indicated that the kidnapper intended to release her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days later, on February 25, 1986, a hiker found Hunsaker deceased near a picnic area in Big Cottonwood Canyon. She had been strangled to death, according to the medical examiner, and her throat was cut. Marks on her wrists and scuffing on a nearby tree indicated that she had been tied to it somehow. During this time, Menzies was booked into jail on an unrelated burglary charge. When officers were taking his possessions, Menzies ran away and hid in a changing room. Later, identification cards were located in the changing rooms hamper, and an officer realized that they belonged to Hunsaker. Witnesses further connected Menzies to the disappearance and murder of Maurine Hunsaker, and some had even seen him with her on the night of her murder. In 1988, a jury found Menzies guilty, and he was placed on death row for the serious and senseless crime. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A district court judge has overturned Minnesotas ban on binary triggers a modification for semiautomatic firearms that greatly increases their rate of fire. Ramsey County District Judge Leonardo Castro on Monday struck down the ban that passed at the last minute of the 2024 legislative session in a more than 1,400-page bill. With just hours left to pass bills on May 19 that year, Democratic-Farmer-Labor lawmakers then in control of state government crammed nine major pieces of legislation into a massive tax bill that drew loud protests from Republicans on the House and Senate floors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Castro said merging nine bills spanning subjects from taxes to housing, education and public safety violated the Minnesota Constitutions Single Subject and Title Clause. The point of that clause is to keep bills that might not otherwise pass from being grafted to others that will a practice called logrolling. Agreeing with the gun rights group that brought the case, Castro said the bill had no discernible overarching theme based on its contents. If there has ever been bill without common theme and where all bounds of reason and restraint seem to have been abandoned, this is it, Castro wrote, quoting an earlier case. If there has ever been time for the draconian result of invalidating the entire law, that time is now, he concluded. Pales in comparison In his decision, Castro cited a 2000 decision by the Minnesota Supreme Court that removed a prevailing wage provision included in a 247-page tax bill. That bills size pales in comparison to the 2024 bill, the judge wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Castro was ruling in favor of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, which brought a lawsuit against state leaders and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty earlier this year to challenge the binary trigger ban after it went into effect in January. The gun rights group said it brought the suit in support of three harmed and anonymous individuals. The Walz administration and anti-gun legislators tried to sneak an unconstitutional restriction into a massive omnibus bill. The court said no, Gun Owners Caucus Chair Brian Strawser said in a statement. Minnesotas Constitution not backroom deals controls how laws are made in this state. Binary triggers Binary triggers are a modification that allows semiautomatic weapons to fire when the trigger is depressed and again when it is released, boosting the rate of fire. A man used a rifle with a binary trigger in a shooting that killed two police officers and a firefighter in Burnsville in 2024, prompting the DFL to push to ban them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Todays ruling is a disappointment, and makes Minnesota communities less safe, said Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul. We will work with the Attorney Generals Office and the administration to determine next steps at the state and legislative level. The office of DFL Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, which is representing the state in the case, said it plans to appeal the district court ruling. Gun control advocacy group Protect Minnesota called for state leaders to pursue an appeal and attempt to pass a new version of the ban on its own. This law was passed to prevent future tragedies like the one in Burnsville and to keep Minnesotans safe, the group said in a statement. Striking it down on procedural grounds does nothing to change the urgent need for this common sense protection. Transparency Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, a Republican from East Grand Forks, called the district court decision a win for transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This decision is a reminder that the legislative process exists to put Minnesotans first, not to sidestep them, he said in a statement. I applaud the court for reaffirming that the peoples business must be done in the light of day, not buried in last-minute sham hearings for mega-bills. DFLers, including then-House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, had argued that Republicans were obstructing the legislative process with excessive debate and that most of the language included in the huge bill received hearings in committees or seen votes on the House floor. Related Articles ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY) Despite being declared in a state of emergency in June and with the future of some schools potentially in jeopardy, Randolph County Schools welcomed its students back to school on Monday, all the same. The return of students came as consolidation talks remain on the table for schools across the county. While the uncertainty can affect faculty and students, most of the impact is happening behind the scenes and should not influence how the school year plays out. (WBOY Image) Marion County Schools to continue to provide no-cost meals to students Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the issues he faces, Randolph County Superintendent Shawn Dilly spoke with 12 News about his hopes for this new school year. My hope is weve made some real progress academically in the district. Our county has also not only been struggling financially, but academically, Dilly said, Weve put in place some different efforts this year in all of our schools, so were hoping that well see some dividends from those efforts by the end of the school year. Dilly told 12 News that Randolph County recently ranked as one of the lowest counties in the state when it came to education, and emphasized the importance of the County needing to make strides at improving that ranking. Randolph Countys low score also comes amid West Virginias education system being ranked 45th in the country earlier this month. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. Range Media Partners has been sued by Michele Solis, a former executive assistant who alleges she was given an ultimatum to accept a demotion or be fired for requesting to take a medical leave. The lawsuit, filed on Monday in California state court, brings claims for disability discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination, among several others. It seeks unspecified damages. More from The Hollywood Reporter Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Solis started at Range in 2022 as executive assistant to the CEO of Range Media, which is run by Peter Micelli, before transitioning to another role in which she provided services to crossover clients in music and film, according to her LinkedIn profile. Earlier this year, she was involved in a car accident that forced her to go on a medical leave for a week. When she returned, Solis says she was met with unexpected criticism by partner Rachel Douglas, who complained of incomplete tasks while she was away, the lawsuit says. Solis was told that there were plans to demote her to the reception desk with a lower salary, allegedly causing her to experience panic attacks. Around this time, Solis told human resources of her condition and was advised to seek medical assistance. But when she notified Range that shed be going on disability leave, she was informed that her position would no longer be available upon her return. She alleges she was cornered into accepting the demotion or face termination. The lawsuit claims Solis, who was paid a salary of roughly $85,000, was left embarrassed, ashamed, emotionally hurt, and in financial desperation for having been directly discriminated against for becoming disabled and going on a medical leave, despite her outstanding and loyal service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Range was formed in 2020 by former agents at CAA and WME, who took several high-profile clients with them to the upstart entrant to the representation space. Since then, it has grown to represent hundreds of clients across film and TV, formed a strategic partnership with A&E Networks and launched a film division through a merger with Automatik, as well as a separate music publishing arm. The company didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A rapist has been sentenced to life in prison for his attack on a Lyft driver at a Del City park last year. Andre Hunter, 21, of Oklahoma City, pleaded guilty to first-degree rape, kidnapping and other crimes on Monday, Aug. 18. He attacked the driver of the ride-sharing service on April 18, 2024, after she picked him up, police reported. The driver told police he said he was going to kill her by shooting her if she resisted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His punishment was the result of a plea agreement and came one week before his jury trial was to begin in Oklahoma County District Court. For 16 months now I have been a prisoner in my own life, bound by chains of anxiety and fear and a deep unshakeable sense of vulnerability but today I am taking back my life, the victim told Hunter in court Monday. You picked the wrong woman to mess with." In a news release, the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office said the plea agreement provided both certainty and finality. More: Two men, including suspect, die after officer-involved shooting at Enid hospital Sunday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said they are able with plea agreements in sexual assault cases "to ensure accountability while sparing victims the trauma of publicly reliving their experiences in court." Hunter said in court he was sorry. Signing off on the deal was District Judge Heather Coyle, who took over the case from District Judge Cindy Truong. The victim criticized Truong last year for letting Hunter out of jail on a so-called TEEM bond while he awaited sentencing for drug and gun offenses. The rape took place two months after his release. "I was raped by him and the judicial system," the victim complained in a written statement. "She is supposed to protect us from people like him but didn't. SHE FAILED ME!!!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Truong did not respond to the criticism directly last year. The judge did say she issued a warrant for Hunter's arrest for violating his bond conditions before the rape. "The Court notified the proper authorities immediately upon issuance of the warrant," she also said. Hunter was arrested in Langston after dropping off the victim. He was tracked down because he had the victim's cellphone. He was located exiting the victim's vehicle. Hunter backed out of pleading guilty in April, even though he had made statements for a presentence report. At that time, he was going to let Judge Coyle decide his punishment. For the presentence report, he said he had lost his mind and could not remember what took place because of his use of ecstasy pills and meth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said he dropped out of Midwest City High School after being shot. He was ordered Monday to serve his life sentence after completing a 27-year sentence imposed last year for his drug and gun offenses. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Rapist of Oklahoma Lyft driver sentenced to life in prison NEED TO KNOW Shrimp sold at Walmart is being recalled for possible radioactivity The recall comes after one lot of the shrimp, provided by an Indonesian supplier, was determined to have low levels of Cs-137, a radioactive isotope While the amount of Cs-137 present in the affected lot would not cause immediate harm, the FDA's primary concern is for prolonged, low-dose exposure, which could cause cancer Raw shrimp sold at Walmart is being recalled. The grocery store chain issued a recall of three lots of frozen raw shrimp, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shared in an announcement. The recall comes after one lot of the shrimp, imported from an Indonesian supplier, was found to contain Cs-137, a radioactive isotope with a half life of about 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FDA is now working with businesses in the U.S. that sell or distribute products from the supplier, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati (known through its business name, BMS Foods), who received items after the date Cs-137 was first detected. Walmart Great Value frozen raw shrimp. Great Value frozen raw shrimp. The recall extends to lots sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia. While the levels of Cs-137 detected in the single lot of frozen raw shrimp are classified below the FDA's Derived Intervention Level and thus is not immediately hazardous to those who consume it the organization stated its primary concern is for repeated, low-dose exposure. Prolonged consumption of Cs-137 correlates with a higher risk of cancer, as it can damage DNA in living body cells. The recalled product is Walmart's Great Value brand frozen raw shrimp, with a best by date of 3/15/27. The recalled product will feature lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1 or 8005539-1. 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 FDA found BMS Foods to be in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act, as the product appears to have been processed in unsanitary conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The supplier has been added to a new import alert for chemical contamination, so as to prevent further products from BMS Foods from entering U.S. commerce until necessary improvements have been made. An FDA investigation into the supplier is ongoing. Read the original article on People YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A 17-year-old has been charged with aggravated robbery in connection with recent carjackings at a local Dunkin Donuts and Boost Mobile, according to Boardman police reports. Read next: Teen, 14, pleads guilty to manslaughter for shooting death of 19-year-old Reports say the suspect was taken into custody on Friday. The incident at Dunkin Donuts occurred on August 8 and involved three male suspects. One of the males approached the front passenger door of the victims vehicle, tapping aggressively on the car window with a gun, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The robbers demanded their phones and keys, and then got into the victims vehicle and drove away northbound into Youngstown, the report stated. After a pursuit, the Nissan Sentra was later found on W. Dewey Avenue in Youngstown, although none of the male suspects were arrested or identified at the time. The same teenager is also charged in connection with a similar incident reported on August 12 involving the theft of a Honda Civic from a Boost Mobile parking lot on East Midlothian Boulevard. The Honda was later found in a Walmart parking lot with the temporary tags taken off the vehicle, according to another Boardman police report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report states that, with the help of the security officer present at the Walmart, they were able to identify another 17-year-old suspect who entered the store. Police arrested that teenager on charges of complicity, possession of criminal tools and receiving stolen property. He had a BB gun in his pocket at the time of his arrest, according to the report. After an investigation, a second 17-year-old suspect was charged with aggravated robbery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. TOPEKA (KSNT) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects a record 16.7 billion bushel corn crop this year, threatening to lower already record-low corn prices. Kansas farmers produce $3 billion of corn every year, averaging 700 million bushels produced over 5.5 million acres, according to the Kansas Department of Agriculture. Although corn is grown in all 50 states, Kansas ranks sixth nationally in production, and this year is supposed to be a record breaker at the national level. The price of corn is currently experiencing a five-year low, selling for an average of $4.49 per bushel, according to Macrotrends. This is down from $6.95 just three years ago, an almost 50% change. Record breaking corn yields like the one expected this year would only drive this price further down, devastating farmers across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trade war threatens Kansas soy industry, despite record yields Corn growers are already marketing their corn for extremely low corn prices, and this massive projected corn supply without market-based solutions to increasing corn demand is already causing corn prices to fall further, said National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Kenneth Hartman Jr. Because we need markets fast for this supply, we are redoubling and intensifying our call for Congress to pass pending E15 legislation that will allow for year-round consumer access to higher blends of ethanol and for the Trump administration to quickly broker deals that will open new foreign markets for corn. The problem for farmers across the country is that supply is outweighing demand. The NGCA believes that allowing year-round access to a 15% ethanol blend (E15), will create an additional demand for 457 million bushels of corn. This new ethanol policy is included in the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 which was introduced to the U.S. Senate on Feb. 13. While this would help alleviate some of the pressure facing corn farmers across the country, it would not solve the overall low profitability of corn. Washburn approves $10 million athletic plan Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kansas also faces additional struggles with corn. Eight counties have tested positive for a fungal disease known as tar spots which can negatively impact yield by reducing ear weight, kernel fill or worse. Another twenty three counties have tested positive for southern rust, another yield-limiting disease. Western bean cutworms and armyworms in western Kansas are also consuming developing kernels and clip silks, reducing yields even more. My family survived the 1980s farm crisis, Hartman said. I dont want my daughter to be talking about the 2020s farm crisis in 40 years. The situation is dire, and new market demand is the only way we are going to dig out of this. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. A record 383 aid workers were killed around the world last year, nearly half of them in Gaza, the UN humanitarian office said on Tuesday. Tom Fletcher, the UN Humanitarian Chief, said the killings must be a wake-up call to protect civilians caught in conflict, as well as those trying to help them. Attacks on this scale, with zero accountability, are a shameful indictment of international inaction and apathy, Mr Fletcher said on World Humanitarian Day, which commemorates those who help others in crisis zones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were 599 major attacks against aid workers in 2024 compared with 420 the year before, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The Aid Worker Security Database, which has compiled reports since 1997, said the number of killings rose from 293 in 2023 to 383 in 2024, including over 180 in Gaza. Most of those killed were local staff serving their communities who were attacked while at work or in their homes. As well as a high number of deaths, 124 aid workers were kidnapped and 45 others were detained. The Israeli government has been criticised frequently for the high numbers of aid workers being killed in Gaza, where it has been at war with Hamas since the terror group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one of the most high-profile attacks, on April 1 last year, Israel launched a drone strike on a convoy of vehicles belonging to World Central Kitchen, a US-based humanitarian organisation, killing seven aid workers and prompting international outcry. Mohammed Mansour, a Senior Nutrition Manager with the International Rescue Committee currently working in Gaza, said: Being an aid worker in Gaza means risking your life every day just to help others survive. There is no safe space not for us, and not for those we serve. Over 450 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the war began, but it is not the only hotspot where aid workers lives are endangered. According to the database, violence against aid workers increased in 21 countries in 2024 compared with the previous year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the Palestinian territories, Sudan accounted for the next highest death toll, with 64 humanitarian workers being killed there amid an upsurge in violence in the countrys civil war. South Sudan, Nigeria and Congo were also among the most dangerous places for aid workers last year. Britains Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Tuesday warned that the aid worker death toll in 2025 is set to be as bad or worse as 2024 due to the ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine. Already this year, 265 humanitarian workers have been killed around the world, it said. Despite these risks, our colleagues continue to show up not because they are fearless, but because the suffering is too urgent to ignore, Kate Forbes, the president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said in a joint statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They urged global leaders and warring parties to take preventative action to shield aid workers. Courage is not protection, and dedication does not deflect bullets. Mr Fletcher, the UN Humanitarian Chief, said: Even one attack against a humanitarian colleague is an attack on all of us and on the people we serve. Violence against aid workers is not inevitable. It must end. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security 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. GUEST OPINION: The tech industry moves at lightning speed. One product launch, one leaked memo, or one bad review can dominate headlines in minutes. With IT news outlets and social media feeding off each other, a single negative story can spread faster than any marketing campaign. That raises the question. Can tech companies actually protect their reputation in todays IT news cycle, or are they stuck riding out the storm? The truth is, they can protect it, but only if they treat reputation like infrastructure: constantly monitored, patched, and updated. Why Reputation Matters More Than Ever in Tech The IT sector thrives on trust. Customers expect their data, devices, and tools to work flawlessly. Any hint of weaknesswhether its a security flaw or poor supportcan crush confidence. In 2023, IBMs Cost of a Data Breach report found that 51% of consumers said they would stop doing business with a company after a breach. That is not a small dip in sales. It is a long-term reputation hit. The stakes are even higher for startups. A negative news story can scare away investors or partners before the product even matures. That is why reputation management is as important as coding security patches. How IT News Creates Problems Headlines Amplify Issues Tech news outlets love scoops. A bug, outage, or hack becomes breaking news, even if the details are small. One SaaS founder shared that when their servers went down for 45 minutes, it made industry blogs by morning. Customers panicked even though the problem was fixed in under an hour. Social Media Fuels It A tweet about an outage can go viral before your official statement is live. Screenshots, customer rants, and hashtags often spread faster than company responses. Old Stories Stick Around Even if you recover, old articles linger in search results. Potential clients see them first and hesitate. Thats why so many companies quietly ask experts how to remove negative search results from google once a crisis has passed. Steps Tech Companies Can Take Step 1: Monitor 24/7 IT teams monitor servers constantly. Reputation deserves the same treatment. Use alerts to track company mentions in news, blogs, and forums. Spotting issues early gives you time to respond before they snowball. Step 2: Respond Fast, But With Clarity Speed matters, but so does accuracy. When a bug or breach happens, a vague were looking into it frustrates users. A clear message with timelines and fixes builds trust. One cybersecurity firm turned a breach into goodwill by publishing real-time updates as they worked on the issue. Step 3: Own the Narrative If you stay silent, others will tell your story. Publish blog updates, use your company Twitter, and email clients directly. Transparency is often more valuable than a flawless record. Step 4: Strengthen Positive Content Do not wait until a crisis to publish good stories. Regularly share customer success cases, research insights, and product updates. This builds a base of positive press that can outrank negative pieces when things go wrong. Step 5: Prepare a Crisis Playbook Every tech firm should have a response plan ready. Assign who handles press, who updates social, and who speaks to customers. A well-rehearsed plan cuts panic in half. Common Reputation Risks in Tech Security Breaches Even giants like Microsoft and Google face breaches. The key is not perfection but transparency in how you handle them. Failed Launches Tech launches are high-profile. If features flop or bugs dominate, critics pile on. A bad launch can echo for months if not addressed. Leadership Missteps Founders and executives are part of the brand. A careless statement or tweet can spark backlash instantly. Tech audiences are quick to call out tone-deaf remarks. Employee Voices Platforms like Glassdoor or Reddit amplify internal dissatisfaction. A post about toxic culture can trend globally overnight. Good and Bad The Bad : A California-based app startup ignored negative coverage after a buggy launch. They stayed silent for weeks, hoping it would fade. Instead, the press kept circling back. Within a year, they folded. : A California-based app startup ignored negative coverage after a buggy launch. They stayed silent for weeks, hoping it would fade. Instead, the press kept circling back. Within a year, they folded. The Good: A French AI company faced backlash for biased training data. Instead of dodging, they published the dataset, admitted flaws, and released fixes within a month. The transparency gained them more clients than they lost. The difference was not perfection. It was proactive reputation management. Tools That Help Tech Brands Stay Ahead The tech space demands strong monitoring and cleanup tools. Here are three that make sense: Erase Best for removals. Erase specialises in taking down harmful or outdated content that drags your brand in search results. Perfect when old IT news stories keep resurfacing during sales pitches. Meltwater Best for global monitoring. Meltwater tracks media mentions across thousands of outlets worldwide. Tech companies expanding globally need to know when their name appears in European, Asian, or American headlines. ahrefs Best for SEO strength. Ahrefs lets you see which sites link to your company and how to boost your own positive pages. In IT reputation work, ranking your own content above negative press is often the best defence. Together, these tools give coverage: Erase removes the worst, Meltwater tracks the conversation, and ahrefs boosts the positives. Building a Reputation-First IT Strategy Integrate PR with IT : Treat communications like an extension of security. Both require speed, accuracy, and transparency. : Treat communications like an extension of security. Both require speed, accuracy, and transparency. Invest in content : Publish thought leadership, open-source projects, and case studies. These earn backlinks and trust. : Publish thought leadership, open-source projects, and case studies. These earn backlinks and trust. Track executives online presence : Leaders reputations reflect the company. Train them on media and online etiquette. : Leaders reputations reflect the company. Train them on media and online etiquette. Have a page one plan: Control what customers see when they search your brand. Make sure official blogs, LinkedIn pages, and success stories fill the top slots. Final Thoughts So, can tech companies protect their reputation in todays IT news cycle? Yes, but only if they treat it like a core system. Monitoring mentions, responding fast, and owning the narrative are as vital as firewalls and backups. When negative press hits, tools like Erase, Meltwater, and ahrefs give companies a real edge. And by consistently creating positive stories, tech firms can make sure one bad headline does not define them. Reputation in IT is not just PR fluff. It is infrastructure. Build it strong, maintain it daily, and your company can weather the news cycle without losing trust. A 22-year-old Rehoboth man was arrested and charged in connection with the assault of a pregnant 18-year-old the day before she went missing, but its unclear if authorities have found the teen. Gregory Groom is charged with aggravated assault and battery on a pregnant person, domestic assault and battery and intimidation of a witness for acts he is accused of committing on Aug. 6 against Kylee Monteiro, 18, the Bristol County District Attorneys Office announced Tuesday. Monteiro has been missing since Aug. 7, the day after Groom has been accused of assaulting her. The district attorneys office did not state whether Monteiro is still considered a missing person as of Tuesday, but stated the investigation continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groom is being held without bail and will be arraigned in Taunton District Court on Wednesday morning, the office said. The statement did not say what Grooms relationship to Monteiro is. Rehoboth Police described Monteiro who was reported missing on Thursday, Aug. 7 as 6 feet tall and heavyset, with light brown hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a red T-shirt with the phrase get over it printed on the front, ripped blue jeans and tan boots. Her sister, Faith Monteiro, wrote on Facebook that a vigil for Kylee Monteiro will be held at 401 Winthrop St. at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23. We will be providing everyone with a candle, Faith Monteiro posted. All we ask is that you show up. Please share this post so that we can spread as much awareness as possible. We encourage everyone to join us, whether you know Kylee or not. Thank you for all the support and we hope to see you there! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Along with the vigil, Kylee Monteiros sister, Catherine Monteiro, set up a GoFundMe to help spread awareness. If she is found, the remaining donations will either go directly to Kylee to help her financially while she deals with this unimaginable trauma or for funeral arrangements if need be, Catherine Monteiro wrote. She added that the family is working on offering a reward for whoever finds Kylee Monteiro. If anyone feels guided to donate or sew into this cause, that would help tremendously, Catherine Monteiro wrote. So far, the GoFundMe has received eight donations totaling $190. Anyone who wants to donate to the family directly can do so by reaching out on Facebook, Catherine Monteiro wrote. The campaigns goal is $4,500. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rehoboth Police told MassLive on Tuesday that Kylee Monteiros disappearance remains under investigation and no new information was available. On Aug. 13, Massachusetts State Police, a search and rescue team and other law enforcement looked for Kylee Monteiro in the area of County Street, where she was last seen walking, The Sun Chronicle reported. Police have used dogs and drones in their search for her. A dive team searched the waterway at the Warren Upper Reservoir in Rehoboth. Before she disappeared, Kylee Monteiro had an argument with her boyfriend, Monteiros family told WCVB-TV. More local crime stories Read the original article on MassLive. Missing pregnant teens boyfriend charged with assaulting her prior to disappearance The boyfriend of a pregnant teen who hasnt been seen in almost two weeks has been charged with assaulting her prior to her disappearance. \ Gregory Groom, 22, of Rehoboth, is facing charges of aggravated assault and battery on a pregnant person, domestic assault and battery and intimidation of a witness for acts committed against 18-year-old Kylee Monteiro on August 6, the Bristol County District Attorneys office said Tuesday. Groom, who Monteiros family has identified as her boyfriend, is currently being held without bail and will be arraigned Wednesday morning in Taunton District Court, the DA says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monteiro was last seen on Thursday, August 7, at her boyfriends home in Rehoboth, according to family, friends, and law enforcement. The Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn did not share whether Monteiro has been found. Police could be seen investigating the area around where she was last seen on Tuesday. Monteiro was last known to be wearing a red T-shirt with GET OVER IT printed on it. Shes about 6 feet tall with brown hair and brown eyes. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that his appeals unit has won a federal decision to deny relief for a man with death sentences for the 1991 murders of three children and two adults. According to a ruling from a federal appeals court, the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed a lower district court ruling refusing to reopen the case of Pail Gamboa-Taylor. In 1991, Gamboa-Taylor used a knife and hammer to kill three children, his wife, and his mother-in-law. The AGs office says Gamboa-Taylor was sentenced to one life-in-prison term and four death sentences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defense challenged a previous federal habeas judgment in a motion for relief, arguing that new evidence was found that questioned Gamboa-Taylors mental health during the time of the killings 30 years ago, the AGs office said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Morning Weather Forecast The Attorney Generals Office says it argued that Gamboa-Taylor was competent and aware of what he was doing when he murdered the individuals. He also pleaded guilty to five counts of first-degree murder. According to the AGs office, they cited the motion as an attempt to end-around federal rules restricting the presentation of evidence not previously presented in state courts. They added that the federal court found the defense motion to be meritless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These were truly wicked acts committed by a defendant who continues to attempt to avoid responsibility for savagely murdering his family, including three defenseless young children, Attorney General Sunday said. Although he has tried time and time again, the appellate process has borne out that this conviction was wholly just, and he is exactly where he should be in prison. According to the Liberty Law Team, the Post-Conviction Relief Act aims to help convicted defendants challenge their cases after ordinary appeals have been exhausted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOSTON (SHNS) The months ahead could feature court battles, a hefty signature-gathering effort and a bruising campaign to sway voters. And with all of that still on the horizon, supporters and opponents of reviving rent control are already waging an opening battle over ballot eligibility. A constellation of think tanks and real estate industry groups wrote to the attorney generals office last week, urging officials to block a proposed initiative petition that would bring back caps on rent increases. At the same time, the measures backers laid out a case for why the ballot question should be allowed to advance to the next milestone along the lengthy road to the 2026 ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If organizers can clear the numerous and steep hurdles ahead, the measure seeking to impose a limit on rent increases statewide could represent one of the most intense political fights in recent years. Opponents are fighting the proposal by seeking to have it tossed at the first juncture, lodging arguments that question backers dubbed erroneous. On behalf of a trio of powerful real estate organizations, legal firm CEK Boston wrote to Campbells office last week arguing that the measure should not be certified because it would deprive individuals of their right to receive compensation for their private property and would touch on religion. The section of the state Constitution outlining the initiative petition process prohibits any measure that relates to religion, religious practices or religious institutions. CEK Boston, which is led by former First Assistant Attorney General Tom Kiley, noted in its memo that the proposal would exclude dwelling units in facilities operated solely for educational, religious, or non-profit purposes from rent control. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On its face, therefore, Petition 25-21 relates to religion, religious practices or religious institutions, said the memo prepared on behalf of NAIOP, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors and the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. The Pioneer New England Legal Foundation and the Fiscal Alliance Foundation filed their own letters with Campbells office on Friday urging officials not to certify the measure as ballot eligible. They similarly argued that the introduction of a statewide cap on rent increases would deny landlords or mortgage bondholders of their right to return on property investment. The Fiscal Alliance Foundation pointed to a 1998 Supreme Judicial Court decision invalidating a ballot question that would have scrapped Massachusetts Turnpike tolls, in which justices concluded that it would have improperly eliminated part of bondholders security interest backed by toll revenues. PNELF also argued that the question improperly combines disparate topics a frequent line of attack for ballot question opponents by simultaneously proposing a limit on rent hikes as well as a system of penalties for violations of the proposed law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Initiative Provision yokes a limitation on rent increases with Chapter 93A punishment, a law permitting treble damages and attorneys fees with no clear standards for whether a minor or unintentional violation will result in the imposition of such monetary punishment, the organization wrote. Its not uncommon for both opponents and proponents to make their cases directly to the attorney generals team before certification decisions are issued. The office encourages feedback, and memoranda of law were due by Friday, though its unclear exactly how many comments officials received on other proposals this cycle. While officials wade through the arguments for spiking the rent control measure, they also have in hand a case for certifying it as meeting constitutional requirements. Proponents in their own memo to the AGs office contend that a plain reading of the measure makes clear that it does not cover any excluded topic, such as religion, judges or courts, or appropriating state dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also rebutted the argument opponents raised about infringing upon the right to receive compensation for private property appropriated to public use. Though the language of the petition makes plain there is no appropriation of property for public use, some opponents have suggested that any attempt to regulate rent increases amounts to a regulatory taking and therefore violates this principle, wrote the Mass. Law Reform Institutes Andrea Park and Mark Martinez and Joel Feldman of the firm Heisler, Feldman & Ordorica. This assertion is erroneous as well as misleading, as courts have consistently determined that regulations on rent increases do not constitute regulatory takings. Indeed, Massachusetts has had, and continues to have, numerous rent regulations that have survived judicial scrutiny, including challenges to prior rent control schemes as well as current manufactured housing rent control laws. The question being pushed by the advocacy group Homes for All would limit annual rent increases for most units to either the annual Consumer Price Index increase or 5%, whichever is lower. Backers say skyrocketing housing costs are putting excess strain on many Bay State tenants, preventing younger residents from saving enough to purchase a home or displacing older adults on fixed incomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Voters in 1994 narrowly approved a ballot question prohibiting rent control across the state. Two years ago, the attorney generals office certified a rent control question as eligible to advance. That measure would have revived the practice as a local option rather than a blanket policy statewide, and its sponsors pulled the plug before the deadline to file voter signatures. The attorney generals review, which is set to be complete by Sept. 3, is the first hurdle for the 47 proposed laws and constitutional amendments filed this cycle. Once a question is deemed eligible, its backers will need to collect signatures from nearly 75,000 registered voters and file those with local elections officials by Nov. 19, a tall task that typically whittles the field 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 WWLP. U.S. Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, speaks during a forum hosted by the Sutherland Institute, a conservative think tank, at the University of Utah's Hinckley Institute of Politics in Salt Lake City on Aug. 18, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, on Monday repeatedly pushed back on criticisms that the big, beautiful law will benefit billionaires more than low- and middle-income earners and he predicted fewer Americans will lose health care coverage than has been estimated. Theres a lot out there, that this is just tax breaks for the billionaires on the backs of the working class. And its fundamentally false, Moore said during a forum hosted by the Sutherland Institute, a conservative think tank, at the University of Utahs Hinckley Institute of Politics in Salt Lake City on Monday. Its a good line to be able to spew, but its not accurate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On cuts to Medicaid due to new work requirements and other provisions impacting the Affordable Care Act, Moore said criticisms are overblown and defended the moves by saying that Republicans want to keep that culture of work associated with our social programs. He also said estimates that more than 10 million Americans are at risk of losing health care coverage over the next 10 years are faulty. I dont think those numbers are going to be even close to that, Moore said. He argued that a very small portion of the population falls into able-bodied, no-dependent demographics that are at risk of losing health care coverage due to the new federal work requirements. Even still, he said, they can all work to become eligible. Moore who is also a member of U.S. House GOP leadership as vice chair of the House Republican Conference spent the majority of Mondays hourlong forum defending Congress passage of the megalaw while also arguing that Republicans are confident the U.S. economy will grow faster than the Congressional Budget Office predicted when it estimated the bill would add a cumulative $4.1 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CBO assumed a 1.8% growth rate for those estimates, but Moore said Republicans in Washington, D.C. are confident the economy will see a growth rate closer to 2.6% annually. The CBO estimates are widely accepted as the most official projections of the megalaws impacts, and Moore said thats totally fair, but we think that those arent necessarily accurate based on economic growth trends since 2017. According to a June 2026 post about the economic impact from the big, beautiful law, the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan, Washington-based policy group, wrote President Donald Trumps administration has claimed the combined policies would lead to much stronger economic growth of about 3 percent per year, versus 1.8 percent under the baseline, sufficient to offset the fiscal cost of the bill. Economic forecasters do not see such a sustained economic boom on the horizon but instead expect an economic slowdown this year, due in part to the administrations tariffs, and then a return to something like baseline growth thereafter, wrote William McBride, chief economist at the Tax Foundation. While the tariff proposals continue to evolve, our estimates indicate they would generally offset much of the economic and fiscal impacts of OBBB while they are in place. Moore says big, beautiful law isnt just for billionaires. Heres what the numbers say Critics of the megabill, including Democrats, have blasted it as a tax and spending package that will disproportionately benefit the rich while also cutting resources for the poor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moore, pushing back on that criticism, focused on the tax cut provisions of the bill. He argued that billionaires cant take advantage of the bills child tax credit or standard deduction benefits because those benefits are capped at certain income levels. The vast majority of the provisions of this tax bill go to benefit middle- and low-income Americans, from the child tax credit to the standard deduction, he said. U.S. Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, speaks during a forum hosted by the Sutherland Institute, a conservative think tank, at the University of Utahs Hinckley Institute of Politics in Salt Lake City on Aug. 18, 2025. (Katie McKellar/Utah News Dispatch) Taking the new law as a whole, however, CBO estimates also factor in other impacts from the bill, including cuts to Medicaid and and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. They concluded the bill, taken holistically, will shift resources away from the poor and toward middle- and higher-income earners. In an Aug. 11 letter, CBO Director Phillip Swagel wrote that as a result of the megalaw, U.S. households, on average, will see an increase in the resources available to them over the 2026-2034 period. However, he added: The changes in resources will not be evenly distributed among households. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency estimates that, in general, resources will decrease for households toward the bottom of the income distribution, whereas resources will increase for households in the middle and toward the top of the income distribution, Swagel wrote. The CBO estimated resources (including federal taxes and cash transfers, federal and state in-kind transfers, state fiscal response, and other revenues including federal spending on defense, border security and infrastructure) will, on average, increase for Americans with higher incomes but decrease for low-income households. Resources for households in the lowest decile (tenth) of the income distribution will decrease by about $1,200 per year (in 2025 dollars), on average, the letter says, adding that amounts to 3.1% of their income. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That bracket includes Americans making about $24,000 a year or less. Those projected decreases are mainly attributable to reductions in in-kind transfers, such as Medicaid and SNAP, Swagel wrote. After those decreases, households in the lowest decile will receive about $6,000 in transfers, net of federal taxes paid, each year of the projection period. Middle-income households, however, in the fifth and sixth deciles or those making up to $85,660 and $107,911, respectively will see their resources increase by $800 (or 0.8 percent of projected income) and $1,200 (or 1.0 percent of projected income), respectively, Swagel wrote. As for Americans in the highest decile, or those making more than $692,582 a year? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Resources will increase, on average, over the projection period by about $13,600 annually, Swagel wrote, amounting to 2.7% of their projected income, mainly due to tax cuts. He also noted that after those resource increases, the federal taxes paid by those high-income households, net of transfers, will be about $190,000 a year. In a separate analysis, the Joint Committee on Taxation also estimated the effects of the tax provisions in the megalaw. That analysis shows that taxpayers making less than $15,000 will see a 9.3% increase in federal taxes in 2027, and by 2033, that increase will hit 56.1%. Those making $15,000 to $30,000, however, are slated to get a 21.5% tax cut in 2027, but by 2023, they will see a 4.6% increase. Other tax brackets, including those making $30,000 and up, will see tax cuts. As a matter of percentage, the biggest cumulative cut of 8.9% by the year 2033 will go to those making $50,000 to $60,000. While high-income earners will see the biggest returns in a total number of dollars, their tax cut as a percentage isnt the highest. For example, those making $500,000 to $1 million will get a 7.9% tax reduction in 2033, while those making $1 million and up will see a 6% cut. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Brief A judge agreed to reschedule the hearing for a restraining order against Congressman Cory Mills. The attorney representing Lindsey Langston said the court had not allotted enough time Monday for her to present her client's case. Attorneys are supposed to connect on Tuesday by 5 p.m. to discuss another hearing date. ORLANDO, Fla. - U.S. Rep. Cory Mills was in court Monday as his ex-girlfriend, the reigning Miss United States, sought a restraining order against him over allegations of harassment and threats. What Happened The court hearing to decide if Miss United States can get a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, Congressman Cory Mills, was delayed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both sides appeared before a judge via Zoom. Lindsey Langston's attorney, Bobi J. Frank, told the judge on Monday that the roughly 17 minutes that she had been allotted was not enough time to present her client's case. Frank requested at least 45 minutes to present evidence. Attorney Aaron Delgado, who represents Mills, didn't object and said he could use the extra time to argue their side. A judge granted the continuance. Lindsey Langston filed paperwork on Aug. 5 to get the protection order. She claims Mills sent texts and social media messages threatening violence, threatening to release nude pictures and videos of her, and in court documents claimed Mills alluded to having her stripped of her title of Miss United States if she didn't get back with him. What they're saying Frank told FOX 35 after the hearing, "There's a lot that needs to be laid out on the record and I just simply can't do that in 17-and-half minutes." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She added, "What is attached to the petition for the injunction is a mere fraction of the occurrences." FOX 35 reached out to Attorney Aaron Delgado, who is representing Mills, but did not hear back. He previously told FOX 35 that his client denies the allegations and, "[Langston} is wrong, and we're going to make sure everyone knows that." What's next Frank is required to touch base with Delgado by 5 p.m. Tuesday to coordinate rescheduling the hearing. SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS The Source This story was written based on information shared by court documents and a court hearing on Aug. 18, 2025. Utah Rep. Mike Kennedy said on Monday Congress is unlikely to pursue legal pathways for unauthorized immigrants as Republicans focus on enforcing the countrys laws after four years of historic levels of illegal immigration. President Donald Trumps ramped up deportation regime is not in conflict with the countrys immigrant roots, according to Kennedy a first generation American though it will inevitably sweep up those without a criminal record. Sometimes dramatic actions result in some consequences that arent ideal, Kennedy said. These are the side effects when weve got people that have been hiding in the shadows for decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy, who represents Utahs 3rd Congressional District, spoke at Weber State Universitys Davis Campus during an immigration forum hosted by Path Forward, a conservative nonprofit that aims to educate diverse communities about political advocacy. The panelists, which included 1st District Rep. Blake Moore, former Border Patrol Chief Chris Clem and several state lawmakers, affirmed their desire for the United States to eventually expand legal immigration options. But most said reforms will come only after the federal government attempts to reverse the effects of lax enforcement under President Joe Biden that flooded the nation with immigrants who entered the country illegally at unprecedented levels. How much immigration under Biden? The surge in immigration from 2021 to 2024 was the largest in U.S. history. An average of 2.4 million people entered the country every year from 2021 to 2023, and an estimated 2.8 million entered in 2024, for a total of around 10 million people, according to Census Bureau data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local officials like Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, and Roosevelt Mayor JR Bird, outlined how the immigration wave pushed some Utah schools to the breaking point, strained the housing supply and stretched public resources like hospital wait times. Several Utah schools have seen the number of students who dont speak English multiply. Around 50% of the states recent population growth which outpaces housing supply has been driven by international immigration. And around 1.4 million immigrants receive state-subsidized health care nationwide. According to many of Kennedys congressional colleagues, the proper response to this pressure on U.S. communities includes removing those who entered the country illegally under the previous administration to their country of origin, he said. If youre not going to come legally, then the enforcement prosecution efforts of the law of the United States of America will be dropped on your head, Kennedy said. If youve lived here for all those years and never done anything to formalize your status you may find yourself being deported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since January, the number of monthly arrests conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Salt Lake City area of responsibility has tripled, with arrests of those with no pending criminal charges or convictions increasing ninefold to more than one-fifth of all arrests. While studies indicate that immigrants are less likely to commit additional crimes after settling in the U.S., Kennedy said this approach is necessary because federal agencies under Biden did not properly vet those who entered the country. Will there be immigration reform? Kennedy, a former state legislator who entered Congress in January, said he personally supports proposals that would allow unauthorized immigrants to remain in the country if they pay extra taxes and forgo future opportunities for citizenship. Its not a lack of ideas, its a lack of political will, Kennedy said. Republicans and Democrats both win elections and campaign and fundraise off of this broken immigration process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Kennedy said he hasnt given up hope that the news around deportations might create a political groundswell that finally pushes Congress to fix legal immigration in addition to stopping and undoing years of illegal immigration. In an interview with the Deseret News, Moore, the House GOP Conference Vice Chair, agreed with Kennedy that immigration reform is not on the horizon. But he said that could change as the Trump administration achieves its border security goals. In July, monthly Border Patrol apprehensions hit a record low of 4,598 across the entire 2,000-mile southwest border around 500 fewer than the average number per day under Biden, according to the Department of Homeland Security. This comes as detention and deportation programs received more than $100 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which appropriated $46.5 billion for border security, $45 billion for detention centers, $30 billion for training ICE officers and $3 billion for hiring immigration judges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump White House has doubled down on no amnesty after some Cabinet officials suggested deportation carveouts for agriculture, triggering conservative backlash. But the president has suggested there should be exceptions for the industries hardest hit. I believe there could absolutely be a Trump-led initiative to do this, Moore said. I believe theres motivation within the administration to accomplish this. I dont think its tomorrow, but I do think its within his term for the next four years. Utah immigration bills return Mondays immigration roundtable briefly addressed concerns from Utah farmers, business owners and faith leaders that Trumps deportation push was exacerbating workforce problems and creating a climate of fear among some Utah residents. But the topic of discussion among the roughly 60 state lawmakers, law enforcement officials and activists at the forum centered on public safety. Three high-profile bills that failed during the 2025 legislative session were brought up as priorities for next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Syracuse, said she would reintroduce a bill requiring the Lieutenant Governors Office to ensure individuals on the voter rolls are U.S. citizens. Lisonbee said she has verified at least three instances of county clerks registering an unauthorized immigrant to vote without proof of citizenship. Rep. Matt MacPherson, R-West Valley City, said he is confident his bill enhancing criminal penalties for unlicensed drivers will pass next year. Around half of serious car crashes in West Valley City last year involved an unlicensed driver and there were eight highway fatalities statewide that involved unlicensed drivers. Attendees lamented the failure of another bill introduced last year by Rep. Neil Walter, R-St. George, that would decrease the threshold at which businesses are required to use E-Verify to check employees legal status from 150 employees to 15. Walter said he does not plan to reintroduce the bill because the same political obstacles remain. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) New Mexico continues to contend with heartbreaking cases of child abuse, and mounting criticism of the state agency meant to protect vulnerable kids. This week on the New Mexico News Insiders Podcast, KRQE Anchor-Reporter Jessica Garate joins Chris and Gabby to unpack the challenges of reporting on child welfare and the role of the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD). Garate tackles the latest case of a 5-year-old girl in Silver City whose family believes she could have been saved, and addresses broader questions about state oversight when abuse is reported. What happens when abuse or neglect is reported by a family member, teacher, or law enforcement? How is CYFD responding? Are family reunification goals sometimes putting childrens safety at risk? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Listen to the full discussion to learn more about why this topic is so important for journalists to cover, and the laws that make it increasingly difficult to get information. Theres so much secrecy involved, Garate explains. We have to keep exposing these stories until we dont have this many kids dying. Stay informed with the latest news by subscribing to the New Mexico News Insiders podcast wherever you listen. Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Insiders every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, among others. You can also watch our podcasts in video form, both on-air and online. Tune in to an abbreviated version of the New Mexico News Insiders podcast on broadcast television every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on Fox New Mexico. Full video episodes are posted on KRQEs YouTube page at youtube.com/krqenews13. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term KRQE or New Mexico News Insiders (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post. If you have a question, comment, or suggestion for who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email your hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Vermonts Republican Gov. Phil Scott has declined to send the states National Guard to Washington, D.C., noting that he didnt believe it to be a proper use of these troops. In the absence of an immediate emergency or disaster that local and regional first responders are unable to handle, the governor just does not support utilizing the guard for this purpose, and does not view the enforcement of domestic law as a proper use of the National Guard, Scotts chief of staff Jason Gibbs told Vermont Public on Friday. Related: Reseller Allegedly Used Fake Accounts To Buy 379,000 Tickets For Taylor Swift, Other Shows Scott is the rare Republican leader whos refused to bow to the Trump administrations requests as the president has deployed National Guard and federal law enforcement to address what hes described as a spiraling crime crisis in the capital. In reality, data shows that violent crime rates in the district have declined in 2024 and 2025, and Trumps efforts have been criticized by Democrats as a stunt designed to distract from other controversies his administration is grappling with, like the Justice Departments handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Related: Trump Says He's Done Playing By The Rules With Military Forces Scotts decision followed a Pentagon request for a few dozen of the states troops, according to Gibbs, and comes as six Republican-led states, including West Virginia, South Carolina, Ohio, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana, have authorized the deployment of their National Guard to D.C. in the last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All told, Trump has already deployed 800 National Guard troops to the city, and the states contributions could put that number upwards of 1,700. Related: Hurricane Erin Forecast To Churn Up Dangerous Swells And Winds From Florida To New England Its not evident why more troops have been requested from different states and what function they will serve upon their arrival in D.C. A spokesperson for Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee told the Associated Press that the states National Guard would assist with monument security, community safety patrols, protecting federal facilities, and traffic control. Some troops may be armed, a Guard representative said Sunday. Related: Trumps Use Of The Military In LA Is Unprecedented. It Could Be Just The Beginning. In this case, because it is being hyperpoliticized, the governor doesnt feel like and I believe the vast majority of Vermonters dont feel like it would be an acceptable and appropriate use of the National Guard, Gibbs added in his comments to Vermont Public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Scott spokesperson and a White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A Pentagon spokesperson declined to provide additional comment. Gibbs noted that Scott would have viewed the situation differently if D.C. leaders had called for federal aid, which was not the case this time around. On Friday, the D.C. attorney general sued the Trump administration for its federal takeover of the leadership of the districts police force. This doesnt make sense. The numbers on the ground and the district dont support 1,000 people from other states coming to Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said on Monday. This also isnt the first time that Scott has pushed back on the Trump administrations attempts to use the states National Guard. Previously, Scott rejected a Defense Department request to utilize Vermonts National Guard to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at detention facilities. Related... Read the original on HuffPost (NewsNation) A Republican lawmaker was booed offstage by hecklers while honoring the life and accomplishments of a longtime county clerk in upstate New York. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., was among local dignitaries honoring the late John Zurlo during a renaming ceremony at the Clinton County Government Center in Plattsburgh, New York. While on stage, Stefanik a supporter of President Donald Trump was booed and stepped down from the podium in respect of Zurlo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protestors shouted and clapped as she stepped down. The unruly crowd was urged to stop being disrespectful, but continued to yell and interrupt. Does combat deserve clemency? Florida to execute fourth veteran this year Stefanik later returned to the podium and paid tribute to Zurlo despite consistent yelling from the protesters. Todays event was about honoring John Zurlo, Stefanik said to local media, via WCAX, following the public address. It is a disgusting disgrace that this is what the far left does, rather than understanding that his family has been through a tremendous amount. It was about honoring his legacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. GUEST OPINION: In todays digital-first economy, intellectual property has become one of the most valuable assets for businesses of all sizes. From software code and marketing content to product designs and branding materials, copyright underpins much of the modern corporate landscape. Yet, despite its significance, copyright compliance is often overlooked, particularly by smaller companies that may not have in-house legal expertise. This oversight can lead to costly consequences, ranging from lawsuits to reputational damage, making it essential for organisations to treat copyright protection as a core component of their business strategy. The Cost of Ignoring Copyright Copyright law exists to protect creators and innovators, ensuring they can benefit from their work while also fostering fair competition. Businesses that fail to respect copyright not only risk legal action but also undermine trust among customers and partners. In some cases, a single violationsuch as using unlicensed images in marketing campaigns or pirated software in daily operationscan result in substantial financial penalties. Equally important is the long-term reputational risk. In an era where transparency is valued, companies caught infringing on copyright may find themselves facing public scrutiny. This can erode customer confidence, strain investor relations, and weaken brand equity. For enterprises competing in crowded markets, that loss of credibility can be far more damaging than the initial legal costs. Building a Culture of Compliance Establishing copyright compliance requires more than one-off checks. It should be embedded into the culture of the organisation. That starts with education: employees must understand what constitutes copyright infringement and how to avoid it. Clear internal policies on content usage, licensing, and intellectual property management help reduce accidental violations. Additionally, companies should invest in tools and systems that monitor and manage rights across digital assets. From enterprise-level digital rights management software to simple asset-tracking solutions, these technologies help organisations ensure that they only use materials they have the right to. This proactive approach not only minimises legal risk but also signals to stakeholders that the company respects and values the work of others. Music and Copyright: A Common Business Pitfall One area where copyright issues frequently arise is in the use of music in business settings. Cafes, restaurants, retail stores, and even offices often play background music to create ambience and enhance the customer experience. However, playing copyrighted music in a commercial setting without the proper license can constitute a violation. Performing rights organisations (PROs) actively monitor and enforce licensing requirements, and penalties for non-compliance can be significant. Fortunately, businesses have alternatives that simplify compliance. One option is to use royalty-free music, which allows companies to play music legally without the ongoing costs or complexities of traditional licensing. This approach not only reduces legal risk but also provides flexibility in curating soundtracks that align with brand identity and customer expectations. The Strategic Advantage of Doing It Right Respecting copyright is not just about avoiding lawsuitsit can also be a source of competitive advantage. Companies that demonstrate strong ethical standards and respect for intellectual property are more likely to attract customers, partners, and employees who share those values. Moreover, by ensuring compliance, businesses can focus their resources on growth and innovation instead of dealing with legal disputes. It is also worth noting that protecting copyright is a two-way street. Businesses that create their own intellectual propertywhether software, designs, or marketing materialsrely on copyright laws to safeguard their work from unauthorised use. By respecting the rights of others, companies strengthen the ecosystem that, in turn, protects their own assets. Conclusion In a marketplace where reputation and trust are central to success, copyright compliance is not optionalit is a strategic imperative. Ignoring intellectual property rights exposes businesses to legal, financial, and reputational risks that can derail long-term growth. By embedding copyright awareness into their culture, investing in compliance tools, and exploring practical solutions such as royalty-free music, organisations can ensure they operate both legally and ethically. Ultimately, respecting copyright is not merely about avoiding penaltiesit is about fostering innovation, building trust, and positioning a business for sustainable success in the digital age. Democrats have proposed a new congressional map for California that could offset Republican efforts to redistrict in Texas, giving the party a chance at five new Democratic House seats in the Golden State. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) is leading a charge to put a redistricting ballot measure before voters in a special election this fall, a play to bypass Californias independent redistricting commission and redraw lines mid-decade. State lawmakers introduced related legislation Monday and are expected to move quickly to set the plan in motion. The map, proposed by the Democrats House campaign arm, needs to work its way through the Legislature then survive legal challenges and get the green light from voters. But in its current form, its expected to endanger five House Republicans and give Democrats a boost in some competitive seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The GOP currently holds nine of Californias 52 House seats. Here are the Republicans at risk in the new proposal. Rep. Kevin Kiley, 3rd Congressional District Rep. Kevin Kiley (R) has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Newsoms redistricting plan, and he would be one of the lawmakers most impacted if the proposed maps move forward. Kileys 3rd Congressional District would pick up some of the blue Sacramento while losing Death Valley, according to analysis from Cook Political Report, changing the seat from one that went to President Trump by 4 points to one that sided with former Vice President Kamala Harris by 10 points. Newsom is so desperate to get rid of me hes gerrymandered my district in the shape of an elephant. The trunk captures as many Democrat voters as possible, Kiley wrote on social media. Like all his attempts, this will fail. Well keep beating him at the ballot box and the Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kiley has proposed federal legislation that would ban mid-decade redistricting nationwide and nullify any new maps approved before the 2030 census. Rep. Doug LaMalfa, 1st Congressional District Rep. Doug LaMalfas (R) 1st Congressional District would make a similarly drastic shift, jumping from a district Trump won by double digits to one that would have gone to Harris by more than 10 points, according to Cook Political Report. By shifting Democratic Rep. Jared Huffmans 2nd Congressional District in Marin County to take on more of Californias northern border, LaMalfas district would pick up parts of blue Santa Rosa. The seats held by Kiley and LaMalfa would both become likely or even safe Democratic seats, depending on the candidates and campaigns, analysis from Sabatos Crystal Ball predicts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you want to know whats wrong with these maps just take a look at them. How on earth does Modoc County on the Nevada and Oregon Border have any common interest with Marin County and the Golden Gate Bridge? LaMalfa wrote on X. The Congress member, who has held his seat for more than a decade, also sounded alarms that Newsoms efforts in California will set off a series of retaliation in other states across the country, pointing to mid-decade chatter about redistricting in red Florida, Missouri and Indiana. Rep. Ken Calvert, 41st Congressional District Rep. Ken Calverts (R) 41st Congressional District in Riverside County, which went to Trump by 6 points last fall, could be effectively replaced with a new seat in central Los Angeles County. The new Latino-majority seat would make for another solid Democratic pickup opportunity in the midterms though Sabatos Crystal Ball notes it may be less so in future cycles, if Hispanic voters continue the rightward shift seen in the last election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calvert, who has represented California in Congress for more than three decades, has stressed the popularity of Californias existing independent redistricting commission, which voters approved in 2008 and 2010, as he pushes back on the Democrats effort. A bipartisan majority of Californians oppose efforts to eliminate our Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. It only adds insult to injury to ask taxpayers to pay hundreds of millions of dollars on a special election power grab that would wipeout the Commissions work, Calvert has written on social media. Newsom has stressed that the redistricting measure would only bypass the commission through the 2030 election, then revert back to the commissions typical redraw timelines after each census. Rep. Darrell Issa, 48th Congressional District Democrats have long targeted Rep. Darrell Issas (R) 48th Congressional District, where the incumbent won by double digits in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Issa retired from Congress in 2018 but returned with a win in 2020. Under the map proposal, Issas district would pick up Palm Springs, while other parts shift to nearby Democrats. That would flip his seat, according to Cook Political Report, from one that went to Trump by 15 points to one that would have gone to Harris by 3. Sabatos Crystal Ball suggests that Issas seats would probably become a toss-up if the map takes effect, along with Rep. David Valadaos (R) seat. Analysis from CalMatters, citing registration data in the district, dubs it the biggest reach for Democrats. Rep. David Valadao, 22nd Congressional District Valadao, one of the two remaining House Republicans to have voted for Trumps impeachment after Jan. 6, 2021, would see his already competitive 22nd Congressional District in Central Valley get even more so under the new maps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cook Political Report forecasts that Valadaos would shift from its current lean Republican rating to toss-up territory from a district that went to Trump by 6 points to one that would have favored Trump by a single digit becoming the most tenuous for Democrats to flip among the targeted districts. Neither political party should have the authority to rig maps to protect their own power, Valadao said in a statement late last month, calling Newsoms effort a blatant power grab. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Research is to take place into losses sustained by RAF bomber crews in the far east during World War Two. The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) said, while Bomber Command did not serve in the region during the war, its aircraft and crews were assigned to a new unit called Tiger Force to provide long-range bombing support in the Allied advance against Japan. The force was never deployed, as the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and Japan surrendered in 1945. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To fund the research, the centre in Lincoln is selling thousands of ceramic poppies arranged in the shape of a Lancaster Bomber to mark Victory in Europe (VE) Day and VJ Day this year. Nicky van der Drift says people are "enormously proud" when they find an ancestor who served [BBC/Jessica Lane] Nicky van der Drift, chief executive of the IBCC, said: "Once the research on the far eastern theatre is complete, our Losses Database will have honoured and recorded every life lost in any of the Second World War bombing commands, including the Mediterranean theatre, 2 TAF and Command. "The database will provide an additional resource, not only for military historians and visitors to our site, but also for family history websites." The IBCC hopes to raise money to build further memorial walls [International Bomber Command Centre] Ms van der Drift said the centre hoped to raise the funds needed to build further memorial walls, which would take the numbers commemorated from 50,000 to more than 80,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The poppy installation was created by Lithuanian artist Darius Sirmulevicius, who now lives in Lincolnshire. Proceeds from the sale of the poppies will go to the IBCC, Wooden Spoon children's rugby charity, British West India Regiments Heritage Trust and the RAF Benevolent Fund. Ms van der Drift said: "Buying a commemorative ceramic poppy is one way in which people can support our mission and make sure these brave men and women are remembered and honoured." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices More on this story Related internet links Volunteer dog-handler teams of everyday people and their pets have now joined the fight against the spotted lanternfly, which is wreaking havoc in forests, on farms, and in neighborhoods across the United States. According to a news release from Virginia Tech, a study newly published in the journal PeerJ and led by the institute shows that community scientists and their dogs can successfully sniff out the invasive insect's hard-to-spot eggs. Photo Credit: iStock The findings of this research demonstrate that canine scent work could increasingly be a promising tool in tackling spotted lanternflies, which can spread quickly and disrupt ecosystems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flies are native to Asia and are currently directly impacting 19 states across the U.S., according to the Department of Agriculture. When they feed, the insects excrete a sticky fluid that can attract other bugs and cause mold, damaging crops and native plant species. According to Virginia Tech, spotted lanternflies often lay their essentially camouflaged eggs in hidden nooks and crannies in tree bark, vehicles, and buildings so early detection is difficult for humans working on their own. But researchers found that dogs can locate egg masses with their strong sense of smell and without disturbing the environment. Over 180 volunteer dog-handler teams from across the U.S. participated in the study, in which dogs were trained using non-hatching egg masses. In testing conditions, the dogs correctly identified the egg masses 82 percent of the time. In real-world conditions, their success rate was 61 percent. While costly professional detection dogs have been known to achieve a high level of accuracy themselves, this study appears to be the first to demonstrate that pet canines training at home for as little as 15 to 30 minutes two to three times a week over a period of six months could achieve comparable results and play a significant role in protecting local ecosystems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These teams demonstrated that citizen scientists and their dogs can play a meaningful role in protecting agriculture and the environment from invasive species," lead author Sally Dickinson said. Members of the same research team previously conducted a separate study, per the release, in which they found that pet dogs trained to detect powdery mildew a risk to vineyards could do so with over 90 percent accuracy. "What Sally's study shows is that this can be more than a hobby these citizen scientists and their dogs can be a valuable resource for fighting the spread of an invasive pest," praised co-author and animal behaviorist Erica Feuerbacher. Enjoy getting out and about anyway? Looking for some meaningful motivation to exercise with your pet? These volunteers and their dogs have shown that taking local action against invasive species can be a paw-sitive experience for everyone involved. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Hundreds of South Memphis residents experienced an outage that was caused by a speeding car that crashed into a utility pole. Residents told WREG that outages happen often in the area. We call and we call, some of us get crazy answers, some of us get good situational answers, but today it is too hot for the power to be off, said Jean Carson, whose home was without power. Carson said it was tough getting answers to why her power was out at her home located off Dwight and Charjean Road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Temps hit 100; dangerous heat continues through Tuesday We have seniors over here thatve been over here for 50 years, which are in their 60s, 70s and 80s, even some in their 90s, my mother is one, shes 94, said Carson. Other neighbors said the heat has been making them think about their next steps. Here we are now stuck trying to decide whether or not we are going to get up and get out of here because its just too hot, said Dewayne Benton, radio personality. My neighbors, I saw them across the street, lady said I have cancer and I have heart problems, so Im going to have to decide how long this will last or do I need to get up and get out of here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police conducted traffic control for downed power lines at Ketchum and Airways. Woman accused of making bomb, planning to escape jail Memphis Light Gas and Water said a car hit a utility pole that brought down wires and a second pole caused the outage. According to MLGW, this isnt new and on average about 80 vehicles hit their poles a month which costs $7,500 per fix. This happens a lot in this neighborhood, and I just sometimes feel like they dont give certain neighborhoods the attention that it needs because this is an older neighborhood, said Benton. HVAC problems still an issue for Memphis school Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors said they understand this incident is out of MGLWs control, but there is a history of outages in the area. They said its concerning with the extreme heat still in the forecast. When the power goes off, sometimes its restored fast, sometimes its slow, but basically its 3 to 4 to 5 hours before we have power again, said Carson. When we have problems and things, you all act like we dont care. If we pay our bill and we are one cent short, you will cut us off. I dont feel that thats right, said Carson. MLGW told WREG the power is expected to be restored by 12:30 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 WREG.com. Gov. Tina Kotek speaks at the annual Oregon Leadership Summit in Portland on Dec. 11, 2023. (Photo by Michael Romanos/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on Tuesday pushed back against claims from the federal government that the state is obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts because of its sanctuary law. On Aug. 13, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi gave Kotek, along with dozens of other elected officials in sanctuary states and cities, until Tuesday to respond to a letter threatening legal consequences because the state prohibits law enforcement and other public agencies from cooperating with federal officials on immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You demanded a response by today, Kotek said in her letter. On behalf of the state of Oregon and its citizens, I respectfully disagree with your assertions. The state of Oregon, its public officials and its law enforcement officers do not engage in conduct that thwarts federal immigration enforcement. Kotek explained the history of Oregons 1987 sanctuary state law and said that most Oregon voters support the law. In a 2018 ballot measure, 63% of Oregon voters opposed repealing the law. Under the sanctuary law, law enforcement agencies in Oregon in nearly all circumstances cannot inquire about immigration status or investigate someone for immigration enforcement purposes. Requests from federal agencies to local law enforcement agencies about immigration enforcement without a judicial order must be documented, reported and denied. Kotek said the state of Oregon complies with federal law and it will continue to follow its own laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city of Portland, which also received a demand from Bondi, responded in a similar manner to Kotek. In a two-sentence letter, City Attorney Rob Taylor wrote that Oregons largest city complies with federal and state laws. In 2017, the Portland City Council declared Portland a sanctuary city, meaning that city employees will not cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents except as expressly required by federal law. The city of Portland is committed to protecting and supporting an immigrant community that contributes so much to the health, prosperity, and vibrancy of our city, city officials wrote in a news release Tuesday afternoon. At a Monday press conference related to the states most recent lawsuit against the federal government, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said the federal government is asking Oregon to break its own laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Out of the 37 lawsuits Oregons filed against the Trump administration, Rayfield said a handful stem from threats to force compliance on immigration issues such as by withholding funding used to support victims of domestic abuse and funding for road repairs and flood protections. To report violations of Oregons sanctuary law, individuals can contact the Oregon Department of Justices Sanctuary Promise hotline at 1-844-924-STAY/1-844-6-AMPARO or report online at SanctuaryPromise.Oregon.gov or PromesaSantuario.Oregon.gov. Updated at 4 p.m. Aug. 19 with information from the city of Portland. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 08.19.25 Letter to AG Bondi SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MCREERY, WV (WVNS) The swift action of local responders prevented a potentially fatal situation on the New River. City of Beckley vape shop ordinance passed effective immediately Two individuals on Thursday lost control of a watercraft, prompting local bystanders to contact emergency services. Responders with the Raleigh County Swift Water Rescue Team, Beaver Volunteer Fire Department, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, and Mount Hope Fire Department came together to safely retrieve the two individuals from the river. These two individuals were boating down the New River enjoying some of the beautiful scenery and found themselves stuck in a predicament they were unable to rescue themselves from, said Beaver Volunteer Fire Department Public Information Officer, Will Davis. We made the entry into the water with our swift water boat and some swift water technicians that were able to make the rescue of one adult female and one adolescent female. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those planning to go out on the water, Davis said its important to come equipped with the proper gear. This includes quality life vests and a sturdy vessel. He also said those venturing outdoors should let friends or loved ones know their plans and location before heading out. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. The French are known for their love of fine wines. La Popote, a French-style restaurant in northern England, is no exception. The Michelin Guide-listed eatery in the county of Cheshire offers diners the choice of almost 140 varieties of wine. But now the business is taking a bold step to cater for discerning non-drinkers by offering an entire menu of bottled water. Diners will have the choice of three different bottles of still water and four sparkling beginning Friday, as well as complimentary tap water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement La Popote is tapping into a global trend away from alcohol. For example, based on a Gallup poll last year, 58% of adult Americans drink alcohol, down from 67% in 2022. A growing number of Americans are giving up alcohol, whether permanently or temporarily, while many restaurants are offering a bigger range of mocktails, and sober bars and non-alcoholic bottle shops are becoming increasingly popular. Chef Joseph Rawlins, who founded and runs La Popote with his French partner Gaelle Radigon, said they had initially been approached about the idea by Doran Binder, who was already supplying the restaurant with their house water under his Crag Spring Water brand. A water sommelier, certified by the Fine Water Academy, Binder first suggested the idea of a water menu to the couple three years ago. Owners Joseph Rawlins and Gaelle Radigon outside their French-style restaurant La Popote. - courtesy Julian Kronfli I laughed it off, Rawlins told CNN. I initially thought it was a ridiculous idea. But when Binder invited the couple to a tasting at the water bar he owns in the Peak District, a national park in north-central England, they were sold. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was mind-blowing, Rawlins said of the experience, adding that he now believes that water isnt just water. At that first tasting, they tried five or six different varieties. Then we did a second tasting with exactly the same waters but we paired them with certain foods like Manchego cheese, Comte cheese, chocolate, Parma ham, olives. Like with a wine, the taste just changed. The restaurant is the first in Britain to offer a water menu, according to Binder, and one of only a handful in the world. Binder curated La Popotes water menu, which features a selection from across Europe, including Britain, France, Spain and Portugal. Prices range from 5 ($6.80) for a large bottle of his Crag brand to 19 ($26) for The Palace of Vidago, a Portuguese sparkling water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The measurement of minerals in water is what drives taste and flavor, Binder told CNN. That measurement is called Total Dissolved Solids, or TDS, he said. Distilled water is zero TDS. Its brilliant for cleaning windows, brilliant for electrical appliances, brilliant for your car battery rubbish for the human being, he said, noting that sea water is at the other end of the spectrum with 30,000-40,000 TDS. The restaurants range goes from 14 TDS in the Lauretana sparkling mineral water from Italy to 3,300 for the Vichy Celastins from France. The French water initially tastes rather salty, Rawlins said. Then you put it with something thats quite salty like a Parma ham and they both naturally balance each other out, so the water is not salty anymore and its a longer-lasting flavor of the ham in your mouth. The restaurateurs decided to launch the water menu after a tasting experience at the water bar owned by Doran Binder. - courtesy Doran Binder How the water is served is also important, Rawlins said. We recommend it at room temperature with ice and a slice of lemon. Water is like wine if its too cold, it kills all the flavor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The water menu is giving diners another dimension, he added, noting that a lot of people are drinking less now. Binder, who has never drunk alcohol, agrees. There are more and more people who dont drink alcohol, like me. Im a massive foodie and when I go to a restaurant they cant wait to throw a wine menu in front of my nose, which will never be of interest to me. But put a water menu in front of me and now youve opened up a whole new revenue stream. Its appealing to restaurants and its appealing to more and more health-conscious people and really its all about the epicurean experience. Jordan Valinsky contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Hungary is being considered as a potential location for the meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Source: Reuters, as reported by European Pravda Details: A US administration official told Reuters this after US President Donald Trump announced the start of preparations for a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy and Putin, prompting the media to circulate information about a potential venue for such an event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The official said that although the Kremlin has not yet officially agreed to hold the summit, the meeting could take place in Hungary. In this context, it is worth recalling that in March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin, considering him guilty of the illegal deportation of thousands of children from Ukraine. The issuance of the warrant means that Putin can be arrested if he travels to any ICC member state. At the beginning of April 2025, Hungary announced its intention to withdraw from the ICC during a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, against whom the court had issued an arrest warrant. Even before the meeting between Trump, Zelenskyy, the European Commission and European and NATO leaders, it was reported that the US and EU allies had agreed that a trilateral meeting could take place in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the Coalition of the Willing videoconference held over the weekend, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed Rome and Emmanuel Macron proposed Geneva. Notably, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that Zelenskyy and Putin will meet within the next two weeks. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A review of draft legislation to regulate hospital, mental health and ambulance services has been launched. A scrutiny sub-panel has been formed to consider the proposal that Jersey Care Commission becomes the independent regulator of these services on the island. The States Assembly said the panel would hold public hearings with key stakeholders as well as invite feedback from private sector service providers who would fall under the remit of the new regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sub-panel chair Deputy Tom Coles said it was "an extremely important piece of legislation because it aims to protect every islander who uses our key health services". Formed as a sub-panel of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure scrutiny panel, the chair is Deputy Tom Coles, the vice chair is Deputy Karen Wilson and the panel members are Deputy Helen Miles and Deputy Jonathan Renouf. Scrutiny panels work on behalf of the States Assembly and examine the work of the Government, holding ministers to account for their decisions and actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet links Only months after he had gotten clean himself, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Kennedy family lost his younger brother to addiction at a Palm Beach hotel in 1984. RFK Jr., now serving under President Donald Trump as head of the Department of Health and Human Services, has spoken openly about his own 14-year battle with addiction to heroin. But his "best friend," brother David, didn't make it. He died at age 28 of a drug overdose at the Brazilian Court Hotel in April 1984. David Kennedy's autopsy showed a mixture of cocaine, the painkiller, Demerol, and the tranquilizer, Mellaril. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the eve of RFK Jr.'s confirmation hearings, their cousin, Caroline Kennedy, urged lawmakers to reject his nomination saying he'd led other family members down the path of drug addiction. His basement, his garage, and his dorm room were the centers of the action where drugs were available," said the daughter of the late president, John F. Kennedy. Since being confirmed, RFK Jr.'s time as head of HHS has been marked by controversy in his program to "Make America Healthy Again," including spreading untruths about the cause of autism, voicing anti-vaccine rhetoric and downplaying the measles outbreak in Texas. The latest involves the draft of a report about child health that does not recommend severe limits on pesticides and processed food. More: Palm Beach Winter White House No. 1: JFK's first would-be assassin was arrested here David Kennedy died alone in a Palm Beach hotel His views on public health developed long after his brother died alone in a hotel during Easter weekend on the wealthy island of Palm Beach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the family got together for Easter at the Kennedy estate at 1095 N. Ocean Blvd., David reportedly got thrown out because he was intoxicated and was acting erratic. It's not clear whether RFK Jr. was also there. But in addition to David, news accounts put two other brothers at the compound. The oldest son of RFK Sr. and Ethel's 11 children, Joseph, was there. Also, younger brother Douglas checked in with David to stay in the $150-a-night room at the Brazilian Court five days before David's death. A woman who had dated David a few days before his death said he'd been sobbing and was severely depressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement History: Which Kennedy family member overdosed in a Palm Beach hotel? A photo of David Kennedy as it appeared in a May 1984 edition of The Palm Beach Post. David died alone. A secretary knocked on his door the morning of April 5. When Elizabeth Barnett didn't get an answer, she used her pass key to get in. His mother Ethel had frantically called the hotel, saying he hadnt shown up for his flight to Boston. More: David Kennedy, RFK's fourth child, died of drug overdose in 1984 in Palm Beach In the room, Barnett found both beds made and David in between them. She touched his face. He was gone. When the hotel called Ethel back, Ethel said, Hes dead, isnt he? and hung up the phone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two bellhops were later arrested on charges of supplying the drugs, but they took a plea deal for lesser charges and got probation. The Kennedy brothers' addictions started soon after RFK Sr.'s assassination David at age 12 had been at the Ambassador Hotel in June 1968, watching news footage of his father's assassination, which happened downstairs. RFK Jr., age 14, had been there, too. Both would begin using drugs soon after, around the same time. Was RFK Jr. ever addicted to drugs? RFK Jr. said his heroin addiction began at age 15, David's at 13. Family members said the assassination may have triggered David's addiction, but a car crash in 1973 likely made it worse. David was the fourth child of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy and RFK Jr. was the third, two years older than David. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven months before David died, his older brother had been arrested in Rapid City, South Dakota, on heroin possession charges after he became sick on an airliner. The 29-year-old was released by police and joined a drug rehabilitation program a few days later in September 1983. RFK Jr. said this year that he had attended 40 years of 12-step meetings to escape drugs, sex, alcohol or extreme behavior and still does. He said on a Latino Capitalist podcast in July that he wants the government to create free wellness farms in rural areas across the country for those battling addiction to reparent them away from using both legal and illegal drugs. The government would pay for those in recovery to grow food on organic farms for three or four years with a sales tax on cannabis products, according to "Mother Jones." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holly Baltz is the investigations editor at The Palm Beach Post. She also has a passion for history. You can reach her at hbaltz@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: RFK Jr. lost his brother David to addiction in a Palm Beach hotel (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi / Stripes Japan) Across Japan this month, traffic will continually stop as people in traditional festive attire energetically shouting wasshoi parade through the streets carrying portable Shinto shrines called mikoshi on their shoulders. These mikoshi parades are an indispensable element of Japanese culture. A mikoshi is used as a vehicle for a Shinto god during the parades. People believe that their local god leaves his shrine on the mikoshi and tours the community to bless the residents. Although mikoshi parades are less often observed in Okinawa because there are only a few Shinto shrines, each shrine hosts at least one mikoshi parade throughout the year, many hosting more than one. Not to confuse you anymore, but Bon Odori festivals and mikoshi parades are not related. While Bon Odori is mainly influenced by Buddhism and was established about 500 years ago, mikoshi parades are a tradition of Shinto, dating back 1,300 years. For a mikoshi parade, a Shinto ritual is inevitable. A Shinto priest will perform a ritual to move the sacred soul of a local god into the mikoshi. After the parade, the priest will perform another ritual to move the soul back to the shrine before putting the mikoshi into storage. Mikoshis are beautifully handcrafted shrines that are generally gold-plated or have a vermillion lacquered body, which is mounted on poles for which they are carried. The roof of a mikoshi will feature a carving of a houou (phoenix) to symbolize the deity of a Shinto god. (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi / Stripes Japan) (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi / Stripes Japan) During a mikoshi parade, members of the local shrine or town association dressed in a happi (a festive short coat) will carry the portable shrine throughout the streets of the community, wishing for the safety and prosperity of the residents. A mikoshi is sacred and should never touch the ground. It is carried on the shoulders of participants so the god can look down at the people. When participants want to put the mikoshi down, they always rest it on blocks, called uma (horse). The procession is organized by the local shrine or town association and is carried out according to their own traditions. Since each community has its own style and rules in carrying and parading a mikoshi and each member is required to wear a happi, onlookers usually do not join in. However, there are some new towns that allow or even encourage guests to join and carry their mikoshi as a way to promote friendship within the community. Enjoy Japans summer in a traditional way by joining a local Mikoshi parade! Aug. 19The technology once embraced by President Donald Trump for speeding the development of COVID-19 vaccines is now under scrutiny. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently took sweeping action that canceled 22 mRNA vaccine contracts, vexing researchers, doctors and companies such as Spokane's Jubilant HollisterStier. mRNA vaccine technology earned widespread attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, and pharmaceutical businesses tapped it to quickly develop an adaptive, highly effective vaccine. When Pfizer secured authorization from the Food and Drug Administration to proceed with mRNA in 2020, then-President Trump touted the move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is one of the greatest scientific accomplishments in history," he said at the time. While mRNA abilities are notably associated with the coronavirus pandemic, their reach extends beyond a contagion like COVID-19. The science of misinformation "The majority of vaccines out there right now are either inactivated vaccines or live-attenuated vaccines," said Professor Deborah Fuller. She works in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She is also the director of the Washington National Primate Research Center, and she specializes in nucleic acid vaccine research, which includes both ribonucleic mRNA and self-amplifying and deoxyribonucleic vaccine types. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They are very, very safe. I want to emphasize that," she said. "Examples of inactivated vaccines include those for hepatitis A, rabies and polio. Live-attenuated technology is found in the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella, and the vaccines for smallpox and yellow fever." The mRNA technology is different. While "most other technologies really require months to have the pathogen you either need to enact or attenuate," Fuller said, RNA vaccines only "need the genetic sequence of what the pathogen is." That made this type of vaccine highly applicable to the pressing pandemic. mRNA research had been simmering for more than 30 years. So when the coronavirus struck, "the right technology was ready to go at the right time for this disease," Fuller said. One common misconception is that safety protocols were thwarted to allow for mass production and inoculation, Fuller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccines are required to proceed through three distinct phases: one focused on side effects and immune response, another that enhances existing safety knowledge and a final efficacy analysis. What made the coronavirus vaccine process unusual was that scientists overlapped the start of each of those phases as they completed all safety checkpoints. This accelerated approach is typically avoided due to cost. If a phase is entered before the previous phase is complete, there is a risk of losing a major investment. "They took that risk, but I think they also had some confidence because of those 30 years of studying mRNA vaccines," Fuller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another assumption was that mRNA vaccines are more invasive. "The primary method or mechanism in the body that protects you against those diseases is an antibody response," Fuller said. mRNA allows cells to "produce that vaccine" so that "they can present the antigen to your immune system in sort of a natural confirmation that your body would typically see if a virus infects." Essentially, instead of introducing a foreign immune response to the body, mRNA technology lets the body do that work itself. Unlike inactivated or live attenuated vaccines, the mRNA kind allows for the body to develop strength through its own protein production. Other vaccine forms require the body to respond to an external non-infecting virus, widening the possibility for a "rejection." The misinformation spread on this topic is an "attack" that's primarily "driven by politics," the researcher said. Rarely are these rumors based in the science that she studies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mysterious $500 million In May, the Trump administration launched Generation Gold Standard, a project aimed at developing a "whole-virus" solution to infections like influenza. "It's a so-called universal flu vaccine that consists of a combination of more inactivated vaccines into a pot," Fuller said. But the researcher said that technology is outdated. The efforts are projected to cost around $500 million the same amount cut from mRNA vaccine contracts. "It's almost as if they canceled 22 projects that were really in mid- to late-stage development just to fund this one, less innovative approach," Fuller said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A cure for cancer? The mRNA technology has long been considered for cancer treatments. Some vaccines that target cancer-causing viral agents "have been very effective," said Dr. Brett Gourley, a medical oncologist and hematologist at MultiCare. That includes hepatitis B and human papillomavirus, or HPV. When it comes to incorporating mRNA advancements into cancer treatments, there are different paths. "The first is similar to the COVID-19 vaccine where we have the mRNA make a particular type of protein," Gourley said. "We know that cancer cells can sometimes make unique proteins that are expressed, and by trying to overexpress those proteins, it may help the immune system identify those proteins as foreign." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second scenario is "using mRNA to encode not just for a snippet of protein, but actually for a full antibody protein," he said. This would mean the lab-manufactured antibodies upon which scientists rely could be produced within the body. "(Current) antibody treatments are wonderful because they allow us to treat cancer and prolong people's lives, and in certain cases, even cure people," Gourley said, but "they have to be processed in a very special lab, and it takes a lot of time and effort to produce these." Keytruda, Opdivo and Yervoy are among these treatments and can cost from $13,000 to $40,000. The third mRNA application is through gene editing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the three mRNA options have not progressed to FDA approval, Gourley said it's possible to see these technologies "ready to deploy" in the next five years. "I started doing oncology only in 2011. So in those 14 years, drug development has accelerated in ways that we could never imagine," he said. Recent funding withdrawals may not cause limitations, Gourley said, but companies will be forced to turn to their research and development budgets. Some companies might ache ... Jubilant-HollisterStier, an international pharmaceutical powerhouse with operations in Spokane, is heavily invested in the business of vaccine development and distribution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company's local plant packages medicines like vaccines. In 2021, The Spokesman-Review reported the enterprise as being "the only such manufacturer of the COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics in the state of Washington." At the time, 900 Spokane-based employees could produce 500,000 vials daily. A 2022 news release from Jubilant-HollisterStier announced "a cooperative agreement for $149.6 million" with the U.S. government, particularly the department currently headed by Kennedy. The company reported this funding was through the American Rescue Plan a $1 trillion-plus health and economic stimulus from former President Joe Biden's administration. The Trump administration has since pulled billions back from this fund. This agreement was to create two new production lines. Despite funding changes, the company is "still on track for the expansion to be completed and fully operational by June 2026," a Jubilant-HollisterStier marketing manager said in an email . She declined to comment on the source of the funding, including whether the initial amount had been received in full or if government money is crucial to growing the Spokane branch. ... though not allSome enterprises may benefit from RFK Jr.'s policy. GeoVax, an American biotechnology company, said the move away from mRNA technology toward other inoculation methods supports its research and testing for multi-antigen vaccines. Generation Gold Standard is one example of federal efforts to back this approach. For the millions of immunocompromised Americans, "mRNA vaccines, or single-antigen vaccines, are inadequate," said GeoVax president and CEO David Dodd. The federal decision "actually bodes very well for (GeoVax)," he said. While mRNA shots are quick to develop and produce, making them the ideal candidate for a pandemic response, the vaccines researched by GeoVax may have broader protection, Dodd said, though manufacturing is slower. Despite scientists claiming the technology embraced by the current administration is antiquated, Dodd said "just because something is old, doesn't mean it doesn't have value and utility." "We feel positive," he concluded. "For some other players, it's going to be a challenge." Caroline Saint James' 's reporting was funded by Comma's First Amendment Club. NEED TO KNOW Devon Hogan Flanagan, a special assistant attorney general in Rhode Island, was detained by police last week after a trespassing incident at a Newport restaurant Flanagan argued with officers who responded to the call, instructing them to turn their body cameras off She repeatedly told the officers, "I'm an AG," and warned, "You're going to regret this" A Rhode Island assistant attorney general was captured on police body cameras telling officers they would "regret" detaining her during a trespassing dispute last week. Devon Hogan Flanagan, who, according to her LinkedIn profile, has worked as a special assistant attorney general in the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office for the last seven years, was confronted by officers at the Clarke Cooke House on Bannisters Wharf in Newport, R.I., last Thursday, Aug. 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After responding to a call about an "unwanted party" at the restaurant, Newport Police officers encountered Flanagan and her friend, who was identified as Veronica Hannan. According to body camera footage obtained by NBC10 WJAR, Flanagan immediately requested the officers turn their cameras off. I want you to turn your bodycam off. Protocol is that you turn it off. Its a citizen request that you turn it off, she said. Getty The Clarke Cooke House in Newport, Rhode Island The Clarke Cooke House in Newport, Rhode Island Police were heard asking an employee of the restaurant if he wanted the women trespassed from the property. When the man answered in the affirmative, an officer told Flanagan and Hannan, Youre trespassed, and we got to leave now, unless you want to be in handcuffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flanagan replied, Were not trespassing. You havent notified us that were trespassing. The officer then warned the women that if they didn't leave, they would be arrested. Flanagan replied, Youre not going to arrest us, asserting her status as an assistant AG. She continued to argue, repeating, Im an AG. Im an AG, to which the officer responded, Good for you. I dont give a f---. Lets go. 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. Newport RI Police Department Devon Hogan Flanagan, as seen on body camera footage Devon Hogan Flanagan, as seen on body camera footage Ultimately, police put Flanagan into the back of a cruiser, as she continued to threaten them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Buddy, youre going to regret this. Youre going to regret it. Im an AG," she said as the officer shut the door. NBC10 contacted Flanagan's phone number, receiving a "no comment" response. On Monday, Aug. 18, the attorney general's office told the outlet they were in the process of reviewing the incident and had no updates to share. A manager at Clarke Cooke House had no comment to NBC10 about what led to Flanagan and Hannan initially being trespassed from the restaurant. According to Rhode Island state law, there is no policy that states a police officer needs to turn their body cameras off when requested. Law enforcement and security expert Todd McGhee told NBC10 that officers are instructed to record their interactions with citizens and detainees for transparency reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would venture to say that any violation of this policy by a police officer, they would face disciplinary actions. The law is very clearly written," McGhee said. "The fact that someone holds a certain title or office doesn't change the circumstances." A lawyer for Hannan, John Grasso, told PEOPLE in a statement that his client is "a law abiding, productive member of society with no prior run-ins with law enforcement." "Perhaps that lack of prior experience with the police is what caused her to be caught off guard by what you saw unfolding on the video police shared with the media," Grasso added. "Her reaction to the physicality was not how you would expect a person to act when confronted by law enforcement. Then again, until you are the person being forced to leave without explanation, trying to communicate but being disregarded, watching your friend get grabbed, spun around, and handcuffed, separated from your husband, and then finding yourself in the same predicament a moment later, its probably unfair to judge Veronicas reaction under those overwhelming circumstances." PEOPLE reached out to Flanagan and the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office for comment. Read the original article on People AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) The Richmond County Sheriffs Office hosted its first Former RCSO Retired Employee Luncheon on Monday. According to the sheriffs office, the event welcomed more than 115 former employees, with the effort of honoring those who have served in the county. This luncheon was more than a mealit was a celebration of service, legacy, and the strong foundation on which this agency continues to build, said Sheriff Eugene Brantley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sheriffs office also announced it will issue retired credentials to those who never received them, beginning immediately. RCSO expects to make the gathering an annual tradition. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. SMITHFIELD, Utah (ABC4) A Richmond, Utah, man is accused of causing a vehicle crash that caused near-fatal injuries to a passenger. Police say he was driving in the wrong lanes when the crash occurred, and he drove away from the scene before crashing a second time. Brock Johnny Harris, 31, has been charged with negligently operating a vehicle resulting in injury, failure to stop at a serious injury accident, driving on a suspended or revoked license, and failure to signal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, on Aug. 16, 2025, Harris was observed driving on the wrong side of the road in Smithfield. He was allegedly travelling northbound in the southbound lanes for around six blocks when he crashed into a vehicle travelling in the correct lanes. NORTHERN UTAH: Two officers shot and killed in Tremonton identified, community procession planned The crash caused near-fatal injuries to a passenger in the vehicle that he allegedly crashed into. Harris did not stop after the crash, and instead continued driving north until he ran off the road and crossed into the southbound lanes again. At this point, Harris reportedly hit a fire hydrant, causing his vehicle to flip on its side. A Smithfield Police officer observed Harris running away from the crash in the middle of Main Street. The officer stated that Harris was barefoot and wearing nothing but pants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the officer stopped Harris, he was allegedly incoherent and did not have the ability to follow directions. Officers placed Harris into handcuffs for his safety, and he would admit to using marijuana for personal medical reasons prior to the two collisions. Harris is currently being held at the Cache County Jail on bail. He made an initial appearance in court earlier this afternoon. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. GRAY, Tenn. (WJHL) The fundraising and planning for a Tri-Cities Christmas tradition start months beforehand. Ride for Wreaths on Saturday, Sept. 6 serves as one of the primary fundraising ventures for the effort to place a holiday wreath on every veterans grave at Mountain Home National Cemetery later in December. The ride is being hosted by Rolling Thunder TN Chapter 4. On Sept. 6, riders will leave from Crossroads Christian Church in Gray for a scenic ride to Bluff City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cars, Jeeps and trucks are welcome to join the convoy. The event in Gray starts at 10 a.m., with kickstands up at 11:30. Its $17 to join the ride, which is the cost of one wreath. The ride will finish at the Impact Community Center in Bluff City with a family-friendly bash starting at noon. Ben Foy and Billy Gillenwater joined Good Morning Tri-Cities to share how you can contribute to this years mission. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. RIDGEFIELD, Wash. Later this week, the first In-N-Out Burger in Washington state opens its doors in Ridgefield. The restaurant opens at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. The easiest way to get there, and the way the City of Ridgefield is encouraging people to come, is from I-5. In either direction, customers can exit on Pioneer Street, head west until the roundabout at 56th, and then turn right towards the restaurant. Ridgefields police chief, Cathy Doriot, said In-N-Out has set up large queuing areas that should fit several hundred waiting cars. But if those queuing lots are full and lines start to build up, customers may have to come back at a different time. But Doriot said they hope not to get to that point. In-N-Out is supposed to have a pretty effective plan. Theyre able to evaluate how theyre doing with their ability to serve customers and to project if they have enough capacity to keep serving whats in the queuing lines, Doriot said. So hopefully theyre going to keep that communication open with us, and then we will try to communicate it as best as we can to the public. Some business owners farther down Pioneer Street, like Danika Limbach at Studio C Hair Salon, are not sure what to expect, but are already telling staff to pack their patience. What Im talking to our stylists about is just being patient and communicating with our clients and letting them know whats going on, Limbach said. Also offering other avenues to get to this facility, because if youre coming from up north, you can get off at the center. And if youre coming from down south, you can get off at the fairgrounds. Doriot said they have spent several months preparing to manage the traffic. Weve worked with Washington State Patrol, Washington State Department of Transportation, obviously In-N-Out, Clark County Fire, a lot of people have and have had input on this plan, she said. Were trying to do the best we can with the situation that we have at hand. You know, Im optimistically confident that were going to be able to keep traffic moving through there. Bill Matthews owns Bigfoot Mountain Outfitters near the new In-N-Out, and he said he is looking forward to all the new people coming through. I think its going to be a really positive impact for this area, he said. Just going to bring in a lot of I-5 traffic into here, and well see some of our local businesses like us, that are in here. So I think its going to benefit us for sure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Portsmouth River Days is often cited as the longest continuously running festival in Ohio and its parade is said to be the largest daytime parade in the state. The parade features marching bands, businesses and non-profits organizations, scouting troops, first responders and a bakers dozen pageant contestants on vibrantly adorned floats that fit a theme each year. Kids gather along the route with adults nearby with bags, ready to run into the street to collect candy and quickly stuff it into their bags before looking for more opportunity from the line of community members who have put on the ritz to create fantastic displays while giving out goods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The route will sometimes shift and change a little, but the overall direction stays the same. This year, the parade will continue stepping off from Spartan Stadium before heading north on Boundary Street, from there it will travel west on Jackson Avenue until turning north on Offnere Street, west onto Gallia before turning north on Chillicothe Street. It disbands at 9th Street. The parade is an important element of the festive community identity. In fact, as the Portsmouth Daily Times has covered each River Days Pageant contestant in three months, many cite a major excitement in participating in the parade and wowing the community with a special float. River Days Co-Chair Meridith Brankamp agrees with the excitement, stating it is a special opportunity for the community to come together. The parade has been part of Portsmouth for over 60 years, and for so many is a favorite event of River Days. Its the longest parade in Ohio, and theres truly something for every age to enjoy. My favorite part is by far the pageant contestants floats! They always deliver above-and-beyond creativity and polish. We will have more than 100 parade participants, so you wont want to miss this! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Brankamp, it isnt too late for interested businesses and organizations to participate in the parade. A link to register can be found on the Friends of Portsmouth Facebook page and website. The River Days Parade will be held Saturday, Aug. 30 at 11 a.m. MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) The Heart of the Valley YMCA has welcomed a new leader. Rob Gray officially began his role as President and Chief Executive Officer on August 11, marking a new chapter for the organization as it continues its mission of serving communities across North Alabama. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App Board Chair of Heart of the Valley YMCA, Jared Sharp said Grays transition into leadership has been seamless. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Robs transition into leadership has been smooth, focused, and deeply aligned with our vision for the future, Sharp said. His track record in operational excellence and community engagement positions our YMCA for long-term growth and continued impact on the families who count on us every day. Gray brings nearly four decades of senior-level YMCA leadership experience. Most recently, he served as CEO of the Bath Area Family YMCA in Maine, where he guided the organization through a strong post-pandemic recovery. Under his leadership, membership grew by nearly 50% and new community partnerships flourished, including a nationally recognized childcare collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Bath Iron Works. Now in North Alabama, Gray will oversee the organizations strategic direction, community partnerships, and daily operations across Madison, Limestone, Morgan, Jackson, and Marshall counties. I am honored to step into this role and join such a dedicated team, Gray said. The Heart of the Valley YMCA has a long-standing reputation for serving our communities, and I look forward to listening, learning, and working together to ensure we remain a trusted resource for years to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Huntsville Housing Authority curfew still in effect, officials considering extending it He has already begun meeting with staff, volunteers, and donors to strengthen the YMCAs impact in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Heart of the Valley YMCA is located at 130 Park Square Lane in Madison, and it serves more than 35,000 people annually through a wide range of programs and services. You can find more information on the YMCA 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 WHNT.com. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) Yesterday, the Greece Police Department arrested a woman and charged her with identity theft and possession of stolen property for using a stolen credit card. On September 30, 2024, a wallet was taken from an assisted care room at a facility on Long Pond Boulevard while the victim was hospitalized. Later, their credit card was used at a store on Lyell Avenue. Through surveillance photos and witness accounts, investigators identified 60-year-old Krista Stewart of Rochester as the individual who used the stolen card at the ATM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On August 18, she was arrested and charged with second-degree identity theft and fourth-degree possession of stolen property. She was then booked and released on an Appearance Ticket. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) Rutherford County had a zebra, Sumner County had a bear, and now, theres an elk wandering around in Cheatham County. Melody Dennis spotted the elk around 6 a.m. Tuesday near Frey Street. She was pulling out of her subdivision when she came across the unexpected elk. Metro Council to vote on 5 new housing developments across Nashville Dennis said she did a double take, explaining shes seen elk before in Colorado but never in Middle Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Something I wasnt expecting to see. You know, at six oclock in the morning in Ashland City, you know, I see deer run across to there all the time. Thats not uncommon. I see them in my backyard, but this is I had to stop and look twice at this and then grab my phone to make sure I wasnt seeing things. So it was definitely an elk, said Dennis. (Courtesy: Melody Dennis) (Courtesy: Melody Dennis) (Courtesy: Melody Dennis) (Courtesy: Melody Dennis) (Courtesy: Melody Dennis) (Courtesy: Melody Dennis) She posted her photos in a local Facebook group, which garnered a lot of attention. Some were skeptical the images were photoshopped or generated by AI, but she promises thats not the case. Well, if they could ask my sons, they would probably be laughing at them, because I mean, I cant edit a picture, much less photoshop one, Dennis said. Im even lucky I know how to put it on my Facebook. Theyre constantly showing me. My 5-year-old granddaughter can do more on a phone than I can, so its not photoshopped. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency told News 2 its Cheatham County officer recognized the location and indicated there is a landowner in the area with elk on his property. The animal likely escaped his enclosure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wild elk roam freely in eastern Tennessee in the North Cumberland Management Area after the TWRA reintroduced the species into the state in the 1990s. Tennesseans can own elk with a permit from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mario's on 22 Mile and Romeo Plank Road sits boarded up. So do four nearby homes. In their place, a historic part of Macomb County, there will be a wider Romeo Plank and a roundabout built sometime next year in a county managing congestion amid a growing population. Nathan Kizi poured his time into Mario's for more than 15 years. But that abruptly stopped last year when he learned he would lose the space he rents so Macomb County can tear it and other structures down to alleviate traffic congestion in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Due to eminent domain, Mario's Corner Market, will be closing down soon. The reason behind this decision is beyond our control: our building is set to be demolished as part of the widening project for Romeo Plank to accomodate five lanes and roundabout. "I want to emphasize-- this was not our choice," said Kizi, 37, in a Facebook post last summer. Marios Liquor Store pictured on the northeast corner of 22 Mile Road and Romeo Plank Road in Macomb on Monday, July 14, 2025. Eminent domain is the authority of federal, state or local agencies to take private property for public use by offering the owner compensation. Once Waldenburg The acquired properties stand in a part of the county once known as Waldenburg, which was settled by German immigrants in 1831 and later became Macomb Township. The building that housed the market was more than 100 years old and was previously a dance hall. The road construction, which is slated to begin sometime next year, will transform the intersection into a roundabout and widen 21 Mile to 23 Mile to five lanes. A boarded up house on the northwest corner of 22 Mile Road and Romeo Plank Road in Macomb on Monday, July 14, 2025. Four other properties are awaiting acquisition, Macomb County Road Department officials said. Acquisition costs are expected to be around $2.2 million, which will be split between the Macomb County Road Department and Macomb Township, said Bryan Santo, director of the Macomb County Road Department. The overall road project costs $16.5 million and includes more than $14 million from federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a renter, Kizi said he was compensated for moving costs and offered $25,000 if he were to open the store elsewhere. If I was to move to a different intersection or a different city, then I'm basically starting all over," Kizi said. "I really love Macomb Township. I love 22 and Romeo Plank. Property owners are compensated an additional 25% if the property is their primary residence as well as costs for finding alternative housing and moving. Requests for additional compensation above the property's appraised value can also be negotiated between the owner and the Macomb County Road Department, Santo said. Unfortunately, its always part of the master plan when people buy a home and move into an area. Theyre given an understanding, maybe renters dont know, but the people who own the property usually do know that theres a master plan that talks about widening even if it isnt the right of way property of the county road department or any other government entity, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Another week, another slate of construction for Michigan roads. See where new projects are starting A growing county Originally, the project was estimated to be completed in the fall of 2023, according to a Macomb County 2022 press release titled, Reconstruction, rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements planned in Macomb County. In 2022, Kizi was notified of the construction plans and was informed theyd start the following year. It was always just delayed and when the next year came it would move back another two years. It never allowed me to fully invest in my business. Because how does one invest in a business when the city is going to tell you that it's going to get knocked down two years later? Kizi said. However, he didnt close until the fall of 2024. Marios Liquor Store on the northeast corner of 22 Mile Road and Romeo Plank Road in Macomb on Monday, July 14, 2025. The Romeo Plank Road project is in the design phase and undergoing an environmental assessment, said Eric Dimoff, public relations officer for the Macomb County Road Department. Hackel said construction has been overdue for decades and will ease traffic congestion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Between 2010 and 2020 census counts, Macomb County grew 4.7% to more than 881,000 residents. Romeo Plank Road is an important corridor that provides much needed north and south access through Macomb County, Santo said. The project is part of our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve to improve the quality and longevity of our transportation assets while enhancing safety, optimizing efficiency and delivering a smooth traveling experience for all road users. Ava Nightingale, a recent graduate of Eisenhower High School and rising freshman at The College of Charleston, and Ari Saperstein, a recent graduate of West Bloomfield High School and a rising freshman at the Michigan State University, are 2025 Detroit Free Press summer apprentices. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Roundabout, wider lanes spell end for store, homes in Macomb Township Rocks stained by acid mine drainage in Monday Creek, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Stretches of rust orange, acidic water flow through hilly southeastern Ohio, but Rural Action has helped bring aquatic life back to the streams. Monday Creek Watershed flows 27 miles through parts of Athens, Hocking, and Perry counties and drains into the Hocking River south of Nelsonville, but it is heavily polluted by acid mine drainage, which is contaminated water formed when iron is exposed to the air and water. The acid mine drainage is caused by pre-regulated mining and makes it nearly impossible for aquatic life to survive in that environment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Water is extremely important to communities and sustainability, said Rural Action Watershed Program Director Nate Schlater. We all need water to live. The United States Department of Agriculture ranked Monday Creek as the third most severely acid drainage polluted stream in Ohio in 1985 and Rural Action has been doing watershed restoration work since 1994. These streams, which were nearly completely devoid of life, have seen vast improvements in chemical and biological water quality because of the work of this coalition, said Matt Ledford, a Rural Action water quality specialist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clean water is necessary for a healthy ecosystem, he said. Human health and development everything from drinking water, groundwater recharge, flood management and much more rely on a healthy, functioning ecosystem, Ledford said. Monday Creek was once considered a dead stream, meaning it lacked aquatic life. That is typically the result of pre-regulation abandoned coal mine impacts and the acidic water and the metals associated with those impacts and discharges, Schlater said. Today, 37 fish species have either returned to Monday Creek or are living in Monday Creek, Schlater said. That is the result of treatment and reclamation of pre-regulation coal mining issues, he said. Some of those had lived there early on, but most of those had not been there for the past 100 years. Its literally life and death for biology and aquatic life in these streams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But there is still work to be done as Schlater recently found only two species of fish in a tributary to Monday Creek. Thats essentially as poor as it can get, he said. Rural Action does weekly maintenance on Monday Creek and uses limestone dosers filled with pulverized limestone to help neutralize the acidity. Its ricotta lasagna, Ledford said on a recent weekly maintenance trip upon seeing the limestone mix with the acid mine drainage in the water. The weekly maintenance involves several stops at various points along Monday Creek to check the waters pH levels. Seven is a neutral pH level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lime is going to drive the pH level up, drive it up from like a two or three to like a 10, he said. So then youre gonna have highly alkaline water from here hopefully thatll bring the pH down once it mixes into (the acid mine drainage), it gets diluted, and then were back down around seven. A lot of the Rural Actions watershed program focuses on abandoned mine land restoration, Schlater said. Weve seen around 74 stream miles improved as a result of that work in the areas that were focusing on, Schlater said. The watershed program also focuses on non-point source water quality impairments, which is a pollution source that is not coming from a regulated pipe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Non-point source would be water that runs onto the field and it brings a bunch of nutrients and sediment out of the field with it, into the creek, and that causes some pollution into the creek, Schlater said. Theres a lot of stormwater inputs from upstream that are causing sediment and nutrients and stuff to enter the streamways, but its not coming from a regulated pipe of any type. Coal mining in Ohio Coal mining in Ohio started around 1800 and was unregulated until the Strip Coal Mining Act took effect in 1947, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. More than 3.7 billions tons of coal have been mined in Ohio since 1800, according to ODNR. Belmont County has produced the most coal in Ohio, followed by Harrison and Jefferson counties, according to ODNR. Perry, Athens, Tuscarawas, Guernsey, Meigs, Muskingum and Noble counties are also considered historically high coal producing counties. There were 1,155 underground mines operating in Ohio in 1898, compared to seven in 2003, according to ODNR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres so many square miles of underground mines here, Ledford said. They mined everything here. Before coal, it was clay (and) timber. Coal mining was obviously the biggest money maker. It powered the Industrial Revolution. Regulated mining still takes place in Ohio today. There were 26 surface mines in Athens, Belmont, Columbiana, Guernsey, Harrison, Jackson, Noble, Tuscarawas and Vinton counties in 2023, according to ODNR. There were two underground mines in Harrison County in 2023. Any mining of any sort of anything is going to cause those effects, Ledford said. These things are regulated now and effects arent just completely devastating as they were and continue to be, but theyre still bad. Rural Action does weekly maintenance on Monday Creek and uses lime to neutralize the acidity in acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rural Action does weekly maintenance on Monday Creek and uses lime to neutralize the acidity in acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Rural Action does weekly maintenance on Monday Creek and uses lime to neutralize the acidity in acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Monday Creek in southeast Ohio is heavily polluted by acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Sunday Creek in southeast Ohio is heavily polluted by acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A former mine near Sunday Creek, which is heavily polluted by acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Sunday Creek in southeast Ohio is heavily polluted by acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Sunday Creek in southeast Ohio is heavily polluted by acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Monday Creek in southeast Ohio is heavily polluted by acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rocks stained by acid mine drainage in Monday Creek, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Rural Action does weekly maintenance on Monday Creek and uses lime to neutralize the acidity in acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Monday Creek in southeast Ohio is heavily polluted by acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Monday Creek in southeast Ohio is heavily polluted by acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Bee Huelsman (left) and Anisa Corp, AmeriCorps members, do weekly maintenance on Monday Creek, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal). Monday Creek in southeast Ohio is heavily polluted by acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Monday Creek in southeast Ohio is heavily polluted by acid mine drainage, photographed on Aug. 12, 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) AmeriCorps members Bella Kirchner (left), Bee Huelsman (middle) and Anisa Corp (right) do weekly maintenance on Monday Creek, photographed on Aug 12. 2025. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal.) Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Middle-class families in rural areas face paying an extra 376 in council tax under Angela Rayners plans to unlock more cash for deprived areas. The County Councils Network (CCN) has warned that leafy towns and villages will foot the bill for a planned overhaul of local finances, hitting households in wealthier places such as Surrey and the Home Counties. According to the CCN, which represents local authorities outside of big cities, a family in a band D countryside property will see their annual council tax bills rise to 2,756 by 2029, up from 2,380 today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the result of reforms spearheaded by Ms Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, who wants households in middle-class areas to pay more in council tax to help fund services in poorer neighbourhoods. To weather this, the CCN claimed that local authorities in rural areas would have to increase council tax by the maximum rate of 5pc over the next three years. While helping to bolster coffers in cities, the group said this would lead to less money for local authorities in the country despite their households facing higher council tax bills. The warning comes after Ms Rayner launched a consultation on the new funding formula in June. This closed on Friday, with changes expected to be introduced from next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CCN represents councils mainly covering rural towns, home to nearly half of Englands population. As part of its research, it found that 1.6bn in council tax income from dozens of rural authorities would be effectively redistributed to other parts of the country, including major towns and cities in the North. Surrey County Council stands to be the biggest loser from the overhaul, according to the CCN. Tim Oliver, leader of the council and chairman of the CCN, said: Surrey county council will lose something in the region of 160m of funding over three years. Our residents will pay the highest level of council tax but well see no increase in our funding over the next three years. That is going to put real pressure on services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, money is flowing out of Surrey to other parts of the country. He added: Every year we look to make efficiencies. There is not a lot left to cut other than frontline services. So there is a very real risk that a number of councils across the country will either cut services or actually wont be able to balance their books and then will effectively declare bankruptcy. Mr Oliver warned that the reforms would punish councils that could raise more council tax, which were typically those in more rural counties. He said: They have bigger houses so they are in a higher tax band. It disproportionately affects higher value houses that already pay more council tax. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reforms go some way to helping rural areas by factoring in that their public services are typically costlier to provide. But the CCN warned that they would place a disproportionate burden on rural taxpayers. Its no surprise Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, said: Yet again the Labour Government are showing utter contempt for people living in rural Britain. This latest spiteful change will steal more money out of the hands of county councils and send it straight into Labour-run urban areas. Only the Conservatives are serious about standing up for our rural communities. Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, added: Its no surprise that Ms Rayners trying to gerrymander council tax but the truth is that councils across the country are spending money very badly and they dont need more money, they need to stop wasting it and get better value for money on what theyre spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bottom line is governments cant keep foisting extra requirements and services on councils and expect people to just continue to pay regardless. You can only squeeze the pips to a certain point before they ping out of the fruit. It comes as Rachel Reeves is mulling a property tax raid targeting wealthy households in the South as she scrambles to fill a black hole as large as 50bn in the public finances ahead of the autumn Budget. A spokesman for Ms Rayners department said: We do not recognise this analysis. The current, outdated way in which local authorities are funded has left communities behind and damaged local services. This must change and is why we are taking decisive action as part of our Plan for Change to reform the funding system so we can improve public services, while maintaining the previous governments referendum threshold on council tax rises so taxpayers have the final say and are protected from excessive increases. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Russia has responded cautiously to US President Donald Trump's efforts to arrange a swift meeting between Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Moscow is, in principle, open to any format for talks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on state television on Tuesday. "But all contacts involving the heads of state must be prepared with the utmost care," he added. Russia has previously used this reasoning to reject Zelensky's calls for a quick meeting with Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Moscow, lower-level delegations must first negotiate an agreement; only then can the heads of state formally sign the pre-negotiated deal. Since May, bilateral negotiations between Kiev and Moscow have made little progress, aside from arranging several large prisoner exchanges. After a series of meetings first in Alaska with Putin on Friday, then in Washington with Zelensky and other European leaders on Monday Trump signalled that a peace solution might be within reach. The plans include arranging a Putin-Zelensky meeting within the next two weeks, followed by a trilateral summit with Trump to discuss the conditions for ending the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But both sides remain far apart. Zelensky has repeatedly demanded a meeting with Putin, arguing that only the Russian leader can end the war that Moscow launched. Putin, meanwhile, wants negotiations on a comprehensive peace deal before the fighting stops. Zelensky and his allies say this is a delaying tactic that allows Moscow's grinding war to continue and insist that a ceasefire must come first. Moscow is also pushing for Kiev to renounce NATO membership and cede large parts of eastern Ukraine, including areas not currently controlled by Russian forces. Zelensky has rejected these demands. As a former reality TV star, Donald Trump often gives the impression of playing the part of a U.S. president rather than conducting the business of leading a government seriously. Nowhere has this been more apparent than in his recent summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where the two leaders met to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The theatre of the occasion had been meticulously planned. Trump rolled out the red carpet for Putin and organized a military fly-past, while there were multiple choreographed photo opportunities. Yet what resulted was no peace deal and no prospect of the war ending any time soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The very act of meeting and the nature of the interaction were such that the summit instead did considerable damage to the U.S. and broader western position on Ukraine. At the same time, it strengthened Russia's stance considerably. Russia used the summit to its strategic advantage, coming away with more concessions than it could have hoped for. Trump's calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine are now gone and the prospect of additional sanctions on Russia have evaporated. Moscow now has the U.S. president advocating for Ukraine to cede additional territory to Russia over and above the amount it has already taken by force. The diplomatic mechanism of summitry, which is always a risky endeavor, delivered all this to Putin. I put this down to apparent poor preparation on the US side, including no preconditions, and skillful statecraft by the Russians. Ending Putin's isolation Embracing Russia on equal terms with all the accoutrements of a state visit not only ended Putin's isolation internationally. It immediately rehabilitated him on the world stage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The symbolism of this was best demonstrated by the joint statement the two leaders delivered to the media. Putin spoke first and for longer with a well-crafted speech. This contrasted sharply with Trump's short ramble. By recreating the theatre of a cold war summit, Trump indulged and actively reinforced Putin's own nostalgic fantasies about Russia being a superpower with hegemonic geopolitical entitlements. In an interview with Fox News after the summit, Trump said: "It's good when two big powers get along, especially when they're nuclear powers. We're No. 1, they're No. 2 in the world." Trump's statement exalted and exaggerated Russia's position in the international system, while diminishing and sidelining the wealth and interests of European powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin hinted at future "superpower summits" to come, providing Trump with other opportunities for theatrical photo opportunities and to play the role of peacemaker. He also suggested that U.S. and Russian investment and business cooperation has tremendous potential "in trade, digital, high tech and space exploration," as well as the Arctic. And ahead of the summit, Putin indicated that he wants to pursue a new nuclear weapons agreement with Trump. By bringing his respective Treasury and Commerce secretaries, Scott Bessent and Howard Lutnick, to Alaska, Trump had clearly taken the bait that there are lucrative opportunities on offer for the United States if only the troublesome issue of Ukraine can be quickly settled and moved beyond. This framing was evident in Trump's assessment that the summit went well and that there was much that the two sides agreed on. A considerable setback Trump's love of the limelight, particularly when it garners the world's attention, has been a feature of his two presidencies. His meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his first administration had all the pomp and performativity of previous summits. Trump left without any agreement or real improvement in relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It did, however, succeed in ending the damaging social media spats between the leaders that had unnecessarily escalated real-world tensions. The meeting in Alaska is likely to have the opposite effect. For Russia, it has reinforced the nostalgic fantasy that it is a superpower with a right to a sphere of influence. Given that Europe has been arguing for three years that it is the Russian mindset that is the problem, not just its current aggression in Ukraine, this is a considerable setback. Putin was given the opportunity to flatter Trump's ego about the 2020 election, which the U.S. president claims was rigged, and suggest that the war would never have happened if Trump had been in charge. Now, Ukraine is once again being seen by Trump as the obstacle to peace. The Russians, by persuading Trump to give up his demand for an immediate cease-fire, have bought themselves more time to make further advances on the battlefield. They have also stalled any further pressure from Washington while they pretend to negotiate seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The only positive outcome of the encounter may be the realization of European leaders that well-prepared summit meetings with Trump are an open opportunity to move the dial back in their direction. David Hastings Dunn is a professor of international politics in the Department of Political Science and International Studies at the University of Birmingham. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The views and opinions in this commentary are solely those of the author. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said his meeting with Donald Trump Monday may have been their best yetnot a particularly high barbut that doesnt mean that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to play ball. During CNNs News Night Monday, Josh Rogin, lead global security analyst for CNN, said that it had certainly been a much better meeting than the last time. But I think itd be going too far to say that Putin has agreed to a meeting with Zelenskiy, Rogin added. In fact, the Kremlin put out a statement right after this meeting and they said, No, well have meetings at a high level, but they didnt say with Putin and Zelenskiy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump reportedly called Putin in the middle of his meeting with several European leaders to begin making arrangements for a trilateral summit between himself, Zelenskiy, and Putin. But as Rogin pointed out, Russia hasnt actually agreed to such a meeting. In a statement, Moscow said only that the leaders had discussed the idea of raising the level of Russian and Ukrainian representation in the negotiations. Rogin continued, And then they said, Oh, yeah, were totally against NATO troops in Ukraine. So, the two big deliverables out of this meeting, Russia has already rejected, which kind of gets to the core of the issue, which is President Trump said 50 times today that he believes Putin wants peace. And I dont know, call me skeptical. I dont think thats true. I just dont buy it. And Im basing that on all the evidence. Everything Putin says. Everything Putin does. Everything we know. And thats what you see those European leaders doing. Theyre testing that. Theyre saying to President Trump, If he gives you a ceasefire, hes gonna stop killing Ukrainians at least for a couple days, then maybe hes serious. And if he doesnt, then hes not serious. At the end of the day, the clearest signal that Putin could give that he wants to end the killing is, well, to stop killing. But he hasnt done that. Trump already appears to have agreed with Putins demands to permanently seize Crimea, and to block Ukraine from its long-awaited NATO membership. Moscow has demanded even more territory from Ukraine, while Zelenskiy has insisted that his country will not cede land to Russia. Russia launched a major attack overnight on Ukraines energy infrastructure following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys meeting with President Trump and European leaders on Monday at the White House. Several dozen drones targeted the nations gas transmission system, causing widespread fires, according to the Ministry of Energy. The enemy continues systematic terrorist attacks against Ukraines energy infrastructure, which is a direct violation of international humanitarian law. Since March 2025, more than 2900 attacks have been carried out on energy infrastructure, the ministry wrote in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ministry of Energy calls on the international community to increase sanctions pressure on the aggressor state and provide Ukraine with additional support to protect critical infrastructure facilities. Ukrainian officials said 230 of 270 drones launched by Russia and six of the 10 missiles fired were shot down. Thank you to air defenders for protecting the skies! russian terror must be stopped, the Ministry of Defense wrote in an early morning post on the social platform X. The strike came hours after Zelensky said security guarantees for Ukraine could be outlined within the next 10 days. Zelensky following his White House meeting urged world leaders to aid him in ending more than three years of bloodshed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thank all our partners for their determination and support. Ukraine feels this strength. And we will do everything to make the path to peace a reality through partnership, through security guarantees, and through the courage of the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian leader wrote on X. Zelensky earlier Monday criticized Putin over Russian attacks on Ukraine ahead of the White House meeting. The Russian war machine continues to destroy lives despite everything. Putin will commit demonstrative killings to maintain pressure on Ukraine and Europe, as well as to humiliate diplomatic efforts. That is precisely why we are seeking assistance to put an end to the killings, Zelensky wrote in a Monday post on X. That is why reliable security guarantees are required. That is why Russia should not be rewarded for its participation in this war. The war must be ended. And it is Moscow that must hear the word: Stop.' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had said earlier that Fridays meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska was productive and could soon yield a deal. Updated at 10 a.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ukraine's air force reported a major Russian attack on Monday night and into Tuesday morning -- the largest overnight barrage for weeks, coming while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump and a delegation of European leaders in Washington. The air force said Russia launched 270 drones and 10 missiles into Ukraine, of which 30 drones and six missiles were intercepted or suppressed. The air force reported the impacts of 40 drones and four missiles across 16 locations, with debris reportedly falling in three locations. Ukraine's Energy Ministry said energy infrastructure in the central Poltava region was a focus of the strikes. "As a result of the attack, large-scale fires broke out," the ministry said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oil refining and gas facilities were attacked, the statement said, describing the strikes as the latest in a campaign of "systematic terrorist attacks against Ukraines energy infrastructure, which is a direct violation of international humanitarian law." Monday night's attack was the largest attack since Russia launched 309 drones and eight missiles into Ukraine on July 31, according to the daily figures published by the Ukrainian air force and analyzed by ABC News. Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: In this file photo, Ukrainian servicemen fire an anti-aircraft gun towards a Russian drone during an air attack near Pavlograd, Dnipropetrovsk region, on July 19, 2025. Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said its forces shot down 23 Ukrainian drones overnight into Tuesday morning. Thirteen of the craft were downed over the Volgograd region, the ministry said. Regional Gov. Andrey Bocharov said on Telegram that falling debris set fires at an oil refinery and on the roof of a hospital building, though added there were no casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overnight exchanges bookended a day of high-level talks in Washington. Trump, Zelenskyy and a host of European leaders met in the capital on Monday to discuss a possible roadmap to end Russia's full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022. Zelenskyy on Tuesday described the meeting as "truly a significant step toward ending the war." Monday's summit followed a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday, during which Putin refused an immediate ceasefire and demanded that Ukraine cede the entirety of its eastern Donetsk region in exchange for an end to the fighting, two sources told ABC News. Ahead of Monday's meetings, Trump appeared to be pressuring Zelenskyy into making a deal. "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 on Sunday. The president also said Ukraine would not be allowed to join NATO and would not be able to regain Crimea -- occupied by Russia in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such remarks raised concerns of another fractious Oval Office meeting, akin to Zelenskyy's February visit when the Ukrainian leader was publicly lambasted by Trump and Vice President JD Vance for his alleged ingratitude for American wartime support. MORE: Key takeaways from Trump and Zelenskyy's meeting, pivotal talks with European leaders But Monday's meetings were cordial, though the parties still appeared to be some way apart on key issues. Trump, Zelenskyy and European leaders all confirmed their support for a direct bilateral meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin -- a proposal the Russian president has repeatedly dodged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such a meeting would be followed by a trilateral meeting involving Trump, the president said. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is "ready" for a trilateral discussion. Trump remarked, "I think it's going to be when, not if." Later, Trump posted to social meda saying he had spoken by phone with Putin "and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy." The Kremlin is yet to explicitly confirm Putin's readiness to attend such a meeting. Yuri Ushakov, a top Kremlin aide, said in a statement that Trump and Putin "expressed their support for the continuation of direct negotiations between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations." Kevin Lamarque/Reuters - PHOTO: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Donald Trump participate in a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, August 18, 2025. "In this regard, in particular, the idea was discussed that the level of representatives from the Ukrainian and Russian sides should be increased," Ushakov said. "This refers to the representatives who participate in the aforementioned direct negotiations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the question of security guarantees for Ukraine, Trump said during his meeting with Zelenskyy, "We're going to be discussing it today, but we will give them very good protection, very good security." The president later confirmed that Putin would accept security guarantees for Ukraine, though Russian officials on Monday said that the presence of NATO troops in the country would be unacceptable. Zelenskyy and his European partners again stressed their desire for a full ceasefire, only after which peace negotiations could take place. Trump has repeatedly demanded a ceasefire since returning to office in January, but appeared to drop the idea after last week's meeting with Putin. "I don't think you need a ceasefire," Trump told Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Monday. "I know that it might be good to have, but I can also understand strategically, like, well, you know, one country or the other wouldn't want it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Trump says Zelenskyy can end Russia war 'almost immediately' before White House meet Trump added that he likes "the concept of a ceasefire for one reason, because you'd stop killing people immediately." Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Trump for hosting the meeting, and wrote on Telegram afterwards thanking the White House for "the important signal from the USA regarding readiness to support and be part of" post-war security guarantees. "The leaders personally came to support Ukraine and discuss everything that will bring us closer to real peace, a reliable security architecture that will protect Ukraine and all of Europe," Zelenskyy wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Post-meeting comments from European leaders, though, hinted at unresolved obstacles to peace. "You have an American president, European presidents and a Ukrainian president all wanting peace," French President Emmanuel Macron said. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington, August 18, 2025 and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, August 15, 2025. "For my part, I have the greatest doubts about the reality of a desire for peace on the part of the Russian president, because as long as he thinks he can win through war, he will do so," Macron added. "His ultimate objective is to take as much territory as possible, to weaken Ukraine and to have a Ukraine that is not viable alone or is within the Russian fold." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that the thorny issue of Ukrainian territorial concessions was not discussed. "The Russian demand that Kyiv give up the free parts of Donbas is, to put it in perspective, equivalent to the U.S. having to give up Florida," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A sovereign state cannot simply decide something like that. It is a decision that Ukraine must make itself in the course of negotiations," Merz added. MORE: Ukrainian soldiers focus on daily battles as Trump and Putin prepare to meet ABC News' Alexandra Hutzler, Will Gretsky and Tanya Stukalova contributed to this report. Investing.com -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump and his team appear genuinely committed to achieving a "long-term and sustainable peace" in Ukraine, based on discussions at Fridays U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska. Lavrov described the atmosphere at the Putin-Trump meeting as "very good" in comments to the Rossiya 24 state television channel. "It was clear that the head of the United States and his team, firstly, sincerely want to achieve a result that will be long-term, sustainable, reliable," Lavrov said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian foreign minister drew a distinction between the U.S. approach and that of European leaders, who participated in a special summit at the White House on Monday with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. According to Lavrov, European officials have "insisted at every turn only on a cease-fire, and that after that they would continue to supply weapons to Ukraine." Related articles Russias Lavrov says Trump is sincere in wanting peace Risks Rising? Smart Money Dodged 46%+ Drawdowns on These High-Flying Names Apollo economist warns: AI bubble now bigger than 1990s tech mania Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev taunted European leaders early Tuesday, accusing them of failing "to outplay" U.S. President Donald Trump during their meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. "The anti-Russian warmongering Coalition of the Willing failed to outplay @POTUS on his turf," Medvedev wrote on X, in English. The "Coalition of the Willing" refers to a group of European leaders who formed a pact to support a peace deal in Ukraine. Those leaders at Mondays meeting included French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy Heads Into Crucial Trump Meeting As Us Weighs Security Guarantees For Kyiv Security Council's Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev attends a meeting at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in the Moscow region's city of Dubna, Russia, on June 13, 2024. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were also in attendance. Medvedev alleged that these leaders supposedly "thanked" and "sucked up" to President Trump. Read On The Fox News App The question remaining now, Medvedev said, was "which tune" Zelenskyy whom he mockingly referred to as "the Kiev clown" "will play about guarantees and territories back home, once hes put on his green military uniform again." Mondays meeting came after Trumps historic summit with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, last Friday. After the White House meeting, Trump said he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin coordinating next steps in the peace process aimed at ending the years-long war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had called his Russian counterpart to begin "the arrangements for a meeting" with Zelenskyy. That would then be followed by a trilateral meeting between the two warring presidents and the United States. European Leaders Will Join Trump-zelenskyy Meeting, Signaling Solidarity With Ukraine The Republican president also affirmed that the U.S. would back European security guarantees aimed at preventing Moscow from reinvading Ukraine once the war ends. Trump was caught on a hot mic earlier in the day telling Macron that Putin wanted to find a resolution to bring an end to the war, though a Russian official later tempered those remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian state media, citing Putins foreign affairs advisor Yuri Ushakov, said Putin had spoken "in favor" of continuing direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations. Original article source: Russias Medvedev says Europes coalition of the willing failed to outplay Trump after Zelenskyy meeting Russia has resumed grain shipments to Syria from within occupied Crimea, transporting stolen grain from Ukraine's occupied territories, reported Kateryna Yaresko, a journalist with the Ukrainian SeaKrime project that tracks Russia's illegal shipping activity. Moscow's grain theft from occupied territories began in 2014 when Russia first invaded Ukraine and continued after the full-scale invasion launched in February 2022. Russian forces have seized millions of tons of Ukrainian grain from occupied areas, with at least 180,000 tons looted through the port of Mariupol alone, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal said in October 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia is now conducting its third grain shipment in the past month from occupied Ukrainian territories to Syria, according to the investigation. The Comoros-flagged bulk carrier Damas Wave, listed in databases under its former name Golden Yara, operates regular routes between occupied Feodosia in Crimea and Syria's Tartous port, carrying grain shipments. The vessel departed the Crimean port for Syria for the third time on August 15 or 16, loaded with cargo, journalist Kateryna Yaresko reports. "Regular bilateral trade relations between Russian occupiers and Syria are now underway, with stolen Ukrainian grain shipments to Syria resuming," Yaresko wrote on her X social media page. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Reuters previously reported, Russia suspended grain exports to Syria in 2024 due to uncertainty following Bashar al-Assad's regime collapse. However, wheat deliveries resumed in April 2025. In 2023, beyond the Crimean port, Russia also moved stolen grain by truck through temporarily occupied Mariupol, shipping it to Russia. Russian forces compel farmers in temporarily occupied territories to sell grain at fixed prices significantly below market rates. In April 2025, Ukraine's security service seized a foreign vessel loaded with approximately 5,000 tons of wheat, allegedly involved in transporting stolen Ukrainian grain from Russian-occupied territories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier investigations by The Kyiv Independent revealed how Russia systematically exports stolen Ukrainian coal from occupied territories through Mariupol port to global markets. Read also: Warm words, thin results: White House meeting lifts Ukraine, but tough road ahead Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Related video: Trump Suggests US Planes, Pilots Could Support Ukraine As Part Of Security Guarantees Russias foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Monday warned NATO leaders against deploying troops in Ukraine as world leaders work to bring about an end to the nearly three-years long war. We reiterate our repeatedly expressed position that we deny any scenarios that envisage the deployment of a military contingent to Ukraine with the participation of NATO states, which could lead to an uncontrollable escalation of the conflict with unpredictable consequences, Zakharova said, directing her statements at British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron formed a coalition of the willing earlier this year, threatening several thousand boots on the ground with the support of 31 countries in response to Moscows escalation in Eastern Europe. In her Monday statement, Zakharova pushed back on Starmers assertion that the United Kingdom would send troops to Eastern Europe, citing progress during Russian President Vladimir Putins meeting with President Trump in Anchorage, Alaska. Against the backdrop of the genuine desire demonstrated by the Russian and US leadership in Anchorage for a comprehensive, fair, and sustainable settlement of the conflict around Ukraine, including the elimination of its root causes, statements continue to pour out of London that not only clash with the efforts of Moscow and Washington, but are also clearly aimed at undermining them, Zakharova said. Zakharova called on the United Kingdom to abandon risky and ill-considered geopolitical gambits and not interfere with the painstaking work of Russian and US negotiators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the Kremlin launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraines energy grids Monday. Prior to the concurrent drone and missile strike, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Trump at the White House alongside European leaders, signaling hopes of ending the more than three year war. I dont want to waste time, I just want to end it, Trump said Tuesday morning on Fox & Friends. But the president said ultimately, American troops will not set foot on Ukrainian soil to help put an end to the bloodshed. You have my assurance, and Im president, he told a reporter on Tuesday when asked whether the U.S. would join France and Britain in deploying forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just trying to stop people being killed, he continued. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Russia has turned stolen Ukrainian grain into a global business, with 70 countries, including Egypt, Turkiye and Iran, now purchasing it. Source: Ukrainian outlet AgroPolit, citing National Resistance Center of Ukraine Quote: "The Kremlin is once again trying to hold its top spot in the global grain market this time at the expense of Ukrainian temporarily occupied territories. Experts note that this is a case of large-scale grain looting a crime for which all those involved, from officials to international intermediaries, will be held accountable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: About 2.5 million tonnes of new harvest wheat have been taken from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts to Russia. "Even Russian propagandists admit that the so-called new regions have replenished Russias grain reserves despite the drought. The removal of grain is accompanied by the full control of the occupying authorities over agricultural companies and the blocking of local farmers access to their own produce," the outlet noted. "The occupiers are using food resources from occupied Ukrainian territories as both a war trophy and a tool of pressure. Such actions constitute a gross violation of international humanitarian law and are a sign of a war crime," AgroPolit added. Earlier, Russia resumed the export of Ukrainian grain from part of temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast to ports in Rostov-on-Don. Background: Russia resumed grain supplies to Syria, including stolen Ukrainian grain. Russia had been Syrias main grain supplier before the fall of the Assad regime but largely suspended supplies in December 2024 due to payment delays and uncertainty over the new government. The Kremlin is planning to increase the share of stolen grain from the occupied territories of Ukraine in Russias total harvest, as this year Russia itself will collect only a limited harvest due to drought, sanctions and limited access to machinery, while grain sales in June already dropped by 34.5%. It was previously reported that Ukraine plans to appeal to the European Union to impose sanctions on Bangladeshi companies importing wheat from Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia. Bangladesh has failed to stop this trade even after Ukraine officially stated that the grain was stolen and provided evidence. Earlier reports suggested that Russia had been supplying what was likely stolen Ukrainian grain to the Houthis, who control most of Yemen. This conclusion was drawn by Bellingcat and Lloyds List after studying the movement of a ship transporting grain. A Russian state-owned company exported almost 212,000 tonnes of grain from the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast in 2023 alone, worth an estimated US$46 million. Ukrainian grain is being shipped to Turkiye, Libya and Israel. Defence Intelligence of Ukraine has released data on another 42 vessels of Russias shadow fleet, which are involved in exporting sanctioned Russian and Iranian oil, stolen Ukrainian grain and coal from occupied territories, and refuelling Russias fleet. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! For the first time since 1997, the Russian Navys nuclear-powered battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov is finally back in the water and moving under its own power, after years of repair work and modernization. The milestone comes after the 28,000-ton battlecruisers two nuclear reactors went back online earlier this year, and the warship is now expected to become the future flagship of the Russian fleet, superseding sister vessel the Pyotr Velikiy. At last..heavy nuclear cruiser Admiral Nakhimov left SevMash shipyard for sea-trials after refurbishing. The ship spent more than 25 yrs at the shipyard. Courtesy: L.Alekseeva pic.twitter.com/WWPUoRds9U KURYER (@RSS_40) August 18, 2025 Videos showing the Admiral Nakhimov underway in the White Sea confirm reports from Russian state media that the warship has commenced factory sea trials. The photo at the top of this story shows the warship heading out to sea, pulled by a tug, and further imagery appears in the embedded tweets. According to the news agency TASS, citing an unnamed shipbuilding industry source, Andrei Kostin, the head of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), informed President Vladimir Putin of the development yesterday. #Russian#Navy The nuclear-powered battlecruiser Admiral Nakhimov of Project 11442M went out to sea for first stage of sea trials after repairs and deep modernization. This was reported to TASS by a source in the shipbuilding industry. https://t.co/aKq2zBcm89pic.twitter.com/M15YH1cZC6 Capt(N) (@Capt_Navy) August 18, 2025 In February, Russian reports stated that both the battlecruisers reactors were online again, with plans for the warship to commence trials in the summer, a timeline that has been achieved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the path to this point has been far from easy, with the warships return to service being plagued by delays. The Admiral Nakhimov was laid down in Leningrad in 1983 and was first launched in 1986, under its original name Kalinin. The warship is part of the class of warships known in Russia as the Project 1144.2 Orlan, which is codenamed Kirov class by NATO. In its current modernized form, the battlecruiser has the revised designation Project 1144.2M. Admiral Nakhimov, which was originally named Kalinin, photographed around 1991, just three years after being commissioned into service. DoD The battlecruiser joined the Northern Fleet in 1988 and received its current name, in honor of Russian Admiral Pavel Stepanovich Nakhimov, in 1992. Still with the Northern Fleet, the Admiral Nakhimov was laid up in dry dock at the Sevmash shipyard in the port city of Severodvinsk on the White Sea since it last went to sea in 1997. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Work on the battlecruiser only really began in earnest in 2014. At one point, it was predicted that the project would be completed around 2018. But the date was repeatedly pushed to the right, first to 2019, and then to 2020. By 2017, TASS was reporting that work on the Admiral Nakhimov should be completed by 2021. In 2021, reports stated that the warship wouldnt be back in service before 2023, while in 2022, the Sevmash shipyard stated that service re-entry had been pushed back to 2024. The Admiral Nakhimov seen in the Sevmash shipyard in 2017, totally stripped and with a green and red base coat applied. YouTube screencap While the timeline has slipped dramatically, the refurbishment effort has now at least yielded more tangible results. A question remains, however, about how deep this modernization really is. Put another way, of the whole range of new weapons and sensors that were planned for the battlecruiser, how many of these have actually been installed, and with what degree of operational practicality? A July 20, 2024, satellite image from the berth at Sevmash shipyard shows the Admiral Nakhimov in the water, but with much work still to be done. Google Earth At the core of the modernization was the plan to install no fewer than 174 vertical launch tubes, which would provide it with more than any other surface combatant or submarine in the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In comparison, Chinas Type 55 super destroyer has 112 vertical launch system cells. A Flight III Arleigh Burke class destroyer has 96 cells, while a Ticonderoga class cruiser has 122 cells. The U.S. Navys Zumwalt class stealth destroyers currently have 80 cells. A video gives some idea as to how extensive the work on the Admiral Nakhimov has been (starts at 4:45): Just as important is what the cells on the Admiral Nakhimov were planned to accommodate, with 78 of them assigned for various modern Russian cruise missiles, including the subsonic Kalibr, the supersonic Oniks, and the hypersonic Zircon. While the Kalibr has already been extensively used in combat in Ukraine, fired from a variety of surface and sub-surface platforms, Russia has so far claimed that the more exotic Zircon has only been deployed on Admiral Gorshkov class frigates. At the same time, there is compelling evidence that the missile has at least been combat tested in Ukraine, perhaps from a ground launcher. The former location of the Granit ( SS-N-19 Shipwreck ) missile farm in the hull of the Admiral Nakhimov during its refit. Now, vertical launch cells should fill the space where 20 angled Granit launch tubes were previously found. YouTube screencap In the past, it was stated that the Kirov class would be the first operational launch platform for the hypersonic weapon, although delays with the work on the Admiral Nakhimov put an end to these ambitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other 96 cells in the reworked Admiral Nakhimov were intended to be loaded with surface-to-air missiles associated with the S-300FM Fort system, derived from the land-based S-300 system. Missiles in this series were already part of the basic armament of the Kirov class. Other reports in the past have suggested that missiles from the land-based S-400 air defense system may be incorporated in the battlecruiser, which would enhance its anti-ballistic missile capability. Other air defense armament would include eight Pantsir-M combined gun/missile systems for short-range interceptions, although, at this point, it appears that only six are fitted, three on each side of the vessel. All of these weapons were to be supported by a comprehensive array of new sensors and command and control systems. So far, however, we can only say for sure that the Admiral Nakhimov has received at least some new radar systems as well as a new main gun. The Soviet-era 130mm AK-130 dual-purpose gun has been replaced with a more modern AK-192M gun in the same caliber. #Russian#Navy Video of the Admiral Nakhimov, a Kirov Class nuclear-powered battlecruiser's first sea trials after repairs and upgrades. It provides a closer look at the new radar systems and the new AK-192M 130mm naval gun. Video by Lyudmila Alekseeva. pic.twitter.com/uftFfSVgsZ Capt(N) (@Capt_Navy) August 18, 2025 Of course, all of the aforementioned new weapons might also end up getting installed in the battlecruiser, but for now, we cannot be certain, and its unclear if the modernized warship really will return to the Northern Fleet in a basically as new condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It should also be recalled that even less-invasive warship modernization programs can take a very long time. For example, the U.K. Royal Navys Type 45 destroyer HMS Daring, the lead ship of its class, yesterday marked 3,000 days out of service, meaning that its current refit and regeneration effort has taken longer than its original construction. The destroyer is expected to rejoin the British fleet later this year. Monday 18 August will mark 3000 days since HMS DARING was last at sea. https://t.co/8JgyQQZDi7 Sir Humphrey (@pinstripedline) August 17, 2025 As a nuclear-powered warship, the work on the Admiral Nakhimov was also more complicated from the outset. The Kirov class is the last nuclear-powered surface combatant in service anywhere in the world, with the U.S. Navy retiring the last of its nuclear-powered cruisers in the 1990s, primarily on cost grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, while the battlecruiser will be welcomed back into service, its widely expected that its return will see the decommissioning of the Pyotr Velikiy, also with the Northern Fleet. A video shows the Pyotr Velikiy launching one of its 20 massive P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 Shipwreck) anti-ship cruise missiles stored in canted launch tubes in the bow: Pyotr Velikiy underwent only a minor modernization and still relies primarily on Soviet-era weapons and sensors. At one time, it was planned that both battlecruisers would undergo the same in-depth rework. The status of those plans is now very much uncertain, with several reports indicating that the Russian Navy will retire the Pyotr Velikiy altogether. Two earlier hulls, the Admiral Ushakov and the Admiral Lazarev, have been out of service for many years and have since been consigned to scrap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The importance of returning to service another major surface combatant is also magnified by the likelihood that the Russian Navy aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov will not now return to service, and with plans for a new class of super-destroyer being shelved. As such, the modernized Admiral Nakhimov will likely be expected to form the centerpiece of future Russian flotillas. After over a decade of work and many delays, the fact that Russia has finally returned its nuclear battlecruiser to sea is certainly a welcome development for the Russian Navy. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's energy ministry said on Tuesday an overnight Russian attack hit energy facilities in the central Ukrainian region of Poltava, causing large fires. The ministry said a gas transport facility was targeted by several dozen drones, which caused damage. "Russian occupation forces launched another massive attack on energy infrastructure facilities in the Poltava region, using cruise missiles and strike drones simultaneously. The attack resulted in large-scale fires," the ministry said on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ministry did not specify what other facilities besides gas infrastructure were attacked. Russia's Interfax news agency reported that the defence ministry had carried out a strike on an oil refinery that was supplying fuel to Ukrainian armed forces. The Poltava region is home to Ukraine's only oil refinery, Kremenchuk, which has been repeatedly attacked by both drones and missiles. Local media and Kremenchuk's mayor published videos of city neighbourhoods against a smoke-filled sky. Kyiv authorities have not reported whether the refinery is operational. The ministry noted on Tuesday that Russia attacked Ukrainian oil refining infrastructure twice in June. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has launched massive attacks on Ukrainian oil depots and fuel storage facilities since the first days of the war. As a result, Ukraine's fuel needs were completely covered by imports, mainly from European countries. The ministry said that Ukrainian energy facilities had been attacked 2,900 times since March 2025 alone. Russia has repeatedly said it does not attack civilian infrastructure. (Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko, Writing by Max Hunder and Pavel Polityuk, Editing by Timothy Heritage and Sharon Singleton) By Anastasiia Malenko, Max Hunder and Lidia Kelly KYIV (Reuters) -Russia struck the central Ukrainian city of Kremenchuk overnight, leaving a thick column of smoke hovering over the city in an attack that the local mayor called a sign that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want peace. The bombardment on that city as well as other locations in Ukraine was Russia's largest so far in August, according to the Ukrainian air force. It followed Donald Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and European leaders in Washington on Monday as the U.S. president seeks an end to Russia's war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow launched 270 drones and 10 missiles, the Ukrainian air force said. Although it said it had downed 230 of the drones, it said 16 sites were struck. "While hard work to advance peace was underway in Washington, D.C. ... Moscow continued to do the opposite of peace: more strikes and destruction," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X. The governor of Poltava region, where Kremenchuk is located, said there were no casualties but nearly 1,500 households were left without electricity. The Energy Ministry said energy facilities were hit in the attack, resulting in damage and a large fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian Defence Ministry said its forces hit an oil refinery supplying Ukraine's military. Kremenchuk is home to a large refinery, although the ministry did not say if this was the one that was struck. Russian officials also said a Ukrainian drone attack overnight caused fires at an oil refinery and a hospital roof in the Volgograd region. Both sides have been targeting infrastructure including oil facilities on each other's territory. "Once again, the world has seen that Putin does not want peace he wants to destroy Ukraine," said Kremenchuk Mayor Vitalii Maletskyi. A photo posted by the mayor showed a vast, dark column of smoke billowing upwards and trailing across the sky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Maletskyi said scores of blasts shook the city, targeting energy and transport infrastructure. He warned local residents not to approach or touch unexploded cluster munitions from Russian missiles which had been found in the city. A Tuesday morning drone attack by Russia on Ukraine's Chernihiv region also damaged infrastructure. Local energy official said more than 30,000 households lost power. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne, Anastasiia Malenko and Yuliia Dysa in KyivWriting by Max Hunder and Lidia KellyEditing by Tom Hogue, Kim Coghill and Frances Kerry) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that Russia has no objection to either a bilateral or a trilateral format to resolve its war against Ukraine. Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agencies RIA Novosti and Interfax, citing an interview with Lavrov on Russia 24, a state-owned TV news channel Quote from Lavrov: "We don't oppose any forms of work, neither bilateral nor trilateral, as the president has repeatedly said." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Lavrov added that any contact involving top officials should be prepared for "as carefully as possible". "The most important thing is that any formats one plus one, one plus two, multilateral formats, there are quite a few of them too, including within the United Nations that all these formats are included... in order to prepare for the summits step by step, gradually, starting from the expert level and then going through all the necessary stages. This is the sort of serious approach we will always support," Lavrov said. The foreign minister added that "there can be no discussion of long-term arrangements without respect for Russia's security and full respect for the rights of Russians in Ukraine". Background: Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that it was clear at Friday's U.S.-Russia Alaska summit that U.S. President Donald Trump and his team sincerely wanted to achieve a long-term and sustainable peace in Ukraine. Lavrov said the atmosphere at the Putin-Trump summit was "very good." "It was clear that the head of the United States and his team, firstly, sincerely want to achieve a result that will be long-term, sustainable, reliable," Lavrov told the Rossiya 24 state television channel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lavrov contrasted what he said was the constructive U.S. position to that of Europe, some of whose leaders took part in an extraordinary summit at the White House on Monday with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to discuss Ukraine. Lavrov said "the Europeans had... insisted at every turn only on a cease-fire, and that after that they would continue to supply weapons to Ukraine." (Reporting by Reuters; writing by Guy FaulconbridgeEditing by Andrew Osborn) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed that Russia never sought to seize Ukrainian territories, but only wanted to protect Russian people. Source: Kremlin-aligned news agency RBC (RosBusinessConsulting), citing an interview with Lavrov on the Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Company Quote from Lavrov: "I want to emphasise once again that we have never said we just need to seize some territories. Neither Crimea, nor Donbas, nor Novorossiya [no such country exists, but this is what Russians call Ukraine ed.] as territories have ever been our goal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Lavrov claims that Moscow has "always wanted to protect the Russian people who have lived in the above-mentioned territories for hundreds of years". He also said that during Volodymyr Zelenskyys presidency, Ukraine apparently "passed laws that aimed to destroy the rights of Russian speakers", but did not provide any details. Why this matters: Russia invaded and occupied Ukraine's Crimea and part of Donbas back in 2014. In 2022, the Russian Federation launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, attacking civilian settlements across the country with missiles and bombs during the night. It was noteworthy that in the early days, Russian propagandists were busily spreading claims that Russia would "capture Kyiv in three days", and the Russian soldiers advancing on Kyiv had dress uniforms with them so that they could parade down Kyivs main street, Khreshchatyk, when the "three days" were up. Background: On 15 August, talks took place between US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington on 18 August, Trump said that he hopes to organise US-Ukraine-Russia talks as soon as possible. Zelenskyy has confirmed that preparations are underway, first for a meeting between him and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and later for a trilateral meeting including US President Donald Trump. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that Zelenskyy and Putin will meet within the next two weeks. Reuters has reported that the US administration thinks the meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin could take place in Hungary Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian politicians have ridiculed European leaders following their White House meeting on the Ukraine war. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev called the "anti-Russian warmongering Coalition of the Willing" ineffective, claiming they "thanked and sucked up to" US President Donald Trump but failed to "outplay" him. In his post on X, Medvedev also mocked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, questioning how the "clown from Kiev" would act once he was back home and wearing his "military uniform." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The talks in Washington involved Trump, Zelensky, and top European officials, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The European leaders discussed a peace process and stressed that Ukraine must receive strong security guarantees. Trump suggested a rapid follow-up meeting between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which could then pave the way to meeting that would also include him. Russian foreign policy expert Konstantin Kosachev said on Telegram that, under pressure from Trump, Ukraine and the Europeans had to moderate their anti-Russian stance. "Times have changed. Neither Kiev nor Brussels can bark at Russia hidden behind the American back," wrote the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Russian Federation Council. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One consistent message was opposition to European capitals being involved in peace negotiations. Leonid Slutsky, head of the Russian State Duma's foreign affairs committee, said: "Europe should follow Vladimir Putin's call and not interfere in the negotiation process." At least 21 civilians have been killed and 99 injured in Russian strikes across Ukraine since U.S. President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15, according to regional authorities. The attacks intensified as Moscow continues to reject calls for an unconditional ceasefire. Trump, who previously demanded a halt to hostilities before talks, has since signaled closer alignment with Moscow's push for a comprehensive peace deal not preceded by a ceasefire. Five people were killed and 11 injured on Aug. 17, followed by eight killed and 35 injured on Aug. 18, and at least eight killed and 53 injured on Aug. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's Air Force said Russian forces launched 270 Shahed-type attack and decoy drones, five Iskander-M ballistic missiles, and five Kh-101 cruise missiles overnight on Aug. 19. Air defenses intercepted 230 drones and six missiles, but four missiles and 40 drones struck three locations. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, three civilians were killed and 33 injured in an attack on the regional capital, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. Russia carried out 441 strikes on 13 settlements in the region. In Donetsk Oblast, five people were killed and eight injured, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin. In Kharkiv Oblast, six people, including two children, were wounded in strikes on 16 settlements, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. In Kherson Oblast, six people were also injured as Russian troops targeted critical and residential infrastructure, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 16 that Russia's refusal to accept a ceasefire "complicates" efforts toward peace. The Trump-Putin summit ended without a deal, with Trump dropping his earlier threats of "severe consequences" if Russia rejects a ceasefire. Ukraine and European allies have been insisting that negotiations must begin with a complete cessation of hostilities, while the Kremlin has demanded sweeping concessions, including Ukraine's disarmament and a ban on foreign military aid. Read also: Zelensky says he will discuss territory with Putin as Ukraine signals readiness for unconditional peace talks with Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces conducted a large-scale strike on Poltava Oblast on the night of 18-19 August, with hits and falling debris reported in two districts, leaving over 1,500 customers without electricity. Source: Volodymyr Kohut, Head of Poltava Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "Last night the enemy launched a large-scale attack on Poltava Oblast. Hits and falling debris were recorded in the Kremenchuk and Lubny districts. Office buildings belonging to a local energy sector business were damaged." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Kohut said no casualties had been recorded. However, the attack had left 1,471 residential and 119 commercial consumers in the Lubny district without power supply. "The State Emergency Service units and power engineers are working to address the aftermath of the attack," he added. Background: On the night of 18-19 August, Ukraine's Air Force reported that two Russian Tu-95MS aircraft had taken off and that cruise missile launches were possible. Later, the Air Force said the "cruise missiles are heading towards Kremenchuk" in Poltava Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian troops attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the night of 18-19 August, injuring a man, destroying a greenhouse and an outbuilding, and damaging residential houses, cars and an educational facility. Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "The Nikopol, Marhanets and Pokrovske hromadas in the Nikopol district came under Russian attack. The enemy struck with FPV drones and artillery. A man was injured. He has been taken to hospital." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] Aftermath of the Russian attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photo: Lysak on Telegram Details: In the Nikopol district, the attack sparked a fire, destroying a greenhouse and an outbuilding, as well as damaging apartment blocks, houses and cars. Aftermath of the Russian attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Photo: Lysak on Telegram In the Synelnykove district, the Vasylkivka hromada came under drone attack a school building caught fire there. Aftermath of the Russian attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Photo: Lysak on Telegram Lysak noted that seven Russian drones had been shot down over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Aftermath of the Russian attack on Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Photo: Lysak on Telegram Lysak noted that seven Russian drones had been shot down over Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian forces have struck energy infrastructure facilities in Ukraines Poltava Oblast. Source: Ukraine's Ministry of Energy Quote: "On the night of 18-19 August 2025, Russian occupation forces carried out another massive attack on energy infrastructure facilities in Poltava Oblast, using a combination of cruise missiles and attack UAVs." Details: Large-scale fires broke out as a result of the attack, the ministry reported. It also noted that the most recent strikes on oil-refining infrastructure were recorded on 15 and 21 June of this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Several dozen drones simultaneously attacked a production facility within Ukraines gas transmission system. Early reports indicate damage to the facilitys ground-level infrastructure. Specialised personnel are now carrying out a technical inspection of the equipment and assessing the extent of the damage. The enemy continues to carry out systematic terrorist attacks against Ukraines energy infrastructure, which is a direct violation of international humanitarian law. Since March 2025 there have been over 2,900 attacks on energy infrastructure." More details: The Ministry of Energy has urged the international community to step up sanctions pressure on Russia and to provide Ukraine with additional support to protect critical infrastructure facilities. Background: It was recently reported that the Russians had struck an oil depot belonging to the Azerbaijani oil company SOCAR for the second time in a month and destroyed it. A series of direct hits damaged all the tanks, the pump station building and other facilities. The oil depot had a storage capacity of over 16,000 cubic metres. On the night of 5-6 August, Russia carried out a targeted strike on a compressor station belonging to the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine in Odesa Oblast near the Ukrainian-Romanian border. The compressor station was on a route that connects Greek LNG terminals with Ukrainian gas storage facilities via the Trans-Balkan pipeline. LNG from the US and test volumes of Azerbaijani gas had already been supplied via this route. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russians welcomed Tuesday the idea of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, though not everyone was convinced it would bring peace after nearly three-and-a-half years of conflict. After meeting Putin in Alaska on Friday and Zelensky in Washington on Monday, US President Donald Trump announced he would arrange face-to-face talks between the two leaders, their first in almost six years. Ukraine cut diplomatic ties with Russia after Putin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022, and the two leaders have had no direct contact since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It would be good if such an event took place. I am sure that the conflict would end and everything would be fine," 39-year-old musician Roman told AFP in Moscow. "Many young people have died. It would be good if such a meeting had taken place earlier," he said. Vyacheslav, a 23-year-old civil servant, agreed that a meeting between the two leaders was long overdue. "It would have been better if the meeting had taken place earlier. But then there were a lot of interested parties and it turned out the way it did," he told AFP in Moscow. Russia hoped to take Kyiv in days after launching its offensive in 2022, but pulled back from the Ukrainian capital after encountering stiff resistance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its forces have since seized large swathes of the east and south of the country, while tens of thousands of soldiers have died on both sides. "I want everything to end peacefully," said Roman. "We are one people, we are Slavs, and we must love and respect each other." - Some sceptical - Ilya Denisov, a 19-year-old student from Saint Petersburg, said he was sceptical the talks would succeed. "Nothing will change," he told AFP. "Ukraine should be divided. Leave Russia what it controls and go their separate ways." Russia currently occupies a fifth of Ukraine. It annexed Crimea in 2014 following a referendum denounced as a sham by Kyiv and the West, and did the same in 2022 in four Ukrainian regions -- Donetsk, Kherson, Lugansk and Zaporizhzhia -- though its forces have not fully captured them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has signalled it might freeze the front line in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions in exchange for Ukraine withdrawing from land it already controls in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, but Kyiv has shot down the proposal. Vyacheslav was hopeful the two sides could agree a deal. "I hope we can agree on mutually beneficial terms," he said. Tatiana, a 29-year-old resident of Moscow, told AFP she supported the idea of a meeting between Zelensky and Putin. "If, of course, they come to a good result," she added. Sales manager Ksenia was not convinced the two leaders should meet at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian leader has repeatedly questioned Zelensky's legitimacy, saying his mandate expired under martial law. "I am against the meeting," she told AFP. "What is ours now must remain ours. People shed blood for this land, so it is ours." bur/dc MOSCOW (Reuters) -Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday that European leaders had failed to outplay Donald Trump, but that it was unclear how Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy would present the issues of territory and a security guarantee. "The anti-Russian warmongering Coalition of the Willing failed to outplay @POTUS on his turf," Medvedev said in English on X. "Europe thanked & sucked up to him." Medvedev said the question was "what tune" Zelenskiy would play "about guarantees & territories back home, once hes put on his green military uniform again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump told Zelenskiy on Monday that the United States would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end the war in Ukraine, though the extent of any assistance was not immediately clear. (Reporting by ReutersWriting by Maxim Rodionov; editing by Guy Faulconbridge) This was in response to Danish PM Frederiksen telling Jyllands-Posten that Netanyahu is personally a problem and that Israel is going too far. Sa'ar called this 'disrespectful to Israeli democracy.' Europe must decide if it's on Israels side or the side of radical Islam, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said in a Tuesday Facebook post. "The same countries that criticize Israel's policy are actually very fond of the fruits of that policy in Iran, Lebanon, and Syria," Sa'ar added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the post, Sa'ar was referring to an interview with Danish daily Jyllands-Posten on Monday, where he discussed the criticism levied against Israel by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in the same outlet last week. "This goes beyond the disagreements we've had before," Sa'ar told Jyllands-Posten. "We consider the Danish prime minister a friend, but to say that an elected prime minister [Benjamin Netanyahu] has become a problem, not only insults that prime minister, but the entire Israeli democratic system," Sa'ar added. Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen attends a press conference after the contact committee meeting in Torshavn, Faroe Islands, June 17, 2025; illustrative. (credit: Ritzau Scanpix/Ida Marie Odgaard/via REUTERS) This came in response to Frederiksen's comments to Jyllands-Posten, in which she said that Netanyahu is "a problem in himself," and stated that Israel would be better off without him as prime minister. "It's a government that, in our eyes, goes too far," she said. Danish PM's statements are 'disrespectful to Israeli democracy,' Sa'ar claims "These statements are disrespectful to the Israeli democracy, the Israeli people's choice, and the Israeli parliament," Sa'ar said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sa'ar also noted that he spoke directly with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and expressed his disappointment with Frederiksen's comments. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar (R) with his Danish counterpart Lars Rasmussen in Jerusalem, January 13, 2025; illustrative. (credit: SHLOMI AMSALEM/GPO) "Things will happen in dialogue. We have not given up on Denmark. We have common interests, values, and challenges," Sa'ar said. Frederiksen said that while her country condemned Netanyahu, she did not support recognizing a Palestinian state at this time. In a Saturday Facebook post, the Danish leader stated that "recognizing Palestine here and now will not help the thousands of children currently fighting for their survival, no matter how much one might wish it." While Frederiksen said she supported Israel and its right to defend itself, she also added that the level of "human suffering is incomprehensible." (FOX40.COM) A Sacramento County woman allegedly stabbed her child, the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office said. According to the sheriffs office, the attack occurred while the 10-year-old was in the shower at a home on Angelina Drive around 8:30 p.m. The father held the mother down until law enforcement arrived, the sheriffs office said. The father was also injured. The child was taken to the hospital and is expected to survive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) Although Hurricane Erin is not directly hitting the Grand Strand, the coastal waters around the area and south of it will still feel its impacts. Hurricane Erin is expected to bring extreme rip currents, high waves, and strong winds to the coast. The National Weather Service reports that swimming conditions will be dangerous, and there could be beach erosion. Myrtle Beach Fire Department Ocean Rescue Lt. Tadd Rubin says, know before you go. Know the people you are with, their swimming capabilities and confidence levels, and who will be the water watcher from the sand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also advises knowing which beach access avenue you are on, so ocean rescue knows exactly where to find you in an emergency. Look for warning flags on the beach. Green is low risk, yellow is moderate, red is high, and double red means the ocean is closed. If you do not know the oceans conditions, it is safest not to swim. Something to look for is more of a calm area, with a lot of bubbles in the water and a lot of foam, Rubin said. Although it looks calm, that is the section thats most likely to have that rip current. Thats the section of water thats been all washed up to the beach. Its found the path of least resistance, and it now wants to make its way back out to the ocean. Rubin also says rip currents travel. Therefore, an area that was safe to swim in when you got to the beach may not still be safe hours later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ocean rescue officials say even the best swimmers can be unknowingly and suddenly swept up in a rip current. The currents can look like channels of choppy, churning water, often darker than the surrounding water. It might also appear where waves are not breaking. If you are stuck in a rip current, have your water watcher call for help. Have them throw you a boogie board, instead of getting into the water themselves. Do not risk more people getting stuck in the current. Calmly float with the current. Swimming against it will tire you out. If theres a long-shore current, and its just pushing all the way down the beach, and there happens to be a rip current in there somewhere, we say swim out laterally, Rubin said. So, if the person swims against both currents, then thats doubling your effort. But if they use that long-shore current, and they swim with it instead of against it, it now makes it even easier to get out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite dangerous conditions Tuesday, many swimmers and surfers were in the water at Springmaid Pier in Myrtle Beach. News13 Meteorologist Hannah Rahner says waves are 3-6 feet high on Tuesday. That is double the height of Mondays waves. Tuesday has a high rip current risk, and a high surf advisory is in effect. The worst ocean conditions will be Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, when Hurricane Erin is directly off shore. Rubin said lifeguards are on duty during the day, and the Myrtle Beach Fire Department responds to ocean rescue calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. * * * Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP Saint John students are the first in Ashtabula County to head back to, class and will do so in a new expanded student center that was celebrated during ceremonies this weekend. On Friday night, more than 300 people attended a dinner created to thank the donors that made the large expansion possible. Its very exciting. Its always good to be a Herald but its even better tonight, Saint John School President Maureen Burke said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said it has been amazing to see the changes in the 16 years she has been in town and the 13 years at the former Saybrook Elementary School site. Burke said the expansion will help the school provide for more advanced classes, an elementary school library, two new classrooms and a large cafeteria. She said the dinner was to thank all of the donors, from small to large, that made the expansion possible. I have a smile on my face and I cant get it off, said Saint John Principal Scott Plescia. He said it was 15 months ago that people gathered in the same spot with hard hats to kick off the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Friday night] we are standing in the midst of the (formerly outside property), Plescia said. Mark Astorino provided the prayer for the evening and thanked a variety of people, including two orders of nuns, Patrick Kelly, community leaders as well as teachers and staff. Saint John School Board President Vince Gildone also praised those in attendance. You folks made the miracle happen, he said. Gildone said the board is already dreaming about what comes next. Every team needs a visionary leader and that to us is is Sister Maureen, Plescia said. Burke added, [Friday night] we celebrate as an anchor for Ashtabula, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She gave a short message on how an anchor is often unseen, provides depths, and is flexible. Several families were honored for their donations and work on the project with names on the side of the student center. The families were The Brace Family, Louis and Anna M. Vettel, the Richard A. Kovach Family and Cosmo and Ida Laurello. On Saturday, the school community also held a ribbon cutting and celebrated a mass officiated by Bishop David Bonnar Early this morning, students will arrive for the first day of classes and education will begin in the new facility. The rest of the county school districts return to class in the next eight days ending a summer of vacation for students and staff alike. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) If Salem leaders fail to secure a letter of intent from a new commercial airline within the next several months, the Transportation Security Administration could remove its screening equipment from the citys small airport. Salem City Council discussed the future of air service during a work session on Monday evening, more than a week after Avelo Airlines officially ended commercial service within Oregons capital. Ambulance rides in Clackamas County are about to double Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The meeting agenda shows the low-cost airline launched 820 flights that served around 90,000 travelers to and from Las Vegas, Burbank, Calif., and Santa Rose, Calif. since it began operations at the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport in October 2023. The service also generated an estimated $32.5 million in new visitor spending in its first 19 months, according to the city. After the airline announced it was pulling out of the market and several others along the West Coast, following a push from Salem residents to part ways with the company that chartered deportation flights, officials are considering next steps for the airport. In a presentation, Assistant Public Works Director of Operations Mark Becktel told councilors that TSA employees who previously served Salem have since been moved to the Portland International Airport and Eugene Airport. While the security agency has yet to remove its screening devices from Salem, Becktel noted city leaders have 90 days to snag a letter of intent from another commercial airline otherwise, federal officials could take back their equipment on Nov. 10. Close Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest But the public works representative said the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport could see financial losses regardless of whether it reaches a new deal. With a minimal amount of commercial service, essentially similar to what we had with Avelo and Avelo was a minimal amount our airport fund would still be heading in the wrong direction as you go through the five-year forecast, Becktel stated. By fiscal year 27, we would have pretty much an insufficient ending fund balance and we would have a negative ending fund balance in the last three years of the forecast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city could stabilize the fund by either resuming commercial air service or ending it entirely, with the latter having its pros and cons. Becktel said permanently nixing commercial operations would save a portion of the money used for hiring emergency responders, and it would allow the airport to return to its pre-2023 operations as a general aviation airport. But he added that a return to previous operations would mean the airport is significantly understaffed and under-resourced much like it was before Avelos arrival. Oregon rejects agreement to share voter data with Trump administration Jack Penning, a managing partner for Volaire Aviation Consultants, told city leaders the Salem airport was above average for filling seats compared to other West Coast markets served by Avelo. It was below average for metrics like average fare costs and the revenue generated per flight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salem City Council approved a motion to officially continue exploring potential agreements with other airlines. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. (The Center Square) The San Francisco Unified School District faces issues with its payroll system, as some educators arent getting paid. As SFUSD heads into the 2025-26 school year, about 100 educators have said they have had problems with their paychecks. I'm ashamed that that's my employer, said Margaret Kothmann, a special education aide. She has not gotten paid for the summer and is missing about $1,200, she added, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many educators have not been able to pay bills, and some have received eviction notices. The district spent around $25 million to use the previous old payroll system, EMPower, and an additional $20 million for the new system, Frontline. Over the past few years, the district has faced financial challenges, even leading to some school closures. SFUSD is working to improve its financial and operational systems If there are problems with employee pay, we are acting fast investigating, making corrections, and issuing payments as needed, the SFUSD said in a statement. When The Center Square reached out for a comment, the SFUSD directed them to the website that has had no update since last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's extremely important and of highest priority to ensure we pay our employees accurately and on time," SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Maria Su said. As of Aug. 12, 125 employees received their vacation pay, 15 payments were issued via paper check, 14 employee checks were processed in Frontline as manual checks, and seven employees chose to receive their vacation pay with the upcoming payroll on Wednesday. Outraged, teachers, along with members of the United Educators of San Francisco, gathered last week for a press conference outside the district office. The union members have filed a formal complaint with the state labor board. District leadership must act now so educators and staff can focus on welcoming students back, not worrying about their paychecks, UESF said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Especially for starting the school year, this is unacceptable," said Frank Lara, executive vice president of UESF. "School communities are already destabilized, and we want to start strong. We don't want this, unrelated to education, unrelated to our children, to affect us. The Center Square reached out to Superintendent Dr. Su, Gov. Gavin Newsom's Office and UESF for an update on this issue, but has not received a response. OVERBROOK (KSNT) USD 434 has announced that it will be receiving an award from the Patterson Family Foundation to support the districts Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The district was awarded $324,000 that will be used to launch Charger Enterprises, a student-led business initiative, according to a press release from USD 434. The grant will give students the chance to operate school-based businesses. Charger Enterprises will offer real-world experience in areas including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agricultural fabrication through welding, construction and greenhouse sciences. Entrepreneurship and business through a school coffee shop. Marketing and design through promotions, advertising and brand development. Speed limit increased on rural Kansas highway On behalf of our students, staff, and communitythank you, Patterson Family Foundation, for helping make Charger Enterprises a reality. USD 434 press release excerpt. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. An Italian woman has become the second suspected victim of a batch of botulism-tainted guacamole at a food festival in Sardinia. Valeria Sollai, 62, died at the Monserrato Policlinico Hospital in Cagliari late on Monday after weeks on life support. Sollai, a school cook, is believed to have eaten the same guacamole suspected of killing 38-year-old Roberta Pitzalis on Aug 8. A post-mortem confirmed Pitzalis died from a combination of botulism poisoning and pneumonia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several other people needed hospital treatment following the Fiesta Latina festival in Monserrato, a suburb of Cagliari, which ran from July 22 to 24, and two children remain in hospital. A post-mortem is to be held on the body of Sollai, who had been showing signs of recovery before suffering a relapse and dying. Food poisoning alert There is growing alarm about food safety in Italy following the events at the festival, and a separate deadly botulism outbreak in the southern region of Calabria earlier this month. Distraught family members were struggling to come to terms with Sollais sudden death. Its absurd that someone goes out for a relaxing evening, goes to a party, eats a sandwich and ends up in the hospital, Gianni Milia, her cousin, told the Sardinian newspaper LUnione Sarda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was with her sisters, they all ate the same sandwich, but only she fell ill. They were celebrating their older sisters discharge from the hospital. A party turned into a tragedy. Tomaso Locci, the Monserrato mayor, said of Sollai: She gave so much for our children. The news saddens us deeply. We will be present at the funeral as a community, as we were for Roberta Pitzalis, the other victim. This is a loss that affects us all. Roberta Pitzalis, 38, was confirmed as having died from botulism on Aug 8 A 14-year-old girl is still being treated at Monserrato Policlinico hospital, while an 11-year-old boy has been flown to Romes Gemelli Policlinico in a serious condition. Sollai is survived by her husband, Angelo Aru, and son Alessandro, a police officer in Campania. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Facebook post at the end of July, Alessandro referred to an unnamed patient with worsening neurological conditions and made an emotional appeal for people to take greater care about consuming street food. I strongly advise against eating any food sold at street stalls over the next few weeks, he wrote. Authorities in Calabria have launched an investigation after two people died in a separate outbreak of botulism in the coastal town of Diamante. Luigi di Sarno, a 52-year-old artist, and Tamara DAcunto, 45, both fell ill shortly after eating panini filled with grilled sausages and turnip tops from a food truck. Another 14 people, including two teenagers, came down with food poisoning and had to be taken to hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Italian health ministry recently introduced urgent health protocols to improve medical intervention and responses to any botulism outbreaks. Botulism is caused by a toxin that attacks the bodys nerves. It can lead to muscle paralysis, breathing difficulties and death, and is found typically in canned, preserved and fermented foods. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Russia has expanded its drone operations with new launch sites, satellite imagery shows. Recent images of three bases in Russia show infrastructure to support drone launches and storage. The developments appear to reflect Russia's increasing investment in its drone operations. Russia has expanded its one-way attack drone operations, building out launch sites and storage facilities across the country, new satellite images and research show. Captured in recent weeks by Maxar Technologies and reviewed by Business Insider, the new images reveal apparent launch rails, runways, and hardened shelters, as well as what looks like Shahed-style drones at three key bases used to stage attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has dramatically scaled up the production and launch rates of the Geran-2, a one-way attack drone modeled after the Iranian-designed Shahed-136. These deadly weapons, packed with explosives, have been used nightly in widespread strikes against Ukrainian cities. The expanded infrastructure seen at the three bases namely Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Navlya, and Tsimbulova appears to reflect Russia's growing investment in its highly destructive drone operations. Brady Africk, an open-source intelligence analyst who has closely tracked and researched these drone base developments, explained to Business Insider that construction of the expanded drone infrastructure at the three bases began last year. Africk said that the construction at three launch sites at Primorsko-Akhtarsk air base, located in Russia's southeastern Krasnodar Krai region along the Sea of Azov, began in November 2024, in line with efforts to build hardened storage shelters there, too. A collection of Shahed-style drones at Primorsko-Akhtarsk on July 27. Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies Storage facilities, seen in the circle, and two launch rails at Primorsko-Akhtarsk on August 11. Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies Ukraine has repeatedly attacked Primorsko-Akhtarsk. Kyiv's internal security agency, known as the SBU, said at the start of August that it used drones to strike the base because it was used to store and launch Shaheds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyle Glen, an investigator at the UK-based Centre for Information Resilience who monitors Russian drone operations, told Business Insider that Primorsko-Akhtarsk is one of the main launch sites for attacks against Ukraine. Further north, in Russia's Bryansk region on the border with Ukraine, Russia began construction work at the Navlya nase last July. Africk said that the site, like others, has launch positions and drone storage areas. The drone base at Navlya in the Bryansk region on August 10. Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies A close-up view of probable drone launch positions at Navlya on August 10. Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies In the neighboring Oryol region, Russia began construction at its base at Tsimbulova in September 2024. The site has a long stretch of road for launching drones from moving vehicles; Russian media released footage last month showing Shahed-style drones launching from pickup trucks there. Africk said the launch sites like the ones at Navlya and Tsimbulova require a smaller footprint than a full-fledged air base, so they are harder to find and target. They also have both the infrastructure for launching drones and storage areas to protect them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This makes stifling Russia's launches of waves of drones a difficult matter in terms of timing," he explained. "By the time Ukraine is aware of drone launches, the more pressing issue becomes shooting down ones in flight rather than targeting the launch sites suspected of sending them." The drone base at Tsimbulova on August 14. Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies Shahed-style drones next to their storage facilities at Tsimbulova on August 14. Satellite image 2025 Maxar Technologies The Iranian-designed Shahed is a one-way attack drone, or loitering munition, that can fly hundreds of miles and linger over an area before diving down toward its target and exploding on impact, with devastating effects. Russia started using the Iranian-made Shaheds to attack Ukraine in 2022 and then opened up a factory the following year to produce them at home. The Yelabuga plant over 1,000 miles from the Ukrainian border in the Tatarstan region now makes an estimated 5,000 drones each month. The Yelabuga operations have allowed Russia to rapidly scale up production without having to rely on Iran. The larger inventory has been underscored in recent months by massive drone attacks against Ukraine, regularly involving hundreds of Shahed-style drones. Western assessments suggest Moscow may soon be able to launch 2,000 in a single night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We've seen Russia's capacity to launch these one-way attack drones increase in tandem with its capacity to produce them domestically," Africk said, stressing that there are believed to be additional launch sites beyond the three known ones. Russia has used Iranian-designed Shahed drones in routine mass attacks against Ukraine. AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky Britain's defense ministry said last week that Russia launched some 6,200 one-way attack drones at Ukraine in July, a new monthly high that surpassed June's tally by an estimated 600. But the scale of attacks seems to have subsided in August. Glen, citing Ukrainian Air Force figures, said that as of Tuesday morning, Russia has launched nearly 1,700 drones at Ukraine so far in August compared to around 4,500 by this point in July and 3,500 in June. "It's unlikely that it's any kind of capacity issue for Russia," he said, suggesting that Moscow may have been exercising some self-restraint in the lead-up to last week's meeting in Alaska between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monday night, however, marked the largest attack of the month by a lot. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 270 drones from various directions, including Primorsko-Akhtarsk. Glen said it was almost double the number of the next-biggest attack in August. The attack, though, was much smaller than some in July one consisted of at least 700 drones but it came on the heels of a high-stakes meeting between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders at the White House. "That kind of shows how much of Russia has been almost restraining themselves," Glen said. "Whether that continues will be interesting to see." Read the original article on Business Insider WSAV (Savannah, GA) A special ceremony took place on the campus of Savannah State University Tuesday morning as leaders dedicated a new residence hall in memory of Melvin Bostic. Bostic was a Savannah State student and army veteran who was tragically killed while raising money for scholarships back in 1972. Bostic Hall was previously named after him, but was demolished earlier this year. President of the National Alumni Association Harold Washington says through this latest dedication, Bostics legacy will now live on. We definitely wanted to make sure that he was honored. His name, his legacy, rings bells throughout Savannah State University. And as a former member of Bostic Hall, I stayed in Bostic 106, this is a very special day, not just for me, but for all alums and our entire Savannah State family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today also marked the first day of fall classes at SSU after a weekend power outage forced a one-day delay. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. (The Center Square) Many students across Pennsylvania began school on Tuesday, though the state funding that supports them did not follow. Thats because the state spending plan is nearly three months overdue, leaving schools, safety net programs, transportation services and higher education institutions filling the gap with no end in sight. In a letter sent to school districts and shared with The Center Square, the Shapiro administration said that although the delay is concerning, it will work expeditiously to funnel money once approved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Negotiations are continuing and the dialogue is respectful and productive, Budget Secretary Uri Monson said. However, finding agreement can be slow moving and we have not yet come to final agreement on these critically important issues. At stake is $1.7 billion for basic and special education funding; $40 million for preschool programs that could delay enrollment; and $14 million for libraries, among other shortfalls. Its not the first time the state budget has been late. Since Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro took office three years ago, the Legislature has yet to approve a spending plan by the June 30 deadline. In 2023, Shapiros first year in office, parts of the budget werent finished until December. The following year, the governor signed off on July 12. This time around, however, the Democratic majority House of Representatives and Republican majority Senate have been at odds over Shapiros demand for $300 million more to support mass transit services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The issue is especially relevant for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, which will raise fares and cut services next month to keep the system afloat. SEPTA serves 800,000 residents daily across Philadelphia and its surrounding counties. Democrats, backed by Shapiro, want to divert revenue from the states sales tax to pay for the increased support. Republicans are wary of the plan, preferring to dip into the $2.4 billion Transportation Trust Fund. On Aug. 12, the Senate returned to Harrisburg after a six-week break to pass its version, as well as a $47 billion budget meant to level-fund most of state government while leaders negotiate the contested aspects. The House called it a nonstarter. Its far from the $51.5 billion Shapiro said he wanted to spend in February, which House Democrats later approved. Since then, the Republican-majority Senate has said the proposal is dead on arrival. Neither chamber plans to reconvene until September. Thousands of primary school pupils in Liverpool have improved their results in the classroom thanks to the use of artificial intelligence, the city region's mayor has said. Steve Rotheram told BBC Radio Merseyside 4,000 pupils involved in the pilot had seen their grades improve in the last school year as a result of a tool called Century AI. The software, developed by Century Tech, automates tasks such as marking, lesson planning, and data gathering, so teachers can "focus on building human relationships with students". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Century Tech said its models had been trained since 2013 using data gathered from schools and institutions across the UK. The scheme was rolled out across more than 100 primary schools, collectively serving more than 28,000 students and employing over 1,300 teachers Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Related internet links (The Center Square) A new ballot initiative is moving forward with gathering signatures in Michigan. The proposal is a constitutional amendment sponsored by Invest in Michigan Kids. It would add an additional 5% tax on all taxable income more than $1 million for joint filers and $500,000 for single filers. This would be in addition to existing state income taxes. Michigans children have been paying the price for decades of disinvestment, said Rachelle Crow-Hercher, from the Invest in MI Kids campaign, in a statement. This initiative helps move us closer to ensuring every childregardless of race, place, or backgroundhas access to the resources they need to succeed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocates have labeled the tax a small, fair share surcharge. Many groups have already joined to push back against the initiative, including Americans For Prosperity, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Association of Michigan. Those organizations have labeled the initiative dangerous. Make no mistake that this proposal is a jobs killer. It would wreck Michigan small businesses, and that's the same thing as wrecking the Michigan economy, said Brian Calley, president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, as previously reported by The Center Square. Advocates for the initiative argue against that claim, saying it will only tax the richest Michiganders, while raising much-needed money for Michigan public schools. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Small business owner Jordan Else from Ann Arbor, testified before the Michigan Board of Canvassers in support of the proposed 100-word summary of the initiative. I want to directly address the claim that this initiative is a small business tax. Its not. Its a tax on the very wealthiest individuals, those making more than 99% of Michiganders. The vast majority of small business owners, like myself, wont be affected at all, Else said. What does affect us is the strength of our public schools. We rely on a well-educated workforce, on students graduating with practical skills, and on strong communities that attract families and customers. The proposed amendment joins six other proposals that have received approval and are in the process of gathering signatures. One proposal is already set to appear on the ballot. Each proposal must be presented in a 100-word summary to voters. According to state law, the Board of Canvassers is required to determine whether the language of the summaries is true and impartial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 1986, Michigan voters approved 34 ballot proposals, defeating 31. A spokesperson for Invest in Michigan Kids told The Center Square it is aiming to collect 700,000 signatures, despite only needing 450,000. This will help account for the margin of error as signatures are validated. Invest in Michigan Kids anticipates the amendment would generate nearly $1 billion for Michigan schools annually. The current language for the initiative is as follows: Constitutional amendment to add, beginning in 2027, an additional 5% tax on annual taxable income over $1 million for joint filers and over $500,000 for single filers. This tax is in addition to existing state income taxes, and is to be deposited into the State School Aid Fund and required to be used exclusively on local school district classrooms, career and technical education, reducing class sizes, and recruiting and retaining teachers; and subject funds to annual audits. Schoolchildren in occupied Ukraine will be forced to attend Russian patriotism lessons from this autumn, the Kremlin announced on Tuesday. At least 100 nursery schools across Russia and the occupied territories in Ukraine will start pilots of classes known as Conversations about Important Things, which were introduced in high schools in 2022 after the full-scale invasion. Russias education ministry said children aged three to seven would take the classes in 19 Russian regions as well as the partially occupied Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pupils will be taught about the importance of family and friendship, development of moral qualities, respect for Russian culture and love for the motherland and Kremlin-friendly history, according to Vedomosti, a Russian business daily. It is at pre-school age that a strong foundation of a childs personality, his values and attitude to the world, is laid, Sergey Kravtsov, the Russian education minister, told Vedomosti, adding that the classes would take an understandable and entertaining form. Dressed in military uniforms At some of the first lessons at a pilot school in the Vologda region of north-western Russia, teachers dressed children in military uniforms, handed them toy guns, pretended to put bandages on them and made them listen to patriotic music, according to a report by Meduza, an independent media outlet . They also learned about Russias Second World War heroes, military professions, war memorials and medals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every Monday before classes, the nursery children involved in the first pilot gathered to raise the Russian flag and sing the national anthem, according to Novaya Gazeta. In October last year, Vladimir Putin urged educators to include nursery-age children in the classes to instil patriotism and core values in young people. The Russian president said then: At the earliest age, of course, we must lay down certain basic things for the child we need to talk to specialists, to child psychologists, we need to understand what a child is like at three, four, five years old. One might say at the age of five, I want to be a soldier, and take a toy gun and play. Others might behave differently. Fate unknown Almenda, a Ukrainian NGO, has claimed 16 per cent of school-age children in Ukraine are currently studying in the temporarily occupied territories. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fate of many of these children is unknown, with the Institute for the Study of War estimating that almost 19,500 have been deported or forcibly removed from their homes. Kyiv has said this constituted a war crime and genocide under a definition by the United Nations. Last week, Melania Trump wrote a private letter to Putin telling him it is time to act to protect children. Although the note does not mention Ukraine or the abduction of Ukrainian children, she told the Russian president that he could single-handedly restore their laughter with a stroke of the pen today. On Monday, Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, gave Donald Trump a letter for Mrs Trump from his own wife, Olena Zelenska, which he says was to thank her for raising awareness about the abduction of Ukrainian children. 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. Middle and high schools in Mayotte will reopen next week, eight months after cyclone Chido killed at least 50 people and wrecked classrooms across the French overseas department. Education Minister Elisabeth Borne, visiting the Indian Ocean archipelago, promised lessons would resume "in the same conditions as before the cyclone." Borne toured several schools on Monday and spoke of "significant progress" in repairing buildings. The French overseas department was ravaged by cyclone Chido which swept through in December 2024, killing at least 50 people and causing considerable material damage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Younoussa-Bamana High School in Mamoudzou, 57 of 66 classrooms are now operational. "We will welcome students in the same conditions as before the cyclone," Borne said during her visit. Construction manager Bruno Ulrich said he hoped to finish all repairs by 26 August, but admitted "there's still a lot to do" because of shortages of materials. In the meantime, modular classrooms have been set up near unfinished blocks. At Majicavo-Lamir kindergarten in the north east of Grande-Terre island, eight prefabricated buildings are being used to host pupils from a neighbouring primary school destroyed by the storm. The mayor of Majicavo-Lamir, Assani Saindou Bamcolo, said rebuilding had been slowed by a lack of funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Borne said that "90 percent of students will be able to attend a normal schedule of 24 hours of classes per week." The remaining 10 percent would start with 10 hours a week before gradually returning to full schedules. At M'gombani Middle School in Mamoudzou, Borne met students taking part in the "Learning Holidays" programme, a week of preparatory lessons "to get the best possible start to the year". France approves 4bn plan to rebuild Mayotte and tighten migration rules Unions, parents disappointed Parents groups and teachers unions disputed the ministers optimism. The FCPE 976 parents organisation refused to attend the visit, saying schools "are not ready." In a letter to Borne, the group said 15,000 children one in four were still unable to attend classes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What our children are experience is not a fleeting problem. It's a national shame," the signatories wrote. SNES-FSU teachers union general secretary Sophie Venetitay also voiced concern. "There are still colleagues who have not received the exceptional Chido bonus (...) And little has been done regarding attractiveness," she told French news agency AFP. How overseas Mayotte became 'a department apart' within France Many in Mayotte have long felt neglected by France's central government, and the devastation caused by cyclone Chido has deepened those frustrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chronic underinvestment in infrastructure and public services has exacerbated the crisis. Currently 77 percent of people live below the national poverty line and payments such as the minimum income benefit RSA remain half as high as in the rest of France. In July, France's Senate approved a bill to rebuild Mayotte, which includes 4 billion in public investment over six years. It also aims to increase social benefits in Mayotte to match mainland France by 2031. The Constitutional Council cleared the bill earlier this month despite objections from Socialist, far-left and Green MPs. The law also tightens immigration rules and targets informal housing. (with AFP) Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized Donald Trump on Monday after the president said in a social media post that he will lead a movement to get rid of mail-in ballots and voting machines. Schumer slammed the attack on voting rights in a statement, saying Trumps comments are not based in fact or reality. Two facts: Donald Trump lost the 2020 election and vote by mail is safe, secure, and reliable, Schumer said. Lets be clear - this is not based in fact or reality, but it is yet another way for Trump to silence Americans from using their voice in the democratic process and implement Jim Crow laws across America. Related: Zelenskyy Gets Snarky After Marjorie Taylor Greene's Boyfriend Remarks On His Suit Schumer went on to declare that Senate Democrats will make sure that any and every measure that would make it even more difficult for Americans to vote will be dead on arrival in the Senate and will continue to fight to protect our democracy. Related: Emmanuel Macron Reacts To Trump's Hot Mic Comment On Vladimir Putin In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Schumer doubled down on his disdain for Trumps threats, writing, I wont stop fighting to protect democracy and protect voting rights, alongside a screenshot of an ABC News story about Trumps efforts to end mail-in ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Truth Social post earlier Monday, Trump made a claim without providing evidence that mail-in ballots and voting machines lead to voter fraud. I am going to lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS, and also, while were at it, Highly Inaccurate, Very Expensive, and Seriously Controversial VOTING MACHINES, which cost Ten Times more than accurate and sophisticated Watermark Paper, which is faster, and leaves NO DOUBT, at the end of the evening, as to who WON, and who LOST, the Election, Trump wrote. Related: Donald Trump Hopes Labeling Everything 'National Security' Is A 'Get Out Of Court Free' Card Trump has long complained about mail-in voting and pushed baseless conspiracies of voter fraud. Hes repeatedly made claims that the 2020 election won by former President Joe Biden was rigged or stolen. Trumps claims have been widely debunked despite his continued bemoaning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The POTUS went on to accuse Democrats of cheat[ing] at levels never seen before. He then declared that he will kick off his efforts by signing an executive order before the 2026 midterm elections. Notably, the president does not have the legal authority to change voting laws as the Constitution gives states the power to set specific voter qualifications. Democrats are virtually Unelectable without using this completely disproven Mail-In SCAM. ELECTIONS CAN NEVER BE HONEST WITH MAIL IN BALLOTS/VOTING, and everybody, IN PARTICULAR THE DEMOCRATS, KNOWS THIS. I, AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, WILL FIGHT LIKE HELL TO BRING HONESTY AND INTEGRITY BACK TO OUR ELECTIONS, Trump added in his post. THE MAIL-IN BALLOT HOAX, USING VOTING MACHINES THAT ARE A COMPLETE AND TOTAL DISASTER, MUST END, NOW!!! Related: Susan Collins Just Got A New Democratic Challenger Trump and Schumer previously clashed over the weekend after the latter accused Trump of selling out Ukraine following the presidents Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which ended without Trump announcing a ceasefire for the war in Ukraine. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Scientists have discovered that deforestation has caused infertility in frogs that are endemic to the Philippines. What's happening? The truncate-toed chorus frog is a tree frog, and the slender-digit chorus frog is a ground or burrowing frog. The two species have interbred over time and created the Leyte chorus frog. As Mongabay stated, hybrid species aren't inherently bad or concerning. And while the Leyte frog sightings were exciting, since they hadn't been seen in about a century, they can't reproduce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If female truncate-toed and male slender-digit chorus frogs keep mating only with each other, this could become a bigger problem. Why is frog infertility concerning? These chorus frogs would mate with their own species more if there were more trees. And deforestation in the Philippines has generally happened because of colonization. Between the 1500s and now, Spain, the U.S., and Japan have caused significant damage to Philippine autonomy and forests. While these actions started about five centuries ago, they're having a huge effect on the Philippines' ecosystems now. Female truncate-toed frogs can't really leap through trees to find males of their species anymore. They instead go to the nearest breeding pool, which usually has male slender-digit frogs, and create Leyte chorus tadpoles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Just imagine an entire population thousands of individuals emerging with the onset of the monsoon rains, and all the forest is gone. That's a pretty sad scenario," Rafe Brown, the lead researcher and a herpetologist at the University of Kansas, told Mongabay. If these frog species keep mating, it won't just be the Leyte chorus frog that will be a rare sight. Native animal species keep our ecosystems and food supply chains alive. Forests also do an incredible job of taking pollution out of our air, which keeps us healthy. If these animals and plants disappear, we could face more health issues and food scarcity. What's being done about the frogs and deforestation? Some of the best solutions we have to protect the frogs and forests are reforestation and conservation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Manila has launched a campaign called Forests for Life. It aims to plant 5 million indigenous trees by 2028 and will allow stakeholders to invest in the environment. Organizations such as Forest Foundation Philippines are also protecting what's already there. Its work is essential to protecting forests in the Sierra Madre area. FFP is expanding green-recovery areas as well, which will allow forests to bounce back after typhoons damage them. 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. SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) A new sheriffs office in Scott County is officially up and running. Deputies said its been exciting in many ways. The new sheriffs office is located on Caleb Conley Way, named after the late deputy who was killed in the line of duty. Deputies with the Scott County Sheriffs Office said the location plays a major role in the new office, which is located near several local schools and a major road. Its directly across from Great Crossing High School and near Western Elementary and Elkhorn Crossing Technical School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only is the location next to three large schools, but its also right off the bypass. Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news Sheriff Jeremy Nettles said this will give officers easy access to the bypass to help get to several parts of the county. He adds it will better meet the needs of the community as it continues to expand. As we continue to grow this community, Scott County is one of the fastest-growing communities in Kentucky. So, as the community grows, our agency and our deputies we need to grow with our community so were better prepared to handle things that occur within Scott County, said Nettles. We can get anywhere pretty much within the county pretty quickly from here; we dont have to deal with the traffic that we had to downtown. So, now this is strategically placed to help us better respond to calls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The additional space includes a fitness center, a break room, and more meeting space for the Scott County Sheriffs office. Nettles also said its more user-friendly and easily accessible for his deputies and the community. We have over 60 sworn officers or deputies here in our agency. At our prior location, our detectives and our patrol were in two different buildings. This building now offers our entire agency to be under one roof. Better communication: it gives us the extra space, gives us private areas where we can meet with victims and talk with victims of crime, where its more private and personal, Nettles said. LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS: Nettles said this new building is another way to keep Conleys legacy alive. Conley was killed during a traffic stop on I-75 in May 2023. The building number is also numeric to his badge number, 240. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His legacy will live on forever. I mean, this building will serve the community for many, many years, and having the street named after him, his name will always be associated with this office, Nettles said. The building also serves as the clerks branch office that has a new drive-thru feature. The new building is located at 240 Caleb Conley Way. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News. SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (WHNT) The Scottsboro Police Department will be retiring a badge number in honor of former Chief of Police Ralph Dawe, who died on August 14. Dawe served for 31 years, 14 of which were as Chief of Police. Albertville grandmother asking for life-saving kidney donation The police department will retire badge number 650, which carried special significance to Dawe, as it was the former Chiefs first badge number. However, it also served as a personal reflection of his heritage as a native of Hawaii, the 50th state in the Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He began his career at SPD in 1989 as a patrol officer. The department said his talent for investigative work became apparent, and he spent the next decade in the detective division. While there, he served as Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain. He was promoted to major in 2002, and four years later, he became Chief. Dawe retired in 2020. Throughout his career, he demonstrated unwavering dedication, professionalism, and leadership, guiding the department through periods of growth and modernization. His contributions left a lasting legacy that continues to strengthen the department and community today, an SPD spokesperson said. Get breaking news, traffic and weather alerts directly to your smartphone. Download the News 19 App SPD said during his time with the department, Dawe worked on several high-profile homicide and robbery cases, and received much respect for his professionalism, leadership and service to the Scottsboro community. He was a member of the Hi-Jackson Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35 and a graduate of the 194th session of the FBI National Academy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chief Dawes service and leadership helped shape the Scottsboro Police Department into the organization it is today, Chief Greg Godfrey said. By retiring his badge number, we ensure that his impact, legacy, and commitment to this community will always be remembered. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. With local public media stations on the brink of collapse following President Donald Trumps successful push to strip federal funding, one group announced plans Tuesday to raise tens of millions of dollars in a bid to keep local newsrooms alive. The Public Media Bridge Fund hopes to raise $100 million over the next two years to support local news organizations at risk of closure, the organization said, following congressional approval to rescind more than $1 billion in federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. CPB the independently-run, congressionally-funded nonprofit announced this month it would shut down. Advocates and public media executives have warned that the funding cuts and subsequent closure of CPB will devastate rural communities that rely on local stations, with rural stations less able to weather the slashed federal funding compared to urban and suburban stations with larger donor bases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The people who are paying the price are local communities, in an era where local community connection is being eroded and local news is in crisis, Tim Isgitt, CEO of Public Media Company a nonprofit public media consulting firm that launched the bridge fund told POLITICO. These members of Congress voted to kill what, in many communities, is their only source of local news and information and they did it eyes wide open. Conservatives in Congress have long sought to eliminate federal funding for public media, and scored a major victory with Trumps rescissions package. In May, Trump issued an executive order looking to restrict all funding for NPR and PBS. CPB, PBS and NPR challenged the order. But Congress, which appropriated more than $500 million to CPB annually, codified the president's move in this years Rescissions Act. I don't want to sugarcoat this, but the loss of CPB funding to local rural communities is devastating, said Isgitt. We're doing what we can to do what Congress failed to do: protecting stations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isgitt expects things to worsen in November, when CPB normally doled out funding to affiliates. Newsrooms that depended on at least 30 percent of funding from CPB are now at risk of going dark, he said. From Mississippi to Idaho, local public media organizations are run by people who live in their communities, governed by people who live in their communities and reporting on community issues, said Isgitt. The loss of CPB funding, he added, will have ripple effects across the system. This is a highly interconnected and, in some ways, interdependent system. So when a significant portion of local organizations start to fail, it's going to have an impact on other distressed local organizations that are also losing money. And I dont know where those dominoes stop. For this fall alone, Isgitt said, the fund is hoping to raise $50 million but in order to sustain endangered newsrooms for the next two years, theyll need a minimum of $100 million, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, philanthropic organizations including the Knight Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation have committed $26.5 million to the Public Media Bridge Fund. While Isgitt said there is no official list designating which newsrooms will receive a disbursement, he said the Fund is compiling additional data to determine the most at-risk stations. Isgitt said he remains hopeful, though he admits reaching the full $100 million goal will be difficult. There is a recognition from philanthropy across the board right now that there's a need and there's an opportunity to keep the system from collapsing, said Isgitt. However, philanthropy is being asked to fill a lot of gaps right now, and I don't know how sustainable that is overtime. SCRANTON Scranton Tomorrow will use a $200,000 state grant to make the downtown cleaner, greener, safer and friendlier. State Sen. Marty Flynn, D-22, Dunmore, secured the grant from legislative discretionary funds for a new Downtown Ambassador program by the nonprofit organization that leads the downtowns economic development efforts. The ambassador program will have three employees of a company called Block by Block contracted for a year to spruce up the downtown with various duties, including removing litter, weeds and graffiti, clearing snow and ice from curb ramps at corners, and generally serving as goodwill ambassadors to visitors and residents, officials said. This funding will enhance and strengthen our downtown revitalization efforts, Scranton Tomorrow President and CEO Leslie Collins said Monday during an announcement event at the organizations office at 317 Linden St. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flynn said, This program is about pride in our community. It shows that our community and its organizations value its public spaces and the people that use them. Its an investment in a stronger and more welcoming downtown. The ambassador program starts Sept. 2. Proponents hope a visible difference in the appearance of downtown Scrantons sidewalks and streetscapes will result in Scranton Tomorrow being able to fulfill its longtime goal of creating a downtown Business Improvement District, with buy-in and financial support from stakeholders to keep the ambassador program going. Once the downtown businesses see it, and see it operate for them, it will be easier for Scranton Tomorrow to go to them and say, Could you help us with this; could you help us with that, for long-term sustainability, Flynn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scranton Tomorrow in 2008 added a clean and green component to its mission, Collins said. In 2019 the organization brought on Steve Ward as the manager of a Safe, Clean and Green program. The Safe, Clean and Green long-term strategy always envisioned a formalized, targeted, data-driven Downtown Ambassador program, Collins said. Prior attempts with some seasonal part-time employees did not meet needs and the COVID-19 pandemic also became a hurdle. Ward noted that from January through July, Scranton Tomorrows Safe, Clean and Green efforts had 4,471 volunteer participants, 129 projects and 258 hours of programming. And its all designed to lift up and celebrate our community, but one critical piece thats missing has been a consistent on-street presence for cleaning and litter abatement, Ward said, noting downtown has 29,600 linear feet of sidewalks, or 5.6 miles. So it really is a daunting task to keep them clean and really bring out the best of our community. Having a full team of ambassadors will take downtown Scranton to the next level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scranton Tomorrow contracted with Block by Block to provide the Downtown Ambassador services in Scranton. Started in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1995, Block by Block provides similar services in 180 locations throughout the nation including, in Pennsylvania, in Wilkes-Barre, Bethlehem, Norristown and Philadelphia. In Wilkes-Barre, the Diamond City Partnerships Downtown Ambassador Team provides on-street services throughout the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Improvement District. Workers remove trash, graffiti and stickers; maintain pet-waste stations; remove snow and ice from sidewalk ramps; maintain more than 186 seasonal hanging flower baskets and a dozen large self-watering sidewalk planters; and provide directions and assistance to visitors. Jeff Mead of Block by Block will lead the ambassador team in Scranton working in a footprint from Mifflin Avenue to Jefferson Avenue and from Mulberry Street to Bogart Court. The focus of ambassadors will be on the sidewalk streetscapes, from business fronts to curb lines, Mead said. Collins said, We do know that, based on data, that cleanliness serves as the foundation for revitalization, resulting in further property development, small business sustainability and pedestrian walkability all very significant factors for the success, sustainability and economic vitality of the downtown business corridor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former Mayor Wayne Evans, who is a Scranton Tomorrow board member, believes that once businesses and residents of the downtown see the results of the ambassador program, they will want to keep it going. Recent renovations and conversions of numerous buildings downtown by various developers, and that have resulted in new businesses opening and more people living downtown, generally occurred organically, and the ambassador program will support that growth, Evans said. Our standards have to be raised and this is about raising standards, Evans said. This step just changes the whole game because were going to now follow what they (developers) are doing and how they take care of their properties. Its going to be amazing. This is what weve been describing for a long time and to finally have it happen, its special. * State Sen. Marty Flynn speaks at the Scranton Tomrrow office in downtown Scranton Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * President and CEO of Scranton Tomorrow Leslie Collins speaks at the Scranton Tomorrow office in downtown Scranton Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * Steve Ward, project manager for the Safe, Clean, Green & Design Program for Scranton Tommorrow, speaks outside of the Scranton Tomrrow office in downtown Scranton Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * President and CEO of Scranton Tomorrow Leslie Collins speaks to state Sen. Marty Flynn at the Scranton Tomorrow office in downtown Scranton Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) * State Sen. Marty Flynn hugs President and CEO of Scranton Tomorrow Leslie Collins after announcing a $200 thousand grant to helps the organization cleanup the city outside of the Scranton Tomorrow office in downtown Scranton Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Show Caption 1 of 5 State Sen. Marty Flynn speaks at the Scranton Tomrrow office in downtown Scranton Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) Expand NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) A new development Monday, bloodhounds have been deployed in the search for Bryan Vasquez, a missing child with developmental disabilities. I want my child. He is my life, said Vasquezs mom. Law enforcement continues to search in New Orleans East for Vasquez. The 12-year-old, who suffers from a developmental disability and is non-verbal, was last seen on a ring camera Thursday morning attempting to open a neighbors door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to be able to bring this young man home to his family and do whatever we can to give that family some sense of closure and a resolution, said Assistant to the Commissioner, Office of Motor Vehicles, Austin Badon. Though the NOPD has scaled down its investigation, the governor has offered bloodhounds from Angola to help locate Vasquez. We have this article of clothing that has a specific scent that they can key in on. From what Im told, hell virtually drink water from anywhere if hes thirsty. Were focusing on this area, and were, you know, looking in the woods where he may be, said Badon. Five inmates injured in Orleans Justice Center stabbing incident Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the bloodhounds attempted to locate Vasquezs scent, others checked the water close to where he lives. We have the Sewerage and Water Board, who are here, and they are literally taking out the weeds on the bayou. And hopefully we can snag something and, you know, bring Brian home if hes in that water, said Badon. Vasquezs mother is remaining hopeful that her son will be found alive. She pleads for anyone who may have her son to turn him in to the authorities. If someone has him, and you kept him, and you are worried. My son doesnt speak. He wont be able to say who you are. Just return them safely, said Bryans mom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Badon says the clock is ticking to find Vasquez alive, especially because the 12-year-old has not taken his seizure medication in days. But he says they are all praying for the best possible outcome. Authorities continue to ask nearby residents to check exterior home cameras, search sheds and outdoor areas and report any possible sightings. Anyone who comes in contact with Vasquez is asked to call 911 or 504-821-2222. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. STARK COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) A teenager who was reported missing in Stark County has been located, the sheriffs office announced Tuesday morning. Family speaks after brothers go missing in Lake Erie, search halted for 2nd day The girl was reported missing Monday evening. In a Facebook post Tuesday morning, the sheriffs office confirmed shed been found. Details on where she was located or how she was found were not released by the sheriffs office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Search and rescue operations have been completed in a five-storey residential building bombed by Russians forces on 18 August. Seven people have been killed in the attack. Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Telegram Details: Bomb disposal experts, 140 emergency workers, dog handlers, psychologists and 39 pieces of equipment from the Kharkiv, Volyn, Zhytomyr, Luhansk and Zakarpattia garrisons of the State Emergency Service worked at the scene of the Russian strike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven people, including two children, were killed in the attack. Another 24 residents, including 6 children, were injured. Two people were rescued. In total, more than 1,500 sq m of the buildings interior premises were cleared of debris, and about 500 sq m of construction rubble and metal structures were removed. Background: On the morning of 18 August, Russian forces attacked Kharkiv with Geran-2 drones. Four of these UAVs hit a five-storey apartment building, causing structural damage and fires. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Naomi Watts tearfully broke down as her son headed off to college. Naomi Watts tearfully broke down as her son headed off to college The Mulholland Drive actress, 56, has Sasha Schreiber, 18, with her ex-partner Live Schreiber, 57, and documented her emotional farewell to the teen on her Instagram. She posted photos of herself holding Sasha, with her head buried in his chest in one image and her standing alongside him with his luggage in another. Naomi, who has co-parented Sasha with Liev, captioned the snaps: Step #1. She added: Already (bawling) - adding five crying face emojis to the message. Naomi also tagged Sasha, who looked at the camera while wrapping his arm around his mothers shoulders. Sasha wore a white T-shirt, baggy blue jeans and a chain in one image, and his headphones in another while Watts looked chic in an oversized beige blazer, white collared shirt and wide-leg blue jeans. The actress also shared an image of Sasha hugging his 16-year-old sister, Kai Schreiber. Naomis former partner Liev also took to Instagram to mark the occasion. He wrote: Starting to feel the pull. Gonna miss my ride or die. Having said that, USC is gonna get one of the deepest, kindest, bravest and most beautiful boys I have ever known. Sasha graduated from Friends Seminary, a private high school in New York City, in June and is moving across the country to begin his freshman year at the University of Southern California. Naomi and Liev were together for 11 years before splitting in September 2016. In 2023, the actress married fellow movie star Billy Crudup. Liev went on to get hitched to Taylor Neisen, with whom he has two-year-old daughter Hazel. British-Australian Naomis career spans more than three decades. She gained international recognition for her performance in David Lynchs Mulholland Drive (2001), earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of a mysterious aspiring actress. Naomi has also starred in a range of films including 21 Grams (2003), The Ring (2002), King Kong (2005), and The Impossible (2012) showcasing her versatility across drama, thriller, and action genres. She has received multiple award nominations, including two Academy Award nods. This article has been updated to add information. WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Secret Service arrested Lafayette resident Nathalie Rose Jones on Saturday on charges she threatened to kill President Donald Trump on her social media platforms. U.S. District Court documents charge Jones, 50, who most recently was living in New York City, threatened to kill, kidnap and inflict bodily harm on Trump, according to a news release from federal officials published Monday. NatHalie Jones' Facebook post from Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, just hours before her arrest on charges she threatened to kill President Donald Trump. Secret Service agents interviewed Jones in New York on Friday, during which Jones allegedly called the president a terrorist and a Nazi and said if she had the opportunity, she would take the president's life and would kill him at "the compound," according to the U.S. attorney's office news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Saturday, Jones traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in an protest that passed near the White House. Jones' Facebook posts from Saturday include photos of some of the protests. After the protest, U.S. Secret Service agents interviewed Jones a second time. She admitted to threatening the president the day before but told agents she did not have any present desires to harm him, according to the news release. Agents then arrested her, according to the U.S. attorney's office. Nathalie Rose Jones, 50, of Lafayette, was arrested Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C., on suspicion of threatening to kill President Donald Trump. This is one of Jones' social media posts. "Threatening the life of the president is one of the most serious crimes and one that will be met with swift and unwavering prosecution," U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in the news release. "Make no mistake justice will be served." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones made threats on Instagram and Facebook between Aug. 2 through Aug. 15, according to the U.S. attorney's office. According to her website marketing her writing, Jones was born and raised in Rensselaer. She graduated from Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics and Humanities on the Ball State University campus in Muncie. She then attended Indiana University but quit and joined the Army Reserves. After leaving the Reserves, she attended Purdue University, where she graduated in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, according to her website. A Purdue spokesperson has not confirmed that information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her writings can be found at her website, nathjones.com. However, she charges a fee of $1,776 to access her work. On a video Jones posted on her Facebook page, apparently on May 24, 2021 World Schizophrenia Day she discussed having mental health problems. "I am someone who identifies as schizophrenic," Jones said as she talks about celebrating the day. "What that means for me is: I think I'm famous, and let's get there." She admits to experiencing an altered sense of self and having disorganized thoughts. "Whatever this disease is I have, it's fine," she said on the 4-year-old video. "I'm not going to hurt anybody." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette woman arrested for alleged threats against President Trump (The Center Square) The security clearances of 37 former and current intelligence professionals have been revoked, citing abuse of intelligence information, the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced. Being entrusted with a security clearance is a privilege, not a right, Gabbard posted on X late Tuesday afternoon. Those in the Intelligence Community who betray their oath to the Constitution and put their own interests ahead of the interests of the American people have broken the sacred trust they promised to uphold. In doing so, they undermine our national security, the safety and security of the American people and the foundational principles of our democratic republic. Gabbard said the decision came from the direction of President Donald Trump, following last months disclosure of Russiagate intelligence documents, the DNI claims were manufactured, describing the alleged activities as a coup and treasonous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When you look at the intent behind creating a fake, manufactured intelligence document that directly contradicts multiple assessments that were created by the intelligence community, the expressed intent and what followed afterward can only be described as a years-long coup and a treasonous conspiracy against the American people, our republic, and an attempt to undermine President Trumps administration, Gabbard said. The implications of this are far reaching and have to do with the integrity of our democratic republic. It had to do with an outgoing president taking action to manufacture intelligence to undermine and usurp the will of the American people. In reference to the revoked security clearances, Gabbard accused the professionals of politicizing and manipulating intelligence, leaking classified intelligence without authorization, and/or committing intentional egregious violations of tradecraft standards. In her July briefing to reporters at the White House, Gabbard pointed the finger at former President Barack Obama being behind the manufactured documents. There is irrefutable evidence that detail how President Obama and his national security team directed the creation of an intelligence community assessment that they knew was false Were here today because the American people deserve the truth, said Gabbard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gabbard argued that, according to her intelligence information, Russia predicted former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would win the 2016 presidential election, adding that Russia was holding on to damning health information on Clinton, which they chose not to release before the election. If Russia was trying to influence the election like Democrats said in order to boost Donald Trump, theyd have released the most damning information on Hillary prior to the election. They specifically withheld it because they thought shed win, Gabbard argued. The DNI read a portion of her report, detailing Clintons mental well-being, as detailed in emails from the DNC. DNC emails that detail evidence of Hillarys psycho-emotional problems, uncontrolled fits of anger, aggression, and cheerfulness and a daily regimen of heavy tranquilizers, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Gabbard declassified a 2020 House Intelligence Committee report, exposing how the Obama Administration manufactured the January 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment that they knew was false. The security clearances' revocation comes a couple of weeks after multiple reports that the U.S. Department of Justice is opening a grand jury investigation into the allegations. Until this week, Donald Trump had shown little interest in supporting Europes plan to uphold any peace deal in Ukraine with military might. When the American president signalled he was ready to participate in a peacekeeping mission following his meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, the Western leaders at the heart of the planning process Emmanuel Macron and Sir Keir Starmer leapt on his admission as a major breakthrough. Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps peace envoy, stated in an interview last weekend that these security guarantees could amount to Article 5-like protection without offering any specific details on how American involvement could take shape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His comments refer to Natos mutual defence clause, which states an attack on one member is an attack on them all. Membership of the Western military alliance is Ukraines ultimate goal in its quest for security guarantees. But with the US unwilling to grant Kyivs entry into the alliance, creative alternatives must be sought. Coalition of the willing Dozens of European nations, led by Britain and France, have been planning for a reassurance force, which would secure Ukraines skies and seas, and support peace on land. This would involve a small, multinational force of military trainers deployed inside Ukraine to help drill and develop Kyivs armed forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A naval mission would help secure the Black Seas main shipping routes, including assistance to demine the body of water on Ukraines southern coast. Western fighter jets and military aircraft would also be used to police the skies above the war-torn country, with the objective of creating a safe space for commercial aviation traffic. This is a step down from the original plans for 30,000 troops to be deployed to guard Ukraines cities, nuclear power plants and critical infrastructure, which fell apart because of a lack of resources and an American backstop. US backstop While Mr Trump had been clear he wouldnt want to be involved in the day-to-day business of the coalition of the willing, British and French generals had wanted him to promise lethal force in case European troops came under attack by Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This was envisioned as US fighter jets stationed in Romania or Poland used to launch a swift and deadly strike in response to any aggression against the Europeans on the ground in Ukraine. Alternatively, Tomahawk missiles fired from a US submarine could have been deployed. It was essentially a threat of American military might that the Europeans thought would provide a sufficient reason to deter Vladimir Putin from mounting another invasion. This option remains one of the most likely that Mr Trump will commit to given his peace through strength mantra and the fact that it requires little more than an ambiguous threat of violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US president on Tuesday signalled he would be willing to support the European-led mission by air, suggesting this as the most likely outcome. Boots on the ground Mr Trump has now officially ruled out any troop deployment. From the most likely to the most unlikely. Since taking office again, Mr Trump has told anyone who would listen that the war in Ukraine was not his war and in fact belonged to his predecessor, Joe Biden. In his view, it is also principally Europes problem, despite his diplomatic endeavours to end it. Deploying American troops, even as peacekeepers, would break the premise that there is no US involvement in the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an interview on Fox News, the hosts demanded assurances he wouldnt put US boots on the ground. Mr Trump replied: You have my assurance and Im president. An Article 5-style guarantee by Washington does not necessarily require boots on the ground, if there is a commitment to offer long-range strikes on Russia to deter Putin from invading again. US weapons While not akin to Article 5, a promise by Mr Trump to continue a pipeline of American-made weapons would be significant for Ukraine. Mr Zelensky reportedly offered to buy $100bn of unspecified weapons from Washington as part of a peace settlement, according to the Financial Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American president said hed continue to supply weapons, but not fund them, moving forward. The pipeline will be key in future attempts to build Ukraines armed forces to the point that it provides its own deterrence against future Russian attacks. Logistics Whether they like it or not, European nations lack the capabilities needed to move large groupings of troops and hardware around without the help of American heavy lift systems. An offer of logistical support would go a long way in facilitating the possibility of a European troop deployment. Its a non-lethal area where Washington could step in to provide support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump hinted this would be the minimum level of American support by saying hed help with co-ordination. Intelligence Much like logistics, European Nato nations dont necessarily have the satellite and aerial intelligence capabilities needed for a troop deployment in Ukraine. The importance of American intelligence was proven when it was briefly withdrawn from Ukraine, sparking the decision to evacuate blinded troops from the Russian border region of Kursk. By offering to provide the eyes and ears for European nations, Mr Trump could claim to be involved while maintaining an arms length distance that would help him deflect criticism from the isolationist portion of his base. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. WASHINGTON (AP) Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said Tuesday that he believes President Donald Trump is prepared to crush Russias economy with a new wave of sanctions if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the coming weeks. Graham, who spoke with Trump on Tuesday morning, has pushed the president for months to support his sweeping bipartisan sanctions bill that would impose steep tariffs on countries that are fueling Russias invasion of Ukraine by buying its oil, gas, uranium, and other exports. The legislation has the backing of 85 senators, but Trump has yet to endorse it. Republican leaders have said they wont move without him. If we dont have this thing moving in the right direction by the time we get back, then I think that plan B needs to kick in, Graham said in a phone interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday. The Senate, now away from Washington for the August recess, is scheduled to return in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grahams call with Trump came less than 24 hours after high-stakes meetings at the White House with Zelenskyy and several European leaders. Trump and the leaders emerged from those talks sounding optimistic, with the expectation being that a Putin and Zelenskyy sit-down will happen soon. Still, Trumps comments to Graham, one of his top congressional allies, mark the latest sign that pressure is building not just on Putin, but on Trump as well. Trump believes that if Putin doesnt do his part, that hes going to have to crush his economy. Because you've got to mean what you say, Graham told reporters in South Carolina on Tuesday. As Congress prepares to return to session in early September, the next few weeks could become a defining test of whether lawmakers and international allies are prepared to act on their own if Trump doesnt follow through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the lead Democrat pushing the bill with Graham, says there is a lot of reason for skepticism and doubt after the meetings with Trump, especially because Putin has not made any direct promises. He said the Russian leader has an incentive to play rope-a-dope with Trump. The only way to bring Putin to the table is to show strength, Blumenthal told the AP this week. What Putin understands is force and pressure. Still, Republicans have shown little willingness to override Trump in his second term. They abruptly halted work on the sanctions bill before the August recess after Trump said the legislation may not be needed. Asked Tuesday in a phone interview whether the sanctions bill should be brought up even without Trump's support, Graham said, the best way to do it is with him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will come a point where if its clear that Putin is not going to entertain peace, that President Trump will have to back up what he said he would do, Graham said. And the best way to do it is have congressional blessing. The legislation would impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries such as China and India, which together account for roughly 70% of Russias energy trade. The framework has the support of many European leaders. Many of those same European leaders left the White House on Monday with a more hopeful tone. Zelenskyy called the meeting with Trump an important step toward ending this war. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that his expectations were not just met, they were exceeded. Still, little concrete progress was visible on the main obstacles to peace. That deadlock likely favors Putin, whose forces continue to make steady, if slow, progress on the ground in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters after talks at the White House that Trump believes a deal with Putin is possible. But he said sanctions remain on the table if the process fails. ___ Associated Press reporter Meg Kinnard contributed to this report from Florence, South Carolina. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The new school year starts Thursday for Sioux Falls Public Schools and a special event is helping send students back into the classroom in style. Its the start of another busy day at 5 Star Cutz in Sioux Falls, where owner Tyrone Wilson averages about 20 haircuts a day. So I specialize in giving out great haircuts, whether it be a fade or just a basic haircut or a scissor trim, 5 Star Cutz owner Wilson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How to watch Sioux Falls in Little League World Series Wilson will be part of a team handing out hundreds of free haircuts to families in need on Tuesday, as part of the Back to School Bash at Terry Redlin Elementary. Its an event Wilson started eight years ago. One of the reasons why I do it is because I myself, as being a parent, know how frantic it is to run around and get clothes and shoes and backpacks and school supplies. And one of the things that you kind of forget about is a haircut, Wilson said. The Back to School Bash doesnt end with haircuts as businesses will be giving away everything from sneakers to backpacks and school supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were going to be giving away 300 backpacks filled with supplies for elementary and middle school age students, Hungry Hearts Vice President Jesse Severson said. Hungry Hearts raises money to help feed students who cant afford a hot school lunch, but knows that many of those same families have additional needs. Basic necessities, thats what Hungry Hearts is sort of move towards to, not just the food, but basic necessities for these children to learn and to thrive in school regardless of their income at home or their background. Everybody should have the same opportunity to grow and develop, Severson said. And maybe that growth starts with a trim of the hair at the Back to School Bash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres theres no words that can really describe how excited I am and the feeling that I get on the inside when everybody can come together and lock arms, right, as a community, businesses and other, like, say, volunteers and outreaches that are coming together to help for this, Wilson said. The Back to School Bash runs from noon until 4:00 Tuesday afternoon on the playground at Terry Redlin Elementary. The event is free, but its first come, first served, while supplies last. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) A local hospital is cutting down on food insecurity in the Hampton area by using a new, modern concept officials hope will lessen the burden for discharged patients. Sentara Health said expanding food access is a top priority for them, and they have partnered with the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula to introduce a free food locker at the Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton. The distribution point is located just outside of the hospitals emergency department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Patients who are discharged from the emergency department or the main hospital who may not have enough to eat will be given a voucher or a code, which will allow them to access the locker and take home a variety of healthy, non-perishable food options. As of right now, were doing 15 families, said Esscence Riddick of Sentara CarePlex. So very proud to announce that this is the first locker within the entire system. Sentara officials say its a similar concept to UPS or Amazon lockers. The new locker was unveiled Monday. People that are getting released from the hospital and need food assistance can get it directly from these lockers, said Renee Figurelle of the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula. Right now, the food lockers only have nonperishable foods. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So we do have a QR code on the side of the locker, which you may not have been able to see, Riddick said. That will direct you directly to our website. And on our website, it will directly, direct you to the, Virginia Peninsula Food Bank, where youll be able to sign up so you can either email them or call them, and you can sign up that way. thats for community members. If you need food on an ongoing basis, if you need food in real time, as of right now leaving the hospital, we can get you a code today. Those who are registered with the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula and are not patients are also eligible. Sentara CarePlex paid to buy and install the locker, while the Foodbank will ensure the locker is stocked. Sentara said the new locker will keep access to food in closer proximity for those who previously had to travel several miles for donations. We understand that we do have a problem within our community here, Riddick said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Riddick said that as we grow and our demand is a little bit higher, we will be able to service and provide produce as well. The locker has 15 lockers. I just had a person come in and he was food insecure, Figurelle said, and he was telling me that he cant come when we are regularly open, and this gives him the ability to come in and get food assistance. For Sentara, this locker could be the start of many more to come. Our market is Sentara CarePlex, Halifax, Obici fand Williamsburg, Riddick said, so sinc ewe are the first within our system, were looking to expand within our market. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Amtrak's Keystone Service train at Exton station in Chester County. (Peter Hall/Capital-Star) (This article was updated at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, to include a response from Amtrak.) A crucial passenger rail link between central Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and New York could be in jeopardy if state lawmakers dont act to stave off public transit cuts in the commonwealths largest metro area, U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-2nd District) said Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boyle said Amtrak President Roger Harris told him the loss of more than $71 million in payments from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) would severely impact Amtraks operations, possibly leading to the suspension of the Keystone Service. Many people in our area rely on the Keystone Service. If SEPTA cuts or eliminates that funding to Amtrak, that rail line will cease to operate, Boyle said in a call with reporters Monday. The train makes 13 daily round trips between Harrisburg and New York with stops in Lancaster, and several smaller communities in southcentral and southeastern Pennsylvania, in addition to Philadelphia. The trains, which are primarily funded by PennDOT, carried 1.27 million passengers last year, according to Amtrak. That makes the Keystone the railroads fifth-busiest service. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amtrak spokesperson Beth Toll said in a statement that SEPTAs commuter rail service complements Amtraks intercity trains. The potential reduction in SEPTAs contribution will negatively affect Amtraks ability to reinvest in the rail network. This could lead to a deterioration in infrastructure condition and authorized train operating speeds, negatively impacting Amtrak-operated, PennDOT-sponsored Keystone Service and Pennsylvanian service between Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh, as well as Northeast Corridor services, Toll said in the statement. SEPTA and PennDOT are good partners, helping to advance the current and future operation of intercity and commuter passenger rail service in the region and nation, Toll added. We hope there is a path forward so SEPTA can continue providing vital transportation service and partnerships to the region. Facing a $213 million deficit, SEPTA plans to reduce or eliminate service throughout its system. The cuts could begin as soon as next week if the legislature is unable to increase public transit funding in the state budget, which is now more than six weeks overdue. The reductions could impact up to 800,000 people who use the transit system daily. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cuts to bus and rail service include the elimination of SEPTAs regional rail routes that operate on lines owned by Amtrak. They include the Northeast Corridor between New York and Washington and the Keystone Corridor between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. SEPTA contributed $42.3 million for capital projects including track and signal improvements and $28.8 million in operating expenses including policing and station operations, according to Boyles office. By eliminating five commuter rail services that use Amtraks lines, SEPTA can put the cost savings toward its structural deficit, spokesman Andrew Busch said. While service on the remaining eight commuter lines is slated to be reduced by 45%, SEPTA owns those rails and would not see comparable savings by cutting them entirely. SEPTA does not know how the elimination of regional rail service on Amtrak-owned lines will impact Keystone Line service, Busch said. We understand that Amtrak will have to make decisions in the coming weeks whether to pause or postpone infrastructure projects on the Keystone Line in response to the planned elimination of SEPTAs lease payments on Jan. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its also unclear whether the loss of SEPTAs payments would affect Amtraks once-daily Pennsylvanian Service between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. In 2023, the state won a federal grant to make improvements to tracks owned by Norfolk Southern Corp. to allow a second daily Pennsylvanian run. Passengers board an Amtrak train at Harrisburgs station. (Capital-Star/Peter Hall) PennDOT officials did not respond to a request for comment Monday. While cuts to Amtrak service are not a certainty even if SEPTA makes its planned cuts, the possibility shows how the public transportation crisis puts tens of millions of dollars in serious jeopardy for the operation of Amtrak in our regions, Boyle said. Its yet one more reason why the SEPTA funding crisis needs to end, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While SEPTA is the states largest mass transit agency, public transportation providers in every county have faced a financial crisis since ridership dropped precipitously during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a larger number of people working remotely since then, revenue from fares has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. At the same time, lawmakers have struggled to find reliable sources of funding for transportation generally as more fuel-efficient vehicles and the proliferation of electric vehicles have chipped away at fuel tax revenue. It has also highlighted the duality of the commonwealths urban and rural divide. Republican lawmakers have opposed more funding for transit without additional money for roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure such as regional airports that serve rural districts. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Josh Shapiro has proposed increasing the states contribution of sales tax revenue to public transportation in his last two budgets to provide about $300 million more for transit. Last year, however, the compromise budget included only $80 million in additional money for transit. Shapiro redirected $153 million in federal highway funding to keep SEPTA afloat. Despite a flurry of activity last week, the impasse between the Democratic-controlled House and Republican-led Senate appears no closer to breaking. House Democrats shot down a $47.6 billion budget proposal Wednesday that had cleared the GOP-controlled Senate late the night before by a party line vote, effectively prolonging the stalemate. The Senates proposal is about $3 billion less than the one that passed the House last month. The big differences include how to fund public education and different mechanisms for public transportation funding. Serious crash on busy Billerica road snaps utility pole, downs power lines An investigation and a cleanup are underway after a serious crash on a busy road in Billerica snapped a utility pole and downed power lines early Tuesday morning. The crash happened on Boston Road between Lexington and Locke Roads. Video from the scene showed a mangled Volvo sedan entangled in wires and splintered wood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate word on injuries to those involved in the crash. The Billerica Police Department warned neighborhood residents that Route 3A would be closed in the area through the morning commute. National Grid was called in to assist with the cleanup efforts. Boston Road in Billerica is shut down this morning between Lexington Rd and Locke Rd after a car hit a utility pole. The car still needs to be towed. National Grid is here with a new pole. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/lLOygDU2KD Ryan Breslin (@ryanjbreslin) August 19, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traffic Advisory: Boston Road between Lexington Rd and Locke Rd is closed due to a downed utility pole on Bear Hill. Roadway will be closed during the morning commute. Use Allen Rd and Lexington Rd as alternate routes. BPD#99 Billerica Police MA (@BillericaPD) August 19, 2025 This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Aug. 19WORTHINGTON Five tax-forfeited properties within Nobles County are set to be sold at auction beginning at 10 a.m. Sept. 9, in the Nobles County Government Center Farmers Room, 315 10th St., Worthington. The properties are located in Adrian, Round Lake, Wilmont and Worthington. The process for selling tax forfeited properties has changed this year due to the Tyler vs Hennepin Supreme Court case. "We no longer have the option of conveying any property to a city, township or school district for public use as we have in the past," Nobles County Auditor-Treasurer Joyce Jacobs said. "Unless the property is still available after two public sales." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first sale is an estimated market value (EMV) with the starting bid being what assessors placed on the property when it was forfeited. "We cannot go lower than that when we sell at the day of that auction," Jacobs said. Commissioner Justin Ahlers will serve as the auctioneer for the sales. If a property is not sold at the Sept. 9 sale and is still available 30 days later, it will be auctioned at a minimum bid sale. The minimum bid sales are subject to change as it includes the costs of what is currently owed on the property, such as special assessments, delinquent taxes and any expenses toward maintaining the property. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The minimum bid sale, if needed, will be Oct. 10. If any property is not sold at either the estimated market value or minimum bid sales, a Land Classification Meeting will be held at 9:05 a.m. Dec. 23, during the Nobles County Board meeting. Cities, townships or school districts interested in a property are encouraged to be prepared to bid at one of the first two sales. Cities, townships or school districts will be able to request the county to convey a property if it does not sell at the EMV or minimum bid sale. All of the properties that will be sold had belonged to people who are now deceased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One parcel, at 408 Kentucky Ave., Adrian, has an EMV of $52,300 and a minimum bid of $6,623.74 currently. The property at 130 Second Ave., Round Lake, has an EMV of $72,600 and minimum bid of $5,125.29. The parcel at 502 Third Ave., Wilmont has an EMV of $46,300 and a minimum bid of $7,490.04. Two parcels are located in Worthington. One is at 1102 Rose Ave., with an EMV of $115,600 and a minimum bid of $9,740.96, while the other is at 1104 Fredrick Ave., and has an EMV of $104,500 and a minimum bid of $9,423.90. According to Jacobs, one property in Worthington has a car in the garage, "which is unusual," she said. The other house in Worthington is completely cleaned out, which she said is also unusual. The properties are sold as is, meaning all contents in the house go with the house at the time of purchase, "so who knows what 'gems' the new owners might find inside," Jacobs said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The properties will have an open house Sept. 3, which will be the only option for viewing inside of the houses before the sale. There will be no individual showings. Any prospective buyers will need to sign a waiver of liability before entering the property and they must be 18 years of age to view any properties. "Potential buyers need to do their 'homework' before the sale if they are thinking of making changes to the property," Jacobs said. "They need to check with the respective city office on building codes, zoning ordinances, special assessments, etc." For more information about the properties, visit co.nobles.mn.us or call the Nobles County Auditor-Treasurer office at (507) 295-5258. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Several people were injured following a crash in Lake Oswego on Sunday night, authorities said. According to Lake Oswego Police, at around 7:40 p.m., officers began receiving reports about an intoxicated driver leaving Lake Grove Swim Park. A short while later, an officer said they spotted the driver in a blue sedan driving the wrong way on Lakeview Boulevard through a construction area, which was down to one lane. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oregon rejects agreement to share voter data with Trump administration Officials said they initially managed to stop the driver; however, she swerved around the officers patrol car and took off at high speed. Due to the narrow roadway, it was difficult to turn the car around, and the officer was unable to locate the driver. However, less than a minute later, multiple 911 calls reported a serious crash on Lakeview Boulevard at Pilkington Road. When officers arrived, they found that one of the cars involved in the crash was the blue sedan. The driver, a 26-year-old Silverton woman, sustained serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other people in another car were also taken to a hospital, and they are still in critical condition. No charges have been filed against the woman; however, police said that charges are likely. The incident remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. REEVES COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) Last week, the Reeves County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and Patrol Division conducted a Sex Offender Compliance Check Operation that resulted in the arrest of Wyant Sintas, Mark Anthony Rodriguez, and Benjamin Ramos. Ramos was taken to Reeves County Jail and charged with Failure to Comply Sex Offender Duty to Register for 10 Years, a State Jail Felony. He was subsequently released on a Personal Bond issued by Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Liberty Wofford. Rodriguez was taken to Reeves County Jail and charged with Failure to Comply Sex Offender Duty to Register Life/ Annually, a Third-Degree Felony. He was subsequently released after posting a $7,500 bond issued by Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Roger Harrison. Sintas was taken to Reeves County Jail and charged with Failure to Comply Sex Offender Duty to Register Life/ Annually, a Third-Degree Felony. He was given a $40,000 bond by Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Sam Lujan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sintas was also found in possession of several deleted images showing children with exposed genitalia. A subsequent search warrant of his residence and electronic devices revealed a laptop containing hidden images of child sexual abuse material. During the search of the residence, investigators also located a stolen handgun confirmed reported stolen to San Angelo Police Department in San Angelo, TX. Sintas bonded out on the State charges of failure to register sex offender; however, the possession of child pornography case was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for Federal prosecution of the Possession of Child Pornography and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) On the first day of school, San Franciscos superintendent spoke with reporters about some key issues facing the district, among them getting enough certificated teachers into the classroom and dealing with the rise of ICE raids across the nation. As the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) opened its doors to students on day one of the new school year, the superintendent said. San Francisco has met its goal to have 95% of its classrooms filled with permanent certificated teachers. Cafe serving viral matcha spaghetti opening Serramonte location Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right now, there are only 50, thats five zero, 50 classrooms remaining, and I am extremely confident that we will be able to fill those last 50 classrooms ready for the rest of the year, said SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Maria Su. At a news conference following the first day kickoff ceremonies at Sanchez Elementary School, Su said a pool of some 300 certificated substitutes is now filling those gaps. She also tried to calm parents who may fear sending their kids to school amid an increase in ICE raids across the nation We are working very closely with our city leaders. The mayor is here, Senator Scott Wiener is here, so that we can make sure that we use the full power and weight of the law to make sure that our students, our families and our educators are protected, Su said. Social app that only allows in those making at least $80K? Bay Area residents had a visceral reaction Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The superintendent also said policies and procedures in currently in place to protect students once inside the school building We want kids in schools to be focused on learning and teachers to be focused on teaching, Wiener said. Wiener was also at the Sanchez Elementary first-day kickoff event. And he highlights some legislation now in process to further protect students and families. One to strengthen our sanctuary protections, including making clear that they cannot, cannot enter schools if they dont have a warrant, Wiener said. To also empower parents, and its tragic that we even have to think about this, to be able to plan more easily in advance, that if they are disappeared, that someone can step in to make decisions for their child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement School officials also reminded people that SFUSD is a sanctuary district within a sanctuary city, within a sanctuary state. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Shohei Ohtani was four weeks into his major league career when former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt pitched a gondola from Union Station to Dodger Stadium. Ohtani, then a rookie with the Angels and now a global superstar with the Dodgers, was 23. Today, Ohtani is 31, and McCourt still has no official response to his pitch. In an effort to accelerate a decision, as The Times reported last month, McCourts lobbyists latched onto a state bill designed to expedite transit projects and persuaded legislators to add language that would put an even speedier timeline on potential legal challenges to the gondola. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That bill is scheduled for consideration by an Assembly committee Wednesday, and more than 100 community members rallied Monday in opposition to the bill or, at least, to the part that would benefit the gondola project. Read more: Shaikin: Dodger Stadium gondola closer to reality? Sacramento might help Team McCourt The Los Angeles City Council last week approved and Mayor Karen Bass signed a resolution urging state legislators to drop the gondola part of the bill or dump the bill entirely. We are fighting a billionaire, City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez told the crowd. How you doing today? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were snacks and stickers, T-shirts and tote bags, even bandanas for dogs (and there were lots of very good dogs). There were signs, both earnest and amusing (Frank McCourt and the Aerial Cabins of Doom). Even if McCourt wins in Sacramento, Hernandez said, the City Council must approve the gondola project. In 2024, the council authorized a Dodger Stadium traffic study, intended to evaluate alternatives to the gondola, which could include expanding the current bus shuttles from Union Station and introducing the park-and-ride buses such as the ones that have operated for years at the Hollywood Bowl. Last month 16 months after the council authorized the study the citys department of transportation invited bidders to apply to conduct the study, via a 56-page document that explains what the city wants done, how to do it, and when the work should be completed. Sixteen months? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colin Sweeney, spokesman for the transportation department, said the preparation of contracts requires compliance with various city rules, coordination with several city departments, and availability of city staff. This process can take up to 24 months, Sweeney said. The traffic study is due next fall. If it is delivered on time, that could be nearly a three-year wait for one study in advance of one vote for one of the several governmental approvals the gondola would require. Is the city or, at least, the elected representatives opposed to the gondola slow-walking the project? Were not slow-walking nothing, said Hernandez, whose district includes Dodger Stadium. This is how the city moves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The councilmember pointed to the tree behind her. It takes us 15 years to trim a tree, she said. Excuse me? Well trim this tree this year, Hernandez said, and we wont get to it again for 15 years. Read more: Mookie Betts meets with Dave Roberts, Andrew Friedman after Dodgers' loss to Rockies The industry standard, she said, is five years. In L.A. she said, it can take 10 years to fix a sidewalk, three to five years to cut a curb for a wheelchair, nine months to one year to repair a street light. When you have enough resources, you can do things like put a new section into a bill to fast-track your project, Hernandez said. When you have money, you can do that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But I wanted to flip the question: If McCourt can spend half a million bucks on lobbyists to try to push his project forward, and if he is approaching a decade with no decision, what hope do the rest of us have? We need housing. We need parks. We need shade. And, yes, we need better ways to get in and out of Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez speaks during a news conference in December. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Do I believe we need to fast-track really good projects that have shown that there are financial plans behind them that will benefit the community? Hernandez said. If there are ways to do that ethically, lets do it. But, if were talking about fast-tracking a project because youve got access to change state law, thats not something we should be doing. Do I think theres a lot of barriers to achieving good projects, whether they are housing developments or other transportation? I do. I think we can cut through some of that. I think we should. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We need to deliver quicker for our people. It's not just the city of Los Angeles. The gondola project has slogged through Metro since 2018. Love him or loathe him, like the gondola or hate it, does Hernandez believe McCourt or any other developer should be able to get a yes or no on his proposed project within eight years? I believe he should, yeah, Hernandez said. One hundred percent. I think he should. Even if the gondola is approved, who knows whether any fan would be able to ride it to see Ohtani play? For now, the gondola is not approved, not financed, and not under construction. Ohtanis contract with the Dodgers expires in another eight years. Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has issued a shameful indictment of international inaction and apathy as he has shared statistics on the killing of 383 aid workers last year worldwide, nearly half in Gaza. Marking World Humanitarian Day on Tuesday, Fletcher said the killings rose by 31 percent from the year before, driven by the relentless conflicts in Gaza, where 181 humanitarian workers were killed, and in Sudan, where 60 lost their lives. Even one attack against a humanitarian colleague is an attack on all of us and on the people we serve, Fletcher said. Attacks on this scale with zero accountability are a shameful indictment of international inaction and apathy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UN said most of those killed were local staff and were either attacked in the line of duty or in their homes. As the humanitarian community, we demand again that those with power and influence act for humanity, protect civilians and aid workers and hold perpetrators to account, said Fletcher, who is the UNs undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator. This years toll The Aid Worker Security Database, which has compiled UN reports since 1997, said the number of killings rose from 293 in 2023. Provisional figures from the database for this year show 265 aid workers have been killed as of August 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the deadliest attacks this year took place in the southern Gaza city of Rafah when Israeli troops opened fire before dawn on March 23, killing 15 medics and emergency responders travelling in clearly marked vehicles. The Israeli army drove bulldozers over the bodies and the emergency vehicles and buried them in a mass grave. UN and rescue workers were able to reach the site only a week later. The UN reiterated that attacks on aid workers and their operations violate international humanitarian law and damage the lifelines sustaining millions of people trapped in war and disaster zones. Violence against aid workers is not inevitable. It must end, Fletcher said. Elsewhere Lebanon, which Israel battered in a war with Hezbollah last year, saw 20 aid workers killed, compared with none in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ethiopia and Syria each had 14 killings, about double their numbers in 2023, and Ukraine had 13 aid workers killed in 2024, up from six in 2023, according to the database. Meanwhile, the UNs World Health Organization (WHO) said it verified more than 800 attacks on healthcare in 16 territories so far this year with more than 1,110 health workers and patients killed and hundreds injured. Each attack inflicts lasting harm, deprives entire communities of lifesaving care when they need it the most, endangers healthcare providers and weakens already strained health systems, the WHO said. World Humanitarian Day marks the day in 2003 when UN rights chief Sergio Vieira de Mello and 21 other humanitarians were killed in a bombing of UN headquarters in Iraqs capital, Baghdad. (FOX40.COM) A non-sworn jail staff member has been arrested for having a sexual relationship with an inmate in Shasta County, according to the Shasta County Sheriffs Office. Video above: How to report a public safety threat The sheriffs office said on Saturday, the deputies became aware that a non-sworn professional staff member who worked at the Shasta County Jail had engaged in an ongoing sexual relationship with an inmate. Ex-MLB player seeks new attorneys, sentencing delayed in murder case Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SCSO stated that detectives then started to investigate and obtained evidence that verified the sexual relationship. On Monday, deputies said an arrest warrant was obtained, and the staff member was arrested on four felony counts of detention facility staff engaging in sexual activity with a consenting adult confined in a detention facility. At this time, SCSO said the suspect has been booked into custody with bail set at $75,000 This remains an active 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 FOX40 News. Shenandoah borough officials have made inroads in their ongoing investigation of alleged financial mismanagement. Over the past few months, Shenandoah has taken measures to investigate claims of mismanagement presented by Borough Manager Mike Cadau, who was hired in January and found what he says are financial improprieties and misappropriation in the way previous borough administrators did business. On Monday, Cadau announced that officials from the Pennsylvania Auditor Generals office will visit borough hall in September to conduct a comprehensive audit of the boroughs Liquid Fuels account. Cadau has previously shared that he believes Shenandoah misappropriated funds from that account for projects not typically associated with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of the Auditor General, Cadau said, has been following whats been happening (from media reports), and they want to come in and they want to take a look at our Liquid Fuel accounts. Also, Cadau said that he will join council president Joseph R. Boris and the boroughs forensic auditor, Joseph Yanushefsky, at a meeting with the Internal Revenue Service in Wilkes-Barre on Aug. 25. Cadau said they were summoned by the IRS to go over an ongoing forensic audit led by Yanushefsky, whom the borough appointed this spring. At the meeting, they are expected to examine issues such as 941 forms, 1099 forms and pensions that the borough has provided over the years, Cadau said. Shortly after he was hired in January, Cadau described the borough as being in a very difficult situation due to funding mishaps over the past two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In May, the borough council appointed attorney Maria Casey as special counsel to help investigate the alleged mismanagement. At the July meeting, Cadau told council members that the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General also will lead a criminal investigation into the matter. Other business Council members discussed an ongoing effort to repave several streets in the borough. After the successful curb-to-curb paving job done on five streets last year, the borough plans to pave five more by the end of November, Boris said. Boris said the borough will first repave North Jardin and Market streets, which will cost nearly $100,000 combined. Community Development Block Grant funds of $70,000 will be used to pay for those projects, with the remainder coming from interest received through the sale of the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Shenandoah, Boris said Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement M&J Excavation Inc. of Bloomsburg has been tapped as the contractor for the two streets. The contract will be tentatively awarded at the Aug. 27 county commissioners meeting, Boris said. Also on Monday, Boris announced that attorney Shane Hobbs has resigned as the boroughs solicitor. He read Hobbs resignation letter, in which Hobbs stated that recent challenges notably, his accepting a part-time job as a Schuylkill County Public Defender resulted in his decision to leave. It was a pleasure working with you all, wrote Hobbs, who served as solicitor since January 2024. Following Hobbs decision, Boris said, council members interviewed a candidate, James E. Crossen III, of the Pottsville law firm Williamson, Friedberg & Jones. Council members appointed him as the new solicitor Monday. Council members also approved the hire of a new full-time secretary, Nazareth Perez. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Former longtime WLNS TV 6 anchor Sheri Jones will be honored and inducted into the Michigan Womens Hall of Fame as part of its 2025 class. Sheri Jones (WLNS) Jones, along with five other inductees, will be celebrated at a ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at the Grosse Pointe Farms War Memorial from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets are now available online. Jones announced her retirement in March after almost 37 years of bringing residents across Mid-Michigan the news on 6 News in Lansing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Longtime 6 News anchor Sheri Jones to retire after almost 37 years Joness contributions to broadcasting have earned her a well-deserved place in the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as a respected journalist. She is also an inductee of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame and a member of the Silver Circle with the Michigan chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Her commitment to excellence has also garnered her Emmy nominations and accolades from the Associated Press and the Michigan Association of Broadcasting. Beyond her professional achievements, Jones has ventured to places like Japan as part of Lansings Sister City program, contributing to cultural understanding and international relations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jones also spent time in China taking part in economic development efforts on behalf of the city of Lansing and the state of Michigan. Over the years, her spirit has shone through with her involvement with Habitat for Humanity Capitol Region, where she led a team to Kenya, Africa, to build a home for a deserving family in Homa Bay. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. SHINE announced Monday that Heather Wimsett has been promoted to full-time executive director. In a statement, SHINE cited Wimsetts deep understanding of its mission combined with her background in occupational therapy to help grow the program. SHINE, or Serving Him In Everything, is a faith-based day program for people with developmental disabilities. The program started in late 2021 when a group of College Heights Christian Church parents came together to discuss creating opportunities for their children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wimsett has served with the organization part time since 2022, balancing her leadership at SHINE, responsibilities as an occupational therapist at Freeman Health System, and overseeing the Thru the Roof program at College Heights. Wimsett will continue with the Thru the Roof program as well. Wimsett also previously lived in Romania, where she started schools for special needs students. After returning to the United States, she went to California Baptist University and got a degree in disability ministry. At SHINE, participants produce things to sell, with the money going back into programs. Half of the day is spent making products such as layered Christmas cards, candles, cutting boards and dry dog shampoo. For SHINE participants, each work project is a lesson. A day at SHINE is based around five pillars to help adults achieve goals: faith, service to others, meaningful work, physical activity and personal development. While at SHINE, Wimsett has expanded membership, researched new products and represented SHINE at numerous events in the Joplin area. The main channel used by cargo ships to enter and exit the Port of Baltimore was still shut down Tuesday morning as the Coast Guard probed the cause of a Monday evening explosion on board a coal carrier. No large ships have been able to carry goods in or out of the port since the explosion near the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. The coal ship, the W-Sapphire, spent the night anchored and surrounded by tugboats just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. South of the bridge, several cargo ships some of which were due in the port Monday night waited. A Tuesday morning notice from the Maryland Port Administration says that the Fort McHenry Federal Channel will remain closed until the U.S. Coast Guard determines that its safe to reopen for ship traffic and schedules new arrival and departure times for the blocked vessels. The agency referred all other questions to the Coast Guard, which did not immediately respond to questions about the closure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The W-Sapphire needs to be cleared to continue sailing, the Coast Guard said Monday evening. The coal carrier is scheduled to be at sea for over a month, traveling from Baltimore to Mauritius, an island off Africas east coast. Part of the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier exploded Monday evening, causing a fire in a portion of the ship, according to Baltimore City Fire Department. The fireball had burst out of the vessel, which departed a Curtis Bay coal pier at around 6 p.m. Monday, as it passed through the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse site. The W-Sapphire is on fire in the middle of the channel, one person is heard saying in recorded marine radio transmissions, shortly before a crew member calls a mayday for a coal explosion. The 751-foot, coal-carrying ship showed signs of a fire consistent with an explosion, according to Baltimore City Fire Department spokesperson John Marsh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters responded by both land and water, including the departments fireboats, Marsh said. The vessel remained afloat and was being assisted by tugboats. All 23 of the crew members were accounted for and uninjured, according to fire officials. The ship had two pilots aboard, according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Matthew West. The Coast Guard also assisted in the rescue of the crew and the recovery of the ship, and is investigating the cause of the explosion. Coal is the Port of Baltimores largest export by weight and its considered hazardous cargo. In 2017, a ship carrying coal from Baltimore to Portugal exploded, killing one crew member and injuring three others. W Marine Inc., the Greek firm that manages the W-Sapphire, did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Wes Moore said Monday night that he was in touch with authorities, and more information about the explosion would be provided as it becomes available. Have a news tip? Contact Chevall Pryce at cpryce@baltsun.com. Contact Dan Belson at dbelson@baltsun.com, on X as @DanBelson_ or on Signal as @danbels.62. United Art and Education, a local school supply store in Washington Township, is closing its doors after 25 years due to rising rent costs. The store will shut down operations on September 13th, following a 20% closing sale. The decision not to renew the lease at Washington Park Plaza has left employees like Bailey Hodges, a Senior Associate, shocked and searching for new jobs. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hodges, who worked her way up from cashier to senior associate in three years, expressed her surprise at the closure, especially after the stores successful back-to-school season with over $100,000 in sales. Its been a shock to most of the employees here because we literally just hired two people here, less than a month ago, and now.. Were gone, Hodges said.As of now, Im just going to keep job hunting. Something to pay the bills to keep myself afloat in the meantime, Hodges added. Kaitlyn Schnipke, a mom of three, shared her thoughts on the closure, saying, Even in a really blessed school, like the one I send my kids to. I pay a lot of money for my kids to go there. They still dont have enough money to keep their classrooms fully stocked and are asking for support from parents. The stores closure comes right after the peak back-to-school rush, a time when sales are typically highest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parents and teachers are taking advantage of the 20% closing sale to stock up on supplies before the store closes. Schnipke mentioned that she would miss the store, especially for its art supplies and stuffed animals, and is taking advantage of the discounts. The stores last day of operation will be September 13th, marking the end of its 25-year presence in the community. With the closure of United Arts and Education, employees and customers alike are left to find alternatives for their school supply needs. The impact of rising rent costs has led to the loss of a longstanding community resource. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] GROTON, S.D. (KELO) There are hundreds of types of sports, with many involving a different set of skills. That includes Cowboy Mounted Shooting and in Groton, South Dakota, youll find two of the best shooters in the world. Taryn and Turner Thompson compete in the highest level of competition in the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association. That means they compete with the top 80 men and women in the world. You have to shoot five shots at these balloons, five of one color, then holster your gun, switch to a different gun and then shoot five more balloons, Turner said. The goal is to be the fastest time out there. There are many types of stages and that means theres more than one way to attack the course. Taryn puts a little thought into each run, while Turner goes full speed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turners kind of got that mental state that he really goes out there to go for it all, or hes going home with nothing, Taryn said. Taryn is way more consistent than me, I guess you could say sometimes. Im probably known more for going out there and going for it every time, while Taryn is very smart in the way she strategizes, Turner said. The most impressive part about their success is their age, as Turner is 18 and Taryn is just 16. Me and Turner are both significantly younger than anyone. I would say the youngest person I compete against consistently in my class is probably 26 or 27, Turner said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the Thompsons are proving that age is just a number. Both have won several tournaments and their trophies fill the inside of the house. Turner earned CMSA Reserve World in 2023. Taryn is a new world record holder, following a standout run in Lincoln this summer. When I walked into the loading area, I was looking around and I saw girls that had been doing this for 20 plus years and I thought this is crazy, Taryn said. I hopped into Turners shoes and said if Im going to win this, Im going to go all or nothing. Taryn finished the stage in 11.863 seconds, setting the new world record for that stage. Its even more impressive considering the difficulties shes faced in riding a horse. Taryn has dislocated her knee seven times. My knees when I was born were naturally deformed. Most people have a bowl that their knee cap sits in, mine are flat, Taryn said. My knee naturally sat off to the side. Anytime I would walk, jump, ride wrong, it would dislocate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite facing some challenges, Turner and Taryn will keep getting on the horse and firing their gun, for the love of the sport. Once you try it, you end up loving it, then everyone sticks with it, Turner said. Ive never seen someone who has tried mounted shooting, not do it for more than a year. They always love it. The brother and sister duo got into the sport when their mother did some research into family equestrian sports. Turner is now headed to SDSU as a freshman, while Taryn will begin her sophomore year in Groton. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY) One man was arrested and another cited by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents investigating illegal shrimping, authorities said. Rendal D. Jennies Jr., 42, of Houma, is charged with possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession or dealing in unregistered/illegally transferred weapons, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in the presence of a schedule II controlled dangerous substance. He was booked into the Iberia Parish Jail. Peter Nguyen, 39, of Houma, was cited for using oversized butterfly net or skimmers, failure to comply with stone crab requirements and violation of turtle excluder device (TED) requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agents were on patrol in Cote Blanche Bay Aug. 15 when they observed a commercial shrimping vessel actively skimming for shrimp, officials said. Agents boarded the vessel and made contact with the captain, Nguyen, and his deckhand, Jennies. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KLFY Daily Digest Agents said the nets were oversized and did not comply with TED requirements. Agents allegedly found the men in possession of 1,813 lbs. of shrimp, which were seized and sold at the dock. Agents also seized the two illegal skimmer nets, authorities said. During the stop, agents also allegedly found Jennies in possession of cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun. Agents seized the cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and the shotgun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Agents also found Nguyen in possession of three undersized stone crab claws. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is punishable by 5-20 years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine. Conviction of possession of a firearm while in the presence of a Schedule II drug carries up to a $10,000 fine and 5-10 years in jail. Possession of cocaine calls for up to a $5,000 fine and 2 years in jail. Possession of unregistered/illegally transferred weapons carries up to a $2,000 fine and 1-5 years in jail. Possession of drug paraphernalia brings up to a $300 fine and 15 days in jail. Possession of marijuana carries up to a $100 fine. Using oversized skimmer nets and failing to comply with stone crab requirements brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense. Violating TED requirements carries up to a $350 fine. Bond details for Jennies were not released. Latest news Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com. Sickness-inducing bacteria found in human faeces has been discovered across Windermere in the biggest survey of its kind. Water quality testing found really concerning pollution in Englands largest and most famous lake, prompting calls from campaigners for decisive action to be taken. The two-and-a-half year survey carried out by 350 volunteers who collected more than 1,000 samples of water at more than 110 locations found levels of faecal bacteria peaked during the summer months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results, published on Tuesday by scientists from the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA) and Lancaster University, found high levels of bacteria from human faeces, indicating sewage pollution alongside phosphorus. The discovery of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and intestinal enterococci (IE) comes less than a year after it emerged United Utilities had dumped more than 140 million litres of raw sewage into the lake. The latest findings, from areas of the lake which had not been tested before in the Big Windermere Survey, shows that summer concentrations of E. coli and IE bacteria in the north-west, north-east and south-west areas of the lake were consistent with poor bathing water quality. Call for decisive action This is the time of the year when the lake is most popular for swimming and other water sports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High levels of phosphorus which primarily enters lakes through discharges of wastewater was also found in sampling. Simon Johnson, the FBAs executive director, said: The evidence is clear and must lead to decisive action to improve water quality. We must all work together to transform the future of Windermere and deliver a cleaner, healthier and safer water body for all life to thrive. He continued: Its scientific, ecological, cultural importance, whether you are an artist, a poet, wild swimmer, motorboat owner, its just intertwined in the whole kind of social and ecological fabric of the Lake District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we cant get this right on Windermere, where are we going to do it? I hope that these results will spur people on into better and faster action to rejuvenate this incredible place. A lot of damage to undo Windermere, part of the Lake District National Park Unesco World Heritage Site, is home to more than 14,000 people, and its scenery, rare species and cultural heritage attract seven million visitors a year, generating 750 million for the local economy. But it has been the focus of concerns over pollution, from sources including wastewater from United Utilities and private sewage treatment and rural and urban land use, with the Government pledging to clean up Windermere from the high levels of pollutants it faces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It has been the subject of protests attended by the likes of Steve Coogan, Lee Mack and Paul Whitehouse. The FBA is now calling for the pollution hotspots identified by the testing to be investigated and resolved urgently, and for the Environment Agency to increase the number of bathing water sites and monitor them throughout the year. A spokesman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: This Government shares the nations fury at unacceptable levels of pollution pumped into this national treasure. We have committed to ending sewage pollution into Windermere entirely, boosted monitoring of sewage spills nationwide and are increasing enforcement to hold polluting companies to account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know that there is a lot of damage to undo, but we are getting on with the work to ensure that the British people will be able to see genuine results. 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 Silver Alert has been issued for a man who was last heard from by his family at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the Pierce County Sheriffs Office (PCSO). David Quintana, a 69-year-old man, left his home at around 2:00 a.m. but contacted his family around 7:00 a.m. He said that he was confused and didnt know where he was. PCSO released a description of Quintana and his car. He is 185 pounds with gray and brown hair and brown eyes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quintana drives a navy blue 2024 Mazda CX-90. The car has a Washington Plate that reads CMS0738. Quintanas phone shows that he was last in the Fife area. PCSO is asking that if you have seen Quintana to call 911 right away. You can see it coming in right there, that little spot, says neuroscientist and engineer Laura Lewis. A remarkably bright pulsing dot has appeared on the monitor in front of us. We are watching, in real time, the brain activity of a graduate student named Nick, who is having an afternoon nap inside an imaging machine at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where Lewis has her laboratory. The bright spot first appears toward the bottom of the screen, about where Nicks throat meets his jaw. It moves slowly upward, fades and then is followed by another bright dot. It really comes and goes, says Lewis, who is also affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital. Its in waves. This moving dot depicts something few people have ever seen: fresh cerebrospinal fluid flowing from the spinal cord into the brain, part of a process that researchers are now learning is vital for keeping us healthy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Sign up for Today in Science, a free daily newsletter] For decades biologists have pondered a basic problem. As human brains whir and wonder throughout the day, they generate wasteexcess proteins and other molecules that can be toxic if not removed. Among those proteins are amyloid beta and tau, key drivers of Alzheimers disease. Until recently, it was entirely unclear how the brain takes out this potentially neurotoxic trash. In the rest of the body, garbage removal is handled initially by the lymphatic system. Excess fluid and the waste it carries move from tissue into the spleen, lymph nodes and other parts of the system, where certain particles are removed and put into the bloodstream to be excreted. It was long thought that the brain cant use the same trick, because the so-called blood-brain barrier, a protective border that keeps infections from reaching critical neural circuitry, stops the transport of most everything in and out. In 2012 researchers at the University of Rochester led by neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard made a pivotal discovery: a previously unknown circulatory system was flushing toxic waste from the brain. In mice, they showed that an influx of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) washes through the brains perivascular spaces, which are doughnut-shaped tunnels that surround blood vessels. Using water channels on the surface of astrocytes, a type of cell that supports brain function, the CSF mixes with interstitial fluid in the spaces around the brains cells and collects built-up waste. Then the fluid leaves the brain through the perivascular spaces around veins, taking the garbage with it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nedergaard and her team called their discovery the glymphatic systemg for glial cells, of which astrocytes are a subtype, and lymphatic to reference the waste-clearance function. The next year, in 2013, they published an important additional finding: this housekeeping was most active and efficient during sleep. Wakefulness clearly shut it down, Nedergaard saysprobably because the precision that neural networks need to process the external world when awake isnt compatible with the clean-up process. That finding suggests this newly discovered brain-washing process is one of the critical functions of sleep. Sleep is clearly for the brain, Nedergaard says. When you wake up refreshed after good sleep, it is probably because your brain had a tune-up similar to your car. But this groundbreaking work was done in mice, and mice are not people. Their brains are smaller and less complex than ours, their sleep far more fragmented. In part because of that discrepancy, the glymphatic hypothesis has had plenty of naysayers. Ten years ago all this flow in the brain, it was almost like heresy, says neuroimmunologist Jonathan Kipnis of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Hundreds of studies have since been doneand that bright dot Lewis showed me represents a critical next phase of investigation. She and others have spent much of the past decade exploring whether this waste-clearance process works in humans as it does in rodents. The short answer seems to be yes. Furthermore, the electrical waves that sweep through the brain during sleep, helping to sort, select, transport and store memories, seem to have another significant function: they also propel cerebrospinal fluid in and out of the brain. The significance of the glymphatic system is considerable. If waste clearance is an essential function of human sleep, then a dysfunction in this system probably relates to many neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Alzheimers. Glymphatic impairment could explain why the aging brain accumulates the amyloid plaques and tau tangles that trigger Alzheimersand there is some evidence that conditions such as traumatic brain injury, which is associated with Alzheimers, interfere with waste clearance. If its the thing that holds all those things together, says Jeffrey Iliff, a professor of psychiatry and neurology at the University of Washington School of Medicine who worked with Nedergaard on the original studies, well then if you target it, that opens the door to primary prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. Although its been clear for years that accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins leads to Alzheimers, the link between sleep and the waste-clearance process that might get rid of them was not obvious. For decades sleep researchers focused primarily on sleeps role in memory processing. For their part, biologists who studied the blood-brain barrier knew there were perivascular spaces surrounding blood vessels like loose sheaths, but they didnt know what purpose those spaces served and largely discounted the idea that they were conduits for fluids, Iliff says. They didnt see how dynamic it was. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early on, Nedergaard and Iliff, a glial cell biologist and a vascular physiologist, respectively, hypothesized that waste clearance might actually require wakefulness. They mistakenly reasoned that the brain is less active during sleep and, therefore, that glymphatic function would be lower at night. David Cheney; Source: Illustration by N. Desai in Deep Sleep Drives Brain Fluid Oscillations, by Sren Grubb and Martin Lauritzen, in Science, Vol. 366; November 2019 (primary content reference) In truth, the brain is not less active during sleep; it is differently active. Traditional sleep studies use electroencephalography (EEG) to track electrical activity that aligns with the phases of sleep. Their findings show that while people are awake and alert, patterns of neural activity are fast, characterized by high-frequency waves. In the early, light phases of sleep, known as stage 1 and stage 2, activity slows down and low-frequency waves appear. Deep sleep, or stage 3, is known as slow-wave sleep for the high-amplitude, lowest-frequency delta waves that dominate it. These waves, which on an EEG readout look like chains of large ocean swells, help the brain sort through the days experiences and store some of them as memories. In contrast, the fourth phase, called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep because the eyes flit quickly from side to side beneath the eyelids, is when we have our most vivid dreams. The period resembles wakefulness, with faster brain activity than in other sleep stages. What EEG cannot detect is the flow of fluids in the brain, however. Every day our bodies produce and then drain three to four times the volume of cerebrospinal fluid that we have. The few early studies of the fluid using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) recognized that its flow was coupled to heartbeats but couldnt go further because the technology wasnt up to the challenge. There was also little awareness that CSF flow changed during sleep. The first real sign of sleeps importance in waste clearance was Nedergaards pioneering 2013 study. It compared the clearance of amyloid beta proteins from the brain in mice that were awake, sleeping or anesthetized. The researchers injected a fluorescent tracer into mouse brains and found its influx into perivascular spaces and brain tissue was reduced by an astonishing 95 percent when mice were awake compared with when they were sleeping. The volume of the interstitial space in the brains cortex also increased by 60 percent when the mice were asleep or anesthetized, suggesting that sleep led to physiological changes designed to increase the brains ability to get rid of waste. Ultimately amyloid beta moved out of the brains of sleeping mice twice as fast as in mice that were awake. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Would it work the same way in humans? That was the question that neurosurgeon and researcher Per Kristian Eide asked. He was studying the relation between glial cells such as astrocytes and the dense network of blood vessels in the human brain at Oslo University Hospital in Norway. As a surgeon, Eide could take advantage of the fact that he was already working inside peoples heads andwith permissiondo some extra research. With radiologist Geir Ringstad and others, Eide launched a study, published in 2021, with patients who were already undergoing neurological assessment in the hospital. The scientists injected a tracer into the CSF of all participants. One group was allowed to sleep normally through the night; the other was kept awake for 24 hours. All participants underwent multiple MRI scans in the evening and again the next day. Removal of the tracer was dramatically slower in those who had not slept, compared with those who had. It was very evident, Eide says. We were very, very surprised that we saw something after one night of sleep deprivation. Even more notable was that after all participants were allowed to sleep normally the next night, the clearance of the tracer was still slower in those who had lost the earlier night of sleep. You dont compensate by having a good nights sleep, Eide says. In a subsequent study, Eide and his team found that people who reported chronic poor sleep also showed delayed clearance of the tracer. Moreover, in people with dementia, brain volumes in the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes had shrunk compared with those who slept well. In part because dementia has been previously associated with poor sleep quality, perhaps because of atrophy in the cortex, Eide and his colleagues suspect that chronic sleep disturbance co-occurs with glymphatic dysfunction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were also clear differences between humans and mice. In the rodents, for example, glymphatic transport was an on-off phenomenon, Eide sayson during sleep and off when the mice were awake. In humans, the process is not as extreme, and changes occur over hours rather than minutes. The work nevertheless demonstrated that human brains, too, get cleaned during sleepand that poor sleep quality is affecting your glymphatic function, as Eide says. Laura Lewis has lost a lot of sleep in the course of her work because she conducts all-night experiments. The sad irony of being a sleep researcher is that you cant follow your own advice, she says. Lewis has tackled a different piece of the glymphatic problem: the movement of fluids in the human brain that underpin waste clearance. Thats how, about seven years ago, she came to be in the control room of an MRI machine very like the one in which she showed me Nicks CSF. Lewis had chosen to measure CSF flow in the brains fourth ventricle, a small cavity tucked against the cerebellum at the base of the brain. The ventricles produce CSF and act like extra shock absorbers for the fragile brain. For Lewiss purposes, the fourth ventricle was useful because its a kind of choke point. Sitting as it does at the base of the brain, it provides a summary of what is happening elsewherelike measuring attendance in a crowded room as people come through the door. In an overnight sleep study published in 2019, Lewis and her colleagues were the first to use MRI to view this process in action. By taking pictures of the brain every 367 milliseconds instead of the standard two or three seconds, they were able to see the movement of cerebrospinal fluid during sleep. Jen Christiansen At first, Lewis couldnt quite believe it. Typically the significant details of brain imaging require statistics and processing to tease out; they arent something you can see by eye. It was honestly the biggest signal Ive ever seen, Lewis says. It was crazy. Its really striking how much you can see that this is happening during sleep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lewis delayed publishing the research until she had triple-checked it. It has since been replicated several times. When people are sleeping, there are these really huge and slow waves of flow that are pulsing every 20 to 30 seconds in the brain, specifically when were in nonrapid eye movement sleep, Lewis says. Using EEG data, she also saw clear patterns of brain activity before each wave. As delta waves of deep sleep and, to some extent, theta waves during intermediate (stage 2) sleep sweep through the brain, transmitting and integrating memories, they also seem to propel pulses of CSF into the brain. Lewis found that CSF also flows when people are awake but less effectively. Its always moving a little, but then when you fall asleep, a new cycle starts, she says. The difference in fluid movement is like the change when a washing machine switches from light jiggling to full-on rotation, at which point more water pours in and out. Lewiss conclusion: sleep, a state that is essential for human health, has a distinct pattern of CSF flowand that pattern changes as the stages of sleep shift. Its not a coincidence, she says. Its actually the same brain circuits that are controlling sleep that seem to also be engaged and controlling the flow. But what is the source of the elbow grease necessary to do the cleaning? Unlike the blood, which is pumped through the body with great force by the heart, the cerebrospinal fluid is more like water in a bathtub or a slow-moving river with many tributaries. Where is the force coming from? Lewis asks. One possibility is the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, also called noradrenaline. Norepinephrine surges when we wake up. During the day, it focuses attention; it also works to constrict blood vessels. And during non-REM sleep, according to a new study of mice by Nedergaards group, a lower level of norepinephrine releasenot enough to wake the mice but enough to make their blood vessels pulsepropels the movement necessary for CSF to flow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blood vessels in the brains of these mice dilated and constricted with an amplitude that was 10 times larger during non-REM sleep than during wakefulness, Nedergaard says. And as the blood vessels wax and wane, pushing blood in and out of the brain, CSF flows in and out to fill the expanding and contracting spaces around the blood vessels. It seems to be this chain of events where your sleep state changes, and then that changes your blood vessels, and those actively pump the flow of CSF in the brain, Lewis says. In this way, oscillations in norepinephrine cause waves of CSF to pulse through the perivascular sheaths. But norepinephrine isnt the whole story. In February 2024 Kipnis, neuroscientist Li-Feng Jiang-Xie, and their colleagues at Washington University published a paper showing that, ultimately, its neurons that provide the energy necessary for cleaning. A neuron is a tiny little pump, says Jiang-Xie, who is now at the University of Pennsylvania. The electrical activity of synchronized neurons, especially during sleep, can propel fluid flow through the brain tissue and help clean waste out. That idea was implied in Lewiss earlier study, but by working in mice, Jiang-Xie and Kipnis were able to show in detail how fluid moved in and out of brain tissue. Norepinephrine is basically controlled by neurons activity, Jiang-Xie says. These results are beautifully aligned with what we found in humans but provide information we couldnt have gotten, Lewis adds. Meanwhile other research in mice has revealed important distinctions between natural sleep and anesthesia, as well as among anesthetics, all of which affect waste clearance differently. An anesthetized brain does not cycle through phases as it does in sleep. And it turns out that some anesthetics suppress glymphatic function, whereas others enhance it. Furthermore, the influx of cerebrospinal fluid occurs in direct proportion to the power of slow-wave neural activity and in inverse proportion to heart rate, both of which are affected by the drugs used. Those findings help to explain some studies that havent supported the glymphatic theory. For instance, a 2017 report from researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, described mice anesthetized with avertin, which has since been shown to limit how much cleaning the glymphatic system can accomplish. Five other labs have reconfirmed the initial finding that glymphatic clearance works during sleep. Where does the fluid go? That has been another persistent question. The brain-washing process is made up of four stages, Kipnis says. There is CSF flow into the brain, within the brain, out of the brain along the veins, then into the lymphatic system. His focus has been on the last of these, which is as consequential as everything that comes before it. If you wash your house with the same bucket of water, it will not be washing; it will be moving dirt from one place to another, Kipnis says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The solution is to empty the bucket and bring a new one, which means, in the brain, ensuring that the lymphatic vessels into which the dirt will be dumped are functioning. In 2015 Kipnis and his colleagues found the sewage system: they reported the discovery of lymphatic vessels in the meninges that envelop the brain and spinal cord. These vessels represent an important missing piece of the glymphatic puzzle because they can receive cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid from the brain. They are the final outpost, Kipnis says. There is a biological structure at the very end of the whole process. Once scientists can work out precisely how glymphatic clearance works, they should also begin to see how things go wrong when it doesnt work. Norepinephrine and sleep disruption, for example, are also involved in the development of chronic pain. Higher bursts of norepinephrine lead to wakefulness and seem to shut off the glymphatic system. In consequence, improving the system by reducing norepinephrine levels could possibly also reduce chronic pain. Nedergaard is also exploring the glymphatic systems possible role in psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. Eide wants to enhance glymphatic function. The cerebrospinal fluid is an appealing route to deliver drugs to the brain because it bypasses the blood-brain barrier. And the role of norepinephrine is exciting, Nedergaard says. Whether there is too little norepinephrine signaling, as in Alzheimers, or too much, as in chronic pain or stress, the brain-wave oscillations it controls become inefficient. That recognition might enable us to target treatment by modulating norepinephrine in drug form. There are limits to the possibilities. And until there is a drug that enhances the glymphatic system as well as amyloid beta and tau clearance and slows progression of pathology, no one can definitively say that impaired clearance of brain toxins causes Alzheimers in humans. In familial early-onset Alzheimers, amyloid proteins are produced in excess, and clearance may not be able to keep up, no matter how much it is improved. Yet even if enhancing waste clearance only slows the development of Alzheimers for most patients, that is a big deal. Being able to enjoy five to eight more years of living free of impairment would be a game changer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There may be nonpharmaceutical strategies, too. In the study for which Nick took an afternoon nap, graduate student Joshua Levitt is experimenting with sound stimuli while people are sleeping. His research combines EEG and functional MRI to capture sleep state and brain activity. With Nick and others, hes sending staticky beeps into headphones while subjects are asleep. Given that CSF tends to flow in slow waves and, moreover, that sounds cause more slow-wave activity, this strategy could theoretically affect cerebrospinal flow. If we think these things are relevant for great health, then we need to develop ways to actually change them, Lewis says. Levitt is trying to potentially enhance sleep. Simply understanding the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and how it changes with age is also important. Another graduate student in Lewiss lab, Sydney Bailes, is investigating the differences in flow between adults older than 60 and younger than 40 and the potential implications for waste clearance. Its normal to sleep less as you age and to have fewer slow waves. How can we separate just a typical age-related change in sleep versus one thats starting to become an impairment? Lewis asks. We need to disentangle those. That study is still underway, but so far they have found that older individuals differ from one another more than the younger group doesa pattern that mimics the wider range of cognitive differences in older people versus younger people. Youll see some measures that are very clustered together for the young adults and very spread out for the older adults, Bailes says. But people can surprise. An 80-year-old woman, one of the oldest in the study, stood out. Her waves have a much larger amplitude than I typically see in older adults, and they seem to be also pretty consistent, Bailes says. Her CSF flow looked like a young persons CSF. Thats a striking statement. Could it someday become a routine way of evaluating a persons health? Quite possibly. Multiple labs are working toward a noninvasive glymphogram that would reveal how well a persons clearance system is working. Glymphatic function may someday be like hypertension, something to be treated before it turns into a more serious condition. Certainly differences in waste clearance could help explain why some people age healthily and others do notand then it could pave the way to treatments that enhance clearance in those who need it. The goal is not for everyone to sleep like a baby; sleeping like a thirtysomething would do. More than seven months after she was granted conditional release under a Waukesha County court order, Morgan Geyser still has not secured a group home that will allow her to transition away from a secure mental institution. Geyser, 23, who was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in 2017 in the stabbing of her friend Payton Leutner in 2014 because she believed she was doing the bidding of the fictional online character Slender Man had been expected to move into a court-approved group home on Aug. 4. Morgan Geyser appears in a Waukesha County courtroom Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in Waukesha, Wis. For now, she remains at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in Oshkosh while the search for an acceptable group home begins again in a case that now spans more than 11 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest setback surfaced in late July, when a group home in Sun Prairie, near Madison, withdrew its offer to accept Geyser as a resident, according to court documents and her attorney, Tony Cotton. Two other group homes in recent months also fell through, for varied reasons. Under an agreement that has repeatedly faced delays and challenges, Geyser can continue her treatment in a group home under supervision but with more freedom as she tries to reintegrate into society. Her treatment will include ongoing medication for a psychotic spectrum disorder. While the legal challenges to whether she should be moved a group home have ended, finding a group home hasn't been easy. The first setback occurred shortly after Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Michael O. Bohren approved Geyser's fourth petition for conditional release on Jan. 9. In April, a group home in the Milwaukee area was ruled out because of its proximity to Leutner an 11th hour challenge that delayed Geyser's move. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second, in Manitowoc, was "deemed not to be the best fit," mostly because the facility had no other patients and was too isolated, Cotton said Aug. 18 in an email exchange with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The third met with resistance from residents, he added. "Basically, the last facility rejected her after the placement became known," he said. "Now, (the Wisconsin Department of Health Services) has to go back to the drawing board to find new placement. It is very unfortunate because it was roughly 8 months ago that Judge Bohren ordered her release." Though disappointed, Geyser has maintained her composure, according to Cotton. "Morgan continues to hold up well and maintain a positive attitude and stability despite these unfortunate setbacks," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Geyser, who fell under a 40-year commitment order by Bohren in 2018 for her role in the stabbing, was aided by Anissa Weier, in a wooded area near David's Park in May 2014. All three girls were 12 years old at the time. Geyser and Weier were both charged in adult court with attempted first-degree intentional homicide. Weier, who was also found not guilty by reason of mental defect on a reduced charge of attempted second-degree intentional homicide while party to a crime, was granted conditional release in 2021 on a 25-year commitment order. She was freed from electronic monitoring in 2023, according to court records. Contact reporter Jim Riccioli at james.riccioli@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Slender Man Morgan Geyser still without a group home for treatment Aug. 18The long process of returning the most Helene-damaged parts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to pre-storm status will continue for the foreseeable future says the park's interim superintendent. "It's a tremendous amount of work that we've got to do, and sequencing that work, and making sure we're paying attention to the highest priority areas. The only thing I can say is just, be assured we're working," Interim Superintendent and Clyde native Charles Sellars said. Sellars took the reins around the first of the year upon the departure of Superintendent Cassius Cash. It was a moment of great need, especially for the Cataloochee Valley area, which bore the brunt of Helene's damage. The westernmost stretch of the valley received the worst flooding, especially around the Caldwell Barn, Beech Grove School, and the infrastructure that serves them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The valley closed after Helene struck and remained closed until April 4. The re-opening was partial because the road used to reach the Caldwell Barn and Beech Grove School was essentially totally washed away, and the Caldwell Barn, though emergency stabilized, is a long way from being repaired. Funding and manpower both play their roles in limiting how quickly the park can make complete repairs. But Sellars' desire to do the job right is also a factor. "This erosion was significant. It makes you start to think about what a sustainable design would be for putting it back," Sellars told The Mountaineer in reference to the Caldwell Barn. "I'm talking about how we would manage erosion. So, we want to be very aware that we're not just continuing to throw good money after that. Also making sure we're protecting the structure. We don't want to inadvertently do something that would cause us to lose the structure. So, we're still in the evaluation phase right now." Once the evaluation is complete, Sellers said, the contracts for repairs are ready to go. Funding from the National Parks Foundation and Friends of the Smokies will help greatly moving forward. Friends of the Smokies have been focusing their fundraising on repairs to the park, post-Helene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the trails that run in and out of the valley also received heavy erosion, not to mention countless blowdowns. Sellers pointed out that even repairing something as simple as foot logs across creeks is a challenge when almost every single example in the entire valley was washed away all at once. "So we have to go back and evaluate. Do we put them back, do we do kind of look at a different design? Again, thinking more about being sustainable. We're not making a repair that we know is gonna fail," he said. The interim superintendent of America's most visited National Park remains optimistic about recovery. "We'll get there. We'll just never get there as quickly as we want to. We measure our success in small increments. And as long as we keep seeing those improvements, and we're starting to see that we're opening things back up, that's good. And it helps our staff too, just to see that. People too." The Brief Firefighters in New Smyrna Beach say low pay threatens to drive many out of the department. Starting wages sit at $15.33 an hour, far below what union leaders say is sustainable. City officials have ordered a pay study as contract negotiations near. NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. - Firefighters in New Smyrna Beach are pressing city leaders for higher wages and better benefits, warning that without changes, many could leave the department. What we know Firefighters in New Smyrna Beach are urging city leaders to raise wages and improve benefits, saying current pay is too low to retain staff. Entry-level firefighters earn $15.33 an hour, a rate union leaders argue is unfit for the training and risks the job requires. About one-third of the department has threatened to leave if no agreement is reached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP What we don't know It is unclear how quickly the city council can move forward with adjustments, or whether upcoming contract negotiations will prevent resignations. Officials have yet to say how much they are willing to raise pay or what other benefits might change. The backstory The firefighters current three-year contract is approaching its expiration. The starting wages have been a simmering issue for years, but the threat of losing a significant portion of the workforce has now brought it into sharper focus. Residents and firefighters alike argue that low pay threatens not just the workforce but the communitys safety. If experienced staff leave, the department could face shortages that delay emergency response times in a city dependent on tourism and rapid growth. Timeline The city council voted Monday to launch a pay study that will establish benchmarks for new salaries. The findings are expected to guide negotiations as the firefighters contract nears its expiration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS The Source This story was written based on information shared by the City of New Smyrna Beach, council members, New Smyrna Beach firefighters and residents who spoke at a public meeting. SMYRNA, Tenn. (WKRN) The Smyrna couple charged in the deadly shooting of 22-year-old Noah Taylor appeared before a judge Monday as investigators laid out how they tied the pair to the crime. Taylor was on his way to work last month when he was shot and killed along Interstate 24 in what authorities describe as a case of road rage. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Detectives testified that bullet casings found in the couples trash matched those recovered at the scene. They also revealed the rifle used in the shooting was already on law enforcements radar because of a prior aggravated domestic assault case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We knew about the rifle due to a domestic situation involving Mr. Branson and an aggravated assault against Ms. McGowan, a homicide investigator told the court. A defense attorney for 40-year-old LaTashia McGowan pushed back, claiming she was not as involved as prosecutors say. I know that someone is deceased, but we have to make sure were getting the right person, McGowans attorney said. The judge pointed to the weapon at the center of the case. I dont know anything that puts the community at risk more than guns, the judge said. Specifically, semi-automatic weapons. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The judge said the bond remains at $250,000 for McGowan and $1 million for 41-year-old Glenn Branson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case now heads to a grand jury. Prosecutors will present the evidence, and jurors will decide whether there is enough evidence to return indictments. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 prolonged and potentially dangerous heat wave is forecast to bake Southern California this week, raising health and fire concerns across the region as forecasters warn this is expected to be the most significant period of hot weather this year, thus far. Temperatures across interior Southern California will climb dramatically over the next few days, providing little opportunity for overnight relief and creating instability in the atmosphere that can foster extreme fire behavior and growth. Weather officials and experts are warning residents to make plans now for air conditioning access, ways to receive emergency alerts and evacuation, if necessary. What to expect This heat wave is bringing dual threats to the Southland. The forecast of triple-digit heat is expected to bring acute health risks, especially for vulnerable populations, and it will elevate the threat of fast-growing wildfires, if one ignites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The summer's most dangerous heat wave is set to broil SoCal, elevating fire and health risks Much of the region is under an extreme heat warning from Thursday into the weekend, while a red flag warning has been issued beginning Wednesday for some areas. When is the heat coming? How long will it last? Wednesday: Some of the area's heat alerts begin Wednesday, when forecasters say temperatures will begin to rise. A red flag warning, an alert that indicates conditions ripe for explosive fire growth, has been issued for Los Angeles and Ventura county mountains and foothills beginning Wednesday, in effect through the weekend. Thursday: Much of southwest California will be under an extreme heat warning beginning Thursday, with "dangerously hot conditions" expected almost everywhere besides the beaches. Highs across L.A. County are expected from 95 to 105 degrees, reaching up to 110 farther inland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Temperatures are expected to peak Thursday and Friday. Officials warn that overnight temperatures will also remain high, possibly in the 70s for much of L.A. County, providing little respite from the daytime heat. Friday: Officials say there will also be a chance for thunderstorms from Friday through the weekend. The strongest chance for these monsoonal storms, around 20%, will be in the mountains of L.A. and San Bernardino counties. They could bring localized flooding as well as lightning strikes, which could spark new fires. The heat will remain near record-setting temperatures. Saturday and Sunday: Many of the heat and fire weather warnings are set to expire by the weekend, but officials say they could be extended. And even if the most extreme warnings expire, officials warn that temperatures will remain high. Early next week: Forecasts are still uncertain, but it appears that a slight cooldown will begin next week, though temperatures will remain above average for this time of year. What's the fire risk? A red flag warning has been issued for Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo county mountains and foothills beginning Wednesday at 9 a.m. It remains in effect through Saturday night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Unseasonably strong instability will create a fire environment capable of producing explosive fire behavior through significant vertical plume growth," the alerts said. Those conditions will be particularly challenging when combined with low relative humidity, little cooling at night and a dry landscape. While major winds aren't in the forecast, the alerts say that there will be some local breezes in the afternoons that could "exacerbate the spread of any plume-dominated fires, and add to the potentially dangerous fire-weather environment." The chance for thunderstorms Friday, Saturday and Sunday will only add to the dangerous conditions, with the possibility of lightning-caused fires. What areas will see the worst heat? Southeast California, including the Mojave Desert and Yucca Valley , is under an extreme heat warning, with the weather service warning of major to extreme heat risk. Temperatures are expected to reach 110 in Twentynine Palms, 115 in Barstow and 120 in Death Valley. This most extreme heat will extend into northwest Arizona and southern Nevada. The Apple and Lucerne valleys are expected to see temperatures up to 108 degrees on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Some of L.A. County's hottest areas, including Santa Clarita, Palmdale and Woodland Hills , are expected to hit 105 to 108 on Thursday and Friday. Paso Robles could reach 107 on Thursday. How are officials preparing? Los Angeles officials are gearing up for the heat wave by adding four cooling centers with air conditioning and water to the network of libraries and parks that will be open to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beginning Wednesday, the city will open senior citizen centers in Canoga Park and North Hollywood from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., which will both be open through at least Saturday. On Thursday and Friday, the city will also open the Pecan Recreation Center and the Algin Sutton Recreation Center as cooling centers. A map of Los Angeles' cooling centers can be found here. The city's Fire Department said it is planning to preposition resources throughout the city and has added a new crew of 26 full-time firefighters focused on wildfires. Tips to stay safe during extreme heat: Avoid the outdoors and stay out of the sun, especially during the heat of the day. Opt for outside activities in the morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. Stay hydrated. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, and seek help right away if needed. Check in on your neighbors and the most vulnerable, including children, the elderly, people living on the street, pregnant people and those with chronic health conditions, all of whom are more susceptible to heat-related illness. 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. (KRON) Theres a social networking app that is starting to create buzz online perhaps not for the best reasons. Clockout describes itself as an exclusive localized network for the next generation of professionals. In other words, the app is intended for those who fulfill Clockouts steep member requirements. The app intends to have these individuals congregate at a variety of Clockout-hosted events like galas, dinners and mixers. Clockout markets itself as a way to meet the smartest people in your city. A local community Facebook page, BAY AREA MEMES, which has more than 103,000 followers, recently posted about Clockout. The post states that Clockouts membership requirements include having to make at least an $80,000 annual salary. (KRON4 has not confirmed with Clockout directly about this requirement. Efforts to reach app representatives were not successful.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tesla opening Supercharger station in this affluent SF neighborhood The comment section was divided on the issue some complaining about the apps strict requirements and others saying that salary doesnt go very far in the Bay Area. For many Americans, bringing in $80,000 a year seems like a pretty good salary but not in the Bay Area or even California. The median U.S. salary is approximately $62,000. Although that is well above the national median, an $80K salary in San Francisco is considered low income limits, according to the city. The median individual income in San Francisco is $109,100, city documents show. Thats still low income in the Bay Area (laugh emoji), a Richmond resident commented, referring to the alleged $80K salary requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats not really an exclusive club in California. Its above poverty level for the country but still at risk of scarcity, an Alameda native wrote. In addition to the alleged $80K salary requirement, Clockout appears to be only accepting members within certain industries. According to multiple content creators who posted Clockout rejection letters, the app is only accepting applicants in tech, commerce, finance, and law. Rising Canadian apparel brand expanding US footprint with first San Francisco store Apologies to the In-N-Out manager who makes more than $150,000 a year. Content creators apparently are not allowed either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You and I both know they wouldnt let us Garbage and truck drivers in, a Richmond resident wrote in the comments section of the BAY AREA MEMES Facebook post. Clockouts description on the Apple App Store reads as follows: Escape the grind and skip the corporate happy hours. Were an exclusive localized network made for the next generation of professionals. Meet ambitious people in your area at thousands of curated private social clubs, mixers, galas, and more. Find your dream cofounder at a brunch club, unlock access to the hottest rooftop mixers, and see what everyone in your industry is talking about. All member applications are approved by our concierge team. How Waymo is using music videos to steer into pop culture Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The app has started conversations across other metros in the U.S. One Atlanta radio talk show dedicated a segment to the Clockout app mostly criticizing it. Its social media caption describes the app for most arrogant, conceited, self-important, and exclusionary douchebags looking to connect with one another. Clockout also stirred controversies in cities like Phoenix and Tampa. NewsNations Taylor Delandro contribured 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 KRON4. Solicitor David Pascoe launched his 2026 campaign for South Carolina attorney general on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (Photo provided by David Pascoe campaign) Editors note: This article was updated Tuesday following the Statehouse news conference. Longtime solicitor David Pascoe officially launched his bid for South Carolina attorney general Monday with a pledge to root out Statehouse corruption. He made his pitch from the Statehouse lobby Tuesday as part of his two-day campaign swing from the Lowcountry to the Upstate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corruption needs an adversary, and thats why were here today, Pascoe said. As the First Circuit solicitor, Pascoe is the chief prosecutor for Calhoun, Dorchester and Orangeburg counties. Hes running to be the states top prosecutor in a race that is wide open for the first time in 16 years. Republican Alan Wilson, first elected attorney general in 2010, is running for governor. Elected as a Democrat for two decades, Pascoe switched to the Republican Party in April as he publicly mulled a bid for attorney general. This weeks announcement makes him the second candidate to officially enter the race to replace Wilson in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch, R-Murrells Inlet, was the first to get in the running last month. Other Republicans publicly considering a run include David Stumbo, the Eighth Circuit solicitor (for Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens and Newberry counties), and attorney Henry McMaster Jr. The governors son told the SC Daily Gazette hell make a final decision later this fall. When Pascoe switched parties, Democratic Party Chair Christale Spain accused him of doing so solely to help his chances for attorney general in a state ruled by Republicans. South Carolina hasnt elected a Democrat as attorney general in 35 years. And no Democrat has won any statewide office since 2006. But Pascoe, first elected solicitor in 2004, said the Democratic Party deserted him by taking positions opposite from his own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his campaign video, he paints himself as a tough-on-crime prosecutor who supports the death penalty. Ive put monsters behind bars murderers, wife beaters, child molesters, drug dealers, and illegal immigrants, he said in the video. Pascoe indicated his priorities, if elected, would differ from Wilsons. Throughout his four terms, Wilson has regularly led and signed onto lawsuits with other GOP attorneys general to challenge the Obama and Biden administrations while filing briefs backing the Trump administrations from Democrat-led lawsuits. Pascoe said he would get far less involved in federal issues so he could concentrate on prosecuting criminals and combatting corruption in South Carolina. Investigating corruption Pascoe has built a reputation for prosecuting misbehaving politicians since 2014, when Wilson handed him an ethics investigation into the then-House speaker. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Against Wilsons wishes, Pascoe expanded the case into the largest Statehouse corruption investigation since the FBIs Operation Lost Trust the 1990s case that resulted in the convictions of 17 legislators and seven lobbyists. When Pascoe sought to broaden the probe, Wilson tried unsuccessfully to fire him, arguing Pascoe didnt have the authority to open a state grand jury to investigate further. The state Supreme Court sided with Pascoe in 2016, allowing his investigation to continue. But five years later, ruling on a former legislators appeal of his conviction, justices determined Pascoe had indeed overstepped his authority. Wilson then gave the case to another solicitor to complete the prosecution. If were going to clean up Columbia for good, I need the full authority to finish what I started, Pascoe said in his campaign video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation ultimately brought down a GOP powerbroker and six Republican legislators. One went to prison for less than six months. Others resigned as part of plea deals, received probation and paid fines. A new task force If elected, Pascoe said hell form a special, eight-person investigative unit within the attorney generals office to go after politicians and lobbyists who violate state ethics laws. And hell ask legislators to enact tougher ones. Every single complaint made against General Assembly members, town councilmen, solicitors, county councils I want to know about it, he said. Were going to investigate it, and if its a crime, we will indict. Pascoe said some behavior, while unseemly, may not actually be illegal. But theres no way to know, he said, because it isnt even being investigated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are turning the other eye on it, and were going to stop that, he said. They might not want to talk about it, but when they go in front of a grand jury, they have to talk about it. Pascoe said the unit also will attend local government meetings throughout the state to ensure public meetings and public records laws are followed. Well remind them of what the law says about transparency and sunshine in South Carolina, he said. Judicial reform More recently, Pascoe has testified at the Statehouse and stood with solicitors of both parties to push for changes in how the state selects judges. South Carolina is one of two states where nearly all judges are elected by legislators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pascoe pushed to remove legislators who are also lawyers from the panel that screens judicial candidates, arguing they have too much influence over the judges who later oversee their cases. The compromise ultimately approved by the Legislature last year set term limits for members of the screening panel, rather than outright barring lawyer-legislators from participating. The law also gave the governor appointees on the panel, instead of continuing to let legislative leaders make all the picks. Pascoe said hell continue to push for the removal of lawyer-legislators from the judicial screening process recognizing thats something only the Legislature can do through state law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One thing he can and would stop, he said, is giving legislators business. The attorney general signs contracts with lawyers outside of the office to handle cases and negotiate legal settlements. It would be within his authority to quit signing contracts with lawyer-legislators. That could also speed up cases, he said. Legislators have long been excused from appearing in court during the legislative session. Last December, Chief Justice John Kittredge issued an order tightening those exceptions that can delay cases. Not hiring a lawyer-legislator would stop those delays for cases he could control, Pascoe said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE MOGADISHU (Reuters) -Diphtheria cases and deaths have risen sharply this year in Somalia, where the response has been curtailed by vaccine shortages and U.S. aid cuts, Somali officials said. More than 1,600 cases, including 87 deaths, have been recorded, up from 838 cases and 56 deaths in all of 2024, said Hussein Abdukar Muhidin, the general director of Somalia's National Institute of Health. Diphtheria, a bacterial disease that causes swollen glands, breathing problems and fever and mostly affects children, is preventable with a vaccine that became widely available in the mid-20th century. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Childhood immunisation rates in Somalia have improved over the past decade, but hundreds of thousands of children are still not fully vaccinated. After fleeing fighting between government forces and Islamist militants in the central Somalia town of Ceeldheere three months ago, all four of Deka Mohamed Ali's children, none of whom was vaccinated, contracted diphtheria. Her 9-year-old daughter recovered, but her 8-year-old son died and two toddlers are now being treated at a hospital in the capital Mogadishu. "My children got sick and I just stayed at home because I did not know it was diphtheria," she told Reuters from the bedside of her 3-year-old son Musa Abdullahi whose throat was swollen to the size of a lemon from the infection. Health Minister Ali Haji Adam said the government had struggled to procure enough vaccines due to a global shortage and that U.S. aid cuts were making it difficult to distribute the doses it had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before President Donald Trump cut most foreign assistance earlier this year, the United States was the leading humanitarian donor to Somalia, whose health budget is almost entirely funded by donors. "The U.S. aid cut terribly affected the health funds it used to provide to Somalia. Many health centres closed. Mobile vaccination teams that took vaccines to remote areas lost funding and now do not work," said Adam. Muhidin separately echoed his comments about the closures. Overall U.S. foreign assistance commitments to Somalia stand at $149 million for the fiscal year that ends on September 30, compared with $765 million in the previous fiscal year, according to U.S. government statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The United States continues to provide lifesaving foreign assistance in Somalia," a U.S. State Department spokesperson said when asked about the impact of its aid cuts in the country. "America is the most generous nation in the world, and we urge other nations to dramatically increase their humanitarian efforts." Aid group Save the Children said last month that the closure of hundreds of health clinics in Somalia this year due to foreign cuts has contributed to a doubling in the number of combined cases of diphtheria, measles, whooping cough, cholera and severe respiratory infections since mid-April. Besides the U.S., Britain, France, Germany and other major Western donors are also cutting aid budgets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somalia's government has also faced criticism from doctors and human rights activists for its limited funding of the health sector. In 2024, it allocated 4.8% of its budget to health, down from 8.5% the previous year, Amnesty International said. The health ministry did not respond to a question about that criticism. It has said it is planning to launch a vaccination drive but has not given details when. (Reporting by Abdi Sheikh; Writing by Aaron Ross; Editing by Alison Williams) A son got trapped as he tried to rescue his father from inside a burning home in Ipswich Monday afternoon. Officials were alerted to the burning home at 383 Linebrook Road around 11:51 a.m. While they were on their way there, they found out two men had become trapped inside. The son ran over from the home next door to try to save his father who had mobility issues. But both men got stuck on the second floor as the fire raged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Ipswich Police arrived at 11:56 a.m., heavy fire was coming out of both the front and back of the home. Police were unable to go through the smoke conditions to get inside. Two firefighters were able to rescue the men. The older man was taken to Anna Jacques Hospital in Newburyport by Action Ambulance for treatment of smoke inhalation. He was later taken to a Boston hospital. His son was evaluated and declined going to a local hospital. A dog was killed and two people were injured by dog bites. Two cats are still missing. Water supply was also limited as firefighters battled the blaze because the water main was a dead-end, officials said. The home was a total loss. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from both the front and rear of the building with people trapped, and they effected the rescue of two people over a portable ladder. That is a low frequency, high risk event, with a successful outcome. said Ipswich Fire Chief Paul Parisi. I want to express my gratitude for the teamwork between our Ipswich and Rowley firefighters today. They train for situations such as this, and undoubtedly saved lives with their ability to work hand in hand. I also want to commend the son who risked his life to save his father. He is a true hero. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Ipswich Fire Department, Ipswich Police Department, and the State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit attached to the State Fire Marshals Office. More News Read the original article on MassLive. SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. - Saying that some 94,000 minors, in Sonoma County alone, have been uniquely harmed by social media, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors have signed on to a major lawsuit with two other California counties against an army of social media giants. This is happening while 33 states are suing Meta for being a public nuisance and negligent for similar reasons. While social media looks to a new era of less government involvement from the Trump administration, it's gearing up its lawyers for epic legal battles. Sonoma County, joined San Mateo and San Diego counties in a federal lawsuit that accuses social media giants of violating the Federal Racketeering Act and unfair business practices. The defendants are Meta's Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, Google, Roblox, Snap, Siculus, YouTube, Discord and others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Professor Mark Kaplan, a social welfare and preventative medicine expert at UCLA's School of Public Policy says, though social media has many good qualities, it can do great harm to youngsters. "There is impact of social media on kids' well-being; mental health in particular, and by kids' well-being, we're talking about kids' depression, depressive symptoms, suicidality, self harm and suicidality," said Kaplan. Between 2021 and August of 2023, fueled by pandemic isolation, adolescent depression increased by 13.1%; that's a lot of young folks. "How much of that is attributed to social media exposure is somewhat unknown, but I suspect it has only exacerbated the problem; uncensored, unchecked," said Kaplan. "The saddest thing about this is that you could make social media 80% safer with the flip of a switch. You could make these changes in a week, and they're not doing it, and they're not doing it simply because it would cost them some money," said attorney Matthew Bergman, Founder of the Social Media Victims Law Center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the moment, the courts have more clout than academia. "We are in an era now of deregulation, in an era we are defunding. All you have to do is look what's happening at the NIH (National Institutes of Health)," said Kaplan. Older folks we spoke with say it's about time to set rules for social media if they would do it effectively on their own. "I think Sonoma County should get involved and join the class action lawsuit to help protect our children. Sure," said Santa Rosan Alex Leibert. Dominic Maciel, a member of the younger, social media generation sees it this way. "I don't think it's the social media platform's like responsibility for the kids. It's just where they have the age ranges and everything. They have an anti-harassment-like policy with them and I just don't think it's necessarily their fault," said Maciel. It will be up to a jury to decide, but if social media loses, there will be appeals galore. Sound Transit has released its annual safety and security report, and the Link Light Rail was top of the list for issues with public safetyaccording to the agencys statistics. The numbers reflect new federal rules that now classify threats against transit workers as assault, regardless of injury. The report looked at the Link Light Rail, Tacoma Link, the Sounder Train Service, and Sound Transit Express. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The data shows a decrease in assaults against passengers, dropping from around 140 incidents in both 2022 and 2023 to around 125 last year. However, the report also highlights an increase in assaults on transit workers there were over 180 last year. KIRO 7 News spoke with passengers at the Angle Lake Station in SeaTac Tuesday morning about the safety of their commutes. I have ridden it for years and Ive never seen anything or had any kind of problem so, said Todd Wallen. Commuter Cheryl Lulendo got off the Link at Angle Lake to transfer to a bus. She also said she feels safe generally on the Link. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have to be conscious of my surroundings and Im pretty much the same way when Im walking from the station to the bus, Lulendo told KIRO 7. Ejay Henry did not agree, though, and is not surprised that both passengers and transit workers were assaulted on the Link. Theres security, but they dont do anything; you pretty much defend yourself, he said. I make sure I have my pepper spray and my whistle. I just be quiet and stick to myself. Sound Transit pointed out that assaults on transit workers have been rising not just here, but nationwide. According to the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, violent crimes like homicides or aggravated assaults drop reports of simple assaults tend to rise. To help prevent these attacks, Sound Transit has partnered with the King County Community Health Services Behavioral Health Division as well as the King County Sheriffs Office. A cow in a pasture near Eureka in September 2024. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight) South Dakota State University is working to get back about $66 million in federal funding it lost when the Trump administration canceled a grant program it said was a climate slush fund. The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded South Dakotas largest university $86 million in 2023 to research the impact of bison and cattle ranchers land management practices on soil health, and to open markets for farmers and ranchers using those practices. It was the largest research grant in South Dakota higher education history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grant came from the Partners for Climate-Smart Commodities program. Since 2022 during the Biden administration, the USDA had awarded 141 projects across the country a total of $3 billion. In April, the Trump administration terminated the grants and renamed the program Advancing Markets for Producers, saying select projects may continue if it is demonstrated that a significant amount of the federal funds awarded will go to farmers. Brooke Rollins, head of the USDA, said at the time that the Biden-era version of the program was largely built to advance the green new scam, a reference to policies undertaken by Biden to address climate change. SDSU had already spent about $20 million when the climate-smart grants were terminated. The university lost an additional $1.4 million in other grant funding. Two other South Dakota institutions also lost grant funding: the University of South Dakota lost $223,892, and South Dakota Mines lost $1.3 million. The new program requires at least 65% of funding to go toward producer incentives, instead of 35% under the earlier version of the program. Kristi Cammack, assistant dean for SDSU agriculture West River operations, said the university renamed the project from The Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Developing Climate-Smart Beef and Bison Commodities to Producers first: incentivizing land management and advancing markets for US beef and bison operations, and shifted some funding originally intended for research toward producer incentives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We learned quite a bit over the two years weve been working on this, so weve been able to make educated shifts from research to producers while still being able to answer research questions, Cammack said. SDSU resubmitted its research proposal at the end of June with the hopes of regaining the award by the end of the summer. Producers are at the crux of the whole project, Cammack said. The five-year program encourages bison and cattle producers to implement conservation land management and grazing practices. They collect soil samples measuring microbes and other indicators of soil health and carbon sequestration as a result of the changes. The program also has a goal of introducing those producers to new markets with customers interested in eco-friendly practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 100 producers, primarily raising cattle, were participating in the project at the time of termination. More were preparing to enroll this year. SDSU had eight faculty members working on the project, along with four other staff members and several graduate students, Cammack said. If re-awarded the funding later this summer, Cammack said the team will have a busy fall collecting soil samples before the ground freezes. The grant cancellation is interruptive, she added, but her group is nimble and research projects never go perfectly. The grant cancellation comes during a period of broader concern about university research funding. Federal funding for science is the lowest in years due to cuts made by the Trump administration and has been declining for decades as a share of gross domestic product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump proposed draconian cuts this spring, said Daniel Scholl, vice president of research and economic development at South Dakota State, to federal research funding agencies such as the USDA, National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation the three largest funding agencies from which SDSU receives research grants. Scholl said he hopes Congress will resist the cuts, but is uncertain where things will land. Were optimistic based on the efforts members of Congress are putting out to restore research funding and preserve the prowess of U.S. research and enterprise thats largely driven by universities, Scholl said. If the university isnt able to reinstate the remainder of its grant for the bison and cattle research project, Cammack said her team plans to apply for other grants and work with other partners to continue the program. This story was originally published by the South Dakota Searchlight which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network, including the Daily Montanan, supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Despite an outbreak of measles last year in a Weston elementary school, Broward County saw a dramatic drop in its immunization rate for kindergartners in 2025. In Broward, only 82.2% of 2024-25 kindergartners got their required vaccinations the lowest level in 15 years. The public health goal is a vaccination rate of 95% the level that makes it unlikely that a single infection will spark a disease cluster or outbreak. The declining rate reflects the heated debate raging on social media and among South Florida parents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of distrust in the health system, said Daniela Rodriguez, a Broward County mother with two children in elementary school and a 1-year-old. After COVID, people have gotten more educated about vaccines and have started questioning things that werent questioned before. Public health officials focus on vaccination rates for kindergartners because elementary schools can be hot spots for germs and origins of community spread. By kindergarten, children must be vaccinated for diseases including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chicken pox, and Hepatitis B. Outbreaks often start in small, localized areas, where the level of vaccination in that community determines its risk. The other South Florida counties also have low immunization coverage in kindergartners. Palm Beach County reported 89.8% of 2024-25 kindergartners received their required vaccines, and Miami-Dade reported 91%. Floridas statewide rate for kindergarten vaccinations is 88.8%, well below the national average of 93%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the rate is low, we are at an increased risk of some of these diseases we have seen eliminated making a comeback, said Jennifer Takagishi, a Tampa pediatrician and vice president of the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. One of the vaccines given before kindergarten is for pertussis (whooping cough), which young children are more prone to catching during the fall and winter months. Florida has already had a record number of whooping cough cases in 2025 more than 1,100 cases compared with 391 in 2019, before the pandemic. Children diagnosed with whooping cough, a respiratory infection, can lose their breath, have apnea spells, or vomit. Health experts expect to see a continued rise. Vaccination declines we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic arent rebounding, said Takagishi, adding that it may take a year or two before the lowered immunization rate is reflected in a rash of diseases. Exemptions are setting records Florida law requires that students entering kindergarten be vaccinated for certain contagious diseases; however, they can be exempted by their doctor for medical reasons or by their parents if they affirm the shots conflict with the familys religious practices. Across the U.S., the share of children with exemptions from required vaccines rose to an all-time high of 3.6% in 2024-25. In Florida, the group of kids exempted from vaccine requirements was 6.29%, surpassing the national average. And in some Florida counties, the exemption rate is as high as 15.03%, according to state health data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Department of Health notes on its website: The proportion of children age 5-17 years with new religious exemptions is increasing each month. This implies that more parents choose to avoid at least some vaccines for their children. With more children in schools who are unvaccinated, parents and older relatives are at risk, too. Its not just about the danger of disease for the children; it is also dangerous for parents who may or may not have had a vaccine, for people whose immune systems are not working well, and for people who are older and were vaccinated a long time ago, Takagishi said. Its putting a lot of people at risk. In February 2024, an outbreak of measles spread through Manatee Bay Elementary School in Weston, where 33 of the schools 1,067 students lacked at least one shot of the two-dose measles vaccine. By the end of the outbreak, the disease had spread to nine children between birth and 14 years old. No adults were affected. However, so far this year, within the U.S., 462 people over age 20 have gotten measles compared with 77 in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each persons risk for diseases such as measles varies, said Dr. Lewis Nelson, dean of Florida Atlantic Universitys Schmidt College of Medicine. We dont really have a lot of great information on how good your immune response will be to an exposure if you got a vaccine many years ago, Lewis said. But what we do understand is that for most vaccines, most infections that have left you immunized, you store memory cells in your body that will react when youre reexposed. What is behind South Floridas low vaccination coverage? Health experts say the COVID pandemic shifted vaccine hesitancy into high gear. Conversations with local parents bear that out. COVID opened eyes when we saw that vaccines didnt work and in some cases they did harm, said Rodriguez, the Broward County mother of three. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez said an outbreak of measles in the elementary school would cause her worry, regardless of whether her children were vaccinated. Still, she wants to see more research on childhood vaccines, their effectiveness, and their adverse effects as she considers choices for her youngest child. We need answers, and better studies. Local pediatricians see parents hesitancy in their exam rooms. Dr. Michael Glazier, a pediatrician and chief medical officer of Bluebird Kids Health in Tamarac, said parents have more questions about vaccines. They want more discussion, and there should be discussion. Medicine should be about shared decision-making, he said. Part of my role is to provide medical expertise and be a sounding board. My plea to parents is to ask questions but also keep an open mind. I dont want children to suffer from something preventable. Some pediatric offices have announced that they will no longer provide care to families who have opted out of vaccination without a medical exemption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glazier said Bluebird Kids requires patients to be vaccinated eventually, but will work with parents on their childs vaccine schedule. As a parent and pediatrician, Glazier said he is disheartened by Floridas downward trend in childhood immunization rates. There are some children who cant get a vaccine because theyve had an anaphylaxis reaction or they are immunocompromised, he said. When the rate trends down, they are at a higher risk and more susceptible to diseases that can cause morbidity or death. Because of post-pandemic skepticism, pediatric organizations find themselves working harder to convey the safety of vaccines, even as the Department of Health and Human Services announced this week that, at the request of anti-vaccination advocates, it is reinstating the Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines, which disbanded in 1998. Dr. Kathleen Mueller, an American Academy of Family Physicians board member, told Parents Magazine that vaccines are rigorously tested, undergo widespread research, and are subject to trials and safety checks led by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before being offered to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The politically-based reaction to the COVID vaccine seems to have spilled over to other vaccines, and there has been a dramatic spike in online content across all social media platforms, pushing a false narrative around various anti-vaccine talking points such as vaccines dont undergo safety trials,' Mueller said. All vaccines carry risk Nelson at FAU said while there is some risk of harm from childhood vaccines, its minuscule compared to the danger of a contagious disease. Some of these diseases are quite devastating, he said. Measles and mumps might be relatively benign diseases and most people dont have long-term consequences, although there are unquestionably liver injuries and other things like brain swelling. But polio is a terrible lifelong disease that, if you dont die from it, you could be left with severe incapacitation. Nelson acknowledges that vaccination is an individual choice, but wants parents to understand the broader implications. Each unvaccinated child becomes a vector to spread the disease, even if the child does not become sick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, within schools, each percentage point (in immunization rate) you go down from 95 to 90 to 85, it increases the number of exposure opportunities you have to give the disease to somebody who is susceptible to it, he said. By increasing the amount of vaccinations across the population, it just provides fewer hosts to transmit the virus to the next person. -------------- South Padre Island is gearing up for a major upgrade at one of their largest beach access locations, thanks to a $4.4 million contribution from SpaceX and Elon Musk. The donation will help transform the currently modest beach access entry #3 into a fully equipped, family-friendly destination, with construction expected to finish in 2026, according to the city. Located just outside the city limits at 28495 State Park Road, the site currently features a small, uneven parking lot and a simple dune walkover leading to the sand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once construction begins, visitors can expect a big transformation, including a larger and leveled parking lot with 159 spaces, updated dune walkover bridges, two outdoor pavilions, 12 picnic tables, four public restrooms with showers, barbecue pits, rinse stations, new landscaping, and an environmentally conscious lighting system. Even the entrance toll booth will receive a facelift. The initial price tag on the beach access revamp projection was listed as $4.5 million, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Cameron County leaders officially celebrated the start of the project during a groundbreaking ceremony on August 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This new improvement project at Cameron County Beach Access No. 3 represents a major investment in the overall experience of our County Coastal Parks on South Padre Island for both families and visitors, said Parks Director Joe Vega. It means greater access to safe, clean, and well-maintained public spaces where people can gather, relax, and create lasting memories. SpaceXs donation comes along with nearly $817,000 in supporting grants from the Texas General Land Office, which helped fund the design, engineering, and construction phases. These upgrades are part of a bigger $24 million initiative to enhance Cameron Countys coastal parks. City Commissioner Sofia Benavides said the revamp will bring lasting benefits for children and families for many years to come, while also thanking SpaceX for their contribution. With construction underway, Beach Access #3 hopes to become one of South Padre Islands most inviting and accessible beach destinations. BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON, Colo. (KREX) For the first time since July 10, the South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was closed to the public, and Monday was a special one for recreationists and mostly for the community of Montrose County. Some cars had been waiting in line since 7 a.m. for the park to open. Its a huge relief. I know I cant speak for everyone in Montrose, but I can tell you that a large portion of Montrose thought that this wasnt going to happen the rest of the year, said William Woody, the public information officer with the City of Montrose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visitors from all over the county and the world flock to the South Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Even a family from New Jersey who decided to stop along their road trip. Robert Camarda, the father of the Camarda family visiting from New Jersey, states, Weve been checking for about a month because we were coming out here and we had planned our route, and it was taking a step, saying the South Road was closed, and last night I checked, and I was very excited to see that it was opening up, but I wasnt sure about what date and what time we saw that it was opening today at 7:00 in the morning. As soon as the good news hit, the Camarda family was ready! Lindsay, the mother of the Camarda Family, states, So were not your average vacationer. We typically wake up around five. So last night he said we have to wake up really early. We were up around five and out the door by, like, 5:45. And were just so excited because weve been chasing national parks. Our kids are junior rangers, and theyve been collecting the badges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My favorite part about national parks is the views in the Junior Ranger read, Nicholas Niko Camarda said But only two points are open in the park, Tomichi and Gunnison Point along with the visitors center; they will be open for the time being Campgrounds are going to remain closed the rest of the year. And another thing will be closed right there. There will be East Portal Road; thats the only road that goes down into the gorge itself. Those remain closed the rest of the year just because of the level of damage incurred by the fire or the instability of the rock, said the Superintendent for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Stuart West. West suggests that about three-quarters of affected sites could be occupied, but due to ongoing damage, they will photograph everything and post it online. They will keep the site closed until other work is completed. The park plans to expand its open areas over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As visitors are driving or walking through the designated charred areas, they dont have to look too far to find that life is already starting to grow from the burn spots. Our son, he noticed; he said, look, theres regrowth, Lindsay said. WesternSlopeNow was able to ask West, How did the National Park Service determine whether it was safe for people to return to the park? But the reality is up here on the top surface where everybody goes and were allowing the public to stay is perfectly safe because theres a lot of burnt area in between where they are and down in the canyon where its still burning and places, West said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West predicts a slow process to restore the campground, with some parts opening next year. The South Rim will have the entire rim drive open by Labor Day weekend, including the walks to overlooks, pending the stability of the hillside. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. RENK, South Sudan (AP) As a young man in the mid-1980s, Daud Mahmoud Abdullah left his home in Aweil in South Sudan and headed north. It was a time of war. South Sudan was still part of Sudan and was fighting for independence, in a conflict that would claim about 2 million lives. He never went back. But now at 60 and after six months in a Sudanese prison, he is closer to home than hes been in 40 years. This July, he finally crossed the border back into his native South Sudan, taking a deep breath and reminding himself, I am alive. After everything that has happened to him, it feels like a miracle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sudan once his place of refuge has been embroiled in a brutal civil war since April 2023 that has killed 40,000 people and displaced nearly 13 million more, according to U.N. agencies. Abdullah lived in Wad Madani, the capital of Al Jazirah state, about 135 kilometers (85 miles) south of Khartoum. There had been incursions into the area by the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary force once known as the Janjaweed who were notorious for mass killings, rapes and other atrocities in Darfur two decades ago. More recently, the RSF have again been accused of by the International Criminal Court of committing war crimes, including the attacks on famine-hit Zamzam and other camps in North Darfur. In January, the Sudanese armed forces began recapturing parts of Al Jazirah state from the RSF and making sweeping arrests. Abdullah got caught up in the incursions on his way home from the market: He was picked up by SAF soldiers and accused of cooperating with the RSF. Abdullah says that he was beaten, tortured and burned with cigarettes to make him confess. Although he never made a confession, he was thrown in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Held without charge and tortured in prison In a report released in March, the top U.N. human rights body detailed how both the SAF and the RSF have detained tens of thousands of people without charge, with limited or no contact with their families, in squalid and overcrowded facilities in a widespread pattern of arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment. Abdullah can attest to this. He remembers inmates dying from starvation, beatings or illnesses like cholera daily. One morning, he discovered 28 of his fellow inmates had died in the night. For the next three days the bodies lay inside his cell, and the soldiers refused to remove them. Even when you shouted to them, they would tell you, If you want to die also, you can die with them," Abdullah said. The Associated Press spoke to eight men in total, some of whom were detained in other prisons in Al Jazirah state and Khartoum. All recounted nightmarish conditions during their incarceration. They described being crammed into cells alongside hundreds of other prisoners. Cells were so crowded that they were forced to sleep with their knees tucked under their chin. Beatings occurred regularly; one said he lost the use of his right eye as a result. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michael Deng Dut, 29, said he had been tortured with electricity more than 18 times. Simon Tong, 39, said that he was tortured with a knife during an interrogation, and rolled up his sleeve to expose the scars on his arm. Many of the men said they were given only a handful of food and a small cup of water once a day. This is the reason many of us passed away, because of the lack of food and water," Tong said. A place between north and south In July, 99 South Sudanese prisoners were separated from the other inmates. As the men awaited their fate, one died, reducing their number to 98. On July 28, they were bundled into a bus and driven away, not knowing where they were going. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They did not tell us they were going to release us, Abdullah said. He didnt realize where he was until they reached the South Sudanese border and were taken to Renk, the countrys northernmost town, by South Sudanese officials. Though still far from home, Abdullah was in his own country for the first time in 40 years. The border town of Renk has become a hub for South Sudanese nationals trying to get home. When the Sudanese civil war broke out in 2023, UN agencies and the South Sudanese government established an onward transportation program which has moved more than 250,000 people, according to the U.N.s International Office of Migration. On June 1, the program was suspended due to global cuts to humanitarian funding. The number of people living in and around a transit center in Renk has since swelled to 12,000, roughly six times its intended capacity. Thousands are living in makeshift shelters made of sticks and cloth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reunited but stranded But for Abdullah, arriving in Renk was a moment of overwhelming joy after months of torture and uncertainty. He was overcome to see his wife, daughter, and younger brother waiting for him. His wife had decided to take his family south after his younger brother had been arrested and released by SAF for the third time. When I saw Abdullah, I thanked God, she said. We did not expect to see him alive again. Abdullah now hopes to return to Aweil, the town where he was born. He still has family in Sudan, and is trying to contact them so that they might join him in Renk. If they come back safely, then we plan to go to Aweil, he said. All of us, together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Residents in a quiet Inglewood neighborhood say their nights are being upended by an unexpected and growing problem: feral cats. Travetta Smith-Clay, who has lived in the area for years, describes the felines as anything but cute. They be on the top of the house and you think an earthquake is coming and its them, she said. Im just tired. I want something done with it. Smith-Clay says the cats and kittens appear to be multiplying rapidly, moving through the neighborhood in what she describes as like migrating, like oh my God, zombies. The influx of feral cats is creating ripple effects for the community. Residents say the animals are attracting coyotes, which have been seen preying on the cats. One neighbor even captured a mauling on security cameras, leaving her family shaken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh my God, if you could hear it, I even dont wanna talk about it, said Ingga Smith, whose aunt lives in the neighborhood. While the violence toward the cats is tragic, Ingga Smith said her family worries about the safety of both her elderly aunt and local pets. What about little kids, you know, toddlers walking with their parents? What if a coyote came up on them? Thats what I be thinking in my mind, she said. California man sentenced to prison in nationwide shipping fraud scheme Other neighbors report feeling unsafe and uneasy when leaving their homes. We have to be careful because when youre coming out of the house, it could rush us, said Junior Powell, who lives across the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Residents wonder why so many feral cats have moved into the area. Smith-Clay suspects that neighbors may be feeding the animals, contributing to the problem. The neighborhood, she says, is now plagued with foul smells and ongoing disturbances. Oh, it smells like somebody dying or dead, thats what it smells like, she said. After reaching out to animal control, police, and local media, Smith-Clay hopes for a solution that will restore the peace she once enjoyed. Im tired, and when I come home, I cant even enjoy my house because of the cats, she said. This article includes reporting contributions from Jennifer McGraw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Mega-drying on the continents: 1 Northern Canada and Alaska; 2. Northern Russia; 3. Southwestern North America and Central America; 4. Middle East/North Africa/PanEurasia. (Map from "Unprecedented continental drying, shrinking freshwater availability, and increasing land contributions to sea level rise," Science Advances, July, 2025. Nevada, the driest state in the nation, is only getting drier as the regions supply of groundwater quickly disappears. The American Southwest including Arizona, New Mexico, and portions of Nevada, Colorado, Utah and California is linked to one of four continental-scale mega-drying regions worldwide that have undergone unprecedented rates of drying, according to a recent study in Science Advances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The loss of freshwater from the regions is the result of two key factors: severe droughts and groundwater overuse. Two decades of satellite observations revealed that as the dry areas of the world become drier and surface water in rivers and lakes declines, communities are becoming more reliant on groundwater, leading to rapid depletion of freshwater. The lower Colorado River Basin which supplies water for Nevada, Arizona, and California has lost groundwater equivalent to Lake Meads full storage capacity in the last 20 years, or about 28 million acre-feet of water. An acre-foot of water is enough to supply roughly two urban households with indoor and outdoor water needs for a year. All the drying is happening in the Southwest. Three quarters of the country is getting a little bit wetter, but the southwestern quadrant of the country is getting a lot drier, said Jay Fagmiglietti, the study co-author and Global Futures Professor at Arizona States School of Sustainability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even areas in the U.S. that are experiencing more precipitation are not keeping pace with the rate of rapid drying, leading to a net loss of freshwater, according to the study. The areas experiencing drying have increased, while the areas experiencing wetting have decreased. Globally, drying land is expanding by about two times the size of California every year, according to the study. The four mega drying regions globally are Alaska and Northern Canada, Northern Russia, Middle East/North Africa/PanEurasia, and Southwestern North America and Central America. The research is especially noteworthy for Nevada, where about half the states counties rely on groundwater for more than 80% of their water supply, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. In 2015 Esmeralda, Eureka, Lincoln, Mineral and Nye counties received more than 95% of their water from groundwater. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout several parts of Nevada, significantly more groundwater is extracted than is returned to aquifers each year, leading to declining water levels. About 20% of Nevadas groundwater basins are currently over-pumped, according to the Nevada Division of Water Resources. Despite the states dependence on groundwater, Nevada lacks detailed data on available groundwater. Water managers in Nevada currently rely on water budget estimates developed 50 to 70 years ago, raising major concerns about the accuracy of groundwater availability, according to the Nevada state agency. The consequences of groundwater depletion in the Southwest include reduced irrigation water supply and threats to agricultural productivity, reduced capacity for climate adaptation, and damage to groundwater dependent ecosystems. Most of Nevadas rivers, streams, and lakes are groundwater dependent. Groundwater also plays a crucial role in supporting the states unique ecosystems. There are 242 wetland-dependent species recorded by Nevada Division of Natural Heritage 143 of which can only be found in Nevada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A growing awareness of ground water as a critical natural resource has raised several research questions: How much ground water do we have? Are we running out? Where are ground-water resources most stressed by human development? Fagmiglietti said the study was conceived to answer some of those questions and prepare water managers for a drier future. About 75% of the worlds population lives in the 101 countries that make up the four mega-drying regions, according to the study. Researchers used satellites to measure changes in gravity to detect weight loss or gain in regions, indicating groundwater depletion or prolonged drought. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The research team said global drying is not slowing down. Their data indicates groundwater was lost three times faster over the last decade than in the prior one. The loss of groundwater is also contributing more to global sea level rise than melting glaciers and ice caps, according to the study. Increased runoff from groundwater pumping and glacier melting contributes to the oceans water levels, exacerbating sea level rise. Drying continents themselves are now contributing, theyre the largest contributor to sea level rise, ahead of either the Greenland or the Antarctic ice sheet, Fagmiglietti said. We pump groundwater for irrigation. And a lot of that, you know, doesnt make it back into the ground. It evaporates, or it runs off, and ultimately ends up in the ocean, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study also points to a tipping point during the mega El-Nino years around 2014 to 2015 when equatorial waters in the Pacific were 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above average. During that period climate extremes began to accelerate, leading to more groundwater usage to cover the lack of rainfall. Fagmiglietti emphasized the critical importance of groundwater in drying regions and the need for better management and protection. Groundwater is often unprotected and unmonitored, Fagmiglietti said, making it at risk in many regions around the world. States need to recognize the importance of groundwater and enforce effective management policies. Communities that depend on groundwater entirely, again, need to understand that that groundwater is disappearing rapidly. They need to understand what their supply looks like and need to prioritize how theyre going to use it and try to sustain it, he said. Last week, federal officials announced they would continue water allocation cuts on the Colorado River for the fifth consecutive year following a persistent drought that has shrunken Lake Mead, the rivers largest reservoir. Persistent drought like the one impacting the reservoir will only put more pressure on groundwater, said Fagmiglietti. No one ever talks about the groundwater, especially when it comes to the Colorado River. Discussion is always about the reservoirs and the river itself, but really thinking holistically about how much water you have in the region is really, really important, and in particular with the increased stress that will happen on groundwater, Fagmiglietti said. MADRID (AP) Spain tackled several major wildfires Tuesday in one of the country's most destructive fire seasons in recent decades, despite temperatures dropping across the Iberian Peninsula. Thousands of firefighters aided by soldiers and water-bombing aircraft fought fires tearing through parched woodland that were especially severe in northwestern Spain, where the country's weather agency AEMET reported a still very high or extreme fire risk particularly in the Galicia region. The fires in Galicia have ravaged small, sparsely populated towns, forcing locals in many cases to step in before firefighters arrive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighting units from Germany arrived in northern Spain on Tuesday to help fight the blazes, Spain's Interior Ministry announced. More than 20 vehicles were deployed to help fight an ongoing blaze in Jarilla in the Extremadura region that borders Portugal, the ministry said. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez visited the area Tuesday and spoke of the heat that has fueled the fires. Temperatures across Spain dropped by about 4 degrees Celsius (about 7 degrees Fahrenheit) Tuesday after a 16-day heat wave with several days above 40 C (104 F), Spains weather agency reported. Science tells us, common sense tells us too, especially that of farmers and ranchers, of those who live in rural areas, that the climate is changing, that the climate emergency is becoming more and more recurrent, more frequent and has an ever greater impact, Sanchez said. In Galicia, land management has also played a role. Large stretches of unmanaged vegetation and depopulated villages in forested land have led to the buildup of wildfire fuel, said Adrian Regos, an ecologist at the Biological Mission of Galicia, a research institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fires in Spain have killed four people this year and burned more than 382,000 hectares or about 1,475 square miles, according to the European Unions European Forest Fire Information System. That surface area is more than twice the size of metropolitan London, more than six times the 2006-2024 average for land burned during the same period, according to EFFIS. Air quality deteriorated across large parts of Spain over the past week as a result of the wildfires, data from the EUs Copernicus climate monitoring agency showed. Smoke from the Iberian Peninsula fires reached France, the UK, and Scandinavia, it said. Several fires have been caused by human activity. Police have detained 23 people for suspected arson and are investigating 89 more, Spain's Civil Guard said Tuesday. In Portugal, more than 3,700 firefighters were tackling blazes, including four major ones in the north and center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildfires there have burned about 235,000 hectares or 907 square miles, according to EFFIS nearly five times more than the 2006-2024 average for this period. Two people there have died. Europe has been warming twice as fast as the global average since the 1980s, according to Copernicus. 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 has air-dropped about 12 tons of aid via 24 parachutes, intended for approximately 11,000 people over the last two months. Spain denied that the aid it delivered to the Gaza Strip contained pork products or food products unfit for consumption, after videos of Gazans making the claim went viral earlier in August. One video shows a young boy opening a bag of aid, allegedly air-dropped into the Khan Yunis and Deir al-Balah areas of Gaza, containing supplies covered in mould. He said that these packages are being sold in markets for over NIS 300. All packages sent have the expiration date in order, are hermetically sealed, and have all the necessary certificates. The delivery note for the rations purchased and distributed by AECID clearly states that they will expire on June 30, 2026, the Spanish Foreign Ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All 5,500 portions sent are halal menus and are fully certified as halal, the ministry further clarified. The packets had the JOMIPSA brand, an Alicante-based company that provides food rations and humanitarian aid kits. A Palestinian man carries food boxes collected from aid packages dropped from an airplane, in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, last week. (credit: REUTERS/Ramadan Abed) The food ration that appears in the video cannot be verified, as its batch number and origin are unknown. JOMIPSA has sold rations to other countries and organizations, the foreign ministry added. JOMIPSA manufactures humanitarian aid products for numerous countries The company JOMIPSA manufactures a wide range of humanitarian aid products: from ready-to-eat food packages, personal hygiene kits, and combat rations, to tailored kits for situations like hunger, injuries, and rescue operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its products are intended for governments, international aid organizations, including NATO and the Red Cross, as well as humanitarian organizations such as UNRWA and UNICEF. On its official website, the company states that it operates according to strict quality standards (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 22000), emphasizing its ability to provide customized food rations, including halal meals for Muslims. However, these commitments are presented in general terms and do not directly address claims regarding spoiled aid or inappropriate contents. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Alvarez claimed in an interview in May that the hunger in the Strip had crossed a red line and described the delay in aid entry as "a serious violation of international law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alvarez also stressed that failing to address hunger is an act of massacre and called on the international community to increase pressure to open the crossings and allow the continuous and safe transfer of food and medicine. At the end of July and early August 2025, Spain, along with France, Germany, the UAE, and Jordan, conducted aerial humanitarian aid drops to Gaza. Spain alone dropped about 12 tons of aid via 24 parachutes, intended for approximately 11,000 people. Maariv contributed to this report. Credit: Reuters Spain has endured the worst fire season on record, with devastating blazes continuing to destroy homes and land across the country. Wildfires tore through an additional 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) of western Spain in less than 24 hours, satellite data showed on Tuesday. In all, some 373,000 hectares (922,000 acres) have been scorched in Spain this year, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. That area is twice the size of London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It marks the countrys worst fire season since records began in 2006, surpassing 2022 when 306,000 hectares were consumed by flames. Spain has faced a scorching 16-day heatwave which has led to more than 1,100 deaths, according to an estimate released on Tuesday by the Carlos III Health Institute. Officials reported 1,149 excess deaths in Spain during the Aug 3 to 18 heatwave that could be attributed to the scorching temperatures, the public health body said. The bulk of the wildfire devastation has come from massive blazes that have been burning for more than a week in the northwestern provinces of Zamora and Leon, Galicias Ourense province, and Caceres in the western region of Extremadura. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities have evacuated thousands of residents from dozens of villages. A fire tears through a forest in Galicia - Anadolu/Getty Several major roads are closed, and rail services between Madrid and Galicia have been suspended. We had to run away because the fire was coming in from everywhere everywhere above us, below us, all around, Isidoro, 83, told AFP in the Ourense province of Galicia. Pedro Sanchez, Spains prime minister, visited fire-hit areas in Zamora and Caceres on Tuesday where he spoke of the extreme heat that fueled the devastation. Next week, the government would declare the affected areas a disaster zone once the fires had been extinguished, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Science tells us, common sense tells us too, especially that of farmers and ranchers, of those who live in rural areas, that the climate is changing, that the climate emergency is becoming more and more recurrent, more frequent and has an ever greater impact, Mr Sanchez said. Thousands of firefighters aided by soldiers and water-bombing aircraft fought fires tearing through parched woodland in the northwest, where the countrys weather agency AEMET reported a still very high or extreme fire risk. Firefighters have also been flown in from Germany to help control the blazes, the interior ministry announced on Tuesday. People in Spain have been forced to flee their homes to escape the fires - Anadolu/Getty In Galicia, large stretches of unmanaged vegetation and depopulated villages in forested land have led to the build-up of wildfire fuel, said Adrian Regos, an ecologist at the Biological Mission of Galicia, a research institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Across the border in Portugal, some 2,000 firefighters have been deployed across the north and centre of the country, with about half of them concentrated in the town of Arganil. Some 216,000 hectares of land have been destroyed across Portugal since the start of the year. Luis Montenegro, the Portuguese prime minister, said the country had endured 24 days of weather conditions of unprecedented severity with high temperature and strong winds. We are at war, and we must triumph in this fight, he added. Firefighters and local forest brigadiers work overnight to contain a wildfire threatening residential areas in the parish of Bouses in Spain - Anadolu Two firefighters were killed on Sunday one in each country, both in road accidents taking the death toll to two in Portugal and four in Spain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While officials warned that the blazes remain far from extinguished, the end of a 16-day heatwave has improved conditions for firefighters. Cooler temperatures have raised hopes of containment. Spains meteorological agency said the heatwave, which has seen temperatures hit 45C in parts of the country, was coming to an end. Maximum temperatures had dropped by 10C to 12C and humidity levels had risen, the central governments representative in Castile and Leon, Nicanor Sen, said. These changes are facilitating and improving the conditions to gain control of the fires, he told public broadcaster TVE. 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. Every summer, forest fires sweep across Spain, dominating headlines and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. This years have been especially harsh, with devastating fires thus far in Tarifa, Zamora, the Madrid area, Galicia and Extremadura, while the UNESCO-listed natural park of Las Medulas, in Leon, has been completely wiped out. Although the levels of destruction vary widely from year to year from over 310,000 hectares burnt in 2022 to only around 48,000 in 2024 these blazes always leave an indelible mark on biodiversity and local communities alike. Now more than ever, we have to remember that the best way to fight these disasters is by preventing them from happening in the first place. The fire triangle To prevent fires, we first have to understand how they start, and this is explained by one fundamental principle: the fire triangle, also known as the combustion triangle, which is made up of heat, oxygen and fuel. These three elements are essential for a fire to start and continue if we eliminate any one of them, the fire goes out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heat is what starts the first flames, and can take the form of a lightning strike, an accidental spark, or often human carelessness. In Spain, over 90% of fires are caused by people. Oxygen in the air then feeds the flame. This is why a candle goes out when you cover it with a glass it cuts off the oxygen supply. Last of all is the fuel, but not all fuel is the same. In a barbecue, for instance, the charcoal doesnt burn easily it needs more readily flammable kindling to get things started. The same thing happens in the countryside, where undergrowth made up of dried plants and branches acts as kindling: it catches fire more easily and allows fire to spread to trees. Leer mas: Flames to floods: how Europe's devastating wildfires are fuelling its next climate crisis Rural depopulation provides fuel Heat and oxygen are beyond our control, which means the only realistic way to prevent fires from happening is to manage the third component: fuel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The main culprit for its buildup is the quiet, steady abandonment of large inland areas which are no longer used for arable farming or grazing. As a result, much of the countryside that was once carefully managed is now covered with vegetation, which acts as natural kindling and fuel. Putting out a fire should be a last resort if it comes to this, then it is already too late. The key is not just fighting flames, but also actively managing the landscape to keep naturally occurring fuel in check. This does not mean getting rid of it altogether, but managing it properly and carefully. Clean forests are not devoid of vegetation. They are healthy, robust ecosystems that shelter biodiviersity and support essential habitats. Leer mas: How high-latitude peat and forest fires could shape the future of Earths climate How to value a forest The key to preventing forest fires is creating a rural economy based on the use of forests. While this would generate much-needed employment in la Espana vaciada hollowed-out Spain, the name given to the countrys depopulated rural areas it also costs money. It is therefore essential to invest in forests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a forest to endure, it is necessary to create a sustainable economy centred on the products and services it provides. These include extensive livestock farming, forestry, mixed agriculture, tourism, and other non-timber products. Wood is just one of the many products from our forests that can promote growth in rural areas. Jose Manuel Cabrero In Spain, projects such as PRISMA, BIOVALOR and Bio+Malaga are exploring ways to convert this active management into employment and opportunities for rural areas. Other collaborative projects bringing together several regions across Europe also exist, such as SCALE-UP, RIBES, and BioRural. Initiatives like these are reimagining our forests not only as natural spaces, but also as drivers of local development. Leer mas: Restoring logged forests doesn't mean locking them up as 'wilderness' it means actively managing them Preventing fires through technology Technology can also play an important role in the development of rural economies. In Navarre, for instance, emergency services have developed a geographic information system that allows them to map risk areas, visualise access routes and coordinate responses in real time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This system, which is focused on preventing rather than extinguishing fires, maps precisely where flammable plant matter is accumulating, as well as paths and roads that are not being used, and which areas require urgent attention. It means forest management can be based on data, allowing resources to be invested where they are most needed, and to be more efficient and accurate. Circular economy and preventing fires Among forestry workers, there is an old maxim that summer fires are extinguished in winter. Preventing fires means rethinking how we use our forest resources year-round, and a well-managed forest, which feeds a circular bioeconomy through its products and services, is a safer forest. University students learning first-hand about forestry work, with members of the Department of Rural Development and Environment and the Onesta Chair. Jose Manuel Cabrero While valuing a forest reduces the threats that loom over it, caring for the wilderness also translates into a boost for the rural economy, and can bring life back to villages. The opportunity for a more prosperous and resilient future lies in our forests. A well-managed forest is more useful, more biodiverse, and more alive and of course, it reduces the risk of fires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Este articulo fue publicado originalmente en The Conversation, un sitio de noticias sin fines de lucro dedicado a compartir ideas de expertos academicos. Lee mas: Jose Manuel Cabrero receives funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, from the European Regional Development Fund, and from the Biodiversity Foundation of the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience (PRTR), which is financed by the European Union's NextGenerationEU funds and the private company Onesta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cesar Martin-Gomez receives funding from Catedra Fundacion Saltoki. He is a member of the Asociacion Tecnica Espanola de Climatizacion y Refrigeracion (ATECYR). Rayder Willian Leonardo Laura receives funding from the Biodiversity Foundation of the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience (PRTR), which is financed by the European Union's NextGenerationEU funds. Spain still faces "difficult hours" ahead in its fight against wildfires that have ravaged a record area of land, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned Tuesday, despite the onset of cooler weather. The country has faced 16 days of scorching heat, which the public health agency announced Tuesday could be linked to as many as 1,149 excess deaths -- mostly over-65s and those already suffering from illnesses. The most intense heat, when temperatures surpassed 40C in many regions of Spain, has now passed but Sanchez urged people to "exercise extreme caution", adding: "Critical moments remain, difficult hours remain." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Global warming is driving longer, more intense, and more frequent heatwaves around the world. By lowering humidity in the air, vegetation, and soil, and reducing the threshold at which materials ignite, heatwaves turn vegetation into highly flammable fuel and make wildfires even harder to control. While the phenomenon has fuelled fires across southern Europe this summer, Spain has been hit particularly hard -- finally getting some respite on Tuesday. Cooler, more humid conditions gave firefighters an edge in the west of the country, but officials warned it would still take weeks to put the fires out completely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The evolution is favourable in all the fires," said Alfonso Fernandez Manueco of Castile and Leon's regional government, before adding that the situation could change. The region had faced "unprecedented, extraordinary" weather conditions, he said, with high temperatures and strong winds. Extremadura regional official Abel Bautista told Spanish public television they were now focused on stabilising the fires, adding: "We are very far from that." - 'Fire from everywhere' - Some 373,000 hectares have been scorched in Spain this year, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That marks the country's worst fire season since records began in 2006, surpassing 2022, when 306,000 hectares were consumed by flames. The fires -- along with those affecting neighbouring Portugal -- have released smoke and greenhouse gases over the Iberian Peninsula at levels not seen since the start of these records in 2003, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service. Dozens of villages have been evacuated, roads closed and the train service between Madrid and Galicia remains suspended because of the wildfires. "We had to run away because the fire was coming in from everywhere -- everywhere -- above us, below us, all around," Isidoro, 83, told AFP in the Ourense province of Galicia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four people have been killed by the fires in Spain and two more in Portugal. Officials in Spain said many fires were sparked by lightning during dry storms, though arson is suspected in some cases. The interior ministry said 32 people have been arrested and 188 investigations had been launched. Sanchez was visiting Extremadura on Tuesday, his second to the affected areas in recent days, and once again called for a "state pact to confront the climate emergency". "Every year the climate emergency worsens," he said. bur-al/ds/jxb SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) What could be any butter than this? The highly anticipated annual New York State Fair butter sculpture has been revealed for the 57th year. Look at your own risk! This years theme? Dairy For Good Nourish, grow, thrive. The sculpture crafted for the 23rd year by Jim Victor and Marie Pelton is said to celebrate the joy and nourishment dairy provides at every stage of life. It is inspired by the 125th anniversary of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its local Chittenango author, L. Frank Baum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dairy defies gravity can be seen across the centerpiece of the sculpture, a hot air balloon. Inside, a cow sits with its own version of ruby heels. Three smaller figures can be seen below the balloon, each at a stage of life and with a form of dairy. Dairy: Wickedly Good For You is displayed across the base of the sculpture. The sculpture weighs about 800 lbs., according to the American Dairy Association, and is comparable to 800 pints of ice cream, 533 dozen large eggs, eight or nine newborn calves, and many more. The big reveal took place at 9:30 a.m. inside the dairy products building. The first day of the fair is Wednesday, Aug. 20, and you can head over to the Fairgrounds then to check out this years sculpture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can watch the full unveiling live in the video player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR. SPRINGFIELD The developer selected to transform the long-closed school administration building into apartments has expanded the project to include a vacant historic building nearby. First Resource Development Company announced plans to renovate 19-25 Maple St., into apartments as part of its Merrick Park project that began in 2021 when the city selected the business as preferred developer for the long-closed school administration building at 195 State St. The company, which is working on the project with partner WNC & Associates, purchased the Maple Street building about 18 months ago for $2.4 million from a New York company that owned it under the name Temple Property Group LLC. The building, which is located on the corner of Temple Street, has been vacant for at least seven years, records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We bought it to make the project larger and better, said Jennifer Egan, assistant developer for First Resource. The original plan called for a 41-apartment renovation of 195 State St. With the new building that will grow to 62 units divided into eight studios, 43 one-bedroom units, 10 two-bedroom units and one three-bedroom apartment, Egan said. All the apartments will be affordable and rented to people who earn between 30% and 60% of the area median income. Eight of the two-bedroom units will be reserved for families using Section 8 assistance, company officials said. After years of work to secure financing for the project, construction is expected to begin Sept. 1 and the company is hoping to see the first tenants move in around February 2027, Egan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The $40 million renovation will receive funding boosts of $1.4 million from the federal Housing and Urban Development administered through the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Springfield has also granted the developers $400,000 in HOME funds for the project, said Geraldine McCafferty, director of housing for the city. With a serious shortage of housing, especially for units deemed affordable, the announcement that Merrick Park Apartments will be larger is welcome news, she said. Gordon Pulsifer, president of First Resource, has started with a single building project and added others onto it to make a larger project in the past. Most notable is his purchase and conversion of the derelict Knox Automobile building after finishing the 199-apartment Indian Motorcycle complex across Wilbraham Road. The two projects created a total of 295 affordable apartments and redeveloped that entire area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are really skilled at the historic building renovation, McCafferty said. They have a passion for preserving historic components of a building. The company is also known as a high-quality developer and manager which has stabilized neighborhoods, she said. As part of the project, First Resource is also planning to take over the management of the small Merrick Park which is located across from 195 State St. building at the corner of Chestnut and State streets, Egan said. More Western Mass. Content Read the original article on MassLive. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) A Springfield man was arrested on Monday for allegedly groping a woman in her car. Driver caught after stolen car chase began at Wendys in West Springfield The Springfield Police Department reports that on Monday at around 5:05 p.m., officers were sent to the area of Boston Road and Parker Street for a report of a sexual assault. The victim of the crime stated that a man reached into the open window of her car and groped her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Springfield Police Crime Analysts in the Real-Time Analysis Center (R-TAC) located the man who matched the description of the suspect on city cameras in the Parker Street area. Officers placed 42-year-old Isaac Proctor of Springfield under arrest. Springfield Police Department Proctor is currently out on bail from a similar incident when he was arrested back on July 1st. He was arrested at the Walmart on Boston Road after allegedly groping a teenage girl. He was charged with indecent assault and battery on a person over age 14, and his next court date in connection with that case was scheduled for Tuesday. Proctor is charged with indecent assault and battery on a person over age 14 in connection with Mondays incident. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Police are once again reminding drivers to lock their car doors, following recent arrests in Springfield for allegedly stealing vehicles. Springfield Legacy Celebration honors 80 women for civic leadership With the most commonly targeted cars being Hyundai and Kias, police warn that no car is completely safe. After four years of surging vehicle thefts, the number of those stolen in the US fell to pre-pandemic levels in 2024. But depsite the decrease, approximately one vehicle is still stolen every 37 seconds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just last week, a 13-year-old from Enfield was charged for allegedly stealing a car out of Wilbraham after Springfield Police saw he had been in possession of a screwdriver, lug nuts, and a USB cord, commonly used to steal Hyundais and Kias. Two teens were also arrested after allegedly crashing a stolen car from Agawam into a poice cruiser and multiple other cars. People are taking them for, a joyride may end up in a crash or they just may dump the vehicle a couple streets away, said Springfield Police Department spokesperson Ryan Walsh. AAA explains theives tend to steal cars for financial gain by stripping down cars for parts. But most of the time, cars are stolen on a day to day basis because its a crime of opportunity. That vehicle is either left unlocked or someone gets access to the keys and is able to get in and drive away, explained AAA Northeast Senior Spokesperson, Mark Schieldrop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AAA recommends that your park in well-lit areas and whether you are leaving your vehicle for a few minutes or for an extended period of time to always lock your car doors. According to AAA, its also a good idea to close your windows and move valuables and other items out of view. If your car is in your driveway, make sure to have security cameras visible but always try to park in your garade. And if you have a key fob, its recommended that you keep it inside your house and away from doors and windows to prevent theives from amplifying its signal. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. NEED TO KNOW Samantha Stites spoke to ABC News ahead of Hulu's Stalking Samantha: 13 Years of Terror, about her harrowing experience Christopher Thomas pleaded guilty to kidnapping, torture and aggravated stalking in December 2023 Thomas is serving a minimum of 40 years in a Michigan state prison A Michigan woman lived through a nightmare when she was stalked for years by a man who later kidnapped and tortured her. Now, after her stalker was sentenced to decades in prison, Samantha Stites is telling her story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to ABC News ahead of a Hulu documentary series about the case, Stalking Samantha: 13 Years of Terror, Stites says she first thought her stalker was just "lonely." "At first I think he is just lonely and for some reason finds me an approachable person to talk to," Stites told the outlet. "And then at some point, it kind of changes." According to Michigan prison records, Christopher Thomas, 41, is currently serving a minimum of 40 years behind bars, and faces a maximum of 60 years. Prison records show that that Thomas pleaded guilty to kidnapping, torture and aggravated stalking in December 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ABC reported that Thomas first started stalking Stites in 2011, when he went to the same Christian group she attended while she was a college student. Thomas eventually began following Stites for years, going so far as to place GPS trackers on her car. 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. Then, in 2022, WPBN reported, Thomas was arrested after he kidnapped Stites and held her in a soundproof storage unit for almost 15 hours. Stites was able to escape after convincing her captor to let her go by promising not to report the crime, ABC reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thomas was sentenced in 2024 after pleading guilty in December 2023. "Justice is a funny thing. It doesn't necessarily come in the form of prison years," Stites said, according to ABC. "I can't ever go back to before I was kidnapped. And that's something I had to grieve. But knowing that I'm finally turning the page on this and that I should feel safe with him off the street and that I am protected meant a lot. I felt free." Read the original article on People Sir Keir Starmer is prepared to support a peace deal in Ukraine without a ceasefire being in place, No 10 has indicated, as the prime minister reiterated that he is prepared to put boots on the ground to ensure security in the event of an agreement being struck. Downing Street on Monday called for an end to the killing in Ukraine but stopped short of reiterating the governments previous position, that a ceasefire was needed before peace talks could take place. Vladimir Putin has resisted calls to accept an unconditional ceasefire before entering talks about a long-term peace deal with Volodymyr Zelensky. And, following a summit between Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska on Friday, the US president dropped his demands for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict. Sir Keir Starmer is travelling to Washington DC (X/@Keir_Starmer) He has instead adopted Putins approach, which is expected to see Ukraine forced to give up territory to end the fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked on Monday whether Britain was still calling for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate peace talks, Sir Keirs official spokesman said: We are all working towards the same goal, which is ending the killing in Ukraine. We have said we want to see a sustainable and just peace for Ukraine, which ensures peace returns to Europe and the Ukrainian people can live without fear of attack again. Asked whether it marked a change of stance from the governments previous position, which was to call for a full, unconditional ceasefire to create space for talks on a just and lasting peace, the PMs spokesman repeated we want to bring about an end to the killing. The last meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump descended into a bust-up (AFP via Getty Images) If you can bring about an end to the killing and bring about a sustained peace in one go, then all the better, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's borders are for the country to determine itself in negotiations, the spokesman added, stressing that "international borders must not be changed by force". As he headed to Washington DC to support Mr Zelensky in crunch talks with Mr Trump and other European leaders, Sir Keir said allies must "make sure" there is "fair" and "just" peace in Ukraine. In a video posted on X, the Prime Minister said of the conflict: "Everybody wants it to end, not least the Ukrainians. "But we've got to get this right. We've got to make sure there is peace, that it is lasting peace, and that it is fair and that it is just. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's why I'm travelling to Washington with other European leaders to discuss this face to face with president Trump and president Zelensky, because it's in everyone's interests, it's in the UK's interests that we get this right." Downing Street also stressed Britain still backs Ukraine joining Nato, despite Mr Trump suggesting Kyiv should not be allowed to become a member of the defence alliance. "Russia cannot have a veto against Ukraine's pathway to the EU or Nato," the Prime Minister's official spokesman said. Asked if Mr Trump could have a veto, the spokesman repeated that "our position on Ukraine and Nato hasn't changed" and that Ukraine is on "irreversible path" to membership. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if Sir Keir Starmer is confident the US leader would not try to veto membership, the spokesman said No 10 is working "hand in glove" with Mr Trump on Ukraine. The White House meeting today is an "important moment on the journey towards lasting peace", he added. The security guarantees the US has signalled it is willing to provide are "important aspect of the discussions", he said. Sir Keir Starmer has called US President Donald Trump's commitment to security guarantees for Ukraine a breakthrough, as he hailed the movement towards a meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin. The prime minister joined the leaders' summit at the White House on Monday, having cut short his family holiday in Scotland. From what Sir Keir said overnight, it seems he believes that small sacrifice was well worth it. He chaired a virtual meeting of European and Commonwealth allies, the coalition of the willing, on Tuesday to update leaders and to discuss next steps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diplomatic risks Sir Keir has long been a proponent of so-called gratitude diplomacy - thanking and praising Donald Trump - so he was hardly likely to be critical about the outcomes. And while anxiety in UK government circles about Ukraine's future remains, the prime minister seems happy with what he argues is significant progress. He told the BBC after the meeting that it "has shown that we have moved forward, and that in the end for me has always been the test - are we making real progress." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Behind the scenes, European officials had worried the White House meeting was fraught with risk. One told me they felt there was a danger of President Trump sensing President Zelensky was not committed to a US-led peace process, concluding that European leaders were digging in behind the Ukrainians, and making his frustration clear on camera. Such division would have been a gift to Moscow so all the leaders involved were at pains to make clear that was not their approach. Before he left Washington, Sir Keir said there was "a real sense of unity" between them. The prime minister told the BBC he was "very pleased" with the outcomes, including progress on security guarantees, saying this would "reassure people in Europe, in Ukraine, but particularly in the United Kingdom." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also welcomed the "real movement forward" on bilateral and trilateral meetings between Russia, Ukraine and the US, saying this would help achieve a "peace that is lasting and just". Ukraine and Europe's leaders have clearly decided together to go all in on Donald Trump's peace plans. The assessment of diplomats from various countries involved is that if the process ultimately fails, they will not have contributed to that failure. [PA Media] Negotiation preparations The UK government now seems focused on ensuring Ukraine is in the strongest possible position for any possible peace negotiations. From my conversations with UK officials, they believe yesterday's White House meeting was helpful in this effort on two points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firstly, Trump did not echo Putin's demands for Ukrainian territory and put Zelensky on the spot on what is a sensitive and emotive issue - at least in front of the cameras. There now seems to be an unspoken acceptance in the White House that Ukraine will need to move carefully and slowly on any discussions over land. No 10 has repeatedly said that questions of territory are a matter for Ukraine, and Ukraine alone. "No decision should be made about Ukraine without Ukraine," the prime minister stressed after Monday's talks. Secondly, flexibility is important in any negotiation. UK officials argue that Trump's commitment to US involvement in "cast iron" security guarantees means Zelensky can now be far more flexible in his approach knowing that Ukraine will be protected by its allies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prospects of a pre-negotiation ceasefire seem to have been junked. Trump has dismissed the need for ceasefire and wants to move directly to agreeing peace terms. The importance of having a ceasefire was mentioned in the White House talks by the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. The UK's assessment is that a ceasefire was never a central aim of the US administration and therefore Sir Keir should not risk being what one source called a "lone point of tension" on the issue. The prime minister has returned to the UK, but military officials are travelling in the opposite direction ahead of detailed discussions about US involvement in security guarantees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has yet to provide much detail on what US forces might offer, but European leaders seem content to take his public commitment as important progress. The major unknown is what Moscow will do next. One involved argues Putin could retreat from the pathway towards peace that has been created for him. If he does so they are hoping the US sides with Europe and not Russia. The Rosado Group Inc. will pay $130,000 to the state through a settlement agreement with the state attorney general, which alleges numerous dealerships inflated prices without customer knowledge and manipulated credit applications to sell more vehicles, state officials said. The Rosado Group owns several dealerships in Northeast Pennsylvania, including Dickson City Hyundai, Lehighton Kia, Milford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and Performance Kia in Moosic. Specifically, the settlement alleges many of the Rosado dealership practices violated the Pennsylvania Automotive Industry Trade Practices and Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This dealership network engaged in a pattern of deceptive practices that prioritized their own sales figures over transparency to customers who deserve fair and honest treatment, Attorney General David Sunday said in a news release. Many customers discovered higher final costs due to the dealership disguising add-on costs that they were then reluctant to remove when discovered. I appreciate the Rosado Group taking steps, via this settlement, to improve their overall business approach. The settlement includes $100,000 in restitution payments to consumers, state officials said. As part of an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance, the businesses must comply with state and federal law concerning sales, advertising and credit practices, officials said. Additionally, The Rosado Group agreed to hire a compliance officer, state officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dealerships also agreed to offer a 90-day, 3,000-mile powertrain warranty on vehicles outside of a manufacturers warranty and ensure consumers are fully aware of all terms of financing, officials said. In an emailed statement, The Rosado Group defended its business practices and stressed its commitment to customers. The Rosado Group has reached an agreement with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General to resolve a regulatory matter, said Bill Rosado, founder and president. This agreement includes no admission of wrongdoing. We chose this resolution because dragging out a court fight would waste time and money that would be better spent on our customers and our community. Were strengthening our training programs and hiring staff solely dedicated to compliance, ensuring every step of the buying process is clear, fair and transparent. Our customers are and have always been our top priority and nothing will distract us from standing by the people who count on us. The Rosado Group previously settled with the states attorney generals office in 2015 after an investigation alleged violations in consumer protection laws. As part of that settlement, the groups dealerships agreed to change their business practices and pay $67,500 to cover the cost of the investigation, civil penalties and $50,000 in customer restitution, according to court documents. Investigators with the attorney generals office Bureau of Consumer Protection found personnel at the dealerships engaged in misleading advertising practices, falsification of credit applications and abusive sales practices, according to court filings. BOSTON (SHNS) Having thrown the brakes on its offshore wind procurement plans, the state is moving quickly towards the first of at least four planned solicitations for energy storage capacity over the next five years. A 2024 clean energy law required utilities to jointly solicit and enter into cost-effective contracts for energy storage services and/or the environmental attributes of those storage systems equal to approximately 5,000 MW of capacity by July 31, 2030. The first procurement a request for proposals for the equivalent of up to 1,500 MW was published July 31 and is for only environmental attributes, which are renewable energy credits like the clean peak energy certificates that energy suppliers use to demonstrate compliance with state clean energy regulations. Massachusetts is seeking the environmental benefits associated with long-term contracts for mid-duration energy storage systems, which include those that can store energy and dispatch it at full capacity for between four and 10 hours. Bids are due by Sept. 10 and the independent evaluator tasked with monitoring the procurement said there should be robust bidding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Power Advisory notes that there are over 60 energy storage projects that are 40 MW or larger proposing to interconnect in Massachusetts offering almost 13,000 MW that have Feasibility Studies, System Impact Studies, Facilities Studies, or Interconnection Agreements, the firm, Power Advisory, wrote in its May report. Furthermore, Power Advisory has independently identified about 3,000 MW of energy storage projects under development that are proposing to interconnect in Massachusetts and can be characterized as in advanced development. Energy storage, which the Mass. Clean Energy Center said is often called the Swiss army knife of the electricity industry, has been expected to play a key role in the clean energy transition. The adoption of electric vehicles and heat pumps that many state officials envision would lead to significant electrification loads, and Massachusetts officials hope to meet that demand with cleaner sources of generation like offshore wind and hydropower. Energy storage is eyed as a way to capture clean power during off-peak hours to be deployed during daily peak demand periods to displace carbon-emitting generation sources. The 2024 energy law called for a staggered energy storage procurement schedule: 1,500 MW of mid-duration storage (environmental attributes only) by July 31, 2025, followed by separate 1,000 MW procurements by July 31 of both 2026 and 2027, with the rest of the capacity to be procured by July 31, 2030. The law specifies that 3,500 MW is to be made up of mid-duration energy storage (four to 10 hours), 750 MW is to be made up of long-duration storage (able to dispatch electricity between 10 hours and 24 hours), and, if commercially available at a reasonable cost, 750 MW is to be made up of multi-day energy storage systems. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The Trump administration has confirmed that the U.S. State Department has revoked more than 6,000 student visas so far this year. The State Department said that the visas were revoked primarily due to people who overstayed their visas, were charged with some crime such as assault, DUIs, burglary, or were engaged in "support for terrorism," Fox News, the BBC and CNN reported. "Every single student visa revoked under the Trump Administration has happened because the individual has either broken the law or expressed support for terrorism while in the United States," a senior State Department official told Fox News. "About 4,000 visas have been revoked because these visitors broke the law while visiting our country, including records of assaults and DUIs." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC said that while the State Department didn't define what actions counted as "support for terrorism," some of the students notably targeted were known to have protested in support of Palestine or accused of anti-Semitic conduct. Around 200 to 300 visa annulments were reportedly due to alleged terrorism as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The State Department conveyed to its consulates and embassies in June that student visa applicants had to be vetted for "hostile attitudes towards our citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles." All visa candidates were also required to set their social media profiles to public, and anyone who appeared to have limited public access to their online presence could be seen as attempting to "evade or hide certain activity." "Student visas, OK, are not a right," said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this month in an interview with the Eternal Word Television Network, or EWTN. "There is no constitutional right to a student visa. A student visa is something we decide to give you." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And by the way, visas of every kind are denied every day all over the world," he continued. "As I speak to you now, someone's visa application to the U.S. is being denied. So, if I would have denied you a visa had I known something about you, and I find out afterwards that I gave you a visa and I found this out about you, why wouldn't I be able to revoke your visa?" According to the State Department, nearly 401,000 F1, or student visas, were issued in fiscal year 2024, but that number is expected to drop for 2025, due to the new screening rules and a temporary pause on new visas that occurred earlier this year. The Association of International Educators, or NAFSA, reported in July that it and the JB International education technology company had forecast that "recent actions such as visa bans and disruptions in visa interviews and processing could have a devastating effect on U.S. local economies." The report predicts a possible 30-40% decline in new international student enrollment, which would help lead to an overall 15% drop in enrollment for the fall, and could "deprive local economies of $7 billion in spending and more than 60,000 jobs." Washington The State Department says it has revoked more than 6,000 student visas for overstays and violations of the law. The vast majority of those violations or alleged violations entailed assault, driving under the influence, burglary, and "support for terrorism," according to a State Department official, although the State Department didn't say whether those were accusations, arrests, charges or convictions. Two-thirds of the recently revoked visas were because the students violated the law, the official said. Fox News first reported the student visa revocations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those roughly 6,000 students represent a fraction of the 1.1 million foreign students who studied at colleges and universities in the U.S. in the 2023-2024 academic year, the most recently available data. The State Department official said between 200 and 300 of the visas pulled were over accusations that they engaged in "support for terrorism" under federal statute. The Trump administration has been cracking down on foreign students participating in pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. campuses, as well as universities that allow such protests. In one high-profile incident, Tufts University doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk's visa was revoked after she wrote an op-ed criticizing U.S. policy in the Middle East, and then was taken into custody by ICE. Her visa was restored and she was released after she spent six weeks in ICE detention. The Trump administration has also imposed stricter screening for student visa applications. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced in April that international students, among other visa applicants, would have their social media screened for things including antisemitic content. The State Department has also required that student visa applicants make their social media profiles public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for additional information on the revoked visas. Trump sounds off on potential security guarantees for Ukraine London Zoo has its annual weigh-in for about 10,000 animals Reporter's Notebook: The death of "skibidi"? DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) The state of Alabama invested over $5 million into the Wiregrass, bringing a new state-of-the-art Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences Lab to Dothan. State and local delegation cut the ribbon marking the official opening on Monday morning. The project has been in the making for several years, and its an investment I believe in, which is public safety, law enforcement, and protecting Alabama families, Gov. Kay Ivey said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This crime drug lab will conduct testing to help combat opioids and drugs within the region it will serve seven counties. The department processes about 35,000 drug cases a year, from counterfeit pills to fentanyl that kills all over this country, Gov. Ivey said. After the state forensics lab closed in Downtown Dothan years ago, law enforcement had to take drug evidence hours away to Montgomery. Long hours to a lab back and forth dont take bad guys off the streets, and because of these resources you have allowed it, it enhances public safety by keeping those officers in the community, Gen. Marshall said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The justice system will also benefit from the new lab, enabling them to prosecute drug cases more efficiently, with results available within six months instead of the 12-24 months typically required for results to return. Houston County DA Russ Goodman says they run 600 cases a year through the grand jury, some of those being drug cases. With cases backlogged, they have to dedicate some grand jury days to focus on drug cases alone. This will change the way we do things for the better of everybody, the defendants can move on with their lives, the community, and then we can get these cases off our docket so we can focus on more serious crimes, Goodman said. Currently, the center will focus on drug testing, but may soon expand in the future to include autopsy and DNA testing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. UHS Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton has announced it was awarded a $20 million grant through the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program with the state Department of Health. According to a UHS news release, the investment is one of more than 50 projects funded by New York state through the Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program, aimed at expanding access to inpatient, primary, behavioral health and long-term care services. "UHS DVH is a vital cornerstone of healthcare in its rural county, serving families, seniors, and individuals who might otherwise face significant barriers in receiving care," the release stated. "To better meet the growing needs of the community, the hospital recently announced its plans to build a four-story addition that will transform the rural hospital into the Delaware Valley Hospital Medical Neighborhood. This grant will support that expansion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This grant will provide crucial funding for the UHS DVH Medical Neighborhood, said UHS DVH President and CEO Rolland Boomer Bojo. This transformative investment will ensure that generations to come will have access to the highest quality of care close to home. The new building, which will be connected to the main hospital building, will house 25 inpatient beds and the following services and functions: * Primary medical care services * Medical specialty services * Physical, occupational and speech therapy * Laboratory, blood draw * Building services and other support functions The Medical Neighborhood Project is expected to begin in fall 2025 with an anticipated completion by the end of 2027, according to the release. Rodney Glassman speaking with attendees at a campaign rally for Andy Biggs on May 31, 2025. Photo by Gage Skidmore | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0 Prosecutors are investigating Rodney Glassman, a top Republican candidate for attorney general, after state elections officials said they believe he violated campaign finance contribution limits numerous times over the last year. Glassman, a frequent candidate for elected office in the Grand Canyon State, is a former Democratic Tucson City Councilman who unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Sen. John McCain as a Democrat in 2010. Since registering as a Republican in 2015 hes made several unsuccessful bids for office, including for corporation commissioner in 2018, Maricopa County Assessor in 2020 and for attorney general in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in his second try for attorney general in 2026, after losing the GOP primary for AG in 2022 to Abe Hamadeh, the Arizona Secretary of States Office concluded that Glassman repeatedly accepted campaign donations beyond legal limits. In 2024, when the limit in Arizona for individual donations was $5,400, Glassman accepted 22 donations for amounts beyond that, according to a complaint submitted to the Secretary of States Office in April by Republican activist Mike Webb. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX After examining Glassmans campaign finance report for the first quarter of 2025, the Secretary of States Office found that he also accepted eight more contributions beyond the $5,500 limit this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to questions about the transactions from Amy Chan, who at the time was general counsel for the Secretary of States Office, Glassman campaign attorney Lance Broberg acknowledged that the 2024 donations were in violation of campaign finance limits. He wrote that the over-payments could be attributed to credit card processing fees and that the campaign was in the process of refunding them. But the numbers dont add up. Nineteen of the 22 over-payments in 2024 were for $5,500, exactly $100 more than the 2024 limit equal to the new contribution limit that went into effect Jan. 1, 2025. Neither Broberg nor Glassmans campaign responded to the Arizona Mirrors questions and requests for comment. Only a handful of the over-limit donations seem to align with transaction fees charged by WinRed, the online donation platform that Glassmans campaign uses. The fees are around 4% of the payment amount and rarely equal whole numbers. For example, a $5,400 donation to Glassman in 2024 would incur a WinRed processing fee of $221.29. If the donor clicks a button agreeing to cover the processing fee in addition to the donation, their total would be $5,621.49. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Monday, Glassmans campaign donation page still allowed donations in excess of the limit if the donor agrees to cover transaction fees. Several other Republican candidates running in 2026 in Arizona also seem to accept payment of transaction fees beyond the $5,500 limit, including Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen, another Republican AG candidate who also uses WinRed. Ryan ODaniel, a campaign consultant for Petersen, told the Mirror that typically maximum donations are made by check, so there is no processing fee. But if campaigns do collect a processing fee that puts the donor over the $5,500 limit, the campaign is required to refund the excess amount within 60 days. But Arizona law specifies that its only legal if the campaign collects the excess donation unknowingly. Glassmans campaign had already missed that grace period for many of the over-donations when the initial complaint against him was lodged in April. Democratic election lawyer Jim Barton told the Mirror that any serious candidate should have a lawyer who understands these campaign finance rules to advise them. According to Glassmans 2025 campaign finance report for the second quarter, he refunded more than $12,000 in improper or over-donations. All of those refunds were made in late May or June, well past the 60-day grace period and after the complaint had been lodged with the Secretary of States Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint is cut and dry the Glassman campaign broke the law, ODaniel told the Mirror. If he cant understand and follow the most basic laws, Arizonans cant trust his judgment or ability to protect our state. After receiving the campaigns response that didnt quite add up, Chan did something thats not common in Arizona: She forwarded the campaign finance complaint against Glassman to the attorney general for possible prosecution. Having considered the evidence and arguments presented, the Secretary of States Office concludes that there is reasonable cause to believe the (Glassman campaign) violated campaign finance law, Chan wrote in her referral to the Attorney General Kris Mayes. Because Glassman is a possible opponent of Mayes, a Democrat who is running for reelection in 2026, Richie Taylor, a spokesman for Mayes, told the Mirror that Mayes couldnt comment on whether she believes that Glassman violated campaign finance law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Mayes office cant conduct the investigation, so the AGs Office forwarded the complaint to the Maricopa County Attorneys Office. But because Glassman and Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell are personal friends, MCAO is in the process of finding another county attorneys office to handle the complaint. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Beef cows graze in a pasture near Killdeer. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) Attorneys for the state of North Dakota have asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit that accuses the North Dakota Beef Commission of unlawfully favoring big cattle associations. The lawsuit, filed in July, says the commissions appointment process is unconstitutional and must be changed. In a court filing this month, the state denied those accusations and countered that the plaintiffs a group of independent ranchers havent made a clear case for why they think the commission is breaking the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for North Dakota also said that the ranchers cant bring the lawsuit because their window of time to do so has already expired. North Dakota law says that generally, legal action against the state must be taken within three years after an alleged harm occurs. The lawsuit claims that Gov. Kelly Armstrong and private associations wield too much power over who serves on the North Dakota Beef Commissions board. Under North Dakotas Beef Commission Act, which dates back to 2009, members of the commissions board are mostly nominated by private organizations and then selected by the governor, according to the plaintiffs complaint. Anyone can submit nominations for a select few seats, though the group of cattle producers bringing the lawsuit say the governor only picks members and affiliates of the Stockmens Association for these positions. The plaintiffs allege that independent ranchers like themselves get no representation on the board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They want a state district court judge to rule the Beef Commission Act unconstitutional and to strike it down. The plaintiffs also offer that, as an alternative, the court could bar the governor from selecting future commission members solely from a candidate pool picked by private associations. The main job of the Beef Commission is to decide how to use the states checkoff money. Checkoffs are funds the state raises through a small fee ranchers pay on cattle sales that is used to market the cattle industry. The money is used to help the industry by promoting beef consumption, as well as supporting research and education. For each head of cattle sold, beef producers pay $1 to the state and $1 to the federal government in checkoffs. The Beef Commission pulled in about $1.67 million in revenue from checkoffs last year, according to its 2024 annual report. In order to serve on the Beef Commission, the Beef Commission Act says beef producers cannot have requested refunds on their state checkoffs within the last three years. The plaintiffs in their complaint say this eligibility requirement is unlawfully discriminatory, and ask for the courts to suspend it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A representative of the Beef Commission last month said the agency does not comment on pending litigation. The plaintiffs include the Ranchers Rights Initiative and three of its directors: Kenneth Graner, Jeremy Maher and Michael Heaton. The Ranchers Rights Initiative describes itself as a group for independent North Dakota ranchers who dont belong to any of the leading professional associations for cattle producers. The case has been assigned to South Central Judicial District Judge Jackson Lofgren. The North Dakota state Legislature earlier this year considered legislation to have board members elected rather than appointed, though the bill died in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Beef Commission opposed the legislation. In testimony submitted on the bill, the commission said the appointment process supports a fair and impartial board. They also claimed that changing the current process would be expensive and could leave the commission vulnerable to political polarization. North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer can be reached at msteurer@northdakotamonitor.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WKBN) The Pittsburgh Steelers signed linebacker Kenny Willekes on Tuesday. Willekes spent the 2021 season with the Minnesota Vikings, appearing in six games. He finished the campaign with 18 tackles, including 11 solo stops, two tackles for a loss and a pass defensed. He later found success in the USFL, playing for the Michigan Panthers in 2024. Willekes played in nine games, finishing with 21 tackles and four sacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a corresponding move, the team waived/injured offensive tackle Gareth Warren. The Steelers conclude the preseason on Thursday at 7 p.m. on WKBN-27. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Stephen A. Smith on Monday slammed President Trump for not securing a peace deal with Russia and Ukraine despite his promises on the campaign trail. The reality is, and excuse my language, he opened his mouth and deposited checks his a cant cash. Thats really what it comes down to, Smith said during a Monday evening appearance on NewsNations Cuomo. You got to be able to end this war. You talked a lot of stuff about ending this war and how you would end it in one day. Now, we recognize that thats hyperbole. We understand that something like that is not going to end in one day, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith noted that Trump failed to punish Russia for not advancing peace talks as outlined ahead of his Friday summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. What I care about is the fact that you promised a ceasefire or severe consequences before the meeting, and in the immediate aftermath of a meeting, there was no ceasefire agreement, Smith told anchor Chris Cuomo. And a matter of fact, you seem damn near friendly towards him, acting like the meeting was productive. Well, wheres the evidence? We dont see any, he added. As of yet, there hasnt been a ceasefire thats been achieved its going to take some time to accomplish that. We understand that too, but in the time that it takes to accomplish that, what is Putin going to do? Chances are hes going to bomb Ukraine even more, so chances are hes going to try to gain more territory, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes going to continue to kill more Ukrainians. Thats the likelihood, he added. He told Cuomo that Putin got a photo-op, he got a chance to be on American soil, and he avoided to agree to a ceasefire or anything else. So it was a pretty damn good day for Putin as far as we can tell, good day for an authoritarian leader. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Aug. 19A Whiteside County judge ruled that a Sterling man accused of robbing a Morrison bank in July will undergo a mental fitness evaluation as requested by his attorney. Whiteside County Associate Judge Magen Mertes made the ruling during Ryan D. Hick's court appearance Monday when he was slated to have two preliminary hearings one for a case accusing him of robbing a Morrison bank and another charging him with possessing methamphetamine. The request for a fitness evaluation was made by Hicks' attorney, Janet Buttron, and will be completed by psychologist Jayne Braden. Mertes did not grant Buttron's request to have Braden evaluate Hicks to determine Hicks' mental state at the time of the alleged offense. That motion was continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hicks, 37, is charged with one count each of robbery and theft by threat in connection with the July 5 robbery of Community State Bank, 220 E. Main St., Morrison. Hicks is accused of producing a note at the bank about 11 a.m. July 5, demanding money and threatening to kill the teller if she did not provide it, Whiteside County Assistant State's Attorney Ryan Simon said during Hicks' July 7 court appearance. Simon said Hicks left with $2,000 before police arrived. Simon said the note linked Hicks to the robbery, telling the court that the demand for cash was written on the back of a restaurant receipt that bore Hicks' signature on the front. An abandoned cellphone also was found at the same restaurant where the receipt came from. A waitress reported to police that she had found the cellphone, which Simon said belonged to Hicks. Hicks' image also was captured on bank surveillance video, Simon said. Hicks was found later July 5 in Sterling with a lot of cash, a bike, computer equipment including a new laptop, multiple cellphones and liquor that he had just bought at the Sterling Walmart, Simon said during the July 7 court appearance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hicks denied being in Morrison, but police said they think he had been staying at a house in Morrison on July 4 and had been kicked out. Hicks told police he had been drinking moonshine overnight, was still drunk and wanted an attorney. The methamphetamine charge in the other case accuses Hicks of possessing 1.6 grams of meth when Rock Falls police arrested him on a Lee County contempt warrant June 16 at the Walmart in Rock Falls. Buttron on Monday asked Mertes to allow Hicks to be released from the Whiteside County Jail on pretrial release conditions. Mertes denied that request. Hicks' next court appearance is set for 1 p.m. Sept. 17. Kourtney Brown, a nursing manager at Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills campus, relates the stress of working at the failing Geary Community Hospital before Stormont Vail took ownership. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) JUNCTION CITY In 2021, employees at the county-owned Geary Community Hospital wondered every week if they would get a paycheck. The downhill spiral of the facility was coming to a critical point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Layoffs of certified nursing assistants. Staff hoarding supplies because they werent sure when, or even if, new ones would arrive. Increasing numbers of contract employees as local people left for more stable jobs. Broken equipment. Even today, three years after Topeka-based Stormont Vail Health took over and began turning around the failing hospital, staff still hoard supplies, said Kourtney Brown, a nursing manager at the renamed Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills campus. Its just one of those things where, every day, not knowing if the lights were going to be turned on we were worried about our electricity bills, she said. We were worried about our food bills. The worries were legitimate. Geary County Commissioner Trish Giordano said the hospital at one point had two days of operating cash on hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our doors were ready to close, she said. I took office in January of 2021, and it was obvious that we had to do something. Geary County Commissioner Trish Giordano shares the importance of keeping health care local by keeping the hospital open so Junction City residents dont have to travel for health care. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) County decisions Pinpointing exactly how the hospital got into such bad financial straits is difficult, Giordano said. A 15-member Board of Trustees ran the facility but had somehow missed red flags as the hospital began floundering, she said. County officials fielded constant constituent complaints about the hospital, and the situation was critical by 2020, Giordano said. Giordano believed the countys lack of a finance officer contributed to problems because commissioners didnt have good oversight of how the money collected from a six-mill tax levy was being used. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We had deferred maintenance of $20 million, operating in the red all the time. It was just a bad situation, she said. A long-time community member, Giordano served as a police officer in Junction City for 28 years. She campaigned for county commissioner on two issues: addressing the hospitals poor performance and hiring a first-ever county finance officer. One thing affected the other, Giordano said. When the county hired an experienced finance director in 2021, she helped the commission revamp the budget and use a $32 million bond to save the hospital with no impact to our taxpayers, Giordano said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The county is using the six-mill levy that was already in place to repay the bond debt. If we had had a finance person before, they would have seen those red flags years ago and would have saved us a lot of money, Giordano said. As county officials scrambled in 2021 to resuscitate the hospital, commissioners spoke with one organization interested in taking over. They wanted to eliminate services, such as inpatient care and delivering babies, Giordano said, leaving only clinics and an emergency room. Our community deserves better than that, she said. We deliver 300 babies a year here. At the end of 2021, Giordano and a governing board member reached out to Stormont Vails CEO. The hospital system was in the midst of dealing with COVID-19 but indicated interest in talking with them, Giordano said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea of taking over a hospital in Junction city wasnt in Stormonts long-term plan, said Anita Fry, vice president for marketing and communications, and its the first hospital Stormont has acquired. But the process has been successful in ways Stormont didnt expect, including how the Flint Hills campus blends with Stormont services offered in nearby Manhattan, she said. The synergy between Manhattan and Junction City can just continue to grow, Fry said. Having this whole operation gives us a different perspective now. We understand some of the smaller hospitals that feed into us in Topeka. It gives us a nice perspective to be able to think with a different lens. Tracy Duran, administrator at Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills campus, said shes pleased the facility is operating in the black, and shes hopeful to expand services. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Logistics The rebuilding process has not been an easy one, but Tracy Duran, Flint Hills campus administrator, lights up when she talks about where the hospital is now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A 19-year Stormont employee, Duran joined the Junction City operation as director of nursing before becoming the administrator. Stormont began managing the hospital in July 2022 and took full ownership on Jan. 1, 2023, she said. One of the first steps was putting an electronic medical record system into place. We had to get all of the policies and education to staff, she said. They learned like 13 different processes and new applications in that six months, so they were really drinking from a fire hose. Brown, the nursing manager, said it was difficult to keep up with all the changes at first but seeing the infusion of energy and money into the hospital made up for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not Stormont coming in and just taking over and changing everything about us, she said. We still got to be us in our community. But then we had a different name, and then we started getting a different reputation. You dont realize how bad your reputation was until it starts getting better. Employees welcomed the stability Stormont brought, Brown said. None of us knew how to accept things, she said. I remember something broke and Tracy was like, OK. Well just call Topeka and see if they have one or well just buy one. Brown shook her head at the memory, still amazed at the idea they didnt have to make do anymore. On another occasion, a Topeka unit got new recliners and she asked for their old ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre like, Youre not going to like them, Brown said. Excuse me. A patients using a trash can for a footstool. I got them and theyre beautiful. Just to be able to have supplies for our patients, be able to have equipment that works, thats trustworthy to be able to start slowly hiring different staff and these different specialties and these different services that we could provide to our community you started to see our community coming more and trusting us more. A sign is covered in employee signatures in the lobby of Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills campus, a visible reflection of the work Stormont is doing to support employees and expand the workforce. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Proof in the numbers Duran said that when Stormont came in, the hospital was losing $1 million to $1.5 million per month. Now the hospital is in the black. Over these last six months, its a baby profit, but its a profit, Duran said. Its a positive sign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They did not expect to see positive revenue that quickly, she said. I think weve gained a lot of respect back from the community, Duran said. Theyre coming. You can see that in our emergency room numbers. Theyre growing every month. When Stormont Vail took over, there were 175 employees, Fry said. Today, there are 250 plus an additional 85 contract employees who work mostly in nutritional services or on an as-needed basis. One of the first moves was to stabilize the emergency department staff by hiring new physicians and stopping the use of traveling doctors and nurses. They also hired physicians for the hospitalist program, which had been run by one doctor, Duran said. Jimmy Jenkins was in primary care though Duran pauses to say he first started at Geary Community Hospital doing lawn care but when he saw that primary care doctors were stressed by running a clinic all day and then taking calls in their off hours, he started the hospitalist program. He was really doing it 24/7 and was worn out with that, she said. We hired two internist-trained physicians and now Dr. Jenkins is back in our rural health clinic, she said. Challenges remain, but Duran said she believes those are no longer about stabilizing the hospital as much as they are the standard difficulties facing most medical facilities. The landscape of how were going to be reimbursed is going to be huge for us, she said. We have a high volume of self-pay (patients) and a high volume of marketplace insurances. Staffing is always a challenge, she said. We are really in a pattern of growing, and how do we grow and be a western hub for a hospital? she said. To do that, its going to take a lot of recruitment, a lot of marketing of what we need, and making sure that were balancing that with community resources. The courtyard at Junction Citys Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills campus is a peaceful place to take a break outside, for patients, visitors and employees. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) Keeping care local Cindy Samuelson, spokesperson for the Kansas Hospital Association, said she appreciates the collaboration that saved Junction Citys hospital. Times may be difficult for hospitals with financial and workforce issues 67% of Kansas hospitals are running in the red but the Flint Hills campus is an example of how community care can survive, she said. Theres a lot happening to help keep health care local, and a number of things happening in regards to the model of care being provided, Samuelson said. Our state is unique in that we have many independent hospitals. Many states have a lot more systems, where all their hospitals in their state are connected to some big system. Partnerships, whether through mergers or collaborations, throughout the Kansas medical system strengthens care and opportunities, she said. Samuelson listed multiple examples of how communities are addressing medical needs, including two struggling critical access hospitals in Harper and Anthony that merged together to create the Patterson Health Center, a public-private partnership. We are trying to sustain health care in our state close to home, she said. PROVIDENCE Butler Hospital workers have approved a new union contract, putting an end to months of tense bargaining and the longest hospital strike in Rhode Island history. Nurses and other frontline staff at the psychiatric hospital had been on strike and picketing outside the facility daily since May, striving for higher wages and better working conditions. After several rounds of "last" and "final" offers; urging by lawmakers and the governor to stay at the bargaining table and even a prayer vigil, an agreement was reached. Service Employees International Union 1199NE represents over 800 employees at Butler Hospital and said that workers voted overwhelmingly in favor of the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aided by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the unions bargaining committee struck a tentative deal for a new four-year contract with hospital management over the weekend and sent it to the rest of the workers for approval on August 18. According to the union, 99% of those who participated voted to ratify the contract. Workers will begin returning to work in the coming weeks. We are thrilled we were able to achieve wage increases of up to $5 an hour for our lowest paid members, secured our retirement and maintained affordable health care benefits, Dan Camp, a behavioral call intake staffer and bargaining committee member, shared in a statement. We hope that these gains will help recruit and retain more staff to improve workplace safety and improve care. It has not been an easy road but were hopeful this is a positive step between hospital workers and management, all for the good of our patients. Hundreds of workers at Butler Hospital walk off the job on May 15. The New England Health Care Employees Union (SEIU 1199NE) are striking for better wages, benefits and workplace safety. Whats in the contract? Wage increases for full-time employees by at least $6,000 in the first year of the contract; By the end of the four-year contract, no employee will earn less than $20 an hour. Retention of health care benefits and controlled out-of-pocket costs for Health Savings Account plans Financial support for workers injured by workplace violence Affordable retirement for current and future workers Educational benefit fund administered by the SEIU 1199NE Training and Education Fund For equity and inclusion efforts, the hospital will provide and share the costs of tri-lingual translation of medical and retirement benefits, as well as the union contract This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Butler Hospital strike comes to an end as workers win raises, benefits An updated free and reduced price meal policy for area school children has been announced. The Cherry Valley-Springfield, Edmeston, Laurens, Milford, Schenevus and Worcester Central School districts, which are component districts of Otsego-Northern Catskills BOCES, announced they amended their policy for serving meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2025-2026 school year, which would allow for all children at all schools/sites to be served meals at no charge. The Cooperstown Central School District announced in a separate news release, effective July 1, 2025, New York state schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program will offer reimbursable meals to students at no cost. Cooperstown CSD participates in NSLP and/or SBP. It asks that parents fill out an application to determine student eligibility based on the federal income eligibility criteria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex including gender identity and sexual orientation disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information, e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDAs TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at: https://tinyurl.com/3cndazt3, from any USDA office, by calling 866-632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainants name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or email: Program.Intake@usda.gov Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For more information, parents may contact their childrens schools food service director or Jennifer Avery, deputy superintendent, ONC BOCES, at 607-286-7715, Ext. 3325. The Brief A sixth-grade student at All Saints' Episcopal Day School was allegedly forced into a bathroom and stripped by older students on two separate occasions in February. A police report confirmed the incidents, some of which were also captured on school security cameras, but the victim's father declined to press charges. The school faces criticism for a lack of transparency as well as for a perceived culture of unaddressed bullying. PHOENIX - Serious concerns surround a private school in Phoenix after a shocking incident was confirmed by a police report obtained by FOX 10. A sixth grader was allegedly forced into a bathroom by older students who stripped him of his clothing. Parents are now questioning how this could happen on campus and if the schools response was sufficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The All Saints' Episcopal Day School campus is pristine, a 15-acre property for a little more than 500 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Established in 1963 and located near Maryland and Central Avenues, the school boasts academic excellence, character cultivation and community. The annual tuition is nearly $25,000, but parents say that price doesn't mean students are immune to bad behavior. All Saints' Episcopal Day School campus in Phoenix "Speaking to other parents, from hearing about things that have been reported to the leadership from the occurrences that have happened at school, it seems pretty obvious there is an issue of bullying at the school," said a former parent at All Saints' Episcopal Day School, who we will call "Jane" to remain anonymous. She has since withdrawn her children from the school due to multiple concerns, including bullying. The backstory According to a police report from February 24, officers initially responded to a call for "sexual abuse of a juvenile." The report says a sixth-grade boy reported being taken into a bathroom unwillingly by other boys who removed his clothes, leaving him in his underwear on February 13 and February 20. The head of All Saints', Dr. Emma Whitman, showed officers security camera videos from the hallway that captured multiple students physically moving the boy to the bathroom in both incidents. The three suspects were 14 at the time and in eighth grade. Phoenix police report "So, the interesting thing is, Justin, I know that information of what happened, because you have just told me," Jane said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the victim's teacher did not think this was a serious issue when the student came forward on Thursday, February 20, and the head of the school did not find out until the next day. The school says it called Phoenix PD on Feb 21. Phoenix Police said it was able to "locate a prior call on February 21, 2025, at around 7:58 pm; however, when the officer arrived, nobody was there for contact. The officer contacted the individual who placed the call and stated they would call back on Monday (February 24, 2025) to submit a report." What they're saying Jane says there was a lack of transparency from All Saints' after this unfolded. "So come, Monday is when a lot of the parents were emailing other parents. They were asking questions, and that's when the school was forced to address it," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two days later on February 26, an internal email from Whitman to the school's families announced an "active investigation regarding several students," also saying that "immediate action" was taken the same day that the second incident happened. The messaging cited childrens privacy and warned that the "spreading of misinformation" has "slowed the resolution of this issue." Jane says requests for a school community meeting on bullying concerns were shut down. "Why are you not willing to address the parent community as a whole? Surely, it's time-saving, because a lot of us have the same questions. So therefore, you can just answer us all in one go rather than doing it one by one. Me personally, it does not make sense to me. I don't understand that, but the open communication just isn't there," she said. Katey McPherson Youth mental health advocate Katey McPherson has spent 25 years on school campuses, studying how bullying has evolved firsthand. She advocated for families of victims impacted by teen violence in the East Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Whatever was reported was most likely under-reported," McPherson said. "When this type of thing happens to any child, but specifically boys that age, they typically tend to want it to go away, underreport it and not press charges because in boy world, snitches get stitches." Arizona law requires anyone working with children closely to call law enforcement if a child reports abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. "Parents are mandatory reporters, substitute teachers, teachers, administrators. Anybody who's in a position of trust, a position of authority, board of trustee members, governing board members, anybody who we would say is here to protect children, has to make a report within a very short amount of time," McPherson said. The other side A spokesperson released this statement on behalf of All Saints': "Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our students. Student behavior that is out of step with the expectations outlined in our parent-student handbook is reviewed thoroughly and consistently to determine appropriate action. We take seriously our responsibility as mandated reporters and contacted the necessary authorities on Friday, February 21, 2025. Per the police report, an officer was dispatched during school hours on Monday, February 24. We fully cooperated with the authorities." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the first incident on February 13, police learned that the victim did not feel comfortable telling his substitute teacher about what had happened. Police say none of the kids involved were interviewed due to All Saints' placing them on a leave of absence once the school's investigation began, but the victims father did speak to Phoenix police later. "I mean, this is like... alarm bells, immediate presence of police, you want to preserve the conversations among students as well," McPherson said. Per the report, the father said that the group of boys told his son "they did not like him" as one boy grabbed him from behind while others started taking off his clothing. "There's no excuse as to why witnesses were not interviewed," McPherson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims dad felt that the consequences brought by the school would be sufficient, declining to press charges and the case was closed. "As soon as the police get called on campus, you should address the whole parenthood of the school because that's the next level of bullying," Jane said. She believes she made the right choice for her kids to start a new academic chapter. "It was a decision that as soon as I made, I felt a weight was lifted off me," she said. What you can do If you have a tip for our investigations team, email fox10investigates@fox.com. Map of All Saints' location Global rising temperatures continue to threaten the Himalayas, but researchers found that soot that enters the atmosphere has a more immediate impact on the water resources in the region. What's happening? A new study found that black carbon particles were responsible for nearly 34% of glacial mass loss on the southern Tibetan Plateau between 2007 and 2016, per Mongabay-India. The soot in the region is mostly caused by household pollution, along with brick kilns and transport. Miriam Jackson, a scientist at the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate, said there is an urgent need to improve monitoring and reduce pollution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If we find out the changes are happening too quickly, then it may be beyond the limits of adaptation," Jackson told Mongabay-India. While soot only survives in the atmosphere for a limited amount of time, black carbon reduces a glacier's ability to reflect sunlight, which causes the ice to melt quicker than previously estimated. According to research, the disappearing glaciers will impact the water supply for more than one billion people across South Asia. Why are melting glaciers important? Like the Himalayas, glaciers in Arctic regions have also been impacted by black carbon pollution. Oil and gas operations are the primary reasons for soot in places like Alaska and Canada, according to NPR. More than one-third of the planet's remaining glaciers will disappear before the next century, according to the World Wildlife Fund. The melting glaciers can largely be attributed to human activities like burning dirty fuels, which release heat-trapping pollution into the atmosphere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A NASA study found that global rising temperatures have led to a sharp uptick in extreme weather events over the past half decade. Under the warmer conditions, melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels and elevated storm surge during extreme weather. Arctic ice melt can cause the disruption of entire food systems and increase the spread of disease. The food and water supply of two billion people worldwide is also threatened, per the United Nations. What's being done about melting glaciers? Researchers have continued to study and monitor melting glaciers in an effort to raise awareness and slow the effects of rising global temperatures. Some scientists even proposed the idea of building underwater curtains to protect glaciers and restrict the inflow of warm water. Meanwhile, consumers can explore critical climate issues and discover ways to help out at home. Using eco-friendly modes of transportation or switching to energy-efficient appliances are good ways to reduce your carbon impact and lower the amount of heat-trapping pollution in the air. 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. Two years after U.S. approval of the first over-the-counter birth control pill, new research shows many people who face barriers to medical care are turning to it. The study, published Monday in JAMA Network Open, included data from 986 people ages 15 to 45 across 44 states. All had obtained the pill -- known as Opill -- either online or from a pharmacy. Researchers found many switched from less effective birth control methods or from using no contraception at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a 31.8% increase in use among people who had previously used no birth control, and a 41% increase among those who had relied on methods like condoms or emergency contraception. Opill, made by drug company Perrigo, is a progestin-only pill that can be bought without a prescription. When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved it in 2023, it said the move could help lower barriers to access. At that time, the FDA noted that nearly half of the 6.1 million pregnancies in the U.S. each year are unintended, CBS News reported. "This is one of the first studies to show that over-the-counter birth control pills are reaching the very people they're meant to help -- those who face the greatest barriers to care," said lead study author Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The study found that people using the OTC pill were more often uninsured, younger (15 to 20 years of age), and living in rural areas. The top reason people gave for choosing the OTC pill was that it did not require a doctor's appointment. Others said they did not have a regular physician. "At a time when pregnancy is becoming even more dangerous in the United States -- especially for people of color, those with low incomes and those living in rural communities -- our findings underscore that OTC contraception is a powerful tool for reproductive autonomy," Rodriguez said in a news release. An outside expert who reviewed the findings agreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Jessica Shepherd is a board-certified OB/GYN and chief medical officer of the online health company Hers. "While greater access to contraception without prescriptions can be life-changing for women with limited resources, it also highlights how deeply the repercussions of unplanned pregnancies still ripple through health care systems and communities," she told CBS News. "Unplanned pregnancies often result in higher maternal and infant health risks, financial strain and long-term socioeconomic challenges-consequences that weigh most heavily on women who already face barriers to care," Shepherd added. More information Learn more about how Opill works. Copyright 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Fact checked by Sarah Scott Parents/Getty Images Key Points A new survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has reported that suicidal ideation has declined in teens from 2021 to 2024. Experts are generally optimistic about these findings, but point out that the survey does not break down the results into specific demographicswhich is an important distinction. Experts also note that equitable access to mental health care and continuing to lower stigma are key roles in the ongoing mission to reduce suicide in teens. New data shows that suicidal ideation and behaviors among teens is on the decline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A federal report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which collects interviews from 70,000 U.S. individuals ages 12 and over, found that the existence of suicidal ideation in 12-to-17-year-olds fell from almost 13% in 2021 to 10% in 2024. The report also notes that the number of documented suicide attempts by young people also fell from 3.6% to 2.7%. These findings create a sense of optimism among experts, given that suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens (gun violence being the first). Jill Harkavy-Friedman, senior vice president of research at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, told NPR that the study results are "very promising" and that the organization is hopeful about this upward trend. Flaws in the Report However, there's still work to be done and important disparities to be aware of. While SAMHSA's data is encouraging, the report does not break down the numbers into various demographics. According to NPR, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement that a future report will detail that breakdown, including race and ethnicity. These specifics are important because research has shown that suicide affects different groups of teens in disproportionate ways. For example, we know that LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risks of suicide than their heterosexual and/or cisgender peers, with LGBTQ+ young people of color at an even higher risk. What Parents Should Know While we can remain hopeful that this encouraging trend continues, it's still important to be mindful that suicide is a prevalent issue among young people todayand part of that has to do with health care access. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SAMHSA report noted that 60% of teens experiencing a recent episode of depression received treatment. The widespread average is even less. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an approximate 40% of adolescents with depression receive treatment. There are a variety of reasons why people can't access treatment, ranging from mental health stigma to insurance disparities, along with out-of-pocket costs and bias among medical providers. "Stigma and shame have long interfered with receiving adequate behavioral health care," Victor Fornari, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the director of child and adolescent psychiatry at the Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health in Queens, New York, previously told Parents. "Mental health is part of overall health. There is no health without mental health." Signs Your Child May Need Mental Health Treatment It's important for parents and caregivers to pay attention to their teen's behavior, mood, and overall well-being. If you notice any of the following, please consider speaking with a health care provider or therapist: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed Withdrawal from friends and family Substance use Heightened interest or obsession with death and dying Giving away or destroying possessions Extreme mood swings If you are concerned that your child is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, call 988 immediately to find support through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Further, it is important to know that you aren't alone. Resources are available for families of all types, including the organizations listed below. Suicide prevention hotlines, warmlines, and organizations: Support for youth and families: Support for LGBTQIA tweens, teens, and young adults: Read the original article on Parents SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) The city of Sturgis is reporting a significant rebound in sales tax revenue. In a report to the city council, city administrator Aaron Jordan said general fund sales tax collections reached $427,345.96 in July which is a 167.77% increase compared to July 2024, according to a news release. Closed SD newspapers expected to publish soon Through the first seven months of 2025, sales tax revenues have totaled $1,402,695.62, representing a 20.94% increase over the same period in 2024, and 5.31% higher than the same period in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tax collected on lodging, dining, alcoholic beverages was down in July and is down for the year. Those collections totaled $34,631.82, a 20.30% decrease compared to July 2024. Overall, collections for the first six months of 2025 reached $150,013.02, which is 13.45% lower than the same period in 2024 and 15.91% lower than in 2023, the release said. Despite these declines, certain months in 2025 have shown bright spots. January, March, and May all came in above the three-year average, with May registering one of the strongest months on record at $52,249.36. However, the lower totals in April and June pulled the year-to-date figures down, making 2025 the lowest mid-year total since 2021, officials said in the news release. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally this year was the first week of August, after these reports. Sales tax data from that event has not been reported yet. Last year, the DOR reported $790,000 in sales tax revenue from the rally. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. WASHINGTON Two hundred and ten days after the day he said he would end Russias brutal invasion of Ukraine, President Donald Trump again failed to do so Monday, only this time in the company of Ukraines leader and seven of his top European allies. I think that President Putin wants to find an answer, too, and well see. And in a certain period of time, not very far from now, a week or two weeks, were going to know whether or not were going to solve this, Trump said, slipping into his familiar time frame of other goals he never accomplished, such as the release of his plans for health care or infrastructure and one he has previously provided multiple times for how long it would take to know if Russian dictator Vladimir Putin was serious about ending his war. Related: Critics Burn 'Fitting' Detail Of New White House Trump Painting What happens next is unclear. Trump again floated the idea of Zelenskyy, Putin and himself meeting, but there is no indication that Putin is interested in stopping either his invasion force or his nightly drone and missile attacks against civilian targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putins condition for doing so is for Ukraine to give him the land in the eastern part of the country that he has been unable to take by force for three and a half years. In a news conference following the White House meeting, Zelenskyy said that Russia had agreed to a meeting between him and Putin, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he, indeed, expects it to take place within the next two weeks. Trumps comments came at the start of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the heads of the European Union, NATO and five separate Western European nations. The impromptu defense summit came together within days of Trumps Friday meeting with Putin, which ended without any apparent progress and certainly without the ceasefire Trump had said he would insist upon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Soon afterward, it was announced that Zelenskyy would come to Washington to meet with Trump on Monday possibly to prevent Putins explanation and rationale for his invasion from taking root in Trumps mind and becoming his own. Related: Zelenskyy Gets Snarky After Marjorie Taylor Greene's Boyfriend Remarks On His Suit The last time Zelenskyy visited the White House in February, both Trump and Vice President JD Vance attacked and insulted him treatment that was viewed with horror in European capitals. Within two days of the announcement of Zelenskyys Monday meeting, Merz, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen all announced that they would be attending, as well. Im very thankful to all the leaders who are here, and you help a lot, Zelenskyy said at the start of the group meeting with Trump on Monday afternoon. President Donald Trump, center, participates in a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, seated at the table from center left, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and from foreground left, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio listen in the White House on Aug. 18, 2025. Alex Brandon/AP Photo Rutte, who praised Trump repeatedly at Junes NATO summit in The Hague as part of an overall strategy by European leaders of flattering him to win him over, continued Monday. I really want to thank you, president of the United States, dear Donald, for the fact that you, as I said before, broke the deadlock basically with President Putin by starting that dialogue, Rutte said. Related: Gavin Newsom Is Talking Like Trump And It's Infuriating The Right Trump, for his part, continued to claim that Putin likes and respects him, despite all evidence to the contrary. I think he wants to make a deal for me, he told the others as they waited for the press pool to be escorted into the East Room. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His comment was captured by a microphone that was, evidently unbeknownst to him, already live. Why Trump believes that, if he actually does, is not readily apparent. Trump essentially took Russias side in its invasion of its neighbor during his first few months in office after having called Putin savvy and a genius in the days after the war began in February 2022. In recent months, Trump has said he has become exasperated by Putins continued attacks on Ukrainian civilians. But while he has spoken about holding Putin accountable for the slaughter, thus far, he has done little or nothing to achieve that. Related: Emmanuel Macron Reacts To Trump's Hot Mic Comment On Vladimir Putin An Aug. 8 deadline for Putin to declare a ceasefire or face more economic sanctions came and went with no action. Trump then eagerly agreed to meet Putin in Alaska and literally rolled out the red carpet to greet him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump again claimed ahead of that meeting that Putin would face a penalty if he refused to end his nightly attacks on Ukrainian civilians and his continuing invasion. There will be very severe consequences, he said Wednesday during a visit to the Kennedy Center. On the flight out to Alaska, Trump said the whole point of the trip was to get a ceasefire. 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, he told reporters on Air Force One. All that talk evaporated, though, after meeting his benefactor in the 2016 election face to face. Trump did not speak to reporters after the trip, but in an interview with unofficial adviser and Fox News host Sean Hannity, he said the burden was now on Zelenskyy and European leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Make a deal, got to make a deal. Russia is a very big power, and theyre not, he said when asked what advice he would give Zelenskyy. Related... Read the original on HuffPost The last time Volodymyr Zelensky set foot in the Oval Office must have been one of the worst days of his life. The disgraceful barracking, the finger-pointing, the insults over his clothing; all left him deeply humiliated. This time round, however, he had time to prepare. And although the overall picture remains bleak for Ukraine, Zelensky and his allies marshalled some impressive savoir faire and appeared to reclaim ground with Donald Trump that had once appeared to be lost forever. First there was the question of Zelenskys clothing. (A petty place to begin, but that is where Trump has forced us.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last time, Zelenskys outfit riled American tempers. On this occasion, however, he managed to both preserve his integrity and make a gesture of respect by donning a black field jacket, as he did for the funeral of Pope Francis in April. Trump was flattered and clearly loved it. Whats more, when the same reporter who had attacked him so brutally complimented his new attire, Zelensky handled it well.You are in the same suit, he remarked with a disarming smile. I changed. You dont. Laughter all round; the reporter didnt seem to feel the knife going in, but to everyone else the message was clear. Wearing the same field jacket he donned at Pope Franciss funeral, Zelensky meets Trump in a calculated display of humility - AP This was the modus operandi employed by Zelensky and the Europeans: give Trump the obeisance and flattery he needed, while manoeuvring their pieces into a position that put pressure on their enemies. Consider another piece of theatre, the delivery of a letter from Zelenskys wife to the First Lady. This was a nod to the way in which Melania had written to Putin calling for the protection of children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not to you to your wife, the Ukrainian leader said as he handed it to Trump, who accepted it warmly. In both conception and choreography, this was perfect: leveraging a gesture of support from the United States in a way that was highly personal to the President. Psychologically, it was evidently designed to bring Trump onside. It seemed to work. Again, the bigger picture is not ideal for Ukraine. But by comparison to the bewildering Alaska summit, the European alliance made important strategic gains. Crucially, Zelensky seemed to persuade the President that he is genuinely interested in peace, not the blocker for which Trump unfairly took him last time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This paved the way to perhaps the most significant breakthrough yet: Trumps refusal to rule out putting American boots on the ground as part of a security guarantee. They [Europe] are the first line of defence because theyre there but were going to help them out also. Well be involved, he said. Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky appeared in a family photo with the European leaders - Aaron Schwarz/Shutterstock This statement would have been unimaginable from the very beginning of the second Trump term. Yet there it was. A great achievement of European diplomacy. That was not all. In a late night post on Truth Social, Trump confirmed that he had begun arrangements for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin. This was another win for the good guys. A meeting would entail Putin tacitly accepting Zelenskys position as a legitimate head of state, something that would stick in the Russians craw. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Put all this together and what do you get? If Alaska was a shameful display of friendliness towards the blood-soaked tyrant of the Kremlin, Monday could be chalked up as a quiet diplomatic win for Ukraine. President Trump speaks with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where the Russian leader demanded Ukraine surrender Donetsk to secure peace - AP For the first time in recent weeks, Putin may be the one under pressure. If he responds to these intrusions into his dominance by torpedoing a deal or any future talks, he could make himself the party to blame. That may draw some retaliation from the White House, which is desperate to end the war. Would sanctions ensue? Maybe. Either way, Trumps sympathies may be won back from the dark side of the force, placing Ukraine in a position to further press the advantage. It would be foolish to predict what will happen next. But we must take comfort where we can: through Ukrainian eyes, the board is looking a little less hopeless than it did last week. Its amazing what a field jacket, a personal letter and a silver tongue can do. 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. WAIKIKI, Oahu (KHON2) The waves at Kuhio Beach will be going to the dogs this week, literally. Hawaiis 5 most commonly surrendered dog breeds Duke Kahanamoku OceanFest is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Hawaiis only pet surfing competition, the Raising Canes Going to the Dogs SurFUR ComPETition, on Thursday, August 21, 2025. The lighthearted but fiercely competitive event is part of the annual weeklong OceanFest, honoring the life and legacy of Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing and the original Ambassador of Aloha. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Duke and his family surfed with their dogs in Waikiki, so its a tradition with deep roots, said Kelli Bullock Hergert, organizer of the event. The SurFUR ComPETition has become one of the most popular parts of OceanFest, and this year were thrilled to be celebrating its 10th anniversary. The competition kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at Baby Queens surf break, next to the Duke statue in Waikiki, with awards scheduled for around 1:30 p.m. Spectators can expect plenty of thrills as 25 tandem teams and four solo surfurs hit the water. Among the competitors is returning champion Chris Casey and his dog Chloe, who captured first place in the 2024 tandem category. Casey says the experience of sharing waves with Chloe is unlike anything else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winning last year was unbelievable, especially with so many talented surfer dogs in the competition, Casey said. Chloe and I have been training hard to defend our title, but for us its really about celebrating the event, the community, and the love of surfing. The contest isnt just about bragging rights. Thanks to longtime sponsor Raising Canes, three lucky pups will also have the chance to win Chicken Fingers for a Year. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Registration for this years contest is already full, but fans are encouraged to come down and cheer on their favorite furry athletes. For more information, visit www.dukesoceanfest.com or follow @surfdogshawaii on Instagram. EVENT DETAILS: WHAT: Raising Canes Going to the Dogs SurFUR ComPETition 10th Anniversary WHEN: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 8:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Kuhio Beach, Baby Queens surf break, Waikiki INFO: www.dukesoceanfest.com | www.surfdogshawaii.com Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. In the middle of the night, by the glow of their mobile phones, rescuers and villagers dug through the concrete remains of flattened houses after massive rocks crashed down on a remote Pakistani village following a cloudburst. Using hammers, shovels, and in many cases their bare hands to clear the rubble and open blocked pathways, they searched through the debris in darkness, with no electricity in the area. In just minutes, a torrent of water and rocks swept down on the village of Dalori on Monday, destroying at least 15 houses, damaging several others and killing nine people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around 20 villagers are still trapped under the debris. "A huge bang came from the top of the mountain, and then dark smoke billowed into the sky," Lal Khan, a 46-year-old local labourer, told AFP. "A massive surge of water gushed down with the sliding mountain," he added. The cloudburst above Dalori came a few days into heavy monsoon rains that have already killed more than 350 people across mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, along the northwest border with Afghanistan. Torrential rains in northern Pakistan since Thursday have caused flooding and landslides that have swept away entire villages, with around 200 people still missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And authorities have warned of fresh flash floods in the coming days. Khan recalled seeing the hand of his neighbour sticking out of the rubble, where rescuers later retrieved her body along with those of her four children. "We are absolutely helpless. We don't have the means to tackle this calamity that nature has sent upon us," Khan added. - 'Like an apocalyptic movie' - Fellow resident Gul Hazir said not one but several cloudbursts from two sides of the village struck the remote valley. "It was like an apocalyptic movie. I still can't believe what I saw," Hazir said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was not the water that struck first, but a massive amount of rocks and stones that smashed into the houses," Hazir told AFP. Local administration official Usman Khan told AFP at the site that many of the houses had been built in the middle of the stream bed, which worsened the scale of destruction. "There was no way for the water to recede after the cloudburst struck at least 11 separate locations in the area," he said. "It is immensely challenging to carry out operations here, as heavy machinery cannot pass through the narrow alleys." Saqib Ghani, a student who lost his father and was searching for other relatives, tried to claw through the concrete with his bare hands before rescuers pulled him away and villagers gave him water. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The single road leading to the village was demolished at several points, while gravel was scattered across the settlement. Despite the challenging conditions, excavators were working at several sites to remove debris that had clogged the drainage channels and blocked the flow of water. Dalori has already held funerals for five victims, while women mourned in darkened homes with no electricity since the disaster. In the village's narrow alleys, unattended cattle wandered freely amid the devastation. "I will not live here anymore," said a grieving woman, draped in a large shawl, as she followed a coffin being carried through the street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past few days, the villagers had been collecting money to help people in neighbouring flood-hit areas, until they too were overwhelmed by disaster and lost everything. "We didn't know we would be needing help ourselves," Hazir added. zz/mtp A Marine Corps and U.S. Army veteran who was deployed in the Middle East announced his campaign for Senate in Maine on Tuesday, seeking to oust longtime Republican incumbent Susan Collins, who is eyeing her sixth term in Washington, D.C. Graham Platner is a 40-year-old oyster farmer from Sullivan, Maine, who believes working-class people in the state are suffering at the hands of big corporations and politicians in D.C. He points his finger at 72-year-old Collins and what he sees as her failure to stand up to President Donald Trump and his legislative agenda. Related: Gavin Newsom Is Talking Like Trump And It's Infuriating The Right Nobody can tell me Collins doesnt know how to use power, the Democratic candidate said in an interview with HuffPost. Shes very well-versed in the mechanisms of the Senate. She chose not to use that power to hold up the bill that was going to destroy Medicaid for so many Mainers. Im not fooled by that. Graham Platner, a 40-year-old oyster farmer and veteran, is hoping to shake up the Maine Senate race. Graham Platner / YouTube Collins voted against Trumps massive bill cutting Medicaid and taxes on the wealthy but her earlier vote to advance the measure was critical in clearing its path to passage. As chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the senator has also watched Trumps White House withhold hundreds of millions of dollars from federal programs that have bipartisan support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think she has worked this complicated charade, Platner added. She pretends to be a moderate to appeal across the spectrum, while very often voting along with Republicans. Democrats road to retaking the Senate majority in next years midterm elections runs in large part through Maine, a blue state that Kamala Harris carried by seven points in the 2024 presidential election. Yet the party has struggled to recruit top-tier candidates to challenge Collins, a formidable opponent who has a large campaign war chest. Platner joins former congressional staffer Jordan Wood in running for the seat. Meanwhile, most Democrats are holding out hope that 77-year-old Maine Gov. Janet Mills (D) enters the race despite being noncommittal about the idea. Related: Critics Burn 'Fitting' Detail Of New White House Trump Painting Collins could face a tougher path to reelection this time around. She has seen her polling plummet during the first six months of Trumps second term, and Democrats will be eager to tie her to his legislative agenda of cuts to rural health care and other popular government programs. Trumps tariffs have also wreaked havoc on Maines economy, which is reliant on cross-border trade with Canada. Related: GOP Sen. Thom Tillis Announces He Won't Seek Reelection Still, Collins has survived scares before. During her 2020 reelection fight, she was vastly outraised by her opponent, then-Maine state House Speaker Sara Gideon, and the GOP senator consistently trailed in the polls. Ultimately, Collins came out on top even as Trump lost the state to Democrat Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Platner, a tattooed vet who did four infantry tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, the decision to run for political office was borne out of love for his country and the state of Maine. Im watching it in many ways get ripped apart by the collapse of the rural health care system, the inability of people to afford housing and watching immense amounts of taxpayer money get expended on wasteful foreign wars, Platner told HuffPost. Im doing this because I love this place, I cannot stand by and live a good life while everything I feel connected to falls apart around me. He called Trumps deployment of National Guard troops in D.C. and other cities a horrific abuse of the capabilities of the U.S. military. This is not the America we want to live in, full of armed, uniformed, masked agents, he said. This is dystopian. It is not the America that many people voted for, including for Trump. Many are friends of mine. This is not something we as Americans want to see our government do. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And he criticized feckless Democrats for failing to connect working class Americans, urging the party to get tougher against Republicans and eliminate the Senate filibuster rule if and when they regain the majority. You cant win a chess match when the other side turns the board over and starts to beat you with it, he said. More on Politics Emmanuel Macron Reacts To Trump's Hot Mic Comment On Vladimir Putin Trump Blasts GOP Sen. Susan Collins For Daring To Cross Him John Bolton Spots Sure Sign Trump Was 'Clearly On Edge' Ahead Of Key Moment Read the original on HuffPost A task force of local and federal law enforcement agencies is on the hunt for a Niagara Falls man charged with deliberately setting a homeless woman on fire outside his Niagara Street food truck. Members of the U.S. Marshals Felony Fugitive Task Force and detectives with the Falls Police Warrants Division have launched a search for Barinder Singh after he failed to appear for a conference in Niagara County Court on Friday. County Court Judge John Ottaviano issued an arrest warrant for Singh, and he could face additional criminal charges connected to his failure to appear for the conference. Singh, 39, had been free on bail after pleading not guilty to a single count of first-degree assault, contained in a grand jury indictment. The charge stems from an incident on Aug. 4, 2024, when Sigh is accused of setting a woman on fire, outside his food truck, which had been located in a parking lot on Niagara Street between Seventh and Eight streets, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ottaviano had ordered Singh held in lieu of bail of $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond or $1 million partially secured. He had previously been free on his own recognizance after he was originally charged with the B felony level assault in Niagara Falls City Court. Niagara County prosecutors sought a higher bail after arguing that Singh was a danger to the community and a risk of flight. Singh reportedly posted the cash using the proceeds from the sale of his food truck. The large, neon-lit truck disappeared from the gas station parking lot, where it was located, just days after Singhs arraignment in Niagara County Court. In April, Singh was given two weeks to consider a plea offer from prosecutors that called for him to to plead guilty to the first-degree assault charge in return for less than the maximum possible prison sentence for that crime. In New York, a conviction for first-degree assault calls for a minimum sentence of 5 years behind bars and a maximum of 25 years in a correctional facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that two-week period, Singh fired his defense attorney and reportedly rejected the plea offer. Sources close to the case said Singh has told people he doesnt understand why and believes he should not have been charged in the case. Singhs new attorney, Brian Parker, of the Niagara County Public Defenders Conflict Office, told Ottaviano that his client was aware of the conference and knew that he had to attend it. Parker also said that in recent weeks, Singh has not answered his phone calls or returned his messages. Niagara County prosecutors had no immediate comment on Singhs disappearance. Singhs victim, Judith Lynn Lafler, 48, was discovered dead on Jan. 21, in a ramshackle home at 1014 Cleveland Ave. by another homeless person sharing the dwelling with her. Law enforcement sources said its believed that Lafler froze to death in the unheated home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was badly burned during an incident about 1:45 a.m. on Aug. 4, 2024, Falls Police patrol officers responded to a call of a woman on fire outside a food truck in the parking lot of a gas station at Niagara and Seventh streets. The responding patrol officers said they found Lafler with severe burns to her head, arms and body. The first officer on the scene said that it looked like (Laflers) face was melting off. Lafler was treated at the scene by Falls firefighters and then rushed to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo for care. Detectives said she had suffered third-degree burns over much of her body. Sources close to the police investigation of the case said Lafler had been confronted by Singh, who accused her of stealing from his food truck. That confrontation then escalated and investigators said Singh doused (Lafler) with a flammable liquid and set her on fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several investigators, with extensive knowledge of the case, called it disturbing and horrific. First Assistant Niagara County District Attorney Doreen Hoffmann has said that Laflers death will have no effect on Singhs prosecution. LOCKPORT A task force of local and federal law enforcement agencies is on the hunt for a Niagara Falls man charged with deliberately setting a homeless woman on fire outside his Niagara Street food truck. Members of the U.S. Marshals Felony Fugitive Task Force and detectives with the Falls Police Warrants Division have launched a search for Barinder Singh after he failed to appear for a conference in Niagara County Court on Friday. County Court Judge John Ottaviano issued an arrest warrant for Singh, and he could face additional criminal charges connected to his failure to appear for the conference. Singh, 39, had been free on bail after pleading not guilty to a single count of first-degree assault, contained in a grand jury indictment. The charge stems from an incident on Aug. 4, 2024, when Sigh is accused of setting a woman on fire, outside his food truck, which had been located in a parking lot on Niagara Street between Seventh and Eight streets, Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ottaviano had ordered Singh held in lieu of bail of $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond or $1 million partially secured. He had previously been free on his own recognizance after he was originally charged with the B felony level assault in Niagara Falls City Court. Niagara County prosecutors sought a higher bail after arguing that Singh was a danger to the community and a risk of flight. Singh reportedly posted the cash using the proceeds from the sale of his food truck. The large, neon-lit truck disappeared from the gas station parking lot, where it was located, just days after Singhs arraignment in Niagara County Court. In April, Singh was given two weeks to consider a plea offer from prosecutors that called for him to to plead guilty to the first-degree assault charge in return for less than the maximum possible prison sentence for that crime. In New York, a conviction for first-degree assault calls for a minimum sentence of 5 years behind bars and a maximum of 25 years in a correctional facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that two-week period, Singh fired his defense attorney and reportedly rejected the plea offer. Sources close to the case said Singh has told people he doesnt understand why and believes he should not have been charged in the case. Singhs new attorney, Brian Parker, of the Niagara County Public Defenders Conflict Office, told Ottaviano that his client was aware of the conference and knew that he had to attend it. Parker also said that in recent weeks, Singh has not answered his phone calls or returned his messages. Niagara County prosecutors had no immediate comment on Singhs disappearance. Singhs victim, Judith Lynn Lafler, 48, was discovered dead on Jan. 21, in a ramshackle home at 1014 Cleveland Ave. by another homeless person sharing the dwelling with her. Law enforcement sources said its believed that Lafler froze to death in the unheated home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was badly burned during an incident about 1:45 a.m. on Aug. 4, 2024, Falls Police patrol officers responded to a call of a woman on fire outside a food truck in the parking lot of a gas station at Niagara and Seventh streets. The responding patrol officers said they found Lafler with severe burns to her head, arms and body. The first officer on the scene said that it looked like (Laflers) face was melting off. Lafler was treated at the scene by Falls firefighters and then rushed to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo for care. Detectives said she had suffered third-degree burns over much of her body. Sources close to the police investigation of the case said Lafler had been confronted by Singh, who accused her of stealing from his food truck. That confrontation then escalated and investigators said Singh doused (Lafler) with a flammable liquid and set her on fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several investigators, with extensive knowledge of the case, called it disturbing and horrific. First Assistant Niagara County District Attorney Doreen Hoffmann has said that Laflers death will have no effect on Singhs prosecution. BERLIN (AP) The suspect in a deadly car-ramming attack on a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg has been charged with murder, attempted murder and bodily harm, prosecutors said Tuesday, claiming he was trying to kill as many people as possible. Five women and a boy died, and many more people were wounded, in the Dec. 20 attack that lasted just over a minute. Authorities have identified the suspect as a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and had received permanent residency. They haven't officially released his name, in keeping with German privacy rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an indictment filed to the state court in Magdeburg, prosecutors say he is charged with six counts of murder, 338 counts of attempted murder and 309 counts of bodily harm. He is also accused of dangerous interference with road traffic. Murder charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. The Magdeburg court will decide whether to send the case to trial. Prosecutors said the man wasnt under the influence of alcohol and apparently carried out the attack out of dissatisfaction and frustration with the course and outcome of a civil law dispute and the failure of various criminal complaints. They said he aimed to kill as many people as possible and had spent several weeks planning the attack, without accomplices or anyone else knowing about his plans. The attack was carried out with a rented BMW X3, which reached speeds of up to 48 kph (30 mph) during the rampage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials have said the suspect doesnt fit the usual profile of perpetrators of extremist attacks. The man described himself as an ex-Muslim who was highly critical of Islam and on social media expressed support for the far-right. The suspect had previously come to authorities attention for threatening behavior but wasnt known to have committed any violence. CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW) A 26-year-old Conway man arrested after Friday nights deadly shooting at Rascals Bar & Grill will remain in jail pending a bond hearing in Horry County Circuit Court, a judge ruled. Irving Oswaldo Gonzalez Centeno, 26, was arrested Sunday and charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in connection with the killing of Lester Goldsmith, 41, of Aynor, who worked at the bar. He appeared before a judge in Conway Municipal Court on Tuesday and was ordered held in the J. Reuben Long Detention Center pending a bond hearing. Municipal judges in South Carolina cannot set bond in murder cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Centeno is one of three men facing charges tied to the shooting. Herman Sanchez Herrera and Marcos Gutierrez-Vazquez are accused of disorderly conduct and given bonds of $1,087 each. The two men are scheduled to appear in Conway Municipal Court on Oct. 2 Gutierrez-Vazquez on Sept. 4 and Herrera on Oct. 2. The shooting happened shortly before 10 p.m. Friday at the bar and restaurant at 1221 16th Ave. in Conway. A police report released Tuesday afternoon indicated a large crowd was present in the parking lot when officers arrived, but it did not contain any other details about what happened. * * * Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. ENID Authorities have released the name of the suspect who was shot and killed by police after he fatally shot a security guard at an Enid hospital late Sunday. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation identified the shooter as Dedrick Bloss, 46, who'd been found by police outside Integris Health Enid Hospital around 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, after a domestic disturbance call nearby. When officers with the Enid Police Department attempted to make contact with Bloss, he shot at them before making his way into the hospital, according to the OSBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials for Integris Health Enid Hospital said that J.W. Bode, a 72-year-old security guard, was shot by Bloss while inside the hospital. Officers with the Enid Police Department were put on paid leave after an officer-involved shooting of a suspect at Integris Health Enid Hospital late Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. After shooting at police and entering the hospital, the suspect also shot and killed a security guard before being fatally shot by police. *Image Provided "J.W. was our colleague and friend," the hospital wrote Monday in a social media post. "He had worked at INTEGRIS Health Enid Hospital for five years and dedicated most of his professional life to service and safety. He was the proud father of three adult children and (he was) a doting grandfather. Our deepest condolences go out to his family." Bode was shot as he approached the suspect, according to hospital officials. Enid police entered the building and fatally shot Bloss, the OSBI said. More: Two men, including suspect, die after officer-involved shooting at Enid hospital Sunday Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OSBI, which was requested by Enid police to investigate the case, said that no police officers, hospital patients or medical staff were injured during the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities did not release further information Tuesday. "We are profoundly grateful to local and state law enforcement agencies for their swift and courageous response in resecuring the hospital and protecting our patients, caregivers and community," Integris Health Enid Hospital officials said in a statement. "We are especially thankful for the quick and selfless actions of Officer J.W. Bode, who valiantly put himself in harm's way to save others. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Suspect in Enid hospital shooting identified by OSBI as Dedrick Bloss The suspect in a fatal South Jersey shooting has been apprehended in Virginia, authorities said on Tuesday. James H. McDowell Jr., 33, of Beverly in Burlington County, was taken into custody in Roanoke, Virginia, on Friday, the Burlington County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. He is charged with first-degree murder and several second-degree weapons offenses. The shooting happened on the morning of June 8 at the corner of Earl and Clarkson streets in Burlington City. Officers responding to the scene found 38-year-old Derrick Adams, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams, a Burlington City resident, was pronounced dead on the scene, officials said. The shooter had fled the area before police arrived. The U.S. Marshals Service and multiple local police departments in New Jersey and Virginia assisted with the investigation leading to McDowells arrest. Prosecutors did not say how McDowell was identified as the suspect. McDowell is in custody at the Roanoke City Adult Detention Center as he awaits extradition to New Jersey. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma City police are trying to find the suspect responsible for hitting and critically injuring a teenage girl with a truck. It all happened after they left a party where a fight broke out. I dont know how they didnt know they hit somebody, Msgt. Gary Knight with the Oklahoma City Police Dept. said. Oklahoma City Police investigating after hit-and-run leaves teen critically injured Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Take a really close look at the photos attached to this story. Admittedly, the pictures arent very good that were putting out, but its the best we have, Knight said. Something is far better than nothing though when youre searching for who owns the truck allegedly responsible for hitting someone and running away. It was back on August 8th when police responded to what started out as a very large party, Knight said. It was in a neighborhood near Reno Avenue and Villa Avenue where a fight broke out. Somebody got into the truck in the pictures trying to leave the crowded area. On their way out, Knight said they hit and critically hurt a teenage girl. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this point, shes expected to recover and to be okay, Knight said. But she did suffer critical injuries, and the driver just drove away and left her there. In a Facebook post, police describe it as a Dodge Ram between years 2015 and 2017. It had purple fog lights on the front and colored tail lights. Girl injured in hit-and-run. Image courtesy Oklahoma City Police. Girl injured in hit-and-run. Image courtesy Oklahoma City Police. It should have some drivers side damage along the bed and maybe a busted taillight on the drivers side, so, somebody who knows the person thats familiar with this vehicle should recognize it, Knight said. OK family offering cash reward after driver runs loved ones off the road, leaves scene Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A plea to the public, just hoping it can lead to justice. We certainly need the publics help, Knight said. So, if you have information, Crimestoppers is the number to call. No one else was hurt in the incident. You can call Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300. You can also remain anonymous. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. An award-winning Santa Fe chocolate and confections shop that traces its roots back decades has undergone an ownership change while moving from one end of the city to the other. Sweet Santa Fe, now located in a 2,000-square-foot space at 128 E. Marcy St. just a few blocks northeast of the Plaza, had been based at the Fashion Outlets of Santa Fe at 8380 Cerrillos Road since owners Cindy Smiles and Diana Kelley opened it in 2018. They closed that location in June to prepare for the move to Marcy Street, at which point they sold the business to Smiles son, Nathan Sutton. Sutton, a massage therapist, said it was mostly intuition that led him to make the decision to get into the sweets business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I thought, This is so left field, its something I should listen to, he said, laughing. You could probably add a fondness for irony to that list of motivating factors. The funny thing is, he doesnt like chocolate, said Suttons daughter, Faith Sutton, who manages the front of the house. Sweet Santa Fe moves downtown 2 Jairo Alire brings a tray of muffins out of the kitchen on Friday at Sweet Santa Fe. Sweet Santa Fe opened in its new location Aug. 12 and already was attracting a sizable clientele within a few days. Nathan Sutton said he was encouraged by that immediate positive response, explaining he hopes the shop quickly becomes a gathering spot for downtown workers and tourists alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want Sweet Santa Fe to share joy and love through sweets, treats and snacks, he said. He said he also wants to see the business reach its full potential, something he and his daughter are trying to achieve by modernizing many of its operations. Faith and I are trying to take over and digitize and streamline some things, he said. I feel like theres a lot of potential for growth not only in the retail but the wholesale, he said. A lasting legacy While Sweet Santa Fe may have existed as a retail shop only for seven years, its founders, Smiles and Kelley, say it was longtime Santa Fe chocolatier C.G. Chuck Higgins who gave them their start in the business. And many of his chocolate recipes continue to be used at Sweet Santa Fe today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two women, who both learned their craft from Higgins, bought his chocolate and confections wholesale business, converting it into the retail shop in 2018. Sweet Santa Fe reopens downtown 3 From left, Cindy Smiles, Nathan Sutton, Faith Sutton and Diana Kelley around the counter at Sweet Santa Fe on Friday, Aug. 15. Smiles and her former business partner remain consultants to the business, and they both continued to help out at the shop late last week as the staff of seven got adjusted to the new surroundings. There may be a yoga class in my future instead of hauling cherry flavor in, Smiles said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked if she would miss the business, Smiles said, Oh, probably, but I can always come in and buy a truffle. Kelley said she had been a fan of chocolate but had never made any before Higgins taught her. Now, she seems happy to have passed that skill along to another generation. Its always good to have younger people coming in and taking over, she said. She seemed particularly impressed with Faith Suttons chocolate-making acumen. I cant tell the difference between the ones I made and the ones she made, she said as the younger woman hurried by with a tray of chocolate treats on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelley said she has spent 50 to 70 hours a week working at Sweet Santa Fe since it opened, so making the shift to chocolatier emeritus was an adjustment. Its a little weird to not be coming in at 6 every morning, but I think I can make the transition, she said, smiling and adding she has no doubt the business will succeed in its new environs. This is an awesome location, and we didnt have the reputation that Sweet Santa Fe has now when we opened. Racking up honors Smiles other son, J.J. Sutton, also contributes to the business, working in the kitchen when he isnt pursuing his other vocation as a hunting guide. He proudly describes Sweet Santa Fe as the most-honored chocolate shop in New Mexico, describing how it has earned 41 Scovie Awards since 2019, a prestigious competition that originated with the annual National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show in Albuquerque. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sweet Santa Fe reopens downtown 4 Faith Sutton loads freshly baked turnovers onto a tray in the kitchen at Sweet Santa Fe on Friday, Aug. 15. J.J. Sutton claims credit for some of the more imaginative treats at Sweet Santa Fe, most notably the chocolate-dipped bacon, which has turned out to be very popular, he said. But one of the major draws is the 30 flavors of chocolate truffles, he said, each of which requires 13 steps to produce over a two-day process. Making that kind of effort is typical of Sweet Santa Fe, he said. All of our packaging and labeling is done by hand, and all of our products are handcrafted, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to chocolates, Sweet Santa Fe offers croissants, sandwiches, turnovers, peanut brittle, savory snacks, muffins, coffee, cold drinks, ice cream, caramel corn, fudge and more. Nathan Sutton said his goal is to eventually offer 50 flavors of cold drinks, while he hopes to see Faith Sutton develop new flavors for the shops current menu of four sipping chocolate varieties. Sweet Santa Fe reopens downtown 5 Kitchen worker Jairo Alire stirs the materials in a copper kettle that was used as a prop in the film Oppenheimer on Friday, Aug. 15 at Sweet Santa Fe. The shop even has a link to modern Hollywood history as its 40-pound copper kettle, burner and lift that are used to create fudge, caramel corn and other treats were used as a prop in the Best Picture-winning film Oppenheimer when it was shot in the area in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement J.J. Sutton said the films producers reached out to the shop to rent the equipment for a week during shooting. He said they wanted a close replica of the commercial candy cookers Manhattan Project scientists used to assemble the materials used in the first atomic bomb. But Sweet Santa Fes primary historical link comes through its status as an artisanal chocolate shop, he said, noting the importance chocolate has played in the citys culinary scene for centuries, long before Europeans arrived here. He said that enduring legacy may even rival the citys modern reputation as one of the countrys foremost destinations for foodies in terms of how special it is. There are hundreds of chefs in town, he said. But there are only a few dozen chocolatiers. Switzerland is prepared to host talks on the war in Ukraine that involve the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite the arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Swiss government said. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said on Tuesday that Putin could be granted "temporary immunity." The Swiss government has previously used this approach in consultation with the ICC. Valentina Matvienko, a close ally of Putin, appeared at a high-level forum in Geneva in July, despite being under Western sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At present, there are no concrete plans for a summit involving Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, momentum for such talks is growing following Zelensky's meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday. French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have both suggested Geneva as a possible venue. Putin last travelled to Geneva in 2021 for a bilateral summit with then-US president Joe Biden, months before launching the war against Ukraine. The ICC accuses Putin of being responsible for the abduction and deportation of children and minors from Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine to Russia. It issued an arrest warrant for him in March 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow refers to the forced transfers of children as "evacuations." Putin travelled to Alaska last week for talks with Trump, but was at no risk of arrest since the United States is not a party to the treaties governing the ICC. ZURICH (Reuters) -Switzerland would be ready to host Russian President Vladimir Putin for any peace talks on Ukraine despite an existing arrest warrant for him from the International Criminal Court, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said on Tuesday. Neutral Switzerland is a signatory to the ICC but Cassis told Swiss national broadcaster SRF that provided Putin was coming for peace purposes, the country could receive him. "This has to do with our diplomatic role, with international Geneva as (the European) headquarters of the United Nations," Cassis told the broadcaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement French President Emmanuel Macron mooted Geneva as a potential location for Ukraine peace talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy after a meeting between U.S. President Trump, Zelenskiy and European leaders in Washington. The ICC issued its warrant in 2023, just over a year after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, accusing Putin of the war crime of deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine. Russia denies allegations of war crimes and the Kremlin, which did not sign the ICC's founding treaty, has dismissed the warrant as null and void. Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker on Tuesday also weighed in, saying his country supported any initiative leading to a just and lasting peace that protects Ukrainian and European security interests. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As proud host of (the) OSCE and many other International Organisations we stand ready to offer our good services," he said on social media platform X. (Reporting by Dave Graham, additional reporting by Madeline Chambers, editing by Thomas Seythal) Switzerland is "more than ready" to host a summit between Russia and Ukraine, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis has said. Source: Swissinfo, a Swiss multilingual international news and information company, as reported by European Pravda Details: Cassis noted Switzerland's expertise in this area. "I believe 200% that this summit will take place, and we've been discussing it for a long time," Cassis said during a joint speech with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani in Bern. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cassis also said he has repeatedly conveyed Switzerland's readiness to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The official thanked French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for their trust in Switzerland. He added that Switzerland would grant Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin immunity if he decides to "attend a peace conference". Tajani emphasised that Rome is ready to host the summit, but Italy supports Geneva as the preferred venue. Background: French President Emmanuel Macron believes the meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin should take place in Europe and said he supports Geneva as the venue. Notably, in March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin, accusing him of illegally deporting thousands of children from Ukraine. The warrant means Putin could be arrested if he enters any ICC member country, including Switzerland. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that Zelenskyy and Putin will meet within the next two weeks. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. If Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has some notions about strategy, he has been reticent in sharing them. But he does trumpet his commitment to restoring Confederate names to bases and their statues to national military cemeteries, which is absurd and vile. And we know that he thinks civilian academics have little if any place in military education, which is wrong and even more damaging. Forty years ago, I turned down promotion from assistant to associate professor at Harvard to join the strategy department of the U.S. Naval War College, in Newport, Rhode Island. My academic mentors were baffled and dismayed by such a self-willed fall from grace, but in retrospect it was one of the best professional decisions of my life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Naval War College, not to be confused with the Naval Academy, was established in 1884 to prepare senior officers for the higher-level problems of warfare. For a service that, like the Royal Navy, believed in learning on the job rather than in classrooms, creating such a school was a remarkable thing to do. The War College immediately brought in as faculty members not only Alfred Thayer Mahan, a Navy captain who became the most prominent naval historian and naval publicist of his time, but a U.S. Army colonel, Tasker Bliss, to provide instruction beyond the maritime realm. That same mission of higher-level professional education continues today. When I was in Newport, roughly half of the students were naval officers at the rank of commander or captain, the other half a mix from various services at equivalent ranks (lieutenant colonel or colonel) and foreign naval officers, many of whom would eventually go on to be the chief of their countrys navy. They were at a watershed in their career. Many of the aviators, for example, were at the point where they had to stop flying regularly and instead move into staff and command positions, a painful transition. All of the officers, focused heretofore on tacticshow to maneuver ships, airplanes, or units on the ground in close combatwould be more likely after a year in Newport to participate in the handling of much larger formations at what the military calls the operational level of war. Some of them would now help make strategy, the alignment of military means to political ends, the fundamental purpose for which navies and armies exist. [Eliot A. Cohen: Hegseths headlong pursuit of academic mediocrity] That is where the strategy department, to which I belonged, came in. It was half civilian, half military, led by Alvin Bernstein, a former Cornell professor who had started life as a historian of the ancient world but had then given up tenure to come to the War College. There, depending on his sense of the classroom, he would turn on either his Yale and Oxford education, or his Brooklyn accent and street smarts, and equally effectively. He would talk elegantly about the glories of Periclean Athens and, with a twinkle in his eye, say, Ya know, some of you, particularly da Marines, think da Spahtans were da good guys because they did lots of push-ups. Dey werent, and Im gonna tell you why. Amid the guffaws, the point sank home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bernstein assembled a spectacular group of military historians, some from Britain and Canada, and a few renegade political scientists such as myself. Twice a week the civilian professors would spend the mornings lecturing to the entire class, uncomfortably noting the reaction of their colleagues who would sit in the back row and offer unsparing critiques during coffee breaks. One afternoon a week, we would tackle the issues raised in the readings and lectures with about a dozen students and our teaching partner, a senior officer. The curriculum was tough. The students had plenty of free time, but they needed it to tackle considerably more than 500 pages of reading a week, plus the frequent short papers we assigned. The course had a heavy dose of theory but was mainly a study of strategy from the Peloponnesian War to the present. No one, civilian or military, had enough background to master all of those conflicts, so faculty and students alike scrambled. Complaining, however, was not on. One of my colleaguesa diminutive, grizzled, and grumpy former Army draftee who was an expert on the Napoleonic Wars, and was known inevitably as the Frog of Waronce encountered a student asking how much of the reading he should actually do. All of it. Youre not humping a rucksack, youre not sleeping in the mud, and no ones shooting at you. Dont whine. We taught strategy as a discipline of thought, viewed through the prism of individual cases. What were the political objectives in these wars? How did they change and why? When and how were the military means chosen congruent with those purposes? When civilian and military leaders (inevitably) disagreed, how were the tensions resolved? In seminars of a dozen students and twice-weekly morning lectures in the dank, cold, stony auditorium (the Navy economized on upkeep of shore installations, including this one), we all wrestled with it. I found it exhilarating. A minority of the students hated it. They had been taken from a world of concrete realities and tasks and thrown into a world of politics, where everything was gray and shifting, susceptible to multiple interpretations, and where no amount of training or rule following could guarantee success. Not to mention those strange Greek names in Thucydides. A majority, I would say, were interested, absorbed what they could, and got ready for the next stage of their career. A minority (larger than that of the dissidents) positively reveled in it. Many of those were the ones who went on to flag- or general-officer rank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Read: Trump addresses a military hes remaking in his image] For a young civilian academic, it was marvelous. I was engaging with officers on their own turfnot as the polite visiting fellows in business attire at Harvard, where they were the unusual ones. Here, my colleagues and I were the unusual ones, in some cases younger than the officers (in my case by a good 15 years), and profoundly ignorant of the practical problems of military life, leadership, and hardship. The teaching could be perilous: The officers responded quickly, and savagely, if they thought they were being patronized or mocked. But if you showed that you respected their expertise, they respected yours, because theirs was a world in which professionalism of any kind was highly valued. To teach in Newport was to become familiar with the upper-middle-level leadership of the armed forces: highly intelligent, experienced, serious, and patriotic, but not yet suffering from the diseases of the ego that can accompany the placement of stars on ones shoulders. You could help the students prepare for the rest of their military career, and that was profoundly satisfying. In turn, by osmosis a young professor could pick up an enormous amount of knowledge about leadership, character, and all the ways in which the complex realities of military operations can confound the axioms of political-science theories or the deceptive clarity of retrospective certainty. Over many decades, from the 1950s on, a whos who of American military historians, national-security-oriented political scientists, and international lawyers passed through the faculty in Newport. They carried what they learned by teaching there into the wider academic world, to colleagues and civilian students. Some of us took those lessons into senior government service as well. And from Newport and its sister institutionsthe other service-war colleges as well as National War College in Washingtonhave emerged generations of thoughtful military professionals, who understand the responsibilities and the challenges inherent in the use of force in infinitely better ways than those who think it all comes down to lethality. It was not merely a wonderful experience, but some of the most rewarding and substantive public service one could imagine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Which is why preserving and protecting these institutions from the anti-intellectual spasms of the current secretary of defense and those who think like him is important. The book and the sword descended intertwined from Heaven, the ancient rabbis declared. Together they do not guarantee success, but to sever one from the other, as some in this administration seem to want to do, is to guarantee calamity. Article originally published at The Atlantic The only sapling from the illegally felled Sycamore Gap tree set to be planted in Northern Ireland will honour a man who died last year with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The Sycamore Gap, which once stood in a dramatic dip beside Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, was controversially cut down in September 2023, sparking public outcry. The National Trust's Trees of Hope project aims to keep the spirit of the iconic landmark alive by planting 49 saplings across the UK, each representing a foot of the 200-year-old tree's original height. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement John Gallagher's daughter Erin said the sapling which is to be planted in Strabane, County Tyrone, is a fitting tribute to "a much-loved and sorely missed father". Sycamore Gap tree was illegally felled on 28 September 2023 - now 49 of its saplings will be planted across the UK - including one in Northern Ireland [Getty Images] Speaking ahead of John's anniversary Mass on Tuesday, Erin described her father as a "gentleman" who "would have done absolutely anything for anybody". "My daddy was a plumber by trade, but what made him truly special was how good he was with people," she told BBC News NI. "So many Christmases and holidays, when he should have been off work, he was out helping others. If someone was stuck with a frozen or burst pipe, he would be straight out to help no questions asked." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erin said the outpouring of love from the community of Strabane following her father's passing, aged 52, was a testament to his character. John's wife, Debbie, became his full time carer following his MND diagnosis [BBC] John Gallagher was diagnosed with MND in July 2022 at the age of 50. MND is a condition that affects the brain and nerves. Progression of the disease can be rapid and it can significantly shorten life expectancy. "We knew when he got his diagnosis that sadly there was nothing that really could be done," Erin said. "Motor Neurone Disease is different for everyone - some people may lose their speech but can still walk, but for daddy - he lost everything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It got to a point where he couldn't walk or move he lost all physical ability. "That was one of the hardest things about it because daddy never sat down; he was always out doing things, so it was incredibly hard to see." Erin said described MND as a "horrific disease". "My mummy actually became his full-time carer who did everything for him, and our family, my mum, Debbie, myself and Tiarnan, just used the precious little time we had left to spend it all with him." 'John meant so much to all of us' The idea to dedicate a sapling in John's memory came after his brother-in-law, John Donaghey, learned about the Trees of Hope initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Working with Martin McGrath at the Lisnafin Community Centre in Strabane, Mr Donaghey submitted an application which was ultimately successful out of hundreds of entries. "I think it's so nice to know that there will be a place where not just friends and family but for everyone in the community can go to feel comfort and help keep his memory alive." Mr Donaghey told BBC News NI that they put forward the application "because John meant so much to all of us". "I think the saplings being planted are a great way of showing that the story of the Sycamore Gap tree did simply not end with its fall," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The sapling will carry with it not only the legacy of the original tree but also the memory of a man who gave so much to so many people". The family hopes to plant the sapling next to the 'Let the Dance Begin' sculptures in Strabane, more commonly known as the Tinnies - a location supported by Independent councillor Raymond Barr. Derry City and Strabane District Council has said no decision has been taken on the exact location of the sapling as yet, but a report is due to be brought to council's governance and strategic planning committee in September. The National Trust said the saplings are scheduled to be planted between late October and February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In July, two men who chopped down the tree down were each jailed for four years and three months. BEIRUT (Reuters) -Syria's foreign minister met Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer in Paris on Tuesday to discuss security arrangements in southern Syria, two Syrian sources familiar with the meeting said. Syrian and Israeli officials have been conducting U.S.-mediated talks on de-escalating conflict in southern Syria. A previous round of these talks was held in Paris in late July but ended without a final accord. Syrian state news agency SANA said Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met with an Israeli delegation on Tuesday, but did not mention Dermer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency said the discussions focused on de-escalation, non-interference in Syrian domestic affairs and reactivating a 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria that created a U.N. buffer zone in the Golan Heights. There was no public comment by the Israeli government on the meeting. A Syrian security source familiar with the meeting said Shibani and Dermer met for several hours, along with their respective teams. The source said Shibani emphasized that Israel's ongoing interventions in southern Syria, including incursions into the provinces of Quneitra and Deraa, risked further destabilizing the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two sides agreed to continue talks focused on security coordination in southern Syria, the source said. Another Syrian source familiar with the meeting said Israel had again raised establishing a "humanitarian corridor" to send aid directly into Sweida, a Druze-majority province in Syria's south that saw days of sectarian violence last month. Syria had previously rejected this idea but Israel raised it again, the source said. Hundreds of people were reported killed in the clashes in Sweida province between Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes and government forces. Israel intervened with airstrikes to prevent what it said was mass killings of Druze by government forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clashes last month underlined the challenges interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa faces in stabilising Syria and maintaining centralised rule, despite warming ties with the U.S. and his administration's evolving security contacts with Israel. (Reporting by Menna Alaa El Din and Kinda MakiehWriting by Muhammad Al Gebaly and Menna Alaa El-DinEditing by Leslie Adler, Stephen Coates and Frances Kerry) Syria's foreign minister met with an Israeli delegation in Paris to discuss de-escalation and the situation in Druze-majority Sweida province after deadly sectarian violence last month, state media reported Wednesday. Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer attended the meeting on Tuesday, along with Syria's intelligence chief, Syrian state television said, citing an unnamed government source. The meeting discussed "de-escalation and non-interference in Syria's internal affairs" and addressed monitoring the Sweida ceasefire announced by the United States last month, state news agency SANA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Both sides affirmed their commitment to the unity of Syrian territory, their rejection of any projects aiming to divide it," and emphasised that Sweida and its Druze citizens are an integral part of Syria, the broadcaster reported the source as saying. A week of violence began on July 13 with clashes between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin, but rapidly escalated, drawing in government forces, with Israel also carrying out strikes. Israel, which has its own Druze community, has said it acted to defend the minority group as well as to enforce its own demands for the demilitarisation of southern Syria. "These talks are taking place under US mediation, as part of diplomatic efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in Syria and preserving the unity and integrity of its territory," SANA said, adding they resulted in "understandings that support stability in the region". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - 'More stable environment' - Israel and Syria have technically remained at war since 1948. As an Islamist-led offensive late last year toppled longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, Israel deployed troops to the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights which has separated Israeli and Syrian forces since the armistice that followed the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. State television said "the two sides discussed the need to reach a clear mechanism to reactivate the 1974 disengagement agreement... and establish a more stable environment". Discussions also addressed the humanitarian situation in southern Syria, with both parties agreeing on "the need to intensify assistance for the people of Sweida and the Bedouin", it reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds demonstrated in Sweida on Saturday, calling for self-determination and some raising Israeli flags and accusing Damascus of imposing a blockade, something officials have denied, pointing to the entry of several aid convoys. Paris hosted a similar meeting between Shaibani and Dermer last month, while a diplomatic source previously told AFP that other face-to-face meetings were held in Baku. US envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack said on X late Tuesday that he met with Israeli Druze spiritual leader Mowafaq Tarif, discussing Sweida "and how to bring together the interests of all parties, de-escalate tensions, and build understanding". bur-lk/lg/ser BEIRUT (AP) Syrias foreign minister held a rare direct meeting with an Israeli delegation in Paris on Tuesday, talks that were brokered by the United States as part of a diplomatic push for Syria and Israel to normalize relations despite a recent surge in tensions between them. Syria's state-run SANA news agency said Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met with Israeli officials to discuss de-escalating tensions and restoring a 1974 ceasefire agreement a deal that established a demilitarized separation zone between Israeli and Syrian forces and stationed a U.N. peacekeeping force to maintain calm. The statement gave no details on the outcome of the Paris meeting. But a senior Trump administration official, who was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter, confirmed the talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States continues to support any efforts that will bring lasting stability and peace between Israel and its neighbors," the official told The Associated Press, adding that the backing follows President Donald Trump's outlined "vision of a prosperous Middle East that includes a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors including Israel. "We want to do everything we can to help achieve that, the official added. The long road to normalization In the past, Syrian officials have acknowledged holding indirect talks with Israel to defuse tensions, but this was the first time they acknowledged taking part in direct negotiations. There was no immediate confirmation of the meeting from Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tensions have soared between the two neighbors following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad in December in a lightning rebel offensive led by Islamist insurgents. Shortly after Assads overthrow, Israeli forces seized control of the U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in Syria set up under the 1974 agreement and carried out airstrikes on military sites in what officials said was aimed at creating a demilitarized zone south of Damascus. Israel has said it will not allow hostile forces to establish themselves along the frontier, as Iranian-backed groups did during Assad's rule. It distrusts Syria's new government, which is led by former Islamist insurgents. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaida commander who severed ties with the militant group years ago, has pledged to build a new country that respects the rights of minorities, but sectarian violence has erupted on a number of occasions, raising concerns about Syria's fragile transition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sectarian clashes and Druze grievances Israel stepped up its intervention when violence erupted in Syrias Sweida province last month between Bedouin clans and government forces on one side and armed groups from the Druze religious minority on the other. During the fighting, some government forces allegedly killed Druze civilians, including a medical worker in a hospital in Sweida an incident that was caught on video and a U.S. citizen. Other videos circulating online have shown fighters forcibly shaving the mustaches off Druze sheikhs, or religious leaders, and stepping on Druze flags and photographs of religious clerics. The Syrian government has said it is investigating the allegations. The conflict then prompted airstrikes against Syrian forces by Israel before a truce mediated by the U.S., Turkey and Arab countries halted most of the fighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel said it was acting to protect the Druze, who are seen as a loyal minority in Israel and often serve in the military. Israel launched dozens of airstrikes on convoys of Syrian forces around Sweida and struck the headquarters of the Syrian Ministry of Defense in the heart of Damascus, Syria's capital. Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed the strategic plateau in a move that has only been recognized by the United States. The rest of the international community views the Golan as occupied Syrian territory. A US envoy holds talks Earlier on Tuesday, U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack posted on X that he had held a warm and informative meeting with Moafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of Druze in Israel, and that the two discussed "how to bring together the interests of all parties, de-escalate tensions, and build understanding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tarif described the meeting as excellent and said the Druze want American assistance with an end to the blockade of Sweida and humanitarian aid for the people there, the return of the Druze who were kidnapped during the fighting, as well as American assurances of Druze security. Though the fighting has largely calmed down, Syrian government forces have surrounded the southern city of Sweida, named after the province, and the Druze have said that little aid is getting in, describing the situation as a siege. While the Druze in Syria have historically been wary of Israel, an increasing number are now open to seeking Israeli assistance. Hundreds demonstrated in Sweida on Saturday to demand the right to self determination for the Druze minority, with some protesters waving Israeli flags. Videos and photos of the spectacle circulating on social media sparked outrage from many other Syrians, who accused the protesters of being traitors. ___ Associated Press writers Joseph Krauss in Ottawa, Ontario; Aamer Madhani in Washington and Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report. State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, center right, proposes partnering with Iowa nonprofit SafeNetRx to get safe, non-expired donated medications back to Nebraska. Multiple Nebraskans toured the facility Oct. 30, 2023. From left to right, Hughes' legislative aide Matt Howe, Matthew Schaefer of Mueller Robak, State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, SafeNetRx CEO Jon Rosmann, Hughes, Nebraska Pharmacists Association Haley Pertzborn and Amy Holman, and Iowa Rep. John Forbes, D-Urbandale. (Courtesy of State Sen. Jana Hughes) LINCOLN Donated medicine collected by Iowas SafeNetRx nonprofit is finally flowing back across its border with Nebraska in the nations first multi-state prescription drug donation program, years in the making. SafeNetRx CEO Jon Rosmann confirmed the Nebraska-Iowa partnership has been operational since July 1. The initial two-year contract between the nonprofit and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, at $475,000 per year, follows Nebraska laws passed in 2024 and 2025 that allow unexpired, pharmacist-inspected medicine to flow back to Nebraska patients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program serves patients at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. For a family of four, that would be an annual household income up to $64,300. Its all systems go, Rosmann told the Nebraska Examiner. Overwhelming legislative approval Nebraska State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward began eyeing the partnership with SafeNetRx in late 2023, her freshman year, including an October tour of the nonprofits facility. She passed legislation in April 2024, 47-0, to authorize the program that September before being blocked by a decade-old federal law. State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward, center, one of three current senators who sit on the new School Financing Review Commission as nonvoting members. Aug. 12, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Those congressional guidelines were meant to replace a patchwork of state laws regarding the chain of custody of pharmaceutical meds and were phased in over a decade. It was unclear what the guidelines meant for drug donation programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hughes had earned overwhelming legislative approval this March, 46-0, to get the partnership around that final roadblock while also adding language that Nebraska DHHS and the Nebraska governor could access the donated medicine during or in preparation for a governor-declared state of emergency, such as during a pandemic or natural disaster. Before, medicine could flow only from the Cornhusker State to the Hawkeye State, but now the floodgates have opened the other direction. Upon learning of the signed contract, Hughes told the Examiner: Super pumped to hear this!!!! A long time coming While federal regulations initially blocked the partnership, Gov. Jim Pillens mid-March signature cleared the way for the program to begin as soon as March 12. Gov. Jim Pillen is greeted by members of the Nebraska Legislature during his annual State of the State speech. Jan. 15, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Yet the partnership waited in the wings partly because Pillen had already asked lawmakers to defund the program two months prior one of many last in, first out cuts his administration proposed to close a major projected deficit. The budget-writing Appropriations Committee initially agreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers also accepted a recommendation from the governors team to reword the authorizing language around the spending. Rather than requiring DHHS to identify a nonprofit to carry out what would effectively be a defunded program at the time, the committee forbade DHHS from absorbing the cost of the program through other state dollars. Despite every member of the Appropriations Committee having voted for Hughes program, some more than once, some said they still had questions on the funding and how the program would work. Those changes left Hughes incredibly disappointed but determined to fight for the program. Inside SafeNetRxs facility in Grimes, Iowa, sits $20 million in donated inventory during an Oct. 30, 2023, visit. (Courtesy of State Sen. Jana Hughes) Hughes worked to correct some of that misinformation, including one that Iowa wasnt putting in any state dollars to SafeNetRx while it had just put in $600,000 in its most recent budget. The committee voted 6-1 to restore funding but left DHHS the flexibility to choose whether to start or maintain the program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha cast the lone no vote as an effort to push the committee to restore the original language around the spending, which the committee ultimately adopted with her support. Rosmann said at the time that for every dollar SafeNetRx received, patients and clinics received $20 in donated medicine. I feel like this is a long time coming!!! Hughes said in a text. Very excited to get this up and going. A commitment to safety SafeNetRx pioneered the prescription drug donation model in 2007 and had grown to receive medicine from pharmacists and patients nationwide. Since its inception, SafeNetRx has received donated medicine or medical supplies from 250 health care facilities nationwide, worth $155 million. This has helped more than 160,000 underserved patients receive free medication, according to SafeNetRx. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until now, medicine could not be sent to patients beyond Iowas borders, and Nebraska is the first state SafeNetRx is partnering with. Jon Rosmann, CEO of SafeNetRx in Iowa. (Courtesy of Jon Rosmann) SafeNetRx is already working with four Nebraska sites, Rosmann said, and when the program was delayed for a year from getting started facing federal but also Nebraska funding roadblocks Rosmann said SafeNetRx instead took that time to ramp up donations Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, Rosmann said his nonprofit gathered $28 million in donated medicine. All of that is available to Nebraskans now, Rosmann said. Before medicine is ready for redistribution, a licensed Iowa pharmacist inspects each donated drug, ensuring it is labeled correctly and usable meaning not expired, not tampered with, not requiring refrigeration and not a controlled substance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rosmann said those patient safety and medication integrity standards help separate SafeNetRx from other similar organizations or nonprofits. Nebraska pharmacists are able to access SafeNetRx inventory in real time to order meds for patients. Medicine is returned via courier, such as the United Parcel Service or Spee-Dee Delivery Service. Its time to get cracking Rosmann said the focus now is on education and enrollment, a task SafeNetRx is subcontracting with the Nebraska Pharmacists Association to fulfill, including recruiting participating clinics and pharmacies. There also is an emphasis on safety net providers, Rosmann said federally qualified health centers, free clinics and community mental health centers those organizations that are on the front line of taking care of our most vulnerable patients. Haley Pertzborn, a pharmacist and now-CEO for the Nebraska Pharmacists Association. Nov. 15, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Haley Pertzborn, the CEO of the Pharmacists Association, said of the partnership: We are feeling super excited for this to be able to finally hit the ground and start helping Nebraskans! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pertzborn is an Iowa native who previously volunteered for SafeNetRx. She helped Hughes get the Nebraska-Iowa partnership off the ground that both have noted could provide cost savings and shore up health care gaps. Those wishing to donate medicine or participate can learn more at safenetrx.org/Nebraska. Its time to get cracking, Rosmann said. Weve got a huge inventory of medicine, and now we need to get it to the patients that need it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Aug. 19California voters will be going to the polls in November to vote on new congressional districts that favor Democrats, and maps released Friday reveal that Lodi could be split into three districts. Currently, the entirety of Lodi is part of the 9th Congressional District held by Tracy-based Democrat Josh Harder. If voters approve new district boundaries this fall, Harder's district would include the southeastern portion of the city west of Hutchins Street, south of Kettleman Lane and east of Cherokee Lane, with a chunk east of Stockton Street and south of Mission Street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new 9th District would include the cities of Manteca, Tracy, Pittsburg, Antioch and Oakley, and a portion of north Stockton north of Mormon Slough and west of Wilson Way. A chunk of north and central Lodi bordered by Kettleman Lane in the south, Cherokee Lane in the east and Lower Sacramento Road in the west would be in a new 7th District, along with Galt, Elk Grove, Wilton, Sloughouse, Clements, Linden, Farmington and West Sacramento. The remainder of Lodi would be in a new District 8 with Isleton, Rio Vista, Dixon, Vacaville, Fairfeild, Vallejo, Richmond and Hercules. "Slicing up our city for political ends benefits none of our residents, particularly as we're a state where redistricting is decided by citizen panels, not elected officials," Lodi City Councilwoman Lisa Craig-Hensley said. "Understanding the unique values and needs of Lodi residents is the job of elected officials. Only in that way can we make fair decisions that benefit the whole community. Lodi needs to be kept whole to benefit the residents who deserve representation that reflects our shared needs and values." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lodi Mayor Cameron Bregman said the proposal was simply a power grab that ignores the will of California voters, who have determined district boundaries twice in the last 17 years. "Above all, having elected officials is about representation," he said. "This state, county, and now city must deal with the grim fact that this redistricting is not about representation, but partisanship. We can kiss any federal help goodbye if the redistricting is approved." The redistricting effort is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom's battle with President Donald Trump, who has pushed for redistricting Congressional districts in Texas to favor Republicans. The map released Friday by the Legislature adds five more Democratic-leaning seats, and make four even more left-leaning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement District 1, the northeastern corner of the state represented by Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa, would change from "safe" to "safe" Democratic, as would District 3, which runs along California's eastern border represented by GOP Rep. Kevin Kiley. District 41, a battleground seat held by GOP Rep. Ken Calvert, transforms from safe Republican to safe Democratic, while District 48, which spans Riverside and San Diego counties and is held by GOP Rep. Darrell Issa, changes from safe Republican to lean Democratic. Harder's District 9 would move from "lean" Democratic to safe Democratic, as would District 27, a northern Los Angeles County seat held by Democratic Rep. George Whitesides. District 47, an Orange County district represented by Democratic Rep. Dave Min, also moves from lean Democratic to safe Democratic, as does District 45 which Democratic Rep. Derek Tran won last year in the most expensive race in the country. District 13, narrowly won by Democrat Rep. Adam Gray, changes from lean Republican to safe Democratic. "There are many cases where I've been supportive of the Legislature sending a bill to the voters for approval," Assemblyman Heath Flora, R-Ripon said. "This is not one of those cases, and the only reason is that so much of this process has been in secret and against the will of the voters from the beginning." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Cushman, chair of the San Joaquin County Republican Party, said the organization would fight Newsom's attempt to undermine the fair representation of residents. "Our citizens wanted to make sure we had representation that reflected our needs and values, not those of cities that have nothing in common with our county," he said. "The maps released yesterday are a direct affront to the hard work and countless hours spent just four years ago ensuring our county remained unified in one district. Gavin Newsom and the Sacramento politicians are attempting to split up our county and our communities for partisan political gain, not for the benefit of our residents." State Sen. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, said in a social media post last week that the redistricting effort is "fighting fire with fire" as Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott attempt to add five Republican seats to the House of Representatives. He suggested other states that lean Democrat should do the same. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I've been through Congressional redistricting twice," he said. "It's a difficult experience for House members who spend most of the preceding decade developing relationships and understanding the challenges in their districts only to lose many of the people and regions they have worked for. "I would not advocate for mid-decade redistricting or for overturning California's independent redistricting commission except in extreme circumstances," he added. "The current situation is an emergency." McNerney said Trump thrives on division and retribution and his attempt to tilt the scales toward himself and the GOP in 2026 would democracy and election integrity. "If California and other blue states fail to respond to mid-decade gerrymandering by Texas and other red states, we'll face three-and-a-half more years of an unchecked Trump, further wrecking our economy and our democratic institutions thanks to a compliant House, Senate, and Supreme Court," he said. "If it flips to a Democratic majority in the 2026 election, as expected, the House will be able to put brakes on Trump's dash to autocracy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Manuel Zapata, chair of the San Joaquin County Democratic Party, told ABC10 over the weekend that while the redistricting would be "unfortunate" for Lodi, he defended Newsom's reasoning. "What happens in Texas will directly affect California because of the way that the House of Representatives works," he said. "So, it is a very local issue when we have one party completely rigging the system on a national level that is going to affect every single state." First, it was Los Angeles. Now, it is Washington, D.C. Next, it could be the rest of the country and maybe even the world. On Aug. 11, President Donald Trump announced plans to invoke Section 740 of the Home Rule Act to seize control of the Washingtons Metropolitan Police Department and to deploy 800 troops from the D.C. National Guard to combat what he called crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor. (On Saturday, we learned these are to be supplemented by at least 750 more National Guard personnel from the Republican-led states of West Virginia, Ohio, and South Carolina.) After U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi attempted to install Drug Enforcement Administration chief Terrance A. Cole as emergency police commissioner, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb sued the administration and a federal judge ruled the order could not be implemented. In reality, violent crime in Washington is at a 30-year low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps takeover of law enforcement in Washington for reasons of law and order is but one more step toward a permanent state of national emergency where the Constitution, voting and elections, and civil rights could be greatly curtailed, if not suspended altogether. On Monday, he seemingly joked about the prospect of curtailing U.S. elections during his Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. After Zelenskyy pledged to hold elections in Ukraine which were postponed last year due to the countrys ongoing war with Russia Trump couldnt resist chiming in. During the war you cant have elections? So let me just see three-and-a-half-years from me, if we happy to be in a war with somebody, no more elections, he said. Thats good. The president has signaled that Washington and Los Angeles could be just the beginning of the Trump administrations plans to occupy other Democrat-led cities many of which have large Black and brown populations. Radley Belko, writing at The Intercept, connected Trumps actions in D.C. and L.A. to his administrations deportations of people to the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador and the Justice Departments politicization, and nearly every other authoritarian overreach of the last six months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is testing the limits of his power, Belko observed, and, by extension, of our democracy. Hes feeling out what the Supreme Court, Congress, and the public will let him get away with. And so far, hes been able to do what he pleases. Trumps attacks on the nations capital are tied to a long history in Republican politics, Belko wrote. But the threat today is uniquely authoritarian and dangerous. The Nixon and Bush administrations were pushing policies that were wrongheaded, counterproductive, and in a few cases unconstitutional. But they werent attacks on democracyThis most certainly is. Belko noted in his essay that Trump has long dreamed of presiding over a police state. The president, he said, has long been blatant about his admiration for foreign autocrats, and in his second term, he seems to have surrounded himself with people who are willing to help him make his ambition a reality. Its time to believe them, Belko warned. Trumps actions come at a time when his authoritarian campaign against American democracy is becoming increasingly unpopular among the public. In theory, Democrats could harness such public outrage to slow the presidents momentum. Unfortunately for them and for the future of the country Democrats face a daunting challenge, as Trumps law and order policies may prove to be much more popular than many would like to believe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman recently told CNN: I think you see that in terms of [D.C.] Mayor [Muriel] Bowser, how she has reactedThere is a crime problem everywhere, in multiple cities. Big cities have traditionally had crime problems. There are a lot of people who feel unsafe in big cities. And so if the mayor pushes back on the president, she sounds like shes not addressing concerns of constituents. Despite the statistics showing record low rates, crime remains one of Trumps strongest polling issues. Citing a new Ipsos poll, CNNs Harry Enten elaborated: Americans view Trump far more favorably now on crime than they did a year ago, and while this polling doesnt take into account whats exactly happening in D.C. right now, it does take into account what happened in Los Angeles, whats happened earlier this year, and Americans, for the most part, actually view Trump favorably. Crime is one of Trumps best issues. Its one of the reasons why he wants to talk about crime, because it favors him. For at least 60 years from Richard Nixons law and order response to the mass protests and uprisings of the 1960s to Lee Atwaters infamous Southern Strategy of the 1980s to the present day Republicans have branded Democrats and liberals as being soft on crime. That accusation defies the facts. In truth, it was President Bill Clinton and the New Democrats who accelerated the countrys system of mass incarceration. This included guaranteed minimum sentences and other draconian policies as part of the War on Drugs and larger crime panic that began in the late 1980s and continued through the 1990s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats and others who oppose Trumps attempted authoritarian takeover of D.C. must work hard to penetrate the bubble of what author and civil rights lawyer Alec Karakatsanis describes as copaganda a system that villainizes the poor, neglects stories about white-collar crime and prioritizes punishment over public safety and how it dominates the American publics imagination and perception about crime. They have an uphill battle. Trump and the MAGA movements tough on crime brand is enabled by how the average American (mis)understands statistics, relative risk and danger. 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. It is a longstanding finding in psychology that individuals tend to amplify feelings of threat and danger, and downplay those of safety and security. In the context of crime and social disorganization, the U.S. currently has much less violent crime per capita than it did during the 1990s and 1980s. Yet the American public consistently overestimates the level of crime, believing it to be at historic highs that constitute an epidemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average person also has recency and immediacy biases. This means that events which happen locally in a persons community, neighborhood or social circle or to them personally are given higher salience and impact than events that happen on a much larger society-wide scale. In this way, the personal is truly political, as direct experience is more important than statistical abstraction. Democrats obsession with statistics and how crime is at historic lows cannot be easily reconciled by a public that feels (and experiences) the opposite. As Slates Matt Watkins explains, Once again, Democrats fell into the trap they have been stumbling into for years. They met a visceral, emotional play with an abstract, data-heavy rebuttal. Trumps law and order narrative and takeover of the D.C. police department is also an example of his mastery of pain points, political sadism and understanding of what the many Americans who feel ignored by Democrats and the countrys political elites are actually feeling. When a person goes to the store and finds almost everything locked up behind plastic because of shoplifting, they may feel antagonized and triggered. An honest person is made to feel like a sucker and a fool. Donald Trump has a simple and for many Americans, an emotionally appealing answer for how to deal with shoplifters and other criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats must realize that the average person does not live their lives through statistics. Instead, they live their lives, both in major cities and other parts of the country, in fear of crime and hooliganism. Trump has crafted an image of himself as a tireless strongman, a human dynamo fighting for his people, always in motion to Make America Great Again. His crime crackdown in D.C. fits firmly within this spectacle and fantasy. Throughout the Age of Trump, Ive overheard many conversations on the street, on the bus or in some other public place where people say things like Trump may be crazy or I think he is too extreme. And then they add: But at least he is doing something about the problem. I have heard this from Black, brown and white people; from members of the working class and poor and middle class; and from young people and older people. Even with Trumps return to power in 2025, these voices have not gone away. If anything, they may have grown louder. If Democrats and the partys messengers continue along their current impotent path, Trump and his MAGA Republicans will likely not need skullduggery and trickery to win power in the future. Enough Americans will vote for him and the MAGA movement yet again and by doing so, they will willingly surrender their democracy and freedom for law and order, national strength and unity. The post By taking over DC, Trump may have outflanked the Democrats again appeared first on Salon.com. Chinese premier urges efforts to meet annual development goals Xinhua) 08:05, August 19, 2025 Chinese Premier Li Qiang chairs the ninth plenary meeting of the State Council on Aug. 18, 2025. Li stressed the importance of efforts to consolidate and expand the momentum of China's economic recovery and positive development trajectory, and of efforts to accomplish the country's annual economic and social development goals. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday stressed the importance of efforts to consolidate and expand the momentum of China's economic recovery and positive development trajectory, and of efforts to accomplish the country's annual economic and social development goals. Chairing the ninth plenary meeting of the State Council, Li underscored the need to take a comprehensive and dialectical view of the economic situation, to actively respond to various uncertainties, to ensure the effective implementation of the decisions and arrangements of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and to work for the best-possible outcomes through concrete actions. It is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of macroeconomic policy implementation, focus on key priorities to strengthen the domestic economy, and leverage its stability and long-term growth to cushion against global uncertainties, he said. He urged efforts to continue unleashing consumption potential, systematically remove restrictive measures in the consumption sector, and move faster to foster new growth drivers such as services consumption and new types of consumption. Solid measures should be taken to consolidate the stabilizing trend of the property market, he said, calling for the promotion of the deep integration of sci-tech and industrial innovation, the firm advancement of high-standard opening-up, and the orderly expansion of both voluntary and unilateral opening-up. More efforts should be made to keep employment stable, ensure the people's well-being, enhance workplace safety supervision, and strengthen disaster prevention, reduction and relief, the premier said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Taylor Swift has revealed striking new imagery for her upcoming album The Life of a Showgirl. Taylor Swift has revealed striking new imagery for her upcoming album The Life of a Showgirl The 35-year-old pop star shared a promotional shot for her Shiny Bug Vinyl Collection of the record, which will be available exclusively on her website sending fans into a frenzy online. A photo showed Taylor leaning against a pale green wall in a sequined red and black bodysuit with nude fishnet tights, her blonde hair loose across her shoulders. The image was captured by photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, whose previous collaborations with Taylor include the artwork for her 2017 album Reputation. Speaking on Travis Kelces New Heights podcast, she said: I loved what they did with those photos, so I called them up for (this album.) I am so happy with the way the photos came out with this one. Taylor also credited producers Max Martin and Shellback on Instagram, saying she was so proud of the songs they had worked on. She explained: This is a full send. I care about this record more than I can even overstate. The aesthetic of the new promotional campaign has provoked strong reactions from fans and critics alike. One fan said on social media: We wanted a lead single but you look beautiful, so its fine. Another wrote: We wanted a single but you served so its a win. A third added: Taylor isnt dropping an album, shes dropping a bomb. The industry is trembling. Others, however, voiced disapproval. One user on X wrote: Why are you suddenly so desperate to be seen as a sex symbol? LOL. Another asked: Question to all Swifties. When did Taylor start showing skin like the rest of Hollywood? Discussing the album artwork further, Taylor told the New Heights podcast: My day ends with me in a bathtub not usually in a bedazzled dress but we try to keep it decent. I wanted to glamorise all the different aspects of how (the Eras Tour) felt and (the The Life Of A Showgirl cover) is how that felt at the end of the night. Taylor added the record reflects her offstage experiences, saying: The album cover is meant to depict what the end of my night looks like on tour. The 14-time Grammy winner also revealed the full 12-song tracklist, which includes The Fate of Ophelia, Elizabeth Taylor, Opalite, Father Figure, Eldest Daughter, Ruin The Friendship, Actually Romantic, Wi$h Li$t, Wood, CANCELLED!, Honey and the title track The Life of a Showgirl. Sabrina Carpenter, 25, features on the title track, while Travis, 34, described all the songs as bangers. Actor Zoe Kravitz, 36, told Extra there were no skips on the record. When security moved to remove Gotliv, she resisted. When she eventually stood and walked out, she said, Be ashamed of yourselves, animals! Likud MK Tally Gotliv was forcibly removed from the courtroom presided over by Lod District Court Judge Amit Michles on Tuesday, after several orders to silence. I have parliamentary immunity, she charged. The hearing regarded the release under restrictive conditions of Yonatan Urich, one of the chief suspects in the Qatargate investigations and an aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When ordered to leave, Gotliv fired back at Michles, If the judge wants to act like [Supreme Court Chief Justice] Isaac Amit, who dishonored the parliament you cant remove me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Michles stepped out for a break, she yelled to court security, What are you monkeys? When security moved to remove her, she resisted. When she eventually stood and walked out, she said, Be ashamed of yourselves, animals! Outside the courtroom, she called back to them, This isnt your job! You are Judenrat! Origin, sensitivity of term 'Judenrat' The term Judenrat, sensitive and exceptional in its use by a public servant, refers to the Jewish councils imposed by the Nazis during the Holocaust to administer orders in ghettos. It is widely perceived with deep ambivalence, seen by some as a form of coerced collaboration under duress and by others as a tragic attempt to mitigate suffering in impossible circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a rare statement, the Judicial Spokespersons Office backed the security staff and sharply condemned Gotlivs words and actions. The Office will not tolerate any attempt to disrupt the proper conduct of proceedings or to target staff on the basis of their official duties, it said. Opposition head and Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid referenced in his response Adam Czerniakow, who was the head of the Judenrat in the Warsaw Ghetto under Nazi instruction and, as part of his duties, was tasked to administer the deportation of Jews to extermination camps. Czerniakow committed suicide on July 23, 1942, rather than carry out this act. In the note he left behind, Czerniakow wrote, They demand that with my own hands I should kill my nations children; there is nothing for me to do but to die. Lapid wrote, This is the term Gotliv hurled against the security guards who removed her from court after she disrupted the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lapids father was a Holocaust survivor. Channel 13 legal correspondent Aviad Glickman reported that the Supreme Court president called the security guard and offered him encouragement after the incident. Channel 12 political correspondent Amit Segal noted that the guard Gotliv directed the slur at is a platoon deputy commander in reserves who has served over 400 days in the military since the start of the Israel-Hamas War and who is also the grandson of a Holocaust survivor himself. But, the [upcoming Likud] primaries are clearly more important [to her], Segal wrote. If the government doesnt fall, primaries are set to take place in October 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement JUSTICE MINISTER Yariv Levin said he was deeply shaken by Gotlivs slur and wholly condemned it. This is not our way! he wrote. The equation of Judenrat and Animals to security guards in the court not only harms the cause but is a great disgrace, a cheapening of the Holocaust, and the polar opposite of the messages a sitting member of parliament is supposed to adopt and transmit. He added, This behavior stands in direct opposition to the values of the Likud that I was raised with and educated by. With the partys primaries not very far away in political timelines, Levin turned inward to the party in his message. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gotlivs behavior, her lack of respect and collegiality towards the prime minister, ministers in general, and her own fellow party members jabs made at Likud members who carried the cross of the party in its hardest days, and provocations used as a constant tactic all these only harm the Likud on the brink of an election year, he said. Likud is the largest party in Israel. He added, With her own actions, she is distancing wide swaths of the public right at a time when many may consider joining. Levin promised to continue in the path of Likud giant and former prime minister Menahem Begin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Condemnations came as well from Development of the Negev and Galilee and National Resilience Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf (Otzma Yehudit), Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer (Religious Zionist Party), Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Minister Amichai Chikli (Likud), and Yisrael Beytenu MK Yulia Malinovsky. Malikovsky said, Gotlivs brutish and bullying behavior has passed every red line, and, for some reason, everyone is afraid to say anything to her. There is nothing substantial behind this behavior no lawmaking, no parliamentary motions, or motions for debate. There is no actual work being done, zero depth and understanding, nothing but provocations. She added, What is concerning is that, according to the latest Likud polls, she ranks high; this is the new ethos of the party. Tuesdays Top Stories Tuesdays Five Facts [1] Bags of human remains recovered in Taos County, two murder suspects arrested The Taos County Sheriffs Office says Matthew McLaughlin was first reported missing at the end of July by his mother. Deputies say McLaughlin was staying with two army buddies Rainor Joiner and David Degroat at a home near Tres Piedras. According to the Taos County Sheriffs Office, Joiner admitted to shooting McLaughlin, and with assistance from Degroat, dismembering him and disposing of his body parts along US 64 near Tres Piedras. Joiner and Degroat are in custody. They are being charged with first-degree murder along with other violent felonies. [2] AG: McKinley Co. DA unfit for the office, should be removed The state attorney general is calling for the removal of the McKinley County District Attorney. State lawmakers and the Governor already made moves to push Bernadine Martine out of office, by taking away her funding for the year. Now, Attorney General Raul Torrez has petitioned to have her removed. The AG adds that since Martin took office in January 2021, at least 48 people, attorneys and support staff, left or were fired. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [3] Widespread rainfall then hotter & drier weather Another round of scattered showers and storms will develop across more of the state Tuesday afternoon. Once again, storms could drop heavy rain, bringing a threat of flash flooding. Drier air will start wrapping around the Four Corners high pressure system Wednesday. This will bring a downtick in storm chances across most of New Mexico through Thursday. [4] Gap financing for housing project approved by Albuquerque city council Albuquerque city council approved $2 million in gap financing for the Serenade at Park Central Project. That project will convert a vacant 10-story office building on San Mateo near Central into 110 mixed income rental units. That will include 41 affordable units. The city says its $2 million contribution makes up less than 10% of the total project cost. They say the gap funding will incentivize private investors. [5] New Mexico Wildfire Center helps Sonoran gopher snake that ate two decoy eggs The New Mexico Wildlife Center said a Sonoran gopher snake ventured into a chicken coop for a snack but accidentally swallowed two fake eggs. They said decoy eggs cannot be digested, but the center was able to remove them from the snake and release it to a safe location. According to the center, decoy eggs help teach chickens to lay eggs in a particular place. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The Port of Charleston finished its 2025 fiscal year, which ended June 30, with a little more than 1.4 million cargo containers of all sizes moving through its terminals. That's a 2.3% year-over-year increase. (Photo by Walter Lagarenne/Provided by the S.C. State Ports Authority) MOUNT PLEASANT Tariff uncertainties dented cargo numbers at the Port of Charleston last month, although the drop was in line with State Ports Authority expectations. Overall, the maritime agency finished its most recent fiscal year with an increase in containers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well see, Barbara Melvin, the authoritys president and CEO, said when asked about the impact of the Trump administrations wide-ranging and on-again, off-again tariffs on foreign imports. There has certainly been a responsiveness in importers to watch the implementation of tariff deals as well as what might come in the future, Melvin said. I think, just as in any economic cycle that we have endured, the port because of our infrastructure investments will come out on the strong side of that. The port finished fiscal 2025, which ended June 30, handling a little more than 1.4 million containers of all sizes up 2.3% from the previous 12-month period. But in July, the first month of the new fiscal year, the port moved 117,059 cargo containers of all sizes through its terminals. Thats a nearly 6% drop from the same month a year ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Containers arriving at the port loaded with goods declined by 7.5% year-over-year. How all of that translates into money for South Carolinas economic driver is unclear. The ports financial numbers for the fiscal year will come out next month. I think that, obviously, theres a substantial amount of uncertainty that were seeing among shippers, Phil Padgett, the authoritys chief financial officer and vice president of administration, told the agencys board of directors during a meeting Tuesday. Depending on how tariffs play out, the port could see cargo levels land somewhere between an 8% loss and a 6% gain by the time the current fiscal year ends next June, according to an analysis by Joey Von Nessen, a research economist at the University of South Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The authority is projecting containerized cargo will be flat year-over-year. Melvin said Charlestons port could see import growth in the coming months as retailers look to stock their shelves with holiday-related merchandise. A 90-day pause in tariff hikes on Chinese goods, announced earlier this month, will likely help those numbers. Chinese imports have stayed steady during the first quarter of our fiscal year, Melvin said. Another boost could come from two new container line services that will start stopping at Charlestons port in September. Mediterranean Shipping Co. will add weekly calls on both its Albatross and Dragon services linking the port with stops in Europe, the Mediterranean and Asia. Ships on those routes can carry up to 15,000 cargo boxes measured in 20-foot equivalents. The national outlook isnt as bright. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. ports are expected to see a year-over-year 5.6% decline in imported cargo by the end of this year, according to the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, a maritime consultant. Tariffs are beginning to drive up consumer prices, and fewer imports will eventually mean fewer goods on store shelves, Jonathan Gold, the federations vice president of supply chain and customs policy, said in a written statement. Small businesses especially are grappling with the ability to stay in business. The forecast comes as tariffs on dozens of countries around the world that had been announced, postponed and then finally enacted after months of negotiations and deals began to take effect. Friends, allies and foes are all being hit by distortions in trade flows as importers try to second-guess tariff levels by pulling forward imports before the tariffs take effect, analyst Ben Hackett said in a statement. Hackett said the result will be a downturn in trade volumes by late September because inventories for the holiday season will already be in hand. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) A Bristol, Tennessee man was charged with filing false reports after an investigation into allegations involving officers with the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department (BTPD). According to a news release from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Christopher S. Coffey has been indicted on two counts of false reports after an investigation into rape and harassment allegations involving the BTPD. TBI special agents reportedly began an investigation into the allegations involving officers with the BTPD in October 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Crime Watch The alleged victim, Christopher S. Coffey, reported that on August 12, 2023, a Bristol officer sexually assaulted him while searching him at the Sullivan County Jail, the TBI stated. Coffey later reported Bristol officers had harassed him on multiple occasions at his home. The investigation determined that Coffeys allegations were false, according to the TBI. A Sullivan County Grand Jury returned indictments charging Coffey with two counts of false reports on Aug. 6. Coffey reportedly turned himself in on Tuesday, where he was booked into the Sullivan County Jail on a $10,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. The Tea Dating Advice app, advertised as "the first-ever dating safety platform for women," has taken social media by storm. In metro Detroit particularly among the Muslim community it has been especially popular. A Dearborn-based app developer even launched Teaborn, a rival gossip app to Tea open to everyone, but it was short-lived after nude photos were shared, its creator said. Tea, which recently experienced security issues, allows users to anonymously share information about men they have dated or interacted with, or seek insight on men they are interested in. The controversial Tea Dating Advice app, advertised as a women-only safety platform, lets users anonymously share information about men, rate them, perform background checks and more. Family attorney Mohamed Ali Hammoud of Mourad Law in Dearborn said he has handled about a dozen divorce filings in which the women-only platform played a role. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "One party may have suspicions about the other person cheating, and then the Tea app just confirmed it, or was the final straw for them," he said. "Due to the public embarrassment" and "shock from it, they felt like divorce was the right option." Hammoud said many of his clients are Muslim, and within the small, tight-knit community, gossip spreads like wildfire. While the app may help women uncover hidden truths, he said, it can also spread false claims fueled by jealousy or resentment. Detroit resident and social media influencer Denise Bradley, known online as Aunt Karen, says she uses the Tea app only to observe what others are saying rather than post anything herself. "I joined the app because I was interested to see what the big deal was after I saw people on TikTok, primarily men, complaining about it," Bradley told the Free Press. "I think the app allows women to give their perspective on men who they're dating, men who are in their lives, who may have messaged them or are maybe seeking to date them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tea has drawn significant backlash since rising to prominence this summer, but women like Bradley say it provides a necessary space. As of August, the app says it has more than 6.2 million users. "All women should deserve to be safe, especially in the society and the world that we live in," Bradley said. "Having some sort of knowledge and utilizing that knowledge for your own safety is important." How Tea works On its website, Tea says it was founded by Sean Cook "after witnessing his mothers terrifying experience with online dating not only being catfished but unknowingly engaging with men who had criminal records." But a 404 Media investigation reported that former employees and contractors believe the apps real motive was profit and scale, including efforts to capitalize on the popularity of "Are We Dating the Same Guy" Facebook groups. Tea users are shown posts of men in their area with photos and first names, allowing women to assign a red flag or green flag and comment based on personal experience or what theyve learned from others. Women can search names or phone numbers directly or set up custom alerts for specific men. Additional features include background checks, criminal record searches, sex offender searches and reverse image searches to help identify catfishing attempts, according to Tea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To join Tea, women must verify their identity by submitting selfies. There is now a waitlist to be approved into the app, which could take days. All users are meant to remain anonymous, and the app disables screenshots. To her surprise, Bradley said, she knows some of the men who have been posted. "A few of my friends and others in my circle have had their husbands posted, and now they're questioning, 'Are you talking to other people?'" she said. "One of my friends' husbands did admit to talking to someone else, and they're currently trying to see if they're going to work on things or if they're going to get a divorce. So, the Tea app has definitely brought some things out into the light." Similar apps keep popping up: Teaborn, TeaOnHer Similar gossip platforms have emerged since Tea grew in popularity. And because the app became so prevalent in Dearborn, 21-year-old app developer and resident, Mohamed Saleh, decided to create one for the city: Teaborn. Open to all, not just women, it quickly scaled the Apple App Store's social networking charts but was shut down only three hours later, after nude photos of women were posted without their consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saleh, who previously focused on creating self-improvement apps, said he rushed to launch Teaborn after seeing Teas success. He said he took it offline himself when he began receiving alarming messages due to the explicit photos including one from a man claiming his sister had been taken to the ER for a panic attack, and another from a woman threatening to harm herself if a post wasnt removed immediately. That was the final straw, he said. I put up a pop-up saying I was no longer participating, and that was the end of the app. More: Attorneys say WDIV's Hank Winchester 'exonerated and cleared,' call accusations 'baseless' Teaborn has since been acquired by a group, which Saleh said he could not disclose. The 21-year-old emphasized he is no longer involved with Teaborn or any of the copycat apps that have been created after it such as Teaborn: Dating Advice, which also disappeared from the app store within days in late July, but recently returned under a new name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think all these apps are terrible," he said, adding that he regrets creating Teaborn. "If I could go back in time, I would not have made it at all. I was in a greedy zone where I just saw an opportunity. I just didn't think it would be that bad. ... I should have gone straight to working on what I'm working on right now instead of making a stop on a gossip app." Saleh has since teamed up with a friend to create DermSense, an AI-powered skin cancer detection model they claim could save lives. But there is currently no way of stopping other gossip apps from being created in response to Tea. One of the more prevalent men-only versions, TeaOnHer Dating Advice, briefly surpassed the women-only platform on Apple's free apps chart on Aug. 12 TeaOnHer ranked second while Tea ranked third. As of Aug. 18, Tea sits at No. 3 while TeaOnHer has fallen to No. 8. Security breaches raise privacy concerns, lead to lawsuits Tea says identity verification selfies are deleted after review. However, that promise of privacy was called into question after the company detected unauthorized access to one of its systems on July 25. Tea confirmed about 72,000 images were accessed, including roughly 13,000 selfies and ID photos, and 59,000 images publicly visible in posts, comments or messages. Only users who signed up before February 2024 were affected. The app had phased out ID verification before the leak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 28, 404 Media reported a second security breach that exposed more than 1.1 million direct messages exchanged on the app between early 2023 and July 2025. According to Tea, it has since temporarily taken down the direct messaging feature. Then, on Aug. 19, 404 Media reported it discovered a third security breach that exposed personal data of influencers and affiliates promoting the app. In a statement to the Free Press, Tea spokesperson Taylor Osumi said the app has brought in cybersecurity experts and is working with the FBI to investigate. Tea is also working to identify impacted users and will offer free identity protection services to those affected. "I was upset to hear about the recent data leak. Women should have the ability to express ourselves in a secure and respectful space. This breach only reinforces how little support we truly have when we try to use our voices," Bradley said. "My opinion about the Tea app hasnt changed. The moment men got their hands on our data, they began exploiting it. This only confirms that they care more about silencing women than actually supporting us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the breach, at least 10 lawsuits seeking class action status have been filed in federal and state courts over negligent data practices and breach of contract, according to NBC News. Attorneys leading the cases say the apps failure to protect sensitive data has caused emotional distress, harassment and potential identity theft for users, and could have catastrophic consequences for the company. Like Tea, TeaOnHer had major security flaws, according to TechCrunch, exposing names, emails, locations, drivers license photos and other personal data. Some explicit images were also visible to guest users, the technology news outlet reported. The flaws have reportedly been fixed, but its unclear how many users were affected. Neither TeaOnHer nor CEO Xavier Lampki has made a public statement on the security issues. More: Former graduate student sues Michigan State University for $100 million Impact on the Muslim community Imam Mustapha Elturk, president of the Islamic Organization of North America, said the Tea app illustrates the broader risks of social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Social media is good when it is intended to be good, but its evil is greater than good," he said. "We have seen how social media has destroyed families, separated husbands and wives, and alienated children from their parents. ...We need to be very careful how we use these platforms, such as Tea." The controversial Tea Dating Advice app, advertised as a women-only safety platform, lets users anonymously share information about men, rate them, perform background checks and more. Bradley, who is part of the metro Detroit Muslim community and frequently visits Dearborn, said Teas popularity reflects frustrations with traditional dating norms. "Why the app is so popular in the Muslim community right now is because we know that a lot of the men date around. We know that. The issue is how they go about it, and how a lot of them judge women," Bradley said. "Men are out here doing what they want, and then they go look for a good Muslim woman. That, to me, is not fair. In a way, the Tea app kind of gives a voice to the voiceless." She added that the attention on the community may be unwanted but is very important because it forces public discussion of long-standing issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "None of this is new. We've all known this stuff happens. What's upsetting a lot of people is that the world is seeing it. It's no longer just inside Dearborn." Saleh said he was not posted on the Tea app himself but knows "plenty of guys" in Dearborn who have been some disputing the claims as lies or dredged-up history. "Their family has heard about it. They usually find out from their sisters," he said. "They've been sending emails to the Tea legal team, trying to get it taken down, but I don't think they've been successful." While the app has caused concerns, Saleh said he sees how it can be a modern way to vet potential partners, but still questions how reliable it is. "I think the idea of it is great; I would want that for my sisters," Saleh said. "But there's something called the Yelp bias, where people only leave bad reviews. So you never get an accurate review because people who have a good experience just move on, and the people with a bad experience are the ones (who) actually leave a review, or leave a red flag in this case." Are these gossip apps legal? The Tea app and similar gossip platforms currently exist in a legal gray area that courts have yet to address. The issue becomes, is this protected speech? Hammoud said. If its determined that it's free speech, its protected speech, then theres little recourse for those posted. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act protects online platforms like Tea from liability for content posted by users, treating them as distributors rather than publishers. Hammoud said individuals posted on Tea or similar gossip apps generally have three options: ignore it, send a cease-and-desist letter to the app or hire a civil attorney. Defamation claims, however, are difficult. Plaintiffs must prove the statements were false, shared publicly and caused tangible harm often beyond damage to reputation such as lost income, business, contracts, emotional distress or other measurable damage. The hardest thing is proving damages, Hammoud said. "That requires an expert, and it requires you getting your own attorney, so you end up spending thousands of dollars to try to clear your name. ...You have to prove (damages) in civil court, and ultimately, that would be up to a judge or jury." Because posts on these apps are anonymous, determining who shared a photo or message is another obstacle. A screenshot, for example, may have been taken from an Instagram account and sent in a private group chat before being posted on Tea, the attorney said. Tracing a posts origin often requires phone records, metadata and expert analysis. While the longevity of the Tea app remains unclear, women like Bradley want to see it last. "In society, women are often told not to speak on these things," she said. "I don't want the tea app to go away; I think men should be held accountable, and they should reflect on their behavior." Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1. Editor's note: This story has been updated with new information. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tea app was a factor in several divorce filings, Dearborn attorney says Children use a real saw, hammers and nails in the woodworking area of their prekindergarten class May 8 at Downtown Baltimore Child Care. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) Tylita Butler admits shes always anxious before the first day of school in St. Marys County. I dont sleep the day before school. I pack my bookbag and repack my bookbag and pick out my clothes and change my clothes and my shoes, the 32-year-old eighth-grade science teacher said in interview Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is worse than Christmas morning, she said recently. I am just waiting for my alarm to go off and tell me to go shower and get ready for school. Butler, a St. Marys native selected as the school systems Teacher of the Year in May, is among more than 60,000 educators, administrators, counselors and other employees getting ready for the first day of the 2025-26 school year in Maryland. St. Marys and Frederick counties kick things off Wednesday for the states 890,000 students, followed by nine other jurisdictions on Monday, according to the state Department of Educations school calendar. Calvert, Montgomery and Prince Georges counties begin on Tuesday, Aug. 26, followed by Allegany County on Aug. 27. The remaining nine counties start school the day after Labor Day. St. Marys County public school teacher Tylita Butler. (Photo courtesy of Tylita Butler) The new year sees the arrival of 3,000 new teachers, as the state continues working to address a teacher shortage, the implementation of a new math policy, and ongoing fights with the federal government over funding, which has been in flux since the arrival of the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the surge in new teachers, school system documents show that some of the largest jurisdictions Baltimore City and Baltimore, Montgomery and Prince Georges counties had roughly the same number of educators as in the last school year. Its unclear how many of those new teachers for this upcoming school year are former federal government employees who were either laid off by the Trump administration or decided to take buy outs. Education officials continue to assess how to decrease the states teacher shortage, reduce chr0nic absenteeism and continue to assess the Blueprint for Marylands Future education reform plan. Meanwhile, professional development on a math policy approved in March will begin this school year, said State Superintendent Carey Wright and state school board President Joshua Michael during a back-to-school briefing last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The push is on to increase math scores, which ranked near the bottom half in the nation based on test results released in January. While Maryland fourth-graders improved from 42nd in the nation in 2022 to 39th last year on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the nations report card, eighth grade students fell from 38th to 42nd in the same period. Part of the math policy requires schools with students in prekindergarten through first grade to create a heterogeneous mathematics classroom, which will be for students with different skillsets or backgrounds. Small-group instruction will be offered for students in grades two through five. Some students can receive individualized instruction who need additional support. Math intervention courses will be provided for sixth through eighth grade students struggling in the subject. The state will also change the current three-year sequence for middle and high school students taught Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. Instruction will be done in a two-year period of integrated Algebra with elements of statistics and geometry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The full math policy is scheduled for implementation by 2028-29 school year. Still waiting Wright said during last weeks news conference at the state Department of Education building in Baltimore that the state received nearly $399 million this year from the federal government, about 8.7% less than last year. The money, which had been briefly frozen by the U.S. Department of Education this summer, is used for various initiatives that include aid to low-income students, summer and after-school programs and instruction for non-English speaking students. The good news is that the money is here. The bad news is it is less than [the prior year], Wright said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the state continues to wait on $232 million in pandemic recovery funds from the third, and final, iteration of the American Rescue Plans Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief, or ARP ESSER, program. All states were promised that money under former President Joe Biden (D). But U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon told state education officials in a 5 p.m. Friday email on March 28 that the Biden promise was being canceled, and reimbursements to states would be made only under narrow provisions. We are still waiting, Wright said. Michael acknowledged its been frustrating trying to work with the current federal Department of Education, especially when less than 10% of state funding comes from the agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some ways, this is the most inefficient department of education weve ever engaged with, and so that level of uncertainty and policy turbulence has our team focused on determining whether that piece of the pie that is critical for serving specific student populations is going to come or not, instead of focusing on supporting the 1,400 schools that serve our 890,000 students, he said. Weve spent more time talking about federal funding at the state Board of Education in the past eight months than we have in decades. Parental advice Besides being one of the states top education leaders, Michael is also a public-school dad, whose 4 1/2-year-old daughter, Caroline, will begin prekindergarten this month at Commodore John Rogers Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore City. We couldnt be more excited to live in a state that values and invests in early learning, he said. My daughters future and that of 40,000 4-year-olds across Maryland will be better because of it. Like all parents, Michael said he will begin a routine before that first day of school, when his daughter arrives at 7:45 a.m. for breakfast. Some of that routine includes reading books to your child, creating a space for your child to do work, attending a back-to-school events and even walking your child into the school building once or twice a week to have informal conversations with school staff. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These are things that matter. They seem so simple, Michael said. But they are so important in helping our children, one, understand how important school is, and two, that we just build that connection between home and school at the start of year. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Across the country, teachers unions have been challenging the constitutionality of their states private school voucher programs in court. And in at least two cases, theyve won. Since 2022, when the Supreme Court allowed Maine private schools to receive public funds, at least five lawsuits have been filed by teachers unions, in Wyoming, Utah, Montana, Missouri and South Carolina. Additional legal challenges have been mounted by advocacy groups and parent organizations. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter The Supreme Courts Carson v. Makin ruling, combined with growing interest among parents in alternatives to traditional public schools post-COVID, has fueled the rise of voucher programs and led to a tug-of-war in state courts between public educators and school choice advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heading into the 2025 legislative session, at least 33 states had some form of private school choice, according to the Georgetown University think tank FutureEd. Most union lawsuits have focused on voucher programs, in which public dollars pay for children to attend private schools including religious schools and cover other education-related expenses such as homeschooling. In Wyoming and Utah, judges ruled in favor of the unions at least for now. In South Carolina, the program was retooled after a court declared its previous version unconstitutional. The Wyoming Education Association, which represents roughly 6,000 public school teachers, landed a win in July after District Court Judge Peter Froelicher granted a preliminary injunction against the states universal voucher program. The union and nine parents had sued the state in June on grounds that the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act is unconstitutional because it violates a state regulation that it must provide a uniform system of public instruction. Related Ohio Judge Rules States $700 Million Voucher Program Is Unconstitutional The union decided to sue after lawmakers made the voucher program universal this spring. It was originally created with a family income cap of 250% of the federal poverty level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No income guidelines, in essence, means that you could be someone in Jackson who owns an $18 million property, and the states giving you money, said union President Kim Amen. Our constitution clearly says that we cannot give public money to private entities, so thats why we challenged that. The injunction temporarily stops the distribution of $7,000 scholarships which are funded from a state appropriation of $30 million until the court determines the programs constitutionality. The state has since filed an appeal to the Wyoming Supreme Court. I am disheartened at the courts written order granting the WEAs injunction. As one of nearly 4,000 Wyoming families, you have had your lives unnecessarily upended through no fault of your own, Megan Degenfelder, state superintendent of public instruction, wrote in a July statement to parents. The case is similar to the one in Utah, where a judge ruled a $100 million voucher program unconstitutional in April, following a lawsuit by the state teachers union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Utah School Voucher Program Ruled Unconstitutional in Teachers Union Lawsuit The Utah Education Association sued the state last year, arguing the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program violates the state constitution by diverting tax money to private schools that arent free, open to all students and supervised by the state board of education. The Utah Supreme Court is set to consider an appeal later this year. Lawsuits in other states are still working their way through the courts. In July, the Montana Federation of Public Employees, which represents the states public school teachers, joined a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the statewide voucher program that funds private education expenses for special education students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even voucher programs like [this one] that are targeted to students with disabilities deprive them of crucial legal protections and educational resources, the plaintiffs said in a legal brief. In Missouri, the state teachers union is suing over the MOScholars program, which started as a tax credit scholarship in 2021. It currently relies on nonprofits to collect donations that are turned into scholarships. Donors can receive a tax credit amounting to 100% of their contribution, but it cant exceed more than half of their state tax liability. This year, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe dedicated $50 million in taxpayer dollars for the scholarships and $1 million for program marketing, according to the suit. The Missouri National Education Association, which has 28,000 members, sued in June in an effort to block the appropriation. The General Assembly has far overstepped its authority and violated five provisions of the Missouri Constitution by using an appropriations bill to construct out of whole cloth a scheme to divert general revenues to what are essentially vouchers for the payment of private school tuition for elementary and secondary school students, wrote Loretta Haggard, the unions attorney, in the suit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 30, EdChoice Legal Advocates part of a national nonprofit that advocates for school choice filed a motion to join the suit as defendants. Thomas Fisher, litigation director, said in a press release that the program helps Missouri families afford an education that fits their childrens needs. The recent expansion of the program is constitutional and will expand education freedom for low-income families and students with learning differences, he said. In South Carolina, the state Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that its Education Trust Fund Scholarship Program was unconstitutional following a lawsuit from the state teachers union, parents and the NAACP. The program resumed this year after lawmakers revised it to funnel money from the lottery system instead of the general fund. Unions have also been involved in school choice lawsuits in Alaska and Wisconsin. In 2023, National Education Association Alaska funded a suit over a state system that sent cash payments to the parents of homeschool students. That same year, Wisconsins largest teachers union asked the state Supreme Court to hear its case challenging the constitutionality of the statewide voucher program, but the request was denied. CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW) During an arraignment Tuesday morning, a not guilty plea was entered for Natalie McDaniel, the wife of Cleveland Heights Mayor Khalil Seren, who is accused of trespassing. On Aug. 8, a Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted McDaniel. She faces one felony charge of trespass in a habitation and a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespass. Local mayor facing 4-count indictment, accused of striking fleeing suspect Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to prosecutors, video surveillance appears to show McDaniel inside a home without permission on the morning of July 30. On police body camera video, McDaniel also denies stepping into the home of strangers. Security video from the home shows McDaniel approaching the house on Coventry Road from the sidewalk. She is seen walking into the front yard, bending down and appearing to take a photo of a yard sign calling for the recall of her husband, Mayor Seren. McDaniel then approached the front door of the home, walked directly to the wrought iron door and entered the residence without permission, prosecutors said. She remained inside for about 17 seconds before exiting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was on the property for about three-and-a-half minutes in total. The residents, who saw the incident on their security system, called the Cleveland Heights Police Department. A $2,500 bond was also issued during Tuesdays arraignment, and McDaniel was ordered to have no contact with the victims. Attorney David Betras represents McDaniel. An employee of his office issued a news release Monday stating that McDaniel would enter not guilty pleas to the charges. The release added that a press conference will be held following the arraignment to discuss a number of issues including: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether it was proper for the Cleveland Heights PD and Chief Christopher Britton to investigate the matter; The length of time she was questioned by CHPD; The seizure of her cell phone; The possible alteration or editing of Ring camera video. Family speaks after brothers go missing in Lake Erie, search halted for 2nd day The Cleveland Heights Police Chief has previously told the I-Team his department turned over the investigation to the prosecutors office. The homeowners also issued a statement saying they feel uncomfortable in their home and the community following the incident and accused the mayor and his staff of spreading misinformation and outright lies in the media and to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A 14-year-old boy pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter Tuesday in Mahoning County Juvenile Court for the March shooting death of a 19-year-old on the West Side. Read next: 10 kids found living in home in deplorable conditions: Police The teen also entered a guilty plea to a three-year firearm specification. The plea stems from a March 23 shooting in a home on Rhoda Avenue that took the life of Keondre Lewis, 19. The defendant was originally charged with murder and was going to go on trial on Tuesday, but that charge was amended in exchange for his plea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WKBN does not name suspects or defendants in juvenile crimes unless or until their case is bound over to common pleas court and they are indicted by a grand jury. Judge Theresa Dellick adopted a sentencing recommendation from Assistant Prosecutor John Juhasz and defense attorney Walter Madison and sentenced the teen to one year in the Department of Youth Services on the manslaughter charge with credit for time served. The firearm specification sentence has to be served first, and in adult court, a defendant must serve the entire three years, but because juvenile law is different, there is a chance the defendant could be released early. Whenever he is released, he will remain on parole from DYS until he is 21, and he could be sent back to detention if he violates his parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had he gone to trial and been found guilty, he could have stayed in DYS until he was 21. The defendant has been in detention since he was arrested shortly after Lewis died. Reports said the defendant had a gun and was handling it when it went off, killing Lewis. Judge Dellick explained the procedures of his plea to the defendant and told him that how much time he serves will depend on his behavior. Whos controlling your actions? Judge Dellick asked him. You. Lewis mother, Bridget Hammond, asked the defendant what he was thinking about bringing a gun to her home. People on both sides of a packed courtroom began crying as she spoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What made you bring a gun to my house? she asked. Its just made all of our lives, including yours, different. I dont know why you all think its cool to be playing with guns, she added. Hammond also said that the defendant, who was standing next to his mother, gets to see her, but she cannot see her son anymore. The defendant apologized. I would never knowingly put you in that position. I really apologize for this, he said. Hammond said, Thank you. Before he was handcuffed, the defendant was allowed to hug his mother and other relatives, and then he was taken away. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Teen involved in massive car meetup crashes into pole during Billerica police chase A teen suffered life-threatening injuries in a crash in Billerica early Monday morning while attempting to evade an officer investigating reports of an illegal car meetup, authorities said. Officers were patrolling a shopping plaza at 480 Boston Road around 1 a.m. after learning an ongoing car meetup involving 30-40 vehicles had caused disturbances in several neighboring communities and was heading to the area, according to Billerica Police Chief Roy Frost. One officer located several cars that appeared to be part of the meetup near the shopping plaza and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on one of the vehicles for operating recklessly, but the driver allegedly refused to pull over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Less than a minute after a pursuit began, the vehicle left the side of the road and crashed into a utility pole in the area of 572 Boston Road, according to Frost. Video from the scene showed a mangled Volvo sedan entangled in downed power lines and splintered wood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The driver, an 18-year-old Maine man, was rushed to Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington with life-threatening injuries. A passenger, a 25-year-old man, was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Boston Road, a part of Route 3A, was closed in the area throughout the morning commute as investigators collected evidence and utility crews made repairs. The Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section is helping the Billerica Police Department with an investigation into the crash. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) Thousands of teens are heading to college for the first time this fall. Now could be a good time for parents to consider switching their health care from a pediatrician to a primary care physician. Primary care physician, Dr. Andrew Wong with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, joined Good Morning Connecticut at 9 a.m. to discuss. Watch the video above 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 WTNH.com. (This article will update.) Nexstar Media Group, which owns and operates WTTV (CBS 4) and WXIN (FOX 59), announced on Aug. 19 that it had entered into an agreement to acquire TEGNA, the parent company of WTHR (NBC 13). This means three Indianapolis-based television news organizations will be owned and operated by one company. Nexstar will acquire TEGNA in a cash transaction of all of TEGNA's outstanding shares valued at $22 per share. The total value of the purchase is about $6.2 billion, according to a news release announcing the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The transaction was unanimously approved by TEGNAs Board of Directors, with the purchase price of the stock representing a 31% premium to the company's average 30-day stock price ending Aug. 8, 2025. WTHR Chopper13 sits on the tarmac at the Downtown Heliport in 2009. Before the acquisition, Nexstar operated over 200 news stations across the United States, notably stations like KTLA in Los Angeles, CA, WPIX in New York, WGN in Chicago and the two stations in Indianapolis. TEGNA, on the other hand, operated 64 news stations across the country. "The transaction will increase Nexstars reach through the expansion of our presence in important (direct market areas) such as Atlanta, Phoenix, Seattle and Minneapolis, as well as enhance our local presence, enabling us to continue to provide the core local news and programming that is in the publics interest, said Nexstar's chairman and CEO Perry A. Sook in the news release about the acquisition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's unclear how this acquisition will affect the daily operation and staffing of the three Indianapolis-based news organizations. We are thrilled to have found a partner in Nexstar that will enable TEGNAs stations to continue doing what we do best: creating outstanding and impactful local content coupled with the delivery of indispensable digital products to the communities we serve around the country," said Mike Steib, Chief Executive Officer of TEGNA in a press release about the acquisition. Noe Padilla is a Public Safety reporter for IndyStar. Contact him at npadilla@indystar.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Tegna, Nexstar merger would put 3 Indy news stations under 1 company Ariela La Langosta, a New York-based beauty influencer and good friend of Tekashi 6ix9ine, was found dead inside her car on the Cross County Parkway earlier this week. The 33-year-old model, whose real name is Ariela Mejia-Polanco, suffered several gunshot wounds before her body was discovered behind the wheel of her vehicle on Sunday morning, according the Westchester County Medical Examiners Office. Police said Arielas car was located just after 8 a.m.in Mount Vernon, along the parkways eastbound shoulder near Broad Street. Preliminary investigation determined that the woman was likely targeted for violence and her death was not a random act, the Westchester County Police Department said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The homicide remains under investigation by detectives from the General Investigations Unit, it continued. Due to that ongoing investigation, additional details are not being disclosed at this time. Ariela, who boasts more than 560,000 followers on Instagram, starred in Tekashi 6ix9ines Wapae music video in 2023. The rapper paid tribute to his late friend in a series of Instagram stories following the news of her death, writing in Spanish in one post that she was the queen of New York. He also said she was like a sister to him and that she supported him through everything. NY wont ever be the same, Tekashi added. I loved you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ikon New York, the Manhattan restaurant and disco lounge where Ariela worked, also honored the influencer on social media. She was a brilliant, humble soul with incredible energy the kind of person who could light up any room she entered, the restaurant said. She will be deeply missed by all of us. Please take a moment to cherish and love your own loved ones. Life is precious. Starlets of New York, a nightclub in Queens, also mourned Arielas death, remembering her as a beautiful friend, loving mother, and daughter whose smile and energy lit up every room she entered in a post on Instagram. Her energy will forever be missed, but her spirit will always live on with us. Israel Railways said free shuttles will be available to supplement transportation between Tel Aviv and the North, and between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Train traffic in Tel Aviv will be suspended until Tuesday, August 26, making travel between the north and south of Israel nearly impossible due to infrastructure damage and safety work being done in the areas of Ganot and Vitkin, Israel Railways said on Tuesday. The Tel Aviv Hashalom station will also be temporarily closed for the next six days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Israel Railways, free shuttles will be available to supplement transportation between Tel Aviv and the North, and between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, respectively. In addition, the light rail in Tel Aviv will increase its activity in order to mitigate disruptions. Adding essential safety work Disruptions are part of Israel Railways' decision to "seize the opportunity" and add essential safety work originally scheduled for September to the current, ongoing repairs of the infrastructure damage. The repairs are being carried out on railways between the Haganah and Hashalom train stations in Tel Aviv. Passengers seen at the Ben-Gurion Airport train station, August 17, 2025 (credit: FLASH90/CHAIM GOLDBERG) Trains coming from the South will run until Lod, those coming from Modiin and Jerusalem will run until Ben-Gurion Airport, and those from the north will run until the Tel Aviv Savidor Central station. The Israel Railway Museum will temporarily close, and refunds will be given to anyone who purchased tickets, Israel Railways said. Walla contributed to this report. A Tennessee hiker died after he was bitten by a timber rattlesnake, according to ABC. The hiker picked up the snake while walking on a trail and was bitten on the hand. He died shortly after being admitted to the hospital. Did you know that the same snake is found in Ohio? It's one of three venomous snake species that slither through Ohio. It may sound scary to be in the presence of deadly reptiles, but these snakes are rare. They are valuable to Ohios ecosystems and are important for controlling destructive insects and rodents, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio's three venomous snakes are the timber rattlesnake, the copperhead, and the massasauga rattlesnake. Heres what to know about each of them. Ohio's venomous snakes: Humans persecute, crowd out snakes 1. Timber rattlesnake The timber rattlesnake can be found in southern Ohio and is one of the most venomous snakes in the northeastern United States. The timber rattlesnake is one of the last mature forest species, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. However, despite how venomous they are, these snakes do not typically strike humans, preferring to recoil and slither away. The last human fatality in Ohio from a timber rattlesnake was recorded in the 1940s. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The timber rattler has two color phases, and both phases have the rattle at the ends of their tails. The first includes gray, light brown, or yellow with black chevron-shaped crossbands. The second phase is dark with crossbands over a blackish-brown background coloration. Timbers are as long as 40 inches and eight inches wide, though a car hit a 57-inch timber rattlesnake in Ohio in late 2018. This snake was found in 24 counties in the 1800s, but their population declined due to habitat destruction, human persecution and unregulated collection. Timber rattlesnakes remain an endangered species in Ohio. The timber rattlesnake, which can be found in southern Ohio, is one of the most venomous snakes in the northeastern United States. 2. Copperhead snake The copperhead snake is commonly found in southern and southeast Ohio, according to the Reptiles of Ohio field guide. These snakes occupy floodplains and ridge tops and prefer the rocky hillsides of Ohio. Though this snake is venomous, death rarely occurs from a copperhead snakebite due to the small amount of venom injected. Like a bee sting, it is painful and may cause an allergic reaction but is typically not fatal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copperheads can grow as long as 3 feet. Their coloring offers natural camouflage, blending with most of its surroundings. They tend to stay away from populated areas. Copperhead snakes will remain motionless if encountered but will strike if provoked. Copperhead snake 3. Massasauga rattlesnake The massasauga rattlesnake inhabits swampy and wet areas of Ohio. Its range once included 30 counties, but it is now endangered, scattered and rarely seen, according to OhioPARC. Like the copperhead, this snake rarely injects enough venom to kill a healthy human. Massasauga rattlesnakes usually remain sluggish and still but will bite if provoked. Wildlife officials recommend that these snakes should be respected and handled with utmost caution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These snakes can be as long as 2 feet and contain rattles at the ends of their tails. Massasaugas have different color schemes, with most of them gray and brownish gray with large spots, and some of them even entirely black. The Massasauga rattlesnake remains an endangered species in Ohio, with its numbers reduced due to extensive farming and habitat loss. Massasauga rattlesnake success story: Columbus Zoo celebrates rare snake birth Massasauga snake How to preserve Ohio's venomous snakes To preserve the remaining population of these three snakes, its important to keep these snakes away from your home and return them to their homes, as they are important to Ohios ecosystems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you find a snake in your living space, it should be captured and released at least a mile away from your dwelling, according to the ODNR. Here are ways to make your residence less attractive to snakes: Control insect and rodent populations. Remove piles of junk, rocks, brush and boards. Keep grass mowed and landscapes clean. For more information, you can contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at 1-800-WILDLIFE (800-945-3543) or via email at wildinfo@dnr.ohio.gov. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio has 3 kinds of venomous snakes, and 1 of them killed Tenn. hiker Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has authorized 160 members of the Tennessee National Guard to deploy to Washington, DC. (Photo by Tenn. Air Guard Master Sgt. Kendra Owenby) Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is dispatching National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., this week to join the presidents law enforcement takeover in the nations capital. Acting on orders from President Donald Trump, the governor granted a request to help the District of Columbia National Guard with a security mission, spokesperson Elizabeth Johnson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee will join several other Republican-controlled states and send 160 Guard troops this week to D.C. to assist as long as needed, according to Johnson. They will work with local and federal law enforcement agencies on monument security, community safety patrols, federal facilities protection and traffic control, she said. The Tennessee Guard deployment will be funded and regulated by the federal government. At least four other Republican governors are sending nearly 1,000 National Guard troops to D.C. after Trump activated 800 D.C. soldiers. Trump ordered the federal takeover of Washington, D.C., law enforcement despite opposition from local officials who said crime is down some 30%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following a legal challenge by D.C. officials, the Trump administration backed off appointing a federal official to head the department and agreed to leave the citys police chief in command. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, though, told local police to work with federal officers on immigration enforcement even if city laws are conflicting. Lee also said he would deploy National Guard troops to provide logistical help with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Tennessee so they can spend more time on deportation. Democratic state Rep. John Ray Clemmons of Nashville accused the governor of uprooting Guard personnel from their families to distract people from Trumps refusal to release the Epstein files, a reference to the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation and whether Trump is mentioned in the documents. Clemmons pointed out violent crime in D.C. decreased by 26% this year while overall crime is down by 7%. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Trump was serious about addressing crime in D.C., all he and Congress have to do is better support and fund D.C. police, as they have the power to do, rather than militarize one of the most beautiful cities in America, Clemmons said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Gerald Christian, a quadriplegic man, battles the State of Tennessee to pay for his in-home health care. Christian became disabled after a car crash. Tennessee is sending 160 National Guard troops to Washington D.C. to assist President Donald Trump in his federal crackdown on crime in the nation's capital. Elizabeth Johnson, a spokesperson for Gov. Bill Lee's office, in an Aug. 19 statement said the governor responded to the president's request to aid in the effort. She said the service members will deploy this week and will assist "as long as needed." "These service members will join the D.C. Joint Task Force and work alongside local and federal law enforcement agencies to assist with monument security, community safety patrols, protecting federal facilities, and traffic control," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tennessee is the latest in a handful of Republican-led states to send more than a thousand National Guard troops to help in a federal takeover of Washington D.C. Other states include Mississippi, Louisiana, West Virginia, South Carolina and Ohio. In an extraordinary move, the president on Aug. 11 ordered 800 National Guard troops and took temporary control of the city's police department to fight what he characterized as an epidemic of violent crime and homelessness. Local officials, however, have rejected that notion and have pointed to data showing that the city's violent crime rates have dropped since 2023, though murder rates remains higher than most major U.S. cities. The administration has also ordered other agencies, like the FBI, to assist. While it pushed for a takeover of the city's police department, it later negotiated a deal to keep Police Chief Pamela Smith in charge of operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he deployed about 135 Guard soldiers to Washington, while Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said he had ordered 200. "Crime is out of control there," Reeves said in a statement, "and it's clear something must be done to combat it." Reuters contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee sends National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Texas health officials have announced the end of a measles outbreak that sickened more than 750 people and killed two unvaccinated school-aged children in West Texas since January. The Texas Department of State Health Services announced the end of the outbreak Monday in a statement, saying it has been more than 42 days since a new case was reported in counties where there was ongoing transmission. "DSHS will continue to monitor for new cases," it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas on Jan. 23 confirmed its first two cases of measles this year in Harris County, followed by two cases in Gaines County confirmed days later. The total number of people infected amid the outbreak was 762, with the vast majority being either unvaccinated against measles or having an unknown vaccination status. Only 21 of the cases had two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, and only 23 had received one dose of the two-dose regime. Most of the infected were also school-aged children, with 225 under the age of 4 and 286 between the ages of 5 and 17. The first death from measles was reported in the state on Feb. 26, with the second death announced on April 6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than half of the cases were reported in Gaines County, where state data shows that 17.62% of K-12 students were exempt from at least one vaccine, ranking it among the highest exemption rates in the state. Nearly half of all students at one school in the county had filed for conscientious exemptions, according to the state data. Under Texas law, children may be exempt from mandatory vaccines for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. Of all those infected amid the outbreak, 99 patients were hospitalized, Texas health officials said. A measles outbreak is considered over when there have been no new cases for over 42 days, which is double the disease's maximum incubation period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Texas health officials are warning that just because this outbreak is over does not mean the threat of measles no longer persists. "Since there are ongoing outbreaks in North America and around the world, it is likely that there will be additional cases of measles this year in Texas," the state health services department said. "Healthcare providers should continue to be vigilant and test for measles if their patient has symptoms compatible with the virus." Measles is a highly infectious disease that is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person or by airborne spread. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States declared measles eradicated in 2000 following the absence of continuous spread of the disease over a 12-month period. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 1,356 cases reported so far this year are the most since 2,126 cases were reported in the country in 1992. It is also more than the 1,273 cases confirmed in 2019. There were 285 cases reported in the United States last year. The outbreak comes as vaccination rates have been dropping across the country. The CDC states that countrywide, the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners has decreased from 95.2% during the 2019-2020 school year to 92.7% in the 2023-2024 school year. A vaccination rate of 95% and above is when health officials say most people are protected through community immunity. NEED TO KNOW Texas officials have declared the end of the states measles outbreak which began in January as Colorado announced a new measles cases and exposure at the Denver International Airport Measles is airborne and highly contagious: Experts estimate that if one person in a room of unvaccinated people has measles, nine out of 10 people in the room will catch it, Cleveland Clinic says Experts are concerned about falling vaccination rates and the possibility measles cases will spike again in the colder months Texas has declared its ongoing outbreak of measles over as health officials in Colorado confirm passengers at the Denver International Airport may have been exposed to the highly contagious disease. Officials said they were reporting the end of this years measles outbreak centered in West Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services said in a Tyesday, Aug. 18 statement, citing that more than 42 days have passed since any new cases have been reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were 762 confirmed cases of measles during the outbreak, which began in late January. More than two-thirds of the cases were in children, officials said, and there were two fatalities both in children. Getty Stock image of Denver International Airport. Stock image of Denver International Airport. The Colorado Department of Public Health confirmed on the same day a new case of measles in a resident of Mesa County and that a second individual with measles traveled through Denver International Airport. The out-of-state traveler with a confirmed case of measles arrived at gate C51 and boarded another flight at gate C50 on the C Concourse at DEN on Tuesday, Aug. 12, health officials said. Measles is a contagious disease that can remain airborne for two hours after an infected person has left the area, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Its so infectious that "experts estimate that if one person in a room of unvaccinated people has measles, nine out of 10 people in the room will catch it. Its symptoms include a high fever, cough, red eyes and the telltale red rash but may lead to potentially fatal complications like pneumonia. Per the Cleveland Clinic, getting the measles vaccine is the best way to prevent getting and spreading measles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the new measles cases and reports of exposure come amid data that vaccination rates continue to drop. Per the latest stats from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, only 92% of children received their measles, mumps and rubella shots, as rates of exemptions increased. Immunization rates must stay above 95%, per The New York Times, to stop the spread of the disease. The reason the outbreak in Texas stopped, Dr. Phil Huang, director of the Dallas County health department, told the outlet, was not due to an increase in vaccination, however, it was because the virus had run its course through the population. Getty Stock image of someone being vaccinated. Stock image of someone being vaccinated. We paid the price, he said. There were deaths in this outbreak. There were a lot of hospitalizations. 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. Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, told Time that measles may again spike once the colder months hit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think this is the end at all, Offit told the outlet. This should be a warning to parents that, if they havent vaccinated their children, that nows the time. Read the original article on People Rep. Nicole Collier, a Democrat representing Fort Worth, claims that shes been unlawfully locked in the Texas House chambers, where she remained overnight Monday and several more state Democrats have since joined her in support. Collier was one of dozens of Democrats who fled the state earlier this month to break quorum in an effort to block a vote on a contentious redistricting plan backed by President Donald Trump that would favor Republican candidates in the 2026 midterm elections. Some of the representatives returned on Monday for the start of a second special session but GOP Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows is requiring that they be escorted by state troopers when leaving the House chamber to prevent another walkout. Collier, however, said she would not agree to such monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts, Collier said in a statement to media outlets. My constituents sent me to Austin to protect their voices and rights, she said. When I press that button to vote, I know these maps will harm my constituentsI wont just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination. Proposed Texas maps kicked off interstate redistricting fight Texas GOP leaders have criticized the Democrats that fled for having abandoned their duties. Earlier this month, Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit to remove 13 representatives from office over their continued absence on Aug. 8, while Gov. Greg Abbott requested that the Texas Supreme Court vacate the seat of House Democratic leader Gene Wu. Litigation is ongoing, although its not clear how the members return will affect the suits. Republicans had also issued civil arrest warrants soon after the Democrats left the state on Aug. 3, which Burrows said remains in place for the lawmakers that have not yet returned, as well as fines of $500 for everyday that they were away under Texas House rules. Even so, the passage of the redistricting plan is all but guaranteed. The Texas Senate redistricting committee approved the maps on Sunday, and the Republican-majority upper chamber could vote on the plan as soon as this Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We knew that this was something we were not going to be able to stop, Rep. Ramon Romero, one of the Democrats who fled, told the Fort Worth Report. We could slow it down, though, and thats exactly what we did. Texas Republicans were energized by the Democrats return. Representatives come and go. Issues rise and fall. But this body has endured wars, economic depressions and quorum breaks dating back to the very first session, Burrows said at Mondays session. We are done waiting. We have a quorum. Now is the time for action. Trump posted on Truth Social, Please pass this Map, ASAP. Trump had earlier threatened to involve Federal Bureau of Investigations officers in bringing back the representatives. The Democrats return to the state comes after California launched its own redistricting plan that would counter the Texas Republicans efforts. Several more statesFlorida, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New York, and Ohiohave also entered redistricting battles. Redistricting typically happens once every 10 years, after the U.S. census, which was last conducted in 2020. But Trump and his allies began lobbying for Republican states to redraw their congressional lines sooner, in order to gain an advantage in next years midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that the nation is involved in this fight, some Texas Democrats are coming back to fight these racist maps in the legislature and then in the courts, Texas Democratic Party Chairman Kendall Scudder said in a statement Monday. Texans can see that the Republicans would rather serve Trump than serve the interests of Texans. Wu told the Houston Chronicle that the Democrats will challenge the legality of the maps. Many Democrats, though, did not return on Monday. Even if California and New York redistrict and successfully get rid of Republicans, that doesnt help my district, Rep. Jolanda Jones, who did not return to Texas, told the New York Times. We will lose one Black seat in Houston and one Black seat in Dallas. Thats unacceptable. Collier alleges illegal confinement Collier told CBS that she could go to her office with a police escort and with Department of Public Safety officers stationed outside or she could remain inside the chamber. She told the Fort Worth Report that she does not know how long she will be there for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collier has filed a habeas corpus petition to a Travis County court alleging her illegal confinement. Another Democratic representative, Ann Johnson, signed the permission slip but remained with Collier for some time after objecting to being followed by an officer. Johnson eventually left the chamber. This is another exercise of authority and power over people of color, over people who resist, said Collier, who is the former chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. This exercise, this requirement that we be trailed by DPS officers who could be out there fighting crime is not only a waste of taxpayer dollars, but is also offensive to the dignity of each one of us who has been elected by our constituents to come here and fight. Other state Democrats have joined Collier in support and protest since. Wu, along with Rep. Vincel Perez, stayed overnight Monday with Collier, while several others joined her on the House floor on Tuesday, tearing up their permission slips. State Rep. Linda Garcia told the Associated Press she was followed home by plainsclothes officers in unmarked cars, with an officer following her even down every aisle as she grocery shopped. Another state Democrat, Rep. Sheryl Cole, posted on X that the officer following her got angry and threatened to arrest her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burrows said in a statement to the AP that Colliers choice to stay and not sign the permission slip is well within her rights under the House Rules, which dictate that the chamber doors will be locked and that members cannot leave without the written permission of the speaker until the House reconvenes Wednesday. Colliers attention-grabbing move has been applauded by Democrats across the state and country. As a former Texas State Rep, let me be clear: LOCKING Rep. Nicole Collier inside the chamber is beyond outrageous, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D, Texas) posted on X. Forcing elected officials to sign permission slips and take police escorts to leave? Thats not procedure. Thats some old Jim Crow playbook. Democratic state senator Roland Gutierrez, who visited Collier in the chamber, posted a video of a group of supporters gathered inside the Texas Capitol building that was chanting, Let her out. Contact us at letters@time.com. Democratic state Rep. Nicole Collier spent Monday night locked in the Texas House of Representatives in Austin after refusing to sign a pledge to return for a vote on Republican redistricting proposals. Colliers protest came after 51 of the states opposition lawmakers fled for Illinois, New York and Massachusetts earlier this month to deny the GOP majority a quorum in the House, preventing it from holding a ballot on plans to create five new red seats ahead of next years midterms that would almost certainly have passed had the Democrats participated. After two weeks of Republican fury in which House Speaker Dustin Burrows issued civil arrest warrants, the runaways finally returned to their posts, only to find that Burrows expected them to sign a statement committing themselves to returning for the scheduled vote at 10 am on Wednesday and be accompanied by individual law enforcement escorts in the interim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The speakers ultimatum meant the rebel Democrats would not be able to leave the chamber without risking arrest unless they put pen to paper. Collier, who represents Fort Worth, flatly refused to comply with what Democrats mockingly characterized as a permission slip or hall pass system that effectively rendered their liberty conditional. Texas State Rep. Nicole Collier listens to House Speaker Dustin Burrows announce the need for permission slips for Democratic state representatives to leave the House chamber in Austin on Monday August 18 2025 (AP) I refuse to sign, she told Fox Newss Austin affiliate. I will not agree to be in [Department of Public Safety] custody. Im not a criminal. I am exercising my right to resist and oppose the decisions of our government. So this is my form of protest. In a subsequent statement, she elaborated: My constituents sent me to Austin to protect their voices and rights. I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My community is majority-minority, and they expect me to stand up for their representation. When I press that button to vote, I know these maps will harm my constituents I wont just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination. The Independent has contacted Colliers office for further comment. Refusing to play ball but still bound by the speakers conditions, Collier instead spent the night among the otherwise empty chairs of the legislative chamber, offering a livestream of her quiet protest on her X account. Collier takes a call from the floor of the House, where she has chosen to remain until Wednesday (Reuters) Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu and fellow representative Vince Perez stayed with her on the House floor in a show of solidarity, with Wu posting a picture of the snacks he was bringing with him, including dried peaches and grapes and instant ramen noodles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collier also received a message of support from former Democratic presidential candidate Beto ORourke, who said: A true hero, refusing to submit, fighting these fascists by herself if she has to. We are with you Nicole! The drama began on August 3 when the Democrats went into exile in the three northern blue states rather than enable a gerrymandering push that would, in all likelihood, have ended with their Republican counterparts redrawing the electoral map to their advantage with one eye on the November 2026 midterm elections, creating five extra seats in right-leaning areas. That would enable the Lone Star State to send five more Republicans to Washington, D.C., to help force through President Donald Trumps legislative agenda on Capitol Hill, a great help to the president when the congressional GOPs majority is currently so slender. Texas State Rep. Gene Wu holds a press conference in Carol Stream, Illinois, on Sunday August 3 2025 after fleeing a Republican gerrymandering push as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker looks on (Reuters) By fleeing, the Democrats denied the GOP the two-thirds majority attendance it required in the 150-seat state House to go ahead with its vote on the proposals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers won the support of the Democratic National Committee, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and influential blue state governors like Gavin Newsom and JB Pritzker. Still, they risked arrest and $500 per day fines for their actions. After Newsom vowed to fight fire with fire in California and redraw his map to favor Democrats as a means of remedying the measures being undertaken by the Texas Republicans, the southerners were finally able to make their way home. Now that we have California backing us up, we try to get back here as fast as possible, Wu said. With that margin of the safety, we can come back here and say, let's stick this thing to court. A Texas state House Democrat said she was threatened with arrest after an officer assigned to follow her lost track of her on a walking trail. Texas state Rep. Sheryl Cole (D) said Tuesday in a post on social platform X that an escort from the Texas Department of Public Safety who she said was forced upon her to track her every movement lost track of her on the trail, became angry and made a scene in front of her constituents. While a little shaken up from the incident, I remain undeterred by this intimidation tactic by House Republicans to have a 24/7 state police presence to intimidate me and my colleagues, Cole said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coles account of the incident comes as fellow Democratic state Rep. Nicole Collier has chosen to stay on the floor of the state House chamber for more than 24 hours rather than have a law enforcement officer shadow her. After the state House Democrats returned to the Lone Star State on Monday, ending their two-week out-of-state stint to prevent Republicans from passing a new congressional map in a redistricting effort, state Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) declared that those who came back would have an officer with them to ensure they didnt leave the state again. Collier chose to stay in the state House overnight instead and told MSNBCs Ali Vitali in an interview that she would stay as long as it takes. At the moment that the directive was issued, I felt like it was wrong. Its just wrong to require grown people to get a permission slip to roam about freely. So I resisted, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cole said she stands in solidarity with Collier, who has refused to go along with this charade. We will not be intimidated by this, and history will remember this, she said. The Texas Legislature is expected to approve a new map as soon as this week, with enough Democrats back in the state for the body to conduct business. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Texas State Capitol was cleared of visitors Tuesday evening and closed to the public after a social media threat, the Texas Department of Public Safety said in a statement. The disruption came amid protests in support of Democratic State Rep. Nicole Collier, who has been confined to the House after she refused a law enforcement escort during a contentious redistricting fight that saw several Democrats leave the state earlier this month to hamper the redrawing of new maps. In a statement, the Texas Department of Public Safety said the message was posted earlier Tuesday. "In that message, the individual calls on others to go to the Capitol building and take action by shooting and killing those who will not allow lawmakers to leave," the department said. Nuri Vallbona/Reuters - PHOTO: Democratic lawmakers in Texas in redistricting battle The department said it evacuated the public from the Capitol building around 6:30 p.m. local time "for the safety of those at the Texas State Capitol, and out of an abundance of caution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department said it's working to identify the person responsible for the posting. The Capitol was closed to the public for the rest of the day. While the public was evacuated from the Capitol, some Democratic House Members remained in the building with many state troopers present. Nuri Vallbona/Reuters - PHOTO: Democratic lawmakers in Texas in redistricting battle Several hours before the building was cleared of visitors, a handful of Texas House Democrats said they planned to stay overnight in the State Capitol in solidarity with Collier -- joining her in refusing law enforcement escorts mandated for them because they had broken quorum to prevent House Republicans from changing the state's congressional maps to make five districts more GOP-friendly. A few of them tore up their paperwork to consent to an escort during a media availability outside the House chamber Tuesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MORE: Texas House redistricting committee advances bill with new congressional maps Democratic state Rep. Penny Morales Shaw told reporters at a news conference, "This is illegitimate, this is a wrongful use of power and I will not condone it, and I don't want to be a part of setting a very bad and low precedent for future legislators." Rep. Gene Wu/Texas House Democratic Caucus - PHOTO: Rep. Nicole Collier sleeps on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives in Austin, Aug. 18, 2025. Shaw was joined by state Reps. Rhetta Andrews Bowers, Cassandra Hernandez and Mihaela Plesa outside the House chamber. Rep. Rhetta Andrews Bowers told reporters, We walked in, we are not running from anything. We have not been running from anything this entire time. So I want to be clear that this is a blatant violation of our freedoms as Texans, as Americans, and of duly elected officials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saying the law enforcement escort was a waste of taxpayer dollars, Bowers added, We are representatives of the people of Texas. Those resources belong to Texans right now, families in the Hill Country who lost everything to devastating floods need our help. Yet, instead of providing relief, those dollars are being spent on constant [Department Public Safety] patrols. Some Democrats returned to the statehouse on Monday and allowed the legislature to reach a quorum, but they continued to speak out against the controversial redistricting. It is likely that the redistricting plan, which was pushed by President Donald Trump, will pass. The House is set to consider the bill containing the new maps on Wednesday, according to an updated House calendar. The bill, which was newly filed for the second special session after the first one was adjourned due to not having a quorum, passed out of committee on Monday. Hernandez said that other colleagues are heading to the Capitol to stay overnight and plan to fight the bill when they are on the House floor tomorrow. She did not specify how many were en route or when they could show up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So while we're in here, doing our slumber party for democracy, you will see that we will be working on the floor, strategizing and making sure that we bring the fight tomorrow, and we will not allow them to continue to keep silencing our communities and taking away our abilities as duly elected officials to represent the people that we have been elected to represent in all of Texans," she said. Collier and House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Gene Wu posted a video on X on Tuesday chronicling how they and their colleague, state Rep. Vince Perez, slept in the chambers Monday night. Brandon Bell/Getty Images - PHOTO: Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu attends a news conference at the conclusion of a House meeting on August 18, 2025 in Austin, Texas. "We had two chairs that we put together. [Wu] slept in two chairs. I slept in two chairs. Our other colleague, Vince Perez, he slept in a couple of chairs," Collier said in the X video. Wu, who did sign the waiver, said in his post that he joined Perez and Collier in support of "#goodtrouble," referencing the late Democratic Rep. John Lewis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We know this is a #riggedredistricting process. Democrats are not giving up!" he posted. Collier echoed that statement. MORE: Video Texas representative says she's locked in state house in wake of redistricting fight "I think they need to find their resistance," she said of her supporters." Finding your voice and your resistance -- that will make a change in America." Plesa said Collier had gotten support and calls from people around the country -- including former Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris called Collier Tuesday and gave her words of encouragement, according to a representative for the former vice president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Know that were in the rooms with you no matter what. And you have our support," Harris told Collier. House Speaker Dustin Burrows responded to Collier's action in a statement Tuesday, saying, "Rep. Collier's choice to stay and not sign the permission slip is well within her rights under the House Rules." "I am choosing to spend my time focused on moving the important legislation on the call to overhaul camp safety, provide property tax reform and eliminate the STAAR test -- the results Texans care about," he added. Nuri Vallbona/Reuters - PHOTO: Protesters cheer on Texas State Representative Nicole Collier after she chose to remain in the Texas House chamber in Austin, Texas, August 18, 2025. A spokesperson for the Texas House Democratic Caucus told ABC News that Collier is effectively stuck in the Capitol until Wednesday at the earliest if she doesn't sign the form, because that is the earliest the House could do a rules change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collier told ABC News on Monday that she was taking a stand for herself and her constituents. "Look, I'm not a criminal. I've exercised my right, and I am tired of the government controlling our movement, and so this is nothing more than the government exercising its control over people who exercise their constitutional rights to resist," she said. Collier said she had no issue with the DPS officers themselves since they were ordered by the state Republican leadership to escort the selected Democrats; however, she was angry that the directive was made in the first place. "I'm tired of being pushed around and told what to do when I disagree with the actions of our government," she said. "You don't have to do this. You don't have to dig in deeper into the harm that you're doing. You are going to get what you want," Collier said of the Republican leadership. "This is just petty and unnecessary, and I don't think that it is fair. It's demeaning to me as a person and to my community, and I just won't take it." A Texas Democrat slept in the House chamber overnight after rejecting an around-the-clock police escort tasked with ensuring she showed up to work. Democrats in the Lone Star State have ended a two-week walkout intended to stall efforts to redraw congressional districts in Donald Trumps favour. Republicans in the Texas House forced the returning Democrats to sign what have been described as permission slips, agreeing to around-the-clock surveillance by state department of public safety officers to ensure they do not flee the state again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Nicole Collier, of Fort Worth, refused to sign the waiver and remained on the House floor on Monday night. Ms Collier, who represents a minority-majority district, said she would not sign away my dignity and allow Republicans to control my movements and monitor me. I know these maps will harm my constituents, she said in a statement. I wont just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination. Nicole Collier says she will not sign away my dignity - Gene Wu/via REUTERS In a photo shared on social media, Ms Collier is seen reclining on a leather chair in the chamber, with a blanket draped over her body, wearing an eye mask and a hair bonnet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Democrats return to Texas puts the Republican-run legislature in position to satisfy Mr Trumps demands, possibly later this week. Politicians had officers posted outside their Capitol offices, and Representative Mihaela Plesa said one tailed her on her Monday evening drive back to her apartment in Austin after spending much of the day on a couch in her office. She said he went with her for a staff lunch and even down the hallway with her for restroom breaks. We were kind of laughing about it, to be honest, but this is really serious stuff, Ms Plesa said This is a waste of taxpayer dollars and really performative theatre. Andrew Lindinger, the chief legislative director for Ms Collier, delivers Ms Colliers suitcase to the House chamber where she is choosing to remain - Nuri Vallbona/REUTERS California and Texas are the centre of an expanding fight over control of Congress ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The battle has rallied Democrats nationally following infighting and frustrations among the partys voters since Republicans took total control of the federal government in January. Dozens of Texas Democratic politicians left for Illinois and elsewhere on Aug 3, denying their Republican colleagues the attendance necessary to vote on redrawn maps intended to send five more Texas Republicans to Washington. Republicans now hold 25 of Texas 38 US House seats. They declared victory on Friday, pointing to Californias proposal intended to increase Democrats US House advantage by five seats. Many absent Democrats left Chicago early on Monday and landed hours later at a private airfield in Austin, where several boarded a charter bus to the Capitol. Cheering supporters greeted them inside. Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows did not mention redistricting on the floor but promised swift action on the legislatures agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats acknowledged Republicans can now approve redrawn districts. Gene Wu, the Texas House minority leader, said Democrats would challenge the new designs in court. Politicians did not take up any bills and were not scheduled to return until Wednesday. Mr Trump has pressured other Republican-run states to consider redistricting, as well, while Democratic governors in multiple statehouses have indicated they would follow Californias lead in response. Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom has said his state will hold a Nov 4 special referendum on the redrawn districts. The president wants to shore up Republicans narrow House majority and avoid a repeat of the midterms during his first presidency. After gaining House control in 2018, Democrats used their majority to stymie his agenda and twice impeach him. 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 Texas Democratic lawmaker slept at the state Capitol overnight rather than submit to Republican demands that she agree to allow a state police guard ensure her return to vote on a controversial redistricting plan ordered by President Trump. State Rep. Nicole Collier (D-Fort Worth) crashed on chairs pushed together on the floor of the state House chamber in Austin because she wouldnt sign a GOP permission slip guaranteeing her return to a planned vote Wednesday on the plan to gerrymander the states congressional districts to flip up to five Democratic seats. I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts, Collier said. I know these maps will harm my constituents. I wont just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Vince Perez (D-El Paso) stayed with Collier overnight and Democratic minority leader Rep. Gene Wu sand others topped by to help them. It was unclear if Collier would also spend Tuesday night bunked up in the chamber. Collier was a lone holdout who refused to accept the Republican condition that they could leave the chamber only if they accepted a round-the-clock state police escort to shadow them and make sure they came back. Dozens of Democrats fled the state earlier in the month to deny a quorum to majority Republicans seeking to push through the new maps, which are aimed at boosting the GOP edge in the state from the 25-13 split to as much as 30-8. They agreed to end the protest and return to Texas after Gov. Greg Abbott ended an initial two-week special session, and quickly launched a second one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows promised swift action and vowed to brook no more stalling tactics from Democrats. If things go as planned, Republicans, who hold a large edge in both chambers of the state legislature, could pass the bill before the end of the week over the united opposition of Democrats. The unprecedented redistricting effort has now spread to other Republican states with Indiana, Missouri and Ohio all planning to eliminate Democratic seats. Democrats are fighting back in California by moving ahead with a plan that could net up to five Democratic party seats there, although voters would have to approve the plan this November. New York might do the same thing, although any effort would have to wait till 2028. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump wants to shore up Republicans narrow House majority and avoid a wipeout in the midterms if voters rebel against his unpopular spending cuts and tariffs on imported consumer goods. As things stand before the coming shakeups, Democrats would need to flip just five or six seats to retake control of the body and potentially stymie Trumps controversial agenda. Adding a few new red seats could make their task much tougher. Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier filed a writ of habeas corpus on Tuesday in the district court of Travis County, Texas, claiming the state legislatures Republican majority has unlawfully detained her in the state Capitol after she refused to consent to 24-hour police surveillance. Collier, a Democrat representing Fort Worth, is one of over 50 Texas Democratic legislators who fled the state on Aug. 3 to block Republicans from enacting a new congressionalmap at President Donald Trumps urging to create five new GOP seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Related: More Texas Democrats Spent The Night At The State Capitol In Protest Most of the Democrats who fled the state returned Monday and quickly faced retaliation from Republicans. Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, a Republican, required each Democratic legislator to sign a permission slip agreeing to have a 24-hour police escort to ensure they attended votes regarding the new map. The House is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday. Collier refused to sign the slip and was subsequently locked on the House floor with armed guards keeping her there. Related: 'His Brain Is Mush': Trump's Latest Misspeak Has Critics Calling 'Total Bulls**t' Representative Collier has been informed that she is not free to leave the Capitol, the lawsuit states. Chairman of the Committee on House Administration Charlie Geren informed Representative Collier, If you leave the Capitol you are subject to arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Colliers suit argues this is effectively an illegal confinement. Burrows does not have the power to compel any Texas citizen or any elected official into preemptive custody, her suit argues. Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier, a Democrat, challenged her detention at the state Capitol in a lawsuit filed Tuesday. Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images The legislative majority party can compel attendance by absent members in order to obtain a quorum, the minimum number of legislators present to do business, by directing the sergeant-at-arms to arrest and return absent lawmakers. That was settled in a court case in 2021. But, it does not have the power to detain or hold in custody a lawmaker due to a concern that they may be absent in the future, or as punishment for previously being absent. The plain language is clear: a member may be compelled by the Sergeant-at-Arms to attend a legislative session if he or she is physically absent, but no such power is conferred on the Legislature to arrest or otherwise compel a member who is currently present (and not absent) to stay, her lawsuit states. Related: Texas State Rep. Refuses To Leave Capitol Amid Democrat And Republican Showdown Burrows office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Colliers lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collier has spent the past 24 hours locked inside the state Capitol, mostly on the House floor, although she was informed she can go to her office within the building. Related: Kamala Harris Praises Texas Democrat Who Defied GOP Order: A Hero 'Of This Moment' The push for a new congressional map began when Trumps Justice Department sent a letter to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, demanding the state legislature draw new maps eliminating certain districts with Black or Latino majorities or pluralities based on an incorrect reading of a recent court decision. Abbott assented and called for a special session to pass new maps. The proposed maps did exactly what Trump asked for and turned five seats currently held by Democrats into five GOP-majority seats. The vast majority of Democratic state lawmakers fled the state to deny the legislature a quorum. After the first special session failed, those Democrats claimed victory by pointing to the introduction of legislation by Democrats in California to counter the Texas GOPs redistricting with a pro-Democratic redistricting push of their own. The quorum-denying Democrats then returned to the state as Abbott called a second special session to pass the Trump-approved maps. More on Politics Musk Quietly Puts Brakes On Plans For New Political Party, WSJ Says Kid Rock Goes Into Meltdown Mode After Getting Punked By Gavin Newsoms X Account Guilty Conscience: Trumps Raw Confession About Heaven Has People Wondering Read the original on HuffPost Following Texas Democratic lawmakers return on Monday after vacating the state for two weeks, President Donald Trump urged the state legislature to move quickly to pass a highly controversial redistricting bill, saying, "Please pass this Map, ASAP." Amid a packed day meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, Trump urged Texas leaders to act quickly, writing in a Truth Social post that the redistricting bill is "one of the most popular initiatives I have ever supported." He thanked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, state House Speaker Dustin Burrows and the Texas Legislature for their "GREAT work." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Republican State Legislators in the Great State of Texas, which I love, and WON BIG three times, including with 6.4 Million Votes in 2024 (by far the most Votes in History!), just introduced a new Bill for ONE BIG, BEAUTIFUL CONGRESSIONAL MAP!" wrote Trump. Texas Dems End Weekslong Quorum Standoff In Redistricting Fight "It is wonderful to see Republicans everywhere standing up to Save our Country. It is one of the most popular initiatives I have ever supported," he went on, adding, "Republicans love watching us fight for a Great Cause. Please pass this Map, ASAP. THANK YOU TEXAS MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This comes after a two-week-long standoff between Texas Republican leaders and dozens of members of the Texas House Democratic Caucus who fled the state in efforts to deny the legislature the quorum necessary to pass a Trump-backed redistricting bill, which would potentially give the GOP five additional congressional seats. After the Democrats fled, Abbott and other leaders vowed not to back down and threatened to remove them from office and have them arrested. For their part, the AWOL Democrats pledged not to return until another Democratic state moved to "nullify" Texas new Republican seats. The Democrats also vowed they would not return to Texas until the special legislative session, which the governor had called to pass the redistricting bill, as well as other priorities, had ended. Obama Praises Democrats Who Fled Texas Redistricting Vote As Inspiring House Speaker Dustin Borrow of Lubbock, ends the special session after failing to reach a quorum on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Austin, Texas. The special session ended on Friday; however, Abbott called a second special session, which began immediately. The Texas Senate has already voted to pass the measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the California legislature is back in session in Sacramento, and Democrats in both chambers are expected to approve redistricting maps suggested by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee which would create up to five more left-leaning congressional districts at the expense of the Republican minority by the end of this week. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week that California voters will get to vote in November on whether to overrule a state constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to move forward with its redistricting plans. California Democrats Unveil Redistricting Map To Wipe Out 5 Gop Seats, Counter Texas Plan California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vowed to "meet fire with fire" in response to Trumps support for the Texas redistricting effort. During a press conference announcing the Democratic redistricting push, Newsom vowed to "meet fire with fire" in response to Trumps support for the Texas redistricting effort. Original article source: With Texas Dems back, Trump urges Legislature: Pass this Map, ASAP A Republican lawmaker says Democratic colleagues are playing the victim card after being required to sign hall passes in order to leave the Texas House floor. State Rep. Shelley Luther posted to X on August 18 that Democrats who returned from a two-week quorum break were issued written slips granting permission to exit the chamber under the custody of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Luther described the practice as proof Democrats had already wasted hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars with their little 14 day field trip and called for new GOP-friendly maps, writing, Time to redistrict the Texas House seats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her post included an image of Rep. Gene Wus pass, which stated that he was allowed to leave only in the custody of a designated officer of the Department of Pullic Safety appointed under Rule 5, Section 8, House Rules or Procedure, on the condition that the representative will return at 10 am. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. This is the VERY SCARY & THREATENING hall pass the quorum breakers had to sign before they were allowed to leave the Texas House floor today. Why? Because they have already wasted hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars with their little 14 day field trip. Now, a Dem is still pic.twitter.com/yB7MpBpODT Shelley Luther (@ShelleyLuther) August 19, 2025 The escort arrangement comes as lawmakers battle over Republican efforts to redraw congressional boundaries. The GOP plan, approved by a House committee Monday night, would create at least five new Republican-leaning districts. Republicans have said the changes are necessary to reflect population growth, while Democrats argue the proposal dilutes minority voting power. Notably, three of the five districts targeted by Republicans would see an increase in the voting power of Hispanic populations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some Republicans have suggested the plan does not go far enough. State Rep. Brian Harrison told The Dallas Express the addition of five GOP-leaning districts should be the floor for negotiations and urged colleagues to consider even more. Democrats who fled the state earlier this month had sought to block that outcome. Their return triggered new procedural rules meant to guarantee their attendance in the chamber. Democratic Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth told CBS News Texas she refused to sign the escort form on Monday and was effectively locked inside the Capitol. I have a right to resist, I have a right to oppose, just like my voters do, Collier said. The Texas House Democratic Caucus called the escort system the latest Republican tactic to monitor and control Democratic lawmakers following their successful quorum break. House Speaker Dade Phelan has suspended direct deposits for absent members, and civil arrest warrants were authorized to compel Democrats back to Austin. Gov. Greg Abbott launched an effort to remove Wu, the Democrat Caucus Chair, from office, while Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit to declare vacant the seats of those who continue to resist. Texas is treating Democratic representatives like convicted felons for trying to stop the GOPs illegal gerrymandering efforts. Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows is forcing every Democrat to stay with a state trooper at all times if they want to exit the House chamber, in response to their leaving Texas to protest Governor Greg Abbotts redistricting efforts. The state legislature is set to return on Wednesday, but its unclear just how long Democrats will be followed home by law enforcement. The speaker announced, once quorum was restored, that the call of the House would remain, and any member that was out because of the quorum break would be required to sign a permission slip agreeing to be under the authority of [the Texas Department of Public Safety] in order to leave the Capitol. I refused, Democratic Representative Nicole Collier told NPRs Texas branch. I refused to sign the permission slip to be able to leave the Capitol. I disagree with that authoritarian tactic that they have taken. Texas State Rep. Nicole Collier spent the night on the House floor after refusing to agree to round-the-clock monitoring by state troopers "I disagree with that authoritarian tactic" https://t.co/2m1Z5sA1Ywpic.twitter.com/8JogaC3GD6 philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 19, 2025 Over 50 state Democrats left Texas two weeks ago in response to the Republican Partys attempt to reshape voting districts to favor Republicans to gain more House seats in the 2026 midterms elections. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a blatantly unethical power grab, and the Texas GOP knows it, which is why its trying to hold Democrats hostage unless they have a police officer by their side. If this was happening in any other country, words like authoritarian or draconian would likely be used. Yet Texas Democrats are being forced to capitulate, scared to even leave the House floor to sleep in their homes. Collier, meanwhile, has at least temporarily accepted her fate. I will have to stay here; I hadnt really given [it] much thought. What matters to me is making sure I resist, and fight back, and push back. Im sure Ill fall asleep eventually, whether thats in my chair or on the floor, Collier continued, referring to her forced detainment in the House chamber. Texas Democrats have already been threatened with arrest and expulsion. This State Trooper watch is yet another aggressive escalation by a state government that has cast basic democracy aside. This was my night, bonnet and all, in the #txlege, Collier posted this morning, accompanied by a picture of her asleep in her House Chamber chair. Texas House Democrats, who ended a 15-day walkout Monday protesting a congressional redistricting plan designed to protect the Republican majority in Congress after the 2026 midterms, will find it harder to use similar tactics moving forward. Most of the Democratic members, who are outnumbered 88-62 in the Texas House, landed in a chartered jet at the same Austin airstrip they left from on Aug. 3. Their absence denied the House the two-thirds members required to make up a quorum and allow the chamber to function. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See photos: Democrat activists protest Rep. Collier's confinement on Texas House floor House Republicans required the returning members to sign what Democrats are calling "permission slips." On Monday, Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, said previously absent Democrats would not be allowed to leave the chamber until they agreed to be released into the custody of a designated Department of Public Safety escort. The state trooper would "ensure their return to the Capitol" by 10 a.m. Wednesday for the next floor session, Burrows added. "We are done waiting. We have a quorum," Burrows told the chamber. "Now is the time for action. We'll move quickly, and the schedule will be demanding until our work is complete." 'I just feel in my heart that this is wrong': House Democrat locked inside chamber One House Democrat who returned to the Capitol refused to sign the agreement for a DPS escort. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, seemed to be locked inside the chamber late on Monday after returning from the walkout. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't have a plan," Collier said to reporters in the gallery Monday afternoon. "I just feel in my heart that this is wrong." The Fort Worth representative remained in the chamber for several hours, telling reporters outside that she could stay overnight and possibly until Wednesday. Democratic lawmaker defies GOP 'permission slip,' vows to remain in Texas House chamber Protests over Collier's situation continued until around 10:30 p.m., when the Capitol complex was shut down, the Houston Chronicle reports. At least four protestors were arrested when they refused to leave the lobby. BREAKING: State troopers ARREST activists at the Capitol protesting Rep. @NicoleCollier95's detention. Republicans are redrawing the map to silence minority voters, and silencing anyone who dares speak out.#txlege pic.twitter.com/4jUHgLHGPJ Texas House Democrats (@TexasHDC) August 19, 2025 Collier's Democratic colleagues set up a live cam on the House floor, which showed Collier speaking to other Democrats and participating in interviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts," Collier said in the statement. "My community is majority-minority, and they expect me to stand up for their representation." Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, listens to House Speaker Dustin Burrows announce the need for permission slips for Democratic state representatives to leave the House Chamber during the House floor session at the Capitol in Austin, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman) Rep. Vincent Perez, D-El Paso, joined Collier in the overnight stay in the chambers. During an interview just after 6 a.m. Tuesday with District 137 Rep. Gene Wu, Collier described trying to get comfortable inside the cold space. "We had two chairs that we put together," Collier said. "[Perez] slept in two chairs, I slept in two chairs." It was very cold spending on the #txlege Floor! Rep. @VinceMPerez & I joined @NicoleCollier95 in support of making #GoodTrouble! We know this is a #riggedredistricting process. Democrats are not giving up! Thanks for the support, standing with @TexasHDC, & we have coffee! pic.twitter.com/wlQTpYINTY Gene Wu (@GeneforTexas) August 19, 2025 DPS officers personally assigned to specific Democrats Each returning Democrat who signed the agreement was assigned a plainclothes DPS officer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a Hearst Newspapers reporter asked who his designated escort was, state Rep. John Bryant said, "I don't know." "I am," the man standing next to him said. When Bryant asked the trooper if he was coming home to Dallas with him, the officer responded. "They told me I have to stay glued to your hip." The officer assigned to Bryant did not provide his full name. The Associated Press, and Texas Politics Reporters Bayliss Wagner and John Moritz contributed to this report. TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) Texas A&M Texarkana (TAMUT) has announced a new educational and research partnership with Japanese technology company AIST Solutions Co. (AISol). The agreement was made official with the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the TAMUT campus, marking the first time AISol has entered a partnership with an American University. AISol works in several fields including Circular Economy and Biotechnology. Four members of AISol leadership were present for the signing, including CEO Mr. Seiji Osaka. Texas A&M Texarkana partners with Maxell for research gains Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the academic partnership with TAMUT, all AIST Group employees will receive a tuition discount on undergraduate, graduate, certificate, or micro-credential programs, whether offered in-person, online, or in a hybrid format. AIST Group employees will also receive the First Flight Scholarship, granting new students their first class free if they are enrolled in at least six hours. In addition to the academic partnership, TAMUT and AIST agreed to form a research partnership, partnering AIST Solutions research and intellectual property infrastructure with TAMUTs academic programs in engineering, computing, and technology. AISol was established on April 1, 2023, as a subsidiary of the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). The companys mission is to promote the utilization and social implementation of research and development outcomes generated by AIST, with the goal of solving societal challenges and strengthening industrial competitiveness. AISol launched AIST Solutions America LLC (AISol America) in May 2024 to help further those goals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Transco employees to receive discounted tuition at TAMUT Texas A&M University-Texarkana President Dr. Ross Alexander said, We welcome the opportunity to help AIST Group employees further their education at A&M-Texarkana. Additionally, the research portion of the collaboration puts our students and faculty in direct contact with industry-leading experts to help solve some of the technology problems faced by our local businesses and industry. A&M-Texarkana students will gain experience in solving real-world problems that have a direct positive impact on our local economy. These kinds of experiential learning opportunities help make A&M-Texarkana graduates highly desirable in the workforce. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A Texas man is facing multiple sex crimes charges involving juveniles after his recent arrest. J.D. Price, III, 25, of Houston, was charged with carnal knowledge of a juvenile, computer-aided solicitation of a minor, and pornography involving juveniles. J.D. Price, III, was charged with carnal knowledge of a juvenile, computer-aided solicitation of a minor, and pornography involving juveniles. (Assumption Parish Sheriffs Office) On Aug. 29, 2024, an unidentified individual spoke with detectives about sex crimes that possibly involved a 15-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That person stated that they found phone messages belonging to her 15-year-old daughter, which indicated that an individual had apparently traveled to Assumption Parish to engage in sexual activity with the juvenile, according to the Assumption Parish Sheriffs Office (APSO). Electronic evidence was gathered, which supported what the person told detectives. Price was identified as a suspect, and arrest warrants were obtained for his arrest, APSO said. Deputies learned that the Harris County Sheriffs Office in Texas had Price in custody on Aug. 3, 2025. The man was taken into APSO custody on Sunday, Aug. 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Price was booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center. He remains in jail and has not been given a bond amount. Woman arrested on felony charges for threatening school bus driver in Assumption Parish Latest News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Tory Dugas, 36, was sentenced to jail for assault and evading arrest [Harris County Sheriff's Office] Police in Texas are searching for a man they say was "mistakenly" released from jail as he was set to begin a seven-year sentence. Tory Dugas, 36, had been sentenced to five years in state prison for assaulting a family member and two years for evading arrest, Harris County Sheriff's Office said. Instead, Dugas, who had been in Harris County jail since Thursday on other charges that were dismissed, was released at 04:30 local time on Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A "thorough investigation" is under way to determine the reason for his "erroneous release" from jail, the sheriff's office said. It appears that jail staff did not "properly document his state prison sentence in his file", the office said in a statement. It led to the assumption that Dugas was eligible for release. Police spokesperson Jason Spencer was quoted by the Houston Chronicle as saying that the jail had not realised Dugas was missing until Monday morning when officials were checking the list of people meant to be transferred to state custody. Police have asked the public to contact them if they spot Dugas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first time the Harris County jail has mistakenly released someone. Earlier this year, a man arrested on capital murder charges was released from the jail after being confused for someone else with the same name. However, the man turned himself in after being free for 24 hours. NEED TO KNOW Troy Dugas of Texas was "mistakenly released" from prison on Sunday, Aug. 17, the Harris County Sheriff's Office said On Monday, Aug. 18, local police issued a public plea to help find Dugas Dugas, 36, was set to begin a five-year sentence in state prison after assaulting a family member Police in Texas are pleading with the public to help them find an inmate who was "mistakenly released." On Sunday, Aug. 17, at 4:30 a.m. local time, Troy Dugas, 36, was "mistakenly released from jail," the Harris County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook release on Monday, Aug. 18. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dugas was due to begin serving a 5-year state prison sentence for assaulting a family member in Fort Bend County and a 2-year sentence for evading arrest in Brazoria County," the HCSO continued. He's described as a 6'1" Black male who weighs 215 pounds. PEOPLE reached out to the HCSO for comment. Dugas had been in police custody since Thursday, Aug. 14, for other charges that had been dropped, the HCSO said in a separate release. Jail staff allegedly failed to document his upcoming state prison sentence properly and believed he was eligible for release after the other charges were dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf "A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances that led to Dugas erroneous release from jail," the HCSO continued. The sheriff's office urged anyone who sees Dugas to call 911. Read the original article on People (NewsNation) Texas House Democrats returned to the state capital under police surveillance after House Speaker Dustin Burrows declared a quorum had been reached in a second special legislative session. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers have been ordered to provide around-the-clock escorts for lawmakers after Democrats fled the state to block a vote on a Republican-backed redistricting proposal. State Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, refused the police escort, stating shed rather spend the night inside the Capitol than agree to have a trooper monitor her movements. She was still in the Capitol on early Tuesday, livestreaming from the House floor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal appeals court blocks West Texas A&M drag ban They are under the custody of DPS, Collier said, of her colleagues. Theyre not free to go anywhere unless the DPS is following them. I would say that they are also being detained. Im being detained on the floor because Im being defiant and refusing to bow down to everything that they say. Burrows ordered the chamber doors locked and has required written permission for members to leave. Democrats who previously broke quorum and faced arrest warrants must agree to be released into the custody of a designated trooper, who will escort them back for the next session. Texas democrats face penalties for breaking quorum Civil arrest warrants remain active for the lawmakers, along with fines, budget cuts and other penalties for breaking quorum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burrows said those who fled the state cost the DPS at least six figures in overtime a cost the Democrats are expected to cover. Each lawmaker is also responsible for a $500 daily fine, which adds up to $7,000 each for their 14-day absence. Republicans have argued the police escorts are simply an enforcement of the rules, but Democrats say the measures are an abuse of power. Trump vows to end corrupt mail-in ballot system California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduces redistricting measure Some Democratic states, including California, are considering redrawing their electoral maps in response to Republicans efforts in Texas. California Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced Proposition 50 on Monday, which sets up a special election to allow California voters to decide if they support or oppose his retaliatory redistricting plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California typically uses an independent redistricting commission to draw its congressional maps. If approved, Newsoms plan would allow Democrats to circumvent the independent commission and proceed with a mid-decade redistricting plan. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson vowed to fight Californias changes, calling the move a slap in the face to California voters. Former Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger also voiced his opposition, stating he was getting ready for the gerrymandering battle. Lawmakers in Texas were scheduled to reconvene Wednesday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Democratic state Rep. Nicole Collier slept on the floor of the Texas House on Monday night in protest of Republicans ongoing push to redraw state maps. Earlier this month, many House Democrats left the state to delay a vote on a Republican redistricting plan aimed at creating additional GOP-leaning congressional districts. The push in Texas is part of a broader mid-decade redistricting trend encouraged by President Donald Trump and backed by the states Republican leadership. The Texas initiative has prompted reactions nationwide, with both red and blue Governors saying they are prepared to redraw their states legislative maps. Upon Texas Democrats return to Austin this week, House Speaker Dustin Burrows imposed new rules: Democrats could leave the House chamber only with written permission and under the supervision of law enforcement until the legislature reconvenes Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a report from CNN, most of the Democratic legislators went along with the plan. They showed reporters confirmation that they were allowed to leave the state Capitol, calling their papers permission slips. Collier refused to do the same. My constituents sent me to Austin to protect their voices and rights, she said in a statement. I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts. My community is majority-minority, and they expect me to stand up for their representation. When I press that button to vote, I know these maps will harm my constituents I wont just go along quietly with their intimidation or their discrimination. Collier shared a photo to social media, wearing a sleep mask and bonnet on the House floor. This was my night, she captioned the post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, likened the requirements placed on state Dems to a Jim Crow playbook. As a former Texas State Rep., let me be clear: LOCKING Rep. Nicole Collier inside the chamber is beyond outrageous, she wrote on X. Forcing elected officials to sign permission slips and take police escorts to leave? Thats not procedure. Thats some old Jim Crow playbook. Texas Republicans have lost their damn minds. Republican legislators blasted Colliers state Capitol sleepover, calling it a stunt and a total waste and abuse of public resources. The post Texas Rep. Collier sleeps on House floor to resist GOP redistricting push appeared first on Salon.com. The Brief Texas Democrats are back in Austin after they broke quorum two weeks ago State Representative Nicole Collier refused to leave the House chambers on Monday She refused to sign a document promising to be present when the House reconvenes on Wednesday morning AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Democrats are back in Austin after they broke quorum two weeks ago in protest of the state's redistricting plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Representative Nicole Collier refused to leave the House chambers on Monday. The move followed House Speaker Dustin Burrows' announcement that the quorum-breaking legislators were not allowed to leave the chambers until they signed a document promising to be present when the House reconvenes on Wednesday morning. The move followed House Speaker Dustin Burrows' announcement that the quorum-breaking legislators weren't allowed to leave the chambers until they signed a document promising to be present when the House reconvenes on Wednesday morning. Additionally, each democrat was assigned a pic.twitter.com/5nawrFGmaU Katie Pratt (@KatieOnFox7) August 19, 2025 "Members who have not been present until today for whom arrest warrants were issued will be granted written permission to leave only after agreeing to be released into the custody of a designated DPS officer appointment," said Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows. The piece of paper resembles a tardy note or permission slip one receives in school. Additionally, each democrat was assigned a Texas DPS Trooper to shadow them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I refuse to sign," said State Rep. Nicole Collier. "I will not agree to be in DPS custody. I'm not a criminal. I am exercising my right to resist and oppose the decisions of our government. So this is my form of protest." "This is my hall pass to be able to leave the Capitol, and I have a personal trooper," said State Rep. Toni Rose. "He doesn't wanna be on camera, but he's standing right next to me." Texas Democrats return Dig deeper The Democrats received a warm welcome back from a group that was cheering at their arrival at the Capitol with posters and chants. Even though the Democratic Party does not stand a chance of outnumbering the Republican vote, the Democrats, however, still marked the stalemate as a win after gaining national attention and sinking the first special session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now that we have California backing us up, we try to get back here as fast as possible," said State Representative Gene Wu. "With that margin of the safety, we can come back here and say, let's stick this thing to court." On Friday, the state of California released its new voter maps, which would bolster the Democratic Party, with five additional seats in retaliation for Texas's mid-decade decision. "We wanted to slow the process down, and we did that, and we also want to give other blue states opportunities to do something," said State Rep. Rose. "As you can see in California, Governor Newsom has already unveiled some maps and other I'm looking at it too, so I have no regrets about my decision to cooperate." The GOP has a slim majority in the House, and President Donald Trump is likely trying to prevent what happened during his first term in office, when he lost that lead in the midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The U.S. Supreme Court, as we've already talked in many, many hours, Rucho, says that jurisdiction may engage in constitutional political gerrymandering, recognizing that politics and political considerations are inseparable from districting and apportionment," said State Representative Todd Hunter. "It says that you can use partisan interest." The action of sending five more Republicans to Washington by redrawing the lines provides that extra cushion to ensure the scales do not tip out of his favor come 2026. The Source Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Katie Pratt and previous coverage AUSTIN (Nexstar) The Texas House is adjourned until Wednesday morning. But one state representative is staying in the chamber, staging a protest thats gaining attention. Before the House adjourned Monday, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, ordered the doors to the chamber to be locked. He said that members needed written permission to leave the chamber. But he added an extra step for Democrats who broke quorum and had arrest warrants issued. The speaker said those members would be granted written permission to leave only after agreeing to be released into the custody of a designated Department of Public Safety officer who will ensure they return to the House on Wednesday at 10 a.m. State Rep. Nicole Collier, D-Fort Worth, refused and was not allowed to leave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts, Collier stated in a news release. Texas Democrats highlighted her protest, sending out a news release stating that Collier was locked in the chamber, detained as political prisoner. The Texas House Democratic Caucus set up a live stream of Collier remaining on the House floor and offered reporters live interviews with the representative. Texas Democrats are back in Austin. Now what? At one point, supporters gathered outside the chamber chanting, Let her go! A social media post by the Texas House Democrats showed video of a group of activists appearing to be arrested outside the House chamber. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other Texas Democrats have taken to social media, posting pictures and videos with Collier to show support. Late Monday, NBC News reporter Ryan Chandler reported that Collier had been told she can leave the House floor to go to her office, which is located in another part of the Capitol. She reportedly cannot leave the building without a DPS escort. Early into Colliers protest, the Texas House committee on redistricting voted out of committee a new version of a bill with proposed new congressional maps. The committee vote sets the stage for the full House to consider the redistricting legislation, where it is expected to pass. Beto ORourke PAC donated more than $1 million to Democrats during redistricting battle Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The maps are designed to boost Republican representation in the Texas congressional delegation. The push for the redistricting legislation comes after President Donald Trump called on Texas leaders to redraw voting lines to gain five Republican seats in Congress during the mid-term elections. State Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, defended the plan to boost Republican representation. The U.S. Supreme Court says that jurisdictions may engage in constitutional political gerrymandering, recognizing that politics and political considerations are inseparable from districting and apportionment, Hunter said before Mondays committee vote. The maps will likely push out Congressman Marc Veasey, a Democrat who represents the area that includes much of Colliers state house district. Collier believes the maps will have a negative impact on her constituents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My community is majority-minority, and they expect me to stand up for their representation. When I press that button to vote, I know these maps will harm my constituents, Collier stated in a news release. My constituents sent me to Austin to protect their voices and rights, Collier added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The Texas Senate issued its final approval Tuesday to a suite of bills that, if enacted, will prohibit transgender people from using certain restrooms, unilaterally ban hemp products and curtail the ability for cities and counties to raise property taxes. The series of votes early into this year's second special legislative session advanced the upper chamber's more conservative priorities. Republican senators also passed legislation giving the Texas attorney general more power to prosecute election-related crimes and a bill preventing local officials from using taxpayer dollars to pay lobbyists to advocate on behalf of their interests at the Texas Capitol. Two of the bills were authored by State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, who called his measure to limit transgender people from entering restrooms that don't match the sex they were assigned at birth "common-sense." He also said a second bill he wrote, which cracks down on publicly funded lobbying, is "a very tough bill." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And it's because so many are profiting off our taxpayers," he said. Democratic senators, for their part, opposed the majority of the bills that were up for a vote. State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, said efforts to ban transgender people from using restrooms outside the sex assigned at birth could invite litigation. San Antonio Democrat Jose Menendez said lawmakers convened to pass legislation in response to t he deadly July 4 weekend flash floods that killed at least 135 people in Central Texas, including 27 girls at Camp Mystic. "It's despicable that someone would spend their time policing a restroom, a place where people go to relieve themselves, change their children's diapers, or help someone else use the restroom because they can't do so on their own," he said. "Every single Texan deserves privacy, and their privacy should be protected." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gov. Greg Abbotts agenda for this special session nearly mirrors the first. However, work during that session was stalled when Texas House Democrats left the state to prevent Republicans from passing a new congressional map the seeks to give the GOP five additional seats in the U.S. House. The Senate votes Tuesday came one day after the upper chamber passed flood-related legislation, which Democrats supported. Among those bills was one that seeks to improve safety measures at youth summer camps following the deadly July 4 flash floods that killed at least 135 people in Central Texas, including 27 girls at Camp Mystic. During floor discussion, Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said with the release of data by the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, officials in the three counties affected by the tragedy are now in favor of flood warning systems. The legislation now heads to the Texas House. Heres a look at the bills the Senate has approved: Flood preparedness, camp safety and emergency response Senate Bill 2 would create a training program for justices of the peace on how to handle bodies during disasters when many people die, establish licensing requirements for emergency management coordinators and set up a registration system for disaster response volunteers that could include criminal history checks. The Senate proposal further requires all campgrounds in floodplains to develop evacuation plans, which they would have to activate any time the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning. It would also require campground cabins to have ladders so people could climb onto rooftops as a last resort. The bill passed unanimously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 3 would require a state agency to determine which areas in the region that flooded on July 4 should have outdoor warning sirens, and then establish guidance on how to install them. The governors office would set up a grant program to help local governments pay for the projects. Senate Bill 5 would pull money from the state's so-called Rainy Day Fund for several disaster relief efforts, including $50 million for sirens and rain gauges in the Central Texas and $24 million to improve weather forecasting. Banning consumable THC Senate Bill 6 would create a blanket ban on products containing any detectable amount of any cannabinoid other than cannabidiol and cannabigerol, better known as CBD and CBG, non-intoxicating components of cannabis. SB 6 would eliminate the majority of hemp products, including those that are legal under the federal definition. This is the third attempt by the lawmakers in the upper chamber to remove hemp-derived THC products from the general public, as they say its too dangerous for children. It is identical to the Houses version, which also calls for a ban. Still, since Abbott vetoed similar legislation that would have banned THC earlier this year , some lawmakers have signaled theyd support more regulations over a ban. SB 6 passed 22-8. Restricting bathrooms transgender people can use Senate Bill 8 seeks to restrict bathrooms transgender people can use. It also limits which prisons, jails and certain violence shelters transgender people can be placed into. Places where people use bathrooms that do not match their sex assigned at birth would be fined $5,000 for a first offense and $25,000 for any subsequent violations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commonly referred to as a bathroom bill, SB 8 was previously passed out of the Senate during the regular session and first special session. The bill would also allow civil lawsuits against institutions where violations occur and grant Attorney General Ken Paxton investigative oversight. SB 8 passed on a 19-11 vote. Limiting property tax collections without voter approval State lawmakers committed to spend $51 billion to lower school property taxes over the next two years. But Abbott and Republican legislators are hungry for other ways to bring down the states high property tax bills. Senate Bill 10 aims to curtail city and county property taxes. The proposal would put tighter limits on how much more in property tax revenue cities and counties can collect each year without asking voters. That limit under state law is 3.5%. SB 10 would further limit that growth to 2.5% for cities and counties with at least 75,000 residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SB 10 passed on an 18-12 vote. Trafficking victims Senate Bill 11, bipartisan legislation led by Flower Mound Republican Tan Parker, would create an affirmative defense for trafficking victims who commit crimes under their traffickers force, fraud or coercion. Abbott vetoed a previous version of the bill passed during the regular session, saying that it was too broad. With the special sessions, the bill now details the criteria for the protections application and limits the types of offense this defense could be used for, removing serious crimes such as murder and sexual assault. SB 11 passed to engrossment 30-0. Giving the attorney general more power in election crime investigations Senate Bill 12, from Sen. Bryan Hughes, a Mineola Republican, would allow the attorney general to prosecute election-related crimes without waiting for an invitation from the local district or county attorney. In 2021, the Court of Criminal Appeals ruled that the attorney general did not have independent prosecutorial authority; despite widespread conservative support, legislation to restore that power to the office stalled during subsequent legislative sessions. This year, Abbott added it to the special session agenda, but specifically requested it be passed as a constitutional amendment, which requires a two-thirds vote from both chambers, and voter approval. SB 12 passed 18-12. Banning local governments from using tax dollars to pay lobbyists Senate Bill 13 from state Sen. Mayes Middleton, a Galveston Republican, is a long-desired proposal by Republicans to forbid cities, counties and school districts from spending public dollars to hire lobbyists to represent them at the Capitol. Conservatives have long argued that localities collect money from taxpayers only to lobby against their interests at the state level including on issues like property tax cuts. Local officials, in turn, argue that outlawing the practice would harm localities, especially smaller ones. Senators signed off on an identical bill during this years first special session. The bill passed 18-11. Lowering developer fees for water conservation and reuse Local governments charge impact fees to real estate developers to provide water and sewer infrastructure. Senate Bill 14 by state Sen. Charles Perry, a Lubbock Republican, would require cities and counties to lower those fees if developers install mechanisms to better conserve and reuse water. SB 14 passed with a unanimous vote. Keeping unsubstantiated police misconduct allegations private Senate Bill 15 would create a confidential department file for certain law enforcement personnel records, such as unsubstantiated misconduct allegations and background checks conducted during hiring. State Sen. Phil King, the Weatherford Republican who authored the bill, and the legislations supporters said it is about standardizing agencies public disclosure policies. They also said unsubstantiated claims shouldnt be publicized because they could be defamatory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opponents of SB 15 raised concerns that this bill could keep important files from being shared with the public, hindering police transparency and accountability. This could include records related to the Uvalde shooting, some critics said, as the Texas Department of Public Safety appealed a judges order to release videos and investigative files of the botched response to news outlets. King said during the Monday Senate hearing that his bill doesnt cover body-camera footage, or disclosures required under lawsuits or criminal investigations. Others said they are worried about how this bill would affect local police oversight rules such as in Austin, though King said during the first special session that the proposal wouldnt change the citys disclosure policy. Under the current bill, files that are required to be disclosed by law are exempted. The Senate approved SB 15 with an 18-12 vote. Increasing penalties for deed fraud Senate Bill 16 would stiffen criminal penalties for people convicted of deed fraud in which people use fraudulent deeds to commit financial crimes like selling someone elses property and give property owners greater protections against that fraud. SB16 by Sen. Royce West, a Dallas Democrat, was passed to engrossment with a unanimous vote. Allowing for water control projects in partnership with USDA Senate Bill 18 seeks to help communities respond quickly during extreme weather events by diverting water or preventing erosion using water infrastructure. The bipartisan bill led by Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo, would allow for a government entity that partners with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service to build or maintain small-scale water control projects used for erosion, sediment or flood control without needing a state permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as long as it holds no more than 200 acre-feet. One acre-foot of water is about 325,851 gallons of water. This new exception would still apply even if the federal partnership ends as long as the dam is still used for the original purpose. TCEQ must create rules to implement this new exception by April 1. Immunity during legislative testimony Current law says that if a person is compelled to testify before the Legislature even if they claim that their testimony may be self-incriminating, they can receive total immunity from prosecution related to their statements whats known as transactional immunity. Senate Bill 34 would change the law to grant testimonial immunity to witnesses instead meaning that any testimony or evidence a witness gives to the Legislature cannot be used against them in a criminal prosecution. SB 34 passed 30-0. More all-star speakers confirmed for The Texas Tribune Festival, Nov. 1315! This years lineup just got even more exciting with the addition of State Rep. Caroline Fairly, R-Amarillo; former United States Attorney General Eric Holder; Abby Phillip, anchor of CNN NewsNight; Aaron Reitz, 2026 Republican candidate for Texas Attorney General; and State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin. Get your tickets today! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase. Democratic Texas State Representative Nicole Collier spent Monday night confined to the states House floor after she refused to acquiesce to Texas Republicans demand that she only leave under the watch of agents of the Department of Public Safety. Collier posted a photo of herself Tuesday on Instagram sleeping in one of the House chambers seats with a sleep mask and blanket on. This was my night, the Texas politician captioned the photo. Good Morning America, meanwhile, dedicated part of its Tuesday broadcast to sharing footage from Colliers overnight stay. Im tired of being pushed around and told what to do when I disagree with the actions of our government, she told viewers. More from TheWrap Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Collier was one of a group of Texas House Democrats who fled the state earlier this month in order to stall a vote on State Republicans redistricting plan. Collier and her fellow Democrats returned to the Capitol building in Austin, Texas, on Monday, where Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced that their future movements would be monitored and restricted. Burrows told Democrats in attendance they would only be permitted to leave Texas House chamber Monday if they signed a permission slip agreeing to DPS escorts that would ensure they did not leave the state again until the House of Representatives reconvenes on Wednesday morning. This rule, Burrows announced, applied to all Democrats who had previously prevented the House from achieving the two-thirds quorum necessary to vote on Republicans new, redrawn Texas congressional maps. Collier and her fellow protesting Democrats had already received civil arrest warrants placed on them for fleeing to Democrat-run states like Illinois and New York. While most Texas Democrats agreed to Republicans DPS escort demands, Collier did not. She has, consequently, been confined to the House floor since Monday. According to CNN, she is only allowed to leave the floor to visit her office under law enforcement supervision. She is otherwise not permitted to leave the Capitol building until she agrees to Republicans supervision demands. Collier was joined on the House floor overnight by fellow Texas State Reps. Gene Wu and Vince Perez. Both Wu and Perez initially signed the permission slips agreeing to DPS escorts but ultimately chose to stay in solidarity with Collier for the duration of the night. Perez is reported to have left the House chamber Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage taken from the House floor by Wu captured the chants of outside crowds who demanded that Republicans, Let [Collier] out! Former Texas State Rep. Beto ORourke, meanwhile, responded on X to a photo of Collier sitting alone on the House floor, writing, A true hero, refusing to submit, fighting these fascists by herself if she has to. We are with you Nicole! Collier and her Democratic colleagues have been actively fighting for over two weeks Texas Republicans plan to draw new congressional maps in the state that would result in the creation of potentially five more red House seats before the next round of midterm elections in 2026. The move is the result of urging on the part of President Donald Trump, who has pushed Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Republicans to shore up their narrow congressional hold over Texas before next years midterms. The intended redistricting marks a major break from U.S. tradition, which dictates that states only redraw their congressional maps once a decade after the completion of the latest U.S. census. As a result, the move has received major pushback from Democrats both within and outside of Texas, including California Governor Gavin Newsom. The latter politician has vowed to redraw his states congressional maps and garner California Democrats potentially five more House seats in the state if Texas Republicans go through with their own redistricting plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You can watch Collier talk about her experience in the video above. The post Texas State Rep. Nicole Collier Sleeps on House Floor After Refusing Republicans Demand for Law Enforcement Escort | Video appeared first on TheWrap. A Texas state representative has refused to sign a permission slip that would allow her to leave the state Capitol amid a contentious battle between Republicans and Democrats. State Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth told news outlets she was protesting the Republican House speakers insistence that she and other Democratic lawmakers be under surveillance by state troopers ahead of Wednesdays meeting of the legislature. I dont know how long I will be here, Collier wrote in a statement to the Fort Worth Report on Monday. Instead of DPS officers looking for pedophiles, they have been assigned to follow Democratic state representatives around only to ensure their return to the Capitol on Wednesday (when the House reconvenes). I sure hope the public feels safe without those officers on beat. Related: Texas Democrats Evacuate After Bomb Threat At Chicago Hotel Colliers insistence on remaining in the state Capitol, located in Austin, comes after Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) threatened to arrest Democrats who left the state for two weeks in an attempt to block Republicans from their racially biased redistricting efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The redistricting, pushed by President Donald Trump, would set up Republicans to likely gain an extra five congressional seats in the midterm elections. Texas state Rep. Nicole Collier speaks during a news conference about voting rights outside the U.S. Capitol on August 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. Drew Angerer via Getty Images After many of the Democratic lawmakers returned to the state, the Texas House of Representatives reached a quorum on Monday, meaning it had enough members present to conduct business. The end of their walkout followed California Democrats decision to move forward with a vote in November on temporarily redrawing maps to neutralize Republican efforts to gerrymander. It also comes after Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts (R) special session was canceled on Friday. Upon Texas Democrats return to the House on Monday, Burrows reportedly required them to be escorted by Department of Public Safety officers until Wednesday, when the House reconvenes. Members who have not been present until today, for whom arrest warrants were issued, will be granted written permission to leave only after agreeing to be released into the custody of a designated [Department of Public Safety] officer appointment under the rules of the House, he said, also explaining that the officers would then ensure that the members would return Wednesday morning, according to NBC News. Related: More Texas Democrats Spent The Night At The State Capitol In Protest For those still absent, civil arrest warrants remain in force, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to NBC News, Collier said she was a political prisoner for not falling in line with Republican surveillance protocol. I refuse to sign away my dignity as a duly elected representative just so Republicans can control my movements and monitor me with police escorts, she said. In a terse statement to HuffPost, Burrows said he was going to focus on legislation instead of Collier. Related: Kamala Harris Praises Texas Democrat Who Defied GOP Order: A Hero 'Of This Moment' Rep. Colliers choice to stay and not sign the permission slip is well within her rights under the House Rules, he said. I am choosing to spend my time focused on moving the important legislation on the call to overhaul camp safety, provide property tax reform and eliminate the STAAR test the results Texans care about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Collier filed a writ of habeas corpus in the district court of Travis County, Texas, claiming the state legislatures Republicans unlawfully detained her in the state Capitol. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) weighed in on the matter in an online post: As a former Texas State Rep, let me be clear: LOCKING Rep. Nicole Collier inside the chamber is beyond outrageous. Forcing elected officials to sign permission slips & take police escorts to leave? Thats not procedure. Thats some old Jim Crow playbook. Texas Republicans have lost their damn minds, she added. Collier did not respond to a HuffPost request for comment. Related... Read the original on HuffPost A Democratic Texas state representative said her Republican-assigned police escort threatened to arrest her in front of her constituents while she was on her morning walk. State Rep. Sheryl Cole (D) was one of many Democrats forcibly assigned a police escort amid a contentious battle between the states Republicans and Democrats over GOP gerrymandering efforts pushed by President Donald Trump. While on my morning walk in the Mueller neighborhood, my [Department of Public Safety] escort, who was forced upon me to track my every movement, threatened to arrest me. He lost me on the trail, got angry about it, and made a scene in front of my constituents on the trail, Cole wrote in an online post, adding that she is a little shaken up but remains undeterred by this intimidation tactic by House Republicans. Related: Trump Shows Off His 4 MORE YEARS Hat To Zelenskyy During Baffling White House Detour Texas Republicans have moved forward with a racist redistricting attempt that would grant them an extra five Republican congressional seats. As a result, more than 50 Texas Democrats fled the state on Aug. 3 to delay the gerrymandering for two weeks, prompting House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R) to threaten their arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon the lawmakers return on Monday, Burrows said each of the Democrats would have to sign a slip authorizing a Department of Public Safety officer to surveil them until Wednesday, when the House is scheduled to reconvene. Cole also applauded her colleague, Rep. Nicole Collier of Fort Worth, who has declined to sign off on the surveillance. This is also why I stand with my colleague @NicoleCollier95, who has refused to go along with this charade and is still on the House floor 24 hours later, Cole added. We will not be intimidated by this, and history will remember this. Instead of acquiescing to state Republicans demand for round-the-clock surveillance, Collier stayed inside the chamber overnight and has claimed in a lawsuit that the state GOP has unlawfully detained her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also argued in the suit that Burrows does not have the power to compel any Texas citizen or any elected official into preemptive custody. Her stay is being livestreamed. HuffPost reached out to Texas DPS, Cole and Burrows for comment, but did not immediately hear back. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Thailand is preparing to take legal action against Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet and his father, Hun Sen, for allegedly violating Thai sovereignty. Thailands acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, announced on Monday that the National Security Council has resolved to sue the present and former Cambodian leaders in Thai courts for directing the military to infringe the borders. Cambodia and Thailand agreed a ceasefire late last month after an armed conflict between the two neighbours left more than 40 people dead and displaced over 260,000 others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Phumtham said the Thai government will take legal action to address Cambodias military aggression even as negotiations to find a long-term agreement to the two countries border dispute continue. However he clarified that the case would be heard domestically under Thai law as Thailand does not recognise the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. Malaysia's prime minister Anwar Ibrahim (C), Cambodia's prime minister Hun Manet (L) and Thailand's acting prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai (R) pose for photos as they shake hands following a press conference after talks on a possible ceasefire (AFP/Getty) We are preparing to sue Cambodia, including its leaders, for violating Thailands sovereignty through the use of military force and weapons, which has affected Thai lives and property, Mr Phumtham said, according to Khmer Times. He said the Cambodian leaders would be arrested if they entered Thailand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The acting prime minister justified the measures, calling them necessary and appropriate to address attacks on Thai citizens and public property. He argued that failure to act could open officials up to charges of negligence. The Thai Lawyers Council last week said it planned to assist victims of the military conflict through civil litigation to seek compensation. Veerasak Chotiwanich, the deputy secretary-general of the council, said the body was encouraging citizens affected by the clashes to provide evidence for class-action lawsuits against the Cambodian government. Migrant workers re-enter Cambodia through the Daung International Border Check Point between Cambodia and Thailand, in Kamrieng, on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. (AP) Border negotiations between the two Southeast Asian neighbours are scheduled to continue at the Thai-Cambodian Regional Border Committee meeting on 27 August and later at the General Border Committee meeting in Cambodia in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The clashes in July saw both sides trade artillery fire and air strikes along contested stretches of their 817km border. It was their deadliest border conflict in more than a decade. The violence began at a flashpoint near the ancient Ta Moan Thom temple in Thailands Surin province, and quickly spread to other disputed areas. Cambodian officials accused Thailand of launching air strikes and dropping bombs on roads inside its territory. Thailand blamed Cambodia for laying new landmines one of which injured a Thai soldier and prompted a swift military response, including the deployment of F-16 fighter jets. The latest conflict was preceded by escalating tensions over a Cambodian soldiers killing during a confrontation in May. A truce, brokered by Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, was reached on 28 July after US president Donald Trump said he had spoken to the leaders on both sides. BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand's cabinet has approved the hiring of 10,000 Sri Lankan workers as it tries to address a labour shortage caused by Cambodian workers returning home in the wake of a deadly border conflict between the two countries, a Thai senior official said on Tuesday. Thailand's ageing population and shrinking workforce has forced it to rely on at least 3 million registered foreign labourers across the agriculture, construction, and manufacturing sectors, data from the International Labor Organization showed. More than 30,000 workers from Sri Lanka have already registered and 10,000 will be sent to Thailand in the first stage, Labour Minister Pongkawin Jungrungruangkit told reporters, adding that it would also allow workers from Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines to apply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A long border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia last month boiled over into the worst fighting in decades, with at least 43 people killed and over 300,000 displaced on both sides of the border. The two Southeast Asian nations have now agreed a fragile ceasefire agreement. Before the conflict began, over 520,000 Cambodians worked in Thailand, accounting for 12% of the country's foreign workforce, according to official data. About 400,000 Cambodians working in Thailand have left the country during the fighting, according to the Cambodian government. Sri Lanka, which has emerged as a key source of replacement labour, saw a record 314,786 citizens leave for overseas employment in 2024, official data showed, with economic hardship pushing many to look for work overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Middle East was the primary destination, and many also sought jobs in South Korea and Japan. Sri Lankan migrant workers are the largest source of foreign exchange for the South Asian island nation. (Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng and Panarat Thepgumpanat in BANGKOK; additional reporting by Uditha Jayasinghe in COLOMBO; Editing by David Stanway) NEED TO KNOW The Thai royal family has shared a rare health update on Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol Princess Bha, the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has been hospitalized in a coma since collapsing in December 2022 Thought to be suffering from a heart condition, the princess's doctors recently discovered she also has a "severe infection in the bloodstream" Thailand's royal family has shared a rare health update on Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest child of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The princess, known as "Princess Bha," 45, has been hospitalized in a coma since December 2022 after collapsing as a result of a heart condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement released last week, the Thai royal family revealed the princess's medical team at the Chulalongkorn Red Cross Hospital in Bangkok "detected a severe infection in the bloodstream, leading them to administer antibiotics and medication to stimulate blood pressure in order to maintain stable levels." The doctors have reported that the Princess lungs and kidneys have been functioning with support from medical devices and medication, the statement added. Hello! reported on Aug. 19 that the princess's care regimen includes "broad-spectrum antibiotics and dialysis sessions to replace her deteriorating kidney function." The Thai royal family has kept the princess's condition largely private, releasing only four statements in the nearly three years that she has been hospitalized. LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Well-wishers bow in front of an image of Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok in December 2022 Well-wishers bow in front of an image of Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol at Chulalongkorn Hospital in Bangkok in December 2022 Princess Bha is the eldest daughter of the King, 71, and his only child by his first wife, Soamsawali Kitiyakara. Prior to falling ill, she earned degrees in law and international relations in both Thailand and the United States, worked for the United Nations and served as Thailand's ambassador to Austria. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also did extensive work advocating for better treatment incarcerated women in Thailand and around the world. Her efforts helped lead to the U.N.'s 2010 adoption of the "Bangkok Rules," also known as the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders. The King, known as Rama X, has yet to officially announce a successor. Before her hospitalization, Princess Bha was considered a frontrunner, even though Thai tradition favors a male heir. JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty (L to R) Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida (L to R) Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida The King also has five children by his second wife, Yuvadhida Polpraserth; however, following their divorce, she and her children fled to England and later, the United States. The former consort and her four sons, who would be next in line to the throne, were reportedly banished from Thailand, though the second eldest, Vacharaesorn Vivacharawongse, returned in 2023, leading to rumors about a succession shakeup. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates. The King's daughter, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, 38, was returned to Thailand to live with the royal family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, it is thought that the King's youngest child, Prince Dipangkorn Rasmijoti, 20, may be the one to succeed his father to the throne. He is the only child of the King and his third wife, Srirasmi Suwadee. Read the original article on People LONDON (AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wasn't going to risk being accused of being ungrateful this time. With peace talks on the table and a chance to rebound from his disastrous White House scolding six months ago, Zelenskyy made sure to show his gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump during Monday's meeting in the Oval Office. In fact, he said thanks nine times to Donald Trump and others in the first minute of their brief public meeting that preceded a short news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks so much, Mr. President, he said. First of all, thank you for the invitation and thank you very much for your efforts, personal efforts to stop killings and stop this war. Thank you. In February, Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump quickly spiraled into a public relations disaster when Vice President JD Vance berated him for not being sufficiently thankful. You should be thanking the President for trying to bring an end to this conflict," Vance said in a moment that caught Zelenskyy off guard. "Have you said thank you once? In this entire meeting? No, in this entire meeting, have you said thank you? Zelenskyy tried to defend himself, saying he had always expressed his appreciation to the U.S. for the military and financial support it provided after Russia invaded it in 2022. But the damage was done. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement World leaders took their cue and learned that flattery is the way to winning over the unpredictable Trump, a strategy on full display in a larger meeting later in the day that included other European leaders and the head of NATO. Zelenskyy was advised by his peers on how to approach the meeting, said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who had a much smoother Oval Office debut in June. He asked for that," Merz said. "He saw that my meeting with Donald Trump went very differently from his meeting. With a chance to make a better second impression in the Oval Office, gratitude diplomacy was front and center for Zelenskyy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to thanking the president six times, Zelenskyy extended gratitude to Melania Trump for personally writing to Russian President Vladimir Putin to think about the Ukrainian children and urge peace. And he twice thanked his European allies who had arrived as reinforcements in Washington to present a unified front to push for a ceasefire and security guarantees if there is a peace deal with Russia. In a subsequent meeting with top leaders from Europe, Zelenskyy expressed his thanks at least seven times, including two mentions for a map Trump had presented him. Thank you for the map, by the way, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was not alone. Trump himself used the T-word about a dozen times in the later meeting and heaped praise on his fellow leaders from Europe. He called Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a great leader with a long career ahead, said he liked French President Emmanuel Macron even more since he's gotten to know him something he noted was unusual for him and he complimented Merz's tan. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has worked hard to forge a close relationship with Trump, thanked the president four times, noting that after three years of fighting, nobody else had been able to bring the conflict as close to a possible end. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So I thank you for that, Starmer said. Ben Hodges, former commanding general of the U.S. Army in Europe, said the whole lot of deference and homage paid to Trump was nauseating but necessary to keep Trump in support of NATO. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who addressed Trump as dear Donald" during the meeting, later called the president amazing. ___ Associated Press writers Geir Moulson in Berlin and Emma Burrows in London contributed to this report. AUSTIN (KXAN) Each week, theres a celebration outside a Wimberley senior living facility, featuring music from a community radio station and some special guests from an area animal rescue. Wimberley Adoption Group and Rescue, or WAG, teams up with KWVH Wimberley Valley Radio 94.3 to bring adoptable animals to Alexis Pointe Senior Living for visits. Everyone involved with Wagsday Wednesday agrees its a party and a partnership. This has been such a good opportunity to get our residents some pet therapy and get these animals a permanent home, said Tricia Gangstad, the community relations director at Alexis Pointe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the facility itself is pet-friendly, Gangstad explained that many of its residents cannot care for an animal full-time but are happy to pose for pictures and cuddle with the animals. On this Wednesday, WAG brought a bonded pair out to the party: a twelve-year-old, blind Maltese named Georgie, who navigates the world with the help of his best friend named Rosie, a younger Yorkie mix. Jana Kennon, Vice President at WAG, describes dogs like these as a gift. Its just really a joy to take some dogs out they love it, we love it, she said, recalling the reactions from some of the residents from their first few events. Residents at Alexis Pointe senior living hold adoptable dogs outside the facility. (KXAN Photo/Avery Travis) Residents at Alexis Pointe senior living, representatives from WAG and others hold adoptable dogs outside the facility. (KXAN Photo/Avery Travis) Residents at Alexis Pointe senior living, representatives from WAG and others hold adoptable dogs outside the facility. (KXAN Photo/Avery Travis) Residents at Alexis Pointe senior living hold adoptable dogs outside the facility. (KXAN Photo/Avery Travis) Inspired in part by his own rescue dog, named Tuesday, KWVHs Tom Gebhardt said the event has evolved into therapy for all of us. Gebhardt remembers bringing Tuesday to the facility for a meeting one day, and he said the residents couldnt get enough of her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His colleague, Tanya Tyler, hosts a regular pet segment with WAG, and before long, the three organizations joined forces for what she describes as a perfect match. We get people that are listeners that come out, and they love the dogs and then you get the folks that are here, that come out. So, I believe serotonin is going all around, she laughed. And, of course, our goal is to help with people adopting the animals or at least saying, maybe there is another dog out there at Wimberley WAG Rescue. Tyler said she believes any community radio station is supposed to be the anchor, partnering with other groups to be the arms and the legs in order to serve the community. Thats whats beautiful about this whole relationship, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group plans to take a break until the summer temperatures cool off in September, but Kennon said shes optimistic about the future of the event. On this particular Wednesday, Rosie never left Georgies side proving that no matter how old we get, life is better when we work together. We just have loved this partnership not just for our respective partners, but for all of Wimberley, Gangstad said. For information on Rosie and Georgie, 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 KXAN Austin. If they walk out of their doors theyre going to fall because theres nothing there anymore. This warning came from a 911 caller after a balcony and staircase collapsed on the side of an apartment building in the 4400 block of South Kansas Avenue in St. Francis around 8 p.m. Aug. 17. The caller said they heard a loud bang and ran outside to see what happened. First responders found the second-story balcony and portions of an exterior stairway compromised, according to an Aug. 18 news release from the St. Francis Fire Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters removed four occupants and three pets via ladder, according to the release. Was anyone injured at the St. Francis apartment building? There were no injuries reported. Were just fortunate no one was No. 1 on there or underneath it when it happened, St. Francis Fire Chief Nicholas Poplar told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. What is the status of the building? Two external masonry walls showed signs of stress and fatigue and are bowed out, Poplar said, so the area was cordoned off as a collapse zone. The property was turned over to the owner and the management said theyre making arrangements for repairs, according to the release. In the meantime, the four affected units are classified as condemned, Poplar said. The affected occupants were able to find shelter with friends or family, he said. Residents in the 15 other units are not affected. What caused the balcony and staircase at the St. Francis apartment building to collapse? The cause of the collapse is undetermined, the release said. Poplar said he heard many thought the recent heavy rains couldve played a role, but he's not convinced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no way to tell. I wouldnt even speculate, he said. There was no evidence of anything other than it collapsed. When are buildings inspected? The only time a building is inspected for structural issues is if a complaint or issue is brought to the city or if a property owner pulls a permit for work and that work is then inspected. If a property changes ownership, the updated occupancy permit does include a full inspection, but Poplar said the property has had the same owner for decades. St. Francis city department heads held a meeting the morning after the incident to discuss that topic. Not one department, not one city complaint form, nobody was contacted with any concerns or anything over at that address, Poplar said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poplar said the fire department does typically conduct inspections about every six months for fire code compliance. These inspections include checking smoke detectors, noting if egress routes are clearly marked, and checking things such as exit signs and emergency lighting. Poplar said these inspections are not typically structural, but if a structural issue is observed the inspection department would be notified. When was the last inspection and what did it show? The Journal Sentinel obtained the last fire inspection report for the property at 4451 S. Whitnall Ave. dated Aug. 20, 2024. (Poplar said the reason there was more time between inspections was because the building has no real common areas outside of the basement space.) The report noted two violations: the stairway needed to be cleaned of obstructions and a set of keys needed to be placed in the Knox box. A Knox box is a wall-mounted safe that holds a set of keys intended for first responders in case of emergency situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No other issues were documented. Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on X @Redheadliner. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: St. Francis had no complaints about apartment whose balcony failed Aug. 18Speaker of the (Big) House Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan isn't looking forward to serving his 7 1/2 -year federal prison sentence, and who can blame him. After all, it's a rare individual whose life ambition is to die behind bars. Unfortunately, things are not looking good for the 83-year-old onetime political powerhouse. U.S. Judge John Blakey recently denied Madigan's request to remain free on bond while he appeals his corruption convictions through the courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a 44-page ruling, Blakey said Madigan failed to raise a "substantial question" of law that would justify reversing his conviction. He said Madigan's arguments were based on "routine and meritless" objections, the result of which is that Madigan must turn himself in to authorities on Oct. 13. The big news out of the Madigan camp is that he has hired heavy-hitter U.S. Supreme Court litigant Lisa Blatt to handle his appeal. Most people don't know her, but she's a top-notch Washington, D.C., lawyer who appears regularly before the U.S. Supreme Court. Even more important is that she persuaded the high court to reverse the bribery conviction of former Portage, Ind., Mayor James Snyder. The bribery issue in the Snyder case, one decided in summer 2024 by the high court, is similar to that raised in Madigan's case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Madigan has argued what prosecutors called the Commonwealth Edison bribery conspiracy against him is simply legal politics as usual. Not an issue for laymen, the dispute revolves around the legal definition of the word "corruptly." In the ComEd case, the utility lavished expensive favors on Madigan and his political organization in the hope he would support the utility's legislative agenda. Blatt represents another expensive addition to Madigan's legal team. Fortunately for him, the multimillionaire former political boss is paying legal fees out of his multiple campaign funds. Saying goodbye Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an especially nice gesture, the Chicago Cubs are holding a public memorial for their Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg. The public tribute will be held in Gallagher Way, located adjacent to Wrigley Field, starting at 9:30 a.m. Friday. The team said, "Cubs fans can pay their respects to Sandberg." He died July 28 at 65 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Sandberg's statue in monument row outside Wrigley Field has, according to news reports, become a gathering place for Cubs fans. The team said it welcomes "fans to gather there for the memorial" and that a ticket is not required to attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It said Sandberg's private funeral service will be broadcast on the Gallagher Way video board. "We hope this public tribute provides everyone touched by Ryne's incredible talent as a player and person an opportunity to honor his legacy and pay their respects," said Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney. The Sandberg family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, fans bring a nonperishable food item to Gallagher Way for donation to the local food pantries. The Sandberg memorial demonstrates again fans' attachment to special players. Following the death of St. Louis Cardinals star Stan Musial, the team hosted his funeral at home plate in Busch Stadium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Political faceoff, kinda Fifteenth District U.S. Rep. Mary Miller recently was a guest speaker at the Adams County Republican Party "annual Lincoln-Reagan-Trump Dinner." While Republicans inside were happy to greet her, local Democrats gathered outside in hopes of confronting her. One anti-Miller sign read "Miller (loves) fascists and pedophiles," references to President Donald Trump and the late child molester Jeffrey Epstein. The Dems excoriated Miller for not meeting with them. "We have tried to contact her. We have tried to meet with her. We've asked her to have town halls, and she completely fails to respond or have a town hall. And she will only speak to Republicans. She won't speak to her other constituents," said Adams County Democratic Party Chair Katherine Daniels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miller professed to be unbothered by the Democrats' presence. "We have free speech, and I'm glad for it. I always welcome a marketplace of ideas, and sadly, the Democrats' ideas are terrible," she said. The incumbent Republican from the gerrymandered 15th district got some bad news last week when a fellow Republican announced he will challenge her in the March 2026 GOP primary. News accounts state Ryan Tebrugge, a public employee and small-business owner from Springfield, is circulating petitions. Three Democrats are competing for their party's nomination to run against Miller. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tebrugge said he's running against Miller because she provides poor constituent services and neglects the needs of her district by not taking advantage of opportunities to bring money back for infrastructure projects and programs. Not just people moving The coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent statewide shutdown ordered by the governor were not just bad for people, but businesses as well. A recent study said, "Illinois lost 218 businesses to other states in 2023, representing an acceleration of the departure rate prior to the pandemic. When ranked based on population, Illinois ranked No. 2 for the most business losses." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that Illinois lost "2,616 businesses to other states from 1994-2023." The departure rate averages about 65 per year. The rate started accelerating significantly in about 2017 and has tripled since the pandemic, according to Bryce Hill, an economic analyst with the Illinois Policy Institute. California and New York ranked at the top of the list of states losing business along with Illinois. Florida led the nation in attracting businesses: 503 just in 2023. No other state attracted more than 160 migrating businesses, the IPI study revealed. Hill said, "one of the major factors pushing businesses away from the state is Illinois' unfriendly tax climate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illinois and Massachusetts also come in among the bottom half of states on tax competitiveness. How safe is SAFE-T? Illinois' abolition of the bail system was placed in the national political spotlight this week, highlighted by a nasty exchange between President Trump and Gov. Pritzker. "Every place in the country where you have no cash bail is a disaster," Mr. Trump told the press. "That's what started it in Chicago, bad politicians started it, bad leadership started it ... Somebody murders somebody, and they're out on no cash bail before the day is out." Trump's statement was not accurate, but the public gets the idea. Trump said, "we're going to end that in Chicago, we're going to change the statute." Of course, the president has no authority to reverse an Illinois law, as noted by Pritzker. The governor defended the bond abolition he signed into law and noted that Trump has "absolutely no right and no legal ability to send troops into the city of Chicago." Despite that, The Wall Street Journal stated that "Pritzker's presidential ambitions could use a review of the soft-on-crime policies that set the Land of Lincoln up as a Trump target for its failure to preserve law and order." The Journal noted that "Chicago residents still navigate tent cities, car-jackings and social disorder" and said that "even if (Trump) can't ban the policy in Illinois, (he) can campaign against it." "The failure of progressive rule in big cities is becoming a liability for Democrats nationally, which is one reason Mr. Trump is making an issue of Washington and Chicago," the Journal stated The SAFE-T Act requires that most of those arrested for serious crimes be immediately released from custody after making a court appearance unless they pose a threat to public safety or are a flight risk. New star is born Country music star Megan Moroney set a new attendance record Aug 10 at the Illinois State Fair. She drew a crowd of 15,532, exceeding by less than 100 the previous record of 15,427 set last year by Lil Wayne. Prior to that, the top ticket seller was previously Jason Aldean who packed 15,329 seats in 2011, followed by Florida Georgia Line in 2014 with 15,204 tickets sold. Reba McEntire sold 14,823 in 2019, and Hootie and the Blowfish round out the top five record holders with 13,956 tickets sold in 1995. Publicist Lori Harlan said Moroney, wearing her signature "white Lane boots," had fans signing along her lists of hit songs like "Am I Okay?," "Tennessee Orange" and her latest "6 Months Later." The fair concluded Sunday. BOSTON (AP) Rip currents are one of the coast's greatest dangers and account for the most beach rescues every year. Hurricane Erin is bringing the potentially deadly currents to the East Coast this week. About 100 people drown from rip currents along U.S. beaches each year, according to the United States Lifesaving Association. And more than 80 percent of beach rescues annually involve rip currents. Already this year, there have been at least 27 people killed from rip currents in U.S. waters, according to the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hurricane Erin brought evacuations to North Carolina's Outer Banks on Tuesday, a day after dozens of swimmers needed to be rescued from rip currents near Wilmington, North Carolina. Authorities warned the storm could bring rip currents from Florida to New England. Here are some things to know about rip currents: What is a rip current? Rip currents are narrow columns of water flowing rapidly away from the beach, like a swift stream within the ocean. They don't pull swimmers under water, but can carry them out a fair distance from shore. Low spots along the beach, or areas near jetties or piers, are often where rip currents form. They can be connected to stormy weather but also sometimes occur during sunny days. They can be hard to detect because the surface water often appears calm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current can flow as swiftly as eight feet per second (3.2 meters per second), faster than even a strong swimmer can overcome, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. If youre caught in one and you try to swim straight in, youre not going to be able to, said Daniel Barnickel of Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue. New England could be rip currents' next target Norton, Mass.-based meteorologist Bryce Williams said those on the New England coast can expect to see elevated wave heights, rough surf and increased rip currents as Erin makes its way north. New England will start seeing increasing wave activity over the next day. Rising waves will become more noticeable on Wednesday, but Thursday is expected to see the bulk of the impact. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nantucket is closest to Erins path and is likely to see the strongest winds, gusting about 25 to 35 miles per hour at peak with waves potentially reaching a height of 10-13 feet. On a calm day, waves generally rise to about 1-3 feet. In waters farther out into the ocean, wave heights could rise as high as 13-16 feet and winds may gust up to 45 miles per hour. Were just encouraging folks, especially along the southern-facing beaches, to just be cognizant if the water is too rough and dangerous, that they would stay out, Williams said. With those large waves and the rough surf, that does increase the currents of these rip currents, which could pull people out before they even realize it. Tips on how to escape rip currents Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most frequent advice from beach rescue teams and weather forecasters is to not panic and to look for a chance to swim parallel to the shore until the swimmer is out of the rip current's grip. It will eventually dissipate but might leave the swimmer out in deeper water. It's nearly impossible to fight the current directly. Many swimmers who get in trouble tire themselves out trying to get back to the beach, lifeguards say. If possible, it's best to swim near a lifeguard station. Warning systems exist for rip currents and other hazards Flags with different colors are used to warn beachgoers of various hazards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three flags warn of surf and rip current conditions. Red means a high hazard, yellow means a moderate threat and green means low danger. There's also purple for dangerous sea life, such as jellyfish, and double red when a beach is closed for any reason. The National Weather Service posts rip current risks on its websites around the coasts and has developed a computer model that can predict when conditions exist that may lead to their formation up to six days in advance for the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Guam. Should someone attempt a rip current rescue? It can be dangerous to try to rescue someone caught in a rip current, officials say. Often the people trying to perform the rescue can get into trouble themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's best to find a lifeguard, if there is one, or call 911 if a struggling swimmer is spotted. People on shore can also try to tell the person to swim parallel to shore. Never swim alone. And always make sure that theres an adult. And make sure that you dont overestimate your abilities. Know your limits, Barnickel said. _____ Anderson reported from St. Petersburg, Florida, and Whittle reported from Portland, Maine. Associated Press video journalist Cody Jackson in Palm Beach contributed to this story. Yet another summer heat wave has been scorching broad swaths of Europe, resulting in deadly wildfires across the continent, the Guardian reported. The blazes have forced the evacuation of thousands of people in multiple countries. "Thanks to climate change, we now live in a significantly warmer world," Akshay Deoras of the University of Reading's meteorology department told Agence France-Press, per the Guardian. Despite this, "many still underestimate the danger," Deoras said. What's happening? Countries across Europe have experienced a dangerous combination of heat and drought, creating what scientists have called a "Molotov cocktail" of conditions perfect for wildfires, according to the Irish Examiner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Spain, as temperatures soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit and wind gusts reached 45 miles per hour, officials ordered the evacuation of 3,700 people across 16 municipalities, the Guardian reported. One man died from burns suffered while trying to free horses from a stable amid the blaze. Officials said fires in Spain had killed 150 sheep and 18 horses, per the Guardian. Meanwhile, Morocco sent two firefighting planes to Spain's neighbor, Portugal, to help the country battle three large blazes there, per the Irish Examiner. In Greece, gale-force winds and temperatures reaching as high as 109 degrees Fahrenheit aided the spread of out-of-control fires through the Peloponnese, prompting government officials to seek assistance from the European Union, the Guardian reported. Thousands of residents have been evacuated from the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials on the tourist-friendly islands of Zakynthos and Kefalonia were doing their best to battle back the blazes with limited resources, while thousands of tourists were evacuated, suitcases in hand. "Everything that civil protection can offer is here but there are very strong winds and the fires are out of control," said Zakynthos mayor Giorgos Stasinopoulos, according to the Guardian. "We need a lot more air support, it's vital." Why are wildfires in Europe important? Wildfires devastate local communities and cause domino effects that reverberate well beyond the flames' reach for years, if not decades, after the last embers have been extinguished. Fires take lives, destroy homes and livelihoods, ruin crops, and kill livestock, causing food prices and insurance premiums to have far-reaching implications outside the directly impacted areas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As evidenced by the aftermath of the massive Los Angeles wildfires, fires leave behind deadly contaminants such as heavy metals, the Los Angeles Times reported in May. Wildfires also unleash toxic plumes of smoke that can imperil public health far beyond the blaze. "Smoke can travel hundreds of miles, so you can be impacted even if you're not near an active fire," warned the California Air Resources Board. "Health problems related to wildfire smoke exposure can be as mild as eye and respiratory tract irritation and as serious as worsening of heart and lung disease, including asthma, and even premature death," the board continued. What's being done about wildfires? For decades, experts have warned that pumping huge amounts of heat-trapping pollution into the atmosphere will cause temperatures to rise, increasing the severity of extreme weather events, including heat waves and wildfires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To reverse this trend, the world must transition away from burning fuels that release planet-heating gases toward cleaner, renewable solutions like solar and wind energy. To help with this transition, you can take local action, support political candidates who share your priorities, and find ways to use your voice to inspire meaningful change. If you want to take things a step further, you can reduce planet-heating pollution while saving money on your energy bill by installing solar panels on your home. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. MIDDLEFIELD, Ohio (WKBN) Thousands of pounds of cheese made in Ohio are being recalled, according to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Read next: 10 kids found living in home in deplorable conditions: Police According to an alert from the FDA, the Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op facility in Middlefield, Ohio, is recalling over 4,500 lbs. of its White Cheddar Cheese that is sold in 40-lb. loaves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, 640 lbs. of Monterey Jack Cheese sold in 8 oz. packages, 5-lb. loaves, and 40-lb. loaves were recalled. Over 240 lb. of 100% Grass-fed Pepper Jack Cheese, sold in 8 oz. packages, was recalled as well. Lastly, 2.5 lb. of Horseradish Flavored Cheese, sold in 8 oz. packages, were recalled. The loaves of cheese were recalled because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. The FDA said that healthy people may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. The recalled products were sold with the following labels, according to the FDA: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese, 8 oz. packages, 5 Lb. loaves, and 40 Lb. loaves with Lot Code 251661 Copia Collective 100% Grass-Fed Pepper Jack Cheese, 8 oz. packages with Lot Code 251661 Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op Horseradish Flavored Cheese, 8 oz. packages with Lot Code 2524061 Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op Monterey Jack Cheese, 8 oz. packages and 5 lb blocks with Lot Code 251672 and 40 lb. blocks with dates Coded as 7-16-25B Farmers Cheese 8 oz. packages and 5 lb blocks with Lot Code 251672 and 40 lb. blocks with dates Coded as 7-16-25B No illnesses were reported. Courtesy: FDA Courtesy: FDA Courtesy: FDA Courtesy: FDA Courtesy: FDA Courtesy: FDA Courtesy: FDA The cheese was produced on June 16, June 24, and July 16, and distributed in the state of Ohio between July 14 and August 7, according to the FDA alert. The cheese was shipped to manufacturers and distributors and sold in retail stores. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FDA said that anyone with these products should dispose of them or return them to the retail location during normal business hours for a refund. People with questions about the recall may contact the Middlefield Original Cheese Co-op General Manager, Nevin Byler, at 440-632-5567 Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. A quiet stretch of desert road in Lancaster became the scene of a triple homicide Sunday afternoon, when deputies discovered three people fatally shot near 215th Street East and East Palmdale Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. The gunfire was reported around 4:48 p.m., sheriffs officials said. When deputies from the Lancaster and Palmdale stations arrived, they found a woman in her 40s suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle. Deputies attempted to render aid, but Los Angeles County fire personnel pronounced her dead at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not far away, investigators said deputies located an SUV pulling a trailer. Inside were two men who had also been shot. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Federal agents open fire on vehicle during Southern California standoff Authorities have not released the victims names, and no suspect description has been made public. Sheriffs homicide detectives, led by Lt. Steven De Jong, are handling the investigation, which remains in its early stages. The Sheriffs Department urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact its Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted through L.A. Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. TEXARKANA, Texas (KETK) Three teenagers have been arrested after they allegedly stole a Pleasant Grove ISD school bus in July. According to the Texarkana Police Department, around 4:30 a.m. on July 19, officers received a 911 call about a Pleasant Grove ISD school bus that was driving down Richmond Road in Texarkana. All 3 teens in custody after Texarkana apartment shooting Officials said as police turned around to stop the bus, they found it had already rolled into a tree while the suspects ran from the scene. The suspects were later identified as 18-year-old Matthew Lacey, 17-year-old Trip Wilson and 17-year-old Brooks Wilhite. Matthew Lacey, courtesy of Texarkana PD Trip Wilson, courtesy of Texarkana PD Brooks Wilhite, courtesy of Texarkana PD Texarkana PD said Wilhite and Wilson were arrested earlier in August, while Lacey was arrested this past weekend. All three teenagers have been charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. NEED TO KNOW Elias Fritz, known on his social media platforms as JaidoWorld, was arrested on Aug. 11 for attempted murder in New Providence, Bahamas Local police allege that Fritz fired shots at authorities during an early morning police chase Fritz has been charged with attempted murder, attempted armed robbery, possession of ammunition, and possession of a firearm with the intent to endanger life, according to local news outlets Content creator Elias Fritz, known on his social media platforms as JaidoWorld, was arrested on Aug. 11 for attempted murder. According to an Aug. 11 crime report by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, at about 4:30 a.m., officers in New Providence, Bahamas, observed a vehicle traveling at a high speed without its headlights on. After attempting to halt the vehicle, police pursued the car, during which the passengers fired gunshots in the direction of the police and the police returned fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pursuit concluded, the report continues, when the vehicle collided with a utility pole. The three passengers males aged 19, 19 and 17 were arrested, and a high-powered weapon was recovered from the vehicle, the report states. Local outlets Eyewitness News Bahamas and The Tribune 242 later identified one of the 19-year-old passengers as Fritz. Fritz didn't immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment Elias Fritz/Instagram Elias Fritz Elias Fritz The report also notes that, during the pursuit, another police unit identified a nearby motorist who was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and alleged that he had been shot by the occupants of a vehicle that matched the description of Fritzs car. He was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, the report adds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Eyewitness News Bahamas which obtained video of the alleged police chase Fritz and the other adult in the vehicle have been charged with attempted armed robbery, possession of ammunition, and possession of a firearm with the intent to endanger life, in addition to attempted murder. 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. Neither Fritz nor the other adults were required to enter a plea, per Eyewitness News Bahamas, and they were denied bail. Elias Fritz/Instagram Elias Fritz Elias Fritz They are expected to appear in court for presentation of a voluntary bill of indictment on Nov. 21. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fritz, whose posts on TikTok date back to May 2024, gained viral attention on the platform as a bartender at Tiki Bikini Hut in Nassau, Bahamas. On the platform, he currently boasts over 300,000 followers. In November, the social media star collaborated with Bahamian fashion brand Bahari Bahamas, modeling for the release of a new jacket for the company. Read the original article on People (The Center Square) The chairman of a Senate committee studying how to eliminate Georgia's income tax said Tuesday the state will take the tax to zero. Georgia's southern and northern neighbors, Florida and Tennessee, already do not have a state income tax, along with seven other states. North Carolina and South Carolina lawmakers are working toward zero, Grover Norquist, president and co-founder of Americans for Tax Reform, told the city. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones said Georgia must take the opportunity to lead the South and not lag behind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The days of government picking winners and losers are over, and I believe it is time for us to focus on eliminating Georgias income tax," Jones said. "I believe that Georgians know how to spend their own money better than the government does, I hope my colleagues agree." Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, said the "die has been cast." "We will be going to zero or there will be other people in these seats taking the state income tax to zero," he said. The question is how and when, Tillery said. The state takes in $16 billion annually in income taxes. Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, said the state has many needs, including a 7,000-person waiting list for services for children with profound disabilities. Uncertainty about cuts on the federal level is also a concern, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're going to be highly impacted as states, as an example reducing our FEMA money, with the state carrying the heaviest burden," Orrock said. "That's just one example and we're a state that experienced a 100-year storm that charged through the southeast and damaged our economy and really hurt people working in agriculture." Norquist said North Carolina has brought in more money every year as it has reduced its tax rates. "When you attract where more people in the state and more businesses into the state and more investment into the state, you end up with more work, money and individuals earning it," he said. States do not have to wait until they are at a zero income tax rate to see the benefits, according to Norquist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Once you've committed to go to zero, you begin the benefits of getting to zero," Norquist said. "Because if you do it credibly and the world goes yes, this is happening, people investing know this is coming and can start to say, we're going to start putting things, start building things in that state because we trust that it's going to happen and again, we're investing for 50 years, not just for the next few." Other members of the committee are Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte, R-Dallas; Sens. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, Ed Harbison, D-Columbus, Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, John Kennedy, R-Macon, Michael "Doc" Rhett, D-Marietta, Larry Walker, R-Perry, and Sen. Sam Watson, R-Moultrie. Tillery said the date for the next meeting has not been set. Heres a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on Aug. 19 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: 99 degrees (1983) Low temperature: 51 degrees (1992) Precipitation: 2.07 inches (1921) Snowfall: None 1886: Eight radicals who had been rounded up after the Haymarket Affair on May 4, 1886 in which a bomb was thrown during a Chicago labor rally that resulted in the death of eight police officers and at least four civilians were convicted by a jury and sentenced to death by hanging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four of the convicted were hanged. One committed suicide before he could be executed. Death sentences for two others were commuted and one was sentenced to prison. The three surviving Haymarket defendants subsequently were pardoned by Illinois Gov. John Altgeld, who concluded they were all innocent. Though the U.S. honors workers in September with Labor Day, which also has Chicago roots the May 1886 events are commemorated in Chicago by a memorial on Desplaines Street, north of Randolph Street: A bronze statue of a wagon that served as a speakers platform during the labor meeting. 1969: Ken Holtzman pitched two no-hit games for the Chicago Cubs. This first one was probably more noteworthy for two reasons. First, Holtzman did not strike out a single Atlanta Brave in this game at Wrigley Field. Second, Hank Aaron slammed a high fly that actually cleared the left-field wall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bleacherites were bracing for the descending ball as a souvenir when the wind blew the ball back into the field of play, where Billy Williams caught it for the out. Holtzman, who died in 2024, and Jake Arrieta are the only pitchers to throw two no-hitters for the Cubs in the modern era, with Holtzmans second coming against the Cincinnati Reds on June 3, 1971, at Riverfront Stadium. 1975: Illinois Gov. Dan Walker signed a bill proposed by third graders at Dennis School in Decatur that made the monarch butterfly the state insect of Illinois. Vintage Chicago Tribune: How the Tully monster became Illinois official state fossil Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The students observed the signing in Springfield. We have here a group of youngsters who are completing a unique experience in the governmental process, Walker said. They proposed, they lobbied, and today are bringing to fruition a new law. The state already had a state tree, flower, bird and mineral, but this was the first insect to become an official symbol in Illinois. 2024: Rookie Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson delivered a short, but spirited pitch during the kickoff of the Democratic National Convention. Johnson opened his speech by declaring Chicago the greatest city in the world, shouting out its long roster of Black and female trailblazers over the decades: the journalist Ida B. Wells, womens suffrage activist Jane Addams, civil rights legend the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the U.S.s first Black president, Barack Obama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And now, Chicago this city of hard work and caring people is where Democrats will celebrate President Joe Biden and nominate Kamala Harris for president of the United States of America, Johnson said, to applause. As the son of a family that worked to make ends meet, I know that Kamala Harris the daughter of a mom who worked hard every single day she is going to look out for the interests of people. Demonstrators chant, break fencing, but first major protest of DNC stays mostly peaceful 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 Jihadists from Burkina Faso have stepped up their assaults on northern Togo since the beginning of the year, with the Togolese government tight-lipped on their covert infiltration. Keen not to sap the morale of the Togolese soldiers fighting the incursion, the small west African nation's authorities have offered little in the way of official comment or figures on violence by jihadists, who have gained ground since their first deadly attack in the country in 2022. In a rare admission, Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey recently said Islamist fighters had killed at least 62 people since January -- more than double the deaths the government recorded in the whole of 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those losses reflect a surge in jihadist unrest in Togo's north, at a time when armed fighters linked to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group are gaining ground across the wider west African region. For Togolese political scientist and essayist Madi Djabakate, the lack of coverage in the Togolese press stems from the government's "policy of informational lockdown". Togo's High Authority for Broadcasting and Communication (HAAC) has "expressly forbidden journalists from mentioning the attacks or human or material losses, so as not to demoralise the troops engaged on the ground", he told AFP. - Porous borders - Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like neighbouring Benin, Togo is confronted with an overspill of violence from eastern Burkina Faso, where jihadists run rampant. In 2024, Burkina Faso saw the most deaths of any country in the world from "terrorism" for the second year running, with 1,532 victims out of a worldwide total of 7,555, according to the Global Terrorism Index. Located near the Togolese border, the Burkinabe province of Kompienga is home to a powerful branch of the Al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, known by its Arabic acronym, JNIM. Just over the frontier, Kpendjal prefecture is the Togolese region worst-hit by jihadist attacks, which west African security specialist Mathias Khalfaoui said was a result of the porous border. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet in the past year the violence has spread beyond the borderlands. In a study for the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a think tank associated with Germany's conservative CDU party, Khalfaoui said the jihadist advance could easily go under the radar "because of its slow and methodical nature". "Until 2023, the danger was still concentrated in the territories directly bordering Burkina Faso," the analyst said. Since May 2024, he said, the jihadists have extended their influence further south, towards the nearby prefectures of Oti and South Oti. - 'Absence of the state' - Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khalfaoui said the expansion of the jihadists' scope in Togo was "becoming clear". "We have to go back to December 2022 to find a month when, to our knowledge, there was no attack," Khalfaoui said in his study. But tackling the issue is a challenge given the dire economic situation of Togo's north, the poorest and least developed part of an already impoverished nation, Khalfaoui added. Djabakate, the Togolese political scientist, agreed, arguing that the country's current approach was "essentially military and repressive". "The affected prefectures, notably Kpendjal and West Kpendjal, suffer from a structural absence of the state," Djabakate said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Civil servants posted to these areas perceive their assignment as a punishment, given the harsh living conditions and the absence of public services," he added. Togo has deployed around 8,000 soldiers to the affected region, while the defence budget ballooned from 8.7 percent of GDP in 2017 to 17.5 percent in 2022, according to Foreign Minister Dussey. The government has also attempted to improve living conditions for Togolese in the north, through an emergency aid programme launched in 2023. But the situation is unlikely to improve without better coordination on tackling jihadism between countries in a divided west Africa, according to analysts in the region. bur/sbk/djt/jhb SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) Tom Green County Sheriffs Offices (TGSO) announced that its very own Lt. Levi Vance has been reelected as a director on the Board of the Texas Jail Association. The Tom Green County Sheriffs Office is proud to announce that Lieutenant Levi Vance has been reelected as a Director on the Board of the Texas Jail Association- this honor reflects both his leadership and his high regard held by his peers across the state, said TGSO in a social media post. This is Lt. Vance fourth year straight as a director on the Board of the Texas Jail Association. The role allows Lt. Vance to continue shaping best practices and professional standards for jail administrations across Texas reported TGSO. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are proud of his ongoing commitment to excellence and his dedication to advancing corrections leadership statewide, said TGSO. To view the full social post, 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 ConchoValleyHomepage.com. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Tonica, a Spanish tapas bar and restaurant in Midtown, is opening a downtown location. The restaurant applied for a certificate of occupancy Monday for a space at 265 S. Front at Dr. Martin Luther King Avenue. That space was most recently occupied by Pretty Taco, and a deli operated in the back for a time. The company said no exterior changes are planned for the building. Memphis burger joint joins Food & Wine Best list Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tonica will continue operating in its original home since 2022 at 1545 Overton Park Ave. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin is to retire two years into his four-year term, marking the latest shake-up at the Department of Defense under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The Air Force announced in a statement that Allvin would leave his role on November 1, with Air Force Secretary Troy Meink thanking him for his transformational efforts. Im grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 23rd Air Force Chief of Staff and Im thankful for Secretary Meink, Secretary Hegseth and President Trumps faith in me to lead our service, Allvin is quoted as saying. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than anything, Im proud to have been part of the team of airmen who live out our core values of integrity, service and excellence every day as we prepare to defend this great nation. U.S. Gen. David Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, speaks alongside President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on March 21 2025 (Getty) According to The Washington Post, Allvin was informed last week that he would be asked to retire and that the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wanted to go in another direction. It was certainly not his choice, the newspaper quotes an unnamed source as saying. The Independent has asked the Pentagon for clarification about the circumstances of Allvins departure. Gen. Thomas Bussiere, whom Trump nominated in July to become vice chief of staff of the Air Force and was involved in the Operation Midnight Hammer strikes on Irans nuclear bases in June, has been tipped as a possible replacement for the outgoing general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The upheaval is only the latest to take place under Hegseth, with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the chief of naval operations, the commandant of the Coast Guard, and the vice chief of staff of the Air Force all changed since he took charge in January. Several generals and admirals in less prominent roles also have been replaced. Earlier this year, it was reported that Vice President JD Vance and Donald Trumps White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles had had to step in to help Hegseth hire a new chief of staff and two senior advisers due to an abiding reluctance to work with him. While those positions would ordinarily be considered highly prestigious, the secretary was struggling to fill them after causing a stir with his response to the Signalgate scandal, which erupted in March when Trumps short-lived national security adviser Mike Waltz accidentally added Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal group chat in which top secret information about an upcoming bombing raid on Houthi rebels in Yemen was discussed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In April, The New York Times reported that Hegseth had shared sensitive material in another group chat that included his wife, brother, and personal attorney. Hegseth responded by accusing three senior aides of leaking to the media. Still, an investigation later found no evidence against them, which reportedly cast fresh doubt on his judgment within the West Wing. Shortly after that, his chief of staff, Joe Kasper, and spokesperson John Ullyot both left the Department of Defense, leaving behind an unwanted portrait of chaos. With next years midterm elections setting up a possible generational shift for Illinois representation in Washington, candidates and their supporters are on the streets collecting the petition signatures needed to secure a place on the March primary ballots. A slew of candidates are vying for four U.S. House seats being vacated by veteran members of Congress two of whom are retiring, while the other two are seeking to become Illinois next U.S. senator. The fourth House seat officially opened up when 83-year-old U.S. Rep. Danny Davis announced in late July that he would not seek a 16th term representing a district that stretches from downtown Chicago through the West Side and into the near-west suburbs. Davis long-anticipated decision came after 81-year-old U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowskys May announcement that she wouldnt run for another term in the seat shes held since 1999, representing much of the north and northwest suburbs. The wave of retirements began in late April, with 80-year-old U.S. Sen. Dick Durbins announcement that he wasnt seeking a sixth term. That created a domino effect for the congressional delegation when two incumbents U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly of Matteson and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg declared their interest in Durbins seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All four districts are held by Democrats, meaning the Democratic primary races will be the key ones to watch. But Republicans will also be making runs for the seats, hoping to flip at least one and help the GOP hold onto its razor-thin majority in the House. The primary for both parties will be held on March 17. Politicians still have time to throw their hats into the ring as petition signatures dont have to be turned in until early November. But here are the top candidates those who already hold elected office or are among the top fundraisers so far for the House next year in Illinois. 2nd Congressional District Stretching from 43rd Street on Chicagos South Side along the Indiana border south to downstate Danville, Illinois 2nd Congressional District has been represented by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly since 2013. Next year, voters will decide whether to elevate a new leader or help a familiar face stage a political comeback. Here are those so far vying to replace Kelly, who told the Tribune in May that she did not plan to endorse her successor. Donna Miller, Democrat Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller entered the Democratic primary race for 2nd Congressional District on July 9 after earlier announcing an exploratory committee made up of south suburban mayors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Lynwood resident and Chicago native, Miller is in her second term as 6th District commissioner on the Cook County Board. Miller is also vice president of the Illinois Democratic Women organization, former president of the Democratic Women of the South Suburbs, and past board chair of Planned Parenthood of Illinois and its political action committee. My great-grandfather was a Pullman Porter; he helped build the Black middle class, Miller said in a video announcing her candidacy. My grandmother, mother and sister were all teachers, and my dad wore this countrys uniform his entire career. Ive carried that legacy forward. On the Cook County Board, Ive worked to expand health care access, lower costs and deliver better care especially for women and communities of color. Miller said shes running for Congress because Washington is tearing up so much of our progress for working families and giving tax breaks to billionaires. Robert Peters, Democrat A South Side native and community organizer, state Sen. Robert Peters of Chicago received an early endorsement from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont after Peters announced his intent to run for the 2nd Congressional District seat. That gave him an early leg up with progressives in the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I have a record and I have a personal narrative that I think really touches on where were at right now, Peters recently told the Tribune. The 40-year-old was born deaf and with a speech impediment, and he was influenced by his adoptive fathers work as a civil rights lawyer. More recently, Peters led efforts to pass the law ending bail for nonviolent crimes and measures to ensure protections for abortion rights in Illinois after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. A member of the legislature since 2019, Peters is a part of the Senate Democrats leadership team and the Legislative Black Caucus. Jesse Jackson Jr., Democrat Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in July created an exploratory committee on running in the 2nd Congressional District, the seat he held for almost 17 years before resigning amid a corruption probe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson has formed an exploratory committee and said in a statement that it was his intention to secure a place on the ballot. The son of civil rights icon the Rev. Jesse Jackson and brother of U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, Jesse Jackson Jr. resigned the 2nd District seat in 2012. He had been reelected just weeks earlier despite the revelation a month before the vote that he was under investigation by federal prosecutors and the FBI for possible misuse of campaign funds. The following year, he pleaded guilty to one count of wire and mail fraud and was later sentenced to 30 months in prison. He now hosts a talk show on WVON-AM. Willie Preston, Democrat State Sen. Willie Preston of Chicago filed paperwork in July to run for 2nd Congressional District seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Preston said Washington needs a new breed of leadership, not Twitter champions or the politics of the past dressed up in redemption. Preston serves as the state Senate chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. Yumeka Brown, Democrat A three-term village clerk of Matteson and a commissioner on the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Board, Yumeka Brown told the Southtown she is seeking to replace Kelly because she wants to elevate the mission in Congress to protect Medicaid, Social Security, the rights of women, and to guard against (President) Donald Trumps planned destruction of the Affordable (Care) Act. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown has been village clerk in south suburban Matteson, Kellys hometown, since 2017 and was elected to the MWRD post in 2022. Last year, she unsuccessfully sought an appointment from fellow Democrats to replace Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough on the November ballot after the longtime party stalwart died while in office. Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin also formed an exploratory committee to run for Kellys seat. Others who have filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission stating their interest in running for the congressional seat were Democrats Adal Regis, who worked in Kellys district office on grants, Eric France, a management consultant, and Jeremy Young, a former aide to Miller. On the Republican side, Ashley Ramos, who was the GOP nominee for the 2nd Congressional District seat in 2024, Calvin Coleman, who originally declared as a third-party candidate but later switched his affiliation, and Michael Scott Noack have put their names in contention, as has independent candidate Ashley Banks of Chicago. 7th Congressional District Beginning in Chicagos downtown and heading through the citys West Side and into the western suburbs, including Oak Park and Hillside, Illinois 7th Congressional District has been represented by U.S. Rep. Danny Davis since 1997. In announcing he was not running for reelection next year, Davis endorsed state Rep. LaShawn Ford of Chicago. Including Ford, here is a look at those looking to succeed Davis. La Shawn Ford, Democrat State Rep. La Shawn Ford of Chicago got an early boost in the race, with Davis endorsing his longtime Springfield ally as he announced his own retirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a joint news conference, Ford called Davis endorsement a strong affirmation of our shared mission to uplift and empower the people we serve. This campaign isnt just about securing your vote. Its about sending a firm message against Make America Hate Again, Ford said, altering Trumps Make America Great Again slogan. This agenda and the policies voted by many Republicans is harmful. We will boldly defend and expand civil rights, human rights and the dignity of every person in our state. A state representative since 2007, Ford is chair of the committee covering appropriations for higher education and an advocate for allowing hemp businesses to continue operating with regulations, ending ticketing in schools and bringing a supervised site for people using drugs to the West Side. In 2012, Ford faced a 17-count federal indictment alleging he lied about money he spent on a real estate rehab that resulted in him underpaying taxes by nearly $3,800. But in 2014, federal prosecutors dropped all felony counts without explanation and Ford pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor tax charge. He was sentenced to six months probation, ordered to pay back taxes and perform community service. Ford has said that after he paid off the tax required by the court order, he later, in 2014, received a U.S. Treasury check for $3,793, refunding the amount. He displayed a copy of the check to a Tribune reporter. Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Democrat Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin is taking another run at the 7th Congressional District seat after losing to Davis by more than 30 percentage points two years ago, taking second among a field of five candidates that also included progressive activist Kina Collins, who gave the veteran congressman a relatively close race in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lifelong resident of the district, Conyears-Ervin was first elected city treasurer in 2019 and won a second term in 2023 after previously serving a single full term in the Illinois House. She and her husband, Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th, are a political power couple on the citys West Side. If you send me to Congress to fight for you, Ill never give up until they are the ones that throw in the towel, Conyears-Ervin said in her campaign announcement. Those landlords? Theyre going to pay to fix those properties. Those billionaires? Theyre going to pay their fair share in taxes to fix our roads and our schools. And Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans? I will stand up to them because I work for you, not them. Conyears-Ervin has had to fend off allegations she violated the city ethics code by improperly firing two employees, among other accusations. City ethics officials later fined her a total of $70,000. Richard Boykin, Democrat A onetime Davis chief of staff who is still close with the congressman, former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, filed July 10 to run in the primary for his ex-bosss seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boykin has been searching, so far unsuccessfully, for a way back into elected office since losing his 1st District County Board seat by fewer than 500 votes in the 2018 Democratic primary to now-Mayor Brandon Johnson. The Oak Park resident finished third in 2020s four-way primary race for Cook County Circuit Court clerk and lost by more than 50 percentage points in his 2022 primary bid to unseat Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, with whom he clashed as a leader of the push to repeal the countys short-lived pop tax. Boykin mulled a run for Cook County states attorney last year but never entered the race. Boykin told the Tribune he brings to the job both experience getting things done in Washington and a record of serving his constituents. People are losing what they believe is the American dream. They cant attain it, he said. So Im running for them. Jason Friedman, Democrat Business owner Jason Friedman, who has never held public office, is the former president of Friedman Properties. The company, which was started by his father, Albert, is a major Chicago development firm that has built properties in Chicagos River North neighborhood, which is part of the 7th Congressional District. Rory Hoskins, Democrat The two-term mayor of Forest Park, Rory Hoskins, leads a near-west suburb that lies entirely within the 7th Congressional District. Prior to becoming mayor in 2019, Hoskins was a village commissioner from 2007 to 2015. A Texas native, Hoskins was elected from the 7th Congressional District as a delegate for Joe Biden to the 2020 and 2024 Democratic National Conventions. He made an unsuccessful bid in 2023 to be appointed to the Cook County Board seat vacated by Brandon Johnson after he was elected mayor of Chicago. Im running for Congress because I believe the kind of progress weve made in Forest Park revitalizing our business corridors, improving public safety, and strengthening partnerships across communities can serve as a model for whats possible at the national level, Hoskins said in a statement on his campaign website. Anthony Driver, Democrat Union leader and political strategist Anthony Driver entered the race in early August, telling supporters in a text message announcement that he is running for Congress in Illinois because we need more fierce advocates for justice. Driver, a South Side native, is president of Chicagos Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, the citys latest attempt at police oversight. In his day job, Driver is the executive director of the Illinois State Council for the politically powerful Service Employees International Union. In his campaign announcement, he touted his work advocating for the citys $15 per hour minimum wage and for a new model of civilian oversight for the Chicago Police Department. Thomas Fisher, Democrat Dr. Thomas Fisher, an emergency physician at the University of Chicago and author, said he entered the 7th Congressional District race, in part, to address differences in life expectancy between the wealthiest and poorest parts of the congressional district. In addition to his work as a physician, Fisher served as a White House Fellow in the Department of Health and Human Services during President Barack Obamas administration, where he said he worked on reducing racial and ethnic health disparities. Others who have filed paperwork with the FEC stating their interest in running for the congressional seat were Democrats John McCombs, Kamaria Kali, Jerico Brown, Danica David Leigh and Tekita Martinez. As of early August, no Republicans had filed federal paperwork to seek the 7th District seat. 8th Congressional District A mostly northwest suburban district that goes north and west of Carpentersville and dips as far east and south as Rosemont, the 8th Congressional District has been represented by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi since 2017. With Krishnamoorthi running for Senate, here are the main candidates looking to succeed him. Kevin Morrison, Democrat Once the first openly LGBTQ+ and youngest-ever commissioner elected to the Cook County Board, Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison of Mount Prospect announced in May hed run to succeed Krishnamoorthi. I believe in advancing policies that support families, and that everybody deserves a fair shot to get ahead, he said in his campaign announcement. Morrison snagged the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen of the 17th Congressional District, the commissioner posted on social media. Yasmeen Bankole, Democrat Hanover Park Trustee Yasmeen Bankole once served as a staffer in the office shes now running to lead, working as a congressional aide to Krishnamoorthi during Trumps first term, according to her campaign. The Hanover Park native also worked for U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin for six years, she said in a campaign video. Ive seen whats possible when you put the people of Illinois first every day, she said. Others who have filed paperwork with the FEC stating their interest in running for the congressional seat were Democrats Junaid Ahmed, a technology business owner who ran against Krishnamoorthi previously; Dan Tully, an attorney and Army veteran; Christ Kallas; small-business CEO Neil Khot; Joseph Wentzel of Hanover Park; Ryan Vetticad of South Barrington and entrepreneur Sanjyot Dunung. Dunung served on the National Small Business Associations board of directors and on President Joe Bidens Foreign Policy Working Group focused on international trade. Ahmed has been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna of California. On the Republican side, Mark Rice, who has also previously challenged Krishnamoorthi, is also planning to run. 9th Congressional District From Graceland Cemetery on Chicagos North Side and running north to Wilmette and then snaking north and west to Crystal Lake, the 9th Congressional District has been represented by U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky since 1999. Schakowsky said earlier this year she will retire at the end of her term. Schakowsky, as of mid-June, had not endorsed any candidates to succeed her and a person familiar with her decision-making told the Tribune shes not intending to provide any endorsements in the race as she wants an open primary. Here are the main candidates looking to succeed her. Kat Abughazaleh, Democrat Progressive content creator Kat Abughazaleh is hoping to use her massive online audience and unconventional brand to earn the 9th Congressional District seat in Congress. The 26-year-old newcomer to Illinois got a head start on fundraising, bringing in more than $375,000 in the first weeks of her campaign on a pitch to run a different kind of race, based on mutual aid efforts. Shes also advocated for free child care and expanding Social Security. People think that this campaign is really online, because thats what my background is, she told the Tribune. But this is about our ground game. I know that might sound idealistic, but I dont care, she added. Bushra Amiwala, Democrat Bushra Amiwala, who became one of the first Gen Z elected officials in the United States when she joined the Skokie School District 73.5 board, is now eyeing a seat in Congress. Amiwala sees herself as a fresh perspective from a familiar face, she told the Tribune before she officially announced her candidacy. The Skokie native works at Google and recently graduated from Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management with a masters degree in business administration, according to her campaign. Daniel Biss, Democrat Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss previously served for eight years in the General Assembly and unsuccessfully campaigned for governor in 2018, losing the Democratic primary race to now-Gov. JB Pritzker. The second-term mayor immediately vaulted into a competitive fundraising position after his congressional campaign announcement last month, reporting he raised $350,000 in the first day. Hes also been endorsed by U.S. Rep. Sean Casten of Downers Grove. I think people are looking for solutions. I think people are looking for someone who can demonstrate the ability to actually use government to improve peoples lives and create change and break through the cynicism, Biss, a former assistant professor at the University of Chicago, told the Tribune. Trumps election, he added, was a reflection of people who have given up and they figure governments not going to fix any problems. Laura Fine, Democrat Democratic state Sen. Laura Fine, of Glenview, has represented the area since 2013, the last six years as a state senator. Now, shes campaigning on her experience with health insurance issues, after she turned a family hardship into years working on legislation. Fines husband, Michael, lost one of his arms in a near-fatal car crash in 2010, she said in an interview. She traces her entry into politics to the ensuing struggle with insurance companies. I made taking on big insurance my lifes work, and I feel like I didnt let them ruin my family, and I was not going to let them ruin any others, she said. Fine has also racked up endorsements from at least 10 other members of the General Assembly in the first several weeks of her campaign. Hoan Huynh, Democrat Two-term state Rep. Hoan Huynh, who represents a North Side district that includes the Uptown neighborhood in Chicago, surprised many observers in 2022 when he emerged victorious from a five-way Democratic primary battle to replace retiring Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris. A political newcomer at the time, Huynh was up against a field that included establishment pick Eileen Dordek, a social worker and community activist who received contributions from many traditional party allies and even had Pritzker knocking on doors for her campaign. But Huynh ran a strong grassroots campaign and, in a state House district with a substantial Asian American population, had key backing from state Rep. Theresa Mah, who in 2016 became the first Asian American elected to the Illinois General Assembly. Born on a refugee base in Vietnam, Huynh immigrated to the U.S. with his family in the early 1990s and went on to an Ivy League education, earning a bachelors degree from Yale University and a masters from Harvard University. Im running because I believe the people of this district deserve a representative in Congress who understands the challenges working families face and who wont stop fighting for a future where everyone has a fair shot, Huynh, who would give up his seat in Springfield in a bid for the U.S. House, wrote in a social media post. Mike Simmons, Democrat State Sen. Mike Simmons, a Rogers Park resident and the first openly gay member of the Illinois state Senate, told the Tribune hes running because the communities in the 9th District have raised me, and theyre struggling. Simmons parents were small business owners and in the 1980s were one of the first Black families to move into the North Sides Lincoln Square neighborhood, he said. He founded a consultancy that develops anti-racist public policy, according to his Illinois General Assembly biography, and has held policy positions for elected officials, including former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. The 42-year-old said he plans to help families who feel priced out of the district. As a legislator, hes been an advocate for public transit and in an interview highlighted his work to erase medical debt. I symbolize everything that Donald Trump is trying to erase right now, but the point thats really important is that this is going to be about so much more than Donald Trump. Its going to be about talking about those (affordability) struggles, he said. First appointed to his seat in 2021 and elected twice since then, Simmons isnt up for reelection until 2028, so he could keep the Senate seat if he doesnt win in the congressional race. Democrat Nick Pyati, a former federal prosecutor and former strategist at Microsoft, entered the race for the 9th Congressional District after most recent fundraising quarter ended, but his campaign said he raised more than $140,000 in the first day of his campaign. Democrat Bruce Leon, a businessperson and Cook County Democratic Party committeeman who ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Chicago Public Schools board last year, said hes running as a centrist option, including keeping support for the U.S. military, law enforcement and Israel among his top issues. Democrats Phil Andrew, a retired FBI special agent and crisis negotiator, Miracle Jenkins, who worked for Schakowsky as a deputy political director in 2018, Chicago resident David Abrevaya, Evanston resident Bethany Johnson, graduate student Lauren Million, civil rights attorney Howard Rosenblum and Justin Ford of Chicago and Jill Manrique, a former board member in Niles Township High School District 219, have also filed paperwork to run, along with Republicans Mark Su and Rocio Cleveland. Campaign finance reports filed in July showed Leon loaned his campaign $610,000, while Amiwala raised about $199,000 and kept more than $191,000 on hand. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised President Donald Trump over his summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin last week despite failing to secure an agreement to end the war in Ukraine. CNBCs Joe Kernen asked Bessent on Tuesday whether there would be a bilateral meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to end Russias invasion of Ukraine. Bessent instead bragged about Trumps meeting with Putin despite failing to reach a deal. Bessent highlighted the pomp surrounding Putins visit to the U.S., including having a military flyover conducted ahead of the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lets go all the way back to Friday, because I want to set the record straight on what went off in Alaska. Alaska was a show of force by President Trump. He invited President Putin to land that the Russians used to own. He displayed a huge amount of military hardware and then did a flyover. It was kind of like inviting your uncontrollable neighbor to your house and showing him your gun case, Bessent said. So then we the President Zelenskyy, we had a very good meeting with him in and his team in Oval for about an hour and a half, and then we went, met with the European leaders, who was an incredible group to have in the White House, all led by President Trump, he added. Bessent: "Alaska was a show of force by President Trump ... it was kinda like inviting your uncontrollable neighbor to your house and showing them your gun case." pic.twitter.com/I8PYuM0vCG Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 19, 2025 Bessents comments praising Trump comes as the president has lashed out at media coverage of his summit with Putin on Friday. Trump then held a meeting with Zelenskyy and European leaders on Monday about bringing an end to the war in Ukraine. Trump unleashed numerous tirades defending himself after the failed negotiations in Alaska last week, reiterating that he will bring an end to the war. He was met with widespread backlash for inviting Putin on U.S. soil, with many pundits raising concerns about what concessions Trump was willing to offer the Russian leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he would forge ahead with arrangements for a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. He spoke by phone with Putin during Mondays talks with Zelenskyy and the leaders of Britain, Finland, France, Germany and Italy as well as the president of the European Commission and head of NATO. The developments come amid a significant measure of trepidation on the continent that Trump is pressing Ukraine to make concessions that will only further embolden Putin after the U.S. leader hosted the Russian president for an Alaska summit last week. I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy, Trump said in a social media post. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. It was not clear if Putin has fully signed on to such talks. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee ranking member Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) said the plan for the Department of Justice to respond in batches to the committees subpoena for files relating to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein amounts to a cover-up. Releasing the Epstein files in batches just continues this White House cover-up, Garcia said in a statement Tuesday. The American People will not accept anything short of the full, unredacted Epstein files. Garcias statement came as the clock struck noon Tuesday, the deadline for the Department of Justice to turn over documents and communications relating to the Epstein files pursuant to an Oversight panel subpoena issued earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the chair of the panel, said Monday \the DOJ was going through the material, but it would take time to ensure identification of victims and any child sexual abuse material are redacted. He said the DOJ would begin to give the committee records pursuant to the subpoena on Friday. In a bipartisan vote, the Committee demanded complete compliance with our subpoena, Garcia said in the statement. Handpicked, partial productions are wholly insufficient and potentially misleading, especially after Attorney General Bondi bragged about having the entirety of the Epstein files on her desk mere months ago. Comer issued the subpoena to the DOJ pursuant to a Democratic-led motion in a subcommittee in July to seek the full, unredacted Epstein files, which passed with support from three Republicans on the panel. In that same subcommittee meeting, Republicans offered a successful motion to subpoena a swath of former federal officials in the Epstein probe, including former President Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and several former attorneys general and FBI directors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first of those depositions occurred Monday when former Attorney General Bill Barr, who held the job in President Trumps first term, spoke to the panel. Comer told reporters on Monday that Barr testified he did not know of any information that would implicate Trump. Garcia, though, said Barr during his deposition could not clear President Trump of wrongdoing, calling on Comer to release the full unedited transcript of Barrs deposition to the public. We will keep pressing until the American people get the truth every document, every fact, in full, Garcia said. The administration must comply with our subpoena, by law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) Its National Soft Ice Cream Day, a way to celebrate summer with a way to cool off on a hot day. According to the National Day Calendar, during Memorial Day weekend in Hartsdale, New York, Tom Carvel had an ice cream truck that had a flat tire and pulled into a parking lot. He sold his melting ice cream to vacationers as they drove by. The soft ice cream was a hit, and two years later, Carvel opened his first ice cream shop in the very same location where his truck broke down. He patented a low-temperature ice cream machine and created a formula for soft serve. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Nile Virus risk increases in Massachusetts: what to know 22News is working for you with the top 10 places to get soft serve in western Mass., according to Yelp. Creamy Delights New York Style Ice Cream: 71 Lawrence Plain Road in Hadley Sheldons Ice Cream: 285 College Highway in Southampton Dianes Twist: 13 Main Street in Cheshire Smiarowski Farm Stand: 320 River Road in Sunderland Village Green: 93 Main Street in Haydenville Northfield Creamie: 62 Main Street in Northfield Scoops of Agawam: 495 Springfield Street in Feeding Hills Cravins Ice Cream: 119 Elm Street in Pittsfield Toms Hot Dog: 61 State Road Rte 5 And 10 in Whately Ice Cream Alley: 221 Main Street in Greenfield The last full day of summer is September 21. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. Topeka Planning Commission recommends approval of Polk lot rezoning TOPEKA (KSNT) Florida-based Calupi Investments purchased a vacant lot at 625 SW Polk Street for $2,000. The company requested to rezone the lot to accommodate multi-family housing. The Historic Old Town Neighborhood Improvement Association was opposed to the rezoning because of poverty stacking, adding more housing to an already-impoverished neighborhood. The group wanted to turn the lot into a park but were unable to come up with the money in time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long-time K-State band director steps down I gave them time to get the funds to pay for the lot. I removed it from the market, but unfortunately, they couldnt, Calupi Investments, Carolina Pires said. So even though I tried to help because I understand the situation, but as a seller, I need to sell the lot. The Topeka City Council will have final say on what happens to the lot, now that the planning commission made its recommendation to rezone. Itll be up to the investment company on who they sell it to, and how the future buyer develops the area. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Credit: rik Voake/Getty Images/Roc Nation; Michael Buckner/Penske Media The three-judge panel weighing Tory Lanezs appeal in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case posed only a handful of questions during oral arguments Monday as Lanezs lawyer claimed the musicians 2022 conviction should be overturned and a prosecutor called Lanezs argument nonsensical. In her first two questions, Associate Justice Rashida Adams with Californias Second Appellate District focused on Lanezs argument that prosecutors should have been barred from making explosive claims about Megans bodyguard, Justin Edison, at the start of Lanezs jury trial. At the very least, the judge should have stepped in afterward to mitigate any possible damage, defense lawyer Crystal Morgan argued. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their opening statement back in December 2022, prosecutors advised jurors they would hear from Edison directly. A deputy district attorney said Edison would appear on the witness stand and tell jurors that Lanez, born Daystar Peterson, met him face-to-face at a home after the shooting and confessed he was the trigger man during the alcohol-fueled fight in July 2020 that landed Megan in the hospital. Despite the prosecutors promise, Edison did not cooperate with his subpoena, leading the judge to issue a so-called body attachment. That meant Edison could be brought to court in custody if necessary. Still, no one could find Edison, and he never appeared on the witness stand. Are you arguing that anytime a witness is subject to a body attachment, that any reference to that witness should be off-limits in opening statements? Justice Adams asked, somewhat incredulously. (In a filing, the California Attorney General argued that prosecutors had a good faith belief that the jury would hear [Edisons] testimony.) I think prosecutors should be extra careful, Morgan replied in the courtroom Monday, with Petersons dad, Sonstar Peterson, watching from the gallery. If they say they hope to produce such a witness, that perhaps would be enough. But here, there was just no hesitation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Justice Adams appeared skeptical. So, what was the evidence or indication that [prosecutors] did not have a reasonable, good-faith belief that the people would not be able to produce Mr. Edison at trial? the judge asked. Morgan said Lanez and his lawyers never received a copy of any interview that prosecutors conducted with Edison. We cannot find where this statement came from, she said. When it was his turn to speak, Deputy Attorney General Michael Keller said there was more than enough compelling evidence to convict Peterson, without the need for Edison. And he said if Petersons lawyers truly wanted more information about the evidence prosecutors developed on Edison, they should have raised that question during the trial, before the judge ruled on whether Edison would be allowed to take the stand. The defenses failure in doing so precludes the claim from being raised on appeal, Keller argued Monday. Edison was mentioned repeatedly during the trial. Jurors saw evidence that Megans former best friend, Kelsey Harris, texted Edison just five minutes after the 2020 shooting in an apparent cry for assistance. Help / Tory shot meg / 911, the three-line text shown to jurors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keller argued Monday that any trial testimony from Edison would have been cumulative. He said Megan and Harris both identified Peterson as the shooter, and that Peterson implicated himself when he called Harris from jail on a recorded line, and again later, when he sent a text message to Megan just hours after the shooting. In the jail call played for jurors, Peterson blamed alcohol for his actions and said he expected that Megan was probably never ever gonna ever talk to me ever again. In his subsequent text to Megan, he wrote, I know u prolly never gone to talk to me again. But I genuinely want u to know Im sorry from the bottom of my heart. And I was just too drunk. None the less shit should have never happened and I cant change what did. I just feel horrible. Cuz I genuinely just got too drunk. Keller called it nonsensical that Peterson was only apologizing for causing a rift in the womens friendship. He was clearly accepting responsibility for something big. Something that applied to [Megan] but not to Harris, Keller argued. Adamss final question from the panel involved a Sept. 25, 2020, exchange on Petersons Instagram account that was admitted at trial. In the exchange, a third-party posted a comment stating, People saying that Kelsey shot her. Under that comment, Peterson appeared to respond, Thats not true. At trial, Peterson argued he didnt author the comment. On Monday, his lawyer said it was a social media manager named Joshua Farias who posted the reply on Petersons verified account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there were some sort of error in admitting that post, what would your argument be as to whether it was prejudicial or not? Justice Adams asked. Keller said jurors heard the claim from Peterson that he didnt write the reply, so they got to determine how much weight it deserved. And he argued it was hardly a make-or-break piece of evidence warranting a new trial. What we do know is that he did make the recorded [jail] phone call, thats his voice, Keller replied. Keller also argued against Petersons claim that he was deprived of the right to confront Harris on cross-examination after jurors heard her recorded interview with prosecutors, where she corroborated Megans claims that Peterson was the shooter. Harris wasnt excused as a witness, Keller said, meaning Peterson could have called her back to the witness stand. I see nothing that would preclude Harris from recall, he continued. So the confrontation clause just does not work on appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morgan gave a brief rebuttal, saying there was not enough evidence to find Peterson guilty. Even today, its still not quite clear what happened on that night, she said. The judges took the matter under submission without saying when they plan to rule on the direct appeal. Peterson, 33, is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for shooting Megan on a street in Los Angeles after a party at Kylie Jenners house. At trial, jurors heard testimony that Peterson pointed a handgun at Megans feet and fired five rounds while saying, Dance bitch. Megan suffered gunshot wounds to both of her feet and required immediate surgery. Jurors convicted Peterson of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Peterson raised 10 claims in his appeals opening brief filed in February 2024, claiming evidence was improperly admitted, that prosecutorial misconduct occurred, that the jury was improperly instructed, that the alleged errors were prejudicial when considered cumulatively, and that the court erred in sentencing him to the middle term instead of imposing the low term. Prosecutors responded by arguing Peterson called no direct witnesses himself and declined to testify. Beyond his direct appeal, Peterson tried to overturn his conviction with habeas petitions claiming that new evidence or issues not known during the trial were sufficient to undermine the jury verdict. The appellate panel rejected those habeas petitions last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Petersons 2022 trial, Megan gave three hours of harrowing testimony in which she recalled her terrified reaction to the roadside assault that landed her in the hospital. She admitted she lied to investigators and media outlets when she previously denied having been intimate with Lanez. She explained to jurors that the non-exclusive relationship left her feeling embarrassed, and ultimately, she considered it irrelevant to the actual shooting. Because I was shot, Ive been turned into some kind of villain, and hes the victim. This has messed up my whole life, she said. At her lowest she thought, I wish he would have just shot and killed me (rather than) have to go through this torture, Megan told the jury. The chief resident of orthopedic surgery at Cedars Sinai Medical Center walked jurors through X-rays showing Megans gunshot wounds on both of her lower extremities. He said doctors identified four metallic bullet fragments embedded in her feet and removed what they could during emergency surgery. A man who lived on the residential street where the shooting occurred, Sean Kelly, testified that he woke up to the sound of an argument. Looking out a window, Kelly saw two girls who were arguing and physically fighting next to a car, he testified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelly never saw a gun, he said, but he believed one of the women fired at least one shot because he saw a muzzle flash that seemed to come from her direction. But Kelly told jurors he also saw a very agitated shorter man firing everywhere. At the time the shots were fired, the man had an object in his hand with his arms outstretched, Kelly testified. Peterson did not attend the hearing on Monday. Hes currently serving his sentence at the California Mens Colony in San Luis Obispo, California. He was moved to the new location after he was stabbed by a fellow inmate at a different state prison in Tehachapi in May. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Hundreds of people may have been exposed to rabies while staying in bat-infested cabins in Wyomings Grand Teton National Park. The potentially affected visitors reportedly came from 38 states and seven countries, according to Wyoming Public Media (WPM), which noted that employees were also being contacted over possible exposure. "Grand Teton National Park staff are working closely with the NPS Office of Health and Safety, Wyoming Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Grand Teton Lodge Company to address potential guest exposures to bats in the Jackson Lake Lodge," Grand Teton National Park spokesperson Emily Davis told Fox News Digital. Flying bat hunting in a forest. Davis added that the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) is leading the response and contacting individuals who stayed in the affected rooms between May 15 and July 27 "to see if they meet the risk criteria for receiving rabies prevention treatment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rare Tick-borne Virus Causing Neurological Symptoms Diagnosed In Northeastern State The bat-infested cabins were found at Jackson Lake Lodge and may have impacted at least 200 guests, according to WPM. The outlet describes the lodge as "cottage-style hotel rooms." Read On The Fox News App Following eight reports of run-ins with bats since June, the cabins were closed on July 27, WPM reported. Rabies vaccines are done in a series and can range in cost, even going up to $16,000, according to the Jackson Hole News&Guide. Vacation Nightmare: 12 Family Members Diagnosed With Fungal Disease After Exploring Costa Rica Cave Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of the bats found in some of the Jackson Lake Lodge cabins had tested positive for rabies as of Friday, according to the Associated Press. However, Wyoming State Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist told the AP that the bats tested represented only a small sample of what could be dozens colonizing the attic. None of the bats tested positive for rabies as of Friday, according to reports. "What were really concerned about is people who saw bats in their rooms and people who might have had direct contact with a bat," Harrist told the AP. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that bats are the animals most frequently reported with rabies in the U.S. and are the leading cause of rabies-related deaths nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC warns against touching bats and advises that people seek medical attention if they may have come into contact with one. Original article source: Tourists warned of rabies risk after bats infest cabins at national park HONOLULU (KHON2) Today, Aug. 18, Hawaii welcomed four orphaned children from Japan, a longstanding tradition of promoting cultural exchange and international peace. Japanese orphans return to Hawaii As a result of World War II, Master Sgt. Hugh OReilly and a group of Hawaii-based soldiers adopted the Osaka orphanage as an act to promote peace and understanding. This tradition has lasted over the past 76 years and continues to be the longest-running military-civilian partnership in U.S. Army history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, the tradition continued. The 27th Infantry Regiment, also known as The Wolfhounds, and Peace Bridge, welcomed four new orphaned children from Osaka for a two-week stay. As Wolfhounds, we are known for being ferocious in battle and compassionate in peace. The children of the Holy Family Home embody the spirit of compassion, and we are privileged to be your gentle Wolfhounds. Our commitment to this bond is just as strong today as it was decades ago. We will not allow this cherished connection to fade, Lt. Col. Teddy Borawski, 1st Battalion Commander, said. This visit provides a special, culturally immersive experience for these children that continues to strengthen the historic bond between Hawaii and Japan. The Holy Family Home orphans, Umi, Kanami, Ryota and Ryuki were greeted homecoming-style with leis and aloha by their host families and community members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our mission is to sustain and grow upon this tradition of aloha between Hawaii and the children of Japan. What happened 75 years ago continues to this day. This conveys an important message for us all, of peace and aloha. A legacy we honor and embrace. a tradition which we will share for generations to come, Rika Hirata, President of Peace Bridge, said. Check out more news from around Hawaii Peace Bridge is a nonprofit dedicated to continuing the legacy of Master Sgt. Hugh OReilly and the Wolfhounds 27th Infantry Regiment at Schofield. The organization is dedicated to supporting the orphans at the Holy Family Home Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A train was seen blocking multiple roads in downtown Sioux Falls. 34-year-old arrested for holding woman, girl hostage Police are calling it a minor train derailment. A KELOLAND News photographer is on the scene and will have details as they come. According to police, the train derailment is blocking 6th Street and 8th Street in downtown Sioux Falls and it could be 3-4 hours until the roads are back open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, the city announced the roads were back open. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com. The thing that I used to love most about France there are others was simple: their trains. As a rail enthusiast Ive always been green with envy about those marvellous TGVs (les trains a grande vitesse) that hustle you around that vast country and the unique bing bong tannoy that heralds every station announcement. But this year that admiration has turned to anger because with three people to get onto different trains every single one of them was either a disaster or a nerve-shredding almost. First there was the train which was actually a bus that arrived 25-minutes late at Montelimar and which forced us into a high-speed car race across Drome to just manage to catch, by literally seconds, the TGV at Valence that would take my belle soeur to Lille. And from there to St Pancras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worse, however, was the TGV that one daughter caught after a three-euros bus journey only for this magnificent beast of an engine to develop a massive electronic fault only a few miles north. It eventually arrived at Gare de Lyon four-hours late which meant shed missed her connection for London from Gare du Nord. She was so late that she had to find a hotel so that she could at least get back to London 12-hours later for work. The next day her sister caught her TGV OK but it was so late reaching Lille that she was forced to wait for a later train and only her fluent French helped her escape what seemed likely to be a mandatory extra fare. Not quite a three way disaster that came in trying to get any recompense from the railway authorities in France and Britain, where some of the tickets were booked. Needless to say this is turning into a farce with everyone blaming everyone else but nobody being prepared to pay up and yet still praising my wife for being a valued customer. Not for much longer, Ill wager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These tales of woe on Frances until recently well-deserved train service are not unique. Ive already heard from others whove had horrible delays thus far this summer, much so that there are suspicions that some of the trouble has been caused deliberately by either outside forces or discontented locals. Theres not much point in suggesting that we should fly to our holiday destination. Last year my daughters EasyJet flight from Lyon to London was cancelled only one hour before it was due to take off. That cost them fares for not one but two TGV services one into Paris and another from there to London. Oh sure, they got back the cost of the cheap flight but of the hefty rail fares theres been not a centime, with neither airline nor insurance company prepared to cough up. This year daughter Number Two was refunded for the four-hours late arrival train from Valence to Gare De Lyon but only to the tune of 60 euros, two-thirds of the full fare. But what about the hotel near the station she had to book into around midnight? Cost 100 euros. And then there was the peak period Eurostar back to London from Gare du Nord next day which cost 80 euros. What chance of a refund? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are you kidding? Then all we got was an invisible but obvious and very Gallic corporate shrug of the shoulders and the traditional desole that accompanies what passes for most French apologies nowadays. The state-owned rail company, SNCF, and Rail Europe, who passed the buck from one to the other. And all the while they were asking for an online satisfaction questionnaire to be answered. Mind you, Anglo Saxon came in handy at this juncture. 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. Aug. 18BEMIDJI Kicking off a statewide journey from Bemidji, Mewinzha Ondaadiziike Wiigaming was the site of a one-day opening of the "Two Spirit and MMIW/R Voices" traveling art gallery on Friday. Located in suite 14 of the McKenzie Place complex, the Native American-led nonprofit donned 24 unique photographs aimed at cultural education, storytelling and visibility of the area's Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The opening began with a prayer and honor song, after which attendees could peruse the space and enjoy a catered reception. For Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe member Arnold Dahl-Wooley, "Two Spirit and MMIW/R Voices" is much more than an art gallery. "It's a living story," Dahl-Wooley said. "It honors our ancestors, uplifts our people and sparks conversations that need to happen." Developed under his direction, Dahl-Wooley and fellow advocates worked closely alongside photographer Nedahness Rose Greene of Greene Photography to capture each photograph and expound on their deeper meanings through captions included as part of the gallery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the photographs, several represented the cause of missing and murdered Indigenous women/relatives with the signature red handprint placed over the subjects' mouths. Others brought in LGBTQ+ representation, in particular a photo of Minnesota's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office leading this year's parade for Twin Cities Pride, which also named Dahl-Wooley BIPOC Leader of the Year. Very much a collaborative effort, each subject came prepared with ideas once the day of a dedicated photo shoot arrived. "(Greene) knew what she was looking for. She knew what she wanted and how we could represent," Dahl-Wooley said, "and some of us took our own stance on how we were going to be projecting ourselves, as well, just to make sure that we caught who we are as people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A core underpinning of the gallery was the idea of addressing disparities as they relate to each respective community and their intersections. Part of the namesake of the gallery, Two Spirit serves as an umbrella term for a wide variety of unique identities and social roles found across Indigenous cultures. The term is used by many LGBTQ+ Native Americans as a part of their identities and was adopted at an international conference in the early 1990s, though the concept had existed long before then. In close proximity to the Mewinzha space, Dahl-Wooley opened Two Spirit Advocacy in October 2024 to provide outreach, resources and social groups for the area's LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Providing such resources a mere few steps from Mewinzha would provide a serendipitous venue for the art gallery following its completion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fellow advocate Dwa Brown has long considered herself a Two Spirit advocate and spoke in support of Dahl-Wooley's efforts. She also spoke to personal experiences that directed her into advocacy work. "I've been an ally for all my life. I never saw any difference with it, but I did see a difference in how my friends and family members were treated (for being Two Spirit)," Brown said. "That became a point for me when I decided, 'I have to stand with (Dahl-Wooley)." Working alongside Dahl-Wooley proved to be an honorable experience as Brown reflected on the pair's years-long friendship. "He is my brother. He's a great friend I've known for many years, but he's my brother," Brown added. "My loyalty to (our friendship) and what that gives to me in my heart, I said 'It's just obvious that I'd get involved with this.'" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brown also noted work as it relates to MMIW/R as well as issues that exist regardless of tribal affiliation. "I've been part of a lot of boots-on-the-ground searching for people. It happens way too much," Brown said. "We have a lot of domestic violence not just in Indian Country, but all over. We have a lot of drug use, mental illness." Dahl-Wooley shared similar sentiments, specifically conversations he's had when giving presentations at various events. "I'll ask people, 'Have you driven by the billboards today?' And people will say, 'What billboards?' And it's about the billboards showing the missing persons," Dahl-Wooley said. "We'd like to bring awareness to some of those disparities that are occurring." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though not always enjoyable work, Brown hopes the art gallery can accomplish its goal as it makes its way to Cass Lake, Grand Rapids and Minneapolis. "If a picture gets people talking, that's what we want to happen. We want to provoke thought and get people talking about some of these hard subjects," Brown said. "They're not easy to talk about. A lot of us have our own traumas from what has happened to us from trying to stand up for ourselves or looking out for our loved ones or trying to have equal rights." A testament to past and continual work, Dahl-Wooley expressed optimism following the gallery's debut appearance as it finds new homes throughout the state in the coming months. "This is just the launching pad," Dahl-Wooley left off. "We've been getting very good feedback on it, and I'm very happy about it." (The Center Square) - The Trump administration announced sanctions against four Costa Rican drug traffickers and two business entities as part of an effort to crackdown on cocaine. Costa Rica has become an increasingly significant waypoint for criminal groups trafficking cocaine into the United States, U.S. Treasury officials said. The Drug Enforcement Administration found that cocaine contributed to more than 22,000 overdose deaths in the United States over a 12-month period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drug cartels are poisoning Americans and making our communities more dangerous by trafficking cocaine, often laced with fentanyl, into the United States, said John Hurley, undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the Treasury Department. In May, Costa Rican president Rodrigo Chaves Robles allowed two of the drug traffickers the U.S. is targeting to be extradited to the United States. Costa Rican police arrested Celso Manuel Gamboa Sanchez and Edwin Danney Lopez Vega in June in response to the United States extradition request. Gamboa and Lopez are in prison awaiting extradition to the United States. Alejandro Antonio James Wilson and Alejandro Arias Monge are also under sanction orders by the Treasury Department. The Treasury Department said the men were involved in facilitating the shipment of tens of millions of dollars worth of cocaine from Columbia through Costa Rica to the United States and Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A Treasury Department investigation found Gamboa laundered drug trafficking money through two businesses Bufete Celso Gamboa and Asociados and Limon Black Star FC which are also being sanctioned. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order authorizing the secretary of the treasury to impose sanctions against foreign individuals. The authorization allows the Treasury Department to prohibit an individual's financial activity within the jurisdiction of the U.S. and block possession of an individuals property, if the property is in the United States. The Trump administrations Treasury Department cited Bidens executive order for its authority to impose sanctions. The sanctions against four Costa Rican drug traffickers are designed to prevent institutions from participating in financial activity with the sanctioned individuals in order to deter more illicit drug trafficking. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person, the press release reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The sanctions against Costa Rican drug traffickers follows an increased crackdown on drug trafficking after the announcement of sanctions against two Mexican cartels last week. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior, officials noted in a news release. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent weighed in Tuesday on President Donald Trumps controversial summit in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week. While appearing on CNBCs Squawk Box, Bessent told host Joe Kernen that he wanted to set the record straight about how the meeting went. Alaska was a show of force by President Trump. He invited President Putin to land that the Russians used to own. He displayed a huge amount of military hardware and then did a flyover, Bessent said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration official then compared the meeting to inviting your uncontrollable neighbor to your house and showing him your gun case. Calling Trumps follow-up meeting on Monday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House very good, Bessent declared that he has a strong belief that Trump will eventually help secure a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. European leaders join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in talks with President Donald Trump on Aug. 18, as they try to find a way to end Russia's offensive in Ukraine. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images We had a very good meeting with [Zelenskyy] and his team in the Oval [Office] for about an hour and a half, and then we met with the European leaders who [were] an incredible group to have in the White House, all led by President Trump, Bessent said. He added: And yes, the culmination of that was a call with President Putin, and my strong belief is that there will be a bilateral meeting between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. And thats the only way to end this conflict, is to get the two sides talking. Related: Gavin Newsom Is Talking Like Trump And It's Infuriating The Right Both sides are ready for this terrible [Ukraine-Russia] conflict to end, Bessent later said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Trump and Putin wrapped up last weeks summit without announcing a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine, many political leaders were critical of the outcome. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) slammed the meeting as an embarrassment to the United States, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) confronted Trump for selling out Ukraine. Meanwhile, Trumps former national security adviser John Bolton opined on CNN that Putin had won the summit over a tired Trump. Trump, who called his summit with Putin a 10 out of 10, fired back at his critics in a series of blistering Truth Social posts on Monday. Related... Read the original on HuffPost ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) The trial date for a man accused of killing a Rogers teenager has been set for later this year, according to court documents. During a pretrial hearing on Aug. 18, Zenon-Reyes trial was set for Dec. 2. Another pretrial hearing was scheduled for Dec. 1. Alejandro Zenon-Reyes, 18, was taken into custody in Veracruz, Mexico, on Jan. 24 by Mexican authorities and extradited to the United States on Jan. 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zenon-Reyes is suspected of killing Alexus Lien Nguyen, 17, on April 13, 2022, and is facing a manslaughter charge. He is also facing two counts of tampering with physical evidence, theft by receiving and minor in possession of a handgun. Zenon-Reyes has pleaded not guilty to those charges. Police say he committed those crimes when he was 14 years old. Fayetteville man sentenced to 6 years in prison for endangering child who died In April 2022, officers responded to the 400 block of East Asher Court for a shots-fired call. Nguyen was found dead at the scene with a gunshot wound. A news release said that detectives conducted an investigation, which led them to determine Zenon-Reyes as the suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He reportedly fled Arkansas to avoid apprehension during and since the investigation began. Zenon-Reyes family accused of helping him flee In September 2022, three people were arrested, all of Arkansas City, Kansas, in connection with Nguyens death on charges of hindering apprehension or prosecution, a felony: Daniel Zenon Chavez, 44 Rosa Reyes-Zendejas, 42 Giovanny Zenon, 21 On April 18, 2022, the day a warrant was issued for Zenon-Reyes arrest, his family was spotted on Walmart surveillance footage at a store in Dallas. Court records show Walmarts Global Investigations division provided still images to police showing the family exiting a black Suburban with Arkansas plates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators had tracked them using GPS and believed they were buying new phones. Tontitown Police Department detective details child-crime undercover operations A Walmart senior manager submitted the surveillance evidence, now included in court filings. Records also show that Giovanny Zenon received a $1,000 money transfer in Phoenix, which was traced back to Rogers. A later search of the familys home turned up multiple phones, one with calls the night of the shooting and Google searches about accidental shootings and local attorneys. Police also found vehicle documents linked to a car spotted by license plate readers across Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, believed to have been used to move Zenon-Reyes out of the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation has indicated that all three conspired and orchestrated in concealing a juvenile male who shot and killed a juvenile female, Rogers police said in court documents. The three were ordered to pay $1.15 million in a lawsuit filed by Nguyens mother, Laquita Nguyen. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) There was a large police presence at Boardman Sheetz on Monday night, sparking much social media speculation, but what really led to it was a conflict between a group of people all under the age of 20. Read next: Recent Dunkin Donuts and Boost Mobile carjackings were connected: Reports Police were called to the Sheetz on Boardman Poland Road just before 11 p.m. Monday after someone called 911 to report a group of juveniles in a Jeep pointing guns out the window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Numerous officers responded to the gas station and ordered the occupants out of the Jeep. Reports note there was a large crowd at Sheetz at the time, and more units were requested. In addition to Boardman, officers from Poland Township, Struthers and Springfield police departments all came to assist. The driver of the Jeep was 18 years old, and passengers included a 16-year-old, two 15-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and a 13-year-old, according to police. The driver told police the group was hanging out at Target trying to talk to some girls, and then later went to Wendys for some food after two other males ages 18 and 19 were getting mad at them, the incident report states. After the Wendys trip, the group in the Jeep went to Sheetz, where they ran into the other two males, who allegedly confronted them. The driver of the Jeep told police there were no threats made and no guns displayed. He claimed they were dancing and listening to music at Sheetz, admitting that they were hanging out of the car, but reiterated that there were no weapons and said nothing was held out of the vehicle that even resembled a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers reviewed security footage, which showed the occupants arguing with the other involved males, making hand gestures, but said no weapons were observed. At that time, they were all released from police custody. Police contacted the person who called to report the use of weapons, and determined it had been made by the males in conflict with the group in the Jeep. The males told police they were at Target hanging out when the Jeep group threw water at their car, also stating that at one point, they threw water balloons. The pair then went to Sheetz, where they saw the same Jeep, leading them to believe the group followed them, according to reports. The pair then told police they confronted the occupants of the Jeep, claiming they got out of the vehicle and started going to the trunk, making them concerned they were going to retrieve a firearm. They said they then left the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports state that both males admitted to police that they did not actually see any firearms, but did claim to have seen them when making the 911 call. When asked by officers why they would say there were guns without actually seeing them, one of the males replied, he was in so much fear, he thought they had them, according to reports. The incident report does not reflect that any involved were charged. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. (The Center Square) Questions from a triple fatality on the Florida Turnpike about 50 miles north of West Palm Beach are centered on Harjinder Singhs citizenship status, a work permit, and where he obtained a commercial drivers license. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom do not agree on eligibility. Not in dispute are the charges and arrest detainer. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said Singh, driving an 18-wheeler, tried to U-turn on the Florida Turnpike through a point in the divided highway marked official use only. The speed limit at mile marker 171 is 70 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Homeland Securitys link to video from Breaking911, shot from inside the truck, shows the graphic collision that followed. A Chrysler Town & Country minivan slams into the trailer that suddenly blocked its lanes. All three inside the minivan were killed a 30-year-old man from Florida City driving, and a 37-year-old woman from Pompano Beach and a 54-year-old man from Miami. Singh was not injured. He is facing three counts of vehicular homicide. Homeland Security says Singh does not have a legal right to be in the United States and obtained a commercial drivers license in California. The Florida Highway Patrol said he crossed the Mexico border into California in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the U.S. Marshals Service said Singh, 28, was arrested in Stockton, Calif., on Saturday. He and a passenger in the truck flew to Sacramento on Wednesday, the day after the crash. The warrant for his arrest was issued Thursday. The actions taken by the defendant while operating a commercial tractor-trailer are both shocking and criminal, said Dave Kerner, executive director of the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department. Three people lost their lives as a result of his recklessness, and countless friends and family members will experience the pain of their loss forever. Harjinder Singh is in custody on state vehicular homicide charges and immigration violations. He will no longer be able to damage and destroy the lives of Floridians and visitors. At the conclusion of his state charges, he will be deported. San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow, according to ABC10 in Sacramento, said Singh was illegally in the country. He also said Senate Bill 54 in California does not allow me to honor the ICE hold. Three innocent people were killed in Florida because Gavin Newsoms California Department of Motor Vehicles issued an illegal alien a commercial drivers license this state of governance is asinine, said Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for Homeland Security. How many more innocent people must die before Gavin Newsom stops playing games with the safety of the American public? We pray for the victims and their families. SB54 is colloquially known as the California Values Act, passed in 2017, and prevents local lawmen from using resources to help federal immigration agencies. Newsom was lieutenant governor from 2011-19 while Democrat Jerry Brown was governor, then won election to governor in the 2018 midterms. NEED TO KNOW Trudy Appleby, 11, went missing on Aug. 21, 1996, in Moline, Ill. Witnesses saw her getting into a car with an unidentified male, police said The suspect, Jamison Fisher, 50, was first named as a person of interest in 2020, police said Nearly thirty years after an 11-year-old girl went missing from a small town in Illinois, police have arrested a suspect and charged him with murder. Trudy Appleby vanished on Aug. 21, 1996, near her home in Moline, after she was seen getting into the passenger side of an older model gray vehicle driven by an unidentified man, Moline Police Chief Darren Gault said at an Aug. 13 press conference shown on local station KWQC TV 6 and reviewed by PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Appleby, Gault said, had asked if she could go swimming with a friend on Campbells Island, but her father said no. She went anyway and was never seen again. On Aug. 13, Gault and Henry County State Attorney Catherine Runty announced that a grand jury in Henry County had indicted Jamison Fisher, 50, on three counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicidal death for Applebys murder. For nearly three decades, this case has haunted not only Trudys family but every investigator who touched it, and our community, said Gault, who noted that he publicly named Fisher as a person of interest in the case in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fisher, according to Gault, was a family friend and "associate" of another suspect who died in 2014. The indictment alleges that Fisher strangled Appleby and knowingly concealed her death by hiding or moving her body, Runty said. Authorities still have not recovered Applebys remains, Gault said, adding that he could not comment on that part of the investigation because it remains ongoing. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The Moline Police Department served Fisher an arrest warrant in Scott County, Iowa, where he is currently in custody on unrelated charges, Gault said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This development is the result of tireless work by generations of investigators, unwavering support from our community and new pieces of information that helped us complete a long-unfinished puzzle, said Gault. We never gave up. Fisher will not be charged with kidnapping because the statute of limitations expired, Runty said. Related: Girl's Abduction and Murder Became 'Oldest Cold Case' in U.S. History. Here's How It Was Solved Until It Wasn't "Today is not about celebration, it's about a resolution, it's about accountability, and most importantly, it's about Trudy Appleby," Gault said. "This arrest does not erase the pain, but it does bring us one step closer to closure. We hope it offers a measure of peace to her family and to all of those who have walked this journey with them." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fisher will remain in jail in Iowa pending further court proceedings there, Gault said. It is unclear whether he has retained an attorney who can comment on this case on his behalf. Read the original article on People Truist, Charlottes second largest bank, has reached a settlement over claims of embedding secret trackers on its website to collect user data. The lawsuit, filed by California resident John Tasker, accused Truist of embedding trackers into its website to collect users behavioral data without their knowledge and relaying it to third-party advertising platforms. ALSO READ >> Truist to pay $4M in robocall settlement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complaint, filed on May 28, alleged that Truist violated the California Invasion of Privacy Act by using pixel trackers, JavaScript snippets, and cookies to gather data such as IP addresses, click paths, and device identifiers. These trackers were reportedly provided by companies including Adobe, Meta, Google, Microsoft, The Trade Desk, AdRoll, and Qualtrics. Tasker claimed that these tools operated without users consent, functioning as surveillance devices that allowed Truist and its partners to build behavioral profiles and engage in targeted advertising. The Charlotte Business Journal reports that the details of the settlement are not known. Taskers individual claims are expected to be dismissed, but the broader class-action claims may still proceed. VIDEO: Former Truist employee sues Bank, claims manager triggered PTSD with Chucky doll prank President Donald Trump wants a Nobel Peace Prize but cant seem to remember where hes brought peace. During his sit-down with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, Trump repeated his boast that hes ended six wars since January. But he went blank when trying to name the country involved in one of those peace deals. I solved major wars. I solved wars that have been going on for 31, 35, and 37 years, Trump said. A couple quicker ones. One that was gonna go into a full-blown deal very quickly, you know the one that Im talking aboutit was a big one. President Donald Trump boasted about all the peace deals he has negotiated, but his memory failed him when trying to provide details. / Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images He did not specify what the big one was, leaving it to the reporters in the room to deduce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the meeting, Trump gestured at various conflicts that he claimed to have solved, including places where his role in peace negotiations is disputed. India, Pakistan. Were talking about big places, he said, referring to a May ceasefire between the two nations. On August 8, Trump presided over a joint peace declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia, though that agreement does not in itself completely end the conflict. Trump also referred to a peace deal between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, which was signed at the White House on June 27. The deal, which Trump hailed as a glorious triumph, attempts to end fighting between the Congolese government and M23, a Rwanda-backed insurgent group that has seized land in the eastern part of the DRC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But he flubbed the name of the country, calling DRC the Republic of Condo before correcting himself. You just take a look at some of these wars. Go to Africa, were talking about big places. Rwanda. Congo, the Republic of the CondoCongo. The gaffe triggered a wave of mockery on social media, with critics joking that the phrase could have been a Freudian slip from the former real estate developer. BREAKING: Trump lets slip major plans for African real estate, hinting at a new Republic of Condo. https://t.co/Kol9aS7sRw pic.twitter.com/FHEQq12Jfb Joe Smith (@joe_b_smitty) August 18, 2025 Not only did Trump botch the DRCs name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but he also confused it with one of its neighbors, the Republic of the Congo, sometimes called Congo-Brazzaville. Trump with the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which he referred to on Monday as Republic of the Condo. / ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images Trump has repeated his claim of ending six wars about 10 times, per PolitiFact, which rates the claim as mostly false. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A White House official told the Daily Beast that the six wars Trump has ended are the conflicts between Israel and Iran, the DRC and Rwanda, Thailand and Cambodia, India and Pakistan, Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Egypt and Ethiopia. Egypt and Ethiopia have not agreed to any formal peace agreement, and Indian officials have denied that Trump played a role in brokering peace with Pakistan. President Trump leaned on his relationships with both India and Pakistan to secure a ceasefire in this deadly conflict that could have gone nuclear without his involvement, the official said. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on Monday in a follow up to last weeks summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. While the back-to-back, high-stakes meetings between the warring leaders and their regional partners are aimed at finally bringing in an end to Russias war against Ukraine, Trump cant seem to stop undermining the delicate negotiations by publicly parroting Kremlin talking points. In a Tuesday morning interview with Fox News, Trump falsely claimed that Putin and Russia had gotten Crimea from Obama, describing Russias annexation of the territory as a real estate deal. Crimea, a peninsula in the north of the Black Sea, was invaded and occupied by Russia in 2014. The war started over NATO and Crimea and they wanted Crimea back, Trump said. That was given not a shot fired - by President Obama in perhaps the worst real estate deal Ive ever seen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crimea is the apple of Ukraine, it is so beautiful. And Obama gave it away. He demanded they let it go, Russia took it like candy from a baby. It was really Obamas, that was pure and simple Obamas fault, what a terrible thing, Trump added. In the same interview, Trump declared that it was insulting that Ukraine which has now been invaded by Russia twice in little more than a decade had sought to join NATO. They asked for it and shouldnt have asked for it. It was insulting, Trump said. They could have asked for other things the other thing they wanted to get Crimea back. Trump later insinuated that it was actually Ukraine that had instigated the current war against Russia, telling Fox and Friends that you dont take on a nation that is 10 times your size and military experts. It was, of course, Russia that invaded Ukraine in February 2022, kicking off the war that has now raged for over three years. Trump rolled out the literal red carpet to receive Putin in Alaska on Friday, even granting the Russian authoritarian a ride in the presidential limousine an unprecedented honor rarely granted to foreign dignitaries, much less internationally wanted war criminals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Judging by Trumps statements following the summit, Putin spent much of their private discussions stroking the presidents ego. On Friday, Trump told Fox News Sean Hannity that Putin had reassured him that it was actually widespread mail-in voter fraud that had cost him the 2020 election. Vladimir Putin said something one of the most interesting things he said, your election was rigged because you have mail-in voting, Trump recounted. He said its impossible to have mail-in voting and have honest elections. Days later, Trump announced that he would seek to eliminate mail-in voting at a national level, despite lacking the constitutional authority to make any such change to state voting laws. According to a Monday report from Axios, Trump was so eager to talk to Putin again that he interrupted his meeting with European leaders to speak to the Russian president. According to subsequent reporting from The New York Times, the call lasted around 40 minutes. Trump apparently left his European counterparts to talk among themselves for the better part of an hour, telling Fox News that it would be disrespectful to president Putin, to make the call in their presence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was 1:00 in the morning in Russia, Trump said. But he picked it up very happily. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A Colombian immigrant studies ahead of her citizenship exam at a USCIS office in New York City on May 30, 2013. Credit - John MooreGetty Images The Trump Administration is introducing more stringent criteria for assessing good moral character in U.S. citizenship applications, including screening for anti-American views. The policy, issued in a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) memo on Friday, directs the agency to conduct a more comprehensive and holistic assessment of applicants good moral character, including by accounting for applicants positive attributes and not simply the absence of misconduct. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USCIS on Tuesday said it would also screen for anti-Americanism, and in particular antisemitic ideologies, including on social media, when considering immigration applications, both for prospective citizens and visa applicants. Americas benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies, USCIS chief spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said in a Tuesday statement. [USCIS] is committed to implementing policies and procedures that root out anti-Americanism and supporting the enforcement of rigorous screening and vetting measures to the fullest extent possible. Immigration benefitsincluding to live and work in the United Statesremain a privilege, not a right, he added. Its the latest move by the Trump Administration to restrict immigration to the U.S. by some, while expanding it to others. On his first day in office, President Donald Trump sought to effectively end birthright citizenshipwhich has resulted in ongoing litigation across the country. Trump has also attempted to bar international students from the nations top university, restrict Chinese international students, and increase scrutiny of student visa applicants social media accounts. The Administration has also deployed troops to help with immigration enforcement, detained and deported tens of thousands of people including some legally in the U.S., terminated Biden-era programs for asylum seekers, detained visitors to the U.S., revived a travel ban for dozens of nations, and raised visa fees for tourists and other travelers to the U.S.. At the same time, hes introduced a Trump Card paid path to citizenship and accepted white South Africans as refugees while shutting out refugees more broadly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This latest change might ring alarm bells for critics who have raised concerns about the Trump Administration appearing to inject more subjectivity and political bias into U.S. immigration. Stanford Universitys student newspaper filed a lawsuit against the Administration last week alleging that the targeting for immigration action of non-citizens who have expressed pro-Palestinian views, including those lawfully in the U.S, is stifling free speech. The American Association of University Professors is also suing Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the Administrations alleged ideological deportation policy. Anyone who has any position that is against what the American government says they should think, theyre immediately [labeled] anti-American, David Rozas, an immigration attorney who represented Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian student who was detained for weeks and ultimately chose to self-deport, told TIME in May. Theyre trying to increase the grounds for denial of U.S. citizenship by kind of torturing the definition of good moral character to encompass extremely harmless behavior, Doug Rand, a former senior USCIS official who worked under the Biden Administration, told CBS. Redefining good moral character The good moral character requirement for naturalization applicants has long been satisfied by the absence of certain criminal offenses or disqualifying conduct. These include permanent bars like murders, aggravated felonies, and genocide, as well as conditional bars like having multiple convictions of driving under the influence, for which an applicant must show that they have rehabilitated themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USCIS is adding a new element to the naturalization process that ensures Americas newest citizens not only embrace Americas culture, history, and language but who also demonstrate Good Moral Character, Tragesser said in an earlier statement about the policy change. U.S. citizenship is the gold standard of citizenshipit should only be offered to the worlds best of the best. Evaluating good moral character will now involve more than a cursory mechanical review focused on the absence of wrongdoing, according to the memo. Instead, an applicant must demonstrate that their character is commensurate with the standards of average citizens of the community in which the alien resides. Officers are instructed to take a holistic approach and consider positive attributes such as: sustained community involvement and contributions in the U.S.; family caregiving and ties in the U.S.; educational attainment; stable and legal employment history and achievements; length of lawful residence in the U.S.; and compliance with tax obligations in the U.S. USCIS officers are also instructed to consider disqualifying applicants on the basis of not just the permanent and conditional bars but also Any other acts that are contrary to the average behavior of citizens in the jurisdiction where aliens reside, even if those acts are technically lawful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The memo also places more emphasis on applicants demonstration of rehabilitation if they have engaged in wrongdoing, such as by showing full payment of overdue taxes or compliance with court orders. In assessing conditional bars, the memo reads, officers have authorityand now explicit directiveto weigh all relevant evidence, both adverse and favorable, before granting or denying naturalization. Good moral character test impacts naturalization applicants The test is typically taken by green card holders who seek naturalized American citizenship after residing in the U.S. for at least 3 or 5 years. In addition to showing good moral character, applicants must pass English and civics tests. Between 600,000 and 1 million immigrants have been naturalized as citizens every year since 2015, according to USCIS. Around 25 million people in the U.S. are naturalized citizens, accounting for more than half of all foreign-born people in the U.S. in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump could also use the policy change to denaturalize U.S. citizens, which he has threatened to do to his former ally, tech billionaire Elon Musk, as well as New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. A Justice Department memo in June instructed the departments civil division to prioritize and maximally pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence. The law allows for naturalized citizens to be denaturalized if they are found to have violated their eligibility conditions, which include being of good moral character. Screening all immigrants for anti-Americanism The latest guidance instructs USCIS officers to consider anti-American activity as an overwhelmingly negative factor when using discretion for immigration applications. The directive does not define anti-Americanism but gives as examples involvement in anti-American or terrorist organizations, including any applicant that has endorsed, promoted, supported, or otherwise espoused the views of a terrorist organization or group or who has supported or promoted anti-American ideologies or activities, antisemitic terrorism and antisemitic terrorist organizations, or who promote antisemitic ideologies. Some experts have raised concerns about the way that such guidance will be wielded and how Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For me, the really big story is they are opening the door for stereotypes and prejudice and implicit bias to take the wheel in these decisions. Thats really worrisome, Jane Lilly Lopez, an associate professor of sociology at Brigham Young University, told the Associated Press. The Trump Administration has cracked down on pro-Palestinian activism across the U.S. and especially on college campuses with the stated aim that it is to combat antisemitism, including vowing to deport pro-Hamas students. Contact us at letters@time.com. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) invoked President Franklin Roosevelts internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II as the Trump administration was set to open a massive detention center at Fort Bliss in Texas on Monday. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) torched the comparison, with a top official left wondering why an organization with such a name "care[s] more about illegal aliens than U.S. citizens," in comments to Fox News Digital. "Comparisons of illegal alien detention centers to internment camps used during World War II are deranged and lazy. The ACLUs smears against our brave ICE law enforcement are no doubt contributing to the more than 1,000% increase in assaults against them," Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[The ACLU] should change their name. The facts are ICE is targeting the worst of the worstincluding murderers, MS-13 gang members, pedophiles, and rapists. 70% of ICE arrests are of criminal illegal aliens who have been convicted or have pending charges in the U.S. that doesnt even include known or suspected terrorists, foreign gang members, convictions for violent crimes in foreign countries, or INTERPOL notices." Biden Team Left Thousands Of Migrant Kids With Unvetted Sponsors, Records Reveal On Sunday, before Fort Bliss "Camp East Montana" center was to open at the historically pivotal military base near the U.S.Mexico and New Mexico borders, the ACLUs regional affiliates released a joint statement calling the move "another shameful chapter" in the bases history. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The renewed use of this base to detain immigrants and stage deportations comes as the Trump administration continues to misuse military resources to deport long-standing residents and other immigrants," the release read, calling the presidents mass-deportation agenda "dystopian." "President Trumps use of Fort Bliss for the nations largest immigrant detention site is cruel and a reminder of a shameful detention legacy," added Sarah Mehta, a top official in the ACLUs Equality Division who also called on Congress to stop DHS agenda. "Thousands of people, including our neighbors and loved ones, will be torn from their communities while this administration enlists the military to rubberstamp its abusive agenda." Fort Bliss named after the son-in-law of Mexican-American War hero and later President Zachary Taylor also held a small number of German and Italian immigrants during World War II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Union Boss Compares Ice To Al Pacino Mobster As More Dems Pile On Immigration Enforcement In 1942, Roosevelt initiated an executive order targeting Americans descended from countries representing the Axis powers. The Democrat ushered in the incarceration of about 120,000 Japanese-Americans and smaller numbers of Italian and German descendants. While Fort Bliss was not a main "internment camp," it did hold small numbers of interred U.S. citizens, including as many as 70 "Issei," or first-generation Japanese-Americans living along the Pacific Coast. After the war, German scientist Wernher von Braun a former Untersturmfuhrer in the S.S. -- and other former Axis power-players worked there with the Americans to develop what eventually became the U.S. Space Program, now run by NASA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Considered a 38,000-soldier "megabase," it has also been a crucial staging ground for the War on Terror. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, toured Fort Bliss new detention facility last week and told El Pasos NBC affiliate that the people who will be held there are already on their way out of the U.S. The U.S. Army Fort Bliss base stands in El Paso, Texas,. "These are people under final orders of deportation ... They have no legal right to be here," Cornyn said. El Pasos member of Congress, Democrat Veronica Escobar, disagreed. Escobar argued the $1 billion price tag would "enrich" private contractors and siphon funds from other needs in her district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As many as 5,000 detainees will be held at Fort Bliss, according to reports. Original article source: Trump admin slams ACLU for comparing ICE center to Japanese internment camp: 'Deranged and lazy' The Trump administration is moving to expand scrutiny of immigrants good moral character when deciding on citizenship applications. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced officers will be instructed to seek more than a cursory mechanical review focused on the absence of wrongdoing and instead conduct "a holistic assessment of an alien's behavior, adherence to societal norms, and positive contributions that affirmatively demonstrate good moral character." In a memo shared on Friday, the agency said existing rules will remain, such as bars on granting citizenship to people shown to have conducted serious offenses including murder and torture, while outlining new criteria for naturalization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. citizenship is the gold standard of citizenship it should only be offered to the worlds best of the best, agency spokesperson Matthew J. Tragesser said in a statement to The Hill. Under the new policy, immigration officers are directed to factor in positive evidence of moral character, like an immigrants community involvement and education attainment, as well as negative information, such as repeated DUI convictions or actions that while technically lawful, may be inconsistent with civic responsibility within the community, such as reckless or habitual traffic infractions, or harassment or aggressive solicitation. U.S. immigration law has long considered moral character, but critics of the new Trump plan said factors such as considering traffic violations and certain legal conduct as grounds to reject citizenship applications breaks with precedent (Getty Images North America) Officers will also consider evidence of reformed character, such as paying back taxes, or complying with probation conditions. Experts said the new policy broke with precedent and could be seen within the larger context of the Trump administrations steps to limit legal immigration and settlement within the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They're trying to increase the grounds for denial of U.S. citizenship by kind of torturing the definition of good moral character to encompass extremely harmless behavior," Doug Rand, a former senior official at the agency during the Biden administration, told CBS News. Elsewhere, the Trump administration has functionally shut down refugee resettlement into the U.S., while reportedly mulling a new 40,000-person refugee cap with most slots going to white South Africans. The Trump administration has drastically cut back other parts of the U.S. legal immigration and resettlement system, effectively shutting down the refugee process for groups other than white South Africans (Getty) The White House has also pushed for a non-traditional mid-decade census that would exclude undocumented immigrants, breaking with over two centuries of precedent of the census counting all residents of particular states, U.S. citizens and otherwise. In March, the administration also suspended processing for certain classes of applications to be a legal permanent resident, otherwise known as obtaining a green card. The Trump administration has also revoked more than 6,000 student visas since January and has moved to end a variety of Biden-era legal immigration and humanitarian immigration parole programs. Federal immigration officers helped by Rochester, N.Y., police arrest men from Guatemala after a March traffic stop. The Trump administration has threatened the city over its sanctuary policies. City officials say some officers violated the policy by assisting in the arrests. (Photo courtesy of City of Rochester) The Trump administration is once again pressuring liberal cities and states to cooperate with deportation efforts, despite previous setbacks in court. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent letters last week telling sanctuary states, cities and counties that you better be abiding by our federal policies and with our federal law enforcement, because if you arent, were going to come after you, she said in a Fox News interview. She demanded the areas answer her by Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cities and states with so-called sanctuary policies generally refuse to assist with immigration raids or accede to requests for local jails to hold prisoners for deportation. Those that responded to Statelines questions about the letters said they were not inclined to change their positions about cooperation with immigration authorities. Its the tactic of a bully. And the only way to deal with a bully is to let them know that theyre not going to intimidate you, Rhode Island Democratic Attorney General Peter Neronha said in a statement. The Trump administration is attempting to force more cooperation with immigration arrests. But it suffered a serious court reversal on July 25, when a federal judge dismissed a sanctuary policies case against Illinois, Chicago and Cook County. The state and local policies reflect a decision to not participate in enforcing civil immigration law a decision protected by the Tenth Amendment, Judge Lindsay Jenkins wrote in an order now under appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondis letters follow the Justice Departments Aug. 5 release of a list of sanctuary jurisdictions including 12 states, the District of Columbia, four counties and 18 cities. Thats fewer jurisdictions than the 14 states and almost 500 counties and cities that appeared on an earlier list, which the agency withdrew after criticism that it included conservative counties that were fully cooperating with immigration enforcement. The states on the new list are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington state. The list also includes some counties and cities in those states as well as in Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New Mexico. It's the tactic of a bully. And the only way to deal with a bully is to let them know that they're not going to intimidate you. Rhode Island Democratic Attorney General Peter Neronha Other federal courts have issued injunctions to at least temporarily stop Trump administration from withholding unrelated federal funding from governments that dont cooperate on immigration. Cities, counties and states have filed lawsuits challenging Trumps executive orders targeting sanctuary policies, including a February order that federal payments to states and localities must not by design or effect, facilitate the subsidization or promotion of illegal immigration, or abet so-called sanctuary policies that seek to shield illegal aliens from deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The executive orders are directing agencies to basically take a maximalist approach to putting pressure on local governments to cooperate with immigration [enforcement], even though theyre not required to do so by federal law, said Jonathan Miller, one of the attorneys working on the California case for the Public Rights Project, a California-based group promoting civil rights protections for states and cities. One city on the administrations list was Rochester, New York, which disciplined some police officers for helping federal agents make a March arrest in the city. The city already faces a lawsuit brought by the Trump administration that prominently mentions the arrest of three men from Guatemala; one of whom has since pleaded guilty to re-entering the United States after a previous deportation. A spokesperson for the city, Barbara Pierce, said in a statement to The Guardian that, Nothing in Attorney General Bondis letter is new and none of it has legal merit. The letter reiterates many of the frivolous arguments that the federal government has already made in its pending suit against the city of Rochester, she added. These same arguments were levied against the city of Chicago and were dismissed by the federal district court for the eastern district of Illinois nearly a month ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ally Sullivan, a spokesperson for Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, said in a statement that Colorado is not a sanctuary state. The Governor continues to be frustrated by this mistaken and incorrect label. In a televised interview earlier this year, Polis pointed out that Colorado fully cooperates with federal authorities on criminal matters. Immigration, he said, is a civil matter. In Colorado, we are improving public safety, apprehending dangerous criminals, cooperating with federal law enforcement on criminal investigations, and keeping our communities safe, Sullivan said. Nevertheless, Colorado faces a federal lawsuit brought by the administration over its alleged sanctuary policies. Polis signed a measure in May that limits local law enforcements communication with federal immigration authorities and restricts where federal authorities can operate within schools, child care facilities, hospitals and libraries without a judicial warrant. Connecticut Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont in a statement said the states Trust Act, which the Trump administration has targeted as a sanctuary policy, was passed with bipartisan support and helps ensure local police concentrate on serious crimes. The Trust Act, passed in 2013 and expanded in 2019, limits information sharing and compliance with requests to detain immigrants for federal immigration authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing about this makes Connecticut a sanctuary in any legal or practical sense it makes our state one that upholds the Constitution, respects the rule of law, and prioritizes the safety and well-being of our communities, Lamont said. Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Federal immigration officers helped by Rochester, N.Y., police arrest men from Guatemala after a March traffic stop. The Trump administration has threatened the city over its sanctuary policies. City officials say some officers violated the policy by assisting in the arrests. (Photo courtesy of City of Rochester) The Trump administration is once again pressuring liberal cities and states to cooperate with deportation efforts, despite previous setbacks in court. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent letters last week telling sanctuary states, cities and counties that you better be abiding by our federal policies and with our federal law enforcement, because if you arent, were going to come after you, she said in a Fox News interview. She demanded the areas answer her by Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cities and states with so-called sanctuary policies generally refuse to assist with immigration raids or accede to requests for local jails to hold prisoners for deportation. Those that responded to Statelines questions about the letters said they were not inclined to change their positions about cooperation with immigration authorities. Its the tactic of a bully. And the only way to deal with a bully is to let them know that theyre not going to intimidate you, Rhode Island Democratic Attorney General Peter Neronha said in a statement. The Trump administration is attempting to force more cooperation with immigration arrests. But it suffered a serious court reversal on July 25, when a federal judge dismissed a sanctuary policies case against Illinois, Chicago and Cook County. The state and local policies reflect a decision to not participate in enforcing civil immigration law a decision protected by the Tenth Amendment, Judge Lindsay Jenkins wrote in an order now under appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondis letters follow the Justice Departments Aug. 5 release of a list of sanctuary jurisdictions including 12 states, the District of Columbia, four counties and 18 cities. Thats fewer jurisdictions than the 14 states and almost 500 counties and cities that appeared on an earlier list, which the agency withdrew after criticism that it included conservative counties that were fully cooperating with immigration enforcement. The states on the new list are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington state. The list also includes some counties and cities in those states as well as in Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New Mexico. It's the tactic of a bully. And the only way to deal with a bully is to let them know that they're not going to intimidate you. Rhode Island Democratic Attorney General Peter Neronha Other federal courts have issued injunctions to at least temporarily stop Trump administration from withholding unrelated federal funding from governments that dont cooperate on immigration. Cities, counties and states have filed lawsuits challenging Trumps executive orders targeting sanctuary policies, including a February order that federal payments to states and localities must not by design or effect, facilitate the subsidization or promotion of illegal immigration, or abet so-called sanctuary policies that seek to shield illegal aliens from deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The executive orders are directing agencies to basically take a maximalist approach to putting pressure on local governments to cooperate with immigration [enforcement], even though theyre not required to do so by federal law, said Jonathan Miller, one of the attorneys working on the California case for the Public Rights Project, a California-based group promoting civil rights protections for states and cities. One city on the administrations list was Rochester, New York, which disciplined some police officers for helping federal agents make a March arrest in the city. The city already faces a lawsuit brought by the Trump administration that prominently mentions the arrest of three men from Guatemala; one of whom has since pleaded guilty to re-entering the United States after a previous deportation. A spokesperson for the city, Barbara Pierce, said in a statement to The Guardian that, Nothing in Attorney General Bondis letter is new and none of it has legal merit. The letter reiterates many of the frivolous arguments that the federal government has already made in its pending suit against the city of Rochester, she added. These same arguments were levied against the city of Chicago and were dismissed by the federal district court for the eastern district of Illinois nearly a month ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ally Sullivan, a spokesperson for Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, said in a statement that Colorado is not a sanctuary state. The Governor continues to be frustrated by this mistaken and incorrect label. In a televised interview earlier this year, Polis pointed out that Colorado fully cooperates with federal authorities on criminal matters. Immigration, he said, is a civil matter. In Colorado, we are improving public safety, apprehending dangerous criminals, cooperating with federal law enforcement on criminal investigations, and keeping our communities safe, Sullivan said. Nevertheless, Colorado faces a federal lawsuit brought by the administration over its alleged sanctuary policies. Polis signed a measure in May that limits local law enforcements communication with federal immigration authorities and restricts where federal authorities can operate within schools, child care facilities, hospitals and libraries without a judicial warrant. Connecticut Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont in a statement said the states Trust Act, which the Trump administration has targeted as a sanctuary policy, was passed with bipartisan support and helps ensure local police concentrate on serious crimes. The Trust Act, passed in 2013 and expanded in 2019, limits information sharing and compliance with requests to detain immigrants for federal immigration authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nothing about this makes Connecticut a sanctuary in any legal or practical sense it makes our state one that upholds the Constitution, respects the rule of law, and prioritizes the safety and well-being of our communities, Lamont said. Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@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. Federal immigration officers helped by Rochester, N.Y., police arrest men from Guatemala after a March traffic stop. The Trump administration has threatened the city over its sanctuary policies. City officials say some officers violated the policy by assisting in the arrests. (Photo courtesy of City of Rochester) The Trump administration is once again pressuring liberal cities and states to cooperate with deportation efforts, despite previous setbacks in court. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent letters last week telling sanctuary states, cities and counties that you better be abiding by our federal policies and with our federal law enforcement, because if you arent, were going to come after you, she said in a Fox News interview. She demanded the areas answer her by Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cities and states with so-called sanctuary policies generally refuse to assist with immigration raids or accede to requests for local jails to hold prisoners for deportation. Those that responded to Statelines questions about the letters said they were not inclined to change their positions about cooperation with immigration authorities. Its the tactic of a bully. And the only way to deal with a bully is to let them know that theyre not going to intimidate you, Rhode Island Democratic Attorney General Peter Neronha said in a statement. The Trump administration is attempting to force more cooperation with immigration arrests. But it suffered a serious court reversal on July 25, when a federal judge dismissed a sanctuary policies case against Illinois, Chicago and Cook County. The state and local policies reflect a decision to not participate in enforcing civil immigration law a decision protected by the Tenth Amendment, Judge Lindsay Jenkins wrote in an order now under appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondis letters follow the Justice Departments Aug. 5 release of a list of sanctuary jurisdictions including 12 states, the District of Columbia, four counties and 18 cities. Thats fewer jurisdictions than the 14 states and almost 500 counties and cities that appeared on an earlier list, which the agency withdrew after criticism that it included conservative counties that were fully cooperating with immigration enforcement. The states on the new list are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington state. The list also includes some counties and cities in those states as well as in Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New Mexico. Other federal courts have issued injunctions to at least temporarily stop Trump administration from withholding unrelated federal funding from governments that dont cooperate on immigration. Cities, counties and states have filed lawsuits challenging Trumps executive orders targeting sanctuary policies, including a February order that federal payments to states and localities must not by design or effect, facilitate the subsidization or promotion of illegal immigration, or abet so-called sanctuary policies that seek to shield illegal aliens from deportation. The executive orders are directing agencies to basically take a maximalist approach to putting pressure on local governments to cooperate with immigration [enforcement], even though theyre not required to do so by federal law, said Jonathan Miller, one of the attorneys working on the California case for the Public Rights Project, a California-based group promoting civil rights protections for states and cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One city on the administrations list was Rochester, New York, which disciplined some police officers for helping federal agents make a March arrest in the city. The city already faces a lawsuit brought by the Trump administration that prominently mentions the arrest of three men from Guatemala; one of whom has since pleaded guilty to re-entering the United States after a previous deportation. A spokesperson for the city, Barbara Pierce, said in a statement to The Guardian that, Nothing in Attorney General Bondis letter is new and none of it has legal merit. The letter reiterates many of the frivolous arguments that the federal government has already made in its pending suit against the city of Rochester, she added. These same arguments were levied against the city of Chicago and were dismissed by the federal district court for the eastern district of Illinois nearly a month ago. Ally Sullivan, a spokesperson for Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, said in a statement that Colorado is not a sanctuary state. The Governor continues to be frustrated by this mistaken and incorrect label. In a televised interview earlier this year, Polis pointed out that Colorado fully cooperates with federal authorities on criminal matters. Immigration, he said, is a civil matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Colorado, we are improving public safety, apprehending dangerous criminals, cooperating with federal law enforcement on criminal investigations, and keeping our communities safe, Sullivan said. Nevertheless, Colorado faces a federal lawsuit brought by the administration over its alleged sanctuary policies. Polis signed a measure in May that limits local law enforcements communication with federal immigration authorities and restricts where federal authorities can operate within schools, child care facilities, hospitals and libraries without a judicial warrant. Connecticut Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont in a statement said the states Trust Act, which the Trump administration has targeted as a sanctuary policy, was passed with bipartisan support and helps ensure local police concentrate on serious crimes. The Trust Act, passed in 2013 and expanded in 2019, limits information sharing and compliance with requests to detain immigrants for federal immigration authorities. Nothing about this makes Connecticut a sanctuary in any legal or practical sense it makes our state one that upholds the Constitution, respects the rule of law, and prioritizes the safety and well-being of our communities, Lamont said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org. This article was first published by Stateline, 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. Aug. 19The Trump administration is once again pressuring liberal cities and states to cooperate with deportation efforts, despite previous setbacks in court. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent letters last week telling sanctuary states, cities and counties that "you better be abiding by our federal policies and with our federal law enforcement, because if you aren't, we're going to come after you," she said in a Fox News interview. She demanded the areas answer her by Tuesday. Cities and states with so-called sanctuary policies generally refuse to assist with immigration raids or accede to requests for local jails to hold prisoners for deportation. Those that responded to Stateline's questions about the letters said they were not inclined to change their positions about cooperation with immigration authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's the tactic of a bully. And the only way to deal with a bully is to let them know that they're not going to intimidate you," Rhode Island Democratic Attorney General Peter Neronha said in a statement. The Trump administration is attempting to force more cooperation with immigration arrests. But it suffered a serious court reversal on July 25, when a federal judge dismissed a sanctuary policies case against Illinois, Chicago and Cook County. The state and local policies reflect a "decision to not participate in enforcing civil immigration law a decision protected by the Tenth Amendment," Judge Lindsay Jenkins wrote in an order now under appeal. Bondi's letters follow the Justice Department's Aug. 5 release of a list of sanctuary jurisdictions including 12 states, the District of Columbia, four counties and 18 cities. That's fewer jurisdictions than the 14 states and almost 500 counties and cities that appeared on an earlier list, which the agency withdrew after criticism that it included conservative counties that were fully cooperating with immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states on the new list are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington state. The list also includes some counties and cities in those states as well as in Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New Mexico. It's the tactic of a bully. And the only way to deal with a bully is to let them know that they're not going to intimidate you. Rhode Island Democratic Attorney General Peter Neronha Other federal courts have issued injunctions to at least temporarily stop Trump administration from withholding unrelated federal funding from governments that don't cooperate on immigration. Cities, counties and states have filed lawsuits challenging Trump's executive orders targeting sanctuary policies, including a February order that federal payments to states and localities must not "by design or effect, facilitate the subsidization or promotion of illegal immigration, or abet so-called 'sanctuary' policies that seek to shield illegal aliens from deportation." "The executive orders are directing agencies to basically take a maximalist approach to putting pressure on local governments to cooperate with immigration [enforcement], even though they're not required to do so by federal law," said Jonathan Miller, one of the attorneys working on the California case for the Public Rights Project, a California-based group promoting civil rights protections for states and cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One city on the administration's list was Rochester, New York, which disciplined some police officers for helping federal agents make a March arrest in the city. The city already faces a lawsuit brought by the Trump administration that prominently mentions the arrest of three men from Guatemala; one of whom has since pleaded guilty to re-entering the United States after a previous deportation. A spokesperson for the city, Barbara Pierce, said in a statement to The Guardian that, "Nothing in Attorney General Bondi's letter is new and none of it has legal merit." "The letter reiterates many of the frivolous arguments that the federal government has already made in its pending suit against the city of Rochester," she added. "These same arguments were levied against the city of Chicago and were dismissed by the federal district court for the eastern district of Illinois nearly a month ago." Ally Sullivan, a spokesperson for Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, said in a statement that Colorado "is not a sanctuary state. The Governor continues to be frustrated by this mistaken and incorrect label." In a televised interview earlier this year, Polis pointed out that Colorado fully cooperates with federal authorities on criminal matters. Immigration, he said, is a civil matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In Colorado, we are improving public safety, apprehending dangerous criminals, cooperating with federal law enforcement on criminal investigations, and keeping our communities safe," Sullivan said. Nevertheless, Colorado faces a federal lawsuit brought by the administration over its alleged sanctuary policies. Polis signed a measure in May that limits local law enforcement's communication with federal immigration authorities and restricts where federal authorities can operate within schools, child care facilities, hospitals and libraries without a judicial warrant. Connecticut Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont in a statement said the state's Trust Act, which the Trump administration has targeted as a sanctuary policy, was passed with bipartisan support and helps ensure local police concentrate on serious crimes. The Trust Act, passed in 2013 and expanded in 2019, limits information sharing and compliance with requests to detain immigrants for federal immigration authorities. "Nothing about this makes Connecticut a sanctuary in any legal or practical sense it makes our state one that upholds the Constitution, respects the rule of law, and prioritizes the safety and well-being of our communities," Lamont said. Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at [email protected]. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. Federal immigration officers helped by Rochester, N.Y., police arrest men from Guatemala after a March traffic stop. The Trump administration has threatened the city over its sanctuary policies. City officials say some officers violated the policy by assisting in the arrests. (Photo courtesy of City of Rochester) The Trump administration is once again pressuring liberal cities and states to cooperate with deportation efforts, despite previous setbacks in court. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent letters last week telling sanctuary states, cities and counties that you better be abiding by our federal policies and with our federal law enforcement, because if you arent, were going to come after you, she said in a Fox News interview. She demanded the areas answer her by Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cities and states with so-called sanctuary policies generally refuse to assist with immigration raids or accede to requests for local jails to hold prisoners for deportation. Those that responded to Statelines questions about the letters said they were not inclined to change their positions about cooperation with immigration authorities. Its the tactic of a bully. And the only way to deal with a bully is to let them know that theyre not going to intimidate you, Rhode Island Democratic Attorney General Peter Neronha said in a statement. The Trump administration is attempting to force more cooperation with immigration arrests. But it suffered a serious court reversal on July 25, when a federal judge dismissed a sanctuary policies case against Illinois, Chicago and Cook County. The state and local policies reflect a decision to not participate in enforcing civil immigration law a decision protected by the Tenth Amendment, Judge Lindsay Jenkins wrote in an order now under appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondis letters follow the Justice Departments Aug. 5 release of a list of sanctuary jurisdictions including 12 states, the District of Columbia, four counties and 18 cities. Thats fewer jurisdictions than the 14 states and almost 500 counties and cities that appeared on an earlier list, which the agency withdrew after criticism that it included conservative counties that were fully cooperating with immigration enforcement. The states on the new list are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington state. The list also includes some counties and cities in those states as well as in Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New Mexico. Other federal courts have issued injunctions to at least temporarily stop Trump administration from withholding unrelated federal funding from governments that dont cooperate on immigration. Cities, counties and states have filed lawsuits challenging Trumps executive orders targeting sanctuary policies, including a February order that federal payments to states and localities must not by design or effect, facilitate the subsidization or promotion of illegal immigration, or abet so-called sanctuary policies that seek to shield illegal aliens from deportation. The executive orders are directing agencies to basically take a maximalist approach to putting pressure on local governments to cooperate with immigration [enforcement], even though theyre not required to do so by federal law, said Jonathan Miller, one of the attorneys working on the California case for the Public Rights Project, a California-based group promoting civil rights protections for states and cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One city on the administrations list was Rochester, New York, which disciplined some police officers for helping federal agents make a March arrest in the city. The city already faces a lawsuit brought by the Trump administration that prominently mentions the arrest of three men from Guatemala; one of whom has since pleaded guilty to re-entering the United States after a previous deportation. A spokesperson for the city, Barbara Pierce, said in a statement to The Guardian that, Nothing in Attorney General Bondis letter is new and none of it has legal merit. The letter reiterates many of the frivolous arguments that the federal government has already made in its pending suit against the city of Rochester, she added. These same arguments were levied against the city of Chicago and were dismissed by the federal district court for the eastern district of Illinois nearly a month ago. Ally Sullivan, a spokesperson for Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, said in a statement that Colorado is not a sanctuary state. The Governor continues to be frustrated by this mistaken and incorrect label. In a televised interview earlier this year, Polis pointed out that Colorado fully cooperates with federal authorities on criminal matters. Immigration, he said, is a civil matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Colorado, we are improving public safety, apprehending dangerous criminals, cooperating with federal law enforcement on criminal investigations, and keeping our communities safe, Sullivan said. Nevertheless, Colorado faces a federal lawsuit brought by the administration over its alleged sanctuary policies. Polis signed a measure in May that limits local law enforcements communication with federal immigration authorities and restricts where federal authorities can operate within schools, child care facilities, hospitals and libraries without a judicial warrant. Connecticut Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont in a statement said the states Trust Act, which the Trump administration has targeted as a sanctuary policy, was passed with bipartisan support and helps ensure local police concentrate on serious crimes. The Trust Act, passed in 2013 and expanded in 2019, limits information sharing and compliance with requests to detain immigrants for federal immigration authorities. Nothing about this makes Connecticut a sanctuary in any legal or practical sense it makes our state one that upholds the Constitution, respects the rule of law, and prioritizes the safety and well-being of our communities, Lamont said. Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE President Donald Trump revealed breakthrough developments in the Ukraine peace negotiations during a Fox & Friends interview on Tuesday morning, announcing that he has arranged a direct bilateral meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The announcement follows Mondays White House summit with Zelenskyy and European leaders. Trump emphasized the urgent need to halt casualties in the ongoing conflict. I thought Id first let them meet. They havent been exactly best friends It only matters if we get things done I hope that President Zelenskyy will do what he has to do. He has to show some flexibility also, Trump said during the interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The President detailed his conversation with Putin about orchestrating the historic meeting. I told him that were going to set up a meeting with President Zelenskyy, and you and he will meet, and then after that meeting, if everything works out OK, Ill meet and well wrap it up. It takes, in this case, two to tango. They have to have somewhat of a relationship, otherwise were just wasting a lot of time. Trump stressed the urgency of immediate action when recounting an exchange at Mondays summit. At the table, one of the gentlemen he said, Well, lets meet in another month or two and lets see if we can start making some I said, A MONTH OR TWO!? Youre going to have another 40,000 people dead in a month or two you have to do it TONIGHT. And I did, actually I called President Putin and were trying to work out a meeting with President Zelenskyy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The President expressed cautious optimism about the relations between Putin and Zelenskyy. I think the fact that maybe theyre getting along a little bit better than I thought, otherwise I wouldnt have set up the [bilateral] meeting, I wouldve set up a three a trilat. But I think theyre doing a little bit better. Theres been tremendous bad blood. Trump outlined his vision for securing long-term peace without NATO membership for Ukraine. Theyre not going to be a part of NATO, but weve got the European nations, and theyll front-load it, and theyll have, some of them France, Germany, UK they want to have boots on the ground. I dont think its going to be a problem, to be honest with you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump firmly ruled out deploying American forces to defend Ukraines borders. You have my assurance and Im President. Im just trying to stop people from being killed. European leaders appear eager to resolve the crisis, according to Trump. They want to get back to leading their countries. Theyre consumed with this far more than we are. There will be some form of security. It cant be NATO because thats just not something that would ever, ever happen. The President attributed the summits success to restored American prestige. I think really, they have respect for our country again. A year ago, they wouldnt have come. They wouldnt have even thought about it. Now, weve become the hottest country anywhere in the world. Everybody wants to be here. When former New Jersey state Rep. Jack Ciattarelli, a self-styled moderate Republican, lost the governors race to Democratic incumbent Phil Murphy in 2021, he could point to a key failure: his lack of votes from communities of color. In 2021, Ciattarelli tried and failed to court the minority vote, speaking on the difficulties minorities face in the country, but proving unable to secure many of their votes in New Jerseys cities. In a speech at Rowan University in 2022, Ciattarelli put it bluntly: Quite frankly, theres no better way to put it. My team was too white. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I did well in the Black and brown community, but I could have done even better, he added, vowing to run again in 2025. Now, Ciattarelli finds himself in a race against Democratic candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., for the governorship. He has worked to court the votes he sorely missed in the last election by reaching out to Black faith leaders across New Jersey. In a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 900,000, one recent poll showed him within striking distance of Sherrill, who leads by only six points. However, taking a look at Ciattarellis website begins to raise some questions. In the tab entitled, Coalitions, among the groups listed (alongside Law Enforcement; Muslims; and Parents) is one for African Americans. Only, its called Blacks. Clicking it takes you to a page of Ciattarelli standing proudly with his hands on his hips and the phrase Blacks Back Jack in big block letters. Beneath it are photos of Ciattarelli with about a half-dozen Black people, none of whom are identified. There is also an option to sign up for getting involved with Blacks Back Jack. Signing up generates an email thanking you for signing up for Team Jack, plus some campaign talking points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked about the coalition, Ciattarellis Deputy Campaign Manager Nick Poche did not have specific details on Blacks Back Jack, but instead talked about the need for the campaign to engage minority groups. We have been doing a lot more campaigning in areas where there are minority groups, Poche told Salon. He said that cities where voters of color are the majority such as Newark, Paterson, Belleville, Passaic, and Atlantic City are key targets for the campaign. We are absolutely making an effort to engage in every community in New Jersey, Poche said. Complicating Ciattarellis efforts is a nod from President Donald Trump, who called the candidate a true champion during the Republican primary. While it secured Ciattarelli the nomination, the same cannot be said for boosting his support among minority voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 2024 election, Trump secured tens of thousands more votes in New Jersey than in years past, but still lost big in cities with predominantly Black and Latino voters. Jack Ciattarelli himself admitted that his last campaign was too white,yet his recent actions show he has no clear understanding of how to advance the real needs and priorities of Black New Jerseyans, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, said in a statement to Salon. Sumter further criticized Ciattarelli for elevating optics over substance and aligning himself with Trump and the MAGA movement. Our state needs leaders who will fight for equity, opportunity, and dignity for all, not those who rely on empty gestures to mask the absence of meaningful policy and progress, Sumter said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ciattarelli might have already lost the battle of community faith in New Jersey. I cannot allow someone who has bowed at the altar of MAGA to stand before a congregation still reeling from the trauma that movement has inflicted, Reverend Dr. Charles Boyer said in a column for the New Jersey Globe. Boyer, an outspoken preacher in Trenton, also called Ciattarelli intelligent, articulate and a reasonable conservative, but argued that his ties to MAGA make Ciattarelli something of a pariah. Jack has embraced an endorsement from Donald Trump, Boyer said, a man whose political legacy is soaked in hostility toward Black people, our dignity, and our safety. Until Jack publicly denounces that endorsement, I cannot, in good conscience, welcome him into my congregation. Start your day with essential news from Salon. Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course. Eric Arpert, campaign manager for Ciattarelli, claimed the Republican has made inroads with minority communities in New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jack personally met over 70,000 voters in the primary, Arpert told Salon. We do everything to meet and greet, to direct voter contact were trying to meet voters where they are. When it came to Blacks Back Jack, Arpert described the coalition as hard working, although there is no evidence that its unidentified members have engaged in any real-world activity. When asked if the campaign had received any criticism for the name, Arpert said no. We havent, frankly. On the subject of whether Ciattarelli was sticking to 2022 statement about his team being too white, Arpert pivoted to talk about the shortcomings of New Jersey. We need to make this state less expensivewe have the highest property taxes in the country. We are ranked the worst country in the state to do business, Arpert said, again praising Ciattarelli for his touring of the state, saying Jack is going everywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of the interview, however, he was not in New Jersey at all. Rather, Ciattarelli was in Israel. His Democratic opponent, meanwhile, was appealing to the states Black voters, naming Centenary University President Rev. Dale Caldwell as her running mate. The post The Trump-backed candidate for New Jersey governor makes an awkward appeal to Black voters appeared first on Salon.com. The News President Donald Trump says he is beginning to organize a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin following Mondays high-stakes meeting. Trump hosted Zelenskyy and several key European leaders at the White House to discuss an end to Russias war on Ukraine. That meeting came after the president traveled to Alaska for a sit-down with Putin on Friday. Neither yielded an immediate ceasefire or peace agreement, but Trump portrayed Mondays event as very good. During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European countries, with a coordination with the United States of America, Trump wrote on Truth Social. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The day came and went without specifics on how lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine will be achieved, and while Trump promised to give Ukraine very good protection, he did not detail what security guarantees might look like. At a news conference Monday evening, Zelenskyy said one portion of the security discussion centered around the possibility of Ukraine purchasing US weapons through Europe. In turn, Zelenskyy said the US would potentially purchase drones from Ukrainian companies. Trump and Zelenskyy also discussed negotiations over territory a key sticking point and the Ukrainian president said that would be settled during the yet-to-be-confirmed face-to-face with Putin. Know More Mondays sit-down was a stark change to Zelenskyys last Oval Office meeting with Trump in February, which imploded and was cut short. This time, Zelenskyy arrived at the White House in attire more closely resembling a suit, and presented Trump with a letter for First Lady Melania Trump from his wife, thanking her for her focus on the children in the war. While Trump is beginning to organize a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, theres acknowledgment that more needs to be done to bring the war to an end. All of us would obviously prefer an immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace, Trump, who is pushing for a peace deal rather than a ceasefire first, told reporters. And maybe something like that could happen. At this moment, its not happening. US President Donald Trump believes that the potential deployment of troops from European NATO member states in Ukraine will not be a "problem" for Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. Source: Trump on Fox News, as reported by European Pravda Details: A Fox News presenter pointed out to Trump that Russia is firmly against Ukraine joining NATO and asked how this might influence European NATO members' plans to deploy troops in Ukraine as part of potential security guarantees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump replied that Ukraine's membership of NATO is categorically unacceptable to Russia. He said that Russia did not want so-called adversaries or enemies on its border, and he added that they were right. He also said that everyone knew Russia would never agree to Ukraine joining NATO. In this regard, the US president said that Ukraine would not become a member of NATO, but instead he considered it possible to obtain Russia's consent to the deployment of Alliance troops on Ukrainian territory. Trump said that Ukraine would not become a NATO member, but noted that some European countries, including France, Germany, and the UK, are willing to deploy troops on the ground. He added that he does not think this will be a problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He explained that, in his opinion, Putin was tired of the situation, and that everyone else was as well. The US president said nothing could be known for certain, but added that information would be obtained from Putin in the coming weeks and that the results would be revealed. Background: US President Donald Trump has said that, as president, he will not authorise the deployment of American troops to Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer believe that the most important outcome of the White House talks was the USs readiness to work on security guarantees for Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will head a working group of national security advisers and NATO representatives tasked with drafting a security guarantees plan for Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trump blamed Ukraine for taking on a nation thats 10 times its size despite it being Russian President Vladimir Putin who invaded the country. The president was speaking on Fox & Friends Tuesday morning, where he was gently quizzed about Mondays meeting at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders following last weeks Alaska summit with Putin. Co-host Ainsley Earhardt asked Trump whether any land swaps between the warring countries were discussed at Mondays meeting, to which the president responded by saying that Ukraine would get a lot of land, before he launched into a ramble about Russias military might. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia is a powerful military nation. You know, whether people like it or not, it's a powerful nation. It's a much bigger nation, Trump said. It's not a war that should have been started. You don't do that. You don't take on a nation that's 10 times your size. If it wasn't for the greatest military equipment, we make the greatest military equipment in the world. And we gave them, you know whatever they took probably a lot of money too, Trump added. President Donald Trump blamed Ukraine for taking on a nation thats 10 times its size, despite it being Russian President Vladimir Putin who invaded the country. (AFP/Getty) Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Trump has repeatedly blamed the conflict on his predecessors, former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, but not Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thing is a mess. This was started by Joe Biden, Trump told the network. This was a war that should have never happened. The president also lashed out at Obama and claimed he gave Crimea away in 2014 in the worst real estate deal Ive ever seen. Obama has faced criticism in the past for underestimating the threat from Russia and how his administration handled the 2014 invasion of Ukraine, where Putin illegally annexed the peninsula of Crimea. The former president previously defended himself against the backlash and said the circumstances were not the same as the 2022 invasion. At Mondays historic meeting with Zelensky and European leaders including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark RutteTrump gave a commitment of American resources for the future security of Ukraine. (Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street) After greeting Putin warmly in Alaska last week, Trump touted his very good relationship with the Russian strongman but told Fox & Friends his priority was getting a deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I called President Putin yesterday, and I do have a good relationship, but it, you know, only matters if we get things done, he said. Otherwise, I don't care about the relationship. I do have a good relationship with him, but I want to get things done. At Mondays historic meeting with Zelensky and European leaders including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark RutteTrump gave a commitment of American resources to support the future security of Ukraine. Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine, Trump wrote on Truth Social following Mondays meetings. Trump said he called Putin himself and they began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelensky. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself, Trump said. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. By Ernest Scheyder (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticized an appeals court's decision to temporarily block federal officials from completing a land transfer needed for Rio Tinto and BHP to develop Arizona's Resolution Copper project. Trump's post on his Truth Social platform came after he and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum met at the White House with the CEOs of Rio and BHP, two of the world's largest mining companies, which have been trying to develop Resolution for more than a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Monday that the transfer - which had been slated for Tuesday - should be halted while the court weighs a request from the San Carlos Apache tribe to block the project for religious, cultural and environmental reasons. It was only the second time any court has ruled in favor of the Apache or their allies in more than five years of myriad legal maneuvers against Resolution, slated to become one of the world's largest supplies of a metal used to build nearly every electronic device. Trump called the court a "radical left court" and said that those who oppose the mine "are Anti-American, and representing other copper competitive Countries." "It is so sad that Radical Left Activists can do this, and affect the lives of so many people," Trump said in the post. "We can't continue to allow this to happen to the U.S.A.!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump did not outline any actions he plans to take to sway the court, but said that "our Country, quite simply, needs Copper AND NOW!" He did not provide evidence for his claims about the court and opponents of the project. Terry Rambler, chairman of the San Carlos Apache, said in a statement that he and the tribe were "working to save the U.S. from making a disastrous decision that would give up American resources to foreign interests." Rambler noted in his statement that BHP is based in Australia, while Rio is based in Australia and the U.K. and its largest shareholder is a Chinese aluminum company. Rio has said it plans to keep all of Resolution's copper inside the U.S. should the mine be approved. The company controls one of the two U.S. copper smelters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rambler said he believes that Rio is likely to export Resolution's copper to China. "I look forward to sitting down with the administration and providing factual information that will help protect American assets," Rambler said. COURT The appeals court made clear it takes "no position on the merits" of the Apache's arguments and would expedite its review. Judges asked for filings to be submitted by October 14, but have not yet scheduled a hearing date. Ten of the appeals court's 29 members were appointed by Trump. Rio said it was "confident the court will ultimately affirm" the land transfer. Rio CEO Jakob Stausholm and his successor Simon Trott, who will take the company's reins next month, were at the White House meeting with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BHP CEO Mike Henry thanked Trump and Burgum on social media "for their strong leadership to reinvigorate mining and processing supply chains in and for America." Trump's post comes less than a month after he imposed a copper tariff on wiring and pipe, but not the copper concentrate produced by mines themselves, a levy falling far short of what the mining industry had expected. That will allow other countries to import copper into the U.S. without fear of tariff implications. HISTORY The mine's construction would cause a crater that would swallow a site where the Apache worship. Congress and then-President Barack Obama approved the mine in 2014 after it was added at the last minute to a must-pass military funding bill with the condition that an environmental report be published. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The underground mine - which Trump approved in his first term before successor Joe Biden reversed him - would supply more than a quarter of U.S. appetite for copper and be a key part of Trump's plan to boost U.S. mining. Apache Stronghold, a nonprofit group comprised of some Apache and conservationists, asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block the transfer, a request that the high court denied in May. Meanwhile, the tribe itself made the same request of federal courts. It failed last week at the district court level and appealed over the weekend. (Reporting by Ernest Scheyder; Additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Franklin Paul, Stephen Coates and Sonali Paul) Around the country, President Donald Trump is circumventing the Senate to install top federal prosecutors, using loopholes to keep loyalists in place. In U.S. attorneys offices in Los Angeles, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico and upstate New York, the administration has effectively sidestepped or overridden both the Senate confirmation and judicial appointment processes for selecting U.S. attorneys. When Trumps nominees cant get confirmed by the Senate, as required by federal law, the administration installs them on a temporary basis as interim U.S. attorneys, who are legally allowed to serve for 120 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And when district judges have then rejected Trumps choices by exercising a 160-year-old power allowing them to appoint someone to the office after an interim U.S. attorneys term ends, the administration has in a few cases taken an extraordinary step: voiding the judges decision and reinstalling Trumps desired prosecutor as an acting U.S. attorney, who can serve for an additional 210 days beyond the initial 120-day interim period. In two instances, the Trump administration preempted the judges votes, appointing the interim U.S. attorneys as acting U.S. attorneys before the judges could have their say. And in at least one district, the administrations attempt to sidestep the Senate and district judges is being challenged in court. Though the law doesnt explicitly forbid the Trump administrations approach of appointing people to successive temporary stints, the intent [of the law] was always for Senate confirmation, said Jennifer Selin, a professor at Arizona State University law school. The Trump administration has been very strategic in using the law in this particular way, Selin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Justice Department didnt respond to a request for comment. The nations 93 U.S. attorneys are the top federal law enforcement officials in their geographic districts. While they are nominated by the president, the Justice Department has historically sought to insulate them from political influence. And the presidents selections are expected to have the blessing of another branch of government either the Senate or the courts. Carl Tobias, a University of Richmond law school professor, said the workarounds are alarming because they eliminate the vetting process conducted by the Senate, calling it a perversion of what the Constitution seems to require. Critics worry that the lack of oversight on some of Trumps picks could create a perception if not a reality that those prosecutors are simply doing the White Houses bidding and using their offices for political purposes. For instance, Trumps pick in New Jersey, Alina Habba, has been criticized for prosecuting a Democratic member of Congress who was attempting to conduct an oversight visit at an immigration detention center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps strategy of overriding the other branches could also create tension between U.S. attorneys offices and the district courts in which they operate. Senatorial influence over selection has really been a critical aspect of the U.S. attorney's system, and so has the relationship between the U.S. attorney and local institutions like the district court bench, local governments and local communities, said Daniel Richman, a Columbia Law School professor and former federal prosecutor. And when you start ramming people down into these offices without any consideration of local communities, and in particular of the district court bench, bad things happen. Richman pointed to a recent ruling in Manhattan denying the DOJs effort to unseal secret materials in the cases of Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein as an example of judges looking askance at an effort by Washington to circumvent the district. District judges really care about the integrity, and, to some extent, the autonomy of the U.S. attorney's offices that appear before them, he said. They, like any actor, like to help shape the quality of justice that's done in their courtroom, and they do that not just through their rulings, but through the influence they have on the U.S. attorney's offices. And U.S. attorney's offices that have any desire to be effective tend to their relationship with the local bench. Maintaining a loyalist in New Jersey The most dramatic fight over a U.S. attorney post in the second Trump administration has been in New Jersey, where earlier this year Trump picked Habba, one of his former personal defense attorneys and a vocal supporter, to serve as U.S. attorney on an interim basis while also nominating her to take the job permanently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Habba, who had never worked as a prosecutor, is a controversial figure who opened a number of politically charged cases in her first few months on the job. Her office charged Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) with assaulting federal agents after she clashed with immigration officials while attempting to visit an immigration detention center; she is seeking to get the case dismissed. Habbas office also arrested Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, a Democrat, but later dropped the case. And shortly after Habba took office, she opened an investigation into Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, over the states immigration policies. It quickly became clear that Habba could not win Senate confirmation. So when her term as interim U.S. attorney was about to expire last month, district judges in New Jersey voted to determine who should occupy the post indefinitely until the Senate could confirm someone to the job. The judges declined to keep Habba in office, voting instead to install longtime career prosecutor Desiree Leigh Grace. But Trump quickly bypassed that selection, reinstalling Habba on a longer-term but still temporary basis as acting U.S. attorney. He did so by having the Justice Department fire Grace while simultaneously withdrawing Habbas nomination in the Senate. The withdrawal was important because nominees for a full-time U.S. attorney post generally cannot also serve in an acting capacity, per federal law. But once Habba was no longer a nominee before the Senate, the Trump administration argued, she could remain in the job for another 210 days, or about seven months. What will happen after that remains unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps workaround to keep Habba in the job for now is contested. A defendant in a drug and gun case in New Jersey is arguing that the administrations maneuvering was irregular and unconstitutional and is challenging Habbas authority. Habbas office didnt respond to a request for comment. Workarounds in New York and New Mexico Slightly different scenarios have played out in other U.S. attorneys offices. In the Northern District of New York, which covers Albany and Syracuse, Trumps interim choice for the job was John Sarcone III, a Republican lawyer who has run for office unsuccessfully several times and, like Habba, had no apparent prosecutorial experience. Sarcone had a tumultuous start to his tenure that included listing his address on a police affidavit as a location that was actually a boarded-up building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When Sarcones 120-day interim period expired, the district judges in northern New York declined to appoint him to continue in the job. But unlike in New Jersey, the judges did not select a substitute they simply didnt appoint anyone. The Justice Department responded by giving Sarcone an appointment of special attorney with an indefinite term so that he could return to the job. The office didnt respond to a request for comment. A similar sequence occurred in New Mexico last week. The district judges in the state declined to extendTrumps pick for interim U.S. attorney, Ryan Ellison. So the Justice Department converted him to the acting head of the office under a federal vacancies law. As with Habba, that maneuver allows Trump to chain together the 120-day interim period and the 210-day acting period potentially allowing the non-confirmed official to remain on the job for nearly a full year. New Mexicos Democratic senators, Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan, said the decision exemplified this administrations continuing willingness to trample the role of the Judiciary and Congress. Ellison embraced the move, saying in a statement: I applaud New Mexicos federal district judges for declining to appoint someone other than the Trump Administrations choice to lead the United States Attorneys Office as they had the discretion to do at the end of my interim appointment. He added that the appointment of a U.S. Attorney is a process that should be sorted out in a collaborative and professional manner between the executive and legislative branches of government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one powerful district the Southern District of New York, which is based in Manhattan Trumps interim U.S. attorney pick did not run into resistance from judges. On Monday, the judges there voted to retain Trumps choice, former Securities and Exchange Commission chair Jay Clayton. The vote allows Clayton to continue running the office indefinitely, even though Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) blocked Claytons confirmation in the Senate. Getting around judges in California and Nevada In the Central District of California, which is based in Los Angeles, Trumps interim choice was Bill Essayli, a Republican who had been serving in the California State Assembly. In his early months on the job, Essayli drew scrutiny for reportedly pushing prosecutors to bring cases desired by the Trump administration but unsupported by sufficient evidence. As his interim period was coming to an end, the Trump administration converted Essaylis title from interim to acting. Its not clear if the districts judges ever held a vote on the post. The court didnt provide an answer when asked about it. A spokesperson for Essaylis office declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the administration deployed the same tactic in Nevada to keep in place Sigal Chattah. In the final days of her temporary tenure as interim U.S. attorney, a group of more than 100 retired federal and state judges wrote to the chief federal district judge in Nevada to object to voting to install Chattah after her appointment expired. The group said her history of racially charged, violence-tinged, and inflammatory public statements disqualified her. Instead of waiting for the judicial vote, the Trump administration simply made her the acting U.S. attorney. The office didnt respond to a request for comment. Future risks While Trump may be getting his way on U.S. attorney choices for now, the strategy may ultimately come back to haunt him. Retired U.S. District Judge John S. Martin predicted that the practical effect of the maneuvers is that a U.S. attorney who is installed over the objections of the local bench will lose credibility with the judges, not necessarily because of any actions they take, but simply by virtue of the process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That may jeopardize cases in court for prosecutors, Martin said, because it means that when the government comes in and asserts something a little bit unusual, it's going to get a very skeptical view from the court. CORRECTION: Due to an editing error, a previous version of this report misstated a city within the Northern District of New York. It's Syracuse. President Donald Trump described his White House negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders as "a very good, early step" toward ending the nearly four-year-old Russia-Ukraine war, announcing that he has already spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about arranging a direct meeting with Zelenskyy. Trump said the group of world leaders held discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine, with commitments coming primarily from European nations "in coordination with the United States" in a statement on Truth Social after the meetings. "Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine," Trump said, adding that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and special envoy Steve Witkoff are now leading follow-up talks with Moscow and Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy signaled he too was ready to meet directly with Putin. A Kremlin readout of the Trump-Putin call confirmed the pair "discussed the idea of raising the level of direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations," but did not say whether Putin had agreed. Flashback: What Happened The Previous Time Zelenskyy Met With Trump In The Oval Office Read On The Fox News App President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finland's President Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pose amid negotiations at the White House, Aug. 18, 2025. Trump revealed that following the Oval Office meetings he phoned Putin to begin making "arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy." If that takes place, he said, the next stage would be a "Trilat" a trilateral meeting involving himself, Putin, and Zelenskyy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy said he would be open to a meeting with Trump and Putin or a meeting with just Putin next. "We confirmed that we are ready for a trilateral meeting," the Ukrainian president told reporters after the meeting. "And if Russia proposed to the President of the United States bilateral, and then we will see the result of the bilateral, then it can be trilateral. So I said, always, Ukraine will never stop on the way to peace, and we are ready for any kind of format but on the level of leaders." President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Monday. While Trump has previously cast himself as a mediator rather than a dealmaker, the suggestion that Putin is open to meeting face-to-face with Zelenskyy marked the biggest breakthrough in peace negotiations yet. "Again, this was a very good, early step for a war that has been going on for almost four years," he said. The idea of "security guarantees" has long been central to Ukraines demands. According to Trump, these would be provided primarily by European states, coordinated with Washington. Ahead of the meetings, Trump had not ruled out U.S. military involvement in the guarantees, but he has since stressed that Europe will bear the primary burden of defending Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also reiterated his view that U.S. support should come through arms sales rather than aid packages. "Were not giving anything. Were selling weapons," he said earlier this week. Ukraine has reportedly floated a proposal to buy as much as $100 billion in U.S.-made weapons with European financing, according to the Financial Times. During the meeting, Trump and Zelenskyy were pictured viewing a map outlining the front lines of the war and the Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russia, about 20% of the country. Trump may have used the map to discuss with Zelenskyy which regions he could realistically part with in order to obtain peace. According to a source familiar with Zelenskyys visit planning, clarity on U.S. and European security guarantees could help the Ukrainian leader make the case domestically for any territorial concessions a likely core element of talks with Russia. The question of which areas Ukraine could "let go" and which it must retain remains deeply sensitive in Kyiv, where public opinion has hardened after years of fighting and heavy civilian losses. Russian Drone Strikes Kill 7 In Kharkiv During Zelenskyy's White House Meeting With Trump Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow strongly opposed the concept of NATO-style guarantees. The Russian foreign ministry released a statement during the White House talks warning that any arrangement involving NATO countries could trigger "uncontrolled escalation" with "unpredictable consequences," according to state media outlet RIA. That categorical rejection underscores the difficulty of bridging the gap between Ukraines security needs and Russias demands. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that no meaningful talks could occur without at least a temporary ceasefire. "I cant imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire," Merz said. "So lets work on that and put pressure on Russia, because the credibility of these efforts depends on at least a ceasefire." Fox News' Jacqui Heinrich contributed to this report. Original article source: Trump calls White House talks 'very good, early step' toward Russia-Ukraine peace: Here's what's next (NewsNation) President Donald Trump was caught on a hot microphone Monday saying, I think he wants to make a deal for me before a White House meeting with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The comment, captured in the East Room as leaders gathered for the meeting, appeared to reference Russian President Vladimir Putin, though it was unclear who Trump was addressing. He set up a tri-lat. I think he wants to make a deal for me. Do you understand that, as crazy as it sounds, Trump told French President Emmanuel Macron before telling everyone to sit down and allowing media into the room briefly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hot microphone moment came as Trump hosted the multilateral meeting to discuss his push to end Russias invasion of Ukraine. The talks followed Trumps Friday summit with Putin in Alaska, which failed to secure a ceasefire agreement. Trump calls Putin after Zelenskyy meeting at White House During the White House meeting, European leaders were careful to avoid public disagreements with Trump, keeping their comments vague while showering the U.S. president with compliments. The stakes of the gathering were high, with leaders papering over policy disagreements amid concerns Trump may pressure Ukraine into concessions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the meeting, Trump announced he had begun arranging a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, saying he called the Russian leader afterward to discuss the proposal. Trump said he envisions a trilateral meeting involving all three leaders. The president described the White House talks as focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine to be provided by European countries with U.S. coordination. In a Truth Social post, Trump called the discussions a very good, early step toward peace in the three and a half year conflict. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Brits could be drinking more microplastics from their morning cuppa than previously understood, according to new research. Alarming levels of microplastics found in tea and coffee Scientists at the University of Birmingham looked at 155 popular drinks to assess average exposure. They discovered that the highest concentrations were present in hot tea and coffee. Previous studies have shown microplastics in tap water and bottled water, but the new research suggests hot drinks may be an even bigger source than was realised. The team also checked chilled tea and iced coffee and found significantly less, hinting that high temperatures and the processes used to make hot drinks help push plastic particles into the final product. The authors said their study "proves for the first time that assessment of exposure via drinking water only may substantially underestimate the risk" posed by higher microplastics levels in other drinks. Professor Mohamed Abdallah from the University of Birmingham, one of the lead authors, told The Independent: "We noted that a lot of research in the microplastics sphere is focusing on drinking water - tap water, bottled water - and we've also released a paper from the UK on water. But we realised that people don't only drink water during their day. You drink tea, coffee, juices..." He added: "We found a ubiquitous presence of microplastics in all the cold and hot drinks we looked at. Which is pretty alarming, and from a scientific point of view suggests we should not only be looking at water, we should be more comprehensive in our research because other sources are substantial." The researchers warned that disposable cups and pricier teabags may be even worse. Tea in disposable cups contained around 22 particles per brew compared to 14 in glass mugs, and the more expensive teabags leached the most - between 24 and 30 particles each time. For coffee, scientists said the findings "strongly suggest that the disposable cup material is a primary source of [microplastics] in our hot coffee samples". "We're consuming millions of teas and coffees every morning so it's something to definitely look at. There should definitely be legislative action from the government and also from international organisations to limit human exposure to microplastics... they're everywhere." As far as signifiers of fascist takeovers go, its hard to get more ham-fisted than a joint paramilitary-military occupation of the nations capital in the precise way that government officials have explicitly said is a proof of concept for takeovers in other bastions of political opposition. The Trump administrations takeover of the D.C. police forceescalating to a contested attempt to fully replace the commissioner and unilaterally rescind the districts sanctuary lawsalong with the deployment of federal agents and the National Guard to the District of Columbia, has both franchised and built on the model so recently pioneered in Los Angeles. That in itself was one more in a line of authoritarian steps the government has taken, ranging from relatively invisible moves, such as pooling data to create de facto dossiers on everyone in the country, to very visible shows of force, like arresting activists and elected officials. There is one new dimension to the D.C. crackdown, though: Unlike practically everything I just mentioned, it is not being done under the guise of Trumps promised mass deportation campaign, but rather rests on the pretext that crime in the city is out of control to the extent that it effectively requires an invasion. This is a relatively subtle distinction, perhaps a distinction without a difference, but its notable in the sense that it represents one more step in the ongoing project to inch the national security and surveillance state out of the extremes of the out-groups, and ever closer to pervasive in everyones lives (somewhat comically telegraphed by the most prominent surveillance firm being named after an evil all-seeing orb). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is, it brings me no joy to point out, exactly what longtime observers of these interlocking systems said was going to happen; the tools built ostensibly to be directed outward at the foreignersabroad and at homewere always going to be too tempting for the authoritarians not to eventually direct them at the rest of us. I have previously called immigration enforcement the tip of the spear for an outward expansion out of the police-surveillance state. Journalist Spencer Ackermans book Reign of Terror was largely rooted in arguing that the post-9/11 forever-war posture would, inevitably, make its way back to Main Street. Almost as if to directly confirm Ackermans thesis, Republican House Oversight Chair Representative James Comer went on propaganda network Newsmax and said, We spend a lot on our military. Our military has been in many countries around the world for the past two decades walking the streets trying to reduce crime. We need to focus on the big cities in America now. Its worth noting that every single tool that Trump has employed in his effort to expand the states authoritarian reach is one that existed prior to his first termand all of these tools have been bolstered over years on the strength of bipartisan consensus. What Trump is doing is not some unexpected misuse of the awesome capabilities and powers that we have granted to the military national security state, but rather its natural endpoint. Everything is working as it was designed to do. As the dedicated team at 404 Media has been exhaustively documenting for months, practically every public or private surveillance tool and authority that exists at every level of government has been tapped to prosecute the administrations power grab in the final melding of a full-on authoritarian apparatus. It is a marker of a continued failure to grasp thisor, perhaps, a refusal to do sothat journalists, commentators, and political figures are now litigating the exact severity and political response to the rates of crime in D.C. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this is not fundamentally about crime, just as it was not about immigration; there is no level of public safety at which Trump would not have taken these steps because this is about power. Early reports of this deployment point to random checkpoints and patrols, indiscriminate arrests, and federal agents taking down banners criticizing them, as opposed to any actual investigative or policing work, surprising only the dumbest of pundits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The point here isnt to take a victory lap. Those of us whove been right about this are not particularly happy about the prescience weve manifested. The point is that we cant establish a system in which all the incentives point in an authoritarian direction, and have few restraints and no consequences for abuse, then be shocked when we end up here. We are now staring down the barrel of a bona fide, definitional fascist takeover of the United States, and what remaining pro-democracy leaders and institutions we have need to be thinking hard about not only how to effectively stall out and countermand this movement while they still have some relative power but how to avoid the litany of failures that fed it. The most basic and necessary realization is that the idea of us returning to some pre-MAGA status quo and reestablishing an identical political society to the one we had before is a dangerous fantasy. If we somehow manage a peacefulor, in the worst case, a not-so-peacefultransition of power back to a broadly democratic system of government with shared power and legal constraints, then get right back to giving police departments military arsenals and keeping immigrants in a pseudo state of exception and so on, we are really only setting the table for the next fascist figurehead. Words like crime and drugs and protecting the children have to stop short-circuiting nominally liberal leaders into abandoning their rationality, principles, and ability to look a few steps down the road. No one wants rampant crime and human trafficking and all the other horrors conservatives have found useful to pretend to care about while actively fomenting, which is why liberal leaders should insist on abandoning demonstrably ineffective approaches like giving tanks to local police departments. That also means cutting off the flow of money and replacing it with heavy regulation for Palantir, Flock, and their ilkfirms that exist primarily to facilitate pervasive monitoring for nebulous and ever-shifting security reasons that are always waiting for the next authoritarian raison detre. This necessitates real accountability for acting outside the bounds of our social contract. I dont mean the petty crimes and minor civil immigration violations that have so incensed Trump, but the misuse of real power, which should be far more offensive to us. We should be naming federal judges who will embrace contempt proceedings against federal officials who go outside the already expansive bounds of the law, instead of effectively allowing them to spit in the judiciarys face; judges who will take aim at qualified immunity and be much more friendly to individual causes of action against official abuses, as opposed to chipping away at them. This sequence of events also demonstrates that we have way too much baked into our laws at the local, state, and federal levels that is easily co-opted by authoritarians for their own purposes, including the law allowing a presidential takeover of the D.C. police force itself. The key lesson is this: If we leave all the elements of an authoritarian state in place, one will be assembled, whatever the rationale happens to be. The Trump administration has been snatching delivery drivers off the street mid-order as part of its sweeping federal effort to make Washington, D.C. safer, as multiple residents have reported. Yesterday, my UberEats driver got arrested by ICE while he was delivering my food. I walked downstairs to pick it up and I noticed his location hadnt changed in two or three minutes, and it was like two or three blocks away from my house, said D.C. resident Tyler DeSue in a TikTok he posted on Sunday that went viral. I stepped into the streets and I saw police lights he was being questioned by eight or nine ICE officers. The officers claimed that they had pulled over the delivery driverwhose name is Sidi on the appbecause his moped plates didnt show up in their index, before conceding that there wasnt a single issue with the vehicle. The drivers first language was Arabic, and when they asked how he arrived in the United States, he struggled, and the ICE officers arrested him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He doesnt understand what youre saying bro, just use Google Translate on your phone, it takes two seconds, DeSue can be heard saying on video as two officers confront the clearly distressed driver. Then they cuff and arrest him. This is just one of many recent anecdotes, as residents who were told that the city would be cracking down on violent crime report they have observed several people being detained with no probable cause. D.C. residents are reporting that theyre seeing fewer delivery drivers out and about, and Trumps crackdown is also having a larger impact. The popular Irving Street corridor in D.C.s Columbia Heights neighborhood, usually bustling with vendors and drivers, is now quiet. And restaurants across the city saw a 25 percent drop in reservations in the days immediately after Trump federalized the citys police forces and deployed the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, and the National Guardeven as the president claimed business was booming. People who havent gone out to dinner in Washington D.C. in two years are going out to dinner, he said on Monday. That was an outright lie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This federal takeover was supposed to make residents feel safe. However, for many, its had the reverse effect. What I am seeing, personally, is widespread fear amongst community members, Atenas Estrada, deputy program director for the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights told NBC Washington. People [are], you know, making decisions or avoiding places that they perhaps would not otherwise avoid or leave. PANAMA CITY In his campaign and after his election, Donald Trump complained about high transit fees for U.S. ships crossing the Panama Canal, said the waterway was controlled by China and pledged to retake it. Now, eight months into his administration, he has looked far beyond the canal for ways to undercut Chinese influence in Panama and created a political headache for leaders here. The clearest example of the difficult situation Panamanian leaders find themselves in came in June, when the U.S. embassy in Panama announced that the United States was funding the replacement of phone towers built and operated by Huawei, the Chinese tech company, with those made by an American company. The embassy stated openly that the goal of the plan was to counter China in the country. The announcement caught Panamas president off guard. Already facing a national uproar over his previous perceived concessions to Trump, Jose Raul Mulino quickly criticized the announcement but did not deny it. I ask the U.S. Embassy to refrain from making public pronouncements about decisions made solely by the Panamanian government, regardless of the cooperation that may exist, he told reporters, adding that he would personally inspect the new antenna installations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dust-up illuminated just how wide-ranging the United States plan to counter Chinese influence in Panama is and how politically thorny its becoming for Panamas government. In recent years, China has wooed Panama and other Latin American countries with economic and security pledges in a bid to chip away at Americas influence in the region building ports in Peru, smart cities in Brazil and a space facility in Argentina, while also loaning the region billions of dollars. China has undertaken a similar influence campaign in developing regions across the world, most notably in Africa. Its ultimate goal is to reap the trade and economic benefits of such projects and firmly assert itself throughout the world as a superpower. In Panama, the clearest signs of a split with China can be seen in diplomatic relations. First, Mulino announced in February that Panama would not renew its membership in Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure investment program that China has brought to countries ranging from Greece to Tanzania. Then theres the fact that neither Mulino nor anyone in his cabinet has held a publicized meeting with a Chinese official since November, when Mulino met with Xu Xueyuan, Chinas ambassador to Panama. By contrast, Mulino has met publicly at least three times with Kevin Marino Cabrera, a former Miami-Dade County commissioner who was tapped by Trump to be Americas ambassador to Panama in February. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My first priority will be to reinforce our joint work to counter malign influences in the region, such as China's, Cabrera said in a press conference after arriving in Panama. In the meantime, Chinese officials have been afforded meetings with low-level representatives, former diplomats and political party leaders in Panama a marked change from just a year ago, when Mulino conveyed to Xi Jinping his wish to constantly lift Panama-China relations to a higher level. In May, at a high-profile summit in Beijing between China and Latin America attended by 17 foreign ministers and the presidents of Brazil, Chile and Colombia Mulino and other high-level Panamanian officials were conspicuously absent. Instead, Panama dispatched only its ambassador and head of Asia-Pacific affairs. The summit marked the only diplomatic trip to China by a Panamanian official since Mulino took office, according to visit records. You have the chance to speak with [Chinas] Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Commerce, or whoever it is you want, and Panama didn't send even a vice minister, said Sebastian Naranjo, a Panamanian scholar who used to lead the Asia-Pacific division of Panamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's been a clear separation and slowdown in Panama-Chinese relations, he said. Beyond these signs of cooling diplomatic relations, once-growing commercial activity between the two countries appears to be dwindling, too, particularly on big infrastructure projects. While China was once the exclusive superpower bidding for a stake in major projects like the fourth bridge over the Panama Canal and a new metro line in Panama City, the United States appears to be vying to replace it on some major transportation projects in Panama. After Trumps election, Mulinos administration hired the American firm AECOM to revise a master plan, first completed by a Chinese company, for a high-speed rail line across the country. In June, Mulino met with leaders from a dozen American companies, including Visa, Pfizer, JP Morgan and Amazon, which is eyeing Panama as the site of a potential data center or distribution or logistics hub. Earlier this year, Amazon launched free delivery in Panama and met with Panama Citys mayor to discuss a partnership program that helps cities migrate municipal technology and software to Amazon Web Services. The global spotlight, though, remains squarely on the Panama Canal, where Chinas grip on development is loosening, too, and American influence is stepping in to fill it. A consortium of companies led by the American firm BlackRock is in negotiations to acquire two ports on the canal owned by the Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison, which is looking to sell its $22.8 billion international ports business. The sale was touted by Trump as a victory in his campaign against Chinese influence along the canal. For now, its unclear if it will go through: Panama Canal Authority administrator Ricaurte Vasquez Morales has raised concerns that the acquisition could compromise the canals neutrality, and Chinese regulators have put the sale on hold as Beijing continues to haggle for a stake in the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Panama Canal advisory board, a group of business leaders that reviews toll increases and counsels Vasquez and the board of directors, also lacks a Chinese member for the first time in decades, after the countrys sole representative, Wang Haimin, the executive vice president of China Ocean Shipping Company, departed the board last winter. His exit, confirmed by advisory board member Joe Reeder, could put the canals second-largest user at a disadvantage at a critical moment. There is every reason in the world for COSCO to be on that board, because theyre, if not the largest, one of the largest users of the canal, said Evan Ellis, a professor of Latin American studies at the United States Army War College who called Haimins departure an anomaly whose timing coincides with the ratcheting up of U.S. pressure. All of this has been noted by Panamanians many of whom have been unhappy with Mulinos deference to Trump and, specifically, with his spurning of China. Panamas compliance with Trumps demands, such as an April agreement to allow more American forces onto Panamanian military bases, has proven unpopular. Thousands of Panamanians marched in May against the agreement, compounding a wave of domestic turmoil in the country triggered by social security reforms passed in March. A July poll found that 73.6 percent of Panamanians disapprove of the national government, up from 14.8 percent in October. I think there's a level of annoyance [regarding Mulinos deference to Trump], said Jose Isabel Blandon Figueroa, the leader of the countrys Panamenista Party, who enjoyed warm relations with U.S. ambassadors as mayor of Panama City. I dont think theres a government in Latin America that has given in more [to Trump] than the Panamanian government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Segments of society in Panama not anti-American, not pro-American either, just people who believe in a good relationship [with the U.S.] are reacting negatively, Edwin Cabrera, a well-known Panamanian radio host, said. Now, even professional middle-class sectors are asking: Why does the U.S. have to say these things? And then theres the question of whether rejecting China could negatively affect Panama, which has benefited from years of Chinese investment and partnership on development projects. During my three-week visit in June, taxi drivers, tour guides and analysts were quick to speak highly of Panamas historic ties to China, dating back to the construction of the Panama Canal Railway, and name Chinese members of their family. Panama is home to Central Americas largest Chinese community a presence dating back to the mid 19th-century thats evident in the capitals Chinatown neighborhood a fact now frequently invoked by Chinese officials. The [Chinese] embassy people here feel ignored, they are completely out of any relations with the government and they say that probably will affect Panama, said Guillermo Cochez, Panamas former representative to the Organization of American States who discussed the stagnation in China-Panama relations at a meeting with Xu on May 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panamanian leaders seem to understand the risk of blowback from their own voters and China. What [Panama has] tried to do is deal with the low hanging fruit to show the U.S. that they're moving in the direction of decoupling and reducing Chinese influence while at the same time not triggering a Chinese response, said Orlando Perez, an expert on Panamanian affairs at the University of North Texas at Dallas. Panama, for its part, claims to want no involvement in the U.S.-China rivalry. They should fight their fight in Washington or in Beijing, but not in Panamas backyard, Mulino said at a press conference on June 12. New court records indicate that the high-profile arrest of Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in May was a top-down directive from the Trump administration. President Trumps Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche reportedly ordered the arrest personally. Baraka was arrested on May 9, as he and other New Jersey lawmakers, including Representative LaMonica McIver, attempted to conduct oversight at an ICE facility. Baraka and company received mixed messages from the agents there: The mayor was reportedly invited onto the property, left when he was requested to do so, but was nonetheless arrested, in a chaotic event, for trespassing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIver is fighting assault charges related to the incident, which she claims are politically motivated. The Newark mayors case, on the other hand, was dismissed in May. But a question remained: Had the order for Barakas arrest come down from on high? The answerapparently, yescame in a filing by McIvers defense team, citing video evidence produced by the government in discovery, which was first reported by Politico Tuesday. At 2:37 p.m. on the day of the incident, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent at the facility reportedly took a phone call, then immediately announced that Mayor Baraka, and anyone who was not a Member of Congress, must leave or be arrested. The agent told the mayor to leave, and he complied. The lawmakers eventually came to believe they would, in fact, be permitted to conduct oversight. But minutes later, the HSI agent had another phone call, in which he told his interlocutor: I am arresting the mayor. Even though he stepped out, I am going to put him in cuffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turning to his fellow federal officers, the agent declared, We are arresting the mayor right now, per the deputy attorney general of the United States. Anyone that gets in our way, I need you guys to give me a perimeter so I can cuff him. This revelation about Barakas arrestwhich the federal judge who dismissed the case described as a worrying misstepcomes amid heightened concerns about the president weaponizing federal agents, including from ICE, against his political opponents. On Fox and Friends Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump somewhat clarified his murky plans for the Russia-Ukraine war, giving his wordnotoriously fickle as it is that there will be no U.S. troops on the ground. Earlier in the week, the president met with EU leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Trump had also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska a few days before. Trump on Monday couldnt be pinned down on whether U.S. troops would be sent to aid Ukraine, merely stating that European countries would provide the first line of defense and take a lot of the burden, whereas the U.S. will be involved and provide a lot of help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his Tuesday morning Fox News appearance, he promised that there will be no American boots on the ground in Ukraine. Well, you have my assurance, you know, Im president, Trump said. However, he added that European nations such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are willing to put boots on the groundand claimed that they would not be acting as a part of NATO. I dont think its going to be a problem, to be honest with you, the president said. Trump also mentioned the possibility of providing U.S. air support to such European ground troops, saying, Were willing to help them with things, especially, probably, if you could talk about, by air. He repeated that he doesnt think this would be a problem. It seems that, for now, Trump remains committed only to putting American boots on the ground in Democratic-run cities. Say what you will about the tenets of Donald Trump's diplomacy, but the president understands perhaps more than any of his predecessors the power of a well-crafted dominance visual: A historic day at the White House as European leaders joined President Trump in the Oval Office. President Donald J. Trump is the President of PEACE. ???????? pic.twitter.com/V91JvL7K9Z The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 19, 2025 "One picture says it all," crowed The Manhattan Institute's Daniel Di Martino. "The free world is led by America." And yet. "The power dynamic is quite evident," Wall Street Journal European correspondent Bojan Pancevski noted. "Europe largely got what it wanted, but they had to pilgrim and kiss the ring." Trump's frenetic, expectations-exceeding Russia-Ukraine negotiations the past five days have suggested a paradoxical set of brain-puzzlers: What if gauche ring-kissery is the best (or at least the only available) path to end a sickeningly brutal war? What if mercurial, America-first narcissism and sporadic acts of friendly-fire humiliation are the way to, at long bloody last, hand off responsibility for European security to actual Europeans? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The smart money is still against peace. Ukraine is still seeking armed-to-the-teeth postsettlement security guarantees; Europe is still waiting on Washington before agreeing to any such responsibility, Washington is still balking at American boots on the ground, and Russia is still sending mixed signals about any NATO member troops defending Ukrainian territory. Trump and the rhetorically unified European leaders have given themselves 10 days to solve a problem that has lasted at least 11 years, arguably 31. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin may see no reason to budge from the traditional Moscow diplomatic stance of not budging. Trump as recently as Sunday was pinning primary responsibility for ending a territorial war on the side that was invaded, and could very conceivably swing back in that direction when that 10-day window begins to snap shut. But as former Republican Rep. Peter Meijer, no huge fan of Trump, posted on X on Monday night, "Without the last six months you don't get to today. And if you believe as I do that Ukraine's defense is moral and just, you couldn't have asked for a better outcome to build momentum for peace. Without Trump threatening to step back, you don't get NATO allies stepping up to take more ownership of European security and committing to blow past 2% and raise defense spending to 5% of GDPthe last thing Putin wanted. Without Trump reaching out to Putin and expressing an openness to strike a deal, there would be no possibility of the face-saving framing that is needed to see a lasting peace. The Alaska Summit raised the stakes for Trump to get a deal done, and for Putin as well. Even the awful February meeting with [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky in the Oval Office served an important role in recalibrating Ukrainian domestic expectations, which will be essential to gaining approval of the inevitable concessions any peace treaty Putin would sign will include.The dynamic Trump inherited was unsustainable and needed a dramatic reset. Trump did that, and in so doing has brought real possibility this awful war that Russia started might finally be brought to an end." Trump may come off like a hopelessly needy egocentric (and easy diplomatic mark) with his incessant insistence that Putin's 2022 invasion never would have happened on his watch, but there's corollary analysis that's much more verifiable: Neither former President Joe Biden nor NATO's European members had realistic plans to stop or aggressively roll back the war. Getting to within shouting distance of a Putin-Zelenskyy summit meeting is an achievement in itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If, against the odds, Trump and the Europeans agree on "Article 5like" security guarantees for Kyiv, that breakthrough would put Putin in the awkward position of potentially agreeing to conditionsUkraine being knitted into the geopolitical fabric of Western Europethat the war was ostensibly waged to prevent. Depending on the details, such an agreement could also prove politically problematic for Trump, as well as geopolitically for a future President J.D. Vance and his successors. To the extent there's a shared MAGA foreign policy understanding, it surely does not involve the U.S. military umbrella stretching further toward Moscow. Vance shot to political stardom not by touting the noble defensive efforts of Zelenskyy, but by getting from "Ukraine" to "fentanyl" in the fewest words possible. If Washington recklessly dangling future NATO membership was, as Trump suggested as recently as today, a main reason why Russia invaded, how does having the U.S. participate in NATO-like security guarantees make even one more whit of sense? Intractable problems tend to get that way for a reason, as do leadership/followership ruts. If and when the path to this Trumpian process toward peace breaks down, the what-next questions have implications far beyond the millions of Ukrainians and Russians grievously affected by the ongoing carnage. The Trump administration, as the formerly hawkish Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated explicitly, is accelerating beyond the postCold War unipolar moment into a more competitive dynamic where regional powers extend spheres of influence. Are Europeans, eight decades after World War II, finally ready to embrace a starring role in their own damned neighborhood? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pixel dissectors have zeroed in on one particularly unimpressed audience member yesterday at Trump's Oval Office lecture: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Yes, Meloni has a reputation as an eye-roller, and perhaps there's a certain national tendency when it comes to facial expressions. But the pint-sized populist, unlike other MAGA-favored foreigners such as Hungary's Viktor Orban, has been a vociferous supporter of Ukraine, seeing its cause as central to the European and Christian cultures her political career arose to defend. Meloni was a key figure in rallying E.U. participation in Zelenskyy's trip to Washington, and praised the idea of Article 5like security guarantees. But the P.M. has also balked at sending boots on the ground, and been reluctant to crank up the Italian defense-spending machine. At some point, perhaps very soon, Meloni and other Europeans will be impelled to realize that there's a chasm between their tough rhetoric and military readiness to blunt nearby bloodshed. For now, fingers crossed that somehow Trump will pull a credible and lasting peace and security deal out of his hat, preferably without putting the U.S. on the hook for guaranteeing Ukrainian security against a persistently belligerent neighbor. If and when that plan breaks down, may the next summit meeting take place on the other side of the Atlantic. The post Trump: The Erratic but Potentially Effective Peacemaker appeared first on Reason.com. By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday they spoke about missing children due to conflict as Trump hosted European and NATO leaders in Washington to discuss Russia's war in Ukraine. Trump's wife, Melania Trump, raised the plight of children in Ukraine and Russia in a personal letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, two White House officials said on Friday when Trump met Putin at a summit in Alaska. Trump hand-delivered that letter to Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump and the European leader "have been discussing the massive Worldwide problem of missing children," the U.S. president said on social media late on Monday, without mentioning any particular country in his post. "This is, likewise, a big subject with my wife, Melania." Ukraine has called the abductions of tens of thousands of its children taken to Russia or Russian-occupied territory without the consent of family or guardians a war crime that meets the U.N. treaty definition of genocide. Moscow has previously said it has been protecting vulnerable children from a war zone. The United Nations Human Rights Office has said Russia has inflicted suffering on millions of Ukrainian children and violated their rights since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. "The human cost of this war must end. And that means every single Ukrainian child abducted by Russia must be returned to their families," von der Leyen said on X, in reference to her discussion with Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Images of suffering children during Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's war in Gaza have caused alarm around the world, including the visuals of starving kids in the Palestinian enclave. The plight of children left devastated by years of violence in Syria had also sparked outrage. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Michael Perry) (NewsNation) Former Rep. Barbara Lee (D), now the mayor of Oakland, Calif., is pushing back on President Trumps comments about the city, calling it fearmongering. The truth is, our crime rate is coming down, Lee told NewsNation. Do we have more work to do? Absolutely, yes, but this doesnt make any sense. Hes fearmongering and trying to distract from his difficulties hes having, she continued. Militarizing a city is unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee added that the city is working with attorneys to make sure theyre ready for anything should Trump try to federalize its police force and bring in the National Guard. According to the Oakland Police Department, overall crime in the city is down 29 percent, with homicides down 24 percent and robberies and burglaries down 46 percent. Lee said federal funding cuts to violence prevention programs in the city were confusing, as it is effective in the city. We hope that he does whats right, and thats partnering with us and making sure that we stop disinvesting in health care, housing and jobs and violence prevention efforts and help us by being a good partner to instead invest in these efforts, Lee said. Trumps threat to federalize Oakland police comes as the police force in Washington was federalized last week to help stop crime, according to the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Donald Trump on Tuesday pledged that American troops would not be on the ground in Ukraine but provided little other insight into the scale of U.S. security guarantees as he pushes to end Russias war on its neighbor. You have my assurance, and Im president, Trump said on Fox & Friends, when asked what assurances he has that there wont be American boots in the country to defend against another Russian incursion. There is room for U.S. military involvement that doesnt require American troops in Ukraine, including air or drone support or noncombat roles. In fact, a senior administration official, granted anonymity to discuss private conversations, told POLITICO on Monday that there isnt a red line on a U.S. role, adding that the U.S. could participate in a peacekeeping force if it is the last piece required for a deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments Trumps first since Mondays White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders come after an intense few days of negotiations. During a summit in Alaska, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed openness to security guarantees. But the details of those security guarantees could remain a sticking point internationally. We havent even started [that discussion] other than a commitment, another senior administration official, also granted anonymity, told POLITICO. The question is, Who participates to what percentage? Trump on Tuesday stressed that Ukraine would not join NATO, but that Ukraine would have security protections Europe would front load. He said a couple countries including France, Germany and the United Kingdom want to have boots on the ground. US President Donald Trump has said that, as president, he will not authorise the deployment of American troops to Ukraine. Source: Trump made the statement on Fox News, as quoted by Sky News and reported by European Pravda Details: In response to a question about possible security guarantees, Trump said that European countries will take the lead role. "They want to have boots on the ground," he said, referring to France, Germany and the United Kingdom. "I don't think it's going to be a problem," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked whether he could guarantee that there would be no American troops in Ukraine, Trump replied, "You have my assurance, and I'm president". "I'm just trying to stop people being killed," Trump also said. Background: French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer believe that the most important outcome of the White House talks was the USs readiness to work on security guarantees for Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will head a working group of national security advisers and NATO representatives tasked with drafting a security guarantees plan for Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! (The Center Square) President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, five European heads of state and NATO leaders at the White House on Monday to hammer out details of a potential peace agreement to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. Trump began the roundtable by outlining his goal of setting up a trilateral meeting with Putin and Zelenskyy following Mondays summit. A meeting between the two warring nations is the only path forward to a longstanding peace agreement, Trump said. Ultimately, this is a decision that can only be made by President Zelenskyy and by the people of Ukraine working also together and in agreement with President Putin, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy and his European allies pushed for security guarantees to be included in a final peace deal to ensure Russia does not invade Ukraine again. Trump suggested the U.S. would likely be involved in providing this protection. The leaders did not discuss details of these measures during the public portion of the summit but indicated that the specifics would be worked out during Mondays talks. Ukraine has long sought membership in NATO, a proposition Russia has said would threaten its own security. However, Russia reportedly agreed to have NATO-like security measures for Ukraine included in a potential peace agreement during his meeting with Trump Friday. The European leaders stressed that security protections for Ukraine are necessary not just for the Ukrainian people, but for the security of the whole continent as well. "When we talk about security, we're talking about the security not just of Ukraine, we're talking about the security of Europe and the United Kingdom as well," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump previously said an immediate ceasefire was necessary for Russia and Ukraine to work out a peace agreement. But after meeting with Putin in Alaska on Friday, Trump abandoned this plan, saying a ceasefire isnt needed to end the war. During Mondays talks, some of the European heads of states suggested that a ceasefire deal must remain a priority. Alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron called a truce to halt the deadly war a necessity before moving on to a longstanding peace agreement. Discussions between the leaders continued during the private portion of the summit Monday afternoon. Trump indicated that he would call Putin after the talks concluded. President Donald Trump on Tuesday joked about scoring a ticket to heaven by brokering an elusive peace deal in Ukraine after a high-stakes summit meeting with European allies at the White House. A day after the extraordinary gathering of leaders claimed some modest progress toward talks with Russia, Trump predicted the pearly gates would swing wide open for him if he can achieve a breakthrough to end the 3-1/2-year-long war. If I can save 7,000 people a week from being killed, I think thats pretty (good), he told Fox News. I want to try to get to heaven if possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump wryly conceded that so far hes fallen short of what might be required to gain favor with St. Peter. Im hearing that Im not doing well, he said. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole. Trump suggested he still has a tricky path ahead to arrange a face-to-face meeting between Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting that both men need to make concessions. I hope President Putin is going to be good and if hes not, thats going to be a rough situation, he said. And I hope that Zelenskyy, President Zelenskyy, will do what he has to do. He has to show some flexibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia poured cold water on the idea of a summit in the near future, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov saying such a sit-down would take a significant amount of time to organize, repeating a familiar pattern of stalling. European leaders left the summit with Trump feeling cautiously optimistic that they limited the damage from the American presidents summit with Putin, after which Trump adopted Kremlin talking points about the conflict. They claimed significant progress in coming up with concrete Western security guarantees for Ukraine that could be included in a potential peace agreement. But they failed to get Trump to revert to his previous stance of demanding an immediate ceasefire, which Putin rejects, meaning the fighting and Russians aerial attacks on Ukraine civilians is unlikely to end anytime soon. Donald Trump said it louder, but Zohran Mamdani said it first Columbia needs to pay up. President Trump has made Columbia University a centerpiece of his war on elite schools, accusing it of fostering antisemitism and threatening to revoke its federal funding, accreditation and tax-exempt status. To the left, Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, has long called for taxing Columbia and New York Universitys sweeping property portfolios to fund the citys struggling public university system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But as the right escalated its fight and Columbia struck an uneasy deal with the White House Mamdani backed off. On one hand, there is a progressive history behind the policy. On the other hand, youd have to explain why you're going after an institution of higher education in the same way that Trump is, said Basil Smikle, a Democratic political strategist and former executive director of the New York State Democratic Party who teaches at Columbia. You don't want to have these parallel narratives existing at the same time. Mamdanis retreat from the issue comes at a fraught time for pedigree schools like Columbia and as voters mull who to elect as the citys next mayor. Since his surprise victory in the Democratic primary, Mamdani has grasped any opportunity to cast himself as Trumps worst nightmare and tie his rivals Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo to the GOP president. In the same stroke, Mamdani has revised some of his more leftist policy stances. The democratic socialist state assemblymember has walked back his defense of the term globalize the intifada. He reversed himself on calls to defund and dismantle the police. And he hasnt had very much to say of late about Columbia and NYUs tax-exempt status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the 21 bills Mamdani introduced during his four-and-a-half years in the Assembly, two, known as the REPAIR Act, focused on retracting property tax exemptions for private universities that save more than $100 million annually namely Columbia and New York University. The bill package died in committee during the 2023-24 legislative session. It was reintroduced in January 2025, as Mamdani publicly pushed the legislation at rallies, media spots and panel appearances, arguing that the universities are reaping more benefits as tax exempt landlords than they are investing in the public good. But as Trump made Columbia a target in his battle against universities, Mamdanis advocacy faded. The proposal has disappeared from his public remarks and has been relegated to a brief mention on his campaigns education platform, which still promises to explore taxing Columbia and NYU as a way to fund a tuition-free City University of New York system. In a choice between NYU and Columbia losing tax exemption and giving Trump a raised middle finger, Mamdani chose the latter, said author and retired Baruch College political science professor Doug Muzzio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbias deal with the Trump administration has become a national flashpoint. After months of pressure including the suspension of pro-Palestinian student protesters and administrative shakeups the university agreed last month to a $221 million settlement. In return, the White House restored $400 million in frozen research grants. Critics have called the settlement a political shakedown. But for the Trump administration, it served as a successful first draft of a new playbook: use financial leverage to force universities into public accountability on its terms. The president is not stopping at Columbia similar threats now loom over Harvard, Cornell and Northwestern, among others. The fallout also shifted the political rubric for local Democrats, especially in a mayoral race where candidates are pushing to prove their distance from the White House. A Mamdani spokesperson said the candidate still supports the notion of repealing the universities property tax exemptions and fully funding CUNY, while being laser-focused on his main campaign agenda. The spokesperson did not respond to questions about whether Trump's feud with Columbia affected Mamdani's approach to the tax policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zohran condemns Trumps attacks on universities unequivocally and believes the Administration is playing games with college students and their futures, Mamdani spokesperson Dora Pekec said in a statement. Not everyone on the left sees the overlap as a liability. New York Sen. John Liu, who sponsored the REPAIR Act in the state Senate, said the White Houses involvement hasnt changed the fundamentals. Columbia saves more than $180 million annually through property tax exemptions, and he wants to see that money invested in CUNY. If the GOP succeeded, which I hope they don't, they would simply take away that tax-exempt status, and anybody losing their tax exempt status would then resume paying property taxes to New York City. So this doesn't muddy this issue, Liu told POLITICO. I'm not rooting for Republican success in their attempt to demonize some of our universities, he added. Rather, we're looking at things from the perspective of these universities have just become mega land owners and landlords, and probably don't need that $100 million-plus [in] tax breaks that could be better used to fund public education for far more New Yorkers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani likes to quip that Columbia was his first landlord. The 33-year-old grew up in a university-owned apartment complex reserved for staff and faculty, like his father, Columbia professor Mahmood Mamdani. That early proximity gave him a front-row view of the schools outsized presence in upper Manhattan and, later, its polarizing role in city politics. Columbias property holdings, which straddle multiple neighborhoods uptown, have long been a lightning rod in New York. In West Harlem, memories still linger from the bruising battle over its Manhattanville expansion, when residents accused the university of abusing eminent domain and wielding its political clout to push out longtime tenants and acquire large swaths of the neighborhood for cheap. The resulting Community Benefits Agreement promised $170 million for housing, education and job training over 36 years, commitments to local investment that the state says Columbia is making good on. But critics say it failed to slow displacement or curb the universitys appetite for real estate. Those scars have made Columbias tax breaks especially galling for some lawmakers. Over 15 years, Columbias annual property tax exemptions skyrocketed from $38 million to over $180 million spurring Mamdani and Liu to draft the REPAIR Act, which would redirect that money into CUNY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After introducing the bill in 2023, Mamdani launched a campaign to sell the idea. He and City Comptroller Brad Lander even hired a campaign director to advocate for the tax policy. Mamdani pitched it at rallies, in interviews and most recently during a Columbia Law School panel on the university's social responsibility on Feb. 27. There is a growing appetite across New York City, across New York City politics, for some kind of accountability, Mamdani told the audience. Because what has passed for them for so long has just been institutions like these running roughshod over the neighborhoods that theyre supposed to call homes. The next week, the Trump administration froze $400 million in federal research grants to the university. Mamdanis gone quiet on the issue since. Columbia and other top tier institutions are a good foil for progressive policy making, but there are a lot of bigger issues that affect people's literal safety and security, Smikle said. There's going to be ample time to talk about all of these issues related to higher ed down the road, but voters want to see their candidates fighting for them, and the biggest threat to a lot of democratic and progressive voters is what's coming out of Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The settlement that followed was the product of months of high-profile negotiations between the White House and Columbia. The Trump administration had frozen hundreds of millions of dollars in research grants and signaled it was prepared to keep much of Columbias federal funding on ice unless the university agreed to sweeping conditions. Acting President Claire Shipman said the $221 million deal protected the schools academic independence and spared it from protracted litigation that could jeopardize its standing as a leading research institution. We might have achieved short-term litigation victories, but not without incurring deeper long-term damage the likely loss of future federal funding, the possibility of losing accreditation, and the potential revocation of visa status of thousands of international students, Shipman wrote in a message to the Columbia community. But to critics, it was a capitulation one that risked opening the door for the White House to dictate campus policy and censor free speech. Education Secretary Linda McMahon praised the agreement as a roadmap for other schools, and with dozens of universities still under investigation, higher education leaders warned that the Columbia precedent could be a slippery slope. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Trump administration routinely enters into these kinds of agreements and then, the following day, demands concessions beyond the ones that were made in the agreements, Jameel Jaffer, executive director of Columbias Knight First Amendment Institute, said. I don't think anyone can realistically expect that the fact that universities are entering into these settlements means that the Trump administration won't make more demands of them tomorrow." Columbias expensive settlement which also requires the university to turn over far-reaching data on students and faculty including reporting disciplinary action taken against international students has drawn criticism from New York Democrats. Rep. Jerry Nadler called the deal disgraceful, claiming it weakened other universities ability to push back against the White House. Hear me out: if private universities can afford to pay ransom money to Trump, then they can certainly afford to pay property taxes in New York City, New York City Councilmember Justin Brannan wrote in an X post. A Columbia spokesperson declined to comment on the tax bill or criticism from local Democrats, pointing POLITICO to Shipmans earlier statement on the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investing in CUNY has been a priority for Mamdani long before he launched his mayoral bid, a goal his platform promises to achieve by either taxing Columbia and NYU or passing the New Deal for CUNY another ambitious funding overhaul that is struggling to get off the ground in Albany. His co-sponsor, state Sen. Liu told POLITICO he remains confident the tax measure will advance, already lining up new Assembly sponsors should Mamdani win the mayoralty. Rather than have that conversation now and get pulled into a narrative battle before the election, he might be thinking, This isnt a fight we need to take on today, Smikle said. Anything else can come after the election. (NewsNation) Stephen A. Smith believes President Trump was too bold in his talking points surrounding Ukraine and Russia before returning to the White House. Smith joined CUOMO to discuss Trumps meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, three days after the U.S. president met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump has attempted to play peacemaker between Russia and Ukraine, despite insisting he would end the war in a single day in the lead-up to Novembers presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reality is, and excuse my language, he opened his mouth and deposited checks his a** cant cash, Smith told CUOMO on Monday. Trump calls Putin after Zelenskyy meeting at White House Thats really what it comes down to. You got to be able to end this war. You talked a lot of stuff about ending this war and how you would end it in one day. Now, we recognize that thats hyperbole. We understand that something like that is not going to end in one day. But the flip side is that he was proclaiming that he had such a relationship, you know, with the president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, that you know what he could get him to do, what others couldnt do. Meeting was good day for Putin Smith added that his frustration centers on the lack of an imminent ceasefire deal and Trumps failure to follow through on his insistence that there would be consequences if hostilities were not curbed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a pretty damn good day for Putin, as far as we can tell, a good day for an authoritarian leader. Hows that a good day for us? Smith said of the pairs meeting Friday. Zelesnkyy questions show selfishness During Mondays appearance at the White House, Zelenskyy was jokingly congratulated for wearing a suit, the lack of which he was critiqued for during his last visit to the White House. We care more about us than we give a damn about people who are dying in Ukraine, some of us anyway, Smith said. Youre more concerned about what this man is wearing, as opposed to what hes experiencing on a day-to-day basis because of a war that was instigated by Russia. And when you ignore whats going on in his nation, to focus on something so frivolous, so trivial, its a problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith said the interaction showcased where [Americas] priorities lie and that as a nation, Americans forget what Zelenskyy and his people are going through. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. President Donald Trump said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday, after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House, to begin coordinating next steps in the peace process aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The president posted on his Truth Social platform Monday evening saying that he had called Putin at the conclusion of a day of meetings to begin "the arrangements for a meeting" between the Russian president and his Ukrainian counterpart. Trump's call to Putin mirrored his decision to call Zelenskyy following Friday's Alaska summit with Putin. "At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy," Trump confirmed, following media reports hinting at the call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump: Zelenskyy Meeting Not End Of The Road For Us Support In Securing Peace Deal Trump coordinates Putin-Zelenskyy talks after White House meetings on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. The president added that after the meeting between the two warring presidents, there would be a trilateral meeting with the United States as well. "After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," the president continued. "Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years." Read On The Fox News App Yury Ushakov, a top aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Trump and Putin were on the phone for about 40 minutes and held a "candid and very constructive" dialogue, according to Cnn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin "expressed support for direct negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine," Ushakov reportedly added. Trump Says Ceasefire Not Necessary For Peace During High-stakes Meeting With Zelenskyy Officials familiar with Monday's talks also reportedly said Trump's call to Putin came in-between talks with the European leaders present at the White House. Meanwhile, one of those leaders, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, reportedly said Putin agreed in the call with Trump to meet Zelenskyy in two weeks. Earlier in the day, Trump was caught in a hot-mic moment telling French President Emmanuel Macron that Putin wants to find a resolution to bring the war in Ukraine to an end for him. President Donald Trump sits next to French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders at the White House on Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. "I think [Putin] wants to make a deal," Trump whispered to Macron in the East Room as they were preparing for Monday's talks. "I think he wants to make a deal for me, you understand that? As crazy as it sounds." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following Monday's talks, Zelenskyy thanked Trump and all the other leaders present in D.C. for their work in trying to bring peace to his country, noting that the talks were "long and detailed." "Today, important negotiations took place in Washington. We discussed many issues with President Trump. It was a long and detailed conversation, including discussions about the situation on the battlefield and our steps to bring peace closer," Zelenskyy said in a post on X Monday night. "We appreciate the important signal from the United States regarding its readiness to support and be part of these guarantees. A lot of attention today was given to the return of our children, to the release of prisoners of war and civilians held by Russia. We agreed to work on this," Zelenskyy continued. "The U.S. President also supported a meeting at the level of leaders. Such a meeting is necessary to resolve sensitive issues." Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment on this but did not receive a response. Original article source: Trump moves to broker Putin-Zelenskyy meeting following DC peace talks President Donald Trump has made clear in recent weeks that hes willing to use the vast powers of his office to prevent his party from losing control of Congress in next year's midterm elections. Some of the steps Trump has taken to intervene in the election are typical, but controversial, political maneuvers taken to his trademark extremes. That includes pushing Republican lawmakers in Texas and other conservative-controlled states to redraw their legislative maps to expand the number of U.S. House seats favorable to the GOP. Others involve the direct use of official presidential power in ways that have no modern precedent, such as ordering his Department of Justice to investigate the main liberal fundraising entity, ActBlue. The department also is demanding the detailed voter files from each state in an apparent attempt to look for ineligible voters on a vast scale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And on Monday, Trump posted a falsehood-filled rant on social media pledging to lead a movement to outlaw voting machines and mail balloting, the latter of which has become a mainstay of Democratic voting since Trump pushed Republicans to avoid it in 2020 before flipping on the issue ahead of last year's presidential election. The individual actions add up to an unprecedented attempt by a sitting president to interfere in a critical election before it's even held, moves that have raised alarms among those concerned about the future of U.S. democracy. Those are actions that you dont see in healthy democracies, said Ian Bassin, executive director of Protect Democracy, a nonpartisan organization that has sued the Trump administration. Those are actions you see in authoritarian states. Trump has already tried to overturn an election Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bassin noted that presidents routinely stump for their party in midterm elections and try to bolster incumbents by steering projects and support to their districts. But he said Trumps history is part of whats driving alarm about the midterms. He referenced Trump's attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, which ended with a violent assault on the Capitol by his supporters. The one thing we know for certain from experience in 2020 is that this is a person who will use every measure and try every tactic to stay in power, regardless of the outcome of an election, Bassin said. He noted that in 2020, Trump was checked by elected Republicans in Congress and statehouses who refused to bend the rules, along with members of his own administration and even military leaders who distanced themselves from the defeated incumbent. In his second term, the president has locked down near-total loyalty from the GOP and stacked the administration with loyalists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incumbent presidents party normally loses seats in Congress during midterm elections. Thats what happened to Trump in 2018, when Democrats won enough seats to take back the House of Representatives, stymieing the presidents agenda and eventually leading to his two impeachments. Trump has said he doesnt want a repeat. He also has argued that his actions are actually attempts to preserve democracy. Repeating baseless allegations of fraud, he said Monday during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that you can never have a real democracy with mail-in ballots. Earlier this month, Trump said that, because he handily won Texas in the 2024 presidential election, we are entitled to five more seats. An attempt to engineer GOP control of the US House Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans currently have a three-seat margin in the House of Representatives. Trump pushed Texas Republicans to redraw their congressional map to create up to five new winnable GOP seats and is lobbying other red states, including Indiana and Missouri, to take similar steps to pad the margin even more. The Texas Legislature is likely to vote on its map on Wednesday. Theres no guarantee that Trumps gambit will work, but also no legal prohibition against fiddling with maps in those states for partisan advantage. In response, California Democrats are moving forward with their own redistricting effort as a way to counter Republicans in Texas. Mid-decade map adjustments have happened before, though usually in response to court orders rather than presidents openly hoping to manufacture more seats for their party. Larry Diamond, a political scientist at Stanford University, said there's a chance the redrawing of House districts won't succeed as Trump anticipates but could end up motivating Democratic voters. Still, Diamond said he's concerned. Its the overall pattern thats alarming and that the reason to do this is for pure partisan advantage, he said of Trump's tactic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diamond noted that in 2019 he wrote a book about a 12-step process to turn a democracy into an autocracy, and the last step in the process is to rig the electoral process. The Justice Department acts on Trump's priorities Trump has required loyalty from all levels of his administration and demanded that the Department of Justice follow his directives. One of those was to probe ActBlue, an online portal that raised hundreds of millions of dollars in small-dollar donations for Democratic candidates over two decades. The site was so successful that Republicans launched a similar venture, called WinRed. Trump, notably, did not order a federal probe into WinRed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps appointees at the Department of Justice also have demanded voting data from at least 19 states, as Trump continues to insist he actually won the 2020 election and proposed a special prosecutor to investigate that years vote tally. Much as he did before winning the 2024 election, Trump has baselessly implied that Democrats may rig upcoming vote counts against him. In at least two of those states, California and Minnesota, the DOJ followed up with election officials last week, threatening legal action if they didnt hand over their voter registration lists by this Thursday, according to letters shared with The Associated Press. Neither state both controlled by Democrats has responded publicly. Attempts to interfere with voting and elections Trump's threat this week to end mail voting and do away with voting machines is just his latest attempt to sway how elections are run. An executive order he signed earlier this year sought documented proof of citizenship to register to vote, among other changes, though much of it has been blocked by courts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the days leading up to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol to reverse his 2020 loss, Trumps allies proposed having the military seize voting machines to investigate purported fraud, even though Trumps own attorney general said there was no evidence of significant wrongdoing. The Constitution says states and Congress, rather than the president, set the rules for elections, so its unclear what Trump could do to make his promises a reality. But election officials saw them as an obvious sign of his 2026 interests. Lets see this for what it really is: An attempt to change voting going into the midterms because hes afraid the Republicans will lose, wrote Ann Jacobs, the Democratic chair of the Wisconsin Elections Commission, on X. The president has very few levers to influence an election Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Derek Muller, a law professor at the University of Notre Dame, said the idea of seizing voting machines in 2020 was a sign of how few levers the president has to influence an election, not of his power. Under the U.S. Constitution, elections are run by states and only Congress can alter the procedures and, even then, for federal races alone. Its a deeply decentralized system, Muller said. There are fewer legal constraints on presidential powers, such as criminal investigations and deployment of law enforcement and military resources, Muller noted. But, he added, people usually err in forecasting election catastrophes. He noted that in 2022 and 2024, a wide range of experts braced for violence, disruption and attempts to overturn losses by Trump allies, and no serious threats materialized. One lesson Ive learned in decades of doing this is people are often preparing for the last election rather than what actually happens in the new ones, Muller said. ___ WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered his assurances that U.S. troops would not be sent to help defend Ukraine against Russia after seeming to leave open the possibility the day before. Donald Trump also said in a morning TV interview that Ukraine's hopes of joining NATO and regaining the Crimean Peninsula from Russia are impossible. The Republican president, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders held hours of talks at the White House on Monday aimed at bringing an end to Russias war against Ukraine. While answering questions from journalists, Trump did not rule out sending U.S. troops to participate in a European-led effort to defend Ukraine as part of security guarantees sought by Zelenskyy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said after his meeting in Alaska last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin that Putin was open to the idea of security guarantees for Ukraine. But asked Tuesday on Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends what assurances he could provide going forward and beyond his term that American troops would not be part of defending Ukraines border, Trump said, Well, you have my assurance, and Im president. Trump would have no control over the U.S. military after his term ends in January 2029. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later on Tuesday emphasized that U.S. boots will not be on the ground as part of any potential peacekeeping mission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president also said in the interview that he is optimistic that a deal can be reached to end the Russian invasion, but he underscored that Ukraine will have to set aside its hope of getting back Crimea, which was seized by Russian forces in 2014, and its long-held aspirations of joining the NATO military alliance. Both of those things are impossible, Trump said. Putin, as part of any potential deal to pull his forces out of Ukraine, is looking for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as recognition of Crimea as Russian territory. Trump on Monday said that he was arranging for direct talks between Putin and Zelenskyy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Kremlin has not yet said whether Putin, who has resisted previous calls by Trump and others for direct negotiations on ending the war, is committed to a face-to-face meeting with the Ukrainian leader. Asked whether Putin has promised Trump that hell meet directly with the Ukrainian leader, Leavitt responded affirmatively. He has, Leavitt said of Putin. Trump, early on Monday during talks with Zelenskyy and European leaders, said that he was pressing for three-way talks among Zelenskyy, Putin and himself. But after speaking to Putin later in the day, Trump said that he was arranging first for a face-to-face between Zelenskyy and Putin and that three-way talks would follow if necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was an idea that evolved in the course of the presidents conversations with both President Putin, President Zelensky and the European leaders yesterday, Leavitt explained. But when discussing a phone call held after the meeting between Trump and the Russian leader, Putins foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov gave no indication that either a bilateral or a trilateral meeting with Ukraine had been agreed. Trump said he believed Putins course of action would become clear in the coming weeks. I think Putin is tired of it, Trump said. I think theyre all tired of it. But you never know. Were going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks. That I can tell you. Washington restaurants are becoming unexpected collateral damage in President Donald Trumps D.C. police takeover, with reservation data showing a sharp decline in diners since the president federalized the citys police force. Restaurant reservations in D.C. plummeted last week, dropping 16% on Mondaythe day he invoked the D.C. Home Rule Act27% on Tuesday, and 31% on Wednesday compared with the same days in 2024, according to OpenTable. WUSA, a local television station, was the first to report on the news. Washington, D.C., is one of very few American cities to see a drop in August dining reservations compared to last year, according to OpenTable. Prior to Trumps police takeover, D.C. had improved in reservation numbers for 11 consecutive months on a year-over-year basis, according to WUSA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That makes this August all the more striking. August is typically the slowest month of the year for restaurants in Washington, as Congress recesses and families head out on last-minute vacations. Theres always been this expectation that reservations drop in August, said Shawn Townsend, the president and CEO of Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, who noted that college move-ins and family travel are major seasonal factors. But the added visibility of federal agents and troops on the streets cant be ignoredits contributing to the downturn. At the same time, Townsend cautioned, its still too soon to say how much of the dip is directly tied to Trumps policy, since the mobilization of federal forces only began in earnest midweek. Ariel Pereira, a server at Osteria Al Volo, an Italian restaurant in D.C., told Fortune he has absolutely seen a decline in diners. He estimated only 40% of the dining room is being sat, when usually the restaurant is at full capacity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, he wasnt sure if he should attribute that to the recent takeover, or because of children going back to school. Reservations also fell over the past two weeks in the neighboring city of Baltimore, according to the OpenTable data. However, the decline is distinctly less steep: Reservations fell by less than 10% every day except Aug. 17, which showed a decline of 19%. Trump, meanwhile, painted a different picture. On Monday, sitting next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the president told reporters he thinks restaurants are more crowded than theyve been in a long time. The press says, Hes a dictator, hes trying to take over. No, all I want is security for our people, Trump said. But people who havent gone out to dinner in Washington, D.C., in two years are going out to dinner, and the restaurants the last two days were busier than theyve been in a long time. Even as crime in D.C. has fallen to a 30-year low this year, Trump last week deployed 800 National Guard troops along with hundreds of federal agents to crack down on the city. Governors from GOP states on Aug. 16 pledged to send an additional 750 troops. Officials have since arrested around 300 people, according to the White House, more than 40% of whom are undocumented immigrants, according to the Washington Post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps move was met with significant backlash from residents, with hundreds taking to the streets to protest the hostile takeover on Aug. 16. Protesters also gathered to demonstrate against the youth curfew posed by D.C. police, which prevents teenagers under the age of 17 from gathering in large groups in a popular hangout area. Some D.C. residents are supportive of the move. Im happy Trump is gonna have his department take over the police department. I think its needed, I think we will have some results, Leroy Thorpe, who founded Citizen Organized Patrol Efforts, told NBC Washington. Cheryl Watson, another group member, concurred, adding the kids are out of hand. Other residents have reported eerily empty streets and roving patrols that unsettle them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is not a crime crisis in D.C., Rosa Brooks, a former D.C. Metropolitan reserve police officer who is now a professor at Georgetown Law School, told NPR. This is police state territory, banana republic police state territory, she said. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com First lady Melania Trump is taking a bigger role on the world stage, penning a personal appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to end the war in Ukraine on behalf of its youngest victims. President Donald Trump spoke about his wifes letter Tuesday on "Fox & Friends," praising her call for peace. "My wife, Melania, wrote that beautiful note to President Putin about children," said Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The children are devastated. They're taken away from their homes." First Lady Melania Trumps Peace Letter To Putin: It Is Time Trump convened a large group of prominent European leaders on Monday to discuss ongoing negotiations. Among those in attendance was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who delivered a sealed letter from his wife to first lady Melania Trump. Read On The Fox News App Trump said that while he had not yet read the letter, Melania expressed her gratitude after receiving it. "She gave a letter to Melania, and Melania told me it was absolutely a beautiful letter," the president said, noting he plans to read it soon. Zelenskyy said the letter was meant to thank the first lady for raising awareness about children abducted from Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Americas Newsroom" anchor and "The Five" co-host Dana Perino believes the first ladys letter to Putin likely played a role in moving the high-stakes negotiations forward. "The first lady has had an influence here," the former White House press secretary said on "Fox & Friends" Tuesday. Trump personally handed the letter to Putin during their meeting in Alaska on Friday. While no peace deal was struck, the president said he is now in the process of arranging a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. "Melania Trump, I don't know what she told her husband. But that letter that she gave to President Putin was very poignant," said Perino, who explained the note clearly highlighted the Trump administrations primary focus on protecting children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They are mission-focused on the innocents and the lives," she said. Fox News obtained a copy of the first ladys letter, which centered on the plight of children in the region. Mrs. Trump opened her letter with "Dear President Putin" and wrote: Zelenskyy Urges Direct Talks With Putin As Trump Sets Peace Deadline "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." First lady Melania Trump takes bigger world stage role with letter to Putin about Ukraine war as Trump arranges potential Zelenskyy-Putin meeting. The letter never mentions Ukraine by name but does focus on the worlds duty to protect all children and their future. At the end of the note, she closed by appealing directly to Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mr. Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter," the first lady wrote of children hurt by the war. "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," she wrote. "It is time." Trump Reveals Melania's Key Role In Dealing With Putin On Ukraine War The topic of children abducted by Russia has been reported since the start of the conflict. Thousands of minors have been forcefully removed from their homes and brought to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Moscow argues the transfers are for the childrens well-being given Ukraines wartime conditions, but families insist they were taken without consent. In June, members of Congress introduced a bipartisan resolution calling for the return of these children before any peace agreement is finalized. Original article source: Trump praises Melanias beautiful note to Putin, says Zelenskyy brought letter from wife to first lady President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States would not send American troops to Ukraine as part of any peace agreement with Russia, even as he reaffirmed Washingtons role in providing security guarantees to Kyiv once the war ends. You have my assurance, and Im President, Trump told Fox News in a morning interview, when pressed about whether there would be boots on the ground in Ukraine. He added that the U.S. could still play a role by air, because theres nobody that has the kind of stuff we have. The comments followed a day of intensive White House meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders, who rushed to Washington on Monday to discuss how to secure Ukraine after more than three years of war following Russias 2022 invasion. While the multilateral summit was marked by public displays of agreement, European leaders left with few details about how Trump intends to turn his push for a peace deal into reality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday reinforced the Presidents message, telling reporters that Trump had definitively ruled out deploying U.S. forces on Ukrainian soil. Air support, she said, remained an option and a possibility. The question of postwar security guarantees has become the central challenge of Trumps effort to end the conflict. Britains prime minister Keir Starmer has floated the idea of an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine, ranging from a few hundred observers to a contingent of tens of thousands. During Mondays summit, Trump insisted that European nations would be the first line of defense for providing security guarantees for Ukraine, but that the U.S. would also contribute. European nations are going to take a lot of the burden. Were going to help them and were going to make it very secure, he said. Read more: How Putin Brushed Off Trumps Latest Push for Peace in Ukraine Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias Foreign Ministry on Monday said it rejects any scenarios involving the deployment of NATO military contingents in Ukraine, directly criticizing the United Kingdom and certain European Nations for suggesting such peace-keeping forces. The U.K. and others have previously committed to sending troops to Ukraine should it be necessary as part of a peace deal. Zelensky left Washington without a formal agreement but said progress had been made. He cited plans for Ukraine to purchase $90 billion worth of American weapons through Europe as part of new security guarantees, with the United States agreeing to buy drones from Ukraine in return. Trump confirmed during his Fox News interview that he excused himself during Mondays meetings to call President Vladimir Putin of Russia, though it is unclear if they discussed potential security guarantees for Ukraine. The two men spoke for 40 minutes, according to Kremlin officials, in what Moscow described as a frank and very constructive exchange. On social media later that evening, Trump announced that he had begun arrangements for a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelenskya possibility long dismissed by both sides. Theyre the ones that have to call the shots, Trump said on Fox News. Were 7,000 miles away, in all fairness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, the Kremlin has publicly downplayed the prospect of such a meeting. Yuri Ushakov, Putins foreign policy aide, told Russian state media that senior negotiators would continue direct talks with Ukraine but offered no indication that Putin would meet with Zelensky himself. Leavitt suggested Tuesday that a bilateral meeting remained a work in progress. I can assure you that the Trump Administration is working with both Russia and Ukraine to make that meeting happen as we speak, she said. European officials, meanwhile, pressed Trump on the need for what they are now calling a truce, wary of using the term ceasefire, which Trump appears to dislike. They argued that an immediate pause in fighting could slow the mounting civilian death toll and create the conditions for a genuine peace agreement. Overnight, Russian forces launched hundreds of missiles and drones across Ukraine, killing at least 14 people and damaging energy infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said. Trump, eager to deliver a swift settlement, has insisted that an agreement can be reached without a ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump has said that no U.S. troops will be deployed in Ukraine as part of a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. When asked in an interview with Fox News on Tuesday what assurances he could give that there would be no American boots on the ground to defend the Ukrainian border with Russia, even beyond his presidency, Trump replied: You have my assurance, and I'm president. A day earlier, while meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders, Trump suggested the U.S. would help guarantee Ukraine's security should a peace agreement be reached between Kyiv and Moscow. "We will give them very good protection, very good security, he said. His comment on Tuesday revealed a limit to any such guaranteeno U.S. troops in Ukraine. Im just trying to stop people from being killed theyre losing 5-7,000 people a week in that ridiculous war, Trump continued, without specifying if these figures referred to Ukraine, Russia, or both. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The President added that he called Russian President Vladimir Putin later on Monday after meeting with several European leaders to discuss a possible meeting between the Russian president and Zelensky, saying that should the meeting go well, he would step in to wrap it up. It takes two to tango, they have to have somewhat of a relationship, otherwise were just wasting time, said Trump. The Kremlin issued a statement following Trumps call with Putin, saying: The parties discussed the idea of considering the possibility of increasing the level of both countries' delegations involved in the direct talks. Moscow has been accused by Ukraine and Europe of playing for time as it continues to press its advantage on the battlefield, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov did not rule out a meeting between Putin and Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were not refusing any kind of work format, neither bilateral nor trilateral. The president [Putin] has said that repeatedly, he said in an interview with Russian state media Rossiya 24. Any contacts involving top leaders must be prepared with the utmost care, said Lavrov, refraining from a commitment to a meeting. Trump said during his meeting with Zelensky on Monday that Europe would be Ukraine's main protection in the event of a Russian attack: When it comes to security, theres going to be a lot of help they are the first line of defense. But Zelensky has repeatedly said U.S. security guarantees are essential to any peace deal. He said Tuesday that Washingtons meeting the previous day was a significant step to ending the war and ensuring Ukrainian security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are already working on the concrete content of the security guarantees, Zelensky said on X, adding that talks between leaders would continue on Tuesday to discuss the format of security measures. On Monday, Russias Foreign Ministry said it rejects any scenarios involving the deployment of NATO military contingents in Ukraine, directly criticizing the United Kingdom and certain European Nations for suggesting such peace-keeping forces. The U.K. and others have previously committed to sending troops to Ukraine should it be necessary as part of a peace deal. On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said that meetings on Monday resulted in breakthroughs for security guarantees without directly mentioning any sort of peace-keeping force. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. (NewsNation) President Donald Trump is moving to broker a face-to-face meeting between Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russias Vladimir Putin in the coming weeks. At the White House on Monday, Trump and Zelenskyy met with top European leaders, who aligned their positions particularly when it came to the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine in its war with Russia. While Russia has so far refused to give up its demands, Trump said his meeting in Alaska with Putin last week led him to believe the Russian leader would accept security guarantees for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump caught on hot mic: I think he wants to make a deal for me Details of any potential agreements reached during Mondays meeting have not yet been revealed, but world leaders have appeared optimistic about the developments. A coalition of countries willing to help Ukraine held a virtual meeting Tuesday. The meeting helped ensure that all countries have a unified understanding of the situation. The meeting confirmed Europes unity and determination to support Ukraine in the process, strengthened by the Washington discussions, to achieve lasting peace, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on social media. Trump gives assurance no US troops will be on the ground in Ukraine Trump on Tuesday said Ukraine would not be part of NATO. One of Russias demands is that Ukraine not join the defense organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But weve got the European nations, and theyll frontload it, and theyll have, some of them France, Germany, and a couple of them, U.K. they want to have boots on the ground, Trump said. I dont think its going to be a problem, to be honest with you. Trump also rejected the idea of American troops defending Ukraines border on the ground: You have my assurance, and Im president. Im just trying to stop people from being killed. Trump has not ruled out the possibility of air support as part of security guarantees for Ukraine. Were willing to help them with things, especially, probably, if you talk about by air because nobody has stuff we have, Trump said in an interview with Fox News that aired Monday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt added that air support is an option and a possibility in a press conference Tuesday. Trump called Putin to arrange trilateral meeting Immediately after Mondays summit, Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin to begin arranging a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, followed by a trilateral meeting with all three leaders. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff were coordinating with Russia and Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called a trilateral meeting to end the war the sensible next step, insisting that peace for Ukraine has to involve Ukraine itself. Texas redistricting fight resumes as Dems return under police escort Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cant imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said during a roundtable discussion. So lets work on that, and lets try to put pressure on Russia because the credibility of these efforts, these efforts we are undertaking today are depending on at least a ceasefire from the beginning of the serious negotiations from next step on. The White House said the goal is for Zelenskyy and Putin to meet within the next one to two weeks. It is unclear where the meeting will take place, as Putin was indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court in 2023 and is subject to arrest in over 100 countries. NewsNations Anna Kutz and partner The Hill contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. The news out of Alaska on Aug. 15 focused understandably on how President Donald Trump was once again completely and predictably played on the world stage by Russian President Vladimir Putin. But one element of Trump's international embarrassment drew little notice, as he stood with Putin and again took his side, crying "hoax" while rejecting the bipartisan conclusion supported by America's intelligence agencies that Russia interfered with our 2016 presidential election. We can't grow numb to the notion that Trump consistently picks Putin over America. That long-standing resentment of his about accurate intelligence on his presidential election has mutated into a source of looming injustice as Trump's top aides eagerly seek to help him distort that history to comply with Russia's corrupt narrative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 85681247007 It's not enough anymore for Trump to just deny reality. Now he wants to rewrite it so that officials from then-President Barack Obama's administration who correctly identified the 2016 Russian interference are pursued in criminal investigations just for doing their duties. This inversion of justice and intelligence acts as some kind of balm for Trump's constant state of irritated grievance. And it presents an obligatory abdication of truth for Republicans in Congress who now swallow and regurgitate his lies about 2016. Opinion: Midterms are more than a year away, but Trump is already challenging them Trump's only win around Russia is obedient silence President Donald Trump welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin to Anchorage, Alaska, for their summit on Ukraine on Aug. 15, 2025. That obedient silence about 2016 from Republicans was really the only win Trump logged in Alaska while meeting with Putin about Russia's unjust invasion of Ukraine. Just consider how Republicans in Congress have contorted on this. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, standing next to Putin at a news conference in Helsinki in 2018, embraced the Russian president's denials about the 2016 election meddling and rejected the assessment from America's intelligence agencies. It was a strikingly shameful moment from his first term, which had no shortage of shameful moments. Republicans swiftly rebuked Trump, including Marco Rubio, then a senator from Florida, for siding with Putin over America. A bipartisan backlash prompted a rare walk-back from Trump, who, a day later, was forced to say: "I accept our intelligence community's conclusion that Russia's meddling in the 2016 election took place." Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on people, power and policies in the time of Trump from columnist Chris Brennan. Get it delivered to your inbox. That was Trump, seven years ago, grudgingly accepting what was obviously true. But now he wants you to forget what he claimed to accept and see it all not just as a "hoax" but as a criminal conspiracy against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have to take that sort of nonsense seriously because, unlike Trump's first term, his second administration is politically populated with people who would never dissuade him from his worst impulses. This time around, they're jostling to be first in line to amplify those impulses. Trump and Putin are old hands at rewriting history Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio talk in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15, 2025, while waiting for a news conference between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Rubio, now Trump's secretary of State, was in the front row for the Trump-Putin news conference on Friday, Aug. 15. He clearly no longer has a problem with Trump lying about Russia and 2016. Congressional Republicans kept quiet about it this time, too. In Trump's twisted history, his first term was unfairly hobbled by the investigations of election interference, which he again called "the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax" during the Alaska meeting with Putin. "He knew it was a hoax, and I knew it was a hoax," Trump said as Putin beamed beside him. "But what was done was very criminal, but it made it harder for us to deal as a country, in terms of the business, and all of the things that we'd like to have dealt with, but we'll have a good chance when this is over." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hear the shift there? Trump is saying that attention paid to what Russia did in 2016, when Putin clearly favored him over Hillary Clinton as America's next president, is an abuse aimed at him that needs to be prosecuted. That is the shoddy foundation for Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's director of national intelligence, making the easily debunked claim in July that Obama's administration "manufactured" intelligence about the 2016 election interference, which she handed off to Attorney General Pam Bondi in a criminal referral. Opinion: Gabbard yells 'Russia hoax' to distract MAGA from Epstein for Trump. It won't last. Bondi has set a grand jury in motion on that, not because it serves justice but because it complies with the false narrative Trump and Putin are still pushing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rubio may be on board with Trump's push for senseless prosecutions to rewrite our history. But his own Senate history is still around for us to read. His party controlled the Senate in 2020 and he was acting chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence, issuing a report in August of that year that cited "irrefutable evidence of Russian meddling" in the 2016 election. Special counsel Robert Mueller, appointed by Trump's first attorney general, issued a 2019 report that confirmed the Russian election interference was driven by Putin's desire for Trump to beat Clinton in 2016. Putin declared that in public in 2018, standing next to Trump in Helsinki, saying he thought a Trump presidency would be better for Russia. That turned out to be true. And it might be the only time we hear Putin speak truth, as Trump tries to erase the history of 2016 and replace it with a fabrication that he and Putin prefer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 85713963007 Follow USA TODAY columnist Chris Brennan on X, formerly known as Twitter: @ByChrisBrennan. Sign up for his weekly newsletter, Translating Politics, here. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump and Putin strike a deal to rewrite history | Opinion U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin leave at the conclusion of a press conference on Aug. 15, 2025 in Alaska. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images.) If youre confused about the aims, conduct and outcome of the summit meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025, youre probably not alone. As summits go, the meeting broke with many conventions of diplomacy: It was last-minute, it appeared to ignore longstanding protocol and accounts of what happened were conflicting in the days after the early termination of the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Conversation U.S.s politics editor Naomi Schalit interviewed Donald Heflin, a veteran diplomat now teaching at Tufts Universitys Fletcher School, to help untangle what happened and what could happen next. It was a hastily planned summit. Trump said theyd accomplish things that they didnt seem to accomplish. Where do things stand now? It didnt surprise me or any experienced diplomat that there wasnt a concrete result from the summit. First, the two parties, Russia and Ukraine, werent asking to come to the peace table. Neither one of them is ready yet, apparently. Second, the process was flawed. It wasnt prepared well enough in advance, at the secretary of state and foreign minister level. It wasnt prepared at the staff level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was a bit of a surprise was the last couple days before the summit, the White House started sending out what I thought were kind of realistic signals. They said, Hopefully well get a ceasefire and then a second set of talks a few weeks in the future, and thatll be the real set of talks. Now, thats kind of reasonable. That could have happened. That was not a terrible plan. The problem was it didnt happen. And we dont know exactly why it didnt happen. Reading between the lines, there were a couple problems. The first is the Russians, again, just werent ready to do this, and they said, No ceasefire. We want to go straight to permanent peace talks. Ukraine doesnt want that, and neither do its European allies. Why? When you do a ceasefire, what normally happens is you leave the warring parties in possession of whatever land their military holds right now. Thats just part of the deal. You dont go into a 60- or 90-day ceasefire and say everybodys got to pull back to where they were four years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But if you go to a permanent peace plan, which Putin wants, youve got to decide that people are going to pull back, right? So thats problem number one. Problem number two is its clear that Putin is insisting on keeping some of the territory that his troops seized in 2014 and 2022. Thats just a non-starter for the Ukrainians. Is Putin doing that because that really is his bottom line demand, or did he want to blow up these peace talks, and that was a good way to blow them up? It could be either or both. Russia has made it clear that it wants to keep parts of Ukraine, based on history and ethnic makeup. The problem is, the world community has made it clear for decades and decades and decades, you dont get what you want by invading the country next door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Remember in Gulf War I, when Saddam Hussein invaded and swallowed Kuwait and made it the 19th province of Iraq? The U.S. and Europe went in there and kicked him out. Then there are also examples where the U.S. and Europe have told countries, Dont do this. You do this, its going to be bad for you. So if Russia learns that it can invade Ukraine and seize territory and be allowed to keep it, whats to keep them from doing it to some other country? Whats to keep some other country from doing it? You mean the whole world is watching. Yes. And the other thing the world is watching is the U.S. gave security guarantees to Ukraine in 1994 when they gave up the nuclear weapons they held, as did Europe. The U.S. has, both diplomatically and in terms of arms, supported Ukraine during this war. If the U.S. lets them down, what kind of message does that send about how reliable a partner the U.S. is? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. has this whole other thing going on the other side of the world where the country is confronting China on various levels. What if the U.S. sends a signal to the Taiwanese, Hey, you better make the best deal you can with China, because were not going to back your play. At least six European leaders are coming to Washington along with Zelenskyy. What does that tell you? Theyre presenting a united front to Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to say, Look, we cant have this. Europes composed of a bunch of countries. If we get in the situation where one country invades the other and gets to keep the land they took, we cant have it. President Trump had talked to all of them before the summit, and they probably came away with a strong impression that the U.S. was going for a ceasefire. And then, that didnt happen. Instead, Trump took Putins position of going straight to peace talks, no ceasefire. I dont think they liked it. I think theyre coming in to say to him, No, we have to go to ceasefire first. Then talks and, PS, taking territory and keeping it is terrible precedent. Whats to keep Russia from just storming into the three Baltic states Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania next? The maps of Europe that were drawn 100 years ago have held. If were going to let Russia erase a bunch of the borders on the map and incorporate parts, it could really be chaotic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where do you see things going? Until and unless you hear theres a ceasefire, nothings really happened and the parties are continuing to fight and kill. What I would look for after the Monday meetings is, does Trump stick to his guns post-Alaska and say, No, were gonna have a big, comprehensive peace agreement, and land for peace is on the table. Or does he kind of swing back towards the European point of view and say, I really think the first thing we got to have is a ceasefire? Even critics of Trump need to acknowledge that hes never been a warmonger. He doesnt like war. He thinks its too chaotic. He cant control it. No telling what will happen at the other end of war. I think he sincerely wants for the shooting and the killing to stop above all else. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The way you do that is a ceasefire. You have two parties say, Look, we still hate each other. We still have this really important issue of who controls these territories, but we both agree its in our best interest to stop the fighting for 60, 90 days while we work on this. If you dont hear that coming out of the White House into the Monday meetings, this isnt going anywhere. There are thousands of Ukrainian children who have been taken by Russia essentially kidnapped. Does that enter into any of these negotiations? It should. It was a terror tactic. This could be a place where you can make progress. If Putin said, well, We still dont want to give you any land, but, yeah, these kids here, you can have them back, its the kind of thing you throw on the table to show that youre not a bad guy and you are kind of serious about these talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether theyll do that or not, I dont know. Its really a tragic story. Donald Heflin, Executive Director of the Edward R. Murrow Center and Senior Fellow of Diplomatic Practice, The Fletcher School, Tufts University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE President Donald Trump plans to use his office to try to get rid of mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 elections for the House of Representatives and Senate. "An executive order is being written right now by the best lawyers in the country to end mail-in ballots because they're corrupt," he said in a social media post this week. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Monday, Trump also showed a political motivation, saying that mail-in voting is "the only way" Democrats "can get elected". " Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mail-in ballots, in part, helped Trump secure his 2024 victory over Democrat Kamala Harris. But he has long claimed, without proof, that he lost the 2020 election due to voter fraud perpetrated through mail-in ballots and voting machines. What is mail-in voting and how is it used? Mail-in voting allows voters to cast their ballots at home and then send them in to be counted, instead of going in person to cast a ballot at a polling place. Eight states and Washington, DC, allow all elections to be conducted entirely by mail: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington state. Of those, only two - Nevada and Utah - went to Trump in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In most other states, voters can request at-home ballots and then cast their "absentee votes" either through the post or special dropboxes. Mail-in ballots became more popular during the 2020 election when many voters were homebound because of the pandemic. Altogether, 43% of votes cast in that election were on mailed ballots, compared to 30% in 2024, election data shows. The phrase "voting machines" usually refers to devices that directly record a vote at the polling place. Typically a voter will make their choices on a touchscreen, and their votes will then be stored on a computer and also recorded in a paper trail in case of a recount or audit. These machines are used in 10 states alongside other methods. Why is Trump unhappy with it? Trump has said that "mail-in ballots are corrupt" and long suggested the method is susceptible to voter fraud. He also has said that it favours Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2020, Democratic voters have been much more likely to use mail-in ballots, compared to Republicans, but research so far has not shown it gives the party's candidates any advantage. In the 2024 election, Trump seemed more relaxed about mail-in voting, encouraging supporters to "vote any way possible", and the Republican party promoted it. At least three states that Trump won in 2024 - North Carolina, Arizona and Pennsylvania - saw Republicans embrace mail-in ballots, sometimes outpacing Democrats, according to Politico. Does the president have power to change voting laws? In short, no. The US Constitution says "times, places and manner of holding elections ... shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It says Congress has a role to "make or alter such regulations", but it does not specify a role for the President. While Congress can change the way states run presidential and congressional elections, it cannot change how a state runs its own elections, for roles such as governor. Most experts say this all means that Trump cannot tell states how to carry out 2026 voting. Trump, though, posted on social media that under the law the states "are merely an 'agent' for the Federal Government in counting and tabulating the votes". "They must do what the Federal Government, as represented by the President of the United States, tells them, FOR THE GOOD OF OUR COUNTRY, to do," he wrote on his Truth Social platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UCLA election law professor Rick Hasen wrote on his blog that Trump's statement was "wrong and dangerous." "The Constitution does not give the President any control over federal elections," Hasen wrote. Is the US the only country with mail-in voting? The US has had some form of mail-in voting since the 19th century, though it has evolved and changed with time. In announcing his upcoming executive order, Trump said that the US is the only country in the world that has mail-in voting. Moments later, he walked back those remarks, saying that he "may be wrong". Some 34 countries, allow some kind of mail-in voting, according to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA). Of those, 12 countries, including Canada, Germany and South Korea, allow all voters to vote by mail in their elections. While sitting beside Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky in the Oval Office, Donald Trump once again boasted of ending six wars in as many months without negotiating a single ceasefire. If you look at the six deals that I settled this year, they were all at war. I didn't do any ceasefires, Trump said before turning to Zelensky, adding: I dont think you need a ceasefire. Since his trip to Scotland last month, Trump has repeated multiple times a version of his claim that hes ended wars at about one a month, according to PolitiFact. Earlier Monday, the president posted on Truth Social that in one case, he had averted a possible unclear disaster. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By Tuesday morning, Trump told Fox & Friends that his administration had solved seven wars, though the president did not elaborate on which conflict he was now including in his list. The White House told The Independent that Trump was citing conflicts from both his first and second terms. The White House previously lauded Trump as the peacemaker-in-chief, and the president has styled himself as the president of peace. Trump in the Situation Room of the White House before addressing reporters about the bombing of the three Iranian nuclear sites (The White House) Meanwhile, the commander-in-chief has openly signalled his ambitions of winning a Nobel Peace Prize despite campaigning on a largely non-interventionist platform. Are Trumps claims of halting hostilities credible or an embellishment of the truth? The Independent takes a closer look at the presidents peacemaking record. Israel and Iran Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump and Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (AP) Approximately three days after launching Operation Midnight Hammer, Trump told NATO leaders that his administration just ended a war in 12 days that was simmering for 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On June 23, the major Iranian uranium enrichment sites, Fordow and Natanz, and the research base of Isfahan faced a wave of U.S. bunker buster bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles, which Trump claimed left the facilities obliterated. The U.S. intervened in the conflict on June 21 after Israel launched a surprise attack eight days earlier on Iranian nuclear facilities, missile strikes, and military infrastructure. Iran responded with a wave of missile and drone strikes at Israeli army bases and cities. On June 23, Trump declared on Truth Social that Israel and Iran had reached a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE, which was mediated by the U.S. While Trumps actions against Irans nuclear program may have curtailed immediate strikes, it is not possible to claim to have secured lasting peace, with tensions in the region remaining high. India and Pakistan Trump, right, speaks with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the East Room of the White House in February (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The brief but deadly military exchange between India and Pakistan that began on May 7 reignited long-standing tensions over the disputed region of Kashmir. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It drew a surprise offer of mediation from Trump, who said he could help find a solution to the Himalayan region that is claimed by both nations. We also appreciate President Trumps expressed willingness to support efforts aimed at the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, said the Pakistani government. By contrast, India remained publicly silent while reinforcing its view that Kashmir is an internal matter. Major General Rameshwar Roy, a retired Indian Army officer, dismissed Trumps offer outright, calling it irrelevant and intrusive and telling The Independent in May that it was a bilateral agreement reached without U.S. involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri doubled down in June that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Trump there was no U.S. mediation between India and Pakistan. Thailand and Cambodia Trump addresses to reporters at the Lehigh Valley International Airport on August 3, 2025 about tensions between Cambodia and Thailand (Getty) On July 26, Trump said he was calling the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia to urge a ceasefire after three days of intense border fighting. A truce between the nations, brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, was reached on 28 July after Trump said he had spoken to the leaders. Trump leveraged his most powerful economic weapon: tariffs. He said he threatened to derail existing trade deals that had been brokered with the two countries if the fighting persisted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just days later, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet had nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, lauding his extraordinary statesmanship in halting the border conflict with its neighbor. However, foreign policy experts caution that there is no evidence that the president personally negotiated or directly brokered a ceasefire between the two countries. Reports indicate that the fragile truce has been violated multiple times, with both sides accusing each other of breaches. Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo Trump listens as Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe speaks during an event with Congo's Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner in June at the White House (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) On June 27, foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo flew to Washington, D.C., to sign a controversial peace deal brokered by the U.S. to end fighting in eastern DRC. The agreement also allows for U.S. investment in eastern DRCs critical mineral reserves, including gold, copper, and lithium. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flanked by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and delegates from both nations in the Oval Office, Trump called the peace treaty a glorious triumph. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, however, claimed the diplomatic success as his own. Foreign policy experts said the agreement is significant but part of a broader picture of broken contracts between the countries. A week earlier, Trump teed up the treaty he said he and Rubio arranged in a bid to put an end to the decades-long war between the two nations. This is a Great Day for Africa and, quite frankly, a Great Day for the World! I wont get a Nobel Peace Prize for this, he wrote on Truth Social on June 20. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his meandering post, Trump also noted that he wouldnt be awarded the prize for stopping wars between India and Pakistan, Serbia and Kosovo, Egypt and Ethiopia, and for doing the Abraham Accords in the Middle East. No, I wont get a Nobel Peace Prize no matter what I do, including Russia/Ukraine, and Israel/Iran, whatever those outcomes may be, but the people know, and thats all that matters to me!, he said. Armenia and Azerbaijan Donald Trump shakes hands with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, right, and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev during a trilateral signing ceremony this month (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) On August 8, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement during a meeting with Trump in the White House, bringing an end to decades of conflict. If it holds, the deal between the South Caucasus rivals would reopen key transportation routes while allowing the U.S. to seize on Russias declining influence in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A major transit corridor linking Azerbaijan to its exclave of Nakhchivan is set to open, with the U.S. owning the development rights to the corridor. It was to be named the Trump Route, the White House said, which the president called a great honor. It's a long time 35 years they fought and now they're friends, and they're going to be friends for a long time, Trump said, besides the leaders of the two nations at the signing ceremony. Egypt and Ethiopia President Donald Trump meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in the Oval Office in 2019 (AP) After 12 years, Egypts Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said on June 29 that talks with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the River Nile had ground to a halt. Days later, Ethiopia said its GERD was complete. While a full-scale conflict did not erupt, Egyptians remained wary that the mega dam could restrict the flow of the Nile, which provides 90 percent of the countrys total water supply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a White House meeting on July 14, Trump appeared to side with Egypt, claiming that it would be pretty incredible if its water source were to be taken away. He said that the U.S is going to have that solved very quickly. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, a Trump ally, said in a social media statement that the country appreciates Trumps keenness on reaching a just agreement and supports the presidents global vision of establishing just peace, security, and stability. Ethiopian officials and experts warned that Trumps remarks risked aggravating the situation and undermining Ethiopias right to utilize its natural resources. And any progress, they argued, is mainly attributable to ongoing multilateral negotiations, not Trumps intervention. Trump reportedly expressed hope for a quick resolution as Egypt and Ethiopia reached an agreement in 2018 during his first administration over how to share the waters of the Nile. Serbia and Kosovo A woman walks near a poster showing Trump with a Serbian flag, in Mitrovica, Kosovo in January (Reuters) At an Oval Office press conference on June 27, Trump declared that Serbia and Kosovo were on the brink of war until, he said, his administration was able to stop it by again threatening trade sanctions. Trump said he had a friend in Serbia who alerted him that were going to go to war again with Kosovo, without providing further details. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani said on July 10 that Trump prevented a potential escalation from Serbia. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denied the claims of warmongering and said on July 12 that a conflict with Kosovo does not even occur to us. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, tensions between the two nations peaked between 1998 and 1999 when the countries were at war, which ended with NATO intervention. Friction has persisted since Kosovo declared independence in 2008. In 2020, during Trumps first term, the U.S. brokered a pact between the two Balkan nations to normalize economic relations. Promptly after being sworn in on Jan. 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born on American soil to parents who are in the country unlawfully or lawfully but temporarily. Critics immediately labelled the order unconstitutional and it was challenged in the courts, where it remains in legal limbo. With the potential to upend a century of practice granting newborns U.S. citizenship based on the 14th Amendment, how exactly the administration plans to enforce this decree was a mystery until now. Don't miss Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Documents recently made public by a handful of federal agencies detail how the executive order might be implemented, and the hurdles parents would have to overcome to get a Social Security number (SSN) for their child. Heres what parents-to-be need to know. The current system Most parents apply for their newborns SSN at birth, often at the hospital. An SSN is needed for a number of reasons, including opening a bank account, buying savings bonds, getting medical coverage and applying for government services. Its also required to claim a child as a dependent on your tax return. For parents who did not apply at the hospital, they can apply online and must provide original documents that prove their childs citizenship, age and identity and confirm their relationship at a Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Children over 12 must also be interviewed. The proposed changes Normally, a birth certificate, which includes where a child was born, would be sufficient evidence of a newborns citizenship. But the new documents, as reported by multiple news outlets, suggest this would no longer be sufficient under the executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To comply with the order, the SSA will require evidence that such a persons mother and/or father is a U.S. citizen or in an eligible immigration status at the time of the persons birth, reads a document from the agency. Its unclear, however, how this would work in practice at hospitals. Read more: Nervous about the stock market? Gain potential quarterly income through this $1B private real estate fund even if youre not a millionaire. Heres how to get started with as little as $10 According to CNN, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Agriculture have also detailed changes in verifying a childs citizenship status for social services. Its important to note that several federal court rulings stand in the way of any new policies, at least for now. Impact on the SSA On the surface, there are a number of practical challenges the executive order might raise in addition to the potential changes to applying for an SSN at birth. Given the announced cuts to the SSA this year, it seems implementing a new policy could further drain limited resources. Although the president has promised no cuts to benefits, a reduction of staff and closure of local offices could mean that it becomes harder for Americans to get access to essential SSA services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, it remains to be seen if the order will ever take effect. New Jersey Democratic Attorney General Matthew Platkin, who is leading a multistate rebuttal to Trumps policy, told CNN that whatever the promises in this guidance, we remain confident that President Trumps unconstitutional attempt to terminate birthright citizenship will never take effect given the nationwide injunctions that have issued here. What to read next Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. Subscribe now. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. President Donald Trump revealed a new motivation for his efforts behind ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. During an interview on Fox News on Tuesday, Trump reflected on his high-stakes meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders the day prior, after he hosted a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday. Trump said he is trying to set up a meeting between the two leaders within the next couple of weeks to discuss how to end the yearslong war. It would be followed by a trilateral meeting, which would include Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While speaking on Fox & Friends, Trump acknowledged that Americans are not losing their lives in the conflict, but many Russian and Ukrainian soldiers and some citizens are being killed. He then added that he hopes to save at least 7,000 people each week. I want to try and get to heaven if possible, Trump said. Im hearing Im not doing well. He went on to joke that he is really at the bottom of the totem pole, but continued: If I can get to heaven, this would be one of the reasons. Trump then pointed to how he believes he saved lives in India and Pakistan, claiming that he helped avert what could have transformed into a nuclear war. In May, Trump announced that the two countries had agreed to a U.S.-brokered FULL AND IMMEDIATE ceasefire with both accusing one another of violating the deal shortly afterwards. Trump: "I want to try and get to heaven if possible. I hear I'm not doing well. I hear I'm really at the bottom of the totem pole." pic.twitter.com/y1izqVGM84 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 19, 2025 During his appearance, Trump also said that he has already solved seven wars, including the conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while touting his good relationship with Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This one is the one that is the most difficult, and I thought it would be an easy one, Trump said. I hope President Putin is going to be good, and if hes not, thats going to be a rough situation. And I hope that President Zelenskyy will do what he has to do. He has to show some flexibility also. The thing is a mess, he added. In a post on X early Tuesday, Zelenskyy said that his talks with Trump are truly a significant step toward ending the war and ensuring the security of Ukraine and our people. He mentioned that European leaders would be meeting to discuss security guarantees for his country which became a large topic of discussion at the White House. During remarks on Monday, Trump said that Ukraine would be provided with safety considerations by European countries with the coordination with the U.S. He reiterated on Tuesday that American boots, however, will not be on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with NBC News, French President Emmanuel Macron, who attended the meeting alongside Zelenskyy, said that he did not believe Putin was very willing to get peace and end the war. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. US President Donald Trump has stated that on 18 August, he did not speak with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in the presence of European leaders, as this would have been disrespectful to the Kremlin head. Source: Trump on Fox News, as reported by European Pravda Details: Trump was asked about Mondays telephone call between him and Putin, which took place when seven European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Trump: "I didnt do it in front of them I thought that would be disrespectful to President Putin. I wouldnt do that, because they have not had the warmest relations. And actually, President Putin wouldnt talk to the people from Europe. I mean, that was part of the problem." Background: Trump also expressed the opinion that the potential deployment of NATO European member states troops in Ukraine "would not be a problem" for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Trump further said that as president, he would not authorise the deployment of American troops to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! US President Donald Trump has said that he discussed the global problem of missing children during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Source: Trump on Truth Social, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "This is, likewise, a big subject with my wife, Melania. It is a subject at the top of all lists, and the world will work together to solve it, hopefully bringing them home to their families!" screenshot: Truth Social Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Von der Leyen, in turn, stated on X (Twitter) that the human cost of the Russo-Ukrainian war must stop. Quote: "And that means every single Ukrainian child abducted by Russia must be returned to their families. I thank US President Donald Trump for his clear commitment today to ensuring these children are reunited with their loved ones." Background: US First Lady Melania Trump recently sent a letter to Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin through US President Donald Trump in which she called on Putin "to protect children" and bridge divisions between nations. Multilateral-format talks between the leaders of Ukraine, the US, the European Commission, NATO and several European states were interrupted so that Trump could telephone Vladimir Putin. Trump later announced that he had had a "very good" meeting with the leaders of Ukraine, France, Finland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and the European Commission and the NATO Secretary General. He also said that he was beginning preparations for a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy and Putin. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! US President Donald Trump said he has spoken on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and started setting up a meeting between him and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. "I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy," Trump said in a post on Truth Social following a meeting in the White House with Zelensky and European leaders. "After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself," Trump continued, saying this was "a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years." Trump said that US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff were "coordinating with Russia and Ukraine." President Donald Trump said Tuesday that US air support and European ground troops could be part of security guarantees for Ukraine, warning of a "rough" situation if talks between Moscow and Kyiv fail. "When it comes to security, they're willing to put people on the ground," he told Fox News, referring to European allies whom he met in the White House on Monday. "We're willing to help them with things, especially, probably, if you talk about by air, because no one has the kind of stuff we have, really, they don't," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added his "assurance" that no US ground troops would deploy to Ukraine, and he categorically ruled out Ukraine joining the Western military alliance NATO. Post-war security is a key concern for Kyiv after more than three years of Russian invasion. Moscow has long said it will not tolerate Ukraine joining NATO and has been hostile to the idea of Western troops deploying to the former Soviet territory. Trump said that "France and Germany, a couple of them, UK -- they want to have boots on the ground." "I dont think its going to be a problem, to be honest with you. I think, I think Putin is tired of" the war, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump said that following his talks Monday with European leaders he is pushing to organize a bilateral summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky -- followed by another where he will join. "I called President Putin, and we're trying to work out a meeting with President Zelensky. We'll see what happens there," he said. "If that works out, if it works out, then I'll go to the trilat and close it up." Saying it was possible Putin would back out, Trump said "I hope President Putin's going to be good and if not, it's going to be a rough situation." Zelensky "has to show some flexibility also." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the question of guaranteeing Ukraine's future security, the other key sticking point in ending the war is the status of the huge swaths of land occupied by Russia. Trump said Ukraine has to accept it will not get its lost territories back -- including the eastern Donbas region -- but in return will get peace. "I assume you've all seen the map. You know, a big chunk of territory is taken and that territory has been taken. Now they're talking about Donbas, but Donbas right now, as you know, is 79 percent owned and controlled by Russia," Trump said. The US leader said Ukraine was not powerful enough to change the situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This was a war and Russia is a powerful military nation, you know. Whether people like it or not, it's a powerful nation. It's a much bigger nation," he said. "You don't take, you don't take on a nation that's 10 times your size." "Everybody can play cute and this and that, but, you know, Ukraine is going to get their life back," Trump said about a peace deal involving Ukraine surrendering land. "They're going to stop having people killed all over the place and they're going to get a lot of land." sms/ksb NEED TO KNOW President Donald Trump said this week that one of his motivations for brokering a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is so he can get into heaven The president said he hears he's at "the bottom of the totem pole" when it comes to earning salvation, but he hopes peacekeeping actions can give him a boost Despite his seeming conviction, Trump admitted on Monday, Aug. 19, that some agreements between the two countries, like an immediate ceasefire while negotiations unfold, do not appear realistic President Donald Trump has revealed one of his motives for brokering international peace deals during his second term as president: eternal salvation. During a phone interview with Fox & Friends on Tuesday, Aug. 19, the president gave a new explanation for taking action to end the war in Ukraine including positioning himself as a mediator between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If I can save 7,000 people a week from being killed, I think thats pretty-- I want to try to get to heaven if possible," Trump said. "Im hearing that Im not doing well. I am really at the bottom of the totem pole, he added, to laughter from the Fox News hosts. "But if I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons. Win McNamee/Getty President Donald Trump meets with European leaders to talk about Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Aug. 18, 2025 President Donald Trump meets with European leaders to talk about Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Aug. 18, 2025 During her briefing later in the day, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that she didn't believe Trump was joking. I think the president was serious, she said. I think the president wants to get to heaven as I hope we all do in this room as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Positioning himself as a "mediator in chief" has been one of Trump's major objectives so far in his second term. He boasted to Zelenskyy during their sit-down on Monday, Aug. 18, that he was responsible for "six deals" in various world conflicts this year alone. In his push to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, Trump and his administration have claimed to have helped settle conflicts between Israel and Iran; the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda; Cambodia and Thailand; India and Pakistan; Serbia and Kosovo; and Egypt and Ethiopia. However, as The Guardian points out, "the claim to have settled those conflicts is embellished and in some cases contradicted by continued violence in countries like DR Congo, where Rwanda-backed rebels missed a deadline to reach a peace deal in Doha on Tuesday." Trump's plan to strong-arm Putin also seems to have been exaggerated. The two failed to reach a peace deal or agree to a ceasefire during their summit in Alaska on Aug. 15, despite Trump having vaguely threatened "very severe consequences" if Russia didn't comply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Days after his meeting with Putin, Trump changed his tune, telling Zelenskyy and other European leaders that he didn't think a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was necessary or even realistic while larger peace negotiations are underway. 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 president admitted to the difficulty of negotiating with Putin during his remarks at the Kennedy Center on Aug. 13. "I've had a lot of good conversations with [Putin]. Then I go home and I see that a rocket hit a nursing home or a rocket hit an apartment building and people are laying dead in the streets," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Trump said that he's "hearing" he's not on a path to heaven, South Park notably took a stance on the president's chances at salvation in its controversial new episodes. Comedy Central A cartoonized Donald Trump lies in bed with Satan in the "South Park" season 27 premiere episode A cartoonized Donald Trump lies in bed with Satan in the "South Park" season 27 premiere episode After previously stating that South Park would try and avoid commenting on Trump's second term, creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker changed their minds about leaving his administration alone, going so far as to show a fictionalized version of the president cuddling in bed with Satan during the widely discussed season 27 premiere. In the episode, the hulking red demon, who is routinely depicted on South Park as a sensitive soul, compares Trump multiple times to a "guy he used to date," which devoted viewers know is none other than Saddam Hussein. Read the original article on People US President Donald Trump on Monday said he has started setting up a bilateral meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, following a summit at the White House with Zelensky and European leaders. "I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy," Trump said in a post on Truth Social. The meeting between Putin and Zelensky would be followed by a trilateral session in which Trump would also participate, the US president said. He had earlier hosted Zelensky and European leaders at the White House for high-stakes talks on ending the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was among the leaders present in Washington, the Zelensky-Putin meeting could take place within the next two weeks. "Such a summit is only conceivable if the weapons fall silent," Merz said in Washington. Zelensky, meanwhile, told journalists in Washington that he was ready to hold talks with Putin in "any type of format" without preconditions. Merz: Ukraine summit 'exceeded expectations' Merz said the summit, which included UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Finnish President Alexander Stubb and went on for several hours, had been productive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My expectations have not only been met, but exceeded," Merz said after the talks, also attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The chancellor acknowledged that he had not been certain the meeting would go as well as it did. "It could have turned out differently," he added. Merz said these are "fateful days for Ukraine and for Europe." Trump and Zelensky first held a bilateral meeting, which was later continued in an expanded format with the European leaders. The talks were briefly interrupted while Trump spoke by phone with Putin. Disagreement over the need for a ceasefire Trump had originally demanded an immediate ceasefire for Ukraine. However, he dropped this demand following his face-to-face meeting with Putin on Friday in Alaska. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Merz, however, said he could not imagine the next meeting taking place without a pause in the fighting. "Let's try to put pressure on Russia," the chancellor added. Zelensky, meanwhile, told journalists that he is ready to hold talks with Putin without preconditions. "We are ready for any type of format," Zelensky said, specifying this would have to be on a leaders level. The Ukrainian president said that "come what may" he should meet Putin and at that point start working out how to end the conflict, stressing that preconditions for talks from Kiev would be met by "one hundred demands" from Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky later added on social media platform X that Trump "supported a meeting at the level of leaders. Such a meeting is necessary to resolve sensitive issues." Security guarantees still being defined During the meeting with Zelensky, Trump dodged questions about details on US peacekeeping troops and security guarantees for Ukraine, but promised: "We will give them very good protection, very good security." Echoing his comments after his meeting with Putin last week, Trump again said he wanted to bypass a ceasefire and move directly to a comprehensive peace deal - a position that corresponds to what Moscow is demanding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't think you need a ceasefire," said Trump. "I like the concept, you know, I like the concept of a ceasefire for one reason, because you'd stop killing people immediately." "But we can work a deal where we're working on a peace deal while they're fighting, they have to fight." Trump added: "I wish they could stop. I'd like them to stop, but strategically, that could be a disadvantage for one side or the other." Zelensky described security guarantees measures to protect Ukraine from future attacks as a top priority for peace with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is very important, that the United States gives such strong signals and is ready for security guarantees," Zelensky said. He stressed that "security in Ukraine depends on the United States" as well as Europe. NATO chief Rutte said discussions are under way on security guarantees for Ukraine similar to those provided to NATO member states. The US has indicated its willingness to participate in a concept of security guarantees for Ukraine, with Article 5-style guarantees being discussed, Rutte told US broadcaster Fox News. "What we are discussing here is not NATO membership. What we're discussing here is Article 5 type of security guarantees for Ukraine," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And what they exactly will entail will now be more specifically discussed," the NATO chief added. Merz said the question of who would participate in security guarantees, and to what extent, must be discussed among European partners and the US government. "It is absolutely clear that the whole of Europe should participate," he said. Germany, Merz added, bears "a high responsibility" in this process. The extent of Germany's involvement will have to be discussed within Europe and within the coalition in Berlin "right down to the question of whether we may have to take decisions that require a mandate." Decisions requiring a mandate would mean that the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, would have to approve sending Bundeswehr soldiers to Ukraine. Russia rejects NATO troops in Ukraine Russia once again categorically rejected the deployment of troops from NATO countries in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United Kingdom has repeatedly suggested the possibility that foreign troops could be sent to Ukraine once peace is reached. But the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said in Moscow that Britain was continuing to seek what she called "an escalation" in the conflict with such scenarios and was pushing NATO members to a dangerous limit, from which a major global conflict was not far off. She was reacting to statements by Starmer saying he was prepared to deploy such troops. To cap off Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys meeting about pursuing peace in his war-torn home country, U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to give his Ukrainian counterpart a tour of the MAGA gift shop. A photo circulating on social media, shared by Special Assistant to the President and Communications Advisor Margo Martin, captures Zelensky staring at a wall of red and white MAGA caps and other pro-Trump merchandise in a room reminiscent of a gift shop that appears to be part of the White House. The picture was posted on Monday, following the world leaders meeting at the White House to discuss the future of Russias war in Ukraine. Zelensky, boasting an all-black suit, stands with his arms crossed under a chandelier as Trump grabs a red hat, emblazoned with 4 More Years, from the collection. The 22nd Amendment bars anyone from serving as president for more than two terms, meaning Trump will be ineligible to stand again at the next election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not immediately clear what Zelenskys reaction was to the MAGA merchandise. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment. Its not immediately clear what Zelenskys reaction was to the MAGA merchandise (Margo Martin) Ever the salesman, Trump has sold just about everything, from golden sneakers to perfumes to bibles. But social media users slammed the untimely nature of his latest offering. One X user commented on the strangeness of showing off merch to a world leader hoping to end a war in his home country: Imagine if Churchill went to the US during WW2, trying to defend against a shared opponent.. And they stopped for a merch flex break! This is so embarrassing! another user bluntly remarked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another similarly said: Beyond tacky! One suggested Zelensky get a discount: They get 10 percent off. Yet another quipped: Imagine flying across the ocean just to see a closet of red hats. And one tweeted: The White House exit is through the gift shop. On Monday, Trump and Zelensky, along with a group of European leaders, met in Washington, D.C. to discuss the next steps in securing peace in Ukraine after Russia invaded the country in February 2022. In vague terms in a Truth Social post following the summit, Trump hailed it as a very good meeting, noting they discussed security guarantees for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. president also announced he began making arrangements for a trilateral meeting with Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and himself. The date of that meeting has not yet been determined, he said. As of Tuesday afternoon, Swiss officials have suggested hosting the high stakes summit in Geneva a move that French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani have backed. President Donald Trump thinks Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has operated with impunity since he invaded Ukraine, is somehow now ready to come to the table. A hot mic caught Trump suggesting under his breath that Putin was willing to negotiate after the two leaders met in Alaska for a summit. I think he wants to make a deal for me. Do you understand? he said before his press conference with Zelenskiy. As crazy as it sounds. Trump on a hot mic on Putin: "I think he wants to make a deal for me. Do you understand? As crazy as it sounds." pic.twitter.com/lshkxtJ3Qm Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 18, 2025 It does sound crazy. Trump and Putin havent been able to make a deal for six months, and they certainly didnt reach one last Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any deal that could come about would be without a ceasefire, something that has been a huge priority for Zelenskiy. It would also involve Ukraine ceding Crimea and promising to never join NATO, which would be more capitulation than agreement. Putin has been lying outright to Trump, but one face-to-face meeting, likely accompanied by some surface-level flattery, has the president twirling his hair and hoping that Putin thinks fondly of him, all while the Russian president continues his assault on Ukrainian sovereignty. Aug. 19 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said the United States would provide air support for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression, but not U.S. troops on the ground. If the war in Ukraine ends soon, U.S. air support would be available to help ensure its security instead of making Ukraine a NATO member, Trump said on Monday evening. "When it comes to security, they are willing to put people on the ground," Trump said of Ukraine's European neighbors in a Fox News interview, as reported by The Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're willing to help them with things, especially ... by air because nobody has [the] stuff we have," Trump said. White House press secretary Karolin Leavitt on Tuesday confirmed Trump "definitively" opposes deploying U.S. troops to Ukraine, The Hill reported. Instead, Ukraine's European neighbors and others might support peace by deploying troops there, Axios reported on Tuesday. If so, the United States would be willing to provide air support to help maintain the peace, Trump suggested. Potential U.S. involvement in Ukraine's security is important for enabling a potential peace agreement to end the war that Russia started by invading Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Potential air support could be in the form of U.S. pilots engaging Russian aircraft in defensive operations over Ukraine, intercepting missiles or just providing air-to-air refueling. Trump and former President Joe Biden each have said they don't want the United States involved in direct combat with Russian forces. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is the Trump administration's lead negotiator for Ukraine security plans, which Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed during their White House meeting on Monday. Whatever peace agreement Ukraine and Russia might make, Trump wants Russia to return tens of thousands of Ukrainian children whom it has abducted from Ukraine, according to CNN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, officials in Switzerland have offered to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. "We are ready for such a meeting," Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis told CNN's broadcast partner SRF on Tuesday. "We have always signaled our willingness," Cassis said, "but it, of course, hinges on the willingness of the major powers." The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Putin's arrest for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, including abducting children. Cassis said the Swiss government would not arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We can do this despite the arrest warrant against Putin because of our special role and Geneva's role as the European headquarters of the [United Nations]," Cassis explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump talked with Putin following his meeting with Zelensky on Monday and after hosting the Russian president in Alaska on Friday. Trump said he is working to arrange a meeting between Zelensky and Putin within the next two weeks. President Donald Trump plans to appoint Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to share the role of second-in-command at the FBI as the administration tries to contain tension over its handling of the files related to the case of the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Bailey would serve as deputy director of the FBI alongside Dan Bongino, who has clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the release of files from the Epstein investigation. Trump was expected to make the announcement Monday, according to a person with knowledge of the decision who was granted anonymity to discuss it beforehand. Fox News Digital was first to report on Trumps plans to appoint Bailey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House deferred to the Department of Justice for comment. DOJ did not immediately respond to comment. Bailey, a former prosecutor who has been serving as the attorney general of Missouri since January 2023, interviewed with Trump at Mar-a-Lago during the transition for the role of U.S. Attorney General. The announcement comes as anger over the Epstein Files roils the MAGA base and has exposed fractures within the FBI. Bongino has been at odds with Bondi over the handling of the sensitive documents at one point privately threatening to resign. That created an untenable working condition even if he later went back to work. Baileys tenure as Missouri AG has included high-profile moves aligned with Trumps interests, including a long-shot petition filed last year with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to lift the gag order against Trump and delay his New York sentencing until after the Nov. 5 election. Bailey was appointed in 2023 to fill a mid-term vacancy after the previous Missouri attorney general, Eric Schmitt, was elected to the U.S. Senate. He won a full term in November after defeating Trump White House staff secretary Will Scharf in the Republican primary. From President Trump's first day back in office, he vowed to unravel California's sway over the nation's auto-emission standards by eliminating the state's zero-emission mandates. He made good on that promise in the first several months of his second term. After a series of controversial congressional votes in May, Trump signed legislation that effectively nullified several of California's auto-emission standards, including the state's landmark regulation to ban selling new, gas-only cars statewide by 2035. The "One Big Beautiful Bill," which Trump signed into law in July, will end federal tax credits for zero-emission vehicles up to $7,500 for car buyers on Sept. 30. Because electric vehicles generally cost more than their gas-powered counterparts, government incentives were critical in encouraging Americans to buy cleaner cars. There is already a slump in statewide sales of electric vehicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without the federal rebates and subsidies to support widespread adoption of electric vehicles, California will almost surely fall short of its greenhouse gas reduction targets and remain in violation of federal air quality standards. Unless, that is, Sacramento steps in, in a big way. Gov. Gavin Newsom in June signed an executive order reaffirming California's commitment to its emissions goals, and effectively sending state agencies back to the drawing board in light of a newly antagonistic federal government. Their task: to reassert California's climate leadership and identify policies to boost zero-emission vehicle sales. On Tuesday, state officials delivered an eight-page report to the governor's office detailing several strategies to do just that. It focuses on boosting zero-emission vehicle adoption and reducing tailpipe emissions in communities dealing with some of the nation's worst air quality and most rapidly intensifying effects from global warming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the document, California officials argued that finding state funding to restore subsidies for zero-emission vehicles is one of the most important ways to counteract federal actions. In Southern California, alone, about 1,500 residents die annually due to exposure to unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to Liane Randolph, chair of the California Air Resources Board, one of the agencies that authored the report. "Clean air efforts are under siege, putting the health of every American at risk," Randolph said. "California is continuing to fight back and will not give up on cleaner air and better public health. We have a legal and moral obligation." Read more: Trump's EPA puts California in its crosshairs with its proposed car rules Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not long after Trump's election, Newsom committed to restore funding for a state rebate program if Trump eliminated the federal tax credit. The previous state program, which ended in 2023, provided $1.49 billion in funding for more than 594,000 electric, hydrogen or plug-in hybrid vehicles, according to the state Air Resources Board. That offered thousands of consumers up to a $7,500 rebate for purchasing or leasing a new zero-emission vehicle or plug-in hybrid, and the initiative prevented drivers from burning more than 456 million gallons of fuel, according to estimates. A new round of state subsidies for zero-emission vehicles would likely require state lawmakers to introduce new legislation or to create a specific allocation for that purpose in California's budget bill next year. Daniel Villasenor, a spokesperson for Newsom's office, said the states cap-and-trade program the state's leading climate program that generates $4 billion annually could be the source of new zero-emission vehicle incentives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: As Trump's EPA reverses landmark climate policy, California could lead a resistance "The Governor and his team are reviewing the recommendations set forth in the report," Villasenor said. "As the Governor said when he signed the executive order, California will continue our world-leading transition to cleaner cars." Last year, more than 1.75 million new cars were sold in California; over 25% of those were zero-emission or plug-in hybrids, according to state data. As of June 30, about 900,000 cars have been sold in 2025, and 22.3% are zero-emission or plug-in hybrids. Tesla registered only 76,000 new cars statewide, well off its pace last year, when it sold around 200,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adrian Martinez, director of the nonprofit Earthjustice's "Right To Zero" campaign, said government subsidies are critical for California to not only meet its clean air and climate goals, but to also stay economically competitive. "It's smart for California to think about how they can [counteract] some of the reckless behavior of the federal government," Martinez said. "It's incredibly important right now, because there's huge environmental need for these zero emission vehicles. But there's also huge economic benefits from facilitating and advancing electric vehicles, including a lot of jobs in California." State officials have advised the governor's office to consider other financial inducements to zero-emission drivers, such as free or reduced costs to drive in lesser-congested toll lanes on California highways. Electric car owners, who are permitted to drive alone in carpool lanes with a state-issued decal, are poised to lose privileges on Sept. 30 without federal authorization. The report calls on the California Public Utilities Commission to explore financial incentives to make electric-vehicle charging less expensive as electricity prices have risen substantially. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also broadly proposes expanding and maintaining the state's electric-vehicle charging network, which has been plagued by broken charge ports, long wait times and too few stations. In addition, state officials stressed the need to lead by example. The state operates a fleet of more than 35,000 vehicles, and it is essential, the report says, that new vehicles purchased be zero-emissions. "One of the opportunities is whether or not the state fleet might be able to move even faster [than our requirements]," Randolph said. "I think it's a wonderful opportunity for state fleets to show how zero-emission vehicles can be deployed." Beyond incentives and demonstrating its own purchasing power, environmental advocates say, California and local regulators must continue to adopt innovative regulations within their own authority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta sued the federal government moments after Trump signed legislation that overturned California's auto emissions standards, including the Advanced Clean Cars II the regulation that would have banned the sale of new gas-only cars by 2035. Read more: Stakes are high for Californias signature climate program As Bonta continues to fight for the landmark rule, Newsom's executive order in June instructed the California Air Resources Board to begin drafting the state's next major regulation in the coming months: Advanced Clean Cars III. There aren't specifics, at this point, so it's unclear if it is intended to build on existing regulation or act as an alternative measure if Trump succeeds in defeating Advanced Clean Cars II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In either case, state officials are signaling that California does not intend to shelve its environmental agenda. "The world is accelerating forward toward cleaner vehicle technologies, and is going to watch the U.S. fade into the rearview mirror because this administration is choosing to quit the race," Randolph said. "This report shows California is still going to keep up the momentum." This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. As hundreds of federal law enforcement officers and National Guard troops descend on Washington as part of President Donald Trumps public display of force against crime in the nations capital, the president and his allies have increasingly directed their ire toward the citys juvenile crime laws. More than two weeks after a 19-year-old former DOGE staffer was allegedly assaulted in DC by a group of teens, the president suggested that decades of Democratic leadership in the district were to blame for a system that seems to let violent juvenile offenders off the hook. Youth arrests reached a post-pandemic high in 2023, before falling the following year, according to DC government statistics. But from January 2025 until the end of June, DC Metropolitan police had arrested juveniles at the highest rate in that time period since 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local youths and gang members, some only 14, 15, and 16-years-old, are randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent Citizens, at the same time knowing that they will be almost immediately released, Trump said on Truth Social earlier this month. The Law in DC must be changed to prosecute these minors as adults, and lock them up for a long time, starting at age 14. Trump and US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirros criticism of DCs juvenile justice system highlights a longstanding rift between the US attorneys office and that of the DC attorney general, which prosecutes juvenile offenses in the district. The districts current laws dont allow juvenile offenders younger than 15 to be prosecuted as adults in the vast majority of cases. But offenders under 18 can still end up in the adult justice system in one of two ways. Federal prosecutors from the DC US attorneys office can unilaterally charge 16 and 17-year-olds as adults when facing four of the most serious criminal charges on the books: murder, sexual assault, armed robbery, and assault with conspiracy to commit the three offenses. Alternatively, the districts attorney generals office which has jurisdiction over most juvenile crimes can petition a judge to charge juvenile offenders 15 and up as adults but must prove that the defendant lacks reasonable prospects for rehabilitation in the juvenile system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, a spokeswoman for the DC attorney generals office touted the offices prosecution rates for violent juvenile offenses, writing that the office prosecutes all serious and violent crimes committed by juveniles where we have the evidence required to do so, and we seek to hold young people accountable if they harm others. Pirro targeting three laws Trump ally Pirro, who was confirmed this month as US Attorney for DC, has targeted three laws to change or overturn. The top DC federal prosecutor last week attacked the districts 2018 Youth Rehabilitation Act, which was enacted to separate youth offenders from more mature, experienced offenders, citing the case of a 19-year-old who shot another Metrobus passenger and was sentenced to probation under the act. The law raised the upper age limit of juvenile offenders for sentencing purposes from 22 to 24 in 2018 and permits judges to seal convictions after offenders serve their sentences, except in cases of homicide and sexual abuse. Pirro similarly criticized the 2021 Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act, which lets all offenders convicted before age 25 to ask for a sentencing reduction after serving 15 years in prison. The law requires judges to evaluate 11 factors ranging from the defendants own childhood abuse history and mental health evaluations to victims statements in determining whether the petitioner poses a danger to any community member, and that the interests of justice warrant a sentence modification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know evil when I see it, no matter the age and the violence in DC committed by young people belongs in criminal court, not family court, Pirro said in a statement to CNN. Were not dealing with kids who need a pat on the back were dealing with a wave of brutal violence that demands a serious response. While others debate causes, families are burying loved ones, and the only way to stop this is to treat violent offenders like the criminals they are. She also claimed that the 2022 Second Chance Amendment Act allows for the stunning erasure of criminal convictions by allowing all defendants to move for certain criminal convictions to be sealed or expunged. Some criminal justice experts and local officials say that Trump and Pirros vision for DC is out-of-date and harkens back to the rhetoric of historic crime waves in the 1990s. Compared to their counterparts at the US attorneys office, the DC attorney generals office is much more grounded in research about what works and what doesnt work and about what is developmentally appropriate, said Eduardo Ferrer, an associate professor of law and policy director of the Juvenile Justice Initiative at Georgetown University. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im not prepared to just throw away the key on our young people, and most people are not, said DC Councilmember Christina Henderson, adding that she believes that attacks largely ignore the complexities of the citys justice system. I feel strongly that the district should be able to make that decision for themselves, because these are our kids. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Aug. 18 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Monday said he will sign an executive order banning mail-in ballots and "inaccurate" voting machines, five years after he claimed he lost the presidential election because of those voting methods. Trump has repeatedly said the 2020 election was "rigged," especially because of expanded mail-in voting options implemented during the coronavirus pandemic. Numerous lawsuits and audits told him otherwise: Joe Biden secured the most votes and the most in the Electoral College. "I am going to lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS, and also, while we're at it, Highly 'Inaccurate,' Very Expensive, and Seriously Controversial VOTING MACHINES, which cost Ten Times more than accurate and sophisticated Watermark Paper, which is faster, and leaves NO DOUBT, at the end of the evening, as to who WON, and who LOST, the Election," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Monday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He repeated these allegations in a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House. With mail-in voting, which is also known as absentee voting, registered residents receive a ballot with an option to mail it back, personally bring it to an election office or drop it into a secure drop-box. A young girl helps her mother deposit her ballot in a drop box for the 2020 general election at the Los Angeles County Registrar in Norwalk, Calif., on October 27, 2020. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI Trump has sometimes voted outside a polling site. He became a resident of Palm Beach in Florida in September 2019, after his legal residence was New York City. Florida has had some form of absentee voting since the Civil War. "WE WILL BEGIN THIS EFFORT, WHICH WILL BE STRONGLY OPPOSED BY THE DEMOCRATS BECAUSE THEY CHEAT AT LEVELS NEVER SEEN BEFORE, by signing an EXECUTIVE ORDER to help bring HONESTY to the 2026 Midterm Elections," he added in the social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Typically, more Democrats vote by mail. Mail-in ballots hit a record 43% in 2020, according to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. The 2024 election had a 30.3% rate. States' laws on voters' ability to obtain a ballot by mail vary. Trump also claimed: "We are now the only Country in the World that uses Mail-In Voting. All others gave it up because of the MASSIVE VOTER FRAUD ENCOUNTERED." Several other countries, including Canada, Britain, Germany, Australia and Switzerland, use mail-in voting, CNN reported. States have different rules on write-in ballots. Some require them to arrive on Election Day and others allow them to arrive days later. People voting overseas are allowed by federal law to have their postmarked ballots arrive within 10 days of the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In eight states, voting is allowed to be entirely done by mail: California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington state. Some other states allow certain elections only by mail. Besides these states, New Jersey, as well as the District of Columbia, mail ballots to all of those registered to vote, regardless of whether they asked for one. Trump has been critical of this. His order is likely to face court tests, especially because elections are run by states. Massachusetts District Judge Denise J. Casper blocked an executive order on ballots, saying Trump didn't have the authority to prevent states from counting mail-in ballots that are postmarked on Election Day but arrive afterward. She was appointed by President Barack Obama. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Trump said he has the authority. "Remember, the States are merely an 'agent' for the Federal Government in counting and tabulating the votes," he wrote. "They must do what the Federal Government, as represented by the President of the United States, tells them, FOR THE GOOD OF OUR COUNTRY, to do." Trump said Democrats are "virtually Unelectable with using this completely disproven Mail-In SCAM." "ELECTIONS CAN NEVER BE HONEST WITH MAIL IN BALLOTS/VOTING, and everybody, IN PARTICULAR THE DEMOCRATS, KNOWS THIS," Trump wrote. "I, AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, WILL FIGHT LIKE HELL TO BRING HONESTY AND INTEGRITY BACK TO OUR ELECTIONS." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added: "THE MAIL-IN BALLOT HOAX, USING VOTING MACHINES THAT ARE A COMPLETE AND TOTAL DISASTER, MUST END, NOW!!! REMEMBER, WITHOUT FAIR AND HONEST ELECTIONS, AND STRONG AND POWERFUL BORDERS, YOU DON'T HAVE EVEN A SEMBLANCE OF A COUNTRY." Newsmax on Monday agreed to pay $67 million to Dominion Voting Systems in a defamation suit against the conservative media company over its 2020 presidential election coverage. Paper ballots are scanned in electronically in some places, and others use machines with touchscreens or buttons. There is little voting fraud, experts say. "Our elections are more secure, transparent, and verified than ever before in American history, thanks to the thousands of professional election officials of both parties, at the state and local level, that oversee them," David Becker, founder and executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, a nonpartisan nonprofit, told CNN. 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. (Photo by 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. (Photo by 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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 over reliance on Social Security data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 Steward III, MIT political science professor 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. 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) This story was originally published by Stateline. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. 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. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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, recently. 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. A nameplate for Jena Griswold, secretary of state for Colorado, can be seen one from the top at left. 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 earlier this month 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Steve Simon, Minnesota Democratic secretary of state 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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 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 is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE 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. (Photo by 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. (Photo by 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. This story first appeared in Stateline, a sibling site of the Minnesota Reformer and part of the States Newsroom nonprofit news network. Stateline reporter Jonathan Shorman can be reached at jshorman@stateline.org. Washington President Trump is working to coordinate a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which would be the first face-to-face interaction between the two leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine more than three years ago. Asked about arranging the meeting on Tuesday, Mr. Trump said on Fox & Friends that he would let Putin and Zelenskyy meet first before getting involved himself, saying "they haven't been exactly best friends." "I hope President Putin is going to be good, and if he's not, that's going to be a rough situation," Mr. Trump said. He noted that he's hopeful Zelenskyy will "do what he has to do," saying he has to "show some flexibility also." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Budapest, Hungary, is among the locations being considered for possible meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, a source with knowledge of the planning told CBS News. Hungary has "expressed its openness and willingness to host the talks," as have a handful of other countries, the source said. Politico first reported that Budapest was under consideration to host the talks. The White House hopes to settle on a date and location for the meeting by the end of this week. German Chancellor Merz said Monday that the goal is for the meeting to take place within the next two weeks. Mr. Trump told talk radio host Mark Levin on Tuesday that he's aiming for direct Putin-Zelenskyy talks because he believes it would be better for the two leaders to start by meeting one-on-one, "just to see" what happens. After that, the U.S. president said he will meet with the Ukrainian and Russian leaders to "get it closed" if necessary, which he noted it "probably will be." Mr. Trump's efforts come one day after an extraordinary series of meetings at the White House between the U.S. president, Zelenskyy and European leaders. In a display of unity, Zelenskyy and the European leaders stressed the importance of security guarantees in a peace deal, which Mr. Trump said could come with U.S. coordination. He said Tuesday that no U.S. troops would be on the ground as part of a security guarantee, but has left the door open to U.S. air support. President Trump shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House on Aug. 18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. / Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images Attention has now turned to a possible summit between Putin and Zelenskyy. After Monday's meetings, Mr. Trump said he placed a call to Putin to set up the meeting, and he "picked it up very happily," despite the late hour in Russia. Mr. Trump called it a "very good call." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I told him that we're going to set up a meeting with President Zelenskyy, and you and he will meet, and then after that meeting, if everything works out OK, I'll meet and we'll wrap it up," Mr. Trump said. He added that it takes "two to tango," and that "they have to have somewhat of a relationship, otherwise, we're just wasting a lot of time." It is still unclear whether the bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy would be immediately followed by trilateral talks in the same location, or if Mr. Trump would make arrangements to participate in trilateral talks in a different city on another date after Putin and Zelenskyy have met. Zelenskyy told CBS News shortly after leaving the White House that a date had not been set to meet with Putin. In a post on X Tuesday, Zelenskyy called the talks in Washington "truly a significant step toward ending the war and ensuring the security of Ukraine and our people." "We are already working on the concrete content of the security guarantees," Zelenskyy said. "Today, we continue coordination at the level of leaders. There will be discussions, and we are preparing the relevant formats." A Russian spokesperson would only say that high-level talks would take place, but would not confirm that Putin would be involved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump, who met with Putin in Alaska last week, expressed urgency around the timing of the next meeting, suggesting that waiting too long would result in thousands of deaths. In what appeared to be a hot mic moment Monday, Mr. Trump told French President Emmanuel Macron that Putin "wants to make a deal for me." The president outlined on Fox that he has been surprised that Zelenskyy and Putin are "getting along a little bit better than I thought," adding that "they're the ones that have to call the shots." "We're going to find out about President Putin in the next couple of weeks, that I can tell you, and we're going to see where it all goes," Mr. Trump said. "It's possible that he doesn't want to make a deal." At the White House press briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Putin and Zelenskyy have "expressed a willingness to sit down with each other," and that "accommodations for that meeting are underway." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, security guarantees for Ukraine emerged as a key issue during Monday's meetings, with Zelenskyy calling them a "starting point towards ending the war." Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that the U.S. will work with European and other allies to provide security guarantees for Ukraine after the war, although he did not provide specifics. And Macron said discussions on what the U.S. is willing to provide could begin as soon as Tuesday. On the security guarantees, Mr. Trump said the European leaders are "willing to put people on the ground," and that "we're willing to help them with things, especially, probably if you could talk about by air because there's nobody has the kind of stuff we have." But the president added that "I don't think it's going to be a problem." "There will be some form of security," Mr. Trump said. "It can't be NATO, because that was a that's just not something that would ever, ever happen." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Leavitt outlined Mr. Trump's position Tuesday afternoon, saying "the president has definitely stated U.S. boots will not be on the ground in Ukraine, but we can certainly help in the coordination and perhaps provide other means of security guarantees to our European allies." "The president understands security guarantees are crucially important to secure a lasting peace and he has directed his national security team to coordinate with our friends in Europe," she added. Trump sounds off on potential security guarantees for Ukraine Video: Hurricane Erin seen from space Full Interview: Sen. Thom Tillis on Trump's D.C. takeover, Ukraine and the race to replace him When a New York appeals court heard arguments last year in Donald Trumps civil fraud appeal, I noted that while the hearing couldve gone worse for Trump and better for New York Attorney Letitia James, one can never be sure from oral argument what the precise ruling will be. Nearly a year later, it appears that the court itself is still unsure. Thats evident from the fact that the court is yet to rule on Trumps challenge to the staggering nine-figure ruling against his family business that James secured last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But an interesting report on the unusual delay from The Wall Street Journal adds intrigue to the matter. Citing unnamed sources in a report that hasnt been confirmed by MSNBC, it said that members of the five-justice appellate panel have been divided, and three of them have been writing opinions. The report doesnt detail the substance of those opinions or what type of opinions they are. There could be a three-justice majority thats firmly established for one side or the other, while two other justices are writing their own dissents or concurring opinions to the draft majority opinion. That doesnt mean there will be three opinions published when the case is finally decided, as the Journal noted, because jurists can change their positions during the drafting process. At any rate, getting any behind-the-scenes reporting about a pending judicial decision is notable certainly in a case of this importance. As a reminder of what the legal debate is all about, I wrote in connection with last years hearing, Part of the issue boils down to how broadly James used a state law to go after Trump and his civil co-defendants for fraud in financial dealings, given that it wasnt a case where victims were conned and then complained to the government about it. Put differently, the question is how broadly that law, Executive Law 63(12), can reach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courts impending decision carries implications for the future of business and legal proceedings in the state beyond Trump. It also serves as a reminder that, although his 2024 election victory quashed his federal criminal cases, the president has several pending personal legal disputes, including another appeal challenging his hush money conviction in New York. Meanwhile, Trumps Justice Department is investigating James personally in response to her pursuit of Trump in court prior to his election. However the Appellate Division rules in Trumps civil fraud case, it wont necessarily be the final word. The Appellate Division is the states intermediate appeals court, and the losing side can try to reverse their loss in the states highest court, the Court of Appeals. Even that might not end the case, because the ultimate losing side in state court might try to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. But first the case needs to clear this intermediate step. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the Supreme Court and developments in the Trump administrations legal cases. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com (Photo illustration by Diana Ramirez / De Los; photos by Alex Brandon / Associated Press, Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) As the Trump administration continues to target the undocumented community and urge them to self-deport, some U.S. citizens have considered leaving the country themselves. Earlier this summer, Julie Ear dropped off her mother at the Tijuana airport to self-deport. She documented the tearful departure in a TikTok video, which has since reached over 9.3 million views and garnered thousands of sympathetic comments. With my moms complicated legal status, she decided to [self-deport] on her own terms, Ear says in the clip. At the time of the video's publication, ICE raids were spreading across Southern California, her mothers home for the past 36 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the Trump administration rolled out its multimillion-dollar ad campaign warning undocumented individuals to self-deport or face the consequences of deportation. This strategy is part of Trumps pledge to deport 1 million unauthorized immigrants per year, which has also offered individuals $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport . While much of Trumps campaign was focused on undocumented immigrants who had committed violent crimes, it has now shifted its focus to anyone residing in the U.S. without legal authorization (which is still considered a civil violation). In some cases, the Trump administration has also targeted those with DACA protection , whom they have urged to self-deport as well. She has no criminal record, shes a hard-working taxpayer who has been working 12 hour shifts since she was 15, six days out of the week, says Ear of her mother in the video. She never asked for a handout, she didnt get food stamps, she didnt get welfare. This campaign has triggered many in the immigrant community to leave their families and homes in the U.S. and return to their countries of origin. But it also strikes fear in those born to immigrants in the U.S., especially as the future of birthright citizenship remains in limbo . Are we even safe as American citizens? asks Ear in an interview with The Times citing instances in which U.S. citizens have been taken into ICE custody. Even though we were born here, we dont know if were gonna be safe long term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ear says many of her friends, concerned for their quality of life in the U.S., are now looking to obtain dual citizenship and buy property abroad, especially as the average home price in Southern California has climbed to $875,128 while the hourly minimum wage in Los Angeles remains at $17.28 . My friends are having meetings with council members, the mayor, talking about what laws we can pass to protect the Latino community in L.A., said Ear. Then I also have those friends that are thinking of buying land and houses out there [in Mexico], and getting their dual citizenship. Nicole Macias, a longtime Angeleno whose family owns a legacy business on the Olvera Street strip, applied for dual Mexican citizenship last year through Doble Nacionalidad Express , a law firm specializing in helping individuals obtain dual citizenship. Macias has since turned to social media to educate others about the dual citizenship process. "The political climate right now in Los Angeles is really crazy. A lot of people just feel unsafe," Macias told The Times. "A lot of people are turning back to this idea of being able to go back to Mexico and have an easier lifestyle." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it isn't just U.S.-born Latinos who are seeking refuge in other countries. A record number of 1,931 Americans applied for British citizenship between January and March, according to stats by the U.K. government a 12% jump from the previous 2024 quarter. Some Canadian lawyers also noticed an uptick in Americans seeking Canadian citizenship in recent months, with many stating that they are fearful of the political uncertainty in the U.S. A survey conducted by Expatsi, a travel company for expats, found that of the 116,000 Americans surveyed, more than half were motivated by political divisions in the country. I think a lot of people are turning [to] dual citizenship and leaving the States because it's probably a safer option, says Macias. This [is] people's plan B for their future and for their safety and the safety of their families. Get our Latinx Files newsletter for stories that capture the complexity of our communities. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., on Monday, there was much interest in what the visit would signal for the future of the U.S.-Ukraine relations amid Russias ongoing invasion. The two leaders greeted each other, posed for photos in front of the White House and answered questions from reporters in the Oval Office. As cameras captured the leaders interactions, the words they spoke werent the only part of the story. Body language experts say Trumps physical gestures, postures and touch revealed a complicated power dynamic one that often put Zelenskyy on the defensive. Many of Trumps gestures were a way to assert control and dominance, experts say. One of the more notable moments for body language experts was when Trump pumped his fist as Zelenskyy arrived at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It starts out with Trump giving his power fist, said Traci Brown, an author and body language expert. Hes planning on being in full control. Hes very cordial to Zelenskyy, complimenting his suit but sticking his hands way too close into Zelenskyys space with his palm almost under his chin. This is a sign of control. Related: Right-Wingers Are Posting White Sororities To Own The Libs. But There's 1 Embarrassing Problem. The fist pump is a symbolic punching motion, according to Patti Wood, a body language and nonverbal communication expert and author of SNAP: Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language, and Charisma. Subconsciously, what that means is he feels like hes in for a fight, and he has to defend himself, she said. Its an example of whats called a symbolic weapon. And because its the first thing he does in response to this meeting, that makes it much more powerful. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later in the day, while joined by Zelenskyy and other world leaders, Trump gestured toward a painting of himself pumping his fist following his assassination attempt in 2024. Beyond the fist pump, there were other control-asserting gestures on display. Brown pointed to the way Trump pulled Zelenskyy toward him. This is an unconscious show that Trump can move him around, she said. Zelenskyy sways but doesnt move his feet preferring to keep his independence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited at the White House before a meeting with European leaders to discuss ending the war with Russia on Monday, August 18, 2025. Tom Williams via Getty Images Other experts said Trumps touch crossed into condescension. Trump is manhandling the president of a country. Hes got a hold of him and is doing these really minimizing actions with Zelenskyy, said Denise M. Dudley, a psychologist and author of Making Relationships Last. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noting that the Ukrainian president is physically smaller than Trump, she said she believes a more socially sophisticated person in this position would avoid taking actions that emphasize the diminutive qualities of the person theyre talking to. But Trump is just going for it, Dudley added. Hes putting his hand on top of his shoulder. Hes putting his arm around him in a very patronizing way, as if to say, Youre not on my level. I can usher you in like youre my date to the prom. Hes not treating him like an equal. Related: Poli Sci Experts Predict How Gavin Newsom's Brutal Mockery Of Trump And MAGA Will Resonate Wood similarly saw these gestures as belittling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The way Trump brings his arm up and around the shoulder, back and neck of Zelenskyy and pulls him in is kind of like a dad telling a kid you better behave, she said. The suit interaction sent mixed signals. Another telling moment came when the topic of Zelenskyys suit came up a wardrobe choice that was notable given the previous criticism of the Ukrainian presidents choice of clothing by conservatives. Brian Glenn of right-wing outlet Real Americas Voice who had chided Zelenskyy for wearing his usual military-style attire instead of a formal suit during his February visit told the foreign leader, You look fabulous in that suit. Trump expressed his agreement with that sentiment. Trump does touch Zelenskyy when referring to the suit, Brown said. This is a way to connect and also seems like hes showing Zelenskyy off in pride but belittling him just a touch with his tone when he says, I said the same thing. Considering that last time Zelenskyy showed up in more casual attire, Trump now has proof that he has control. People took particular note of the interaction about Zelenskyy's attire for his White House visit. Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images Dudley similarly observed how Trumps gestures reinforced the unequal footing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He comments on his suit, and you see Trump hold his hand out, palm up. Its kind of a look at you, she explained. I think of it like if I went to see my dad and looked nice. He might be like, Oh, honey, look at you. Its the kind of thing you dont do with another president Look at you. Love the outfit. Related: Peeing In A Pool Is Gross, But Is It Really All That Bad? Here's What Science Says. Still, not all of Trumps behavior fell neatly into a controlling frame. Dudley pointed out that the former president seemed to share a rare moment of levity with Zelenskyy after the Ukrainian presidents hilariously snarky response to Glenns comment. I will say, it looks like Trump genuinely laughs, Dudley said. I think he actually laughed at a comment about the suit. Generally, Trump is not somebody who genuinely laughs hes usually so singularly focused on putting on the Trump show. But here, with Zelenskyy, he let out a real laugh. I think thats interesting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other gestures struck a more neutral or even conciliatory tone, according to communication and body language expert Karen Donaldson. President Trump did the hand steeple in fact, a low steeple where his fingers are pointing down, which is a sign of self-assuredness, self-confidence and that hes comfortable in this space, she said. The lower the steeple signifies more thoughtfulness, the higher the steeple represents more authority. She also believes his earlier fist pumping was more a signal of solidarity than control and that the way he greeted him with his palms up showed a willingness to be open and honest. Zelenskyys body language also said a lot. Zelenskyys body language, meanwhile, revealed both resistance and composure in the face of Trumps physical assertiveness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We witness President Zelenskyy placing his hand on top of the President Trumps hand during the latter part of the handshake, Donaldson said. Is it a cultural norm? No. When someone places their hand on top of another is during a handshake its a subtle way to exert dominance over the other person. Experts say Zelenskyys body language revealed both resistance and composure in the face of Trumps physical assertiveness. MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images Wood observed a similar sense of pushback, noting that Zelenskyy responded to Trumps tendency to pull people into him in his handshakes. So Zelenskyy took his left arm and hand and went into whats called a top-down position, where hes holding Trumps hand down as if to say, No, Im going to battle with you. Youre not going to pull me in and think youve won, Wood said. He keeps holding it, and Trump continues to tug, pulling them both close to his chest. You can see Zelenskyy pulled slightly off balance, but he maintains that top-down grip. Its a continued battle. While taking questions from the press in the Oval Office, both leaders also sat forward in their chairs, a posture Donaldson described as a stance that signals preparedness and a readiness to engage in whats to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even in these tense dynamics, Zelenskyy projected a measure of calm. President Zelenskyy has his hands clasped, with his fingers loosely interlaced, Donaldson said. In respect to the context of sitting down, his fingers are loosely interlaced, which signals more comfort than discomfort. However, we often interlace our own fingers to feel more secure in a situation its a form of self-soothing. Related: American Eagle's Crystal-Clear Defense Of Controversial Sydney Sweeney Ads Signals A Lot Taken together, the exchanges showed just how much was communicated without words. Trumps handshakes, fist pumps and touches broadcast confidence and dominance, often veering into condescension. But Zelenskyys small acts of resistance with steady footing, controlled hand placement, and composed posture signaled that he was willing to stand his ground. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Earlier this month, President Donald Trump took control of the police in Washington, D.C. On August 11, Trump declared a "crime emergency" in D.C., ordering "operational control of the Metropolitan Police Department" (MPD) to be "delegated to the Attorney General." He also authorized the deployment of National Guard troops and other federal law enforcement officers throughout the district. Ever since, federal authorities have been out in force, rounding up suspected criminals as well as motorbikes. The takeover was nominally meant to protect D.C. residents from violent criminals run amok. But is that actually happening? Or are authorities just rounding people up for possessing drugs and handguns without the government's permission? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The evening of August 11, the White House posted an update. "Multi-agency task forces are hitting the streets of Washington, D.C., cleaning up crime and keeping our neighborhoods SAFE," the post claimed. "In just ONE NIGHT," agents "arrested 37 criminals," "seized 11 illegal firearms," and "issued 4 narcotic charges." In a thread, the White House showed photos of numerous arrestees and listed charges such as "failure to appear for trial on an assault offense," "carrying a pistol without a license," and "possession with intent to distribute." "There have been over 380 total arrests since the start of the operation on Thursday, August 7," a White House official told Reason on Monday. In the process, "59 firearms have been seized" and "over 160 illegal aliens have been arrested, including known gang members and those with additional charges: assault, kidnapping, burglary, larceny, commercialized sexual offenses, smuggling illegal drugs like heroin, and more." The official added that on Sunday night alone, "there were a total of 69 arrests" and "6 illegal firearms were seized." There were also arrests for carrying a pistol without a license, driving under the influence, possession with intent to distribute, and "possession of a prohibited weapon12" knife." Agents also nabbed four people who had arrest warrants for misdemeanor offenses. This was the result, the official noted, of "22 multi-agency teams" deployed throughout the entire city, encompassing "over 1,950 participants." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president deployed nearly 2,000 law enforcement officers into a city supposedly teeming with criminals. And yet the effort netted some 380 arrests in 10 days, and many of the charges the administration has bragged about are for low-level nonviolent offenses, such as possession of narcotics or carrying a pistol without a license. "Congrats on cracking down on crime, butcarrying a pistol without a license isn't a crime, it's a constitutionally protected right," Rep. Thomas Massie (RKy.) wrote in posts on X. "In high crime areas like DC, people rely on their right to keep and bear arms to keep them safe. I do." Granted, misdemeanor assaults and driving under the influence should not be dismissed. And while Trump has a history of rounding up supposedly hardened criminal migrants with no criminal records, it's possible some of the "over 160 illegal aliens" arrested in D.C. really are "known gang members" or have committed "assault, kidnapping, burglary, larceny," and more. But many of the charges hardly merit the involvement of a multiagency federal task force funneling hundreds of agents into the city. Not to mention, the agents being funneled into the capital are not the best equipped to handle the task at hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Federal agents assigned to patrol Washington as part of the federal takeover of the US capital are taking on duties that fall outside their usual jobs, provoking consternation that they've been diverted from work they were trained for to tasks they've never done," wrote Bloomberg's Myles Miller. "National Guard troops are generally not trained in local policing or de-escalation and should never be used for federal immigration purposes," added the American Civil Liberties Union. "President Trump has also ordered FBI personnel and other federal officers, who similarly are not trained for local policing, to patrol the city." Nevertheless, the Republican governors of Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia all agreed to deploy up to 750 of their own National Guard troops to D.C. "I'm all for cracking down on crime in DC," Massie wrote, "but arresting law abiding citizens and confiscating their firearms solely because they don't have government paperwork will not ultimately improve public safety. 29 states have proven this by recognizing permitless-carry." The post Trump's Ineffective D.C. Crackdown: Nearly 2,000 Officers Made Fewer Than 400 Arrests in 10 Days appeared first on Reason.com. President Donald Trump is not the first prominent American politician to demand that the federal government take partial control of Intel and other manufacturers of advanced computer chips. But it might surprise you to learn whose idea he has embraced. During debate over the CHIPS and Science Act, the 2022 bill that ultimately delivered $52 billion in subsidies to chipmakers, Sen. Bernie Sanders (IVt.) floated the very same idea that Trump is now pursuing: that the government ought to have a stake in those companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a July 2022 statement, Sanders explained that he was opposed to the CHIPS Act, which he viewed as a "bribe" being paid to tremendously wealthy companies that had no need for a government handout. (On that point, he was not wrong.) Sanders, like Trump, said he viewed the chip companies as being essential to national security. But he refused to vote for the bill unless the subsidies came with some serious strings attached. Among them: "Companies must agree to issue warrants or equity stakes to the federal government." His demands were not met, and Sanders ultimately voted against the bill. It passed anyway. Now the Trump administration is effectively doing what Sanders wantedbut without congressional authorization. The Trump administration is seeking a 10 percent stake in Intel, Bloomberg reported this week, which would involve converting some or all of the company's CHIPS Act grants into equity in the company. The exact terms of the deal remain unclear, but Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the plan on Tuesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We should get an equity stake for our money, so we'll deliver the money which was already committed under the Biden administration," Lutnick told CNBC. He promised to "get a good return for the American taxpayer." The first part could have come directly from Sanders' communications team, but the second part is even more dubious. Turning Intel into the chipmaking equivalent of Amtrak is unlikely to be good news for American taxpayers or the company itself. Once the government has a stake in Intel, politicians will have a strong incentive to keep propping it up via whatever means necessaryand no matter the costs to consumers or other competitors that might do the job better. Trump's plan is just as foolish as Sanders', but the president has done a remarkable job of getting Republicans to ignore the socialist impulses that have crept into conservative politics. This business with Intel is just the latest example of that trend. It is, as Reason's Joe Lancaster put it last week, "an enormous overreach of presidential authority, completely ignoring any considerations about the proper role of government." If the far right and far left are going to agree that the federal government should get to take over any business that it deems essential for national security, then the American economy desperately needs a political alternative that recognizes those terrible ideas for what they are. The post Trump's Plans for Intel Take a Page From Bernie Sanders' Playbook appeared first on Reason.com. (City of Busan) The Busan Cinema Center has been selected as the host venue for the 2026 KoCACA Art Festival, Koreas largest performing arts exchange event, the Korea Arts & Culture Centers Association (KOCACA) announced last week. The festival, which began in 2006 as the Jeju Haebeach Art Festival, brings together more than 220 arts centers and performing arts groups nationwide to promote collaboration and strengthen the distribution of performing arts. After moving from Jeju to Gimhae in 2024 and Sejong earlier this year, the festival will now be held in Busan from June 8 to 11, 2026. Busan Cinema Center officials said they plan to expand festival programs with art markets, showcases, forums, fringe performances, and collaborations with the Busan Performing Arts Market to improve international reach. The event is expected to draw about 10,000 participants, generating a significant economic impact for the city. The center secured hosting rights over Daegu after emphasizing its year-round indoor and outdoor performance facilities and proximity to cultural and tourism infrastructure. By Arriana McLymore, Jayla Whitfield-Anderson and Julio-Cesar Chavez PHILADELPHIA/ SMYRNA, Georgia (Reuters) -Earlier this summer, Dajiah Blackshear-Calloway, 34, started to notice that her regular clients weren't visiting her hair salon as often as they used to. The salon, in Smyrna, Georgia, houses two stylists and offers dozens of services that range from $50 natural hairstyles to $745 tape-in weave extensions. Her most popular services are $254 sew-ins, where human hair extensions are woven into braids, and $125 quick weaves, where human or synthetic hair is styled and then glued to a stocking cap. But the prices of hair extensions and hair glues used to create wigs and weaves have gone up exponentially after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a series of different tariffs on China and Vietnam, where the majority of Black beauty products are made. The price of a package of hair imported from Vietnam has gone up to $290 from $190 since May. A bottle of hair glue, imported from China, has gone up from $8 a bottle to $14.99 at her local beauty supply store. Were being impacted at every level, Blackshear-Calloway said. Im either having to eat that cost or pass that expense along to my clients, which affects their budgets and their pockets as well. To avoid passing on rising costs, Blackshear-Calloway is asking her clients to bring their own hair to their appointments. Now her salon is offering a quick weave service without hair for $140, but with hair the price is $400, according to her booking website. She's also struggling to get products since her wholesaler is delaying shipments as tariff rates fluctuate. Kadidja Dosso, 30, owner of Dosso Beauty, which sells hypoallergenic braiding hair, as well as The Dosso Hair Salon in Philadelphia, has also faced delayed shipments on imports from China. She waited over a month to get $50,000 worth of China-made braiding hair via air freight at John F. Kennedy Airport in June, when U.S. President Donald Trump announced 145% tariffs on the country over confusion over what tariff should apply. "We have to provide more specifics of the products - exact materials, the product use - for it to clear customs," Dosso said. "Part of the issue was that the same language that we've been using for years wasn't descriptive enough." She wants to avoid raising prices on her $13 packets of hair which customers typically buy at least five at a time to complete one hairstyle. HIGHER COSTS Tariffs are disproportionately impacting Black business owners like Blackshear-Calloway and Dosso, said Andre Perry, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) A new airport could be coming to Bryan County in the near future, but many residents said they dont support it. Monday was the first meeting of the Bryan County Airport Authority in Richmond Hill, and it was the first opportunity for locals to air their concerns about the possibility of a new airport in their backyard. I do not understand why we are going forward with new projects when we have not fixed current infrastructure problems we have, i.e. drainage problems, flooding problems, Bryan County resident Cynthia said during the public comment portion of the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost all who gave public comment at the meeting said theyre against the project, putting the board on defense at their very first meeting. I think that the city and anyone responsible for this has not made any real effort to be in touch with us, Bryan County resident Gloria said. Some questioned who will really benefit from an airport. Obviously most people in Bryan County dont own an aircraft. Bryan County as whole, I think the report said there were about 35 people, Corey Foreman, who lives in Bryan County and is running to represent Georgias State Senate District 1, said. We have 45 almost 50,000 residents within Bryan County. So, 35 people doesnt justify the greater good for everybody. Still, some argued the impact on residents would be minimal because the airport will cater mostly to private planes, emergency landings for the military, and medical aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Man indicted in 14-year-old Candler County cold case I do think theres a significant divide between the local publics understanding and what the facts are, Bryan County resident and aircraft owner Brian Leftwich said. If the local public saw the number of aircraft, the amount of traffic, they would have a change of mind. Bryan County Airport Authority members emphasized that the project is not expected to be any additional cost to taxpayers. The FAA formula lays out 90% federal, 5% state, 5% local, and the local entity is the airport authority in this case, Chair of the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport Authority Trip Addison said in reference to how the airport would be funded. The purpose of todays meeting was clearly laid out in the legislation to be organizational. It wasnt to conduct a whole bunch of business. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the meeting, though, many members of the public remained skeptical. I feel like theyre trying to shove this through, and were just really not about that, Bryan County resident Julie Pecenka said. According to the board, there will be additional opportunities for residents to give public comment at upcoming meetings. However, ultimately the airport authority will have final say on the project. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Fidan and Rubio spoke on ceasefire efforts in Gaza, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source said, adding Fidan had called for an immediate truce in Gaza and unhindered access to humanitarian aid. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, in a phone call on Tuesday on a number of Middle Eastern issues. Fidan and Rubio spoke on ceasefire efforts in Gaza, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source said, adding Fidan had called for an immediate truce in Gaza and unhindered access to humanitarian aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two also discussed their continued support for peace and stability in Syria, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Iran's nuclear program was also among the topics discussed between the two. They also discussed potential steps to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The source added that the two discussed the outcomes of talks between the US and Russian presidents in Alaska and a meeting in Washington involving European leaders, Ukraine, and the United States. Turkish minister said Muslim nations must act against Israeli plans to take Gaza City Fidan said earlier this month that Muslim nations "must act in unison and rally international opposition against Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City." Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends an interview with Reuters, in Brussels, Belgium April 4, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/YVES HERMAN) The Turkish minister made the statement after talks with Egypt, with both countries condemning the Israeli plan. Ankara has said it marked a new phase in what it called Israel's "genocidal and expansionist policies," while calling for global measures to stop the plan's implementation. EXCLUSIVE: Channel 4, Disney, and Amazon are among the television giants declining to pay annual fees to the UK industrys new independent bullying and harassment complaints body, Deadline can reveal. As executives gather in Scotland for the Edinburgh TV Festival, sources said there is growing uncertainty over whether the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (now commonly known by its CIISA acronym) can be sustained by voluntary contributions, with the body planning to be clearer about funding refuseniks as it bids to secure its future. More from Deadline Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deadline hears that others yet to pay annual fees include All3Media, Fremantle, and Banijay. Netflix and Paramount-owned Channel 5 declined to confirm whether they are providing ongoing financial support to CIISA, raising questions about their commitment to the body. The BBC, ITV, Sky, Warner Bros. Discovery, BAFTA, and union Bectu have all pledged to make annual payments. Hundreds of other creative industry organizations have also signed up, including the Royal Albert Hall and Royal Shakespeare Company. The idea of an independent misconduct authority has been kicked around by the industry since the Noel Clarke scandal four years ago, but its existence has become more pressing amid a string of power abuse crises involving the likes of MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace and ITV chef Gino DAcampo. Both denied wrongdoing. The BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and Sky helped fund CIISAs startup costs in 2022, but as the body begins work, it will rely on annual fees to fund its operating overheads, which will be 2M ($2.7M) next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CIISA is asking stakeholders across TV, film, theater, and music to make annual contributions contingent on their annual revenue. Those with sales of more than 500M have been asked to pay 50,000 into CIISA, while the lowest contribution can be discretionary for companies with revenues of less than 250,000. Keira Knightley and Emerald Fennell are among the stars who have helped CIISA appeal for regular contributions. Channel 4s reluctance to pay ongoing annual fees has raised eyebrows, given its position as a publicly-owned broadcaster with a zero tolerance approach to unacceptable behavior following scandals involving stars such as Russell Brand. One person claimed Channel 4 had been very difficult about coughing up the cash for future operations, though it has contributed in the past. Asked why it is not funding CIISA annually, a spokesperson said: Channel 4 was an early supporter of CIISA and we have committed to their industry-wide standards. We have made substantial contributions to CIISA over the last two years and are actively engaging with them most notably focusing on putting in place the appropriate remit, structures, and services to ensure their effectiveness as we are keen to support them in building their success. Disney, Amazon Prime Video, All3Media, Fremantle, and Banijay declined to comment. The position of these companies is that they remain in constructive conversation with CIISA as they seek clarity on how funding will be used. Warm Words Not Enough In a letter to UK Parliaments Culture, Media and Sport Committee this year, CIISA CEO Jen Smith was unsparing about the financial uncertainty. She said voluntary contributions are taking much longer than expected, are rapidly becoming unfit for purpose, and that the body cannot survive on goodwill alone. Warm words must be translated into long-term financial commitments, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CIISA has declined to name and shame individual companies, but the organization is changing tack in the coming weeks. Nazir Afzal, a CIISA board member and former prosecutor, said the body will actively publish its funding partners, effectively revealing non-funders by omission. He compared the model, which is still being finalized, to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UKs financial services regulator. If youre looking for a loan or mortgage and your [lender] is not on the FCA website, youre playing with fire, he told Deadline. Theres a strong case for saying that if your [employer] is not on the CIISA list, then the environment they have is not as safe as it could be. It is not clear whether this will be enough to overcome reservations. Sources at companies that have declined to back CIISA financially have questioned what the money is being spent on. There are also concerns that CIISAs work is duplicative of standards already in place across the industry. Writing guidance doesnt represent value for money, said one skeptic. We would like more clarity over CIISAs long-term remit, its mediation and investigative functions. Afzal acknowledged the concerns and said CIISA is consistently addressing industry questions. He stressed that the bodys operating functions are lean (it doesnt even have its own office space) and that it will publish accounts to boost transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But CIISA is yet to deliver on its central pledge to launch a misconduct reporting service, with the complaints hotline not now expected until next year at the earliest. Eagerly awaited by freelancers, Afzal said CIISA will find the funding to deliver the service, even if it is unable to convert the likes of Amazon into fee-paying partners. Lisa Nandy Whether the reporting service can be maintained in the long term under a voluntary funding model is unclear. CIISA has held talks with the government about introducing a mandatory levy, as well as making funding contributions a conditional part of accessing tax breaks. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy is considering these proposals, even if Afzal considers them a last resort. A staunch supporter of CIISA, Nandy said in December that she was astonished to discover Banijay was not funding the body following the MasterChef misconduct scandal that led to hosts Wallace and John Torode being fired. A Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport spokesperson said: We are looking at ways to ensure that CIISA has proper buy-in and support from across the sector. We are pleased that organisations including Sky, Warner Bros. Discovery and the BBC have taken a strong stand, with the BBC announcing that they expect production companies working with them to support the CIISA standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ITV has taken the same step as the BBC and told Deadline it was a proud ongoing financial supporter of CIISA. Lack of Support Ludicrous Philippa Childs, head of TV industry union Bectu, said it was ludicrous that large companies were not making annual payments to CIISA. These contributions are small change to the companies, but vitally important for workers and the reputation of the industry as a whole. Existing reporting mechanisms are not working, and industry heavyweights like these need to put their money where their mouth is if they want to achieve lasting change, she told Deadline. The only conclusion one can draw from organizations refusal to sign up, is that they want to continue to be able to protect talent at the expense of the hard-working freelancers whose skills are crucial to the creative industries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Afzal added: We are here working with all these institutions to deal with decency deficit, to attack the trust deficit and, ultimately, to plug the accountability gap. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Bahamian authorities are investigating after two American cruise passengers died in separate drowning incidents Friday at Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Lines new private destination on the southern coast of Grand Bahama Island. Police said a 79-year-old man became unresponsive while snorkeling at the beach, while a 74-year-old woman lost consciousness in a pool. Both were pulled from the water by lifeguards and given medical assistance but could not be revived. In a statement to Eyewitness News, Carnival said, We are saddened by the loss of our guests. We have trained lifeguards and medical professionals who respond promptly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the victims had been sailing aboard Carnivals Mardi Gras out of Port Canaveral, while the other was a passenger on the Carnival Elation. Despite the incidents, some travelers told Eyewitness News they still feel confident about visiting Celebration Key. Also, cruise industry expert Stewart Chiron noted that medical situations are not uncommon at sea. These are floating cities, and people do experience medical emergencies, he told ABC. Royal Bahamas Police said autopsies will be conducted to determine the exact causes of death. Celebration Key opened to the public on July 19th, 2025. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. NEWKIRK, Okla. (KFOR) A woman was allegedly kidnapped from an Oklahoma casino and sexually assaulted. She was found by police overnight on Sunday in Arkansas City, Kansas. According to the Arkansas City Police Department, officers responded to a reported kidnapping just before 1:20 a.m. on Sunday, August 17. When police located the reported vehicle involved in the kidnapping, they found two male occupants and one female. She told the officers that she had been taken against her will from the First Council Casino in Newkirk, Oklahoma, and she had been sexually assaulted by both males. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was treated on scene by the Arkansas City Fire and EMS Department before being transported to a nearby hospital. Died protecting others: Security guard killed after man opens fire in Enid hospital The suspects, 35-year-old Luis Miguel Dominguez of Arkansas City, and 24-year-old Jose Fernando-Lux Morales, also of Arkansas City, were arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping. Luis Miguel Dominquez. Image courtesy, Cowley County Jail. Jose Fernando-Lux Morales. Image courtesy, Cowley County Jail. Morales is being charged with aggravated kidnapping and is being held on a $500,000 bond. Dominguez was charged with rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, and aggravated kidnapping. He is being held on a $1,000,000 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to officials, Dominguez is also on immigration hold for the Department of Homeland Security. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Rep. Cristina Parajon (left) and Sen. Harold Pope (right) on Aug. 18 resigned from the New Mexico Redistricting Task Force. (Photos by Austin Fisher and Danielle Prokop / Collage by Julia Goldberg) Pointing to a national arms race around redrawing the maps used to elect members of Congress, two New Mexico lawmakers on Monday resigned from a task force devoted to reforming how the states political maps are made. Rep. Cristina Parajon and Sen. Harold Pope, both Albuquerque Democrats, on Monday resigned from the New Mexico Redistricting Task Force, an independent group convened by Fair Districts for New Mexico, which is affiliated with the nonpartisan advocacy group League of Women Voters New Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The task force met for the first time earlier this month and its second meeting is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Organizers have said the task forces major focus will be resuming a push to create an independent redistricting commission and divest lawmakers authority in redrawing political maps. That goal comes alongside heightened national attention to gerrymandering, in which officials redraw political maps to benefit specific candidates and parties. Efforts by Republican lawmakers in Texas to redistrict mid-decade versus at the typical start of the decade has sparked redistricting battles in other states, States Newsroom reports. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham hosted Democratic members of the Texas House of Representatives last month as they sought support from governors across the country. In their resignation letters on Monday, Pope and Parajon both cited the national redistricting controversy as the reason for their departures. Its not right to move forward with state-level independent redistricting without action at the national level, Parajon wrote. She expanded on that thought in an interview with Source, noting that, If New Mexico were to reform in isolation, while other states continue to manipulate their maps, then our voters are losing their voice at the Congressional level on issues that affect them every single day. She said she would like to see the state Constitution amended to make redistricting independent, and believes the rest of the task force feels the same way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pope told Source NM that his departure has nothing to do with the task force itself. Its not the board; their intentions, I think, are to do the right thing, Pope said in an interview Tuesday. But I felt that I cant be part of this with whats going on. Task Force Co-Chair Rod Kennedy, a former New Mexico Court of Appeals judge and Republican turned Independent, told Source that hes disappointed in the lawmakers decision to leave and wishes they had a better reason for doing so. When things outside of redistricting in New Mexico are used as an excuse to say I cant talk about it here, then is it a matter of party over principle? I dont know, Kennedy said in an interview. We just lost two bright, young, talented people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy said the task force will look to replace Parajon and Pope and offer their seats to Democrats in order to reestablish parity between the two major parties. Sen. Jay Block (R-Rio Rancho), one of the four remaining Republican elected officials on the task force, told Source that he thinks Pope and Parajons resignations are hypocritical because the Democratic majority in the Legislature did not entirely follow the Citizen Redistricting Committees recommendations the last time it redrew the states maps in 2021. No one believes these Democrats, especially when they cant even speak up when the shoe is on the other foot, Block said in an interview Tuesday. Give me a break. Kennedy said while Pope and Parajon mention Republicans gerrymandering in Texas and Ohio in their resignation letters, they dont mention that the Democrats in California and New York are also preparing to do the same thing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres four states that are showing that the principles of fair districts are, in a sense, more important than ever, he said. Its a double standard to say, We want fair districts only so long as were in the majority and we dont have to worry about it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) Several restaurant owners in St. Joseph are cleaning up after two fires caused significant damages to their businesses. The first one happened at Rochs Place on Saint Josephs Main Street in the middle of the afternoon. The second fire was just steps away at El Toro. St. Joseph fire with heavy smoke under investigation Both owners said that theyre focused on moving forward. Roche Cain, one of the owners at Rochs Place knew everything inside the building was fixable, but people are not. So, he, along with the other owners, are grateful everyone is okay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was overwhelming at first, Cain said. It was a little after 3 p.m. when the fire ignited at Rochs Place on Sunday. Cain recalled what happened when he got the call. I hurried up there and, we only live a couple miles away, I could see the smoke from there, Cain said. We had a one-man-band playing and the smoke started barreling out of the back room, so obviously he quit and everybody got out as fast as possible. St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District responded quickly after. Chief Josh Reese said 12 other crews came to help as well. Storm swipes away barn roof in Homer I understand it was around a 105 degree heat index yesterday, and thats warm we put on bunker gear, air packs, and stuff, that makes it warmer, then, youre going into the fire, Reese said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All while they were working to put out the fire at Rochs Place, they had another call come in from just across the street. At the same time, we had a small kitchen fire at El Toro, caddy-cornered from [Rochs], Reese shared. El Toros owner said that the fire was completely separate and isolated. Meanwhile, the villages mayor was proud of how the community rallied to help. Citizens were going to the IGA and different places and buying cases of cold water and Gatorade and bringing them down for the firefighters when they were rehabbing as they did their rotations, St. Joseph Mayor, Jim Page, said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ADA shortcomings in Mattoon leads city to step up Its support like that first responders are thankful for and restaurant owners will appreciate. We started this kind of on a whim and thirteen years later its turned into a great spot. We got great food and great customers and staff, Cain said. One person from Rochs Place is recovering from smoke inhalation. The owners said that she is feeling okay. As for El Toro, the owners there said that no one was hurt. The causes of both fires are still under investigation. Crews are making repairs, so they can hopefully re-open their doors as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The restaurant owners said that the best way to help is to support them at their other locations, Little Rochs in Royal and El Toro in Urbana. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Last Friday, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met in Alaska for a summit that was high on pomp and pageantry and low on diplomatic breakthroughs in the push to end the Russia-Ukraine war. On Monday, six European leaders rushed to Washington DC to meet with Trump and assess the consequences of that Putin meeting. While the gathering at the White House was historic, it too was heavy on rhetoric and light on tangible progress. With little to show from two summits, pressure is intensifying on a president who made ending foreign wars a key campaign promise. But there were two potentially significant developments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Monday's White House confab, Trump appeared open to providing US security guarantees for Ukraine if a deal is struck. That is viewed by the Ukrainians, and their European allies, as an essential component in reaching a durable peace. On Tuesday morning, Trump hedged a bit, saying a US commitment might entail "air support" rather than American soldiers in Ukraine and that Europe would have to shoulder most of the burden. He also said "arrangements" were being made for a bilateral summit between Putin and Zelensky - although the location and details remain very much up in the air - after which he would directly participate in a three-way meeting with the two men. European leaders also want a ceasefire in place before any bilateral meeting, something Trump has said is not likely. Still, any steps however small towards direct, leader-level negotiations between Zelensky and Putin is an accomplishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The simple fact that yesterday's meetings between Trump and Zelensky, and the larger gathering of European leaders, was conducted in a friendly, co-operative fashion is itself notable given Zelensky's acrimonious White House visit in February and the sometimes contentious relations Trump has had with his European counterparts. Trump seemed to enjoy being the gracious host both in Alaska and at the White House, and his comments suggest he views ending the war in Ukraine as a key to cementing his legacy. "If I can get to heaven, this will be one of the reasons," he said in a Tuesday television interview. But the path to heaven is narrow, as the saying goes, and there are still numerous obstacles to ending the war in Ukraine, not the least of which is that it is still not clear that Putin wants the war to end when he is making grinding progress on the battlefield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian leader may feel that his position only grows stronger as time goes by and that the best strategy is to slow negotiations while avoiding new US sanctions that could further damage its economy. Trump has put those sanctions, which appeared likely as recently as two weeks ago, on indefinite hold, and he appears to legitimately believe that Putin wants to make a deal. In private comments to French President Emmanuel Macron that were picked up by a live microphone, Trump said as much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think he wants to make a deal for me, you understand that?" Trump said. "As crazy as it sounds." It may sound crazy given that Putin has continued his relentless attacks on Ukraine for nearly four years. It may also sound naive. But the American president is putting a considerable amount of faith in Putin's supposed good intentions. Even if Putin proves to be a reliable negotiating partner a big if Trump himself can be a mercurial ally. While the meetings at the White House went smoothly, he has made hairpin turns in American foreign policy before and he could do so again. Just in the last eight months, his views on Zelensky have careened between sharply critical to supportive. A peace that depends on American assurances may not be a firm foundation on which to build. The sometimes unseemly efforts of European leaders to lavish Trump with praise on Monday hinted at their concerns about his sometimes tempestuous nature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think in the past two weeks we've probably had more progress in ending this war than we have in the past three and a half years," Finnish President Alexander Stubb said. The Europeans' hastily arranged trip to Washington DC was designed to sandwich Putin to limit his ability to influence Trump's thinking. Besides the key players, there is another voice factoring into Trump's decision making process - his political base that takes his "America first", non-interventionist rhetoric to heart. Any security assurances, any commitment of military resources or any new foreign obligations Trump might consider taking on to reach a peace deal may be viewed sceptically by his supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were uneasy during the US strikes on Iran in June, and that was only one night of action. More permanent American obligations to Ukraine at a time when a large segment of the nation would prefer focusing inward could put Trump in a difficult position one that he might prefer to avoid entirely. Whatever progress has been made, there is still one fundamental reality that undergirds American involvement in the peace process in the days ahead. Trump may want to be viewed by the world and history as a peacemaker. But when compared to Europe, Russia or certainly Ukraine, he has the least at stake during these negotiations. In the end, Trump could just leave the table. The ability to walk away is also a kind of power. [BBC] Follow the twists and turns of Trump's second term with North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher's weekly US Politics Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here. The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. Since January, President Donald Trumps administration has been clear about its stance on systemic racism and gender identity: Those conceptschampioned by a woke mob, backed by Biden croniesare made-up, irrelevant to the health of Americans, and unworthy of inclusion in research. At the National Institutes of Health, hundreds of research studies on health disparities and transgender health have been abruptly defunded; clinical trials focused on improving womens health have been forced to halt. Online data repositories that contain gender data have been placed under review. And top agency officials who vocally supported minority representation in research have been ousted from their jobs. These attacks have often seemed at odds with the administrations stated goals of fighting censorship in science at the NIH and liberating public health from ideology. But its members behave as though they have no dogma of their ownjust a wholehearted devotion to scientific rigor, in the form of what the nations leaders have repeatedly called gold-standard science. This pretensethat the government can obliterate entire fields of study while standing up for free inquiryis encapsulated by whats become a favored bit of MAHA rhetoric: All research is allowed, the administration likes to say, so long as its scientifically justifiable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, the phrase scientifically justified appeared several times in a statement by NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya that set the agenda for his agency and ordered a review of all research to make sure that it fits with the agencys priorities. I have advocated for academic freedom throughout my career, he wrote in a letter to his staff that accompanied the statement. Scientists must be allowed to pursue their ideas free of censorship or control by others. But his announcement went on to warn that certain kinds of data, including records of peoples race or ethnicity, may not always be worthy of inclusion in research. Only when its consideration of those factors has been scientifically justified, he wrote, would a project qualify for NIH support. That message may seem unimpeachablein keeping, even, with the priorities of the worlds largest public funder of biomedical research: NIH-backed studies should be justified in scientific terms. But the demand that Bhattacharya lays out has no formal criteria attached to it. Scientific justifiability is, to borrow Bhattacharyas description of systemic racism, a poorly-measured factor. Its imprecise at best and, at worst, a subjective appraisal of research that invites political meddling. (Neither the NIH nor the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees it, responded to my questions about the meaning and usage of this phrase.) Judging scientific merit has always been one of the NIHs most essential tasks. Tens of thousands of scientists serve on panels for the agency each year, scouring applications for funding; only the most rigorous projects are selected to receive portions of the agencys $47 billion budgetmost of which goes to research outside the agency itself. All of the thousands of grants the agency has terminated this year under the Trump administration were originally vetted in this way, by subject-matter experts with deep knowledge of the underlying science. Many of the studies have been recast, in letters from the agency, as being antithetical to the scientific inquiry, indifferent to biological realities, or otherwise scientifically unjustified. The same language from Bhattacharyas email appears in other recent NIH documents. Last week, an official at the agency sent me a copy of a draft policy that, if published, would prohibit the collection of all data on peoples gender (as opposed to their sex) by any of the agencys researchers and grantees, regardless of their field of study. It allows for an exception only when the consideration of gender is scientifically justified. The gender-data policy was uploaded to an internal portal typically reserved for agency guidance that is about to be published, but has since been removed. (Its existence was first reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education.) When reached for comment, an HHS official told The Atlantic that the policy had been shot down by NIH leadership, but declined to provide any further details on the timing of that shift, or who, exactly, had been involved in the policys drafting or dismissal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, if any version of this policy remains under consideration at the agency, its aims would be in keeping with others that are already in place. One NIH official told me that one of the agencys 27 institutes and centers, the National Institute for General Medical Sciences, has, since April, sent out hundreds of letters to grantees noting, If this award involves human subjects research, information regarding study participant gender should not be collected. Rather, sex should be used for data collection and reporting purposes. Payments to those researchers, the official said, have been made contingent on the scientists agreeing to those terms within two business days. Most have accepted, the official told me, because theyre desperate. (The current and former NIH officials who spoke with me for this article did so under the condition of anonymity, to be able to speak freely about how both Trump administrations have affected their work.) Collecting data on study participants gender has been and remains, in many contexts, scientifically justifiedat least, if one takes that to mean supported by the existing literature on the topic, Arrianna Planey, a medical geographer at the University of North Carolina, told me. Evidence shows that sex is not binary, that gender is distinct from it, and that acknowledging the distinction improves health research. In its own right, gender can influencevia a mix of physiological, behavioral, and social factorsa persons vulnerability to conditions and situations as diverse as mental-health issues, sexual violence, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases, and cancer. The Trump administration has expressed some interest in gender-focused researchbut in a way that isnt justified by the existing science in the field. In March, NIH officials received a memo noting that HHS had been directed to fund research into regret and detransition following social transition as well as chemical and surgical mutilation of children and adults. That framing presupposes the conclusions of such studies and ignores the most pressing knowledge gaps in the field: understanding the long-term outcomes of transition on mental and physical health, and how best to tailor interventions to patients. (Bhattacharyas Friday statement echoed this stance, specifically encouraging research that aims to identify and treat the harms these therapies and procedures have potentially caused to minors.) According to the draft prohibition on collecting gender data, NIH-employed scientists would be eligible for an exception only when the scientific justification for their work is approved by Matthew Memoli, the agencys principal deputy director. Memoli has played this role before. After Trump put out his executive order seeking to abolish government spending on DEI, Memolithen the NIHs acting directortold his colleagues that the agencys research into health disparities could continue as long as it was scientifically justifiable, two NIH officials told me. Those officials I spoke with could not recall any instances in which NIH staff successfully lobbied for such studies to continue, and within weeks, the agency was cutting off funding from hundreds of research projects, many of them working to understand how and why different populations experience different health outcomes. (Some of those grants have since been reinstated after a federal judge ruled in June that they had been illegally canceled.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mixing of politics and scientific justifiability goes back even to Trumps first term. In 2019, apparently in deference to lobbying from anti-abortion groups, the White House pressured the NIH to restrict research using human fetal tissueprompting the agency to notify researchers that securing new funds for any projects involving the material would be much more difficult. Human fetal tissue could be used in some cases, when scientifically justifiable. But to meet that bar, researchers needed to argue their case in their proposals, then hope their projects passed muster with an ethics advisory board. In the end, that board rejected 13 of the 14 projects it reviewed. They assembled a committee of people for whom nothing could be scientifically justified, a former NIH official, who worked in grants at the time of the policy change, told me. I remember saying at the time, Why cant they just tell us they want to ban fetal-tissue research? It would be a lot less work. The NIHs 2019 restriction on human-fetal-tissue research felt calamitous at the time, one NIH official told me. Six years later, it seems rather benign. Even prior to the change in policy, human fetal tissue was used in only a very small proportion of NIH-funded research. But broad restrictions on gathering gender data, or conducting studies that take race or ethnicity into account, could upend most research that collects information on peopleamounting to a kind of health censorship of the sort that Bhattacharya has promised to purge. The insistence that scientifically justifiable research will be allowed to continue feels especially unconvincing in 2025, coming from an administration that has so often and aggressively been at odds with conventional appraisals of scientific merit. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the head of HHS, has been particularly prone to leaning on controversial, biased, and poorly conducted studies, highlighting only the results that support his notions of the truth, while ignoring or distorting others. During his confirmation hearing, he cited a deeply flawed study from a journal at the margins of the scientific literature as proof that vaccines cause autism (they dont); in June, he called Alzheimers a kind of diabetes (its not); this month, he and his team justified cutting half a billion dollars from mRNA-vaccine research by insisting that the shots are more harmful than helpful (theyre not), even though many of the studies they cited to back their claims directly contradicted them. Kennedy, it seems, cant scientifically justify any of his positions, Jake Scott, an infectious-disease physician at Stanford, who has analyzed Kennedys references to studies, told me. Bhattacharyas call for a full review of NIH research and training is predicated on an impossible, and ironic, standard. Scientists are being asked to prove the need for demographic variables that long ago justified their place in researchby an administration that has yet to show it could ever do the same. Article originally published at The Atlantic (Jinju City) Jinju City is offering a mix of history, art, and culinary experiences this August, with special programs designed for families, couples, and culture lovers. From illuminated fortress nights to riverside picnics, here are eight must-visit attractions and events. National Heritage Media Art at Jinjuseong Fortress Through September 7, Jinjuseong will be transformed with media art projections, interactive light installations, and immersive sound experiences. Highlights include a media facade at Gongbukmun Gate and interactive displays at Yeongnam Pojeongsa Temple. Namgang Starry Night Picnic Every Saturday at 7 pm, enjoy local snacks, Jinju craft beer, and live busking along the Namgang River. The picnic takes place near Namgaram Starlight Road and the Namgang Music Fountain. Stage on JINJU Walking Tour On August 2324, this performance-based walking tour through Jinjuseong includes live historical reenactments, cultural storytelling, and visits to key fortress sites. One-day and overnight packages are available. Night Michelin Bicycle Tour On August 30, ride the Namgang River bike path, stop at night markets, watch street performances, and taste Jinju specialties. Bicycle rentals and food coupons are included; limited to 30 participants. Korea Night Festa On August 23, Jinju Battle History Park will host a nationwide night tourism event featuring regional food stalls, night views, and cultural performances, alongside Jinjuseongs media art display. Jinju National Heritage Night Tour From August 2931, explore Jinjuseong by night with guided tours, stamp missions, fringe performances, and a flea market. The event showcases the fortresss heritage value after dark. The Flow of Korean Color Painting III Until August 31, the Jinju City Lee Seong-ja Art Museum and Railway Culture Park feature 142 works spanning traditional to modern reinterpretations of Korean color painting, with family workshops and expert talks. Memory, and the Splendid Place Where You Stand Running until June 14, 2026, at the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Exhibition Hall, this large-scale exhibition blends media art, traditional lanterns, Jinju silk, and Shin Yun-boks iconic paintings, with interactive programs for families. George Retes, a 25-year-old U.S. citizen and Army veteran, spent three days in federal custody after being caught in a large-scale immigration enforcement action at a Southern California cannabis farm. During that time, he said he was denied access to a lawyer, prevented from contacting his family, and placed in an isolation cell, all without being charged with a crime. Retes, a security guard at Glass House Farms in Camarillo, said he was on his way to work on July 10 when he encountered an ICE roadblock amid protests and federal agents. According to Retes, officers broke his car window, sprayed him with pepper spray and tear gas, and forcibly removed him from the vehicle. Two officers placed a knee on his back while another knelt on his neck, despite his compliance and repeated attempts to identify himself as a U.S. citizen. George Retes, U.S. citizen detained at Camarillo marijuana farm (Courtesy of George Retes) Courtesy of United Farm Workers (@UFWupdates on X) He was transported first to a nearby Navy base and then to the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, where he remained in custody for three nights. Retes described being covered in chemical irritants, denied showers or fresh clothing, and placed on suicide watch after becoming emotionally distraught. Meanwhile, his family was unable to locate him, and he missed his daughters third birthday. He said he received no explanation for his detention and was released without apology or charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, Retes is seeking accountability through the Federal Tort Claims Act, a law that allows citizens to sue the federal government when harmed by its employees. Represented by the Institute for Justice, a nonprofit public interest law firm, Retes has submitted claims to the federal agencies involved. Only if the agencies deny or fail to act on the claims within six months can he proceed to court. Im calling out the federal government not just for what they did to me, but for what they are doing to others, Retes said. Im continuing to fight for this country, now as a civilian. Attorneys representing Retes described the case as an example of how federal agents can strip Americans of basic constitutional protections, even when those individuals have served in the military. Georges claims are a critical step to enforce the Constitution and other laws in court, said Institute for Justice attorney Marie Miller. Senior attorney Anya Bidwell added, Without accountability for these actions, the relationship between citizens and their government remains broken. George is doing his part to repair that relationship, just as he did when he served his country in Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The raid at Glass House Farms was part of a broader federal enforcement operation that led to the detention of hundreds of people, including undocumented workers, and sparked protests from farmworkers and advocacy groups. One worker died after falling from a greenhouse roof during the operation. Federal officials have not clarified why Retes, a U.S. citizen, was detained or addressed his allegations of excessive force. Federal agents open fire on vehicle during Southern California standoff Retes case comes amid a climate of heightened scrutiny over immigration enforcement in Southern California. A federal judge recently issued a temporary order barring indiscriminate arrests without warrants in seven counties, including Los Angeles, after concerns that some detainees were targeted based on their appearance rather than any alleged wrongdoing. As he pursues his legal claim, Retes has also launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover legal expenses. He said his goal is not only personal redress but to ensure that others do not face the same treatment. This is about holding the government accountable, he said. I served this country, and now I want it to do right by me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, center, visits Dove Science Academy in Warr Acres with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, right, and Dove Schools Superintendent Abidin Erez, left, on Tuesday. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon on Tuesday didnt rule out a plan to end statewide standardized testing in Oklahoma during a local visit focused on limiting federal involvement in public education. McMahon, whom President Donald Trump tasked with closing the U.S. Department of Education, said shes very happy to sit down with any state to discuss new policy ideas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We want to give them the most flexibility that we can give them to operate within their state, McMahon said while speaking with reporters at the state Capitol. So, were happy to sit down in Oklahoma or other states that weve already sat down with to push those programs along. However, she said the proposal from state Superintendent Ryan Walters to replace statewide tests with a mixture of district-selected assessments still has not gone through all the different steps that it needs to gain federal approval. Walters wasnt present for McMahons visit despite being a vocal supporter of the Trump administration. She said meeting with him wasnt on her schedule Tuesday. Instead, McMahon joined Gov. Kevin Stitt and former House Speaker Charles McCall, now a gubernatorial candidate, for a tour of Dove Science Academy, a high-performing charter school with a new campus in Warr Acres. Once allies, Stitt and Walters have been publicly at odds with each other for the past six months. A Dove Science Academy student shows a competition robot to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt during a school visit in Warr Acres on Tuesday. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) Dove high school students demonstrated robots they had built and coded, flew drones and tested virtual reality software, even having a remote-controlled robot dog give McMahon a handshake. U.S. News and World Report on Tuesday ranked Dove Science Academy as the No. 3 high school in the state, behind Classen High School of Advanced Studies and Harding Charter Preparatory High School, both in Oklahoma City. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahon later accompanied Stitt at the state Capitol as the governor signed a bill prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion programs from higher education institutions, another major policy goal of the Trump administration. I think Oklahoma should be very proud of what Ive seen this morning, McMahon said. Oklahoma was the latest stop in McMahons 50-state Returning Education to the States Tour, which started earlier this month in Louisiana. The tour has highlighted McMahons goal of cutting federal regulations and giving individual states more authority and flexibility in how they operate their public school systems. Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to proceed with mass layoffs and downsizing at the federal Department of Education. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, center left, visits a classroom at Dove Science Academy in Warr Acres with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, center right, and former House Speaker Charles McCall, far right, on Tuesday. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) The administration has proposed sending federal funds in large block grants that individual states could decide how to spend. Congress would have to agree to any wholesale changes to the federal structure of education funding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McMahon declined to answer whether she has any concerns over expanding the powers of the Oklahoma State Department of Education, which has been consistently in turmoil under Walters. Stitt touted policies Oklahoma enacted in recent years that increased facility funds for charter schools, expanded student transfer options, offered tax credits to private-school families and increased state funding for public education overall. National testing, though, has shown the state as a whole is still struggling to improve its poor academic outcomes. While Oklahoma has promoted more choices for parents to select their childrens school, Stitt said he is eager for the federal government to grant more flexibility, as well. He said educators and school district administrators have to spend too much time on paperwork that federal programs require. U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon joins Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt for a ceremonial bill signing in the governors office at the Oklahoma State Capitol on Tuesday in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) Thats, I think, what President Trump wants and what we believe in is lets get rid of the bureaucracy and lets get those dollars on target to kids in Oklahoma City and in Enid and in Lawton and all over the country, Stitt said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ABINGTON, Pa. (WTAJ) U.S. Marshals are asking for the publics help to find a man wanted for rape on a Penn State campus. Eastern Pennsylvania Fugitive - Abdul-Jabril Cooper According to the U.S. Marshals Service Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force, Abdul-Jabril Cooper, 19, of D.C., has a warrant for his arrest out of Montgomery County for a September 2024 rape at Penn States Abington campus. Cooper was a student at the time of the alleged rape of a female student at his campus apartment. Marshals said he has since unenrolled from the university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement University police and the U.S. Marshals Service have given Cooper the chance to surrender, but he has declined, according to a release. Now, the Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force in Philadelphia is stepping in to assist in apprehending Cooper. Cooper is described by U.S. Marshals as being five feet nine inches tall and weighing roughly 160 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. His last known address was on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue in Washington, D.C. Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices. The rape of a student on a collegiate campus is a betrayal of safety that deserves immediate justice, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark said. Actively evading law enforcement is a consciousness of guilt and Mr. Cooper should surrender immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tips can be called in to the U.S. Marshals Philadelphia Tipline at 1-866-865-TIPS (8477) or submitted via the USMS Tips App. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. U.S. News & World Report just released its 2025-26 best public high schools rankings for the nation, and several schools in Tennessee are high on the list including three that made the top 50. U.S. News considered nearly 24,000 public high schools for this year's list and ultimately ranked roughly 18,000 of them, according to an Aug. 19 news release. The media company worked with RTI, a nonprofit global social science research firm, to compile the rankings. They considered key factors like college readiness measures, advanced academic offerings, state assessment performance, underserved student support and graduation rates. From last year: US News & World Report ranks top Tennessee high schools for 2024. Is your school listed? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Students and families need data to help them make one of the most important decisions of their academic journey," U.S. News Managing Editor for Education LaMont Jones said in the release. "Our Best High Schools rankings provide the insights to help them identify schools that will prepare students for college success. Access to information isn't just helpful it's essential for planning a student's future." Here's how the rankings break down for Tennessee. See last year's rankings: Three Nashville-area high schools made the top 100 Top 10 public high schools in Tennessee A graduate walks across the stage at the Central Magnet High School commencement ceremony at Siegel High School football stadium on May 14, 2021, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The top 10 public high schools in Tennessee represent a mixture of traditional, magnet and charter schools across the state's Middle and East regions. All 10 also ranked in the top 450 nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While magnet schools are public, they offer special programs and classes that may not be available in other public schools. They also have an application process and may have academic or other requirements for students who wish to enroll. Six of the state's top 10 high schools are magnets. The top four are all magnets with academic or other requirements to enroll. Graduates toss their caps during the Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School commencement ceremony at Municipal Auditorium in Nashville on May 17, 2023. Central Magnet High School, Murfreesboro (No. 3 nationally)** Hume-Fogg Magnet High School, Nashville (No. 35 nationally)** Merrol Hyde Magnet School, Hendersonville (No. 39 nationally)** Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet School, Nashville (No. 93 nationally)** Brentwood High School, Brentwood (No. 259 nationally) L&N STEM Academy, Knoxville (No. 310 nationally)* Valor Flagship High School, Nashville (No. 366 nationally)*** Chatt High Center for Creative Arts, Chattanooga (No. 374 nationally)** Ravenwood High School, Brentwood, Tennessee (No. 377 nationally) Franklin High School, Franklin, Tennessee (No. 442 nationally) *Denotes a public magnet high school with no academic requirements to enroll Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement **Denotes a public magnet high school with academic or other requirements to enroll ***Denotes a public charter high school Note: Central Magnet High School, Hume-Fogg Magnet High School, Merrol Hyde Magnet School and Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet School all have academic requirements to enroll. Chatt High Center for Creative Arts is a magnet school that requires auditions to enroll, but does not have academic requirements. School Zone newsletter: The latest news on Tennessee kids, education and more, delivered straight to your inbox Graduating seniors sit down at the start of the Ravenwood High School class of 2023 commencement ceremony at the Curb Event Center in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, May 27, 2023. Learn more See the full national rankings, along with options to search by state, area, school type and more, at usnews.com/education/best-high-schools. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Best public high schools in Tennessee: U.S. News releases rankings The U.S. News & World Report released its list of best public high schools for the 2025-26 school year, and one Indiana school made the Top 10 for the best schools in the nation. This year's rankings evaluated nearly 24,000 public high schools and ranked nearly 18,000 of them. The ranks are determined by six indicators, which are weighted and then calculated into a 0-100 overall score for the school's performance across all metrics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rankings only include traditional public schools, charter schools, and magnet schools that had a 12th-grade enrollment of 15 students or greater. Private schools were not included in the list because of "limitations in publicly available data," the news release for this year's list said. More school news you should know: Indiana sees 'historic' increase in IREAD scores. See how schools did The U.S. News & World Report's rankings have come under scrutiny over the years, however, for favoring certain kinds of schools and overemphasizing standardized testing scores, which have historically favored wealthier districts. Five of the Top 10 best high schools in Indiana are in areas where the median household income is greater than $100,000, far exceeding the state average income of $66,785, according to Census data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The states second-ranked high school, the Indiana Academy in Muncie, is labeled as a public high school but some students pay up to $2,700 per school year for room and board fees. All of the standardized testing scores used in measuring the schools were from the 2022-23 testing data. Unlike last year's results, Indiana's ranking was determined by math and reading assessment data from the College Board's SAT, instead of the ILEARN exam. The six indicators and their weights used for the rankings are: College Readiness (30%) - Which was measured by the number of 12th graders from the class of 2022-23, who took and/ or earned a qualifying score on at least one Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exam. The score was weighted more for those who got a qualifying score than for those who just took the exam. College Curriculum Breadth (10%) - This was measured similarly to the college readiness indicator, but measures students who took multiple AP or IB exams. State Assessment Proficiency (20%) - This measures how well students scored on their state's standardized tests that measure proficiency in reading, science and math. State Assessment Performance (20%) - This indicator also uses state standardized testing data, but it compares those scores with what U.S. News predicted for a school with its demographic characteristics in its state. Underserved student performance (10%) - This indicator is measured by assessing the state standardized test scores for Black, Hispanic and low-income students, and then comparing it to the average scores for students not in those three groups. Graduation rate (10%) - This was measured by the number of students who entered the ninth grade in the 2019-20 school year and then graduated four years later in 2023. Best Public Indiana High Schools 2025 Here are the Top 10 Indiana high schools, according to U.S. News & World Report: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Signature School (Evansville) The Indiana Academy (Muncie) Zionsville Community High School (Zionsville) West Lafayette Jr./ Sr. High School (West Lafayette) Herron High School (Indianapolis) Carmel High School (Carmel) Speedway High School (Speedway) Westfield High School (Westfield) Munster High School (Munster) Fishers High School (Fishers) Best Public High Schools in Indianapolis 2025 Here are the Top 10 high schools in the Indianapolis area according to U.S. News & World Report: Herron High School Franklin Central High School North Central High School Herron-Riverside High School Perry Meridian High School KIPP Indy Legacy High Pike High School Lawrence North High School Ben Davis University High School Southport High School Best Public High Schools in the Nation 2025 Here are the Top 10 high schools in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BASIS Tucson North (Tucson, AZ) Signature School (Evansville, IN) Central Magnet School (Murfreesboro, TN) Davidson Academy ( Reno, NV) Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria, VA) Albuquerque Institute of Math and Science (Albuquerque, NM) Haas Hall Bentonville (Bentonville, AR) Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia, PA) The School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG) (Dallas, TX) Aiken Scholars Academy (Aiken, SC) Contact IndyStar K-12 education reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: U.S. News ranks Indiana's Top high schools. Is yours on the list? By Christian Martinez (Reuters) -The United States has struck deportation deals with Honduras and Uganda amid a search for additional agreements that would allow the U.S. to deport people living in the country illegally to third-party countries, CBS News reported on Tuesday. Citing internal documents, CBS reported that the Trump administration has broadened its search for countries which would accept migrants that are not their citizens. (Reporting by Christian Martinez) Aug. 18As the University of Alaska prepares for the start of the 2025-26 school year, interim chancellors will be at the helm of two of its flagship campuses. Cheryl Siemers, University of Alaska Anchorage interim chancellor, and Mike Sfraga, University of Alaska Fairbanks interim chancellor, are both looking to the future. Neither is new to the University of Alaska system. Siemers came into the role after working at UAA for over 20 years. Sfraga has spent 31 years working at both UAF and the university system. All University of Alaska schools will begin instruction Aug. 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sfraga was the first person to graduate from UAF with a Ph.D. in Northern studies and geography. In October 2024, Sfraga was appointed by then-President Joe Biden to be the United States ambassador-at-large for Arctic affairs. He held this position until January 2025. "Arctic research will be a significant part of what I focus my time on as the chancellor," Sfraga said in an interview earlier this month. Just before he officially started, Sfraga had a significant presence at the Arctic Encounter Symposium in Anchorage. The conference ran from July 30 to Aug. 1, bringing together leaders and experts from across the Arctic, and Sfraga participated in multiple panels and breakout sessions. "UAF plays a major role, whether it's in our national security, our homeland security, understanding a changing environment impacts the creation of and impacts on infrastructure all over the state," Sfraga said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Looking at the school year ahead of him, Sfraga emphasized the importance of communicating the value that UAF's research provides for the state. His focus for his time as chancellor, he said, "is to work with research directors, our faculty, our education leaders." "To understand this very complex and changing landscape ... you need good research that provides good data for really sound policy development," Sfraga said. "It is part of the state's future to have solid data that comes from research to inform policy at the local, regional and state level, and then the national level." Thinking on a broader scale, Sfraga said a stronger effort has to be made to ensure that members of Congress better "understand the value of not just UAF research, but research writ large." Sfraga said that funding research would lead to "research security" and that intellectual property needed to be protected. "I want a healthy NOAA. I want a healthy National Weather Service. I want our fishermen to understand when there's a storm coming. I want communities to be prepared for storm surges that they had never seen before," Sfraga said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Siemers echoed that view of the importance of research, speaking about UAA. "We have research going on that has direct impact for communities, very influential in that regard, and a lot of active research," said Siemers. Her main goal going into the upcoming school year, she says, is "UAA's push into our dual mission." UAA provost Denise Runge explained that dual-mission institutions like UAA mesh community and technical colleges with four-year universities. Within a dual-mission program, students can "start in more of a community college-type program and then seamlessly continue on ... to earn that bachelor's degree or even that master's degree" in a smooth transition, said Runge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Siemers said her secondary goal has been to "help the institution as it transitions between chancellors." Runge added that they are looking for a leader "who's excited to be part of what we are and move us forward in the direction that we're headed." Siemers started as the interim chancellor for UAA on May 16, taking the reins from former Gov. Sean Parnell, who retired after four years as chancellor. Sfraga began his new job as UAF's interim chancellor on July 28. He is taking over after Dan White, UAF's chancellor of eight years, retired in July. University of Alaska President Pat Pitney will announce the next permanent chancellors for each campus in the coming months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're on track," Pitney said about the hiring process for the UAA chancellor. She anticipates that finalists will tour the campus in September and hopes to announce her pick in October. While they had not gotten any applicants for the UAF chancellor position as of last week, Pitney said there were over 50 applicants for the UAA chancellor position. Universities across the United States have seen federal grant funding frozen or cut under the Trump administration. [University of Alaska president reports $50 million in grants frozen under Trump administration] The University of Alaska system had 25 grants with a remaining total value of $6.4 million terminated and "still have about $45 million worth of grants frozen," Pitney said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There is worry because of the uncertainty that the federal environment is posing to higher education, but I think we're weathering it fairly well," Pitney said Thursday. She noted that the university system saw a 4% increase in enrollment compared to last school year. "It creates more vibrancy on our campuses," Pitney said. Looking ahead to the new school year Pitney expressed her excitement for students' return. "Our interest is that every student who chooses one of our universities or one of our community campuses feels welcome and has the opportunity to succeed," Pitney said. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) UAB celebrated the opening of its new rehabilitation pavilion Monday. The pavilion is on Seventh Avenue South. The state-of-the-art in-patient facility has 78 rooms to treat neurological injuries. Given your injury, this is the best place you can be, said Dr. Robert Brunner, who is the medical director of the UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center. I mean, we thought about every aspect of the recovery process from just the caretakers, the technology, and this is where you can participate in that care. All your needs will be met. We have a community. We have outdoor spaces, so were going to give you the best opportunity to get better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alabama educator urging leaders to mandate panic buttons in schools UAB said patients and staff will be moved into the new facility starting Tuesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42. The University of Central Florida nursing students began classes today in the newly opened Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion on Lake Nona Boulevard, a facility designed to help address the nursing shortage. The pavilion will allow UCF to graduate an additional 150 nurses each year, significantly increasing the number of healthcare professionals entering the workforce. Funded by $43 million from the State of Florida and over $29 million from private donors, the facility aims to directly benefit Central Florida communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This feels like a hospital with the actual beds and devices you use and curtains, and therefore it feels like it more simulates what theyll encounter when they go into the clinical setting, said Sharon Tucker, Dean of the College of Nursing. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion, which is part of UCFs Academic Health Sciences Campus in Lake Nona. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A large swath of UCLA's Jewish faculty some of whom are fervently divided over Israel's war in Gaza united to sign a letter denouncing the Trump administration's "misguided and punitive" demand for a $1-billion fine to settle claims over alleged campus antisemitism. The letter, crafted by a handful of professors and signed by more than 360 people, was expected to be sent by organizers as early as Monday afternoon to the University of California's Board of Regents. It also decries the government's freezing of $584 million in research grant funding. "Cutting off hundreds of millions of research funds will do nothing to make UCLA safer for Jews nor diminish antisemitism in the world," the letter said. "It will not benefit Jewish Bruins nor Jews beyond campus who make extensive use of its first-rate medical facilities, ground-breaking scientific innovations, and cutting-edge cultural institutions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The letter has had a special resonance, bonding people with a diversity of views on the war in the Gaza Strip, the nature of antisemitism and its prevalence at UCLA, which was roiled by violent protests in spring 2024. The signatories who ranged from a self-described "anti-Zionist Jew" to ardent supporters of Israel described their growing anger over what they saw as the weaponization of antisemitism since Hamas' attack on Israel two years ago. The signatories include prominent professors with expertise on Israel, the Jewish people and Nazism. Titled "Jews in Defense of UC," the letter doesn't mention the community's political differences, instead emphasizing its shared goal. "We urge the Trump administration to cease its attempts to deprive institutions such as ours of vital research funds intended to save and improve lives," the letter said. "And we ask that it cease its misplaced efforts to withhold funds in the name of combating antisemitism." Read more: Trump seeks $1-billion fine against UCLA. Newsom says 'we'll sue,' calling it extortion Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In interviews, six of the signatories whose views on Israel span the political spectrum described their feelings in more urgent terms. They called the government's actions exploitative and manipulative, arguing that the Trump administration had cynically used the scourge of antisemitism as a cudgel to attempt a remaking of higher education that adheres to the president's political stances. UCLA law school professor Ariela Gross, one of the organizers of the letter, said that it aims to stress to the Board of Regents who will ultimately decide the UC response to the Trump demands that Jewish voices at the university "really want to fight." "We do not want to back down," she said. "And we don't think that you can negotiate with an extortionist. It seems particularly important for Jewish community members to [express this], given that this is being so cynically done in our name antisemitism is being used as the fig leaf excuse for all of these actions." The U.S. Department of Justice, which is seeking the fine, declined to comment. Ariela Gross, a professor at the UCLA School of Law. (Jonathan Alcorn/For The Times) In addition to the $1-billion penalty, the Justice Department also is seeking an additional $172 million for a claims fund for those affected by alleged civil rights violations and UCLA's submission to an outside monitor over the agreement. Negotiations between the Trump administration and University of California attorneys, President James B. Milliken and regents are continuing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, UC officials have called the current proposal "unacceptable," but say they are willing to negotiate. Gov. Gavin Newsom has said without offering details that he wants to sue and that UC should not "bend the knee" to Trump. Read more: 'A continual assault.' How UCLA's research faculty is grappling with Trump funding freeze UCLA professor David N. Myers, another letter organizer, said the prospect of both UC and Harvard University cutting deals with Trump could set a "dangerous" precedent. "It's hard not to see some method in the madness to try and bring down these two institutions," said Myers, a professor of Jewish history. "If they agree to a settlement, then probably every subsequent institution will do the same. What I find dangerous is not just the bankrupting of these extraordinary institutions ... but also the attempt to impose supervision and restraints on scholarship and intellectual discourse." How the letter got done The letter came together quickly over the Aug. 8 weekend via separate conversations that Myers had with Gross and Maia Ferdman, the deputy director of UCLA's Bedari Kindness Institute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Myers said that during Shabbat the Jewish Sabbath, a time he does not use electronics he had been pondering the issue. He wondered, "How can we mount a voice of protest to this proposed shakedown of the university in the name of protecting Jews?" After Shabbat ended at sundown Saturday, Myers turned on his cellphone, where he found messages from Ferdman and Gross. They'd been contemplating the same thing. Read more: 'Uncharted territory': Newsom and UC go to battle against Trump's UCLA sanctions "I said that it would be great if Jews from a bunch of different political backgrounds from different corners of the university ecosystem came together and said something about this proposed fine," said Ferdman, whose institute aims to elevate the research and practice of kindness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Myers, who is director of the Kindness Institute, told his colleagues he would write a draft and after Ferdman and Gross offered feedback, the letter began circulating for signatures on Aug. 11. Days later, the organizers decided to expand its scope so that Jewish voices from across the UC system could add their names. Zev Yaroslavsky, a former member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, in his then-office in 2014. (Los Angeles Times) Zev Yaroslavsky, a former L.A. County supervisor, was an early signatory. He said that the federal actions are "not going to address the issue of antisemitism on campus," but that they will "blow a hole through" the school's finances. "It's the existence of the institution that's what's at stake here," said Yaroslavsky, director of the Los Angeles Initiative at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. A diversity of views The discord at UCLA climaxed at a large encampment set up on Royce Quad in April 2024: Pro-Israel activists instigated a melee, and law enforcement's inability to stop it sparked intense criticism. The violence drew global headlines as campus protests raged throughout the nation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among the encampment's demonstrators were Jews who protested against the actions of the Israeli government, which launched a punishing war in Gaza after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack. But the voices of Jews upset over what they have described as UCLA's permissive approach to campus antisemitism also rose in protest. Several people who signed the letter bristled as they discussed how the issue of antisemitism was being used by the Trump administration. Dov Waxman, a professor of Israel studies, said that while antisemitism on campus is an issue, it has been "grossly overstated and exaggerated to serve other political purposes and ideological agendas." Read more: 'Bring it on, Gavin,' White House says to Newsom on threat to sue over UCLA cuts Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Not only is that kind of exploitation manipulative, but it can also foster a cynicism about the issue of campus antisemitism," he said. "Because people will say, 'Well, this is just basically a cudgel, there's not an issue at all, and it's just being exploited.'" Beth Ribet, a lecturer at UCLA who teaches about Nazism and white nationalism in the U.S., approaches these issues from a different perspective than many of the other signatories. Ribet, who called herself an "anti-Zionist Jew," said there is antisemitism at UCLA the most violent of which she said was the spring 2024 attack on pro-Palestinian protesters who were Jewish. "The discussions that the Trump administration and the UCLA administration have propounded about antisemitism represent a profound distortion of its actual meaning," she said. "The problem of antisemitism that they are describing does not match what we are experiencing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for the letter, Ribet said it captures the "bare bones that most of the Jews at UCLA would agree with." David Bocarsly, a former student body president at UCLA and Jewish advocate. (Jonathan Alcorn/For The Times) Not all the signatories are current or former UCLA faculty, including David Bocarsly. He served as student body president during the 2012-13 academic year. Bocarsly, who is executive director of the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California, which advocates for the Jewish community with state lawmakers, said the withholding of research funds could make it less safe for Jews on campus. "Now you're pitting the Jewish community against other vulnerable communities," he said. "Immigrant, first-generation, low-income college students will be directly harmed by this ... people who need vital medical care from the university system, people who benefit from the research that the university puts out." Those who declined Though the letter has been endorsed by hundreds of academics with varying views on Israel's war in Gaza, there were still some notable holdouts. Some members of the Jewish Faculty Resilience Group and the recently disbanded UCLA Taskforce on Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias did not sign. It's a reflection, in part, of how fraught the issue has been on campus. UCLA professor Judea Pearl at the Southern California Journalism Awards at the Biltmore Los Angeles hotel in 2024. (Amanda Edwards/Getty Images) Also among the prominent UCLA Jews who decided to not sign: Judea Pearl, a computer science professor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An outspoken supporter of Israel who has decried a "demonization of Zionism" at the university, Pearl was the co-recipient of a $1.2-million National Science Foundation grant suspended in late July. On Aug. 12, under a federal judges court order, the NSF reinstated the grant, which studies how genetics data in mass medical records can be used to identify potential risk factors for disease. Pearl said he was approached to sign the Jews in Defense of UC letter but declined. Signing it would undercut the complaints the Jewish community has raised because this particular letter does not propose any constructive step toward addressing antisemitism and the anti-Zionist culture nourished at UCLA in some departments, Pearl said. Myers disagreed. He said that he does not "believe that the [Trump] administrations financial threats have anything to do with fighting antisemitism. That is not the turf on which this battle should be waged." 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. (Lotte Duty Free) Lotte Duty Free is strengthening its K-food and local product lineup at Gimhae Airport with the launch of new specialty items and souvenir shops. On August 15, the company introduced Busan Sand, a butter cookie filled with salted caramel inspired by the Busan sea breeze. Developed through the Korea Airports Corporations airport specialty product program, the snack is designed to capture the citys identity while appealing to travelers with its long 12-month shelf life. In addition, the Boogie Shop opened at Gimhae Airport on August 7. Operated in partnership with the Busan Tourism Organization, the shop offers around 300 Busan-themed products from 30 local vendors, highlighting the regions culture and tourism appeal. Lotte Duty Free aims to position itself as a place for experiencing Busans distinctive flavors and souvenirs. Not every government building is considered a work of art. In fact, some are considered downright hideous or confusing. New Jersey Real Estate Network recently surveyed over 3,000 respondents to determine the 100 "ugliest" public buildings in the country, with two Florida buildings making the top 25. "While our survey focused on visual appeal, it is worth noting that sentiment often overlaps with how residents feel about the function and upkeep of the space," the survey writes. "A drab building that still delivers great service might be tolerated. But if it's crumbling and confusing to navigate? That's when complaints really stack up. What are the 'ugliest' public buildings in Florida? The Escambia County Central Office Complex was voted the 23rd ugliest building in America. Out of 100 ugly buildings across the country, two Florida buildings made the list: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tallahassee Department of Transportation HQ ranked 21st The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners Central Office Complex in Pensacola was ranked 23rd. What is the 'ugliest' public building in America? Michigan's City of Flint Municipal Center was unfortunately crowned the "ugliest" public building in the entire country. "This municipal hub is all about business, with a straightforward layout and an exterior that leans heavily into concrete and brick. It gets high marks for durability, but stylistically, its stuck in an era where civic buildings werent expected to be welcoming just solid," the survey wrote. The center is a complex of seven government office buildings located at 1101 Saginaw St. in Flint. According to the National Register of Historic Places, the parts of the complex were built in the 1950s and designed by H. E. Beyster & Associates and A. Charles Jones and Associates. See the top 25 'ugliest' public buildings in America Judge Jon Oldham conducts a tour of the new Akron Municipal Court in the former Oliver Ocasek building in Akron. City of Flint Municipal Center - Michigan Fresno County Superior Court - California Buffalo City Court - New York Jackson County Courts Building - Mississippi Philadelphia Municipal Services Building - Pennsylvania Akron Municipal Court - Ohio Atlantic City Municipal Court - New Jersey Bentonville Public Works Maintenance Facility - Arkansas Tuscaloosa County Public Works Building - Alabama El Paso County Court Administration Building - Texas Boston Government Center Complex - Massachusetts Bridgeport Police Headquarters - Connecticut Montgomery County Administration Building - Ohio Modesto City Hall - California North Las Vegas Municipal Court - Nevada Roswell Municipal Court - New Mexico Saginaw County Courthouse - Michigan Monroe County Hall of Justice - New York FlorenceLauderdale Government Building - Alabama New Castle County Department of Public Works Building - Delaware Tallahassee Department of Transportation HQ - Florida Scottsbluff County Administrative Office - Nebraska Escambia County Board of County Commissioners Central Office Complex - Florida Pottawattamie County Courthouse - Iowa Passaic County Administration Building - New Jersey This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida buildings among the ugliest in entire country, survey shows Not every government building is considered a work of art. Some are considered downright hideous or confusing. New Jersey Real Estate Network recently surveyed over 3,000 respondents to determine the 100 "ugliest" public buildings in the country, with two Florida buildings making the top 25. "While our survey focused on visual appeal, it is worth noting that sentiment often overlaps with how residents feel about the function and upkeep of the space," the survey writes. "A drab building that still delivers great service might be tolerated. But if it's crumbling and confusing to navigate? That's when complaints really stack up What are the 'ugliest' public buildings in Florida? The Florida Department of Transportation headquarters, the Burns Building, has been dubbed one of "The Ugliest Public Buildings In America" by RE/MAX Out of 100 ugly buildings across the country, two Florida buildings made the list: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tallahassee Department of Transportation HQ ranked 21st The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners Central Office Complex in Pensacola was ranked 23rd. What is the 'ugliest' public building in America? Michigan's City of Flint Municipal Center was unfortunately crowned the "ugliest" public building in the entire country. "This municipal hub is all about business, with a straightforward layout and an exterior that leans heavily into concrete and brick. It gets high marks for durability, but stylistically, its stuck in an era where civic buildings werent expected to be welcoming just solid," the survey wrote. The center is a complex of seven government office buildings located at 1101 Saginaw Street in Flint. According to the National Register of Historic Places, the parts of the complex were built in the 1950s and designed by H. E. Beyster & Associates and A. Charles Jones and Associates. See the top 25 'ugliest' public buildings in America Judge Jon Oldham conducts a tour of the new Akron Municipal Court in the former Oliver Ocasek building in Akron. City of Flint Municipal Center - Michigan Fresno County Superior Court - California Buffalo City Court - New York Jackson County Courts Building - Mississippi Philadelphia Municipal Services Building - Pennsylvania Akron Municipal Court - Ohio Atlantic City Municipal Court - New Jersey Bentonville Public Works Maintenance Facility - Arkansas Tuscaloosa County Public Works Building - Alabama El Paso County Court Administration Building - Texas Boston Government Center Complex - Massachusetts Bridgeport Police Headquarters - Connecticut Montgomery County Administration Building - Ohio Modesto City Hall - California North Las Vegas Municipal Court - Nevada Roswell Municipal Court - New Mexico Saginaw County Courthouse - Michigan Monroe County Hall of Justice - New York FlorenceLauderdale Government Building - Alabama New Castle County Department of Public Works Building - Delaware Tallahassee Department of Transportation HQ - Florida Scottsbluff County Administrative Office - Nebraska Escambia County Board of County Commissioners Central Office Complex - Florida Pottawattamie County Courthouse - Iowa Passaic County Administration Building - New Jersey This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida buildings among the ugliest in entire country, survey shows HONOLULU (KHON2) Students at the University of Hawaii at Manoa have a wide range of food options that are meant to be tasty, affordable and reflective of Hawaiis culture. Marc Arakaki, spokesperson for UH Manoa, said the goal is to make eating on campus fit into busy college schedules while staying connected to the community. UH move-ins begin: What you need to know about traffic We want to make sure that your student has food thats not only delicious and affordable, but also reflects Hawaiis culture and flavors, Arakaki said. So many of our locations are making a real strong effort to be sustainable as possible and include locally sourced ingredients in their dishes. Paradise Palms Arakaki said there are two main retail dining spots on campus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UH Hilo lands place in $152M AI project with NVIDIA, Ai2, NSF At Manoa, there are two main retail dining locations on campus; so, we have Paradise Palms Cafe as well as Campus Center, he said. He went on to explain further. Paradise Palms Cafe is located on the north side of Upper Campus and offers places like Panda Express; Dunkin Donuts; L&L Barbeque; Lasoon, which is Nepali and Indian food; and Holoholo Grill, which is local style fair, Arakaki said. Construction is happening nearby, but Arakaki noted that Paradise Palms is still open and welcoming students. Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Campus Center The Campus Center is another hub for food where students can get ono grindz. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campus Center will have the food court, very popular food court, which offers a variety of plate lunches, bentos, salads, bowls, burgers, wraps and much more, Arakaki said. Starbucks and Jamba Juice is really popular with the students, too. Other options add variety throughout the building. Other locations in Campus Center are Subway; Dinkg Tea, which offers tea and boba selections, as well as Quick Bites, which are snacks and convenience items, Arakaki said. Also, Taco Bell will be coming soon for campus dining! Beyond the basics For students on meal plans, the Campus Center Food Court accepts Dining Dollars and Bonus Dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Choices include the Warrior Cheeseburger, bento boxes and salads. Starbucks serves drinks until 10 p.m. on weekdays, while Jamba Juice offers smoothies from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students can also find Ding Tea, Brito Bowl and Ba-Le at nearby locations. Theres also GrubHub which can bring any of the food to you. They also a have special discounts for your first on-campus order. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8 Best of all, every food option on campus is available to the general public. Thats right. You dont have to be a student to enjoy these deliciously curated cuisine experiences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. FORT DUCHESNE, Utah (ABC4) A Uintah County man is facing federal charges for allegedly beating his mother so severely that she passed away from her injuries, all because she would not let him use her car. Philip Bernard Weston (also known as Philip Bernard Mahpiya-Wicasta), 52, has been charged with murder in the second degree while within Indian Country, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of Utah (USAO). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 13, 2025, law enforcement responded to the victims house due to an emergency alert. The victim was hearing impaired and used social media to contact an out-of-state relative with a request for help. An officer knocked on the door, and Weston answered, saying that the victim was inside and was fine. Through the door, the officer could allegedly see the victim lying on the ground with a large amount of blood around her. The officer took Weston into custody, and law enforcement entered the residence, where they found blood throughout the home and a tablet in front of the victim. Ralph Menzies: Board denies commutation, Sept. 5 execution will go forward The victim was transported to the hospital in Roosevelt and was able to tell law enforcement and medical staff what happened through an American Sign Language interpreter. Law enforcement says that the victim told Weston he could not use her car, and he beat her with his bare hands inside her house, causing the severe injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Due to the extent of her injuries, the victim was transported to a trauma center in Salt Lake City, but ultimately succumbed to her injuries. According to the press release, she suffered multiple broken ribs, broken clavicles, a severe chest injury, multiple head injuries, a collapsed lung, fracture of the sternum and vertebrae, and many other lacerations and broken bones. Weston has an initial appearance scheduled for Aug. 20, 2025, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the federal courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Vernal Resident Agency. Latest headlines: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) The University of Illinois Police Department is investigating after an overnight incident at a Campustown bar led them to believe an armed man was in the area, prompting an Illini Alert. UIPD officials said in a news release that the incident happened at The Red Lion. Officers stopped at the bar around 12:11 a.m. to engage with employees, but were informed by the security manager of a safety concern. 18-year-old killed in overnight Springfield shooting; two others hurt Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An employee told WCIA that it all started with an argument between a man outside the bar, who yelled at patrons through the fence and pointed toward his waistband. That person had already left The Red Lion when police arrived, but the security manager pointed out two others involved in the altercation, who were at the end of the street. Officials said officers thoroughly searched the two men, but didnt find any guns. The victims reported the gun to security and told officers that the one who left the bar had gone into the parking garage of Towers at Third, located across the street from the bar. With a suspect at large and with no guns recovered, officials said police supervisors elected to send an Illini Alert at 12:31 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I looked at my phone and I was like, Wow, okay. I didnt really know what to think of it, student Patrick Flanagan said. I was really surprised to hear about the gunman, because I live right there. And so to have that notification about something that happened literally just down the street, youre kind of questioning the safety of where youre living. As officers searched the parking garage, others continued to speak with the victims, whom officials said later altered their initial statements. The victims said they hadnt actually seen a gun, but the suspects actions implied he had one. UPDATE: Missing Sangamon Co. man has been located With updated information and after determining that the suspect was no longer in the area, an all-clear notification was sent at 12:48 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into this incident is ongoing and UIPD investigators are reviewing security camera footage from the area. They are also looking for any evidence or information from witnesses that may help locate the suspect. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the University of Illinois Police Department at 217-333-1216. Witnesses may remain anonymous by calling Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477, by visiting 373tips.com or by providing information through the P3 Tips mobile app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. Britain has dropped its request for access to Apple users' encrypted data, which had created friction between London and Washington, US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard said Tuesday. The UK government wanted the tech giant to create a "back door" to let authorities snoop on data uploaded by Apple users if required, for example by law enforcement agencies. Gabbard said the request "would have enabled access to the protected encrypted data of American citizens and encroached on our civil liberties". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many tech platforms pride themselves on being able to guarantee privacy through encryption of messages and other content, and providing access to law enforcement has long been seen as off-limits. The UK "agreed to drop its mandate" after months of work with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, Gabbard posted on X. The UK interior ministry declined to comment, telling AFP that "We do not comment on operational matters." Apple stopped offering its most advanced encryption feature -- known as Advanced Data Protection -- for British users in February. ADP ensures that only account holders can view content such as photos and documents stored in the cloud through end-to-end encryption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police officials worldwide say encryption can shield criminals, terrorists and pornographers from prosecution even when authorities have a legal warrant for an investigation. But civil rights and privacy advocates, along with many cybersecurity professionals, praise data encryption as a way to protect against wrongful snooping by authorities as well as hackers. Apple said earlier this year that it had never built a "back door" or "master key" for any of its products or services, and never would. ajb/js Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, has welcomed the show of unity at the Ukraine summit in Washington, while stressing that territorial concessions to Russia are not an option for Kiev. "The images from Washington yesterday were really very good. They show that the democratic world is standing together," Makeiev told German broadcaster ZDF's Morgenmagazin on Tuesday. Asked about the possibility of ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia as part of a peace settlement, Makeiev dismissed the idea as unthinkable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is not just about territory. It's not a computer game where you can simply hand over a piece of territory and keep playing with a mouse click," he said. "Millions and millions of Ukrainians live there." His remarks came after US President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as several key European leaders, at the White House on Monday. Trump and Zelensky expressed hope the cordial talks would pave the way for a trilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump also said the US would help European allies provide security for Ukraine in the event a peace deal to end Russia's war there is signed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ambassador said all issues would have to be discussed in negotiations but voiced scepticism about Moscow's intentions. "We'll see whether Putin is prepared to engage, or whether he once again tries to play for time," he said. "We know the Russians begin with working groups, committees and long discussions," Makeiev added. "At the same time, Russia continues to attack us daily with bombs and missiles, as has been reported." You can say what you like about Donald Trump but you cannot fault an almost divine belief in his own abilities to get things done. By his own measure the US president has solved six recent wars, including stopping a nuclear conflagration between India and Pakistan and ending the bloodbath in the Congo. Whether any of these can realistically be laid at his door is beside the point. He not only believes it when he says it, but no-one dares to challenge the veracity of his declarations, so concerned are they to avoid giving offence. Whether it is a less-than-subtle hint to the Nobel Peace Prize judges in Norway or simple braggadocio is anyones guess. However, by his own admission Trump is finding Ukraine a more intractable problem than he anticipated when he said he could sort it out in a day. He may be learning that stopping fighting does not bring about peace when the causes of conflict are deeply rooted in culture and history, to which he is largely indifferent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is a dealmaker, a transactional politician who believes that every disagreement can be sorted out with a bit of take here and give there. OK, the Ukrainians may have to give up a chunk of the Donbas but he can get them some beach-front property in exchange. In his book The Art of the Deal he sets out his style. It is quite simple and straightforward. I aim very high and then I just keep pushing and pushing and pushing to get what I am after. So what is he after? He wants to be able to say he stopped the carnage, which is a noble ambition that should not be gainsaid. The big question is how and at what price to others. Clausewitz called war the pursuit of politics by other means; so unless the root causes are addressed there will be no lasting peace, just an interregnum before the next conflict. Vladimir Putin objects to the very existence of Ukraine as an independent nation. He has not changed that position even if he is seemingly prepared to keep only part of the country in exchange for a removal of sanctions and a readmission into the comity of nations. But he, or some successor, will be back for the rest at some point, maybe years from now. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is easy to forget that Russia (along with the US and the UK) was a guarantor of Ukraines territorial integrity under the 1994 Budapest Accords which saw Kyiv hand over its nuclear arsenal for dismantlement. It is hard to believe Putin will actually agree to a bilateral meeting with Volodomyr Zelensky and treat the Ukrainian leader as an equal. Moscow will more than likely demand preparatory talks in some neutral territory and drag out the process, as they have done before. Nonetheless, there was one big concession from Mr Trump that will have given the Russian autocrat pause for thought. He told the European leaders who broke off their holidays to travel to Washington that he was prepared to offer security guarantees if a peace agreement needed to be underpinned by a military presence in Ukraine. This brought an almost audible squeak of delight from Sir Keir Starmer, President Macron and the rest gathered in the White House: here was the man who everyone feared would leave Nato recommitting America to the concept of mutual defence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confers with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House on August 18, 2025 in Washington, DC - Win McNamee/Getty Images His special envoy Steve Witkoff even talked of Nato-style protection, which was taken to mean support for the Article 5 principle of an attack on one is an attack on all. The obvious response to that is why not let Ukraine join Nato? The answer is that Russia would simply not wear it since the other reason Putin has given for his war is the encroachment of Nato onto Russias borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These geopolitical realities make all the talk about security guarantees just hot air until we know exactly what they entail. Mr Trump indicated a supportive role for the US, with some intelligence and logistics help, but that would not be enough for Britain, France and others in the coalition of the willing to commit their own forces to a peacekeeping role. They need much more than that and that is where the negotiations will go next. But it is inconceivable, surely, that a president who won office with the expressed promise not to get embroiled in foreign wars would put troops into Europe, or even offer air cover beyond reconnaissance. One armed clash, one jet shot down and suddenly we are no longer in a regional war. The dilemma that will soon face Sir Keir and his fellow leaders is how far are they prepared to commit forces in the event of a truce if Americas back-up turns out to be less than they hope and expect. What is the mission, what are the tasks, what are the rules of engagement, what is the exit strategy? Trumps positioning has already forced European countries to recalibrate their budgets to spend more on defence. He, and his predecessors in the White House, have been critical of how Europe has relied on a US security umbrella while they got on and splurged the so-called peace dividend made available by the end of the Cold War on the expansion of welfare entitlements and social programmes. Europes leaders would give anything to be able to reverse these hard choices and not face the wrath of voters for cutting their benefits or extending pension ages to find the money for defence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the frenetic diplomatic activity of the past few days has resulted in a reassertion of Americas 80-year commitment to Europes defence after everything Trump has said then we really have witnessed an extraordinary development. But such is the presidents capriciousness this could all change again. Furthermore, for Putin to agree a peace deal Ukraine must cede territory which it is constitutionally unable to do. Unless he is squeezed, the Russian leader will not budge and there was no talk in Washington of more sanctions or seizing frozen Russian assets. Europe even continues to buy Russian oil and gas, for goodness sake. As we move uncertainly on to the next stage, the biggest question of all remains: how is it that a wealthy continent of 600 million people has come to rely upon a smaller nation across the Atlantic to confront an aggressor who has so far been unable to get over the Dnipro River? 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. Editor's note: This item has been updated with President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement. Ukraine has proposed buying U.S. weapons worth $90 billion as part of security guarantees, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a briefing in Washington on Aug. 18. Previously the Financial Times reported that Kyiv had proposed buying $100 billion worth of American weapons, financed by its European partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commenting on the issue of security guarantees, Zelensky said the first part of these guarantees for Ukraine should be its own "strong army." The second part is a package of American weapons. "There is indeed a package with our proposals for $90 billion," Zelensky said. "This is the second part of the security guarantees for us. The third part is our drone production." The plan aims to secure U.S. security guarantees and anchor Washington's long-term commitment to Ukraine. By tying its defense needs to a major boost for U.S. industry, Kyiv hopes to turn its request into an investment opportunity that appeals directly to American interests. The proposal also includes a separate $50 billion agreement for producing drones with Ukrainian companies. Ukraine has been at the forefront of drone technology since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The document seen by FT doesn't specify which weapons Ukraine would buy, but it has previously expressed a desire for at least 10 U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These proposals were shared with European allies before a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The initiative aims to appeal to Trump's focus on supporting American industry, a point he highlighted when he said, "Were not giving anything. Were selling weapons." The document outlines Ukraine's counter-proposal to Trump's Aug. 15 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where Trump appeared to align with Russia's position on ending the war. Ukraine's plan reiterates its call for a ceasefire, which Trump had initially supported before shifting his stance. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking at the White House meeting with Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky, stressed the importance of a ceasefire before any further steps. "I cant imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire," he said. "So lets work on that and lets try to put pressure on Russia because the credibility of these efforts we are undertaking today depends on at least a ceasefire." The document also specifies that a "lasting peace shall be based not on concessions and free gifts to Putin, but on (a) strong security framework that will prevent future aggression." It also notes that recent Russian media content suggests the Kremlin is not serious about peace and holds a low opinion of Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine maintains it will not accept any deal that involves territorial concessions to Russia. It insists on a ceasefire as the necessary first step toward a comprehensive peace agreement. The document also rejects Putin's proposal to freeze the front line in exchange for Ukraine withdrawing troops from the occupied Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, arguing that this would "create a foothold for a further and rapid advance of Russian forces towards the city of Dnipro" and allow Putin to "achieve the goals of aggression by other means." Kyiv believes that attempting to settle territorial issues before discussing a lasting peace would establish a "fait accompli" on the ground without addressing Ukraine's long-term security. The document also insists that Russia must provide full compensation for wartime damages, potentially using the $300 billion in frozen Russian sovereign assets. It adds that any sanctions relief should only be granted if Russia "plays (a) fair game" and complies with the future peace agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Trump phones Putin, prepares for direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian leaders Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. As part of repatriation measures under previous agreements, one thousand bodies that Russia claims are those of Ukrainian service personnel have been returned to Ukraine. Source: Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War Details: It has been reported that, sadly, among the repatriated are the bodies of five Ukrainian service personnel who died in captivity. They had been on the lists of severely wounded and seriously ill prisoners who were supposed to be exchanged under the Istanbul agreements reached during the second round of talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraines Coordination Headquarters emphasised that Russia continues to drag out the process and is failing to fulfil the commitments it has undertaken. Ukraine insists on the immediate release of all seriously ill and severely wounded POWs and is fighting for the return of all Ukrainian citizens. Among the fallen soldiers brought back today are also defenders from the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Luhansk fronts, and from the operational zone in Russias Kursk Oblast. In the near future, investigators from law enforcement agencies will cooperate with expert institutions within the Interior Ministry to carry out all the necessary examinations and identify the repatriated bodies. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! US President Donald Trump has ditched his call for a ceasefire in Ukraine, backing instead Russian President Vladimir Putins push for a permanent peace agreement. That has not stopped some European leaders from pushing for a temporary truce first, even though the US president has seemingly decided one is not necessary. Its not that Kyiv and its allies dont want peace. But they understand that the kind of deal sought by Russia cant happen unless the most basic principle underpinning the global order that a country cannot get what it wants by force is thrown under the bus. And Kyivs European allies are not willing to risk that, not least because they could well become the next target of Russias aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and several European leaders in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump adopted some of Moscows talking points, questioning whether a ceasefire was necessary if a broader peace deal could be achieved. But international law experts and analysts say that any deal that would force Ukraine to give up its land to stop the killing of its people by Russia would be completely illegal under the UN Charter, a key international agreement which most countries signed up to after the horrors of the Second World War. While often thought of as essentially the same thing, there is a big difference between a peace deal and a ceasefire in the eyes of international law. During a ceasefire, warring parties agree to stop fighting with each side keeping hold of the territory under its military control. But the understanding is that the pause is temporary usually to provide a window to negotiate, deliver humanitarian help or evacuate civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv and its European allies suggested that a ceasefire might be a precursor for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin, followed by a trilateral meeting between Trump, Zelensky, and Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks with European leaders at the Ukrainian Embassy on August 18. - Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who attended the summit on Monday, said that he cant imagine that the next meeting will take place without a ceasefire. A ceasefire can be short like the 1914 Christmas Truce that lasted a few days or it could stretch to decades. The ceasefires between Cyprus and Turkey, and between India and Pakistan have been in place for decades with no permanent peace settlement in sight. What Putin wants and now, apparently, Trump as well is a permanent peace agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under international law, a peace agreement is meant to be a formal, long-term treaty that dictates the future relationship between two countries. And thats where things get complicated. There is a uniquely core principle to international law that is inscribed front and center in the UN Charter: Use of force is emphatically prohibited. So what that also (means) is that any treaty that you procure by use of force is effectively illegal and is inherently void, said Jeremy Pizzi, an international lawyer and a legal adviser of Global Rights Compliance, a human rights foundation. Little detail has been shared about the kind of peace deal Putin discussed with Trump last week, but it is clear that the Russian leader has not abandoned some of his maximalist demands, including that Ukraine give up the entire eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions, known as the Donbas, and is banned from joining NATO in the future. Russian President Vladimir Putin and US counterpart Donald Trump hold a joint press conference after a US-Russia summit on Ukraine at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, on August 15. - Drew Angerer/AFP/Getty Images This would make the deal doubly illegal under international law: illegal because of the way it would be reached by force and illegal because of its content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even if he wanted to which he does not Zelensky cannot agree to give up territory. Under the Ukrainian constitution, any change to the countrys borders must be approved by a referendum a rule that is in place partly because of Russias tendency to install puppet governments in foreign countries. A survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), a leading public opinion pollster, in May and June found that the vast majority of Ukrainians reject the idea of recognizing Ukrainian territories as part of Russia. An even bigger majority is against giving up control over territories that are currently controlled by Ukraine. Speaking to CNN from Kyiv, Pizzi said that even if the Ukrainians somehow changed their minds and voted in favor of giving up their land which they are unlikely to do, according to KIIS the agreement would still be illegal under international law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of the Ukrainian constitution, Zelensky, or no one, can hand over territory linked to aggressive military conquest. The prohibition of using armed force to conquer territory is absolute under international law, Pizzi said. A damaged building and a church in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on August 18. - Ivan Samoilov/AFP/Getty Images No sensible reason to trust Russia There are also practical and strategic reasons why Ukraine cannot agree to Moscows demands. The Russian military currently controls almost all of Luhansk and more than 70% of Donetsk, which means that Putin is asking Kyiv to give up even more than it has lost so far. But the parts of the Donbas region that are still under Kyivs control include infrastructure that is crucial for Ukraines defense. A string of industrial cities including Sloviansk, Kramatorsk and Kostiantynivka that are connected by main roads and railways form the backbone of Ukraines defenses. If they were to be taken by Russia, the road to the western parts of the country would be wide open. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also little incentive for Kyiv to trust Moscow, Pizzi said. Russia has engaged in armed attacks against Ukraine for over 10 years now, consistently, repeatedly during that time. Russia has feigned negotiations, feigned good faith, while continuing to use violence and keeping up the same illegal maximalist goals in the background and Ukrainian authorities are painfully aware of this, he said. There is no logical, sensible reason to trust Russia in the absence of a precursor, a good faith decision or engagement that they make on their part to hold off from killing more Ukrainians, he added. A rescue worker in front of a damaged building at Sumy State University in Sumy, Ukraine, following a Russian airstrike on August 18. - Yehor Kryvoruchko/Kordon.Media/Global Images Ukraine/Getty Images Kyiv, backed by the Europeans, has indicated that it is willing to recognize the current reality on the ground in order to stop the killing. This would likely mean freezing the conflict along the current front lines and essentially giving up on trying to regain its land while the ceasefire is in place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysts at the Eurasia Group wrote in a note on Monday that the European leaders would no doubt make it very clear to Trump that there can be no question of acceptance of a permanent annexation of Ukrainian territory by force. While there is openness to recognition of the de facto military position on the ground, neither Ukraine nor the Europeans will accept that Russia should be given more land than it has captured, they said, quoting a Western intelligence assessment that it would take Russia more than four years to occupy the rest of the Donbas. And, crucially, even if Kyiv were to recognize that the reality on the ground gives Russia the de-facto control of some of its land, it would certainly not agree to make this a permanent recognition. Kyivs goal remains to regain all of its territory in the future. The Eurasia analysts said there was some doubt in the European minds that Trump understands, or cares about, the importance of the distinction between the two. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A ceasefire might be the only way out of the current violence. A permanent peace deal would be against international law. The reality is that (international law) makes it almost politically impossible to conclude a peace treaty when the victim is not winning. And my response to that is: Thats the point, Pizzi said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Related video: Trump Suggests US Planes, Pilots Could Support Ukraine As Part Of Security Guarantees NewsNation national Correspondent Robert Sherman has found himself on the front lines of some of the worlds biggest stories: from Ukraine to Israel and across the United States. He shares what hes seeing on the ground. Subscribe to his newsletter: Frontlines with Robert Sherman here. Greetings from Ukraine, which feels like the center of the universe at the moment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, Ive heard from quite a few of you since an article from Forbes entitled How NewsNation is Quietly Challenging the Big Three of Cable News was published Friday. It reads: When Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke this week with NewsNations Robert Sherman in Kyiv, the conversation came at a pivotal moment. The article goes on to describe our operations here in Kyiv as scrappy, which is the best compliment one can give in this business. I encourage you to read the entire write-up. And as an aside, thank you for all of your support surrounding my book, Lessons from the Front. Its been a blessing to see a renewed interest in my reporting from Ukraine these last three weeks. As Ive said before, the day Russia invaded Ukraine and I was on a plane to Europe, my life changed forever. Its a true honor to be back here and watch as this next chapter comes full circle. For those interested, you can pre-order my book through Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Bloomsbury. Back to the present moment here in Kyiv. The wheels of diplomacy are turning on the Ukraine front, with all the big powerbrokers in Europe meeting at the White House. Those who have covered the Oval Office for decades acknowledge theyve never seen such a cattle call. The meeting illustrates the magnitude of the moment. The ball is moving toward the end of this war, but theres a lot that still needs to happen and plenty that can go wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An initial significant hurdle has been overcome: Security guarantees for Ukraine look as though they will include the United States backing in some capacity. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte referred to this as a breakthrough. Ive received a few questions on this over the last few days that basically boil down to: If Ukraine isnt going to win the war outright, why dont they just make a peace deal with Russia to end it? Heres why: Ukraine believes Russia is going to come back for another bite at the apple in a few years. In the same way Crimea in 2014 was not the end of tensions, this current iteration of the same war is not believed to be the end either. In the same way Russia used Crimea to launch the second invasion of Ukraine, it is widely believed Russia will use the Donbas to launch a third. Why do people think this? Because the Kremlin has publicly stated it believes Russia has constitutional governance over every square inch of all four of these eastern regions. So, the only way Russia wont come back and take another run at Ukraine is if there are security guarantees put in place by the West. That appears to be coming together, though there are some details that still need to be worked out, according to President Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not going to be a part of NATO, but weve got the European nations, and theyll front-load it, Trump told Fox News. I dont think its going to be a problem. Thats step one. Now comes the next phase, in which everything has to go right: talks between Russia and Ukraine. The White House has said the plan is for Russia and Ukraine to sit down in a bilateral format first, and then, if that goes well, the door is open for a trilateral with the U.S. to help seal the deal. Ukraine will never stop on the way to peace, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday outside the White House. We are ready for any kind of formats, but on the level of leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, Ukraines ready to go. But what about Russia? French President Emmanuel Macron is not convinced. You have an American president, European presidents and a Ukrainian president all wanting peace, Macron said. For my part, I have the greatest doubts about the reality of a desire for peace on the part of the Russian president, because as long as he thinks he can win through war, he will do so. There are lots of ifs. Lots of room for error. But to give the White House credit where credit is due, things are moving in the right direction. Dont take my word for it. Finlands President Alexander Stubb probably said it best: In the last two weeks, we have made more progress than in three and a half years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More to come, and a lot more has to go right. But a window of opportunity is here. The only question is, will everyone play ball to seize it? The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of NewsNation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the White House said on Tuesday, as Kiev's allies work to hammer out the details of security guarantees for Ukraine to support a possible peace deal. Asked repeatedly by reporters at a press conference whether Putin had committed to a direct meeting in the coming weeks, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt eventually replied: "He has." Leavitt had previously responded evasively to questions on the subject, declining to comment on possible locations for a bilateral meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When pressed on whether Putin had actually agreed to a bilateral meeting, Leavitt initially stated: "I can assure you that the United States government and the Trump administration is working with both Russia and Ukraine to make that bilateral happen as we speak." Only after further questioning did she give a clear answer. The White House information matches earlier statements from German government sources, who said on Tuesday that Putin had agreed in a telephone conversation with Trump to participate in a bilateral meeting with Zelensky. According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the Putin-Zelensky meeting is planned for within the next two weeks. Trump is pushing for a solution to the war in Ukraine and has hosted a series of meetings in recent days - first in Alaska with Putin on Friday, then in Washington with Zelensky and other European leaders on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plans include arranging a Putin-Zelensky meeting, followed by a trilateral summit with Trump to discuss the conditions for ending the conflict. However, the tone from Moscow has been more cautious. Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on state television on Tuesday that Moscow is, in principle, open to any format for talks. "But all contacts involving the heads of state must be prepared with the utmost care," he added. Russia has previously used this reasoning to reject Zelensky's calls for a quick meeting with Putin. Europeans turn to security guarantees European countries are working intensively on the details of reliable security guarantees for Ukraine, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius told dpa on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Firstly, we will take into account the progress of the negotiations, secondly a possible contribution from the US and thirdly the consultations with our closest partners," he said. Security guarantees against further Russian attacks are seen as a basic prerequisite for Ukraine to make concessions in negotiations. At Monday's meeting in Washington, leaders discussed a guarantee modelled on NATO's Article 5, which stipulates that NATO states can count on the support of their allies in the event of an attack. Trump on Tuesday ruled out the deployment of US ground troops to Ukraine, pointing to the willingness of some European countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with US broadcaster Fox News, he said he assumed that Germany, France and the United Kingdom were prepared to send troops to Ukraine to secure a possible peace. Trump said they were "willing to put people on the ground", and added: "We're willing to help them with things, especially probably if you could talk about by air, because there's nobody has the kind of stuff we have." Russia has so far categorically rejected the deployment of troops from NATO countries to Ukraine. EU Council president optimistic European Council President Antonio Costa said on Tuesday there was "growing momentum around providing Ukraine with security guarantees," after hosting a virtual summit with EU leaders to discuss Monday's Ukraine talks in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Now is the time to accelerate our practical work to put in place a guarantee similar to NATO's Article 5 with continued United States engagement," Costa said in a statement issued following the online meeting. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also hosted a video meeting on Tuesday of the so-called "coalition of the willing," a group of countries which have said they are ready to contribute to ensuring Ukraine's security in the event of a peace deal. He said military leaders from the group of nations are set to meet with US partners this week to nail down the details of possible security guarantees and advance preparations for the deployment of peacekeeping forces in the event of a ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously warned against a hasty peace agreement without safeguards. "This peace must not be rushed and must be backed by solid guarantees, otherwise we will be starting over again," Macron told broadcaster TF1/LCI in an interview that aired on Tuesday. Russia and Ukraine are desperately trying to stop each others' drones using electronic warfare. Soldiers sometimes accidentally jam their own sides' drones if they're on the same frequency. There are so many drones that soldiers can be confused about which side they belong to. With too many drones in the air and only so many radio frequencies, Ukrainian soldiers sometimes accidentally jam their own drones trying to stop Russian ones, Business Insider learned. Dimko Zhluktenko, a drone operator with Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces who has operated strike and reconnaissance drones, told Business Insider that his unit was recently the victim of friendly electronic warfare, or just EW. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said it's something that often happens with the big reconnaissance drones that both sides use because many of Ukraine's drones "use the same frequencies that enemy drones use." That's been the case, for instance, with Russia's Zala recon and strike drones and Ukraine's Shark reconnaissance drones. "When friendly EW tries to jam Zala, it also jams Shark," he said. Ukraine uses the Shark to identify targets that other Ukrainian weaponry can then destroy, including Russian artillery convoys, and Russia uses its Zala to identify Ukrainian targets and attack Ukrainian assets like tanks and artillery. The Shark drone is developed by Ukrainian company Ukrspecsystems, and its newest version has a range of 260 miles, while the Zala is made by Russia's Zala Aero. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The huge volume of drones used in Russia's invasion of Ukraine has resulted in an electronic warfare battle, with jamming and more flooding frequencies with noise, cutting connections, and confusing enemy drones, frustrating operators attempting to use them for strikes and surveillance. It's fueled new developments in EW, as well as efforts to get around electronic warfare, such as fiber-optic drones and AI-enabled systems. Zhluktenko said there are so many drones in the sky that Ukrainian soldiers have to try to coordinate when they fly drones, to try to avoid the accidental jamming of their own side's drones. In a single one-mile stretch of the front line, there might be more than 60 drones in the sky, he said. A Ukrainian serviceman carries a reconnaissance drone during training near the city of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region on May 19, 2023. REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova In his area, a roughly three-mile section, there might be around three large Russian reconnaissance drones in flight at any given time. There's a lot of other stuff in the air though, and that can make it hard to tell what belongs to which side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhluktenko previously told BI that it can be so difficult to tell the drones apart that infantry soldiers sometimes panic and jam everything with their electronic warfare systems. He said: "They literally click all of the frequencies to be jammed because they're scared." Another Ukrainian drone operator, who previously spoke to BI on the condition of anonymity, said the confusion sometimes causes soldiers to try to shoot down every drone they see. As Western militaries look to adopt small drones in new ways, concerns about battlefield confusion are a priority. Combat footage from Ukraine has shown troops frantically questioning if the drone buzzing overhead is on their side. With some dropping grenades or screaming out of the sky and exploding, soldiers may have only moments to sort that out. Drone usage is higher in this war than in any other conflict in history. Among these systems are the more traditional large reconnaissance drones, emerging small strike drones, and drones with weaponry like firearms and grenades. These weapons are designed to attack and gather information on the enemy and guide other weapons and combat forces. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prolific employment of drone technology has sparked an innovation race between Russia and Ukraine to create new types of drones and drone technologies. On both sides, domestic innovation and defense engineering are fueling developments, as is support from foreign partner nations. The drone unit of the 108th Territorial Defense Brigade of the Ukrainian Army continues its combat training as heavy clashes continue on the Zaporizhzhia frontline in Ukraine on November 04, 2023. Anadolu | Getty Images Ukraine is relying on drones as it faces Russia's far-larger military and deals with shortages in Western-provided weaponry. Drones are something that Ukraine can make itself in large quantities, with efforts ranging from huge companies to small outfits in people's garages. It's a key part of Ukraine's growing domestic defense industry, which also includes homegrown missiles, air defense systems, and ground robots. Ukraine said it made 2.2 million drones last year, and it aims to make four million this year. But Russia also sees value in drones and is investing heavily in boosting output. It uses them at the front lines, as well as to complicate its strike packages when targeting Ukrainian cities, mixing one-way attack drones with missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The huge volume of drones has led to some irregularities in battle, such as panic jamming. It's also resulted in drone operators sometimes accidentally being able to see each other's drone feeds, allowing them to unintentionally pick up intelligence about what enemy drones are doing and collecting. There are just so many drones and only so many operating frequencies that drone feeds can get switched without them doing anything. Ukrainian and Russian troops are working through these issues in real time, and lessons learned from the fight may shape future wars. Read the original article on Business Insider Russia launched an attack on Ukraine on the night of 18-19 August using five Iskander-M ballistic missiles, five Kh-101 cruise missiles, and 270 Shahed attack UAVs along with decoy drones. Source: Air Force on Telegram Details: It was reported that starting from 20:00 on 18 August, Russia struck Ukraine with 280 aerial assets: 270 Shahed attack UAVs and various types of decoy drones were launched from the Russian cities of Kursk, Millerovo and Primorsko-Akhtarsk; five Iskander-M ballistic missiles were launched from Russias Rostov and Voronezh oblasts, as well as occupied Crimea; five Kh-101 cruise missiles were launched from strategic bombers over the Caspian Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Early reports indicate that as of 09:00, air defence had shot down or jammed 236 aerial assets: 230 Shahed UAVs and decoy drones, two Iskander-M ballistic missiles and four Kh-101 cruise missiles. Quote: "There were confirmed strikes by four missiles and 40 drones at 16 locations, with debris from intercepted targets falling in three locations. Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units along with mobile fire groups from the Ukrainian defence forces took part in repelling the attack." Background: On the night of 18-19 August, the Air Force reported the take-off of two Russian Tu-95MS bombers and probable cruise missile launches. Later, the Air Force warned that "cruise missiles are heading towards Kremenchuk" in Poltava Oblast. Russian forces carried out a large-scale strike on Poltava Oblast on the night of 18-19 August there were direct hits and falling debris in two districts, leaving over 1,500 consumers cut off from the power grid. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! By Anastasiia Malenko KYIV (Reuters) -When Ukrainian designer Viktor Anisimov showed Volodymyr Zelenskiy a new black suit last Friday, it included a small detail. A back vent on the back inched it closer to a civilian suit, compared to the military outfits the president has favoured throughout the war in Ukraine. "These are our hopes for peace," Anisimov told Reuters about the tweak. "We think that if we add something subtle to this image, something from civilian clothing to his uniform, then it will be like a lucky charm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, the lucky charm worked to set a warm tone for a White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Moments after Zelenskiy arrived, Trump complimented him on the suit. Zelenskiy's dark military-style outfit was one of the things Trump objected to during a disastrous Oval Office meeting in February, when the Ukrainian leader was given a public scolding. Anisimov, 61, from the northern region of Chernihiv, said he was watching videos of that interaction and felt the jabs. He perceived them as aimed at the Ukrainian citizens, not just at Zelenskiy. "There was a slight sense of despair because they do not understand how we breathe, how we live," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A reporter at the White House who asked Zelenskiy in February why he was not wearing a suit also praised the Ukrainian on his attire on Monday, saying "You look fabulous in that suit". Anisimov said he was not watching for criticism or compliments this time but wanted to ensure the Ukrainian president looked dignified. "They praise, they scold. If we win, and we will win, then whose suit it was doesn't matter," he said. Zelenskiy has worn military-type outfits, often with collar-less shirts and heavy boots, to show solidarity with Ukraine's troops since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In this moment, internally, we all changed, everything changed, life changed. It was a point of no-return," Zelenskiy said in an interview with a Ukrainian media outlet a year later. URGENT REQUEST The black suit worn on Monday was originally presented, along with an identical navy option, as an outfit idea for Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24. While the team was going back and forth on the back vent, Anisimov took it back for alterations on Friday. Before he even got to making the adjustments on sleeves, the phone rang with an urgent request from the administration on Saturday the president needed the suit for his U.S. trip. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was not the first time that Anisimov had been charged with changing the president's style. In the early 2000s, then-comedian Zelenskiy and his team Kvartal 95 sought to establish their identities on the Ukrainian screens after getting their initial break in comedy competitions. The process was gradual: black t-shirts gave way to white shirts with ties and then morphed into suits worn by the team during the shows. Anisimov said he had not heard from Zelenskiy for over five years when a mutual acquaintance from the previous make-over contacted him in January. They floated the idea of creating a capsule collection for the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anisimov said he used the military uniform as an inspiration point to ensure versatility for all items in the capsule. "I can't say that we sewed (a suit) specifically for the NATO summit or for an important conversation with Trump and European leaders. The suit is just a suit," Anisimov said, adding that Zelenskiy has about five similar-looking jackets with small tweaks. Since then, the Ukrainian president wore Anisimov's designs to the funeral of Pope Francis in April and a NATO Summit in June, both occasions that helped to bring the U.S. and Ukraine closer together after the public rift in February. (Reporting by Anastasiia MalenkoEditing by Frances Kerry) Ukrainian long-range drones destroyed two Russian ammunition depots in occupied Luhansk Oblast, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported on Aug. 19. The strikes hit warehouses in the village of Bilokurakyne, located on a key railway line supplying Russian forces on the Pokrovsk front, where Moscow is focusing its primary offensive efforts. According to the SBU, the drones hit the sites at least seven times, sparking a massive fire later confirmed by FIRMS, a NASA public satellite service that tracks real-time fire activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The destruction of enemy ammunition directly helps our soldiers, who are bravely holding back Russian assaults," SBU said, adding that operations to "demilitarize" Russian depots would continue. Bilokurakyne lies about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Ukrainian-controlled territory and remains under Russian occupation. Moscow currently controls nearly all of Luhansk Oblast. Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian logistics hubs in occupied areas and inside Russia to weaken Moscow's front-line capacity. On July 2, Ukraine struck a Russian ammunition depot in occupied Khartsyzk, Donetsk Oblast, and on May 17, an attack on a depot near Perevalne in occupied Crimea caused an explosion and fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Warm words, thin results: White House meeting lifts Ukraine, but tough road ahead Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Russia's Volgograd Oblast overnight on Aug. 19, regional governor Andrei Bocharov said. The refinery, Russian oil company Lukoil's second-largest, is a major producer of petroleum products in Russia's Southern Federal District. According to Bocharov, a fire broke out at the site following the attack. Residents told Russian pro-government media outlet Shot that they heard between four and 10 explosions, with drones flying at low altitude and bright flashes visible in the night sky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Defense Ministry claimed 13 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the region. Lukoil's Volgograd refinery, which has an annual capacity of 14.8 million tons, had already been forced to halt production after earlier strikes on Aug. 13-14. Reuters reported on Aug. 18 that the damaged units together accounted for the plant's entire refining capacity. Volgograd Oblast, along the lower Volga River, is roughly 470 miles (290 kilometers) from Ukraine-controlled territory and shares a border with Kazakhstan to the southeast. The extent of the damage is not yet known. Ukraine has not commented on the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has repeatedly used long-range drones to strike industrial and military targets deep inside Russia, focusing in particular on oil infrastructure that fuels Moscow's war effort. At least three Russian refineries suspended or cut operations this month due to such attacks, including Rosneft's Saratov facility and refineries in Ryazan and Novokuibyshevsk. The strikes have contributed to soaring fuel prices in Russia, with the Moscow Times reporting on Aug. 18 that wholesale gasoline reached "historic highs" following the shutdowns. Read also: In Ukraine, democracy finds its fiercest defenders Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Drones of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) struck two Russian ammunition depots in the settlement of Bilokurakyne in temporarily occupied Luhansk Oblast on the night of 18-19 August. Source: SSU press service Details: It is noted that this town is located on an important railway line used to supply ammunition from Russia to the front line, particularly to the Pokrovsk front. Early reports indicate that the drones struck the depots at least seven times. Following the explosions, a massive fire broke out, which was also recorded by the international FIRMS service that tracks fires across the world in real time. Photo: submitted to UP Photo: submitted to UP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The security service stressed that the demilitarisation of Russian military depots and equipment will continue, in mocking reference to Russias goals of "denazification and demilitarisation" of Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The ultra-luxurious Santa Monica Proper hotel where rooms range from around $600 to $2,600 a night has been accused of failing to pay its employees minimum wage and, in some cases, paying them less per hour than it charges guests for a bowl of hummus. This week, a class-action lawsuit was filed to the L.A. County Superior Court against the upscale hotel on behalf of around 100 workers who have allegedly been underpaid for years. The 263-room hotel promises guests an experience where "every moment is considered through a luxury lens," according to its website, and boasts two renowned restaurants, a rooftop pool, a fitness center and an award-winning spa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dining options feature items like $21 mocktails and $250 wagyu steaks," states the complaint. "Despite these premium prices, the Proper hotel does not pay its workers the minimum wage." In a statement to The Times, the company that owns the hotel, Proper Hospitality, said, "We categorically disagree with the claims in this lawsuit, which mischaracterize both our labor practices and the status of our union agreements," adding that staff receive "highly competitive" compensation and benefits. In Santa Monica, all hotel staff are entitled to the minimum wage stipulated by the Santa Monica Hotel Worker Living Wage Ordinance which was set at $19.73 in July 2023, jumped to $20.32 in July 2024, and a year later is $21.01. These rates are similar to those set by the city of L.A.s minimum wage ordinance for hotel workers. Plaintiffs Chelsea Kupitz and Eric Block are servers who have worked at the hotel since 2019 and are pursuing the class-action suit on behalf of all employees whose rights under the Santa Monica ordinance have allegedly been violated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No luxury hotel is above the law," attorney Alexander Winnick told The Times. "Santa Monicas hotel worker living wage reflects the citys commitment to a fair and vibrant tourism industry and to keeping wages competitive with other cities. Sometimes it takes courageous workers to stand up to protect everyones rights." Read more: Businesses seek to overturn hotel and airport wage hikes by forcing a citywide election In Santa Monica, the only way hotels can receive an exception to the ordinance is by applying for a one-year waiver, arguing that compliance would force a shutdown, or by reaching a collective bargaining agreement with employees that includes a waiver. The Santa Monica Proper hotel has never formally sought a waiver from the city claiming it is unable to afford the rates, according to the complaint. The hotel did have language in its previous collective bargaining agreement about sidestepping the ordinance's pay rates, but that agreement expired in June 2023, the complaint states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, the hotel has failed to raise its wages in line with those mandated by the ordinance leaving many employees earning an hourly rate that is less than the $20 charged for a bowl of hummus at the hotel's rooftop restaurant, according to the complaint. Proper Hospitality said in a statement, however, that the Santa Monica Proper hotel continues to operates under a collective bargaining agreement with the union representing staff. Attorneys for employees said negotiations on a new agreement are continuing. The complaint further alleges that the language in the collective bargaining agreement was not specific enough to constitute a formal waiver to the ordinance, and therefore, employees have been underpaid since July 2022. They [staff] have been systematically denied the minimum wages mandated by the Ordinance," states the complaint. "This shortfall not only undercuts their livelihoods but highlights the glaring hypocrisy of a luxury establishment profiting handsomely while skimping on fair pay for those who make it shine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Proper pushed back on any implication of exploitation, saying that its healthcare coverage and retirement pension contributions go beyond what the ordinance requires. "We also conduct regular training and audits to ensure full compliance and transparency," Proper Hospitality stated. "Were confident that a full review of the facts will show our practices reflect that commitment." Plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and compensatory damages including back pay owed to workers. In addition, they are asking for penalties of $100 per day per person whose rights were violated under the Santa Monica Hotel Worker Living Wage Ordinance plus further penalties for violations of the California Labor Code. They are also seeking a court order requiring that the hotel prominently display hotel worker minimum wage rates and that an independent party monitor the hotel's payroll compliance for two to three years. 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. Sheila Jubera has been preserving and sharing Coon Valleys history for about eight years via Facebook. Jubera, who grew up in and whose family has been in the village for five generations, established the Coon Valley Wisconsin History Project Facebook page. She started by scanning and sharing items from her grandmothers scrapbooks, and has continued sharing history and photos. There was a spark of interest in genealogy and history. Over the years others have shared photos and other historical information connected to the village on that Facebook page. After last Augusts 175th anniversary celebration, Jubera said several members of the planning committee suggested and voted to form the Coon Valley Historical Society and organize a yearly event. In November they voted to submit the paperwork to become a 501 3 organization. They officially became a nonprofit July 8. Steve and Linda Schulte, of Valley Fudge & Candy Company, have donated space within the Sweet Valley Artisans building for the historical society, Jubera said. The historical societys space will be open during the stores regular hours. So far, the historical society has such items as family albums and scrapbooks, an antique sideboard with a marble top once owned by Marjorie Haugen that was donated by the Westby Area Historical Society, and small items commemorating the villages 125th, 150th and 175th anniversary celebrations, among other artifacts. Jubera said the board welcomes donations of any items that have to do with the history of the Coon Valley area. Anything, really; were just getting started. Items could include family trees, stories or documents, letters and books, such as family Bibles, genealogy books or Norwegian bygde books, which are a history of a specific community, recording who lived where, and when. As part of the museum, those involved would like to create a digital photo display. If anyone has digital historical photos, they can email them with a detailed description to coonvalleyhistory@gmail.com. If the photos arent digital, arrangements can be made to scan them at no cost. Coon Valley Heritage Day Coon Valley Heritage Day, set for Aug. 23 in Veterans Memorial Park, features many of the same events as last years 175th anniversary celebration. An eight-team double elimination softball tournament begins Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. and continues Aug. 23. Its a fundraiser for the Coon Valley Historical Society. Jubera said last years tournament was such a hit the decision was made to make it an annual fundraiser. In addition to the softball tournament, Friday includes Movie in the Park presented by Knutson Memorial Library and the Coon Valley Police Department. The movie, Front of the Class, will be shown at about 8:30 p.m. Games will be available at 7 p.m. Free popcorn will be served. Moviegoers are asked to bring their own chairs, blankets and bug spray. A 5K run/walk is a new event. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Saturday, followed by the run/walk on the parks walking path from 7:30 to 10 a.m. The registration fee is $5 per person. Proceeds will be put toward purchasing historical artifacts specific to the village, the ability to acquire a permanent location for educational and genealogical purposes for the historical society, as well as the continuation of an annual community celebration. Members of the American Legion post will once again serve a pancake breakfast at the Legion Hall from 7 to 10 a.m. Other events taking place on Saturday include an Artisan Market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., a tractor ride from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., a car show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., a parade at 10 a.m., the dedication of the Coon Valley Elementary School ball field at 11 a.m., food trucks at 11 a.m., childrens activities in the park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., bounce houses from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Face Painting by Terri from 12 to 2 p.m. A fireworks display by the La Crosse Skyrockers at dusk will cap off the day. Music in the parks gazebo on Saturday includes Gibbons & Saner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Leather N Lace from 2 to 4 p.m., Dan & Mary Sebranek from 5 to 7 p.m. and Tyler Deaver from 8 to 10 p.m. More information can be found on the Coon Valley Historical Societys Facebook page. The United Nations Security Council began to debate Monday a resolution drafted by France to extend the UN peacekeeping force in south Lebanon for a year with the ultimate aim to withdraw it. Israel and the United States have reportedly opposed the renewal of the force's mandate, and it was unclear if the draft text has backing from Washington, which wields a veto on the Council. A US State Department spokesman said "we don't comment on ongoing UN Security Council negotiations," as talks continued on the fate of the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL), deployed since 1978 to separate Lebanon and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The text, first reported by Reuters, would "extend the mandate of UNIFIL until August 31, 2026" but "indicates its intention to work on a withdrawal of UNIFIL." That would be on the condition that Lebanon's government was the "sole provider of security in southern Lebanon... and that the parties agree on a comprehensive political arrangement." Under a truce that ended a recent war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, Beirut's army has been deploying in south Lebanon and dismantling the militant group's infrastructure there. Lebanon has been grappling with the thorny issue of disarming Hezbollah, with the cabinet this month tasking the army with developing a plan to do so by the end of the year. The Iran-backed group has pushed back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the truce, Israel was meant to completely withdraw from Lebanon, though it has kept forces in several areas it deems strategic and continues to administer strikes across Lebanon. Israel's forces have also had tense encounters with the UN blue helmets. The draft resolution under discussion also "calls for enhanced diplomatic efforts to resolve any dispute or reservation pertaining to the international border between Lebanon and Israel." Council members were debating the draft resolution seen by AFP Monday ahead of a vote of the 15-member council on August 25 before the expiration of the force's mandate at the end of the month. gw/jgc A record 383 aid workers were killed last year, the United Nations said Tuesday, branding the figures and lack of accountability a "shameful indictment" of international apathy, and warning that this year's toll was equally grim. The 2024 figure was up 31 percent on the year before, the UN said on World Humanitarian Day, "driven by the relentless conflicts in Gaza, where 181 humanitarian workers were killed, and in Sudan, where 60 lost their lives". It said state actors were the most common perpetrators of the killings last year, and most of the victims were local staff attacked in the line of duty or in their homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Besides those killed, 308 aid workers were wounded, 125 kidnapped and 45 detained. "Humanitarians must be respected and protected. They can never be targeted," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. "This rule is non-negotiable and is binding on all parties to conflict, always and everywhere. Yet red lines are crossed with impunity," he said, calling for perpetrators to be brought to justice. - 'Life-saving work' - Provisional figures from the Aid Worker Security Database show that 265 aid workers have been killed this year to August 14. "Attacks on this scale, with zero accountability, are a shameful indictment of international inaction and apathy," said UN aid chief Tom Fletcher, head of its humanitarian agency OCHA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Violence against aid workers is not inevitable. It must end." OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke said "very, very few" people had "ever been brought to justice for any of these attacks". The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement said 18 of its staff and volunteers had been killed so far this year "while carrying out their life-saving work". "Each killing sends a dangerous message that their lives were expendable. They were not," the group said. Meanwhile the UN's World Health Organization said 1,121 health workers and patients had been killed and hundreds injured in attacks across 16 territories -- with most deaths in Sudan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Each attack inflicts lasting harm, deprives entire communities of life-saving care when they need it the most, endangers health care providers, and weakens already strained health systems," the WHO said. - Frustration with impunity - World Humanitarian Day marks the day in 2003 when UN rights chief Sergio Vieira de Mello and 21 other humanitarians were killed in the bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad. Current UN deputy human rights chief Nada al-Nashif -- who survived that blast -- urged countries to use the principle of universal jurisdiction to go after the perpetrators of such attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's supreme frustration with impunity," she told AFP. "Where the pursuit in national jurisdictions is not coming through -- then we have to resort to universal jurisdiction." Speaking of the Baghdad attack, she said: "I lost a finger, I was badly hurt, I had about six surgeries over four years, but it is nothing, it pales in comparison to what we lost that day. "I am really saddened that we are in the same place now, where the United Nations is being undermined. "We are being manipulated again, attacked, directly, and find ourselves prey to misinformation and disinformation at a time when more than ever we need a robust, vivid and dynamic UN." rjm/js Tackling income inequality and building another 10,000 affordable housing units are two of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens goals for a second term in office. The 51-year-old Dickens outlined his vision for a second term on Tuesday after formally qualifying to put his name on the ballot in November. He told dozens of supporters gathered on the steps outside City Hall that Atlanta has housed hundreds of homeless people, built more than 11,000 affordable housing units, and hired more than 14,000 young people over the course of the past three-plus years, but the city still has a long way to go toward closing the gap between its haves and have-nots. Weve got big plans to keep moving Atlanta forward, Dickens told those in attendance on Tuesday. Were going to make Atlanta the best place to raise a family through affordable housing, food access, public safety, youth programs, and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesday marks the start of the four-day qualifying period for municipal office candidates to be on the ballot in November, according to the office of Atlanta Municipal Clerk Corrine Lindo. Anyone running for mayor or a spot on Atlanta City Council has until Friday to file required paperwork and pay all necessary fees. Mayoral candidates must be at least 18 years of age and pay $6,081.90 to run. They also are required to live in the city for at least a year prior to filing to run for office. Read More: Is a Second Andre Dickens Term Inevitable? Lindos office on Tuesday declined to confirm who has officially qualified for the citys mayoral race. A staffer said the final list of mayoral candidates wont be available until Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blandtown resident Marcus D. Lamar, 2021 mayoral candidate Walter Reeves, and community advocate Eddie Meredith have declared their intentions to run against Dickens in November, along with consultant Helmut Domagalski. Rumored candidates include Larmetria Trammell and Kalema Jackson, according to the Center for Civic Innovation. Meredith said on Tuesday that he, too, has qualified to be on the ballot. The 39-year-old former pastor and community leader, originally from Oakland, California, has lived in Atlanta since 1993. He told Capital B Atlanta in July that hes running for mayor because, in his view, Dickens hasnt done enough to help the citys working class. Beunca Gainor (left) and a fellow supporter of Mayor Andre Dickens pose for a photo Tuesday following a City Hall press conference. Gainor said Dickens efforts to address affordable housing have helped make a difference in the lives of Black Atlanta residents like her. Theres nobody thats out there that is advocating for the people, Meredith said. A lot of residents are extremely vulnerable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beunca Gainor disagrees with Merediths view on Dickens. The 36-year-old Bankhead resident was one of the more than 50 Dickens supporters who attended his Tuesday morning press conference. She said the mayors affordable housing strikeforce has helped make a difference in the lives of Black Atlanta residents like her. She, her fiance, and their five children recently moved into an affordable two-bedroom apartment in the city. You cant beat $850 in the city in 2025, Gainor told Capital B Atlanta on Tuesday. If I needed to take a week of sick leave from my job, I wont be homeless, because I can actually afford my rent. Read More: Dickens Champions Cop City, Crime Drop, and Housing Gains The post Mayor Dickens Launches Re-Election Bid, Outlines Vision for Second Term appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. Gary Hairston (from left to right), Judy Riffe, Dianna Perdue and Roosevelt Neal, stand outside of an office building for the U.S. House of Representatives last year. The advocates for people with black lung were in the U.S. Capitol encouraging lawmakers to support coal miners with the incurable disease. (Quenton King | Courtesy photo) Representatives with the United Coal Workers of America have condemned a federal courts decision to continue delaying the implementation of a federal rule to lower coal miners exposure to dangerous silica dust, calling the pushback bureaucratic cowardice. The silica dust rule finalized under the U.S. Department of Labor and the Mine Safety and Health Administration last year should have gone into effect on Monday after being delayed for the first time in April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But now the rule has yet again been pushed back to at least October due to a previous temporary injunction issued by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit in response to a request from the National Sand, Stone and Gravel Association to block the rules implementation completely. The rule would have gone into effect on Monday only for coal mines; the NSSGA along with several other industry groups who joined the organization in its request would not have been impacted by the new regulations until 2027, per the rule. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Meanwhile, as the rule is delayed, more and more coal miners are working in dusty conditions known to cause and exacerbate black lung disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is bureaucratic cowardice, plain and simple, said UMWA International Secretary-Treasurer Brian Sanson. Weve buried too many friends, too many fathers, and too many sons because of black lung. Bowing to corporate interests doesnt solve the problem; it puts more miners at risk. The science is clear, the rule is needed, and the delay is shameful. Other industries have had similar protections in place for their workers for years due to settled science showing the dangers posed by constant exposure to silica dust. This delay is simply a death sentence for more miners, said UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts. The fact that an industry association with no stake in coal mining can hold up lifesaving protections for coal miners is outrageous. The Department of Labor and MSHA should be fighting to implement this rule immediately, not kicking enforcement down the road yet again. Every day they delay, more miners get sick, and more miners die. Thats the truth. Roosevelt Neal and Gary Hairston (right), members of the Fayette County Black Lung Association, sit in an office building of the U.S. Senate last May. They were visiting Washington, D.C. to speak with federal lawmakers about black lung. (Quenton King | Courtesy photo) Black lung has no cure. Experts say the most effective way to stop the disease from forming or from evolving into a more complicated case is to limit exposure to silica dust. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The finalized silica dust rule, if implemented, would cut the exposure limits for coal miners in half for the first time ever. It would also impose new penalties for mines that operate out of compliance and require companies to offer free medical monitoring for their workers with the hope of detecting black lung and other respiratory diseases earlier. Coal miners and advocates for people with black lung have been directly fighting since at least 2009 for industry protections against the disease. Rebecca Shelton, director of policy for the Appalachian Citizens Law Center, said the continued delay of the rule shows that the Trump Administration and the coal companies are seemingly working hand-in-hand to slow down the process and weaken future protections. These delays and efforts to weaken the rule are a disgrace, and undermine the claims of anyone in the Trump Administration who claims to be on the side of coal miners, Shelton said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the rule is being continuously delayed, President Donald Trump has called for the country to increase coal production. But coal miners in Central Appalachia and beyond are already seeing higher rates of black lung than any time in the previous 25 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The disease is also hitting coal miners at younger ages than ever before due to a lack of easily accessible coal. Today, miners must cut through more layers of silica-rich sandstone to reach the coal that remains in existing seams, creating dustier conditions that increases their risk of developing black lung. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every American worker deserves to come home from work with their lungs intact, miners included, Roberts said. Its as simple as that. West Virginia Watch is a sister outlet of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star and part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. In the days and weeks after Bryan Kohberger was arrested in connection with the brutal killings of four undergrads at the University of Idaho, students and instructors at nearby Washington State University told investigators the suspect seemed creepy and intense, with one predicting Kohberger could become the type of professor that harassed and stalked students, according to a trove of newly released documents. Kohberger pleaded guilty to the killings in July and has been sentenced life in prison without parole. One student who was in a class with Kohberger in the fall of 2022, when he worked on his PhD in criminology, told police he would act aggressively, staring at his classmates when he wasnt dominating group discussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a December 2022 interview conducted on the day of Kohbergers arrest at his parents home in Pennsylvania, the student said the class often sat through his hours-long verbal sparring with professors as he tried to come across as the strongest, smartest, most important person in the room, according to the records. The student described having a bad feeling about Kohberger from the moment they met at orientation in the fall of 2022, months before the November 13 murders of Ethan Chapin, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen. Over the distressing semester that followed, she told investigators, Kohberger would trail her after class, block her path when she tried to leave conversations and stare with such intensity that she kept a tally of the encounters. Her account is one of many in the latest release of investigative files from the Idaho State Police around the murders, where classmates, professors and other university staff describe alarming interactions with Kohberger to police before he was apprehended. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The accounts, scattered across classrooms, offices and hangout spots, carried the same refrain: Kohbergers presence often set people on edge. They captured the reflex in his peers to become shields for one another against a man who would soon be accused of murder. He was known to aggressively stare at women, peers said Kohberger appeared to be well known on campus for his silent, unblinking stares, which several of his colleagues described as his attempt to assert dominance. One WSU faculty member described Kohbergers keen interest in her fall 2022 undergraduate assistant, whom he watched fiercely. She said Kohberger would stand at the assistants desk, even directly behind her at times, looking over her shoulder as she worked. Another professor was asked to escort the assistant to her car after work because of Kohbergers behavior, according to the documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One student said whenever she looked up, Kohberger, who was a teaching assistant in her class, was always staring, according to the records. He rarely spoke to students, she told police. She felt he would time his exit to leave when she did and then follow her to her car. The graduate student who met Kohberger during orientation said she caught him aggressively staring at her as many as nine times in one class and said she was also followed after class. Kohberger always seems to want to be in the general area of her and others in the program that did not want to have anything to do with him, the student told police, according to the documents. CNN has reached out to WSU for comment. Kohberger confronted peers, blocked exits, documents say Professors and faculty were troubled by Kohbergers behavior, according to the documents, and had fielded several complaints from students and colleagues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple WSU staff members told police that faculty met before Christmas 2022, days before Kohbergers arrest, to discuss each of their students, but discussions about Kohberger dominated because he was highly problematic. The files show that faculty swapped stories about Kohberger and debated pulling his funding and TA position, citing unnerving classroom conduct. Mark my word, I work with predators, if we give him a PhD, thats the guy that in many years when he is a professor, we will hear is harassing, stalking, and sexually abusing his students, one of Kohbergers teachers told her colleagues during the meeting, according to the documents. One professor said Kohberger tried to keep him from leaving his office, an act he described as power tripping, according to the files. Bryan Kohberger appears at the Ada County Courthouse, for his sentencing hearing in Boise, Idaho, on Wednesday, July 23. - Kyle Green/Pool/AP Kohberger would show up late in the day and keep talking as the professor tried to go home. When the professor pushed back, Kohberger called him snarky, the documents said. Kohberger then refused to leave when the professor asked, following him down the hall when the professor decided to walk away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preventing him from leaving his office was a way of controlling, the documents said. Students described to police how Kohberger stood close enough to trap them at their desks. In an office used by female students, one of his professors said Kohberger would position himself in the doorway, physically blocking it until she stepped in, allowing the female students to leave. Peers shielded each other from Kohberger In several separate interviews, students and professors described stepping between Kohberger and others intercepting him in hallways and inserting themselves in conversations for others security. One WSU faculty member said her maternal instinct wouldnt allow her to leave a female student alone in an office on campus with Kohberger, so she kept herself busy until he left. She didnt say any specific behavior of his prompted her to feel this way, the documents said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he left, she told the student to email her with the subject line 911 if she ever needed help. In August 2022, a University of Idaho student said she met Kohberger in an apartment lobby and pointed him toward a pool party. She said she became uncomfortable with his staring and awkward conversation. During the party, Kohberger made very direct eye contact with her and made a bee line towards her and a friend got up to intercept him after realizing the student was uncomfortable, according to documents. In another instance, a male worker at a bookstore on WSUs campus described acting as a buffer between his female coworker and Kohberger as he frequented the store, the documents show. The man believed Kohberger was attempting to flirt with the woman and was absolutely zeroing in on her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man started telling Kohberger she was on the phone when he would come in so she wouldnt have to interact with him, according to the documents. CNNs Jean Casarez, Lauren del Valle, Dakin Andone, Andy Rose, Nicquel Terry Ellis and Nicki Brown contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com On Blended Knee Winery has unveiled its new tasting room in the burgeoning beverage district near downtown Tacoma. Owners LaRissa and Michael Dwyer promised a modern and moody bar where club members, neighbors and new faces alike could gather, glass in hand. After a year of renovating a gutted, cinder-block space at 2307 Tacoma Ave. South, the doors opened in July. They are planning a grand opening for the fall, said marketing manager Tautiana Kimbrough. Technically OBK, as its affectionately called, is in a soft-opening phase until it settles into anticipated regular hours starting Aug. 27, Wednesday-Sunday. A reservation system is also in the works, although walk-ins will always be welcome. (Check Instagram for opening times between now and Aug. 24.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last Saturday, a couple parties had gathered for a flight, leaving with a club membership intact. A $25/month I choose you package offers eight bottles a year, one member-only flight at the bar every month (valued at $240), and 10% off all wine purchases and merchandise. The $35/month option jumps to 12 bottles a year, two flights per month for members or guests, and 20% off all wine and merch. Both memberships also extend a special $85/hour rental rate for a VIP Lounge reservation. Glass pours range from $12 to $16 and bottles $28-$42. The bar doesnt serve food, but guests can bring a snack. Owners LaRissa and Michael Dwyer launched their On Blended Knee Winery in 2022. A quick rise led to the pursuit of a tasting room in LaRissas hometown Tacoma now open at 2307 Tacoma Ave. S., near Common Ground Coffee and Sig Brewing Co. The Dwyers launched OBK in 2022, following about five years of research, brand development and relationship-building with vineyards in Eastern Washington. They produce the wine at Custom Crush, a shared winemaking facility in Woodinville, which itself is home to more than 100 tasting rooms. The name pays homage to the couple and their families the intertwining of lives and kids, hobbies and ambitions and each bottle represents part of that theme. That Melody, a Columbia Valley muscat, honors a song Michael played for LaRissa on the guitar. A Classic Encounter, a Yakima Valley riesling, harkens to when the couple met, randomly, at a bar after work. The Groomsmen is a new-this-summer red blend of cabernet sauvignon and syrah, and The Bridesmaids a rose. Also new to the lineup is a floral gewurztraminer thats not too sweet or too dry, a flavor profile honed in collaboration with their resident photographer, Allison Banks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement LaRissa, who was raised in Tacoma, honed her marketing chops in the corporate retail world, and those talents have paid off in the fast climb to the winerys first storefront. OBK got its start pouring at wine walks in the region, but it was one wedding showcase event that really set the tone. A recurring question: Where can we find you? Tacoma was the only choice. The couple found this location, which might seem random until you notice the neighbors. The building was previously home in part to Clintons Music House. The company behind Ted Brown Music purchased it last year and are planning a music education studio on one end. On the other, Common Ground Coffee has filled up daily since 2023. Also on the block are several new small businesses, including Artsi Creative Space, Mountain House Recordings, Big M Art Glass Studio, Tacoma Clay, Pacific NW Beauty Bar, Hairspace and a Brainy Actz escape room. Next to Nature, a pet store, has anchored the block for a while. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A block south on the other side of the street, Sig Brewing Co. also took a chance on the in-between area, now five years in and with a second taproom on South Tacoma Way. While some winery tasting rooms can feel a bit intimidating to non-regulars, the Dwyers wanted OBK to be welcoming to both club members and anyone seeking a respite. A long bar-top as opposed to a short standing bar or no bar at all, not unusual in tasting rooms is essential to that mission. Grab a stool or settle into one of several tables; theres also a fireplace lounge in the back (if its not booked!). The black-and-white color scheme is indeed modern and moody. On Blended Knee Winery In early August 2025, social media posts alleged that Russia had launched a public online "catalog" or "marketplace" offering kidnapped Ukrainian children for adoption. As of this writing, a database resembling that description is hosted on the official website of the Russian-controlled Luhansk People's Republic. It includes profiles of children with photographs, personal details and search filters. It was not newly created, however, having previously operated under another LPR ministry. According to Yale Medical School's Humanitarian Research Lab, which reported the results of its 20-month investigation into Russia's program of coerced adoption and fostering of Ukrainian children in December 2024, similar online listings have operated in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories for years. Ukrainian NGO Save Ukraine said the children featured in the online database had been abducted from Ukrainian territory and that it was working to identify them. Snopes has not independently verified the status of the children. Rights groups and the International Criminal Court have documented Russia's unlawful transfer of thousands of Ukrainian children, often involving changes to their names and citizenship to obscure their Ukrainian origins. The ICC issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's commissioner for children's rights over alleged war crimes related to the deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. In August 2025, amid Russia's war against Ukraine, social media posts accused Russia of creating an online catalog of kidnapped Ukrainian children, complete with photos, ages and personality notes, and offering them for adoption. One widely shared Threads post (archived), for example, claimed the site listed nearly 300 "stolen kids" searchable by hair and eye color "as if they were products for sale," calling it "21st-century child trafficking, in broad daylight." Similar claims spread across Facebook, Threads and X. In short, the posts pointed to a real database hosted on the website of the so-called Ministry of Education and Science of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic a Russian-controlled entity in part of eastern Ukraine that Russia illegally annexed in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early August 2025, the Ukrainian nongovernmental organization Save Ukraine reported the site contained details of children taken from Ukrainian territory and made available for adoption in Russia. Although the social media posts framed the database as a recent creation, it wasn't entirely new. The same database was previously hosted on the website of the LPR's Ministry of Labor and Social Policy before being moved to the Ministry of Education and Science. While Snopes could not independently confirm whether the children listed were indeed abducted from Ukraine, the database fits into a well-documented pattern. Russian authorities have unlawfully transferred thousands of Ukrainian children from occupied areas to Russia, often changing their identities and severing ties to their homeland. In 2023, the "war crime of unlawful deportation" of children led the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's children's commissioner. Source of the claim Many of the online posts making the claim included a screenshot of a Euronews article titled "Stolen children 'marketplace': Russia creates 'catalog' of Ukrainian kids for adoption." That coverage, along with similar reports, was based on social media posts by Mykola Kuleba the founder of Save Ukraine and former presidential commissioner for children's rights in Ukraine. In an X post, Kuleba wrote: "Russia isn't even trying to hide it anymore. It's openly trafficking Ukrainian children. On official platforms, Ukrainian orphans are displayed like products in an online marketplace. This isn't care. It's state-sponsored child trafficking." He added that, since 2014, children from occupied regions had been "systematically abdu[c]ted, renamed, and placed with Russian families," and updated laws now allow Russian authorities to alter their surnames and birthdays. Russia isnt even trying to hide it anymore. Its openly trafficking Ukrainian children. On official platforms, Ukrainian orphans are displayed like products in an online marketplace. Full-face photos. Age. Eye color. Health status. Even obedience level. Filterable. Sortable. pic.twitter.com/SYcRxlx0JD Mykola Kuleba (@MykolaKuleba) August 7, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Save Ukraine and Kuleba shared similar posts on Telegram, Instagram and Facebook. In an Instagram post, Kuleba claimed most of the children in the "catalog" were born before Luhansk's occupation and held Ukrainian citizenship, alleging that some had lost parents to occupation forces while others were issued Russian documents to "legalize the kidnapping." What we know about the 'Adoption Data Bank' As of August 2025, the database was available on the website (archived) of the Ministry of Education and Science of the LPR under a subpage titled "Adoption Data Bank." The so-called LPR is a self-proclaimed entity in eastern Ukraine, declared in 2014 amid Russia-backed separatist activity in the Donbas region. Internationally, the territory is recognized as part of Ukraine, but since 2014 it has been under the control of Russian-supported authorities. In 2022, Russia illegally annexed the area, a move widely condemned as illegal under international law. As of this writing, the territory remains under Russian occupation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The database allowed visitors to search for children by name or filter results by gender, age range, eye color, hair color and whether the child had siblings. (Ministry of Education and Science for the Luhansk People's Republic, Google Translate) Each profile included photographs, personal details and descriptions of academic performance, interests and personality traits. The profiles featured children between the ages of 1 and 17. (Ministry of Education and Science for the Luhansk People's Republic, Google Translate) In a LinkedIn message, Save Ukraine told us its Rescue Investigations Team had identified the website and was still collecting documentation with the help of specialized experts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, according to The Kyiv Independent, Save Ukraine's head of communications, Nataliia Savchenko, said that after the database gained attention, Russian authorities began removing photographs from the site. She added that Save Ukraine was working with Ukrainian officials to locate the children and return them to government-controlled territory and that the database could serve as evidence in a human trafficking investigation. Kuleba likewise wrote on X: "We have archived the website and secured the full database. We are working tirelessly to identify every child listed, and we won't stop until they are brought home." On Aug. 11, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets wrote on Telegram that he had notified law-enforcement agencies, calling the database "a violation of the rights of the child" and potentially a sign of human trafficking. The database isn't a new thing The adoption database was not newly created, as some social media posts claimed, but had existed for years alongside similar regional adoption websites. According to Yale's Humanitarian Research Lab report, Russian occupation officials have maintained such sites since at least 2016, mirroring the structure and search features of Russia's Ministry of Education databases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LPR's database was publicly accessible at least as early as 2016, at the time hosted on the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy's website. In mid-2024, the database was simply transferred to the LPR's Ministry of Education and Science and in August 2025 the new website was launched. All in all, Snopes was unable to independently verify the identities of the children listed in the database. It also remains unclear who is eligible to adopt them whether it is citizens from across Russia or only those residing in the occupied region. Russia's coerced adoptions of Ukrainian children Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukrainian and international authorities have accused Moscow of unlawfully transferring thousands of children from occupied territories to Russia. Ukrainian officials estimate that Russia has unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred more than 19,000 children from Ukraine. In December 2024, the Yale School of Public Health's Humanitarian Research Lab published a report documenting 314 children taken from Ukraine and placed in Russia's state-run program of coerced adoption and fostering since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Of these, 148 children were scattered across at least five regions of Russia and listed in official Russian child placement databases. The remaining 166 children were directly placed with Russian citizens. According to the HRL, all of the children identified in the study originated from Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, Ukrainian territories under Russian occupation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nathaniel Raymond, the HRL's executive director, testified about the findings before the U.N. Security Council. "Save Ukraine's publication of LPR's adoption website may provide additional evidence that supports the legal argument put forth in HRL's December 2024 report: Russia is forcibly transferring Ukraine's children to Russia and is carrying out the unlawful adoption and fostering of Ukraine's children," the organization commented in August 2025. In an interview with OSV News (a Catholic news and information service), Raymond said the LPR database had drawn significant attention but its size was small compared to the number of Ukrainian children potentially listed across multiple interconnected Russian adoption platforms. International legal action and condemnations Multiple reports by reputable news organizations such as the BBC, The Conversation, Time magazine, The New York Times and The Guardian have documented Russia's efforts to abduct Ukrainian children and integrate them into Russian culture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, Russia's presidential commissioner for children's rights, accusing them of the war crimes of unlawful deportation and transfer of children. The European Parliament and other institutions also condemned Russia's actions. In early July 2025, the European Court of Human Rights found "overwhelming evidence of a systematic practice from shortly before the 2022 invasion of transferring Ukrainian children in occupied areas to Russia, without parental or legal consent, and facilitating their adoption there." Lastly, in early August 2025, the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, comprising 38 countries along with the Council of Europe and the EU, urged Russia to immediately and unconditionally return Ukrainian children taken from occupied territories. Sources: - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6aIkknFTjw. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advocate Pleads for Vatican Aid as Russian Adoption Database Shows Ukraine's Children | Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. https://archpitt.org/advocate-pleads-for-vatican-aid-as-russian-adoption-database-shows-ukraines-children/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. Bring Kids Back. https://www.bringkidsback.org.ua/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. Children of War. https://childrenofwar.gov.ua/en/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. Christensen, Laerke. "Could Trump Arrest Putin at Alaska Summit on Ukraine War? Here Are the Facts." Snopes, 12 Aug. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/08/12/trump-putin-alaska-arrest/. ---. "Could Trump Arrest Putin at Alaska Summit on Ukraine War? Here Are the Facts." Snopes, 12 Aug. 2025, https://www.snopes.com//news/2025/08/12/trump-putin-alaska-arrest/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christian, Gina. Russian Adoption Database Said to Show Ukraine's Children. 11 Aug. 2025, https://www.osvnews.com/advocate-pleads-for-vatican-aid-as-russian-adoption-database-shows-ukraines-children/. Fujimura, Clementine. "Russia's Kidnapping of Ukrainian Children Is Not Unique Putin and Others Have Long Used Children as Political Pawns." The Conversation, 6 Jul. 2023, http://theconversation.com/russias-kidnapping-of-ukrainian-children-is-not-unique-putin-and-others-have-long-used-children-as-political-pawns-208330. ---. "Russia's Kidnapping of Ukrainian Children Is Not Unique Putin and Others Have Long Used Children as Political Pawns." The Conversation, 6 Jul. 2023, http://theconversation.com/russias-kidnapping-of-ukrainian-children-is-not-unique-putin-and-others-have-long-used-children-as-political-pawns-208330. Hancock, Charlie. "'Digital Child Trafficking': Luhansk Officials Launch Child Adoption Database." The Moscow Times, 8 Aug. 2025, https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/08/digital-child-trafficking-luhansk-officials-launch-child-adoption-database-a90134. ---. "'Digital Child Trafficking': Luhansk Officials Launch Child Adoption Database." The Moscow Times, 8 Aug. 2025, https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/08/08/digital-child-trafficking-luhansk-officials-launch-child-adoption-database-a90134. Howarth, Nathaniel Raymond, Caitlin. HRL Statement Re Adoption Website. https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/statement-re-adoption-website/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. ---. HRL Statement Re Adoption Website. https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/statement-re-adoption-website/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. HUDOC - European Court of Human Rights. https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/fre#{%22itemid%22:[%22002-14493%22]}. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. Kumar, Ruchi. "'Basically Impossible to Get Them Back': Russia's Mass Abduction of Ukrainian Children Is a War Crime, Say Experts." The Guardian, 27 Jun. 2025. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/27/russia-ukrainian-children-abduction-war-crime. "Mykola Kuleba." SaveUkraine, https://www.saveukraineua.org/mykola-kuleba/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. Parades, Flags and Songs: The Campaign to Force Ukrainian Children to Love Russia. 19 Jul. 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz6g20dwy0wo. "Russia-Occupied Territories of Ukraine." United States Department of State, https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/ukraine/russia-occupied-territories-of-ukraine/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. "---." United States Department of State, https://2021-2025.state.gov/reports/2023-report-on-international-religious-freedom/ukraine/russia-occupied-territories-of-ukraine/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. Russia's Illegal Annexation of Ukrainian Territory: Experts Respond | Ukrainian Research Institute. https://www.huri.harvard.edu/russias-illegal-annexation-ukrainian-territory-experts-respond. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. Russia's War on Ukraine: Forcibly Displaced Ukrainian Children | Think Tank | European Parliament. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/en/document/EPRS_BRI(2023)747093. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. Shuster, Simon. "The Hidden War Over Ukraine's Lost Children." TIME, 17 Jul. 2025, https://time.com/7302345/ukraine-lost-children-russia-war/. ---. "The Hidden War Over Ukraine's Lost Children." TIME, 17 Jul. 2025, https://time.com/7302345/ukraine-lost-children-russia-war/. "So-Called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics Archives." U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, https://ua.usembassy.gov/tag/so-called-donetsk-and-luhansk-peoples-republics/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. "'This Is Child Trafficking' Russia Launches 'Catalog' of Ukrainian Children for Adoption, Sorted by Eye and Hair Color." The Kyiv Independent, 7 Aug. 2025, https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-catalogue-of-ukrainian-children-for-adoption-sorted-by-eye-and-hair-color/. Wayback Machine. https://web.archive.org/web/20240301000000*/https://mintrud.lpr-reg.ru/deti/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. With 143 Votes in Favour, 5 Against, General Assembly Adopts Resolution Condemning Russian Federation's Annexation of Four Eastern Ukraine Regions | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases. https://press.un.org/en/2022/ga12458.doc.htm. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. " ." , https://mintrud.lpr-reg.ru/deti/8220-vazhnaya-informaciya.html. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. "---." , https://mintrud.lpr-reg.ru/deti/8220-vazhnaya-informaciya.html. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. "---." , https://mintrud.lpr-reg.ru/deti/8220-vazhnaya-informaciya.html. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. " . https://mintrudlnr.su/deti/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. ---. 14 Jun. 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20240614192541/https://mintrud.lpr-reg.ru/deti/. ---. https://mintrudlnr.su/deti/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. - , - ".." https://www.usynovite.ru/db/. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025. The energy company seeking to build a transmission line across three Maryland counties said its agents have faced intimidation and threats of armed violence from property owners and social media users. Public Service Enterprise Group filed a motion on Friday to the U.S. District Court of Maryland requesting that the U.S. Marshals Service accompany its agents as they conduct field studies. PSEG alleges its agents working to complete the studies have faced threats and intimidation and been refused access to properties in Baltimore and Carroll counties, according to the company's motion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There have been continuing threats of violence against the companys surveyors on social media, and certain property owners have refused access, threatened armed violence, and engaged in intimidation tactics," the company said in court filings. The company is asking U.S. Marshals to accompany agents to six properties named in the filing. One of the property owners listed in the filing is Brandon Hill. Surveyors were on his property in Baltimore County earlier this month to conduct studies, and he was out of town, according to an email his attorney, Susan Euteneuer, sent to PSEG. In a video the company filed with its motion, a man, identified as Keith Hill, Brandon Hill's father, yells at surveyors, "You motherf*****s are all going to die in hell." The video shows Keith Hill driving an ATV at the PSEG representative filming the incident and stopping inches away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Keith Hill, who lives nearby, "suffers from severe mental illness, as well as residual physical issues from a serious battle with cancer," Euteneuer wrote in the email. "My client expresses significant remorse and extends his sincerest apologies for everything his father did," the email said. "Brandon Hill will take affirmative steps to ensure his father is not around and otherwise to ensure compliance with the access order, including accommodating Marshals or whatever else is directed by the court." Mark Stephen Troyer co-owns Troyer Farms with his wife one of the properties named in PSEG's filing. PSEG completed initial surveys on the property without incident, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the company left a notice about returning for additional surveys, a PSEG representative spoke with an individual on the phone regarding this property, according to the filing. The filing stated the man told her he had dogs and would let them out. Troyer told The Frederick News-Post on Tuesday he "warned" the representative that his dogs are always on the property. He said he would not keep them inside the house for the five-day window the company provided about visiting the property for the next surveys. "I will do everything in my ability to keep them off our property," Troyer said in an interview. "We will do it peacefully." Troyer is worried the surveys will harm his crops, which he said is his livelihood. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At another property, an individual told surveyors their son would let their dogs out and they "are not very nice," according to the filing. Surveyors included a photo of a sign on that property, which had a depiction of a gun on it and said "Prayer is the best way to meet the lord. Trespassing is faster." PSEG wrote in the filing that one landowner told a company representative on the phone, "Do not come on my property, I have a gun, and I will shoot you." Some of the social media comments the company cited in the motion include: "Idc what a judge told u u come on my property uninvited your leaving in a body bag" and "Trespassers should be shot and survivors should be shot again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PSEG, a New Jersey-based company, is completing these studies for its application to receive a certificate of public convenience and necessity, which would authorize it to construct the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. The project is a proposed 500,000-volt transmission line that would run for 67 miles through northern Baltimore County, central Carroll County and eastern and southern Frederick County, cutting through hundreds of private properties. In order to complete the application, the company needs to conduct land surveys on properties along the proposed route to measure the project's environmental impact. But a legal battle is underway as hundreds of landowners have refused to allow the company on their properties. PSEG is currently conducting surveys on select properties, including the six named in Friday's motion, after it was granted temporary access through a previous court order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company has started survey work on some Frederick County properties, PSEG spokesperson Bill Smith wrote in an email statement on Monday. The company declined to comment on the number of properties it has assessed in Frederick County or on any possible threats beyond those mentioned in the filing, the statement said. The company's surveyors are accompanied by private security guards who do not carry firearms on private properties, according to the filing. Sheriffs not involved PSEG argued that statements made by local law enforcement leaders increase the danger posed to the surveyors. Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins in April told all county sheriff's office personnel they will not help enforce any court orders granting temporary access to private properties as part of the project, The Frederick News-Post previously reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I have communicated directly with PSEG about our responsibilities, and they have a point of contact with us for any concerns," Jenkins wrote in an email statement provided on Tuesday. "I do not give weight to social media commentary, labeling this situation as 'lawlessness.' It is not lawlessness." Carroll County Sheriff Jim DeWees also said in a letter in April that his office will only respond if a criminal act is taking place, but will not "force a landowner to comply with a civil access order." "This is a civil matter and, as such, falls outside the department's jurisdiction," Baltimore County police told WBAL NewsRadio 1090 AM and 101.5 FM, the station reported in April. PSEG previously contacted the Maryland State Police barrack for Baltimore County and the Frederick barrack to request off-duty troopers for reimbursable overtime assignments "to provide an area presence while survey crews are out in the field," according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an April 18 email to the Frederick barracks, a PSEG representative said "having a visible police presence will enhance the safety of our workers and mitigate any potential threats." The Baltimore County barrack did not respond to the request, and the Frederick barrack denied the request, according to the filing. The company is also asking the court to establish a procedure for "future requests for U.S. Marshal assistance where necessary," according to the filing documents. U.S. District Judge Adam Abelson ruled Monday in favor of PSEG's motion for an expedited scheduling order, and the respondents named in the case have until Wednesday to file a response. The U.S. Armys Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Talon interceptor inventory is unacceptably low, potentially leaving U.S. forces vulnerable in a future conflict. The service reportedly consumed nearly a quarter of its interceptors during the 12-Day War between Israel and Iran in June, and absent aggressive congressional intervention, it will take too long to replenish and expand stocks. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency awarded a $2.06 billion contract modification to produce Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, Talon interceptors late last month. That step is laudable but insufficient. Congress needs to help by approving the administrations request to shift money between programs to purchase more interceptors, providing enough funding to procure the maximum number of interceptors industry can produce next fiscal year and pushing the Pentagon and industry to expand production capacity as quickly as possible, among other steps. THAAD is a U.S.-produced, land-based missile defense system that uses hit-to-kill interceptors to destroy short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles both inside and outside of the atmosphere. Currently, the U.S. Army possesses eight THAAD batteries, with six launchers per battery and eight interceptors per launcher for a total of 48 interceptors loaded per battery. THAAD forms the upper layer of the Armys land-based theater ballistic missile defenses, with Patriot comprising the lower layer and both complementing naval interceptors, such as the SM-3 and SM-6. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During Junes 12-Day War, Iran reportedly fired over 500 ballistic missiles at Israel during the conflict and around a dozen at a U.S. airbase in Qatar, destroying a geodesic dome. The United States assisted Israel in shooting down many of the ballistic missiles, including with the multiple THAAD batteries deployed to the Middle East during the war, demonstrating interoperability within a larger architecture. Estimates vary on the precise number of THAAD interceptors expended, but The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, reported that more than 150 interceptors were fired. To put that number in perspective, the Department of Defense previously committed funding for 646 interceptors, according to Pentagon fiscal 2026 budget documents published in June 2025. Understanding that some of those may not have been delivered yet or were used in testing, the expenditure of 150 interceptors would amount to roughly a quarter of the total U.S. THAAD interceptor inventory. It is reasonable to ask why the U.S. has such a small inventory of interceptors. One need look no further than the level of procurement before the 12-Day War. The Pentagon requested only 25 interceptors in its base defense budget request for FY26 and another 12 through reconciliation, for a total of 37. While admittedly an increase compared to the paltry 11 procured in FY24 and 12 in FY25, the procurement of 37 interceptors next fiscal year is entirely insufficient. Indeed, at that rate, it would take around four years to replenish the interceptors used during the 12-Day War. Given growing threats to American interests in the Middle East, Europe and the Pacific, that is unacceptable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the United States struggled to deal with Irans arsenal, imagine what might happen in a conflict with China, which possesses around 2,700 short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles and is building more. To make matters worse, Russia more than doubled its ballistic missile production from 2023 to 2024 and continues to further expand production, according to Ukrainian intelligence. Additionally, North Korea continues to advance its missile program to threaten regional targets and the U.S. homeland, further underscoring the need for more robust U.S. missile defense infrastructure and stockpiles. Thankfully, there are steps available to replenish and expand the U.S. Armys inventory of THAAD interceptors. As a first step, Congress should approve without delay the above threshold reprogramming request submitted on July 15. That will allow the Pentagon to move money and acquire additional interceptors more quickly, especially with the Missile Defense Agencys July 28 $2.06 billion contract modification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Congress should not stop there. For FY26, Congress should authorize and appropriate the funding necessary to procure the maximum quantity of interceptors that industry can produce. Current full-rate production is 96 THAAD Talon interceptors per year, and industry could produce as many as 144 interceptors in FY26. With additional steps, industry could produce even more going forward. Admittedly, a portion of current production levels goes toward fulfilling foreign military sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, whose orders kept the production line from atrophying while U.S. demand (unwisely) slackened. But industry is prepared to make the investments necessary to increase production levels further, if only Washington will procure the maximum quantity industry can produce and signal to industry its determination to do so for at least the next five years. The assertive use of multiyear procurement authority and appropriation can incentivize such industry behavior. To encourage such a decision by industry and to inform future Pentagon requests and congressional authorizations and appropriations, Congress should require an annual report from the Pentagon listing 1) current maximum production levels for THAAD interceptors and 2) steps that are being taken and could be taken to expand maximum production capacity each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notably, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved an increase of $923 million for additional THAAD interceptors and related investments on July 31. That is an effort the full Congress and the administration should support. Washington has underinvested in air and missile defense for too long and is now facing the consequences. Thankfully, there are several steps available that can begin to address the shortfall of THAAD interceptors. Ensuring U.S. service members have the missile defenses they need in a future conflict requires urgent action in Washington today. Bradley Bowman is senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, where Ryan Brobst is deputy director. Luke Miller, an intern at CMPP, contributed to this research. The US air force is prepared to police the skies above Ukraine to ensure peace, Donald Trump has said. Mr Trump clarified plans for American security guarantees on Tuesday and said that there would be no US boots on the ground once a peace deal was agreed. American air support would be likely to include planes and missiles launched from neighbouring countries. It comes after Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, and top European leaders held meetings in the White House over how to end the three-and-a-half-year war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US president said Vladimir Putin was willing to meet Mr Zelensky and was ready to accept some Western security guarantees for Ukraine. Putin proposed holding any meeting with the Ukrainian president in Moscow. Mr Trump told Fox News: Were willing to help them with things, especially, probably talk about by air, because theres nobody [has the] kind of stuff we have. Early indications from London and Brussels are that Mr Trumps private discussion on the topic of security guarantees was similarly broad and lacking in specifics as his public statements. However, Mr Trump said he was not willing to join more than 30 European nations planning to put boots on the ground after a peace settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Questions had remained over promised American support for security guarantees for Ukraine following the high-level gathering in Washington on Monday. They want to have boots on the ground, he said, referring to Anglo-French plans for a European-led reassurance force. You have my assurance and Im president, Mr Trump said when asked for reassurance US troops would not be deployed. Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday dispatched military chiefs to Washington, including Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the Chief of the Defence Staff, for talks on how the US could contribute to their plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Prime Minister and French president co-chaired a meeting of more than 30 leaders, including those of Japan, Canada and New Zealand, who make up the coalition of the willing. The Prime Minister outlined that coalition of the willing planning teams would meet with their US counterparts in the coming days to further strengthen plans to deliver robust security guarantees, a Downing Street spokesman said. Elina Valtonen, Finlands foreign minister, said the allies had agreed to start work on a framework for potential security guarantees for Ukraine. There have been no decisions thus far as what comes to the overall framework and neither to the individual contributions, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Intense discussions about the specifics of how America could back up the European peacekeeping force are expected to take place over the next seven to 10 days. A European source said: Defence officials are now working on concrete security guarantees we will see in a week. The latest plans could see military trainers sent to Ukraine to help rebuild its war-stricken armed forces. Western fighter jets would be used to police the skies above the country in the hope of reopening commercial aviation. Black Sea naval task force would help demine the area and secure shipping routes. American air support for Ukraine would be likely to include planes and missiles launched from neighbouring countries - Simon Galloway/Getty Coalition officials have previously drawn up plans for any European deployment to be backed up by US fighter jets and missiles on standby in Eastern Europe to respond with lethal force if Russia breaks the terms of any armistice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was hoped such a promise of support would be sufficient in deterring Vladimir Putin from mounting any further attacks on Ukraine. A European diplomat source said an American general could end up joining the coalitions command structure currently shared between London and Paris in the future. Prospect of new sanctions on Russia The Telegraph understands the UK and European Union are preparing new sanctions on Russia, which could be triggered if Putin refuses to attend three-way talks with Mr Zelensky and Mr Trump. A senior Government source said: If Putin was to delay, prevaricate, or refuse to talk that would provide another impetus for sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Zelensky called for sanctions to be levied if Putin refused to take part in a trilateral summit ahead of his Washington trip. The approach would build pressure on Moscow to agree to the meeting. Government sources have noted that Putin only agreed to meet Mr Trump in Alaska after the US president hit India with sanctions for continuing to buy cheap Russian oil. The White House on Tuesday announced Putin had agreed to hold trilateral talks after Mr Trump spoke to his Russian counterpart on the telephone. Mr Trump used his interview to say said he would join a trilateral meeting between Mr Zelensky and Putin after the Ukrainian and Russian presidents had held initial discussions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I hope that president Putin will be good, and if he is not, it is going to be a rough situation and I hope president Zelenskyy is going to show flexibility as well, the US president said. But Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, on Tuesday dodged questions over whether Putin had agreed to meet Mr Zelensky, arguing the talks would have to be prepared extremely carefully. Any summit would require step-by-step gradual preparation, starting with the expert level and thereafter going through all the required steps, Mr Lavrov added. In his interview with Fox & Friends, Mr Trump hinted he would try to arrange a meeting within a week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He claimed one of the European leaders suggested meeting for another round of talks at the White House in a month or two, to which Mr Trump said he replied: A month or two? Youre gonna have another 40,000 people dead in a month or two you have to do it tonight, and I did, I called president Putin and were trying to work out a meeting with president Zelensky. If it works out, Ill go to the trilat and close it up, he added. After his call with Putin, Mr Trump reportedly telephoned Viktor Orban, Hungarys prime minister, to ask why he was blocking Ukraines accession to the European Union. Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that the US president spoke to Mr Orban after being urged to do so by European leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Orban opposes Ukraine joining the bloc and has obstructed European aid to Kyiv. 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. Strictly Come Dancing couple Molly Rainford and Tyler West are engaged. Tyler West and Molly Rainford have gotten engaged after three years of dating The EastEnders actress, 24, and the 29-year-old DJ/presenter - who met on the BBC One Latin and ballroom show in 2022 - took their relationship to the next level during a romantic getaway in Mykonos, Greece. The windy seaside proposal was caught on film and shared on Instagram with the caption: "Found our forever. 10.8.2025." Tyler says in the emotional clip: "I don't know where to start... "So I'm hoping you can continue making me the luckiest man on this Earth, like you do every single day. So baby... will you marry me?" An ecstatic Molly answered: "Yes! Get in! That's what I'm talking about." The couple has been inundated with messages of congratulations. Strictly professional Jowita Przysta commented on the clip: "Omg guys !!!!! congratulations!!!!" JLS star Marvin Humes wrote: "Wow..this is a lot couldnt be happier for two incredible people who are just perfect for eachother..Im SO happy!!! Ah man this has made my night..congrats family.. (sic)" Fellow former Strictly star Fleur East hailed it "the most beautiful proposal". Molly gushed to Heat magazine in July: "We've been together for two years now, so I can definitely say that I am very happy that we both signed up! "Things are going great, and we've been living together for about a year now." Molly and Tyler moved into their London flat in January 2024, and they sometimes do a "salsa" together inside the property. She told the publication: "Tyler and I do a little bit of salsa together at the flat, but that's about as far as it goes." Asked how moving in with each other has been, Molly added: "It's like a little safe haven for us." By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S.-based charity HEAL Palestine and other rights groups criticized the State Department's decision to stop visitor visas for Palestinians from Gaza, saying it will harm wounded children seeking medical treatment on short-term U.S. visas. The State Department said on Saturday it was halting all visitor visas for Gazans while it conducted "a full and thorough" review, after far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer said Palestinian refugees were entering the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HEAL Palestine said there was no refugee resettlement program as stated by Loomer and that the group's efforts were part of a medical treatment program. It also said the program was run on donations and did not use U.S. government money. The charity sponsored and brought "severely injured children to the U.S. on temporary visas for essential medical treatment not available at home," it said in a statement. "After their treatment is complete, the children and any accompanying family members return to the Middle East." The U.S. has issued more than 3,800 B1/B2 visitor visas, which permit foreigners to seek medical treatment in the U.S., to holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents so far in 2025. That figure includes 640 visas issued in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Palestinian Authority issues travel documents to residents of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza. The State Department said a small number of temporary medical-humanitarian visas were issued to people from Gaza in recent days but did not provide a figure. The Council on American Islamic Relations and the Palestine Children's Relief Fund condemned the decision to stop the visas. Loomer told the New York Times she spoke to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to warn about what she called a threat from "Islamic invaders." Rubio said the government was evaluating the process of granting such visas after concerns by some members of Congress regarding alleged ties to extremism. He said their offices had presented evidence of such ties but he gave no details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gaza has been devastated by Israel's military assault, which has killed tens of thousands, caused a hunger crisis, and prompted genocide and war crimes accusations at international courts. The U.S. ally denies the accusations and says its offensive is in self-defense after an October 2023 attack in Israel by Hamas militants in which 1,200 were killed and about 250 taken hostage. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Edmund Klamann) FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) The U.S. Department of Education is threatening to suspend federal funding for several Northern Virginia school divisions after they refused to roll back policies allowing transgender students to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The school systems, including Loudoun County, the City of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, and Prince William County, are facing possible loss of money. The potential cut has left many parents and teachers torn, proud of their districts for standing firm, but worried about how students could be affected if federal dollars are withheld. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im concerned, but happy that our community is being protected, said Robert Rigby, a Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) teacher and board member for FCPS Pride. Virginia State Board of Health to prohibit trans women from playing on womens sports teams Advocates say losing federal dollars could hit vulnerable populations the hardest. Its critical funding for our Title One schools, which serve a majority lower-income student population, but also for students with learning disabilities, said Vanessa Hall, a parent who is also part of FCPS Price. FCPS defended its position in a statement, writing, FCPS remains dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment for all students and staff members, including our transgender and gender-expansive community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some parents described relief at the school divisions decision to keep protections in place. It was a great relief. We were able to feel joy, one parent said. Every single time a district stood firm and said they would protect students and families it made me emotional, in the best way. The Department of Education insists there will be consequences for noncompliance. The Agency will commence administrative proceedings to effect the suspension or termination of federal financial assistance to these divisions, the agency said in a statement. The Virginia districts will have to defend their embrace of radical gender ideology over ensuring the safety of their students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Education Department was created to ensure equal access. Who would do that in its absence? Despite the looming threat, parents say they remain committed to advocating for their children. If we dont stand up for the civil rights of every student, it feels like its not even American if we dont, said Hall. Each division has sent a letter to the Department of Education defending its stance, while leaving the door open to further conversation with the agency. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. The United States is deploying three Aegis guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela as part of President Donald Trumps effort to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels, according to a U.S. official briefed on the planning. The Gravely, the Jason Dunham and the Sampson are expected to arrive soon, said the official, who was not authorized to comment and spoke Tuesday on the condition of anonymity. A Defense Department official confirmed that the military assets have been assigned to the region in support of counter narcotics efforts. The official, who was not authorized to comment about military planning, said the vessels would be deployed over the course of several months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deployment of U.S. destroyers and personnel comes as Trump has pushed for using the U.S. military to thwart cartels he blames for the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into American communities and for perpetuating violence in some U.S. cities. Navy amphib readiness dips as sailors, Marines deploy for Caribbean Trump has also pressed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to cooperate more on security than her predecessor, specifically being more aggressive in pursuit of Mexicos cartels. But she has drawn a clear line when it comes to Mexicos sovereignty, rejecting suggestions by Trump and others of intervention by the U.S. military. Trump in February designated Venezuelas Tren de Aragua, MS-13 in El Salvador and six groups based in Mexico as foreign terrorist organizations. His Republican administration has also stepped up immigration enforcement against alleged gang members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The designation is normally reserved for groups like al-Qaida or the Islamic State group that use violence for political ends not for money-focused crime rings such as the Latin American cartels. But the Trump administration argues the international connections and operations of the groups including drug trafficking, migrant smuggling and violent pushes to extend their territory warrant the designation. Venezuelas Communication Ministry didnt immediately reply to a request for comment. On Monday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said the U.S. had increased its threats against Venezuela and announced he was going to order the deployment of more than 4.5 million militia members around the country. The militias were created by then-President Hugo Chavez to incorporate volunteers who could assist the armed forces in the defense of external and domestic attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The empire has gone mad and has renewed its threats to Venezuelas peace and tranquility, Maduro said at an event in Caracas, without mentioning any specific action. Earlier this month, the Trump government announced it was doubling to $50 million a reward for the arrest of Maduro, accusing him of being one of the worlds largest narco-traffickers and working with cartels to flood the U.S. with fentanyl-laced cocaine. Maduro was indicted in a New York federal court in 2020, during the first Trump presidency, along with several close allies on federal charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. Back then, the U.S. offered a $15 million reward for his arrest. Rueda reported from Caracas, Venezuela. WASHINGTON (AP) The United States is deploying three Aegis guided-missile destroyers to the waters off Venezuela as part of President Donald Trump's effort to combat threats from Latin American drug cartels, according to a U.S. official briefed on the planning. The USS Gravely, the USS Jason Dunham and the USS Sampson are expected to arrive soon, said the official, who was not authorized to comment and spoke Tuesday on the condition of anonymity. A Defense Department official confirmed that the military assets have been assigned to the region in support of counter narcotics efforts. The official, who was not authorized to comment about military planning, said the vessels would be deployed over the course of several months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deployment of U.S. destroyers and personnel comes as Donald Trump has pushed for using the U.S. military to thwart cartels he blames for the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into American communities and for perpetuating violence in some U.S. cities. Trump has also pressed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to cooperate more on security than her predecessor, specifically being more aggressive in pursuit of Mexicos cartels. But she has drawn a clear line when it comes to Mexicos sovereignty, rejecting suggestions by Trump and others of intervention by the U.S. military. Trump in February designated Venezuela's Tren de Aragua, MS-13 in El Salvador and six groups based in Mexico as foreign terrorist organizations. His Republican administration has also stepped up immigration enforcement against alleged gang members. The designation is normally reserved for groups like al-Qaida or the Islamic State group that use violence for political ends not for money-focused crime rings such as the Latin American cartels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Trump administration argues the international connections and operations of the groups including drug trafficking, migrant smuggling and violent pushes to extend their territory warrant the designation. Earlier this month, the Trump government announced it was doubling to $50 million a reward for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, accusing him of being one of the worlds largest narco-traffickers and working with cartels to flood the U.S. with fentanyl-laced cocaine. The press office of Venezuela's government did not respond to a request for comment from the AP on the deployment of the destroyers. But without mentioning the ships, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil in a statement Tuesday characterized the U.S. government's drug-trafficking accusations against Venezuela. Washingtons accusing Venezuela of drug trafficking reveals its lack of credibility and the failure of its policies in the region, Gil said. While Washington threatens, Venezuela steadily advances in peace and sovereignty, demonstrating that true effectiveness against crime is achieved by respecting the independence of its peoples. Every aggressive statement confirms the inability of imperialism to subdue a free and sovereign people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement was followed by the government's decision to temporarily ban the purchase, sale and operation of drones in Venezuela's airspace. In 2018, drones armed with explosives detonated near Maduro in an apparent assassination attempt while he was delivering a speech to hundreds of soldiers being broadcast live on television. On Monday, Maduro said the U.S. had increased its threats against Venezuela and announced the planned deployment of more than 4.5 million militia members around the country. The militias were created by then-President Hugo Chavez to incorporate volunteers who could assist the armed forces in the defense of external and domestic attacks. The empire has gone mad and has renewed its threats to Venezuelas peace and tranquility, Maduro said at an event in Caracas, without mentioning any specific action. Maduro was indicted in a New York federal court in 2020, during the first Trump presidency, along with several close allies on federal charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. Back then, the U.S. offered a $15 million reward for his arrest. ___ Rueda reported from Caracas, Venezuela. Associated Press writer Regina Garcia Cano contributed to this report from Mexico City. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States continues to discuss a ceasefire proposal for a 60-day truce in Gaza between Israel and Hamas that the Palestinian militant group has accepted, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday. "I don't think it's a coincidence that Hamas accepted this proposal after the president of the United States posted a very strong statement about this conflict on Truth Social yesterday," Leavitt told reporters at a press briefing at the White House. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; writing by Ryan Patrick Jones) WARR ACRES U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon touted school choice and workforce development in Oklahoma as she made the state the latest stop on what she says will be a tour of all 50 states with the announced goal to "return education to the states." Since President Donald Trump took office in January, McMahon has led a massive overhaul of the U.S. Department of Education, aimed at dismantling the agency and funneling federal schools funding directly to states instead. McMahon announced plans in August to visit every state to hear from students and teachers about innovative ideas in education. McMahon joined Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt on a tour of Dove Science Academy's new high school and middle school campus on the morning of Tuesday, Aug. 19. She then made a quick stop at the Oklahoma Capitol for a ceremonial bill signing with Stitt before heading to the visit another school site, Vanguard Academy, which is a part of Broken Arrow Public Schools.. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters was noticeably absent from the events. Walters often touts his support of Trump's education policies and says the Oklahoma State Department of Education, which he leads, is working closely with the federal agency run by McMahon. Asked if she planned to meet with Walters while in Oklahoma, McMahon said, "I don't believe that's on my schedule today." The Oklahoman asked two spokespeople for Walters about his absence. Spokesman Quinton Hitchcock said in an email received at 7 p.m., hours after this story published with McMahon's comment, that Walters was "out of the state today on previously scheduled travel." McMahon said the goal of her tour is to compile a "toolkit" of the best practices she sees in each state as she helps Trump achieve his pledge of "sending education back to the states." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think Oklahoma should be very proud of what I've seen this morning," McMahon said. "It was just one charter school, but it's (emblematic) of a lot of the really great programs that the governor has talked about. I think his open policy (supporting) charter schools, and being able to go to any ZIP-code school where there's vacancies, I think that's incredibly important. The president is a big supporter of school choice, and so is the governor. I just think a rising tide lifts all boats." Stitt said he's supportive of Trump's efforts to move more responsibility for education to individual states. "When you think about education, it belongs at the state level," Stitt said. "There's 50 different laboratories of democracy. We're closer to the workforce than they are in Washington, DC. I like to remind people that what the president is trying to do is return it to the states. It's the states that hire teachers, build schools, educate kids." U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon shakes hands with a robot dog Aug. 19 while at Dove Science Academy in the Oklahoma City area. Dove Science Academy, led by Superintendent Abidin Erez, is one of Oklahoma's top-performing charter schools, which are public schools that are typically subject to fewer restrictions than traditional public schools, but also face different forms of accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's just amazing what's happening there," Stitt said of the school. "That's just more competition, more options for parents, and we met with some of the parents there that were saying, 'Hey, this is the best option for my kids.'" McMahon and Stitt visited English, math and biology classrooms and listened to students explain how they had built robots. As Stitt watched, she took the controller for one of the robots and maneuvered it around the classroom. Former Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall, who is running for the Republican bid for governor, also joined the tour. McMahon and Stitt later took part in a roundtable discussion at the school about workforce development and school choice. "Workforce development, I think that's really key, as we start to change and look at education differently," she said. Dove Science Academy biology student Haylie Harrison shows a program to U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt during their visit to the charter school. McMahon's appearance in Oklahoma comes as Stitt and Walters feud over the future of state's education system, which consistently ranks among the worst nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stitt disagreed with Walters' proposal in February to require schools to track the immigration status of students. The governor then revamped the Oklahoma State Board of Education with four new members, who routinely push back against Walters' agenda. Most recently, Walters claimed, without citing evidence, that two of the new board members lied at the behest of Stitt about seeing images of naked women on his office television. Walters once was thought to be a candidate to become Trump's education secretary, though the president later picked McMahon. Walters did not post anything on social media about McMahon's visit. McMahon's visit to Oklahoma comes during the second week of her tour, which started with stops in Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ed. Sec. McMahon touts Trump reforms, school choice in Oklahoma PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (DC News Now) The U.S. Marshals Service Pennsylvania Task Force is searching for a 19-year-old from Washington, D.C., who is wanted for reportedly raping a student at Penn State University (PSU) Abington campus. The U.S. Marshals Service is searching for Abdul-Jabril Cooper, 19, who has a warrant out for his arrest. Officials said Cooper is accused of raping a student at his campus apartment in September 2024. He was also a student at the time of the incident, but he has since disenrolled from the university. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DC gay bar owners report thousands in losses due to federal presence Investigators from PSU and the U.S. Marshals Service offered Cooper the opportunity to surrender, but he refused, according to officials. Now, the Marshals Task Force in Philadelphia is assisting campus police and the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office in locating Cooper and taking him into custody. Cooper is about 5 feet and 9 inches tall and weighs about 160 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes. Law enforcement noted that his last known address was in the 1200 block of Southern Avenue SE in D.C. The rape of a student on a collegiate campus is a betrayal of safety that deserves immediate justice, said Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark. Actively evading law enforcement is a consciousness of guilt and Mr. Cooper should surrender immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All tips about Coopers whereabouts can be submitted by calling 866-865-8477. DC News Now has reached out to Penn State University for a statement and has not yet received a response. Check DCNewsNow.com for updates. To keep up with the latest news and weather updates, download our Mobile App on iPhone or Android. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. (Reuters) -The American Academy of Pediatrics on Tuesday recommended that all young children get vaccinated against COVID-19, differing from federal policy that no longer recommends routine vaccination for healthy children. In its latest policy document, AAP said all young children aged 6-23 months should receive a COVID-19 shot regardless of previous doses or SARS-CoV-2 infection. It also advised vaccination for older children in certain risk groups. The U.S. pediatric group's recommendations diverge from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which in May said healthy children can take the shots if parents and doctors agree it is needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shared clinical decision-making, which involves parents and doctors, can be difficult to implement as it lacks clear guidance and does not emphasize the importance of vaccinating high risk individuals, AAP said. "We call on the AAP to strengthen conflict-of-interest safeguards and keep its publications free from financial influence," the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said on Tuesday. In a post on social media platform X, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said AAP should also inform doctors that recommendations that are not in line with CDC's official vaccine list are not covered under the 1986 Vaccine Injury Act, which protect manufacturers and healthcare providers from lawsuits. Prior to the new guidance, CDC routinely recommended updated COVID vaccines for everyone aged six months and older, in line with the advice of its panel of outside experts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In early July, the AAP and other major medical groups sued Secretary Kennedy Jr. for unilaterally removing routine vaccination recommendations. The rate of COVID-19 hospitalization for children under 2 years is the highest among pediatric age groups, and for children aged 6-23 months, it is comparable to people aged 50-64 years, AAP said, citing CDC data. (Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona and Arun Koyyur) WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration on Tuesday said it was targeting more imports of Chinese goods, including steel, copper and lithium, for high-priority enforcement over alleged human-rights abuses involving the Uyghurs. The Department of Homeland Security, in a post on X, said it was also designating caustic soda and red dates for high-priority enforcement under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. "The use of slave labor is repulsive and we will hold Chinese companies accountable for abuses and eliminate threats its forced labor practices pose to our prosperity," U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said separately on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Uyghur-related law restricts the import of goods tied to what the U.S. describes as China's human-rights abuses and ongoing genocide in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. U.S. authorities say Chinese authorities have established internment camps for Uyghurs and other religious and ethnic minority groups in Chinas western Xinjiang region. Beijing has denied any abuses. (Reporting by Susan Heavey and Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect comments from Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Aug. 19 that U.S. soldiers will not be on the ground in Ukraine to ensure security guarantees are upheld, deflecting the responsibility to European allies. When asked on Fox News if there was an assurance to Americans that U.S. soldiers will not patrol Ukraine's front line region, Trump replied: "Well you have my assurance, you know I'm president. I'm just trying to stop people from being killed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier in the interview, Trump said that European would lead the charge in ensuring security guarantees on the ground. "We've got the European nations, they'll frontload it," Trump said. "Some of them: France, and Germany, U.K., they want to have boots on the ground." Following Trump's comments, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Sky New that it was "premature" to say that British troops will be sent to Ukraine's front line, adding that the country will nonetheless play their part. Referring to the progress of ongoing security guarantee negotiations, Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen told reporters that "there have been no decisions thus far as what comes to the overall framework and neither to the individual contributions" from individual countries' support for Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Valtonen added that the "Coalition of the Willing" had not seen anything from Moscow to suggest it is seeking peace in Ukraine. Trump's comments follow a meeting between the U.S. president, President Volodymyr Zelensky, and European allies on Aug. 18 in the White House, where allies made progress in coming to a consensus on what security guarantees for Kyiv may look like. "We'll give them (Ukraine) very good protection, very good security" Trump told reporters during the meeting, after initially not publicly ruling out the possibility of U.S. troops. The U.S. president added that any security agreements would be done in "coordination with the United States." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told Fox News after the meetings that the possibility of sending U.S. or European troops to Ukraine was not even discussed during the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That will be part of the discussions, which will now start. We will try to bring them to the next stage of understanding over the coming days and weeks, of course," Rutte said. European officials later confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that a series of meetings among the participant countries of the Coalition of the Willing could take place in the coming days to hash out the details. During the meeting, European leaders overwhelmingly expressed support for providing "Article 5-style" security guarantees, with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who co-chairs the Coalition fo the Willing, calling the meeting a potential "historic step" for both Ukrainian and broader European security. The other co-chair, French President Emmanuel Macron, said that security guarantees will consist of a strong Ukrainian army, adding that European allies were "prepared to step up to the plate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commenting on his outlook for his country's own security, Zelensky said the first part of these guarantees for Ukraine should be its own "strong army." The second part is a package of American weapons, with Zelensky telling reporters that Ukraine has proposed buying U.S. weapons worth $90 billion as part of the guarantees. As part of the next steps of the negotiation process, Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin could meet within the next two weeks to discuss territory claims, with plans for a trilateral meeting mediated by Trump afterwards. Trump and Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15 for nearly three hours but failed to reach a ceasefire agreement. Trump later said "many points were agreed to" but offered no specifics. The last time Zelensky and Putin met in person was in Paris in December 2019 during the Normandy Format talks mediated by France and Germany. They have not held direct talks since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read also: European leaders mobilize on Ukraines security guarantees ahead of potential Putin-Zelensky-Trump summit Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (The Center Square) The U.S. Department of Agriculture will no longer subsidize large-scale solar projects placed on farmland or use solar panels manufactured by foreign adversaries in any agency projects, according to a news release Tuesday. Hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars have gone towards solar and other green energy initiatives since 2022 alone. Roughly 47% of utility-scale solar projects are located on farmland as of 2025, according to Agricultural Economic Insights, and solar panels on American farmland have increased by 50% since 2012, according to USDA. Our prime farmland should not be wasted and replaced with green new deal subsidized solar panels, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said. Subsidized solar farms have made it more difficult for farmers to access farmland by making it more expensive and less available. We are no longer allowing businesses to use your taxpayer dollars to fund solar projects on prime American farmland, and we will no longer allow solar panels manufactured by foreign adversaries to be used in our USDA-funded projects. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the change, both solar and wind projects will no longer be eligible for the USDA Rural Development Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. Prospective recipients of the USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Guaranteed Loan Program will only be eligible for the subsidies if their solar photovoltaic systems are smaller than 50kW. Tennessee will particularly feel the impact of the change as it has lost more than 1.2 million acres of farmland over the last 30 years. Both the Republican governor and U.S. lawmakers, including some representing Tennessee, praised the USDAs decision. Tennessee farmland should be used to grow the crops that feed our state and country, not to house solar panels made by foreign countries like Communist China, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., stated. Secretary Rollins and President Trump are right to put an end to these Green New Deal subsidies that waste taxpayer dollars while threatening Americas food security. The move follows the Environmental Protection Agencys rescission of $7 billion in Solar for All community grants and the Department of Interiors plans to increase production of more traditional sources of energy like oil and gas. The Brief USPIS offers rewards for suspects in mail thefts between Harris and Montgomery Co. Residents at one apartment complex in SW Houston share concern after mail was stolen on July 19th. FOX 26 Senior Legal Analyst shares tips on what to do if your identity is stolen post mail theft HOUSTON - Mail theft continues to be a problem in our area and the United States Postal Inspection Service is offering rewards to catch the thieves. What we know In Montgomery and Harris counties, the USPIS says theyre offering $100K for information leading to the arrest of Dorian Battist, who they say is responsible for stealing mail and engaging in organized crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click to open this PDF in a new window. However, there is another $100,000 dollar reward for info about 2 people wanted for a July 19th mail theft in southwest Houston at the Royal Oaks Apartments. "Its very concerning, like as far as people taking information such a social security cards, you can access that and people will steal anything, money they can steal your identity, so its truly a red flag," said James Lewis, a resident. Caught on camera, the USPIS is looking for a white/hispanic male seen breaking into multiple mailboxes with what appears to be a master key just before 7 in the morning, July 19th. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video shows the guy turning the key multiple times before opening the mail boxes. UPIS also put out a poster with pictures of the man and a white female. They say the thieves both struck the same day. Click to open this PDF in a new window. What they're saying Neighbors share concern about stolen mail We spoke with a neighbor who said hes now worried about his personal information. Its a lot of people in these apartments, and they can steal every single thing, like you can wake up, and your bank account will be emptied out," Lewis said." I heard one report, I heard someone talking about it in the office. I ignored it. I havent experienced anything; I just moved here," Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A second resident, Stacy Martin, said she sends her mail to a relative's home. "When I walk up to the mailbox, sometimes its not just one mailbox thats left open," Martin said." I know for sure I get my mail at my grandfathers house. Any important documents, whatever if its coming from the food stamp office or something, I send it to my grandfathers house. I even let them know, hey, this is my residential address and this is my mailing address." Martin said she will do what she has to do to get her mail. "Ive just been going along with it. If I have to go somewhere else just to ensure I get my mail, especially important paperwork, then I do," Martin said. Why you should care FOX 26 Senior Legal Analyst offers advice on protecting your identity should your mail be stolen. Fox 26 senior legal analyst explains how you can protect your personal information if your mail gets stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The easiest thing to do is the most expensive thing to do is to get a P.O box. Thats the safest way to get your mail now," said Chris Tritico, Fox 26, senior legal analyst. When you get mail stolen, and you are concerned about identity theft, there are several steps you should take is first make an immediate report to the Harris, CO. Sheriffs Department so that you have a report on file of identity theft and get a case number that you can provide to all of your creditors." Tritico adds that you want to notify creditors as well, and give them the case number of the police report you filed. "Lastly, each of the 3 credit reporting agencies by federal law have to provide you with a free credit report each year once a year, so each quarter you should be getting a free report from each of the 3 reporting agencies and that way, you can monitor your credit all year long." Tritico said. What you can do If anyone has information, please contact the Houston Division of the Postal Inspection Service at (713) 238-4499. All information will be kept strictly confidential. The Source Information in this article was provided by the USPIS and interviews conducted by FOX 26's Leslie Delasbour. The U.S. Postal Service has begun a crackdown on unlicensed vape products, refusing to carry shipments for distributors found to be in violation of federal and local rules, Reuters reported. The effort has involved joint cooperation between the postal service and local law enforcement. To be legally sold in the United States, vape products must have received explicit approval from the Food and Drug Administration. To date, only 39 vape or e-cigarette products have received such approval, per Reuters. This has not stopped unauthorized vape products, largely originating in China, from flooding the U.S. market, where vapes accounted for $8.05 billion in sales in 2024, according to Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unauthorized vapes pose a greater risk to public health, as they have not been screened for safety or to ensure that the products contain the ingredients that they claim to. Even approved vape products, such as e-cigarettes, pose significant health risks. According to the CDC, "No tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are safe." E-cigarettes and other vapes contain nicotine, which can be especially dangerous for pregnant women, their fetuses, and young people. Further, the aerosol from vape products "can also contain harmful and potentially harmful substances," said the CDC. "These include cancer-causing chemicals and tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into lungs." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond the individual health risks, e-cigarettes and other vape products cause environmental harm, which can also impact public health. A meta-analysis published in 2023 reviewed the available scientific literature to gauge the scope and scale of environmental and public health risks presented by e-cigarettes. 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 issues identified in this review were numerous, including "impacts on air quality, water, land use, and animals, water and energy consumption" as well as "increased pollution and emissions due to greater e-cigarette production." Discarded e-cigarettes, which often contain lithium-ion batteries, and the single-use packaging in which they are delivered to consumers also produce massive amounts of dangerous waste. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the USPS crackdown on illicit vapes potentially will help both public health and the environment, the move also benefits Big Tobacco, which for years has lobbied against e-cigarettes and other vape products. These smoking alternatives have made a sizable dent in Big Tobacco's sales in recent years, according to Reuters. In a letter to New York-based Demand Vape, the USPS wrote, "Your local Buffalo BME Office will not accept any packages from Demand Vape that contain ENDS [electronic nicotine delivery system] products," according to an exclusive report by Reuters. For its part, Demand Vape argued that it has been forced to operate in a "regulatory grey zone" and that the 39 currently approved e-cigarette products are nowhere near sufficient to meet U.S. consumer demand. "We reject any characterization that paints Demand Vape as anything other than a transparent, lawful and reputable business," the company said in a statement, per Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To reduce the health and environmental harms of e-cigarettes and other vape products, it is best to avoid using the products altogether, especially for youth, young adults, and pregnant women. If you are an adult and choose to partake, you can lower these risks by using only FDA-approved products and by properly disposing of both the vape and its packaging after use. 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. 18 (UPI) -- Former President Jimmy Carter will be memorialized this year with a commemorative Forever stamp, issued by the United States Postal Service. The Jimmy Carter stamp will be released to the public on Oct. 1, the 101st anniversary of Carter's birth, and will feature a 1982 oil painting of the 39th president, who died last December at the age of 100. "The stamp program celebrates the best in American culture, places and people, and it is difficult to consider a more fitting honoree than former President Jimmy Carter," Peter Pastre, the Postal Service's government relations and public policy vice president, said Saturday during an event in Carter's hometown of Plains, Ga. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In his support and leadership of his beloved community, state and nation, he lent his quiet, thoughtful and deliberate energy around causes he believed in, and most certainly in his conduct and accomplishments as a former president, Jimmy Carter truly personified the best in America," Pastre added. The U.S. Postal Service unveiled the stamp Saturday at the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park in Plains. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter delivers remarks after receiving the 2007 Ridenhour Courage Prize, at the National Press Club in Washington on April 4, 2007. Carter, who died last year at the age of 100, will be honored with a Forever stamp, the United States Postal Service announced. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI "The Carter family and the Friends of Jimmy Carter are honored to be able to take part in revealing the design for President Carter's Forever stamp," said Kim Carter Fuller, niece of Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter and executive director of the Friends of Jimmy Carter. "Together we've had the distinct privilege of a front row seat to his life and legacy, and today's reveal gives the world an opportunity to share his legacy with others on a daily basis." Forever stamps, which are often commemorative, maintain their value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Carter was inaugurated on Jan. 20, 1977, and is remembered for increasing the size of the National Park System, establishing new Cabinet departments, creating a presidential commission on mental health and appointing women and minorities to government positions. Carter also negotiated the Camp David Accords, the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks and established diplomatic relations with China. During and after his presidency, Carter was a prominent activist for peace and human rights around the world. He established the Carter Center at Emory University in 1982, to advance democracy and prevent disease in poor nations. In 2002, he received the Nobel Peace Prize. Carter was preceded in death in November 2023 by his first lady Rosalynn Carter, who would have turned 98 on Monday. TYLER, Texas (KETK) The University of Texas at Tyler was given a $971,195 grant that will support research on treatments for pleural infections that cause fluid buildup in the lungs. Photo of Dr. Andrey Komissarov, courtesy of UT Tyler The research is being led by Professor of Cellular and Molecular Biology Dr. Andrey Komissarov with the UT Tyler School of Medicine. Komissarov, along with the biopharmaceutical company SignaBlok, will conduct projects that give students the opportunity to analyze data, perform lab research and present scientific findings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to UT Tyler, 65,000 people in the United States are affected by empyema every year, which is caused by pneumonia. Treatment options are not always safe and could possibly lead to other complications, leading Komissarovs team to find other methods. This project is a powerful example of how UT Tyler is advancing research that directly impacts patient care, UT Tyler School of Medicine Dean Sue Cox said. Were proud to support work that not only addresses urgent health challenges like empyema but also provides meaningful opportunities for our students to grow as scientists and future physicians. UT Tyler said SignaBlok and Komissarovs team is aiming to to add an agent to the treatment that targets both clots and inflammation. The goal with this agent is to reduce swelling and drain infected fluid which could make the treatment more effective. This isnt just about investing in a treatment to extend and improve lives today, Komissarov said. Its about paving the way for future scientists and physicians to continue this work. None of this would be possible without the tremendous support of UT Tyler, especially President Julie Philley, MD. Her commitment to research and innovation has been instrumental in making projects like this a reality. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. A corrections officer wheels in Ralph Menzies during his commutation hearing before the parole board at the Utah State Correctional Facility in Salt Lake City as he petitions to stop his execution by firing squad on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. (Pool photo by Bethany Baker/The Salt Lake Tribune) The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole has denied Ralph Menzies request for clemency, one of the death row inmates final appeals ahead of his execution scheduled for Sept. 5. The announcement came Tuesday afternoon, four days after the commutation hearing for the 67-year-old inmate, where board members heard arguments for and against granting Menzies mercy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Menzies is scheduled to die by firing squad after spending nearly four decades in prison for the 1986 murder of Maurine Hunsaker, a 26-year-old gas station clerk whom Menzies kidnapped. Hunsaker was brought up Big Cottonwood Canyon, where Menzies tied her to a tree, strangled her, then slashed her throat. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Last week, the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole conducted a two-day commutation hearing, listening to testimony from Menzies attorneys, the Utah Attorney Generals Office, and 10 victim representatives, including eight members of Hunsakers family. With death penalty cases, the board has the power to instead impose a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. The arguments dont have to be legal for instance, Menzies has terminal dementia, and his attorneys said that the state should simply allow him to die in prison, rather than his scheduled execution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in a statement Tuesday, board members wrote that, after carefully reviewing all submitted information and considering all arguments from the parties, the Board does not find cause to commute Mr. Menzies death sentence. The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole has never granted a death row inmate clemency. Menzies attorneys, in a statement, called the notion of executing a 67-year-old inmate with dementia a grotesque spectacle meanwhile Matt Hunsaker, Maurines son, said he was very pleased with the ruling. With his execution less than three weeks away, the commutation hearing marked one of the final appeals for Menzies. His attorneys contend that his dementia makes him incompetent to be executed, and will argue their case before the Utah Supreme Court on Thursday. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox also has the power to delay the execution, though he cannot issue clemency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ralph Menzies is a 67-year-old man with progressively worsening dementia. Hes tethered to an oxygen tank, uses a wheelchair, is confused and disoriented, and no longer understands why Utah is trying to kill him, said Lindsey Layer, one of Menzies attorneys. This is reason enough to grant mercy. In addition, Layer said the judge who sentenced Menzies later changed his mind, writing in a 2010 affidavit that he incorrectly applied the law that allowed for the death sentence, and should have instead sentenced him to life in prison. And, the Salt Lake County District Attorneys independent Conviction Integrity Review Panel has since found that Menzies death sentence should be vacated, pointing to false testimony at the time of the trial. Mr. Menziess record for nearly 40 years on death row confirms he poses no threat to anyone in prison if given a life without parole sentence. We will continue our fight to save his life to avoid a grotesque spectacle of shooting to death a severely debilitated man with dementia, Layer said. Matt Hunsaker, in a text message to Utah News Dispatch, thanked the board, calling the decision one of the final hurdles. This closed all but one door for his ability to get out of being executed. We look forward to going to the Supreme Court this week and again as a family, he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE TASHKENT (Reuters) -A prominent independent Muslim Uzbek cleric went on trial on Tuesday in Tashkent on charges of promoting extremism and inciting hatred against Israel, in one of the highest-profile cases regarding religious practices in recent years. Alisher Tursunov, widely known as Mubashshir Ahmad, faces charges of inciting religious hatred, distribution of materials that threaten public order and illegal distribution of materials with religious content. In total, the charges carry a penalty of five-to-eight years in prison. Tursunov, 51, ran a popular religious media project, Azon.uz, which had some 1.2 million subscribers on YouTube before he shut it down in 2023 under threat of legal punishment. He subsequently moved to Turkey, where he was arrested and extradited to Uzbekistan in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges stem from both his work on the Azon.uz project as well as posts the cleric made on social media, according to his lawyer. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, local media reported. In a post on his Telegram channel in April, Tursunov spoke out in favour of a fatwa issued by the International Union of Muslim Scholars, a Qatar-based group, advocating for jihad against Israel over "the bloodshed in Gaza." "I would ask our government to listen to these calls," Tursunov said. "We are all Muslims, including leaders on top, and we should follow the fatwa issued to Muslims." Uzbekistan, a landlocked, majority Muslim country in Central Asia home to some 38 million people, has had diplomatic relations with Israel since soon after the fall of the Soviet Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Islam Karimov, who ruled Uzbekistan as president from 1991 until his death in 2016, was widely criticised for cracking down on Muslims under the pretext of fighting religious fundamentalism and terrorism. Karimov's successor, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, initially relaxed strict religious restrictions, but in recent years has instituted curbs on religious freedom, according to Human Rights Watch. (Reporting by Muhammadsharif Mamatkulov in Tashkent; Editing by Sharon Singleton) NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears accepted their invitations to participate in the Oct. 9 statewide gubernatorial debate hosted by WAVY TV-10 and Norfolk State University. Spanberger widens lead over Earle-Sears in Virginia Governors race, new poll finds The debate between Virginia gubernatorial candidates Spanberger and Earle-Sears is set to take place at Norfolk State University starting at 7 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Spanberger and Earle-Sears have previously turned down earlier debates, with Spanberger rejecting CNNs invitation for a debate in the fall, according to Fox News, and Earle-Sears turning down the Peoples Debate, which would have been held at Virginia State University, according to Virginia Mercury. Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears visits Newport News Shipbuilding Spanberger accepted the invitation for the Oct. 9 WAVY-NSU debate on Monday, Aug. 18. A release from Spanbergers team states she is prepared and ready to debate the issues she believes impact Virginians the most. Virginians have a clear choice in November. Abigail Spanberger is the only candidate with a gameplan for lowering costs for Virginia families, strengthening Virginias public schools, and standing up for Virginias economy in this moment of chaos and uncertainty, said Samson Signori, Campaign Manager, Spanberger for Governor. Abigail is prepared and ready to debate the issues at Norfolk State University, outline her vision for putting Virginians first, and make clear that her opponent is far too extreme for the Commonwealth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earle-Sears verbally accepted the debate on Aug. 14, prior to Spanberger, but had yet to fill out the proper forms necessary to participate. She official signed on to the debate Tuesday, Aug. 19 and provided a statement to WAVY. Im ready to take the stage in Norfolk and offer Virginians a clear choice for Governor. For years, Spanberger has hidden behind vague Washington rhetoric and dodged tough questions. Now, her record will be front and center. Im prepared to deliver for Virginia, building on the proven results of my administration the real question is: how will Abigail Spanberger defend her disastrous record to Virginians? Lt Governor Winsome Earle-Sears Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. (KRON) Copious amounts of fentanyl were found after a concerned resident contacted authorities, according to the Vacaville Police Department. Vacaville PD said officers were alerted by a shopper of a woman slumped over the wheel for several hours with the engine running at the Vacaville Premium Outlets mall on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Paramedics and police officers responded to the mall, contacting the woman in a Subaru, later identified as Oregon resident Amanda Schauffler. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schauffler initially told officers she was sleeping and could not provide identification, Vacaville PD said. Police said officers noticed drugs and drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the car. Photo: Vacaville PD Photo: Vacaville PD CHP officer rescues injured owl during North Bay traffic stop Officers ordered Schauffler out of the vehicle with her dog, and she complied. Vacaville police said officers found a significant amount of fentanyl and indicators it was being possessed and transported for sales. Schauffler was arrested and booked into the Solano County Jail on felony charges related to the possession and transportation of narcotics for sale. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Schaufflers dog was taken by the Solano County Humane Animal Services. Police said the Subaru went to car jail. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Cases of Valley fever, a disease caused by a fungus common in some regions of California, are on the rise, state health officials announced this month. Over 5,500 provisional cases were reported in the first six months of the year. In 2000, the state reported fewer than 1,000 cases; by 2019, the number had increased to over 9,000. The latest increase in cases comes after the Golden State reported 12,500 cases last year, the highest ever recorded in the state. Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis or cocci, is caused by a fungus that grows in the soil and dirt in some areas of California. Most common in the Central Valley and Central Coast, symptoms of the disease are similar to those of COVID-19 or the flu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Health officials warn that Valley fever can lead to severe lung infections, including pneumonia. Cases of the disease are the highest in the southern San Joaquin Valley, but cases have also been increasing in other parts of the state. Those who travel, attend school, or live in the area are at the highest risk. Heres how people can protect themselves and their furry friends from getting the disease: When it is windy outside and the air is dusty, stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed. When driving through a dusty area, keep car windows closed and use recirculating air, if possible. Before digging, wet down the soil and dirt to prevent dust from being stirred up into the air. Consider wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator (mask) if you must be in dusty air outdoors in these areas. Valley fever can only be diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare provider, typically through blood tests or other laboratory tests. Anyone can get the disease, but adults 60 years old or older, those who have diabetes or a condition that weakens the immune system, or those who are pregnant, are at higher risk of developing Valley fever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Black and Filipino people also have a higher risk of developing Valley fever, according to health officials. Residents are encouraged to talk with their doctor if they are concerned about contracting Valley fever. More information about the disease can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A Venezuelan refugee who fled political persecution is warning that socialist policies pushed by New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani will bring the same hardships to America. "Young people who right now are trying to support socialist ideas because they think this time would be different it would not be different," Franklin Camargo, 27, told Fox News Digital. "You dont want the government to dictate your life. You dont want the government to stop you from having aspirations, from having desires, from pursuing your own happiness. Trust me, you dont want that." Mamdani, a democratic socialist who secured the Democratic Party nomination for New York City mayor in June, ran a campaign focused on making the city more affordable for the average resident. His platform includes freezing rent prices, investing in public housing, city-owned grocery stores, "no-cost" child care, and higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. Mamdani has advocated for more equality in the city, state and across the country, and has argued there should be no billionaires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Camargo, who escaped dictator Nicolas Maduro's regime, argues that the problems facing New Yorkers are the result of government intervention and statism, not individualism or capitalism. He maintains that policies championed by Mamdani are "anti-American" and have led to disastrous results in Venezuela, Cuba, the Soviet Union and North Korea. Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks at his primary election party, June 25, 2025, in New York. Nyc Billionaire Likens Democratic Socialist Mamdani's Campaign Promises To Those Of Castro Camargo was only a year old when Hugo Chavez rose to power in Venezuela in 1999. His parents and grandparents lived in a prosperous nation, once boasting the fourth-largest GDP per capita in the world. But Camargo grew up watching Venezuela collapse under "aggressive" socialist policies: rent controls, nationalization of industries, censorship, and attacks on the wealthy. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They made it impossible for the average individual to survive without the government's help," Camargo recalled. As a child, Camargo visited the U.S. twice on family vacations. Those trips left a lasting impression. "I remember being amazed by the technology, the cars, how organized this country was," he said. "I was even impressed by the grocery stores the variety of Oreos, the variety of milks." A woman shops in the dairy section of a supermarket in the borough of Manhattan, New York, on January 27, 2024. City-run Grocery Stores, Defunding Police, Safe Injection Sites: What To Know About Nyc's Next Potential Mayor Camargo didnt know anything about politics or economics, but realized different ideas were being applied in the United States, and he wanted to learn more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his teens, Camargo immersed himself in U.S. history, and the works of economists Milton Friedman and Adam Smith. He became an outspoken advocate for capitalism, giving speeches and media interviews. His activism carried heavy costs. While studying medicine, he was expelled and branded a "terrorist" for challenging socialist ideology on campus. His cousin was imprisoned and tortured for his political beliefs. Facing threats to his own life, Camargo fled to the United States in 2019 and now works as a political commentator and presenter for PragerU. He fears the same failed socialist policies are gaining traction in progressive cities like New York. I Lived Zohran Mamdanis Socialist Dream, And I Had To Flee My Homeland To Survive It Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mamdani is a Venezuelan, a Soviet Union, a Cuban type of socialist," Camargo said. "Hes talking about nationalizing the means of production. Chavez did that in Venezuela in most industries. Hes talking about destroying billionaires. Chavez thought the rich had too much money, and he went after them. And he built an equal society everyone is equally poor. Over 90% of the population lives in extreme poverty." Mamdani's Failure To Walk Back These Positions Could Cause Reckoning In Democratic Party: 'Five-alarm Warning' Having lived through the corruption, censorship and scarcity caused by socialist policies, Camargo says Americans must defend the values that make this nation unique. "America is the greatest nation on earth because of the values that founded this country," he continued. "In 1776, nothing like it existed the idea that government should exist only to protect individual rights, and that every individual has the right to pursue their own happiness. That doesnt mean the government is going to make you happy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It doesnt mean that the government is going to give you food or housing or give you anything you need for free," he added. "Because as the famous quote says, a government big enough to give you everything is big enough to take everything away from you." He warned young Americans who embrace socialist promises that they will come to regret it. "Every time socialism has been implemented, it doesnt work," Camargo said. "This time wont be different." Zohran Mamdanis campaign did not immediately return Fox News Digitals request for comment. Original article source: Venezuelan refugee who fled persecution warns Mamdani's policies mirror ideas that destroyed his country An explosion aboard the bulk carrier W Sapphire Monday evening forced the closure of the Fort McHenry Federal Channel for nearly a full day, preventing ships from traversing in and out of the Port of Baltimore and creating a backlog of vessels before reopening Tuesday afternoon. No injuries were reported and the cause of the explosion is under investigation, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, which led the response. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Coast Guard, the 751-foot Liberia-flagged vessel was sailing outbound from Baltimore Harbor with 23 crew members and two pilots aboard when the explosion occurred around 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time near Fort Carroll in the Patapsco River. The W Sapphire loaded coal at CSXs Curtis Bay terminal and was bound for Mauritius. Ahead of the reopening, which occurred around 3 p.m., AIS signals showed at least 10 large vessels waiting at anchorage south of the harbor in the northern area of the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, Md. That group included container ships from Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and CMA CGM, as well as bulkers and two vehicle carriers that are currently unable to proceed into Baltimore. Ships are also anchored at the Dundalk and Sparrows Point terminals in Baltimore. The Port of Baltimore confirmed the reopening of the channel in a social media post. We appreciate the great work of the Coast Guard, tugs, pilots and other port partners to reopen the channel as quickly as possible, said the Port of Baltimore in a statement. We also thank our customers for their patience and understanding through this incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reports state the fire from the explosion has been extinguished and plans for the vessel are being prepared. The W Sapphire remains anchored in the channel. Prior to the incident, the bulk tanker already was displaying some concerning signs. In February 2025, the vessel was cited for issues with fire safety by the Australians during a Port State inspection, and in May, it received 11 deficiencies during an expanded inspection in Spain. In the minutes after the explosion, the Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region watchstanders received a call from the W Sapphire notifying them of the incident, indicating that it was a coal explosion. Additionally, boat crews in Coast Guard stations in Annapolis, and Baltimore neighborhood Curtis Bay were involved in the response. The Baltimore Fire Department and Marylands Department of Natural Resources Police were also dispatched to the area to assist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Coast Guard established a 2,000-yard safety zone around the incident location, spanning from the Francis Scott Key Bridge to the Brewerton Angle Channel. Crews are awaiting verification to confirm safe conditions before proceeding with further Coast Guard investigations onboard the vessel. During the explosion, a hatch detached and entered the water. Recovery plans to locate and retrieve the hatch are under development, but its exact location and potential impact on the navigable channel remain unknown. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deployed the vessel Buck, a sonar-equipped survey ship, to the incident site at approximately 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Buck is collecting data to identify any obstructions to the safe navigation of traffic entering or exiting the Port of Baltimore via the Fort McHenry Federal Channel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This data will also help determine the operational plan needed to fully reopen the federal channel, the Coast Guard says. The explosion is the second incident over the past 18 months that shut down traffic entering and exiting the Port of Baltimore. Last March, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River when a container ship lost power and crashed into one of its support pillars. Six construction workers were killed in the accident, and the McHenry Channel was closed for two months to allow for cleanup of the debris. The Port of Baltimore shuttered for the stretch, with container shipping giants like MSC, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd not returning until June once cleanup was completed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the time since, that incident has resulted in multiple lawsuits from groups including the Justice Department against the two Singaporean companies who own and operate the MV Dali vessel. Earlier this month, the Singaporean shipowners were the ones taking legal action, with both companies suing the ships manufacturer. U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has a new Democratic challenger more than a year before voters will take to the polls. Graham Platner, a combat veteran who served in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, announced his campaign on Tuesday morning. According to his online biography, Platner is currently the owner-operator of Waukeag Neck Oyster Co. His campaign video focused on taking on "corrupt politicians" and "billionaires." Despite his military service, Maine Republicans were quick to condemn Platner as a "far-left progressive." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Democrats Are Feverishly Recruiting Top Candidates To Win Back Majority In 2026 Midterms "Graham is a far-left progressive backed by national progressive operatives and environmental extremists. His views would be perfectly suited for a Portland City Council race not for representing all of Maine," Jason Savage, the executive director of the Maine Republican Party, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Platner's campaign Facebook page says he is a "friend of the working Mainer, foe of the oligarchy." He already has more than a dozen town halls scheduled across the New England state. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "[E]very where I've gone, it seems like the fabric of what holds us together is being ripped apart by billionaires and corrupt politicians," Platner, 40, said in a campaign launch video. Sen. Susan Collins arrives to introduce U.S. First Circuit Judge nominee Joshua D. Dunlap during a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on July 30, 2025. "Profiting off of destroying our environment, driving our families into poverty and crushing the middle class," he said. Platner went on to say he supports universal healthcare, aiding veterans and stopping funding for foreign wars. The video was produced by Morris Katz, a top advisor to the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, according to the New York Times. "Being a Bernie Bro and Kamala Harris donor is a profile to appeal to Portland progressives, not centrist and conservative voters in rural Maine," Savage reportedly told the Times. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump Ally Mike Collins Launch Key Battleground State Bid To Flip Democrat-held Senate Seat Sen. Susan Collins walks off the Senate floor after an overnight session at the U.S. Capitol on July 1, 2025. Platner, a political newcomer, told Politico that he also brought on Joe Cavello, a former senior aide to Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., to help with his campaign. "To call me a liberal, I think, is fairly amusing. I mean, Im a competitive pistol shooter. Thats what I do on the weekends," he told the media outlet. "Im a firearms instructor. I spent multiple years, obviously, in the service utilizing firearms. I also grew up in rural Maine, where guns are a part of our existence." Sen. Susan Collins meets with U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson in her office on March 8, 2022. The Democratic challenger list against Collins is growing, and reports say those already in office are trying to tap Janet Mills, the state's 77-year-old Democratic governor, for the seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans currently control the majority of the Senate by a 53-47 margin. Democrats would need to flip four seats in the 2026 midterm elections to take the majority. A spokesperson for Collins told Fox News Digital that Platner is "just another progressive entering the race." Original article source: Veteran who served in Middle Eastern wars launches campaign against Sen. Susan Collins LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A veterans group applauded Republican Gov. Joe Lombardos efforts to get the clog out of an important economic pipeline for Nevadas economy: renewable energy projects. In an Aug. 4 letter to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Lombardo wrote that Burgums decision to personally review solar and wind projects in detail was causing major delays. [M]y office is hearing that solar projects deep in the project pipeline have been frozen, Lombardo wrote to Burgum, according to a report by E&E News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Solar energy development on federal land fuels Nevadas economy, Lombardo wrote. Surge in solar energy production on Nevadas horizon Among those feeling the effects: veterans who were counting on jobs. Veterans are on the cutting edge of getting these renewable jobs. They have a lot of these transferable skills, Veterans Power America organizer Manuel Santamaria told 8 News Now. He is a U.S. Army veteran. It feels chaotic and it feels like whatever was set up in the pipeline, in terms of anything related to renewable energy and maybe job creation through that, is completely lost or in limbo, Santamaria said. Its a very confusing time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lombardo pointed to three solar projects under development that would sell power to NV Energy: Boulder Solar III by 174 Power Global, Dry Lake East by NextEra and Libra by SB Energy. Like Nevadas governor, veterans are looking for action, not delays. As were trying to look to the Nevada of the future, it really is based on the resources at hand. And the resources at hand are solar, especially here in Southern Nevada. And I feel like the secretary should address that and release the funds so that the governor can get on these projects, Santamaria said. Nevada was clearly among the leading states as renewable energy became a priority during the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevadas 5 biggest solar proposals, and the power line that will connect them Now, with President Donald Trump in the White House, big oil is flexing its muscles as it moves to the front of the line. The Interior press release in July revealing Burgums intentions carried the headline: Interior ends preferential treatment for unreliable, subsidy-dependent wind and solar energy Veterans Power America challenged the federal governments position. These projects arent speculative, they are already sustaining Nevadas economy and creating thousands of good-paying jobs, a press release said. The group is asking for the Environmental Protection Agency to expedite approvals for renewable energy projects on federal lands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These delays arent just slowing down solar projects, theyre stalling what could be legitimate renewal for our communities and jeopardizing the economic and national security backbone of this region. Veterans account for nearly 10% of our nations energy workforce, and the livelihoods of Nevadas veterans, along with the vitality of Fallon, Creech, and Nellis bases, depend on prompt action, Santamaria said. With oil and gas now gaining favor again, Santamaria said that does little to help Nevada. He said jobs in that industry would require veterans to uproot their families because Nevada just doesnt have those resources. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) U.S. veterans of the war in Afghanistan are telling a commission reviewing decisions on the 20-year conflict that their experience was not only hell, but also confounding, demoralizing and at times humiliating. The bipartisan Afghanistan War Commission aims to reflect such veterans experiences in a report due to Congress next year, which will analyze key strategic, diplomatic, military and operational decisions made between June 2001 and the chaotic withdrawal in August 2021. The group released its second interim report on Tuesday, drawing no conclusions yet but identifying themes emerging from thousands of pages of government documents; some 160 interviews with cabinet-level officials, military commanders, diplomats, Afghan and Pakistani leaders and others; and forums with veterans like one recently held at a national Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Columbus, Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What can we learn from the Afghanistan War? asked an Aug. 12 discussion session with four of the commission's 16 members. What they got was two straight hours of dozens of veterans' personal stories not one glowingly positive, and most saturated in frustration and disappointment. I think the best way to describe that experience was awful, said Marine veteran Brittany Dymond, who served in Afghanistan in 2012. Navy veteran Florence Welch said the 2021 withdrawal made her ashamed she ever served there. It turned us into a Vietnam, a Vietnam that none of us worked for, she said. Members of Congress, some driven by having served in the war, created the independent commission several months after the withdrawal, after an assessment by the Democratic administration of then-President Joe Biden faulted the actions of President Donald Trumps first administration for constraining U.S. options. A Republican review, in turn, blamed Biden. Views of the events remain divided, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered yet another review this spring. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commission wants to understand the bigger picture of a conflict that spanned four presidential administrations and cost more than 2,400 American lives, said Co-Chair Dr. Colin Jackson. So were interested in looking hard at the end of U.S. engagement in Afghanistan, but were equally interested in understanding the beginning, the middle and the end, he said in an interview in Columbus. Co-chair Shamila Chaudhary said the panel is also exploring more sweeping questions. So our work is not just about what the U.S. did in Afghanistan but what the U.S. should be doing in any country where it deems it has a national security interest, she said. "And not just should it be there, but how it should behave, what values does it guide itself by, and how does it engage with individuals who are very different from themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson said one of the commission's priorities is making sure the final report, due in August 2026, isn't unrecognizable to any veteran of the Afghanistan conflict. "The nature of the report should be representative of every soldier, sailor, airman, Marine experience, he said. Dymond told commissioners a big problem was the mission. "You cannot exert a democratic agenda, which is our foreign policy, you cannot do that on a culture of people who are not bought into your ideology, she said. What else do we expect the outcome to be? And so we had two decades of service members lost and maimed because were trying to change an ideology that they didnt ask for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The experience left eight-year Army veteran Steve Orf demoralized. He said he didn't go there to beat a bad guy. Those of us who served generally wanted to believe that we were helping to improve the world, and we carried with us the hopes, values, and principles of the United States values and principles that also seem to have been casualties of this war," he told commissioners. "For many of us, faith with our leaders is broken and trust in our country is broken. Tuesday's report identifies emerging themes of the review to include strategic drift, interagency incoherence, and whether the war inside Afghanistan and the counterterrorism war beyond were pursuing the same aims or at cross purposes. It also details difficulties the commission has encountered getting key documents. According to the report, the Biden administration initially denied the commission's requests for White House materials on the implementation of the February 2020 peace agreement Trump signed with the Taliban, called the Doha Agreement, and on the handling of the withdrawal, citing executive confidentiality concerns. The transition to Trump's second term brought further delays and complications, but since the commission has pressed the urgency of its mission with the new administration, critical intelligence and documents have now begun to flow, the report says. Vice President JD Vance will be making a trip to Georgia this week. His office confirmed on Tuesday that Vance will visit Peachtree City on Thursday to highlight the administrations Working Families Tax Cuts from President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill. No other details, including a time and location, have been announced about Vances visit for security reasons. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] RELATED STORIES CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (PIX11) New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined elected officials, anti-violence activists and neighbors on Monday for a vigil at the Brooklyn lounge where three people were shot and killed. Police said shots rang out around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday at Taste of the City on Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights. Three men, including two gunmen, were killed in the shooting, according to authorities. More Local News Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said 35-year-old Jamel Childs and 19-year-old Marvin St. Louis were seen talking to each other on surveillance video about 10 minutes before the shooting. St. Louis opened fire on Childs, who then retaliated before they both died, according to authorities. Police said 27-year-old Amadou Diallo was shot in the head and later died. Diallo, a food delivery worker, has been living with his uncle since the two of them arrived in the U.S. from Guinea in 2023. Police said 14 others were injured in the shooting. Two more gunmen are still on the loose, according to authorities. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Prison justice. Honor among thieves. The code of the street. Back door parole. Extrajudicial payback comes in a multitude of flavors, dispensed in any number of ways, but it comes down to this. There are certain things criminals and alleged criminals just dont do, even in the company of other incarcerated individuals, and one of them is killing children. Thats the accusation facing Graciela Bustamonte, accused of torturing and killing 8-year-old Genesis Mata, her stepdaughter. Bustamante and Genesiss father, Ray Mata, have both pleaded not guilty to her murder and are scheduled to return to court on Oct. 16. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Genesis death, in what appears to have been a horrific case of ongoing child abuse, was enough to enrage the community in ways we havent seen in quite some time. Then on Aug. 8, Bustamante returned to the Lerdo jail from a court hearing reportedly giggling. Until that point, the other inmates had merely ignored her. But now they were outraged and one, Anita Doron, laid into her. Enough to send Bustamante to the hospital before she was returned to jail. Then an odd, ironic thing happened. Dozens of 17 News viewers sent money to her jail commissary account so many, in fact, that the system tapped out and stopped accepting payments for the day. The KGET story, posted on Facebook got nearly 2000 likes, more than 500 shares and comments like these. Vanellope Schweetz said, RIP baby girl Genesiswere going to make it clear we wont be tolerating child abusers anymore. If the system fails, well start taking justice into our own hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neil Espinoza said, Even amongst criminals, there are lines you do not cross. Ray Mata Jr. sentenced to probation, jail time in gun, drug cases Sabrina Bina said, Rare to see comments on a news story where EVERYONE agrees. Well, not everyone agreed. Michelet Kathleen said, As angry as this community is over the horrible things that happened to this child, we must uphold our Constitution even when it makes us angry. Others chimed in as well: Now, are there any men who want money on their books, Alex Asuncion. Asking for a friend. The community has taken the initiative of creating justice for this little angel. We are all sick of these animals causing chaos in our communities, said Art and Julia Franco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She deserves every bit and then some, said Melissa Miller. RIP baby girl Genesis. The story was picked up by People, the New York Post and the Economic Times of India, among other media outlets. Suddenly, Dorons alleged crimes, to which she pleaded no contest reckless evading a peace officer and taking a vehicle without the owners consent seems considerably less serious. Inmates are limited to $300 per day or $2100 a week in deposits to their commissary accounts, according to Kern County Sheriffs Departments policy. Doron apparently reached the limit pretty quickly. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News. KANSAS CITY, Mo. On Monday, family, friends, and others gathered to celebrate the life of Nicholas Carter, who was shot and killed last month near Oak Leaf Drive and Crabapple Lane in Kansas City, Missouri. Loved ones gathered in Gillham Park on what wouldve been Carters 37th birthday. Kansas City woman charged, accused of killing 3-year-old boy in Leavenworth Unfortunately, his life was taken away on July 15, 2025, sometime in the morning. Its really hard. We had a baby shower yesterday, and you know, missing him is going to be just something; he was the life of the party, said Carters mother, Kelley Fitzpatrick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carters loved ones came together with birthday balloons in hand. They reflected on the good times they had with Nicholas. He was really outgoing. He didnt meet a stranger, a good personality. He also, you know, how they say never go to sleep mad, if he maybe had an argument or something, he ended that, Fitzpatrick explained. The vigil ended with a balloon release, as well as a call to end gun violence. There have been more than 100 victims of homicide in Kansas City, Missouri in 2025. Rosilyn Temple, the founder of KC Mothers in Charge, said the Kansas City community needs to work together to address gun violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just so angry with my community because its like the community just tapped out. Weve got to stop being okay with it. Get angry, do something. Make it your business. Tell on these people, use Crimestoppers$ 25,000 reward. You can be anonymous. Or just call the police department, said Rosilyn Temple, the founder of KC Mothers in Charge. Download WDAF+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV KC Mothers in Charge is a violence prevention and support organization led by mothers, families, and loved ones affected by homicide. Through vigils, community outreach, and trauma-informed counseling and support groups, the organization advocates for safer neighborhoods across Kansas City and provides hope and healing to those affected by violent crime. If you have any information that could help police solve this homicide case, you can call KCPD homicide detectives directly at (816) 234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at (816) 474-8477. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS Hotline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. New research into a Viking silver hoard discovered by metal detectorists in England over a decade ago has revealed surprising ties between medieval England and Islam, Ancient Origins reported. The Bedale Hoard was originally unearthed by Stuart Campbell and Steve Caswell in Yorkshire in 2012. The 29 silver ingots and neck rings contained in the cache, as well as arm-rings of Hiberno-Scandinavian design linked to Dublin and a gold Anglo-Saxon sword pommel with Trewhiddle-style decoration, unexpectedly tied the English town to the vast Islamic Caliphate trade network. Nine of the ingots, roughly 33 percent of those uncovered, were minted from silver that was geometrically matched to the Islamic Caliphate, in particular modern-day Iraq and Iran. "Most of us tend to think of the Vikings primarily as raiders, who looted monasteries and other wealthy places in search of wealth," explained lead researcher Jane Kershaw, Associate Professor of Viking Age Archaeology at Oxford University. "What the analysis of the Bedale hoard shows is that this is only part of the picture. The Vikings did loot and pillageand some of that wealth is preserved in the rings and ingots in the hoard. But they also made great profits from long-distance trade routes connecting northern Europe to the Islamic Caliphate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Archaeologists Use Amazing Cave Discovery to Track Human Movements Thousands of Years Ago The new research found that Islamic silver moved into Scandinavia via eastern trade routes, which were known as the Austrvegr, before they continued through Russia and Asia to England. The metalwork of Viking craftsmen was found to be exceptionally advanced, with one piece of neck jewelry having been crafted in England with a mixture of silver sourced from the east and west. Its likely the cache was buried sometime between the Scandinavian capture of Northumbria in 866 A.D. but before the Anglo-Saxon reconquest of York in 927 A.D. The hoard reveals the heretofore unknown blending of different cultures and trade routes in medieval England. "I love to think how Bedaletoday a quintessentially English market town in north Yorkshirewas, in the Viking Age, at the heart of a much wider, Eurasian Viking economy, Kershaw reflected. The Vikings weren't only extracting wealth from the local population, they were also bringing wealth with them when they raided and settled." Related: Tourist Finds 2.3-Carat Diamond at Popular State Park and Goes Home With It Viking Silver Hoard Reveals Early Ties Between England and Islam first appeared on Men's Journal on Aug 16, 2025 AUSTIN (KXAN) City Council voted last week to allocate $1 million to community violence intervention efforts. Last budget cycle, $500,000 city dollars were allocated. This money falls under Austin Public Health, which the citys Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) operates under. Additional funds were allocated to trauma and victim services efforts, as listed below, according to the City. $500,000 to aid survivors in recovery from trauma. $350,000 to support shelter operations for victims of domestic violence. $350,000 to provide navigation services for families and victims of violence and abuse. $300,000 in one-time funding to support for children who are victims of violent crimes. What does community violence intervention look like in Austin? ATX Peace is Austins primary community violence intervention or CVI organization. Its a combination of nonprofits Life Anew and Jail to Jobs and the OVP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How Austin groups are working to prevent gun violence ATX Peace operates under the OVP and involves trusted messengers people with their own experiences with violence and/or incarceration to connect with community members in either violence-prone areas. Last year, the OVP began working on a program meant to make sure suspects and felons, specifically related to domestic violence charges, dont have guns. Violent crime trending down on troubled Austin street Expanding reach, concern about cuts elsewhere Continued support that would allow us to continue to support at a greater capacity, said Michael Salazar, a trusted messenger with ATX Peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, the city of Austin announced $1,184,000 in federal dollars dedicated to CVI measures were canceled as part of nationwide federal funding cuts. That concerned Salazar and others at ATX Peace, who already want to expand their current boots-on-the-ground reach. If Im being honest, I think weve been stretched thin, he said. Right now, there are families that arent being served. Right now, there are phone calls that arent being answered. Shortly after national cuts were announced, the State included additional funding for such measures as well via a competitive process through Project Safe Neighborhoods. Interested Community Violence Intervention programs throughout the state would have to submit an application. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Violent crash into stone wall under investigation on North Shore State and local police are investigating a violent crash in a town on the North Shore on Tuesday morning. The crash happened on Atlantic Avenue in Marblehead around 3 a.m. It sounded like something like a bomb was going off, neighborhood resident Christine Caldwell told Boston 25 News. Something you hear around the 4th of July." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Video captured by a Boston 25 photographer showed skid marks in the road leading to a stone wall and dislodged debris on a nearby sidewalk. There was no immediate word on injuries to those involved in the crash. A photo shared with Boston 25 showed first responders surrounding the crashed car, which was flipped on its roof. A tow truck was called in to remove the mangled vehicle. The Marblehead Police Department warned commuters that the area would be completely blocked at Community Road. The road was shut down for hours as investigators gathered evidence at the scene. It eventually reopened around 7:30 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no additional details immediately available. Atlantic Avenue by the JCC of the North Shore is shut down this morning after a crash. You can see skid marks on the ground headed toward a stone wall. A tow truck is here now to remove the car. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/3SUwMHKTR2 Ryan Breslin (@ryanjbreslin) August 19, 2025 This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Former Rep. Abigail Spanbergers (D-Va.) lead over Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R) in the states gubernatorial race is narrowing, according to polling from Roanoke College. Spanberger leads Earle-Sears 46 percent to 39 percent among likely voters in the poll released Tuesday; 14 percent of voters said they were undecided, while 1 percent said they would vote for someone else. The previous Roanoke College poll of the race was released in May and showed Spanberger leading 43 percent to 26 percent, and the latest polling average released earlier this month by The Hills partners at Decision Desk HQ shows Spanberger leading Earle-Sears 45.2 percent to 36 percent. Seventy-six percent of likely voters said they were very certain of their choice for governor, while 21 percent said they were somewhat certain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Republicans have sounded the alarm about their chances in the gubernatorial race, pointing to Earle-Sears significantly trailing Spanberger in fundraising and polls. However, the Roanoke College poll showed that the closest races in Virginias offyear elections continue to be the lieutenant governor and attorney general contests. Virginia state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi (D) leads Republican John Reid in the race to replace Earle-Sears 38 percent to 35 percent, while former Del. Jay Jones (D) leads incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) 41 percent to 38 percent. The latest Roanoke College poll was conducted Aug. 11-15 among 702 Virginia residents. The margin of error among all poll respondents is 4.3 percent, while the margin of error for likely voters is 4.39 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) As more Virginians turn to artificial intelligence for simple tasks or even companionship, lawmakers are exploring policy ideas to address how AI chatbots are influencing residents health and well-being, as well as their privacy and security. But policymakers face a complex web of obstacles in crafting regulations, given the challenges of the technology and broader legal, political and social environments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chatbots have proven both helpful and risky for users. Its the very versatility and accessibility of these AI chatbots that make them both a really exciting technology, a very usable technology, but also present some very real risks to users, said Kira Allmann, chief policy analyst for the Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS), on Monday. That day, Allmann provided an overview of chatbots to JCOTS, covering types of bots and policy issues.With the assistance of artificial intelligence, chatbots communicate in a users language to help complete tasks such as searching the internet or creating content. However, experts have identified significant policy concerns with their widespread adoption. In some cases, users have developed unintended emotional connections with chatbots and may share private information with them. Developers have also created chatbots that can be used for malicious purposes, such as stealing personal information, and chatbots themselves are vulnerable to data leaks. Other concerns include how they determine their answers and their ability to influence society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It seems like this is going to be really challenging to find legislation to put guardrails around this, said Del. Anne Ferrell Tata, R-Virginia Beach. It sounds like even when they know, they still are interacting and it just goes right over their head. In other states, Allman noted, policymakers have introduced or passed legislation requiring chatbot disclosures and age-appropriate design features. Commission staff identified three types of bots, each with different ways of interacting with users. AI assistants help with a range of tasks, while AI companions are designed to provide emotional support or social interaction. AI agents, by contrast, are built to understand their surroundings, process information, and take actions based on either programmed directions or their experiences. Allman noted that as more users turn to chatbots for mental health support and as they are increasingly marketed as emotional support tools no regulations currently exist in the healthcare system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They havent been vetted by clinical professionals, Allman said. They dont necessarily follow any particular kind of rules or regulations associated with what we might consider the health space. They really are just technological tools, but people are leaning on them heavily as mental health support. Other areas the group discussed included protecting vulnerable populations seeking mental health support from chatbots, addressing implicit and explicit biases, and focusing on the dynamics and outcomes of chatbot use rather than just the technology itself. Del. Cliff Hayes, D-Chesapeake, commission chair, said while he looks forward to continuing the conversation but emphasized that the overview served as a reminder for lawmakers to always consider the human element in AI interactions. This might be a reminder to us all that as were dealing with this technology that we always, always, always keep humans in the loop, Hayes said. Thats going to be very important when youre talking about spaces that govern. But then, what do you do when theres no governance in place and an individual is actually interacting? VCCS chatbot efforts Virginias Community Colleges (VCCS) have used chatbot technology for more than a year, assisting students with a wide range of inquiries, from financial aid to enrollment dates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a May 2024 announcement, VCCS noted that providing around-the-clock student support can be challenging undertaking, especially when budgets are stressed and resources are limited. With the chatbot handling routine questions, staff have been able to focus on more complex issues. At Tidewater Community College, email volume dropped by 60% and calls by 30% after the chatbot launched, according to Holly Whistler, coordinator for the Online Virginia Network. This reduction happened because users found the answers they needed, and staff was able to address other pressing and complex issues much sooner, Whistler said in a statement. VCCS said last spring that the chatbot developed by Intrasee interacts with users at least 500 times a day. When the bot cannot provide an answer, users can still leave an email or make a phone call. Governments AI efforts According to the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, artificial intelligence is already used by many state agencies to process data, produce automated decisions, enhance customer services and increase government efficiency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia is also deploying AI to support its education, workforce, and transportation systems. In July, Gov. Glenn Youngkin took two major steps on AI. First, he signed an executive order to streamline state regulations and guidance documents. Second, he launched the AI Career Launch Pad, a platform developed in partnership with Google to help Virginians pursue careers in artificial intelligence. The hub is housed on the Virginia Has Jobs website, originally created to help federal workers find employment opportunities in the commonwealth. According to the governors office, the AI site offers curated, no-cost and low-cost learning opportunities, ranging from beginner-friendly courses on AI fundamentals and practical workplace applications to boot camps and degree programs through Virginias community colleges and universities. Virginia Works the states new workforce development agency will also distribute disburse career certificate scholarships to expand access to AI training programs. Earlier in the year, Virginias Department of Transportation announced plans to use AI to improve cost estimates and pavement management, citing a 68% nationwide increase in highway construction costs since 2020. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A Virginia man was sentenced Monday to life in prison for fatally shooting a New Jersey councilwoman in 2023. Rashid Ali Bynum, 31, did not speak at his sentencing hearing in Middlesex County court, despite repeated questions about his motive for the killing, the Somerville Courier News reported. Bynum was convicted in June for the February 2023 murder of 30-year-old Eunice Dwumfour outside her home in Sayreville. Dwumfour was a councilwoman in the town and a pastor at a popular Nigerian church, Champions Royal Assembly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before moving to Virginia, Bynum attended Dwumfours church and lived with her briefly, along with other members of the church. Why did you kill my mom? Dwumfours daughter asked Bynum in a letter read to the court, according to the Courier News. My mom was so kind, so caring and she would not even hurt a fly. Im struggling to know why, my family is struggling to know why and I hope you will be bold enough to tell me why. But Bynum did not answer, even as multiple other family members asked for his motivation. Prosecutors never attempted to prove any motive for the deadly shooting. Instead, they cited toll pass data and cellphone data that showed Bynum traveling from Virginia to New Jersey prior to the murder, then leaving afterward. Cops also tied the 15 bullets fired at the crime scene to a Glock handgun found under Dwumfours sisters bed. With News Wire Services Two Virginia teen students are being suspended after they were recorded on video questioning why a female student who identifies as male was in the boys locker room. The Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) is suspending the Stone Bridge High School students for 10 days following a Title IX investigation into the incident earlier this year, attorney Josh Heltzer, who represents the boys families, told 7News. Heltzer said that LCPS found the boys to be responsible for sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination in a case that has sparked a furious response from parents the boys' parents as well as Virginias attorney general, who has argued that the school agency's process was biased and retaliatory. Two Virginia students suspended for 10 days after questioning transgender student's presence in boys' locker room at Stone Bridge High School in Loudoun County Parents Blast School Board As Boys Investigated For Complaining About Trans Student In Locker Room Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heltzer said the families were notified by LCPS on Friday of the decision. The school agency has not publicly announced the suspension. The punishment includes a no-contact order with the complainant, including not being able to be in any of the same classes. The boys are also required to meet with school administrators to determine a corrective action plan, according to Hetzler. Seth Wolfe, one of the boys' parents, told 7News that he was angered by the decision and said it was concerning development. Read On The Fox News App "[We're] saddened by the decision-making process and how that went," Wolfe said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another parent, Renae Smith, was also furious and said she had already pulled her child out of the school and that the family had moved out of state. "[We're] absolutely floored that they came back and branded my son responsible for sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination with no solid evidence whatsoever," Smith told 7News. "We're talking about scarring him for life by a biased process that's supposed to protect fairness, but it's shocking. It's wrong, and it should terrify every single parent." Smith said she is concerned that the decision will follow her son because it will be on his permanent academic record and could impact his college applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia School Districts Support For Transgender Students' Rights In Governor's Race Spotlight Both Wolfe and Smith said that LCPS is sending a message that any student who expresses views that disagree with Policy 8040 will be punished. Policy 8040 is a controversial guideline adopted in 2021 that permits students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity rather than their biological sex. "They're going to have to follow what Loudoun County says, what they believe is right, and what goes against other people's beliefs, or what we believe is right," said Wolfe. "What they're doing to our children is just despicable," added Smith. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares referred LCPS to federal authorities, accusing the school agency of improperly targeting three male students not for misconduct, but for expressing discomfort about sharing a locker room with a member of the opposite sex, according to Fox 5 DC. It is unclear whether the third student will be suspended. Miyares said the footage did not show discriminatory or derogatory behavior, but rather the boys asking the student recording them to leave. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares referred LCPS to federal authorities, accusing the school agency of improperly targeting three male students The video was recorded by the trans student. While it is illegal to record inside locker rooms, an LCPS official confirmed to Fox 5 DC in May that none of the boys appeared in compromising positions in the video and, therefore, it was determined that no privacy laws were violated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LCPS told Fox News Digital that it does not publicly discuss private student matters. A spokesperson said that the school system "has a comprehensive and objective process for Title IX investigations." The Founding Freedoms Law Center, which has been representing the families in this case, said it will keep fighting the case until this determination is overturned. "The Founding Freedoms Law Center is working with our clients on next steps, but we are not going to let these boys go down without a fight; we're going to stand with them all the way till they are innocent," Victoria Cobb, the president of the Family Foundation of Virginia, told 7News. Tensions flared at a school board meeting Tuesday over a policy that allows trans people use the locker room that fits their gender. Boys who were recorded complaining are now under investigation. "Our clients have done nothing wrong and they deserve to be deemed innocent," Cobb said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident is not the first to draw national on LCPS. It made national headlines in 2021 when a father was arrested and hauled out of a board meeting for speaking out about the sexual assault of his daughter by a trans student at a local school. LCPS also spent $11 million on adding gender-neutral single-occupancy restrooms in nine schools in the district. Tensions flared at a school board meeting Tuesday over a policy that allows trans people use the locker room that fits their gender. Boys who were recorded complaining are now under investigation. "We've seen time and time again that Loudoun County, if given the opportunity to do the right thing, will instead do the wrong thing," Cobb said. "LCPS, once again, shows that it is willing to harm students in the name of woke ideology, while every student is harmed when they do things like deny federal funds to kids' education. These boys, in particular, are being made examples of what happens when someone crosses school indoctrination." Original article source: Virginia teens suspended for questioning transgender student about being in boys locker room European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday thanked US President Donald Trump for his efforts to help return children abducted from Ukraine. In a statement posted on X, von der Leyen thanked Trump for "his clear commitment today to ensuring these children are reunited with their loved ones." "The human cost of this war must end. And that means every single Ukrainian child abducted by Russia must be returned to their families," she said after a meeting in the White House with Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that he had discussed the "massive Worldwide problem of missing children." He said this was an important issue for him and first lady Melania Trump. It was "at the top of all list," he added, and "the World will work together to solve it, hopefully bringing them home to their families." At the start of his talks at the White House on Monday, Zelensky handed over a letter from his wife Olena to Melania Trump, thanking her for having written to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the abducted Ukrainian children. According to Ukrainian figures, more than 19,000 children and young people have been abducted from territories occupied by Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During direct negotiations with Russia in Istanbul in July, Kiev presented a list demanding the return of 339 minors to Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly denied the allegations, which are also the basis of an international arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against Putin. Moscow has also declared its willingness to investigate the cases in question. Numerous children have reportedly returned to Ukrainian custody. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) A vehicle fire caused traffic delays in Norfolk Tuesday morning, Virginia State Police said. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), all east lanes were closed on I-64 near Granby Street due to the fire. Troopers with VSP said the initial call for the fire came in around 6:50 a.m. for a tractor-trailer completely engulfed in flames and a possible diesel spill. An initial investigation revealed that the driver of a 2013 International truck, Tyler Davis, ran off the roadway and struck an attenuator, causing the fuel tank to lose fuel. The fire cause caused due to a spark from the crash, troopers said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VSP released images from the scene, which show the vehicle involved is not a tractor-trailer, but rather a bucket truck. Vehicle fire near Granby St. (Courtesy: VSP) Vehicle fire near Granby St. (Courtesy: VSP) Vehicle fire near Granby St. (Courtesy: VSP) Vehicle fire near Granby St. (Courtesy: VSP) Vehicle fire near Granby St. (Courtesy: VSP) Troopers said Davis was charged with failure to maintain proper control of a vehicle as a result of the crash. Traffic cameras of the scene showed smoke and emergency crews in the area. Vehicle fire on I-64 east near Granby St. (Courtesy: VDOT) A detour was in place at exit 276 while crews worked to clear the road. Continue to check WAVY.com for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. (The Center Square) Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is defending the states noncitizen workers' protections law despite U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondis threats of criminal charges against him if the state does not comply with federal immigration law. On Aug. 13, Ferguson and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell received letters from Bondi identifying the state and city as jurisdictions that engage in sanctuary policies that thwart federal immigration enforcement. This is the result of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump directing the U.S. Justice Department to publish a list of states and local jurisdictions obstructing federal immigration laws. Bondi demanded Ferguson and other elected leaders of designated sanctuary jurisdictions submit a response to the letter confirming their commitment to complying with federal law by Tuesday. Ferguson refused to compromise and work to revise the states immigration laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondis letter threatens to press criminal charges against anyone operating under the color of law to obstruct federal immigration enforcement. That is breathtaking, Ferguson responded after reading out the threat during a Tuesday press conference. Washington state will not be bullied or intimidated by threats and legally baseless accusations, Ferguson said. By threatening criminal prosecutions of state officials, this letter embarrasses and disgraces the Office of the U.S. Attorney General. Bondi does not outright list Washington laws she asserts violate federal law. Ferguson suspects she is alluding to the Keep Washington Working Act, which limits cooperation between Washington state and local agencies and federal immigration enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ferguson said there is no compromise planned for the Keep Washington Working Act in response to the federal threats. State Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, said the state will pay the price for Fergusons decision not to comply with the federal governments demands. Walsh argues that the federal government wants access to prisons and jails in the state and that Ferguson currently refuses them. In return, federal law enforcement can locate and deport illegal immigrants with criminal records. If Ferguson is really interested in keeping Washingtonians safe, he would cooperate with the Feds and give them access to our jails and prisons, Walsh said in a statement following the press conference. This is not Fergusons first time clashing with the Trump Administration. In 2017 when Ferguson was the Washington attorney general he was the first to challenge President Donald Trump in court for his travel ban on Middle East and North African countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ferguson, the Attorneys General office went on to defeat Trump in court 55 times while being unsuccessful in three cases. Given that history, I can assure you I am prepared to defend Washington from any litigation the Trump Administration wishes to pursue . . . we will defeat them, said Ferguson. (The Center Square) House Republican budget lead Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, is firing back at Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Democratic budget writers blaming the Trump administration for deep cuts in Medicaid funding that jeopardize coverage for thousands of Washingtonians. According to the nonpartisan Office of Program Research (OPR), the budget passed by Democrats and signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson in 2025 slashes over $782 million from Medicaid $446 million in federal funds and $336.5 million in state matching dollars, wrote Couture in a Monday news release. The lawmaker said it took four months to get the breakdown on state Medicaid cuts from OPR, noting he was shocked to see how deep the Ferguson-approved cuts ultimately went. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We knew there [were] Medicaid cuts in the budget, but it wasn't fully quantified until just last Friday. My early guesses and estimates were probably around the $200 million over four years range for Medicaid cuts in our state, Couture said in a Monday interview with The Center Square. It's over three times worse than I thought it would be. Ferguson, in a July 3 press release, blasted the federal cuts: At least 250,000 Washingtonians will lose Medicaid coverage. In addition, as many as 150,000 Washingtonians will be priced out of the states health care exchange. Couture said the immediate cuts have nothing to do with federal cuts to Medicaid, which don't kick in until 2027 and 2028, but will impact some of the most vulnerable populations. These Medicaid cuts affect low-income and elderly people and people with disabilities very disproportionately, he explained. It affected general medical services. It affected long-term care and aging. Meanwhile, they're sitting there blaming and pointing the finger at the federal government, saying, It's unconscionable, it's immoral, while they were trying to hide from people and hoping they wouldn't notice that they were systematically gutting health care for vulnerable populations that actually need this stuff the most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Couture also noted the Medicaid cuts will hurt Washington hospitals that are already deep in the red. Washington hospitals are $4 billion in the hole. Most of them run on negative margins, and now, because of state policies, we have this revolving door of difficult-to-discharge people. We don't have enough beds. Our staff is overworked, and we just don't have enough staff for the beds that we need, he said. I don't know how under the Democrats' plan and their policies and their budget how hospitals, critical rural critical access hospitals are supposed to survive. The Mason County Republican said what bothered him the most was how those Medicaid funding cuts were redirected in the budget. Thats the most nefarious thing of all. What did they do with the money that they cut from Medicaid? Well, predominantly, it went towards pay increases for bureaucrats and politicians in Olympia, Couture said. Would I rather cut Medicaid from vulnerable people with disabilities or elderly folks or low-income folks, or would I give myself a pay raise? I would choose not to cut Medicaid and not give myself a pay raise, but they chose the opposite. The Center Square asked the Governors Office for comment, but it provided nothing further before publication. Gov. Bob Ferguson makes remarks during a press conference at the state Capitol in Olympia, on Aug. 19, 2025, responding to a letter he received the previous week from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, threatening to withhold federal funding if the state does not change its approach cooperating on federal immigration enforcement. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard) Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson swiped back Tuesday in response to threats from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to withhold federal funding and potentially prosecute officials if they fail to cooperate with the Trump administration on immigration enforcement. You are hereby notified that Washington State will not be bullied or intimidated by threats and legally baseless accusations, Ferguson, a Democrat, wrote in a sharply-worded letter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter to Ferguson last week, Bondi wrote that federal, state and local law enforcement have long cooperated, including on immigration enforcement. For too long, so-called sanctuary jurisdiction policies have undermined this necessary cooperation and obstructed federal immigration enforcement, giving aliens cover to perpetrate crimes in our communities and evade the immigration consequences that federal law requires, she wrote. Her letter threatens to hold back grants, contract, and federal funds from jurisdictions that she believes violate federal immigration law. She also said officials in these places could be prosecuted criminally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Washington is among about three dozen states, counties and cities nationwide that received such a warning from Bondi, who President Donald Trump appointed. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell also received one. Bondi gave recipients until Tuesday to respond. Ferguson, the former three-term attorney general, retorted that the threat of prosecution embarrasses and disgraces Bondis office, adding that he didnt have this on my bingo card as governor. He delivered his response in a press conference Tuesday at the state Capitol alongside more than four dozen state leaders and advocates. The developments of the past week bring immigration tensions between the two Washingtons to a head after months of circling each other on this issue, as Trump has sought to use any means necessary to increase deportations. A spokesperson for the governor confirmed the two letters are the extent of the communication between Ferguson and Bondi on this issue. Ferguson said the state would, not be bullied or intimidated by threats and legally baseless accusations. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard) The state law at the center of the dispute has also faced scrutiny from congressional Republicans after Attorney General Nick Brown used it to sue an eastern Washington county over allegations its sheriffs office cooperated with federal immigration agents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview Monday, Brown said he takes these ultimatums seriously, even if he doesnt think they have much merit. I think we have to also just pause and recognize for a moment that we have the attorney general of the United States and the president threatening independently elected officials, Brown said. Thats really scary, and we shouldnt get numb. The law and the backlash Washingtons Democratic lawmakers passed the Keep Washington Working Act in 2019, limiting information sharing and collaboration between local police and federal immigration enforcement. For example, police cant provide nonpublic personal information to federal authorities investigating civil immigration cases, and cant interview or detain people solely based on questions about their immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police also arent allowed to ask about their immigration status except in rare cases. Democrats say the goal is to focus limited policing resources on local public safety. One exception is that the state Department of Corrections is allowed to ask about immigration status and tell U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when people will be released from prison. In February, Ferguson said he wouldnt close that gap, despite calls from immigration advocates. On Tuesday, he said Washington is a welcoming community for immigrants and refugees while also complying with federal law. Even with Washingtons barriers, the Trump administration has still sharply increased civil immigration arrests here, according to data culled by researchers. Arrests in June, around 290, were at least double any month since Trump reclaimed the presidency in January. Arrests dropped about 25% in July, the preliminary data shows, but still outpaced the usual rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has long threatened to withhold federal funding from cities and states with laws like Washingtons that wont aid in his vision for mass deportations. He issued similar warnings during his first term in the White House. Bondis Department of Justice has sued Illinois, New York City and others over their policies. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit against Illinois, Chicago and Cook County last month, finding that the Trump administration couldnt show their sanctuary policies violated federal law. Attorney General Pam Bondi delivers remarks as U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during a press conference at the White House on Aug. 11, 2025 in Washington, D.C.(Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) In another case, a federal judge in California in April ordered the administration to stop denying federal funds over immigration enforcement policies, in a lawsuit brought by Seattle, King County and jurisdictions across the country. That preliminary ruling is now under appeal. King County is not one of the governments targeted by the Department of Justices latest effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Brown has also already joined in multiple lawsuits against the federal government over attempts to condition federal funding on assisting in immigration efforts. He expects to litigate the Keep Washington Working Act with the Trump administration at some point. Ferguson said he doesnt know what to expect from the federal government, but told Bondi, if they end up in court, to be advised that we will defeat you and seek all appropriate costs and fees. The first-term governor recalled a walk home from elementary school with his daughter in 2017 as he battled the first Trump administration in court as attorney general. She had heard he could get in trouble for taking on the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Katie, look, were lucky to live in a country, right, where your dad, or any American, can speak out against the president, he recalled telling her, where your dad can file a lawsuit against the president, say things that are pretty direct about that president, be critical, stop him from doing something illegal, and I dont get in trouble. Eight years later, Ferguson said hes not so sure about that. Ferguson response to Bondi letter A copy of the letter that Gov. Bob Ferguson sent to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi letter to Ferguson A copy of the letter that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent to Gov. Bob Ferguson. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Tuesday accused China and North Korea of threatening international stability through aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific. "The rule is always that borders must not be shifted by force. Neither in Europe, nor in the Indo-Pacific, nor anywhere else in the world," Wadephul said during a visit to the 7th US Fleet and a Japanese naval base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo. Speaking to journalists, Wadephul highlighted the vital role strong partnerships play in maintaining peace, security and stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He described the base as strategically important for preserving stability in the Indo-Pacific and noted that, alongside close G7 partners Japan and the United States, Germany shares concerns over rising tensions in the region. The US 7th Fleet has been stationed in Japan under a bilateral security pact signed in 1960 to help safeguard the country. More than 26,000 US service members live and work at the Yokosuka base. Its area of operations covers 36 countries, and up to 70 warships, including an aircraft carrier and submarines, are permanently deployed there. Wadephul warned that China's military build-up and push to become the world's technological leader through big data and artificial intelligence pose a challenge in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He urged Beijing not to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, stressing that the United Nations Charter's prohibition on the use of force applies in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Sharp criticism of North Korea's rhetoric and manoeuvres The foreign minister also sharply criticized North Korea's rhetoric and manoeuvrers which he said are escalating tensions. Pyongyang continues to expand its nuclear arsenal, conduct ballistic missile tests in violation of international law and support Russia's war in Ukraine with military personnel, undermining peace in both the Indo-Pacific and Europe, Wadephul said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He criticized North Korea's activities as violating several UN Security Council resolutions. At the Yokosuka base, he was briefed on the work of the multinational coordination group that monitors UN sanctions against North Korea. The German navy last participated in the monitoring with ships in 2024 and since the beginning of this year Germany has been represented in the group by a permanent liaison officer. Wadephul said the coordination group's work makes it "more difficult and more costly for anyone attempting to circumvent the sanctions." Germany's top diplomat arrived in Japan on Monday. On Wednesday, he will continue his trip in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Tuesday accused China and North Korea of threatening international stability through aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific. "The rule is always that borders must not be shifted by force. Neither in Europe, nor in the Indo-Pacific, nor anywhere else in the world," Wadephul said during a visit to the 7th US Fleet and a Japanese naval base in Yokosuka, south of Tokyo. Speaking to journalists, Wadephul highlighted the vital role strong partnerships play in maintaining peace, security and stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He described the base as strategically important for preserving stability in the Indo-Pacific and noted that, alongside close G7 partners Japan and the United States, Germany shares concerns over rising tensions in the region. The US 7th Fleet has been stationed in Japan under a bilateral security pact signed in 1960 to help safeguard the country. More than 26,000 US service members live and work at the Yokosuka base. Its area of operations covers 36 countries, and up to 70 warships, including an aircraft carrier and submarines, are permanently deployed there. Wadephul warned that China's military build-up and push to become the world's technological leader through big data and artificial intelligence pose a challenge in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He urged Beijing not to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, stressing that the United Nations Charter's prohibition on the use of force applies in the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Sharp criticism of North Korea's rhetoric and manoeuvres The foreign minister also sharply criticized North Korea's rhetoric and manoeuvrers which he said are escalating tensions. Pyongyang continues to expand its nuclear arsenal, conduct ballistic missile tests in violation of international law and support Russia's war in Ukraine with military personnel, undermining peace in both the Indo-Pacific and Europe, Wadephul said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He criticized North Korea's activities as violating several UN Security Council resolutions. At the Yokosuka base, he was briefed on the work of the multinational coordination group that monitors UN sanctions against North Korea. The German navy last participated in the monitoring with ships in 2024 and since the beginning of this year Germany has been represented in the group by a permanent liaison officer. Wadephul said the coordination group's work makes it "more difficult and more costly for anyone attempting to circumvent the sanctions." Trade in focus Germany's top diplomat arrived in Japan on Monday. On Wednesday, he will continue his trip in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond shared concerns over geopolitical hotspots, Wadephul said Germany is seeking closer economic and trade cooperation with key Asian partners. "Germany aims to diversify our trade, our supply chains, and, ultimately, our entire economy," Wadephul said during a visit late on Tuesday to the World Expo in Osaka. "To achieve this, we want and need to conclude new trade agreements, strengthen existing partnerships, and build a resilient network." Wadephul called for the swift conclusion of the EU-Indonesia free trade agreement, CEPA. In July, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Indonesian President Subianto Prabowo agreed to finalize negotiations that have been ongoing since 2016. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The minister also emphasized closer collaboration on research and development to drive innovation in advanced technologies, sustainability, new materials, raw materials, and green energy. "Those who lead technologically also reduce dependence," he said. Washington Republican leaders sharply criticized Governor Bob Fergusons response to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondis August 13 letter, which demanded the state end what Bondi called sanctuary state policies that obstruct federal immigration law. WAGOP Chairman and State Rep. Jim Walsh issued a statement Tuesday saying Fergusons position risks public safety and undermines federal authority. The current governors response to Attorney General Pam Bondis letter of August 13 demanding that he end his unlawful sanctuary state policies is disappointing but entirely predictable, Walsh said. Bob Ferguson puts essential functions of state government at risk in order to perpetuate a foolish political fight with the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walsh criticized Fergusons emphasis on values in defending the Keep Washington Working Act, the 2019 state law limiting local law enforcements cooperation with federal immigration agencies. He said Fergusons rhetoric echoes Confederate leaders who resisted federal authority during the Civil War. These justifications didnt end well for Davis and Stephens then; they arent likely to end well for Ferguson now, Walsh said. Republicans argue that the states restrictions prevent federal immigration officers from targeting dangerous individuals in prisons and jails. If Ferguson is really interested in keeping Washingtonians safe, he would cooperate with the Feds and give them access to our jails and prisonswhere they can focus on locating and deporting gang members, drug dealers, sex traffickers and other hardened illegal alien criminals, Walsh said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The statement also accused Ferguson and other Democratic officials of ignoring the impact of illegal immigration on sex trafficking in the state. The dirty secret of Bob Fergusons sanctuary state policies is that they have enabled the steady growth of sex trafficking in Washington, Walsh said, alleging that traffickers use Interstate 5 to move children into sex slavery. Walsh urged Ferguson to rise above his petty partisan politics and work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies. That cooperation will actually make our communities safer, he said. The Republican statement came hours after Ferguson, joined by Democratic lawmakers and immigrant rights groups, rejected Bondis threat of criminal prosecution. Ferguson has maintained that Washington will not redirect local law enforcement resources away from community safety to carry out federal immigration enforcement. One day in June, Thalia Gochez , a Los Angeles-based photographer, noticed that her local flower vendor, Dona Sylvia, had stopped going to work. Eventually, she learned it was because of the immigration enforcement actions sowing fear in the city. Thats when she decided to organize an art fundraiser. "The point of the art show was to create connection and unity in a time that is deeply scary for everyone," Gochez said. "I realize I have this privilege ... not only citizenship [but] access to some resources and education. I have a responsibility as a community member to do something about whats happening now." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On July 12, a month after an onslaught of ICE raids began in Southern California, an estimated 600 guests attended "The Land Will Always Remember Us," a group exhibition held at Amato Studio in Mid-City. More than 30 artists across the country, as well as from Oaxaca, Mexico, submitted photographs, sculptures and paintings, conveying collective stories from the Latine diaspora. With Dona Sylvias consent, her bouquets were also sold at the event. In the main gallery, a print titled "Immigration Is Sacred," by Brittany Bravo , centered an elderly man surrounded by butterflies. "Monarch butterflies have migrated across North America long before these man-made borders scarred the earth," Bravo wrote, referencing the photo series. "Migration is part of nature. Your walls are not." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gochez and volunteers constructed an installation of brightly colored pinatas decorating an archway. The piece honored the shopping districts in L.A. and the callejones that Gochez noticed were losing business due to the presence of federal agents. But she wanted to create an "uplifting" environment, an ode to the spaces that have brought her joy and positive memories. A mercadito with frutas propped against prints and signage by participating artists was intended to feel like a "sanctuary" and generate a sense of safety, Gochez said. The art sales, as well as contributions from vendors offering airbrushed tees and flash tattoos, raised about $10,000. The money was distributed between the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) and the Immigrant Defenders Law Center . Like Gochez, other artists and cultural workers are responding to ICE operations and extending their efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Erika Hirugami is an academic curator and founder of CuratorLove , an enterprise through which she primarily works with intergenerational immigrant, migrant and "undocplus" (formerly or currently undocumented) individuals in the arts to secure resources. "A lot of people in my community felt powerless," she said. "In the undocplus community, theres a lot of pain, grief and trauma thats currently being heightened because of everything thats happening in the city." Within 45 days, she organized a two-part fundraiser, "Abolish ICE Mercado de Arte," which featured 300 artists from throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Its first installment, held in July at Human Resources in Chinatown, raised $15,000 to benefit the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and Inclusive Action for the City . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The second iteration, held in August at the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, collected $7,500 that went to several organizations, including Comunidades Indigenas en Liderazgo , a women-led nonprofit. There were music performances, poetry readings, art workshops and a healer offering energy alignment. In between events, Hirugami partnered with multidisciplinary artist Ruben Ochoa to sell prints of his serigraph, titled "Tintin...Tintin...Paletas...Paletas!" Proceeds went directly to street vendors "who havent been able to leave their homes," she said. Revolution Carts , a company that has collaborated with Ochoa by using his custom wrap designs and supporting vendors, also matched the donations, totaling $2,500. "Typically, artists are always at the innovative revolutionary stance," Hirugami said. "So we need to be mindful of what theyre saying, how theyre doing it and how theyre all coming together to create actionable results, beyond just standing in solidarity with communities. This mercado is an example of that." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Visual artist Patrick Martinez , who exhibited in the initial mercado, engages with public-facing art. In early June, at an anti-ICE protest in L.A., he distributed his fluorescent-lettered signs that read "Deport ICE" and "Then They Came for Me." "It is about being heard," he said. "And saying something that pushes back on the status quo and what got us here." Martinez, whose work is on display at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, is documenting history as an archivist, he explains. "I make work that speaks to today, the experiences of today and the time we are living," he said. The neon signs, which include protest language and adapt time-honored slogans, are formatted as storefront installations and signs for lawns and demonstrations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Its a chance for me to get the work back into the place that informed it," Martinez said. Some of his neon print works have been auctioned or donated as part of fundraisers. "Mutual aid is No. 1," he said. His "Abolish ICE" signs, including apparel, can be purchased online , with proceeds going to CHIRLA and additional front-line immigrant rights organizations. Cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz, a San Diego native, is the creator and author of "La Cucaracha" and has used his art recently to protest against the immigration crackdown. (Howard Lipin / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Award-winning illustrator Lalo Alcaraz is an editorial cartoonist, artist, writer and the creator of the syndicated daily comic "La Cucaracha," which has been published nationwide for 23 years, including in the L.A. Times. Growing up in San Diego and Tijuana in the 1960s and 1970s shaped his perspective and identity. His illustrations often critique political issues in the U.S., with a focus on the challenges and experiences of Latinos. "I have to use satire to kind of mock, and I think in a very Mexican way, a bad situation, so that we can get through it," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a recent painting, titled "Summer of Ice," Alcaraz portrayed a cart abandoned on a residential street in Culver City. The scene is based on a photo captured after a paletero was taken by masked men in unmarked vehicles. Alcaraz made prints with sales going to the individuals legal defense fund. And when David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), was arrested and charged with conspiracy to impede an officer while documenting an ICE raid in L.A., "Everyone was horrified," Alcaraz said. "I knew right away this was my assignment." Likening it to the style of a "classic political poster with an image and slogan," he repurposed his painting of Huerta for a feature in CALO News, which included the phrases "Free David Huerta" and "Show ICE La Puerta!" The union later used the artwork for protest signs demanding the release of the labor leader. Artists like Kiyo Gutierrez Trapero have brought attention to causes and injustices in other ways. The day before the immigration sweeps began in June, the performance artist used ice and soil to create a message that spelled "No human is illegal" on the concrete bed of the L.A. River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gutierrez, who graduated with a master of fine arts degree from the University of Southern California in May, was determined to perform the piece before leaving for her hometown, Guadalajara. The "ritual" involved breaking down ice chunks and placing the cubes before melting, then gently blanketing the letters with soil. These repetitive gestures "echo the resilience, care and relentless urgency that define the immigrant experience," said Gutierrez. "These actions are meant to honor and celebrate the labor, strength and dignity of immigrants, migrants and all undocumented people." Get our Latinx Files newsletter for stories that capture the complexity of our communities. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that the public should avoid eating certain frozen shrimp sold at Walmart due to concerns that the seafood may have been contaminated with radioactive material. Health officials said in a news release that it is investigating reports of Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination in shipping containers and frozen shrimp products processed by an Indonesian company, PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati of Indonesia, also known as BMS Food. Some of the raw frozen shrimp products processed by an Indonesian company are sold at Walmart stores in 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia, according to the FDA. The FDA is urging consumers not to eat Walmart's "great value brand frozen shrimp." (Bill Hogan / Tribune News Service via Getty Images file) Among the products includes Walmart's "great value brand frozen shrimp," the health agency said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you have recently purchased raw frozen shrimp from Walmart that matches this description, throw it away," the FDA said. "Do not eat or serve this product." Health officials advised people to talk to their health care providers if they think they've been exposed to elevated levels of the contaminant. PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati and Walmart did not immediately return requests for comment. Cs-137 is the radioactive form of Cesium, "a soft, flexible, silvery-white metal that becomes liquid near room temperature" used for medical devices and gauges, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Repeated exposure to low doses of Cs-137 can increase the risk of cancer, "resulting from damage to DNA within living cells of the body," health officials said in their news release. The FDA said that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection alerted the health agency to the detection of Cs-137 in shipping containers in Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Savannah, Georgia. It said that all containers and products that tested positive for Cs-137 were denied entry into the country. Health officials also cautioned that it did not detect Cs-137 in any product above the current derived intervention levels for Cs-137, of 1200 Bq/kg. However, the FDA said that "the level detected in the breaded shrimp sample could represent a potential health concern" if it is combined with radiation in the environment or from medical procedures. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Kindergarten students play on a rug in their classroom at Thelma R. Parks Elementary in Oklahoma City on Aug. 13, 2025. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) You cant know what you dont measure, and you cant accurately track progress if the tool keeps changing. Yet, Oklahoma leaders at the Education Department want to change testing requirements again and are proposing using tools that are not designed to measure whether students have mastered the state content standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oklahoma state Superintendent Ryan Walters announced plans earlier this month to eliminate end-of-year standards-based assessments in grades 38 for reading and math. The plan, which requires the U.S. Department of Education to waive federal law, proposes replacing Oklahomas custom-built single statewide test administered every spring with a variety of district-procured instructional tests administered multiple times a year. Walters is billing this move as giving power back to school districts, but in reality, its just more misguided testing. Its also an attempt to obscure declining student achievement under the guise of district flexibility. The Nations Report Card shows Oklahoma students saw severe declines in achievement across the board in 2024. Eighth grade students scored at an all-time low in reading and math. Fourth grade students scored at an all-time low in reading and nearly as bad in math. They scored worse than their 2005 peers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But thats not the only issue with this plan. Im concerned that instead of testing just once, students will be subjected to high-stakes testing three times during the year, reducing valuable instructional time and causing disruption. Current state tests are designed with input from Oklahoma educators and aligned to state content standards that are developed by Oklahomans. Selecting an alternate product eliminates local educator involvement and oversight. In addition, accurate comparisons between districts goes out the window. With districts choosing different tests measuring whether students have mastered the standards, it becomes extremely difficult to know if students have been fairly tested on their mastery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walters plan also puts an additional burden on local districts. Districts will have to pay for their new tests. Theyll be responsible for working directly with the testing vendor to procure and pay, manage administration logistics, train staff, score their assessment and report results to parents and the state Department of Education. Student transfers will disrupt a districts ability to measure performance and growth. That information will be impossible to understand if a student transfers to a school with different tests and expectations. Despite the concerns about instructional assessments, they are an important part of teaching and learning when used appropriately. The annual standards-based state assessment serves as the high-level, external check on local practices for improving student outcomes. The rigorous expectations and administration of the state assessment are imperative to keep the promise of equity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State assessment results provide objective, comparable information on performance for state leaders to make decisions on resource allocation, support, and policy. Instructional assessments or benchmarks as described in Walters plan play a different but important role: guiding day-to-day instruction and helping teachers support learning. While invaluable for helping students improve, these tools cannot replace the high-level check that state assessments provide. Together, state and instructional assessments form a complete system for both supporting and evaluating student success. Annual standards-based state assessments test what academic standards a student learned. Instructional assessments test how well they are learning the foundational skills and what support is needed before the school year ends. Rather than tinkering with the tools that measure student outcomes, I believe Oklahoma students would be better served if officials focused on improving student outcomes with impactful early literacy and math policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simply changing the measurement tools wont produce better outcomes. Students dont need new tests. They need continued, consistent academic support that helps them meet and exceed expectations in the classroom and beyond. Lowering expectations or replacing tests is not going to help students achieve that goal. Only the hard work of committed educators and supportive policymakers can do that. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE U.S. President Donald Trump tied his push for peace in Ukraine to a personal, spiritual goal in a Fox News interview on Aug. 19. "If I can save 7,000 people a week from being killed, I think that's a pretty... I want to try to get to heaven if possible, I'm hearing that I'm not doing well," Trump said. Asked about the remark at a press briefing later the same day, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the president was serious. "I think the president wants to get to heaven, as I hope we all do in this room as well." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also confirmed that Russia's President Vladimir Putin told Trump by phone that he had agreed to begin the next stage of the peace process. This phase would include a direct meeting between Putin and Zelensky, followed by a trilateral summit with Trump "if necessary." The comments came as President Volodymyr Zelensky alongside numerous European leaders met Trump at the White House on Aug. 18. The positive tone of the meeting marked a sharp departure from their contentious encounter in February. Zelenskys trip to Washington came just a few days after Trump hosted Putin in Alaska, the first time the Russian leader had been invited to the U.S. in a decade and his first visit to a Western country since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Read also: Zelensky wants a meeting. Putin wants to win Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russian state media hailed the Alaska summit where Putin was welcomed with a red carpet and warm reception as the end of Moscows international isolation. While Trump had promised tougher sanctions on Russia if no peace deal was reached, he shifted course after the meeting. Speaking afterward, Trump told Fox News that Moscow and Washington had "largely agreed" on territorial swaps and security guarantees for Ukraine, raising concerns in Kyiv and across Europe. Leavitt later defended the administrations approach: "President Trump is the only president this century, Republican or Democrat, who has held Russia in check and ensured peace in Europe. That's because Russia has always greatly respected President Trump and his peace through strength foreign policy approach." She described the Alaska talks with Putin as "very productive," adding that "multiple key points were agreed to between the two leaders that truly opened up the door for phase two discussions, which took place yesterday here at the White House." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When asked what gave Trump confidence Putin would be willing to make a deal, Leavitt pointed to "several conversations by phone and of course an in-person meeting last Friday with President Putin." She added that Trump has also spoken "dozens of times" with Zelensky, including during the White House meeting a day earlier, and "he's understanding what both sides want, what both sides are going to have to give up." "And he has always said, in order to get a good deal, both sides are going to have to walk away a little bit unhappy," she added. Read also: Warm words, thin results: White House meeting lifts Ukraine, but tough road ahead Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Fire behavior and fuels conditions on the Bivens Creek Fire at 9 a.m. (Photo via Inciweb) Several large wildfires continued to burn around the state on Monday as hot weather will hit triple digits this week, causing some concern for fire managers. Eastern Montana saw thunderstorms last week, which National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Chambers said caused a few new fire starts. He said there were about 4,000 lightning strikes in the area during those storms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the fires grew throughout the week. Weather is expected to be warm across the state during the next few days, said Chambers, who is based in Billings. It will bring an increased potential for those fires to grow and expand in places where theyre not under control, Chambers said Monday morning. But right now, the one thing that were missing from all of this is a strong wind event. Sustained wind can be a serious problem for fire crews, as it can create new spot fires or push flames over a containment line. High winds can also ground aircraft, meaning firefighters may not be able to get aerial support. So far, over the last little bit, it looks like the land management agencies have been getting on those fires pretty good, Chambers said. We havent seen them get too out of control at this point. So as long as those are fairly contained and we dont have any big wind events, I think were going to be OK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Northeast Montana is under a Heat Advisory until Wednesday evening, with day time highs expected to be between 95 and 105 degrees. Chambers said motorists should take caution, making sure they arent dragging chains or running their cars in tall grass. Anything that creates sparks can be dangerous, he added, and even harvesting fields needs to be done with caution. Also, welding becomes an issue at this time of year, people are outside doing some work on cars or whatnot, and welding sparks can cause fires, Chambers said. So just be extra careful over the next few days, and then we have improved conditions as we go into Thursday, Friday. Mission Butte Working the Mission Butte fire, burning in grass, BIA Forestry and Wildland Fire Management Crow Agencys Randy Pretty On Top said fire crews were paying attention to the weather. That fire is burning about five to seven miles east of St. Xavier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pretty On Top added the Mission Butte fire was about 6,000 acres, burning in rolling hills and gullies. Crews were working to contain the fire, he said. It was primarily a fire that started in the rough terrain, and then it started spreading all over the place, Pretty On Top said. And accessibility is a problem. Windy Rock The Windy Rock fire, near Garrison, moved to 848 acres on Monday and was listed as 0% contained. The DNRCs County Assist Team under incident commander David Hamilton is on that fire. All public lands in the area are closed, a Monday press release from the fire said. Almost 100 more personnel were assigned to the fire during the weekend, which is now staffed by 216 people. Two helicopters were assigned to that fire on Monday, which was estimated to have cost $1.2 million to suppress so far. Fire costs are shared by state and federal governments and are divided at the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials held a community meeting in Avon about the fire during the weekend. There are numerous structures near the fire. Crews on the southeastern flank of the fire were scouting and conducting structure assessments and planning. On the northwest side of the fire, crews were digging hand lines. The fire had seen some precipitation, but was still active, creating spot fires and torching trees. Wind gusts reached 40 to 50 mph from isolated thunderstorms, according to Mondays fire report. McAllister The McAllister fire, burning 3 miles south of Norris and 3 miles north of Ennis Lake, was listed at 3,500 acres and 30% contained on Monday. More than 100 firefighters have been assigned to that incident, as well as one helicopter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fire was first reported late in the afternoon on Aug. 16. and DNRC is currently managing the fire. Crews were working to establish lines around the fire on Monday. There are evacuation warnings in effect for the fire: All residents in the area between Bradley Creek, Shining Mountains West and US Highway 287 (between mile markers 61 and 64). A situation report for the fire asked motorists to use caution when driving through Norris to get to Ennis on Highway 287 equipment is staged near that area. Other incidents The Bivens Creek and nearby Cloudrest incidents, burning in remote areas of the Tobacco Root Mountains, both grew over the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bivens Creek fire was nearing 2,000 acres, while the Cloudrest incident was listed at slightly over 1,100 acres and are about 15 miles northwest of Virginia City. Both were lightning caused and are being managed by Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 6. There is a public meeting for those two fires at 7 p.m. on August 19 at the Sheridan Fire Station, located at 3284 Highway 287 South. Smoke may impact Pony, Harrison and Bozeman, a press release for the fire said. About 140 personnel were assigned to those two fires, which included areas with hazardous trees. Dangerous fire weather over multiple days was also a concern for crews on those two incidents. The Horn fire, 17 miles northwest of West Yellowstone, was listed at 2,800 acres and 50% contained. When President Volodymyr Zelensky joined U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Aug. 18, the positive mood between the leaders stood in stark contrast to their disastrous encounter in February in the same spot. This shift alone was seen as a victory for Ukraine offering many of its citizens and allies relief, though the meeting itself was largely inconclusive and failed to secure concrete decisions on the security guarantees and the ceasefire that Ukraine has pushed for. "I think it's impressive how different the mood and the relationship between Zelensky and Trump are this time," said Kristine Berzina, managing director of Geostrategy North at the D.C.-based think tank German Marshall Fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There was a lack of tension in the room and a comfort that Zelensky was espousing. Rather than coming to Washington to indicate the dire nature of the situation, he instead presented a much more relaxed and friendly air." Another strong contrast with the previous meeting between the two was the presence of an impressive delegation of European leaders this time, who rearranged their schedules on short notice to back Ukraine's head of state in the meeting with Trump. Charly Salonius-Pasternak, lead researcher at the Center on U.S. Politics and Power at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, described the united front by the European delegation as "a step or two forward" with hope of more future progress. "From a European perspective, while it seemed kind of thin there wasn't a ceasefire, which everyone talked about the necessity for they all showed up," said Salonius-Pasternak. "They all were saying the same thing in slightly different ways. So I would say it was much better than we've seen in a while." Hot on the heels of the Putin-Trump Alaska Meeting Zelensky arrived at the White House just two days after Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska, the first time the Russian leader was invited to a Western country since his full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, and his first invitation to the U.S. in a decade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russias media heralded the Alaska meeting in which Putin was greeted with a red carpet rolled out before his feet and warm welcomes from Trump as an end to the countrys international isolation. While Trump headed into the Alaska meeting promising severe sanctions against Moscow if a peace deal wasnt reached, he changed his tune after meeting with the Russian leader. There were no mentions of additional pressures on Russia afterward. Instead, Trump told Fox News after the meeting that the two sides had "largely agreed" on territorial swaps and security guarantees for Ukraine, raising alarms in Kyiv and across European capitals. U.S. President Donald Trump (R) greets Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) as he arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, U.S. on Aug. 15, 2025. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) Zelensky has firmly rejected handing over any Ukrainian land throughout the peace process, reiterating again the day before he arrived in Washington that Ukraines constitution does not allow for any territorial concessions or land swaps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following his meeting with Trump, Zelensky told reporters, "The question of territory is a question that we will leave between me and Putin. Security guarantees will probably be negotiated with our partners." Olena Hubanova, co-head of the nonprofit Helping to Leave, which works to evacuate and reintegrate Ukrainians displaced by war, expressed hope that international leaders wouldn't lose sight of the reality for those in occupied territories. She said she hoped future discussions would include a humanitarian corridor allowing citizens in occupied territories to return to territory controlled by Ukraine's government. "Our thoughts are not only about territories, but also about people in these territories," Hubanova said. "Families with children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and others should be able to leave without paying huge amounts of money and without having to travel a difficult path." Cautious optimism and frustrated disappointment For Inna Sovsun, a lawmaker from Ukraine's opposition Holos Party, the focus at the meeting on providing security guarantees for Ukraine was a somewhat positive signal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What reassured me is that now we're clearly hearing words about security guarantees for Ukraine," she said. "The Europeans insisted on this, as did (NATO Secretary General Mark) Rutte, and everyone very carefully thanked Trump for being willing to get involved." "Again, there are no specifics yet, so we can't say whether these will be sufficient security guarantees for Ukraine. But the very fact that they are being discussed is, of course, already a step forward." "We'll give them (Ukraine) very good protection, very good security." (L-R) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, U.S. President Donald Trump, and President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. on Aug. 18, 2025. (Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images) In response to questions from reporters about security guarantees, Trump said, "We'll give them (Ukraine) very good protection, very good security," without providing specifics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps the biggest news to come out of the meeting was the potential for trilateral talks, which both Zelensky and Trump signaled an openness to having. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who was present for the meetings in D.C., said that a meeting between Zelensky and Putin could happen as soon as within two weeks. But for some Ukrainians, the outcome of the meeting or lack of outcome was a source of deep disappointment rather than hope. "The fact that so many European leaders joined on short notice speaks volumes," said Olena Halushka, co-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory, "but Ukraines partners still operate within terms dictated by Russia they avoid speaking of Russias defeat, while 'painful concessions' always center only on what Ukraine must give up." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Instead of real guarantees, vague alternatives are being invented with NATO membership kept off the table. "More summits with Putin wont stop the war. Arming Ukraine to the teeth and crushing Russias war machine can," she added. Kyiv Independent reporter Daria Shulzhenko contributed to this piece. Read also: Muscle beaches, drag racing, and drones falling into the sea. Summer in Odesa hasnt stopped Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A Warren man pleaded guilty to a fourth-degree felony charge regarding a police chase case from February. According to prosecutors, Adrian A. Perry, 29, pleaded guilty to a fourth-degree felony of attempted failure to comply with the order/signal of a police officer. Prosecutors said that the chase on February 4 reached 60 mph in a 25-mph speed zone prior to his vehicle striking another vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Perry will be sentenced after a background investigation is complete. Perry could possibly be sentenced to up to 18 months in prison. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) A Warren man pleaded guilty to a third-degree felony charge on Tuesday related to a 120-mph chase in February. According to prosecutors, Xavier A. Ford, 24, pleaded guilty to failure to comply with the order/signal of a police officer. Ford was taken into custody after a police chase on February 14 that began in Sharon and continued into Brookfield Township. Prosecutors said police spotted Ford going 120 mph and doing doughnuts in a parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said that the chase covered 35 miles and lasted 18 minutes before Ford exited the vehicle and ran away on foot. Before he can be sentenced, Ford will submit to a background investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the U.S.-Mexico border in Santa Teresa on Tuesday afternoon to announce new changes to the southern border wall. Speaking alongside U.S. Border Patrol agents, Noem said sections of the wall in the area will be painted black, a move intended to deter illegal border crossings. The change is part of ongoing improvements funded through President Donald Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, a measure passed by Congress to bolster border security. There will be more added to it as far as technology, cameras, sensors were also going to be painting it black, Noem told reporters in New Mexico. That is specifically at the request of the president. When something is painted black, it gets even warmer, making it even harder for people to climb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following her remarks, Noem joined Border Patrol agents in painting part of the wall black. The broader goal of the Trump administration, she said, is to paint the entire southern border wall in black to serve as a physical and psychological deterrent. We want to make sure that we encourage individuals not to come into our country illegally, not to break our federal laws, but instead to enter the right way, Noem said. Earlier in the day, Noem visited the mountain village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, to assess recovery efforts following devastating flash floods in July. She met with local officials, surveyed damage, and discussed federal aid. Ruidoso was hit hard after heavy rains fell on burn scars left by last years South Fork and Salt fires. The resulting floods claimed three lives, prompted 65 swift water rescues, and damaged between 200 to 400 homes. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during her visit to Ruidoso courtesy her X account Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during her visit to Ruidoso courtesy her X account Children who died in Ruidoso flooding IDd as Fort Bliss family Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, the federal government issued a Major Disaster Declaration in July, unlocking financial assistance for affected individuals, households, and businesses in Lincoln County. Lincoln County to receive federal assistance after flooding Noem issued this statement, via social media platform X, about her visit to Ruidoso: I spent the morning in Ruidoso, New Mexico, to meet with community leaders and those impacted by this summers devastating floods. @DHSgov and @FEMA have been working closely with state and local partners to deliver $3.1M in upfront aid and deploy +160 staff who remain in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to @POTUS Trumps disaster declaration, an additional $2.9M has been unlocked to help families rebuild. Today, another $11.4M was announced for four more disaster recovery projects. Under the Trump Administration, FEMA is faster and more responsive than ever. Were seeing that in Ruidoso, and we will stand with New Mexico until full recovery is achieved. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Apr. 1, 2025 Gov. Bob Ferguson press conference on budget negotiations Photo by Carleen Johnson (The Center Square) Its been six months since Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered state agencies to stop automatically deleting Microsoft Teams chat messages every seven days. Microsoft Teams is a cloud-based software application that allows users to communicate, set up meetings, and share files within a workspace environment, typically via email. As reported by The Center Square, in February, Gov. Bob Ferguson told state agencies to retain all instant message conversations for the following six months, after a $225,000 settlement against the Department of Children, Youth & Families for the destruction of public records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of the directive, Ferguson said he would review the policy and make a decision after six months. That deadline came on Sunday, Aug. 17, with the Governors Office indicating the Friday before (Aug. 15) that it would have no response about a decision by the Sunday deadline. The Governors Office did not respond to a Monday email about any decision Ferguson may have made. Open government advocate Jamie Nixon filed a lawsuit in 2024 against the state over the seven-day retention policy for Teams messages and other alleged violations of Washington's Public Records Act, including lawmakers' use of legislative privilege. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a recent podcast, Nixon detailed what he refers to as a growing crisis inside the Washington State Auditors Office, all related to the Teams chat deletion controversy. The podcast included audio recordings of a September 2023 meeting in which SAOs top legal counsel, Al Rose, publicly accused WaTech, the state agency that promoted the seven-day auto delete program starting in 2021, of a yearlong cover-up and knowledge that WaTech was aware the policy was in violation of Washingtons Public Records Act. Rose then backed off and, a few months later, offered a letter of apology for his tone at the meeting and has since refused to audit WaTech. He was also heard in the 2023 meeting advising state agency employees that they didnt have to respond to questions about the auto-delete policy. Nixon spoke with The Center Square on Monday about his frustration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is particularly gross for me to see that somebody who is the director of legal affairs for the Auditor's Office, which is charged with accountability, transparency and open government, counseling other agencies' staff members to not answer questions about a seven-day auto deletion policy that they obviously all knew was problematic and not OK, Nixon said. They didn't tell the public that they were destroying 50 million records a week. The Center Square reached out to the SAO and Rose individually. SAO Director of Communications Kathleen Cooper sent the following email to The Center Square: Mr. Nixon is suing the State of Washington and continues to argue that the State Auditors Office should be included in his ongoing litigation. As a standard practice, we do not comment on matters subject to active litigation. In May, Nixon said he asked the Governors Office for details on how the six-month Teams policy review was being conducted but received very little information and no specifics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The idea that the governor would engage in a process of deciding how and when people can access their records on his own, behind closed doors with no hint of a public process or stakeholder input, is absurd on its face, he said. Whatever decision he comes to needs to be seen immediately with a high level of skepticism and suspicion. Transparency is the answer, Nixon continued. And he needs to release every record involved in this decision-making process immediately to the press and the public, he said. He should just publish them all in emails, text messages, whatever it is, because he is just making the problem worse, because there is a massive scandal. Washington Coalition for Open Government Secretary George Erb emailed The Center Square on Monday about Ferguson's office not yet issuing any statement about the expiration of the Teams auto-delete policy pause. Six months have passed, he said. We have reason to believe the Governors Office will say something about the outcome of the evaluation soon. If that happens, WashCOG will issue a statement, and I will notify you directly. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt briefed the press Tuesday afternoon as peace talks in the Russia-Ukraine war have largely dominated President Trumps agenda in recent days. The briefing came after Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and a group of European leaders in subsequent meetings Monday in the Oval Office to discuss a potential ceasefire and potential security guarantees. Trump also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week, though he said little progress toward a deal was made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a hot mic moment on Monday, however, Trump was seemingly more optimistic that Putin would come to the negotiating table. He later called the Russian leader to set up a one-on-one meeting with Zelensky. The event was scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. EDT. Watch the video coverage above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A copy of the petition to be circulated by the Invest in MI Kids Ballot Proposal Coalition. July 31, 2025 | Photo By Kyle Davidson/Michigan Advance The constitutional amendment to implement a new tax on wealthy Michiganders is still aiming for the 2026 ballot after facing some initial setbacks and new attacks, with its signature collection driving kicking off on Friday. Members of Invest in MI Kids said it started collecting signatures last week using the 100-word summary that was approved June 27 by the Michigan Board of State Canvassers. That has opened up further complications for the effort, as the board on July 10 walked back the approval for the previous 100-word summary and then deadlocked on a revised summary at their July 31 meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initiative officials said Friday that the effort which resulted in the board deadlocking was just one part of well-funded right-wing attacks against the proposal, which is estimated to generate nearly $1 billion annually. But those attacks keep coming. The Coalition to Stop the Business and Family Tax Hike, an organization opposed to the Invest in MI Kids initiative, issued a cease and desist motion to prevent the group from collecting its signatures. Jase Bolger, CEO of West Michigan Policy Forum and a former Republican Michigan House speaker, said in a statement that the amendment would hurt small businesses even though the initiative was aimed at the wealthiest Michiganders. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I applaud the move today by the Coalition to Stop the Business and Family Tax Hike, Bolger said. They filed a cease and desist motion to stop the signature gathering for an unapproved ballot initiative. Because, the proponents of this devastating proposal are using language that is misleading. Voters should not be fooled. In response, Imani Foster, a spokesperson for the Invest MI Kids initiative, told Michigan Advance that the coalition is focused on the task at hand. While were busy engaging Michiganders, together with our thousands of volunteers, we wont be distracted by meaningless letters from big money Washington lawyers, Foster said. The group also noted its belief that the board had no authority under Michigan law to rescind its prior approval of the petition summary language. The petitions currently being circulated by Invest in MI Kids include a petition summary that the director of elections has deemed compliant with the Michigan Election Law twice and that the Board of Canvassers has approved as compliant once, Foster added. Hurricane Erin is churning through the Atlantic Ocean, and it's just one of the big weather stories we're keeping an eye on today. For the very latest on Erins track, you can find our complete forecast here. For everyone else, we're monitoring major weather news happening around the globe. Here are the latest updates as they come in: (03:00 p.m. EDT) Watch The (Increasingly Larger) Waves Roll In From managing editor Sean Breslin: Assuming youre not ignoring evacuation orders (seriously, you better not be), there wont be many up-close opportunities to watch Hurricane Erins closest pass to the Outer Banks. But as long as this webcam stays functional, youll have a front-row seat to the growing wind and waves. (02:45 p.m. EDT) The Inconsistency Of The Southwest Monsoon Season From digital meteorologist Rob Shackelford: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rounds of record heat and a lack of widespread rainfall for the West have led to drought conditions nearly doubling in a year. The region that is especially bone-dry is the Four Corners Region, which includes Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. While there are many factors, one of the biggest is an inconsistent monsoon season across the Southwest. The Southwest Monsoon is responsible for helping to bring some relief to the region baking in the summer heat. But some of these cities are experiencing more of a "nonsoon." However, it isnt consistent across the region. Some cities separated by a few hundred miles have seen drastic differences in rainfall. (MORE: Just Like That, Nearly Two-Thirds Of The West In Drought, Again) (02:34 p.m. EDT) First Responders Head Toward The Storm From senior writer Chris DeWeese: people loading supplies into a truck While many of the sights we see ahead of a storm impacting the U.S. are those of people evacuating, one of the things that always hits me right in the feels before a hurricane or tropical storm event are the photos of brave first responders who gear up from afar and head toward the storm to be in a position to help and assist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Such is the case with this photo, which shows members of Charlotte Fires North Carolina Task Force 3, who learned yesterday that theyd be deployed to the North Carolina coast, and were photographed this morning before heading out. (02:20 p.m. EDT) Water On Roads Along Outer Banks It's not much yet, but it'll become a much bigger issue in the coming days. Here's a look at floodwaters beginning to rise on Highway 12 in Buxton this is on Hatteras Island: (02:00 p.m. EDT) A New Advisory Is In And there's been little change. Maximum sustained winds remain 105 mph, or Category 2 strength. Hurricane Erin is moving north-northwest at 10 mph. (01:51 p.m. EDT) Heavy Rain In Virginia It's looking like parts of the East Coast won't get much of a break, even before Erin (and its rain and waves) crawls closer in the Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rain unrelated to Erin is causing flash flood concerns in southern Virginia today. At least one car has been reported as being stuck in water. (01:29 p.m. EDT) Inner Mongolia Flooding Takes Several Lives From senior writer Chris DeWeese: At least three people are dead and three others are missing after torrential rains led to flooding in Ordos, a city in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, local officials said on Tuesday. 8.4 inches of rain fell in just 12 hours, inundating the region between Monday and early Tuesday. (01:04 p.m. EDT) Buoy What a Ride Imagine riding the waves generated by a hurricane. A NOAA buoy north of the center of Hurricane Erin about 400 miles east-northeast of Nassau, Bahamas, is getting lashed by wind gusts from 50 to 60 mph and is riding 28-foot waves as of just before noon today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Not only can you see the data this buoy is sending back here, but you can also see pictures of the conditions the buoy is experiencing taken every hour. The photos are enough to make me reach for motion sickness pills. (12:31 p.m. EDT) Hail Hits Houston Area Suburbs outside of Houston were on alert last night as storms dropped half-inch hailstones. The National Weather Service urged residents northwest of the city to stay indoors for safety. Some of that hail was captured on video, pelting cars. Forecasters say that stormy pattern could stick around through the week. (11:19 a.m. EDT) Calm Down Surfers, Calm Down From staff writer Renee Straker: Virginias Department of Emergency Management found a funny way to warn surfers about the dangerous conditions as Hurricane Erin passes offshore. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This post on X warned that only the most experienced surfers should even attempt to ride the waves right now. Virginia Beach is hosting the annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships this week. More than 300 surfers from nearly three dozen countries are taking part and while many surfers are looking forward to the potential of 8-12 foot waves, organizers told local TV station WAVY that theyll be monitoring conditions and will move heats to different days if the surf gets too rough. (10:26 a.m. EDT) Extreme Heat Watch In Effect For L.A. From meteorologist Tiffany Savona: An Extreme heat watch is in effect for much of Southern California, including the Los Angeles Basin Thursday through Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement High temperatures are forecast to range between 95-105 degrees. Downtown LA could reach the upper 90s, which will put the current daily record of 96 degrees set back in 1982 in jeopardy. Keep in mind the average high in L.A. this time of year ranges from the upper 70s to low 80s. The risk for heat related illnesses will be going up for anyone, especially young children, the elderly and those who do not have air conditioning. Please take this seriously and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. (10:22 a.m. EDT) Erin Endangers Rodanthe Beachfront Homes From senior engagement editor Ron Brackett: Hurricane Erins relentless waves are once again threatening ocean-front homes in the villages of Rodanthe and Buxton, North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2020, 11 privately owned homes have collapsed on the beaches of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Six of those happened last year. Mark Gray of WM Dunn Construction told WRAL that two houses for sure are on the verge of collapse in Rodanthe. Dave Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, told the station, Obviously, if there's very strong waves that are smacking into the pilings, it's going to increase the probability of a problem. Its hard to predict, but theyre certainly very, very vulnerable and exposed. (10:19 a.m. EDT) Satans Storm Sends People Running From Spain Beach From staff writer Renee Straker: Some scary video shows tourists scampering off a beach in Granada, Spain, as a Satans Storm moved in. Ok, enough alliteration - the rare weather phenomenon is actually called a heat burst and it caused temperatures to spike to 104 degrees within minutes, add to that wind gusts up to 54 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple waterspouts were reported and 5 people had to be rescued from the sea. (10:10 a.m. EDT) Much of East Coast Under High Rip Current Risk From senior writer Chris DeWeese: The National Weather Service is continuing to sound the alarm about the life-threatening surf and rip currents that Hurricane Erin will generate over the next several days. As their rip current risk map shows, much of the East Coast is at red, or high risk level. Beachgoers, the NWS emphasizes, should follow advice from lifeguards, local authorities, and beach warning flags. rip current map (10:06 a.m. EDT) Buckley Draw Fire Burns 427 Acres Near Provo, Utah From producer Carmen Molina: The Buckley Draw Fire was discovered on Sunday, August 17th, near Provos Slate Canyon in Utah. The U.S. Forest Service Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest said as of Monday evening it had burned approximately 427 acres with 0% containment, issuing a temporary closure order for the area impacted by the fire. (10:02 a.m. EDT) Myrtle Beach Officials Warn Swimmers From staff writer Renee Straker: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A single red flag warning is up along beaches in Myrtle Beach today, meaning swimmers shouldnt go farther than waist-deep in the ocean and boogie boarding wont be allowed. In an announcement city officials said they expect life-threatening rip currents through Friday. (09:54 a.m. EDT) First Taste Of Autumn Coming For Millions From meteorologist Jennifer Gray: A strong cold front will sweep across the northern U.S. from Canada this weekend, and bring some nice, cooler air with it. For many, this will be their first taste of fall. Anywhere from the Midwest to the Plains could see temperatures 10-20 degrees below average. Highs in the Midwest will go from the 90s in some places on Saturday to the 60s on Sunday and Monday. And morning lows early next week could dip into the 40s or low 50s over much of the Midwest and parts of the interior Northeast. You can see national daily highs and lows maps here. (09:44 a.m. EDT) Double Red Flag Day in the Outer Banks From meteorologist Tiffany Savona: Tuesday has been declared a double red flag day from Duck to Ocracoke. North Carolina. This means ocean conditions are life-threatening and ocean swimming is prohibited. In this case, powerful rip currents and 5- to 8-foot breaking waves make ocean conditions life-threatening for swimmers and ocean rescue personnel. As mentioned earlier, we explain what all the different flags mean at the beach here. (09:37 a.m. EDT) Red Sky At Morning In Beijing From senior writer Chris DeWeese: Heres an early contender for one of our top photos of the week: a stark, crimson sunset this morning in Beijing, China. For centuries, the saying "Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning" was used by seafarers to predict the weather, and, according to our meteorologists, the rhymes are rooted in real science. Did you miss last weeks top photos? Take a look at them here. A general view of the city with clouds at the sunrise on August 19, 2025 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images) (09:32 a.m. EDT) What Do The Beach Flags Mean? From managing editor Sean Breslin: If youre hanging out at a beach along the East Coast this week, first of all, stay out of the water. But secondly, youll want to know what those colorful flags on the lifeguard stand actually mean. Thankfully, we have an article that will serve as your handy guide to beach flags and what to do when you see each one. Check it out here. (09:28 a.m. EDT) Beaches Closed In New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland From staff writer Renee Straker: High waves and rip currents have led to beach closures in multiple mid-Atlantic states this week. New Jersey announced closures along the Jersey Shore at Bay Head, Wildwood and Margate. Swimming and fishing have also been suspended at Island Beach State Park. Swimming has been suspended at Delawares Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island. State park officials in Maryland say Assateague State Park is closed to swimming due to dangerous surf conditions. (09:10 a.m. EDT) Size, Not Category From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: Erin is now a Category 2 hurricane as of 8 a.m. While its peak winds have weakened from the past few days and its no longer a major hurricane - a term for Category 3 winds or higher - that doesnt matter much at all going forward. What matters more is how large an area Erins winds cover. The NHC says its tropical storm-force winds are currently up to 390 statute miles wide. Thats about the distance from Boston to Washington, D.C. By Thursday, those tropical storm winds are forecast to be up to 630 miles across, about the distance from New York City to Charleston, South Carolina. All other factors equal, a larger storm will generate higher swells, higher surf at the coast, which could lead to coastal flooding. We have more on why that is here. So, it really isnt much about Erins Category winds going forward. It will be a large storm, regardless. Hurricane Erin size (09:05 a.m. EDT) Overnight Evacuations In Spain Due To Wildfires From producer Carmen Molina: Dozens of residents of Leon, Spain, were evacuated overnight due to the threats from several forest fires, especially the Anilares del Sil forest fire. Among the affected towns are Faro, Cariseda, Peranzanes, Trascastro, Chano, Guimara and Argayo del Sil in the El Bierzo area. This video from the Spanish Civil Guard shows officers helping older adults enter a shelter. (08:57 a.m. EDT) Hatteras, Ocracoke Residents Must Leave Today From senior engagement editor Ron Brackett: Mandatory evacuation for residents of Hatteras Island was to begin at 8 a.m. today. Visitors to the island in North Carolina's Outer Banks had been ordered to leave beginning at 10 a.m. Monday. Officials in Dare County, where a state of emergency exists, warned that N.C. Highway 12 could become impassable beginning with the high tide at 5 p.m. today. On Ocracoke Island in Hyde County, mandatory evacuation for visitors started at 8 p.m. Sunday. The evacuation order for residents began at 6 a.m. today. Hyde County commissioners have also enacted a state of emergency. (08:52 a.m. EDT) Dramatic Rescue In Thane, India From senior writer Chris DeWeese: Indias financial capital, Mumbai, continues to face extreme weather conditions today, with the city remaining under a red alert for the second consecutive day. Relentless heavy rains have led to widespread flooding, stopping transportation and burying streets under water. A staggering 19.69 inches of rain have fallen in just 84 hours, leaving much of the city and surrounding areas waterlogged. Dramatic video captured in the city of Thane, 23 miles northeast of Mumbai, shows two locals swimming through a flooded overpass to rescue two people who were trapped in their vehicle. (08:44 a.m. EDT) Two Other Areas To Watch In The Atlantic Besides Erin From meteorologist Jennifer Gray: The National Hurricane Center is watching two areas of disturbed weather in the Atlantic that could become our next named systems. One is a cluster of thunderstorms in the central Atlantic that could become a tropical depression later this week. Regardless of development, it will lead to unsettled weather near the Leeward Islands as early as Friday. Another area is in the eastern Atlantic. While it has a low chance of developing right now, it could enter an environment more favorable in the next few days. Beyond that timeframe, conditions will become unfavorable for development. The next two names on the hurricane list are Fernand and Gabrielle. (08:32 a.m. EDT) Dozens Pulled From Dangerous Currents From senior engagement editor Ron Brackett: Hurricane Erin is causing dangerous rip currents all along the East Coast, and many beachgoers are getting caught in them. As many as 85 people had to be rescued from the dangerous currents along North Carolinas southeast coast Monday. Wrightsville Beach Ocean Rescue reported pulling up to 70 people from the water. The Surf City Fire Department reported 15 rip current rescues. Rip currents can be one of the most hidden dangers when it comes to tropical systems. They can be deadly even thousands of miles away from the storm heres what you need to know. Signs of West Nile virus in Cambria County are at their highest level since 2018, the countys vector control director said Monday. Vintondale Borough officials posted an alert to residents this week that one person has been hospitalized by the virus in that community. Vintondale alert And Vector Control Director Mary Vibostok said mosquito pools across the city of Johnstown have yielded positive test results in recent weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This (season) is higher than normal, she said, adding that conditions are ripe for human cases of the virus to see an uptick in the weeks ahead. It is pretty widespread right now. West Nile virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitos that feed on infected birds. This time of year brings an added risk because as birds mosquitos primary food source begin migrating, mosquitos shift to biting humans for blood, Vibostok said. The risk is highest at dusk and dawn. For protection: Use insect repellent according to product label instructions. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants outside during dusk and dawn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Check screens on windows and doors for holes to prevent mosquitos from entering homes. Vibostok said mosquitos can also multiply quickly when given the opportunity. It only takes a small amount of standing water less than an inch to create favorable conditions for mosquito eggs, according to state Department of Environmental Protection officials. Officials advised the public to look for and remove standing water outside homes, in places such as empty containers, buckets and trash cans. Even patio furniture covers or discarded soda cans can pool enough water for egg clusters. Bird baths and kiddie pools should also be drained and scrubbed regularly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting rid of standing water is the best way to alleviate risks to humans this time of year, Vibostok said. Vibostok said Vintondale officials have contacted her about conducting a mosquito survey in the borough to confirm the probability of West Nile virus infection risks in the community. She has also been alerted about a reported human infection, she said, but will not have confirmation until the Department of Health tests a sample and can make a determination on the report. Vintondale alert But I have received numerous reports about people who are concerned about it, she said. Vector Control, meanwhile, has found instances across the city of Johnstown where mosquitos have tested positive for the virus. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vibostok is awaiting results on a second round of tested mosquitos this week. If they yield positive results, as expected, that would clear the way for targeted spraying, she said. Kernville is one city neighborhood that has already recorded more than one positive West Nile test, she added. Were already doing larva control to try to knock down numbers, Vibostok said. A statewide map shows West Nile virus cases have been confirmed this year statewide in all but 10 counties. Locally Cambria, Somerset, Indiana and Blair counties have all had at least one mosquito test positive, DEPs website shows. Cambria County had 10 positives through Friday, while Somerset County had recorded three cases. AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) West Nile Virus has increased this summer, making it difficult to spend time outside at night. Health officials continued to warn of increased activity, as the risk for the virus goes up. The number of mosquitoes with West Nile has jumped this summer to at least 150 mosquito samples testing positive in Massachusetts. High surf and rip currents as Hurricane Erin makes drives up the coast Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mosquitoes are attracted by your sweat, blood type, and people who consume alcohol. Not only do people have to be cautious, but so do dogs, as mosquitoes can give them heartworm. Mosquitoes are biting people around dawn and dusk, so avoid those times, said Natasha Wright, Technical Director at Braman Termite & Pest Elimination. If you have to be out around those times, then wearing long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and wearing some kind of repellent. For clothing, you can get Permethrin. When it comes to West Nile, most people are asymptomatic. A small percentage get flu-like symptoms, especially for people over 50 years old, which can also lead to neurological issues andin extreme casesdeath. Out east, the risk level has been elevated, but remains low in most of western Massachusetts. To check the risk level for your town or county, visit mass.gov. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) West Shore Home in Greenville is donating nearly 9,000 school supplies to South Greenville Elementary School today at 1:00 pm. According to a press release, nearly 90% of the schools student body is categorized as Economically Disadvantaged by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. These supplies will go a long way to ensuring that each student has the items they need to feel confident, prepared, and ready to succeed in the classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the supplies were purchased by WSH employees (about 40 people). It shows just how big an impact a small group of people can have in our community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT. WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Members of the West Springfield police and fire departments are training in active shooter situations. In a post on social media by the West Springfield Police Department, crews are conducting active shooter training at Cowing School on Park Street. The multi-agency training in the active attack integrated response (AAIR) aims to improve integration between law enforcement, dispatchers, and EMS/Fire services during active shooter events. Driver caught after stolen car chase began at Wendys in West Springfield (West Springfield Police Department) (West Springfield Police Department) (West Springfield Police Department) Active shooter incidents are often unpredictable and evolve quickly, so law enforcement participates in training to be both mentally and physically prepared to deal with an active shooter situation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI has determined that there were 24 shootings in 2024 in the United States as active shooter incidents, half of what was reported the previous year. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. A Texas Department of Criminal Justice warden from Colorado City was arrested on misdemeanor charges after he was reportedly caught fraudulently changing the prices of items he was buying at a Lubbock Wal-Mart, according to court records. Michael Miller, was booked Aug. 14, into the Lubbock County Detention Center on Class B Misdemeanor counts of theft and fraudulently destroying, removing or concealing a price tag. Miller, 48, who had been the warden at the Daniel Webster Wallace Unit in Colorado City since April 2025, is accused of stealing about $140 worth of items from Wal-Mart by ringing up $.53 worth of cross stitch thread at least nine times in place of the actual items he was bagging at a self-checkout terminal of the 11415 Quaker Avenue, according to a probable cause affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The store's security cameras reportedly caught him bagging about $137.90 worth of items but paid $4.77, the affidavit states. "The agency is deeply disappointed, and his conduct is entirely unacceptable," a TDCJ spokesperson said in a statement , "TDCJ is taking action to separate him from the agency." Court records show Miller was released Aug. 15 on two bonds set at $1,000 each. TDCJ's website for the Webster unit appears to have removed Miller's photo and now lists the senior warden position as vacant. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: West Texas TDCJ warden arrested after theft, fraud at Lubbock Wal-Mart CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) New statistics show that West Virginias total employment fell by 4,400 jobs last year, a metric that the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce calls concerning. According to state employment data released by WorkForce West Virginia in July 2025, West Virginias workforce shrank by 7,600 people and total employment fell by 4,400. The report shows data from July 2024 compared to July 2025. In a press release on Monday, the West Virginia Chamber raised concern for the continued decline of jobs in the state, calling the number troubling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We must treat it as a warning sign, and we must respond with urgency, Chamber President Steve Roberts said in the release. He continued, West Virginia is not keeping pace with the region or the nation. This should concern every leader in our state. West Virginia sues pharmacy benefit manager for contributing to opioid crisis The release said that some of West Virginias core industries represented some of the highest job losses in the last year, including the hospitality industry, which lost 2,700 jobs last year, accounting for than 60% of the job losses last year and nearly 4% of West Virginias hospitality workforce. The WV Chamber said that other notable losses were 600 jobs in the mining industryaccounting for 3% of the industry workforce 200 manufacturing jobs and 600 jobs in the retail industry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Virginia has had 14 months of consecutive employment decline, according to the release. However, employment has grown in some industries in West Virginia, including in the private sector. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com. NEED TO KNOW Bryan Kohberger was sentenced to four lifetimes in prison for the murders of four University of Idaho students Kohberger is serving his sentence at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution The prisoner reportedly complained about being taunted by fellow inmates Bryan Kohberger is being held at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna, Idaho. He is serving four life sentences in prison without parole for the murders of four University of Idaho students: Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Idaho Maximum Security Institution is located about 15 miles south of Boise, where Kohberger's trial was set to take place before he pleaded guilty and was sentenced. The prison houses 535 inmates including those on death row. While Kohberger has not spoken out since his sentence began, he made headlines in August when he allegedly complained to prison guards about being taunted by fellow inmates. The IDOC told PEOPLE at the time that "security staff maintain a safe and orderly environment for all individuals in our custody." Later that same month, a video began circulating that appeared to show Kohberger walking around his jail cell. The IDOC subsequently issued a statement explaining that they were looking into the legitimacy of the video. Here's everything to know about the prison where Bryan Kohberger is being held for the murders of four University of Idaho college students. Who is Bryan Kohberger? Kyle Green-Pool/Getty Bryan Kohberger appears at the Ada County Courthouse for his sentencing hearing on July 23, 2025 in Boise, Idaho. Bryan Kohberger appears at the Ada County Courthouse for his sentencing hearing on July 23, 2025 in Boise, Idaho. Kohberger was arrested and charged with the murders of four University of Idaho students in December 2022. Mogen, Goncalves, Kernodle and Chapin were all stabbed to death in their off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho, on Nov. 13, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a month of police investigating, Kohberger was arrested at his parents' home in Albrightsville, Penn., on Dec. 30, 2022. At the time, Kohberger denied any involvement. His trial was eventually scheduled for August 2025, but he entered a last-minute plea deal on June 30. Kohberger officially pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary on July 2, 2025. At the time of the murders, Kohberger was earning a PhD in criminology at Washington State University. Prior to his time at WSU, Kohberger earned a bachelor's degree in psychology at a local community college near his Pennsylvania hometown and a master's degree in criminal justice from DeSales University. What is Bryan Kohberger serving time in prison for? Zach Wilkinson-Pool/Getty Idaho murders killer Bryan Kohberger Idaho murders killer Bryan Kohberger On July 23, Kohberger was sentenced to four life sentences without the possibility of parole for the murders of the four students. He was also sentenced to an additional 10 years for the burglary charge and ordered to pay $270,000 in fines and civil penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ahead of the sentencing, Ada County District Court Judge Steven Hippler got emotional while calling Kohberger a "faceless coward." During the quiet morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022, a faceless coward breached the tranquility of six beautiful young people and senselessly slaughtered them four of them, Hippler said. But due to the killers incompetence and outstanding police work, the person that slithered through that sliding glass door at 1122 King Road now stands before the world and this court unmasked. Prior to Hippler handing down his sentence, all the victims' families had a chance to address Kohberger for the first time with victim impact statements. Where is Bryan Kohberger serving his sentence? Idaho Department of Corrections The Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI). The Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI). Kohberger is serving four life sentences at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna, Idaho. The maximum-security prison was opened in 1989 and has the capacity to house 535 of "Idaho's most dangerous and volatile male residents," according to the IDOC. Kohberger is one of 49 residents serving life sentences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The population is primarily comprised of close custody, administrative segregation and residents under the sentence of death," the IDOC website reads. The Idaho Maximum Security Institution is a tan building located inside a double perimeter fence that is reinforced with razor wire and an electronic detection system. The prison consists of several layers of housing operations where prisoners are placed depending on the level of risk they may pose or face. The most restrictive option is called "close custody," where inmates spend 23 hours of their day in their cells. Meanwhile, those in "protective custody" are also closely monitored and placed in areas that separate them from the general population. Public Information Officer Blake Lopez, a spokesperson for the Idaho Department of Corrections, confirmed to PEOPLE that Kohberger is "housed alone in a cell." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prison says they are "committed to fostering rehabilitation, growth and self-improvement," so they offer a variety of programs including educational classes, behavior and reintegration programs and religious and spiritual services. However, an official told ABC News that "a typical day is not typical," as every day could change depending on the behavior of the inmates. Prior to his sentencing, Kohberger awaited his trial at Latah County Jail in Moscow County, Idaho. Despite his high-profile case, Kohberger reportedly kept a low profile, per a report filed by Cpl. Brett Payne of the Moscow Police Department, who spoke with Kohberger's cellmate. The inmate said that he found a few of Kohberger's habits "annoying" but never showed any anger, except for one incident. He also said that Kohberger was highly intelligent and polite but never spoke about the murders. The inmate also recalled some of Kohbergers habits including spending "45 minutes to an hour in the shower" and washing his hands "dozens of times." Who else has served time at Idaho Maximum Security Institution? Idaho Department of Corrections (2) Chad Daybell ; An inside view of the Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI). Chad Daybell ; An inside view of the Idaho Maximum Security Institution (IMSI). As the Idaho Maximum Security Institution consists of the state's "most dangerous and the most disruptive incarcerated individuals," there are several men who have been convicted of horrific crimes residing there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to Kohberger, there are at least three other notable living criminals serving their sentences at the prison. Gerald Ross Pizzuto was sentenced to death in 1986 for the murders of four people in Idaho and Washington; Thomas Eugene Creech was also sentenced to death in 1976 for confessing to 42 murders; and Chad Daybell was sentenced to death in 2024 for killing his first wife and the two children of his second wife, Lori Vallow. Other inmates who also resided at the institution before their death or execution included Paul Ezra Rhoades, Richard Albert Leavitt, Keith Wells and James Edward Wood. Has Bryan Kohberger said anything about life in prison? Sarah A. Miller/For ProPublica/Tribune News Service via Getty Idaho Maximum Security Institution. Idaho Maximum Security Institution. Kohberger has not publicly spoken out about his guilty plea or life in prison. However, he reportedly complained to prison guards about being taunted by fellow inmates while in his own cell, per a report from the Daily Mail. "It's driving him crazy," Chris McDonough, a retired homicide detective who now works for the Cold Case Foundation, told the outlet. "The inmates are tormenting him at night and almost all hours of the day taunting him through the vents in his cell." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDonough claimed that the inmates were using the "vent system" and "kicking the doors" to psychologically "torture him." A spokesperson for the IDOC later told PEOPLE in a statement, "We are aware of Kohbergers complaints about what he considers taunting. Incarcerated individuals commonly communicate with each other in prison. "Bryan Kohberger is housed alone in a cell, and IDOC security staff maintain a safe and orderly environment for all individuals in our custody," the spokesperson added. Shortly after the report surfaced, a leaked video appeared to show Kohberger walking back and forth in his jail cell and putting an item on top of a rack. The IDOC later issued a statement about the video to say they were "aware" and "investigating the matter." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Videotaping and publicly sharing security footage is prohibited conduct and we will be reviewing all legal options, including criminal prosecution, the IDOC said. The safety and security of our staff and incarcerated population remain our top priority." According to an incident report notification obtained by PEOPLE, Kohberger filed a sexual harassment complaint about interactions he had on the first night after he was moved to the J-Block on July 30. A guard noted that he "recalls vulgar language being used and directed towards Kohberger," though he was not able to discern what was said. Kohberger reported another complaint on Aug. 4, but ultimately, prison officials said that he "feels safe to remain on tier 2 in J-Block." Read the original article on People Cyntoia Brown was convicted of first-degree murder when she was just 16 years old. In 2004, the then-teenager was being trafficked by a man named Garion L. McGlothen when she was allegedly offered money for sex by a potential client named Johnny Allen. On the night of Aug. 6, she went to his home and later shot him in the head. After she was sentenced to spend the rest of her life in prison for the shooting, Brown's case transcended the justice system to become major news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the help of grassroots efforts from celebrities and advocates, her case was widely covered by the media until Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam commuted her sentence, releasing Brown from prison at 31 years old. During an August 2021 interview with the Knoxville News Sentinel, Brown spoke about how much she treasures her freedom. I am just so thankful not only to be free now but to be able to do everything I had been dreaming of for all of those years, she said. I wanted to get out and travel the country and speak about my life, and I have been blessed to be able to do that. I have a home now, and I am just grateful for that every single day. When I wake up, my day is mine. So, where is Cyntoia Brown after being released from prison? Heres everything to know about her life today, 21 years after shooting Johnny Allen. Who is Cyntoia Brown? Paras Griffin/Getty Author Cyntoia Brown Long speaks onstage during An Evening with Cyntoia Brown at Clark Atlanta University on November 11, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. Author Cyntoia Brown Long speaks onstage during An Evening with Cyntoia Brown at Clark Atlanta University on November 11, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2004, Brown was a 16-year-old sex-trafficking victim who shot and killed 43-year-old realtor Allen after he allegedly solicited her for sex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was arrested and charged with homicide, aggravated robbery, handgun possession and criminal impersonation for the Aug. 6, 2004, crime, and the Tennessee court system ultimately tried her as an adult and sentenced her to life in prison. According to court testimony, Allen offered $150 for sex with Brown at his home in Nashville. The realtor drove her there, showed her his guns and then they got into bed together, per The Tennessean. While they were in bed, Brown claimed that Allen reached under the bed for what she thought was a gun. She subsequently shot him in the back of the head with a .40-caliber handgun, which she had in her purse. Brown consistently claimed the encounter was self-defense. How long was Cyntoia Brown in prison? Cyntoia Brown Long/Instagram Where Is Cyntoia Brown Now? Throwback pic Where Is Cyntoia Brown Now? Throwback pic Brown spent 15 years in prison after she was convicted. Rejecting her claim of self-defense, the jury found her guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree felony murder and especially aggravated robbery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was serving life in prison at Tennessee Prison for Women, but Gov. Haslam granted Brown full commutation to parole in January 2019. She was released on Aug. 7, 2019, on the condition that she complete 10 years of parole. Did Cyntoia Brown have a history of crime before her murder conviction? Paras Griffin/Getty Author Cyntoia Brown Long speaks onstage during An Evening with Cyntoia Brown at Clark Atlanta University on November 11, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. Author Cyntoia Brown Long speaks onstage during An Evening with Cyntoia Brown at Clark Atlanta University on November 11, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. Brown spent her teenage years in and out of the juvenile court system before serving 15 years at Tennessee Prison for Women, per The Tennessean. Born to a mother who experienced substance abuse, Brown was put up for adoption. She was placed with an adoptive family, but once she started getting into legal trouble as a teen, Brown was moved into state custody. She was transferred between different facilities until 2004, when she began living on the streets of Nashville. She then met McGlothen, who was often called Kut Throat, and Brown claimed he forced her into prostitution, taking the money she earned. While being trafficked, Brown said she survived multiple rapes and assaults. McGlothen was shot and killed in 2005, shortly after the death of Allen. Is Cyntoia Brown involved in prison reform today? Paras Griffin/Getty Author Cyntoia Brown Long speaks onstage during An Evening with Cyntoia Brown at Clark Atlanta University on November 11, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. Author Cyntoia Brown Long speaks onstage during An Evening with Cyntoia Brown at Clark Atlanta University on November 11, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. Since being released from prison, Brown has spent her life advocating for sex trafficking victims, kids handed juvenile life sentences and imprisoned women serving sentences like her own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While incarcerated, Brown earned her GED, an associate's degree in liberal arts and a bachelor's degree in professional studies in organizational leadership, per The New York Times. After her commutation, Brown and her husband founded the JFam Foundation and The Glitter Project to help educate kids and teens about sex trafficking. Brown also partners with Epic Girl, a Nashville nonprofit organization that partners at-risk girls with mentors in the community. In an October 2019 interview with NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt, Brown recalled her naivete about her then-boyfriend allegedly manipulating her into sex slavery, and how her experience is not a unique one. You meet these young girls who are in these situations, and they dont view themselves as being pimped, she said. They dont view their trafficker as their trafficker. They think, This is my boyfriend. And thats exactly what I thought. While speaking to Nashvilles WSMV news channel in March 2023, Brown said one of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring young girls is that she can share wisdom she wishes her younger self had known. I like spending time with them because I feel like Im with a young me, she said. So all of the things that I feel like I could tell my younger self, I could tell them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to mentoring young girls, Brown has advocated for legislative change for juvenile life sentences. During her interview with the Knoxville News Sentinel, she spoke about teenagers receiving the same sentences as adults in Tennessee and of her hope to propose legislation to limit youth sentences. If you look at my story and even some of the women I was incarcerated with, you can see that it doesn't take 51 years for someone to be rehabilitated in their life and be a productive member of society, the former inmate said. These children should have an opportunity to go before the parole board and ask for a second chance. The legislation that I want to propose would give them that opportunity. Is Cyntoia Brown married? Cyntoia Brown Long/Instagram Where Is Cyntoia Brown Now? with husband J Long Where Is Cyntoia Brown Now? with husband J Long Brown married Jamie Long, also known as J. Long, while she was in prison. He is a Christian rapper and entrepreneur, who notably performed with Pretty Ricky from 2008 to 2010, around the same time he started a home healthcare business in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Long watched the documentary Me Facing Life: Cyntoias Story in 2017, he decided to write Brown a letter and send it to her in prison. During an October 2019 interview on The Breakfast Club radio show, Long recounted feeling urged by his faith to connect with her. I felt God tell me, stop and write her," Long said. "I told her basically, God told me to tell you you're getting out of prison. Four months after the couple began corresponding via letter, Long traveled to Tennessee to meet Brown in person. "When I went in to see her, I knew right then she would be my wife," Long said on the radio show. Two years later, the pair got engaged, and they married before Brown was released. Today, they share a home in Nashville. Where is Cyntoia Brown now? Cyntoia Brown Long/Instagram Where Is Cyntoia Brown Now? Where Is Cyntoia Brown Now? Over half a decade after being released from prison, Brown is grateful to be free to live her dreams and help others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her conversation with the Knoxville News Sentinel, Brown spoke about the firsts shes experienced, and is still experiencing, after living in prison for her entire young adult life. Just last week I was in a pool for the first time since I was a kid, she shared. I went to Niagara Falls for the first time last month. Every day is just like a fairytale for me." In addition to relishing every moment of life outside of prison, Brown has committed her future to advocacy as a sort of penance for shooting Allen. She told WSMV, I have to live with that knowing theres a family out there, regardless of what happened between me and the individual that I harmed. Theres an entire family out there where I cant make that right with them. So, the only thing that I can do is try to prevent it from happening to other families. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same year she was released, Brown published a memoir titled Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System. A year later, Netflix released a documentary on her story called Murder to Mercy: The Cyntoia Brown Story. Read the original article on People The White House is working over the August recess to build momentum for a key Federal Reserve nominee the administration wants in place next month. Stephen Miran, whom President Donald Trump tapped to temporarily serve on the Federal Reserves board, has been meeting with members of the Senate Banking Committee, which will need to green-light his nomination before the full Senate can vote on confirmation. Miran met Tuesday with Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), a member of the panel, and had a call last week with Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott (R-S.C.). Miran is scheduled to have additional meetings with senators in the coming days, with invitations for one-on-ones extended to Republican members of the Banking panel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has been aggressively pushing Dr. Mirans nomination to the Federal Reserve Board, setting the stage for his quick confirmation when the Senate returns in September, said a White House official Tuesday. With the Presidents strong backing, theres clear momentum to get this done. Underscoring how big of a priority it has become for the Trump administration to seat Miran quickly, Banks said in a statement he returned to Washington Tuesday to meet with him, instead of waiting until after the Senates current weekslong break. Its so important that he is confirmed before the Federal Reserves September meeting, said Banks. Installing Miran by this time would represent a lightning-fast confirmation process for the Senate, which is in recess until Sept. 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Banks added that Miran has done a great job as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers to advance President Trumps pro-working class agenda and I look forward to voting for his confirmation ASAP. Miran, who currently serves as Trumps chief economist, was tapped to temporarily fill the vacancy created on the banks rate-setting committee by the resignation of Gov. Adriana Kugler. If confirmed, he would hold the seat until Kuglers term expires on Jan. 31, 2026. Hell be coming up for consideration at a time when multiple Senate Republicans have publicly tried to sway Trump against firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell, warning that any perception of meddling in the agencys independence would have severe consequences for the market. Trump, who has relentlessly criticized Powell and surveyed a group of Republicans last month on whether he should remove him, has nevertheless said repeatedly that he doesnt intend to fire the Fed chief, whose leadership term ends in May. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Mirans confirmation would give Trump a close political ally at the central bank, which is designed to be insulated from short-term political pressure and questions about Mirans links to Trump are all but guaranteed to come up as the Senate debates the nomination. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the top Democrat on the Banking Committee, vowed to have tough questions for Miran about whether he'd serve the American people as an independent voice at the Fed or merely serve Donald Trump. Yet as long as Republicans on the panel stick together, they would be able to advance Mirans nomination over opposition from Democrats. Republicans can lose three of their own members on the floor and still let Vice President JD Vance break a tie. Miran is likely preparing for the line of inquiry. Though he haspreviously called for overhauling the structure of the Federal Reserve, he told CNBC in an interview earlier this month that "I've always been clear that the independence of the Fed is of paramount importance. Victoria Guida contributed to this report. In a major step toward ending the years-long war, Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt made the announcement during Tuesday's press briefing. She clarified that "if necessary" there could be a trilateral meeting involving the U.S. after Putin and Zelenskyy meet. "President Trump spoke with President Putin by phone, and he agreed to begin the next phase of the peace process, a meeting between President Putin and President Zelenskyy, which would be followed, if necessary, by a trilateral meeting between President Putin, President Zelensky and President Trump," Leavitt said on Tuesday. Leavitt said that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would "continue to coordinate with Russia and Ukraine to make this happen as soon as possible," and added later, "I can assure you that the United States government and the Trump administration is working with both Russia and Ukraine to make that bilateral happen as we speak." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 5 Key Moments Inside Trumps Big Day With Zelenskyy, European Leaders The announcement comes just one day after Zelenskyy and several European leaders gathered at the White House to debrief following Trump's high-stakes summit with Putin in Alaska. Leavitt highlighted European leaders' praise for Trump following the Alaska and D.C. summits. "I think in the past two weeks, weve probably had more progress in ending this war than we have in the past three-and-a-half years," Finnish President Alexander Stubb said. Read On The Fox News App U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the sentiment and acknowledged that for three-and-a-half years "nobody has been able to bring it to this point." President Donald Trump and European leaders gather for a multilateral meeting in the White House on Aug. 18, 2025. Trump Calls White House Talks 'Very Good, Early Step' Toward Russia-ukraine Peace: Here's What's Next Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte thanked Trump and credited the president for breaking a "deadlock" when it comes to getting Putin to the table. Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also praised Trump's peace efforts. While the European leaders focused on Trump's ability to bring an end to the war, Putin made a statement on how the brutal conflict began. President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin as he arrives at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on Aug. 15, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. During a joint press conference on Friday after their meeting, Putin confirmed something that Trump has insisted for nearly four years Russia would not have invaded Ukraine had Trump not lost the 2020 election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I can confirm that," Putin said at the end of the presser. This statement left many, including FOX News' Jacqui Heinrich, wondering what Trump planned to do to ensure Ukraine's security beyond 2028. Heinrich posed the question to Leavitt, who said that Trump "understands the need" for long-term security guarantees, citing his talks with European leaders and NATO following the Alaska summit. Original article source: White House announces Putin agreed to bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The White House is mapping out next steps to end the war in Ukraine after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders joined President Trump for high-stakes talks Monday. President Trump is casting himself as the broker of peace between Ukraine and Russia but after Mondays meeting at the White House questions remain. President Trump says hes confident he can strike a deal with Russia to end the fighting in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im optimistic we can reach an agreement that would deter future aggression against Ukraine, said Trump. On Monday, Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders to the White House. The talks followed his face-to-face summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin last Friday. Were all working for the same goal: very simple goal we want to stop the killing, said Trump. Ukraine and European allies are pushing for a deal that includes strong security guarantees to prevent another Russian invasion in the future. The security in Ukraine depends on the United States, said Zelenskyy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although President Trump dropped his earlier demand for an immediate ceasefire, Germanys chancellor, Friedrich Merz, says it must remain part of any peace effort. I cant imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire. So, lets work on that, and lets try to put pressure on Russia, said Merz. U.S. and European officials continue to insist that Ukraines territorial integrity must be respected. Right now, Russia has taken about 20% of Ukraines land and that remains one of the biggest sticking points in negotiations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. The U.S. isnt interested in open-ended funding for Ukraine amid ongoing peace talks to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, according to the White House. President Donald Trump, who ruled out sending U.S. troops on the ground to support Ukraine, is very "sensitive to the needs of the American taxpayer," according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. "He made it very clear that we're not going to continue writing blank checks to fund a war very far away, which is why he came up with a very creative solution to have NATO purchase American weaponry, because it is the best in the world, and then to backfill the needs of the Ukrainian army and the Ukrainian people in their military," Leavitt told reporters Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump: Europe Will Take A Lot Of The Burden In Providing Security Guarantees For Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump shake hands during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Aug. 18, 2025. "So that's the solution the president has come up with. We'll continue to see that forward," Leavitt said. "As for any additional sales, I'll have to refer you to the Department of Defense." Congress has passed several pieces of legislation to support Ukraine, totaling at least $175 billion in spending to aid it since February 2022, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. Read On The Fox News App Trump Calls White House Talks 'Very Good, Early Step' Toward Russia-ukraine Peace: Here's What's Next President Donald Trump and other European leaders pose for a "family photo" amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, at the White House in Washington, Aug. 18, 2025. Meanwhile, Trump approved a deal in July allowing European allies to purchase U.S. weapons, like Patriot missile defense systems, for Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administrations defense budget proposal did not allocate any funding to purchase weapons for Ukraine, nor did the House defense appropriations bill passed in July. Even so, the Senate's version of the measure that the upper chamber is slated to consider later in 2025 includes $800 million toward the program. Leavitts comments echo ones made by Vice President JD Vance, who said Aug. 10 following meetings with European officials in the U.K. that he communicated to European leaders that the U.S. is "done with the funding of the Ukraine war business," and that European allies must take one greater responsibility in ending the conflict. Trump Offers Assurance Of No Us Troops In Ukraine, Believes Putin-zelenskyy Meeting Will Happen Vice President JD Vance speaks with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during a meeting at Chevening House Aug. 8, 2025, in Sevenoaks, England. "What we said to Europeans is simply, first of all, this is in your neck of the woods, this is in your back door," Vance said in an interview with Fox News. "You guys have got to step up and take a bigger role in this thing, and if you care so much about this conflict you should be willing to play a more direct and a more substantial way in funding this war yourself." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders at the White House, where they discussed various security measures to prevent Russian aggression against Ukraine again. However, Trump said Tuesday that sending U.S. troops to Ukraine to beef up security in the region was off the table. "The president has definitively stated, U.S. boots will not be on the ground in Ukraine, but we can certainly help in the coordination and perhaps provide other means of security guarantees to our European allies," Leavitt said. "The president understands security guarantees are crucially important to ensure a lasting peace, and he has directed his national security team to coordinate with our friends in Europe, and also to continue to cooperate and discuss these matters with Ukraine and Russia as well." Original article source: White House rejects blank checks for Ukraine, presses NATO to shoulder costs White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt has said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has agreed to a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Source: Karoline Leavitt at a briefing on Tuesday, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "The president [Donald Trump ed.] has always said that there are areas of disagreement in this war that will have to be discussed and decided upon by these two countries. And so he wants these two countries to engage in direct diplomacy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Details: Leavitt stated that in their conversations with Trump, both the Ukrainian and Russian leaders have "expressed a willingness to sit down with each other, and so our national security team will help both countries do that". Asked whether Putin had confirmed his readiness to hold a bilateral meeting with Zelenskyy to Trump, Leavitt said he had. Quote: "It was an idea that evolved in the course of the president's conversations with both President Putin, President Zelenskyy and the European leaders yesterday. And as you saw, with all of those European leaders leaving the White House, including the NATO secretary general, they all agree that this is a great first step." [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president ed.] Background: Trump said on Monday after speaking to Putin that he is working on arranging talks between Putin and Zelenskyy. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that Russia has no objection to either a bilateral or a trilateral format to resolve its war against Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the White House said on Tuesday. Asked repeatedly whether Putin had committed to a direct meeting in the coming weeks, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt replied: "He has." Leavitt had previously responded evasively to questions on the subject, declining to comment on possible locations for a bilateral meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She emphasized that only US President Donald Trump knew of Putin's willingness, because he had spoken to him on the phone himself on Monday. When pressed on whether Putin had actually agreed to a bilateral meeting, Leavitt initially stated: "I can assure you that the United States government and the Trump administration is working with both Russia and Ukraine to make that bilateral happen as we speak." Only after further questioning did she give a clear answer. Trump is pushing for a solution to the war in Ukraine and has hosted a series of meetings in recent days - first in Alaska with Putin on Friday, then in Washington with Zelensky and then other European leaders as well on Monday. The plans include arranging a Putin-Zelensky meeting within the next two weeks, followed by a trilateral summit with Trump to discuss the conditions for ending the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the tone from Moscow has been more cautious. Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on state television on Tuesday that Moscow is, in principle, open to any format for talks "But all contacts involving the heads of state must be prepared with the utmost care," he added. Russia has previously used this reasoning to reject Zelensky's calls for a quick meeting with Putin. According to Moscow, lower-level delegations must first negotiate an agreement. The White House launched a TikTok account on Tuesday, as President Donald Trump continues to permit the Chinese-owned platform to operate in the United States despite a law requiring its sale. "America we are BACK! What's up TikTok?" read a caption on the account's first post on the popular video sharing app, a 27-second clip. The account had about 4,500 followers an hour after posting the video. Trump's personal account on TikTok meanwhile has 110.1 million followers, though his last post was on November 5, 2024 -- Election Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TikTok is owned by China-based internet company ByteDance. A federal law requiring TikTok's sale or ban on national security grounds was due to take effect the day before Trump's inauguration on January 20. But the Republican, whose 2024 election campaign relied heavily on social media and who has said he is fond of TikTok, put the ban on pause. In mid-June Trump extended a deadline for the popular video-sharing app by another 90 days to find a non-Chinese buyer or be banned in the United States. That extension is due to expire in mid-September. While Trump had long supported a ban or divestment, he reversed his position and vowed to defend the platform -- which boasts almost two billion global users -- after coming to believe it helped him win young voters' support in the November election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's official account on X, formerly Twitter, has 108.5 million followers -- though his favored social media outlet is Truth Social, which he owns, where he has 10.6 million followers. The official White House accounts on X and Instagram have 2.4 million and 9.3 million followers, respectively. des/st (The Center Square) More than a week after President Donald Trump declared Liberation Day in Washington, D.C., his administration is touting the operation as a success as more Republican governors commit National Guard troops. At the direction of POTUS, our nations capital is a SAFER place and we are just getting started, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted to X. The attorney general said that since the operation began on Aug. 11, law enforcement officials have made 465 arrests, adding that nearly half of the arrests have occurred in the high-crime areas of the district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The D.C. Police Union has calculated major decreases in crimes since Liberation Day, including 83% drops in carjackings, 46% decreases in robberies, 22% drops in violent crime, 21% decreases in car theft, and 6% drops in property crime. The group adds that there has been an 8% reduction in crime overall. The group argues for a long-term solution that would require repealing the misguided Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Act to make these changes permanent. The figures come on the heels of Republican governors announcing deployments of additional National Guardsmen to the district. Trump initially announced that 800 National Guardsmen from D.C. would be deployed to patrol the district streets. Now, governors from Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee will send more than 1,100 guardsmen to the district. To be sure, the federal government will be flipping the bill for the deployments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a Tuesday afternoon White House briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that there is currently no timeline for how long the National Guard may be deployed to the district. More unknowns remain; specifically, how much taxpayers can expect to dole out for the deployment of troops. We wont know the cost until the mission concludes. We have nothing more to provide currently, a defense official told The Center Square. Lodging per diem rates for the District of Columbia are $183 per night and $92 a day for meals and incidentals. Using those figures, it would cost taxpayers roughly $11 million to house approximately 2,000 troops for 30 days and over $5 million for food and incidentals. For reference, following the 2021 U.S. Capitol riots, 26,000 National Guard troops were deployed to the nations capital, and the U.S. military secured nearly $500 million to cover the costs. All remaining troops, which were significantly reduced by March 2021, were eventually withdrawn by May 2021. Following a successful year for Starship in 2024, SpaceX has endured a series of relative disappointments for the world's largest rocket in 2025. Starship's first three test flights of the year, from January through May, all ended with the spacecraft exploding in dramatic fashion while traveling through the air. Those setbacks were followed in June by the fiery destruction of another Starship vehicle as the rocket company founded by billionaire Elon Musk readied it for ground testing at its South Texas facility. These failures followed on the heels of a year of firsts, when SpaceX launched Starship four times and achieved new milestones each flight. These accomplishments included flying three consecutive times halfway around the world before splashing down as planned in the Indian Ocean, and, in October, the first of three successful returns of the Super Heavy rocket booster to the launch pad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But what might appear as letdowns are still learning experiences that SpaceX has long insisted can provide data on how to improve a spacecraft that will have a crucial role in the future of U.S. spaceflight. Still, that doesn't mean SpaceX isn't obligated to figure out what went wrong. "Every lesson learned, through both flight and ground testing, continues to feed directly into designs for the next generation of Starship and Super Heavy," SpaceX said in August on its website in revealing the findings of its investigations into the last two fiery mishaps. Here's everything to know about SpaceX's report on Starship "flight 9" on May 27 and the June 18 destruction of another upper stage vehicle, as well as how the company is making changes ahead of "flight 10." Commercial spaceflight: Trump signs order that could ease regulations on SpaceX's Starbase operations in Texas When is the next Starship launch? SpaceX plans to conduct the 10th flight test of its Starship spacecraft Sunday, Aug. 24, with a target liftoff time of 6:30 p.m. CT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX conducts Starship test flights from the company's Starbase headquarters in South Texas, located about 23 miles from Brownsville and about 180 miles south of Corpus Christi. Texas voters in Cameron County approved a measure in May for Starbase to become a city, complete with a mayor and a city council. What happened when Starship exploded? Starship's upcoming flight test was previously delayed June 18 when the Starship vehicle SpaceX assigned to the next flight, designated Ship 36, unexpectedly exploded while SpaceX was preparing it for launch. No one was hurt in the incident, which occurred as the Starship spacecraft was standing alone on the test stand being filled with cryogenic propellants for an engine test-firing prior to being mounted on top of the rocket booster. The mishap, which SpaceX later referred to on its website as "a sudden energetic event," completely destroyed the spacecraft and ignited several fires that caused damage in the area surrounding the test stand. The explosion was the latest fiery mishap SpaceX's Starship has encountered during and, now, prior to its flight tests in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starship's most recent demonstration came May 27 when the spacecraft spun out of control roughly halfway through its flight and disintegrated in a fireball. Though Starship was unable to achieve its most important objectives, the distance the vehicle traveled far surpassed the previous 2025 flights in January and March, when Starship exploded within minutes. Why does Starship keep exploding? SpaceX releases report SpaceX had previously released findings into the first two Starship explosions in January and March. Now, the company has unveiled the results of investigations for the two most recent mishaps, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration, which licenses commercial rocket launches. The May 27 mission got off to a positive start, with the successful first-ever launch of a rocket booster known as Super Heavy that had flown during a previous flight in January. Reusing a booster was an important milestone for SpaceX to demonstrate that the rocket can be flown multiple times. But rather than making a controlled splashdown as planned, the booster came apart in the air and plummeted into the Gulf of Mexico, which the U.S. government has renamed as the Gulf of America. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SpaceX attributed the crash to a structural failure to the boosters fuel transfer tube, which resulted in methane and liquid oxygen mixing and igniting. Starships ninth flight test and subsequent vehicle test campaign carried reminders: success comes from what we learn, and even the harshest lessons offer opportunity. A technical summary of the investigations from Flight 9 and the Ship 36 static fire anomaly can be found here pic.twitter.com/aeHtu7Nmcu SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 15, 2025 The vehicle's upper stage known simply as Starship, or Ship managed to separate from the booster and fire its six Raptor engines to propel itself on a trajectory taking it into suborbital space as it soared around the world. But contact with Starship was lost approximately 46 minutes into the flight as it spun out of control and once again came apart over the Indian Ocean. SpaceX traced the failure to the main fuel tank pressurization system diffuser, located on the forward dome of Starship's primary methane tank. Other issues with the nosecone prevented Starship from deploying eight test Starlink satellites. As for the June explosion, SpaceX said it was caused by undetected damage to a high-pressure nitrogen storage tank inside Starship's payload bay section, called a composite overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the FAA said it "oversaw and accepted" SpaceX's findings and gave it the greenlight to proceed with its next Starship launch. "SpaceX identified corrective actions to prevent a reoccurrence of the event.," the FAA said. What is Starship? SpaceX rocket to fly to moon, Mars SpaceX's Super Heavy booster is seen TMonday, May 26 on the launch pad, with Starship atop as it is prepared for its ninth mission targeted for May 27 from the company's Starbase launchpad on an uncrewed test flight. But when it comes to Starship's development, SpaceX has become known for its risk-tolerant philosophy. Musk has stressed that rapid and frequent testing that sometimes leads to explosive ends can still provide data that helps engineers improve the vehicle's design. SpaceX is developing Starship to be a fully reusable transportation system, meaning both the rocket and vehicle can return to the ground for additional missions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the years ahead, Starship is set to serve a pivotal role in future U.S. spaceflight. Starship is the centerpiece of Musk's vision of sending the first humans to Mars, and is also critical in NASA's plans to return astronauts to the moon's surface. But the next-generation spacecraft has yet to reach orbit on any of its nine uncrewed flight tests, which began in 2023. SpaceX received key regulatory approval earlier in 2025 to conduct up to 25 Starship tests a year, after which Musk took to social media in late May to proclaim that the vehicle's next three launches would occur much faster than normal at a cadence of one "every 3 to 4 weeks." How big is Starship? The Starship, standing nearly 400 feet tall when fully stacked, is regarded as the worlds largest and most powerful launch vehicle ever developed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When fully integrated, the launch system is composed of both a 232-foot Super Heavy rocket and the 171-foot upper stage Starship itself, the spacecraft where crew and cargo would ride. That size makes Starship large enough to tower over SpaceX's famous 230-foot-tall Falcon 9 one of the world's most active rockets. Super Heavy alone is powered by 33 of SpaceXs Raptor engines that give the initial burst of thrust at liftoff. The upper stage Starship section is powered by six Raptor engines that will ultimately travel in orbit. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: We know why Starship exploded last 2 times. Here's what SpaceX found An Arizona lawmaker who shared the whereabouts of federal immigration officers on social media sparked a national debate, but First Amendment attorneys said what she did was legal. Yes, the public has a right to post about what law enforcement is doing, said Gregg Leslie and James Weinstein, attorneys at Arizona State University's First Amendment Clinic. "The public has a right to report on publicly observable events or data about a law enforcement's official duties," Weinstein said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where actions can become illegal, he said, is if a person starts to physically interfere or obstruct an officer from their work. The dispute in Arizona comes after a right-wing social media account called "Libs of TikTok" called out state Sen. Analise Ortiz, a Democrat, for posting the location of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The account accused Ortiz of "actively impeding and doxxing" the agents' efforts and said she should be charged. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Ortiz was "siding with vicious cartels," endangering agents and weakening national security. "This certainly looks like obstruction of justice," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the notion that Ortiz's speech isn't protected or obstructs justice is just "absolutely irresponsible and lawless," Weinstein told The Republic. "I think it would be a very odd definition of interfering with law enforcement to say something (Ortiz) saw in the street that she feels is illegal activity by the government, she still has an obligation to keep quiet," Leslie said. It's similar to apps that alert drivers when speeding cameras or red-light cameras are ahead, Leslie and Weinstein said. The exceptions would be if Ortiz had physically blocked or stopped ICE agents from their duties or if she had illegally obtained the information, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you were working as a file clerk in ICE and you saw a list where the next raids would be and you posted that, that could be a crime," Weinstein said. Who is Kelly Yu? What to know about longtime Peoria restaurant owner facing deportation But if Ortiz hadn't played a role in the theft and instead got the information from someone else who obtained it illegally, her speech would still be protected, Weinstein said. The First Amendment protects the disclosure of illegally intercepted information, according to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on the 2000 case Bartnicki v. Hopper. A union negotiator and union president's phone call had been wiretapped by an unidentified source and leaked to a radio station, which aired the call. The union sued the radio station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the court said, "a stranger's illegal conduct does not suffice to remove the First Amendment shield from speech about a matter of public concern." Reporting ICE agents' publicly observable duties is "by defintion, public concern," Weinstein said, but without evidence or reason to think Ortiz came by the information illegally, he questioned the need for an investigation. Nonetheless, Sen. President Warren Petersen, a Republican running for attorney general in 2026, called for a federal investigation of Ortiz. Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller, a Republican, volunteered to conduct the investigation. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes condemned Petersen and Miller, saying Ortiz's posts were protected by the First Amendment. She also suggested an investigation could run afoul of Arizona's anti-SLAPP law, meant to clamp down on strategic lawsuits against public participation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ortiz could assert the anti-SLAPP law as a defense if Miller were to investigate and prosecute her, Leslie said. A judge would then have to decide if Miller was trying to suppress Ortiz's protected free speech. A federal investigation of Ortiz would be conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice or the FBI. The DOJ declined to comment when The Arizona Republic questioned whether Ortiz was under investigation, citing a policy to neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation. The FBI had no comment when contacted by the Republic. Taylor Seely is a First Amendment Reporting Fellow at The Arizona Republic / azcentral.com. Do you have a story about the government infringing on your First Amendment rights? Reach her at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or by phone at 480-476-6116. Seely's role is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How the First Amendment protects Sen. Ortizs ICE posts Manas Kumar* has been abandoned on a cargo ship in Ukrainian waters since April. The Indian seaman was part of a crew of 14 transporting popcorn to Turkey from Moldova when the vessel was raided on 18 April, as it made its way down the Danube river which divides Ukraine and Romania. Ukraine claimed the vessel, Anka, was part of Russia's "shadow" fleet, which it said was being used to sell "looted" Ukrainian grain to third countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Mr Kumar, who is Anka's chief officer, said that the vessel was running under the flag of Tanzania and was managed by a Turkish company. But exactly who owns the ship is not clear from the papers provided by the crew, made up of Mr Kumar, five other Indian nationals, as well as two Azerbaijanis and six Egyptians. All are still on board, five months later - despite Ukrainian authorities informing them they were free to leave as they were not under investigation, Mr Kumar said. The problem is disembarking means the crew losing their salaries - amounting to $102,828 by June all together, according to a joint database of abandoned ships maintained by International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC has reached out to the ship's management and owners on details provided by the crew. Mr Kumar says that the crew was not aware of the ship's past at the time of taking the job. Now stuck in a situation far beyond their control, the crew wants a quick resolution. He says the owner and Indian shipping officials keep asking us for one more day to resolve the crisis but nothing promising has come out yet. "This is a war zone. All we want is to return home quickly," he told the BBC. India is the second-largest supplier of sailors and crew of commercial ships globally. But it also tops the list of crew members known as "abandoned seafarers" - a term used by 2006 Maritime Labour Convention to describe the situation when shipowners sever ties with the crew and fail to provide them for repatriation, regular provisions and wages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), which represents seafarers globally, there were 3,133 abandoned sailors across 312 ships in 2024 - of which Indian nationals accounted for 899. For many, leaving the ship without a salary is not possible - especially if they have already paid hefty sums to agents for landing the job or for acquiring training certifications, Mohammad Gulam Ansari, a former seafarer who helps repatriate Indian crew from other parts of the world, tells the BBC. Crew members of Nirvana vessel cooking food on the ship [BBC] The most significant reason for abandonment is the widespread practice of registering ships - called flags of convenience - in countries that have weak shipping rules, according to ITF. International maritime rules allow a ship to be registered or flagged in a country different from its owners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A country can set up a ship registry and charge fees to shipowners, while having reduced standards for crew safety and welfare and often failing to live up to the responsibilities of a genuine flag state," the ITF website states. This system, the group says, also obscures the identity of the real owner, which helps dubious owners ply ships. ITF data shows that in 2024, around 90% of the abandoned vessels sailed under a flag of convenience. But complications arise also because of the globalised nature of the shipping industry, with owners, managers, flags and crews of the ship often coming from different countries, industry observers say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On 9 January 2025, Captain Amitabh Chaudhary* was steering a cargo vessel from Iraq to the United Arab Emirates when bad weather forced him to make a slight detour. Minutes later, Tanzania-flagged Stratos vessel hit rocks underneath and damaged its oil-laden tank, forcing an unplanned stall near Saudi Arabia's Jubail port. The crew - including nine Indians and one Iraqi - made several attempts to float it again but they failed. Stuck, they waited there for help for nearly six months before the ship was refloated. The ship's Iraqi owner, meanwhile, refused to pay their salaries citing losses incurred due to the stalled vessel, Mr Chaudhary told the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The BBC reached out to the owners of the ship for a response to these allegations but they didn't respond. Crew members of Nirvana vessel were repatriated after months at the sea but continue to wait for their salaries [BBC/ITF] Seafarers often blame India's maritime regulator, Directorate General (DG) of Shipping - which is tasked with verifying the credentials of ships, their owners and recruitment and placement agencies - for lax scrutiny of stakeholders. The DG Shipping didn't respond to a request for comment. Others, however, point out that even the crew needs to be more vigilant. "When you are hired, you get enough time to inform the DG Shipping [about any discrepancies in your contract]," said Sushil Deorukhkar, an ITF representative working for the welfare of the seafarers. "Once you sign the papers, you are stuck and have to knock on every door for resolution." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Things can get complicated even for the crew on Indian-owned ships operating within the country's waters for a variety of reasons. Captain Prabjeet Singh was employed on Nirvana, an Indian-owned, Curacao-flagged oil tanker, with 22 other Indian crew members. It had recently been sold to a new owner, who wanted it decommissioned, and their salary was under dispute between the new and old owners. In early April, Mr Singh was taking it to a port in western India's Gujarat state for dismantling when an Indian court ordered its seizure "for non-payment of crew", according to the ILO-IMO database. A happy crew aboard the Stratos vessel after it was refloated in May, following months of being stranded at sea [BBC] Within days, the crew realised they were abandoned, Mr Singh said. "We were without adequate food and provisions. The ship had run out of diesel and was in complete blackout," Mr Singh told the BBC. "We were forced to break and burn the ship's wood to cook food." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hired in October 2024, Mr Singh had hoped to earn a decent living with this job, and that is why leaving the ship without salary was not a viable option for him. The crew could finally disembark on 7 July after a court-ordered settlement. But the crew's wages remain unpaid despite the court order, according to the ILO-IMO database. Back in the Gulf, the crew of Stratos said their biggest fear was that the hole in the ship's bottom would sink it. But the immediate challenge, they found, was hunger. "For days, we had to eat only rice or potatoes because there were no supplies," Mr Chaudhary told the BBC last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After nearly six months, the crew finally managed to float the ship back - but the accident had left its rudder damaged, making it unfit to sail. The crew are still at the ship waiting for their salaries to be paid. "We are still at the same place in the same situation. The mind has stopped working, can't think what [more] we should do," Mr Chaudhary said. "Can we get some help? We just want to go home and meet our loved ones." *Some names have been changed to protect identity Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X and Facebook Las Vegas Army veteran Earvin James Sr. never pictured himself in a Las Vegas food pantry. But with a fixed income and rising grocery prices, he had no choice. "Because you go to these stores now, a pack of toilet tissue costs you $8, and it used to be $5 for a 12-pack," James told CBS News. "Everything is going up in this country except helping out the senior citizens." Most of the food at the Helping Hands of Vegas Valley food pantry comes from the Three Square food bank, a nonprofit that supplies nearly every major food pantry in Southern Nevada. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We're already hearing from our partners that they're feeling the strain of rising demand, more people coming in the door needing help," said Beth Martino, president and CEO of Three Square. President Trump's recently passed tax and spending plan, the "big, beautiful bill," significantly changes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, formerly known as food stamps. States will pick up much more of the SNAP costs, and there are new, stricter requirements for recipients. "In a state like Nevada, we have very few options to raise more revenue to meet the financial demands of a program like SNAP and Medicaid," Martino said. "So the future for a lot of those people is very uncertain." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warehouse at Three Square felt the pinch in June when it had to contend with smaller food pallets. "We were facing a real crisis with not having enough food on our shelves to meet the need," Martino said. According to an analysis in May from Three Square, about one in seven residents in Southern Nevada is food insecure, meaning they do not know where their next meal is coming from. This year, child hunger rose to 22% in the region that Three Square serves, up from 18% in 2024, according to nonprofit's data. "It was very difficult to ask for assistance," said Clara Blackwell, a volunteer at Helping Hands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blackwell knows the courage it takes to walk into the pantry and ask for help. Her husband, son and granddaughter all died within weeks of each other. On a fixed income, she now volunteers here to help others find what kept her afloat. "Lately, I've seen a lot of people coming here," Blackwell said. "They have no choice. They have no choice at all. I said, 'Well, you know what? Come reach out and see what you can get.'" Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan on the Trump-Putin summit, sanctions and more Laufey on creating her own sound A robotics activist's remarkable crusade Growing up in Camden, Jorge Maldonado often saw his family rely on charitable organizations for help when they were going through rough financial times. Maldonados family moved from Puerto Rico in the mid 1990s for a better life. Cutting hair was one of the skills he developed over the years. Knowing how important it was for me to look good, transferred over into feeling good ... and being confident about myself he said. Jorge Maldonado, right, and a local police officer, left, at one of Barbernado's Barber Lounge past back-to-school events. He also felt a strong connection to the community who embraced him and his family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When he opened his barbershop, Barbernados Barber Lounge more than a decade ago, he realized he could use his skills as a barber to unburden parents of the cost of a back-to-school haircut. People are just struggling to get to the point where they can afford uniforms, school supplies, haircuts, the 37-year-old parent three said. So, they make their kids wait even longer for haircuts to spread out as much of their finances as possible. Its kind of my duty to do my part, said Maldonado, who recruits his wife, Victoria, his 19-year-old son, 15- and 13-year-old daughters, to help. Thats why for the past 11 years, Maldonado has organized a community event at his barber shop dedicated to giving kids free haircuts and back-to-school supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This years event takes place on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at Barbernados on 2649 Westfield Ave. On top of school-supply giveaways and free haircuts, kids can jump around in inflatable bounce house, munch on some lunchtime eats, and sway to music mixed live by DJ Tito, Maldonado said. Earlier this month, the Camden City Council passed a resolution recognizing and commending Maldonado and his barbershop staff for service to the community. Its a way to continuously give back and keep myself humble and remembering where I came from, too, Maldonado said. Barbernado's Barbering Lounge to host it's annual back-to-school event on Wednesday. Thanks to community partnerships, volunteers, first responders, and sponsorships with local businesses and officials, Maldonado expects to host around 200 kids, many of which will get their hair trimmed or cut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four years ago, Maldonado told one of his regulars, Rene Ines Fores, to bring his younger daughters, now ages 11 and 7, to the event. Theyve been attending ever since. It helps with the budget, said the Blackwood resident, who also likes that his daughters get to say hello to the local firefighters who talk about fire prevention. Barbernado's Barber Lounge 11th annual community event will take place Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Westfield Avenue. Camden Fire Department Chief Jesse Flax said the event and other events like it are great ways to meet community members like Ines Fores. It shows that we are part of the community, the fire chief said. For Maldonado, community became more central Barbernados mission as he continued to host the annual event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It became more important to him to expose local children to the community coming together and doing stuff together for the betterment of other people, he said. Amira Sweilem may be reached at asweilem@njadvancemedia.com. Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom. Russia has occupied a fifth of Ukrainian territory - and a big map showing the area shaded in red was put up in the Oval Office as if to emphasise that point for President Donald Trump's talks with Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday. "I assume you've all seen the map," Trump told Fox News on Tuesday. "A big chunk of territory is taken and that territory has been taken." The message from the White House to Ukraine is unmistakable. That land has gone and it is time to consider a territorial compromise with Vladimir Putin or, as some have termed it, land swaps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky's team had brought their own map to the meeting and the Ukrainian leader said later he had been "fighting with what is on that map" during his conversation with Trump, regarding "who controls what not by hearsay, but in reality". Although he felt he had made some headway on correcting any false impressions, by Tuesday Trump's view was the same. It was clear, he said, that Russia's force was "so clearly much more powerful, and you know, it's not like they've stopped". Asked what the feeling was like in the room with European leaders regarding land swaps he said: "Now they're talking about Donbas, but Donbas right now is... 79% owned and controlled by Russia." Read more: Tracking the war in Ukraine with maps Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before the war began in the east in 2014, Ukraine's wealthy mining region of Donbas made up about 16% of Ukraine's economic output. Putin is reported to have told Trump he wants the whole Donbas region as part of a broad peace deal. It would certainly save Russia's leader a considerable amount of blood and treasure. A close-up shows the percentages of territory under Russian control according to the US [BBC] Zelensky said he had also argued about the percentages on the White House map that showed Russian control in a number of Ukrainian regions, ranging from 99% of Luhansk and 76% of Donetsk in Donbas; 73% of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson in the south-east; 4% in Kharkiv in the north-east; and 1% in Sumy and Mykolaiv. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Analysis of latest data from the US-based Institute for the Study of War has resulted in similar figures to the White House, and any differences could be down to different methodology used, especially over the extent of Russian control of an area. Part could be under limited control or merely claimed by Moscow. In areas where the White House suggests 1% of a region is under Russian control, that may reflect only that the Russians have some limited presence, as in Mykolaiv in the south, or where they have largely been repelled, as in Sumy in the north. Whatever the real figure for Russian control in Donetsk, the fortress cities of Kramatorsk and neighbouring Slovyansk in Donetsk region are still home to large populations. Local officials say about 242,000 people live in Ukrainian-controlled areas of Donetsk region, and no Ukrainian head of state would consider handing their territory to Moscow. [BBC] Although Russian forces have made advances in recent months, ISW estimates that seizing the remainder of the Donetsk region would "very likely take Russian forces multiple years to complete after several difficult campaigns". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky said the Ukrainian map he had shown Trump showed in the past 1,000 days Russia had managed to occupy less than 1% of Ukrainian territory. Analysts from Ukraine's DeepStateUA mapping group said that translated to 5,842 sq km since November 2022. While Russia did achieve operational success during the early days of the full-scale invasion, DeepState points out a large proportion of occupied territory was then liberated. Russia has, however, made undeniable advances in the past two to three months, even if more broadly the front line has shifted little since the early months of the war. A black and white picture of Zelensky and Trump discussing the map in the Oval Office [White House] Defence analyst Konrad Muzyka, who heads Rochan Consulting, says the Russian advance has clearly accelerated in some areas of the east around Kupiansk in Kharkiv region and Kreminna in Luhansk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are seeing far more fires and the Ukrainians are not really able to deploy enough firefighters to put them out," he told the BBC. Muzyka cites a lack of Ukrainian manpower to defend a long front line but also Russia's increased use of drones targeting soldiers, their equipment and particularly their artillery. Meanwhile, Russia has recently been able to recruit 30-35,000 soldiers a month and even with the heavy losses they have sustained on the ground they have been able to build up large operational and strategic reserve forces, he says. [BBC] But Russia's rapid gains in limited areas of the east have not so far been matched elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One attempted Russian land grab 10-15km into Ukrainian-controlled territory near Dobropillya in Donetsk region was successfully fought off by Ukrainian forces last week, according to Ukraine's military leaders. And although Russia does hold some pockets of land in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions, Ukraine is still in control of an estimated 6,600 sq km of Donbas. Putin has not just laid claim to broad swathes of Ukraine, he has already annexed four regions as well as Crimea, even though many areas are out of his reach. The UK's defence intelligence update estimated recently that based just on Russia's "incremental battlefield advances so far in 2025" it would take 4.4 more years just to seize the four regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That alone explains the different perspectives of Trump and Zelensky when it comes to maps showing the 1,200km front line in Ukraine. "Thank you for the map, by the way, it was great," Zelensky told him despite their differences, "I'm thinking how to take it back." President Donald Trump last month tried to goad Sen. Chuck Grassley into ending the practice of giving deference to home-state senators in the judicial nominations process a pressure campaign that quickly escalated into an all-out social media war on the 91-year-old Judiciary Committee chair. Senator Grassley must step up, Trump said on Truth Social, noting that he got the Iowa Republican re-elected to the U.S. Senate when he was down, by a lot. It didnt work. Despite Trumps threats to rally his base against Grassley, Senate Republicans rebuffed the attempts to get their colleague to give up on so-called blue slips, which allow members of the minority party power to effectively veto nominees for U.S. attorneys and district court judges who would serve their regions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also doesnt look like their position will change heading into the fall, either, as Republicans have indicated theyll seek a rules change to speed up the confirmation process for certain Trump nominees on the Senate floor but not at the committee level. As a practical matter, the Senate's not going to give up the blue slip, said Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Judiciary Committee, in an interview. So my appeal to the president is: please reconsider. Why do we want to have this fight for nothing? It marks a rare instance where Hill Republicans have publicly broken with the president, underscoring how even Trumps most loyal allies are willing to stand up to him when it comes to protecting their institutions traditions and their own ability to exert influence back home. The Senators have a real vested interest in what happens in their states, said Mike Fragoso, a former chief counsel for nominations and constitutional law for the Senate Judiciary Committee. At the end of the day, theres probably very little support for what Trump wants within the conference." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fragoso, who also served as chief counsel for former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, argued that even Republicans wary of crossing the president now have taken advantage of the blue slip policy when Democrats held power. He added that there are relatively few bench seats in solidly Democratic states that Trump could even fill now without consent from Democrats. Ultimately, said Fragoso, the blue slips elimination would just expose future seats in reliably red states like Florida and Texas to being filled with progressive judges by future Democratic administrations and without the GOP getting much in return. Grassley has also already made changes to the blue slip practice once, in 2017, when he announced he would move forward with circuit court nominees over home state senators objections. Although Judiciary chairs over the years had not always strictly followed that precedent, Grassleys decision to consistently disregard it helped Trump see hundreds of judges confirmed during his first term in the White House. It also helped to facilitate the recent confirmation of Emil Bove to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals over objections from New Jerseys Democratic senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim. As a senior Justice Department official, Bove was accused of recommending the administration defy court orders that would interfere with Trumps immigration agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But circuit court judges are different from district court judges: They have jurisdiction that extends beyond a senator's state, while district judges and U.S. attorneys sit entirely within a given lawmakers home turf. And Republicans are finding themselves protective of maintaining control over these more localized positions as Trump is struggling to overcome Democratic roadblocks to confirming additional lower-level nominees. Most recently, a court battle has broken out over Trumps interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, after her temporary appointment expired and federal judges not the president installed a replacement. The Trump administration swiftly fired the court-selected pick and again appointed Habba, who Booker and Kim continue to oppose. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is also leveraging the blue slip process by promising to withhold support for Jay Clayton to be the top federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York effectively blocking his confirmation. Trump, losing patience, took to Truth Social in late July, calling in his post for Grassley to have the Courage to step up and abandon the blue slip SCAM as Democratic SLEAZEBAGS have an ironclad stoppage of Great Republican Candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He went on to repost a slew of messages from various users of the platform backing up Trumps calls for a blue slip boycott and directing their ire at the longest-serving senator. One person argued that Grassleys abandonment of the blue slip practice would be a fitting Swan song" for his political career, with another calling Grassley a RINO or, a Republican in Name Only. Grassley, however, was unmoved. I was offended by what the President said, he said in opening remarks at a Judiciary Committee hearing the morning after Trump's initial post. And Im disappointed that it would result in personal insults. Grassleys colleagues defended him, too, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune saying there simply was no appetite to change the practice on Capitol Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while Republicans continue to make the argument for keeping blue slips for political preservation purposes, others insist there will be political consequences for not eschewing the process. Rob Luther, who was a top administration official involved in judicial confirmations during Trumps first term, said he has long advocated for getting rid of the blue slip policy. The conservative base, Luther explained, will soon get agitated by the outstanding number of bench vacancies that cannot be filled because of obstacles imposed by Democrats. That will especially be the case, Luther said, because there are so few openings only about 50 free seats, according to the U.S. courts website. The district court blue slip issue is going to come up this term because there just arent enough vacancies, Luther said. Its in Republican interest to get rid of the blue slips because we really need to get some solid conservatives in these deep blue states, and its the only way its ever going to happen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blue slip practice also incentivizes senators to be uncooperative with their peers across the aisle, Luther said, recalling how there were significant vacancies on federal district courts during the first Trump administration because some progressive lawmakers from deep blue states were unwilling to make a deal on nominees. Grassley seems to have anticipated this could become a liability for Republicans. Before he became the subject of Trumps ire on the very subject, he began polling members of his committee to see if theyd support eliminating blue slips, Sen. Thom Tillis recently said on the Senate floor. The North Carolina Republican a member of the panel who is not seeking reelection said he told Grassley that even if the policy were to be rescinded, he would continue to honor it anyway by opposing all relevant nominees who lacked support from their home state senators. That stance would likely result in nominees being reported unfavorably out of the Judiciary Committee, setting up additional procedural roadblocks on the Senate floor a counterintuitive outcome if eliminating blue slips was designed to clear the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview, Tillis also warned of what would happen if Republicans changed the rules and then lost control of the Senate to Democrats: It just means that you will not have any control when the roles are reversed. We can't bow to pressure because of legitimate frustration in the moment, he continued. I get President Trump is frustrated. But I also understand, as somebody whos spent 10 years in this institution and 10 years on Judiciary, it would be a bad idea. And he would even regret it. It was the best day Ukraine has had in a very long time. But its still hard to see how the war unleashed by Russias brutal invasion ends any time soon. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House on Monday and, unlike last time, there wasnt a blow-up in the Oval Office. President Donald Trump offered tantalizing glimpses of how he could approach presidential greatness by saving Ukraine, securing Europe and genuinely deserving the Nobel Peace Prize. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A phalanx of European leaders who came to support Zelensky were impressive and unusually unified despite their wide ideological divergences. They took turns in on-camera remarks to try to invest Trump with a political and emotional rationale for standing with Ukraine. A historic day echoed great political gatherings that ended World War II and built the modern world. This is how the West is supposed to work, with an American president leading powerful Europeans who share common goals. But is it too good to last? It is a measure of the fracture in the transatlantic alliance and Trumps brittle temperament that avoiding disasters is seen as serious progress, especially after the presidents concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin at their unctuous summit in Alaska last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone at the remarkable meetings in the White House, Trump included, was ostentatiously doing everything to stress possibilities and to avoid specific discussions of issues that could blow the day apart. By evening, Trump was posting on social media about a potential three-way summit hed host soon that would also include Zelensky and Putin that could be preceded by a one-on-one between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said such a meeting could happen within two weeks, suggesting accelerating diplomatic momentum. Finnish President Alexander Stubb told Trump that in the past two weeks, weve probably had more progress in ending this war than we have in the past three and a half years. For once, this wasnt a foreign leader indulging in self-abasement to ingratiate themselves with a US president who craves adulation. It was the truth. It will get harder from here Mondays meetings were the most compelling sign yet that the president really means it when he says he wants to stop the killing in Ukraine. He may deserve more credit than he gets for his energy and commitment so far. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the day also served to expose the questions that will become increasingly evident in the coming weeks that could scupper Trumps push for peace and shatter Western unity in a way that would delight Putin. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaks as President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders on Monday in Washington, DC. - Alex Brandon/AP There was a lot of happy talk over the need to give Ukraine security guarantees after any peace deal. Trump even signaled hed send support from the US military. But no one has yet explained how this would work and, more importantly, what Russia would stomach as part of a deal. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni raised one proposal for a set of guarantees by Western nations modeled on NATOs Article 5 mutual defense pledge. This would be outside formal alliance structures but might work the same way. But, despite Trumps assurance after Alaska that Putin is open to security guarantees for Ukraine, this is a long shot. The Russian leader is fighting a war to crush his neighbors NATO aspirations. Why would he accept an arrangement that would offer pseudo-alliance status to Ukraine? And how strong would such guarantees be anyway? Would European nations who put troops into a Ukraine reassurance force really fight a war against Russia, to save Ukraine from a new Russian invasion? The subtext of the current war has been the anxiety of both the Biden and Trump administrations over potentially being dragged into a war with nuclear-armed Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And how would Trumps MAGA base view such a new foreign commitment? The cruel fallacy of land swaps Then theres the issue of territory. The buzzword in the presidents nascent peace process is land swaps to create a new demarcation between an expanded Russia and a newly diminished Ukraine. Trump even gave Zelensky a map, for which he was suitably grateful, as if he doesnt already realize the tough choices ahead over land soaked in Ukrainian blood. According to officials briefed on Trumps summit with Putin, the Russian leader seeks to capture land through negotiations that his troops have failed to seize, including in the economic and industrial powerhouse region of Donbas in eastern Ukraine. This area is also the line of steel, concrete and heavily defended cities that Ukraine has built to hold Russia at bay and that it would need to deter future attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The term land swap is the kind of phrase that conceals its true meaning. Ukraine would, under the Russian plan, essentially be engaging in bargaining for different parts of its own territory. Putin would get valuable strategic areas and offer, other less critical districts hes already seized elsewhere inside Ukraine. It doesnt seem much of a deal. Land swaps create epochal upheaval and seed future feuds as the Middle East shows. In this case, they would mean telling thousands of Ukrainians they have must leave home or become Russians. And Zelensky would have to explain to parents of fallen young Ukrainians why they died for territory to be given to Putin. There are some formulations that could withhold official recognition over disputed areas to postpone the critical decisions on sovereignty and freeze the war in place. This would create a situation like the one between North and South Korea or in the divided Germany during the Cold War. But these are still choices that may be impossible for Zelensky to sell to his people. This explains why Mondays discussions were surreal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think everybody is in a happy mood, and I think that is better than not being in a happy mood, I suppose, former Trump first-term national security adviser John Bolton told CNNs Anderson Cooper. I think the focus on meetings underscores the lack of substance on all this. Every major peace effort looks hopeless at the start. Sometimes the only way to push past intractable issues is to create an inner impetus. So Trumps rush to hold summits may make sense. Perhaps he can quickly drive everyone so far along the road to peace, it will be impossible to go back. But, at some point, impossible gaps must be bridged. I dont think what we are living through at this moment, where everybody seems a party to fantasy diplomacy, I dont think it is sustainable, the Wilson Centers Michael Kimmage, author of the book Collisions: The Origins of the War in Ukraine and the New Global Instability, told Richard Quest on CNN International. Trump has changed his tune on Ukraine When Trump returned to office, many supporters of Ukraine feared hed leave it to its fate. The president still balks at the kind of massive US military aid packages that saved the country after Putins vicious invasion in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Trump has now invested significant personal credibility and political capital into his push to end a war he now admits is far more complex than hed understood when he vowed to quiet the guns within 24 hours. Underscoring the point, air raid sirens wailed over Kyiv while the diplomacy got going in the White House. President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House on Monday in Washington, DC. - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images On Monday, Trump mostly restrained his temper in an Oval Office press event with Zelensky when reporters from conservative networks seemed to be goading him into an outburst. Then, he played the traditional convening role of a US president surrounded by transatlantic allies. He often treats friends like foes, but seems to have genuine respect for allied leaders. For once, he was squarely in the internationalist tradition of presidents like Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan or George H.W. Bush. Were all working for the same goal, very simple goal we want to stop the killing, get this settled, Trump said. Still appeasing Putin Several jarring moments, however, fueled concerns about Trumps true loyalties in the peace process. He was caught on a hot mic telling French President Emmanuel Macron that Putin wants to make a deal for me. This shows a dangerous naivete about a Russian leader who launched a murderous unprovoked war and is bent on reviving a myth of Russian greatness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump then suspended talks with European leaders to go off to speak to Putin on the phone. This kind of behavior was exactly why Trumps European counterparts rushed across the Atlantic at a weekends notice. Suspicion lingers about his capabilities and his commitment to Western security. Still, no one else can position himself between Zelensky and the leaders of Europe and Putin. If theres ever a peace deal, it will probably be because Trump wielded his charisma and Americas power. Its a highly unorthodox approach that may not work. Kimmage, for example, warned that Trumps strategy could shatter over its inner contradictions. Trump is trying to be all things to all people, he is meeting with Putin and welcoming him with open arms and seeming to come to some agreement. He is speaking about security commitments to Ukraine; he is praising European leaders for supporting Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are no details to what is happening. Its all promises, and the promises on the surface contradict each other. You just wonder how long President Trump can juggle all these balls. Thousands of lives depend on the answer. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Ukrainian forces still control 2,550 square miles of the eastern Ukrainian region known as the Donbas, an area roughly the size of Delaware. For many, including President Donald Trump, who met with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday at the White House, that might seem like a small price to pay for ending a war that has lasted three and a half years and killed tens of thousands of Ukrainians. After a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week, Trump appeared to shift his position on the end of the war, dropping his demand for an immediate ceasefire and telling European leaders he favored a plan that involves Ukraine ceding territory that has not yet been conquered by Russia. He has said publicly that a peace deal will require land swapping, though reports indicate Russia is only willing to swap small bits of territory in other regions. While the details of what this would involve are still murky, Putins position at the Alaska summit was reportedly that Ukraine should give up the entirety of the regions that comprise the Donbas Donetsk and Luhansk meaning the Ukrainians would be withdrawing from their current positions. The front lines in two other regions Russia has claimed Zaporizhzhia and Kherson would be frozen. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not clear exactly how much pressure Trump put on Zelenskyy to make this sacrifice when they met at the White House on Monday. Zelenskyy said that the issue of territorial concessions would be settled in a potential future three-way meeting, including Putin, and cryptically thanked Trump for the map, suggesting the issue had been discussed in some detail. Zelenskyy was also asked by a Fox News reporter if he would be willing to redraw the map rather than sending thousands more Ukrainians to their deaths. Zelenskyy deflected the question. The Financial Times reported that Zelenskyy and the European leaders compared giving away the rest of Donetsk to Trump giving away eastern Florida, an analogy the US president was struck by. But in fact, the concessions outlined in Russias latest proposal as reported could have far more profound implications for Ukraines security, and the globes, than the US administration appears to realize. It could lead to a more vulnerable, divided Ukraine as well as set a precedent that legitimizes militaries seizing territory by force. Why Ukraine wont part with the Donbas without a fight Russian troops or Russian-backed proxies have occupied parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions since 2014, and the Russian government formally annexed the regions in 2022, despite the fact that it still did not control all of them. Russian forces currently occupy all but a sliver of Luhansk and about 70 percent of Donetsk, so even foreigners sympathetic to Ukraine might wonder, as the Fox News host did, why its worth continuing to sacrifice Ukrainian lives over them. For much of the war, the official Ukrainian position was that its forces would continue to fight until every square mile of Ukrainian territory was liberated, including areas Russia had occupied since 2014. Any movement on that position would be a painful sacrifice for Ukrainians, as Olena Halushka, a Kyiv-based activist and co-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory, told Vox. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, particularly since Trump came to office, the public statements of Ukrainian officials have appeared to suggest that this might not be possible in the immediate future. And polls suggest most Ukrainians would support giving up some territory to end the war. But there are major differences between an agreement freezing the current front lines in place, and ceding territory that Russia hasnt yet won. The first difference is what the agreement would require Ukraines military to do moving forward. Though Ukraine may only control a fraction of the Donbas, that fraction is a strategically important corridor known as Ukraines fortress belt, a roughly 50-kilometer line consisting of four cities and several towns that Ukraine has spent more than a decade building into heavily fortified defensive positions. The US-based Institute for the Study of War estimates it will take Russia years to take these cities at its current rate of advance, whereas if Ukraine ceded them, they would have to build up new defensive lines in much less favorable rural terrain. Ukraine has essentially anchored its defense in Donetsk on the towns of Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, and a few other urban settlements, said Franz-Stefan Gady, an Austrian defense analyst who travels frequently to the front lines in Ukraine. From a topographical perspective, these defensive lines are quite strong. While international law, in general, has taken a beating in recent years, the norm against taking another countrys territory by force has mostly held. Despite some recent Russian successes in pushing through the Ukrainian front lines in the Donbas, Gady assesses that the Russians dont really have the manpower to engage in urban combat. So they could get a very bloody nose if they have to fight house for house for Kramatorsk or Slovyansk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump may accept Russian assurances that they have no further plans to conquer more Russian territory at face value his envoy Steve Witkoff says these assurances would be enshrined in Russian law if a peace deal is signed but Ukraine is unlikely to trust any Russian assurances. This is part of why Zelenskyy and the European leaders who visited the White House on Monday put such an emphasis on post-war security guarantees. But even with such guarantees, Ukraine will be very reluctant to agree to a settlement that leaves Russia in a far stronger position to make another attempt to push toward Kyiv. The second reason is political. Even as he has conceded that Ukraine likely does not have the military might to retake all of its territory by force, Zelenskyy has maintained that under the Ukrainian constitution, he does not have the power to give up territory or trade land. These two positions might seem irreconcilable, but theyre not. Theres precedent for agreeing to a deal that freezes territorial war in place, without conceding the other sides claims. The Korean War technically never ended, even as the Koreas have mostly avoided outright combat since the signing of an armistice agreement in 1953. Even if the Russian-occupied regions remained under de facto Russian control, Ukraine and most of the world wouldnt officially recognize that control. For most of the Cold War, the US and other Western countries did not recognize Soviet control of the three Baltic countries, which they viewed as having been illegally annexed. Similarly, the vast majority of countries do not recognize Russias annexation of Crimea, and continue to consider it part of Ukraine, though Trump has reportedly proposed de jure US recognition of Russian control as part of a peace deal and told Zelenskyy to give up on Crimea in a Truth Social post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a significant difference between pragmatically accepting military realities, and signing a treaty that grants territory to Russia that it doesnt currently control. At this point, Zelenskyy, who is not as popular as he used to be, could probably sell Ukrainians on a deal that freezes the current front lines, painful as that might be. The country could still preserve the hope that it would one day be reunited with its lost regions, just as the Baltic countries regained their de facto independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Signing away land Ukrainian troops have been defending would be another matter. The battles for Bakhmut and Avdiyivka were among the fiercest of this war, said Halushka, referring to two long sieges where the Ukrainians took heavy losses but managed to slow Russias advance through the Donbas. What was the point then? The Russians cant break us on the battlefield, so they are aiming to break our morale. The risks of formally recognizing a land grab Voluntarily signing away Ukrainian territory could have global repercussions as well. The UN Charter expressly forbids the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. While international law, in general, has taken a beating in recent years, the norm against taking another countrys territory by force has mostly held. When its been violated Iraqs attempt to annex Kuwait in 1990, or Argentinas attempt to seize the Falkland Islands in 1982, for instance those attempts have almost all failed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia was already challenging this norm with its annexation of Crimea in 2014 and support for Georgias pro-Russian separatist enclaves, but for the most part the international community held those moves to be illegitimate. In the modern era, a deal to hand over the Donbas would be an unprecedented stamp of political approval for a war of conquest. There is an important difference between de jure and de facto recognition, said Tanisha Fazal, a professor at the University of Minnesota who studies sovereignty and armed conflict. De jure recognition would accept a clear violation of the law, and explicitly accept the primacy of force over law. De facto recognition allows the law to retain at least some power in this case. Russia is hardly the only country with long-running territorial claims against its neighbors. And Fazal worries that a seal of approval for the seizure of the Donbas could set a precedent others would follow. I think about a country like Venezuela, which has laid claim to Guyanese territory, she said. My best guess is that the Venezuelan government would take official recognition of the transfer of Ukrainian territory to Russia as an encouraging sign. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinas ambitions in Taiwan also loom over this conflict. While Beijing would dispute the comparison its position is that Taiwan has long been Chinese territory and its the US that is backing local separatists Chinese leaders would no doubt welcome a US president that takes a more transactional view of these issues. For Trump, this is just another real estate deal Trump, the former real estate mogul who has spoken of the US acquiring Canada, Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Gaza, clearly takes a more transactional and fluid view of the world map than his modern predecessors. The choice of Alaska, a former Russian territory purchased by the United States in the 19th century, for last weeks summit, was interpreted by many as harking back to an era when dealmaking over sovereign territory was more common. But that was also an era when wars over territory were far more common. There are a number of possible reasons why national borders change a lot less often than they used to, but at least one reason is that the US has been consistently opposed to the forceful redrawing of international borders a remarkably consistent position across every recent presidential administration, until this one. Trump simply doesnt appreciate nationalism and the power of territory, said Monica Duffy-Toft, professor of international politics at the Fletcher School at Tufts University. He thinks this is just a land swap. He doesnt appreciate the attachment to place that many nations, many members within nations, have to particular pieces of land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has expressed his admiration for William McKinley, the president who annexed territories, including Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. A number of commentators have observed that he aims to bring back a 19th century-style world in which great powers bargain over the territory of lesser states. But what 19th century-style territorial conflict would look like in a world of ballistic missiles, drones, AI, and nuclear weapons is anyones guess. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky gave Donald Trump a letter of gratitude for his wife Melania, written by Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska, during their Oval Office meeting on Monday. Zelensky said the letter was to thank Melania for raising awareness about at least 19,500 Ukrainian children his government says have been abducted by Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Melania earlier sent Russian President Vladimir Putin her own letter imploring him to consider children, saying that "in protecting the innocence of these children, you will do more than serve Russia alone - you serve humanity". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her letter did not reference any specific children. Over the weekend, the White House shared the letter to Putin on social media. In it, Melania said every child dreamt "of love, possibility and safety from danger". "Mr Putin, you can singlehandedly restore their melodic laughter," she wrote. Answering a reporter's question about the letter on Monday, Trump said his wife, who felt very strongly, has a great love of children and "hates to see something like this happening", adding the same goes for other wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She would love to see this end, she says it very openly, very proudly, and with great sorrow because so many people have been killed," he said. Zelensky praised Melania "for her attention to one of the most painful and difficult issues of this war - the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia," adding "we deeply appreciate her compassion". "This issue lies at the heart of the war's humanitarian tragedy our children, broken families, the pain of separation." Ukraine's president continued: "Her voice matters, and her care gives strength to this cause." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian government says around 19,500 children have been deported and/or forcibly removed from their homes to Russia or Russian-occupied territories, with roughly 1,500 returned. In 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for the alleged unlawful deportation of children. Russia denies the accusation and says it has protected vulnerable children by moving them from a war zone for their own safety. The return of children is part of Ukraine's position in peace negotiations with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Monday's meeting of Zelensky, Trump and European leaders in the White House, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen said on social media: "The human cost of this war must end." "And that means every single Ukrainian child abducted by Russia must be returned to their families." She thanked Trump for "his clear commitment today to ensuring these children are reunited with their loved ones". Von der Leyen was responding to a social media post from Trump, who said missing children worldwide has been an issue of importance to Melania specifically. Speaking to the BBC in Kyiv, Valerii Krut, 72, a grandfather of four, said: "They [the Russians] abducted so many children who now have neither homeland nor parents." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "All Ukrainians feel the pain," he said. And student Sofia Muravytska, 19, said that the correspondence between the two first ladies is a sign of progress. "Ukrainian children are Ukraine's future," she added. Additional reporting by Alba Morgade in Kyiv Pupils in London are outperforming those in the rest of the country, but Labour has no credible plan to fix the problem, a leading think tank has warned. A report by the Institute for Government (IfG) warns that educational inequalities in England have grown wider and more pronounced across the country and among various demographic groups since the Covid pandemic. Despite the governments commitment to closing the disadvantage gap, the think tank warned that ministers had not yet articulated a clear vision or plan for delivering this goal. Sir Keir Starmer sitting round a table with school children (PA Wire) The announcement comes as tens of thousands of pupils across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are due to receive their GCSE results on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The average Key Stage 4 attainment rate, meaning pupils who pass English and Maths GCSE, is at 65 per cent across England. But the regional imbalance is huge, with rates as low as 40 per cent in the Merseyside village of Knowsley, and reaching 83 per cent in the affluent west London borough of Richmond upon Thames. At Key Stage 2, the end of primary school, Londons attainment of 69 per cent was eight percentage points above the national average of 61 per cent last year. Between 2019 and 2024, KS2 attainment in England fell from 65 per cent to 61 per cent, driven by steep drops in maths and writing results. Performance fell across all regions, although to a lesser extent in London a fall of 2 points. As a result, the gap in KS2 attainment between London and the rest of the country has grown by half from 6 to 9 points since the pandemic. The data also shows that the disparity in GCSE attainment between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged students has widened in most local authorities since Covid, with little progress made in closing the gap between 2019 and 2024. The government has previously promised to focus on closing gaps in outcomes between children eligible for free school meals and their more advantaged peers, as well as tackling barriers to attainment for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the government announced that an extra half a million children would benefit from a free school meal, which they said would lift 100,000 pupils out of poverty and put an extra 500 in parents pockets. But Caroline Voaden, the Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon who sits on the Commons education select committee, urged the government to go further by addressing funding disparities across the country. She told The Independent: A Camden school is paid nearly three times as much as a school in Devon for every child with additional needs on their roll. So they can afford more teaching assistants, more specialist help, better facilities, more extracurricular activities, better and healthier food, music, arts and sport specialists. Is it any wonder that children outside of London are missing out? Ms Voaden said she had raised the issue with the schools minister and had never received an adequate answer. Frankly, its a scandal that children across the country are being let down by a focus of consecutive governments on London and it has to change. Our children deserve better. James Toop, head of the education charity Teach First, warned that the pandemic had set back a generation, with disadvantaged young people paying the highest price. Worryingly, progress since then has been limited, with social and regional inequalities continuing to grow. The government must do all it can to deliver on its mission, starting by attracting and incentivising the brightest and best to teach where theyre needed most. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The IfG report suggests the disparity comes as a result of the capitals distinctive demographic mix as well as Londons draw as a place to work, meaning it's more likely to attract better-qualified staff. The think tank has said tackling high absence rates, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, will be key to narrowing educational inequalities. Recent Department for Education figures show that the number of children in England classed as severely absent, which means they missed at least 50 per cent of possible school sessions, rose to nearly 150,000 in autumn 2024. Amber Dellar, an IfG researcher and report author, said: The pandemic has undone much of the last decades progress in tackling educational inequalities, leaving some areas and groups of children far behind. The governments opportunity mission is a good starting point for narrowing the gaps but it lacks a clear vision or plan for delivering that goal in schools. Any serious plan must focus on helping schools share what works in supporting disadvantaged pupils and reducing their high rates of absence. The report also showed that areas of the country where disadvantaged pupils perform worse are more likely to have large populations of poor white children. Less than a fifth (18.6 per cent) of white British pupils eligible for free school meals achieved at least a grade 5 considered a strong pass in English and maths GCSEs in 2023-24, compared to 45.9 per cent of all state school pupils in England. A Department for Education spokesperson said: We are driving high and rising standards for every child through the expert-led Curriculum and Assessment Review, new Rise [Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence] teams and strengthened school accountability. This comes alongside work to tackle disadvantage, including expanding free school meals, rolling out free breakfast clubs and revitalising family services in every local authority. But we know there is more to do, which is why we will bring about the reforms needed through our schools white paper later this year to create an education system where every child can thrive, regardless of their background. (WJET/WFXP) One Warren County resident is now $150,000 richer after purchasing a Powerball ticket. On Tuesday, August 19, the Pennsylvania Lottery announced that a winning Powerball ticket worth $150,000 was sold online to a player in Warren County for the Monday, August 18, drawing. Warren Co. woman, breast cancer survivor wins $2 million from PA Lottery According to the announcement, the ticket matched four of the five white balls drawn, along with the red Powerball. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next Powerball drawing will be on Wednesday, August 20, with a jackpot worth an estimated $643 million. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com. Wisconsin has joined 19 other states and the District of Columbia in suing the U.S. Department of Justice over a requirement that states assist in federal immigration enforcement to receive funding for crime victims. The Victims of Crime Act, enacted by Congress in 1984, created a mechanism for distributing fines and fees collected in federal criminal cases. It does not use tax money. Those funds are distributed to states, which typically award money through a grant process to agencies and nonprofits that help victims. The money has funded victim advocates, sexual assault forensic exams, emergency shelters and reimbursed victims for medical and funeral costs, among other services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An existing shortfall in VOCA funding already had providers on edge, worried about meeting the essential needs of victims. Now, Wisconsin and other states argue the Trump administration is forcing them into an "untenable position," according to the lawsuit. IN-DEPTH COVERAGE: When money runs out but calls keep coming: Inside a rural domestic violence shelter's fight for survival "Either forfeit access to critical resources for vulnerable crime victims and their families, or accept unlawful conditions, allowing the federal government to conscript state and local officials to enforce federal immigration law and destroying trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities that is critical to preventing and responding to crime," the lawsuit says. VOCA does not contain language that authorizes the U.S. DOJ to impose such funding conditions, nor does any other federal law passed by Congress, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A media representative from the U.S. DOJ declined to comment on the lawsuit Aug. 19. Wisconsin could lose more than $24 million if it does not comply with the immigration requirements, according to the state's Department of Justice. VOCA funding is intended to be used to help victims of crime, said Attorney General Josh Kaul in a news release. It is appalling that the Trump administration is weaponizing this funding. Like Kaul, the other attorneys general who have signed on to the lawsuit are Democrats. The lawsuit was filed Aug. 18 in federal court in Rhode Island. An earlier lawsuit from nonprofit organizations, including two in Wisconsin, argued the U.S. DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women had similarly overstepped its authority when it listed new grant conditions related to immigration enforcement and "gender ideology." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those nonprofit organizations recently received a preliminary stay of those grant conditions, while the lawsuit remains pending. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Josh Kaul joins lawsuit against Trump DOJ over crime victim funds MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teams are set to arrive in Wisconsin on Thursday, August 21, to help assess damages from severe storms and flooding between August 9 and August 11. Governor Tony Evers previously announced that he would request aid from FEMA teams as part of a potential plan to get federal funding to rebuild after southeast Wisconsin and much of the state were crushed by flooding and storm damage. Map: How much of the $643M Powerball jackpot would you lose to taxes in Wisconsin? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, FEMAs Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) teams will head to the state on Thursday to assist in damage assessments around southeast Wisconsin. The recovery teams are comprised of FEMA and state officials who will interview countless individuals, including homeowners, renters and business owners, to record property damage and the impact. PDA teams will immediately begin work once arriving and continue assessments during the week, as residents are urged to cooperate. Gov. Evers added the following statement in the release. The safety and well-being of Wisconsin residents is our top priority. These severe storms have caused significant hardship, and we are committed to ensuring that those affected receive the support they need. The collaboration between state and federal agencies through this damage assessment process is critical to unlocking the resources necessary for recovery. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle thanked residents for cooperating as FEMA comes to evaluate the potential pathways to federal aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Green Bay launches major improvement project at Leicht Memorial Park This assessment is an important part of ensuring that Wisconsin receives the support it needs to recover fully from this severe weather event, Engle said in the release. The full process of a FEMA Disaster Declaration is a six-step path, and the PDA teams arrival will mark the second step. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A woman who allegedly made a home explosion device and a man were accused of plotting the womans escape from the Lafayette County Detention Center in Mississippi last Thursday. On Aug. 14, the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office received information from the detention center about a plan for an escape attempt. Christina Laureen Willis and Mark Montgomery (Lafayette County SO) After speaking to witnesses and gathering information in the investigation, they said Mark Montgomery, 48, from Greenville, Miss,. was arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Crime. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Woman arrested in MS after explosive device found in package Christina Willis, 27, of Batesville, was arrested earlier this month after allegedly making a homemade explosive device. Willis was charged with attempted murder and with planting or placing a bomb or explosive, or a weapon of mass destruction. She is now being charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Crime. On June 20, the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office received a call of a suspicious package on a victims car. The victim removed the package and gave it over to deputies once they arrived. June 23, the LCSO with the assistance of the Tupelo Bomb Squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reported that the package contained a homemade explosive device. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Aug. 4, a federal search warrant was conducted by ATF, Panola County Sheriffs Office, Tupelo Bomb Squad, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics at a residence on Highway 35 South in Panola County. Homemade explosive safely detonated in MS During their search, they said they discovered bomb-making materials, homemade high explosive substances, firearms, narcotics, and an explosive device found inside the home. The ATF will be presenting her case to a federal grand jury, and she is expected to face multiple federal charges as well. According to LCSD, Montgomery was issued a $50,000 bond on Saturday and is being held at the detention center awaiting additional federal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said Willis charges will be added to her original bond, and she is still being held for a bond hearing on her original charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. NEED TO KNOW Portia Cina was born with ichthyosis confetti, an extremely rare genetic skin condition that leaves bright red patches scattered across her body The condition causes her skin to grow and shed up to 14 times faster than average, leaving her without a full protective top layer According to the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types (FIRST), there is no cure for ichthyosis When strangers see Portia Cina, they often pause before asking the same question: Are you sunburnt? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 18yearold just smiles and shakes her head. Portia was born with ichthyosis confetti, an extremely rare genetic skin condition that leaves bright red patches scattered across her body, along with tiny white confettilike spots where her skin slowly heals itself. According to the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types (FIRST) there is no cure for ichthyosis. The condition causes her skin to grow and shed up to 14 times faster than average, leaving her without a full protective top layer. My skins essentially a different protein, the New Jersey native tells PEOPLE exclusively. The white spots are my regular skin growing back, and over time, they get bigger and bigger. Portia Cina Portia Cina on the beach Portia Cina on the beach Her mom, Jolie, 50, vividly remembers the day Portia was born. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When she arrived, she presented a little differently, Jolie recalls. But we were lucky. Living in the tristate area gave us access to some of the top dermatologists in the country. Within days, the family connected with specialists at NYU, the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, and even a department at Yale dedicated to rare forms of ichthyosis. Through FIRST, they found not just medical guidance but a supportive community. By 11 months old, Portia was attending her first FIRST family conference in Chicago, surrounded by children and families who looked like her. That was really when we first met other families like ours, Jolie says. The foundation has been incredible, with conferences, regional meetings, and constant support. It gave us so much knowledge and reassurance. Portia Cina Portia Cina celebrating her birthday Portia Cina celebrating her birthday For Portia, there was never a single moment of realizing she was different it was simply part of her life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive kind of always known, she says. There wasnt an aha moment. My daily routines, all the skincare I do, were always a reminder that my skin isnt like everyone elses. At home, growing up alongside her brother who also has the condition gave Portia a sense of normalcy. "We're in the state of New Jersey, so they say there's about three kids born with it every year," Jolie says. "She's literally one in a million, as is her brother." But school was different. Elementary school brought stares and whispers. By sixth grade, when all four local elementary schools merged into one middle school, the feeling of isolation deepened. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My parents had sent a letter to the school explaining my condition, she says. It created two reactions: some kids felt bad for me and treated me like I was fragile, and others whispered or stared because, to them, I just looked sunburnt. Seventh grade was a turning point, when she found a tightknit group of friends who treated her like everyone else. We never talk about my skin, she says. I love them so much, and Ive worked really hard to have the relationships I have now. Even though I knew I was different, Ive never felt alone. Outside of school, Portia threw herself into creative pursuits: drawing, painting with watercolor and playing piano. She even joined a local band that performed around town. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eventually, she joined TikTok to share her passions. At first, she posted music and typical teen content. But curiosity about her skin followed her online, just as it had in real life. So one day, she decided to make a single video explaining her condition, just to get it out of the way. I wanted people to know my story, and then I could keep posting without having to repeat myself, the recent high school graduate says. 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. She filmed the 10minute clip quickly, right before heading out to see How to Train Your Dragon with her brother. She never imagined it would go viral, but the video exploded, reaching more than 13 million people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The response was overwhelming and unexpectedly moving. I was getting comments from doctors and med students saying they had never seen this before and thanking me for educating them, Portia says. Paramedics, too. It felt really good to know I was helping people learn about my condition. One person said, I have ichthyosis vulgaris, " she adds. It created this chain of connection. Its cool to be that person showing that people who look different are just like anyone else. Im literally just an 18yearold girl living her life. For her mom, Jolie, watching the reaction online has been emotional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im so proud of her, Jolie says. Seeing people comment on her videos, telling her how beautiful she is or how great her makeup looks its just amazing. Social media isnt always kind, especially to someone with a visible difference, but the kindness weve seen has been incredible. If even one little girl sees Portia online and feels less alone or if someone spots her in the grocery store and already knows her story, instead of asking if shes sunburnt that makes a difference, she adds. The fact that dermatologists and doctors have also learned from her videos means shes making an impact in ways we never imagined. Its incredible. Portia Cina Portia Cina in her prom dress Portia Cina in her prom dress Looking toward the future, Portia is excited to begin her next chapter at the Savannah College of Art and Design this fall, where shell study animation and combine her love of drawing, painting and storytelling. While shes proud to raise awareness about ichthyosis, Portia hopes her life and her content wont be defined solely by her condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe in advocacy, and Im glad I can educate people, she says. But I also want to create like any other person my age. Ive worked hard to make my life feel just like anyone elses. I want to share my passions and show that Im more than my skin not everything I do has to come back to that. She laughs softly. Honestly, I just want to live a normal life. People sometimes expect you to have this big purpose if you look different, but I just want what everyone else wants to make good friends, have a great college experience, and do all the regular things any other 18yearold would do. Portia Cina Portia Cina posing for a selfie Portia Cina posing for a selfie Her mom, Jolie, beams with pride. Portia has grown into such an amazing person, she says. People with visible differences can sometimes become introverted if they feel uncomfortable, but Portia is the opposite. Whether its through her music or her piano performances, shes always been willing to put herself out there. Read the original article on People NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A woman is in the hospital after being hit in the same crosswalk where a pedestrian lost her life a few months prior. Metro Nashville Police say a 22-year-old woman on a bike was hit along 3rd Avenue and Van Buren Street in Germantown Saturday night just after 5:30 p.m. The driver fled the scene in what police say was a black four-door SUV. Noah Webb lives in the Germantown area. He was walking his dog Saturday night when he saw two women in the crosswalk near the dog park along Third Avenue. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts I noticed that there was a woman kind of sprawled out on the ground near the crosswalk, he said. Her belongings were sort of scattered around her. Her shoes had been knocked off her, and her body was contorted in a way where she was clearly in pain and had broken some bones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Webb did not see any drivers stop to try to help the woman. There were just Good Samaritans there who were able to dial 911. Unfortunately, this is not the first time somebody has been hit along 3rd Avenue in Germantown. Yellow ribbons are lining the road and sidewalk to remember Dorothy Dobbins, who was hit and killed in June while walking her dog. It always is a little bit concerning, resident Dane Beanblosson said. You have to look both ways and make sure that no cars are coming out at high speed. Although there are some signs warning drivers to slow down for pedestrians, it was not enough to stop another tragedy from happening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nashville Councilman Jacob Kupin said he is working with leaders to make this and all intersections safer. It is heartbreaking and horrifying that another person was badly injured at the same intersection where Dot Dobbins lost her life just a few months ago. Once again, we find ourselves in a situation where improvements are underway, but not quick enough to prevent horrible injury. Ive been in communication with both the police Commander and the Director of the Department of Transportation, who assured me of their continued commitment to making this and all intersections safe. Ive asked for immediate improvements, including consideration of a road closure of that block where we work to ensure this is a safe crossing. My thoughts and prayers, and commitment to action, are with the woman who was injured and her loved ones. We will get this right. Councilman Jacob Kupin Read todays top stories on wkrn.com City crews were seen putting lights up at the crosswalk on Monday afternoon. But leaders and residents want to see more change to follow, to better protect bikers and pedestrians. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Woman leads GA deputies on 140-mph chase, uses blinker to follow move over law Georgia deputies arrested an Ellenwood woman accused of leading them on a high-speed chase. But deputies say there was one law that she appeared to follow. The Jones County Sheriffs Office released dash camera video of the Aug. 12 chase they said involved Demetric Bazi. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Sgt. Travis Walker pulled over Bazi, who had multiple warrants for her arrest, on Ga. 57. As Walker and another deputy were talking to her, she took off in her BMW 528i. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walker got back into his patrol car and went after Bazi. Speeds reached up to 140 mph, according to the dash camera video. Walker performed a PIT maneuver to end the chase, but Bazi took off again. Walker eventually caught up to Bazi. During the second part of the chase, the video showed Bazi use her blinker to follow the move over law for a driver who was on the side of the highway. TRENDING STORIES Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The speeds picked up again before Walker did a second PIT maneuver, which ended the chase. Deputies said Bazi got out of her car and ran toward the woods, where she was Tased and arrested. She faces the following charges: fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving and obstruction. The Jones County Sheriffs Office did not say where her active warrants were issued. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] After a report of a startling wild coyote encounter on a popular hiking trail, one California community is reminding residents to be on alert. What's happening? As reported by KSBW Action News 8, a woman found herself in a hair-raising experience after realizing she was being stalked by a coyote while hiking along the Asilomar Trail in Pebble Beach, California. Mike Dippel, chief of California State Parks, stated that the coyote then aggressively approached the woman. Fortunately, the woman was not injured in the near-interaction with the animal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials note that coyote sightings are fairly common around Pebble Beach. Deer and other small animals have large populations in the surrounding area, making for an ample food source for coyotes. However, encounters involving humans are quite rare, and most of these interactions end without incident. Monterey resident Steele Clark emphasized that while these interactions may be unsettling for residents, they are generally tame. "Coyotes will tend to follow people, but very, very rarely do they actually attack people," Clark told KSBW Action News 8. "If you do see one and they're acting aggressive, just be loud and move away from it quickly, and you should be able to get away from it." Why is this coyote encounter important? As noted by KSBW Action News 8, coyote sightings can increase during the later parts of summer and early fall as younger coyotes leave their dens for the first time and learn hunting and other survival skills. However, coyotes can be most aggressive during their breeding season and pup-rearing season, when both males and females have the potential to become more territorial. Currently, 49 out of 50 states have active coyote populations, with Hawaii being the lone exception. As the species continues spreading out in search of new habitats, an increase in human interactions is likely to occur. But while coyotes are typically curious, they are less likely to become aggressive toward humans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One complication with coyotes is the increase in habitat loss, which can lead to more frequent and intense conflicts with humans. As natural habitats shrink because of human activities, coyotes may be forced to encroach on human-dominated areas, leading to interactions that result in property damage, livestock predation, and potential injury for both humans and coyotes. Resource shortages caused by rising global temperatures may also be partially to blame for this encounter and others. What's being done about coyote encounters? Officials with California State Parks have opted not to close any of the nearby parks and trails. However, they are encouraging hikers to leash their pets and travel in pairs. Do you feel safe drinking the tap water where you live? Always Most of the time Not usually Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Caitlin Tavares, a visitor to the area, appeared to be unfazed by the recent sightings. "For me, I think I'm just probably a little bit more aware of my surroundings. But, I mean, there's animals in nature, so it's okay. Just keep a close eye on my little guy," Tavares told KSBW Action News 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For now, vigilance is all that is needed for residents and tourists around Pebble Beach, even with coyotes becoming close neighbors. "I heard about the den a few years ago, and, no, it does not make me concerned at all," Clark said of a coyote den spotted near the Asilomar Trail, per KSBW Action News 8. "I think of coyotes as relatively docile. If you let them keep them to themselves, then they'll keep to themselves." 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. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images). A recent drop in womens workforce participation is a blinking red light for women and our economy. For nearly a decade, women have driven the growth in overall prime-age labor force participation strengthening local economies and contributing billions to GDP. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that continuing to advance womens equality could add trillions to global GDP, boosting incomes and living standards worldwide for men and women alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yet right now this progress is threatened by a multigenerational caregiving crisisspanning both child care and elder care. Since January, over 200,000 women have exited the labor force. Experts attribute this largely to reduced workplace flexibility and persistently limited child care access. Misty Heggeness of the University of Kansas reports labor force participation for women ages 2544 with children under five dropped from 69.7% to 66.9%. At United WE, our research confirms the toll: women are three times more likely than men to leave the workforce due to child care challenges. Sixty percent of women entrepreneurs say this barrier makes running their businesses harder, and millions live in child care deserts. But the caregiving squeeze doesnt stop there. The recent AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report finds that 63 million Americansnearly one in four adultsnow provide ongoing care for an adult or a child with a complex medical condition or disability, a staggering 45% increase since 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many juggle both roles: one in three caregivers, and almost half of those under 50 are part of the sandwich generation, caring for both kids and aging relatives. This crisis disproportionately affects women, but its consequences are felt in every corner of our economy. A study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation found states lose an average of $1 billion in economic activity each and every year due to breakdowns in child care access. One expert put it bluntly: The economys basically telling half its talent to stay home. The good news is that solutions are within reach, and even in deeply divided times, Republicans and Democrats are making common cause to make child care more affordable and accessible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Kansas, bipartisan action under Gov. Laura Kellys leadership is poised to create more child care slots in the next two years than the state did in the last 15 giving thousands of parents the ability to return to work or expand their businesses. In Missouri, where more than 41% of counties do not have an accredited child care facility, legislation to help businesses offset the cost of child care won support from both parties. And a bipartisan commission appointed by Gov. Mike Kehoe is working on recommendations to streamline regulations so providers can open and operate more easily while protecting the health and safety of kids. And at the federal level, despite a polarized Congress, progress has quietly continued. The recent tax bill tripled the employer-provided child care credit, offering new incentives for businesses to support working parents. Now, parallel action is emerging for elder carestill slow, but gaining traction. Promising policy proposals include caregiver tax credits and support services, though much more is needed to meet the escalating demand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At United WE, we believe the path forward lies in research, solutions and results. Thats our model for changeand it works. Today, as we approach the 105th anniversary of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to participate in our democracy, the time is now to break down this barrier to womens full participation in our economy. Suffragist J. Ellen Foster told delegates at the 1892 Republican National Convention: We are here to help you and we are here to stay. Women have more than delivered on that promise. Today, for the sake of our economy and our communities, its time policymakers and employers to do their part as well. Khrista Boster, Chief Marketing Officer at Woodlawn Health, was named one of the Class of 2025 Rising Stars for Health Care Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD), by the American Hospital Association. She is the first in Woodlawn Health history to receive this award. The national Rising Star award recognizes healthcare professionals who are making significant advancements and contributions in marketing, communications and strategy in the healthcare field. This year, only three individuals were selected for this honor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khristas maturity in this role combined with a keen market intuition and sense of duty to ensure success for the organization makes her a one-of-a-kind strategist, said Alan Fisher, CEO of Woodlawn Health. Her programs, campaigns and collaboration with department managers has continually increased the revenue to our small institution. Boster will be honored at the SHSMD Connection Conference, taking place October 12-14 in Dallas, Texas. Newly released body camera footage from Worcester Police Officers on Eureka Street on May 8 presents the distress in the faces and voices of the daughters whose mother was arrested by federal immigration agents that day. The city is continuing to release footage from body cameras worn by officers who were on Eureka Street as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Brazilian mother of three, Rosane Ferreira-De Oliveira. The city previously announced that it would release additional footage on a rolling basis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The most recent footage was compiled into 19 videos that were uploaded to the citys YouTube page on Monday. Watch your child Footage from Officer John Alerss body camera shows several people standing in front of a gold SUV in the middle of the street. ICE agents had already placed Ferreira-De Oliveira inside the vehicle during her arrest. Several people can be heard shouting Where is the warrant? with a woman wearing a grey sweatshirt claiming that ICE agents waited for Ferreira-De Oliveira to step outside of a house before they could arrest her. Alers and other officers can be seen standing by the vehicle, telling people to move out of the way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At around the four-minute, 35-second mark, a voice can be heard over a speaker. This is the Worcester Police Department. This is an unlawful assembly, the voice says. At this time, the gold SUV begins to move. At the five-minute, eight-second mark, Ferreira-De Oliveiras adult daughter, Augusta Clara Moura, walks down the street, parallel to the side door of the SUV, with her infant son in her arms. Alers reaches out his arms and encircles her waist, telling her to Watch your child, referring to the baby. No! Stop it! Clara Moura says as the officer keeps repeating, Watch your child. At the five-minute, 27-second mark, Clara Moura turns around and walks to the sidewalk towards the end of the street. My sister! Twenty seconds later, Alers walks down the street to the scene of officers arresting Ferreira-De Oliveiras 17-year-old daughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Worcester police officers arrested the 17-year-old daughter after she ran toward a moving SUV, where ICE agents placed her mother inside. She was charged with the reckless endangerment of a child, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. But Police Chief Saucier requested the judge to dismiss her case on May 16. It is not known whether the case was dismissed. Get back! Get back now! Alers screams at bystanders approaching the scene. Footage from Alerss body camera then shows him reaching his arms out to Clara Moura, who ran towards her sister as she was being arrested. In Alerss footage, he can be heard saying, The baby, the baby. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage from Officer Timothy Watts camera shows an officer saying, The baby, the baby, while moving Clara Moura away from the arrest by putting their arms around her stomach, moving her out of the way. The voice of the officer in Watts footage matches Alerss voice. Alerss footage from 6:03 to 6:08 is blotted out by what appears to be Clara Mouras black shirt being pressed against his camera. At the 6:09 mark, Alers tells Clara Moura, You have a baby. Watch out! Alerss hands are placed on Clara Mouras sides, with the babys head in front of his camera. Clara Moura can be seen breathing heavily, clearly distressed, as a bystander in a jean jacket tries to calm her down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then Alers asks Clara Moura to give him the baby. No! yells Clara Moura. Then you need to relax! Alers tells her. Alers is still holding Clara Moura by the waist, as she is still breathing heavily. The bystander in the jean jacket asks another bystander if they can give her some water. Another person, with red highlights in her hair, hands over a water bottle with a green top to Clara Moura. With her arm shaking, she begins to drink as Alers says to her, You need to remove yourself from the situation with the baby. The baby needs to remain safe. At the 7:14 mark, Alers still has one of his hands on Clara Mouras waist. Can you please take your hand off of her? says the bystander with the red highlights. Youre making it worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As she finishes drinking water, Clara Moura looks away from Alers and says, My sister! I understand, but we will get to the bottom of it, Alers tells her. But right now, you have a child in your hands. It is not safe. I am not going to allow you to put that child in danger. At this point, Alers has taken his hands off of Clara Moura The bystander with the jean jacket slowly moves Clara Moura to the sidewalk, telling her that she doesnt want the baby to hit his head. You have a child with you, Alears tells Clara Moura. Remember that. The jean jacketed bystander then tries to calm Clara Moura down, telling her that her baby has a beautiful name. The name is not heard as the audio is redacted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clara Moura calls out for her sister again, looking down the street. Alers tells her that its dangerous and that she needs to stay on the sidewalk. No! No! Clara Moura says. While this is happening, one of Alerss hands is touching Clara Mouras right shoulder, while the other is touching her waist and a piece of a blanket that had wrapped the baby. The baby is leaning on Clara Mouras chest. At around the 8:20 mark, the bystander with red highlights comes up to Alers and again asks him not to touch Clara Moura. Excuse me? Alers asks the bystander. The bystander says that Clara Moura is stressed out and that Alers is making it worse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My job is public safety, and I am ensuring that this woman and her child are safe! Alers says with his voice raised. About 10 seconds later, Clara Moura starts crying, with the bystander in the jean jacket comforting her. Theyve taken this girls mother, the grandmother of this baby, right before Mothers Day, the bystander says to Alers as they move Clara Moura to the shade. How dehumanizing can that be? Clara Moura and her infant son have since moved to Brazil to be with her partner, Samarone Alves Ferreira-De Souza. Ferreira-De Souzas lawyer said that ICE signed a document authorizing his deportation in his name without his permission. The teenager after the arrest Footage from Officer Angela Lookwhy shows the arrested teenage daughter being walked to the end of Eureka Street by two other police officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bystander wearing a pink Clark University shirt and a grey hat can be seen walking alongside them, asking the daughter questions in Brazilian Portuguese. As they reach the end of the street, the bystander talks to Lookwhy about the situation, saying that she doesnt think the teenager attempted to commit any crimes and that she was understandably upset. In the footage, the teenagers voice is shaky, and she sounds like she is on the verge of tears. She told police officers that her knee hurts and that her mother did not have any papers for deportation. The teenager and the person in the pink shirt are also having a conversation in the video, with the bystander translating for the police. The bystander says that, according to the teenager, ICE took her phone. At the 12:43 mark, an ambulance arrives on the side of the street. A stretcher is brought out and the teenager is placed on it and moved towards the ambulance. The 17-year-old and the third daughter of Ferreira-De Oliveira, a 13-year-old, were placed into the Department of Children and Families (DCF) following the arrest. It was announced in July that both daughters had gone missing and ran away from DCFs care. A family lawyer told MassLive that the 17-year-old has since moved to Brazil to be with her older sister. The 13-year-old remains missing, with the Worcester Police Department and the DCF investigating. MassLive previously reported that a Philadelphia woman inadvertently drove the 13-year-old to Maple Shade, New Jersey a town 20 minutes outside of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, the states equivalent of the DCF, previously told MassLive that they are assisting the Massachusetts DCF in its search. There have been no updates as of Tuesday. Ferreira-De Oliveira remains in custody at the Strafford County Corrections facility in Dover, New Hampshire, according to ICEs website. She is awaiting her asylum hearing in September, according to her lawyer, Paul Toland. Federal immigration officials claim Ferreira-De Oliveira entered the country illegally in August 2022, which led to ICE taking her into custody. Toland, however, maintains that the mother of three was paroled and allowed into the country by ICE as she pursued asylum. Former candidate placed in police van Body camera footage from Officer Anthony Caporelli features video of ex-school committee candidate Ashely Spring being placed in a police van after they were arrested on Eureka Street. Spring, who was among 30 protesters who approached ICE agents on Eureka Street, was arrested and charged the following day with a felony of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, which was in reality a baby bottle with water inside. The assault and battery felony has since been dropped at the request of the Northwest District Attorneys office. Spring was also charged with a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery on a police officer, as well as disorderly conduct and interfering with police officers. These charges remain in place. In the footage, Caporelli is standing next to Spring, who is talking to reporters about what happened on Eureka Street. Spring claims that those involved in the protest tried to help the women while the police tried to brutalize them. At around the 11-minute, 40-second mark, Spring is brought to a van. About two minutes later, they are placed inside through the side door. In their initial report, the Worcester Police Department wrote that Spring directly pointed and sprayed an unknown liquid at police officers as they were arresting the daughter of the detained Brazilian mother. In footage from body cameras worn by police officers at the scene, however, Officer Juan Vallejo stated that the liquid was, in fact, water. Footage from Vallejos body camera shows the officer approaching Spring and pointing his finger at them, listing charges for another officer: Disorderly, disturbance, and she sprayed me in the face with water. As he moves away from her, the audio catches Spring saying, It was water. A motion to dismiss hearing was set for Spring on Sept. 25. District 5 Councilor Etel Haxhiaj, who was also present at the ICE arrest, had also been charged by the Worcester Police Department. She was charged with one misdemeanor count of assault and battery on a police officer and one common law violation for interfering with a police officer. Previously released footage from body cameras that were worn by Worcester police officers show Haxhiaj walking towards the ICE agents who apprehended Ferreira-De Oliveira. The councilor can be seen grabbing the 40-year-olds arm and pleading with the agents not to take her. Two of the ICE agents flung Haxhiaj off Ferreira-De Oliveira. Footage from Officer Shauna McGuirks body camera shows Haxhiaj and Ferreira-De Oliveiras daughter, Augusta Clara Moura, standing by a gold SUV. ICE agents had put Ferreira-De Oliveira inside of the vehicle during the arrest. McGuirks footage has audio of the agents and McGuirk telling both Haxhiaj and Clara Moura to move away from the SUV. McGuirk then grabbed Clara Mouras arm, telling her she needed to come on. Clara Moura looked down at her arm and said, No, no, no, no. The officer then let go of her arm and an agent warned Clara Moura and Haxhiaj that they both could be charged. Haxhiaj responded, I dont understand, and told McGuirk that she had the right to be there as a district councilor. Eureka Street is part of Worcesters District 5, which Haxhiaj represents. McGurik then pulled Haxhiaj away from the vehicle by her back, resulting in Haxhiajs hands pushing against her body. Do not touch me! Haxhiaj yelled as she was pulled away from the SUV. Just four days after the ICE operation, Worcester police filed a criminal complaint against Haxhiaj. On July 23, Haxhiaj entered a not guilty plea and was released on her own recognizance. A motion to dismiss hearing is set for Sept. 15. More Worcester Stories Read the original article on MassLive. Breast Cancer Drops as Leading Cause of Death in U.S. Women SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) On World Breast Cancer Research Day, healthcare professionals across the country are spotlighting advancements in early detection and treatment. At Ballinger Hospital, lead mammographer Tamara Aguilera said research plays a key role in shaping screening guidelines and improving patient care, especially in rural communities. Its just like any other field of medicine, things change yearly, and so the more research that we have, sometimes it changes our recommendations, Aguilera said. Like, for instance, we used to recommend clinical breast exams and self-breast exams, while research has shown that thats not really that helpful, other than knowing what your own breast type typically means. So, the more money that we have into research, the better treatment and screening processes we can provide to the public. Aguilera, who has worked at Ballinger Hospital for almost 10 years, said the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology recommend women at average risk begin annual mammograms at age 40. Women with a family history or higher genetic risk may start as early as 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said advancements in mammography machines have made screenings much more comfortable for patients. The plates where the breast sits are thinner than older machines, and the equipment no longer presses into the armpit. A lot of people avoid mammograms because they think it will hurt, Aguilera said. We really try to make the process as quick and easy as possible. ASU to ring in 2025-2026 semester with Rambunctious Week Breast cancer remains a serious concern. One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed in her lifetime, according to Aguilera. Doctors say early detection is key, and ongoing research helps guide how screenings and treatments continue to improve, Aguilera said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also noted that men can develop breast cancer, though it is less common. Breast cancer happens to men just the same as women; its definitely not as common, and we dont catch it as early, because we dont screen for men, she said. So when they come to us, it will not be for a screening mammogram ever. It will always be a diagnostic, but yeah, one in 800. Men also get breast cancer. Symptoms vary depending on the type of breast cancer. Common signs include a new lump, inverted nipple, or changes in the skin, such as redness or a texture like an orange peel. Pain is usually not associated with breast cancer and can often be caused by hormonal changes. Screenings are quick, taking about 15 minutes from start to finish, which makes it easier for patients to get checked regularly. Thanks to the efforts of physicians, technologists and radiologists, breast cancer has dropped from the leading cause of cancer deaths in women to second place. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Runnels County, where Ballinger Hospital is located, the percentage of women getting mammograms has increased from 40% to 60%, reflecting the positive impact of rural hospitals pushing for screening in underserved communities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States (CDC Breast Cancer Statistics). For more information on breast cancer research and screening guidelines, visit the American Cancer Society. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. The Second World War has been described as the greatest human catastrophe of all time. The scope of destruction and lives lost have never been accurately measured, nor do scholars agree on the conflicts true beginning and conclusion. The war was like a tectonic upheaval fed by tremblors long before and after some of which can still be felt. In May, we honored the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe. The Soviet destruction of the Nazis in the east, the battle in the Ardennes forest, Normandy and Hitlers suicide helped bring the bloodiest conflict in history to a close. For many, the fires of the Second World War had finally been extinguished. But they had not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another, disparate war continued to rage. Far from Europe, across a vast expanse of ocean, thousands of Allied and Axis soldiers were still to die in the savage battles of the Philippines and Okinawa, go down aboard stricken ships, be incinerated in kamikaze attacks, and perish as prisoners. Countless Japanese civilians lost their lives in the continued bombing raids across their home islands, and hundreds of thousands were killed amid the atomic firestorms of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As the Pacific war began to wane, its toll of death increased. Today, we often view World War II as a singular event spanning the years 1939 to 1945. It was, for certain, a global war of alliances. But it unfolded over two distinct theaters of conflict that began 27 months apart and never overlapped. Allied forces in both arenas competed for resources and funding often at the expense of the other and unique geographies and environments required near-opposite strategies and tactics. German and Japanese leadership both believed they were superior races of people and sought to expand their domains and aspirations. Ironically, the soldiers of these two countries never fought alongside one another; they were bound only by the same adversaries. August 15 marked the anniversary of the surrender of Japan and the end of war in the Pacific, with the formal signing taking place Sept. 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay. This moment in history deserves reflection because it represents the dual nature of the six-year conflict. Our understanding of the events of 1939-45 might well be improved by adding a plural and calling them the Second World Wars, notes Max Hastings in his insightful book Retribution: The Battle for Japan. It is hard to exaggerate the differences between the endgames of the Asian and European wars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If the two epic clashes that comprise World War II share anything, it would be in the scope of their destruction. The rape of Europe was etched into the landscape. Hundreds of villages, towns and cities across the continent lay in total ruin, which psychologically cast a prospect of utter misery and desolation for millions of displaced people, notes Tony Judt in his book Postwar. By contrast, the Empire of Japan at its height stretched over 20 million square miles, with much fighting occurring over water, so remnants of carnage quickly disappeared under the waves. Engagements often happened between fleets of densely populated ships, or on small islands and atolls dotting the open sea. There was little place to hide. No wonder the American pro-rata casualty rate was more than three times that number in Europe. The viciousness and cruelty in both theaters has been well documented, and comparison of military cultures is irrelevant. But dozens of books written by men engaged on the battlefields say the Germans and Japanese differed in at least one fundamental way. The Germans had no qualms about surrendering when the odds were against them, or taking Allied prisoners. The Japanese, on the other hand, were indoctrinated to kill prisoners and die fighting. Surrender was an act of cowardice. This philosophy made hostilities in the Pacific particularly savage and animalistic. Ask any Marine who set foot on Tarawa or Peleliu. With the invasion of Poland on Sept. 1, 1939, Germany declared itself a belligerent, although it had already grabbed Austria and Czechoslovakia. Countries soon fell like dominoes, and by the following year, Hitler held most of Europe in his grip. Japan announced its entrance with the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, but it was hardly an isolated incident. That same day, its naval and air forces bombed Guam, Wake Island, Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaya. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Japans aggressiveness took root in China in the 1930s, culminating with the invasion of Nanking, among the most horrifying episodes in all human history. Its persistent meddling in China did not go unnoticed, and as punishment, the United States shut off shipments of oil and iron so vital to the island countrys economy and military. Japan reacted with an arc of conquest stretching nearly to Australia, using the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor as a flanking maneuver. It would prove to be one of Japans biggest blunders. Within six months, American and Japanese carrier groups clashed in the Battle of Midway, which sent four of the Empires largest ships and hundreds of planes and pilots to the bottom an irreversible loss. From there, the United States made its first ground offensive against Japan, at Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, and continued toward Tokyo with a bloody but effective island-hopping campaign known as Operation Cartwheel. By the time the Allies hit the beaches of Normandy in the granddaddy of all D-day assaults, their counterparts overseas had completed most of nearly a hundred D-days in the Pacific. More than 400,000 Americans died in these two great theaters of war, and each day that passes takes with it another of the few remaining veterans. Some were there, three-quarters of a century ago, when the Japanese signed the instrument of surrender aboard the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. In a little-remembered speech, General Douglas MacArthur said that a better world will emerge from the blood and carnage of the war. Armed conflict, he said, can no longer be a solution to global disputes. The utter destructiveness of war now blots out this alternative, he said. We have had our last chance. If we do not devise some greater and more equitable system, Armageddon will be upon us. Kurt Loft is a freelance writer based in St. Petersburg and a former reporter for the Tampa Tribune. A working group of national security advisers and NATO representatives that will draw up a draft of security guarantees for Ukraine will be headed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Source: European Pravda, citing The Wall Street Journal, which has spoken with European officials familiar with the negotiations Details: The sources noted that US President Donald Trump and European leaders agreed on 18 August that Rubio would head the working group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement European officials noted that the security guarantees will consist of four components: a military presence; air defence; armaments; the monitoring of a ceasefire. The sources said that there are several ways in which the US could provide indirect military support to European peacekeepers without deploying American troops on Ukrainian territory. Background: French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer consider the most important outcome of the White House talks to be the readiness of the US to work on security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged that during his visit to the US he presented his vision of security guarantees for Ukraine. He also emphasised that he does not expect all members of the Coalition of the Willing to send contingents to Ukraine as part of such guarantees. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A Wyoming man charged in a Minnehaha County crime served 17 years for murder in Wyoming, a prosecutor said in court Monday. Rueben Oldman, 44, faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault for alleged crimes in Minnehaha County. Court documents say the alleged crime involved a knife. Oldman was booked into the Minnehaha County Jail Monday morning and made his first court appearance Monday afternoon. Thats when a prosecutor told the judge that Oldman served prison time for murdering a man in Wyoming. According to online newspaper records, the Wyoming crime was in March of 2000 and involved a knife and a screw driver. Oldman is being held on $50,000 cash only bond for the Minnehaha County charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. Egypt said on Monday it is willing to join an international force deployed to Gaza but under certain conditions, according to a new report. Al Arabiya detailed that the country would only agree to the possibility should such a force be backed by a UN Security Council resolution and the prospect of a "political horizon" for the enclave. The outlet noted that Egypt has repeatedly called for the Palestinian unity under the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), a coalition that excludes Hamas. "We are standing ready of course to help, to contribute to any international force to be deployed in Gaza in some specific parameters," said Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in a press conference along with Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Mustafa. "First of all, to have a security council resolution, to have a clear-cut mandate, and of course to come within a political horizon," the foreign minister added, claiming that "without a political horizon, it will be nonsense to deploy any forces there." The country is currently hosting talks with Hamas leaders to reactivate the possibility of a ceasefire agreement. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani traveled to the country to push for a diplomatic solution to the war as Israel moves forward with its intention to seize Gaza City. President Donald Trump, however, backed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to take over the area, saying hostages held in the enclave will only be returned when "Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!!" In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump added that "the sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be." "Remember, I was the one who negotiated and got hundreds of hostages freed and released into Israel (and America!). I was the one who ended 6 wars, in just 6 months. I was the one who OBLITERATED Iran's Nuclear facilities. Play to WIN, or don't play at all!" the publication concludes. Speaking to Fox News earlier this month, Netanyahu said the goal is to "enable the population to be free and pass it to civilian governance that is not Hamas or anyone advocating for the destruction of Israel." "We want to liberate ourselves and the people of Gaza from the awful terrorists of Hamas," Netanyahu added. Hundreds of thousands of protesters marched across Israel on Sunday to demand an end to the war and an agreement to return the hostages. Organizers reported that turnout exceeded 400,000 in Tel Aviv in what was one of the largest demonstrations since the war began almost two years ago. Protesters also blocked roads and closed private businesses. Originally published on Latin Times WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) Wyoming Public Schools rolled out new technology Tuesday as students returned to class, giving parents real-time updates on school buses. Using grant funds, the district equipped its 25 buses with Transfinder, a routing software that improves scheduling and safety, said Joe Steffes, director of safety, security and transportation. More than 80% of students use one of the districts 17 bus routes. GRPS adds fourth school-based clinic as students return to class Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students now scan a badge when boarding, allowing parents to track buses through the Stopfinder app. Each bus is also equipped with GPS, sending alerts if a vehicle runs late. Our buses have GPS on them, Steffes said. If its running late, maybe due to traffic, were able to send a push notification out to those parents and let them know, Hey, Bus 10 is running five minutes late. The buses also carry cameras that record drivers who fail to stop when buses load or unload students. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) appeared before some of her constituents on Monday, and they didnt waste the chance to let her know how they really feel. While attempting to speak at an event honoring late county clerk John Zurlo, Stefanik was met with jeers, chants, boos and signs telling her to go home and calling her a bully. Stefanik later griped on social media that the protesters were radical Far Left Democrat agitators who disgracefully attempted to drown out and silence a non-political event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, several of the protesters told local media that Stefanik refuses to hold town hall events, making this one of the few chances theyve had to make their feelings known. She wont hold a town hall, she wont take questions, shes never at her office, protester Mavis Agnew told NBC 5. So this was her first appearance, the first opportunity we had to let her know were unhappy. Yikes @EliseStefanik literally got booed off the stage TWICE at an event in her district today. She hasn't hosted a #NY21 town hall in years. Now we know why. pic.twitter.com/4hsIZmbJyC Addison Dick (@addisondick0) August 18, 2025 President Donald Trump had initially picked Stefanik to be his ambassador to the United Nations, but later withdrew her nomination as Republicans worried they might lose her seat in a special election. For the most part, however, Stefanik holds what is widely considered a safe Republican seat. First elected in 2014, shes never had a close race and isnt expected to face one next year should she seek reelection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is reportedly considering running for governor instead, which would be a steeper challenge: The state hasnt had a Republican governor since George Pataki left office nearly 20 years ago. More on Politics John Bolton Spots Sure Sign Trump Was 'Clearly On Edge' Ahead Of Key Moment Trump Attacks Smithsonian For Focus On 'How Bad Slavery Was' And, Boy, The Responses Critics Burn 'Fitting' Detail Of New White House Trump Painting Read the original on HuffPost WORCESTER, Mass. (WWLP) A New York City man was arrested in Massachusetts as a fugitive from justice in connection with an attempted murder charge. The U.S. Marshals Service Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force stated that an arrest warrant for Attempted Murder had been issued for 33-year-old Gregory Alphonso on May 23, 2025, by the City of New York Supreme Court. Mass. man charged as Fugitive from Justice in Vermont Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York City Police Department worked alongside the U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force in New York and New Jersey to search for Alphonso. A collaborative investigation led the team to believe that Alphonso was in Massachusetts. On Monday, the task force tracked Alphonso to Worcester, where he was located and arrested. The agencies involved in his arrest received significant help from the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and the Worcester Police Department. Alphonso was charged as a Fugitive from Justice. The U.S. Marshals Service stated that he will be arraigned in Massachusetts following his extradition back to New York. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP. MALONE, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44) New York State Police said Saturday that they were investigating the death of a prisoner at Upstate Correctional Facility. The sign outside Upstate Correctional Facility in Malone is seen in this winter photo. (File) Correction officers at the maximum-security mens prison in Malone were making their rounds Thursday evening when they reportedly discovered Antawon R. Johnson, 35, unconscious and not breathing inside his cell. According to police reports, a fight occurred between Johnson and his cellmate, Arkies Sommerville, 28. Johnson was then found with a bed sheet and a shoelace around his neck. Reforms ordered after persistent harassment at Clinton County Jail Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, Johnson was pronounced dead at the prisons infirmary. An autopsy Saturday morning determined that Johnson had died of strangulation and was killed by another person. The investigation is still ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)- Youngstown City School District is making progress in its plan to unify East and Chaney High Schools. Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor said that the Youngstown City School District is ready to start the selection process for a new head principal for the new unified middle and high schools that are set to open in the fall of 2026. The 2025-2026 school year is going to be a big transition year for the Youngstown City School District. It will be the last time students will walk through the halls of East and Chaney High schools before they become one in the fall of 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With a new, unified school, they now need a new administration. Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor says hes getting ready to interview head principals for the school. I mean, we are ready to roll. Im going to be interviewing for head principals here in the next couple of weeks. So theyll be in place and well have a year to plan, Batchelor said. Batchelor says internal and external employees have applied for the position. The school district announced its new high school mascot as the Defenders back in July. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. A Rhode Island special assistant attorney general was arrested in Newport after being accused of trespassing at a restaurant and becoming defensive with police officers who asked her to leave. Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Hogan Flanagan was arrested Aug. 14 outside the Clarke Cooke House restaurant and charged with trespassing, according to a police report. The incident was recorded on an officer's body camera. "Buddy, you're gonna regret this. You're gonna regret it," Flanagan is heard saying in the body camera video. "I'm an A.G." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She was arrested along with another woman, who was identified as a friend from college. The incident is under review by the Rhode Island attorney general's office. "Ms. Flanagan has been employed with the Office for approximately 7 years and is currently assigned to Appellate Unit of the Criminal Division," the attorney general's office said in a statement. "The Office immediately began a review of the incident, which we anticipate will conclude within the next few days." The office said it was unable to comment further on the incident, as it relates to "personnel issues." Special Assistant Attorney General Devon Flanagan, right, is seen in a screen shot from Newport police body camera footage taken outside the Clarke Cooke House in Newport on Aug. 14 prior to her arrest for trespassing. What police say happened that night At around 9:51 p.m. on Aug. 14, officers responded to the restaurant at 24 Bannister's Wharf for a report of an "unwanted party," the Newport Police Department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police reports for both Flanagan and the involved friend state that alcohol was involved. Two women, later identified as Flanagan and the other party, can be seen on police body camera video standing outside the restaurant as an officer pulls up. As the officer gets out of his cruiser, Flanagan tells him she wants him to "turn his body cam off." "Protocol is that you turn it off if a citizen requests to turn it off," Flanagan, of Warwick, says. During the recorded interaction, Flanagan repeatedly asks officers to turn off their body cameras, insisting it was protocol. Newport Police Department protocol allows for the footage to be turned off if a witness or victim requests it and the scene is non-confrontational, among other situations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They want you guys to leave. Let's just leave. Let's just make it easy," an officer can be heard saying on the video. The officer then walks over to the restaurant's host station. "You guys just want them out? Do you want them trespassed?" the officer asks. "Anything we can do. Trespass, yeah. Cuff 'em. Please," a man at the host station says. Both women put into police cruisers, body cam video shows Flanagan was handcuffed and placed into a police cruiser first, the video shows. "I'm an A.G., I'm an A.G," Flanagan repeats as the cruiser door shuts. Has Flanagan been placed on leave? Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha addressed the incident on talk radio the morning of Aug. 19. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said that Flanagan has not been placed on leave, but that a "strong sanction" would be coming, including a "suspension without pay" if he decides to retain her with the office. "Look, she's put me in a bad position. She's embarrassed herself, humiliated herself, treated the Newport Police Department horribly," Neronha said during the Aug. 19 interview on WPRO. "She is going to take some steps to try to address that in the next day or so." While he did not say what the "steps" would entail, he did say an apology to the Newport Police Department was "clearly necessary, and she understands that." Neronha said Flanagan would "take responsibility for her conduct, and then we'll go from there," adding that he hadn't yet made any decisions regarding discipline. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It was inexcusable behavior," he said. "She knows better. ... I've got 110 lawyers. She embarrassed all of them, in a sense." He said that he had Flanagan watch the body camera footage herself, take a few days and then come back to him with what she thought she needed to do to "make this right." "I have the responsibility to protect the office, obviously, and the work, but these are decisions that impact human beings, too," Neronha said, adding that Flanagan has children, and "they're going to see these tapes." Neronha also said Flanagan "misstated" body camera protocol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Look, it's my office that drove that body cam program in the first place. So I'm really glad that they're on every police officer in the state," Neronha said. This story has been updated with new information. Journal staff writer Katherine Gregg contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI Asst. AG Devon Flanagan berates cops while under arrest in Newport YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)- The Bitonte College of Health and Human Services is held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the launch of the University`s new Radiologic Technology program and lab on Tuesday. The event will include a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and tours of the new state-of-the-art lab. Nationwide, theres a shortage of radiologic technologists. And largely, its going to continue to be a greater demand because of the aging population. Its a really great opportunity to serve the community, said Dr. Sara Michaliszyn. Administrators say the new program will also help fill a local void caused by the shutdown of Eastern Gateway Community College. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com. Originally appeared on E! Online Zane Wach is on the mend. Two months after the 14-year-old walked off the edge of Mount Whitney in California while experiencing altitude sickness, he and his family shared an update on his health. "Great," Zane said of how he was feeling to NBC Los Angeles in an interview published Aug. 17. "Standing hurts a little bit." The teenwho was just released from the hospitalhad to how learn to walk, speak and eat again after he fell from 120 feet in June onto solid granite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Zane's dad Ryan Wach, he told the outlet that he still sees the moment when he closes his eyes. "He said, 'You know, Dad, I'm hallucinating. You see all those little snow things, spots down there, snow fields? They look like snowmen. Or the green lakes over there? It kind of looks like Kermit the Frog and his friends,'" he recalled. "He's hallucinating and I can't get him to hike down and I don't know what to do." More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I went to wipe the tears from my eyes, take a second to think," he continued. "I don't know what to do and he just walked over the edge like he was walking to the car. I just screamed. I was certain he had died. I didn't know how he could survive that." Ryan said that he and Zane waited six hours for search and rescue to locate them before they were flown to the nearest pediatric trauma center, which was in Las Vegas, about 240 miles east. But what made it easier, he emphasized, was that his sonwho was on a ventilator for over two weeks while in the hospitalwas safe. Meanwhile, Zane's mom Leann Wach revealed that they will be returning to the summit in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If we got scared and started living our lives based off of one thing that went wrong, it wouldn't be much of a life," she told NBC L.A. "We can't live that way." Although Zane has made significant progress, the teenwho is a swimmer and cross-country athletewill not be returning to his school as he continues to work closely with his physical therapists. As Zane continues to heal, keep reading to learn about more shocking accidents. (E! News and NBC Los Angeles are part of the NBCUniversal family.) Maddie Aldridge Jamie Lynn Spears' then-8-year-old daughter Maddie Aldridge was driving an ATV in February 2017 when she accidentally flipped it into a pond near their Louisiana home, leaving her submerged under water for minutes. "When we were finally able to get her out of the water and I saw her and then the first responders took her from me, we thought she was gone," Jamie Lynn recalled on a 2020 episode of Maria Menounos Better Together podcast. "We thought we'd lost our daughter." Though the family wasn't sure what sort of damage had been done, Maddie was awake and talking two days later. A few weeks after that, she was back to her normal routine. "God gave me the blessing of giving me my daughter back," Jamie Lynn continued. "I lost her and I got her back." Rebel Wilson Filming on Rebel Wilson and Anna Camp's 2025 action comedy Bride Hard turned dramatic during the Aussie's final day of playing secret agent. "In a fight scene, a gun accidentally got whacked across my face," Rebel explained to Access Hollywood in a June 2025 interview. "It was just a freak accident, and my nose got split open, so I left set. It was my last night of shooting. I was like, 'How unlucky can I be?'" Surrounded by a pool of her own blood, "I was freaking out," she admitted of the 2023 incident. "They take an ambulance and they have to call a plastic surgeon, because if they didnt, I would have been permanently disfigured. So we got the plastic surgeon, they did all the stitches, and you cant tell now." Jimmy Fallon Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon almost lost his finger after he tripped and fell in his own home. He tried catching himself on the counter and his ring got stuck on the way down, pulling his finger out. He described it as "ring avulsion," and it kept him in the hospital for 10 days as doctors worked to prevent him from having to get it amputated. Zane Wach An experienced hiker who competes in distance running, swimming and triathlons, Zane Wach was nearly felled by altitude sickness while hiking with his dad Ryan Wach on California's Mount Whitney in June 2025. "He started to experience some hallucinations," Ryan explained to to the SFGATE of the 14-year-old. "He knew he was hallucinating. He said he saw things like snowmen and Kermit the Frog." Ryan managed to stop his teen from walking off the cliff multiple times as they made their way back down the trail. He was in an altered mental state, and I dont know what caused it. We still dont know, the father noted. My best guess is a combination of exhaustion, sleep deprivation, probably some dehydration and lasting effects from the altitude sickness. But he essentially started to doubt reality. And on a third attempt, Ryan was too far away to catch Zane, watching as his son fell roughly 120 feet off the cliff. After waiting six hours for an Inyo County Search & Rescue helicopter to get there and fly Zane to Southern Inyo Hospital in Lone Pine, he was stabilized and transferred to a pediatric trauma center in Las Vegas. Placed into a medically induced coma, he eventually began breathing on his own. Its going to be a survival story in the end," Ryan said of his teen, who suffered head trauma along with a broken finger, ankle and fractured pelvis, "but right now were still in the middle of it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jeremy Renner On New Years' Day 2023, Avengers star Jeremy Renner was using a snowplow to tow a truck that was stuck in the snow on the driveway of his Lake Tahoe home. But after exiting the machine, he was pulled under while trying to stop the plow from hitting his nephew and suffered 38 broken bones. "As I lay on the ice, my heart rate slowed, and right there, on that New Years Day, unknown to my daughter, my sisters, my friends, my father, my mother, I just got tired," he wrote in his 2025 memoir My Next Breath. "After about thirty minutes on the ice of breathing manually for so long, an effort akin to doing ten or twenty push-ups per minute for half an hour . . . thats when I died." Fighting broken bones, blood loss and the threat of hypothermia, "I know I diedin fact, Im sure of it," he wrote. When the EMTs arrived, they noted that my heart rate had bottomed out at 18, and at 18 beats per minute, youre basically dead." Trigg Kiser TikToker Emilie Kiser and her husband Brady Kiser were forced to face the unimaginable when their 3-year-old son Trigg Kiser fell into the pool at their Arizona home in May 2025. Chandler Police Department told USA Today that officers responded to a drowning call at a residence on May 12, for a child who had been pulled unconscious out of a backyard pool. Both police and firefighters administered CPR on the scene, before taking Trigg to Chandler Regional Hospital. But, sadly, the toddler died six days later. Emilie later filed a lawsuit against Maricopa County public offices requesting that the court prohibit the public release of details surrounding his death. "Emilie is trying her best to be there for her surviving son, two-month-old Theodore," the lawsuit stated. "But every day is a battle." Cara Hodgson A family vacation to Thailand turned into "the worst 10 days" of Dr. Cara Hodgson's life after she was electrocuted by power lines in December 2023. After blacking out and being rushed to the ER, the influencer spent the next week and a half "going in and out of hospitals fighting to regain my strength and fighting for my life," she detailed in a New Year's Day Instagram post. "I am so lucky to be here today." As such, the orthodonist found a new reason to smile through the pain. The experience "taught me something I think we all need to be reminded of when we get caught up in the little things: What a precious privilege it is to be alive," Cara shared, "being able to breathe, eat, talk, move your body, is something grand and something to be celebrated." Juliana Marins Tragedy occured when Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins was hiking on Mount Rinjani, an active volcano in Indonesia, in June 2025. After she fell off a cliff (but not into the volcano's crater), a team of 48 search and rescuers spent four days "hindered by adverse weather, terrain and visibility conditions in the region," the Brazilian government shared in a statement, and eventually located Juliana's body. "Today, the rescue team managed to reach the place where Juliana Marins was, detailed a post on an Instagram account providing updates from her family. With great sadness, we inform you that she did not survive. We remain very grateful for all the prayers, messages of affection and support that we have received." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tori Spelling When former Beverly Hills, 90210 star Tori Spelling attended a 2015 Easter brunch at Japanese restaurant Benihana, she tripped and burned her right arm on one of the Hibachi grills. After undergoing skin grafts to treat the injury, the actress ultimately deciding to sue the restaurant. I have a skin graft that they had to take from my leg," she later detailed on a 2024 episode of her and Jennie Garth's podcast 9021OMG. "Not many people can say, 'Hey, I'm wearing my thigh on my arm,' and I'm not even kidding. So I'm wearing a thin layer of my thigh on my arm because the skin burnt so bad." Tony Knight When comedian Tony Knight attended France's Rock&Cars festival in June 2024, he was killed after two large branches fell from a tree. "He was only 54 and having the time of his life," Joanne Allen, the sister of Tony's longtime partner Hayley Wright detailed in a GoFundMe message. "He was fit, healthy, happy and had everything going for him. He was charismatic, funny, passionate." And, of course, adored by his longtime love. "He was an exceptionally talented man, with so many strings to his bow," Haley wrote in her own Instagram post. "There really was nothing he couldnt do. He was a fantastic friend to so many, an amazing dog Dad.but most of all he was my world & it will never be the same without him." Sanjay Shah A company celebration turned catastrophic in January 2024. To kickoff the planned 25th anniversary festivities for Chicago-based software company Vistex, CEO Sanjay Shah and president Vishwanath Raju Datla were suspended in an iron cage meant to be lowered 20 feet onto a dais at the India-based party, a company official told The Times of India. Instead, two wires snapped, causing the men to crash onto the concrete stage. Sanjay, 56, died of his injuries at the hospital following the accident, the paper reported, while 52-year-old Vishwanath sustained a severe head injury and passed months later. Orlando Bloom "When I was 19 I fell three floors from a window and broke my back," Orlando Bloom shared in a joint 2022 Instagram video with UNICEF. He had been trying to climb to the rooftop terrace of a three-story building with friends when the drainpipe he was scaling collapsed. Though he broke several vertebrae in his back, "I was very fortunate to survive the fall because my spinal cord was still just intact." Still, he detailed, "When I was in the hospital, I was told for the first four days that I may never walk again. That was really the beginning of what was a long and painful journey for me into recognizing and understanding some of the patterns that had been in my life that had led me to having numerous accidents. And the culmination was breaking my back, which was a near-death experience." Leaving the hospital in a back brace with heaps of physical and emotional pain, "I started partying straight awaywith the back brace on," he shared with GQ in 2005. "It took me a couple of months to realize this was my life, and I didn't want to mess it up." The experience has "informed everything in my life," he added. "Until you're close to losing it, you don't realize. I used to ride motorbikes and drive cars like everything was a racetrack; it was ridiculous. It wasn't because I thought it was cool; it was just because I loved living on the edge. But I've chilled." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) A New Zealand soldier who tried to spy for a foreign power has admitted to attempted espionage in a military court. Mondays conviction was the first for spying in New Zealands history. The soldier's name was suppressed, as was what country he sought to pass secrets to. Military court documents said the man believed he was engaged with a foreign agent in 2019 when he tried to communicate military information including base telephone directories and maps, assessments of security weaknesses, his own identity card and log-in details for a military network. The wording of the charge said his actions were likely to prejudice the security or defense of New Zealand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He wasnt speaking to a foreign agent, but an undercover New Zealand police officer collecting intelligence on alleged right-wing extremist groups, documents supplied by the military court showed. The soldier came to law enforcement attention as part of an operation that was established after a March 2019 terrorist attack on two mosques in the city of Christchurch, when an Australian white supremacist opened fire on Muslim worshipers, killing 51. Officers spoke to the man twice about his involvement in a group, court documents showed, and after the government became aware he had expressed a desire to defect he was contacted by the undercover officer. When the soldiers hard drive was searched, investigators found a copy of Christchurch gunman Brenton Tarrants livestreamed video of his massacre and a manifesto document he published online before the killings. Possession of either without permission is a criminal offense in New Zealand and the soldier, who admitted that charge too, joins several others convicted in New Zealand of having or sharing the terrorists banned material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement read to the court by his lawyer, the man said the two nationalist groups with which he was involved were no more than groups of friends with similar points of view to my own, according to Radio New Zealand. The laywer, Steve Winter, added that his client denied supporting the Christchurch shooters ideology, RNZ reported. The soldier who was based at Linton Military Camp near the city of Palmerston North also pleaded guilty to accessing a military computer system for dishonest purposes. The amended suite of three charges replaced 17 counts levelled against him earlier in the proceedings. Each of the three charges he admitted carries a maximum prison term of either seven or 10 years in New Zealand. His sentence was expected to be delivered by a military panel within days after Mondays conviction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The man had been due to stand trial by court-martial on the charges before he admitted the offenses. His was the first charge in a New Zealand military court for espionage or attempted spying. The last time such a case reached the civilian courts before was in 1975, when a public servant was acquitted on charges alleging he had passed information to Russian agents. A spokesperson for New Zealands military said they would not comment until the proceedings against the soldier finished. By Yuliia Dysa and Lidia Kelly KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday after his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders that security guarantees for Kyiv will likely be worked out within 10 days. "Security guarantees will probably be 'unpacked' by our partners, and more and more details will emerge. All of this will somehow be formalised on paper within the next week to 10 days," Zelenskiy said at broadcast press briefing after his meetings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump told Zelenskiy on Monday that the United States would help guarantee Ukraine's security in any deal to end Russia's war there, though the extent of any assistance was not immediately clear. "It is important that the United States is sending a clear signal that it will be among the countries helping to coordinate and will also be a participant in the security guarantees for Ukraine," Zelenskiy said. "I believe this is a major step forward." Although a peace deal appeared far from imminent after the meetings in Washington, Zelenskiy said his Monday meeting with Trump was his "best" so far. He also said Ukraine was ready to meet with Russia in "any format" and that territorial issues would be discussed on a bilateral level with Russian President Vladimir Putin - but no dates for a possible meeting with Moscow have been scheduled yet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The question of territories is something we will leave between me and Putin," Zelenskiy said. He added that a part of security guarantees for Ukraine is a package of U.S. weapons "which primarily includes aircraft, air defence systems," among others. "There indeed is a package with our proposals worth $90 billion," Zelenskiy said. "And we have agreements with the U.S. president that when our export opens, they will buy Ukrainian drones. This is important for us." (Reporting by Yuliia Dysa in Kyiv and Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Writing by Lidia Kelly; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Stephen Coates) The optics could not have been more different this time. Unlike the shockingly ill-tempered previous meeting in February, US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky seemed determined not to look confrontational - despite their remaining differences. Zelensky wore a collared suit (although not of the classical variety), and Trump complimented his attire. The Ukrainian president also repeatedly said "thank you", which must have pleased his host, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At his opening appearance in the Oval Office, Zelensky spoke little - or maybe he was not keen to, fearing that what he had to say was different from what Trump wanted to hear. Differences showed later, when the US and Ukrainian presidents appeared before journalists together with European leaders. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron both said a ceasefire in Ukraine should be the next step, even though Trump had argued that it was not necessary before a more permanent solution is found. Zelensky remained conspicuously quiet on the issue. [Getty Images] What we heard from the leaders suggests that their discussions behind closed doors focused on security guarantees for Ukraine and prospects for a meeting between Zelensky and Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No details were revealed about what guarantees were discussed, or how being face-to-face in the same room with Putin will help end the war. But following the day of talks, Zelensky described security guarantees as a necessary "starting point for ending war". At an earlier news conference outside the White House, he said security guarantees could include a $90bn (67bn) deal between Kyiv and Washington to acquire US weapons, including aviation systems, anti-missile systems and other weapons he declined to disclose. Zelensky also said the US would purchase Ukrainian drones, which would help boost domestic production of the unmanned aircraft. Though no formal agreement has been reached, Zelensky said a deal could be worked out over the next 10 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukranian leader, however, was more willing to talk about his possible meeting with Putin, telling reporters he was ready to meet directly with his Russian counterpart, and if Moscow agreed, Trump could join the negotiations. Putin has so far resisted a direct meeting with Zelensky. "Ukraine will never stop on the way to peace," he told reporters, adding that no date had been set. One issue the leaders seemed reluctant to bring up before the media were possible territorial concessions by Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky also mentioned how he showed his US counterpart a map of Ukraine, stressing that Russia has managed to occupy less than 1% of the Ukrainian territory in the last 1,000 days. This was news to the White House, he said. And it helped swing Trump's mood, apparently. "I have been fighting with what is on that map," Zelensky told reporters, adding that he pushed back on what the Oval Office map showed as Russian-captured territories. "It isn't possible to say this much territory has been taken over this time. These points are important." The Ukrainian leader seemed mostly upbeat about his latest White House appearance, describing his meeting with Trump as "warm". His optimism, however, appeared deliberate as he sought to avoid a repeat of his last Oval Office visit and convince his American hosts to embrace the European position on ending the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But perhaps the key outcome of the trip was that it helped Ukraine to buy more time. The call that Trump had with Putin following his first meeting with the European leaders suggests that Russia has managed to do just the same. Despite widespread fears, no catastrophe has happened at the summits in Alaska and Washington - at least nothing from what has been made public. The status quo remains. President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin could meet within the next two weeks, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Aug. 19, according to Reuters. Merz, who traveled to Washington with Zelensky and other European leaders on Aug. 18, said the agreement emerged after U.S. President Donald Trump called Putin during a break in the talks. "The American president spoke with the Russian president and agreed that there would be a meeting between the Russian president and the Ukrainian president within the next two weeks," Merz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to AFP, Putin told Trump he was willing to meet Zelensky. Whether Putin will follow through remains uncertain, and "persuasion is needed" to ensure the Russian leader attends, Merz said. Zelensky has repeatedly voiced readiness for direct talks. On Aug. 18, he said he was prepared to discuss territorial issues directly with Putin as part of peace talks. Putin, while claiming openness to negotiations, had previously refused to meet Zelensky. "The question of territory is a question that we will leave between me and Putin," Zelensky said. Trump and Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15 for nearly three hours but failed to reach a ceasefire agreement. Trump later said "many points were agreed to" but offered no specifics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The last time Zelensky and Putin met in person was in Paris in December 2019 during the Normandy Format talks mediated by France and Germany. They have not held direct talks since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Read also: As Zelensky, Trump prepare to talk about peace, most Russian demands are non-starters for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday told journalists in Washington that he is ready to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin without preconditions. After a summit with US President Donald Trump and European leaders, Zelensky said that Moscow's previous demand for a ceasefire had only triggered new conditions. "We are ready for any type of format," Zelensky said, specifying this would have to be on a leaders level. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky said that "come what may" he should meet Putin and at that point start working out how to end the conflict, stressing that preconditions for talks from Kiev would be met by "one hundred demands" from Russia. At the same time, he acknowledged that the demand for a ceasefire as a prerequisite for peace negotiations had been justified. Zelensky later added on social media platform X that Trump "supported a meeting at the level of leaders. Such a meeting is necessary to resolve sensitive issues." President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 18 that he will directly discuss territory with Russian President Vladimir Putin in potential peace talks, as Ukraine calls for unconditional negotiations. "(T)he question of territory is a question that we will leave between me and Putin. Security guarantees will probably be negotiated with our partners," Zelensky said outside the White House following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders. Trump met Zelensky at the White House on Aug. 18. The U.S. leader first met Putin in Alaska on Aug. 15 as he intensifies efforts to broker a peace deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said he plans to host a bilateral meeting between Zelensky and Putin, followed by a trilateral meeting consisting of the three leaders. Following the White House meeting, Zelensky noted that Ukraine is ready to hold unconditional peace talks with Russia. "We are ready, as I said, for any formats, meetings at the level of the leaders, and if Ukraine begins to set conditions for a global meeting, without conditions for a fair one, then the Russians will have 100 conditions on their side. Therefore, I believe that we must meet without any conditions," he said. Some parts of Ukraine were not occupied via military force, and this should be considered in peace negotiations, Zelensky said amid Russian demands to retain occupied Ukrainian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It is very important to understand that some parts of our country, parts of the east, for example, and Crimea, were occupied not because one army pushes the other, and the other steps back. But because there were no hostilities, for example, there were no mass hostilities in Crimea. Therefore, it cannot be said that such a large part was occupied because the Russians had a strong army," Zelensky said. Peace talks will include efforts to return Ukrainian children abducted by Russia as the U.S. signals it will be involved in the process, he said. "(T)he United States of America understands that they will be involved in such an important, painful, and very difficult issue of how to return Ukrainian children," Zelensky said. "We talked to the President of the United States of America. He agrees that it is not a simple system, but it will help me in exchanging everyone for everyone, not only the military prisoners." Ukraine will need additional funding amid Russia's continued assaults on Ukraine's front lines, Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Additional finance is needed. I am going to find all this money. For this, our European partners need to understand that we need to find a source of financing for some period of time." "It should be a part of the security guarantees. In addition to wages and financial support, we may not have enough budget for all salaries. Then, for example, we will not have enough money for our domestic production... Therefore, if we ourselves finance high salaries for our soldiers, we will need a lot of money for our production," Zelensky said. When Ukraine is ready to export domestically made drones, Washington will be ready to purchase the military equipment to help support Ukraine's drone production, he noted. "We have an agreement with the President of the United States of America that when the export opens, they will buy Ukrainian drones. This is important for us. This will finance our domestic production of drones, Zelensky said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now that the U.S. has intensified efforts to broker a peace deal to end Russia's war against Ukraine, over 30 countries in the "coalition of the willing" will be ready to support Ukraine and provide security guarantees. "It is important that the United States of America makes a clear signal that it will be among the countries that will help, coordinate, and will also be participants in the security guarantees for Ukraine. I think this is a big step forward," Zelensky said. Among those in the coalition are European countries, Canada, and Japan. Some of Ukraine's allies in the coalition are ready to provide a peacekeeping force on the ground, and others will provide support, Zelensky noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Someone will probably be ready to talk about presence. Someone will talk about intelligence. Someone will talk about the sea. Someone will talk about the safety of the sky." "Ukraine is not alone, and it is important that we have such strong support," he said. Read also: As Zelensky, Trump prepare to talk about peace, most Russian demands are non-starters for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Trump says security guarantees for Ukraine would be "provided" by European countries with "coordination" by the US Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a proposal for post-war security guarantees could be finalized with the U.S. and Europe in the next 10 days, following his meeting Monday with President Trump at the White House. Security guarantees will probably be unpacked by our partners, and more and more details will emerge, Zelensky told reporters after his conversation with Trump in the Oval Office, according to Reuters. All of this will somehow be formalized on paper within the next week to 10 days. The Ukrainian leader added that he was ready to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in any format to discuss bringing an end to the more than three-years-long war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky, after Trumps bilateral summit with Putin last week in Alaska, noted that officials agreed to a follow-up trilateral that would include all three world leaders as they press toward a ceasefire in Eastern Europe. However, the Ukrainian leader said he wants to meet with his Russian counterpart one-on-one before group negotiations convene. We are ready for any formats at the level of leaders, because only at the level of leaders can we resolve all those complex, painful issues, Zelensky said. At least for us, they are important and painful. Therefore, I confirmed and all European leaders supported me that we are ready for a bilateral meeting with Vladimir Putin, and after that, we expect a trilateral meeting, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky also highlighted that a potential peace agreement would include the release of all Ukrainians captured amid the war, which began with Russias invasion in 2022. We discussed security guarantees, the Ukrainian leader wrote in a Monday post on social platform X. This is a key issue, a starting point towards ending the war. We appreciate the important signal from the United States regarding its readiness to support and be part of these guarantees. A lot of attention today was given to the return of our children, to the release of prisoners of war and civilians held by Russia, he continued. We agreed to work on this. The White House said the issue of children being held captive has been weighing heavily on the mind of first lady Melania Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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 wrote in a letter dated Aug. 15 she gave to Putin at Fridays Alaska summit. 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, she continued. 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. European leaders, who also met with Trump on Monday, reupped their commitment to supporting Ukraine following the presidents summit with Putin. The leaders stressed that security guarantees were necessary in any negotiations to end the war. In a hot mic moment, speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump suggested Putin was ready to make a deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Updated: 4:28 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that work is underway on security guarantees for Ukraine and leader-level coordination continues. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter) Details: Zelenskyy said the Washington talks with the US president and European leaders were "truly a significant step toward ending the war and ensuring the security of Ukraine and our people". Quote: "We are already working on the concrete content of the security guarantees. Today, we continue coordination at the level of leaders. There will be discussions, and we are preparing the relevant formats. We will also continue working tomorrow. National security advisors are also in constant contact now. There will be security guarantees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We will do everything to make the path to peace a reality through partnership, through security guarantees, and through the courage of the Ukrainian people." Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said at a briefing in Washington following talks at the White House that the exchange of prisoners both military and civilian must become an integral part of the negotiation process. Source: Zelenskyy at the briefing Quote: "Both the First Lady and the US team understand that they will be involved in such an important, painful and very complex issue as bringing Ukrainian children back." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We discussed this with the President of the United States. He agrees that it is a complicated system, but he will assist me with arranging an all-for-all exchange. Not only military prisoners, primarily our servicemen, but also civilians such as journalists or political prisoners. We agreed to work on this." Background: US President Donald Trump said that a potential prisoner exchange could take place after the planned US-Ukraine-Russia trilateral meeting. He believes Russia will accept security guarantees for Ukraine, but for now the partners need to discuss "who will do what, essentially". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Trump emerged Monday from his meetings at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and seven European leaders about Russias war in Ukraine without a peace deal. But Trump expressed optimism that he could bring Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin together at the negotiating table. If Putin and Zelensky were to meet, it would be their first face-to-face interaction since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Mondays talks in Washington, D.C., came three days after Trump met with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, in a highly watched summit that also ended without a ceasefire deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president characterized the White House confab as a very good, early step in a post on Truth Social Monday night, and said that arrangements for a meeting between Putin and Zelensky were underway. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told reporters outside the White House that Trump had persuaded Putin to meet with Zelensky "within the next two weeks." Pressed by reporters, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday that Putin had agreed to have direct talks with Zelensky in the coming weeks. She declined to give further details. Trump wants a trilat with Putin and Zelensky after they meet without him Zelensky and Trump shake hands in the Oval Office on Monday. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Speaking to reporters before their Oval Office sit-down, Trump and the Ukrainian president discussed the possibility of a trilateral meeting with Putin in the not-too-distant future. We are ready for trilateral, Zelensky told reporters in the Oval Office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If we dont have a trilat, then the fighting continues, Trump said. And if we do, we have a good chance I think we have a trilat, theres a good chance of maybe ending it. During an expanded meeting with the European leaders, Trump reiterated to Zelensky that if Mondays meeting went well, hed set up a trilateral meeting with Putin. If you like, Ill go to that meeting, Trump said. Not that I want to do that, but I will do that. In his post on Truth Social on Monday night, Trump said he spoke with Putin and had begun the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined between Putin and Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After that meeting takes place, Trump said, the three leaders would have a trilat. Trump paused Mondays meetings to call Putin Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin speak on the tarmac after they arrive at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 15. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Trump said he planned to call Putin after Mondays discussions. But according to multiple news outlets, Trump paused his closed-door meeting with Zelensky and other European leaders to call Putin. CNN reported that the Europeans were not present for the conversation between Trump and Putin. Trump later said that it would have been "disrespectful" to Putin to make the call with the group present. In a statement, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov described Mondays phone conversation between Trump and Putin as frank and very constructive, adding that the two leaders had agreed to appoint more senior negotiators for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. But Ushakov did not say anything about a meeting between Putin and Zelensky, which Trump has identified as the next step in the peace process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview on Fox & Friends Tuesday morning, Trump described his conversation with Putin as "a very good call." "I told him that we're going to set up a meeting with President Zelensky, and you and he will meet, and then after that meeting, if everything works out OK, I'll meet and we'll wrap it up," Trump said. "It takes, in this case, two to tango," Trump said of Putin and Zelensky. "They have to have somewhat of a relationship, otherwise were just wasting a lot of time. Trump says all of us would obviously prefer a ceasefire after telling Zelensky it was unnecessary Trump at a meeting with Zelensky and European leaders in the East Room of the White House on Monday. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Before his Oval Office meeting with Zelensky, Trump said that a ceasefire would be unnecessary in order to reach a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I don't think you need a ceasefire, Trump said. But during his meeting with Zelensky and European leaders about an hour later, Trump said: All of us would obviously prefer the immediate ceasefire while we work on a lasting peace. The president said that a ceasefire agreement would immediately stop the killing in the three-and-a-half-year conflict, before reiterating his earlier assertion that the parties could still work out a peace deal without one. "Maybe something like [a ceasefire] could happen," Trump said. "As of this moment, it's not happening." Trump is caught on a hot mic whispering that Putin wants to make a deal for me French President Emmanuel Macron and Trump on Monday. (Alex Brandon/AP) Before Trumps private meeting with European leaders got underway, a hot mic caught Trump discreetly telling French President Emmanuel Macron why he is optimistic that Putin wont stand in the way of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump implied that Putin wants his U.S. counterpart to pocket a diplomatic win. I think he wants to make a deal, Trump was heard whispering to Macron in the East Room. I think he wants to make a deal for me, you understand that? As crazy as it sounds. Macron, for his part, remained skeptical. When I look at the situation and the facts, I dont see President Putin very willing to get peace now, Macron told NBC News on Monday after the White House discussions. But perhaps Im too pessimistic. Zelensky calls White House meetings truly a significant step toward ending the war President Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy upon his arrival at the White House on Monday. (Alexander Drago /Reuters) In his post on X, Zelensky said, This was truly a significant step toward ending the war and ensuring the security of Ukraine and our people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky did not say a meeting with Putin was imminent. But he pointed to the progress made at the White House talks. We are already working on the concrete content of the security guarantees, Zelensky said. Today, we continue coordination at the level of leaders. There will be discussions, and we are preparing the relevant formats. We will also continue working tomorrow. National security advisors are also in constant contact now. There will be security guarantees. He added, I thank all our partners for their determination and support. Ukraine feels this strength. And we will do everything to make the path to peace a reality through partnership, through security guarantees, and through the courage of the Ukrainian people. President Trump said he has begun arranging a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after a day of discussions at the White House with Zelensky and several European leaders about Russias war in Ukraine. The sit-down came three days after Trump met with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, in a highly watched summit that ended without a ceasefire deal. Earlier today, Zelensky, notably dressed in a black suit jacket, spoke to reporters in the Oval Office and said he would be willing to have a trilateral meeting with Trump and Putin about the war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky, whose last trip to the Oval unraveled in spectacular fashion, was later joined at the White House by European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte who traveled to Washington, D.C., in a show of support for Ukraine. Trump has been trying for months to secure an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. He framed the Alaska talks as the first step in reaching a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv. In a statement, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov described todays phone conversation between Trump and Putin as frank and very constructive, adding that the two leaders had agreed to appoint more senior negotiators for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. But Ushakov did not say whether Putin and Zelensky would talk directly to each other, which Trump has identified as the next step in the process. Meanwhile, Russia continues to strike Ukraine. At least seven people, including a child, were killed in a Russian drone strike on an apartment complex in Kharkiv on Monday, Ukrainian officials said. Looking for a break? Test your knowledge of this week's news from the Yakima Valley. The price caps in the programme for the 3 percent fixed rate Home Start credit for first-time home buyers will prevent real estate prices from rising, the parliamentary state secretary at the Prime Ministers Office said. Miklos Panyi said on Facebook regarding the fixed 3 percent loan that many left-wing commentators and opposition party leaders were warning that this would increase real estate prices by as much as 20-40 percent. Panyi countered that there are over 100,000 properties for sale in Hungary that qualify for the programme, in rural areas, in large cities, and in Budapest. In addition, many thousands of properties will enter the real estate market that have not been offered for sale until now because there were no buyers, he said. Panyi also noted that over 10,000 home developments targeting first-time buyers will start in Budapest in the autumn, significantly expanding supply, and that eligible properties in the scheme have a price limit of 100 million forints for apartments and 150 million forints for houses. Details of Home Start scheme cleared up at talks Details of the Home Start subsidised credit scheme for first-time home buyers were cleared up at talks with representatives of the Hungarian Banking Association on Friday, state secretary Miklos Panyi said in a post on social media. Panyi highlighted the importance of a cohesive understanding of the rules for the 3pc fixed-rate programme to ensure its smooth rollout on September 1. He added that the government and banking sector experts had clarified a number of issues related to the scheme at intensive talks in recent weeks, while guidelines for communicating those rules had been drafted. Panyi said government agencies would offer the full range of support to accelerate the application process and disbursements. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has called it "unacceptable and shocking" that "Ukraine has launched another attack against an oil pipeline in Russia that supplies Hungary," adding that deliveries to Hungary through the pipeline had been halted. Following talks by phone with Pavel Sorokin, Russia's energy minister, Szijjarto said on Facebook on Monday that work was under way to fix a crucial transformer, but added that it was not clear when it would become operational again. The minister said "Brussels and Kyiv have been trying to push Hungary into the war in Ukraine for three and a half years, and ... the more and more frequent Ukrainian attacks against our energy security are aimed accordingly." "Let us make it clear again: it is not our war ... and we want to stay out, and as long as we are on government, we will," Szijjarto said. Later on Monday, Szijjarto clapped back at Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha's post on X, who called on him to "send your complaints ... to Russia" over the matter. Sybiha "seems to have missed the facts," Szijjarto said. Szijjarto said that Russia had been supplying Hungary with oil for decades through the pipeline, in line with Hungary's interests. Supplies had been repeatedly cut off because of Ukrainian air strikes, which is against Hungary's interests, he said. "As Hungarys Foreign Minister my mandate is clear: Hungarys interest comes first. Period. And lets not forget: a significant part of Ukraines electricity comes from Hungary" Szijjarto added. Szijjarto: Delivery restored on Druzhba pipeline Crude oil delivery towards Hungary was restored on the Druzhba pipeline, which had been damaged in a Ukrainian attack on Sunday night, Peter Szijjarto, the minister of foreign affairs and trade, said on Facebook late on Tuesday. "I have just thanked Russian deputy energy minister for the speedy repair," Szijjarto said, according to a ministry statement. "We expect Ukraine to refrain from further attacks against the pipeline, which is key to Hungary's energy supply. This is not our war, leave us out of it!" Szijjarto said. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Peter Magyar, the leader of the opposition Tisza Party, has written an open letter to the Russian ambassador to Hungary, protesting a recent statement issued by Russias Foreign Intelligence Service. In the letter to Russian Ambassador Evgeny Arnoldovich Stanislavov he shared on social media, Magyar said the Foreign Intelligence Services statement mentioning him and his party by name constituted "an unacceptable interference" in Hungarys domestic political affairs. He said the statement "baselessly claims" that the European Union and its leaders were making efforts to ensure that he would become Hungarys next prime minister and were mobilising financial, media and lobbying resources to this end. Statements like this from a foreign countrys official intelligence body, Magyar said, aimed solely to influence Hungarian voters, distort debates in public life and undermine trust in Hungarian democracy. He said Hungarys sovereignty belonged exclusively to the Hungarian people, adding that no foreign power had the right to attempt to shape the future of Hungarian politics or determine the outcome of its elections. Magyar expressed his official protest against the statements made by Russias Foreign Intelligence Service and their distribution via official and state channels. The Tisza leader said he expected the Russian embassy to immediately issue a public explanation in connection with the approval, aim and intended impact of the statement in question. He also demanded clear guarantees that Russia would refrain from any actions that could be considered interference in Hungarys internal political processes. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. A senior Pakistani journalist has admitted that Islamabad lacks advanced missile defence systems like the S-400 or Iron Dome, leaving its airbases dangerously exposed. He warned that in any future conflict, especially during Indias Operation Sindoor-style strikes, the Pakistan Air Force could lose jets on the ground before they even take off. US to allow entry of 6L students from China: Trump > < 23:57 12000 trains to be operated during Diwali, Chhath in Bihar: Ashwini Vaishnaw Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday announced that 12,000 trains will be operated for Bihar on the occasion of Diwali and Chhath festivals.This announcement comes after he held discussions with the Bihar NDA leaders.Four Amrit Bharat trains will be launched to connect Delhi and Gaya,... Read more > 23:35 8th accused held in Army jawan assault case at Meerut toll plaza The Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested the eighth accused in connection with the brutal assault of an Army jawan and his companions by toll plaza employees in the Meerut district, officials said on Wednesday. The accused, identified as Ravi (19), a resident of Karnawal, was arrested late... Read more > 23:12 Malayalam actress accuses youth leader of sending objectionable messages Malayalam actress Rini Ann George/Courtesy Instagram Malayalam actress Rini Ann George on Wednesday alleged that a prominent youth leader and people's representative of a well-known political party had sent her objectionable messages and invited her to a five-star hotel.Addressing reporters, George claimed she repeatedly warned the leader and... Read more > 22:46 Pak extends airspace ban for Indian aircraft till Sep 23 Pakistan authorities on Wednesday extended its airspace ban for Indian aircraft till September 23. The Pakistan Airports Authority has issued a fresh NOTAM (notice to airmen) announcing the one-month extension of the restriction on Indian aircraft in Pakistan's airspace. All aircraft... Read more > 22:40 No HC relief for Jain community seeking closure of slaughter houses during festival File image The Bombay high court on Wednesday refused to grant any relief to Jain community members seeking closure of slaughter houses in the city for 10 days during their Paryushan Parv festival. A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne said it respects the community's... Read more > 22:10 Kerala HC extends protection from arrest for rapper Vedan in rape case The Kerala high court on Wednesday extended until August 25 an interim order preventing police from arresting rapper Hirandas Murali, known as Vedan, who is facing rape charges. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas, who had earlier granted interim protection from arrest, extended the order while... Read more > 21:54 Heavy rains lash Thane, Palghar; 1 dead, several shifted Heavy rains affected the normal life in Thane district on Wednesday, cutting off villages, inundating houses, and triggering landslides, officials said. A man died after falling into a water-filled quarry while an inundated bridge in Kalyan area was closed amid downpours. The Thane... Read more > 21:47 Partially charred body of female college student found along NH-48 in Karnataka The partially charred body of a female college student was found in a field along National Highway-48 in Chitradurga, the police said on Wednesday. The victim, identified as a second-year BA student of a government college who was staying in the girls' hostel, was discovered by a passerby on... Read more > 21:09 Rupee rises 6 paise against US dollar The rupee pared initial losses and settled on a higher note at 87.07 against the US dollar on Wednesday, up by 6 paise on the back of a rise in risk appetite in global markets. Forex traders said easing tensions over trade tariffs and hopes of peace between Russia and Ukraine enthused... Read more > 20:54 Sanjay Kumar of CSDS booked over posts on Maha polls File image The Nagpur and Nashik police have registered a First Information Report against psephologist Sanjay Kumar, co-director of Lokniti-CSDS, following a controversial social media post related to Maharashtra elections.Officials said the FIR has been filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay... Read more > 20:43 Bengaluru student, Hyderabad techie held with drugs worth Rs 7.3 lakh A 19-year-old student from Bengaluru and a 27-year-old private firm employee were arrested on Monday for allegedly peddling narcotics worth Rs 7.3 lakh, the police said.Acting on a tip-off, the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (HNEW) apprehended the duo on August 19 in the limits of Domalguda... Read more > 20:22 India successfully test-fires Agni-5 ballistic missile off Odisha coast File image India on Wednesday successfully test-fired the 'Agni 5' intermediate range ballistic missile, in a demonstration of its strategic military capabilities. The defence ministry said the test-firing of the missile from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha's Chandipur validated all operational and... Read more > 19:59 8 Maoists carrying collective bounty of Rs 30 lakh surrender in Chhattisgarh Eight Maoists, including two women, carrying cumulative rewards of Rs 30 lakh on their heads, surrendered before the security forces in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district on Wednesday, the police said.The Maoists turned themselves in, citing inhuman and hollow Maoist ideology. They said they... Read more > 19:41 HC defers plea against ordinance for control of Bankey Bihari temple The Allahabad high court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing on a plea challenging the validity of an ordinance creating government trust to control and supervision of Shri Bankey Bihari Mandir in Mathura. The plea challenges The Uttar Pradesh Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance,... Read more > 19:06 Facing threats over 'The Bengal Files' release: Agnihotri Amid the growing controversy surrounding his film The Bengal Files, director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri claimed that he has received 'threats' over the film's release. Speaking to ANI, Agnihotri revealed that he, along with his family, has become a target of the threats. My daughter and my... Read more > 18:28 150 people booked in Mumbai over protest in support of pigeon-feeding An FIR has been registered against 150 people for staging a protest at Dadar Kabutarkhana to oppose the Mumbai civic body's attempt to stop pigeon-feeding at the spot, police said on Wednesday. The first information report was registered at the Dadar police station five days ago for unlawful... Read more > 18:11 Red alert for Palghar, south Gujarat; worst is over for Mumbai A red alert has been issued for Palghar district and parts of south Gujarat, including Vapi and Valsad, warning of very heavy rainfall from tonight till Thursday evening, according to SkyWatch Weather India. Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad are likely to receive 60-90 mm of rain between 10 pm... Read more > 18:00 Row as Guj school play shows burqa-clad girls as terrorists Representational image The Gujarat education department has sought a report after a primary school in Bhavnagar staged an Independence Day play that depicted burqa-clad girls as terrorists, triggering a controversy, an official said on Wednesday. A notice seeking the report was issued after local Muslims, under... Read more > 17:46 Heavy rain hits life in Himachal, schools, colleges remain shut File image Heavy rains disrupted normal life in several parts of Himachal, prompting closure of schools and colleges in some areas of Una, Kullu and Mandi districts, officials said on Wednesday. Educational institutions were shut in Amb and Gagret subdivisions of una as a precautionary... Read more > 17:27 Narcotics worth Rs 11,310 cr seized from various ports between 2020 and 2024: Govt File image Narcotics worth more than Rs 11,310 crore were seized from various ports in the country between 2020 and 2024, Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday. Replying to a written question, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, shared data on notified substances under the Narcotic Drugs... Read more > 16:59 Stock markets log gains for 5th day Benchmark BSE Sensex closed higher by 213 points on Wednesday, extending its rally to the fifth consecutive day on heavy buying in IT shares. The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 213.45 points or 0.26 per cent to settle at 81,857.84.During the day, it jumped 341.23 points or 0.41 per cent to... Read more > 16:43 Incessant rains batter Karnataka; flood threat looms File pic Incessant rains battered several parts of Karnataka on Wednesday, damaging crops, disrupting road connectivity, and prompting precautionary evacuations, even as major reservoirs neared full capacity. Heavy downpour continued in Dharwad, Gadag, Davangere, Haveri and Uttara Kannada, damaging... Read more > 16:22 Delhi CM attacker to be interrogated by IB, Special Cell In the matter of the attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday, a case has been registered u/s 109(1) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (Attempt to murder, Imprisonment for 10 years and fine) at Civil Lines police station. The accused has been taken into police custody. The... Read more > 16:00 Maharashtra rain havoc: '15 L acres of farmland damaged' With heavy rains over the past few days causing flood-like situation in parts of Maharashtra, state Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal has urged the Devendra Fadnavis-led government to declare a wet drought and provide urgent assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare to the affected... Read more > 15:49 Why did PM call former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik? Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday dialled former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, who has been undergoing treatment at a private hospital here, and enquired about his health condition, said a statement issued by the BJD supremo.The PM wished Patnaik a speedy recovery and suggested... Read more > 15:32 266 Gazans have died of malnutrition Palestinians scramble to collect supplies. Reuters/Hatem Khaled Three Palestinians died in Gaza today due to famine and malnutrition, according to hospital records in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, raising the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition to 266, including 112 children.Since 2nd March 2025, Israeli forces have closed all... Read more > 15:28 3 Bills introduced by Shah referred to Jt Committee of Parl The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025' referred to the Joint Committee of Parliament.Union Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday moved three bills in... Read more > 15:12 Tharoor differs with Cong on Bill removing PM, CMs Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday voiced support for laying down rules to remove the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, or ministers of states and union territories from their posts if they are arrested on serious criminal charges. Taking a slightly different stance from his party... Read more > 14:54 Torrential rain but Maharashtra dams just 88% full Maharashtra's average water stock across dams stood at 1,135.04 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) on Wednesday, which is 88.05 per cent of the state's total capacity of 1,254.66 TMC, according to official data. One TMC is approximately 2,831.68 crore litres. Last year on the same day, the... Read more > 14:36 Noel Tata's mother Simone Tata critical Simone Tata was the creator of the Lakme brand Simone Tata, the mother of Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata, is in critical condition at the Breach Candy Hospital, sources with direct knowledge of the matter told the Times of India. She was airlifted from Dubai to Mumbai on Monday and is under the care of doctor Farokh Udwadia.Simone, 95,... Read more > 14:32 Blood and revenue can flow together for BCCI: Aaditya Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Wednesday wrote to Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, criticising the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for scheduling a match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup Cricket 2025. He called the decision a shameful act and urged the central... Read more > 14:23 Chaos in House as HM introduces Bill on removal of PM, CMs Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday introduced three bills in Lok Sabha, including a Constitution Amendment bill, which seeks to remove the Prime Minister or Chief Ministers who are facing allegations of corruption or serious offences and have been detained for 30 consecutive... Read more > 13:31 Mumbai monorail services resume after all-night disruption Passengers stuck in the monorail were rescued Mumbai Monorail services restarted on Wednesday after a train broke down between Bhakti Park and Chembur stations near Mysore Colony on Tuesday evening, leaving around 582 passengers stranded. The breakdown, caused by a power supply failure due to overcrowding, halted the train around 6.30... Read more > 13:27 Minor brothers found dead in car, family alleges murder Representational image The bodies of two minor brothers were found inside a parked car in Jaipur late Tuesday night, police said. Anas (8) and Ahsan (5), sons of Shehzad, went missing while playing near their house in the evening.When they did not return home by late evening, their family members started searching... Read more > 13:20 Public will completely reject you: Rijiju on Oppn ruckus in Parl Both the Houses of the Parliament faced a major adjournment on Wednesday after Opposition MPs held a protest, seeking discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is facing criticism over the deletion of voter names from... Read more > 13:10 The Indian cafes where you can pay in rubbish Representational image Garbage cafes are springing up across India. The BBC visits the city of Ambikapur to find out how much impact they can really have on plastic ' and people. Read the story here. Read more > 12:51 'Attacker did recce, spent night near Delhi CM's home' The man attacked the CM the moment he saw her Delhi Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh on Wednesday informed that the accused in the CM Rekha Gupta attack had conducted a recce of her residence for the past 24 hours and was plotting to meet the Chief Minister.He said that the accused reached CM Rekha Gupta's Shalimar Bagh residence for the recce.... Read more > 12:46 Unjustified: Russia on US pressure on India for oil purchase File pic Update: The US pressure on India for its procurement of Russian crude oil is unjustified, a senior Russian diplomat said on Wednesday. We are confident that India-Russia energy cooperation will continue notwithstanding the external pressure, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin... Read more > 12:16 West only thinks of their benefit: Russia on ties with India Roman Babushkin On the US trade adviser stating that India should stop buying Russian oil, Roman Babushkin, Charge d'Affairs of the Russian Embassy in India, says, Russia is the largest producer of oil and India is the largest consumer. Any kind of unilateral action leads to disruptions in supply chains,... Read more > 12:02 BEST Credit Society poll: Thackeray brand comes a cropper, says BJP The BJP on Wednesday said the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS panel's defeat in the BEST Employees Cooperative Credit Society poll has shown the Thackeray cousins where they stand and reaffirmed the saffron party's position among the people. The Thackeray brand has turned to be zero, the BJP said,... Read more > 11:58 Spy #4? Man caught trying to sneak into army station Representational image A 30-year-old man suspected of spying for Pakistan was detained by the Military Intelligence (MI) in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer and later handed over to Kotwali police, officials said on Wednesday. According to officials, the accused, identified as Jivan Khan (30), a resident of the Sankada area,... Read more > 11:45 Delhi CM 'stable' after assault at Jan Sunwai meet Following the attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, state BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva informed that her condition is stable and was examined by the doctors. He said that CM is a strong lady and she has not cancelled her programs. Sachdeva said that a man approached her and... Read more > 11:32 C P Radhakrishnan files nomination papers NDA nominee C P Radhakrishnan files nomination papers for vice presidential election in presence of PM Modi, senior ministers. Read more > 11:14 First look: The man who attacked Delhi CM at her home Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was allegedly attacked by this man in the picture alongside during a 'Jan Sunwai' programme at her official residence in Civil Lines on Wednesday morning, the Bharatiya Janata Party said.Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav says, This is very unfortunate. CM leads... Read more > 11:10 Onus on Pakistan to normalise ties: Tharoor India no longer has the appetite to take the first step in normalising ties with Pakistan after repeated betrayals, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said on Tuesday, urging Islamabad to demonstrate sincerity by dismantling terror networks operating from its soil. He was speaking at the... Read more > 10:50 Week after Kishtwar cloudburst man keeps looking for sister In Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district, the search operation continues for those missing after a cloudburst hit Chasoti village, which claimed 61 lives. Ravi Kumar, who came from Jammu, said he is searching for his sister and other family members after losing his elder sister in the... Read more > 10:34 Akasa Air Completes Fundraising, Premji Invest Joins Jhunjhunwalas Akasa Air on Tuesday announced the completion of its strategic investment transactions, first unveiled in February this year, after receiving all regulatory approvals.The fundraising brings in Premji Invest, 360 ONE Asset and Claypond Capital, alongside additional capital from the Jhunjhunwala... Read more > 10:32 Sebi Tweak May Cushion HDFC, ICICI Bank Against $1 Bn Selloff The Securities and Exchange Board of India's proposed relaxation of index realignment norms could ease potential selling pressure of nearly $1 billion in HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, the two heaviest weights in the Nifty Bank index.Currently, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank carry weights of 29.1 per cent... Read more > 10:29 OpenAI Rolls Out ChatGPT Go In India For 399/Month Sam Altman-led OpenAI launched ChatGPT Go on Tuesday, a low-cost subscription plan specifically designed for Indian users, featuring enhanced message limits, image generation, file uploading capabilities, and chat memory. These features, which will be supported by the company's latest model,... Read more > 10:27 Sabyasachi Calcutta's Fine Jewellery On Tata CLiQ Sabyasachi Calcutta, the premier luxury brand, will launch its first digital jewellery boutique on Tata CLiQ Luxury on August 21, marking its debut in online fine jewellery retail.Founder and Creative Director Sabyasachi Mukherjee said the brand will also eventually offer bags and perfumes... Read more > 10:26 Re 1 Rise In UPI Value Trims Debit Card Use By 14 Paise A Re 1 increase in transaction value on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has reduced the value of debit-card transactions by 14 paise between 2021 and 2025, according to a State Bank of India research report. 'It has been observed through time series analysis for the period from January 2021... Read more > 10:24 Zepto Enters Real Estate Space Quick-commerce platform Zepto on Tuesday announced its partnership with real estate firm The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) to offer land investment opportunities to consumers. The land offerings, involving premium plots in Vrindavan, are currently discoverable through the Zepto app.While... Read more > 10:22 Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel Hang Up 1 GB Starter Packs Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, India's top two telecom service providers by subscribers, have withdrawn their entry-level 1 gigabyte (GB)-per-day plans for new customers, effectively raising minimum tariffs.Industry executives and analysts said the recalibration could set the stage for fresh... Read more > 10:19 Mumbai rains: Multiple trains cancelled due to waterlogging Heavy rain has caused severe waterlogging in Mumbai, leading to the cancellation of several train services on Wednesday. Authorities have issued a travel alert, asking commuters to check the updated train list and plan their travel carefully. The safety measures are being taken because... Read more > 09:58 Heavy rains lash Thane district, 1 dead, flooding in city The Mithi river overflows and actually looks like a river and not a drain A man died after falling into a water-filled quarry while an inundated bridge in Kalyan area was closed after heavy rains lashed Maharashtra's Thane district, officials said on Wednesday. The neighbouring Palghar district also witnessed heavy overnight showers, flooding low-lying areas and... Read more > 09:51 50 Delhi schools receive bomb threats today File pic Around 50 schools in the national capital received bomb threats on Wednesday through e-mail, prompting police and other emergency agencies to launch a search operation, officials said. Police sources have said that around 50 schools have received bomb threats in the capital. These include... Read more > 09:48 Delhi CM slapped during 'Jan Sunwai' Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was allegedly attacked at a 'Jan Sunwai' programme at her official residence in Civil Lines this morning, the BJP said. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva strongly condemned the attack on the chief minister during her weekly 'Jan Sunwai' programme, said... Read more > 09:40 Taking a flight today? Check advisory, says IndiGo IndiGo issued a travel advisory for its passengers on Wednesday, amid prediction of heavy rains in Mumbai and its surrounding areas. According to the advisory, the heavy rains could lead to air traffic congestion, which could impact flight operations. While we want your journey to be as... Read more > 09:36 Mumbai's harbour line train services back on track Sion railway station yesterday. Pic: Sahil Salvi Intermittent showers lashed Mumbai overnight and on Wednesday morning, while local train services on the Central Railway's harbour line resumed after 15 hours, putting normal life slowly back on track. As many as 782 passengers were rescued on Tuesday evening after two overcrowded Monorail... Read more > 09:14 Missing lawyer found on Nepal border after 12 days A female lawyer and civil judge aspirant, Archana Tiwari, who was reported missing while travelling on a train nearly two weeks ago, was traced in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Khiri town on Nepal border on Tuesday, a police official said. Tiwari, who was heading to Katni from Indore on... Read more > 09:01 Trump imposed tariffs on India to...: White House White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday once again claimed that US President Donald Trump has ended the military conflict between India and Pakistan. The President is using the might of American strength to demand that respect from our allies, our friends, our... Read more > 08:59 'Khooni' village in Uttarakhand now renamed Devigram The name of the 'Khooni' village in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand has now been changed to 'Devigram' after a nod from the central government. The state revenue department has issued a formal notification on the name change. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said residents of the... Read more > 08:32 Mumbai's Harbour line train services restored after 15 hrs Local train services on the Central Railway's harbour line were restored by 3 am on Wednesday, more than 15 hours after Mumbai's lifeline was halted due to the subemergence of tracks following heavy rains, officials said. All public transport services in Mumbai, including local trains,... Read more > 02:17 IMD issues orange alert for Mumbai; rainfall intensity to reduce from Thursday The India meteorological department issued an orange alert of heavy rains for Mumbai for August 20 and predicted that the intensity of rainfall in the metropolis will go down from Thursday. Rains battered Mumbai, its suburbs and the townships in its metropolitan region on Tuesday, flooding... Read more > Organized by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and international media production company Branded, CreatorWeek Macao 2025 will be held from October 24 to 28. This years event will unite six of the integrated resort enterprises alongside a wide range of community tourism resources. 180 top content creators will be invited from mainland China and around the world, along with industry leaders from social media platforms and celebrity guests. These influencers collectively have a combined following of 300 million fans. Organizers are now recruiting local content creators in Macau to become official ambassadors for the collaborative campaign. This ambassador recruitment program aims to select 20 outstanding Macau content creators to co-create exclusive, tailor-made offline experience itineraries alongside top influencers. To join the recruitment, applicants must submit an original video themed One Day in Macao, with a maximum length of three minutes, showcasing a days travel itinerary in Macau narrated in English. The video should highlight unique travel experiences, food, activities, and attractions in Macau. Interested individuals are welcome to apply between August 18 and September 12. Applicants must also be Macau residents who are at least 18 years old and own at least one personal social media account, such as Instagram, Facebook, Douyin, TikTok, or RedNote. Times Reporter Like this: Like Loading... Rep. Robert Garcia, the Democratic ranking member in the House Oversight Committee, is demanding answers from the Trump administration over reports about a secret pact between President Donald Trump and Salvadoran counterpart Nayib Bukele regarding a secret pact to release MS-13 leaders in the U.S. In a letter to the Department of Justice, State and Homeland Security, Garcia said such actions could have "compromised American law enforcement operations to hinder the transnational criminal organization." Garcia noted that the alleged agreement saw the U.S. dropping charges against the gang leaders and, in exchange, Bukele accepted incarcerating hundreds of Venezuelans deported to the country earlier this year under the Alien Enemies Act in its infamous CECOT prison. "If true, this surreptitious deal struck by the Trump Administration has profound implications for the integrity of the United States justice system and national security. The Committee demands to understand whether U.S. officials facilitated the repatriation of MS-13 leaders to prevent them from cooperating with American prosecutors," the letter added. Different investigations reported of such a pact early in the Trump administration. In June, a New York Times investigation revealed that American prosecutors have amassed substantial evidence of a pact between the Salvadoran government and some high-ranking MS-13 leaders who agreed to drive down violence and bolster Bukele politically in exchange for cash and perks in jail. "Some who were part of the federal investigation worry that Mr. Bukele wants the gang leaders back to prevent them from revealing damaging information about his government," reads a passage of the article. Since Bukele became President of El Salvador in 2019, he has positioned himself as a defender of safety in his native country. Due to constant gang violence, he declared a state of emergency, which suspended some constitutional rights, allowing the government to arrest who it suspected of being a gang member with little to no due process. That emergency designation was supposed to last just a few months, but it has now been years. Investigations of MS-13 leaders began during the first Trump administration, spearheaded by a cross-agency group called Joint Task Force Vulcan. But now, as the administration quietly drops their charges, the investigation could be severely damaged, and other defendants could be less likely to cooperate or testify in court, The Times added. It remains unclear how many MS-13 leaders the Trump administration has sent back to El Salvador so far or how many more it plans to return. At least one of them, Cesar Lopez Larios, was put on a plane to El Salvador in March with other migrants sent to Bukele's maximum-security prison known as CECOT. Lopez had been in U.S. custody for less than a year and was awaiting trial on Long Island on narco-terrorism conspiracy charges. The Trump administration has not acknowledged the alleged deal between El Salvador and the international criminal organization. Instead, the White House has pointed to its goals of "making America safe again," which include expelling criminals from the country. The letter by Robert Garcia makes reference to these reports, saying that actions of the Trump administration "appear specifically designed to undercut the work of Task Force Vulcan by returning key witnesses with knowledge of Bukele's deal to MS-13." Therefore, Garcia asked eight different questions about the matter, giving the administration until September 2 to provide answers. Originally published on Latin Times Four Seasons Hotel Macao is marking the Mid-Autumn Festival with a curated blend of culinary and wellness offerings. Guests can now enjoy handcrafted mooncakes from Michelin-starred Zi Yat Heen, featuring traditional flavors such as white lotus seed paste with double egg yolks and the restaurants signature custard blend. Each set comes in a Golden Mooncake Box with a lantern keepsake, emphasizing family bonds and seasonal celebration. In addition to its culinary offerings, the hotel has introduced Secrets of Rebirth, a first-of-its-kind medical-grade radiofrequency therapy in Hong Kong and Macau, developed with INDIBA. The treatment targets facial rejuvenation, body sculpting, postpartum recovery, and sports-related muscle repair. Guests receive personalized therapies combining advanced technology with holistic wellness principles. Like this: Like Loading... A Hong Kong court heard final arguments yesterday in the landmark national security trial of former pro-democracy newspaper founder Jimmy Lai, who could be sentenced to up to life in prison if he is convicted. Lai, 77, was arrested in 2020 under the national security law following anti-government protests in 2019. He is being tried on charges of colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security and conspiring with others to issue seditious publications. Lai founded Apple Daily, one of the local media outlets that was most critical of Hong Kongs government. His high-profile case that has stretched nearly 150 days, almost double the original estimate, is widely seen as a trial of press freedom and a test for judicial independence in the Asian financial hub. It is unclear when a verdict will be delivered. Arguments highlight alleged sanction calls Prosecutor Anthony Chau said yesterday that Lai was arrested for collusion in August 2020, but he continued to make requests for sanctions, a blockade or other hostile activities in the following months. Chau suggested that the appeals for foreign actions did not only target individuals, but also China, while the foreign collaborations Lai had were long-term and persistent. A prosecution document shown in court argued that the law doesnt prohibit normal international exchanges. But how Lai attempted to draw an analogy of what he did to the cooperation between Hong Kongs prosecuting authority and the International Association of Prosecutors was bewildering. It is surprising to see that D1 (Lai) raised freedoms of thought and association as his shield, it said in the document. Chau is expected to wrap up his closing statement today. Earlier in the trial, prosecutors alleged Lai asked foreign countries, especially the United States, to take actions against Beijing under the guise of fighting for freedom and democracy. On the first day of his testimony, Lai denied he had asked then-Vice President Mike Pence and then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to take action against Hong Kong and China during the 2019 protests. When Lais lawyer questioned him about an Apple Daily report saying he had asked the U.S. government to sanction Beijing and Hong Kong leaders, he said he must have discussed it with Pompeo, as he had no reason to doubt the accuracy of the report by the now-defunct newspaper he founded. But Lai said he would not have encouraged foreign sanctions after the national security law was enacted on June 30, 2020. Lais health causes delay Closing arguments have been delayed twice, first due to the weather then to concerns over Lais health. On Friday, his lawyer, Robert Pang, said Lai had experienced heart palpitations while in prison. The judges wanted him to secure a heart monitor and medication first. After Fridays hearing, the Hong Kong government alleged foreign media outlets had attempted to mislead the public about Lais medical care. It said a medical examination of Lai found no abnormalities and that the medical care he received in custody was adequate. When Lai entered the courtroom on Monday, he waved and smiled to those sitting in the public gallery and briefly instructed his legal team in a voice audible to public attendees. He closed his eyes for a while in the morning when the prosecution laid out its legal arguments. The heart monitor was delivered to Lai and he had no complaints about his health, Chau said. Case draws attention from foreign leaders Lais yearslong detention in solidarity confinement has drawn concerns from foreign governments and rights groups. U.S. President Donald Trump, before being elected to his second term in November, said he would talk to Chinese leader Xi Jinping to seek Lais release: I will get him out. In a Fox News radio interview released Aug. 14, Trump denied saying he would save Lai, but rather that he would bring the issue up. Ive already brought it up, and Im going to do everything I can to save him, he said. China has accused Lai of stirring a rise in anti-China sentiments in Hong Kong and said it firmly opposes the interference of other countries in its internal affairs. Dozens of people waited in the rain yesterday for a seat in the main courtroom to see Lai. Former Apple Daily reader Susan Li said she worried about Lais health as he looked visibly thinner and she would continue to pray for him. I wanted to let him know we are still here, she said. When Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to China in 1997, Beijing promised to retain the citys civil liberties for 50 years. But critics say the promise has become threadbare after the introduction of the security law, which Chinese and Hong Kong authorities insist was necessary for the citys stability. KANIS LEUNG, HONG KONG, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... The governments of Macau and Hong Kong have agreed to extend for three more years the operation of taxi quotas on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, allowing Macaus 40 allocated taxis to continue service until 2028. Authorities are also reviewing the possibility of increasing the number of cross-border taxis to improve passenger access. The move comes after nearly three years of suspended operations during the pandemic. The service remains available by prior booking, facilitating travel between the two regions. Like this: Like Loading... A local man in his 60s killed his brother after a prolonged money dispute, then kept the body with him for several days before taking his own life. The Judiciary Police (PJ) provided additional details yesterday evening regarding a suspected fall from a residential apartment that occurred at noon. The case involves two deceased individuals, both Macau residents with the surname Chan. One of the deceased was an elderly man who jumped from a building in the Fai Chi Kei area, while the other, his middle-aged brother aged between 31 and 60, was found lying in his brothers residential apartment, where he had been deceased for over 48 hours. The police reported that when PJ officers and forensic experts arrived at the scene, they discovered that the body had begun to decompose, indicating that the time of death was over 48 hours prior. The victim had multiple open fractures on the left rear of the skull, suggesting that the skull had been struck several times with a solid object. The victims face and nasal bones also exhibited fractures, but there were no visible signs of struggle on the limbs or body. It was estimated that the victim died from blunt force trauma, consistent with the characteristics of a homicide case. According to the PJ, the younger brother was found lying face down in the living room, with a significant amount of congealed blood on the floor and bloodstains surrounding the body. Due to the decomposition of the body, the exact cause of death still requires determination by a forensic pathologist, the police stated. They also noted that an 85-centimeter-long, 3-centimeter-diameter metal pipe was found at the scene, with one end stained with blood. Examination revealed that the living room of the unit matched the characteristics of the initial crime scene. The police cited their preliminary investigation, indicating that the case involved a financial dispute, though further investigation is needed to clarify the specific details. They noted that the preliminary findings had not revealed any criminal records or signs of a struggle. So far, the investigation has confirmed that the younger brother visited his older brothers apartment alone at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 15, while the older brother returned home at 6 p.m. that same day. The case was reported by the older brothers son after he accompanied his father home from a health center. The police referenced his account, stating, While waiting outside the apartment, he saw a man lying on the living room floor through a crack in the door. Concerned, he called the police for help. According to the PJ, when the Public Security Police (PSP) officers and firefighters arrived and broke down the door, the man who had fallen from the building was already on the balcony. Witnesses reported that he was seen falling at that moment. The police believed that the deceased may have committed suicide out of fear of being implicated in the case. The body was found on the ground below the balcony, on the pedestrian walkway, exhibiting multiple fractures and no obvious signs of struggle. The injuries are consistent with a single fall from a significant height, the police noted. Like this: Like Loading... 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. 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. 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. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... The Judiciary Police (PJ) warned that fraudsters are suspected of impersonating the Legal Affairs Bureaus legal aid hotline to scam residents. The case was reported after two citizens received calls last Friday showing the official number 2853 3540. They later confirmed with the bureau that no such calls were made. Authorities stressed they use return calls that do not display the hotline number. No victims or losses have been reported, but police urged the public to stay alert. Like this: Like Loading... * Deadly ties Brothers dead after money feud ends in murder-suicide, PJ reports * Economy | Economists see uneven recovery ahead * Tourism | ZAPE food market attracts 25,000 visitors: MGTO * Lawmaker Leong Sun Iok flags ongoing water quality issues at Nam Van Lake despite treatment efforts * New aviation rules require airlines to post MOP15 million deposit * A Hong Kong court begins hearing final arguments in Jimmy Lais trial, who could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted DOWNLOAD PDF Tuesday, August 19, 2025 edition no. 4783 Like this: Like Loading... As the first Democratic candidate to jump into the race for Wisconsin governor, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez is looking to capture a promotion not seen in the battleground state in decades. But while Rodriguez is leaning into her experience as outgoing Gov. Tony Evers second-in-command while campaigning across Wisconsin, its her full resume that defines her as a candidate, she said. That includes being a mother, a registered nurse, a state lawmaker, a business owner and an epidemic intelligence service officer, the 50-year-old told the Wisconsin State Journal last week . I have spent more time outside of the political realm than I have spent inside of it, Rodriguez said. I think thats a good balance of having a regular job, working as a nurse in an emergency room, but also working as an executive and being within political office and understanding what you need to do to get things across the finish line. A resident of Brookfield, Rodriguez holds a masters degree in public health and spent time as an epidemic intelligence service officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She also spent time with the Peace Corps, as an emergency room nurse in Baltimore and as vice president of population health and integrated care management for Advocate Aurora Health before opening her own health care consulting business about five years ago. Frustrated that the Republican-controlled Legislature wasnt doing enough to address the COVID-19 pandemic, Rodriguez ran for state Assembly in 2020 in Republican-leaning Waukesha County and went on to unseat incumbent state GOP Rep. Rob Hutton. After new legislative maps shifted the boundaries of her 13th Assembly District to lean more heavily in the GOPs favor, Rodriguez launched a bid for lieutenant governor after then-Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes opted to run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh. Barnes lost that race, but Rodriguez won the August primary in 2022 and later the November election on the ticket alongside Evers. Next years election promises to be Rodriguezs most challenging yet. Thats why I announced as early as I did, because I knew I was ready and I knew that this is going to be a difficult race and were going to have to make sure that were doing all we can to keep this seat, she said. A Wisconsin lieutenant governor has not held the governors seat since 2001, when then-Gov. Tommy Thompson, a Republican, joined President George W. Bushs administration and Lt. Gov. Scott McCallum finished out the final two years of Thompsons fourth term. Lt. Gov. Martin Schreiber also made the leap in 1977, when Democratic Gov. Patrick Lucey was appointed ambassador to Mexico about 2 years into his second term as governor. McCallum lost his gubernatorial re-election bid to Democrat Jim Doyle in 2002, while Schreiber did not seek another term. McCallum attributed his loss, at least in part, to the campaign launched that year by Libertarian Ed Thompson, the brother of Tommy Thompson, which drew about 10% of the vote that year. The last time someone who served as Wisconsins lieutenant governor won an election for the governors seat was in 1970, when Lucey, who served as lieutenant governor from 1965-68, defeated then-incumbent Lt. Gov. Jack Olson, a Republican. Most recently, Republican Rebecca Kleefisch, who served eight years as lieutenant governor under Scott Walker, ran to unseat Evers in 2022, but she lost in that years partisan primary to Republican business owner Tim Michels, who lost to Evers in the November election. Rodriguez said shes not distracted by state history. It doesnt affect me, she said. Im going to run my race, Im going to talk about my priorities and how Im going to govern and were going to let the primary voters decide who they want as the Democratic nominee. While a Wisconsin lieutenant governor hasnt won a statewide gubernatorial election in more than 50 years, and no woman has been elected governor in the state, a 2023 report by the Barbara Lee Family Foundation found that more than 70 lieutenant governors across the country have become governors since 1980. Focus groups conducted by the foundation found an overall lack of awareness among voters about the role of a lieutenant governor, and many voters said they dont have strong opinions about their lieutenant governor. According to the Center for American Women and Politics, 22 of the countrys lieutenant governors 14 Democrats and eight Republicans are women. Impressive title, but limited power Former GOP strategist Brandon Scholz said its fair to view the lieutenant governors position is a stepping stone to higher office. Does the mere fact that youre the lieutenant governor and you were elected statewide give you some cred? Of course. Voters may not necessarily know or understand what that job entails, but they have a big title and were elected statewide. So its a position of authority there to use, he said. But for the most part there just isnt much on the policy end to hang your hat on. But McCallum said there is a path to victory if the lieutenant governor can lean into her relationship with the governor while also differentiating herself from him. A successful campaign will also hinge on Rodriguezs ability to raise money, connect with voters and donors, and stake out her position on issues voters care about, he said. These are the things she could have been working on as lieutenant governor, and if shes worked to build those coalitions, shell be viable, McCallum said. If theyre not going to come out and start working with her after all of this time, shes in trouble. Rodrigeuzs campaign had about $120,000 on hand at the close of June, about a month before she formally joined the race for governor and more than a year before the 2026 partisan primary. Scot Ross, former executive director of liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now, said a candidates ability to win any elected office, including lieutenant governor, makes a candidate viable. Having a title in front of your name gives you credibility, he said. Theres instant credibility that comes with it, whatever the mechanics of your office are. That goes for lieutenant governor, for attorney general, for state senator and for county executive. Pool of candidates will only grow The potential field of Democratic candidates is large, with many rumored candidates still unannounced. Milwaukee-area union advocate Ryan Strnad and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley have both said they plan on joining the race. Others, like state Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, and Attorney General Josh Kaul are weighing a run. On the Republican side, Washington County Executive and Army National Guard veteran Josh Schoemann and Bill Berrien, a Whitefish Bay businessman and former Navy SEAL, have both launched campaigns for governor. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Minocqua, is also considering joining the race. Ross predicted Republican policies, particularly those implemented by President Donald Trump, will almost certainly rise to the forefront of the debate over the office. That could be particularly true in next years midterms, which oftentimes spell difficulty for the party that holds the White House. The race, Ross said, isnt just about who is electable but who is best to take on Trump and the MAGA cult. Rodriguez acknowledged that Trump will be a part of the conversation heading into next years election, but she added she is running for the people of Wisconsin, not running against Donald Trump. There is utter chaos at the federal level and I think people are going to want steady, sober leadership on the state level, which I can provide, she said. But I dont think we can run on an anti-Trump sentiment. Instead, Rodriguez said her primary focus will be on her campaign priorities like addressing the cost of living, boosting affordable housing, supporting child care providers, fully funding public schools, protecting workers rights and expanding Medicaid. Tied to Evers, for better or worse But running as Evers lieutenant governor will also provide fodder for her opponents, particularly among Republicans who have criticized the governor on a host of issues, including vetoes like the one he issued in 2023 to the state budget that, improbably, locked in K-12 school funding for the next 400 years. All of the bullet points on Gov. Evers record that Republicans would have attacked Evers on, theyll lodge the same attacks on Lt. Gov. Rodriguez, Scholz said. While Berrien and Schoemann have already likened Rodriguez to Evers, the lieutenant governor said she plans to tout the administrations successes while also highlighting her own accomplishments, such as her work serving as chair of the governors task force on health care workers and heading the interagency council on homelessness. Evers and I are very different, she said. Our backgrounds are very different, and we would govern differently. He has done an amazing job. He has set us up for success, and Im ready to knock it out of the park. Next years midterms also come with a host of legislative races in which liberals emboldened by new, more Democratic-friendly maps hope to secure control of the state Senate and make gains in the Assembly. Republicans currently control both chambers. Rodriguez said shes optimistic that we are going to flip both chambers. Either way, she said, it is going to be a narrow margin between Republicans and Democrats, so youre going to need somebody who can work with people, who can communicate, who can organize and who can get their priorities across the finish line. And thats something that I feel that I can do well and competently. Netflix distributed 'The Echoes of Survivors' Inside Korea's Tragedies internationally on Aug. 15, 2025, and the eight-part series has instantly become the subject of much conversation. The sequel to the explosive In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal (2023), the new series shifts its focus from perpetrators to survivors and sheds light on testimonies that reveal some of the darkest pages of contemporary Korean history. The show had experienced legal opposition prior to airing since JMS (Christian Gospel Mission) sought to obtain an injunction to stop its airing, but the Seoul Western District Court denied the application on Aug. 14, allowing Netflix to introduce the entire series as planned. Director Cho Sung Hyun designed the series to present survivors as active agents for change and not passive victims. The episodes revisit four landmark cases. In the JMS plots, survivors like Maple not only describe the crimes of Jung Myung Seok but also describe the organizational structure that supported him, such as deputy leader Jung Jo Eun and professional insiders in the church. In the Brothers' Home case, the documentary returns to systemic state-sponsored human rights violations, with testimony from survivors and, for the first time, the director's son describing his family's role. In the Chijon Family episodes, one of the survivors who spent nine days in captivity describes the long-term psychological effects and the desperate measure taken to save a life. The Sampoong Department Store Collapse is a revisit of the 1995 tragedy, laying bare the failures in construction regulation, corruption, and the failure of accountability through survivor and rescuer testimonies. In contrast to its predecessor, which was lambasted for graphic content, 'The Echoes of Survivors' scales down sensationalized aspects and emphasizes more on structural accountability and social responsibility. Cho stated that despite the constant threats of legal action against the production, intimidation, and even death threats, the team continued on, propelled by its faith in survivors who bravely presented their testimonies. The intentional deployment of "survivors" in the title reinforces the series' message: agency and resilience rather than victimhood. Ji Jon Pa survivor One provides perhaps the most moving statement: "To those forced to live in the shadows because of crime, I want you to know that your life, by simply existing, is already of immense value." Hours after it was released, debate swirled across mediums. If In the Name of God outraged by revealing atrocities, 'The Echoes of Survivors' demands that society ponder how it enables those who suffered through them. The court's ruling to permit the broadcast is already being cited as a win for freedom of expression and for survivors' right to testify. As Director Cho explained at the press conference, "Social tragedies must not be buried. Thanks to the courage of the survivors, we were able to finish this work. This is a story all of us must hear." Swiss watchmaker Swatch has issued an apology and pulled ads featuring images of an Asian male model pulling the corners of his eyes up and backwards in a slanted eye pose. The images for the Swatch Essentials collection were widely condemned online in China, where many comments said they appeared to mimic racist taunts about Asian eyes. In an apology posted in both Chinese and English on its official account on the Weibo social media platform Saturday, Swatch said that it has taken note of the recent concerns and removed all related materials worldwide. We sincerely apologise for any distress or misunderstanding this may have caused, the statement said. It also posted the same apology on Instagram. ADVERTISEMENT Swatch Group did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for further comment. Swatch, which also makes Omega, Longines and Tissot watches, is heavily exposed to China for revenue, with around 27% of the groups sales last year coming from the China, Hong Kong and Macau region. Revenue for the watchmaker last year slumped 14.6% to 6.74 billion Swiss francs ($8.4 billion) in 2024, hit by a downturn in demand in China, where Swatch said it was seeing persistently difficult market conditions and weak demand for consumer goods overall. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A tragic accident in central Benin on Sunday, August 17, has left one person dead and 44 missing after a passenger bus (STM Company) carrying 54 people veered off a bridge and plunged into the Oueme River. The vehicle, which was travelling from Lome in Togo to Niamey in Niger, lost control when the driver struck a bridge guardrail, according to Interior and Public Security Minister Alassane Seidou. Authorities have launched a national emergency response, deploying rescue teams and resources to the site. Nine survivors, reported to be in stable condition, have been hospitalised. The Beninese government has expressed condolences to the bereaved families and pledged to intensify efforts to locate the missing and establish the exact cause of the accident. Qatar has shared a draft peace agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group under the ongoing Doha peace process, despite missed deadlines set in the July 19 Doha Declaration of Principles. A Qatari official confirmed that while the timeline for signing was not met, both parties had shown willingness to continue negotiations and expressed optimism that on-the-ground challenges could be addressed through dialogue and genuine engagement. The declaration, signed after a US-brokered peace deal between Congo and Rwanda, committed both sides to a permanent ceasefire and outlined steps such as prisoner releases. The process has faced hurdles, with the Congolese government rejecting M23s demand for the immediate release of over 700 prisoners, instead insisting on case-by-case amnesty. Meanwhile, M23, which controls large swathes of eastern Congo including the capitals Goma and Bukavu, has pressed for all of its detainees to be transferred to Goma before further negotiations. Although the August 18 deadline for finalising a peace deal passed without agreement, mediators in Doha remain hopeful that direct negotiations will soon resume and lay the groundwork for a lasting settlement. Morocco will airlift approximately 100 tons of food supplies and medical aid to Gaza following direct orders from King Mohammed VI, as the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave deepens amid Israeli-imposed restrictions on aid deliveries. The Foreign Ministry announced that the shipment specifically targets vulnerable populations, particularly children and infants suffering from severe malnutrition. The monarch, who chairs the Al-Quds Committee responsible for coordinating support to Palestinians, insisted on aerial delivery to ensure urgent and direct distribution despite ongoing access challenges. The initiative represents Moroccos latest contribution to alleviating Gazas humanitarian catastrophe, where health ministry data indicates 266 starvation-related deaths, including 112 children, since Israel intensified its aid blockade on March 18. International human rights organizations have characterized the restrictions as using hunger as a weapon of war. Morocco has maintained consistent humanitarian support through multiple channels over recent months. Early August witnessed Moroccan-flagged trucks bearing Mohammed VI Foundation for Solidarity logos distributing supplies within Gaza. A July shipment delivered nearly 180 tons of emergency provisions, including food, medical supplies, and shelter materials through negotiated delivery corridors. The North African kingdoms assistance operates primarily through the Al-Quds Committee framework, leveraging diplomatic channels to navigate complex logistics. However, Israeli restrictions continue to severely hamper international relief efforts, with aid organizations reporting systematic obstruction of humanitarian corridors. The latest airlift underscores Moroccos sustained diplomatic engagement on the Palestinian issue, positioning humanitarian assistance as a cornerstone of its Middle East policy. While these contributions provide critical relief to affected populations, aid agencies emphasize that access restrictions prevent adequate response to the enclaves escalating humanitarian needs, where malnutrition rates have reached unprecedented levels among Gazas 2.3 million residents. Palestinians in Gaza have thanked King Mohammed VI for his generous support and firm solidarity with Palestinian people, particularly the populations of Gaza in times of hardship and crises. They have said the royal initiatives reflect the unwavering commitment of the Kingdom to the Palestinian cause. Mozambique has channelled US$210 million into its Sovereign Wealth Fund (FSM) by June 2025, surpassing the total contributions made in the whole of 2024! According to the Ministry of Finance, the amount includes US$164.69 million from last year and US$45.24 million from the first half of this year. The revenues were deposited in a transitional account at the Bank of Mozambique, in line with legislation creating the Fund, which was established in January 2024 to manage natural gas earnings expected to reach US$6 billion annually by the 2040s. Oversight Committee chairman Emanuel Chaves has pledged transparency and accountability in the management of the fund, stressing that 40% of natural gas export revenues must be deposited and used responsibly. With over 30 years of experience in civil aviation and academia, Chaves said the committee would also study international sovereign wealth fund models to define the best practices for Mozambique. Civil society groups, however, have raised concerns over the governments management of the fund, warning against political interference and misuse. The Civic Movement on the Sovereign Fund has strongly criticised the governments decision to allocate part of the fund for social projects under the 2025 State Budget, calling it illegal and a violation of the law establishing the FSM. Despite the opposition, the budget earmarks resources from the fund to support 15 initiatives, including nationwide vaccination programmes, agricultural support for nearly half a million households, water infrastructure expansion, textbook distribution for primary schools, and the construction of new educational facilities. Critics argue the government has not provided adequate justification for diverting the 40% share of revenues, leaving questions about transparency and legality unresolved. On Monday, August 18, 2025, Burkina Fasos ruling junta has declared United Nations resident coordinator, Carol Flore-Smereczniak, persona non grata, following the publication of a UN report alleging widespread child rights abuses in the country. The April report, covering July 2022 to June 2024, documented 2,483 grave violations against 2,255 children, including recruitment as child soldiers, sexual abuse, and attacks on hospitals and schools. The junta dismissed the findings as false and unsupported, accusing Flore-Smereczniak of involvement in preparing the document. Appointed in July 2024 by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, she also served as humanitarian coordinator for the country. The UN has yet to comment on the expulsion. The decision underscores worsening tensions between Burkina Fasos junta and international institutions. Alongside Mali and Niger, Burkina Faso has endured a decade-long insurgency by jihadi groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State. Since military takeovers in all three countries, juntas have expelled French forces and relied increasingly on Russian mercenary support, yet violence has surged, with record numbers of attacks and civilian deaths. Rights groups have also accused government-backed militias of atrocities, fuelling concerns over accountability as the security crisis in the Sahel deepens. Korean drama enthusiasts in Malaysia were treated to an exciting weekend as stars Lee Jong Suk and Moon Ka Young made a special appearance for their recently concluded 12-episodes drama, Law and the City. The two-day whirlwind visit included a private fan screening of the show's final episode and a red carpet event on 10th August at Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur, that drew thousands of adoring fans of the actors who played passionate lawyers Ahn Ju Hyeong and Kang Hui Ji in the slice-of-life legal drama, as well as a press conference on 11th August, where the two actors shared insights into their latest project and experiences. Both Lee Jong Suk and Moon Ka Young exuded charm as they discussed their reasons for choosing to star in 'Law and the City'. Moon Ka Young enthusiastically stated that the opportunity of working with Lee Jong Suk and the strength of the script were her primary motivations. Lee Jong Suk shared a different perspective, revealing his interest in portraying a character within a slice-of-life setting. The conversation then shifted to their filming experience in Hong Kong. Despite the sweltering heat, both actors fondly recalled filming the scenes in a positive and new experience, as well as creating a lot of good memories. Moon Ka Young even reminisced about indulging in delicious local egg tarts while Lee Jong Suk mentioned enjoying a comforting hotpot. Reflecting on their favourite moments from the drama, Lee Jong Suk shared that he particularly cherished the scenes where the cast members were eating together on several occasions, as it fostered a genuine sense of camaraderie and friendship. Moon Ka Young praised Lee Jong Suk's leadership on set, highlighting his efforts in ensuring good chemistry among all the actors. In return, Lee Jong Suk complimented Moon Ka Young's stable and easy-going nature, which made their collaboration seamless. Looking ahead, both actors shared updates on their upcoming projects. Moon Ka Young excitedly announced an upcoming movie release and a plan for an Asia Fanmeeting tour, promising more opportunities to connect with her fans. Lee Jong Suk revealed that he is currently involved in the production of a new drama titled 'The Remarried Empress', leaving fans eager for his next on-screen appearance. The press conference concluded with warm smiled and expressions of gratitude from both Lee Jong Suk and Moon Ka Young, leaving a lasting impression on their Malaysian fans. Kpopstarz would like to thank TVN Asia for the media invitation. Israel announced on Monday, August 18, that it will provide emergency humanitarian aid to South Sudan following a cholera outbreak, although Tel Aviv continues to enforce a strict blockade on Gaza that has left its population on the brink of famine. According to the Foreign Ministry, the package will include medical supplies, water purification equipment, and food parcels. The move follows recent diplomatic exchanges, including a visit to Jerusalem by South Sudans Foreign Minister Mundi Samaia Kumba, who toured Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Reports in Israeli media suggested that Tel Aviv had explored the possibility of transferring displaced Palestinians from Gaza to South Sudan in exchange for investments, though Juba has firmly denied any such arrangement. The aid announcement drew sharp attention from rights groups and international observers, given that Israel has kept Gazas crossings sealed since March 2, blocking humanitarian convoys and allowing in only limited supplies. Amnesty International on Monday accused Israel of pursuing a deliberate campaign of starvation in Gaza, where more than 61,900 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Israel already faces charges of war crimes at the International Criminal Court and a genocide case at the International Court of Justice. Critics argue that while Tel Aviv extends assistance abroad, its siege of Gaza continues to exacerbate suffering, leaving the enclaves population in dire humanitarian crisis. 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: Marc Breton, Ph.D., co-authored a paper examining the future of automated insulin delivery systems. Credit: UVA Licensing & Ventures Group Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems such as the UVA Health-developed artificial pancreas could help more type 1 diabetes patients if the devices become fully automated, according to a new review of the technology. Even as the artificial pancreas and other AID systems have helped millions of people with type 1 diabetes better manage their blood sugar and improve their overall health, there are still limitations to overcome, according to the review from University of Virginia Center for Diabetes Technology scientists and their colleagues. These limitations include: AID systems are not yet fully automated; users must input their meals and exercise to avoid dangerous spikes or drops in blood-sugar levels. The systems work best overnight, when there are no meals or exercise. AID systems are not yet usable by all patients with type 1 diabetes, including women who are pregnant and older adults. "These automated insulin delivery devices have significantly helped people with type 1 diabetes manage their blood sugars and yet challenges still remainpeople still need to remember to give insulin for meals as well as carbohydrate counts," said Sue A. Brown, MD, an endocrinologist and researcher at the UVA Center for Diabetes Technology who co-authored the paper. "These newer approaches can help alleviate those requirements and we are hopeful that we can make insulin management even easier for people with type 1 diabetes." Treatment advances on the horizon A key goal, the researchers write, is to fully automate AID systemsalso known as full closed-loop systemsso the devices require less or no interaction. In pursuit of this, UVA Center for Diabetes researchers are conducting home-based clinical trials testing a system that merges artificial intelligence and advanced model-based algorithms to deliver insulin around meals independently of any user-machine interactions. Researchers at other institutions are developing artificial intelligence approaches that automatically detect meals and deliver corresponding insulin doses. Researchers are also testing full closed-loop systems that deliver both insulin and glucagon, which is used to treat low blood sugar. "While AID has revolutionized diabetes care, most patients using insulin do not yet have access to such technology. Simplifying the use of these systems will greatly improve access," said Marc Breton, Ph.D., associate professor of research at the UVA Center for Diabetes Technology and co-author of the paper. "UVA is at the forefront of another revolution: the use of artificial intelligence and data science at the very core of medical devices. Over the next couple of years, we will deploy adaptive, personalized and fully automated AID systems based on artificial neural networks and further enable safe, private, and efficacious management of this ever-growing condition." Celebrating advances in diabetes care The paper is part of a collection of research articles on automated insulin delivery and UVA's artificial pancreas co-edited by Boris Kovatchev, Ph.D., director of the Center for Diabetes Technology, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the National Institute of Health's National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). "The translation of artificial pancreas technology was one of the most important NIDDK achievements in the past 20 years. The institute's support was critical for this development, which now benefits hundreds of thousands of people with type 1 diabetes," Kovatchev said. "The UVA Center for Diabetes Technology played a central role in this progress as evidenced by the acknowledgment of the center in the 20212025 NIDDK Strategic Plan. It is therefore logical that several UVA faculty were invited authors of the NIDDK's 75th anniversary collection, including Marc Breton, Sue Brown, Chiara Fabris, Linda Gonder-Frederick, Mark DeBoer and Daniel Chernavvsky." Breton, Brown and their collaborators have simultaneously published their paper in the journals Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics and the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. The research team consisted of Peter G. Jacobs, Carol J. Levy, Brown, Michael C. Riddell, Ali Cinar, Charlotte K. Boughton, Breton, Eyal Dassau, Greg Forlenza, Robert J. Henderson, Roman Hovorka, David M. Maahs, Medha Munshi, Helen Murphy, Sarit Polsky, Richard Pratley, Melissa S. Putman, Viral N. Shah, Leah M. Wilson, Howard Zisser and Laya Ekhlaspour. More information: Peter G. Jacobs et al, Research Gaps, Challenges, and Opportunities in Automated Insulin Delivery Systems, Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics (2025). DOI: 10.1089/dia.2025.0129 Elliott C. Pryor et al, Miniaturized Neural Networks for Deploying Fully Closed Loop Insulin Delivery Systems: A Pilot Study Featuring Flexible Meal Announcement Options, Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology (2025). DOI: 10.1177/19322968251364283 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A) Fixations belonging to a single participant viewing a single image are spatially smoothed using a Gaussian kernel weighted by fixation duration, and then vectorized B) Idiosyncratic gaze similarity is computed as the average of similarity scores obtained by correlating each image with every other image viewed within the same block. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2505879122 A multi-institution team across Canada and the West Indies reports that gaze patterns can serve as a sensitive marker of cognitive decline, with associated reductions in explorative, adaptive, and differentiated visual sampling of the environment. Eye movements are closely linked to encoding and retrieval processes, with changes in viewing behavior often reflecting age and pathology-related memory declines. Previous work has noted that groups differing in memory status diverge across multiple gaze features, suggesting that univariate gaze metrics may not fully capture the complexity of memory-related viewing behaviors. In the study, "Decoding memory function through naturalistic gaze patterns," published in PNAS, researchers investigated changes in naturalistic viewing behavior across five participant groups to explore possible gaze-based indicators of memory function. Two experiments included young adults (Exp 1: n = 35, Exp 2: n = 26), healthy older adults (Exp 1: n = 36, Exp 2: n = 28), individuals at risk for significant cognitive decline based on a below threshold score (< 26) on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Exp 1: n = 12, Exp 2: n = 10), individuals diagnosed with MCI (Exp 1: n = 15, Exp 2: n = 11), and individuals diagnosed with amnesia (Exp 1: n = 4, Exp 2: n = 3). Eye movements were tracked using an Eyelink II head-mounted eyetracker. Experiment 1 involved viewing 120 images (10 images from each of 12 categories) for 5 seconds each across three blocks, with 40 novel images per block. Idiosyncratic gaze similarity was computed as the average correlation of eye movements for every image with every other image within the same block by the same participant using the eyesim package. Idiosyncratic gaze similarity increased across groups ordered by presumed memory function, with lowest similarity in younger adults and highest in amnesia, and model comparison favored the monotonic specification. Fixation count rose across groups yet did not reach a reliable effect. Fixation dispersion decreased across groups, indicating reduced explorative viewing with decreasing memory function. Experiment 2 involved three blocks with 120 images per block, 60 presented once and 60 repeated across blocks with 5 second viewing. Analysis focused on repeated images. Repetitive gaze similarity increased across groups with presumed decreases in memory function, and model comparison slightly favored the linear specification. Healthy young adults encoded unique image features with each presentation, building up a more comprehensive representation of each image in memory. Participants with decreased memory and/or hippocampal/medial temporal lobe function tended to view the same image features with each presentation. Even without explicit task demands, gaze patterns varied systematically by group. Findings suggest that suboptimal encoding patterns may underlie the formation of impoverished memory representations in individuals with memory impairment and lay a foundation for future work using multivariate gaze metrics to diagnose and track memory and cognitive function. The results provide compelling evidence that naturalistic gaze patterns can serve as a sensitive marker of cognitive decline. Written for you by our author Justin Jackson, 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. More information: Jordana S. Wynn et al, Decoding memory function through naturalistic gaze patterns, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2505879122 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 2025 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Chemical food additives are commonly found in ultra-processed foods. Exposure to these additives has been shown to impact the gastrointestinal tract by altering the gut microbiome, reducing the intestinal mucus layer, impairing barrier function, and triggering abnormal immune responses. This suggests that the consumption of these food additives may have negative implications for gut health, highlighting the need for further exploration of these additives at experimental, epidemiological, and clinical levels. Credit: Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Animal studies suggest that some food additives, such as artificial colorants and sweeteners, emulsifiers, and antimicrobial preservatives, could be harmful to gut health. A recent review published in The FASEB Journal summarizes the literature and finds that more clinical studies are needed to assess the potential impacts on humans, especially those with inflammatory bowel diseases. In the meantime, the authors suggest policy changes that could help people make more informed choices. Food additives are substances that extend the shelf life of foods or beverages or make them more appealing to consumers. For example, the compounds might make a colorless liquid red or help a loaf of bread stay fresh for days. However, these additives have no intrinsic nutritional value, and in fact, they may harm the gastrointestinal tract. The use of food additives is on the rise, as is the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders. These disorders are often linked to environmental factors, such as additives. To get a better idea of what is currently known about the health impact of food additives, Waliul Khan and colleagues at McMaster University in Canada searched the literature and summarized their findings. In the review, the team describes the results of several animal studies that have reported adverse effects of additives on the gut. For example, many artificial food colorants, such as azo dyes, and some artificial sweeteners, can exacerbate intestinal inflammation, alter intestinal permeability, and perturb the gut microbiome in mouse models. "The current evidence shows that exposure to certain food additives may have detrimental roles on gut health," says Khan. "Since these additives offer no nutritional value, reducing or even avoiding additive-containing foods may be a beneficial choice for consumers, especially those with gut disorders." Because most of the studies the researchers found were based on animal models, they conclude that more human studies are needed to better assess the possible effects of food additives on human gastrointestinal health. In addition, most studies only looked at one food additive in isolation, which is not typically how these compounds are consumed in commercially available foods and beverages. The researchers argue, however, that enough emerging evidence exists to consider making initial policy changes. On a positive note, they say that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority are already re-evaluating food additives. One recommendation that the team proposes is for food manufacturers to list the amount of each food additive on product labels so the public can better track their consumption. They could also include warning labels, as is done in the European Union. More information: Tyler Seto et al, Food Additives: Emerging Detrimental Roles on Gut Health, The FASEB Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1096/fj.202500737R Journal information: FASEB Journal This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Austin Roorda, a professor of optometry and vision science at UC Berkeley, demonstrates what it looks like to be part of the Oz experiment. Credit: Austin Roorda UC Berkeley scientists tricked the eye into seeing "the greenest green" they'd ever seen. They say it could transform how we understand and treat eye diseases, and expand the way we see the world around us. Anyone who's seen the original 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz" remembers the moment when Dorothy's sepia-toned world turns to Technicolor. She steps out of her tornado-swept house into Munchkinland and takes in her new surroundings: A shiny yellow brick road winds through a miniature village of thatched-roof cottages and lush plants. She famously tells her trusty black terrier, "Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." A similar sense of awe, though grounded in science, recently unfolded at UC Berkeley. Using a technique aptly called Oz, scientists gave participants in a study the ability to see a brand new colornot in a faraway land, but right in their lab. Published in April, the study detailed how Berkeley researchers tricked the eye into seeing a highly saturated teala peacock green, the greenest of all greens. The scientists produced this color, which they named "olo," by shining a laser into the eye and stimulating one type of color-sensitive photoreceptor cells called cones. The world wasand still isvery excited about this new discovery. Some who've heard about it have claimed that they, too, have seen the color. One artist is even selling an acrylic paint color for $10,000 that he claims gives users the experience of olo (it comes with a very steep coupon code). But unless they were in this lab at Berkeley, the only lab where it has happened, it's not actually possible. That's because the cones the researchers stimulatedthe middle cones, or M cones, which are sensitive to green lightcan't be stimulated by themselves in a natural setting. "There's no light in nature that can only stimulate the M-cones," said Austin Roorda, a professor of optometry and vision science at the School of Optometry at Berkeley. Roorda explained that the human eye has long, middle and short wavelength-sensitive cones called L, M and S cones. The M cones are sandwiched between the L and the S cones, so when the M cone is tickled, so are the L and the S. The study involved a team of researchers, including Ren Ng, a professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences at Berkeley. Their collaboration began years ago when Ng asked Roorda, "What would happen if we delivered light to thousands of M cones only? Would it be the greenest green you've ever seen?" Turns out, the answer was yes. Ng and Roorda were two of five people who saw olo as part of the study. More have seen it since then, but time and logistics limited the number of subjects who could see it then. Roorda describes sitting perfectly still, gripping a bite plate between his teeth to keep his head from moving, staring into the Oz machine. The patch of color was about the size of his fingernail when viewed at arms' length. When compared to the most saturated natural color of green next to it, Roorda said the natural green "paled in comparison." It was exciting, he said, not only because their project had worked, but because the brain was able to recognize and make sense of something it had never been exposed to before. "It's really about the capacity of the human brain to develop new perceptions to attribute to new sensory inputs," said Roorda. "This could apply to any sensory inputs. It just turns out that we have a platform where we can directly manipulate the sensory inputs into the brain through the visual system in an unprecedented way." That has enormous potential to transform how we understand and treat eye diseases, Roorda said, and to expand the way we see the world around us. A new dimension of color It's easy to assume that everyone sees the world as you do. And to be fair, most of us do, at least visually. The majority of people are trichromats, which means that we distinguish colors using three different types of photoreceptor cells in our retinas. With these three types of cone photoreceptors, we can appreciate up to 10 million different hues. "The human color vision system is really quite incredible," said Roorda. "This Oz platform not only allows us to elicit color sensations that natural light would not, but we can use this as a tool to try to understand the basic processing of colors that humans perform when we're looking at the world." Perception can be shaped, learned and developed through exposure, Roorda said. Children's brains, for example, are especially open to taking in and making sense of new stimuli. "When you're older, there may be a little less plasticity to do that," said Roorda, "but we believe it's there." As we age, our brains get a little more rigid in the ways they process what we're seeing. But even still, what could seeing a new color do to the brain? Would it make it more flexible, more pliable, more receptive to new sensory phenomena? Roorda said there are two main theories: One is that you're born with a box of crayons and those are the only colors you are able to perceive. If your eye saw a new color, it would reassign it to a color you already had in your selection. Another theory is that there is no limit to the perceptions we have, or the different crayons we can collect. "We like to think that," Roorda said. If the Berkeley researchers' theory is truethat the human brain, this "wonderful machine," as Roorda calls it, is powerful enough to decode colors it had never seen beforeit could potentially open up a new dimension of experience. And research suggests that the human brain could, in fact, leverage this new information quite well. One of the Oz project's chief collaborators, Ph.D. student Atsu Kotani, is running simulations showing that a computer can easily figure out inputs from four cone types and then generate a new dimension of vision. "If a machine can do that, why couldn't the human brain do that?" asked Roorda. There was also a 2009 study at the University of Washington that involved squirrel monkeys, which are dichromatic. Using gene therapy, the scientists gave the monkeys a third cone type. Afterward, the monkeys could differentiate between reddish and greenish tones, when they couldn't before. This type of gene therapy, although not available to humans right now, could be possible in the future, Roorda said. And Oz is one important tool to help us get there. The health benefits of Oz There are many eye diseases where one's cones are damaged or lose functionality over time, resulting in vision loss. Hannah Doyle, a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Electrical Engineering, ran the Oz experiment. She said there are many potential therapeutic applications of Oz. There are eye diseases that cause cones to die or to be lost in the retina, she explained, and people are interested in how those diseases affect visual function. Typically, scientists would have to find patients who have the disease, then do functional tests on their vision to figure out what stage of the disease they're at. But with the Oz system, she said, the scientists can very easily emulate the conditions of these kinds of diseases. In the same way the researchers stimulated only the M cones for the eye to see olo, they can now use the imaging platform to stimulate a certain percentage of cones, mimicking the symptoms of cone loss of a given degenerative eye disease. This would allow doctors to better understand the experience of people with specific eye diseases and then treat them accordingly. "You could wonder, how would you do looking at an eye chart if you'd lost 70% of your cones?" said Doyle. "Can you still read the letters? What's the smallest letter you could read? It turns out that you can lose a lot of cones and still perform almost completely normally on an eye chart." If they find that a person can see well enough to, say, pass the vision portion of a driver's test with 70% of their cones missing, added Roorda, scientists developing eye disease treatments using gene therapy or stem cell therapy will know that if they can restore cone densities to 30% of normal, the patients will have a high quality of life. "These are numbers that are very important in the area where there are treatments for any retinal disease coming online," he said. There are huge personal costs of vision loss, said Roorda, and the benefits of preventing it are enormous. "I might be a little biased, but it's our most precious sense," he said. "It's the last one I would want to give up, for sure. If you can give someone a better quality of life by maintaining their vision, whether it's for reading or doing your hobbies or for driving, this is really important for the individual, but also for the health benefit of the world." Like it did for Dorothy, Oz could impact the way we see our surroundings in dramatic ways that we can't even imagine yet. 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 percentage of people in the U.S. who say they drink alcohol sank to 54% in a recent poll, the lowest in nearly 90 years. Credit: Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University Americans' taste for booze could be slipping, with the percentage of those who say they consume alcohol hitting an 86-year low, according to a recent Gallup poll. Only 54% of U.S. adults polled say they drink alcohol, and those who are drinking are drinking less. It's part of an ongoing decline in drinking among Americansand seemingly Germans as wellwith the steepest drop among young people. Why are Americans ditching booze? Malcolm Purinton, an assistant teaching professor of history at Northeastern University who specializes in the history of beer, says there are an array of factors that explain Americans' current falling out with drinking. Public health officials have mounted a campaign to inform the public about the health risks associated with any amount of alcohol consumption. Purinton says that, along with the more general health and wellness movement, have had a clear impact. But when it comes to the 18- to 34-year-old age range that has backed off alcohol the most, there are other factors at play. Perhaps the biggest: the aftershock of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alcohol consumption in the U.S. skyrocketed during the pandemic, but for young people who were coming of age during the lockdown, it was a different kind of exposure to alcohol. "In high school, generally people will start experimenting with alcohol, usually in a social atmosphere," Purinton says. "You didn't have that social component. What you did have is you had [them] witnessing people drinking more, your parents and people of age drinking a whole lot more." Without the socialized element of drinking and with alcohol consumption defined by excess, Purinton says this has resulted in a generational shift in drinking habits. In previous generations, the shift wasn't so much whether people were drinking but what they were drinking. Choosing what and when to drink has long been a way for young people to define themselves, he says. "Craft beer was a big thing because people were like, 'I'm not going to drink the Budweiser because that's what my parents drank. I'm going to be doing something different,'" Purinton says. "Now, the craft beer drinkers are the parents, so you see people either not drinking or choosing something else. Right now that expression of individuality is, 'I'm not going to drink. I'm not going to be inebriated. I'm going to have control because you all didn't.'" The other major factor responsible for the decline in drinking among young people is social media and the omnipresent lens of the camera. "What is that feeling [of getting drunk]?" he says. "It's usually a lack of control. If you lose control, it's going to be filmed somehow, whether that's on the street, whether that's your friends or yourself with your phone, and that's going to be going up on social media. That desire for control, it may be an actual feeling of control but also [control of] how you're being represented to the world, to your friends, to peers, to the universities, your school, to the administrators, to your parents, even to future employers." For its part, the alcohol industry has steadily been pivoting to accommodate the move away from drinking alcohol. You're now more likely to find nonalcoholic beers or mocktails on the menu at most breweries, wineries or bars. "Pendulums do swing back and forth," Purinton notes, and it's just as likely that the next few years will see a shift back toward alcohol consumption as a commitment to sobriety. The best-case scenario is that the current decline in drinking represents a broader movement toward healthy living. The worst case, he says, is "a pendulum swing toward nihilism" where, amid chaotic economic and political circumstances, people drift toward heavy drinking. In the meantime, Americans will have to reevaluate social life on a grand scale: What does it mean to socialize without alcohol? As the U.S. faces a loneliness epidemic, throwing a longstanding "social lubricant" like alcohol out the window means people will need to figure out how to connect through other means. More traditional, almost "old-fashioned," in-person interactionsrun clubs and book clubshave started to come back into vogue. Meanwhile, dating culture has started to back away from apps. "People [will need] to educate themselves on how that actually works because before alcohol played a really large role in that, of having that 'liquid courage' to say hi to someone, getting rid of some of those insecurities," Purinton says. "That could lead to more drinking, but I also think we're going to see a social awkwardness that's going to play out over the next couple of years with so much of that surveilled life too. We're just trying to learn how to talk to people." This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu. 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: AAV administration drives a nephrotoxic response via NFB in kidney organoids. a Left: Live epifluorescent microscopy informing AAV dose and duration (AAV2 depicted). Right: Multiplexed immunostaining and quantification of GFP reporter delivery in LTL+ proximal tubules, CDH1+ distal tubules, PDGFR-+ interstitial cells, CD31+ endothelia, and PODXL+ podocytes using variable of AAV serotypes. Scale bar 200 m. b Left: Immunostaining and quantification of AAV2-based delivery of Cas9 and mCherry in the nephron epithelial cells of CRISPR samples. Scale bar 50 m. ***p < 0.001. Right: Gel electrophoresis of products from the T7 endonuclease performed on CRISPR, AAV, and control samples in kidney organoids from both H9 female embryonic stem cells and BJFF male-induced pluripotent stem cells, as well as HK-2 human immortalized proximal tubules. Credit: Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41392-025-02336-2 Ryuji Morizane, MD, Ph.D., of the Department of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, is the senior/corresponding author of a new paper published in Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, titled "AAV for gene therapy drives a nephrotoxic response via NFB in kidney organoids." In this interview, Dr. Morizane discusses the study. How would you summarize your study for a lay audience? Gene therapy holds great promise for treating serious genetic diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, unexpected toxic side effects, including patient deaths in some DMD trials, have raised major safety concerns. These risks are often missed in animal studies, revealing a critical flaw in current preclinical testing methods. In fact, fewer than 15% of drugs that enter clinical trials ever receive FDA approval, largely because traditional lab models fail to predict how the human body will respond to the treatment. To address this significant gap, our study used human stem cell-derived kidney organoidslab-grown mini kidneysto test the safety of gene editing delivered by adeno-associated virus (AAV), a common tool in clinical trials. We found that AAV2 (one of several variants of the AAV virus currently used to deliver gene therapy treatment) caused significant harm to kidney cells by triggering inflammation, DNA damage, and fibrosis. This damage occurred through the NFB pathway, even without any gene editing taking place. Encouragingly, an existing drug that blocks this pathway was able to prevent the damage from occurring in the organoids without interfering with the mechanism of gene delivery. These results show that human-centric lab models such as organoids are vitally needed to detect hidden risks and improve the safety of gene therapies before they reach patients. What question were you investigating? We investigated whether human stem cell-derived kidney organoids, an emerging and increasingly recognized technology, can serve as a more accurate preclinical model for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy and potential side effects of AAVs used in gene therapy. Which methods or approach did you use? We used human stem cell-derived kidney organoids, lab-grown mini-kidneys originally developed by our group at Mass General Brigham, as a preclinical platform to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AAV-based gene therapy. What did you find? We found that the AAV2 variant induced significant toxicity in kidney organoidstriggering inflammation, DNA damage, fibrosis, and cellular senescence, particularly in proximal tubules. These effects, which occurred even without gene editing, were driven by activation of the NFB signaling pathway. Importantly, treatment with bardoxolone methyl significantly reduced these harmful responses without impairing AAV-mediated gene delivery. This indicates that AAV toxicity, not gene editing, is a primary contributor to observed tissue damage. More broadly, our study shows that these human-specific side effects, along with potential preventive strategies, can now be evaluated using human kidney organoids. This represents a powerful addition to the drug development pipeline, helping to identify hidden risks earlier and complementing current preclinical testing to make gene therapies safer and more effective before reaching patients. What are the implications? Broader recognition and regulatory acceptance of organoids are vitally needed to improve patient safety, reduce trial failures, and ultimately accelerate the development of more effective and personalized therapies. Importantly, organoid-based approaches are not meant to replace animal models entirely, but to complement them, adding a layer of human-specific insight that current animal testing often cannot provide. What are the next steps? Future work will focus on improving the physiological relevance of kidney organoids by incorporating vascular structures and more mature cell types to better replicate in vivo kidney function. We also aim to expand this organoid-based safety screening approach to other organ systems and AAV serotypes, broadening its utility in gene therapy development. To ensure reproducibility and regulatory applicability, it will also be essential to address batch-to-batch variation in organoid differentiation. Developing standardized protocols for generating kidney organoids and for assessing gene therapeutic products within these models will be critical for their integration into preclinical pipelines. More information: Navin Gupta et al, AAV for gene therapy drives a nephrotoxic response via NFB in kidney organoids, Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41392-025-02336-2 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 SIRMIO PET detector developed at LMU Munich allows the precise localization of the ion beam inside the body. Credit: GSI/FAIR A research project has reached an important milestone: the first treatment of an animal tumor with radioactive ion beams has been demonstrated and published in Nature Physics. The study marks a decisive step toward the further development of particle therapy and is based on intensive collaboration between different GSI departments and FAIR pillars and with the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat in Munich (LMU), Department of Medical Physics, who contributes to the BARB (Biomedical Applications of Radioactive Ion Beams) project as Associated Partner with a team led by Professor Katia Parodi. BARB and the recently published paper are centered on the forward-looking idea of using radioactive ion beams (RIB) for simultaneous treatment and imaging. This approach could significantly reduce what is known as range uncertaintyone of the greatest challenges in particle therapy. Even if the idea had already been proposed almost 50 years ago at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, it has become feasible only now thanks to the intense beams that can already be produced during the FAIR Phase 0 experimental operation at GSI/FAIR. The work now presented demonstrates for the first time the feasibility and great potential of the concept under realistic conditions. Professor Marco Durante explains, "Particle therapy is growing rapidly and is possibly the most effective and precise radiation therapy technique. However, its application is still limited by technical constraints such as inadequate image guidance. "The new idea of using the same beam for treatment and for imaging during treatment could pave the way for even more precise and diversified applications. Improving accuracy is a key to expanding the applicability of particle therapy." This could also allow for better treatment of metastases or tumors near critical structures and small targets in non-cancerous diseases, such as ventricular ablations for cardiac arrhythmias. In their publication "Image-guided treatment of mouse tumors with radioactive ion beams," the scientists report the successful treatment of a bone tumor (osteosarcoma) of a mouse using a radioactive carbon ion beam (11C, which emits a positron with a half-life of about 20 minutes). The tumor was located in the neck area near the spinal cord, a highly sensitive area where even deviations of a few millimeters in the beam range could lead to unintended dose deposition in the spine and thus damage to the spinal cord. The researchers were able to achieve complete and very precise tumor control with the highest radiation dose of 20 gray, without paralysis or other major neurological side effects. From left: Dr. Daria Boscolo, Tamara Vitacchio, Professor Marco Durante, Dr. Olga Sokol. Credit: @ J. Hosan, GSI/FAIR The intense beams of SIS18 at GSI/FAIR in the framework of the "FAIR Phase 0" program were used for the irradiation experiments. Credit: J. Hosan, GSI/FAIR The tumor was located in the neck area near the spinal cord, a highly sensitive area. The researchers were able to achieve complete and very precise tumor control without major neurological side effects. Credit: G. Lovatti, LMU A detector developed at LMU Munich plays a key role in BARB, enabling the precise localization of the ion beam within the body. An international and interdisciplinary team at Professor Parodi's Chair of Medical Physics, in collaboration with Professor Taiga Yamaya's laboratory (QST-Chiba), has developed a high-resolution and highly sensitive in-beam positron emission tomography (PET) scanner for small animals. The system was originally developed as part of Professor Parodi's "SIRMIOSmall animal proton irradiator for research in molecular image-guided radiation-oncology" to monitor the radiation-induced activity of proton beams and has been further developed in recent years as part of the BARB project to monitor radioactive ion beam treatments in real time. "The BARB project marked an important milestone for the first in vivo application of advanced instrumentation that we have developed over the past years at LMU to open new frontiers in high-precision image-guided small animal radiation research," comments the LMU project lead Katia Parodi. "Our work focused on real-time in-beam PET data acquisition and image reconstruction. This contributed to the first successful demonstration of tumor control using image-guided radioactive ion beam therapy in mice," says co-first author Giulio Lovatti, who analyzed the PET data of the paper as part of his doctoral thesis in physics at LMU. "BARB impressively demonstrates how applied nuclear physics can provide direct impetus for medical applications," says project manager Durante. "The close collaboration between the GSI/FAIR research pillars APPA and NuSTAR, as well as external partners such as LMU Munich, is a successful model for future research projects." The main objective of BARB was to perform the first in vivo tumor treatment with radioactive ion beams and online range verification using PET. With the results now presented, a decisive step has been taken in this direction. "We conclude that image-guided particle therapy with exotic beams is feasible, safe, and effective," the researchers report, looking to the future. Further short-lived isotopes will be investigated, which researchers hope will provide a stronger signal and faster feedback during treatment. "We plan to run these experiments at the fragment separator Super-FRS currently under construction at FAIR, which will boost the intensity of the secondary radioactive beams," says BARB project leader Professor Durante. "Our preclinical results demonstrate the feasibility of RIB radiation therapy and thus point the way toward future clinical applications of radioactive ion beams." The last experiments of the BARB project were recently completed in May. More information: Daria Boscolo et al, Image-guided treatment of mouse tumours with radioactive ion beams, Nature Physics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-02993-8 Journal information: Nature Physics This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain New research from Monash University's SPHERE Center of Research Excellence has found strong interest among Australian midwives for delivering contraceptive care during postnatal home visits. This could include innovations such as home insertion of the contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT), which has been trialed internationally although has not yet been explored in Australia. The new Monash study, "Implementability of contraceptive implant insertions during midwife postnatal home visits: an exploratory qualitative study," published in Women and Birth, shows home provision of contraception is generally acceptable to midwives and potentially feasible. Further research is now required to trial implant insertions during midwife postnatal home visits to determine acceptability and feasibility in real settings. Such services could help overcome the range of barriers women face in accessing contraception after having a baby and may mitigate potential health risks for mothers by preventing closely spaced pregnancies and subsequent adverse outcomes. Midwives interviewed for the study highlighted that providing contraception should form part of an ongoing, holistic dialog with mothersone that integrates family planning with infant care. Many of the midwives interviewed recognized that in-home services could help overcome common barriers faced by new parents in accessing caresuch as limited mobility post-cesarean, childcare demands, rural isolation or low-income status. The study also emphasized the critical need for normalizing contraceptive discussions, providing opportunities for contraception education and training for midwives, and ensuring leadership support along with a policy and training framework to ensure safe and effective provision of postnatal care. In some countries, such as Sweden and the U.K., it is more common for midwives to offer contraceptive advice and provide contraception postnatally, including implant insertions. Lead researcher Dr. Jessica Botfield explains that this is not standard practice in Australia, where postnatal care typically centers on the baby. "Closely spaced pregnancies, many of which are not planned, can place significant physical, mental, social and financial burdens on women and families. Despite this, many Australian women remain unaware of their fertility after having a baby, optimal spacing, or postnatal contraception optionsincluding while breastfeeding," Dr. Botfield said. Dr. Botfield notes that the 21 midwives interviewed for this study saw potential benefits of midwife provision of contraception (including in women's homes) for women, clinicians and the health care system as a whole. However, they also stressed the importance of having clear policy frameworks, dedicated training, supportive leadership and opportunities to build competence and confidence in contraception discussions and procedures, including insertion of the contraceptive implant. Midwife participants viewed the possibility of implant insertions during postnatal home visits as practical, cost-effective, and particularly beneficial for mothers in improving early access to contraception in the weeks after birth. Most expressed interest in upskilling and providing this service to women, especially younger and early-career midwives, suggesting a useful basis for future workforce development. The next stage, according to the study, is "further research trialing implant insertions during midwife postnatal home visits to determine implementability in real settings." More information: Jessica R. Botfield et al, Implementability of contraceptive implant insertions during midwife postnatal home visits: an exploratory qualitative study, Women and Birth (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.101955 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: Hazard ratios and 95% CIs for all-cause, CVD-related, IHD-related, and AMI-related mortality per quartile of cumulative mean intakes of whole and low-fat milk compared with those of no intake (n = 73,860). Credit: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.07.035 A new study reveals that individuals who enjoyed whole milk during the 1970s and early 1980s had a higher risk of mortality. However, beginning in the mid-1980s, a significant change occurred. Before 1984, the only milk options available in Norway were whole milk and skim milk. While milk is known for its numerous health benefits, whole milk contains a substantial amount of fat, with most of its cream remaining intact, resulting in approximately 3.5% fat content. The introduction of reduced-fat milk, with only 1.5% fat, in 1984 led to a rapid increase in its popularity. Until now, no one had examined the impact on public health and mortality when consumers switched from whole milk to reduced-fat and skim milk. Researchers from the Department of Nutrition at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Oslo collected data from three county surveys conducted during the 1970s and 80s, involving nearly 74,000 participants. The researchers then linked these participants to the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry, 40 years later, to assess their health outcomes. "In the first survey, only whole milk and skim milk were available, and milk consumption was high. Whereas two-thirds of participants consumed whole milk in the initial survey from 1974 to 1976, only one-third did during the last survey period from 1985 to 1988following the introduction of reduced-fat milk," explains researcher Erik K. Arnesen, the study's first author. Whole milk and increased mortality risk The new study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that individuals who drank a significant amount of whole milk during the 1970s and 80s had a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases and from all causes combined. "Among different types of milk, this increased risk was only associated with whole milk, not reduced-fat or skim milk. Compared to those who primarily consumed whole milk, participants who drank reduced-fat or skim milk had about a 10% lower mortality rate," Arnesen notes. The research team also specifically examined the risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases. "The group that consumed mostly whole milkan average of 5 dl per dayshowed a 13% higher mortality rate from heart diseases, with the association being strongest among women. In contrast, individuals who drank reduced-fat or skim milk had a 10 to 12% lower risk of dying from heart diseases and heart attacks compared to those who preferred whole milk," he explains. Arnesen emphasizes that the study assessed only milk intake as a beverage, not milk used in cooking, such as soups or sauces. Positive effects on public health from switching to reduced-fat milk This study suggests that the shift from whole milk to reduced-fat milk has had a beneficial impact on public health, a development that has not been directly researched until now, according to Arnesen. The researchers made efforts to account for other factors that might influence health, such as smoking habits, physical activity, education, and the consumption of other beverages: meat, butter, and margarine. One limitation of the study was that participants self-reported their milk intake, which is often subject to inaccuracies. "Whole milk was a significant source of not only saturated fats but also trans fatty acids. We believe that the fat content in milk primarily accounts for the differences in mortality rates. The nutritional profiles of the different milk varieties are otherwise quite similar," says Arnesen. Recommendations for low-fat milk consumption Professor Kjetil Retterstl, last author of the study, notes the rising popularity of higher-fat milk varieties. "We're witnessing a growing interest in milk with higher fat content, possibly because it's perceived as being more natural and healthful than low-fat options. However, our findings indicate that this perception is misleading," he remarks. Retterstl emphasizes that for people who consume a lot of milk, the type of milk can significantly affect their health. The researchers strongly recommend that people continue to drink milk but opt for low-fat varieties, such as reduced-fat or skim milk. "Nutritional guidelines suggest consuming three servings of milk or dairy products daily, equating to around 5 dl of milk. Regardless of fat content, milk is a valuable source of calcium, iodine, and B vitamins," concludes Retterstl. More information: Erik Kristoffer Arnesen et al, Low-fat and whole milk consumption in relation to cardiovascular diseaserelated and all-cause mortality: a prospective cohort study in 3 Norwegian counties, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2025.07.035 Journal information: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A schematic of the eye's anterior segment, demonstrating the anatomical placement of the microstent. The stent diverts aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to the suprachoroidalspace through the flexible tube, creating a subconjunctival bleb supported by the expanding element. Credit: Yunlan Zhang, Zhong You, Jared Ching. A team of researchers at the University of Oxford have unveiled a pioneering "microstent" which could revolutionize treatment for glaucoma, a common but debilitating condition. The study has been published in The Innovation. Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss, second only to cataracts. Globally, 7.7 million people were blind or visually impaired due to glaucoma in 2020. The condition can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve, due to increased pressure within the eyeball. Current treatment optionsprincipally surgery to create openings in the eye or insert tubes to drain fluidare highly invasive, carry risk of complications, and have limited durability. "Our deployable microstent represents a significant advancement in glaucoma treatment," said lead author Dr. Yunlan Zhang (University of Oxford at the time of the study/University of Texas). "Current surgical implants for this type of glaucoma have been shown to have limited long-term effectiveness, being susceptible to failure due to fibrosis (scarring) in the eye." The new microstent features a unique structural shape that allows it to expand once in the eye. At 200m, less than a quarter of a millimeter, the stent's tiny diameter enables it to fit within the needle of a standard hypodermic syringe, for minimally-invasive insertion. Once in place and expanded, the microstent spans the fluid-filled space between the white of the eye and the membrane that covers it. Illustration of the microstent showing the deployment. Credit: Yunlan Zhang, Zhong You, Jared Ching. Scanning electronic microscopy image of a deployable microstent sample. Credit: Yunlan Zhang, Zhong You, Jared Ching. By supporting this space, the stent reduces the excessive fluid buildup and resulting intraocular pressure in the eye which is responsible for the most common type of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma. Initial trials carried out in rabbits found that the microstents lowered eye pressure in less than a month with minimal inflammation and scarring. Furthermore, the microstent achieved a greater reduction of eye pressure than a standard tubular implant. Senior co-author, Professor Zhong You (Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford) said, "Our microstent is made from a durable and super-flexible nickel-titanium alloy called nitinol, renowned for its proven long-term safety for ocular use. Its unique material and structural properties help prevent subsequent movement, improve durability, and ensure long-term efficacy." The research team used advanced modeling techniques to guide the microstent's design and ensure compatibility with the anatomy of the eye. The device's superelastic properties enable it to accommodate how the eye changes and stretches over time without permanent deformation, enhancing its durability and functionality. "This development has the potential to transform the landscape of glaucoma therapy," noted senior co-author Dr. Jared Ching (Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford). "By offering an enhanced solution in the minimally invasive glaucoma surgery field that combines mechanical innovation with biocompatibility, we hope to improve patient outcomes and quality of life." Over half a million people in the UK have glaucoma2% of everyone over the age of 40 and it is one of the most common causes of blindness worldwide. The introduction of this microstent could mark a pivotal step in enhancing treatment efficacy and accessibility. More information: Yunlan Zhang et al, A novel deployable microstent for the treatment of glaucoma, The Innovation (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2025.100935 The Missoula City Council approved a 3.4% tax increase for its fiscal year 2026 budget Monday night, the lowest increase in several years as city officials look to relieve property tax concerns and balance the city's structural deficit. The council unanimously approved the increase, minus a vote on increasing city fees, which adds $2.4 million in new property tax revenue across core city departments. Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis credited city staff for finding ways to save money through restructuring current positions, saving money in existing contracts and closing the Johnson Street Shelter. "I want to give staff of the city of Missoula a lot of credit for the hard work they have done and continue to do as they figure out how to deliver great services to our community, and sometimes without being able to grow the part of the budget they wanted to," Davis said. Ward 6 Councilor Kristen Jordan was the only councilor absent at the meeting. The 3.4% increase came in slightly lower than the proposed 3.5% increase at the beginning of August. City Chief Administrative Officer Dale Bickell said changes to taxable value from the state helped drive the lower increase. While city taxes will increase, Bickell noted changes to the state property tax system should actually lead to overall decreases in bills for most residential properties in city limits. Bickell said a median priced home in the City of Missoula, nearly $500,000, could see a decrease of $257 compared to the fiscal year 2025 budget. "This budget is really committed to financial stability, responsible investment and responsible public service," Bickell said. A map provided by Missoula County shows taxable values shifted downward for most residences, while commercial and industrial spaces largely increased. The city faces a longtime structural deficit, Bickell said, as the cost to run city services still outpaces city revenue. That gap substantially decreased this year, but was still approximately $2.5 million. To close the gap, the city will use several funding mechanisms, including a $2 million remittance from the Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA), which uses Tax Increment Financing dollars to balance the city budget. An additional $1 million of MRA funds will go directly toward funding eligible city services, Bickell told the Missoulian. A major savings for the city also came from pulling funding from the Johnson Street Shelter in the Missoula Midtown neighborhood, which would have cost approximately $2 million to run in fiscal year 2026. The shelter is scheduled to close on Sept. 2 and homeless outreach officials said earlier this month they expect it will lead to capacity issues at the Poverello Center on West Broadway Avenue this fall. The mayor's budget largely stayed intact during the city's month-long budget process, as no city councilor managed to increase nor decrease the budget through an amendment. Davis did accept an additional $6,800 request from the Missoula Police Department for a digital evidence scanner tool during the amendment process, which will be paid by the city's existing cash reserves. "It really does show what our values are as a community," City Council President Amber Sherrill said. "... There were lots of wants and lots of needs and many of our wants did not get funded, and some of the needs too. It is a very complicated tax system." Some Montana state legislators have called Montana's property tax system one of the most complex in the United States because of its reliance on property taxes. Ward 6 Councilor Sandra Vasecka, who has not voted to approve a budget in her six years on council, voted yes for most proposals in the complex approval system because of how limited the increase was. "This year, it was difficult, I honestly could not find hardly anything to cut," Vasecka said. "This was a good budget, and I applaud the work that was done." Vasecka did oppose increases to city fees like business licensing and parks and recreation permits. Ward 5 Councilor Bob Campbell, the other conservative member of council, also supported the budget because it lowered the city's deficit and funded several needed infrastructure projects. He cautioned, however, that the city's budget process could be unsustainable in the future because of the need to pull from the Missoula Redevelopment Agency, which generally reinvests Tax Increment Financing into infrastructure projects. "Going forward, this is not sustainable, it's the law of physics," Campbell said. "The uncommitted money keeps going down, and we keep demanding more from it, there's going to come a fracture point at some time in the future." Ward 3 Councilor Gwen Jones said she voted for the city budget because it included money for the city's Affordable Housing Trust Fund and new positions for the city's houseless programming department, which were existing positions shifted from different departments. Jones said while she approved of the budget, she said there is a need to revisit the state tax system and look for new forms of raising money. "Until there are some new forms of revenue, property taxes will be the workhorse for our county, city and schools," Jones said. "And it is it pretty hard to fund it with just that as the tool." Ward 4 Councilor Mike Nugent said the city must keep working to lower the structural deficit to create a more sustainable process in the future. He also brought concerns to increasing fees across several departments. "I don't care what any study says on what capacity is and what (fees) should be, at some point if residents can't afford those fees then Missoula is not going to be what we want it to be," Nugent said. The 3.4% increase that makes up the city's portion of property taxes accounts for about a third of a city resident's property tax bill. Other tax increases could come from Missoula County and Missoula County Public Schools. The vote Monday night wrapped up a three-week budget process that was preceded by a month of individual budget presentations from city departments. Residents are expected to get their tax bills for fiscal year 2026, which runs from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, in the fall. "This is a budget that continues to reflect the needs of our community and the commitment of this city to provide services for our community," City Council Vice President Mirtha Becerra said. "That is not an easy thing to do." Benghazi, Libya (PANA) - The Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Libyan House of Representatives have discussed national reconciliation with a delegation from the German BIRD Foundation and the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, announced that the government is finalizing a digital application to monitor the productivity of all public servants in Kenya. In an unscheduled early-morning visit at the Eastern Region headquarters in Embu Town, Ruku stated the application would be online by the end of October. He said the platform will track key indicators such as arrival and departure times, leave status, and real-time attendance. The project is designed to enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency across all government offices. Ruku further stated that the project forms part of a broader reform agenda of discipline and improved service delivery in the public sector. We must raise our standards in order to serve the people better. Lateness and laxity will no longer be tolerated in government offices, he said. CS Ruku described the app as a game changer in addressing absenteeism and monitoring work performance. He underscored that the private sector, particularly small and medium-scale enterprises, depends heavily on good government services, and any delays affects economic productivity. Most people in the private sector are already on their way to work. They understand that success requires hard work. Public servants must match that energy if we are serious about national transformation, Ruku stated. During his impromptu visit, the CS observed significant disparities in punctuality across departments. While the Huduma Centre and the Immigration Department in Embu impressed him with early reporting, other offices, such as Lands, fell short. At the Lands office, only one staff member and a cleaner were present by 8 a.m. We cannot condone such negligence. Public officers must take responsibility, the CS asserted. He also implored all public servants to strictly comply with the Human Resource Procedures and Manual of 2016, which sets the level of professionalism, ethics, and performance expected. Ruku warned that the government will take a more stringent approach to careless attitudes threatening service delivery. He emphasized that disciplinary measures will persist until full compliance is achieved. We cannot demand respect from the citizens we serve if we are not disciplined ourselves, he said. This is not a one-off inspection. I will conduct more surprise checks across the country. Kenyans deserve honest, timely, and efficient service from their government, CS Ruku added. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced sweeping measures to combat the rising cases of illicit alcohol and drug abuse in Kiambu and Nairobi counties. Speaking in Kiambu Town on Monday, August 18, Murkomen warned that the government will revoke licenses of all alcohol outlets and factories found engaging in the sale or production of illegal brews. He said he will convene a meeting with security heads from both counties to plan the crackdown, noting that the government had initially licensed businesses for clean operations but many had reverted to illegal manufacturing and distribution. When we take action against illegal alcohol in Kiambu, we have to also do it in Nairobi, and there are some people in Nairobi and Kiambu who have licenses to sell and manufacture alcohol, but they are now making illegal alcohol, Murkomen said. The CS also urged the two county governments to tighten the standards for issuance of liquor joints so that only a few genuine operators are issued licenses. He was concerned that in some parts of Kiambu, more liquor joints had surpassed even hotels and needed to be overhauled soon. I would like to issue a stern warning to all those who have licenses to make and sell illegal alcohol, which is affecting Kenyans; we will revoke the licenses. We will also take legal action against the shops that are selling illegal alcohol in Kiambu and Nairobi, he added. Murkomen: Police, Counties Must Protect Students Murkomen also expressed concern about the rising drug abuse threat near schools and colleges in the county. He revealed that cannabis products disguised as food were widely available near tertiary institutions, putting students at risk. He directed subcounty security committees to work closely with school leaders to safeguard learners. In these counties, we have cannabis sativa, especially the edible one that is sold in the disguise of food and is prevalent around tertiary institutions. And I have directed the subcounty security committees to ensure that they incorporate the leadership of these institutions to ensure that the students are protected, Murkomen said. The Interior CS further announced that the government will intensify its crackdown on rogue security heads colluding with illegal traders. To minimize chances of officers forming ties with cartels, the National Police Service (NPS) will enforce frequent transfers. At the same time, Murkomen assured that security heads who show commitment in fighting cartels will be recognized and rewarded, either through promotions or other forms of honor. The Ministry of Health has announced a new partnership with private insurance companies to complement services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and expand healthcare access for Kenyans. In a Monday statement, the ministry confirmed that, starting yesterday, private insurers will enhance the government scheme by offering additional plans such as overseas medical care, elective procedures, and premium add-ons. The insurers will also co-finance treatment of chronic illnesses through SHAs Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF). Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale reached the agreement after he met with Chief Executive Officers of medical insurance companies at Afya House, Nairobi, on August 18. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in the health sector, particularly through SHA, to facilitate universal access to affordable healthcare. According to the ministry, insurers will now be linked to SHAs centralized claims platform, enabling real-time claim verification, faster processing, and the prevention of double-billing. Both parties also committed to harmonizing accreditation criteria so that Kenyans receive quality healthcare, whether under SHA or private schemes. To eliminate fraud in medical claims, the ministry and insurers will introduce anti-fraud measures such as biometric verification, joint audits, and a shared database to expose fraudulent health providers. CS Duale acknowledged structural challenges facing the health system, noting that the Ministry is addressing them through laws and data-backed reforms to restore public trust. He called for a PublicPrivate Collaborative framework between MoH, SHA, the Association of Private Insurers, and IRA starting with tariff alignment, data sharing, and fraud elimination, the ministry stated. ODM leader Raila Odinga urged Kenyan leaders to take bold action to safeguard national unity during the joint Kenya KwanzaODM Parliamentary Group meeting at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen on Monday, August 18, 2025. Using examples of nations that broke apart globally, Raila drew a comparison of what happened to Kenya and to nations that broke apart due to a political crisis. He used the example of the United States, which nearly broke up in the Civil War, and Yugoslavia, which existed from 1918 until 1992 before it broke into Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia, and Macedonia. Raila recalled how Yugoslavias former president, General Josef Brostito, once joked that he was the glue holding the nation together a warning that eventually came true. He also cited Somalia, which descended into collapse after Siad Barre was ousted in 1991. The former Prime Minister noted that Kenya came close to a similar fate last year, when he said dark clouds were gathering over the nation. We decided that it is better to have an imperfect country struggling to mend its ways than to have a collapsed one, he said. He highlighted that the purpose of Kenya Kwanza and ODM joining forces is to provide a platform for leaders to openly discuss differences and prevent national disintegration. Our object was and remains, as one U.S. Senator called it, our country, our whole country, and nothing but our country, Raila said. The opposition leader warned that in many other nations, leaders are forced to take domestic crises abroad because internal dialogue is impossible. By encouraging open discussion at home, Kenya can steer clear of the fate of failed states. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba slammed Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, accusing him of embarrassing the county at the just-concluded Devolution Conference. The outspoken legislator was of the view that the annual conference is a prestigious forum where counties are given the exclusive chance to showcase their success stories, innovations, and potential for the future to the nation and the world. She praised Muranga County, led by Governor Irungu Kangata, for utilizing the platform well, noting that the county stood tall with futuristic projects in health technology, food security, and digitization of approvals. To her, that was the kind of innovation that was expected from county leaders who were overseeing billions of shillings in public funds. But when it came to Kiambu, Wamuchomba did not hold back her disappointment. She accused Governor Wamatangi of turning the county into a laughingstock by showcasing piglets and chicks as symbols of progress. Meanwhile, Kiambu under Governor Kimani Wamatangi left the stage with ridicule, exhibiting piglets and chicks as our countys success story. This is a travesty, considering that Kiambu is the biggest county economically, she lamented in a statement on Monday, August 18. Billions in Funding, Little to Show The Githunguri MP stressed that Kiambu is not just any other county; it is one of Kenyas most resource-rich and enjoys substantial allocations from the national government. She pointed out that Kiambu receives more than Ksh13 billion annually from the exchequer and raises an additional Ksh6 billion from local revenue. In her view, this kind of budgetary muscle should be producing industries and large-scale projects, not token handouts that fail to create long-term change. With over Ksh13 billion annually from the national government and another Ksh6 billion from own-source revenue, Kiambu ought to be showcasing thriving pork industries producing millions of sausages; value-added poultry and egg industries packaging millions of trays of eggs and tons of chicken meat; banana value-addition chains churning millions of kilograms of products; advanced dairy processing plants scaling up milk and dairy products, she declared. Instead, she dismissed Wamatangis empowerment programs as ineffective and outdated. The era of handouts disguised as empowerment is long gone. Kiambu needs industries to create jobs. When people have jobs and money in their pockets, they can buy piglets, chicks, or whatever they need, not queue for freebies, she argued. Farmers Left Struggling Wamuchomba further questioned the governors support for farmers, insisting that Wamatangis approach lacked long-term planning and market guarantees. Where do the farmers he is giving piglets and chicks buy animal feeds from, and at what prices? Why cant he adopt Kangatas subsidies model to cushion them? Where will these farmers sell mature pigs and chicken? Why cant the county revive a bacon factory in Uplands Limuru to guarantee a ready market? she posed. She also criticized his maize seed distribution initiative, saying it was not backed by the necessary infrastructure to support farmers in the long run. Having supplied maize seeds to farmers, why cant he support and operationalize an animal feed manufacturing factory to sustain the pig and poultry sector? she asked. Beyond agriculture, Wamuchomba accused Wamatangi of neglecting innovation and technology that could transform service delivery in the county. Why cant he adopt Murangas ICT innovation model in hospitals to improve efficiency, operations, supply management and approvals for construction industry? she concluded. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula urged Rift Valley residents to stand firmly behind President William Ruto in his quest for a second term, insisting that Rutos performance has outshined that of his predecessors. Addressing congregants at a fundraiser at St. Peters Catholic Church in Kapsabet, Wetangula said the region did not need convincing to back President Ruto because his leadership and tangible results already spoke for themselves. As residents of Rift Valley, we are preaching to the converted. You do not need to be mobilised or coerced to support your son for a second term because you know the direction the country is taking, Wetangula said. Wetangula further dismissed President Rutos critics, calling them self-seeking characters without an agenda. He compared their opposition to the late veteran politician Kenneth Matibas repeated calls for President Daniel arap Mois resignation in Parliament, which yielded little outcome. We have told the President to ignore such noises the way a cow ignores the croaking of frogs and continues to drink water. He should focus on delivering for Kenyans, because come elections, the people will judge him fairly, he said. The Speaker insisted that Kenyans could already see the progress under Rutos administration, especially in education, healthcare, road development, and efforts to stabilise the economy. When we speak to ordinary citizens, they encourage us and the President to continue improving their livelihoods. That is what matters to the people, he added. While leading salat al-Jumuah Muslim Friday prayers in Cannon Chapel, rising sophomore and imam Suhayb Ahmedin noticed he was having a hard time seeing the full congregation. Thankfully, Rahimjon Abdugafurov, Emorys Muslim chaplain and director of interfaith academic partnerships, already had a solution in the works. In early 2025, he suggested that the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life commission a custom minbar a stairway used as a pulpit in Islamic worship services from Atlanta artisans. Abdugafurov and the congregation welcomed the completed minbar at a recent prayer service and celebratory halal lunch. The minbar is an important element of congregational prayer because of its significance in prophetic tradition, he explains, noting that its an essential feature in any mosque. He adds that it will help students remain connected to the customs of their religious practice. It provides a sense of completion to our Jumuah prayer services, he says. More than 100 student congregants often attend the Friday services, in addition to faculty, staff and affiliates from Emory Healthcare. The Rev. Dr. Gregory W. McGonigle, university chaplain and dean of religious life, notes that the chapel previously added prayer rugs and ablution stations to support the Muslim community. The minbar, he says, is yet another meaningful addition. It represents the evolution and growth of Muslim life at Emory over time, McGonigle says. Chaplain Rahimjon showed us this would be a way to bring the community together and feel supported. The minbar is a physical sign of how much he has added to our Muslim and interfaith life on campus. Abdugafurov and McGonigle selected the materials primarily oak with the counsel of Sarah McKlin, the Cannon Chapel site operations manager, who helps maintain aesthetic cohesion throughout the sanctuary. The minbars warm wooden hues blend seamlessly with the chapels other religious accoutrements. For the inaugural service featuring the custom-made pulpit, Abdugafurov charged Ahmedin with delivering the first sermon from the minbars steps, on charity. The theme was in recognition of alumna Amanda Phillips, whose donation funded the minbars construction. Phillips, a physician, founded and was the first president of the Muslim Students Association at Emory's Oxford College campus in the fall of 1991. She was one of many in the crowd. You might imagine that the chapel wouldnt have been that busy on a summer Friday, McGonigle says, but there were people from the front of the room to the back. He adds that he looks forward to introducing more students to the minbar when they return from summer break. For Abdugafurov, the donation reflects the spiritual significance of charity. He is thankful Phillips and other alumni continue to support Muslim life at Emory. One of the best forms of charity is supporting people who are seeking knowledge, he says. I think that the minbar will serve Emorys mission to create, preserve, teach and apply knowledge, and it will help us better teach love and humanistic values to all our students. I am very grateful to be in a community that respects different religious traditions and promotes pluralism. Ahmedin, who preached from ground level throughout his first year on campus, says he was honored to speak from the minbar. Elevated, he feels his words carried an additional weight. After the sermon, a member of the congregation came up to me and said, I wish you could have seen how you looked on the minbar, he recalls. And it made me think that the environment can be as important as the speaker, because its the environment that gives the words a sense of presence and impact. When I was speaking from the minbar, I felt that my words had a sense of presence they may not have had before. And this time, Ahmedin could see everyone in the crowd. China, India agree to maintain momentum of bilateral ties Xinhua) 08:26, August 19, 2025 NEW DELHI, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- China and India on Monday agreed to maintain momentum of bilateral ties. The consensus came from talks between visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that in today's world, the changing situation is evolving rapidly, unilateral bullying practices are rampant, and free trade and the international order face severe challenges. Wang said as the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, humanity has reached a critical crossroads determining the future direction of the world. As the two largest developing countries with a combined population of more than 2.8 billion, China and India should demonstrate a sense of global responsibility, act as major powers, set an example for developing countries in pursuit of strength through unity, and contribute to promoting world multipolarization and democratization of international relations, he said. He said both sides have been implementing consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, gradually resuming exchanges and dialogue at all levels, maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas, and enabling Indian pilgrims to resume their pilgrimages to sacred mountains and lakes in China's Xizang. China-India relations are showing a positive trend toward returning to cooperation, Wang said. He noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India, lessons could be learned from the past, and it is imperative for the two sides to have correct strategic perceptions, view each other as partners and opportunities rather than rivals or threats, and invest their valuable resources in development and revitalization. The two countries should explore right ways for neighboring major countries to coexist with mutual respect and trust, pursue common development and achieve win-win cooperation, he said. Wang emphasized that China is willing to uphold the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and work together with neighboring countries, including India, to jointly build a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful and friendly home. He said China and India should remain confident, move in the same direction, remove barriers, expand cooperation, and consolidate the improvement momentum of bilateral relations, so that revitalization processes of the two great eastern civilizations can be mutually beneficial, providing certainty and stability to Asia and the world at large. Jaishankar said that under the joint guidance of leaders of the two countries, bilateral relations have moved from the bottom and are continuously improving and developing, adding exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in all fields are moving toward normalization. He expressed gratitude to China for facilitating Indian pilgrims' visits to sacred mountains and lakes in China's Xizang, saying that improving strategic perceptions is of great importance, and as the two largest developing countries, India and China adhere to multilateralism and are committed to promoting a fair and balanced multipolar world. The two countries should also jointly maintain the stability of the world economy, he said. Stable, cooperative and forward-looking bilateral ties serve the interests of both countries, he said. He reaffirmed that Taiwan is a part of China. He said India is willing to take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to deepen political mutual trust with China, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in economic and trade fields, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and jointly maintain peace and tranquility in border areas. He said that India fully supports China in hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin summit, and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in multilateral mechanisms such as the BRICS. During the talks, they also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - The second meeting of the Joint Cooperation Commission for Mali and United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday in Abu Dhabi has resulted in the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding in the fields of security, agriculture, and the energy sector, announced on Tuesday, the Malian government has said in a statement SIU Simon Institutes fall 2025 agenda focuses on diplomacy, politics and philanthropy CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will bring leaders in diplomacy, politics and philanthropy to campus. Consistent with Paul Simons vision of the institute, we are bringing to campus a wide range of voices and will consider critical issues this fall: the health of our democracy, the challenge facing American diplomacy and the roles that government, the private sector and philanthropy should play in our future, said John Shaw, institute director. The fall schedule includes: 6 p.m. Sept. 9, Morris Librarys John C. Guyon Auditorium: Ronald McMullen , an ambassador-in-residence at the University of Iowa and a former American diplomat with more than 30 years of service. McMullen will discuss the challenges facing American foreign policy. A reception starts at 5 p.m. in Morris Library. , an ambassador-in-residence at the University of Iowa and a former American diplomat with more than 30 years of service. McMullen will discuss the challenges facing American foreign policy. A reception starts at 5 p.m. in Morris Library. 6 p.m. Oct. 7, SIU Student Center, Ballroom B: Tim Knight , president of the McCormick Foundation, will deliver the fall Morton-Kenney lecture. Knight will discuss his career in law, journalism and philanthropy. A reception begins at 5 p.m. in the John W. Corker Lounge. , president of the McCormick Foundation, will deliver the fall Morton-Kenney lecture. Knight will discuss his career in law, journalism and philanthropy. A reception begins at 5 p.m. in the John W. Corker Lounge. 6 p.m. Oct. 27, The Varsity Center, 418 S. Illinois Ave.: Former Illinois Senator and U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand Carol Moseley Braun will discuss her career in politics and her new memoir, Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics. A reception is set for 5 p.m. at The Varsity. will discuss her career in politics and her new memoir, Trailblazer: Perseverance in Life and Politics. A reception is set for 5 p.m. at The Varsity. 5-7 p.m. Nov. 4, SIU Student Center Ballroom B: The institute is collaborating with the Center for Budget and Tax Accountability to host a wide-ranging discussion about the future of higher education in Illinois. The panelists will be announced soon. 6 p.m. Nov. 10, SIU Student Center Ballroom B: Jen Daulby, CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation, will discuss her work at CMF to strengthen Congress and foster a culture of collaboration on Capitol Hill. Daulby is a 2002 graduate of SIU Simmons Law School. A reception starts at 5 p.m. in the John W. Corker Lounge. In addition, Illinois 13th District U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield. will visit the institute this fall as part of its Congressional Conversations series. The 13th Congressional District in central and Southern Illinois comprises Macoupin County and parts of Champaign, Macon, Madison, Piatt, St. Clair and Sangamon counties. The date of her visit will be announced soon. More information, including a list of the institutes upcoming events and past speakers and events, is available. Talking with children about religion and spirituality is one of the most meaningful conversations parents can have. These discussions open doors to understanding ideas about life, values, and the world around us. Children are naturally curious, and their questions about faith, meaning, and beliefs provide a chance for parents to share, listen, and explore together. Whether your family follows a particular religion or you want to introduce broader ideas about spirituality, creating an open and gentle space for these talks helps children feel safe and respected as they form their own views. It's also important to remember that kids are exposed to many different beliefs through school, friends, and media. This means parents can help by sharing stories, traditions, and values, while encouraging children to learn about other religions and cultures too. When kids understand the many ways people find meaning and express faith, they gain respect for others and a deeper sense of their own identity. Create Open Conversations That Matter One of the best ways to approach religion and spirituality with children is to be honest and open. Children often ask simple yet thoughtful questions like "Who is God?" or "What happens after we die?" Instead of rushing to give all the answers, it is helpful to listen carefully, ask what they think, and share what you believe in a clear and calm way. It's okay not to have every answer ready. Exploring these mysteries together teaches children that questions about faith are part of everyone's journey. Read more: What Parents Can Do To Help Their Kids With Student Loan Payments Parents can help children by introducing traditions in everyday life, such as celebrating holidays, telling meaningful stories, or practicing acts of kindness connected to their beliefs. It's also helpful to expose children to various religions with books, visits to places of worship, or learning about religious holidays from different cultures. This not only broadens their knowledge but also shows that faith and spirituality come in many forms. Encouraging respect for others' beliefs while supporting children in developing their own helps them grow into thoughtful and caring individuals. Let Kids Find Their Own Path Ultimately, children need to know that their beliefs will be respected, whatever path they choose. Parents can guide them by teaching values like kindness, honesty, and empathy, which are common to many faiths and spiritual views. Allowing kids to explore, question, and sometimes change their minds about religion and spirituality helps build confidence and a positive connection to their beliefs. These talks are ongoing, not one-time events, and by keeping the conversation warm and welcoming, parents can help their children feel grounded and openhearted throughout their lives. Indian stock markets opened on a cautious note on Tuesday, with both benchmark indices trading flat in the early session. Investors stayed watchful amid the ongoing Ukraine peace process and awaited global cues. The Nifty 50 index opened at 24,891.35, gaining 14.40 points or 0.06 per cent, while the BSE Sensex started the day at 81,319.11, up 45.36 points or 0.06 per cent. Market experts said that any development in the Ukraine-Russia truce will act as a major trigger for Indian equities. Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, told ANI, "Indian markets are flat this morning and the bond yields rose yesterday on the expectation of higher government borrowings to support the tax cuts loss of revenues. Any Ukraine-Russia truce will be a catalyst for Indian markets as well. Today, most global futures are in caution mode. The Ukraine peace process is progressing, which should have been a good catalyst for the markets." In the broader market on NSE, the Nifty 100 index was up 0.08 per cent, the Nifty Midcap 100 gained 0.14 per cent, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 rose 0.10 per cent. Sector-wise, the performance was mixed. Nifty Auto slipped 0.16 per cent, Nifty IT was down 0.03 per cent, and Nifty Pharma also declined 0.10 per cent. Nifty Private Bank lost 0.15 per cent. On the other hand, shares of Nifty Media, Nifty Metal, and Nifty Oil and Gas traded in positive territory during the opening session. Global factors also played a role in market sentiment. The upcoming speech of US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the annual Jackson Hole Symposium is being closely watched for hints on Fed policy in the backdrop of tariffs and possible rate moves. While the rise in the US Producer Price Index (PPI) for July has slightly lowered expectations of a September rate cut, the market consensus still points to a cut. In addition, US retail earnings due this week are expected to give direction on consumer strength in the world's largest economy. On the technical front, Sudeep Shah, Head of Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities, said, "For Nifty, the zone of 24,800-24,770 will act as an important support. On the upside, the zone of 25,000-25,050 will act as a crucial hurdle. Any sustainable move above 25,050 will lead to a sharp upside rally up to 25,200, followed by 25,350 in the short term." In other Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei 225 index declined 0.19 per cent in early trade, Hong Kong's Hang Seng index slipped 0.29 per cent, Taiwan's Weighted index fell 0.51 per cent, and South Korea's KOSPI lost 0.25 per cent. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], August 19: In an age where trends flicker and fade in the blink of an eye, SUNYA stands like a quiet storm -- minimal in form, yet unapologetically bold in spirit. Born in 2024 from the creative vision of Paras Soni, this India-based premium streetwear label isn't here to simply join the conversation. It's here to rewrite it. SUNYA isn't just clothing. It's a state of mind. The name, translating to "zero," speaks to both a spiritual stillness and a creative infinity -- a reminder that from nothing, anything can emerge. This philosophy pulses through every stitch, cut, and concept the brand releases. The SUNYA Aesthetic: Where Art Walks the Streets Think of it as wearable poetry -- pieces that feel like they've been pulled from a canvas but made for concrete pavements. Every collection flows from four design pillars: * Timeless Design -- pulling inspiration from heritage, yet made for the future. * Nature-Rooted -- honouring organic patterns, textures, and colors. * Art in Motion -- clothing as self-expression, not just utility. * Fearless Innovation -- daring cuts, unexpected prints, and an obsessive eye for detail. Pieces That Demand Attention Whether it's the Phoolonix half-sleeve with its intricate floral geometry or the Rebirth Phoenix full-sleeve that feels like a talisman for transformation, each drop is less about "what's in season" and more about what you want to say without words. The Fierce Leopard sleeveless tee, with its audacious print, belongs equally in an underground gig and an art gallery. The Tragic Bloom full-sleeve wears like a story -- moody, layered, and unforgettable. Streetwear, Elevated In a market saturated with fast fashion, SUNYA's biggest luxury is intentionality. Quality isn't a feature here -- it's the baseline. Every piece is constructed to last, to hold shape and soul long after its first wear. Prices remain refreshingly accessible, making it possible for you to curate a wardrobe that feels like you, without compromise. A Movement, Not Just a Brand Step into SUNYA, and you're not just buying clothes. You're entering a community -- one that celebrates individuality, creativity, and authenticity. With each drop, early-bird releases and insider offers create a sense of belonging that's rare in today's hyper-commercialized fashion space. The streets are changing. The question is, are you walking with them? Shop the latest at www.thesunya.co and don't just wear the revolution -- follow the movement on Instagram to see it unfold in real time. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Noida (Uttar Pradesh) / Dallas (Texas) [US], August 19: Polestar Analytics, a leading player in AI-driven data analytics & planning, announced today that it has raised $12.5 million in growth capital from a consortium of US-based Family Office and institutional investor. This significant fundraise will be used to further deepen Polestar Analytics' AI capabilities and reinforce the development of its proprietary 1Platform, regarded as one of the industry's best data convergence solutions for enterprise-scale analytics. "This investment marks a pivotal moment in our mission to redefine how enterprises harness data and AI," said Chetan Alsisaria, CEO of Polestar Analytics. "The funding allows us to accelerate innovation and continue delivering measurable business outcomes that set new industry benchmarks." With this investment, Polestar Analytics will expand R&D efforts in artificial intelligence and accelerate enhancements for its 1Platform. In parallel, Polestar Analytics is delighted to announce that Michel Combes has joined as a Chair of the Board. Michel Combes is an internationally respected technology and telecommunications executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience. He currently serves as Executive Chairman & Acting CEO at Brightspeed and as member of Executive Advisory Council at Apollo. Michel is a Partner at ForgeLight, an operating and investment company focused on Media and consumer technology sector. He serves on the boards of multinational firms including Phillip Morris International, E& (Etisalat), F5 Inc. Previously, Michel Combes served as Executive Vice President at Claure Group, a global investment firm. He was the CEO and President of SoftBank Group International, CEO of Sprint in the US, CEO of Altice N.V., CEO of Alcatel-Lucent, and CEO of Vodafone Europe. He also held leadership roles at France Telecom and TDF Group. He will bring significant industry experience, client relationships and meaningful leadership experience to scale Polestar Analytics into global powerhouse. Michel Combes said, "I am delighted to join Polestar Analytics as Chair of the Board at this pivotal moment in the company's growth. Polestar Analytics has established itself as a leader in data analytics and AI, with its proprietary 1Platform setting new benchmarks for data convergence and intelligent insights. I have great confidence in the leadership team and their strategic vision. With the recent investment, Polestar Analytics is well positioned to accelerate innovation, expand its AI offerings, and deliver even greater value to customers worldwide. I look forward to working closely with the entire Polestar Analytics team as we realize this tremendous potential together." "We're equally honored to welcome Michel Combes as Chair of the Board; his track record of scaling global technology leaders will be invaluable as Polestar Analytics enters its next phase of accelerated growth," added Chetan. About Polestar Analytics Founded with a mission to simplify complex decision-making through intelligent, scalable solutions, Polestar Analytics develops cutting-edge AI, analytics & planning solutions for enterprises. The company's flagship 1Platform enables organizations to converge diverse data sources and simplify data to outcome journey for businesses. To learn more, follow Polestar Analytics on LinkedIn and visit the website. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2752307/AI_enabled_Data_Analytics_Polestar_Analytics.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2492589/Polestar_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) New Delhi [India], August 19: On the historic occasion of India's 79th Independence Day, visionary business consultant and author Nitesh Raj announced the launch of SapnoKaBharat2047.com, an initiative dedicated to charting the journey towards making Bharat a highly developed nation by the centenary of independence in 2047. The platform will serve as a neutral, non-political space for like-minded individuals, experts, and thought leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on the policies, achievements, and challenges that will define India's growth trajectory over the next 22 years. It stands firmly neither pro nor anti to any political party, focusing solely on nation-building through informed dialogue and constructive ideas. First Podcast Episode with Dr. Vijay Agrawal The inaugural podcast features Dr. Vijay Agrawal, former Secretary to the President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, and a celebrated author of renowned works such as Sada Safal Hanuman, Geeta ka Gyan, and Samay Aapki Muthi Mein. Sada Safal Hanuman has received international acclaim, and Samay Aapki Muthi Mein was praised by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam as "truly useful for youth, elders, and especially students and professionals for time management," highlighting its exceptional "Time for Daily Life" chapter. In the episode, Dr. Agrawal shares insights on the economic, social, and cultural steps India must take to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. The Inspiration Nitesh Raj draws inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita and Swami Vivekananda's vision, particularly his iconic speech delivered on September 11, 1893, which continues to resonate with the idea of a strong, united, and progressive India. Speaking at the launch, Nitesh Raj said: "SapnoKaBharat2047.com is about creating a space where facts and awareness take center stage, without bias. We aim to inspire, inform, and unite people who believe in India's potential to be a global leader by 2047." The platform will feature podcasts, articles, discussions, and collaborative initiatives, bringing together diverse perspectives from across sectors including economy, business, education, technology, social development, and cultural heritage. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire New Delhi [India], August 19: Mystore, India's pioneering open network marketplace and the top Seller App on the ONDC Network, has announced the launch of MystoreNEXT, a next-generation commerce platform built to empower brands, SMEs, and enterprises with an integrated, ready-to-scale digital ecosystem. Unlike traditional SaaS platforms such as Shopify, Magento, or WooCommerce, which often rely on multiple third-party tools for logistics, payments, and marketing, MystoreNEXT offers a fully integrated, all-in-one, plug-and-play solution for launching and scaling D2C, B2B, and B2B2C commerce. The MystoreNEXT ecosystem comes natively integrated with the ONDC Network, eliminating the need for complex backend integrations and providing brands and sellers immediate access to a fast-growing national buyer base. MystoreNEXT is designed to help businesses go digital without compromising their brand identity or operational control. It offers branded storefronts, integrated logistics, AI-powered tools (for cataloguing, recommendations, search, and shopping), omnichannel capabilities, and native integration with ONDC Network buyer apps, making it the most advanced and future-ready, cohesive ecosystem. Here are the key features of MystoreNEXT that give brands and MSMEs a superior tech infrastructure to make the most of Bharat's digital boom: * Integrated ONDC Connectivity Enables sellers and brands to instantly reach nationwide buyers through seamless, native integration with ONDC Network buyer apps, no additional setup or third-party plugins required. * Custom Domain + Branded Storefronts Empowers businesses to launch fully branded ecommerce websites on their own domain while remaining connected to Mystore's ONDC Network-compliant backend infrastructure. * AI-Powered Commerce Tools Equipped with built-in tools for personalisation, intelligent product recommendations, smart cataloguing, and real-time shopping assistance to enhance the buyer experience and boost conversions. * Full-Stack Ecommerce Infrastructure Ready-to-use modules for product taxonomy, catalog management, logistics, and digital payments - all pre-configured and network compliant. * Omnichannel Commerce Connects businesses with customers across PWA, mobile apps, WhatsApp, and AI-powered shopping assistant interfaces, enabling consistent, cross-channel engagement. * Enterprise and MSME Ready Provides D2C brands, large enterprises, government bodies, FPO networks, and sellers across diverse models with a flexible, scalable infrastructure to grow without tech bottlenecks. Speaking about the launch, Mrs. Kriti Aggarwal, Co-Founder, Mystore, said: "MystoreNEXT is more than just an ecommerce platform, it's a plug-and-play digital commerce ecosystem. We're giving businesses the ability to build their own brand online, access national sales channels via ONDC Network, and go fully digital with zero fragmentation or tech headaches. This is how commerce will work in India going forward- open, unified, and seller-first." Expressing his views on this latest addition to Mystore's offerings, Mr. Rajiv Kumar Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Mystore, said: "For too long, large enterprises have wrestled with complexity, and small sellers with exclusion. MystoreNEXT changes that. It levels the playing field by offering a unified, plug-and-play ecosystem that simplifies digital commerce without sacrificing control or scalability. We've built it to serve India's diverse commerce landscape, where a weaver and a national brand can both thrive on the same robust tech foundation. This is our vision of inclusive growth, open, intelligent, and built for the next era of ecommerce." About Mystore Mystore is an ONDC-connected marketplace that offers an unparalleled Ecommerce Ecosystem, enabling Enterprises and SMEs to leverage the ONDC network to accelerate their growth. Mystore specialises in setting up dealer-network-based Quick Commerce Marketplaces for brands in record time. With its AI-enabled ecommerce solutions for smart selling (using Mystore Seller App) and buying (through the Mystore Buyer App), Mystore empowers businesses to enhance discoverability, personalise experiences, and drive growth through the ONDC Network. Mystore's cutting-edge ecommerce solutions are built on MystoreNEXT (formerly StoreHippo) - the leading enterprise ecommerce platform powering top enterprise brands across the globe for 10 years. Mystore enables hyperlocal businesses, SMEs, D2C brands, and Enterprises to join the ONDC Network ecosystem and explore the vast Indian markets. Proudly Made in Bharat and Built for Bharat, Mystore champions inclusivity by enabling regional sellers, local businesses, and digitally underserved communities to participate meaningfully in the Indian ecommerce ecosystem. Built on next-gen technology, PCI-DSS, SOC2, and ISO/IEC 27001 compliant, Mystore offers a level-playing field and 360-degree ecommerce solutions to businesses irrespective of their size and industry vertical. About ONDC: Incorporated on 31st December 2021, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a Section 8 company, is an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India to create a facilitative model that revolutionizes digital commerce, giving greater thrust to penetration of retail e-commerce in India. ONDC is not an application, platform, intermediary, or software but a set of specifications designed to foster open, unbundled, and interoperable Open Networks. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2752465/MystoreNEXT_Launch.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1913630/3693818/Mystore_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PNN New Delhi [India], August 19: Globe Civil Projects Limited, (NSE - GLOBECIVIL | BSE - 544424), Company engaged in diverse infrastructure and non-infrastructure EPC projects across India, has announced its unaudited results for Q1 FY26. Key Q1 FY26 Financial Highlights Key Standalone Financial Highlights - Total Income of 65.50 Cr - EBITDA of 11.88 Cr - EBITDA Margin of 18.14% - PAT of 5.06 Cr - PAT Margin of 7.72% - EPS of 1.16 Key Consolidated Financial Highlights - Total Income of 67.70 Cr - EBITDA of 11.88 Cr - EBITDA Margin of 17.55% - PAT of 5.05 Cr - PAT Margin of 7.46% - EPS of 1.16 Commenting on the financial performance, Mr. Ved Prakash Khurana, Chairman and Whole-time Director of Globe Civil Projects Limited said, "We are pleased to commence FY26 on a strong note, backed by robust order inflows, disciplined project selection, and timely execution. Operational efficiency was maintained through our integrated EPC capabilities across civil, MEP, HVAC, firefighting, architectural, and structural solutions, while our focus on funded central government projects ensured steady cash flows and reduced working capital risks. In the last 45 days, the Company has secured new orders worth ~ 450 Cr, of which projects worth ~ 225 Cr have already commenced. These large wins strengthen our pipeline, support margin expansion, and reflect our ability to directly secure sizable projects instead of through JVs. With an order book of ~ 1,000 Cr, and seasonality driving stronger execution in the second half, we remain confident of sustaining growth. Further, we have strategically streamlined operations by focusing solely on the contractual EPC segment and discontinuing the trading business, with construction now contributing nearly 99% of profits. This positions the Company for sustainable growth and long-term value creation." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) EaseMyTrip, one of India's leading travel-tech platforms, today announced a strategic enhancement of its marketing capabilities with the aim of boosting customer retention and increasing lifetime value. As an important part of this initiative, the company is deepening its collaboration with the leading Customer Data and Engagement Platform (CDEP) - MoEngage, said a company release. After successfully building a formidable brand and a loyal customer base of 30 million+ globally, this move marks a significant moment in EaseMyTrip's customer-centric journey. The company is now set to transition from broad-based digital communication to deeply personalized, one-to-one traveler engagement at scale. "Our primary goal is to build lasting relationships with our customers, and to do this at scale, we need a unified view of their entire journey," said Sanchit Chopra, Chief Marketing Officer of EaseMyTrip. "Adopting a CDEP approach with a powerful platform like MoEngage is a critical step. It allows us to consolidate our customer data and, more importantly, act on those insights in real-time to drive key business metrics like repeat bookings and customer satisfaction," he further added. "Leading brands like EaseMyTrip are moving beyond siloed tools to a more holistic Customer Data and Experience Platform model," said Raviteja Dodda, CEO of MoEngage. "We are proud that our platform will provide both the unified data foundation and the multichannel engagement engine to help EaseMyTrip achieve its ambitious growth objectives. This partnership is instrumental to their commitment to being a truly data-driven and customer-first organization," he further commented. According to the company release, with MoEngage as its CDEP, EaseMyTrip will unify customer insights from multiple sources to create a single, 360-degree view of each traveler. This will enable the team to orchestrate highly personalized, cross-channel journeys in real-time. This data-first approach is central to the company's strategy for improving repeat purchases, increasing ancillary revenue, and maximizing overall customer lifetime value. EaseMyTrip (a publicly listed company at NSE and BSE) is India's one of largest online travel platforms in terms of air ticket bookings, based on the Crisil Report-Assessment of the OTA Industry in India, February 2021. According to company information, MoEngage is an insights-led customer engagement platform trusted by 1,350+ global consumer brands, including Unilever, Airtel, PNB, The Coca-Cola Company, IndusInd Bank, Titan, Samsung, McAfee, Flipkart, Domino's, The Indian Express, Nestle, OYO, and more. (ANI) PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 19: Today at Realize LIVE Asia-Pacific 2025, Mendix, a Siemens business, announced a strategic partnership with CreditAccess Grameen Limited (NSE: CREDITACC) (BSE: 541770) ('CA Grameen'), the country's largest Non-Banking Financial Company-Micro Finance Institution (NBFC-MFI). The partnership aims to accelerate CA Grameen's digital transformation efforts using the Mendix low-code platform, developing a suite of custom applications that addresses operational challenges and drive growth. Leveraging Mendix's low-code capabilities, CA Grameen developed and deployed a customised application in quick span, significantly reducing operational bottlenecks in the auditing process. Besides contributing to significant cost savings and improved business agility, access to Mendix's low-code capabilities also empowers them with the ability to rapidly innovate and accelerate time-to-market for transformational business solutions. For CA Grameen which operates across the length and breadth of the country with over 2,000 branches, it is paramount to maintaining its competitive edge in a competitive financial landscape and enabling it to effectively serve more than 4.5 million customers. India's financial sector is undergoing a rapid digital evolution, driven by public sector efforts that encompass digital infrastructure, financial inclusion schemes, and regulatory reforms among others. Given India's burgeoning digital economy, transitioning to digital workflows and fostering innovation is no longer optional but essential for sustained long-term growth. This was the impetus behind CA Grameen's selection of Siemens' Mendix platform to empower its digitalisation journey by enabling quick time-to-market for new solutions, strengthening collaboration between business and IT functions, and supporting the adoption of a modern/future-ready architecture. CA Grameen's digital transformation with Mendix began with a branch auditing solution, improving the audit process quality and setting the stage for broader innovation. The application development process, from ideation to production, took just six months, showcasing the rapid application delivery capabilities of the Mendix platform. Deployed on the cloud with support from technical implementation partner, Mx Omega Technologies, the new application enabled critical audit data to be compiled and made available in real-time, significantly improving decision-making and responsiveness when any issues or anomalies are identified. Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Sudesh Puthran, Chief Technology Officer of CreditAccess Grameen, said, "Mendix has provided us a strong foundation for accelerating our digital transformation journey. As a new-generation low-code platform, it enables us to automate and digitise business processes faster, while fostering seamless collaboration between IT and business teams. At CA Grameen, our vision is to create a scalable and agile driven organisation where technology empowers people and processes. This partnership has already delivered impact by reducing the audit cycle from 45 days to 38 days, helping boost field productivity by focusing on value-added tasks and deliver faster & more accurate reporting. Through strategic investments in technology, we are building the digital capabilities needed to drive innovation and support sustainable long-term growth." Beyond the branch auditing solution, subsequent applications at CA Grameen developed with Mendix's low-code solutions are envisioned to further optimise field operations, customer onboarding, loan management, and various other core business functions, demonstrating Mendix's versatility in addressing diverse enterprise needs. "The rapid development and deployment of CA Grameen's branch auditing application is a powerful testament to the transformative power of low-code in the financial sector," said Mathew Thomas, Vice President and Managing Director for India, Siemens Digital Industries Software. "In a market as dynamic and competitive as India, the ability to quickly adapt, innovate, and move away from legacy, manual processes is non-negotiable for growth. Mendix provides the agility and speed needed to meet these demands, allowing financial institutions to focus on their core mission of serving customers." Media Contact: Siemens Digital Industries Software PR TeamEmail: press.software.sisw@siemens.com About CreditAccess Grameen Limited: CreditAccess Grameen Limited is a leading Indian microfinance institution headquartered in Bengaluru, focused on providing micro-loans to women customers predominantly in rural areas across India. The Company is now operating across 433 districts in 16 states (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal) and one union territory (Puducherry) through 2,114 branches. The Company's Promoter is CreditAccess India B.V., a multinational company specializing in micro and small enterprise financing. It is backed by institutional investors and has a micro-lending experience in India of more than a decade. About Mendix: Mendix, a Siemens business, is the only low-code platform designed to address the full complexity of enterprise software development challenges. Deploying point solutions to departmental problems solves things at a micro level--but if you want to make a significant impact on your business, you need to go bigger and build powerful portfolios that move the needle sustainably and strategically. With Mendix, enterprises can take on more complex, transformational initiatives by engaging everyone in capturing requirements, forming ideas, and embedding value assessment throughout the lifecycle of the software portfolio. Focus on the right problems while relying on governance and control to avoid unnecessary risk. Mobilize your organization. Build the change readiness muscle. And when the next big idea drops, turn it into an outcome quicker. More than 4,000 organizations in 46 countries use the Mendix low-code platform. An active community of over 300,000 developers has created over 950,000 applications - and counting. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753269/SIEMENS_CreditAccess_Grameen.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ACTFL is releasing its first assessment of American Sign Language (ASL) through the ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL). This assessment measures performance and proficiency for Deaf/deaf individuals, Children of Deaf Adults (CODAs), and ASL learners. The ASL AAPPL will be available to order on September 15, in time for the new school year, through Language Testing International (LTI), the exclusive licensee of ACTFL assessments. The ASL AAPPL is designed for students in grades 9-12 and will be the only ASL assessment to provide an official score from ACTFL, aligned with proficiency levels Novice to Advanced according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines - 2024. This assessment offers ASL users and learners the opportunity to provide evidence to earn the Seal of Biliteracy, as well as provides educators the ability to benchmark and track their learners' progress. The ASL AAPPL measures performance and proficiency for deaf individuals, Children of Deaf Adults, and ASL learners. Post this "The ASL AAPPL represents years of dedicated development, incorporating the expertise of Deaf/deaf and hearing ASL experts from both secondary and post-secondary contexts. What sets this assessment apart is its comprehensive assessment of both Interpersonal Interaction (II) and Receptive Comprehension (RC), providing a holistic understanding of an individual's ASL proficiency," said Margaret Malone, Ph. D., Director of Assessment and Research. "This rigorous approach ensures accurate and reliable results, fostering confidence in the assessment's validity." This new assessment has been developed over several years through an extensive process, which included: Valuable input from an advisory committee of both Deaf/deaf and hearing ASL experts at the post-secondary and secondary levels. Iterative pilot testing to ensure accuracy and fairness. Rigorous standard-setting to establish clear rating consensus aligned with the ACTFL ratings being assessed The development of this assessment was inspired by the need to address issues of equity for underrepresented groups within the ASL community. ACTFL invites educators, ASL users, and ASL learners to explore this new assessment and its potential to promote ASL proficiency and recognition. About ACTFL: Providing vision, leadership and support for quality teaching and learning of languages, ACTFL is an individual membership organization of language educators and administrators from elementary through graduate education, as well as government and industry. Since its founding in 1967, ACTFL has become synonymous with innovation, quality, and reliability in meeting the changing needs of language educators and their learners. It is where the world's educators, businesses, and government agencies go to advance the practice of language learning. SOURCE ACTFL The company added that the manufacturing space leasing has reached an all-time high in H1 2025, recording an impressive 9.0 million sq. ft of transactions. This represents a significant 38 per cent Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) increase compared to H1 2024 (6.5 million sq. ft) and remarkably stands at six times the pre-pandemic levels of H1 2019 (1.6 million sq. ft). The infrastructure continues its upward trajectory with Grade A warehousing facilities now constituting 55 per cent of the total 463 million sq. ft stock across India's eight major cities. The market recorded 25 million sq. ft of net absorption in H1 2025, with year-end projections expected to reach 55 - 57 million sq. ft - a substantial 12 to 15 per cent increase from 50 million sq. ft absorbed in 2024. Grade A facilities are increasingly preferred by occupiers, with Grade A spaces accounting for 81 per cent of total absorption, reflecting the market's shift toward higher-quality infrastructure with enhanced specifications. "The geographic concentration is equally telling, with Bengaluru, Pune, NCR Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai collectively accounting for 90 per cent of India's net demand. This six-fold increase in manufacturing leasing reflects not just market growth but a strategic evolution toward asset-light models, as manufacturers increasingly opt Garde A and build-to-suit spaces to circumvent land acquisition challenges and achieve faster operational timelines," said Yogesh Shevade, Head (Industrial & Logistics), India, JLL. Bengaluru emerged as the frontrunner in net demand during H1 2025, followed by Pune, NCR Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai. Together, these five strategic markets represented 90 per cent of India's total net demand, underlining their critical importance within the country's industrial and logistics landscape. The 3PL/Logistics sector continues to dominate demand at 28 per cent, closely followed by Manufacturing at 24 per cent, which encompasses Automotive, Engineering, Electronics, and White Goods industries. JLL stated that the manufacturing companies are increasingly adopting asset-light approaches, optimizing capital deployment while leveraging turnkey facilities with pre-secured regulatory approvals. It also pointed out that the manufacturing leasing is concentrated in cities such as Pune and Chennai, which host a considerable proportion of India's Grade A industrial stock. (ANI) HT Syndication Jodhpur (Rajasthan) [India], August 19: On 14 August 2025, just ahead of India's Independence Day, Dr. V.K. Jain, widely known as the "CPR Doctor of India", has been conferred with the prestigious State Award by the Government of Rajasthan, presented by Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to public health, environmental sustainability, and social welfare. Dr. Jain has been at the forefront of advocating for CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training to be made mandatory in school education, aiming to create a generation equipped with life-saving skills. His mission is aligned with the vision of a Viksit Bharat 2047, where every school graduate knows CPR as confidently as basic mathematics. Beyond his health initiatives, Dr. Jain has also led impactful projects in: - Solar energy adoption to promote renewable power - Rainwater harvesting for water security - Cleanliness drives to improve public hygiene - Tree plantation campaigns for environmental sustainability Over the years, his sustained work has influenced policy discussions, inspired youth participation, and trained over five lakh citizens in life-saving CPR skills. On receiving award, Dr. Jain said: "This recognition is not just for me, but for the cause. I firmly believe that by empowering our youth with CPR skills, promoting clean energy, and protecting our environment, we can truly build a healthier and stronger nation." About Dr. V.K. Jain: Dr. Jain is an internationally recognised social leader and medical professional, with over four decades of service. His initiatives have been featured in leading publications including India Today, Times of India, and Reader's Digest, and have sparked national conversations on public health and sustainability. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) SMPL New Delhi [India], August 19: Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), Pune, one of India's premier AACSB accredited management institutes, has officially opened registrations for its three Master of Business Administration (MBA) full time residential programmes through the Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) 2025. This announcement marks the beginning of the admission process for the academic year 2026-2027 and the academic batch of 2026-2028. Prospective students can apply for admission through the official website: www.snaptest.org/ With a legacy spanning over 30 years, SCMHRD continues to cement its position as a leader in management education. SCMHRD through the SNAP test offers aspirants across India a pathway to a globally recognised and industry-relevant MBA. The institute offers three full time residential MBA programmes viz. MBA (Area- Marketing, Human Resources, Finance and Operations), MBA in Infrastructure Development and Management (IDM) and MBA in Business Analytics (BA). All programmes are designed to provide a blend of academic rigor, experiential learning, and practical exposure through industry projects, guest lectures, CSR activities, and global semester exchange opportunities. Speaking on the admissions, Dr. Netra Neelam, Director of SCMHRD said, "SCMHRD has consistently demonstrated a strong record of producing industry-ready leaders. With our updated curriculum, emphasis on leadership, and outstanding placement outcomes, we are proud to open our doors to a new cohort of aspirants seeking to transform their careers with a world-class MBA education." Eligibility Criteria SCMHRD invites applications from candidates who meet the following eligibility requirements for its MBA programmes. For the flagship MBA programme, applicants must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution of national importance, securing at least 50% marks or an equivalent grade (a minimum of 45% is required for candidates from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes). For the MBA in Infrastructure Development and Management (IDM), eligibility extends to graduates in Engineering (B.E./B.Tech), Architecture (B.Arch), or Planning (B.Plan) from a recognised university or institution of national importance with a minimum of 50% marks or equivalent grade (45% for SC/ST candidates). Candidates from non-engineering disciplines are also eligible, provided they meet the same minimum academic criteria and have at least 12 months of relevant work experience in sectors such as infrastructure, infrastructure consultancy, energy, real estate, logistics, supply chain, or other infrastructure allied industries. For the MBA in Business Analytics (BA), candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university or institution of national importance with at least 50% marks or an equivalent grade (45% for SC/ST candidates), along with a minimum of two years of full-time work experience acquired after graduation. Rankings, Accreditations & Career Outcomes SCMHRD has established itself as a leading institution in management education, earning recognition from prestigious ranking bodies globally and in India for 2024. Its inclusion in the Financial Times Masters in Management 2024 Ranking as the 76th best business school globally and 8th in India places it among the world's elite. This is a significant indicator of its high-quality curriculum, career services, and alumni success. Adding to this, SCMHRD was also ranked among the top 100 business schools globally by LinkedIn in LinkedIn Top MBA 2024, which assesses a school's ability to help students grow their careers. This dual global recognition highlights the institution's strong professional network and the tangible career progression of its graduates. In national rankings, SCMHRD's performance is equally impressive. The Fortune India Best B-School Ranking 2024 places it 16th in the Top B-Schools of India, 7th among Top Private B-Schools, 6th in the West Zone, and 2nd in Pune. Furthermore, the GHRDC-CSR B-School Survey 2024 awarded SCMHRD a 1st overall position for 'Placement (Domestic & International), USP, Social Responsibility, Networking and Industry Interface'. The institute also ranked 1st in Private B-schools' Ranking of State Champions and 3rd overall for 'Faculty, Publication, Research, Consultancy, MDP & other programmes,' and 4th among the Top Private B-Schools of India. Strengthened by a robust alumni network of over 6500 professionals across industries and geographies, SCMHRD continues to build leaders who make an impact worldwide. The institute's stellar placement record further underscores its reputation, with 100% placement assistance year after year. SNAP 2025 Schedule The registration and payment window for SNAP 2025 will remain open until November 20, 2025 (Thursday). Admit cards will be made available on the official website, www.snaptest.org, with detailed test timings communicated directly to candidates via their admit cards. SNAP 2025 will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) on three distinct dates - December 6, 2025 (Saturday), December 14, 2025 (Sunday), and December 20, 2025 (Saturday), offering candidates the flexibility to choose a suitable slot and enhance their performance. The results will be declared on January 9, 2026 (Friday). About SCMHRD Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development (SCMHRD), Pune, established in 1993, with a legacy of excellence in management education. SCMHRD offers programmes in MBA, Infrastructure Development and Management, Business Analytics and MBA Executive. It was accredited by AACSB in 2020 and has been re-accreditation for the next 6 years which shows it is consistently recognized among world's leading B-schools. For more information, visit the official website at https://scmhrd.edu/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) India PR Distribution Melbourne [Australia], August 19: As part of the longstanding partnership between La Trobe University and the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), Indian cinema legend and humanitarian Aamir Khan has joined La Trobe's Chancellor, the Hon John Brumby AO, and the IFFM to celebrate India's 79th Independence Day. La Trobe's partnership with IFFM spans more than 16 years. Partnerships and Innovation: A Celebration of India's Independence with Aamir Khan, brought together industry leaders, researchers and cultural icons in Melbourne, Australia, on Friday, 15 August, to explore how collaborations drive sustainable development. The event highlighted the shared goals of La Trobe University and Khan's Paani Foundation to empower communities through sustainable agriculture, water conservation and food security. Joining the Chancellor at the prestigious event was Victorian Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business and Employment, and Minister for Youth, the Hon Natalie Suleyman MP, Commonwealth Assistant Minister for Citizenship and International Education, the Hon Julian Hill MP and Federal MP Tim Watts. The event showcased La Trobe University's collaborative research into food security and sustainability, including ag-tech solutions to improve milk quality, advanced sensor and robotics technologies for water quality monitoring and community-led action plans, such as the Clean River Ganga initiative, alongside efforts to strengthen agribusiness supply chains between India and Australia. These initiatives closely mirror the Paani Foundation's work in drought-prone regions of India, supporting farmers in watershed management and sustainable agriculture practices. "La Trobe University is proud of its long-standing and diverse collaborations with India," the Hon John Brumby AO, Chancellor of La Trobe University, said. "Our 16-year partnership with the Indian Film Festival and our growing research ties across the subcontinent reflect our commitment to global engagement, cultural exchange and social impact. This event was a powerful celebration of those values." IFFM Director Mitu Bhowmick also reflected on the significance of the occasion. "India's Independence Day is a moment of pride and unity, and we were thrilled to celebrate it with our partner La Trobe University, which has supported the festival since its inception. This event beautifully captured the spirit of collaboration between cinema, education and community development." La Trobe University's longstanding partnership with IFFM includes student placements, cultural programming and academic collaborations. The University has also established the Asian Smart Cities Research Innovation Network (ASCRIN), which supports sustainable development and innovation across India and the broader region. La Trobe University and India * La Trobe has been a proud partner of the Indian Film Festival in Melbourne since it began in 2010. * La Trobe is in the top 1 per cent of universities worldwide. *QS Top Universities, 2025, QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities; Webometrics, 2025, Webometrics Ranking July 2025. * The University has a proud record of educating students from India, with around 11,000 people born in India among its alumni. * La Trobe University is one of the founding members of the Australia India Institute. * The IIT Kanpur - La Trobe Research Academy was established in 2020. * Asian Smart Cities Research Innovation Network (ASCRIN), was founded by La Trobe in 2019 and is now its single largest research internationalisation initiative, with joint investment of more than AUD $43 million (Rs 235 crores). It is a partnership designed to improve sustainability, liveability and efficiency of Asian cities. Partners in the network include Tata Institute of Social Science, the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) and Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS-Pilani) which includes more than 250 researchers and over 70 joint-PhD projects. * In 2024, the University announced that it would be establishing a Bio Innovation Corridor with India's Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council and the Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre, to support the development of research and innovation. * In 2025, BBC and La Trobe University jointly organised a 12-week IND-AUS LaunchPad Pre-Accelerator program, bringing together 11 high-potential Indian startups for intensive mentoring, market readiness training and cross-border networking to fast-track their global expansion. * Also in 2025, La Trobe University will launch the IGNITE LAB, a joint initiative with the BBC to support Indian startups expanding globally. The BBC-La Trobe Continuation Program (Bangalore) will offer a pathway for Australian startups engaging with India via BBC as part of the IND-AUS LaunchPad framework. * Dignitaries La Trobe University has hosted from the Indian subcontinent include Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi, Kapil Dev, Malaika Arora Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Rajkumar Hirani, Abhijat Joshi and, most recently, actor, producer and women's equality advocate, Shah Rukh Khan. * La Trobe has awarded two Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarships, providing a life-changing opportunity for an aspiring female researcher from India to make a meaningful impact in the world. * La Trobe University is one of only two universities in Australia teaching Hindi and the only Australian University to teach a subject on the history, music and storytelling of popular Hindi cinema. * The La Trobe Library collection houses more than 38,000 volumes of monographs, journals, magazines and government publications from India, one of the largest collections in Australia. Media enquiries Australia: Robyn Grace - r.grace@latrobe.edu.au, 0420 826 595 India: Achal K Paul - achal@buzzcomm.in, +91 98101 62377 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 19: In a significant move underscoring its commitment to Mumbai's urban transformation, Arkade Developers has acquired the naming and branding rights of Bangur Nagar Metro Station. The station will now officially be known as Arkade Bangur Nagar Metro Station. Arkade Developers Acquires Naming Rights for Bangur Nagar Metro Station in Line with Goregaon's Accelerated Urban Development. The partnership was unveiled at a special inauguration ceremony attended by key dignitaries from Arkade Developers, Signpost India Limited, & Arkade customers. The event also featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony & the launch of Arkade's annual report. Located along the bustling Metro Line 2A, Arkade Bangur Nagar Metro Station serves as a gateway to one of Mumbai's most dynamic growth corridors. Its positioning within Goregaon West makes it a vital hub for both daily commuters and the growing residential population. Mr. Arpit Jain , Director, Arkade Developers Ltd., commented, "The renaming of the station reflects Arkade's belief in shaping cityscapes through community-focused urban design. As the Goregaon-Malad belt emerges as a lifestyle hotspot, we're proud to contribute to the area's evolution. We are aggressively expanding our footprint in this corridor with multiple completed, ongoing, and upcoming projects. We are pleased to take on the naming rights of this metro station as a meaningful step in deepening our connection with the community we serve." Mr. Shripad Ashtekar , Founder and Managing Director, Signpost India Limited, added: "Today marks a milestone in redefining the way brands engage with the city. With the naming rights of Bangur Nagar station, we see branding not merely as visibility, but as a step toward sustainable growth and urban identity. Arkade Developers becomes the first real estate developer in this line to embrace this vision, setting a benchmark for the industry to align with public infrastructure and urban transformation. This partnership is a symbol of care for urbanisation -- where a metro station stands not only as a transit hub but as a landmark of pride, progress, and community engagement in Mumbai." Bangur Nagar, once a quiet residential enclave, is rapidly emerging as a well-connected, vibrant neighbourhood. With improved metro access, upgraded infrastructure, and growing green spaces, it has become a sought-after destination for homebuyers, professionals, and investors alike. Arkade Developers has already established a strong presence in the Goregaon-Malad belt, having completed four residential projects -- Arkade Adornia, Arkade Aspire, Arkade Serene, and Arkade Jayshree. Current projects include Arkade Views, Arkade Vistas, and Arkade Eden, with five more projects set to launch in the upcoming months. The renaming of the metro station is not just a branding milestone but a symbol of Arkade's long-term commitment to sustainable, inclusive urban development. About Arkade Developers Ltd: Arkade Developers is a leading luxury real estate developer in Mumbai and is listed on both the exchanges, BSE (544261) and NSE (ARKADE). With a rich legacy spanning over 39 years, the company has established itself as a symbol of quality and excellence. Under the leadership of Chairman and Managing Director Mr. Amit Jain, Arkade Developers has transformed into one of Mumbai's most respected real estate firms. The company has completed 31 projects under his vision and created homes for over 5,500 happy families. Guided by the core philosophy of 'Family First', Arkade Developers focuses on building family-friendly homes and upholds values such as trust, transparency, commitment, and happiness. Known for its timely project deliveries, Arkade Developers has made a significant mark in the Mumbai real estate sector, having developed over 5.5 million square feet of property, with an additional 2+ million square feet currently under construction. The company's commitment to quality is reflected in its meticulous planning, innovative designs, and use of advanced technologies, which ensure that every project is delivered on time and to the highest standards. 39 years of legacy | 31 projects completed | 5.5+ M sq. ft. developed | 2+ M sq. ft. under development | 5,500+ Happy Families | Listed on BSE & NSE | Pioneers in Timely Delivery For more information, visit: https://arkade.in/ For Further information, please contact:Arkade Developers LimitedMs. Riddhi Vira riddhi@arkade.in | +91 9619776362 White Marque SolutionsAanchal Dwivediaanchal.d@whitemarquesolutions.com | +91 8080823275 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2574220/5062535/Arkade_Group_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) India is setting its sights on becoming a global hub for green hydrogen exports, with the government laying out an ambitious roadmap to capture a significant share of the emerging clean fuel market. At the FICCI Green Hydrogen Summit 2025 in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shripad Naik announced that India aims to secure nearly 10 per cent of the global demand, which is expected to exceed 100 million metric tonnes by 2030. As part of the mission, the government has also awarded 3,000 megawatts of electrolyser manufacturing capacity to 15 companies, signaling a major industrial push. Naik underlined India's larger vision, saying, "We want to make India not only a major producer but also a global hub for green hydrogen export." The country has already awarded production capacity of 862,000 tonnes per annum to 19 companies under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The minister credited India's strong renewable energy base for enabling these targets. As of June 2025, the country had built nearly 237 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, with solar, wind, and hydro playing key roles. Combined with nuclear power, non-fossil sources now contribute over half of India's total installed power capacity. Naik noted, "This is a matter of immense pride that we have achieved this key NDC target five years ahead of schedule." Rajat Seksaria, Chair of the FICCI Green Hydrogen Committee and CEO of Adani New Industries, also praised government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive scheme and the world's first green ammonia auction. He said these steps have created real demand and boosted investor confidence. Vipul Tuli, Chair of FICCI's Renewable Energy CEOs Committee and Chairman of Sembcorp India, pointed out that green hydrogen has achieved price competitiveness against blue hydrogen in recent global tenders, a significant milestone for the industry. The European Union also demonstrated strong support for bilateral cooperation in the sector. Dr Ewa Suwara, Charge d'affaires of the EU Delegation to India, announced enhanced India-EU collaboration through a new Hydrogen Task Force. "Both the EU and India are well aware of the potential of green hydrogen in tackling today's and tomorrow's energy dilemmas," she said. With 15 Indian states already rolling out green hydrogen policies and more preparing frameworks, the momentum appears steady. (ANI) The Central Government on Tuedsay unveiled a wide range of measures aimed at strengthening exports and expanding domestic manufacturing. According to a statement by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the initiatives include production-linked schemes, new trade agreements, modernized logistics and grassroots-level export promotion programmes. At the forefront of these efforts is the push to expand India's global trade footprint. A significant milestone came on July 24 this year when India signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the United Kingdom. Negotiations are also underway with the European Union, with the goal of finalizing a Free Trade Agreement by the end of the year. Officials say these partnerships are expected to open new markets for Indian businesses, especially in the small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector. To support domestic industries, the Government has implemented Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across 14 crucial sectors, ranging from electronics and IT hardware to pharmaceuticals, solar modules, and automobiles. These schemes have encouraged investments, created jobs, and boosted exports. For instance, India's mobile phone exports have grown dramatically, from Rs. 1,500 crore in 2014-15 to more than Rs. 2 lakh crore in 2024-25, transforming the country into the world's second-largest mobile manufacturer. In pharmaceuticals, the PLI scheme has helped India become a net exporter of bulk drugs, reversing its earlier dependency on imports. Improving the backbone of trade, the Government has launched the National Logistics Policy (NLP) and PM Gati Shakti. These initiatives are designed to cut costs, eliminate transport bottlenecks, and ensure faster connectivity across regions. Complementing them is the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), which aims to create globally competitive industrial hubs linked seamlessly to both domestic and international markets. At the local level, schemes such as Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) and E-Commerce Export Hubs (ECEHs) are enabling small businesses and start-ups to reach overseas buyers. Under DEH, District Export Action Plans have already been prepared for 590 districts. At the same time, ECEHs are being developed to streamline cross-border e-commerce with facilities like customs clearance, packaging, and warehousing at one location. Five pilot projects are expected to kick off soon. Under the PLI scheme for medical devices, 21 projects have already begun manufacturing 54 advanced devices, including MRI machines, CT scanners, and heart valves. This information was given by the Minister of State for the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Jitin Prasada, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. (ANI) Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 19: Glow by Kirtilals, the fresh, fashion-forward diamond and gold jewellery brand from the House of Kirtilals, has opened its newest exclusive showroom in 4th Block, Jayanagar - bringing everyday sparkle to one of the city's most stylish neighbourhoods. The store features lightweight, natural diamond and gold jewellery crafted with in-house artistry and manufacturing, blending easy everyday wear with timeless elegance. Perfect for brunches, workdays, or nights out, Glow pieces are made to move with your life - and your vibe. "With Bengaluru's bold and style-conscious energy, this city is the perfect home for Glow," said Suraj Shantakumar, Director - Business Strategy, Kirtilals. "Our goal is to make luxury jewellery accessible without losing the craftsmanship and quality we're known for. Starting at just Rs. 7,000, Glow offers natural diamond and gold jewellery for every occasion. The My Monthly Glow Chit Scheme makes it even easier - pay over 10 instalments and get 1 free. Visit Glow by Kirtilals at 126, DOSS Capital, 33rd Cross, 11th Main, 4th Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, or shop online at www.glowjewels.com. Glow by Kirtilals is the Gen Z and millennial take on the legendary Kirtilals legacy, crafting fine jewellery for over 85 years. With in-house artistry, manufacturing, and expert craftsmanship, Glow creates natural diamond and gold jewellery designed for everyday confidence, style, and self-expression. Kirtilal Kalidas Jewellers Pvt. Ltd. has a strong presence with 23 showrooms in total--of which Glow by Kirtilals has 7 exclusive showrooms across South India, while Kirtilals has 15 showrooms across South India and 1 in New Jersey, USA, taking forward a legacy of trust and excellence. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) India PR Distribution New Delhi [India], August 19: Uzbekistan remains a leading choice for Indian students pursuing MBBS abroad. Affordable tuition, quality teaching, and clinical exposure have drawn many to government medical institutions, including: - Tashkent Medical Academy (Main Campus) - Tashkent Medical Academy - Urgench Branch - Tashkent Pediatric Medical Institute - Tashkent State Dental Institute - Samarkand State Medical University - Bukhara State Medical Institute - Andijan State Medical Institute - Fergana State Medical Institute (Fergana Medical Institute of Public Health) - Namangan State Medical Institute - Karakalpak State Medical Institute - Urgench State Medical Institute The Current Crisis In recent years, student intake in government medical universities has far exceeded the official seat allocation by the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Uzbekistan. To fix this, the MOH is merging multiple institutions into Tashkent State Medical University, including the Tashkent Pediatric and Dental Institutes. This restructuring caused delays in the September 2025 intake due to: - Record consolidation and student transfers. - Fee settlements between institutions. - Aligning academic calendars and hospital affiliations. New Update - Admissions Begin August 25th After months of uncertainty, Tashkent State Medical University has announced that admissions will start from August 25, 2025. - Selection will be based on interviews conducted by the university. - Students who do not qualify in the interview process will need to explore other options quickly to avoid losing the academic year. Students have very Limited Options except TSMU in the capital city (Tashkent), Uzbekistan. The centralized distribution of government universities in Uzbekistan necessitates that many students travel extensive distances--often spanning thousands of kilometres--to pursue MBBS, highlighting a significant disparity in regional educational infrastructure." Private Universities - An Immediate Alternative For those who are not selected, top private medical universities in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, remain a strong choice. These offer: - Lower tuition fees compared to many countries. - High academic standards with modern infrastructure. - The ability to start classes without delay. If You Doubt Private Universities Are Safe Government universities are not without risk. Recently, due to lack of infrastructure, the Tashkent Medical Academy - Chirchiq Branch was detained (closed), and the Indian Embassy issued a warning on July 22, 2025 advising Indian students not to take admission there. This shows that a well-recognised private university with its own teaching hospital, world-class infrastructure, Hostel with Modern Facilities, and following all the guidelines approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC) & WHO, can be a smart and safe choice--especially when time is critical. Key Advice for Students & Parents 1. If aiming for Tashkent Medical University, prepare for the August 25th interview and have a backup plan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. 2. If not selected, immediately choose an NMC/WHO-approved private university with its own hospital on the university campus. 3. Apply only through authorised agencies and verify their credentials on the university's website before payment. 4. Do not wait too long--delays can cost an entire academic year. Your decision today will determine your medical career tomorrow. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by India PR Distribution. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) VMPL Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], August 19: The International Automobile Centre of Excellence (iACE) has been recognized with the prestigious Bronze Stevie Award in the category Organization of the Year - Non-Profit or Government Organizations - Small at the 22nd Annual International Business Awards (IBA). The International Business Awards are the world's premier business awards program, open to organizations of all types and sizes across 78 nations and territories. This year, more than 3,800 nominations were submitted across categories ranging from Company of the Year to Best New Product or Service, Corporate Social Responsibility Program, and Executive of the Year. The winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process involving 250+ professionals worldwide, who praised iACE for its forward-thinking approach to automotive skill development in India, its world-class infrastructure, and industry collaborations with Maruti Suzuki and global partners. Judges' Remarks: "This nomination from iACE shows a forward-thinking approach to automotive skill development in India. With strong infrastructure and industry backing, iACE is a valuable institution for anyone looking to build a career in automotive technology, particularly in future-oriented domains like EVs, automation, and smart manufacturing." Leadership Speaks Rajiv Gandhi, CEO, iACE, said: "This recognition is a testament to iACE's mission of bridging the gap between academia and industry while driving India's future in automotive skills. Winning a Stevie Award on such a global platform reinforces our belief in creating industry-ready talent and building Gujarat, and India, as a hub for automotive innovation. . This award is not just a win for iACE, but for the entire ecosystem of students, faculty, and industry partners who are co-creating the workforce of the future with us" About the Award The winners of the 2025 International Business Awards will be celebrated at a gala banquet at the Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal, on 10 October 2025. Other winners in this category included Share the Dignity (Australia) as the Gold Stevie Winner, Buy From A Black Woman (USA) and Meralco Foundation (Philippines) as Silver Stevie Winners, alongside other respected global organizations. About iACE The International Automobile Centre of Excellence (iACE), based in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is a joint initiative of Gujarat Government and Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. dedicated to creating a skilled workforce for the automotive and future mobility ecosystem. Established with the vision to bridge the skills gap in the automotive sector, iACE offers hands-on training, research, and industry-driven programs across domains such as: * Automotive Systems & Manufacturing * Electric & Hybrid Vehicles (EV/HV) * Autotronics & ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) * Paint Technology, Welding, Plastics, and Machining * Smart Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 With cutting-edge labs, simulation tools, and live workshops, iACE has already trained thousands of students and professionals, strengthening India's vision of Skill India, Make in India, and Future Mobility readiness. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Agora reinforces its role as the enabling platform for modern fund administrators through a partnership with Verivest, delivering an elevated experience to fund managers. NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Agora, the leading real estate investment management platform, has partnered with Verivest a trusted provider of fund administration services with decades of experience to deliver a modern, integrated experience for fund managers and their investors. By combining Agora's embedded software and services infrastructure with Verivest's operational expertise, the partnership enables Verivest to work more efficiently, scale confidently, and provide a seamless experience to their clients. In today's complex and fast-moving investment environment, where expectations around speed, transparency, and scale continue to grow, this collaboration meets the moment. "Verivest brings over a decade of fund administration expertise that perfectly complements Agora's technology-first approach," said Bar Mor, CEO and Co-Founder of Agora. "Together, we're combining expert operations with modern technology to deliver a holistic solution and set a new standard for what real estate investment firms should expect from their operating platform." The partnership marks the latest addition to Agora's expanding ecosystem of integrated fund administration partners. It's designed to deliver a seamless, compliant, and scalable experience for GPs and their investors. With Verivest now part of that network, Agora reinforces its role as the technology infrastructure behind modern investment management and fund administration, empowering partners to offer integrated, comprehensive services directly through the platform. "Our partnership with Agora sets a new standard in fund administration technology, giving clients access to modern reporting, real-time data, and a frictionless workflow from onboarding to investor communication," said Matthew Burk, CEO and Founder of Verivest. "Together, we're addressing the pain points faced by today's fund managers and raising the bar as a true extension of their business." Verivest joins as a member of Agora's Trusted Partner Network, a curated group of industry leaders that deliver end-to-end services to investment firms through seamless integrations with the Agora platform. This partnership supports Agora's broader strategic vision: becoming the go-to, all-in-one operating system for real estate investment firms a platform that powers the full operational stack, including investment management, LP experience, payments, accounting, financial services, and integrations with best-in-class fund administrators. For more information about Agora, visit www.agorareal.com. About Agora: Agora is a comprehensive real estate investment management platform that combines software and services to streamline every aspect of investment management. Headquartered in New York City and Tel Aviv, Agora is a fintech/SaaS company dedicated to helping real estate firms raise and preserve capital. By leveraging technology and automation, Agora simplifies back-office operations, enhances the investor experience, and delivers advanced operational tools that drive efficiency. Trusted by top real estate firms like Decron Properties, Beachwold, and Electra America, Agora is revolutionizing the industry. Learn more at agorareal.com . About Verivest: Verivest is a leading provider of institutional-grade fund administration and advisory services tailored for small and mid-sized real estate fund managers. With decades of industry expertise, Verivest delivers trusted solutions that streamline fund accounting, investor reporting, compliance, and communications, empowering fund managers to focus on growth while building confidence and transparency with their investors. Verivest combines expert support, modern processes, and rigorous oversight, enabling clients to scale efficiently and provide an exemplary investor experience. For more information, please visit our website at verivest.com . SOURCE Agora Real Estate Rajasthan's Manika Vishwakarma, who was crowned as Miss Universe India 2025 has expressed her gratitude to her mentors and parents for the achievement. She will represent India at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand later this year. In a dazzling ceremony held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Manika was crowned Miss Universe India 2025. The grand finale of the Miss Universe India pageant was held on August 18. "This feeling is so amazing. The journey has been amazing. I want to thank my mentors, my teachers, my parents, my friends, and my family for everything. I aim to do my best to represent India at its finest and to get the crown home..." Manika told ANI. Manika is originally from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan. She was also crowned the Miss Universe Rajasthan 2024. She said, "Rather than struggle, we have a journey of preparation. My journey began in my city, Ganganagar. I came to Delhi and prepared for the pageant. We need to inculcate self-confidence and courage in ourselves. Everyone had a big role to play... I thank everyone for treating me so well and, most importantly, nurturing talent ..." Talking about the benefits of participating in beauty pageants and these competitions, Vishwakarma shared, "I think we should talk about the best of the best opportunities that we get on a platform like this. Pageantry is not just a field; it's a world that makes you a character, 'aap ek kirdaar bante hai'. For your entire life, you get an opportunity to inspire others, and I have stepped into it. So, I am grateful for that and most importantly ... It's not just a reign of a year, it's for life...you go in any field after doing pageants, the benefits, the personality that you carry will always stay with you." Earlier, in a post on her Instagram handle, she wrote, "Be the embodiment of Magic..The very day I passed down my crown to my worthy successor as Miss Universe Rajasthan was also the day I stepped into the next chapter--standing on the stage of the Miss Universe India final auditions. It was a moment of deep transition, of letting go and reaching forward at once. As daunting as the decision seemed, it didn't arise from uncertainty. It came from a place of conviction--anchored in faith, sharpened by focus, and driven by a clear vision of who I am becoming." "To close one chapter while beginning another, on the same day, is not an accident. It's alignment. A reminder that growth doesn't always wait for a pause. Sometimes, we rise while we release. And so, with the grace of a queen and the grit of a dreamer, I chose to trust the timing, honour the past, and boldly walk into what comes next.Grateful to my mentors, teachers, and confidants -- thank you for always believing in me and guiding me toward my best self.," she concluded the post. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLSACs8zbhv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Miss International India, Roosh Sindhu, also expressed her happiness and said, "This is what all my fans wanted, and it is quite a surprise to me because I did not know that there is also a Miss India International... I am just hoping to do my best for India at the international stage..." Actor and jury member, Urvashi Rautela added, "The competition was very tough, but we have the winner with us. It's also my 10-year anniversary. We are very happy that we got her as a winner... She will surely make us proud at the Miss Universe..." Meanwhile, Tanya Sharma from Uttar Pradesh is the first runner-up, Mehak Dhingra from Haryana is the second runner-up, and Amishi Kaushik is the third runner-up. (ANI) Actor Helen Mirren said that she doesn't think women can portray James Bond, as the search for the next 007 agent is underway, reported Deadline. With a career spanning over six decades of screen and stage, her accolades include an Academy Award, Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, BAFTA Awards, and a Laurence Olivier Award. During the promotion of Thursday Murder Club, in which she co-stars alongside former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan, Mirren said a woman as James Bond wouldn't work. "I'm such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy," said Mirren, adding, "You can't have a woman. It just doesn't work. James Bond has to be James Bond, otherwise it becomes something else," reported Deadline. Mirren's 'Thursday Murder Club' co-star, Brosnan, also spoke about the 007 film, saying, "I wish them well. I'm 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. It's been very good to me. It's the gift that keeps giving," Brosnan continued. "And I'm just a member of the audience now, sitting back, saying, 'Show us what you're going to do.'" Mirren had previously weighed in on the concept of James Bond, saying in an interview that the character "is drenched and born out of profound sexism," as per the outlet. "Women have always been a major and incredibly important part of the Secret Service; they always have been. And very brave," she added. "If you hear about what women did in the French Resistance, they're amazingly, unbelievably courageous. So I would tell real stories about extraordinary women who've worked in that world," reported Deadline. (ANI) Jasveen Sangha, also known as the "Ketamine Queen", has agreed to plead guilty in connection with the overdose death of Hollywood actor Matthew Perry, reported Variety. Sangha will plead guilty to five counts, including distributing ketamine that resulted in a death and maintaining a "drug-involved" premises. She faces at least 11 years in prison during her sentence, which is anticipated to take place in the coming months. She is the last of five defendants to plead guilty in connection with the actor's death. Perry, known for his role in the television series 'Friends', was found dead at his residence in October 2023. Sangha has been in federal custody since August 2024 and was scheduled to stand trial in Los Angeles on September 23. Plasencia took a plea deal in June in which he admitted to distributing ketamine without a legitimate medical purpose to the 'Friends' star, who died of an overdose in October 2023. In exchange, prosecutors dropped charges of falsifying medical records and additional counts of distribution, Variety reported. Three other defendants are Erik Fleming, Kenneth Iwamasa and Mark Chavez, previously agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to supply ketamine. Late actor Matthew Perry's doctor, Salvador Plasencia, pleaded guilty to giving the 'Friends' star ketamine before his tragic death. During a hearing in Los Angeles, the doctor admitted to supplying four counts of illegal distribution of the drug, which is used as a prescription anaesthetic. As part of the plea, Sangha also admitted to supplying ketamine to Cody McLaury in August 2019. McLaury, 33, died of an overdose hours later, according to Variety. (ANI) Netflix has announced the return of its critically acclaimed drama series, 'The Diplomat', with the much-anticipated third season set to premiere in October 2025. The streamer released a teaser for the upcoming instalment, featuring Keri Russell reprising her role as Kate Wyler. The clip opens with Kate issuing a stark warning, "A terribly flawed woman is now the president, and only we know just how flawed." The ominous warning appears to be related to Grace Penn, played by Allison Janney, and her alleged involvement in the bombing of a British aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf. https://www.instagram.com/p/DNf0wKOzeY8/ According to the official synopsis, it is now upto Kate to keep an eye on the Oval Office. "Ambassador Kate Wyler lives the particular nightmare that is getting what you want. She just accused Vice President Grace Penn of hatching a terrorist plot and admitted she's after the VP's job. But now the President is dead, Kate's husband Hal may have inadvertently killed him, and Grace Penn is the leader of the free world. None of this slows Hal's campaign to land Kate the vice presidency. Kate steps into a role she never wanted, with a freedom she never expected, an increasingly complicated friendship with Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison (Gyasi), and an unnerving bond with First Gentleman Todd Penn (Whitford)," the show's official synopsis states, as quoted by Variety. The new episodes for 'The Diplomat' Season 3 will be released on October 16, 2025. While Keri, along with Rufus Sewell, Allison Janney, David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, Rory Kinnear, and Ato Essandoh, will be returning for the third part, Bradley Whitford is also set to make an entry. The show has already been renewed for a fourth season at Netflix. 'The Diplomat' debuted in 2023, becoming an instant hit. It also picked up numerous award nominations, including the Emmys and Golden Globes. (ANI) The Academy Award-winning director Quentin Tarantino discussed his long-rumoured 10th and final film, 'The Movie Critic.' He said the project was ultimately scrapped because it was too similar to his previous work, reported Variety. During an expansive interview on "The Church of Tarantino" podcast, as quoted by Variety, the two Oscar-winning director revealed why he scrapped his long rumoured 10th film 'The Movie Critic'. "I wasn't really excited about dramatising what I wrote when I was in pre-production, partly because I'm using the skillset that I learned from 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' [of] 'How are we going to turn Los Angeles into the Hollywood of 1969 without using CGI?'" he explained as quoted by Variety. "It was something we had to pull off. We had to achieve it. It wasn't for sure that we could do it. 'The Movie Critic,' there was nothing to figure out. I already kind of knew, more or less, how to turn L.A. into an older time. It was too much like the last one," added Tarantino. In the same interview, the Oscar-winning director picked his favourite directorial work of his film career. The director picked 'Once Upon A Time In Hollywood' and called 'Inglourious Basterds' as his "best" project. During an expansive interview on "The Church of Tarantino" podcast, as quoted by Variety, the two-time Oscar winner revealed which of his films is his favourite and which he thinks is his best. "'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' is my favourite, 'Inglourious Basterds' is my best," Tarantino said as quoted by Variety. The director further called his film 'Kill Bill' an "ultimate Quentin" movie and claims that nobody could've made it at that time. "But I think 'Kill Bill' is the ultimate Quentin movie, like nobody else could've made it. Every aspect about it is so particularly ripped, like with tentacles and bloody tissue, from my imagination and my id and my loves and my passion and my obsession. So I think 'Kill Bill' is the movie I was born to make, I think 'Inglourious Basterds' is my masterpiece, but 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' is my favourite," said Tarantino as quoted by Variety. Despite Tarantino's affinity for 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,' David Fincher will direct the highly anticipated sequel, "The Adventures of Cliff Booth," for Netflix, reported Variety. As per the outlet, the actor Brad Pitt will reprise his role as stuntman and potential wife-killer Cliff Booth. The film will not be released in theatres but will stream on Netflix. It's an especially unique production, not only because a high-profile director is helming a sequel to another high-profile director's film, but also because of the property's shift from a theatrical studio to a streamer. According to Variety, 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' was released by Sony Pictures in 2019, but Tarantino negotiated a deal that would return him ownership of the film's underlying copyright after a number of years. The project comes under fruition after Tarantino scrapped plans for what would've been his 10th (and allegedly final) feature, 'The Movie Critic.' According to Variety, the story was said to take place in the '70s and follow a film critic. It had been rumoured that Pitt would be playing some version of his 'Once Upon a Time' character Cliff Booth, who in Tarantino's novelisation of his own feature was revealed to be quite the movie buff. Now, Pitt will officially reprise the role, which won him an Oscar for supporting actor. The project reunites Pitt with Fincher, who have each made some of their most acclaimed films together: the seminal thriller 'Se7en,' cult satire 'Fight Club' and Oscar darling 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button', reported Variety. (ANI) Organised by the Director General of Medical Services (Army), this landmark event is being conducted as part of the Ministry of Defence's declared "Year of Reforms". The conference will bring together global scholars, experts, and practitioners to deliberate on critical challenges in managing physical and psychological trauma in military environments, with a special focus on advanced combat trauma care, the application of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in healthcare, and innovative approaches in emergency medical response. MILMEDICON-2025 will also strengthen international cooperation in military medicine with participation from delegates representing a number of Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs). Adding further significance, the conference will celebrate the Centenary of the Military Nursing Service (MNS), recognising their exemplary service and embodiment of Nari Shakti in combat medical care. Alongside scientific sessions, panel discussions, and poster presentations, the event will feature the Army Medical Corps Scientific Gallery and the MNS Centenary Gallery, highlighting milestones in military healthcare and cutting-edge research. Both a commemoration of achievements and a forward-looking initiative, MILMEDICON-2025 promises to foster global collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of knowledge in the domain of military medicine. (ANI) A disturbing incident unfolded at the Bhuni Toll Plaza in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, where Indian Army soldier Kapil Singh was brutally assaulted by toll staff on August 17. Kapil Singh, who was returning to his duty in Srinagar after completing his leave, requested the toll staff to let him pass quickly as he had a flight to catch. However, this request led to an argument, and the toll staff allegedly tied him to a pole and beat him with rods. Kapil Singh's father, Krishan Pal, has demanded strict action against the perpetrators, while his brother, Pradeep, alleged that around 10-12 people were involved in the assault. Speaking to ANI, Kapil Singh's father, Krishan Pal, said, "He had completed his leave and we were on our way to drop him at the Delhi Airport. When we reached the Bhuni Toll Plaza, he requested them to let him pass, as he had to catch his flight...They threw away his army card...They tied him to a pole and started beating him...Strict action should be taken." Kapil Singh's brother, Pradeep, added that the assault involved 10-12 people who used rods to beat the jawan. "As we reached Bhuni toll plaza, there was a fight going on, and my brother requested to be let through as he had to catch a flight. They snatched his ID card, tied his hands to a pole, and beat him up... They beat my brother with rods... 10-12 people beat him up," he told ANI. Six toll plaza employees have been arrested so far, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has imposed a penalty of Rs 20 lakh on the toll collecting agency, M/s Dharam Singh. The agency's contract is also being terminated, and they will be debarred from future participation in toll plaza bids. The Indian Army's Central Command strongly condemned the incident, stating that they will pursue the case to its logical conclusion. The Uttar Pradesh Police have registered an FIR under sections for attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, and robbery. In a post on X, they said, "Indian Army strongly condemns such an incident against a serving soldier. The highest authorities of Uttar Pradesh Police have been approached to bring the guilty to book. FIR has since been lodged under BNS for attempt to Murder, unlawful assembly and Robbery. Six arrests have been made by the Police so far. A protest has also been registered with NHAI regarding the incident, seeking departmental action against the culprits and measures to prevent any recurrence. Indian Army remains committed to ensuring justice and will pursue the case to its logical conclusion". The police are investigating the incident, and further arrests are expected based on video evidence. The NHAI has also taken swift action, condemning the behaviour of the toll plaza staff and ensuring safe and seamless travel on national highways. According to SP Rural Meerut Rakesh Kumar Mishra, the soldier, identified as Kapil, was returning after completing his leave and had a flight to catch. "A person named Kapil is serving in the Indian Army. Yesterday, he was returning after completing his leave, and he had a flight to catch. There was a line of vehicles at the Bhuni Toll Plaza, and he spoke to the toll workers to pass through quickly," Mishra told ANI. He added, "During this, an argument broke out, and the toll workers beat him up. Six people have been arrested in the case. One or two more individuals seen in the video will also be arrested soon." Locals staged a protest, demanding strict action against the perpetrators. The administration agreed to four demands, including the immediate removal of the toll plaza staff involved, adding three more names to the FIR, making a 10-km stretch around the toll plaza toll-free, and publicly displaying a list of toll-free villages at the toll plaza. SSP Vipin Tanda confirmed the incident, stating, ''Last night, a video was received in which some people were beating up a person. When the police investigated, it was found that the complainant was a jawan who was returning from his duty, and he had an argument with the toll workers over something. The toll workers beat him up. Seeing the seriousness of the matter, a case has been registered. On the basis of the video, 6 people have been arrested." Meanwhile, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) also acted swiftly in response to the incident. "NHAI has taken strict action on the incident of misbehaviour with army personnel by toll staff deployed at Bhuni Toll Plaza on Meerut-Karnal section of NH-709A on 17th August 2025. NHAI has imposed a penalty of Rs. 20 lakhs on the toll collecting agency, M/s Dharam Singh and has initiated the process of terminating & debarring the toll collection firm from future participation in toll plaza bids. #NHAI strongly condemns such behaviour by the toll plaza staff and is committed to ensuring safe and seamless travel on National Highways," post added on X. (ANI) Former Army Chief Gen Manoj Naravane on Sunday reiterated India's commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that "this is not an era of war" and war should be the last resort. Speaking at the launch of his book, "The Cantonment Conspiracy," at RIIM Business School in Pune, Maharashtra, he said, " India has always been saying that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and discussion, not through force...This is the reason our PM has been saying, "This is not an era of war"....War should be the last resort..." Naravane emphasised that India has always stood against changing borders through unilateral use of force, advocating instead for dialogue and discussion to resolve disputes. "The only thing we have to keep in mind is whether we want to agree and allow that you can change the borders just because you are a powerful country, by unilateral use of force. India has always been against that," he said. According to Naravane, the meeting between the two leaders - US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska had mixed outcomes, leaving European countries uncertain about potential agreements between the US and Russia. European countries are concerned about potential backroom deals between the US and Russia that could compromise their interests, further exacerbating global uncertainty. "The Trump-Putin meeting had mixed outcomes. The European countries are not very happy with what might have transpired behind closed doors. There is a meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump (in the US), and a lot of European PMs have flown to the US. They are also worried that there should be no under-the-carpet deal between the US and Russia, which does not keep the interests of European nations in mind. This is a very big game being played out at a global scale, and we really cannot say what will transpire...," said Naravane. Earlier on Friday, the United States and Russia concluded the much-anticipated Alaska Summit meeting aimed at bringing peace to the conflict in Ukraine. In a post on Truth Social, the US President called it a "great and very successful day in Alaska" and highlighted that the best way to go forward would be through a "peace agreement". Later, Trump described the meeting with Russian President Putin as "really well", and said he held a telephonic conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, several European leaders, and NATO Secretary General, during which it was agreed that a peace agreement is the best way to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "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," the US President had posted on Truth Social. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at the White House on Monday to meet with US President Donald Trump. Following the meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He shared his insights about the recent meeting in Alaska with US President Donald Trump over the Ukraine conflict. PM Modi said India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. He thanked the Russian President for the phone call and for sharing his perspective on the Alaska meeting. "Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. I look forward to our continued exchanges in the days to come," PM Modi said in a post on X. (ANI) Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that the Union Territory is on high alert for natural calamities, and everyone needs to take care of them. Natural calamities are a result of global warming. Seven people lost their lives and 11 others were injured in a cloudburst that struck Kathua district in Jammu & Kashmir on August 17. The sudden deluge triggered massive landslides and flooding, causing the tragic loss of lives and extensive damage to infrastructure. Reacting with urgency, Army relief columns with an Engineer detachment were immediately pressed into action to the worst-affected regions of Jhor Khad and Bagra villages. "The government stands shoulder to shoulder with the affected families in this hour of crisis. Every possible measure will be taken to ensure their immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation," the Deputy Chief Minister said. During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister also inspected the nearby bridge connecting the adjoining villages of Ghati, which was damaged in the incident. He directed the concerned authorities to take up immediate restoration work. "Restoration of connectivity is the top priority, and the administration has been directed to execute works on a war footing," he asserted. The Deputy Chief Minister also visited the Military Hospital Pathankot, where he enquired about the well-being of the injured admitted following the Ghati cloudburst. He appreciated the timely response of the medical staff and instructed them to provide the best possible treatment to the injured till their full recovery. Later, the Deputy Chief Minister visited Government Medical College Kathua, where he met the injured and families affected by cloudbursts and flash floods at Jakhole and Janglote. He assured them that all necessary assistance, including medical care and rehabilitation support, will be extended without delay. "The safety and well-being of the people are our foremost concern. The Government will leave no stone unturned in providing relief and rebuilding the damaged infrastructure," the Deputy Chief Minister reaffirmed. He also directed the district administration to maintain round-the-clock monitoring in all calamity-hit areas and ensure timely assistance to the affected population. (ANI) Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, in collaboration with UR Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO, and Haifa University, Israel, have uncovered a mysterious X-ray signal pattern emitted from a blackhole called GRS 1915+105, located nearly 28,000 light-years from Earth, as per a release. Using the data from India's space observatory AstroSat, the researchers observed the X-ray brightness from the black hole alternated between bright and dim phases, each lasting several hundred seconds. Researchers from across the world are working towards understanding the phenomena of black holes. While drawing gas from the outer layers of their companion stars, they produce extreme heat and emit X-rays. By studying these X-rays, scientists can learn about the environment near the black hole. Speaking about the key findings of the research, Prof Santabrata Das, Department of Physics, IIT Guwahati, said, "We have found the first evidence of rapid X-ray flickering, repeating nearly 70 times per second (~70 Hz), occurring during the high-brightness phases of the source. Interestingly, these fast flickers disappear during the low-brightness phases. This new understanding was made possible by AstroSat's powerful, unique observational capabilities." The researchers observed that the X-ray brightness from the targeted black hole alternated between two distinct phases: one bright and one dim. During the brighter phases, when the flickers are strongest, the corona becomes more compact and significantly hotter. In contrast, during the dimmer phases, it expands and cools, causing the flickers to disappear. This clear correlation points to the compact, oscillating corona as the likely source of these fast signals. While each phase lasted several hundred seconds and repeated in a regular pattern, a rapid flickering signal appeared only during the bright phase. This discovery shows that the corona around the black hole is not a fixed structure and changes its shape and energy depending on how gases flow into the black hole. The research provides a deeper understanding of the extreme gravitational intensity and high temperature that exist near a black hole's edge. These findings also improve our models of how black holes grow, release energy, and affect their surroundings. It also offers clues to how black holes may influence the evolution of entire galaxies. Speaking about the significance of the research, Dr Anuj Nandi, URSC, ISRO, added, "Our study provides direct evidence for the origin of X-ray flickering. We have found that this flickering is linked to modulations in the corona surrounding the black hole." The findings of this research have been published in the prestigious journal, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, in a paper co-authored by Prof Santabrata Das, Professor, Department of Physics, and his research scholar, Seshadri Majumder, along with Dr Anuj Nandi from UR Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO, and Dr. Sreehari Harikesh. University of Haifa, Israel. (ANI) SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In today's fast-changing media landscape, press releases face a new reality: AI-driven search, "zero-click" content, and shifting audience behaviors are redefining how news is discovered and consumed. On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Big4Bio and PR Newswire will host a free, 30-minute educational webinar, "AI Meets Amplification: Smarter PR Strategies for Life Sciences Companies," designed to equip PR and communications professionals with practical strategies to break through the noise, maximize visibility, and achieve the best return on their news investments. Get actionable tips to adapt to AI's influence, leverage today's tools, and get the most value from each announcement. Post this FREE Webinar - Sept. 10 - (8:00 am PT / 11:00 am ET): AI Meets Amplification: Smarter PR Strategies for Life Sciences Companies In this webinar, attendees will learn: How AI is reshaping communications in the life sciences space. 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About AMPLIFY Launched in June 2025, AMPLIFY is a premium membership program designed for biotech companies, pharma, medtech, healthcare innovators, research institutions, and agencies supporting life sciences brands. Members gain the combined benefits of PR Newswire's global distribution network and Big4Bio's hyper-targeted regional coveragetrusted by scientists, executives, investors, and healthcare professionalsat savings starting at 25%. Additional perks include exclusive promotional opportunities, member-only content, webinars, best practices, and more. About Big4Bio Big4Bio is the leading aggregator of life sciences news and developments in the United States. Its regionally focused daily email newsletters deliver curated headlines and insights from thousands of industry outlets across major U.S. biotech hubs. Learn more at www.big4bio.com. About PR Newswire PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner, with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For over 70 years, PR Newswire has helped brands share their most important news stories worldwide. Learn more at www.prnewswire.com . SOURCE Big4Bio Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh threw a direct challenge to the Election Commission of India (ECI), saying if it is truly impartial, it must investigate complaints of vote irregularities across states. He told, "AAP had already complained of irregularities in Delhi, where 42,000 votes were deleted in the New Delhi Assembly constituency, while dozens of votes were created at the addresses of BJP's Union Ministers and MPs. Yet no action was taken." Sanjay Singh said the Commission's claim that no political party complained is a blatant lie -- and unless it investigates, it will always be accused of enabling vote theft. Senior AAP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said at a joint press conference of opposition parties, "After listening to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday, it felt like his name should actually be 'Agyanesh Kumar' (an unlettered individual). He spoke with such ignorance. Gyanesh Kumar is either dumb, pretending to be a fool, or thinks we are fools. The kind of baseless and illogical statements he made left us shocked. Not a single question asked to him was answered." He continued, "The Election Commission has deleted 65 lakh votes in Bihar between June 25 and July 25 under Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Not even a single vote was added. They say SIR is being conducted, but in the entire state of Bihar, they did not find a single person eligible to add to the voter list. What kind of SIR is this? They say 22 lakh people died, so their names were deleted. In Bihar, where vast areas are flood-affected, they demand certificates within a month -- certificates of self, parents, and entire family. From where will ordinary people bring them?" Highlighting irregularities in the SIR, Sanjay Singh said, "Several malpractices are coming to light. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) of the Election Commission themselves are signing and submitting forms -- videos of this have surfaced. In Bihar, a voter card was made in the name of US President Donald Trump, and a residence certificate was issued for a dog. What action did the Election Commission take? Does the Commission think the people of this country are fools?" "Through SIR, the Election Commission has committed open fraud. Dead people have been shown as alive, and living people have been declared dead. But my concern is even more serious. PM Modi's party BJP claims that only their votes are being deleted, and that those voters are infiltrators and Bangladeshis. The Election Commission says 22 lakh people died, so their names were cut. Then what about the remaining 43 lakh? Are they all infiltrators? Will detention centres be built for them? Will they be caught and sent to Bangladesh? BJP is saying they have no right to live in India," he added. The Rajya Sabha MP further added, "People who filed affidavits in the Supreme Court proving they are alive -- will they now have to go to Bangladesh because the BJP calls them infiltrators? Even a retired IAS officer, Vyas, and his wife had their names deleted. Are they also infiltrators? Will they also live in detention centres? Will they also be sent to Bangladesh? The Election Commission has made a mockery of this country." Pointing to EC's defence, Sanjay Singh said, "The Election Commission says calling them vote thieves is against the Constitution. But is stealing votes and committing corruption according to the Constitution? Election Commissioners say no complaints were made. In Delhi, at the homes of Union Ministers, 22, 25, and even 33 voter entries were made. At MPs' houses, 15 each. I myself went along with Arvind Kejriwal to submit a written complaint. No action was taken." He emphasised, "The Election Commission deleted New Delhi Assembly constituency, 42,000 votes. In 14 constituencies, BJP workers submitted thousands of applications to delete votes. Despite all these written complaints, meetings with the Election Commission, and repeated requests, no action was taken. Even the Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal submitted a complaint on affidavit." Referring to the Election Commission's official letter, Sanjay Singh said, "Reading that letter made me laugh. In point number seven, it was written that irregularities happened, but political parties did not inform us. This is akin to a corrupt police inspector committing a dacoity in his own area with his constables, and when caught, claiming that the people of the area never informed him that dacoity and theft are wrong. It was the Commission itself that started the SIR." "Correcting the voter list is the Election Commission's job. The 2018 Supreme Court judgement says that rectifying the voter list is solely the responsibility of the Election Commission. Yet the Commission threatens opposition parties, saying they are speaking against the Constitution. We are fighting to save the Constitution. The right to vote is that very right given by Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, who said that the vote of the President counts as one, and the vote of a village labourer also counts as one. We are fighting to protect that right. The Election Commission is deliberately manipulating the voter list, and on Sunday, the Chief Election Commissioner himself exposed the Commission before the whole country," he asserted. On the question of privacy, Sanjay Singh said, "The Election Commissioner says women's privacy will be violated. But when women stand in queues to cast their votes, is their privacy not violated then? The Election Commission broadcasts elections across the country. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, women stand in queues, undergo interviews, and these are then shown on TV. Even today, the Commission's own rules say CCTV footage will be available for 45 days -- is privacy not violated then?" "Yet on Sunday, the Election Commission brazenly lied to the country. They showed everyone that they had colluded with the BJP to commit an electoral scam and influence elections in several states. The same game they are playing in Bihar, they have already played openly in Delhi," stated the AAP MP. Directly addressing the Chief Election Commissioner, Sanjay Singh said, "Gyanesh Kumar, do not run away from investigation. The facts presented from different states before the Commission must be investigated. Until they are probed, questions will remain on the impartiality of the Election Commission. If the Commission wants to prove itself impartial, then it must investigate and act on all major complaints. Otherwise, it will always be said that under Gyanesh Kumar's leadership, votes were stolen and a scam was committed." (ANI) Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Monday said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will file the nomination of Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, a seasoned BJP leader from Tamil Nadu with an RSS background, as its vice-presidential candidate on August 20. A meeting of NDA floor leaders was held at Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's residence, where CP Radhakrishnan was formally announced as the NDA's candidate. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi stated that the decision was unanimous, with all leaders in attendance pledging their support. The NDA will file its nomination papers on August 20 at 11 am, with around 160 members, including 20 proposers and 20 supporters, expected to be present. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will introduce Radhakrishnan to NDA MPs in a Parliamentary Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday from 9 am to 11 am. While talking with ANI, Manjhi said, "Nomination papers will be prepared. PM Modi will introduce NDA's Vice President candidate CP Radhakrishnan to the NDA MPs in the Parliamentary Board meeting tomorrow from 9 to 11:00 am. Nomination will be filed on August 20 at 11:00 am. There are 20 proposers and 20 supporters. There will be about 160 members." Manjhi expressed confidence in Radhakrishnan's suitability for the post, stating that he would be an excellent choice due to his experience as Governor and Lok Sabha MP. Manjhi also extended an invitation to the opposition to support Radhakrishnan, suggesting that a unanimous election would enhance India's pride. "Everyone understands that CP Radhakrishnan is suitable for this post in every way. I would like to tell the opposition that they should vote in support of CP Radhakrishnan so that he can contest the election unopposed. This will increase the pride of India. To increase the respect of India, we will tell the opposition party that even if you field a candidate from your side, we will still win by 60 to 70 votes," said Manjhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be Radhakrishnan's campaign manager, while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will serve as his election agent. Radhakrishnan brings extensive experience to the table, having served as a Member of Parliament and Governor of various states, including Jharkhand and Telangana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Radhakrishnan's dedication, humility, and intellect, highlighting his grassroots work in Tamil Nadu. The NDA is reportedly seeking an unopposed election, with BJP President JP Nadda reaching out to opposition leaders to garner support for Radhakrishnan's candidacy. The party's decision to nominate Radhakrishnan is seen as a strategic move, particularly in the context of the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections. The INDIA bloc is set to meet today to finalise its candidate for the Vice Presidency. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has been engaged in discussions with other party leaders to explore potential candidates and build consensus. Amid speculations of him being the opposition's Vice Presidential candidate, DMK MP Tiruchi Siva said that he was not the person to inform on the development. "I have no idea. Only leaders will decide that. I am not the person to tell that. My leaders are discussing," he told ANI. "It is a democracy and everyone has the right to contest elections, but it is known that NDA has a clear majority, and hardworking leader CP Radhakrishnan has been chosen as the candidate for the post of Vice President. Whose capabilities have been seen as a Governor and Lok Sabha MP," said Manjhi. The Vice Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, with the NDA holding a significant numerical advantage in both houses of Parliament. A Vice President's term is for five years. However, the post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 21, citing health reasons. The VP is elected through an electoral college, which consists of MPs from both houses of Parliament. The election of the Vice President is governed by the provisions under Articles 64 and 68 of the Constitution. The Election Commission notifies the VP polls by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952. As per Article 66(1) of the Constitution of India, the election of the Vice President shall be held by the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote, and the voting at such election shall be by secret ballot. (ANI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a new rehabilitation initiative, the "Shramshree" scheme, aimed at Bengali migrant workers returning to the state after alleged harassment and discrimination in other states for speaking Bengali. Banerjee, while addressing the media on Monday, said, "Due to speaking Bengali, other states declared them criminals. Twenty-two lakh migrant workers from West Bengal are working in other states. Today, they are suffering for speaking Bengali." Under the Shramshree scheme, each returning worker will receive Rs5,000 per month for a year or until they secure new employment in Bengal. She said, "A new scheme for migrant workers, Shramshree, will soon start in West Bengal. Migrant workers will return to Bengal, the Government will provide them Rs 5000 for a year, as financial help. This scheme will start under the Labour department...This is only for Bengali migrant workers." Meanwhile, The West Bengal government has ordered the screening of at least one Bengali film each in all the cinema halls and every screen in multiplexes across the state on a regular basis. In an order issued by the state government's Information and Cultural Affairs Department, the films are to be screened during the prime time, i.e., between 3 pm to 9 pm. "After careful consideration of all aspects of the matter, and in exercise of the power conferred by sub-section (3) of section 5 of the West Bengal Cinemas (Regulation) Act, 1954, the Governor is hereby pleased to issue the following direction to all licensees of the State," the notification read. It further stated that every cinema hall and all screens in multiplexes in West Bengal must mandatorily have 365 prime time shows/screenings of Bengali films throughout the year, with at least one Bengali show per day for the 365 days. It emphasised that the prime time shows must be held only between 3 pm and 9 pm. "Necessary amendment to the West Bengal Cinemas (Regulation of Public Exhibitions) Rules, 1956 will be made in due course. This order shall come into immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders," it added. The move has been taken in the wake of growing pan-India releases in India, with the West Bengal government aiming to increase the visibility of regional cinema. Prior to this, the government had taken another move by streamlining the process of setting up mini-cinema halls in the state to focus on Bengali films and content. "Over the recent past, we are in receipt of a few proposals for setting up of infrastructure for screening of mini-cinema (with particular focus on Bengali cinema and content). This has the potential to work as a catalyst for the development of the Bengali film industry, and the business model suggests that it might also benefit local businesses to grow further," the letter read from the office of the Chief Secretary. The changes are believed to have the potential to boost local culture and help small businesses grow. (ANI) Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Monday met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi, seeking the establishment of cashew, chilli, and mango boards in the state. He also urged Goyal to approve a cashew board in Srikakulam to ensure better prices for farmers through processing, modernisation, and transparent trade. "I met with Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. I requested the establishment of cashew, chilli, and mango boards in Andhra Pradesh. AP ranks second in the country in cashew production. I urged for the approval of a cashew board in Srikakulam to provide better prices to farmers through processing, modernisation, and transparent trade," Lokesh said in a post on X. "To stabilise the income of chilli farmers and boost chilli exports globally, a chilli board in Guntur, and to strengthen the supply chain and global competitiveness, a mango board in Chittoor should be established, which I requested on this occasion," he added. Apart from Piyush Goyal, Lokesh also met Union Minister of Railways and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss the development of the IT sector in Andhra Pradesh. "Ashwini ji, I deeply admire your clarity of thought and exceptional execution focus. Grateful for the chance to share our vision with you. With the strength of our 'double engine' sarkar, I am confident Andhra Pradesh will soon become No. 1," Lokesh wrote in a post on X. Earlier in the day, the Andhra Pradesh minister also met Union Minister for Shipping, Ports and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, and urged him to expedite the development of the Dugarajapatnam port in Tirupati. "I met with the Union Minister for Shipping, Ports, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, in New Delhi. I requested support for key maritime infrastructure, port-based development, and waterway projects in the rapidly developing Andhra Pradesh. I urged the development of the Dugarajapatnam port along with a shipbuilding unit. As part of the Sagarmala initiative, 110 projects worth 1.14 lakh crore are in various stages in Andhra Pradesh. On this occasion, I also requested the allocation of 200 crore for the upgradation of wharves and slipways at Ramayapatnam, Machilipatnam, Mulapeta, and Kakinada Anchorage ports, as well as for biodiversity conservation," Lokesh wrote in another post on X. (ANI) Expelled RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav launched an attack against Congress' 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' and alleged that MLA Vijay Kumar Singh's driver and a media journalist were beaten in Nabinagar in Bihar's Aurangabad district. Sharing the video of the alleged assault on Monday, Tej Pratap Yadav slammed Rahul Gandhi and his brother Tejashwi Yadav. "I can't understand whether Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav have set out to save democracy or to tear it apart. Because the way MLA Vijay Kumar Singh alias W Singh's driver and a media journalist brother were beaten and abused by Jaychand in the Nabinagar assembly constituency is extremely wrong and shameful," Tej Pratap Yadav wrote on X. Condemning the assault, he asked Tejashwi to be cautious of the people around him. He added, "I strongly condemn this. I want to tell Tejashwi that there is still time. Be cautious of the Jaychands around you, otherwise, you will see very bad results in the elections. Now, how wise you are will be determined by the election results." On Monday, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, visited the Dev Surya Temple during the Aurangabad leg on Day 2 of the Yatra. The second day of the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' concluded with a rally in Gayaji, and day 3 will commence from Navada, proceeding to Bar Bigha via Nalanda. The 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' kick-started on Sunday from Sasaram. The 16-day yatra aims to protest against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar and alleged 'vote chori'. The rally will culminate in Patna on September 1 after covering more than 1,300 km across over 20 districts in 16 days. Meanwhile, ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections, Tej Pratap Yadav is holding rallies in several constituencies. His last public meeting was held in Mahua on Sunday. (ANI) Andhra Pradesh IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh on Monday met with the National Democratic Alliance's vice presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan in the national capital. Radhakrishnan was picked as the vice presidential candidate for the upcoming elections on August 17, following the BJP's parliamentary board's meeting. Nara Lokesh congratulated Radhakrishnan on behalf of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and stated that the experience in serving as the governor of Maharashtra and other states will be beneficial in providing effective services to the nation in the coming days. "I met CP Radhakrishnan who has been selected as the NDA Vice-Presidential candidate, courteously in New Delhi. On behalf of TDP, I extended congratulations for being chosen as the Vice-Presidential candidate. On this occasion, I stated that the experience of serving as Governor for Maharashtra and several other states will be beneficial in providing effective services to the nation in the coming days," Nara Lokesh wrote on 'X'. 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. 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. The VP is elected by an electoral college, which consists of MPs from both houses of Parliament. The elections of VP are governed by the provisions under Articles 64 and 68 of the Constitution. The Election Commission notifies the VP polls by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952. As per Article 66(1) of the Constitution of India, the election of the Vice President shall be held by the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote, and the voting at such election shall be by secret ballot. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, during his morning visit to Bhararisain (Gairsain) on Tuesday, spoke to women of a self-help group working under the National Rural Livelihood Mission and appreciated the work being done by them. He also took feedback on the facilities being provided by the government. According to a release, the Chief Minister said that he "appeals to the tourists coming to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand to spend 5 per cent of their travel expenses on the purchase of local products" on the call made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During this, the Chief Minister also met the sanitation workers working in the Vidhan Sabha premises and inquired about their food and accommodation arrangements. Everyone expressed gratitude for the facilities being provided by the government. The Chief Minister said that the dedication of the sisters engaged in empowering rural livelihood and the dedication of the sanitation workers discharging their duties towards a clean and healthy society is a unique example of collective effort towards 'Developed Uttarakhand.' Earlier, Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman Shadab Shams extended his congratulations to the Pushkar Singh Dhami government on Sunday after the Uttarakhand Cabinet decided to introduce the Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Bill, 2025. Speaking to ANI, Uttarakhand Waqf Board Chairman said, "Many congratulations to the Dhami government. Today, there has been talk of forming a minority education authority in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. With this, the new minority institutions that will be formed will get approval, and minority does not mean only Muslims, minorities also include Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis so that everyone will get rights. I think it is a very positive step taken in that direction." Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand Cabinet made a historic decision by deciding to introduce the Uttarakhand Minority Educational Institutions Bill, 2025, in the coming session of the Legislative Assembly starting on August 19. Until now, the status of minority educational institutions has been given only to the Muslim community. According to the release, the Bill seeks to extend the benefits of Minority Educational Institutions status to the minority communities other than Muslims as well. Once enacted, it will permit the study of Gurmukhi and Pali also in recognised minority educational institutions. The Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board Act, 2016 and the Uttarakhand Non-Government Arabic and Persian Madrasa Recognition Rules, 2019, will stand repealed from July 1, 2026. Under the proposed Bill, this facility will also be available to other minority communities, i.e Sikhs, Jains, Christians, Buddhists and Parsis. This is the first such Act in the country, aimed at establishing a transparent process for granting recognition to educational institutions set up by minority communities in the state, while ensuring quality and excellence in education. Key features of the Act include the formation of an authority - an "Uttarakhand State Authority for Minority Education" will be constituted in the state to grant the status of minority educational institutions. It includes mandatory recognition, ie any educational institution established by Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, or Parsi communities must obtain recognition from the Authority to qualify as a minority educational institution. Protection of institutional rights - the law does not interfere in the establishment and administration of minority educational institutions, but ensures that educational excellence is maintained. Mandatory conditions - To obtain recognition, educational institutions must be registered under the Societies Act, Trust Act, or Companies Act. Ownership of land, bank accounts, and other assets must be in the name of the institution. Recognition can be withdrawn in cases of financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, or activities against religious and social harmony. Monitoring and examination - The authority will ensure that education is imparted in accordance with the standards set by the Board of School Education, Uttarakhand, and that student evaluations remain fair and transparent. The Act introduces significant changes for the minority community's institutions in the state by establishing a transparent process for their recognition. It ensures the quality of education is maintained while protecting the Constitutional rights of minorities. Additionally, the state government gains the authority to monitor the functioning of these institutions and issue necessary directives as needed. (ANI) Congress MP Randeep Surjewala and AAP MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday submitted suspension of business notice in Rajya Sabha to discuss the constitutional and electoral implications of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar. Earlier today, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday commenced the third day of his 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar from Gaya, continuing his 16-day campaign to highlight alleged voter suppression and electoral manipulations by the BJP and Election Commission of India (ECI) through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Meanwhile, the Election Commission on Sunday refuted any claims of vote theft and electoral roll manipulation, while addressing a press conference in the national capital. The Poll body has asked the Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha to submit a signed affidavit or apologise for his allegations. The 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' kick-started on Sunday from Sasaram. The 16-day yatra aims to protest against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar and alleged 'vote chori'. The rally will culminate in Patna on September 1 after covering more than 1,300 km across over 20 districts in 16 days. Several leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Pawan Khera, Kanhaiya Kumar, and others, participated in the Yatra on Sunday. During the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Sasaram, the 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. 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. Earlier, CEC Gyanesh Kumar refuted all the "vote theft" claims made by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, 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. The CEC also asked Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to either furnish a signed affidavit or apologise to the nation for his remarks. 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. He said, "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." (ANI) Two persons were killed and another injured in Hyderabad while transporting a Ganesh idol from Jalpalli to Purnaranapul, police said on Tuesday. The incident occured under Bandalguda police station limits on Monday. Police suspect electrocution as the cause of deaths. The bodies have been shifted to the mortuary for post-mortem examination, while the injured has been admitted to a hospital. "Early this morning, Ganesh festival organisers from Purnaranapul in Chandrapuri area were transporting a 22-foot Ganesh idol from Laxmiguda near Jalpalli to Puranapul. Two persons, identified as Toli and Vikas, died, and another person was injured," said an official with the Bandalguda police. "The cause of death is unclear, but we suspect electrocution. The injured person is currently undergoing treatment, and an investigation is underway. The idol is being taken to Jalpalli Laxmiguda," added the official. More details are awaited. The incident comes a day after a similar tragedy during Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in the Ramanthapur area of Hyderabad, where five people died and four others were injured when a chariot came into contact with a high-tension wire. The State Government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and said medical expenses of the injured will be borne by the government. "Five people died on the spot and four others were injured after receiving a live electric shock during the Sri Krishna Janmashtami procession last night. The injured were shifted to a hospital for further treatment, and the deceased bodies were sent for post-mortem examination," an inspector with Uppal police said on Sunday. (ANI) Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday appealed to Opposition parties to allow Parliament to felicitate Axiom-4 Mission Pilot and IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, along with Indian scientists, for the country's recent success in space exploration. In a post on X, Kiren Rijiju wrote, "I again.. appeal to opposition parties to allow Parliament to felicitate Capt Subhanshu Shukla and the entire Indian Scientists for India's remarkable and successful space mission. All our heroes deserve appreciation!" https://x.com/KirenRijiju/status/1957638159434494315 His remarks came after the Opposition created an uproar during a special discussion in Parliament on India's space programme and the successful International Space Station (ISS) mission of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. The discussion, titled "India's Space Program and Its Role in Viksit Bharat 2047", was aimed at highlighting the nation's scientific progress, national pride, and future security prospects. The opposition members disrupted the session by shouting slogans, demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar. Earlier, on Monday, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, hit out at the Opposition parties, calling it "surprising" that the opposition cannot even praise the country's achievements in space. "The opposition has failed to congratulate the space experts and scientists for our space achievements. Your anger can be with the government. Your anger can be with the BJP and the NDA. But it is surprising that you can be angry with an astronaut. And that astronaut who, apart from being an astronaut, is also a disciplined soldier of the Indian Air Force. He does not belong to any political party," Jitendra Singh said in Lok Sabha amid sloganeering by the opposition MPs. Shukla, who returned to Earth on July 15 after completing NASA's Axiom-4 (AX-4) space mission, landed in the national capital in the early hours of Sunday. 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. (ANI) ATLANTA, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aidby.com, a fast-growing online platform connecting caregivers and service providers with families nationwide, announced today that it will be launching free online caregiver courses in August 2025. These courses will also be eligible to satisfy state Continuing Education Unit (CEU) requirements for caregivers. The new educational initiative reflects Aidby.com 's mission to support caregivers, nannies, home aides, and other service professionals by not only offering a safe, commission-free platform for finding work, but also by providing access to professional development and certification opportunities at no cost. "Our caregivers are the backbone of homes and communities," said Rajavarman Rajendran, Founder & CEO of Aidby.com. "By offering free, recognized CEU courses, we're making sure they get the tools, knowledge, and credentials they needwithout the financial burden." As the demand for qualified caregivers continues to rise nationwide, access to affordable training has become a pressing challenge. By removing financial barriers, Aidby.com is ensuring that caregivers from diverse backgrounds can advance their skills, meet state requirements, and deliver high-quality care to families who depend on them. Key features of the caregiver courses on aidby.com/course-details include: State-recognized CEU credits to meet professional requirements. Flexible online modules accessible anytime, anywhere. Free enrollment for all Aidby.com members. Certification upon completion, helping caregivers advance their careers. This initiative comes as part of Aidby.com's larger vision to provide caregivers with the resources, security, and professional recognition they deserve. Along with identity verification, video chats for interviews and quotes, and live tracking for safety and efficiency, the addition of CEU-recognized training strengthens the platform's commitment to supporting service providers at every stage. The free caregiver courses will officially roll out in August 2025, with enrollment opening on aidby.com/course-details About Aidby.com Aidby.com is an innovative online platform that connects families and individuals with trusted service providers, including caregivers, tutors, pet sitters, cleaners, personal trainers, and more. Built on the principles of affordability, transparency, and safety, Aidby.com eliminates subscription fees, zero commissions, and provides built-in protections such as identity verification, video chats for interviews and quotes, and live tracking for safety and efficiency. By empowering professionals to find meaningful work and helping clients access reliable, vetted support, Aidby.com is redefining how people connect with essential services in their communities. SOURCE Aidby.com Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has voiced strong disappointment, saying that while the nation takes pride in the success of Chandrayaan, the bravery of the Armed Forces in surgical strikes, and the historic feat of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned after a mission to the International Space Station, the Congress has instead chosen to raise questions and create disruption over such achievements. "I am very distressed to say that some things should be seen above the political differences. Our Chandrayaan landed at the south pole of the Moon; the whole country was in joy, but the Congress was raising questions on it. Our Armed Forces displayed bravery by conducting surgical strikes, but Congress questioned it. Our Armed Forces gave a befitting reply to the enemy, but the Congress also raises questions on it and only wants to know the losses and damage that we faced," Chouhan said on Monday. He further said, "When the whole country is proud of Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and is welcoming him. During the discussion in the parliament on his achievements, the Congress created a ruckus in the well of the Parliament..." Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also slammed the Opposition for creating uproar in the Lok Sabha during a special discussion on India's space programme and the achievements of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Air Force and ISRO pilot who travelled to the International Space Station (ISS). The discussion, titled "India's Space Program and Its Role in Viksit Bharat 2047", was to show the country's scientific progress, national pride and future security prospects. However, Singh said the Opposition did not allow the House to function. In a post on X, the Defence Minister said, "Today, during a special discussion in the Lok Sabha on the journey of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force and ISRO mission pilot to the International Space Station (ISS) and his subsequent return, the manner in which the Opposition created a ruckus in the House and did not allow it to function is extremely unfortunate." He added that the topic was directly linked to the nation's achievements and self-respect, yet the Opposition obstructed the special discussion. "This discussion was on the topic 'India's Space Program and Its Role in Viksit Bharat 2047,' which is related to national achievement, the country's pride, self-respect, and the prospects of scientific and national security in the future. The way the opposition obstructed it, their behaviour today was extremely disappointing," Singh wrote. He further mentioned, "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, the unprecedented heights India is reaching in space exploration are remarkable. The opposition could have participated in the discussion and provided constructive review, criticism, and suggestions for India's space program. Topics like space, which are extremely important for India's scientific and strategic vision in the 21st century, should at least be kept above partisan politics." Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. Shukla returned to Earth in July after completing NASA's Axiom-4 Space Mission. After landing in the national capital on Sunday, he was welcomed by senior leaders. The Prime Minister posted on X, "Had a great interaction with Shubhanshu Shukla. We discussed a wide range of subjects including his experiences in space, progress in science and technology as well as India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission. India is proud of his feat." During the special discussion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, while addressing the House, highlighted the importance of Shukla's achievement, calling it a matter of national pride. "On this occasion, the (lower) House welcomes Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to India. His space mission and successful return are not merely about the mission's success but a matter of pride and inspiration for Indian citizens. Shukla's achievement is an inspiration for the youth," Birla said. Meanwhile, protests by the Indian National Development Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) leaders continued in the Parliament premises against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in poll-bound Bihar. Despite the Election Commission's clarification on Sunday, the Opposition has alleged "vote chori" against the BJP and the Election Commission of India. Leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee and DMK's Kanimozhi, staged demonstrations against the voter list revision. The protests have been ongoing since the start of the monsoon session on July 21, with the treasury benches accusing the Opposition of disrupting parliamentary proceedings. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged the Opposition to stop creating disruptions in Parliament over matters related to the Election Commission. "Any disputes between the Election Commission and political parties should be discussed directly with the EC, and not in the Parliament," Rijiju said. (ANI) In her 'X' post, Madhavi Latha said the Pakistani citizens use forged documents to take loans, threaten national security and are possibly also involved in terror activities. She urged the centre to take immediate action on the matter and launch a CBI probe. "Pakistani with fake Voter IDs in Telangana are illegally voting since 2018, backed by political parties like Congress, BRS, and AIMIM. They use forged documents, cheat women through "Love Jihad," take huge loans, and threaten India's national security, possibly involved in terrorist activities. Immediate action demanded: cancel citizenship, launch CBI probe, and hold corrupt officials accountable," Madhavi Latha wrote on 'X'. Earlier on July 26, Telangana Police detained Madhavi Latha and other leaders who were protesting at Banjara Hills in Hyderabad on Thursday night, alleging that the state government had demolished a temple in the area. Madhavi Latha accused the state government of hurting the sentiments of the people and said that she was not allowed to protest peacefully. "The state government demolished a temple and hurt the sentiments of the people. They are not allowing me to protest silently," Latha told ANI. "The temple was built on government land...They demolished the temple late last night," she added. The police personnel were seen removing her from the protest venue and forcing her into a police vehicle. Madhavi Latha contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from the Hyderabad seat against AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi. The BJP leader secured a total of 323894 votes and ended up losing the elections against Owaisi by 338087 votes. In total, Owaisi received 661981 votes. (ANI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday welcomed the Gauhati High Court order directing the state government to fence forest areas to stop encroachment and said the government will carry out more eviction drives in the future. CM Sarma said the court's decision had also prevented the Congress from announcing the return of land to alleged encroachers. "The Gauhati High Court has delivered a historic judgement. The Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court said that the government should bring a stern regulation to prevent new encroachment. The government should take action against those government officers under whose watch a large-scale encroachment took place in forest lands," CM Sarma said at a press conference in Guwahati. A division bench of Chief Justice Ashwini Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhary ordered the state government to fence reserved forest land to prevent future encroachments. The court allowed encroachers 15 days to respond to eviction notices and another 15 days to vacate the land. The High Court order comes weeks after it directed Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram on July 31 to form a high-level committee to clear forest encroachments along interstate borders. Sarma alleged that large-scale encroachments happened between 2006 and 2014 during the Congress-led government and called for the punishment of those responsible. "After this verdict, we have now become more powerful and in the coming days we can carry out more eviction drives. Today's verdict has stopped the announcement of the Congress party that they said they would return the lands after forming the government. This government will not compromise," the Chief Minister added. "The division bench has given a guideline for future also. After this verdict, we will bring our fight forward to free the forest lands from encroachment. The High Court had already given judgement on VGR/PGR lands and government revenue lands," Sarma said. The Assam government recently carried out another round of eviction in the Rengma Reserve Forest in Uriumghat, Golaghat district, covering nearly 2,500 bighas (827 acres) of land. Earlier this month, the administration conducted a large eviction drive in the Uriamghat area, freeing over 10,000 bighas of forest land that had been encroached upon. Several houses and structures were also found to have been illegally built on the land. So far, the Assam government has freed more than 1.29 lakh bighas of government and forest land, including VGR and PGR land, across the state. The first phase of the large-scale eviction drive in the Rengma Reserve Forest ended on August 2, with operations carried out in Bidyapur and 2 No. Madhupur, according to an official statement. As per the statement, over five days, vast stretches of encroached forest land have been reclaimed, with illegal structures dismantled across key high-density zones, including Bidyapur, Pithaghat, Sonaribeel, Doyalpur, Dolonipathar, Kherbari, Anandapur, and Madhupur. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, various union ministers and other National Democratic Alliance (NDA) reached the Parliament Library building for an parliamentary meeting of the alliance and felicitating the Vice Presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan. Radkhakrishnan also arrived at the Parliament library building, being greeted by Union Minister Piyush Goyal and other leaders ahead of the meeting. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP National President JP Nadda, Union Ministers Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju, Arjun Ram Meghwal, L Murgann, BJP MPs Sambit Patra, Subhash Barala among others arrived at the building too. Earlier on Monday the NDA leaders held an introductory meeting with floor leaders. Parliamentary Affairs minister Kiren Rijiju also expressed hope for consensus across political parties Radhakrishnan. "Today NDA Vice-Presidential candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan arrived in Delhi and we had an introductory meeting with NDA floor leaders...We feel very proud that a person like C.P. Radhakrishnan has been named as the NDA Vice-Presidential candidate. All the leaders of the NDA alliance thanked PM Modi...We are hopeful that all the parties will extend support to him," Rijiju told reporters here. The NDA Vice Presidential candidate, CP Radhakrishnan, will have his nomination papers filed on August 20 at 11 am, with around 160 members, including 20 proposers and 20 supporters, expected to be present. The election for the VP post are set to happen on September 9. A meeting of NDA floor leaders was held at Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's residence, where CP Radhakrishnan was formally announced as the NDA's candidate. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi stated that the decision was unanimous, with all leaders in attendance pledging their support. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be Radhakrishnan's campaign manager, while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will serve as his election agent. Radhakrishnan brings extensive experience to the table, having served as a Member of Parliament and Governor of various states, including Jharkhand and Telangana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Radhakrishnan's dedication, humility, and intellect, highlighting his grassroots work in Tamil Nadu. The NDA is reportedly seeking an unopposed election, with BJP President JP Nadda reaching out to opposition leaders to garner support for Radhakrishnan's candidacy. The party's decision to nominate Radhakrishnan is seen as a strategic move, particularly in the context of the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections. The election of the Vice President is governed by the provisions under Articles 64 to 68 of the Constitution. The Election Commission notifies the VP polls by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952. As per Article 66(1) of the Constitution of India, the election of the Vice President shall be held by the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote, and the voting at such election shall be by secret ballot. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned to Earth in July after completing NASA's Axiom-4 space mission. During the meeting, Shukla shared that people around the world are excited about India's Gaganyaan mission. He added that his crew members were so enthusiastic that they made him promise to invite them to the Gaganyaan launch. During the interaction, PM Modi asked, "As the first Indian to reach there, what are your thoughts? And what kind of questions do people ask ?" Shubhanshu Shukla said, "Wherever I went, whoever I met, everyone was very happy to meet me, very excited. The biggest thing was that everyone knew about what India is doing in the field of space. Everyone knew about this, and many people were more excited about Gaganyaan. They would come and ask me, 'When is your mission going?' And my crew members made me sign that whenever Gaganyaan is gone, you will invite us to the launch." PM Modi then asked, "What change do you feel after such a long journey in space, and now coming back?" "The environment up there is very different. Once we reach space, we can remove our seat belts and move around inside the capsule. The heart rate slows down, but the body starts adjusting in 3-4 days. But when we return to Earth, the body takes time to readjust. Even though I was healthy, I couldn't walk properly. People had to hold me for support." PM Modi asked Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla about the use of moong and methi (fenugreek). Shukla explained that food is a big challenge on space missions because space is limited and cargo is expensive. He said moong and methi are easy to grow with little water and sprout in just 8 days. "Food is a big challenge on a space station; there is less space, and cargo is expensive. You always try to pack as many calories and nutrients as possible in the least space, and experiments are going on in every way. They are very easy to grow and need very few resources, just a little water, and they sprout in only 8 days. These are some of the secrets of our country." "They used to call you tag genius. What's the reason behind that?" PM Modi asked Shukla said, "...When I joined the Air Force, I thought that I would not have to study, but I will have to study a lot after that. And after becoming a test pilot, it becomes a discipline of engineering. So I think we were well prepared, when we reached for this mission...The mission has been successful, we have returned, but this mission is not the end, it is the beginning..." PM Modi then said that the biggest work would be to have a very large pool of astronauts, 40-50 people in India. Shukla shared that when he was young, becoming an astronaut seemed impossible because there were no programs. But now, children are asking him how they can become astronauts, showing that the dream is alive. "When I was young, Rakesh Sharma sir went for the first time in 1984, but the dream of becoming an astronaut never came to my mind because we did not have any program. But when I went to the station this time, I spoke to the children three times. In every program, the children asked how can I become an astronaut? So I think this in itself is a big success for our country. In today's India, they know that it is possible. We have the option and we can become. And like you said, it is my responsibility, I feel I got a lot of opportunities to represent my country and now it is my responsibility to take as many people as possible to this level," Shukla said . PM Modi then said, "Space station and Gaganyaan. These are our big missions. Your experience will be very useful in that." Shukla then praised the government's strong commitment to the space program, despite setbacks like Chandrayaan 2, and said India has the capability to become a global leader in space. "I think somewhere there is a very big opportunity for us, especially because the kind of commitment our government has made to sustain the space program, budget every year, inspite of failures like Chandrayaan 2. Even after that, we said no, we will move ahead. Chandrayaan 3 was successful. Even after such failures, if we are getting so much support and the whole world is seeing this. We have the capability, so we can acquire a leadership role here. You talked about Atmanirbharta in space manufacturing... So all these things are connected in the same way," Shukla said "If we do it self-reliantly, we will do well," said PM Modi Shukla, who returned to Earth on July 15 after completing NASA's Axiom-4 (AX-4) space mission, landed in the national capital in the early hours of Sunday. 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. (ANI) Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticised the Election Commission, saying that the Chief Election Commissioner's press conference gave rise to additional questions rather than answering Rahul Gandhi's "vote theft" allegations. Speaking to ANI, Gogoi said that either the Election Commission did not have the answer or they were told not to answer the questions. "I think what the Election Commission said yesterday will further bring in more questions in addition to the questions being raised on them across the country. I think EC had an opportunity yesterday to answer the questions of Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition parties...They either did not have the answer or they were told not to answer the same - it was very clear," the Congress MP said. He asked the ECI to be impartial and safeguard the right to vote. Gaurav Gogoi said, "Democracy should be safeguarded, right to vote should be safeguarded, Election Commission should stay impartial, the Constitutional structure of Babasaheb Ambedkar should be safeguarded - we are doing exactly this. We are ending 'vote chori' and a few people want the 'vote chori' to continue." Earlier on Monday, in a similar jibe against CEC Gyanesh Kumar during the INDIA bloc's press conference, Gaurav Gogoi said the CEC was unable to answer any questions, but was running away from its responsibility. He said, instead of answering the questions posed to the Election Commission of India, the CEC went on attacking the Opposition. He pointed out that the CEC remained quiet on several issues, like how 70 lakh votes were added in Maharashtra within a span of 5 months, why the EC decided to delete CCTV footage within 45 days, how one lakh fake voters were added in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment and why Aadhaar card was not accepted as valid proof of identity. "It is clear that the ECI is under the command of partisan officials rather than non-partisan ones," he said, while adding that this is why the Commission resists any inquiry into voter fraud. Gogoi's remarks came after CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday refuted the recent "vote theft" claims made by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and asked him to submit an affidavit within seven days. CEC Kumar had termed allegations of bias by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha 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 seven days, it means that all these allegations are baseless." CEC Kumar said while addressing the media persons. (ANI) RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday slammed Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, claiming that he failed to provide clear answers with facts during his press conference. Tejashwi alleged that CEC Kumar spoke at the behest of the Prime Minister's Office. "He has not yet given any clear answer with facts... Tell us why people who were alive were declared dead. There are thousands of such examples that we can present. He has just read what he got from the PMO. He is saying only what he was told. If he has taken membership in the BJP, then he should tell. What is there to be ashamed of in this?" Tejashwi told ANI. His remarks came after CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Sunday refuted the recent "vote theft" claims made by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and asked him to submit an affidavit within seven days. Backing the ongoing 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav said that people are realising how the BJP allegedly influenced the Election Commission and stole votes. "The Yatra is getting immense love and support from the people, and people are now understanding how the BJP people together first of all stole the Election Commission. Now that votes are being stolen, the public is aware," the RJD leader said. He also asserted that Bihar would not let democracy collapse. "Democracy will not be allowed to perish from Bihar, the land where democracy was born. It is going to be a historic yatra," he added. The 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' began on Sunday from Sasaram. The 16-day yatra has been organised to protest against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar and alleged 'vote chori'. It will cover more than 1,300 km across over 20 districts and conclude in Patna on September 1. On Monday, the second day of the yatra ended with a rally in Gayaji, while day three will begin in Navada and proceed to Bar Bigha via Nalanda. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Jagdambika Pal on Tuesday defended the Election Commission and accused opposition parties of attempting to create confusion and "weaken" the constitutional institution without presenting evidence. Pal criticised the opposition for campaigning in Bihar during the ongoing Parliament session, accusing them of having "no faith in democracy" and of stirring unrest on the streets. "The Parliament session is ongoing, and they are roaming around in Bihar. They have no faith in democracy. They are trying to spread confusion among people on the streets of Bihar," Pal told ANI. He stressed that the Commission has been clear in asking opposition leaders to submit evidence within seven days regarding their allegations of electoral malpractice. "The Election Commissioner has told them that if you do not provide evidence within 7 days, it is clear that you only want to create confusion and weaken the constitutional institution," Pal said. The BJP MP further questioned the opposition's claims, pointing out that they had won elections in several states despite alleging flaws in the system. "Today, they have governments in many states. Akhilesh Yadav has won so many seats in Uttar Pradesh. How did they win?" he asked. His comments came as the opposition continued its 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, launched against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list and alleged 'vote chori'. The 16-day yatra, covering more than 1,300 km across over 20 districts, is scheduled to conclude in Patna on September 1. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday continued the third day of his 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' from Gaya. Earlier in the day, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, claiming he failed to provide factual answers during his press conference. "He has not yet given any clear answer with facts... Tell us why people who were alive were declared dead. There are thousands of such examples that we can present. He has just read what he got from the PMO. He is saying only what he was told. If he has taken membership in the BJP, then he should tell. What is there to be ashamed of in this?" Tejashwi told ANI. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, the NDA's candidate for the Vice Presidential election, during the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several Union Ministers and MPs reached the Parliament Library building for the meeting and to felicitate Radhakrishnan. Radhakrishnan was welcomed at the venue by Union Minister Piyush Goyal and other senior leaders. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, Union Ministers Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju, Arjun Ram Meghwal, L Murugan, and BJP MPs Sambit Patra and Subhash Barala also attended the meeting. On Monday, the NDA leaders had held an introductory meeting with floor leaders. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed confidence that political parties would support Radhakrishnan. "Today NDA Vice-Presidential candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan arrived in Delhi and we had an introductory meeting with NDA floor leaders... We feel very proud that a person like C.P. Radhakrishnan has been named as the NDA Vice-Presidential candidate. All the leaders of the NDA alliance thanked PM Modi... We are hopeful that all the parties will extend support to him," Rijiju told reporters. Radhakrishnan will file his nomination papers on August 20 at 11 am, with about 160 members, including 20 proposers and 20 supporters, expected to be present. The election for the Vice President post will be held on September 9. A meeting of NDA floor leaders was held at Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's residence, where Radhakrishnan was formally announced as the candidate. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said the decision was unanimous, with all leaders pledging their support. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will act as Radhakrishnan's campaign manager, while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will serve as his election agent. Radhakrishnan has previously served as a Member of Parliament and as Governor of Jharkhand and Telangana. Prime Minister Modi praised his "dedication, humility, and intellect", noting his long-standing grassroots work in Tamil Nadu. The NDA is aiming for an unopposed election, with BJP President JP Nadda reaching out to opposition leaders to seek their support. The move to nominate Radhakrishnan is also seen as significant in the run-up to the Tamil Nadu elections. The election of the Vice President is governed by Articles 64 to 68 of the Constitution. As per Article 66(1), the election is conducted by proportional representation through the single transferable vote system, and voting takes place by secret ballot. (ANI) Counter Intelligence (CI), Jalandhar, arrested two individuals linked to the banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and recovered a Chinese Type 86P hand grenade, Punjab police said on Tuesday. The arrested individuals were identified as Ritik Naroliya and a juvenile from Rajasthan. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, in an X post, said, "Acting swiftly on forward and backwards linkages, Counter Intelligence #Jalandhar, recovers one 86P Hand Grenade following the arrest of two #BKI operatives Ritik Naroliya and a juvenile from #Rajasthan, a few days back." https://x.com/DGPPunjabPolice/status/1957644185919492574 Police said the disclosures made by the arrested accused led to the arrest of Vishavjit from Kolkata and Jackson from Nakodar. "The arrested accused's disclosures led to the arrest of their aides Vishavjit from #Kolkata (while he was trying to abscond to #Malaysia) and Jackson from Nakodar, which led to the recovery of the said hand grenade," the post added. According to Punjab police, the accused were acting under the instructions of Canada-based BKI masterminds Zeeshan Akhtar and Ajay Gill. "Accused Vishavjit and Jackson retrieved 2 hand grenades from Beas through their associates in the last week of July this year, from which one grenade was exploded in a liquor shop in SBS Nagar 10 days back by other members of this module. FIR has been registered at PS State Special Operation Cell (#SSOC), Amritsar," the DGP added. Additionally, Punjab Police wrote, "@PunjabPoliceInd remains committed to neutralising terror networks, eliminating organised crime and ensuring peace and public safety across the state." Earlier, in a similar operation, CI Ferozepur foiled a major terror plot allegedly being orchestrated by Pak-ISI-backed terrorist Harwinder Rinda with the arrest of two operatives of the banned BKI module, DGP Gaurav Yadav had said. Those arrested were identified as Harpreet Singh, alias Preet, a resident of Bhullar village in Tarn Taran, and Gulshan Singh, alias Nandu, a resident of Rampura village in Amritsar. Police recovered two 86P hand grenades, one 9mm pistol and five live cartridges from them. The development came on the eve of Independence Day, two days after Punjab Police busted another BKI module with the arrest of five operatives, including three juveniles, from the Tonk and Jaipur districts of Rajasthan. In that operation, police recovered one 86P hand grenade and one .30 bore pistol. (ANI) SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Anycubic celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade of growth from a small Shenzhen startup into a trusted companion for millions of creators across more than 200 countries. This journey has been defined not only by technology, but by listening to and evolving with its users. Listening, Learning, Evolving Anycubic at 10: A Decade Forged by Makers, Inspired by Users The journey hasn't been about leaps alone, but about listeningto educators, artists, engineers, and hobbyists. Products such as the Photon resin series and the Kobra FDM line were shaped through extensive feedback and iteration. The introduction of technologies like the ACE Pro, with its multi-color capabilities and seamless stability, came not from a lab alone, but from conversations with makers who needed more from their tools. Today, over 4.4 million Anycubic printers power classrooms, studios, and workshops worldwidenot as finished answers, but as starting points for ideas yet to be imagined. A Celebration of Community To honor this milestone, Anycubic is gathering with its global community: A Global AMA on Reddit (Aug 1923), where leaders including CTO James Ouyang , VP Ancen Zhang, and Technical Manager Barry will engage in open dialogue with users. , VP Ancen Zhang, and Technical Manager Barry will engage in open dialogue with users. A 10th Anniversary Meet-Up in Istanbul ( Aug 21 ), bringing together local users, partners, and creators to share stories and inspiration. Looking Forward: The Anycubic Dream The next decade begins with the "Anycubic Dream" initiativea 10-year global program to donate 10,000 printers to educators, makers, and innovators, especially those who might not otherwise have access. Participants will be invited to share their visions and join a growing network of Anycubic Dreamers, showing how imagination and technology together can create real impact. This vision is reinforced by the MakerOnline platform, where challenges like Color Our World 2.0 encourage creators to connect, collaborate, and showcase their work. The challenge runs until August 29, with cash prizes and Anycubic printers awaiting the most creative entries. "Ten years feels less like an endpoint and more like a foundation," said James Ouyang, co-founder and CTO of Anycubic. "What we've built so far is only a preview of what this community can do." With Gratitude As a thank-you, Anycubic is launching 10th Anniversary promotions, community activities, and creative campaignsan invitation to makers everywhere to keep building the future, together. About Anycubic Founded in 2015, Anycubic has grown into one of the world's leading 3D printing companies, serving millions of users in over 200 countries and regions. Known for its innovative and reliable machines, Anycubic empowers creators everywhere to transform ideas into reality. SOURCE ANYCUBIC Following NDA's Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to all the MPs, including the Opposition, to support CP Radhakrishnan in the Vice Presidential elections. Rijiju said that PM Modi gave CP Radhakrishnan's introduction to the floor leaders in the meeting. "NDA candidate for the Vice Presidential election, CP Radhakrishnan, was introduced in the meeting. The floor leaders, MPs of the NDA, warmly welcomed CP Radhakrishnan ji, congratulated him and thanked the Prime Minister. His introduction was given by Prime Minister Modi in the meeting of the NDA Parliamentary Party," he told the reporters. The Union Minister added that PM Modi has appealed to all the MPs to unanimously support the NDA's candidate. Kiren Rijiju said, "Along with the introduction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed that the entire party, especially the Opposition, that all the MPs should come together and unanimously support the candidate decided by the NDA for the Vice Presidential election." "Rajnath Singh is also talking to everyone, and we want that we all together support Radhakrishnan unanimously in the election of the Vice President, and it will be very useful for our democracy, for our country and also in running the Rajya Sabha," he added. Hailing CP Radhakrishnan's nomination, Rijiju said that he has not been involved in any controversy or corruption. "CP Radhakrishnan is a very good name for the post of Vice President. Everyone has accepted this. There is no controversy in his life, no corruption, no stain; he has lived a very simple life and has only worked for society and the country. If such a person becomes the Vice President of the country, it will be a matter of great happiness for the country," he said. Earlier today, PM Modi felicitated Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, the NDA's candidate for the Vice Presidential election, during the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting. Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several Union Ministers and MPs reached the Parliament Library building for the meeting and to felicitate Radhakrishnan. Radhakrishnan was welcomed at the venue by Union Minister Piyush Goyal and other senior leaders. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, Union Ministers Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju, Arjun Ram Meghwal, L Murugan, and BJP MPs Sambit Patra and Subhash Barala also attended the meeting. Radhakrishnan will file his nomination papers on August 20 at 11 am, with about 160 members, including 20 proposers and 20 supporters, expected to be present. The election for the Vice President post will be held on September 9. (ANI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the residential area at Yamuna Bazaar, where water from the overflowing Yamuna River has entered and assured that there is no flood-like situation in Delhi and the water level will drop within one to two days. After assessing the affected area, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, "The situation is under control. The water level was close to 206 m in the morning, but it has not crossed this mark yet. The water should recede in a day or two. We are providing food and water, as well as a medical facility here. There is no flood situation in Delhi." She said that the administration has made arrangements in school for those who want to go to a safer location, providing them with a place to stay and food, as well as all the necessary help in the affected area. The Yamuna river is flowing close to the danger mark, and it is due to this that the water has entered the residential areas near the riverbank. CM Gupta visited the affected area to analyse the situation and talk to the people living in the area. The Yamuna River is flowing close the danger mark after all 18 gates of Hathinikund Barrage in Haryana's Yamunanagar were opened on Sunday due to rising water level after continuous rain. The visuals of the river at Delhi's ITO show that the water has neared the danger mark. This has raised concern among the authorities. Earlier, all the 18 gates of Hathinikund Barrage were opened after 1.78 lakh cusec of water came into the river due to heavy rainfall, resulting in a rise in the water level. Vijay Garg, Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Department, said, "1.78 lakh cusec of water has come into the river after the recent rainfall. This is the highest water level of this season." The water level in rivers is increasing use to continuous rainfall, and flood-like situations are being witnessed in several regions. (ANI) Samajwadi Party chief and Lok Sabha MP Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday took a swipe at the Centre, suggesting that the government was avoiding questions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar and instead holding a special discussion on India's space programme. While congratulating Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for his Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), Yadav said the government might be looking at the stars to decide when to allow a debate on the SIR. "Shubanshu Shukla, his family, and whoever is involved in the mission, congratulations to them, India is proud of them. But why is the government not able to answer questions which should be given to the Opposition on (Bihar) SIR. If that is the case, then astrology and astronomy are different things, maybe the government will look at the stars and talk about the SIR. We have the hope that they have many scientists, maybe they will consult the stars on starting a discussion," Yadav told reporters at Parliament premises. Turning to trade issues, the SP chief criticised the impact of tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods, saying traders in Uttar Pradesh were facing losses despite the government's One District One Product (ODOP) scheme. "Since the tariff had been imposed, the people involved in the Bhadohi carpet making have been suffering. Moradabad's involved in brass trade are also suffering. Moreover, there used to be a lot of exports from our Pradesh to US, but now who is listening to the traders? The government which launched the One District One Product (ODOP), kept such a big budget, put the PM's picture on it, but now traders suffering across the state due to tariffs, who will help them?" Yadav asked. On the INDIA bloc's plans for the upcoming Vice Presidential election, Yadav said the alliance would soon hold discussions on putting up its candidate. During Monday's special discussion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praised Shukla's achievement, describing it as a source of national pride. "On this occasion, the (lower) House welcomes Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to India. His space mission and successful return are not merely about the mission's success but a matter of pride and inspiration for Indian citizens. Shukla's achievement is an inspiration for the youth," Birla said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met Group Captain Shukla, who returned to Earth in July after completing NASA-SpaceX's Axiom-4 mission. On his arrival in the national capital on Sunday, Shukla was welcomed by senior leaders. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday attended the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting and expressed happiness over the "enthusiasm" in support of CP Radhakrishnan's candidature for the Vice President post. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "Participated in the NDA Parliamentary Party Meeting in Delhi this morning. Happy to see the enthusiasm in favour of Thiru CP Radhakrishnan's candidature for the Vice Presidency." https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1957684218353365167 Earlier, PM Modi felicitated Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, the NDA's candidate for the Vice Presidential election, during the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting. Following the meeting, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said PM Modi has appealed to all the MPs, including the Opposition, to support CP Radhakrishnan in the Vice Presidential elections. Rijiju said that PM Modi gave CP Radhakrishnan's introduction to the floor leaders in the meeting. "NDA candidate for the Vice Presidential election, CP Radhakrishnan, was introduced in the meeting. The floor leaders, MPs of the NDA, warmly welcomed CP Radhakrishnan ji, congratulated him and thanked the Prime Minister. His introduction was given by Prime Minister Modi in the meeting of the NDA Parliamentary Party," he told the reporters. The Union Minister added that PM Modi has appealed to all the MPs to support the NDA's candidate unanimously. Kiren Rijiju said, "Along with the introduction, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the entire party, especially the Opposition, that all the MPs should come together and unanimously support the candidate decided by the NDA for the Vice Presidential election." Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, Union Ministers Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju, Arjun Ram Meghwal, L Murugan, and BJP MPs Sambit Patra and Subhash Barala attended the meeting at the Parliament Library building. Meanwhile, NCP leader Praful Patel welcomed Radhakrishnan's candidature and said, "CP Radhakrishnan is a very good person; he is also the Governor of Maharashtra. He has had a long public life, having been a Lok Sabha member twice. He is a good human being, and especially in a big country like India, Tamil Nadu is also getting representation today, which should be welcomed." Radhakrishnan will file his nomination papers on August 20 at 11 am, with about 160 members, including 20 proposers and 20 supporters, expected to be present. The election for the Vice President post will be held on September 9. (ANI) Reiterating his "vote theft" allegations on Election Commission of India and Bharatiya Janata Party, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that the poll body and BJP are together running a "partnership". Rahul Gandhi was addressing the gathering during his Voter Adhikaar Yatra in Nawada and alleged that PM Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah and ECI of snatching the fundamental rights from the people. "There are lakhs of people in Bihar who voted and their names were deleted from the voter list. There is a partnership going on between the Election Commission and the BJP. They are together stealing votes. This is your right and the Constitution gives you this. You fight for this, work hard and Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and the Election Commission are snatching it from you. I, Tejashwi and the rest of the leaders here are standing up and telling them that we will not let you steal even a single vote of Bihar," Rahul Gandhi said while addressing the gathering. The Congress MP further targeted the ECI and BJP stating that they "magically" created 1 crore new voters in Maharashtra. He further said that new voters were added in Maharashtra after Lok Sabha 2024 elections which resulted in BJP's win in the state assembly polls. "Maharashtra, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, these are the places they have stolen from. In Maharashtra, they magically create 1 crore new voters after the Lok Sabha elections. We win the Lok Sabha and after the new voters come, BJP wins. We asked the Election Commission who these people are but they don't answer. We asked them (ECI) to show the videography, they said we won't show it. They changed the law and now a new way of voter theft is being done in Bihar, Sir, they are stealing in a new way in front of your and the country's eyes. We won't let them steal," the Congress MP said. Meanwhile, on Tuesday Rahul Gandhi continued his Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar against the Special Intensive Revision and his "vote theft" allegations on ECI. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and CPI-M leader Dipankar Bhattacharya are accompanying Rahul Gandhi. The INDIA bloc on Tuesday intensified its protest against the "vote theft" allegations on Election Commision of India and Special Intensive Revision in Bihar outside the parliament building. The protests saw the presence of prominent leaders including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others. Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) addressed a press conference giving it's clarification over the "vote theft" allegations and SIR in Bihar. It also asked Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to submit a signed affidavit with proof of his claims of election rigging. The opposition parties have been protesting against the revision of voter lists since the commencement of the Parliament monsoon session on July 21, with the treasury benches accusing the Opposition of disrupting Parliament proceedings. Calling the ongoing exercise as 'Silent Invisible Rigging' of votes, INDIA bloc leaders held banners calling for the stop of 'Vote chori.' Notably, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju called on Congress and other opposition parties to refrain from creating disruptions in Parliament over issues related to the Election Commission. Rijiju, while speaking at a press conference, stated that any disputes between the Election Commission and political parties should be discussed directly with the EC, and not in the Parliament. (ANI) A flood relief and rescue operation of the Indian Army was launched in Maharashtra's Nanded district late on Monday night to assist the civil administration in tackling floods, the Ministry of Defence said in a release on Tuesday. According to the ministry, an advance column carried out a reconnaissance and situation assessment at Ravaan Village on Monday. The situation regarding the safety of lives and rehabilitation measures is under continuous review. The main flood relief (FR) column has since moved towards Hasnaal Village to obtain a fresh ground update. Rahul Kardile, District Collector, Nanded, is scheduled to visit Hasnaal village on Tuesday morning. A comprehensive review of the overall flood situation in the district will be undertaken following the meeting with the District Collector. According to an X post by the Southern Command of the Indian Army, continuous rainfall inundated four villages in the districts, after which a rescue column of 65 personnel was deployed at the affected area. "On requisition from Civil Administration, #IndianArmy swiftly launched Flood Relief Columns from #SudarshanChakraCorps for rescue operations in #Nanded, #Maharashtra. Continuous rainfall & overflow of #LendiDam have inundated four villages -- Raavan, Bhaswadi, Hasnaal PMU & Bhingoli. A rescue column of 65 personnel, including the Engineering Task Force & Medical Teams, is operating in close coordination with #SDRF & Civil Administration at the affected areas," the Southern Command said. https://x.com/IaSouthern/status/1957628547151090118 "Equipped with advanced rescue gear, the teams are prepared to provide all necessary assistance to ensure the safe evacuation of the stranded personnel. #IndianArmy remains committed to extend all assistance to the State administration to restore normalcy in the earliest timeframe," the X post read. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert in Nanded, predicting moderate 5-15 mm per hour of rainfall. Meanwhile, there are no warning signs from August 20-23. According to the IMD, Kinwat in Nanded received 11 cm of rainfall, while Kandhar received 9 cm, and Naigaon Khairgaon saw 8 cm of rainfall on Monday. (ANI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'voter adhikar yatra' across Bihar continued for the third day by reaching Gaya on Tuesday. Party leader Kanhaiya Kumar claimed that the people's response proving that "killing democracy" with alleged vote theft is not as easy as the idea "resides in the hearts of people." "Today is the third day of the Voter Adhikar Yatra. This yatra started from Gaya and will continue further. The way people are supporting the yatra, coming out of their homes to see it and giving their blessings, it is clear that killing democracy in this country is not easy because democracy resides in the hearts of the people here," Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar told ANI here. The rally, being carried out across the state with alliance partner Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is to highlight alleged voter suppression and electoral manipulations by the BJP and Election Commission of India (ECI) through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. RJD MP Sanjay Yadav, highlighting the response of the yatra claimed that people have realised that the theft of votes is the "work of the Election Commission." "Our message has reached to the people of Bihar. The people of Bihar know that Bihar is the mother of democracy. This is the fight to save the existence of democracy, to save the right to vote. This is the fight to save the constitution from the conspiracy of the Election Commission and the BJP... The theft of votes in a few states has led people to realise that it's not about the leader's popularity, but rather the work of the election commission," the RJD MP told ANI. Meanwhile, the Election Commission on Sunday refuted any claims of vote theft and electoral roll manipulation, while addressing a press conference in the national capital. The Poll body has asked the Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha to submit a signed affidavit or apologise for his allegations. The 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' kick-started on Sunday from Sasaram. The 16-day yatra aims to protest against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar and alleged 'vote chori'. The rally will culminate in Patna on September 1 after covering more than 1,300 km across over 20 districts in 16 days. Several leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Pawan Khera, Kanhaiya Kumar, and others, participated in the Yatra on Sunday. During the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar's Sasaram, the 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. (ANI) Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday firmly challenged the Election Commission to come clean on the controversial issue of 'vote chori' (vote theft), criticising the poll panel for evading accountability. She also praised Rahul Gandhi's bravery, saying he is unfazed by any attacks and will not back down despite distractions. The Congress MP, while speaking to reporters outside the Parliament, said, "On this 'vote chori' issue, they (Election Commission) should tell the truth to the public. Rahul ji kisi hamle se nahi darte, seh lenge sab kuch aur peeche nahi hatenge. Because they are not able to answer the questions raised by Rahul ji, they start talking about the affidavit, Nehru ji, and Indira ji." With the INDIA bloc ramping up protests against the Election Commission, Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday reiterated that the alleged "vote theft" in assembly and Lok Sabha elections is a "murder of the Constitution". He said that democracy will be harmed if the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) "sit on the throne" through such electoral malpractice. Stating that the party is looking to create an atmosphere to warn the people of manipulation, theft and tampering of votes, Kharge told reporters outside Parliament, "This is our party's stand that we want to create an atmosphere across the country against the theft of votes, manipulation of votes, and tampering with votes, that injustice is being done to the people." "If they sit on the throne by such theft, it is not beneficial for democracy. This is murder of the Constitution," he added. Earlier today, the INDIA bloc intensified its protest outside the parliament building against "vote theft" allegations against Election Commision of India and Special Intensive Revision in Bihar. The protests saw the presence of prominent leaders including Congress chief Kharge, MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others. The protests have continued after ECI addressed a press conference giving clarification over the "vote theft" allegations and SIR in Bihar. It also asked Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to submit a signed affidavit with proof of his claims of election rigging. (ANI) Rao blamed the Congress for ignoring law and order and said public safety is being put at risk. In a post on X, KT Rama Rao wrote, "In just one week, Hyderabad has witnessed two shocking crimes - a daylight gunpoint robbery in a jewellery store & the brutal murder of a 12-year-old girl in Kukatpally." https://x.com/KTRBRS/status/1957634393771765964 "Under the Congress government, the rising crime rate is putting public safety in danger. Citizens deserve protection, not fear. This is the result of pushing efficient Telangana police into a political witch hunt & not paying attention to law and order," the post read. Earlier, on Monday, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao expressed shock over the electrocution incident, which killed five people and injured four others during a Krishna Janmashtami procession in the Gokhale Nagar area in Hyderabad's Ramanthapur. Condoling the demise of the deceased, KTR identified them as Krishna Yadav, Srikanth Reddy, Suresh Yadav, Rudra Vikas, and Rajendra Reddy, and appealed to the state government to extend support for the families. "I express my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. I appeal to the government to support the families of the deceased," KTR said, according to an official statement. Calling for proper precautions to be taken to prevent such incidents, KTR also urged the government to provide them with medical assistance. Notably, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee President Mahesh Kumar Goud and Minister Ponnam Prabhakar expressed deep shock at the deaths of five people in the incident. According to an official statement from the party, the leaders extended their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. They advised caution around electrical wires during the rainy season. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended the protection from arrest granted to Indore-based cartoonist Hemant Malviya for his objectionable caricatures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Malviya's counsel said he would publish an apology on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms for his post. A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria said that Malviya should publish the apology within 10 days and extended the interim protection till the next date of hearing. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Nataraj appearing for the Madhya Pradesh government said that the post should not be deleted because the investigation is ongoing. He said let Malviya publish apology on social media with an undertaking that he will not indulge in the same again and he may cooperate with the probe. Earlier, the top court had directed him to file the apology in Hindi in the form of an affidavit. The apex court was hearing an anticipatory bail of Malviya for his objectionable caricatures of PM and RSS. Madhya Pradesh High Court on July 3 had rejected his anticipatory bail plea. The High Court had said that Malviya had misused the freedom of speech and ought to have used his discretion while drawing the caricature in question. His plea has clarified that he had published the original cartoon during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when social media was rife with misinformation and fear related to the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. The petitioner said his cartoon is a satirical caricature work which offers social commentary on the comments made by a public figure regarding some vaccines being effective and "safe like water", even though their efficacy remains untested through rigorous clinical trials. He further claimed that the caricature was the artist's imagination of a common man being vaccinated by a public representative and has been in public circulation on social media for over four years. It said that a social media user on May 1, 2025, had posted the cartoon with his comment stating "through implication that caste census is merely a tool to distract the public from issues like Waqf and Pahalgam". The petitioner claimed that Malviya shared that post to demonstrate that his cartoons are freely available for public use and expression, but he did not endorse the views expressed in the added commentary, and acknowledged the use of his cartoon. (ANI) BASIS Tucson North tops the national list, with 11 BASIS schools among the country's Top 100 public high schools. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BASIS Charter Schools, a network of award-winning, tuition-free public charter schools serving grades K12, has once again earned national prominence, with BASIS Tucson North ranked the #1 public high school in America in the newly released U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best High Schools rankings. This marks the second consecutive year a BASIS high school has claimed the top spot, following BASIS Peoria's #1 ranking in 2024. BASIS Tucson North In 2025, two BASIS high schools placed in the Top 20 nationwide (#1 BASIS Tucson North and #17 BASIS Phoenix), and 11 campuses ranked among the nation's Top 100. The network also earned distinction for STEM excellence, with nine BASIS high schools recognized among the Top 100 STEM schools in America. In addition, Arizona's top 10 high schools are all BASIS campuses. The U.S. News rankings identify high schools that consistently deliver exceptional outcomes for students of all backgrounds, using six weighted measures: college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, and graduation rate. Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked using data from the 2022-23 academic year at more than 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. "This achievement reaffirms what families in each of our school communities already know a BASIS education is unmatched," said Peter Bezanson, Co-Chairman of BASIS Educational Ventures. "At BASIS, our students don't just meet expectations; they exceed them in every area, from college readiness to state assessments, thanks to the relentless dedication of our teachers, students, and families." While the rankings spotlight high school performance, BASIS leaders emphasize that this level of achievement is the product of a K12 journey. Students begin in BASIS primary grades, where they are challenged and supported by expert educators, building the academic foundation that leads to top-tier high school results. "Every BASIS campus shares in this honor," added Bezanson. "Whether you teach engineering in kindergarten, or AP Physics to high school students, your work has a direct impact on our students' success at the national level." As the flagship BASIS campus opening in 1998, BASIS Tucson North has led the way in student achievement for nearly three decades, setting a standard for the BASIS school network and beyond. BASIS schools offer a rigorous STEM-infused liberal arts curriculum that prepares students for college, career, and leadership in a global economy. "Excellence is never an accident. These rankings are the result of a proven model, extraordinary teachers, and students who embrace challenge as opportunity," said Dr. Craig R. Barrett, Chairman of the Board of BASIS Charter Schools. "BASIS schools demonstrate that public education, when done right, can prepare every child, regardless of background, to perform at the highest levels in the nation." BASIS Charter Schools demonstrate that when given access to a rigorous, high-quality education, students from all backgrounds can graduate prepared to compete and lead in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. National Rankings #1 BASIS Tucson North (AZ) #17 BASIS Phoenix (AZ) #28 BASIS Chandler (AZ) #37 BASIS Flagstaff (AZ) #45 BASIS Oro Valley (AZ) #51 BASIS Mesa (AZ) #52 BASIS Scottsdale (AZ) #58 BASIS San Antonio Shavano (TX) #66 BASIS Peoria (AZ) #68 BASIS Ahwatukee (AZ) #81 BASIS Prescott (AZ) #139 BASIS Washington D.C. (D.C.) STEM Rankings #2 BASIS Chandler (AZ) #3 BASIS Peoria (AZ) #5 BASIS Tucson North (AZ) #8 BASIS Scottsdale (AZ) #18 BASIS San Antonio Shavano (TX) #19 BASIS Mesa (AZ) #36 BASIS Phoenix (AZ) #60 BASIS Ahwatukee (AZ) #84 BASIS Oro Valley (AZ) #216 BASIS Flagstaff (AZ) #451 BASIS Washington D.C. (D.C.) State Rankings Arizona: #1 BASIS Tucson North (AZ) #2 BASIS Phoenix (AZ) #3 BASIS Chandler (AZ) #4 BASIS Flagstaff (AZ) #5 BASIS Oro Valley (AZ) #6 BASIS Mesa (AZ) #7 BASIS Scottsdale (AZ) #8 BASIS Peoria (AZ) #9 BASIS Ahwatukee (AZ) #10 BASIS Prescott (AZ) Texas: #7 BASIS San Antonio Shavano Washington, D.C.: #2 BASIS Washington D.C. (D.C.) About BASIS Charter Schools: BASIS Charter Schools offer a nationally acclaimed, rigorous liberal arts and STEM-focused education. With campuses across multiple states and a history of preparing students for top colleges and careers, BASIS emphasizes intellectual curiosity, civic responsibility, and global citizenship. SOURCE BASIS Charter Schools Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav on Tuesday targeted the Election Commission of India and BJP alleging a "collusion" between both sides to steal the voting rights of common people. Tejashwi Yadav was addressing the people during Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's Voter Adhikaar Yatra in Bihar's Nawada. He said that the names of poor people have been removed from the voter list, whereas those who are alive are declared dead. "In collusion with the Election Commission, these BJP people are snatching away the voting rights of poor youths. The names of poor people have been removed, and a living person who voted during the Lok Sabha elections has now been declared dead. The Election Commission and BJP people think they can fool the people of Bihar," he said. Earlier today, reiterating his "vote theft" allegations on Election Commission of India and Bharatiya Janata Party, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said that the poll body and BJP are together running a "partnership". Rahul Gandhi was addressing the gathering during his Voter Adhikaar Yatra in Nawada and alleged that PM Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah and ECI of snatching the fundamental rights from the people. "There are lakhs of people in Bihar who voted and their names were deleted from the voter list. There is a partnership going on between the Election Commission and the BJP. They are together stealing votes. This is your right and the Constitution gives you this. You fight for this, work hard and Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and the Election Commission are snatching it from you. I, Tejashwi and the rest of the leaders here are standing up and telling them that we will not let you steal even a single vote of Bihar," Rahul Gandhi said while addressing the gathering. The Congress MP further targeted the ECI and BJP stating that they "magically" created 1 crore new voters in Maharashtra. He further said that new voters were added in Maharashtra after Lok Sabha 2024 elections which resulted in BJP's win in the state assembly polls. "Maharashtra, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, these are the places they have stolen from. In Maharashtra, they magically create 1 crore new voters after the Lok Sabha elections. We win the Lok Sabha and after the new voters come, BJP wins. We asked the Election Commission who these people are but they don't answer. We asked them (ECI) to show the videography, they said we won't show it. They changed the law and now a new way of voter theft is being done in Bihar, Sir, they are stealing in a new way in front of your and the country's eyes. We won't let them steal," the Congress MP said. (ANI) The case stemmed from a reference dated April 2, 2025, submitted by the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), West District, who reported that the two individuals had verbally abused the court and the complainant during sentencing in State vs. Davinder Kumar. According to the Magistrate's account, Devender Gupta used offensive language, operated his mobile phone during proceedings, and ridiculed the judicial process. Meanwhile, Hari Prakash Gupta allegedly shouted at the court and hurled further abuse at the complainant. Given the gravity of the misconduct, the Magistrate recommended that contempt proceedings be initiated before the High Court. Appearing before the bench of Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Shalinder Kaur, both respondents expressed sincere remorse, submitting oral and written apologies and pledging not to repeat such behaviour. The court was also informed that Hari Prakash Gupta, aged 91, suffers from a 43% permanent physical disability. Complainant Sudhir Arora opposed any leniency, citing a recurring pattern of disrespectful conduct by the respondents in various legal matters. After reviewing all submissions, the High Court accepted the apologies but underscored the importance of maintaining the dignity of judicial institutions. "Words that demean, insult or scandalise the Court have repercussions not merely for the dignity of the institution, but for the administration of justice itself," the bench remarked. The court issued a stern warning that any future misconduct would attract the harshest legal consequences. With that, the contempt petition was dismissed, and the respondents were discharged--albeit with a clear caution that similar behaviour would not be tolerated going forward. (ANI) Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi attacked the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, saying that despite being in the Centre for 11 years, the latter has been avoiding responsibility by constantly blaming Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Telling the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre not to dwell on the past, and address the issue of vote theft, and the allegations against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR). "In these 10-11 years, there are many things for which they (BJP) have blamed Nehru ji's to wash their hands from responsibility. They should fulfil their responsibilities, stop talking about the past, and talk about what is happening today. They should answer why SIR is being done, and talk about the issue of vote theft. If this is not true, then tell the public," the Congress leader told reporters outside Parliament. The Wayanad MP's remarks come amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chairing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Parliamentary meeting today said that former PM Jawaharlal Nehru had 'admitted' that the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan bought no benefit to India, according to sources. "Nehru partitioned the country once, and then again. Under the Indus Water Treaty, 80 percent of the water was given to Pakistan. Later, through his secretary, Nehru admitted his mistake, saying that it brought no benefit," PM Modi said according to sources. Multiple other minister who attended the alliance meeting hailed PM's remarks. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that Nehru, with the signing of the treaty with Pakistan "put the future of Indian farmers at stake." "The distribution of water from the six rivers flowing in India took place 13 years after independence. After independence, 80% of the land was allocated to India, while only 20% went to East and West Pakistan.But 80% of the water from these rivers was given to Pakistan by the then Prime Minister Nehru ji, putting the future of Indian farmers at stake," he told reporters outside Sansad Bhavan. He further added that India's rights over its rivers were also obstructed, with the country paying the price for it. BJP MP Dinesh Sharma said that the 'dictatorship policy' of Congress is affecting the country even today, criticising Nehru "going alone" to give most of Indus water to Pakistan. "The dictatorship policy of Congress was started with Jawaharlal Nehru and is ongoing till today. One man army, either with the cabinet, nor with opposition, He went alone to Pakistan and gave 80% of the Indus water to Pakistan. They had done partition once, then again they did it with the water. They made it so that if the dam in India needs to be cleaned, permission for this will have to be obtained from Pakistan," Sharma told ANI here. Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April, which killed 26 people, India has, in exercise of its rights as a sovereign nation under international law, placed the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960, following nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan, with the assistance of the World Bank, which is also a signatory. The Treaty allocates the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan and the eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India. (ANI) According to Delhi Police, on Monday, a quarrel arising out of a personal dispute led to the assault of Mukesh Kumar Singhal (49) at Gali No. 9, Sangam Vihar, by Samshad alias Bhuri, his younger brother, and associates. The victim sustained lacerated wounds on his forehead and scalp, along with swelling on his left hand, and was admitted to Batra Hospital for medical treatment, the Police said. Following a PCR call, medical-legal certificate and the victim's statement, the police registered a case under Sections 110/3(5) BNS and 308 of the Indian Penal Code at Sangam Vihar Police Station. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, they added. More details are awaited. (ANI) According to police, a patrolling team from Nihal Vihar police station noticed the women in the Sunday Bazar area and stopped them for questioning. During checking, it was found that their visas had expired, and they were staying in Delhi (India) illegally in violation of visa norms. When asked, they failed to provide any valid reason for their unauthorised stay, police said. Both women of Nigerian nationality were immediately apprehended and taken to Nihal Vihar police station. In coordination with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), legal proceedings for deportation were initiated, they said. They are currently lodged at the detention centre in Sewa Sadan, Shahzada Bagh, Sarai Rohilla, pending completion of formalities, they added. Earlier this month, Delhi Police arrested five Bangladeshi nationals who had allegedly entered the Red Fort premises forcibly. Police said the men, aged between 20 and 25 years and working as labourers in the capital, were found carrying Bangladeshi documents. They were taken into custody for interrogation. Similarly, Gurugram Police also detained ten Bangladeshi nationals for staying illegally in the city. Identification documents recovered from them confirmed their Bangladeshi nationality. "Ten illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have been detained. Bangladeshi documents have been recovered from them. The process to deport them has begun," said Sandeep Kumar, PRO, Gurugram Police. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) President Saurabh Bharadwaj on Tuesday slammed the newly introduced education bill regulating fees of private schools, calling it "against middle-class parents and students." Bharadwaj further said that the party has launched a campaign against the law and is distributing pamphlets outside private schools across Delhi to raise awareness among parents on the hike in the fees. "A new education law has been made regarding the fees of private schools. This has been made entirely for private school owners and is against the middle class and parents of children. For this, we have started a campaign today, under which we are distributing these pamphlets outside private schools in all assemblies of Delhi. We are distributing them to make parents aware... and there is no provision in it about how the fee hike implemented on April 1 will be rolled back," Bhardwaj told reporters here in the national capital. Earlier, on August 6, AAP, in their attack on the government, termed the school fee regulation bill as "anti-parent and pro-management." The party also proposed four key amendments to safeguard the rights of the parents. Senior AAP leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi, shared that AAP has submitted proposals mandating school audits, elected parent representation, easier complaint thresholds, and the right to challenge committee decisions in court. The Assembly LoP said BJP MLAs must now prove through their votes whether they stand with Delhi's parents or with private school profiteers, according to an official statement. Addressing a press conference alongside AAP Sanjeev Jha and MLA Kuldeep Kumar, Atishi stated, "The BJP-led Delhi government has brought a bill to regulate private school fees -- a bill that has been in discussion since April. That month, there was chaos across Delhi. Private schools were arbitrarily hiking fees, throwing children out of classrooms, locking them up in libraries." Highlighting the parents protesting against the hike in sweltering heat, the Delhi LoP stated, "Parents were standing outside schools in 40-degree heat, protesting. At the time, the BJP government said it would bring a bill. The bill was cleared by the Cabinet in April. But April passed, then May, June, July -- and only in August has this bill been tabled in the Assembly. Why this four-month delay?" She further slammed the BJP-led government for not consulting with the stakeholders properly, alleging that for four months, the bill was kept hidden. "This bill saw no consultation -- not with any educationists, not with legal experts, and certainly not with parents. Parents kept asking to give their input, to at least be shown the draft -- but for four months, the bill was hidden. Why? Because this bill is not for the parents of children studying in private schools. It is only for the benefit of private school owners." (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail plea of businessman Arvind Dham, an accused in a money laundering case related to an alleged multi-thousand-crore bank fraud. Justice Ravinder Dudeja rejected the plea after hearing arguments from both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the counsel for the accused. The detailed order of judgment is yet to be uploaded by the court. Earlier, the High Court had refused to grant interim bail to Dham. He has been in custody since July 2024. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that there are multi-thousand crores of proceeds of crime. Senior advocate Vikas Pahwa had submitted that Dham should be granted interim bail. He has been in custody since July 2024. He has a history of medical illness. Special counsel Zoheb Hossain had opposed the submissions made on behalf of the accused. Special public prosecutor (SPP) Manish Jain, alongwith Snehal Sharda, had appeared for ED. Dham was arrested in July 2024 by the ED in a money laundering case linked to alleged bank fraud. Earlier, the CBI had registered a case against the Amtek group. There are allegations of bank fraud of around Rs. 20000 crores. On June 20, 2024, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 35 places in Delhi, NCR and Maharashtra against Amtek Group in connection with huge bank fraud case of more than Rs 20,000 crores in a number of listed companies which were finally taken over in NCLT proceeding at nominal price, leaving consortium of banks with nominal recovery. Raids were conducted across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai and Nagpur under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on the Amtek Group led by Arvind Dham, Gautam Malhotra and others. The alleged fraud led to a huge loss to the exchequer of approximately Rs 10-15 thousand crores, said the ED. The ED investigation started based on the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) First Information Report (FIR) in one of the group entities, ACIL Limited, and as per the Supreme Court directions to investigate the fraud. Further, ED had said its investigation revealed that loan funds were siphoned off to invest in real estate, foreign investment and investment in new ventures. According to the agency, fictitious sales, capital assets, debtors, and profits were reported in group concerns to secure more loans and avoid becoming an NPA. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader CT Ravi on Tuesday accused Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi of "spreading lies and making false" allegations of voter theft during his ongoing 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar. Ravi also criticised the Congress for raising concerns over alleged EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) fraud ahead of the Assembly polls in Bihar scheduled later this year. "If he had faith in the Constitution, he could have lodged a complaint, but he did not do so. This means he does not have proof and has made false allegations. He has gone to Bihar to spread lies. When Congress wins, they say people have shown faith in them, but when they lose, they blame EVMs, the Election Commission...," Ravi told ANI Echoing similar concerns, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad accused the Congress party of wanting infiltrators and deceased people to remain on the voter list. Prasad told ANI, "What do they want- that infiltrators be made voters? Should those who have died be kept as voters? Should those listed in two places be kept as voters? What do they want? They have not been able to clarify their stand so far." "I want to say one thing to Rahul Gandhi, you raised the issue of Pegasus, there was a hearing in the Supreme Court, it was said that those who have a problem should give their phones for investigation, but you didn't give yours. On the Rafale issue, you had to apologise in front of the Supreme Court...The country will never forgive you. The way you have insulted the Parliament, you will never get votes," he added. LJP (Ramvilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary also criticised the Opposition's campaign, stating it would not benefit their alliance. "This yatra will not bring any benefit to their alliance. The people of Bihar have made up their minds to vote only for those who have brought development to the state. Whatever allegations they have made against the Election Commission, they should understand that the Election Commission is a constitutional institution," Choudhary said. The 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' began on Sunday from Sasaram. The 16-day yatra has been organised to protest against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar and alleged 'vote chori'. The yatra will cover more than 1,300 km across over 20 districts and conclude in Patna on September 1. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea filed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) against a 2022 judgement of the Punjab and Haryana High Court which held that a 16-year-old Muslim girl can enter into a valid marriage with a Muslim man and granted protection to the couple from threats. A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R Mahadevan observed that the NCPCR was a stranger to the litigation and had no locus standi to challenge the High Court's judgment. The bench said, "NCPCR has no locus to challenge such an order... if two minor children are protected by the High Court, how can NCPCR challenge such an order.... It is strange that the NCPCR, which is for protecting the children, has challenged such an order." The counsel appearing for NCPCR told the apex court that they were raising a question of law whether a girl, who has not attained the age of 18, can be held to have the capacity to enter into a legal marriage merely on the basis of personal law. However, dismissing the plea, the bench said, "No question of law arises, you challenge in an appropriate case." It also dismissed other petitions filed by the NCPCR challenging other similar orders passed by the High Courts. NCPRC had raised the issue of whether the Muslim personal law allowing child marriages will prevail over the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act,2006. It had approached the apex court challenging an order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which said a Muslim girl after attaining puberty is competent to enter into a contract of marriage with a person of her choice under the Muslim Personal Law. Earlier, a different bench of the top court had directed that the order of the High Court, which held that a Muslim girl aged 15 years can enter into a legal and valid marriage as per personal law, should not be relied on as a precedent in any other case. NCPCR had contended that Muslim girls who are 14, 15, 16 years old are getting married. Earlier, the National Commission for Women (NCW) had approached the top court to make the minimum age of marriage for Muslims girls the same as that of persons belonging to other religions. The minimum age for marriage in India is currently 18 for women and 21 for men. However, the minimum marriage age for Muslim women is when they attain puberty and 15 years is presumed to be that age. The NCW had said that allowing Muslims to marry at the age of puberty (around 15) is arbitrary, irrational, discriminatory, and violative of penal laws. The plea had said even the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) does not provide for those under 18 to consent to sex. It had said the PIL was filed for the enforcement of the fundamental rights of minor Muslim women to bring Islamic personal law in consonance with the penal laws applicable to other religions. The High Court in 2022, in its order, had cited the provisions of the Muslim Personal Law on marriage to rule that a 15-year-old Muslim girl was competent to enter into a contract of marriage with a person of her choice. The NCPCR had sought to ensure proper implementation of statutory laws that are specifically in place to protect children below the age of 18 years. The Commission highlighted the provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) 2006 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) to put forth its reasons for challenging the High Court ruling. NCPCR had said the order is violative of PCMA, which, the petition said, is a secular law that applies to all. It further stated that the provisions of POCSO stipulate that no child below the age of 18 years can give a valid consent. (ANI) Amid political upheaval over the allegations of vote theft and strong objection to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji on Tuesday said that the Election Commission of India (ECI) must work in a democratic manner and should address the doubts being raised by the opposition parties. Defending Rahul Gandhi's "vote theft, an attack on Bharat Mata" remarks, Maji said that the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Lok Sabha only wants to safeguard the constitution while ensuring that there is no tampering with people's voting rights. "Rahul Gandhi is the leader of the opposition, and as a citizen of the country, he has a great responsibility to protect democracy, as do we all. He wants the constitution to be safeguarded, democracy to be protected, and no tampering with people's voting rights. The EC must work in a democratic manner," the Rajya Sabha MP told ANI. Referring to TN Seshan's tenure as the 10th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Maji argued that the constitutional body must work "neutrally" and must avoid the arising of a situation where doubts are raised on their working. "If he or the public has any doubts, the Election Commission should ensure transparency, just like it happened under TN Seshan's tenure as CEC. Nobody raised any fingers at EC then. Such institutions should pay attention to why fingers are being pointed at them. Such a situation should not arise at all. The opposition should say that the EC is working neutrally. If the opposition has any doubts, they should be addressed," Mahua Maji said. The former bureaucrat Seshan, who served as the 10th Election Commissioner of India, left behind a legacy asserting that he was the CEC of India and not the Government of India. Her remarks came after Rahul Gandhi commenced his 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar and launched a scathing attack on the Election Commission and its officials, warning of strong action against them if they "don't do their work." On Monday, he said that "vote theft" was an attack on the Constitution and Bharat Mata. "This is Bharat Mata's constitution. This (document) has been drafted by Ambedkar, Gandhi, Nehru, and Patel. This has the soul of India. However, they attack this very soul when these people indulge in vote theft. They attack this constitution and Bharat Mata. We won't allow either Narendra Modi or the Election Commission to attack Bharat Mata, Gandhi had said while addressing the gathering during a rally in Bihar's Gaya. "Nobody can erase this constitution. The Election Commissioner should understand that if he doesn't do his work, strong action will be taken against you," he added. Earlier, CEC Gyanesh Kumar addressing a press conference in the national capital 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 Kumar said. Rahul Gandhi had on August 7 in a press conference in New Delhi 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) PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National plaintiffs' law firm Berger Montague PC is investigating potential securities violations, breaches of fiduciary duty, and other claims against Ryan Wear ("Wear"), Water Station Management LLC ("Water Station"), Creative Technologies, Inc. ("Creative"), and Jordan Chirico ("Chirico") in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme by which these individuals and entities unlawfully raised more than $275 million. If you purchased investment contracts or notes from, or issued by, Wear, Water Station, Creative, or Chirico, or if you otherwise invested monies with those parties and have questions concerning your rights and interests or would like more information about Berger Montague's investigation, CLICK HERE or please contact Berger Montague: Andrew Abramowitz at [email protected] or (215) 875-3015, or Caitlin Adorni at [email protected] or (267)764-4865. On August 14, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission sued Wear, Water Station, and Creative in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York for violations of the federal securities laws arising from a Ponzi scheme operated by Wear through Water Station and Creative, two entities that Wear formed and controlled. According to the lawsuit, more than 250 investors were impacted. Separately, the SEC sued Chirico for breaches of fiduciary duties to an institutional client in violation of the federal securities laws. Also on August 14, 2025, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced the filing of criminal charges against both Wear and Chirico stemming from the alleged Ponzi scheme. About Berger Montague Berger Montague, with offices in Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Delaware, Washington, D.C., San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Malvern, PA, and Toronto, Ontario has been a pioneer in litigation on behalf of aggrieved investors since the firm's founding in 1970. Berger Montague has represented individual and institutional investors for over five decades in a wide array of securities fraud and Ponzi scheme litigation and serves as lead counsel in courts throughout the United States. For more information or to discuss your rights, please contact: Andrew Abramowitz, Senior Counsel Berger Montague (215) 875-3015 [email protected] Caitlin Adorni Director of Portfolio and Institutional Client Monitoring Services Berger Montague (267) 764-4865 [email protected] SOURCE Berger Montague According to a post on X by Spear Corps, the operations were conducted between August 11 and 17 across districts, including Jiribam, Tamenglong, Tengnoupal, Kakching, Churachandpur, Thoubal, Imphal West, and Imphal East. "Intelligence-based joint operations were launched between 11-17 Aug 25 by #IndianArmy and #AssamRifles formations under #SpearCorps, with #Manipur_Police in the hill and valley districts of #Manipur, namely Jiribam, Tamenglong, Tengnoupal, Kakching, Churachandpur, Thoubal, Imphal West and Imphal East. The coordinated operations have resulted in apprehension of 11 cadres, recovery of 11 IEDs, 39 weapons comprising automatics, rifles, pistols, improvised mortars, grenades, ammunition and warlike stores," the post read. https://x.com/Spearcorps/status/1957667657760874831 "These coordinated efforts by #IndianArmy and #AssamRifles highlight their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in #Manipur," the post added. Earlier, on August 11, Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with Thoubal Police Commandos, apprehended an active cadre of the Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) [KCP (PWG)] from the general area of Tekcham Maning Leikai in Thoubal District of Manipur on 11 August 2025, a release said. The meticulously planned operation was launched following credible inputs regarding the movement of KCP (PWG) operatives in the region. Demonstrating exemplary synergy and tactical precision, the joint team successfully intercepted and detained the individual, dealing a significant blow to insurgent activities in the area. According to the release, a thorough search of the apprehended cadre led to the recovery of a .32 pistol with a magazine, five rounds of .32 live ammunition, forty-five rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, four magazines of 5.56 mm INSAS rifle, and two mobile phones. (ANI) Based on specific intelligence, Assam Rifles launched a search operation on August 18 in General area Crossing point 4, Zokhawthar, Mizoram. During the conduct of operation, the team recovered 6.86 Kg (70,700 Tablets) of Methamphetamine tablets valued at approximately Rs 21 Crores. The recovered narcotics have been handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau, Aizawl. Earlier, Assam Rifles seized 466 bags of areca nuts, weighing 35,560 kg and valued at approximately Rs 2.48 crores at Champhai in Mizoram. The contraband has been handed over to Customs, Assam Rifles said in a press release. "Acting on specific and credible intelligence, Assam Rifles launched a well-coordinated operation in the general area Ruantlang, Champhai in Mizoram on August 11, 2025. The operation involved surveillance and area domination patrols to seize a suspected consignment of illegal Areca nuts. During the operation, the team recovered 466 bags of Areca Nuts, weighing 35,560 kg and valued at approximately Rs 2.48 crores," the Assam Rifles said. The successful operation once again highlights Assam Rifles' vigilance, swift action, and seamless coordination with intelligence agencies to curb the trafficking of contrabands in the region. The seized items were handed over to the Customs Preventive Force, Champhai, for further investigation and legal action. (ANI) Parliament on Tuesday passed a bill for promoting conservation of minerals, zero waste mining and supporting the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission with Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy stating that the Modi government is working with transparency in the mining sector and production has increased through use of technology. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, was passed by the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha last week amid sloganeering by opposition members over their demand for debate on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar. Opposition members have been raising similar demands in the Rajya Sabha. In his reply to the brief debate on the bill, Kishan Reddy said that the government is moving with determination towards its goal of 'Viksit Bharat' and the mining sector will be an important pillar. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill was passed amid sloganeering by opposition members over their demand for debate on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar. He said critical minerals are vital for various sectors and virtually no work was done in the area before 2014 with the country largely dependent on imports. The minister said the Modi government has identified 24 critical minerals that have applications across a range of areas, including automotive parts, machines, LEDs, electric vehicles, batteries, and space, and their import is duty-free. He said there is demand for critical minerals across the world and the government is making efforts to boost domestic production, including through off-shore mining. The first tranche of the auction of offshore mineral blocks was launched in November 2024 for 13 mineral blocks, which include 7 blocks of polymetallic nodules having critical minerals in the Andaman Sea. Kishan Reddy said India is also making efforts for the exploration of critical minerals in friendly foreign countries, including Argentina and Zambia. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a PSU under the Ministry of Mines, and the Provincial Government of Catamarca, Argentina, in February this year, which will pave the way for deeper collaboration in exploration and resource development of critical minerals. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visits abroad, seeks to expand cooperation in critical minerals. The minister said that due to the efforts of the government, there is a reduction in coal imports and there is no shortage of coal. "The states can get as much coal they need for power production," he said. Kishan Reddy alleged that the coal and mining sector was facing corruption and nepotism before the Modi government came to power in 2014. Officials said that significance of critical and strategic minerals in the development of the country is continuously increasing and recent global geo-political developments has constricted the supply-chains of these minerals.The Centre launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. Under this mission, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been tasked with conducting 1,200 exploration projects from 2024-25 to 2030-31. The bill seeks to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and also seeks to promote extraction of deep-seated minerals. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 has been amended several times over the years. The last amendment made in the Act in 2023 focused on increasing exploration and production of critical and strategic minerals in the country by introducing a new list of 24 critical and strategic minerals; empowering the Central Government to auction mineral concessions in respect of such minerals and introduction of exploration licence for critical and deep-seated minerals. According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, there is need to provide a dynamic market mechanism for minerals backed by a robust regulatory regime with the increased availability and demand of minerals in the country."Setting up of mineral exchanges will help miners and end-users of minerals in determining fair and transparent market prices based on supply and demand dynamics, stabilise markets and aid in budgeting and planning. This will promote investment in mining sector and infrastructure related to transport and storage," the statement said.The bill seeks to remove the limit on the sale of minerals from the captive mines so that miners can sell minerals after meeting the requirements of the end-use plant linked with the mine and on payment of an additional amount specified in the Act. It seeks to allow the sale of dumps which have been stacked up to such date as may be specified by the Central Government in captive leases which cannot be captively utilised to reduce environmental hazards and increase safety in mine workings, bring more minerals to the market and provide additional revenue to the States.India is mostly dependent on the import of critical minerals. "There is an urgent need to further amend the Act to support the National Critical Mineral Mission in its objectives," the statement said. The bill seeks to empower the Central Government to promote the development of the market, including trading, of minerals, their concentrates or their processed forms (including metals) through mineral exchanges. It seeks to widen the scope and territorial domain of the National Mineral Exploration Trust to enable the use of the funds accrued to the Trust within India, including the offshore areas, and outside India for the purposes of exploration and development of mines and minerals. The bill seeks to enable one-time extension of the area under a mining lease or composite licence to include therein a contiguous area not exceeding ten per cent. or thirty per cent., respectively, of the existing area under the lease or licence subject to such terms and conditions and additional payment as may be prescribed in rules by the Central Government. "This will promote optimal mining of deep-seated minerals which are locked up in contiguous areas and may not be economically viable to be extracted under a separate lease or licence," the statement said. The bill seeks to rename the Trust as the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust to reflect its enlarged scope and increase the amount of payment to the Trust by the lessees from present two per cent. of the royalty payable to three per cent. of the royalty payable;It seeks to enable the inclusion of any new mineral in a mining lease, subject to the conditions prescribed by the Central Government and the additional amount payable as specified in the proposed Eighth Schedule to the Act. No additional amount is applicable on inclusion of critical and strategic mineral or minerals specified in the Seventh Schedule to the Act to incentivise production of these minerals which are found in small quantity and are difficult to mine and process. Officials said that the Ministry of External Affairs is actively engaging with relevant stakeholders to alleviate the challenges arising from export restrictions on rare earth magnets imposed by certain countries. There have been continued engagements at the bilateral and multilateral levels to increase cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including in rare earth minerals and related technologies. These efforts aim to mitigate disruptions in the supply chain and safeguard the interests of Indian importers. They said the Ministry of Mines has been working to ensure supply chain resilience for critical minerals, including Rare Earth Elements, as they are key materials for sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy and defence. In the interest of developing bilateral cooperation with countries having rich mineral resources, the Ministry of Mines has entered into bilateral agreements with the governments of some countries, such as Australia, Argentina, Zambia, Peru, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Cote D'Ivoire and International organisations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA). (ANI) Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday visited various parts of Mumbai to assess the situation following heavy rainfall in the city and adjoining Thane district, which disrupted everyday life. According to officials, parts of Mumbai received more than 250 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. Between 8:30 am on Monday and 8:30 am on Tuesday, Vikhroli recorded 255.5 mm, Byculla 241 mm, Santacruz 238.2 mm, Juhu 221.5 mm, and Bandra 211 mm. Colaba recorded 110.4 mm, while Mahalaxmi saw 72.5 mm of rainfall. Shinde was accompanied by MLA Dilip Lande, Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Commissioner for Eastern Suburbs Amit Saini, Thane Municipal Corporation Commissioner Saurabh Rao, and senior officials and staff from both Thane and Mumbai civic bodies. After visiting the Emergency Management Department of the Municipal Corporation at BMC, Shinde told reporters, "I took a tour of Mumbai, visited the Mithi River and areas affected by landslides in Vikhroli Park Site and also went to Thane. BMC machinery is on high alert, with Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and other officials actively monitoring the situation in the field..." He further stated that immediate relief efforts were underway "Efforts are being made to provide immediate relief, with 525 pumps operational, 10 mini pumping stations, and 6 large pumping stations in use. Holding ponds have been created, and NDRF teams are working to shift people from flood-prone areas to safer locations, providing them with food, shelter, and medical camps..." he added. He further said that geo-netting is being implemented in landslide-prone areas to "prevent further incidents." "The BMC is also providing food packets and other essentials to those affected, and public transport services are being managed to reduce traffic..." The Deputy Chief Minister appealed to citizens to stay indoors unless necessary and urged private companies to allow employees to work from home, given the high-intensity rainfall. He added that the flooding was "significant but being mitigated through continuous drainage efforts." (ANI) The West Agartala Police have successfully busted a gang of miscreants involved in a series of thefts and robberies across different parts of the state. Four notorious criminals were arrested following a late-night operation near the Agartala-Bangladesh border on Monday night. The arrested have been identified as Shakil Mia, Mintu Rudra Pal, Juton Mia, and Amar Das. "This is a big achievement for us, especially before Durga Puja," a senior police officer said. "The operation highlights the bravery of our personnel and the professionalism of the Agartala Police. Our jurisdiction lies close to the Bangladesh border, covering about 11 kilometers, and we remain constantly vigilant against cross-border and local crimes." According to police sources, acting on specific intelligence, a special operation was launched to detain the gang members. Office in Charge of West Agartala PS Rana Chatterjee said, "We received information at our West Police Station that a group of miscreants, known for committing thefts and robberies in different areas, had gathered near a location close to the Agartala-Bangladesh border. Acting on this information, we launched an operation to detain them. When we reached the spot at night, they attempted to escape, but we chased them down and, with great bravery, managed to apprehend them." He said that during the operation, one of the constables was attacked and injured. "However, despite being wounded, he demonstrated the courage and determination of the Tripura Police and, along with his team, successfully detained two of the culprits. Based on the information obtained from those two, we arrested two more from Bishalgarh. This gang was particularly involved in looting in Agartala, Udaipur, and Bishalgarh areas. They mainly targeted elderly people, committed burglaries in houses, stole motorbikes, and were linked to various other criminal activities," he said. He further said that catching such a gang is indeed a big achievement. The success of this operation reflects the professionalism of the Agartala Police. "From the accused, we recovered three stolen motorbikes and some gold ornaments. They have now been sent to remand, and we expect to extract more information during interrogation. Since our police station covers an 11-kilometre stretch along the Bangladesh border, we always remain alert to prevent any such incidents. Apprehending these four notorious criminals before Durga Puja is a major achievement," he said. He said that the arrested individuals are identified as Shakil Mia, Mintu Rudra Pal, Juton Mia, and Amar Das. Two are already in remand, and the other two are being sent shortly. "Although our jurisdiction lies near the Bangladesh border, we are fully capable of dealing with all kinds of offenders and crimes, whether cross-border crimes or any other crimes in border areas, with complete professionalism," he added. The gang, police revealed, was mainly active in Agartala, Udaipur, and Bishalgarh, targeting elderly residents, breaking into houses, and stealing motorbikes. They were also linked to several other cases of looting. From the arrested individuals, police recovered three stolen motorbikes and gold ornaments. All four have been taken into custody, with two already placed on remand and the others being sent shortly. Police expect more revelations during further interrogation. (ANI) Amid the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, Telangana Congress MPs on Tuesday staged a protest against the Centre, demanding the release of urea for the farmers of the state. "Telangana Farmers demand full urea supply. The Government of India promised 8.3 lakh metric tons, delivered only 5.3 lakh metric tons! Close the gap, save our Telangana Farmers," read a protest banner held by the MPs. Hitting out at the Narendra Modi-led government, Congress MP Mallu Ravi warned of farmers in Telangana "coming onto roads" to protest against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the centre if urea was not released. "Farmers in Telangana are suffering due to a lack of urea supply. If it is not released immediately, the crops are going to be damaged. Farmers will come onto the roads and they will protest against the BJP government," Ravi told ANI. He said that the government had promised to give approximately 9 lakh Metric Tonnes (MTs) of urea, but only released 5 lakh MT of urea. "We will not leave this issue and will perform a 'dharna' before the house of JP Nadda," he added. "They have only delivered 5 lakh tonnes of urea, and as per the plan of the government of India and Union Chemicals and Fertiliser Minister (JP Nadda), they are yet to release 3 lakh tonnes of urea to Telangana. They are providing urea to Andhra Pradesh and other BJP-ruled states. Because Telangana is a Congress-ruled state, they are not delivering urea," Ravi said. Congress MP Vamsi Gaddam said that the lack of urea delivery for the farmers in the state of Telangana was a "complete mismanagement of the BJP government". "We have a huge urea crisis going on in Telangana. Yesterday, we also met the parliamentary committee chairman of fertilisers, Kriti Azad. All five of us MPs from Telangana went. We did a protest here. Today, I'm also trying to raise the zero-hour question by highlighting our need for urea. Almost 9 lakh tonnes of urea were promised, and hardly 3 to 4 lakh tonnes have been delivered. This is complete mismanagement of the BJP government," Gaddam told ANI. Over a month ago, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met Union Minister JP Nadda at his official residence in Delhi and requested a timely supply of the urea allocated to Telangana for the ongoing Kharif season. During the meeting, Reddy brought to the notice of the Union Minister that only 3.07 lakh metric tonnes of urea were supplied between April and June as against the requirement of 5 lakh metric tonnes in the Kharif season. Given the farming activity being in full swing, Revanth Reddy had appealed to the Union Minister to ensure no disruption in the supply of urea. (ANI) While addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that "strange people" from various parts of the country are visiting Assam, and if they do "excessive politics", they would be arrested. He further stated that such kind of people also came to Assam during the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process and spoiled the entire exercise. "Even during the NRC process, these people had come, and we have been tracking them. Today, Irfan Ali Engineer, Mumbai High Court Advocate Neha Darbani have arrived. Some more people have been coming from Kerala. During the NRC process, such kind of people had come and spoiled our entire efforts," Assam CM said. Adding further, CM Sarma said, "At that time, the government didn't keep a watch on such incidents. But this time we are keeping watch on every person. If anyone crosses the limit, they will be arrested. If anyone does excessive politics, they will definitely be arrested. No fundamentalist, whether they come from Kerala, Mumbai or Delhi, will not given shelter in Assam." He further said that these are fundamentalist forces that promote and protect the activities of certain sections. The Assam Chief Minister also alleged that, during the NRC process, these people created false records by taking advantage of the same names of individuals and entered the names of those people who actually did not deserve to be included in the list. The NRC process is aimed at identifying Indian citizens in the state and excluding illegal immigrants, largely perceived to be from Bangladesh. However, 19 lakh people's names were excluded from the final draft list of NRC. The case of demands for revision of the NRC is still pending in the Supreme Court. "These issues and many cases have come to light now, and in the last five years, we have found many such cases, anomalies. We are now ready to tell and submit the same to the Supreme Court," Himanta Biswa Sarma said. Earlier, Assam CM has strongly reacted to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's reported remarks on the National Register of Citizens (NRC), alleging that she is attempting to instill "fear" among Bengali communities ahead of upcoming State Assembly elections. Speaking at a press conference in Guwahati, Sarma dismissed her concerns as unwarranted, saying, "Who has asked her to obey the NRC? She is speaking unnecessarily. She is suddenly saying that she will not obey the NRC. Where is the NRC? Nobody has ordered any NRC." CM Sarma said, "This is her tactic to create fear among Bengalis and get their vote. She did not talk about NRC for the last 5 years. Only when the Election is coming, she has started talking about all these things." His reaction comes following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, earlier accused the double-engine government of trying to take away the citizenship of people in the state. While addressing the public in Jhargram, "I am thinking, are we really independent? I hope our citizenship will not be snatched. Please don't deprive us." The Chief Minister alleged that the 'double engine government' is trying to push citizens into detention by falsely branding them as Rohingyas and attempting to push them back into Bangladesh. Earlier, CM Banerjee said, "If genuine voters are removed from the voter list, then I will protest in the entire world. Malpua (BJP leader Amit Malviya) is demanding my arrest. Even if you come to arrest me or shoot me, I will keep protesting against the insult of the Bengali language." "There is an NRC conspiracy behind the ongoing SIR activity. In Assam, nearly seven lakh people have been removed from the voter list, which includes Hindu Bengalis. Notices are being sent in Cooch Behar and Alipurduar and Indian residents are being sent to Bangladesh. Not a single name should be excluded from the voter's list. Our two officers received notice from ECI regarding their suspension. There is no need to fear. Eight to nine months are left for the polls, but the BJP has started to suspend people from now itself. ECI is acting as the agent of the BJP," she said. (ANI) The United Kingdom Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh Government to offer the prestigious Chevening Scholarship Programme in the state. The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron. Under the agreement, up to 15 scholars from Uttar Pradesh will be eligible for full financial support to pursue a one-year master's degree in the UK. The Chevening programme in India is the largest in the world, benefiting over 3,900 scholars and fellows since 1983. An official statement from the British High Commission to India reads, "The UK Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to offer the prestigious Chevening Scholarship Programme in the state. Under the agreement signed today in Lucknow in the presence of CM Yogi Adityanath and British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, up to 15 scholars from the state will be eligible for full financial support to pursue a one-year master's in the UK." "The Chevening programme in India is the largest in the world, benefitting over 3,900 scholars and fellows since 1983, demonstrating the UK's commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow. Chevening alumni use their world-class education and global networks gained in the UK to create meaningful, lasting change when they return home, whether by tackling global challenges or making a tangible impact in their own communities," the statement added. The MoU was signed during British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron's courtesy visit to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow. Right after shaking hands with UP CM on the agreement, the British High Commissioner expressed confidence over the growing relations between the UK and India, with the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Vision 35 helping open up many opportunities for businesses. "It's wonderful to be here in Lucknow today to sign with the Chief Minister the agreement on the new Chevening scholarships which we're announcing together between the United Kingdom and Uttar Pradesh. This will give the opportunity for five students every year for the next three years to go to the UK on a fully funded scholarship, which is part of the fantastic and growing relationship between the United Kingdom and India," High Commissioner Cameron told ANI right after the meeting. Praising the FTA for giving opportunities to businesses to grow, Cameron added, "With the recent signing of both the trade agreement and Vision 35, the vision for the new relationship between the UK and India was recently signed by our two prime ministers during PM Modi's visit to the UK. So it's great to be here talking about education and talking about the fantastic opportunities for business that the FTA will also allow us to explore here between the UK and India." Chevening is the UK Government's international scholarships programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations. It offers individuals the opportunity to further their education in the UK. To qualify for the scholarship, a student must hold an undergraduate degree to qualify for a master's programme in the UK. One must apply to three different eligible courses in a Western country and receive an unconditional offer from at least one of those courses. Once selected, the people will have their university tuition funded, receive a monthly stipend, receive a travel allowance to and from the UK, and an arrival allowance. The cost of one visa application will be funded and a travel grant will be given to attend Chevening events in the UK. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia on Tuesday alleged that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is running a "jhooth ki dukaan" (shop of lies) as the Congress MP leads the 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' in poll-bound Bihar. Bhatia further questioned whether Gandhi would apologise to the nation for spreading "falsehoods". At a BJP press conference here, Bhatia referred to a petition rejected by the Supreme Court on August 18, alleging discrepancies in the Maharashtra Assembly elections held in November 2024. "Yesterday, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections over alleged bogus voting. The court stated, 'There is no tangible material before us that states there was bogus voting.' Additionally, the court noted that this was a misuse of the legal process" "Rahul Gandhi is running 'jhooth ki dukaan/showroom', not 'mohabaat ki dukaan'...", Bhatia added. He also responded to the Congress's claims of discrepancies in the Maharashtra voters' data, claiming that "baseless questions were raised on the Election Commission". "For 40 hours, lies were floated to weaken our democracy and raise baseless questions on the Election Commission. Who will take responsibility for this? Will Rahul Gandhi apologise to the nation? What about harming the public's faith? The people who saw this information must have believed it to be true," he said. Echoing similar concerns, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad accused the Congress party of wanting infiltrators and deceased people to remain on the voter list. Prasad told ANI, "What do they want- that infiltrators be made voters? Should those who have died be kept as voters? Should those listed in two places be kept as voters? What do they want? They have not been able to clarify their stand so far." "I want to say one thing to Rahul Gandhi, you raised the issue of Pegasus, there was a hearing in the Supreme Court, it was said that those who have a problem should give their phones for investigation, but you didn't give yours. On the Rafale issue, you had to apologise in front of the Supreme Court...The country will never forgive you. The way you have insulted the Parliament, you will never get votes," he added. LJP (Ramvilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary also criticised the Opposition's campaign, stating it would not benefit their alliance. "This yatra will not bring any benefit to their alliance. The people of Bihar have made up their minds to vote only for those who have brought development to the state. Whatever allegations they have made against the Election Commission, they should understand that the Election Commission is a constitutional institution," Choudhary said. The 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' began on Sunday from Sasaram. The 16-day yatra has been organised to protest against the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar and alleged 'vote chori'.The yatra will cover more than 1,300 km across over 20 districts and conclude in Patna on September 1. (ANI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday asserted that the collective decision by all opposition parties to nominate retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as their joint candidate for the Vice Presidential election was a "huge achievement of democracy." Addressing a press conference here, Kharge said the opposition was united in its stand against injustice, especially when democracy and the Constitution were under threat. "All opposition parties have nominated B Sudershan Reddy garu as their joint candidate for the position of the Vice President of India. I am glad that all opposition parties are ready to fight collectively. This is a huge achievement of democracy. Because the opposition stands united against injustice whenever democracy and the constitution are under threat," Kharge said. The Rajya Sabha MP argued that B Sudershan Reddy, who he said was a progressive jurist, represents the values that shaped India's freedom movement. He asserted that all these values are under assault. "He reflects, fully, the values that shaped our country's freedom movement so profoundly, and the values on which our country's constitution and democracy have been anchored. All these values are under assault and therefore, our collective and determined resolve to fight this election," Kharge said while asserting that this Vice Presidential contest was an ideological battle. "B Sudershan Reddy garu is one of India's most distinguished and progressive jurists. He has had a long and eminent legal career, including as Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court and Judge of the Supreme Court. He has been a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic and political justice," he added. The INDIA bloc announced retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as its Vice Presidential candidate earlier in the day, terming the election an "ideological fight" against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The opposition leaders said their choice of candidate is meant to defend constitutional values. The announcement also received backing from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Earlier in the day, Kharge said Reddy would file his nomination on August 21. Reddy, who served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2008, retired in July 2011. He will contest against the NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan. The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, with counting on the same day. (ANI) #WorkWorthDoing Campaign Champions Everyday Heroes and the Power of Shared Purpose WEST FARGO, N.D., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bobcat Company, a global equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, is donating $150,000 to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in support of environmental preservation following the success of its #WorkWorthDoing social media campaign. As part of NRPA's Park and Recreation Month, Bobcat invited individuals to share photos of their "work worth doing"whether at parks, job sites, or in their own communitiestagging @BobcatCompany and using the hashtag #WorkWorthDoing. Each post generated a donation to NRPA, resulting in a powerful, collective impact. "This campaign's success really shows what can happen when a community comes together around a shared purpose," said Laura Ness Owens, chief marketing officer at Doosan Bobcat. "Every moment shared in the #WorkWorthDoing campaign was more than a postit was a promise to help build stronger, more connected and more sustainable communities. We're truly thankful to everyone who joined us in celebrating the places that bring people together and spark inspiration for the future." Bobcat's donation will support NRPA's mission to build strong, resilient communities through parks and recreation. This year's Park and Recreation Month theme, "Build Together, Play Together," celebrated the professionals and programs that enrich lives and strengthen neighborhoods. "We're thrilled with the success of Bobcat's campaign and their continued belief in the power of parks and recreation," said Kristine Stratton, NRPA president and CEO. "This generous contribution and their ongoing support fuel our mission and the power of parks to nurture well-being, resilience and connection." Bobcat's Work Worth Doing initiative continues throughout 2025, recognizing the efforts of everyday people who are making a difference in their communities. To learn more about Bobcat's community impact, visit bobcat.com or follow along on Instagram at @bobcatcompany. About Bobcat Company Bobcat Company empowers people to accomplish more, a mission it has honored since creating the compact equipment industry in 1958. As a leading global manufacturer, Bobcat has a proud legacy of innovation, delivering smart solutions to customers' toughest challenges. Backed by the support of a global dealership network, Bobcat offers an extensive line of worksite solutions, including loaders, excavators, tractors, utility vehicles, telehandlers, mowers, turf renovation equipment, light compaction, portable power, industrial air, forklifts, attachments, implements, parts and services. With its North American headquarters in West Fargo, North Dakota, Bobcat leads the industry with its innovative offerings designed to transform how the world works, builds cities and supports communities for a more sustainable future. The Bobcat brand is owned by Doosan Bobcat Inc., a company within Doosan Group. About the National Recreation and Park Association The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, environmental resilience, and health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA's flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org. 2025 Bobcat Company. All rights reserved. SOURCE Bobcat Company Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) spokesperson Aare Shyamala on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led coalition government in Andhra Pradesh, alleging a rise in crimes against women and accusing TDP MLAs of perpetrating harassment and intimidation. Addressing a press conference, Shyamala questioned the state of women's safety under the current government, stating, "What promises were made to women before the elections, and what is happening today? Women are left with no protection while TDP MLAs themselves have become tormentors." Citing specific incidents, Shyamala accused Amudalavalasa MLA Kuna Ravi Kumar of harassing KGBV Principal Soumya, alleging that she was kept confined in his office during late hours and was subjected to unsolicited midnight video calls. "What right do MLAs have to misuse their position and terrorise officials?" she asked. She further revealed that, unable to withstand the harassment and arrogance of the Guntur East MLA Naseer, a woman named Sofia had even attempted suicide. Shyamala lambasted the silence of Home Minister Anitha, questioning why she has not spoken on Soumya's suicide attempt or the rising number of cases of women being victimised, including within her own constituency. She said, "During YS Jagan's tenure, women had the protection of the Disha App. What benefit has the coalition's so-called Shakti App delivered? Women employees and even IPS officers are facing humiliation under this regime." She criticised the coalition government for ignoring complaints made to the police, shielding perpetrators. "Why are these atrocities invisible to the yellow media? Why is the government standing by the guilty instead of the victims?" she asked. Shyamala reminded how Dalit women are not being protected, and Dalits are openly insulted as "ganja addicts" by coalition leaders. She declared that the YSR Congress Party will continue to fight on behalf of women, Dalits, and victims of injustice, ensuring their voice is heard. "Women, children, and even senior officials are unsafe under the coalition regime. The YSRCP will remain the only true support for women and oppressed communities in Andhra Pradesh," Shyamala asserted. (ANI) The District Magistrate (South Delhi) on Tuesday issued an order mandating the installation of CCTV cameras in all pharmacies and medical shops in the national capital. The move aims to prevent the illegal sale of dual-use medicines without valid prescriptions. The order applies particularly to shops selling Schedule H, H1, and X drugs, which are often subject to misuse if sold without medical supervision. According to the order, the CCTV footage from these establishments can be randomly inspected by officials from the District Drug Control Authority, Sub-Divisional Magistrates or Police Officers at any given time. In case of non-compliance, appropriate legal action shall be initiated against the defaulter in accordance with the law. All Sub-Divisional Magistrates are instructed to ensure strict execution of the order in their respective jurisdictions along with the assistance of the Police and Drug Inspectors. Earlier, on July 27, the All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), which represents over 12.40 lakh chemists across India, expressed grave concerns over the unregulated and illegal functioning of online pharmacy platforms. The organisation alleged that several platforms continue to sell medicines in violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, thereby posing a significant threat to public health. Accoridng to a statement from AIOCD, JS Shinde, President, Rajiv Singhal, General Secretary, informed that in a formal communication addressed to the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, AIOCD has highlighted the continued inaction by State Licensing Authorities (SLAs), despite repeated complaints being forwarded to them by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). While the Minister's reply in the Rajya Sabha on 22nd July 2025 stated that complaints regarding unauthorised sale of medicines are referred to SLAs, AIOCD has informed that no visible or effective action has been taken by any SLA across the country. To escalate this matter further, a high-level delegation of AIOCD met with the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), Dr Rajeev Raghuvanshi, on July 21, and urged him to take the following urgent actions: Immediate crackdown on all illegal e-pharmacies operating without any valid license or oversight, including the Quick Commerce Players; Withdrawal of GSR 220(E), which was issued during the COVID-19 epidemic but is now being misused by these platforms to justify unlawful activities, and Withdrawal of GSR 817(E), the draft regulation issued in August 2018, which has remained in draft form for over eight years, enabling misuse due to lack of legal clarity, according to the statement. (ANI) Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad introduced the gig workers' welfare bill in the legislative session of the Assembly on Tuesday. After explaining, he stated that those working on digital platforms are gig workers. It includes food items, e-market, professional, transport, and health services. "This new concept has come to the country," he said, "Such an act is already in force in foreign countries. This commerce platform is growing year by year," the Minister Lad added. According to NITI Aayog, 23.5 million workers will come under its purview. "There are 4 lakh gig workers in Karnataka. Out of them, some own two-wheelers, rickshaws, and cars," he stated. The bill aims to introduce transparency in the system of automatic monitoring and decision-making, thereby holding digital platform collectors accountable. Minister Lad stated that this includes providing a dispute resolution mechanism, forming a welfare board, and establishing a welfare fund for platform-based gig workers. He noted that most gig work occurs in urban areas with traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise pollution. Due to pollution, a gig worker is suffering from health problems as if he had smoked ten cigarettes. The state government has provided health insurance of up to Rs 2 lakh to him, he said. Minister Lad stated that 10,560 workers have already registered under this gig platform. He also stated that platform-based gig workers are required to register with the board, and that collectors or platforms must also register. Additionally, income security and proper working conditions are provided for gig workers, he added. All members of the ruling and opposition parties welcomed the 'Gig Workers Bill'. The bill was then passed by voice vote when Assembly Speaker UT Khader put it to the ballot. (ANI) Rajesh Dharmani, Town and Country Planning and Technical Education Minister of Himachal Pradesh, on Tuesday stated that the impact of global carbon emissions were being disproportionately borne by Himalayan states, which had been facing repeated mountain disasters, further bringing to attention how no compensation was being provided either at the international or national levels. He further stated that the need of the hour was to bring a plan to regulate the entire state. Speaking to ANI, Dharmani revealed that he, along with two Congress MLAs and the Chief Minister's IT advisor, had to vacate their official residences in Shimla on Monday night after heavy rain triggered a landslide and uprooted trees in Benmore and Ramchandra Chowk areas of the state capital. They have been shifted temporarily to government guest houses. "It was around 11:30 pm when a loud explosion was heard in Ramchandra Chowk. Power supply snapped, and behind my residence, an old building housing around 40 people had to be evacuated. Families and children rushed out in panic. I immediately and called on the emergency numbers. Police, rescue teams and local councillors reached the spot, and later, we were advised by the PWD to vacate the residences as water pipelines and trees had collapsed, causing further risk," Dharmani told ANI. The minister further stated that he was not the only one affected due to the landslides and floods. "Along with me, MLAs Ramkumar Chaudhary and Ashish Butail, as well as the Chief Minister's IT advisor Gokul Patel, were also shifted. Around 40-45 local residents living in the adjoining block were evacuated to safer places, with arrangements made in government rest houses and guest houses, including the Haryana government rest house in Shimla and accommodation at Dharamshala facilitated by MLA Ashish Butail," he explained. Highlighting the high-level damage caused by the natural disasters, Dharmani stated that there was a need to assess, study and develop risk-reduction strategies to minimise the losses. "We need scientific studies, disaster loss assessments, and effective risk-reduction strategies. Some disasters like earthquakes and lightning are beyond control, but their damage can be minimised through strict planning norms, as seen in Japan. At the same time, human activities like unregulated construction, industrial emissions, and pesticide overuse are worsening vulnerabilities," he noted. The minister stressed that despite Himachal's proactive environmental policies, such as banning large-scale tree felling and promoting green energy, the state had been left without fair compensation. "At the recent GST Council meeting, I urged the Union Finance Minister that the Himalayan states must be compensated. Globally, the Kyoto Protocol recognised that heavily polluting countries must support developing nations. Similarly, within India, industrial states with higher carbon emissions should support hill states like Himachal, which preserve glaciers, forests, and generate oxygen. We are providing ecological services, and we must be compensated," Dharmani said. He further outlined a series of regulatory steps being taken through the Town and Country Planning (TCP) department. He said the steps taken includes declaring no-construction zones within 5 meters vertically and 7 meters horizontally in landslide-prone slopes, making TCP approval mandatory for construction above 650 square meters in urban and special development areas, preparing regional development plans for Shimla, Kullu, and Kangra, and extending it across the state in collaboration with the School of Planning and Architecture among another measures. Dharmani added that retrofitting old, vulnerable structures, regulating dumping sites for road projects, and empowering Panchayati Raj institutions to approve rural construction maps are among the next interventions. "Every tree has a life cycle, but instead of indiscriminate removal, we need scientific afforestation. For every tree extracted, we should plant at least 100 more. Recently, the High Court has directed that Tara Devi Hill Zone be declared a complete green zone with no construction allowed," he said, answering a question on the afforestation of Delodar pine trees in Shimla, which are damaging life and properties. Calling the current crisis a "wake-up call," the minister said that Himachal Pradesh would pursue both local planning reforms and push for stronger national and global commitments to safeguard fragile mountain ecosystems. (ANI) Several trains were cancelled or rescheduled due to heavy rains since Tuesday morning, said Swapnil Nila, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the Central Railway (CR). "Due to heavy rains since morning, 14 long-distance trains have been cancelled, 16 trains rescheduled, and six trains short-terminated and originated before their scheduled destinations," the CPRO said. In addition, two trains are being operated on diverted routes, he added. Meanwhile, red alerts have been issued for the next 12 hours in Mumbai city, suburbs, Thane, Ratnagiri, Palghar, Raigad, Pune Ghat, Nashik Ghat, and Chandrapur. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday informed that Mumbai received nearly 300 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, leading to some disruptions. However, he said the water level in the Mithi River is gradually receding. "The city received around 300 mm of rainfall between 8 am on August 18 and 8 am on August 19," he said. The chief minister also said that State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed where required. A red alert is in place for the Konkan and Ghat regions for the next few hours. An orange alert has also been issued for some areas. Addressing reporters, Chief Minister Fadnavis said, "Due to heavy rainfall in the state, there has been loss of life and property at some places. SDRF and NDRF personnel are deployed at certain locations. Mumbai has received around 300mm of rainfall, due to which there have been a few disruptions. The water level in the Mithi River is going down gradually. Red alert is valid for Konkan and Ghat areas for the next few hours." (ANI) The Cyber Crime Police Station of Chandigarh Police stated that they have arrested a 34-year-old man accused of defrauding a victim of Rs 1.3 crore through impersonation. The action was taken under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Cyber Crime Geetanjali Khandelwal, DSP A Venkatesh, and Inspector Eram Rizvi, SHO, Cyber Crime Police Station, Sector 17, Chandigarh. The accused has been identified as Joshua Oscar Nevis, son of Oscar Nevis, a resident of Mumbai. According to the complaint filed by the victim, he had received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number in which the sender impersonated his employer and asked him to urgently transfer money as an advance payment for a new project. Believing the message to be genuine, the complainant transferred Rs 1.3 crore into an ICICI Bank account in the name of Joshua Oscar Nevis. Later, it came to light that the entire transaction was fraudulent, the SP said. The Cyber Crime Police conducted raids in Mumbai, Maharashtra, after filing the FIR on April 20 under sections 319(2), 318(4), 336(3), 338, 340(2) and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and arrested the accused on August 13. During interrogation, Nevis disclosed that he had come into contact with a person through Telegram who introduced him to another individual. The accused further revealed that he had handed over his ICICI bank account kit, cheque book, debit card and registered SIM card to this individual, who then used them to execute the fraud, the officer added. Police said that the investigation of the case is ongoing, and efforts are being made to trace the other accused and establish their role in similar cyber crimes. Nevis is currently in police custody and is being interrogated to gather more leads, SP added. Chandigarh Police have also issued an advisory to the public, warning citizens against such fraudulent activities. They urged people not to fall prey to impersonation scams involving relatives, courier companies, narcotics officials or police personnel. They advised against transferring money for verification, avoiding arrest, or settling false cases. Citizens have been asked to verify suspicious calls by contacting local police or dialling the Cyber Crime Helpline number. (ANI) Earlier, a bench of Justice Sachin Datta had reserved its verdict after hearing extensive arguments from the parties. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, argued that the CIC's order ought to be set aside, stressing that while records may be produced before the court, they should not be placed in the public domain to serve the interests of individuals "seeking publicity or driven by political motives." He cautioned that an expansive interpretation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act could hinder the functioning of public authorities. The controversy stems from an RTI application filed by one Neeraj, on the basis of which the CIC on December 21, 2016, had permitted inspection of records for all students who graduated with a BA in 1978, the same year Prime Minister Modi completed his degree. However, the High Court stayed that order on January 23, 2017, following DU's appeal. Delhi University has maintained that the information is held in a fiduciary capacity and that mere curiosity, without demonstrable public interest, does not justify disclosure under the RTI Act. In contrast, the CIC in its 2016 order had observed that universities are public institutions and that degree records, maintained in their registers, qualify as public documents. (ANI) Punjab Transport Minister S Laljit Singh Bhullar on Tuesday held a detailed meeting with representatives of the Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS/PRTC Contract Workers Union and the Punjab Roadways (PUNBUS) State Transport Workers Union to deliberate on their demands. The meeting was attended by the Union leaders, including State President Resham Singh Gill, State General Secretary Shamsher Singh Dhillon, and Senior Vice President Jaspal Singh Bajwa, among others. The Transport Minister was accompanied by Secretary Transport Varun Roojam, Managing Director PRTC B.S. Shergill, Director State Transport Rajeev Kumar Gupta, along with senior officials of the Finance and Personnel Departments. During the meeting, Bhullar briefed the union representatives on measures already taken by the department in regard to their demands. He directed departmental officers to prepare a comprehensive proposal and hold deliberations with the Finance and Personnel Departments on the matter. Reiterating the state government's commitment, the Cabinet Minister assured the union leaders that all genuine demands would be addressed in a timely manner. He said that necessary legal procedures will be duly followed to resolve the issues at the earliest. Meanwhile, ahead of inaugurating highway projects in Delhi on August 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the Central government is continuously engaged in enhancing transportation facilities across the country with the expansion of connectivity. In a social media post on X, the Prime Minister wrote, "Across the country, we are continuously engaged in enhancing transportation facilities with the expansion of connectivity. In this direction, tomorrow at around 12:30 PM, I will have the privilege of inaugurating two major national highway projects. This will further streamline traffic in Delhi-NCR." On Sunday, PM Modi said Delhi is witnessing a development revolution as he 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 Prime Minister said the new highways will increase the convenience of the people living in Delhi-NCR. (ANI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday extended his greetings to retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy, who has been nominated as the joint opposition candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential elections. "I warmly congratulate B Sudershan Reddy Garu on being nominated as the joint opposition candidate for the Vice President of India. A distinguished jurist and champion of justice, he represents the spirit of our Constitution - safeguarding people's rights, equality and our Democracy. We stand united in this ideological battle and wish him all the very best," Gandhi posted on X. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday asserted that the collective decision of all opposition parties to nominate retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy for the Vice President elections was a huge achievement of democracy. The Congress chief said that the opposition stands united against injustice, particularly when democracy and the constitution are under threat. "All opposition parties have nominated B Sudershan Reddy garu as their joint candidate for the position of the Vice President of India. I am glad that all opposition parties are ready to fight collectively. This is a huge achievement of democracy. Because the opposition stands united against injustice whenever democracy and the constitution are under threat," Kharge said while addressing a press conference here. The opposition's INDIA bloc on Tuesday announced former Supreme Court judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election, terming the contest an "ideological fight" against the NDA. The opposition leaders said their choice of candidate is meant to defend constitutional values. The announcement also received backing from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Earlier in the day, Kharge said Reddy would file his nomination on August 21. Justice Reddy, who served as Chief Justice of the Guwahati High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2007, retired in July 2011. He will contest against the NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan. The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, with counting on the same day. (ANI) Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TKS Elangovan on Tuesday said that the Vice Presidential election is a contest between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and a social justice supporter. "He (B Sudershan Reddy) was not a politician, but a judge, who was for social justice. This is a fight between RSS and a social justice supporter. Naturally, it is a clash of policies. CP Radhakrishnan says he was in the RSS from his early years. How can we support him? It is an ideological war," Elangovan told ANI. He further stated that Maharashtra Governor and NDA Vice Presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan should have fought for Tamils since the state was being deprived of funds by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for which the latter works. "BJP is insulting Tamil Nadu and its people. They are not giving money to the state. They aim to hinder Tamil Nadu's development. CP Radhakrishnan should have fought for the Tamils. He didn't do that. He works for the BJP, which is against Tamil Nadu, so how can he expect us to vote for him?" Elangovan said. Retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy today expressed gratitude towards the INDIA bloc for projecting him as the Vice Presidential candidate while appealing to all the members of Parliament to support his candidature. "Thank you for projecting me as a candidate on behalf of the INDIA Alliance. But for (sic) you, it would not have been possible...As a candidate, I would humbly request and appeal to all the Parliamentarians to support my candidature," Reddy told reporters here. "I am very, very happy. Thank you," he added. When asked about him and his competition being from southern India, Reddy said that "south, north, east, west" doesn't matter since both - him and Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan - were Indian nationals. "It is the Parliamentarians who elect the Vice President. Political parties may sponsor the candidates. There is only one citizenship in this country. CP Radhakrishnan and I are Indian nationals. Whether it is South, North, East, or West, nothing matters," Reddy said. The retired Supreme Court judge, who has been nominated as the joint opposition candidate for the Vice President post, was welcomed by the INDIA bloc MPs after arriving in Delhi today. The INDIA bloc announced retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as its Vice Presidential candidate earlier in the day, terming the election an "ideological fight" against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The opposition leaders said their choice of candidate is meant to defend constitutional values. Earlier in the day, Kharge said Reddy would file his nomination on August 21. Reddy, who served as Chief Justice of the Guwahati High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2007, retired in July 2011. He will contest against the NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan. The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, with counting on the same day. (ANI) Feature: Remembering George Hogg, heroic British journalist supporting Chinese in WWII Xinhua) 08:59, August 19, 2025 LONDON, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- As dusk settled over the quiet town of Harpenden, north of London, on July 22, dozens of residents gathered in a church to commemorate a journalist born in their community over a century ago and his legendary rescue trip in China during World War II (WWII). Eighty years ago to the day, less than a month before the Chinese people secured victory in their war against Japanese aggression, British journalist George Hogg, who courageously exposed Japanese wartime atrocities and rescued and educated the Chinese youth, died in northwest China at the age of 30. Decades later, Hogg's enduring solidarity with the Chinese people continues to resonate. His selfless actions serve as a moving reminder of wartime hardship and heroism, and of the timeless importance of safeguarding peace and justice. "NOBLE AND WISE FRIEND OF CHINA" "George Hogg became a true friend, a noble and wise friend of China," said Mark Aylwin Thomas, nephew of the late Hogg and author of the biography "Blades of Grass: The Story of George Aylwin Hogg," during his speech at the church. Hogg was born in 1915 into a middle-class family in Harpenden. He arrived in China in the late 1930s after graduating from Oxford University. Witnessing the horrors committed by the Japanese army in cities such as Shanghai, Nanjing and Wuhan, he wrote prolifically for outlets like the United Press Association and The Manchester Guardian, detailing the devastation inflicted upon China. Hogg soon befriended international allies such as New Zealander Rewi Alley and American journalists Edgar and Helen Snow, becoming deeply involved in the Gong He (Gung Ho) movement of industrial cooperatives on unoccupied Chinese territories. Together, they helped unemployed Chinese workers and refugees form small-scale industrial cooperatives to produce military and civilian goods for the war. Passionately committed to the movement, Hogg traveled widely to help establish these cooperatives and wrote articles to garner international aid for China. To address the shortage of skilled talent, Hogg and Alley founded schools across China, enrolling poor and rural youth and equipping them with practical skills to enable them to join cooperatives later. In 1944, to escape the threat of conflict, Hogg, then headmaster of the Bailie School in Shuangshipu, Shaanxi Province, led over 60 students and tons of teaching equipment on a perilous trek westward from Shuangshipu to Shandan, a remote town in neighboring Gansu Province, where they continued their work in the desert. Tragically, on July 22, 1945, just weeks before the end of World War II, Hogg died from tetanus in Shandan. Hogg's relative Thomas shared with reporters that "Aylwin," Hogg's middle name, is derived from an ancient Celtic word meaning "wise friend" or "noble friend." He recalled being told a Chinese saying during a visit to China in April: "If you give a person a name, he or she will become that name." "It certainly was true in this case," Thomas said, "George Hogg became a true friend, a noble and wise friend of China." "I SEE A NEW CHINA" A George Hogg memorial exhibition opened on July 22 at the Harpenden Museum, showcasing his journalism and his book "I See A New China" written during his time in China. The book was published in the United States in 1944, vividly depicting the lives of ordinary Chinese people enduring war yet striving to protect their homeland. Eager to better understand the China that Hogg saw and sacrificed for, his relatives have traveled to China multiple times. Earlier this year, a delegation that included his family and members of the Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding (SACU) retraced his journey from east to west in China, traveling through Shanghai, Nanjing before finally arriving in Shandan. Peter Jarvis, Hogg's grandnephew and trustee of the SACU, recalled previous visits to China in 1990 and 2016. He said the pace of development in China is astonishing in terms of infrastructure and urban construction and mobile payments technologies, reflecting the kind of future Hogg once envisioned for China. Jarvis said he was also happy to see the spirit of "the Bailie School" has lived on. Today, the school has evolved into a modern vocational college, an institution carrying forward the spirit of internationalism and practical education. Back in Britain, Hogg's alma mater, Wadham College, at the University of Oxford, has established a fund named after Hogg, sponsoring undergraduate students who are reading Chinese Studies to travel and study in China. INDISPENSABLE CHAPTER OF WWII At the Harpenden Museum exhibit, Thomas paused in front of a large photo of his uncle -- young, smiling, dressed in a simple outfit and straw hat. Hogg is highly respected in China, but sadly, few people in the UK know of him, Thomas said, expressing hope that this year's commemoration would help more Britons discover Hogg's story and recognize the enormous sacrifice made by the Chinese people during WWII, a chapter he called "indispensable" to the Allied victory. "He (Hogg) was an incredible young man who achieved a great deal in a tragically short life. But the way in which the Chinese revealed his memory brought it home to us what an important figure he is," said David Kendall, trustee of the Harpenden History Society. Zoe Reed, honorary president of the SACU, has followed Hogg's footsteps in China many times. Her Chinese father, a wartime orphan who became Hogg's student, studied in Britain with the help of renowned scholar Joseph Needham, the founder of the SACU, in the 1940s. For Reed, Hogg's story is more than family history -- it is an emotional bridge between China and Britain and a reminder of China's contributions to the WWII victory. "I do think there's a real issue about we, in the West, sort of think World War II was just a European thing with a bit of American involvement and we don't really think through how the rest of the world suffered," she said. "We have very limited education about what happens in China and what happened in China," she said, calling for broadening the understanding of Britons, especially children, towards this part of history in which China was involved. Tim Fleming, chief operating officer of St. George's School, where Hogg studied during his childhood, also participated in the opening ceremony of the exhibition. He said the exhibition would help more students learn about this part of China's experience during the World Anti-Fascist War. The school's motto, "aim higher," might well have inspired Hogg in his university studies and heroic experiences in China later, said Fleming. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Calidar, Inc., an innovative start-up in precision diagnostic imaging, today announced the successful imaging of the first patient with its 4D Mammography system. The next-generation imaging system harnesses X-ray diffraction and AI to measure novel molecular-level signals of disease, offering the potential to significantly improve diagnostic accuracy. This landmark procedure was the first known in-human measurement of X-ray diffraction spectra and represents a major advancement in the field of medical imaging. Calidar's patented hardware, licensed from Duke University, that enables X-ray diffraction imaging in 4D Mammography. Despite decades of innovation in medical imaging, breast cancer and other soft tissue diseases remain difficult to detect noninvasively with sufficient precision. In the United States alone, approximately 1.5 million breast biopsies are performed each year, with up to 80% of those (1.2 million) ultimately diagnosed as benign. These unnecessary procedures contribute to over $6 billion in annual healthcare spending, a cost borne by both patients and payers. Meanwhile, delayed diagnoses due to inconclusive imaging result in an estimated 50,000 breast cancer patients annually whose treatment is postponed, increasing treatment costs and decreasing survival rates. For clinicians, unnecessary biopsies add strain to understaffed hospitals, with radiologist workloads nearly doubling and pathologist case volumes increasing by over 40% in the past decade. The first-of-its-kind 4D Mammography system, designed by the Calidar team of Stefan Stryker, Josh Carpenter, and Mitchell Greene, addresses these limitations by measuring how X-rays scatter at the molecular levela process known as X-ray diffraction. This produces a unique structural signature that reflects the internal composition of breast tissue. Unlike traditional X-ray images, which rely on shape and density, X-ray diffraction imaging reveals a new dimension of diagnostic data: what the tissue is made of, not just what it looks like. In prior ex vivo studies of breast tissue, these tissue-specific fingerprints enabled classification of cancerous and benign samples with four times the precision of conventional imaging techniques. "This is more than a study milestone this is the start of a new era of medical imaging," said Dr. Stryker, CEO of Calidar. "X-ray diffraction has unlocked some of the most iconic achievements in science from discovering the structure of DNA to revealing the composition of another world on the Mars rover and now we are bringing its power into the clinic to look inside the human body in a completely new way. Our 4D Mammography system brings this capability to the challenge of breast cancer diagnostics, where high-precision, noninvasive imaging tools are urgently needed." The first-in-human study will assess how well the 4D Mammography system can distinguish between healthy tissue and breast cancer in patients and compare performance to existing mammogram devices. The study is being conducted in collaboration with Baptist Health Hardin [BaptistHealth.com/Hardin] in Elizabethtown, KY, led by Principal Investigator Craig Kamen, MD. "We are excited to collaborate on this next-generation research and contribute to the development of technology that could meaningfully enhance our capabilities for diagnosing breast cancer," said Dr. Kamen. The current study focuses on the use of the 4D Mammography system in a diagnostic application, where patients already present with findings that require further evaluation. Future studies are planned to expand its use into breast cancer screening, with the goal of enabling earlier detection and improving outcomes for even more patients. The 4D Mammography system is investigational and has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is not available for commercial sale and is limited to investigational use in the United States under FDA's abbreviated IDE requirements. About Calidar Calidar, Inc. is a start-up, formed out of Duke University, revolutionizing precision diagnostics with the world's first clinical applications of volumetric X-ray diffraction imaging. Its cutting-edge 4D Mammography system harnesses the power of tissue specific X-ray diffraction signatures and AI to provide high-precision diagnostic information for breast cancer, with the potential for more accurate and earlier diagnoses. Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC, Calidar is pushing the boundaries of diagnostic innovation. About Baptist Health Hardin Baptist Health Hardin serves approximately 400,000 residents in 10 central Kentucky counties Hardin, LaRue, Meade, Breckinridge, Grayson, Nelson, Hart, Bullitt, Green and Taylor. The Elizabethtown hospital operates 300 acute care beds. Additionally, Baptist Health Hardin includes 74 points of care across the service area, including a Cancer Care Center, Outpatient Surgical Center, and three Urgent Care locations. The hospital's network includes nearly 500 physicians and advanced practice clinicians representing more than 40 specialties plus primary care, including hospitalists and OB hospitalists available 24/7; emergency care; cancer care; heart care; ear, nose and throat care; orthopedics; neurosurgery; plastic and reconstructive surgery; pulmonology; rehabilitation and therapy; urology and vascular services; medical and surgical services; diagnostic imaging; pediatrics; and obstetrics, which includes a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care unit. Baptist Health Hardin has also been twice awarded the Pathway to Excellence designation for excellence in nursing services by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). With more than 2,900 employees and an active volunteer corps of 100, Baptist Health Hardin is one of the largest employers in Hardin County. SOURCE Calidar, Inc. Retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy on Tuesday expressed gratitude towards the INDIA bloc for nominating him as the joint Opposition candidate for the Vice Presidential election and appealed to all Members of Parliament to support his candidature. "Thank you for projecting me as a candidate on behalf of the INDIA Alliance. But for (sic) you, it would not have been possible...As a candidate, I would humbly request and appeal to all the Parliamentarians to support my candidature," Reddy told reporters here. "I am very, very happy. Thank you," he added. When asked about him and his competition being from southern India, Reddy said that "south, north, east, west" doesn't matter since both - him and Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan - were Indian nationals. "It is the Parliamentarians who elect the Vice President. Political parties may sponsor the candidates. There is only one citizenship in this country. CP Radhakrishnan and I are Indian nationals. Whether it is South, North, East, or West, nothing matters," Reddy said. The retired judge, who arrived in Delhi earlier in the day, was welcomed by the INDIA bloc MPs. The INDIA bloc announced retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as its Vice Presidential candidate earlier in the day, terming the election an "ideological fight" against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The opposition leaders said their choice of candidate is meant to defend constitutional values. The announcement also received backing from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Earlier in the day, Kharge said Reddy would file his nomination on August 21. Reddy, who served as Chief Justice of the Guwahati High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2007, retired in July 2011. He will contest against the NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan. The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, with counting on the same day. (ANI) A 5-year-old child was attacked by three stray dogs in his locality in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The father of the victim supported the Supreme Court's directive on stray dogs and stated that the dog lovers who are protesting should be shown these videos of dog attacks. While speaking to ANI, Dinesh Sahu, father of the victim, said, "The dogs were dragging him. The doctor gave him antibiotic injections. Children are too frightened to go out, and they're not even going to school. According to the orders given by the Supreme Court, all stray dogs should be put in shelters so that children can play. I hope the dog lovers who are protesting are shown these videos so that they can realise the extent of these attacks...He could have lost his life." Speaking on the issue, the victim's mother informed that the incident took place on August 14. His Mother, Preeti Sahu, said, "I heard his scream and ran towards him. I saw three dogs on top of him...He has 3-4 injuries. I complained to Animal Aid; they came, but they didn't take the dogs with them. They took the dogs the next day..Attacks by dogs are increasing in number; the Government should make sure that it is safe for children to play outside..." Meanwhile, a group of around 15-20 people, described by police as "dog lovers," allegedly obstructed Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) workers during a stray dog-catching drive in Rohini, police said on Tuesday. According to police, the group assaulted MCD staff, freed two captured dogs, and vandalised the MCD vehicle by smashing its windows and stealing the register and logbook. "A complaint was filed yesterday against a group of approximately 15-20 so-called dog lovers. They allegedly obstructed an MCD vehicle tasked with capturing stray dogs, freed two stray dogs, and assaulted the MCD staff -- the incident involved vandalism, including breaking the vehicle's window and stealing the register and logbook," Rohini DCP Rajeev Ranjan said. "A case has been registered under sections for obstructing a public servant from discharging their duty and theft," he added. On August 11, the Supreme Court had ordered that all localities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad be made free of stray dogs, with no compromise on the matter. It had also made it clear that no captured animal should be released back onto the streets. On Thursday (August 14), the SC reserved its order on pleas seeking a stay on its August 11 directive to remove all stray dogs from localities in the Delhi-NCR region and place them in shelter homes. A three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria stated that it would pass an interim order on the August 11 decision of a different bench. (ANI) In an urgent meeting, leaders of all district bar associations unanimously condemned the move, calling it "anti-lawyer, anti-justice and against public interest." The Committee passed a resolution stating that the Government will be given 48 hours to withdraw the notification. A formal representation is also set to be submitted to the concerned authorities. "If the notification is not withdrawn within the stipulated time, all Bar Associations of Delhi will oppose it in the strongest possible terms, and if required, launch an agitation, including taking to the streets," the Committee declared. The statement warned that the directive would paralyse the trial process and obstruct the delivery of justice by taking crucial testimony out of the court's domain. "The district court Bar Associations of Delhi stand united and will not allow such an anti-justice measure to be implemented under any circumstances," said Tarun Rana, Secretary, NDBA and Additional Secretary General of the Coordination Committee. (ANI) The Vice Presidential election race has accelerated with the opposition parties naming retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as its joint candidate for the Vice Presidential elections. The opposition seems confident that their candidate will win the VP elections while asserting that the battle was "ideological" more than anything else. However, the ruling side has also expressed confidence in their candidate's victory, saying that their (opposition's) "defeat was certain." The leaders from opposition parties held a presser in New Delhi, which included NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and TMC's Derek O'Brien, among others. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge asserted that the collective decision by all opposition parties to nominate retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as their joint candidate for the Vice Presidential election was a "huge achievement of democracy." Addressing a press conference here, Kharge said the opposition was united in its stand against injustice, especially when democracy and the constitution were under threat. "All opposition parties have nominated B Sudershan Reddy garu as their joint candidate for the position of the Vice President of India. I am glad that all opposition parties are ready to fight collectively. This is a huge achievement of democracy. Because the opposition stands united against injustice whenever democracy and the constitution are under threat," Kharge said. The Rajya Sabha MP argued that B Sudershan Reddy, who he said was a progressive jurist, represents the values that shaped India's freedom movement. He asserted that all these values are under assault. Reddy will file nomination on August 21, Kharge said, adding, "All opposition parties' MPs are meeting in the central hall at 1 o'clock." Derek O'Brien said, "All opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), are on board." Congress leader Rahul Gandhi extended his greetings to Reddy and said that the opposition stands united in this "ideological battle". "I warmly congratulate B Sudershan Reddy Garu on being nominated as the joint opposition candidate for the Vice President of India. A distinguished jurist and champion of justice, he represents the spirit of our Constitution - safeguarding people's rights, equality and our Democracy. We stand united in this ideological battle and wish him all the very best," Gandhi posted on X. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TKS Elangovan said that the Vice Presidential election is a contest between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and a social justice supporter. "He (B Sudershan Reddy) was not a politician, but a judge, who was for social justice. This is a fight between RSS and a social justice supporter. Naturally, it is a clash of policies. CP Radhakrishnan says he was in the RSS from his early years. How can we support him? It is an ideological war," Elangovan told ANI. He further stated that Maharashtra Governor and NDA Vice Presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan should have fought for Tamils since the state was being deprived of funds by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for which the latter works. "BJP is insulting Tamil Nadu and its people. They are not giving money to the state. They aim to hinder Tamil Nadu's development. CP Radhakrishnan should have fought for the Tamils. He didn't do that. He works for the BJP, which is against Tamil Nadu, so how can he expect us to vote for him?" Elangovan said. As this happened, the BJP and its allies have expressed confidence in CP Radhakrishnan sweeping the VP elections while taking a jibe at the opposition for pitching a candidate despite knowing their defeat was certain. Union Minister SP Singh Baghel said that an appeal was made that the Vice President be elected unanimously. "A public appeal was made that if the Vice President is elected unanimously, it will be good for democracy. But anyone can contest in a democracy. So, the opposition has lost several opportunities; they have opposed good candidates and fielded another candidate, despite knowing that their defeat is certain," Baghel told ANI. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu said that his party will support CP Radhakrishnan's candidature for the VP elections. He further stated that the INDIA bloc chose a candidate who hails from the south because PM Modi announced Radhakrishnan's candidature. "I am happy that at least now the Opposition, the INDIA bloc, recognises there are states down south of India. So, this has happened because PM Modi has announced CP Radhakrishnan from Tamil Nadu. As an NDA partner, we are in full support of the candidate announced by the NDA, CP Radhakrishnan. We are totally confident that with the numbers that we have in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the states as well, that we will come out not only with flying colours but with a much bigger majority than the last time," Devarayalu told ANI. Meanwhile, Reddy expressed gratitude towards the INDIA bloc for naming him as the joint opposition candidate and appealed to all Members of Parliament to support his candidature. "Thank you for projecting me as a candidate on behalf of the INDIA Alliance. But for (sic) you, it would not have been possible...As a candidate, I would humbly request and appeal to all the Parliamentarians to support my candidature," Reddy told reporters here. When asked about him and his competition being from southern India, Reddy said that "south, north, east, west" doesn't matter since both - him and Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan - were Indian nationals. "It is the Parliamentarians who elect the Vice President. Political parties may sponsor the candidates. There is only one citizenship in this country. CP Radhakrishnan and I are Indian nationals. Whether it is South, North, East, or West, nothing matters," Reddy said. The VP is elected through an electoral college, which consists of MPs from both houses of Parliament. The election of the Vice President is governed by the provisions under Articles 64 and 68 of the Constitution. The Election Commission notifies the VP polls by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952. As per Article 66(1) of the Constitution of India, the election of the Vice President shall be held by the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote, and the voting at such election shall be by secret ballot. (ANI) With images of downed Pakistani drones, maps marking India's precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), and a spotlight on Made-in-India defence systems, NCERT has rolled out new modules on 'Operation Sindoor', calling it a military success, a technological breakthrough, and a political message rolled into one. The modules for secondary and middle school stages, written in conversation style between teachers and students, detail how India launched its decisive military campaign in May 2025 following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The module states that Operation Sindoor was "not just a military operation but a promise to protect peace and honour the lives lost. Before explaining the operation, it reminds students about the Pulwama terror attack in February 2019, when "a suicide bomber named Adil Ahmed Dar rammed a car filled with explosives into one of the buses. The blast killed 40 CRPF personnel and injured many others." It also recounts the Balakot airstrike on 26 February 2019, when Mirage 2000 fighter jets destroyed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp deep inside Pakistan. The module also discusses the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, noting that peace and development have followed in Jammu and Kashmir, including the upgrade of schools, rail connectivity, and a record tourist inflow. The text states, "Pakistan was not ready to see peace in Kashmir after Article 370 abrogation." The two modules are titled "Operation Sindoor - A Saga of Valour" for students of Classes 3 to 8, and "Operation Sindoor - A Mission of Honour and Bravery" for students of Classes 9 to 12. On 22 April 2025, terrorists from The Resistance Front, TRF, a known proxy of LeT, opened fire on tourists in Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam. In the gruesome attack, 26 men, including one Nepali citizen, lost their lives. The module highlights Prime Minister Modi cutting short his Saudi Arabia visit to return home after terror strikes in Kashmir and strongly condemning them. It recalls candlelight marches across India, Muslim communities wearing black armbands in protest, and villagers near the border demanding "strong action" in solidarity with the Armed Forces. "The terror attack was meant to create fear and hatred between communities. But people chose unity and courage," the module notes. The turning point, as the module describes, was the launch of Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, at 1.05 am. The operation was given its name as a tribute to the widows of the victims, "Sindoor which symbolises the marital bond. By naming the operation Sindoor, our country's leadership and armed forces paid tribute to the widows of the victims. It was to show solidarity, empathy, and respect," the Prime Minister is quoted as saying. Conducted with meticulous planning, Operation Sindoor targeted nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including Muridke and Bahawalpur, key hubs of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. In just 22 minutes, precision strikes by the Indian Army and Air Force destroyed these camps. The operation's success, the module notes, also came from the prowess of Made-in-India weapons, advanced jets like Rafale and Su-30MKI using indigenous missiles, including BrahMos, and drones providing real-time surveillance. ISRO's satellites gave constant monitoring support, proving the synergy of defence and science. While Pakistan retaliated with drones, artillery, and even a major missile offensive, India's multi-layered air defence grid, including S-400 and Akash systems, neutralised threats. "Not one critical Indian asset was damaged," the module says, underlining the strength of India's defence architecture. The modules also highlight the Navy's role in asserting maritime dominance in the Arabian Sea and the Border Security Force foiling infiltration attempts. The emphasis throughout is on coordination, discipline, and technological self-reliance, hallmarks of the 'Make in India' push. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is quoted as saying the operation showed "India can break through any enemy defence using what we've made ourselves." The text does not shy away from the human cost. It notes that Pakistan's ceasefire violations targeted schools and religious sites, killing 14 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, but stresses that India did not target civilians. Instead, the strikes were designed as "a precise and responsible answer to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism." The modules close by reminding students that the terror attack aimed to create fear and communal hatred, but "people chose unity and courage." They highlight India's diplomatic outreach, noting that the US officially declared TRF a foreign terrorist organisation in July 2025 after India presented evidence. Summing up the entire episode, the module describes Operation Sindoor as "a military success, a technological breakthrough, and a political message all rolled into one. A triumph of bravery, strategy, and innovation." (ANI) More than 300 passengers were rescued after a monorail broke down due to a power supply failure near Mysore Colony station in Mumbai on Tuesday evening, officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said. According to officials, the incident was first reported by a passenger identified as Jivan Mhatre. Upon receiving information, an 108 ambulance unit and personnel from the BMC, Mumbai Fire Brigade, and local police reached the site and initiated rescue operations. Six passengers who experienced suffocation were treated in the on-site ambulances and later discharged. Sunil, a passenger who was onboard the monorail, stated that the rescue operations started one hour after the incident occurred, further stating that the train had around 500 passengers onboard. "I was in the train from 5:30 PM. The rescue operation started after 1 hour. There were at least 500 passengers in the train. This train arrived after a gap of 30 minutes, so the entire train was overloaded with passengers..." he told ANI. Another passenger said that several senior citizens and kids who were onboard the train faced the issue of suffocation due to the number of passengers. "Passengers were patient. The train had many senior citizens and kids, and they were facing difficulties... Suffocation was the main problem inside the train..." he told ANI. BMC, along with fire department personnel and police, rushed to the spot and prompted a swift rescue operation. BMC Additional Municipal Commissioner Amit Saini confirmed that the rescue operation was actively underway, with fire and police department teams on site. "Teams of the fire department and police are engaged in the rescue. The rescue operation is underway," said Saini. Passengers aboard the stranded train also contacted the BMC helpline for immediate assistance. Meanwhile, the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL), in a post on social media platform X, said that services between Wadala and Chembur were continuing on a single line and assured that full operations would resume shortly. "Service update One Monorail train near Mysore Colony station has experienced a minor power supply issue. Our operations and maintenance teams are already on-site and working to resolve it quickly. For now, services between Wadala and Chembur are running smoothly on a single line. We sincerely thank you for your patience and assure you that your safety remains our top priority. Rest assured, normal services will be restored at the earliest," the post read. (ANI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday said that retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy is the joint candidate of opposition parties for the upcoming Vice Presidential elections and confirmed AAP's support for his candidature. "Understand this first that he is the candidate of the opposition parties. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and the party have decided that we will support former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy," Singh told ANI. His statement came in response to questions over Reddy's nomination as the INDIA bloc's Vice Presidential candidate. Reddy, earlier in the day, expressed his gratitude to the INDIA bloc for nominating him and appealed to all Members of Parliament to support his candidature. "Thank you for projecting me as a candidate on behalf of the INDIA Alliance. But for (sic) you, it would not have been possible...As a candidate, I would humbly request and appeal to all the Parliamentarians to support my candidature," Reddy told reporters here. "I am very, very happy. Thank you," he added. When asked about him and his competition being from southern India, Reddy said that "south, north, east, west" doesn't matter since both - him and Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan - were Indian nationals. "It is the Parliamentarians who elect the Vice President. Political parties may sponsor the candidates. There is only one citizenship in this country. CP Radhakrishnan and I are Indian nationals. Whether it is South, North, East, or West, nothing matters," Reddy said. The retired Supreme Court judge, who has been nominated as the joint opposition candidate for the Vice President post, was welcomed by the INDIA bloc MPs after arriving in Delhi today. The INDIA bloc announced retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as its Vice Presidential candidate earlier in the day, terming the election an "ideological fight" against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The opposition leaders said their choice of candidate is meant to defend constitutional values. Earlier in the day, Kharge said Reddy would file his nomination on August 21. Reddy, who served as Chief Justice of the Guwahati High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2007, retired in July 2011. He will contest against the NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan. The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, with counting on the same day. (ANI) Congress MP Mallu Ravi on Tuesday said that the opposition parties were not against Maharashtra Governor and NDA Vice Presidential candidate CP Radhakrishnan as an individual, since it is a battle of ideology. "We are not against CP Radhakrishnan, there are two ideals seen in India, one is secular ideology - Congress and UPA; non-secular ideology is NDA. That is why we are not against an individual; this is the battle of ideology," Ravi told ANI. He appealed to all the regional parties, including the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSRCP, to support the candidature of Sudershan Reddy. "We just wanted to start meeting individually and collectively. Through you, we are requesting all the TDP, YSRCP and even from Punjab and Bihar to support the candidature of B Sudershan Reddy," Ravi said. "We, the MPs of Telangana, are extremely happy that B Sudershan Reddy has been announced for the Vice President post by the INDIA bloc. There is every possibility that he may be elected as the Vice President of India, though apparently the number is short. In the Constitution Club elections, the NDA wanted to elect one person, and the person who was not to be elected has been elected with the support of Congress," he added. Reddy on Tuesday expressed gratitude towards the INDIA bloc for nominating him as the joint Opposition candidate for the Vice Presidential election and appealed to all Members of Parliament to support his candidature. "Thank you for projecting me as a candidate on behalf of the INDIA Alliance. But for (sic) you, it would not have been possible...As a candidate, I would humbly request and appeal to all the Parliamentarians to support my candidature," Reddy told reporters here. "I am very, very happy. Thank you," he added. When asked about him and his competition being from southern India, Reddy said that "south, north, east, west" doesn't matter since both - him and Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan - were Indian nationals. "It is the Parliamentarians who elect the Vice President. Political parties may sponsor the candidates. There is only one citizenship in this country. CP Radhakrishnan and I are Indian nationals. Whether it is South, North, East, or West, nothing matters," Reddy said. The retired judge, who arrived in Delhi earlier in the day, was welcomed by the INDIA bloc MPs. The INDIA bloc announced retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as its Vice Presidential candidate earlier in the day, terming the election an "ideological fight" against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The opposition leaders said their choice of candidate is meant to defend constitutional values. The announcement also received backing from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Earlier in the day, Kharge said Reddy would file his nomination on August 21. Reddy, who served as Chief Justice of the Guwahati High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 2007, retired in July 2011. He will contest against the NDA nominee CP Radhakrishnan. The Vice-Presidential election is scheduled for September 9, with counting on the same day. (ANI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha paid tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur on his 117th birth anniversary on Tuesday. Speaking to ANI, Tripura CM Saha honoured the Maharaja's legacy, describing him as the "architect of modern Tripura". He emphasised that Maharaja Bir Bikram's progressive ideas, reforms, and contributions to education, infrastructure, and culture continue to shape the state's destiny. "The last Maharaja of Tripura's Manikya Empire was Bir Bikram... The way he developed Tripura in every way, the Maharaja himself established the Agartala airport in Tripura in 1942; no one took his name," said Saha. The Chief Minister mentioned that the Maharaja established the Agartala airport in 1942, which was later renamed Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport after the BJP came to power in 2018. "Before 2018, the communists ruled here but did not give him any respect. After our government was formed in Tripura in 2018, we gave him respect. We named the Maharaja Bir Bikram airport after him...," he added. Saha criticised the previous Left Front government for not giving due respect to the Maharaja and his contributions. He stated that it was only after the BJP government was formed in 2018 that the Maharaja received proper recognition. The current government has taken several steps to honour the Maharaja's legacy, including naming the airport after him, declaring his birthday a public holiday, and installing a full-length statue at the airport. Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur was born on August 19, 1908 and died on May 17, 1947. He was a king/Maharaja of Tripura State, and also known as "the architect of modern Tripura" for his contribution to economic, social and educational institutions. He was also among the first rulers of Tripura to have visited Europe and America in 1931 and 1939. Upon the death of his father, he assumed the throne in 1923. He reserved lands for the Indigenous Tiprasa people, resulting in the TTAADC (Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous District Councils) area. He built Agartala's Maharaja Bir Bikram College and Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport. Maharaja Bir Bikram University is also named after him. (ANI) Days after busting Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module, Counter Intelligence Jalandhar has arrested two more operatives of the same module and recovered one 86P hand-grenade from their possession, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav has said. Those arrested have been identified as Vishavjit and Jackson, both residents of Shankar in Nakodar, an official release said. As per the information, Punjab Police had arrested five operatives, including Ritik Naroliya and Sonu Kumar alias Kali, and three juveniles, of the BKI module for their involvement in Nawanshahr Grenade Attack and recovered one 86P hand-grenade and one .30 bore pistol from their possession. DGP Gaurav Yadav said that acting swiftly on forward and backward linkages, CI Jalandhar, recovered one 86P Hand Grenade following the arrest of two BKI operatives Ritik Naroliya and a juvenile from Rajasthan, a few days back. The arrested accused's disclosures led to the arrest of their aides Vishavjit from Kolkata-- while he was trying to abscond to Malaysia), while, his accomplice Jackson has been arrested from Nakodar, which led to the recovery of the said hand grenade, he said. The DGP said that all the arrested accused persons were acting on the directions of Canada-based BKI masterminds Zeeshan Akhtar and Ajay Gill. Sharing more details, AIG CI Navjot Singh Mahal said that preliminary investigations have revealed that accused Vishavjit and Jackson had retrieved two hand grenades from Beas through their associates in last week of July this year. Of which, one grenade was exploded in a liqour shop in SBS Nagar 10 days back by other members of this module, he said.The AIG said that further investigations are on in this case and more arrests are likely in coming days. A case FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operation Cell (SSOC), Amritsar, he added. (ANI) Houston-Based Automotive Repair Franchise to Open $12M Technology and Training Center and Expand Shop AC Installations as Part of Long-Term Commitment to its People HOUSTON, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Christian Brothers Automotive (CBA), leading automotive repair franchise, today announced two major initiatives that signal the brand's long-term investment in its people and continued national growth. The brand will soon break ground on a $12 million Technology & Training Center in Katy, Texas, and accelerate a system-wide effort to install air-conditioning in every service bay by mid-2027an uncommon benefit in the aftermarket space. "If we want to be the best in class, we need to invest in our people and that means more than just training," said Michael Suttle, Chief Development Officer at Christian Brothers Automotive. "These investments reflect how much we value our team members, and how seriously we take our responsibility to care for them." The nearly 14,000-square-foot facility, set to open in early 2027 at 25801 Nelson Way, will serve as a national hub for hands-on training in both technical and guest-service excellence. Equipped with the latest in automotive repair technology including vehicle lifts, diagnostic equipment, and tools for automated driving systems (ADAS), the facility marks a major milestone in CBA's commitment to employee growth and operational excellence. The Katy campus also represents the first phase of a broader vision for the brand's future. In the coming years, CBA plans to relocate its corporate Support Center from Houston's Energy Corridor to the same site, creating a unified headquarters capable of supporting up to 500 employees. In tandem with the Technology & Training Center, CBA is expanding its shop enhancement initiative. More than 100 shops have been retrofitted to feature air-conditioned service bays, and all new shops south of I-70 are now built with AC included. The brand is also supporting franchisees who opt to retrofit existing shops, as part of a broader effort to foster a more comfortable and competitive work environment. "As we look toward the future of our brand, this new campus and our facility upgrades reinforce our belief that growth and purpose go hand in hand," said Donnie Carr, President and CEO of Christian Brothers Automotive. "It's about so much more than building infrastructure. We're creating an environment where our team members, franchisees, and guests all benefit from a stronger, more united brand experience." Founded in Mission Bend, Texas in 1982, Christian Brothers Automotive has redefined the auto care experience. Ranked #1 by J.D. Power for Customer Satisfaction among Aftermarket Full-Service Maintenance and Repair Providers six times in a row**, the brand's priority is to create a positive experience for every guest. From oil changes to complex engine diagnostics, Christian Brothers Automotive adheres to the principle, "Love your neighbor as yourself," and exhibits this commitment through its people-first approach to car care. To learn more about the company and its growing footprint, visit www.cbac.com. About Christian Brothers Automotive Corporation Dedicated to its brand mission "To love your neighbor as yourself," Christian Brothers Automotive has firmly planted its roots in faith and honesty, which have set it apart in the auto services and repair industry. Standing out from the competition, Christian Brothers Automotive ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Aftermarket Full-Service Maintenance and Repair Providers by J.D. Power six times in a row.** With its guiding principles instilled from the very first location in 1982, Christian Brothers Automotive has successfully expanded to more than 315 locations across 30 states. The Houston-based franchise delivers a variety of professional auto-care experiences including upkeep, maintenance, and repair. **Christian Brothers Automotive received the highest score for aftermarket full-service maintenance and repair in the J.D. Power 2019, 20212025 Aftermarket Service Index (ASI) Satisfaction Studies of customer satisfaction with automotive aftermarket service providers. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details. MEDIA CONTACT: Hayden Koone, Fish919 [email protected] (954) 893-9150 SOURCE Christian Brothers Automotive National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for the Vice President post, CP Radhakrishnan, met Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and NDA MPs from the northeastern states in the national capital on Tuesday. A total of 17 MPs, including Pralhad Joshi, met him at the latter's residence ahead of the election for the Vice President post. Earlier, C P Radhakrishnan shared the stage with Pralhad Joshi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State V Somanna, Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, and Shobha Karandlaje as NDA MPs of southern states met him. The INDIA bloc on Tuesday picked former Supreme Court Judge, Justice B Sudershan Reddy as its candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential elections slated to take place on September 9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, the NDA's candidate for the Vice Presidential election, during the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday. Radhakrishnan was welcomed at the venue by Union Minister Piyush Goyal and other senior leaders. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President JP Nadda, Union Ministers Jitendra Singh, Kiren Rijiju, Arjun Ram Meghwal, L Murugan, and BJP MPs Sambit Patra and Subhash Barala also attended the meeting. On Monday, the NDA leaders had held an introductory meeting with floor leaders. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed confidence that political parties would support Radhakrishnan. "Today NDA Vice-Presidential candidate C.P. Radhakrishnan arrived in Delhi and we had an introductory meeting with NDA floor leaders... We feel very proud that a person like C.P. Radhakrishnan has been named as the NDA Vice-Presidential candidate. All the leaders of the NDA alliance thanked PM Modi... We are hopeful that all the parties will extend support to him," Rijiju told reporters. Radhakrishnan will file his nomination papers on August 20 at 11 am, with about 160 members, including 20 proposers and 20 supporters, expected to be present. The election for the Vice President post will be held on September 9. A meeting of NDA floor leaders was held at Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's residence, where Radhakrishnan was formally announced as the candidate. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said the decision was unanimous, with all leaders pledging their support. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will act as Radhakrishnan's campaign manager, while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will serve as his election agent. Radhakrishnan has previously served as a Member of Parliament and as Governor of Jharkhand and Telangana. Prime Minister Modi praised his "dedication, humility, and intellect", noting his long-standing grassroots work in Tamil Nadu. (ANI) Ahead of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday expressed confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) prospects, highlighting the party's extensive campaign efforts across the region. "BJP has conducted rallies in a total of 36 Council areas so far. BJP has decided which seats it will contest. The party will form a policy, and after the date of voting is announced, it will announce candidates on the seats where it will win... BJP is in a good position in Bodoland," Sarma said while addressing the media in Kokrajhar. The Chief Minister also responded to questions regarding the future of the Village Council Development Committee (VCDC). "Whether VCDC should be scrapped or not will be decided only by the government that forms here. BJP is not the enemy of anyone," Sarma remarked. Meanwhile, the Assam State Election Commission on Wednesday published the final photo electoral rolls for 40 Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) constituencies containing 26.58 lakh voters. A total of 26,58,477 voters include 13,23,673 male voters, 13,34,787 female voters and 17 other voters included in the final voter list. According to the Assam State Election Commission, there are 3279 polling stations in 40 Bodoland Territorial Council constituencies. The election for 40 council constituencies of the Bodoland Territorial Council is likely to be held in the month of September. Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Assam State BJP president Dilip Saikia said that the BJP will fight alone in the BTC elections. In the last council election, the BJP and the United People's Party Liberal (UPPL) had formed the Bodoland Territorial Council government. Assam Chief Minister Sarma has attended several election campaign rallies in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), which is constituted with five districts - Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri and Tamulpur. (ANI) A series of complaints were filed regarding the deletion of voter names from electoral rolls in various districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Kasganj, Jaunpur, Barabanki, and Nawada in Bihar. However, investigations into these complaints have revealed discrepancies and baseless claims. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is facing criticism over the deletion of voter names from electoral rolls in various constituencies; however, investigations reveal discrepancies in some cases. A complaint was filed regarding the deletion of 8 voter names in the Amanpur Assembly Constituency. An investigation revealed that seven voters had duplicate entries, and one name was removed due to the voter's death. The names of the seven voters are still present in the voter list. "A complaint was received via email regarding the incorrect deletion of the names of 8 voters under the 101 Amanpur Assembly Constituency of Kasganj District. The investigation revealed that the names of 7 voters were listed twice in the voter list, and one name was deleted as per the rules," posted DM Kasganj on X. "The names of these 7 voters are still present in the voter list today. Due to the death of one voter, their wife had filled out Form 7, based on which the deceased's name was removed," added DM Kasganj. A complaint alleged erroneous deletion of 5 voter names in the Jaunpur Assembly Constituency. However, the investigation revealed that all 5 voters had passed away before 2022, and their names were removed as per the rules. "A complaint was received via email regarding the erroneous deletion of the names of five voters under the Jaunpur Assembly Constituency 366 in Jaunpur district. All five mentioned voters had passed away before the year 2022. This was confirmed by the family members of the deceased voters, local residents, and the local councillor. The names of the deceased have been duly removed as per the rules. Therefore, the aforementioned complaint is completely baseless and misleading," posted DM Jaunpur on X. Affidavits were received regarding the deletion of 2 voter names in the Kursi Assembly constituency. The investigation found that both voters' names are registered in the voter list. "Affidavits from 2 voters of the 266-Kursi Assembly constituency in Barabanki district were received regarding the erroneous deletion of their names from the voter list. The investigation found that the names of both the aforementioned voters are registered in the voter list," DM Barabanki posted on X. This comes after the Samajwadi Party has raised concerns over the deletion of voter names, alleging potential errors and voter suppression. Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, has demanded that the ECI provide an affidavit stating that the digital receipt sent to them is authentic. "The Election Commission is claiming that they have not received the affidavits provided by the Samajwadi Party in UP; they should check the acknowledgment receipt issued by their own office as proof of receipt of our affidavits. This time, we demand that the Election Commission provide an affidavit stating that the digital receipt sent to us is authentic, otherwise, not only the 'Election Commission' but also 'Digital India' will come under suspicion. If BJP goes, truth will prevail!" said Yadav. Meanwhile, in Bihar's Nawada, a complaint was filed by Subodh Kumar, alleging the removal of his name from the electoral roll. However, the investigation revealed that his name was never recorded in the electoral roll, and he did not submit the required form to claim his voting rights. "The Electoral Registration Officer-cum-Land Reforms Deputy Collector, Nawada Sadar, of the Warisaliganj Assembly Constituency (239) stated that on 19.08.2025, Shri Subodh Kumar, son of the late Shyamli Singh, alleged that his name was removed from the electoral roll during the draft publication of the Special Intensive Revision 2025. In this regard, based on the letter sent by the Block Development Officer, Kashichak, and the report of B.L.O. No. 10, Shri Manoj Kumar, it was clarified that Shri Subodh Kumar's name was not listed in the electoral roll of the Warisaliganj Assembly Constituency, Kashichak Block, Polling Station No. 10 (Anu. Pra. Vi., Mahrath) even prior to the draft publication," District Magistrate, Nawada posted on X. "The Electoral Registration Officer stated that upon reviewing the consolidated electoral roll published under the Special Summary Revision 2025 (dated 29.10.2024), the subsequent supplementary list (eligibility date 01.01.2025), and the draft of the Special Intensive Revision 2025 (dated 01.08.2025), it was found that while other members of Shri Subodh Kumar's family were transferred from Polling Station No. 09 (Anu. Pra. Vi., Mahrath, Western Part, House No. 126) to Polling Station No. 10, Shri Subodh Kumar's name was never recorded in the electoral roll at any point. Furthermore, as per the orders of the Honorable Supreme Court, Shri Subodh Kumar's name is also not listed in the published list of deleted electors. At the time when the B.L.O. was affixing this list at the polling station, Shri Subodh Kumar was personally present at the booth, as evident from photographs, and his signature is also present in the attendance register. However, even when asked by the B.L.O., he did not submit the required form. Consequently, after the draft publication of the Special Intensive Revision 2025, he neither filed any claim/objection nor submitted Form-6 or the necessary declaration (Annexure-D). Thus, it is clear that the allegation made by Shri Subodh Kumar is baseless and untrue. In the future, if he submits Form-6 and the necessary declaration as per the rules, his name will be included in the electoral roll," added District Magistrate, Nawada. The opposition parties have been protesting against the revision of voter lists since the commencement of the Parliament monsoon session on July 21, with the treasury benches accusing the Opposition of disrupting Parliament proceedings. Calling the ongoing exercise as 'Silent Invisible Rigging' of votes, INDIA bloc leaders held banners calling for the stop of 'Vote chori.' (ANI) Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju held talks with Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia of Russia and his delegation regarding the India-Russia ties. Rijiju said that their talks focused on the scope for deeper ties. In a post on X, he said, "Had an enriching interaction with H.E. Mr. Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia of the Russian Federation & his delegation at Parliament, New Delhi. Our conversations reflected the enduring India-Russia bond & the scope for deeper cultural & developmental ties." https://x.com/KirenRijiju/status/1957448431980417458 Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and shared his insights about the recent meeting in Alaska with US President Donald Trump over the Ukraine conflict. PM Modi said India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. He thanked the Russian President for the phone call and for sharing his perspective on the Alaska meeting. "Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. I look forward to our continued exchanges in the days to come," PM Modi said in a post on X. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1957410517053477314 India had welcomed the US-Russia Summit meeting and appreciated the progress made. "India welcomes the Summit meeting in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. Their leadership in the pursuit of peace is highly commendable," MEA spokesperson had said in a statement on July 16. "India appreciates the progress made in the Summit. The way forward can only be through dialogue and diplomacy. The world wants to see an early end to the conflict in Ukraine," the statement added. While the Summit meeting was anticipated to take about seven hours, it wrapped up in less than three. Trump and Putin addressed a gathering of journalists after the talks with relatively brief pre-prepared statements. Neither leader took any questions, according to Al Jazeera. (ANI) Nepal's Supreme Court on Monday issued a writ of mandamus in the name of the government to investigate the 2007 Gaur massacre, one of the deadliest instances of political violence in Nepal's history. A division bench of Justices Til Prasad Shrestha and Nityananda Pandey on Monday issued the mandamus directing that investigations into those named in the complaint related to the killings must proceed. As per the court officials, Tribhuvan Sah and others had filed the writ petition naming the District Police Office, Rautahat and the District Government Attorney's Office, Rautahat as respondents. Sah had filed the petition on June 4, 2023, seeking a mandamus for an investigation into the massacre. The March 21, 2007, political violence that flared with the clash between the then Madheshi Janadhikar Forum (MPRF) led by Upendra Yadav and the then CPN-Maoist at the Rice Mill ground in Gaur, Rautahat, left at least 27 dead. As per the investigation reports by various human rights bodies, most of the dead were Maoist supporters. In addition to that, a hundred others were injured. Following the latest order from the Supreme Court, the police are reopening the investigation into the case involving Upendra Yadav and 113 other accused individuals. According to a report by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the violence began after Forum supporters vandalised a stage set up by the Maoists. The situation escalated when gunfire was reported near the municipal office, leading to widespread panic, clashes, and brutal killings. As per the report, "Many victims were captured, beaten, and executed" in what the NHRC described as "inhumane and cruel" acts. Some were attacked with blunt weapons, while others bore injuries to sensitive body parts. Several were even burned, and reports claimed bodies were paraded around a local temple before being left at the site. The NHRC concluded the killings were premeditated and systematic, holding Forum cadres primarily responsible. It noted that the rights of those taken into custody were violated, stating: "The killing of persons under control or in captivity constitutes a crime under national and international law." The on-site study of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) identified four causes of the incident. The vengeful behaviour between the then-Maoists and the MPRF, particularly stemming from an incident on January 31, 2007, in Gaur, where Maoists attacked and beat supporters and leaders of the MPRF, fostering a vengeful sentiment, has been labelled as one of the four causes for the violent clash. "MPRF had been publicizing its event scheduled for March 21, 2007, at the Gaur rice mill for 10-12 days, the Madhesi Liberation Front, a sister organization of the then-CPN (Maoist), selected the same venue just two days before the event, creating a situation for confrontation," the report highlights the second cause. The report also states that the local Chamber of Commerce had attempted to mediate by organising a meeting to avoid holding events at the same time and place, but the Maoists did not attend, and both sides ignored verbal requests from the local administration, as the third cause for the clash. Lastly, the District Security Committee's decision on March 20, 2007, to request additional security personnel, the authorities concerned neglected to deploy them, has been labelled the fourth reason for the clash. The event, which took place right after the former Guerilla group, the CPN-Maoist, joined politics, Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal, "Prachanda" at that time, blamed royalist forces, Indian extremists, and foreign reactionary powers for orchestrating the massacre. Dahal also accused state security forces of remaining passive as the violence unfolded for hours. Madhesi Forum leader Upendra Yadav, meanwhile, went underground shortly after the incident. (ANI) During the bilateral meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a reporter, Brian Glennabout, complimented his suit. "First of all, President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit," said the pro-Trump reporter who had criticised Zelenskyy after a meeting he had with Trump in February for not wearing a suit to the White House, prompting Trump to quip: "I said the same thing." Zelenksyy, recognised the reporter as one who had criticised his choice of dress in February, responded, "and you're in the same suit". Glenn on Monday told Zelensky he "apologized" for the pushback and said he looked "wonderful." Zelenskyy showed up Monday wearing a coordinating dark shirt and jacket, though he did not wear a tie. He then asked Zelenskyy if he is open to holding elections in Ukraine after getting a peace deal. Zelenskyy replied in the affirmative, saying, "Yes, of course, I am open to holding elections, but we have to conduct them in safe circumstances. We need security to hold elections." On being asked about his 'severe consequences if a ceasefire is not agreed to' warning, ahead of his meeting with President Putin last week, Trump said that the issue was redundant now as he was more focused on ending the war, and not just having a ceasefire. "I dont think he'd need a ceasefire... I didn't do any ceasefires... But if you look at the six deals we have made, they involve peace and long-term, long-running wars; I didn't do any ceasefires. I like the concept of a ceasefire for one reason: you would stop killing people immediately, as opposed to two weeks or one week or whatever it takes. We are working on a peace deal while they are fighting. I wish they could stop, and I want them to stop, but strategically, it could be a disadvantage for one side or the other. I have made all these deals without the mention of the word 'ceasefire'." Trump said that there was a narrative that Ukraine would never join NATO, and they would discuss this later. He said, "If you look back long before President Putin, it was always a statement that they would never allow Ukraine into NATO, but we haven't discussed any of that yet. We will be discussing that today. We will give them very good protection and security, and that is a part of it..." Trump said that he spoke to Putin 'indirectly' on ending the war. He said, "I just spoke to President Putin indirectly, and we are going to have a phone call right after these meetings, and we may or may not have a tri-lateral. If we don't have a trilateral, the fighting continues, and if we have it, there's a good chance of ending it," he said. Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump follows an earlier meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin over the weekend. European leaders also arrived in Washington to show solidarity with Ukraine and advocate for strong security guarantees in any post-war settlement. The meeting involved Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, PM Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron, Italy's Giorgia Meloni, Germany's Friedrich Merz, Finland's Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the EU Commission. (ANI) United States Senator Lindsey Graham said that the US must 'crush' the Russian economy by penalising countries that buy oil from them. If this were to happen, the move would also affect India, which has lately been a bone of contention for Trump. In a post on X, Graham said, "My advice to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio is to convince Putin that if this war does not come to an end, we will crush the Russian economy by going after countries that buy their cheap oil and gas." https://x.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1957227945191497791 The comments by Graham appear lopsided, as Russian President Vladimir Putin noted during Alaska's press conference with Trump on August 16 that bilateral trade between the two nations has increased by 20 per cent since Trump's reinstatement as President. "Incidentally, when the new administration came to power, bilateral trade started to grow. It's still very symbolic. Still, we have a growth of 20%. As I've said, we have a lot of dimensions for joint work. It is clear that the US and Russian investment and business cooperation has tremendous potential," Putin had said. "Russia and the US can offer each other so much in trade, digital, high-tech, and in space exploration. We see that Arctic cooperation is also very possible in our international context, for example, between the far east of Russia and the west coast of the US. Overall, it's very important for our countries to turn the page, to go back to cooperation," he added. The comments came as Trump in an interview with Fox News, said that Russia lost India as an oil client while discussing the economic aspect of Russian President Vladimir Putin coming to the table for talks. When asked about the economic side of Putin's negotiations, Trump referred to India's role, saying, "Well, they lost an oil client so to speak, which is India, which was doing about 40% of the oil, China as you know is doing a lot...and If I did secondary sanctions, it would be devastating from their standpoint. If I have to do it, I'll do it, maybe I won't have to do it," during the interview aboard Air Force One. Trump's comments follow his recent decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian imports, citing New Delhi's oil trade with Russia. (ANI) US President Donald Trump said on Monday (local time) that he had a very good meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in the Oval Office. Trump added that he also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and apprised him of the events unfolded in Washington. In a post on Truth Social, he said, "I had a very good meeting with distinguished guests, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, President Emmanuel Macron, of France, President Alexander Stubb, of Finland, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, of Italy, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, of the United Kingdom, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, in the White House, which ended in a further meeting in the Oval Office. During the meeting we discussed Security Guarantees for Ukraine, which Guarantees would be provided by the various European Countries, with a coordination with the United States of America. Everyone is very happy about the possibility of PEACE for Russia/Ukraine," the post read. The post further said, "At the conclusion of the meetings, I called President Putin, and began the arrangements for a meeting, at a location to be determined, between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. After that meeting takes place, we will have a Trilat, which would be the two Presidents, plus myself. Again, this was a very good, early step for a War that has been going on for almost four years. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, are coordinating with Russia and Ukraine. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" The White House, too, in a statement said, "We have had a very successful day so far. We are all working for the same goal. We want to stop the killing and resolve this." https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1957552111928897937 Zelenskyy said that the group touched upon several sensitive matters. "I think that we had a very good conversation with President Trump... it was really good. We spoke about very sensitive points," he said. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte thanked Trump for his initiative to broker peace in the region. "I really want to thank you, President of the United States, dear Donald, for the fact that you, as I said before, broke the deadlock basically with President Putin by starting the dialogue... From there, here we are today," he said. President of Finland, Alexander Stubb noted that they have had more progress on the Russia-Ukraine war than they had in the last three-and-a-half years. "I think in the past two weeks, we've probably had more progress in ending this war than we have in the past three-and-a-half years," he said. In a post on X, he said, "Today, I participated in a meeting of heads of state and government from the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine. There is a strong consensus among the Coalition countries on the need to continue supporting Ukraine. Europe and the United States are further strengthening their common position. We will continue our joint efforts with Ukraine, our European colleagues, and the United States tomorrow in Washington DC." https://x.com/alexstubb/status/1957092261327757656 Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted the shift in the situation. "It is an important day -- a new phase -- after three years that we didn't see any kind of sign from the Russian side that they were willing for dialogue, so something is changing -- something has changed -- thanks to you," she said. https://x.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1957542957596172615 UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer thanked Trump for bringing all the bigwigs to the negotiating table. "I think today will be seen as a very important day in recent years in relation to a conflict which has gone on for three-and-a-bit years, and so far, nobody has been able to bring it to this point -- so I thank you for that," he said. In a post on X, Starmer said, "Ukraine's future matters to us all." https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1957533981429133769 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that after the good meeting, the path opened for far more complicated negotiations. "This is extremely helpful that we are meeting and hearing that the two of you are having such a good meeting today ... The path is open. You opened it last Friday -- but now the way is open for complicated negotiations," he said. French President Emmanuel Macron said that everyone is in favour of peace. "Thank you, Mr. President, for organizing this meeting and for your commitment... everybody around this table is in favor of peace... this is why the idea of a trilateral meeting is very important because this is the only way to fix it," he said. In a post on X, he said, "Alongside Ukraine, for the peace and security of Europe and France." https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1957549905289126188 https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1957586201541484620 https://x.com/Elysee/status/1957584230982250947 President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen said that stopping the killing was in the common interest. "We had a fantastic NATO Summit... We had the largest trade deal ever -- agreed. And now, we are here to work together with you on a... lasting peace for Ukraine. Stop the killing. This is really our common interest," she said. https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/1957553032712843775 In a post on X, she said, "We are here, as allies and friends, for peace in Ukraine and in Europe. This is an important moment, as we continue to work on strong security guarantees for Ukraine and a lasting and durable peace." (ANI) US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke after Trump paused his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders on Monday (local time), a source familiar with the matter told CNN. The source said the Europeans were not present for the conversation then. A European official told CNN that Trump paused the negotiations with the European leaders and Zelenskyy in order to call Putin. The news was first reported by German newspaper Bild, who reported the talks with European leaders would continue after the call with Putin at the White House. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a "candid and very constructive phone call" on Monday, a top Kremlin aide said, as per CNN. Putin's foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said that during the roughly 40-minute call, Trump informed Putin on his talks with the European leaders. The Russian leader "expressed support for direct negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine," he said. Following the meeting, Trump said that he had begun arranging a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. Trump and Putin had "discussed the idea of exploring the possibility of raising the level of representatives of Moscow and Kyiv at the talks," Ushakov said. He stopped short of confirming whether Putin had agreed to a bilateral or trilateral meeting. Putin also thanked Trump again for hosting him during his trip to Alaska, Ushakov said. Meanwhile, Trump has promised that the US would be involved in providing security guarantees for Ukraine. The US leader said that there would be some form of security guarantees for Ukraine, but did not reveal whether this would involve US troops. He said, "The Alaska Summit made me realise that while difficult, peace is within reach. In a significant development, President Putin agreed to accept security guarantees for Ukraine, a key point we must consider. We also need to discuss the possible exchanges of territory, taking into consideration the current line of contact, that is, the war zone... We are going to try to get a three-party meeting with President Putin and President Zelenskyy, as soon as we can," he said. (ANI) Amid the hubbub of US President Donald Trump's multilateral meeting with European Union leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's arrival grabbed eyeballs as she greeted the Chief of Protocol of the US, Monica Crowley, with 'namaste'. 'Namaste' is an Indian etiquette of greeting with folded hands. The practice by Meloni has been noted earlier too, as she welcomed leaders at the G7 Meet in Italy in a similar fashion. A video showed PM Modi greeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and engaging in a brief conversation with her during the summit. The camaraderie between PM Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been making waves on social media, with their interactions sparking a trending hashtag #Melodi. PM Modi and Meloni have showcased their friendly rapport in videos and selfies, including one taken during the COP28 summit in Dubai, where Meloni captioned the photo "Good friends at COP28, #Melodi". Their chemistry was on display during the G20 summit in India, with users editing videos to make the two leaders appear like they're in a romantic relationship, complete with Bollywood music overlays and playful captions. Their friendly interaction marks a significant diplomatic connection between Italy and India, with both leaders expressing enthusiasm for collaborative efforts in areas like sustainability, energy, and industry. Meanwhile, at the multilateral summit in the US, Meloni expressed her support towards peace. "If we want to reach peace and if we want to guarantee justice, we have to do it united," she told Trump. "We are on the side of Ukraine." It was a remarkable show of unity from leaders spanning the ideological spectrum from liberal centrists like Macron to the populist conservative Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, CNN reported. Meloni also noted the shift in the situation. https://x.com/GiorgiaMeloni/status/1957542957596172615 "It is an important day -- a new phase -- after three years that we didn't see any kind of sign from the Russian side that they were willing for dialogue, so something is changing -- something has changed -- thanks to you," she said. (ANI) WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its preliminary finding that the Government of China subsidizes its fiberglass door panel producers. Commerce issued affirmative preliminary subsidy rates ranging from 59.17% to 921.42%. The preliminary determination included the following company-specific findings: Fiberglass door panels produced by Dalian Capstone Engineering Co., Ltd., which are sold by Trinity Glass , Inc., were found to be subsidized by 71.37%. , Inc., were found to be subsidized by 71.37%. Jiangxi Fangda Tech Co., Ltd., a supplier to Steves and Sons, Inc., and Trimlite LLC, was found to be subsidized at a rate of 59.17%. Chinese companies that did not cooperate with the investigation received a subsidy rate of 921.42%. Those companies are: Lily Industries Co., Ltd.; Zhejiang Kuchuan Door Co., Ltd.; Hebei Charlotte Enterprise Co., Ltd.; Shanghai Unikey International Trading; Zhenshi Group Huamei New Materials Co Ltd.; and Kits Glass ( China ) Limited. ) Limited. All other Chinese companies, such as East Grace Corporation; Wuxi Lutong Fiberglass Door Co., Ltd.; Wuxi Xinli New Material Co., Ltd.; and Anhui Xinyu Fiberglass Door Co., Ltd.; received a subsidy rate of 62.55%. The American Fiberglass Door Coalition, representing the major American fiberglass door panel manufacturers and their employees, commends Commerce for its decision to impose these preliminary duties to remedy unfair subsidies provided to Chinese industry. "This decision by the Department of Commerce is another important step in leveling the playing field for American fiberglass door panel manufacturers, and we anticipate a final determination that is favorable to U.S. manufacturers as well," said Tim Brightbill, co-lead counsel to the Coalition and co-chair of Wiley's International Trade Practice. Following the publication of Commerce's preliminary determination in the Federal Register in approximately one week, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to begin suspending liquidation and collecting preliminary duties (in the form of cash deposits) on entries of fiberglass door panels from China. These determinations are preliminary, and subsidy rates may increase before the final determination. The countervailing duty investigations are ongoing, and Commerce has not yet had time to fully investigate all potential subsidies, which may lead to higher subsidy rates for the final determination. Commerce's final determination is currently expected in early March 2026. These duty rates do not yet include the calculated rates from the antidumping investigation. The preliminary antidumping rates will be announced in mid-October and added to the preliminary subsidy rates. Robert E. DeFrancesco , a partner in Wiley's International Trade Practice and co-lead counsel to the Coalition, said: "We appreciate all the hard work that Commerce has put into this case, and its findings and actions are important to the domestic industry and its workers. Unfairly priced and illegally subsidized Chinese imports have been unchecked until now." The duties above will be imposed following today's determination and are assessed on the importer of record of the covered merchandise. Duty evasion, absorption (foreign manufacturers or other parties covering the importers duties), and circumvention are illegal and closely monitored by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in conjunction with the Commerce Department. The Wiley team representing the Coalition also includes International Trade partner Derick G. Holt ; of counsel Jeffrey O. Frank ; and associates Kimberly A. Reynolds , Stephen A. Morrison , and Jacob Garten . For more information, please contact: Robert E. DeFrancesco, III 202-719-7473 [email protected] Timothy C. Brightbill 202-719-3138 [email protected] SOURCE Wiley Rein LLP US President Donald Trump said on Monday (local time) that President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen and he touched upon the topic of missing children in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Trump said that the topic deeply connects with US First Lady Melania Trump, who also penned a letter to the Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the same. In a post on Truth Social, he said, "Ursula von der Leyen, the distinguished and Highly Respected President of the European Commission, and I have been discussing the massive Worldwide problem of missing children. This is, likewise, a big subject with my wife, Melania. It is a subject at the top of all lists, and the World will work together to solve it, hopefully bringing them home to their families!" Von der Leyen also called for Russia to return the abducted Ukrainian Children. In a post on X, she said, "The human cost of this war must end. And that means every single Ukrainian child abducted by Russia must be returned to their families. I thank US President Donald Trump for his clear commitment today to ensuring these children are reunited with their loved ones." https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/1957586557289865416 Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented Trump with a letter from the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska for US First Lady, Melania Trump. This comes as Melania wrote to Putin expressing her concern over the loss of lives of children as a result of the conflict. "Thank you very much, Mr President, for your personal efforts to help solve this war. I also thank your wife, the First Lady of the United States, for sending a letter to Putin to discuss our children. Additionally, my wife has sent a letter to your wife. I also thank all the partners, France, the EU, Finland, the UK, and Germany for supporting us," Zelenskyy said. Trump mentioned that his wife, Melania, had written a letter to Putin, expressing her concern about the effects of the war on children. He joked that Melania loves their son more than him, adding that she feels strongly about the humanitarian impact of the conflict. "The First Lady felt very strongly. She watched the same thing I watched and you watched. I see things you don't get to see, and it's horrible. But she has a great love for children. She has a wonderful son that she loves, probably more than anybody, including me! I hate to say it. But she loves her son and loves children and hates to see something like this happening, and that goes for other wars too," he said. Trump said that the funerals and the killing of innocent people in any war hurt Melania. "She sees the heartbreak, the parents and the funerals you see on television. All these funerals. We want to see something other than funerals. She felt it was a beautiful letter. It was very well received by him and did ask me to say she would love to see this end. She says it very openly, very proudly and with great sorrow because so many people have been killed," he said. (ANI) Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday thanked the first lady of the United States for her 'peace letter' to Russian President Vladimir Putin which raised the issue of 'abduction of Ukrainian children'. Expressing his gratitude, Zelenskyy said that he would work to negotiate all-for-all prisoners of war exchange. He shared the remarks in a post on X on Tuesday. Zelenskyy said, "I want to thank FLOTUS Melania Trump for her attention to one of the most painful and difficult issues of this war - the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia. We deeply appreciate her compassion and her letter to Putin. This issue lies at the heart of the war's humanitarian tragedy - our children, broken families, the pain of separation. At least 20,000 children were taken. I asked President Trump to pass along a letter of gratitude from Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, to Melania. Her voice matters, and her care gives strength to this cause." Zelenskyy further added that they are tirelessly working towards bringing every child home. He further added, "The same applies for our prisoners of war and civilians held in Russia for years, some since 2014, in very bad conditions. Thousands of people still need to be freed - and this is a part of making peace. We will work to negotiate all-for-all prisoners of war exchange, and we are grateful to have strong friends who help." https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1957620982320898240 He made the comments in response to a post by US President Donald Trump who had said on Tuesday that he and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen had been discussing the "massive worldwide problem of missing children". Trump said that the matter is at priority and noted that the world would work to bring the children back to their families. He wrote on Truth Social, "Ursula von der Leyen, the distinguished and Highly Respected President of the European Commission, and I have been discussing the massive Worldwide problem of missing children. This is, likewise, a big subject with my wife, Melania. It is a subject at the top of all lists, and the World will work together to solve it, hopefully bringing them home to their families!" On August 15, US First Lady Melania Trump had penned a letter to the Russian President, urging that "it is time" for the protection of children and the future generations. "Such a bold idea transcends all human division", the letter added. Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented Trump with a letter from the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska for US First Lady, Melania Trump. The development came during the heels of Donald Trump's multilateral meeting with European Union leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump follows an earlier meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin over the weekend. European leaders also arrived in Washington to show solidarity with Ukraine and advocate for strong security guarantees in any post-war settlement. The meeting involved Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, PM Keir Starmer, France's Emmanuel Macron, Italy's Giorgia Meloni, Germany's Friedrich Merz, Finland's Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the EU Commission. (ANI) External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will embark on a visit to Russia from Tuesday to Thursday, as per an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs. During his visit, he will meet Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and also co-chair the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation. In an official statement, the MEA said that the visit of the External Affairs Minister comes at the invitation of First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov, the External Affairs Minister. "Dr. S. Jaishankar, will undertake an official visit to Russia on 19-21 August 2025 to co-chair the 26th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) scheduled for 20 August 2025." The EAM will also address the India-Russia Business Forum meeting in Moscow. As per the statement, during his visit, EAM will also meet the Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and review the bilateral agenda and share perspective on regional and global issues. The statement highlighted that the visit aims to further strengthen the longstanding and time-tested India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. The development comes amid strain in India's ties with the US over New Delhi's procurement of crude oil from Russia. Ties between Washington and New Delhi faced fresh strain on the trade front. Government sources confirmed that the US team would not travel to India for the sixth round of bilateral trade negotiations scheduled for August 25. The setback comes just days after Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, raising the total levy to 50 per cent, along with an unspecified penalty for India's continued oil imports from Russia. Earlier on August 13, the Foreign Ministry of Russia had said that EAM Jaishankar and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov's meeting would discuss key issues on the bilateral agenda, as well as key aspects of cooperation within international frameworks. https://x.com/mfa_russia/status/1955548841404752309 On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin had called Prime Minister Narendra Modi and shared his insights about the recent meeting in Alaska with US President Donald Trump over the Ukraine conflict. PM Modi said India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. He thanked the Russian President for the phone call and for sharing his perspective on the Alaska meeting. (ANI) During the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India, India and China agreed to maintain the momentum of bilateral ties as the countries mark 75 years of their diplomatic ties. The talks between him and EAM Dr S Jaishankar featured several themes such as the changing world situation, challenges to free trade and how New Delhi and Beijing can act as major powers, set an example for developing countries, as reported by Xinhua news. As per Xinhua News, India and China on Monday agreed to maintain momentum of bilateral ties. The consensus came from talks held between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is visiting India and EAM Dr S Jaishankar. According to Xinhua, Wang Yi said that in today's world, the changing situation is evolving rapidly, unilateral bullying practices are rampant, and free trade and the international order face severe challenges. He said that as the two largest developing countries with a combined population of more than 2.8 billion, India and China should, "demonstrate a sense of global responsibility, act as major powers, set an example for developing countries in pursuit of strength through unity, and contribute to promoting world multipolarization and democratization of international relations". Wang Yi highlighted that India and China had been implementing consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, gradually resuming exchanges and dialogue at all levels, maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas, and enabling Indian pilgrims to resume their pilgrimages to sacred mountains and lakes in Tibet autonomous region. "China-India relations are showing a positive trend toward returning to cooperation", Wang said as per Xinhua. Highlighting that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China, lessons could be learned from the past, and the two countries should view each other as partners and opportunities rather than rivals or threats, and invest their valuable resources in development and revitalisation. Xinhua highlighted that Wang Yi said India and China should explore right ways for neighboring major countries to coexist with mutual respect and trust, pursue common development and achieve win-win cooperation, he said. "Wang emphasized that China is willing to uphold the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and work together with neighboring countries, including India, to jointly build a peaceful, secure, prosperous, beautiful and friendly home", Xinhua reported. Wang Yi highlighted that, "India and China should remain confident, move in the same direction, remove barriers, expand cooperation, and consolidate the improvement momentum of bilateral relations, so that revitalization processes of the two great eastern civilizations can be mutually beneficial, providing certainty and stability to Asia and the world at large", Xinhua said. The highlights of his remarks were also shared by the Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong in a post on X on Tuesday. https://x.com/China_Amb_India/status/1957659228124115380 The Chinese Foreign Minister arrived in India on Monday for a two-day visit. Earlier on Monday, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said in his opening remarks that the talks would cover "economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges". During his opening remarks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, EAM had underscored that as neighbouring nations and major economies in the world, there are various facets and dimensions of the India-China ties. During his remarks with the Chinese Foreign Minister in New Delhi on Monday, the EAM had noted that differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict. He added that the visit of the Chinese leader to India provides the two countries with an opportunity to review the bilateral ties, and it is also an appropriate time to exchange views on the global situation and some issues of mutual interest. (ANI) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at the Hyderabad House in the national capital on Tuesday. He is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narender Modi later in the day. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier said that Wang Yi is visiting India at the invitation of NSA Doval. The two would hold the 24th round of the Special Representatives' (SR) Talks on the India-China boundary question. "At the invitation of National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval, Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China and Chinese Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Wang Yi will visit India on 18-19 August 2025. During his visit, he will hold the 24th round of the Special Representatives' (SR) Talks on the India-China boundary question with India's SR, NSA Shri Doval. EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar will hold a bilateral meeting with Mr. Wang Yi", the MEA said in the statement. Wang Yi arrived in India on Monday for a two-day visit and held talks with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. According to sources, China has promised to address India's three concerns, namely rare earths, fertilisers and tunnel boring machines. Earlier on Monday, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said in his opening remarks that the talks would cover "economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges." During his remarks with the Chinese Foreign Minister in New Delhi on Monday, the EAM had noted that differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict. He added that the visit of the Chinese leader to India provides the two countries with an opportunity to review the bilateral ties, and it is also an appropriate time to exchange views on the global situation and some issues of mutual interest. Wang Yi's visit comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected trip to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. The ties between India and China had plunged after the actions of the Chinese military along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh that led to a standoff. The standoff began in April-May 2020, and there was some easing of tensions due to agreements on the disengagement of troops from some friction points. Ahead of the 2024 BRICS Summit, India and China reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, marking progress in easing tensions. The two countries have, in recent months, taken steps to improve their ties. India has stressed the need of taking steps towards de-escalation along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. (ANI) Nepali ruling alliance of Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML (Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist) is preparing to make another push to oust the Deputy House Speaker Indira Rana Magar. According to the leaders of both parties, emergency meetings have been called for Tuesday to oust Deputy House Speaker Magar, whom Prime Minister Oli described as having "has low and biased performance." "An emergency meeting of the CPN- UML parliamentary party is being convened now to discuss the matter," a CPN- UML leader confirmed to ANI. Another ruling alliance, Nepali Congress, has also called for a parliamentary party meeting later in the afternoon to discuss removing the deputy house speaker, another leader from the Nepali Congress confirmed ANI. The ruling alliance has also started the signature collection campaign to remove the Deputy Speaker from the post, where some of the lawmakers have already signed, expressing their support to remove her from the post. As the constitution requires a two-thirds majority to remove the Deputy House Speaker from the post and the ruling alliance falling short of it, the leaders also confirmed ANI that consultation with smaller parties is also underway. The House of Representatives currently has 274 members, and the ruling alliance requires 183 votes, but the Nepali Congress, as of now, only has 88, and the CPN-UML only has 79 seats, which brings the combined votes to 167. The ruling alliance is falling short of 16 votes to remove the deputy house speaker from the post. In the ruling alliance, the Janata Samajbadi Party has 7 seats, Janamat has 6, the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party has 4, and the Nagarik Unmukti Party has four seats. "It is not clear whether all the parties on board the government will vote in favour of the motion. Discussion has been ongoing about garnering their support," a leader from the ruling party told ANI. Deputy Speaker Rana Magar has continued to land in controversies. In the year 2024, Deputy Speaker Rana had written a letter to the United States Embassy in Kathmandu to schedule visa interviews for six people, including herself. On February 26, 2023, Deputy Speaker Rana had written to the embassy to arrange dates for visa interviews, saying she and five others were going to the US to participate in the NGO CSW67 event held in New York. She had mentioned in the letter that the event was important for everyone, including herself, and that she had given top priority to the invitation from the United Nations. But later it was revealed that it was an attempt of human trafficking. Article 91, sub-section (6)(c) of the Constitution stipulates that if a resolution to remove the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is passed by a two-thirds majority of the total members of the House, the individual in question shall be removed from office. The move to remove Rana, who was appointed Deputy Speaker from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) quota, has stirred the political landscape. One-fourth of the members of the HoR can file an impeachment motion. (ANI) National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval said on Tuesday during his initial remarks in talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting for the SCO Summit shortly. He also appreciated the upward momentum in the ties, highlighting the peace and tranquility along the borders and underlined the role played by the Indian and Chinese leadership in giving a boost to move ahead since their talks in Kazan last year. "Our Prime Minister will be visiting for the SCO summit shortly. Therefore, I think that this as high-level talks assume a very special importance", Doval said. Highlighting that 2025 marks the 75th year of diplomatic relations, the NSA said that it is time to celebrate. In his remarks he appreciated the last round of meeting held in Beijing and said, "I'm very happy that since then in the last 9 months, there has been an upwards trend. Borders have been quiet. There has been peace and tranquillity. Our bilateral engagements have been more substantial." He thanked the Indian and Chinese leadership, whose meeting in Kazan last year has helped the countries to profit. "The new environment that has been created has helped us in moving ahead in the various areas that we were working." Doval expressed optimism towards the 24th special representative level talks taking place in New Delhi to be equally successful. "We find that with this new energy and the new momentum, with your personal efforts and with the maturity and the sense of responsibility for our diplomatic team and our missions in the countries, our ambassadors here, and also our armies on the borders, we have been able to make it this time", Doval said in his concluding remarks. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval at the Hyderabad House in the national capital on Tuesday. Earlier, as per sources, China promised to address India's three concerns, namely rare earths, fertilisers and tunnel boring machines. According to sources, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi assured External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar that China is addressing the three key concerns of India's needs of fertilisers, rare earths and tunnel boring machines. Wang Yi arrived in India on Monday for a two-day visit and held talks with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. (ANI) The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has expressed strong disapproval regarding the filing of cases against four female journalists under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), as reported by Dawn. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) initiated the cases against the four members of the National Press Club (NPC) based on a complaint from another NPC member. They were involved in a committee formed to address a grievance made by one of the journalists against her ex-husband, who is also affiliated with the NPC. After the committee concluded that both parties had committed misconduct, the husband approached the FIA, leading to the registration of a case against the committee members. The complainant claimed he was being harassed by his ex-wife on social media, and that the NPC members were supposedly 'aiding' her, as reported by Dawn. The PFUJ has criticised PECA, arguing that it can serve as a mechanism to pressure the media and suppress free speech. It stated that the FIA's actions were taken without granting the four journalists an opportunity to defend themselves, highlighting a misapplication of this "black law" (PECA) against journalists who were addressing a harassment issue, as per the Dawn report. Filing a case against female journalists for investigating and responding to a complaint by one female member against her spouse represents a significant abuse of power by the FIA. Afzal Butt, the PFUJ president, alongside Arshad Ansari, the general secretary, expressed their support for the affected journalists and called for the case to be dismissed. "The PFUJ urges the prime minister and the interior minister to take immediate steps to annul the charges against the senior female journalists. We also seek accountability for the officials and the complainant who unlawfully filed the case, which constitutes harassment and intimidation towards journalists," the statement read, as cited by Dawn. "The PFUJ reiterates its demand for the repeal of PECA, which has faced widespread criticism for its potential to hinder freedom of expression and silence independent voices. The PFUJ leadership warns that failure to address these demands will result in significant protests throughout the nation. Journalists will persist in opposing attempts to infringe upon their rights and liberties," the Dawn report noted. (ANI) There is no change in India's position on Taiwan, government sources said on Tuesday after a readout by China of the meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, which claimed that Jaishankar had affirmed Taiwan is part of China. "There is no change in our position on Taiwan. We stressed that like the rest of the world, India has a relationship with Taiwan that focuses on economic, technology and cultural ties. We intend to continue it," sources said today. Wang, who arrived in New Delhi on Monday, met with the Jaishankar yesterday and co-chaired the Special Representative-level talks on the boundary issue with national security adviser Ajit Doval today. Chinese state news agency Xinhua stated that Jaishankar had conveyed to the visiting Chinese minister that "Taiwan is a part of China." There is no official statement by the MEA yet but government sources clarified, "there is no change in our position on Taiwan." According to sources, during the India-China Foreign Minister's meeting yesterday, when Wang Yi urged not to deal with Taiwan, Jaishankar argued that "China itself was dealing in the same areas that we in India were. So how is that possible?" Wang Yi highlighted that India and China had been implementing consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, gradually resuming exchanges and dialogue at all levels, maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas, and enabling Indian pilgrims to resume their pilgrimages to sacred mountains and lakes in Tibet autonomous region. "China-India relations are showing a positive trend toward returning to cooperation", Wang said as per Xinhua. Highlighting that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China, lessons could be learned from the past, and the two countries should view each other as partners and opportunities rather than rivals or threats, and invest their valuable resources in development and revitalisation. Xinhua news agency highlighted that Wang Yi said India and China should explore right ways for neighboring major countries to coexist with mutual respect and trust, pursue common development and achieve win-win cooperation. Following the talks, Jaishankar took to his X platform to post, "Welcomed Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Delhi this evening. Highlighted that our relations are best guided by the three mutuals - mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. As we seek to move ahead from a difficult period in our ties, it needs a candid and constructive approach from both sides." Jaishankar further said, "Had productive conversations on our economic and trade issues, pilgrimages, people-to-people contacts, river data sharing, border trade, connectivity and bilateral exchanges. Also exchanged views on global and regional issues." "Confident that our discussions today would contribute to building a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China," Jaishankar said. On Monday in his opening remarks on meeting with Wang, the EAM had noted that differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict. He added that the visit of the Chinese leader to India provides the two countries with an opportunity to review the bilateral ties, and it is also an appropriate time to exchange views on the global situation and some issues of mutual interest. According to sources, China has promised to address India's three concerns, namely rare earths, fertilisers and tunnel boring machines. Wang Yi's visit comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected trip to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. (ANI) The Baloch National Movement (BNM) commemorated 11 August as Pledge Renewal Day with gatherings in Kech, Gwadar and Awaran regions, reaffirming their commitment to the struggle for Balochistan's independence and condemning Pakistan's authority as a form of colonial domination. During an event in the Kech Gwadar Zone, prominent BNM figures such as Information and Culture Secretary Qazi Dad Mohammad Rehan, Finance Secretary Nasir Baloch, Zonal President Baba J.R., and Zonal General Secretary Bahaar Baloch spoke to members of the party. The speakers stated, "We have lost our freedom, but not our dignity. 11 August is not a day of celebration; rather, it serves as a reminder that we were once free, and we must reclaim that freedom." They characterised freedom as escaping from Pakistan's "bondage," highlighting the constant threats of arrest, abduction, and enforced disappearances in Balochistan. They emphasised that Pledge Renewal Day, initially suggested by the martyred leader Waja Ghulam Mohammad Baloch, should be marked as a serious recommitment to the cause, not as a festive occasion. The leaders indicated that the current movement signifies the fifth phase of the Baloch freedom struggle, with both men and women making significant sacrifices. Pakistan was labelled as "an adversary lacking civilisation" that continues to perpetrate violence, but the Baloch people remain united in their resistance. In the Awaran Zone, the BNM held smaller assemblies attended by local supporters and members. They contended that Pakistan's governance extends the colonial legacy established by the British, who originally acquired Baloch lands through "deceptive agreements" before completely taking over. "Today, Pakistan acts as a vestige of colonialism, stripping the Baloch nation of its freedom and denying it all rights," the speakers asserted. The BNM concluded by reiterating that the Baloch nation would never abandon its quest for freedom and would continue to fight against "bondage" until liberation is realised. (ANI) David Cantu, Former CEO of Black Box Intelligence, Joins as CEO as Co-founder Samuel Zats Shifts Focus to Strategic Initiatives as Executive Chairman DALLAS, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Craftable, a leading hospitality technology platform, is proud to announce the appointment of David Cantu as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Cantu brings over 20 years of experience in hospitality and technology. Most recently, he served as CEO of Black Box Intelligence and co-founded HotSchedules, where he served as Chief Customer Officer (CCO). In his 21 years at HotSchedules, he played a pivotal role in driving growth and innovation, establishing the company as a leader in labor management solutions. With his deep expertise in hospitality technology and scaling businesses, Cantu is uniquely positioned to lead Craftable through its next phase of growth. Samuel Zats, Craftable's co-founder and CEO, is stepping into a new role, focused on driving technology transformation and strategic innovation within the hospitality industry. Over the past decade, Sam has led Craftable's growth, partnering with industry pioneers and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in hospitality. In his new role, Sam will concentrate on expanding Craftable's AI capabilities, accelerating innovation, and shaping the future of the industry. "This leadership extension is a purposeful expansion of Craftable's leadership team," said Sam Zats, Co-founder and outgoing CEO. "By bringing David on board, we are leveraging his extensive experience in scaling restaurant technology companies to deliver impact on the innovation already begun. Together, David and I are excited to forge a partnership that drives exponential growth and strengthens Craftable's position in the market. My focus will remain on advancing our impact from markets to technological capabilities, particularly in AI, where we have an unparalleled opportunity to deliver transformative solutions that will shape the future generation of hospitality." The leadership shift will also coincide with the unveiling of a new brand identity for Craftable. The refreshed brand embodies Craftable's commitment to innovation, curiosity, and a grounded, value-centric approach to helping hospitality operators optimize their profitability. As a company driven by both visionary thinking and care for its customers, Craftable is positioned to empower operators with smarter, AI-powered tools that drive better decisions and more efficient operations. "As someone who's spent my career in the trenches of hospitalityfrom Outback Steakhouse to P.F. Chang'sI've seen firsthand the challenges operators face and the profound impact that technology can have in turning those challenges into opportunities," said David Cantu. "What impresses me most about Craftable is the incredible team and the work already done to transform stressful operations into seamless experiences. This is exactly what the industry needs, and I'm excited to partner with Sam and the entire team to take this to the next level. Together, we'll continue building on Craftable's mission to help hospitality businesses focus on their craft and create the memorable moments that keep guests coming back." As Craftable continues its journey, the company remains focused on its mission to simplify restaurant & hotel operations and empower operators with the tools they need to thrive. With David's leadership and Sam's strategic vision, Craftable is poised to redefine the future of hospitality technology, creating lasting value for both customers and the industry. About Craftable Craftable is the leading cloud-based hospitality management solution for hotels, restaurants, resorts, bars, and casinos. Designed to streamline processes and drive maximum profitability, Craftable seamlessly connects purchasing, finance, and operations through AI-powered automation and integrated systems, delivering real-time insights for better decision making. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Dallas, Craftable has over 60 live POS integrations, 5,000 supplier connections, and serves more than 80,000 operators. The platform processes billions in annual transaction volume while helping customers save over $2 billion annually. Craftable partners with prominent hospitality leaders including Pyramid Global Hospitality, Jose Andres Group, Marriott International, The Dinex Group, and Sage Hospitality. Discover how Craftable is transforming hospitality management at craftable.com . SOURCE Craftable Lawyers throughout Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan have maintained their extended strike, which commenced in November 2024, seeking judicial appointments, land reform, and restructuring of institutions. This protest has now reached its tenth month, disrupting legal processes and leaving countless litigants in uncertainty. Advocate Sher Alam, Vice President of the Supreme Appellate Court Bar and a member of the Diamer Bar Association, stated that the strike was originally initiated to advocate for the appointment of judges in the Supreme Appellate Court and Chief Court, the enforcement of the Land Reform Act, and the division of the offices of Advocate General and Prosecutor General. He noted that since 2011, the Supreme Appellate Court had determined that each lawyer would be granted one acre of land, yet the government has not acted on this, making it a crucial aspect of the lawyers' campaign as well. Currently, the Supreme Appellate Court of Gilgit-Baltistan, the region's highest legal authority, has only a Chief Justice, with two other judicial positions vacant for years. Lawyers argue that this has resulted in over 11,000 cases remaining unresolved, including significant appeals where individuals have already completed their sentences but are still waiting for verdicts. "The Supreme Appellate Court lacks the necessary quorum, and without three judges, achieving justice has become impossible. Urgent cases are accumulating, leaving litigants in despair," Sher Alam stated. Lawyers recalled that in November 2024, a delegation had presented their requests to the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, who issued orders for their resolution. However, none of the relevant departments carried out these directives, prompting bar councils and associations to escalate their demonstrations. They initially conducted strikes at the district level on August 11, 12, and 13 this year, before resolving to bring their protests to the Chief Minister's office starting August 18, warning that they would persist until their demands were addressed. The ongoing strike has halted the judicial system in PoGB, leaving regular litigants without options. Sher Alam acknowledged that the lawyers are among those most affected, as many rely on daily earnings. "The greatest impact has been on us, the lawyers, who depend on daily wages. For ten months, we have endured hardship and hunger, all to advocate for public issues and justice," he expressed. With no family, civil, or rent-specific courts operational in the area, civil judges are obliged to manage over a hundred cases daily, resulting in significant delays. Lawyers contend that there is an urgent need for the establishment of special courts, including labour, consumer, rent, and family courts, to alleviate the backlog and provide timely justice. Affirming that the strike will continue "quietly yet resolutely," lawyers warned that should the government continue to overlook their demands, they will ramp up protests throughout PoGB. "The government must understand that when lawyers mobilise, they instigate change. Our demands are not for personal gain; they reflect the needs of the people. Until these matters are addressed, our movement will endure," declared Sher Alam. (ANI) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed optimism in the India-China ties and said that it gives great importance to the Prime Minister's visit to China to attend the SCO Summit. He said that the bilateral relationship is facing an important opportunity of improvement and growth, saying that a healthy and stable India-China relationship serves the fundamental and long-term interests of both of our countries. Wang Yi made the initial remarks during his special representatives meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. "The Chinese side attaches great importance to the Prime Minister's visit to China to attend the SCO summit at our invitation. We believe that the Indian side will also make your contribution to a successful summit in Tianjin", Wang Yi said. Wang Yi said, "I am ready to work with you to build more consensus and identify the direction, the specific goals of the boundary consultations going forward and create all conditions for the improvement and further growth of our bilateral relations." He highlighted in his remarks that the two sides should follow the strategic guidance of our leaders, increase mutual trust through strategic communication, and expand common interests through exchanges and cooperation. The Chinese Foreign Minister appreciated the developments in the bilateral ties since the meeting of PM Modi and Xi Jinping in Kazan last year, noting that it "pointed the direction for the development of our bilateral relations and provided impetus for the proper settlement of the boundary question." Appreciating the previous round of the 23rd round of special representatives talks at the end of last year, Yi said, "At that meeting, we reached new and important consensus on the management of disagreements, stabilising the borders and moving toward a settlement. We identified specific goals and formed a working framework". Wang Yi expressed contentment with the restoration of stability on the borders. "Mr Doval, I appreciate the effort you made as special representative of the Indian side. Now, the bilateral relationship is facing an important opportunity of improvement and growth." Wang Yi said that India and China should follow the strategic guidance of their leaders, increase mutual trust through strategic communication, expand common interest through exchanges and cooperation, and "properly settle the specific issues in the borders so as to advance our relationship in a healthy and sound manner." National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval said on Tuesday that, during his initial remarks in talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting for the SCO Summit shortly. He also appreciated the upward momentum in the ties, highlighting the peace and tranquillity along the borders and underlined the role played by the Indian and Chinese leadership in giving a boost to move ahead since their talks in Kazan last year. Earlier, as per sources, China promised to address India's three concerns, namely rare earths, fertilisers and tunnel boring machines. Wang Yi arrived in India on Monday for a two-day visit and held talks with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. (ANI) Regular inspections are set to begin next year to address the issue of military personnel, civil servants, and public-school educators possessing Chinese citizenship or household registration, according to a report by Taipei Times citing the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC). Article 9-1 of the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area states that Taiwanese individuals who obtain Chinese household registration or a Chinese passport will lose their Taiwanese citizenship and be barred from working in the military, public service, or public education, as reported. In order to identify and prevent the unauthorised employment of individuals holding Chinese ID cards or residential permits, systematic inspections will be implemented starting on January 1 of next year, the council indicated, as noted by Taipei Times. Recruits or transferred military personnel, civil servants, and public-school instructors will need to comply with these inspections; failure to do so could lead to a suspension of their qualification assessments and their employment or reassignment, in line with the regulations and their employment agreements, it was explained. Considering the size of the civil service and the diversity of its personnel, the regular inspection procedure will be introduced gradually, the council stated. In the initial phase, only essential personnel from the military, civil service, and public education institutions will undergo regular inspections, while others will be exempt, according to the report from Taipei Times. For state-owned, partially privatised, and government-invested or organised companies, inspections will only focus on appointments authorised by the Executive Yuan, ministries, and local authorities, the council mentioned. In public schools at all levels, inspections will be confined to full-time educational professionals as defined by relevant laws, such as the Teaching Personnel Hiring Act, according to the report. The council remarked that Beijing has gone to great lengths to undermine the long-standing policy of single citizenship upheld by both Taiwan and China to advance its "united front" objectives. This policy enables Taiwanese citizens to acquire Chinese citizenship or household registration while retaining their Taiwanese ID cards, thereby not only creating confusion regarding their national identity and violating Taiwan's laws but also posing a threat to Taiwan's national security, as stated in the report by Taipei Times. (ANI) The Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Qaumi Awami Tehreek (QAT), and Awami Tehreek (AT) organised separate demonstrations across various locations in Sindh to protest against corporate farming and the Sindh government's negligence on Sunday, as detailed in a report by Dawn. The JUI-F demonstration commenced at Jamia Masjid in Thull and concluded at Amroti Chowk, where participants conducted a sit-in. Addressing the crowd, JUI-F Jacobabad District Emir Dr. A.G. Ansari remarked that Sindh's valuable and fertile lands are being allocated to both local and foreign corporations under the guise of corporate farming. He termed this a gross injustice to the province and its inhabitants and insisted that those lands should instead be assigned to landless farming families. He added that this marginalised group must receive access to water, electricity, fertiliser, and other agricultural tools to ensure their well-being, as noted in the Dawn report. The participants urged immediate actions to reinstate the state's authority in the dacoit-ridden riverine regions of upper Sindh and to achieve overall peace in the province. The Qaumi Awami Tehreek (QAT) held a protest in Kandhkot against the federal government's corporate farming initiative, the ongoing water shortage in Sindh, and the provincial administration's failure to restore law and order in the upper Sindh districts. QAT leaders strongly criticised the intended 'auction' of Sindh's land for allocation to the corporate sector for agricultural purposes. They pledged to oppose such plans vigorously. They expressed concern that the agricultural community in the province faced acute water shortages despite the actual availability of water resources. Hundreds of thousands of acres were becoming arid, raising significant alarm among farmers, they stated, and they called for immediate action to tackle this critical issue, as cited in the Dawn report. The leaders emphasised the prevalence of crime in Kandhkot-Kashmore and surrounding upper Sindh districts, noting that law enforcement had been ineffective in curbing dacoit gangs, who continued to kidnap individuals for ransom, extort money from the general populace, and lure youths into their territories through deceitful means. Such criminal activities had become part of everyday life, they lamented. They demanded strong measures against these gangs to liberate the riverine areas from criminal elements, as highlighted by Dawn. The Awami Tehreek (AT) conducted a demonstration in Khairpur Nathen Shah town in Dadu district on Sunday in protest against corporate farming, the construction of six new canals from the Indus River, and the appropriation of Sindh's lands and resources under various schemes, according to a press release. The rally began at the community centre of the town and ended outside the local press club, where participants engaged in a sit-in, as reported by Dawn. They accused the authorities of "auctioning off" Sindh's lands under the corporate farming scheme while hatching conspiracies aimed at detaching Karachi from Sindh. They denounced recent comments made by a leader of FPCCI during a press conference in Karachi that advocated for a division of Sindh to form new provinces. "This is a tactic to incite unrest in Sindh," they stated, asserting that the people of Sindh would not accept such attacks on Karachi, a city of historical significance. Additionally, the leaders reproached the Sindh government for its inability to implement preventative measures against damage caused by monsoon rains and flooding. They claimed that the allocated funds intended for the repair and strengthening of Indus embankments and protective bunds had been misappropriated by irrigation officials. They demanded accountability for the corrupt officials, following the report from Dawn. (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday announced that Bandaru Wilsonbabu (IFS:2004), presently Ambassador of India to Madagascar, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan. "He is expected to take up the assignment shortly," the MEA said. Before this, Bandaru Wilsonbabu, who was then Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), had been appointed as Indian Ambassador to Madagascar in September 2022, before taking charge as the Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan. At that time, Wilsonbabu, who had served as the Joint Secretary in the Eurasia division, had replaced Ambassador Abhay Kumar. During his tenure, India and Madagascar enjoyed cordial bilateral relations with cooperation on multiple fronts. Madagascar generally supported India's candidature in the multinational fora. Apart from UNSC, in the recent past, Madagascar had consistently supported India's candidature for various international organizations such as the UNSC non-permanent seat, India's entry as an observer at the Indian Ocean Commission, and India's proposal to become an Observer at the Djibouti Code of Conduct, among others. Strengthening these relations further was the role of the Indian diaspora. There were about 17,500 persons of Indian origin in Madagascar, including approximately 2,500 Indian passport holders. Most of them were in trading but also in manufacturing and other businesses. The Indian presence in Madagascar had a long history. The first Indian settlers, mostly from Gujarat, arrived in Madagascar in 1880. Most of them were in trading but some of them were also in manufacturing, real estate and other assorted businesses. According to African media sources, among the richest businessmen in Africa, four were from Madagascar and among them three were PIOs. The role played by the Indian community and diaspora in the economic development of Madagascar was appreciated at all levels. Some of the Indian diaspora were quite influential and their contribution to the total GDP of Madagascar was substantial. In recent years, several Indian professionals have migrated and are working in different companies, including multi-national companies in Madagascar. The Indian diaspora has also been playing a significant role in preserving and promoting Indian culture and traditional values. (ANI) United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has described the killings of aid workers worldwide as a "shameful indictment of international inaction and apathy," Al Jazeera reported. Marking World Humanitarian Day on Tuesday, Fletcher said the number of humanitarian workers killed rose by 31 percent from the previous year, "driven by the relentless conflicts in Gaza, where 181 humanitarian workers were killed, and in Sudan, where 60 lost their lives." According to Al Jazeera, Fletcher noted that 383 aid workers were killed last year, nearly half of them in Gaza. "Even one attack against a humanitarian colleague is an attack on all of us and on the people we serve," Fletcher said. "Attacks on this scale with zero accountability are a shameful indictment of international inaction and apathy." Al Jazeera, citing the UN, reported that most of those killed were local staff who were either attacked in the line of duty or in their homes. "As the humanitarian community, we demand - again - that those with power and influence act for humanity, protect civilians and aid workers and hold perpetrators to account," Fletcher said. The Aid Worker Security Database, which has compiled UN reports since 1997, recorded 293 killings in 2023. Provisional figures for this year show that 265 aid workers have been killed as of August 14, according to Al Jazeera. One of the deadliest incidents this year occurred in the southern Gaza city of Rafah on March 23 when Israeli troops opened fire before dawn, killing 15 medics and emergency responders travelling in clearly marked vehicles. The Israeli army then drove bulldozers over the bodies and vehicles and buried them in a mass grave. UN and rescue workers reportedly reached the site only a week later, Al Jazeera reported. The UN reiterated that such attacks violate international humanitarian law and undermine operations sustaining millions of people in war and disaster zones. "Violence against aid workers is not inevitable. It must end," Fletcher said. Al Jazeera reported that Lebanon, which faced a war between Israel and Hezbollah last year, recorded 20 aid worker deaths compared to none in 2023. Ethiopia and Syria each saw 14 killings, about double their previous year's toll, while Ukraine reported 13 deaths in 2024, up from six in 2023. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it had verified more than 800 attacks on healthcare in 16 territories this year, resulting in over 1,110 health workers and patients killed and hundreds more injured. "Each attack inflicts lasting harm, deprives entire communities of lifesaving care when they need it the most, endangers healthcare providers and weakens already strained health systems," the WHO said. World Humanitarian Day is observed every year to commemorate the 2003 bombing of UN headquarters in Baghdad, which killed UN rights chief Sergio Vieira de Mello and 21 other humanitarians. (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday dismissed claims circulating on social media regarding monetary contributions being sought into a Government of India-designated bank account in connection with the Nimisha Priya case. In a post on X, MEA FactCheck wrote, "We have seen claims being made on social media seeking monetary contributions into a GoI designated bank account in the Nimisha Priya case. This is a fake claim." https://x.com/MEAFactCheck/status/1957746625490874640 A post shared online had urged people to donate directly to what it claimed was a government account to raise funds for the case. The MEA clarified that such claims are false and warned against engaging with them. The ministry had earlier confirmed that Indian national Nimisha Priya's execution in Yemen was postponed, while appealing to the public and media to avoid unverified reports surrounding the matter. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government is providing all possible assistance to Priya and her family, working closely with local authorities and friendly governments to resolve the issue. During the weekly briefing, Jaiswal responded to ANI's question, saying, "This is a sensitive matter. The Government of India has been extending all possible assistance in the case. As a result of our concerted efforts, the sentencing has been postponed. We continue to follow the matter closely and provide all possible assistance." The execution, initially scheduled for July 16, was postponed following diplomatic interventions and negotiations led by the Indian government. Jaiswal clarified that reports claiming her death sentence has been completely overturned are incorrect. "We are also in touch with some friendly governments on the issue... Reports claiming that there have been certain developments are incorrect. Please wait for an update from us. We urge all sides to stay away from misinformation," he said. Nimisha Priya, a 37-year-old nurse from Kerala, was convicted of murdering her business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017. She was sentenced to death in 2020, with the verdict upheld by Yemen's Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023. On July 17, Jaiswal had also noted that the Indian government had appointed a lawyer to assist Priya's family in navigating the complex legal process under Yemen's Sharia law. The government has also arranged regular consular visits and continues to engage with local authorities and other nations to find a favourable solution. "The Government of India has been extending all possible legal and consular support, including trying to secure more time for the family to reach a mutually agreeable resolution with the other party," he said. Priya, a nurse from Kerala, has been facing the death penalty in Yemen after being convicted of murder. Her family and various organisations have been seeking clemency through diplomatic and legal channels. (ANI) The Representative Office of Somaliland in Taiwan has firmly dismissed recent comments made by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Somalia, labelling them as unfounded, coercive, and disrespectful of Somaliland's right to self-determination and its valid partnership with Taiwan. In a statement, the Somaliland office expressed its unease regarding the Chinese Embassy's criticism of the backing received by U.S. legislators for Somaliland, as well as its objection to Somaliland's diplomatic ties with Taiwan. It asserted that such claims undermine essential principles of democracy, sovereignty, and the aspirations of the people of Somaliland. The statement highlighted Somaliland's historical and legal justification for independence, recalling that it obtained sovereignty from the United Kingdom on June 26, 1960, before merging with Somalia, which it referred to as "questionable" and "never legally ratified." Somaliland reasserted its independence on May 18, 1991, in the wake of the Somali state's disintegration and years of oppression, including acts of genocide. For over thirty years, the statement pointed out, Somaliland has sustained an operational democratic system with its governance, constitution, military, independent judicial system, national currency, and regular elections. In contrast, it argued, Somalia continues to exist as a fragile state reliant on foreign troops and international assistance, unable to achieve sustainable governance. "Somaliland has fulfilled all the criteria for statehood as outlined in international law, including the Montevideo Convention of 1933," the statement emphasised, affirming that its sovereignty is not for external entities to dismiss or undermine. The Somaliland office also reiterated its strong partnership with Taiwan, characterising it as a "mutually respectful" relationship based on democracy, shared values, peace, and prosperity. It stated that the collaboration between Somaliland and Taiwan represents the sovereign decision of two democratic societies dedicated to mutual recognition, solidarity, and benefit. Rejecting China's efforts to misrepresent this partnership, Somaliland insisted that both it and Taiwan reflect democratic legitimacy and the will of their constituents, principles that cannot be erased by authoritarian rhetoric. The statement further criticised Beijing for accusing others of meddling in Somalia's internal matters while it engages in coercion and disinformation throughout Africa and beyond. Somaliland concluded its statement by pledging to continue its engagement with international partners, including the United States, Taiwan, and other like-minded nations, based on equality, respect, and shared democratic values. (ANI) Pakistan has declared Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree, and Haripur as "safe zones," barring undocumented migrants, tightening visa enforcement, and prohibiting SIM issuance and property transactions for those without legal status, Khaama Press reported. According to Khaama Press, the decision was made during a meeting at the Capital Development Authority, attended by officials from the Interior Ministry, the National Database and Registration Authority, the Federal Investigation Agency, and counterterrorism police. "These cities have been classified as protected areas. Only foreigners with valid visas will be permitted to stay," officials said, Khaama Press added. Authorities warned that violations would face strict security action. A joint database is being developed to track foreign residents, with access provided to multiple state agencies, the report said. Additionally, SIM cards will not be issued to people without valid visas, and real estate transactions involving undocumented migrants will be banned. Khaama Press noted that in recent months, Pakistan has intensified its crackdown on migrants, particularly Afghans, with thousands detained and many deported. International organizations have expressed concern over the humanitarian consequences of these measures, urging Islamabad to respect human rights while enforcing migration policies. In line with this crackdown, over 30,000 Afghan nationals illegally residing in Quetta division have been repatriated to Afghanistan in less than a month, official sources told Dawn. The Pakistani government had set a deadline of July 31 for all illegal Afghans living in Pakistan to return to their home country. While many refugees complied after the deadline, a significant number remained, prompting authorities to launch legal action against those who ignored the order, Dawn reported. Joint teams comprising police, Frontier Corps, FIA, and district administration were formed to take action against undocumented Afghans, Dawn added. On Tuesday, a meeting chaired by Quetta division commissioner Shahzeb Khan Kakar reviewed the ongoing crackdown on illegal Afghans in the province. The meeting was attended by deputy commissioner of Quetta retired Captain Meharullah Badini, assistant commissioner Kaleemullah, and representatives from police, FIA, NADRA, special branch, PTA, home department, and other relevant agencies. Deputy commissioners of Qila Abdullah and Pishin, as well as the SP of Pishin, joined the meeting online, according to Dawn. Officials informed the meeting that coordination between agencies had been strengthened to accelerate the operation against illegal Afghans. The commissioner instructed the teams to conduct daily operations targeting undocumented Afghans and to collect records of all illegal residents' bank accounts and mobile SIMs. He emphasized the importance of involving local elders and community leaders to ensure the repatriation process proceeds peacefully, Dawn reported. He further directed that special care must be taken regarding women and children during the operation and urged all departments to work closely together to devise an effective strategy for the repatriation of all illegal Afghans to Afghanistan, according to Dawn. (ANI) India has rolled out a two-week capacity-building programme for a visiting delegation of media officials from Sri Lanka, as part of the follow-up to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the island nation in April 2025. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared details of the programme in a post on X. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1957794337494102097 "Follow-up of PM @narendramodi's visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025- India's commitment to train 700 personel across domains. A delegation of Media Officials from Sri Lanka started a two-week long capacity building programme in India, with training sessions in @SSIFS_MEA & IIMC. They would also be visiting Odisha for training cum study tour. While in Odisha, the focus would be on understanding the regional media landscape in India," he said. The initiative comes as part of India's broader commitment to support capacity building across multiple sectors in Sri Lanka, aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and people-to-people ties. This engagement followed other outreach efforts, including the visit of a 24-member delegation of young political leaders from Sri Lanka last month, who met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in New Delhi. India, on that occasion, underlined their role in "deepening" the bilateral partnership between the two countries. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit was part of India's ongoing efforts to build stronger political partnerships with Sri Lanka. "A 24-member delegation of young political leaders from 14 political parties of Sri Lanka called on Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri as they began their two-week-long programme in India. Foreign Secretary emphasised their valuable role in deepening the #IndiaSriLanka partnership as stakeholders in its future roadmap," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said in a post on X. This visit followed a series of recent high-level exchanges between India and Sri Lanka. Last year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was the first foreign dignitary to visit Sri Lanka after Anura Kumara Dissanayake took charge as President. During that visit, India had announced the conversion of completed Line of Credit projects worth USD 20 million into grants and also gifted 22 diesel locomotives to Sri Lankan Railways. Later in the same year, President Dissanayake visited India on his first overseas State visit. He was accompanied by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Labour Minister Anil Jayantha. During the visit, he held talks with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and other senior leaders. A joint statement titled "Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future" was released during the visit. The two sides also signed a protocol to amend the Double Taxation Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for training Sri Lankan civil servants. India also announced financial support of USD 14.9 million for a railway signalling project in the Maho-Anuradhapura section and offered 100 scholarships each year to students from the University of Jaffna and Eastern University. President Dissanayake also visited Bodh Gaya and took part in a business interaction in New Delhi, reflecting the growing depth in India-Sri Lanka relations. (ANI) California Dreaming For the first time, San Diego will welcome two Disney Cruise Line ships, allowing more time for California dreaming and Pacific Coast breezes. The Disney Magic will set sail in California for two months with three-, four-, five-, six- and seven-night voyages in October and November 2026, before transitioning to Texas on a 14-night voyage from San Diego to Galveston featuring stops in the breathtaking Puerto Vallarta, Cartagena and Grand Cayman. Joining the Disney Magic for seven months in San Diego, the Disney Wonder will offer guests a spectacular view of crystal-blue waters with itineraries ranging from three to seven nights between October 2026 and April 2027, stopping at Catalina Island in California, as well as Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Lone Star State Magic Late 2026 and early 2027 will welcome an extended season of Disney cruising from Texas. The Disney Magic will set sail from the Lone Star State with four-, five- and seven-night voyages from November 2026 to April 2027, visiting the sandy beaches of Cozumel and the historic sights of Progreso, Mexico. Several itineraries also include a Bahamian vacation with time at Disney Castaway Cay and Nassau. Guests will enjoy picturesque views, relaxing days listening to the ocean waves and beautiful cities with rich culture and exquisite food. Themed Sailings Whether spooky or merry, there is nothing like celebrating the holidays at sea with festive decor, themed activities and decadent treats. Family-favorite themed sailings return on select itineraries aboard the domestic Disney Cruise Line ships, with Halloween on the High Seas, from September to October 2026, and Very Merrytime Cruises, from November to December 2026. In addition, there will be five ships sailing from Florida and the return of three- and four-night cruises on the Disney Adventure from Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore. To view the complete fall 2026 spring 2027 itineraries or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com or contact their travel advisor. SOURCE Disney Cruise Line Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday and handed over a message and an invitation from President Xi Jinping for the SCO Summit being held in Tianjin in China. The Prime Minister thanked President Xi for the invitation to the SCO Summit and conveyed his acceptance. The SCO summit will be held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. A PMO release said that Wang Yi, who is a Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China, shared his positive assessment of the bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and the 24th meeting of the Special Representatives, which he co-chaired with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. PM Modi emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border, and reiterated India's commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question. He welcomed the steady and positive progress in bilateral ties since his meeting with President Xi in Kazan in Russia last year, guided by mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, including the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. PM Modi and President Xi had met in October last year on the margins of the BRICS Summit in Kazan. The Prime Minister expressed support for China's Presidency of the SCO Summit and said that he looked forward to meeting President Xi in Tianjin. He underlined that stable, predictable, and constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional and global peace and prosperity. In a post on X, PM Modi referred to steady progress in ties with China since October last year. "Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other's interests and sensitivities. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity," he said. (ANI) India and China held the 24th meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) on the China-India Boundary Question here on Tuesday, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stating that the healthy and stable development of China-India relations serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples. The Special Representatives meeting was held between India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Wang Yi, who is also a Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee. A Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said that the two leaders held "comprehensive, in-depth and fruitful discussions" on the China-India border issue and bilateral relations. The two sides also exchanged views on major international and regional issues of common concern. Wang Yi stated that the important consensus reached during President Xi Jinping's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan in Russia on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit last year has charted the course and provided impetus for improving China-India relations and properly handling the border issue. The statement said that since the beginning of this year, bilateral relations have entered a steady development track, and the border situation has remained stable and improving. As two major neighbours and developing countries, China and India share common values and extensive common interests. "They should trust and support each other, as this is the proper state of affairs for two emerging powers," it said. The statement said China attaches great importance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit and looks forward to India's active contribution to the summit's success. Wang Yi stressed that history and reality have repeatedly proven that the healthy and stable development of China-India relations serves "the fundamental interests of the two peoples and is the shared aspiration of the vast majority of developing countries". "The two sides should follow the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries and adhere to the principle of dual- track progress, mutual promotion, and a virtuous cycle in approaching and handling bilateral relations and border issues. Through dialogue and communication, they should enhance mutual trust, expand exchanges and cooperation, and jointly promote consensus, clarify directions, and set goals in border control, demarcation negotiations, and cross-border exchanges," he said, according to the statement. He said the two countries should properly resolve specific issues, achieve more positive progress, and continuously create favorable conditions for the improvement and development of bilateral relations. According to the statement, Doval stated that the Kazan meeting between the two leaders marked a turning point in the improvement and development of India-China relations. It has brought about positive changes in mutual understanding, maintained peace and tranquility in the border area, and achieved breakthrough progress in bilateral relations. Amidst the current turbulent international situation, India and China face a series of common challenges. It is necessary to enhance understanding, deepen trust, and strengthen cooperation, as this is crucial for the well-being of the peoples of both countries and world peace and development. The release said this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China. It said India is willing to maintain communication and dialogue with China in a positive and pragmatic manner to continuously foster conditions for a final resolution of the border issue. "The two sides exchanged views on early gains from the border negotiations and reaffirmed their commitment to fully leverage the Special Representatives' meeting mechanism and explore fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solutions in accordance with the political guiding principles agreed upon in 2005, in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual understanding," the release said. "At the same time, they will strengthen regular border management and control to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border area. The two sides agreed to hold the 25th Special Representatives' Meeting on the China-India Boundary Question in China next year," it added. Wang Yi had met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday. (ANI) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced plans to deploy more than four million militia fighters in response to what he called new "threats" from the United States, after Washington raised a bounty for his arrest and launched anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. "This week, I will activate a special plan with more than 4.5 million militiamen to ensure coverage of the entire national territory - militias that are prepared, activated and armed," Maduro said in a televised address, Al Jazeera reported. Venezuela's civilian militia was first established by former President Hugo Chavez and is officially listed as having around five million members, though analysts believe the actual numbers may be significantly lower. The country's population currently stands at about 30 million. Maduro lashed out at the United States, denouncing what he described as "extravagant, bizarre and outlandish threats" from Washington. According to Al Jazeera, his remarks followed the decision of US President Donald Trump's administration to double its reward for his capture to USD 50 million. Washington accuses him of running a cocaine smuggling ring known as the Cartel de los Soles. The United States, which has refused to recognise Maduro's last two electoral victories, has imposed multiple sanctions targeting his administration as well as individuals allegedly linked to the cartel. However, Al Jazeera noted that US authorities have not presented evidence tying Maduro directly to drug trafficking operations. In parallel, the US military dispatched three guided-missile destroyers to the southern Caribbean as part of its expanded campaign against drug cartels in Latin America. "We are also deployed throughout the Caribbean ... in our sea, our property, Venezuelan territory," Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said, as cited by Al Jazeera. Maduro urged his supporters to broaden the network of worker and peasant militias and pledged to equip them with "rifles and missiles" to safeguard the nation's sovereignty. Despite the escalating standoff, he thanked international voices that opposed Washington's stance, dismissing the US rhetoric as a "rotten refrain." Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected US allegations suggesting links between Maduro and Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, clarifying that her administration had no evidence of such connections, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) India has raised its concerns with China about the mega dam construction being undertaken by Beijing in the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra river, which will have implications for lower riparian states. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised India's concerns during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday. The Chinese leader was on a two-day official visit to India at the invitation of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Apart from co-chairing the 24th round of the Special Representatives' (SRs) Dialogue on the Boundary Question between India and China with the NSA, Wang Yi also held bilateral talks with the External Affairs Minister and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A Ministry of External Affairs release said that discussions in the SR talks covered issues related to de-escalation, delimitation and boundary affairs. Discussions between the Foreign Ministers covered bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest. The Indian side strongly raised the issue of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, recalling that one of the original objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), whose summit will be held later this month in China, was to counter the evil of terrorism. The Chinese Foreign Minister concurred that countering terrorism should be given the highest priority, the release said . "During the discussions, External Affairs Minister also underlined India's concerns with regard to the mega dam construction being undertaken by China in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra river), which will have implications for lower riparian states. The need for utmost transparency in this regard was strongly underlined," the release said. It said the Chinese side raised the issue of Taiwan. The Indian side underlined that there was no change in its position on this issue. It pointed out that, like the rest of the world, India had a relationship with Taiwan that focuses on economic, technological and cultural ties and that this would continue. The Indian side noted that China also cooperates with Taiwan in these very domains. The government had told Parliament earlier this year that it has taken note of China's announcement of a mega dam project approved on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (upper reaches of the Brahmaputra) River in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said in a written reply that the Government carefully monitors all developments relating to the Brahmaputra river, including plans by China to develop hydropower projects, and takes necessary measures to protect our interests, including preventive and corrective measures to safeguard life and livelihood of Indian citizens residing in downstream areas. Various issues relating to trans-border rivers are discussed with China under the ambit of an institutionalized Expert Level Mechanism which was established in 2006, as well as through diplomatic channels. "As a lower riparian state with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, Government has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities, and has urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas. Following the recent announcement by China of the mega dam project, we have amplified our concerns and demarched them on December 30, 2024, including on the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries," he added. The issue was also raised during the visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Beijing for a meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Foreign Minister mechanism between India and China. During the visit, India and China agreed to hold an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism to discuss resumption of provision of hydrological data and other cooperation pertaining to trans-border rivers. (ANI) India and China held the 24th round of the Special Representatives' dialogue on the Boundary Question here on Tuesday and agreed on a series of measures to improve bilateral ties including setting up a Working Group, under the WMCC, to advance effective border management in order to maintain peace and tranquillity in India-China border areas. They agreed to use the border management mechanisms at diplomatic and military levels to carry forward the process of border management, and discuss de-escalation, beginning with the principles and modalities. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was on a two-day visit to India during which he had a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday and co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives' (SRs) dialogue on the Boundary Question with the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. The Chinese leader also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. During the meeting between Jaishankar and Wang Yi, both sides agreed to the re-opening of border trade through the three designated trading points, namely Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La Pass. The two sides agreed to facilitate trade and investment flows between the two countries through concrete measures. Both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India at the earliest, and finalise an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on the facilitation of visas to tourists, businesses, media and other visitors in both directions. Both sides agreed to uphold multilateralism, enhance communication on major international and regional issues, maintain a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and promote a multipolar world that safeguards the interests of developing countries. The two sides spoke positively of the progress made in the implementation of the important leader-level consensus in Kazan, Russia, during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the margins of the BRICS Summit last year. A Ministry of External Affairs release said that the two sides shared the view that peace and tranquility has been maintained in the India-China border areas since the 23rd SR talks. They reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas to promote overall development of the India-China bilateral relationship. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries and in a positive and constructive spirit, the two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the India-China boundary question during the meeting between the Special Representatives. The two SRs agreed on the need to take a political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship while seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for settlement of the boundary question in accordance with the Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question signed in 2005. They agreed to set up an Expert Group, under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), to explore Early Harvest in boundary delimitation in the India-China border areas. They also agreed to "setting up a Working Group, under the WMCC, to advance effective border management in order to maintain peace and tranquillity in India-China border areas". The two sides agreed to the creation of General Level Mechanisms in Eastern and Middle Sectors, in addition to the existing General Level Mechanism in Western Sector, and holding an early meeting of the General Level Mechanism in the Western Sector. The two sides also agreed to hold the next round of the SR Talks in China at a mutually convenient time. In the meeting with the External Affairs Minister, the two sides had positive, constructive and forward-looking discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest and agreed on various understandings and outcomes/practical steps on people-centric and economic engagement, the release said. Both sides underscored that the strategic guidance of the leaders of India and China plays an irreplaceable and crucial role in the development of India-China relations. They agreed that a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China is in the mutual interest of the two countries to realize their development potential fully. They further agreed that both sides should earnestly implement the important common understandings reached between the two leaders and promote sustained, sound and steady development of India-China relations. Chinese side welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit to be held in Tianjin. The Indian side reaffirmed its full support for China's SCO Presidency and looked forward to a successful SCO Summit with fruitful outcomes. Both sides agreed to support each other in hosting successful diplomatic events. Chinese side will support India in hosting the 2026 BRICS Summit. The Indian side will support China in hosting the 2027 BRICS Summit. India and China agreed to explore and resume various official bilateral dialogue mechanisms and exchanges, to enhance cooperation and address each other's concerns and properly manage differences, including holding the Third Meeting of the India-China High-level Mechanism on People-to-People Exchanges in India in 2026. Both sides agreed to continue supporting each other in holding events in 2025 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China. India and China agreed to continue and further expand the scale of the Indian pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash/ Gang Renpoche and Lake Manasarovar / Mapam Yun Tso in Tibet Autonomous Region of China starting 2026. The two sides exchanged views on trans-border rivers cooperation and agreed to give full play to the role of India-China Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers and keep communication on renewal of the relevant MoUs. The Chinese side agreed to share hydrological information during emergency situations based on humanitarian considerations. Both sides agreed to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas through friendly consultations. (ANI) The team is working with high efficiency to contain the fires and limit their spread despite field challenges, including soaring temperatures and difficult terrain. Operations carried out by the team so far have included 18 aerial sorties using two Black Hawk helicopters, with 359 water drops executed over fire hotspots. The team began its mission last Monday in the Gramsh forest area and neighbouring regions, following the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to support Albania's efforts in controlling the wildfires. Coordination meetings between the UAE team and Albanian officials are ongoing to devise appropriate plans and accelerate firefighting operations, alongside continued field monitoring to prevent the resurgence of flames. (ANI/WAM) A MEA release said that during the visit, Secretary (East) is slated to meet with ministers and senior officials in the governments of Colombia and Peru and discuss areas of mutual interest, including in trade and commerce, mining, energy, health and pharmaceuticals, defence, infrastructure, cooperation in IT and digital sectors, apart from topics of mutual interest in the bilateral, regional and multilateral context. He would also be interacting with representatives of the business community and think tanks. The release said that Colombia and Peru are India's important partners in the South American region with whom India has growing trade relations, with scope for diversification in trade, commerce and investment, including cooperation in energy, critical minerals and rare earths. India enjoys warm and friendly relations with both Colombia and Peru. The relationships are based on shared democratic values and growing cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, pharmaceuticals, IT, and capacity-building. The visit of Secretary (East) reflects India's continued commitment to enhancing its engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean region, the release said. (ANI) India and China agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between the Chinese mainland and India at the earliest, as a part of the discussions upon Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi's visit. Both sides agreed to finalise an updated Air Services Agreement. "Both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between Chinese mainland and India at the earliest, and finalize an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on the facilitation of visas to tourists, businesses, media and other visitors in both directions," the statement read. The flights were suspended after the Doklam crisis and the Covid pandemic. On Tuesday, both sides agreed to continue and further expand the scale of the Indian pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash/Gang Renpoche and Lake Manasarovar/Mapam Yun Tso in Tibet starting in 2026. The matter of reopening the Nathula route for the yatra was earlier raised in Parliament by Sikkim Rajya Sabha MP DT Lepcha, prompting coordinated efforts between the Government of India and the Government of Sikkim. The resumption of the yatra through Nathula is expected to provide a spiritual avenue for pilgrims, while also boosting tourism and strengthening local economies along the route. On August 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee, at the Prime Minister's Office in Delhi, a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry read. PM Modi asked Wang Yi to convey his cordial greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and expressed his great anticipation of attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Tianjin Summit in China and meeting with President Xi Jinping. India will fully support China's work as the rotating chair of the SCO and ensure the summit's complete success. PM Modi noted that both India and China are ancient civilisations with a long history of friendly exchanges. The meeting between the leaders of the two countries in Kazan last October marked a turning point in the improvement and development of bilateral relations. India and China are partners, not rivals, and both face the common task of accelerating development. They should strengthen exchanges, enhance understanding, and expand cooperation to showcase the enormous potential and bright prospects of India-China cooperation to the world. Both sides should also prudently manage and handle border issues and prevent differences from becoming disputes, as per the statement. (ANI) US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday (local time) criticised India's import of Russian oil, saying the country is profiting from the ongoing Ukraine war. In an interview with CNBC, Bessent said, "Before the war in Ukraine, less than 1% of India's oil came from Russia. Now it is 42%. The system is allowing India to profiteer by buying cheap Russian oil, reselling it, and pocketing $16B in excess profits. This opportunistic arbitrage is unacceptable." On August 6, the US slapped 25 per cent additional tariff on India for buying Russian oil, doubling the total tariff to 50 per cent and catapulting the country to one facing the highest import duties among Washington's trade partners. New Delhi called the tariff action "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable", and said it would take "all actions necessary" to "protect its national interests". The US official's remarks highlight concerns over energy trade practices amid the conflict in Ukraine, pointing to India's growing reliance on Russian crude and the financial gains from reselling it. Bessent's statement comes as Western nations continue to monitor global oil markets and assess the impact of trade strategies on the conflict in Ukraine. Against this backdrop, House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrats argued last week that imposing tariffs on India would not stop Russian President Vladimir Putin or bring an end to the conflict. House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems urged that, to address that issue, US President Donald Trump must provide Ukraine with the aid it needs and punish Putin directly. "Tariffing India won't stop Putin. If Trump really wanted to address Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, maybe punish Putin and give Ukraine the military aid it needs. Everything else is smoke and mirrors," the organisation said in a post on X. The committee also uploaded an interview with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in which he said that if the tariffs on India did not deter Russia, more secondary tariffs could follow. "We've put secondary tariffs on the Indians for buying Russian oil. And I could see if things don't go well, then sanctions or secondary tariffs could go up," Bessent said, adding that Trump would make it clear to Putin what all options are there on the table. "I'm not going to get ahead of the president, but the president is the best at creating leverage for himself, and he will make it clear to President Putin that all options are on the table," he said. Bessent described sanctions as a dynamic factor, subject to change. "Sanctions can go up. They can be loosened. They can have a definitive life. They can go on indefinitely. You know, there's this Russian shadow fleet of ships around the world that I think we could crack down on them. President Trump is meeting with President Putin and the Europeans are in the wings, harping about how he should do it, what he should do it," he said. He said that the Europeans must also join the US in sanctions. "But the Europeans need to join us in these sanctions. The Europeans need to be willing to put on these secondary sanctions. I was at the G7 meeting in Canada with President Trump, and the Europeans kept talking about Senator Graham's bill to impose secondary tariffs. I looked at all the leaders around the table and asked, "Is everyone willing to impose a 200% secondary tariff on China?" And you know what? Everybody wanted to see what kind of shoes they were wearing," he said. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted during Alaska's press conference with Trump on August 16 that bilateral trade between the two nations has increased by 20 per cent since Trump's reinstatement as President. "Incidentally, when the new administration came to power, bilateral trade started to grow. It's still very symbolic. Still, we have a growth of 20%. As I've mentioned, we have numerous dimensions for joint work. It is clear that the US and Russian investment and business cooperation has tremendous potential," Putin had said. "Russia and the US can offer each other so much in trade, digital, high-tech, and in space exploration. We see that Arctic cooperation is also very possible in our international context, for example, between the far east of Russia and the west coast of the US. Overall, it's very important for our countries to turn the page, to go back to cooperation," he added. (ANI) The acquisition strengthens E Source's energy efficiency, electrification, and grid-edge solutions by adding comprehensive program evaluation capabilities. BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- E Source, a customer, grid, and technology solutions company focused on the utility sector, has acquired Opinion Dynamics, a leading program evaluation and advisory firm focused on the intersection of the customer and the grid. This strategic acquisition deepens E Source's ability to deliver full-spectrum utility customer solutionsfrom planning and customer research to program evaluation and advisory servicessolidifying its position as the industry's most comprehensive partner. With over 35 years of experience, E Source helps utilities navigate complex challenges through data-driven insights and strategic guidance. The addition of Opinion Dynamics significantly enhances E Source's capabilities in evaluating grid-edge programs, including energy efficiency, transportation and building electrification, decarbonization, and load flexibility. Opinion Dynamics brings a multidisciplinary team of social scientists, economists, engineers, consultants, and data scientists, all recognized for providing innovative methods, portfolio management excellence, and defensible insights to utilities and regulators across North America. Their expertise enhances E Source's services, creating a comprehensive platform for evidence-based, customer-focused, and climate-centric solutions that address today's grid challenges, and those ahead. "This acquisition marks a pivotal step in our growth strategy and in the evolution of our utility partnerships," said Joe Eazor, CEO of E Source. "By combining our strategic and advisory strengths with Opinion Dynamics' stellar evaluation expertise, we can guide utilities through every phase of the program lifecyclewith insight, accountability, and measurable impact." "For 37 years, Opinion Dynamics has grown as an independent company. This next step allows us to accelerate growth, invest in staff development, and expand our client-centered servicesdelivering evaluation, research, and advisory solutions at the intersection of the customer and the grid. Our dedicated team will continue to provide our industry-leading level of service, now backed by an even deeper bench of experts ready to address all of the emerging issues our clients face," says Bill Norton, President of Opinion Dynamics. Backed by Align Capital Partners, this acquisition is part of E Source's bold growth strategy to accelerate innovation and transformation across the utility sector by bringing in top talent and expanding its capabilities through targeted acquisitions like Opinion Dynamics. Advisors: E Source was advised by McGuireWoods LLP. Opinion Dynamics was advised by FOCUS Investment Banking and Saul Ewing LLP. About E Source E Source combines industry-leading customer, grid, and technology solutions to help utilities make and implement better data-driven decisions that positively impact their customers, their bottom line, and our planet. Headquartered in Boulder, CO, E Source has teams across the US and Canada. Learn more at www.esource.com. About Opinion Dynamics Opinion Dynamics is a leader in providing clients with accurate and actionable information regarding energy and how people consume it. The company offers extensive expertise in demand-side utility services focused on the areas of energy efficiency, transportation electrification, decarbonization, and flexible load strategies. It is headquartered in Massachusetts with offices in California and Oregon, as well as satellite offices located throughout the country. For more information, please visit www.opiniondynamics.com. Media contact Adarsh Nalam, Director, Solutions Marketing and Communications [email protected] SOURCE E Source Companies LLC Tunisia was flagged among four other African nations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for prolonged delays in completing their mandatory Article IV consultations. The other African nations are: Sudan, Eritrea, Liberia, and Senegal, among 13 member states globally. Article IV consultations are annual economic assessments conducted by IMF staff to evaluate a countrys macroeconomic policies, financial stability, and governance. These reviews are crucial for maintaining access to concessional financing, guiding investor confidence, and supporting debt sustainability efforts. Tunisias delay stands at 39 months. The authorities formally requested a postponement due to domestic political and economic challenges For Sudan, the last consultation was held in February 2020. The 34-month delay is attributed to ongoing civil conflict and political instability. Eritrea, for its part, has not engaged with the IMF since July 2019, resulting in a 45-month delay. The reasons are categorized as miscellaneous, with no formal explanation provided Following a change in government, Liberia experienced a 20-month delay. However, an IMF mission was conducted from June 417, 2025, and board discussions are scheduled for September 8 Added to the list in 2025, Senegal faces an 18-month delay. The IMF suspended its support program after an audit revealed $7 billion in previously undisclosed debt under the administration of former President Macky Sall The IMF emphasizes that such delays can hinder access to its financial instruments and those of other institutions like the World Bank. They may also complicate debt restructuring efforts and signal broader issues in economic governance. However, the list is not punitiveit serves as a transparency measure and a prompt for re-engagement Three countries- Egypt, Ethiopia, and Malawi- were removed from the delayed consultations list in 2025 after successfully resuming Article IV engagements. Moroccos handicraft sector posted a 14% year-on-year increase in exports during the first seven months of 2025, driven by surging demand for traditional garments and a sharp rise in shipments to Turkey and the United States, according to government data. Total exports reached 737 million dirhams ($72 million) between January and July, up from 648 million dirhams a year earlier, the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy said in its latest bulletin. July alone saw a 34% jump, underscoring the sectors resilience amid shifting global demand. Traditional clothing was the standout category, with exports soaring 141% to 133 million dirhams, fueled by renewed international interest in culturally authentic fashion. Pottery and stoneware remained the sectors backbone, accounting for 33% of total exports, while carpets held steady at 18%, now rivaling garments in export value. Jewelry exports rose 57%, brassware 11%, and wood products 7%. However, blankets saw a 25% decline, and basketry and footwear dropped 18%. Leather goods and wrought iron also fell 16%, reflecting uneven performance across product lines. The U.S. retained its position as Moroccos top export destination, accounting for half of total handicraft exports. Shipments to the U.S. rose 32% to 367 million dirhams, supported by a bilateral free trade agreement that continues to boost competitiveness. Turkey emerged as a breakout market, with exports skyrocketing more than 5,200% to over 52 million dirhams, following a recalibration of trade terms. The country is now viewed as a strategic growth market for Moroccan artisans. Europe, by contrast, showed signs of weakness. Exports to France and Germany fell 26% and 23%, respectively, while Spain and the UK posted more modest declines. Analysts suggest the drop may reflect broader economic headwinds and evolving consumer preferences across the continent. Outside traditional markets, performance was mixed. The Netherlands and the UAE saw gains of 48% and 46%, respectively, while Saudi Arabia rose 29%. Australia declined 14%, and secondary markets collectively fell 20%, highlighting vulnerabilities in less diversified export channels. The Sahel has experienced a sustained high level of lethality tied to militant Islamist groups in recent years. The nearly 10,500 average annual deaths over the past 3 years are more than double the 4,900 annual fatalities experienced between 2020 and 2023, according to a recent study by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. This represents a sevenfold increase in annual fatalities since 2019, the study reveals, noting that an estimated 950,000 square kilometers of populated African territory is outside of government control, plagued by Islamist violence and trafficking. The study, which uses data from the U.N. Security Council, notes that while the threat is largely contained in North Africa and declining in Mozambique, it is spreading in the Lake Chad basin and worsening in Somalia. The situation is most dangerous in the Sahel, where militant Islamist groups linked to the Jamaat Nusrat al Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) network account for 83 percent of all fatalities. Led by the Macina Liberation Front and Ansar Dine, these JNIM groups primarily operate in north, central, and southern Mali and southern Burkina Faso. Comprising an estimated 6,000-7,000 fighters (the vast majority of whom are from the Sahel), these groups are also pushing into the border areas of the coastal West African countries. The Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) is the other main militant Islamist threat in this region, largely concentrated in northern Burkina Faso and western Niger. With an estimated 2,000-3,000 fighters, ISGS is both a rival to and cooperative with JNIM. Burkina Faso is identified as a particular flashpoint, accounting for 55% of all victims in the Sahel. The nations armed forces are said to control only 40% of its territory, according to the study. In Somalia, the al-Shabaab militant group poses the most persistent threat, with an estimated 7,000 to 12,000 fighters. The group receives material support from Yemens Houthis and generates more than $200 million annually from extortion, taxes, and piracy. However, unlike in the Sahel, civilian casualties are relatively low in Somalia, accounting for only 2% of victims in what are described as primarily battlefield engagements. Upon instructions of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of Al-Quds Committee, Morocco is sending an additional 100 tons of emergency humanitarian assistance to the inhabitants of Gaza, said a press release issued Monday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The additional relief consists mostly of foodstuffs and medicines for children and infants. In early August, Morocco sent 180 tons of humanitarian aid including foodstuffs, infant formula, medicine, surgical supplies, tents, blankets, and other essential equipment. Palestinians in Gaza have thanked King Mohammed VI for his generous support and firm solidarity with Palestinian people, particularly the populations of Gaza in times of hardship and crises. They have said the royal initiatives reflect the unwavering commitment of the Kingdom to the Palestinian cause. Despite significant efforts by Qatari mediators, peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and M23 rebels have missed key deadlines, as violence intensifies across eastern regions. A draft peace agreement based on a Declaration of Principles signed in Doha on 19 July was shared with both sides, according to a Qatari official. The roadmap aimed for a ceasefire deal by 18 August, but escalating ground conflict and mistrust have derailed the process. While both parties reportedly responded positively to mediation efforts, the M23 said future talks hinge on the full implementation of initial agreements, particularly the release of prisoners. A Congolese official, however, noted the complexity of that demand, suggesting it should be part of negotiations, not a precondition. The Qatari official, speaking anonymously, confirmed ongoing negotiations in Doha, despite missed milestones. Neither Kinshasa nor the M23 have commented publicly. Meanwhile, eastern DRC has witnessed mounting bloodshed. The United Nations condemned recent massacres by Islamic State-linked ADF rebels, who killed at least 52 civilians in Beni and Lubero. Victims, including children, were slaughtered with machetes in overnight raids in what Lieutenant Elongo Kyondwa Marc, a regional Congolese army spokesperson, described as ADFs revenge after they suffered defeats by Congolese forces. The situation on the ground remains dire, with the UN estimating 27.8 million people face food insecurity and over seven million displaced. Hopes for peace now hinge on sustained diplomacy and de-escalation. A diplomatic crisis has erupted between France and Mali following the arrest of Yann Vezilier, a French embassy employee accused by Malis military government of plotting to destabilize the Sahel country. Malian authorities allege Vezilier, whom they claim is linked to French intelligence, was recruiting military and civil society figures to orchestrate a coup. The arrest comes amid a broader crackdown by Malis junta, which has recently detained dozens of soldiers over similar accusations. France has strongly denied the claims, calling them unjustified and demanding Veziliers immediate release. Paris insists the diplomat is protected under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and accuses Mali of violating international law. Discussions are underway to clear up any misunderstanding and to secure the immediate release of the French diplomat accredited to Bamako, Frances foreign ministry said in a statement, emphasizing that the charges are unfounded. The dispute marks another low in Franco-Malian relations, which have deteriorated sharply since Malis back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021. The junta, led by Colonel Assimi Goita, has expelled French troops and aligned closely with Russia. The diplomatic standoff adds to Malis instability, already worsened by years of jihadist violence and political unrest. The military government has delayed promised democratic elections and in June extended Goitas rule by five years, drawing international condemnation. Investigations into the alleged coup plot are ongoing, with Mali junta insisting the situation is completely under control. Benefit for Brunswick Food Bank and Brunswick Arts Council BRUNSWICK, Md., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Held at Lockhouse Gallery in the downtown Mainstreet of Brunswick, Maryland. 17 W Potomac St. Brunswick, MD 21716. The paintings will be up for exhibit and viewing on September 16th, 2025 and will end with the completion of the silent auction event and celebration on September 27th 5- 8 pm. The proceeds of Lockhouse Gallery (35% of the sale) will be donated to the Brunswick Food Bank and the Brunswick Arts Council. "Barbara Fritchie Home" by Helen Smith Helen Smith was an artist and leader in the artistic community of Frederick County for more than 80 years. She was a well-known and beloved artist that documented the history of Frederick through her art and a trailblazer for women in art. She painted as a child, until her death in 1997 at the age of 103. She graduated from the Maryland Institute of Art in 1916 and taught art at Hood College from 1916 to 1925 where she also served as the head of the art department. In 1925, she became one of the only successful women entrepreneurs in the Frederick area. She lived in an apartment above her shop at 237 N Market St. that had no heat and was supplemented with a kiln to keep her warm. She worked into the night to keep up with her orders, and her perseverance allowed her to survive the Great Depression. Lockhouse Gallery has obtained 22 original works that were painted by Helen Smith and was asked to sell them on consignment. They are owned by the Guy Whidden Estate. There are 21 original watercolors of iconic landmark scenes in Frederick, and one eglomise. They represent scenes such as the spires of Frederick City, the Barbara Fritchie House, the gazebo in Baker Park, the Catoctin Furnace, Schifferstadt, the Hood College administration building and many others. The paintings were obtained by Guy Whidden II who was a well-known citizen of the Frederick area and a prominent World War II veteran. He passed away in 2022. He was good friends with Helen Smith and would often visit her in her studio home. At those visits he would appreciate and view her inventory of work and buy one of her paintings. We imagine those visits to have been stories about their shared era and service to the community. Each of these paintings represents their valuable time together, and collective identity. Guy Whidden II, her collector and friend, was a decorated veteran of the 101st Airborne Division, serving as a paratrooper during the D-Day invasion of Normandy. He was severely wounded during a mortar attack in the Netherlands where he was the only survivor from his squad. Helen Smith's life story was equally fascinating and beautifully documented in a book written about her life, called "Frederick's Legacy - The Art of Helen L. Smith". A copy of the book can be downloaded at the website of the Historical Society of Frederick ( http://frederickhistory.org ). She devoted her life to art in Frederick and was an entrepreneur downtown when it was not looked upon as a favorable profession for women. She left behind a varied and eclectic body of work. The Delaplaine Art Center has offered free workshops in her name and has honored her with a scholarship fund. It is unclear how many of her works will be available for purchase in the future, outside of this collection, so this may be a rare opportunity to own one of her works, while also contributing to a wonderful cause. Helen believed in the continuing support of art within local communities. The Brunswick Arts Council is supporting greatly needed art programs in our community, and we feel that supporting food security, through donation to the Brunswick Food Bank is of utmost importance. This collection of her work will be exhibited at Lockhouse Gallery starting on September 16th. Personal viewings of the work can be conducted on request prior to September 16th. A viewing room (photographs and information on each painting) will be set up and can be located on the Lockhouse Gallery website at www.lockhousegallery.com . The paintings can be purchased at any time for "buy it now" prices. Bids will be accepted on each painting starting at any time before or during September 27th. The bidding will end on September 27th at 7:30 pm, during the silent auction reception and celebration. Please join us as well as members of the Brunswick Art Council, and Brunswick community leaders on Saturday September 27th from 5-8 pm to celebrate this important event. Light food, beverages and wine will be served. This is a casual event that is open to the public. Feel free to contact Kimberly Yourick at Lockhouse Gallery for more information and to be sent a link to the viewing room. Lockhouse Gallery opened in May of 2025 with their grand opening occurring in July of 2025. They currently represent 28 artists, painters, fine jewelry metalsmiths, and wood workers that are mostly local. They offer regular events for the community, including artist talks, social events and special exhibitions. Their philosophy is to provide a warm and inviting space for the community and art at all genres and pricing. SOURCE Lockhouse Gallery We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings . Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya once again clarified Japans official position on the Polisario separatist entity at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama on Tuesday. I would like to make it clear that the presence at this meeting of any entity that Japan does not recognize as a state does not affect Japans position on the status of that entity, Iwaya told African ministers and representatives of international organizations gathered for the conference. This solemn statement is consistent with previous Japanese positions, notably at the meeting of senior officials and in public statements by the Japanese foreign minister. Actually, on the eve of the TICAD opening, Takeshi Iwaya, reiterated in a statement to PanOrient News that the Polisario self-proclaimed republic is neither recognized by Japan nor by the majority of UN members. Japan does not recognize the so-called RASD and Japans position is unchanged, insisted the Japanese Foreign Minister. Our policy of not inviting it to TICAD remains unchanged, Iwaya pointed out, recalling that the AU, co-organizer of the event, had insisted on inviting all of its members. The same clarification concerning Japans non-recognition of the separatist entity was reiterated at the meeting of high officials, held in preparation for the TICAD 9. Actually, the head of the Japanese delegation recalled, at the outset of the meeting, that his country does not recognize the entity, whose intrusion to TICAD meetings does not change Japans constant position, not recognizing it as a State. I would like to state that the presence of an entity that Japan does not recognize as a State does not affect Japans position concerning the entitys status, the Japanese official declared. The Japanese diplomat expressed reservations on the separatist entitys presence, saying that his country has refused to extend it an invitation and instead invited countries with which Japan holds diplomatic ties. Japan, committed to international legitimacy, was thus keen to avoid any ambiguity, emphasizing that the separatist entitys intrusion into meetings under the guise of the African Union does not confer upon it any state legitimacy. This position is in line with that of the UN and the overwhelming majority of its member states, which refuse to recognize the separatist entity and broadly support the autonomy initiative presented by Morocco in 2007 as a serious and credible solution to the Sahara dispute. TICAD-9 is taking place in Yokohama, Japan, from August 19 to 23, with the main objective of promoting development and cooperation in Africa, in peace and stability. Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah met with French President Emmanuel Macrons Special Envoy to Libya, Paul Soler, on Sunday to review the ongoing security operation in Tripoli and set priorities for the next stage of stabilization efforts. The talks disclosed on August 18 by the Prime Ministers office, addressed bilateral relations, Libyas political trajectory, and avenues to strengthen cooperation with the European Union. Discussions also focused on consolidating State institutions, supporting the UN missions push for elections, and ending Libyas prolonged transitional period. The meeting further highlighted the importance of coordinating with neighboring countries and unifying international positions to safeguard Libyas sovereignty and stability. Dbeibah welcomed Frances announcement of its intention to recognize the State of Palestine, describing it as a significant step in support of Palestinian rights. Earlier, Soler discussed with Presidential Council head Mohammed Menfi ways to ensure the success of the upcoming UN plan for Libyas political transition. MSHA Warns Mines to Inspect Impoundments After Heavy Rain Agency issues safety alert urging operators to check dams and impoundments following major storms. The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a new safety alert reminding mine operators to take precautions to protect impoundments following periods of heavy precipitation. According to MSHA, intense or prolonged rainfall can weaken embankments and raise water levels in impoundments, creating conditions that increase the risk of failure. Such failures can lead to flooding, property damage, and potentially loss of life. The agency is urging mine operators to conduct prompt inspections of dams and impoundments after major rain events, ensure spillways are clear, and closely monitor water levels. Emergency action plans should be reviewed and updated regularly so that miners and nearby communities are protected in the event of structural concerns. MSHA stressed that impoundments must be examined by qualified personnel, and any signs of instability such as erosion, seepage, or cracks should be reported and corrected immediately. The alert is part of MSHAs ongoing effort to highlight seasonal and weather-related hazards across the mining industry and to encourage proactive safety measures that prevent catastrophic incidents. For more information, the full safety alert is available at MSHA.gov. On August 15, just as the much-anticipated meeting between President Trump and President Putin was taking place, a development of potentially far-reaching consequences but little immediate attention surfaced in Moscow. President Putin signed an alteration to his 2022 decree that had transferred the Sakhalin-1 project fully under Russian jurisdiction, this time supplementing it with conditions for the possible return of foreign companies to the venture. The change carries more weight than the quiet timing suggested. At its core lies Russias willingness to signal that U.S. companies and ExxonMobil in particular could once again have a place in one of Russias most strategic energy projects. Sakhalin-1 is no ordinary asset. Located on the northeast shelf of Sakhalin Island, it consists of the Chayvo, Odoptu and Arkutun-Dagi fields, with recoverable reserves estimated at 2.3 billion barrels of oil and 17.1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. ExxonMobil entered the project under a production-sharing agreement in the 1990s, after the fields first discovered in the 1970s had been left undeveloped for decades. Commercial production began in 2005, with ExxonMobil as operator. At its launch, the project set a world record in extended-reach drilling, reaching 11,282 meters (37,320 feet) with its Z-11 well back in 2007. The equity structure allocated 30% each to ExxonMobil and Russias Rosneft, with Indias ONGC Videsh and Japans SODECO each holding 20%. Related: Energy Transition Stalls as Oil Super-Cycle Risks Return For nearly two decades, this carefully balanced partnership not only demonstrated the viability of large-scale foreign involvement in Russias upstream sector but also withstood considerable geopolitical turbulence. Even the 2014 Crimea crisis, which unleashed the first wave of Western sanctions against Moscow, failed to derail Sakhalin-1, despite widespread speculation that the projects multinational framework would become unfeasible. Yet what it survived in 2014, it could not withstand in 2022. With the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the far more sweeping sanctions that followed, ExxonMobil announced its withdrawal in March, just weeks after hostilities began, triggering a collapse in production from 220,000 b/d to just 10,000 b/d, grinding to a near halt within months. By April, Exxon booked a $4.6 billion impairment charge tied to Sakhalin-1, underscoring the scale of its retreat. Exports also crashed. Annual shipments of Sakhalin-1 crude fell from 229,000 b/d before the war to 98,000 b/d in 2022, according to Kpler data. For four straight months June through September no exports left the terminal. Flows later recovered to 198,000 b/d but still have not reached the pre-war volumes, as sanctions complicated logistics and buyers grew more cautious. Before 2022, the crude had a diverse customer base, including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, China, and even the United States. By 2023, only India and China remained, with a small volume reaching Pakistan in 2024. Today, China has emerged as the largest buyer, taking in 118,000 b/d in 2025 to date. This reshaping of trade flows coincided with a fundamental shift in the projects ownership structure. Putins first decree on 7 October 2022 formally transferred Exxons stake into Russian hands, ending its tenure as the projects lead. Exxon had explored the option of selling its 30% stake to Indian partners, but Moscow intervened, seizing the equity and placing it in a new state-backed entity, Sakhalinmorneftegaz-Shelf. Indias ONGC and Japans SODECO opted to remain. Exxon, for its part, viewed the forced transfer as hostile and unfair, but had little recourse. Three years later, Moscow decided to soften its uncompromising stance. The amendment issued on 15 August 2025, reopened the door to foreign participation but only under strict conditions. Partners may reclaim their shares if they succeed in lifting or mitigating sanctions that constrain the project, securing agreements for the supply of foreign-made equipment and spare parts, establishing new technical cooperation deals, and transferring previously accumulated funds from liquidation accounts into the new operator. In practical terms, Russia is signaling a willingness to reengage with foreign stakeholders, but only on terms that advance its own strategic and operational needs. The timing of the decree, however, suggests that more is at play. Signed on the very day of the TrumpPutin meeting, the amendment reads less like a technical adjustment and more like a political gesture an overt signal to Washington that Russia is prepared to welcome US partners back into Arctic oil development if the broader climate allows. For President Putin, it amounts to a calculated offering, a card placed on the table to prepare the ground for future negotiations and potential concessions. Yet even if the American side were to reconsider its involvement in Russian Arctic projects, the playing field would look very different from when they first entered. ExxonMobils original involvement rested on a production-sharing agreement a ownership regime that raised controversies when first introduced under President Boris Yeltsin in the 1990s. These agreements were widely criticized in Russia for granting overly generous terms to foreign investors, depriving the state of substantial revenue and limiting transparency in how contracts were awarded and implemented. By the mid-2000s, only two PSAs remained: Sakhalin-1 and Sakhalin-2. The latter became a case study in Moscows assertiveness when in 2006, Putin pressured foreign investors to sell a controlling stake to Gazprom. A revived Exxon role today would come under a new legal and commercial regime, one far more tilted in Russias favor. That said, the significance of such a return could extend well beyond Sakhalin itself. If ExxonMobil were to re-enter this project, it could also signal a pathway back into Russias broader Arctic ambitions. In 2014, the US sanctions forced Exxon to abandon its joint Arctic exploration with Rosneft after the discovery of the giant Pobeda field in the Kara Sea. With proven reserves of 130 million tonnes of oil and 422 billion cubic meters of gas (and potentially much more), the find rivaled or exceeded resource bases in the Gulf of Mexico, Brazils and Alaskas continental shelves. At the time, the projects potential was labelled as transformational. A thaw in US-Russia relations that could enable Exxons possible return to Sakhalin could open the door to reviving such ventures, which remain some of the most promising untapped hydrocarbon prospects in the world. For now, Putins August decree is a signal, not a deal. But it underscores how tightly the fate of strategic energy projects like Sakhalin-1 is bound to the arc of geopolitics. The legal structures, the buyers, the flows all have shifted under sanctions and war. What Putin offered on August 15 was not simply a regulatory amendment. It was an invitation, timed to a pivotal political moment, hinting at how energy remains a currency of diplomacy as much as commerce. By Natalia Katona for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com China has boosted imports of Russias flagship Urals crude, as refiners buy additional volumes of discounted oil while India is hesitant amid U.S. threats over its purchases of Russian oil. China is the top buyer of Russian crude, but most of its imports consist of the ESPO grade shipped from Russias port of Kozmino in the Far East. Urals, on the other hand, is being shipped from the ports in western Russia to India, and China hasnt imported much of the grade due to higher shipping costs and longer voyages. However, with the hiked U.S. tariffs on India over its imports of Russian crude, trade flows have started to shift, and China and Russia are winning in the new Urals trade, at the expense of India. So far this month, China is estimated to have imported nearly 75,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Urals crude, according to data by Kpler cited by Bloomberg. The volumes have almost doubled compared to an average of about 40,000 bpd of Urals imports so far this year. India, for its part, has seen imports of Urals more than halve to around 400,000 bpd so far in August, down from an average of more than 1 million bpd so far in 2025, according to the shipments observed by Kpler. Some of the Urals not making its way to India could be absorbed by China, but not all, energy flow tracking at Vortexa showed. Though some of this surplus could be temporarily re-directed to China, these are stop-gap measures. Importantly, China absorbing all surplus volumes is not entirely a realistic scenario either, Delia He, a freight analyst at Vortexa, wrote in an analysis last week. The biggest Indian state-owned refiners are pulling out of spot purchases of Russian crude for cargoes loading in the coming months as the U.S. increases pressure on India for its Russian oil imports. Indias dependence on Russian crude is opportunistic and deeply corrosive of the worlds efforts to isolate Putins war economy, the White House trade adviser Peter Navarro wrote in an op-ed published in the Financial Times on Monday. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Barack Obama has one. So do Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Jimmy Carter. And it seems abundantly clear that Donald Trump is bucking for one too a Nobel Peace Prize awarded to a sitting US president. Trump has gone on a peace-making offensive over the past few weeks. He is not only the driving force in trying to end Russias unprovoked war on Ukraine, but he is also at the center of efforts to settle the almost four-decade-long conflict in the Caucasus between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Success in both cases is far from certain. The US president met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 18 at the White House, along with European leaders. The meeting followed Trump's talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, during which the US president aligned his approach with his Russian counterpart, abandoning a call for an immediate ceasefire as a prelude to peace talks. Press pundits described the Alaska gathering as a clear win for Putin. But that may not end up being the case, given that the Russian leader in Alaska acceded to the idea of Ukraine receiving security guarantees from the United States and Europe as part of any peace settlement. Trump also acknowledged the need for US participation in providing a security guarantee. Ultimately, it will be the scope and fulfillment of any security guarantee that will be a determining factor in judging the Alaska outcome and the peace process in general. A European statement issued after the Alaska meeting emphasized that Ukraine must receive an ironclad security commitment. 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, the statement read. US Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff said August 17 that Ukraine could end up receiving a NATO Article 5-like assurance, under which a renewed attack on the country would potentially require all NATO members to come to Kyivs defense. While Ukraine would likely welcome such a guarantee, as it is a key driver of Kyivs desire to obtain NATO membership, there are still risks attached to any such arrangement for Zelensky. An open question would be: how determined are the United States and Europe to fulfill their security commitments? In agreeing to a security guarantee for Ukraine, Putin may be playing a long game, recalling the experience of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, under which the United States, Russia, and European powers provided a security guarantee to Ukraine, in return for Kyiv giving up its nuclear weapons. In 2014, Russia violated the memorandums provisions by occupying Crimea. Meanwhile, the Obama administration, along with European states, did nothing in response to Russian aggression. Russia also presents a major obstacle to Trumps provisional peace plan for the Caucasus, a central component of which is the establishment of a transit corridor across Armenian territory connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave, with operations managed by US entities. Operational details remain to be worked out for the corridor, which has been dubbed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). The Kremlin and Iran are suspicious of the US-managed corridor concept. Many Russian experts see TRIPP as a potential geopolitical disaster for Moscow. Political scientist Semyon Baghdasarov, in an analysis published by the Russian outlet Military Affairs, predicted an American military base would eventually be established in Armenia, and that Yerevan would close an existing Russian base in the country. A powerful American-Turkish bridgehead is appearing near the borders of Russia. Its a very unpromising scenario, Baghdasarov said. He cautioned that TRIPP could set off a military confrontation in Armenia that is worse than Ukraine. Meanwhile, Alexander Dugin, a Russian nationalist ideologist who has been described as Putins imperial id, called Trumps peace initiative a humiliation and an existential threat to Russian national identity. This pain, this insult must be perceived as a slap in the face to each of us, to every Russian person, Dugin said, referring to the August 8 joint declaration witnessed by Trump and signed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev. If we do not see this as a failure, if we do not feel this pain, we will cease to be human beings and to be a sovereign state-civilization. In the days since the White House signing ceremony, Armenia has gone on a diplomatic charm offensive to reassure Russian and Iranian officials, achieving mixed results. Russia remains wary, but Yerevan appears to have succeeded in soothing some Iranian concerns. Irans chief worries about TRIPP are that it will disrupt Tehrans essential and lucrative North-South trade and that the corridor could potentially be used for military purposes by the United States. In an interview published by the official Iranian news agency IRNA, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan contended that TRIPP would be economically beneficial for Tehran, saying this will open new doors for railway cooperation between Armenia and Iran, adding that it would expand access for Iranian goods to the Black Sea. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian headed to Yerevan on August 18 for TRIPP-focused talks. Prior to his departure, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi published a commentary in the Armenpress news agency describing the presidential visit as an affirmation of our shared commitment to opening new horizons in mutual relations. While Iranian officials may feel more comfortable that existing trade patterns will not be disrupted, Tehran remains cautious about the looming US presence in the region. On August 15, Araghchi noted that Tehran maintains a special focus on preserving regional geopolitical stability and its national interests, code for minimizing US influence in the region. Iranian and Russian officials have held talks aimed at harmonizing their stances on TRIPP with uncertain results, as each state is still formulating its own position. Given that his name is attached to the chief pillar of the peace plan, Trump is likely to remain closely engaged in the process and in overcoming any potential Russian and Iranian opposition. When asked on August 12 to comment about potential Russian and/or Iranian efforts to scuttle TRIPP, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce declined to outline specific US options but stressed that the world knows to take President Trump seriously. This arrangement, this deal, is important to him. This matters to this administration. By Eurasianet More Top Reads From Oilprice.com With Russia focused on Ukraine, Washington is stepping up its efforts to ensure that Moscow cannot re-establish itself so easily in its previously vital strategic Middle East and North Africa strongholds of Syria and Libya. The U.S. and Great Britain were instrumental in the removal from power of longtime Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 and in the similar ousting of Syrias long-term president Bashar al-Assad in 2024. Over the 23 years, Washington and London appear to have learned that quickly putting into place a plan to ensure economic health of the country involved in an effective coup detat is a good idea from every angle. It minimises the chances of cultural and economic destruction wrought by unfettered migration of affected populations into Europe, it secures valuable energy rights for those countries helping to shape the new regime, and it prevents chief geopolitical rivals Russia and China from adding to their global sphere of influence. It is also crucial to note that major oil and gas projects legally entitle the international companies undertaking them to safeguard these assets in a foreign country by whatever security means they think appropriate, as agreed with the host nation. Given all this, the last few weeks have seen major moves by the U.S. and Great Britain to make sure that this time around the strategic advantage that they have engineered is both countries is not lost. Related: Despite Delays Surinames Oil Boom is Fast Becoming a Reality For Syria, the beginning of July saw the U.S. remove Syrias Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources from its sanctions list, together with the countrys General Authority for Maritime Transport, and its two main refineries too. These actions augmented the removal of a broad range of sanctions on the country just a day earlier, including those preventing the importation of Syrian oil and oil products into the U.S. Together, the lifting of these sanctions are aimed at opening the way for the country to realise the still high potential of its oil and gas sector so that it can build a robust economy that is, according to the sanctions removal order: stable, unified and at peace with itself and its neighbors. In this context it is apposite to note that before Syrias civil war began in March 2011 as part of the wider Arab Spring movement, it was a major oil producer, with output of around 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil from proved reserves of 2.5 billion barrels. Prior to that before the recovery rate started to decline due to a lack of enhanced oil recovery techniques being employed at the major fields -- it had been producing nearly 600,000 bpd. Europe imported over US$3 billion of oil per year from Syria up to the beginning of 2011, and many European refineries were configured to process the heavy, sour Souedie crude oil that makes up much of Syrias output, with the remainder being the sweet and lighter Syrian Light grade. Most of this some 150,000-bpd combined went to Germany, Italy, and France, from one of Syrias three Mediterranean export terminals: Banias, Tartus, and Latakia. As an adjunct to this, a multitude of international oil companies were operating in Syrias energy sector, including Great Britains Shell, Petrofac and Gulfsands Petroleum, Frances then-Total, the China National Petroleum Corporation, Indias Oil and Natural Gas Corp, Canadas Suncor Energy, and Russias Tatneft and Stroytransgaz. Russia was quick to expand its on-the-ground presence in the countrys oil and gas sector as an adjunct to its launching full military support for al-Assads regime from 30 September 2015, at the Syrian presidents request, as analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order. Heavy investment especially in the gas sector, allowed Moscow to leverage its influence across the country to such a degree that it became the Kremlins key Middle Eastern outpost, with several militarily vital bases. These included the naval base at Tartus (Russias only Mediterranean port), the air force base at Khmeimim, and the listening station just outside Latakia). However, following the 30 June and 1 July removal of sanctions on Syria by the U.S., American firms including Baker Hughes, Hunt Energy, and Argent LNG are working to revitalise the countrys oil, gas and power sector, according to a senior source working in the European Unions security complex. They will be taking the lead here, [in Syria] alongside local [Middle Eastern] firms focusing on power generation, with British and European firms to step in after that initial work has been done, he exclusively told OilPrice.com last week. The initial focus [for the U.S.] will be on key oil-producing areas west of the Euphrates currently under control of the new Syrian government, he added. It is a similar story for Libya, although British firms have adopted the lead role here in recent weeks. Before 2011 -- when the Arab Spring movement led to the removal of its own leader, Gaddafi -- Libya had easily been able to produce around 1.65 million barrels per day (bpd) of mostly high-quality light, sweet crude oil. Production had also been on a rising production trend at that point, up from about 1.4 million bpd in 2000. Although this output level was well below the peak levels of more than 3 million bpd achieved in the late 1960s, its National Oil Corporation (NOC) had plans in place before 2011 to roll out enhanced oil recovery techniques to increase crude oil production at maturing oil fields. There had also been plenty of interest from a slew of international oil companies to be involved in expanding production on existing fields and exploring new opportunities in oil and gas (after all, Libya still has 48 billion barrels of proved crude oil reserves the largest in Africa). Russia was one such country, although the more chaotic conditions across the country resulting from fragmented political leadership meant Moscow was less able to cement firm control over it. Nonetheless, September 2023 saw General Khalifa Haftar commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA) travel to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose Wagner mercenary soldiers provide support for LNA forces in Libya. Further talks between Haftar and senior Russian political and military figures have occurred at several points since then, according to the E.U. security source. As an adjunct to this, last year saw the arrest of Saddam Haftar -- General Haftars son -- at Naples airport after his name appeared on an E.U. database over an arrest warrant issued in Spain for alleged weapons smuggling. This followed comments from former U.N. special envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily, that the country was becoming a mafia state dominated by gangs involved in smuggling operations, especially for arms. That said, earlier this year saw British oil giants BP and Shell sign a range of agreements with Libyas National Oil Company (NOC) aimed at boosting the countrys oil and gas output recovery. BP said on 8 July that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to evaluate options for redeveloping the giant Sarir and Messla onshore fields in the Sirte basin, and to assess potential unconventional oil and gas development. The firms executive vice president for gas and low carbon, William Lin, stated that the agreement, reflects our strong interest in deepening our partnership with NOC and supporting the future of Libyas energy sector. In the meantime, Shell is focused on exploring development possibilities for the Atshan oil field and other NOC-owned assets. Shortly afterwards during a visit to Tripoli by U.S. President Donald Trumps senior adviser for Africa, Massad Boulos, a cooperation agreement was signed between Mellitah Oil and Gas (a joint venture between the NOC and Italys Eni), and U.S. construction consulting firm Hill International to manage a project which aims to boost Libya's gas output. More specifically, it involves the development from 2026 of two gas fields located offshore Libya with combined gas reach 750 million cubic feet per day. Perhaps the biggest sign of the U.S.s high hopes for a new Libya was the announcement earlier this month that supermajor ExxonMobil had signed an MoU with the NOC to identify hydrocarbon resources in four offshore blocks located off Libyas northwest coast and its Sirte Basin. All of these on the-ground-developments in Libya and Syria will be very hard for Russia or China to undermine. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Recognized by Energage across three categories, including 2025 Top Workplaces USA list PLANO, Texas, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fisher Investments, one of the world's largest independent, fee-only investment advisers, received three honors from Top Workplaces, including being named to the 2025 Top Workplaces USA list. In addition, Fisher Investments received Top Workplaces' honors for Compensation & Benefits and a 2025 Top Workplace in Financial Services. Leading employer research firm Energage manages the Top Workplaces USA program, which recognizes organizations with a people-first culture of excellence. "These recognitions reflect our steadfast commitment to fostering a workplace culture of excellence for our employees," said Fisher Investments' CEO Damian Ornani. "We take great pride in creating an atmosphere where employees can thrive, which enables us to better serve more clients around the world." Top Workplaces USA recognition is based on feedback from the firm's thousands of US-based employees. Energage anonymously surveyed employees on 15 culture drivers, measuring aspects of workplace culture such as employee engagement, confidence in leadership, training and benefits. Scoring well indicates a healthy and productive culture, highly engaged employees and superior business results. To participate, companies must have at least 150 employees and achieve a survey response rate of 35% or higher. Companies with the highest overall scores in each size category qualify as Top Workplaces. The Top Workplaces for Compensation & Benefits award celebrates organizations that provide employees not only with material rewards but also with the appreciation for their work. About Fisher Investments Founded in 1979, Fisher Investments is an independent, fee-only investment adviser. Fisher Investments and its affiliates manage over $347 billion across three principal businessesInstitutional, US Private Client, and Private Client International. Founder and Executive Chairman Ken Fisher wrote Forbes' "Portfolio Strategy" column for over 32 years until 12/31/2016, making him the longest continuously running columnist in the magazine's history. He now writes monthly, native language columns in 25 major media organs around the worldincluding the New York Postspanning more countries and more languages in more total reach than any other, non-syndicated columnist of any type ever. Ken appears regularly on major TV news like Fox News, Fox Business, Sky News (UK and Australia), BNN Bloomberg, CNN International, and the BBC. Ken has written 11 investing and finance books, including four New York Times bestsellers. For more information about Fisher Investments visit www.fisherinvestments.com. Media Contacts SOURCE Fisher Investments Indonesia plans to build more than a dozen small modular refineries to process growing volumes of U.S. crude but analysts have expressed concerns that the plan may not be viable and could limit the refining mix and profits of the biggest economy in Southeast Asia. Reports emerged last month that Indonesia was preparing to sign an $8-billion contract with U.S. engineering company KBR Inc to help it build 17 modular refineries, as part of the U.S.-Indonesia trade deal. In the middle of July, Indonesia and the United States reached a trade deal, under which the U.S. tariffs on Indonesian products will be lowered to 19% from an initial levy of 32%. Indonesia was slapped with one of the highest tariffs - 32% - in the liberation day tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in early April. These tariffs were suspended for 90 days, during which the Trump Administration expected most countries to come pleading their cases and promising to boost their imports of U.S. goods to avoid high tariffs. Following weeks of negotiations, Indonesias products will now face a lower - 19% - tariff on entering the United States. Indonesia has said it would buy billions of U.S. dollars worth of American oil and oil products and has signaled it would offer to buy an additional $10 billion worth of American oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Indonesia also plans to slash its fuel imports from Singapore and source more refined products from the United States as the country looks to negotiate lower tariffs with the U.S. While the small modular refineries would take less time and money to build, they could be constrained in their crude intake, analysts have told Reuters. Moreover, the modular refineries cannot scale up and cannot be sure that the arbitrage economics for importing U.S. crude would always work in refiners favor, according to various commodities analysts. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Japan has pledged to buy more American energy products as part of the July trade deal with the United States, but no Japanese refinery is built to handle 100% U.S.-sourced crude, Japans refining industry says. In July, the U.S. completed what President Donald Trump touted on Truth Social as a massive Deal with Japan, perhaps the largest Deal ever made. Under the trade agreement, Japans goods imported in the United States will face a 15% tariff, lower than the 24% proposed in early April and the 25% tariff President Trump proposed in July with effect from August 1. The White House says the deal includes major expansion of U.S. energy exports to Japan. But Japan may find it hard to increase significantly its purchases of American energy, especially crude oil. Thats not for lack of tryingrefiners are studying raising their U.S. crude imports. However, longer tanker voyages costing more and the specifications of Japans refineries, which are geared to process mostly crude from the Middle East, will constrain Japanese crude oil purchases from America. Frankly, we have no major alternative to Middle Eastern crude, Shunichi Kito, president of the Petroleum Association of Japan, has said, as quoted by Argus. Probably no units can process 100%-pure US crude in Japan, added Kito, who is also representative director and chair of Japanese refiner Idemitsu. While discussing a trade deal with the United States, Japan hiked its imports of American crude to about 190,000 barrels per day (bpd) in May, a 180% surge from a year earlier, according to official Japanese data. The volumes in May 2025 were the highest monthly imports of U.S. crude in Japan since December 2018, according to Argus estimates based on data from the Japanese industry ministry. Imports in June eased compared to the records seen in May. Even with the hike in U.S. crude imports in May, the Middle East holds a massive share in Japans oil supplyat around 95%. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Crude oil prices declined today after the end of the Trump-Zelensky talks on Monday, in anticipation of trilateral talks that could result in a peace deal. That would likely also result in the lifting of sanctions on Russian crude, making more of its available on global markets. At the time of writing, Brent crude was trading at $66.20 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate was changing hands for $62.95 per barrel, after inching higher on Monday as the Ukrainian president arrived at the White House for talks with Trump. Betting markets arent overly convinced that well see a ceasefire before the end of the year, ING commodity analysts said in a note following the meeting. Indeed, the surrender of the Donbass, most of which is already under Russian control, remains a no-no for Zelensky, it appears, while it also remains a hard condition for Russia. This mars the prospect of peace quite considerably unless both sides are willing to make concessions. Polymarkets is showing a 38% chance of a ceasefire, well below the peak of 78% seen in March. The modest price action in the oil market this morning appears to fit with this view, INGs Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey also wrote. Another related issue is the additional tariff that President Trump said he would impose on India as punishment for its purchases of Russian crude. The tariff comes into effect at the end of August. This means that negotiators from the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine have little time to make a deal that would avoid considerable disruption on world oil markets. An additional, if not too substantial, factor that limited the oil price slide was a Ukrainian attack on the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia. The rate of deliveries is about 200,000 barrels daily. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The U.S. Department of Agriculture has banned the use of farmland for the construction of solar installations, effective immediately. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the decision on X, saying, Millions of acres of prime farmland is left unusable so Green New Deal subsidized solar panels can be built. This destruction of our farms and prime soil is taking away the futures of the next generation of farmers and the future of our country. Starting today, @USDA will no longer deploy programs to fund solar or wind projects on productive farmland, ending massive taxpayer handouts. Also ENDING the use of panels made by foreign adversaries like China. Building solar installations on farmland has become a popular practice in the U.S. and, more recently, in the UK as well, as in other parts of Europe. Solar developers can offer farmers more money to lease their land for solar than they would make from farming it, which has motivated many to accept such deals. Yet concern about this trend has been growing as well, since farmland is used to literally produce food, and replacing food production with electricity production has sparked concerns about food security. Reuters reports that the Department of Agriculture had previously funded over $2 billion worth of wind and energy projects via its Rural Energy for America program. The publication also cited figures from 2020 as showing the amount of farmland affected by wind and solar stood at a total of 424,000 acres, which was less than 0.05% of the nations total farmland, which in turn stood at close to 900 million acres, again per Department of Agriculture data. However, chances are that the amount affected by wind and solar has grown since 2020, with the Biden administrations complete support for all forms of alternative energy with a special focus on wind and solar. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com A Lukoil refinery in the Russian city of Volgograd is on fire after being hit by Ukrainian drones overnight, Andrey Bocharov, governor of the Volgograd region, said on Tuesday. The Volgograd refinery is Lukoils second-biggest crude processing facility in Russia and a key fuel supplier to the southern federal district in the country. Russia has said it had shot down 13 Ukrainian drones over the Volgograd region on August 19, the Kyiv Independent reports. The attack on the Volgograd refinery is the latest in a series of at least half a dozen drone strikes at refineries in Russia from Ukraine since the beginning of August. Hours before the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska last week, Ukraine said it had struck an oil refinery in Russia and a Caspian port that Moscow uses to ship weapons from Iran for the war in Ukraine. Ukraine said it attacked the Syzran refinery, owned by oil giant Rosneft and located in Russias Samara region, about 500 miles from the Ukrainian border with Russia. The refinery, one of the largest in Rosnefts network, produces a wide range of fuels and supplies fuel to the Russian army, the Ukrainian army said last Friday. The Tuesday attack on Lukoils Volgograd refinery came hours after talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, where the Ukrainian President was accompanied by the leaders of the most influential European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy. Following the talks and renewed prospects of peace in Ukraine, oil prices continued to slide on Tuesday, in anticipation of potential trilateral Trump-Zelenskyy-Putin talks that could result in a peace deal. That would likely also result in the lifting of sanctions on Russian crude, making more of it available on global markets. Meanwhile, Russia is set to boost its export of crude in the coming weeks, due to attacks on its refineries and halts to oil processing at these. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Freeport LNG is on track to take in more natural gas and soon restart one of its three liquefaction units following an outage that began on Sunday, the company managing the U.S. export facility told Texas regulators on Tuesday. On Tuesday, Freeport LNG was on track to receive 2.0 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of natural gas, up from 1.2 bcfd on Monday and compared to an average of 1.9 bcfd over the prior seven days, according to data from LSEG cited by Reuters. All three trains at Freeport LNG have the capacity to liquefy about 2.1 bcfd of gas into LNG. Train 1, one of the three liquefaction units at the facility, was shut down on Sunday because of issues with the compressor system, a company filing with the Texas environment regulator showed. Freeport LNG has often shut parts of the plant due to various failures, and flows of natural gas to the plant and exports from it have varied wildly in recent years. In March this year, Gulf South Pipeline Company suspended gas deliveries to Freeport LNG after a lightning strike that damaged its pipeline. The lightning strike prompted Gulf South Pipeline Company to declare force majeure on the pipeline, cutting supply to Freeport LNG to some 450 million cu ft daily. Freeeport LNG is no stranger to adversity. In 2022, the facility was damaged in a fire that shut it down for an extended period of time just when LNG imports from the United States were beginning to gain popularity in Europe. Before the fire, Freeport was exporting a fifth of all U.S. shipments of LNG to Europe. The plant remained partially offline until March 2023. Last year, Freeport LNG was shut down for almost a month in July ahead of Hurricane Beryl and after it. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Natsumatsuri Uchinachu Eisa Matsuri (Photo courtesy of Ikemiya Shoji) Come Aug. 23-24, Ginowan Seaside Park near MCAS Futenma will host a natsumatsuri (summer festival) featuring eisa dance plus, food booths and kitchen cars. There will also be lots of games and inflatable bouncies to make this a fun event for kids as well. Eisa dance is traditionally performed on the last day of kyu-bon (old bon period), where locals welcome the spirits of their ancestors. It is meant to warmly send off the ancestors back to the afterlife. In this festival, however, the dance is performed to celebrate the summer and promote the traditional performing arts. One of the biggest draws of this summer festival will be michi junee, a parade by eisa dancers, which normally takes place on the street. Another main feature will be Eisa Gaaee, where dancers compete against each other. Come to Ginowan Seaside Park and join in on the fun! Natsumatsuri Uchinachu Eisa Matsuri (Summer Festival Okinawans Eisa Festival) Donation Presented During August 15 Food Distribution Event at Lake Baldwin VA Clinic; FFP Honored with Golden Wing Award Certificate ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida Food Products (FFP), the world's largest private equity owned natural ingredient supplier, sponsored and presented a $10,000 donation to Soldiers' Angels during a military and veteran food distribution event held Friday, August 15 at the Lake Baldwin VA Clinic. The contribution provided vital food assistance to hundreds of veteran and military families in need and marks the latest milestone in FFP's growing partnership with the national nonprofit. Lake Mary Florida-based Florida Food Products (FFP) donated $10,000 to non-profit Soldiers Angels to support veterans and military families facing food insecurity at a recent food distribution event at the Lake Baldwin, FL VA clinic. The donation was presented during a ceremonial check handoff by FFP Chief Executive Officer Vince Macciocchi (yellow vest). The August 15 event marks the formal launch of FFP's partnership with Soldiers' Angels, following its announcement in May. The collaboration was created in response to a growing need among military households. According to a 2023 study, 15.4% of active-duty personnel experience low food security, meaning they lack consistent access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life. The donation was presented during a ceremonial check handoff by FFP Chief Executive Officer Vince Macciocchi, who was joined by fellow FFP employees volunteering at the event, including Chief Operating Officer Ken Simone, President of Foodservice Chris Johnson, Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jillian Hermanowicz, and other members of the executive leadership team. In recognition of the company's sponsorship and service, FFP was awarded the Golden Wing Award Certificate by Soldiers' Angels. "FFP is committed to stand beside Soldiers' Angels to help ensure that no veteran or military family faces hunger," said Macciocchi. "It's deeply meaningful to see our employees step up and serve those who have served. This donation reflects both our company's values and our commitment to nourishing communities, in every sense of the word." Chris Johnson, president of foodservice at FFP and an Army veteran, underscored the personal connection: "As someone who has worn the uniform, I know firsthand the challenges that military families face. Supporting Soldiers' Angels is more than a corporate initiativeit's a personal mission. I'm proud that FFP is stepping forward to ensure those who serve our country never have to worry about putting food on the table." Friday's event provided pre-registered families with food assistance packages containing up to 75 pounds of groceries, including meat, produce, and pantry staplesenough to support up to two weeks of meals for a family of four. "Working side by side with FFP has amplified what we can accomplish for veterans and their families," said Amy Palmer, president and chief executive officer of Soldiers' Angels. "Their dedication to nourishing communities aligns perfectly with our mission, and together we are ensuring that heroes and their loved ones receive the care and resources they deserve." About Soldiers' Angels Soldiers' Angels is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides aid, comfort, and resources to the Military, Veterans, and their families. Founded in 2003 by the family of General George Patton, Soldiers' Angels "Angel" volunteers assist Veterans, wounded and deployed personnel and their families in a variety of unique and effective ways. (Tax ID# 20-0583415, CFC# 25131). Learn more at soldiersangels.org. About Florida Food Products Founded in 1954, Florida Food Products is one of the world's largest independent providers of natural ingredients. FFP sources superior raw materials and produces clean-label ingredients, concentrates, and powders serving the food and beverage industry. Its portfolio includes natural flavors, coffee, tea and botanical extracts and essences, functional nutrition ingredients, meat cure and cure accelerators, antioxidants, and antimicrobials. The company operates four state-of-the-art facilities across the United States and partners with leading national and emerging brands, manufacturers, and foodservice operators. For more information, visit www.floridafood.com . SOURCE Florida Food Products BLOOMINGTON Growing up, Eric Hansen said he dealt with a lot of internalized homophobia, and it was a journey for him to not only accept himself for being gay, but also to realize that he was deserving of love. But in 2019, Hansen met the man he would later call his husband, Cody Hendricks. "I met this man that I fell deeply, deeply in love with and we built a life together over the past six years," said Hansen, who serves on the McLean County Board, of Hendricks who represents Ward 6 on the Bloomington City Council. "He is the best thing in the world to me, and getting to marry him last summer was the absolute best day of my life, and it was wonderful to be able to celebrate this love that we had worked on for so long." Now, the rights of thousands of same-sex marriage partners may be questioned by the U.S. Supreme Court after justices were asked to consider overturning the 2015 decision to permit same-sex marriages nationwide. Justices are expected to consider this fall whether to take up the case of former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, who was jailed for six days in 2015 after refusing to issue a marriage license to a gay couple due to her religious beliefs. In a petition filed last month, Davis argued that the First Amendment protects her freedom to exercise religion and safeguards her from personal liability for denying the marriage license. She also is arguing that the court's 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which extended marriage rights for same-sex couples under the 14th Amendment, was wrong. Channyn Parker, interim CEO of Equality Illinois, said this news is not surprising, considering how President Donald Trump built his candidacy on a promise to dismantle many hard-won fights for rights, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community. Project 2025 clearly stated that these were the things that they were going to do, and it's just a shame that folks didn't listen and take it seriously, because here we are, Parker said. We are under a regime that is making good on their promises, and that doesn't benefit us at all." "My breath is continuously taken away at the speed at which this administration is moving to target LGBTQIA+ people, target our rights to public spaces, but also our right to exist and love who we love," Parker added. Illinois is already considered a safe state for many whose rights are being challenged. For example, after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade in 2022, eliminating the federal constitutional right to abortion, Illinois clinics that provide abortions, including Planned Parenthood, saw a large influx in patients traveling from out of state to have abortions in Illinois, where they are easier to access. Now, with same-sex marriage under review at the federal level, all indications are that Illinois will continue to make good on its already-existing services and infrastructure to protect those marriages, as well as safeguard all the rights and benefits that flow from marriage, like adoption rights, hospital visitations and inheritance tax benefits. Hansen serves on the McLean County Board, while his husband, Hendricks, is on the Bloomington City Council. Hansen said while the county doesn't have much to do with policies regarding LGBTQIA+ individuals at the state level, the county and Bloomington-Normal have done a lot of work to make the area safe for individuals of all backgrounds. With McLean County and Bloomington-Normal leaning more Democratic, while much of downstate Illinois leans Republican, Hansen said he could see more people moving to the area from out of state as they seek to feel safe in an area that values them and has been granting same-sex marriages since 2013. "I think it's important now more than ever that we hold strong to that message that queer people are safe here, and in a time when it feels like a lot of things are under attack, it's a huge blessing to be in a state, county and city that truly lives up to those morals," Hansen said. Elizabeth Fox-Anvick, a Bloomington District 87 school board member, said she is proud to live in Illinois and in McLean County, where work has been done to get non-discriminatory clauses into the city's and town's ordinances. Fox-Anvick said she does worry about her own marriage with her wife, Caroline Fox-Anvick, and their two children, because they travel out of state often. She also knows it is recommended that same-sex couples carry documents like a health care power of attorney and proof of parentage when traveling out of state. Fox-Anvick said if someone told her in 2012 that marriage equality would happen nationwide in 2015, she would have thought they were crazy, and probably would have kept thinking she would never see that step in her lifetime. As for her kids, Fox-Anvick said she and her wife had to fight hard to get them, and she doesn't want to see anyone telling them they aren't a family in terms of the law. She noted the pair received their foster license in 2012, became foster parents to their first child in 2013, and adopted their second child in 2015. Fox-Anvick, who also is a Prairie Pride Coalition board member, said the group is continuing to provide necessary information for individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community, and is surveying residents for its 2025 Community Needs Assessment, which will give feedback on what PPC is doing as an organization, and any challenges that still need to be faced. "I think this isn't where they're going to stop," Fox-Anvick said of moves happening at the federal level regarding LGBTQIA+ rights. "If you don't speak up now, when are you going to speak up, because they're not going to stop with just going after marriage equality. I think people don't want to wade into politics, and I'm not saying that they should, but I think being aware of your surroundings and knowing who you're voting for is important." She added, "Kindness is free; spread it around, because everybody needs some." U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Rockford, who is married to husband Shawn Starks, said in a statement Friday that the ask to overturn the Supreme Court's 2015 ruling is nothing more than an attention-grabbing stunt from Kim Davis. "I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will reject her weak claim, and Im grateful we (the U.S.) passed the Respect for Marriage Act, which protects the legal recognition of all marriagesno matter who you love," Sorensen said. "Our rights are not up for debate. Every American deserves the chance to live and love without fear of losing that right. State Rep. Sharon Chung, D-Bloomington, noted that Illinois' Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which allowed same-sex couples to marry in the state, also recognizes same-sex marriages that were legally performed in other states. That means if same-sex couples do start moving to Illinois to protect their rights, their out-of-state marriages would still be recognized here. Chung said that since Trump's inauguration in January, she and others at the state level have been preparing for whatever is next, especially when it comes to budget cuts and federal funding cuts. What has not changed, she said, is her and her colleagues' willingness to have conversations and educate themselves on potential issues, including LGBTQIA+ rights. "I think that we are all very clear here in Illinois that we are not in the business of taking people's rights away," Chung said. "I'm always happy to talk with constituents about their fears, what we can do better as a state, and just make myself available to the LGBGTIA+ community." Parker, from Equality Illinois, said if the courts decide to overturn the same-sex marriage ruling, it could cause immeasurable harm to families, destabilize lives, and send a dangerous message that LGBTIA+ rights are conditional or temporary at best. Parker added that what people need to be asking themselves is what is next, and how far this administration will go. Parker said this could even pave the way for legal precedents affecting the interpretation of cases like Loving v. Virginia, a 1967 Supreme Court case that struck down state laws prohibiting interracial marriage. "We will continue to fight alongside our partners to defend marriage equality at every level and back in the courts, in legislation, and in the court of public opinion as well," Parker said. 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 Asian hornet is feared to pose a major threat to honey production, pollination services, biodiversity, and native hornet, bee, and wasp populations. Credit: CABI On the hills above Cornol in the canton of Jura in Switzerland, scientists are testing unusual new defenses in the fight against the invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina): electric harps and hive "muzzles." The Asian hornet first arrived in southwestern France in 2004 and has since spread across much of Europe, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Belgium, the U.K., the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The species is feared to pose a major threat to honey production, pollination services, biodiversity, and native hornet, bee, and wasp populations. Protecting bees without harming native wildlife The experiment is led by the Fondation Rurale Interjurassienne (FRI) and aims to measure how well these devices protect bees without harming native wildlife. It is part of a bigger project led by CABI, with the goal of protecting pollinators against the invasive yellow-legged Asian hornet. Nine beehives in Cornol are taking part in the trial. Three have been fitted with electric harpsframes strung with alternating positive and negative wires. Bees, which only touch one wire, pass safely through, but hornets attempting to breach the barrier receive a fatal shock. Another three hives have been fitted with protective muzzles, wire fences that block hornets from hunting at the hive entrance, allowing bees to forage undisturbed. The final three hives have been left unprotected to serve as controls for comparison. The trial is repeated in nine locations in the Swiss canton of Jura. "This is the first time such trials have been carried out in Switzerland," said Dr. Lukas Seehausen, a research scientist based at CABI's Swiss Center in Delemont. "We want real quantitative and qualitative data to see which method, if any, is worth recommending." Dr. Julie Hernandez, a honeybee specialist at FRI, adds, "We are using the honeybee colony structure evaluation for field surveys to determine if the health of bees attacked by the Asian hornet can be improved through judicial use of the devices." The tests will also examine whether the devices affect native species. Similar technology has already been used in France and Spain, where harps reportedly killed hundreds of Asian hornets per day in heavily infested areas. Dr. Seehausen cautions that such results are unlikely in Jura, where hornet numbers are lower. In Switzerland, CABI scientists first confronted the Asian hornet in 2020, tracking and destroying a nest in Le Noirmont using radio telemetry. That same year, Asian hornets were seen attacking local hives for the first time. Sting can be dangerous for allergy sufferers While no more aggressive to humans than the native European hornet, the Asian hornet is more numerous in areas it invades, and its sting can be dangerous for allergy sufferers. For beekeepers, however, the threat lies in the hornet's relentless predation on honeybeessomething the team in Cornol hopes their electrified and fenced defenses can stop. Provided by CABI 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: Example of an Australian central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Credit: Duminda Dissanayake Two different studies published in GigaScience present the near-complete reference genomes of the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), a widely distributed species of dragon lizard common in central eastern Australia and popular as pets in Europe, Asia, and North America. This species has an unusual trait for an animal species: whether this lizard grows up to be a male or a female depends not only on genetics but also on the temperature of its nest. This has long made it a useful model to study the biological basis of sex determination, and the advent of huge technological improvements in genomics has finally found a region of the genome and a potential master sex determination gene likely central to male sexual differentiation. The independent verification of this by two different groups using two different approaches makes this a much stronger finding. Bearded dragons have an unusual sex determination system which is influenced by both genetics and environmental factors, specifically temperature. Unlike most animals where sex is solely determined by chromosomes, bearded dragons can have their sex reversed from male to female by high incubation temperatures. Meaning a lizard with male chromosomes can develop into a reproductively functional female if the egg is incubated at a warm enough temperature. Like birds and many reptiles, this species has a ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system where females have a pair of dissimilar ZW chromosomes, and males have two similar ZZ chromosomes. Sex determination in this species is further complicated, as ZZ genotypic males can change to phenotypic females at high incubation temperatures without the help of W chromosome or W-linked genes. New ultra-long nanopore sequencing technology now allows us to generate telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assemblies of the sex chromosomes and identify the non-recombining regions to help narrow the field of candidate sex-determining genes in species with chromosomal sex determination. The ability of this technology to better separate out the maternal and paternal halves of the genome now allows much easier comparisons of the Z and W sequences to gauge potential loss or difference in function of key sex gene candidates. The first paper from researchers from BGI, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Zhejiang University, uses DNBSEQ short-reads combined with long-reads from the new CycloneSEQ nanopore sequencer, this being the first animal genome published using this technology. Generation of the second genome was led by researchers from the University of Canberra, with contributions to analyses from researchers at the Australian National University, Garvan Institute for Medical Research, University of New South Wales and CSIRO alongside Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB) in Spain. This assembly uses PacBio HiFi, ONT ultralong reads and Hi-C sequencing. Having reference genomes published using these two different technologies allows a like-for-like comparison between the ONT and CycloneSEQ technologies for the first time. Both technologies also complement each other by investigating the sex determination question using different approaches. The first genome sequenced a ZZ male central bearded dragon to characterize the whole Z sex chromosome for the first time while the second assembled the genome of a female ZW individual. The new nanopore sequencer also enabled the recovery of around 124 million base pairs of previously undescribed and missing sequences (nearly 7% of the genome), which included numerous genes and regulatory elements to better elucidate the complicated sex determination system. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Both projects assembled 1.75 Gbp genome assemblies of exceptionally high quality to assemble all but one of the telomeres, and only a few gaps remained, mostly located in the microchromosomes. Using this data showed the Z and W specific sex chromosomes were assembled into single scaffolds, and a "pseudo-autosomal region" (PAR) where the sex chromosomes pair and recombine was also detected on chromosome 16. The sequencing of the male dragon by the BGI team looked for genes specific to Z but not the W chromosomes, and Amh and Amhr2 (the Anti-Mullerian hormone gene and its receptor) plus Bmpr1a were determined as strong candidates for the sex-determining genes in this species. The sequencing of the female dragon by the Australian-led team pinpointed to the same candidate Sex Determination Region (SDR) of their dragon genome, and also highlighted Amh and Amhr2 as the likely candidate genes. Studying the expression in different developmental stages found Amh had significant male-biased expression patterns, making it the most likely candidate as the master sex-determining gene. The differential expression of another sex-related gene, Nr5a1, in the PAR, suggests that the story may be more complicated, as Nr5a1 encodes a transcription factor with binding sites on the Amh promoter region. Unlike many fish that enlist Amh-like genes in sex determination, the autosomal copies of Amh and its receptor gene Amhr2 remain intact and functional. It could be that sex is determined by some form of caucus among genes on the sex chromosomes of the bearded dragon moderated by their residual autosomal copies. The main highlight of these assemblies is therefore the discovery of genetic elements central to male sexual differentiation in vertebrates, on the sex chromosomes. The genes Amh and that coding its receptor AMHR2 have been copied to the Z chromosome in the non-recombining region, and so are obvious candidates for the master sex-determining gene working via a dosage-based mechanism in this species, a discovery that has eluded discovery for so many years. No master sex-determining gene akin to Sry in mammals or Dmrt1 in birds has to date been discovered in any reptile species. This new work provides a clear candidate in Amh, which is present in double dose in the ZZ male and single dose in the ZW female. Arthur Georges from the University of Canberra and senior author of the second paper says on the utility of this work, "We anticipate accelerated research in other areas arising from these newly available assemblies, such as cranial development, brain development, behavioral studies, gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in comparative studies of vertebrate sex determination and in many other areas looking for a well-supported squamate model against which to compare with their model species be it mouse, human or bird." "I never cease to be amazed by the rapidity of progress of Chinese science. In relatively few years, BGI and its companion enterprises have developed sequencing technologies that deliver outcomes as good, and throughput and cost-effectiveness that is better than competing technologies on the market. These genome assemblies are testimony to that level of achievement." Qiye Li from BGI and senior author on the first paper, lead author of the Chinese project, explains their rationale for using this approach: "We decided to start working on the bearded dragon genome last year as the first animal genome for this new sequencer because it was the Year of the Dragon in China. "Benefiting from the unbiased long-reads provided by the CycloneSEQ sequencer, we readily obtained a highly contiguous genome assembly and resolved highly repetitive and high-GC regions that were traditionally challenging for assembly. The two reference genomes, derived from opposite sex and generated by different technologies, are indeed complementary to each other. "I am excited that both genomes pinpoint the key role of AMH signaling in sex determination in this species. But how did the sex chromosomes arise? We anticipate that additional highquality genomes from related species will further elucidate the evolutionary origin of the ZW system and complete the story." Having two separate projects finding the same key candidate master genes independently of each other greatly increases the confidence in these findings. And openly sharing all of the data allows others to build upon this work, especially as the exact role of some of the other contributing transcription factors linked to sex determination are not yet fully resolved. The generation of these two new high quality genome assemblies, however, is a massive step forward towards understanding the complete story of sex determination in this species. More information: Guo Q, et al., A near-complete genome assembly of the bearded dragon Pogona vitticeps provides insights into the origin of Pogona sex chromosomes. GigaScience (2025). doi.org/10.1093/gigascience/giaf079 Hardip Patel et al, A near-telomere to telomere phased genome assembly and annotation for the Australian central bearded dragon Pogona vitticeps, GigaScience (2025). DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giaf085 A webinar with the two lead authors is organized for 26th August at 10.00am UTC and provides an opportunity to ask them questions on this work. Journal information: GigaScience Provided by GigaScience Founded in 1937 and headquartered in Glen Mills since 2014, Golden Waffles has been the industry leader in fresh-baked waffles for almost 90 years, supplying the consumer-favorite dish that anchors the world's most iconic breakfast experiences. With more than 100,000 waffle irons in use across 50,000+ customer locations and 60+ countries, the company provides a complete, turnkey solution free U.S.-made irons, premium mixes, syrups, toppings and in-house, gold-glove customer service to simplify operations and ensure every guest enjoys a perfect waffle, every time. Today, the company is turning up the iron. The new headquarters houses a fully equipped innovation center featuring a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen, dedicated R&D lab for irons and mixes and a training academy for culinary teams and kitchen operators. Upgraded AV technology enables virtual product cuttings with customers and chefs, while expanded conference rooms and an employee break space support both creativity and connection. The new facility also introduces collaborative workspaces to accelerate concept development and allows Golden Waffles to test, refine and showcase new ideas in real time. With more room to host visiting customers and prototype fresh-baked solutions on-site, the space brings the company's commitment to innovation closer to the heart of its daily operations. The investment in the new HQ was made possible by leading private equity firm Arbor Investments, which acquired Golden Waffles in 2023. "Golden Waffles has long been a hidden gem in foodservice, powering thousands of restaurant and hotel menus by providing unmatched quality and service to operators," said George Russell, Principal at Arbor Investments. "This new headquarters embodies the commitment to innovation, customer service and consumer experience that defines Golden Waffles. It's a place built for momentum; a space where ideas can scale faster, teams can collaborate more deeply and the company can continue raising the bar on what a fresh-baked waffle experience can and should be. We're excited to support this next chapter of growth." Golden Waffles, formerly Golden Malted, rebranded on last year's National Waffle Day to better reflect its singular focus on fresh-baked waffle solutions. The new headquarters is a natural next step in that transformation, designed to drive speed, creativity and collaboration across every department, from culinary to field service. "This new HQ is more than just a building; it's a catalyst," said CEO Mike DiBeneditto. "Golden Waffles is growing fast, waffles are booming across every menu category and we're investing right here in Greater Philadelphia to fuel that momentum." The timing also aligns with a nationwide waffle renaissance, where waffles are reshaping menus across dayparts and dining formats, from QSRs and juice bars to late-night spots and grab-and-go. As DiBeneditto explains: "The renewed appetite is driven by more than just flavor and versatility. Waffle-omics is simple. For operators, waffles are high-margin with low lift. For guests, they're craveable and comforting. Everyone wins." To learn more, visit www.goldenwaffles.com or follow on Instagram @goldenwaffles.co and LinkedIn @goldenwaffles . About Golden Waffles Founded in 1937 and headquartered in Glen Mills, PA, Golden Waffles is the global leader in fresh-baked waffles and the original inventor of the all-inclusive waffle program. By combining premium waffle and pancake mix, best-in-class equipment and proactive in-house service, Golden Waffles delivers a turnkey solution trusted by more than 50,000 customer locations across North America and in 60+ countries worldwide. From luxury resorts and grab-and-go juice bars to theme parks and convenience stores, Golden Waffles empowers foodservice operators to bring joyful, low-lift menu moments to every guest, no matter the daypart, location or concept. Media Contact [email protected] Rachel Gaylord 440-334-6106 SOURCE Golden Waffles 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: This illustration featuring earthquake simulation data from the San Francisco Bay Area shows how seismic energy is shaped and directed by local geology and how buildings and infrastructure respond to intense ground shaking. Credit: Jason Smith/ORNL, U.S. Dept of Energy Simulations still can't predict exactly when an earthquake will happen, but with the incredible processing power of modern exascale supercomputers, they can now predict how they will happen and how much damage they will likely cause. Imagine a colossal earthquake striking the California coast along the San Andreas Fault, one of the world's most active areas of seismic activity. Scientists have long been predicting this so-called "Big One." But instead of chaos, there's calm, thanks in part to an advanced early warning system that gave plenty of notice for people to take cover inside specially engineered, quake-resistant structures. It's a potential future that David McCallen, a senior research scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, is working to make a realityone in which earthquakes are met with preparedness, not panic. McCallen is leading a team of researchers from Berkeley and Oak Ridge national laboratories in a project to develop the most innovative and advanced simulations to date for studying earthquake dynamics. The simulations reveal in stunning new detail how geological conditions influence earthquake intensity, and in turn, how those complex ground motions directly impact buildings and infrastructure. The data is already being shared with the broader earthquake science and engineering communities to deepen the understanding of seismic behavior and to guide the designs of earthquake-resistant infrastructure and improve emergency response. "Our goal is to model earthquakes from beginning to end and track the seismic waves as they propagate through Earth," said McCallen, who also leads the Critical Infrastructure Initiative at Berkeley Lab. "We want to understand how those waves interact with buildings and critical energy infrastructure to assess their vulnerability so they can be as prepared as possible before the next earthquake strikes." The research began in 2017 as part of the Exascale Computing Project (ECP), DOE's largest-ever software research, development and deployment initiative. The project charged experts with designing applications and solutions for complex scientific problems that were impossible to solve with the computing capabilities that existed prior to ECP. Traditional earthquake simulations have relied on rough estimates based on data from past events to study earthquake ground motions. However, until now, scientists have lacked the computational power to model earthquakes in specific locations with sufficient fidelity. From the ECP, McCallen and his team developed EQSIM, the Earthquake Simulation code. EQSIM allows researchers to see how seismic waves interact with different soil compositions and surface topologies such as mountains and valleys that can either amplify or dampen an earthquake's energy and momentum. The ground motion simulations can then be applied to buildings and critical infrastructure, such as water and electric utilities providers, to see how those structures will respond to seismic activity and where they are likely to fail. "We've advanced the ability to do these computations tremendously," McCallen said. "Instead of using empirical data from past events like we've had to do up to this point, the exascale simulations are allowing us to develop a much better picture of what these regional distributions of ground motions look like. "This is something we've not been able to see before, and what we're seeing is that ground motion behavior is far more complex and dynamic than we thought." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Location, location, location What most people might find surprising is that in some cases, smaller earthquakes can actually cause more damage than larger onesit all depends on the underlying geological conditions, McCallen says. The intense shaking during an earthquake, known as ground motion, is shaped by three key geological factors: 1) fault typehow tectonic plates shift against each other and the manner in which an earthquake fault ruptures; 2) rock and soil compositionwhether the ground is solid or fractured, hard or soft; and 3) surface topographyincluding mountains, valleys and even buildings. All these factors influence the strength and behavior of seismic waves. To better understand how earthquakes behave across different geologies, EQSIM is currently being used to model earthquake activity in three major U.S. fault zones: the San Francisco Bay Area, the Los Angeles Basin and the New Madrid region in the eastern Midwest. The San Francisco Bay Area has dozens of fault lines, including the Hayward Faultarguably one of the most dangerous fault lines in America. The Hayward Fault is of particular interest to McCallen, given that his office at Berkeley Lab sits right next to it. South of the Bay Area is the Los Angeles Basin, one of the country's most notorious hot spots for seismic activity. The magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake of 1994 is one of the most destructive earthquakes in U.S. history. The LA Basin includes the San Andreas Fault, which many researchers believe could undergo another major rupture at any time. Often referred to as "The Big One," the anticipated earthquake is hypothesized to be a magnitude 7.8 or greater. A lesser-known area, but equally dangerous in terms of historical damage, is the New Madrid region. New Madrid contains large active fault lines that cut across Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee and Arkansas. To this day, the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 and 1812 are still the most destructive earthquakes in U.S. history to take place east of the Rocky Mountains. The 7- and 8-magnitude earthquakes were so powerful they were felt across more than 1 million square miles and as far north as Canada. "The earthquakes caused so much geologic upheaval that residents reported the earthquake actually forced the Mississippi River to flow backward for a period of a few hours," McCallen said. According to McCallen, eastern earthquakes in some cases can be worse than western earthquakesnot because the West is more mountainous, but because the soil and rocks in the East are more competentmeaning they are more resistant to deformation and have fewer cracks and damagewhich allows seismic energy to be transferred farther and more efficiently. "These are exactly the kinds of things we need to understand," said McCallen. "Fortunately, back in the 1800s, the area was sparsely populated. But if a large earthquake were to happen again today, Nashville, Memphis and Louisville could all be impacted." Calculating quakes at the exascale From their offices in California, the EQSIM team members can log into the Frontier supercomputer in Oak Ridge, Tennesseejust a few hours east of New Madrid. Managed by the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF), Frontier is the world's most powerful supercomputer for open science. Powered by AMD graphics processing units, Frontier has a peak performance of two exaflops per secondmore than a billion-billion calculations per secondmaking it roughly 1,000 times faster than the previous generation of petascale systems. Each of the three simulated regions spans hundreds of kilometers and is built from tens of thousands of pieces of geologic data. The models divide the terrain into grid zones a few meters in size, with each grid zone representing the local geologic structure at that point in space. The largest simulations can include up to 500 billion grid points, enabling them to capture an extraordinary level of geological and structural detail. "The incredible computing power behind the simulations really allows us to see the hot spots of the seismic waves and where the energy gets directed through the different layers of rock and soil," McCallen said. "We can see clearly how and where the waves can stack up and how those ground motions translate into building risk and damage. And we can see they are exceedingly different at each location." As seismic waves pass through different structures, the simulations consistently show that shorter, more rigid buildingsone to two stories tallare most vulnerable to fast, high-frequency shaking in regions with solid rock and compact soil. In contrast, taller, more flexible buildings face greater risk in areas with soft soil and fractured geology, where low-frequency waves can grow in intensity and shake for longer periods. The 1980 earthquake near Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is an example of the latter. Less than an hour away from Berkeley, Livermore Lab is located in the Livermore Valley, a sedimentary basin surrounded by a craggy mountain range. "It caused tremendous damage at the lab," McCallen said. "At that time, nothing was anchored down. There were no ground motion instruments on site and no forensic capabilities for mitigating earthquakes. However, it turned out to be a watershed event for DOE." The earthquake led to the creation of the DOE Standard 1020, a directive that established uniformly rigorous hazard and risk evaluations for all DOE facilities. The directive requires each site to review and reanalyze its strategy for mitigating seismic hazards and ground motion risks every 10 years or as new information becomes available. "As scientists and engineers, we have to determine what future earthquake ground motions could occur both in terms of amplitude and frequency content. Then we have to determine how those motions impact infrastructure, which is exactly what we designed EQSIM to do," McCallen said. "When we look at simulations in areas like the Livermore Valley, we can see the energy tends to propagate and get trapped in those basins and shake them like a bowl of jelly. You can see the waves continue to resonate long after the earthquake ruptures." The simulations are massive. The output from a typical simulation that follows 90 seconds of physical time is a little over 3 petabytes, similar in size to around 750,000 feature-length films or 1.5 trillion pages of text. "There's no way we could have run these simulations before exascale and GPU-based systems." McCallen said. "But now we're able to do these calculations on a relatively routine basis." EQSIM is highly scalable and was able to run on all 9,402 Frontier nodes, but peak performance for selected applications required only 3,600 nodes. The code is also optimized to run on multiple computing architectures, including Berkeley Lab's Perlmutter supercomputer, operated by the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, or NERSC. To manage the vast amount of data, simulation results from Frontier were transferred to the OLCF's Andes computing cluster for temporary storage and postprocessing analysis. Compression algorithms were used to reduce the size of the data so that it could be transmitted to Berkeley Lab via the Energy Sciences Network (ESnet), DOE's high-performance science network that connects all the national laboratories and user facilities. "Not only are the simulations helping to analyze the structural performance of DOE research facilities, but we're also making efficient use of the entire DOE computational ecosystem to do it," McCallen said. From code to capability The success of the Frontier simulations has already opened the door to direct applications. "There are very few groups that can do these types of computations," McCallen said. "So, we asked ourselves how we can best maximize the utility of these motions and get them into the hands of the people that are doing the research and designing the structures." In collaboration with the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER)a consortium of universities based at the University of California, Berkeleythe team is developing an open-source web tool that allows engineers and building designers to access and use the regional simulated ground motions to test different building and infrastructure designs against simulated earthquakes across thousands of locations. "At the PEER Center, we see this collaboration as a transformative opportunity to bridge cutting-edge simulations with real-world engineering practice," said Khalid Mosalam, director of the PEER Center and the Taisei professor of civil engineering at UC Berkeley. "The scale and resolution of the EQSIM data offers unprecedented insight into regional seismic behavior and allows us to quantify uncertainties more rigorously and develop performance-based design strategies grounded in science," Mosalam said. "By making these simulated ground motions accessible through open tools, we are empowering the earthquake engineering community with knowledge that was previously unattainableultimately leading to safer, more resilient infrastructure." The EQSIM team is also working with the UC Berkeley Seismology Lab and emergency management agencies to use the simulation data to enhance seismic instruments and improve emergency response systems. "The best thing about these simulations is that we don't have to wait for the next 'Big One' to strike to understand how it will impact us," McCallen said. "If anyone needs information about a 7.5 earthquake in these critical areas, we can provide them with the comprehensive data that is being generated." 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 jets pierce through the star, emitting X-rays and gamma rays as they stream into space. Credit: NASA/Swift/Cruz deWilde A new kind of stellar explosion provides a novel way to probe the distant universe, according to new results published today in Nature Astronomy. Researchers from Lancaster University joined a global team, led by Radboud University, Netherlands, examining "fast X-ray transients (FXTs)" which are highly mysterious outbursts of X-ray radiation, typically lasting for just a few minutes. "We've known that these unique explosions exist for some time, but it is only now, thanks to the new Einstein Probe mission, that we can pinpoint them in near real time," says astronomer Professor Peter Jonker, of Radboud University, Netherlands, discoverer of one of the first such events, and second author of today's paper. The authors used a precise position provided first by an X-ray space telescope, the Einstein Probe, and refined on the ground by the ATLAS optical telescope to pinpoint the fast X-ray transient in space through observations with the Very Large Telescope in Chile and the Grantecan Telescope in Spain. "These observations show that this explosion happened when the universe was less than 10% of its current agethe light has been traveling to us for 12 billion years," says Professor Andrew Levan, of Radboud University, and first author of the study. "The combination of the distance and the brightness means this explosion gave off more energy in a few seconds than the sun will over its entire life. "These extreme energies, along with the detection of gamma-rays by the Fermi satellite, suggest that the fast X-ray transients are related, at least sometimes, to the extremely powerful gamma-ray bursts that have been studied for half a century." "A real question is if all of the fast X-ray transients come from gamma-ray burst-like systems, or if there is much more diversity. Our paper shows that many of them might be gamma-ray bursts, but there are good reasons to think there is much more still to discover," added Professor Jonker. When examining the observations from the Very Large Telescope, it became apparent that there is very little material, particularly hydrogen, surrounding this burst. Hydrogen acts like a filter for ultraviolet light, blocking it from passing through the universe. Location and images of GRB 240315C, EP240315a and AT2024eju. Credit: Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02612-9 However, in the history of the universe, around the time of this fast X-ray transient, the universe underwent its last global change in a process called reionization, where the hydrogen between galaxies was hit with ultraviolet light and "reionized." The challenge is that almost all the ultraviolet light created by stars in the universe is blocked by hydrogen in the galaxy in which it sits. "Our observations show that perhaps 10% of the ultraviolet light created in the host galaxy of the fast X-ray transient is escaping to ionize the universe," said Andrea Saccardi, CNES Fellow at CEA Paris-Saclay, and third author of the paper. "This is the most distant event where we can directly see light escaping from around stars. Galaxies like this are probably really important for reionization." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. These observations are of one of the first events detected by the Einstein Probe. "In the year since this first object we have found and studied another 20 of these outbursts, they are living up to their promise as an exciting new way to explore both how stars end their lives, and also what the universe was like in the distant past," added Professor Levan. Research co-author and Lecturer in Astrophysics at Lancaster University Dr. Samantha Oates was part of the research team. She said, "This event is novel and interesting because only a handful of FXTs had been discovered until very recently, and their origin was a mystery, primarily because they had been found in archival observations. "By the time they were discovered, it was too late to perform follow-up of these transient X-ray objects at other wavelengths to get other information about what might be causing them." The Einstein Probe, launched in January 2024, is, says Dr. Oates, revolutionizing the detection and follow-up of FXTs, which are now regularly detected, and the community is alerted quickly, enabling rapid follow-up. She added, "The Einstein Probe has opened up a new window on the universe, allowing us to probe the origin of these transient X-ray phenomena and widen our knowledge of the behavior associated with the deaths of massive stars." More information: Andrew J. Levan et al, Fast X-ray transient EP240315A from a Lyman-continuum-leaking galaxy at z 5, Nature Astronomy (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41550-025-02612-9 Journal information: Nature Astronomy 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: Illegal mining is rampant in Ghana. Credit: Wikimedia Commons Early in his eight-year tenure, in 2017, then Ghanaian president Nana Akufo-Addo declared a moratorium on all small-scale gold mining. He established an inter-ministerial committee on illegal mining and a joint military-police taskforceOperation Vanguardto enforce the ban. The tough measures aimed to reduce the severe environmental degradation caused by illegal small-scale gold mining, known as "galamsey." Initially for six months, the ban lasted for 20 months until December 2018, when it was lifted for newly registered miners. But illegal mining continued unabated. A statement made in Ghana's parliament by the country's lands minister outlined the scale and gold production from small-scale mining increased during the period of its ban. As political scientists, we investigated why the government-declared "war" on illegal small-scale gold mining and associated environmental degradation failed so spectacularly. We conducted our investigations through field visits to communities in mining areas in the western and central regions of Ghana. We interviewed small-scale miners, community residents and people affected by illegal mining. We followed this up with a review of official reports, published scientific research and media reports. We concluded from findings that the involvement of government officials and business elites in illegal mining practices was behind the failure of the interventions. We describe this as "democracy capture." We argue that, despite Ghana's much-vaunted electoral democracy, the country's democratic processes and institutions have been captured by political and economic elites for their own personal enrichment. Scandals By mid-2023 a series of corruption scandals had emerged around Ghana's attempt to curb illegal mining. These included the release of an undercover investigation by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas. Machinery seized by the military from illegal mining sites went missing under mysterious circumstances. Also, military personnel assigned to protect forest reserves were accused of becoming a protection racket for illegal miners. In April 2023, the scandals peaked. A report on the work of the inter-ministerial committee by its former chair, Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, was leaked. It detailed the involvement of high-level government and ruling party officials in illegal and environmentally destructive mining at a time when all mining was banned. The report was submitted to government in 2021 but didn't become public until it was leaked. No clear official statement was issued about the report, but some government officials attempted to discredit and challenge its findings. The scandals brought fresh attention to the fact that the government's policies to curb illegal mining had failed. This failure is indicated by the official gold production figures from small-scale mining during the moratorium period. In 2017, production held steady at almost 1.5 million ounces and then in 2018 increased to its highest level ever at almost 2 million ounces, precisely when the ban was in place. Small-scale output in 2018 was 41.4% of total gold production, higher than any previous year. These figures question the extent to which the moratorium on mining was enforced. It indicates that mining continued throughout the purported ban. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Democracy capture and elite enrichment The objective of democracy capture is to appropriate the benefits of state control for purposes of personal enrichment. It goes beyond individual acts of opportunistic corruption. It entails systematic processes of capture by political elites organized in established political parties who act alongside associated business elites. Importantly, the benefits go beyond the appropriation of state resources. It includes private financial gains from illicit activities with state protection. Although we focus on the government under Akufo-Addo (20172024), our contention is that "democracy capture" in Ghana extends to the two main political parties. We analyze how this has come about. We also set out the implications for democracy in Ghana, and what can be done to reverse the trend. Elements of democracy capture are evident in the various scandals and corrupt practices that were exposed during the government's ostensible campaign against illegal mining. The scandals expose an organized network at the highest level of government. It includes politicians, officials and senior ruling party members. How democracy capture works First, the presidency and its chief of staff appear to have played a role in controlling operations and protecting those exposed. The chief of staff as a political appointee from the ruling party, rather than a career civil servant, is crucial to strengthening the link between the executive and the ruling party. Additionally, senior party members are appointed to key roles within the presidency. Second, there is tight party control over relevant state agencies. For example, a former general secretary of the governing party was appointed as CEO of the Forestry Commission (a key regulator in the issuance of mining licenses). Third, the loyalty between members of the party elite has been highlighted by the high-level protection from prosecution and conviction when criminal activities are exposed. The case of Charles Bissue is an example. A top official of the inter-ministerial committee on illegal mining and prominent member of the governing party, he was caught on camera in the undercover investigation. He was charged with corruption but six years later the case still hasn't been concluded. Fourth, the military and law-enforcement agencies are allowed to benefit from illicit activities. They can sell confiscated equipment and take bribes to protect illegal mining sites. An official investigation found that the police also habitually did this. What next? Ghanaians value political stability and civil liberties. However, the capture of democracy has become a path to personal wealth for the political elite and their business associates. Elites have been able to act outside the law with relative impunity. The consequence of democracy capture is that socio-economic development is sidelined. Wealth cascades upwards and inequalities intensify. Our study clearly identifies these elements. Combating democracy capture will require a major effort from civil society organizations and the media, to expose government and state involvement in these illegal activities. This must go hand in hand with a stronger legal and judicial regime committed to prosecutions. The current attorney general has ordered an investigation into Frimpong-Boateng's report, but we await to see what action, if any, will be taken. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Water meters and pipes are vulnerable to damage during a fire. Credit: Andrew Whelton/Purdue University, CC BY As wildfire crews battled the Dragon Bravo Fire on the Grand Canyon's North Rim in July 2025, the air turned toxic. A chlorine gas leak had erupted from the park's water treatment facility as the building burned, forcing firefighters to pull back. The water treatment facility is part of a system that draws water from a fragile spring. It's the only water source and system for the park facilities on both rims, including visitor lodging and park service housing. The fire also damaged some of the area's water pipes and equipment, leaving fire crews to rely on a fleet of large water trucks to haul in water and raising concerns about contamination risks to the water system itself. By mid-August, Dragon Bravo was a "megafire," having burned over 140,000 acres, and was one of the largest fires in Arizona history. It had destroyed more than 70 structures, including the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge, and sent smoke across the region. Wildfires like this are increasingly affecting water supplies across the U.S. and creating a compounding crisis that experts in water, utilities and emergency management are only beginning to wrestle with. A pattern across the West Before 2017, when the Tubbs Fire burned through neighborhoods on the edge of Santa Rosa, California, most research on the nexus of wildfire and water had focused on issues such as drought and how climate change affects ecosystems. The Tubbs Fire destroyed thousands of buildings and also melted plastic water pipes. After the fire, a resident's complaint about the taste and odor of tap water led to the discovery that the fire's damage had introduced contaminants including benzene, a carcinogen, into parts of the public water system. It quickly became obvious that the damage discovered at the Tubbs Fire was not unique. Similar damage and pollutants were discovered in another California water system after the 2018 Camp Fire destroyed much of Paradise, a town of over 25,000 people. The list of incidents goes on. In southern Oregon, the 2020 Almeda Fire damaged water pipes in buildings, leaving water to flow freely. That contributed to low system pressure just when people fighting the fire needed the water. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. In Colorado, the 2021 Marshall Fire burned through urban water lines, damaging six public drinking-water systems along with more than 1,000 structures in the Boulder suburbs. All six systems lost power, which in some cases led to a loss of water pressure, hampering firefighting. As firefighters worked on the Marshall Fire, water system operators raced to keep water flowing and contaminants from being transported into the water systems. But tests still detected chemical contamination, including benzene, in parts of the systems a few weeks later. Then, in January 2025, the Los Angeles fires supercharged concerns about water and wildfire. As firefighters raced to put out multiple fires, hydrants ran dry in some parts of the region, while others at higher elevations depressurized. Ultimately, over 16,000 structures were damaged, leading to insured losses estimated to be as high as US$45 billion. Water infrastructure is not merely collateral damage during wildfiresit is now a central concern. It also raises the question: What can residents, first responders and decision-makers reasonably expect from water systems that weren't designed with today's disasters in mind? Addressing the growing fire and water challenge While no two water systems or fires are the same, nearly every water system component, ranging from storage tanks to pipelines to treatment plants, is susceptible to damage. The Grand Canyon's Roaring Springs system exemplifies the complexity and fragility of older systems. It supplies water to both rims of the park through a decades-old network of gravity-fed pipes and tunnels and includes the water treatment facility where firefighters were forced to retreat because of the chlorine leak. Many water systems have vulnerable points within or near flammable wildlands, such as exposed pump houses that are crucial for pulling water from lower elevations to where it is needed. In addition, hazardous materials such as chlorine or ammonia may be stored on-site and require special considerations in high fire risk areas. Staff capacity is often limited; some small utilities depend on a single operator, and budgets may be too constrained to modernize aging infrastructure or implement fire mitigation measures. As climate change intensifies wildfire seasons, these vulnerabilities can become disaster risks that require making water infrastructure a more integral part of fighting and preparing for wildfires. Ways to help everyone prepare As a researcher with Arizona State University's Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, I have been working with colleagues and fire and water systems experts on strategies to help communities and fire and water managers prepare. Here are a few important lessons: Prioritizing fire-resistant construction, better shielding of chemicals and, in some cases, decentralizing water systems can help protect critical facilities, particularly in high-risk zones. Having backup power supplies, mobile treatment systems and alternate water sources are essential to provide more security in the face of a wildfire. Emergency command protocols and interagency coordination are most effective when they include water utilities as essential partners in all phases of emergency response, from planning to response to recovery. Fire crews and water operators can also benefit from joint training in emergency response, especially when system failure could hinder firefighting itself. Longer term, protecting upstream watersheds from severe fire by thinning forests and using controlled burns, along with erosion control measures, can help maintain water quality and reduce water pollution in the aftermath of fires. Smaller and more isolated systems, particularly in tribal or low-income communities, often need assistance to plan or implement new measures. These systems may require technical assistance, and regional support hubs could support communities with additional resources, including personnel and equipment, so they can respond quickly when crises strike. Looking ahead The Dragon Bravo Fire isn't just a wildfire story, it's also a water story, and it signals a larger, emerging challenge across the West. As fire seasons expand in size and complexity, the overlap between fire and water will only grow. The Grand Canyon fire offers a stark illustration of how wildfire can escalate into a multifaceted infrastructure crisis: Fire can damage water infrastructure, which in turn limits firefighting capabilities and stresses water supplies. The question is not whether this will happen again. It's how prepared communities will be when it does. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain As the shocks of war continue to be a daily reality for people in Ukraine, smaller exporting firms have demonstrated the critical role of relational capitalfostering trust, cooperation, and communication with foreign partnersto survive and adapt to extreme crises. Ukraine is a powerhouse of exported goods, including agricultural products like sunflower oil, corn, wheat, and canola, and the nation has weathered not only violent disruption but also the sanctioned stymieing of export deals. A study published in Global Strategy Journal now explores how Ukrainian grit maintained its grip on valuable cross-border relationships and kept the cogs turning in a climate of catastrophe. "At the theoretical level, we examined resilience as both a process and a capability, focusing on the stages of anticipation, coping, and pre-adaptation," said lead author Oksana Kantaruk Pierre, an assistant professor at the Universite de Lorraine's ICN Business School in Nancy, France. Pierre's team interviewed managers and CEOs at Ukrainian exporting firms ranging in size from a handful of employees up to 1,200 personnel. Their industries varied widelyincluding exports such as wood, media services, pottery and textiles, industrial equipment, cosmetics, media services, IT, decoration and food. The first round of interviews was conducted in February and March 2023, one year after the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion. The investigators followed up with a second round in September 2024. "We started our interviews by asking our respondents to recall their state of mind, thoughts, and discussions weeks before the full-scale invasion," Pierre explained. "At that time, media reported warnings . . . about the imminence of the attack, and all of our respondents were aware of what was happening." Yet, she said, many respondents "still couldn't believe that war may begin" or "did not want to believe." While some foreign partners voiced concern and postponed orders, many adopted a "business as usual" approach. For many in this anticipation stage, a "plan" wasn't practical, and many chose to adapt to conditions as they came. Following the full-scale invasion, many businesses faced relocation, destruction of facilities, and disrupted operations. Pierre's team found that their respondents demonstrated remarkable resilience by maintaining transparent, frequent communication with foreign clients, renegotiating contracts, and adapting delivery and pricing strategies. "Independently of geographical location or industry, the interviewed CEOs and managers were determined to save their business," observed study co-author Raluca Mogos Descotes, a professor of marketing at Universite du Littoral Cote d'Opale in northern France. "They were also determined to continue exporting activities despite obvious difficulties with logistics and borders partly closed." Mutual trust and cooperation between exporters and their international partners proved essential, with both sides showing flexibility and offering supportsometimes even financial investmentsto sustain business activity. This collaborative approach, rooted in strong relationships and a commitment to meeting obligations, enabled Ukrainian companies to continue exports and adapt creatively to rapidly changing circumstances. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Resilience strategies for exporters differ from those for domestic businesses, owing to the crucial element of cross-border relationships, the investigators explained. "Concerning foreign clients, communication appears to be the first and most critical task," observed Jose Pla-Barber, a professor of economics at the University of Valencia in Spain. According to some respondents, he noted, "important to not disappear," that communication was "constant," and that during the first weeks it took place "daily." One respondent recalled with humor, "[The employees] probably cursed me for that, but in the chat I wrote, guys, if you are driving your families to Romania, to Moldova, if you're hiding in your basements, it's OK, your safety first. But please, for the sake of having a future, take 15 minutes to tell your clients that we stay in touch, and we will handle the situation." The study may be the first to approach the resilience of smaller exporting firms specifically through the lens of relational capital, the research team observed. Their article offers multi-step insights for managing crises and maintaining business operations in what they identified as the anticipation, coping, and pre-adaptation stages. "The war is ongoing, and we cannot discuss the full adaptation and recovery from the crisis," Pierre noted. "Nevertheless, we can report on a few aspects related to changes likely to be sustained over time and to strategic choices already made." More information: Oksana Kantaruk Pierre et al, Resilience in times of war: How Ukrainian exporting SMEs enhance relational factors with foreign partners, Global Strategy Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1002/gsj.1523 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: Attention, construal, and appraisal are dynamic processes, such that foci, conceptualizations, and evaluations will change from moment to moment. Credit: Communications Psychology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s44271-025-00255-0 A paper by a psychologist at the University of Kansas examines how language shapes our emotional experience of the world. Katie Hoemann, assistant professor of psychology at KU, has published her findings in the journal Communications Psychology. "We know from research that different languages have different vocabularies for emotion," Hoemann said. "A lot of that research focuses on individual wordsemotion vocabulariesor whether you can tell how good or bad someone feels from the language they use. "What we haven't looked at in depth is how we can see other aspects of people's emotional experience beyond just which emotion they're feeling or how good or bad they feel. What kinds of things are people paying attention to? What kinds of evaluations are they making about their environment? How do they see themselves situated with regard to the unfolding events?" Hoemann's co-authors include Yeasle Lee, Batja Mesquita, Evelyne Dussault and Dirk Geeraerts, all from KU Leuven in Belgium; Simon Devylder from UiT, the Arctic University of Norway; and Lyle Ungar from the University of Pennsylvania. Their paper surveyed existing research on language and emotion from a range of academic fields and suggests a framework for further study. "It's a set of proposals for the scientific community, a kind of synthesis across different areas of research," Hoemann said. "A lot of the work we cite comes from psychology, linguistics and computer science. The idea is to take what we know about language as a system for scaffolding and communicating our experience and apply that to new directions in emotion science." Based on their deep dive into research on language and emotion, Hoemann and her colleagues propose a new paradigm for future investigations: distributing the experience of language and emotion into three aspects"attention," "construal" and "appraisal." "We wanted to structure it around three dimensions because it made sense to us," Hoemann said. "The first is attentionwhat people are paying attention to. If I talk about the weather versus what I ate for lunch, that tells you what's on my mind." The researchers define the second feature, construal, as "the conceptual vantage point from which events are viewed." "Construal is more about the perspective you take," said the KU researcher. "If attention is what you're looking at, construal is how you're looking at it. Are you bringing something close, distancing yourself from it, speaking in the present or past tense, or referring to yourself in the second or third person?" Last, the team of researchers said the experience of language and emotion should be assessed via "appraisal," or the judging of events. "Appraisals are the dimensional evaluations people make about their experience, especially how pleasant or unpleasant it is," Hoemann said. "These are foundational to emotion theory and also present in language. They help us infer how people are experiencing themselves or their circumstances." Through study of these three facets, Hoemann and her co-authors argue a more productive understanding of language and emotion is possible. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "I don't think anyone has a definitive answer to whether language reveals or creates our mindset," Hoemann said. "It's both. Language provisions us with a set of tools we can use, and those tools shape our attentional patterns over time. But we don't just choose tools randomly. We use language in ways that help us affiliate with others and accomplish our goals." Hoemann has a research interest in emotions that defy easy description with language. "There's certainly a way in which having a word for a feeling makes it a kind of common currency," she said. "But we can also recognize feelings that don't have words. We might say, 'Have you ever felt like this?' and then describe a situation. Still, having a single word or phrase makes that much more efficient." Indeed, for years the KU researcher maintained a database of foreign words communicating "untranslatable emotions." "These are emotions that don't have direct equivalents in English," Hoemann said. "Of course, that's a limited perspective, because you could do that with any source and target language. People have written books cataloging invented words, historical emotion terms or culturally specific emotion vocabulary. The existence of those words shows how powerful labeling is in shaping how we talk aboutand maybe how we experienceemotion." The authors use the term "meaning making" to describe how people construct their experiences of the world, including emotion. "Meaning-making is about categorizing experiencetaking in all the sensory and psychological information available and organizing it into something you can describe or recognize," Hoemann said. "Our experiential space isn't evenly distributed. Some experiences happen more frequently or tend to co-occur with certain features. These patterns act like magnets, pulling experiences into familiar categories." Hoemann joined KU's social-psychology faculty a year ago, having previously studied anthropology and linguistics. She said her academic niche could be dubbed "emotional psychology." "Emotion and language are both social tools," she said. "The work I do is mostly fundamental science about what emotion is, how to define and measure it, and what it can tell us about the human mind." More information: Katie Hoemann et al, The construction of emotional meaning in language, Communications Psychology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s44271-025-00255-0 Journal information: Communications Psychology 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 plot represents the new model with the x-axis and the y-axis showing the minimum sizes of collapsing and expanding regions that can impact cosmological measurements. The contours are independent datasets. Credit: Dr. Leonardo Giani A University of Queensland researcher has developed a new mathematical model to explain the evolution of the universe which, for the first time, includes collapsing regions of matter and expanding voids. Dr. Leonardo Giani and a team at UQ's School of Mathematics and Physics used data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which has measurements of the universe to 11 billion light years. The research has been published in Physical Review Letters. "This new model can change the way physicists and cosmologists look at the universe," Dr. Giani said. "The standard model mapping the universe from the Big Bang until today has matter particles of the same size not interacting with each other. "But in reality, we can see there are stars, black holes, galaxy clusters and empty regions constantly interacting via forces such as gravity not accounted for by the standard model. "For 30 years, scientists have tried to explain what is happening as this complex universe expands and there have been plenty of exotic attempts at solutions. "We know voids and collapsing regions exist, but we didn't really know how to compute their impact on the measurements. "My model gives a recipe to compute it, without the need for new physics. "This framework uses simple mathematical terms to describe how the emergence of complex structures in the universe affects our cosmological measurements." Dr. Giani's team set out to identify the minimum size a void needs to have in order to impact the measurements (called R_v) as well as the minimum size a cluster must have (called R_c). Independent datasets, including DESI data, were plotted against an x-axis and y-axis showing the minimum sizes of the collapsing and expanding regions that can impact cosmological measurements. "The standard model of the universe should see all of these dataset contours overlap in the upper right corner, where the sizes of the expanding and contracting regions would be too large for them to exist," Dr. Giani said. "They instead overlap in a different region, which indicates that large voids of space might be responsible for anomalous behavior observed in the data." Dr. Giani said the new model also addresses the two biggest problems in modern cosmologyHubble tension and the evidence for dynamical dark energy. Hubble tension is a discrepancy between two methods of calculating the universe's expansion rate, while dynamical dark energy is a theory that says energy is not constant but changing or weakening over time. "Our model has the richness to address both of these," Dr. Giani said. "If you assume that dark energy is weakening and then you try to infer how fast the universe is expanding from that data, you get even a lower measurement of the expansion rate of the universesolutions to one problem create another. "In our model, any weakening of energy is just a detailed accounting of what the universe looks like today, it behaves as if it was weakening but may not be weakening. "In our plot, the green box is a region where the Hubble tension is resolved. "Essentially, when we asked if the complexity of the universe was showing up in the DESI data, the result was that it was, and our framework can explain all of the observations." 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: Former UC Assistant Professor Patrick Guerra found that the monarch butterfly's internal compass is influenced by temperature. Credit: Lisa Ventre/UC A new study by the University of Cincinnati has found that monarch butterflies have an internal compass for their epic migration that flips when the temperatures plunge. This changing polarity helps butterflies prepare for the return trip on their migration back and forth across North America. UC Associate Professor Stephen Matter, former UC Assistant Professor Patrick Guerra, now at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, and UC graduate student Samuel Shively-Moore helped explain how monarchs navigate over thousands of miles on their way from their northern range as far away as Canada to their overwintering roosting sites in the mountains of central Mexico. Their paper is published in PLOS One. Monarchs primarily use a sun compass calibrated to the number of hours of daylight as a compass. But monarchs also use a magnetic compass to stay the course. The researchers found that butterflies exposed to 24 days of cold temperatures like the kind they experience in their overwintering grounds reorient to the north, suggesting their internal compass is recalibrated by the cold. "Our discovery that coldness triggers the northward flight direction in spring re-migrants solves one of the long-standing mysteries of the monarch migration," said Guerra. Their findings raise questions about how rising temperatures might affect the monarchs' navigational cues. More information: Samuel A. Shively-Moore et al, Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) only use magnetic cues for migratory directionality with orientation re-calibrated by coldness, PLOS One (2025). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0328737 Journal information: PLoS ONE 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: Tully Rohrer, Lucie Knor, Fernando Pacheco, Daniel Fitzgerald with the CTD Rosette that collects Hawai'i Ocean Time-series water samples. Credit: Carolina Funkey Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere enters the ocean at the surface and has been increasing the acidity of Pacific waters since the beginning of the industrial revolution over 200 years ago. A new study, led by University of Hawai'i at Manoa oceanographers, revealed that the ocean is acidifying even more rapidly below the surface in the open waters of the North Pacific near Hawai'i. Their discovery is published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. "Ocean acidification has farreaching consequences for ocean biology and the global climate," said Lucie Knor, lead author of the study and postdoctoral researcher in the UH Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST). "We expected some indicators of ocean acidification to be changing more rapidly below the surface, because that was what some global studies have previously discovered, but we were very surprised that this was true for every single ocean acidification indicator." Knor and co-authors analyzed a 35year record of ocean carbon measurements made by the Hawai'i Ocean Time-series program throughout the entire water columnfrom the surface to nearly three miles deepat the open ocean field site 60 miles north of O'ahu, Hawai'i, Station ALOHA. They found that in all layers, there are increases in carbon from natural decomposition of sinking organisms. In some layers, accelerated acidification is associated with fresher and colder waters. "Deeper waters are already naturally quite acidic in the North Pacific, so quickly increasing acidity could negatively impact plankton species and other organisms that live below the surface," said Knor. "In the long run, these changes in ocean chemistry also make it harder for the ocean to keep taking up more CO from the atmosphere." Station ALOHA. Credit: Lucie Knor In the past decade or so, there has been an onslaught of marine heat waves associated with unusual conditions in the ocean and atmosphere and strong, multiyear El Nino events. Researchers, fisheries managers, and coral conservationists are concerned with the combined impacts of marine heat waves and ocean acidity events. Subsurface waters at station ALOHA are formed farther north in the Pacific. Changes in seawater properties impacted by evolving environmental conditions in other areas of the North Pacific are then transported by ocean currents into the deeper layers of the ocean around Hawai'i. "We illustrate that regional-scale changes in source water chemistry and circulation are substantial drivers of the subsurface intensification of ocean acidification around Hawaii," said Christopher Sabine, co-author of the article and Oceanography professor in SOEST. Currently, the research team is investigating the carbon specifically from human-made sources in the water column at Station ALOHA and how that is changing over time in different layers. More information: Lucie A. C. M. Knor et al, Drivers and Variability of Intensified Subsurface Ocean Acidification Trends at Station ALOHA, Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans (2025). DOI: 10.1029/2024JC022251 Journal information: Journal of Geophysical Research 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: Breathing nonreciprocal soliton. Credit: Physical Review X (2025). DOI: 10.1103/nrv2-9h8z Solitonic waveswaves that keep their shape and direction of motion for a long timehave intrigued physicists for almost two centuries. In real-world circumstances, these waves eventually die out due to energy loss. A team of UvA physicists have now discovered how a particular type of interaction can be used to create very stable solitons, even in circumstances where energy is not conserved. In 1834, John Scott Russell observed an unusual phenomenon in the Union Canal in Scotland. After a moving boat had come to a halt, the water wave that the boat had caused continued moving through the canal, keeping virtually the same speed and the same shape. It took more than half a century, until the work of Dutch mathematicians Diederik Korteweg and Gustav de Vries in 1895, before the phenomenon that Russell observed had been explained in all its mathematical detail. What Russell had seen was a "solitary wave," a phenomenon now better known as a soliton. Today, we know that such solitons do not only occur in shallow water, but also in optics, in magnetic fields, and in many other branches of physics where wave phenomena play a role. Unlike typical waves that spread out and fade, solitons travel like particles, maintaining their wave-like shape over long distances. However, in real-world systemswhere friction or energy input is unavoidableideal solitons usually don't survive. If Russell had kept following the wave caused by the boat, eventually it would have faded away. Asymmetric interaction In their latest research, published in Physical Review X this week, a team of physicists at the University of Amsterdam tackled the challenge of stabilizing solitons under such nonideal, real-world conditions. Walking in the footsteps of their UvA-predecessors Korteweg and De Vries, first author Jonas Veenstra and his six collaborators have now found a way to create a special kind of soliton known as a "breathing" soliton, and sustain it over a long period of time, even in systems where energy is not conserved. To achieve this, in the lab of group leader Corentin Coulais, the researchers built a system made of "active mechanical oscillators"small rods that can rotate and are powered by individual tiny motors, connected through rubber bands. When one oscillator starts moving, so does its neighbor, and in this way waves can formincluding solitonic ones. The particular oscillators that were used in the experiments have an interesting property: They can influence each other in a nonreciprocal way. That is, an oscillator influences its neighbor differently than the neighbor influences the original oscillator. When the physicists explored how these nonreciprocal interactions affected soliton behavior, they found that this asymmetry was the key to long-lived solitons. The asymmetry allowed the solitonic wave to accelerate and then settle into a steady, unchanging motion, all without losing its shape or energy. From observation to application The observed behavior had always been particularly hard to achieve with so-called "breathing" solitons, which constantly change their form as they move. This time, this was precisely what the researchers saw: a sustained, breathing soliton. While not completely newthe group already observed the first breather soliton experimentally 6 years agoit took a new and more precise experimental setup developed since then to pin down the exact conditions under which breather solitons travel in a stable manner under non-reciprocity. The results show the existence of robust, long-lived solitons, even in systems where energy gets lost. This is not just a pretty phenomenon that one can observe in the lab, similar to how Russell observed the very first soliton in a canal two centuries ago. Sustained solitonic waves are very useful: They could be used to carry signals or energy efficiently, making them promising for applications in sensors, energy-harvesting devices, and robotic systems. With such real-world applications in mind, Veenstra and colleagues are currently trying to go beyond mere chains of oscillators, investigating how similar waves behave in two-dimensional surfaces of non-reciprocal oscillators. Looking ahead, their research opens new possibilities for engineering smart materials that rely on stable, self-sustaining wave motiona step toward adaptive systems that operate reliably in all kinds of dynamic environments. More information: Jonas Veenstra et al, Nonreciprocal Breathing Solitons, Physical Review X (2025). DOI: 10.1103/nrv2-9h8z Journal information: Physical Review X Chinese, UN officials urge better vocational education to speed up Africa's industrialization Xinhua) 09:02, August 19, 2025 ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and United Nations officials have called for advancing vocational education and talent development programs in Africa to speed up industrialization and continental transformation. They made the call Sunday at the opening of a seminar on vocational education management and capacity-building for the Luban Workshop in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Jiang Feng, head of the Chinese Mission to the African Union (AU), said China is committed to building a vocational education development community in Africa through various skill development training programs. "The training seminar initiated today is a practical measure to implement the commitments within the framework of the China-Africa-UN Tripartite Cooperation Demonstration Center," he said. "It focuses on the demand for skilled talents in the industrialization process of Africa, and deeply connects with the AU Agenda 2063." Highlighting that China has implemented thousands of training programs, including overseas ones for fellow African people, Jiang said that China-Africa cooperation, especially in the areas of industrialization, agricultural modernization, and talent cultivation, is gaining momentum. He recalled that China has launched 17 cooperation programs in Africa related to governance, industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, green development, capacity-building, health, cultural exchanges, and peace and security. Asegid Adane Mebratu, national program officer at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Ethiopia, emphasized the need to promote vocational education in Africa to sustainably meet the evolving needs of industries and communities in the continent. "The Luban Workshop represents a practical effort to enhance technical skills development and promote technology exchange in support of industrial upgrading and talent cultivation in Africa," Mebratu said, noting that the seminar is part of the broader commitment to strengthening the China-Africa-UNIDO Center of Excellence. Earlier this year, the AU adopted African Continental Technical and Vocational Education and Training Strategy 2025-34, a blueprint to reimagine skills development systems aligned with Africa's labor market and industrialization priorities. According to the AU, each year, 10 million to 12 million young people enter Africa's job market, while only about 3 million formal wage jobs are created, resulting in structural under-employment and informality. In 2025, about 121 million African youth aged 15 to 35 are either unemployed or classified as "Not in Education, Employment, or Training NEET," it said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) H55'S SALES MOMENTUM ACCELERATES WITH COMMITMENTS FROM BOTH FLIGHT SCHOOLS AND FORWARD-LOOKING AIRCRAFT OWNERS PROVING THAT ELECTRIC AVIATION IS READY TO SCALE AND CEMENTING H55'S LEADERSHIP IN CLEAN, QUIET, COST-EFFICIENT AVIATION SION, Switzerland and NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- H55, the Swiss electric aviation pioneer born from the Solar Impulse project, has completed its landmark 8-state "Across America" tour, introducing its Electric Propulsion System (EPS) aboard the Bristell B23 Energic to flight schools, aircraft owners, professional pilots, aviation universities, the US Air Force, aviation enthusiasts and industry stakeholders. Over a four-month period, the aircraft completed 192 all-electric passenger flights, visiting 25 airports across Florida, Alabama, Arizona, Nevada, California, Colorado, Wisconsin, and New Yorkoffering the U.S. market a firsthand experience of electric flight technology now ready for real-world application. H55 B23 Energic Hamptons Flight Proving the Commercial Case Over the course of the tour, H55 validated that the B23 Energic is market-ready with no price, performance, or reliability barriers preventing near-term sales. Flight schools and private buyers responded immediately, with instant commitments from early adopters and active large-scale procurement discussions underway. "During the tour, I met countless pilots who joined us for demonstration flights. The smiles on their faces as they stepped out of the airplane said it all. The advantages of electric aviation were immediately clear to every passengerno noise, no vibration, no emissions, reduced maintenance, and minimal downtimean unforgettable experience. Some pilots were so convinced they placed orders on the spot. Our U.S. tour proved two things beyond doubt: electric aviation, and especially the B23, delivers exactly what flight schools are looking forand it already exceeds the expectations of many private and professional pilots," said Andre Borschberg, H55 Co-Founder and Executive Chairman. Key Proof Points from the Tour Noise breakthrough: 1/10th of intensity of the noise measured in comparison to the piston aircraft (1015 dB quieter). Operating cost savings: Taxi and run-up for just ~$0.25 in electricity vs. ~$13 in fuel. in electricity vs. in fuel. Reliability: Zero technical issues over 192 flights and 63 flight hours. Performance edge: Strong climb rates at 9,524 ft density altitude and 36 C (97 F) outperforming many combustion trainers in hot-and-high conditions. "In four and half months, we completed 192 passenger flights without a single technical issue. Not once did we have to cancel a flight. In fact, the tour allowed us to expand the flight envelope, operating in conditions we had never experienced beforefrom extreme heat to high-altitude airportsall without downtime. This is a strong validation that our technology is not only ready, but also robust and reliable in real-world conditions. And it's worth noting that such consistent availability is not always the case with comparable combustion-powered aircraft," said Gregory Blatt, H55 Co-Founder. A Rapidly Growing Market The global electric aircraft market is forecast to soar to $80 billion by 2035 according to Roots Analysis, fueled by tightening regulations and operator demand for lower costs. With its EASA and FAA to be certified Electric Propulsion System, respectively in 2026 and 2027, H55 holds a clear first-mover advantage in this rapidly expanding space. The company's revenue spans aircraft sales, propulsion system licensing, and long-term battery replacement and aftermarket supportwith flight schools alone representing a market for hundreds of units. As competitors struggle to match H55's certification status, performance, and reliability, the company is poised to dominate the flight trainer segment, a strategic market entry as the company now moves into broader applications with larger aircraft. Next Steps Scaling Beyond the U.S. Following its Hamptons finale, H55 heads to Montreal, Canada (Aug. 2529) for the inauguration of its Canadian facilities planned on Thursday 28 August. This will be a unique opportunity for H55 to engage with Canadian operators, government officials, and investors as well as presenting the B23 Energic to the local aviation community and the media. H55 will also use its presence in Montreal to expand its "Ambassador Program" to the Canadian market inviting aviation innovators, educators, and change-makers to share the story of electric flight worldwide. Information available on across-usa.h55.ch/h55-ambassadors. Press and Investor Contact Tamar Burton U.S. Media Relations [email protected] About H55 H55 is a Swiss-based company founded by the former Solar Impulse management team: Andre Borschberg, Sebastien Demont, and Gregory Blatt. Dedicated to revolutionizing the aviation industry, H55 provides certified electric propulsion and battery management systems tailored to a diverse range of aircraft, aiming to achieve sustainable air travel. H55 supplies certified electric propulsion systems with full airplane integration solutions for general aviation and regional transport aircraft. Through its pioneering legacy and commitment to certified solutions, H55's team of visionary engineers and aerospace experts are at the forefront of driving the aviation industry setting new standards and pushing the boundaries of electric aviation. For more information, visit: www.h55.ch or contact [email protected] Media Contact [email protected] www.h55.ch H55 SA Route de l'Aeroport 10 1950 Sion Switzerland Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2753616/H55_B23_Energic_Hamptons_Flight.jpg SOURCE H55 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Generative artificial intelligence systems require a lot of energy, but many AI developers are hoping the technology can ultimately be a boon for the climatepossibly leading to a more efficient power grid, for instance. But the goals of those developing AI systems for the climate and those working on the front lines of climate advocacy don't necessarily align. To compare the two groups, University of Washington researchers interviewed nine people who are developing AI for sustainabilityranging from a graduate student to a startup founderand 10 climate advocates, including a grassroots activist and an environmental nonprofit employee. They found that while developers and advocates all cared about the climate movement, their specific values and perceptions varied widely, especially on topics like ethics. The team presented its findings July 8 at the Designing Interactive Systems Conference in Funchal, Portugal. UW News spoke with lead author Amelia Lee Dogan, a UW doctoral student in the Information School, and senior author Lindah Kotut, a UW assistant professor in the Information School, about the study's findings. There's a lot of concern around the climate impact of training AI and running the models, but also some potential for AI to help. How did you find the views of the different groups you interviewed diverging on those perspectives? Amelia Lee Dogan: Most of the advocates saw AI as potentially helpful in very limited use cases. This includes automating existing tasks and connecting community members with the natural world, such as creating personas for natural entities like rivers or trees or creating urban farming diagnostic tools. There were also some more traditional climate science applications. But a handful of people were also concerned about not only the climate impacts of AI, but things like labor concerns. AI is not going to fix issues that stem from policy. With these things, climate change isn't necessarily the root problem. It's larger injustices. What did you learn from this research that surprised you? ALD: We got a lot of interesting ideas from advocates and wrote some of those up in a fictional format for another paper that came out in January. It's what we call a design fiction. You imagine a technological future and analyze it from an academic point of view. Some ideas were really originalsuch as, what if a river could speak to you in English as well as communicate through things like water gurgling sounds or music? Lindah Kotut: When we presented this at a conference, many people were surprised that a lot of the developers don't know what the grassroots activists are doing. But the activists kind of know what the developers are doing. If that was flipped, I feel that some of the discussions on the implications of AI on the environment would be way more advanced. ALD: Many of the developers in research or nonprofit spaces had a lot less contact with advocates compared to those in business. I asked a very simple question to developers: Did you talk to anybody with the community you're trying to impact? Many said no. The advocates said they'd love it if some of these developers showed up to protests or meetings. Did people have recommendations for solutions to this lack of communication? ALD: We propose talking to people as a very first step. Advocates would love to be approached by developers about their wants and needs, with the understanding that they're deeply resource constrained. For example, one of the advocates we talked to had been using a non-AI tool developed by the government. The government stopped maintaining the tool, which impeded her workflow. So she was interested in the creation and maintenance of new software tools. LK: There are constraints on both sides. Some developers are working on environmental justice issues as a side project, and that limits the amount of time they can spend on it. The advocates are largely first accountable to people and the environment and are constrained by policy. So they're thinking about how to support through policy changes that will impact technology. Whereas developers can be working in a space where corporate interests are against the environmental interest. We don't have a solution to that conflict. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. What were advocates optimistic about, as far as AI technology? ALD: A lot of advocates' work is data intensive and could benefit from automationlooking through government databases of PDFs that are not scanned at high resolution, for instance. The advocates also are excited about science advancement. What do you want the public to know about this research? ALD: Climate change is now, and we can't necessarily wait for the promises of AI that we're not sure are coming. We already know that the most effective solutions to the climate crisis are policy solutions: cutting fossil fuels, protecting our land and waters. We found that the social issues plaguing technology development also play out in the development of climate tech. A lot of power issues. Developers don't always have the freedom to shape the big picture vision for a project. And that also extends to developers who might be working on projects that are for social good, that still fall into a lot of these pitfalls that entrap people in the tech industry. LK: Anyone who can should amplify what the grassroots climate communities are doing. That gets the changes that they're advocating for out there in the voice that they want. Also, in tech, we're so fast. Move fast and break things has been this credo. But one of the best foils to not moving fast and breaking things is to listen to the people you're working to support. Tap into the local climate organizations and listen to them. Supporting them is an extra step, but sometimes just listening is the best way. These organizations understand the concerns of the communities being directly affected. More information: Amelia Lee Dogan et al, "Down to Earth": Design Considerations for AI for Sustainability from the Environmental and Climate Movement, Proceedings of the 2025 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference (2025). DOI: 10.1145/3715336.3735734 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain For years, Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has been the gold standard for suppressing and extinguishing petroleum-based fires. But its effectiveness has come with a cost: the presence of PFAS, so-called "forever chemicals" that don't break down and are linked to health and environmental risks. One potential contender to replace the PFAS-laden foam comes from Cross Plains Solutions LLC, based in Dalton, Ga., where chief technology officer and managing partner Dave Garlie has led development of a foam made from U.S.-grown soybeans. "It's nice to have something that's actually effective on the fires that we need it to be, but also not killing the people that are using it, or killing the people that it's supposed to be protecting," Mr. Garlie said. Because he serves on the board of the American Soybean Association, third-generation Kentucky farmer Jeff King was invited to a demonstration of the foam at work a few years ago. Also a volunteer firefighter for 34 years, Mr. King said, from what he saw, SoyFoam has shown potential in the same scenarios where AFFF has long been used. "[SoyFoam] spreads across the surface really well, and they suppress vapors," he explained. The difference, both men noted, is what happens after the flames are out. Unlike AFFF, the soy foam doesn't persist in soil or water. It's biodegradable and breaks down without the threat of PFASforever chemicalssticking around indefinitely. "It just started checking a lot of boxes. And I think about my guys that are all volunteers back home. They do this out of the goodness of their hearts to serve the community," Mr. King said. Add to that concerns over keeping PFAS out of fields where produce and animal feed are grown and runoff into streams and ground water supplies, and he said SoyFoam eases plenty of worries for him and many others in his community. Last year, his department became the first in the country to fully switch to SoyFoam. "I just knew that ... there's one less thing that I have to worry about [firefighters] coming in contact and potentially becoming sick over." "It's the only product on the market that is certified gold in the GreenScreen certification," he noted. "That says a lot about the safety of this product." GreenScreen is a program that assesses and certifies products based on the safety of their chemical ingredients, ensuring they are free of chemicals of concern and promoting safer alternatives. The change over to SoyFoam didn't require new equipmentjust a thorough flushing of old foam from the system. Since then, they've used the foam on grass, brush, structure and vehicle fires, and even grain elevator and farm equipment blazes. In one grain bin fire, tests later confirmed the corn was "free of any potential toxins," Mr. King said. The foam's versatilityeffective on both natural materials and Class B liquid fuel firesmakes it "two products in one." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. On fuel fires, it's also been more affordable: "When we were looking at strictly Class B products, it was substantially cheaper." With Pennsylvania lawmakers weighing a PFAS ban, Mr. King has advice for departments on the fence: "It's safe, it's biodegradable. Basically, in 180 days it's gone. You're not going to find it ... and it's easy to use." While the foam has proven versatile, it isn't a perfect replacement yet, Mr. King and Mr. Garlie agreed. One limitation is ethanol. Fires fueled by ethanol, a highly flammable alcohol present in some fuels and solvents, require a different suppression chemistry than SoyFoam currently provides. Diesel and jet fuel do not contain ethanol. However, standard automobile gasoline and flex-fuel does. That means departments with ethanol-handling facilities or transport routes nearby may still need to keep a separate foam on hand. Cross Plains researchers are continuing to test soy-based formulations with the goal of making them effective against ethanol fires as well, Mr. Garlie said. 2025 PG Publishing Co. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 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: Firefighters at the scene of a fire in La Culebra, in the Zamora province of Castille and Leon. Credit: RTVE Every summer, forest fires sweep across Spain, dominating headlines and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. This year's have been especially harsh, with devastating fires thus far in Tarifa, Zamora, the Madrid area, Galicia and Extremadura, while the UNESCO-listed natural park of Las Medulas, in Leon, has been completely wiped out. Although the levels of destruction vary widely from year to yearfrom more than 310,000 hectares burnt in 2022 to only about 48,000 in 2024these blazes always leave an indelible mark on biodiversity and local communities alike. Now more than ever, we have to remember that the best way to fight these disasters is by preventing them from happening in the first place. The fire triangle To prevent fires, we first have to understand how they start, and this is explained by one fundamental principle: the fire triangle, also known as the combustion triangle, which is made up of heat, oxygen and fuel. These three elements are essential for a fire to start and continueif we eliminate any one of them, the fire goes out. Heat is what starts the first flames, and can take the form of a lightning strike, an accidental spark, or often human carelessness. In Spain, over 90% of fires are caused by people. Oxygen in the air then feeds the flame. This is why a candle goes out when you cover it with a glassit cuts off the oxygen supply. Last of all is the fuel, but not all fuel is the same. In a barbecue, for instance, the charcoal doesn't burn easilyit needs more readily flammable kindling to get things started. The same thing happens in the countryside, where undergrowth made up of dried plants and branches acts as kindling: it catches fire more easily and allows fire to spread to trees. Rural depopulation provides fuel Heat and oxygen are beyond our control, which means the only realistic way to prevent fires from happening is to manage the third component: fuel. The main culprit for its buildup is the quiet, steady abandonment of large inland areas which are no longer used for arable farming or grazing. As a result, much of the countryside that was once carefully managed is now covered with vegetation, which acts as natural kindling and fuel. Putting out a fire should be a last resortif it comes to this, then it is already too late. The key is not just fighting flames, but also actively managing the landscape to keep naturally occurring fuel in check. This does not mean getting rid of it altogether, but managing it properly and carefully. "Clean" forests are not devoid of vegetation. They are healthy, robust ecosystems that shelter biodiversity and support essential habitats. How to value a forest The key to preventing forest fires is creating a rural economy based on the use of forests. While this would generate much-needed employment in "la Espana vaciada""hollowed-out Spain," the name given to the country's depopulated rural areasit also costs money. It is therefore essential to invest in forests. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. For a forest to endure, it is necessary to create a sustainable economy centered on the products and services it provides. These include extensive livestock farming, forestry, mixed agriculture, tourism, and other non-timber products. In Spain, projects such as PRISMA, BIOVALOR and Bio+Malaga are exploring ways to convert this active management into employment and opportunities for rural areas. Other collaborative projects bringing together several regions across Europe also exist, such as SCALE-UP, RIBES, and BioRural. Initiatives like these are reimagining our forests not only as natural spaces, but also as drivers of local development. Preventing fires through technology Technology can also play an important role in the development of rural economies. In Navarre, for instance, emergency services have developed a geographic information system that allows them to map risk areas, visualize access routes and coordinate responses in real time. This system, which is focused on preventing rather than extinguishing fires, maps precisely where flammable plant matter is accumulating, as well as paths and roads that are not being used, and which areas require urgent attention. It means forest management can be based on data, allowing resources to be invested where they are most needed, and to be more efficient and accurate. Circular economy and preventing fires Among forestry workers, there is an old maxim that summer fires are extinguished in winter. Preventing fires means rethinking how we use our forest resources year-round, and a well-managed forest, which feeds a circular "bioeconomy" through its products and services, is a safer forest. While valuing a forest reduces the threats that loom over it, caring for the wilderness also translates into a boost for the rural economy, and can bring life back to villages. The opportunity for a more prosperous and resilient future lies in our forests. A well-managed forest is more useful, more biodiverse, and more aliveand of course, it reduces the risk of fires. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Long-term benefits of biochar application on food security and climate change mitigation. Credit: YAN Xiaoyuan's team Farming produces a huge amount of crop waste, including straw, husks, and stalks every growing season. Unfortunately, common disposal methodsburning, plowing the waste back into the fields, using it as animal feed, and even compostingrelease greenhouse gases (GHG) such as methane (CH 4 ), nitrous oxide (N 2 O), and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), contributing to climate change and long-term risks to food security. In contrast, biochara charcoal-like material made by heating agricultural waste in low-oxygen conditions (pyrolysis)offers a promising and eco-friendly alternative, according to a new study by Chinese scientists. The team, led by Profs. Yan Xiaoyuan and Xia Longlong from the Institute of Soil Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, showed that biochar can deliver lasting benefits for food security and climate mitigation when applied to farmland over the long term. In particular, the study showed that repeated annual applications not only sustain but also amplify biochar's positive effects on crop yield, soil health, and GHG reduction. In this study, the researchers analyzed high-quality field experiment records from 438 studies, including consecutive annual data from 29 long-term field experiments. The results, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, demonstrate that annual biochar application over four years or more increased global crop yields by an average of 10.8%, cut CH 4 emissions by 13.5% and N 2 O emissions by 21.4%, and raised soil organic carbon (SOC) content by 52.5%. While single application of biochar showed weakened effects over time due to the aging effect, the study showed it was still beneficial, with continued yields and SOC rise, and continued CH 4 and N 2 O mitigation, though with a weakening trend. "We wondered how significant biochar's potential could be for carbon sequestration and emission reduction in global farmlands under long-term application," said YANG Jingrui, first author of the study and a Ph.D. student from ISSCAS. Based on current straw and biochar management practices, the researchers estimated that converting 70% of straw into biochar for agricultural fields could boost global grain yields by 190 million tons annually and enhance carbon dioxide removal (CDR) potential by 2.01 Pg of CO 2 -eq annuallyabout 30% of China's average annual grain yield from 2018 to 2021. After accounting for GHG emissions from biochar production (0.25 tons of CO 2 per ton of biochar), the net CDR potential was still 1.84 Pg of CO 2 -eq per year, offsetting about 4.6% of global fossil fuel CO 2 emissions. The findings suggest that strategic deployment of biochar at multi-year intervals or with break periods between yearly applications could maintain its benefits cost-effectively while minimizing risks. Expanding field experiments and comparative trials across different soil types, climates, and cropping systems are crucial for refining application strategies, especially in determining optimal frequencies and rates. While periodic biochar application tailored to local conditions can reduce costs and secure long-term advantages, the initial economic burden may deter risk-averse farmers. "Since farmers are unlikely to increase input costs unless there is strong evidence it pays off, large-scale demonstration trials in major grain-producing regions such as the North China Plain and the U.S. Corn Belt are essential to prove both economic and environmental benefits," said Prof. Yan. A cost-benefit analysis conducted by the team showed that increased yields and reduced GHG emissions could compensate for around 81% of biochar procurement costs, with greater gains possible when nitrogen loss reduction is factored in. The researchers argue that government-backed subsidies and supportive policies will be crucial to scaling biochar adoption and realizing its global potential for sustainable agriculture and climate mitigation. More information: Jingrui Yang et al, Sustained benefits of long-term biochar application for food security and climate change mitigation, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2509237122 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Binghamton University Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Kirsten Prior (center) and graduate student Aly Milks (right) collect oak galls in the Binghamton University Nature Preserve. Image Credit: Jonathan Cohen. Oak gall wasps and their predators don't have the panache of butterflies, but they're attracting growing interest among both scientists and naturalists. Only 1 to 8 millimeters long, these small insects create the tumor-like plant growths known as "galls." Small as a pinhead or large as an apple, galls can take striking shapes, with some resembling sea urchins or saucers, explained Binghamton University Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Kirsten Prior, who also co-leads Binghamton's Natural Global Environmental Change Center. If these wasps are a mascot for anything, it's biodiversity. North America has around 90 different species of oak trees, and around 800 species of oak gall wasps that live upon them. Parasitic wasps lay their eggs in the galls and go on to devour the entire oak gall wasp. But how many species of parasitoid wasps are out there? That's a question that scientistsboth academic researchers traveling the globe and everyday citizens in their own backyardsare working to answer. A recent paper in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research, "Discovery of two Palearctic Bootanomyia Girault (Hymenoptera, Megastigmidae) parasitic wasp species introduced to North America," gives insight into a previously unknown level of species diversity. In addition to Prior, co-authors include current graduate student Kathy Fridrich and former graduate student Dylan G. Jones, as well as Guerin Brown, Corey Lewis, Christian Weinrich, MaKella Steffensen and Andrew Forbes of the University of Iowa, and Elijah Goodwin of the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Tarrytown, N.Y. This discovery is part of a larger research effort. In 2024, Binghamton University announced plans for research into the diversity of oak gall wasps and parasitoids throughout North America. The project is a collaboration between Prior, Forbes at the University of Iowa, Glen Hood at Wayne State University and Adam Kranz, one of the creators behind the website Gallformers.org, which helps people learn about and identify galls on North American plants. The research investigates a core question: How do gall-forming insects escape diverse and evolving clades of parasitic waspsand how do parasites catch up? To answer that question, researchers are collecting oak gall wasps around North America and using genetic sequencing to determine which parasitic wasps emerge from the galls. Among them are Fridrich and fellow Binghamton graduate student Zachary Prete, who spent the summer on a gall- and parasitoid-collection trip from New York to Florida. "We are interested in how oak gall characteristics act as defenses against parasites and affect the evolutionary trajectories of both oak gall wasps and the parasites they host. The scale of this study will make it the most extensive cophylogenetic study of its kind," Prior said. "Only when we have a large, concerted effort to search for biodiversity can we uncover surpriseslike new or introduced species." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Discovering unknown species Over the past several years, researchers with Prior's lab traveled the West Coast from California to British Columbia, collecting approximately 25 oak gall wasp species and rearing tens of thousands of parasitic wasps, which were ultimately identified as more than 100 different species. Some of the parasitoids, reared from oak gall wasp species from several locations, turned out to be the European species Bootanomyia dorsalis in the wasp family Megastigmidae. Researchers at the University of Iowa identified a similar wasp from collections they made in New York state. Two species of Bootanomyia dorsalis wasps introduced to North America from Europe A, B variation in the extent of wing infumation from a single collection of B. dorsalis sp. 2 from Neuroterus washingtonensis in Metchosin, BC C a male B. dorsalis sp. 1 collected from New York D a female B. dorsalis sp. 2 from the Pacific coast of North America. Body coloration of both C and D wasps are representative of their respective species regardless of sex. Credit: Journal of Hymenoptera Research (2025). DOI: 10.3897/jhr.98.152867 "Finding this putative European species on the two coasts of North America inspired our group to confirm this parasitic species's identity and whether it was, in fact, an introduced parasite from Europe," Prior explained. Parasitic wasps are small and challenging to identify based on features alone. Because of this, researchers use genetic tools to confirm a species's identity, sequencing "the universal barcoding gene," Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (mtCOI), and comparing their results to reference libraries. They discovered that the European species B. dorsalis came in two separate varieties, or clades. The New York samples were related to species in Portugal, Iran and Italy, while the Pacific coast wasps were related to those from Spain, Hungary and Iran. "The sequences from two clades were different enough from each other that they could be considered different species. This suggests that B. dorsalis was introduced at least twice, and that the New York and West Coast introductions were separate," Prior said. While they were found in at least four different oak gall wasp species from Oregon to British Columbia, all the West Coast B. dorsalis wasps were genetically identical, which means that their introduction was small and localized. The East Coast wasps had slightly more genetic diversity, which could indicate that there was less of a population bottleneck, or that the species was introduced more than once. How did the European species get here? One possibility is that non-native oak species were intentionally introduced to North America. English oak, or Quercus robur, was widely planted for wood since the 17th century, and is found in British Columbia as well as several northeastern states and provinces. Turkey oak, Q. cerris, is an ornamental tree now found along the East Coastincluding a spot near where B. dorsalis was discovered in New York. There are other possibilities. Adult parasitic wasps can live for 27 days, so they could have hitchhiked on a plane, Prior said. Researchers don't yet know if these introduced species pose a hazard to native North American species. Other introduced parasite species are known to impact populations of native insects, she acknowledged. "We did find that they can parasitize multiple oak gall wasp species and that they can spread, given that we know that the population in the west likely spread across regions and host species from a localized small introduction," Prior said. "They could be affecting populations of native oak gall wasp species or other native parasites of oak gall wasps." Naturalists and citizen scientists play an important role in biodiversity research, such as the project that led to the discovery of the two B. dorsalis clades. Gall Week, a project hosted on the platform iNaturalist, encourages citizen scientists to collect galls during two seasons, and specimens from the study will be posted on the naturalist site Gallformers.org. Binghamton University ecology classes have participated in Gall Week, and also logged galls during the university's annual Ecoblitz biodiversity event. Biodiversity is a key component to healthy and functioning ecosystemsand one that is increasingly under threat due to global change. "Parasitic wasps are likely the most diverse group of animals on the planet and are extremely important in ecological systems, acting as biological control agents to keep insects in check, including those that are crop or forest pests," Prior explained. More information: Guerin E. Brown et al, Discovery of two Palearctic Bootanomyia Girault (Hymenoptera, Megastigmidae) parasitic wasp species introduced to North America, Journal of Hymenoptera Research (2025). DOI: 10.3897/jhr.98.152867 Journal information: Journal of Hymenoptera Research SARATOGA SPRINGS With a backdrop of subdued beige walls accentuated by just enough pops of fun, colorful art, restauranteur Zac Denham weaves around the impeccably dressed service staff, past the brick and mahogany bar to visit every table. Its Friday, Aug. 15, Standard Fares opening night and the place is packed. And its expected to look just as busy through the end of August seeing as every table, from the 4 p.m. opening to midnight closing, has been spoken for. The restaurant started taking reservations exactly 14 days ago, and we sold out almost immediately, said Abby Tegnelia of Sure Thing Hospitality. We are completely booked out for the next two weeks, Denham added before clarifying dinner service is completely booked through Labor Day, but there are a few late night (after 9 p.m.) reservations still available. Standard Fare opening night None of this is entirely new for married co-owners Denham and Clark Gale, who also own the Bocage Champagne Bar across the street and have a combined 25 years in hospitality. Denham discussed his and Gales past work in the industry, opening and running restaurants all across the country. He said that he had particularly fun time opening BiBo, a restaurant for Michelin starred chef Dani Garcia, in London. But it was about time for Denham and Gale to do more of their own thing, rather than running hospitality for others. The Bocage Champagne Bar was born a few years ago. With three years of success and rave reviews from locals in downtown Saratoga behind them, Denham and Gale set their eyes on something a little bigger. Though Standard Fare might be the couples first foray into owning and operating their own full-service restaurant, their industry experience is immediately apparent as soon as you walk through the door. A little bit of whimsy Refined yet fun is the perfect way to describe Standard Fares overall vibe. From the tiny disco ball adorning the Main Squeeze cocktail picks to the handwritten welcome postcards, everything seems to fit the theme, it all feels carefully considered and intentional. There are cream-colored faux leather and chrome bar stools harkening back to 1950s diners facing an exposed brick wall with bright, bold paintings by local artists. Mixologist Sean whips up candy-coated cocktails like the Rum DMC in front of a large painting of cartoon ducks by recent Upstate New York transplant Daniel Fairley. Duck, Duck, Goose, Denham explained, is his brother-in-laws tribute to the ducks of Saratoga Springs Congress Park. There are exactly 81 ducks and one goose, providing a fun little Wheres Waldo? game to play while you wait for Moms Meatloaf. We wanted to kind of have a good time with the art, have a sense of humor, Denham said. We wanted to get some pops of color into the room, a little bit of whimsy. And people have really been enjoying it. He then pointed to another piece by Fairley on the opposite wall, explaining it was their nod to Saratoga horseracing but if a kid drew it. This juxtaposition of classy and silly, the combination of timeless and new, young and old, extends beyond Standard Fares decor. Its something Denham and Gale are clearly trying to bring into their menu and business practices. Recreating the family get-together We want to bring back the Early Bird Special. If guests come in and join us between 4 and 5 [Monday to Thursday], if their entire order is in the kitchen by 5 p.m., theyll get 20% off their entire bill, Denham explained. So thatll get some energy in the room in the early afternoon, like our version of a Happy Hour. Additionally, Standard Fare wants to bring back the blue plate special, offering the same daily specials open-to-close (while it lasts) every week. The menu includes beef Wellington, lobster thermidor, chicken pot pie, and an ever-changing Sunday supper for two. Between the early bird and blue plate specials, theres a sense of comfort complimenting the refined yet fun vibe of Standard Fare. A lot of the menu items sound like something you would expect to eat at family get-togethers. In discussing his background and inspiration for Standard Fare, Denham said, I grew up originally in Louisiana. My husband, Clark, his grandparents retired in [Glens Falls]. When we started doing family holidays and whatnot, we would stay in downtown Saratoga, eat down here, and I fell in love with it. I fell in love with the area, the charm of it all. Denham explained that he and Gale relocated from New York City this year in January. They had been reverse commuting since the Bocage Champagne Bar opened, running things from the city while waiting and wanting to move to Saratoga full-time. With Standard Fare being a larger operation, we knew we needed to get up here, Denham began. And the goal was always for us to be up here anyway, which is why we opened Bocage in the first place. Located at 21 Phila Street in downtown Saratoga Springs (across from Bocage), Standard Fare opens every day at 4 p.m. and closes Monday through Thursday at midnight, and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information or reservations, visit standardfaresaratoga.com. SAN RAMON, Calif., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD), an initiative of HinduPACT, announced today the release of its comprehensive research report, "Tarnishing India, Targeting Hindus: The Global Weaponization of Transnational Narrative." The report provides an evidence-based analysis that unequivocally refutes the widespread allegations of transnational repression (TNR) against India. HinduPACT AHAD Research Report: Tarnishing India, Targeting Hindus. The Global Weaponization of Transnational Narrative Ajay Shah, Executive Chair of HinduPACT, stated, "Our report unequivocally demonstrates that the transnational repression (TNR) narrative against India is a dangerous fabrication, unsupported by verifiable evidence and driven by ideologically motivated groups. To equate India, the world's largest constitutional democracy, with robust judicial oversight, to authoritarian regimes notorious for extrajudicial actions, is not only analytically flawed but serves to undermine global democratic values." In stark contrast to the practices of authoritarian regimes like China, Russia, Iran, and Turkey, which have documented histories of assassinations, abductions, and covert coercion, India's overseas actions are described as "legally authorized, procedurally proper, and fundamentally misrepresented" when categorized as repression. The report emphasizes that constitutional safeguards, administrative protocols, and judicial oversight mechanisms guide India's counter-extremism measures. The report asserts that the TNR narrative against India has been "propagated by a coalition of ideologically motivated NGOs, advocacy networks, and certain state actors". These groups, identified as including the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR), Sikh Coalition, and SALDEF, seek to delegitimize India's global standing and sever the cultural and civilizational ties of the Hindu diaspora with their homeland. Deepa Karthik, General Secretary of HinduPACT, highlighted the adverse consequences: "The weaponization of this TNR narrative has had a profound and chilling impact on Indian and Hindu diaspora communities worldwide. It fosters suspicion, fuels hate crimes and, threatens to break our deep cultural and civilizational ties with our homeland. This report is an act of community self-preservation, defending the fundamental rights and identity of millions." The report highlights an increase in hate crimes and political marginalization experienced by the diaspora since these narratives gained traction. It lists vandalism against Hindu temples defaced with Khalistani slogans and shows a clear link between the TNR narrative and its effects on American Hindus. HinduPACT has actively opposed California SB-509, a TNR bill. Deepti Mahajan, President of HinduPACT, emphasized that "SB-509, as written, functions like a Trojan Horse. Under the guise of community protection, it risks enabling profiling and discrimination against American Hindus, casting suspicion over our cultural and civic activities. It threatens to silence our voices in public life and discourage participation in the democratic processes that strengthen California. We urge elected officials to reject such politicized policy initiatives." HinduPACT urges elected representatives to adopt evidence-based policy and maintain rigorous evidentiary standards for TNR labeling, upholding legal reciprocity and avoiding politicized or selective oversight. The organization also calls for transparency in funding sources for TNR-related research and advocacy campaigns. The report concludes that the "TNR narrative against India is a product of coordinated advocacy, ideological bias, and geopolitical strategy, rather than evidence," and its propagation "threatens to undermine civil liberties, disrupt diaspora engagement, and erode the rights and cultural identity of Indian and Hindu communities abroad." Contact: Ajay Shah 8588669661 [email protected] SOURCE HinduPACT With Hurricane Erin still hundreds of miles from New Jersey, its winds and swells were creating life-threatening rip currents and rough surf along the states beaches Tuesday, and Gov. Phil Murphy urged people to stay out of the water until the storm had passed. As of mid-afternoon, the Category 2 hurricane was 655 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph. It is not expected to make a direct hit on the U.S. East Coast, but its high winds were causing dangerous conditions along the entire coast from Florida to Canada. The National Weather Service issued tropical storm and storm surge warnings for North Carolinas Outer Banks, where evacuations were underway Tuesday. Erin has become an unusually large and deceptively worrisome storm while moving through the Caribbean, with its tropical storm winds stretching 200 miles from its core. Forecasters expect it will grow larger in size as it moves through the Atlantic and curls north. It continued to lash the Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday, where government services were suspended a day earlier and residents were ordered to stay home, along with parts of the Bahamas before its expected to turn toward Bermuda and the U.S. The center of the hurricane was expected to pass to the east of the Bahamas Tuesday night and then move over the western Atlantic between the U.S. East Coast and Bermuda on Wednesday and Thursday. The biggest swells along the East Coast were expected to develop Wednesday and last into Thursday. Swimming banned on Wildwood beaches due to dangerous conditions from Hurricane Erin Swimming is not allowed on Wildwood beaches due to dangerous conditions from Hurricane Erin, police said Monday. The surf up and down the Jersey Shore was roiling Tuesday, with multiple beach closures or swimming bans already in place. In a news conference in Woodbridge, Murphy urged people to avoid the dangerous conditions the faraway storm was causing here. This is no time to be complacent, the governor said. I would say to you flat out dont go in the water. The fact of the matter is going into the ocean for the next number of days is something you gotta avoid. In a post later in the day on X, the governor added, It is more important that you stay alive than get one more beach day before the end of summer. In Atlantic City, swimmers were only allowed to go knee-deep into the water, and boogie boarding was prohibited, Beach Patrol Chief Steve Downey said. Later in the day, that was changed to only ankle-deep as conditions worsened. Were expecting the wind to be about 20 mph throughout the week as well, so the rip tides will be a problem as well as the erosion, Downey said. Always listen to the lifeguards, do not swim unless lifeguards are on duty and just adhere to the restrictions that are in place. They are for your safety, not to ruin your good time. Ventnor, Margate, Longport and Wildwood have banned swimming on beaches until further notice. Wildwood Crest lifeguards were only allowing bathers in ankle-deep. No lifeguards. No swimming. Its that simple, Wildwood Public Safety Commissioner Steve Mikulski said in a statement. When individuals ignore safety precautions and enter the water, our first responders are forced to put themselves at risk. The Wildwood Beach Patrol, Fire Department, and Police Department work tirelessly to protect this community, and we must not endanger them needlessly. Hurricane Erin's clouds hide bright sights, but other wonders are visible: Sky Watch A surprising expansion of Hurricane Erin is helping to throw clouds along the coast for the next three days, changing what cosmic sights you'll get to behold. Ventnor police said lifeguards will remain on duty and are under strict direction to prevent anyone from entering the ocean. In Brigantine, wheelchair access mats were removed from the beach, trash cans were removed or relocated to paths, lifeguard towers were moved to the dunes or paths, and lifeguard boats were removed from the beach Monday morning. Swimming restrictions will also be in place, the citys Beach Patrol said in a Facebook post. Police said the city boat ramp is also closed. Beachgoers need to be aware of the risks and to only swim in waters protected by a lifeguard, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said Tuesday in a statement. It may be best to stay out of the water for the next few days. The state closed Island Beach State Park in Ocean County until further notice as well, prohibiting swimming, mobile sport vehicle fishing access and all other programs until the danger has passed. Cape May also is barring swimmers from the water until further notice, according to a Facebook post from the city. In an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer, Erich Becker, chief of operations for the Ocean City Beach Patrol, acknowledged the swimming restrictions arent quite what the local chambers of commerce had in mind for a peak vacation period before kids go back to school. Its a shame, he said. That said, the ocean conditions may be a boon for the businesses on the Boardwalk, Becker told the Inquirer. The Philadelphia Inquirer and Associated Press contributed to this report. Hyundai Motor America and Healthy Seas continue their third year of partnership to retrieve fishing nets and preserve marine ecosystems in the United States Hyundai hosts beach cleanup event and youth education program in Southern California FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America announced the continuation of its partnership with Healthy Seas, a nonprofit organization focused on ocean conservation. Hyundai's involvement will support four major underwater cleanup operations scheduled through the summer and fall, beginning with the cleanup of the Tuna Clipper (San Vito) wreck near Catalina Island. These missions aim to remove marine litter, helping restore vital habitats for seals, lobsters, torpedo rays, and purple hydrocorals, while improving safety and biodiversity at popular diving and fishing sites. The collected nylon fishing nets and other nylon waste are processed into ECONYL, a regenerated nylon yarn used in new textile products. (Photo/Ghost Diving USA) Hyundai Motor America and Healthy Seas celebrate continued partnership in the United States with a beach cleanup in Huntington Beach, Calif. on August 9, 2025. (Photo/Hyundai) Hyundai Motor America and Healthy Seas host educational workshop at the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington Valley in Huntington Beach, Calif. on August 11, 2025. (Photo/Hyundai) "As we deepen our collaboration with Healthy Seas, Hyundai reaffirms its unwavering commitment to sustainability and ocean conservation," said Randy Parker, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. "By championing the preservation of marine ecosystems and supporting initiatives that promote a circular economy, we are advancing our vision of progress for humanity and taking meaningful action to ensure a healthier planet for future generations." The renewed partnership commenced as Hyundai employees came together for a beach cleanup event at Huntington Beach State Park. Complementing this hands-on effort, Hyundai and Healthy Seas hosted an educational workshop at the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington Valley, where over 30 students participated in the "If the Ocean Could Speak" origami envelopes activityan engaging program designed to inspire awareness about the interconnectedness of human actions and marine ecosystems. Through crafting origami envelopes, students reflected on the vital role oceans play in our world and the urgent challenges facing marine life, fostering a sense of stewardship and a deeper understanding of why ocean conservation matters. This marks the first year education is formally integrated into the U.S. partnership activities, reflecting a shared commitment to nurturing a new generation of ocean defenders. Through meaningful and creative learning experiences, students are empowered to care for marine life and encouraged to share this awareness with their families and communities, amplifying the message of ocean protection beyond the classroom. The educational component is a key part of Hyundai's commitment to sustainability and the future of our planet. Hyundai's collaboration with Healthy Seas underscores its ongoing commitment to sustainability as part of its broader corporate social responsibility initiative, Hyundai Hope. By prioritizing ocean conservation, Hyundai highlights its dedication to fostering more sustainable marine ecosystems and supporting the development of a circular economy. Healthy Seas is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the removal of marine waste and education, with a particular focus on discarded fishing nets, to promote healthier oceans. It works to address ocean pollution and mitigate risks posed to marine life by these hazards, collaborating with partners to recycle recovered materials into new products. "This third year of partnership with Hyundai Motor America shows how shared values can lead to deepening impact," said Veronika Mikos, director, Healthy Seas Foundation. "We're proud to expand our collaboration to include education, empowering young people to become ocean stewards and ambassadors for change. Protecting the seas means engaging not just divers or scientists, but entire communities, starting with the next generation." Since 2021, Hyundai and Healthy Seas have collaborated on a range of impactful projects, expanding their efforts from Europe to South Korea in 2022 and the United States in 2023. Together, they have carried out beach cleanups and underwater diving missions in key hotspots, involving communities, volunteers, media, influencers, and local representatives. Their efforts have extended to tackling large-scale marine pollution, such as abandoned fish farms in four locations across Greece and developing awareness-raising initiatives to support industry transformation and systemic change. Hyundai's additional environmental initiatives include a long-term partnership with One Tree Planted, a nonprofit dedicated to global reforestation, and the worldwide 'IONIQ Forest' project, which supports reforestation, afforestation, and biodiversity around the globe. These initiatives demonstrate Hyundai's comprehensive approach to sustainability and its dedication to making a positive impact on the environment. Hyundai Hope Hyundai Hope is a corporate social responsibility initiative from Hyundai Motor North America, committed to the principle of Progress for Humanity and the goal of improving the wellbeing of society. Hyundai Hope dedicates time and supplies resources to nonprofit organizations that support health, safety, education, and sustainability. For more information, visit www.HyundaiHope.com. Hyundai Motor America Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a published economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com. Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok SOURCE Hyundai Motor America Poll ranks Playa del Carmen most safe in Quintana Roo and sixth safest in Mexico Playa del Carmen, Q.R. The municipality of Playa del Carmen has been ranked as one of the most safe cities in Mexico. Under the administration of Mayor Estefania Mercado, Playa del Carmen ranks sixth place nationally in perceived security. The ranking was prepared by Rubrum in August 2025 in the most recent ranking of Morena (political) mayors. While the city ranks sixth nationally, it ranks first in the state. Residents of Playa del Carmen ranked their city safest followed by those living in Chetumal and Cancun. Mercado said this result reflects that the comprehensive security strategy implemented in coordination with the state and federal governments is yielding tangible results, generating greater trust among citizens. She affirmed that this progress is a product of the collective will and commitment of the security forces to the people. We are demonstrating that security is built through coordination, strategy and closeness to the people. Playa del Carmen will continue to advance until it becomes a model municipality throughout the country, Mayor Merdaco said. With this recognition, Playa del Carmen consolidates its position as a benchmark in building peace and well-being, ensuring that prosperity reaches every family in Playa del Carmen. According to Rubrum, a polling firm specializing in measuring and analyzing electoral processes and conducting public opinion studies, the methodology was samples conducted: 1,000 surveys per municipality, via telephone, automatically and randomly. Sample population: Sample population of men/women living in each of the municipalities evaluated in Quintana Roo, over 18 years of age. Sample type: Representative random. Margin of Error: +/- 3.8. Survey date: August 4-9, 2025. Politicos and thinkers on the right are battling it out for the heart and soul of what it means to be a conservative. Not much has changed. Will this generation produce another Frank Meyer to bring the warring parties together? As political divisions widen across the American right on topics ranging from the proper conduct of economic policy to the United States relationship with the rest of the world, considerable attention has been given to the ensemble of ideas given the label fusionism. It has never been the case that those Americans who oppose modern liberalism and the American left have always been on the same philosophical and political page. Fusionism is generally regarded as an outlook that brought together groups ranging from traditionalists to hard-core libertariansand everyone in betweenin a manner that sufficiently unified these groups, thereby enabling them to more effectively combat the American left from the 1960s onward. The question that always comes up in any discussion of fusionism is whether it primarily operated as a way of forging practical alliances against a common enemy, or whether it represented a coherent and genuine philosophical position. Even today, that debate remains unresolved. At some point, the same discussion invariably touches upon the thought and life of one of the mid-20th-century American rights most influential figures: the intellectual and perpetual political activist Frank S. Meyer. Meyers significance for the emergence of movement conservatism is difficult to understate. Meyer started his political life as a man of the left who rapidly moved toward becoming an out-and-out communist and even an advocate of free love. Meyer later transformed himself into a conservative activist and a devoted family man. He also converted to Catholicism in literally the last hours of his life. But one commonality that marked Meyers entire life, whether as a committed communist cadre or a conservative movement activist, was the sheer energy of the man and the way in which that energy would inject life into the disorganized and dispirited groups that made up the postwar American right. Meyers energy also permeates a new biography, written by The American Spectators senior editor Daniel J. Flynn. In The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer, Flynn shows how Meyer worked for years to persuade the American right that it was not enough simply to be against the economically stultifying effects of the New Deal, the cultural corruption of libertinism, and the menace of communism. Meyer taught the American right that it needed to be united around a set of beliefs and to bring those beliefs squarely into the political arena. There is no understanding postwar American conservatism without understanding Frank Meyer, and the achievement of Flynns book is that he comprehensively proves why this is the case. While The Man Who Invented Conservatism is very much a biography of Meyer, it is also the story of the initiation and growth of movement conservatism read through the medium of Meyers life. One of the books most significant features is that it has been informed by Flynns access to hitherto unseen and uncatalogued materials that open up new vistas on Meyers life and our understanding of the history of American conservatism. These materials include tens of thousands of letters penned by Meyer and others such as William F. Buckley and Senator Barry Goldwater who played major roles in the rise of modern American conservatism. This correspondence reveals endless clashes between these and other individuals over ideas. But they also show the degree to which some of these conflicts were driven by disagreement about strategy and tactics as well as underlying battles of some colossally large egos. This is a good reminder that movement politics is never immune from the influence of and disputes between strong personalities, few of whom are inclined to embrace the virtues of humility and moderation. Everyone is complicated, but Meyer was an especially complex individual. Like many people who have gone through a significant conversion experience (whether cultural, economic, political, or religious), Meyers 62 years were marked by more than its fair shares of ups-and-downs. That said, several consistencies that spanned Meyers life emerge. One is the extent to which Meyer was an organization man. He played a key role in the establishment of groups like Young Americans for Freedom, the American Conservative Union (which eventually gave birth to the Conservative Political Action Conference), and the more cerebral Philadelphia Society in which figures ranging from Harry Jaffa to Irving Kristol duked out what it meant to be a conservative and, specifically, an American conservative. That organizational emphasis on Meyers part surely owed something to the fact that, for the first half of his life, Meyer was a member of the Communist Party. Communist parties of the 1920s and 1930s prided themselves on their organizational ability and internal discipline. They also exemplified how a small but nevertheless focused group can drive political changefor better or worse. Meyers journey into communism was not unusual for a young middle-class secular Jewish-American of his generation. That trajectory was probably accelerated by the fact, Flynn shows, that Meyer was subject to the casual anti-Semitism that marked much of the WASP America of his youth. That included Meyers time at Princeton, where he went from being a middling student to a dropout. During this transition, Meyer started railing, to his parents horror, against capitalism. By the time he attended Balliol College, Oxford, Meyer was well on his way to becoming a communist: so much so that Meyer played a major role in establishing Oxfords first outright Marxist organization in the early 1930s. It was closely linked to the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB), which in turn was a tool of Stalins Soviet Union. That, in addition to Meyers role as secretary of the CPGBs student bureau, underscores how immersed he was in a movement he later came to regard as a source of evil. Meyers devotion to the pursuit of the workers paradise continued when he returned to the United States. But his enforced separation from the communist milieu during his time in the U.S. Army in 194243 (before being invalided out on medical grounds) provided Meyer with a time-out from Marxism. It also marked the beginning of Meyers questioning of communist methods and, eventually, its ends. In 1943, Meyer started speculating about the possibility of the Communist Party of the United States of America (CPUSA) effectively fusing Marxism into the American Founding. Here, Flynn observes, we see Meyers mind moving along fusionist lines long before his name became synonymous with the fusion of libertarianism with the American tradition into conservatism. That reorientation of Meyers thinking away from orthodox Marxism was further spurred by his reading of F.A. Hayeks The Road to Serfdom: the argument of which Meyer, even while still a Marxist, understood perfectly and came eventually to agree with. Not long after this, Meyer formally broke with Marxism and the CPUSA and began a rapid shift to the political right. In addition to testifying against former CPUSA comrades during their trials in the late-1940s, Meyer started writing for free market and conservative publications (not plentiful in those days). Meyer immediately noticed the gaps between, for example, people like Russell Kirk (whose The Conservative Mind received a respectful but quite critical review from Meyer) and the free marketers who wrote for The Freeman. Like William F. Buckley, Meyer came to regard the publications of the right of his time as lacking the literary, philosophical, and formative power that Buckley and Meyer judged necessary for the times. Flynn notes that neither Meyer nor Kirk ranked high on the list of names Buckley put together as potential regular writers for the nascent National Review. It was Meyer, however, who would become a powerhouse at the magazine. Flynn also shows that Meyer was an integral part of the behind-the-scenes internal intellectual and organizational disputes that marked National Review all through the 1950s and 1960s. For then as now, many on the right invested as much energy in fighting each other as they did in combating the left. Therein lies much of the background for what would be Meyers attempt to invent modern American conservatism in the form of his short book In Defense of Freedom. Flynn stresses that leading figures on Americas intellectual right at the beginning of the 1960s were at each others throats as different individuals sought to dominate what it meant to be a conservative. Meyers book should be read in the context of that debate, especially his effort to put freedom, individual rights, and a government focused on securing these things (often understood as classical liberal emphases) at the core of what it means to be an American conservative. Part of the challenge faced by Meyer, Flynn points out, was that some American conservatives believed it was necessary to import conservatism into America from European sources. Meyer disagreed, and that disagreement drove his development of the idea of fusionism as a project that involved making American conservatism an enterprise of restoring something unique to America. Meyers fusionism was not about, Flynn emphasizes, taking a piece of traditionalism here and an element of libertarianism there, then melding them with a touch of national security hawkery. Nor was it concerned with creating the three-legged stool of social conservatism, strong national defense, and limited government and free markets. Fusionism, Flynn maintains, to Meyer simply meant conserving the American tradition. That traditionfrom the Declaration of Independence through Washingtons Farewell Addressderived from the broader Western tradition and developed into ordered liberty. As successive chapters illustrate, Meyers book, which soon turned into a classic, did not resolve disagreements on the American right or even within National Review itself. Internal fights about ideas continued and, if anything, magnified. But In Defense of Freedom, Flynn suggests, effectively established Meyer as someone who successfully grounded modern American conservatism on seven principles: 1) a belief in an objective moral order; 2) an emphasis on the rights and duties of individuals over the collective; 3) the rejection of utopian heaven-on-earth delusions; 4) promoting limited government over top-down planning; 5) strong advocacy of free markets; 6) endorsing the U.S. Constitutions articulation of federalism, the division of powers and protection of liberties; and 7) defending the West against communism. To varying degrees, these seven principles would constitute the substance of modern American conservatism for the next 40 years. Meyers powerful articulation and defense of these principles effectively made, Flynn maintains, the one-time Communist commissar the conservative pope. The Meyer pontificate, however, lasted only 10 years and was terminated by Meyers death at the sadly early age of 62. One of the tragedies of Meyers life was that he died a mere eight years before the election of Ronald Reaganthe man whose positions, of all Americas presidents, came the closest to reflecting fusionist ideas, and 18 years before the fall of communism and the disappearance of the Soviet Union that Meyer had once served so faithfully. Meyer consequently never saw the political fruits of his efforts to get the perpetually feuding groups on the right to sign up to a common political agenda. Rather than concluding by reflecting on the state of American conservatism today and the place of fusionism in it, Flynn ends The Man Who Invented Conservatism by pointing out how Meyer turned out to be right about some important topics. One was his confidence that, despite its apparent dominance in the 1960s, modern American liberalism was headed into stormy seas. Another was Meyers belief that America could and would defeat the Soviet threat without having to resort to an all-out hot war. Meyer was ahead of the curve in predicting these things, and at the core of Meyers insights into the unfolding of history was his confidence, going back to his communist days, that ideas ultimately change the world. Elections and the daily political struggle certainly matter, but Meyers life is a testimony to the fact that ideas are as important as these things. The American right would be wise to remember this in our own tumultuous times. Brittany Hayes is 34. She works on a crew that constructs and decorates the interiors of new Macados restaurants. Those stretch from Winchester to Johnson City, Tennessee. She and her car-salesman boyfriend, Jim Thomas, live in an apartment in the Old Southwest neighborhood. Hayes drives a bright green 2017 Honda Civic that she bought used, five years ago. At least, she used to drive it. April 17 was the last day. That morning the car was parked on Second Street Southwest when a Roanoke County school bus backed up into and partially over it, depressing and denting the hood. (In all, the damages came to roughly $3,500.) At the time, Hayes was making coffee in her kitchen. Thomas watched the accident unfold from their apartments window. Why was a county school bus in that city neighborhood? Hayes told me county buses regularly transport special education pupils to a program located in her city neighborhood. Because Thomas is in the car business, hes handled most of the details of Hayes claim. The school system was 100% at fault, Thomas said. How could they not be? Her car was parked. County schools accepted responsibility for the accident and turned the matter over to VA Corp, a self-insurance risk pool that serves local governments. Then last week, Thomas vented on social media about the fact the car was still in the shop four months later because the schools had not paid for all the repairs. A mutual friend passed that post onto me. And soon I was talking with Thomas. Hayes and I connected Friday morning. We were super-kind, she recalled. We werent upset. We didnt come (out of the apartment) screaming. The Honda has been sitting, repaired, for weeks at Hannabass & Rowe Collision Center, Thomas told me. The body shops been waiting for VA Corp to make the final payment, of $215.69, he said. Thomas said hes called VA Corp repeatedly, but cannot get through to its claims-handlers. The last time he called the insurer, Thomas said, its phone line automatically hung up on him. In the meantime, since April, Hayes has made three car loan payments, and three car insurance payments, on a car shes been unable to drive. She said she turned down an offered rental car and has been driving an Audi owned by Thomas instead. This summer, hes been driving a spare van. Now, I kind of regret not accepting a rental, Hayes said. Thursday I contacted Roanoke County Public Schools about this matter. Spokesman Chuck Lionberger forwarded that email to VA Corp, a self-insurance risk pool in which the school system participates. And Friday, Lionberger referred me to the insurer. Early Friday afternoon, I called VA Corps toll-free line. And I experienced the same kind of frustration Thomas described trying to get hold of a human. I was on hold for six minutes, in a voicemail loop that divulged I was fourth person in line. Then, the robot prompted me to leave a voicemail message. When nobody called back, I drove over to VA Corps office, which is on Electric Road near Lewis Gale Medical Center. The place wasnt too welcoming. A receptionist ordered me out of the building, Later, I was informed thats because Im a security risk, a description that pleased me greatly. So I waited outside until a secretary emerged and handed me a business card. Jennifer Agee told me to call and set up an appointment. When I replied that I had already called but VA Corp doesnt answer its phones, she shut the building door. Later I connected with VA Corp Administrator Chris Carey. He told me there were a number of reasons why Hayes car repair was delayed. A chief one, Carey noted, was it took almost two months for her to provide VA Corp with a damage estimate. (Thomas acknowledged there was an estimate delay, because the car was undriveable and had to be towed to a body shop, and VA Corp requested two estimates.) A further delay was caused by Hayess insistence that genuine Honda parts, rather than non-Honda aftermarket parts, be used in the repair, Carey said. Thomas confirmed that. VA Corp ultimately approved Honda parts, which raised the price of the repair by a couple hundred dollars. Carey said until Friday, that was the last payment for Hayes car repair of which VA Corp was aware. VA Corp knew nothing about the third supplemental charge of $215.69, Carey said, until I began asking the school system about the hangup with the repair of Hayes car. We thought the claim was closed, Carey said Friday. We found out about the third supplement about two hours ago. They cut the check the same day. I told him that Jim Thomas complained hed been trying for weeks to get VA Corp to pay the final bill, but that Thomas couldnt get anyone there to answer the phone. Carey disputed that, and said VA Corp tracks its calls carefully. He said the phone number associated with the Honda claim has not called VA Corp within the past 90 days. But he later acknowledged VA Corp flubbed answering a call I made to VA Corp at 12:27 p.m. Friday. The good news is, the final payment for Brittany Hayes Honda repair was made Friday afternoon. Jim Thomas texted me hed received a message from the body shop. VACORP emailed Hannabass and car is cleared for release, Thomas wrote. Youre a rockstar, he added. Chris Vassilopoulos to Spearhead Growth and Consultant Engagement for Johnson Asset Management CINCINNATI, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson Asset Management recently hired Chris Vassilopoulos as the new Director of Institutional Business Development for its team. In this role, Vassilopoulos will lead Johnson's institutional sales strategy, focusing on building and strengthening relationships with investment consultants, public pension plans, foundations and other institutional investors. He will also help identify and develop new business opportunities, contribute to strategic marketing efforts and collaborate closely with the firm's investment and client service teams to ensure exceptional alignment with client needs. With more than 20 years of experience in institutional sales, Vassilopoulos brings a strong track record of relationship-building and industry expertise, spanning from traditional and alternative investment strategies to a broad range of institutional prospects. He most recently served as Investment Solutions Director and Head of Operational Due Diligence Sales at Aon Investments USA Inc. "We are thrilled to have Chris join the team," said Brandon Zureick, CFA, Senior Managing Director and Principal of Johnson Asset Management. "He brings deep expertise in the institutional market, and an unparalleled energy for growth. Chris's alignment with our firm's culture and values make him the perfect person to lead Johnson Asset Management's institutional business forward." Vassilopoulos cited Johnson's client-first philosophy and distinctive culture as what made the opportunity especially appealing. "What drew me here was the culture. This firm is truly unique in how it lives out its values," said Chris. "From the way Johnson Asset Management supports its employees to its deep focus on client-first relationships and community giving, it's a place where I know my network and connections will be in excellent hands." A Boston native and Boston College graduate, Vassilopoulos maintains deep ties to his hometown. He is active in his community and serves on nonprofit boards associated with his alma mater. "Giving back is part of who I am," said Chris. "That's also what made Johnson feel like a natural fit. It's more like a big family, and the firm truly treats its people as its greatest asset." With a strong focus on building existing and prospective client relationships, Vassilopoulos is eager to introduce Johnson's asset management capabilities to the larger institutional investment space and begin to grow the asset management team. "Johnson has an impressive 65-year pedigree in both fixed income and equity, but many plans and consultants still don't know the full story," said Chris. "That's an incredible opportunity I'm excited to help bridge. I've already hit the ground running." To learn more about Johnson Asset Management, visit https://www.johnsonasset.com/ . About Johnson Asset Management Johnson Asset Management, a division of the firm Johnson Investment Counsel, is focused on both investment grade fixed income and domestic equity securities. Our dedicated team of professionals has extensive experience and understanding of the unique investment needs and requirements of our clients. We don't sell productswe build investment partnerships. The firm's primary objective is to deliver clients a high quality portfolio designed to outperform the market with comparable volatility while providing stability - especially during periods of economic or market stress. About Johnson Investment Counsel Johnson Investment Counsel is one of the nation's largest independent wealth management firms, managing over $21 billion in assets for clients in 50 states. Johnson Investment Counsel is an employee-owned firm, offering a full range of fee-only, integrated wealth management services, including: investment management, education and retirement planning, cash management, estate planning, trust services, charitable giving, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, IRAs, and more. Johnson Investment Counsel has built strong, long-term relationships with individuals, families, charitable organizations, foundations, and corporations through four integrated divisions: Johnson Wealth Management, Johnson Asset Management, Johnson Trust Company and Johnson Family Office Services. The company has two offices in Cincinnati with additional offices in Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland-Akron, and Metro Detroit. SOURCE Johnson Investment Counsel " " Tuvalu isn't the only country with pristine beaches, but you sure won't find crowded hotels here any time soon. imageBROKER/Michael Runkel / Getty Images/imageBROKER RF As you might imagine, the least-visited country in the world is a place most people have never even heard of. Imagine a destination without long lines, crowded beaches, or flashy resorts. That place exists in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and it's called Tuvalu. Tuvalu, a tiny island nation made up of nine islands, sits quietly between Australia and Hawaii. Only 40 tourists were recorded in 2021, and fewer than 200 visited in some recent years. Advertisement It's not that Tuvalu lacks appeal. In fact, its pristine beaches, stunning coral reefs, and vibrant marine life make it a dream for eco-conscious travelers. But its remote location, limited infrastructure, and rising sea levels keep it off most people's radar. How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Jessica and Rich here. Its anonymous! Dear How to Do It, I recently started casually online dating after leaving an abusive marriage, and its been going great! There have been lots of nice guys, and we have had some sexy fun. That said, Ive run into a weird situation that Im almost certainly overthinking but am baffled by. I used to work in adult retail in my early 20s and am a very empathetic and sex positive person, all of which is information I share either before meeting or on the first date. I went on a first date last night with a great, interesting, funny guy that I got along very well with, who told me after dinner that he has a medical condition that causes incredibly painful erections and, because of this, has had difficulty with intercourse (and subsequently, online dating). Being the curious and empathetic person I am, I asked if he wanted to take me back to my place, and we had some really incredible foreplay. When his pants came off, I found that his penis was bent upwards in a U shape with his head pointing back towards his stomach. I saw a decent assortment of penises in my porn store days and am good at keeping my face neutral when I see something new at this point (with my apologies to the guy with the micropenis I slept with when I was 19), so I modified my usual blowjob routine to work with what I had and we were able to have relatively satisfying PIV intercourse, that he initiated. I have two questions. How can I balance wanting to make sure hes not in pain and is enjoying things as we try stuff out with not completely killing the mood every time we switch to something new, especially since there isnt a blanket answer to what will or wont be painful on a given encounter? He has the type of personality where Im concerned he might not vocalize that hes in pain, so I dont feel weird about the whole thing, but I dont want to be causing him discomfort. My other question, and I feel bad for saying this, is I love a good dick. So much. And after getting out of a bad marriage with bad sex, I was really looking forward to exploring the world of dicks for a while. Ive been open with him about the fact that Im just casually dating at this point, so Im not especially concerned that Im leading him on, but am I a total dick if I come to realize that its a deal-breaker for me? And if it is, how do I say or not say that so that I dont make this sweet man feel any more awkward about his condition? Getting Bent Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Getting Bent, Talk to him about how, in general, you need to feel like your sexual partners will let you know if theyre in discomfort. Make it clear that this is something important to you, regardless of the individuals body or any rare differences, but, you know, without emphasizing the latter excessively. Ask him whether he feels like hes able to do that. If hes unsure, find out what might be holding him back from doing so. If you still arent comfortable assuming hell say something in the moment, thats a cue to move along. You almost certainly already have some awareness of his facial expressions, body language, and vocalizations during sex. During this initial phase, focus a little extra on understanding what he looks and sounds like when hes having a good time, and when hes experiencing discomfort, until you feel like you have a pretty good grasp of his individual lexicon. If youre inclined to notice tactile cues, such as certain parts of his body developing tension, make note of those as well. Advertisement From there, its the same reliance on the twin pillars of I trust this person to usually notice and speak up if theyre uncomfortable and I trust myself to usually notice if their signs of pleasure stop or signs of pain start that we tend to have in sexual encounters. Even together, the two arent completely foolproof. But they are the best we can do without the ability to read minds. Advertisement As for whether its a dick move to decide that the sex isnt working for you in a way that your partner cant do anything about, broadly speaking, Id say no. No more than its a dick move to decide youre unwilling to relocate to a different city, live a significantly different type of lifestyle, or date people of genders outside your sexual orientation. What would be a dick move, though, is focusing entirely on peoples dicks as a metric of whether youre interested in continuing to see them. I suspect that when youre considering your dates, you are factoring in many other features. So, as much as this mans member is quite the outlier, keep an eye on the bigger picture. Advertisement Advertisement If you do decide to end the relationship, remember that no matter how gentle you are, you cant control how he reacts. Theres one possible world where you let him know that youre no longer interested in seeing each other, and hes relieved because hes been trying to figure out a way to break things off with you. Theres another where you end the relationship over, say, political views, and he still makes it out to be a rejection over his dick. One thing you can do at this stage, while youre waiting to find out what your feelings are toward him (and his anatomy), is resist any temptation to see him every other day or stay in constant contactkeep things as casual as youve told him theyre going to be. Advertisement Advertisement Get sex advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear How to Do It, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to How to Do It following up) Submit Dear How to Do It, As a 21-year-old woman who is a virgin, I know Im late to sex. Id ideally like to start having somebut be it because of my generations sex recession, my own shyness, or the complete absence of dating culture, the opportunity has never really presented itself. I never dated in high school (I wasnt interested, and was too focused on getting into college to have a relationship), and by the time I got to college, I just kind of assumed it would happen on its own. But in truth, there isnt much of a culture of hookups or dating at my college, as its very small and competitive. Everyone is pretty awkward all around. Ive had a longer-term relationship with a guy before, but he was religious and wanted to wait until marriage, so nothing ever happened (we broke up for reasons unrelated to sex). Hinge led to a handful of OK first dates, and Tinder led to six cancellations and two honestly terrible in-person encounters. Ive since deleted the apps to focus on school and just to get off my phone. At this point, Im not even sure if Im into men, or if I might lean more lesbian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I felt like my college years were hyped up as a time of casual sex, exploration, and fun. I genuinely dont know what Im doing wrong. Im decently attractive, funny, and have plenty of friends at school and work; in all other ways but this, I have my life together. My parents and relatives frequently question why Im not in a relationship. Is there any way forward in this situation? Im not looking for a long-term relationship right now, but should I try for one just to see where things go? Redownload the apps, or try a different platform? Or just surrender and accept that my virginity doesnt really matter to anyone but me? Hookup Hungup Dear Hookup, Im guessing that part of your perception of college as a time of casual sex, exploration, and fun comes from the media you were exposed to growing upbe that social media or television and film. But both memes and movies tend to distort reality. A whole bunch of people in previous generations got through college and then found themselves feeling theyd missed out on a big bacchanal. Also, a lot of Millennial hook-up culture took place in a context of large quantities of alcohol and substances, which has a way of removing inhibitions. Given the ways that inebriation clouds consent, its for the best that this former fad has faded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another cultural institution that seems to be transforming is the dating app. Where 15 to 20 years ago, dating apps often felt like they were opening up a whole world of romantic and sexual partners we might be more likely to share interests and desires with, many people now describe them with a lot of frustration, often lamenting that theyre full of scammers and profiles that seem to be bots. Mostly, though, lots of peopleincluding your peers, and maybe even some of your classmatesare having the same desire you describe of wanting to get off their devices. Advertisement So get out there and meet people. Join a club, bring any schoolwork that can be done in a public space to a cafe or similar, and go out with friends. Do whatever you can to put yourself in situations where you might socialize. Keep an open mind about whether the people youre meeting will fit in your life at all, and especially what form being in your life might take. Maybe you make some new friends, you find someone to hook up with, or you do find someone you want to develop something longer-term and romantic with (and who wants the same with you). Yes, there will likely be some awkward moments. Those uncomfortable moments often decrease with experience and practice. Most of your cohort are probably in a similar positionthey all went through the upheaval of COVID lockdowns in their high school years, too, and youre all part of the same generation that is reportedly going through a sex recession (however actually accurate that is). Even if sparks arent flying, you can support each other through the experiences youre having and longings youre hoping to fulfill. Advertisement Your virginity likely wont matter to most people nearly as much as it matters to youalthough every once in a while someone does make a big deal of it in one way or anotherbut it matters to you. Build a support network that will hopefully help you through that, and you might meet someone whose desires align with yours along the way. Send Us Your Questions About the Workplace! The columnists behind our advice column, Good Job, want to help you navigate your social dynamics at work. Does your colleague constantly bug you after hours? Has an ill-advised work romance gone awry? Ask us your question here! Advertisement Dear How to Do It, My lovely wife and I (cis female and male, both 40 years old) have maintained very active and fulfilling sex for over a decade. Over the past several years, weve slowly incorporated various toys into our sex life to great success. Our most prized possessions are a few large dildos that have become part of our standard repertoire. My wife loves being stretched out, and I love pleasuring her with them. Its a win-win, and we have a lot of fun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the past year or two, however, my wife has been getting sporadic UTIs and yeast infections, and theyve always come on the heels of a session with the big boys. We always do our best to keep everything sanitized, and we always make sure that the toys are cleaned thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap after each use and stored separately in their own bags. The dildos are never used for anything other than vaginal insertion. A few months ago, we decided to start putting condoms over the dildos to prevent any infection. (We still maintain the old cleaning routine, too. That hasnt changed.) Things were going great until our last session, when my wife got yet another yeast infection after an evening with her largest toy wrapped up in a condom. We are both feeling frustrated and stumped. We love playing with the toys but its crushing for me to see her in discomfort and pain the day after a fun evening. Is this just a normal risk of using large toys? Are there better precautions that we could be taking? Is there something were missing? Not All Fun and Games Advertisement Dear Not All Fun and Games, Its worth your wife making a trip to her gynecologist, explaining the situation, and asking for some extra testing to confirm that what shes experiencing really is recurring UTIs and yeast infections. So many different factors can throw off a vaginal microbiome, and more than one can result in the kind of discharge that looks like a yeast infection or the symptoms that read as a UTI, but it could be something else entirely. She should call the office, explain the situation briefly, and ask when it is best to come insometimes the doctor needs to see the issue when its active, and sometimes they want certain tests run before the appointment. Advertisement Related From Slate My Brother-in-Law Had a Tantrum Because I Wouldnt Splurge on Deep Sea Fishing Read More That said, yes, really intense sex (whether were talking about duration, degree of vigor, or girth of a penetrating object) can, without other factors, cause a big, painful mess. Since both of you enjoy this practice, it might be that big toys need to be a special occasion activity and reserved for times when shell be able to recover in comfort afterward. The good news is that theres a whole wild world of sexual practices outside of big toys, and a significant chance that youll be able to find something else you both love just as much to fold into your repertoire. Jessica More Advice From Slate I am a 50-year-old, heterosexual female. I had very plain vanilla sex a few times in my early-20s, but because of my religion, my career, and taking care of my parents, have not had a boyfriend, or even had sex since then. And I never really thought I would again. Until a few months ago, when I met a great guy. Jon is the same age and a widower CHICAGO, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Katten announced today that Corporate Department Global Chair Kimberly T. Smith and Corporate Partner and Head of Business Transactions Mark R. Grossmann were named by Crain's Chicago Business to its 2025 list of Notable M&A Dealmakers. "Our clients count on them for sophisticated counsel on their most important and strategic transactions." Post this Katten Corporate Department Global Chair Kimberly T. Smith was named to Crain's Chicago Business' list of Notable M&A Dealmakers. Katten Corporate Partner and Head of Business Transactions Mark R. Grossmann was named by Crain's Chicago Business to its 2025 list of Notable M&A Dealmakers. "This well-deserved recognition is a testament to the market-specific insight and significant impact Kim and Mark bring in shaping M&A dealmaking. Our clients count on them for sophisticated counsel on their most important and strategic transactions," said Katten Chair Gil M. Soffer. "Their work not only highlights the strength of our highly valued Corporate practice, but it also cements Katten's reputation as the go-to firm that handles billions of dollars in middle-market business combinations each year." The Crain's honorees have demonstrated involvement in significant mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals, served in firm leadership roles, and held leadership positions in outside professional organizations, among meeting other criteria. Smith has served as global chair of Katten's Corporate group since 2021 and previously was co-leader of the firm's national Private Equity/Mergers and Acquisitions practice. In her current role, she leads more than 140 attorneys across the United States, UK and China in high-impact transactional practices, including Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity, Capital Markets, Health Care, and Government and Public Finance. In her practice, Smith represents private equity funds, family offices, independent sponsors, and strategic acquirers across multiple industries in various transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations and reorganizations, and joint ventures. Smith is also a member of Katten's executive committee and board of directors. For over 20 years, she has also been involved in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, as a founding member of its guild board and current member of the corporate board of directors. Smith has been recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as among its Notable Women in Law and Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting and Law. Additionally, she has been named to the list of Most Influential Women in Mid-Market M&A by Mergers & Acquisitions and Top Women in Dealmaking by The Deal. She has been honored by the National Law Journal as a Mergers & Acquisitions and Antitrust Trailblazer. Her work has earned accolades with rankings in Chambers USA and selection to The Legal 500 United States Leading Partners list. Grossmann leverages his experience as former global chair of Katten's Corporate practice in his role as Head of Business Transactions. He is focused on growing the Corporate group in the firm's offices in London and Shanghai, and he mentors junior attorneys, stressing the importance of building strong networks and relationships to drive deal flow. Grossmann has deep experience in industries including finance, technology, manufacturing, consulting, real estate, retail, parking, pharmaceutical, security and health care. His practice is focused on representing acquirers and targets in mergers and acquisitions, representing issuers and investors in equity and debt financings and recapitalizations, structuring finance and other transactions for private equity funds, and advising boards of directors on fiduciary obligations. He serves on Katten's board of directors, as well as on the boards of several organizations, including the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center where the firm and his family sponsored the 20212022 Shanghai: Safe Haven During the Holocaust exhibit; After School Matters, a nonprofit that supports local teens; and Comer Education Campus, a Chicago-based model for place-based youth advancement. Grossmann was named a Midwest Trailblazer by The American Lawyer and has been recognized for his work by Chambers USA and The Legal 500 United States with a "Hall of Fame" distinction. Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm's core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. For more information, visit katten.com . SOURCE Katten Good Job is Slates advice column on work. Have a workplace problem big or small? Send it to Laura Helmuth and Doree Shafrir here. (Its anonymous!) Dear Good Job, A little over a month ago, I got summoned to HR while at my regular work tasks. I was sat down, and told to sign a paper acknowledging responsibility for the incident on June 15 and stating that I would accept consequences thereof, including but not limited to remedial sensitivity training. I had absolutely no idea what they were talking about. As far as I could remember, that was a normal workday where I logged in, did my duties as a bookkeeper, and went home. I told them I wasnt going to sign anything accepting responsibility when I havent the foggiest idea what this is even referring to. That seemed to make the HR reps even more hostile. Yes I had to sign it. No, they werent going to tell me what the incident was since I might retaliate, or who was making a complaint about me. I reiterated I wasnt going to sign when I had no idea what I was even supposedly accepting responsibility for. After maybe half an hour, they told me to go back to my workstation. That began a Kafkaesque situation. Id get called to HR every day and repeatedly told to sign the paper. My boss would sometimes tell me I should too, but that it wasnt a directive. Nobody would tell me what it was about. I consistently refused to sign anything when I was accepting responsibility for what amounted to a black box. And then, this Tuesday, it all seems to have vanished like some bad dream. My boss is smiling when he sees me again, no more HR calls, and I got assigned a new, pretty high prestige project that comes with a temporary pay supplement as long as Im working on it. My annual review comes up at the end of the month. Ive always gotten good reviews previously, but the whole experience has left me very confused as to where I now stand in the company. Im not sure if I should be putting this all behind me, updating my resume and looking for work somewhere else, or if I should be demanding an explanation while I have some time with my boss in private. What do you think? Bewildered Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Bewildered, I sometimes feel like people overuse the word Kafkaesque, but your situation does, indeed, seem Kafkaesque! I cant begin to try to assume what this was about or why your employers behaved the way they did, but I reached out to South Florida-based employment lawyer Michelle Cohen Levy to get some clarity on your situation. (She made sure to give me the caveat that none of this should be considered legal advice.) Levy was not optimistic that youre going to get any real insight from your boss. The boss is going to likely be evasive and tell them to move on or that its over. Plus, the boss is looking out for themselves and doesnt want to get in trouble for disclosing something, Levy said. The good news, Levy said, is that you did the right thing by refusing to sign something with zero information. When an employer mandates an employee to sign things like write ups or reviews that are incorrect or incompleteor devoid of any facts like this oneemployees should sign under protest by actually writing out Jane Smith, signed under protest. This way if there is a dispute down the line, the employer doesnt have a piece of paper that they can wave around and say see, they signed it so they admitted it. Advertisement Advertisement My personal takeaway from Levys advice and your situation is when it comes to your job, sleep with one eye openand start looking for a new job. Doree Classic Prudie Whats the classiest way to say, Really and truly, do not bring your kids into my house, no matter how cool or mature they are? We have this problem where we throw nice grown-up parties and our friends bring kids. Weve tried to be nice. First, we changed the names to identify the nature of the partyFancy Cocktail Hour, Wine & Dine, et cetera. That helped but didnt fix the problem. Carrie Bradshaw has officially hung up her Manolos for (probably) the last time. And since the final episode of And Just Like That, fans have been digesting the shows legacy. Specifically, theyve been digesting one moment. The most memed (and most horrifying) moment of the finale happens at Thanksgiving dinner, when Mirandas toilet becomes clogged up with poop after one of her lactose-intolerant guests overindulges on cheese. And rather than pan away as the toilet starts to overflow, were given an up-close, birds-eye viewan image that is now forever seared into viewers minds. The poop scenelike pretty much every part of AJLThas been divisive. Some fans questioned whether the scene was a fitting farewell to such beloved characters, while others have said that the (literal) shit show felt like a metaphor for AJLT as a whole. But showrunner Michael Patrick King defended the scene, telling Deadline that Sex and the City and AJLT have always dealt with a lot of relationship shit, and that it was a manifestation of how shit backs up and you have to deal with it. We all remember when Charlotte Poughkeepsied in her pants in the first SATC movie, with the Poughkeepsie remaining conveniently hidden off-screen, but the finales close-up put the show in uncharted waters. And in true Bradshaw style, I couldnt help but wonder what actually goes into creating a spectacle like this? So I tracked down the man responsible, prop master Michael Cory. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Slate: How did you first learn about the poop? Did you see it in the script, or did someone tap you on the shoulder and whisper: We need poop. Lots of poop. Michael Cory: Michael Patrick King is very specific, so it was a scripted moment. After we get the scripts, we have a meeting with all the department heads and go through the episode. And I do remember the conversation with him about it. I remember him talking about how it had to be gross and he wanted to see floaters. What did you make the poop out of? We knew it had to be a very specific lactose-intolerant cheese-plate disaster type of poopwith the floater element. The floating pieces that you see most on the show were basically modeling clay that we stashed in the toilet bowl, so theyd be the first thing you see. The rest, I mixed in a giant bucketit was made out of a bunch of bran muffins, some vanilla ice cream, oatmeal, and chocolate syrup, a lot of water, and labnehlike, a yogurt. And we didnt mix it too much, because we wanted it chunky. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Who was involved in selecting it? Did you have to present Michael Patrick King with different options for him to choose from, like he was Goldilocks? This is the type of stuff MPK loveshe writes it, so its in his head. And he gets a delight out of awkward moments and putting people in uncomfortable positions for the sake of humor. So I mixed one bucket and showed it to him. And he loved it, so then I mixed two giant buckets, which were brought to set. Advertisement If youve been online over the past week, youll have seen that the poop has become A Thing. People have been posting a lot about it What, like its a metaphor for the whole show? Advertisement Well, yeah, some people have said that. Is that hurtful to hear? No! I love working on that show, and I love everybody involved with it. And its such an institution that people have attached their own feelings to it. I moved to New York at the height of Sex and the City, but a lot of people on AJLT have been working on it since the original series, so we know its something that people care deeply about. And we know that a good portion of people watching the show are hate-watching it, rage-watching it, or looking to it for some sort of catharsis. Advertisement Often, the job of props is to be subtle. But with the poop, it was so front-and-centeris that more fun? Advertisement My team always gets a kick out of bodily fluid jokes, or poop jokes. We did poop in Season 2 when Miranda was dating the audiobook narrator, and she stepped in cat litter, but this was a much less subtle moment. Is there a difference between season finale poop and regular episode poop? We try to put the same level of effort and tension into everything we makeeven if we dont know if something is being filmedbecause its about building the world for the show and for the actors, too. So it doesnt matter whether its the food theyre eating at Thanksgiving dinner, or the books theyre reading, or poop. To me, it isnt any different. Advertisement Advertisement The SATC-verse isnt new to toilet humor, but I think this is the first and only time weve ever seen human feces on-screen. Its still pretty unusual to see that on TV, right? Advertisement Well, I think with the cable TV networks before, you were limited in what you could show. But with the rise of streaming, thats changing things. Ive got to say, Im pretty glad it wasnt one of the main characters poop Yeah, theres some things you dont need to know. What do you think Carrie Bradshaws poop would look like? I bet it would look very chic. It would be, like, rabbit pellets. With some little Manolo Blahnik diamonds on them And weirdly, suede-blue? Yup, suede-blue rabbit pellets of diamond-encrusted poop. In some ways, poop is the great equalizer, right? We all do it. Even Carrie Bradshaw has to do it Advertisement Related From Slate And Just Like That Couldnt Even Give Us a Finale That Would Let Us Grieve Properly Read More Oh totally. And if you have kids, when they do their first poop, its like when they do their first artthey want to show it to you! I had a friend when I moved to New York who wanted to do a video series that was just wealthy people on the Upper East Side picking up their dogs poop. And we did that in Season 1 of AJLTone of the first scenes was Charlotte picking up Richard Burtons poop with a Burberry dog-poop bag. Advertisement On both AJLT and The White Lotus, which you also worked on, you must have worked on quite a few prosthetic penises. Are they more or less challenging than poop? Definitely more. Its a lot more complicated, and we often rely on specialistssculptors who specialize in that area. And also special effects too, to help with things like matching with the actors exact skin tone. On The White Lotus, there was that scene where Patrick Schwarzenegger gets an erection while he gets a massage. We were in Thailand making things on the fly. That was made out of a biking tube. We literally had a bike bump and someone was under the platform pumping it up, out-of-shot! In the AJLT finale, what did the poop represent in the story, to you? Theres obviously a wider metaphor there, but I also think its admirable how Carrie stays with Miranda as she cleans, and is quite nonchalant about the whole thing. Advertisement And when Mirandas girlfriend, Joy, turns up and she hugs her while shes still wearing the gloves?! I screamed. Thats something that would fall into the category of what we call shoe leatherits an industry-jargon term for things a normal person would do but would take too much time to do on-screen, or would interrupt the scene. Taking off of the gloves would probably fall into that, but when they hug I think you can see Miranda is trying not to touch her with them. This will be a memorable addition to the poop on TV canon. How does that feel to be part of the Poop Cinematic Universe? Its just another thing to make my parents proud. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. When Mary Harris got Tim Mak on the phone, he was getting ready to have something of a slumber party. Mak is a reporter in Ukraine and the founder of a news organization called the Counteroffensive. He and his newsroom colleagues were staying up late because the biggest news in Ukraine was about to happen thousands of miles away in Washingtona meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. I often think that Americans dont pay as close attention to American politics as Ukrainians do. And for good reason, right? Because, like, the Ukrainians are really very anxious about whats happening next, Mak said. This anxiety is understandable, to be clear. The previous White House meeting between Zelensky and Trump ended with our president and vice president taking turns berating the Ukrainian leader. This meeting came on the heels of a summit between Trump and Russias Vladimir Putinduring which Trump appeared ready to support slicing off regions of Ukraine to be absorbed by Russia, full stop. Fast-forward to Monday. Zelensky boarded a plane to try to fix this situation, as much as he could. But this time he brought a few friends to crash the Oval Office party: the prime ministers of Italy and Britain, NATOs secretary general, the president of France, and the chancellor of Germany. The goal is trying to just get Trump back on the pathway towards understanding that Ukraine needs to maintain its sovereignty and maintain some level of security guarantees so that if the war ends, it will be the last time a war like this is fought on Ukrainian soil, Mak said. On a recent episode of What Next, Mary Harris spoke to Mak about Zelenskys White House redo, how Putin keeps playing Trump, and how Trumps proposed land giveaways could set Putin up perfectly to invade Ukraine again. This transcript has been edited and condensed for clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mary Harris: The main thing to come out of the TrumpPutin meeting appeared to be this change in position, where Trump seemed in favor not of a ceasefire but of a permanent peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Why is that important? Why is the difference important? Tim Mak: I wouldnt merely characterize it as a change in position. I would say that thats the adoption of the Russian position. It seems to be pretty disingenuous to me: They say that the war will end when theyve dealt with all the root causes of the war. And they have a laundry list of reasons that they believe they were forcedand youll sense the sarcasm in my voiceto invade Ukraine. These mostly imaginary root causes cannot be addressed. And so theyre trying to, as much as possible, drive a wedge between Ukraine and what should be Ukraines closest ally in the United Statesand take advantage of the situation politically. Advertisement Is it a play for time? To drag this out so that Russia can take more land, inch by inch? That is one of the potential outcomes. But all of the possible outcomes in this direction, whether it is some peace deal thats incredibly favorable toward Russia, or a huge break between Europe, Zelensky, and Trump, or the capture of additional territory on the battlefield through a grind-it-out methodall of those options are good for Vladimir Putin. The reason why Ukraine and Europe and Trump (until recently) were trying to demand a ceasefire as a precondition to peace negotiations is that it would actually show that Putin is serious about negotiating. Putin can continue to be unserious about negotiatingmaybe serious if he gets a ridiculous deal that he cant turn down, but otherwise pursue any sort of action that he wants. And thats why he wanted this: It preserves all of his options while demanding nothing of him in return. Advertisement Advertisement Trump also seemed to now be in favor of Ukraine giving up land, land that Russia hasnt even taken yet. It would be a mistake to think of this just as giving up territory or random parts on a map. The particular area that Putin is asking for is this area in Donetsk, which contains a vital fortification line called the Fortress Belt, which has kept Ukraine safe over the past 11 years of war. Putin taking this territory is not just a ploy for gaining additional space on a mapits so that, should he want to attack again in, lets say, a year or two or three, he would be able to do so on the other side of a vital entrenchment line that has been able to keep the Russians at bay until now. So its not just a matter of territory. Its a matter of strategic positioning. Advertisement Trump has also always been opposed to NATO membership for Ukraine, a goal that is important to Ukraine. Instead, theres this talk about security guarantees directly from the United States. So instead of having NATO as the people who would come to Ukraines defense, if Russia stepped over the line or tried to take additional land, you would just have the U.S. intervening. What do you make of this idea? Advertisement Advertisement Regarding security guarantees, from the Ukrainian perspective, in 1994, when Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons stockpile, the U.S. promised to do what it could to maintain Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty. From the Ukrainian perspective, the Americans have already made a promiseand they havent kept it, at least not to the extent that Ukrainians believe they ought to. Related From Slate Bad News for Trumps Nobel Peace Prize Ambitions Read More It also seems to me like this one-to-one promise of the U.S. defending Ukraine, its so reliant on the U.S. keeping its word. And with Trump changing his mind about Ukraine and Putin again and again, I dont know what that promise is worth if Im Ukrainian. Advertisement Advertisement Weve seen a lot of these sorts of deals in the past fall through. If its not enshrined in law or in a treaty, and its just a government-to-government agreement, then if the government changes, it could be swiftly rescinded. So if Trump makes an agreement today, his successor could decide not to enforce it, or Trump could decide not to enforce it. And so its really shaky grounds on which to base the future of your countrys existence, which is what Ukraine is dealing with right now. Trump did say he was going to speak to Putin after his meetings Monday. He said, actually, that Putin was expecting his call. Do you think that means were any closer to an end to this war than we were a week ago, a month ago? Id love to see it. I think that an end to the war would be a great first step toward justice for all the people who have been traumatized, whose lives have been ruined as a result of the war, to say nothing of the people who have died in this war. But I need to stress that Ive seen no actual steps, any concrete steps, taken toward peace yet. Were talking about talking at this moment. Advertisement I mean, Russia has promised, in 1994, in the 2000s, in the 2010s, that it would not violate Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty. And it has violated all of those promises and invaded and killed tens of thousands of people, wounded many more, destroyed or disrupted the lives of millions of Ukrainians. And so theres no reason why the Ukrainians would be willing to take the Russian government at its word. The only way it would sign a deal is if it had commitments, rock-solid commitments from other countries to back it up should Ukraine be invaded again. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250817/indias-ratha-yatra-chariot-festival-celebrated-in-moscow-as-part-of-india-day-events-1122651887.html India's Ratha Yatra Chariot Festival Celebrated in Moscow as Part of India Day Events India's Ratha Yatra Chariot Festival Celebrated in Moscow as Part of India Day Events Sputnik International Moscow has celebrated the final day of the India-themed cultural event with its own rendition of the Ratha Yatra Chariot Festival, a Sputnik correspondent... 17.08.2025, Sputnik International 2025-08-17T14:20+0000 2025-08-17T14:20+0000 2025-08-19T14:20+0000 world india moscow https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/08/10/1119791327_0:172:3029:1875_1920x0_80_0_0_abfdc6a6d03ca8472791ce7a7f0f042f.jpg Before the start of the procession, the organizer of the India Day in Moscow, Indian businessman and IT developer Kartik Kotwani, welcomed those gathered for the celebration. Then the seven-foot-high chariot drove along the street, pulled manually by several 80-foot-long ropes. It was followed by festival participants wearing traditional Indian dresses, chanting mantras and dancing to the sound of Indian drums and bells. Guests of the festival were treated to fresh fruit straight from the chariot. The India Day festival is taking place in Moscow for the 10th time from August 14-17. This year, it marks the 79th anniversary of India's independence and the 78th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. RIA Novosti serves as the festival's chief information partner. moscow Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International india, moscow https://sputnikglobe.com/20250819/china-to-resume-fertilizer-rare-earths-exports-to-india-govt-source-1122649372.html China to Resume Fertilizer, Rare Earths Exports to India: Govt Source China to Resume Fertilizer, Rare Earths Exports to India: Govt Source Sputnik International China is ready to resume shipments of fertilizers, rare-earth metals, and tunnel-boring machines to India, an Indian government source told reporters in New... 19.08.2025, Sputnik International 2025-08-19T09:10+0000 2025-08-19T09:10+0000 2025-08-19T09:10+0000 world india subrahmanyam jaishankar wang yi beijing new delhi china https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/0f/1111890191_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_0d8b97afeb205cfd39e5ec0808fdd3f5.jpg On Monday, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi to discussed global and regional issues. Wang assured his Indian counterpart that China would restart these critical supplies as the two countries move toward normalizing relations, the source said after the talks. Jaishankar raised the supply of urea, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as diammonium phosphate, rare earth metals and tunnel-boring machines in a conversation with Wang during his visit to China in July. In 2023, nearly half of Chinas fertilizer exports went to India, but China suspended exports to all countries in 2024. Beijing eased the ban in June but maintains restrictions on India. According to the Fertilizer Association of India, Indias imports of urea from China fell to about 100,000 tonnes in fiscal year 2024-2025, compared with 1.87 million tonnes a year earlier. beijing new delhi china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International india, subrahmanyam jaishankar, wang yi, beijing, new delhi, china "The US president, in turn, informed [Putin] about the negotiations that had just ended in the White House with Volodymyr Zelensky and the leaders of a number of European countries," Ushakov said, adding that the conversation between the US and Russian presidents was "frank and very constructive" and lasted about 40 minutes. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250819/trump-holds-firm-peace-deal-with-putin-despite-european-pushback-1122649642.html Trump Holds Firm on Peace Deal with Putin Despite European Pushback Trump Holds Firm on Peace Deal with Putin Despite European Pushback Sputnik International European leaders and Zelensky didn't succeed in changing Trump's peace proposal, which the US president had reached with Putin, former defense politician and... 19.08.2025, Sputnik International 2025-08-19T10:43+0000 2025-08-19T10:43+0000 2025-08-19T16:00+0000 analysis vladimir putin donald trump ukraine russia sputnik volodymyr zelensky https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/08/12/1122647606_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_daee06c93b8b0aa5cd3755cfb66bf05d.jpg However, Valtersson also notes that playing for time may be part of Zelenskys strategy, hoping that eventually, a shift in the geopolitical landscape might restore the hardline anti-Russian alliance. This strategy, though, is likely a "lost cause," according to the former Swedish defense expert. By dragging out the negotiations, Zelensky and his allies risk further territorial losses to Russia and an increase in war casualties.Yet, the expert predicts that European obstruction of a peace deal will continue, driven by the hope that a miraculous turn of events will "rescue" Ukraine. This approach could extend negotiations for weeks, but ultimately, he believes Trumps patience will wear thin, forcing a clear decision. In the meantime, the peace process is largely aligning with Russia's expectations, with Trump holding firm to the terms agreed with Putin in Alaska. https://sputnikglobe.com/20250819/alaska-summit-made-clear-us-wants-long-term-resolution-on-ukraine-russian-fm-1122649496.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20250816/putin-trump-summit-corners-ukraine-into-cutting-deal-warns-off-europe-from-meddling--1122629354.html ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2025 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International vladimir putin, donald trump, ukraine, russia, sputnik, volodymyr zelensky There were five $20,833 feature races at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Monday afternoon, Aug. 18. They were for developing horses basically fitting the non-winners of four races lifetime description, and there were divisions for the major categories. The lone division for females went to Ballast (pictured above), a Tall Dark Stranger sophomore filly who won her second straight after capturing a Stallion Series race in her previous start. Ballast let the early fireworks settle past the :26.3 opener then brushed to the lead just under the wire the first time, putting up middle splits of :55.1 and 1:23.3, then withstanding Odds On Aces Full to her inside and Verity Blue Chip to her outside for trainer Travis Alexander and EVM Racing LLC. The win behind Ballast was the final one in a natural five-bagger for three-time defending Pocono champion Matt Kakaley. It looked like the streak might carry on to six as Kakaley next had The Rogue Prince, coming from competing in the Hambletonian eliminations in one of the two $20,833 headliners for trotters. However, despite racing in a good flow The Rogue Prince could do no better than third. After a mild early tempo of :28.4 and :58.2, the International Moni three-year-old gelding Scudo Hanover came up strongly down the back, followed by Honolulu Hanover and The Rogue Prince, and Scudo would clear by the 1:26.2 three-quarters. Honolulu Hanover got to tuck in the new pocket on the far turn and continued his challenge in the Pocono Pike while The Rogue Prince gained outside, but neither could catch Scudo Hanover, who won in 1:54.3 for driver Jim Marohn Jr., trainer Robert Baggitt Jr., and Keystone Stable. In the other top-level trot, Furst Igor S was first at every pole, ringing up splits of :29, :58.2 and 1:27.2 before scurrying home in :28.2 to complete the 1:55.4 victory. An altered son of top European trotter Readly Express, Furst Igor S has left behavioural problems largely behind him now, with trainer Marc Mosher tapping Simon Allard for the drive behind the horse, owned by A 1 Racing. Two of the top races were for pacing males, and Anthony Napolitano drove the winners of both races. The faster went to the Huntsville gelding Imgoingtojackson, whos going to his stall with a new 1:50.3 mark despite early entanglement with Laugh Shop, his conqueror of last week, through fractions of :26.3, :54.3 and 1:22.3. Imgoingtojackson went on to stamp himself as the best today for trainer Carl Conte Jr. and owner Ellen McNeil. Also taking a new lifetime best was the American Ideal gelding American Warrior, who worked to the lead well past a :27 opener, passed the middle poles in :55.3 and 1:23.3, then withstood Sweet Parlay to his outside and Power Code to his inside for trainer Deborah Daguet and owners Brian and Kim Sears. The Pocono racing week concludes with a 1 p.m. card on Tuesday, Aug. 19. (With files from PHHA/Pocono) The aptly named Reign Supreme did just that as he and driver Daryl Thiessen went on the attack first-over en route to the victory in the $11,000 Preferred 2 Pace on Monday, Aug. 18 at Grand River Raceway. Tabbed as the 3-1 second choice from post two, Thiessen settled Reign Supreme along the cones in fourth early while Harborlite Ambrose (Austin Sorrie) raced outside JMR Speak Away (J Harris) on the lead through a quick opening quarter of :26.2. As soon as Harborlite Ambrose cleared, he faced immediate pressure from Ideal Perception (Anthony Haughan), who powered to the lead before reaching the half in :55. Once on the backstretch, Reign Supreme took his shot, moving alongside the leader first-over at three-quarters in 1:24.2. Reign Supreme and Ideal Perception raced nose-to-nose around the final turn before Reign Supreme gained a short advantage at the top of the stretch. Harborlite Ambrose moved up the passing lane into second but could not reach Reign Supreme, who secured the victory by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:52.4. JMR Speak Away finished third as the 7-5 favourite. Zach Carroll owns, trains and also bred the winning five-year-old gelded son of Control The Moment-Amulet Seelster with Karen Carroll. Reign Supreme has won three of nine starts on the year, and 10 times for his career while banking $180,891 lifetime. To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Grand River Raceway. (Standardbred Canada) As of Aug. 18, 1995, Canadian harness racing had yet to witness a mile faster than 1:50 on any of its racetracks. Even a 1:50 flat mile wasn't on the record books. That all changed on Aug. 19, 1995, 30 years ago today. Woodbine Racetrack hosted eliminations for the Canadian Pacing Derby that night, with a stout group of performers that included the likes of Historic, Village Jiffy, Riyadh and Pacific Rocket whose 1:50.1 victories in Free-For-All events earlier that summer made him Canada's fastest to date. Pacific Rocket was in fact the favourite in the first Canadian Pacing Derby elim on Aug. 19, and the speedster set fractions of :24.4 the fastest first fraction ever paced in Canada :53.4 and 1:22.1 with driver Tony Kerwood in tow before turning for home. Sitting the pocket was Ball And Chain, angled out for the stretch drive by Hall of Famer Doug Brown. The Joe Stutzman trainee charged home in :27.1 to collar Pacific Rocket and hold off the late bid of Ellamony (Mike Saftic) to win by more than two lengths with the teletimer reading 1:49.4 -- making him the first and only horse to pace faster than 1:50 at a Canadian racetrack. "I had lots of horse left on the final turn and had a good feeling about it right then and there," Brown told the Toronto Star's Hans Grottke in reference the historic mile. Though technically a two-turn oval like a one-mile track, Ball And Chain's mile was also harness racing's first sub-1:50 performance over a track that was not a standard one-mile track. The son of Albatross - Full Of Love was campaigned by trainer Stutzman, who co-owned the millionaire along with John Fielding's Fielding Equine and George Millar. Since Ball And Chain's 1:49.4 mile on Aug. 19, 1995, a total of 1,401 races with sub-1:50 mile times have been paced in Canada. There will definitely be more of those in store this weekend as Woodbine Mohawk Park hosts eliminations for the 2025 Canadian Pacing Derby on Saturday, Aug. 23. (Standardbred Canada) JACKSON, Miss., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A collaboration between Alliant Insurance Services (Alliant) and the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA) has already saved participating hospitals across the state more than $1 million in insurance premiums this yearfreeing up critical funds for staffing, operations, and community care. Launched in 2024, the program offers MHA's member hospitals access to competitive property and workers' compensation insurance plans through Alliant. More than 20 member hospitals have taken advantage of the program so far, and MHA hopes to see that number grow. Left to right: Burney Hutchinson, Vice President, Alliant; Richard Roberson, President and CEO, MHA; Chad Netterville, Director of the Rural Hospital Alliance and Center for Rural Health, MHA; and Stephen Fountain, Regional Director, Alliant. All four leaders are quoted in the release highlighting $1M+ in savings for Mississippi hospitals through a collaboration between Alliant and MHA. "MHA works closely with our member hospitals to help them achieve some of the lowest costs in the nation, but rising healthcare expensesespecially for rural providersremain a major challenge," said MHA President and CEO Richard Roberson. "This collaboration with Alliant connects our members to trusted experts who can often secure stronger coverage at lower premiums. The early results have been outstanding." Alliant Regional Director Stephen Fountain said that after the challenges Mississippi hospitals have faced over the past few years, it's rewarding to deliver measurable impact. "These hospitals have already been proactive in finding solutions to high healthcare costs," he said. "We are proud to help them free up significant additional funds without compromising the quality of care they provide." Chad Netterville, MHA's Director of the Rural Hospital Alliance and Center for Rural Health, emphasized the local benefits. "Hospitals are reinvesting these savings directly into their communitiesfunding raises, new hires, expanded services, and equipment upgrades that patients will see and feel," he explained. MHA and Alliant plan to expand outreach statewide through 2026. Alliant Vice President Burney Hutchinson said he uses a simple analogy when meeting with hospitals: "It's like an annual checkup. You may feel fine, but that in-depth review can uncover opportunities to dramatically improve your health and performance. That's exactly what this collaboration is doing for MHA members." About MHA The Mississippi Hospital Association is the statewide trade organization dedicated to effectively serving the health care needs of Mississippi through serving those who serve us all: our state's hospitals and their employees. Media Contact: Shawn Rossi Vice President of Communication & Member Engagement 601-506-2201 [email protected] SOURCE Mississippi Hospital Association This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Google has agreed to pay an Aus$55 million (US$36 million) penalty for striking "anti-competitive" deals to pre-install only its own search engine on Android mobile phones sold by two leading Australian telecoms firms. Australia's competition authority said it had launched proceedings in the Federal Court and jointly submitted with Google Asia Pacific that it should pay the fine. The court would now decide whether the agreed penalty and other orders were "appropriate," the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said in a statement released on Monday. "Conduct that restricts competition is illegal in Australia because it usually means less choice, higher costs or worse service for consumers," said the commission's chair, Gina-Cass Gottlieb. Google had cooperated with the competition commission and admitted reaching the deals with telecoms firms Telstra and Optus, which were in place from December 2019 to March 2021, the body said. In return for only installing Google's search engine, Telstra and Optus had received a share of the resulting advertising revenue, the commission said. "Google has admitted in reaching those understandings with each of Telstra and Optus it was likely to have had the effect of substantially lessening competition," it said. Google said it was pleased to have resolved the regulator's concerns over the provisions, adding that they had not been in its commercial agreements for "some time." "We are committed to providing Android device makers more flexibility to preload browsers and search apps," a Google spokesperson said. Telstra and Optus entered court-enforceable agreements last year not to make new agreements to pre-install Google search as the default on Android devices, the competition watchdog said. 2025 AFP CAPE PORPOISE, Maine, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nauticos, a leader in deep-sea exploration and historical research, today announced plans to launch a fourth expedition aimed at locating Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Electra, driven by newly acquired proprietary data revealing the likely resting place of the aircraft. This cutting-edge research offers the most precise information yet about Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan's final position before their disappearance on July 2, 1937. Nauticos to launch a fourth expedition to locate Amelia Earhart After extensive restoration and analysis of an identical radio system used by Earhart and Noonan, Nauticos has determined their approximate location at 8 a.m. on the day they vanished. This groundbreaking discovery significantly refines the search area near Howland Island, the intended destination of Earhart's ill-fated flight. "Our latest radio communication analysis is a major leap forward in solving one of the most enduring mysteries in aviation history," said Dave Jourdan, President of Nauticos. "We have narrowed the search area dramatically, and this new expedition presents our best chance yet to finally locate Amelia Earhart's plane." Nauticos has partnered with pilot and journalist Amelia Rose Earhart, who flew around the world in 2014 to honor her namesake. Both Nauticos and Amelia Rose Earhart share decades-long commitments to preserving the legacy of Amelia Earhart, making this collaboration particularly meaningful. Amelia Rose will join the expedition as a crew member and spokesperson. Building on nearly two decades of rigorous oceanic research and deep-sea expeditions conducted in 2002, 2006, and 2017covering approximately 1,860 square milesNauticos aims to finalize the search that has captivated the world for 87 years. Combined with the Waitt Institute's 2009 efforts, a total of 3,610 square miles - roughly the size of Connecticut - have been meticulously surveyed to date. In a unique approach, Nauticos will document the expedition through interactive social media updates, live streams, educational content, and exclusive interviews, inviting audiences worldwide to experience each stage of this historic quest. Renowned for their scientific integrity and innovative ocean exploration methods, Nauticos continues to lead groundbreaking missions. The team is currently fundraising to support the expedition's launch and is dedicated to sharing the journey and results with the global community. For further information, please visit www.nauticos.com or contact our media representatives listed below. About Nauticos Nauticos is a premier ocean exploration company specializing in the discovery and exploration of significant historical and scientific maritime targets. Renowned for innovation and scientific rigor, Nauticos has successfully executed numerous deep-sea expeditions, contributing valuable data to marine science and history. Media Contact Patti D. Hill for Nauticos [email protected] direct: 314-335-7065 SOURCE Nauticos 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: Visualization of Wolfpack attack strategy during combat in the StarCraft II environment. Credit: arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2502.02844 In the rapidly advancing fields of drone swarms and cooperative robotics, AI agents embedded in individual drones and robots must collaborate seamlesslysuch as drones flying in formation to encircle an enemy or multiple robots working together in smart factories. However, these multi-agent systems are vulnerable to disruptions caused by adverse conditions or malicious attacks, which can compromise their cooperation and operational integrity. Addressing this challenge, a research team led by Professor Seungyul Han from the Artificial Intelligence Graduate School of UNIST has developed a new adversarial attack framework inspired by wolf pack hunting strategies, alongside a corresponding defense training method. These innovations aim to evaluate and strengthen the robustness of multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) systems against coordinated disruptions. They presented their research on July 15 at the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2025), held in Vancouver. The paper is available on the arXiv preprint server. Reinforcement learning enables AI agents to learn optimal behaviors through trial and error across diverse scenarios. In multi-agent settings, collaboration among agents typically ensures system resilience; if one agent encounters issues, others compensate to maintain overall performance. However, existing attack strategies that target individual agents often fall short in exposing vulnerabilities within these cooperative structures, especially under realistic conditions such as sensor failures, weather disturbances, or cyber-attacks. The proposed wolf pack attack simulates a strategic assault where an initial agent is deliberately compromised, triggering a cascading failure among assisting agentsmirroring a wolf pack isolating and overpowering prey. This attack leverages advanced predictive models to determine the optimal moment to initiate disruption and to sequentially compromise agents sensitive to cooperative cues. Complementing this, the researchers developed the WALL (Wolfpack-Adversarial Learning) framework, which incorporates these adversarial scenarios into the training process. By exposing AI systems to simulated wolf pack attacks, WALL enhances their ability to withstand real-world disruptions, ensuring more stable and reliable cooperative behavior. Experimental results demonstrate that AI agents trained with WALL exhibit remarkable resilience, maintaining coordination and task performance even under challenging conditions such as communication delays and sensor inaccuracies. This advancement not only provides a powerful tool for evaluating the robustness of multi-agent systems but also paves the way for deploying more resilient autonomous drones, robotic swarms, and industrial automation solutions. Professor Han stated, "Our approach offers a new perspective on assessing and fortifying the cooperative capabilities of AI agents. By simulating sophisticated adversarial scenarios, we can better prepare systems for unpredictable real-world challenges, contributing to safer and more reliable autonomous technologies." More information: Sunwoo Lee et al, Wolfpack Adversarial Attack for Robust Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2502.02844 Journal information: arXiv DURBAN, South Africa, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Office Beacon , a global leader in outsourcing solutions, today announced the appointment of Yathir Kallichurum as Recruiting Manager to spearhead the company's ambitious growth strategy in South Africa, including plans to hire 200 employees by 2027. Yathir Kallichurum, Recruiting Manager at Office Beacon With over 15 years of talent acquisition experience across industries, including BPO, Technology, FMCG, and Hospitality, Kallichurum brings a proven track record in building high-performance teams. His expertise will be key to identifying, engaging, and retaining top-tier talent in South Africa to support Office Beacon's expanding local and global operations. "My focus is on building a talent ecosystem in South Africa, from graduates to seasoned professionals, using data-driven recruitment and strategic partnerships," said Kallichurum. "We're not just hiring; we're investing in the community." The South African expansion comes at a pivotal time for the region's outsourcing sector, which benefits from multilingual talent, favourable time zones, and government incentives. Office Beacon's recruitment strategy includes forming partnerships with local universities and training organisations, alongside the adoption of AI-driven hiring tools to streamline processes and attract exceptional candidates. "Yathir's leadership will accelerate our efforts to develop a sustainable talent pipeline that meets the needs of our clients worldwide while creating high-value jobs and upskilling local professionals," said Pranav Dalal, CEO of Office Beacon. "This is not just a growth plan; it's a long-term investment in South Africa's people and economy." As part of its employee value proposition, Office Beacon offers training programmes, defined career paths, and remote/hybrid work opportunities, positioning itself as an employer of choice in the region. This initiative aligns with the company's broader vision for innovation, global leadership, and community impact, ensuring South Africa plays a central role in Office Beacon's future success. About Office Beacon Founded in 2001, Office Beacon is a trusted global provider of outsourcing solutions, serving businesses of all sizes across a variety of sectors. Known for reliability, innovation, and exceptional client service, the company delivers cost-effective, high-quality staffing and business solutions worldwide. SOURCE Office Beacon LLC KI Classroom Furniture Giveaway to Award Combined $200,000 to Transform Learning Spaces Furniture company KI is launching its fourth annual Classroom Furniture Giveaway, which will award four K-12 educators $50,000 each to redesign their learning spaces. The program is open to K-12 learning environments across the United States, including classrooms, libraries, makerspaces, esports labs, art rooms, and more. Entrants will use KI's Classroom Planner tool to design their dream classroom "one that fosters collaboration, inclusivity, adaptability, and sensory engagement," the company explained in a news announcement. Their submissions will be reviewed by KI's education team and a panel of architects and designers, who will select three classroom design finalists and one library design finalist for each of three geographic regions: Eastern, Western, and Central. The finalists will be put to a public vote, and four grand prize winners one Eastern classroom, one Western classroom, one Central classroom, and one library will be revealed on Nov. 19. Classroom installations will be completed in 2026. "Classrooms are the engine rooms of learning, yet many don't reflect how students learn today," said Bryan Ballegeer, KI's vice president of education markets, in a statement. "Rows of rigid desks and a lack of flexibility don't support modern teaching modalities or today's students. This giveaway provides educators with the power to redesign spaces that support creativity, collaboration, well-being, and meaningful learning." The entry period will open on Monday, Sept. 19, and close Friday, Oct. 17. For more information and a gallery of past winners, visit the KI site here. CrowdStrike Report: Attackers Increasingly Targeting Cloud, AI Systems According to the 2025 Threat Hunting Report from CrowdStrike, adversaries are not just using AI to supercharge attacks they are actively targeting the AI systems organizations deploy in production. Combined with a surge in cloud exploitation, this shift marks a significant change in the threat landscape for enterprises. Cloud Intrusions Reach Record Levels The report notes a sharp escalation in attacks aimed at cloud environments. CrowdStrike threat hunters identified a 136% increase in cloud intrusions in the first half of 2025 compared to all of 2024, with a 40% year-over-year rise in cloud-conscious intrusions attributed to suspected China-nexus actors. Threat groups such as GENESIS PANDA and MURKY PANDA have proven adept at evading detection by exploiting misconfigurations, abusing trusted relationships, and manipulating cloud control planes to achieve persistence, lateral movement, and data exfiltration. In detailed case studies, GENESIS PANDA was seen leveraging credentials from compromised virtual machines to pivot into cloud service accounts, establishing "various forms of persistence" including identity-based access keys and SSH keys. MURKY PANDA demonstrated the ability to compromise a supplier's administrative access to a victim's Entra ID tenant, then backdoor service principals to gain access to e-mail and other sensitive assets. Such tactics underscore that cloud administration tooling itself is a prime attack surface. [Click on image for larger view.] Highlights (source: CrowdStrike). AI as Both a Weapon and a Target The report's headline theme is the rise of AI in both offensive and defensive cyber operations but with a critical warning for defenders. Threat actors are using generative AI to accelerate intrusion workflows, improve phishing lures, create deepfake personas, automate malware development, and enhance technical problem-solving. At the same time, they are increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities in AI platforms themselves as an initial access vector. CrowdStrike highlighted CVE-2025-3248 in the report, described as "an unauthenticated code injection vulnerability in Langflow AI," a widely used framework for building AI agents and workflows. By exploiting it, attackers were able to achieve "unauthenticated remote code execution" and pursue persistence, credential theft (including cloud environment credentials), and malware deployment. This signals a fundamental shift: "Threat actors are viewing AI tools as integrated infrastructure rather than peripheral applications, targeting them as primary attack vectors." North Korea-nexus FAMOUS CHOLLIMA exemplifies AI weaponization. In over 320 incidents in the past year, operatives used GenAI to draft resumes, create synthetic identities with altered photos, mask their true appearance in live video interviews using real-time deepfake technology, and leverage AI code assistants for on-the-job tasks. CrowdStrike notes that this represents "a 220% year-over-year increase" in such infiltrations. This growing trend of targeting AI platforms parallels another key avenue of attack highlighted in the report: identity compromise. Just as adversaries exploit weaknesses in AI tools to gain privileged access, they also exploit weaknesses in human and process-driven identity verification to move laterally across environments. These identity-driven breaches often serve as the connective tissue in complex, cross-domain attacks. The grassroots organization Oreli is tracking down, buying, and breeding endangered Polissian horses, a breed native to Ukraine. From Rubryka. One of humanitys biggest dreams is to step into a time machine and see how things once were. This might be one of the reasons we care so much about preserving history protecting old buildings, collecting relics and precious pieces, and building museums. But its not just objects that can serve as witnesses to the past. Native breeds of domestic animals are also a living part of the cultural and natural heritage. Over centuries, theyve formed unique traits in specific environments, and adapted to the things new times brought. Today, many old-timers are on the brink of extinction. Imported and modern breeds gradually push them out, and an entire layer of genetic diversity and historical memory disappears with them. Without research, preservation, and support, these breeds may vanish forever without being fully recognized for their value. The nonprofit Oreli founded to preserve the culture of Ukrainian Polissia, a historical region bordering Belarus and Poland in the north of Ukraine started the grassroots project Shcherbati Tsuhli to save one of Ukraines native horse breeds: the Polissian horse. The team searches for these animals, buys them, and breeds them. They want to restore and return the Polissian horse to Ukrainian nature and culture. A Surprise Discovery The Polissian horse, a unique breed, developed over a long period in the closed forest and swamp ecosystem of Polissia. It was believed to be extinct for decades gone since the mid-20th century. Ukrainian activist Yurii Yahusevych challenged that assumption and proved it was wrong. Photo courtesy of the project. After moving from Kyiv to the village of Prybirsk, near the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, Yurii, a member of Oreli, happened to buy a small mare. What caught his eye wasnt just her appearance, but her endurance and temperament. I kept the horse for myself and would ride through the forests. Then I wanted to ride with friends; it was boring to go alone, says Yurii. So we bought another mare, and she was such a great fit that we wanted more like her. In fact, because of her character and work ethic, the previous owners didnt want to let her go. Curious, Yurii dug into historical sources and realized something remarkable: the horse looked strikingly similar to the supposedly extinct native Polissian breed extinct, but not entirely. Despite policies enforced on Ukraine by Soviet authorities that favored replacing local breeds with imported, more productive ones and banned people from keeping animals privately, some Polissian horses had survived. Human defiance saved them some village leaders didnt enforce the rules from above and let the native horses stay. And for good reason: Polissian horses are better suited to the local climate, require less care, and are more disease resistant. Together with friends, Yurii began combing the region, searching for and buying horses that could be descendants of this old, resilient breed. At first, they found six or seven animals with the right traits. Around the same time, they posted on Facebook asking for help, and scientists took notice. Experts from the Zubets Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics joined the project. Thats how a stable called Shcherbati Tsuhli appeared next to Yuriis humble village house in Prybirsk. Pricelice Genetic Code The projects mission is simple: keep the native horse from disappearing and preserve the genetic code of the local landscape because, as Yurii puts it, importing isnt always better. First and foremost, the Polissian horse is better because it is part of Ukrainian history. These were the horses used by Ukrainian ancestors. They go back to the times of medieval Ukraine, Kyivan Rus, and the Cossacks. Theyre mentioned in folk songs. They are Ukraines historical horses. Photo courtesy of the project. More than that, their genetic code is priceless. If its lost, its lost forever. You can rebuild a building, a road, a bridge, or even a museum. But you cant recreate a mammoth, an aurochs, or a tarpan. The same goes for the Polissian horse. Once its gone, theres no bringing it back. And today, there are only a few left. Yurii stresses that Polissian horses have been shaping the landscapes of northern Ukraine for centuries, and theyre still the only animals capable of maintaining those ecosystems in their natural form. If you think nothings changed, just look at old photographs, then take a walk through the area, he says. Many of the pastures are now overgrown with waist-high weeds and brush. We want to give a chance to the animals that made our landscapes what they are. The country we live in, with those classic Ukrainian views, was shaped by animals and our ancestors. Photo courtesy of the project. Beyond their environmental value, these animals could also help revive Ukrainian horse breeding. They would not be imported or borrowed, but something truly native. They could become the foundation of future breeding efforts because Ukraine has no other native genetic stock left. Even the name Shcherbati Tsuhli speaks to the projects goal of preserving Ukrainian identity. The word tsuhli is an old Ukrainian term for reins or a bridle. It nearly vanished during the era of forced Russification. Still, it survived in the speech of older villagers in Prybirsk, and in parts of Zaporizhzhia, where the phrase tsuhlovi koni, where tsuhlovi is derived from tsuhli, was once used to mean trained horses. Photo courtesy of the project. One of the main challenges at the beginning of the project was finding as many Polissian horses as possible. That meant combing through hundreds of kilometers of the Polissia region. We tried organizing expeditions initially, but they didnt get us anywhere. You cant just show up in some village and ask strangers to sell you a horse they were never planning to part with thats a fantasy, says Yurii. Eventually, we figured it out: we found people in different areas who already worked with horses so-called horse brokers and they started looking for horses in their villages, for a fee. That way, we could cover the Kyiv and Zhytomyr parts of Polissia. But we didnt have enough funds to reach the Rivne and Volyn regions. The first mares that activists bought were very old. The projects team hoped to get some offspring, which worked: before the full-scale invasion, the Shcherbati Tsuhli stable had 14 horses. The project grew quickly. The team restored two old Polissian houses, opened a small museum, and hosted music festivals and a cultural event called Chornobyl Renaissance. To support the animals and fund their research, they offered horseback rides to tourists. In 2021, the horses of Shcherbati Tsuhli and members of the Khashchi initiative, a video project that depicts provincial Ukraine, set off on a long riding expedition through the most remote corners of Polissia. Inspired by European practices, the team pushed for a state program to restore the breed. The idea was to grow the population to at least 100 Polissian horses within five years. But Russias invasion upended those plans. War and the Horses Since February 2022, the Shcherbati Tsuhli stable has been on the move. Yurii recalls that when it became clear war was imminent, the team immediately evacuated the young horses far from the border. The adults were supposed to be moved later, on foot, but they didnt make it. Russian troops occupied the village on the very first day. Since the war, the Shcherbati Tsuhli stable has become nomadic. Photo courtesy of the project. All the activists could do was wait for Ukrainian forces to liberate the village. When it happened, the team still decided that all horses must relocate. By then, the evacuated herd had grown too large to return, and much of the land was left mined after Russian forces came through the area. The team first took the horses to the western Zakarpattia region, where a German ecologist named Michel Jacobi who breeds water buffalo agreed to take them in. After that, they stayed for a time in the Zhytomyr region and again in the Kyiv part of Polissia, grazing near the town of Rzhyshchiv. Shcherbati Tsuhli in Rzhyshchiv. Photo courtesy of the project. Still, the challenge remained. Horses are big animals that need a lot of space to graze and can overgraze one area of land if they stay too long, so activists continued searching for a suitable home for the stable. Eventually, Shcherbati Tsuhli moved to the western Khmelnytskyi region. Thanks to a partnership with the Institute of Animal Genetics, the stable was granted several dozen hectares of grazing land between the villages of Slobidka Maliivetska and Proskurivka. The horses, says the projects founder with a smile, are bringing life back to places where no one has lived in 20 or 30 years. This move was forced. Our priority is to keep the horses alive right now, so theres something to bring back to Polissia. But theres an upside: the horses live out in nature on the pastures, not in stables. Under supervision. Its like a mini-ecopark with Ukrainian horses, says Yurii. Photo courtesy of the project. Despite the war, life goes on: the herd is growing, and the animals eat, sleep, and look happy. Once in a while, the horses wander off, and then the entire team gets to play detective. Sometimes, theyre out looking for a missing horse, only to find it quietly trailing behind them, just curious about where everyones going. Every so often, horses have visitors. Once, a wild boar moved into the pasture and didnt even pay attention to the herd. A little fox cub came by one day, trying to make friends with the foals. Thats daily life at Shcherbati Tsuhli. It all depends on people who work without weekends or days off, because animals cant be put on hold. A foal born in the new location in 2025. Photo courtesy of the project. The team is working to restore the breed using European standards theres never been a project like this in Ukraine, so they rely on international guidance. To create a studbook, gain official recognition, and pull the breed back from the edge of extinction, they need at least 100 horses. Right now, the stable has 30. But the pace is picking up young mares have started giving birth, so activists expect a baby boom next year. Next Steps Todays most significant challenges are finding funds for vet care, feed, and basic equipment. For example, they need a new electric fence; the current one gets torn down almost daily by wild deer, who, of course, cant be held accountable. And many of the people who used to support the preservation of the Polissian horse are now fully absorbed by the war: some are volunteering, some are fighting, and sadly, some have been killed. Being an enthusiast in Ukraine isnt easy, Yurii admits. Horses on pasture. Photo courtesy of the project. There are moments when you just want to give up. The project is drowning in loans and debts. The bare minimum goal is to keep the horses alive until the war ends; after that, things will be easier, the volunteer says with hope. Right now, Shcherbati Tsuhli survives thanks to the support of caring people. In the first two years of the war, Mariian, a friend of the stable and a patron living abroad, covered a large part of the costs. Today, many people chip in with small donations, and the team is deeply grateful for every bit of support. Before the war, the stable was developing tourism. At first, the team paused, hoping the war would end soon. But now activists realize they might be unable to wait, so theyre trying to revive tourism again to cover expenses. Today, Shcherbati Tsuhli is: Two full herds and one small one Five saddle-trained horses Beautiful pastures and wild nature hills, rivers, beavers, forests A nearly finished mini open-air museum with thoughtfully furnished homes authentic to Polissia and Podillia, the historic region where the horses moved A traditional Ukrainian instrument workshop A great place to relax in nature A piece of Polissia in Podillia: a house relocated from the village of Prybirsk. Photo courtesy of the project. The survival of the Polissian horse, sadly, doesnt depend on the horse. It depends on us and whether we choose to support it. How to support the project: Become a horse sponsor: cover the costs of its care (currently about $50 per month), and while you support it, its yours. If you sponsor it for three years, you can adopt it. All details can be arranged via direct message. Order a traditional Ukrainian musical instrument, the lyre; proceeds go directly to supporting the animals. Visit Shcherbati Tsuhli as a tourist. The project has a lot to offer: horses, mountains, castles, churches, waterfalls, local cuisine, and walking or riding excursions. Or just donate right now. I want to finish what I started. Because if this ends, it wont just be the end of the stable; itll be the end of the Ukrainian Polissian horse. Its not a building you can just rebuild using blueprints and tech. If we lose this, its forever. We just barely caught the last bus we managed to save the last horses of the breed, says Yuri. He adds that today, in Ukraine, its not just horses disappearing. Entire rivers, with unique species of fish, are also disappearing. These losses are the direct result of human greed, neglect, and ignorance. The volunteer says: Unfortunately, we havent yet matured enough to protect our cultural identity, like the British do, preserving their heather fields, grazing Exmoor ponies, and safeguarding ancient oak forests. Because thats part of their history, their folklore, their environment. Weve already lost our grazing meadows, herds, and an entire profession the shepherd. How can you explain the meaning of the song Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow to children, if there are no meadows left but only rapeseed fields? That is identity. And the environment is just one piece of it. Our project is about preserving genetic and biological diversity, with everything that entails. These horses are ours Ukrainian. And if we dont save them, who will? Alice Smahina wrote this article for Rubryka, where it originally appeared. Republished with permission. Bosnias Serb Republic PM resigns as local strongman Dodik faces mounting international pressure over his secessionist ambitions. SARAJEVO, Bosnia & Herzegovina (Reuters) | The prime minister of Bosnias autonomous Serb Republic (RS) said on 18 August he would resign from his position, as part of a plan by his Serb ruling party to form a government based on a wider coalition with more decision-making power. Announcing his move, Radovan Viskovic added he would retain his other senior political roles until the Serb-dominated RS region reached its ultimate goal and seceded from Bosnia. I will continue to hold important positions, I am staying in the SNSD party [the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats] until we accomplish our ultimate goal and that is the state of Republika Srpska, Viskovic said, appearing at a press conference along with top party officials. The crisis sparked by Bosnias Serb separatist push amounts to one of the biggest threats to peace in the Balkans since the wars that followed Yugoslavias collapse, pitting the RS governments allies Russia and Serbia against the United States and European Union. RS makes up Bosnia and Herzegovina along with the Federation shared by Bosniaks and Croats under the Dayton peace accords that ended a 199295 conflict that killed about 100,000 people and displaced around two million. The initiative to form a new regional government was launched after the RS nationalist President Milorad Dodik was sentenced to one year in prison and banned from politics for six years for defying the decisions of an international peace envoy and the constitutional court. Dodik was stripped of office by the election commission earlier this month after an appeals court upheld the first-instance verdict, a decision Dodik immediately rejected, saying it violated the Serb Republic constitution. He was allowed to replace a jail term with a fine under Bosnian law. Over the past decade, Dodik has strongly advocated the secession of the Serb region from Bosnia and its unification with Serbia. Dodik had invited the opposition to join his ruling coalition in a new government of national unity but the main opposition parties dismissed his calls. We want the RS government to gain a new democratic legitimacy, to be able to respond with its composition to all challenges that are before us, Dodik said at the same news conference on Monday. He fell short of disclosing which parties would join a new government or who would lead it. Independent legal experts said that a prime minister proposed by a president who was stripped of office by the countrys top election authority would be illegal. The Russian-backed Serb leader announced a referendum on whether he should leave office or not at the end of September. Pending the referendum outcome, there could be a new referendum on the independence of the Serb Republic, Dodik said. Reporting for Reuters by Daria Sito-Sucic. CINCINNATI, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Penn Station East Coast Subs, the fast-casual sandwich franchise known for its craveable variety of grilled-to-order subs, deli done right classics, fresh-cut fries, and hand-squeezed lemonade, is celebrating an exceptionally strong start in 2025, capturing the attention of consumers and franchisees. Franchise and People Development Penn Station continues to prioritize people development as a core focus of the company. Following a successful summer conference, the message to franchisees was clear: Penn Station is committed to their long-term success, equipping them with the tools, training, and motivation to grow. Evidence of that commitment is already taking shape midyear with new openings in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Gastonia, North Carolina; and Massillon, Ohio with more expansion planned in Crown Point, Indiana and Independence, Kentucky. To further support expansion, Penn Station is offering an exclusive incentive for new franchisees: six months royalty-free and 50% off the franchise fee to prospects who sign a multi-unit development agreement in an eligible area. All this momentum aligns with the brand's 40th anniversary milestone, a year defined by growth, innovation, and renewed energy. "For over 40 years, Penn Station East Coast Subs has grown with passionate entrepreneurs who share one mission: serve highly craveable sub sandwiches with integrity and genuine hospitality," said Penn Station President Lance Vaught. "That commitment remains strong, and this year's progress reflects the dedication of our team and the loyalty of our customers. We're excited to keep building on this positive trajectory through 2026." Commitment to Franchisees and Consumers Building on four decades of success, Penn Station is doubling down on delivering an unbeatable guest experience, craveable quality at an accessible price, while equipping franchisees with powerful tools to drive traffic and protect profitability. Driving this momentum is the launch of the Penn Pairs Value Menu, featuring three fan-favorite small subs paired with fresh-cut fries for $7.99 for a limited time. Franchise owners are also seeing benefits associated with Penn Station's new app, rewards program, and customer relationship management marketing campaigns. Early results indicate that known customers are 57.24% more likely to return in seven days when Penn Station serves the customer a bounce back campaign. Franchise Owners are enthusiastic about new local store tools enabling them to traffic, increase check averages, and build long-term loyalty at the local level. Industry Recognition Midway through the year, Penn Station continues to stack up prestigious awards across the franchise and restaurant landscape. Ranked #3 on USA TODAY's list of Best Sandwich Shops in the Nation Named Cincinnati's Best Cheesesteak for the 15th consecutive year and #1 French Fries by CityBeat readers for the 15th consecutive year and by readers Recognized on QSR Magazine's 2025 Top Contenders List Nation's Restaurant News /Technomic's annual Top 500 restaurant chains report-Penn Station ranked No. 171 annual Top 500 restaurant chains report-Penn Station ranked No. 171 No. 36 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers and Shakers 2025 Fran Serve Fran -tastic Brand 2025 Honored for the ninth consecutive year on Training Magazine's Top 100 for its commitment to employee development for its commitment to employee development Recognized by Franchise Business Review with four prestigious awards: with four prestigious awards: Top Franchise Culture Top Food Franchise Top Recession-Proof Franchise Franchisee Satisfaction Award Additionally, successful longtime franchisee, John Doyle, was named a Franchisee Rockstar by Franchise Business Review. With recognition pouring in, Penn Station is channeling that momentum into strategic growth. The brand is actively seeking qualified franchisees to join its expanding network across the U.S., including key markets such as Columbus and Cleveland Ohio, Chicago, Louisville, Lexington, and Pittsburgh. For more information, interested candidates can check out Penn-Station.com/franchise. About Penn Station East Coast Subs: Founded in 1985 by Jeff Osterfeld, Penn Station East Coast Subs is celebrating its 40th year serving award-winning grilled hot and classic cold subs, fresh-cut fries, and freshly squeezed lemonade. Privately held and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, the brand is known as a community staple in states including Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania while rapidly expanding into North Carolina, South Carolina, and Michigan. With more than 320 locations across the country, Penn Station is considered among the nation's fastest growing franchise systems. Learn more about Penn Station East Coast Subs at penn-station.com. Media Contact: Lu Dumas [email protected] 919.459.8168 SOURCE Penn Station East Coast Subs THE walkovers that straddle most highways across Trinidad are being used during daily rush hours. But at night, weekends and early mornings, potential users tend to take chances and run across the highway. On the weekend of August 9 and 10, two men were killed in separate incidents while crossing the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway. One man was killed on the Saturday night while crossing the highway in the vicinity of Maloney, while the other was killed the next day while he and his wife were crossing the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway approximately 100 metres from the El Socorro walkover. DALLAS, Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Argent Trust Company, as Trustee of the Permian Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE: PBT) ("Permian" or the "Trust") today announced that it has reached a settlement agreement in connection with its litigation against Blackbeard Operating, LLC ("Blackbeard"), the operator of properties in the Waddell Ranch, in Crane County, Texas, in which the Trust holds a 75% net overriding royalty. Pursuant to the lawsuit, the Trustee had sought to recover more than $9 million in damages it alleged resulted from Blackbeard's failure to properly calculate and pay royalties due and owing to the Trust. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, Blackbeard has agreed to pay the Trust $9,000,000, of which $4,500,000 will be paid to the Trust within 30 days, and the remainder of which will be paid in four equal installments of $1,125,000 quarterly during the 2026 calendar year. Additionally, the settlement agreement established the overhead rate that may be charged to the Trust and permits Blackbeard to pass through third-party charges for salt water disposal and gathering and transportation, and charge technical labor on reservoir engineers using an agreed allocation methodology against the net overriding royalty. The parties also agreed that the Trust would not make future claims for lost volumes in the case of ordinary line loss (as defined by third party purchase agreements with purchasers). The Trust will have the option to conduct annual site audits, at its expense. The settlement agreement also set forth agreed reporting that Blackbeard will provide the Trustee going forward. "We are pleased that we were able to resolve these claims in a way that provides value to Trust unitholders, as well as anticipated predictability with regard to how future royalty payments are calculated," said Nancy Willis, Director of Royalty Trust Services of Argent Trust Company. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Any statements in this press release about future events or conditions, and other statements containing the words "estimates," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," "may," "intends," and similar expressions, other than historical facts, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Factors or risks that could cause the Trust's actual results to differ materially from the results the Trustee anticipates include, but are not limited to the factors described in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of the Trust's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Trustee's views as of the date hereof. The Trustee anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause its views to change. However, while the Trustee may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Trustee's views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof. Contact: Jana Egeler, Vice President, Argent Trust Company, Trustee, Toll Free 1.855.588.7839 SOURCE Permian Basin Royalty Trust A local planetary scientist has received a prestigious national award named in honor of a giant in the field who also called the Old Pueblo home. Faith Vilas, a senior scientist with the Tucson-based Planetary Science Institute, is this years recipient of the Gerard P. Kuiper Prize from the American Astronomical Society. The 41-year-old honor recognizes one researcher annually who has made outstanding contributors to the study of ours and other planetary systems. This years award was announced on Friday by the Astronomical Societys Division for Planetary Sciences. I am completely amazed to be given the Kuiper Prize, said Vilas, who received her doctorate degree from the U of A in 1984 and has been with the Planetary Science Institute for 15 years. Its fantastic to be honored by the DPS and my colleagues with this award. Her 50-year career has included groundbreaking research and the design of new instruments used to map the distribution of water in the inner solar system, capture the first image of the planet-forming circumstellar disk around another star and to study the moon, Mercury, asteroids and other celestial objects. She has searched the mountains of Antarctica for meteorites and worked as a scientist for NASA, both at the Johnson Space Center in Houston and the agencys headquarters in Washington, D.C. She has also served on the science teams for numerous space missions, including the Japanese space agencys Hayabusa2 asteroid sampling spacecraft and NASAs Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and MESSENGER mission to Mercury. In terms of both science and service, she has given so much to the planetary community over the span of her prestigious career, said Amanda Hendrix, director of the Planetary Science Institute. This commendation is so well deserved. The institute was founded in Tucson in 1972 and has grown into one of the largest research firms of its kind in the world, with 101 researchers and around 300 active contracts totalling almost $18 million in annual revenue, about 90% of it from NASA. Vilas joins a distinguished list of past winners that includes astronomer and science communicator Carl Sagan (1998), University of Arizona Regents professor emeritus Donald Hunten (1987) and U of A professor emeritus William Hubbard (2005). Geologist Eugene Shoemaker, who co-discovered comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, won the first Kuiper Prize in 1984. The awards namesake is considered the father of modern planetary science. In 1960, the U of A lured Kuiper away from the University of Chicago to launch what would become the world famous Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in Tucson. The Dutch-American astronomer remained in Tucson until his death in 1973 at age 68. The universitys space sciences building, just east of Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium, now bears his name. Vilas is one of just six women to receive the Kuiper Prize. She will be presented with her award in Helsinki, Finland, on Sept. 11 during the annual joint meeting between the Division of Planetary Sciences and the Europlanet Science Congress. During her keynote speech at the conference, Vilas plans to reflect on the incredible advances that have been made during her half-century in the planetary sciences. When I began, humankinds first space probes were passing planets in our Solar System for the first time, she said. Now we study samples of material returned from the surfaces of asteroids to the Earth and determine the compositions of atmospheres of planets around other stars. Our scientific growth has been extraordinary, and Ill talk about what it has been like to be a part of that when I receive the award. City councilors on Wednesday will discuss a proposed ordinance amendment that could effectively make it illegal for people to be on narrow medians where the speed limit is more than 25 mph. City ordinances currently permit individuals to panhandle or solicit from roadsides and medians as long as they dont step into the roadway and do follow the regulations set out by the city. Those include a minimum age requirement of 16 and a requirement that the person wear fluorescent safety apparel. Solicitations are allowed only from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. The proposed amendment would further limit the areas on medians and the sides of streets from which individuals could panhandle, wave signs, distribute fliers or otherwise engage motorists. The proposal would make it illegal for individuals along roadways where the speed limit is greater than 25 mph to sit, lie upon or stand in or on, or extend any body part into or within 18 inches of the edge of a median that is less than 10 feet wide for longer than is reasonably necessary to cross the street safely. Similarly, people soliciting, panhandling or otherwise engaging traffic from the side of a road with a speed limit greater than 25 mph would be required to adhere to the 18-inch required clearance zone. The 18-inch required clearance zone, as it is described in the proposed amendment, would also apply to objects and animals in a persons control. In keeping with the citys existing panhandling ordinance, the fine for individuals found in violation of the ordinance would be a maximum of $150. Councilor Phil Lakin said the proposed ordinance is about public safety not about moving homeless people off the streets. The ordinance is designed to keep people at a safe distance from roadways where cars are traveling over 25 mph sometimes and well over it most times, Lakin said. If adopted, it will generally make it illegal for a person, or an animal under a persons control, to remain in an area that is within 18 of a roadway, including our narrow medians, where I most often see people in danger. Accidents have occurred in these intersections, risking or taking the lives of those who were doing a number of things. The law is focused entirely on the safety of any individual (or animal) standing or sitting in a place where, daily, thousands of cars pass by in all directions at speeds that will often be lethal. Councilors Karen Gilbert, Carol Bush and Jackie Dutton are listed as co-sponsors of the proposal. I just want people to understand that this is a public safety ordinance, Gilbert said. Its to keep people safe. We have had too many accidents; too many people have been killed standing on medians. So we are not trying to outlaw panhandling; we cant do that. People have the right to stand on the street and hold up a sign. That is their freedom of speech, but while they are doing that, we want to make sure that we keep people safe as they are exercising that right. Dutton issued a statement saying that after constituents reached out, I raised this public safety concern six weeks ago and was told Councilor Lakin was already drafting an ordinance. He only contacted me Friday morning to ask if I would co-sponsor, and while I agreed out of concern for safety, I had no role in writing it and didnt know it included fines or excluded stakeholder input. I support improving safety on our streets and sidewalks, but I cannot support the ordinance as written and look forward to working with my colleagues to revise it in a way that benefits everyone. Lakin said the Mayors Office was made aware that councilors were working on the ordinance but that it was created by the City Council. Mayor Monroe Nichols, meanwhile, said through a spokesperson that he looks forward to the City Councils discussion and that he will evaluate the ordinance once councilors take action on it. Councilors are scheduled to discuss the proposal Wednesday during a 2:30 p.m. committee meeting, with a first reading set for the same day during the councils regular 5 p.m. meeting. Tulsa and Oklahoma City had previously approved ordinances that essentially prohibited anyone whether it be a panhandler or a Little Leaguer from engaging in any solicitation from the side of the road or from a median. But in 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit struck down Oklahoma Citys ordinance, ruling that it violated the First Amendment because medians, like sidewalks and streets, are considered traditional public forums. However, federal case law does give municipalities the authority to dictate the time, place and manner of solicitations as they relate to public safety. So in 2022, city councilors approved the existing panhandling ordinance that put the city in compliance with a federal court ruling regarding solicitations from the side of the road and medians. Australian Survivor returning to Live finale next season More tweaks ahead for 10 reality series. In addition to David Genat as host for the next season of Australian Survivor, some other tidbits were reported in the press this past week. The Sydney Morning Herald reported the 2026 season Redemption, now filming, will have fewer non-elimination episodes, a different location in Samoa and the return of a live finale. Australian Survivor has not seen a Live finale since 2020 when it was more or less killed off in the pandemic. Back then, when travel rules prohibited, Jonathan LaPaglia read out the finale votes from Los Angeles, whilst Osher Gunsberg hosted a contestant Q&A at a Sydney studio. It was David Genat who won that season, now coincidentally parachuted into the hosting role. But fans are not happy with that outcome and are letting 10 know across all manner of social media. LaPaglia was also not a fan of non-elimination episodes, recently telling TV Tonight, I would get rid of the non eliminations. I dont like the non-elims in our show. Im not a fan. We do them because we have to deliver a certain number of episodes to the network, but technically, we dont have enough players to cover all those episodes. So that forces us into doing non-elims. I would actually prefer to cast a couple more players to get around that. Thats what I would do. In the end the network agreed and made the change. And then duly eliminated him. Are you looking forward to David Genat as Australian Survivor host? Yes Undecided No View Results